《The Assassin's Enemy Lover》


 Chapter 1

    Chapter 1: A glimpse at the main character


    In an ill-lit five square meter room with grey walls and a small table was a man silently seated with his head hung low. He was well dressed in a tailored suit and expensive hair cut making him unsuited for this gloomy environment.


    His long side-swept fringe covered part of his eye that was closed shut. With his neck elongated on one side, it exposed the tattoo right under his cor. It was a three-star tattoo that seemed alive. A better way to describe it would be a 3D tattoo done to perfection.


    On his wrist was an expensive vintage watch from thousands of years ago when earth still existed. It had simple leather straps giving of the illusion that it was cheap but upon closer inspection, you could see its worth.


    Its bezel was formed from brilliant diamonds set back to back forming a powerful significant presence. The watch on its own was a rarity in this era that the rich sought after for prestige.


    His hands were crossed together on his chest as he slept. On his right thumb and middle finger, he wore ck rings with barely visible patterns that were hard to make out.


    In conclusion, his entire person shouldn¡¯t be in a ce like this that closely resembled a prison cell. One would think they had arrested the wrong person and that it was all a misunderstanding but the brace on his neck said otherwise. That was the only thing on his body that looked out of ce.


    It was silver all-around with a bright red light in the front. This confirmed his status as a suspect that had been apprehended. The graveyard silence soon came to an end as the sound of the automated doors sliding open reverberated in the air.


    A man dressed in a ckbat suit with a lot of military badges across his chest entered the room. This suit was nothing like what the military in old earth wore. It was a high tech suit fitted to his body and equipped with countless concealed weapons.


    .....


    He sat down opposite the man who was sleeping peacefully like he wasn¡¯t being held against his will. Annoyed for his presence not being acknowledged the soldier knocked the table to wake the man up.


    It seemed his method worked because the sleeping man slowly opened his eyes as he swept back his fringe and revealed a superb face that could bring down nations. He stared at him with his peach blossom eyes as a sly smile spread across his face like an alluring temptress trying to lure him to the dark side.


    ¡°And here I was thinking the Marshal would honour me with a visit,¡± he said in a low husky voice that could get a girl pregnant just by hearing it.


    The soldier licked his dry lips as he averted his gaze reminding himself who this man was and what he represents. The shell was splendid but the insides were spoilt. This spoilt rotten man was Zi Han, a former high ranking sergeant of the Onyx Inteary Federation Army.


    He was the cream of the crop rubbing shoulders with great people like Marshal Yi but at some point, he fell from grace just as the saying goes the bigger theye, the harder they fall.


    For years his face was stered across the empire as the federation¡¯s most wanted man with a fat bounty on top of his head. And the crime? He murdered the prime minister of Loch Ness star in front of a live audience during the re-christening of a warship called Foyer.


    He was part of the security forces who were meant to be protecting the prime minister but midway through the minister¡¯s speech he suddenly came forward and took out a legendary sword known as the Executioner of Blight. With great force, he aimed it at the man¡¯s back.


    This soldier would never forget what Zi Han said back then. With bloodthirst eyes, he had said, ¡°Under the authority of the Bloodgarde,¡± followed by a loud shing sound as the sword thrust into the man¡¯s flesh. Blood sttered everywhere as the sword emerged from the man¡¯s abdomen.


    Zi Han kicked the man¡¯s back as he withdrew the sword from the prime minister¡¯s body and he said, ¡°I hereby exact punishment for your crimes against the royal blood.¡±


    At the time everyone was frozen not knowing how to react. This Bloodgarde was the secret guard that protected the royal family ever since they led the expedition to this distant and established the Onyx an inteary federation with four majors under its jurisdiction but that was over two thousand years ago.


    The royal family had gradually lost power as society gravitated towards a democratic state. Thest known royal had died an idental death twenty years ago and thus the Bloodgarde had vanished that is on the surface only.


    Underground the group was especially active and had been rumoured to have changed into a tight-knit group of assassins. That said one can imagine the shock of the entire Onyx when one of their best graduates from the military assassinated one of their prime ministers in the name of Bloodgarde live. Till this day no one knows how this person escaped and why he was never caught until now.


    The soldier who never thought he would be able to interrogate Onyx¡¯s most wanted man was especially excitable as he rained insults on Zi Han trying to get him to talk. Leaning forward with a condescending gaze directed at Zi Han he said,


    ¡°Why would the marshal waste his time entertaining a treacherous piece of shit like you? He has much better things to do with his time.¡±


    As he said this the corner of his lips rose into a malicious smile. Sliding his palms off the table he sat back down with a hint of satisfaction when he saw the look on Zi Han¡¯s smug face freeze.


    Zi Han gulped down the emotions threatening to spill out as he red at the culprit with bloodshot eyes. ¡®Busy with what? Is he busy with that bitch he has been photographed with on Ion Sta,¡¯ he thought on the verge of exploding.


    He suddenly chuckled as he wiped his mouth averting his gaze. The soldier sitting opposite him leaned back into his chair with his brow knitted wondering what was so funny.


    The throaty chuckle died down abruptly and the man who was bound like a prisoner loosened the cuffs on his wrists and unlocked the neck brace as he lunged forward to grab the soldier¡¯s cor choking him.


    One has to understand the function of this indestructible neck brace in Zi Han¡¯s hand to fully grasp how terrifying he was. This neck brace was a device running on a server independent of the rest of the Onyx federation army¡¯s highly securework.


    It was meant to suppress the prisoner¡¯s mental power and directly blow their head up at any sign of resistance. This meant that it couldn¡¯t be hacked remotely plus one couldn¡¯t casually take it off without authorisation.


    Yes, it seemed a bit excessive but it was designed for the worst of criminals, the scum of the federation. But it only took Zi Han a second to remove it and to top it all off he threatened a soldier of the federation army.


    The soldier who hadn¡¯t expected this plot twist almost peed his pants as his body was pressed hard against the wall with his face stered on the one-way mirror.

 Chapter 2

    Chapter 2: Even devils fear something


    His heart leaping out of his chest he grabbed for his weapon but the neck brace meant for the prisoner was locked on his neck as that devil whispered into his ear, ¡°Go ahead..... try it. Let¡¯s see if the speed of you drawing your weapon is faster.¡±


    The soldier¡¯s body visibly stiffened making Zi Han show a satisfied smile before he said, ¡°Now that we have an understanding why don¡¯t you tell me where your dear marshal is? I give you...,¡± looking at his watch, ¡°ten seconds... nope five seconds. I have other things to take care of after this. A big date.¡±


    By big date, he didn¡¯t mean going out with a lover but a demanding haughty goddess who also happened to be his mother. If he iste by even a second she would throw a fit.


    No one should ever screw with a woman like her who holds grudges till death. Even now she still held a grudge against his father who passed away over two decades already so yes, he couldn¡¯t afford to bete.


    ¡°Five, four, three, two...,¡± he began to count but the soldier interjected with his gaze fixed on the one-way mirror begging for help.


    ¡°I, I, I don¡¯t know where the AAAAAHHHHHHH!!!¡± screamed the soldier in agony. The painful screams permeated through the one-way ss but the two military officers in the other room didn¡¯t move.


    They were both dressed in a ckbat suit like the soldier being tortured by his prisoner but the difference was the number of zig-zag lines on the arms of the suits.


    .....


    They both had two lines but the man being pressed on the mirror didn¡¯t have any. They also had tattoos on their necks indicating whichpany they belonged to.


    One of them sat leisurely with his legs crossed on the table while watching videos of kittens on Ion sta.


    The other man was leaning against the wall as he watched the showdown in the interrogation room. Annoyed by the anguished screams he asked, ¡°What did he do to offend you that you sent him into that demon¡¯s hands?¡±


    The man watching the kittens on his light brain didn¡¯t pause the video as he replied, ¡°He said he wants to teach the treacherous bastard a lesson on the Marshal¡¯s behalf. Being the nice person I am I supported his dream and let him take vengeance.¡±


    After saying this he suddenly paused the video and took his feet off the desk before saying, ¡°That reminds me you owe me ten thousand star coins. I told you he would lose his shit in less than five minutes.¡±


    The standing man made a grunting noise in dissatisfaction as he tapped something on his light brain. Soon a buzzing sound was heard on the light brain of the man sitting. He epted the transaction with a gleeful smile as he spun his chair around and lifted his legs cing them on the table again.


    ¡°It¡¯s a pleasure doing business with you,¡± he said when the door was violently pushed open. Seeing who it was his legs shuddered as he put them down. Terrified he struggled to get up staggering in the process as he stood at attention.


    The two men saluted the neer with their faces as white as a sheet of paper like they had seen a ghost. The man they were terrified of to such an exaggerated extent was none other than the retired Marshal Yi who also happened to be their boss¡¯s father.


    The former marshal wanted to speak to Zi Han so they apprehended him after handing him a piece of paper written for him by the former marshal. After that, a task that should have ended in bloodshed waspleted with no broken bones or death.


    Zi Han had simply allowed them to handcuff him and take him into the military headquarters just like that. They were meant to hold him until the former Marshal arrived but some overzealous punk wanted to show off his peacock feathers and face off with the devil.


    Bang! Bang bang bang!!


    The sound of the man¡¯s skull being bashed against the mirror startled the two men. The mirror was now smeared with blood as Zi Han kept bashing the man¡¯s skull like a maniac. The old marshal pressed a button on a partially invisible screen and spoke. ¡°Zi Han that¡¯s enough!¡± he reprimanded and sure enough Zi Han let go of the man.


    Even devils have something they fear and this man feared the former marshal the most. With his hands raised in surrender, he pretended to be innocent as he obediently sat down in his seat.


    The man who had been mmed against the mirror struggled to get up as he red at the man who was acting all innocent like a well-behaved preschooler. His lips twisted into an ugly smile as he staggered up intending to attack Zi Han.


    But before he couldy a finger on him he was suddenly pulled by the back of his cor and tossed away. ¡°Get him out of here,¡± said the former Marshal throwing him to the two admirals.


    The soldier who had never been treated this horribly was so livid but he also knew to pick his battles. He obediently followed the admirals out of the room and the sliding door immediately closed after leaving the two people alone.


    Seeing this man who held fifty per cent resemnce to Yi Chen, Zi Han couldn¡¯t help but stave off his gaze as he nervously rubbed his bloodstained hands together.


    For a long time, the retired marshal didn¡¯t utter a word as he silently observed Zi Han. Cold sweat formed on Zi Han¡¯s forehead as a chill ran down his spine. Unable to bear this unnerving gaze, he cleared his throat to break the silence as he sat up straight.


    ¡°Ahem.... I,¡± he said but the retired Marshal interjected asking,


    ¡°Do you still consider him as your friend?¡±


    An involuntary chortle escaped his throat. Terrified out of his mind he hurriedly covered his mouth afraid that this little mistake would lead him to his death. No one could me him for thinking this way. One shouldn¡¯t look at this father Christmas appearance on this man and think he was soft, cuddly and nice. Yi Zhen was and always will be the most scariest being in the federation second only to Yi Chen.


    The many waste of an entire invasion army by himself tearing them from limb to limb that others believed he wasn¡¯t human. Now he had just chortled at this great buddha putting his life on the line.


    Surprisingly Yi Zhen let it slide decisively ignoring his mishap and continuing to ask, ¡°You might be on opposing sides but you must at least consider him your friend, right?¡±


    Zi Han didn¡¯t dare chuckle again as he was smart enough to not repeat the same mistake twice but his feelings remained the same. The retired marshal¡¯s face must be hurting right now especially after he beat Zi Han half to death after the prime minister incident.


    What was it that he said again?


    Oh, he said if Yi Chen dares to have anything to do with Zi Han he would kill them both and put their heads on a spike. Ironically, he was asking him if he still considered Yi Chen a friend. As a person who liked where his head was the answer was obvious. He and Yi Chen were no longer friends.

 Chapter 3

    Chapter 3: District 10 slum


    Most people have heard from enemy to friend or from friend to enemy but not enemy to a friend to enemy. So how does thisplicated equation exist between Zi Han and Yi Chen?


    It¡¯s simple, at seventeen they fought in an alley and also at seventeen they became friends but the moment they reached their twenties they had a major falling out that involved the entire Onyx federation.


    So when Zi Han heard the word friend he could barely contain himself. To fully understand the unusual sequence of events one would need to go back ten years in time.


    Ten years ago...


    A fews over the capital star was a small named RK 288739204 ormonly known as Saarilia with a gorgeous sky capital city that attracted a bunch of inteary tourists.


    The city itself was one of the few symbols of the Onyx federation¡¯s wealth with majestic architecture adapted from old earth and modified to better suit the needs of this era.


    Unfortunately, where there is a high tourism rate ites with suppression and exploitation of the local poption. With the increase in the cost of living, the local poption was left on the surface as part of the city was elevated to the sky further separating the rich from the poor.


    .....


    As a result of this, it meant there was a significant increase in slums in the surface city. One such slum was district ten which was considered better whenpared with other districts.


    In the time square stall owners were bustling about preparing for another day of business while employees of sky city were rushing to the transport station to go to work. But among the white-cor workers and store owners, there was an unusual figure sitting by a bench with a red and ck hooded jacket covering his face.


    From the hem of the hoodie, a few fluffy ck strands of hair could be seen ttering with the chilly breeze. His skinny figure alone could tell you that this person was no older than eighteen.


    His eyes were focused on the screen in front of him which he was constantly refreshing while biting his lips. It seemed like he was waiting for an important message. Luckily he didn¡¯t have to wait for long.


    With a ding sound, the screen shed as a notification screen popped up. A subtle smile appeared on his face as he got up. On his screen was an address. Biting his fingernail he looked up and his features hidden under the hood were exposed to the world.


    His skin was as smooth as porcin with little baby fat tempting one to squeeze it just to see if wateres out. Fox eyes, sword eyebrows, high cheekbones, kissable full lips, he had it all and tied together it produced this handsome young man that could have grannies trying to set him up with their granddaughters.


    With those pair of smiling eyes, he looked so approachable and sometimes he would attract unnecessary attention which is why he was hiding his face under the hoodie. Putting on his face mask he arrived at the tform for the hover bus slowly approaching from the east. Two stopster he reached a rtively affluent neighbourhood that housed a few middle-ss families which in district 10 would be considered rich.


    After a few turns and twists, he reached a small ck gate. Looking up he saw the number written in gold characters. After much deliberation, he pressed the light screen and two secondster there was a buzzing sound with the gate opening a crack.


    Zi Han habitually nced over his shoulder before walking in. Inside the small cottage was a group of people leisurely seated on the couches watching some inteary news. From the looks of it, they weren¡¯t watching seriously as they were cracking jokes and making a raucous.


    What attracted Zi Han¡¯s attention though was the conspicuous blue vials on the coffee table. It drew his attention so much that his gaze lingered there for a second.


    ¡°Ah... it¡¯s Little Han, he actually came,¡± said one of the boys lying on the two-seater couch. He tossed a stress ball in his hand towards Zi Han with a sarcastic smile.


    Zi Han¡¯s gaze finally shifted from the blue vials as he stretched his hand and caught the ball. Taking off his face mask he revealed an enchanting smile that could tempt the most conventional of people. Tossing the stress ball back at him he said, ¡°Why wouldn¡¯t I?¡±


    A girl with long chestnut hair patted the seat next to her inviting him over. Looking at the skirt that barely did a good job at hiding her panties he hesitated for a moment but he didn¡¯t want to offend these people.


    If they caused trouble his mother might find out what he has been up to which meant he would be sent to his early grave. Zi Han sat next to her and she ced her hand on his thigh while pulling back his hoodie.


    ¡°Let this big sister see your handsome face little Han... Wah, no wonder Dage has been pursuing your mother for so long. If I weren¡¯t into handsome fresh meat like you I wouldn¡¯t mind eating some cougar meat,¡± she said as she reached out to touch his face.


    The entire room broke intoughter as the boy tossing the stress ball in the air said, ¡°Ah sister Shen what in this world wouldn¡¯t you fuck? Don¡¯t believe her fresh meat nonsense... she would push down anything that moves aaaaahhhhhh..... be merciful.¡± The cries of agony at the end were because the one they called sister Shen had pulled a gun out of who knows were and aimed it at his temple.


    ¡°Keep talking I dare you,¡± she said as blue bars on the side barrel of the gun shed. She looked like she would seriously pull the trigger at any moment. If it weren¡¯t for the fact that their boss showed up she might have killed him.


    Zi Han just watched this little show with an indifferent gaze. What hadn¡¯t he seen in district ten? Violence was an everyday urrence which is also why he was here. His mother¡¯s face caused trouble in the entire surface city that she had already been attacked twice by some jealous wives who thought his mother was flirting with their husbands.


    Their apartment was broken into thrice already by people sent to disfigure his mother¡¯s face. Worried that the next intrusion will end up in either his mother or him dead he decided to get a gun to protect them.


    The only problem was that it was easier to buy a person than it was to get a gun of any kind in Saarilia. And even if one manages to find a seller the price was equivalent to him selling his spine to the back alley organ traders in the neighbourhood. This was why he had toe to district ten¡¯s notorious drug dealer who also happened to be pursuing his mother.


    The man was ten years younger than his mother but he had been so smitten that he would follow her home every chance he got.

 Chapter 4

    Chapter 4: A toad trying to eat swan meat


    Unfortunately, Zi Xingxi was just like her name. She was as beautiful and unattainable as the gxy making her the white moonlight of most men and women alike.


    This face that brought so much trouble drove him here to get a weapon for their protection.


    The young man with a buzz cut that had barely grown out sat on the couch as he ced a ss of liquor on the coffee table next to Zi Han.


    With slight annoyance in his eyes, he rubbed his head recalling how he even got this buzz cut in the first ce. Zi Xingxi had told him that she was into men with bald heads and like an idiot, he cut his lustrous head of hair.


    Only for him to beughed at by the entire neighbourhood when Zi Xingxi passed him with a look of disdain. In his entire life, he had never been humiliated like that. After that unfortunate incident, he decided to change tactics thus getting to her through her son.


    ¡°Why not just convince her that you need a new dad?¡± said the man before taking a sip of liquor, ¡°It¡¯s probably the least expensive option you have.¡±


    Zi Han almost couldn¡¯t hold his expression as he heard these words. Wasn¡¯t this just a toad wanting to eat swan meat? His mother was an ethereal beauty with a tough personality that scared the shit out of him at times.


    .....


    No one on this or even in the entire federation was deserving yet this man who was still wet behind his ears actually thought he had a shot with his mother. Each time anyone harboured any designs for his mother he reacted strongly.


    He just had the urge to beat the shit out of them exorcising all those nasty thoughts out of their minds. Or better yet gouge their eyes out that way they won¡¯t ever look at his mother with that lewd gaze. Feeling irritated he grabbed the ss of liquor from the coffee table and guzzled it down.


    If he had to deal with this annoying person then he might as well be tipsy. The man they call Dage uncrossed his legs as a man in a beach shirt brought a ck briefcase and ced it on the empty space of the coffee table.


    Pulling back his long sleeves he pressed his fingerprint on the briefcase and with a click it opened. He pursed his lips turning the opened briefcase to face Zi Han. Inside was a smart pistol which was also one of the most controversial weapons in the federation.


    Thats because of its ability to automatically target and fire at multiple enemies at once. It was for this reason that it was only avable to high ranking military officers but this miniature kingpin was in possession of such a precious weapon.


    Zi Han recognized it at a nce and for the first time ever since he walked into this room his eyes that were indifferent and aloof suddenly brightened. He was itching to touch it but if he did that of his own ord he would be selling himself out. Once this man catches on to his weakness he would most definitely exploit it.


    ¡°Little Han have you ever touched a gun before?¡± asked the man as he removed the safety, ¡°This really isn¡¯t a toy.... so let Dage teach you.¡±


    After saying all this he got up and slowly strode over to the French door leading outside to a small garden. With a slight turn of his head, he beckoned Zi Han over.


    The boy felt like his heart was fluttering inside his chest as he got up. There was a slight tremble in his hands from the thrill but he clenched and unclenched his fist to contain himself. When that smart pistol was ced in his hand he found that it felt like an extension of himself.


    Without being told he slowly raised his hand and his pupils constricted as he pulled the trigger. The feeling he got from this waspletely different from the simtions his mother drove him to take part in ever since he was a kid. It was exhrating to the point that he was itching to pull the trigger again and so he did.


    Bang... bang bang bang!


    After four shots rang out he paused staring at the obvious holes on the shooting target. The man they called Dage stood there frozen for a moment as he watched this boy who seemed like an entirely different person the moment he held that gun.


    He suddenly felt a sense of fear like if he hands this smart pistol to this kid something bad will happen. But since there was no going back he called out, ¡°Zi Han... I will give it to you but you have to do something for me first.¡±


    When his voice fell Zi Han came back to himself and put down the gun before turning to face him. The man was holding up the blue vials in separate packets. ¡°Deliver them to these addresses and I will give it to you... Oh and don¡¯t get caught.¡±


    Zi Han took the piece of paper with the addresses and nodded his head. He had a pretty good idea of what was in those vials. It was a prohibited drug in the federation because of its effects on people with mental powers.


    Regr opioids and sedatives did not affect anyone with mental power ranks above D level when it came to numbing pain or insomnia. Since anyone with a mental power above D was normally in the military the governance of the federation devised drugs best suited for individuals with high mental powers.


    But because these drugs were highly controlled by the military it meant addicts who sought out drugs to numb their psychological pain or sought a sense of euphoria not achieved by regr substances would purchase such drugs illegally on the ck market.


    This is what this man they called Dage did. He made his money supplying such drugs to nightclubs, brothels and sometimes high mental ranking individuals with such a powerful drug known as TX1023 street name pixie.


    Never in his life did Zi Han think he would get in contact with pixie which is why he hesitated to take on the task but recalling those break-ins where he almost lost his mother he grabbed the shoulder strap ck bag they had been neatly packed in and said, ¡°I will deliver as promised.¡±


    After that, he pulled up his hood and walked out of the house. ¡°Dage this kid he... are you sure he hasn¡¯t held a gun before,¡± said sister Shen as she looked at that target that had been shot four times on the same spot.


    The man looked down at the weapon in his hand with a thoughtful expression. It seems after giving Zi Han this smart pistol he should never bother that pair of mother and son otherwise it might end up being used on himself.

 Chapter 5

    Chapter 5: Second visit to Sky city


    By the time Zi Han left that part of district ten, the twin suns of Saarilia had already risen on the horizon. He ignored the beauty of having the twin suns shining bright on the horizon because his mind was more focused on getting these deliveries done by the end of the day so he could go back and im that smart pistol.


    Standing by the terminal tform he studied the bus route for the districts he had to make drop-offs at. All his life he had grown up in district ten and never needed to visit other districts. He had only stepped into sky city once but never other districts.


    Lucky for him the ground city was once a part of sky city which meant they had developed an extensive transportation system to get household workers to rich neighbourhoods with ease. It was because of this it was rtively simple to understand which routes to take in order to make his deliveries effectively.


    Pulling his hood lower he hopped into the hover bus and made his way to district eight which was first on the list of delivery addresses. Because of his light brain, this task would be considered rtively easy.


    The true risky in getting caught. Why was that one might ask? It was because pixie was derived from impure chemicals as the military had monopolized the supply chain of raw materials to produce such a powerful sedative.


    Such impurities unfortunately had adverse effects on the mental power of users over time. This is why there was a heavy military presence on cities ands rumoured to have the highest consumption rate of pixie.


    Saarilia wasn¡¯t on the list in the past but because of the increase in tourism military presence on the had heightened drastically which meant that Zi Han had a higher chance of getting caught than getting hit by a hovercar on his way home.


    .....


    The only good thing was that the military presence in a slum like this was rtively low. The prime minister¡¯s office for Saarilia could give a rat¡¯s arse about the surface city. It was because of this his deliveries in different districts were sessful. The only problem came when he got to thest address.


    Sitting in the hover bus he took out the list and typed out the address on his light brain. The result of that search was the question, ¡°Did you mean Railen Street, Sky City, Saarilia?¡±


    Zi Han¡¯s brows furrowed as he jolted to sit up straight. The address on the paper clearly stated Railia Street, Saarilia. Though it didn¡¯t mention a district he was pretty sure this street should be on the surface city.


    A little flustered he closed the tab on his light brain and pulled up his contacts before directly dialling Dage¡¯s number. It didn¡¯t take long for the phone to get picked up. The person on the other end was sprawled on the couch with an e-cigarette on his lips and rings of smoke all around him.


    ¡°What?¡± he asked before blowing out a puff of smoke.


    Zi Han didn¡¯t feel like mincing words with him so he said, ¡°Railia street?¡±


    The man on the other end of the call minimised the call screen and opened up the invoice details for that address before saying, ¡°My bad..... it¡¯s Railen street in sky city.¡±


    Zi Han resisted the urge to curse as he harshly pulled down his hoodie. ¡°The fuck,¡± he whispered before biting his lips to restrain himself, ¡°you know how much it costs to get to sky city? I don¡¯t even think I have enough star coins for that.¡±


    A soft chuckle escaped Dage¡¯s lips as he took a long drag of his e-cigarette. With his head tilted back he puffed out five rings of smoke before saying, ¡°That¡¯s not my problem is it.¡± After that, he immediately hung up without another word.


    Zi Han¡¯s face sank hearing this. Annoyed he swore, ¡°Fuck!¡± kicking the empty seat in front of him. His little tantrum attracted the other passengers¡¯ attention with others shrinking back in fright. ¡°Sorry,¡± he mumbled before biting his lips feeling a little exasperated.


    Thinking this could count as an emergency he decided to get some money from the vault his mother attached to his light brain. Yes, it was for emergencies and there probably wasn¡¯t much in it but now he needed a ticket to Sky city asap. After sessfully purchasing the ticket he closed his light brain and leaned back with his eyes closed listening for the next tform stop.


    He had been to Sky city with his friends once before but never visited again. That¡¯s because when his mother found out his ass was beaten till it was ck and blue. Onyx strictly forbade corporal punishment for children but in a slum like this, it didn¡¯t apply more especially to his mother.


    That was the first time he had seen his mother that pissed off with him. Unwilling to get seconds of that spanking he never dared visit Sky city again. But today he was willing to risk it all to protect his mother.


    Since he didn¡¯t want to spend much money from the emergency fund he bought the cheapest ticket to the city. This meant he was rubbing shoulders with manual workers who were rushing to get to work. The trip was especially ufortable as his bones felt like they were being rattled but he endured.


    Once he arrived at Sky city he followed the directions from his light brain which were extremely urate. Twenty minutester he was standing in front of the mentioned address but it wasn¡¯t what he expected.


    In front of him was the grandest hotel in Sky city where the people at the top of the food chain would reside when they visited this. It was obvious that thest client was rich but was wealthy people so desperate for illegal drugs these days that they would purchase their stash from a small-time drug dealer from the slums?


    No matter how he looked at it none of it made sense. Because he had been stupidly standing there staring at this prestigious building he didn¡¯t notice that he had attracted the attention of a military officer on patrol.


    When he did eventually notice the military officer was already walking in his direction. ¡°Shit,¡± he mumbled as he tried to put on an ¡®I am innocent expression.¡¯


    ¡°Can you show me some form of identification,¡± said the military officer as soon as he reached the lone figure dressed too poorly to be associated with this hotel.


    Zi Han who knew that if he gets searched the vials on his body could get him the death sentence put on a helpless smile as he pulled up his light brain for the military officer to scan. ¡°Sir is there anything wrong?¡± he asked with no trace of guilt. He nned on bullshitting his way out of this otherwise things will end badly.

 Chapter 6

    Chapter 6: Zi Han¡¯s true identity


    A beeping sound from the scan echoed in the air as the military officer exined, ¡°You aren¡¯t allowed to loiter outside this hotel, especially today.¡± As he said this his gaze was on the identification scanner waiting for a result.


    ¡°My mistake officer. I was fascinated by this beautiful masterpiece that I couldn¡¯t help but take a second nce,¡± he said his voice carrying an inexplicable charm to it that the military officer paused and nced at him studying his face.


    He was a handsome clean youth with a bright smile that made one¡¯s heart soften. Before even waiting for the results of the identification scan the military officer said, ¡°Okay..... I will let you off with a warning this time. Just scurry on and don¡¯t loiter around.¡±


    Zi Han threw a charming smile at the military officer once more as he thanked him. Just then the loud sounds of sirens permeated the air followed by shing lights. The military officer immediately strode away before joining the rest of the officers in a salute.


    Soon a convoy of seven high ranking military hover cars stopped in front of the hotel. There was no question who this VIP guest could be but Zi Han didn¡¯t stick around to find out. He didn¡¯t want to attract the wrong attention anyway so he scurried on about his business.


    As his figure vanished, the door of the hovercar in the middle opened and a man dressed in a ck suit stepped out as he buttoned the single button of his suit jacket. He was tall with bronze skin and an approachable face.


    As soon as he got out of the hovercar he stood on stand by and two secondster another pair of long legs emerged from the vehicle. This man was also dressed in formal attire but he didn¡¯t have on a suit jacket.


    .....


    Unlike the previous man, he had on a stern expression exuding a stay the fuck away aura. Despite his cold disposition, he was a handsome young man that could have plenty of women and men infatuated and calling him daddy. His name... Yi Chen. Age.... seventeen. Status.... single as fuck.


    He casually raked his fingers through his hair pushing it back. Because his long sleeve shirt was rolled up to his elbow one could see a prominent double strip tattoo which on his fair skin gave off a unique alluring charm.


    One of the strips was thinner than the other but it seemed toe together well. ¡°Where is he?¡± he opened his mouth to ask as he strode on the tform.


    The man beside him opened his light brain and calmly responded, ¡°He is on the twenty-ninth floor in room fifteen. ording to the information he already purchased it, sir.¡±


    Yi Chen¡¯s lips twitched as a heavy storm brewed inside his chest.


    An icy chill seeped out of his body making the military officers around him shiver involuntarily. No one dared to make a sound lest they further infuriate this great buddha. Unfortunately, some people¡¯s luck is just too awful that one can¡¯t help but ask what sort of generational curse was bestowed upon them.


    Just as Yi Chen took a step forward to leave a high pitched ding sound resounded in the air as the military officer who had scanned Zi Han¡¯s identification received a message that the results were in.


    The men who had just rxed when they saw Yi Chen take a step forward to leave immediately tensed up again while giving the culprit ¡®WTF¡¯ expressions. His body suddenly froze up as cold sweat dripped down his spine.


    Fortunately, Yi Chen had bigger fish to fry so he didn¡¯t dwindle on this simply walking towards the hotel. It was only after Yi Chen¡¯s figure disappeared did the military officer dared to check the results. Not expecting much he casually opened the file but before he minimised it his blood ran cold.


    Identification report.


    Name: Zi Han


    Age: Seventeen


    Reported missing seventeen years ago by the former grandmaster of the organisation Bloodgarde. If found report to the relevant department.


    Task priority: Critical


    The military officer, ¡°...¡±


    Meanwhile, inside the hotel, Yi Chen had reached the twenty-ninth floor but when he pushed the door he was only met by an empty room. His cousin was nowhere in sight and apart from a small crease on the bed, there were no signs that someone had been here.


    ¡°Tsk,¡± he tsked as he loosened his tie while making a sharp turn to leave. If he had known his older cousin would use the excuse to apany him here just so that he could feed his addiction Yi Chen would have tantly refused.


    His cousin had already been clean for two years that he happened to be locked up at home so no one suspected that at the first sight of freedom he would do this. While Yi Chen was attending the Onyx youth president and military council Yi Feng had slipped away without telling him.


    This was a board made up of youths between the ages of thirteen to eighteen from all over the federation and attracted a huge audience every year so he could easily slip away.


    As soon as Yi Chen was done with his speech he heard that his cousin had done an epic disappearing act but stupidly used his light brain to pay for the hotel. Ten minutester Yi Chen was not far behind trailing him.


    ¡°Get me the surveince footage from the moment he stepped into this ce,¡±manded Yi Chen as he walked back to the elevator.


    Zi Han on the other hand was standing in an alley at the side of the hotel. The two suns in the sky were already dancing on the horizon and he knew he had to get back home soon otherwise his mother will kill him but the so-called client hadn¡¯t reached the agreed pick up point.


    Just when he was nning to message the idiot and let him know his client hadn¡¯t shown up he heard a voice speaking above his head. ¡°This isn¡¯t what I pictured drug dealers to look like on Saarilia,¡± said a deep raspy voice right by his ear.


    Zi Han wasn¡¯t taking shit from anyone especially when he recalled how angry his mother would be if he gets homete. With a scowl on his face, he took out the package while saying, ¡°Confirm the code on your light brain and I will hand it to you.¡±


    Yi Feng was about to input the confirmation code of his own initiative when he heard that taut yet enchanting voice. The actions of his fingers froze before he lowered his body and tilted his head to see the face under the hoodie. This really wasn¡¯t what he expected drug dealers to look like.

 Chapter 7

    Chapter 7: Off to a very bad start


    What should one expect a drug dealer to look like? In Yi Feng¡¯s mind, they probably dressed in all ck, look dishevelled and hang around in dark alleys but that is what an ipetent drug dealer would dress like.


    A dealer should be dressed in the normal range which means not too eye-catching but be able to blend in with the crowd if things go south. Now that this man had asked this question to Zi Han couldn¡¯t help but say, ¡°How the fuck am I supposed to know that? I am just here to make a fuckin delivery.¡± Did he look like he was here to y twenty questions with Dage¡¯s clients?


    As he said this his hands weren¡¯t idle. He took out a ck case containing the vials. If it weren¡¯t because he was doing this for his mother he wouldn¡¯t even involve himself in this. Yi Feng could read the mood so he stopped staring at that face hidden under the hoodie and input his confirmation code in his light brain.


    Soon a ding.... ding sound resounded on Zi Han¡¯s light brain confirming the identity of the recipient.


    Annoyed Zi Han shoved the ck case into the client¡¯s hand before walking past him to leave. Yi Feng, who wasn¡¯t resigned to the status quo said, ¡°Hey, don¡¯t you want to join me? Things like this are best withpany. You can consider it as customer care service.¡±


    But instead of a response, Yi Feng was met with Zi Han¡¯s middle finger as he walked away. Yi Feng¡¯s brow arched as he chuckled lightly. This person was quite interesting. Unfortunately, he couldn¡¯t convince his supplier to keep himpany.


    Just as he lowered his head and turned to leave he heard the sound of a body tumbling to the ground followed by loud cursing. His steps paused as his back stiffened. He already knew who it was but it was rather unfortunate that he had involved an innocent party.


    .....


    ¡°Older cousin is really good at using people! So this is why you begged toe along? This was the fresh air you were talking about? Huh?¡± said a calm yet frosty tone that sent shivers down Yi Feng¡¯s spine.


    With a stiff smile he slowly turned around saying, ¡°Cousin...,¡± but before he coulde up with some bullshit about why he was here the ck case was harshly knocked out of his hand and fell on the ground with muffled shattering sounds like something inside had broken to pieces.


    Soon liquid began to seep through the ck bag. Yi Feng watched helplessly as his stash bled all over the ground.


    Zi Han who had just been shoved on the ground got up as he cursed the culprit¡¯s entire ancestry. He wasn¡¯t watchful with hisnguage as he said, ¡°The fuck... you son of a bitch.¡± He wasn¡¯t being paid to be a client¡¯s meat shield nor was he being paid to act as Dr Phil and resolve whatever family issues they were having.


    He was just here to deliver and now that he had done that he had nothing to do with either of them. Yi Chen who was just about to push his cousin forward so they could leave suddenly paused his steps and slowly turned around to face the boy who had just cursed his mother. Who was this kid calling a bitch?


    At this time Zi Han had also stood up and managed to take a look at the person who had just pushed him. When he saw that face he was stunned for a moment. The young man was sculpted by the finest hands but his personality was shit. How he wished he could smack that arrogance out of him.


    It was people like this Zi Han found delight in messing with. So he pushed up his sleeves as he replied, ¡°I called you a.... Son. Of. A. Bitch,¡± with a taunting smile on his face clearly provoking Yi Chen.


    Of course, Yi Chen was no vegan. There was no way he was going to adopt the federation¡¯s philosophy of peaceful resolution when his ancestors solved things by shedding blood.


    He took a step forward with his posture intimidating enough that even Yi Feng was scared silly despite the fact that Yi Chen was younger than him. He grabbed his cousin¡¯s arm and said, ¡°Ah-Chen, you can¡¯t,¡± with a cadence voice that got lower at the end of the sentence.


    At that moment Yi Chen gained back a bit of his sanity as he halted his steps with his chest undting deeply trying to calm his emotions. It was people like this that had cost a lot of military officers their lives. The reason why the state limited the supply of these kinds of drugs was because they were addictive and overuse would result in extensive damage to the mental power of the soldier to the point of exploding into madness or even death.


    That plus the fact that Yi Chen had a high temper if pushed hard enough it meant a fight was bound to break out. If it had been anyone else he was at odds with they might have known better and either apologised to Yi Chen or run as fast as they could to save their lives.


    But unfortunately the tail he stepped on was Zi Han¡¯s. Zi Han was like a lit matchstick in a room filled with dense fumes. He was known in the neighbourhood as that one guy who wouldn¡¯t let shit go if you provoke him just like a viper.


    Even if the odds are against him Zi Han wouldn¡¯t back down. He was the kind that would impulsively lose eight hundred to kill a thousand.


    With a mocking smile Zi Han carried on to say, ¡°Yes Ah-Chen, you can¡¯t. Just go home,¡± repeating the client¡¯s sentence in a deriding tone that would anger anyone who heard it.


    Yi Feng who had just tried to save this cute drug dealer¡¯s life stood there dumbfounded with his mouth agape. Who in the federation didn¡¯t know his cousin¡¯s face?


    Plenty admired him on Onyx Sta and would never actively provoke him even if they were wronged by him yet this kid poked at the ho¡¯s nest on purpose. It was as though he had a death wish. Forget it, he might as well let the kid learn the hard way.


    As expected Yi Chen¡¯s anger shot through the roof especially when the kid called him Ah-Chen. He felt goosebumps all over his body as an inexplicable burst of anger boiled over inside of him. In a sh, he appeared in front of Zi Han and kneed him straight into the gut.


    Zi Han who hadn¡¯t expected that ruthless attack was struck squarely in his abdomen bearing the brunt of an SS rank¡¯s might. It was as though his intestines were rearranged just by that one strike.


    He was in excruciating pain but he could bear it. Staggering with his hand on his abdomen and the veins on his temples and neck bulging he looked like he was in so much agony that he would quit. This meant Yi Chen didn¡¯t expect his leg to be swept.


    Though he didn¡¯t expect it he managed to dodge with ease but he had underestimated this kid¡¯s resilience. This meant he didn¡¯t see that kick in his chesting. Yi Chen staggered a few steps backwards and stared at the footprint left on his shirt with dark eyes.


    Seeing this Zi Han couldn¡¯t help but smirk. It seemed this person was a neat freak. This revtion was to his advantage. He wanted to teach this prick a lesson he would never forget.


    Grabbing the waste bags from the hotel he tossed them at Yi Chen and as the bags exploded in his face a sneaker emerged within the trash intending to strike his handsome face. Yi Chen was disgusted and felt the urge to heave but he also had great self-control.


    As that sneaker approached his face he grasped Zi Han¡¯s ankle and swung his leg away. Before Zi Han could react a punchnded on his face sending him flying before falling on the ground.

 Chapter 8

    Chapter 8: How to deal with a public nuisance


    Zi Hany on the ground unable to get up. If he was being frank he could see stars in his eyes and possibly doubles. The half side of his face was throbbing as something warm flowed from his nostril and his ear.


    Yi Chen stood tall with his chest heaving deeply as he pulled down his sleeves and buttoned the cuffs of his shirt. He pulled back the stray strands of his hair as he slowly strode over to the boy whoy limply on the ground.


    ¡°Imend you for your bravery but you should have realised already how stupid your decision was. You possess true potential but unfortunately, you broke thew and have to bear the consequences thereof....,¡± he said only to pause when he saw the face that was dazedly looking up with a self-deprecating smile on his face.


    He wanted to get this person arrested for selling an illegal substance which the penalty was death in the federation but seeing that face that looked no older than himself he froze.


    It wasn¡¯t just the air of youthfulness that caught his attention. Something about this person made him feel giddy inside. For the first time, his mind went nk and his IQ immediately went offline that he even forgot what he wanted to say next.


    Zi Han whose gaze was out of focus just now slowly cleared up only to be met by two pairs of dark eyes staring at him. Granted he was seeing doubles from the punch earlier but that didn¡¯t stop him from being vicious.


    ¡°What are you looking at?¡± he said the smirk on his face vanishing in an instant. The hostility surrounding them intensified. Yi Chen didn¡¯t know what to say for a second.


    .....


    Looking at those eyes ring daggers at him he found that anger and frustration from earlier had vanished like someone had poured a bucket of cold water quenching the fiery rage tormenting him.


    ¡°Take this as your second chance in life and stop selling such things.....,¡± he said ncing over at the ck case he had knocked out of his cousin¡¯s hand earlier but that surging anger that had just been quenched sprung up again. Both the ck bag, its contents and his cousin had vanished.


    Without much thought, Yi Chen took off to look for him. If Yi Feng is caught with such illegal material his father would murder them both and bury them in unmarked graves.


    Zi Han who had been left alone wallowing in filth got up with a grim look on his face. God forbid he meets that douche bag again. This person didn¡¯t even stick to the code of street fighting which is never ever go for the face.


    Now that he had been struck in the face it would be impossible to hide it from his mother. This is why he hadughed at himself earlier. It was a self-deprecating smile because he knew he was screwed.


    Grimacing in pain he limped out of the alley. By the time he got to the tform, the twin suns had already sunk in the horizon though there was still some light outside.


    If he had known that the jerk from earlier was so much stronger than himself he wouldn¡¯t have provoked him. For a person who was used to winning fights, this was incredibly disheartening.


    Good thing that goody-two-shoes didn¡¯t report him otherwise his mother would attempt a jailbreak just to beat his ass up. Ruffling his hair in annoyance he leaned his head back thinking of ways to appease her when she sees his face.


    As soon as he arrived in district ten he rushed over to old Yuang¡¯s stall before he closed to buy his mother an egg tart. He only ever bought her her favourite dessert on her birthday but seeing that he hadmitted an offence he might as well use this to appease her.


    Zi Han tapped on the counter as he lowered his hoodie further down before saying, ¡°Old Yuang, can I get one egg tart please.¡±


    The old man who was packing away turned around and smiled as he replied, ¡°But it¡¯s not her birthday yet?¡±


    Zi Han couldn¡¯t tell him that he was using this to appease her. He just lowered his head opening his terminal to scan the payment. The old man packed up the contents in a bag as he said, ¡°Uh, I see why you are buying it. It is to cheer her up, isn¡¯t it?¡±


    Beep!


    The sound of the sessful scanned payment masked the old man¡¯sst words. Zi Han raised his head as he picked up the package and asked, ¡°What?¡±


    ¡°Tsk, tsk..... some people came to bother her just now. I heard Mrs Lee say it just now. Maybe your mother should consider getting a husband.... Xiao Han!¡¯ yelled the old man but Zi Han had already sped off in the distance with his hoodie blown away by the wind.


    As soon as he reached his apartment block he was met by a crowd of people and at the centre of it was a woman standing by an expensive hovercar surrounded by bodyguards. She was pointing towards the fourth floor screaming her lungs out at another woman standing on the balcony.


    Words like slut and goomar were thrown around mixed in with some swear words. Goomar was the ng name for a mob boss¡¯s mistress over at district two and his mother right now was being used of being Morano Gambino¡¯s mistress by his sixth wife.


    Do you see why Zi Han needed a gun? The usations weren¡¯ting from regr housewives with no backing but people like these who had entire armies. ¡°Tsk....,¡± tsked Zi Han as he pushed through the crowd and up the stairs. Some neighbours noticed him but because he shed by fast they couldn¡¯t say anything to him.


    He hurriedly climbed up the stairs as the elevator had long stopped working. It probably hadn¡¯t worked ever since the building was built. He reached the fourth floor in a second but instead of his apartment he knocked on the door opposite.


    After a minute or two, the door opened and an olddy¡¯s head popped out. When she saw Zi Han¡¯s face she smiled happily and opened the door. ¡°Xiao Han, you are just in time. I just finished soaking in the dish but it¡¯s too heavy, too heavy..... I can¡¯t carry it,¡± she said as she walked slowly to the centre of the lounge.


    There were obvious signs of dementia on the elderly woman but she had no one else to care for her. Afraid she might drown in the big tub in her bathroom she would attach a hose in the kitchen sink and fill up a dish. But the problem came when she needed to empty it. Thus she always asked Zi Han to help her.


    ¡°It¡¯s okay Mrs Cheng. I will pour it out for you.¡± As he said this he picked up the dish filled with her bathwater but instead of carrying it to the bathroom, he head outside the door. Mrs Cheng wanted to tell him that that wasn¡¯t the way to her bathroom but the young man was too fast.


    Zi Han opened the door opposite startling his mother who came from the balcony with an old fashioned cigarette caught in between her fingers.


    ¡°Han Han yo-,¡± she said but abruptly paused when she saw his face. Before she could utter a word he went out to the balcony and.... SPLASH! Mrs Cheng¡¯s bathwater rained down on the mob boss¡¯s wife and any onlookers who should have been in their houses instead of watching this public spectacle.


    Before he could hear the scoldings and cursesing from downstairs he pulled his hoodie up and got inside making sure to shut the balcony door tight while he was at it. Before his mother could say anything he gave her the package from old Yuang¡¯s stall and walked out to return the olddy¡¯s dish.

 Chapter 9

    Chapter 9: From azy ser mum to a Donna


    Zi Han knew he was only dying the inevitable as he chatted up the little olddy for longer. From the open window in the elderly¡¯s apartment, he could hear the rain of curses and insultsing from outside. These were the sorrowful cries of the wicked baptized by Mrs Cheng¡¯s bathwater.


    Words like, ¡°Fuck... it¡¯s so salty,¡± and ¡°Oh god.... *barf.... it smells funny.¡±


    The most outstanding of them all were the high pitched screams of a woman echoing throughout the entireplex bouncing off the walls.


    ¡°AAAAAAHHHHHHH!!!! THAT @&@%..... I AM GOING TO FUCKIN @#$^@%@@& AND @^#^#&&#@%%@... I WILL KILL HER AND THAT BASTARD SON @^#%##^@&% WITH CONCRETE AND @%#^^@@% DROWN THEM IN SEWAGE!¡±


    For the sake of sensitive and innocent eyes this content has been bleeped out but here is a simple trantion of what she was saying. She was saying that she was going to drag Zi Xingxi out by her hair, chop off her tits and feed them to her.


    She also mentioned doing something inexplicable to Zi Xingxi¡¯s face then proceed to make her watch her son drown in sewage by weighing down his feet with concrete. After that, she would drown Zi Xingxi as well and keep her punani as a trophy.


    Such graphic vulgarities were truly upsetting to hear but the person whose murder was being publicly described in great detail was standing by her apartment door with a murderous look like she was about to kill her son.


    .....


    When Zi Han opened Mrs Cheng¡¯s apartment door to leave he almost ran back inside to seek refuge but if he did that then Zi Xingxi would only follow him in. He wasn¡¯t certain if the olddy could withstand such a stimting scene thus he decided to face his mother head-on.


    After shutting Mrs Cheng¡¯s door behind him he took a small step forward that could barely qualify as a baby step. All the while he didn¡¯t even raise his head to look into her eyes. She was just like a leopard on the prowl. Staring her straight in the eye was like an act of provocation hence signing off on his death quickly.


    Out of desperation, he whimpered, ¡°Ma..... shit.¡± That swear came right after he dodged a bunny slipper flying his way.


    ¡°Tsk..... you pick it up and get inside,¡± she said through gritted teeth as she walked back into the apartment.


    Zi Han didn¡¯t even think of talking back. Words like, ¡®Why should I pick it up when I wasn¡¯t the one who threw it,¡¯ didn¡¯t even cross his mind. If he dared say that then one egg tart wouldn¡¯t be enough to save his ass.


    He quickly darted into the apartment and closed the door behind him. Not knowing what he should do he stood by the door watching his mother taking out a dish cloth and opening up the freezer before pouring out ice blocks.


    Aware of her son¡¯s presence she tied the corners of the dish cloth together while saying, ¡°Go sit down,¡± in a chilling voice that had Zi Han cing the bunny slipper at her foot before hastily walking to the couch to sit.


    Now he was even more worried than before. This silent no yelling and cursing version of his mother was deeply concerning. He much preferred she screamed at him rather than keep silent like this. This kind of response was difficult to decipher as it rarely happened.


    To his surprise, she walked over and sat beside him before pinching his chin to force him to look at her. When she saw that bruise her heart ached so much that she wanted to make whoever did this to her precious baby pay the price. She gently ced this dish cloth with ice on his face her brows knitted into a frown.


    ¡°Who did this?¡± she asked her voice broken and menacing.


    Zi Han had heard an almost simr question before and at that time he was stupid enough to report the culprit¡¯s name, address and ss number. The issue then wasn¡¯t because of a fight rather it was a girl who had gifted him a box of choctes and a sweet pink note confessing her affection towards him. One can¡¯t me him for being stupid, he was only twelve back then.


    After he told her that the next day the girl began to avoid him like the gue. If she saw him from afar she would run the other way refusing to walk down the same hallway as him. Till now it is still a mystery what his mother did to scare her so much.


    Now that he had not only acted as a courier for illegal substances and also gone to sky city which was strictly forbidden he would never confess who did this even if he knew that douchebag¡¯s name, address or identification number.


    He would rather die than confess his crimes. Zi Han ced his hand over his mother¡¯s that was holding the ice packed dish cloth on the swollen part of his face and said, ¡°I don¡¯t know him... I will just use the medical kit. The bruise would be gone by tomorrow,¡± in a reassuring tone.


    But instead of feeling relieved, Zi Xingxi frowned like she had read his mind. Indeed she had not only read his mind but knew he was lying. Something big happened since he left this house and now he was ying her like she was born yesterday. If he wasn¡¯t going to confess then she would go find out herself and when that happens it meant his punishment would triple.


    She harshly poked his face where the bruise was and as he drew in a cold breath of air grimacing in pain she got up from her seat. In two strides she disappeared into her bedroom. From where Zi Han was sitting he could hear her bustling about in the other room as though looking for something.


    The walls in this small apartment were especially thin that he could hear everything. So when he heard those bunny slippers shuffle on the floor he subconsciously straightened his back looking rather obedient. For some reason, his mother was particr about him sitting with a slouched back. She would scold him about it all day till his ears bleed.


    When she came out Zi Han expected her to sit beside him and use the medical device on his cheek while reprimanding him to the high heavens but when she came out she was wearing her thick coat like she was going out.


    Her hair had been tied back into a high ponytail with the aura surrounding her drastically changing from the typicalzy ser mum to a Donna running a small scale criminal organisation.


    CREATORS¡¯ THOUGHTS


    Andru_9788 Andru_9788


    Hello guys, as promised here are the chapters.


    Feel free toment and thank you so much for the votes and collections. I truly appreciate it.


    Hope you like it.

 Chapter 10

    Chapter 10: Zi Xingxi¡¯s true self


    His chest tightened as he watched her fix her coat. In her other hand, she had the medical kit. She tossed it to him and said, ¡°After you are done make sure to use the face mask I gave youst time. If you don¡¯t fuckin use it I will know.¡±


    Her hand touched the doorknob, turned it and she continued to say, ¡°Don¡¯t stay upte and lock the door.¡±


    ¡°Um.....,¡± he said but after that, the door was closed before he could continue. He had no idea where she was going which wasn¡¯t worrying. What was worrying was that she wasn¡¯ting back early which had never happened. She would go out from time to time but she would alwayse back before his bedtime.


    He didn¡¯t want to worry but it was hard not to. With the portal medical healing device in hand, hey down on his back thoughts chaotic.


    On the other hand, Zi Xingxi pulled up the cor of her coat as she went downstairs. The nights on Saarilia were bone-chilling no matter what season it was. This was why she put on her coat but catching a cold was the least of her worries right now.


    As she pushed the ss door out of her apartment a ck hovercar with tinted windows drove by halting right before her. The driver¡¯s door suddenly opened and a man dressed in ck hastily got out of the car and rushed over to open the back door for her. This waspletely unnecessary because the car door could just automatically slide open for her but if he valued his job he had no choice.


    Zi Xingxi entered the back seat of the hovercar while taking out another cigarette from her pocket. As she sat down a hand extended towards her with a lighter and lit her cigarette for her.


    .....


    She took in a long drag of smoke and felt a great sense of relief wash over her body letting go of all her anxiety and worry thates with being a mother. Exhaling slowly she let out a puff of smoke like she was ridding herself of all her worries and concerns.


    Her head leaning back on the headrest of the seat she asked, ¡°Where did he go today?¡± After asking this question she suddenly felt like the cheap cigarette in her hand wasn¡¯t calming enough so she put out the cigarette in the ashtray on the armrest of the seat. After having such a fucked up day she needed something expensive and high end that could do the job.


    The man sitting beside her in the hovercar felt his soul abandon him at this moment when she asked that question. The weight of the news he carried was extremely upsetting that he couldn¡¯t help but be frightened for his life.


    He visibly stiffened as he subconsciously shifted a little to the side his body almost stered on the tinted windows of the hovercar.


    Zi Xingxi at this moment had her head lowered with the golden light from the outside reflecting on the side of her face as she took out something from the side pouch in front of her.


    She flicked open the thin box made of gold in her hand. Inside were neatly arranged cigars. At a nce, one could tell how expensive and rare these treasures were.


    Things made using traditional methods from old earth were considered luxuries only the elite ss of the Onyx Federation could enjoy that includes her cigars.


    Her fingers pinching the head and band of the cigar she sniffed it with a contented expression. She had missed this kind of treat and could only enjoy it this way, in a hovercar in the middle of the night.


    Realising she was about to take out the cigar cutter to snip the foot end of the cigar he panicked. It was better to talk now before she has that cigar cutter in hand. One should know that a cigar cutter is not limited to that use only. It can also be used to cut off fingers with ease.


    Just as he was about to speak, Zi Xingxi turned to look at him making his breath tighten for a split second. Zi Xingxi who didn¡¯t want to spend the rest of her evening sitting in this cramped space waiting for him to speak twirled her fingers with the cigar in hand while saying, ¡°Go on.¡±


    The man rubbed his sweaty palms against his pant legs and said, ¡°The young sir went to see that small-time drug dealer named Dage. He did some deliveries for him throughout the other districts then,¡± pausing as he gulped hard, ¡°he went to..... Sky city.¡±


    At the mention of the words, drug dealer Zi Xingxi¡¯s actions paused. She had no recollection of who this Dage person was but the words drug dealer struck a nerve. This person actually had the audacity to involve her son in such filthy business? If she reacted strongly to Zi Han getting involved with drug dealers then one can only imagine her reaction when she heard he went to Sky city.


    She didn¡¯t even have the heart to enjoy her precious cigar. She carelessly tossed it back into the box and threw it back into the pouch. Zi Xingxi held out her hand and the man was a little slow to react but he quickly got back to himself hastily taking out a lock-on handgun before handing it over to her.


    Like it was the most natural thing Zi Xingxi inspected the weapon first with an expression like that of a killer before the hunt. ¡°Slight change in ns... I will personally pay this Dage person a visit,¡± she said as a clicking sound permeated the air.


    ¡°And Morano Gambino?¡± he cautiously asked with beads of cold sweatcing his forehead.


    Her finger lightly tapped the barrel of the lock-on handgun as her hand rested on her knee. Rubbing her lips with the side of her hand she said, ¡°Send a few men to rough him up.


    ¡°They should remind him who is keeping him in business.... Tell them to tell him that if his wife dares to fuck with me or my son ever again I will chop her into pieces and serve her flesh in his restaurants to his customers.¡±


    There was nothing casual about this threat. If she says she would do it then Zi Xingxi the current leader of the Bloodgarde would most definitely deliver on her promise. The man¡¯s face drained of all colour as his blood ran cold.


    He had worked with her even before the Bloodgarde turned into an underground organisation but he still couldn¡¯t get used to her vicious methods she used to deal with her enemies. She might scare the living daylights out of him but he pledged allegiance to her and was the most loyal person around her.

 Chapter 11

    Chapter 11: Mama bear is mad as h*ll


    The bright lights though less spectacr illuminated the neglected surface city. From the empty streets and closed windows, one could tell that this boisterous town had gone to sleep. This is what is expected considering that this was a city thatw enforcement barely cared about.


    Those outside at this hour only held malicious intent like Zi Xingxi. In her hand was a lock-on handgun which she was tapping against her thigh making the man beside her very nervous with each tap.


    That¡¯s because he knew she was pissed off. When she became this silent while making rhythmic sounds with whatever weapon she had in hand it meant she was extremely livid. By extreme, he meant the kind of livid that says, ¡°I am going to kill some bastards today,¡± kind of livid.


    He took out his handkerchief and wiped his forehead and cheeks but he couldn¡¯t do anything for his armpits and back which were sweating profusely. He was so relieved when the hovercar stopped in front of a small house garden.


    He wanted to inform her that they had arrived but before he could say anything Zi Xingxi had already gotten out of the hovercar. He could only hasten his footsteps and catch up with her.


    As the heels of her stilettos nked along with her movements a group of men dressed in an assortment of grey and ck clothes rushed forward and entered the ce before she did. Along the roadside where her hovercar had parked, they were three others even more luxurious than the one she drove in.


    These men could only havee from the other hovercars and were here as her backup. The sound of gunshots were heard with asional shesing from the house but Zi Xingxi wasn¡¯t deterred. She walked into the house her steps powerful and overbearing like this was a regr thing for her.


    .....


    Sounds of people screaming and grunting from the gunshots didn¡¯t faze her one bit. She leisurely walked into the open n lounge hoping to find a ce to sit and wait for her men to bring this Dage person to her.


    When she walked in she saw a fluffy head of hair peeking out from behind the kitchen counter. Since she was a hands-on type of person she raised her lock-on handgun and immediately fired a shot with no consideration. Her aim was extremely good striking in between the person¡¯s brows in a perfect headshot.


    Blood sttered on the oven door painting a gruesome picture but her expression remained unchanged as she walked behind the counter and stepped over the body lying on the ground heading for the fridge.


    With high expectations, she pulled the door hoping to find something good to quench her thirst. To her dismay, the inside of the fridge was full of an assortment of vials with a variety of colourful liquids contained in them.


    A fog of condensation escaped the fridge as she scratched her head with the hand holding on to the lock-on handgun that was still warm from the shot just now.


    ¡°Tsk...,¡± she tsked as she mmed the door shut, ¡°you could have kept something good to eat in the fridge as well. It¡¯s not like it would have affected your shitty products.¡±


    Her voice as she said this sounded extremely dissatisfied. She hadn¡¯t eaten all day apart from breakfast. Because she was so upset about her son¡¯s face she forgot to grab the egg tart he bought for her. Now she was starving and unable to concentrate.


    She avoided the blood on the floor by standing with her legs spread apart over the corpse as she searched the cupboards for something to eat. Lucky for her this kitchen wasn¡¯t only used as aboratory to cook that illegal shit.


    In the topmost left cupboard, she found a packet of unopened crisps. The corner of her lips quirked up into a sly grin as she opened it with a ripping sound. When she turned around with a thin salty snack in her hand she spotted a figure at the end of the dark corridor running away.


    On reflex, she picked up the knife on the counter and threw it in that direction. The de cut through the air with a loud high pitched sound before striking the person in the leg.


    A loud dull sound followed alongside a ring of curses as the person rolled on the ground in pain. Zi Xingxi could give a rat¡¯s arse right now. She walked over the body identally stepping on the pool of blood that had formed at some point.


    ¡°Fuck....,¡± she swore with her brow furrowed as she checked underneath her shoe. She might have to throw these heels away when she gets home otherwise her son would notice that the tip of her stiletto was covered in blood.


    As she sat down on the dining table she slowly ate the crisps waiting for her people to bring the man named Dage to her. Ten secondster her men dragged in a man with a knife sticking out of his thigh towards her. His head was hung low with his hands cuffed in front of him as they carelessly ced him on the seat opposite Zi Xingxi.


    Her legs crossed together at the knees she stared at this man who had the balls to involve her son in such messy things but because his head was lowered she couldn¡¯t see his face clearly. But she didn¡¯t need to say anything because in the next second one of her men grasped his hair tightly and forced him to look up.


    Grimacing in pain the man was forced to face the person in charge but when he saw who it was his expression changed to that of astonishment. How could he not recognize his goddess that he dreamt of every night?


    Countless times he had tried to get her attention by buying her flowers which by the way were a raremodity in this era. He even bought her shoes, dresses and jewellery but she didn¡¯t even give him enough time to present his tokens of affection.


    CREATORS¡¯ THOUGHTS


    Andru_9788 Andru_9788


    Finally, I managed to get four chapters out. Let me know what you guys think in the paragraphments andments.


    If you are interested please collect this new project so you can know when new chapterse up.


    Happy reading!

 Chapter 12

    Chapter 12: What does he want from you?


    But how could such a diety give him a chance when she was associated with big names like Morano Gambino? Who in this city didn¡¯t know that some boss¡¯s wives hade over to that small apartmentplex challenging her to a fight. Whenever it happened she would stand by her balcony with a cigarette in her mouth watching a good show.


    After being rejected time and time again he ended up resorting to desperate measures. When Zi Han contacted him about getting a smart pistol he initially wanted to give it to him at no charge but when he thought of attaining that immortal beauty he decided on another sinister method.


    He roped her son into delivering an illegal substance for him first then he would lure him into taking some of it. When he gets addicted he would stop supplying him with his daily fix unless he helps him set up romantic dates with Zi Xingxi. But this... this turn of events was unexpected.


    Had she found a backer so powerful that she could stroll in and shoot out his ce with absolutely no fear of the consequences?


    But before he could ponder deeply into this question Zi Xingxi lifted her legs and crossed them on top of the table while watching him like a hawk.


    The bottom of her stilettos were stained with blood making Dage lower his gaze a little terrified. He didn¡¯t want to know which of his subordinates that blood belonged to. He just hoped that he would be able to survive this.


    ¡°I see you have set yourself a little operation here..... but as you are well aware I am not interested in your little set-up. I am more interested in someone else. Someone you had deliver your products to your clients just today,¡± she said with a devilish grin on her face.


    .....


    ¡°He is about one hundred and eighty meters tall, has enchanting fox eyes, a face that looks three parts out of five simr to mine and loves picking fights.... Do you remember him now?¡±


    With blood seeping down from the corner of his brow Dage gulped hard trying to moisten his parched throat. His forehead was covered in ayer of cold sweat reflecting the light from the ceiling.


    From afar one could asionally see beads of sweat flow down from his forehead to his cheeks and neck before vanishing into his navy silk pyjamas. Because of the material, his pit stains were more prominent showing a big dark patch that was annoying to look at.


    His back was also covered in a cold sweat with the material sticking to his back ufortably. His whole person looked like a man trapped in a sauna for two days with not even a single drop of water to quench his thirst.


    Since he hadn¡¯t responded to her she ced her lock-on handgun on the table with a dull nk then proceeded to rustle through the bag of crisps while saying, ¡°I am sure I don¡¯t need to exin what kind of situation you are currently in.¡±


    ¡°This isn¡¯t a normal conversation between two adults. This is an ¡®I ask questions and you answer¡¯ type of conversation otherwise this.....¡± she said before pausing mid-sentence.


    At that time Dage heard the nking of formal shoes on the tiles and the next second the knife stuck in his thigh was removed then drove back in with a loud stabbing sound of a sharp de cutting flesh.


    ¡°AAAAAAAAHHHHHHHHH!! YOU %%@%%@%@%#@%, %!$!%%@%@%@.... wuwuwuwuwu,¡± swore Dage before his wild curses were reced by loud wails. His veins protruding on his temples and flushed neck he wailed while banging his head on the table.


    The rusty smell of blood permeated the air but Zi Xingxi wasn¡¯t fazed. She had seen and done far worse than this. In truth, she was born to be a killer and no matter how many times her father tried to deter her she was bound to follow in his footsteps.


    After crunching down on a few kettle fried crisps she continued saying, ¡°..... would happen. Now tell me why my little Han Han woulde to you and start making deliveries for you? I mean he is a very good boy, isn¡¯t he?¡± she asked looking up to the man who was standing beside her.


    He was the same man who came to pick her up. People referred to him as secretary K and the only person who knew his full name was Zi Xingxi alone. Where she had picked him up from no one knew but he was especially loyal and extremely powerful that no one dared to challenge him.


    Don¡¯t look at his timid appearance when around Zi Xingxi and think he was easy to mess with. He was like that around Zi Xingxi because she was the only one he was afraid of.


    With his hands crossed behind his back, he took a step forward and said, ¡°Ahem yes, yes. The young sir is especially well behaved.¡±


    Zi Xingxi smiled happily and turned back to Dage who was grimacing in pain and said, ¡°Now, I know that¡¯s what every parent says about their kids. Very annoying, right? It¡¯s like gosh we know your little Mao Mao is the most well behaved so shut up already. But my son..... well, he is a star.¡± As she said this her eyes sparkled like a truly proud parent. She had educated him well so why would he mix with scum like Dage?


    ¡°So now tell me... what does he want from you?¡± she said with a grim smile on her face.


    Dage tried to speak but the agonizing pain had his throat unable to make a sound except crying. Feeling rather impatient Zi Xingxi picked up the lock-on handgun and aimed it at his head.


    As the grey muzzle reflected in his pupils Dage panicked and he was about to speak when she pressed the trigger hitting the cupboard in the kitchen area with a loud bang before pointing it back at him.

 Chapter 13

    Chapter 13: Zi Han¡¯s grandfather


    Her eyes that were once glowing like a pearl under the moonlight when talking about her son were now a replica of the grim reaper himself. They were both mesmerizing and terrifying which was the perfectbination to whisk one¡¯s soul away.


    ¡°Wa-wait, please. A pistol...he wanted a pistol, smart pistol wuwuwuwu please don¡¯t kill me,¡± he said his pride and ego long thrown out of the window.


    Zi Xingxi squinted her eyes as she observed him for any signs of deceit. When she saw he was being honest she flicked the hand holding the handgun urging him to continue.


    Licking his chapped lips Dage continued, ¡°He said it was for the break-ins. He, he was afraid, afraid that something would happen to you so he..... he came to me.¡±


    The room instantly fell into silence with only gasping soundsing from the pain-stricken Dage. It seemed as though Zi Xingxi was lost in thought. She had already taken care of those brazen people who broke into her apartment but she didn¡¯t think the incident had affected Zi Han so much that he had to resort to such a method to protect her.


    At this moment she couldn¡¯t help but think that he might not look like his father but he was most definitely still his father¡¯s son. Like his father, he would disregard his own safety just to protect her.


    She tossed the bag of crisps on the table having lost interest and pulled her feet down to the floor her expression unreadable. He wanted to protect her but if anything were to happen to her son she wouldn¡¯t be able to go on. Her eyes red she asked, ¡°Then who hit him?¡±


    .....


    Dage who had no idea that Zi Han had been beaten was a little surprised. He stared at her all wide-eyed not knowing how to answer her question. ¡°I would ne....,¡± he murmured unable to finish the rest of his sentence.


    What he was trying to say was that he would never hit that gorgeous face that looked extremely simr to hers but he swallowed his words back in fear for his life.


    ¡°It must have happened in sky city,¡± she said as she beckoned the man behind Dage to bring over something. With a ng, the light brain fell on the table near Dage as she continued to say, ¡°Your clients use anonymous software to hide their real identities but I know scum like you have a way to unscramble their private information.... You have half a minute to find out who it was.¡±


    As she said this her hand was trembling from anger. Recalling how that cute face was struck she couldn¡¯t help but ache inside. The son she painstakingly carried full term and pushed out of her body under extremely terrible conditions was actually hit by someone.


    Even she didn¡¯t dare hit him that hard when he was naughty yet someone dared to hit him. She needed a cigarette to calm her nerves otherwise she was going to kill Dage on an impulse.


    Secretary K was way ahead of her. He already knew her cues so he took out a box of cigarettes and opened it for her. She took out one and as she ced it on her lips the secretary lit it for her.


    With the waft of smoke flowing into her lungs, she closed her eyes with her head slightly tilted backwards. Her long eyshes flickered under the light. Crossing her legs she sank into her chair and exhaled the smoke.


    As the cloud of smoke formed above her head she heard the man opposite her hesitantly call out while disying a holographic screen.


    Zi Xingxi slowly lowered her head as she ced the cigarette between her lips. In front of her was a spinning identification. The face was probably fake but because the person who reprogrammed this ID was an amateur Dage could still decrypt the original name.


    When she saw the name her body froze as the blood drained from her face. She didn¡¯t know the name Feng but absolutely knew the surname Yi. Secretary K noticed her abnormality and so did the men around her. Curious they all craned their necks to see and their faces changed.


    ¡°The young sir..... he.....,¡± muttered the secretary before Zi Xingxi stood up abruptly as she swore,


    ¡°Fuck!¡±


    The nking of her stilettos clearly expressed her anxiety as she walked away. Secretary K hastily inquired, ¡°What do we do with him?¡±


    She took a long drag of her cigarette almost choking on the smoke before she replied, ¡°Finish him off and burn everything. The marshal wille and look for him so make sure any traces that we were here are wiped away clean.¡±


    She carried on walking while saying this but her steps abruptly stopped when she recalled something, ¡°Execute our exit strategy. We should be of this in two days.¡±


    After saying this she turned her face towards Dage whose throat was cut in the very same instant. ¡°He was already dead anyway.... If he was left alive the Marshal would only make him talk and who knows what he would say before he dies,¡± she said before throwing her half-smoked cigarette on the ground and stepping on it.


    Zi Xingxi walked out of the garden house and suddenly had a bad feeling. Today was indeed not her day. In front of her was a hovercar that was obviously not hers and the men who should have been under her orders were now acting like they didn¡¯t know her.


    That only happened in the presence of one person that is her father. Closing her eyes she muttered a curse word while hesitating to get inside the hovercar. Whatever Zi Han did in Sky city really brought her trouble. He not only picked fights with the marshal¡¯s family member but he also had his light brain scanned.


    She had prepared for this day but now that it was here she was extremely unwilling. ¡°Young miss..... please,¡± said her father¡¯s trusted aid as he gestured to the open door.

 Chapter 14

    Chapter 14: Long awaited family reunion


    ¡°How mad is he on a scale of one to ten?¡± she whispered while looking at this old man who had been by her father¡¯s side since he was a kid.


    The old steward smiled as he replied, ¡°He is as mad as the day you got pregnant..... but like back then he won¡¯t be too harsh. Now please enter young miss.¡±


    Zi Xingxi really wanted to run away now. If he was that upset then she was better off taking her chances with the Marshal. That day because she was pregnant her father didn¡¯t dare hit her. He instead hit Zi Han¡¯s father with a broom of all things. What was even worse was that Zi Han¡¯s father was their protection target. The Bloodgarde was meant to ensure his safety yet her father actually beat him up.


    Rubbing her forehead with her fingers she reluctantly got into the hovercar. Within the shadows was a familiar figure that she hadn¡¯t seen for more than seventeen years. He was her father but she had ruthlessly cut him off taking his only grandson with her. If he wasn¡¯t angry then he must be livid.


    PA!!!


    A loud resounding p echoed the spacious backseat just as the door closed. The driver was so terrified that he winced involuntarily as he hastily pressed the screen to close the partition separating the two worlds.


    The steward heaved a sigh of relief as he watched that ck partition go up. He truly needed to thank whoever invented such things. They spared this old man¡¯s, weak heart.


    .....


    Zi Feiji clenched his fist tightly as he red at her in the dark with bloodshot eyes. He was doing whatever it takes to restrain himself and not let his spirit beaste out and wreak havoc.


    Zi Xingxi who had expected much worse than this ced her hand on her throbbing face her head lowered. Her eyes stung but she told herself not to cry. She shouldn¡¯t have left like that but she was afraid.


    She was frightened that the people who murdered her husband in cold blood would also do the same to her son. The capital was like hunting grounds but instead of deer she and her unborn baby were the prey. But in exchange, she had hurt her other family.


    Her body trembling she whispered, ¡°Dad,¡± with half her face covered with her hair draping down haphazardly.


    ¡°Now you know that you still have a father, huh?.... I told you back then, didn¡¯t I? I told you to protect him well but what did you do? You developed feelings and slept with him... why didn¡¯t you listen to me? You could have picked anyone else father wouldn¡¯t have been angry. Even a homeless loafer would have been fine but you..... you had to pick him,¡± he vented out all the rage he had pent up for seventeen years.


    With his chest heaving, he kicked whatever was in front of him and swore, ¡°Shit!¡± which was something out of character for a rigid person like him.


    ¡°Now look what happened,¡± he said while pushing his hair back in frustration, ¡°he is dead and left you with a fatherless son.... tsk. That though is not what disappoints me the most. What disappoints me is that you brought my grandson here in this shit hole to live.¡±


    For a moment the hovercar fell into silence and as the street lights shone through the windows his dark expression was illuminated demonstrating how pissed off he was.


    ¡°Xi-er, help me understand why because I your father can¡¯t understand it. Have I given you the impression that I don¡¯t love you?... Have I given you the impression that I won¡¯t love my grandson?¡± he said with his voice brittle for a second.


    That tone made Zi Xingxi¡¯s heartache so much that she raised her head to exin. ¡°No, no... you misunderstand. I was afraid he would.... he would look like him. I wanted to hide him away until I was certain he doesn¡¯t look like him and-,¡± she said before Zi Feiji interrupted her,


    ¡°Does he?¡±


    Zi Xingxi stared at her father with a look of confusion for a split second but before she caught on he asked again, ¡°Look like him... does he?¡±


    She hurriedly shook her head before whispering, ¡°He looks more like his grandfather... ex-except the eyes.¡± Clearly, she could have said that he looks like herself but because she knew how to coax her father she chose to say it that way.


    As expected Zi Feiji¡¯s seething anger melted like an ice cube. His rage simmered down as he took out something from his interspatial ring on his finger. It was a top-notch medical kit.


    A subtle smile appeared on Zi Xingxi¡¯s face as she caught the medical kit. As expected her father still loved her. ¡°Does it hurt?¡± he asked in a low voice feeling ashamed. His hand that pped her was still itching so the impact must have been pretty bad.


    Zi Xingxi who had been pped so hard that she saw stars and identally bit her lip till she drew blood would never admit it. She had only angered her father to the point of beating her twice. The one time being now and the other time was when she told him she was pregnant.


    The rest of the time he treated her like she was the most precious person in his life. One can understand how heartbroken he was when his only family vanished into thin air that even he the former leader of the Bloodgarde couldn¡¯t find her.


    Seeing that smile at the corner of her mouth Zi Feiji unclenched his fist and said, ¡°Two... no, one day. I give you one day to pack up and bring my grandson home. Do you understand?¡±


    Of course, she understood him loud and clear. There was no way her father would let her run the Bloodgarde underground and still move around with his grandson. Even she knew it wasn¡¯t safe for her son once they started operating fully to clean up the Federation¡¯s mess. She could only leave him with her father. It was the best thing for Zi Han.

 Chapter 15

    Chapter 15: Zi Xingxi¡¯s one big mistake


    The luxury of the elite of the Onyx Federation was truly beautiful in a dramatic and eye-catching way. Fromvish furniture, morous lighting and expensive entertainment systems, it all epassed the extravagance of the rich.


    At a nce, one would mistake it for an expensive hotel but the lights constantly moving outside therge ceiling to floor windows said otherwise.


    This was obviously a spacecraft drifting over Saarilia¡¯s night sky. The view outside was splendid but no one took the time to appreciate it.


    Seated on the couch was a man dressed in an immacte ck uniform with his coiffed hair swept back enhancing his handsome features. He was a very gorgeous man but that face coupled with his dark expression made him look both menacing and terrifying enough to have one breaking out in a cold sweat.


    The people in his midst were indeed petrified fearing that he would explode at any minute and make their lives miserable but running away wasn¡¯t an option. The marshal had been on vacation with his wife when his son called him letting him know that there was a problem.


    This call was just to report to him but Yi Chen didn¡¯t expect his father to immediately fly over from Rigel ditching his vacation with his wife just to deal with this matter.


    His finger impatiently tapped the armrest while staring at his son with a probing gaze. The air around them was so tense and suffocating that the officers behind the marshal were sweating through their suits. They were even afraid to breathe too loud as they stood there staring straight into nk space avoiding making eye contact with Yi Chen.


    .....


    Yi Chen was also having a hard time. He didn¡¯t even know what to say to break the gut-wrenching silence. He had already exined it in detail when they had a video call so what was there to say?


    Rubbing his palms nervously his lips moved like he was about to say something only for the sliding door to make a silent whoosh sound as a lieutenant walked in and saluted his father.


    ¡°Permission to speak Marshal,¡± said the man standing tall in salute.


    Marshal Yi stopped tapping the armrest and said, ¡°Go ahead,¡± but his gaze never left Yi Chen. And why was he looking at Yi Chen like he hadmitted an act of treason? It was because he knew that this son of his was hiding something.


    For the first time ever since he was five years old Yi Chen hadn¡¯t disclosed the entire truth.


    How did he know? It was because, unlike Yi Chen, Yi Feng had cracked like an egg with just a little pressure.


    There was mention of a strange drug mule that didn¡¯t exactly fit the bill for a drug courier but when Yi Chen reported the matter he neglected to mention this person let alone mention their fight.


    It was for this exact reason that he was staring at his son. He wanted him toe clean but Yi Chen maintained the same demeanour with no guilt or remorse.


    If it weren¡¯t for the lieutenant walking in Marshal Yi would have escted things. Talk about perfect timing, right?


    ¡°Sir, we found the source of the illegal substance. It was burnt to the ground with no survivors,¡± exined the lieutenant as a holographic screen disyed their findings.


    ¡°A total of six charred remains were found. We couldn¡¯t even retrieve their brain matter to extract their memories, sir.¡±


    Yi Chen who had been nk-faced a second ago finally reacted. It was because when he heard about the charred corpses his mind couldn¡¯t help but remember that weird boy with the red and ck hoodie.


    He knew people involved in such things were basically ying chicken with the grim reaper but he couldn¡¯t help but feel regretful. He felt a twinge in his chest but before he could decipher it his father said,


    ¡°Is there anything you would like to say regarding this case?¡± asked Marshal Yi without shifting his gaze.


    Yi Chen suddenly realised his emotions were spilling over so he restored his indifferent gaze and said, ¡°No, please carry on.¡±


    The lieutenant ignored the tension between the two as he transferred a file to the Marshal¡¯s light brain while saying, ¡°We also found this at the scene.¡±


    Marshal Yi finally took his gaze off Yi Chen and stared at the image sent to him. With his head tilted to the side, he zoomed in on the image and an imperceptible smile appeared on his face. This was a brand of cigarettes that was so rare in the federation that he knew only one person who smoked such. It¡¯s just that he couldn¡¯t understand what were the chances of meeting Zi Xingxi on this?


    Just when he thought things wouldn¡¯t get more interesting the lieutenant continued, ¡°Mr Zi¡¯s starship, Altair,nded on Saarilia two hours before us and this trip wasn¡¯t part of his original itinerary. ording to our investigation, he left for Saarilia after an amber alert was released when one of the military officers scanned someone¡¯s identification near the hotel. As to who that person was we a still working to decrypt the information as the Onyx defence system automatically scrambled their data.¡±


    His fingers zooming the disy projected by his light brain paused as a minacious smile appeared on his face. ¡°What a coincidence,¡± he said in a low voice but his tone was chilling enough to freeze hell over. Even Yi Chen was a little uneasy when he heard those words.


    Why was the marshal pissed off? It was because Zi Feiji despite having resigned and publically announced that he would be disbanding the Bloodgarde after thest of the royal blood died still had ess to the federation¡¯s entirework be it military or otherwise.


    This meant that with his back door ess he could still enter the military defence system and deem anyone he wants as a protection target that even he the Marshal would have to jump through hoops to find out that person¡¯s identity.


    For seventeen years he had fought to strip Zi Feiji¡¯s ess but the log head prime ministers couldn¡¯t agree on a single thing hence dying this critical problem.


    CREATORS¡¯ THOUGHTS


    Andru_9788 Andru_9788


    My sincere apologies for the dy. Its challenging working on two projects.


    Let me know what you guys think in the paragraphments andments.


    If you are interested please collect this new project so you can know when new chapterse up.


    Happy reading!

 Chapter 16

    Chapter 16: Mum¡¯s secret


    ¡°No need to decrypt. You are dismissed,¡± said Marshal Yi as his gaze shifted back to his son who still wore that solemn face with no other emotions.


    As the door slid shut he closed the projected screen and said, ¡°Your analysis?¡±


    Yi Chen¡¯s brow quirked up wondering why his father was asking the obvious. Things like these happened often were his father actively involved him in different cases. He would ask for his analysis of the problem and udible solutions. But this time it was different. It was as though he was probing him for something.


    Yi Chen felt like a live lobster thrown into a pot of boiling water but his face remained unchanged. Leaning back in hisfortable wingback chair with his legs crossed and arms casually resting on the armrest he said, ¡°Mr Zi and Miss Zi are most likely hiding something and that something is on the surface city of Saarilia.¡±


    Marshal Yi, who had been observing his son with a scrutinizing gaze suddenly smiled before saying, ¡°Then how about we pay him a visit?¡±


    ***


    As the twin suns rose from the horizon rays of light seeped in through the gaps in the blinds reflecting on a young man¡¯s face as hey on the bed. His face was dignified and tranquil though one couldn¡¯t say the same for his sleeping posture.


    .....


    Granted he had the entire bed to himself but hey diagonally with his head at the foot of the bed and his limbs sprawled to all four corners. He was what people might call a crasnder sleeper. His quilt had long fallen off somewhere.


    Everything on his bed had escaped this sleeping tyrant all except his pillow that remained trapped under him no matter what weird sleeping posture he was in.


    Buzz! Buzz buzz! Buzz!


    The rhythmic vibrations of an rm ringing jolted him awake but because he was sleeping right at the edge he came crashing down with a loud bang.


    ¡°Shit!¡± he swore looking for that damn light brain buzzing violently like a flipping vibrator.


    When Zi Xingxi who was sitting on the couch calibrating her armour piercing (AP) sniper rifle heard the sound of something heavy hitting the ground she smiled with her head lowered. This happened at least three times a week.


    The only reason why it didn¡¯t happen every day was because she would walk into his room in the middle of the night and wrap him up tightly like a zongzi. Despite this, he would eventually unwrap himself escaping the clutches of the demon quilt and hence fall off the bed.


    Zi Hany on the floor with only a pair of boxers on as he grimaced holding his abdomen that was still bruised a little. Turning his body to the side in an attempt to get up he found himself on his knees with his tooshie sticking up in the air as though showcasing his perky butt to the world.


    As he knelt there in a child¡¯s pose the pendant around his neck with a phoenix rising from the ashes attracted his attention. His head was upside down but the phoenix still looked like it was soaring into the skies. This pendant belonged to his father and he had been wearing it for as long as he can remember.


    What he didn¡¯t realise was that on his person was thete prince¡¯s well-concealed mecha passed down to him as thest gift from a father to a son. With a bright smile on his face, he reached over and rubbed the phoenix before getting up.


    Since his mother wasn¡¯t usually awake at this time he opened the door and crossed the corridor in his boxers into the bathroom diagonally across. Inside the bathroom, he grabbed his toothbrush out of the ss cup and he was about to ce the toothbrush under the automatic toothpaste dispenser when he saw his face in the mirror.


    ¡°The fuck... tsk,¡± he swore when he realised that he slept with the sheet mask his mother gave him on his face. Because that shit wasn¡¯t meant to move it stuck to his face all night like glue despite his weird sleeping acrobatics.


    Irritated he pulled the sheet mask off only to reveal slightly swollen skin like that of a pufferfish. Sighing he tossed the mangled sheet mask into the bin and washed up. Ten minutester he walked out of the bathroom scratching his t belly. In his mind, he was thinking of what his mother would like for breakfast so he can make it.


    Thinking he could check the fridge for ingredients he walked down the corridor heading for the kitchen only for him to freeze when the sitting-room came to view.


    ¡°Ma!¡± he yelled not using his inside voice before grabbing the dishtowel off the kitchen counter to cover up.


    Zi Xingxi, ¡°???¡±


    In a panic he took a sharp turn and BANG he hit the wall and hissed in pain. Zi Xingzi¡¯s brow arched upwards while watching her little clown put up an act. Zi Han rubbed his forehead as he slowly turned to walk back into his room and wear a pair of sweatpants and a t-shirt.


    ¡°Why are you acting all shy, huh?! Hehe..... You used to run around this entire apartment naked refusing to put on your clothes! Your little thing used to bounce around all over the ce and I honestly thought I would have a nudist for a son!¡± she yelled with a light chuckle as she lowered her head and continued to fawn over her AP sniper rifle.


    After two steps the shock and embarrassment that had partially clouded his vision dissipated. That¡¯s when it hit him.


    His breath caught in his throat he froze like a popsicle in the middle of winter. He stiffly turned his head back to take a look but because he was deep in the corridor he could no longer see the sitting room.


    ¡°Was that..... Ha! No,¡± he whispered while leaning back to take a look but when his skin brushed against the cold wall he recalled he was still in his boxers.


    ¡°Ha ha no..... you saw wrong. It can¡¯t be,¡± he muttered to himself with a self-deprecating smile. His eyes must have been covered in eye boogers right now for him to have seen a sniper rifle in his mother¡¯s hands. But he had thoroughly washed his face just now.


    In a hurry, he pulled open his drawer and took out a pair of grey ankle sweatpants. As he put them on he kept trying to convince himself that he was hallucinating just now.


    Grabbing a white t-shirt from the top shelf he dashed out of the room. By the time he got to the end of the corridor, he was fully dressed staring at the AP sniper rifle in her hand with a foolish expression.


    That wasn¡¯t the only gun she had in front of her. There were multiple others that Zi Han recognized from the war simtion game sponsored by the federation to cultivate military talent.

 Chapter 17

    Chapter 17: Jack of all trades


    His heartbeat quickened as a bucket load of questions flooded his mind. He silently pointed at the coffee table like a kid who saw something interesting but was also afraid to ask where it came from. Zi Xingxi just nced over at him before taking the empty container of the egg tart on the table and handing it to him.


    ¡°Throw this away... oh and next time you want to coax me you should make it from scratch. It would be more sincere that way,¡± she said stretching out her hand to hold the empty container but three secondster Zi Han still hadn¡¯t taken it.


    His gaze was lingering on the things on the table his emotions clearly written on his face. Countless times he opened his mouth to speak but nothing came out. It took Zi Xingxi calling him for him toe back to himself.


    ¡°Han Han,¡± she said while shaking the container.


    Zi Han was so absent-minded that he let out the most unintelligent response. ¡°Huh?¡± he said shifting his gaze up to face his mother, ¡°Oh..... why-¡±


    He took the empty egg tart container and wanted to address the huge elephant in the room but she cut him off saying, ¡°How about you make us some breakfast, anything will be fine.¡± As she did this her head was lowered examining the scope of the AP sniper rifle seriously.


    ¡°O-oh... ok-ay,¡± he replied as his gaze shifted back to the weapon in her hand. Because he wasn¡¯t looking where he was going he bumped into the kitchen counter twice bringing him back to reality.


    .....


    He decided to focus on making breakfast first before circling back to this and getting some answers so he seriously opened the fridge checking what was avable. Zi Xingxi nced over in her son¡¯s direction and a subtle smile appeared on her face.


    He was standing there scratching his messy head of hair making him look so adorable. She wanted to rub that head of hair until it resembled a bird¡¯s nest. Maybe she should give him a haircut again. The problem was how to convince him to get her hands on his hair.


    Zi Han who had no idea his mother had malicious designs over his hair took out some eggs and tomatoes from the fridge and made some tomato egg stir fry which didn¡¯t take him long.


    As to the question of why he was pretty good in the kitchen more especially in this era that poprised to-go drinks that had all necessary nutrients. It was because of his mother. Her motto was simple, be the jack of all trades.


    She taught him to adapt, adept with good reason. It was in order for him to survive if anything ever happened to her.


    Coincidentally, this handbook she used to train her son was the very same handbook she used in the Bloodgarde to train assassins and undercover agents. She was low key raising her son to be just like her without knowing it.


    Zi Han ted the tomato egg stir fry on top of reheated rice and made his mother a cup of ck coffee while calling her over. Zi Xingxi whose stomach was already rooting against her stood up and immediately sat on a bar stool by the kitchen counter and pulled the bowl over.


    ¡°Did you add sugar?¡± she asked him as he ced a steaming cup of ck coffee in front of her.


    ¡°No,¡± he replied before walking around the kitchen counter and sitting beside her. Zi Xingxi immediately began to dig in and after decimating more than half of her food she stared at him with a contented expression and said,


    ¡°You slept with the sheet mask on your face again didn¡¯t you?¡± While asking this she reached out to pinch his face that looked soft and squishy like milky white tofu but the tofu ran away from her.


    ¡°Tsk, you kid, I haven¡¯t even settled scores with you yet for delivering drugs yet you won¡¯t even let me touch a little. Come here...,¡± she said reaching out to pinch and poke as much as she wanted.


    Zi Han didn¡¯t protest. That¡¯s because when his crimes were exposed it was as though he had been struck by lightning. Of course, she knew what he did? How can she not know? A person who had been hiding the fact that she owns a sniper rifle and several other guns will obviously know what crime hemitted.


    ¡°Ma... I,¡± he said but it instead got him smacked upside his head. Hissing in pain he rubbed the back of his head not daring to look her in the eyes.


    ¡°You even got me pped by your grandfather. Do you see this? It was all your fault. How many times have I said don¡¯t go to sky city? But what did you do? Tsk, you are just like your father causing trouble everywhere you go. Would it kill you to listen to me for once, huh? Answer me.¡±


    ¡°I do-,¡± he said before she angrily cut him off,


    ¡°Don¡¯t you dare talk back to me? Damnit... I am so mad that I can¡¯t even enjoy my breakfast,¡± she said harshly letting go of her chopsticks. With a ng, they hit the side of the bowl expressing her anger.


    Zi Han, ¡°???¡±


    Didn¡¯t she just ask him to answer her just now? Now she was telling him not to talk back. Shouldn¡¯t he be angry as well about the huge secrets she has been keeping from him?


    His gaze subconsciously shifted to the table where the magnificent weapon quietlyy as though inviting him to y. Sharp stinging pain on his waist brought him back to earth.


    His hand on his waist he yelped in pain having been pinched. Of course, his yelp was exaggerated. It was because he was trying to ease the punishment. ¡°Ma, use your words not your hands,¡± he said but that only reignited the raging mes.


    ¡°Use my words my ass. Uh, you made me so mad..... You even had your identification scanned. Now your grandpa wants you en route to the capital star by tomorrow. You know what no, no... I can¡¯t even look at you right now. Half squat for an hour maybe that will appease me,¡± she said pointing at the infamous punishment corner.


    ¡°But.....,¡± he murmured only for Zi Xingxi to interrupt him and say,


    ¡°Two hours keep talking and I will make it three.¡±


    Zi Han unwillingly abandoned his breakfast and got into a half squat. He silently watched his mother finish eating then walk back to the sitting room and slump onto the couch before continuing with what she was doing before.


    His mother had mentioned his grandfather before but she never really went into detail. All she said was that his grandfather was an exceptional man with an ice-cold appearance but a soft and mushy heart. She also mentioned that he couldn¡¯t meet him as of yet due to unforeseen circumstances. He fully epted that because his mother wasn¡¯t one to make decisions without reason.


    Her thought process when doing things was wless and analytical that it terrified him at times. It always gave him the sense that there was more to his mother than what meets the eye. She did an excellent job at hiding it but there were signs here and there that were hard to ignore.


    As he held his body in the half squat he squinted his eyes staring at the AP sniper rifle in her hands. Curious, he began to observe her series of actions. He carefully studied the way her fingers moved nimbly reassembling the AP sniper rifle and etching it into his brain.

 Chapter 18

    Chapter 18: No day dreaming


    He had only managed to get hold of such a masterpiece in the simtion and only knew how to fire it. Now that he was seeing it in person his blood was rushing in excitement. If only he could butter up his mother so he can get to fire it once. Even if she won¡¯t let him at least she should let him touch it.


    While he was recalling her series of actions a marble suddenly hit his forehead. ¡°Ah!... Seriously,¡± he yelled struggling to maintain the same posture as any movement will earn him an extra ten minutes.


    ¡°No daydreaming,¡± she said as she pointed at her eyes with both her middle and index finger before pointing at his face, ¡°I am watching you little brat.¡±


    Yes, this brat really needed to be watched because he not only caused trouble for Zi Xingxi but also Zi Feiji. The old man had been so excited that his grandson wasing home that he spent four hours on Onyx Sta buying things for his grandson¡¯s room that is until unexpected guests waltzed in spoiling his mood.


    Zi Feiji hurriedly minimised his screen when the old steward walked in and announced the arrival of the Marshal and his son Yi Chen. The damn idiot didn¡¯t even wait to be invited in. He just strode past the old steward and directly sat opposite him wearing a wolfish grin stered on his face.


    His son was even more well mannered than him standing behind his father waiting to be invited to take a seat. ¡°You!.... your son even has more manners than you do. You do realise I am still your senior,¡± said the red-faced Zi Feiji pointing at him with a trembling finger.


    Marshal Yi snorted coldly and said, ¡°Yes I do remember which is why you should be slow to anger. Do you have your medication nearby lest you get a sudden heart attack?¡±


    .....


    If Zi Feiji wasn¡¯t angry then he was absolutely angry now. Since he wasn¡¯t one to be outdone he retorted back and the two began a senseless quarrel. Yi Chen was fully aware of the type of rtionship these two men had so he wisely stayed out of their quarrel.


    It¡¯s just that he had a feeling that this argument might go on for an hour or two. Lowering his head he checked the time on his light brain intending to track time and see if these two would finally break their record.


    While waiting he finally took a closer look at Zi Feiji. His blood froze for a second realising something. The face, the lips and the ears were a little familiar. All apart from the eyes and age everything was more or less the same.


    As though to confirm his suspicions he heard his father say, ¡°Elder Zi, who exactly are you protecting, huh?¡±


    Yi Chen¡¯s breath stalled but he still managed to control his facial expression making it difficult for one to discern his emotions. Recalling that stubborn young man with an explosive temper he finally understood why he was the way he was. He took after his grandfather¡¯s temperwise but if he was Zi Feiji¡¯s grandson what would he be doing here selling illegal substances?


    ¡°Considering all the evidence there is no way all of this is just a coincidence,¡± said Marshal Yi.


    Zi Feiji who had been quite noisy just now suddenly wilted his expression more serious than before.


    ¡°For a man like you who abides by a strict schedule this trip to Saarilia must have been somewhat of an emergency, right?¡± continued the Marshal as his body leaned forward changing his sitting posture.


    ¡°You see, I so happened to check your itinerary and you.... you had no ns to leave the imperial city. But all of a sudden you show up here after blocking someone¡¯s identification in the defence system.¡±


    Wagging his index finger he smiled coldly while continuing, ¡°Not only that but I found something very interesting in a drug den on the surface city. I am sure elder Zi recognizes what this is.¡± He ced a sealed bag on the table and in it was a cigarette bud familiar to the two of them because it was unique to a certain someone.


    Zi Feiji didn¡¯t even need to look to know his daughter had fucked up. He just stared coldly at Marshal Yi. If eyes could kill then Yi Chen would already be burning joss paper for his father by now.


    ¡°Now... I don¡¯t need to mention who this belongs to. Like I said before I will pretend like I don¡¯t know what the Bloodgarde is up to but if they involve themselves in the illegal drug trade then I will burn them to the ground,¡± he said as a cold glint shed in his eyes.


    The tension in the atmosphere was extremely tense but among them, it was only Yi Chen and the old steward who bore its brunt.


    ¡°She is not involved in that kind of business,¡± said Zi Feiji with his jaw clenched tightly. In his mind, he was already calcting how to end Marshal Yi¡¯s life if he dared touch his daughter and grandson. If he loses the two of them there was really no point in living.


    Marshal Yi leaned back into his seat and said, ¡°Good. She should keep it that way and I am certain we can all live in harmony.¡±


    ¡°What is it that you want then?... The Marshal didn¡¯t travel all this way just to say this,¡± said Zi Feiji having clearly read the situation.


    Marshal Yi spread his arms at the backrest of the couch as he lifted his left leg to rest over his right one. ¡°Why of course I need Elder Zi to show his sincerity. That gang of drug dealers were nkton in the pond. What I want is the head of the big fish.¡±


    ¡°Normally I would tear the city apart but seeing that Elder Zi is protecting someone I can only ask you to take care of it for me.¡±


    After saying this Marshal Yi got up from his seat and with a smug smile he said, ¡°I give you twenty-four hours. After that, I will tear apart the city and maybe stumble upon your little secret.¡±


    The pair of father and son immediately turned to leave right after that in imposing steps like someone owed them millions.

 Chapter 19

    Chapter 19: Show your sincerity


    ¡°Ma, I am not daydreaming anymore. Just stop throwing those things at me,¡±ined Zi Han still in a half squat by the wall. The light thud of marbles hitting his body stopped for a moment as Zi Xingxi ced her legs t on the coffee table crossing them one over the other at the ankles.


    The ticking sound of the previous marble bouncing on the floor stopped as it rolled on the floor before colliding into eight other marbles on the ground. She skillfully rolled another marble in between her fingers with a crooked smile and said, ¡°I know. I just discovered how fun it is watching you yelp.¡±


    Zi Han, ¡®QAQ¡¯


    Was it toote to exchange his mother with someone else? Too bad he didn¡¯t have a receipt even if he wanted to. ¡°So what you are trying to say is that you are having fun bullying your son by throwing marbles at him while he is in a half squat position?¡± he asked the sarcasm in that statement as real as day.


    Her fingers froze for a moment as she wore an expression like she was seriously considering it. After a long silence, she said, ¡°Um yah... my face is already like this because of you so why can¡¯t I have a little fun bullying you? Now quit whining and hold still.¡±


    ¡°Ouch... it¡¯s as though you had a son just to bully them,¡± cried Zi Han as another marble was thrown hitting his thigh. When he bought those on sta he didn¡¯t think they would be weaponized. Leave it to his mother to turn something harmless into a hazard that should be banned.


    At the time he bought them, he thought they looked pretty and nice to look at. Who knew they would also be nice to throw so much so that his mother wouldn¡¯t stop. The sad part was that she still had an entire crystal bowl full of them.


    .....


    Zi Xingxi was currently holding a purple one with shimmering sparkles inside aiming it at her son¡¯s leg with her tongue sticking out at the corner of her lips when her light brain made a buzzing sound before it was forcibly connected.


    An A5 size hologram popped up in front of her with her father¡¯s livid face. ¡°Dad,¡± she eximed as she ced her feet down in a hurry.


    ¡°DRUGS, DRUGS!!! THAT BRAT GOT CAUGHT UP IN DRUGS AND YOU DIDN¡¯T TELL ME!!! WHERE IS HE? I AM GOING TO STRANGLE HIM TO DEATH!!!¡± yelled Zi Feiji with his roar shaking the apartment to its core and scaring the birds outside the window.


    Zi Han who was half squatting at the end of the corridor was so terrified that he wanted to run into his room and hide under the bed. At this rate, he would rather take his chances with the boogeyman who is said to lurk under beds.


    Heck, if it came to it he would shove the bogeyman from under the bed and upy the entire hiding spot just to get away from that man roaring through his mother¡¯s light brain. That¡¯s how terrifying that voice bellowing through the light brain was. They had never met but his fear for his grandfather was almost instinctual.


    His knees subconsciously trembled as he waved his hands frantically gesturing to his mom to say he wasn¡¯t around.


    Zi Xingxi was rubbing her ear that was aching from the roar when she saw her son waving his arms around like the wacky wavy intable tube guy. She chortled before saying, ¡°He is here doing a half squat as punishment. He says he wants to talk to you.¡±


    Zi Han, ¡°???¡±


    Was this woman even his mother or he was picked up from the street. He exaggeratedly mouthed, ¡°No no no no,¡± but his mother tossed another marble at him and mouthed,


    ¡°Don¡¯t you dare move.¡±


    ¡°Who wants to talk to that stupid brat? That annoying imbecile__,¡± said Zi Feiji only for Zi Xingxi to finish his sentence for him,


    ¡°Marshal Yi.¡± How did she know? It was because there was only one person her father addressed as an imbecile and could get him this angry was Marshal Yi.


    ¡°Yes him. Argh, I am so angry. He is disrespectful waltzing in here like he owns the ce. And you, I told you to stop smoking that poisonous thing but you never listen. You left a freaking cigarette bud, a cigarette bud at the freaking crime scene. How could you be that stupid?¡±


    Zi Xingxi, ¡°....¡±


    Now that she was the one getting scolded she wasn¡¯tughing anymore. She had to change the subject before her ears fall off from being yelled at by her dad.


    ¡°What does he want? I have already dealt with that Yi Feng person¡¯s supplier. The marshal should be thanking me for cleaning up this mess,¡± she said veering the topic in a different direction.


    Zi Feiji tsked as he slumped back into his chair. Tugging at his cor as though feeling ufortable he said, ¡°He wants you to show your sincerity otherwise he will dig into this and find Han Han.¡±


    Zi Xingxi nced over at the AP sniper rifle on the coffee table and asked in a nonchnt tone, ¡°Who does he want dealt with?¡±


    ¡°Whoever that rascal you killed worked for. He wants the head of the snake. Do me a favour and package the corpse in a box tied with a red bow and deliver it to his door. That should teach him not to fuck with me. Oh, and add two more hours on that brat¡¯s punishment. Argh, my hair is about to fall off from anger....¡±


    ¡°Mm, I will take care of it. Just don¡¯t worry about it. I will call you when it¡¯s done,¡± she replied before getting up to her feet.


    ¡°Okay, call me when it¡¯s done. I will send you the footage of that imbecile and his son. Maybe you can see something I missed,¡± said Zi Feiji followed by the tone of the video call getting hung up.


    Zi Xingxi took out a small hard shell ck suitcase and ced it on the table her expression much more serious than before. Zi Han who had listened in on the entire conversation bit his lip hesitating to ask. After gathering his courage he finally asked, ¡°Are you leaving?¡±


    Zi Xingxi clicked something on the barrel of the AP sniper rifle while saying, ¡°Unzip the suitcase for me.¡± Zi Han finally sighed as he stretched out his legs to get rid of the stiffness in his thighs. He hurriedly unzipped it as his mother said,


    ¡°You wait here obediently and__.¡±


    ¡°I want to go with you. This is my mess and it¡¯s only natural that Ie along,¡± interjected Zi Han with a determined look on his face. For a moment Zi Xingxi didn¡¯t know how to react. She knew she would eventually have to expose her son to such things but... in her heart he was still her little baobei.


    She didn¡¯t want him to grow up yet but since her baobei was old enough to involve himself in such terrible things then he was not so innocent anymore.


    CREATORS¡¯ THOUGHTS


    Andru_9788 Andru_9788


    Hello guys. Here is the first chapter for the week. I will try release a chapter a day for the next three days.


    Please review,ment, vote and add this to your collection to show some love to this new project.

 Chapter 20

    Chapter 20: I will make you a eunuch


    ¡°Do you really want to go?¡± asked Zi Xingxi repeating the question as she removed her hair tie wrapped around her wrist.


    Zi Han subconsciously swallowed his saliva as he clenched his fists. ¡°Yes,¡± he replied as his mother handed him the AP sniper rifle. Zi Han looked down at that sleek power weapon in his mother¡¯s hand and couldn¡¯t help but feel a little nervous.


    ¡°You know what this trip means, right?¡± she asked her tone much more serious than before. She stared straight into his eyes and said, ¡°This is it..... There won¡¯t be turning back if you take this step.¡±


    As she said this she moved the AP sniper rifle a little forward closer to his hand.


    Zi Han¡¯s heart pounded hard against his chest his palms sweating in nervousness. He always dreamt of enlisting in the military and had studied various weapons in the simtor at school and at the extra curriculum centre his mother signed him up for but that wasn¡¯tparable to the real thing. Now that his virtual world became his reality he was a little nervous.


    But no matter how nervous he was his decision remained the same. This is what he wanted though the route wasn¡¯t necessarily the same. His gaze fell back on that sniper rifle before he stretched out his hand and took it from her.


    Zi Xingxi rxed as a small smile appeared on her face. She hoped her son would join the military because she knew how dangerous this world was.


    .....


    One minute there is peace and people are living regr lives only for things to descend into chaos the next. At least if that happened then her son would be able to protect himself. If he wasn¡¯t as epting of a career in the military then she wouldn¡¯t force him but she would make sure he gets adequate training on the side all for his future survival.


    ¡°Pack everything up. We need to be out of here in five,¡± she said before turning away and striding to her bedroom.


    As soon as she left Zi Han stared at the open suitcase with pockets shaped like various guns with a hint of fascination. His blood rushed to his brain as he knelt in front of the coffee table with the sniper rifle in his hand.


    He wasn¡¯t certain how to feel as he stared at the peacemaker energy shotgun, the B3 wingman sidearm, the Hammond semi-automatic and SA-3 Mozambiqueser shotgun pistol scattered on the coffee table.


    He carefully ced the AP sniper rifle in its ce in the suitcase with his fingers tracing the weapon with a hint of excitement. He carefully studied each piece before cing them in their rightful positions in the suitcase.


    Just as he ced thest one in the suitcase he heard his mother¡¯s soft voice saying, ¡°Would you like me to get you a room and leave you with them. I mean..... if you want some alone time I can make arrangements,¡± she said with her shoulder leaning against the wall and her arms crossed on her chest.


    Zi Han hurriedly shook his head as he closed the suitcase before cing it upright on the floor and pulling up the retractable handle like he was ready to go. Zi Xingxi sighed as she unfolded her crossed arms. She walked toward him and fixed his hair that was hanging on his forehead while saying, ¡°When will you stop making me worry about you? Go and grab a thick jacket. It¡¯s going to get super cold.¡±


    Zi Han nodded his head and rushed over to his room picking up any jacket he could find. He pulled a yellow puffer jacket from the closet and rushed back while putting his hands through the sleeves.


    When he came out his mother had already put on herfortable shoes. She was standing by the door holding the suitcase handle waiting for him. When he appeared she rolled the suitcase towards him before opening the door to leave.


    ZI Han caught the handle easily and quickly put on his sneakers. When he exited the door his mother was standing in the corridor tying her thick hair up. ¡°Let¡¯s go,¡± she said leading the way. Zi Han closed the door and the two walked down the corridor.


    Some kids chasing each other in the hallway ran past them. Seeing that her son was going to get bumped by these little rascals she draped her arm across his shoulders and pulled him to her side. ¡°Hello auntie Zi,¡± echoed the sounds of the kids greeting Zi Xingxi as they ran past.


    She smiled while saying, ¡°You better be careful while running at the stairs.¡±


    A series of ¡®yes¡¯ and ¡®yes auntie¡¯ echoed in the hallway before the little brats disappeared at the corner. Zi Xingxi turned her head only for her steps to pause.


    In front of them was a little girl with neat pigtails. She was standing there with her hands behind her back while happily staring at Zi Han with sparkly eyes.


    ¡°Brother handsome why didn¡¯t you go to school today? I was waiting for you downstairs,¡± she said in a milky voice.


    Zi Han patted her head and said, ¡°Little Trixie have you forgotten it¡¯s a holiday? Stop sitting by the window waiting for me to pass by.¡±


    ¡°Oh,¡± she said cing her little index finger in her mouth before continuing, ¡°It seems I can¡¯t watch you through the window anymore. Mama says you poured Mrs Cheng¡¯s bath water on her yesterday so I am not allowed anymore.¡±


    Zi Han smiled and he was about tofort her when his mother leaned down and said, ¡°That¡¯s because your mama loves gossip a lot. Tell her next time she might lose an eye if she keeps sticking her nose in other people¡¯s business.¡± She smiled sweetly while gently pinching little Trixie¡¯s cheek.


    The little girl giggled before saying, ¡°Can brother handsomee y wedding with me? Last time Le was the bride and I didn¡¯t get my turn to marry brother handsome.¡±


    Zi Han got a slight headache recalling how his mother punished him when he came homete. She made him y with the group of little girls in theplex for an entire day. So yes, he ended up being a groom ying pretend wedding. By the time these little divas were done with him, he had scary makeup on his face like the Joker from Batman.


    ¡°Nope, your brother handsome won¡¯t be around to y anymore. Just go tell Le that brother handsome is going to divorce her. He is taking on a vow of chastity,¡± said Zi Xingxi while dragging her son along past little Trixie.


    Little Trixie seemed pleased that Le was no longer the favoured one but she couldn¡¯t understand the meaning of the word ¡®chastity¡¯ so she asked, ¡°Auntie Zi, what is chasisity?¡± pronouncing it wrong.


    Zi Han resisted the urge tough as his mother corrected her, ¡°Its chastity and if you want to know the meaning go ask your mother.¡±


    ¡°Okay,¡± she replied before running away.


    Zi Han, who had just caught her meaning asked, ¡°Vow of chastity?¡±


    Zi Xingxi¡¯s tone became serious as she pulled him into the staircase. ¡°You dare fall in love early and get a girl pregnant I will make you a eunuch.¡±


    Zi Han felt his balls shrink into his skin as though camouging themselves hiding from Zi Xingxi. What made it even more terrifying was that she would actually do it. She really wasn¡¯t fucking around.


    CREATORS¡¯ THOUGHTS


    Andru_9788 Andru_9788


    Sorry for the dy. I am still trying to get used to writing at night.


    Please do leave reviews andments. I would love to hear from you guys. And since the uploads are still sporadic you can collect this project to receive notifications.


    I hope you enjoyed it. Thank you.

 Chapter 21

    Chapter 21: Let mama show you how to live itrge


    Zi Han was dragged along down the stairs while thinking that if he sees a girl that makes his heart tter he should stay as far away as possible from them. No girl was worth his little brother getting snipped off.


    Before he knew it they were outside the building and in front of him was a Spectra hovercar Aurora series awaiting their arrival. He already knew his mother was formidable and his grandfather a legend but not this much.


    In front of him was a luxurious hovercar, a god among mortals. It was the kind of vehicle that boys dreamt of owning as a sign that they had finally made it. Zi Han wasn¡¯t a car enthusiast but he could tell at a nce that this right here was an expensive vehicle with high-end features that go above and beyond with a sleek design. The design of the vehicle superseded that of ancient earth¡¯s sports cars. The entire vehicle was ck but its headlights and the side of its doors were lit up with a luminous dark green.


    And what was the source of that dark green luminous light? It was itrium one of the most expensive self-regenerating energy stones. In conclusion, this hovercar was something his mother who lived in a run-down apartment owned.


    ¡°Are... are we getting in that?¡± he stammered out an obvious question with his feet frozen on the spot.


    ¡°What do you think?... Come on, let mama show you how to live itrge,¡± she said as the back door slid open inviting them in. The advanced driver-assistance system was turned on exining the absence of a driver. It seemed his mother had summoned the hovercar on her light brain when he wasn¡¯t looking.


    Zi Han sat next to his mother his head spinning due to the numerous questions in his mind. He wanted answers to so many questions but he didn¡¯t know where to start. Should he ask about the hovercar first or the guns? He really didn¡¯t know.


    .....


    While his brain was going haywire thinking about what to ask first a holographic disy popped up at the centre of the vehicle and a pretty face with natural makeup and lustrous shoulder-length hair appeared.


    The beautiful woman was about to say something when she saw Zi Han. Their two gazes met in a ¡®I look at you, you look at me¡¯ moment. ¡°AAAHHHHH! Young sir is so handsome!¡±


    Zi Han, ¡°????¡±


    He almost coughed out a mouthful of blood after hearing that voice. The voice didn¡¯t match her face at all. It was slightly deep andcked the characteristics of a melodious voice that should belong to a goddess. From what he could gather it was the voice of a male god rather than a goddess.


    Before he could say anything offensive his mother said, ¡°That¡¯s auntie Feng. She had gender reassignment surgery and she is going for voice feminization surgery next month. Oh, and you better stick to her preferred pronouns otherwise she will fuck you up and I won¡¯t do anything to save you,¡± while tapping something on the holographic screen floating in front of her.


    Zi Han had little to no reaction as he greeted her politely, ¡°Hello Auntie Feng. It¡¯s a pleasure to meet you.¡± What hadn¡¯t he seen in the streets of the surface city? There were interspecies kids between humans and natives from variouss conquered by the federation army. Gender reassignment was at the very bottom of the list of things that could surprise him. Like his mother taught him, people can do as they wish as long they aren¡¯t breaking anyws or endangering anyone¡¯s lives.


    Auntie Feng¡¯s expression beamed with stars in her eyes as her hands pressed down on her cheeks. ¡°Kawai!!!! Young sir is so adorable and has great taste in fashion. You look sunny in that jacket,¡± she said pointing at the yellow puffer jacket on his body.


    Zi Han was a little fluttered. This was the only clothing item he got to choose by himself. His mother would always choose clothes for him and they were mostly ck, white and red. On his sixteenth birthday, he was given the choice to pick his winter jacket and he picked this.


    He liked it very much but he had to endure his mother mockingly calling him a sunflower and if he wore it with ck jeans she would call him a bumblebee and no she didn¡¯t mean bumblebee as in transformers but an actual bumblebee.


    ¡°Don¡¯t say that, don¡¯t encourage him. He looks like a fuckin bee,¡± said Zi Xingxi. As


    expected she was dumping on his esthetics.


    ¡°Don¡¯t mind sister Xi Xi, she is just jealous. Young sir looks handsome,¡± eximed Auntie Feng with a genuine smile.


    Zi Han suppressed a smile as he replied, ¡°Thank you, auntie Feng looks dashing in maroon. It matches your eyes.¡±


    Zi Xingxi, ¡°WTF!¡±


    ¡°You stay away from her as well. Just because she can¡¯t get pregnant doesn¡¯t mean you should flirt with her,¡± said Zi Xingxi without looking in his direction.


    ZI Han, ¡°....¡±


    He was just being polite how could this be mistaken for flirting. ¡°Ai sister Xi Xi, you are overthinking it. He is just being nice,¡± said Auntie Feng before mouthing, ¡®Call me,¡¯ while Zi Xingxi had her head down.


    Unfortunately, it was as though Zi Xingxi had developed a third eye on her forehead. She said, ¡°He won¡¯t be calling you ever so how about you give me an update instead.¡±


    ¡°Uh uh sister Xi Xi, no need to be upset. I was just kidding. Rivera has docked five minutes away and I have located the person you were looking for. The stealth cruiser is up and ready,¡± she said her expression much more serious than before.


    ¡°Mn, forward the details to my light brain,¡± replied Zi Xingxi before minimizing the holographic screen in front of her.


    ¡°Anything you want to say?¡± asked Zi Xingxi after noticing how fidgety he was in the corner of her eye.


    Zi Han of course, had a lot of things to say, a lot of questions to ask but where should he begin? After his brain short-circuited several times he finally came up with a well-worded question but just as the words were about to escape his lips he saw the very same models of spectra series hovercars emerge from the streets ahead and behind them sandwiching their car in


    the middle.


    A convoy of luxurious vehicles filled the street travelling at a fast speed as though escorting important delegates. The words Zi Han wanted to ask suddenly changed to something else when they left his lips. ¡°What are you?¡± he asked with a couple of question marks hovering above his head.


    A mischievous glint shed in Zi Xingxi¡¯s eyes as she said, ¡°I am a devil straight from hell and you are my little demon baby. Come let mum pinch that face,¡± before dragging him over to pinch those cheeks that looked like soft tofu.


    CREATORS¡¯ THOUGHTS


    Andru_9788 Andru_9788


    Sorry for the dy. I will do better this week.


    Happy reading!

 Chapter 22

    Chapter 22: Sensitive topics


    ¡°Ah wait wait wait don¡¯t..... ma!¡± yelled Zi Han as he struggled out of her arms but after being pinched a couple of times he wilted like a wet puppy at the groomers as she pinched him to her heart¡¯s content. By the time the hovercar drove into a fencedpound with a starship docked in the middle of the property Zi Han¡¯s cheeks have been pinched red.


    As soon as they stepped out secretary K bowed before her saying, ¡°Boss.... Young si-,¡± when his voice abruptly paused. That¡¯s because the redness on Zi Han¡¯s left cheek was especially eye-catching and the culprit was standing there with a nonchnt expression like she had nothing to do with it.


    Zi Han politely greeted the man in front of him with a vague sense of familiarity. He had definitely seen this face before but no matter how he scrutinised this face he couldn¡¯t tell where he had seen him. While Zi Han was observing secretary K, the subject of his interest was giving Zi Xingxi an update.


    As the three people walked towards the starship a myriad of hovercars drove into the cargo bay of Rivera. Zi Han followed the frame of the vehicle they came in as it drove into the cargo bay and his eyes almost popped out of their sockets.


    It was guns, luxurious cars and now a freaking corvette starship. What sort of business was his mother involved in?


    Zi Xingxi nced in her son¡¯s direction only to find him standing there stupidly drooling over the starship. At this rate, he would pass out after seeing her Imperial-ss warship renamed after him.


    ¡°Aiya tsk.... this child. Don¡¯t go stupid on me. Your grandfather will kill me if anything happens to you,¡± she said draping her arms around Zi Han¡¯s shoulder and dragging him along.


    .....


    The three people walked into the cargo hold and echoes of respectful greetings came one after the other. A few crew members were busying about. With the addition of eight to ten more men and three women emerging from the hovercars, the cargo hold became very lively.


    Who didn¡¯t want to see the young sir they had been watching from a distance ever since he was a little dumpling? Zi Xingxi proudly held on to her son like a doll as though afraid he would get robbed while showing off at the same time. If she didn¡¯t shut it down they would be here for hours on end. Zi Xingxi dragged him to the stealth cruiser with its engine running already.


    The inside was as dazzling as the outside and extremelyfortable. Zi Han sat down with his fingers on his temples rubbing them like he had a headache. His brain was about to explode from an information overload.


    Zi Xingxi nced over in his direction as she received a tablet-like device from secretary K. ¡°You can ask me anything, I will answer truthfully,¡± she said while ying the footage of Marshal Yi and Yi Chen when they visited her father.


    ¡°Wha-..... *sigh,¡± he said as he sat up


    straight dropping his hand from his forehead, ¡°what sort of business are you involved in?¡±


    Zi Xingxi, ¡°...¡±


    ¡°Why are you making me look like I am a mafia boss or something?¡± she said feeling a little aggrieved. She was far worse than the Mafia, okay.


    Zi Han¡¯s brows arched upwards waiting for the answer. ¡°... Well, are you?¡±


    Zi Xingxi snorted before saying, ¡°No but I am way worse than that.¡±


    Secretary K, ¡°???¡±


    Why was she scaring the young sir like that? ¡°Tsk, look at your face so ghastly white like a ghost. I am aw-abiding citizen..... mostly. For thousands of years, our family protected the imperial family which exins all this.... well, some of it. It¡¯s an organization known as the Bloodgarde. As for the family fortune that¡¯s from our itrium mining rights,¡± she exined in a cool and calm tone.


    Zi Han was a little surprised. Itrium was on the top three energy sources powering something as simple as hovercars to moreplex heavy vessels like the Federation Cradle which could carry half a¡¯s poption in an exodus mission.


    He didn¡¯t think that such a powerful resource people went to war over belonged to his family. But that¡¯s not what he was curious about. It was the term Bloodgarde that attracted his attention. He also knew that the royal family had long perished but he thought they were disbanded soon after that.


    ¡°I thought the Bloodgarde was disbanded after the incident,¡± he said recalling the video reporting the breaking news when the prince died which was still so popr on Onyx Federation Sta. It happened ages ago before he was born but the impact of that incident was still so strong that the video was still trending in the entire federation.


    Secretary K¡¯s emotionless eyes rippled as he stiffly stared straight into the distance struggling to not look in Zi Xingxi¡¯s direction so as not to expose anything. The young sir hadn¡¯t been informed yet on who his father was and based on the way Zi Xingxi was behaving it seemed like she didn¡¯t n on telling him the truth.


    Zi Xingxi recovered her calm appearance and said, ¡°Never mention that incident in front of me or your grandfather..... It¡¯s our sore spot. That was the first time we failed and it haunts us till this day.¡±


    Zi Han pressed his lips into a thin line as he lowered his head in understanding. He vowed not to mention this again as he sat there quietly like an obedient child. It seemed like this question was as sensitive as the question he asked about his father.


    When he was younger he was curious especially when he saw other kids getting picked up from school by their dads.


    At first, when asked the question his mother would brush him off either cursing at his father or saying you ask too many questions. No matter how hard he tried she wouldn¡¯t give him an answer.


    One time he drew a picture of him and his dad holding hands as he picked him up from school. At that time he was just trying to probe his mum and find out where his father was.


    That day Zi Xingxi was already in a terrible mood. She was drinking in the sitting room with a stick of incense lit in the middle of the table.


    At that age, he couldn¡¯t read the atmosphere fast enough so he gave her the drawing with a beaming smile and said, ¡°I drew this for dad. May you send it to him.¡±


    Zi Xingxi stared at the drawing for a long time clutching it tightly like she was going to tear it apart. Her eyes reddened as drops of tears wet the drawing staining the paper.


    This was the first time Zi Han had seen his mother cry. She wept silently as she held on to that drawing. Normally she wouldn¡¯t react this way but this was the anniversary of her husband¡¯s death. She was already fragile at this point and Zi Han¡¯s messy drawing was thest straw that broke the camel¡¯s back.


    Zi Han¡¯s little heart was shattered to pieces thus he vowed never to ask that question again. He didn¡¯t want to make his mum sad. He just didn¡¯t know that other than asking about his father his mother also had another topic she was so sensitive about and didn¡¯t want to talk about.


    Zi Xingxi ruffled his hair infort as the dark cloud over her head simmered down.

 Chapter 23

    Chapter 23: I just want to talk to him


    Zi Xingxi was the very definition of resilience. It didn¡¯t take her long to bounce back as she changed the subject entirely. As for the new subject, Zi Han didn¡¯t like it very much.


    Zi Xingxi had watched the footage of the Marshal and his kid when they came over to harass her father. At first, she had focused on the Marshal but soon her gaze shifted to Yi Chen. Something was off. Her years of experience told her that this young man had fought with someone recently.


    Though his posture was upright and his expression as nk as a sheet of paper she could still see the subtle signs. A mischievous grin crept up her face as she nced over in her son¡¯s direction her eye twitching.


    While she was searching for Yi Chen¡¯s most recent image she called out to her son. ¡°Han Han, do you remember what the person who hit you looks like.¡±


    Zi Han¡¯s body visibly stiffened recalling that painful incident. ording to his mother¡¯s personality, she will turn over every rock in the entire federation just to find the culprit who messed him up. Why, why did that guy have to hit him in the face? Tsk, next time he will pick his fights carefully.


    ¡°Um, I..... I don¡¯t remember his face clearly,¡± he said trying as much as possible to restrain his emotions from appearing on his face. Ah, but he was such a novice at this. He wouldn¡¯t and couldn¡¯t win against an old fox like Zi Xingxi.


    ¡°Trust me with that face of his you would remember him at a nce. It¡¯s an unforgettable face,¡± she said while staring at him like an interrogator grilling a suspect to confess his crimes. She was always like this.


    .....


    When he was six he robbed her egg tart from the fridge and at that time he had no idea how valuable that sweet dessert was to her. That¡¯s the thing, Zi Xingxi can share anything with her son that includes her shoes, makeup and even perfume (That¡¯s a story for another day) but not her egg tart.


    Her crazy obsession with egg tart stems from her rtionship with her husband. That was the dessert he bought for her the day he confessed his feelings so she wouldn¡¯t share it with anyone including her son.


    So when this little thief robbed it from the fridge despite her cing a big sticky note saying, ¡°Mummy¡¯s property,¡± and repeatedly telling him that that egg tart was Mummy¡¯s, he was interrogated for a full three hours. Back then little Zi Han was so stubborn he refused to admit it. That day his story changed several times using rats, a ghost and a robber climbing through the window even with the evidence of his crime smudged on his face.


    That gruesome three hours left a psychological shadow on him. This meant that it didn¡¯t take him long to crack under her stern gaze. Zi Han could lie to anyone but not his mother. Under her probing gaze, he was already sweating bullets.


    Zi Xingxi smiled like a rogue watching him squirm like this. ¡°Here, take a look. Was this the guy who hit you?... Take your time, I can wait,¡± she said disying a holographic image of a handsome face unique to the federation.


    Secretary K sympathized with Yi Chen. Zi Xingxi was petty when it came to her son which meant her retaliation was going to be severe. ¡°That..... um..... I, I uh,¡± stammered Zi Han. He felt bad throwing this man under the bus more especially when he was the one who escted things on purpose. If his mother went to find trouble with the other party then wouldn¡¯t that be embarrassing? It¡¯s like a school tyrant¡¯s mother going to find trouble with the bullied party because her son got beaten. How shameful is that?


    ¡°I uh um what? You know you can¡¯t lie to me,¡± she said as the image vanished at the wave of her hand.


    Zi Han looked at her with a helpless expression his eyes begging her to let it go. The answer was clear. Zi Han fought with Yi Chen in sky city and oh boy was she going to make him pay.


    Seeing him looking like SpongeBob staring at her pitifully she couldn¡¯t help butfort him, ¡°I just want to talk to him.¡±


    Secretary K almost rolled his eyes hearing this. Since when did she start acting reservedly? Even Zi Han didn¡¯t believe her. Seeing the worry in her son¡¯s eyes deepen she said again, ¡°I seriously just want to talk to him,¡±


    After saying that she whispered something into Secretary K¡¯s ear before he left with an ¡®I was right¡¯ expression. What talk to him? She was obviously going to retaliate.


    Zi Han felt so awkward that he started a random conversation. Maybe it was to dispel his guilty conscience. ¡°What about my grandma? You never mention her,¡± he asked.


    Zi Xingxi took out two coin-shaped objects that seemed a little peculiar while replying, ¡°I am an artificial womb baby... Your grandfather didn¡¯t like the drama thates with marriage so he picked high-quality genes that matched his at the gene bank and here I am.¡¯


    Zi Han, ¡°???¡±


    ¡°How unromantic,¡± he said now realizing that his mother¡¯s certain behaviours could be because of this. She had a unique approach to being a mum. Sometimes she behaved more like a dad than a mum. Other mums in the neighbourhood would run over when their babies fell while they were ying in the yground but his mother would remain sitting with a beer in her hand while asking, ¡°Is it bleeding?¡± If not then she would wave her hand and say, ¡°Then you are fine.¡±


    Don¡¯t misunderstand her. She loved him to the world¡¯s end but she just had a unique way of showing it.


    ¡°Do you have a mech?¡± he askedpletely going off-topic with the questions. It seemed the questions were now flowing out of him like a barrage ofments.


    ¡°Yes.....,¡± she replied as a three-dimensional image appeared in front of him. It was a silver and green mech that stood tall exuding a majestic aura that sent shivers all over Zi Han¡¯s body.


    This mech was part of an exclusive series special to high ranking dignitaries of the federation. That included the Marshal, thete prince and of course, the leader of the Bloodgarde. The fact that it was in Zi Xingxi¡¯s hands was because her father gave it to her.


    ¡°Chro-chronos?¡± stammered Zi Han his heart dropping to the floor. Zi Han wasn¡¯t into luxury vehicles and fancy homes but he was absolutely into mechs. Which kid in the federation wasn¡¯t? There were plenty of mechs in the military and the prime minister¡¯s office with exceptional specs but this mech, Chronos, was part of the famous three known as the three cmities. The other was with the marshal and thest one was currently missing and no one could find it.

 Chapter 24

    Chapter 24: Second thoughts


    Mechs were one of Onyx federation¡¯s most revered technology. They were a necessary investment in the federation as they directly contributed to the survival of their ancestors during the exodus. So despite being in a rtively peaceful era mechs were on the priority list right next to battlecruisers.


    The federation was constantly upgrading its mechs improving on speed, armour and weapon variety. In the federation, they were generally four mech types on the market. Light, medium, heavy and assault mechs with thergest weighing about 100 tonnes.


    The three cmities belonged in the assault mechs category but unlike most mechs, in this ss, their speed and weaponry systems were beyond their time. And because of their advanced nanotec, they had the ability to resize themselves and adapt to different circumstances.


    Anyone in the federation with mental power could pilot a mech. The difference in which mech one could pilot stemmed from one¡¯s mental power ranking. D mental power ranking personnel couldn¡¯t pilot an A-ss mech. Likewise, an A mental power rankings personnel couldn¡¯t operate an SS ss mech.


    The three cmities were SSS ranked mechs which was a rare trait one could achieve in the federation. At mental power rankings of B and above there is also something rather special that not many could awaken. That is one¡¯s spirit beast.


    It was named so but in essence, it didn¡¯t have a physical form. Rather it was better described as immense energy forms that manifest themselves at the heightened release of one¡¯s mental strength. Be it in physicalbat or when one pilots a mech this spirit beast can manifest at the peak of one¡¯s mental strength.


    Anything to do with mechs and spirit beasts would captivate Zi Han¡¯s attention. Thus his ceaseless questions following the revtion that his mother owned Chronos.


    .....


    ¡°So can I pilot it?¡± he asked seriously as he scooched over his eyes as bright as pearls.


    Zi Xingxi, ¡°???¡±


    ¡°You do realize you are far short in the mental power department, right? You can¡¯t pilot it even if you want to.¡±


    Zi Han knew this very well but couldn¡¯t help it. Two days ago if one had told him that his mother was in possession of one of the most powerful mechs in the federation he would have beat that person up for ying a prank on him. He would have made an example out of that person so no one would dare mess with him like that again.


    Zi Han bit his bottom lip a little flustered. He had to improve his mental power ranking fast so he can test drive the legendary Chronos.


    ¡°Here, take off your jacket and put this on. We will bending in five minutes,¡± she suddenly said tossing one of the coin-shaped objects in his direction.


    Zi Han caught it and scrutinized it for a second. As the stealth cruiser descended he saw his mother stick the device on her chest as she got up to her feet. He took off his puffer jacket before continuing with his examination of this strange device.


    ¡°Ma¡¯am, the target is meeting with suppliers ten kilometres east,¡± spoke secretary K through amunicator.


    ¡°Alright, prepare to sweep the ce clean after I am done,¡± she responded while cing a transparent earpiece in Zi Han¡¯s ear.


    ¡°Yes boss,¡± he replied as the door slid open revealing the phenomenal world outside. They were in a desert with red sand as vast as the sea.


    Zi Han¡¯s brows furrowed as he stared into the distance. This ce was also a part of Saarilia, a less popr part. Who would have thought this would be the perfect ce for a drug kingpin to do shady deals.


    Seeing his dazed appearance Zi Xingxi sighed as she tapped the device she gave Zi Han earlier. ck nanoparticles emerged and began surrounding his body creating a form-fitting protective gear.


    ¡°This....,¡± he said but he couldn¡¯t even finish his sentence. One could understand his astonishment. It was as though the world within the simtor hade to life and became his new reality.


    Zi Xingxi held both his shoulders and said, ¡°From now on stay focused. This is very important.¡± Zi Han nodded earnestly and watched her unzip the hard suitcase before taking out the AP sniper rifle.


    She tapped the coin-shaped device on her chest and as the nanoparticles morphed she exited the sheath cruiser with a strange aura surrounding her body.


    After taking two steps Zi Xingxi realized he wasn¡¯t behind her so she looked back and smiled, ¡°Keep up unless you are having second thoughts.¡±


    Zi Han hastily caught up with her. What second thoughts? He was just a little shaken by the killing intent surrounding her body that he subconsciously froze.


    His mother always had a ¡®don¡¯t fuck with me¡¯ aura towards strangers but this version of her waspletely foreign to him. The two didn¡¯t walk far before she set up a sniper¡¯s nest.


    As shey her body on the ground the nanoparticles around her body adapted to the environment and blend in like a chameleon. Her sense of presence had reduced sharply as she became part of the environment.


    Zi Han followed suit as Secretary K¡¯s voice rang in his ear. ¡°Targets ETA..... five minutes.¡±


    ¡°En,¡± replied Zi Xingxi as she looked through the scope. Zi Han felt his heart beat in his ears as he stared at her his eyes brimming with curiosity, excitement and slight nervousness. Such conflicting feelings swirled around in his chest almost making it hard for him to breathe.


    Her aura waspletely different from her usual self. The carefree and nonchnt version of herself hadpletely vanished reced with a solemn disciplined self who had one goal in mind.


    Her temperament had taken a great shift like she had multiple personality disorder. Discipline, steadfastness, ambition, rationality and emotional intelligence. The other persona exhibited all the above. She was like an entirely different person.


    Zi Han wanted to be like her. Most children want to take after their parents and choose the same career as them when they are young but as they grow up they don¡¯t necessarily keep the same mindset.


    But Zi Han had made up his mind in histe teens. His goal was always the military but now he wanted to be a part of the Bloodgarde.

 Chapter 25

    25 Mum..... let me


    ¡°Mum... let me,¡± he whispered with an eager gaze that made it difficult for one to refuse.


    Zi Xingxi who had just spotted her target and his aplices looked in his direction her finger moving off the trigger. She was about to reprimand him reminding him that this isn¡¯t child¡¯s y when she saw a rather familiar look in his eyes.


    It was the same look she gave to her father the first time they went on vacation only to encounter space pirates hijacking a civilian transporter. At that time, her father had exchanged heated words with the renegade and threatened to blow up his entire fleet if he didn¡¯t step down.


    What did she do back then? The eight year old interrupted him asking, ¡°Is he a bad guy?¡±


    Zi Feiji, ¡°Yes, honey.¡±


    Zi Xingxi, ¡°Oh, did he hurt innocent people?¡±


    Zi Feiji, ¡°Yep.¡±


    Long silence...


    Zi Xingxi, ¡°Then will the world be better off without him?¡±


    .....


    Zi Feiji, ¡°Yes, it would probably be much more sunnier than yesterday..... wait, why are you.....? Xixi no!¡±


    Boom!!!


    Zi Xingxi, ¡°Look daddy, I made the world sunnier.¡±


    As she said those words the inky darkness in space was lit brightly by a series of massive explosions spanning over a distance of one light-year.


    That wasn¡¯t even the most disturbing part. What was most disturbing was her uracy. The civilian transporter was left untouched while the pirate fleet lit up space like a sun was exploding.


    It seemed him bringing her along everywhere he went had resulted in her mimicking his behaviour including urately locking on targets using the sophisticated defence system in his warship.


    Seeing that she didn¡¯t respond for a long time, Zi Han exined. ¡°I was the one who did something wrong so I should be the one showing my sincerity... I will take responsibility.¡±


    ¡°Sincerity my ass..... you just want to fire that rifle, don¡¯t you?¡± she said her eyes narrowing as she scrutinized him.


    Zi Han who had been caught in his web of lies nervously scratched his head while saying, ¡°It¡¯s a little bit of both... okay, mostly thetter. I can do it.¡±


    His fingers were really itchy. All his life he never felt discontented. He was satisfied with the way things were but for some reason, in this moments he felt a strong feeling of ipletion like he had never beenplete before.


    Zi Xingxi knew she shouldn¡¯t allow him to but like he said this was his mistake and he should show his sincerity to Marshal Yi. From that look in her son¡¯s eyes, she could see that he wouldn¡¯t be resigned if he didn¡¯t get this chance. If he felt nervous she could always take it away from him.


    With that in mind, she shifted to her left side with her elbow propping up her body and handed over the sniper rifle to him. She didn¡¯t miss that raw look of fascination, passion and slight restlessness in her son¡¯s eyes.


    In this moment her little boy wasn¡¯t just a cute sunflower in a puffer jacket but a man who had found his calling. Even his aura at this moment had changed like she was looking at someone else.


    She could see herself in him, she could also see her father in him. Unfortunately, she could also see that person in him. That person who left her without warning causing her so much pain and sorrow.


    She could now understand why her father never actively sought out love. It was because people leave and when they do they leave a permanent deep scar in their loved ones¡¯ hearts.


    At least she had her son. She would teach him everything she knows so he wouldn¡¯t leave as well. This is one of the reasons why she was willing to bring him here. She just didn¡¯t think it would be so soon.


    Zi Han wasn¡¯t as calm as he appeared. His hands and feet were a little sweaty clearly demonstrating his nervousness. He knew the minute he decided to do this he had reached a point of no return. His mind was chaotic with a cocktail of diverse emotions but he knew he had to reorganize his thoughts.


    The coolness from his fingers rubbing against the pistol grip of the rifle chilled his sweaty fingers calming him down considerably. Just like in the simtor he lowered his head and peered through his scope.


    An overwhelming sense ofpletion washed over his body as he exhaled deeply. His prior nervousness hadpletely vanished. It was as though the rifle was an extension of him. It was like a part of his body that had been missing for years.


    Through the scope, Zi Han saw three heavy-duty hovercars and two hoverbikes raising the dust in the desert. ¡°Confirm target,¡± he said in a hoarse voice devoid of all his childishness from before.


    Zi Xingxi naturally epted her position as the spotter looking through the pair of binocrs. Her expression seemed serious but if one looked closely they might see the slight smile at the corner of her lips. The vehicles in the distance stopped and a group of men came out of the ck hovercars.


    In her mind, she heard a voice she could only hear enthusiastically saying, ¡®Master, that¡¯s the redhead bastard. He is the one running the show. Let¡¯s end him.¡¯


    Zi Xingxi had muted the AI system in Chronos, forbidding it from talking while his son was there in fear that it might say what it shouldn¡¯t but in truth, it was all over the entire stealth cruiser begging to be let out of the dog house and talk to the young sir.


    ¡°Target confirmed..... initiate engagement sequence,¡± she said only for her to nce over and find that her son was already on it. She was proud that he was a natural at this but she couldn¡¯t help but be a little worried that she had unleashed a little beast in the process.

 Chapter 26

    26 Cousin¡¯s keeper


    ¡®Master, why are we letting our cute sunflower do this? Wuwuwu..... he still a little baba yet my heartless master is making him lose his innocence wuwuwu,¡¯ said Chronos weeping inside Zi Xingxi¡¯s mind.


    Her lip twitched as she reprimanded, ¡®Keep talking and I will mute youpletely.¡¯


    Chronos: QAQ


    It¡¯s truly hard to work for a tyrant.


    While Chronos was questioning its life choices an ear-splitting bang pierced the atmosphere as a bullet whizzed spiralling through the air before hitting the target on his back.


    ¡°Shit,¡± he muttered before another shot rang out and this time the bullet shot straight into the man¡¯s brain before exiting the other way. He had missed his aiming spot on his first try but he had managed to recover quickly and fix it.


    He was a little disappointed but he couldn¡¯t afford to waste time. He still had other targets.


    BANG BANG BANG... BANG BANG!!!!!


    He fired a series of shots eliminating more than half the targets but the difficulty level had gone up a notch. The men hadn¡¯t figured out the sniper¡¯s position yet but they were now hiding behind the vehicles.


    .....


    Removing his finger from the trigger he said, ¡°I have fleeting targets,¡± to his mother who had witnessed the entire thing. She was so proud that she vowed to print a t-shirt saying, ¡®My baby is a sharpshooter,¡¯ but this wasn¡¯t the time to daydream.


    ¡°Then let¡¯s lure them out..... Secretary K back him up,¡± she said while looking through her binocrs.


    From a distance, a series of aggressive shots filled the air and the targets that were hiding just now were suddenly caught in a quagmire.


    Targeted from both sides the entire group of men wereid to waste all apart for one stubborn bastard who crawled into the hovercar and tried to drive off.


    Zi Han was prepared to take the shot with his finger on the trigger but his vision was obstructed by a mirage. He knew he wouldn¡¯t be able to seed as he wasn¡¯t experienced enough.


    ¡°Mirage,¡± he said and Zi Xingxi acted quickly.


    ¡°Swap,¡± she said as she rolled over with Zi Han getting out of her way. Like a devil eyeing its prey, she smiled maliciously while targeting the energy source of the fleeing hovercar.


    BANG!


    A loud explosion ripped through the tranquil dessert with a green mushroom cloud rising to the sky. ¡®Master I thought we were keeping a low profile? Lighting up the desert with fireworks is not keeping a low profile,¡¯ined Chronos having detected the dispatch of Saarilia military officers.


    ¡®How will I impress my son If I keep things low profile? First impressions are very important,¡¯ she replied in her mind as she got up. ¡°Pack up and let¡¯s go,¡± she said to Zi Han who was still lying on the ground.


    ¡®Thats what you said when you first saved his highness from his first assassination attempt but he didn¡¯t appreciate it very much,¡¯ replied Chronos dangerously diving into this forbidden topic.


    ¡®Tsk,¡¯ she tsked in annoyance while muting the insensitive AI before it could even beg for mercy while crying pitifully. She watched Zi Han get up but the moment he stood up she sensed something was wrong.


    She reached over to grab him but before she could reach him his hands trembled and his knees softened. He fell to the ground but before he could touch the hot desert sand a strong arm held him and pulled him up.


    Zi Xingxi was a little worried. She made him lean his entire weight on her body before walking back to the cruiser. She now regretted it. She shouldn¡¯t have let hime here in the first ce. ¡°K..... package the Marshal¡¯s gifts.¡±


    ¡°Yes ma¡¯am. Is the young sir alright?¡± he replied as he deployed drones to package up the special gifts and clean up the scene before the military officers arrived.


    ¡°He is fine. He is just a little shaken.... I really shouldn¡¯t have let hime,¡± she said as she gently ced him down on thefortable seat in the stealth cruiser.


    Secretary K didn¡¯t say anything for a long time. Zi Xingxi didn¡¯t expect him to say anything as well. It was as though she was talking out loud and just wanted someone to listen. She tapped something on Zi Han¡¯s chest and the nanoparticles morphed back into the coin-sized device.


    Kneeling before him she patted his cheeks calling out his name when she heard Secretary K say,


    ¡°If not today then it would eventually happen sooner. He is a replica of you Ma¡¯am and as shown in the prior incident he would find himself in simr situations in the future. At least his first time being in such a predicament he had you around for support. You didn¡¯t make the wrong decision.¡±


    Zi Xingxi, ¡°???¡±


    ¡°You just spoke a year¡¯s worth of words in one go. Wow, Secretary K, I was beginning to think your speech was limited to a thousand words a year.¡±


    Secretary K, ¡°...¡±


    Thats because this ma¡¯am is scary QAQ. He was so afraid of saying the wrong thing and triggering her. Even now his soul had flown off to Valha in fear.


    ***


    Atop the sky city of Saarilia, a military warship hovered above the tallest building in the city. That insignia on the hull of the warship with a sea serpent coiled in the centre of the crest was all telling.


    The way it posed aggressively bearing its fangs with its mouth wide open ready to strike was especially terrifying and an urate representation of the owner of the warship.


    But within this majestic warship, someone was far from that word. Yi Chen who had been banished to the training hall for six hours instantly wilted the moment the sliding door of his cabin closed shut.


    To maintain his image he had kept his back straight and his pace the same as he walked out of that training hall but in truth, his muscles were so sore that some were swollen.


    Because of Yi Feng, he was forced to endure hardcore training as punishment. He was indeed his ¡®brother¡¯s keeper¡¯ but in this case, it would be more urate to say ¡®cousin¡¯s keeper¡¯.

 Chapter 27

    27 Chronos has beef with Hydra


    Buzzing sounds from the light brain constantly receiving notifications echoed in the spacious cabin but because its owner wasn¡¯t in the room it kept on vibrating.


    From the other end of the cabin, one could hear the constant sounds of water running adding to the tranquil atmosphere in the room. The vibrations soon stopped with the light dimming having been neglected.


    But it turns out the person on the other end was resilient. They switched from sending constant messages to calling. A melodic ringtone filled the air breaking the short-lived silence. The sounds were meant to be calming to one¡¯s soul but the urgency of the caller ruined that effect.


    The bathroom suddenly swung open releasing a cloud of steam seeping out from the edges of the door. Wrapped in a bath towel on the lower half of his body, Yi Chen walked over to the closet while instructing the AI system linked to all his devices including his mech, ¡°Vega, please answer the call,¡± he said as he flicked open a bottle of lotion.


    ¡°Yes sir,¡± replied Vega and soon after a modted voice that didn¡¯t match the impatient rings followed through from the light brain.


    ¡°Yoh, you woke me up so early on my holiday to help you find someone yet you dare not respond to this ancestor¡¯s messages. You messaged at two fuckin a.m...¡±


    A dial tone followed as Yi Chen directly hung up on his friend. Less than a secondter that melodic sound rang again and this time Yi Chen picked up directly.


    ¡°Speak,¡± he said as the towel slipped from his lower half. He slipped into a pair of sweatpants his brows furrowed.


    ¡°Alright, alright Chen-ge. I haven¡¯t slept so I am a little upset. I found who you were looking for but I don¡¯t get it. Who is he?¡± asked Li Ran the curiosity tearing at his soul.


    .....


    He wasn¡¯t the curious type but when it came to this matter he was especially nosy. Why? It was because Yi Chen was perfunctory about everything and everyone all except training. So one can imagine his reaction when he received a message at two in the morning to find someone.


    He cried like an old father whose son had finally shown some interest in someone. But his happiness was short-lived. It wasn¡¯t some beautiful goddess but some brat from the surface city of Saarilia. It was because of this that he wanted to know the story of how this came about.


    ¡°Someone I fought with. Are you satisfied,¡± replied Yi Chen putting on a ck t-shirt before swiping the light brain disy screen floating midair.


    ¡°Someone actually dared to pick a fight with you. They are thousands of ways to die yet they had the balls to pick you? Interesting,¡± replied Li Ran his curiosity ignited further.


    ¡°Are you are talking more nonsense than usual because you are tired. Go and sleep,¡± said Yi Chen as he stared at the thumbnail of the security footage from the surface city.


    ¡°Fine, fine... I will hang up first,¡± replied Li Ran followed by another dial tone ending the call.


    Yi Chen swiped the disy and it was magnified ten times. With an unusually rxed aura that is rarely seen by outsiders, he sat in the chair facing the table. The video began to y but it was only for a short few seconds.


    Ever since the incident, he had been feeling a little unsettled especially when he heard that the drug den the young man was working for had been burnt to the ground and its upants killed.


    At first, he was very worried that something might have happened to him but when he met Zi Feiji and saw that uncanny resemnce he felt at ease. The former leader of the Bloodgarde wouldn¡¯t let anything happen to his grandson.


    The only problem was that he still wanted to see it with his own eyes. As to why he was adamant on this even he wasn¡¯t certain. Maybe it was his sense of guilt or something ying tricks on his mind. All he knew was that he couldn¡¯t sleep as the feeling kept poking at him.


    In annoyance, he messaged Li Ran at the witching hour just to find recent footage of that person.


    He originally thought it won¡¯t be a problem for Li Ran to find the surveince footage of him but apparently, he could only dig up a fleeting three-second footage on the surface city.


    It turns out Zi Xingxi had worked hard to erase any trace of this person except this three-second low-resolution footage. Feeling a sense of ease he was about to take down the video when bam... the devil¡¯s face appeared on his erged screen.


    As to how this devil forcibly connected to his light brain? One would need to go back not less than twenty minutes ago.


    Zi Xingxi who had secretary K carry her son to the cabin in the Corvette starship was tucking Zi Han in the quilt because his sleeping habits are crappy as usual. When she tiptoed out of the cabin she was startled when she saw Lynn Feng a.k.a sister Feng standing right outside the door with an excited expression on her face.


    ¡°Shit..... Feng-jie, you do realise that I am a walking weapon, right? Do you still want your pretty face?¡±


    ¡°Uh uh I know I am wrong but I have exciting news,¡± she said almost blossoming like a yellow chrysanthemum in early spring.


    Zi Xingxi¡¯s expression turned ugly recalling what she had instructed her to do. ¡°He took the fuckin bait didn¡¯t he?¡± she asked and when she saw Lynn Feng nod her head she gnashed her teeth in annoyance.


    She deliberately asked Lynn Feng to leave some crumbs off her little Han Han on the surveince footage of the surface city. Who would have thought Yi Chen would actually look for her son.


    Seeing Zi Xingxi angrily storming off Lynn Feng got so exhrated. She liked the angry Zi Xingxi as long as the anger wasn¡¯t directed at her. It was both sexy and terrifying.


    As soon as she entered themand bridge of the starship she sat on Lynn Feng¡¯s seat. While Lynn Feng forced a connection with Yi Chen¡¯s light brain a certain AI that should have been barred from speaking suddenly said,


    ¡°I say we tear his ass apart, roast him then serve him on a tter to Marshal Yi. I can¡¯t wait to see the look on that stupid Hydra¡¯s face.¡±


    Lynn Feng, ¡°.....¡±


    ¡°You do realise your words could be misunderstood as something else, right?... And what¡¯s your beef with Hydra?¡±


    The Hydra they were referring to was Marshal Yi¡¯s mech and apparently, it had some beef with Chronos despite having never shed inbat.


    Zi Xingxi raised her feet and crossed them at the ankles while resting them at the edge of themand centre console. She raised her finger to silence Chronos with a devilish grin that sent shivers down the AI¡¯s nonexistent body.


    As soon as the connection was established Yi Chen¡¯s nk expression appeared in front of her. ¡°Hello, Yi Chen. I¡¯m pretty sure this doesn¡¯te as a surprise,¡± she said and in a ce, she couldn¡¯t see he was clenching his fist.

 Chapter 28

    28 She-devil


    Eerieughter reverberated from the erged screen giving Yi Chen chills all over his body. It seemed he kicked a baby elephant only for mama elephant to watch him within the shadows waiting for the perfect opportunity to stomp him to death.


    It was the worst kind of revenge. You know it¡¯sing but you don¡¯t know when or how it is going to happen. It¡¯s because of this that it keeps you on the edge. That¡¯s exactly how Yi Chen was feeling now staring at the she-devilughing evilly.


    Herughter suddenly died down and her face became as menacing as that of a resentful ghost out to cut down the people who wronged her.


    In her hands was a sharp silver object. She yfully poked the sharp end of the object on one of her fingertips her eyes drooping halfway. That face was an exact copy of the face he hit that day the only difference being the eyes. The aura was also different.


    Because of his background and his environment of growth, Yi Chen could sense those who had blood on their hands and this woman right here was drowning in it but her son was different. It made it very difficult for him to believe they were rted.


    ¡°Ah, judging from your expression you might not understand why I hacked your light brain and having this conversation with you. Since I am a generous person let me exin it,¡± she said with a malicious smile.


    One of her legs crossed at the ankles was shaking slightly indicating her restlessness. If Yi Chen wasn¡¯t the Marshal¡¯s son Lynn Feng swore that he would already be buried in an unmarked grave on some unknown where birds don¡¯t even shit.


    ¡°Two days ago my precious son who I painstakingly gave birth to by the way.... came back home with a nasty bruise on his face,¡± she said with her finger circling around the side of her face to show him the exact location of the bruise.


    ¡°And just now.... I found out that this has everything to do with you. So I decided to have a one on one meeting with you and give you a piece of advice.¡±


    .....


    As she said this her rxed posture drastically changed to that of a beast intimidating another predator for stepping into its territory


    ¡°Don¡¯t fuck with my son ever again otherwise I won¡¯t mind burning bridges with Marshal Yi just to get to you. Oh and I sincerely hope you had nothing of great importance in your light brain. If you do then I can only apologize in advance.¡±


    Soon after that, his light brain shut downpletely with everything in it gone. Even its self-regenerating energy source had been fried to a crisp rendering the device useless.


    Yi Chen wasn¡¯t easily shaken but even he had to admit that woman was very terrifying. He wouldn¡¯t want to cross paths with her in this lifetime.


    He regretted provoking her but now that it had already happened and he was now under her radar he could only stay as far away as possible from the pair of mother and son.


    ¡®Forget it, Let¡¯s just treat the incident as me being bitten by a dog,¡¯ he thought to himself as he picked up the fried light brain and tossed it in the trash.


    After throwing it out Yi Chen walked over to the bed and he was about to sleep it off and put everything that happened in Saarilia behind him. But just as his heady on the fluffy pillow Vega spoke up.


    ¡°Sir, I just received some information that the Marshal is throwing a fit,¡± it said its voice as calm and monotonous as ever which was a big contrast to Chronos.


    Yi Chen sighed as he pulled up the quilt. ¡°He will be fine,¡± he replied as his eyes shut involuntarily. He had had his fair share dealing with the crazy today and just wanted to sleep.


    ¡°But sir, it has something to do with Zi Xingxi,¡± it said effectively waking him up. That name was like a trigger word for himtely.


    ¡°Damn it,¡± he swore as he got out of bed and put on a pair of sneakers before storming out of his cabin. As he walked down the passageway he met a few crew members who saluted him and followed his figure with their eyes.


    This time it wasn¡¯t because he was a heartthrob but because he actually left his cabin dressed casually. He wasn¡¯t wearing his uniform or a suit. He was infortable home clothes which was something never seen before.


    His attraction index shot through the roof even though he was dressed in a pair of grey sweatpants, a ck t-shirt and a pair of white sneakers with his mech hanging around his neck.


    He looked more approachable but his expression remained as ice-cold as before exuding an unintentional ¡®stay the fuck away from me¡¯ aura. When he entered the cargo bay of the warship he could hear his father cursing at the top of his voice.


    Not certain what he was dealing with he stood by the railing with his hands squeezing the metal bars. If he was directly going to step into the fire he at least needed to know what kind of mes he was walking into.


    He looked down only to find his father standing there with fourteen ck boxes tied up with a red bow at his feet. One of the boxes was open and inside was a severed head.


    Yi Chen lowered his head having figured out what had happened. This was Zi Xingxi¡¯s show of sincerity and it was obviously done at themand of Zi Feiji.


    Since it wasn¡¯t a life and death situation Yi Chen decided to walk back to his cabin and sleep. But just as he turned on his heels his father cut the call with Zi Feiji as the screaming match had ended. His father happened to look up and saw him.


    ¡°Chen-er,e here...¡± yelled the Marshal his tone sounding more like an order than anything else.


    Yi Chen¡¯s steps paused and he pinched the bridge of his nose almost crying tears of blood. It seems he won¡¯t be sleeping any time soon.

 Chapter 29

    29 Dirty little secrets


    Hearing his father¡¯s words Yi Chen could only turn to the stairs and walk over to him. He was exhausted mentally, emotionally and physically but he didn¡¯t show it on his face. In evenly paced strides he walked over and his father¡¯s taut expression rxed significantly.


    ¡°Clean this up,¡± he said to the Admiral standing beside him before turning to his son. The man was especially efficient in ordering his subordinates that they managed to clean up the mess in a matter of seconds.


    Yi Chen¡¯s appearance had improved the Marshal¡¯s mood which wasn¡¯t going tost long so they had to take advantage of this opportunity and do their due diligence. While they busied themselves like ants, Marshal Yi turned to his son and said,


    ¡°That woman is as crazy as her father.¡±


    Yi Chen nced over at the boxes being carried away and acquiesced with a silent, ¡°En,¡± but in truth, he thought all three of them including his father were in the same category.


    ¡°I heard you exceeded the time limit in the training room. Was it that easy?¡± said the Marshal reaching over with his hand to push away the stray strands of hair on his son¡¯s forehead.


    He took a glimpse over what his son was wearing and a tinge of dissatisfaction shed in his eyes but it was only fleeting.


    ¡°It was challenging but I was displeased with my performance so I exceeded the time limit to improve my score,¡± he replied raking his fingers through his hair and pushing it back.


    ¡°Mn, up the difficulty level next time. You are going to be the future Marshal. You can¡¯t afford to have any weaknesses,¡± he replied with his hand on Yi Chen¡¯s shoulder while staring straight into his eyes.


    .....


    Yi Chen nodded his head in agreement. Seeing this Marshal Yi smiled as his gaze fell on the two inky armband strips on Yi Chen¡¯s arm. Recalling his conversation with his wife he sighed and said, ¡°Go and rest. When you wake up call your mother.¡±


    Yi Chen hummed in agreement before stepping away. He was so exhausted that he didn¡¯t notice the oddity in his father¡¯s expression.


    As soon as he left the cargo bay the Marshal lowered his head subconsciously touching his arm where his now single armband strip was.


    He didn¡¯t agree with his wife¡¯s idea of sending Yi Chen on a blind date but when he was Yi Chen¡¯s age he had already fallen in love and had willingly given away one of his armband strips to his now-wife.


    This trait was something unique to their Yi family and when the other half is given away it meant that person is your chosen spouse. People were different and Yi Chen didn¡¯t look like the romantic type like him.


    This is why his wife wanted to push the boat along the river but he didn¡¯t necessarily agree. At the same time, he couldn¡¯t go against her.


    He could only sigh worriedly and hope it wouldn¡¯t affect his son¡¯s performance more especially now when there was a resistance growing from the prime ministers who didn¡¯t want the position of the Marshal to be inherited but elected.


    Just like how they forgot that the royal family guided them through the exodus and brought them to this prosperous gxy they had also forgotten that the military belonged to the Yi family, not the federation. It was for this reason he pushed Yi Chen hard but he also felt guilty. This matter gave him sleepless nights and now Zi Feiji and his crazy daughter were just adding to his headache. It was extremely frustrating.


    ***


    While Marshal Yi was growing more grey hairs in worry, Lynn Feng was now sitting in her seat in a rxed posture while going through Yi Chen¡¯s private data. At first, she was grinning like the Cheshire cat from Alice in wondend but her smile slowly sank her expression changing to that of disappointment.


    ¡°How is that even possible,¡± she said scrolling through his entire storage.


    Zi Xingxi who was reclining in the captain¡¯s chair while tossing a stress ball up in the air asked, ¡°What?¡± without looking up.


    ¡°Kids his age especially boys should have little secrets. You know like girls, maybe weird searches on sta or R rated content,¡± said Lynn Feng before spinning her chair around to look in Zi Xingxi¡¯s direction, ¡°but this bastard is as clean as a whistle. How is that fuckin possible?¡±


    With a light patter, Zi Xingxi caught the stress ball in her hand and paused. ¡°Maybe you aren¡¯t the normal one?¡± she said before throwing the ball in the air again.


    Lynn Feng resisted the urge to roll her eyes as she responded, ¡°He doesn¡¯t even have any hobbies. Apart from a strict training schedule, he has nothing else going on for him. He is like a lifeless AI.¡±


    ¡°Hey, hey, hey..... that¡¯s offensive. I as an AI am especially spirited,¡± interjected Chronos feeling a little offended.


    ¡°That¡¯s just you. You are a special case.... and not in a good way,¡± she said pointing at the bouncing hologram that had appeared in her face.


    ¡°Wuwuwu master, she called me crazy,¡± cried out Chronos seeking justice from the least empathetic person on the bridge.


    Patter...


    The sound of Zi Xingxi catching the ball sounded again before she gently squeezed it. ¡°ording to that logic then what do you think I can find in little Han Han¡¯s light brain?¡±


    Lynn Feng who had been sitting in azy posture like a cat basking in the sun suddenly became energetic. Her eyes as wide as light bulbs she said, ¡°Do you want to check it out?¡±


    Zi Xingxi, ¡°...¡±


    ¡°Aren¡¯t you a little too enthusiastic?.....,¡± she said before shuffling toy on her side and suddenly looked at secretary K who was minding his own business in the corner, ¡°You were once young weren¡¯t you secretary K?¡±


    The man¡¯s body tensed up seriously calcting the possibility of him escaping through that exit before she gets to him. ¡°I..... uh.... ah,¡± he hummed and hawed not sure how to answer such an obvious question.


    ¡°What sort of secrets did you have in your light brain at Zi Han¡¯s age? Just curious,¡± said Zi Xingxi with a wolfish grin like if he lied she would go through his light brain.


    His forehead was suddenlyced with ayer of cold sweat the longer her menacing gaze lingered on his body. He was afraid she wouldn¡¯t believe him if he told the truth. Thats mainly because the truth was unbelievable.


    ¡°Kit-kittens... I liked kitten videos,¡± he said dabbing away his forehead sweat with his handkerchief.


    Everyone, ¡°.....¡±


    ¡°AHAHAHAHAHA, HAHAHAHAHA!!!! Kittens HAHAHAHAHA!!!!¡±ughed Lynn Feng almost rolling on the floor.


    Zi Xingxi shuffled back to lying on her back her smile as big as the crescent moon. ¡°Pfft... I rest my case,¡± she said feeling at ease. Of course, her little Han Han was innocent. He wasn¡¯t the type to have dirty secrets in his light brain.


    AN: Okay, okay, sure... sure.

 Chapter 30

    30 I am sleeping here tonight


    A big man liking to watch cute kittens on Onyx Sta was indeed unusual and it temporarily calmed this mama bear for a while. No matter how many times Lynn Feng tried to poke the hos¡¯ nest, Zi Xingxi didn¡¯t take the bait.


    She was as calm as an undiscovered gxy with a tranquil expression on her face. This wonderful peaceful aura of hers stayed with her as she entered the captain¡¯s cabin, took a long rxing bath, slipped into her pyjamas and crawled under her quilt.


    *Sigh... what a lovely ending to a tiring day. She finally had some well-deserved rest. Well, this was her expectation but the reality waspletely different. Two hours in and she still couldn¡¯t sleep.


    Why? That¡¯s because that sense of ease that Zi Han had nothing to hide in his light brain shuttered the moment she was alone.


    Thoughts like, ¡®what if he meets a creep on Sta¡¯, ¡®what if he is watching improper stuff¡¯ and ¡®what if he gets tempted to do inappropriate things¡¯, raced through her mind like a marathon. She regretted not installing spyware on Zi Han¡¯s light brain.


    In her mind, teenagers deserve privacy but not her son. He had already been involved in distributing illegal substances. Though his reason was righteous that didn¡¯t stop Zi Xingxi¡¯s suspicions. After tossing and turning for a very long time she finally gave in and got up.


    She grabbed her morning gown, put on her fluffy bunny slippers and left her cabin. It was just one nce... just one nce at his light brain. There was nothing to feel guilty about, right?


    In a few steps, she reached her son¡¯s cabin and exhaled deeply as though convincing herself that there was absolutely nothing wrong with checking her son¡¯s light brain. After much personal encouragement, she unlocked the door with her fingerprint and with a barely audible whoosh sound the door slid open.


    Zi Han was still obedientlyying in his quilt. It seemed as though he hadn¡¯t tried to free himself from the quilt as of yet. She tiptoed to the bed and began to look around for that light brain. Maybe it was because she felt guilty that she didn¡¯t realise she was looking for something right in the open.


    .....


    After searching the drawers and around the bed Zi Xingxi felt a little flustered. She bit the nail on her thumb contemting whether to go or stay. Just when she decided that this was the most ridiculous thing ever and that she should just go back a thought shed in her mind.


    Since Zi Han had passed out he hadn¡¯t taken off his light brain it meant she forgot to remove it from his arm when she tucked him in. That meant it was....


    ¡°Damnit,¡± she swore internally with ck lines all over her face as she stared at that quilt.


    This is the moment where most would give up and just walk away but she knew that if she left this room she won¡¯t be able to sleep.


    Hence she climbed on that bed and tried to untuck the very same quilt she tuck in a couple of hours ago.


    After tugging for a while it loosened and Zi Han was still sleeping like the dead. It was to her own advantage that he didn¡¯t wake up but she was also a little annoyed. This brat had no vignce at all. What if she was a bad guy who came to assassinate him?


    With a disapproving look, she slipped her hand underneath the quilt to grab his arm when the person she had chided for not being vignt suddenly opened his eyes.


    Zi Han, ¡°WTF!!!!!¡±


    Zi Xingxi, ¡°!!!!!¡±


    ¡°Ma!... What are you doing?¡± he asked in an usatory tone his eyes wide open in astonishment.


    Zi Xingxi, ¡°?????¡±


    ¡°What kind of tone is that? I am your mother for fuck¡¯s sake. And why can¡¯t I sleep here? This isn¡¯t the first nor will it be thest time we sleep on the same bed. Justst week who was so frightened about the break-ins and took over my entire bed, huh?¡± Zi Xingxi spared no effort to emotionally ckmail her son to the best of her abilities.


    ¡°That!....,¡± said Zi Han but he found he couldn¡¯t retort. He had indeed been afraid his mum would get hurt if those burrs came back again and his mother had moved over giving him half of her bed but in the end, his limbs were spread to all four corners and he almost kicked her off the bed.


    ¡°That was different. I asked you in advance but you... you snuck in and terrified me half to death,¡± he said speaking half-truths. His initial response was to beat the shit out of the intruder but when he recognized that berry st shampoo he knew who it was.


    ¡°Well, I am sleeping here tonight..... move over,¡± she said iming half his bed as her territory.


    Zi Han who didn¡¯t want to relent refused while saying, ¡°No, you hog the quilt. You have a perfectly fine bed in your cabin an even more spacious bed than mine yet you want to monopolize my space.¡±


    ¡°Oh, now I see just because you have grown a little hair you won¡¯t share a bed with your mummy dearest? When you had nightmares you woulde find me with snot and tears begging for a sleepover. How heartless you are Zi Han,¡± she said putting on the most dramatic act of her life.


    Zi Han, ¡°...¡± What hair?


    ¡°Yes, I have grown the hair on my head so I can be a little more willful,¡± he said clearly aware that his words would either set off a nuclear explosion or get his mother out of his room. With that look on her face, it was easy to tell that she had a motive. When she came here she was actively looking for something.


    ¡°That¡¯s not the hair I am talking about. You know what..... forget it,¡± she muttered a little frustrated.


    Zi Xingxi who hadn¡¯t expected such resistance pouted while slipping into his quilt. There was no way she was going to let him win unless.....


    ¡°Okay, I will listen to you. How about you take off your light brain. It must be ufortable sleeping with it on your wrist,¡± she saidying on her side with her elbow propping up the top half of her body while looking at him.


    Zi Han narrowed his eyes suspiciously but in the end, his mother was right. When he does sleep with his light brain on his wrist he would get shallow marks on his skin which was a little annoying.


    ¡°Okay,¡± he said while taking off the light brain from his wrist. Zi Xingxi¡¯s smile visibly widened seeing him take it off but the corner of her mouth slowly fell as he slipped the light brain under his pillow.


    Her lip twitched as she heard him say, ¡°Goodnight mum,¡± while turning to his side to sleep.


    She had two options right now. She either walks out and forgets about this little incident or wait until her son was sleeping again so she can pull that light brain from under his pillow. Her choice was obvious. She chose to stay.


    The only problem was that instead of waiting for Zi Han to sleep she passed out and forgot the reason she was here in the first ce.

 Chapter 31

    31 Tear-free shampoo for a big man


    Normally Zi Han would dream about the demon quilt trying to bake him to death so he would start kicking to free himself from its mighty clutches. Maybe this is why he usually wakes up in weird sleeping postures with the quilt half fallen on the floor and in some instances, he would find himself fallen off the bed and kissing the floor.


    But today something was off. Instead, he felt like he was being stared at by a snow monster freezing his body with its menacing eyes. He felt a chill spread from the top of his head to his toes his blood running cold.


    Unable to bear such freezing temperatures he struggled to open his eyes and wake up. As the fog in his eyes from the sleepiness dispersed he saw a figure staring right at him with a gaze so chilling it could freeze his soul. The snow monster had followed him out of the dream.


    ¡°Ah! Shit!,¡± he swore followed by a loud thud that made even Zi Xingxi grimace. Her son had fallen off the bed with his tooshie hitting the floor hard.


    Zi Han¡¯s fluffy head of hair popped up as he sat up straight and stared at his mother like an angry little kitten. ¡°Ma, why are you still here?¡± he asked trying to be as respectful as possible and not escte things.


    Zi Xingxi¡¯s expression turned darker as she held out his light brain which she had eventually managed to get after so much hardship. Please don¡¯t ask how difficult it was. It seemed she put more work into getting his light brain than she does in an entire month.


    ¡°Who is Ira?¡± she asked making Zi Han feel like a live lobster being thrown into a hot pot.


    ¡°Seriously? She is just someone on Sta I normally go on missions with in the simtor that¡¯s all. My turn... why are you looking through my light brain?¡± he asked still sitting on the floor keeping a safe distance from her.


    ¡°Just someone, really? Is she just someone you go get virtual ice cream with? You didn¡¯t even tell me you were dating,¡± she whispered angrily but if one listens carefully she sounded a little aggrieved.


    .....


    Zi Han pinched the bridge of his nose in frustration before exining in detail, ¡°She invited me there and I thought we were going to discuss the dual tournament Inteary Virtual Mech War.¡±


    ¡°Instead she told me she was interested in me and I rejected her... If anything I am the one who suffered losses. She blocked me right after and I couldn¡¯t find a new partner in time. I had to forfeit.¡±


    ¡°Aww....,¡± she said while patting her son¡¯s head. She found it funny he was more upset about a silly virtual mech battle instead of the real thing.


    Pat pat pat.


    ¡°Don¡¯t be sad. I will take out Chronos for you, okay?¡± she said trying tofort him but who knew this little brat would take advantage.


    ¡°Well, if you leave me alone with Chronos for one hour I will forget that you invaded my privacy and looked through my light brain?¡± he said with puppy dog eyes that made him seem innocent.


    Chronos:???


    ¡°Aish..... you are just like your father. You two didn¡¯t even meet but you behave the same way,¡± she said getting off the bed, ¡°and for your own information your rm was ringing but you wouldn¡¯t wake up so I opened it to turn off the rm and the screen happened to open your sta ount. Pure coincidence.....¡±


    Zi Han, ¡°....¡±


    ¡°So my light brain happened to scroll itself through six apps before coincidentally opening my sta ount andnding on that old chat log? It¡¯s either my light brain is haunted or you did it?¡± he said refuting her.


    ¡°Of course, it¡¯s haunted,¡± she said throwing a pillow at him, ¡°now get ready. You are going to meet your grandfather in a couple of hours.¡± After saying this she walked toward the door only for Zi Han to stop her.


    ¡°Ma,¡± he called out with his hand stretched out.


    ¡°What?¡± said the embarrassed Zi Xingxi as she turned to look at him. When she saw his outstretched arm she was a little confused. That¡¯s when she nced down and saw she was still holding his light brain.


    Zi Xingxi, ¡°???¡±


    She wordlessly handed it to him her ears flushed with humiliation. She had not only been caught snooping but she had also subconsciously taken his device with her.


    ¡°Go take a shower,¡± she said before leaving her son¡¯s cabin in a hurry. ¡®That¡¯s so fuckin embarrassing,¡¯ she said to herself as she walked over to her cabin.


    ¡°Of course it is. Even I am embarrassed for you master,¡± said Chronos bouncing around her.


    ¡°Scram!¡± she yelled while clenching her fists. You know you fucked up when even an AI feels ashamed for you.


    Zi Han slowly got up as he tossed the light brain on the bed. His mind was a hot mess not because his mother was snooping in his light brain but because he was about to meet the legendary leader of the Bloodgarde and to think that man was his grandfather.


    It would be safe to say that he was star-struck. ¡°It will be fine..... I will be fine, right?¡± he said as he squeezed the bottle of shampoo.


    As hethered his hair he discovered a major problem. What was he going to wear? Should he wear a hoity-toity outfit? But the only formal clothes he has were from when he was ten years old. It was for the mother and son dance at school.


    Of course, he had grown taller since then and wouldn¡¯t be able to fit his limbs in those tiny pants. Just imagining it made him shake his head in disappointment.


    ¡°Tsk, damnit.....,¡± he said as he massaged his scalp, ¡°I should have at least gotten a haircut..... ah fuck.¡± The unexpected swear was because he had somehow managed to get shampoo into his eye.


    After washing his eye with copious amounts of water he took a look at the shampoo bottle and yelled, ¡°Seriously?¡± Who would have thought the moment his mother changed his shampoo from the tear-free one (meant for babies) like he asked for he would get stung in the eye.


    He had made such a big fuss about him being a big man now only to get shampoo in his eye. He could already see his mother gloating while yelling, ¡°I told you so!¡±

 Chapter 32

    32 Secretary K, stop flirting


    The redness in Zi Han¡¯s eye subsided though it still hurt a little. But that was the least of his worries. He stood there shirtless while staring at his clothes seeming a little dissatisfied. He wanted to make a good impression on his grandfather thus he picked the most decent looking pair of jeans in the closet.


    But now he was at a loss on what to wear on the top half of his body. Lucky for him his mother came to rescue him in time. The door of the cabin slid open and without him even looking in that direction he asked, ¡°Ma, which t-shirt should I wear? Everything in my closet looks unimpressive.¡±


    After not getting a response he nced over only for him to get the fright of his life as he hastily covered up his bare chest. ¡°Who the hell are you?¡± he yelled when he saw a chubby auntie with a sunny face standing there smiling at him.


    ¡°It¡¯s me, you can call me auntie She,¡± she said with one hand on her hip posing like a model.


    Zi Han, ¡°....¡±


    Is it really impossible to return his mother and get his money back or at least exchange to get another one?


    ¡°I can¡¯t walk into capital star with that pretty face of mine. I don¡¯t n on getting free lodging at the inteary maximum prison. I have been there once and the food there is horrible... Wait, what happened to your eye?¡±


    ¡°Hahaha did you get shampoo in it? HA! I told you so..... I said it, I said you weren¡¯t ready for that but you were like ¡®Ma, I am a big boy now¡¯. Ha, big boy my ass.¡±


    Zi Han couldn¡¯t hear the rest of it because his brain hadgged at the prison part. ¡°You have been to prison?¡± he asked and she suddenly realised she had said something she shouldn¡¯t have.


    .....


    ¡°Yes..... I have but it¡¯s not important,¡± she said trying to downy the fact that she broke into the Federation memorial fountain and skinny-dipped into the huge fountain pool with Zi Han¡¯s father when they were still in the military academy only to get caught.


    Back then they weren¡¯t even dating yet but he obliged her and they broke-in in the middle of the night. Of course, they got caught and she spent a week in prison under her father¡¯s instructions. Thinking of that mish-mash they had the balls to call mashed potatoes she shivered subconsciously.


    Zi Han had on an expression that seemed to say tell me more but she wasn¡¯t going to spill the tea. ¡°What are you staring dumbly at me for? Get dressed,¡± she said picking up the clothes he scattered on the bed.


    Fine, if she wasn¡¯t going to say then he would ask his grandfather to spill the details. While his mother was in the walk-in closet packing away the clothes in her hand he suddenly asked, ¡°Ma..... where is my white t-shirt? I think I should wear that one inside then a shirt over it.¡±


    Zi Xingxi rolled her eyes when she saw the t-shirt he was asking for in the most conspicuous ce possible. It¡¯s either her son had gone half-blind from the shampoo or he didn¡¯t even look closely.


    She grabbed the t-shirt and a shirt with a checkered pattern before taking a step to walk out.


    But before she stepped out she saw the pendant with her husband¡¯s mech inside and sighed as she picked it up. She felt a pang in her chest but for Zi Han¡¯s sake she kept the smile on her face and walked out.


    She casually ced the clothes on the bed and said, ¡°Don¡¯t ever take this off..... you should always were it no matter what.¡±


    Zi Han who had been staring at the clothes nced in her direction and nodded seriously. He never took it off but today it snugged his bathrobe and he momentarily took it off which he shouldn¡¯t have.


    Zi Xingxi ced the pendant around his neck and said, ¡°Don¡¯t worry even if you meet your grandfather wearing ripped jeans he will still like you... Pfft.....¡±


    ¡°What? Why are youughing?¡± he asked wondering what could be so funny that she would ruin this warm atmosphere.


    ¡°Pfft.... hahaha I am sorry. You look like you have pink eye Hahaha!¡±


    Zi Han, ¡°WTF!!!!¡±


    He was now more certain than ever that he wanted to return her whether he has the receipt or not. She was stillughing about it ten minutester as they entered the elevator going down to the cargo bay of the starship. That¡¯s because Lynn Feng who was also in the elevator with them happened to mention it.


    ¡°Damn, when did you get pink eye?¡± she asked staring into Zi Han¡¯s eye, ¡°did you take a trip to the medical bay?¡±


    Zi Xingxi who had just calmed down chuckled lightly while grabbing the back of Zi Han¡¯s neck and said, ¡°He said he was ready for regr shampoo but apparently not.¡±


    ¡°Mum can you just let it go? It¡¯s embarrassing,¡± he whispered feeling a little aggrieved.


    ¡°I will if you say ¡®mum you were right¡¯ three times,¡± she said but of course, Zi Han wasn¡¯t going to indulge her.


    Lynn Feng who hadn¡¯t gotten over the conversation yesterday about dirty little secrets was still itching to get into Zi Han¡¯s light brain. So she asked, ¡°Hey, Han Han, can I borrow your light brain for a second? I want to upgrade the security function,¡± interrupting their little squabble.


    ¡°Why is everyone interested in my light brain all of a sudden? Did something happen while I was sleeping?¡± he said actually taking it off. He didn¡¯t mind giving it up if asked, unlike a certain someone who snuck into his cabin in the dead of night just to snoop into his light brain.


    ¡°No, don¡¯t give her. What upgrade? You are just being a busybody,¡± said Zi Xingxi while holding down Zi Han¡¯s wrist so he couldn¡¯t take it off.


    ¡°Geez, auntie She. Why are you acting like I am asking for ssified documents? I really want to upgrade Han Han¡¯s light brain,¡± exined Lynn Feng but in truth, she was already cloning Zi Han¡¯s light brain.


    She couldn¡¯t sleepst night dying to know. Who would have thought she wasn¡¯t the only one who had a sleepless night because they were too curious.


    As the elevator door opened the pair of mother and son walked ahead while Lynn Feng remained behind scanning through Zi Han¡¯s light brain. Her eyes widened before tapping secretary K¡¯s arm while he was passing by.


    ¡°Did you know Han Han had a virtual ice cream date only to reject the girl? I bet she was traumatized after that. She won¡¯t be eating ice cream anymore,¡± she said with a face full of gossip.


    Secretary K, ¡°....¡±


    ¡°How do you..... are you kidding me. You cloned his light brain?¡± said secretary K while pushing up his sses.


    Lynn Feng grinned slyly as she said, ¡°Yah.... I have also cloned yours too. You really love kittens, don¡¯t you? Hey, hey... let go.¡±


    Let go of what exactly? Well, secretary K had gripped her wrist tightly while saying, ¡°Format it,¡± referring to the cloned light brain.


    ¡°Ah... Auntie She, your secretary is bullying me,¡± yelled Lynn Feng while trying to free herself from that death grip.


    The so-called Auntie She, ¡°.....¡±


    ¡°Secretary K, stop flirting and let¡¯s go,¡± said Zi Xingxi wondering what got into her stern-faced secretary today.


    Secretary K let go only for Lynn Feng to stagger backwards. He red daggers at her but it was ineffective. In response, she stuck out her tongue before turning to the elevator.


    Secretary K, ¡°...¡±

 Chapter 33

    33 The time Zi Han thought he was an artist in the making.


    Zi Han had never been this nervous in his entire life. Okay fine, he had been this nervous once. At that time he had thought himself an artist and painted the walls in the living room but when the six-year-old Zi Han realised how shitty his artwork was, he was extremely nervous that he ran to hide under the bed when he heard a slight sound from her room.


    His mum at that time was taking a nap and when she woke up he was so terrified that each time he heard her footsteps on the creaky tiles it felt like she was directly stomping on his heart.


    The footsteps started off soft probably because she hadn¡¯t realized yet what he had done. A minuteter he heard her yelling, ¡°Zi Han!!¡±


    At that moment his entire body froze with drops of sweat dripping on his forehead. That¡¯s when Zi Han understood the meaning of the phrase ¡®a cat on hot bricks¡¯. The boy was sweating bullets awaiting the appearance of the executioner. Soon after that, her steps became frenzied while calling out his name. The louder her voice the more his nerves were stretched taut like a bowstring.


    Just when her steps died down and he stupidly assumed she had stopped looking for him his feet were suddenly grabbed and he was pulled out from under the bed. The way he screamed would make him more than qualified to act in a horror movie.


    In the end, Zi Xingxi only wanted to scare him. After that, the mother and son pair had their first DIY project following a generic video titled ¡®How to paint a wall with only three things¡¯. With such a title it is only natural to say that the DIY project was an epic failure.


    Back to the present. That very same nervous feeling he had under that bed descended upon him tenfold at this moment. His heart was pounding fast, his palms were sweaty and he kept shaking his leg restlessly while biting his lip.


    Zi Xingxi oh sorry I meant Auntie She saw this from the corner of her eye and her lips quirked up. She opened her chat with her father and typed,


    Xixi: Dad when you meet please be nice to him.


    .....


    Xixi: video12.mp4


    Zi Feiji who was standing in the lounge arguing with the robot housekeeper about the cement of the flower vase irritably swiped his light brain while nervously tugging at his tie.


    It seemed Zi Han wasn¡¯t the only one who was anxious about what to wear. When his daughter was pregnant he had imagined himself meeting his grandson for the first time. That time he and the old steward joked that he should wear a suit to make a good first impression.


    Because at that time these two were as high as kites when they had this discussion, Zi Feiji ended up booking the best tailor in the federation toe to take his measurements.


    This was an old man¡¯s version of drunk shopping on Amazon. Trust me you should stay as far away as possible from shopping apps after a shot or two. Zi Feiji¡¯s personal limit was three after that who knows what sort of shit he would buy online.


    Of course, when Grandmaster Savile showed up on his doorstep he couldn¡¯t send him away on the premise that he drunk shopped.


    Thus he cried internally as he scanned to pay for the most expensive suit in his closet. Until now his heart aches when he recalls the feeling of that much money vanishing from his ount all at once.


    Now that the person he had identally bought this suit for wasing he naturally had to wear it.


    When he saw Zi Xingxi¡¯s message the corner of his lips quirked up. Of course, he would be nice. Why would he want to scare off the little bunny on the first day? Coax it well and tomorrow you will be patting its fluffy fur.


    His gaze fell on the short video his daughter sent and the smile on his face grew bigger. Those mannerisms when nervous were very familiar. The restless leg and rubbing his sweaty palms while biting his cheek were the exact same characteristics that Zi Xingxi had when she was nervous.


    Wiseman: He is as nervous as you were when you told me you were pregnant.


    Wiseman: image_254.jpg


    Zi Xingxi¡¯s brows furrowed when she saw the image her father sent to her. He had no idea that back then the old steward had taken a picture of her nervously waiting for her father at home to tell him about her bun in the oven.


    She raised her head to look at her son who was dazedly staring outside and said, ¡°Don¡¯t be too nervous. Do you want some water maybe?¡±


    Zi Han spun his head around to look at her but he heard nothing. He was busy wondering if he should directly call grandpa when he meets the legend or would it be too presumptuous. Zi Xingxi directly threw a bottle of water at him and he caught it with ease.


    ¡°Drink some,¡± she said before lowering her head and continuing to chat with her father.


    XiXi: Wise people don¡¯t need to reaffirm their wisdom by setting their Sta user name as Wiseman.


    Wiseman: ???


    XiXi: Change it. it¡¯s embarrassing.


    Wiseman: You brat!


    Two secondster.


    MyDaughterIsABrat: Happy?


    Zi Xingxi couldn¡¯t help but chuckle while typing with the tip of her tongue sticking out at the corner of her mouth.


    MyDadIsSoEmbarasing: Yes (smiley face with open arms.jpg)


    Zi Feiji, ¡°....¡±


    The old man almost flipped the table in anger but since he wanted to leave a good impression on his grandson he could only calm himself down.


    He closed his eyes and exhaled while straightening his suit.


    Just as he inhaled the good and slowly exhaled the bad the robot housekeeper that had been patiently waiting for the master of the house to finish chatting on his light brain appeared in front of him like a ghost and said,


    ¡°Master, I have tried cing this vase where you mentioned earlier but I am sorry it looks like an urn. Who bought it anyway... yuck it¡¯s so outdated.¡±


    The Wiseman who bought it on Sta after two sses of wine, ¡°....¡±


    A secondter...


    Old Steward, ¡°Master you...!¡±


    Crude sh!!!


    Zi Feiji who had just thrown the robot housekeeper outside felt so refreshed despite doing a fruitless task. The hardware might be destroyed but the AI was linked to the house.


    The old steward looked outside and felt a bit regretful staring at the pile of expensive junk outside. The scene was especially tragic. ¡°That¡¯s the third one this month,¡± he said ncing over in Zi Feiji¡¯s direction.


    Zi Feiji was pouring himself a small amount of whiskey as he replied, ¡°This is why I didn¡¯t get married but instead of a wife I have a nagging housekeeper AI system. Just great...¡± After saying this he downed the contents of that ss to calm his nerves.

 Chapter 34

    34 Bonds of blood


    As the stealth cruiser hovered above anding pad right in front of a penthouse on the topmost floor, Zi Xingxi got up and pulled up Zi Han while speaking to Secretary K.


    ¡°Secretary K, don¡¯t forget your disguise. There can¡¯t be Auntie She with no grandpa Jai,¡± she said before her itchy finger pinched Zi Han¡¯s cheek, ¡°it¡¯s so soft. I wonder if water wille out if I squeeze it hard enough.


    ¡°Ma, aish..... is this why you keep forcing sheet masks down my throat?¡±ined Zi Han not realizing that his attention had sessfully deviated. The two were stuck in their own little world that they didn¡¯t notice Secretary K who looked like he wanted to cry.


    He hated disguising as Grandpa Jai the most. Why? It was because he looked like a wilted grape which was a huge contrast to his original appearance. He had to walk as slow as a snail and speak a bit slower than before. One look at this disguise and it was easy to tell that he had been plotted against.


    He could have disguised as a burly man or even as a powerful woman but instead, the disguise patch designed for him was that of an old senile grandpa. It was not so difficult to guess who designed this for him. That Lynn Feng must have something against him.


    Of course, Lynn Feng did have something against him. When Zi Xingxi warned Zi Han to use the right pronouns for Lynn Feng she meant it. Secretary K was only paying the price for calling her him once by ident. To Lynn Feng, Secretary K was public enemy number one but he didn¡¯t even realise it.


    Feeling disgruntled he applied the patch on his right temple and gently tapped the surface. Soon a bright light shrouded his body and as the light vanished an old man at death¡¯s door appeared. With a sigh, Secretary K followed the pair of mother and son.


    Two steps in Zi Han noticed a broken robot housekeeper on thending pad with various bits and pieces scattered everywhere with some of its internal organs missing. Around it were tiny critter robots cleaning up the crime scene at a fast pace.


    Zi Han, ¡°...¡±


    .....


    It seemed his grandfather¡¯s temper was so big that he would resort to throwing things through the window. Zi Xingxi just casually nced at the fallenrade and patted her son¡¯s shoulder while saying,


    ¡°This happens more often than you think but don¡¯t worry his anger only stops this far. The worst he can do when angry with you is chase you with a broom that is if you get a girl pregnant. So far your father is the only one who had that honour.¡±


    Zi Han, ¡°???¡±


    He couldn¡¯t fathom seeing a grown man being chased around with a broom let alone him being the victim on the other end of the broom.


    What they didn¡¯t think through was that in times like these where cleaning technology had advanced by leaps and bounds a broom was an obsolete tool.


    The broom was a Zi family tradition. Its purpose was to punish and enve. Okay, maybe not the enve part but the ¡®punish¡¯ part was real. It was reserved for the greatest of offences.


    Soon the pair reached the main door only for it to slide open with the over-enthusiastic old steward weing them. Beside him was Zi Feiji tugging the hem of his suit jacket nervously.


    When he saw his daughter he immediately said, ¡°Auntie She made aeback,¡± and when his gaze fell on the old man he mocked, ¡°Grandpa Jai I honestly thought you would have been long dead by now. I am afraid I underestimated y-¡±


    Before he could finish speaking Zi Xingxi pulled Zi Han from behind her and presented him forth like a treasure. ¡°Dad..... this is my little Han Han. Isn¡¯t he cute?¡±


    The two didn¡¯t even hear a single word she said staring as though sizing each other up. Zi Han was the one who took the initiative to step forward and establish first contact but the moment he opened his mouth his brain short-circuited. What came out of his mouth were strings of unintelligent words.


    ¡°Hello Han, sorry I mean sir, I mean lord um uh ahh....,¡± he said his face heating up like he had been stuffed into a sauna. He hadpletely forgotten the lines he had painstakingly rehearsed ever since he learnt that he was about to meet the legendary Lord Zi former leader of the once prestigious Bloodgarde.


    ¡°Ahaha.....,¡± nervouslyughed Zi Xingxi before nudging her son. ¡°Han Han quickly call out grandpa,¡± she spoke through gritted teeth. She was like that one mom who praises her son publicly for being smart only for him to run over and ask what is the first letter of the alphabet right in front of everyone.


    Zi Feiji found this a little amusing. The kid was indeed a seed of the Zi family. He was as cute as little Xi Xi when she was young. If it weren¡¯t for the eyes one would think the pair of mother and son were fraternal twins.


    Unable to contain himself he ced his hands on either side of Zi Han¡¯s shoulders with a radiant smile. That smile brought Zi Han¡¯s brain back online so he obediently called out, ¡°Gran-grandpa.¡±


    After hearing that form of address it was game over for Zi Feiji. He silently pulled Zi Han into his embrace and gently patted the back of his grandson¡¯s head. ¡°Wee home my little Han Han,¡± he whispered as his eyes stung a little. For years he had struggled to find his daughter and that little baby he was so eager to meet but he had failed time and time again.


    Now that the little guy was in his arms he felt a sense of ease like a part of him that was missing had been retrieved and he was finally whole.


    After they parted Zi Han felt a little morefortable so he said, ¡°Grandpa¡¯s suit looks really good. Now I feel a little underdressed,¡± while ncing down at his outfit.


    Zi Feiji draped his arm around Zi Han¡¯s shoulders while leading him to the dining table.


    ¡°Tch, you even have a sweet tongue like your grandpa. Definitely a Zi seedling. I will have grandmaster Savile to tailor the same one for you so we can be twins.¡±


    Zi Han smiled happily. He wouldn¡¯t mind wearing the same suit as his grandfather and having professional photos taken so he can freeze that memory in time. Despite it being their first meeting he felt an inexplicable connection with his grandpa. It seemed the bonds of blood were indeed strong.

 Chapter 35

    35 Yi Chen¡¯s family


    It turns out the Zi family wasn¡¯t the only one having a family reunion. A few streets over in a neighbourhood with suspended stand-alone mansions, better known as the floating inds, a VIP military hovercar parked in front of the biggest mansion in themunity.


    Whoosh...


    The sliding doors of the hovercar opened and a familiar figure stepped out dressed in a uniformpletely devoid of that rxed aura he had in casual wear. His back was straight, his expression stern as he walked over to his family home.


    One would assume he wasn¡¯t returning home but he was on his way to inform a military family of the passing of their loved one in action. His expression might have seemed cold and detached but his ice-cold heart was gradually warming up.


    As soon as he stepped in front of the main door his identification was scanned and the door slid open. A slight quirk appeared at the corner of his lips as theforting warmth of home encircled his body.


    A humanoid butler appeared in front of him and greeted, ¡°Nice to have you home sir,¡± while taking off his coat.


    Yi Chen calmly stood there while his shoes were disinfected. As soon as this step waspleted, he heard someoneing down the stairs.


    In front of him was a little boy about ten years of age walking down the stairs with a pair of headsets on and a floating screen in front of him. He was actually ying games while walking down the stairs. Yi Chen frowned and took a few steps forward.


    This little game addict was his little brother Yi Youxi. Their age difference was exactly seven years and unlike him, this little one could get away with murder and their mother would let him. Inyman¡¯s terms, Yi Chen was his father¡¯s son while Yi Youxi was his mother¡¯s son.


    .....


    Unlike Lin Ruoxi (their mother), Yi Chen had no qualms about offending this little ancestor. With a yoink, Yi Chen confiscated the game while reprimanding him, ¡°You can¡¯t even look at where you are going.¡±


    Yi Youxi, ¡°???¡±


    ¡°Hey!¡± he said while leaping up to grab his device that was dangling in Yi Chen¡¯s stretched out hand. The height difference was incredibly huge making all his painstaking efforts useless. He was like super Mario trying to make an impossible jump.


    Frustrated he escted things to DEFCON red in a second. ¡°Mum! Dage is bullying people!¡¯


    ¡°Yah, good luck with that.... mama¡¯s boy,¡± said Yi Chen with a sly grin that sent shivers down Yi Youxi¡¯s body. AAAAHHHH... his older brother was just as scary as his dad. Yi Chen went up the stairs while Yi Youxi scurried away looking for his backer.


    After two steps Yi Chen suddenly froze when he was met by two big almond-shaped eyes shimmering like pearls under the moonlight. She smiled at him with her finger in her mouth seeming too shy to call out older brother.


    This little ray of sunshine was Yi Ming or Ming-Ming as plenty addressed her as such. She was a beautiful little girl with a temperament far different from her older brothers. With her silky voice, she was the sunniest person in the Marshal¡¯s house.


    With a slight smile, he picked her up. ¡°Call gege and I will give you a gift,¡± he said while taking out something from his breast pocket. The seven-year-old smiled happily as she called out, ¡°Gege!¡± while stretching out her hand asking for payment.


    Yi Chen took out a ne with the twin suns of Saarlia on either side like a coin and put it around her neck. ¡°You like it?¡± he asked as he put her down.


    Ming Ming shyly bit her index finger again while nodding her head. ¡°It¡¯s pretty,¡± she said as Yi Chen opened the door to his room.


    His sister followed behind him as he took off his jacket tossing it in theundry. ¡°Good¡± he casually replied as he unbuttoned the cuffs on his wrist. ¡°Why don¡¯t you go y with Youxi.... dage needs some time alone?¡±


    But who would have thought she would refuse. She was a sensible child who listened to her elders all except when it came to Yi Chen. He was like that nice older brother that rarelyes home so she would cling to him whenever he doese home.


    Unlike Yi Youxi who fought with her over everything Yi Chen brought her pretty things and made her smile. The unfortunate thing about being the favourite brother meant she would cling to him like a tick. She was like bed bugs, easy to bring into his room but difficult to get rid of.


    Yi Chen seemed to be used to it. With his head tilted backwards he unbuttoned the top button of his shirt while saying, ¡°If you go now gege will take you to the amusement park tomorrow.¡±


    Ming Ming resolutely shook her head in refusal as she went full toddler on him. Shey t on the bed like a rock refusing to move. ¡°Nuh ah,¡± she said shaking her head while staging a one-man protest in refusal, ¡°I am sleeping here.¡±


    Yi Chen, ¡°!!!¡±


    ¡°No you ain¡¯t,¡± he said before picking her up and cing her outside his room before locking his door. Pouting her lips she sat on the floor cross-legged outside his door waiting for him toe out.


    Yi Youxi who had lost his battle to acquire back up ran upstairs only to find his sister sitting on the ground while facing their older brother¡¯s door.


    ¡°He locked you out?¡± asked Yi Youxi before sitting right next to her.


    ¡°Uh-huh,¡± said Ming Ming feeling a little aggrieved.


    Yi Youxi patted her head in a rare moment of showing affection and said, ¡°Then let¡¯s wait for him together.¡±


    Thus two cuties, one big and one small waited outside Yi Chen¡¯s door like loan sharksing to collect what belongs to them.


    Thus when mother Yi got upstairs this was the scene she was met with. They looked so cute like little Pomeranians waiting for their master who just left home for work. She couldn¡¯t resist taking a picture and sending it to her husband.


    Yi¡¯sPrettyWife: Image3846.jpg


    Yi¡¯sPrettyWife: You should have him home more often.


    Marshal Yi whose light brain was broadcasting on a big screen in a meeting with the generals suddenly shed and an image of two dumplings sitting outside Yi Chen¡¯s bedroom door popped up for everyone to see.


    Marshal, ¡°???¡±


    Admiral, ¡°QAQ¡± I am so dead.


    Generals, ¡°....¡±


    ¡°AHAHAHAHAHAHA!!!!!¡±


    Out of all the ten choices they had on how to react they somehow managed to choose death. The marshal will most certainly not spare anyone today.

 Chapter 36

    36 Dessert by grandpa Feiji


    ¡°What are you two doing?¡± asked Lin Ruoxi in a loud whisper but because her steps were too light she scared the heck out of those two dumplings.


    ¡°AAAAAHHHHH!¡± they screamed simultaneously while turning their heads sharply in fright.


    Lin Ruoxi, ¡°.....¡±


    ¡°Seriously, why do you have to scream like there is an intruder in the house? Leave your brother alone and go downstairs to help me prepare for dinner,¡± she said with her fist resting on her hip in a stance that one would call ¡®full mummy mode¡¯.


    ¡°He took my game,¡±ined Yi Youxi while pointing at the door with a look of grievance, ¡°and I was ying in a team. They won¡¯t want to y with me anymore.¡±


    ¡°That stupid game isn¡¯t good for you anyway now go,¡± she replied pointing the way for them.


    The two got up their faces drooping like dejected puppies but Lin Ruoxi didn¡¯t budge. She wanted her oldest to be in a rxed happy mood otherwise the conversation they had on the call won¡¯t be able to continue.


    ¡°Mum..... can I sleepover in Dage¡¯s room today. He neveres home and I miss him,¡± said Yi Ming with big teary eyes trying to y the cute card with her.


    Seeing this Lin Ruoxi had to give it to her. She was indeed her daughter. What Yi Ming was doing now was exactly how she got her husband to give her two more children. It seemed her daughter had inherited her special little trick but unfortunately, she did it to the wrong person. Lin Ruoxi wasn¡¯t a rookie.


    .....


    ¡°Whose bed is it?¡± she asked while picking her up.


    Yi Ming was a little confused. Of course, it was Yi Chen¡¯s, wasn¡¯t that obvious?


    ¡°It¡¯s dage¡¯s bed,¡± she replied a little reluctant.


    ¡°Then ask him not me,¡± said Lin Ruoxi as they walked down the stairs.


    Yi Ming, ¡°...¡±


    Her mum was so brutal getting straight to the point without any room for negotiation. If Yi Chen were to hear this conversation between his mother and his siblings he might feel touched. It seemed today he was the favoured one and his mother was spoiling only him.


    That¡¯s because she wanted to talk about something she knew Yi Chen was resistant to. Right at this moment, he was standing under the shower his mind drifting off to their conversation earlier.


    As instructed by his father he had called her as soon as he woke up and their conversation started off amicably. That is until she mentioned going on a blind date before he officially enlists.


    For ten minutes straight she had exined her reasoning which seemed logical to most but still he didn¡¯t want to. His response to her was, ¡°Mum, I can do everything else you ask me to do except this. Please understand me.¡±


    Such calm yet resolute words were enough to make one back off but who was Lin Ruoxi? She wouldn¡¯t use forceful means to achieve her goal but she wouldn¡¯t give up either.


    Meanwhile, Zi Han who had been spoiled so much at lunch was sitting in the chair with his tiny belly protruding like he was eight weeks pregnant. He sighed contentedly while rubbing his belly with a face full of smiles.


    Zi Xingxi nced over at him with her fist propping up her chin. ¡°You didn¡¯t have to eat that much? You make it look like I always starve you,¡± she said reaching over to poke his belly.


    Zi Han, ¡°.....¡±


    ¡°If you keep poking like that I will feel sick. Grandpa gave it to me so I had to eat it. It¡¯s food from a freaking legend,¡± he whispered recalling how his grandfather kept saying, ¡± Eat more..... Too skinny..... You need to bulk up.¡± If grandpa says he needs to eat more then Zi Han will eat more.


    ¡°Okay, I am absolutely fine with that and when you be a little tubby I will pinch your chubby cheeks to my heart¡¯s content,¡± she replied with a gleeful smile almost imagining it.


    Zi Han¡¯s face froze. Okay, now he didn¡¯t feel like eating too much anymore. Well, that thought didn¡¯tst long because his grandfather came back with a fluffy lemon custard cake with rich custard sauce and a scoop of pistachio ice cream he personally made for Zi Han. How could he refuse such an honour?


    Zi Feiji ced the dessert te right in front of Zi Han and asked, ¡°What do you think? I made it myself,¡± with an expression as though seeking approval.


    Zi Xingxi, ¡°.....¡±


    ¡°Where is mine? I suddenly feel jealous,¡± she said her hand subconsciously picking up her dessert spoon to dive in. As soon as that spoon appeared where it shouldn¡¯t Zi Feiji counter-attacked with a smack at her hand while Zi Han protected his bounty.


    ¡°Send Secretary K to get it for you. It¡¯s on the kitchen countertop,¡± he said watching his grandson eat his dessert with relish. He suddenly felt a little sad for all the years he missed. Imagine how many meals would they have had together?


    They would go shopping together and little Han Han would draw birthday cards for him which he would keep in a wooden box with his priceless possessions. That said he suddenly felt resentful and his resentment was all directed at the person sitting next to Zi Han.


    Zi Xingxi, ¡°.....¡±


    If looks could kill she would have been in a coffin already and buried beside her husband.


    ¡°So.... Han Han, what are your ns. What I mean by that is what are your future career prospects?¡± asked Zi Feiji as Secretary K who had thankfully returned to his original appearance brought four tes of dessert for everyone including the old steward who was sitting there silently watching them.


    Zi Han was in such a dazed state because of the deliciousness in his mouth that he blurted out, ¡°I want to join the Bloodgarde.¡±


    Old Steward, ¡°...¡±


    He should probably go hide the broom because Zi Feiji¡¯s face was not looking good right now. As though adding oil to the fire Zi Xingxi chimed in, ¡°Yes, he wants to join me. Isn¡¯t it great?¡± It must be that there was some sort of drug in this dessert otherwise she might have been able to read the room.


    Even Secretary K was already plotting his escape n. He was thinking of pretending he had left something in the kitchen and make a break for it but it turns out it wasn¡¯t necessary.


    Zi Feiji red at his daughter while saying, ¡°Zi Han, how about you go and see your bedroom?¡±


    The old steward stood up and approached Zi Han saying, ¡°Right this way young sir. You will absolutely love it.¡±


    Zi Han pointed at his unfinished dessert with his spoon and a hint of unwillingness in his eyes as he mumbled, ¡°But I haven¡¯t finishe-.¡±


    ¡°You are full, now go upstairs,¡± replied Zi Feiji his gaze still stuck on Zi Xingxi. Zi Han didn¡¯t speak anymore. He got up and followed the old steward a little flustered.


    The Bloodgarde was thest thing Zi Feiji wanted his grandson involved in, well, right next to distributing illegal substances. This conversation between father and daughter was bound to be heated.

 Chapter 37

    37 He was born for this


    As soon as Zi Han disappeared at the corner of the stairwell, Zi Feiji leaned forward and whispered in a whisper that didn¡¯t really sound like a whisper. ¡°Have you lost your mind?¡± he said hating iron for not being steel.


    The Bloodgarde already had targets on its back for assassinating corrupt officials and if Zi Han keeps hanging around her they will soon do the math and figure that this kid was no simpleton. Someone would eventually put the thousand five hundred puzzle piece together.


    ¡°You do realise that your grandson was born for this? I got it from you and he got it from me. He is like a killing machine,¡± she whispered back while asionally ncing up the stairs to see if he was really gone.


    ¡°Wait... how do you know that? Did you.....,¡± asked Zi Feiji pointing at her.


    Zi Xingxi who had let it slip up leaned backwards creating some distance between them just in case. Secretary K who still hadn¡¯t managed to move away into the safe zone decided he would clear up the table as an excuse.


    And he was right to do so because as angry as Zi Feiji was right now he might throw the tes out of the window like the robot housekeeper from earlier.


    These tes were ceramic which was something rare in this era. Most people had stic dinnerware on their tables because it was too flipping expensive. His heart would definitely ache if these were thrown out of the window.


    Because Zi Xingxi didn¡¯t answer right away there was a long ufortable silence which meant Secretary K had to be more careful when lifting the tes as the sounds of nging dishes were even more amplified.


    Who knew if those sounds would trigger both of them and act as a catalyst resulting in a massive explosion.


    .....


    ¡°What did you make him do?¡± he asked again trying to calm his nerves but he wasn¡¯t very good at it because his tone still sounded harsh.


    Zi Xingxi knew her father won¡¯t believe anything she said so she opened a video on her light brain and said, ¡°You watch for yourself.¡±


    Two seconds in and Zi Feiji was like a teapot boiling over on an induction stove. ¡°He asked for it?¡± he eximed in disbelief.


    ¡°Yes, he did? I did not influence him in the slightest,¡± she said as a subconscious smile appeared on her face. The pride she felt earlier had sprung up again making her giddy.


    ¡°And you let him? It¡¯s like a child asking to go y with a knife.... just because they asked for it it doesn¡¯t mean you should let him. Ah, you ruined my innocent grandson,¡± he said as he kept watching the footage.


    Zi Xingxi eximed a little taken aback. ¡°I ruined him? He was the one drooling at that sniper rifle like it was a tasty piece of meat. As stubborn as he is he wouldn¡¯t let me have any sleep until I give it to him,¡± she said not noticing how much pride wasced in her voice.


    Zi Feiji could hear the thrill in her voice like her son had won the first prize at a science fairpetition. He could swear that if she had friends Zi Xingxi would be boasting and soon he understood why.


    BANG! BANG..... BANG BANG!


    A series of shots were fired from the AP sniper rifle. The first one missed but the rest had the feel of a professional sharpshooter. ¡°Fuck!¡± he swore as he leaned back a little but his eyes were still stuck on the movements in the video.


    Even Zi Feiji had to admit his grandson was the sort of talent he would have taken in as a disciple when the Bloodgarde was still officially active but no matter how good he was he would never agree for him to join his mother.


    Lost in thought he rubbed his lower lip with his thumb with an air of ¡®don¡¯t disturb¡¯ all around him but who was Zi Xingxi? She wouldn¡¯t give her father any peace.


    ¡°You see what I mean?..... He did all that but he was the least bit affected. He just did that but he slept like a baby and just now he was cheerfully eating his dessert.....,¡± said Zi Xingxi only for her father to ce his index finger on his lips gesturing for her to keep silent. In polite terms, he was telling her to zip it.


    Zi Xingxi kept silent as she watched her father shut down the video before saying, ¡°He might be born for this but..... you have already lost too much and him joining the Bloodgarde just puts him at risk.¡± It was like buying a one-way ticket to his early grave.


    ¡°I will take great care of him, okay? He is my grandson and I will naturally protect him. You can feel at ease,¡± he said his expression serious.


    Zi Xingxi could understand her father¡¯s meaning but she was reluctant to give her son up. One of the reasons why she was okay with him following her into the organization was because she could still have him around.


    Now that he would be staying with her father she felt a little sad. In essence, she was a ssic case of separation anxiety.


    As she silently sat there she unconsciously bit her lip her eyes stinging a little. Her head lowered she clenched and unclenched her fist only for a warm hand to wrap around hers infort.


    Zi Feiji had at some point moved to sit beside her in order tofort her. ¡°It¡¯s not like you don¡¯t know where he is. This is your home as well and whenever you want to see him you can either dress up as Auntie She or..... climb through the window at night. Either way, you will get to see him.¡±


    Hearing this Zi Xingxi couldn¡¯t help butugh while wiping the tears that stubbornly refused to get sucked back into her eyeballs. ¡°Why are you making me sound like a burr going through the window at night? How can I burrize my own home?¡±


    Zi Feiji, ¡°.....¡±


    ¡°Oh, now you are pretending like you have never done that before? You climbed through the window so many times that I had to seal them off. For a person who has a great memory, you sure are forgetful,¡±ined Zi Feiji wishing he could smack her upside her head to jog her memory.


    On numerous asions, she hade back homete and he had waited for her downstairs. At that time he would be waiting in the dark scaring the shit out of Zi Xingxi. She would only get to bed after getting an earful.


    Unwilling to receive harsh admonishment in the middle of the night from her father she decided it was in her best interest to climb into her room through the window and it worked two times.


    In the morning she would pretend like she had been in the house the entire time and just slept. Of course, she was lying but she stubbornly refused to confess.


    Things went to shit on her third try. She confidently climbed through the window like cat woman only for her father¡¯s scary face to appear in front of her.


    Scared half to death she let go only for her father to pull her up by the back of her cor. Because their penthouse was high up on the top floor this was especially dangerous.


    From that day onwards she never attempted to climb and get in through the window. In tacit understanding, her father sealed every window in the penthouse. Thus the days of spider woman came to an abrupt end, well, that is until now. Only that this time she would be doing it to see her son.

 Chapter 38

    38 Chronos needs therapy


    Zi Xingxi lost herself in her thoughts recalling the good old times and a gleeful smile crept up her face only for Zi Feiji to flick her forehead and bring her back to earth.


    ¡°Ah... seriously. I am too old for that shit,¡± she said rubbing her forehead while glowering at her father.


    ¡°Don¡¯t look so smug. If you were climbing in through the window because you spent the night hanging out with a group of friends it wouldn¡¯t have been a problem. Instead, you were participating in underground mech battles..... unbelievable!¡±


    Zi Xingxi, ¡°...¡±


    ¡°So you would rather I stayed out past my curfew because I was at a night club? Psst..... such a waste of time,¡± she said feeling a little disgruntled. She was never the type to have sleepovers, go to the movies with ssmates or go out for coffee with a group of friends to check out cute boys from other schools.


    Unfortunately for her, her father much prefered she did that than spend time beating the shit out of people on both the virtual and real-time mech battles.


    ¡°You even dragged Chronos into it. If it weren¡¯t that your mental power hadn¡¯t reached SSS level back then I am sure you would have used it in fights till it was spent,¡± said Zi Feiji as he got up to his feet.


    ¡°Oh for heaven¡¯s sake, it is fine..... mostly fine..... I think. Plus it was disguised so no one recognized it,¡± said Zi Xingxi her expression as less confident as her voice.


    ¡°No, I am not fine. I still have nightmares QAQ. That ce was far worse than a bloody battlefield,¡± interjected Chronos before a dial tone was heard.


    .....


    ¡°What are you doing?¡± asked Zi Feiji fully aware of how dramatic Chronos can be.


    ¡°Calling Doctor Hansen, I think I need to go back to therapy,¡± it said its tone very serious.


    Zi Feiji, ¡°???¡±


    ¡°When did this start?¡± he asked Zi Xingxi with a look of puzzlement. Since when did AI need therapy sessions.


    ¡°You better not... those sessions cost a shit load. You hang up right now if you don¡¯t want to get muted for a month,¡± threatened Zi Xingxi but it only further stimted Chronos,


    ¡°Master, you see why I need therapy?¡± asked Chronos but soon it was no longer talking because of what she said.


    ¡°Two months..... and you know very well that I will do it,¡± she said sessfully suppressing Chronos.


    Chronos: QAQ


    ¡°Ha!..... it seems I dodged a bullet when I gave you that mech. If it were me it might have ended up in the scrap yard..... identally of course. It¡¯s more cost-effective,¡± replied Zi Feiji with a cocked brow.


    ¡°Master, you do realise I am still here, right? This AI has feelings,¡± after saying that Chronos sensed fluctuations in Zi Xingxi¡¯s emotions so it yed possum for a very long time that is if one doesn¡¯t count the fact that it appeared in Zi Han¡¯s room to have a chat.


    Okay, it did try to y possum but it was extremely hard thus it migrated over. Zi Han on the other end had been so engrossed in the special edition virtual simtor in his room that he did not foresee Chronosing.


    Fifteen minutes ago the old steward had led him to this room and with a face riddled with smiles, he said, ¡°This is your room, young sir. Master Zi especially prepared it for you..... since the day you were born.¡±


    Zi Han, ¡°.....¡±


    He soon realised that this old man wasn¡¯t lying. Zi Feiji had really prepared this room since his birth. How did he know?


    It was because there were shelves filled with gifts for each year that he was alive. The first gifts were baby onesies with words printed in front of them.


    In ck gothic font it was written, ¡°Grandpa¡¯s little aplice,¡± making Zi Han snicker. The other one said, ¡°Grandpa¡¯s little alibi,¡± and thest one had a baby bottle and bottle of beer at the centre with the words, ¡°Grandpa¡¯s drinking buddy.¡±


    Breaking out in boisterousughter he wondered what sort of shit did his grandpa nned to do that he had to write that. He could imagine how much trouble they would have gotten themselves into throughout the years if he had stayed with him.


    After that, the other gifts were mostly toys, and figurines but the most eye-catching one was a small model not of a car but Chronos.


    Fascinated he held it in his hands as he distractedly walked over to the bed but before he sat down he noticed that virtual simtor in the corner of his eye.


    ¡°Wah,¡± he eximed rushing over his face blooming like a lotus flower early in the morning. He had only had to enter the virtual world in school or at the public equivalent of an inte cafe a few blocks near their apartment.


    Now he could finally have his own and boy it felt good. As he slipped into thatfortable seat the device initiated the sequence to customize the settings to best suit Zi Han.


    But as soon as a pair of holographic sses covered his eyes the face of a creepy child appeared right in front of him. ¡°AH!.....¡± he screamed as he instinctively swung at that face, ¡°..... shit.¡± He was not about to tolerate some Annabel type of shit but he ended up hitting air.


    ¡°AAAAHHHH, young sir not in my face.....,¡± cried out Chronos forgetting it was a string of data with self-awareness.


    Zi Han who had no idea what this thing was, deactivated the virtual simtor and as the pair of sses vanished the creepy child was gone reced by a bouncing fluff ball.


    ¡°And you are?¡± he asked as he reached out to poke the fluff ball with great curiosity.


    Chronos who had rehearsed countless times for this exact moment suddenly choked up.


    It was like a child performing in a school y for the first time only for the lines it memorised to vanish leaving the mind as nk as a sheet.


    ¡°I.... um, uh....¡± At this point, this AI couldn¡¯t even remember why it was even here.


    ¡°Wait, are you the AI in that mini Chronos that grandpa bought for me?¡± he asked pointing at the model of Chronos on the bed.


    Chronos, ¡°.....¡±


    ¡®How can young sir mistake me for that cheap imitation? Master was so cheap that he bought an empty vase that makes unbearable sounds..... wait was that supposed to sound like me? AAAAAHHHHHH!!!!!¡¯ internally screamed Chronos when it realised it.


    Well, there was no way it was going to let go of that cheap knock off today so it didn¡¯t correct Zi Han because it can¡¯t lie. This little episode is going to be very very interesting. Wait until Zi Xingxi finds out.

 Chapter 39

    39 Chronos repulsed by fake goods


    With a look of pure fascination in his eyes, Zi Han sat down on the floor opposite the miniature Chronos. The fluffball followed behind him while discreetly ring at that stupid tin can that was meant to look like it.


    It thought it was being discreet but in truth, Zi Han caught all its movements and a slight quirk appeared at the corner of his lips. Oh, he knew that this was the real Chronos but he couldn¡¯t resist. He wanted to mess with it a little. Thus he yed along with its little act.


    ¡°I am Zi Han, how about you? What should I call you?¡± he said looking as sincere as sunlight, whatever that means.


    ¡°Chro- hey my apologies little um..... little Chronos. See... I am small and fit in a box so little Chronos,¡± responded Chronos through gritted teeth.


    It was resisting the urge to rush back into its storage pendant ande out with the mech then st these fake goods with a sma cannon. It wanted to roast this fucker to death but it couldn¡¯t do it. Well, not here at least. There would be a witness to the crime.


    Sensing its irritation Zi Han rubbed his chin with his finger wearing a meaningful look on his face like he was solving big world problems but we all know he wasn¡¯t. He was just screwing with one of the federation¡¯s godly mechs.


    ¡°I think the word you are looking for is tiny..... or maybe pint-sized because based on Chronos¡¯ height and weight you are just like a tiny organism so yep.... I will call you tiny Chronos which is being very generous by the way.¡±


    Chronos, ¡°!!!¡±


    ¡®AAAAAAAAAAAHHHHHHHHHHH!!!!!!¡¯ internally screamed Chronos almost summoning the mech from Zi Xingxi¡¯s pendant. It didn¡¯t have permission to do that unless it was an emergency and this was a fuckin emergency.


    .....


    ¡°So what can you do? I mean you aren¡¯t the real Chronos so... I really don¡¯t have high expectations. You can show me what you got and I won¡¯t judge you I promise,¡± said Zi Han shifting his gaze towards the lifeless tiny Chronos stiffly standing there like a cardboard box.


    ¡°What?¡± asked Chronos having not understood his meaning.


    Zi Han pointed at the tiny Chronos and replied, ¡°Since you are a kid¡¯s toy what can you do? Can you dance? I always wanted to see Chronos dance. I bet he has amazing moves.¡±


    ¡®Haa the audacity. I am a titan in the federation and young sir wants to reduce me into a dancing robot! sphemy!!!¡¯ yelled Chronos internally but it would never say it aloud since now it was tiny Chronos.


    ¡°Oh, I.....um..... I do dance a little. I just have to return into my tiny shell..... ex-excuse me,¡± it said hesitating to infiltrate that cheap-looking inurate representation of itself. It was repulsed by the idea but who told it not to reveal its identity from the beginning?


    Zi Han stifled a chuckle when he saw the fluff ball disappear into the robot and began to swing its hips stiffly and disturbingly. How many in the federation can say that they made one of the three cmities dance?


    ¡°How about singing? Can you do that as well?¡± he asked unable to hold back hisughter anymore.


    QAQ, it missed Zi Xingxi right now. At least its master wouldn¡¯t make it do such shameful things. Zi Xingxi was starting to look much more like paradise at this point. She was starting to look like an angel whenpared to her son.


    ¡°I can¡¯t sing but..... but I can cut your hair,¡± it fumbled about until it saw that Zi Han¡¯s hair had grown a little longer, ¡°Yes, allow me to cut your hair young sir.¡±


    It had seen Zi Xingxi do it countless times so what could go wrong, right? What it forgot was that Zi Xingxi wouldn¡¯t let anyone or anything cut Zi Han¡¯s hair.


    The one time he went to a barber and came back with a cool looking crew cut with a side line she was so annoyed that she wouldn¡¯t look straight at him for days.


    For the first time in his life, Zi Han was exposed to every hair tip on Sta after his mother typed ¡®how to grow long hair overnight¡¯ into the search engines. Her request was unrealistic even in this era but that didn¡¯t stop her.


    Whether it be hair growth oils, scalp massages, which he didn¡¯t hate by the way, hair growth supplements and DIY deep conditioning hair masks she made him try it all. Have you ever slept with your hair wrapped in cling wrap overnight to grow a few inches of hair?


    Well, he did.


    He couldn¡¯t understand why his mother thought this would grow an inch of hair. Despite not understanding the logic he still did it because she said so.


    Despite that being the most traumatizing two weeks of his life he still wanted a short haircut? He thought he kinda looked cool in it like Zi Feiji¡¯s old pictures on Sta.


    Since now he was at his grandfather¡¯s house he naively thought Zi Feiji would protect him from Zi Xingxi if he cuts his hair so he agreed. ¡°Okay..... I want it on the shorter side,¡± he said before standing up to look for a pair of shears but there was no need for that.


    Chronos manipted the metal of the tiny tin can morphing its arms into a pair of sharp shears andb before saying, ¡°No need..... young sir please sit.¡±


    Zi Han obediently sat down as tiny Chronos did his thing. Before Chronos could make the first cut that could have him sentenced to a lifetime of silence, Secretary K who had been asked to check on Zi Han as he had gone too quiet for a long time knocked on the door. When he was permitted to enter he only opened it a crack before he shut it in shock.


    ¡°Shit, shit, shit.....,¡± he murmured as he power walked back to the stairs. Oh, he knew how Zi Xingxi felt about Zi Han¡¯s hair. This was one of her taboos and Chronos just took out that pair of shears like it was nothing. It was almost as if it was suicidal and wanted to die by Zi Xingxi¡¯s hand.

 Chapter 40

    40 The most important head of hair


    Zi Xingxi looked up to the stairs as she ced a steaming cup of hot cocoa in front of Zi Feiji and asked, ¡°Well, what is he doing? You should ask him if he wants a cup of cocoa.¡±


    Secretary K short circuited for a moment. His thumb pointing at the passageway he stammered, ¡°Uh.... he uh.... he is getting a haircut.¡±


    Zi Xingxi, ¡°....¡±


    ¡°You must be kidding me. He doesn¡¯t know how to cut.... wait, Chronos?..... Shit, I knew it was too quiet. I am going to kill that AI.....,¡± she said running up the stairs.


    Secretary K had never seen her run that fast for anything. Even in the face of danger, she wouldn¡¯t run instead she would be catwalking like she was a model on the runway giving zero fucks.


    ¡°Don¡¯t worry, this isn¡¯t as weird as it looks. She was obsessed with you know who¡¯s hair so it makes sense that she values Han Han¡¯s hair. I am just not sure if it¡¯s a blessing or curse for him to inherit that head of hair at this point,¡± exined Zi Feiji before taking a sip of his hot cocoa with a contented smile.


    Secretary K, ¡°....¡±


    That was news to him.


    Meanwhile, upstairs the door was opened with a loud bang and the angry mama bearmanded, ¡°Chronos! Put the shears down!¡±


    .....


    Chronos, ¡°....¡±


    Fuck putting the shears down it would rather disappear from the face of the. The miniature Chronos fell with a ng as the culprit vanished to who knows where.


    Zi Xingxi rushed over and checked if his hair was okay. She only heaved a sigh when she saw that Chronos hadn¡¯t started cutting. ¡°You!... You know I am the only one who can cut your hair so why would you let..... haaaa,¡± she said frustratedly as she pinched the bridge of her nose, ¡°If you wanted a hair cut you should have asked me.¡±


    ¡°Okay, then I want a crew cut,¡± he said with a look of seriousness like he wasn¡¯t taking any prisoners. Trantion, he wasn¡¯t taking no for an answer.


    ¡°No, the best I can give you is a tampered cut,¡± she said sitting cross-legged on the floor beside him.


    A small smile appeared at the corner of Zi Han¡¯s lips only for his mother to douse him in cold water. ¡°Only if you let me do whatever I want beforehand,¡± she said while reaching out to rub his head.


    What did she mean by doing whatever she wants? That meant aplete salon experience including a curling iron.


    If he wanted that tampered cut he would have to pay the ultimate price. This was the third time ever since he was old enough to protest that his mother convinced him to do this.


    The past two times his mother said she wanted to enroll into beauty school hence she was using him as a practice dummy. It turns out that was a lie and all she wanted was to mess with his hair. What he didn¡¯t know was that he wasn¡¯t her first victim.


    His father had to sit still for hours at least once a month as she did whatever she wanted with his hair. Zi Han actually had it easy. He only had to experience it a couple of times whenpared to his father.


    ¡°Fine just don¡¯t dye my hair. Thest time you dyed it pink and I wasughed at by those little girls in ourplex. It was so brutal..... they even called me a freaking unicorn. What does a unicorn even look like? Everyone knows they don¡¯t exist,¡± heined recalling that terrifying experience.


    Zi Xingxi chuckled as she said, ¡°If it makes you feel any better you looked like a handsome unicorn. Oh, I still have this picture..... maybe I should show it to your grandpa.¡±


    ¡°AAAAHHHHH please don¡¯t. Its dark history I would rather remain buried,¡± he said dodging her fingers running through his hair.


    ¡°Tch, don¡¯t be overly dramatic. Come, let¡¯s go to wash your hair,¡± she said with so much excitement written on her face that it terrified Zi Han. He might end up regretting this decision.


    While Zi Han was questioning whether getting a tempered cut was worth it enough for him to go through all of this, Yi Chen was regrettinging home at all.


    Why? Well, his mother was determined to make him miserable. To fully grasp his current situation. One has to go back ten minutes in time.


    After a much well-deserved rest he came downstairs just in time for dinner. As he passed the main door his father happened to walk in at the same time his face all smiles like something good had happened to him.


    Well, he was smiling but his subordinates weren¡¯t. Since they chose death byughing at his misfortune during the meeting like an overlord he made them all work overtime while he left early. So yes, he was in a very jovial mood.


    ¡°You are in a great mood today,¡± said Yi Chen while helping his father remove his coat after sending off the humanoid butler.


    ¡°You know messing with my colleagues puts me in a fine mood,¡± he replied before the two of them walked to the dining room, ¡°By the way has she spoken to you yet?¡±


    Yi Chen knew the ¡®she¡¯ he was referring to and what he should have talked about with her but he wasn¡¯t in the mood to have that conversation.


    ¡°I did.... but she keeps insisting,¡± he said as they stood by the door for a moment.


    Marshal Yi patted his back twice before saying, ¡°I will try and help you out but I make no promises.¡±


    Of course, he couldn¡¯t make any promises. If there is one person Marshal Yi yields to all the time it would be Lin Ruoxi. That woman could bend him to her will with ease which was in itself the greatest form of power in the federation.


    Marshal Yi controlled the military and she controlled Marshal Yi. That should paint an urate picture of the hierarchical structure. This is why Yi Chen didn¡¯t have much hope that his father could convince her otherwise.

 Chapter 41

    41 Yi family dinner


    For the first time in a long time, the Yi family table wasplete. That¡¯s because the head of the family and his favourite son who were mostly away had found their way back home in a rare moment.


    From the variety of dishes on the table, it seemed Lin Ruoxi was celebrating this moment by making food that her husband and son liked. Well, mostly what Yi Chen liked. She wanted him in a rxed mood so she could continue their conversation from before.


    She couldn¡¯t say it directly so she could only wait for the perfect opportunity. ¡°Ah-Chen,¡± called out Lin Ruoxi as she ced a piece of ck pepper beef stir-fry in his bowl.


    Hearing her call his name Yi Chen¡¯s breath hitched and he subconsciously nced over in his father¡¯s direction. The man who had just said that he had his back was lowering his head like he hadn¡¯t heard anything.


    Yi Chen had expected it but not this soon. The man didn¡¯t even put up a fight. Like the saying goes ¡®one man for himself, god for us all¡¯ his father had already abandoned the titanic and left him to save himself.


    Ming Ming who had been sitting quietly next to Yi Chen nced over at her older brother¡¯s bowl when their mother ced that tantalising juicy piece of meat on top of a small mountain of rice. She nced over at her bowl devoid of meat and suddenly felt disgruntled.


    She stared back at her older brother¡¯s bowl with big watery eyes while salivating. Yi Chen obviously noticed it so he picked up the piece of meat with his chopsticks intending to put it in her bowl.


    Just before he could do that Lin Ruoxi interrupted him with a stern look aimed at her daughter. ¡°Uh uh..... that¡¯s your brothers. You know the drill. Finish off eating your vegetables first then you can eat meat,¡± she said before staring in Yi Chen¡¯s direction, ¡°eat up. I made it especially for you..... You know what, here.¡±


    What did she mean by ¡®here¡¯ was that she was cing the entire serving dish with ck pepper beef stir-fry right in front of him for his convenience. He suddenly felt like the piece of meat pinched between his chopsticks was ten pounds heavier.


    .....


    Under Lin Ruoxi¡¯s expectant gaze he ced the delicious piece of meat in his mouth but instead of enjoying it, it now tasted like coercion with a dash of tenderness. More like ck pepper and guilt.


    Seeing him eat she smiled gleefully and asked, ¡°Did you register for pre-enrollment training?¡±


    Yi Chen nodded his head while his father added, ¡°He registered the same day it opened. Remember, your target is the top of the ss. I know you can do it.¡±


    As he said this he picked up a few vegetables and ced them in Yi Youxi and Ming Ming¡¯s bowls with a look that seemed to say ¡®you won¡¯t leave this table until you eat it¡¯.


    Ming Ming almost nted her face on the dining table looking like she had been given a death sentence. Yi Youxi on the other hand ate happily like a true veganmitted to the cause.


    ¡°Stop giving him pressure,¡± she said before ncing over in her son¡¯s direction and continuing, ¡°I know it¡¯s a lot of weight on your shoulders but..... there are some things that can help you rx..... Like getting a girlfriend.¡±


    As soon as she said this the atmosphere froze for a moment with the youngest members of the family confused. Yi Chen who was slowly chewing suddenly felt the beef in his mouth had lost its vour and now tasted like sawdust. When he swallowed it felt like dry chalk was scratching his throat.


    ¡°Honey,¡± said the Marshal while Yi Chen simultaneously called out, ¡°Mum.....¡±


    ¡°What? I am genuinely concerned about your well-being over here. I think you should consider it.¡±


    ¡°I am only seventeen,¡± said Yi Chen while Ming Ming stared at him curiously asking, ¡°What¡¯s a girlfriend?¡±


    Yi Youxi nudged her and said, ¡°it¡¯s a girl who will marry Dage and be his new favourite person. Soon there will be hatchlings calling you auntie.¡±


    Yi Chen, ¡°.....¡±


    ¡°You! Where on earth did you learn that?¡± asked Lin Ruoxi her foot itching to take off her slipper and throw it. Unfortunately, it was at the dinner table and she still had to convince her son to give it a try.


    ¡°Hatchlings?.....¡± murmured the Marshal as he reached over to grab his ss of wine. He was seriously concerned and knew he needed to spend more time with Yi Youxi.


    ¡°Auntie Ming Ming,¡± Yi Youxi continued to say despite his mother giving him a re so venomous you would think he offended a viper.


    That was the difference between a favoured child and a regr child. A regr child would have cowered by now but Yi Youxi being the favoured child could test the boundaries and that¡¯s exactly what he did.


    ¡°So I won¡¯t be Dage¡¯s favourite? Wuwuwuwu,¡± cried out Ming Ming like she had been told she is not loved.


    ¡°Youxi, stop messing with your sister. Ah-Chen, give her some meat. That will surely solve the problem,¡± she said only for Yi Chen to pick two pieces, ¡°Uh-uh only one. One is enough.¡±


    Ming Ming stopped crying but stared at her mother with pouting lips and a tear hanging at her lower eyelid.


    Unfortunately, this look still didn¡¯t sway this veteran at selling meng (cuteness). Still, Ming Ming had conned her way into getting a small piece thus she ate with relish.


    ¡°You can just go for a blind date before you officially enlist,¡± Lin Ruoxi continued to say as peace was restored, well, temporarily.


    ¡°What¡¯s a blind date?¡± asked Ming Ming intending to stir up trouble and hopefully get two more pieces out of her mother. She really hated vegetables.


    As always Yi Youxi rushed to answer the question like Alexa though in this case, he answered without being summoned. It¡¯s like having dinner with a stranger with the lights off. You can¡¯t see the person in the darkness. Who knows, they might be as ugly as a frog. And if you kiss it you will be just like the princess and the frog. Ah, maybe you should go in ce of Dage.¡±


    This time Ming Ming cried for real. She didn¡¯t want to kiss a frog. She was terrified of anything tiny that hops.


    ¡°Wuwuwuwu I don¡¯t want to kiss a frog. Ah, I don¡¯t want Dage to kiss a frog,¡± she cried looking at Yi Chen with a pitiful expression.


    ¡°You really shouldn¡¯t discuss this here,¡± whispered Marshal Yi but his wife wasn¡¯t listening. Instead, she pinched Yi Youxi. The kid yelped in pain and shut his mouth soon after that.

 Chapter 42

    42 Kissing a frog in the dark


    Yi Chen took the napkin and wiped Ming Ming¡¯s tears while coaxing the little girl. ¡°No one will be kissing frogs. Yuoxi is just being silly,¡± he said before cing more pieces of meat in her bowl.


    Like a hungry hyena, she stopped crying and ate fast while wiping her eyes. She was afraid her mother would tell Yi Chen to take back the meat so she gobbled it up before Lin Ruoxi could stop her. She was the kind of child who would eat meat only and not the rest which is why Lin Ruoxi was strict with her. Unfortunately, today she was destined to fail.


    ¡°What¡¯s the hurry? I am certain he will get to meet a lovely girl in the military,¡± said the Marshal but his mind was still on Yi Youxi. He really needed to spend more time with him otherwise his son¡¯s mind might keep twisting in the wrong direction.


    ¡°Oh hell no. Uh-uh, not happening. Those girls are tough as steel. Look at him, he would get bossed around by them,¡± she said making Yi Chen feel a little offended. What part of him screamed soft persimmon?


    ¡°No, he won¡¯t. He is as tough as.....,¡± he said only for him to swallow down thest of his words. That¡¯s because his wife was staring at him.


    It wasn¡¯t a terrifying stare but it had hisst resolve melting like ice under the hot summer sun. It seemed a girl¡¯s ability to boss around her future husband had nothing to do with whether they were in the military or not. She never enlisted but she had the Marshal wrapped around her finger.


    ¡°Besides, what if you do find a military girl and the both of you get deployed into different toons? You won¡¯t see each other then what¡¯s the point?¡± she said but that was only helping Yi Chen make his case. He had no time for this nonsense. He wanted to exim, ¡°Exactly!¡± but of course, he didn¡¯t say it out loud.


    ¡°You don¡¯t have to start a rtionship. It will be like casting a into the sea. Who knows who might catch your attention. Since you aren¡¯t asfortable about it, I and the girls can arrange a single¡¯s day out.¡±


    ¡°All you need to do is show up and be nice. If anyone catches your eye you can tell me? Oh and do tell me immediately because your auntie is also looking for someone for your cousin,¡± she said without even catching a breath.


    .....


    Anything after ¡®rtionship¡¯ Yi Chen didn¡¯t hear it. He was busy thinking of a way to foil it. He knew mums who had kids enlisting in the military thought the same way. They wanted their kids to find someone before enlisting as anything could happen but.... he just wasn¡¯t ready.


    ¡°Okay mum..... just don¡¯t have high expectations,¡± he said before continuing to eat his meal that basically tasted like sand at this point.


    Lin Ruoxi was dissatisfied by the expectationsment but she shut her mouth. At least he was willing to try. She could consider this dinner a sess.


    Meanwhile, Zi Han was regretting everything. He didn¡¯t like what he saw in the mirror but that wasn¡¯t the thing bothering him the most.


    What was upsetting him was the fact that his mother while washing his hair suddenly told him that he was going to stay with his grandfather which he didn¡¯t expect.


    It¡¯s not like he didn¡¯t want to stay with his grandfather. It¡¯s that all his life he had stayed with his mother. Everything about his life revolved around her and now that wasing to an end.


    He didn¡¯t think theming here meant he would be separating from his mother. If he had known he might have refused to move. His eyes stung as he ran his fingers through his hair but no matter how much he messed around with his strands the heaviness in his chest didn¡¯t dissipate.


    Zi Xingxi who had just left to raid her father¡¯s room for a hair clipper entered the room only for her to see her son¡¯s reflection in the mirror. He looked like he was on the brink of tears which made her heart twist painfully.


    It¡¯s not that she hadn¡¯t considered running off with him. She had but she also knew her father was right. She wanted her son to have a normal life.


    Zi Xingxi didn¡¯t want him to disguise himself as someone else just to take a trip to the mall. At least he should live a regr life and go to college or something.


    If in the future he still wants to join her then no one can stop him. She knew her husband would have wanted that too.


    Thus she could onlyfort herself and let her baby go. In slow strides, she walked over and ruffled his hair while saying, ¡°Don¡¯t worry so much. I wille home more often than you think. It will be Iike I never left.¡±


    Her words wereforting but Zi Han couldn¡¯t ept them easily. His head lowered he mumbled, ¡°It¡¯s not the same. I want to go with you.¡±


    Zi Xingxi sighed as she put a bath towel around him so she could cut his hair. She ced both her hands on either of Zi Han¡¯s shoulders before saying, ¡°Your grandfather is right. If youe with me you won¡¯t have a chance at a normal life again so... just stay here and you two can also get to bond.¡±


    Zi Han wanted to say his life was never normal from the start but he was afraid he would cry if he opens his mouth. ¡°Now don¡¯t make a fuss otherwise I will give you a bowl cut,¡± she said as she looked at him in the mirror.


    With the thought of his days of having an ugly bowl cut Zi Han couldn¡¯t help but snicker. ¡°Pfft.... That cut was so ugly,¡± he said before a snicker turned into a chuckle and a chuckle turned intoughter andughter into tears. As though affected by Zi Han¡¯s emotions, Zi Xingxi began tough-cry as well. She seemed fine and she said she was fine but she wasn¡¯t. She wanted to stay with her baby forever.


    During this heartbreaking emotional scene, Zi Xingxi who now had the hair clippers in her hand identally shaved off the side of Zi Han¡¯s hair.


    Bzzzzz


    That loud buzzing sound had the two falling into silence as they stared at the bald spot all wide-eyed.


    ¡°Fuck!¡± swore Zi Xingxi


    Author¡¯s Note: Guess who is getting a tapered cut?

 Chapter 43

    43 Roasting Zi Han¡¯s ugly picture


    ¡°Good morning citizens of the glorious Capital Star. The weather today is warm and sunny perfect for a day at the beach.¡±


    ¡°Any ns for the day. I am thinking of having a pic at the Inverse gardens. Inside those spherical domes are different kinds of gardens with a calming atmosphere. I think it would be a great way to spend thest day of the weekend.¡±


    ¡°Personally I prefer the beach. It¡¯s much more interesting than nts and ponds. Those gardens are more like breeding grounds for creepy crawlies.....¡±


    ¡°Ah.... what the.... tsk,¡± were the low murmurs of Zi Han as he rubbed his head against the soft pillow. His eyes half-lidded he scanned the room to find out what was making noise. When he couldn¡¯t find it he took his pillow and pressed it hard over his head as he slowly went back to sleep.


    ¡°Young sir, would you like me to switch off the broadcast?¡± asked a soothing automated voice like that from the housekeeper robot downstairs.


    Zi Han who had no idea that his grandfather¡¯s penthouse was a fully automated smart home almost jolted awake thinking there was an intruder.


    Noticing the fluctuations in his mood the AI spoke calmly, ¡°Don¡¯t be rmed, it¡¯s me young sir. The broadcast automatically switched on as a wake-up call set by the master so you can wake up early. Now that you are awake...¡±


    ¡°Switch it off,¡± mumbled Zi Han as he felt around his bed and picked up another pillow and flung it trying to shut the AI up.


    A du du sound followed as the housekeeping system vanished leaving this young sir sleeping like the dead. Zi Han had a problem waking up and his mother must have told his grandfather otherwise why set up such an annoying rm.


    .....


    Despite being woken up by those annoying voices Zi Han fell back to sleep as if nothing had happened. It was as though he had taken a sleeping pill and he could easily drift off to sleep after being woken up.


    Thirty minutester his bedroom door was pushed open and Zi Feiji¡¯s head stuck through the creak staring at the bed. As expected the troublesome brat was fast asleep despite having set up an rm for him.


    He wanted to yell at him to wake him up but when he saw his sleeping posture he was at a loss for words. Zi Han had half his body hanging off the bed and the quilt was scattered on the floor like it had been kicked off the bed.


    Last night he had witnessed his daughter tuck Zi Han in like a zongzi (glutinous rice wrapped in bamboo leaves). At that time he had even chastised her for wrapping him up like this. What if he couldn¡¯t breathe?


    Now that he was faced with this disaster he suddenly understood. Zi Han¡¯s sleeping problem was even more problematic than he thought.


    ¡°Han Han, time to wake up. It¡¯s almost eleven a.m.,¡± he said as he pushed the door open wider but the head hiding under the pillow mumbled a few words before the room fell back into silence.


    Zi Feiji sighed before yelling even louder. ¡°Zi Han!¡± he called out and just as his daughter predicted the boy jolted out of the bed like a kitten stepping on water and with a loud bam he fell off the bed.


    ¡°Ah... seriously,¡± muttered Zi Han as he turned over to lie on his back on the floor with the pillow still covering his face.


    ¡°Zi Han!¡± yelled Zi Feiji one more time and just like a charm it worked. Zi Han sat up straight as he stared at his grandfather with a dazed expression.


    His eyes were squinting like an olddy trying to read the tiny print on a newspaper and his hair resembled a bird¡¯s nest making him look funny. ¡°Grandpa....,¡± he called only to fall silent as a click sound came from his grandfather¡¯s light brain.


    ¡°If you don¡¯t want me to make this picture my avatar on Sta you better be downstairs in ten minutes,¡± said Zi Feiji with a serious look on his face. But the moment he walked out of his grandson¡¯s room and closed the door he couldn¡¯t resist the urge tough.


    His grandson looked so funny with that messed up head of hair. It didn¡¯t even look like he had a haircutst night. While Zi Feiji was sharing this hateful picture in his circle of friends Zi Han was scratching his hair while getting up to walk to the bathroom.


    He couldn¡¯t understand why he had to wake up early when they had nothing to do today. He took off his pyjamas along the way to the bathroom and just like a little piggy he threw each piece of clothing on the floor as he shed them off. When he reached the bathroom door he saw a sticky note posted on there. It read:


    ¡°Pick up your clothes and throw them in theundry you little piggy.¡±


    Zi Han, ¡°.....¡±


    He looked back at the clothes that he had thrown on the ground and sighed deeply as he went back to pick them up. It was obvious who wrote this note. It seemed his mother was using this method to reprimand him.


    As he stepped under the showerhead the water streamed down his face soothing his slightly swollen eyes from cryingst night. When he reached over to grab the shampoo he felt another sticky note stered on the bottle.


    He took a small step back and the water shut down on its own as he read the note.


    ¡°I brought your tear-free shampoo.¡±


    ¡°Oh, and I also told grandpa the kind to buy for you.¡±


    ¡°XOXO¡±


    Zi Han, ¡°Seriously?!¡±


    What he didn¡¯t realise was that this was just the beginning. For the next few days, he would be finding sticky notes everywhere. His mother was right when she said, ¡°It would be like she never left.¡±


    He found others in his closet each different from the rest. She reminded him of everything. From what colour t-shirts to wear with which pants to which shoes to wear with which socks. She was like a helicopter parent at a whole different level.


    By the time he went downstairs, he felt so suffocated from all those notes. At least he could have some breakfast in peace. His grandfather was sitting at the dining table with a floating screen in front of him his expression unsightly.


    From his speed of typing, he looked like he was arguing with people on Sta. To be more specific he was arguing with his circle of friends because of the picture he shared just now. Whose picture was it? Well, it was Zi Han¡¯s but instead of praise his old buddies were roasting him online.


    Friend one: What possessed you to upload an ugly mugshot of yourself in the military.


    Friend two: Didn¡¯t you see from his caption?


    Friend two: Forwarded; Meet my adorable grandson #blessed


    Friend three: Hahaha... he looks like a cat after getting rained on.


    Wiseman: You are all talking shit this morning?


    Wiseman: My grandson is obviously handsome.


    Friend one: He looks like a wet poodle.


    Friend four: At least you should tell him to clean the mop before he puts it on top of his head.


    Wiseman: You know what..... Fuck you!


    Wiseman: All of you.


    Wiseman: You are all assholes.


    Friend three: He is swearing.


    Friend four: Then he is really pissed off.


    Friend two: The truth hurts.


    ¡°Shit!¡± swore Zi Feiji as he angrily shut the screen only to be met by his grandson¡¯s puzzled gaze.


    ¡°What are you doing?¡± asked Zi Han as he stood there watching him type.


    ¡°Ah... I uploaded your picture in my moments but these old basta-..... For years I endured them posting cute pictures of their grandkids doing the dumbest things.¡±


    ¡°What¡¯s so cute about a baby smearing their body with butter or a toddler with their head stuck in between bannisters..... Why are youughing?¡±


    Zi Han had indeed started snickering when his grandfather started mentioning some of the so-called dumb stuff. He couldn¡¯t help it, but seeing his grandpa¡¯s dark expression he put away his smile and gestured with his hand for him to continue.


    ¡°When it¡¯s finally my turn they roast you instead. How annoying,¡± said a flustered Zi Feiji with a displeased tone.


    Zi Han sat down opposite his grandfather and said, ¡°That¡¯s because those were kids doing adorable things. I on other hand am not a kid anymore... And why would you upload such an unttering picture of me?¡±


    As he said this the old steward served breakfast alongside the new housekeeping robot.

 Chapter 44

    44 Finding a good college for Zi Han


    ¡°You are wrong. It¡¯s not unttering rather it¡¯s adorable. What do you think Old Lu?¡± said Zi Feiji presenting his masterpiece to the old steward.


    The old man leaned down and looked at the picture and the smile on his face grew wider. ¡°The young sir is indeed adorable,¡± said the Old steward with his eyes shaped like the crescent moon.


    ¡°See, I told you,¡± said Zi Feiji but Zi Han didn¡¯t hear the rest of the conversation because he was attracted by the breaking news being broadcasted on the screen. It looked like it was a repeat broadcast from the morning but because it was especially tragic the news kept repeating it.


    It seemed like mysterious portals have been opening in the remotes of the Federation unleashing unusual beasts ughtering everything and anything around them till the military either kills them or the portal closes on its own.


    This had happened before but not at this scale. This time they were simultaneous attacks on multiples. The casualties were in the hundreds and these incidences were bing the Federation¡¯s biggest headache.


    ¡°Han Han, eat up. I have something I want to discuss with youter,¡± said Zi Feiji drawing his attention back to the present.


    Zi Han nodded his head and picked up a porcin spoon to eat up his steaming bowl of chicken congee but his mind was still lost in thought. He couldn¡¯t help but worry for his mother.


    ***


    An hourter two people, one grandson and one grandpa sat opposite each other in the study their expressions interesting.


    .....


    Zi Feiji slid two fliers over to Zi Han as he spoke through gritted teeth, ¡°You will not be joining the Bloodgarde so I suggest you pick one of these fine universities to enrol in.¡±


    Zi Han wanted to argue but he bit his tongue and looked at the generic fliers typical of every Ivy-league university in the federation. ¡°Gorgon university? The school of nerds, seriously? Do I look like I can study medicine or science stuff? Grandpa, I can¡¯t even sit through a chemistry ss. I only got an A because I have a good memory.¡±


    With a stiff smile stered on his face, Zi Feiji moved that flier away and slid the other one in front of him. ¡°How about this one? Look, the cover looks so cool.¡±


    Zi Han folded his arms across his chest and leaned back into his chair while saying, ¡°That¡¯s an arts university. I am not interested in history,w or business stuff.¡±


    ¡°How about this one,¡± said Zi Feiji opening up his drawer to find one more flier he got from the Emissary of Education who also happens to be one of the individuals roasting his grandson earlier.


    ¡°This is for technical skills. You can learn catering or travel and tourism. It sounds so much fun,¡± exined Zi Feiji flipping through the flier. It was then Zi Han realised his grandfather was so desperate to keep him out of the Bloodgarde that he wouldn¡¯t mind him doing a course he didn¡¯t like.


    ¡°No, I hate all those things, wait.... there is one missing,¡± said Zi Han with his eyes narrowed in suspicion.


    Zi Feiji¡¯s eyes became shifty as he stammered, ¡°Uh.... no I..... uh. Psst, this is everything I have.¡±


    ¡°No, one is definitely missing..... the military academy flier. Can I see it,¡± said Zi Han with his enthusiasm written all over his face. If he couldn¡¯t join the Bloodgarde then he would go to military school. That had always been his goal anyway.


    Zi Feiji didn¡¯t seem to like this idea very much. He furrowed his brows whileining, ¡°This is why I wanted your mom to give birth to a girl. At least then I would have raised them to like cute things and hate killing.¡±


    ¡°Mum was once a girl and you raised her but she is the extreme opposite of what you are saying,¡± said Zi Han not at all understanding his grandpa¡¯s logic.


    ¡°Yes, I admit mistakes were made. This is why I was excited to have a grandchild. It was a chance to have a do-over and not raise a killing machine..... Fine, fine I give in. Here.....,¡± he said cing the flier on the desk seeming disgruntled.


    Zi Han excitedly opened it while saying, ¡°By the way, why do you still have fliers? Isn¡¯t it too old fashioned?¡±


    ¡°What? I like the feel of paper in between my fingers,¡± said Zi Feiji as he swiped something on his light brain.


    ¡°But it¡¯s expensive?¡± replied Zi Han recalling how quality paper like this cost a fortune in the federation as this was a special technic from old earth which was rare in this era.


    ¡°Let this old man be. Can¡¯t I be a littlevish?..... I did anticipate you would be like this so I came up with a set of rules before you enlist.¡±


    Zi Han who had his head lowered while reading the flier furrowed his brows as he looked up. What sort of rules could there be?


    ¡°Rule number one..... stay away from him,¡± said Zi Feiji as a floating screen with a vivid image popped up. The crease on Zi Han¡¯s forehead deepened as he stared at that familiar face. The side of his face ached subconsciously when he recalled that fist striking his cheek.


    ¡°Who is he?¡± he asked his fist involuntarily clenching under the table.


    ¡°That¡¯s not important. Just stay the hell away from him. The further the better,¡± said Zi Feiji his expression extremely serious like his life depended on it.


    Zi Han had no problem with that. He also didn¡¯t want to be within that asshole¡¯s vicinity. ¡°Sure, I will stay as far away as possible.¡±


    ¡°Good..... Rule number two. Stay away from him,¡± said Zi Feiji pulling another image of Yi Chen.


    Zi Han pointed at the image with a puzzled expression. ¡°It¡¯s the same guy,¡± he said only for Zi Feiji to respond seriously,


    ¡°Yes, important things need to be repeated twice.¡±


    Zi Han, ¡°.....¡±


    ¡°Rule number three, no fighting outside training,¡± said Zi Feiji while raising three of his fingers, ¡°If you do I will make you regret it.¡±


    The threat was loud and clear. Zi Han nodded his head in agreement. He didn¡¯t want to end up learning catering at the Technical university not that there was anything wrong with catering. It just wasn¡¯t for him.


    ¡°Number four, don¡¯t get anyone pregnant, in fact, stay away from the military girls. Those girls will tear you apart, trust me. I am speaking from personal experience,¡± said Zi Feiji his tone as serious as when he warned him about Yi Chen.


    ¡°Stay away from girls and that guy and no fighting. Got it. I won¡¯t disappoint you, grandpa,¡± he said his expression beaming like a light bulb.


    Well, that¡¯s what Zi Xingxi said and how did that end?

 Chapter 45

    45 Cadet Han


    Zi Han stared nkly at the neatly pressed cadet uniform hanging in his closet as he stood there with a bath towel wrapped around his waist. All his life he had dreamt about this moment but being a boy from the surface slum of Saarilia that dream seemed far fetched.


    At best he thought he would enrol at the pre-enrolment training base in Saarilia. As to whether he would be able to make it to Scy Military Academy in Capital Star would depend on his ability to stand out. Never in a million years had he thought he would be doing his pre-enrolment training at Scy.


    His eyes stung as he traced the silver coat with his fingers. He closed his eyes as a thought crossed his mind. Would his father be proud of him at this moment? Would he be helping him put on his uniform while encouraging him?


    This thought made his chest twist painfully as he dropped his fingers to his side. Shaking off his emotional feelings he took the trousers off the hanger and put them on. When he walked out of the closet he had already put on the white long-sleeved shirt and he was buttoning the buttons on his cuff.


    As he walked to sit down and put on his socks and boots his bedroom door was pushed open and his grandfather walked in with the old steward. Zi Feiji froze when he saw his grandson looking so dashing in his cadet uniform.


    ¡°Wah!¡± eximed the steward. It was like looking at a younger version of Zi Feiji when he joined the pre-enrolment training. Everything about them except height was simr. It was as though they had gone back in time and re-lived the same moment again.


    Zi Feiji got out of his stupor when his grandson stood up having put on his boots. ¡°What are you standing there in a daze for Old Lu? Hurry up and take some pictures while he is still in a good mood,¡± said Zi Feiji as he rushed over to help him button up the top button of his shirt, ¡°And don¡¯t forget to take a picture of his coat, service cap and gloves.¡±


    Zi Han, ¡°???¡±


    ¡°It¡¯s not like this is a wedding photoshoot where they take pictures of the bride¡¯s shoes, dress and essories. You are making a big deal out of nothing,¡± said Zi Han but his grandfather took his tie and began to tie it for him.


    .....


    ¡°You only get to wear this uniform twice in your life. One, on the first day and two, on graduation day. Oh, and when a special dignitaryes to the academy. After graduation you will have a different uniform so yes, this is a big deal,¡± said Zi Feiji as he pulled the knot of Zi Han¡¯s navy blue tie.


    The steward who was frencing as a photographer walked over to the walk-in closet and brought back the neatly pressed coat. Zi Han stood still as his grandfather helped him put on the coat and button it up. The old man tried to hold back his emotions by pressing his lips into a straight line but his eyes still became watery.


    He handed him the service cap and white gloves before he took a step back. Seeing his grandson put those gloves on he saw himself... he saw his daughter. His emotions overcame him like a rushing tide. He had to swallow down his feelings otherwise he might end up tearing up.


    Zi Han finished putting them on and with his service cap in between his arm and side of his body he saw the heavy emotions in his grandfather¡¯s eyes. He didn¡¯t know what took hold of him in this moment that he raised his hand.


    With his thumb pressing down his pinky finger he performed the perfect three-finger salute resting at the side of his temple.


    Zi Feiji who didn¡¯t expect him to do this couldn¡¯t hold back anymore. His eyes teared up and he didn¡¯t return the salute. Instead, he chose to walk out before his grandson witnessed a tragic scene which is grandpa crying.


    He knew that he shouldn¡¯t be this emotional but he couldn¡¯t help it. One minute the kid was kicking in Zi Xingxi¡¯s belly and the next thing he was a cadet enlisting. It was too much for this old man to take.


    He still hadn¡¯t even recovered as they drove in the hovercar to Scy Military Academy. On the way, he was sending a myriad of pictures to Zi Xingxi so he wouldn¡¯t have to suffer alone.


    At that time Zi Xingxi was in an abandoned building with a man hanging upside down by his legs with bruises on his face and chest. In her hand, she was holding a blood-stained dagger while asking the man some questions.


    Crouching down before him while wearing six-inch heels she said, ¡°Nowe on Lance.... I know you know something about those portals otherwise, why would everyone be naming you... Is it just me or every you visited in the past three months was attacked by those beasts a short whileter?.... Either it¡¯s deliberate or you are the unluckiest son of a bitch alive.¡±


    ¡°You bitch! This is illegal. You fucking Bloodgarde are just fucking criminals running dirty deals with the Marshal under the table,¡± yelled the man with blood dripping down from his lips.


    ¡°Tsk.....,¡± she tsked as she got up with a dark expression, ¡°he is of no use to me. Since he called me a bitch then I will be one. Finish him off.¡± After she said that the corner of her lips quirked up as Secretary K walked over and held up aser shotgun pistol.


    Before he pulled the trigger panicked cries came from the man¡¯s lips but Zi Xingxi couldn¡¯t hear his pathetic sobs. She was walking in slow steps with her finger swiping down the screen of her light brain. When she saw pictures of her baby dressed up for his first day of school a radiant smile appeared on her face.


    ¡°Clean up this mess,¡± she said to Secretary K before she leapt out of the building through the windowless opening and dove down like she was about to fall to her death. Her body disappeared into the cloudy mist making one have their heart in their mouth.


    Two secondster Chronos emerged from the clouds with its yellow and silver armour shimmering under the morning sun before it vanished into thin air after having camouged itself from the Capital Star¡¯s prestigious surveince AI.

 Chapter 46

    46 Cadet Han By the time the hovercar reached the front gates of Scy Military Academy Zi Xingxi had already arrived atop one of the campus buildings with Chronos already back in her pendant.


    Crouching down she wrote a message on her light brain to Zi Han.


    ProudMom: You look handsome.


    Zi Han who had been following behind his grandfather saw the message and began to look around but he couldn¡¯t see his mother. A secondter another notification popped up.


    ProudMom: Your ten o¡¯clock.


    ProudMom: Look up.


    Zi Han looked up and when he saw his mother standing there he couldn¡¯t help but smile. He knew it wasn¡¯t safe for her to be around here thus he didn¡¯t expect her toe. But now that she did he couldn¡¯t help but feel touched.


    Zi Feiji who had already walked forward noticed his grandson wasn¡¯t following so he looked back only to find him looking up. Following his line of sight, he saw his troublesome daughter atop a building watching her son. It¡¯s like she wanted to get caught.


    Zi Feiji walked back and draped his arm around Zi Han¡¯s shoulders before pulling him away while reprimanding Zi Xingxi with his sharp eyes. Instead of listening Zi Xingxi sat down on the ledge of the building and took out a cigarette.


    .....


    She always thought she would be the one to drop off Zi Han at college and when she was pregnant she had imagined dropping him off together with her husband.


    But now her father had to do it because she was the most wanted person in Capital Star and her husband was dead.


    So yes, she desperately needed to calm her nerves. As she took a long drag of her cigarette and blew out a puff of smoke, Chronos spoke, ¡°Master, you have about twenty seconds before Sheba notices something is wrong with the surveince system in this grid.¡±


    After being caught with a pair of scissors in its hand and about to cut Zi Han¡¯s hair it had been well behaved. The Sheba it was referring to was the surveince AI running the show in the Captial Star. Chronos was great at what it did but it still was no match for Sheba and could only do so much.


    ¡°En,¡± replied Zi Xingxi as she tilted her head back and closed her eyes for a second. A teardrop shimmered under the sun as it hung on her lower eyelid. Chronos wanted to say something but it was in the dog house at the moment.


    Zi Xingxi flicked the half-smoked cigarette away before she got up and wiped her eye with the back of her hand. Just as she was about to let out Chronos and take off a ding sound from her light brain caught her attention.


    When she swiped it she saw it was a message from Zi Han.


    Mama¡¯sBoy: I love you.


    Mama¡¯sBoy: Be safe.


    A radiant smile crept up her face as the gloomy cloud hanging over her head vanished into thin air. Her baby boy really had a way to put a smile on her face no matter how sad she was.


    Unfortunately, this precious moment didn¡¯tst long because Sheba had already noticed the discrepancy near Scy Military Academy and thus deployed armed surveince drones in that area.


    Sharp zapping sounds pierced the air as beams of light shot in her direction. ¡°Master!¡± yelled Chronos as it emerged from the pendant and morphed into a protective shield dispelling the attack.


    Zi Xingxiughed as she ran along the ledge and leapt into the sky. ¡°You know one day I might not be able to catch you in time,¡± said Chronos as it pulled Zi Xingxi into the cockpit.


    ¡°That would be the day you die,¡± said Zi Xingxi with a light chuckle.


    ¡°Ha ha ha, nice one master,¡±ughed Chronos nervously but it knew she meant it.


    Just as Sheba¡¯s drones ran around in confusion looking for the culprit who infiltrated the system, Yi Chen who had just stepped out of his hovercar happened to step on something.


    When he looked down his expression changed subtly as he saw a familiar cigarette bud.


    He suddenly had an ominous feeling but before he could put the puzzle piece together Li Ran appeared from behind him like a ghost and draped his arm around his shoulders.


    ¡°What are you standing here in a daze for?¡± asked Li Ran while patting his chest, ¡°You were so out of it that you didn¡¯t notice that pretty cadet watching you.¡± After saying this he gestured with his eyes for Yi Chen to take a look.


    A short distance away was a girl in uniform standing by her hovercar while staring at him. When she found out that she had been caught leching after Yi Chen she shyly lowered her head as she pulled down her service cap.


    ¡°Not interested,¡± replied Yi Chen in a cold and indifferent tone as he walked ahead of Li Ran.


    ¡°Of course, you aren¡¯t,¡± he said while smiling and waving at the girl before catching up with him.


    Meanwhile, Zi Han who had been dragged to the Dean¡¯s office by his grandfather was trying to restrain himself and patiently listen to the old men catch up.


    From his grandfather¡¯s conversation, he guessed that he had missed the registration date for Scy Military Academy but because he had registered in Saarilia his grandfather had convinced his friend to take him in.


    He was extremely grateful and had thanked the dean for his generosity but he could no longer listen to these two reminiscing. He was even sleepy at this point.


    ¡°... if he starts trouble call me personally and I will deal with him,¡± said Zi Feiji while patting Zi Han¡¯s shoulder hard as though to wake him up. It was as though he had sensed that his grandson was about to pass out and catch up with his sleep since he was forced to wake up early today.


    Zi Han hurriedly sat up straight only to hear the dean say, ¡°If he is anything like his mother then that is a given. There will indeed be trouble. I trust in your disciplinary skills Old Zi.¡±


    Zi Han, ¡°...¡±


    Wasn¡¯t the dean being a little prejudiced. He was nothing like his mother, okay?


    Author¡¯s Note: Yes, he is nothing like his mother. He is much worse than her.

 Chapter 47

    47 Prelude to the first school fight


    ¡°Wee new cadets to our prestigious academy. You have made the right choice for your future and the future of the Federation to join Scy Military Academy.¡±


    ¡°Please be reminded that it is of uttermost importance that you be present at the opening ceremony at nine hundred hours at the assembly point in front of the administration building.¡±


    ¡°Wee new cadets.....¡±


    ¡°Have you got everything you need?¡± asked Zi Feiji as the repetitive announcement from the drone high above the premises yed in the background.


    Zi Han nodded his head as he looked up to the sky to take a glimpse of the drone above them. ¡°Look at me,¡± said Zi Feiji patting his shoulders.


    Zi Hanplied as he heaved a deep sigh attempting to calm his nerves. ¡°You don¡¯t have to be the best so don¡¯t overwork yourself. But since this is the path you have chosen you should try your best to seed. If you fail the pre-training programme we can always find something else for you to do so... no pressure, okay?¡±


    Zi Han could barely follow what his grandfather was saying. He was like, ¡°You don¡¯t have to be the best but work hard.¡± Wasn¡¯t his message a little conflicting? What he did grasp onto was the fact that if he fails his grandfather would find something else for him to do. When he recalled those other fliers he suddenly had a headache. There is no way he was going to studyw or medicine. This was what he wanted to do or join the Bloodgarde but since the Bloodgarde wasn¡¯t an option he had to do his best in the Military.


    ¡°I understand. I will do my very best...,¡± he said before looking down at his light brain, ¡°I have only twenty minutes before the opening ceremony. Grandpa you can go..... I will be fine.¡± He could clearly see the worry in the old man¡¯s eyes thus he said this to reassure him.


    Zi Feiji wasn¡¯t reassured in the slightest. In fact, he was even more anxious now than before but what could he do? He couldn¡¯t camp outside the campus gates. That would be highly inappropriate.


    .....


    He wasn¡¯t worried when he dropped off Zi Xingxi at this very school but it turned out he should have been because she ended up involving herself with his royal highness.


    Now he was dropping his grandson to the very same school with the enemy¡¯s cub lurking around. That made him very nervous thus he reiterated, ¡°Stay away from Yi Chen. Do you understand?¡±


    Zi Han, ¡°.....¡±


    ¡°Yes, yes I will. Grandpa, if you don¡¯t leave now I will bete for the opening ceremony,¡± said Zi Han almost shooing his grandfather away like shooing away a chicken.


    ¡°Fine, you can go... I will pick you up after school,¡± said Zi Feiji waving his hand feeling a little flustered.


    Zi Han hugged his grandfather for a brief moment and then smiled at him before walking away. But just as he turned his foot to take a right, Zi Feiji yelled, ¡°Wrong way!¡±


    Zi Han chuckled softly and turned to go to the left while waving at his grandfather. It was easy to see that he was nervous at a nce which made Zi Feiji even more worried.


    As soon as his grandson¡¯s figure disappeared he sighed as he leaned against the wall. He immediately contacted the Emissary of Education to check if there were any other openings just in case his grandson messes this up. That feeling only grew stronger and stronger as he walked out of the premises.


    The grandson he was worried about wasn¡¯t doing as bad as he imagined in his head. Zi Han had found the assembly point with ease and he was currently looking for the row where his ss was supposed to stand.


    Based on the cadet ess pass he received he was supposed to be in ss one. sses were assigned by one¡¯s grades when one applied to the academy. This meant Zi Han was one of the smart ones but right now he didn¡¯t feel smart.


    The first row in the assembly point had students with different coloured uniforms. Their coats were navy blue and their pants were silver which was the opposite of what the rest were wearing. It was obvious that he didn¡¯t belong there.


    He was about to casually pick a row with fewer people when someone identally bumped into him from behind. His brows furrowed as he looked back. Behind him were three boys and a girl, three of them were about his height and the other one was so short that Zi Han had to lower his head to look at him.


    Despite having bumped into him they weren¡¯t apologetic. In fact, two of them walked forward their expressions a little intimidating.


    Seeing this Zi Han couldn¡¯t help but smirk. It seemed his grandfather knew he would encounter assholes from day one thus he deliberately made him promise not to fight outside training.


    ¡°Apologise,¡± said the tallest one among them as he stood right in Zi Han¡¯s face. Based on Zi Han¡¯s character that wasn¡¯t going to happen.


    The smirk on his face abruptly vanished as his gorgeous fox eyes exuded a bone piercing chill that made the boy¡¯s blood run cold. The way his expression changed from a sly fox to that of a demon was so fast that it startled the people around him.


    The tall boy was very much intimidated but he didn¡¯t show it on his face. He wanted to back down but his pride wouldn¡¯t let him thus he stood his ground. He had already lost his position in ss one and rumour had it that he lost it to someone from a garbage star.


    His father was an admiral to the Marshal so what kind of power could a low life from a garbage star have not unless their mother climbed into one of the board members¡¯ beds. That had indeed happened before. It was because Scy was extremely difficult to get into especially for candidates outside the Capital Star. Thus this new cadet wasn¡¯t in the best of moods.


    ¡°Maverick!..... the drone is watching,¡± said the short guy and the moment he spoke the two guys made way for him like he was some sort of don in the mafia.


    ¡°Hey... the opening ceremony is about to begin and you are all fuckin loafing around like delinquents,¡± said a melodious yet overbearing voice.


    As soon as she spoke the group passed Zi Han with the two boys intentionally bumping into his shoulder. The girl just gave him a provocative smile before passing him. Shorty on the other hand scoffed before walking away.


    Zi Han, ¡°.....¡±


    Did he just get insulted by a garden gnome? Okay, fine he was definitely taller than a garden gnome but Zi Han couldn¡¯t help it. The guy was just too short. He nced in shorty¡¯s direction before the girl who just spoke cleared her throat to grasp his attention.


    When she saw his dangerously handsome face and those fox eyes staring at her from underneath the service cap she felt weak at her knees and her face heated up. One should be able to guess her strength based on that group¡¯s response.


    Her name was H, a six-foot beauty with a heart of a jaguar. Oh, and she was also the vice president of ss one thus exining her uniform. She was the type of girl no one could ever conquer but today she seemed to have met her match.


    Unable to ept that a man had stirred her heart at a nce sheposed herself and said, ¡°Student ID.¡±


    Zi Han passed on his ess pass which also served as his student ID. H took the card and the corner of her lip quirked before she gave him back his ess pass.

 Chapter 48

    48 Enemies meet on a narrow road


    She straightened her coat and said, ¡°Cadet Han your ss is this way,¡± before pointing the way.


    ¡°Thank you.....,¡± replied Zi Han as he followed her instructions. Unexpectedly he found himself standing right next to shorty and his aplices, well, short of one. That Maverick guy was standing behind their ss, presumably standing in ss two¡¯s designated row.


    Soon the sound of the Onyx federation¡¯s anthem began to y in the background and the staff of the academy dressed in academic regalia stepped onto the tform led by the dean of Scy Military Academy.


    As a sign of respect to the schrs, the students performed a three-finger salute in honour of their teachers. They only lowered their arms when thest of them got on stage and the anthem came to an abrupt halt.


    A couple of boring speeches followed and Zi Han who hadn¡¯t slept enough today couldn¡¯t help but feel the after-effects. These schrs were like a cure to insomnia. He maintained his stance but his eyes involuntarily drooped that he had to pinch himself a couple of times.


    In the front row, H who was especially sensitive to Cadet Han¡¯s presence looked back through her peripheral view and when she saw him fighting off sleep she pressed her lips into a thin line suppressing a smile.


    If she did it once then it would be fine. No one would care but she looked back four times. Yi Chen who was standing beside her felt something was wrong but couldn¡¯t investigate. With a re sharp enough to slice a cier clean through he managed to subdue H.


    She wasn¡¯t too pleased with the ss president¡¯s reprimand but she also knew this wasn¡¯t the right time to simp on this new ssmate.


    Zi Han¡¯s eyes finally shut but before he could doze off while standing he was roused from his sleep when loud ps around him woke him up.


    .....


    ¡°Shit,¡± he muttered as he pped his hands. In this moment he sincerely regretted not running away with his mother. Yes, his grandfather would be pissed off but he could be coaxed after a few years, right?


    His voice was as low as a church mouse but Yi Chen who was in the first row heard it. He felt a great sense of familiarity but before he could take a look the dean invited the ss presidents and their vices onto the tform.


    As he walked up the stage followed by eleven other individuals the dean went to say, ¡°Take a close look at these faces. For this semester these people will be your leaders. What they say goes and if you defy their orders it would warrant strict punishment.¡±


    Zi Han who was absent-mindedly listening just now flinched when he saw that annoying face that not only his grandfather but also his mother had been warning him to stay the fuck away from. His blood ran cold as he subconsciously followed the man¡¯s figure with his eyes.


    His lips twitched as the veins on his neck pulsed. He didn¡¯t think that seeing this person would affect him this much. What he didn¡¯t realise was that this person had left a psychological shadow on him. That¡¯s because for the first time in his life he had lost a fight and he lost miserably.


    Annoyed he pressed the tip of his tongue against his cheek his eyes as sharp as knives. Because of how sharp Zi Han¡¯s re was Yi Chen who had a keen sense felt it. Thus he looked in that direction and when he met those familiar fox eyes his breath hitched.


    He almost couldn¡¯t maintain his indifferent expression seeing that ever so familiar face. In that moment he recalled the half-smoked cigarette on the ground and that familiar voice swearing behind him. Everything seemed toe together like a puzzle.


    Zi Han wanted to continue with this staredown as he didn¡¯t want to be the first one to break eye contact but he suddenly nced over to Yi Chen¡¯s right and almost got a heart attack. That six-foot beauty from thest time was staring at him sending goosebumps all over his body.


    After that, he couldn¡¯t look anymore. He would do anything to dispel this awkward atmosphere. Heck, he wouldn¡¯t even mind staring at the dean¡¯s braided beard just as long as it can help him get rid of the oddity lingering in the air.


    Lucky for him Yi Chen wasn¡¯t rude enough to keep staring. On the contrary, it was H who kept stealing nces like a leprechaun greedily staring at a pot of gold. Ah, Zi Han just wanted to call his mother so she woulde to pick him up and he would start his life as a fugitive.


    Yi Chen had stopped looking but to be frank, his mind was in turmoil. That giddy feeling from the day they met sprung up again making it very difficult to breathe.


    He had already been warned by Zi Xingxi to stay away from her son and he had also vowed to stay away from the crazy but now..... Zi Han had be a cadet in his ss. How was he supposed to fulfil his promise to himself?


    Even as he left the tform his mind was in such a mess. He absentmindedly organized ss one for thepulsory picture that would be posted on the Scy Military Academy¡¯s Sta page. It was because of this absentmindedness that he found himself standing right beside Zi Han.


    Zi Han had been shuffled around by the dissatisfied photographer¡¯s humanoid assistant that when he was finally allocated the perfect spot he heaved a sigh of relief. That is until someone stood right beside him.


    At first, he wanted to politely nod at the person but when he met that face again his foot subconsciously took a step. He was going to fulfil his promise to his grandpapi and stay as far away as possible from this person.


    But just as his heel touched the ground his arm was pulled and he heard that deep hypnotic voicemand, ¡°Don¡¯t move.¡±


    ¡®The fuck!¡¯ screamed Zi Han internally as he tried to free himself but that grip was so tight that it was either he stayed put or lose his arm. Before he could decide which one was more important, his arm or his freedom a blinding bright sh from the camera grasped his attention.


    The photographer who thought this was going to be a single take stared at the image with a look of dissatisfaction. He raised his head and with a displeased tone he pointed at Zi Han. ¡°You!.... what were you looking at? Why were you gazing affectionately at the ss president like a bride staring at their husband? Eyes over here monsieur,¡± yelled the photographer causing the entire ss to snicker.


    Zi Han, ¡°....¡±


    ¡°You fucking bastard,¡± he mumbled through gritted teeth while attempting to pull up his sleeve. Gazing at who affectionately? Those who talk shit must bear the consequences but Yi Chen wasn¡¯t going to let that happen. He grasped Zi Han¡¯s arm even tighter while whispering,


    ¡°Cadet, restrain yourself.¡±


    Zi Han, ¡°.....¡±


    Now he was fighting the urge to beat the shit out of the so-called ss president. Somebody hold him back because he was about to burn all bridges between the Marshal and the Bloodgarde.

 Chapter 49

    49 First school fight


    ¡®Don¡¯t move... Don¡¯t move... Don¡¯t. Move!¡¯ These words echoed in Zi Han¡¯s head as he walked down the passageways of the academy with an expression cold enough to freeze inanimate objects upon contact like liquid nitrogen.


    Zi Han¡¯s head was dangerously approaching boiling point and mind you this was just day one. His anger wasn¡¯t only directed towards Yi Chen. In fact, he could just ignore that incident. It was that picture that had him on the verge of exploding.


    If his grandfather sees that picture then forget being in the academy. He might as well sign up for a crochet ss and forget joining the military.


    Despite his grandfather¡¯s repeated warnings, he had taken a ss picture right next to the enemy. If this won¡¯t have his grandfather pulling him out of the military by the leg then what would?


    Thus he needed to cool himself down before he goes into ss one. The only problem was that in his anger he lost his sense of direction and found himself in the ce that he didn¡¯t want to be in the first ce.


    He had stumbled upon ss one¡¯s doors and as he took a step back to leave Zi Han heard someone call to him in an insulting manner. Of course, they wouldn¡¯t call to him using his name because they had no idea what it was thus they could only settle for the most insulting title they could think of.


    ¡°Hey, garbage star!..... Where do you think you are going?¡± called out a voice now familiar to him. It was that arrogant narcissist that went by the name Maverick. Like two bulls they had already butted heads earlier but it seemed this guy wasn¡¯t resigned.


    Zi Han could have been the bigger person and choose to walk away but that wasn¡¯t his nature. He could have easily kept his promise to his grandfather if he wasn¡¯t provoked.


    He was like a swarm of bees. If you stay the fuck away from their hive they would go about their business and ignore you. But if you actively stick your hand in the hive then wouldn¡¯t that make him a wuss if he doesn¡¯t retaliate?


    .....


    Zi Han¡¯s steps paused as he pressed the tip of his tongue on his cheek. A wolfish grin crept up his face as he turned around and looked through the door of the ss.


    Maverick who had been sitting on top of one of the fancy desks jumped down and took two strides over with an intimidating posture like he was a roaster about to establish the pecking order.


    Zi Han walked over in slow heavy strides bringing with him an eerie atmosphere that could have ghosts scurrying back into their graves in fear. The ss that had been murmuring under their breaths suddenly quieted down as though perceiving the dangerous atmosphere.


    The grin on Zi Han¡¯s face grew even more malicious as he red at this Maverick guy. The boy was a little shaken that his foot scraped the floor moving back a little but he immediately stopped himself retracting it back into its original position.


    His pride had returned back online and refused let him back down. His entire family had already expressed their dissatisfaction with him and now that he had found out who the culprit was he wouldn¡¯t let him go.


    ¡°Do we have a problem?¡± asked Zi Han with a slight tilt of his head as he stared at him from the corner of his eye with a raised brow. His hands were itching to beat the shit out of someone right now and he was begging for this person to make the first strike. This was his only way to work around his promise to his grandfather. He could use the ssic self-defence card as an excuse for beating the living delights out of someone at school. In that case, his grandfather wouldn¡¯t hold him ountable.


    Maverick who had the backing of his two other friends grew more courageous. He took a step forward and jabbed his finger hard against Zi Han¡¯s chest in provocation. ¡°You..... you are my problem. I still can¡¯t fathom the fact you have a level B mental power but you somehow managed to wiggle your way into ss one,¡± said Maverick before his friend chimed in,


    ¡°If it isn¡¯t foul y then how does one exin such a supernatural event?¡± said the boy standing beside Maverick with a stick from a lollipop sticking out at the corner of his mouth.


    His inquiry might seem normal to others but to those who had carefully studied admission procedures in the handbook, he got it all wrong. Indeed Zi Han¡¯s mental power was nothing special in the eyes of the student but it was something that could be improved with the right training regimen.


    What actuallynded him in that ss wasn¡¯t only his grades that were exceptionally high but also hisbat ability. If he applied for his pre-training enrollment at Scy from the beginning he wouldn¡¯t have needed his grandfather to intervene on his behalf.


    He was more than qualified to be a cadet in this academy and he was more than qualified to be in ss one but Maverick failed to recognize that. All he saw was a dove upying a magpie¡¯s nest.


    Zi Han snorted coldly when he heard that boy¡¯s words. He proceeded to lick his bottom lip before saying, ¡°Is that right? Then what are you going to do about it? Are you just going to stand around like a little bitch and whine about it all day?¡±


    ¡°YOU!....,¡± yelled Maverick his face flushed from anger as he clenched his fist tightly like he was going to attack at any moment.


    Zi Han nced at that clenched fist and his smile grew bigger. ¡°No wonder you lost your spot in this ss. It turns out you are so weak... all you do is run your mouth but when ites down to it..... You. Can¡¯t. Do. Shit,¡± said Zi Han deliberately poking the ho¡¯s nest and seeing whates out.

 Chapter 50

    50 First school fight two


    His provocation was obvious to most. They knew what he was doing and thought Maverick could see it too but they overestimated him. He was already seeing red spots in his eyes like an angry bull.


    The tall girl in their small group walked over and rubbed Maverick¡¯s arm as she spoke to him softly trying to calm him down. She knew that once provoked Maverick wasn¡¯t as sensible hence she had to do something about it before things escted further.


    It was as though his wrath would directly burn a hole in his brain and he would lose his mind in a fit of rage. As expected the raging beast within loosened its restraints and he lost his shit pushing the girl aside like a rag doll.


    Zi Han smiled like a fiend as he dodged Maverick¡¯s fisting toward him. Maverick¡¯s mental power might have been higher than his but hisbat skills were far less superior to his. This meant Zi Han had a big advantage.


    Maverick staggered a little having missed his target and when he realised it he was extremely livid that the purple veins on his neck pulsed as though they were on the verge of bursting.


    His eyes bloodshot he clenched his jaw as he attacked Zi Han again but no matter how hard he tried he couldn¡¯t catch a single hair of his body.


    After five rounds of this useless back and forth Maverick realised he wasn¡¯t making any progress thus he changed tactics. To destabilise the opponent and force them to engage in directbat he decided to use psychological warfare.


    ¡°Running away like that who is the little bitch now?¡± he said in a mocking tone with his chest rising and falling rapidly fuming in anger, ¡°I thought your mother would have taught you to lie down and spread your legs to get what you want. Isn¡¯t that how you got into this academy?... How about you lie down and spread your legs for Lao Tzu and I will go easy on you.¡±


    Loud exmations were heard in the background in response to such a tant attack on a family member which waspletely unnecessary.


    .....


    ¡°Maverick that¡¯s enough!¡± yelled the short boy who had been quiet this entire time. Even he didn¡¯t expect things to escte to this point. If they get caught fighting things might end up real bad for the both of them hence he had no choice but to intervene.


    The short boy walked over and pulled Maverick back attempting to smooth things over but it was already toote. The y pot had already been smashed to smithereens and there was no way to repair it.


    Zi Han normally wouldn¡¯t be fazed if the insult were towards him but Maverick just had to touch his bottom line. This was amon rule that didn¡¯t need to be taught.


    It was the ssic, ¡®You can fuck with me all you want but don¡¯t drag my family members into this, especially my mother.¡¯


    The short boy seemed to have talked some sense into Maverick but before he knew what hit him the both of them were pushed hard with the short boy falling down hard on the cold floor.


    Maverick wasn¡¯t as lucky.


    He directly crashed into the desks behind him and with a loud tter, he copsed to the ground. Because of his powerful physic, he managed to get on his feet quickly but before he could recover fully a powerful fist suddenlynded on his face directly knocking him out.


    The boy might have had A level mental power but he was no match to the B ranked Zi Han who grew up picking fights with anything that moves in the slums of the surface city.


    He could have left it at just that but because he hadpletely lost his rationality at this point he swung his fist about to strike Maverick again when his arm was caught and he was pushed off Maverick.


    Whoever pulled him off Maverick was extremely powerful and such a revtion should have had him cowering in fright but instead Zi Han¡¯s blood boiled from the thrill of having a bloody battle.


    He suddenly grasped the feeling of ancient spartans as they charged into battle against the Persians.


    With a swift movement of his feet, he appeared in front of the short boy and tackled him to the ground. Zi Han swung his fist but it was blocked by the boy who sped Zi Han¡¯s hand to restrain him.


    For a moment neither of them refused to yield with one pushing down his fist while the other pushed it up.


    Seeing that their boss was in trouble the tall boy and girl tried to pull Zi Han off the short boy but it was as though he had eyes at the back of his head. He elbowed the boy in his abdomen and shoved the girl away while simultaneously pressing down the short one.


    The two quickly got back on their feet and lunged forward to try again but the short boy yelled, ¡°Don¡¯t interfere.¡± Why? That¡¯s because just like Zi Han his interest was piqued and he didn¡¯t want to appear weak before his opponent by getting external help.


    The pair struggled on the floor and based on the current situation Zi Han had the upper hand which was extremely baffling. Despite this, the short boy didn¡¯t yield. In fact, he grinned like a fool while saying, ¡°You hit like a girl.¡±


    ¡°Really, then I will show you what a girl truly hits like,¡± he said before swinging his fist again ready to punch him in the gut. But as he harshly moved his elbows back he suddenly hit something hard and loud sounds of exmations followed.


    Zi Han assumed he had hit that tall boy from earlier so he ignored it and continued to beat the heck out of the shorty beneath him. A hand suddenly grasped his arm and pulled him up like he weighed nothing.


    Zi Han attempted to free himself but his body was suddenly mmed against the wall pressing him down hard that he couldn¡¯t free himself. That¡¯s because the person he was being pressed down by this time was Yi Chen. He was absolutely no match for him.

 Chapter 51

    51 Hits like a girl?


    The short guy staggeringly stood up with help of his friends with his palm covering his left cheek while grimacing in pain. His hair was a mess and his uniform creased like he had been caught up in a tornado.


    That powerful tornado was none other than Zi Han who was being held back by their ss president. Zi Han should have calmed down by now but that wasn¡¯t necessarily the case.


    Zi Han kept trying to push back Yi Chen who was pressing him against the wall with his arm across Zi Han¡¯s corbone. ¡°Cadet, stand down!¡± yelled Yi Chen but Zi Han couldn¡¯t hear anything.


    His ears were buzzing with his body trembling in anger. His menacing gaze was fixed on the group of people who caused this in the first ce.


    The little shorty wiped the corner of his mouth panting heavily ring at Zi Han while saying, ¡°You better thank the ss president otherwise.....¡±


    ¡°Otherwise what?..... Do you still want to talk shit when your face is that fucked up? I think you haven¡¯t had enough....e here,¡± said Zi Han as he struggled to break free again. For some reason, the short boy was a little frightened that he took a step back.


    Lucky for him Zi Han was firmly pressed by Yi Chen who yelled again, ¡°Cadet Han, I said stand down!¡±


    That deep menacing voice ultimately brought Zi Han out of his temporary madness and he finally looked at Yi Chen. Every muscle in his body tensed up firmly rejecting this person. He wanted to push Yi Chen away but his brow furrowed when he noticed something.


    A stream of blood flowed from one of Yi Chen¡¯s nostrils. The area around his nose was red and slightly swollen like someone had beat him up. Wait? Someone had hit him?


    .....


    Zi Han, ¡°Fuck!¡±


    When Yi Chen noticed his odd gaze he figured something was wrong. He slowly let go of Zi Han with a scowl on his face. He lightly touched his nose with his finger and there it was. On his fingertip was a drop of bright red blood.


    Li Ran who noticed something was wrong walked over in two strides and pulled his arm forcing Yi Chen to turn around.


    Seeing that swollen nose he drew in a cold breath of air and nced over in Zi Han¡¯s direction. He suddenly raised his finger and pointed at Zi Han having recognized him but before he could say anything Zi Han was suddenly pulled by the back of his cor.


    ¡°What the fuck are you..... shit! Let me go,¡± yelled Zi Han feeling humiliated.


    Yi Chen didn¡¯t hear him or maybe he did but he didn¡¯t care. He had been angry with himself an hour ago for involving himself with this person. Even now he couldn¡¯t understand what had possessed him enough to make him grasp the boy¡¯s hand during the ss picture session.


    When Zi Xingxi threatened him he had vowed to stay as far away as possible from this person. Based on this premise he should have let the boy go when they were taking that ss picture. Wasn¡¯t it good to live in peace and harmony without attracting crazy people?


    Thus he rmitted to his vow. He would try by any means necessary to stay away from him but who was he kidding. The moment he stepped into ss he saw two people tussling on the floor thus he pulled one of them away only to get hit in the nose. That person also happened to be that cadet he wanted nothing to do with.


    ¡°Where are you taking me?..... Fuck, at least let go of my cor you are ruining my uniform,¡±ined Zi Han only for Yi Chen¡¯s steps to pause and turn to face him.


    Caught off guard Zi Han took a step back after almost bumping into him. Yi Chen looked down at his already ruined coat and untucked shirt with a look of disdain before saying, ¡°It¡¯s already ruined. Don¡¯t put that pot over my head.¡±


    Zi Han, ¡°...¡± He suddenly felt a surge of annoyance choking him in his throat. Yes, his uniform was ruined but that fucker insulted his mother. What was he supposed to do? Lie down and y dead like a fuckin possum? One thing was for certain. His grandfather was definitely going to kill him.


    Despite all that Yi Chen still let go of his cor and gripped his wrist instead before pulling him like a rag doll down the corridor. His other hand was pinching his nose making all those passersby who saw this scene curious.


    Meanwhile, ss one was in chaos. That¡¯s because a cadet who wasn¡¯t supposed to be in their ss in the first ce had been knocked out and three others were injured.


    Li Ran was squatting in front of Maverick with a taunting expression as he poked the person with a stylus pen that had fallen from one of the desks during the chaos.


    ¡°I think he is dead,¡± he said with a smug expression.


    ¡°No, he is not. Get away from him,¡± said the tall girl as she shoved Li Ran away and crouched down before Maverick. She gently patted Maverick¡¯s face a couple of times and the boy¡¯sshes fluttered like he was about to wake up.


    That¡¯s the moment H walked in only to be met by a chaotic mess. Because she was the vice ss president she had to sort this mess out but where on earth was she supposed to begin?


    ¡°What happened?..... Somebody take him to the infirmary and you three, who did you fight with? Section two point five of Scy Military Academy rule book prohibits any sort of physical confrontation outside training. You will be punished ordingly,¡± she said only for Li Ran to pour gasoline directly onto the fire.


    ¡°Oh, and he said to the male cadet he fought with that he hits like a girl. I wonder what a girl hits like,¡± said Li Ran pointing at the garden gnome with a sly grin that spelt mischief. Most of the people in this ss knew each other as they attended the same high school before enrolling into this academy.


    He knew this was a sore spot for H thus he deliberately pointed it out. For centuries women had proved themselves in every aspect, especially in the Military. It was a backward way of thinking that didn¡¯t deserve to be a part of the Onyx federation¡¯s philosophy and doctrine. Thus this kind of insult didn¡¯t settle well with girls in the academy.


    ¡°He said what now? Shorty, do you want to go, huh? I will fucking show you what a girl hits like,¡± she said taking off her coat forgetting that she was the vice ss president.


    ¡°Shit,¡± muttered the garden gnome as he moved a few steps away.


    ¡°Wait, wait....¡±


    ¡°Oh,.calm down vice president.....¡±


    ¡°Why stop her? I think he deserves a beating...¡±


    The entire ss became even more excitable as a few girls held back H while the short guy made his escape.


    While some people were trying to calm this goddess down, Zi Han was dragged into the Dean¡¯s office and forced to sit down for judgement.

 Chapter 52

    52 I won¡¯t sell my grandson


    Dean Kerensky had just been taking a sip of his midday espresso when the door was knocked. Before he could even answer it was pushed open only for a bruised faced Yi Chen and a hot mess Zi Han to walk into his office.


    In shock, he spat out a mouthful of his very expensive espresso staining the forms he was holding in his hand. When his gaze fell on Zi Han¡¯s uniform his heart sank. It only took four hours for Zi Han to look like this which was a new record for him. At least Zi Xingxi survived half a day. Her son on the other hand onlysted a couple of hours.


    He suddenly had a massive headache. It seemed Zi Han was far worse than his mother which means for this entire semester he would be cleaning after Zi Han. Was this behaviour hereditary or was it a product of their environment? If it was their environment then howe Zi Feiji was normal? Well, he was normal for the most part.


    He hastily plucked a few tissues from the dispenser and wiped away the coffee stains on the forms and his desk while asking, ¡°Who did he fight with?¡± Soon he had the answer he had been looking for. Yi Chen had a swollen nose and Zi Han looked like he had survived a category five hurricane.


    ¡®Damn it,¡¯ he swore internally when he realized he had to call two guardians who hated each other so much that even their mechs would snort at each other upon sight. That¡¯s how strong the bad blood between them was.


    He really didn¡¯t want to make this call so he asked again, ¡°So you are sure you didn¡¯t identally run into a door or something? I mean..... no shame in that. It happens.¡±


    ¡°Sir, he hit me while I was trying to break up the fight he was actively engaged in,¡± said Yi Chen while pinching his nose.


    ¡°identally.... I identally hit you,¡± replied Zi Han now wishing he had done it on purpose. He suddenly felt a little better about that punch in the alley. To him, vengeance was vengeance whether it be idental or purposeful. The universe had finally served Yi Chen with a steaming bowl of karma and boy, did it feel good.


    His expression looked sullen but on the inside, he wasughing like a viin after screwing the protagonist over.


    .....


    ¡°Sigh..... go to the infirmary. I will deal with this,¡± said the Dean looking like he had aged ten years in less than five minutes.


    Yi Chen walked out of the room leaving only the two of them staring at each other gloomily. ¡°Can we not call my grandpa?¡± asked Zi Han looking like he seriously regretted his actions.


    ¡°Sorry pal, not going to happen,¡± replied the Dean as he searched his recent calls to make the most dreaded call of his life.


    Zi Feiji had just been lying on awn chaise on his rooftop garden when he received the call.


    He had already changed into his beach shorts with pineapples printed on them and a white short-sleeved t-shirt printed with the words ¡®Proud dad¡¯ then below ¡®Proud grandpa¡¯ with a tick box after each sentence.


    Guess which box was ticked. It was the ¡®Proud grandpa¡¯ tick box. If only he knew it was bad luck wearing this t-shirt today he wouldn¡¯t have worn it.


    He had spent three hours basking in the greatpliments in his circle of friends on Sta after posting Zi Han¡¯s picture in his uniform.


    This put him in such a good mood that he requested an afternoon cocktail only for everything to go to shit. As he received his tequ sunrise his light brain rang.


    ¡°Master? It is Dean Kerensky. Would you like to ept his call?¡± asked the AI in his new mech that reced Chronos.


    He casually answered, ¡°ept,¡± before raising the ss to take a sip from his straw shaped like an umbre. Two secondster the contents in his mouth aerosolized as he spat it out.


    Old Lu who had been snipping some orchids rushed over only to hear the proud grandpa curse his grandson


    ¡°That little brat..... Ugh, he fought with that Yi kid! I am going to kill him..... I am going to fuckin kill him,¡± he said with his voice getting lower and lower. It only took four hours..... just four hours for him to screw up.


    Old steward, ¡°...¡±


    Zi Han who was obediently sitting in the Dean¡¯s office suddenly sneezed for some reason. ¡°Dean Kerensky, I think I am catching a cold,¡± said Zi Han trying to gain sympathy but his pity card was invalid.


    The dean looked at him through his lowered sses and said, ¡°No you aren¡¯t. That¡¯s just your grandfather figuring out ways to murder you. That¡¯s why you are sneezing.


    Zi Han, ¡°.....¡± QAQ


    Was it toote to call his mother instead?


    Two hourster...


    ¡°I need a sincere apology. Look at him? You are lucky his nose isn¡¯t broken,¡± yelled Marshal Yi his voice pensive but his expression looked like he was having the time of his life.


    Zi Feiji leaned back in his chair while closing his eyes and focusing on his breathing. He was attempting to cool himself down otherwise he would say something he shouldn¡¯t. After chanting some Buddhist mantras he opened his eyes and said,


    ¡°Your son is not a delicate little princess. It was an ident after all so why make all this noise? An apology, in this case, would be..... it would be meaningless.¡±


    ¡°Whether he is a delicate little princess is none of your business. I just need an apology from you. Now go on... apologize,¡± said the Marshal the smile on his face growing bigger.


    Zi Feiji, ¡°.....¡±


    ¡°I am going to kill him..... I am absolutely going to kill him,¡± he mumbled under his breath with his fist clenching and unclenching. The word reluctant was clearly written all over his face.


    Marshal Yi raked his fingers through his hair as a wolfish grin spread across his face. ¡°If you don¡¯t want to apologize we can work out some sort of arrangement. How does that sound?¡±


    Zi Feiji, ¡°.....¡±


    ¡°Nope, no.... not happening. I would rather apologize. I won¡¯t sell my grandson to you,¡± he said having misunderstood the Marshal.


    ¡°Who the fuck wants your grandson? I want the framed map behind you? Isn¡¯t that the world map of the old earth? That¡¯s an ancient artefact from the Exodus. Give it to me and we can forget this entire thing,¡± said the Marshal with a rare glow in his eyes.


    Zi Feiji who was reluctant to part with his precious artefact lowered his head before whispering, ¡°Are you sure you don¡¯t want Han Han? Yi Chen can boss him around for a day or two to make up for it.¡±


    Marshal Yi, ¡°.....¡±


    ¡°You old bastard. It¡¯s either you apologize or I aming to your house tomorrow morning to get that artefact.¡± After saying this the video call ended leaving a flustered Zi Feiji.

 Chapter 53

    53 Pretending to be a pig to eat a pig


    After an eventful day, Zi Hany t on his bed like a pancake thoughts unknown. He was nkly staring at the starry sky in the inky darkness simted by the housekeeper robot. It gave off the illusion of floating in the distant gxy surrounded by a serene calmness that could rx the mind.


    His grandfather had been so silent in the hovercar back home. He was more silent than he had ever been. Time and time again Zi Feiji had opened his mouth as though to say something but in the end, he would close his mouth and rub his forehead irritably.


    Ever since he arrived home his grandfather hadn¡¯t said anything. Zi Han just went to his room and changed out of his ruined uniform beforeying on his bed like a salted fish. The old steward had brought him something to eat but Zi Han refused. He didn¡¯t have any appetite at the moment.


    That¡¯s because he was worried. He was worried that his grandfather would be disappointed in him. And with each passing hour, the feeling grew much worse. He needed someone to talk to so he sent his mother a message.


    Mama¡¯sBoy: Ma.


    Mama¡¯sBoy: I messed up.


    Mama¡¯sBoy: Will grandpa hate me?


    After sending the message he waited for a second or two but the messages weren¡¯t delivered. It meant that his mum was unreachable at the moment.


    Feeling slightly depressed he instructed the housekeeper robot to y the simtion of ancient earth¡¯s gxy called the Milky Way.


    .....


    It was so beautiful and enchanting that Zi Han forgot his problems for a while. Just as he was getting lost in giant clouds of gas and dust sprinkled with sshy star clusters adorning the Milky Way¡¯s spiral arms, his bedroom door was pushed open and the lights automatically turned on.


    Grandpa Zi walked in with the housekeeper robot. The robot carried an asional chair and ced it close to Zi Han¡¯s bed.


    Zi Han was a little flustered as he helplessly watched his grandfather. Just as Zi Feiji sat down he said to Zi Han, ¡°Do you have anything to say for yourself?¡±


    Zi Han who had sat up straight at the edge of the bed lowered his head for a second beforeing up with the least infuriating answer. He didn¡¯t want to further stimte his grandfather. He truly believed he had done nothing wrong.


    That asshole with haemorrhoids all over his face had insulted his mother. Thus knocking him out would be considered merciful. He wasn¡¯t apologetic neither would he apologize. He just hoped his grandfather wouldn¡¯t force him to do so otherwise there would be a problem.


    ¡°I am sorry I disappointed you. I know I promised but I just... I.... I just,¡± he said after raising his head to look at his grandfather but when he looked into those obsidian eyes he suddenly lost the other half of his apologetic speech.


    Zi Feiji leaned forward with his elbows resting on his thighs and said, ¡°I am disappointed but not for the reasons you think. I know that kid must have said something disrespectful for you to knock him out and Yi Chen... well he was at the wrong ce at the wrong time... What disappointed me is the fact that you weren¡¯t smart about this. You should never ever hit someone in public.¡±


    ¡°You watch them in the shadows like a jaguar then when they least expect it you go for the kill. Another eptable method by Zi family standards is by pretending to be a pig to eat a tiger. You never ever go for the direct kill even if they insult your mother.¡±


    Zi Han bit his lip for a moment before gathering the courage to say, ¡°But he did insult my mother. I can¡¯t even repeat his exact words because it¡¯s too explicit and..... infuriating,¡± with his eyes turning red like he was about to cry.


    Zi Feiji could guess from Zi Han¡¯s reaction what that brat said about his daughter but they were a league of assassins, the emperor¡¯s guard that did the Son of heaven¡¯s bidding. Besides protecting the emperor they operated in the shadows ughtering the enemy in the dark without leaving a trace.


    Hence Zi Han¡¯s behaviour of acting impulsive was something that needed correcting. Zi Xingxi was once like that and he had the exact same conversation with her.


    ¡°I know that little shit probably said something that warrants death but us Zi think with our,¡± he said before pointing at his head, ¡°not with our....¡± He proceeded to point at his heart.


    Zi Han nodded his head in understanding his restless heart easing up a little bit. His grandfather was indeed a benevolent man. He wasn¡¯t going to punish him.


    ¡°Old Lu, hurry up! Have you got those things,¡± said Zi Feiji his expression changing to that of a devil.


    Zi Han, ¡°.....¡±


    Damn..... he had thought too soon. His grandfather was definitely up to something. Old Lu came rushing in with the housekeeper robot hot on his trail. They looked like they had endured great suffering.


    That¡¯s because they had been in the storage room looking through so many boxes. Thest person who used this was the young miss aftermitting a great offence. Now it was the young sir¡¯s turn.


    The housekeeper robot ced a coffee table in the middle of the room and the old steward ced a heavy weird-looking contraption on the table that had Zi Han whimpering internally.


    ¡°What in the world is that?¡± asked Zi Han wondering if his grandfather nned to hit him on the head with it.


    ¡°That is one of the ancients of all civil technology... it¡¯s an ink stone and that is the ink cake. Don¡¯t worry the instructions are on that piece of paper right there. You have to grind the ink,¡± exined Zi Feiji the anger for losing his map tomorrow greatly appeased.


    ¡°For what?¡± Zi Han asked his expression unsightly.


    Zi Feiji smiled slyly as the old steward brought over the calligraphy brush and sheets of paper. ¡°Why, it is to copy the sacred text of Confucianism-,¡±


    ¡°Confuci what?¡± blurted out Zi Han who hadn¡¯t even mastered the philosophy of the great Onyx Federation let alone ancient earth¡¯s.


    ¡°You don¡¯t need to understand it. You just need to copy it,¡± said Zi Feiji cing a well-maintained book in front of him. This was even the first time Zi Han had seen a physical book and it was an ancient one at that.


    ¡°Grandpa,¡± he called out now wishing his grandfather had just hit him on the head instead.


    Zi Feiji smiled gleefully at him but there was an evil glint in his eyes. ¡°Don¡¯t worry I am not a brute,¡± he said and Zi Han heaved a sigh only for him to continue, ¡°I give you three days. If it¡¯s not done by then..... Let¡¯s just say it would be in your best interest if you finish it.¡±


    Zi Han, ¡®Fuck!¡¯


    ¡°Do I still have to go to the academy?¡± asked Zi Han thinking he can finish the task if he at least doesn¡¯t go to school.

 Chapter 54

    54 Carpool


    ¡°Hehe, not going to happen, buddy. How can this take precedence over your future? Now, the old steward will bring you dinner but you can start so long,¡± said Zi Feiji before exiting the room. The old steward shut the door behind him and then caught up with Zi Feiji,


    ¡°Sir..... do you think the young sir will be able toplete the task?¡± he asked worriedly.


    ¡°Not a chance in hell.....,¡± replied Zi Feiji before pausing his steps with a malicious smile that terrified the old steward, ¡°that is why you need to prepare another set of uniforms. The opposite of the one he currently has.¡±


    Old Lu, ¡®QAQ¡¯


    The old devil lying dormant in Zi Feiji had resurfaced and it was out for blood. He was suddenly worried for the young sir.


    Zi Han who had no idea that this was a set-up from the very beginning was at a loss as he sat there crossed legged with a vexed expression. After searching inkstone several times he almost cried tears of blood.


    That¡¯s because Sta¡¯s search results only brought up explicit content which he was barred from seeing by the teen protection software on his light brain. This was something controlled by the government. It had nothing to do with his helicopter parent.


    Frustrated he banged his head on the coffee table a couple of times.


    Bang, bang, bang..... bang.


    .....


    Bang, bang, bang..... tter.


    Those were the rhythmic sounds of him banging his head on the desk until the calligraphy brush rolled off the coffee table and fell to the floor with a soft tter.


    He suddenly raised his head and took a look at the instructions but he hated reading manuals so much that he read the instructions half-heartedly. He had to repeat some sentences four times to get them in his head.


    It took Zi Han half the night toe up with a decent amount of ink but it was at the expense of his face and fingers which were smudged with ink stains. Halfway through he messaged his mother again.


    Mama¡¯sBoy: QAQ


    Mama¡¯sBoy: SOS


    Mama¡¯sBoy: How do I use this thing? (Crying mouse.jpg)


    Mama¡¯sBoy: (Baby pouting.jpg)


    He looked especially pitiful but his mother was still unavable. He had no choice but to continue.


    He was woken up the next day by those annoying voices. When he opened his eyes he wasn¡¯t in bed but sleeping with half his face stered on the coffee table with dark circles under his eyes. At least in his stupor, he didn¡¯t sleep in the ink.


    After hurriedly washing up he dragged his tired ass downstairs and saw his grandfather sitting on the dining table sipping on a cup of ck coffee. ¡°Good morning grandpa,¡± he whispered sitting opposite him.


    ¡°Mn.....,¡± replied Zi Feiji while watching him with the rim of his cup on his lips, ¡°you look like you have been to hell and back.¡±


    The old steward ced a bowl of nourishing congee packed with natural energy boosters in front of Zi Han. He had a feeling that this young sir didn¡¯t sleep well tonight thus he pulled out an old recipe just for him.


    Zi Han rubbed his eyes sheepishly as he raised the porcin spoon to eat his breakfast. Halfway through his meal, the door was suddenly knocked and Zi Feiji panicked. He ced his mug down and yelled at his housekeeper robot, ¡°Don¡¯t you dare open that door!¡±


    Zi Han, ¡°...¡±


    Old steward, ¡°...¡±


    But no matter how long they ignored the door the person persisted and Zi Han was also going to bete for school if this continued.


    Soon the person changed tactics. Not only did they knock but they also blew up Zi Feiji¡¯s light brain. A series of dinging sounds coupled with the knocks were quite rming. You would think they were haunted by debt collectors here to seize their property.


    Marshal Yi: Open up!


    Marshal Yi: it¡¯s time to pay the piper!


    Marshal Yi: Your grandson will bete for school!


    Marshal Yi: You will eventually have to open the door so give up already.


    ... long silence.


    Wiseman: Scram!!


    ¡°Dad, did you really have toe here in the morning? I already said it¡¯s fine it was an ident,¡± whispered Yi Chen who had stepped out of one of the hovercars parked in front of Zi Feiji¡¯s penthouse.


    Marshal Yi snorted coldly before saying, ¡°When he robbed me of my ssic GT mustang from old earth did he give me such courtesy.¡±


    ¡°It was a car model and not the real thing. Besides, you got it back?¡± asked Yi Chen wishing he could drag his father away. Fine, he held old grudges with Zi Feiji but why did he have to drag him into this?


    ¡°Stay out of it. You will understand when you have an arch-nemesis in the future,¡± replied Marshal Yi while harassing Zi Feiji through a barrage of messages.


    ¡°Then can I go to school?¡± asked Yi Chen but of course, Marshal Yi wouldn¡¯t let that happen.


    ¡°No, you are not going anywhere. Watch you old man avenge you. I am going to make Zi Feiji miserable today,¡± he said only for the door to click open afterwards. The cause of all of this was standing in front of them his face looking like the walking dead.


    Yi Chen¡¯s brow furrowed as he stared at Zi Han who looked like he had endured great tormentst night. He looked like someone had bullied him all night only for the cruel bastard to force him to go to school the next day.


    ¡°Go-good mor-, uh,¡± stammered Zi Han when he realised who was standing in front of him. He was in the presence of the great god of war who single-handedly destroyed the rebel army during the great resistance.


    ¡°Hello, now step aside kid. I have a score to settle with your grandpa,¡± said the Marshal before striding in like he owned the ce. Zi Han who was star struck at this point watched the Marshal¡¯s disappearing back with stars in his eyes.


    Yi Chen¡¯s brows furrowed even deeper feeling a little annoyed. He just turned on his heels and left without saying a word.


    Zi Han only came out of his trance when the old steward rushed outside with a worried expression. ¡°Young sir, I suggest you go with young master Yi to school in his hovercar. If I leave your grandfather and Marshal Yi alone they might burn the house down,¡± exined Old Lu while constantly ncing into the house a little anxious.


    The two men were in the study, one was hugging the framed map while the other was trying to take it away. At this rate, their verbal war would soon turn physical.


    ¡°But-,¡± muttered Zi Han but like a ghost, the old steward had vanished. He looked like an abandoned child left in the rain. Like his grandfather, he had so much pride. How was he going to actively ask the enemy to carpool? Wasn¡¯t that directly pping his face.


    ¡°Going or not?¡± asked a familiar voice right behind him almost giving him a heart attack.


    ¡°Shit,¡± he swore startled like a cat caught in the dumpster inside an alley, ¡°What are you sneaking around for? Ha.... my heart.¡± Didn¡¯t this person go back to the hovercar just now? So why was he behind him sneaking around like a thief?

 Chapter 55

    55 Cooling patch as the first gift.


    A long unbearable silence filled the hovercar with the pair sitting as far away as possible from each other. To be more urate it was Zi Han sitting as far away as possible from Yi Chen. Why? It was because he kept telling himself not to fraternize with the enemy.


    He had already been punished once and didn¡¯t want to be punished again. Yi Chen on the other hand felt a little flustered. That¡¯s because he couldn¡¯t understand why Zi Han had to sit that far away. He wasn¡¯t a beast nor did he eat people so what was it?


    He suddenly felt self-conscious. Maybe Zi Han didn¡¯t like the fragrance on his body? That was the only exnation he coulde up with. He was the one who got identally beaten yesterday yet he was being loathed.


    He wanted to ask Zi Han why he was acting this way when his gaze fell on Zi Han¡¯s fingers. The once neatly trimmed nails had fading ck stains on them which was incredibly puzzling. They looked especially eye-catching on his pearl jade-like skin making it hard for Yi Chen not to notice.


    ¡°What happened to your fingers?¡± he asked breaking the awkward silence in the small space. Yi Chen didn¡¯t mean to ask but his voice suddenly came out without warning like it was an involuntary response. This made him even more annoyed by himself but he didn¡¯t show it on his face.


    Hearing that stoic voice speak to him Zi Han raised his head and nced at him with a raised brow. Sure enough, Yi Chen shouldn¡¯t have asked. Zi Han¡¯s response was as expected. It was as though he was facing public enemy number one.


    ¡°I did some drugsst night and they stained my fingers. Is the ss president going to snitch on me?¡± asked Zi Han in a sarcastic tone with a slight quirk at the corner of his lips.


    Yi Chen, ¡°...¡±


    Sure enough, he shouldn¡¯t have asked. He suddenly felt ustrophobic in this tiny space. Lucky for him they reached the academy in less than a minute.


    .....


    As soon as that door slid open Zi Han got out of the hovercar and walked right in front of Yi Chen. Two steps in he suddenly turned around and met Yi Chen¡¯s gaze.


    ¡°ss president should learn to take a joke..... Here,¡± he said taking out a cooling patch to help with the swelling. Don¡¯t misunderstand Zi Han. It¡¯s not that he had it pre-prepared for the ss president but that his mother forced him to keep it within his small interspatial bracelet on his wrist.


    That¡¯s because he got into a lot of fights in his old neighbourhood. He was like Robinhood delivering justice to the weak by beating the crap out of their bullies. As to why there was barely any retaliation in the aftermath it was because his mother cleaned up after her son in the shadows.


    Thus as a way to thank Yi Chen for the ride, he gave him the cooling patch. The only problem was that it wasn¡¯t the clear kind but the type with a cartoon character on it. When Zi Xingxi bought it she thought it was funny and cute but Yi Chen didn¡¯t seem to appreciate the humour.


    He nced at the cute patch in his hand with a vexed look on his face. He couldn¡¯t help but wonder if Zi Han had specially prepared this for him in advance. Was this a sincere apology or something? He soon got the answer and it was worlds apart from what he thought.


    ¡°I get into fights a lot so I carry it around. Anyways, thanks for the ride,¡± said Zi Han before turning around to leave. Yi Chen had indeed thought too much and that was all on him.


    Soon the pair walked in one after the other into ss and Zi Han checked the seating arrangement chart before sitting down next to a four-eyed boy with a timid personality.


    As soon as Yi Chen took his seat Li Ran who had been ying games on his light brain raised his head and saw that cute cooling patch with Captain BoBo. He reached over to grab it only for him to catch air. ¡°Did you get that from Ming Ming? Let me see it,¡± said Li Ran but Yi Chen dodged his hand again and soon after the cooling patch disappeared.


    ¡°It¡¯s just a cooling patch. There is nothing to see,¡± he replied his voice as chilling as the icy waters of the south pole.


    ¡°So why are you treating it like it¡¯s some kind of treasure. Ah, Ming Ming is so considerate. If it was my little sister she wouldn¡¯t even look at me twice. That little demon would let me bleed out till I pass out then call for help,¡±ined Li Ran a little aggrieved.


    ¡°Maybe it¡¯s because you talk too much,¡± said Yi Chen delivering a critical hit that had Li Ran crying tears of blood with nowhere else toin.


    He lowered his head to log into the system in preparation fornguage ss when he caught a glimpse of the vice ss president snooping on someone. His brow arched in curiosity as he nced over in her direction.


    H wasn¡¯t shy about it. She was openly staring at Zi Han while her deskmate was hot on gossip. ¡°H, are you seriously considering pursuing him. He is very handsome but I think the ss president is a better candidate,¡± she said as she eagerly glimpsed at Yi Chen who had his head lowered looking like he was hard at work.


    ¡°Cadet Han is exactly my type,¡± she said with her hand covering her cheek looking especially smitten. But her dreamy expression changed abruptly when a stylus pen hit her in the face.


    Enraged she traced its origins only to be met by Li Ran¡¯s goofy expression. She harshly threw the stylus pen back to him while scolding him through gritted teeth. ¡°What the fuck is your problem?¡± she said wishing she could beat him half to death.


    Li Ran flinched as the stylus pen hit his arm before it rolled on the ground. ¡°Vice ss president, if you keep staring your eyes will pop out of their sockets,¡± he said picking up the stylus pen from the floor.


    ¡°Mind your own fucking business Li Ran,¡± she said angrily pointing her finger at him.


    Li Ran pouted his lips and turned to Yi Chen feeling a little aggrieved.


    ¡°I was nice to her. I kindly stated that her eyes will pop out if she keeps staring at him but she swore at me. Can you believe that? Maybe I shouldn¡¯t be so kind-hearted,¡± heined while pulling Yi Chen¡¯s arm.


    To his surprise, Yi Chen turned his head and red at H his gaze as sharp as knives slicing through her soul. H immediately withdrew her gaze and for once this old father felt like Yi Chen was taking him seriously. If he only knew the reason Li Ran would be so heartbroken he would cry for weeks.


    He was about to praise Yi Chen for defending him when thenguage teacher walked in her face appearing excited like she was getting paid millions to do her job. The entire time she introduced herself Zi Han¡¯s head was lowered. That¡¯s because he was practising copying the strokes on some of the characters in the book he had taken pictures of.


    Last night he found that not only did he handle the calligraphy brush improperly he also missed important strokes while copying the text which was extremely crucial. Thus instead of listening in ss, he was practising writing in his notebook.


    Knock. Knock. Knock.


    That was the sound of thenguage teacher knocking on his desk to grasp his attention. Startled Zi Han raised his head only to be met by the kind-faced teacher exining something to him.

 Chapter 56

    56 His mother¡¯s crazy fan


    ¡°I know most of you cadets don¡¯t believe in learning variousnguages within the federation¡¯s destes because you have live tranting equipment installed into your mechs and light brains but what if one day you crashnd on an isted and all your equipment is broken? How will you be able tomunicate with the natives on that if you don¡¯t know theirnguage?¡±


    Zi Han, ¡°.....¡±


    She leaned down on his desk and whispered, ¡°This is why I would much prefer this young cadet listens in my ss. It might save your life someday.¡±


    Zi Han had no idea what to say as he lowered his gaze frightened by that ample chest right in front of his face. He wasn¡¯t a pervert but those jugs were just staring right at him that he had to lower his eyes.


    Noticing his difort she backed up a little only to notice what Zi Han had been writing. In front of him was a piece of ancient text from old earth and he was copying them. Astounded she asked, ¡°You are learning an ancientnguage yet you aren¡¯t fluent in all thenguages in the federation? How does that have any logic to it?¡±


    Zi Han squeezed his pen tightly as he raised his head to look at her. He could feel the entire ss staring at him with their boring gazes piercing through his flesh but he didn¡¯t care.


    His mother had already taught him six of the main federationnguages when he was young and three more of the none mainstreamnguages that this lovely teacher was trying to teach them.


    At the time Zi Xingxi had exined that it was of great importance that he learnt variousnguages just in case he was ever stranded on some unknown. He hated it but he had no choice but to learn all thosenguages.


    In truth, Zi Xingxi was using the Bloodgarde handbook to raise him. Assassins raised under the g of the Bloodgarde werepelled to learn allnguages in case of infiltrations or emergencies. Thus Zi Han didn¡¯t feel any guilt about not paying attention in ss and focused on his punishment instead.


    .....


    ¡°Miss..... I mastered all six mainstreamnguages of the federation and all three non-mainstreamnguages. I just got this punishment from my grandfather and I can¡¯t even copy it right thus I started doing it now. I am really sorry,¡± he whispered making it hard for everyone else to listen in on their conversation.


    Hearing this her interest was piqued so she changed hernguage to that of the rarest sand people¡¯snguage asking him what he was having difficulty with. Zi Han responded to her in the samenguage exining calmly how he couldn¡¯t replicate the text with a calligraphy brush.


    She didn¡¯t have any solutions for him but she was very impressed. She nodded her head in satisfaction and said she would inquire on the forum fornguage experts about this ancient method of writing.


    Thus everyone watched as Zi Han got away with it innguage ss. H was even more infatuated by him that she went as far as whispering to her deskmate that her husband was handsome. Yi Chen on the other hand had to shut Li Ran up because he kept on poking him talking about Zi Han nonstop.


    As soon as the bell rang Zi Han suddenly nced at the door and found that Shorty, the person he fought with was leaving the ss for the short recess. Struck by a sudden bound of inspiration he got up and followed him.


    Why? It was because he truly believed he shouldn¡¯t be suffering alone considering the fact that he was provoked into a fight. Why should he be the only one suffering through this ordeal while others lived a merry life? Hot on Shorty¡¯s trail he found the garden gnome squatting in a secluded area trying to light up an electronic cigarette.


    Zi Han grabbed the e-cigarette from him and said, ¡°Someone like you really shouldn¡¯t smoke.¡± Shorty whose body ached from fighting Zi Han, running away from H and being forced to stand in a half squat as punishment by the academy for fighting had been looking for an outlet to vent his frustrations thus he pushed Zi Han away and shouted.


    ¡°Someone like what? Short? Being short doesn¡¯t mean I can¡¯t do what others can,¡± he yelled while standing in an intimidating posture his face menacing but to Zi Han, he looked like a chihuahua causing trouble.


    ¡°No not short people. I meant cadets aren¡¯t allowed to smoke. If someone other than me catches you doing it you might get punished,¡± exined Zi Han wondering how much effort it would take to lift this person over his shoulders.


    Shorty, ¡°...¡±


    ¡°What do you want? Hurry up and say it. We only have ten minutes before the next ss,¡± said the short person while snatching back his e-cigarette from Zi Han.


    Zi Han leaned against the wall and smiled like a Cheshire cat before saying, Shorty, I need your hel-.¡±


    ¡°That¡¯s not my name,¡± he said interrupting Zi Han, ¡°My name is Alto.¡±


    Zi Han, ¡°....¡±


    ¡°Doesn¡¯t that mean tall in it .....,¡± he said but Shorty hurriedly covered his mouth in embarrassment.


    ¡°Shh..... don¡¯t you fuckin dare say it? My mum hoped I will be taller than my father thus she gave me this name. But I turned out this way so yes I do see the irony in that,¡± he exined feeling like he must have owed Zi Han in his past life otherwise why would hee to cause unnecessary trouble for him.


    ¡°Okay Shorty, as long as you help me bear the punishment you fuckin caused I won¡¯t say it,¡± said Zi Han poking him in the chest.


    ¡°But I didn¡¯t insult your mother. That was all Maverick. The only thing I am guilty of was not stopping him in time,¡± exined Shorty taking a step to leave but Zi Han grasped his arm and argued,


    ¡°Your minion your responsibility. If you don¡¯t help me I am going to tell my mother what he said and she will not onlye after him but you as well,¡± he exined with a smile so menacing it sent shivers down Shorty¡¯s spine.


    ¡°Who is she that I should be so terrified of her? You must be fucking with me, right?¡± replied Shorty feeling stupid for being afraid just now. What could a woman from a lowly possibly do to him? His father was a general. Granted he was the shortest general in the military but he was still as explosive. With his father¡¯s backing, what could a woman of unknown origin possibly do to him?


    Zi Han could detect the contempt in his eyes so he smiled slyly and said, ¡°My mother is Zi Xingxi. A person like you should be familiar with her na-....¡±


    His voice paused abruptly because at the mention of Zi Xingxi¡¯s name Shorty looked like his soul had left his body with his eyes wide open like light bulbs. Zi Han thought mentioning his mother¡¯s name would scare


    Shorty but he didn¡¯t expect the effect to be this good.


    He only found outter that he was in the presence of his mother¡¯s crazy fan. For years he would forever regret ever disclosing this to Shorty as he invited trouble for himself.

 Chapter 57

    57 Eating sour lemons in the morning


    ¡°Do you think if I ask cadet Han nicely he will tutor me for the sand people¡¯snguage? The way he twisted his tongue naturally when he spoke was so mesmerizing you would think he was a native speaker... Ah-Chen..... Chen-ge... Chen Chen,¡± called out Li Ran when he realised that Yi Chen wasn¡¯t listening to him.


    The words Chen Chen were Yi Chen¡¯sst straw. ¡°What,¡± he responded feeling slightly more irritable than usual today. He hadn¡¯t answered Li Ran before because his mind had nked out for a moment.


    All he could think about was that Zi Han had followed Shorty out of the ss just now. These two had already fought and had bad blood between them so if not to resume yesterday¡¯s showdown why else would they be hanging out together?


    He thought he could give them time. If they weren¡¯t back in five minutes then he would go out and find them. But as seconds turned to minutes he suddenly felt restless.


    Despite feeling this way outwardly he was as indifferent and aloof as usual while asionally staring at the door checking for certain people. But four minutes and forty-seven secondster they weren¡¯t back.


    ¡°Hey..... What¡¯s on your mind? You seem more irritable than usual today,¡± asked Li Ran his expression much more serious than before. He had been around this refrigerator ever since they were kids so he could easily perceive any slight changes in temperature no matter how indifferent Yi Chen looks.


    Yi Chen¡¯s brow furrowed hearing his question. Why did he care so much about this? If they fight, they fight. What did that have to do with him? Thus his expression rxed as he replied, ¡°It¡¯s nothing.¡±


    ¡°Oh, for a second there you had me worried,¡± replied Li Ran only for a cadet from another ss to walk in and call Yi Chen,


    ¡°ss president Chen, the mech division professor is looking for you for something. He is in theb.¡±


    .....


    Yi Chen immediately got up while Li Ranined, ¡°Why can¡¯t he justmunicate with you through the various tforms avable to him? Instead, you have to walk all the way for him to say a few words.¡±


    Normally Yi Chen would also be annoyed. He extremely valued his time and this would count as an unnecessary waste of time. But his heart felt lighter when he got up and walked out of that ss. Maybe he hoped to run into Zi Han and Shorty so he could tell them to get back to ss.


    This thought made his steps subconsciously increase but he didn¡¯t see anyone till he got to theb. Meanwhile, Zi Han was regretting his decision very much right now. He should have never mentioned his mother¡¯s name to Shorty because now he was clinging to him like sticky tofu refusing to be shaken off.


    ¡°So can I meet her? We can go home together after school and I can help you with that thing you need help with. It¡¯s a plus because I can also get to meet her,¡± exined Shorty his eyes as bright as pearls under the moonlight.


    ¡°She doesn¡¯t stay with me and that thing I need you to help me with doesn¡¯t need you toe home with me,¡± replied Zi Han before turning around to leave.


    Shorty caught up with him and walked backwards in front of Zi Han almost begging for him to arrange a meeting. Zi Han felt a headache creeping up on him. He had been through this in his neighbourhood where men and women alike would try and give him gifts just to get to his mother but he had never experienced this with a schoolmate.


    ¡°Here..... have this. My mother bought it. That should suffice for now. Now are you going to help me or not?¡± said Zi Han after peeling the back of another cooling patch and sticking it on Shorty¡¯s slightly swollen face.


    Shorty touched his cheek almost breaking down in tears. This cooling patch was bought by his goddess and now he was wearing it.... AAAAAHHHHH, how exciting.


    Zi Han, ¡°...¡±


    ¡°Shorty focus!¡± said Zi Han feeling slightly annoyed.


    ¡°Right, right, right..... focus, yes. I know..... I know a painter. She is extremely good at it and I think she can help you with the whole handling the brush situation. We can ask her before ss starts,¡± replied Shorty obsessively rubbing his cheek.


    ¡°Now we are talking.... let¡¯s go,¡± said Zi Han draping his arms around Shorty¡¯s shoulders before pulling him along, ¡°just don¡¯t show that kind of face around me. It¡¯s kind of creepy.¡±


    ¡°Uh, yes, yes..... sure. Anything that makes you happy boss,¡± replied Shorty subconsciously handing over the position of ring leader to Zi Han. If Zi Han knew his mother¡¯s name could get him things he might have had a lot of minions serving him.


    This little incident Yi Chen did witness and his mood plummeted. It turns out the cooling patch was given to anyone and everyone who had a swollen face. Not only did they get cooling patches they even got hugs too.


    Wow, talk about eating sour lemons in the morning.


    Zi Han who had no idea his distribution of cooling patches had a severe impact on someone was sitting with his legs spread apart and his chest resting on the backrest of his seat as he watched the tall girl from yesterday excitedly taking out her set of paintbrushes which were extremely rare in the federation.


    She was more than willing to share her hobby with anyone who showed a little enthusiasm. So despite conflicting with Zi Han just yesterday, she had already forgotten past grievances and was excitedly sharing her stuff.


    ¡°Hey, four-eyes move over. You can go sit with your best friend,¡± said Shorty instructing Zi Han¡¯s deskmate to migrate.


    Zi Han who was curiously touching a paint brush responded to Shorty without ncing in his direction,


    ¡°If he doesn¡¯t want to move don¡¯t force him.¡± He wasn¡¯t a fan of bullying people nor did he want Shorty to sit next to him otherwise he might end up strangling him if he keeps asking about Zi Xingxi.


    But who would have thought four eyes didn¡¯t want to sit with him either. He wanted to sit with his friend but he was afraid to ask Shorty, well, because Shorty was terrifying. The boy was short but he was as explosive as a stick of dynamite.


    ¡°I want to go sit there,¡± said four-eyed his eagerness apparent.


    Zi Han, ¡°.....¡±


    He helplessly watched as Shorty migrated over to be his deskmate.


    ¡°Professor Quinn said we should self-study today. He is waiting for the mech parts to be delivered,¡± unenthusiastically announced Yi Chen as he stepped into ss only to find that at a desk not so far away from his Zi Han was chatting it up with Shorty and his gang.


    His irritability skyrocketed at this moment and he couldn¡¯t understand why. With a deep inhale he walked over to his seat and sat down with a deep exhale.


    He wanted to ignore whatever was happening behind him but his ears couldn¡¯t help but subconsciously listen to the conversation.


    ¡°I think if you hold the brush at the end of the handle it would make it very difficult to write properly. Try touching the middle of the brush and write. Let¡¯s see if that helps,¡± said the girl handing him the most suitable paintbrush in her collection. It wasn¡¯t as hard as the calligraphy brush he had at home but it was good for practice.


    ¡°So if I hold it like this Sh-,¡± he said but paused when he realised he didn¡¯t know her name, ¡°what is your name again?¡±


    ¡°Shannon and this is my twin brother Shaun,¡± she said nudging her brother who was cing his head t on the desk appearing as though asleep.


    Shaun mumbled something inint after being disturbed before he fell back to sleep. Zi Han had had a confrontation with these two yesterday but he hadn¡¯t noticed they were rted. Maybe it was because he saw red at that time and couldn¡¯t see the simrities between these fraternal twins.


    ¡°Nice to meet you, Shannon and Shaun. So if I hold it like this will it make a difference?¡± he asked as he attempted to write a character using the paintbrush.


    Shannon smiled as she took the paintbrush from him, dipped it into a tiny paint tub and took it out before copying one of the characters from Zi Han¡¯s notebook. It sent perfect but it looked far better than the messy chicken scratches he didst night so he praised her,


    ¡°You are a natural at this.¡± Two people weren¡¯t too pleased with his words of praise. One such person was H. She watched the two from a distance and felt like she had been forced to wear a green hat before the rtionship even started.


    She tried to hold back and behave like a proper youngdy but when she saw Shannon ce her hand over Zi Han¡¯s and guide him to write it she couldn¡¯t help but frown.


    She stood up without warning and walked over under Li Ran and Yi Chen¡¯s gazes. Yi Chen immediately lowered his gaze soon after. That¡¯s because his indifferent personality still manifested itself even though he wanted to see what was going to happen.

 Chapter 58

    58 Vice


    H brought along her forbearance as she stood there watching them withser-sharp eyes. ¡°What are you two doing?¡± she asked but their reactions weren¡¯t anything like people caught cheating.


    ¡°I got punished by my grandfather to copy some script with a calligraphy brush and Shannon over here is teaching me how to do it,¡± said Zi Han with a big smile when he saw the nice-looking characters appearing on the paper under Shannon¡¯s guidance.


    Everything his mother had taught him he had worked extremely hard to master it thus he didn¡¯t want to fail. Failure wasn¡¯t a word in his dictionary. This was why he went to such an extreme length to figure it out. He wasn¡¯t a person afraid to seek help from others thus he wasn¡¯t embarrassed in the slightest.


    He felt nothing when the girl¡¯s hand was over his but to others, this scene was a little intimate more especially to H. She wanted to say something but when she realised how serious Zi Han was about learning she could only clench her fist to restrain herself.


    She wasn¡¯t the only one clenching her fist. In a ce, no one could see Yi Chen was subconsciously mping his fist with his chest feeling especially heavy like a boulder had been dropped on it.


    Time and time again he tried to concentrate on the mech parts disyed on the screen on his desk but the voices behind him seemed more amplified. His jaw clenched as he grasped the stylus pen in his hand tightly his thoughts unknown.


    H only released a breath when Shannon¡¯s hand left Zi Han¡¯s but she wasn¡¯t at ease. She wasn¡¯t into this type of art. Her expertisey in drawing cute chibi which she did for fun. Compared to the great artist Shannon her drawing wasn¡¯t as impressive but for some reason, she tapped her light brain and a floating screen of her chibi appeared attracting Zi Han¡¯s attention.


    The surprise on his face gave her a sense of satisfaction but she felt a little ashamed afterwards. She was a little impulsive just now. ¡°Aiyo, vice ss president that chibi isn¡¯t as cute as the one you drew of me in preschool. Why not show him that one?¡± said Li Ran with his chin resting on the backrest of his chair. His smile was as sly as a fox¡¯s with his two tiger teeth showing.


    ¡°You shut up,¡± she said through gritted teeth her smile as stiff as a poker.


    .....


    Li Ran shuffled back to look in front while mumbling something inaudible. He was extremely annoyed which meant he didn¡¯t notice his good brother next to him was also in a terrible mood.


    Like two cats drenched in water they sat quietly ignoring the foolishness happening behind them. A grey cloud was looming over them reflecting their true feelings.


    Seeing this adorable chibi Zi Han suddenly had a thought so he asked, ¡°Can vice draw a chibi of me? I want one of me wearing a yellow puffer jacket.¡± He wanted to send it to his mother so she could use it as her avatar on Sta. He hoped it would cheer his mom up.


    H¡¯s body froze hearing this. ¡®Vice? Vice?... AAAAAAAAHHHHH,¡¯ she screamed internally hearing this nickname. Inwardly she was a hot mess but outwardly she maintained herposure like nothing happened.


    ¡°Cool, cool..... cool. Tw-two days. I will have it done in two days,¡± she stammered before walking away her feet tripping over each other once or twice.


    ¡°Ha, vice..... that sounds cheesy as fuck,¡± muttered Li Ran mopping like a puppy. Yi Chen nced backwards the heaviness on his chest intensifying.


    He couldn¡¯t understand why Zi Han wouldn¡¯t ask for his help. He was the only one who knew Zi Han before enrolling into the academy so why would he ask someone he fought with for help?


    Why not ask him instead? He really wanted to get along with him and maybe be friends but based on Zi Han¡¯s attitude he wanted nothing to do with him.


    Yi Chen should have gotten the hint but after school he found himself walking over to Zi Han¡¯s desk and asking directly, ¡°What text are you copying?¡±


    Zi Han, ¡°.....¡±


    ¡®Did this fucker break his brain or something?¡¯ he thought as he stared at Yi Chen with a raised brow.


    ¡°Why do you want to know ss president Chen.....,¡± he said before getting up from his seat and looking straight into Yi Chen¡¯s eyes, ¡°I think it¡¯s a little out of your jurisdiction.¡±


    Yi Chen¡¯s breath hitched as he gave Zi Han¡¯s face a once over. He suddenly realized their closeness so he took a step back and pressed his lips into a thin line. He was right. This was outside his duties as ss president and he had just been impulsive right now.


    Zi Han chuckled as he gently pped Yi Chen¡¯s shoulder only for Yi Chen¡¯s body to subconsciously move to the side dodging his hand. Zi Han withdrew his hand a little surprised but he wasn¡¯t angry. He just smiled and said, ¡°It¡¯s the ancient text on Confucianism. I have to copy the entire thing with a calligraphy brush. Awesome, right?¡±


    ¡°Brother Han, didn¡¯t you say your grandfather is waiting for you. Come let¡¯s go,¡± said Shorty who was hoping to see Zi Xingxi despite Zi Han telling him several times that she won¡¯t be there.


    ¡°Don¡¯t call me brother. I don¡¯t have a brother like you,¡± whispered Zi Han reprimanding Shorty but when he nced at Yi Chen he had on a stiff smile.


    ¡°Brother Han is as fierce as my goddess,¡± replied Shorty with a weird smile on his face that gave Zi Han the creeps. Nope, this guy should never meet his mother.


    ¡°You do realise my mother is a fugitive, right?¡± whispered Zi Han pushing his chair back in whilepletely disregarding Yi Chen who was still standing there. As the pair walked away Yi Chen suddenly shouted after him,


    ¡°Which one?¡±


    Zi Han turned around and walked backwards his brow furrowed before replying, ¡°Analects.¡± He then spun back after two steps wondering why Yi Chen was interested in this but he didn¡¯t dwell on that thought for long because Shorty wouldn¡¯t stop yammering on.


    ***


    The feeling of a boulder pressing on his chest didn¡¯t ease up despite having left school for hours. Whenever he thought of today¡¯s events the feeling would only get worse. The best way to describe it was like having endless chest pains that wouldn¡¯t go away.

 Chapter 59

    59 Symptoms: Chest pains and high irritability


    With a loud bang, he closed the fridge door in the kitchen when a crisp soft voice startled him, ¡°What are you doing? Why are you closing my fridge door like it insulted you?¡±


    Yi Chen held up the energy drink in his hand and with a click, he opened it while apologizing, ¡°Sorry mom. I just had a terrible day.¡±


    Lin Ruoxi was a little worried. Her son neverined about anything, well, that is from preschool onwards. Even when he got yelled at by the teacher he wouldn¡¯t say anything as though suffering in silence.


    But he wasn¡¯t suffering in silence. He was indifferent to it all but today he actually took the initiative toin.


    cing her palm on Yi Chen¡¯s cheek she asked worriedly, ¡°What happened?¡± Yi Chen ced his drink on the kitchen counter and exined while looking for a coaster.


    ¡°I kept feeling this heaviness on my chest and no matter how hard I tried to get rid of it... it just wouldn¡¯t go away. I was more irritable than usual and I didn¡¯t like that feeling at all. It¡¯s unlike me and I can¡¯t seem to get rid of it,¡± he said only turning to look at her after he found the coaster.


    Lin Ruoxi¡¯s expression wasn¡¯t right. She had some understanding of what her son was experiencing but she couldn¡¯t believe it. He was the most detached person she had ever met.


    He was so indifferent to everything that they had to drag him by the leg for him to go to a school dance with a girl now he actually showed interest in something other than training and schoolwork.


    ¡°And this feeling does it happen arou-,¡± she said before pausing abruptly. The one thing she didn¡¯t want to happen had happened and she didn¡¯t want to be the one to help her son realise what had transpired so she changed her words.


    .....


    ¡°It¡¯s more like a mental thing, not a physical thing so... um, don¡¯t take any medication, okay. It will hopefully go away soon. Oh, and remember not to casually give someone that stripe on your arm. Remember its significance,¡± she said ncing at his arm covered with his long sleeve t-shirt.


    Yi Chen nodded while ncing at her mother¡¯s wrist which had an obvious inky stripe. Plenty of humans mutated at some point during the exodus hence it wasn¡¯t a surprise their family had this quirky mutation among many others. But it was extremely unusual and the most useless mutation in Yi Chen¡¯s eyes.


    ¡°Okay,¡± he replied before walking out of the kitchen. As soon as Lin Ruoxi heard his bedroom door close she ran up the stairs straight into her husband¡¯s study.


    Without even knocking she went straight in only to find her husband sitting in his office chair watching a framed map intently. She wanted to ask where he found this old thing but she was more concerned about her agenda.


    Bam!


    She gently ced her fist on the desk before saying, ¡°Your son is interested in someone and he doesn¡¯t even know it.¡±


    Marshal Yi, ¡°....¡±


    ¡°Ah... yayyy...,¡± he hesitantly celebrated but stopped when he saw that she wasn¡¯t thrilled about it, ¡°Aren¡¯t we supposed to be happy for him? You said he should find someone soon and he did. Isn¡¯t that a good thing?¡±


    Lin Ruoxi ced her index finger on her chin and paced up and down looking like a physicist trying to solve world problems.


    ¡°But that¡¯s not what I meant. I thought he could find a decent girl outside of the military. Someone who can safely stay with us when he gets deployed but..... Two days, it only took two days for him to show interest in someone after being stand-offish about everything for most of his life. I am curious what type of girl would awaken his senses,¡± she said with a look on her face that had her husband worried half to death.


    She looked like a helicopter mum who was about to go snooping through her kid¡¯s things and follow them around in the shadows like a stalker just to find out what they are hiding from her. Knowing Yi Chen¡¯s personality he would soon find out and the two of them would have another cold war.


    Thest cold war happened after she dragged him by the foot to a school dance when he was ten. After that incident, he didn¡¯t speak to her for months and Marshal Yi had to live through endless nights of his wife going through different stages of anger. He didn¡¯t want to suffer through that again so he immediately talked her out of it,


    ¡°Let it go. Maybe it¡¯s just a fling and it will pass. I mean would you have liked it when we were dating for your mother to snoop through your things just to get to me?¡± he said pulling her over by the wrist.


    ¡°No but this is different,¡± she said feeling like she had been exposed.


    ¡°How is it different? He has feelings just like you so how about you stay out of his hair and focus on me instead,¡± said the Marshal slowly reeling in his wife.


    Lin Ruoxi wanted to argue that her son wasn¡¯t exactly like other people but that wouldn¡¯t have sounded right. She could only swallow her words down and said, ¡°But I am still sending him on that blind date. Like you said it must be just a fling.¡±


    Marshal Yi who sessfully evaded a major crisis was quite proud of himself that he thought he deserved a reward so he yanked her arm and forced her to sit on hisp. ¡°Sure baby..... whatever makes you happy,¡± he said gently caressing her perky ass but Lin Ruoxi wasn¡¯t as responsive as he had hoped.


    She stared at the old map hanging on the wall with a look of scrutiny. ¡°Did you rob your senior again?¡±


    ¡°Rob is a strong word. He donated it to me,¡± said the Marshal recalling the ¡®donation¡¯ in the morning. That old man really put up a fight but ended up losing miserably. This wasn¡¯t bullying elders but a game of tit for tat between the two of them which was extremely childish and Lin Ruoxi was sick of it.


    ¡°You are something else you know that? I am going to bed and you can stay here and admire your loot,¡± she said before getting off her husband¡¯sp.


    Marshal Yi, ¡°...¡±


    He bet Zi Feiji would taunt him if he finds out that this antique map had ruined his chances of getting some tonight.

 Chapter 60

    60 Learning social skills from a kid


    Heavy-hearted Yi Chen stood in front of his bedroom door and as it slid open his mother¡¯s words of it being psychological, not physical had him a little worried. If it was psychological shouldn¡¯t she be making an appointment with the psychiatrist?


    Since his father was the Marshal he had ess to the best psychiatrist in the federation. The woman was literally one voice call away but his mother didn¡¯t rmend he set up an appointment with her which was puzzling to him.


    With this thought clouding his mind he stepped into his room only to find that he had been invaded by the enemy. His brother was lying inside his quilt ying games and his sister was sitting in his chair looking at his stuff curiously.


    ¡°You!...,¡± he yelled but he was at a loss for words. He couldn¡¯t understand how they had invaded his bedroom in the ten minutes he had been downstairs.


    Had they been carefully listening in waiting to hear the sound of his door being opened so they could sneak in while he was downstairs?


    If that was the case then his mother was raising little spies clever enough to infiltrate anything. ¡°What are you two doing in here?¡± he asked as he ced the icy bottle of the energy drink on his desk right on top of the coaster.


    ¡°Dage, what is that? It has Captain Bobo on it?¡± asked Ming Ming referring to the cooling patch he had taken out earlier. In fact, he didn¡¯t need it. He just took it out and stared at it mindlessly for a second. Who would have thought twenty minutester his sister would be staring at the cooling patch with great interest.


    Yi Chen picked her up and sat on the chair before cing her on hisp. He took away the cooling patch and put it away saying, ¡°Someone gave it to me for my swollen nose.¡±


    ¡°Ah..... a girl?¡¯ asked Yi Youxi while rolling on Yi Chen¡¯s bed like it was his own. Yi Chen wanted to kick him off his bed but Ming Ming interrupted him.


    .....


    ¡°Uh, does she like you. Is that why she gave it to you? How considerate,¡± said Ming Ming looking for something else to mess with on Yi Chen¡¯s desk.


    ¡°No, it¡¯s a boy and he doesn¡¯t like me. Shouldn¡¯t you two be going to bed?¡± said Yi Chen a little annoyed when he thought of how Zi Han was avoiding him like the gue.


    Yi Youxi sighed while staring straight at his disappointing older brother whocked social skills. ¡°But you do want to be friends with him, right? Then how about doing something nice for them and I don¡¯t mean small things but something huge.


    ¡°After that, it would like an unintentional emotional ckmail. They will feel terrible about rejecting you because you did something for them.¡±


    Yi Chen, ¡°...¡±


    He couldn¡¯t help but wonder how many people his little brother had defrauded using this method. At this point, he really didn¡¯t want to know where he learned such an unconventional method.


    ¡°That¡¯s very messed up... Okay enough chit chat. It¡¯s time for bed,¡± he said only for Yi Youxi to nod his head and snuggle in the quilt like he nned to sleep there. Ming Ming even slid off hisp and walked over to the bed to pick a spot on the bed.


    ¡°Uh-uh, not happening,¡± said Yi Chen and two secondster a disgruntled pair of siblings stood outside the bedroom door looking like abandoned cats.


    They were about to give up the struggle for today when their parents¡¯ door down the hall opened. Lin Ruoxi popped her head out of the door and yelled,


    ¡°Why aren¡¯t you two in bed?¡± but instead she had invited pests into her room. Before she knew it the pair slipped under her arms and entered the master bedroom. Like uninvited bed bugs, they simply refused to leave.


    While Lin Ruoxi was having a war of words with her kids which she was obviously losing Yi Chen was absentmindedly taking a sip of his energy drink. He didn¡¯t necessarily agree with Yi Youxi but the more he thought about it, the more attractive that n started to sound.


    If he were to copy the Analects text for Zi Han would he be grateful enough to stop avoiding him? It sounded stupid but as seconds turned to minutes and minutes turned to hours this idea was slowlying to fruition.


    He was familiar with calligraphy and that inkstone he overheard him talk about in ss, his mother happened to have one. It was on disy like dishware that is never going to be used.


    The moment he went downstairs and picked the inkstone up the deeper he fell into the trap. The Analects was pretty easy to find.


    All he had to do was log in to the Federation¡¯s library system and ess the electronic version of the text from the historical philosophy section. It seemed simple enough but in truth, it took him over an hour to pass through various permissions to ess the text.


    Three hourster he was sitting with his back straight practising. He only slept when the characters on the paper didn¡¯t look like chicken scratches. He was more than determined to finish this task.


    Yi Chen wasn¡¯t the only one toiling all night. Zi Han had been working extremely hard to finish this but unlike Yi Chen, he was making very little progress. His final product still looked nothing like the original which made him very frustrated.


    Exhausted he dragged his body to the shower and washed away all his burdens. But as he slipped in between the covers his light brain suddenly lit up.


    Lo and behold, his mother who had been M.I.A forcibly established a video call hence she didn¡¯t need his permission.


    ¡°Hey!¡± she excitedly yelled startling Zi Han who was sleeping topless underneath the quilt.


    ¡°AAAAHHHH!! Shit..... Mum!!¡± he yelled while pulling the covers tightly.


    ¡°Tsk, what is there to hide? You don¡¯t even have a single hair on that chest so what are you embarrassed about,¡± said Zi Xingxi as she chuckled lightly the excitement of seeing her son clearly written on her face.


    ¡°What hair..... is Han Han shirtless? Let me see,¡± said Lynn Feng before trying to squeeze into the frame.

 Chapter 61

    61 What hair?


    Zi Xingxi shoved her away while secretary K called her a pervert. One can only imagine the fight that broke out between the two of them off-screen. Zi Han could hear them arguing in the background.


    ¡°Wake up and put on your pyjama top otherwise you will catch a cold. Better yet how about you wear that cute panda onesie of yours....,¡± she said but Zi Han interrupted her as he got out of bed,


    ¡°It¡¯s still too hot for that. I won¡¯t be able to sleep.¡±


    That is to say, he wasn¡¯t refusing to wear it it¡¯s just that he was afraid it would be too hot.


    ¡°Ma you should stop forcing video calls. What if I was doing something inexplicable wouldn¡¯t it be embarrassing for the both of us,¡± said Zi Han walking out of the closet while putting on his pyjama top.


    Zi Xingxi spun her chair around with a sly smile before saying, ¡°Then don¡¯t do inexplicable things... I heard you caused your grandfather trouble.¡±


    Zi Han¡¯s hand that was lifting the quilt froze before hey into bed. He wasn¡¯t certain if his mom would me him for this so he cautiously replied, ¡°Is that what he said?¡± while getting into bed.


    ¡°Yes, but he knew what he signed up for. I am more worried about that brutal punishment of his. Just find someone to do it for you,¡± she said seeming very confident like she had done a simr thing before.


    Zi Han¡¯s brow furrowed as he brought the screen towards him. ¡°What? You got someone to do it for you?¡± eximed Zi Han. He wasn¡¯t even surprised that she received the exact same punishment before. He now knew that every punishment he received was a prelude from the past.


    .....


    ¡°Who did you get to do your punishment?¡± asked Zi Han only for his mother¡¯s face to stiffen a little.


    After seconds of contemtion, she finally replied, ¡°I got your dad to do it. He was..... um..... he was good at it and it fooled your grandfather. Until now he thinks I copied that text.¡±


    Zi Han could sense her unstable emotions. His chest tightened as he stared at her not sure what to do. He was curious about his father.


    He wanted to know how they met and what sort of person he was but whenever his mother mentioned him her expression would be sullen with a heavy dark cloud looming over her head.


    If the cost of knowing about his dad was this high then he didn¡¯t want to know more thus he changed the focus of the conversation. ¡°But I don¡¯t know anyone good at this. This girl in ss, Shannon is the artsy kind but I don¡¯t want to burden her with this. We aren¡¯t even close enough t....,¡± he exined only for his mother to interrupt.


    ¡°Zi Han! Are you dating already? I can tolerate you beating the shit out of people. You can even break Yi Chen¡¯s nose ten times and I can deal with the fuckin consequences but if you dare get a girl pregnant I won¡¯t let you go,¡± she said before cutting the call.


    Zi Han, ¡°???¡±


    ¡°What the fuck just happened,¡± mumbled Zi Han only for another video call to forcibly connect again,


    ¡°Oh and I forgot. I love you honey and I will see you in a couple of days. Now off to bed.¡±


    Can somebody please exin to him what just happened? He was starting to suspect that his mother might have bipr. Her ability to change moods swiftly was terrifying.


    Four hourster Zi Han who barely got any sleep walked down the stairs looking like a zombie from the walking dead. His grandfather who was in a great mood for some reason responded to his morning greetings while lifting two fingers.


    ¡®Ah, shit,¡¯ swore Zi Han internallypletely understanding what those two fingers meant. He had only two days left before his deadline. Whatever was waiting for him on the other side could only be described as hell.


    Zi Feiji had lost his map and someone had to pay for it. Unfortunately, that someone was his precious grandson.


    Zi Han wasn¡¯t the only one looking like he had been to hell and back. His fellow ssmate looked like he barely slept with puffy panda eyes. Yi Chen looked terrible causing Lin Ruoxi¡¯s heart to ache. ¡°My poor baby. Did your father overwork you again? My son is not a robot Yi Tang!¡± she yelled at her husband using the wrong person.


    Marshal Yi dropped his utensils a little aggrieved. ¡°I didn¡¯t do it I swear. Whatever this is has nothing to do with me,¡± he said defending himself from the false allegations.


    ¡°It¡¯s not dad¡¯s fault. Dage is trying to emotionally ck mmmm... mmm,¡± said Ming Ming before her mouth was sealed shut by Yi Chen.


    ¡°She overheard my conversation with Li Ranst night. I was working on a project that¡¯s all. I n on emotionally ckmailing him into more training,¡± he said only for Yi Youxi to chuckle while burying his face into his breakfast.


    Both parents were suspicious but after their conversationst night none of them thought it was good to snoop on their eldest so they acted like they were stupid epting his exnation.


    Soon the family of five split with Yi Chen and the Marshal sharing the same hovercar. It¡¯s not that Yi Chen had to go with him.


    It¡¯s that Marshal Yi wanted to have the talk with him but he was so embarrassed that he could only say it on their way to the academy which was a very short distance.


    Yi Chen waspletely unaware that he was about to have a speeded up crash course on the birds and the bees as he stepped into that hovercar.


    Ten secondster he wanted to w his way out of there but it was toote. ¡°So..... They must have taught you about sex in um.... high school,¡± said Marshal Yi cutting straight to the chase.


    Yi Chen, ¡®.....¡¯


    What the fuck was going on today? Was he hallucinating or something? He hadn¡¯t slept all night and now he was having a nightmarish dream about his father talking about sex.


    ¡°Then I don¡¯t need to get into detail... Do you know the origins of why military personnel through history wear white gloves?¡± asked Marshal Yi but of course, Yi Chen didn¡¯t know nor did he know why this had to do with sex.

 Chapter 62

    62 Gloves for protection....?


    Seeing his son shake his head Marshal Yi exined further, ¡°In ancient human civilization men didn¡¯t go to war during nting and harvest seasons because if they did they would risk both sides suffering from starvation as battles trampled upon a great deal of crond.¡±


    ¡°Thus whenever possible one made war after the main harvest or in winter before the heavy snow. This is why white gloves were of great importance. It was to protect the hands of the men from the cold.¡±


    ¡°They couldn¡¯t be thick to not impede the handling of weapons but even the thin gloves could be a great help. They also had a secondary purpose but that¡¯s not important. So.... do you understand what I mean.¡±


    Yi Chen, ¡®.....¡¯


    No, he doesn¡¯t understand shit. What do gloves have to do with anything? Seeing his son¡¯s look of indifference he sighed before exining.


    ¡°What I mean is boys your age will begin to have urges and just like the soldiers who had to go to battle with their gloves on you should go to battle with protection. Do you understand what I mean?¡±


    Yi Chen appeared calm on the surface but in truth, he was screaming internally. He couldn¡¯t understand why his father chose to have this conversation right now. Was it something he did that gave his father the impression that he was having sex?


    The hovercar fell into an awkward and embarrassing silence that the moment they reached the entrance of the academy Yi Chen abruptly got out of the hovercar like his very life depended on it.


    ¡°Dad, have a great day,¡± said Yi Chen with the rest of the sentence barely audible because he was already two feet away from the hovercar.


    .....


    ¡°Yep.... you too,¡± replied Marshal Yi while pinching the bridge of his nose in annoyance.


    ¡°Ahem..... sir, do you still need the visual aids,¡± said the driver after much hesitation.


    Marshal Yi, ¡°....¡±


    ¡°Do I look like I still need some fuckin visual aids? *Sigh... let¡¯s go.¡±


    Yi Chen¡¯s expression was darker than usual as he walked straight into campus. When he turned the corner to get to ss one, he suddenly noticed Zi Han who was standing down the corridor with H discussing who knows what in the morning.


    His foot subconsciously turned to walk back right where he came from when Li Ran showed up from who knows where and draped his arm around Yi Chen¡¯s shoulder. ¡°Still in a bad mood? Fuck! Why do you look like a fuckin corpse? Did you even sleepst night?¡±


    ¡°I don¡¯t want to talk about it,¡± he said while staring at the two who also happened to notice him. Now that he had been seen he couldn¡¯t turn around and leave thus he had to suck it up and walk over.


    ¡°Good morning ss president Chen,¡± said H looking like she was in an excellent mood.


    Yi Chen nodded his head as he passed by. He didn¡¯t even spare Zi Han a nce which made H feel a little surprised. Yi Chen was the cold type that apart from his circle of friends would keep everyone at arm¡¯s length but he was never rude.


    He would take the initiative to greet others even if it was a nod but today he just passed Zi Han without saying anything. She couldn¡¯t help but smell gossip between the two of them.


    She wanted to investigate but Li Ran didn¡¯t follow after Yi Chen. Instead, he stood there looking at the chibi drawing H had been showing Zi Han.


    ¡°Vice, your skills have greatly improved but I still prefer the one you drew of m-,¡± he said before H shoved his head aside while yelling,


    ¡°Don¡¯t fuckin call me that.¡±


    ¡°But he does. He just called you that yesterday,¡±ined Li Ran rubbing his sore temple.


    ¡°Yes, he can but you can¡¯t. Call me that one more time and I will make you regret it,¡± she said her expression as intimidating as a bull on a rampage.


    Li Ran who felt so happy having captured H¡¯s attention suppressed a smile while staring at her with a taunting look in his eyes. ¡°How will you do that?¡± he asked the smile on his face growing bigger and bigger.


    ¡°Try and you will see how I will make you pay,¡± she said pulling up her sleeve like she was ready to beat people up.


    Like an idiot taunting an alligator with a stick, Li Ran directly said it, ¡°Vice.¡± Two secondster Zi Han was left standing there alone trying to figure out if he had just witnessed flirting or fighting.


    He could feel the rageing from H as she chased down Li Ran but there was some sweetness lingering in the air.


    Zi Han shrugged his shoulders before turning on his heel to get into ss only for his forehead to directly m into someone¡¯s rock hard chest.


    ¡°Seriously?... How long have you been standing there?¡± heined while curling his fingers to strangle the person. He honestly thought it was Shorty standing behind him but when he raised his head he was met by the iceberg of a man staring at him.


    ¡°You are standing right by the door,¡± said Yi Chen his tone as t as a cutting board.


    Zi Han¡¯s eye twitched when he realised he really had been standing by the door of the ss. He had been afraid of getting caught in the crossfire by those two thus he subconsciously blocked the door for others.


    ¡°Uh.... sorry,¡± he said before moving aside. He was about to enter the room when he heard Yi Chen say,


    ¡°Sorry I was rude just now. I should have greeted you.¡±


    Zi Han chuckled with a disconcerting smile before saying, ¡°I didn¡¯t greet the ss president either hence there is no need to apologize.¡± After saying this he directly walked away leaving Yi Chen a little flustered.


    It seemed for any type of friendship to happen between them Yi Chen would have to make a gesture so grand that Zi Han would have no choice but to ept him.

 Chapter 63

    63 Zi Han¡¯s weakness


    The rest of Zi Han¡¯s day was pretty uneventful. He had back-to-back sses with the worst of them all being mech repair ss with that boring old man who was basically a walking sleeping pill.


    Actually, the professor wasn¡¯t the only problem. The problem was that Zi Han had a big weakness. He loved mechs with all his heart and he was especially passionate about them, that is only passionate about operating them not repairing them. He hated repairing mechs with a passion.


    It seemed the course also sensed his resistance making it very difficult for him to understand. Every other ss he had during the day he was an attentive and good model student but when it came to that ss he was a cker of the highest order.


    Anything beyond the words bolts and parts was jibberish to him. One can say he was good atnguages except for thenguage of mech repair. Unfortunately for him, this course was apulsory one that required one to get a grade above seventy per cent for it to be considered a pass.


    It made sense why the academy would value mech repair. In case of emergencies on the battlefield, a soldier should be able to repair their mech even when the AI system is down. Their very survival could depend on it. Zi Han understood that but he just couldn¡¯t get these parts and joints into his head.


    Thus because of this ss, his day had a shitty ending. He just wanted to eat an entire tub of ice cream while watching a random movie before curling up in bed and calling it a night.


    But the thought of the punishment currently waiting for him at home he sprawled on top of the workbench with his head resting on his outstretched arm.


    Shorty nced at the disrepaired sensor that looked as pathetic as the person who messed it up and said, ¡°Maybe you should ask your mother to tutor you. She must know how to considering that she owns Chronos. Maybe she can tutor me as well.¡±


    Zi Han rubbed his face against his arm and replied in a muffled voice, ¡°If she knew how to do it she would have taught me. Ugh shit... I am so fuckin screwed.¡±


    .....


    That was indeed the truth. His hate of mech repair was inherited. Zi Xingxi always emphasized on mech and weapon training in the simtor but not once had she mentioned mech repair. She was as bad as he was if not worse.


    Knock, knock, knock!


    ¡°Mr Zi, what an interesting masterpiece. I take it you were sleeping in my ss for you to be able to manage to ruin a B ss mech sensor,¡± said Professor Quinn as he raised the sensor Zi Han had butchered till it was unrecognizable.


    Zi Han sat up straight a little frazzled. This course was exactly the thing that brought down Zi Han¡¯s stats in the virtual simtor. Now it hade to haunt him as though trying to ruin him.


    ¡°Ah..... I will work hard and not drag the ss down,¡± replied Zi Han wiping his palm on his pants nervously. The ss had already been dismissed but there were still a few people hanging around in theboratory hence they witnessed this little exchange.


    ¡°Mm-hmm, you better otherwise I might bump you down to ss two,¡± said the old professor before walking away.


    Shannon who was sitting behind leaned over and said, ¡°Maverick would be pleased to hear that. The only problem is that he dropped out.¡±


    ¡°Shannon, whose side are you on? This here is the great goddess¡¯ son. If he isn¡¯t in ss one then no one else deserves to be,¡± replied Shorty drawing his sword ready to slice and dice anyone who speaks ill of his goddess... I mean goddess¡¯ son.


    ¡°Even I believe he got his just deserves especially after insulting a legend,¡± replied Shaun as he got up to leave.


    Even he was willing to overlook years of friendship to defend the most incredible woman plenty of teens had spring dreams over. But just like the distant gxy, she was beautiful and unattainable yet Maverick had the balls to call her a slut.


    ¡°Ah, I get it my mom is amazing. Let¡¯s stop talking about this. I want an iced espresso before I go home otherwise I will pass out. Anyone interested?¡± asked Zi Han sounding like he was desperate for an outlet to vent out his frustrations.


    ¡°Okay, my treat,¡± replied Shannon as she excitedly led the way.


    The four were so immersed in their conversation that they didn¡¯t notice Yi Chen and Li Ran standing by the podium. Yi Chen had his head lowered checking something on the system while Li Ran yammered on about something.


    He was doing his duty as ss president checking on each person¡¯s repaired sensor on behalf of the professor when he overheard their conversation. It seemed Zi Han wasn¡¯t good at this subject and Professor Quinn had already made him a target.


    He naturally knew his threat was serious. If Zi Han so much as drags the ss average down Professor Quinn would do it but Yi Chen wouldn¡¯t let that happen. It was his duty as the ss president to help his fellow students by any means necessary.


    Sure, sure..... this has absolutely nothing to do with who the student is. We believe that.


    He scrolled down to look at Zi Han¡¯s sensor only for his brow to crease as he lightly scratched the side of his nose. ¡°You think it¡¯s reasonable if I tutor someone?¡± he asked while zooming in on the mess that had been ¡®repaired¡¯ by Zi Han.


    Li Ran who was especially good at this subject almost had a stroke looking at the specs on that sensor. ¡°Are you fuckin serious? No amount of tutoring can save that.¡±


    Yi Chen lightly rubbed his lip with his thumb wondering whether he should pull up Zi Han¡¯s academic record. Meanwhile, their person of interest tossed his empty cup into the trash before walking toward his grandfather¡¯s hovercar. He had a lot on his mind at this moment.


    He slumped into the seat beside his grandfather and sighed deeply while closing his eyes. Zi Feiji stopped analyzing the specs for itrium on the floating screen and said, ¡°You look like you are carrying the burdens of the entire universe on your shoulders.... and this is only day three by the way.¡±


    Zi Han pinched the bridge of his nose before responding, ¡°Grandpa I am so exhausted. How about you let me off the hook and give me more time toplete my punishment?¡±


    ¡°Ha, not happening. Two days that¡¯s all you have,¡± replied Zi Feiji before turning back to the screen. He would have been more sympathetic if it weren¡¯t for that bastard sending him images of his beloved map every two hours.


    He was seriously starting to suspect that Yi Tong was a Marshal in name only otherwise where would he get the time to take pictures and constantly send them to him? It was simply inconceivable.

 Chapter 64

    64 It was all a set-up


    Zi Han sighed before he dozed off in the hovercar. He hadn¡¯t slept enough hoursst night and today he still had to wake up and go to school. He was so exhausted that he didn¡¯t feel anything even as his grandfather carried him into the house and tucked him in.


    He was a grown teen but to Zi Feiji it made no difference. That¡¯s because of his SSS physic that he was able to carry him as though carrying a sheet of paper. After tucking him into bed Zi Feiji left the bedroom only to be met by the old steward.


    Old Lu was also concerned for Zi Han so he spoke up for him just like he spoke up for Zi Xingxi back then. ¡°Sir, don¡¯t you think you should ease up the punishment for the young sir. He barely sleptst night that is why he passed out on the ride home,¡± said the steward exining in great detail.


    Zi Feiji patted his shoulder while saying, ¡°You treat the both of them like they are kids. When they have done something wrong they need to be punished otherwise they will think there are no consequences for their actions. He has two days left.¡±


    For these two days, Old Lu tried by all means to help the young sirplete his punishment. He didn¡¯t have the talent for calligraphy but he brought Zi Han healthy snacks and hot beverages to keep him awake.


    This did help but in truth, it did nothing to improve his skills. They looked like messy scribbles done by a fifth-grader. At this rate, he stopped caring about how pretty it looked and rather focused onpleting the task.


    Unfortunately, despite working his ass off Zi Han still couldn¡¯t meet his deadline and as he descended the stairs with the ugliest work he had ever done in his entire life he looked like a prisoner walking towards a guillotine.


    Apart from mech repair he had never failed anything in his entire life. He especially hated the feeling of failure. It was a shitty feeling he never wanted to feel ever again.


    ¡°Let me see,¡± said Zi Feiji as he put down his cup of tea.


    .....


    Zi Han was very reluctant. It looked so ugly that he couldn¡¯t bring himself to show anyone more especially his grandfather but he had no choice in the matter.


    ¡°I..... it¡¯s too ugly,¡± he said handing the papers over. The very first few pages were smudged with ink but it gradually got better in the next pages but his characters didn¡¯t improve.


    ¡°Do you think you did your best?¡± he asked while trying to make sense of the characters.


    Zi Han sat up straight as the steward ced a steaming cup of ck tea in front of him. ¡°In the time frame provided, yes. I did my best,¡± replied Zi Han a little nervous.


    After a long time, Zi Feiji nodded his head and ced the papers down before saying, ¡°Have you learnt anything from this experience?¡±


    ¡°I learnt to be patient which was incredibly difficult under the circumstances,¡± he responded while adding sugar into the teacup.


    ¡°Mm..... not bad. Unfortunately, you only managed to copy fifty per cent of the text and of the fifty per cent, only a third is readable so... I have a new punishment for you. This one will be a lot easier.¡±


    Zi Han¡¯s brows knitted together hearing this. One thing he had learnt ever since he met his grandfather was that there is no such word in Zi Feiji¡¯s dictionary.


    As expected Zi Han¡¯s next punishment didn¡¯t conform to the word easier. The steward ced a neatly folded uniform in front of him. It was very familiar to him because he had seen it every day ever since he enrolled.


    This was the daily uniform for girls in the academy and from what he could gather his grandfather meant for him to wear it as punishment.


    ¡®Fuck,¡¯ he swore internally as he poked the skirt with his index finger.


    ¡°For how long?¡± He asked feigning calmness but internally he was a trainwreck.


    ¡°Three days. I have already discussed it with the dean and we both agree it¡¯s a better-suited punishment. We can¡¯t use extra training as punishment because I know for a fact that you love it so I came up with this method instead.¡±


    Zi Han, ¡°!!!¡±


    At this moment he would rather be beaten by a broom instead of this. This wouldn¡¯t be the first time he had worn a skirt. The first time was when his mother dragged him to a mummy and daughter talent show when he was eight.


    At that time he thought that his mum wanted to do it for the prize money but now that he thought about it she blew the money in one single night at a fancy restaurant with him. Knowing what he knows now he suddenly realised it wasn¡¯t about the money but the ¡®Best mummy and daughter¡¯ trophy.


    Yes, he wasn¡¯t a little girl but because there weren¡¯t mommy and son talent shows she could only settle for thispetition just to get that trophy. That very trophy was one of the most valuable things she owned.


    After that embarrassing incident, he thought he would never have to wear a skirt again. How wrong he was. As punishment, his grandfather was telling him to wear a skirt to school. What kind of nonsense was this?


    ¡°For three days I now get to have a granddaughter. Hehehe... it¡¯s going to be so much fun,¡± he said his excitement clearly written on his face.


    ¡°Fuck..... this was a set-up,¡± he murmured feeling like he had been scammed. Zi Feiji knew all along that he wouldn¡¯t be able to meet the deadline.


    His grandfather had clearly stated before that he wished he had had a granddaughter. Zin Han just didn¡¯t think he would have to pretend to be one for three days as punishment.


    ¡°I am not wearing make-up,¡± said Zi Han looking like he had just signed up for squid games only to realise that the games have nothing to do with a squid.


    Zi Feiji, ¡°I didn¡¯t expect you to.¡±


    Zi Han, ¡°I won¡¯t wear a wig and nail polish.¡±


    Zi Feiji, ¡°Not every girl has to have long hair or paint their nails.¡±


    Zi Han, ¡°Fuck.... can¡¯t I just do another punishment?¡±


    Zi Feiji, ¡°It¡¯s either that or you get my map back.¡±


    After much deliberation, Zi Han discovered that he had better odds wearing the skirt than trying to convince the Marshal to bring back the map.


    ¡°Urgh.... fine.... just no pictures,¡± said Zi Han before lifting the silver-grey skater skirt.


    Zi Feiji smiled slyly while lowering his head to drink his tea, ¡°Sure sure,¡± he said before the rim of the cup touched his lips.


    Author¡¯s note: That sounds like a fucking lie grandpa Zi.

 Chapter 65

    65 Beauty hurts


    The soothing sound of water flowing down and hitting the tiles filled the silent bedroom. It was the kind of sound in the morning that calmed one¡¯s mind preparing them to face the world.


    But to Zi Han, this precious personal time wasn¡¯t as rxing as it should have been because he stood naked in the middle of the shower staring nkly at the shaving cream and shaving stick in his hand.


    There wereser devices avable to do such things but because no one had thought about buying them in advance Zi Han had to settle for this as an emergency measure. He couldn¡¯t help but suspect this was another way for his grandfather to torment him.


    After listening to the housekeeper¡¯s voice on how to shave using such a primitive method, Zi Han sighed as he raised his leg and smeared the foam close to his knee and lower thigh.


    ¡°The uniform has thigh-high stockings so I don¡¯t need to do the entire leg, right?¡± he said staring at the foam remaining on his fingers at a loss as to what to do with it.


    ¡°Young sir, ording to the tips on how to have sun kissed beautiful legs you need to shave the entire leg,¡± said the housekeeper AI that was connected to the entire smart home.


    Zi Han¡¯s lips twitched as he proceeded to smear the rest of the foam on the rest of his leg. After a few cuts and missing a couple of leg hairs, Zi Han finally got the hang of it.


    Since he had spent thirty minutes in the shower just shaving his legs he had to wash the rest of his body in a hurry otherwise he would bete for school.


    When he walked out of the shower his legs felt weird. It was as though his leg sensitivity had diminished greatly. But because he was runningte he ignored it. He hurriedly put on the skirt and white blouse before casually cing the untied ribbon bow around his cor.


    .....


    Knock.... knock.


    A gentle but urging knock came from the door followed by the old steward¡¯s kind voice. ¡°Young sir..... your breakfast will get cold... if you have any difficulties I cane in and assist you,¡± said the old steward but Zi Han who was zipping up the skirt yelled back,


    ¡°I am fine. I will be out in a minute.¡±


    The old steward retracted his hand that was on the door knob. With a look of contemtion, he hesitated to leave only to be startled by a loud bang.


    ¡°Young sir!¡± he yelled before he hurriedly pushed the door open. Zi Han was lying on the ground with his legs spread wide and his ck underwear showing underneath the skirt while his hands were struggling to pull at the thigh-high stockings.


    Old Steward, ¡°...¡±


    Old Lu hastily turned his body around and apologized to Zi Han¡¯s astonishment. What was there to apologize for? He was still a hundred per cent man underneath his skirt.


    ¡°Old Lu..... ugh, help me. How do girls put these fucking things on?¡± said Zi Han as hey back down in resignation like he had given up.


    ¡°Well, like they say..... it¡¯s harder being a woman than being a man,¡± he said as he walked over to help him up, ¡°Young sir, you cut yourself?¡±


    ¡°That¡¯s why I have a newfound respect for girls. Not only do they have to do their hair, nails and makeup.... they also need to shave. Beauty fuckin hurts,¡± said Zi Han while the steward helped him with the stockings. It was as though he had received some sort of enlightenment.


    ¡°That¡¯s not all..... you forgot they go through a menstrual period and natural childbirth,¡± said the steward before finishing off, ¡°all done. Now, let¡¯s put on your shoes. You are already runningte.¡±


    Two minutester Zi Han walked down the stairs feeling a little awkward.


    A cold stream of air swept past his thighs from underneath the skirt making him shiver subconsciously. His steps were a little clumsy but he could care less right now.


    ¡°Good morning grandpa,¡± he said as he ced his hand on Zi Feiji¡¯s back before taking a seat. Zi Feiji who had been discussing with his old friends about an iing wedding turned his head only to meet the granddaughter that he never had.


    ¡°Ah, for the next three days you are Hanifa, my gorgeous granddaughter,¡± he said while taking a picture which he promised he wouldn¡¯t do.


    Zi Han who had been biting through a steamed bun froze before hastily chewing and swallowing his food. ¡°Grandpa you promised! Oh my god.... seriously,¡± he said lowering his head while blocking Zi Feiji with his hand.


    ¡°Come on..... I am just sending it to your mother. I know she would love it,¡± he said as the steward ced a small carton of soya milk beside Zi Han.


    ¡°Lies... Do you realise how ugly thebination of Zi and Hanifa sounds? Was that what you were going to name me if I came out withdy parts?¡± said Zi Han before eating the rest of his streamed bun in a hurry.


    Zi Feiji couldn¡¯t believe it so he said the full name for himself, ¡°Zi Hanifa..... dang,¡± and his brows furrowed.


    Zi Han pushed a straw through the tiny opening of the carton and stood up while sucking on the straw. ¡°Wait, stop right there,¡± said Zi Feiji as he took a couple of pictures but when he saw that untied ribbon bow he walked over and tied it for him.


    He had done this a couple of times with his daughter while she was growing up. She was never good at tying that bow for some reason.


    ¡°You look adorable,¡± said Zi Feiji as he took a step backwards to take another picture but when Zi Han turned around he suddenly noticed something.


    ¡°Isn¡¯t it a little too short? Old Lu measure his length till below the knees so we can get another one,¡± said Zi Feiji only to get rejected by Zi Han,


    ¡°You chose it already. If I am going to wear this I don¡¯t n to look like an old granny. I want to look like a queen,¡± he said. It was at this moment this grandpa regretted it. Not the entire thing just the length of the skirt.

 Chapter 66

    66 Little Hanifa


    On a not-so-distant abandoned, Zi Xingxi was standing atop a mountain sitting in Chronos¡¯ cockpit. Her stretched-out arm was grasping at another mech¡¯s neck and the person inside was stammering through a confession.


    ¡°AAAAAHHHHHHH!!! Please don¡¯t let go. Please I beg you.....,¡± said the man before wailing like he was about to die.


    ¡°Spill it,¡±manded Zi Xingxi feeling a little exhausted. Another had had an unexpected attack by yet again a strange portal opening at the most random location killing thousands this time.


    There were growing fears that the Capital Star was next thus she was under a lot of pressure from the Marshal to find the pattern. Now she finally found it but she wasn¡¯t in the greatest of moods.


    Streaks of lightning spread across the grey skies as violent wind blew by making the chilling atmosphere even more eerie. She just wanted to leave this ce as soon as possible so she forced the other mech to hang off the cliff.


    ¡°We, we don¡¯t... we don¡¯t know who is behind it. All I know is that we would receive a location to pick up these devices shaped like pucks and we are given random locations to leave them, that¡¯s all. Ple-please let me go,¡± cried the man as he struggle to restart his mech that had been disabled by a powerful electromaic pulse.


    ¡°Did anyone take a job for the Capital Star?¡± asked Zi Xingxi her expression darker than before. If such an attack happens on the Capital Star then she would have to go back and protect her son and father.


    ¡°I don¡¯t, I don¡¯t know. We don¡¯t know each other. I, I just know that they are others and it¡¯s usually people in desperate need of money. That¡¯s, that¡¯s all I know..... I promise. Ple-please let me go wuwuwuwu,¡± cried out the man but in the next second Chronos suddenly let go of the other mech.


    Trembling from fear the man cried out even louder. As he saw his life sh before his very eyes his mech was suddenly grasped by the head and pulled back up but he was dangling in the air.


    .....


    ¡°Dad, I am very busy right now. Because of you I almost dropped this asshole,¡± she said muting the crying soundsing from the other mech.


    Zi Feiji didn¡¯t mince his words. He turned the camera towards Zi Han and said, ¡°Isn¡¯t your son a little toofortable wearing skirts. Has he done it before?¡±


    Zi Xingxi who looked a little tired just now leaned forward towards the floating screen and erged it. With a slight quirk of her lips, she leaned backwards and said, ¡°He has worn it once or twice but why is he wearing a female uniform? Dad! Did you make him do it?¡±


    Zi Feiji turned the camera back towards him and said, ¡°He failed to finish copying the text so yuh... I changed the punishment. The skirt is a little too short though and he is refusing to let me change it.¡±


    Zi Xingxi stifled herughter while folding her arms across her chest. ¡°If he is going to wear it at least he should look like a queen.¡±


    ¡°That¡¯s what he said. Well, sort of. But how did you kn-,¡± said Zi Feiji only for Zi Xingxi to interrupt him,


    ¡°He has said it before. You can get him to wear it but he refuses to look ugly in it.¡±


    ¡°Well, that means I can do all those things I always wanted to do. If you didn¡¯tplete copying those texts back then I would have forced you to go for a manicure, shopping and a wedding. Now, your son will do all that in your ce.....,¡± said Zi Feiji before Zi Han yelled something near the hovercar,


    ¡°Grandpa, I am going to bete!¡±


    ¡°Got to go,¡± said Zi Feiji before cutting the call.


    ¡°Dad wait... Ugh, fuck,¡± swore Zi Xingxi as the call cut. It¡¯s not because she wanted to stop him it¡¯s that she wanted him to wait until she got there so she can get a manicure with little Hanifa too.


    ¡°Master, I am sure we can get there on time. We just have to butcher this man and cut him to pieces then we can go,¡± said Chronos but it soon muted itself when it felt the temperature in the cockpit chill to a freezing point.


    With a loud bam, she mmed the other mech to the ground and crushed the head before ripping out a chunk of it and tossing it over the cliff. The man inside was exposed the moment his mech was ripped apart. He immediately struggled to breathe as the atmosphere of this dying wascking in oxygen.


    Chronos¡¯ arm morphed into aser cannon and as the energy gathered she asked, ¡°Do you know that those devices you nted on Zinnia brought out a high-level beast with a thick armour during the morning rush hour and it killed thousands of people?.... Did you know that? All for what? For you to buy this junk of a mech?¡±


    She clenched her jaw feeling little to no sympathy for this selfish person who sealed innocent people including school children to their deadly fate.


    The man¡¯s lips had already turned blue as the light in his eyes dimmed. His gasps became weaker and weaker as a tear slid down the side of his face.


    Zi Xingxi suddenly pulled the trigger and a searing st shot at the mech instantly vaporizing the man. The mech shook from the st before it caught on fire. Zi Xingxi restricted theser cannon and walked a few feet stopping next to a silver and red mech slightly shorter than Chronos.


    ¡°Let¡¯s go. We might need to spend more time in the Capital Star for a while,¡± she said before Chronos took off to the sky.


    ¡°Yes ma¡¯am,¡± replied Secretary K before raising his mech¡¯s arm andpletely obliterating the fallen mech eliminating all remaining traces. It seemed like the peaceful days of the federation wereing to an end.

 Chapter 67

    67 He really has nice legs


    ¡°You should sit properly,¡± said Zi Feiji having noticed Zi Han sitting with his legs spread wide apart like a runway.


    ¡°Sit like this.¡±


    Zi Feiji thoroughly demonstrated how ady should sit like but Zi Han was extremely resistant. ¡°Grandpa, my balls will get squished if I sit like that.¡±


    ¡°Pfft.....,¡± snickered the old steward unable to restrain himself but when he saw Zi Feiji¡¯s stone-cold eyes ring at him through the rear view mirror he shut his mouth but his lips remained upturned.


    ¡°No, they won¡¯t. Here, maybe you should put this on your knees when you sit in ss,¡± he said taking out a small velvet nket with the Bloodgarde family crest on it.


    ¡°But girls in my ss don¡¯t use it. Plus that nket doesn¡¯t conform to uniform standards,¡± replied Zi Han somewhat enjoying screwing with his grandfather.


    He hadn¡¯t slept well for the past three days and seeing his grandfather¡¯s agitated appearance made his three days of suffering worth it.


    ¡°Don¡¯t you think you are enjoying this a little too much?¡± asked Zi Feiji nowpletely regretting it. He was suddenly grateful that he had a grandson. If he had a granddaughter he might have been stressed out trying to swat away house flies taking chances.


    He never had to worry about Zi Xingxi. That¡¯s because boys would run the other way when they saw her. Not because she was ugly, on the contrary, she was as beautiful as dirty that Zi Feiji¡¯s circle of friends constantly inquired about establishing ties through marriages.


    .....


    It was because she would beat the shit out of anyone who made a pass at her. It¡¯s a miracle that Zi Han¡¯s father seeded. But looking at his dense and naive grandson he might have had a headache if Han was a Hanifa.


    ¡°We are here... I will see youter grandpa,¡± said Zi Han running out of the hovercar at a speed so fast you would think he was the sh. That¡¯s because he didn¡¯t want to get nagged again but he still underestimated his grandfather.


    Zi Feiji popped his head out of the door and yelled, ¡°Don¡¯t use the urinary! Use the stall!¡±


    ¡°Sir, but he is a boy?¡± replied the steward as the door closed.


    ¡°If he lifts his skirt wouldn¡¯t that look like he is doing a strip tease in the toilet?¡± replied Zi Feiji his face a little contorted, ¡°this was a bad idea, wasn¡¯t it?¡±


    Old Steward, ¡°Umm well...¡±


    ¡°Don¡¯t say it.¡±


    While Zi Feiji was a little worried about Hanifa, Zi Han was swaggering into the academy his expression so calm like it was a regr Friday. But there was nothing regr about it.


    The moment he stepped into campus he attracted a lot of attention with someone even directly running into a wall because they were starting at him. He on the other hand looked like he gave zero fucks, well, that is until his head teacher spotted him.


    The man was discussing something with Professor Quinn when he saw a familiar face but his clothes weren¡¯t quite right. ¡°You! Cadet Han! Stop for me,¡± he said only for Zi Han to turn around and walk over to him with an innocent expression like he had done absolutely nothing wrong.


    ¡°Good morning professor Quinn, teacher Suwan,¡± he greeted them politely but they were staring at the female uniform on his body with a look of bewilderment.


    ¡°You!....,¡± shouted teacher Suwan but the words wouldn¡¯te out, ¡°Why on earth?¡±


    ¡°Oh, this,¡± he said with his finger pointing at his skirt, ¡°I am being punished for fighting in school. I will forward the notice to you.¡± In a few taps, he transferred the image to teacher Suwan¡¯s light brain.


    Teacher Suwan hurriedly read the contents of the notice and his expression turned to that of bewilderment. What sort of punishment was this?


    To whom it may concern:


    Cadet Han has vited code xxxx of Scy Military Academy. For the next three weekdays, he would be dressed in the approved female uniform of the academy as punishment.


    Signed by


    Dean Kerpensky


    ¡°Well, if you were half as good at mech repair as you are at fighting I would be proud to call you my student,¡± retorted Professor Quinn finding this rather amusing.


    Zi Han, ¡°...¡±


    ¡°Just get to ss,¡± said teacher Suwan feeling a headacheing on. He had a feeling not much learning would be happening in ss one today.


    Zi Han hurriedly thank them before hastily walking away. Down the passageway, he noticed a familiar figure at the corner but as soon as that person saw him he retreated as though running away. That person was none other than his new buddy.


    In two strides he caught up with that garden gnome that was attempting to flee. He grabbed Shorty and half embraced him before speaking through gritted teeth. ¡°Why are you running? Oh, so now you don¡¯t know me?¡± asked Zi Han as the gaze towards them got more intense.


    Shorty shrunk his neck looking like a turtle struggling to get back in its shell.


    ¡°Hahaha..... bi-big brother why, why would I run away from you,¡± he said stumbling over his words. In truth, he ran because for a second he almost thought he saw Zi Xingxi.


    When he realised it was Zi Han he took a sharp U-turn and ran away but who would have thought that his short legs would betray him and he would get caught in a few strides.


    What he really wanted to know was why Zi Han was wearing a girl¡¯s uniform? Did his brother have such special interests? If he did then wouldn¡¯t it confuse poor souls like him who hadn¡¯t yet experienced the bliss of young love?


    ¡°Why, why are you wearing a skirt?¡± asked Shorty as they turned a corner before heading up the stairs.


    Zi Han was about to respond when he saw three boys standing by the stairs. He could easily recognize them as they were from their ss. It¡¯s just that their paths hadn¡¯t crossed and Zi Han didn¡¯t even know their names.


    Shorty nodded slightly at the three of them but Zi Han just casually nced over before passing them. What Zi Han didn¡¯t know was that when he was going up the stairs the faces of the three boys changed especially the one with blonde hair and silver eyes.


    His eyes followed Zi Han till his figure disappeared. ¡°He really has nice legs,¡± said one of them. From their reactions, they didn¡¯t seem as surprised to see a guy dressed in a skirt. They were curious why he was wearing it at school but it was none of their business.

 Chapter 68

    68 I think I am hard


    The blonde-haired boy lowered his head and flicked the lighter in between his fingers before asking, ¡°What¡¯s his name?¡±


    The third boy chuckled and said, ¡°I think H called him cadet Han before. What? Are you interested?¡± The boy lowered his head and didn¡¯t say anything.


    Meanwhile, Zi Han pulled Shorty closer to his body and rubbed his head while saying, ¡°It was because of you that I got punished so for the next three days, well except tomorrow and Sunday because it¡¯s a weekend. Today, Monday and Tuesday you are going to be stuck right by my side so we can be embarrassed together.¡±


    Hearing this Shorty gulped as cold sweat formed on his back his body stiff. Zi Han patted his arm and lowered his head before whispering, ¡°Why are you so nervous? Rx.¡±


    But Shorty couldn¡¯t rx. Why? It was because from the moment he saw Zi Han he knew that the man¡¯s attraction index had shot through the roof the moment he showed a little skin. He knew it wouldn¡¯t take long before he attracts unwanted attention.


    Now, when that happens who in this entire campus would suffer if Zi Han rejects them? It would be this little short guy who was being embraced by this male god and being whispered to in an ambiguous posture.


    Zi Han strode into the ss with Shorty still in his arms. H who was sucking on a lollipop while asionally ncing across the ss towards Zi Han¡¯s empty desk, froze when the person she had been waiting for walked in.


    The pink lollipop slowly slide down her rosy lips and with a soft thud it hit the desk and cracked. She wasn¡¯t even aware of it as her gaze swept down Zi Han¡¯s body and lingered on those partially exposed thighs.


    She had no idea she had this kind of fetish before but now that she has seen it she couldn¡¯t unsee it. It took someone patting her arm twice for her toe back to herself.


    .....


    ¡°H, your lollipop.....,¡± said Lilith, H¡¯s deskmate.


    H was so mesmerised and unintelligible that she answered, ¡°Heh?¡±


    Lilith pointed at the mess on her desk and said, ¡°It broke.¡±


    ¡°Oh,¡± replied H while taking out a tissue but her eyes kept ncing over in Zi Han¡¯s direction.


    ¡°What¡¯s wrong with you?¡± asked Lilith as she caught a glimpse of Li Ran looking over in their direction. Her brow twitched as she retracted her gaze.


    After cleaning up the mess H turned her body to face Zi Han¡¯s direction and crossed her legs at the knees before saying, ¡°I think I am hard.¡±


    Lilith, ¡°Heh?¡±


    Li Ran frowned when he saw that weird look on H¡¯s face. He followed her line of sight only to get the shock of his life. The ss was already noisy but because he was watching H he hadn¡¯t noticed the oddity.


    He hastily patted Yi Chen¡¯s arm. Yi Chen was so exhausted because he had been staying upte trying to copy the Analects for Zi Han so he was mostly out of it. Thus the noisy background had long turned into white noise to him.


    After being hit a couple of times by Li Ran, Yi Chen was ready to beat the shit out of him when Li Ran held his shoulders and spun his body around.


    Yi Chen, ¡°...¡±


    As though electrified by some powerful current Yi Chen¡¯s body stiffened and his breath hitched as he followed Zi Han¡¯s figure with his boring gaze.


    He wanted to look away but it was extremely difficult. His mind which had been pure for seventeen years and a couple of months suddenly exhibited symptoms that weren¡¯t there before.


    Out of nowhere he suddenly had an urge to slip his hand underneath that skirt and touch some inexplicable things. He watched Zi Han sit down and that skirt rode up his thighs revealing more of his porcin white skin on those masculine thighs that never saw the sun.


    Yi Chen¡¯s eyes darkened as he subconsciously licked his lower lip and swallowed with his Adam¡¯s apple rolling up and down.


    Zi Han sensed a burning gaze caressing his thighs. He pulled down his skirt and raised his head but apart from H who was being a creep from across the room no one else was staring at him with that gaze that gave him a sense of uneasiness.


    Yi Chen had a keen sense from his high mental power which meant he looked away quickly before Zi Han noticed. Flustered at the thought of almost getting caught Yi Chen tightly clenched the stylus pen in his hand trying to breathe and calm his chaotic emotions down. He survived extreme conditions numerous times in his life but he had never felt this way before.


    His body felt like it was no longer his own. The fluttering butterflies in his stomach almost made him nauseous. He took another casual nce and his heart threatened to beat out of his chest. He had to get out of here and get some fresh air otherwise he might suffocate to death.


    He was about to get up when he heard H who had been silent this entire time suddenly say, ¡°Cadet Han.¡±


    Zi Han who wasn¡¯t done harassing Shorty turned to look at her and she asked, ¡°Are you by any chance single because I Iike me a man in a skirt?¡± As she said this she smiled gleefully her interest clearly written on her face.


    Li Ranzily leaned back in his chair and said with a bright smile, ¡°I can wear a skirt for you.¡±


    H frowned as she turned to look at him. ¡°Who the hell wants to see that?¡± she replied with her words almost drowned by the loud heckles in ss.


    Li Ran, ¡°.....¡±


    Zi Han chuckled with a cool look on his face. He licked his lower lip before saying, ¡°I am sorry vice ss president but if you keep talking like that someone would be jealous.¡±


    Zi Han¡¯s answer was so unexpected that the entire ss exploded with great curiosity. Even Yi Chen who was trying his hardest not to look behind him turned his head his chest twisting painfully.


    His breath hitched while staring at Zi Han curious to know the answer. He wanted to know who it was and from the way, he was clenching his stylus pen they might not have a good ending.

 Chapter 69

    69 Hanifa¡¯s honey


    Zi Han hadn¡¯t expected that his yful remark would captivate the entire ss. Didn¡¯t these people have things to do? Didn¡¯t they have assignments or something? Why were they so curious about his affairs?


    Shorty who was trying to reduce his sense of existence suddenly had a bad premonition. Without saying a word he tried to get up and used the excuse of going to the bathroom but Zi Han grabbed his arm and yanked him down making it difficult for Shorty to move.


    His eyes were suddenly glossed over like he was about to cry. Well, internally he had already cried an entire river. His body rxed he pulled Shorty closer and boldly dered, ¡°He would be jealous, isn¡¯t that right honey?¡±


    Shorty, ¡°QAQ¡±


    He turned back to Shaun and Shannon sitting behind them and yelled, ¡°Help,¡± in a low voice but the twins chuckled lightly while staying out of it.


    H rxed as a small smile showed on her face.


    She knew there was absolutely nothing happening between Zi Han and Shorty thus she rxed and licked her lower lip showing a pair of beautiful dimples.


    ¡°Really now..... Don¡¯t you think I will be a much better candidate than him?¡± she replied in a teasing tone but Yi Chen couldn¡¯t bear it anymore.


    ¡°The Military historical studies professor will be here any minute. Please prepare for ss,¡± said Yi Chen in a cold and detached voice that made everyone subconsciously obey him. The ss fell silent with a few people murmuring under their breaths in a whisper.


    .....


    Yi Chen had rxed considerably after hearing Zi Han¡¯s deration. From Zi Han¡¯s tone he could clearly see it was a joke but why didn¡¯t Zi Han joke with him like that? Why not pick him to y house instead of Shorty?


    It is safe to assume by now he had already realised that he wanted more than just Zi Han¡¯s attention. He didn¡¯t want to be his colleague or his friend. He wanted to be more than that.


    After this realisation, his emotions hadn¡¯t fully settled but he feigned calmness externally making it incredibly difficult for one to notice something was off.


    Even Li Ran who had grown up with him for years couldn¡¯t see it. Maybe he could have seen it but he was blinded by his own grievances.


    ¡°Uh, big brother, I know I was wrong but did you have to put this pot over my head. Is this you taking revenge on me?¡± asked Shorty trying to break free from Zi Han but Zi Han was like a little puppy who found another puppy to y fight with.


    He refused to let go and because Shorty was trying not to attract everyone¡¯s attention he couldn¡¯t make big movements. The two of them push and pulled underneath the desk while the twin started making bets on who will win.


    ¡°Honey stay still..... don¡¯t move,¡± whispered Zi Han while sping Shorty¡¯s hand trying to interlock their fingers together.


    ¡°The fuck I will. Ouch.... you...,¡± replied Shorty as he struggled underneath the desk. As he pulled away from his fingers he identally brushed Zi Han¡¯s skirt up. His body froze like a popsicle when he saw this.


    Both their eyes widened and Shorty wanted to apologize but Zi Han grabbed his fingers and pulled him closer before saying in a yful tone, ¡°You are going to have to take responsibility.¡±


    Shorty, ¡°.....¡±


    ¡°Hell no-,¡± he replied only for him to shut his mouth when a dark gloomy shadow hovered above them startling the both of them.


    Zi Han initially thought it was the professor but when he raised his head he was suddenly faced with that one person he wanted to stay as far away from as possible.


    Yi Chen appeared calm and his expression indifferent but as his gaze fell on the fingers entwined together underneath the desk his eyes darkened. Shorty felt a bone-chilling pressure enveloping his body and crawling up to his neck to strangle him.


    His entire body was tense as an icy chill crawled up his skin making him terrified. His instincts were telling him to run but he somewhat found that his body couldn¡¯t move. The fingers entwined with his let go and Shorty suddenly felt a great sense of relief wash over his body. He didn¡¯t dare specte as he leaned away from Zi Han.


    He subconsciously chose to sit on his seat crookedly like he was about to crawl out of the window at any second.


    Zi Han leisurely crossed his arms on his chest as he stared at Yi Chen his posture defensive. Yi Chen looked at his skirt with a fleeting nce before averting his gaze. Zi Han felt something was wrong so he looked down and noticed that his skirt had ridden up again showing a tiny part of his ck undergarments.


    Pulling it down he suddenly regretted not taking his grandfather up on that offer. If he had that velvet nket he could at least cover his legs.


    His cheeks heated up in embarrassment but he wouldn¡¯t let that show on his face. He was a thick-skinned SOB and wouldn¡¯t show his true emotions that easily, well, except anger.


    ¡°Does the ss president have any business with me?¡± he asked the friendliness he had with Shorty just nowpletely vanished without a trace. His entire body was as frosty as a cier and he didn¡¯t even make an effort to hide his dislike.


    Since things were like this Yi Chen chose to get straight to the point. ¡°Cadet Han, why aren¡¯t you in uniform?¡± asked Yi Chen his voice neither domineering nor angry. It was as tranquil as a deep cave pool free from external influence.


    It was serene and charming but it was in no way a true reflection of what Yi Chen was feeling inside. He just wanted to drag this person outside and ask him why he was avoiding him so much.


    If it was because he had punched him in the face he can apologize to him which was a big deal for someone like Yi Chen.


    Zi Han hooked the corner of his lips as he averted his gaze. ¡°And you are asking in which capacity? As the ss president or the guy whose father robbed my grandpa¡¯s map because I struck you..... no, no identally struck you in the nose?¡± asked Zi Han his voice low that only the twins behind him and Shorty could hear their conversation and boy, were they enjoying being in the peanut gallery.


    Yi Chen subconsciously clenched his fist his brain short-circuiting for a while that he blurted out, ¡°Is that what this is about?¡±

 Chapter 70

    70 Unlucky charm


    Zi Han unfolded his arms and ced his hand on the table. With the slight tilt of his head, he said, ¡°What else could it be about? You know ss president,.... each time I associate with you in any way, I always seem tond myself in trouble. It almost seems as if you are an unlucky charm that whenever I am around you something terrible happens.¡±


    Zi Han leaned closer with his elbows on his desk and his sped hands propped up his chin as he continued, ¡°I failed to copy that Confucianism script and my grandpa lost his beloved map thus as punishment I am now wearing a skirt and the main cause of all of this is because I identally hit you so..... yep. I would much appreciate it if we keep some distance between us, okay?¡±


    Such strong words should have made Yi Chen feel distraught and maybe sad but he wasn¡¯t as sullen as expected. That¡¯s because anything after script and map he heard none of it. He was enchanted by Zi Han wearing a skirt so much that it was very difficult for him to look away.


    If it were up to him he wouldn¡¯t mind him walking around like this all year round but he also knew that he wasn¡¯t the only one tempted by such spellbinding legs. Others were eyeing Zi Han like hungry wolves hence he was desperate to make Zi Han cover up.


    Thus he impulsively stood up and walked over to talk about it. Since Zi Han was being punished because of the map and the Analects script then what if he gave him both. Wouldn¡¯t that stop him from showing off the goods to these hot-blooded teens?


    Just as he reached this conclusion, the professor walked in disrupting his thought process. Yi Chen wordlessly walked back to his seat leaving behind a vexed Zi Han.


    For a moment he thought Yi Chen had lost his marbles. The guy wordlessly stood there for ten seconds looking like he had spaced out. Thank goodness the professor came in otherwise he might have gotten himself into even more trouble for hitting Yi Chen on purpose this time.


    ¡°Okay..... since this ss is considered the cream of the crop I don¡¯t expect you to give me trouble-..... uh... ss president Chen. Why is that boy wearing a skirt?¡± asked Professor Roseline when he saw those masculine thighs that made it difficult for one to look away.


    The ss chuckled while Zi Han scratched his head wondering if he would have to answer this question every single time he meets a teacher.


    .....


    There are plenty of beautiful non-binary and transgender citizens in the federation that were widely epted yet he wears a skirt one time and everyone suddenly turns into Curious George.


    ¡°I-,¡± said Zi Han but before he could continue Yi Chen interjected,


    ¡°It is my fault he is being punished. I am willing to ept any consequences thereof on his behalf if there is a problem.¡±


    Zi Han, ¡°WTF¡±


    ¡°Wow... I didn¡¯t think the ss president would take responsibility for you. Then that means I am off the hook,¡± whispered Shorty but of course, Zi Han didn¡¯t buy it.


    ¡°Not a fucking chance Shorty,¡± whispered Zi Han with a stiff smile on his face directed at Prof Roseline standing at the podium watching him. Shorty¡¯s face sank but this was neither the time nor ce to talk about it.


    ¡°Nope.... it¡¯s not a problem. I was just a little curious. Nice legs by the way,¡± said the professor as she lowered her head tapping on the screen attached to the podium to open up her propaganda-like history lecture presentation.


    Zi Han, ¡°....¡±


    He suddenly felt a couple of curious gazes staring in his direction. Some were even craning their necks to see including H. His legs were indeed long and quite impressive. She wasn¡¯t lying about that.


    Pressing his cheeks with the tip of his tongue in annoyance, Yi Chen cleared his throat as a warning and the curious gazes gawking at Zi Han¡¯s legs lessened.


    ¡°If Cadet..... sorry what¡¯s your name?¡± asked Prof Roseline as she looked in his direction while flipping the digital pen in her hand.


    Zi Han subconsciously stood up like a good student and replied, ¡°Cadet Han.¡±


    ¡°You can sit.... If Cadet Han¡¯s long legs were a subject of the academy I am sure most of you will pass with the highest grade,¡± she said with a light chuckle.


    Lowughs spun across the ss but Yi Chen exhaled deeply trying his best not to look behind him. The two hour ss progressed smoothly and because everyone was in a good mood it was much less painful than it should have been. In fact, this ss was much more bearable than what came next.


    What came next was Zi Han¡¯s mortal weakness. Yes, he was fed and smiling but that didn¡¯t help much. It seemed even Prof Quinn was also dragging his feet the moment he saw him. It seemed unless he improves his grades they were destined to be mortal enemies.


    It was because of this that Prof Quinn¡¯s sharp vision kept ncing over in Zi Han¡¯s direction. Zi Han was extremely vignt thus he forced himself to look serious. It was Shorty sitting next to him that didn¡¯t realise that his good brother had a hawk watching him that he kept chattering incessantly.


    ¡°Brother Han,¡± called out Shorty while aligning the parts with his mental power, ¡°can I ask you something.¡±


    Zi Han who was trying not to get into even bigger trouble with Prof Quinn nced at the professor on the podium before answering Shorty in a whisper. ¡°What?¡±


    ¡°Are you.... you know,¡± said Shorty trying to speak in riddles but Zi Han wasn¡¯t in the mood to y twenty questions with him.


    He answered him while checking if thew was watching him. The professor a.k.a thew was instructing another student so Zi Han replied, ¡°Are what?¡±


    Shorty felt a little embarrassed asking this but after Zi Han held his hand he just had to know. So he borrowed courage from the three hundred Spartans and asked, ¡°Are you maybe..... into guys.¡±


    Like an owl, Zi Han turned his head sharply with his eyes as wide as a light bulb. On reflex, he smacked Shorty upside his head with a loud PA!


    ¡°CADET HAN!!¡± roared prof Quinn startling the two and the people around them.


    ¡°Fuck,¡± mumbled Zi Han while Shorty suppressed his smile by pressing his lips together. Yi Chen is truly his unlucky charm.

 Chapter 71

    71 Unexpected marriage proposal


    Zi Han had never been this embarrassed in his entire life. He had been scolded by his teachers before and was even made to stand on one leg in front of everyone for making jokes in ss. But this..... this was a whole new level of embarrassment.


    What made it even worse was the fact that he was admonished in front of his enemy. Yi Chen had beat him in a fight then.... then he identally hit Yi Chen, got punished for it and now he was being humiliated by the professor in front of him.


    Damn..... he was in the same situation as his grandfather. Like Zi Feiji he seemed to lose to his enemy easily.


    ¡°I..... uh,¡± stammered Zi Han but Prof. Quinn wouldn¡¯t let him exin. He directly addressed Shorty instructing him to switch ces with the vice ss president.


    If the professor only knew that he had just substituted a docile rabbit with a lioness he wouldn¡¯t have made that suggestion.


    H excitedly picked up her materials and swapped seats with Shorty. That smile on her face made her look like Christmas came early. She was so excited that she rubbed Shorty¡¯s hair on the way.


    This was her chance to show her best side to Cadet Han. Yi Chen hadn¡¯t expected the lecturer to make such an absurd move. He clenched his teeth and decided not to pay attention to them.


    Unfortunately, reality was far from expectation. His mind was concentrating on repairing the shaft coupling for the SS-level mech in front of him but his ears were especially drawn to the conversation happening a short distance away from them.


    Zi Han was seriously studying the shaft coupling in front of him his expression like that of a knowledgable schr with several meritorious certificates and prizes hanging over his head. Like this, he looked even more handsome making him quite hard to resist.


    .....


    H originally wanted to wait until ss ended to talk to him but she couldn¡¯t help it. With her folded hand propping up her chin she smiled at Zi Han. In a soft whisper, she said, ¡°I know you are single.¡±


    Zi Han who was taking the coupling shaft apart with his mental power suddenly lost control and the bolt fell to the floor with a loud nk. ¡°Shit.....,¡± he muttered as he got up from the bar stool with his skirt swaying with his movements making it difficult for one to not make a double-take.


    H leaned her body back to take a curious look and her brow arched upwards liking what she was seeing. His ass was indeed carved by the heavens to rob the most righteous person of their moral conduct. In trantion, he was an even bigger temptation than the apple Eve was manipted into eating.


    H wasn¡¯t the only one enjoying the view. Shannon and Shaun who were sitting behind them couldn¡¯t help it. That ass and cinched waist were the very definition of sin. Shannon couldn¡¯t help but lean on her torso on the workbench to take a look.


    ¡°Tsk, what¡¯s so good about it,¡± whispered Li Ran who honestly couldn¡¯t get it. It was just a man in a skirt. What was the big deal?


    Yi Chen subconsciously opened his mouth to say something when he raised his head only to see Evan standing up to help Zi Han to pick up something. Evan was the blonde-haired silver-eyed elf. Okay fine, he wasn¡¯t an elf but he sure had elf ears.


    ¡°Uh,¡± quietly eximed Yi Chen but he didn¡¯t dwell on it so much otherwise he would go crazy.


    Zi Han thanked the person before he sat down with little to no self-awareness. If he only knew that there were numerous pairs of eyes following his perky ass he might have fought his grandpa over this punishment.


    As soon as he sat down H watched him a little smitten before saying, ¡°You are single.... I am single so how about you try it with me?¡±


    Zi Han, ¡°.....¡±


    He was just trying to learn and be a good student but it seemed anyone sitting beside him didn¡¯t want to give him a moment of peace. Without looking at her he answered truthfully, ¡°My grandfather gave me three rules before I enrolled.¡±


    ¡°Which are?¡± asked H a little interested.


    ¡°Well, one of them is that I stay away from anyone who can get pregnant and you vice ss president.....¡± he said before turning his body in her direction, ¡°are one such person.¡±


    ¡°Ha..... and what were the other two?¡± she curiously asked with the smile on her face getting deeper.


    ¡°Number two, stay away from the ss president and three, no fighting,¡± he said with a slight quirk at the corner of his lips. She was curious to know what sort of conflict there was between Zi Han¡¯s grandfather and Yi Chen but this wasn¡¯t the right time to satisfy her curiosity.


    ¡°It seemed you already broke two of those rules so how about you break thest one?¡± she then proceeded to lean closer her gaze ncing at his skirt for a second before continuing, ¡°We can arrange with our families and make a marriage contract for the future if you like. You don¡¯t want to be pregnant neither do I so we can take things at a turtle¡¯s pace.¡±


    Forgive H for being so direct. This is why Yi Chen¡¯s mother wasn¡¯t too happy about her son finding a girl in the military. The moment anyone gets deployed it was difficult to determine whether they would live long enough to start a family hence when they meet a suitable match they would immediatelyy their cards on the table.


    H was very much interested hence she was direct. Zi Han was ttered but based on the Zi family history they were unlucky in love. Grandpa Zi was brokenhearted about someone that he didn¡¯t even want to marry.


    He chose to get a baby at the gene bank and stayed single forever. His mother was only married six months when she lost her husband and even now she was still torn apart.


    With this kind of history, he didn¡¯t even think about falling in love or marrying someone. ¡°I am sorry but...¡± he said trying toe up with the least hurtful words he can think of when he heard an imperious voice hovering above him asking,


    ¡°But what?¡±


    Zi Han, ¡°QAQ¡±


    Did he owe professor Quinn in his past life or something? This man was stuck to him like white on rice. Seeing that the culprit didn¡¯t answer the lecturer pinched the bridge of his nose and before saying,

 Chapter 72

    72 Pitching a tent in public


    ¡°I thought you wearing a skirt would put things into perspective and you would reflect on your mistakes but no. Maybe I should just ask the Dean to extend your punishment to a month.¡±


    Zi Han, ¡°.....¡±


    Fuck no. His balls were almost shrunk into his body from the cold breezeing from the central cooling system in theb. He wanted to speak up for himself when Yi Chen got up under Li Ran¡¯s probing gaze and spoke to Professor Quinn. ¡°I will sit with him,¡± he said forcing H to give up her seat.


    Professor Quinn seemed to like this idea very much. If anyone could keep the ck sheep of ss one in check, it could only be Yi Chen. He¡¯s aloof and cold face was enough to deter anyone from causing mischief.


    Thus Zi Han was officially stuck with Yi Chen as a study partner. He wasn¡¯t happy neither was H but do you know who was happy? Li Ran and the man himself, Yi Chen. This was the most perfect sitting arrangement but to Zi Han, it was more like unwarranted torture.


    No one was disturbing him anymore but he was very ufortable. No matter how hard he tried to concentrate he still felt a great noticeable presence to his right. Soon he felt a piercing gaze searing through his skin causing an uncontroble wave of goosebumps but he resisted the urge to turn around.


    It was like his skin was getting burnt offyer byyer by a beast trying to expose his vulnerability. Zi Han wanted to ignore it but he found it extremely difficult. He licked his mrs with the tip of his tongue as he nced over in Yi Chen¡¯s direction and asked, ¡°Does it look good?¡±


    But he suddenly put away his feisty ws when he saw that Yi Chen was staring at his shaft coupling that still looked like it hadn¡¯t been repaired. Okay, he was wrong. Yi Chen wasn¡¯t even looking at him. He was busy judging his pathetic repair skills. Zi Han lowered his head with his lips pressed into a thin line feeling a little annoyed.


    ¡°Do you need help?¡± asked Yi Chen but he didn¡¯t even wait for Zi Han to reject him. He moved a little closer and exined, ¡°You like mechs, right?¡±


    .....


    Zi Han just wordlessly nced at him and Yi Chen took his silence as a yes. ¡°When you connect to a mech you inject your mental power into the entire system so that the mech bes a part of you..... more like your extension. Now, take that same feeling you get from that experience and focus on the part of the mech that¡¯s broken and replicate it but only on this broken part.¡±


    Zi Han, ¡°.....¡±


    ¡°Well, this mighte as a surprise to you but the only mech I have driven was on the military virtual simtor. So..... I can¡¯t do that unless the process is the same.¡±


    Most kids in the slums of Saarilia had no ess to mechs but still had to learn how to repair them and Zi Han was included in this bracket. He couldn¡¯t repair mech parts because he hadn¡¯t been in a mech in real life.


    ¡°That..... would you lik-,¡± said Yi Chen before he was cut off midsentence by the siren ringing indicating the end of ss. Yi Chen was about to continue with his question when Zi Han got up abruptly like he had been granted amnesty.


    But because he got up too fast he once again dropped the very same bolt.


    Without much thought, he bent down to pick it up with his ass directly in Yi Chen¡¯s line of sight. As he eyed the hem of that skirt gracefully moving with Zi Han¡¯s movements Yi Chen gulped unconsciously with the tips of his ears heating up. His hand on his thigh moved slightly but he managed to stop himself before he could do something he would regret.


    Yi Chen was a very restrained person but as the urge from earlier arose inside of him he found his self-control crumbled to dust. He imagined himself slipping his hand inside that skirt and rubbing that perky peach that was taunting him openly.


    This thought was the one that broke his final resolve. His blood rushed down south in a matter of seconds and the person who was as pure as the snow on the peaks of the Himyas mountain had his first-ever erection that wasn¡¯t morning wood.


    This erection was a result of his improper thoughts towards his ssmate and it happened to happen at school. He immediately looked away in embarrassment as he leaned his upper body forward blocking anyone from seeing the tightness in his pants.


    The culprit didn¡¯t even look back. He smacked the bolt on the workbench before joining his three friends that were already waiting for him.


    Yi Chen covered his burning face with his hands as he swore in a low voice, ¡°Fuck.¡± For years nothing had aroused his interest even spring dreams were a foreign concept to him but now..... now he had just had an erection in public over a man in a skirt.


    He couldn¡¯t make sense of it but this wasn¡¯t the time to analyze the situation. Since he had pitched a tent in the middle of the day in a public ce he had to calm down first. Li Ran walked over to his friend with a spring in his step.


    The smile on his face was suddenly wiped away when he realised something wasn¡¯t right. Yi Chen¡¯s face was a little flushed with the tip of his ears stained red. The way he lowered his head with a twisted expression brought forth an inexplicable sense of panic.


    Out of all these years he had known Yi Chen he had never seen him this ill. The man could endure six hours of training and walk out of there on his feet while others need stretchers to leave the training room.


    But the man who was fine twenty minutes ago now looked like he had endured a great tribtion.


    ¡°Are you feeling unwell? Should I take you to the infirmary?¡± asked a concerned Li Ran but Yi Chen shook his head and said,


    ¡°I just need a cold bottle of water. Can you get it for me?¡± Li Ran immediately ran out leaving Yi Chen alone in the emptyboratory.

 Chapter 73

    73 Whose family weasel is it?


    Zi Han was what they call an extrovert. He was talkative, sociable, action-oriented, enthusiastic, friendly and out-going. But today he was drained of all energy and as he entered the hovercar he rxed his muscles like a cat and leaned on his grandpa for support.


    Zi Feiji was a little worried seeing him like this. Thest time he was like this was because he hadn¡¯t slept well and had to go to school the next morning thus he passed out as soon as he got the opportunity.


    ¡°You seem to have slept wellst night so what is the problem?¡± asked Zi Feiji continuing to allow him to sleep on his shoulder.


    To be honest, he thought he would receive a call today that his grandson was in another fight. That¡¯s because he had a feeling that Zi Han in a girl¡¯s uniform would encounter a pervert or two but after waiting the entire day nothing happened.


    ¡°I received a marriage proposal today,¡± said Zi Han his tone sluggish and casual like he wasn¡¯t discussing anything important.


    Zi Feiji jolted up causing Zi Han to lose his human pillow. ¡°Grandpa,¡± heined but the man was rummaging through a secretpartment looking for something.


    ¡°Which family weasel is it? Those bunch of perverts are trying to lure you in with marriage....,¡± said Zi Feiji with a look so familiar to him.


    The reason why it was familiar was because when he once told his mother that a girl had confessed to him she had that very same look and the next day the girl was avoiding him like he had a contagious disease.


    Zi Han held Zi Feiji¡¯s arm only to notice his grandpa was actually holding a smart pistol. ¡®What the fuck!¡¯ he swore internally before he hurriedly exined.


    .....


    ¡°I refused of course. I am too young for that,¡± he said with a nervousugh only for Zi Feiji to pause his actions a little embarrassed. He was too impulsive just now and forgot that this was no Hanifa.


    Zi Han was still a boy despite being dressed up in a girl¡¯s school uniform. That is to say, if he received any marriage proposal it would be from a girl so there was really nothing to worry about, right?


    ¡°Whose family is she?¡± asked Zi Feiji purely out of curiosity but the fact that he was still holding a smart pistol made Zi Han frown.


    ¡°Aren¡¯t you overreacting just a tiny bit?¡± asked Zi Han.


    Zi Feiji awkwardly nced down at the smart pistol and put it away while saying, ¡°Oh... Did anyone give you trouble a-?¡± He paused midsentence because his light brain began to make dinging sounds one after the other. Ignoring it he continued to ask,


    ¡°If anyon-.....¡±


    Ding. Ding.


    ¡°Anyone else bothe-.....¡±


    Ding. Ding. Ding.


    Both Zi Han and Zi Feiji stared at the unrelenting light brain that was exploding with messages. ¡°Don¡¯t you want to take a look? It seems like someone is looking for you,¡± said Zi Han but Zi Feiji looked away with a guilty expression while muting his light brain.


    Old Lu who was sitting in front almost burst out inughter seeing this. That¡¯s because he had clearly witnessed Zi Feiji posting Zi Han¡¯s picture in his friend circle a few minutes ago while they were waiting for the young master.


    One might ask why he would do such a thing? That¡¯s because someone in their group chat had posted a picture of their granddaughter and imed that she was the most beautiful. He also said that tomorrow when they attend the wedding she would most definitely get a lot of marriage proposals.


    Zi Feiji who didn¡¯t want to be outdone humphed as he posted Zi Han¡¯s image in a female uniform to the group with the caption, ¡°Even my grandson dressed as a woman can rake in more suitors than your most beautiful granddaughter.¡±


    This was a tant provocation and when he finally realised his carelessness it was toote to take it back. Thus he was receiving so many messages for stirring up shit in the group chat.


    ¡°It¡¯s no-nothing.... You must be tired. When we get home you ahem.....have dinner and go to bed early,¡± said Zi Feiji looking as guilty as fuck.


    Zi Han didn¡¯t take it to heart. He let go of the matter but a few streets over someone didn¡¯t have that privilege. Yi Chen¡¯s emotions were chaotic after such an eventful day. He had never shown any interest in anyone since his birth.


    There were two things other than his family that he cared about. Training and being the best of the best so he can be worthy of the position of Marshal in the future. But today something unexpected happened.


    He developed an inexplicable sense of attraction towards Zi Han and that right there was enough to drive the upstanding individual insane. He couldn¡¯t help but wonder if this was some sort of fetish he had and just didn¡¯t know about it.


    As he stood under the hot shower he sorted out all his chaotic thoughts. First things first he had to determine whether his interest in Zi Han was because of the skirt. He had to find out if it was about any man wearing a skirt or was it exclusive only to Zi Han.


    He would only decide his next step after determining this thus he made up his mind. To conduct such an exercise was easy. All he had to do was visit Yi Feng.


    Ten minutester he walked downstairs dressed casually in a pair of ck jeans, a ck hoodie and a faded blue denim jacketpletely shedding off his authoritarian oppressive aura. Now he was a breathtaking heartthrob with undeniable charm and gorgeous features.


    Yi Chen walked into the kitchen and found his siblings sitting on the counter. One was colouring on a floating screen while the other was ying games. His mother was standing by the fridge with an apron on preparing dinner.


    ¡°Nice boots,¡± said Yi Youxi barely taking his gaze off his game. Yi Chen rubbed his fluffy head as he passed him.


    ¡°Dage..... where are you going?¡± asked Ming Ming with her head slightly tilted to the side. One look and you could tell she wanted toe along but it was as about impossible as her trying to say the words birth certificate without making a mistake.


    ¡°Can Ie too?¡± she asked following him with her eyes.


    Yi Chen shook his head while taking out a bottle of water from the open fridge door. Lin Ruoxi turned to look at him and gave him a warm smile as she ced a frozen foil baking pan on the counter.


    ¡°Where are you off to?¡± she asked while peeling off the cling wrap covering the frozen meal.


    Yi Chen closed the fridge door and twisted the cap open while saying, ¡°Feng-ge¡¯s nightclub. I want to talk to him about something.¡±

 Chapter 74

    74 A subus


    Both Lin Ruoxi and Yi Youxi froze in ce as they gazed at him in awe. The way Yi Chen hated noisy and rowdy ces he wouldn¡¯t be caught dead in such a ce.


    Yi Feng had begged him several times toe to the opening but he rejected him ruthlessly. Now he was taking the initiative to visit him.


    ¡°Can Ie.... pleeeeeease,¡± said Ming Mingpletely unaware of what a nightclub is all about.


    Yi Chen gulped half the bottle of water before saying, ¡°Say the word birth certificate without a mistake and you cane.¡±


    Lin Ruoxi came out of her daze and said, ¡°Stop teasing her. You know she wouldn¡¯t be able to say it,¡± before turning to look at him with her clenched hand on her hip, ¡°and why go there all of a sudden? I thought you hate going to his nightclub.¡±


    ¡°Birth cerfificate.... cerfifi... ferfi-,¡± was the sound of Ming Ming trying to say that word in the background.


    Yi Youxi patted her shoulder while saying, ¡°You almost got it. Keep trying.¡±


    ¡°Ferficate, birth ferficate!¡± she eximed thinking she had seeded in defeating this annoying word.


    Yi Chen shook his head towards her while replying, ¡°I have some business with him. I will eat at his ce. Don¡¯t wait up.¡± After saying that he kissed his mum on the cheek and walked off.


    .....


    Lin Ruoxi¡¯s brow furrowed as she watched him leave. As soon as his figure disappeared she turned to her two little rascals.


    ¡°Five hundred star coins for anyone who can tell me what your brother has been up to,¡± she said her gaze shifting towards Yi Youxi.


    Yi Youxi raised his head and stared at her for a second before saying, ¡°Snitches get stitches.¡±


    Lin Ruoxi, ¡°.....¡±


    ¡°A thousand.....,¡± she said while leaning on the counter with a quirk on her lips.


    Yi Youxi smiled slyly but didn¡¯t respond. His attitude was clear. He had the words ¡®I am not a sellout¡¯ written all over his face.


    ¡°Birth cer, cer..... um cerfifi.....,¡± mumbled Ming Ming who was still trying to get the words out.


    ¡°Oh Ming-er, just give it up. He is already gone,¡± said Lin Ruoxi feeling a little bothered.


    Yi Chen climbed onto his hover-bike while putting on his helmet before driving off into the night. Twenty minutester he was in the nightlife district of the Capital Star. The ce wasn¡¯t as busy as it should be because it was still so early in the evening.


    Yi Chen stopped in front of a top-tier nightclub, got off his sleek hover-bike and tossed the keys to the valet while he put on a ck mask covering half his face. The atmosphere was rather calm and whimsical because of the starry sky projectiles on the ceiling and part of the walls.


    The ce was dim-lited with purple and yellow lights lining the furniture. There were groups of two to five scattered all over the club sitting on couches having an early outing. A man approached Yi Chen and said, ¡°Sir, you can follow me,¡± before leading the way.


    Yi Chen was led down the corridor before climbing up the stairs. The man knocked on a ss door and Yi Chen heard Yi Feng¡¯s voice calling out, ¡°Come in.¡±


    The man opened the door and stepped aside while gesturing for Yi Chen to enter. In slow strides, Yi Chen entered the luxurious lounge while taking off his mask. Yi Feng leaned back while stretching out his neck to see his cousin at the door. The smile on his face grew wider as he retracted his gaze and continued mixing the cocktail.


    ¡°When aunt messaged me I thought she was lying. You are really here..... take a seat,¡± he said while pouring out some neon green liquid into cocktail sses. A misty cloud escaped from the contents making one a little reluctant to drink it.


    ¡°I invented this. Do you want to give it a try?¡± asked Yi Feng as he ced the cocktail sses on the low ss table.


    Yi Feng thought it would take a lot of convincing for his cousin to drink it but to his surprise, Yi Chen picked that ss up without hesitation and with a slight tilt of his head he down the entire thing.


    The taste was both sour and sweet but it left a nice burning sensation on his throat. Unfortunately, the cocktail did nothing to suppress his thoughts. ¡°Hey, hey, hey.... it¡¯s not a fuckin shot. You savour it....., savour it not down it,¡± said Yi Feng trying to stop him but it was already toote.


    Yi Chen ced the cocktail ss down and asked, ¡°Where is your friend?¡±


    Yi Feng, who was busy mopping about how his cousin didn¡¯t know how to enjoy artistic things furrowed his brows while picking up the cocktail ss and asked, ¡°What friend?¡±


    ¡°Le,¡± he said only for Yi Feng to raise his head and stare at him in surprise. Yi Chen never cared for any of his friends. In fact, he never cared about anything about him outside family business. Yi Chen had his back but he wouldn¡¯te to the nightclub or hang out with him when his (Yi Feng¡¯s) friends were around yet now he was asking about one of them?


    ¡°Downstairs, why?¡± asked Yi Feng while staring at him with a perplexed look on his face, ¡°Are you interested in her? You do realise she is packing down there, right? She loves wearing dresses whenever shees here but outside those doors, she bes a he and a terrifying one at that.¡±


    She wasn¡¯t that terrifying but Yi Feng deliberately exaggerated it so that he would dissuade his cousin from being interested in Le. If his auntie were to find out that Yi Chen found love in his nightclub she would kill him.


    Yi Chen nced at the bracelet on Yi Feng¡¯s wrist as though checking something. That was the newly designed drug monitoring bracelet his father got for Yi Feng to stop him from taking illicit drugs. Once he does, his entire body would be paralyzed and it would immediately alert his rtives. That was the only reason why he was allowed to be in his nightclub.


    ¡°Call her for me. I want to ask her something,¡± he said in a calm tone like he was simply asking about the weather.


    Yi Feng, ¡°.....¡±


    ¡°Brother trust me, you don¡¯t want to involve yourself with the likes of Le. She is like a subus and she will suck you dry if you as much as smile at her,¡± he said while curling his fingers like ws in an attempt to express how much of a bad idea this was.


    ¡°Hey, who do you think you are calling a subus?!¡±


    Yi Feng, ¡°Fuck!¡±

 Chapter 75

    75 Front view, back view and side view hehe


    Yi Chen wanted tough at his cousin¡¯s misfortune but he was anxious to find out about this new fetish that had sprung up from who knows where thus he just stared at Le. He stared at her for a second or two but there was nothing.


    She was dressed provocatively unlike Zi Han with a racy mini skirt and a fashionable white blouse but Yi Chen felt nothing. He even took a second nce but he did not react at all nor was he interested in looking again.


    When he faced Zi Han the moment he stepped into the ssroom his heart jolted like it had been electrified. His palms were sweaty and his throat was as dry as the sand despite him having been hydrated.


    And when Zi Han bent over in front of him his mind exploded like fireworks. He had the urge to do inexplicable things to him and for a split second, he actually thought he might. This was aplete contrast to when he met Le. There were no fluctuations in his body and his cucumber wasid.


    It was then he discovered that Zi Han might be the cause. But making this conclusion based on such a small number of subjects didn¡¯t seem so urate so he decided to conduct further research.


    While he was analyzing the results like an amiable schr, Yi Feng who had poked the ho¡¯s nest was enduring an earful from Le whom he had provoked.


    ¡°Tonight if I won¡¯t suck you dry Mr Yi then my name is not Le,¡± she said taking off her other heel to throw it at him.


    ¡°But your name isn¡¯t Le? For fuck sake it was a joke,¡± said Yi Feng shivering from fright when she mentioned sucking him dry. That man in a dress was no shou. He was a full-blown top and he would top diators with a dress on.... so yes, Yi Feng was terrified.


    ¡°Come here..... don¡¯t hide behind Yi Chen. Oh, by the way, I forgot to greet you. Please don¡¯t me me me your cousin,¡± said Le putting on her heel back feeling a little embarrassed. She never got to hang out with Yi Chen.


    .....


    He was a stoic character that preferred to spend his time in the military training room than spending time with lowly mortals. Le had even met Ming Ming and Yi Youxi a couple of times but their older brother was a rare gem that plenty could only see through Sta. Even then it was rare to find any pictures.


    Yi Chen nodded at her politely before turning to Yi Feng who was hugging him like a ko refusing to let go. ¡°I am hungry.... how about some wings or something?¡± asked Yi Chen almost short-circuiting Yi Feng¡¯s brain.


    He couldn¡¯t believe it. Since when did Yi Chen want to spend time with him like this? Was he so leisurely? ¡°What? You don¡¯t want to?¡± asked Yi Chen after his cousin stared at him all bug-eyed like a fly that had been zapped by the bug repelling light.


    ¡°Uh, no I mean yes. I want.... I want to have dinner with you,¡± he stammered before ncing over to the private bar to give instructions to the bartender, ¡°make an order for number ten on the menu. Half spicy and half not.¡±


    ¡°Yes sir,¡± replied the bartender before tapping a floating screen beside him.


    ¡°Are we drinking as well?¡± asked Yi Feng ncing in Yi Chen¡¯s direction. The legal age for drinking in the federation was sixteen that is only if drinking in private. One could drink in public at eighteen but Yi Chen didn¡¯t drink much. This is why he thought earlier on that it would take a lot of convincing for his cousin to try his intoxicating cocktail that he dutifully named slutty toad because of its green colour. Yes, it was a horrible selection for a name but its potency was something to be admired.


    Yi Chen who was already feeling the effects of the slutty toad from before nodded his head. After what happened today he was in much need of some liquor to get out of his head.


    Yi Feng excitedly got up to personally take care of it leaving Le alone with Yi Chen. Le who was in the presence of this rare subspecies wasn¡¯t at all deterred by his silent nature. In fact, she was a little excited leaning forward while resting both her elbows on her thighs. She propped her chin up with her curled hands and inquired.


    ¡°Why ask for me personally? Is there something you want to ask me?.... I saw the way you looked at me earlier as though you were probing for something? I am all ears,¡± said Le with a sly smile on her face.


    Yi Chen wasn¡¯t at all surprised by her good observation skills. This person was a top-tier researcher outside this nightclub hence it was only natural. His cousin was all over the ce but he somewhat attracted smart people around him and Le was one of them.


    Yi Chen grinned with his head lowered before saying, ¡°You are indeed right? I havee across a situation that I believe only you can shed further light on... Is Miss Le willing to hear me out? That is on the condition that you keep this conversation confidential.¡±


    ¡°Hold on,¡± she said before turning to look at Yi Feng, ¡°Feng darling can I have the rotten apple cocktail!¡±


    ¡°Hey!..... That would at least take me thirty minutes to make! Oh let me ask Fred to make it fo-,¡±


    ¡°Nope, I want the one you make darling. I need to get sloshed tonight,¡± she replied before Yi Feng yelled back,


    ¡°Fine! I only me myself for adopting you. I should have left you at the pet store.¡±


    ¡°I heard that!¡± yelled Le before turning her head back, ¡°I just bought you forty minutes.¡±


    ¡°I thought he said thirty minutes?¡± asked Yi Chen with a raised brow.


    ¡°Well an extra five minutes of him screwing up and another five minutes of him garnishing. You know your cousin is too much of a perfectionist when ites to cocktails,¡± said Le and in the background, one could here Yi Feng opening and closing cabs angrily. He looked like an angry gourmet chef after someone moved his stuff.


    Yi Chen chuckled for a second before asking, ¡°Do I have your vow of confidentiality?¡±


    ¡°Yes, you most certainly do. I mean I am not the kind to speak nonsense. You have thirty-eight minutes before that bber mouthes here,¡± she said her expression much more serious than before.


    Yi Chen bit his lower lip and nodded his head before saying, ¡°Just recently I saw a distant acquaintance ahem..... I saw a distant acquaintance wearing a skirt and I found myself a little interested.¡±


    There was no change in expression on Le¡¯s face but she would be lying if she said she wasn¡¯t surprised. It¡¯smon knowledge that the quiet ones are usually the worse ones but she didn¡¯t think the future pir of the federation had such interests.


    But no matter who they are she would wee them with open arms. ¡°You were interested as in to wear the same clothes or t-,¡± he said but Yi Chen interjected,


    ¡°No like, I found it attractive.¡±


    Le¡¯s eyes widened a little. This time she couldn¡¯t contain it. It was like discovering a cold statue actually had feelings more especially sexual feelings and toward a man in a dress to boot. This was indeed fascinating.


    ¡°Do you feel the same way towards me?¡± she asked feeling a little ttered but Yi Chen shut it down as quickly as possible before that thought could grow roots.


    ¡°No, I thought I would but no,¡± he said trying to be as respectful as possible but no matter how respectful he was it still stung Le a bit.


    ¡°Tch, that¡¯s your loss... Maybe I am not your type. Do you have a picture of this mystery person? Maybe I can show you some pictures of my circle of friends who have the same body frame,¡± suggested Le as she opened up her light brain.


    Yi Chen hadn¡¯t taken any pictures but based on how much these cadets loved gossip someone might have already uploaded Zi Han¡¯s picture on Sta.


    After a few taps, he found it. Sure enough, they didn¡¯t disappoint. There were both front views, back views and side views each image as mesmerizing as the next. Yi Chen was suddenly reluctant to show Le an image of Zi Han.


    Why? It was because he was well aware of Le¡¯s reputation. They might not know each other well but he knew that this one right here was a man-eater.


    Yi Chen changed his mind and decided to describe Zi Han¡¯s appearance instead but who would have thought Le would beat him to it and view the images before he could close them.


    ¡°Wow..... he is absolutely my type. Fuck... is he straight? I like a good challenge,¡± dered Le forgetting that this was the future Marshal¡¯s love interest.

 Chapter 76

    76 unting assets


    Yi Chen felt a major sense of crisis hearing this. He was like a ferocious predator having sensed another predator taking interest in his prey. His blood was already rushing to his head at this point that he blurted out, ¡°He is mine,¡±


    Le, ¡°....¡±


    She hadn¡¯t thought Yi Chen would be this possessive already but she could also understand why. This person had some type of beacon around him that could even be clearly captured in an image. It was like an inexplicable sense of attraction drawing one in until they had that person all to themselves.


    He might be very attractive but Le knew her limits. There are certain people one shouldn¡¯t provoke in the federation and Yi Chen was one such person.


    ¡°Okay, I understand..... Don¡¯t worry I wouldn¡¯t rob you of your person. Here, these few people have the same body type as him. Maybe it¡¯s not about that person but that he is just a type you are into,¡± exined Le as she pulled up images and videos from her circle of friends.


    For a moment Yi Chen silently scrolled through the images and videos. Some of the guys were even dressed in explicit outfits that could rouse a person¡¯s interest but Yi Chen felt nothing. His engine wasn¡¯t revved, better yet his engine remained cold with no spark at all.


    Pretty soon Yi Chen got tired of it and minimised the floating screen. Seeing this Le asked, ¡°Nothing? Really? Then I think it has more to do with the person, not the type.¡±


    Yi Chen who had just realised this looked at Zi Han¡¯s images that he had downloaded and sighed. It seemed he was interested in the one person who didn¡¯t want anything to do with him. How was he supposed to go about it?


    His expression spoke volumes. At a nce, Le could tell that this person wasn¡¯t as easy to pursue more especially if he considers himself straight. Feeling a little sympathetic Le gave him a piece of advice.


    .....


    ¡°People like us and your idiotic cousin over there can find partners easily. That¡¯s because any Tom, Dick and Harry can rouse our interest. You on the other hand are different and now that you found that rare star..... don¡¯t you dare let it go,¡± she said making it the best piece of advice she had ever given anyone.


    ¡°Let go of what?¡± asked Yi Feng who happened to have finished mixing the drinks.


    ¡°Why are you so nosy? Oh, that looks so good. Thank you, Feng Feng..... you have worked hard,¡± said Le referring to the ssic rotten apple that took ages to make.


    This in itself sessfully diverted Yi Feng¡¯s attention and the moment an entree of various meat dishes were served he hadpletely forgotten about the matter. The so-called number ten on the menu was a mix of smoked ribs, buffalo wings and juicy barbequed sausage. Coupled with alcohol this made it the best cure for one¡¯s soul.


    It was the most perfect medicine for Yi Chen, especially after that piece of advice. Zi Han was his chance at having a rtionship and if he doesn¡¯t hold on to him who knows if he would ever meet someone who can make him feel this way.


    Meanwhile, the man he was thinking about was already in bed with a bowl of caramel popcorn watching a movie in his room. He shouldn¡¯t be eating such sweet things before bedtime but meh..... he felt like it was well deserved.


    An hourter he almost passed out so he washed up and went back to bed this time he nned to sleep. In no time his eyes were drooping and he was slowly drifting off to sleep when his light brain lit up.


    Annoyed Zi Han kept his eyes shut only for another message toe in with an annoying buzzing sound.


    YC: I hate it so much when you wear that.


    YC: Don¡¯t wear it anymore.


    Zi Han, ¡°.....¡±


    HandsomeHan: Who the fuck is this?


    Well, I am sure everyone is familiar with the concept of drunk texting? Drunk texting is when someone sends a text message while drunk, typically one that is embarrassing or foolish.


    YC, in this case, it would be ss president Chen and after going through the ss list he found Zi Han¡¯s contact and ended up texting this message which sparked the biggest misunderstanding between the two of them.


    To Zi Han, the message came off as ¡®I hate you wearing a skirt it¡¯s disgusting¡¯ while Yi Chen actually meant ¡®I hate you wearing a skirt because I am jealous so please don¡¯t wear it anymore¡¯.


    The drunk Yi Chen wanted to reply but when he sent the message he received a notification in red capital letters.


    System: Sorry you can¡¯t send messages to this user at the moment.


    Trantion, you have been fuckin blocked so please stop trying. Zi Han tossed his light brain aside and fell asleep with slight irritation. Someone actually had the balls to tell him what to do. Too bad for them he was going to keep wearing it and for the next two days he was going to keep unting his assets in front of whoever that was.


    Yi Chen had no idea at this point how angry Zi Han was. As soon as Yi Feng dropped him home he poured himself a cup of water and sat in the lounge waiting for his father toe back.


    It was alreadyte but if he wanted Zi Han to stop wearing that skirt in public then he would have to get that map back and finish off copying that script tomorrow.


    He was very determined but unfortunately for him, his father was a hard tree to shake. If he wanted that map back in Zi Feiji¡¯s hands he would have to have an even better offer otherwise his father won¡¯t agree. It was only a matter of how far he was willing to go to make that happen.

 Chapter 77

    77 You fought with your girlfriend


    In a dim-lit lounge, a lone figure sat in the corner with a floormp lighting the side of his face. Yi Chen was sitting in a rxed posture with his fingers resting on his forehead giving off a tranquil atmosphere.


    As peaceful and calm as he was he wasn¡¯t sleeping. In fact, he was trying tofort himself after being blocked by Zi Han. He kept telling himself that once Zi Han sees the copied script and his grandfather¡¯s map he would be taken out of the cklist.


    ¡°You aren¡¯t asleep yet?¡± asked a deep hoarse voice that could only belong to the Marshal.


    Yi Chen had long sensed his father¡¯s presence he just kept his eyes closed. He slowly lifted his fingers revealing a pair of hazy eyes.


    ¡°Yes, did you have dinner yet?¡± he asked while straightening his body from its sluggish posture.


    Marshal Yi walked over and took a seat opposite him while saying, ¡°*Sigh..... I did. Just a little exhausted. These random attacks are starting to make people panic.¡±


    Yi Chen got up and walked to the locked cab in the dining room. He poured out roughly two shots of whiskey in a crystal ss before walking back and cing it in his father¡¯s hand.


    ¡°Did you find a pattern already?¡± asked Yi Chen taking a seat next to his father.


    Marshal Yi lightly rotated the ss in between his fingers with the brown liquid glimmering under the dim yellow light from the floormp


    .....


    ¡°Sort of. I contracted the work to the Bloodgarde... We must be on high alert because they just reported that the next attack might be in Capital Star. Tomorrow I will get your siblings protective mechs. I have also asked all schools to make sure their students have one just in case,¡± exined the Marshal before taking a sip.


    As the spicy and smoky spirit warmed his throat Yi Chen said, ¡°That¡¯s a relief. Did mum¡¯s protective mech get an upgrade?¡±


    ¡°Mn,¡± replied the Marshal thinking protective mechs were the best decision the federation had ever made. If it weren¡¯t for them most military personnel wouldn¡¯t fight to their fullest capacity because they would be worried about their families especially in unexpected warzones. It¡¯s just that he didn¡¯t think they would need to use them this early.


    ¡°Did you drink?¡± he suddenly asked facing his son with slight bewilderment. He knew Yi Chen needed an outlet to vent but he didn¡¯t think he would actually go out drinking. It had to be that something was bothering him but what could bother him so much that he had to go drinking?


    ¡°I went to find Yi Feng. We had dinner and some drinks,¡± he exined while rubbing his eyes.


    Yi Chen for the most part was hard to read especially when he wore that nk expression but Marshal Yi was his father after all. He could read Yi Chen¡¯s mind with the subtlest of movements. He can hide his feelings all he wants but the Marshal could spot it if something is wrong.


    ¡°You fought with your girlfriend?¡± asked the Marshal before taking another sip with a slight quirk on his lips.


    Yi Chen, ¡°???¡±


    ¡°What are you talking about? I don¡¯t have a girlfriend?¡± said Yi Chen wondering how on earth his father woulde to that conclusion. ¡°Oh god, is that why you were saying all those things that day?¡±


    ¡°So you are telling me that you don¡¯t have a girlfriend?¡± asked Marshal Yi watching him intently as though probing for something.


    Yi Chen, who had been wrongfully used stared at his father with a ¡®you must be fuckin kidding me¡¯ kind of expression while replying, ¡°Why on earth would you think that?¡± If this got into Zi Han¡¯s ears wouldn¡¯t that ruin his chances immediately?


    ¡°Your mother..... she..... never mind,¡± said Marshal Yi questioning his wife¡¯s love meter. It seemed it was broken or something.


    ¡°I wanted to talk to you about something. It¡¯s about Zi Feiji¡¯s map,¡± said Yi Chen as his father took thest sip of his whiskey. But less than a secondter he spat it out and almost choked to death. Since when did his son meddle in his affairs? If anything he would remain a bystander and would never refute his words.


    For example, thest time they went together to pay Zi Feiji a visit his son said nothing. He just stood there like a statue watching everything happening around him without a word.


    Yi Chen took out a few pieces of tissue from the dispenser and gave them to his father. He didn¡¯t think the man would have this much of a reaction after saying that. After wiping dry his lips and hand the Marshal restored his domineering attitude and asked in a serious tone, ¡°Reason?¡± His tone was as serious as that of a superior about to reprimand his subordinate for insubordination.


    ¡°Because of that map he has punished his grandson to wear the female uniform of the academy,¡± he exined seriously his voice less stern than usual.


    That¡¯s because he hadn¡¯t truly sobered up yet. The only reason he was lying t on the ground passed out was because he had padded his stomach with lots of food. That by the way was a very smart decision.


    ¡°So? When did you start meddling in other people¡¯s business?¡± asked the Marshal curious to know how his son was going to justify himself.


    Yi Chen would never divulge the real reason why he cared. He could onlye up with some believable BS that can fool his father. ¡°It¡¯s affecting the learning environment in ss one which will ultimately influence the final results. I would have to pick a team from ss one in the end but if their performance is affected by this they won¡¯t qualify to join my toon.¡±


    It was a well-known fact that the first three candidates toe out on top at the end of the pre-training would get to pick a team that would go through military training together and form a tactical unit that would be sent on assignments in the future.


    Naturally most wanted to be selected for Yi Chen¡¯s team because he was destined to be the future Marshal. But if their performance wasn¡¯t up to standard then they would miss the opportunity of a lifetime. Marshal Yi was well aware of this and understood what Yi Chen was trying to say.

 Chapter 78

    78 Vive r¨¦sistance


    ¡°I can do that but you know very well that you must have something better to offer me because by returning this map I will be losing face. That old man won¡¯t let me hear the end of it so.... what do you have to offer?¡± said the Marshal while sitting in a rxed posture with his thumb resting on his chin and his index finger rubbing his upper lip.


    Yi Chen had clearly thought through this thus he didn¡¯t waste any time saying, ¡°In return, you can have one request that I can¡¯t refuse..... As long as it¡¯s not too excessive I will do it.¡± When Yi Chen made this offer he hadn¡¯t urately considered the future. This nk cheque right here would be his greatest regret in the future.


    Marshal Yi stared straight at his son as though gauging his attitude. It seemed this was indeed very important to Yi Chen so he agreed.


    ¡°Fine, I will send it back tomorrow, okay?¡± he said before getting up, ¡°Just drink some honey water before you go to bed. I don¡¯t want you to have a hangover tomorrow.¡± They had agreed and Zi Feiji would be getting his map back.


    Zi Han had no idea how much sacrifice someone had gone through just to get that skirt off him. And no..... I don¡¯t mean get it off him as in getting naked. I mean you know..... argh, never mind. You get it.


    He was fast asleep when his window was suddenly opened from the outside. Zi Han appeared vulnerable while sleeping but in truth, his sense was as good as his mother¡¯s.


    He was as vignt as a meerkat thus as soon as that window opened he grabbed a dagger from who knows where and with a loud shing he had the tip of the de right at the intruder¡¯s carotid artery.


    His eyes were as fierce as a tiger exuding suffocating killing intent. If it weren¡¯t for the familiar scent from the intruder¡¯s body he might have stabbed them in the neck.


    ¡°Too slow,¡± said Zi Xingxi that¡¯s when Zi Han felt the cold chill on his abdomen. It was the tip of a smart pistol nted at such an angle that if she pulled the trigger his heart would be burnt to ashes leaving no chance of survival.


    .....


    Zi Xingxi chuckled and she took back her smart pistol. Zi Han withdrew his de and his expression turned to that of grievance. ¡°I thought you forgot you have a son?¡± heined cing the de on the bedside pedestal.


    ¡°I thought you forgot you had a mother, and by god why are you shirtless again? No socks, no shirt.... what do you think you are? A bodybuilder?¡±


    Zi Han sighed as he turned to go back to bed. ¡°Did you climb up my window just to criticize me?¡± he said but Zi Xingxi wasn¡¯t at all upset about his attitude.


    ¡°No, but how can I not when you keep doing stuff like this?¡± she said while walking to the closet to pick a pyjama top. ¡°Here, wear that.¡±


    Zi Han was suddenly hit by a pyjama t-shirt in the face. He hurriedly sat up and put it on before lying back down. Zi Xingxi was still in his closet doing who knows what.


    Zi Han could tell at a nce that his mother wasn¡¯t herself. It seemed like something was weighing heavy on her shoulders but like always she would never talk about it. No matter how he probed in the past she wouldn¡¯t say anything.


    He had already developed a habit since he was young that is if his mother was upset he would find ways to cheer her up. Thus when she walked out of the closet he said, ¡°I missed you..... a lot,¡± which was the truth.


    He was so used to living with Zi Xingxi and found it very difficult separating from her. Every night he suffered from separation anxiety thus he would always write messages to her.


    Zi Xingxi froze with a prickly feeling in her eyes but she averted her gaze so he wouldn¡¯t see her emotions threatening to burst out. ¡°En, I missed you too,¡± she said before walking to the bathroom with a set of pyjamas in her hand.


    That¡¯s when Zi Han realised what she was nning to do so he sat up and said, ¡°I missed you but I didn¡¯t miss you that much. You can¡¯t stay here?¡±


    ¡°Ha, since when can you tell me what to do?¡± she said before closing the bathroom door. Soon the sound of water came from the bathroom and Zi Han kicked his quilt a little frustrated.


    If he shares a bed with his mum again he surely won¡¯t have a good night¡¯s sleep. One might think he got his bad sleeping habits from his father but Zi Han knew the truth. It had to be her. It was only on the spacecraft that he wasn¡¯t kicked off the bed. That¡¯s because then she had an agenda that is his light brain.


    Zi Han was certain in her exhausted state he would wake up on the floor tomorrow. Thus he started toe up with excuses to kick Zi Xingxi out of his room. Unfortunately, Zi Xingxi was so determined that she refused to barge. After she was done with her shower she asked him to move but Zi Han had spread out his four limbs protecting his territory.


    ¡°You must have a bedroom in the penthouse. Mum, you should go sleep there,¡± he said with his fingers grasping the edge of the bed tightly.


    ¡°Okay, okay I see. You have grown a little and now you won¡¯t let me sleep here? I gave birth to you yet I can¡¯t even have a sleepover. Those painful twenty-four hours by myself..... wuwuwu I thought I was going to die,¡± she said with crocodile tears. Phase one which was emotional ckmail had been implemented but unfortunately, she had yed the painful birth card so many times that it had be less effective.


    ¡°Not gonna workdy. I still stand by my words,¡± he said liking this feeling of rebellion. He suddenly wanted to shout ¡®Vive r¨¦sistance¡¯ for all the children out there who had suffered such injustice. Unfortunately for him, the resistance didn¡¯tst. His mother shut the rebellion in a matter of seconds. It involved pushing, shoving and a pillow fight which Zi Han lost.


    A minuteter Zi Han was obediently lying on the other half of the bed. In her defence, she really wanted to talk to Zi Han and find out what had been happening while she wasn¡¯t around. This way she could also distress from the chaotic assignment hanging over her head.

 Chapter 79

    79 Wakey wakey little Han Han


    Zin Hany on his back as he watched the shadows on his bedroom ceiling. The lights had long been switched off with the only source of light being thevamp by his bedside.


    The shadow puppets were being created by his mother with her hands as she told the most nonsensical story but Zi Han was very attentive.


    The storycked any theatrics but Zi Han was hooked on the story. When he was a kid his mother would asionally tell him these shadow puppet stories and he enjoyed them very much.


    As the story reached the end Zi Han pursed his lips with a smile that reached the corners of his eyes. ¡°You do realise that there are a lot of plot holes in the narrative?¡± he asked while turning to look at his mother.


    Zi Xingxi was slightly offended. She gasped with her hand lightly resting on her chest while saying, ¡°Ha, how dare you? This is a ssic masterpiece that you enjoyed gleefully as a child. Now there are suddenly plot holes? How ungrateful.¡±


    Zi Han chuckled as he closed his eyes lightly. He was exhausted and wanted to go back to sleep but he also wanted to talk to his mother.


    Just as his eyelids lightly pressed together, Zi Xingxi turned to her side and spoke softly, ¡°Did anyone make fun of you at school for the whole skirt thing?¡± She reached out and pushed back the strands of hair on Zi Han¡¯s face with a little worry in her eyes.


    Zi Han who was half asleep right now opened his eyes till they were half-lidded and shook his head. ¡°We live in a progressive society and besides no one would dare,¡± he replied only to recall those two messages from earlier. He vowed to find out who had the balls to tell him what to do and return it two fold.


    ¡°I have even bigger problems. I am very terrible at mech repair and I need seventy per cent for me to pass... Someone suggested I get a mech and it would help improve my repair skills,¡± he said his eyes closing sluggishly.


    .....


    ¡°Who?¡± asked Zi Xingxi only for Zi Han to open his eyes his body frozen stiff.


    ¡°Huh?¡± he asked buying time to throw the pot at someone else. He knew if he mentioned Yi Chen¡¯s name then she would find trouble with the ss president. He still remembered her attitude towards Yi Chen and how she had repeatedly warned him to stay away from him.


    Zi Xingxi¡¯s eye twitched a little suspicious. She repeated the question again, ¡°Who told you that being in a mech would help?¡±


    ¡°Professor Quinn,¡± he lied without hesitation. He would rather throw the pot over the lecturer¡¯s head to spare himself the grief of having to exin.


    Zi Xingxi was still a little suspicious. That¡¯s because she was also taught by Professor Quinn and that didn¡¯t look like something he would suggest. She was terrible at mech repair as well but not once did he give such meaningful advice. She was sceptical but she let it go.


    ¡°I will talk to your grandfather tomorrow about getting you a mech. I don¡¯t want to get you just any mech,¡± she said before turning toy on her back.


    Zi Han smiled as his eyelid drooped drifting off to sleep. ¡°Thanks, mum,¡± he whispered. The corner of Zi Xingxi¡¯s lips quirked up as she gently ruffled his hair. After that, the room fell into silence as the two drifted off to sleep.


    ***


    As the bright sun rose with a golden light, Zi Feiji who was in a great mood knocked on Zi Han¡¯s bedroom door before he pushed it open. His expression was like that of a sly fox up to no good. That¡¯s because he was.


    ¡°Wakey wakey little Han Han,¡± he said only to find a bundle lying on the floor wrapped with a quilt. On the bed was his daughter who was selfishly upying the entire bed.


    Zi Xingxi jolted awake and grabbed a smart pistol from who knows where and aimed it at the door. Zi Feiji¡¯s brow arched upwards before saying, ¡°Put that thing away... When did you get here?¡±


    Zi Xingxi ced the smart pistol on the bedside pedestal as she rubbed her eyes sheepishly. Shey back down and said, ¡°Last night..... just let me sleep a little longer.¡± After saying this shey back down like she was going to get back to sleep.


    ¡°Uh, that¡¯s fine. I am not here for you anyway. I am here for him,¡± he said as he walked over towards the bundle curled up on the floor. It¡¯s a good thing the entire room was carpeted and the housekeeping AI would maintain the temperature based on the body response of the upants in the room. If it weren¡¯t for that Zi Han would most definitely fall sick.


    Zi Xingxi pulled up the quilt covering half her face while asking, ¡°What do you want with him?¡±


    ¡°To go to a wedding. I need him to have a makeover before we go,¡± said Zi Feiji the smile on his face growing bigger.


    Zi Xingxi, ¡°WTF¡±


    ¡°Did you ce another bet?¡± she said fully aware of her father¡¯s addiction to betting with his friends. These people would bet on anyone and anything as long as it wasn¡¯t hurting anyone. That is to say, they were that bored.


    ¡°Uh-huh. Han Han, it¡¯s time to wake up,¡± he said trying to be as gentle as possible. He didn¡¯t want his grandson in a bad mood. Zi Han curled into a ball while mumbling something incoherent before he stopped moving.


    Feeling rather defeated Zi Feiji looked at his daughter with an ¡®are you going to continue watching me or are you going to help¡¯ kind of look.


    Zi Xingxi sighed and sat up before yelling, ¡°Zi Han! Get up.¡±


    Zi Han who had been dreaming about operating Chronos got up with a start and sat up straight with squinted eyes. Coupled with his dishevelled bed hair he looked especiallyical. With a dazed look on his face, he nced in his mother¡¯s direction then at his grandfather.

 Chapter 80

    80 Chicken cutlets hehe


    ¡°Uh.....I thought it was a weekend. I want to sleep some more,¡± he said in a croaky voice as he fell back to sleep.


    Zi Feiji¡¯s heart softened seeing his grandson¡¯s current state but unfortunately, the bet had already been ced and he couldn¡¯t lose face. He directly grabbed the corner of the quilt and began to drag him to the bathroom.


    ¡°Nope, grandpa needs you to wake up. I am going to take you to a wedding so we need to get you ready. In exchange, you don¡¯t have to go in a girl¡¯s uniform to school anymore,¡± said Zi Feiji as he continued to pull the quilt with Zi Han on it.


    Zi Han would have taken him up on this offer but after that message, yesterday he refused. He had a score to settle with that person so no, he wasn¡¯t going to ept. ¡°No,¡± replied Zi Han half raising his head.


    Zi Feiji paused and looked at Zi Han with a look of confusion. Had he just pushed his grandson into having gender reassignment surgery? He would ept him either way but he didn¡¯t want to be the catalyst.


    ¡°Personal reasons,¡± exined Zi Han after seeing his grandfather¡¯s face change colours like flickering Christmas lights.


    ¡°Okay, then what do you want?¡± asked Zi Feiji trying to find something to bargain with.


    Zi Han struggled to get up as he said, ¡°I will think of something,¡± before walking towards the bathroom, ¡°Oh, and I won¡¯t wear heels.¡±


    ¡°Well, of course not..... Phew, that was easy,¡± said Zi Feiji only for his daughter to get off the bed while saying,


    .....


    ¡°I aming with you. I will go take a shower.¡±


    Zi Feiji who had gotten what he wanted smiled happily as he tapped on his light brain and sent a voice note.


    ¡°Old Wayne.... you are screwed. Haha, get ready to pay up,¡± he said before trotting out of Zi Han¡¯s room.


    An hourter Zi Han was suddenly regretting his decision. His grandfather took them to a beauty parlour and instructed an attendant to do a full makeover. He wanted Zi Han¡¯s hidden pretty side to pop in order to win this bet. He was willing to go far and beyond to show Zi Han¡¯s good side in order to win.


    Unfortunately, Zi Han was uncooperative. If it weren¡¯t for his mother reassuring him that she wouldn¡¯t let him suffer any losses he would have walked out. By the time the stylist was done with him Zi Han felt like a stic doll being put up for sale.


    ¡°What do you think this bet is all about?¡± asked Zi Han regret written all over his face.


    Zi Xingxi walked over with two small chicken cutlets and pulled his dress at his chest. She shoved them into the bra and said, ¡°Knowing him he probably bet that his grandson in a dress can get more marriage proposals than someone else¡¯s granddaughter.¡±


    Zi Han, ¡°...¡±


    He regretted it. He regretted it big time. At least he didn¡¯t bargain for it with something lousy. He nned to ask for something extremely important in return for this.


    ***


    Zi Han wasn¡¯t the only one being pulled to do things he didn¡¯t want to. Yi Chen had also thought he could sleep in then wake upte morning and finish off copying the script but he was woken up early by his mother asking him to apany them to a wedding.


    Yi Chen clearly understood what weddings in the federation meant. They were like hunting grounds for elders to find partners for their children. Why? It was because there weren¡¯t plenty of people in the federation hence reducing the chances of finding the perfect suitor.


    He knew his mother¡¯s purpose in inviting him. It was to maybe meet someone but Yi Chen wasn¡¯t interested. He could onlypromise dropping them off and thening back to pick them up. At least he had the privilege to refuse but his siblings didn¡¯t have such luxury.


    It¡¯s not that she dragged her two other rascals to the wedding to find suitors. She dragged them along because her husband had something to do and leaving these two with the humanoid butler wasn¡¯t a good idea. Thest time she did they almost burnt her kitchen down.


    Thus she dragged the two minions out of the hovercar while asking, ¡°Are you really not going toe in? Even if it¡¯s just for two minutes? I can¡¯t handle these two by myself.¡±


    Yi Chen wanted to say, ¡°Lies!¡± but he held back. His mother¡¯s entire world rotated around those two so how could she not be able to handle them. ¡°Mum, I have things to do. I will pick you up in five hours,¡± he said hence Lin Ruoxi could only give up. She dragged her little aplices to therge building.


    Yi Chen heaved a sigh and he was about to tell the driver to drive back to the mansion when he saw a familiar face. There was no doubt in his mind that that person was Zi Han but.... his hair was longer and he seemed to be wearing makeup.


    Though his make-up appeared natural Yi Chen still much prefered seeing his handsome face. Yi Chen suddenly felt an inexplicable sense of crisis thus he hurriedly left the hovercar only for the driver to call out, ¡°Sir!¡± but he was already gone.


    Throughout the ceremony, Yi Chen hid in the shadows but his gaze remained on Zi Han. He wasn¡¯t sure what he was trying to achieve by being here but he couldn¡¯t get himself to leave. His chest felt heavy like something was pressing down on it.


    He knew very well what weddings were all about in the federation. Besides the couple getting married it was like hunting season with a mix of predators hunting down prey. He wasn¡¯t sure what Zi Feiji was trying to achieve by bringing his grandson but he sure as hell wasn¡¯t going to let anyone get close to Zi Han.


    He strongly felt that they were best suited and no one else at this gathering was worthy of Zi Han thus he stuck around despite telling his mother he would leave.


    Unfortunately for him, Mama bear was hovering around her cub. Unlike Zi Han who had a lower mental power, Zi Xingxi could feel a burning gaze on her son but she couldn¡¯t pinpoint the person¡¯s location. Zi Feiji also felt it but he was already counting his winnings at this point. He just assumed that Zi Han¡¯s charm was already working.

 Chapter 81

    81 Stop fondling yourself in public


    ¡°.... Behold this marriage has been legalised by the Onyx Federation in the year of Sirius and all have bore witness. May you share in the joys of their love....¡±


    ¡°Ouch, grandpa,¡± mumbled Zi Han having been pinched awake. He had been resting on Auntie She¡¯s shoulder when his grandfather did the unthinkable.


    Oh yes, auntie She had indeed made aeback if not then this wedding would turn into a circus with the federation¡¯s elite police officers budging in causing a big scene.


    Zi Xingxi chuckled heartily as she gently pulled his head towards her. ¡°Shh, let my baby sleep. He has had a rough day. Not only did he wake up early, but he also went through grievous tribtion for you,¡± she said pampering him like the little prince he is.


    ¡°You know this is the hunting grounds. If he behaves improperly then I would surely lose this bet,¡± whispered Zi Feiji while ncing around. Within the audience, he spotted old man Wayne who smirked at him while pointing at his granddaughter before mouthing,


    ¡°You are going down,¡± in a taunting manner.


    Zi Feiji¡¯s lips twitched before he turned back around and said, ¡°Fuck, he is taunting me now... She looks better than her images. Did they do something to her face?¡±


    ¡°Dad it¡¯s not like you are really going to marry Hanifa off so what¡¯s the problem?.... Wait, what exactly did you bet with?¡± asked Zi Xingxi a little concerned. She knew that they usually gambled with things like antiques, mechs and sometimes rare stones but she had never seen him this determined to win.


    ¡°It¡¯s not about what is used in the bet but what I stand to gain so Hanifa has to work hard with that charm,¡± he said pulling up his grandson to sit upright.


    .....


    ¡°I am not Hanifa, please stop calling me that,¡± whispered Zi Han tugging at the sophisticated clip-on star earrings, ¡°these things are irritating... and my chest feels so sweaty. Is that what having boobs feel like? Its torture.¡± As he said this he squeezed his chest only for his grandfather to smack his hand away.


    ¡°Stop fondling yourself in public,¡±ined Zi Feiji in a low voice but the people sitting in front of them heard him. They turned back curiously only for Zi Feiji to block their view with his arm, ¡°What do you think you are looking at. Eyes up front.¡±


    Lucky for Zi Han the ceremony ended soon after. His torment was halfway done with only the reception left. He excitedly walked into the reception hall only for his grandfather to abandon him.


    That¡¯s because the old man had begun his campaign like a door-to-door salesman. He wasn¡¯t the only one. Even Mr Wayne was introducing everyone and anyone to his granddaughter.


    ¡°I am going to the bathroom. Do you want toe along?¡± asked Zi Xingxi but in truth, she wasn¡¯t going there. She was scouting the ce for that disturbing line of sight that had been following them hence she intended to use her son as bait.


    Zi Han refused. That¡¯s because if he were to go into the male bathroom he might give people a scare. So he could only sit alone and wait.


    Just as his mother left a gorgeous girl dressed in a deep-cut maxi dress with a slit suddenly sat next to him with a smile as graceful as the goddess of beauty.


    She stretched out her slender hand towards him and said, ¡°Hello, I am Farida Wayne. Our grandfathers are friends.¡±


    Zi Han wasn¡¯t too thrilled meeting hispetition and with good reason. She wore a beautiful smile on her face but Zi Han could sense the disdainful atmosphere that she brought along with her.


    ¡°Zi Han,¡± he said shaking her hand which felt really soft to the touch. The direction of his thoughts thereafter wasn¡¯t like those of regr boys. He was thinking if he were to squeeze that hand a little harder would it crack like porcin. He suddenly wanted to try it.


    ¡°I didn¡¯t think your grandfather would really go through with it. I didn¡¯t even think you would agree to such a ridiculous idea..... I can tell that your outfit was put togetherst minute. It does look nice on you though,¡± she said lightly pinching the sleeve of his cold shoulder dress with that fake smile.


    Zi Han dodged her fingers and asked a passing waiter for two sses of champagne. Farida thought he would hand her the other one but Zi Han didn¡¯t make a move instead he down the first one in one go before saying,


    ¡°Miss Wayne, please remember that I am a man. Not some little girl you can speak some mean words to and they run off crying in shame. You can either walk away now and save your face or you can sit here and I will begin to nitpick at every insecurity you have on your body. I will strip you bare and you won¡¯t be able to recover from it.¡±


    Farida¡¯s face turned ugly as she clutched at her dress tightly. She was about to grab the other champagne ss and pour it at him in anger but before she could touch it someone took it and asked, ¡°Strip who bare?¡±


    Zi Han¡¯s entire body stiffened hearing that voice. He couldn¡¯t fathom why Yi Chen was here. This wasn¡¯t the sort of ce one would find someone like Yi Chen but here he was.


    Zi Han was about to open his mouth when the overly enthusiastic Miss Wayne beat him to it. ¡°Yi, Yi Chen. You.... you are also he-here,¡± fumbling through her words.


    One wouldn¡¯t think that she was the same woman mocking Zi Han just now. She was shyly lowering her head while picking at her dress with her fingers. Her ears and cheeks were painted red with a natural glow making her even more beautiful.


    Yi Chen didn¡¯t respond to her. He just sat next to Zi Han while slowly drinking the champagne. Knowing that this ss of champagne was personally picked by Zi Han he felt his blood rush to his head. He even had the delusion that Zi Han had picked it up for him hence it was meant for him from the very beginning.


    As the sparkling wine flowed down his throat it left a warm fuzzy feeling in his body. When he wanted to converse with Zi Han he was all sorts of choked up and he could barely speak. Internally he was an emotional mess but outwardly he was calm and collected as usual which was a great skill in itself.


    Unable to bear the silence Farida spoke up again saying, ¡°Ah, please don¡¯t misunderstand. We were talking about something pure... nothing, nothing bad.¡±


    Zi Han was silently watching Yi Chen take a sip of his ss of champagne feeling irritated and slight resentment when he heard the girl speak.


    Recalling that they weren¡¯t at school and if his mother sees them chatting it up he might get an earful he got up abruptly intending to go outside. Yi Chen who hadn¡¯t expected him to run away at this point got up as well but he was a step too slow.

 Chapter 82

    82 Mama bear vs Yi Chen


    Farida blocked his path and said, ¡°I have always wanted to meet you. It¡¯s truly a pleasure to finally meet you in person,¡± gathering up all her courage. It¡¯s as if she knew this was her only chance to make a good impression thus she toughened up and said it.


    Unfortunately for her, no matter how much of a good impression she made Yi Chen¡¯s focus was entirely on someone else. He stepped aside without a word and followed outside. This little skit of theirs didn¡¯t skip Lin Ruoxi. She saw everything that went down and her heart almost dropped.


    Firstly, Yi Chen wasn¡¯t willing to apany them and said he would onlye to pick them up. But seeing him now she knew he never left. That though wasn¡¯t the most shocking thing. The most shocking was that he was actually interested in someone.


    It was a girl with a bob hair cut and wearing an A-line apricot cold shoulder midi dress made of mesh material. The colour of the dressplimented her skin tone making her stand out despite her wearing a simple dress. Her body frame leaned towards the boyish side which was beautiful in its own right.


    Her makeup was simple enhancing her natural features. She was indeed beautiful but Lin Ruoxi didn¡¯t expect this to be her son¡¯s type. After her son¡¯s figure disappeared she turned to her friend sitting next to her and asked, ¡°Who is that girl with the apricot dress just now?¡±


    ¡°Uh, her... I saw her enter with Master Zi. He has been walking around bragging about his granddaughter. I think he is looking for a match for her,¡± replied her friend leaving Lin Ruoxi with a meaningful expression.


    Her husband would never agree but she couldn¡¯t help but want to pair them up. Why? It was because her son was currently wearing the same expression he had when he saw Hydra for the first time.


    He was three years old then but that slight, barely perceptible up turn at the corner of his lip showed how excited he was.


    Others may not see it but she saw it clearly. She barely spent as much time with Yi Chen as she did with her two little minions but she still knew him best.


    .....


    While his mother was trying toe up with a scheme to get him a wife, another mother blocked his path. This mother however wasn¡¯t shipping him with Hanifa. Instead, she was here to issue him another warning.


    As he turned the corner Yi Chen was faced with auntie She and he instantly knew who the person under the disguise was. Her eyes were spitting fire like a volcano on the brink of eruption.


    ¡°You know I initially thought you were a smart person but it seems like I was wrong.... I guess myst warning wasn¡¯t as effective. Maybe I should have roughed you up a little bit so you can clearly understand the seriousness of this matter,¡± she said her fiery gaze almost burning holes into his skin.


    The threat was loud and clear and for a moment he vowed to stay away from Zi Han. But now that he realised his interest in him was much deeper than he initially thought that vow was tossed out of the window ages ago.


    Faced with this Mama bear he should be cowering but when ites to matters of the heart there was no such thing. ¡°I think you might have misunderstood something. I am your son¡¯s ss president and at this point, it is merely impossible to stay away from him,¡± he said in a calm tone. He would never admit it. Admitting it was like granting oneself early death.


    Zi Xingxi snorted coldly as she folded her arms across her chest. ¡°You think I am stupid. You are even following him. Be it Han or Hanifa stay the fuck away from him. Understood?¡±


    Yi Chen lowered his head and brushed his eyebrow with his fingers calming his emotions. He then raised his head and calmly said, ¡°You truly misunderstood. My two siblings aren¡¯t in the reception hall and I am going outside to find them. Now if you excuse me I have things to do.¡±


    The strong smell of gun powder lingered in the air as the two stared at each other for a moment. Zi Xingxi knew this little fucker was up to something but she couldn¡¯t put her finger on it. The Yi family were bad news.


    They would do anything to maintain the biggest advantage. Their family Crest was that of a nine-headed serpent. That alone said everything. Zi Xingxi nudged her head slightly gesturing to him to leave.


    Zi Han on the other hand had no idea that his mother and the ss president had a confrontation. He was walking in the garden fighting with the sleeves on his dress.


    Around the corner, two cuties were hiding from their mother. One was sitting on the garden bench ying a game and the other was controlling a flying fairy with her light brain when a group of older boys passed by disturbing their peace.


    ¡°Well, well, well. Will you look at that? I didn¡¯t think we would find anyone in this isted part of the garden,¡± said the taller redhead boy who was probably the leader in this little squad.


    Yi Youxi was familiar with some of them but ignored them intentionally like always. They asionally said a few words to him but they never went too far because they knew his identity.


    ¡°How about it ssmate Youxi.... can we hang out with you. Like us you were also forced to be here,¡± said one brazen one sitting next to Yi Youxi.


    Yi Youxi¡¯s personality was far different from Yi Chen¡¯s but that sharp icy gaze was as terrifying as his older brothers.


    Frightened the boy got up only for the skinny of the three to grab hold of the flying fairy. ¡°Uh little sister, how can you y with such a childish thing. How about you give this to me and in exchange this older brother will get you a nice-looking drone?¡±


    Ming Ming who had been robbed finally spoke up. ¡°Give it back,¡± she said as she got up to grab it back. She began to jump up and down like super Mario trying to get a shroom.


    Yi Youxi only had to say one sentence for them to stop, ¡°Leave her alone and go bully someone else.¡± His voice was as calm as an underwaterke but it was as authoritative and domineering as Yi Chen¡¯s.


    The skinny boy was terrified but Yi Youxi was younger than him and it would be embarrassing if he walked away without doing anything. So being the idiot he was he said, ¡°Sure..... I will leave her alone,¡± before throwing the flying fairy over the wall, ¡°see youter... idiot.¡±


    The group of misfits walked awayughing mockingly but Ming Ming wasn¡¯tughing. She was so mad and when she gets mad she bes as silent as a chicken.

 Chapter 83

    83 Thank you, big sister


    Zi Han who had almost pulled off the cold sleeves of his dress out of annoyance paused his steps when he noticed two miniature humans looking up at a tall wall.


    He wanted to walk over and ask what they were doing but decided against it when he overheard their conversation. The cute little girl was angrily tapping her light brain with an ugly expression while the boy was telling her to stop.


    ¡°It¡¯s probably broken so it won¡¯t respond. I told you not to y with it here but you didn¡¯t listen,¡± said Yi Youxi while rubbing his forehead. Who in their family didn¡¯t know how important that flying fairy was to Ming Ming.


    It was one of the first gifts Yi Chen gave to her and she loved it so much that she wouldn¡¯t let anyone touch it. Now it was over the wall and probably broken. He could foresee the start of armageddon if Ming Ming doesn¡¯t get her flying fairy back.


    ¡°I am going to skin that twig alive,¡± she said having lost her cutesy side, ¡°give me a boost.¡±


    ¡°No, you don¡¯t know what¡¯s over that wall. Let¡¯s go find mum or I can tell Dage toe to the garden when hees to pick us up,¡± he suggested but Ming Ming¡¯s stubborn side had reared its ugly head and she wasn¡¯t budging.


    ¡°Mum will scold us if she finds out and Dage will be disappointed when he finds out it broke. I don¡¯t want him to know. Now hurry up and give me a boost,¡± said Ming Ming before cing both her hands on his shoulders urging him to kneel.


    Zi Han had a vague sense of crisis watching this. Even if the boy boosted his sister up the wall she was still too short. This n was bound to fail.


    ¡°Ah, Ming Ming don¡¯t step on my head,¡± yelped Yi Youxi but Ming Ming was extremely determined. Stepping on her tippy toes she stretched out her hand to touch the edge of the top part of the wall.


    .....


    With her tongue sticking out at the corner of her lips she grunted while saying, ¡°I, I almost.... almost go-got it... AAAAAAHHHHHHH!!!¡± she screamed as she tumbled down. Zi Han who had seen thising rushed over and caught her but Yi Youxi wasn¡¯t so lucky. He wasn¡¯t hurt but he did manage to dirty his suit.


    Zi Han put down the little girl while asking if she was okay. That¡¯s when he noticed Yi Youxi lying t on the ground watching him with sparkling eyes. Zi Han smiled slightly before pulling him up.


    ¡°Thank you, big sister,¡± said Ming Ming after tugging at Zi Han¡¯s dress in between her fingers to get his attention.


    Zi Han just smiled at her before asking, ¡°Did you lose something?¡±


    Ming Ming¡¯s eyes lit up and she took his hand and led him to the wall while saying, ¡°Some asshole threw my fairy over the wall and it¡¯s very important to me. Can you mmm?¡±


    Yi Youxi who was stuck in a stupor just now rushed over and put his hand over Ming Ming¡¯s mouth while saying, ¡°Yo-you can¡¯t say that word, especially in front of ady.¡±


    Zi Han, ¡°???¡±


    Ming Ming took his hand off her mouth and pleaded. ¡°Big sister, may you please get it for me. My dage bought it for me and I will be very sad if I lose it,¡± she said with tears in her eyes while pointing at the top of the wall.


    Zi Han would, of course, agree so without considering that he was wearing a dress he climbed up the wall with ease and ten secondster he climbed over again and came down holding a broken toy in his hand.


    Ming Ming hurriedly thanked him as she examined her broken treasure. But the more she examined it the sadder she became. Yi Youxi wanted tofort her but Zi Han suddenly asked, ¡°Would you like to avenge the fallenrade?¡± he said leaning down to meet her sad eyes.


    Ming Ming who was sadly poking at the fairy¡¯s broken sensor looked up and her dim eyes brightened. ¡°Yes, I want vengeance.... I want to burn them to ash with aser cannon,¡± she said looking like a cuter version of Nezha the demon child.


    Zi Han, ¡°WTF¡±


    Wasn¡¯t that a little too dark?


    ¡°I like that idea. Let¡¯s go murder some bullies,¡± said Yi Youxi unwilling to be outdone. If this pretty sister says let¡¯s go hunting for some bullies he would do it willingly.


    Zi Han waved his hands in refusal while saying, ¡°No, no..... offing them makes it too easy on them. It¡¯s that low slow torment that is more satisfying. But since we are upstanding citizens of the federation we just bully them enough to not get into trouble. For example..... using this....¡±


    He took out aser ster for kids from his interspatial bracelet on his wrist. This was no ordinaryser ster. After his mother tweaked it a little it turned into aser ster that could stun people like a taser. The electric current wasn¡¯t too high nor was it too low. The pain was equivalent to getting an injection and once stun several times it would put one in their ce.


    Please don¡¯t ask why Zi Xingxi would give a five year old such a thing. When he was young he got bullied once or twice and his mother made this for him. Like snipers, they hid in the bushes and tormented these bullies for five days straight.


    Now he was using the same ster to torment little brats. Yi Youxi¡¯s brow arched upwards when he saw this toyser ster. It was designed for games likeser tag hence it shouldn¡¯t cause any pain but based on this big sister¡¯s malicious smile there was more to it.


    Ming Ming who had more faith in this big sister than her older brother raised her arms and said, ¡°Can this big sister carry me? My leg hurts,¡± looking so pitiful that one would believe in her lies.


    Zi Han knew he was getting yed but AAAAAHHHHH who in their right mind would be able to resist this level of cuteness? Zi Han gave theser ster to Yi Youxi while saying, ¡°Keep your fingers off the trigger,¡± before carrying the little girl.


    ¡°Let¡¯s go find them,¡± he said only for his free hand to be held by Yi Youxi before guiding them to where those three idiots were.

 Chapter 84

    84 Green with envy


    Yi Chen who had been looking all around for Zi Han suddenly stumbled upon this harmonious scene. His siblings had somewhat chanced upon Zi Han and they were getting along with him to the point of holding hands and being carried.


    He was suddenly green with envy. Zi Han had nothing but hate for him but his siblings were given special treatment.


    Zi Han who had no idea someone was jealous over a couple of kids spotted the bullies messing with a little girl from a distance and put down Ming Ming before they tiptoed into the shrubbery.


    ¡°Give it to me,¡± he said as he half knelt down, ¡°let me show you how to punish the wicked.¡±


    Yi Youxi who was smitten beyondprehension handed theser ster to Zi Han his mind with nothing except pink butterflies flying all over the ce. In the future, he wanted a wife like this big sister. The way she held thatser ster and fired at those bullies was mesmerizing.


    Ming Ming giggled when she watched the red headed boy who was holding up the girl¡¯s hairpin and making her jump to get it back yelped as he was stung first.


    ¡°AH! What was that?¡± Said the redhead looking around but he saw no one.


    ¡°What? AH fuck! Shit, something stung me,¡± said the skinny boy while rubbing his butt.


    The third boy looked around but found nothing. ¡°What are you all talking about? There is no one there..... AAAAHHHH,¡± he yelled as he bent down after being struck in the groin.


    .....


    Yi Youxi grimaced watching this but Ming Ming who couldn¡¯t understand the grief of being hit in that ce giggled. Zi Han¡¯s lips twitched before saying, ¡°That one was an ident. I meant to hit his thigh but who would have thought he would move.¡±


    ¡°Sure.... sure, I believe you,¡± said Yi Youxi seeming unconvinced.


    The corner of Zi Han¡¯s lips quirked up like a malicious spirit before he began rapid-fire with no mercy. The three boys yelped and screamed before deciding to run away. Unfortunately, for them they were running from a person Zi Xingxi called the best sharpshooter.


    Even as they ran Zi Han nailed them a couple of times with one of them getting hit in the calf before he came tumbling down. Like dominoes, once one of them came down so did the rest. They rolled down the small hill in the garden like rolling pins.


    With such a satisfactory end how can Ming Ming stay upset? She was so happy she wanted to run over there and kick them while they were down.


    Seeing her trotting out of the bushes to ughter the enemy Zi Han pulled her back. Kicking mid-air with a face like an amazonian ready to beat the shit out of the god of war she was dragged back.


    ¡°Rule number one, always attack in the dark unless you have enough power to defeat your enemy head-on,¡± said Zi Han before putting her down.


    Ming Ming exhaled deeply calming herself down. ¡°I am fine..... Ahem, I am fine,¡± she said with a shaky voice which sold her out. Of course, she wasn¡¯t fine. She was just trying to convince herself.


    Zi Han found this pair of siblings amusing. He couldn¡¯t help but wonder whose family¡¯s house they belonged to. ¡°Oh, here,¡± he said handing theser ster to the little boy, ¡°Your sister might offend someone in the future hence you need this better than I do.¡± That was indeed a fact. Ming Ming might look cute and all but when unhinged she looked like a firecracker which was eerily simr to himself thus he gave theser ster to Yi Youxi.


    ¡°Ah..... thank you. I like it very much,¡± he said while studying the weapon with a hint of obsession in his eyes. Unfortunately for him, that aroused someone else¡¯s jealousy. She wanted one too thus she looked at Zi Han with a pitiful expression as though asking, ¡°How about me?¡±


    Zi Han, ¡°...¡±


    Those eyes were like that of an abandoned puppy begging to be adopted. Zi Han wasn¡¯t immune to that look. That¡¯s when he thought of one of the very few water guns in the federation. Kids in the federation didn¡¯t find it much fun as they spent more time ying virtual games but his mother got it for him. Now when he thinks of it was as though she was training him with toy guns from a very young age but the him back then just thought it was a game.


    ¡°Here, it¡¯s not as fun as your flying fairy but it¡¯s not so bad,¡± he said taking out a pink water gun out of his intersaptial bracelet, ¡°it has an incredible range so you don¡¯t have to have direct confrontation with the enemy.¡±


    ¡°Ah, thank you, big sister. I love it,¡± she said hugging Zi Han¡¯s leg.


    ¡°Ahem, what about me?¡± said Yi Chen startling the three who were gift-giving like it was Christmas. Zi Han licked his canine tooth with the tip of his tongue looking somewhat annoyed. It was as though he owed Yi Chen money in his past life. Maybe that¡¯s why he kept appearing in front of him.


    Yi Chen didn¡¯t wait for Zi Han to respond. He looked at his greedy siblings who were scamming gifts from his ssmate and said, ¡°Mum is looking for you. She said if you aren¡¯t there in the next ten minutes then there will be no dessert tonight.¡±


    Between dessert and this big sister, of course, these two would pick dessert unless this big sister could make them some. ¡°Thank you, big sister,¡± said Ming Ming before running off leaving a cloud of dust.


    Unlike his greedy sister, Yi Youxi was a little hesitant. He said, ¡°Can you add my contact on Sta, I-,¡± but he was cut short by Yi Chen.


    ¡°Hurry up,¡± said Yi Chen and Yi Youxi had no choice but to run off that is after sticking out his tongue at his older brother.


    Seeing this Zi Han chuckled before turning on his heel to leave but just as he took a step Yi Chen stopped him with his words. ¡°So I am really getting nothing?¡± He said his head lowered trying to conceal his lustful eyes.


    He had been standing behind the shrubbery watching these three when he noticed Zi Han¡¯s exposed shoulders and smooth vicle. This is why he lied to his siblings about their mother looking for them.


    He had gotten hard when his gaze lingered on this alluring creature. It seems his illness had only gotten worse. Seriously he was starting to think he was a sexual deviant or something. He just couldn¡¯t help himself when he saw Zi Han.

 Chapter 85

    85 First gift ever hehe


    Zi Han¡¯s face grew darker staring at Yi Chen who seemed serious about this. He wanted to say, ¡°Why should I give you anything?¡± when a sudden evil thought crept up his mind.


    Recalling what his mother put inside his chest he walked over to him with a sly grin that electrified Yi Chen¡¯s heart. His breath hitched as he followed Zi Han with his eyes.


    He subconsciously gulped when he saw those slender fingers slipping down into that dress. This was a little too overstimting for this cier that had never had such a sensual encounter. Every part of his body was on fire and his throat became instantly dry.


    Unable to bear it he asked Zi Han, ¡°What are you doing? We are in public,¡± in a hoarse voiceced with a hint of charm.


    Zi Han didn¡¯t understand what the hell he was talking about. In his eyes, he was like those aunties at the fish market in the slums of the surface city who keep their valuables in their bras. When they need those things they dig into their chests like it was some sort of interspatial storage or something.


    But in Yi Chen¡¯s eyes, it appeared as though he was fondling himself to arouse his interest. The only thing left was pushing down him into the shrubbery and kissing him hard.


    The poord had no idea how dangerous this situation was. He was just having a difficult time pulling out those chicken cutlets that were making his chest sweaty. They had stuck to his skin and were very irritating. The poor guy was already expressing underboob sweat when he was only wearing cup A chicken cutlets. Wait until he tries cup F or G. It would be like sweating out an entire river down there.


    After much digging and pulling one chicken cutlet popped out followed by a second one. ¡°Here.... you wanted a gift so bad so have this. It even chafed my skin,¡± said Zi Han casually handing over his bra chicken cutlets to him.


    His face was visibly relieved as he smiled at Yi Chen with no contempt or mischief. It was a genuine smile. ¡°You are wee, ss president. You can practice the art of fondling your future girlfriend with those things. You will thank meter. Bye!¡±


    .....


    After saying that Zi Han hightailed out of there because he knew he had been gone for too long and ran the risk of being interrogated.


    Yi Chen on the other hand was frozen on the spot gently rubbing these oddly shaped bust-enhancing fillets. They felt warm to the touch with a little moisture.


    His muscles tensed up as his thoughts ran rampant. He wanted to calm himself down quickly but it was proving to be a difficult task especially while holding these unusual things. It wasn¡¯t about what they were but more like where they had been which was triggering him.


    ***


    In a few steps, Zi Han reached the reception hall and found auntie She and his grandfather already sitting down with the Wayne grandfather and granddaughter pair.


    His grandfather was arguing something with Mr Wayne while his mother was staring at the pair of Yi siblings sitting at a table far across the reception hall. The two minions were back but their older brother wasn¡¯t. She began to slowly count the minutes and if Zi Han didn¡¯t return as well she will go look for him.


    ¡°Auntie She,¡± called out Zi Han assessing her current mood.


    Zi Xingxi felt a sense of relief wash over her when she saw him prim and proper as if nothing happened. There was a predator on the loose and that predator was Yi Chen. She didn¡¯t have any evidence but she could feel something was very wrong.


    She was about to heave a sigh when she realised his chest was t. It was a cup size short and there was also grass on the hem of his dress.


    ¡°Zi Han, why is your chest deted? Oh god, why is there grass on your dress? What the hell happened outside?¡± she whispered her eyes slightly bloodshot. If the pervert surname Yi touched her son then she was going to make him disappear tonight.


    Zi Han who had no idea his mother was nning to kidnap the Marshal¡¯s favourite son answered perfunctorily, ¡°They were hot. I was sweating so much so I threw them away. And the grass..... well, I encountered a pervert.¡±


    Zi Xingxi pped the table with a loud bang and got up ready to ughter Yi Chen. Zi Han immediately realised the seriousness of this matter and held her arm down whileughing, ¡°I was joking. Calm down.¡±


    Zi Xingxi sat back down with her eyes filled with blood. ¡°I helped two kids fend off bullies so I must have gotten it there,¡± he said before exining the entire thing. Zi Xingxi rxed a little. It took Zi Han ordering a milk tart for her to finally calm down.


    He did this for a reason. His mother always seemed to know when he was lying so he decided to stimte her after telling a lie so she won¡¯t notice he lied about what he did to those chicken cutlets. Only the heavens know if she finds out what would happen to the both of them.


    While Zi Han was purposefully aggravating his mother, Ming Ming and Yi Youxi were doing the very same thing to Lin Ruoxi. They wouldn¡¯t stop talking about this big sister who was the defender of justice. The rainbow farts were so excessive that one would assume this big sister was captain marvel.


    She wanted to talk to Master Zi but with these two hugging her thighs while yammering on she couldn¡¯t leave them. ¡°What¡¯s going on?¡± asked Yi Chen after having tamed the fire down south and returned to the reception hall.


    ¡°Please watch them. They are like little ko bears sticking to me for some reason. Oh, and don¡¯t let Ming Ming anywhere near those cupcakes. She is already hyperactive as it is,¡± she said before dumping her kids on her oldest.


    As soon as she was gone Ming Ming tried to get up but before her short legs touched the floor Yi Chen casually arched his brow as though asking, ¡°You dare?¡±After that kind of look, she could only sit back down.


    Meanwhile the pair of old men who had made the stupidest bet began to count their sesses. They had five minutes to their set deadline and started counting beforehand as they didn¡¯t believe five minutes would make a difference.

 Chapter 86

    86 Go make noise elsewhere


    Zi Xingxi who had been enduring this senseless argument for the past ten minutes got tired of it so she said, ¡°Go make noise elsewhere.¡±


    Zi Han watched his grandfather and his friend stand up without anyints. He suddenly saw his mother in a new light. This woman was terrifying.


    ¡°I got five. How many did you get?¡± asked Mr Wayne clenching his teeth in anticipation. If he wins this he would get Zi Feiji¡¯s entire book collection. All that historic text that is considered priceless in the federation will belong to him. But if he loses, well, let¡¯s just say his wife might make him sleep outside.


    ¡°Damn it,¡± yelled Zi Feiji while holding his waist like it was sore, ¡°we are even.¡± He had a very good reason for going through with this bet and if he loses then his grandson would have suffered a loss for nothing.


    Mr Wayne heaved a sigh of relief hearing this. He might not have won but if he lost he would regret it for the rest of his life.


    ¡°Don¡¯t look so rxed. We still have approximately four minutes and who knows what could happen in that short amount of time,¡± said Zi Feiji. He really wanted to get his hands on that mech so his grandson can use it but now.


    ¡°Dream on Ji Ji,¡± said Mr Wayne patting his shoulder but a pissed-off Zi Feiji dodged while saying,


    ¡°Don¡¯t call me tha-.¡±


    ¡°Sorry um .... Master Zi..... can I speak to you for a moment?¡± said a sweet melodious voice breaking the tension between the two friends.


    .....


    Mr Wayne suddenly felt a great sense of crisis so he said, ¡°That Mrs Yi, his grandchild is a-,¡± but his face was shoved to the side and Zi Feiji stiffly smiled at Lin Ruoxi while gesturing for them to step aside.


    Lin Ruoxi who had never thought she would have this kind of discussion with anyone gathered her courage and said, ¡°I heard that you are trying to match make for your granddaughter... what¡¯s her name again?¡±


    ¡°Hanifa.¡±


    ¡°Yes..... um, weird name but um.... I was wondering if we could possibly set a date with my son. I think he is a little interested in her. I know your rtionship with your junior is shaky but I can convince him to let this happen if the kids get along well,¡± she spoke in one breath.


    Zi Feiji, ¡°.....¡±


    What a twisted turn of events. ¡°Who is interested in what now?.... I am sorry but your husband is um.... a pain in the ass and if we were to be inws there is no guarantee they would be bloodshed at the wedding. But tell you what..... you talk to him first then maybe I will think about it,¡± replied Zi Feiji knowing fully well that it wasn¡¯t going to happen.


    Lin Ruoxi heaved a sigh of relief. As long as one party was willing to negotiate then it was indeed possible. ¡°Thank you. I will keep in contact,¡± she said before walking away.


    Zi Feiji wanted to skin someone with the initials YC but he had won his bet so he could only schedule the skinning at some other time. With a gleeful smile, Zi Feiji turned around intending to brag to grandmaster Wayne the greatest mech maker in the federation when he saw the guy trying to sneak out after picking up his granddaughter.


    ¡°You! Old man, stop for me!¡± he yelled disrupting the joyous atmosphere in the reception hall.


    ¡°Fuck.... run run run,¡± said Mr Wayne to his granddaughter but Zi Feiji was too determined to get what he wanted. Two secondster the crowd was eximing as one old man tackled the other and robbed him of something.


    The bride who had thought she would go through this day without drama yelled, ¡°Not on my special day,¡± as she threw her bridal bouquet at them.


    The flowers hit Zi Feiji¡¯s back while Mr Wayneughed at him mockingly. Unfortunately, this wasn¡¯t the end for these ruined flowers. They bounced off Zi Feiji¡¯s back and happened to be caught by Zi Han who was rushing to get his grandfather off Mr Wayne.


    As soon as he caught it everyone cheered to Zi Han¡¯s confusion. Zi Xingxi angrily took the broken bouquet from him and casually tossed it on the floor while whispering, ¡°The fool doesn¡¯t even know what it means to catch the bridal bouquet.¡±


    That is to say, no one knew what happened to that bridal bouquet afterwards. It was forever lost and never to be seen again.


    ***


    ¡°Well that was quite eventful,¡± said Lin Ruoxi recalling the whole tackling drama at the end of the wedding, ¡°where did you get that?¡± This question was directed to her third child who was holding a pink water gun.


    ¡°A big sister. Look, mum, it has a bubble setting,¡± she said before pressing the trigger and bubbles shot forth in the hovercar.


    Lin Ruoxi swatted her hands popping some of them while reprimanding her, ¡°Not in the car... You You, what big sister is she talking about?¡±


    Yi Youxi raised his head abandoning his game. His expression was as bright as a light bulb as he began to describe this goddess, ¡°She is so tall.¡±


    Ming Ming, ¡°Very tall.¡±


    Yi Youxi, ¡°She is pretty and has short hair.¡±


    Ming Ming, ¡°She was wearing a light pink dress. So pretty.¡±


    Yi Youxi, ¡°I am giving the description or you are?¡±


    Ming Ming, ¡°Sorry, sorry. Please continue.¡±


    Yi Youxi, ¡°She even taught us how to eliminate bullies.¡±


    Ming Ming, ¡°She stunned them and they rolled down the hill, hahaha.¡±


    Yi Youxi turned his neck stiffly with a WTF expression only for Ming Ming to close her lips with her hand. She couldn¡¯t help it.


    ¡°Oh and dage knows her. What¡¯s her name?¡± said Yi Youxi throwing the pot at Yi Chen.


    Yi Chen who had been silently listening with a slight quirk at the corner of his lips was suddenly named.


    If he says he knows her then wouldn¡¯t that result in his mother¡¯s senseless interrogation. If Lin Ruoxi finds out that Hanifa was no Hanifa but Han, wouldn¡¯t that lead the conversation in a direction he didn¡¯t want?


    ¡°Not familiar. We are just ssmates,¡± he said cutthroat and straightforward. If Lin Ruoxi hadn¡¯t seen his expression when he followed after that girl like a puppy she would have believed it.

 Chapter 87

    87 I don¡¯t like that Yi kid


    ¡°I am so d we left before we got kicked out,¡± said Zi Xingxi as she sprawled her body on the car seat like azy cat leisurely basking in the sun, ¡°did you have to tackle that man? He probably broke a hip from that fall.¡±


    Zi Feiji dangled the pendant in between his fingers as he stared at it joyfully. As it gently oscited like a pendulum he said, ¡°It was necessary. Han Han wore a dress for this and it would be such a shame if that old bastard didn¡¯t keep his end of the deal.¡±


    Zi Han who for once was messing with his light brain checking his stats on the virtual simtor heard his name and looked up. When their eyes met Zi Han was a little confused. With a raised brow he straightforwardly asked, ¡°What?¡±


    Zi Feiji moved a little closer and said, ¡°That man I tackled earlier is the grandmaster or better yet the godfather of mech technology. You don¡¯t know him, and neither does the public but we old timers do. His family made the three cmities and every piece of innovative technology on mechs.... he was the mastermind.¡±


    Zi Han who had just gotten into a cat fight with the granddaughter of the godfather of mechs felt quite regretful. His jaw dropped as he eyed his grandfather like he had been betrayed. He met a legend today yet Zi Feiji didn¡¯t even introduce him to the master.


    Seeing a sh of disappointment in Zi Han¡¯s eyes, Zi Feiji hurriedly exined. ¡°I couldn¡¯t introduce him like that there but I got you something even better than an introduction,¡± he said handing the pendant to him, ¡°this was made by him personally and now..... it belongs to you.¡±


    Zi Han¡¯s eyes visibly brightened like an exploding star in the inky universe. With trembling hands, he epted the pendant. The ornament on the pendant was shaped like a teardrop with a shimmering glossy finish like a marble.


    But this thing was the furthest thing from a marble. It was one of the greatest technologies in the federation.


    ¡°This mech isn¡¯t limited to a specific mental power level. It is one of the few if not the only one that can adapt to the owner¡¯s mental power. When you upgrade it upgrades hence it conforms to you not you conforming to it,¡± further exined Zi Feiji his voice trembling with excitement.


    .....


    The reason why such a marvelous thing wasn¡¯t avable on the market was because the federation was ridden with corrupt officials that wanted to monopolize other people¡¯s hard work all in the name of giving back to the people.


    In truth private property intellectual or otherwise would be used to enrich officials while the bottom feeders don¡¯t receive a cent.


    After his protective mech designs were monopolized by the government grandmaster Wayne quit publishing his work and this mech was one of his top-secret projects. Since he didn¡¯t make mechs privately Zi Feiji could only use this method to get his grandson the best technology.


    These old men couldn¡¯t resist gambling. It was like oxygen to them thus Zi Feiji could easily twist grandmaster Wayne¡¯s hand. Zi Han excitedly hugged his grandfather with a face beaming like the two suns of Saarilia.


    ¡°Thank you so much, grandpa. I love it,¡± he said with his arms strongly embracing Zi Feiji that he couldn¡¯t breathe for a second. He looked at his daughter while resting his chin on Zi Han¡¯s shoulders.


    He mouthed, ¡°He is hugging me to death.¡±


    Zi Xingxi chuckled silently while mouthing, ¡°Just enjoy it.¡±


    After a long heartwarming hug Zi Han sat back down and excitedly studied the mech while asking, ¡°Can I try it out now.¡±


    ¡°No!¡±


    ¡°No.....¡±


    The two responded almost simultaneously. It was like letting a person who learnt to drive a car using an automatic transmission directly drive a manual car. It¡¯s a very bad idea. Zi Han would need to slowly adapt to it and that could only be done in a controlled environment.


    Zi Han was a little unhappy but he was patient enough to wait. For now, he could only inject his mental power into the pendant and order the mech to disy its image in a 4D floating ne.


    While Zi Han was messing around with his new toy, Zi Feiji took the opportunity to message his daughter about something that had been grinding his gearstely.


    ProudfatherZi: I don¡¯t like that Yi kid.


    MamaBear: Wee to the club.


    ProudfatherZi: I think he is a little interested in Han Han. His mother asked me to set up a date.


    MamaBear: That¡¯s not going to fuckin happen.


    ProudfatherZi: Language!!!


    ProudfatherZi: But if Han Han likes him we can¡¯t really do anything except support him.


    Zi Xingxi gritted her teeth reading this. She knew this was indeed the truth but she still couldn¡¯t ept it. So she raised her head and asked him directly.


    ¡°Han Han, do you..... do you like anyone?¡± she asked trying to find the best way to probe into the matter without spooking the person.


    Zi Han¡¯s eyes remained glued on the projected ne of the mech as he answered, ¡°Huh?¡± His brain didn¡¯t even process her question because he was obsessively studying the cockpit of the mech.


    Zi Xingxi scooched over and exined further, ¡°What mum means is that are you romantically interested in anyone? Maybe at school or online or something?¡±


    Zi Han who finally processed her questiongged for a bit like his brain went offline. Didn¡¯t they tell him to stay away from all species that could get pregnant?


    Dang.... was that all adults ever think off? No, he wasn¡¯t in love and he didn¡¯t n to. It seemed so troublesome. He couldn¡¯t manage his own emotional burdens let alone share someone else¡¯s.


    That is to say, he could barely manage his own emotions let alone try to manage a partner¡¯s as well to make sure everyone is happy. No thank you. He would rather be like his grandfather. Single and happy.


    ¡°Nope. Unless if its mech I am definitely not interested,¡± he said with a stern expression.


    Zi Xingxi felt a great sense of relief before writing a message to his father.


    MamaBear: See he isn¡¯t interested in love at all.


    ProudfatherZi: That¡¯s because he hasn¡¯t found someone who can move his heart.


    ProudfatherZi: You used to say the same thing till you know who dragged you into the pit.


    MamaBear: I will keep my eye on Yi Chen. MamaBear: My son can like anyone else except that person¡¯s surnamed Yi.

 Chapter 88

    88 Stop yelling


    Her dislike for the Yi family ran deep with roots spanning a great distance. She worked with the Marshal but she also med him for letting her husband die and that me extended to the Marshal¡¯s offspring.


    When her husband was attacked and requested for backup the Marshal was nowhere to be seen and when she officially asked for them to find the person whomitted his Royal Highness¡¯ murder all she got was sympathetic looks and threats.


    She was told to let it go or risk losing the Bloodgarde so yes she had great hatred for the Marshal and all his Generals. Such tant betrayal made her want to instinctively protect her son.


    The Yi family used people and once they had no use for them they abandoned them. They used her husband to consolidate their power and maintain their exclusive rights to the military but when her husband¡¯s ashes were scattered on that dead they didn¡¯t avenge him. They only performed a shoddy funeral service and that was it.


    Her emotions became chaotic recalling all that pain and hurt at the time. Her chest felt heavy as a strong emotion stabbed through her heart. With heavy quickened breathing she clenched her fist and closed her eyes. As the darkness festered spreading deep into her bones she suddenly had the same urge she had on the day of the funeral.


    She wanted to drive the Executioner of Blight into Marshal Yi¡¯s chest and stab his heart directly. She feared him but when her emotions were in such disarray she feared no man.


    Zi Han who had been messing with the mech pendant just nowy down with his head on herp. It wasn¡¯t certain whether he felt his mother¡¯s turbid emotions or it was pure coincidence that hey his head on herp. Whichever the reason it seemed to pull her back from the sea of darkness.


    When she opened her eyes the fog in her eyes had cleared and her emotions had gradually mellowed as she entered a rxed state.


    For a moment she had forgotten why it is that she didn¡¯t sumb to that strong desire to kill. It was because of the small leg kicking her belly as though reminding her he was still there.


    .....


    Just like how she reminded him back then he was also reminding her now by lying on herp. She did it all for Zi Han. If it weren¡¯t for him she would have long joined her husband after ughtering all her enemies. Brushing his hair with the tips of her fingers she said, ¡°You aren¡¯t a kid anymore. Sit up straight.¡±


    Zi Han knew she was bluffing so he shuffled andy on his side with his face facing the hovercar door while continuing to mess with his mech like he hadn¡¯t heard her. ¡°It¡¯sfortable,¡± he mumbled.


    A sweet smile appeared on Zi Xingxi¡¯s face as she raised her head to look at her father. Zi Feiji had felt that familiar monster rearing its ugly head but before he could talk her daughter out of the darkness his grandson pulled her back.


    At this moment he couldn¡¯t help but feel distressed for her. He med himself for failing to save her husband and desperately wanted to go back in time and take his ce but the federation hadn¡¯t yet managed to develop time travel technology.


    It was sweet moments like these that numbed the pain and gave off the illusion that all was well. How much he treasured these moments.


    The heaviness in the airpletely dissipated more especially when they got home. Steward Lu came running out with a look of excitement startling the three.


    ¡°You must have sessfully replicated that Japanese souffle cheesecake in the old earth archives. Other than that nothing is as exciting,¡± said Zi Feiji with a nonchnt attitude.


    Old Lu clenched his fist in excitement and said, ¡°No, not yet but Master your map. Marshal Yi returned it. It¡¯s back in your study.¡±


    Zi Feiji, ¡°...¡±


    In a state of disbelief, Zi Feiji walked past the old steward and rushed into his study. Two minutester he came back with a dark expression puzzling the three of them. They thought Zi Feiji would be happy his map he had been whining about for days was back. Of course, he was happy but that wasn¡¯t his focus.


    His current focus was on the reason why it was back. What was Marshal Yi nning? One has to understand that Marshal Yi would never do anything out of the kindness of his heart. It was either he wanted something or something even worse was about to go down. So nope he couldn¡¯t be joyous and merry at this moment.


    ¡°What? Did he scribble on it?¡± asked Zi Xingxi as she put on a pair of bunny slippers.


    ¡°No.... wait, now that I think of it I wouldn¡¯t put it past him. Damnit,¡± replied Zi Feiji before running up the stairs.


    Zi Han was already ready to get out of this makeup and dress so he said, ¡°I am going to my room to take a shower,¡± before taking a step toward the stairs.


    Zi Xingxi sat down on the couch and said, ¡°No, bring the wipes from my bedroom and I will wipe off all the makeup for you.¡± Soon the sound of a movie filled the lounge while Zi Han climbed up the stairs. Two minutester he was yelling from his mother¡¯s bedroom.


    ¡°Ma!¡± he yelled while turning her bathroom upside down.


    ¡°What!¡± she yelled back feeling a little irritated. How many times has she told him not to yell?


    ¡°I can¡¯t find the sftxxfzx sggsdyjs hsysyd,¡± the rest of his sentence was gibberish. That¡¯s because she couldn¡¯t hear him anymore.


    ¡°I can¡¯t hear you. Come down and say it!¡± she yelled feeling a little flustered. You think a seventeen year old would be considered a grown-up that is until they do stuff like this.


    ¡°Huh?!¡± yelled Zi Han meaning that he hadn¡¯t heard her. Zi Xingxi had no choice but to get up and walk up the stairs.


    Zi Han who had no idea she wasing for him kept yelling, ¡°Ma, I can¡¯t find it. Where did you say it wa-.¡±


    ¡°Stop yelling,¡± she appeared behind him sending his soul straight to heaven, ¡°and it¡¯s right in front of you.¡± She picked up the packet of wipes and didn¡¯t forget to hit him upside his head with it.


    ¡°Ouch,¡± whimpered Zi Han but Zi Xingxi ignored him as she led the way back to the lounge. Seeing her mood improve Zi Han smiled happily.

 Chapter 89

    89 Watching a horror movie


    After examining his antique map like an expert Zi Feiji walked down the stairs with aplicated expression. His mind was still trying to figure out Marshal Yi¡¯s true purpose that he didn¡¯t immediately notice the situation in the lounge.


    Sitting on the couch were two figures sharing a nket with a bucket of popcorn while scrolling through a smaller floating screen trying to figure out what to watch.


    That wasn¡¯t even the highlight. They were both wearing onesies. One was a bear and the other a bunny with its ears pping as her head moved. The old steward walked over with a tray full of snacks and said, ¡°The miss and young sir have been arguing for ten minutes about what to watch. It seems the young sir wants to watch a horror movie to prove that he is now a big boy but the miss isn¡¯t having it,¡± said the old steward with a joyous smile exining the conflict in detail.


    Zi Feiji shifted his gaze from the pair to the tray filled with lots of snacks. There were dried fruit, nuts, cookies two slushies, and even ice cream. Where on earth was all this food going to go? Old Lu noticed the master¡¯s unusual expression so he raised the tray slightly and said, ¡°They said it was for a better watching experience.¡±


    Zi Feiji shook his head while checking the time. If they manage to finish eating all of this then one of them might have a tummy ache.


    ¡°Old Lu,¡± called out Zi Xingxi and the old steward ran over with the tray.


    ¡°Who ordered some ice cream?¡± he asked as hey down the tray.


    Zi Han took his hand out of the nket and stretched it out while responding, ¡°Me.... it was me. Thank you.¡±


    Zi Feiji sat on the chair beside them and silently watched as Zi Han struggled to peel off the foil keeping him away from his treasure. After pulling and tugging for a while he watched Zi Xingxi silently grabbed the small tub of ice cream and opened it for him before giving it back.


    .....


    Zi Han smiled happily as he thanked her. Their interaction was so natural you would think they had done this several times before. He suddenly felt his grandson might be spoilt a little.


    ¡°So you two do this often?¡± he asked with one of his legs crossed over the other at the knees.


    Zi Han licked the spoon before asking, ¡°Do what?¡±


    ¡°Dress up in weird-looking pajamas and binge eat like it¡¯s the end of the world?¡± asked Zi Feiji. When she was young, Zi Xingxi wouldn¡¯t be caught dead hanging out with him unless it had something to do with mechs and training. In her teens, she was far worse but here she was actually hanging out with Zi Han watching movies.


    Was it a him problem or Zi Xingxi¡¯s. Before he could ponder deeply into this subject Zi Xingxi handed him a slushy and said, ¡°You will like it. It¡¯s cherry vored.¡±


    Zi Feiji didn¡¯t intend on refusing. He epted it and took a sip. It almost froze his brain instantly but he loved the vor. Zi Han took advantage of the opportunity and tapped the horror movie he wanted to watch.


    Soon the ominous sounds marking the beginning of a terrifying ghost story filled the room and the housekeeper robot naturally switched off the lights.


    Zi Feiji found this funny. He couldn¡¯t help but wonder if they did this when they stayed in Saarilia. He truly had missed out on a lot. Ten minutester Zi Han found out how wrong he was. He was no big boy.


    He didn¡¯t fear anything but ghosts and it seemed his fear wasn¡¯t cured as of yet. He sank into the nket some more while eating his ice cream but Zi Xingxi wouldn¡¯t let him go that easy.


    ¡°Didn¡¯t you say you want to watch it?¡± she asked trying to pull the nket that was half covering his eyes.


    Zi Han clutched his protective nket tightly while responding, ¡°Yes, I am still watching,¡± in a low voice. He couldn¡¯t give up now. His mother always stopped him from watching horror movies her reasoning being he was too young.


    He wanted nothing more than to prove that he was a manly man now thus he refused the tear-free shampoo and now he was taking a stand to watch a horror movie.


    But just like the shampoo thing where he was stung in the eye, he was also still afraid of that ghastly ghost opening its mouth wide like it was going to devour his soul. This baby was terrified half to death but he would never admit it.


    Zi Feiji also noticed that his grandson was scared but if he cuddled him too much the consequences would be dire. If he wants to watch then let him watch it.


    So for the next two hours, Zi Han endured the terror by hiding his face while watching through his parted fingers. They were asional yelpsing from him during the jump scare scenes and he ate like crazy to soothe his nerves.


    Not once did Zi Xingxi ask him to stop the movie. That¡¯s because she had her own agenda. Since he wants to watch then let him watch.


    After a dissatisfying ending Zi Han hastily got up and said, ¡°Well off to bed.¡±


    Zi Feiji, ¡°.....¡±


    Why the sudden hurry? Zi Xingxi wasn¡¯t all surprised she calmly said, ¡°Okay honey, Don¡¯t forget to brush your teeth before bed.¡±


    ¡°Mhm mum, yep,¡± replied Zi Han almost tripping on the stairs as he ran.


    Zi Feiji followed him with his eyes and asked, ¡°Will he be fine?¡± Zi Xingxi who was folding the nket suddenly chuckled like the evil queen in snow white.


    ¡°Wait for it... five,.... four,..... three,..... two,...,¡± she counted and before should say one Zi Han appeared on top of the stairs while saying,


    ¡°Ma, aren¡¯t youing?¡±


    Zi Feiji, ¡°.....¡±


    ¡°I aming. Just go to bed,¡± she responded but Zi Han remained rooted on the spot. Zi Xingxi whispered to Zi Feiji, ¡°He is terrified to sleep alone after that movie. Thest time he snuck out of school and went to watch a scary movie with his friends, he clung to me like a ko.¡±

 Chapter 90

    90 I am a manly man


    ¡°Ma...,¡± he mumbled afraid to speak aloud. All that arrogance that he disyed in front of Yi Chen was wiped away. He now resembled a pup with its ears drooped.


    ¡°I aming,¡± she said before kissing her father¡¯s cheek and walking to the stairs, ¡°Stop urging me you brat. Didn¡¯t I tell you not to watch it? But what did you say then? I am a manly man.¡±


    Zi Han didn¡¯t care that he was being mocked. She could scold him all she wants as long as she wasing along otherwise he won¡¯t be able to sleep. That ghost was something straight out of a nightmare.


    ¡°Can we watch an animation before bed,¡± he suggested so he can dilute the horror stuck in his brain.


    ¡°Sure but I will pick what to watch,¡± she said, and as the two figures disappeared Zi Feiji asked the steward who was supervising the housekeeper robot, ¡°I think my grandson is too pampered or maybe it¡¯s just me.¡±


    ¡°How can he not be? He is the only grandchild of the Zi family,¡± said the steward smilingly. He believed the young sir deserved the best especially after losing his father. The kid could have been in the pce being treated like royalty but that right was robbed from him. Hence the old steward vowed to make his life asfortable as possible.


    While Zi Feiji was thinking of weaning Han off Zi Xingxi, Lin Ruoxi who had finished her night routine walked over and sat on the bed. As she rubbed the cream on her hands she asked her husband who was lying in bed,


    ¡°Do you know Zi Feiji¡¯s granddaughter?¡±


    Marshal Yi who had already closed his eyes opened them abruptly wondering where she was going with this. What granddaughter?


    .....


    The guy only had a daughter and a grandson. For years he didn¡¯t even know that Zi Feiji had a grandson. He only found out recently and now there was a granddaughter?


    ¡°No, why?¡± he asked while shuffling to look in her direction.


    ¡°Wouldn¡¯t it be a good idea to get Chen Chen to have a date-,¡± she said cautiously but her husband interjected immediately,


    ¡°No..... not happening. Even if we could get along that would only make the prime ministers anxious and when they are anxious they will make trouble.¡±


    He didn¡¯t even know if this granddaughter existed nor did he want to know. But he was certain of one thing he would never let his son go anywhere near the Zi family. It would not only put the Yi family at risk but also the Zi family.


    Two powerful families uniting as one could only bring trouble so no he would never agree. Besides that Zi Xingxi really hated him to the core. If it weren¡¯t that they still needed the Bloodgarde he would distance himself from her.


    Lin Ruoxi felt incredibly upset. She knew she was overreaching but he didn¡¯t even hear her out. She knew her son well. He was interested in that girl but her husband wouldn¡¯t agree. This was especially troublesome. Feeling upset shey on her side with her back to him indicating how upset she was.


    Marshal Yi felt bbergasted seeing this. Was this girl so special that his wife would ignore him? They had an agreement to never go to bed angry but for this matter, she would ignore him.


    He might have to pay Zi Feiji a visit and make him produce this granddaughter of his and see if she was worth all this trouble.


    Feeling unresigned he reached over to slide his arm on Lin Ruoxi¡¯s waist but before he could even touch her she angrily yanked the quilt and covered herself from head to toe leaving the Marshal uncovered.


    Marshal Yi sighed as hey on his back. After much thought, he got out of bed, put on his slippers, and walked out of the bedroom. Lin Ruoxi hmphed before closing her eyes seeming very upset.


    Marshal Yi stood outside his son¡¯s bedroom door for a while. He didn¡¯t even know what he was doing here. Perhaps it was because he wanted to understand what his wife was talking about.


    He wanted to understand what happened at that wedding and why his wife was asking. He might appear cold and aloof to everyone but deep down he was a hopeless romantic. He loved his wife so much that he couldn¡¯t bear it when she was angry with him.


    After standing there like a statue sighing nonstop, Yi Chen opened the door and said, ¡°Father if you sigh one more time you might pass out.¡±


    Marshal Yi didn¡¯t say anything he just walked past him only for his steps to halt when he saw the inkstone on the knee height table and paper carefully spread out. His brow furrowed as he turned to look back and ask, ¡°What are you doing?¡±


    Yi Chen straightened his face and replied in a calm tone, ¡°I am practicing?¡±


    Marshal Yi turned to look at the table again. This time he studied the characters carefully his brow furrowed. Was this his new hobby or something?


    Usually, at this time Yi Chen would either be practicing in the basement training room or fighting matches on the virtual simtor. But now he was practicing calligraphy in the middle of the night. This was indeed odd.


    Yi Chen suddenly felt a little nervous watching his father walking around the table like that. That is because right at the corner was the gift Zi Han gave him. Looking at those precious things motivated him while he worked. Turns out leaving them out wasn¡¯t a good idea.


    ¡°Did you need something?¡± he asked drawing his father¡¯s attention. Marshal Yi looked at him his expressionplicated. Was this kid trying to get rid of him? Since it was alreadyte he went straight to the point.


    ¡°Your mother mentioned Zi Feiji has a granddaughter. Do you know anything about it?¡±


    Yi Chen¡¯s body stiffened caught by surprise. Why would his mother mention this to his father? What were her intentions?


    Sensing his son¡¯s confusion the Marshal exined, ¡°She said she wants to set you up on a date with her this is why I am asking. Did you tell her you like that girl?¡±


    Yi Chen, ¡®Fuck!¡¯

 Chapter 91

    91 Half baked lies


    Yi Chen¡¯s entire body stiffened and his heart beat elerated when he heard what his father¡¯s said. Yes, he would love to go on a date with Zi Han as himself but not as Hanifa.


    The fact his parents had noticed..... no, the fact that his mother had noticed something already shocked him.


    He had made the least effort to hide his interest in Zi Han but he didn¡¯t think it would be this obvious that his mother would notice from one interaction.


    Now that the milk had been spilled there was no way to put it back into the carton. The only thing he could do now was tell his father half-baked truths.


    This was also to make his parents back off otherwise if they intervene there will be no guarantee that he would ever be able to be with Zi Han in this lifetime.


    Yi Chen unclenched his fist and said, ¡°Mum misunderstood..... There is no girl,¡± in a calm tone like he had nothing to hide. He had deliberately modted his voice to prevent any of his true emotions from spilling over.


    Marshal Yi¡¯s brows knitted as he leisurely folded his arms across his chest a little perplexed. If there wasn¡¯t a girl then why was he receiving silent treatment from his wife? He couldn¡¯t even cuddle her to sleep which the Marshal seriously needed.


    Now his son was telling him that he was getting the icy cold shoulder for nothing. ¡°borate,¡± he said in a sullen tone.


    ¡°Remember when I told you that Zi Feiji punished his grandson by making him wear a skirt? Well, today he came to the wedding wearing a dress. It seems that punishment is still ongoing so when she saw me talk to him it was because I was trying to figure out his circumstance that¡¯s all.¡±


    .....


    If the heavens could speak they would be pointing fingers at Yi Chen and calling him a liar. He never lied to his father and in the past, he would choose to keep silent if there was something he didn¡¯t want to say. But ever since he knew what sort of intention he had for Zi Han he had lied so many times already.


    It seemed he was really good at it because Marshal Yi couldn¡¯t detect a hint of deception. His facial muscles visibly rxed as he said, ¡°Oh, then you should tell your mother.¡±


    Yi Chen scratched his head while saying, ¡°I didn¡¯t think she would misunderstand and try and set us up.¡± He was secretly relieved that he wasn¡¯t exposed.


    ¡°But that Zi Feiji is something. He even dragged his grandson to a wedding in a dress? Wow! He must be that bored,¡± said the Marshal clearly fascinated. He couldn¡¯t help but wonder what was going on in that old man¡¯s head.


    Yi Chen walked past his father and sat back down intending to hide the bra chicken cutlets on his table.


    ¡°I think he had a purpose. Apparently, he tackled Grandmaster Wayne and grabbed something from him. It must have something to do with a mech,¡± exined Yi Chen while clutching the chicken cutlets in his hand under the table.


    Marshal Yi who hadn¡¯t noticed his son¡¯s subtle movements was suddenly enlightened. That old bastard Wayne even refused to make a protective mech for his kids.


    He had indeed made Lin Ruoxi¡¯s a couple of years ago but after that, he refused personal orders. It seemed Zi Feiji had found a way around it and snatched a mech from a genius. Fuck... even he had to admit that Zi Feiji was indeed a cunning fox.


    He shrugged his lips before turning to look at his son. ¡°When you have time tell your mother what you just told me. If I say it she won¡¯t believe me,¡± he said before turning to leave, ¡°Oh, and don¡¯t stay up toote.¡± After that, his father left, and as soon as his door shut he heaved a sigh.


    He uncurled his fingers and revealed those two conspicuous things that shouldn¡¯t be in his possession. Yi Chen bit his lower lip as he gently caressed those silicone inserts and his face gradually heated up.


    He didn¡¯t want his parents to know that he was interested in a man let alone a man with the surname Zi. At least not yet.


    He had to capture the man¡¯s heart first before letting anyone know. He wasn¡¯t certain what would shock them more the fact that he had a crush on a boy or the fact that that boy was Zi Feiji¡¯s grandson.


    Thinking of this he suddenly felt ridiculous. His life had been a straight arrow and he had a clear direction to where he was headed. But the day he met Zi Han everything seemed to spiral out of control.


    For a stringent person who likes being in control of every aspect of their lives, this was unnerving. Feeling a little flustered hey his head on the table trying to figure out when exactly the train derailed.


    ***


    ¡°How was it?¡± asked the old steward as Zi Feiji exited the training room in the penthouse.


    The old man¡¯s face was ghastly white and he was panting heavily like he had almost died. That¡¯s because a mech in Zi Han¡¯s hands was like giving a toddler a knife. A bloody scene was inevitable.


    He wanted to wean Zi Han off Zi Xingxi thus he opted to train his grandson in the art of mech operations. But it turned out that it was a very bad idea. Even his own mech was traumatized in that short hour. No, no he couldn¡¯t let himself suffer.


    Whoever birthed that little demon needed to train it themselves. ¡°Where is his mother?¡±


    Old steward, ¡°.....¡±


    Such a distant tone clearly depicted the master¡¯s experience in there. ¡°She is in the gym doing yoga,¡± replied Old Lu but before he even finished his statement, Zi Feiji had already walked away.


    Zi Xingxi who was busy doing the downward facing dog saw her father through the gap between her calves but she didn¡¯t stop working out. She slowly moved her body into an upward facing dog pose and exhaled deeply like she was letting go of all her frustrations.


    A restless Zi Feiji said, ¡°I was wrong. You do it... Your son, you do it.¡±


    ¡°Now slowly let go of all your worldly burdens by gently moving back into the child¡¯s pose,¡± said Chronos reading off a script on Sta. Zi Feiji wasn¡¯t certain if it was doing it on purpose or not but that tone was incredibly suspicious.


    Zi Xingxi inhaled as she moved back and exhaled in the child¡¯s pose before saying, ¡°What did he do?¡±

 Chapter 92

    92 He wanted to kill me for inheritance


    Zi Feiji who had been holding back suddenly went on a rampageining incessantly.


    ¡°Where do I even begin? He drives like a maniac, can¡¯t tell the difference between aser cannon and aser ster. He almost shot me twice. I am seriously starting to think he wanted to kill me for inheritance,¡± he exaggeratedly said spouting more nonsense than facts.


    Zi Xingxi chuckled as she sat down with her legs crossed in an easy pose. ¡°Inheritance hahaha..... That kid doesn¡¯t give a damn about money. Guns and mechs, however.... that¡¯s an entirely different story,¡± she said enjoying this rare moment of her father whining. Who would have thought Zi Han had inherited her talent of rattling Zi Feiji.


    She got up and said, ¡°I think you need this session more than I do.¡± Zi Xingxi hung her towel on Zi Feiji¡¯s shoulder before walking out.


    ¡°Master Zi, please take care of your body. At your age it¡¯s easy to AH!¡± said Chronos through the floating screen before Zi Feiji red fiercely at it making it yelp in fright. It seemed it had forgotten who the true boss was around here.


    It swiftly disconnected from the floating disy and ran off to the training room system.


    Zi Xingxi entered the training room and found her cub in his new mech hanging upside down on a weight lifting bar for mechs like a bat.


    ¡°I heard you made your grandpa cry?¡± she said with her hand on her hip.


    Zi Han who had been falsely used jumped down from the weight lifting bar and performed a perfect double flip beforending on the ground like a hero in the Avengers.


    .....


    As his mech stood tall and strong in the middle of the training room he suddenly looked like he was showing off. Zi Xingxi smirked watching her son like this. He was as smug as his father was.


    The man wouldn¡¯t hesitate to show off Igneous, thest of the three cmities, when they were in military school. The funny thing was that whenever he summoned his mech he would look her in the eyes as though telling her that this was all for her.


    Unfortunately for him, at that time Zi Xingxi only thought it was out of pure provocation. Her blood would seethe ready to beat down the opponent. She only found outter that he was trying to get her attention.


    When ites to her son, this was only his first mech and he was already acting smug. How typical.


    ¡°Mum, does it suit me? I think I look rather dashing. What do you think?¡± he said flexing the mech¡¯s muscles like a bodybuilder.


    Zi Xingxi chuckled before saying, ¡°You disrespected your grandpa so naturally, you have to pay the price,¡± before Chronos appeared and engulfed her body. Zi Xingxi wasn¡¯t like her father.


    She knew Zi Han¡¯s limits hence she was especially ruthless. Zi Feiji¡¯s mistake was that he held back too much thus his grandson bullied him till he ran out of there.


    By the time Zi Xingxi was done with him Zi Han was crying tears of blood. He regretted it so much that he wanted to crawl out of the training room and when he did his mech was dragged back by the legs.


    Zi Feiji who was watching from the control room felt much better. His daughter had avenged him. Old Lu on the other end felt sorry for the young sir, especially after that drop kick that struck Zi Han¡¯s mech and sent him flying straight into the wall.


    Chronos was so excited that it couldn¡¯t shut up. It was dying to help Zi Han train and now that it had the chance to participate in this one-sided beatdown it was like a crazy football fan jeering in excitement.


    Zi Han who was aching all over raised his head when he heard the sound of aser cannon being activated. He was met by the muzzle of a fired-upser cannon and Chronos looking down at him.


    Chronos¡¯ cockpit opened and Zi Xingxi appeared with a sly smile. ¡°Too much?¡± she asked, ¡°if it is I can dial it down.¡±


    Zi Han smiled slyly his eyes as cunning as a fox¡¯s. ¡°How will I be the best if we dial back on the training?¡± he said and before Zi Xingxi knew it Chronos¡¯ legs were swept. She only managed to escape because her perception was especially good. She retracted theser cannon and took a step back.


    Zi Han didn¡¯t waste any time. As though injected with chicken blood heunched an offensive strike taking Zi Xingxi by surprise. Like a rabid dog, he attacked relentlessly. Time and time again he was put in his ce. By the time Zi Xingxi was done with him, he could barely lift a finger.


    Thirty minutes in and Zi Feiji couldn¡¯t watch anymore. His grandson just wouldn¡¯t yield. It was as though he had inherited his mother¡¯s stubborn nature and his father¡¯s tenacity. In his books, anyone who could pursue his daughter for that long was undoubtedly tenacious and worthy of his respect.


    ¡°They are both crazy..... how can they possibly be rted to me?¡± said Zi Feiji shaking his head with a dispirited look. Ten secondster he raised his head only to realize that Old Lu and the housekeeper robot were looking at him.


    The look wasn¡¯t that of sympathy but an ¡®are you fucking serious¡¯ look. ¡°What?¡± he asked but they silently looked away.


    This man right here was the craziest of the three. It¡¯s just that he had calmed down with age but when he was young he showed people mes. It seemed he had forgotten how much trouble he was growing up.


    Zi Han only yield when he had exhausted his mental power after pushing it beyond his limits. After the beat down all his aggression was wiped clean and that spoilt side of his came out.


    He refused to get off the floor saying his mother should carry him out. He also imed that this was the only way he was leaving the training room. Zi Xingxi who couldn¡¯t resist those tiny whimpers almost agreed when her father seriously reprimanded Zi Han telling him to get up.


    Unfortunately, that didn¡¯t work. It only resulted in Zi Han changing his target to his dearest grandpa. Zi Han wore his grandfather out thus in the end he got what he wanted. He was carried on his grandfather¡¯s back out of that training room and Zi Xingxi took a picture of this moment. This appeared simple but it was a treasured memory they could look back at in the future.

 Chapter 93

    93 Untimely death


    The beautiful sunrise reflecting upon Capital Star¡¯s magnificent splendor brought forth a new week promising great progress. But for Zi Han, it only brought forth vengeance, not vengeance upon himself but on someone else.


    Whoever sent him those messages was going to be a dead man it¡¯s just that he had to find out who it was first. He sat cross legged in his chair tapping his light brain to find the blocked contact.


    With a few taps, he found it and shuffled towards Shorty who was panickingly doing his assignment due in a few hours. ¡°Hey Shorty... do you know whose number this is?¡± he asked while showing him the blocked number.


    Shorty raised his head and only took a short glimpse before replying, ¡°No, I don¡¯t think so. You can ask around... someone must know.¡±


    ¡°Oh, did you finish yournguage assignment? This younger brother spent his entire weekend challenging people to mech battles on the virtualwork that Ipletely forgot I had an assignment.¡±


    Zi Han who was already looking for someone else to ask nced at him with a smug smile and said, ¡°Yeah I finished it yesterday. Would you like to copy it?¡±


    As he asked this he leaned in closer with his bare knees bumping onto Shorty¡¯s leg making him nervous. The way Zi Han¡¯s intoxicating fox eyes stared at him made his heart beat quicken not out of interest but purely out of fear.


    He felt like with that one look his soul was getting sucked out of his body. This person was indeed a temptress. Just as Shorty thought he was going to sell his soul to Zi Han, Zi Han¡¯s eyes were covered by a slender hand with long fingers and a ring with an insignia on its middle finger.


    Shorty patted his chest and heaved a sigh while turning back to do his assignment. Zi Han was irritated but the person didn¡¯t touch his face directly hence he couldn¡¯t explode with anger.


    .....


    Swallowing down his annoyance he turned around and looked behind him. It was that blonde haired boy again and he was smiling at him like a mischievous tiger. Evan pressed his palm on Zi Han¡¯s desk and said, ¡°You shouldn¡¯t look at people like that otherwise they would easily fall in love,¡± with a low chuckle.


    Zi Han raised his brow while turning his body towards him with the hem of his skirt sliding a little showing more of his thigh. Evan¡¯s smile stiffened seeing those frosty eyes staring at a specific part of his lower body with a hint of maliciousness.


    The threat was obvious thus he subconsciously took a step back. ¡°Well..... are you falling in love right now?¡± asked Zi Han his gaze slowly looking up his body stopping when he met Evan¡¯s line of sight.


    Evan pulled back his arm on Zi Han¡¯s desk and cleared his throat before replying, ¡°Nope, not at all.¡±


    ¡°Good,¡± replied Zi Han his temperament changing back to what it was like before. Looking at that joyous smile you wouldn¡¯t think it was the same person threatening to burst Evan¡¯s balls just now.


    Zi Han turned back to the pair of twins sitting behind him and asked, ¡°Do you two know who this belongs to?¡±


    Shannon who was putting scrunches on her brother¡¯s hair stopped as Shaun raised his head from the desk. The two stared at the floating screen before shaking their heads. ¡°No, maybe you can ask the vice ss president she might know,¡± replied Shannon before proceeding with messing with her brother¡¯s hair.


    Shaun who had endured it for so long said, ¡°Haven¡¯t you had enough yet? My scalp is sore,¡± trying to take one of them out.


    ¡°No, I haven¡¯t had enough now lie down otherwise I will tell mum you bullied me,¡± she said while gently pressing his head down urging him to go back to sleep, ¡°There, there that¡¯s a good boy..... now stay still.¡±


    Zi Han who watched this mini theater was so amused by the dynamics of their rtionship. His gaze lingered on the pink pouch she was taking scrunchies out of and asked, ¡°Out of pure interest..... how many of those do you have in there?¡±


    ¡°Too many to count,¡± replied Shaun in a muffled voice. Shannon smiled happily while picking a pink one.


    ¡°Do you want it?¡± she asked offering it to him.


    ¡°But I have short hair. It wouldn¡¯t be of any use to me,¡± he replied but he still reached out his hand and took it, ¡°Thanks.¡±


    ¡°I know whose contacts it is,¡± said that familiar deep voice while Zi Han was still putting on the scrunchie on his wrist. Zi Han who thought he had left already turned to look at him his attitude better than before.


    ¡°Who?¡± he asked only for Evan to point in a certain direction. Yi Chen was also looking in their direction his expression gloomy like someone owed him billions. But what else was new? This guy always looked like this like he had malware installed in his brain.


    He had seen everything and his good mood from seeing Zi Han this morning was thoroughly ruined. Only the heavens know how much he wanted to knock out Evan when he saw their interaction. He had the sudden urge to skin Evan alive but he held back and could only clench his fist to calm his nerves.


    What he didn¡¯t expect though was that Zi Han would take the initiative to stare at him but from his expression, he could clearly tell Zi Han was upset about something. But like a masochist, he didn¡¯t care if Zi Han was angry with him.


    To him, attention was attention no matter what it was as long as Zi Han could only look at him and no one else.


    When Zi Han stood up Yi Chen quickly looked away reason being he didn¡¯t want to look at those tantalizing thighs. If he does he might want to take a bite which will undoubtedly result in an untimely death.


    What he didn¡¯t expect though was for Zi Han to stand right in front of his desk his hands grasping either side of it. Yi Chen¡¯s chest tightened with his line of sight directly falling on Zi Han¡¯s waist.

 Chapter 94

    94 Human refrigerator


    Everything around him including his heart froze at that moment. He could feel Zi Han¡¯s fragrance, warmth, and glow engulfing his mind, body, and soul.


    With his stomach ridden with butterflies, he slowly raised his head and was met by Zi Han¡¯s face which was only a few centimeters from his.


    Yi Chen calmed himself down and asked in a t tone, ¡°What¡¯s up?¡±


    Zi Han smiled slyly before sitting right on top of Yi Chen¡¯s desk his legs spread apart in circling Yi Chen between them. Yi Chen took a fleeting nce at those legs spread apart like a runway and his breath hitched.


    He hastily looked up at him and said, ¡°Cadet Han get off my desk,¡± his voice hoarse like he had been deprived of water for the past few days. Yi Chen was really good at hiding his emotions but this time he made an error. He was so stimted that he let something slip but Zi Han mistook it for disdain.


    ¡°ss president Chen may I ask if this is your contact?¡± he asked like an interrogator about to pin a murder on someone.


    The students who were minding their own business curiously looked over wondering how this little show was going to proceed. Evan on the other hand was very regretful. If he knew Zi Han would act this way he would have happily carried that pot.


    Li Ran and H who had been outside just now walked into such a scene. Shaken Li Ran grabbed H¡¯s arm and said, ¡°Vice, can I sit with you for the rest of the day?¡± in an almost begging tone.


    Why? It was because he knew his friend too well and what Zi Han was doing right now was worth getting one¡¯s ass kicked. He did not want to be caught in that crossfire so he chose to seek refuge elsewhere.


    .....


    Unfortunately, H was not as weing as the UNICEF, the girl tantly refused as she shook his hand off. She was a little interested in the drama happening over there thus she hurried to her seat to ask her deskmate.


    Li Ran had no choice but to sit in Zi Han¡¯s seat but the neighbors weren¡¯t as weing as well. Calling them hostile wouldn¡¯t be an exaggeration.


    Yi Chen looked at the contact details and admitted it with a cid expression. ¡°Yes, it¡¯s indeed my number.¡± His emotions were in a huge mess right now but he remainedposed.


    One can only imagine how difficult it was for him. This person was within his reach but he still couldn¡¯t touch him. He had to stiffly keep his line of sight on Zi Han¡¯s face otherwise he might lose his mind.


    Zi Han smiled evilly and said, ¡°You also wrote this, didn¡¯t you?¡± Zi Han showed him the evidence and Yi Chen admitted it as well. It was at this point that he realized Zi Han had misunderstood him. Even as he re-read these messages in his mind he could see why.


    He wanted to exin what he meant but when he realized his exnation might sell him out and make his feelings known he kept his mouth shut. Zi Han licked the pointy end of his canine tooth in annoyance before saying, ¡°Since you dislike it so much then I can only desensitize you.¡±


    ¡°Where I am from there is absolutely nothing wrong with a man wearing a skirt and once you enlist and travel to differents and stars you will see more things you consider abnormal.¡±


    ¡°So you can count this as me doing you a favor, okay?¡±


    After saying this Zi Han patted his cheek twice before sitting down in Li Ran¡¯s seat with his legs crossed at the knees showing more skin. Yi Chen¡¯s tense muscles rxed when Zi Han got off his desk.


    His expression was calm but his little brother was very honest. It was more honest than himself.


    He calmly took off his school jacket and ced it on hisp preventing Zi Han from noticing his abnormality. With that part covered he felt much better but he was still so nervous.


    He wanted to look at Zi Han yet he pretended not to notice him. Yi Chen was staring at his mech repair notes but his real attention was on Zi Han out of the corner of his eye. He didn¡¯t even look in that direction but at the same time, he was noticing the figure sitting beside him.


    He wanted to draw Zi Han¡¯s attention to himself but he couldn¡¯te up with anything that didn¡¯t sound stupid. Unfortunately for him, his heart was so itchy that it went against his rational mind and asked, ¡°Are you going to sit here for the rest of the day?¡±


    Zi Han who was studying his disappointing grade from their previous repair looked up his brow knitted together and asked, ¡°What? So I can¡¯t sit here? Your deskmate is sitting in my seat,¡± before lowering his head and continuing with what he was doing.


    Yi Chen felt giddy inside. He wanted to tell Zi Han about the copied script and that he didn¡¯t have to wear a skirt anymore but he felt like if he said it now he might spark an intergctic war right here.


    Yi Chen decided to focus on his work for the time being or at least pretend like he was studying seriously when he heard a soft chuckleing from his left. He didn¡¯t want to look but that sound was as gentle as wind chimes being swayed by a soothing breeze.


    No matter how he tried he couldn¡¯t hold back. He bit his lower lip while encouraging himself. ¡®It¡¯s just a single nce. Just one nce that¡¯s all,¡¯ he said to himself before turning his head slightly. What he saw almost broke his brain.


    Zi Han was smiling happily the kind of smile that was as beautiful as peonies under the sun. It was wonderful but this smile..... this smile was directed at someone else, not him. Zi Han was looking at his light brain smiling happily which made Yi Chen jealous.


    He was so sour that he threw all pretenses out of the window and directly wore a dark face. His aura was so powerful that Zi Han raised his head feeling a sense of unease.


    But when he raised his head Yi Chen was focusing on his work like Zi Han didn¡¯t exist. Zi Han felt chills all over his body. It seemed annoying this human refrigerator wasn¡¯t going to be as fun as he thought.

 Chapter 95

    95 Panicking like a dog before a storm


    Zi Han lowered his head and continued messing with his light brain. Another chuckle escaped his throat as he mindlessly crossed his legs with the hem of his skirt riding up a few inches.


    He bit his lower lip for a split second before typing out a response. After a few seconds, a ding sound came from his light brain and he chuckled again but this time he raised his head and looked at H. His actions seemed flirtatious but in truth, he was amused by the chibi drawing of himself in a yellow puffer jacket.


    She had already drawn it for him but because they had an assignment due she hadn¡¯t sent it out yet. H smiled back at him before looking down and typing something else.


    Ding!


    Another notification came in and this time Yi Chen couldn¡¯t take it anymore. His sense of hearing seemed to have been heightened because Zi Han¡¯s pleasantugh was prating deep into his soul awakening the demon inside of him.


    That ugly demon inside of him was tense as its finger scraped along the bottom of his stomach, green-eyed and hungry. He tried to tell himself it was nothing and that he didn¡¯t care but when Zi Han turned his head and smiled in H¡¯s direction he couldn¡¯t bear it.


    He wanted to ask, ¡°What was funny?¡± but he restrained himself because he knew that no matter what the answer was he won¡¯t like it.


    GoddessOfDeath: Han Han if you smile at me like that you might have to take responsibility and marry me.


    This was the message H sent to Zi Han. Zi Han sent her the gift card to a smoothie bar that he bought on Sta and replied,


    .....


    HandsomeHan: No more smiles for you. Don¡¯t regret itter.


    After sending this response he opened his mother¡¯s chat interface intending to send her the cute little chibi with a yellow puffer jacket when he saw his mother¡¯s moments. It was a picture of her and grandpa at a restaurant by the beach drinking cocktails in the morning.


    He was stuck in school yet they went to the beach without him. So he sent the cute drawing with a caption full ofints.


    HandsomeHan: [You went to the beach without me.jpg]


    After sending that Zi Han no longer cared about his light brain. He wanted to go to the beach too but since he was a student he could only go to school while his family enjoyed a sunny day at the beach.


    Yi Chen could sense his sudden change in mood and wanted to say a word or two to break the ice but before he could open his mouth thenguage lecturer walked in to begin ss.


    Zi Han¡¯s yful attitude was immediately tucked away making it hard to believe he was the same person who was joking around just now. He was already in learning mode but he didn¡¯t forget his mission.


    He might have considered the task of annoying Yi Chen to death extremely challenging but he kept to his word by doing a myriad of things. Let¡¯s take a look at some of the things he did, shall we?


    In between sses or when the lecturer wasn¡¯t looking Zi Han would sometimes deliberately bump his knee with Yi Chen¡¯s and when Yi Chen looked at him he would wink at him. Sounds not so excessive, right?


    Well, that is if you don¡¯t factor in the fact that he deliberately raised the hem of his skirt a little, and when Yi Chen gave him a reprimanding look he would smile slyly while looking away.


    After this happened a couple of times Zi Han who had no sense of awareness found his thighs had been covered by Yi Chen¡¯s jacket. At that moment Yi Chen actually thought that was the end of it but ten minutester when ss ended Zi Han stood up and directly put on Yi Chen¡¯s school jacket.


    Because he had only been wearing a sweater before Yi Chen¡¯s jacket fit well. It¡¯s just that because Zi Han was shorter it covered part of his skirt. He honestly looked like a girl wearing her jock boyfriend¡¯s varsity jacket.


    Li Ran who was watching these two from afar dropped his jaw in shock and almost passed out. One time he forgot his jacket at home and asked Yi Chen for his spare one in the training room locker but he was ruthlessly rejected. His exact words were, ¡°I don¡¯t like sharing my things even with a good brother.¡±


    Li Ran had to endure for two more hours before his mother personally drove to the school and pulled his ear while reprimanding him as it was part of the school rules to wear the full uniform at all times.


    Now Yi Chen indifferently watched Zi Han wear his school jacket and didn¡¯t say anything? This had Li Ran panicking like a dog before a storm.


    After wearing Yi Chen¡¯s jacket Zi Han sat down with a gleeful expression while asking, ¡°What do you think?¡± with his chin resting on his hand.


    Yi Chen just looked at him for a second then averted his gaze trying to conceal the slight ripple in his eyes. He almost couldn¡¯t resist the urge to smile. Zi Han thought he was annoying him but in truth, he was enjoying this special treatment. It gave him the illusion that they were dating and gosh did that feel good.


    Zi Han who had no idea he was giving the man exactly what he wanted tapped Yi Chen¡¯s foot with the tip of his shoe but Yi Chen who was trying to hide something ignored him.


    Being ignored Zi Han decided to up his game. He kept staring at Yi Chen¡¯s handsome side profile. His intentions were clear. He wanted the man to break his resolve and turn to look at him but Yi Chen was more stubborn than he thought.


    The man refused to turn around and look at him despite Zi Han making it so obvious. What he didn¡¯t realize was that half of Yi Chen¡¯s face was numb from his stare. Only the heavens know how badly he wanted to turn his head.


    Zi Han who had been staring for so long suddenly lost himself in the moment. He suddenly had thoughts like this guy is really handsome and who is more handsome between the two of them.


    He also noticed that Yi Chen had a tiny ck mole just below his earlobe. Curious he stretched out his hand to poke it but before he could touch it his wrist was grasped and Yi Chen finally looked at him.

 Chapter 96

    96 Roast King


    Zi Han who had been caught doing something he didn¡¯t initially intend to do in the first ce pursed his lips as he withdrew his hand from Yi Chen and sat down properly.


    He was embarrassed but Yi Chen detected a hint of grievance in Zi Han¡¯s expression. He suddenly felt a little guilty. Maybe he should have let him touch it? Would that make Zi Han happy?


    With this thought in mind, he wanted to tell him to go ahead and touch but before he could say it the bell rang and the announcement to assemble at the training room was repeated consecutively on the floating screen.


    The ss was suddenly boisterous and everyone got up to their feet and prepared for their favorite subject in the entire academy. Yi Chen took out buttermilk candy as he walked out of the door.


    Li Ran who had hurried over to ask what was the deal between him and Zi Han saw the candy and instantly forgot his question.


    Noticing that familiar greedy expression Yi Chen took out another one and gave it to Li Ran but before Li Ran could take it Zi Han hastily walked past them and took it away without a word.


    The two people were dumbfounded. They just watched as Zi Han swaggered away with his group of misfits while unwrapping the piece of candy. Yi Chen¡¯s adam¡¯s apple bobbed up and down before he asked Li Ran, ¡°Do you think he knows his provocationes off as something else?¡±


    Li Ran who was weeping internally after being robbed didn¡¯t even hear his question. He just stretched out his hand asking for another. Yi Chen nced at his hand and said nothing before walking away.


    When they reached the locker room for the training arena the ce was especially wild with boys changing in the open while chatting it up.


    .....


    One can only imagine the type of conversation they were having in the locker room and no, it wasn¡¯t about girls. They were making fun of each other¡¯s muscles and one could understand why.


    Some had chicken legs for arms, others had little round tummy pouches and others were beef cakes.


    Strength in the federation was determined by one¡¯s mental power not muscle strength but that didn¡¯t mean these childish beings wouldn¡¯t roast each other. And who was in the forefront? It was none other than Zi Han. If he wasn¡¯t a sharpshooter his mother would confer to him the title of Roast King.


    Amid their boisterousughter, a red haired boy next to Evan taunted Zi Han, ¡°You are one to talk. How about you take off your blouse and show us. I bet you are no worse than my stick figure arms.¡±


    Zi Han who had taken off Yi Chen¡¯s jacket hung it in his locker while saying, ¡°This man in a blouse has bigger guns than you.... here,¡± flexing his arm before continuing, ¡°and down south as well.¡±


    The locker room that had quietened down just now instantly blew up with the red haired boyughing with Evan. Yi Chen just ignored them but his stomach felt like it had been punched.


    As he slowly unbuttoned his shirt the feeling wore off but it was soon reced with a feeling of anger. He didn¡¯t even know why he was angry but all he knew was that he was quite livid. This feeling only got worse when the red haired spoke again.


    ¡°Then how about you pull up your skirt and we canpare who is bigge-.¡±


    BANG!


    He didn¡¯t get to finish because a shirtless Yi Chen had just mmed his locker shut with a loud bang that made everyone flinch. After throwing such a tantrum he walked to the other partition in the locker room where they had the showers. Yi Chen felt his face was hot so he went to the sink to cool himself down.


    After their ss leader threw such a tantrum everyone hurriedly changed before scattering like flies. Even Li Ran was nowhere to be seen in this situation. That¡¯s because he didn¡¯t want to be caught up in hurricane Chen. It rarely happened but when it did happen everyone should evacuate if they know what¡¯s good for them.


    Yi Chen clenched the sides of the sink with water droplets dripping down his hair and face. His chest was undting deeply as he closed his eyes calming his mind. He prided himself as a person with great self-restraint and endurance.


    No matter how upsetting a situation was he wouldn¡¯t explode. He would keep his emotions in check and approach the problem calmly and rationally. This meant that when he was angry he would rarely show it. But ever since he met Zi Han his walls kept crumbling down.


    The first time they met he lost himself in the moment and his emotions were influenced by Zi Han so much that they got into a fight. Now those boys just said a few joking words to Zi Han and he lost his shit. This kind of reaction was so unprecedented that he couldn¡¯t believe it.


    Yi Chen grabbed a towel from his storage space and walked back into the locker room while patting his face dry.


    The locker room was empty. It seemed after his tantrum everyone scattered in an instant including Li Ran. He opened up his locker intending to take out his training gear when,


    BAM!!!


    The door of his locker was mmed shut and he was met by Zi Han¡¯s livid face. Because he was still a little angry Yi Chen didn¡¯t indulge him. He opened his locker door that had been mmed so many times today that you would think it would break from its hinges.


    Zi Han licked his canine tooth feeling a little annoyed. With his back leaning against the locker he asked, ¡°What exactly is your problem?¡± while staring at Yi Chen who was putting on his uniform.


    Yi Chen didn¡¯t respond. He carried on doing what he was doing further infuriating Zi Han. Since he didn¡¯t want to bete for his first training Zi Han walked to his locker while unbuttoning his blouse. When he was taking off his arm from the sleeve Yi Chen who had been silent just now suddenly spoke.


    ¡°You should go change in one of the private showers,¡± said Yi Chen in a low tone but that¡¯s all it took for this firecracker to explode.


    Zi Han, ¡°Excuse me?!¡±


    Yi Chen, ¡®Shit!¡¯


    It was at this moment that he knew he had fucked up.


    Countdown to Zi Han¡¯splete meltdown begins now....

 Chapter 97

    97 A pissed of Zi Han is something else.


    Yi Chen knew he had messed up the moment he said those words but what had been spoken couldn¡¯t be taken back. He was saying this for Zi Han¡¯s sake because he was well aware of what kind of thoughts he harbored towards him.


    If he were to see him naked he was afraid that he would be a pervert and eat some tofu both intentionally and unintentionally thus he blurted that out.


    Unfortunately for him, Zi Han had yet again misunderstood which didn¡¯t surprise him at this point. He just hoped he could smooth things over before this misunderstanding festered and morphed into something irreparable.


    Yi Chen could hear Zi Han noisily moving things around his locker while changing. The man was obviously cursing his ancestors. Yi Chen knew the risks but he had absolutely no choice.


    Thus he said, ¡°You misunderstood me. That¡¯s not what I meant,¡± while straightening up his t-shirt. He didn¡¯t even look in Zi Han¡¯s direction but this only made things worse.


    A shirtless Zi Han and mind you it was a shirtless Zi Han wearing a skirt walked over to him and angrily said, ¡°Then please borate what you meant? Am I so disgusting in your eyes that you can¡¯t even look at me? What part of me doesn¡¯t look like you, huh?¡±


    ¡°Yes sure you have more muscles than I do but so what? So I should go change in private because I don¡¯t meet your standards?... You are full of shit, you know that?¡±


    ¡°Tch.... fuckin ruining my mood,¡± he mumbled walking away as Yi Chen still didn¡¯t look at him nor did he respond or maybe he just didn¡¯t have the opportunity to respond. But right now it was starting to look like Yi Chen wasn¡¯t very good with words. He was good at most things but arguing wasn¡¯t a skill he was gifted in.


    Yi Chen couldn¡¯t hold it in anymore so he turned to look at him only to be met by a breathtaking image that sent his soul straight into seventh heaven. Zi Han stood with his back to himpletely unaware of the chaos stirring behind him.


    .....


    His back was caught between well-built with a defined waist sculpted to perfection. As he moved around his exquisite muscles tightened and rxed causing ripples in Yi Chen¡¯s heart. His hands felt a little itchy. He wanted to run the tips of his fingers on those intricate shoulder des that vanished under the fabric of the white t-shirt blocking his view.


    Yi Chen felt his heart beat faster and faster as he followed Zi Han¡¯s movements with his eyes. His throat burnt from thirst when Zi Han¡¯s slender fingers reached for the zipper of the skirt that was behind.


    As the zipper was pulled down he saw two venus dimples peeking from underneath the band of Zi Han¡¯s ck trunks and as the skirt slipped down Zi Han¡¯s long legs Yi Chen couldn¡¯t look anymore nor could he speak.


    His situation down under wasn¡¯t good either. His entire body felt hot and flustered like he had soaked in a hot spring for several hours. This wasn¡¯t good. If he couldn¡¯t control himself soon Zi Han would notice his abnormality.


    He took in deep breaths as he closed his eyes attempting to calm the ze wailing up with him. Yi Chen rubbed his forehead while chanting internally trying to quench the ze within him.


    Zi Han angrily mmed the locker door and walked past Yi Chen but before he could pass him his arm was grasped. Zi Han wanted to shake off Yi Chen but he found he couldn¡¯t so he red at him in warning.


    Yi Chen didn¡¯t heed this warning. Instead, he pulled Zi Han back a few steps while his other hand took out a folder bag and ced it on Zi Han¡¯s chest. ¡°My choice of words was wrong..... I am sorry I made you upset,¡± said Yi Chen with so much sincerity in his eyes but Zi Han was still too hot-headed to notice.


    Zi Han snorted coldly and gave back the folder bag to its owner while trying to yank his hand back. ¡°If you feel disgusted then don¡¯t fuckin look at me. Close your eyes or some shit like that,¡± he said his words sharp enough to slice through Yi Chen¡¯s soul.


    ¡°I don¡¯t feel disgusted.... I just want you to stop wearing a skirt that¡¯s all. Here..... look inside,¡± he said giving Zi Han back the folder that had been tossed back and forth between them.


    Zi Han was utterly vexed by this situation. He couldn¡¯t understand why Yi Chen was extremely persistent about this but who was Yi Chen to him that he would tell him (Zi Han) what to do?


    If he wants to wear a skirt then no one and I repeat no one in this world could stop him. Not even his mother could stop him let alone Yi Chen.


    Zi Han was about to toss the folder into Yi Chen¡¯s locker and walk away but Yi Chen pressed the folder back on his chest and said, ¡°...Please,¡± in a low tone that could almost be mistaken for begging.


    Zi Han who usually solved conflicts with fists found himself at a loss at this point. In as much as he wanted to express his anger that voice was just too calm for his liking.


    ¡°Let go of me,¡± said Zi Han. He knew he would bete for training if Yi Chen kept stubbornly holding him.


    ¡°I will only let go if you promise to take a look at what¡¯s inside,¡± said Yi Chen lowering his head slightly to look into Zi Han¡¯s eyes.


    Zi Han¡¯s lips twitched as he red back at him like a cat ready to pounce on an enemy. ¡°Fine, now let go,¡± said Zi Han and Yi Chen immediately let go.


    He watched Zi Han put away the folder before walking out of the locker room inrge strides. Yi Chen could clearly feel the resentmenting from Zi Han which made his heartache. When it came down to it he found that he couldn¡¯t say anything that would expose him thus he could only say so much. Unfortunately for him, it only deepened the misunderstanding but to him, a misunderstanding was better than letting his feelings known.


    If Zi Han found out the truth then he might even avoid him and not want to talk to him anymore. While it is not a good feeling to be hated but to him, it was better to be hated than ignored.

 Chapter 98

    98 He is still angry. You have all been warned


    The only good thing that came out of this situation was that the ze that was swirling in his body like a fire whirl had long grown cold. Feeling rather dispirited he changed into the rest of his training gear before closing his locker shut.


    When he got to the training room the drill instructor had already started speaking. Yi Chen stood next to Li Ran who had been constantly watching the door looking for him.


    ¡°What took you so long?¡± whispered Li Ran barely turning his head so they don¡¯t get caught talking.


    Yi Chen didn¡¯t respond he looked straight ahead and identally met Zi Han¡¯s murderous eyes which almost startled him. He knew Zi Han had a temper but he didn¡¯t think it was this extreme. But despite knowing that he was like a moth to mes. He was attracted despite the consequences.


    Zi Han was the first of the two to avert his gaze. He was so irritated that couldn¡¯t stand still. His rational mind was telling him that he had misunderstood something but he was still too pissed to calmly think.


    Like an angry bull, his eyes were still seeing red and his target was a few meters away from him. It¡¯s a good thing they were having training. He could at least vent out his frustrations. One could only feel sorry for the unlucky bastard who he would be facing off with.


    ¡°... most of you rely on mental power to decimate your opponents but anything can happen when you are facing off an enemy on the battlefield. You might experience mental exhaustion... or maybe a chemical, biological or neurological attack crippling your mental power but you are still forced to fight for your very survival,¡± said the tall brawny soft-spoken drill instructor as he paced on the training mat scanning through the crowd.


    His steps paused in front of Evan and scoffed beforemanding, ¡°Cadet Chen!!¡±


    ¡°Yes sir!¡± responded Yi Chen as he took a step forward.


    .....


    ¡°You will have hand to handbat training with Cadet Evan and show the rest of the ss how it¡¯s done. Same rules and no mental power. Any objections,¡± he said his stern gaze still fixed on Evan who was standing at attentionpletely devoid of his previousx behavior.


    ¡°No sir!¡±


    ¡°No sir!¡±


    The two of them responded simultaneously before walking over to the wrestling mat where the drill instructor was standing.


    ¡°Don¡¯t hesitate to yield. There is no shame in admitting defeat within this premises because we are all here to learn,¡± said the drill instructor before giving them the go ahead.


    Yi Chen hadn¡¯t expected such a great opportunity would be presented to him on a silver tter. His expression seemed normal but the aura emanating from his body said otherwise. He was out for blood and Evan just so happened to have offended him unknowingly.


    Evan who had no idea that he had drifted into troubled waters thought this was going to be a regr spar but boy was he wrong. Like a wrecking ball on a mission to bring down a building, Yi Chen took down Evan in one fell swoop pushing him off the wrestling mat without a fight. Once pushed off the mat there wasn¡¯t even any need to yield. It was an automatic defeat.


    Evan hadn¡¯t seen thating. For a moment sat on the floor all wide-eyed in disbelief.


    ¡°Get up and go again,¡± said the drill instructor his gaze fixed on Yi Chen. The boy rarely showed his true emotions but even he could feel something was off about him today. This was meant to be a demonstration but Yi Chen took it to a whole new level andpletely annihted his opponent.


    Evan got up his expression much more serious than before. He couldn¡¯t ept such humiliation so heunched an offense and attacked Yi Chen. The two exchanged a few blows but Evan couldn¡¯t withstand the might of this diator.


    Yi Chen was trained in the art of hand to handbat by his father without the use of his mental power. His father firmly believed that his strength shoulde both ways hence he could withstand an attack with or without his mental power. This meant Evan who based his strength on mental power only and didn¡¯t train his physical strength wouldn¡¯t be able to withstand Yi Chen¡¯s attacks. Soon he was thrown off the mat and the drill instructor asked for the next pair.


    Evan was feeling rather upset as he stood next to the red-haired boy. He waspetitive by nature and didn¡¯t like the feeling of losing. He vowed to work on his physical strength henceforth.


    ¡°Cadet H... Cadet Ran, let¡¯s go,¡±manded the drill instructor. Li Ran almost cried tears of blood hearing this. He didn¡¯t want to fight H but it seemed he had no choice on the matter. H was especially ruthless beating the man down till he yielded.


    With a smug smile, H smacked his ass and said, ¡°You are still so weak just like in preschool.¡±


    Li Ran, ¡°Fuck!¡±


    He recalled how H beat his ass in preschool for pulling a little girl¡¯s pigtails in ss. When I mean beat his ass I mean it in a literal sense. She spanked him so hard that he couldn¡¯t sit well in ss for the rest of the day.


    The drill instructor called other names and as they fought he corrected them while guiding them on what they should work on. After who knows how long Zi Han who had been squatting on the ground in a horrible mood finally heard his name.


    ¡°Yes sir!¡± he replied before walking to the wrestling mat and when he saw who he was going to spar with a creepy smile appeared on his face.


    He didn¡¯t understand how or why he had been paired up with Yi Chen. Whatever the reason he thanked whichever god that did this. Now he could beat Yi Chen up without consequences. He had long waited for this opportunity.


    ¡°Don¡¯t hold back,¡± said Yi Chen his expression as taciturn as usual.


    Zi Hanughed coldly before saying, ¡°I didn¡¯t n to.¡±


    Well, sometimes a fight is necessary to grow affection. Hopefully, this wouldn¡¯t burn down the thin bridge between them.

 Chapter 99

    99 So shameless


    ¡°And..... fight!¡± yelled the drill instructor and Zi Han whose fingers had been itching to bring this goliath down rushed forward and with great force pushed Yi Chen back by striking his chest.


    The ying field had been leveled in the absence of mental power but Yi Chen barely moved an inch after being struck by Zi Han. He wanted to end this quickly in a less painful way but he truly underestimated Zi Han¡¯s resilience.


    Zi Han raised his leg and with a powerful swing, he kicked Yi Chen¡¯s shoulder. Yi Chen quickly blocked his kick and in turn grabbed that foot and pulled him closer.


    His other hand grasped Zi Han¡¯s neck and mmed him to the ground to pin him down.


    With a dull thud, Zi Han¡¯s body fell on the training mat. Before Yi Chen could have the opportunity to pin him down and force him to yield Zi Han raised his leg and ruthlessly kicked Yi Chen¡¯s abdomen.


    Yi Chen grunted as he pulled back a few feet and the group of students jeered. This was rather unexpected. Zi Han was the lowest-ranked in their ss in terms of mental power but here he was standing his ground against Yi Chen.


    It seemed his mental power was weak but his physical strength was unrivaled. Unfortunately for him, the person he was matched up with was on top of the food chain.


    The corner of Zi Han¡¯s lips quirked up as he got up to his feet. With a wolfish expression, Zi Han clenched and unclenched his fist as hezily paced on the mat looking for an opening. He looked like a demon on the prowl in the middle of the night.


    Yi Chen waited for him patiently but the drill instructor wasn¡¯t as patient. ¡°Stop fuckin around like this is a courtship!¡± he said and Zi Han lunged forward swinging his fist and Yi Chen blocked him but Zi Han was quick witted.


    .....


    He mmed his knee onto Yi Chen¡¯s abdomen but before he couldnd a hit he was blocked by Yi Chen¡¯s crossed arms.


    Before he could react the back of his neck was suddenly grasped and he was pulled down by a great force. His foot was simultaneously kicked and he came tumbling down.


    Before Yi Chen could press him down again Zi Han flipped his body over andy on his back. He wanted to kick Yi Chen off his body but unfortunately, his n wouldn¡¯t work twice. Yi Chen was already prepared. He locked Zi Han¡¯s legs with his preventing them from moving.


    He forced both of Zi Han¡¯s shoulders onto the mat with his arm holding him in a chokehold. It was clear the kind of situation Zi Han was currently in but he was as stubborn as an ox.


    ¡°Yield,¡± whispered Yi Chen but Zi Han ignored him. His eyes tightly shut he tried to escape this trap but no matter how hard he wiggle he couldn¡¯t free himself. In fact, Yi Chen tightened his hold trying to force that word out of him.


    His face soon resembled that of a cooked lobster with beads of sweat flowing down his forehead but he didn¡¯t intend on giving up. Yi Chen was at a loss as he watched this wiggling worm trying to get out from underneath him.


    Zi Han¡¯s hand identally touched the side of Yi Chen¡¯s chest and he suddenly had a terrible idea. It was probably a bad idea but who told Yi Chen to provoke him. It was probably against the rules and quite shameless for him to do such a thing but he was the most shameless of them all so.....


    Yi Chen who was adjusting his posture suddenly felt a stinging pain on his left nipple like it was getting twisted off. His body froze as he looked at Zi Han who wore a smirk on his face.


    ¡°Pick one..... you le-let me go or you lose a nipple,¡± said Zi Han with a throaty chuckle. Yi Chen bit his lip trying to endure. He had never thought that a nipple could be this painful when twisted by pincer-like fingers.


    ¡°Fuck,¡± he mumbled with his foreheadced with ayer of cold sweat, ¡°so shameless.¡±


    ¡°Yeah... I don¡¯t give a shit,¡± he whispered back feeling smug as he pinched even harder. Yi Chen couldn¡¯t bear it anymore. With a loud grunt, he flipped Zi Han¡¯s body over forcing him to let go of his nipple.


    Zi Han took the opportunity to escape but Yi Chen was so mad about his throbbing nipple that he grabbed his ankle and pulled him back this time pinning him to the ground face down.


    Zi Han muttered, ¡°Shit,¡± while trying to fight back but it was useless. This time Yi Chen pinned his arm behind his back and pressed Zi Han¡¯s face down on the matpletely forcing him to yield.


    The drill instructor checked his time before issuing amand, ¡°Times up. It¡¯s a draw.¡± Yi Chen immediately got up with an impassive expression but his nipple was really painful. He wouldn¡¯t be surprised if it was pinched off at this point.


    He faintly heard the drill instructor dismissing the ss and telling them to work on their physical strength as he left the training room. Li Ran only managed to catch up with him in the locker room.


    He was about to say something when he saw that swollen red nipple. Yi Chen was standing by his locker spraying some fast healing medicine on it his brows contorted. ¡°Fuck! Did that brat do that?¡± he blurted out only for the door to be pushed open and a group of boys entered chatting it up.


    Li Ran instantly shut his mouth and whispered, ¡°Do you want me to teach him a lesson?¡± his expression was stern like he was really going to walk over and punch Zi Han straight in the face.


    Yi Chen red at him with his dark eyes while putting on his shirt which he didn¡¯t button up. Li Ran instantly understood that this was one of those incidences where he wasn¡¯t allowed to intervene but that didn¡¯t stop him from ring at Zi Han who had just walked in.


    Zi Han felt that hostile gaze and looked in that direction before taking off his t-shirt. With a smug smile, he returned Li Ran¡¯s gaze as though taunting him. Li Ran didn¡¯t shy away. The two looked at each other for a while before he averted his gaze.


    That¡¯s because Yi Chen had nudged his shoulder before mming his locker shut. Li Ran¡¯s brow furrowed as he asked, ¡°Aren¡¯t you going to hit the showers?¡±


    Yi Chen calmly changed out of his boots while saying, ¡°It¡¯s thest ss of the day. I will go straight home.¡±

 Chapter 100

    100 Purple nurple...


    Li Ran hastily opened his locker and began to change but Yi Chen didn¡¯t wait for him. He put away his boots and said, ¡°I will wait for you outside,¡± before walking out.


    Zi Han who was sitting shirtless on the bench loosening theces of his boots raised his head and watched Yi Chen leave. He sneered with an evil smile while thinking the man was lucky that he only walked away with a purple nurple.


    He suddenly nced at the light brain on his wrist and was struck with sudden inspiration. Two secondster a soft ding sound came from Yi Chen¡¯s light brain as he stood outside waiting for Li Ran.


    The tall figure waszily leaning against the wall as he raised his hand to check the notification. A subtle quirk appeared at the corner of his lips before it vanished quickly. By the time Li Ran came out, he had already returned to his indifferent self.


    ¡°Yoh, that fox demon is almost as terrifying as you. My bones shuddered when he red at me,¡±ined Li Ran as they walked out of the training building.


    Yi Chen¡¯s nipple suddenly stung when he heard this. ¡®He pinches like one too,¡¯ he said to himself wishing he could put a can of ice-cold soda on his nipple to cool down the burning sensation.


    ¡°Then don¡¯t mess with him,¡± said Yi Chen as they walked towards the parking lot.¡± Li Ran didn¡¯t agree but he didn¡¯t voice his opinion either. Since Yi Chen said he would deal with it Li Ran could only back off. But he was ready to be his backup at a moment¡¯s notice.


    Zi Han came out of the locker room with his head lowered checking his light brain. Before he went to take a shower he had sent Yi Chen a message but when he came back there was no response. In fact, it showed that the message had been read but the person didn¡¯t bother responding.


    Thest chat still showed:


    .....


    HandsomeHan: Round two begins tomorrow.


    HandsomeHan: If you snitch on me I will make you miserable.


    The tone was domineering with an air of arrogance but Yi Chen didn¡¯t bother responding. This felt like Zi Han was punching cotton which further irritated him. Shorty and the twins who could clearly read the situation stayed clear of Zi Han unfortunately one couldn¡¯t say the same thing for Zi Feiji and Zi Xingxi.


    After a day at the beach, they were too rxed to notice the intense glooming from Zi Han. They were so rxed that they didn¡¯t even pick him up. It was Old Lu who came and he tried to speak on behalf of the Master and the young miss but Zi Han didn¡¯t buy it.


    When he got home he casually greeted them and went into the kitchen to find something cold to cool the heat from his body. After such severe emotional fluctuations and fighting Yi Chen, he felt hot all over despite taking a hot shower.


    Closing the fridge he twisted the cap off the bottle of peach-vored iced tea and gulped half of it in one go. With a soft thud, he put the bottle down on the counter and suddenly remembered that folder bag.


    Since the man didn¡¯t bother replying to his message then he wouldn¡¯t bother with the contents of the folder bag. He took it out and ced it on the kitchen counter hesitating for a second.


    He pressed the folder bag down with his fingers while deciding whether to open it or not. With a tsk, he slid the folder bag off the kitchen counter and it fell straight into the bin but because it couldn¡¯t fit half of it protruded from the automatic lid that was trying to shut.


    Zi Han ignored it and continued sipping on the rest of his iced tea. Zi Feiji who had an obvious tan on his face walked into the kitchen his steps aszy as that of a cat. ¡°Who pissed you off today?¡± he finally asked that is after Old Lu told him that Zi Han was in a very bad mood. Thinking Zi Han was mad about the beach thing he decided to talk to him. But before Zi Han could answer him he saw the folder bag that had been dumped into the trash.


    He picked it up while asking, ¡°What¡¯s this?... You know this kind of bag is rare because people barely use paper yet you just threw it away.¡±


    Zi Han nced at the folder bag with a disinterested look. ¡°It¡¯s just something someone gave me. It¡¯s not important,¡± he replied before closing the lid of the bottle intending to go upstairs and change.


    But just as he turned on his heel to leave Zi Feiji eximed stopping him in his tracks. ¡°Wow!!.... When, when did you get someone to copy the script for you?.... It¡¯s so... it¡¯s so beautiful,¡± said Zi Feiji flipping through the papers in awe.


    Zi Han¡¯s brow furrowed as he turned to walk back. His grandpa wasn¡¯t lying. This was a fully copied script no different from the original. His chest suddenly felt heavy like something was pressing down on it. If he could rename himself then the word ¡®Jerk¡¯ would be the most suitable.


    Boy, did he regret giving Yi Chen that purple nurple.


    Zi Feiji on the other hand suddenly had a bad presentiment. Why? That¡¯s because he knew his daughter got that royal prick to copy the script for her. Whether it was under coercion or that he had volunteered his services remained a mystery.


    He knew his kid didn¡¯t copy that but he pretended not to know because he was a fan of beautiful calligraphy. That is to say, the person who copied that script for her knocked her up a few yearster and eloped on a secret.


    Now his grandson had got someone to copy it for him. Like d¨¦j¨¤ vu it had happened again but who did it for him? When he raised his head to ask Zi Han he was nowhere to be found. He would be stupid if he stuck around to answer that question.


    Unfortunately for him, his grandfather would still find out. How? That¡¯s because when he turned the folder bag over there was the character Yi engraved right in the corner. If it wasn¡¯t the Marshal then it could only be one other person...


    ¡°Xi Xi! Get in here!..... Our families¡¯ cabbage is definitely going to get eaten!¡±


    Zi Xingxi, ¡°.....¡±


    ¡°Not in my garden,¡± she replied with a light chuckle as she walked into the kitchen. Two secondster and she wasn¡¯tughing anymore.


    Author¡¯s note: They better spray some pesticide on that cabbage or fence it up otherwise..... Hehehe

 Chapter 101

    101 What do you want?


    Zi Han sprawled on his bed with his skirt flipping from his big movement revealing a part of his ck trunks. With his head lying buried into the quilt he felt around for his pillow with his fingers.


    When he grasped it he pulled it over and stered it on his face before screaming into it a couple of times. When he recalled how arrogant he was earlier he felt so bad that he didn¡¯t have the face to see Yi Chen again.


    After a few minutes of self-derision, Zi Han abruptly raised his head while biting the inside of his lower lip. ¡°I didn¡¯t ask him to do it for me so why should I feel bad?¡± he said trying to self hypnotize but haha, we all know that it was pointless.


    Zi Han got off the bed and kept talking to himself while taking out a pair of gray sweat pants and a ck t-shirt to wear. Soon a white blouse flew out of the walk in closet and straight into theundry bin.


    ¡°Nope..... Nah-uh... I didn¡¯t. I shouldn¡¯t feel bad. Nope not at all,¡± he muttered before tossing the skirt and a pair of socks into theundry bin.


    Soon a handsome young man dressed casually exited the walk-in closet. With a low hum, he left his bedroom heading downstairs. But just as he approached the stairs he heard Zi Xingxi speaking her tone a little angry.


    ¡°You must be joking... you are most definitely reading too much into it,¡± she said as she slumped her body onto the couch and put her feet up with her head tilted back.


    Zi Feiji followed after her and said, ¡°And that map too. I asked that arrogant bastard why he brought it back. Do you know what he said?..... He said it was his son¡¯s request. Now you tell me if I am reading too much into it? I might be old but my mind is operating just fine.¡±


    When Zi Han heard this he suddenly trotted back to his bedroom his mind a mess. He didn¡¯t understand what the hell Yi Chen was thinking. What did he want? Was it to mess with his brain or something? None of it made sense.


    .....


    Leaning with his back against his bedroom door he looked at his light brain and suddenly had a thought. He opened the chat interface with Yi Chen and saw those two messages were still lying there quietly with no response.


    After much thought, he took off his slippers, andy on the bed before typing something.


    HandsomeHan: I saw the copied scr_


    He typed these words but before he could finish he bit the tip of his thumb constructing what to write in his mind. Displeased he erased the message and started again.


    HandsomeHan: What do you want?


    After writing this he didn¡¯t even think twice. He just sent the message and waited. Two, three, four... ten minutester and it showed the message hadn¡¯t been read yet.


    Annoyed he minimized the interface and opened Sta¡¯s search engine. He stopped biting his thumb and typed out the question.


    Why is a boy suddenly doing something nice for me....


    A myriad of instant results popped up from his search and the first few answers made his lips twitch. One search result was titled ¡®Is he cheating?¡¯ and the other was ¡®Signs you are in a toxic rtionship.¡¯


    ¡°Fuck... that¡¯s not even applicable,¡± he mumbled while erasing his search and rewording it.


    A person who hates me suddenly does something nice for me.....


    But even then nothing useful came up which was quite frustrating. He ended up on a forum as someone had asked the same question.


    Answers like they want something from you, maniption, and gas lighting to make you confused popped up but even Zi Han couldn¡¯t see that when Yi Chen spoke to him. Now that he thought back the guy seemed very sincere like he meant that apology however poorly worded it was.


    This led Zi Han in another direction. He deleted his question and typed in a new one;


    Can an enemy be a friend?....


    The answers were quite insightful. If Yi Chen truly wanted to make peace with him then that wasn¡¯t a problem. It¡¯s just that his behavior today was a little bad.


    He decided to find a way to coax Yi Chen and like an amateur, he typed in the question again but before he could read the answers on how to coax a boy his bedroom door was suddenly knocked and two secondster his grandfather walked in.


    ¡°Let¡¯s go have dinner,¡± said Zi Feiji his expression much calmer than before. Zi Han immediately got up while minimizing the screen. He could only continue with his researchter.


    Meanwhile, Yi Chen stepped out of the shower his body steaming from all the heat. As he stood by the mirror he looked at the slight swelling on his pectoral muscle. He suddenly recalled that sly grin on Zi Han¡¯s face when he pinched him and his heart felt an inexplicable itch.


    He was seriously starting to suspect that he had some masochistic tendencies because he wasn¡¯t the least bit angry about Zi Han pinching his nipple. In fact, he felt a wisp of happiness knowing that Zi Han¡¯s eyes were all on him at that time.


    Never in his life did he think he would be the type of person who would simp on someone so much that he would still be satisfied even when they are angry with him. He just wanted Zi Han¡¯s attention regardless of what sort of attention it was.


    Yi Chen wiped his hair with a slight smile on his face that¡¯s when he noticed his light brain blinking on the desk. Untying his bath towel covering his lower half hemanded the AI system running his mech and light brain saying,


    ¡°Read the new notifications.¡±


    ¡°Yes sir..... FenFen said he misses you, FunRan said he-,¡± it read but Yi Chen wasn¡¯t interested so he interjected.


    ¡°Any from HandsomeHan?¡± he directly asked. He didn¡¯t expect there to be any messages from Zi Han. In fact, he wasn¡¯t even sure if he would open that folder bag. He was just being hopeful which is why he asked. To his surprise, Zi Han actually sent him a message.


    ¡®Yes, there is..... HandsomeHan asked ¡®What do you want?¡¯.....¡±


    Yi Chen who had put on his underwear paused for a second before pulling them up all the way and walking over. He directly picked up his light brain to read the message himself.

 Chapter 102

    102 A tiny dash of NSFW


    The quirk on his lips grew bigger as he scratched his head re-reading the message. What did he want? What he wanted Zi Han couldn¡¯t possibly give it to him now but he would wear him down slowly peeling off hisyers of defense until he gets to the sweet juicy center.


    Well, currently he couldn¡¯t get to this sweetness in real life but apparently, Yi Chen could get to it in his dreams. All his life he had been a pure soul who had never ever had a spring dream.


    Li Ran had been pretty vocal about his nasty dreams and often Yi Chen would walk away. He had no interest in anyone¡¯s dirty dreams taken straight out of an adult movie but tonight it actually happened to him.


    He knew he had the hots for Zi Han and he had imagined himself pressing him down a couple of times but he had never dreamt about it. Maybe it was because he had sort of pressed down Zi Han on the training mat today that it poked a hole through the paper window and opened him up to a whole new world.


    In his dream he found himself standing in front of his locker half dressed while folding a t-shirt when the enchanter walked over to him with his skirt a few inches up his thighs.


    Zi Han softly called out to him. Like a snake charmer luring a viper with his music, Zi Han charmed him with his voice begging him to turn around.


    Yi Chen felt his scalp go numb as he halted his actions but he still resisted the urge to turn around. He heard some soft rustlinging from behind and soon a white shirt appeared in his hand.


    ¡°Baby... why don¡¯t you turn around and take a look,¡± whispered Zi Han as his cold fingers trailed up Yi Chen¡¯s spine. His breath hitched as his muscles tensed at that cold touch.


    But instead of cooling him down, that touch acted like fuel to the raging mes crumbling his resolve down exponentially.


    .....


    A warm chest stuck to his back as a pair of strong hands caressed his chest and slowly slid down to his abdomen down to the bulge in his pants. When those fingers touched his arousal his muscles tensed like he received an electric shock.


    As the fingers slipped into his pants Yi Chen grabbed hold of that unruly hand and pulled Zi Han over pressing him on the closed locker.


    With a slight bang, Zi Han¡¯s back hit the locker and his leg bent at the knee crawled up to Yi Chen¡¯s hip with his skirt slipping up his thigh further.


    Yi Chen¡¯s eyes darkened as he pressed his body against Zi Han¡¯s. Yi Chen¡¯s forearmy t on the locker door while his other hand gently wrapped around Zi Han¡¯s neck and his thumb rubbed the man¡¯s chin.


    Yi Chen raised Zi Han¡¯s chin and as he looked into his eyes he (Yi Chen) lowered his head and whispered, ¡°You are ying with fire,¡± with his warm breath brushing against Zi Han¡¯s cheek.


    Zi Han arched his chest forward and whispered back to him, ¡°I don¡¯t mind being burnt.¡± Before Yi Chen could react their lips were sealed together in an urgent heated kiss filled with a fiery passion. His fingers left the side of Zi Han¡¯s neck the and began to caress the man¡¯s thigh making him groan.


    As Yi Chen¡¯s finger slipped underneath the skirt to grasp the man¡¯s peach he was awakened by his set rm shuttering this sensual dream. Yi Chen sat up abruptly his breathing erratic.


    He felt some type of sticky wetness down south so he raised the quilt and saw some conspicuous stain on his pajama pants. He hastily let go of the quilt and rubbed his temples with his thumb and middle finger feeling slightly annoyed.


    Twenty minutester.....


    After a long shower, he was standing downstairs in theundry room with his sheets, pants, and trunks circling in the washing machine. Since it was close to four in the morning the house was silent.


    Four nights in a week he would wake up this early so he could go to the training room and today happened to be one of those days but instead of being in the training room, he was doingundry.


    ¡°What are you doing?¡± said a sudden voice springing out of nowhere.


    Yi Chen stood in front of the washing machine blocking her view before calling out, ¡°Mum, what are you... why are you awake.¡±


    Lin Ruoxi sheepishly rubbed her eyes as she replied, ¡°I forgot to make your post training smoothiest night so when I heard you wake up I came downstairs... Wha-what are you doing down here? Aren¡¯t you supposed to be working out?..... Why are you doing this? You can always let the housekeeper robot do this. Go go go, go train.¡±


    As she said this she walked over and tried to push him out but Yi Chen didn¡¯t move an inch. If she finds out he might be too embarrassed to evene home. So he didn¡¯t move while saying, ¡°I am almost done. Mum, just just go make the smoothie. You have to be awake again in two hours.¡±


    Lin Ruoxi wasn¡¯t too pleased. Her baby worked so hard and he really shouldn¡¯t be doing such trivial things. He should just focus on his training. Just as she was about to let him be the machine finished the cycle with a melodious sound alerting the household that Yi Chen¡¯s secret was ready to be exposed.


    From that tiny window Lin Ruoxi could make out what sort ofundry Yi Chen was doing in the middle of the night and she suddenly felt a littleplicated. Whyplicated? It was because as stern and strict as her son was she never thought he would you know..... ah never mind. She wanted to let him know it was okay but how could she say it without embarrassing him.


    She put on the brightest smile and said, ¡°Alright..... I will leave it in the fridge..... Oh and don¡¯t over exert yourself.¡±


    Yi Chen, ¡°...¡±


    He could clearly see that she had seen through everything. He was so embarrassed that his ears turned red with shame. At least she didn¡¯t say much because if she did he might have had to sleep over at Yi Feng¡¯s house for the next few days.

 Chapter 103

    103 About that girl...... do you like her?


    Breakfast at the Yi family was quite busy whenpared to the Zi family. That¡¯s because in the Zi family there was only one child while in the Yi family there were three. Lin Ruoxi was busy walking around the kitchen ind serving rice congee to the three members of her family.


    Marshal Yi was bending down to tie Meng Meng¡¯s shoes while reprimanding her. ¡°How many times have I taught you how to tie your shoce but you never get it?¡± said the Marshal while Meng Meng stood there pouting her red lips.


    She yfully patted her father¡¯s shoulder while saying, ¡°Daddy has to sing the rhyme for me to get it.¡±


    Lin Ruoxi passed by and ced a bowl where Meng Meng should be sitting. She looked at her husband who was giving her an are you serious look. Since he was still in the dog house she ignored him and ced a bowl where he was meant to sit.


    It was Yi Youxi who was cing down his portable game console who replied, ¡°She likes to hear you sing it. That¡¯s why she never learns to do it.¡±


    ¡°Sing it, daddy..... I promise I will learn it this time,¡± she said but everyone in that kitchen knew it was all lies. Two dayster and he will be singing it again.


    ¡°I swear after this I am going to buy you shoes with buckles and noces,¡± he said only to hear silent whimpersing from Meng Meng. He raised his head and saw those watery big eyes and twitching lips. How could he say no to that face?


    ¡°Uh uh don¡¯t cry. I will sing it. Give me your other foot... Bunny ears, bunny ears, ying by a tree....Criss, criss-crossed the tree, trying to catch me. Bunny ears, bunny ears, jumped into the hole, popped out the other side beautiful and bold.¡±


    Yi Chen who had juste from upstairs heard his dad singing that silly shoce rhyme and immediately turned back but his mother noticed him.


    .....


    ¡°Not a chance Mr...e back and eat breakfast,¡± she said while dishing up his bowl.


    Yi Chen had no choice but to walk in and take a seat. His father who was done tying Meng Meng¡¯s shoces stood up and grasped his son¡¯s arm. He nudged his head towards Lin Ruoxi and Yi Chen instantly understood.


    For the past two days, he hadn¡¯t had the chance to speak to his mother about the date thing so his father was reminding him to do so. The man was tired of sleeping next to a cier from a subzero.


    Yi Chen nodded his head and his father smiled like Christmas came early. ¡°Dage, can you sing the rhyme for me too,¡± said Meng Meng trying to scam every adult male in the house to sing the silly song.


    Yi Chen ruffled Yi Youxi¡¯s hair and sat beside him while refusing, ¡°Your shoces are already tied so there is no point in me singing it.¡±


    Meng Meng pouted her lips but she didn¡¯t say anything. She obediently picked up a porcin spoon and started to eat her breakfast. Lin Ruoxi ced a bowl in front of Yi Chen before sitting down to join the family for breakfast. For a moment the only noise in the kitchen was that of cutlery nking against bowls and the housekeeper robot cleaning up the countertops.


    Lin Ruoxi stared at her son for a second before cing her spoon down and saying, ¡°About that girl..... do you like her?¡± she asked directly and the sound of spoons being dropped into bowls and Yi Chen choking filled the room.


    Yi Chen coughed a little and his mother passed him a ss of water for him to drink. After calming down he wiped his mouth with a napkin before saying, ¡°I don¡¯t like her and that..... that was a boy.¡±


    ¡°Who?¡± asked Yi Youxi wiggling into an adult conversation.


    ¡°You mean that jiejie was a gege? Wow, I couldn¡¯t tell,¡± said Meng Meng while yfully shaking her head enjoying her tasty breakfast, ¡°he was so nice.¡±


    Lin Ruoxi¡¯s face stiffened as she looked at her son in disbelief. How could that be? Yes, the girl¡¯s body was masculine but he easily passed as a girl. Womene in all shapes and sizes especially in the federation so she didn¡¯t doubt one bit.


    ¡°So why were you following him? Do you know him?¡± she asked her heart a little shaken. She had experienced a lot of things in her life thus her intuition was at a godly level. When ites to feelings she had never been wrong. This was indeed a first.


    ¡°I know him. He is in my ss. You must have misunderstood something,¡± he said with his tone so casual making it easy for his mother to believe his lies. She saw something that day but since the other person was a boy she wasn¡¯t sure anymore.


    For the rest of breakfast, Lin Ruoxi was absent-minded. She would respond to the conversations happening around her but in truth, she was half-listening. It was only when Yi Chen left the house did she regain her soul back.


    She rushed after him and called out, ¡°Chen Chen!!¡±


    Yi Chen who was standing by his hoverbike turned his head to look at her and walked back to the door. ¡°Mum I have an early ss. Is there something?¡± he said in a polite tone as he put on his helmet.


    ¡°Ah, it¡¯s about the get-together sh blind date thing. Mum doesn¡¯t want to force you but it¡¯s important. I don¡¯t expect you to get married or anything..... I just want you to broaden your horizon. Just go take a look this weekend and who knows maybe, maybe you will meet someone special,¡± she said her expression that of a worried parent.


    Yi Chen couldn¡¯t disappoint her so he nodded his head and his mother sent over the invitation. He didn¡¯t want to meet anyone special because he had already met someone special.


    He might as well drag Zi Han along and ward off pursuers at the gathering. That way his mother would be happy and not bring this up again any time soon.


    Zi Han who had no idea he was going to be dragged by the foot to a singles get-together was sitting in ss shaking his leg restlessly. That¡¯s because he had brought a ¡®Let¡¯s make up after a fight gift¡¯ and ced it on Yi Chen¡¯s desk along with the ss president¡¯s clean school jacket and medicine.

 Chapter 104

    104 You have to take responsibility


    To do this hade to school very early and he was now impatiently waiting for Yi Chen to enter ss. Shorty who had had enough of Zi Han¡¯s shaking leg was forced to inquire.


    ¡°Big brother Han if you keep shaking your leg like that I will get a headache,¡± said Shorty while turning to look at him.


    Shannon leaned her body forward to take a look and said, ¡°Tsk, Han Han isn¡¯t wearing a skirt anymore. Ah, I was beginning to take you as one of the girls. How unfortunate,¡± before sitting back down.


    ¡°You are just mad because you can¡¯t look at his legs anymore,¡± said Shaun who was for once sitting upright doing his school work.


    ¡°No I a-,¡± she said but Zi Han interjected,


    ¡°Shh shh shh he is here. Everyone, act natural,¡± he said before pretending to seriously study hisnguage notes.


    All three of them, ¡°.....¡±


    They had no idea which ¡®he¡¯ was referring to nor did they know why they had to act natural. Apparently, Zi Han hadn¡¯t updated them on the gossip. Well, that is the gossip that he pinched Yi Chen¡¯s nipple during training while Yi Chen had been nothing but nice to him.


    Zi Han watched Yi Chen in his peripheral view but he still couldn¡¯t judge his reaction clearly. Yi Chen¡¯s mood lifted when he saw the jacket lying on the desk. On top of the jacket was a bottle of drinkable yogurt and a can of healing spray with a sticky note written:


    .....


    Sorry, I pinched your nipple. I was wrong and I won¡¯t wear a skirt anymore if that makes you feel better.


    Z.H


    Yi Chen wanted tough when he saw this. He turned to look in Zi Han¡¯s direction but the other boy didn¡¯t look at him. He looked like was seriously studying something so Yi Chen didn¡¯t disturb him.


    ¡°What is that?¡± asked Li Ran after sneaking up on Yi Chen which rarely happened by the way.


    Yi Chen tore the sticky note off the spray bottle and put away his smile while replying, ¡°It¡¯s nothing. Just mind your own business.¡±


    Li Ran who had been stabbed straight in the heart leaned on Yi Chen and acted out a dramatic y like he was dying. Two words that best describe Li Ran..... drama king. Unfortunately, he didn¡¯t get to finish his act because the first lecturer came in.


    Yi Chen put on his uniform jacket and smelt a faint fragranceing from it. Mixed in with the smell of clean linen was a sweetforting aroma with a slight tang to it.


    He had smelt this fragrance on Zi Han a couple of times but now it was enveloping his entire body like he was wrapped in its warmth. Yi Chen liked it very much.


    Throughout ss, Yi Chen was listening attentively but he would asionally lose himself in the scent. He suddenly wanted the scent tost longer.


    By the end, of the fourth ss, it was noon already. The students began to pack up and leave for lunch but Zi Han remained in his seat. Shorty and the others asked him if he wasing along but he told them to go ahead.


    He was closely watching Yi Chen and from the looks of it he was going out to lunch. He immediately took out his light brain and wrote him a message.


    HandsomeHan: Have you applied the medicine yet?


    Yi Chen¡¯s light brain made a soft dinging sound and his steps paused reading the message. A secondter Yi Chen nced in his direction with an unreadable expression before turning to face Li Ran.


    ¡°You go ahead. I will join youter,¡± he said and Li Ran who saw H walking ahead of him had no objections. He ran off like the wind and left only a cloud of dust.


    Yi Chen leisurely waited for Zi Han toe over to him. A slight smile appeared on his face when he saw that today he wasn¡¯t wearing that skirt anymore. Last night¡¯s dream was too exciting and he wouldn¡¯t be able to withstand further stimtion.


    Zi Han stopped in front of him and right from the get-go he picked a fight. What can he say? He just couldn¡¯t help himself. ¡°Why are you standing here? I just asked if you applied medicine on your... tsk, did you do it or not?¡± Zi Han suddenly felt too embarrassed to say it. He was beginning to question where he got such courage to pinch Yi Chen¡¯s nipple in the first ce. This was too embarrassing.


    ¡°I was waiting for you to put it for me,¡± said Yi Chen having dug up the courage to say that out of nowhere.


    ¡°You!..... you have two hands so why wait for me. ss president Chen, you really enjoy messing with me don¡¯t you?¡± he said feeling rather defeated. He had no idea why this person was being so nice to him. Well, today he was hell-bent on finding out.


    ¡°Here,¡± said Yi Chen passing him the healing spray, ¡°you have to take responsibility.¡±


    Zi Han almost choked hearing this. Yes, he did feel guilty but did it mean he should be treating Yi Chen¡¯s nipple. AAAAHHHH!..... He regretted it so much.


    ¡°Here?... Do you want me to help you right here?¡± he asked before opening the lid, ¡°Okay, lift your shirt up.... Hurry up, I am hungry.¡± Zi Han was actually serious. He walked closer and tried to lift his shirt on the spot.


    Yi Chen held his arm and suddenly noticed that pink scrunchie Zi Han got from Shannon wrapped around his wrist. He very much disliked the fact that Zi Han wore a gift from a girl but yesterday he was an emotional mess that he didn¡¯t pay much attention to it.


    Seeing it again and he suddenly felt like it was an eye sore. He wanted to make him take it off but if he yed his cards wrong he might be back in the dog house.


    ¡°Not here. Come with me,¡± he said before leading him by the hand. Surprisingly Zi Han didn¡¯t push away his hand which wasn¡¯t necessarily a good thing. That¡¯s because Zi Han wasn¡¯t as impervious to human touch as long as he knew the person. Yi Chen suddenly felt a little unhappy. It seemed like his daily consumption of vinegar was to exceed the daily rmended value henceforth.

 Chapter 105

    105 Can I touch it?


    Yi Chen was adamant about having a private conversation with Zi Han that he dragged him all the way to the isted training building into the locker room where no one would disturb them.


    At this hour the training building was like a ghost town with no life in sight making it seem a little eerie. Zi Han who had a slight fear of ghosts couldn¡¯t help but gulp nervously when they entered the locker room but he forcibly swallowed down this emotion acting like nothing was wrong.


    He might have been able to remainposed but he wasn¡¯t willing to stay here longer than he should so he urged Yi Chen to take off his shirt.


    Yi Chen smiled subtly as he watched Zi Han twisting the cap of the healing spray with a stern expression like he was attempting aplicated task.


    His heated gaze traced the entirety of Zi Han¡¯s body lingering on the man¡¯s side profile and those twitching soft lips. As he watched him with his scorching gaze his hands weren¡¯t idle. He was slowly unbuttoning his shirt giving off an amorous vibe.


    But his intended target was as cold as ice without the slightest reaction. He was wholly focused on the spray can like he was dealing with the most difficult task in the world.


    With a pop, the cap twisted off and Zi Han raised his head only to be met by a nk-faced Yi Chen. This nk unreadable expression was typically Yi Chen¡¯s usual self. What surprised Zi Han were the traces of warmth in that expression.


    Zi Han chose to ignore it. He shifted his gaze to the open button shirt and his eyes almost popped out of their sockets. ¡°Wow!.... ss president Chen, you really are packing,¡± he said pulling away the cket of the shirt further revealing the secrets thaty beneath the fabric.


    He had seen this majestic chest before but at the time he was so mad that he was seeing red. Everything else was a little fuzzy hence he didn¡¯t pay attention. Now being confronted by that robust chest with well-defined muscles he found that he was quite envious.


    .....


    He had great muscle build but it wasn¡¯t as good as Yi Chen¡¯s. That¡¯s because most of his training over the years came from picking fights hence he felt like he was slightlycking inparison. He traced the ridges of Yi Chen¡¯s abs with slight resentment.


    ¡°Can I touch it,¡± he asked wanting to feel whether it was as hard as it looked. Yi Chen inhaled sharply as his muscles visibly tensed up. This person was really testing his resolve. He was temptation in the flesh constantly poking at his bottom line.


    ¡°No,¡± hastily replied Yi Chen his voice hoarse. That¡¯s because Zi Han¡¯s fingers were inching closer and closer to his abs about to touch him.


    ¡°Oh,¡± replied Zi Han withdrawing his hand, ¡°why are you so stingy?¡± Whileining Zi Han pulled back more of the shirt revealing the redness on the man¡¯s left pectoral muscle. The redness deepened as it reached the man¡¯s nipple. It was healing well with faint traces of purple and swelling around the center.


    Zi Han sucked in a breath of cold air and his guilt skyrocketed. He nced at Yi Chen and apologized sincerely. ¡°I am so sorry. I should have restrained myself,¡± he whispered before lowering his head and spraying the healing spray with a sympathetic gaze.


    ¡°This might sting a little,¡± he warned but Yi Chen seemed to not have heard him focusing on something else entirely.


    ¡°Do you do this with other guys?¡± he asked his heart beating hard against his chest. He knew how dangerous this question was but before he knew it he had already opened his mouth.


    ¡°What do you mean?¡± asked Zi Han without lifting his head.


    Yi Chen pursed his lips as though hesitant to continue but he really wanted to know so he said, ¡°Ask to touch them.¡±


    Zi Han removed his finger from the trigger of the spraying can and looked up with a raised brow. ¡°Are you still hung up on that?¡± said Zi Han before lowering his head and pulling back more of the shirt to prevent it from getting stained before the healing spray dried.


    ¡°I am just curious,¡± whispered Yi Chen but within the softness of his voice, there was a touch of a bone-chilling aura that a normal person wouldn¡¯t be able to discern.


    Zi Han nced at him and replied honestly, ¡°So you actually think I am always in locker rooms asking boys if I can touch them? I only asked you because I was curious about your abs that¡¯s all... besides I was going to let you touch mine if you wanted.¡±


    Yi Chen wanted to say, ¡°You didn¡¯t answer my question,¡± but his breath hitched when Zi Han said he wanted to let him touch him. All he could think of now was the chances of him being able to touch Zi Han without getting hard.


    After doing some calctions he realized that that percentage was very low hence it wasn¡¯t worth the risk. How low was it? About 0.000001 percent which meant his little brother would rise high like a g pole ultimately selling him out.


    Despite knowing the odds he was still so tempted. While pondering on this situation he felt a light touch on his pectoral muscles making his entire body shudder. He gulped moistening his dry throat while grasping Zi Han¡¯s wrist. The culprit tried to sell it as an ident but who would buy that?


    ¡°Ah, Chen-ge... please let go. This didi was wrong,¡± said Zi Han resolutely changing his address of Yi Chen from ss president to Chen-ge without any hesitation.


    When Yi Chen heard this his heartfelt itchy. He especially liked this form of address very much. It made his spine tingle with excitement. If it weren¡¯t for his gaze falling on that pink scrunchie around Zi Han¡¯s wrist he would have continued immersing himself in the sweetness of this moment.


    ¡°I will let you go and forget your previous transgressions if you give me that,¡± said Yi Chen referring to that hair tie that was stinging his eyes.


    Zi Han shifted his gaze to his wrist before protesting, ¡°It¡¯s a gift and I can¡¯t just give it to you.... hey!¡± The exmation was because Yi Chen had directly robbed it from him and he even had the balls to raise his hand high making it difficult for the head shorter Zi Han to take it back.


    ¡°Seriously... so childish,¡± said Zi Han having failed to retrieve the pink scrunchie. That is to say, he would never see it again after this.


    Zi Han sat down on the bench while watching Yi Chen button up his shirt absent-mindedly. After a short moment of silence, he suddenly asked, ¡°Why are you being nice to me?¡±

 Chapter 106

    106 No, I don¡¯t want us to be friends


    Yi Chen who was tucking in his shirt didn¡¯t immediately respond. If he said the real reason this might be thest time he could casually chat with Zi Han like this so he took a moment toe up with a usible reason. With his back turned to Zi Han he straightened his jacket thoughts unknown.


    Zi Han tilted his head to the side trying to get a good look at Yi Chen¡¯s face. ¡°You know that our families are barely amicable plus my mother keeps warning me to stay away from you yet here you are being nice to me. Isn¡¯t it good to just stay out of each other¡¯s lives and treat each other as unfamiliar ssmates?¡±


    The words unfamiliar ssmates didn¡¯t settle well with Yi Chen. He didn¡¯t want that at all. Since Zi Han had strolled into his heart he wouldn¡¯t let him go. Thus he turned around and said, ¡°Conflicts of the previous generation have nothing to do with us...¡±


    ¡°So you want us to be friends?¡± asked Zi Han not even certain what he was trying to achieve. This was one of his grandfather¡¯s rules when he permitted him to enroll but he had already broken both rules several times. The porcin was already cracked so why not smash the rest of it?


    Yi Chen sat next to Zi Han and looked into his eyes before resolutely saying, ¡°No, I don¡¯t want us to be friends.¡±


    Hearing this Zi Han¡¯s brow twitched feeling a littleplicated. If they had met under different circumstances he most certainly wouldn¡¯t mind being friends with Yi Chen.


    He had a strong affiliation to powerful people. Why? It was because they would motivate him to improve himself but apparently, Yi Chen wasn¡¯t interested in being his friend.


    ¡°Then what?¡± he asked with slight irritation.


    Yi Chen rested his elbows near his knees and slightly turned his body in Zi Han¡¯s direction before responding,


    .....


    ¡°I recognize your potential and I want you to be a part of my team in the future.¡±


    Zi Han¡¯s body froze for a moment before he suddenly chuckled. Yes, it was his goal to enlist and join the military but he didn¡¯t have any aspirations after that except being the best at everything. Now he was being directly offered the high table in the federation by the future Marshal.


    Wasn¡¯t his career progressing a little too smoothly? ¡°You must be fuckin with me, right?¡±


    Yi Chen stared at him for a while and the two locked eyes before he said, ¡°Do I look like that kind of person?¡±


    Zi Han licked his lower lip causing Yi Chen¡¯s intense gaze to nce over at them in a trance. He subconsciously pressed his lips in a thin line while averting his gaze.


    ¡°But my mental power is ranked B,¡± said Zi Han but Yi Chen didn¡¯t care.


    ¡°It doesn¡¯t matter plus I can help you with training so you can progress faster and get a breakthrough.....,¡± said Yi Chen his tone serious like he really meant it.


    Zi Han rubbed the back of his neck while saying, ¡°But my mother won¡¯t approve.¡±


    Yi Chen chuckled while sitting up straight. ¡°Are you a mama¡¯s boy?¡±


    Zi Han didn¡¯t deny it. He said it loud and proud, ¡°Yeah, I am. But that also means I can coax her.¡±


    ¡°Then what do you say?¡± asked Yi Chen in a charming voice while leaning closer as though luring a pure-hearted soul to the dark side.


    Zi Han¡¯s alluring eyes narrowed as he pressed the tip of his tongue on his cheek. ¡°I am on board as long as there are benefits,¡± he said agreeing without a second thought.


    A mesmerized Yi Chen couldn¡¯t take his eyes off Zi Han. He couldn¡¯t believe that he sessfully lured the bunny into the trap with ease. Now that he had managed to tie Zi Han to his side the rest would naturally fall in ce.


    He was so happy that he couldn¡¯t contain himself. The tips of his ears felt hot. Hepressed his lips trying to conceal the shy smile threatening to show. All those nights of staying upte were indeed worth it.


    ***


    ¡°Argh... what the fuck am I supposed to do,¡±ined Zi Han as hey t on his desk seeming defeated.


    Shorty leaned in to take a look and said, ¡°At least you have improved.¡±


    ¡°Yeah by two percent. Prof Quinn is seriously gunning for you,¡± said Shannon while flipping a stylus pen in her hand.


    Zi Han couldn¡¯t understand why he was so bad at mech repair. No matter how hard he tried to follow the notes he couldn¡¯t get it. That two percent only happened because of Yi Chen¡¯s advicest time.


    Now that professor Quinn was asking for his head if he doesn¡¯t get at least fifty percent in the next ss Zi Han was even more desperate. If he doesn¡¯t achieve this then he would be forced to move into ss two.


    ¡°Any ideas?¡± he asked as he turned his head that was lying t on the desk to face Shorty.


    Shortyy down as well and looked at him while saying, ¡°I can tutor you though I can¡¯t guarantee the results. I got an average of fifty-six percent.¡± If Shorty tutored him it was like being led by the blind so...


    ¡°And he is the best among us,¡± said Shaun while minimizing his results on the floating screen.


    ¡°I got seventy-nine so how about I tutor you?¡± said a familiar raspy voice as a shadow cast over Zi Han¡¯s head.


    Zi Han raised his body that was lying t on the desk and looked at Evan with his arms folded across his chest.


    ¡°What do you want in return?¡± asked Zi Han seriously considering it.


    Evan smiled slyly as he ced his hands at both corners of Zi Han¡¯s desk and said, ¡°We can discuss remunerationster.¡±


    Zi Han was skeptical but what choice did he have? He was about to agree when H took out a lollipop from her mouth and said,


    ¡°I have an average of eighty-five. That means I am better qualified,¡± she said as she walked over to his desk and pushed away Evan.


    Shorty narrowed his eyes and pointed at the both of them while saying, ¡°Why are the two of you so enthusiastic, huh?... A third of the ss is struggling with mech repair but I don¡¯t see you rushing to help them....¡±


    ¡°Or me,¡± interjected Shannon also curious to know.


    ¡°It¡¯s very suspicious,¡± said Shaun also sensing the biasness.


    ¡°Based on your criteria in choosing a tutor for big brother Han then wouldn¡¯t the most suitable person be the ss president?¡± asked Shorty and everyone turned to look in Yi Chen¡¯s direction.


    The man had his head lowered while checking the parts in the supply box with Li Ran chattering incessantly in his ears. Zi Han¡¯s eyes beamed looking like he had seen a savior.

 Chapter 107

    107 A wolf in customized sheep¡¯s clothing


    With eyes glimmering like pearls under the moonlight Zi Han kept his gaze on Yi Chen. His fist propping up his chin he asked, ¡°Do you think he would agree to tutor me?¡±


    This question wasn¡¯t necessarily directed at anyone. He was just thinking out loud but the people around him responded. Their responses were mixed but the person himself wasn¡¯t listening. He was busy making calctions in his mind.


    Yi Chen had helped him get his grandfather¡¯s map back and he had also copied the script for him. In return, Yi Chen had asked for him to be a part of his elite toon in the future.


    No matter which way Zi Han tried to flip this over it was a win-win situation for himself. Joining the future Marshal¡¯s team of elites was almost every Cadet¡¯s dream. Plenty could dream but only a few could get such an honor.


    Even if Yi Chen hadn¡¯t copied those scripts or got his grandfather¡¯s map back for him it wouldn¡¯t haven¡¯t taken much convincing for Zi Han to ept such an offer. In other words, it was Yi Chen who suffered unnecessary losses.


    Thus when he thought of asking the ss president to tutor him he couldn¡¯t help but feel bad if Yi Chen doesn¡¯t request something in return. If he doesn¡¯t then Zi Han had toe up with something to repay him with. But what would Yi Chen want? He wasn¡¯t short of money nor did he seem to have any interests other than training.


    Like this Zi Han had been sitting there looking at Yi Chen with an absent expression. Yi Chen had long noticed Zi Han staring at him and he tried his hardest to pretend like he didn¡¯t see him.


    The half side of his face tingled as he tried to concentrate on his task but even though he didn¡¯t look at Zi Han he still noticed him.


    The slightest change in posture or movement of a finger sent Yi Chen¡¯s thoughts in a spiral. He wasn¡¯t sure if Zi Han was trying to get his attention or something.


    .....


    He wasn¡¯t even sure whether he should walk over and ask or wait for Zi Han to take the initiative toe to him.


    Zi Han had absolutely no idea that his absent-mindedness would cause such a chaotic storm in Yi Chen¡¯s mind. Yi Chen¡¯s brain almost short-circuited like a robot experiencing a malfunction.


    After thinking it through Zi Han retracted his gaze with an expression like he had made up his mind. He couldn¡¯t owe Yi Chen any more favors so he nned on asking H if she had time.


    But before he opened his mouth to speak the bell rang signifying the end of ss which also happened to be the end of the school day. Zi Han got up and nned to discuss this over some milk tea with her.


    Just as he stepped out of theboratory a figure suddenly stood in front of him blocking his path. It was none other than Yi Chen. His expression was as always but the faint traces of glee indicated that he was in a good mood.


    ¡°You guys go ahead,¡± he said to the four people before ncing back at the ss president. ¡°What¡¯s up?¡± he asked but he soon regretted asking that question.


    ¡°You need to help me with the medicine again?¡± said Yi Chen with a serious expression that one wouldn¡¯t think those words had juste from his mouth.


    Zi Han, ¡°...¡±


    If he was an animated character he would have a couple of exmation marks hovering above his head. Hadn¡¯t he already helped him earlier? Wasn¡¯t his debt already paid off?


    Noticing Zi Han¡¯s look of confusion Yi Chen said, ¡°It says to apply twice a day and since we are already going home you might as well help me now,¡± while cing the healing spray in Zi Han¡¯s hand.


    Zi Han¡¯s mouth twitched like he was about to say something but he was seriously at a loss. ¡°Ugh fine..... but I am not going to the training room. It¡¯s too far,¡± he said before bypassing him and walking away.


    A small smile showed on Yi Chen¡¯s face as he followed him. He didn¡¯t know where Zi Han was taking him nor did he care. From afar he appeared like a saint with little to no desires but when it came to the one he likes he was no vegetarian. He was like a wolf in customized sheep¡¯s clothing here to abduct the unsuspecting littlemb.


    The littlemb directly led him to the nearest bathroom andmanded, ¡°Unbutton your shirt,¡± while twisting the lid of the healing spray can.


    In the vast luxurious bathroom, Yi Chen started to unbutton but when he reached halfway Zi Han suddenly pushed him into thest stall and shut the door.


    Just a second ago Zi Han heard voicesing this way. In a panic, he pushed Yi Chen into the stall and hurriedly closed the door. His reaction was instantaneous without much thought. Now that they were cramped in this small space he began to question himself.


    Why did he squeeze into this tiny space with such a big person? It¡¯s not like they were doing anything shameful. With an arched brow, he looked at Yi Chen, and because of the height difference, he was met by Yi Chen¡¯s partially open chest.


    He couldn¡¯t help but take the time to appreciate the ss president¡¯s majestic figure. He wanted to say, ¡°I reacted impulsively. There is no need to hide,¡± but what came out of his mouth was,


    ¡°I really can¡¯t touch? Not even a lit-.¡±


    He didn¡¯t manage to finish because Yi Chen ced his index finger on his lips to stop him from talking. That¡¯s because the people who were talking had pushed the bathroom door and were happily chattering.


    Yi Chen lowered his head while lightly biting his lower lip. The softness of Zi Han¡¯s lips at the side of his finger was enlivening. He was tempted to lower his head a little more and test whether they were as soft as when his finger touched them.


    Zi Hanpressed his lips shutting his mouth. Since both of them couldn¡¯t talk Zi Han decided to take advantage of this. Like an alligator quietly sneaking up on prey taking a bath in the murky waters he raised his hand and poked Yi Chen¡¯s uninjured pectoral muscle.


    Yi Chen who was preupied with Zi Han¡¯s lips didn¡¯t think he would be taken advantage of in this moment. He wanted to say something but those boys were still chit-chattering in the bathroom talking about some stupid party.


    Yi Chen tried to grab Zi Han¡¯s hand but this time Zi Han was prepared. He dodged in time but instead of behaving well, he poked Yi Chen again. This time he poked his abdomen and chuckled silently while he was at it.


    His eyes widened feeling how hard it was. Zi Han suddenly wanted to do it again but this time he would touch it instead of poking.

 Chapter 108

    108 Don¡¯t make trouble


    Yi Chen knew if they kept doing this in such a small space he might not be able to control himself thus he grasped both of Zi Han¡¯s wrists and pressed them above the youth¡¯s head against the wall.


    He lowered his head and mouthed, ¡°Don¡¯t make trouble.¡±


    ¡°Shh,¡± said one of the boys outside.


    ¡°Shh what?¡± said the other one while washing his hands under the running tap.


    ¡°Did you hear something?¡± he asked as he took a few steps towards the stalls.


    ¡°This is a public bathroom, not your private house. Even if there are people in here what¡¯s it to you?¡± said the second boy while drying his hands with the automatic hand drying machine.


    The first boy acted like a nosy detective itching to solve the case. Zi Han normally wouldn¡¯t care about being caught in such apromising position. It¡¯s not like he was doing anything shameful. It¡¯s just that if it gets into his grandfather¡¯s ear that he was caught in a bathroom stall with Yi Chen he wouldn¡¯t be able to wash himself clean even if he jumps into the Yangtze River.


    ¡°Let go,¡± he mouthed and Yi Chen didn¡¯t make things difficult for him. If they were indeed caught fraternizing in the bathroom his father would most likely find trouble with Zi Feiji.


    Zi Han who wasn¡¯t afraid of scolding people opened the door while Yi Chen triggered the sensor to flush the toilet. As soon as Zi Han stepped out he found the curious boy a few feet from him.


    .....


    The boy¡¯s steps halted. Seeing Zi Han¡¯s unfriendly gaze he was tongue-tied but he still tilted his head trying to peek into the stall.


    ¡°What the fuck are you looking at?¡± asked Zi Han with a look that seemed to say, ¡®if you look one more time I will fuck you up¡¯. Believe me, he would do anything to stop his grandfather from finding out he was touching a partially dressed Yi Chen¡¯s chest in a bathroom stall.


    However innocent he was his family would most definitely misunderstand. The boy¡¯s detective career ended before it even began. The both of them scurried out of the bathroom like they were being chased by a fiend.


    With a soft click the bathroom door closed and Yi Chen walked out buttoning his shirt but before he could finish Zi Han stopped him.


    ¡°What are you buttoning it up for? I haven¡¯t sprayed the healing spray yet,¡± he said while beckoning him over with a furrow between his brows.


    Yi Chen walked over while unbuttoning it and watched silently as Zi Han pulled apart his shirt and sprayed that soothing medicine. The swelling had gone down and regrettably tomorrow it should have fully healed.


    ¡°Does it hurt?¡± asked Zi Han ncing up to look at him but before Yi Chen could respond Zi Han gently blew air on that nipple making Yi Chen¡¯s abdominal muscles stiff. His chest grew hotter with his heart beating so fast like it was going to leap out of it.


    He now had a new theory. He strongly believed Zi Han knew his feelings and was deliberately pushing him off the cliff so he could confess.


    He had already forgotten that he was the one who asked Zi Han to take responsibility by applying medicine for him.


    Yi Chen¡¯s scorching gaze focused on Zi Han¡¯s lowered head as his hand unconsciously raised as though to touch the side of Zi Han¡¯s face and force him to look up before kissing him.


    But before he could even touch Zi Han the youth raised his head and with a smile, he said, ¡°All done..... Let¡¯s discuss business.¡±


    After saying this he closed the can and acted like nothing had happened between them. It seemed Yi Chen was the only one being affected by this.


    ¡°What business?¡± asked Yi Chen buttoning up his shirt a little curious.


    ¡°Uh Chen-ge, it¡¯s like this. I need help with my mech repair ss. If I don¡¯t get at least fifty percent in the next ss I will get kicked out of ss one,¡± he exined seeming a little aggrieved.


    Yi Chen who was now tucking his shirt ceased what he was doing and looked at him. Yi Chen already nned to help him. It¡¯s just that he hadn¡¯t mentioned it to him yet. He just didn¡¯t think Zi Han would take the initiative to ask him for help.


    This was a good thing. In fact, it was extremely good progress. Zi Han was already depending on him which was unexpected considering that they had just worked out their differences.


    ¡°That¡¯s fine. We can start tomorrow if that¡¯s okay,¡± he said before continuing to fix his shirt.


    Zi Han, who didn¡¯t expect him to agree readily asked with a cock brow, ¡°Seriously? You will tutor me?¡± Yi Chen nodded his head before washing his hands. He was acting like him tutoring Zi Han was the most natural thing to do. Like a righteous lord dedicating himself to assisting all who need aid, he agreed without asking for anything in return.


    But the truth of the matter was that his ck-bellied side was creeping in. He was going to twist Zi Han¡¯s arm and make him agree to go with him to that stupid get-together for singles without much effort.


    As expected Zi Han asked, ¡°How much will it cost me.¡±


    Yi Chen walked past him while saying, ¡°No need. It¡¯s my duty to make sure my future teammates improve in every aspect of their lives.¡±


    As the hot air blew onto Yi Chen¡¯s hands Zi Han pursed his lips feeling a little dissatisfied. What duty? Zi Han simply didn¡¯t want to owe him anything. ¡°That won¡¯t do. I know you must want something..... everyone does.¡±


    Yi Chen put on a hesitant expression which was deliberate by the way and said, ¡°Well... forget it. I don¡¯t think you will be interested.¡±


    After saying this he pushed open the bathroom door and stepped out. Zi Han who was eager to hear his request followed him but Yi Chen grasped his shoulders and pushed him back saying, ¡°Go wash your hands.¡±


    Zi Han who didn¡¯t think it was necessary walked back to the sink mumbling, ¡°I didn¡¯t even use the damn bathroom.¡±


    As soon as that door closed Yi Chen who was standing outside exhaled deeply while tugging at his cor. He liked spending time with Zi Han but a side of him that he didn¡¯t know existed would exhibit itself which was quite distressing for a person like him. At least now he could control his lower half otherwise he might have traumatized Zi Han in that tiny stall.

 Chapter 109

    109 Love shield


    As the soothing stream of warm water flowed down his long slender fingers, Zi Han kept mumbling under his breath. He might look innocent but he was cursing a thousand generations of the Yi family.


    What was he mad about? Well, even he didn¡¯t know. Being told to go wash his hands wasn¡¯t something he should get upset over but he was like salmon going against the current and in this case the current was Yi Chen.


    When he left the bathroom he didn¡¯t even bother to dry his hands. Instead, he curled his fingers making sure to save some water droplets and with a mischievous smile, he opened the bathroom door.


    ¡°Shit,¡± muttered Yi Chen as the water was sprinkled all over his face by this childish human he so happens to be obsessed with.


    Zi Han flicked his fingers with a sly grin on his face before he broke into a chuckle. Yi Chen wiped his face with a handkerchief while saying softly, ¡°That¡¯s childish.¡±


    Zi Han didn¡¯t care. Heughed unrestrainedly as he recalled that rare, never seen before, startled expression on Yi Chen¡¯s face.


    ¡°Lighten up a little ss president,¡± he said while walking down the hallway.


    Yi Chen caught up with him feeling a little aggrieved. This morning it was Chen-ge but a few hourster they were back to ss president. In as much as he wanted to drop the formal address, he couldn¡¯t force Zi Han to call him like in the morning.


    ¡°So what thing were you saying I wouldn¡¯t be interested in,¡± said Zi Han turning around to face him while walking backwards like he had eyes at the back of his head.


    .....


    Yi Chen held his shoulders and spun him around while saying, ¡°Eyes forward,¡± before letting him go.


    ¡°It¡¯s a get-together sort of thing and I was wondering if you would go with me?¡± said Yi Chen while tapping his light brain before sending the invitation.


    Curious Zi Han tapped open his chat interface with Yi Chen and a luxurious-looking ck and gold invitation with the italicized letters VIP on top popped up. ¡°Wah... Is it a dance party or something?¡± asked Zi Han with a light chuckle as he nced at Yi Chen.


    This handsome boy from the slums had never even been to a fancy dress-up type of party. But his mother had diligently taught him strict etiquette followed by the top brass of the federation.


    At that time he found it ridiculous that he had to learn that but after knowing his mother¡¯s true identity he realized it was crucial he learnt all of this.


    What he didn¡¯t know was that his mother never meant to take him to these fancy parties. As mentioned before she raised him using the trainee handbook for Bloodgarde¡¯s assassins. He was raised to be the perfect killing machine and he didn¡¯t even realize that.


    Yi Chen¡¯s lips lightly quirked at the corner as he said, ¡°No, it¡¯s a_¡±


    ¡°The fuck, I don¡¯t want to date anyone. Why would you want me to go with you? You can get a girlfriend on your own. Just don¡¯t include me,¡± interjected Zi Han after reading carefully. His mother would skin him alive before he could even finish saying the word girlfriend.


    Yi Chen gently held his arm stopping him from walking further and exined, ¡°You misunderstand... I am but asking you to go with me to find someone. I am not asking you toe and act as some sort of love shield.¡±


    ¡°Huh??¡± eximed Zi Han not understanding his meaning. He understood the words love and shield separately but when put together it didn¡¯t make any fuckin sense.


    In the wide hallway, the sounds of footsteps bounced off the walls as a group of three cadets walked in their direction. Yi Chen nced over in their direction before moving closer to Zi Han and speaking softly.


    ¡°I am being forced to go to this thing and I don¡¯t want to meet anyone so... I need you to hang around me and act as a deterrent to unwanted advances,¡± exined Yi Chen pausing in between sentences when that group of students passed by.


    Zi Han wasn¡¯t stupid. He put two and two together. If it¡¯s a blind date kind of event then him hanging around Yi Chen would deter potential suitors. That meant he would be acting like Yi Chen¡¯s date chasing off potential love rivals.


    ¡°Well, I am not a girl so... oh fuck no. Nope, not doing it. You just made a huge fuss about me parading in a skirt but now you want me to wear one. There is a word for people like you. It¡¯s.... uh, what¡¯s that word again? Um..... uh,¡± murmured Zi Han unable to recall the right word.


    Yi Chen watched him struggle for a second before helping him out. ¡°A hypocrite.....¡±


    ¡°Yes that word, hypocrite,¡± said Zi Han with a happy smile having figured it out, ¡°you just said I should stop wearing skirts.¡±


    ¡°I know I sound like a hypocrite. That¡¯s why I said you wouldn¡¯t be interested. It¡¯s okay, no need to feel pressured... Even if you can¡¯t do it I will still tutor you so don¡¯t worry about it.¡±


    After saying this Yi Chen reluctantly let him go and began to walk ahead. Trusting his negotiation skills he confidently walked away while silently counting in his heart.


    ¡®Six, five..... four, three, two,¡¯ he counted internally and before he could say one Zi Han stopped him.


    ¡°Can you guarantee that I can improve by that much in the next mech repair ss?¡± asked Zi Han while rubbing his temple. Even he couldn¡¯t believe he was caving in.


    Yi Chen pursed his lips as he took a step back reducing the distance between him and Zi Han.


    ¡°I most definitely can,¡± replied Yi Chen in a sincere tone. He would do everything in his power to make sure Zi Han passes mech repair ss with one of the highest grades.


    Zi Han sighed deeply before saying, ¡°But I have nothing suitable to wear. I only have that uniform and if I raid my mum¡¯s closet she will know. Oh, and my hair is super short so I won¡¯t easily pass as a girl like before.¡±


    Yi Chen shook his head stopping him from worrying. ¡°I will take care of everything. You just have to meet me at my mother¡¯s boutique on Saturday,¡± he exined but Zi Han wasn¡¯t at ease.


    ¡°Wait, wouldn¡¯t your mother find out and we would both get into trouble?¡± asked Zi Han genuinely concerned about this. He didn¡¯t want to get into trouble with someone else¡¯s mother.


    That¡¯s because he was worried that if it reached his mother¡¯s ears then she would pick a fight with Mrs. Yi which would further increase the rift between their two families.

 Chapter 110

    110 Pretend date


    ¡°The people that work there know how to keep their mouths shut so it won¡¯t be a problem. So what do you say? Do you want toe with me?¡± asked Yi Chen his blood rushing with excitement.


    As long as Yi Chen could guarantee that Zi Han wouldn¡¯t be chased with a high-heeled shoe by someone else¡¯s mother he would agree.


    ¡°Fine, as long as there is cake I will show up,¡± said Zi Han a little frazzled.


    This had to be thest time otherwise he might begin to get addicted to wearing women¡¯s clothes. There wasn¡¯t anything wrong with that but he just didn¡¯t want that for himself.


    Yi Chen suppressed a smile as he raised his arm intending to drape it around Zi Han¡¯s shoulder but he suddenly felt nervous.


    He knew what he wanted from Zi Han was more than friendship and felt bad whenever he touched him. He felt like he was taking advantage of the situation by eating tofu with the other party being unaware of it.


    But he also couldn¡¯t help himself. While he was seriously thinking it through as though solving aplicated math problem Zi Han took the initiative to drap his arm over Yi Chen¡¯s shoulder. Because of the height difference, it was slightly awkward but Zi Han didn¡¯t care.


    ¡°You know ss president, you have topensate me well. From what I have heard you are in high demand as one of the federation¡¯s most elite bachelors. You are about to put a target on my back if I walk into that ce.¡±


    ¡°Those women of the federation noble ss are as ruthless as piranhas. I might have to trouble ss president to protect me,¡± said Zi Han jokingly. Everything else except the part about federation nobles being ruthless.


    .....


    It wouldn¡¯t be a surprise if Zi Han walks out of there with his wig snatched off and missing an eysh or two after getting into a cat fight. It had happened before and that incident broke Sta for a day.


    One of the prime minister¡¯s daughters had fought with a female sergeant at one of the banquets. And who did they fight over? It was the newly appointed female admiral to the Marshal who neither of them were acquainted with so yep.....


    Yi Chen turned his face to the side and his lips almost brushed past Zi Han¡¯s slightly pink cheek. His heart stopped beating for a second as he stared nkly at Zi Han¡¯s side profile.


    Saturday couldn¡¯te fast enough. He couldn¡¯t wait to y house with Zi Han. Well, it couldn¡¯t exactly be called ¡®ying house¡¯ but ying ¡®pretend date¡¯.


    Ding!


    Zi Han¡¯s light brain which was silent this entire time suddenly made a dinging sound alerting him of a new message. When he saw who it was Zi Han retracted his hand while saying, ¡°My grandfather is here so I will see you tomorrow. Bye.¡±


    After saying this Zi Han didn¡¯t even wait for Yi Chen to respond. He just ran off without a second thought. Yi Chen was left standing there while holding his chest with an unfathomable gaze.


    He had never looked forward to something this much. For the first time in his life, he couldn¡¯t wait for the weekend to arrive.


    ***


    As expected when one is looking forward to something time seems to be moving slow. Yi Chen was so thrilled about Saturday that he could barely sleep reying the conversation he had with Zi Han over and over again.


    An unconscious smile would creep up his face from time to time whenever he thought about it. He was so excited that even his mother could feel a strong sense of exhrationing from him without even showing it on his face. She had no idea what good thing had befallen her son but she didn¡¯t probe into it.


    That wasn¡¯t the only good thing happening to him. He had also started having virtual tutoring sessions in the simtor with Zi Han and if he wasn¡¯t sure about his feelings before he was most certainly sure now. His heart was no longer his own. It belonged to Zi Han as long as he was willing to ept it.


    Zi Han on the other hand wasn¡¯t even thinking about this thing on Saturday. That¡¯s because each time he bumped into Professor Quinn he would squint his eyes with an expression that seemed to be saying, ¡°I aming to get you.¡±


    Such a terrifying threat had him buried in studying that he almost forgot that he had an appointment with Yi Chen on Saturday. He was so preupied that when Saturday morning came he was passed out sleeping like the dead. If it weren¡¯t for Yi Chen¡¯s video call in the morning he might have slept for the rest of the day.


    His windows were in night mode and he was sleeping on his tummy his limbs spread out with one of his legs outside the quilt. Soft snores filled the room with a warm atmosphere that could coax one to sleep.


    Tee tee tee tee tee tee... tee tee tee tee tee tee...


    The sound of his light brain alerting him of a video request permeated the air but the sleeping Zi Han didn¡¯t open his eyes. Instead, he felt around for his light brain.


    He wanted to bring it up to his face and see who it was but he identally clicked ept and a huge floating screen appeared at the foot of his bed.


    Because when he entered the penthouse his light brain would automatically connect to the AI system running the house it would erge his video call as per his settings.


    Yi Chen who hadn¡¯t expected such a sensual view was at a loss as he sat there unable to extricate himself. Zi Han¡¯s leg was out of the quilt and Yi Chen could see his bare skin from his wiggling toes to his upper thigh. The rest was blocked by a pair of ck trunks.


    Zi Han finally opened his eyes while mumbling something sheepishly and when he saw Yi Chen he wasn¡¯t at all surprised. Thinking they had a scheduled tutoring session that he had forgotten about he rubbed his eyes while turning over and asked, ¡°Aah..... I thought today you said we will take some time off?¡±


    Yi Chen who thought things couldn¡¯t get any worse realized that Zi Han was naked with only a pair of trunks. His ears became hot with a blush slowly creeping up his neck to his cheeks. Zi Han was the very definition of temptation. He didn¡¯t know how long he wouldst without exposing himself.


    Author¡¯s Note: Anyone with holy water? We need to drown him in it.

 Chapter 111

    111 In the presence of a predator


    Zi Han who had no idea that he was in the presence of a predator who had ideas about him slowly sat up and the quilt slipped down his thin shoulders and porcin skin-toned chest that barely saw the sun.


    He sluggishly rubbed his eyes with his elbow resting on his bent knee. He slowly raked his fingers through his hair pushing it back whilemanding the housekeeping system, ¡°Disable night mode.¡±


    Yi Chen heard the housekeeping system respond, ¡°Yes young master,¡± before the tint on the windows slowly faded away and the bright sunlight seeped through. Under the natural light, Yi Chen could now see everything clearly.


    The youth sitting on the bed had disheveled hair and his fox eyes were narrowed trying to get used to the light. As the sun rays reflected light on his smooth skin Yi Chen saw those two beads on his chest and he couldn¡¯t help but get up for a second.


    Zi Han, who had no idea what he started this fine morning asked, ¡°Why aren¡¯t you saying anything?¡±


    Yi Chen stood with his forearm stered on the wall as he did some breathing exercises to calm his beating heart. He patted his hot cheeks before sitting back down and asking, ¡°Why do you sleep naked?¡±


    Zi Han got off the bed pushing the quilt away while responding casually, ¡°Why are you questioning me just like my mother? This is my bedroom and I can choose to sleep naked if I want. Plus I am not naked, I am wearing underwear.¡±


    Yi Chen bit his lower lip stopping himself from saying something that would infuriate Zi Han. But despite this, he still said, ¡°You will catch a cold. The nights here get chilly.¡±


    Zi Han who had a temperature-controlled room monitored by the housekeeping AI gave him a ¡®are you fuckin kidding me look¡¯ before bending down to look for his slippers. When he couldn¡¯t find them he directly knelt on the floor with his perky ass in ck trunks aimed at the floating screen.


    .....


    Yi Chen, ¡°....¡±


    ¡°Ahem,¡± he cleared his throat loudly attracting Zi Han¡¯s attention while not trying to look at the same time.


    Zi Han got out from under the bed with two slippers in his hand. He stood up and with a dull thud, he dropped them on the floor before slipping his toes in them.


    He didn¡¯t even know why Yi Chen was making that sound. He just grabbed his pajama pants he had casually tossed off in the middle of the night after feeling slight difort in his sleep.


    Yi Chen nervously rubbed his sweaty palms on his thighs while asking, ¡°So when a girl calls you in the morning is this what they see?¡±


    Zi Han tied the drawstring on his pajama pants and said, ¡°What girl? Other than my grandpa and mother no one calls me..... well now you too of course.¡±


    After he said this Yi Chen¡¯s hands paused for a moment and he suddenly felt the blossoming of spring in the pit of his stomach.


    ¡°Oh,¡± replied Yi Chen trying to suppress a smile.


    ¡°Why did you wake me up?¡± asked Zi Han picking up the corner of the quilt hanging on the ground and tossing it back on the bed.


    Yi Chen suddenly looked up and blurted out, ¡°You forgot already?¡±


    Zi Han immediately recalled their ns. Rubbing his forehead in frustration he asked, ¡°Tch..... it¡¯s today?¡±


    Yi Chen mistook his reaction as reluctance to go. A wave of disappointment washed over him. He wasn¡¯t going to force Zi Han but before he could speak the youth said, ¡°Send me the address. I will be there on time.¡±


    Yi Chen wanted to say something but Zi Han directly ended the video call and sprawled on the bed. The reason why he seemed reluctant was because his mother had instructed him to stay at home this weekend. Apparently, something big was going down but she didn¡¯t know where.


    For the past two days, she hadn¡¯te home and he overheard his grandfather on a call with her talking about the portals that were randomly opening all over the federation. It seemed she suspected one would open in Capital Star this weekend.


    But thinking of how Yi Chen had helped him out these past few days taking time out to tutor him he couldn¡¯t bring himself to disappoint him. So he could only go.


    He sat up abruptly and wrote him a message. Yi Chen who thought Zi Han was angry with him was sitting in his chair while typing and erasing a message several times. He wasn¡¯t sure what to write thus he kept repeating this cycle back and forth.


    While he was erasing for the nth time a message came through and he reflexively leaped out of his chair.


    HandsomeHan: Are your siblings going out today?


    HandsomeHan: Heard my mum say something big is going down in Captial Star today.


    HandsomeHan: If they are going out try and convince them otherwise.


    Yi Chen who was bombarded with a lot of messages was overwhelmed for a second. His heart felt warm knowing that Zi Han cared for his family. Didn¡¯t that mean he also cared for him by association?


    YC: They aren¡¯t.


    YC: Thanks.


    As soon as he sent the two messages his bedroom door was knocked on twice and three people walked in with the youngest being the one who opened his door.


    ¡°Ming Ming, he hadn¡¯t even saide in,¡± said Lin Ruoxi reprimanding her.


    Ming Ming didn¡¯t seem to hear her she just jumped on the bed andy t with her limps spread out like she was creating snow angels.


    Lin Ruoxi hung Yi Chen¡¯s clothes for the blind date in the walk-in closet while saying, ¡°I picked this for you and straightened it out.¡±


    ¡°Why does dage get to go out to y today while we can¡¯t?¡±ined Yi Youxi while sitting on the bed next to his sister.


    Yi Chen thanked his mother while minimizing the chat interface. ¡°You never go out? You y games all day,¡± said Yi Chen unable to fathom his little brother¡¯s mind. The one time he was told not to go out he actuallyined.


    ¡°I was nning to hang out with my friends,¡± heined as he threw his back on the bed as well. The pair of siblings sighed while acting like they were being detained against their will.


    ¡°Ha! What friends? You and your little buddies even threw a birthday party on the virtual because you were toozy to have a birthday in reality,¡± said Lin Ruoxi before walking over to drag her trouble makers out the door.

 Chapter 112

    112 That son of a....


    It wasn¡¯t as easy as she anticipated because they began to stage a two-person protest refusing to get up. If they weren¡¯t allowed outside then their older brother wasn¡¯t allowed either. Lin Ruoxi nced at Yi Chen with an apologetic smile.


    He walked over and picked them both up at the same time before cing them on the ground outside his bedroom door. ¡°I will let you know when I am leaving,¡± he calmly said to his mother before closing the door.


    Lin Ruoxi wanted to say something but in the end, she just sighed and turned to leave. But these two remained sprawled on the floor and weren¡¯t moving. Since she didn¡¯t have time to coax these brats she simply threatened, ¡°If you don¡¯t get up from the cold floor I won¡¯t take you to your dad¡¯s office anymore.¡±


    Ming Ming, ¡°.....¡±


    Yi Youxi, ¡°So cruel.¡±


    In conclusion, they got up so fast you would think their butts were on fire.


    ***


    One hourter Zi Han who had washed up and dressed casually walked downstairs intending to sneak out. But before he did that he had to check what his grandfather was up to.


    The old man was in the downstairs gym next to the training room while stretching his limps in aplicated yoga pose. Zi Han heard him say, ¡°Wha-whats so.... ugh,plicated about this? I can do it.¡±


    .....


    Old Lu, ¡°.....¡±


    ¡°The young miss was just messing with you. Master you don¡¯t have to actually do it,¡± replied Old Lu feeling a little distressed. He was starting to think Zi Xingxi did it on purpose.


    ¡°I am going to prove her wrong... How do I put my legs up?¡± he said looking at the image of the handstand scorpion pose on the floating disy.


    Zi Han facepalmed before walking away. He grabbed a nectarine from the fruit basket on the kitchen ind and disappeared into the garage.


    Two minutester...


    Thud!!!


    ¡°Master!! Are you okay?¡± yelled the old steward after Zi Feiji directly kissed the floor but he didn¡¯t even care about that. His ears moving slightly he asked,


    ¡°Did you hear that?¡±


    ¡°Hear what?¡± asked the old steward helping him up with a face full of concern.


    ¡°Like an engine starting... Zi Han!¡± he yelled before hastily getting up, ¡°Aiyo..... ah.... shit.¡±


    Zi Feiji had pulled a muscle attempting something that he shouldn¡¯t be doing in the first ce. Two minutester he was sitting on afy couch while staring at Zi Han¡¯s message with a ck face.


    HandsomeHan: left for some milk


    HandsomeHan: brb [smiling face cat.jpg]


    Zi Xingxi who was standing on top of a roof with an armor-piercing rifle in her hand while looking down at the busy streets received a message.


    AngryGrandpa: Your rascal of a son ran away from home.


    AngryGrandpa: He sent me this.


    AngryGrandpa: Forwarded [HandsomeHan: left for some milk]


    Zi Xingxi furrowed her brows and directly dialed her father¡¯s number. Secondster it was connected and an angry roar came through the wireless earphone.


    ¡°WHAT MILK! THAT LITTLE RASCAL DOESN¡¯T EVEN HAVE A DRIVING PERMIT!!! TELL HIM NOT TO BOTHER COMING BACK HOME!!¡±


    Zi Xingxi, ¡°.....¡±


    She was about to calm her angry father down when he directly hung up. She knew these were merely angry words thus she didn¡¯t take them seriously. What was the fuss all about?


    As long as Zi Han had a brain he wouldn¡¯t need a driving permit. He just had to engage the auto pilot after giving a voicemand for the address and he could go anywhere he wants.


    The driving permit was mainly for if, that is if the autopilot fails which almost never happened especially with expensive vehicles. His father had to be angry because he was worried for Zi Han¡¯s safety.


    She decided to check out his location and monitor him till he gets back home safe.


    ¡°Feng darling...,¡± she said while beckoning Secretary K over.


    ¡°Yes darling Xi,¡± replied Lynn Feng while sipping on some hot mocha sitting in the captain¡¯s seat in the warship.


    Zi Xingxi grinned slyly while saying, ¡°Are you in my seat again? Get up and get me live surveince of Zi Han¡¯s location.¡±


    Lynn Feng slowly got up while mouthing, ¡°How the fuck does she even guess that every single time.¡± She was honestly starting to think there were pressure sensors inside that seat otherwise how could Zi Xingxi tell.


    Secretary K passed to her a device shaped like a tablet showing a blue dot in the lively fashion district for the nobles. If she said she wasn¡¯t surprised she would be lying.


    Her brows furrowed while thinking out loud, ¡°Why the fuck would he be there?¡±


    Secretary K absent-mindedly responded, ¡°Maybe the young sir is meeting someone.¡±


    ¡°Ha..... someone he wouldn¡¯t inform his grandfather about. It¡¯s obvious he doesn¡¯t want any of us to know.... Let me know when he leaves that area.¡±


    After saying this she gave back the device to him. It was at that time the live surveince came through and secretary K¡¯s steps paused when he saw Zi Han meeting Yi Chen before disappearing into the building.


    ¡°Fuck!¡± blurted out Lynn Feng before abruptly covering her mouth.


    Zi Xingxi who was annoyedly messing with the rifle suddenly raised her head and looked at secretary K.


    ¡°What?!¡± she asked but secretary K just nced at the rifle she was holding before swallowing his saliva in fright.


    ¡°It¡¯s um.....ah,¡± stammered Lynn Feng while secretary K hid the device behind him taking a step back.


    Blinking rapidly Lynn Feng went offline after feigning having a tummy ache. ¡°Sister Xi, I have diarrhea. I can¡¯t hold it.¡±


    She left everything to the poor secretary K who couldn¡¯t pretend that he ate something bad and needed to go to the bathroom.


    ¡°Give. It. To. Me. Now...,¡± she said her voice as terrifying as a high-ranking demon in hell.


    Under such pressure, secretary K had no choice but to hand it over. He began to pray for Yi Chen otherwise if he died today then the Marshal¡¯s men patrolling Captial Star with them will be instructed to shoot to kill.


    ¡°That son of a..... I am going to kill him,¡± she said followed by augh so bone-chilling that secretary K took another step back. Zi Xingxi was terrifying when she was like this.


    Two secondster she leaped off the building and Chronos came out engulfing her body. It seemed Yi Chen had managed to fall onto this Mama bear¡¯s raider once more. Wait until she finds out what he asked her son to do.


    Author¡¯s note: Does anyone think Yi Chen would walk out of this intact. Hehe, stay tuned...

 Chapter 113

    113 Have you done this before


    A pair of ombre blue and white sneakers emerged from the car and stepped on the pavement. A youth with a sweet boy appearance stood under the sun giving off an approachable feeling.


    With a lowered head he tapped on his light brain and after fiddling with it for a minute or two the door of the hovercar slowly closed.


    At a slow pace, it drove a few feet before an automatic door at the wall of the building opened and the car slid in for parking. Zi Han watched on with interest for a second.


    With his hand raised to block the sun, he watched as the ck and red luxury car disappeared. ¡°Cool,¡± he whispered before taking out the nectarine from his pants pocket and biting it.


    Recalling he hadn¡¯t messaged Yi Chen yet he left the nectarine in between his teeth and typed something on his light brain. He absentmindedly turned around and bumped into a rock-hard surface.


    ¡°Fuck,¡± he whispered while gently rubbing his forehead. When he looked up he was met by Yi Chen¡¯s handsome face with a slight quirk at the corner of his lips.


    Zi Han sunk his teeth into the nectarine and bit off a part of it. Chewing slowly he gently punched Yi Chen¡¯s chest and Yi Chen took a small step backward.


    After swallowing the sweet fruit Zi Han spoke in an admonishing tone, ¡°Don¡¯t you fuckin stand behind me next time.¡±


    Yi Chen suppressed a smile as he obediently nodded his head. He wanted to say something earlier but when he saw him standing there watching the hovercar while blocking the sunlight with his hand Yi Chen suddenly had the urge to walk over and embrace Zi Han from behind.


    .....


    The boy was dressed in a pair of ck jogger pants and a simple white t-shirt with two pendants hanging around his neck. He was dressed casually and simply but it enhanced his body frame making everyone who passed him take a second nce.


    Before he knew it he was standing behind Zi Han and the sweet scent of his shampoo mixed in with the smell of nectarine brought Yi Chen back to reality. He stopped his hand that was moving towards Zi Han¡¯s waist in time.


    He slowly clenched his fists and just watched him for a while waiting for him to turn around. When Zi Han bumped into him he felt a warm spring gushing into his chest. He wanted to ce his hand on Zi Han¡¯s back and pull him in for a hug but in the end, he clenched his jaw as his fist tightened to help him keep his sanity. When Zi Han punched his chest he felt a great sense of relief wash over him.


    ¡°Okay, I won¡¯t do it again,¡± said Yi Chen while staring at the partially bitten nectarine in Zi Han¡¯s hand. He immediately retracted his gaze while saying, ¡°Let¡¯s go in.¡±


    The pair walked alongside each other and didn¡¯t notice the patrol drone zooming in on them. The Capital Star fashion district was home to the rich with plenty of luxurious stores with prices starting at five figures.


    This five-figure number was to someone an annual ie but to the nobles, it was spent in a single sitting dining at the cheapest restaurant in the fashion district.


    Lin Ruoxi never took her family to such a ce because she felt it was a waste of her wealth.


    For one of the richest women in the federation, she was cautious when spending money. She would buy her babies top-tier quality clothes but she haggled with suppliers on Sta.


    She went straight to the source and shook that tree so hard that the managers would get a headache when they hear she was calling. Most of her money was spent on poverty alleviation programs she ran in Capital Star and others.


    The only thing she never haggled over was food for her family. There she spared no expense. This famous boutique in the fashion district and other locations was the lifeblood of all poverty alleviation programs she ran.


    She was a frugal minimalist when it came to spending money on big corporations but she didn¡¯t have a problem milking the rich with her exquisite clothing brands to give back to the poor and help improve the lives of the children in the federation.


    Yi Chen had adopted the minimalist type of approach his mother had. The only reason he brought Zi Han here was because his mother¡¯s boutique used all its profits to help change people¡¯s lives. If it weren¡¯t for that he might have ordered something online.


    Zi Han who had never been to this ridiculously expensive ce was looking around curiously. The high prices were unforgivable but the fashion district was a scene to behold. He was intrigued.


    When he entered the boutique he was treated like royalty from the get-go. The employees were especially polite and as soon as they stepped in the doors were closed shut. For the next two hours, they wouldn¡¯t be epting customers.


    Zi Han¡¯s brows arched at this level of professionalism. The employees weren¡¯t even curious. They acted as though it wasn¡¯t strange that Yi Chen closed the boutique doors and brought a boy to shop for girl clothes.


    Zi Han was suddenly inquisitive. Had Yi Chen done this before that it didn¡¯t even surprise them anymore? Yi Chen took off his zip-up jacket and sat down in the asional chair in front of the mirrors while beckoning Zi Han over.


    Zi Han sat down with his legs crossed at the knees and asked, ¡°Have you done this before?¡±


    Yi Chen fixed the pendant of his mech while responding, ¡°Done what?¡±


    Zi Han leaned in close with his hand propping up his chin and borated his question. ¡°Bring someone over and spoil them?¡±


    Yi Chen chuckled lightly before saying, ¡°Yes..... jealous?¡±


    Hearing this Zi Han smiled amusedly as he sat back straight and took another bite. Soon an elderly woman with the tag written head stylist walked over and ushered Zi Han into the changing room.


    Zi Han tossed the half-eaten nectarine to Yi Chen whileining, ¡°If you picked something ugly for me I won¡¯t let you go.¡±


    ¡°En,¡± replied Yi Chen with a slight smile on his face. The only other people he brought over here were his siblings under his mother¡¯s urging. Just now when Zi Han asked he deliberately didn¡¯t exin himself. That was because he wanted to see if there were any ripples in Zi Han¡¯s calm eyes.


    He was very expectant but when he didn¡¯t get the response he wanted he felt slight disappointment. He was well aware that Zi Han didn¡¯t like him like that but he couldn¡¯t help but be hopeful. Yi Chen shook off this sad feeling and raised his head only to notice the half-eaten nectarine in his hand.

 Chapter 114

    114 Excuse you.... are you wearing it or I am


    Now normal people would throw it away but Yi Chen liked Zi Han and would undoubtedly take this opportunity to have an indirect kiss. Yes, some people might say gross but that¡¯s not how Yi Chen saw it.


    He naturally raised his hand and took a bite out of the nectarine eating it with relish.


    He didn¡¯t like sweet things much but this nectarine seemed to taste really good. A few bites in and the entire thing was gone. He threw away the seed and drank a ss of water with a satisfied look on his face.


    When Zi Han came out he was dressed in a red bodycon dress that would have one drooling while whistling like a perverted looney toon character.


    Yi Chen¡¯s gaze fell on the alluring figure entuated by that sexy low-cut dress and his Adam¡¯s apple rolled up and down as he swallowed dryly.


    ¡°No,¡± he said in a hoarse voice as he hastily shifted his gaze up to Zi Han¡¯s face while crossing his legs with his zip-up jacket on hisp.


    Zi Han who thought he looked pretty swept his leg and his thigh emerged from the slit on the side. With a humorous smile, he said, ¡°I think I look smexy,¡± while looking at himself in the mirror.


    Yi Chen rubbed his lower lip with his index finger with a smitten appearance before asking, ¡°Not sexy?¡±


    Zi Han spun around checking his ass while saying, ¡°No smexy. Both smart and sexy.... I like it.¡±


    .....


    ¡°Uh-uh... no. Try something more conventional,¡± said Yi Chen taking another sip of water.


    Zi Han sneered before walking back into the changing room. Yi Chen tugged at his t-shirt feeling a little hot. He called out to one of the attendants to adjust the temperature of the room.


    The boutique was already cool enough. If they reduced the temperature further it might be chilly but since the boss said so he could onlyply.


    Five minutester Zi Han came out with an ankle-length floral dress. It suited him well just like the pretty girl next door but Zi Han hated it. Yi Chen liked the idea of concealing the goods from prying eyes but he wasn¡¯t the one wearing it so.....


    ¡°I like it,¡± said Yi Chen but Zi Han shut him down ruthlessly,


    ¡°Excuse you.... are you wearing it or I am?¡±


    Yi Chen, ¡°...¡±


    Zi Han, ¡°I thought so.¡±


    The third outfit was a bit of apromise. Yi Chen liked it very much though he wished it was a few inches lower but who was he kidding. Zi Han wouldn¡¯t agree. He wore a mid-thigh ck red skirt and a white cold shoulder top with ckce-up ankle boots.


    He instantly felt a chill creep through his skin creating ayer of goosebumps. ¡°Why is it so cold?¡± asked Zi Han rubbing his arm in front of the mirror.


    Yi Chen whose gaze was transfixed on Zi Han¡¯s thighs covered in see-through stockings absentmindedly responded, ¡°It¡¯s too hot.¡±


    Zi Han turned to look at him and said, ¡°Really?¡± with an ¡®are you fuckin with me¡¯ look on his face.


    Realizing he had been caught staring he cleared his throat while straightening his body.


    He gestured to the attendant to increase the temperature with a straight face making it hard for one to believe that this was the same person who had asked him to lower the temperature just now.


    Attendant, ¡°...¡±


    Zi Han walked over to him and stretched out his hand while saying, ¡°Give it?¡±


    Yi Chen who had no idea what ¡®it¡¯ he was referring to grasped the jacket in hisp tightly just in case Zi Han was asking for it. He wasn¡¯t confident with whatever was happening underneath his it thus to prevent any further embarrassment he held on to it.


    ¡°Give what?¡± asked Yi Chen with his adam¡¯s apple bobbing moistening his dry throat.


    ¡°My nectarine? I gave it to you to hold it for me. Where is it?¡± asked Zi Han. He had left the house without eating breakfast and that nectarine was his source of energy.


    Yi Chen, ¡°.....¡±


    If he had time he would have loved to ask in the anonymous forum on Sta,


    ¡°How do I tell my crush that I ate their half-eaten nectarine without selling myself out. Urgent, waiting online.¡±


    ¡°I.... I threw it out,¡± said Yi Chen with regret written all over his face.


    The hangry Zi Han, ¡°.....¡±


    ¡°You little.....,¡± said Zi Han through gritted teeth before trying to pounce on Yi Chen. Yi Chen hastily got up and held his wrists stopping him.


    ¡°That¡¯s udylike,¡± said Yi Chen but that almost earned him a kick in the shin.


    ¡°Udylike my foot....,¡± said Zi Han with a roguish smile on his face, ¡°Ah, shit. Wait wait, wait..... put me down, Yi Chen.¡±


    Yi Chen had picked him up and thrown him over his shoulder while carrying him to the hair and make-up studio at the end of the boutique.


    Zi Han soon found out that struggling was useless. With his hand propping up his chin and his elbow digging into Yi Chen¡¯s back he said, ¡°You threw away my breakfast yet you didn¡¯t apologize. How cruel.¡±


    Yi Chen ced him in the chair and said, ¡°I am sorry. I will get you something tasty, okay? Just stay here.¡±


    With his arms crossed and a slight furrow on his brows, Zi Han began to ponder. If he leaves now it wouldn¡¯t be too mean, right? But before this thought could fester in his mind he turned his head and saw Yi Chen constantly looking back as though worried that he (Zi Han) would disappear without a moment¡¯s notice.


    ¡°Fine, I will stay but you better bring something good,¡± he muttered as the head stylist instructed a girl to work on Zi Han¡¯s hair.


    Zi Han couldn¡¯t stand the constant pulling and tugging with the curling iron on thece front wig installed on his head. He had done this before when he went to the wedding but his mood was as bad as then.


    Luckily Yi Chen brought so many snacks and a healthy smoothie for him otherwise Zi Han would have turned into a hangry monster.


    What was funny was how much Yi Chen bought. He was shopping like a first-time dad trying to please his pregnant Mrs. He wasn¡¯t sure if Zi Han was in the mood for something heavy or light, sweet or salty, healthy or delicious so he brought everything and anything he thought tasted good. It was like he had raided an entire aisle of snacks.


    He poked the smoothie lid with a straw and brought it to Zi Han¡¯s mouth. The employees wouldn¡¯t dare gossip but they still gave each other looks. They couldn¡¯t believe this was the same indifferent stone-cold person that deterred strangers with one icy nce. It was simply unbelievable.

 Chapter 115

    115 Baby, let¡¯s go


    Yi Chen stood outside the makeup and hair studio with his head lowered reading his messages. As expected his mother somehow found out that her boutique in the fashion district had been closed for two hours.


    She had called the manager and they had told her that a high-paying client had requested it. After hearing this she couldn¡¯t say much. This was indeed a service they offered its just that it didn¡¯t stop her fromining. Thus she messaged Yi Chen after telling the manager to offer them the good champagne and the best service.


    Yi¡¯sBeautifulWife: Can you believe these spendthrifts spent money to get two hours of the boutique.


    Yi¡¯sBeautifulWife: There are other better ways to spend money.


    Yi¡¯sBeautifulWife: Bloody rich nobles!


    Yi Chen who had just booked her mother¡¯s boutique for two hours, ¡°...¡±


    Wasn¡¯t she one of those rich nobles? Well, she was a frugal noble to be exact. Getting money out of that woman was like asking for her life. She will give it but she would be overdramatic.


    YC: Don¡¯t you need the funds for your programs.


    Two secondster a ping sound was heard from his light brain and she had responded.


    .....


    Yi¡¯sBeautifulWife: Yes.


    Yi¡¯sBeautifulWife: Fine, I will stopining.


    Yi¡¯sBeautifulWife: Have you found anyone you are interested in yet?


    Yi Chen sighed before writing back.


    YC: It hasn¡¯t even started yet.


    It seemed Lin Ruoxi had nothing else to do because she immediately replied.


    Yi¡¯sBeautifulWife: Just don¡¯t sit in a corner with your cousin.


    Yi¡¯sBeautifulWife: Mingle and socialize.


    Yi¡¯sBeautifulWife: AAAAAHHHHH! I am so excited.


    Yi¡¯sBeautifulWife: I will have grand babies soon.


    Yi Chen, ¡°...¡±


    Seeing this barrage of messages he decided to ignore her. It would just encourage her to keep daydreaming nonsense.


    Yi¡¯sBeautifulWife: Just kidding.


    Yi¡¯sBeautifulWife: Have fun!


    Yi Chen took a nce at his light brain but before he could read the notifications shing on the screen the sliding door behind him opened and a stunning beauty of the highest order walked out.


    Curious he turned to look at Zi Han but those long legs in ck stockings grasped his attention first. He didn¡¯t know why but his mind instantly veered off course driving straight into the dirtyne.


    His breath hitched as an image of him pressing Zi Han against the locker door shed in his mind. He imagined the softness of those stockings in the palm of his hands before he tears them apart and slips his fingers inside to touch Zi Han¡¯s smooth skin.


    Zi Han who was conscious of his leg hairs felt a little ufortable. The leg hairs were tiny and barely visible that it didn¡¯t even bother him. But the elderlydy had suggested just now that they could wax them for him. All it took was one call to a specialist next door.


    Zi Han had thought it unnecessary so he refused. But now that Yi Chen was silently staring at his legs with no ounce of emotion on his face Zi Han felt a little ufortable. Could Yi Chen see it through the stockings?


    ¡°Hey, hey..... eyes up here buddy,¡± said Zi Han while snapping his fingers.


    Yi Chen came out of his stupor. His back tightened as his adam¡¯s apple rolled. He wanted to say something but his throat instantly became dry with no wordsing out.


    Zi Han was a very handsome man but like this, he was so breathtakingly beautiful that Yi Chen decided that if Zi Han wanted to dress up like this the next time he would do his very best to convince him otherwise.


    This appearance could only be seen by him. If other men see him like this he was afraid the would be bent crooked and chase Zi Han. He already had enough love rivals for starters. He couldn¡¯t handle more.


    ¡°You look....,¡± he said only to pause when he saw the make-up artist shyly nce at Zi Han with her head lowered. A sour feeling rose within him overwhelming his stomach and he couldn¡¯t bear it anymore.


    He casually said, ¡°You can share the remaining snacks among yourselves. Baby, let¡¯s go.¡± After saying this Zi Han¡¯s brows furrowed while ncing around wondering who this baby was. But before he could figure it out Yi Chen slid his arm around Zi Han¡¯s waist and led him out.


    It was then Zi Han caught up on who this ¡®baby¡¯ was. In a ce where no one could see Zi Han pinched Yi Chen¡¯s abdomen and the man hastily let go of Zi Han¡¯s waist.


    ¡°Who the fuck are you calling baby?¡± questioned Zi Han through gritted teeth. The only person who addressed himself as such was his mother and that was because she birthed him. No one else had the balls to call him baby.


    Yi Chen groaned while holding his abdomen but in truth, he was grinning like a fool inside. ¡°I was practicing forter. How else would I convince people that we are interested in each other?¡± said Yi Chen while attempting to sneak his hand back onto Zi Han¡¯s waist.


    Zi Han shoved him away while saying, ¡°How can we behave so intimately when we just met? It will make me seem like I am a loose girl.¡±


    Zi Han felt shivers all over his body when he recalled being called ¡®baby¡¯ by Yi Chen. It was too creepy.


    Yi Chen caught up with him his heart thrumming like a pacemaker. Calling him that once was enough. It felt so exhrating that he wanted to say it again but the sharp pain on his rock-hard abs made him swallow back that word. Zi Han might not want him to call him that but he couldn¡¯t stop him from calling him that in his heart.


    ¡°Where is your hovercar?..... I don¡¯t have a driving permit yet,¡± said Zi Han turning to look at Yi Chen. Yi Chen had a slight quirk at the corner of his lips with a soft, slightly wavering light in his eyes. Zi Han was slightly taken aback. He didn¡¯t know what Yi Chen was smiling about so he asked,


    ¡°In a good mood?¡±


    Yi Chen whose brain had tlined for a moment and hadn¡¯t realized that Zi Han was staring at him with a curiously intent look on his face, replied absent-mindedly, ¡°En.¡±

 Chapter 116

    116 A new level of shamlessness


    Zi Han found this very amusing. He turned his face away with an ¡®okay¡¯ type of expression. Yi Chen pressed his lips into a thin line when he finally processed Zi Han¡¯s question.


    When he remembered that today he brought his hoverbike with him the smile he had put away suddenly threatened to spring up again. He shouldn¡¯t look too happy otherwise Zi Han will be suspicious of him.


    He tapped something on his light brain and the sound of something rotating in the wall permeated the air before the doors slid apart and a ck hoverbike with streaks of white appeared.


    Zi Han¡¯s eyes brightened like stars on a moonless night and he strode over intending to take the driver¡¯s seat. ¡°Wow!..... I am driving,¡± he dered before lifting his leg with his skirt lifting a few inches up. Yi Chen had to admit, that Zi Han looked incredibly sexy especially when he was pushing his hair back while his other hand was on the throttle.


    He so wanted to take a picture but what excuse could he use? Lucky for him Zi Han had the same idea. He spun his head around and said, ¡°Quick, quick ss president Chen. Take a picture.¡±


    Yi Chen put on a serious face while replying, ¡°Call me Cheng-ge and I will do it.¡±


    ¡°Aiyo, so particr,¡± replied Zi Han with his elbowzily resting on the windscreen.


    ¡°I am a very expensive photographer now quickly call out or I won¡¯t do it,¡± said Yi Chen in a yful tone unfortunately for him he had no idea that he was directly setting himself up.


    Zi Han smiled mischievously and said, ¡°I have a better one for you..... Oppa... please take a picture for me.¡±


    .....


    Yi Chen, ¡®!!!!!¡¯


    His back stiffened for a moment before his ears felt hot. He knew this term existed because of Yi Feng¡¯s friend circle. He had heard Le call Yi Feng that and the way she was tugging at his arm was absolutely blush-inducing for Yi Feng. He still knew Le was a top but Yi Feng had blushed so hard that he resembled a ripe tomato. Now Zi Han just... Oh god, how on earth was he supposed to survive that direct strike to the heart.


    ¡°Where..... where did you,¡± he asked but he couldn¡¯t even finish his sentence because his voice was getting tremulous.


    Zi Han answered bluntly his expression back to normal, ¡°Some girls in the slums used to call me that. Now take the picture otherwise we will bete.¡±


    Yi Chen¡¯s expression darkened as he guzzled down another bucket load of vinegar. He wanted to know what sort of conversation Zi Han was having with those girls that led to him being addressed as such.


    What he didn¡¯t know was that Zi Han didn¡¯t even need to speak to them for them to call him that. They would be smiling shyly while standing at the window of their ss calling out and waving at him each time he passed. It was like the girl version of cat calling.


    His spirit had dampened but he still took pictures of Zi Han. While he was taking pictures, he suddenly had an ominous feeling that something dark and malicious was watching him.


    His brow furrowed slightly as he looked around but he couldn¡¯t see anything suspicious. Apart from a few people strolling about and asional nces their way there was nothing.


    What he didn¡¯t know was that there were three pairs of eyes on them. One pair was watching with a hint of pity in their eyes. The other pair was watching with relish while snacking on some melon seeds. Thest pair of eyes were zing with rage. If looks could kill Yi Chen would be a pile of ashes by now.


    Yi Chen felt ill at ease so after taking a few pictures which he didn¡¯t even get to admire he let Zi Han drive after putting on a helmet for him. Yi Chen put his on and sat behind Zi Han obediently cing his hand on his thigh like a true gentleman.


    He soon regretted the decision of letting Zi Han drive. He experienced the same thing Zi Feiji felt when he was training Zi Han. The boy loved speed so much making one think he was born on a race track.


    Yi Chen was so shocked that he subconsciously grasped Zi Han¡¯s waist with his chest pressed against Zi Han¡¯s back. Zi Han who was having the time of his life smiled happily while shouting, ¡°Hold on tight!! Woohoo!¡±


    Yi Chen, ¡®Fuck!¡¯


    By the time they reached their destination Yi Chen who thought he lived on the edge wasn¡¯t certain anymore. This person in his arms was an adrenaline junkie of the highest order. Looking at Zi Han¡¯s innocent face one wouldn¡¯t believe he was that type of person.


    Yi Chen wasn¡¯t afraid of anything but today Zi Han managed to terrify the heck out of him. ¡°Is this the ce?¡± asked Zi Han taking off his helmet.


    Yi Chen who was still hugging him from behind didn¡¯t move. He remained stered on his back for a moment longer. Either of two things was happening. He was either catching his breath or eating tofu.


    Let¡¯s let the audience decide what exactly he was doing.


    Zi Han shrugged his shoulder with a sweet smile trying to get Yi Chen¡¯s attention. ¡°Chen-ge.... stop ying possum. I know you aren¡¯t dead,¡± he said with a light chuckle.


    Yi Chen who was perfectly fine couldn¡¯t help but be a little shameless right now. His hand rubbed Zi Han¡¯s waist as he tightened the hug. His breathing quickened his face heating up with embarrassment. All his life he never thought he would be this shameless.


    Zi Han felt a little bad so he patted Yi Chen¡¯s hand and said, ¡°Take your time. I think I went a little too overboard.¡±


    Before Zi Han could take back his hand Yi Chen grabbed it tightly and interlocked their fingers with a slight tremor in his hand. Zi Han really thought he was shaken so he didn¡¯t say anything.

 Chapter 117

    117 Meeting the cousin


    The sounds of a sharp knife chopping down at some limes were masked by the chatters andughter in the dining area of the Stratum club. Behind the bar was a tall young man dressed casually with a two striped tattoo on his arm just like that on Yi Chen¡¯s arm.


    His face which was two parts simr to Yi Chen¡¯s thoroughly exined their rtion. Yi Feng ced the chopped line on the rim of the martini ss with a satisfied smile. He grabbed the dishcloth off his shoulder and wiped his hands.


    This was where this small get-together was happening and they had bartenders who were even more skilled than he was but out of boredom he chased off the bartender and took over the bar.


    He raised the martini ss about to drink it when he heard amotion happening outside. Curious he raised his head to take a look. His view was blocked by a group of people but because he was tall all he had to do was stand on his toes and he could get a clear picture.


    Through the floor to ceiling windows, he saw his younger cousin with a..... girl?


    ¡°The fuck,¡± he murmured while putting the dishcloth on the counter before walking towards the window.


    His cousin who was as cold as liquid nitrogen was actually walking with a girl with no trace of impatience on his face. Yi Feng would have thought his auntie had forced him but his rxed posture and mellow expression said otherwise.


    Yi Feng found himself entranced to the point that he involuntarily raised his light brain and took a picture. As though his cousin had eyes at the back of his head, Yi Chen nced over in his direction and Yi Feng immediately ducked while cursing under his breath, ¡°Shit, shit, shit, shit....¡±


    By the time the two of them appeared at the bar where he was he looked so innocent that one wouldn¡¯t think he was the one standing by the window taking pictures just now.


    .....


    Yi Chen walked over and pulled the bar stool for Zi Han to sit while saying, ¡°Send it to me,¡± in a non-negotiable tone.


    ¡°Ah ha ha ha. Little cousin, you are so shameless. Not even a hello or anything? I am really starting to think you are the older one between us,¡± said Yi Feng forcing himself not to look at the person sitting to his left.


    One thing that he had learnt about his cousin was not to ask questions unless if Yi Chen takes the initiative to speak about it. Thus he didn¡¯t even want to look at that person without Yi Chen¡¯s permission.


    ¡°Sending or not?¡± he asked again this time his head was lowered as he read something on his light brain.


    ¡°Uh fine fine..... there, I sent it Happy?¡± said Yi Feng before taking arge sip of the daiquiri but his expression became distorted as he swallowed it down. ¡°Argh, tastes unptable now because you ruined my mood.¡±


    Yi Chen showed a mocking smile before replying, ¡°Your photography skills are as bad as your cocktails.¡±


    Yi Feng was so angry that he almost jumped over the bar counter to beat the heck out of Yi Chen. ¡°You!..... I am going to send this to your mother. Let¡¯s see if you can still be that smug then,¡± said Yi Feng but when he saw Yi Chen¡¯s subtle smile he calmed down significantly.


    It seemed his cousin now knew how to joke around. Yi Chen was really in a good mood and it could only be because of this person. ¡°Are you going to introduce us or.....,¡± said Yi Feng without looking in Zi Han¡¯s direction.


    Yi Chen¡¯s light brain made a dinging sound and because it was his father sending him a message he couldn¡¯t ignore it. ¡°His name is Zi Han. I asked him toe along so no one would bother me,¡± he replied before turning to Zi Han, ¡°I will be back in a minute. Just sit here, okay?¡±


    Zi Han had been staring at Yi Feng¡¯s double stripe tattoo with great interest. He was certain he had seen it on Yi Chen before and now his cousin also had the same thing. He was curious whether they went to the same tattoo parlor and got a family discount.


    ¡°Mn,¡± he replied taking his gaze off Yi Feng¡¯s arm for a second.


    As soon as Yi Chen walked away Yi Feng showed his true colors curiously staring at this strange species of human that had attracted his cousin¡¯s attention. He was certain he had never met this girl before but why on earth was she so familiar?


    ¡°Thirsty?¡± asked Yi Feng cing a drink menu in front of him.


    Zi Han took the menu while responding, ¡°Mhm...,¡± but his eyes stared at his arm so Yi Feng asked,


    ¡°What?¡±


    ¡°Your tattoo..... is it like a cousin thing or is it like a coincidence?¡± asked Zi Han while tapping the menu.


    Yi Feng found it amusing so he chuckled while shaking his head. ¡°No.... it¡¯s a family thing. Like a birthmark,¡± he replied with a nonchnt tone. This was the best way he could describe it to an outsider.


    Zi Han was a little surprised but his reaction was fleeting. That¡¯s because he had seen interesting gic mutations and family traits throughout his life. He was born into a world where people had both unique andmon mutations that didn¡¯t even surprise him. It¡¯s just that he hadn¡¯t seen one that looked like a tattoo.


    ¡°What would you like to have. Sangria, ck russian, or don pedro..... I am really not in the mood doingplicated drinks today so.....,¡± said Yi Feng with his arms spread apart his fingers grasping the edge of the counter.


    ¡°What¡¯s a don pedro? It sounds interesting?¡± curiously asked Zi Han while pushing the menu back.


    ¡°Alcohol blended with ice cream. Do you want it?¡± asked Yi Feng but he was already reaching for the blender.


    Zi Han nodded his head and watched Yi Feng work for a while before asking, ¡°How long have you been clean now?¡±

 Chapter 118

    118 Live action drama


    Yi Feng¡¯s muscles tensed with the ice cream scoop hovering above the blender. He didn¡¯t think his cousin would disclose such a thing to outsiders so how did this person know about it? He quickly recovered and with a wan smile, he dropped the scoop of ice cream in the blender. He was about to ask how she knew when Zi Han said,


    ¡°You don¡¯t even remember who made yourst delivery.¡±


    Yi Feng suddenly recalled that handsome fresh face in Saarilia and he blurted out, ¡°Fuck no!¡± attracting some people¡¯s attention. He quickly lowered his voice as he walked over and observed Zi Han closely.


    ¡°But why? Oh, don¡¯t tell me you also-, he said when a familiar husky voice interjected,


    ¡°Also what? I was onlyte for five minutes and here you are trying to hook up with a girl. Feng Feng, you are a troublemaker.¡±


    Yi Feng straightened his back and looked at Le with an expression that seemed to say, ¡®what are you doing here?¡¯


    Le wasn¡¯t even invited yet she managed to find her way in. Like a resentful ghost, she was haunting Yi Feng ever since she found out he wasing to this thing.


    ¡°I am also single and I came to hunt for a new boyfriend... since you won¡¯t let me top you,¡± said Le lowering her voice after pausing for dramatic effect.


    A loud zwummmmmming from the blender Yi Feng had just turned on drowned Le¡¯s remarks.


    .....


    ¡°I can¡¯t hear you,¡± he mouthed but Le raised her middle finger at him and turned to look at the passerby who was watching their interaction with great interest.


    When she saw that face clearly Le was suddenly struck by lightning. The heavens surely give with both hands. That cute boy Yi Chen was talking about thest time they met was sitting here all alone with no security. It was like catching a wee littlemb alone in the forest. Bad things were bound to happen.


    ¡°Wow..... you are so beautiful. I am Le,¡± she said while stretching out her hand towards Zi Han.


    Zi Han clearly heard that voice and instantly understood something. He stared at the strong big hand with purple veins bulging through the skin and thought he had found someone in the same predicament as him.


    He was about to shake that hand when a cold ss filled with an ice cream blend was ced in his hand. Neither of them had even noticed when the blender had been switched off.


    Yi Feng put another one in front of Le and said, ¡°You can¡¯t hit on him. He belongs to my cousin.¡±


    Zi Han who had taken his first sip through a straw choked and his eyes instantly turned red as he coughed.


    Le reached out and patted Zi Han¡¯s back while saying, ¡°Judging from his reaction it doesn¡¯t seem like it.


    After a couple of seconds, Zi Han finally stopped coughing. He denied that allegation almost immediately. ¡°I am only standing in as his love shield that¡¯s all. *Cough.... *cough. I almost choked to death,¡± said Zi Han with a tear in the corner of his eye.


    Le was even more interested now so she leaned in close despite Yi Feng¡¯s disapproval and said, ¡°Are you single?¡±


    Zi Han who was sipping on his delicious creamy dessert with two shots of whiskey nodded his head but he didn¡¯t like where this Q&A was going.


    Le, ¡°Then do you think I am attractive?¡±


    Zi Han took a quick nce and couldn¡¯t refute that beneath that gorgeous makeup and the beautiful dress was a very handsome man so he nodded his head.


    ¡°Then how about I top you. I guarantee that you would be addicted-,¡± said Le only for Yi Feng to lean his body across the bar to shut Le¡¯s mouth. Le grasped his arms thoroughly locking him in ce while continuing, ¡°Wanna give it a try?¡±


    Zi Han shook his head. He didn¡¯t even know what ¡®top you¡¯ meant but from Yi Feng¡¯s reaction it wasn¡¯t anything decent.


    ¡°Oh, then would you like to top me. We can make it work,¡± said Le and from her tone, one could tell she was just trying to aggravate Yi Feng.


    Yi Feng yelped, ¡°No, don-,¡± but his mouth was covered by Le. He was thoroughly suppressed by this doctor.


    ¡°I understand..... how about we use our hands. I can use my mouth as well,¡± said Le while Yi Feng struggled. Zi Han who was starting to understand what was happening froze. What did she mean by using hands? He can do that all by himself so why would he need help?


    Yi Feng licked Le¡¯s palm and with a jolt, she let go. ¡°He is off-limits,¡± he whispered loudly. It was either he was protecting Yi Chen¡¯s new friend or his own interests. Who knows?


    ¡°If you would just let me top you we wouldn¡¯t be having this problem,¡± whispered Le with a mocking smile.


    Yi Feng averted his gaze while whispering back, ¡°No.... we already did it with our hands but you still aren¡¯t satisfied.¡±


    ¡°We did it once and we were both drunk. You started it so you better take responsibility,¡± whispered Le but Zi Han could hear everything.


    He instantly put the ss down hearing that. He wouldn¡¯t want to be in the same predicament as these two. Alcohol was indeed the devil¡¯s nectar.


    Let me enlighten you as to what happened between these two friends. Thest time Yi Chen went to Yi Feng¡¯s night club the two got super drunk after sending Yi Chen home. Because Yi Feng¡¯s office had a back room with a bed for when he closeste and can¡¯t go home these two decided to share it.


    With alcohol as a catalyst, Yi Feng kissed Le¡¯s cheek and Le kissed him back. From cheek to mouth then from mouth, they headed south of the border. The drunk Le had never felt this much thrill in her life.


    She wanted to go all the way but they were both too drunk to perform. Hence they used their hands and now Le was entranced. She wanted more but Yi Feng was a tough nut to crack. Thus Zi Han got to watch this interesting drama live. This was far better than the reality shows on Sta.

 Chapter 119

    119 A second indirect kiss


    With a raised brow Zi Han watched on as these two messed around like high schoolers over the bar counter. He found it quite entertaining and intriguing. With these two around one wouldn¡¯t get bored.


    Yi Chen who had just had a long call with his father walked back his mood a little sullen. That¡¯s because his father had instructed him to be on the lookout for any suspicious activity.


    His intel on the impending attack on Capital Star was much credible and they had deployed a lot of military personnel. Marshal Yi had even put in a request to the prime ministers to shut the city down but his request was denied making his job especially difficult.


    They didn¡¯t even allow him to at least inform the public so they can decide on their own whether it was safe to leave their homes today but again his request was rejected.


    He could have ordered his men to lock down the city but without a reason, this would undoubtedly result in the public¡¯s dissatisfaction giving the prime ministers another reason to try and take military power out of his hands.


    Marshal Yi could only deploy his men so they can minimize the number of casualties when the attack happens. The only problem was that Capital Star was big and he did not have a precise location of where the attack would happen. He could only tell his son to be careful and look out for trouble.


    Yi Chen found Zi Han quietly sitting there while watching Le and Yi Feng fighting each other like tiny puppies. He had never seen them interact like this with each other. This to him was a new development.


    Zi Han absent-mindedly grabbed the ss filled with creamy delight that could make a person drunk. He had already forgotten his vow to stay away from alcohol and was about to suck on the straw when Yi Chen took it away from him.


    ¡°You can¡¯t drink it. It has alcohol in it,¡± said Yi Chen before taking a sip himself.


    .....


    ¡°Well, thank you for that captain obvious..... wait I drank that,¡± eximed Zi Han trying to stop him but it was already toote. Yi Chen had just drunk directly from his straw.


    Yi Feng who had been trying to free his wrists from Le¡¯s grip froze seeing this and his eyes almost popped out of their sockets. His cousin who wouldn¡¯t even eat potato crisps from the same bag as him iming it was dirty had just drunk from the same straw Zi Han had used with a content smile.


    This was too difficult toprehend. His cousin must have been possessed by something for him to do that. Or maybe it was because Yi Chen didn¡¯t know that Zi Han had already drunk from it.


    But even when he did find out Yi Chen let out a soft, ¡°Oh,¡± as a fleeting look of disappointment shed in his eyes. He felt sad because he couldn¡¯t drink anymore now.


    He might not be able to drink it anymore but he felt fluffy inside like he was lying on a soft bed of clouds. His ears felt hot. Today he had not only harvested a hug, and called him baby but he had also gotten two indirect kisses. This was turning out to be the best day ever.


    Zi Han nced at the don pedro slowly melting in the ss before ring at Yi Chen with resentment. It tasted so good that he wanted more but now it couldn¡¯t be drunk anymore.


    Yi Chen saw this and suddenly had the urge to bully Zi Han. ¡°Here, you can have it. I only took a sip that¡¯s all,¡± with a serious look on his face like he truly believed that.


    Zi Han, ¡°...¡±


    He had no time to deal with the crazy so he got up and said, ¡°I am going to the bathroom,¡± before walking past him.


    Yi Chen hurriedly put down the ss and caught up with Zi Han while greeting Le in passing. As soon as the two figures disappeared Yi Feng leaned in close to Le before asking, ¡°Is it just me or Ah-Chen is acting weird?¡±


    Even as he asked this question he was still staring in the direction those two had disappeared at. He was afraid that Yi Chen would return suddenly and overhear their conversation.


    Le grinned slyly at this fool who had no idea that his cousin had fallen heads over heels. He pulled Yi Feng closer and flicked his forehead while saying, ¡°Don¡¯t go digging up things you can¡¯t handle.¡±


    ¡°Ah.....,¡± yelped Yi Feng as he stood up straight rubbing his forehead.


    Meanwhile, Zi Han stood frozen in front of the bathroom door with the male sign outside. He wasn¡¯t sure if they were people inside and if they were then forget exposing his identity as a man he might give someone a heart attack if he directly whips out a pogo stick underneath that skirt.


    He nced at Yi Chen and gestured with his hand for him to go in first. Yi Chen leisurely turned his body to look at him and asked, ¡°What?¡± It¡¯s not that he didn¡¯t understand Zi Han¡¯s meaning, it¡¯s just that he wanted him to say it.


    Zi Han who knew fairly well that he was getting yed wasn¡¯t in the mood to mess around. His dder was about to explode so he pushed Yi Chen in while whispering, ¡°Check if the coast is clear.¡±


    Yi Chen bit his lower lip suppressing a smile as the door shut behind him. Two secondster a slim young man walked out of the bathroom and he was startled when he saw a pretty girl standing outside the male bathroom like she was lost. Because she had her back to the bathroom door he could look as much as he wanted to without consequences.


    His perverse nce trailed up the pretty girl¡¯s legs to her skirt and slender waist. His eyes darkened as he took a step forward to approach her. But before he could even open his mouth to call out Miss, he suddenly felt a bone-chilling aura spread all over his back.


    His blood ran cold as he turned around only to be met by Yi Chen¡¯s fiery gaze that could vaporize one¡¯s soul. ¡°Piss off,¡± said Yi Chen in a harsh tone. The man didn¡¯t want to offend this great buddha thus he ran off.

 Chapter 120

    120 Whip it out


    Zi Han spun around and instantly understood what had happened. For the second time today, someone actually wanted to hit on him. Zi Hanughed while yelling, ¡°Mine might be even bigger than yours yet you have the balls to hit on me hahaha.¡±


    Yi Chen, ¡°...¡±


    Zi Han covered his mouth as hisughter died down. ¡°Is it clear in there?¡± he asked after calming down considerably.


    ¡°Yah.... let¡¯s go in,¡± replied Yi Chen. He didn¡¯t know why but seeing Zi Hanughing happily made his lips subconsciously rise as a warm fuzzy feeling spread all over his body. He found himself silently following Zi Han with his eyes like he was entranced.


    Zi Han walked over to the urinal and said, ¡°I bet I would shock you as well if I whip it out. I am incredibly blessed down south.¡±


    While he said this he wore a roguish expression. He tugged at the tight stockings and lifted the skirt to take his little brother out and answer nature¡¯s call.


    Yi Chen averted his gaze and walked two stalls away before pulling down his zipper. He didn¡¯t want to see Zi Han¡¯s member mainly because he didn¡¯t trust himself. He wasn¡¯t sure if he would be able to control his expressions seeing that thus he didn¡¯t respond but his mind was already imagining what it would look like.


    Zi Han had some self-confidence in this aspect. Yi Chen was not only taller than him, smarter than him but he was also stronger than him. In this moment he believed that the heavens weren¡¯t too biased hence his schlong had to be bigger than Yi Chen¡¯s by half an inch or two.


    The fact that Yi Chen ignored him kind of boosted his confidence even more. Thus as soon as he was done peeing he put away his gun and silently walked over.


    .....


    Yi Chen had been preupied thinking about what Zi Han¡¯s little brother would look like thus he didn¡¯t immediately notice Zi Han. He was thinking it would be thin and long like a cucumber or maybe it was like ntains, thick and short.


    ¡°Fuck,¡± swore Zi Han after taking a casual nce waking Yi Chen from his trance. Yi Chen had overheard the boys in the showerpare their schlong sizes and even make fun of each other but he never participated. It was Li Ran who would be in the forefront of that kind of conversation not him.


    He didn¡¯t find it necessary to y such a game thus he wasn¡¯t interested. He just didn¡¯t think Zi Han would be so curious that he directly walked over to take a peek. Yi Chen felt so embarrassed that he blocked Zi Han¡¯s view and yelled, ¡°Wha-what are you looking at?¡±


    Zi Han¡¯s lips twitched feeling a little envious. How could Yi Chen be so perfect? That schlong was a good three inches longer than his and was better looking in appearance. Compared to Yi Chen¡¯s his could be considered cute inparison.


    ¡°I should have known..... tch,¡± muttered Zi Han while walking towards the sink.


    Yi Chen suddenly felt a little anxious. He couldn¡¯t understand Zi Han¡¯s reaction just now. If his crush dislikes his schlong then would he even have a chance in the future?


    With a light shake, he packed away the powerful machine gun inside his pants and zipped them up while walking to the sink.


    As he washed his hands he studied Zi Han¡¯s expression while working up the courage to ask.


    After bolstering his courage he asked, ¡°What do you think of it?¡± Never in his life did Yi Chen ever think he would be asking someone that and after saying it aloud he could clearly notice the perversion in his words. He sounded like an old greasy pervert trying to lure a twenty something year old girl into his bed.


    Zi Han just nced at him before lowering his gaze. He shook his hands and walked over to dry them.


    Yi Chen was even more panicked. He pressed his lips into a thin line not daring to say another word. After drying his hands Zi Han walked to the door and as he pushed it open he casually asked, ¡°ss president Chen do you have any ws or are you just perfect in every way?¡±


    Yi Chen could sense a trace of jealousy in those words. That¡¯s when he realized that Zi Han waspeting with him and he didn¡¯t dislike his..... ahem. Zi Han was envious.


    ¡°Han Han, wait,¡± he said while hastily drying his hands before running after him.


    Zi Han ignored Yi Chen and subconsciously sped up his steps. Unfortunately for him, no matter how fast-paced he was Yi Chen caught and stood in front of him blocking his path.


    ¡°I have ws,¡± said Yi Chen while saying internally, ¡®I like you and selfishly eat tofu without your knowledge so yes, I have ws.¡¯


    Zi Han raised his brow as his gaze subconsciously nced below Yi Chen¡¯s belt. ¡°Yeah sure..... I will believe that when pigs fly,¡± he said as he raised his head.


    Yi Chen licked his lips trying toe up with another w of his other than the fact that he was a pervert towards Zi Han.


    Zi Han almost rolled his eyes at this male god that was the epitome of perfection. Even his cock was top tier. He walked past Yi Chen and as he entered the dining area the ce was suddenly packed with all kinds of girls and boys dressed luxuriously while chatting andughing in groups. It seemed the hunt had begun and it was quite overwhelming.


    He could see some girls turning their heads as though looking for someone in particr. And once the person showed his face their expressions looked like wild dogs staring at a rabbit.


    Being stared at Zi Han¡¯s brows creased. That¡¯s when he turned his head and realized what was happening. It was the beacon behind him that was attracting all these insects.


    Unwilling to attract resentment towards himself he decided to run away and let these people get a good glimpse of their male god. But as he took a step forward his waist wa suddenly grasped making his body tense up in fright.


    ¡°You... they look like they¡¯re going to fuckin eat me,¡± he whispered wanting nothing but to run away.


    Yi Chen lowered his head and in an ambiguous posture he said, ¡°You promised to help me..... stay put.¡±


    ¡°Fuck,¡± Zi Han swore under his breath. It would be a miracle if he walks out of this ce intact.

 Chapter 121

    121 PissedOfGrandpa


    Zi Han would definitely get out of this unscathed, physically that is. He wasn¡¯t so safe though on an emotional and mental level. That¡¯s because in his entire life he had never attracted this much hate to himself before.


    Even as he sat furthest from the boisterous activities at the center of the room he could still feel the resentful gazes following his every move. Feeling slightly annoyed Zi Han lowered his head and began to mess around with his light brain.


    He coincidentally received a notification from the sudoku app his grandfather liked ying and had convinced him to download. The game involved daily challenges where one could y against a random person on Sta or people in their contacts. Zi Han had set it to challenge people in his contacts and when any of them logged into the app he would receive a notification.


    This time he received a notification that his grandfather had logged in and was seeking a challenge. Zi Han knew his grandfather must be mad at him for leaving without warning so he decided to coax him this way. By the time he gets home then his grandfather¡¯s anger would have cooled down greatly.


    Without much thought, he logged in epting his grandfather¡¯s challenge. Biting his lower lip he tapped ept and sure enough, the old man didn¡¯t skip the opportunity to vent out his anger.


    A radiant smile appeared on his face dazzling Yi Chen who was sitting next to him. He had been trying to break the ice but found that he couldn¡¯te up with anything.


    This made him feel a little flustered but after seeing that smile he couldn¡¯t help but feel the weight on his shoulders melt away. He told himself to act naturally. It¡¯s not like Zi Han knew his true thoughts. He should just treat him like a regr friend.


    Yi Chen exhaled deeply and asked, ¡°What are you ying?¡±


    Zi Han who was focusing on the numbers in the tiny boxes replied, ¡°I am ying sudoku with my grandfather. This sly fox is really good at this,¡± without raising his head.


    .....


    Yi Chen was a little interested so he leaned closer to take a look. Seeing their heads that were a few inches away from each other Yi Feng¡¯s jaw dropped to the floor.


    It was Le who shut his mouth for him otherwise bugs might fly in thinking it was some sort of cave. Because of their close proximity, Yi Chen picked up on that fruity fragranceing from Zi Han¡¯s hair.


    His body visibly rxed like it had some sort of calming effect. Maybe it was because he felt sofortable that he began to point at the boxes and tell him the right numbers.


    At first, Zi Han was annoyed because his thinking process was getting disrupted but after he realized that he was sitting beside a genius he began to rely on him to help him cheat a win out of his grandpa.


    Hispetitive spirit had been ignited and hepletely forgot that his initial intention was to appease this old man by giving him a good game and letting him win at the end.


    After attaining his third win streak Zi Hanughed evilly while patting Yi Chen¡¯s arm. ¡°ss president Chen, you are really good at this. I bet my grandpa is throwing a fit right now,¡± said Zi Han while gently kneading Yi Chen¡¯s arm.


    Yi Chen¡¯s initial reaction was to suppress a smile but when he heard how he addressed him he couldn¡¯t help but feel sullen. His gaze fell on the hand that was kneading his arm and his sullen mood vanished again like he was having a bipr episode.


    ¡°Fuck,¡± softly muttered Zi Han as he took his hand away from Yi Chen. His grandfather¡¯s anger had just intensified having faced another loss.


    PissedOfGrandpa: Are you cheating?!


    PissedOfGrandpa: You better not even think ofing back home today!


    PissedOfGrandpa: [angry cat.jpg]


    Zi Han, ¡°.....¡±


    ¡°ss president Chen... can I sleep over at your house today. I might be homeless for tonight,¡± asked Zi Han as he raised his head to look at Yi Chen with a pitiful expression.


    BOOM!!!!!


    A loud explosion urred in Yi Chen¡¯s mind hearing this. He rubbed his mmy palms as he opened his mouth but no words came out. ¡°I...,¡± he said not sure what to say next. He didn¡¯t think he would be able to bring Zi Han home this soon.


    Thinking of his mother¡¯s observant character he decided this wasn¡¯t a good idea. He could only take Zi Han to a hotel but at the thought of the word hotel, his mind couldn¡¯t help but have dirty thoughts. At the thought of sharing a bed with Zi Han, his brain cells were fried to a crisp.


    Before he could evene up with a response a soft voice interrupted their conversation. Opposite them was a gorgeous girl dressed in a low-cut red jumper with a piece of sparkly jewelry draping down her chest drawing one¡¯s attention to her cleavage.


    From the looks of it, she was a famous face and justifiedly so. She was like a divine goddess expelled out of the heavens because of her venomous charm. Beside her was a young man with a face one part simr to hers. Zi Han had no idea who these people were but Yi Chen had heard about them from his mother.


    Given a choice Lin Ruoxi would most likely pick this girl to be her daughter-inw but unfortunately for her, Yi Chen was the least bit interested. They were the Ikeda siblings, the only grandchildren of prime minister Ikeda of Capital Star.


    The boy, Ikeda Cresta was a young official climbing the ranks in his father¡¯s footsteps and the girl, Ikeda Yua was an actress and model following in her mother¡¯s footsteps.


    At this gathering, Ikeda Yua could be considered the only one worthy of Yi Chen¡¯s attention in terms of family background and looks but for some reason a leech from who knows where had attached itself to her most suitable match.

 Chapter 122

    122 Exchanging saliva


    From the looks of it, she was well-matched with Yi Chen based on family background, ambition, and looks.


    Her parents had been urging her to take this chance and get along with Yi Chen as he was a rarely seen character in the Capital Star.


    Such a chance was difficult to attain hence she had to make a good impression yet her position had been taken by a low life who was iparable to her.


    ¡°Yi Chen... I am really happy to see you. Auntie always talks about you all the time at the book club. I am so happy I get to see you again,¡± she said her eyes shining like the brightest star in a constetion.


    But when her gaze swept past the girl standing beside Yi Chen a sh of contempt and intense hatred appeared in her eyes.


    If looks could kill she would have killed Zi Han with a thousand cuts by now. Zi Han could feel the deep resentment and malicious energying from her but he didn¡¯t take it to heart.


    He had an angry grandpa who didn¡¯t want him toe back home. He was more worried about coaxing him than dealing with a hate-filled brat who couldn¡¯t get a man.


    Yi Chen on the other hand didn¡¯t want to speak to them. The warm-hearted expression he had on just now hadpletely vanished. One look at his expression and one could tell that he didn¡¯t want any of them here but the Ikeda siblings were too thick skinned.


    She had brought her brother along to keep the other girl busy while she talk to Yi Chen but who would have thought both of them would be imprable fortresses.


    .....


    Yi Chen who was tired of her incessant chattering poked Zi Han¡¯s waist underneath the table trying to grasp his attention. Zi Han looked up and with a furrow in between hisr


    brows, he asked, ¡°What?¡± in a whisper.


    Yi Chen leaned closer and whispered, ¡°Han Han, you promised you would help me.¡±


    Hearing that form of addressing out of Yi Chen¡¯s lips for the second time Zi Han felt chills all over his body more especially because Yi Chen whispered that into his ear. He tilted his head slightly and whispered back, ¡°Fine. I will help you. Just stop calling me that. It¡¯s creepy.¡±


    Yi Chen couldn¡¯t promise anything. He especially liked the feeling when the words ¡®Han Han¡¯ rolled on his tongue.


    Seeing their little interactions Ikeda Yua clenched her first but she kept a stiff smile while ncing at her brother as though asking him to do something.


    Ikeda Cresta sighed silently in his heart as he looked up at the pretty girl sitting opposite him and said, ¡°I am sorry. We haven¡¯t been introduced yet. My name is Ik-,¡± but Zi Han stopped him. Forgive him for being rude but he wasn¡¯t here to meet new people and act friendly.


    ¡°It¡¯s really not necessary. I came here for Chen-ge and that¡¯s enough for me,¡± he said while rubbing Yi Chen¡¯s shoulder intimately. His gaze turned to Yi Chen and looked at him with a smitten look like he was genuinely staring into his lover¡¯s eyes.


    Yi Chen was an emotional mess when Zi Han looked into his eyes. It was like a sort of thrill on the pit of his stomach, like when going downhill on a rollercoaster. His mind went nk in that moment. He felt a myriad of emotions from ecstasy to terror and amazement.


    Unable to bear it he pressed his lips into a thin line as he lowered his head. The tips of his ears turned red and the heat spread to his face and chin. The taciturn face from before hadpletely vanished. He looked like a shy teenage boy who had just received apliment from his first love.


    Ikeda Yua couldn¡¯t ept this. Everyone was here to get a chance with their potential suitor but from these two¡¯s interaction, it looked like they had already settled on each other. To her, it was simply uneptable.


    For the next thirty minutes she tried by all means, to engage Yi Chen in a conversation but the girl would constantly ce his hands on him as though establishing dominance. It was really difficult to watch and it kept getting ridiculous.


    Zi Han who had his head lowered while doing something suddenly lifted his hand towards Yi Chen and Yi Chen paused for a moment as though not understanding what he meant but it onlysted a split second. Yi Chen took out butterscotch candy and unwrapped it before handing it to Zi Han.


    Zi Han on the other hand shook his head as he said, ¡°My hands aren¡¯t free.¡±


    Yi Chen pursed his lips astounded by Zi Han¡¯s ability to flirt without much effort. His heart pounding hard against his chest he ced the piece of candy on Zi Han¡¯s lips and identally got the tip of his finger licked by Zi Han¡¯s tongue.


    Yi Chen who could barely breathe at this point fell silent as his Adam¡¯s apple rolled. He suddenly regretted this decision. He could feel some tightness in both his chest and down south.


    Rubbing his forehead he crossed his legs with his hand crossed on hisp to prevent Zi Han from seeing something he shouldn¡¯t. His fingertip still felt so hot like it had been burnt by the me of a candle.


    The longer Ikeda Yua sat there the more she felt suffocated with a sour feeling rising to her chest. She was a prideful person hence she couldn¡¯t ept losing to this masculine girl who looked like a star yer in women¡¯s basketball team.


    But whatpletely broke her was this..... Yi Chen asked if the girl was hungry and she nodded her head. She said she wanted tiramisu and Yi Chen didn¡¯t hesitate to call over a waiter and order the coffee vored dessert.


    When it was delivered things only got more ambiguous after that. Zi Han ditched his light brain and took the dessert fork with an excitable expression.


    But just as he brought the fork to his mouth he met Yi Chen¡¯s line of sight and his movements froze. As he put the fork down he shrugged his shoulder as though asking, ¡°What?¡±


    Yi Chen nced at the piece of cake on the fork as though silently saying, ¡°I want,¡± before staring at him.


    Zi Han made a face like he was saying, ¡°But I have one fork,¡± and Yi Chen raised his brow asking, ¡°so?¡±


    Feeling defeated Zi Han pressed the tip of his tongue on his cheek in annoyance and picked up the fork. He directly fed Yi Chen the piece of tiramisu with an expression that seemed to say, ¡°You are only getting one bite.¡±


    Ikeda Yua personally witnessed the same fork move from Yi Chen¡¯s mouth to the te and then to the girl¡¯s mouth. Zi Han seemed to not mind the fact that this fork had been in Yi Chen¡¯s mouth. If these two hadn¡¯t kissed then how were they fine exchanging saliva?

 Chapter 123

    123 My Chen-ge doesn¡¯t care about my background


    From the way, these two were interacting with each other Ikeda Cresta could tell that his sister had no chance here but when he nced over in her direction he saw a familiar stubborn look in her eyes. She wouldn¡¯t throw a fit in public but she would most certainly cause trouble.


    He tapped her foot with his leg trying to grasp her attention and tell her to stand down but she didn¡¯t even look at him. It was as though he was non-existent. In fact, her mouth that had been courteous just now suddenly turned venomous.


    She seemed calm and eloquent as she spoke but her words were quite unsightlying from ady.


    ¡°I have never seen you before. Which family do you belong to?... I don¡¯t mean to be rude but I was under the impression that this gathering was for the prestigious families in the federation. This is why I am quite curious,¡± she said with a soft voice that if it weren¡¯t for her words she would put one under a spell.


    Hearing this Yi Chen¡¯s expression darkened. He couldn¡¯t tolerate anyone speaking to Zi Han like that. He clenched his fist underneath the table and was about to say something when Zi Han burst intoughter.


    You would think he would be offended by her but no. It was genuineughter free of any contempt or malice. Zi Han found it very funny that he was being targeted because she thought he was her love rival. How ridiculous.


    Since she wanted to y that game then he would be the best love shield on the market. With a bashful smile, he tucked his hair behind his ear and licked his lower lip while leaning close to Yi Chen.


    His arms wrapped around Yi Chen¡¯s waist he said, ¡°My Chen-ge doesn¡¯t care about my background


    ,¡± staring into the man¡¯s eyes with a smitten look. He turned to look at her with a smile so bright like he was the least bit offended by her contemptuous look. ¡°So what¡¯s it to you?¡±


    .....


    A clinking sound of cutlery dropping on the floor attracted Zi Han¡¯s attention. He looked in that direction and Yi Feng stared at the hands wrapped on Yi Chen¡¯s waist all wide-eyed.


    The corner of Yi Chen¡¯s lips quirked up slightly as he nervously ced his hand on Zi Han¡¯s back before drawing him close. The two really looked like a perfect couple ordained by the heavens.


    ¡°Fuck!¡± swore Yi Feng as he bend down to pick up the fork. What he had witnessed was so terrifying that he could barely breathe. He was terrible at keeping secrets but he was also afraid that Yi Chen would skin him alive if he so much as opened his mouth. Thus he vowed to avoid his auntie for the next couple of days.


    Several other guests couldn¡¯t resist ncing over in that direction. Most girls had agreed toe here because on the guest list were several eligible bachelors with Yi Chen being the most sought after. But after getting here they realized he was not only targeted by Ikeda Yua but the man already found someone.


    Since that route had been closed and none of them were willing to swim in muddy waters they gave up changing their target to the next best thing. Yi Feng who had just dropped a fork on the ground had attracted their attention. Thus the piranhas changed their target.


    Unfortunately, they were bound to be disappointed. That¡¯s because Yi Feng was already someone else¡¯s prey.


    When Yi Feng got up he ced the fork on the counter and looked up only to find a very pretty girl with a timid smile walking over. She shyly tucked her hair behind her ear and then said, ¡°I,.... I heard you had a night club but I didn¡¯t think you would personally make drinks today. It¡¯s such an honor....¡±


    Before she could even finish her sentence the loud sound of someone sucking liquids at the bottom of a ss through a straw startled her. She looked at Le who was sitting cross-legged on a bar stool and her brow creased fleetingly.


    With a loud click of her tongue, Le looked up and asked, ¡°Do you have some lipstick?¡±


    The girl¡¯s eyes widened slightly not sure where this conversation was going.


    ¡°Wha....,¡± she asked while stroking the ends of her hair.


    ¡°Lip. Stick... are you deaf?¡± asked Le while snapping her fingers.


    The girl was a little on the timid side so she softly said, ¡°Oh,¡± before taking out a gold cylindrical-shaped device and handing it to her.


    Le took it from her and said, ¡°Uh, Ruoxi..... not bad.¡± That was one of Lin Ruoxi¡¯s side projects. She made luxury makeup products in Capital Star using ancient techniques from old earth and they were extremely popr in her circle.


    The girl could clearly hear the husky undertones in Le¡¯s voice that made her ears itch. She thanked her but her expression soon froze when Le got up and beckoned Yi Feng over with her index finger.


    Yi Feng had a terrible premonition so he asked, ¡°What?¡± but he still took a step forward.


    As soon as he got into reach she clutched Yi Feng¡¯s cor and pulled him towards her before writing on his forehead ¡®TAKEN¡¯ in capital letters with expensive lipstick.


    After she was done she put on the lipstick on her lips before cing her hand on Yi Feng¡¯s left cheek and pulling him closer.


    She pressed her bright red lips on Yi Feng¡¯s right cheek and left a dazzling kiss mark that was easy to spot from afar. Yi Feng was frozen in ce regretting his decision to drink alcohol with this psycho.


    Now he was Le¡¯s target. He was also afraid that it wouldn¡¯t take long before he was thoroughly bent. Le always got her man no matter what.


    The girl was so embarrassed that she lowered her head and turned to leave but before he took a step forward, Le stopped her.


    ¡°Here, scan this code so I canpensate you... For the lipstick,¡± exined Le after seeing her puzzled expression. She scanned the code and realized that Le had transferred double the amount but she couldn¡¯t bring herself to be happy about it. She was disappointed having failed to fulfill her promise to her mother.


    She wanted to capture a big fish and make her father proud. As an illegitimate daughter she was under so much pressure unfortunately she didn¡¯t even have an opportunity to leave an impression.


    Yi Feng touched his forehead while asking, ¡°Did you have to brand me? This lipstick is the longsting matte kind. I can¡¯t go home like this. My mum will nag me.¡±

 Chapter 124

    124 He forced you didn¡¯t he?


    Le seemed unconcerned about that. She sat down with her fist propping up her chin as she smiled at him. ¡°You see.... you and I, this..... will definitely happen. We are meant to be together,¡± she said with a trace of amusement in her voice.


    Yi Feng, ¡°...¡±


    Meanwhile, Zi Han who had been ying fake dating with Yi Chen received a message on his light brain. When he saw it was his mother¡¯s message he quickly let go of Yi Chen and his entire body stiffened. She had clearly told him to stay at home but he had disobeyed her and left the house without telling his grandfather.


    This crime wasn¡¯t as worrying to him. He was especially good at coaxing Zi Xingxi. What was worrying was the fact that she might have seen him. If she did then even if he jumped into the Yangtze river he wouldn¡¯t be able to wash himself clean.


    If she found out that he was dressed like a girl and hanging out with Yi Chen then it won¡¯t be only Yi Chen getting into trouble. He would also be implicated in this.


    Yi Chen noticed his anomaly and asked, ¡°What¡¯s wrong,¡± but Zi Han shook his head and replied,


    ¡°Nothing,¡± while closing his light brain.


    Ding! Ding! Ding!


    Three consecutive dinging sounds came from his light brain and his back stiffened. This further confirmed his conjecture.


    .....


    On the rooftop of an adjacent building....


    ¡°This brat is really ignoring me. We will see about that,¡± said Zi Xingxi as shey t on the ground with an AP sniper rifle in her hand. Her eye left the scope and she directly dialed his number.


    Zi Han who was already sweating bullets at this point heard his light brain ringing and his face turned ghastly like he had seen a ghost. ¡°What¡¯s wrong?¡± asked Yi Chen again now seriously getting worried. He was on cloud nine this entire time and it only took one change in Zi Han¡¯s expression for his mood to plummet.


    Zi Han raised his index finger and said, ¡°Give me a minute,¡± before getting up. Yi Chen worriedly followed his figure.


    Zi Han stood by the ceiling to floor windows and answered the call feeling a little anxious.


    ¡°Mum....,¡± he said but the person on the other side didn¡¯t answer immediately. After keeping silent for half a minute she finally spoke,


    ¡°He forced you didn¡¯t he? I will kill him.¡±


    Zi Han, ¡°...¡±


    He didn¡¯t think his mother would move from zero to a hundred in a second. ¡°No, you mis, mis-,¡± he said when he saw a faint greenser beam on the ground.


    His eyes widened as he shifted his body to stand between theser beam and Yi Chen seated behind him. ¡°You misunderstood. Ma, he tutored me and I am just repaying him,¡± he hurriedly exined but Zi Xingxi heard none of it.


    ¡°Move,¡± she said in an icy voice that Zi Han had rarely heard before.


    Zi Han refused to move as he tried to coax his mother. There was no way he was moving. As crazy as his mother was she would off Yi Chen right here.


    ¡°Ma..... it¡¯s my fault. Please calm down, okay?¡± he said in a calming voice. Zi Xingxi swallowed her saliva while clenching her jaw as she struggled to suppress the feral beast within her. She knew she couldn¡¯t let her hate for the Marshal spread to the next generation but dang..... she couldn¡¯t help herself.


    When she saw her son dressed like a girl and being touchy-feely with that Yi boy she couldn¡¯t handle it. She got so angry that she wanted to kill Yi Chen on an impulse.


    Closing her eyes, she put away that murderous aura but before she could open them again she had an ominous feeling. The hairs all over her body rose like something messed up was about to go down. She suddenly opened her eyes and yelled, ¡°Han Han get away from the-!¡±


    Before she could finish her sentence a supersonic boom ripped through the air. Yi Chen also had the same premonition as Zi Xingxi. He hastily got up and grabbed Zi Han by the waist and as the shock waves shattered the windows Yi Chen turned his back and protected Zi Han.


    The massive shock waves forced the both of them to the ground with a ss shard cutting Yi Chen¡¯s shoulder. Yi Chen groaned a little but he didn¡¯t let go of the person he was holding.


    As the chaotic screams and wails calmed down a loud roar permeated the air shaking the building at its very foundation. Soon the sound of gunfire was heard.


    Yi Chen pulled up Zi Han from the ground and asked, ¡°Are you okay?¡± while brushing away the hair covering Zi Han¡¯s face. Feeling a little anxious he began to check the rest of Zi Han¡¯s body for injuries. Zi Han who was slightly shaken quickly recovered and replied, ¡°I am fine, I am-.¡±


    Zi Han paused when he heard his mother¡¯s frantic calls from his light brain. He immediately put on his earphone that had fallen to the ground and reassured her.


    ¡°Ma, it¡¯s okay Ma, I am okay. I am fine. No no no no don¡¯t... don¡¯te over. I am really fine,¡± he said as he walked away from Yi Chen trying to calm her down.


    Yi Chen turned to Yi Feng and yelled, ¡°Shield the windows.¡±


    Yi Feng nodded his head and crouched down before pressing a button and in ce of the shattered windows, a protective shield was erected.


    ¡°Is there anyone injured?¡± asked Yi Chen as his gaze subconsciously shifted over to Zi Han who was still talking to his mum. Zi Han felt his gaze so he turned to look in his direction only to see a bright red stain on Yi Chen¡¯s shoulder.


    His heart sank seeing this. It should have been him who was injured but Yi Chen protected him shielding him from the ss shards. ¡°Mum, don¡¯t worry. I am fine. I will call you back,¡± he said before dropping the call.


    He walked over and as he stepped on the ss with his boots a loud crunching sound followed. Yi Chen was a little worried that a ss shard would pierce through the heels of Zi Han¡¯s boots so he warned, ¡°Be careful,¡± but Zi Han wasn¡¯t listening.


    He reached Yi Chen with a worried look in his eyes and spun him around to examine the wound. It wasn¡¯t as serious as it looked but Zi Han felt very ufortable. He didn¡¯t expect Yi Chen to shield his body with his. Yi Chen¡¯s reaction waspletely out of his expectations.

 Chapter 125

    125 You can¡¯t help yourself, can you?


    Zi Han raised his trembling fingers intending to touch Yi Chen¡¯s injured shoulder but before he could touch him his fingertips paused hovering above the wound. His eyes narrowed as he gulped unconsciously.


    He wasn¡¯t certain whether the ss shard was lodged inside his flesh or not. ¡°Does it hurt?¡± he asked as he raised his head to look at Yi Chen.


    Yi Chen who had been looking at him this entire time swallowed subconsciously with his adam¡¯s apple rolling. Seeing Zi Han worrying about him his chest felt so warm with his heart melting into a puddle.


    He lightly shook his head as he clenched his fingers suppressing the urge to caress Zi Han¡¯s cheek. ¡°It doesn¡¯t,¡± he whispered and Zi Han lowered his head taking out a kit from his interspatial storage to treat the wound.


    ¡°There are no serious injuries. Only minor ones,¡± said Le after examining everyone, ¡°most are suffering from shoo-.¡±


    BAM!


    A bloody blob of flesh torn off from a beast mmed into the barrier shaking the room. Loud screams filled the air as the terrified group of people cowered and moved away from the barrier as far as possible.


    A bright red streak of blood appeared on the barrier obscuring their view of the outside. Yi Chen squinted his eyes while looking through the gaps in-between the smudges of blood on the protective barrier.


    A tall beast with an exoskeletal structure, bright red eyes, and long tentacles was wreaking havoc in the streets of Capital Star. Despite suffering under heavy fire the creature kept pressing on dealing as much damage as possible.


    .....


    Suddenly a stinging paining from his shoulder brought Yi Chen back to the present. He drew in a cold breath of air as he turned to look at Zi Han.


    ¡°Sorry..... I should have warned you first that I was spraying the healing spray,¡± said Zi Han while pasting thergest band-aid in the kit onto Yi Chen¡¯s shoulder.


    Zi Han could feel a resentful gaze boring through his skin the entire time but he ignored Ikeda Yua. He had no time to worry about a little girl ying a cliche love triangle scene in her head. Granted, he gave her that impression but that was the job of a love shield. Just like a mosquito repellent, he was meant to repel love interests.


    ¡°Thank you,¡± whispered Yi Chen but Zi Han didn¡¯t ept it. He packed away his things while saying,


    ¡°No need. You got hurt protecting me so I owe you.¡± Yi Chen wanted to say that Zi Han was here because of him but before he could say anything, Yi Feng called out to him,


    ¡°Ah-Chen, what do we do now?¡±


    Yi Chen reluctantly turned his gaze away from Zi Han and said, ¡°Youe with me and Han Han will stay behind wit-,¡± but his voice abruptly stopped when Zi Han tapped the pendant on his neck, and ck nanoparticles spread all over his body.


    Before Yi Chen could stop him Zi Han leapt out of the shattered window and his mech engulfed his body in an instant.


    Yi Chen, ¡°.....¡±


    Well, he should have expected that. There was no way Zi Han was going to stay behind. That was just wishful thinking on his part.


    ¡°Let¡¯s go,¡± he said to Yi Feng before following after Zi Han. Yi Feng jumped over the bar counter and followed after them leaving behind a dissatisfied Le. To be honest he thought Yi Feng looked hot jumping over the counter while activating his mech. It made her want to push him down even more.


    Biting her lower lip she averted her gaze only for Ikeda Yua to fall into her line of sight. The resentment and maliciousnessing from her were good enough to have one fearing for their lives but what was the point?


    The subject of her anger was hovering midair with a malicious grin on his face as he activated his cannon ster ready to tear this beast apart. With a low clinking sound, the mech arm transformed as bounds of energy gathered in the muzzle of the cannon ster.


    Boom! Boom! Boom!


    Three sessive explosions rang out within the chaos and the beast that had been fighting it out with a series of mechs turned its ugly head sharply glowering at him. The sts barely scratched the beast as it remained steadfast.


    With a crackling sound, it shot out three tentacles in Zi Han¡¯s direction in retaliation.


    His blood boiling from excitement Zi Han retracted the cannon ster as he flipped backward dodging the spiteful tentacles trying to end his life.


    As he flipped over he drew two swords and shed at the tentacles. Like razor-sharp knives, the des cleanly sliced through two of the three tentacles. With a st, the fleshy parts mmed into the nearest building before falling to the ground.


    Recalling that there was a third appendage shot at him before Zi Han became vignt. Within the loud bellows of the beast, a leathery skin type of tentacle shot straight at his face.


    Leaning backward he dodged the iing attack. As the disgusting-looking tentacle shot past his face a high-pitched shing sound permeated the air as the appendage was sliced off cleanly by a red de.


    Zi Han straightened his back and he was met by a ck and red mech standing tall beside him like a brave warrior leading his men to ughter the enemy in battle.


    ¡°You can¡¯t help yourself, can you?¡± asked Yi Chen as he swung his sword with blood dripping at the tip of its de.


    Zi Han nced at the huge portal that had opened in the middle of the city and three beasts running amok like they had been sent to cripple Capital Star. ¡°It¡¯s my nature. I really can¡¯t change it,¡± he replied before flying off to the middle of the chaotic battle scene.


    Like before Yi Chen followed him into the fire without hesitation leaving behind a dumbfounded Yi Feng who was beginning to ask himself why he even followed. With all these military personnel it didn¡¯t look like he was needed here.


    Like her son, Zi Xingxi went straight into the Bermuda triangle where most of the danger was. Her thought process was to end this fight as soon as possible so she could go find her son. But who would have thought he would follow her example and head straight for the eye of the storm.


    As herser beam sted half the monster¡¯s face Zi Xingxi noticed a familiar mech stabbing right into the back of the beast. It let out a shrill cry and spun its head around with its mouth wide open as a long tongue shot out of its mouth and grabbed the ankle of Zi Han¡¯s mech.


    Zi Han let go of his sword stuck in the back of the beast and transformed the arm of his mech into a cannon ster but before he could attack a light saber shed at the tongue searing it into half.

 Chapter 126

    126 I will go after him


    The other half of the tongue coiled around Zi Han¡¯s ankle loosen before it fell to the ground. Zi Han raised his head to find who helped him but soon he heard his mother¡¯s voice transmitting into his mech.


    ¡°You really think yourself a rebel now, ha! I told you to stay at home yet you appeared here and now you are even putting yourself in danger. Do you still see me as your mother?¡± said Zi Xingxi with a trace of anger in her voice.


    Zi Han didn¡¯t know what to say. Would his mother even ept his apology at this moment? He had serious doubts about that.


    The sound ofser bullets tearing through flesh brought him out of his trance. His mother had grabbed hold of an automatic chaingun and emptied an entire magazine on the creature. Zi Han suddenly felt a little frightened. Somehow he was imagining himself being the beast having its body torn to shreds by those bullets.


    As the beast came tumbling down like chopped timber Zi Han used his mental power to summon his sword from the beast¡¯s back. Just as he grasped the hilt with his mech something small crawled out from within the beast. Zi Han couldn¡¯t understand what it was but whatever it was it couldn¡¯t be allowed to leave this perimeter.


    On impulse, he flew over in pursuit. As he blew by his mother he vaguely heard her reprimand him. Because he was afraid that thing would disappear and no one would be able to find it he carried on with his chase.


    Zi Xingxi wanted to drop everything and go after her son but Chronos was suddenly restrained by several appendages pulling it back. It was as though they were trying to prevent her from going after Zi Han. Secretary K¡¯s mech began to attack the tentacles restraining Chronos but Zi Xingxi wasn¡¯t having it.


    ¡°Go after him!¡± she ordered her voiceced with worry. She was doing all of this for her son and if anything happened to him then there would be nothing else to live for. Secretary K hesitated and in his moment of reticence Yi Chen passed by and said,


    ¡°I will go after him,¡± before following after Zi Han.


    .....


    Zi Xingxi clenched her jaw wanting to say something but before she could do that Yi Chen was gone. Secretary K¡¯s mech froze before he forced himself to call out, ¡°Ma¡¯am should.....¡±


    ¡°No, get me out of this,¡± she said but the calmness in her voice terrified the poor secretary. It was the kind of serene calmness before a storm.


    On the other hand, Zi Han pursued the creature to the edge of Capital star¡¯s affluent neighborhood. The environment took a drastic change the moment he crossed through those boundaries. The buildings were more functional than artistic and the streets were narrow. Despite it being the middle of the day there was barely any sun due to the high-rise buildings stacked on top of each other like blocks. What he should have realized by now was that he was being isted but he hadn¡¯t thought of it because he had nothing this unintelligent being would want.


    A few minutester he finally realized that he was wrong on both fronts. Zi Han watched the creature disappear into a dark alley and because the space was too small for a mech he reduced his size and drew out a light machine gun.


    With cautious steps, he entered the alley. The ce was eerie dark with water puddles on the ground from the leaking pipes above. He tapped his light brain attempting to send his location to his mother but his screen suddenly glitched several times before turning dark.


    Zi Han¡¯s brow creased seeing this. A slight suspicion arose in his heart but before he could think it through a trash can ahead was suddenly knocked down and all its contents spilled to the ground.


    Nervous he pointed his weapon at the area with his weapon-mounted lights shedding light into the alley. After scanning around Zi Han saw nothing. There weren¡¯t even any signs of life. He took a few steps forward and kicked the trash with his mech but after searching around there was nothing.


    He decided to leave first and regroup with his mother. Having made that decision ge heaved a deep sigh. As his warm breath escaped his lips it suddenly turned into a white fog like the weather had suddenly turned cold.


    No matter how one looked at it it was impossible. Even if the high-rise buildings and clouds were blocking the sun it wouldn¡¯t be this cold. Zi Han took a step back feeling a presence behind him.


    A sharp tingle ran down his spine as his muscles stiffened. With a light exhale he raised his eyes looking forward while calcting the probability of sess.


    Drip... drip... drip.


    The light sound of drops of water leaking from the pipes onto the puddles on the ground became even more amplified as time froze in that instant.


    Zi Han knew he had to act now. He couldn¡¯t stay in the alley forever so after bolstering his courage he gripped the light machine gun with his fingers lightly pressing the trigger.


    His forehead covered in ayer of cold sweat he exhaled deeply before spinning around and opening fire. Ten shots rang in the dark alley with several bright shes but none of his bullets reached his target.


    A humanoid-like creature with eyes as ck as the inky darkness was stretching out its hand with the bullets striking a shield before freezing mid-air. A dark shadow was cast on half its face giving off an eerie feeling.


    Zi Han¡¯s chest tightened as he took a step back but he lost control of his mech meaning he could no longer fire his weapon. Slightly panicked he tried to disengage from his mech and fight hand to hand but he found that he couldn¡¯t.


    As the nging sounds of bullets falling onto the ground filled the silent alley Zi Han hit the emergency disengage button on the screen several times but it was of no use.


    He had to admit that at this moment he was a little frightened. The humanoid creature stretched out its hand and as its finger touch his mech it disengaged automatically leaving behind a vulnerable Zi Han frozen in ce. He could no longer move his limbs.


    The humanoid creature leaned forward as its cold breath brushed against Zi Han the youth suddenly had a terrible premonition. He watched on as the long fingernails reached into his clothes and take out his father¡¯s pendant, the pendant his mother instructed him never to remove.


    This was the only thing his father left for him and Zi Han would never let this filthy beast take it away so he began to fight back to regain control of his body.

 Chapter 127

    127 Trigger-happy hero


    The pain of losing someone you know is much worse than the grief of losing someone you don¡¯t know. But the truth is that the two can¡¯t bepared. Losing a parent after having known them is iparable to when you hadn¡¯t known them.


    That¡¯s for those who hadn¡¯t had the chance to see them and don¡¯t even have memories with that special person. Such was the case for Zi Han. He knew his father loved him and he was looking forward to finally meeting his son but tragedy struck before that could ever happen.


    Unlike others, he didn¡¯t even have a video recording, a voice recording, or an image to refer to. He didn¡¯t even know what his father¡¯s name was. Thus this pendant was the only thing he had. The only thing that belonged to his father that he owned.


    Losing it was equivalent to tearing apart his heart thus he couldn¡¯t live without it. It was because of this that he fought so hard to regain control of his body.


    Despite the pain, Zi Han broke through his limit freeing himself. Slowly his frozen fingers regained some mobility. Soon after that he quickly regained control of his right arm.


    With a ferocious gaze powerful enough to sear through those listless ck eyes he abruptly raised his hand and aimed a semi-automatic handgun at the creature after grabbing it from his holster. His expression turned deadly and with a loud bang, he fired three shots.


    But the oue was unexpected. As though controlled by an invincible shield the bullets froze mid-air before they fell back to the ground with a loud nk.


    Zi Han¡¯s breath stagnated as his entire body froze stiff not from fright but because he couldn¡¯t move anymore. Looking straight into those soulless eyes his blood ran cold. He might have been frightened half to death but his expression remained fierce and as he nced over at those ws touching his father¡¯s pendant his anger erupted.


    He struggled to speak and because he was restrained his speech was stiff and forced. ¡°It¡¯s..... mi-mine... you..... fucker,¡± he said and the humanoid creature¡¯s ws paused like it had understood what he was saying.


    .....


    It stiffly moved its head and there was a sh of red in its eyes before it raised its hand. With its palm hovering above Zi Han¡¯s forehead its obsidian eyes turned even darker.


    Zi Han¡¯s breathing quickened as his body trembled. He had a very bad premonition at this point. He didn¡¯t know what this thing was nning to do but whatever it was it couldn¡¯t be anything good.


    Breathing heavily with his pupils quivering he helplessly watched on as red luminous light seeped out of the ugly skin of the creature and invade his mind.


    In all his years Zi Han had never heard of such a torturous method neither did he ever think it would happen to him. The strange mental power seized his mind and as it prated his nerves and brain cells Zi Han¡¯s eyes turned bloodshot with green veins pulsing at his temples.


    It was like someone had stabbed a thousand needles into his mind and pushed them down killing him slowly. Unable to endure it he closed his eyes as a tear fell at the corner of his eye.


    He wanted his mum and wanted to call out to her but he could speak. As the torture continued his face turned ghastly white with his mind blurring. He feared that he was going to die here in a dirty alley.


    The stabbing pain prated his core and as the invasive force made its final strike that could cripple the youth for the rest of his life, the humanoid creature suddenly froze. For a second Zi Han hovered at the thin boundary between life and death.


    Confused he opened his eyes with his tear-stained eyshes fluttering. He soon regretted opening his eyes because he was directly in the creature¡¯s line of sight. The two locked eyes for a moment and because its eyes were like a dark void he couldn¡¯t see anything.


    It suddenly retracted its mental power which left Zi Han vexed. Before he could try and understand what was happening his entire body was suddenly shrouded in a vibrant fiery aura.


    Gritting his teeth he tried to fight it but his taut nerve suddenly rxed as a sense of familiarity enveloped him. The agonizing pain that almost tore him apart vanished spontaneously.


    ¡®What the fuck is going on?¡¯ he thought as his muscles rxed. His knees softened and as though made out of jelly he copsed to the ground. The humanoid creature quickly caught him and slowly settled him down its gaze transfixed on Zi Han¡¯s face.


    Zi Han wanted to ask it why it was doing this but before he could utter a single word shots rang out from behind them. The person was especially trigger-happy firing round after round targeting the humanoid creature.


    His intent was clear as day. He wanted to end this ugly creature¡¯s life. Yi Chen emptied the clips from both his semi-automatic handguns. With a click, he released the empty ones. Before they hit the ground he had already reloaded his weapons in one swift move.


    With a murderous aura surrounding his body, he moved forward with his fingers on the triggers. The humanoid creature slowly stood up with the bullets failing to prate its protective shield.


    Yi Chen¡¯s lips twitched as he tossed the semi-automatics to the ground and grabbed an incindary shotgun. With a loud bang, he fired at the humanoid creature but before it could hit his target the creature grinned slyly as a portal opened behind it.


    It was instantly sucked into the portal and vanished leaving behind the nking sounds of bullets falling to the ground. Yi Chen was pissed off having failed to catch and eliminate his target but he was more concerned for Zi Han so he rushed over lifting him up to check for injuries.


    Zi Han pressed his palm on his forehead as he took deep breaths. His eyes were still red and swollen like he had cried. In fact, he had actually cried. His tears were flowing down his cheeks on their own. If one were to ask him what he was crying for he wouldn¡¯t be able to tell.


    ¡°Are, are you okay?¡± asked Yi Chen as he touched Zi Han¡¯s shoulder with his trembling hand.


    Zi Han bit his lip before replying, ¡°I am fine. I am just a little weak that¡¯s all. Help me up.¡±


    Yi Chen nodded his head before helping Zi Han up. Zi Han leaned his back on the wall as he pointed at the guns on the ground. ¡°You have to pick those up? If we forget them here will get into deep shit,¡± he said while pressing his forehead with his fingers.

 Chapter 128

    128 sh of the titans


    Yi Chen who was still suffering slight tremors in his hands due to fear and anxiety clumsily replied, ¡°Mn... ahem.¡± The reason why he cleared his throat was because he had noticed that his hands weren¡¯t the only things shaking. His voice was also shaky. The effects of adrenaline hadn¡¯t fully worn off at this point.


    As he reached over to pick up the first weapon on the ground his body was suddenly rammed into the wall and the cold mental from a muzzle of aser shotgun pistol pressed against his temple.


    He was suddenly met by Zi Xingxi¡¯s hatred-filled expression. His heart jolted seeing this. He understood that Zi Xingxi didn¡¯t like him and she had emphasized countless times that she didn¡¯t want him anywhere near her son. Time and time again he defied her as though testing the limits of a mad woman.


    But there was something buried deep in those hate-filled eyes. Something beyond the current issue. It must have something to do with his father because he hadn¡¯t done anything that warranted such hate.


    ¡°What did I tell you before... huh?!¡± asked Zi Xingxi and when he didn¡¯t reply she gripped his neck and stared straight at him with her bloodshot eyes. The air was filled with intense gun powder that at the slightest moment she would be set off.


    Zi Han¡¯s eyes widened before he used the wall to support himself and walked over to hold his mother back.


    He grasped her arm holding the pistol and gulped with beads of sweat flowing down his face. He tried to pull her arm while calling out ¡°Ma!¡± but Zi Xingxi was an SSS-ranked trained assassin. This meant he couldn¡¯t move her hand. He had never despised being weak like he did now.


    He could only coax her into letting Yi Chen go. ¡°Ma! I wanted toe.... just, just let him go,¡± he whispered but one could hear the desperation in his voice.


    Zi Han heard footstepsing from behind him and when he turned around he saw secretary K walking over in a hurry. Out of desperation, he asked secretary K for help but as his voice fell Zi Xingxi tightened his hold.


    .....


    Yi Chen¡¯s face turned red with the veins on the sides of his neck bulging but he didn¡¯t back down nor was there any trace of fear in his red-rimmed eyes. It was like a stand-off between titans.


    Secretary K¡¯s steps paused seeing her tightening her hold. If he spoke now he would only add fuel to the mes so he took a step back and gestured to Zi Han That he has to talk some sense into her.


    But soon he regretted asking Zi Han that because as facts have proven he was as crazy as his mother. Panting heavily with the tip of his tongue pressing hard against his cheek he grabbed his handgun and pointed it at himself.


    No, he wasn¡¯t suicidal neither would he pull the trigger but it was the only way to end this conflict. As expected Zi Xingxi came out of her madness and immediately let go of Yi Chen. Her eyesckluster she rushed over and took the handgun away from Zi Han¡¯s chin.


    It wasn¡¯t only her who was shaken. Yi Chen was so frightened that he called out, ¡°Zi Han!¡± but before he could take a step forward Zi Xingxi drew her weapon again and threatened,


    ¡°You stay there,¡± before turning to Zi Han.


    Zi Han felt very ufortable watching a pistol being pointed at Yi Chen. He pulled her hand down and this time she didn¡¯t struggle. She obediently holstered her weapon and tried to talk sense into Zi Han.


    ¡°You can¡¯t do that ever again, do you hear me?!¡± she said pushing his hair away from his cheeks before pressing both her palms on them.


    Zi Han held her hand trying to coax her, ¡°I won¡¯t but don¡¯t threaten my friend. If you keep doing that who would be willing to befriend me?¡±


    Zi Xingxi wanted to say she had already prohibited him from befriending Yi Chen but she swallowed back her words and could only ept that there was nothing she could do to stop these two from hanging out with each other.


    She might havee to terms with it but she wouldn¡¯t let Yi Chen get away with it. With that thought in mind, she turned to Yi Chen, and with a loud bam, she punched him in the face. Her movements were so fast that Zi Han couldn¡¯t stop her in time.


    ¡°Ma!¡± yelled Zi Han as he rushed over to help Yi Chen up but his mother grabbed his arm and said,


    ¡°That¡¯s for asking him toe out when you knew that something was going to happen.¡±


    After saying this Zi Xingxi dragged her kid out of the alley feeling satisfied. All that anger and resentment towards Yi Chen had reduced significantly.


    She might not ept the interaction between her son and him but at least each time she sees them together she won¡¯t have the urge to punch him in the face.


    Secretary K was at a loss at this point. He wanted to smooth things over but Yi Chen¡¯s expression didn¡¯t seem so good. He just followed after Zi Xingxi and Zi Han.


    As he stepped out of the alley he was met by Yi Feng and a couple of admirals to the Marshal who were here to back up Yi Chen but unfortunately, they were toote.


    Secretary K stopped next to Yi Feng and with two of them facing opposite sides he whispered, ¡°Tell him not to take it to heart. This hatred has nothing to do with him but his father.¡±


    Yi Feng didn¡¯t understand what he was talking about but he didn¡¯t need to. All he had to do was ry the message that¡¯s it. Soon he caught on to the meaning of ¡®tell him not to take it to heart¡¯.


    Half of his cousin¡¯s face was swollen, he was bleeding through his nose and his lip was busted. Zi Xingxi really dealt a heavy hand on him. If it weren¡¯t because of Yi Chen¡¯s SS rank he might have had his skull bashed in.


    ¡°Are you okay?¡± asked Yi Feng as he took out his medical kit.


    Yi Chen wiped away the blood from his nose with the back of his hand as he leaned against the wall fending off the dizziness. He was in a very fucked up mood right now and he might end up taking it out on the wrong person.

 Chapter 129

    129 Future Marshal..... not present


    Yi Chen could count on one hand the number of times he had stood up against his father. It was no less than three times and each time it wasn¡¯t anything rted to personal matters. Rather it was about training and Yi Feng.


    But today he actually went against his father and it was all because of a personal matter. Each time he recalled the extreme anger and resentment in Zi Xingxi¡¯s eyes he couldn¡¯t be at ease.


    For the first time, he was curious about something that had nothing to do with himself. He knew that the Bloodgarde and the Marshal had strong ties before but ever since thest of the royal family died something changed.


    The Bloodgarde severed ties with the military and went rogue. This was only on the surface because his father still sought out Zi Xingxi¡¯s help despite their terrible rtionship.


    Sometimes his father even ckmailed Zi Xingxi to get the Bloodgarde¡¯s help and each time she never refused. It seemed his father had some ck material on Zi Xingxi otherwise why would she agree.


    Yi Chen never thought deeply into this matter but after what he had been through today he couldn¡¯t help it.


    As he sat in the medical bay his thoughts running wild like a runaway train the door slid open and the person he was thinking of entered. His father was dressed in a blue uniform with his back as straight as a bamboo pole stemming from the ground.


    He had on a calm expression but in his eyes, there were traces of concern. He was really worried for his son that was why he rushed over despite having a lot of things on his te.


    The public was panicked and the death toll was uncertain. What made it worse was that the prime ministers were trying to me this whole thing on him. He indeed had a lot to deal with but he wouldn¡¯t be reassured unless if he saw his son in person.


    .....


    ¡°You are dismissed,¡± he said to his subordinates and the group scurried out of the medical bay. As the door slid shut Marshal Yi strode over with his formal shoes making a light tapping sound with each step he took.


    He raised his hand and lifted Yi Chen¡¯s chin to take a good look at his face. His nose was red but apart from a little swelling there was nothing else. The wound on the back of his shoulder had already closed and was healing well.


    Marshal Yi heaved a sigh of relief. They had informed him that his wounds weren¡¯t serious but he was still so worried. He had to see his son in person otherwise he wouldn¡¯t be able to think straight.


    ¡°Did you see anything that could help us solve this?¡± he asked after a short silence. He could sense his son wasn¡¯t in a good space thus he kept his words at a minimum.


    Yi Chen lowered his head and replied, ¡°I recorded everything I saw in the report,¡± in a voice much colder than usual.


    Marshal Yi¡¯s brow furrowed as a sharp pain drove straight into the pit of his stomach. He knew Yi Chen was upset about something but he didn¡¯t think it was directed toward him. Now that Yi Chen had spoken he could hear from his voice that whatever he was upset about had something to do with him.


    ¡°Do you want to tell me what you are upset about?¡± asked Marshal Yi as he sat down on the only avable seat in the medical bay, ¡°you have the same face on like the time I took away your first mech for repair.¡±


    Yi Chen scratched his brow struggling to hold back but in the end, he failed miserably. ¡°I had a slight conflict with Zi Xingxi today,¡± he said as he raised his head to judge his father¡¯s reaction but he remained impassive as though waiting for him to finish speaking.


    Marshal Yi already heard about their disagreement though no one could tell him why there was a conflict in the first ce. Now it seemed she had said something that poked at Yi Chen¡¯s nerves.


    ¡°I don¡¯t care much about what she was angry about... What bothers me is the hatred and anger she harbors toward me. I know sure as hell that I didn¡¯t do anything that could warrant such hatred hence it has something to do with you.....,¡± he said his tone sounding usatory the more he spoke.


    He was well aware of Zi Xingxi¡¯s influence on Zi Han and feared that this rtionship might not even happen because of that. As this involved his future happiness he set blood rtions aside and questioned his father.


    ¡°That kind of deep unprovoked abhorrence thates from the soul can¡¯t have something to do with me...,¡± he continued only for his father to ask,


    ¡°So?.....,¡± his brows knitted together.


    Yi Chen who hadn¡¯t expected such a response looked at his father feeling stifled. The two stared at each other for a second with fierce sparks flying between them. Neither of them was willing to concede.


    It was Marshal Yi who spoke first. ¡°This has absolutely nothing to do with you. You don¡¯t have to worry about such things,¡± said the Marshal his voice getting softer towards the end of histter sentence.


    He really didn¡¯t want to fight with his son over such a matter but Yi Chen wasn¡¯t going to let this slide. He wanted to know the truth thus he said, ¡°As the future Marshal of Onyx federation I need to know. How will I deal with the situation ordingly in the future when I have insufficient information?¡±


    His stubborn words finally broke the Marshal¡¯s resolve. Angered he yelled, ¡°Yi Chen! How dare you question your superior?!.... Your answer is the word future, future Marshal..... not present,¡± with his chest rising and falling rapidly. Seething in anger he turned on his heel and walked out.


    Yi Chen unclenched his fist as he watched his father¡¯s figure disappear. He leaned his head back as he closed his eyes and exhaled deeply.


    If his father wasn¡¯t going to tell him about it then he would find other means. When he opened his eyes again the dark turbulence in his pupils had vanished reced with a serene calmness like he had a sound mind.


    Yi Chen tapped his light brain and soon arge floating screen appeared in front of him with Li Ran¡¯s erged face right in front of him.


    Li Ran was standing in front of a mirror wearing a pleated mid-length skirt over his pants with a scowl on his face. He didn¡¯t seem to like what he was seeing and was trying to convince himself that he looked great.

 Chapter 130

    130 The biggest secret in the Federation


    Yi Chen, who had stood up to grab his t-shirt arched his brow as he asked, ¡°What are you doing?¡±


    Li Ran, ¡°...¡±


    ¡°Shit shit shit....,¡± he swore while scrambling for his light brain to turn off the video feed. When he heard his light brain ringing he had assumed it was a voice call and had epted it. He only realized now that it was a video call.


    ¡°I have already seen it so what is the point?¡± asked Yi Chen as the t-shirt slid down his abs to his V line in a reverse strip tease type of show.


    Li Ran stopped scrambling and asked, ¡°So what do you think? H asked me to send her a picture in a skirt. Maybe then she would agree to go with me to the carnival next weekend.¡±


    Yi Chen pulled down his t-shirt while responding honestly, ¡°It¡¯s ugly..... did you take your mother¡¯s skirt and put it on?¡±


    Li Ran, ¡°.....¡±


    His expression looked like he had been caught in the act but his mouth carried on lying. ¡°Ah... no.... what the fuck are you talking about?¡±


    Bang bang bang bang!


    .....


    ¡°Hey, idiot did you take something from my room?! I saw you snooping in there just now. Open this door,¡± said a sweet voice yelling outside his door.


    Yi Chen chuckled while saying, ¡°You took your sister¡¯s then.¡±


    ¡°Fuck,¡± he whispered before yelling at the door, ¡°You snoop in my room all the time and I don¡¯t fuckin interrogate you!¡±


    ¡°If you don¡¯t open this door I am going to tell mum,¡± she said but less than a minuteter she was already yelling while going downstairs, ¡°MUM!!¡±


    ¡°Shit..... you only have three minutes to talk. What¡¯s up,¡± said Li Ran rushing to the door to block it with his body.


    Yi Chen put on his jacket while saying, ¡°Can you do a deep dive,¡± his expression serious.


    Li Ran put on a roguish smile as he asked, ¡°Who do you want to hack?¡±


    Yi Chen pulled at his sleeve while responding with a lowered head, ¡°The Marshal.¡±


    Li Ran, ¡°...¡±


    His eyes widened in shock. This was a first. He never thought Yi Chen would do such a treasonous act thus he was skeptical.


    ¡°What? Are you scared?¡± asked Yi Chen and Li Ran hurriedly waved his hands his excitement clearly written on his face.


    ¡°Fuck no! If we go down we go down together. Give me five minute-,¡± he said when his door was banged followed by his mother¡¯s voice yelling the roof off the house.


    He stered his back on the door again and raised his ten figures mouthing, ¡°Ten minutes,¡± before cutting the video call. Yi Chen wanted to ask if he needed his help with his mother but Li Ran was already gone. Whenever Li Ran got into trouble he always spoke on his behalf. That¡¯s because his mother admired Yi Chen so much and even wanted her oldest daughter to marry him.


    Yi Chen left the medical bay soon after his mood a little bit better. His father on the other hand wasn¡¯t happy in the slightest. He was so upset with his son that he swept everything off his desk.


    Back then he was only following orders but because of it, he had umted so much hate from Zi Xingxi. If he had known he would attract so much hate he never would have epted his royal highness¡¯s request. That woman was crazy and she wouldn¡¯t mind dragging him to hell with her.


    Regretting ever getting involved he poured out some whisky to calm his nerves. He still had a call with the prime ministers and he was so not looking forward to it.


    Fifteen minutester...


    Yi Chen was sitting in front of a floating screen with a decrypted folder. There was faint hesitation in his eyes but he stillmanded Ran to open the file. Ran was the AI system running his mech and linked to his light brain.


    As the folder opened several documents popped up on the screen. He began to read each one meticulously. He had some suspicion that the conflict between his father and Zi Xingxi had something to do with the prince.


    As expected this folder contained records of conversations between the Marshal, Zi Xingxi, and Zi Feiji. The conversations were heated and threats were even issued among them.


    Yi Chen narrowed his eyes as he leaned forward staring at the only audio file in the folder. He tapped it open and he soon regretted it.


    Heartbreaking sounds of a woman crying transmitted through and from the voice he could tell it was Zi Xingxi. She was inconsble at first begging for Marshal Yi to do something but her attitude soon took a turn and she began to rebuke and threaten him. The words that resonated with him most were,


    ¡°.... he died like a dog on the street and you did nothing. You are still doing nothing about it... I swear, I fuckin swear that if you don¡¯t bring him justice I am going to fuckin take you down to hell with me.... You used him to consolidate your power yet my son..... *sobbing... fuck you Marshal and your rotten government.¡±


    His father tried to talk some sense into Zi Xingxi but she was too ridden with grief that she didn¡¯t hear anything he said. After that, the call abruptly ended and he heard his father tiredly sigh before the recording ended.


    This recording was sent to Zi Feiji and from the following messages, Zi Feiji said he would calm her down. He seemed to know the Marshal had his considerations when he made that decision but he was still angry.


    A few dayster Zi Feiji angrily scolded the Marshal. That¡¯s because his daughter had vanished without a trace. Much more happened afterward but what really caught his attention was one of the pictures. It was a picture of the prince wearing a sunny smile just days before the incident.


    He had seen countless pictures of thest prince of the federation but what grasped his attention was the thing around his neck. When he zoomed in it was as though he had been punched in the gut.


    ¡°Ran, clean the image,¡± he said with his gaze transfixed on the pendant.


    ¡°Yes sir,¡± replied Ran, and as the zoomed image became clear Yi Chen¡¯s hands trembled.


    ¡°Fuck,¡± he swore under his breath feeling like he had discovered the biggest secret in the federation. Why was the prince¡¯s mech around Zi Han¡¯s neck?

 Chapter 131

    131 The origins of the Royal family


    Seconds turned to minutes and minutes turned into an hour with Yi Chen sitting down in one spot without moving. That¡¯s because he had just received the shock of his life.


    The royal family was deemed as gods walking among men for thousands of years. That¡¯s because when the earth was dying and everything was descending in chaos this family had been nning for a mass exodus. They had confidence that they could find humans a better home.


    They possessed the ability to facilitate space jumps and could navigate through vast gxies. It was a special talent that no one outside this family could master.


    When everyone was desperate and saw no hope the Yeoh family rose from underneath the sand with a new generation spaceship with technology beyond their time. They shared these ns with the world and two more spaceships were built using every avable resource on earth.


    As the earth breathed it¡¯sst the exodus began. Because of what they had done for the human race the Yeoh family became the reigning monarch for thousands of years.


    The wealth of the federation and all its upieds were a result of the leadership of the Yeoh family. But as time went on the royal family was designed by evildoers and greedy forces that had sprouted within the top brass of the federation.


    Despite the people living rtivelyfortable lives and having vast opportunities to grow they began to demand the royal family be stripped away of its power and participation in political matters.


    The Yeoh family agreed and an elective government was put in ce. The only thing they refused was to give up the archives containing navigation charts collected for generations and Igneous. The prime ministers were also required to consult the Emperor before making big decisions.


    This went on for a while and the prime ministers¡¯ dissatisfaction festered. They used the people to further their agenda.


    .....


    No one spoke about it but the prime minister¡¯s im about it being unfair for one family to hold so much power was bullshit. They only wanted to siphon as much wealth as possible and strengthen their own families and the Emperor was the only one stopping them.


    When the emperor died they turned their attention to the prince. They wanted to force the charts out of him and grab Igneous hence putting an end to the monarch. But who would have thought the young prince would die such a tragic death before they could get what they wanted from him.


    Soon after they ransacked the imperial pce and searched every inch of it but there was nothing. Even the royal mech couldn¡¯t be found. The imperial pce had long burnt down to the ground and no one knew who did it. The rubble of the imperial pce became the symbol of a fallen dynasty.


    Most celebrated the new era but as the gap between the wealthy and poor grew bigger and bigger some began to regret it. Within the shadows of Sta, there was a small clique of people who believed the phoenix would rise from the ashes in the not-so-distant future.


    This belief was considered a conspiracy theory by plenty and they never took those people seriously. The royal family was dead and a memory of the previous era. How could only a phoenix rise when there were no ashes anymore.


    Now that Yi Chen had seen the ashes he now knew that it wasn¡¯t a conspiracy but a fact. Zi Han could only possess Igneous because he was the royal highness¡¯s son.


    Just like Hydra and Chronos, Igneous was linked to the direct bloodline of that family. This meant no one outside that bloodline could activate let alone operate those mechs.


    As to why no one else had identified Igneous despite it hanging around Zi Han¡¯s neck it was because only a few people had seen the storage pendants of the three cmities.


    It was mostly the family members and possibly associates who could identify them. Even Yi Chen couldn¡¯t identify it despite having seen it around Zi Han¡¯s neck. The Marshal would probably recognize Igneous at a nce but the problem was that he had never been around Zi Han long enough to see it.


    Yi Chen¡¯s mind was a chaotic mess as he slumped back on his chair looking defeated. Why did the only person he was interested in turn out to be of royal blood?


    Was he so unlucky in love? If this rtionship actually takes root and the prime ministers found out Zi Han¡¯s identity the Yi family might suffer the same fate as the Yeoh family.


    Yi Chen closed his eyes trying to calm his tumultuous thoughts when a distinct beeping sound came from his light brain. Unwilling to even open his eyes for a second he asked, ¡°Ran, read the notification for me.¡±


    ¡°Okay, sir.... you have one message from HandsomeHan and it reads; are you okay?¡± said the AI reading the message out loud.


    Yi Chen¡¯s eyes opened abruptly and there were noticeable emotional fluctuations in his ck eyes. He disyed the message on the floating screen and read withplicated feelings.


    ***


    Zi Han had just taken the chance when his mother was raiding the bar for something to drink to send Yi Chen a message. Because his grandfather was still pissed they couldn¡¯t go back home yet thus his mother booked a hotel nearby for the night.


    He lightly nced in his mother¡¯s direction and when he saw that she had her head lowered with a cigarette stuck in between her lips he opened his light brain again. It showed that the message had been read but there was no response as of yet.


    Feeling slightly disquieted he wanted to write another message but his mother called out to him. ¡°Han Han, do you want to drink juice, milkshake or soda?¡± she asked while scratching the side of her nose with a wisp of cigarette floating around her.


    ¡°I will have what you are having,¡± he replied while typing at the same time.


    HandsomeHan: I am so sorry about my mother.


    HandsomeHan: Don¡¯t be angry anymore.


    After typing this he heard his mother respond hence he hurriedly locked his light brain before grabbing the remote and pretending to watch the news.


    Zi Xingxi was pouring out something while saying, ¡°I am drinking.... are you sure you can handle it?¡±


    ¡°En,¡± replied Zi Han but his mind wasn¡¯t in the moment at all. He was thinking about his light brain that had been as silent as a chicken.


    Zi Xingxi came over with two wine sses but instead of sitting by the couch she went to the balcony and set the sses on a small ss table in between two sun loungers. With a loud sigh, she sat on the sun lounger and put her feet up.


    Zi Han hesitated for a moment before walking over and sitting on the second sun lounger. He could see a tiny red me in the dim light as his mother took a long drag of her cigarette.

 Chapter 132

    132 Teaching you to do bad things


    A wisp of acrid smoke stung his nose but his expression remained unchanged. In fact, his brows loosened a little as the familiar scent washed away all his worries.


    ¡°I thought you quit?¡± he asked as he leaned backfortably.


    Zi Xingxi blew out three smoke rings as her lips quirked up into a smile. Her eyes closed she cleared her throat and said, ¡°I rarely smoke these days unless under special circumstances... Today¡¯s situation is one such example,¡± in a raspy voice.


    Zi Han felt a slight sense of guilt so he said, ¡°I was wrong..... I should have stayed home. I am sorry.¡±


    Zi Xingxi didn¡¯t say anything. She removed a speck of white fluff from the cigarette butt on her lower lip as she sat up to grab her ss of wine. ¡°You don¡¯t have to apologize..... I let my emotions spiral out of control just now... you know aside from your grandfather, I only have you,¡± she said before touching the rim of the wine ss on her lips.


    She took a sip and as the dry bitterness warmed her throat she felt slightly better. ¡°I know you told me not to associate with him but I think we can be good friends,¡± said Zi Han while ncing at her lightly.


    The wine ss in Zi Xingxi¡¯s hand paused for a second as she stared into nk space. She slowly took another sip and as she ced the wine ss down she said, ¡°I can¡¯t control who you can be friends with, and if that¡¯s the person you want to associate with who am I to oppose?¡±


    Zi Han felt his chest tighten hearing this. He swallowed down the inexplicable emotions threatening toe out and grabbed the ss of wine before taking a small sip. This wasn¡¯t the first time he had drunk with his mother it¡¯s just the first time he had drunk without her restraining him.


    Zi Han felt his cheeks heat up after a few mouthfuls so he silently held the wine ss without drinking it any further. His fingers rubbed the stem of the ss.


    .....


    Zi Xingxi leaned her head back and blew out a stream of smoke forming a misty cloud in the nightly sky.


    She recalled how her father tried to stop her from getting close to Zi Han¡¯s father and how she still ended up with him anyway. Sometimes she feels like one of the reasons she eventually agreed to date him was because her father had spoken up against their rtionship.


    Considering past experiences she decided to interfere less. She was sure that Yi Chen would never seed to rope in her son into that kind of rtionship but if she keeps being the barricade it might act like a catalyst.


    ¡°I won¡¯t interfere but... that doesn¡¯t mean I will be nice to him when I see him. I am at least allowed not to like him, right?¡± she said and Zi Han nced in her direction with an arched brow. He didn¡¯t understand why there was bad blood between the Yi and Zi family neither did he want to know. Like Yi Chen said before, ¡°The past generation¡¯s grievances had absolutely nothing to do with them.¡±


    ¡°Thank you,¡± he whispered as a cool breeze swept past his cheeks cooling his warm skin.


    Zi Xingxi nced at him with a bright smile and her pupils scanned his outfit and ruined makeup. Noticing her strange gaze he asked, ¡°What?¡±


    Zi Xingxi chuckled lightly before saying, ¡°I always wanted a daughter. If you like I can make an appointment and make my dream a reality.¡±


    Zi Han, ¡°...¡±


    ¡°No thanks, I am happy being a boy,¡± he said before taking another sip.


    Zi Xingxi sat up and looked at him carefully before seriously saying, ¡°The way you are sofortable in that skirt says otherwise.... I promise I will support you throughout the entire process even if they chisel your schlong.¡±


    ¡°Mum! Seriously no..... I like my schlong,¡± he said while crossing his legs as though afraid he would be dragged to the hospital this very minute to have it snipped off.


    Zi Xingxi broke out inughter as shey back down. The panic in Zi Han¡¯s eyes was quite amusing. She was just teasing him but he looked like a porcupine with its quills standing up.


    ¡°I am just messing with you Ahahaha,¡± she said holding her tummy unable to control herself.


    Zi Han pouted before saying, ¡°You can¡¯t joke about a man¡¯s schlong.¡±


    ¡°Okay, okay... I was wrong,¡± she said wiping the tears at the corner of her eyes with a radiant expression.


    Zi Han turned to look at his mother who was still chuckling and his gaze fell on the cigarette in between her fingers. Maybe it was because of the alcohol or something that he was suddenly curious. He asked, ¡°Can I try it?¡±


    Zi Xingxi didn¡¯t know what he was talking about so she asked, ¡°What?¡±


    ¡°That,¡± he said pointing at the cigarette that was slowly approaching the cigarette filter.


    ¡°You want your grandfather to use me of teaching you bad things?¡± she asked while handing it to him.


    He smiled while saying, ¡°He will never find out. I just want to try it,¡± before mimicking his mother and taking a drag. But he soon regretted it as he leaned forward coughing. It left a burning sensation in his throat and lungs like they had been set alight. He hated the feeling so much that he handed it back while coughing.


    Zi Xingxi took it and put it out in the ashtray. ¡°You will be fine,¡± she said before a soft ringing from the inte interrupted her.


    ¡°Dinner is here. Just stay put and I will go get it,¡± she said as she got up.


    Zi Han took deep breaths like he had been drowning and now had fresh air. After such a harrowing experience he vowed never to do that again.


    As soon as he recovered he raised his light brain to check for messages but there was nothing. It seemed Yi Chen hadn¡¯t yet replied to his messages. With a sh of disappointment in his eyes, he drank thest of the ss in one gulp. How was he supposed to coax people back when his mother directly smashed the cracked pot.


    ¡°Baby,e eat before that wine gets into your head,¡± yelled Zi Xingxi from inside the room.


    ¡°Coming,¡± said Zi Han as he got up as an anxious feeling rose to his chest. Was Yi Chen really going to abandon him?

 Chapter 133

    133 Binge eating and drinking


    When Zi Xingxi said she was ordering food she meant she was ordering a feast. One look at that table filled with food you couldn¡¯t understand where the fuck all that food was going to go.


    It was like having Thanksgiving dinner enough to feed nine heads but it was for two people. She even took things to a whole new level ordering only spicy meals. She had hot ss noodles with soft-boiled eggs and fried tofu balls, chili enoki mushrooms, Korean rice cake, spicy fried chicken, etc.


    To be frank, it was like she was nning on having a mukbang. This wasn¡¯t the first time they had done this but it had been over two years since theyst binge ate with no restraint.


    ¡°Ma, are you trying to burn a hole in my stomach,¡± asked Zi Han but he was already picking up a pair of chopsticks to eat.


    Zi Xingxi grabbed a bottle of yogurt and ced it in front of him. ¡°You areining yet you are the one that eats the most,¡± she said with a beaming smile.


    Zi Han pushed back the bottle of yogurt and poured out a ss of wine for the both of them. ¡°Let¡¯s go crazy tonight,¡± he said as he handed her the ss.


    Zi Xingxi wasn¡¯tfortable with the idea of him drinking this much but she let it slide considering what he had been through today. She sensed that he was hiding something from her but she couldn¡¯t pry it out of him.


    She could only figure out another way to find out what happened in that alley before Yi Chen rescued him.


    These two were slender but they managed to demolish the entire table of food and still had the energy to sing karaoke until their voices were hoarse.


    .....


    By the time the evening ended they were so drunk that Zi Xingxi became an emotional mess cursing this An person to the high heavens. It was the first time Zi Xingxi actually called out her husband¡¯s name in front of Zi Han.


    But because he was also drunk there was a great chance he wouldn¡¯t remember it. Rubbing his watery eyes he asked, ¡°Why do you hate them so much? Did they scam you or some, something like that? AH! I don¡¯t know what I am saying.¡± He covered his flushed face with a couch cushion his eyes seeing doubles.


    Zi Xingxi chuckled while struggling to sit up straight. ¡°He scammed me..... he scammed me out of my first kiss..... scammed me into marrying him that is after... after he deliberately refused to pull out and made me.... fat. Then he fuckin left me,¡± she said feeling disgruntled and the sad music ying in the background didn¡¯t help the situation.


    ¡°He is a con man. A fuckin scam artist... Why did you have to leave me behind, when you promised you would be here forever-,¡± she said before she sang along with the soppy lyrics in the background. It was both depressing and sad at the same time.


    ¡°Ma....ma.... ma.....,¡± said Zi Han patting her foot , or at least he thought he was.


    ¡°..... you are a liar and a chea-, what?¡± she responded cutting off her now croaky voice.


    Zi Han giggled before saying, ¡°You sound like, like a dog with a bone stuck in its throat AHahahaha hahahaha.¡±


    ¡°Why you little...,¡± she said before throwing a cushion in his face. Zi Han leaned backughing his ass off while his mother kept singing like her very life depended on it.


    After much crocking andughing the room soon fell into silence with the music ying at a low volume.


    Zi Xingxiy on the couch facing the ceiling her expression nk. She began to open up even more. ¡°I miss him so much..... he would have loved to meet you... Why did he leave me? He promised he would never leave *sob,¡± she said in a low voice before turning to her side and broke down crying.


    Despite seeing her like this before Zi Han was so heartbroken. His mother was strong and never showed her vulnerable side. It was only when she was drunk that she would be like this. Zi Han just got up and embraced her while gently stroking her hair.


    Zi Xingxi¡¯s body rxed like putty in his embrace and let it all out without any restraint. She probably won¡¯t remember this tomorrow but this cry was pretty much necessary and Zi Han was willing to lend her a shoulder.


    Whenever he saw his mother breaking apart like this he would be even more certain that he didn¡¯t want to fall in love. This was just too painful. It was indeed a sad ending to an eventful day.


    ***


    Beep! Beep beep! Beep!


    ¡°Argh..... what is that?¡± whispered a groggy Zi Xingxi as she pulled up her quilt.


    ¡°Mum..... shut it off. I am sle.....,¡± murmured Zi Han with his head buried underneath his pillow.


    The beeping didn¡¯t stop and it was apanied by the dinging sound of notifications on their light brains but apart from low groans and grunts, these two didn¡¯t wake up.


    With a swoosh, the hotel door opened and a livid Zi Feiji appeared. These two brats had the audacity not toe home for the entire night. Yes sure, he had told Zi Han not toe home but he didn¡¯t mean it. He was just saying it out of anger but out of all the things he said to them this was the thing they took seriously and actually listened?


    He told Zi Han to stay away from Yi Chen but like his mother, he went straight into the fire. After waiting all night for them with an ugly expression he was mad as hell and grumpy too. Thus he tracked them down ready to reprimand them but it was so much worse than he thought.


    These two binge ate spicy food and drank all night without him. He also wanted to binge on spicy food and drink alcohol but he wasn¡¯t even invited. And how did he know what they didst night? He pried it out of the employee at the service desk. One bark and she was squeaking like a frightened mouse.

 Chapter 134

    134 Early father¡¯s day gift


    Thus his rage reached a critical level as he entered the hotel room. Zi Xingxi was sprawled on the bed snoring like a pig while Zi Han was sleeping on the floor having fallen off the couch. The room was a mess with cushions tossed haphazardly on the floor and a few empty bottles of wine misceneously tossed on the floor.


    The Karaoke ylist was softly ying as it was stuck on repeat and it was a very depressing ylist by the way. In short, these two had fun without him.


    ¡°You two! Get up!¡± he yelled while striding in with Old Lu following behind.


    Zi Han mumbled something as he tightened his hold on his pillow but it was suddenly taken away and he was left with nothing to block the light.


    ¡°Ah.... but it¡¯s the weekend,¡± he said in a groggy voice turning over to hide from the light like a vampire.


    Zi Feiji walked over to the bed and pulled the quilt waking up Zi Xingxi. ¡°Dad,¡± she muttered trying to get the quilt back. Her head was throbbing like it was being stabbed by a thousand needles.


    She couldn¡¯t hold on to the quilt so she could only sit up pouting with a head of messy hair. ¡°Are you still mad?¡± she asked while sitting cross-legged on the bed, ¡°We wanted to give you some time to calm down.¡±


    ¡°What do you think? Of course, I am still mad. I waited for you all night,¡± replied Zi Feiji tossing the quilt on the floor.


    Zi Han crawled up from the floor with his head peeking from behind the coffee table. ¡°But you said I shouldn¡¯te back home,¡± he said feeling wronged.


    .....


    ¡°I also told you to stay away from the Yi kid and what happened. You didn¡¯t listen to me then but you chose to listen to me now?... Up, up, up go take a shower. You smell like a brewery,¡± replied Zi Feiji throwing a fit for no reason.


    Zi Han rubbed his sore eyes whileining, ¡°Ah grandpa, there is no need for personal attacks. You don¡¯t have to be so mean.¡±


    Zi Feiji, ¡°.....¡±


    Zi Han lifted up the sweater he worest night on top of his cold shoulder top and dry heaved after smelling it. ¡°Okay, you are right. I smell like sour grapes,¡± he said before getting up.


    ¡°Yes, that¡¯s right. You smell like rancid wine and bad decisions now go take a shower,¡± he said before turning to the main culprit, ¡°Did you let him smoke.¡±


    Zi Xingxi, ¡°...¡±


    How on earth did he figure that out? It was only one puff that¡¯s all. With her eyes squinted she tilted her head sideways and replied, ¡°Noooo.... I did.... not.¡±


    Even a two year old could tell she was lying let alone this old fox who had been in the game for so long. ¡°You two are unbelievable.... and you didn¡¯t even invite me.¡±


    That¡¯s when Zi Xingxi understood why he was so upset. He was angry because he felt left out which happened ever so often. She felt a little bad so she promised, ¡°Today we can do whatever you want. You pick anything and we will do it. You can consider it an early Father¡¯s Day gift.¡±


    ¡°So you guys will do anything I ask?¡± he asked feeling a little skeptical.


    Zi Xingxi rubbed her throbbing head and replied, ¡°Yes.....,¡± without even asking Zi Han if he was okay with it.


    Two hourster and Zi Xingxi was regretting it. She regretted it a lot. What she learnt from this experience was never to give Zi Feiji a nk cheque. Zi Han kept ring at her with a look that seemed to say ¡®you just had to involve me in this¡¯.


    Tired of being stared at like that she leaned closer while her father was staring at the painting with glowing eyes. ¡°Don¡¯t look at me like that. You made him mad in the first ce,¡± she whispered before nudging his shoulder.


    ¡°Yah, I did but I didn¡¯t want to apany him to the museum. Everything in here is boring and I have a hangover,¡± he whispered loudly only for his mother to pinch the side of his waist, ¡°ouch.... that hurts.¡±


    ¡°Keep your freaking voice down. He will hear you,¡± she said while smiling and waving at Zi Feiji who was ncing over in their direction. ¡°Smile and wave,¡± she said through her teeth and Zi Han waved at his grandfather while mouthing,


    ¡°This is so much fun.¡±


    Zi Feiji seemed pleased as he smiled happily before turning his gaze back to the painting of a woman with a bitch resting face.


    Zi Han checked his light brain for the nth time and Zi Xingxi couldn¡¯t help but tease him. ¡°Why do you keep checking that thing? Are you waiting for a message from your boyfriend?¡± she said with a taunting smile. When his mother was hung over she was really mean.


    ¡°No, and why are you saying it weirdly. It¡¯s a friend that happens to be a boy, not a boy friend. You are giving me the creeps,¡± he whispered back while locking his light brain. He was irritable because he had a bloody hangover and Yi Chen still hadn¡¯t responded to his messages fromst night. It seemed he was still mad at him.


    Zi Xingxi chuckled before walking over to her father to keep himpany. She had to appease him otherwise he would make their lives miserable for the next couple of weeks. By miserable, she meant he won¡¯t stop talking about it.


    Zi Han sighed in annoyance as he wrote another message.


    HandsomeHan: Are you still mad at me?


    HandsomeHan: ?


    ¡°Ah fuck,¡± he swore under his breath before walking over to his family. They were the only people who could distract him enough otherwise he might end up driving over to Yi Chen¡¯s house on an impulse and grab his cor before shaking him half to death.


    This was really going to be a shitty day. A shitty day indeed.

 Chapter 135

    135 Coaxing people is hard


    Have you ever beenpelled to go for a family outing but can¡¯t enjoy it because someone you are anticipating a response from isn¡¯t responding to your messages?


    Well, Zi Han had that exact experience today. No matter how hard he tried to enjoy images of an old earth, texts and paintings his mind would subconsciously sway to his light brain and each time it dinged he would hurriedly unlock it to take a look only for him to be disappointed time and time again.


    Thus the rarely seen grumpy Han Han with the aura of the Grinch manifested himself. He found no joy in going to the rooftop restaurant that served the most unique cuisines in the federation. He put up a smile and made sure not to ruin his grandpa¡¯s day but his heart was elsewhere.


    He just wanted to be under his quilt and blow up Yi Chen¡¯s light brain with dozens of calls. Clearly, he wasn¡¯t in the right head space and he carried over this same state to the next day.


    For the better part of the evening, he had been formting sentences in his mind about what he was going to say when he saw Yi Chen. After wording it carefully and ounting for all possible responses from Yi Chen he fell asleep with a contented smile.


    He even woke up early the next day in a jovial mood. While his grandfather was serving him a te of steamed buns in the kitchen he slipped into the pantry and grabbed a packet of butterscotch candy.


    Since Yi Chen liked it so much he decided to coax him this way. He found a cute mesh pouch with choctes from the wedding and tossed them out into another container before putting in the butterscotch candy.


    While he was doing this a figure shed by the door and stared at him for a second before asking, ¡°What are you doing?¡±


    Zi Han jolted in fright spilling some of the individually wrapped candy on the floor. ¡°Ma..... you almost gave me a heart attack, ¡± he said bending down to pick up the fallenrades of which some of them had cracked.


    .....


    He obviously couldn¡¯t give Yi Chen broken candy so he could only put it away and grab some more from the packet.


    How could Zi Xingxi not know what was happening? This brat was trying to coax people but like she said before she won¡¯t interfere. She didn¡¯t like it but she also wouldn¡¯t get involved.


    ¡°That¡¯s your grandfather¡¯s favorite candy by the way. If I were you I would inform him that you robbed him of his favorite thing,¡± she said with a light chuckle before walking past.


    Zi Feiji who had ears as sharp as a bunny despite his age yelled from the kitchen, ¡°What did he take that belongs to me?¡±


    Zi Xingxi walked back in reverse and peeked her head through the pantry door before whispering, ¡°Should I tell him or do you want to do it?¡±


    Zi Han who thought she had left was frightened again. For the past two days, his mother was truly out to get him. Since she had vowed to not involve herself in the matter she found other ways to vent her dissatisfaction.


    That included but was not limited to unwarranted teasing and making things difficult for him on purpose. Zi Han knew this was just a phase and thus ignored it. Like she said she won¡¯t interfere but that doesn¡¯t mean she would support him.


    Zi Han sighed while following after his mother. He ced the poached candy on the counter and told part truth to his grandfather.


    He just said he wanted to eat some and give some of them to his ssmates. This vague exnation had grandpa Zi unfazed. If his grandson wanted candy then he can have as much as he wants. This old man didn¡¯t mind sharing.


    Zi Xingxi suppressed her lips that were threatening to quirk up seeing this harmonious interaction. She knew her father was in a great mood because yesterday he had so much fun dragging his family along to do what he wants.


    But wait till he finds out who the candy was for. That chilled rxed mood would vanish like a wisp of smoke.


    She silently ate her breakfast without saying much. As soon as Zi Han left the house with Old Lu to drive off to school, Zi Feiji nced in Zi Xingxi¡¯s direction and asked, ¡°What are you smirking for? For the entirety of breakfast you were wearing that smug look... is there something you are keeping from me?¡±


    Zi Xingxi took thest sip of her ck coffee and got up while responding casually, ¡°You are overthinking it old man. I said nothing.... I will be away for two days. I have to figure out who is behind these attacks.¡±


    Zi Feiji was sessfully distracted. He forgot all about what happened at breakfast and his expression turned serious. ¡°Be careful out there,¡± said Zi Feiji his tone a little sullen. He didn¡¯t know what kind of enemy they were dealing with and he hated the fact that his daughter was at the forefront.


    ¡°I will,¡± she said and kissed her dad on the cheek before grabbing her jacket and walking out of the house. Zi Feiji was left alone standing in the kitchen with a heavy heart.


    Zi Han on the other hand was constantly ncing over at Yi Chen¡¯s empty desk with slight annoyance. He ced the pink mesh pouch filled with butterscotch candy on Yi Chen¡¯s desk with a note written, ¡®Don¡¯t be mad anymore,¡¯ but the person still hadn¡¯t shown his face.


    Irritable Zi Hany t on his desk while yfully blowing his strand of hair hanging on his forehead. Shorty had already noticed his terrible mood thus he was treading carefully while the pair of twins were stuck in their own little world doing who knows what.


    Just when Zi Han gave up on sulking and decided to do some school work the person he had been waiting for showed up and from the looks of it, he looked like he didn¡¯t sleep much.

 Chapter 136

    136 Hurricane Han


    There was some swelling on either side of his nose bridge and faint dark circles under his eyes. Unlike other times he just walked over to his seat and didn¡¯t nce over in Zi Han¡¯s direction.


    Zi Han who noticed this cocked his brow as he sat back in aid-back position while lightly tapping his desk. His burning gaze burnt a hole in Yi Chen¡¯s back. If he hadser beams in his eyes like superman Yi Chen might have been deleted from this world a long time ago.


    Yi Chen just held the bag of candy on his desk and read the note before putting it away. Zi Han who was trying to pretend like he didn¡¯t care finally lost his shit. After holding back for twenty-four hours without writing another message to Yi Chen he finally snapped.


    HandsomeHan: ?


    HandsomeHan: ?


    HandsomeHan: ?


    HandsomeHan: ?


    He sent a series of question marks and because of the endless dinging soundsing from his light brain, Yi Chen could no longer ignore it. After a couple of minutes of the typing bubble floating on the chat interface, Zi Han couldn¡¯t take it anymore.


    He wrote another message.


    .....


    HandsomeHan: Still mad at me?


    Reading this Yi Chen finally nced over his shoulder and met Zi Han¡¯s gaze. The youth was staring at him with an expression that seemed to ask, ¡®And then?¡¯


    Yi Chenpressed his lips as he turned back to his light brain. He didn¡¯t know how to face Zi Han knowing what he knows. He wasn¡¯t even certain if Zi Han knew who his father was?


    And if he did how could he be so calm. If anyone found out about his identity he would be hunted down and whoever killed the royal highness woulde after his son as well.


    Ever since he learned of this he had spent the past thirty-something hours in the training room going through several war simtions as a way to get out of his brain. This was his way of blocking out the world but when he had worked himself half to death he still had to face reality.


    His father was so worried about him that he forced a connection with the training hall and talked him into stopping. He thought his son was still upset about their disagreement and thus he quelled his anger and made peace.


    After that Yi Chen passed out under his mother¡¯s worried gaze and when she asked him this morning to take a rest and skip sses he didn¡¯t agree. He dragged his tired self to school and waster than usual.


    He wanted more time to digest this information but now that he was in front of Zi Han he couldn¡¯t avoid it anymore. After deleting and typing and deleting and typing for a couple of minutes or two Zi Han sent him another message so he replied.


    YC: No.


    HandsomeHan:???


    HandsomeHan: So you aren¡¯t mad at me anymore?


    YC: En.


    ¡®En?.... En? What the fuck does en mean?¡¯ thought Zi Han as he angrily exited the chat interface. For more than twenty-four hours he had been anxiously waiting for a response and after waiting so long all he got was a measly ¡®En¡¯. The fuck?


    Zi Han decisively ignored Yi Chen throughout ss but like a grey stormy cloud, his dark aura hovered around him making his deskmate very gloomy.


    As a tribute to this ancestor, Shorty went out during the small break between sses and came back with four milkshakes letting Zi Han choose a vor first. His tribute was epted and the heavy air suffocating them eased a little.


    Li Ran as an innocent party was also caught up in all of this. When hurricane Han targeted his best friend he so happened to feel the effects. After withstanding the pressure throughout the First medical response ss he couldn¡¯t help but pat his deskmate asking,


    ¡°Do you feel cold chills as well? The temperature says twenty-four degrees celsius but it feels like it¡¯s below zero. Look, I even have chicken skin.¡±


    Yi Chen who was too exhausted to feel the suppressive air pressure took a nce at his arm but asked something unrted instead. ¡°Did you read those documents?¡± he whispered to Li Ran his expression serious.


    Li Ran stopped rubbing his arm and leaned in closer before saying, ¡°You know I don¡¯t dare. I just decrypted it and that¡¯s it.¡±


    Yi Chen turned his nce back to hisnguage notes while weakly nodding his head.


    The fewer people know the better. Having been hacked thest time by Zi Xingxi he even destroyed all traces of that folder just in case.


    Li Ran couldn¡¯t understand Yi Chen¡¯s expression but he wasn¡¯t curious. If it was something he was meant to know then Yi Chen would tell him. He just considerately left Yi Chen alone for the next couple of hours. Whatever he saw in that folder must have been something big.


    While Li Ran was worrying over Yi Chen, the dean was hard at work checking how far they were with the curriculum when his doors and windows were locked remotely as a high-security shield was activated.


    His fingers paused as he looked up with a puzzled expression. He knew that there was only one person in the federation who had the power to invade his office remotely but this only happened once in the past.


    Him doing this now meant something big wasing and he needed his help. A floating screen appeared in front of him its bright luminous light reflecting in his pupils.


    In front of him was the live feed from the Marshal and his expression was as grim as death as he stared at him. Dean Kerseky abruptly got up stammering, ¡°Mar, marshal Yi.¡±


    Marshal Yi leisurely raised his hand gesturing for him to sit down as he lowered his head to light up his cigar. As a thread of smoke streamed upwards the Marshal raised his head and said, ¡°No need for time-consuming formalities.¡±


    The dean shakily sat down with a ghastly expression. He gulped with his Adam¡¯s apple rolling swallowing down his fear. ¡°Is there anything this subordinate can do for you?¡± asked the dean as a few beads of sweat formed on his face.


    ¡°We need to fast track the current curriculum. Focus more on training and make it as intense as possible. The citizens are restless and we need more personnel on the ground,¡± said Marshal Yi while rubbing his forehead a little flustered.


    The dean nodded his head like a chicken pecking at rice. There was no way he could refuse this great god. He suddenly felt sorry for the cadets who were about to lose their freedom entirely.

 Chapter 137

    137 Let¡¯s go again


    With the sun dancing in the middle of the blue sky the sounds of patrolling drones and cruisers flying over Capital Star ripped through the atmosphere. The city was still panic-stricken after the incident over the weekend.


    Meanwhile, the future heroes of the federation were in blood and tears enduring the most intense training in hand to handbat. It seemed their drill instructor had roused his patriotic spirit and decided to push these trainees so they can defend the Federation well in the future.


    Zi Han for once was paired with the most unlikely candidate. He was paired up with Evan and their spurring session almost broke into a real fight.


    From the previous training where Yi Chen failed to make Zi Han yield, Evan had assumed that Yi Chen was pulling his punches but after experiencing it first hand he realized he was wrong. Zi Han was as stubborn as a mule and wouldn¡¯t back down no matter what.


    When you think he would yield he would manipte the most unlikely loopholes and free himself then attack again much more fierce than before. After thirty minutes of this Evan was worn out and Zi Han pinned him down with his arm tightly gripped around Evan¡¯s neck.


    Evan tried to fight back but under Zi Han¡¯s suppression, his struggles seemed weak and pathetic. His chest fluctuated violently as he tried to pull Zi Han¡¯s arm with beads of sweat flowing down his forehead and his veins throbbing at his temples.


    Zi Han tightened his grip with his face moving closer. Evan felt an itchy feeling as Zi Han¡¯s damp hair brushed against the side of his cheek. He wanted to raise his hand to brush away the itchy feeling when the sounds of lowughter came from Zi Han.


    The vibrations from Zi Han¡¯s chest transmitted into his body reverberating straight into his heart. He suddenly lost the will to fight. He just wanted to get away from this person and calm his taut nerves thus he opened his mouth to yield.


    ¡°I, I yield,¡± he said in a hoarse voice, and immediately the arm around his neck loosened before the weight on his body vanished.


    .....


    A sense of relief washed over him like an innocent prisoner released after being caged for ten years. With a slight turn of his neck, he nced at Zi Han, and his heart that was calming down jolted sharply.


    Zi Han was standing upright while pulling up the hem of his t-shirt to wipe away the sweat on his forehead. The fabric slipped up the porcin-toned belly with faintly visible abs and fine beads of sweat making Evan take a second nce.


    Zi Han wasn¡¯t even aware of it. He pulled down his t-shirt and raked his fingers through his hair struggling to catch his breath. His chest rising and falling he took a few steps back before turning to look at Evan.


    Evan who had been caught staring averted his gaze as he looked away but Zi Han thought he was struggling to ept defeat. ¡°Don¡¯t take it to heart. It¡¯s just training,¡± said Zi Han and as a light chuckle escaped his throat he felt a sharp gaze slicing through the air in his direction.


    Curious, he looked around but like him and Evan, everyone was focused on spurring with the drill instructor walking around observing the situation while asionally correcting the cadets.


    As he tightened the straps of his gloves Zi Han¡¯s line of sight fell on Yi Chen and their gazes met. He smiled at him but instead, he was met by an ice-cold shoulder making his smile stiffen.


    ¡®AAAAAHHHHH... since when did Yi Chen be the short-tempered one? That¡¯s my thing,¡¯ thought Zi Han as faint bitterness rose to his chest.


    ¡°Tch..... let¡¯s go again,¡± he said to Evan seeking an outlet.


    Evan¡¯s back stiffened hearing this. If Zi Han has the same resilience in bed then won¡¯t his bed partner in the future be worn out? Man or woman, they deserved to be pitied.


    After twenty minutes of spurring Evan was done. Looking quite pitiful he was sitting by the bleachers with a slumped back. Beside him was the red-haired boy who was drinking a bottle of water while people watching absentmindedly.


    Rubbing his sore muscles Evan almost broke into tears when he received a notification that his mech modification had been approved. Seeing light at the end of the tunnel he yelled, ¡°Yes,¡± as he abruptly got up.


    He was unable to contain his excitement which attracted the attention of the people around him. Once one enlists mech modifications needed to be approved even if it was private property.


    That¡¯s because these mech designs and ns were now considered confidential. Any modifications were now done by the mech masters in the military to prevent any information leaks that could be used to defeat the army.


    Thus his reaction was warranted. A couple of curious ssmates walked over to see his approved design and one such curious person was Zi Han. He walked over and took a look and his eyes gleamed with excitement.


    He hated repairing mechs but he was obsessed with high-powered modifications and upgrades. He also thought of submitting an application to have his mech modified.


    As the thought shed through his mind he leaned his elbow on Evan¡¯s shoulder while scrolling through the military academy¡¯s system to make a submission.


    Meanwhile, he didn¡¯t notice the figure a few feet away from him staring at them primarily the elbow resting on Evan¡¯s shoulder.


    Evan was eagerly guiding Zi Han on how to make a submission and Zi Han was seriously listening as tapped something on the floating screen.


    It was rather an innocent thing but Yi Chen couldn¡¯t restrain the sourness in his throat. His gaze darted from that shoulder he wished to chop off and Zi Han¡¯s happy expression as he responded to Evan¡¯s words.


    At this moment Yi Chen felt like his body wasn¡¯t his own. A feeling of restlessness took hold of him his foot subconsciously tapping the floor making his body bounce slightly. He bit his lip tightly suppressing something but in the end, he failed.


    ¡°It won¡¯t get approved unless you get a breakthrough in your mental power,¡± he blurted out drawing Zi Han¡¯s attention.


    Zi Han¡¯s brow creased as he removed his elbow on Evan¡¯s shoulder and walked toward him. Seeing the boy¡¯s attention all on him the sour feeling vanished and his mood took a drastic turn. A slight quirk appeared at the corner of his lips with smiling eyes.


    ¡°How do you know?¡± asked Zi Han with the


    corners of his lips turned down with unhappiness.


    ¡°I just know,¡± replied Yi Chen his head lowered as though to match Zi Han¡¯s height.


    Evan was slightly annoyed seeing this. He interrupted them by saying, ¡°There is a way around it. I can teach you.¡±


    Zi Han was so intrigued that he turned to look at Evan abandoning the conversation he was having with Yi Chen. By the time he turned back around the person standing next to him was gone.


    Yi Chen¡¯s good mood just now had vanishedpletely and he was unable to watch this so he left to cool down. If he stayed any longer he might tear his mask and shed all pretenses.

 Chapter 138

    138 Moody housewife


    As the Marshal¡¯s son, he was forced to watch his words and consider his movements carefully before making them.


    But this Evan was really getting on his nerve thus he might madly beat people and cause trouble. With that, he simply walked away and didn¡¯t notice that soon after he left he had a tail trailing behind him.


    Because his steps were big and fast Zi Han didn¡¯t catch up immediately. Yi Chen entered the locker rooms, took his towel, and went straight into the private shower closing the door behind him but just as he stripped naked and turned on the shower the door slid open and Zi Han directly walked in.


    Yi Chen, ¡°.....¡±


    ¡°Shit.... Zi Han!¡± yelled Yi Chen as he pulled down the towel to cover his key parts.


    Zi Han who saw absolutely nothing wrong with what he did replied, ¡°Hey, don¡¯t yell at me. You are the one who just stormed off like a moody housewife. We weren¡¯t done talking. And what the fuck was up with that response..... En, En? Why can¡¯t you use your words more so we can have a better rtionship?¡±


    Yi Chen was about to push him out when the words rtionship shattered his emotions like a ss window. ¡°Re-rtionship,¡± stammered Yi Chen a little flustered.


    ¡°Well yes, aren¡¯t we friends now? More like besties, right?... Shit, ah ah I am going, I am going. No pushing,¡± said Zi Han before he was pushed out and the shower door was slid shut.


    Zi Han tsked as he turned around rubbing the back of his neck. When he raised his head he was met by two pairs of eyes gawking at him with dumbfounded expressions.


    .....


    ¡°What are you two looking at?¡± he said to Shorty and Shaun before passing them and heading to his locker.


    ¡°Did he just_,¡± said Shaun ncing over in Shorty¡¯s direction but it seemed their thoughts weren¡¯t in line.


    ¡°I have been reced? I thought I was his bestie,¡± said Shorty in an aggrieved tone.


    Shaun, ¡°.....¡±


    Forget it. He was surrounded by geniuses with low EQ.


    Ten minutester and Zi Han was back coaxing people again. Apparently, he found out that Yi Chen was displeased because he had walked in while he was naked in the shower so he had to appease him.


    ¡°Okay, okay fine..... I was wrong. I shouldn¡¯t have barged in in the first ce. I should have waited until you were done,¡± said Zi Han but Yi Chen responded bluntly,


    ¡°Too insincere.¡±


    The two fell into silence for a moment while staring at each other each with their own thought in mind. It was Li Ran who walked in with his shirt on his shoulder that spoke first, ¡°Barge in where?¡±


    Seeing an advocate Zi Han opened his lips to answer his question when Yi Chen turned his body towards him with his index finger on his lips.


    ¡°So you walk in on anyone. Is that what you are saying?¡± asked Yi Chen his eyes narrowed dangerously.


    Zi Han subconsciously took a step back while replying, ¡°No unless if they are a close friend.¡±


    Li Ran finally caught on to this strange conversation. He closed his locker door and sat on the bench while eximing, ¡°Wow, so you two even took a shower together? I am his best friend since childhood and I never had that privilege. Even when we were four he was already despising me. He said and I quote ¡®you are so dirty¡¯ hahahaha.¡±


    Yi Chen, ¡°WTF!¡±


    ¡°Let me rify no one took a shower with anybod-,¡± he exined only for Yi Chen to interject.


    ¡°So you would barge in on Shorty while he is taking a shower?¡± asked Yi Chen his expression saying ¡®I will be pissed if you answer yes¡¯.


    Shorty, ¡°.....¡±


    ¡°Can¡¯t a guy change his clothes in peace? This is a locker room for heaven¡¯s sake,¡± said Shorty unwilling to be dragged into this nonsensical dialogue.


    Unaware of the dangerous clouds gathering atop Yi Chen¡¯s head Zi Han answered honestly. ¡°Yes, I would but only in an emergency. It¡¯s not like Shorty is interested in me romantically. Hey, Shorty.... are you interested in me romantically?¡±


    ¡°Not a chance in hell. I would rather die,¡± replied Shorty essentially saving his own life.


    ¡°See... Hey, a simple no would have sufficed,¡± said Zi Han after grasping Shorty¡¯s response. A simple no would do the trick so why all those extra words?


    Yi Chen was already exhausted today and after hisrade went up in arms in the shower when Zi Han waltzed in his mood had plummeted. He needed some time to calm down thus he finished packing away and left the locker room followed by Li Ran.


    With a sigh, Zi Han turned around and asked, ¡°Did I really go too far? Am I terrible with boundaries?¡±


    Shaun closed his locker door and replied while putting on his jacket, ¡°Yes, but you don¡¯t do that to just anyone. Maybe it means you have a special rtionship and you have a hard time creating boundaries.¡±


    ¡°Let me ask you this. If the roles were reversed what would be your reaction?¡± asked Shorty trying to give Zi Han a different perspective.


    Zi Han thought long and hard for a while before responding in a sincere tone. ¡°I would tell him to pass me the shower gel. Those shelves are way up there and it is very hard to reach especially with soap in my eyes,¡± he exined and Shaun could only facepalm while Shorty could rte. He also struggled to reach those shelves while taking a shower.


    The three of them soon put this little episode at the back of their minds. As they walked up the stairs back to ss a pretty girl with silver hair and almond-shaped eyes was standing by the stairs as though waiting for someone.


    Craning her neck by the banister she nced down to find someone and when she saw him her cheeks turned scarlet as she stepped back. By the time they reached her, she was shyly lowering her head giving way.


    Of the three only Shaun paid attention. He had seen his sister do this when she was obsessed with some guy in high school. Hence he could tell at a nce that she wanted to confess her feelings to someone.


    As soon as they passed her they heard a low milky voice call out, ¡°Cadet Han.¡± The voice was so soft that if it weren¡¯t for their sharp hearing they wouldn¡¯t have heard it.


    Zi Han had never seen her before but he still politely walked back while the other two pretended to give them space while they were at the top of the stairs peeking through the door to watch.


    They were about to witness an innocent heartfelt confession of love which would have been so much fun to watch if it weren¡¯t for Yi Chen¡¯s appearance. Talk about being a buzz kill.

 Chapter 139

    139 Shark plushy


    ¡°I..... I um..... I,¡± were the soft-spoken stammersing from the silver haired girl as she nervously held out a gift and pink envelope. Her slim glossy arms were trembling as she stood there almost questioning why she decided to do this in person.


    She had admired Zi Han from the first day of school when he fought in ss one. It was a bit of an odd situation for one to realize their feelings but she couldn¡¯t help it.


    He was like a beacon in the dead of night shining a mesmerizing light upon the masses. She was into the crazy fun type so after learning he was single through the grapevine she made her move.


    Zi Han on the other hand wasn¡¯t interested in what she had to say. Rather he was more interested in the shark plushy in her hand. It was just like the diagrams of old earth¡¯s sharks but with an evil grin and bright eyes.


    He liked fluffy things, to begin with, so he couldn¡¯t help but keep staring at it. This is why he always agreed with his mum to wear those cutefortable onesies. He liked hugging fluffy things just as much as he liked wearing fluffy things, well, in private of course.


    He still liked sleeping naked but on those cold winter nights, he would drag one of his fluffy onesies out of retirement. Apparently, he just discovered that he also likes plushy sharks with evil grins.


    While he was thinking of ways to get that shark plushy without epting her confession, Shorty and Shaun were craning their necks through the crack of the door while whispering to each other.


    ¡°You think he will agree with her and date?¡± asked Shorty in a low whisper while pushing Shaun¡¯s body away to get a clear view.


    ¡°Stop fidgeting otherwise we will get caught,¡± whispered Shaun while pushing him back, ¡°I thought you were his best friend? You should know him better than me.¡±


    .....


    Shorty sulkily craned his neck while whispering, ¡°She is pretty.


    ... I hope he says yes.¡±


    ¡°Yes to what?¡± said a cold steely voice behind them. Having been caught in the act their bodies stiffened as they turned their backs to the door.


    ¡°No, nothing.... we are doing.....,¡± said Shorty his voice tremulous.


    ¡°Absolutely nothing,¡± continued Shaun finishing off Shorty¡¯s sentence.


    Yi Chen¡¯s eye twitched before he pushed the door open. At the base of the stairs were two figures one of which he was very familiar with.


    A boy and girl on the staircase with a pink letter and gift, this scene was familiar to him. It only happened to him once and after ruthlessly rejecting the girl no other girls came to bother him.


    He didn¡¯t see anything wrong with what he said but apparently, his words made her cry earning him the title ¡®Heartbreaker¡¯.


    It was only normal that Zi Han would be confessed to. He was very handsome and his personality was like nectar to bees. This was the reason he fell for him in the first ce. It¡¯s just that he didn¡¯t expect Zi Han to ept the girl¡¯s gift.


    Seeing this scene a sharp knife stabbed right into his heart. He knew that Zi Han wasn¡¯t his, to begin with, but he had subconsciously hoped he would stay single while slowly falling for him (Yi Chen). At this moment he wished he was a girl who could openly express her feelings without being rejected mercilessly. He envied her at this moment.


    He jerked back and let go of the door. This attracted Zi Han¡¯s attention. He raised his head in that direction and saw two people snooping while a familiar figure disappeared.


    Shorty gave him two thumbs up having assumed that he had epted her confession while Shaun also had slight approval in his eyes. Like Yi Chen, they had misunderstood him.


    Zi Han was just interested in the little shark. Thinking he could catch up with Yi Chen he hastily said, ¡°You can scan this code for the transfer.¡±


    The girl who had been rejected was on the brink of tears but she couldn¡¯t lose herposure in front of this person. She swallowed back her emotions and straightened her back as she scanned the code.


    Zi Han smiled happily as he shook the shark in his hand. ¡°Thanks..... and I hope one day you will meet someone who will love you,¡± he said not even sure if his words were appropriate or not.


    He immediately rushed up the stairs and the pair made way for him. ¡°Which direction did the ss president take?¡± asked Zi Han while striding in the corridor. Shaun pointed to the left and Zi Han bolted with the shark plush n his hand bouncing happily.


    ¡°Where are you going?¡± asked Shorty and Zi Han turned around walking backward while replying,


    ¡°I have something to do. I will see you in ss,¡± before vanishing.


    Shorty tsked while saying, ¡°It must be nice falling in love. How exci-,¡± but before he could finish what he was saying Shaun nudged him with his elbow. When he looked over he saw the shy girl sitting on the stairs looking dejected. They finally realized that this heartless friend of theirs was excited just now because of the shark plushy. How sad.


    While Shaun and Shorty were trying to figure out whether they shouldfort her or not, Zi Han caught up with Yi Chen and pulled him into the janitor robot¡¯s closet station. The space was tight but Zi Han didn¡¯t care.


    He felt like ever since the blind date thing Yi Chen had been very moody with his emotions fluctuating on both extremes of the spectrum in short intervals. This was very concerning thus he wanted to have a heart-to-heart conversation with him.


    With his shark poking at Yi Chen¡¯s chest he asked, ¡°Why did you walk away just now?... Are you still upset about the shower thing?¡±


    Yi Chen who was leaning his back against the wall with a despondent look didn¡¯t look at him. He just answered, ¡°We will bete for mech repair ss,¡± as he moved his body like he was about to walk out.


    Zi Han pushed Yi Chen back with the face of the shark squishing onto his chest before responding, ¡°You have been getting really upset with metely. It seems like one minute we are on the same page and then bam!..... Out of nowhere, you are upset with me..... Tell me what I can do so I can fix this.¡±


    Yi Chen nced at the shark pressing on his chest before looking back at him with an expectant gaze. Zi Han had an ominous premonition when he saw those dark eyes staring at his new prized collection.


    He withdrew the little shark while Yi Chen simultaneously asked for it, ¡°Give it to me.¡±


    Zi Han, ¡°.....¡±

 Chapter 140

    140 Mr. Twiggles


    ¡°No, anything else but this,¡± he said hiding the shark plushy behind his back.


    The faint spark in Yi Chen¡¯s heart extinguished. When he was pulled into this tiny closet by Zi Han he had thought that he had misunderstood him. How can someone run off after epting a confession? Hence he had a little hope and his mood had slightly improved.


    But now he was back in the same ice-cold cer with his heart freezing over. ¡°Is it because she gave it to you?¡± he asked his head lowered to conceal the nervousness spilling over his face.


    Zi Han chuckled hearing this. What gave it to him. He had obviously paid twice the amount for this plushy and he didn¡¯t regret it either. Sure, it still smelled like her perfume but it could be washed. There was no big deal.


    ¡°No, it¡¯s because I like it and I paid twice the amount for it. Ask for anything else,¡± replied Zi Han squeezing the little guy behind him as though afraid of getting robbed.


    Yi Chen had already robbed him of the scrunchie he got from Shannon and the chicken cutlets he got from his mom. He had already forgotten that the chicken cutlets weren¡¯t robbed but they were given to Yi Chen by him.


    It seemed a pattern was starting to form and Zi Han wouldn¡¯t let that happen to Mr. Twiggles. Yes, he had already named the shark.


    ¡°Paid for it?¡± asked Yi Chen as he abruptly raised his head. To be honest, he hadn¡¯t expected such a response. That¡¯s because no one in their right mind would say to a girl confessing, ¡°I don¡¯t like you but can you sell me the gift. I like it very much.¡±


    Damn.... was that what Zi Han said to her. If so then that would be more heartless than what Yi Chen said to the girl who confessed to him. These two were truly deserving of each other.


    .....


    ¡°Yep, paid for it. Now you want to tell me what I can do to fix this? You didn¡¯t even respond to my messages and when you did it was just En..... Seriously, I thought we are friends now,¡±ined Zi Han waving around Mr. Twiggles having forgotten that this person was eyeing it.


    Yi Chen rubbed his forehead concealing the slight smile at the corner of his lips. ¡°I was in training the entire time..... that¡¯s all. I wasn¡¯t mad at you to begin with,¡± he said as he raised his head to look into Zi Han¡¯s eyes.


    Zi Han heaved a sigh of relief. He didn¡¯t care if Yi Chen¡¯s excuse was true or not. As long as Yi Chen was no longer upset with him that¡¯s all that mattered.


    Yi Chen was still curious about the pendant thus his back left the wall and he reached over pulling the string around Zi Han¡¯s neck. Zi Han didn¡¯t flinch letting him do as he pleased.


    Their friendship had reached a point where he could barge in on Yi Chen while he is showering thus he didn¡¯t mind him tugging at his mech pendant.


    What surprised him though was that Yi Chen didn¡¯t take out his mech pendant but his father¡¯s pendant. Zi Han¡¯s brow furrowed as he saw that phoenix medallion dancing in between Yi Chen¡¯s long fingers.


    Yi Chen¡¯s expression right now was that of great interest and awe as the tips of his fingers brushed against that medallion. A fleeting sh of disappointment reflected in his dark pupils taking Zi Han by surprise.


    He didn¡¯t understand why Yi Chen was interested in his father¡¯s pendant but no matter how good their rtionship was he would never give it away. He grasped the medallion with his hand encircling Yi Chen¡¯s fingers.


    Yi Chen who was in an entranced state came out of it and lifted his head till he met Zi Han¡¯s line of sight. Yi Chen stared straight into his eyes for a second. The atmosphere in this tiny space became slightly suffocating for Zi Han. He suddenly regretted picking this ce to have a private conversation.


    Yi Chen sped his fingers and pulled his (Zi Han¡¯s) from the medallion. With his hand still holding Zi Han, he pointed at the Medallion and asked, ¡°Something important to you?¡±


    The heat from Yi Chen¡¯s seeped into Zi Han¡¯s skin making him feel slight difort. He pulled back his hand and a sh of disappointment swept past Yi Chen¡¯s eyes.


    ¡°It was my father¡¯s,¡± said Zi Han as he stared at the pendant that seemed so ordinary.


    Yi Chen ced his hands in his pockets which was something he never did. That¡¯s because he was trying to stop himself from touching Zi Han again.


    ¡°Who is he?¡± asked Yi Chen intending to find out what Zi Han knew.


    Zi Han lowered his gaze and swallowed his saliva recalling the night his mother got wasted. He vaguely remembered her mourning the loss of her husband again. This stirred up the emotions he never showed his mother.


    When she cried heforted her but he was also in pain and the fact that she didn¡¯t want to talk about him made it even harder for him to deal with his emotions. Thus when Yi Chen asked, ¡°Who is he?¡± it stirred up feelings buried deep within him. He found that he couldn¡¯t even answer this question.


    Exhaling deeply he whispered a response, ¡°It¡¯s not is but was and.... I can¡¯t answer that question.¡±


    Yi Chen felt horrible for bringing this up so he apologized. ¡°I am sorry,¡± he said clenching his fists in his pockets fending off the urge to hug him.


    Zi Han put on a wan smile and said, ¡°It¡¯s fine. This is the only thing I have that belongs to him. That day I thought I was going to lose it..... it almost tore me apart.¡±


    After Zi Han said this Yi Chen could no longer hold back. He took out his hands from his pockets to hug Zi Han who was hurting but before he could touch him Zi Han took a step back his expression taking a drastic change.


    With his hand blocking Yi Chen froming closer he said, ¡°You think I am stupid. You are just trying to rob the shark from me aren¡¯t you? Ha, I knew it.¡±


    Yi Chen, ¡°.....¡±


    ¡®Who wants that stupid shark!!¡¯ thought Yi Chen but his mouth on the other hand was saying, ¡°Give it.¡±


    Zi Han stubbornly refused and thus the two scuffled in that tiny space with the shark being the prize. A serious conversation had turned into a spur which Zi Han was losing miserably. What ended this childish behavior was the sound of the plushy being torn into half.


    RIP!!!!


    Zi Han, ¡°AAAAAAHHHHHH!!!!!!!¡±


    Yi Chen, ¡°.....¡±


    ¡°Han Han calm down,¡± said Yi Chen but there was nothing that he could say at this moment that would prevent Zi Han from erupting.

 Chapter 141

    141 How about I rece you?


    The poor shark had been torn into two with its head in the culprit¡¯s hand and the rest of its body was in Zi Han¡¯s hand. He lifted his head and red at Yi Chen.


    His chest fluctuated violently and it seemed that an infinite storm was surging within him. A strong and unreasonable desire for revenge could be seen in his eyes but it would clear in the next. He was struggling between these emotions.


    Here is the thing about Zi Han. Don¡¯t mess with anything he likes that included his mech and now his plushy. As long as it was one of his favorite things he would lose his temper. Considering their friendship Zi Han forcibly restrained his emotions.


    As long as Yi Chen didn¡¯t further poke at his sore spot Zi Han would let him off unscathed. Unfortunately, Yi Chen didn¡¯t heed this warning. He took the other half from Zi Han¡¯s hand and said, ¡°It¡¯s ruined... I will get you another one. I am sorry, okay?¡±


    Zi Han, ¡°.....¡±


    Okay, so Yi Chen had woken up today and chose violence. Zi Han finally blew up and his logic was irrational. Don¡¯t me him for this. He really liked his shark.


    ¡°You can¡¯t rece it. In my heart it¡¯s irreceable. How about this... how about I rece you? How would you feel then? Give it back,¡± said Zi Han stretching out his hand with an expression that seemed to say, ¡®if you don¡¯t give it back to me now we will be strangers from now on¡¯ and he meant it.


    Yi Chen was at a loss. How can their newly formed friendship be worth less than a shark plushy? What he didn¡¯t realize was that he was getting special treatment. If it was anyone else Zi Han might have beat the shit out of them and cut ties. At least he wasn¡¯t getting discarded.


    Yi Chen reached out his hand to touch Zi Han¡¯s arm and apologize again but Zi Han dodged without any hesitation. Poor Mr. Twiggles hadn¡¯t even managed to survive ten minutes in his custody.


    .....


    Zi Han grabbed the little shark but because Yi Chen¡¯s grip hadn¡¯t loosened some of its fluff spilled out and fell straight to the floor.


    Zi Han, ¡°.....¡±


    His eyes deep and cold he pushed the shark plushy right into Yi Chen¡¯s chest before walking out of the closet. As soon as he stepped out he bumped into two people who had been eavesdropping.


    To his surprise, it wasn¡¯t Shaun and Shorty but Shannon and H. They had been walking down the corridor to Professor Quinn¡¯s ss when they heard screamsing from the robot janitor¡¯s closet station.


    Thinking it was some lovers having a quarrel they leaned in closer to eavesdrop. Who would have thought the harvest would be so bountiful? It was the ss president and that cutie Han who had rejected him.


    ¡°Hem..... -ss president..... Cadet Han. What an um..... what a pleasant surprise,¡± said Shannon trying so hard to suppress the corners of her lips that were threatening to quirk up.


    ¡°Quite pleasant indeed,¡± replied H feeling like she had stumbled upon a great secret. Like a sly viinous character, she rested her fist under her chin while grinning like a fiend.


    Zi Han was still so upset about his shark that he walked past them leaving behind a befuddled Yi Chen holding onto the fallenrade, Mr. Twiggles.


    ¡°And uh.... what is that?¡± asked H as a wonderful story spun in her brain. She imagined an intriguing fanlore in her mind which went like this;


    The ss president had confessed his feelings to the little cutie Han Han but was rejected ruthlessly with the shark plushy getting torn in two like his heart.


    ¡°It¡¯s nothing. Let¡¯s go to ss,¡± said Yi Chen before bypassing them.


    Shannon cocked a brow as she muttered, ¡°How strange.¡±


    ¡°Strange indeed,¡± replied H before rushing to catch up with the ss president but the man was so fast that she didn¡¯t manage to.


    Five minutester Zi Han was sitting on his workbench while seriously practicing his mech repair skills. D-day had finally arrived and he was expected to show signs of improvement otherwise he would get kicked out of the ss.


    Despite having argued with Yi Chen, the ss president still sat next to him and exined to him if Zi Han didn¡¯t understand something.


    It was because of this that H got to sit next to Li Ran. At First, Li Ran was thrilled because she sat next to him out of her own initiative. He wanted to sell misery having been pinched by his mother for touching his sister¡¯s stuff.


    ¡°Did you like the pictures I sent to you?¡± he asked trying to lead the conversation in the direction he desired.


    H was ncing over in Yi Chen and Zi Han¡¯s direction when she heard Li Ran¡¯s question. ¡°Mn....but show some more skin next time. Seriously you even covered your ankles,¡± she said recalling that dorky picture of his with terrible angles.


    Who in this day and age would take an image with terrible angles when they had AI technology for optimum image capture. The answer to that question was Li Ran.


    He was the only one who would mess that up. But despite its terrible angles and his weird pose she kind of liked the picture and even saved it in her secret folder.


    Li Ran heard this and smiled having seen an opening. ¡°I didn¡¯t have enough time to take a good picture. My mum pinched me hard for it. Look...,¡± he said pulling up the sleeve of his jacket to show off the bruise he refused to take care of for this very moment.


    H was about to take a look when she noticed Yi Chen¡¯s knee bumping into Zi Han¡¯s knee from underneath the workbench. Zi Han felt it and retaliated by pushing Yi Chen¡¯s knee away with his leg but Yi Chen didn¡¯t give up.


    He lightly bumped into Zi Han again and the entire time his expression was focused and serious like he wasn¡¯t the same person messing with Zi Han underneath the desk.


    Zi Han finally got tired of it. He reached out underneath the desk and pinched Yi Chen¡¯s thigh and the ss president jolted slightly before expressing his grievance.


    H¡¯s heartbeat sped up as a smile crept up her face. ¡®AAAAAAHHHHHH!!!!! What sweet fluff,¡¯ she thought as she cupped her cheek with her hand intending to watch them to her heart¡¯s content.


    But before she could indulge further in the sweetness Li Ran nudged her shoulder to grasp her attention. ¡°Are you looking? See it¡¯s even purple now....,¡± he said but instead of sympathizing with him she asked,


    ¡°What is going on between the ss president and Han Han?¡±

 Chapter 142

    142 Holding hands under the desk


    Li Ran was a little bit confused. What could be going on between them except friendship? Yes, he was jealous that Yi Chen would ditch him often to hang out with Zi Han but he also had the chance to spend time with H hence he didn¡¯t dwell on it. But other than hanging out and one tutoring the other, what else was there?


    ¡°They are friends,¡± he replied while pushing his arm forward as bait but H didn¡¯t take a bite.


    Instead, she looked at him and said, ¡°Aren¡¯t you jealous?¡± in a low shrewd voice like a sinister spirit.


    Li Ran¡¯s eyes narrowed and with a slight tilt of his head he said, ¡°Nooooo.... why would I be jealous.¡±


    H chuckled as she leaned closer while responding, ¡°Aww little Ran Ran. It¡¯s okay to be jealous. I will keep youpany from now on.¡±


    Li Ran, ¡°????¡±


    Was it that easy to get her attention? From now on he should push Yi Chen to spend time with Zi Han so he could reap the unexpected benefits. What he didn¡¯t realize was this was all H¡¯s design. She didn¡¯t mind pulling this third wheel away from the pair so she can see more sweet moments.


    Zi Han who had no idea that he was being set up was celebrating his first attempt of the day. When analyzed his repairs didn¡¯t look so bad.


    Unfortunately for him, Professor Quinn who happened to bete for ss was the one who had a final say.


    .....


    Today he seemed to be in a horrible mood. That¡¯s because he had found out that they intended to cut the curriculum or at least speed it up to make up for training.


    This was the reason why he waste. He had almost fought with a drill sergeant who called his profession a mechanic. That was the most disrespectful thing one could call a mech master.


    Thus when he saw Zi Han¡¯s gleeful expression like he had won the lottery, he couldn¡¯t help but walk over. He wasn¡¯t resigned to the judgment. If they speed up the curriculum then wouldn¡¯t this scum at mech repair get away with it?


    The standards and difficulty of the mech repair exam would have to be lowered to increase the pass rate so they could move along to full-time training.


    He decided to push this student to improve his grade exponentially. At least then he wouldn¡¯t feel bad for advancing him. Maybe this ss could save his life one day.


    ¡°Ahem.... let me see,¡± said the professor stretching out his hand to see the elbow joint Zi Han had performed repairs on.


    Shorty who was now forced to sit with H¡¯s deskmate raised his head to take a look while crossing his fingers. He knew how nervous Zi Han was about this ss.


    ¡°At least it doesn¡¯t look like he butchered it,¡± whispered Shannon before tilting to the side to take a closer look.


    ¡°Yep, but it doesn¡¯t look pretty,¡± replied Shaun staring at the ugly-looking elbow joint that wouldn¡¯t make it through quality inspection in a mech factory.


    ¡°It doesn¡¯t matter. In battle who would care if it¡¯s ugly or not. As long as it can do the job and doesn¡¯t fail in the middle of the battlefield it won¡¯t matter,¡± replied Shorty only for Professor Quinn to raise his head and re at them.


    Their whispers instantly died down and the professor finished his assessment.


    The nervous Zi Han clenched his fist underneath the table while thinking that if he fails he would quit joining the military and run away with his mother to join the Bloodgarde.


    Yes, his grandfather might get angry but he would soon get over it.... well, at least he thought Zi Feiji would.


    ¡°Well....,¡± said the professor causing Zi Han¡¯s muscles to tense up. The suspense was killing him. He really wanted to know what Professor Quinn was thinking but this old man was deliberately dragging his words making him nervous.


    Zi Han suddenly felt a hand grabbing his from underneath the workbench. He was about to smack Yi Chen¡¯s hand away when he heard a high-pitched squeak like that of a mouseing from across theboratory.


    It seemed the vice ss president got a little excitable for some reason and yelped by mistake. Zi Han pped that hand of his while staring at H who was averting her gaze nkly staring at the wall like the squeak just now had nothing to do with her.


    Zi Han brushed it off and stared at Professor Quinn with an impatient look in his eyes.


    Yi Chen tried again and this time he whispered, ¡°I am trying to support you.¡±


    Zi Han shoved his hand away while speaking through his teeth, ¡°Shut up,¡± before showing a sweet smile at Professor Quinn creeping out this old man.


    ¡°It¡¯s a good thing you aren¡¯t pursuing a career in mech design otherwise you would never pass the entrance exam... It¡¯s not pretty but it will do the job. Congrattions Cadet Han you get to stay,¡± he said and an unconcealed joy appeared on Zi Han¡¯s face.


    He was so happy that he was even willing to forgive Yi Chen for tearing his shark plushy. If it weren¡¯t for Yi Chen he would be stuck in ss two with no friends or familiar faces. Well, there was one familiar face but I don¡¯t think he was ready to see her that soon.


    Professor Quinn¡¯s expression suddenly turned grim with a malicious smile as he said, ¡°But if you fail my exam we will get to do this all over again next year. Do you want to see this face again?¡±


    Zi Han¡¯s eyes widened as he shook his head. Nope, one semester was enough. He didn¡¯t want to have any more contact with Professor Quinn ever again.


    Professor Quinn straightened his back as he ced the elbow joint in front of Zi Han. ¡°Great then don¡¯t ck off Cadet Han,¡± he said before walking away. Zi Han heaved a deep sigh while patting his chest.


    ¡°That man is terrifying,¡± he whispered only to find Yi Chen staring at him nkly. ¡°What?¡± he asked.


    ¡°Don¡¯t I get a bonus for helping you exceed your goal? You wanted a pass but I helped you get ten percent more than what you initially expected,¡± said Yi Chen with a straight face like he was speaking facts.


    ¡°Says the guy who tore up my little shark,¡± retorted Zi Han.


    Yi Chen, ¡°.....¡±


    He honestly didn¡¯t think Zi Han would bring up this matter. Talk about shooting oneself in the foot.

 Chapter 143

    143 Avenge Mr. Twiggles


    Zi Han was puffing his chest in pride having managed to achieve the impossible. Once he got the hang of repairing mech parts his enthusiasm shot through the roof.


    He wanted to repair other parts as well but each time he was done working on one it was either contorted in a weird way or it was dented in ces it shouldn¡¯t be.


    By the time ss was done Professor Quinn was crying tears of blood seeing these mech parts that were ruined by this ancestor.


    Yes sure they were B-ss mech repair parts but for this mech master every mech no matter what ss was very important to him.


    While this professor was weeping over his mech parts, the culprit was walking with a slight bounce in his step in a good mood. He hadn¡¯t slept well for the past week because he was afraid he would be kicked out of ss one.


    Even after his tutoring session with Yi Chen came to an end he would stay up trying to follow through with the steps Yi Chen taught him.


    He was at the point where he had nightmares about failing mech repair ss each time he closed his eyes. That old man would be right in his face his beard quivering while telling him to get lost.


    Everyone has that one subject in school that keeps them awake. After studying so hard and finishing the exam there is that sense of sce that washes over one¡¯s mind. Well, that is until the results are close toing out.


    That sense of sce was what Zi Han was feeling at this moment. Thus he was in such a good mood that he didn¡¯t refuse Yi Chen when he invited him out to a cafe in the fashion district just a few blocks away from campus.


    .....


    He let Yi Chen lead him to the parking lot by the elbow without offering much resistance. When he saw that familiar hoverbike Zi Han¡¯s eyes shone bright like stars on a moonless night.


    He wanted to drive this sweet baby again but when Yi Chen saw his expression his body shuddered involuntarily.


    ¡°Not happening,¡± he blurted out a response only for Zi Han to turn back and stare at him all wide-eyed.


    ¡°You!.... You just tore up my little shark. Uh, Mr. Twiggles died for nothing,¡± said Zi Han channeling his inner drama king just like his grandfather.


    He pointed his finger at Yi Chen and continued his act, ¡°The one surnamed Yi won¡¯t evenpensate me for it. How heartless.¡±


    Yi Chen grabbed Zi Han¡¯s finger and pulled him close while whispering, ¡°The way you are crying it¡¯s like I killed your child or something. Look everyone is staring at us.¡±


    Zi Han who had closed his eyes for dramatic effect opened one eye a tiny slit and sure enough, passersby were ncing in their direction.


    The military academy wasn¡¯t short on beautiful people men and women alike. This means that this pair wouldn¡¯t attract much attention but because one of them was the future Marshal who only ever hung out with Li Ran their curiosity was piqued.


    The corner of Zi Han¡¯s lips quirked up and Yi Chen had a very bad presentiment. Zi Han whispered through his teeth, ¡°Yes you did. That was my firstborn child and you killed him. Now you refuse topensate..... Let me drive or I will avenge Mr. Twiggles by causing a scene.¡±


    Yi Chen was at a loss. It seemed he was starting to see another side of Zi Han that he had never seen before. But instead of thinking deeply about it, he was very happy.


    Why? It was because to him this was progress. Zi Han was now sofortable with him that he didn¡¯t mind brandishing his ws. This was good.... very good.


    Yi Chen wore a silly smile while gently pressing Zi Han¡¯s finger. But Zi Han suddenly freed his finger to continue with his dramatic act.


    But before he could open his mouth Yi Chen covered it and dragged him to the hoverbike. ¡°Fine you can drive but not too fast,¡± he said before gently pushing Zi Han onto it.


    ¡°Hehehe.....,¡± snickered Zi Han as he hopped on and messed around with the disy screen of the hoverbike. His vision was suddenly blocked as a helmet was ced on top of his head.


    Those two fox eyes peeked through the open helmet visor as he smiled happily. ¡°Hurry up and get on,¡± said Zi Han like a kid rushing their parent to go get ice cream before the shop closes.


    Yi Chen didn¡¯t mind. With a slight quirk at the corner of his mouth, Yi Chen put on his helmet and sat behind Zi Han. Since Zi Han wanted to drive then the wouldn¡¯t be anything wrong with him wrapping his arms around Zi Han¡¯s waist.


    Having grown bold recently using the banner of friendship he wrapped his arm around the youth¡¯s waist and couldn¡¯t wait to rest his chin on Zi Han¡¯s shoulder.


    But before he could move closer Zi Han shuffled ufortably as he turned his face to look behind him.


    ¡°Why are you holding me so tight? It¡¯s not like you will really fall off,¡± said Zi Han while staring at Yi Chen in the corner of his eye but Yi Chen didn¡¯t respond.


    That¡¯s because Zi Han¡¯s face was so close to his. If it weren¡¯t for the helmets blocking his way he was sure his lips would have brushed past those cheeks.


    He suddenly felt regretful. His chest tightened with his gaze darting between those long curly eyshes fluttering each time Zi Han blinked and those moist lips moving as he spoke.


    Yi Chen found himself moving a little closer his heart almost leaping out of his chest. He had never kissed anyone before but his body responded naturally as he drew closer.


    His entire body tensed up as he licked his lower lip and gulped with his Adam¡¯s apple rolling up and down. As Zi Han¡¯s warm breath brushed past his face time seemed to slow down at that moment. Zi Han was saying somethingpletely unaware of the current situation but that didn¡¯t stop Yi Chen.


    In fact, he wanted to kiss Zi Han and block the words ofinting from his lips. He was so deep in the moment that he forgot the issue with the helmets. With them in the way, it would be very difficult to reach Zi Han¡¯s lips with his.


    Unexpectedly, Zi Han turned his face away and started the hoverbike his expression that of an oblivious little fluffy bunny who had no idea that he had survived an attack from the big bad wolf.


    Before Yi Chen could recover his face was suddenly pped by a massive breeze making his eyes water. The visor of the helmet shut closed on its own as he held on tightly.

 Chapter 144

    144 MelonEaterZi


    Three minutester they reached the fashion district. Zi Han pulled back his sleeve and tapped on his light brain sending a message to his grandfather.


    Zi Feiji who was shopping on Sta constantly putting this and that in and out of the cart while adding on to the long wish list on his ount saw a notification pop up on the floating screen blocking his view of the online store.


    When he saw it was a message from Zi Han he stopped biting his thumb and opened it.


    HandsomeHan: Grandpa, I am hanging out with a friend after school.


    HandsomeHan: Please tell Steward Lu to be at ease.


    HandsomeHan: I will be back home in two hours.


    ¡°What friend?¡± blurted out Zi Feiji a little confused.


    ProudGrandpaZi: What friend?


    Unfortunately for him, Zi Han didn¡¯t respond thus he could only ask the mother.


    .....


    ProudGrandpaZi: What friend is Zi Han hanging out with?


    It seemed Zi Xingxi was busy because she didn¡¯t respond immediately. For a moment it showed that the message had been read but there was no typing bubble floating on the chat interface. Both of them weren¡¯t responding to him which was a little infuriating.


    Just as he minimized the chat screen and went back to his shopping spree another notification popped up. He hastily opened it but when he saw the contents of the message he had three more question marks floating on his face.


    MelonEaterZi: (hehehe cat snickering.gif)


    Zi Feiji¡¯s eyes narrowed as he replied;


    ProudGrandpaZi: (confused scratching had dog.gif)


    ProudGrandpaZi: What does your username mean.


    MelonEaterZi: it means I am minding my own business.


    Zi Feiji had no idea what sort of medicine his daughter had taken today. The woman was speaking in riddles and being mysterious. Choosing not to care much Zi Feiji continued shopping like a shopaholic of the highest order.


    On the other hand, Zi Han was sitting outside a cafe opposite Yi Chen while sipping on his coconut cloud sky smoothie enjoying this rare moment. He never understood why most people hung out after school.


    In fact, they had invited him as well but because he didn¡¯t like thepany he rarely went. He much preferred being home or training in the virtual simtor challenging people to mech battles.


    Now that he had gone out with Yi Chen he suddenly understood that it wasn¡¯t because of the activity but rather who he was doing it with which was fun.


    He liked hanging out with Yi Chen very much which is why he had very little resistance towards him even when he was told to stay away. Like a little beetle attracted to the light, he kept scooching over until he was immersed in its brightness.


    Zi Han was the type to get along with everyone but had no close friends. The type of close friends he could watch a movie with or go free jumping at the waterfalls of the floating inds with.


    It¡¯s not that he couldn¡¯t get close to anyone it¡¯s just that there wasn¡¯t that someone who could make him desire that kind of closeness. But the more he hung out with Yi Chen the more he desired that type of friendship.


    He wanted to be close friends with Yi Chen. Maybe it was because the guy had saved him so many times that he was drawn to him like a moth to a me.


    Yi Chen who had his head lowered this entire time looked up and with a warm smile he asked, ¡°Does it taste good?¡±


    Zi Han who had been caught staring wasn¡¯t at all bashful. He sucked on his straw twice before saying, ¡°It tastes better than that bitter medicine in front of you... ugh, it¡¯s torture in a cup.¡±


    Yi Chen, ¡°.....¡±


    ¡°It¡¯s iced coffee.... and it even has milk in it,¡± replied Yi Chen with a bemused expression. Zi Han¡¯s body shivered in dislike but Yi Chen didn¡¯t let it go.


    ¡°Here..... give it a try,¡± he said while pushing the cup towards Zi Han.


    Zi Han looked at that brown liquid with clouds of white floating in it like he was facing an enemy of a thousand years.


    ¡°Come on,¡± said Yi Chen his voice like that of a pervert trying to lure a young girl into doing something immoral.


    ¡°But you drank it already,¡± said Zi Han forgetting that they had done this before three times already.


    ¡°*Sigh..... It¡¯s fine.... you don¡¯t have to,¡± he said pretending to back down. His tone though was like a whimpering puppy denied a treat. As he drew back his cup Zi Han suddenly reached over and grabbed it while saying,


    ¡°If it¡¯s bitter I am going to fuckin kill you.¡±


    Yi Chen pressed his lips together suppressing a smile. Things were going in a direction better than he expected, well, that is until he heard Zi Han cursing while throwing sugar packets at him.


    ¡°You bastard..... ugh, there is no sugar in it. Ah, it¡¯s so bitter....,¡± said Zi Han before sucking arge mouthful of his smoothie to wash away the bitter feeling. What made it worse was that it was a triple shot. The milk didn¡¯t help at all.


    Yi Chen wanted to apologize but seeing his reaction he couldn¡¯t help himself. For the first time, heughed out loud stunning Zi Han so much that he was stupefied. That melodiousugh full of mirth was something rare especially when it came from someone like Yi Chen.


    Seeing Zi Han¡¯s expression Yi Chen stifled hisughter as he apologized, ¡°I didn¡¯t mean it..... I usually don¡¯t take sugar so I didn¡¯t notice.¡± Zi Han¡¯s expression rxed but he still flung another sugar packet at him.


    While these two were stuck in their own world a pair of prying eyes appeared out of nowhere. Lin Ruoxi had been cooked up in the house with her two little monsters because of the incident. After a couple of days indoors with these two, she needed to go out for some fresh air.


    After leaving them under the care of the housekeeper robot for at least an hour she came here for a quick facial treatment. Who would have thought she would hear a familiar sound that she hadn¡¯t heard in a very long time.


    That was none other than her son¡¯s unrestrainedugh but what was he doing here? Like a professional stalker, she sat at the cake shop next to the cafe and concealed herself behind a potted shrub watching them.


    She honestly thought he was having a date with a girl behind her back but who would have thought he was hanging out with a boy and that boy¡¯s face was so familiar.


    She put on her sunsses and covered her head with a scarf so she could eavesdrop without getting caught. She knew it was wrong but anyone who could make her sonugh like that truly deserved a trophy and if it was a girl, a ring.

 Chapter 145

    145 It was that Zi girl, no no no..... that Zi boy


    A purple haired man dressed in a ck high cor shirt with the of the cake shop ced down two tes one with a beautifully garnished piece of strawberry sponge cake and the other had mouth-watering crepes sprinkled with powdered sugar and assorted berries.


    The customers smiled gracefully admiring the exquisite food on their tes and the waiter nodded at them before noticing a strange auntie sitting at a table outside acting suspiciously.


    He excused himself before walking outside and interrupting the snooping woman. ¡°Ahem,¡± he cleared his throat as he stood behind her. Because she had her neck twisted in a weird way she almost fell over when she heard him speak.


    ¡°Shh shh..... are you trying to get me caught?¡± she whispered while straightening up her posture. She pulled down her sunsses revealing a beautiful pair of peach blossom eyes.


    The waiter was stumped for a moment having recognized this person¡¯s identity. The Marshal¡¯s wife was a frequent customer of the cake shop with three or more purchases per week. If she didn¡¯te in person with her two little children she would order pastries and cakes to be delivered.


    But today she was wrapping her head like a nun while snooping on people. The waiter was at a loss for words as he stood there with the plump service robot shaped like a ball floating beside him patiently waiting to ept her order.


    The waiter lowered his head and said in a soft polite tone, ¡°Ma¡¯am...¡±


    ¡°Mn..... get me the usual and pack it up for me,¡± she said before turning her head slightly to peek through the gaps of the shrub.


    Her sharp piercing eyes focused on the side profile of the young man and when she saw those cunning fox eyes and colorful lips like pink orchids she suddenly had a moment of enlightenment.


    .....


    It was that Zi girl, no no no..... that Zi boy. She knew something was up with these two but she didn¡¯t have any evidence. This was something more than a simple rtionship between ssmates.


    She knew her son hung out with Li Ran a lot but other than training and messing around in the virtual arena doing mech battles they never spend their time doing such time-wasting activities. It wasn¡¯t her that said it but Yi Chen himself.


    Now that very same person hade to a cafe voluntarily and bought someone a smoothie to sit in, not even take away. This mother was shocked beyond words.


    What she didn¡¯t realize was that her stringent son who was rarely influenced by strong emotions and able to approach every situation with a rational and impartial mind had searched on Sta, ¡®What activities to do with my crush,¡¯ and this was one of the things that came up.


    Her son had actually put so much effort into this one-sided date. If only she knew about it she would honestly be proud of him. At the rate at which he was going, she was afraid he was asexual or remained single for life.


    The waiter hurried off not daring to linger any further around this great buddha lest he does something to offend her.


    Yi Chen who had a heightened sense felt something was very wrong. But when he looked around there were only customers minding their own business. When Lin Ruoxi felt her son¡¯s line of sight she hid behind the shrub and decreased her sense of existence.


    Zi Han who had no idea he was being watched by an enthusiastic mother pushed back the iced coffee while mocking Yi Chen saying, ¡°That is torture in a cup and you actually paid for it.¡±


    Yi Chen smiled riley before picking up the cup of iced coffee and taking a few sips. It turns out it didn¡¯t need a sweetener in it because it was especially sweet.


    With a contented look in his eyes, he ced the cup down and stared at Zi Han who was still struggling to cleanse his pte with the smoothie.


    Zi Han noticed his gaze hence he ced the cup down while asking, ¡°Do you remember that picture of me on that fake date thing?¡±


    Yi Chen, who recalled the exact picture Zi Han was referring to tried to act dumb by asking, ¡°What picture?¡±


    ¡°The one on your hoverbike, do you have it?¡± exined Zi Han with his fingers lightly tapping the table.


    Yi Chen pretended like he was seriously thinking about it before responding, ¡°Oh that one. Why?..... Do you want it?¡±


    Of course, he wanted it. He felt sexy in that skirt and wanted to keep it as a keepsake. ¡°Yep, I was thinking of putting it as my avatar on Sta and pretending I have a twin sister. I want to see how many perverts there are in ss one,¡± he exined with a sly grin on his face.


    What he meant by how many perverts in ss one was the number of people who would view his profile picture as soon as he uploads it. Sta had this feature that could tell one who had viewed the user¡¯s profile and how many times they had done it.


    This response however didn¡¯t settle well with Yi Chen. He immediately replied, ¡°I deleted it.... that very day.....¡±


    Zi Han, ¡°....¡±


    Okay, he takes it back. He no longer wanted to be friends with Yi Chen anymore. The guy not only tore his plushy but he also deleted his picture. Was it so ugly that he couldn¡¯t keep it for a couple of days? If he didn¡¯t want it in his light brain he could have sent it to him first before deleting it.


    ¡°ss president you truly are heartless. You couldn¡¯t even keep my picture for that long. Was it that ugly?¡± he asked with a look of annoyance.


    Yi Chen who had thought his excuse was wless suddenly felt guilty.


    The reason why he lied with a straight face was because when he heard Zi Han¡¯s reasons for wanting the picture his lips moved subconsciously and blurted out this excuse.


    He knew how sexy that picture looked. Even he couldn¡¯t keep it in the normal gallery folder of his light brain because it was too provocative.


    Just in case his family gets hold of his light brain he chose to keep it in an encrypted folder so he could enjoy it every night before he goes to bed.


    It was already toote for him to be saved. He had fallen deep into this trap and couldn¡¯t extricate himself. He even wanted to order a body pillow with Zi Han¡¯s face on it.


    If it weren¡¯t for the fact that he feared those little rascals would break into his bedroom while he is asleep he would have done it already.


    He couldn¡¯t wait to get his own room when he enlists so he can get that body pillow and hug it every single night.

 Chapter 146

    146 Fake girlfriend for a lifetime


    After a brief moment of silence, he replied, It¡¯s.... it¡¯s not like that. My family sometimes ask for my light brain and I was afraid they would see it.¡±


    Zi Han who hadn¡¯t thought his picture was deleted for that reason let out a throaty chuckle as he turned his gaze away. Afterughing silently for a moment he turned his gaze back to him and said, ¡°Then you just tell them that it¡¯s a picture of your girlfriend.¡±


    ¡°*Cough, *cough, *cough... *cough, sorry..... hem..... I am, I am fine,¡± coughed Yi Chen while simultaneously reassuring him.


    Zi Han, whether intentionally or unintentionally, was what one would call a smooth-talking charmer with the ability to make the most hard-hearted person fall in love with him.


    His words, his expression, and his eyes when he spoke such words made Yi Chen¡¯s blood rush like the floodgates had been opened after a thousand years of suppression.


    Zi Han took out a bottle of water, unscrewed it, and handed it to him while asking, ¡°Are you okay?¡±


    Yi Chen nodded his head before gulping down half the bottle in one go trying to moisten his throat that was as dry as the Gobi desert. After he calmed down Yi Chen stiffly asked,


    ¡°Do you say such things to everyone?¡± He really wanted to know. If the answer was yes then he would have to ask him in the future to dial it back otherwise Yi Chen would absolutely die from an overdose of vinegar.


    Zi Han appeared vexed for a moment but he soon responded, ¡°Ah, how can I. I am your fake girlfriend after all thus my coy side is only reserved for you.¡±


    .....


    Hearing this Yi Chen¡¯s lips quirked upwards in a state of intense happiness but soon his lips quirked downwards when Zi Han continued saying,


    ¡°That is until you finally find a girlfriend. I can¡¯t keep pretending for an entire lifetime.¡±


    Yi Chen wanted to ask, ¡°What if I want to fake it for an entire lifetime?¡± but he kept his mouth shut in the end. If he said it he was sure he would confess his feelings and might lose this little bit of sweetness he had worked so hard to get.


    That being said he didn¡¯t want to continue this conversation hence he said, ¡°I have something I want to show you.¡±


    Zi Han finished off thest of his smoothie and ced the cup down asking, ¡°What is it?¡± with the yfulness form before totally wiped away.


    Yi Chen tapped his light brain and Zi Han lowered his head when he saw the light brain flickering. He opened the chat interface and saw a meticulously constructed training n. His eyes lit up as he scrolled through the details.


    ¡°Is this your training regime?¡± asked Zi Han with great interest.


    Yi Chen shook his head before rifying, ¡°I designed it for you. You said you wanted to have a breakthrough so I came up with a n to help you achieve that.¡±


    Zi Han raised his head and stared at him in awe. What was Zi Han¡¯s training n before? Simple, he had no n whatsoever. He was the wing-it type of guy and couldn¡¯t keep to a schedule.


    Back in Saarilia, he wanted to get a professional trainer to help him upgrade his mental power but effective trainers were expensive and couldn¡¯t be found in the slums of the surface city.


    Just like tutors they were considered precious and would only be found in the affluentmunity of sky city. Because he knew how expensive it was he didn¡¯t tell his mother about it. He was afraid she would work herself to death trying to get a trainer for him.


    Fast track to now. He wanted to ask his grandfather for help but now that he had pre-enlisted they weren¡¯t allowed to get trainers outside the military.


    Before he could even put forth his request to his grandfather Yi Chen came up with a great n and was offering to guide him. How can someone be this nice? It was unbelievable.


    ¡°Argh ss president Chen, why are you so nice to me?¡± asked Zi Han with a sunny smile you would think he was possessed by a happy ghost.


    ¡°Call me Chen-ge and I will tell you,¡± said Yi Chen taking his shamelessness to a whole new level.


    Zi Han, ¡°....¡±


    ¡°I am most definitely older than you yet you dare ask this elder to call you that?¡± said Zi Han with zero evidence.


    ¡°I was born the seventh day of thest month the year of the dragon,¡± said Yi Chen with great confidence. Zi Han was indeed his junior. Granted it was by a few months but he was still a didi in his eyes.


    ¡°Uh uh, don¡¯t look so smug. You are older by only a couple of months,¡± said Zi Han annoyed by the boastful look on his face.


    Yi Chen crossed his arms on his chest and said, ¡°I am waiting?¡±


    Zi Han, ¡°Fuck..... don¡¯t rush me.... damn it, why is it so hard to say it, especially while you are looking at me like that.¡±


    Yi Chen decided to make it easier for him so he lowered his head slightly as he finished off his ice coffee that was almost watery from the ice cubes melting. As he took a few sips he suddenly heard Zi Han call out,


    ¡°Chen-ge,¡± in a low voice like he was beingpelled by a sinister spirit to say it.


    A big smile broke out on Yi Chen¡¯s lips with the straw stuck in between them. He let go of the straw and straightened his expression before saying. ¡°Say it again. I didn¡¯t hear it.¡±


    Zi Han, ¡°WTF!?¡±


    ¡°Okay, you want me to say it then I will say it. Chen-ge, Chen-ge, Chen-ge, Chen-ge.... Chen-ge. There I said it. Are you happy?¡± said Zi Han and when Lin Ruoxi heard it she covered her face in embarrassment.


    She had been scammed. Her son was not a lifeless cold stone at all. He was as maniptive as she was. The way he led that conversation in that direction was an exact replica of what she does to her husband when she wants something.


    You know what they say, ¡®Monkey see, monkey do.¡¯ Kids emte their parent¡¯s behaviors both ways.


    Yi Chen nodded his head with the tips of his ears feeling a little hot. Yes, he was truly happy indeed. This was turning out to be one of the happiest days of his life.


    Author¡¯s note: Hehe, except that his mother is watching.

 Chapter 147

    147 Chen-ge, I had fun today


    There is nothing more satisfying to watch than a man in love. Yes sure, sometimes that love would be unrequited but they would behave strangely when things are going quite well between them and their love interest.


    Everything about them is weird. The slight spring in their steps. The happy smile on their faces like it¡¯s spring in winter. The random chuckles that spring up from nowhere. Oh and let¡¯s not forget how they constantly rush to check their phones when they hear that dinging sound.


    Well, Yi Chen was no exception. He was suffering from the same syndrome and his mother noticed as soon as he walked into the house.


    Lin Ruoxi who was ying dolls with Ming Ming got up abruptly when she heard the sound of the main door. Ming Ming was a little dissatisfied with her mother leaving before they finished washing doctor Kitty¡¯s hair. But Lin Ruoxi wasn¡¯t in the mood to appease her right now.


    She rushed over to the door and found Yi Chen standing by the door with a beaming smile while staring at his light brain. As though hypnotized, he was staring at the screen with a focused gaze that he didn¡¯t even notice his mother standing there.


    His shoes had long been sanitized but he remained unmoving like a statue. What was he looking at? Well, Zi Han had sent him a heartwarming message. It read:


    HandsomeHan: Chen-ge, I had fun today.


    HandsomeHan: Let¡¯s do it again next time.


    To Zi Han, it was a simple message to a friend letting them know that he had a great time but in Yi Chen¡¯s brain it sounded different.


    .....


    This is the problem with messages. Unlike voice calls or video calls the tone of the sender can be interpreted in so many ways. When Zi Han sent it the tone was a casual monotonous voice likementing on the weather.


    Yi Chen on the other hand interpreted it as a coquettish voice sending shivers all over his body. He could even imagine Zi Han gently tugging at his arm while saying it. This exined the extreme sweet smile on his face.


    YC: I had a lot of fun as well.


    YC: I will take you to the beach next time.


    Of course, when he replied he used a flirtatious tone but we all know that Zi Han would interpret it differently.


    He let out a light chuckle recalling Zi Han¡¯s reaction when he said that he wouldn¡¯t tell him why he was nice to him.


    Zi Han was so angry that he scolded him on the spot. ¡°You asked me to call you Chen-ge. I did but you can¡¯t fuckin tell me?¡± was what Zi Han said with a re so fierce that Yi Chen feared that if looks could kill he would be dead already.


    His response then was still the same, ¡°It¡¯s a secret. I will tell you when I am ready.¡±


    Zi Han wouldn¡¯t let go of the issue after that. This is why he was calling Chen-ge this, Chen-ge that. It was because he wanted to know this secret.


    Yi Chen who was stuck in his reverie suddenly heard his mother calling, ¡°Chen Chen!¡±


    He lifted his head and was stumped for words. He had no idea how long she had been standing there watching. ¡°Ma.....,¡± he called out before hastily hiding away the emotions showing on his face.


    Lin Ruoxi sneered internally. What was the point of hiding his emotions when she had stood here for two minutes and seen it all? ¡°You are in a happy mood..... Anything interesting happened at the academy?¡± she asked but internally she was answering her own question.


    Yi Chen straightened his back while answering her, ¡°No..... I will be in my room.¡± After saying that he took a step forward as though fleeing but Lin Ruoxi stood in front of him blocking his path.


    ¡°Why the rush?....,¡± she said before falling silent. She wanted to tell him that she had seen him at the cafe but she was afraid he would retreat into his turtle shell and not tell her anything in the future thus she could only keep her mouth shut.


    Yi Chen was about to say he wanted to do some assignments when he remembered Mr. Twiggles was still in his possession. His mother had a lot of seamstresses and seamsters working in her boutique but they normally focused on luxury dresses and expensive suits.


    He wasn¡¯t sure if they would be able to repair Mr. Twiggles so he could appease Zi Han but he had to give it a try otherwise he won¡¯t be able to hear the end of it.


    ¡°Oh..... I was wondering if one of your seamstresses can repair this. I identally tore it today,¡± he said taking out a torn shark plushy with its head and body separated. Some of the fluff was even missing.


    Lin Ruoxi was a little surprised. Ming Ming had a lot of plushies that were torn but usually, when that happens she would make them disappear and buy her recements. But her son wanted to mend a torn plushy. It¡¯s either the owner valued it so much or he was trying to impress someone.


    ¡°Whose is it?¡± she asked taking the shark out of his hands.


    Yi Chen froze for a moment before responding, ¡°A friend.¡±


    Lin Ruoxi who was having a hard time holding her tongue pressed her lips into a thin line and only responded when she was confident she could control her words. ¡°I will call someone. I am sure they will be done by this evening.... Do you have a deadline?¡±


    Yi Chen didn¡¯t want to put pressure on his mother so he answered, ¡°It is not urgent.¡±


    Hearing this Lin Ruoxi almost rolled her eyes. How could it not be urgent? This concerned her future inw.


    ¡°I will call someone_,¡± she said when she heard arguinging from the lounge area.


    ¡°AAAAAAHHHHHHH!!! You are pulling out doctor Kitty¡¯s hair. That¡¯s not how it¡¯s done,¡± was the sound of Ming Ming¡¯s voice reprimanding Yi Youxi.

 Chapter 148

    148 Love is love


    ¡°You didn¡¯t teach me how to do it. So what if she loses a couple of hairs. It¡¯s not like she will get alopecia,¡± replied Yi Youxi causing the two people to look in the direction of the lounge.


    ¡°You don¡¯t know that! Let go of her!¡± yelled Ming Ming and a secondter sounds of rustling and tussling could be heard. They were obviously fighting over doctor Kitty.


    Lin Ruoxi grimaced hearing that. She pointed at the lounge with her thumbs while saying, ¡°How about you take care of that problem while I make the call?¡±


    Yi Chen had no qualms with that. He walked over to the lounge and separated the two saving doctor Kitty from an untimely death. While he was doing that Lin Ruoxi had someone pick up the torn shark plushy for an operation.


    Meanwhile, Yi Chen had now taken up the responsibility of being Ming Ming¡¯s ymate. When Lin Ruoxi came back she overheard Ming Ming saying, ¡°No, doctor kitty should end up with nurse Mike. She is a girl and he is a boy.¡±


    But Yi Chen had his own ideas. He took doctor Kitty and paired her up with doctor Minnie before saying, ¡°Why can¡¯t they be together? Doctor Minnie bought her breakfast every day and she takes care of her when she is sick.¡±


    ¡°But daddy is a boy and mummy is a girl so Kitty can only be with nurse Mike,¡± she exined while scratching her head.


    ¡°It doesn¡¯t matter.... Love is love. If Kitty loves Minnie she will be with Minnie and if Kitty loves Mike then she will be with Mike. It¡¯s as simple as that,¡± exined Yi Youxi who had gotten back to his game.


    Lin Ruoxi silently leaned against the wall while watching her two sons exin the concept of love to her youngest. She couldn¡¯t have said it better. Love is love regardless of gender.


    .....


    It was her fault for assuming that Yi Chen would fall in love with a girl and get married. It was negligence on her part. It¡¯s a good thing she noticed before it was toote.


    Her motto was simple. As long as you are happy and not hurting anyone then go for it. She wanted the same thing for her son thus she wasn¡¯t resistant to it.


    ¡°Oh.... okay. Then can we have a wedding? I will be the wedding nner,¡± she said before pulling out the wedding nner app on her light brain.


    Yi Chen found this amusing. He chuckled before asking, ¡°Does Ming Ming want to be a wedding nner when she grows up?¡±


    Ming Ming smiled happily before saying, ¡°Yes.... I will n my two dage¡¯s weddings and whatever my inws say goes.¡±


    ¡°Ha! Who says I am going to get married,¡± said Yi Youxi.


    Ming Ming, ¡°...¡±


    ¡°You are going to get married whether you like it or not,¡± she replied being as unreasonable as she could get.


    ¡°You can¡¯t tell me what to do,¡± said Yi Youxi deliberately aggravating Ming Ming. He could have agreed just to appease her but he didn¡¯t. Thus the two people began to fight it out again. Such is the drama between two siblings.


    ¡°Uh uh stop fighting.... Don¡¯t worry Ming Ming, I will make sure Yi Youxi gets married and you will be the wedding nner,¡± said Lin Ruoxi ending this feud that was about to escte into a full blown war.


    She walked over and sat on the floor opposite Yi Chen. Her lips moved hesitantly and after thinking it through she said, ¡°You know you can tell me anything.¡±


    Yi Chen who was fixing doctor Minnie¡¯s hair paused his actions and looked up only to find that his mother was looking at him.


    It seemed her sentence just now was referring to him.


    His eyes narrowed wondering what she knew. Why on earth would she say such words out of the blue? She must know something, the only problem was how much she knew. With a slight nod, he lowered his head thoughts unknown.


    As a weddingmenced in one household, an interrogation was happening in the next. The only good thing was that the interrogation was happening with a piece of cheesecake as a torture method.


    Zi Feiji ced a piece of pumpkin cheesecake in front of Zi Han before saying, ¡°Grandpa worked very hard to make this and I would love for you to eat it..... I just have one question.¡±


    Zi Han who was ready to sell out anyone for a piece of cheesecake took the fork and he was about to eat it when Zi Feiji continued saying,


    ¡°Who is your friend that you were hanging out with after school?¡±


    With a nk, the dessert fork dropped on the te and he looked up to his grandpa. There was no way he was telling him who he was with.


    Zi Feiji saw the stubbornness in Zi Han¡¯s eyes thus he pulled up the can of whipped cream and with a whoosh he sprayed it on top of the cheesecake tempting this little grandson of his who had a sweet tooth.


    Zi Han, ¡°.....¡±


    ¡°Isn¡¯t this overkill?¡± he asked while reaching over with his finger to scoop up some of that whipped cream.


    Zi Feiji smacked that hand away before saying, ¡°Why are you keeping that friend a secret. It¡¯s not like I would do anything to them..... I just want to know who my grandson will be hanging out with from now on?¡±


    Zi Han shook his head in refusal. The cheesecake looked good but he wasn¡¯t willing to sell his soul for cheap.


    ¡°I mean if you don¡¯t tell me then I will just eat this wonderful piece of pumpkin cheesecake all by myself,¡± said Zi Feiji as he pulled the dessert te towards himself.


    Zi Han, ¡°QAQ!!¡±


    Twenty minutester he sent Yi Chen a string of messages expressing his dissatisfaction.


    HandsomeHan: You owe me cheesecake.


    HandsomeHan: Not just any cheesecake but pumpkin cheesecake.


    HandsomeHan: With whipped cream.


    YC:???


    When did he owe Zi Han a piece of cheesecake? What changed within the past couple of hours? And can somebody tell him where he was going to buy such an unusual vor of cheesecake?

 Chapter 149

    149 Your stamina is too much


    The life of a pre-enlist student for the army would be rtively considered calm and easygoing whenpared to the graduate enlists.


    They had boring but important sses which most didn¡¯t take seriously. The training was mandatory but it wasn¡¯t as extensive. They weren¡¯t on a strict dietary n with military control over everything.


    Plus they could always go home at the end of the day which was great. They weren¡¯t forced to sleep on a military-approved single bed that was so hard you would think you were sleeping on a rock


    On Sta they described pre-enlist school days as a vacation before the hard work actually begins. It was like the Christmas holidays before Januaryes knocking with bills and problems. One citizen hadpared it to boy scout camp.


    But these past few days things had taken a drastic change. The ss schedule had been reevaluated and now they had to do twice the amount of work in the same amount of time plus training hours had increased.


    Most could manage the pressure from the lectures but almost everyone was bought to tears in training. Of course, veterans like Yi Chen, H, and Evan adapted easily. In fact, this was in no wayparable to the training they subjected themselves to during their personal training time.


    Zi Han on the other hand endured it but he was sore all over. He not only had to follow Yi Chen¡¯s training n but he also had to endure hardcore training in simted scenarios with his mech. Because his mental power was ranked B he had to work twice as hard.


    As soon as ss ended Zi Han was the first to pack away his mech. He wanted to take a quick shower and pass by the cake shop before reaching home. But before Zi Han could take a step outside that door, Yi Chen blocked his path.


    ¡°Where are you going?¡± asked Yi Chen with an arched brow like he had already read Zi Han¡¯s mind.


    .....


    Zi Han was running away from the private training they had scheduled after ss. Normally he would be grateful that Yi Chen was helping him out. In fact, he was very grateful when he saw that n specifically designed for him.


    But not only did Yi Chen train him by pushing his limits he also wasn¡¯t allowed to quit halfway. He couldn¡¯t eat certain things and had to consume lots of fish and mental power supplements.


    For a carefree person who had lived half his life not caring about his diet or training hours, this simply tortured. He was also getting drilled in regr training so yes he decided to run away today.


    His muscles were stiff for the past couple of days and his mother called him a zombie a couple of times. He had even begged his grandfather to hire a masseuse for him and not the humanoid kind. He wanted a real human to knead his muscles to relieve the tension.


    But instead, his grandfather had rmended a cream instead. He also told him that if he used the medical capsule to heal himself it would affect his muscle development.


    In his grandfather¡¯s words, muscle ache from exercising is not an injury. After aching for so long he decided to skip training but who would have thought he would get caught.


    Zi Hanughed nervously while taking a small step to the side. ¡°I am going to the bathroom. Am I not even allowed to do that?¡± asked Zi Han trying to guilt Yi Chen into moving out of the way.


    Yi Chen stretched out his hand preventing him from leaving. With a slight tilt of his head, he stared at Zi Han as though asking him to speak the truth.


    Being stared at like that Zi Han licked his canine in frustration before saying, ¡°Ah fine... Chen-ge everything aches. You truly know how to work a person to the ground. Your stamina is too much for some lowly person like me to endure.¡±


    H who was raking her fingers through her hair with her back towards them, ¡°.....¡±


    What the fuck had she just heard? For you to understand what she meant try and pay attention to this conversation without visuals.


    ¡°..... I can¡¯t handle it. Chen-ge, you don¡¯t even take breaks in between. It¡¯s hours and hours of you going and going. By the time we are done, I would be close to passing out. I can¡¯t even walk straight. I walk with a limp and my family is starting to get suspicious.¡±


    H, ¡°What the fuck!!¡±


    She spun around and saw the pair looking at each other. One wasining while holding his waist and the other wore a stern expression but if you looked closely there was an air of smugness on his face.


    Her fujoshi heart was tickled that she wanted to scream but if she wanted to see more of this fluffy scene she had to remainposed. Thus she brought forth all the self-control she could gather and continued watching the show.


    ¡°.... so yes, I know it¡¯s ungrateful but I am sore all over and grandpa said I can¡¯t use the healing capsule. That is why I was nning on running away and skipping today¡¯s training. Chen-ge, can you at least let...,¡± said Zi Han before his sentence was abruptly cut short.


    That is because Yi Chen had taken out a fully mended Mr. Twiggles.


    Zi Han, ¡°.....¡±


    ¡°How?¡± he asked while reaching over to grab his baby that didn¡¯t even manage to make it home before it was torn apart. But before he could touch it Yi Chen moved his hand away and said,


    ¡°I will give it to you under the condition that we have shared custody and I am talking about half-half. You can have three days and the next three days it will stay with me.¡±


    ¡°ss president Chen what custody. That¡¯s my shark..... and who are you calling it? It¡¯s obvious he is a boy shark.¡±


    H, ¡°.....¡±


    These two even had a baby together? Okay fine, it¡¯s not a baby baby but a plushy. Still, Zi Han was the dad and Yi Chen was the father. Fascinating!

 Chapter 150

    150 Give me my baby


    Yi Chen shrugged his shoulders and put Mr. Twiggles away before letting him pass. Zi Han who was staring at his shark vanish and panicked. He gestured with his hands for Yi Chen to stop before saying,


    ¡°Wait, wait, wait..... I agree now give it to me.¡±


    Yi Chen maintained his serious demeanor but inside he was smiling gleefully like he had won Zi Han¡¯s heart.


    ¡°Youe to training and I will give it to you then..... Oh and you should call me Chen-ge, ss president seems so formal.¡±


    Zi Han, ¡°...¡±


    ¡°I should be fuckin calling you shifu or shizun. You know what from now on you are my shizun,¡± he said feeling rather smug but Yi Chen just chuckled before walking away.


    ¡°What are you doing?¡± asked Li Ran almost scaring H half to death. She had been standing there watching these two that she didn¡¯t pay attention to her surroundings.


    It was only when Li Ran spoke that she noticed that he had been standing behind her all this time.


    ¡°What the fuck are you doing scaring people?¡± she asked shoving him away.


    .....


    Li Ran stumbled a step backward before saying, ¡± When have I ever sessfully snuck up on you? You were obviously distracted just now.¡±


    H couldn¡¯t argue with that. She just let out a perfunctory,


    ¡°Mn,¡± before walking away to find Shannon. Ever since they both caught Zi Han and Yi Chen in the robot janitor¡¯s closet they had be much closer.


    That¡¯s because they were both into fluffy stuff involving a cute CP of the same sex. She had someone to share this wonderful news with thus she immediately ran off to find her.


    Ten minutester the girls¡¯ locker room was filled with the sound of two girls giggling while whispering to each other in the corner. Who could me them? That conversation really left a lot to the imagination.


    ***


    A few hourster Zi Han regretted ever epting Yi Chen¡¯s offer. That¡¯s because again Yi Chen had worked him so hard that he could barely move a muscle.


    As hey down on the ground with his limbs spread out in all directions he began to suspect that his grandfather told him not to befriend Yi Chen because the Yi family were workaholics..... no, no, no trainaholics.


    With stealthy steps, Yi Chen¡¯s mech hovered above his and asked, ¡°Are you okay?¡±


    Zi Han almost rolled his eyes at him. ¡°What do you think? I can¡¯t fuckin move,¡± he replied ring at his shizun who didn¡¯t know when to stop. He wished he could have a medical bath or something to soothe his muscles.


    Yi Chen¡¯s mech moved into a half kneel as he said, ¡°How about I take you somewhere after this? You have been working hard and you deserve it.¡±


    Zi Han who had beenying half dead just now sat up and eximed, ¡°If it¡¯s not a massage parlor with real humans I am not going!! Oh by the way..... give me my baby.¡±


    Yi Chen¡¯s body stiffened before saying, ¡°Well, there is a human and they can give you a massage. I will give you Mr. Twiggles when I drop you off at home.¡±


    Zi Han thought it through at first then he nodded his head. ¡°Fine but if you are fucking with me I will fuck you up.¡± After saying this he tried to get up but failed.


    Yi Chen chuckled before helping him up. Zi Han thanked him before walking away. He took a few steps and out of nowhere, he made a little shimmy in his mech as though dancing to a rhythm that was nonexistent.


    Yi Chen, ¡°.....¡±


    ¡°Why don¡¯t you do that dance without your mech on?¡± said Yi Chen wishing he could see that ass shake outside the mech. And if he happens to record it ¡®identally on purpose¡¯ he can enjoy it in his own privacy. Yes, he was indeed a pervert for Zi Han.


    Zi Han grimaced in his mech from muscle ache. He didn¡¯t even know what possessed him when he did that move knowing his situation.


    ¡°It won¡¯t be as funny if I am out of my mech so forget it,¡± replied Zi Han.


    Yi Chen didn¡¯t respond. That¡¯s because he knew it wouldn¡¯t be funny but rather enticing if Zi Han danced like that outside the mech.


    ¡°You are dancing yet you are alsoining that you ache all over? Are you faking it?¡± said Yi Chen.


    Zi Han straightened his back with the mech stretching like it was doing yoga. ¡°Don¡¯t you know the saying dancing through the pain?¡± replied Zi Han feeling like his thighs were on fire.


    ¡°Isn¡¯t itughing through the pain not dancing through the pain?¡± asked Yi Chen feeling a little fuzzy inside.


    ¡°Tomato tomahto, who cares as long as you know what I mean,¡± said Zi Han as he deactivated his mech.


    Yi Chen did likewise while replying, ¡°I don¡¯t even know what that means.¡±


    ¡°Oh god. Just forget it. Let¡¯s go now before it getste,¡± replied Zi Han.


    Yi Chen wanted to keep bantering with him but he was afraid Zi Han¡¯s family will stop him from hanging out with him thus he could only give up.


    The two of them left the academy but instead of going on the hoverbike Yi Chen led Zi Han to a hovercar and the two of them drove off.


    At first, Zi Han wasn¡¯t too curious but the more they drove the more confused he became. That¡¯s because they were using the same route he used when going home. ¡°I thought you said you were taking me somewhere?¡± asked Zi Han but Yi Chen just raised his head and smiled slightly.


    Right before they took thest turn to his grandfather¡¯s penthouse they stopped on another high-rise building a few meters from his home.


    This building was the same as his grandfather¡¯s with the only difference being the floor number. His grandfather¡¯s penthouse was on the highest floor but the hovercarnded three floors lower on this building.


    Yi Chen got up as the hovercar door slid open. ¡°Let¡¯s go,¡± he said but Zi Han remained frozen in his seat. This wasn¡¯t the massage parlor he was promised. Instead, it was an apartment building. He began to wonder if Yi Chen had hired a private masseuse.


    What he didn¡¯t know was that Yi Chen bought a two floor apartment as their first home. He had taken all his savings through the years and directly bought a home that had nothing to do with his parents.


    Of course, Yi Chen wouldn¡¯t tell him the truth now but he most certainly will when the timees. He bought this ce with their future in mind.

 Chapter 151

    151 Love nest


    Zi Han who had no idea that this ce was bought for the both of them as their first home was more interested in why Yi Chen brought him here.


    It was a lovely ce with a homey feel to it. The only thing missing was the fragrance of home cooking wafting in the air toplete the aesthetic.


    ¡°It¡¯s just like my grandpa¡¯s ce though slightly smaller,¡± said Zi Han looking at the ceiling lights which were arranged in an artistic way, ¡°whose ce is it?¡±


    Yi Chen who was standing behind Zi Han bit his lip resisting the urge to say, ¡°Ours.¡± In the end, he just smiled and said, ¡°It¡¯s my home.¡±


    Zi Han spun his body around and looked at him with a look of puzzlement. He couldn¡¯t help but wonder why Yi Chen would personally purchase a home when he could just stay with his parents.


    After thinking about it for a while he suddenly grinned slyly as though he had figured it out. ¡°ss president Chen, I never thought you were that kind of person. Uhhh you bought a love nest to bring your girlfriend over without your family knowing about it. How spicy?¡±


    As he said this he walked over to him in slow strides with the corner of his lips quirking upwards even more. His eyes were like that of an auntie looking for gossip.


    Yi Chen knew part of his words were right so he didn¡¯t deny it. ¡°Ahem, you can say that but I don¡¯t have any intentions of hiding it from my family,¡± he replied averting his gaze as though being bashful.


    Zi Han who didn¡¯t think Yi Chen would directly spill the tea easily was a little disappointed. What fun was it if the prisoner confessed readily? It¡¯s much more fun watching them squirm first and then spill their guts when they had reached their limit.


    .....


    ¡°Huh? That was easy. So you really bought a love nest? I thought you were still single?¡± asked Zi Han while Yi Chen walked over to the kitchen and opened the fridge.


    Hearing this Yi Chen¡¯s fingers tightened around the bottle of water in his hand. He was definitely single but he already had an idea who he wanted to spend the rest of his life with.


    ¡°I am.... what would you like to drink?¡± he asked still standing by the fridge with his back facing Zi Han.


    Zi Han tapped the kitchen counter with his fingertips and replied, ¡°Water will be fine....,¡± but he still had a lot of unanswered questions thus he continued, ¡°then do you perhaps have someone in mind. I mean you bought a very expensive home out of pocket thus you must have someone you like, right?¡±


    Yi Chen twisted the cap for him and handed him the bottle. The route in which this conversation was headed wasn¡¯t right thus he tried to change the subject. ¡°Why are you asking so many questions all of a sudden? Are you that curious about me?¡±


    Zi Han didn¡¯t shy away directly admitting it, ¡°Yes, aren¡¯t we friends? Of course, I would be curious.¡± With a slight tilt of his head, he drank two mouthfuls with his adam¡¯s apple rolling underneath his smooth skin.


    Yi Chen wanted to shut down this conversation but he found himself staring at Zi Han¡¯s exposed neck and corbone that had a slight flush possibly from the intense training or maybe the steaming shower he had before they left the academy.


    His breathing stalled and his mind became a muddled mess that he ended up saying something that he didn¡¯t intend to say in the first ce. ¡°So hot,¡± he whispered his voice hoarse like he was suffering from dehydration.


    Zi Han put down the bottle of water and tugged at the cor of his t-shirt whileining, ¡°It is.... you haven¡¯t installed a smart housekeeping AI yet?¡±


    Yi Chen instantly came back to himself. He cleared his throat while responding, ¡°No, I haven¡¯t yet,¡± before tapping his light brain to handle it manually. He hadn¡¯t gotten around to doing it yet.


    He was too excited to bring Zi Han here so immediately after purchasing a few pieces of furniture he tricked him over.


    Zi Han suddenly felt the urge to tease Yi Chen. Bringing out his concealed roguish side he said, ¡°Well, you have to install it quickly. If you get too hot in the future doing the ¡®you know what¡¯ you might pass out from a heat stroke.¡±


    Yi Chen who had no idea what the ¡®you know what¡¯ Zi Han was talking about asked, ¡°What do you mean?¡± while opening his bottle of water. He took a few sips only to choke on it when Zi Han said,


    ¡°What else could it be apart from sex? Didn¡¯t you say this was a love nest?¡±


    ¡°*Cough, cough, cough..... oh god, cough,¡± coughed Yi Chen having not expected him to say that. He had assumed that Zi Han was talking about exercise or something. What he didn¡¯t realize was that he was indeed referring to exercise just a special kind.


    Zi Han grabbed a paper towel from the countertop and handed it to him with slight concern. He hadn¡¯t expected Yi Chen to choke on water because of his teasing.


    ¡°Are you okay?¡± he asked and Yi Chen nodded his head while wiping his mouth that had a few drops of water.


    Yi Chen cleared his throat and said something on an impulse, ¡°You seem curious about me so how about you answer my question first?¡±


    Zi Han had already moved on from his question earlier but since Yi Chen was willing to share then he didn¡¯t mind. ¡°Then go ahead and ask? I won¡¯t keep anything from you,¡± he said while pressing his lower back against the counter.


    Yi Chen lowered his head to meet his line of sight and asked, ¡°Do you have someone you like?¡±


    Zi Han chuckled his gaze shifting away from Yi Chen momentarily. Yi Chen wasn¡¯t the only one curious about this. Shorty and Shaun had blocked him two days ago and asked why he rejected that pretty girl.


    When he gave them his honest answer they didn¡¯t believe him. What was so hard to ept. He just didn¡¯t want to fall in love.

 Chapter 152

    152 Your hands are magic


    ¡°I don¡¯t have anyone I like and I don¡¯t n on falling in love,¡± he answered with his fingers grasping the edge of the counter.


    Yi Chen felt a dull throb like he had been punched in the gut. He had expected such a response but he didn¡¯t think he would be this affected despite anticipating it.


    He subconsciously took a step forward and looked him straight in the eyes before saying, ¡°Maybe it¡¯s because you haven¡¯t met someone who makes your heart beat fast..... You don¡¯t care about it now and remain resolute but when the feeling strikes you won¡¯t be able to help yourself.¡±


    Zi Han felt an inexplicable pressure engulf his body under that piercing gaze. He found himself drowning in those enchanting eyes and his soul seemed to have left his body for a moment. That¡¯s when he finally saw it.


    No wonder so much hate was directed at him at that gathering. Yi Chen had an irresistible charm that could drive a girl insane.


    Forget his background, achievements, and cold temperament. Yi Chen¡¯s dangerous handsome face and mesmerizing eyes were enough to have a girl¡¯s uterus flip over begging to carry his kid.


    ¡®How fascinating,¡¯ thought Zi Han before extricating himself from this snake-like charm.


    ¡°It seems the ss president is speaking from experience..... so who is this person that stole your heart?¡± he asked subconsciously leaning forward reducing the distance between them.


    Yi Chen¡¯s lips parted as though to speak but he soon restrained himself having realized that Zi Han was ying him. He was just trying to get him to spill the beans and it almost worked.


    .....


    Yi Chen raised his free hand and flicked Zi Han¡¯s forehead while saying, ¡°It¡¯s none of your business,¡± before taking a step back.


    ¡°Ah..... ss president Chen that¡¯s disrespectful. I won¡¯t be appeased unless I flick yours back. Come here,¡± said Zi Han trying to flick Yi Chen¡¯s forehead.


    Yi Chen dodged skillfully and took three strides running away from him. ¡°You call me ss president Chen again and Mr. Twiggles won¡¯t go home with you tonight,¡± he said.


    Zi Han paused for a second before saying, ¡°Yi Chen, that is my shark. You can¡¯t hold it hostage.¡± He rushed over and reached out to avenge his forehead that had been flicked ruthlessly.


    Yi Chen grasped both of Zi Han¡¯s wrists and crossed his (Zi Han¡¯s) arms against Zi Han¡¯s chest restraining him. Like an angry little kitten throwing a fit, Zi Han put up a struggle but the person he was dealing with wouldn¡¯t let him win.


    ¡°Yi Chen you are such a bully,¡± said Zi Han pushing Yi Chen with a light smile on his face.


    Yi Chen let Zi Han push him knowing fully well that as long as he didn¡¯t loosen his grip Zi Han won¡¯t be able to break free. ¡°I bully only you....,¡± said Yi Chen as his back was pressed against the wall after being driven towards it by Zi Han.


    Zi Han sneered while tugging his hands back to free himself. ¡°What? Am I supposed to feel honored? ss president Che-,¡± he said before Yi Chen interjected asking,


    ¡°Didn¡¯t you want a massage?¡±


    Zi Han who really wanted a massage stopped struggling and his eyes lit up. He wanted deep tissue massage to smooth the knots and tangles in his tense muscles. As long as it was not a bionic or humanoid creature doing it he would ept it.


    ¡°Uh huh but where is the expert? Aren¡¯t we alone here?¡± asked Zi Han while looking around.


    Yi Chen let go of Zi Han and then pointed at himself.


    ¡°I will do it for you. I have been training all my life and sometimes my muscles ached so I have years of experience. The only problem is that I haven¡¯t done it for anyone else.¡±


    Even Li Ran hadn¡¯t had that special treatment. Zi Han would be the first. ¡°Hahaha no... no nope. I am going home,¡± said Zi Han after letting out a disbelievingugh.


    Yi Chen, ¡°.....¡±


    Was thatugh necessary? He helplessly watched Zi Han walk out of the kitchen heading for the door. He wanted to show off his skills but Zi Han wouldn¡¯t even give him the chance to put his hands on his body. Unresigned he rushed over to him and gently grasped his shoulders before kneading them like dough.


    Zi Han who was about to shake him off instantly melted like ice cream under the hot summer sun. It felt so good that Zi Han subconsciously closed his eyes sinking into the feeling.


    ¡°Ah.... Chen-ge, your hands are magic.... Ah, that¡¯s the spot.... fuck..... mhm,¡± he said followed by a string of contented moans. Yi Chen who had been excited to show off his skills just now immediately regretted it.


    Those sounds couldn¡¯t help but send his imagination into overdrive. His body suddenly felt hot all over with his lower half which had been well behavedtely threatening to show itself and expose his secret.


    This made him lose his confidence in his self-restraint. He didn¡¯t want someone else to put their hands on Zi Han which is why he decided to do this by himself. But his jealousy was overtaken by his desire for self-preservation.


    If his secret is exposed then this might be thest time he will spend time alone with Zi Han. Having made up his mind he let go of Zi Han¡¯s shoulders.


    Zi Han who was enjoying himself felt a sense of emptiness as the warmth from Yi Chen¡¯s fingers disappeared. He immediately scolded him without any consideration, ¡°Why did you stop all of a sudden? Keep going.¡±


    It was like one¡¯s partner abruptly stopping their actions just when they are about to climax. Disappointment, anger, and frustration are some of the emotions that person would feel under those circumstances.


    Zi Han felt the exact same way thus he scolded him. Yi Chen outrightly refused, ¡°I think you are right. I will find you a professional.¡±


    What Yi Chen meant by professional was an older woman with the heart of an aunt. Of course, they should also be less attractive and not into men. That way he could only be reassured.

 Chapter 153

    153 So where do you want me? The couch or the bed?¡±


    Two things that best describe Zi Han. He wasn¡¯t a forceful person and was quite content. That is to say, if someone says no to his request he wouldn¡¯t go out of his way to try and convince that person so he can get what he wants.


    He would rather find another alternative. The best way to describe him would be like that one partner where if you say no to them because you aren¡¯t in the mood.


    They would just respond with a simple, ¡°Okay,¡± before rolling away to their side of the bed and going straight to sleep. Dating such a kind of person one shouldn¡¯t expect to be coaxed.


    Zi Han was exactly like that that is until today when he found how amazing Yi Chen was with his hands. For the first time, he didn¡¯t want to let that shit go. He was going to fight for it.


    ¡°So you brought me all the way here and promised me a massage but now you want to back out? Chen-ge, why are you so heartless?¡± heined with an aggrieved tone.


    Yi Chen, ¡°.....¡±


    What was he supposed to tell him? I didn¡¯t think I would get a boner while rubbing your body? He didn¡¯t want to disappoint Zi Han but he really couldn¡¯t do it.


    Hisrade down south was already showing signs of awakening and this was before Zi Han even took off his clothes.


    ¡°I am really sorry. It wasn¡¯t my intention....,¡± he said before Zi Han abruptly cut him off,


    .....


    ¡°To string me along? Fine, since that¡¯s what you want I can¡¯t force you.¡±


    Zi Han was pressed for time hence he moved from zero to a hundred in seconds. Emotional ckmail was absolutely necessary to get what he wanted. He made for the door and said, ¡°Next time don¡¯t invite me over if you are just going to break your promise.¡±


    After he said this Yi Chen immediately panicked. He could hear the underline meaning in those words. Zi Han wouldn¡¯te back home with him anymore. This wasn¡¯t what he wanted so he grabbed Zi Han¡¯s arm on impulse and pulled him back.


    A gleeful smile appeared on Zi Han¡¯s face his attitude taking a hundred and eighty-degree turn. ¡°So where do you want me? The couch or the bed?¡± he asked walking back into the apartment with an expectant gaze.


    ¡°Uh... I,¡± were the soundsing out of Yi Chen¡¯s mouth stumped for words. Zi Han had actually ckmailed him without him knowing. ¡®Shit.... I am fucked,¡¯ he swore to himself before resigning to his fate.


    Five minutester Zi Han was lying down shirtless on a retractable massage bed in anticipation.


    He initially wanted to take off all his clothes and wear only a towel but Yi Chen refused and even threatened to end the session if he dared act stubborn.


    ¡°Okay, no need to be snippy. I will keep my pants on,¡± was Zi Han¡¯s response as hey t on his tummy.


    ¡°No matter what don¡¯t move.... if you do I will stop,¡± added Yi Chen his breathing a little unnatural.


    Zi Han was happy that Yi Chen had agreed to do this so he didn¡¯t mind acting obedient in front of him. ¡°Mn,¡± he responded with his eyes closed.


    ¡°And this is the only time I am doing it for you,¡± added Yi Chen and Zi Han replied yet again,


    ¡°Mn,¡± but internally he was saying, ¡®Sure.... keep thinking that.¡¯


    Yi Chen wasn¡¯t at all reassured but he couldn¡¯t keep stalling. A sweet scent of strawberry wine filled the bedroom and as it wafted into Zi Han¡¯s nose he felt a tingling sensation spread like a wave all over his body.


    The scented candle smelt so good that he couldn¡¯t help but ask, ¡°What vor is that?¡±


    Yi Chen who was trying to keep his calm as he stood there waiting for the wax to melt into a puddle responded, ¡°It¡¯s strawberry wine.¡±


    Zi Han found it amusing that he directly said, ¡°It smells romantic like something couples would use. The only thing missing are rose petals and sensual music. Hahaha too bad I am not a girl otherwise I would suspect you were trying to get into my pants.¡±


    Yi Chen who was exposed couldn¡¯t help butsh out. ¡°New rule. No talking while I am doing this otherwise I will stop immediately,¡± he said with a serious tone like he would really do it.


    Zi Han raised his head slightly while saying, ¡°So many rules. What are you going to tell me not to do next? Let me guess if I dare make a groan you will stop as well?¡±


    Yi Chen¡¯s lips twitched as he reached for the candle. How could he have forgotten that? If this guy kept moaning and groaning like before he might not be able to resist the temptation.


    ¡°That too,¡± said Yi Chen as he poured out the warm candle wax made out of a blend of oils and an aroma that created an intimate ambiance. Now thinking of it he shouldn¡¯t have taken this one from his mother¡¯s closet.


    That¡¯s because like Zi Han said the aromatic candle oil smelt like something used in an intimate setting. When he asked his mother for massage oil she told him to check where she keeps all her personal care products.


    When he saw this one was still sealed he just grabbed it but it turns out that this must be something his mother nned to use during sexy time.


    ¡®Shit,¡¯ he swore internally having already foreseen his mother questioning him when he gets home.


    While lost in thought he skillfully kneaded Zi Han¡¯s muscles with his thumbs and palms making the personying there smile contentedly. Yi Chen was still a rookie at this but to Zi Han, it was the best massage of his life.


    ¡°Is the pressure okay?¡± asked Yi Chen his voice low-pitched and slightly hoarse.


    Zi Han who remembered the rules could still restrain himself. He nodded his head and closed his eyes as he imagined those gifted hands gliding on his bare skin. All the tension and stress began to unravel through the power of touch.


    As Yi Chen¡¯s knuckles glid down his spine Zi Han couldn¡¯t hold back anymore. ¡°Ohhh fuck... Whoever is going to marry you..... will the luckiest woman alive-..... ah fuck,¡± whispered Zi Han unable to contain himself.


    Yi Chen who was already having a hard time finally snapped. That gruff groan had the bulge below his belt growing drastically. It was like arge tent pointing to what it desired the most.


    Zi Han had absolutely no idea he had provoked a beast as he continued moaning and groaning in contentment.


    ¡°Harder.... yeah, just like that..... ohhh fuck..... mhm.... oh my god that¡¯s good.... yes.... oh god yes,¡± he kept on going till Yi Chen¡¯s face blossomed like a ripe cherry.


    He couldn¡¯t help but imagine that repetitive dream he kept having. It was the one where he pressed Zi Han on the locker. The visuals of him thrusting and Zi Han moaning now had audio and boy, was it smutty.


    He clenched his jaw and swallowed hard trying to endure it. Well, that is until Zi Han started saying, ¡°Lower, lower.... a little lower....¡±


    By thest ¡®lower¡¯ Yi Chen realized he was right at Zi Han¡¯s tail bone and a few inches above his ass.


    ¡°Okay, that¡¯s about enough,¡± said Yi Chen before grabbing a warm towel and wiping the excess oil off Zi Han¡¯s back.

 Chapter 154

    154 Romance starter pack


    Zi Han, who wanted to get up was suddenly pressed down as he yelled in astonishment, ¡°What? I didn¡¯t do anything?¡±


    Lies, all lies. He had broken several rules in that short space of time.


    ¡°You are done.... get dressed,¡± said Yi Chen, and before Zi Han could retort he heard a door close shut. Soon the sound of water running was heard.


    He sat up feeling at a loss. That massage was like heaven on earth and it was taken away before he was satisfied. Zi Han grabbed his t-shirt and walked over to the door.


    Recalling how upset Yi Chen was when he walked in on him showering he politely knocked but after two knocks there was no response so he called out, ¡°Cheng-ge.... I want to wash my back.¡±


    Yi Chen, ¡°.....¡±


    He was now certain this guy was pitting him so he could confess his feelings otherwise why would he make such noises and even ask to shower with him afterward?


    ¡°Wait for me to finish,¡± replied Yi Chen before he took a nce at his member that was enthusiastically twitching as though sensing Zi Han¡¯s presence.


    Zi Han sighed as he put his t-shirt back on. By the time Yi Chen gets out of there, it will already bete and he would have to endure his grandfather¡¯s interrogation involving all kinds of desserts.


    .....


    Twenty minutester the two of them were sitting in the hovercar with Yi Chen sitting as far as possible with his hair still slightly damp giving off a seductive appearance with raging hormones.


    Zi Han felt something was wrong but because the knots and kinks in his back muscles had been taken care of he didn¡¯t bother to investigate. Instead, he chuckled before saying, ¡°You look like a husky with wet fur.¡±


    Yi Chen, ¡°....¡±


    This guy still dared to insult him after what he had put him through? To fully express his dissatisfaction Yi Chen didn¡¯t even say goodbye to him when he dropped him off at home.


    A stupefied Zi Han stood there as he watched the hovercar drive off at high speed.


    ¡°Who upset him?¡± he said to himself before turning to get into the house. The moment he stepped into the house he found Zi Xingxi and Zi Feiji waiting for him.


    To be more precise it was Zi Feiji waiting for Zi Han and Zi Xingxi was just there to appease the old man. After that massage Zi Han was still in a great mood. He walked over and kissed his mother¡¯s cheek and hugged his grandpa while greeting them.


    Zi Xingxi smiled happily like she wasn¡¯t too concerned about where Zi Han had been. In fact, she already knew where he was but as promised she didn¡¯t interfere. As long as her son came home in one piece and didn¡¯t sleep over.


    Zi Feiji on the other hand wasn¡¯t as chilled as his daughter. ¡°Really, so you aren¡¯t going to address the big elephant in the room?¡±


    Zi Han sat next to his grandpa and said, ¡°What elephant? Anyway, how was your day?¡±


    Zi Feiji, ¡°.....¡±


    He turned to his daughter with his eyes saying, ¡°Will you do something?¡±


    Zi Xingxi the pig teammate just smiled and responded to Zi Han¡¯s question. ¡°Your grandfather had a productive day. He was nting flowers at the terrace and had two sses of cocktail as a reward,¡± she exined.


    Zi Han smiled as he got up, ¡°Nice, I will go take a look.¡±


    As soon as he disappeared around the corner Zi Feiji lost it. ¡°He smells like coconut oil and strawberries. Do you think he.... oh god no,¡± said Zi Feiji imagining the worst.


    Zi Xingxi also wasn¡¯t as calm as she appeared. In fact, she was so irritated a couple of hours ago that she broke the simtor in the training room. This was the only way she could vent. Oh, and she liked messing with her father to make herself feel better.


    This is why she said this, ¡°That smells like massage oil they use in the red light district. Maybe you should teach him about contraception just in case a girl knocks at your door with a swollen belly.¡±


    ¡°You!..... He is your son, not mine. That¡¯s your job,¡± said Zi Feiji patting his chest. These two truly wanted to anger him to death.


    ¡°Hahahaha, I am kidding. He smells like massage oil. It¡¯s no big deal. This is why I told you to get him a professional masseuse but you said heat rub will do the trick. Of course, he found someone who could help him out,¡± she exined not wanting to exin who he got help from. The moment Zi Han entered this house she instantly recognized that sweet fragrance. She just hoped that person surnamed Yi didn¡¯t take things too far.


    Besides her, there was another mother who was very concerned about this. When she found her aromatic massage candle missing she knew Yi Chen took it but why would he want something that was clearlybeled as an intimate massage candle with an aphrodisiac effect in small print?


    She knew her husband was too busy to handle this so she could only prepare a gift-wrapped box with all the supplies he would need.


    But after preparing all of this Yi Chen didn¡¯te back early. Tired of waiting she went to sleep only to wake up at ten in the evening because of the soundsing from downstairs.


    It was most definitely Yi Chen because her husband wasn¡¯ting home tonight.


    With a whoosh, she descended down the stairs with the romance starter pack in her hands. She found the fridge light on with the rest of the room in darkness. Yi Chen was probably looking for something to eat.


    Not knowing what to say she opened and closed her mouth several times. But before she could say anything, Yi Chen closed the fridge door and was startled to see her standing there in the dark.


    ¡°Ma!....,¡± he yelled and the piece of fried chicken in his mouth slipped out and almost fell to the ground.


    Lin Ruoxi who had no idea her son was like a little piggy when no one was there stifled herughter while averting her gaze.


    Yi Chen was so embarrassed that he put the rescued piece of fried chicken back on the dinner te.


    ¡°I haven¡¯t eaten since noon,¡± he whispered and Lin Ruoxi nodded understandingly.


    ¡°Sit, I will warm it up for you,¡± she said before taking the dinner te away. Yi Chen wanted to refuse but his mother looked like she had a lot on her mind so he let it go.


    As he sat down he nced over at the velvet box on the table but didn¡¯t say anything. Lin Ruoxi ced the steaming te of food in front of him and began to tell him about trivial matters while he was eating. He asionally hummed in agreement but Lin Ruoxi didn¡¯t mind. She was used to it.


    Yi Chen knew she didn¡¯te downstairs to discuss this but he waited patiently not rushing her. What he didn¡¯t know was that Lin Ruoxi was just waiting for him to finish eating. If she said what she wanted to say while he was eating he might choke on a chicken bone.


    It was only after he was done eating she pushed the box over to Yi Chen and said, ¡°Here... I thought I should give you this.¡±


    Yi Chen¡¯s brows twitched as he dragged it over and opened it. As soon as that lid opened his eyes widened and he immediately closed it.


    Lin Ruoxi knew it was going to be like this so she said, ¡°I know you aren¡¯t ready to talk about it but I know something is going on. Things between men are a little different whenpared to couples of the opposite genders so... don¡¯t overexert yourselves. Watch some material and educate yourself so you don¡¯t hurt him.¡±


    Yi Chen, ¡°...¡±


    ¡®What the..... oh god no.¡¯


    Author: Oh god yes, she absolutely knows and she prepared for you a lovely gift pack. Isn¡¯t she considerate?

 Chapter 155

    155 Romance starter pack For ten long minutes, Yi Chen¡¯s gaze would unwittingly nce over as he resisted the urge to open it again. He had been trying to study for the past few minutes but each time that box would fall in the corner of his eye and his curiosity would be piqued.


    After his mother gave it to him she didn¡¯t give him time to exin. She just said that she would love to meet Zi Han in the future before saying goodnight and walking away.


    Yi Chen had been so embarrassed that he just wanted the ground to open up and swallow him whole. He never thought his mother would approve of this rtionship but also say all those things.


    For a long time, he had been curious about how things worked between men. In his spring dreams, he would press Zi Han on the locker door and it would be quite pleasurable but he had never done proper research.


    Now that he was faced with that velvet box he was suddenly curious. Unable to resist the temptation he grabbed the box abandoning hisnguage notes.


    Like opening an Amazon mystery box he took out each item and studied it. At the top was a purple card about five centimeters in width. His mother had left a handwritten note on it saying:


    Remember to cherish him. Only when you cherish him do you cherish yourself.


    P.S. scan the link at the back of the card for educational information.


    XO XO


    .....


    Yi Chen pressed the tip of his tongue against his inner cheek as he flipped the card over. Behind it was a QR code. Not knowing what to expect he decided to save that forst.


    He set aside the handwritten card and looked inside the box that seemed to have a color scheme to it. Every item in it was purple which was his mother¡¯s favorite color. It seemed she really put so much work into this so called romance starter pack.


    Yi Chen pursed his lips as he picked up a square packet with jagged edges. He knew what it was but in truth, he hadn¡¯t seen it in person. As he pulled on it it suddenly revealed a string of other packets attached to it.


    His brow arched as he stared at the packets of condoms dangling in the air. They had to be more than ten and written on the packet were the words;


    Ultra pleasure. One size fits all. Guaranteed satisfaction.


    Yi Chen, ¡°....¡±


    He ced them next to the handwritten card and picked up the next item in the mystery starter pack. It was a set of lubricant bottles one silicon-based and the other oil-based. Unable toprehend why they were two types he set them aside with a vexed expression.


    Besides that, there was a packet of fever medicine and an anti-inmmatory ointiment with a sticky note written, ¡®In case of emergencies.¡¯ Right below that were aphrodisiac scented candles and the same brand of aromatic massage candle as he used earlier in the day.


    Yi Chen couldn¡¯t be surprised at this point. His mother had gone above and beyond to make sure he had a harmonious love life. It was unfortunate that she couldn¡¯t get the heart of the person he wanted to use these with.


    Just as he put the scented candles back in the box he heard a hollow sound like the box had a false bottom. He took out the scented candle and turned the box upside down. The bottom lid opened by sliding it out and when he opened it there was a box with an image of a funny looking devicebeled, ¡®Desire luxury girthy p-spot sex toy.¡¯


    Yi Chen, ¡°WTF!¡±


    His fingers felt hot holding the sealed box. With a swoosh, he quickly put it back and slid the box back in ce. What was his mother thinking giving him all this stuff? What he didn¡¯t know was that his mother made a call to Yi Feng who made a call to Le no questions asked.


    Two hourster this ready prepared box was delivered to their doorstep. All she did was add the handwritten note and medicine with sticky notes, that¡¯s all.


    He put everything back in ce all except that handwritten card. He really wanted to know more about this but he was also a little bashful.


    After gathering his courage he scanned the QR code and a secondter a prompt appeared.


    Wee to allthingspleasure on Sta. The federation¡¯s highest ranked site for all things sex_


    If you are lost please press the exit button and if this is where you are meant to be please press proceed_


    Yi Chen stared at that screen for a while biting his thumb. After thinking it through he pressed proceed and soon a three dimensional man with a white coat like that of a doctor appeared.


    With a creepy smile, he said, ¡°Thank you for choosing allthingspleasure an all inclusive educational site for everything concerning sex. Now if you are looking for a porn site this is not it.¡±


    Because of the loud volume, Yi Chen panickingly pressed the pause button before searching around for his earphones. The entire house was dead silent as his siblings and his mother had fallen asleep a long time ago.


    This meant that despite his room being soundproofed this voice might transmit through the walls and his family might overhear things they shouldn¡¯t. It was like getting caught watching porn in public. How embarrassing would that be?


    ¡°Everything on this website is animated and purely for educational purposes. Please select your subject of interest below and we will provide you with every bit of information you require.¡±


    Another prompt appeared but this time they was a long list of options. From oral sex to bondage the list was all inclusive. Yi Chen rubbed the back of his neck as he nervously pressed the male vs male sex education.


    Soon a floating screen popped up and an nteresting animated image appeared exining how it works. It even demonstrated different sexual positions that could bring great satisfaction to the participants.


    Yi Chen who had never been this attentive to anything other than school and training listened carefully.


    His face changed when he realized where what goes and what is used where to make thingsfortable. Now he understood why they were two kinds of lubricants. One was for normal y and the other..... toy y.

 Chapter 156

    156 Zi Han¡¯s spring dream


    The thick skinned youth felt so embarrassed that he packed away everything and went straight to bed. He thought maybe if hey down he would possibly forget everything but it only made things worse.


    Now he could envision in his mind where his member would be thrusting into. It seemed he had already assumed the position he would be taking in the matter. The only problem was would Zi Han be willing to you know.....


    Meanwhile, Zi Han who fell asleep with Mr. Twiggles in his arms the previous night woke up with an ufortable feeling in his underwear. It seemedst night he had had a spring dream.


    This had happened before but the dreams were usually vague and mysterious. It was nothing memorable if he was being honest.


    But this time things were a little different. Maybe it was because of yesterday¡¯s massage that he dreamt strong powerful hands kneading his body all over that he got a stiff boner down south. In the dream, the oily hands wrapped around his member and stroked it until he shot out a load.


    ¡°Ha,¡± he murmured as he looked down at his grey trunks that had conspicuous stains on them. His expression was so calm like you would think it was any regr day.


    As usual, he took a shower and got dressed before going for breakfast. When he reached downstairs his mother was angrily jabbing at the prime ministers. It seemed they were trying to me the recent attacks on the Bloodgarde in a sick attempt to strip them of every spaceship in their fleet.


    ¡°Those fuckin wine sacks and food bags who the fuck do they think they are? They are lucky I didn¡¯t burn their entire shoddy government to the ground,¡± she said as Zi Han entered the kitchen.


    ¡°Good morning,¡± said Zi Han sitting next to his mother.


    .....


    Zi Xingxi pushed her te of pancakes towards him. ¡°Your grandpa made pancakes today. He must have something against me. He knows I hate pancakes,¡± she said but Zi Han was quite grateful.


    He squeezed a whole lot of syrup on the fluffy pancakes while thanking his grandpa.


    ¡°You seem to be in a good mood,¡± said Zi Feiji while reaching over to ruffle Zi Han¡¯s hair.


    ¡°Uh huh,¡± replied Zi Han his smile as bright as the morning sun.


    ¡°Anything good happen?¡± asked Zi Xingxi before taking a sip of ck coffee.


    Zi Han ced the fork in his mouth and smiled. Without words that smile was all telling. Zi Feiji stared at his daughtermunicating with his eyes.


    Zi Xingxi immediately understood so she took out a card from her pocket and gave it to Zi Han. ¡°Your grandfather paid for a two hour massage session at the Opulent stars hotel spa. If you like it he will pay for a year¡¯s worth of massages,¡± she said but Zi Feiji interjected,


    ¡°Three, three months. That shit is expensive.¡±


    Zi Xingxi smiled stiffly and raised three fingers, ¡°Three months membership. How about that?¡±


    Zi Han who much preferred Yi Chen did it for him licked the syrup off his lips before saying, ¡°Oh..... Thank you so much, grandpa.¡±


    ¡®Well, that sounds insincere,¡¯ thought Zi Xingxi but seeing his father smiling happily she didn¡¯t say anything.


    Zi Han dly put away the card that he intended not to use at all in his interspatial storage. He meant for it to gather dust in there and forget it ever existed.


    His happy mood extended all the way to ss. He was so happy that he even messed with his deskmate before ss. Shorty had colorful stic bands on his wrist which he got from who knows where. Zi Han found it interesting thus he tugged at one of them and with a snap, Shorty cried out for his mother.


    ¡°How bad can it be that you had to cry out like that?¡± asked Zi Han only for Shorty to take out one of them and put it around Zi Han¡¯s wrist before doing the exact same as Zi Han did to him.


    With a loud snap, Zi Han yelped attracting a certain someone¡¯s attention. Yi Chen who had been feeling awkward because of what he learntst night made sure to avoid Zi Han for much of the morning.


    The problem was he might ignore Zi Han but Zi Han was constantly in the back of his mind. This meant whatever Zi Han did or said he would pay attention to it at a conscious and subconscious level.


    Zi Han who didn¡¯t even know that his every action was being followed pulled at the stic band on Shorty¡¯s wrist but before he could pull it to its greatest capacity someone reached over to touch Mr. Twiggles without his permission.


    He had left his shark plushy on his desk but if he had known someone would be interested in it he would have packed it away. He let go of the rubber band and smacked that hand away.


    The culprit retracted their hand and asked, ¡°Where did you buy this from? Can I buy it off of you?¡±


    Zi Han¡¯s lips twitched as he looked up to face Evan¡¯s smug face. ¡°It¡¯s not for sa-,¡± he said before a dinging sound on his light brain drew his attention.


    YC: Don¡¯t let filthy hands touch Mr. Twiggles.


    YC: Otherwise this week¡¯s custody will be revoked.


    Zi Han, ¡°Fuck!¡±


    With a rather stiff smile, Zi Han red at Yi Chen before standing up on his chair and making an announcement.


    ¡°Attention everyone. I would like to inform you that this shark is of great importance to me. One can consider it my son so I would greatly appreciate it if everyone refrains from touching it..... or else,¡± he said only for the annoying red-head to ask,


    ¡°Or else what?¡±


    ¡°Or else I will send the ss president to beat your ass up.¡±


    Yi Chen, ¡°...¡±


    The entire ss burst intoughter while Shaun poked Shorty¡¯s back before asking, ¡°Is he crazy?¡±


    Shorty covered the side of his face with his hand and whispered, ¡°He has always been crazy it¡¯s just that it was mild but now I am not so sure.¡±


    Zi Han who heard everything got off his chair and said, ¡°You two do realize that I can hear you, right?¡±


    Shaun, ¡°...¡±


    Shorty, ¡°We are fucked.¡±

 Chapter 157

    157 HanChen CP


    ¡°Who are you two calling crazy?¡± asked Zi Han while wiping the chair he had just stood on, ¡°you wanna see crazy? Let me show you crazy.¡± As soon as he said this he pulled at the stic bands on Shorty¡¯s wrist and with a loud snap it hit the boy¡¯s skin.


    ¡°Ah.... shit. Zi Han, you are so heartless.... ow,¡± he said holding his wrist while writhing with his eyes closed.


    Zi Han held out his wrist which was also red from Shorty pulling on his rubber band and said, ¡°You clearly started this game.¡±


    Shaun leaned back into his seat and said, ¡°I take it back. You are both crazy.¡±


    Zi Han sat down and pulled on Shorty¡¯s arm to take a look. Seeing that he had taken the bait Shorty whined before making a request,


    ¡°The only way I can forgive your transgressions is if youpensate me with an autograph signed by my goddess,¡± he said with great confidence.


    Zi Han, ¡°.....¡±


    He should have known that this was a trap from the beginning. Shaking his head he ignored Shorty who was ying pity party on his lonesome.


    With a slight quirk at the corner of his lips, he tapped his light brain and soon a chat interface between him and Yi Chen popped up.


    .....


    HandsomeHan: Satisfied?


    As soon as the message was sent he nced over in Yi Chen¡¯s direction. Zi Han watched him open his light brain and nced back at him.


    Yi Chen¡¯s brows rose and lowered in a barely-detectable manner before he looked away. This was an unconscious sign of approval.


    Zi Han pressed his lips together suppressing a smile. One might wonder why was he being so obedient and trying to please Yi Chen? That¡¯s because those hands did something special to his back muscles thus he was sucking up to Yi Chen.


    This daddy had such gifted hands so how could he not put on an obedient act? He could have just put away the shark plushy but he also wanted Yi Chen to see his sincerity thus he made that announcement.


    He put away the smile while raking his fingers through his hair. They were about to have mock exams soon hence he had to get back to his studies.


    Meanwhile, Shannon who had been unusually silent all this time suddenly turned to look at H. When their eyes met she mouthed, ¡°Did you see that?¡±


    H licked her lips as two dimples appeared on her cheeks. Like Shannon, she had seen everything and wow.... the amount of fluff was beyond words.


    GoddessOfDeath: This ship is definitely sailing


    PrettyLace: AAAAAHHHHH!


    PrettyLace: That smile was to die for.


    GoddessOfDeath: Should I send the ss president the drawing?


    PrettyLace: Uh huh!!!


    PrettyLace: Let¡¯s see his reaction.


    With a creepy smile stered on her face, she closed the chat interface only to be met by her twin brother¡¯s probing gaze like he was interrogating her.


    ¡°What? Stay the fuck out of my business,¡± she said with a warning re but Shaun didn¡¯t back down. He narrowed his eyes before saying,


    ¡°You are up to something shady aren¡¯t you?¡±


    Shannon put on an innocent expression and replied, ¡°You are imagining things,¡± before looking at the light screen on her desk like she was seriously studying.


    Yi Chen who was analyzing his previous mech repair simted in the light screen heard a prompting from his light brain. Thinking it was Zi Han he opened it but the slight quirk at the corner of his lips fell when he saw it was H.


    While he was still deciding whether he should open it now or not another message prompt appeared and it read;


    GoddessOfDeath: You are going to want to see this.


    Yi Chen nced over in H¡¯s direction. Because she wasn¡¯t expecting him to look over in her direction she had a devious look on her face.


    Caught in the act her eyes widened before she abruptly looked away pretending as though she was talking to her deskmate. Yi Chen¡¯s brow creased and he opened the message.


    GoddessOfDeath: For your eyes only.


    GoddessOfDeath: [HaChen CP.png]


    Yi Chen clicked on the image and his heart jolted in astonishment. He was highly amused but he attempted to dial it back by stifling his smile. He might have seeded but Li Ran clearly noticed.


    He was pushing back his bangs with his elbow resting on his desk when he saw a slight upturn at the corner of Yi Chen¡¯s mouth.


    ¡°What is it?¡± he asked but Yi Chen shook his head while responding,


    ¡°It¡¯s nothing.¡±


    It wasn¡¯t nothing at all. It was the cutest Chibi drawing of him and Zi Han arguing about training yesterday. She even included a cute little shark with a puzzled expression as though trying to figure out who to go home with.


    Without much thought, he sent H a gift card for his mother¡¯s boutique before closing the screen. He nced over in Zi Han¡¯s direction from the corner of his eye.


    The person was wearing a rarely seen serious expression while his finger yfully twirled a strand of hair. Yi Chen lightly bit his lower lip as the corners of his lips rose. He looked away but as he shifted his eyes away he was met by Li Ran¡¯s questioning gaze.


    The two silently stared at each other with the slight smile on Yi Chen¡¯s lips faded away ages ago. After a moment of silence, Li Ran said, ¡°You are hiding something from me, aren¡¯t you? Ha.... and here I thought we were friends.¡±


    Yi Chen sighed before saying, ¡°I will tell you when the time is right.¡± Li Ran would have much preferred they talk about it now but knowing Yi Chen¡¯s character he won¡¯t be able to get anything out of him unless he takes the initiative.


    Shannon nced over in Yi Chen¡¯s direction but her view was blocked. Disappointed she looked in H¡¯s direction and leaned over before mouthing, ¡°Did he say anything?¡±


    H made sure Yi Chen wasn¡¯t looking before she showed her the gift card. There was no need to speak. The gift card spoke for itself. Shannon snickered while H covered her eyes feeling a little bashful. This was turning out to be the best day ever.


    ***


    Three sses in and Zi Han was desperate for a change in environment. Lucky for him today they had an early training session. Thinking he could brush up some goodwill with Yi Chen he hastily changed and rushed to the training room intending to partner with him.


    But as he walked over he saw Li Ran standing by Yi Chen while asking, ¡°Wanna partner up? It¡¯s been a long time.¡±


    Yi Chen, who was stretching his arms asked, ¡°Don¡¯t you always mor to partner up with H?¡±


    Li Ran who always got his ass kicked by her shivered all over before responding, ¡°Yes but when I spar with her it¡¯s more like a beat down rather than educational training.¡±

 Chapter 158

    158 Zi Han is eating vinegar.... hehe


    Yi Chen nced over at him while saying, ¡°Since when did you start to mind?¡±


    Li Ran didn¡¯t mind the one-sided beat down. It¡¯s just recently she had been acting very weird especially when she was with that twin girl, Shannon. One time he peeked at what they were watching and he almost got a heart attack.


    It was the video of two band members kissing during a live concert. He had no problem with it. It¡¯s just that he couldn¡¯t understand why they had that video on repeat while giggling.


    That wasn¡¯t the only thing that creeped him out though. What scared him half to death was when she turned to look at him and asked outrightly if he had kissed a boy before. Good god, no. His lips were reserved for her, okay?


    ¡°I will tell you all about itter so..... is that a yes or no?¡±


    ¡°Sure,¡± replied Yi Chen.


    Zi Han who was hoping they would pair up was a little disappointed if he was being honest. He ended up paired with Shorty.


    Shorty was skeptical at first but ten minutes in and things seemed to be going well. Zi Han was a great sparring partner. Well, that is until his attitude took a hundred and eighty-degree turn.


    Even until the end, Shorty couldn¡¯t understand what happened. Zi Han was fine one minute and vicious the next.


    .....


    What Shorty didn¡¯t see was that after Yi Chen and Li Ran exited the training simtor Li Ran was holding his possibly aching shoulder after having overexerted himself while operating his mech.


    After making a fewints Yi Chen who was removing his training gloves suddenly stopped and reached over to rub his shoulder. Li Ran showed a contented expression like he was really enjoying himself.


    Zi Han¡¯s lips twitched his vicious gaze lingering on those hands rubbing someone else¡¯s shoulders. His heart was in turmoil like he had been robbed of something. He kept on thinking about what Yi Chen said, that is he hadn¡¯t done it for anyone else.


    But as it turns out he wasn¡¯t the only one. The thought of those powerful hands rubbing someone else¡¯s back made his stomach twist painfully. He knew he was being unreasonable. Li Ran and Yi Chen were friends since childhood so of course, their rtionship would be much closer. He probably took Li Ran to his love nest and gave him a full body massage while he was only qualified enough to get one back rub. Feeling suffocated Zi Han put his training gloves back on and said to Shorty, ¡°Let¡¯s go again.¡±


    Shorty, ¡°.....¡±


    ¡°Um... I think we met our hourly quarter,¡± replied Shorty who just wanted to go to the cafeteria and eat a hearty meal as a reward.


    ¡°Are youing or not?¡± said Zi Han his voice a few degrees colder than usual.


    Shorty found it hard to refuse. I mean how bad could it get, right?


    Wrong.... absolutely wrong. Zi Han¡¯s ws came out in that simtor and he almost crawled out of the training room to escape. What B ranked mental power? That meant shit when it came to Zi Han. And that mech of his was beyond words.


    Zi Han who had lost control of his emotions and pushed hard during training regained hisposure afterward. As an apology, he made a video call to his mother and let Shorty say hi to his goddess.


    Shorty was appeased but Zi Han was most definitely not. He didn¡¯t show it on his face and even smiled at people but those close to him could tell he wasn¡¯t happy.


    For the remaining sses, Li Ran felt a cold chill creeping up his spine like he was being watched by something lurking in the dark but whenever he turned around the line of sight disappeared.


    Yi Chen also felt it but like Li Ran, he couldn¡¯t find where such a malicious aura wasing from. However, he did notice that Zi Han was always serious with his work, and unlike before he didn¡¯t nce over to smile at him whenever he felt his (Yi Chen¡¯s) line of sight.


    Something was definitely going on with Zi Han but despite running through the entire day he couldn¡¯t understand what could have upset him from thest interaction they had in the morning.


    By the end of thest ss, Zi Han quickly got up from his seat and said goodbye to his group of friends before walking out of the ss door. He decided to put himself in the right state of mind before their scheduled training.


    He thought it was ridiculous that he cared about this very much. Thus he had to correct himself before Yi Chen showed up. After washing his face and telling himself to get his shit together he obediently waited for Yi Chen in the training hall.


    Yi Chen who was still in ss turned his head around and found that a certain someone had disappeared. Thinking Zi Han had run away again he hastily walked over to block Shorty¡¯s path.


    ¡°Have you seen Cadet Han?¡± he asked but Shorty nned on keeping his mouth shut. Zi Han had given him the greatest gift and he would do whatever it takes to defend him no matter the crime.


    ¡°I don¡¯t know. Why don¡¯t you call him?¡± replied Shorty before running away like a rabbit after provoking the big bad wolf.


    Yi Chen, ¡°.....¡±


    Li Ran walked over and asked, ¡°What? Did your little disciple run away again?¡±


    ¡°I don¡¯t know.... but if he did, I won¡¯t let him off,¡± replied Yi Chen before walking away in huge strides heading for the training building.


    Zi Han who had been impatiently waiting at the door heard footstepsing from outside. He quickly ran back inside and pretended as though he was doing stretches all this time.


    The door slid open and Yi Chen who was ready to angrily call Zi Han was startled to see the person sitting on the ground stretching his body. Zi Han turned his head and smiled but that sweet smile suddenly froze when he saw the person following behind Yi Chen.


    What was Li Ran doing here? This was their two-person scheduled training but now there was a fuckin light bulb trotting over.


    ¡°You are here early,¡± said Yi Chen feeling a little surprised.


    Zi Han¡¯s gaze left Li Ran as he got up replying, ¡°Let¡¯s start,¡± in an icy cold tone like he was unhappy about something. This wasn¡¯t the Zi Han he knew. Even when they were butting heads he never used this tone with him.


    He was about to ask him what was wrong when Li Ran asked, ¡°Can I join you guys today? I am in need of a good training session.¡±


    Yi Chen, ¡°Sure.¡±


    Zi Han, ¡°No.¡±


    Li Ran, ¡°???¡±


    Author, ¡°Um... I am just going to tiptoe out of here and let you guys solve this among yourselves..... (sound of a closing door).

 Chapter 159

    159 Me or him.... who is better?


    Zi Han who had blurted out his true feelings felt so embarrassed that he wished a meteor would just fall from the sky and crush him to death. His expression was unreadable but internally he was rubbing his forehead in frustration. He honestly couldn¡¯t understand what was going on with himself.


    Why couldn¡¯t he hold his tongue at a critical moment and ended up speaking his mind? Not wanting either of them to capture the true meaning of his words he exined, ¡°Weren¡¯t we going to do hand to handbat with our mechs today... and if there are the three of us that would be incredibly difficult.¡±


    Li Ran who thought he had been despised heaved a sigh of relief. He honestly thought that Zi Han didn¡¯t want him around and was starting to wonder how and when he had offended this ancestor. It turns out Zi Han was only worried about their training schedule.


    Unlike Li Ran, Yi Chen didn¡¯t buy it. He could sense Zi Han¡¯s resistance towards his best friend but he couldn¡¯t recall the two of them ever butting heads. Since Zi Han was a little unhappy with Li Ran¡¯s presence he decided to send him away and make nster to make up for it. As the saying goes, ¡°The wifees first and the reste second.¡± Yi Chen intended on abiding by this rule.


    But before he could get rid of the third wheel tugging along Li Ran suggested, ¡°How about we load the new simtion the Marshal approved for training recruits? It hasn¡¯t been released yet but I bet it would be more interesting than what¡¯s already avable.¡±


    Zi Han who had been sulking just now raised his head his interest piqued. ¡°What kind of simtion is it? And why now?¡± he asked wondering what sort of exciting war scenarios they had added in there.


    Seeing Zi Han¡¯s eyes light up because of Li Ran Yi Chen couldn¡¯t help but feel slight difort in his chest. He felt even more stifled when they continued talking to each other while he was slowly bing the light bulb.


    ¡°It¡¯s a training simtion based on the recent attacks. The beasts that appeared when a portal opened in Capital Star were high ranking monsters and it took twice the effort to defend the city while the portal was still open. So they designed a simtion of an even worse scenario with different levels of difficulty,¡± he exined as he subconsciously took a step forward.


    ¡°If it hasn¡¯t been released yet then why do you have it?¡± asked Zi Han with a quizzical expression.


    .....


    Li Ran licked his canine tooth while trying to judge if Zi Han could be trusted or not. He figured that if Yi Chen trusts him then why shouldn¡¯t he? He moved a little closer and said, ¡°I hacked my mother¡¯s light brain and downloaded it. She is the lead on the project.¡±


    Out of all the things Li Ran said Zi Han grasped onto one word and that word was ¡®hacked¡¯. With a slight tilt of his head, he stared at Li Ran with a look of interest on his face. A roguish smile crept up his face as he leaned in closer before asking, ¡°Do you take on requests?¡±


    Li Ran was about to answer that it depends on the job when Yi Chen cut in separating the two. ¡°Hacking is a crime with a hardbor sentence of ten years on minings,¡± he said his expression that of someone concerned for his friend but the friend was looking at him with a ¡®what the fuck¡¯ expression on his face.


    Who was it who always asked him to decrypt that and break into that without pay by the way? Just the other day hemitted treason by hacking into the Marshal¡¯s top secret military vault and extracting highly confidential documents and it was done at Yi Chen¡¯s request. Now he was acting all righteous.


    Li Ran thought it but he would never say it out loud. He just smiled stiffly and walked over to the nearest simtor. With a few taps and swipes on the floating screen, he hacked the system before uploading a foreign file with the of the military rotating on the screen.


    Zi Han stared at what he was doing with slight admiration in his eyes. He suddenly felt that it was a little too idiotic that he got upset earlier. This person was well deserving to be called Yi Chen¡¯s best friend. He had a special skill set qualifying him to stand side by side with the future Marshal.


    Noticing that unmistakable look of admiration in Zi Han¡¯s eyes Yi Chen suddenly felt a sour feeling stuck in his throat. He grabbed Zi Han by the elbow and led him into the simtor. ¡°Suit up,¡± said Yi Chen but Zi Han still brought the topic of discussion back to Li Ran.


    ¡°Your friend is amazing,¡± whispered Zi Han but Yi Chen didn¡¯t respond. Instead, he let go of Zi Han¡¯s arm and stepped through the automatic sliding ss door. Seeming a little flustered he summoned his mech. A thirty meter height mech appeared in this infinite white space giving off an overbearing aura just like its owner taking charge of the cockpit.


    Zi Han followed suit and summoned his mech which was shorter than YI Chen¡¯s by a few meters. While activating simtion mode he asked, ¡°Are you taking poin-,¡± while Yi Chen simultaneously asked,


    ¡°Who between us is more amazing?¡±


    Zi Han, ¡°....¡±


    He wasn¡¯t sure why Yi Chen would ask this question. Surely one can¡¯tpare oranges and apples, right? Those two aren¡¯t the same hence couldn¡¯t bepared. ¡°What do you mean by who is more amazing? You two aren¡¯t the same,¡± he said with a yful smile stered on his face.


    Yi Chen who wasn¡¯t joking around said, ¡°Just answer the question. Me or him.... who is better?¡±


    ¡°Why do you care so much about that?¡± asked Zi Han finding this rather amusing but unlike him, Yi Chen couldn¡¯t take a joke.

 Chapter 160

    160 Rainbow mech


    He continued fiddling with themand center of his mech lowering his head to hide the gloom in his eyes.


    Zi Han suddenly remembered that this gold master had skilled hands and he was going to try and coax him to massage himter thus he decided to y nice. ¡°Of course, you are more amazing,¡± he said before winking at Yi Chen appearing flirtatious.


    When Yi Chen saw this his lips unconsciously quirked up into a shy smile but it was quickly suppressed. His lips pressed together with the tip of his tongue pressing hard against his cheek struggling to contain his happiness. His ears felt hot and his heart was palpitating that his AI system, Ran, noticed and quickly expressed concern.


    ¡°Master, I have detected your heart rate has sharply increased and so has your body temperature. ording to this medical data, you might be experiencing a panic attack or high fever. Should I administer the appropriate drug to ease your difort,¡± it said.


    Yi Chen was thankful that only he could hear Ran¡¯s nonsense otherwise he would be so embarrassed right now. ¡°I am fine,¡± he responded in a stern voice otherwise it would continue to nag.


    Li Ran walked in at this point and summoned his mech while saying, ¡°I set the level of difficulty at B grade but since this is a new simtion be on the lookout.¡±


    Zi Han was about to respond when he turned to look at Li Ran¡¯s mech that looked like it robbed an entire box of Cray and colored each part of its body with a different color. ¡°The fuck?.... You look like a unicorn vomited on your mech.¡±


    Li Ran, ¡°...¡±


    ¡°Long story short, I lost a bet, okay?¡± he said as Yi Chen who usually minds his own business let out an unintentional throaty chuckle. He had heard plenty of mocking words concerning Li Ran¡¯s rainbow mech but this was the first time he heard someone describe it that way.


    .....


    ¡°Seriously?... How is that even funny?¡± asked Li Ran while walking toward Yi Chen to express his dissatisfaction. He tried to nudge Yi Chen¡¯s mech in the shoulder but of course, that was courting death. Yi Chen¡¯s mech grabbed onto the unicorn vomit mech and pulled it into a chokehold and the two began to struggle with each other as the simtor countdown began.


    Zi Han wasughing initially but that same feeling from before surged once more this time much fiercer than before. The smile on his face faded and as he raised his hand a sniper materialized.


    The countdown came to an abrupt end and ZI Han aimed it in the direction of the two. To be more precise he was aiming it at Li Ran who was still struggling to get out of the chokehold.


    Zi Han whistled and the two looked at him with slight confusion. Li Ran met Zi Han¡¯s ferocious gaze brimming with killing intent and he was suddenly afraid for his life.


    This was only a simtion and the system wouldn¡¯t run unless all mechs were in simtion mode but still. The fear was fuckin real that he felt a chill running down his spine.


    ¡°..... Hit the deck!¡± yelled Zi Han and as he said this an ugly-looking beast pounced on Li Ran from behind. Ducking down in time the beast jumped over his mech bearing its teeth.


    BANG BANG BANG!!!!


    Three shots rang out sessively and blood sttered in all directions and the beast copsed to the ground right by Zi Han¡¯s feet. ¡°Fuck... that was terrifying,¡± eximed Li Ran as he got up to his feet, ¡°for a moment I thought you were going to shoot me.¡±


    Zi Han who wasn¡¯t certain about that himself just smiled with a lowered head while gently kicking the beast as though making sure it was dead. Yi Chen stared at Zi Han for a moment with aplicated expression before opening the mission details.


    A blue floating screen appeared in front of the t three of them with approximately neen red dots floating on the area map. Some of the dots were moving while others were stagnant. ¡°Let¡¯s try and kill them all without any of us dying, okay?¡± said Yi Chen his gaze focused on Zi Han.


    Sensing Yi Chen¡¯s gaze Zi Han raised his head and nodded with a slight quirk at the corner of his lips. As the other two drew their weapons Zi Han sensed something lurking in the shadows stalking them. Without even looking at the map he raised his mech arm and aimed at the dark alley.


    BANG!


    A loud shot rang out followed by loud shrills and a figure emerged from the darkness climbing up the tall building. ¡°Cover me,¡± said Zi Han as his mech leaped up in the air flying up to the top of the building.


    Soon Yi Chen and Li Ran followed and with their backs to Zi Han they scanned the area looking out for possible sneak attacks. Zi Han bit his lower lip his blood rushing with excitement. It was only a simtion but it gave him the same rush he felt that day when they were attacked in the capital.


    His mech crouched down having noticed droplets of blood on the ground. A malicious smile appeared on his gorgeous face as he slowly raised his head following the trail of blood with his eyes.


    ¡°Han Han look out!¡± yelled Yi Chen as two beasts that had been stalking them lunged at them from the sides of the building.


    Zi Han swapped out his sniper rifle for a ming sword. With a powerful swing, the sword sliced the beast in half. With a loud bellow, the beast fell to the ground with its blood and guts scattered everywhere.


    Yi Chen sted the other beast with his sma gun while issuing a warning, ¡°Five moreing in all directions.¡±


    The scene instantly turned chaotic as waves and waves of attacks came one after the other. It was extremely exhausting fending off such relentless beasts but the three mam team persisted ughtering them one by one. Out of all three Zi Han seemed to be having the most fun.


    That malicious smile still sent chills down Li Ran¡¯s spine whenever he saw it. Several times he had imagined that he was the beasts that Zi Han was ying.

 Chapter 161

    161 The feeling of free falling


    ¡°AAAAAHHHHH!!!!... How the fuck am I supposed to fend off this cruel thing,¡± yelled Li Ran in the team chat. When everything descended into chaos he couldn¡¯t keep up and was pushed off the roof of the building by an enthusiastic beast.


    As he fell off the building he managed to flip his body over and st the beast with a sma cannon. A loud explosive sound followed and the building Zi Han and Yi Chen were standing on shaking at its foundation.


    The explosive force of the god-level sma cannon ripped through the structure of the skyscraper and the roof came crashing down.


    Amidst the debris and the shattered ss, Zi Han¡¯s mech tightened its grip on the hilt of the ming sword and swung it shing the red-eyed monster while falling out of the sky.


    Its blood painted the skies like a canvas creating a picturesque scene. Coupled with the mech falling from the skies it looked like the perfect promotional footage to recruit new cadets into the military with.


    Zi Han enjoyed the feeling of free falling from the sky thus he closed his eyes meditating on the loud rush of the wind in his ear when he sensed somethinging for him from the right. His eyes abruptly opened and for a moment there was a touch of scarlet in them. He felt a surge in his senses like his mental power was about to have a breakthrough.


    But the feeling vanished as quickly as it came. Like a blocked pipeline his mental strength which was on the verge of breaking through was blocked and the feeling disappeared.


    Despite having failed he still had a sly grin on his face and as he spun around to y the beasting for him, it was suddenly grabbed by something letting out a high-pitched shrill before it was dragged away.


    Zi Han activated flying mode and as his mech stabilized he stared at the culprit who had the balls to steal his prey. Yi Chen who had performed the heroic act of saving the damsel was unaware of it. He stomped hard on the beast¡¯s neck with his mech crushing it to death.


    .....


    Zi Han was about toin but when he saw how handsome Yi Chen looked ughtering that beast, he let it go. Four more beasts emerged from the clouds of dust and bared their teeth and ws.


    With a sharp turn, twoser guns appeared in Zi Han¡¯s hands and he shot at the beasts hitting one straight in the head.


    The beast¡¯s body fell backward from the force and hit the ground releasing its final breath. The other one that had been shot in the leg and abdomen staggered tripping over its body before it got up and lunged at Zi Han like a cheetah pouncing on its prey.


    Zi Han¡¯s mech grabbed hold of its neck squeezing it tightly. It writhed in pain with its ws grasping air trying to w at Zi Han¡¯s mech but it failed.


    With a look of resentment in his eyes, Zi Han drove his ming sword inside the beast. The beast paused for a moment as though in disbelief but before it could regain its senses Zi Han pulled the hilt up and tore the beast in half.


    That¡¯s when he heard Li Ran¡¯s cries in the team chat. Yi Chen was about to respond to his call when two more beasts emerged from the thick clouds of dust. ¡°Can you handle it?¡± asked Zi Han seeing that he was preupied.


    ¡°I got this,¡± replied Yi Chen as he blocked the monster¡¯s attack with a de while simultaneously pulling the trigger and ripping a hole into the creature¡¯s stomach.


    Zi Han didn¡¯t waste any time. He shot out into the dense cloud while pinpointing Li Ran¡¯s location. ording to the mission disy they only had two beasts to kill before the mission is considered a sess. Based on Yi Chen¡¯s efficiency he reckoned that before he even reaches Li Ran¡¯s location there would only be one left.


    Zi Han¡¯s mechnded in a dark alley and his senses suddenly tingled. Just like before his mech couldn¡¯t fit thus he had to reduce its size to his height.


    He pressed his lips into a thin line as he took a step inside. ¡°Li Ran,¡± he whispered but his body suddenly froze as the feeling of having his mental power being invaded and ripped out of him resurfaced.


    Images of what happened that day shed in his mind suffocating him. Every sense in his body was telling him to run but because his teammate was in there he couldn¡¯t leave. His back covered in ayer of cold sweat he stepped into the alley but instead of Li Ran, he was met by the same humanoid creature that attacked him that day.


    Zi Han had his weapon drawn but for some reason, he froze. His breathing quickened as he pressed his finger on the trigger but that feeling of helplessness from before reemerged.


    The creature put on a malicious smile as it walked over to him in slow strides as though taunting him. His chest heaved violently as the muzzle of his gun pressed onto the chest of the creature.


    Like before it reached out to him with a slight tilt of its head intending to take out his father¡¯s pendant. Zi Han¡¯s body trembled involuntarily as he whispered, ¡°No.¡±


    Sensing his fear and anxiety the creature¡¯s eyes gleamed like it was satisfied with his response.


    Zi Han was so drawn in the scene that he forgot it was a simtion. To him everything before him was real. The alley was real, the creature was real and so was what the creature was going to do to him. He appeared fine on the outside but on the inside, he was crumbling down.


    Meanwhile, Yi Chen who had finished ughtering thest of the beasts was surprised when he didn¡¯t hear any prompt notifying them that they hadpleted the mission. A little worried he called out to Zi Han but there was no response. As he scanned the mission map looking for his location he called out to Li Ran.


    ¡°Li Ran, is Zi Han there?¡± he asked. Li Ran, however, didn¡¯t respond thus Yi Chen could only fly over to his location having not found Zi Han on the map.

 Chapter 162

    162 Okay.... I won¡¯t force you


    However, when he got there, he didn¡¯t find Zi Han. He only saw Li Ran struggling with a beast twice the size of the ones they had been fighting. It seemed this was more or less the main boss of the mission. On the screen, there was only one red dot left meaning this was thest beast they had to deal with.


    ¡°My signal got jammed and I couldn¡¯t-,¡± he said as he punched the beast hard causing it to stagger a few steps backward.


    Yi Chen pierced the back of the beast cutting through the hard skin at its spine and as it bellowed with its slimy spit flying everywhere It struggled to grasp the sword. ¡°Where is ZI Han?¡±


    Confused Li Ran pointed the muzzle of the gun at its forehead and as he pulled the trigger he answered, ¡°I don¡¯t know. I thought he was with you.¡±


    ¡°Shit,¡± muttered Yi Chen as he withdrew the de. It was then that he recalled what happened in that alley. If Zi Han was triggered by this incident it would negatively impact him and mess with his emotions.


    ¡°Han Han... can you hear me?¡± he asked but still there was no response. It was then he heard the prompt he had been waiting for. The simtion faded and everything returned to nothingness.


    Yi Chen saw Zi Han standing in ce staring in the distance. He packed away his mech and called out,


    Han Han!¡± but the youth didn¡¯t respond.


    It was as though his soul had left his body leaving behind an empty shell. Yi Chen was terribly worried.


    .....


    Zi Han still had his weapon drawn which meant he had to be careful while approaching him. Zi Han might be perceiving that everything is real.


    Yi Chen¡¯s steps slowed before he stood behind Zi Han. His hands that were about to touch Zi Han¡¯s arms froze midair. Feeling a little panicked he breathed in and out deeply calming his mind. He took another step forward and exhaled deeply before whispering his name, ¡°Han Han...,¡±


    Zi Han who was still in a catatonic state felt an itchy feeling on his nape. Without any hesitation, he spun around and immediately pulled the trigger.


    Yi Chen acted fast grabbing his wrist before pulling his arm upwards. The weapon was still in simtion mode. It seemed Zi Han hadn¡¯t had the chance to change the mode.


    Zi Han came back to his senses and his tense muscles rxed. He involuntarily shivered as he stammered, ¡°I, I.... I,¡± but Yi Chen didn¡¯t let him continue. He slid his hand behind Zi Han¡¯s neck and whispered,


    ¡°Shh, don¡¯t talk.... At least not here.¡±


    Li Ran rushed over and asked, ¡°Is he okay?¡± in a low whisper. When he saw Zi Han¡¯s red eyes and trembling lips he knew it wasn¡¯t good.


    ¡°Go erase everything,¡± said Yi Chen and Li Ran nodded his head before rushing out of the simtor. As soon as Li Ran disappeared, Yi Chen lightly rubbed the back of Zi Han¡¯s neck with his thumb while drawing him closer.


    Zi Han wanted to push Yi Chen away but his body was weak at the moment. He could only say, ¡°Don¡¯t,¡± but Yi Chen didn¡¯t listen.


    How could he not understand Zi Han¡¯s mind? Zi Han always had that charming smile on his face even when he was going through something. When the incident in the alley happened, he didn¡¯t even want to talk about it afterward like he didn¡¯t want anyone to see his vulnerable side.


    He did the same thing again when they were inside the robot janitor¡¯s closet station. They were discussing something serious but Zi Han always found a way to stir the conversation away and make one overlook the important issue at hand.


    It was his fault back then. It was his fault for not recognizing the emotional shield that Zi Han put up around himself keeping everyone at arm¡¯s length.


    The incident in the alley obviously affected him but he didn¡¯t talk to anyone about it. Yi Chen was even certain that he didn¡¯t even speak to his family about it. Now that he knows Yi Chen nned to bring down that emotional wall. Only then can the two of them truly be closer.


    ¡°Did you change your shampoo?¡± asked Yi Chen as the scent of berries and cream assaulted his senses.


    Wrapped in the warmth of Yi Chen¡¯s embrace, Zi Han seemed to calm down a little. His lips twitched like he was hesitant to say something. After thinking it through for a second he said, ¡°I borrowed my mum¡¯s. Mine finished.¡±


    Yi Chen smiled slightly before saying, ¡°It smells nice.¡±


    Zi Han pinched Yi Chen¡¯s waist and said, ¡°Stop being a pervert.¡±


    Yi Chen bent the side of his body and Zi Han took the opportunity to escape.


    ¡°Don¡¯t make a fuss... I am fine,¡± he said before turning to walk away.


    This little episode was so embarrassing for Zi Han that he just wanted to leave the training room and forget everything that happened. He nned on repressing it again the same way he repressed every other emotion he didn¡¯t want to see the light of day.


    Ten minutester Zi Han was sitting opposite Yi Chen with the atmosphere fairly tense. That¡¯s because the two of them were at an impasse.


    Yi Chen had asked Zi Han what happened in the simtor just now but Zi Han changed the subject without a second thought.


    He just wanted a massage thus he asked Yi Chen to take him to his ce. This matter could have been handled better on both fronts but these two were new at this and didn¡¯t know how topromise.


    ¡°I can do more than just massage your back. You can also talk to me about important things.... I thought we were friends now,¡± said Yi Chen trying to reason with him.


    ¡°Friends, yes but I don¡¯t want to talk about it,¡± replied Zi Han his expression serious.


    ¡°Would you ever talk to me about it?¡± asked Yi Chen but he already knew the answer to that question. Zi Han¡¯s friendship with him could only be considered skin deep and wouldn¡¯t reach the heart.


    He knew the answer but he sincerely hoped it would be different.


    Zi Han thought it through before answering truthfully, ¡°No.¡±


    As though punched in the gut, Yi Chen lowered his head and ruffled his hair feeling a little flustered.


    After a long period of awkward silence, he whispered, ¡°Okay..... I won¡¯t force you.¡±

 Chapter 163

    163 Hotels equals mostly


    When Zi Han got home no one was there. His grandfather had taken his mother somewhere to appease her as she was in a horrible mood.


    The old steward didn¡¯t go into detail but it had something to do with the prime ministers moring to push the me for the attacks to the Bloodgarde.


    It¡¯s a good thing they weren¡¯t here otherwise they would notice hisplexion wasn¡¯t right. He was in such a terrible mood that even Old Lu didn¡¯t dare keep him for long.


    Zi Han slumped face down on his bed as he grumbled under his pillow. He was upset, annoyed, and embarrassed. Why? It was because of the conversation he had with Yi Chen.


    Growing up he learnt to repress his own feelings, that¡¯s because his mother had so much on her shoulders and he didn¡¯t want to burden her with anything.


    His mother would always find out on her own and talk to him about it. But even now he still had that bad habit. Unless it was something he couldn¡¯t solve himself he wouldn¡¯t say anything.


    He never thought like his family Yi Chen would also notice this and confront him about it. Why couldn¡¯t they be friends that hang out together and not interfere in each other¡¯s personal lives?


    Why couldn¡¯t Yi Chen be like Shorty or Shaun? They hung out, and had fun but never discuss anything too personal. Wasn¡¯t it good that way?


    Zi Han sighed as he sat up and took out Mr. Twiggles. Rubbing its soft fin he whispered, ¡°I guess he won¡¯t want to y with me anymore, right?¡±


    .....


    Mr. Twiggles...


    If that shark plushy was alive like toy story toys it would realize that it was brought home to be a therapy plushy just like a therapy dog.


    ¡°Maybe it¡¯s for the best...,¡± he said pausing for a long time before continuing, ¡°When people involve emotions it bes mentally exhausting. Don¡¯t you think so?¡±


    Mr. Twiggles...


    It¡¯s safe to say Zi Han was having a conversation with himself at this point. He carried Mr. Twiggles into the walk-in closet and continued ranting while looking for clothes.


    ¡°Well, he did save me a couple of times..... but still... let¡¯s not talk about it. It¡¯s too depressing.¡±


    This gloomy atmosphere hovered above his head for an entire night. For hours he was sitting at his desk studying hard. This was the only way he could get out of his head.


    Yi Chen had no idea that Zi Han was nning to break up with him..... okay fine, not break up but break up their friendship. He only felt something was very wrong the next day.


    The cheerful Zi Han who always nced over in his direction and smiled at him was icing him out like they were having a cold war.


    Unlike Zi Han who was good with words, Yi Chen was very bad at it. He wasn¡¯t good at coaxing people and writing a message was like asking for half his life.


    Several times during the day he tried to message him but after typing and erasing so many times he finally gave up. Since they had to focus on studying Yi Chen decided to put the matter aside and focus on his work.


    He nned on talking to Zi Han about it after training but who would have thought Zi Han wouldn¡¯t even show up?


    Yi Chen had even bought his favorite vored water that he drank each time after training but the person didn¡¯t show up. Feeling a little frustrated he made a video call request but after two rings his call was directly cut off.


    Yi Chen raked his fingers through his hair as if debating what to say next. With a sigh, he called Li Ran and after a single ring, the video call was answered.


    Li Ran appeared to be in the fashion district with his eldest sister when he answered the call. ¡°What¡¯s up?¡± He asked while sitting down on the couch near the changing rooms.


    ¡°My little disciple ran off to god knows where. Can you find him for me?¡± asked Yi Chen trying to calm himself down.


    Li Ran bit his bottom lip with a thoughtful expression before replying, ¡°I will use his light brain to find him. Just give me a minute.¡±


    ¡°Thanks....,¡± replied Yi Chen as he rubbed the back of his neck with his stray strands of hair hanging loose on his forehead. What he didn¡¯t realize was that he had attracted a vulture.


    From behind Li Ran, a petite girl with long hair walked out of the changing room. She was about to ask Li Ran what he thought when she caught the side profile of her future husband rubbing the back of his neck with his head lowered.


    Drooling over his handsome face she gulped while tiptoeing over there slowly. During a hunt, the lioness hides in the tall grass making sure to move slowly not to scare the prey. She abided by this rule and crouched down behind the couch while peeking at the video call.


    Yi Chen who had been patiently waiting for a response heard a message prompt on his light brain thus he opened it. Zi Han had sent him a message and it read:


    HandsomeHan: I am noting for training today.


    HandsomeHan: I have something to do.


    Yi Chen was slightly annoyed. That¡¯s because there was no exnation. It was a simple, ¡°I am noting,¡± and that was it.


    His patience wearing thin he raised his head to ask Li Ran how long it would take but before he could utter a single word he saw a pair of green eyes watching him from behind the couch.


    Having been noticed Li Ran¡¯s sister didn¡¯t bother hiding. She walked around the couch before sitting next to her brother with a smitten look on her face.


    ¡°Gege,¡± she said and Li Ran shoved her face away while apologizing,


    ¡°I am so sorry for her. She can¡¯t help herself.¡±


    ¡°Li Ran!¡± she spoke through gritted teeth while pushing away his hand and reaching to yank his hair.


    ¡°I sent it to you. Ow.... shit, I am going to tell mum,¡± he said before the video call was cut short.


    Yi Chen wanted to go rescue him but when he saw Zi Han¡¯s location his heart sank. Zi Han wasn¡¯t at home but a hotel, with whom.... doing what exactly?


    It seemed the concept that hotels equals mostly sex was carried forth for thousands of generations. Most people in the federation truly believed so as well.

 Chapter 164

    164 I much prefer it if it¡¯s just you


    I mean it makes sense that if a said person is in a rtionship with a particr individual and they want to hook up without their families finding out then a hotel would be the most suited option.


    This was even one of the most expensive hotels in Capital Star. Yi Chen¡¯s thoughts couldn¡¯t remain pure no matter how hard he tried. Dropping everything he left the academy to find him. He didn¡¯t even know what he would do when he finds him. All he could think about was getting there. As for what happens after it was yet to be seen.


    Zi Han on the other hand had decided to take on his grandfather¡¯s offer and use the two-hour session booked for him.


    If Yi Chen wasn¡¯t willing then why not pay a professional to do it for him, right? Sure he would feel ufortable at first having a stranger touching his body but strangers could be familiars in the future so why not give it a try?


    As he entered the hotel he received a video request from Yi Chen. He wanted to answer having realized that Yi Chen was probably waiting for him in the training room.


    Feeling apologetic his finger hovered on the green button but before he pressed it someone approached him. It was one of the employees of the hotel asking if he would like some assistance.


    It was for this reason that he rejected the call. As they led him to the spa Zi Han typed a quick message and because it was done in a haste he didn¡¯t even choose his words carefully.


    ¡°Please sit here sir,¡± said thedy before she approached the reception desk of the spa and presented his card.


    The girl at the reception listen to what the woman said and nodded her head before entering something into the system.


    .....


    Two minutester the woman left the reception and said to him, ¡°They will assist you just now, sir,¡± with a graceful smile as she handed him back the card.


    Zi Han thanked her before lowering his head and writing a message to his mother.


    HandsomeHan: Are youing back home tonight?


    While he was waiting for her response a boy dressed in a white uniform came into the reception and asked, ¡°Do I have any appointments or I can knock off early?¡±


    The receptionist smiled at him and said, ¡°Well, now you do.... and you won¡¯t be disappointed.¡±


    The boy looked over and his brow twitched. Everyone knew he preferred men and not just men but tall strong men with handsome faces. And having broken up with his boyfriend and moved on he was on the market. He normally didn¡¯t give his clients a second nce but this guy was to his liking.


    Such a rare treasure had fallen out of the sky like a piece of pie and onto hisp. Since there are multitudes of bottoms for every top in the federation it would be stupid if he didn¡¯t at least get his number.


    Zi Han who had no idea he had be a target was reading his mother¡¯s response. To be more precise it was his grandfather¡¯s response to Zi Xingxi¡¯s light brain.


    HanHan¡¯sMommy: It¡¯s your grandpa.


    HanHan¡¯sMommy: Your mother is busy beating the heck out of mechs.


    HanHan¡¯sMommy: I regret bringing her here.


    HanHan¡¯sMommy: help!


    Zi Han¡¯s lips quirked as he read his grandfather¡¯s cries of distress.


    The boy was still a little hesitant but seeing that charming smile he bit his lip and encouraged himself.


    The receptionist pumped her fist and whispered, ¡°Good luck.¡±


    Zi Han¡¯s light was suddenly blocked by a shadow. When he raised his head he saw a pretty-looking boy with snow white skin, cherry plump lips, and long messy hair with a fringe.


    ¡°Hello sir, I am Yate and I will be taking care of you today,¡± said the boy.


    Zi Han felt a little ufortable being addressed as sir more especially when the person was slightly older than him.


    He straightened his back and cleared his throat before saying, ¡°Um..... you can call me Han Han. Well, at least that¡¯s what my ssmates call me.¡±


    Yate didn¡¯t think that they would progress that fast. He pursed his lips suppressing the most beautiful smile before saying, ¡°I wouldn¡¯t be that presumptuous but you can decide after the session whether I am qualified to address you as such.¡± Zi Han was caught off guard for a moment but he could only nod his head and follow his lead.


    It didn¡¯t take Yi Chen too long to reach this ce but it indeed took him a while to find Zi Han. To be exact it took him thirty minutes and in those thirty minutes, a whole lot happened.


    Zi Han was lying t on his stomach while listening to the soothing music in the background his eyes closed. With the sweet fragrance of burning incense, the ambiance was perfect for one to calm their mind and relieve themselves of the pressures of life.


    Everything was perfect. It¡¯s just that the hands weren¡¯t as strong and tough as Yi Chen¡¯s. Don¡¯t get him wrong, Yate hit all the right acupoints and his hands were rather skillful but it didn¡¯t feel the same.


    While untangling the knots in Zi Han¡¯s aching muscles, Yate would asionally speak to him. Zi Han was so rxed that he found himself answering questions he wouldn¡¯t normally answer. If this was an interrogation, Zi Han might have unknowingly exposed state secrets.


    ¡°Did your girlfriend book this session for you?¡± asked Yate after much hesitation.


    Zi Han gently shook his head in a daze. What girlfriend? Why would he even ask that?¡±


    ¡°Oh.... boyfriend then?¡± asked Yate his wrist pressed on Zi Han¡¯s lower back.


    Zi Han groaned before responding calmly. ¡°No.... grandpa.¡±


    ¡°Oh....,¡± replied Yate and he stopped talking for a very long time.


    ¡°Do you take bookings.... like, ah..... can I specifically ask for you?¡± asked Zi Han. He much preferred it if one person had these sessions with him thus he asked but Yate misunderstood.


    He must have done a pretty good job for Zi Han to request only for him.


    ¡°Yes.... that¡¯s fine but isn¡¯t it a little fast? Don¡¯t you want to try maybe have a massage from a girl.... Thedies here are quite skilled,¡± he said his voice soft and soothing which was fitting for this setting. This was a low-key way of trying to find out his orientation but Zi Han waspletely clueless.


    ¡°No.... I much prefer it if it¡¯s just you,¡± he replied making things worse.

 Chapter 165

    165 GET OUT!!!


    Yi Chen¡¯s emotions were stretched taut like a bowstring as he walked into that hotel. He felt unrestrained possessiveness towards Zi Han and the thought of him being with someone else terrified the heck out of him.


    As soon as those sliding doors opened someone attended to him. But when they saw his face they almost copsed to the floor.


    ¡°That, that, that.....,¡± they stammered but Yi Chen immediately shut it down.


    He pulled up a picture with Zi Han¡¯s side profile. The picture seemed to have been taken secretly. Don¡¯t even bother asking who took that picture. It was another one of Yi Chen¡¯s habits that possibly needed to be addressed in the future.


    ¡°Uh... I, I can check for you... for you, sir,¡± they said only for the woman who led Zi Han to the spa earlier to walk over and interrupt them. She had clearly seen that her co-worker was struggling and star-struck so she could only step in.


    ¡°Good afternoon sir.... If you don¡¯t mind I can take a look,¡± she said.


    When Yi Chen gave her the go-ahead she took a look at the image and continued saying, ¡°Oh, this young man is by the spa. Would you like me to show you the way?¡±


    Yi Chen¡¯s brow furrowed hearing this. Why the hell would Zi Han be at the spa....


    ¡®Fuck!¡¯ he swore internally realizing the reason. AAAAHHHH, this guy had been reced with absolutely no second thought.


    .....


    The word hurt couldn¡¯t even begin to describe how he was feeling right now. Yes, he knew he was being unreasonable. Since he couldn¡¯t give Zi Han what he wants it was only natural that he would go elsewhere but he couldn¡¯t ept it.


    His pace increased with a hint of urgency on his face. The woman could judge the current situation and hence walked faster but why did it seem like a dog-blooded scene of a disgruntled husband here to catch his wife cheating?


    As soon as they reached the spa Yi Chen didn¡¯t even wait for the woman to speak. He just asked the receptionist girl, ¡°Where is he?¡± his heart racing like he was about to go to war.


    The girl¡¯s cheeks turned red seeing this handsome specimen. She knew who he was and sincerely hoped he hade for her.


    With a pop, her bubble was burst by her coworker who whispered, ¡°The man from before.¡±


    ¡°Oh,¡± she eximed before directly reporting a suite number, ¡°room fifteen.... but there is still an hour and fifteen minutes lef-.¡±


    Before she could even finish her sentence he had already walked away and in two strides he was standing in front of the door as a sh of hesitation swept through his eyes.


    What was he even going to do? How was he going to exin his impulsive behavior? Unfortunately for him, he had no time to think it through because the receptionist tapped a card on the keypad and the door slid open.


    Normally they would respect a guest¡¯s privacy but they were people one shouldn¡¯t offend and Yi Chen was one of them. Not because of his future Marshal status but his mother.


    You offend the Marshal you can be forgiven but offend his wife and your entire empire might crumble.


    Yate who was kneading the sides of Zi Han¡¯s waist was startled when the door was opened. With slight confusion on his face, he opened his mouth and asked, ¡°What seems.... Ah, you ar-.¡±


    ¡°GET OUT!!!¡±


    Yate, ¡°....¡±


    Zi Han, ¡°.....¡±


    ¡°I uh.....,¡± stammered Yate but sensing the murderous intenting from one of the most sought-after bachelors in the federation he dashed out of the room almost tripping over himself. The door closed slowly and peace was restored.


    Zi Han raised half his body with a furrow in between his brows. When he saw Yi Chen¡¯s angry appearance he rubbed his temple in frustration.


    ¡°I only told you I won¡¯t being today and you through such a fuss...,¡± he said feeling a headacheing on.


    Yi Chen who also felt ridiculous for being here clenched his fist as he stood there like a statue. He felt a little ashamed but he didn¡¯t regret it. ¡°Get dressed.... we are leaving.¡± Zi Han sneered as he sat up.


    With Zi Han¡¯s naked upper body in Yi Chen¡¯s full view, he found that he couldn¡¯t speak. His heated gaze lingered on that smooth skin and toned chest muscles as he stood stiffly in ce.


    ¡°We haven¡¯t even begun to discuss how you walked in here and disturbed my private session yet you want me to get dressed and walk out with you. What the fuck is wrong with you?¡± said Zi Han as he got up.


    Zi Han was about to dish it out to him when the knot on his towel loosened and it slid off his body.


    Caught unprepared Yi Chen closed his eyes with his hand while pressing his lips into a thin line. His heart was beating in his ears and his stomach churning in nervousness.


    Zi Han who wanted to scold him and his ancestors was at a loss. He nced down at his lower body which was covered with a pair of ck trunks and sighed.


    ¡°Put, put on some clothes,¡± said Yi Chen his entire face set aze.


    ¡°The fuck.... look. Seriously take a look,¡± he said but Yi Chen took a step back. Zi Han licked his canine tooth with a bewildered expression on his face. What was there to be shy about when they were both men?


    Zi Han reached out and pulled Yi Chen¡¯s fingers off his eyes but the taller man was stubborn.


    Yi Chen took another step back and his back hit the door. His chest heaving deeply he opened and closed his mouth several times trying toe up with an excuse not to see Zi Han naked.


    Once this thought crossed his mind he suddenly felt upset. Did that boy just now see Zi Han naked? His chest ached painfully as an inexhaustible me stirred up in the pit of his stomach.


    Overtaken by jealousy he said, ¡°Zi Han you even dare to parade naked in....,¡± but he abruptly stopped when he removed his hand from his eyes and saw that Zi Han was wearing a familiar pair of trunks.


    He had seen him like this before but it was through a video call. Now that he had seen it live his heartbeat quickened and blood rushed to his head. Soon a warm liquid trickled down his nose and Zi Han eximed.


    ¡°Ah! Chen-ge, your nose is bleeding,¡± he said reaching over to touch Yi Chen but his hand was suddenly dodged.


    Yi Chen pinched his nose and with his head tilted backward he said, ¡°I will be waiting for you outside,¡± before dashing out of there like his ass had been set aze.


    Zi Han, ¡°.....¡±

 Chapter 166

    166 A little bit of NSFW


    The receptionist and Yate who were trying so hard not to eavesdrop were startled when they saw Yi Chen rushing out of room fifteen like he had seen a ghost.


    Soon Zi Han popped his head at the door and smiled apologetically, ¡°Sorry it seems I can only end this session here.¡±


    The two stared at him all wide-eyed theirplexions ashen before ncing over at the disappearing figure of Yi Chen. It seemed they had stumbled upon some kind of secret.


    At some point, Yi Chen had taken off his jacket and he was walking through the corridors with it hanging on his arm covering something down south.


    He was still pinching his nose and should have had that taken care of first but he headed for his hovercar instead disregarding all the funny looks he was getting on the way.


    As soon as he entered his hovercar he took out a handkerchief and wiped his nose. The bleeding had lessened significantly thus he sat down with his head leaning back and his legs spread apart.


    He could feel his member throbbing in his pants and even tried to calm himself down by doing breathing exercises with his eyes closed. Unfortunately for him, whenever he closed his eyes all he saw was Zi Han standing before him with only a pair of ck trunks.


    He imagined himself picking Zi Han up and cing him on the massage bed and proceeding to fuck him hard till he swore he would never let other men touch his body.


    He imagined himself putting him in all those positions he learnt from that informative video and thrust into that tight ce until Zi Han was crying out husband of his own ord.


    .....


    Yi Chen opened his eyes abruptly and realized that this fire wasn¡¯t going to die down on its own. Having made up his mind he whispered, ¡°Ran, turn on private mode.¡±


    ¡°Yes sir for ho-.....,¡± replied the Ai but Yi Chen interjected,


    ¡°And pull up.... pull up image six in my secret folder.... Make it three-dimensional,¡± he said before licking his dry lips.


    His adam¡¯s apple rolled when he saw the holographic gif of Zi Han smiling at him while sitting on his hoverbike. Yi Chen bit his lower lip while whipping out his hard object.


    Since his hovercar was set on private mode no one could disturb him. Even Ran had been put to sleep hence with no sense of shame he could take care of his private matters.


    He grasped the shaft of his cock and whispered, ¡°Ah Han Han.... you are driving me crazy..... mmm....¡±


    As his hand stroked his shaft up to the tip of his cock he shuddered involuntarily. An inexplicable wave of numbness spread all over his body.


    In the gif, a slight breeze lifted Zi Han¡¯s skirt and he imagined that it was his hand slipping underneath the hem to caress the youth¡¯s alluring ass.


    The speed of his hand increased as he imagined that he was thrusting his hardness inside that special ce. ¡°Oh.... Han Han... ah, fuck,¡± he groaned while calling out the name of the person he truly wanted to be with.


    A clear liquid seeped like a gentle spring from the tip of his cock down to his fingers that were clumsily stroking his shaft. Soon squelching sounds and uneven breaths filled the silent hovercar with tinted windows.


    From the outside, no one knew that the future Marshal was enthusiastically stroking himself to a picture of his crush.


    Soon his breathing became erratic as his entire body tensed up. He felt chills on his thighs, scalp, and groin area. The feeling was so delightful that he didn¡¯t want it to end.


    Overwhelmed by the urge to cum the muscles in his entire body tightened. He arched his back and he softly called out Zi Han¡¯s name as he thrust his pelvis forward shooting his cum into his hand.


    ¡°Ah fuck,¡± he whispered feeling a sense of satisfaction. He felt a kind of hollow but enjoyable feeling in his lower belly and groin area.


    But this feeling didn¡¯tst because he suddenly felt a sense of guilt. He rubbed his forehead with his free hand while staring at Zi Han¡¯s image in front of him.


    He pursed his lips before opening his mouth to apologize. But before he could say anything he heard Zi Han¡¯s voice calling him from outside the hovercar.


    ¡°Chen-ge..... damn it. Is this even the right hovercar,¡± whispered Zi Han before ncing over at another simr hovercar parked not far away.


    They both had the symbol of hydra on the doors. That¡¯s because they were both military-issued hovercars which made it difficult for Zi Han to distinguish between them.


    Yi Chen¡¯s body froze hearing this. He had even hadn¡¯t the time to clean up. Feeling slightly panicked he grabbed a wet wipe and cleaned all the cum off his hands.


    Because he had begun to run around his nose that had stopped bleeding began to bleed again. It seemed everything was going to shit. This truly wasn¡¯t his day.


    He quickly put away his machine gun and ordered Ran to freshen up the hovercar. After making sure there was nothing suspicious-looking he opened the door.


    Zi Han was standing a few feet away while contemting whether to go to the other hovercar or not. He decided to message Yi Chen when he heard a familiar voice calling for him.


    Zi Han turned around and when he met Yi Chen¡¯s gaze he smiled involuntarily. He walked over and entered the hovercar.


    He was about to sit next to Yi Chen and check his nose but Yi Chen stretched out his hand preventing him from moving forward. Feeling a little disappointed be sat opposite Yi Chen whileining, ¡°You truly are cold to me. Shouldn¡¯t you be apologizing for barging into my treatment session?¡±


    Yi Chen loosened his hold on the handkerchief covering his nose and said, ¡°I willpensate you. From now on I will massage your body twice a week. Is that fine?¡±


    Zi Han was pleased to hear this. This was what he wanted from the beginning thus he was very happy but soon the smile on his face sank.


    That¡¯s because Yi Chen just had to add a condition. ¡°That is if you promise you would be open with me in the future.¡±


    Zi Han wasn¡¯t certain that he could keep that promise but under the temptation of getting a massage, he couldn¡¯t refuse.


    ¡°Sure, I will try my very best to be open in the future... now let me see those gifted hands,¡± said Zi Han as he half knelt in front of Yi Chen to take a look.


    Yi Chen who knew what he had used one of his hands for a couple of minutes ago, ¡°....¡±

 Chapter 167

    167 ¡°Chen-ge, are you thirsty?¡±


    You know that face one makes when they see someone ying with fire more especially someone who has no idea how painful it is getting burnt? Well, Yi Chen had on that face as Zi Han knelt before him in between his legs that were spread apart.


    If Yi Chen didn¡¯t begin to imagine certain things at this moment then he wasn¡¯t a man. Faced with the one he likes kneeling before his crotch like he was about to perform some type of special service he couldn¡¯t help but have some expectations.


    He subconsciously licked his bottom lip while cing his hand that Zi Han wanted to grab onto the headrest of the seat. That hand hadmitted a shameless act and he didn¡¯t want Zi Han touching it.


    Zi Han grabbed the other hand and begin to pinch his palm while saying, ¡°Your hands are so rough.¡±


    Yi Chen subconsciously adjusted his sitting position and asked, ¡°Do you dislike it?¡±


    Zi Han shook his head in refusal as he kept pinching his palm. Yi Chen felt a bit better but he still wasn¡¯t reassured so he asked, ¡°Was that boy better than me..... I mean as, as in the massage?¡± fumbling on his words.


    Zi Han raised his head and smiled while looking up at Yi Chen¡¯s face. ¡°His hands were too soft. Of course, I prefer it if you do it.... It¡¯s just that you are very stingy,¡± he said with thetter sentence spoken with his head lowered again.


    Zi Han began to yfully trace the lines on Yi Chen¡¯s palm while negotiating, ¡°How about you up the days to four in a week? My muscles really get sore from all thatborious training.¡±


    Yi Chen drew back his hand but Zi Han caught his wrist and pulled him back. ¡°Chen-ge, do you want me to go back to the spa...,¡± his voice like that of a boyfriend trying to convince his girlfriend to do it without a condom.


    .....


    Despite the consequences, Yi Chen was very much interested and wanted to take him up on that offer. He cleared his throat while peeling Zi Han¡¯s hand off his wrist.


    ¡°Sit properly first so we can talk nicely,¡± he said his voice low-pitched and slightly hoarse. His Adam¡¯s apple bobbed before a light exhale escaped between his parted lips.


    Zi Han looked at him and with a charming smile he said, ¡°Chen-ge, are you thirsty?¡±


    Yi Chen¡¯s breath hitched his heart pounding hard against his chest. Of course, he was thirsty. He was thirsty as fuck but how to say it? The tips of his ears felt so hot and the heat was rushing toward his face.


    His nose had already stopped bleeding but at the rate at which things were going, he was going to have another nose bleed. However what Zi Han said next instantly doused the fire running rampant in his body.


    ¡°I can get you some water if you want... here,¡± said Zi Hanpletely unaware of what Yi Chen was thinking.


    Yi Chen, ¡°....¡±


    Okay, it was indeed his fault. It was his own fault that he overthought it. Zi Han handed him the bottle of water as he stood up.


    But before he could go back to his seat a loud proximity warning was issued and with a sharp swerve the hovercar changed course and Zi Han¡¯s body was flung away.


    Zi Han felt a strong arm pull him into an embrace and shield his body from hitting the frame of the hovercar.


    As soon as the vehicle came to a stop Zi Han opened his eyes and he was met by Yi Chen¡¯s anxious expression. ¡°Are you okay?¡± asked Yi Chen his arm hugging Zi Han tightly unwilling to let him go.


    Zi Han blinked absentmindedly for a second tracing Yi Chen¡¯s face with his gaze. It took Yi Chen rubbing his cheek with his thumb while calling his name softly to bring him back to earth.


    ¡°Han Han,¡± he said and Zi Han who had been staring at him came back to his senses.


    ¡°I am fine....,¡± he replied before hastily sitting up, ¡°are you okay?¡±


    Yi Chen nodded his head before helping him get up. His back was a little sore but it wasn¡¯t worth mentioning.


    ¡°Ran.... what¡¯s going on?¡± he asked and the AI system promptly responded.


    ¡°Sir a portal just opened in the middle of the road causing a multiple vehicle ident,¡± it responded as a floating screen with live footage from the outside appeared.


    He could see a cluster of vehicles rammed into each other while a beast smaller in size than whenpared to the ones they fought was engaged in battle with Capital Star¡¯s defense system, Sheba.


    The portal had already disappeared like it meant to release one beast before it closed. Due to the previous attack on Captial Star, Sheba had received a massive upgrade and thus it was especially ruthless tearing the creature to shreds.


    ¡°Should we.....,¡± asked Zi Han his gaze transfixed on that beast attempting to flee despite having its arm and legs shot off.


    Yi Chen shook his head with a thoughtful expression. There was absolutely no need for them to go over and help. The defense system would take care of everything.


    His heart at this point was in turmoil. What happened today would happen again in the future putting Zi Han at risk. He had to find out how to stop this otherwise if anything happens to Zi Han he won¡¯t know what to do.


    He shifted his gaze and looked at the youth standing right next to him. Zi Han was still looking at the screen his expression serious like he was thinking about something. Yi Chen¡¯s hand subconsciously reached over. He was about to touch Zi Han¡¯s hand but his hand froze as he grazed the back of Zi Han¡¯s hand with his fingers.


    Zi Han absentmindedly hooked Yi Chen¡¯s finger with his as though reassuring him. His heart beat quickened as he shifted his gaze away.


    From his expression, one couldn¡¯t tell that his inner self was so happy that he could jump for joy. This was indeed a sign. Zi Han must have been moved by him and wouldn¡¯t refuse him if he confessed his feelings, right?


    ***


    ¡°This is uneptable.... very uneptable. Someone has to ount for this!¡±


    ¡°Admit it, Marshal Yi. You have failed to perform your sworn duty which is to protect the federation and its people.¡±


    ¡°No one is safe. My family can¡¯t even go outside with confidence. Who knows when the next portal would open and wreak havoc?¡±

 Chapter 168

    168 The Republic?!


    ¡°It has to be the fault of that rogue organization. Admit it.... ever since that woman took charge of the Bloodgarde they have been running around like hooligans doing whatever they please...¡±


    ¡°Like I have said before we need to confiscate her fleet and arrest all the members of the Bloodgarde. Tear down that criminal organization!¡±


    ¡°I second that....¡±


    ¡°I agree as well....¡±


    ¡°We should vote on it.¡±


    These voices of angry men and women casting stones at Marshal Yi and the Bloodgarde were the group of prime ministers ruling the federation in ce of the monarch.


    The entire discussion was centered on the recent indiscriminatory attacks sweeping through the entire federation.


    Well, indiscriminatory might not be the right word because the attacks were targetting a particr group.


    After careful examination, an unexpected pattern had emerged. On each of the attackeds, the portals never opened in the slums or middle-ss society.


    .....


    They would always appear in affluent areas where the wealthy wine and dined or important federation buildings and manufacturing sights.


    If one analyzed the situation carefully it seemed these attacks were meant to cripple the federation. If these random attacks were happening to disadvantagedmunities they wouldn¡¯t have gathered urgently in person to have this meeting.


    Marshal Yi who was sitting at the far end of the table was rubbing his forehead in frustration. His hair seemed a little thin and his eyes were puffy like he hadn¡¯t slept at all in the past couple of days.


    He would have retired by now and handed over military power to them before taking his family away that is if it weren¡¯t for the ancestors before him. The room descended into chaos as two factions began to argue with each other like preschoolers. Their voices were loud with some talking over each other and others almost breaking into a fist fight.


    Marshal Yi was about to restore order when the door that was closed shut was pushed open. Two men walked in and behind them was a face familiar to all of them.


    Everyone¡¯s expressions turned colorful seeing her. Some were frightened beyond words while others were gasping in horror. Some even had disgusted expressions but Zi Xingxi didn¡¯t care.


    She had spent the entire day beating the shit out of others in underground mech battles when Lynn Feng told her that these idiots were having a little gathering and nned to do a little vote to take her and the Bloodgarde down.


    Her body covered in blood she walked over and sat right at the head of the table making sure to put her feet up.


    The room fell into silence as they followed her figure with their eyes. She took out the royal family¡¯s medallion and with a loud bang, she ced it on the table causing a few people to jolt in fright.


    After the initial shock wore off one of the brazen prime ministers stood up abruptly causing their chair to fall over with a loud thud.


    ¡°Guards arrest her!!!¡± he roared and soon a few others echoed but despite their shouts, no one showed up. It was as though they hadn¡¯t heard them.


    Zi Xingxi smiled slyly while yfully spinning the medallion on the table. Seeing that smile the prime minister decided to take matters into his own hands. He drew his weapon and shouted, ¡°Zi Xingxi, you are under arrest for crimesmitted against the federation.¡±


    Zi Xingxi found his reaction quite amusing. What crimes against the federation? She executed criminals sucking the life out of the federation. She was only doing the job entrusted to her by the royal family.


    A low chuckle escaped her throat as she gazed at the prime minister pointing aser gun at her.


    Her response further infuriated the prime minister and his finger subconsciously moved to the trigger. Seeing this Zi Xingxi wasn¡¯t at all panicked.


    She calmly stared at him with a leisurely gaze while saying, ¡°You need to ask yourself if you are prepared to ept the consequences of drawing your weapon on me....¡±


    ¡°Prime minster Ioane, you have one gun..... me on the other hand, I have an entire armed cruiser right behind me.¡±


    As soon as she said this a cruiser with all its weapons engaged appeared behind her. They could see it through the floor-to-ceiling windows as its camouge slowly disappeared revealing itself.


    ¡°I also have a warship with cannon sters powerful enough to blow holes into Capital Star so... why don¡¯t put away that toy gun of yours and sit down obediently.¡±


    ¡°You!.....,¡± yelled prime minister Ioane the veins on his temples throbbing.


    ¡°How can you say that?! You and your family would die along with us,¡± yelled prime minister De La Cruz trying to expose her bluff.


    Zi Xingxi chortled before replying, ¡°I died the day the Royal family died so I am prepared to die.... as for my family..... they would have already left the before I give the order.¡±


    Marshal Yi knew she would do it thus he raised his hand and gestured for the prime minister to holster his weapon and sit down.


    Gritting his teeth prime minister Ioane sat down and the others didn¡¯t dare call out for her arrest.


    ¡°Now that¡¯s out of the way you can carry on with your discussion..... where were we?¡± she said acting as though she had been around since the beginning.


    After a short silence, prime minister ¡Á¡Á¡Á of Capital Star spoke up first. ¡°We have verified suspicions that you and your band of criminals have something to do with the recent attacks. Do you deny this allegation?¡±


    Zi Xingxi smiled evilly at this old man and replied, ¡°Verified.... ha. And what would my motive be if I may ask? What would I gain from this?¡± she said while cing her entwined hands behind her head, ¡°Pray do tell.¡±


    ¡°It¡¯s because you me us for failing your duty. It was you who failed to protect his royal highness but yo-..... Ah, shit,¡± swore the prime minister when one of the men apanying Zi Han took off his heavy-duty issued boot it at him. That person also happened to be secretary K.


    After hearing such nderous nonsense he made sure that the culprit ate his boot just to shut him up.


    ¡°What is wrong with you!¡±


    ¡°Attacking one of the prime ministers of the federation is punishable by death!¡±


    ¡°Take him down!¡±


    Zi Xingxi soon got tired of the noise so she drew her handgun and shot up the ceiling.


    BANG! BANG! BANG!


    Screams and sounds of chairs scratching the floor filled the room as some people hid underneath the table.


    ¡°Instead of focusing on the Bloodgarde who have no other interests apart from sweeping filth out of the governance of the Federation..... you need to shift your focus on an old enemy lost in history,¡± she said and the room fell back into silence again.


    ¡°The Republic?!¡±


    Zi Xingxi¡¯s lips shrugged as he watched these cowering idiots.


    ¡°You are mad!¡±


    ¡°How can the Republic possess such an ability?¡±

 Chapter 169

    169 A forgotten enemy


    The Republic....., the thorn in the federation¡¯s eye, a problem child that no one wanted to talk about. Onyx Federation¡¯s stance on the Republic was clearly demonstrated by the way this dark history was erased.


    No one spoke of the Republic so much so that only five percent of the poption knew about it.


    During the exodus mission from the dying earth, the fleet of space arks performed a series of space jumps seeking a suitable home for humans.


    After several jumps with half their supplies gone, they finally found themselves an appropriate star system and settled on one of the most suitables.


    This should have been the end of this tedious journey in deep space but things weren¡¯t so simple. The was ridden by bloodthirsty beasts that were incredibly difficult to deal with.


    When they initiallynded on the there weren¡¯t any issues.


    They began to settle down and build what should have been new earth. A month in and people began to disappear one by one in the dead of night.


    It was then that they realized that this wasn¡¯t vacant. Its upants were underground lying dormant. Now that easy prey was within their reach more beasts crawled out of the ground like devils crawling out of hell and blood was spilled.


    In less than a week a quarter of the poption was ughtered hence the royal family and the advisory council had toe up with a solution.


    .....


    The royal family wanted to do another space jump. They were certain that the next jump would lead to a far better star system that they would thrive in but they were met with a lot of resistance.


    People were tired of staying in a cramped space in hopes that there was a better world out there. What if such a ce never existed and this was the best they could get?


    This was the beginning of two separate factions each with its own ideas of what the future of mankind should look like. It was also at this time that there was a breakdown in the royal family.


    Two brothers, one who didn¡¯t have any knowledge of space jumps and space charts but wanted to inherit the throne, the other a genius also known as the savior of the human race disagreed.


    The decision on the future of the human race suddenly changed into a fight for the throne. Things were tense between the two factions resulting in several confrontations both verbally and physically.


    A vote was cast and most people voted to stay. They wanted to fight these creatures and bring humans on top of the food chain so they could thrive just like on old earth.


    A n was drawn and on the night they attacked the creatures right at the source the faction that lost the vote gathered some resources and took off into space. This had been their n all along. No vote was going to stop that faction from leaving.


    To be fair they calcted the percentage of resources they could take based on the number of people leaving with them.


    Having lost the fight and half their poption dead, they returned to home base only to find that everyone who voted to leave was gone.


    Some regretted that decision and most med the federation for their loss. They strongly believed that if they had fought together as a unit against those beasts they would have won.


    The prince who had been abandoned by his family because he had chosen to lead the republic broadcast a call with his brother asking him to be reasonable and return with the space ark.


    The two brothers confronted each other with their argument escting beyond reconciliation. It was at this moment the Federation made an enemy out of the Republic and vice versa.


    This enemy was soon forgotten by the Onyx Federation but Zi Xingxi was insinuating that the sleeping giant had finally found a way to exact revenge.


    Considering the fact that the Republked the knowledge of how to perform space jumps and didn¡¯t possess the charts mapping out the universe her conjecture seemed ridiculous.


    Zi Xingxi didn¡¯t care what they were thinking. She snorted coldly before saying, ¡°You directly and indirectly, killed the only person who could help you find the Republic and hit them where it hurts.¡±


    She removed her feet from the table and stood up with a nonchnt attitude. ¡°You cane after me all you want but I willy waste of your entire army and once I am done I will ughter each and every one of you....,¡± she said looking in the Marshal¡¯s direction, ¡°so I highly suggest you think it through carefully.¡±


    After saying this Zi Xingxi left without looking back. It was at this moment she began considering withdrawing Zi Han from the military academy. She feared that it was like sending a defenselessmb into the wolf¡¯s den.


    Unfortunately, Zi Han didn¡¯t agree with her. He was just as stubborn as his father which was incredibly frustrating.


    Her words seemed to have worked because they didn¡¯t pursue the matter further. Despite that, Zi Xingxi remained vignt. Like she said before taking away her baby was the same as directly killing her. She loved her son so much and would sacrifice her life for him.


    ***


    The atmosphere in Scy Military Academy was especially tranquil for the past two weeks. That¡¯s because the students were going through the most torturous experience in their entire lives.


    They were going through their exams for the misceneous subjects they deemed irrelevant. Yes, these subjects could be the difference between life and death on the battlefield but that didn¡¯t stop them from hating it.


    Today though marked the end of this torturous journey and these dignified cadets had big ns. One wouldn¡¯t guess the organizers of such an event. It was the so-called upright and smart students of ss one.


    As soon as the exam time was up, Zi Han who had been looking forward to this very moment jolted out of his seat just as the examiners exited through the main door.


    With a menacing chuckle, he whispered something to Shorty before walking over to Yi Chen¡¯s desk.


    With his fingertips pressed on Yi Chen¡¯s desk, he leaned down and asked, ¡°ss president Chen, how do you intend to celebrate finishing the exams?¡±


    Yi Chen looked up with his head tilted to the side and said, ¡°We haven¡¯t finished.... we still have an entire semester of intense training.¡±


    Zi Han waved his hand before resting it on his waist saying, ¡°Ai Chen-ge, you know what I mean.¡±


    Yi Chen stretched out his hand and stared at him with an arched brow. Zi Han immediately understood what he wanted. His lips twisted unnaturally before he took out Mr. Twiggles.


    ¡°He is with me this weekend,¡± said Yi Chen while squeezing the shark plushy¡¯s fin.


    Zi Han reached over to take the plushy but Yi Chen dodged his hand with a slight quirk at the corner of his mouth.

 Chapter 170

    170 Zi Han¡¯s first party


    ¡°Stop squeezing his fin like that. He doesn¡¯t like it,¡± said Zi Han causing Li Ran to break out into a chuckle. He had seen this plushy move back and forth between them numerous times but even now he still wasn¡¯t used to it. He still found it ridiculous.


    ¡°I am his dad so I will decide what he likes and doesn¡¯t like,¡± replied the straight-faced Yi Chen while pinching the fin repeatedly.


    Li Ran, ¡°...¡±


    Zi Hanughed out loud hearing this. ¡°So if you are the dad then what makes me? Chen-ge, you are lucky I am in a great mood otherwise.....¡± he said while wagging his finger.


    Yi Chen who had been brazentely grabbed his finger and pulled him closer before saying, ¡°Otherwise what?¡± with a hint of mischief in his eyes.


    ¡°I will..... I,¡± stammered Zi Han before he realized he had no idea what he meant to say after the word ¡®otherwise¡¯.


    Yi Chen¡¯s brow twitched as though urging him on. Zi Han pulled away his finger as he swore under his breath. ¡°Shit.... don¡¯t be so smug. I will find a way to make you miserable you will see.¡±


    After saying this Zi Han left and joined Shorty who was waiting for him at the door. Yi Chen followed Zi Han¡¯s figure with his eyes and a sweet smile appeared on his face once the person was gone.


    When he looked away Li Ran said, ¡°Tsk, tsk, why do you have on such a disgusting sweet smile?¡±


    .....


    Yi Chen rxed into his seat and sighed before saying, ¡°Don¡¯t ask questions you don¡¯t want answers to.¡±


    Li Ran chortled while logging out of the disy screen on his desk. That¡¯s when he noticed a line of sight on him.


    When he looked over he saw H looking in his direction. Time seemed to slow down at this moment as she made a finger gun gesture at him, closed one of her eyes and pretended to act like she was pulling the trigger with a devious smile on her face.


    Li Ran¡¯s lips quirked up as he ced his hand on his chest epting that this beauty had shot him in the heart.


    Yi Chen, ¡°.....¡±


    ¡°I am going to kiss her at the party tonight, I promise you that,¡± said Li Ran brimming with confidence. Yi Chen was uncertain if his buddy would be able to seed but he was truly envious.


    If only he had that confidence maybe he would have already given away his first kiss to Zi Han.


    ***


    Four hourster and Li Ran was putting his n into action while Zi Han was trying to casually walk out of the house without being interrogated.


    ¡°I am going out. Don¡¯t wait up,¡± said Zi Han while grabbing a handful of nuts from the bowl his mother was eating from.


    Zi Xingxi who had her feet up with a ss of whiskey beside her looked at him and smiled while saying, ¡°Hey handsome. You look good.¡±


    Zi Han looked down at his ordinary ck ankle-length slim jeans ripped around his knees and thighs and beige t-shirt before shaking his head.


    His mother who was tipsy by now gently patted his cheek and continued, ¡°Aww, you are even wearing your daddy¡¯s leather jacket.... He was wearing that the night we kissed for the first time.¡±


    Zi Han, ¡°.....¡±


    ¡°Well, I won¡¯t be kissing anyone tonight,¡± he said while cing his hand over hers.


    ¡°Don¡¯t mind her.... your mother has been under a lot of pressure..... but don¡¯t worry you go out and have fun. I will take good care of her,¡± said Zi Feiji as he ced a bowl of ramen in her hand before sitting next to her.


    ¡°Aww, thank you, daddy,¡± she said acting all spoilt like she was five years old again.


    Zi Han, ¡°....¡±


    It¡¯s a good thing he left the house when he did otherwise his mother wouldn¡¯t have let him go. She was crying for her baby a few minutes after he left the house.


    Instead of Old Lu driving him to H¡¯s vi it was secretary K. The entire way he was instructing Zi Han that is giving him a lecture on safety.


    Zi Xingxi had indeed offended a lot of people and it was especially crucial that they had safety protocols in ce and be prepared for anything.


    Zi Han wasn¡¯t impatient in the slightest. He listened quietly but in truth, he was very excited about his first party.


    As soon as the door of the hovercar opened Zi Han was like a bunny let out of a cage for the first time. He shot out like lightning leaving secretary K with a vexed expression.


    The moment Zi Han stepped through the door his eyes were suddenly closed by someone. That fragrant smell was so familiar to him that he directly called out, ¡°Shannon.¡±


    Annoyed she took her hands away and Shaun opened his light brain and said, ¡°Pay up. I told you he will be able to tell it¡¯s you.¡±


    Shorty chuckled while watching the crazy twins arguing over the bet that Shannon lost. He opened a beer for Zi Han and asked, ¡°Do you want it?¡±


    Zi Han smiled while epting it. ¡°Thanks,¡± he said before looking around. Through the floor-to-ceiling windows, he could see a group of students hanging around the luxurious heated pool. Some were in the water despite the weather and ying games.


    At the far end of thewn, smoke was rising as someone was turning burger patties, and a variety of meat pieces while the others were ting. Others were smoking and drinking while leisurely chatting.


    The interesting music tied everything together making it the perfect first-time party experience.


    While Zi Han was judging the party Li Ran who was standing a few feet away next to Yi Feng suddenly took a picture of Zi Han drinking a beer and sent it to Yi Chen.


    TheGoddess¡¯Man: [image.jpg]


    TheGoddess¡¯Man: I thought you said your little disciple won¡¯t being?


    Yi Chen who was having dinner out with his family took a casual nce at his light brain. He was about to ignore Li Ran when the second message prompt appeared.


    He stopped peeling shrimp for Ming Ming and took a look. When he opened the image he saw the very same person who said he wasn¡¯t going a couple of days ago drinking like a fish at the party.


    ¡°Ha....,¡± he muttered under his breath his expression darkening slightly. The betrayal was stabbing straight at his heart. What he didn¡¯t realize was that Zi Han only said he wasn¡¯t going to go because Yi Chen had told him he was going out with his family. Zi Han knew if he said he was going Yi Chen would change his ns for him thus he lied.

 Chapter 171

    171 Jaws of death


    ¡°What?... what¡¯s wrong?¡± asked Lin Ruoxi noticing her son was wiping his hands with a wet wipe like he was leaving.


    Yi Chen ignored Ming Ming¡¯s pitiful doe eyes staring at him aggrievedly as he replied, ¡°I need to do something. It¡¯s very important.¡±


    Marshal Yi who rarely spent time with his family these days reached for some shrimp and peeled it for Ming Ming to appease her. ¡°What could be more important than a family dinner?.... Can¡¯t it wait until we are done eating?¡± he said wondering when Yi Chen had be so impulsive.


    Unless if it was an emergency he wouldn¡¯t be easily rattled and drop everything without a second thought. Yi Chen¡¯s movements paused seeming reluctant.


    He didn¡¯t want to tell the truth and if he did his father would definitely not let him go. His beloved was at a party with alcohol and various other temptations so how could he not apany him? It turns out his decision to go was the best decision in his entire life.


    ¡°Eat first then you can go. No other emergency apart from the sky falling is worth you leaving in the middle of dinner..... Ow! Ming Ming!¡± yelled the Marshal as everyone stared in his direction.


    While her father was speaking to Yi Chen his hand that had the peeled shrimp kept moving around and the hungry Ming Ming kept following it with her eyes. Each time she reached for it her father¡¯s hand would move hence she lost her patience.


    Instead of taking the peeled shrimp from her father¡¯s hand she directly ate it biting his finger in the process and she was still biting.


    ¡°Ming Ming let go,¡± said Lin Ruoxi while signaling Yi Chen to leave with her eyes.


    .....


    Yi Chen¡¯s brow twitched probably thinking he had misunderstood her. Lin Ruoxi gestured for him to leave again while trying to coax Ming Ming to let go.


    ¡°What are her jaws made off? They are like the jaws of death.... Ming Ming, let go otherwise dad will get angry,¡± said Marshal Yi trying to pull his finger back without hurting her.


    Yi Youxi burst out inughter while Lin Ruoxi patted her cheek asking her to let go. As for the culprit she was giggling like she found this funny. She rarely got to mess with her father so yep.... she bit him like a little lizard.


    While the two parents were coaxing theirst born the eldest slipped out of the private room and went to find his little disciple who was drinking like a fish at this party.


    When he arrived there the ce was as noisy as it can get with loud music and everybody going wild like it was the end of the world. Well, once they officially enlist this would be thest big party they would have with their schoolmates hence they took advantage of it.


    When he entered the house he stumbled upon the most shocking scene of his entire life. His friend who dered he was going to kiss H tonight was being pressed on the kitchen counter getting kissed by her.


    It was an awkward light kiss but it very much counted. Yi Chen didn¡¯t want to interrupt them so he scanned the room for Zi Han. The young man was sitting with a group of people, most of which he could recognize. Like the rest, he was watching H smooching Li Ran¡¯s face. It seemed they were ying some sort of weird game with H being a part of it.


    Yi Chen took a step forward intending to stop Zi Han from ying such a horrible game when Yi Feng patted his shoulder while calling his name.


    Yi Chen¡¯s brows creased as he questioned him, ¡°Why are you here?¡±


    Yi Feng who hade here to run away from Le licked his lips, his eyes bleary before saying, ¡°You haven¡¯t been picking up my calls. I want to talk to you about something.¡±


    Yi Chen nced over in Zi Han¡¯s direction a little reluctant but Yi Feng¡¯s expression didn¡¯t look good so he could only follow his cousin.


    The two of them stood in the kitchen and Yi Feng opened up a bottle of beer for him. Two sips in and Yi Feng began to talk.


    ¡°I fucked up,¡± he said seeming a little distraught.


    Yi Chen¡¯s initial thought was that his cousin had rpsed and started taking drugs again but the monitoring system on his body didn¡¯t go off.


    ¡°What did you do?¡± he asked his expression serious like he was the oldest one between them.


    ¡°I... haaa..... my mum is going to fuckin kill me,¡± he said while rubbing his temples with his hand.


    Yi Chen who was slowly losing his patience said, ¡°Speak,¡± his toneced with slight annoyance. Thest time Yi Feng got himself in trouble he was also punished. They were like that pair of cousins who are always together when something bad happens. Despite only one of them being the culprit they both get punished.


    ¡°Okay, okay... I will tell you,¡± he said and pulled up his sleeve revealing his bisque-toned arm with obvious purple bruises. But that wasn¡¯t the highlight.


    The main issue was that the armband striped tattoo on his body was now missing one. It was obvious what had happened but who in the world did he give it to?


    ¡°It, it was an ident,¡± said Yi Feng while pulling down his sleeve.


    ¡°There are no idents with such things. That was no fuckin ident. It takes a whole lot of emotions for you to do that so it¡¯s not an ident,¡± said Yi Chen and the two of them fell into silence each drinking like this issue would disappear if they do.


    ¡°She is going to kill me,¡± said Yi Feng almost pulling out his hair.


    ¡°Yah no kidding.... she might kill you and me both,¡± said Yi Chen but that¡¯s when it hit him. Why would his aunt freak out? It¡¯s not like he gave it to someone he doesn¡¯t love. That¡¯s not how it works thus he asked,


    ¡°Who? Who is it?¡±


    Yi Feng, ¡°QAQ¡±


    That¡¯s right. Who did Yi Feng swear his undying love to? Well, not verbally but.... physically of course.


    Outside the vi, a luxurious white hovercar with blue lights on its outer edges all around the frame hastily drove in. The falcon-winged door opened and a pair of long legs emerged drawing the attention of the people standing outside.


    ¡°Who in the world...?¡± said one of the girls while taking a look.


    The result was that her face flushed staring at this tall man with a majestic aura. He was dressed in semi-formal wear with a light blue shirt and white pants like he hade directly from the office.

 Chapter 172

    172 Dare or drink?


    When he reached the group gawking at him he took off his sses revealing a pair of enthralling green eyes. Coupled with that smile he looked like an alluring dessert ready for the taking.


    ¡°Hie.....I am looking for Yi Feng?¡± he said and the group absentmindedly pointed at the door.


    ¡°Thanks,¡± he replied with an appreciative smile before walking away. The three people followed his figure with their eyes until he disappeared.


    ¡°Dang.... I want one of those,¡± said the girl only for her sister to smack her upside her head.


    ¡°This is a divine meal.... it can¡¯t be devoured, we can only look at it to appease our hunger.¡±


    ¡°Wise words indeed,¡± said the only guy in the group.


    Zi Han was filling up the shot sses while Shorty was distributing them when a shadow loomed over them.


    ¡°Hey sweetie,¡± said a familiar yet unfamiliar voice.


    Zi Han subconsciously raised his head and his eyes narrowed for a second before they widened like light bulbs. ¡°Le?¡± he asked hesitantly.


    .....


    ¡°Not when I am dressed like this. You can call me doctor Kiet... or just Kiet if you prefer,¡± he said while picking up a shot ss and downing it in one go.


    Zi Han, ¡°!!!¡±


    ¡°Oh.... nice, nice meeting you doctor Kiet. You want to join us?¡± he asked but Kiet shook his head in refusal before saying,


    ¡°No, I came here looking for my man. Have you seen.... him?,¡± he said before letting out a chuckle having spotted him, ¡°Never mind. I will see youter.¡±


    ¡°Okay,¡± muttered Zi Han while craning his neck to see which person Kiet was referring to.


    H who was now sitting beside him leaned in close before whispering, ¡°Your friend?¡±


    ¡°And who is this man he is talking about?¡± asked Shannon leaning in close to hear the gossip.


    ¡°Seriously.... are you ying or not?¡± said Shaun sensing that this conversation was heading in a horrible direction.


    ¡°ying, ying geez,¡± replied Shannon still annoyed that she had lost star coins to him.


    As soon as Kiet entered the room Yi Feng who had been exining to Yi Chen exactly what happened suddenly spotted Kieting. Like a gazelle having spotted a lion he high-tailed out of there leaving behind his confused cousin.


    Unfortunately for him, Kiet was faster when he wasn¡¯t wearing heels thus he was caught before he could even take two steps. His shoulders were grasped and he was pulled back before he was hugged from behind.


    Yi Chen, ¡°???¡±


    How envious he was right now. It seemed it was going great for everyone except him. Yi Feng who was hugged like a teddy bear freed himself while whispering, ¡°Ah-Chen is looking, don¡¯t do it here.¡±


    Out of respect for Yi Chen, Kiet let go that is after saying, ¡°Okay, but when we are alone you aren¡¯t allowed to make a fuss,¡± with his warm breath brushing against the back of Yi Feng¡¯s neck.


    Yi Feng felt itchy and immediately pushed him away a little embarrassed. It turns out these two had a steamy night and Yi Feng was um.... um.... poked by Kiet¡¯s pogo stick. One thing led to another and during his moment of ecstasy, he subconsciouslyy im to Kiet. In essence, this was the best way, to sum up what happened.


    While Yi Chen was trying to make sense of this unexpected love affair, Zi Han was crossing his fingers that his color wouldn¡¯t be picked. This game was like a mish-mash of spin the bottle sh seven minutes in heaven sh truth or darebined.


    Each person had a color sticker on their foreheads. When they press start the app would light up on several colors before randomly stopping on one. The previous victim would be the one to either dare them to do something, ask a question they have to answer truthfully, or take a shot.


    One would assume drinking a shot would be much easier but the liquor on the table was the ultimate challenge much worse than any dare or personal question.


    It was not only bitter but it was also high proof and for a person who rarely drank like Zi Han two of them were enough to take him out.


    After H came back from doing her dare which was to kiss Li Ran it was her turn to make someone else¡¯s life miserable.


    On that note, the person who asked her to do that dare or drink was probably bribed by Li Ran because his request was oddly specific.


    Anyway, the app happened to stop on Zi Han¡¯s color. He wanted to choose dare but judging from the mischievous look on H and Shannon¡¯s faces this probably wouldn¡¯t end well for him so he chose to drink.


    But soon after he regretted it so much. The bitterness was the kind that stuck to your tongue for weeks. He had only one shot but he was already feeling like he was sitting on fluffy clouds. In fact, he regretted ever listening to her and ying this perverted game.


    Unfortunately, despite him crossing his fingers his color was picked again but at least this time it wasn¡¯t H or Shannon who would make him miserable.


    It was that red-haired boy that hung out with Evan all the time. His name was Crvena and the best way to describe him would be the ss clown. He was the type of guy people would question how he even got into ss one.


    ¡°Dare or drink?¡± asked Crvena with a sly grin on his face. He was especially resentful having been asked to call his mother and tell her that his girlfriend was pregnant.


    With the kind of mother he had, he was cursed half to death in front of everyone. His mother had absolutely no filter at all yelling to the moon and back. In her defense, she had no idea the call was on loudspeaker so yes..... he was very resentful at this moment.


    Zi Han looked at that poison in the cute ss and swallowed. The lingering bitterness on his tongue intensified.


    Scratching the back of his head he drew in a cold breath of air and epted his fate. ¡°Dare...


    . I choose dare,¡± he said through gritted teeth. How bad could it be, right?


    The smile on Crvena¡¯s face grew as he rubbed his palms together saying, ¡°Then how about you kiss someone? Let¡¯s say.....,¡± looking around the room and outside for a particr person, ¡°him.¡±


    ¡°Who?..... Fuck.... Can I change it? I take it back. I want to drink,¡± he said and Crvena picked up five shot sses one by one from the center of the table and ced them near Zi Han.


    Tap! Tap! Tap! Tap!...


    That was the sound of four shot sses lightly hitting the table.


    ¡°Then you should ept the punishment.....,¡± he replied and soon a soft tapping sound followed as he ced thest shot ss.


    ¡°Fuck!¡± swore Zi Han under his breath. He regretted it so much.

 Chapter 173

    173 So were you just going to kiss him?


    ¡°No, why the fuck would you give him such an unscrupulous dare? Do you have a death wish,¡± said H her face flushed with anger.


    ¡°Crvena, you are taking this a bit too far,¡± said Shannon wishing she could jump on top of the table and strangle him to death. Their CP ship hadn¡¯t started sailing yet Crvena was attempting to make their innocent shou give his first kiss to Evan?!


    Nope, thesedies couldn¡¯t ept it thus they protested. Zi Han who absolutely could not down those five shots alone decided to toughen up and do this.


    Wasn¡¯t it just a first kiss? It really wasn¡¯t a big deal or something to make a fuss over. It seemed like he wasn¡¯t such a sentimental person and took things with a light heart.


    ¡°Fine, but I would need to ask his consent first and if he refuses then you can only pick someone else,¡± said Zi Han as he got up to leave.


    Crvena leaned back in his seat andzily ced his hand on the backrest while saying, ¡°He won¡¯t.....¡±


    Zi Han¡¯s eyebrows creased slightly as he stared at Crvena with slight suspicion. Why was he that confident that Evan won¡¯t refuse? Something was definitely up.


    He decided to let it go for now and approach Evan. The guy was standing out by the pool arguing with some girl who was in the water.


    Zi Han couldn¡¯t make out what the whole argument was about he just dodged to the side when arge ssh of water was sent in their direction.


    .....


    Evan hadn¡¯t noticed Zi Han standing behind him thus when he turned around to run away from the huge water sshes by that girl he bumped into Zi Han and the two tripped.


    Lucky for them Zi Han was incredibly sturdy. He stopped them just in time. Evan held both of Zi Han¡¯s arms as he apologized incessantly. ¡°I am so sorry. So so sorry. Are you hurt?¡± he asked while checking if Zi Han was okay.


    Zi Han was a little awkward at this moment recalling why he was here. He just nodded his head as his gaze nced over at the group of people with their gazes stered at the floor-to-ceiling windows watching them.


    Thinking he should hurry this along before Crvena starts drawing everyone¡¯s attention he cleared his throat before saying, ¡°We are ying a game with those guys and Crvena dared me to kiss you.¡±


    Evan, ¡°???¡±


    He nced over in his friend¡¯s direction and was at a loss. He told him some things in confidence but he didn¡¯t think Crvena would use this method to force Zi Han¡¯s hand.


    It seemed they needed to have a long discussion as soon as they left this party. ¡°I, I don¡¯t mind but... if you are being forced then we can_,¡± he said but he was abruptly cut off when Zi Han said,


    ¡°Come on, it¡¯s just a light peck. It¡¯s not a big deal.¡± Now that Zi Han had said that then Evan wouldn¡¯t be polite.


    He bit his lower lip and he was about to move closer when a frighteningly powerful force directly pushed him into the pool. With a loud ssh, his body dove down to the bottom of the pool with everyone gasping with colorful expressions.


    When Evan resurfaced he wiped the water off his swollen face his eyes glowing a vicious azure and his body covered with wisps of cyanish aura.


    In his anger, he had awakened his spirit beast having engaged his mental power to its fullest extent. Above his head was a barely visible snow tiger with blue stripes growling in anger.


    When he saw who had pushed him Evan was very unforgiving. He immediately got out of the pool and was prepared to fight Yi Chen but Yi Chen just stood there with a calm expression like this had nothing to do with him.


    Crvena and a couple of Evan¡¯s friends rushed over to stop him. They knew that nothing good coulde out of provoking Yi Chen thus they stopped their good brother in time.


    ¡°Let go.... I am going to fuck him up. Shit, let go of me,¡± yelled Evan pointing at Yi Chen his tone aggressive.


    Everyone was a little slow to react realizing who had pushed Evan into the pool. Yi Chen was always calm and rational. He never reacted impulsively and the only time he raised his fist was in the training room. But today he just lost his cool and directly pushed someone with great force at that.


    Let alone others even Yi Chen couldn¡¯t understand why he reacted that fast. He didn¡¯t even think. All he knew was that when he saw those lips were about to touch he just rushed over and attacked Evan.


    This kind of person wasn¡¯t him. He never lost control and would always approach everything with logic and reason.


    At that time he just felt a painful twist in his chest and the only way for him to get rid of it was to get rid of Evan. Seething in rage with a ck mist covering his heart he flung his wrist and directly sent Evan flying straight into the pool.


    Zi Han was a little confused at this moment. His mind was slightly chaotic but he calmed his mind and decided to smooth things over by talking some sense to Evan. That¡¯s because the words he was using weren¡¯t pleasant to his ears, especially the fact that they were directed at Yi Chen.


    If they were directed at him he wouldn¡¯t care much but because they were directed at Yi Chen he couldn¡¯t bear it. He took a step forward but his wrist was suddenly caught by Yi Chen before he pulled him back.


    Zi Han could feel Yi Chen¡¯s hand shaking like he was restraining something. His gaze shifted towards Yi Chen¡¯s face and their gazes met. With a hint of grievance in his voice, he said, ¡°Don¡¯t go.¡±


    Zi Han licked his mrs as though lost in thought. After a second or two he said, ¡°Let¡¯s go inside.¡± He needed Yi Chen to calm down he could only bring him inside and let him have a seat.


    The two sat down and Zi Han raked his fingers through his hair trying to stop himself from asking why he was beating people unprovoked. He thought it was too soon and if he asks Yi Chen might get angry again thus the two sat in silence for a good while.


    Unexpectedly, it was Yi Chen who broke the silence. In a low voice, he asked, ¡°So were you just going to kiss him?¡±


    Zi Han, ¡°.....¡±


    He stared at Yi Chen all wide-eyed but Yi Chen didn¡¯t back down. He kept staring at him as though waiting for a response.


    ¡°Uh...,¡± mumbled Zi Han before he was interrupted by Yi Feng who was walking over with a tall tail behind him.

 Chapter 174

    174 You said I should take you home..... this is home.


    ¡°You are even beating people on an impulse now. If uncle finds out we will be both be grounded for weeks,¡± said Yi Feng handing Yi Chen a ss of ice water with mint.


    Yi Chen received it without uttering a single word. He wasn¡¯t in the mood to talk thus he kept his mouth shut.


    Half a minuteter Crvena came back with a considerably calm-faced Evan. No one knew what Crvena said to Evan but whatever it was it worked because he could calmly sit across Yi Chen.


    His gaze nced over in Zi Han¡¯s direction and his cheeks suddenly flushed as he lowered his gaze. When Yi Chen noticed that familiar look in Evan¡¯s eyes he gnashed his teeth while clenching his fist. A dark cloud was looming over him dropping the temperature in the room to an all-time low.


    Zi Han had absolutely no idea why Yi Chen was losing his shit again. He just casually ced his hand on Yi Chen¡¯s lower back and gently caressed it in a soothing motion. This calmed the brewing storm within him considerably.


    ¡°So how do we solve this?¡± asked Yi Feng taking charge knowing fully well that if his cousin opens his mouth right now a fight would break out.


    H looked at Crvena and replied, ¡°It¡¯s just a stupid game. You should let it go.¡±


    Crvenaughed out loud before saying, ¡°Oh now because the ss president is involved we should let it go? My boy was beaten like this... look at his face, its swollen.¡±


    ¡°So what do you suggest?¡± asked Li Ran slightly displeased by Crvena¡¯s attitude towards H.


    .....


    ¡°Why of course he should keep up the end of his deal or he drinks,¡± he said while looking at Zi Han.


    Zi Han¡¯s body shivered involuntarily as his gaze fell on those shot sses. AAAAHHHHH, he would rather die. Honestly, if it weren¡¯t for Yi Chen sitting next to him he would have just pulled Evan¡¯s cor and kissed him so as to bring an end to this.


    While he was sitting there with a distraught expression, Yi Chen grabbed a shot ss and with a slight tilt of his head, he drank it all in one go.


    Before Zi Han could react Yi Chen was already on his second shot drinking it like a champ. The group became a little noisy with Crvena wanting to stop him from drinking but H said there was no rule against it.


    By the time Yi Chen reached for the fourth ss Zi Han took thest one and drank it at the same time as he did. Zi Han felt bad and didn¡¯t want Yi Chen to take the punishment on his behalf but he couldn¡¯t stop him in time.


    Zi Han only had one shot but his eyes were tearing up and his tongue so bitter that he couldn¡¯t help but grab the iced water Yi Chen had been drinking before. But it didn¡¯t help much.


    Yi Chen took out some butterscotch candy and gave it to him. Zi Han took it and sucked on it. It was only then his expression rxed. This liquor was simply created to torture people like him who couldn¡¯t stand bitter things.


    With the fuss over everyone didn¡¯t feel like ying anymore. The party in the background was still going on as though the fight from earlier didn¡¯t affect them.


    Those two shots that Zi Han had tonight were the gateway to a whole new world he had never experienced before. For the first time in his life, he let himself go and drank to his heart¡¯s content.


    As for Yi Chen, he sat by Zi Han¡¯s side watching him the entire time. The more he drank the quieter he became. His sense of existence was basically nonexistent that is to everyone else but to Zi Han, he was like an entire mountain with beautiful green forestry making it difficult for one to ignore.


    While chatting it up with others he would inadvertently nce over and either smile or touch Yi Chen as though to include him.


    But Yi Chen didn¡¯t care about being included. He was happy just leisurely sitting there while watching Zi Han. After drinking so much Zi Han felt like he would pass out at any moment thus he leaned closer to Yi Chen and whispered in his ear, ¡± I want to go home. I am tired.¡±


    Yi Chen knew that Zi Han was doing this because the music was so loud but he couldn¡¯t help but lick his lower lip his gaze lingering on Zi Han¡¯s moist lips for a while. He slowly nodded his head and got up before reaching out his hand toward Zi Han.


    Zi Han knew he wouldn¡¯t be able to walk without support so he obediently stretched out his hand and his fingers slipped into Yi Chen¡¯s palm fitting well like a glove.


    Yi Chen helped him up and as the two drunk people made to leave Yi Feng stopped them saying, ¡°Let me take you guys home.¡±


    Yi Feng was not being a good samaritan. In fact, he was running away from Kiet who had been eyeing his ass like a lion eyeing a fat juicy buffalo through the tall grass.


    His chrysanthemum was clenched the entire time nervous about what was yet toe thus to save himself he decided to offer to send his cousin.


    Unfortunately for him, with the self-driving function in hovercars activated there wasn¡¯t even any need for a driver. Kiet deliberately let him think his n had seeded by not saying anything until Yi Feng was about to get inside the hovercar.


    Kiet grabbed his shoulder and pulled him back while asking, ¡°Where do you think you are going?¡±


    Yi Feng, ¡°.....¡±


    ¡°My car is over there. Let¡¯s go,¡± he said while leading the reluctant Yi Feng to the hovercar. He wanted to ask his cousin for help but Yi Chen¡¯s gaze was stuck on Zi Han the entire time.


    The two of them were still holding hands. That¡¯s because Zi Han was so wasted that he felt like if he let go of Yi Chen¡¯s hand the dizziness from before would return and everything will begin to spin again.


    As for Yi Chen, he didn¡¯t care for the reason. He was just happy he got to hold Zi Han¡¯s hand thus he kept smiling like a fool with a smitten look on his face. The pair held hands until the hovercar stopped.


    Thinking he was home Zi Han got up and said, ¡°Goodnight Chen-ge.... I had so much fun,¡± while waving at him with a sluggish smile.


    But when he stepped down and found out that this wasn¡¯t his grandfather¡¯s ce his steps paused with a look of confusion. He turned his gaze to Yi Chen and parted his lips about to ask when Yi Chen said,


    ¡°You said I should take you home..... This is home.¡±


    Zi Han, ¡°.....¡±


    Okay, this man was definitely wasted. He looked fine, talked fine and walked fine but he was most definitely drunk.

 Chapter 175

    175 Drunk escapades


    ¡°Well, you are so drunk. You can¡¯t even remember my home is a few.... um few.... few,¡± replied Zi Han only for him to lose his words in the middle. It seemed he was also drunk but he would never admit it.


    ¡°A few streets over?¡± asked Yi Chen his eyes shimmering under the bright lights.


    ¡°Yes that, a few streets over. Ah, I am so hungry.... I want spicy seafood. Let¡¯s make some!¡± yelled Zi Han pumping his fist like he was ready for war.


    Yi Chen draped his arm around Zi Han¡¯s shoulders and led him into the house while exining, ¡°We can¡¯t get seafood at this hour. How about we raid the fridge and find something to eat?¡±


    Zi Han¡¯s face sank when he heard there was no seafood. If there wasn¡¯t any seafood then he wanted to go home. At least there his grandpa would perform magic and vo there is seafood.


    ¡°I want to go home then. At least grandpa will make it for me,¡± he said while dragging his feet in protest.


    Yi Chen didn¡¯t let him go. He led him into the kitchen and opened the freezer. ¡°Look, I have frozen ready to eat meals. You can pick what you want,¡± said Yi Chen showing off an entire section full of frozen meals.


    He had bought all kinds of frozen meals, especially the ones his mother usually made in hopes that when Zi Hanes over there would be something to eat. He couldn¡¯t cook but he didn¡¯t want his beloved to starve when hees home thus he bought all kinds of things.


    Zi Han took a nce before staring back at Yi Chen asking, ¡°Then can l have spicy ramen.¡±


    .....


    Yi Chen, ¡°.....¡±


    ¡°I have spicy wings.... would you like that?¡± asked Yi Chen his hand stroking Zi Han¡¯s hair. Zi Han was too tipsy to realize that their closeness at the moment was eyebrow raising. He was just thinking about eating spicy food and drinking some more.


    ¡°Okay, okay you make it and I will be continuing the party elsewhere,¡± he said while opening the other side of the fridge and grabbing whatever else he could find to drink.


    He grabbed a bottle of white wine and a wine ss. He poured it out into the ss and handed it to Yi Chen while saying, ¡°Drink.¡±


    Yi Chen was about to drink it when Zi Han turned around to leave with an entire bottle in his hand. ¡°Make yourself at home,¡± he said to Zi Han and thetter raised his hand without turning to look at him.


    Yi Chen instructed the housekeeper robot to prepare the frozen spicy wings before walking over to the lounge. Zi Han was lying down on the couch with bare feet having ditched his slippers.


    He was hugging the bottle while absentmindedly watching some dance show. Yi Chen raised Zi Han¡¯s legs and sat down before cing them across hisp.


    With a contented smile on his face, he rubbed Zi Han¡¯s legs while saying, ¡°You must be really wasted for you to watch such a boring show.¡±


    Zi Han turned his head slightly and said, ¡°It¡¯s not boring. I and mum used to watch it together and copy some of their dances for fun.¡±


    Yi Chen was a little surprised. He traced the bottom of Zi Han¡¯s leg with the tips of his fingers. Zi Han jerked his foot away but Yi Chen grasped his ankle pulling his leg back while asking, ¡°So you can dance?¡±


    Zi Han turned his head back to the screen as he answered casually, ¡°Yep.... a little.¡±


    Yi Chen, who had his head in the clouds from drinking brazenly asked, ¡°Then can you show me?¡±


    Zi Han took a few sips straight from the bottle before saying, ¡°Too drunk to dance. I will show you next time.¡±


    Yi Chen didn¡¯t force it. He stretched out his hand and Zi Han handed him the bottle. The two of them passed this bottle between them several times and by the time it reached the bottom, Zi Han was almost seeing twos.


    Yi Chen wasn¡¯t fairing any better either. His mood was at an all-time high and he couldn¡¯t stop smiling while staring at Zi Han like he was looking at a treasure.


    Even as they decimated an entire tter of spicy wings he kept staring at Zi Han but thetter was unfazed. He felt sofortable and happy like this was his home. It was as though they had done this numerous times and it was only natural for them to hang out like this.


    As a warm stream of water washed away the spicy red sauce on Zi Han¡¯s hands Yi Chen was standing behind him while watching him.


    He didn¡¯t want to bring this up again as it would dampen the mood but he couldn¡¯t contain it. After much thought, he asked, ¡°So you were really going to kiss him?.... Do you like him?¡±


    Zi Han¡¯s fingers froze for a second before he took them away from underneath the running water. The tap closed automatically and he grabbed the hand towel Yi Chen ced aside for him.


    While wiping his hands Zi Han turned around and looked at him for a while. The two locked eyes for a second making Yi Chen a little nervous. He was seriously afraid of the answer but he still wanted to know.


    Zi Han chuckled while cing down the hand towel. ¡°No, it was just a dare. Don¡¯t overthink it,¡± he replied his attitude all nonchnt like this matter was trivial to him.


    Yi Chen crossed his arms on his chest and asked, ¡°But it¡¯s your first kiss. Don¡¯t you want to reserve it for.... someone you like?¡±


    Zi Han didn¡¯t know how many times he had to say this. He had no intention of entangling with this emotion called love. Unfortunately for him, he had no idea that its tiny roots were creeping in already. He was oblivious to the changes urring in his heart.

 Chapter 176

    176 Why reserve it..... when I can give it to


    It was because of this that the first of everything wasn¡¯t so important to him. ¡°It¡¯s just a light peck so why does it matter? If not him then it could have been anyone else,¡± he spoke honestly.


    Yi Chen stood there for a while as though contemting something. When he decided what he wanted to do his adam¡¯s apple rolled before he took a step forward.


    He hesitantly raised his hand stopping it halfway before saying, ¡°What if that someone is me?¡± His brain was fuzzy at this point that he didn¡¯t think through what the consequences would be if he spoke those words. His rationality had long vanished and his actions became a little more brazen than before.


    Zi Han blinked a couple of times before asking, ¡°What do you mean if that someone was you?¡±


    Yi Chen¡¯s hand that had stopped midway continued upwards and he lightly caressed Zi Han¡¯s cheek with the back of his hand. His head lowered he asked again, ¡°What if you reserved your first kiss for me?¡±


    Zi Han couldn¡¯t understand why Yi Chen would care about this. Since it didn¡¯t matter to him Zi Han did the most impetuous thing. He turned his face slightly and with Yi Chen¡¯s finger close to his lips he lightly kissed his finger making Yi Chen¡¯s heart lurch.


    Yi Chen¡¯s eyes darkened as he licked his lips in anticipation. He felt like he was in a dream but the tingling sensation on his hand was real. The person in front of him was also real.


    If it was real then what did Zi Han mean by doing this? A sense of unease washed over him as he gazed into those foggy eyes.


    Zi Han bit his lower lip as he stood on his tiptoes. ¡°Why reserve it..... when I can give it to you right..... now,¡± he whispered with his gaze darting between Yi Chen¡¯s eyes and lips.


    .....


    Yi Chen felt so nervous that his mouth ran dry. He leaned in closer his lips hovering above Zi Han¡¯s. He closed his eyes and the intoxicating scent of his berry st shampoo wafted into his nasal cavity further muddling his inebriated mind.


    He leisurely opened his eyes and asked, ¡°Are you sure?¡±


    As Yi Chen¡¯s warm breath grazed his skin Zi Han felt a slight prickling sensation that spread from his cheeks down to his toes. He suddenly stered his lips on Yi Chen¡¯s and the both of them froze for a second. Yi Chen¡¯s muscles tensed his hand on Zi Han¡¯s cheek trembling slightly.


    He closed his eyes engrossing himself in the most amazing feeling in the world. His hand slid to the back of Zi Han¡¯s head indulging in this heart fluttering kiss.


    Unfortunately for him when Zi Han said it was a peck he meant it. Yi Chen felt a cool breeze brush past his lips as the warmth from that person abruptly disappeared.


    When he opened his eyes Zi Han was smiling happily like what just happened had nothing to do with him. It seemed he was the only one affected by this but it didn¡¯t matter.


    He had had a taste of the forbidden fruit but he wasn¡¯t satiated. He wanted more of it thus he pulled Zi Han closer and pressed his palm on Zi Han¡¯s waist deepening the kiss.


    Hisck of experience showed in his movements but the intense feelings and emotions stemming from this kiss were especially addictive tempting him into taking more than what Zi Han could give.


    In response to such intense emotions, Yi Chen couldn¡¯t contain it. His blood rushed down south waking the sleeping dragon. He had to stop otherwise Zi Han would find out.


    He quickly let go of him leaving a confused Zi Han standing there with a foolish expression.


    ¡°Let¡¯s go... you must be tired,¡± he said pulling Zi Han by his wrist.


    The two of them walked up the stairs and in less than a second or two the door to the master bedroom opened and Yi Chen said to him, ¡°You can sleep in here. I will... I will get us some honey water.¡±


    After bringing the water Yi Chen nned on leaving him here alone. He would go and sleep in the next bedroom.


    Yi Chen might have had it all figured out but Zi Han wouldn¡¯t necessarily let him go. Before he could even take a step outside the bedroom, Zi Han jumped onto Yi Chen¡¯s back and whispered into his ear, ¡°So you kissed me and then run away like you are nning to ditch me.¡±


    Yi Chen was so confused at this point that he didn¡¯t respond immediately. Zi Han didn¡¯t wait for him to respond.


    He whispered yet again, ¡°Chen-ge, you have to take responsibility,¡± before nibbling on his ear with a hint of mischief in his eyes.


    Yi Chen jerked his head away and ced Zi Han on the bed before saying, ¡°I am... I will marry you if you want. Just let me get you some honey water first.¡±


    Zi Han chortled while grabbing hold of Yi Chen¡¯s arm and pulling him down. Yi Chen¡¯s breathing stagnated as hey on top of Zi Han their faces a few inches apart.


    His lower half which had barely calmed down began to act up again. This time Zi Han was bound to find out that he had gotten hard from that kiss.


    What made it even worse was that Zi Han was twisting around underneath him making this very difficult for him. He clutched the sheets tightly as he spoke to him with great difficulty.


    ¡°Don¡¯t make trouble, okay? I promise I will be back soon,¡± said Yi Chen as he tried to get up but Zi Han trapped him in between his thighs with his legs wrapped around Yi Chen¡¯s waist.


    Yi Chen felt the bulge in his pants grow inch by inch. He immediately panicked thus he struggled a little more to get out of this enchanter¡¯s clutches. Unexpectedly, Zi Han flipped him over and straddled him thoroughly locking him in ce.


    ¡°I don¡¯t want honey water.... I just want you to stay here. Stay with me.....¡±


    Yi Chen, ¡°....¡±


    He regretted ever touching alcohol tonight. In his drunken haze, he had actively participated in putting himself in this difficult situation.

 Chapter 177

    177 I like you


    The twinkling lights of the night sky reflected through the floor to ceiling windows casting some light on the shadows entangled on the bed.


    One was lying t on his back with aplicated look in his eyes and the other was biting his lower lip while pressing down the other.


    Yi Chen being the one pressed down on the bed didn¡¯t know what Zi Han was ying at. He could only look at him with his luscious gaze shifting from Zi Han¡¯s elongated neck and the ce where their bodies were stered together.


    Yi Chen had long gotten hard. Hisrade down south was already standing up stiffly like a g pole requesting special service.


    Unable to bear it Yi Chen asked, ¡°What do you want to do?¡±


    Zi Han chuckled before his hands reached over for the hem of his t-shirt and said, ¡°I feel hot,¡± before pulling up his t-shirt revealing the smooth ridges on his abdomen that seemed more prominent than before.


    Yi Chen¡¯s muscles tensed as he followed with his eyes the hem of that t-shirt ride up Zi Han¡¯s body revealing a defined waist and appealing pectoral muscles that made him want to touch without permission.


    He had seen it countless times before but he still couldn¡¯t contain himself when he saw Zi Han like this. The pendants fell back down after the t-shirt was tossed to the side. Zi Han¡¯s hair was slightly messy but it only made him even more enticing.


    Yi Chen bit his lower lip as he sat up while staring straight into Zi Han¡¯s eyes.


    .....


    Zi Han felt a sense of relief wash over him once that t-shirt was off. He reached over and ran his fingers through Yi Chen¡¯s hair and drew him closer.


    His entire body felt prickly and numb but it wasn¡¯t a bad feeling. With his head lowered he whispered, ¡°I am going to kiss you again,¡± before lightly biting his lower lip with a slight tilt of his head.


    Yi Chen swallowed his saliva his adam¡¯s apple bobbing up and down and his expression lustful. When he opened his eyes he looked right into Zi Han¡¯s bewitching hazel eyes but he found that Zi Han was looking at his lips.


    It was at this moment his reason snapped and as though possessed by ghosts and demons he leaned forward and pecked Zi Han¡¯s lips.


    Just like the first time he felt an explosive force in his heart like something special was bursting forth breaking out of his chest. His hands that didn¡¯t know where to touch earlier slowly moved towards Zi Han¡¯s waist. Once he touched him Yi Chen¡¯s fingers curled grasping Zi Han¡¯s skin that was hot to the touch.


    Zi Han let out a muffled groan as he deepened the kiss with his body writhing on top of Yi Chen. He traced the tip of his tongue on Yi Chen¡¯s lips as though tasting something. The taste of Yi Chen¡¯s lips ignited an unexpected urge within him.


    The man¡¯s lips tasted sweet with hints of apricot and grapefruit possibly from the white wine they had been drinking earlier.


    Zi Han wanted a little more thus he pried Yi Chen¡¯s lips open with his tongue and invaded that sacred ce with intense passion. He simply refused to break their interlocked lips apart even if it was to catch his breath.


    Breathless and muddled Zi Han slightly let go but in turn, he sucked Yi Chen¡¯s lower lip as though eating something delicious. Consumed by the burning mes of fiery passion Zi Han bit Yi Chen¡¯s lower lip leaving behind an obvious imprint. Maybe it was due to inexperience or purposeful, but the truth would never be known.


    Yi Chen¡¯s hands caressed Zi Han¡¯s back as the two stared into each other¡¯s eyes with their foreheads pressed together. Their rapidly heaving chests pressed against each other as they panted trying to catch their breaths.


    In between breaths, Yi Chen whispered, ¡°I like you.¡± He wasn¡¯t expecting any response. He just wanted to tell him. He just wanted his special person to know that he likes him very much. The floor to ceiling windows turned ck blocking the two figures that fell on the bed marking an end to an eventful night.


    ***


    The beautiful sun had already risen above the horizon but the room was still so dark. That¡¯s because the windows were set on night mode blocking the sun from waking the person lying on the bed.


    His light brain that was set on silent mode kept shing at intervals but the person didn¡¯t wake up. Coupled with the soothing sound of water running in the shower it provided the perfect conditions for one to oversleep.


    It was only after the bathroom door opened did the curled-up ball under the quilt finally move. Yi Chen who didn¡¯t want to disturb Zi Han walked over to the walk in closet in light cautious footsteps but he suddenly heard a groggy voice speaking behind him.


    ¡°Mm.... what time is it?¡± asked Zi Han as he struggled to open one eye.


    Yi Chen¡¯s steps paused as he spun around to look at him. He bit his lower lip suppressing the excitable smile on his face. He walked over in brisk steps before kneeling beside the bed.


    He wordlessly stared at Zi Han but unlike yesterday this Zi Han was sober. He rubbed his face on the pillow while asking, ¡°What are you staring at me for?.... Last night I got so fuckin wasted,¡± in a muffled voice due to the pillow.


    Yi Chen¡¯s heart sank hearing this. He suddenly had a bad premonition but he didn¡¯t dare ask.


    Zi Han looked at him through the corner of his eye and was about to ask for something to relieve the awful hangover he was having when he saw that Yi Chen¡¯s bottom lip was cut with a slight redness to it.


    With his brows creased he raised his head and asked, ¡°What happened?¡± while his thumb touched the bruise.


    Yi Chen really didn¡¯t know how to respond to that question. He held Zi Han¡¯s hand and asked, ¡°Don¡¯t you remember what happenedst night?¡±


    Zi Han¡¯s eyes widened as he asked, ¡°I did that? Why would I punch you in the face? Shit!....,¡± before lying back and rubbing his temples trying to recall what happenedst night.


    After seriously thinking it through he exhaled deeply before saying, ¡°Anything after we left the hovercar is a blur... Did we make ramenst night?¡±


    Hearing this Yi Chen didn¡¯t know what to say. He was also wastedst night and some of it was a blur but he definitely remembered that amazing kiss.

 Chapter 178

    178 Trending on Sta


    Just thinking of that sensual kissst night his lower half would grow hot. He even had to stroke himself in the shower thinking of it. It was very stimting.


    Zi Han noticed that Yi Chen was out of it but he didn¡¯t say anything. While lying there he suddenly noticed he was shirtless thus he asked, ¡°What kind of fucked up things did I get up tost night?¡±


    Yi Chen chuckled as he got up his expression like that saying, ¡®you don¡¯t want to know.¡¯


    Zi Han sat up and stared at him with a puzzled expression. As soon as his figure disappeared into the walk in closet Zi Han got out of bed and followed him.


    He stood behind Yi Chen who was putting on a grey t-shirt with his back to him. With his arms crossed on his chest, he asked, ¡°You aren¡¯t going to tell me?¡±


    Yi Chen¡¯s fingers that were about to pull down the hem of the t-shirt paused for a moment before he continued to get dressed.


    With slight mischief in his eyes, he turned around and faced Zi Han their closeness apparent. Yi Chen didn¡¯t stop moving forward forcing Zi Han to take a step back.


    In two to three steps Zi Han felt a hard surface behind him. Trapped with nowhere else to go, he said, ¡°What are you trying to do?¡± their gazes locked together.


    Yi Chen raised his hand with slight hesitation. His fingers moved towards Zi Han¡¯s ears like he was about to touch him.


    .....


    Zi Han felt his heart palpitating for some reason. This had never happened before. He had touched Yi Chen a dozen times before and vice versa but his heart remained calm each time.


    But now Yi Chen hadn¡¯t touched him yet and he was already feeling a sense of unease. He subconsciously dodged and Yi Chen¡¯s eyes darkened.


    His fingers changed trajectory and he grabbed a pair of pants from behind Zi Han. ¡°Somethings are best remembered by oneself otherwise if I tell you about it you won¡¯t believe me,¡± he said before taking a few steps back.


    Zi Han wanted to say something but when he saw Yi Chen reach for the bath towel wrapped around his waist he shut his mouth and turned to leave.


    With his back towards Yi Chen, he heard him say, ¡°I prepared a set of toiletries for you. It¡¯s everything green in the bathroom.¡±


    Zi Han turned his head back and unexpectedly met Yi Chen¡¯s gaze. It seemed he had been looking at him this entire time.


    Zi Han flinched as he hastily looked away. As soon as he stepped out of the closet he scratched his head a little vexed. He couldn¡¯t understand what the fuck was wrong with him today.


    He absentmindedly stepped into the shower and as the warm water touched his skin he felt a great sense of relief wash over him.


    He closed his eyes while pushing his hair back. He tried to recall what happenedst night but no matter how hard he thought it through nothing came up.


    Meanwhile, Yi Chen who had been avoiding his light brain suddenly unlocked it while instructing the housekeeping robot to make blueberry oatmeal.


    The first message he saw was from his father asking him where he was but as he


    scrolled down the series of messages became angrier and the tone was that of reprimand.


    He was still trying to make sense of everything when Li Ran called him. He epted the video call while taking out some hangover drink from the fridge.


    ¡°Hey. Did you check Sta? Last night¡¯s incident was trending but don¡¯t worry. I took it all down and changed the narrative,¡± said Li Ran with his feet up on his desk his face looking especially horrible like he was having a massive hangover.


    Yi Chen didn¡¯t understand what incident he was talking about thus he asked, ¡°What incident?¡±


    Li Ran rubbed his eyes while yawning. He ruffled his hair and said, ¡°The pool incidentst night. I thought your old man would have scolded you already.¡±


    Yi Chen looked at the amount of missed calls and messages on his light brain and suddenly had a headache. ¡°Thanks, I didn¡¯t even notic-,¡± he said only for a shirtless Zi Han to walk downstairs. His body was steaming faintly and his skin was a little pink from the hot shower.


    He looked like a half-cooked lobster ready to be eaten. He was like a tasty treat parading itself in front of him. Hypnotized, Yi Chen unconsciously twisted the cap open and handed him the hangover drink.


    ¡°Thanks,¡± said Zi Han while standing beside him. He was about to ask where his clothes went when Li Ran eximed,


    ¡°Oh shit!! Why are you....¡±


    Before he could even finish the video call was cut and the kitchen fell into silence.


    Yi Chen watched Zi Han guzzle down the drink. He subconsciously took a step forward and his fingers touched the pendants dangling on his chest and whispered, ¡°Your nipples are hard.¡±


    Zi Han, ¡°.....¡±


    Zi Han choked on the drink and began to cough while creating some distance between them. As he wiped his lips with the back of his hand he nced at his nipples which were as t as they can be.


    ¡°Sheesh, when did you be a fuckin pervert?¡± said Zi Han with slight annoyance.


    ¡°I have always been one just only for you,¡± he said with a slight quirk at the corner of his lips.


    Zi Han, ¡°...¡±


    ¡®Aish.... why do my cheeks feel hot? It¡¯s probably from the shower,¡¯ he dazedly thought while rubbing them.


    ¡°Your clothes are washed and dry. I put them on the bed. Now hurry up and change so we can have some breakfast,¡± said Yi Chen while taking out some bananas and blueberries.


    Zi Han just shook his head as he walked up the stairs. Sadly he missed the mischievous grin on Yi Chen¡¯s face that grew bigger by the minute. If Zi Han had known trouble wasing he might have cherished this moment more.

 Chapter 179

    179 I will take care of it


    A sea of stars burst forth in the inky darkness creating an unattainable ethereal beauty unique only to the distant gxy. At a nce, one could feel their soul mellow with all their troubles washed away.


    A slender hand with long fingers rose in this sea of stars and when it touched one of them with its fingertip the star floated away.


    A low sigh followed as Zi Han ced his hand behind his head lost in thought. It had been three days after the party but Yi Chen hadn¡¯t responded to any of his messages.


    Today he actually thought that he would see Yi Chen at the academy. But for the entire day, Yi Chen was nowhere to be seen.


    He couldn¡¯t help but think about thest time he saw him. They ate breakfast together and Yi Chen had even teased him a couple of times calling him a terrible sleeper. Yep, they had shared a bed and Zi Han had once again demonstrated why he shouldn¡¯t share a bed with anyone.


    The atmosphere was especially harmonious and they were very happy but now Yi Chen hadn¡¯t even read his messages. Zi Han was a little flustered at this point.


    Countless times he had told himself that he won¡¯t care about it anymore. If Yi Chen was going to ignore him then he could also ignore Yi Chen. He put him on the cklist after sending this;


    HandsomeHan: Don¡¯t bother responding to my messages. We are no longer friends.


    But no less than an hourter he had already dragged Yi Chen out of his cklist. This cycle repeated itself four times until Zi Han gave up.


    .....


    His emotions were like an infinite rollercoaster making one think he had bipr disorder. He tried toe up with his own exnations to justify why Yi Chen wasn¡¯t responding but each time he would debunk it.


    Now he could only stare at the sea of stars projected in his room and hoped it would calm him down but his mind couldn¡¯t help but drift over at his light brain that was as silent as a chicken.


    He turned his body andy on his side. The floating stars shone on his longshes as they fluttered slowly. His eyes closed and his breathing evened out. It seemed he was about to fall asleep.


    As he slowly sank into the sea of darkness, Zi Han¡¯s light brain lit up. His eyes which were closed shut, suddenly opened as he jolted awake.


    When he saw who it was, slight disappointment shed in his eyes. His back leaning on the headboard of his bed he answer the video call and the lights in the room lit up.


    Li Ran was startled when he saw a shirtless Zi Han who was raking his hair with his fingers pushing it back while staring at him with an indolent look.


    With a cocked brow, he asked, ¡°Do you always answer your video calls like this?¡±


    Zi Han rested his arm on his bent knee while replying, ¡°Pretty much.¡±


    Li Ran suddenly felt slight panic. That¡¯s because Zi Han answered video calls like this then if H calls him wouldn¡¯t she fall in love with all hisnguorous bad boy vibes?


    ¡°Uh... you should stop doing that and put some clothes on. It¡¯s really cold these days,¡± he said but Zi Han wasn¡¯t even listening. His words fell into one ear and out the next.


    ¡°I know you didn¡¯t call me to talk about that.... What did you find out?¡± asked Zi Han a little worried. He had asked Li Ran why Yi Chen hadn¡¯t shown up at the academy but Li Ran who had a hangover for the entire weekend had no idea what was up with Yi Chen.


    He just told him that he will find out as soon as he gets home. But after waiting for so long Zi Han didn¡¯t think Li Ran would get back to him tonight. He had already nned to corner him tomorrow morning and demand some answers but who would have thought Li Ran was this reliable?


    ¡°Well, Chen-ge he um.... he is being punished for the whole pool incident. The Marshal told him to train until he realized his mistake....,¡± exined Li Ran but he stopped when he saw Zi Han¡¯s expression wasn¡¯t right.


    ¡°What pool thing?¡± asked Zi Han with a puzzled look on his face.


    That¡¯s when Li Ran realized that Zi Han was in the dark about it so he exined. ¡°Someone uploaded a video of what happened the night of the party and people on Sta were criticizing him for his behavior..... I took it down but the heat was on for most of the weekend so....,¡± he said only for Zi Han¡¯s eyes to widen like light bulbs.


    ¡°Are you serious right now?¡± asked Zi Han in disbelief. How was he supposed to know that him trying to kiss Evan would take such a dramatic turn?


    ¡°Uh huh, I will try and talk to auntie to convince the Marshal to let him go but..... the Marshal is really stubborn,¡± he said only for Zi Han to respond by saying,


    ¡°I will take care of it.¡±


    Li Ran, ¡°???¡±


    ¡°How are you going to take care of it? That sounds weird. Hey where are you going?¡± asked Li Ran when he saw Zi Han hastily getting off the bed.


    ¡°I am going to fix it?¡± he replied with a thoughtful expression.


    ¡°How?¡± To be honest, Li Ran couldn¡¯t understand why he felt weird about this. What could he do to help the situation?


    ¡°By talking to the one person not afraid to provoke the Marshal,¡± replied Zi Han but before Li Ran could ask, ¡°Who?¡± Zi Han was already gone and the video call was cut.


    Zi Han left the room without putting on his slippers and knocked on his grandfather¡¯s office door but there was no response.


    He was about to ask the housekeeping system when the door opened and his grandfather was sitting at his desk with a serious expression like he was doing something important.


    His screen protection system was on so Zi Han couldn¡¯t see what he was doing. He was actually shopping for some misceneous things on Sta again. Yes, grandpa Zi was sort of a shopaholic.


    ¡°What¡¯s wrong?¡± he asked while giving him a casual nce.


    ¡°Uh... grandpa,¡± he said his voice low and pitiful like he had been wronged. After hearing that voice Zi Feiji had a bad premonition.


    Whenever he heard his daughter use that kind of voice it was either he was going to lose arge sum of money or he was going to have to smooth over a situation his daughter started.

 Chapter 180

    180 He kissed a boy on camera


    It seemed that his grandson had learnt from his mother. There was no need to fight it. He already knew he wouldn¡¯t be able to refuse.


    ¡°*Sigh.... What do you want?¡± he asked while leaning back into his chair. Whatever it is that Zi Han wanted he was ready to hand it over as long as it wasn¡¯t illegal.


    ¡°I need help with something... It¡¯s my friend. He kind of got into trouble because of me,¡± said Zi Han while walking over to the liquor cab in the office and pouring out a little whiskey from the decanter into two crystal sses.


    He ced it on the desk in front of his grandfather and kept the other one for himself. Just as he was about to drink it Zi Feiji raised his finger to stop him.


    ¡°Uh uh uh.....,¡± he said and Zi Han put it down with a disgruntled look on his face.


    He had already forgotten that when he came back home with a bloody hangover he whined all day with his mother on the couch.


    And guess who took care of the both of them? Zi Feiji did. He ran around taking care of them and now Zi Han wanted to drink. Nope, not on his watch.


    ¡°Give it to me,¡± said Zi Feiji and Zi Han reluctantly handed it over.


    Zi Feiji took a nice long sip right in front of him and even let out a contented sigh obviously taunting him. Zi Han wanted to call his grandfather out for being childish but when he remembered he needed help he shut his mouth.


    .....


    ¡°Which friend is this?¡± asked Zi Feiji wondering who was so important that his grandson woulde to ask him for help. Zi Han hadn¡¯t been in Capital Star for so long yet he had a friend that was that close.


    Zi Han rubbed the back of his neck feeling a little nervous. How was he supposed to say this? ¡®Grandpa, I was about to kiss a boy because of a dare and Yi Chen pushed the guy into the pool before I could do it. Now he was scolded on Sta and was being punished by the Marshal?¡¯


    Well, that pretty much summed it up but he was sure his grandpa would get super mad after hearing that. He nced at the closed door and calcted how fast he could get away after his grandfather exploded.


    The odds right now were not in his favor. ¡°Are you going to tell me or not?¡± asked Zi Feiji his suspicions growing by the minute.


    ¡°I am, I am..... Now don¡¯t be mad. I got into a little trouble at the party and Yi Chen is getting punished for it so.....,¡± exined Zi Han telling half-truths.


    Zi Feiji¡¯s brow furrowed wondering what sort of trouble he got into. He knew he shouldn¡¯t ask but as a responsible adult, he still had to inquire of.


    ¡°What kind of trouble?¡± he asked but soon he regretted asking the question.


    Twenty secondster Zi Han was high tailing out of the study and ran straight into his mother¡¯s bedroom. Behind him, Zi Feiji was yelling for his broom but the steward who was walking in the passageway walked backward before rushing to hide the infamous broom.


    Zi Han crawled under his mother¡¯s quilt waking her up. Zi Xingxi misunderstood. She actually thought her baby boy missed the sleepovers but a secondter she took that back.


    ¡°You!.... Come out,¡± said Zi Feiji while pointing at the quilt but Zi Han wasn¡¯t going toe out of this refuge.


    ¡°What are you all fighting about at this hour?¡± asked Zi Xingxi while pulling up the quilt to look at Zi Han.


    ¡°He..... he kissed a boy. On camera,¡± said Zi Feiji his voice getting lower and lower while his face got redder from rage.


    ¡°I didn¡¯t..... and I didn¡¯t know that someone was recording,¡± replied Zi Han while peeking his head out of the quilt.


    Zi Feiji picked up a pillow and threw it at him but Zi Han had already retreated underneath the quilt like a mole rat.


    ¡°You kissed a boy? Is it Yi Chen?¡± she asked her tone normal but Zi Han somehow felt that it wasn¡¯t so safe being under this quilt anymore.


    ¡°No! Why would I kiss him? I didn¡¯t kiss anyone. I almost kiss Evan not Yi Chen and it was a dare,¡± whispered Zi Han exining himself.


    ¡°Who is Evan?¡± she asked her aura mellowing down significantly. It¡¯s a good thing she was too wasted at that time otherwise if she found out that Zi Han spent a night with Yi Chen she would lose her mind.


    ¡°Some ssmate. It was a dare and before I did it Yi Chen pushed the guy in the pool and now he is in trouble.... and grandpa wants to hit me,¡± he said throwing his grandfather under the bus.


    ¡°Who wants to hit you? I don¡¯t want to hit you. I want to discipline you. There is a big difference,¡± said Zi Feiji wishing he could hit this grandson of his with a pillow.


    Zi Han wanted to say tomato tomahto but he wouldn¡¯t dare speak right now otherwise his grandpa might actuallye to get him.


    Zi Xingxiy down with a sigh. ¡°You can¡¯t be serious. He didn¡¯t even kiss anyone. You two off to bed. I have a lot of things to do tomorrow,¡± she said shuffling around and pulling the quilt. Thats when Zi Xingxi realized that Zi Han wasn¡¯t leaving thus she raised her head and asked, ¡°Why aren¡¯t you leaving?¡±


    Zi Han nced at his grandfather who looked like a hyena waiting for the cub to leave the lioness¡¯ den and snatch it away.


    ¡°He won¡¯t do anything. Now go on,¡± she said but Zi Han was still hesitant.


    ¡°Argh fine, I am leaving,¡± said Zi Feiji before walking out. He didn¡¯t get to punish him now but that didn¡¯t mean he didn¡¯t have other means.


    He just had to wait for the opportune moment. He had to vent out first only then could he help Yi Chen.


    And that opportune time was..... now.


    PA!


    ¡°Ah..... really,¡± yelled Zi Han after his grandpa smacked him upside his head.


    ¡°I will help you but don¡¯t go nting your lips on anything..... unless you aremitted to them or something like that. Don¡¯t go kissing every Tom, Dick, and Harry.... do you understand?¡± said Zi Feiji his tone serious.


    Zi Han rubbed the back of his head suppressing a smile. He would vow to be a monk at this moment as long as his grandpa helped Yi Chen.

 Chapter 181

    181 What¡¯s it to you how I punish my son


    The dim-lit corridors of the military headquarters floating above Capital Star were especially busy with military personnel rushing around like drones in a bee hive.


    Why the frenzy it was because for the past few days the mighty warship by the name Han had its weapons aimed at the Capital Star under themand of a mad woman.


    Who might this mad woman be? It was none other than Zi Xingxi. She imed that things will remain this way as insurance. If they dared make a move on the Bloodgarde she would decimate the entire city and she meant it.


    After years of being suppressed by these greedy bastards she dared do something not even the Marshal had the balls to do. That is to directly threaten the prime ministers and their band of thieves.


    The Marshal hade today because of this. He was tired of these old men whining about Zi Xingxi. Honestly, at this point, he was thinking of joining forces with her and engaging all weapons on Cetus, his warship, aiming at the prime ministers. Those bastards were corrupt and power-hungry. They would do anything to seize power and use it to their own benefit.


    He hade to assess the situation and reassure the seven generals that the Bloodgarde definitely wasn¡¯t going to rebel.


    While he was having this meeting his admiral walked over his expression ghastly. Thinking something had happened to his family he raised his index finger instructing the generals to give him a moment.


    He mute the audio and asked, ¡°What is it? This better not be an ice cream emergency from Ming Ming otherwise I will skin you alive.¡±


    The admiral gulped feeling a little frightened before saying, ¡°It¡¯s not.... Marshal, it¡¯s Mr. Zi. He said you should pick up his call.¡±


    .....


    Marshal Yi¡¯s face turned ugly as he red at his admiral. ¡°That¡¯s not a freaking emergency,¡± he said a little annoyed.


    The admiral subconsciously shivered in fright. He took out a handkerchief and wiped his foreheadced with beads of cold sweat.


    ¡°He said if you don¡¯t then you should call him back in ten minutes. If you don¡¯t he will release ck material about you on Sta. He, he said it¡¯s stuff you don¡¯t want anyone else to see.¡±


    Marshal Yi, ¡°...¡±


    He abruptly got up while saying, ¡°Tell them to have a ten minute recess.¡± After that, he walked out his strides sorge one would think he was a giant.


    When he reached his office he demanded that Hydra lock all doors and secure the room.


    ¡°Marshal, everything is secured,¡± said a deep male voice speaking in his office.


    Marshal Yi requested a video call with Zi Feiji and the old man truly took his sweet precious time answering it.


    When he did Zi Feiji was in a mech in his training room shooting at random targets. Marshal Yi didn¡¯t mince any words. He said, ¡°Just because you retired it doesn¡¯t mean that I am also idle. I have a lot of work today and I can¡¯t be wasting time chatting with you, senior.¡±


    Zi Feiji chuckled as he fired a series of thirteen shots.


    ¡°Mission aplished.... simtion deactivated,¡± said a calm voice in the background.


    ¡°You think I want to waste a minute of my retired life chatting with you? If it weren¡¯t because my grandson won¡¯t shut up about it I wouldn¡¯t have called you,¡± said Zi Feiji as he deactivated his mech and stepped out of the training room.


    ¡°What do you want?¡± asked Marshal Yi.


    Zi Feiji sneered with a mischievous grin and two secondster a small window appeared ying a video of the young Marshal hugging Lin Ruoxi¡¯s thigh while begging her not to leave him. It was obvious that he was wasted in this clip.


    ¡°I have plenty more in my collection. Like the time you hit a guy for staring at Lin Ruoxi a second longer than he should have or when you faked an injury so she could take care of you.¡±


    ¡°If I am not mistaken that¡¯s about the time she conceived Yi Chen isn¡¯t it? You tricked her to stick around so you could give her a reason to stay forever, didn¡¯t you?¡±


    Marshal Yi, ¡°.....¡±


    His expression turned ghastly white like he had seen a ghost. He was indeed shameless back then.


    At that time he had sworn his undying love already and gave her that stripe but Lin Ruoxi was just too beautiful and he was afraid she would leave him.


    ¡°Ah.... senior. You.... how can you keep such shameful things?¡± he said his attitude having taken a drastic change. Even the form of address had be especially formal.


    ¡°What was it that they said about you back then? How can this man lead a mighty army in the future? #takebackmilitarypower #notmyfuturemarshal. But a few years down the line what happened? You became the Marshal and the best yet.¡±


    ¡°What is your point exactly? What do you want from me?¡± asked the Marshal with some idea of where this was headed.


    ¡°Don¡¯t act dumb. I know you know what this is about,¡± said Zi Feiji as he minimized the embarrassing video.


    ¡°What¡¯s it to you how I punish my son?¡± asked Marshal Yi a little puzzled.


    ¡°Like I said before my grandson won¡¯t shut up about it. Now, inform the misses at home that my grandson ising over to see your son.... Oh and tell her not to leave them alone unsupervised.¡±


    ¡®Now that I know that boy will nt his lips on anyone, boy or girl, it would be best to make sure he doesn¡¯t nt his lips on Yi Chen and cause trouble,¡¯ thought Zi Feiji a little apprehensive.


    Marshal Yi still couldn¡¯t understand how him punishing his son had anything to do with Zi Feiji¡¯s grandson. He also couldn¡¯t understand the whole unsupervised remark but right now he would agree to anything just so that Zi Feiji would get rid of those embarrassing videos.


    ***


    Ding...


    Ding...


    That was the sound of the doorbell ringing at the Marshal¡¯s vi. The humanoid butler strutted over to open the door but a loud melodic voice yelled,


    ¡°I will open it, I will open it.¡±


    That voice came from Lin Ruoxi as she rushed down the stairs. The humanoid butler was a little surprised but it backed down and bowed respectfully.


    Lin Ruoxi stopped by the door and nervously straightened her hair and sleeves while exhaling deeply to calm herself down.


    After setting herself up in a rxed state she put on a smile and opened the door. In front of her was that boy from before. He was standing there with a beaming smile as he stretched out his hand and said, ¡°Hello auntie. My name is Zi Han.¡±


    Lin Ruoxi had prepared a speech in her head to make a good impression but when she met those up-turned fox eyes she found that she could barely speak.


    With his hand still stretched out, Zi Han felt a little ill at ease but he kept the smile on his face. Her silence made this already awkward situation even more ufortable. If it weren¡¯t that he needed to check on Yi Chen he might have run away by now.


    ¡°May I... may Ie in,¡± he said trying to ease the awkwardness in the air.


    ¡°Oh, yes... sorry. I lost myself for a moment. That¡¯s because you are quite good-looking,¡± she said while shaking his hand that is before her eyes widened realizing what she had said.


    Zi Han stepped in with the smile on his face growing wider. ¡°Now I know where Chen-ge got his outstanding looks from. Auntie is a goddess descended from heaven,¡± said Zi Han praising her to high heaven.

 Chapter 182

    182 Don¡¯t be mad at me


    He had never met a friend¡¯s mother before thus he was a little unsure what to say. He just hoped his choice of words wouldn¡¯t be considered presumptuous.


    Lin Ruoxiughed a little before saying, ¡°He is in the training room. Can I trouble you to help him out?¡±


    After her husband called she deliberately waited for Zi Han to show up so he could go and get Yi Chen himself. Knowing her son¡¯s personality he was the type that needed external help otherwise there would never be progress.


    Like a responsible parent, she pushed the boat along the river. ¡°Alright,¡± replied Zi Han and Lin Ruoxi led him to the training room. After that, she left saying she was going to run a bath for Yi Chen. After all that training, he could use a hot bath to soothe his muscles.


    Meanwhile, Yi Chen was sitting on the ground in his mech. His breathing was heavy and distressing. Around him were thousand of beasts lying dead on the ground. It was a simtion but it felt so realistic that one would think he was on some deserted ughtering beast crawling from the deepest depths of hell.


    He might seem exhausted but there was still a slight quirk at the corner of his lips. That¡¯s because each time he recalled that kiss his heart would melt into a puddle. This punishment was pretty much worth it.


    While he was recalling pleasant memories a shadow suddenly cast over him blocking the light. He was so exhausted that his senses weren¡¯t as sharp as before thus he didn¡¯t sense it when the person walked over.


    When he raised his head he saw a familiar mech standing by his side with luminous rays shining on the frame of the body of the mech.


    Before he could say anything the mech slowly crouched down before him as the simtion gradually disappeared leaving behind a sea of white walls.


    .....


    ¡°Hey.... are you okay?¡± asked Zi Han but the person just stared at him with a dazed look on his face.


    Zi Han waved his hand in front of his mech but Yi Chen was unresponsive for a good while.


    ¡°Am I dreaming?.... Why are you here?¡± asked Yi Chen a little confused.


    ¡°No it¡¯s not a dream and it¡¯s a long story... now get up,¡± replied Zi Han as he deactivated his mech.


    Yi Chen followed suit but honestly thought he was dreaming. This was the training room at his family home so why would Zi Han be here? Could it be that his mind had been muddled by that kiss that he started imagining things?


    Zi Han grabbed his arm attempting to help him up but Yi Chen remained as unmovable as a rock. Their disparity in strength became more apparent at this moment.


    Yi Chen was exhausted but he was still so strong that Zi Han couldn¡¯t move him. With a slight tug on his arm, Yi Chen pulled Zi Han down and flipped his body over before pinning Zi Han on the floor.


    Zi Han thought Yi Chen was messing around like before and wanted to fight him thus he pinched the side of Yi Chen¡¯s waist hard and the guy got off on top of him as fast as he climbed on.


    Yi Chen was most certainly awake now. If Zi Han hadn¡¯t pinched him he might have kissed those lips with no second thought.


    Zi Han tsked as he got up. ¡°You are this fucked up yet you dare pick a fight with me? Let¡¯s go... you can thank meter for saving you.¡±


    Yi Chen still didn¡¯t understand what was going on but he silently got up. His legs instantly turned into jelly but before he could kiss the floor Zi Han helped him up. As they walked out of the training room Zi Hanined, ¡°Next time I am dared to kiss someone just let it happen. Stopping it is really not worth you getting punished like this.¡±


    Zi Han spoke so many words but the smirk on Yi Chen¡¯s face spoke volumes. He subconsciously bit his lower lip with a smitten look on his face as he tightened his grasp on Zi Han¡¯s waist.


    It was more than worth it. The benefits were too many to count and the harvest was bountiful. Yi Chen intended to milk it and he milked it real good.


    One look at Zi Han an hourter clearly demonstrated that. His hair was wet and he was walking around shirtless with an annoyed look on his face.


    How did this neatly dressed cutie end up like this? It¡¯s because when Zi Han dropped Yi Chen off in the bathroom to take a bath, Yi Chen wouldn¡¯t let him go.


    Heined that his arms were too weak to undress and he needed help. Zi Han refused but after Yi Chen gave him that pitiful look he was thoroughly defeated.


    Left with no choice Zi Han helped him undress except for his underwear. Yi Chen was a gentleman about it. He wouldn¡¯t let Zi Han help him with that. Thus he stood up straight and with his gaze transfixed on Zi Han he simply took it off.


    Zi Han was stupefied at first looking at that nk expression on his face. He was about to ask him to get in the water but his nce somehownded down south and boy was it big.


    Zi Han had seen it before and was even envious but looking at it now he could only pray for whomever that thing would poke in the future.


    ¡°Hey, hey, hey stop showing off. I know you are blessed down there,¡± he said before urging him to get into the bathtub.


    Zi Han thought his ordeal would end here but the moment he got up Yi Chen grasped his arm and turned his head looking at him with a pitiable expression.


    Pressing his lips into a thin line Zi Han grabbed a sponge and washed his arms and chest and back. ¡°Top half only. We aren¡¯t close enough friends for me to wash everything else.¡±


    That¡¯s what he said but washing Yi Chen was like grooming a husky. He was overly dramatic and stubborn. After this experience, Zi Han honestly began to think he must have owed Yi Chen in his past life or something.


    But that wasn¡¯t the end of it. After seeing Zi Han¡¯s wet t-shirt Yi Chen decided that since he was already wet then why not join him and they can bathe together? Its seemed logical right? Thus he pulled Zi Han into the bathtub that was big enough to fit three people. The end result was a wet Zi Han ring daggers at Yi Chen. If looks could kill then he would be dead already.


    Ten minutester....


    Zi Han felt a warm towel cover his head followed by sounds ofughter thus he turned around and asked, ¡°What are youughing at? If I ever help you again then my fuckin surname is not Zi.¡±


    He angrily scolded Yi Chen while throwing the towel at him. Yi Chen who knew he had pushed it too far walked over and wiped Zi Han¡¯s hair while whispering, ¡°Don¡¯t be mad at me. I was just too happy to see you.... These past three days have been hard for me.¡±


    ¡®Because I missed you,¡¯ he continued in his mind with a sincere smile on his face. He missed him so much and wanted to see him. At that time all he could think about was this very moment. The moment he could be with him again.

 Chapter 183

    183 A good husband grants his wife ess to his phone, hehe


    So how would Zi Han rate his first visit to a friend¡¯s house? Well, he kinda had mixed feelings about it. That¡¯s because so much happened after that bath.


    After changing into Yi Chen¡¯s clothes which barely fit, by the way, Zi Han thought he should leave. Now that he knew Yi Chen was okay he could have peace of mind. But who would have thought Yi Chen would yet again convince him to stay? And how did he do that? Quite simple actually.


    Yi Chen wasn¡¯t good with words but when it came to flirting with and convincing Zi Han it was like an instinct. When Zi Han suggested he wanted to leave Yi Chen grabbed hold of his wrist and pulled him a little closer.


    With a thirty-centimeter distance between them, he said, ¡°Why so early? I bet if I check my light brain right now. I would find no less than twenty missed calls and at least forty messages. Am I lying?¡± while rubbing Zi Han¡¯s wrist with his thumb.


    Zi Han tried to take his hand back before responding, ¡°You think too highly of yourself.¡±


    Yi Chen broke into a charming smile before replying, ¡°Then let¡¯s check,¡± while pulling him over.


    Zi Han who knew that it had to be more than that panickingly held his arm stopping him from checking.


    ¡°I, I will stay. Just lend me your light brain then I will stay,¡± he said recalling all those terrible messages he sent including ones of him cursing while dering that their friendship was over. He wasn¡¯t proud of himself. His behavior was unbing of a Zi family member. Thus he nned on deleting the evidence. What he didn¡¯t realize was that his entire family was like him. They did the very same thing especially when it came to someone or something they liked. It¡¯s just that he had never seen it before.


    Yi Chen immediately agreed. Like a ball and chain, he kept holding on to Zi Han and led him to his bed. He resolutely unlocked his light brain andmanded, ¡°Ran, register new biometrics.¡±


    .....


    Zi Han, ¡°....¡±


    ¡°Security level, sir?¡± it asked as it began to register Zi Han¡¯s biometric data.


    ¡°Highest level,¡± he replied staring at Zi Han¡¯s awe-struck face with a blissful look in his shimmering eyes.


    ¡°Yes sir. Registrationpleted,¡± replied Ran before the room fell into silence for a moment.


    ¡°Why? You.... Do you know what you just did?¡± asked Zi Han with that light brain starting to feel hot in his palm.


    To fully understand the significance of this one needs to take a light brain as a person¡¯s entire life. That means ess to the property, finances either as stocks or in a secure vault, mechs, medical records, family information e.t.c.


    It was the lifeblood of every citizen of the Federation and granting another person ess was like trusting them with your life. And Yi Chen who was the most cautious person had just granted Zi Han ess to his light brain.


    Considering his current position and status in the Federation anyone other than his parents shouldn¡¯t have ess to his light brain at the highest security level.


    Actually even they didn¡¯t have full ess because he was hiding something from them. What he was hiding doesn¡¯t even need to be mentioned.


    ¡°Don¡¯t overthink it. I secured my messages to the highest level so you need that kind of security ess to read them. I will remove it after you are done,¡± he said as hey down on the bed.


    All I can say is, ¡°Lies, lies, lies.... all lies.¡± His messages weren¡¯t that secured. They were at level one ess because he had nothing to hide and two he was never going to revoke Zi Han¡¯s ess to his light brain. He just said it so that Zi Han will feel less pressure. Yes, he wasn¡¯t proud of himself for lying but he thought it necessary.


    Zi Han felt a sense of ease as he opened the chat interface on Yi Chen¡¯s light brain but before he could delete the messages Yi Chen pulled him over and his bodyy next to Yi Chen on the bed.


    ¡°Lie down with me for a minute or two, okay?¡± whispered Yi Chen his eyes sluggish.


    Zi Han whose bottom line had been lowered several times today just stared at him with a ¡®what the fuck¡¯ type of expression. At this point, he might as well adopt Yi Chen. It was like raising a troublesome version of Mr. Twiggles.


    ¡°Come on, please. I will let you have your baby for a week,¡± said Yi Chen negotiating terms.


    ¡°Sigh.... two weeks. Now move over,¡± he said before lying next to Yi Chen.


    Yi Chen smiled happily as he slid his hand on Zi Han¡¯s waist to pull him closer.


    Pa!


    With a hard smack on his hand, Zi Han reprimanded him¡±, Keep your hands to yourself.¡±


    Yi Chen, ¡°...¡±


    What was the point of sharing a bed if he couldn¡¯t even cuddle him? Thest time they shared a bed Zi Han was so drunk that he kicked him a couple of times.


    He had fallen off the bed twice thus he could no longer be polite. He hugged Zi Han to sleep confining him in ce. Zi Han still tried to get out of his hold but failed.


    Yi Chen was sloshed then as well but he remembered everything. ¡°What¡¯s wrong with me hugging you a little? It¡¯s not like you cared before. Who was the guy who barged in while I was showering and downyed it?¡± said Yi Chen his voice lethargic and sensuous making one¡¯s ears itch.


    Zi Han pressed the tip of his tongue against his inner cheek feeling slightly irked. ¡°Fine just this once. If you dare go overboard I will leave,¡± replied Zi Han not even certain why he felt so tense all of a sudden. He never used to care. Maybe it was because of those weird dreams he had been having. They had been putting him on the edge.


    Zi Hany down on his back while scrolling through the chat interface looking for his chat history so he can delete it. It seemed a lot of people had been looking for Yi Chen recently.


    He didn¡¯t want to snoop but dang some of these contacts had girl names on them with one of them even sending a heart emoji. Zi Han pursed his lips and found his contact name.

 Chapter 184

    184 Do you like my brother


    He was about to open it when Yi Chen whispered in his ear his voice sluggish like he was about to fall asleep.


    ¡°Mmm.... don¡¯t delete all of it. Keep our past chat records,¡± he said with his eyes closed while his hand slid across Zi Han¡¯s waist drawing him closer.


    Zi Han¡¯s ear felt so itchy that he tugged at it while dodging. ¡°Stop messing around or I will leave,¡± he said before deleting every unread message in Yi Chen¡¯s light brain sent by him. He was so embarrassed that he couldn¡¯t even read any of them.


    Yi Chen let out a light hum in agreement and fell sound asleep under the hypnotic scenting from Zi Han¡¯s body. Meanwhile, Zi Han had finished deleting the messages and exited the chat interface. He took a casual nce at the other unread messages and decided to exit the app.


    But before he could exit another message came in and this time it was from a person registered as TheOneAndOnlyYua. The picture on her avatar was eerily familiar. She was that girl from that meet and greet who wanted to hook up with Yi Chen. Zi Han didn¡¯t even have to open the message to see what she had sent. It was right there in front of him.


    TheOneAndOnlyYua: Chen Chen, why do you keep cklisting me?


    TheOneAndOnlyYua: I am not asking for much just one date.


    Zi Han was about to ignore it. Besides, it wasn¡¯t his light brain. Well, that is until she sent this;


    TheOneAndOnlyYua: That girl doesn¡¯t deserve you. She doesn¡¯t have what I have.


    .....


    TheOneAndOnlyYua: [image2449.jpg]


    ¡°Fuck,¡± swore Zi Han when he opened the image and found an erotic picture from possibly a lingerie photoshoot from her modeling work.


    Zi Han had to say she looked hot as fuck but instead of appreciating the curves and skin showing under that redce he was a little annoyed. Yes, he didn¡¯t have a body shaped like a model bute on. The guy obviously showed her that he was taken yet she dared send him such a seductive picture.


    Zi Han scoffed as he turned his head and nced at Yi Chen who had fallen asleep ages ago. He was breathing evenly with a tranquil expression on his face like he was at peace.


    Since it was his duty as the fake girlfriend to swat away the flies he pulled up the quilt half covering his face. Zi Han bit his lower lip with a hint of mischief in his eyes.


    He gently grasped Yi Chen¡¯s chin and moved his head to face upwards his actions careful. After talking himself into this shitty n he pressed his lips on Yi Chen¡¯s cheek while capturing this moment.


    He quickly checked the picture and after cropping it leaving half of Yi Chen¡¯s face and half of his with his lips peeking from underneath the quilt he sent it.


    YC: [image.jpg]


    YC: Back off bitch. He is mine.


    After sending this he deleted the chat history and traces of the image. He also didn¡¯t forget to cklist Ikeda Yua. Ridden with guilt he silently crawled out of the bed intending to go home that is after grabbing his little shark from Yi Chen¡¯s desk.


    The only reason he managed to get away from Yi Chen was because the man was so exhausted he couldn¡¯t feel anything.


    Zi Han could get away from one Yi family member but he still couldn¡¯t escape from the other two. As soon as he stepped out he saw the pair of siblings standing at the end of the corridor looking like the twins from The Shining.


    Zi Han, ¡°....¡±


    If only they were twins and wore the same outfit they would recreate that eerie scene perfectly.


    ¡°Come y with us jie jie,¡± said Ming Ming her expression beaming like she had seen the north star.


    Zi Han wanted to refuse but those cute faces had him conceding. It seemed that this kind of pitiful expression was a family thing because he couldn¡¯t resist.


    ¡°Uh.... ten minutes, okay? I have to go home afterwards,¡± he said and soon he was dragged into Ming Ming¡¯s room.


    On the other hand, Lin Ruoxi was sitting on the barstool in the kitchen typing so fast like a keyboard warrior scolding her husband.


    TheMarshal¡¯sPrettyWife: What do you mean I shouldn¡¯t leave them alone without supervision?


    TheMarshal¡¯sPrettyWife: Are you out of your mind?


    MarshalYi: That¡¯s what Zi Feiji said.


    MarshalYi: He must have his own reason.


    TheMarshal¡¯sPrettyWife: Since when do you listen to him?


    TheMarshal¡¯sPrettyWife: Are you hiding something from me?


    Marshal Yi, ¡°...¡±


    Meanwhile, Zi Han was sitting on the carpet with a small table in front of him while Ming Ming used her y makeup set on him.


    Yi Youxi was sitting opposite him staring at him with a dazed expression on his face which Zi Han found amusing.


    ¡°A little bit here and... maybe here,¡± said Ming Ming while putting blush on Zi Han¡¯s cheeks. To be frank, he looked like a clown, a very handsome clown.


    ¡°Do you like my brother?¡± asked Yi Youxi his expression serious.


    Zi Han, ¡°....¡±


    Why the fuck did it feel like he was being interrogated? With a cocked brow he said, ¡°Yes, I like him. We are really good friends.¡±


    Yi Youxi smiled as he leaned back a little. He removed his elbows from the table and said, ¡°So you are single?¡±


    Zi Han, ¡®WTF!¡¯


    Was he being hit on by a five year old? ¡°Aren¡¯t you like five years old?¡± he asked wondering how Yi Youxi could possibly be rted to Yi Chen. Yi Youxi seemed chilled and fun but Yi Chen was especially serious well, that is in front of everyone else but him.


    ¡°I am eight,¡± he said but Ming Ming¡¯s action of putting a hair clip in Zi Han¡¯s hair paused her eyes wide.


    Both Yi Youxi and Zi Han noticed her ¡®are you kidding me¡¯ gaze. Yi Youxi had no choice but to correct himself.


    ¡°Fine.... seven and a half. How about we make a deal.... if in ten years you are still single then we can get togeth_,¡± he said only for the door to open and their mother walking in her expression radiant like the glowing sun.


    ¡°ytime is over... Han Han, can I call you that?¡± she asked not knowing how well tomunicate with an inw.


    ¡°Yes, Han Han is fine,¡± replied Zi Han and Lin Ruoxi let out a sigh of relief.


    ¡°May, may I speak with you for a moment?¡± she asked and Zi Han stood up with slight embarrassment. His face was covered in makeup and he looked like a hot mess but Lin Ruoxi didn¡¯t seem to mind. She just led him out of the room not forgetting to re at her kids in the process.

 Chapter 185

    185 ¡°Do you hurt anywhere?¡±


    Zi Han felt a little nervous as he sat next to the most influential woman in Onyx Federation. Well, one would ask isn¡¯t his mother the most influential? In truth, Zi Xingxi was the badass of Onyx Federation.


    He found that out when he learned about his mother on Sta when he reached Capital Star. One article headlined that she was the kind of woman people didn¡¯t dare fuck with but wouldn¡¯t mind making her their baby mama.


    Zi Han was so pissed off at the time when he read it but when he saw his mother walking in with spots of blood on her face while mming an energy assault rifle on the kitchen counter it made sense why they would brazenly write that article.


    Lin Ruoxi waspletely different from his mother. She was a sessful entrepreneur, phnthropist, and motherly figure that resonated with most citizens of the federation.


    Faced with this amazing person Zi Han was indeed a little nervous. Lin Ruoxi on the other hand was thinking about why Zi Han wasn¡¯t limping. Forgive her for being forward but Yi Chen was his father¡¯s son.


    That meant it was impossible for nothing to happen when he was in the same room as the person he likes. She was thinking from experience with her husband. Marshal Yi had a way to convince her that she would find her resolve crumbling in minutes.


    Yi Chen might be the silent type but deep down he was as sly as his father and there was no way he wouldn¡¯t try something when alone with Zi Han. And this mother was encouraging it. Her baby¡¯s happiness was very important. As the future Marshal, he needs someone to keep him sane otherwise those old geysers would drive him nuts.


    This was why once or twice a month if she was in a good mood she would sneak into her husband¡¯s office with a slutty outfit underneath her coat and seduce him so he could vent it out.


    That job could drive a man crazy and she was only worried for her son¡¯s future wellbeing.


    .....


    Thus she was happy shipping these two and made sure to do anything in her power to get them together. Now that her son liked someone she wouldn¡¯t let that person escape that easily.


    Lin Ruoxi smiled happily as she took out some wet wipes to remove the horrible makeup on his face.


    Zi Han who felt a slight sense of unease being looked at like that epted the wet wipes but his fingers paused when he heard her ask, ¡°Do you hurt anywhere?¡±


    Zi Han, ¡°...¡±


    Seeing Zi Han¡¯s expression Lin Ruoxi was a little surprised. It suddenly dawned on her that maybe her son was the um..... ahem in the rtionship. It now made sense why Zi Han wasn¡¯t limping and even managed to walk around with no issues but her son was passed out cold. Interesting.....


    She took out numbing cream and said, ¡°May I trouble you to apply this for him before you leave...¡±


    Zi Han epted the cream but his brow couldn¡¯t help but arched upwards. Was this cream for muscle ache or something? If that was the case then it indeed made sense.


    ¡°It¡¯s no trouble. He was so weak that I had to help him into the bathroom,¡± said Zi Han recalling how troublesome Yi Chen was. Even taking off his clothes was a problem. He was so restless like a dog that knows it¡¯s about to have a bath.


    His response was innocent but to Mama Yi, it sounded like her son was so worn out that he could barely move. Oh, please don¡¯t me her. The fact that Zi Han was now wearing Yi Chen¡¯s clothes further confirmed that something did happen.


    ¡°Oh okay, I just hope you guys didn¡¯t overdo it. It is very important that one shouldn¡¯t over-exert themselves. It¡¯s not good for the kidneys,¡± she said and Zi Han stopped removing the makeup on his face.


    What was she talking about? Did she mean training? It seemed these two people were thinking at different wavelengths.


    Lin Ruoxi thought she had made it clear but seeing Zi Han¡¯s expression she suddenly had a hunch. Had she misunderstood these two?


    ¡°Han Han, how long have you been with Chen Chen? What I mean is how long have you... um... um been....,¡± she said unable to ask directly.


    ¡°Been friends? We met almost four months ago. It didn¡¯t go so well the first time we met. But we worked out our differences and recently decided to be friends. Well, I am not like Li Ran who has known him for years but we get along pretty well,¡± he said and Lin Ruoxi¡¯s heart sank hearing this.


    Her son hadn¡¯t even grasped this person. What the fuck was he waiting for? And here she thought that they were already dating.


    ¡°Oh, that¡¯s good,¡± she said and handed him another wet wipe as the other one had so much makeup on it already. The room fell into silence for a while. Zi Han could tell Lin Ruoxi was thinking about something thus he didn¡¯t disturb her.


    Zi Han just stared at the warm cup of tea Lin Ruoxi prepared for him while wiping the makeup off his face.


    After a short silence, she suddenly said, ¡°Excuse me, I have to go check on my roast.... Would you like toe along?¡±


    Zi Han didn¡¯t mind thus he got up and followed her to the kitchen. It was better than staying alone in the lounge.


    ¡°Would you like some help?¡± he asked and Lin Ruoxi nced over in his direction while politely declining.


    Zi Han sat on the bar stool and noticed the floating screen on the kitchen counter. It seemed that Lin Ruoxi was trying to make creme brulee for dessert or something.


    On an impulse, he said, ¡°I can help you make the dessert.... I¡¯m pretty good at it,¡± looking at her with an eager expression. He knew he shoulde up with an excuse and leave but he couldn¡¯t help but want to stay a little longer.


    He and Yi Chen were close friends now and he kinda wanted to integrate into his family just like Li Ran. This is the reason why he didn¡¯t refuse when the Yi siblings invited him over.


    Lin Ruoxi was a little hesitant. She knew that her husband and Zi Feiji didn¡¯t get along well thus he didn¡¯t want to get him in trouble. The kid had already skipped school for Yi Chen and she would feel bad if she kept him here longer.


    ¡°Won¡¯t your grandfather be displeased if you dy going home?¡± she asked cing the carton of heavy cream from the fridge on the kitchen ind.


    Zi Han smiled gleefully as he stood up and replied, ¡°I have his permission to stay longer... I will measure the ingredients first.¡±


    Lin Ruoxi, ¡°....¡±


    ¡°Okay.... the measuring stuff are in the top drawer behind you... You know you can just let the housekeeping robot measure it for you, right? It saves time,¡± she said curiously watching him.


    ¡°Mm, but sometimes I like doing it myself. It gives me a slight sense of aplishment when I see the end result,¡± he repliedying things out on the kitchen ind.


    Lin Ruoxi could rte. For her cooking was therapeutic and gave her a sense of gratification when she saw her family enjoying what she made for them.

 Chapter 186

    186 ¡®if you don¡¯t lock it down then you are dead to me¡¯


    Her good impression of Zi Han greatly increased after this. The fact that her son hadn¡¯t yet won this young man¡¯s heart made her anxious.


    ¡°So do you have a girlfriend.... or maybe boyfriend?¡± she casually asked while he was pouring the cream into the saucepan.


    Zi Han was a little surprised she would ask this. It seemed the entire Yi family was curious about his rtionship status. He might think so but he wasn¡¯t resistant to it. He answered honestly, ¡°I am absolutely single... I thought I should focus on my career first.¡±


    Lin Ruoxi nodded her head in acquiescence. As long as he was still single then her son had a shot.


    ¡°How about your mother... does she have a problem with you befriending my son?¡± she asked while cing the ramekins inside the baking dish.


    Zi Han whisked the cream, vani bean, and salt together while responding, ¡°She said she won¡¯t interfere... and she has kept her word so far.¡±


    Lin Ruoxi seemed satisfied with this response. It seemed Zi Han really valued her son which was a good thing.


    It didn¡¯t take long for them to finish making the custard. While Zi Han was cing it in the oven, the main door was pushed open and a deep voice was heard calling for Lin Ruoxi with a hint of coquetry.


    ¡°Ru baby, I am home,¡± said the voice causing Zi Han to purse his lips stifling hisughter.


    .....


    Lin Ruoxi, ¡°....¡±


    She hastily left the kitchen to stop her husband but who would have thought he would grab hold of her waist and pull her closer stering his lips on hers?


    Lin Ruoxi pushed him away while whispering angrily, ¡°Stop messing around, we have a guest.¡±


    Marshal Yi¡¯s body stiffened hearing this. His warm expression from just now disappeared as he looked in the direction of the kitchen. It had to be that Zi kid but what was he still doing here?


    He was about to walk into the kitchen when Zi Han came out and stretched out his hand to greet the Marshal. But instead of shaking his hand the Marshal just intently gazed at him as though scrutinizing him.


    Meeting those sharp eyes that seemed to be piercing through his soul Zi Han could feel the hostility and strong dislikeing from the Marshal making him wonder if this stemmed from his dislike of Zi Xingxi or his grandfather.


    Zi Han had never met anyone¡¯s father before and from this experience, he found himself resistant to fathers. It wouldn¡¯t be far-fetched if he said he was terrified of him. Maybe it was the overbearing aura or the hostile energy surrounding the Marshal. Whatever it was Zi Han knew he wouldn¡¯t get along with this man ever.


    Marshal Yi shook his hand under the urging of his wife. ¡°You must be Zi Feiji¡¯s grandson. You look like him,¡± said Marshal Yi as he tighten his grip slightly.


    Zi Han didn¡¯t back down. He matched his momentum but internally he just wanted to run away.


    ¡°Daddy is here... yay!!¡± yelled Ming Ming as she ran down the stairs shattering the tension in the room. Zi Han heaved a sigh of relief as the massive pressure stifling him vanished.


    He doesn¡¯t know how he managed to leave that house after that. All he knew was that after his experience with the Marshal he might not being back anytime soon.


    Lin Ruoxi had also noticed her husband¡¯s ill-mannered behavior thus she reprimanded him as soon as Zi Han left the house.


    ¡°What the hell was that? You could have at least been nice to him,¡± she said while walking to the kitchen to check on the creme brulee in the oven.


    Marshal Yi grabbed the game out of Yi Youxi¡¯s hand while saying, ¡°What? He is just like his grandfather inserting himself into other people¡¯s business. He had Zi Feiji pressure me into letting Yi Chen off. What business do they have interfering with the way I discipline my son.¡±


    Lin Ruoxi looked at him with a hint of annoyance. She mmed the baking tray on the kitchen counter her expression ugly. She opposed it strongly when he punished Yi Chen and his reasoning back then was that he wouldn¡¯t interfere when she disciplines Ming Ming and Yi Youxi.


    Lin Ruoxi grabbed the game out of the Marshal¡¯s hand and gave it back to Yi Youxi who looked aggrieved. ¡°Go wake your brother,¡± she said to him before picking up Ming Ming and making her sit on the barstool.


    Marshal Yi scratched his head a little flustered. He knew his wife was pissed off but he had no idea how to coax her.


    She was so angry that she refused to sit next to him and when it was time for dessert he didn¡¯t get one. Yi Chen who didn¡¯t eat dessert much got two ramekins in front of him.


    ¡°Ma, one is fine,¡± said Yi Chen about to push it over to his father but Lin Ruoxi pushed it back and said,


    ¡°Han Han made it and since your father doesn¡¯t like him he can¡¯t eat it.¡±


    Yi Chen looked at his father and so did the other Yi siblings. Who the hell in their right mind would dislike Zi Han?


    Yi Chen nced at the dessert in front of him and pressed his lips into a thin line concealing the smile on his face. When he woke up and found that Zi Han was gone he was a little upset. Turns out Zi Han made him a tasty dessert before leaving.


    Lin Ruoxi was about to put a scoop of pistachio ice cream on top of his dessert but Yi Chen refused. He ate happily ignoring the stares he was getting from his father.


    ¡°That kid is so nice. He is also great at making desserts,¡± she said staring at Yi Chen with an expression that seemed to say ¡®if you don¡¯t lock it down then you are dead to me¡¯.


    Marshal Yi, who had to settle for ice cream suddenly said, ¡°Is it just me or his eyes are so familiar? Those eyes are so unique but I can¡¯t for the life of me remember who has those kind of eyes.¡±


    Yi Chen¡¯s dessert spoon froze mid-air when he heard his father say this. It would be in Zi Han¡¯s best interest if he never meets his father at least not on a regr basis. Since his father didn¡¯t like him to begin with then it would be easy to keep them apart.


    ¡°You are overthinking it. They are just eyes,¡± said Lin Ruoxi before feeding him one spoonful of the creme brulee just to give him a taste of what he was missing.


    ¡°Mm, that¡¯s really good,¡± he said forgetting who made it.


    ¡°Well, you only get one spoonful,¡± said Lin Ruoxi as she sat back down after feeding him from across the table.


    ¡°Yi Youxi how about you give dad a taste,¡± he said to his son sitting to his left. Yi Youxi deliberately scrapped all of the custard and bits of the crystallized sugar out of the ramekin and ate all of it.


    Marshal Yi, ¡°....¡±


    ¡°Ming Ming how about you? Spare some for daddy,¡± he asked but Ming Ming was more protective of her food than anyone else in this house.


    She hugged the souffle bowl as though afraid she would get robbed. ¡°Daddy doesn¡¯t like jie jie so no dessert for you.¡±


    Okay, his family had chosen an outsider over him. Just like every Zi family member, that boy had messed up his evening.

 Chapter 187

    187 Weird spring dreams


    Standing tall, shirtless, and wearing fleece jogger pants in the middle of his room Zin Han looked at the person on the floating screen his expression serious.


    In his left hand, he was holding an electric toothbrush while listening to Yi Chen. ¡°What do you mean by weird dreams?¡± asked Yi Chen while typing something on a separate screen.


    It seemed like he was multi-tasking but in truth, he was covering up his covetous eyes that were greedily ncing at Zi Han¡¯s chest muscles.


    The image was both provocative and temptatious that one could asionally see his adam¡¯s apple bobbing as though he was enduring something.


    ¡°I mean like a spring dream. Sometimes there will be some second base action... you know the tongue kissing and fondling through outside clothes type of action,¡± exined Zi Han his voice casual like he was discussing the weather.


    Yi Chen¡¯s eyes darkened further as he gulped moistening his dry throat. He supposed Zi Han¡¯s dreams were a result of the other night. Crossing his fingers he asked, ¡°Who is partaking in this strange dream with you? Is it the same person or.....?¡±


    Zi Han put the toothbrush in his mouth as he walked slowly to the bathroom. ¡°Let me think,¡± he said before entering the bathroom.


    For a moment he absent-mindedly brushed his teeth while thinking seriously. He never saw the person he was pressing down and grinding his waist up against but he felt it was definitely the same person.


    There was an inexplicable familiarity in the atmosphere within this dream but he couldn¡¯t tell who it was. With a whoosh, the tap water flowed into the sink and he lowered his head to rinse his mouth before stepping out of the bathroom.


    .....


    Yi Chen was still waiting for him on the video call and when he saw Zi Haning back he straightened his back pretending not to care much but in truth, he was especially nervous that his palms were mmy.


    ¡°It¡¯s always one person I think... I mean I can¡¯t see their face but it feels like the same person,¡± said Zi Han as he sat down at the edge of his bed grabbing Mr. Twiggles. He gently pinched the shark¡¯s tail and continued, ¡°Maybe I am just horny?¡±


    Yi Chen who was taking a sip of warm water from his sk cup almost choked hearing this. With a soft cough, he set the cup aside while Zi Han worriedly stared at him. ¡°Are you okay?¡± he asked his brows twitching slightly.


    ¡°Yeah, *cough,¡± he said wiping his lips with the ball of his palm, ¡°what did, did you mean by hem... by....¡±


    When Zi Han asked to have this kind of conversation with him he didn¡¯t expect that he would be this open. Sure, he should be happy Zi Han wasfortable with him enough to talk about sex but dang.... it was too stimting that his ears were bloody red.


    Zi Han zoned out for a second hearing his question that is up until he recalled what they were discussing before and said, ¡°Maybe I need to you know.... vent it out.¡±


    ¡°You mean you want to....?¡± asked Yi Chen ready to nominate himself.


    Zi Han scratched his fluffy head of hair while replying, ¡°Yah, maybe. I mean is it weird to say that? Isn¡¯t it only natural?¡±


    ¡°Don¡¯t you need to do those kinds of things with someone you like? I thought you didn¡¯t want to fall in love?¡± asked Yi Chen probing Zi Han. If Zi Han changes his outlook on things then he would surely be at the forefront pursuing him openly.


    ¡°What¡¯s love got to do with it? Lust and love are two separate entities. I might not fall in love but the basic physical aspects need to be satisfied,¡± he exined but the more Yi Chen heard the more dejected he was.


    He expected such a response but he couldn¡¯t help but be a little hopeful. ¡°Maybe I should find a pretty open-minded girl or something... uh forget it. Such a thing would always involve feelings,¡± he eximed as though having a conversation with himself.


    Yi Chen felt panicked when he heard what Zi Han said. If this person is allowed to proceed with that n he might lose it thus he had to nip it in the bud before it¡¯s toote. ¡°Ahem, have you tried you know.... *sigh.... um,¡± he said his thin-skinned nature resurfacing without notice.


    Zi Han chuckled as he stared at the shy Yi Chen. ¡°Not in a very long time... but I need some movies to set up the right atmosphere. Would you... maybe... since we are friends and all.... you can watch it with me,¡± said Zi Han his voice getting lower and lower as a hint of mischief shed in his eyes.


    Yi Chen felt so bashful that he couldn¡¯t utter a word for a full minute. He loved teasing Zi Han but when Zi Han fired back like this he found himself at a loss. Just when he thought he would die from embarrassment, Zi Hanughed out loud as hey back on his bed. Afterughing for half a minute he abruptly sat up with a tear in the corner of his eye.


    ¡°I am messing with you. I am really not that crazy,¡± he said wiping the corner of his eye.


    Yi Chen heaved a sigh before taking another sip. He didn¡¯t need to watch adult videos because what he had in his light brain was enough to ignite his passion. It was enough to start the engine and take him for a wild ride.


    Yi Chen was suddenly curious thus he asked, ¡°What sort of adult videos are you into?¡± while casually cing his arm behind his head for support.


    Zi Han tapped something on his light brain while saying, ¡°Actually, I have never watched any. You know.... the federation under eighteen protectionw. You can drink but you can¡¯t watch porn policy hahaha.... but if I want to I have a way around it. In fact, I think I should watch some tonight,¡± he said while tapping his chin.


    Yi Chen was about to respond to him when his bedroom was suddenly invaded. ¡°Watch what?¡± asked Ming Ming while climbing up his bed. Yi Youxi followed suit before his head peeked through the corner of the floating screen.


    ¡°How did you? I locked that door, didn¡¯t I?¡± said Yi Chen exasperated. These two were like burrs always breaking into his bedroom. He would change the passcode on his door but somehow they would always find out.


    Ming Ming poked Yi Chen¡¯s cheek while saying, ¡°Dage¡¯s face is so red like a cooked lobster.¡±


    Zi Han watched their interaction with great interest. The dynamics of siblings were beyond him thus he found this fascinating. Well, that is until he noticed Yi Youxi staring at him with a thoughtful gaze.


    Yi Chen noticed thus he covered both their eyes before mouthing, ¡°Put on a t-shirt.¡±


    Zi Han looked down at his chest and rolled his eyes. What was there to cover up? He was a man, okay?


    ¡°Hey, I can¡¯t see,¡±ined Yi Youxi while Ming Ming thought it was a game,


    ¡°Are we ying hide and seek? I will start counting. One, three, seven.¡±


    Zi Han, ¡°....¡±

 Chapter 188

    188 Watching adult videos


    With a light chuckle, Zi Han took the t-shirt he had casually tossed aside before washing his face and put it on.


    ¡°Why does Han-ge have two pendants yet dage has one?¡± asked Yi Youxi while trying to pull Yi Chen¡¯s fingers on his face so he could see.


    Yi Chen let them both go and asked, ¡°Is that what you were looking at?¡±


    Yi Youxi nodded his head that is before adding, ¡°Well and his chest. I like his muscles.¡±


    Yi Chen, ¡°....¡±


    ¡°Why aren¡¯t you all hiding? I already finished counting,¡±ined Ming Ming whileying her head against Yi Chen¡¯s.


    Yi Youxi crawled up further into the bed and said, ¡°I loved the dessert you made for us. It was really tasty.¡±


    ¡°It was yummy. I ate it with ice cream Jie Jie,¡± interjected Ming Ming with her finger in her mouth.


    Yi Chen ruffled her hair and said, ¡°He is a boy so call him dage.¡±


    .....


    ¡°I will call him gege from now on,¡± said Yi Youxi with a smitten look on his face.


    Zi Han was about to cut in when the door slid open and a soft voice reprimanded the two.


    ¡°Weren¡¯t you supposed to be in bed? I told you to stop disturbing your brother.... Oh, hie Han Han,¡± said Lin Ruoxi a little joyful in her heart seeing them chatting.


    ¡°Hello auntie,¡± replied Zi Han stroking Mr. Twiggles lying on hisp.


    ¡°I want a shark too. Gege¡¯s shark is cute,¡± said Ming Ming that is before she was dragged out of Yi Chen¡¯s bed.


    ¡°Goodnight gege. Don¡¯t forget to think about what I said earlier,¡± said Yi Youxi before leaving his brother in peace.


    Soon the room fell into silence before Zi Han broke intoughter. ¡°You have your hands full,¡± said Zi Han nowying t on his back on the bed.


    He might have forgotten what they were talking about before but Yi Chen hadn¡¯t so he asked, ¡°What kind are you going to watch.¡±


    Zi Han¡¯s brows creased for a moment trying to figure out what he meant. When he realized what he was talking about he sat up and said, ¡°I don¡¯t know. I will tell you tomorrow which one I watched. I gotta go.¡±


    After saying that Yi Chen replied with a silent, ¡°Oh.¡± Even until the video call ended he was still in such a low mood. Should he at least be d that Zi Han wasn¡¯t going to go find someone to lose his virginity to?


    Zi Han really wasn¡¯t messing around. He had been having one spring dream after the other and it was really screwing with him. The only reason he hadn¡¯t addressed the issue was because he was worried about Yi Chen.


    Now that he was reassured, Zi Han set the mood by following the guide on Sta. He dimmed the lights and turned on some sensual music. He didn¡¯t have candles so he lit article candles that produced one¡¯s desired aroma and some massage oil.


    He rarely did this but this was the first time he heavily invested in it. Now all that was left was some content. Zi Han scrolled through the tform after bypassing its security and there was a myriad of options.


    He decided to start off with something on the softer side. A romantic sensual adult video. Biting his thumb he watched seriously.


    The beautiful woman walked into the room in a silk gown and as she stepped out from the shadows she slowly untied the ribbon. The gown flowed down her smooth skin and the man lying on the bed bit his lower lip his eyes filled with lust.


    His lower half was already bulging in his underwear showing its great appreciation of this alluring enchantress. But what about his duck?


    Quack..... Absolutely nothing. The best way to describe it would be the word ¡®tline¡¯. Even as the pair was panting and moaning on the bed there were no fluctuations or even a single sign the sleeping phoenix would rise.


    Okay, okay.... three minutes in and he knew he wasn¡¯t into this so he decided to try something else. He bit on his thumb while scrolling through the videos.


    He finally stopped on one video with an interesting thumbnail. He knew about guys getting it on with guys but he had never been interested in the logistics of how things between men worked.


    Curious, he clicked on one of them and.... oh my was it interesting. Zi Han¡¯s eyes remained glued on the screen watching as one was pressed down calling out husband sweetly while writhing his body like he was in heat.


    From what he could gather it looked very painful but it seemed once the initial pain was gone he couldn¡¯t get enough clinging to the man like his life depended on it. He never thought a man could be this flexible until he saw this.


    It was very stimting but for his duck well,...


    Quack..... nothing.


    He knew that he wasn¡¯t impotent. His sparrow was definitely functional down there but it seemed this wasn¡¯t his thing.


    ¡°Fuck,¡± he swore as hey back down. Was it like this for everyone or was it just him? It seemed whatever he was dreaming about was the only thing that could get him up.


    While Zi Han was feeling slightly annoyed, Yi Chen¡¯s mood was low. Why? It was because his beloved was probably enjoying himself watching other people doing it.


    His eyes drooping like he was about to fall asleep a sh from his light brain drew his attention. He tapped on it and saw an unfamiliar contact disyed on the screen.


    Ikeda: Chen-ge, it¡¯s Yua.


    Ikeda: May you unblock me?


    Ikeda: That bitch cklisted me.


    Yi Chen didn¡¯t understand what she was talking about. He had already cklisted Ikeda Yua a long time ago. It seemed she had registered for a new ount and began harassing him again but who was this bitch she was talking about?


    Yi Chen opened the chat interface but he didn¡¯t see any messages from her. Recalling how he had let Zi Han use his light brain earlier today he opened a retrieval program and after running it everything that Zi Han had deleted was recovered.


    When he saw that image and the message telling Ikeda Yua to back off he let out a throaty chuckle while lightly biting his lower lip. His heart that was unsettled rxed instantaneously. Zi Han actually kissed his cheek. Fuck, it felt so good that he couldn¡¯t help but lightly touch where he was kissed.


    Yi Chen immediately cklisted that Ikeda contact and curled up in his nket reading all the old messages from Zi Han that he sent when he was being punished. His smile grew wider and wider reading the sweetness in those messages.


    If Zi Han said he didn¡¯t feel anything for him he wouldn¡¯t believe it. For the past three days, Zi Han was acting like an aggrieved girlfriend after being ignored by her boyfriend. The mood swings were especially amusing and the tantrums cute. It seemed his strategy was working. Zi Han was slowly falling into his trap.

 Chapter 189

    189 You can lie down and I will help you


    Out of all the deans across the Federation, the dean of Scy Military Academy was the most stressed. That¡¯s because he was training the future elites of the Military hence the pressure on him to deliver was ten times greater.


    His hair in a disheveled mess he rushed over to his office. This morning he had received the location for the final assessment and the subject on the email was tagged in red with the words ¡®strictly confidential¡¯ in caps.


    He had been waiting for this location for two weeks and now that it was here he had to approve and finalize the list of members for each team. Thus he was in a rush like a drone in a bee hive.


    As soon as he stepped into his office the lights switched on and his AI assistant greeted him.


    ¡°A cup of coffee please and make it a triple shot. I have a meeting with the Marshal soon and I absolutely need it to keep sane,¡± he said only for a familiar voice that shouldn¡¯t be here to respond to him.


    ¡°And why is that?¡± asked Marshal Yi while sitting in his chair with his legs crossed at the knees. His wrists casually resting on the armrest of the chair he continued, ¡°You seem to love talking smack behind my back.¡±


    Dean Kerpesky hastily waved his hands in refusal as he stammered an unbelievable response.


    Marshal Yi raised his hand slightly to stop him before gesturing for him to sit down. The man wiped the sweat off his forehead and sat down opposite him in the guest chair of his own office.


    ¡°I didn¡¯te to make things difficult for you. I came because I want you to do something for me. Since it¡¯s very important I had toe in person,¡± said Marshal Yi his tone serious.


    .....


    Dean Kerpesky swallowed his saliva moistening his dry throat before coughing lightly. ¡°I am at your disposal,¡± he replied his voice hoarse.


    Marshal Yi ced both his elbows on his desk and locked his fingers together his gaze fixed on the Dean but in truth, he was lost in thought.


    How could he have not known before? The answer was right there but like the rest of the public, he was blind and couldn¡¯t even see what was in front of him.


    He hated that Zi Feiji didn¡¯t disclose this information to him in advance. He had to find out because of a pair of eyes. How fucked up was that?


    After he met that Zi kid he couldn¡¯t get over the fact that those eyes were very familiar. Thus he kept going through his entire list of associates. After going through so many faces he changed strategy focusing on Zi Xingxi herself. Who in the Bloodgarde was around her at the time she was pregnant?


    As he went through the list of people around her at the time he suddenly had a bad premonition the longer he scanned through. He couldn¡¯t deny it anymore.


    With an air of reluctance, he pulled up the image of the prince and his heart dropped to the pit of his stomach.


    He didn¡¯t think Zi Xingxi would have the balls to actually sleep with a royal but looking at the evidence of the incident he could no longer put it past her.


    If the prime minister found out Zi Han¡¯s identity then everything he had worked hard for would burn to the ground. Why? That¡¯s because his son was very close to that Zi kid.


    Two families as powerful as theirs couldn¡¯t get too close as this would threaten the bnce that keeps the federation in harmony. Zi Han¡¯s true identity would only act like gasoline and further fuel the fire into an uncontroble zing storm.


    His wife already liked him and his children were already pining over him furtherplicating the issue. If he tries to use force these four would only resist him thus he decided to work in the shadows and pull them apart.


    ¡°I need you to put Zi Han and Yi Chen in separate teams... and don¡¯t leave any trail of it,¡± he said before standing up.


    Dean Kerpesky¡¯s brows creased hearing this. He didn¡¯t understand why nor did he want to find out the reason.


    He nodded his head a chicken pecking at rice.


    Meanwhile, Zi Han who had no idea that he had been screwed over was wrapping his sore arms with tape in the training room whileining.


    ¡°After that tter of pork ribs how do you expect me to train well,¡± he said ncing over in Yi Chen¡¯s direction.


    Yi Chen raised his head slightly and sniggered showing his pearly white teeth. ¡°I told you to eat less but you said you can handle it,¡± he said before lowering his head again and tugging at his armband.


    Zi Han took a step forward reducing the distance between them and said, ¡°You don¡¯t have to remind me about it. Aren¡¯t you supposed tofort me?¡±


    Yi Chen raised his head as he grasped Zi Han¡¯s wrist and pulled him closer. He smoothed out the armband while whispering, ¡°Would you like me to rub your tummy for you likest time?.... You can lie down and I will help you.¡±


    Zi Han¡¯s heartbeat stagnated like his soul had left his body for a second. Thest time he got a tummy rub from Yi Chen his stomach churned even more while he was sweating profusely. It didn¡¯t make him feel better but it worsened the situation.


    The feeling only got worse whenever his fingers moved closer to his lower abdomen. So yep... he would never ept Yi Chen¡¯s help ever. Feeling a little tense with a prickly sensation spreading across his body he pulled back his arm his tone taking a drastic turn.


    ¡°No need. I can, I can train,¡± he said but his hand was grabbed again and with a lowered head Yi Chen continued to smooth out the armband.


    Zi Han¡¯s gaze lingered on his slightly damp strands of hair and flutteringshes. His eyes suddenly narrowed as an image shed in his mind.


    For a moment the shadowy figure from his spring dreams suddenly turned into Yi Chen which terrified him half to death.


    ¡°Fuck,¡± he swore while taking his arm back. This time he took two steps back and because he wasn¡¯t looking he bumped into someone.


    ¡°Sorry,¡± he murmured with a slight turn of his body.


    ¡°En... don¡¯t worry I am not that fragile,¡± said Evan staring at him with a sly grin like he was about to pit an innocentmb to do bad things.

 Chapter 190

    190 Shouldn¡¯t you be calling Captain Evan


    Crvena smiled at Zi Han and said, ¡°I heard from a little bird that someone might be joining our team. Shouldn¡¯t you be calling Captain Evan?¡±


    While saying this he shifted his gaze towards Yi Chen with a mocking smile. But when he met that deadly gaze the smile on his face vanished.


    Feeling an inexplicable sense of danger he took a step back but Evan stood his ground. He still held a grudge over that night and couldn¡¯t wait to have a face to face confrontation with Yi Chen.


    He had been training hard for the past few weeks and he thought he was on par with him and could win in a fight.


    The two of them red at each other with the air pressure around them extremely tense. One spark was all it would take to ignite the gun powder concentrated around them.


    Just when they thought they would break into a fight, Zi Han showed a conceited smile before saying, ¡°Not going to happen, now move along. We have a lot of work to do.¡±


    As soon as he said this Yi Chen wrapped his arm around Zi Han¡¯s corbone pulling him back in a possessive manner his gaze provocative.


    Evan sneered before walking away. Soon after Li Ran rushed into the training room with H following behind him. When he saw that Yi Chen¡¯s face wasn¡¯t right he asked, ¡°Who offended you?¡±


    Zi Han nudged his head towards Evan who was sitting on the bleachers staring at them. Li Ran let out a light chuckle while saying, ¡°He has been really ying with firetely. Maybe he really does have a death wish.¡±


    .....


    H didn¡¯t say anything she just stared at the strong arm holding Zi Han across his chest. For a moment her soul flew straight to fujoshi heaven to share the gossip then came back for more.


    She grasped Li Ran¡¯s arm a couple of times before dragging him away. ¡°Ran Ran may I speak to you for a moment,¡± she said while pulling him away.


    As soon as they were furthest enough he asked, ¡°What¡¯s up?¡± expecting to talk about their rtionship which hadn¡¯t been confirmed yet. Baby steps, right?


    ¡°No, it¡¯s nothing. I just didn¡¯t want you to be a third wheel,¡± she said with her hand on the back of her waist.


    Li Ran, ¡°....¡±


    ¡°Seriously, he is my best friend so how am I the third wheel?¡± he asked ncing over at the two who were stretching in preparation for war.


    H pat Li Ran¡¯s shoulder with a hint of sympathy for the clueless.


    ***


    Meanwhile, at the academy gate, a pearl white hovercar apanied by an escort drove into the premises. As soon as the winged door opened a pair of stilettos emerged followed by a pair of milky white slender legs.


    A woman dressed in a ck suit rushed over and called out, ¡°Miss,¡± but before she could even convince her that this was a bad idea she was shut down.


    Scy military academy wasn¡¯t a ce one could casually stroll into regardless of status but Ikeda Yua just waltzed in the name of her father.


    Flicking her hair she said, ¡°I am here to find that bitch and I won¡¯t leave until I talk to her woman to woman.¡±


    By and I quote ¡®talk to her woman to woman¡¯ she meant finding out who the fuck she was and then beat the shit out of her.... or ask someone to do it for her.


    Ever since she was a little girl she had her eyes sat on Yi Chen and had expressed that several times. Having hit a brick wall with Yi Chen a couple of times she inserted herself in Lin Ruoxi¡¯s circles and at some point, his mother was rooting for her.


    But for some reason, everything changed. Her father had emphasized that this rtionship was a must ever since she was young and he even reassured her that he would make it happen. Sure, he knew her father¡¯s motive was military power but it was a win-win scenario for her.


    In the past, she didn¡¯t push it because there was no one around Yi Chen but ever since that get-together everything began to spiral out of control. But that wasn¡¯t even the worst part.


    What was even worse was that she couldn¡¯t even find any trace of this girl. After searching for her for so long and finding absolutely nothing she could only think of Scy. She had to be in there and Ikeda Yua was going to find her.


    nk, nk, nk...


    The nking sound of stilettos echoed in the halls as she walked toward the training room. She had already checked ss one¡¯s schedule and found that this is where they were.


    As she walked into the training room all eyes were on her. That¡¯s because she was very beautiful and quite eye-catching. Who in this ce didn¡¯t know the prime minister of Capital Star¡¯s daughter?


    Some of them even had spring dreams about her and would do anything to get her attention. The raucous behind attracted Zi Han¡¯s attention.


    When he turned around and saw that bitc-..... nope, nope he was going to be respectful. When he turned around and saw that girl the smile on his face sank.


    It seemed she didn¡¯t understand his words thest time they spoke. He couldn¡¯tprehend what was so difficult to understand. His message was straightforward enough.


    He subconsciously took a step forward as his lips quirked up into a sly smile that could send shivers down one¡¯s spine. He looked like a devil whose property had been coveted by others.


    Ikeda Yua spotted Zi Han and she immediately noticed the simrities. She assumed he was rted to the girl thus she took off her sunsses and walked over to him.


    And where was Yi Chen in all of this? He had his back to Zi Han setting up the mode for the simtor thus he had no idea shit was about to go down.


    Zi Han met her halfway and she asked, ¡°Where is she?.... she is your sister, right?¡±


    Zi Hanughed out loud finding this rather amusing. After he cklisted her he went to find out who she was. He knew her father was the prime minister of Capital Star but so what? His mother was holding the entire hostage.


    Just like Zi Xingxi he had no problem offending people. The only problem was why did he want to offend her. What was his motive in all of this? It¡¯s not like she was harassing him. Shouldn¡¯t it be Yi Chen dealing with this?


    Authors Note:


    Somebody needs to have a conversation with Zi Han about this. Why is he so invested? *Wink

 Chapter 191

    191 He is mine


    ¡°The person I have business with isn¡¯t you... now, how about you tell me where she is or....,¡± said Ikeda Yua only for Zi Han to interject,


    ¡°Or else what?¡± his voice low and indifferent like this conversation had nothing to do with him at all.


    Apart from Yi Chen, no one else had dared to treat her this coldly. Even Yi Chen gave her some face because of her identity. Everyone else treated her like a goddess. Girls wanted to be her and boys wanted to be with her. Such was the norm but now she had met an outlier.


    Ikeda Yua sneered and her gaze nced past Zi Han simultaneously meeting Yi Chen¡¯s gaze. He was still customizing the training difficulty level based on Zi Han¡¯s requirements which was why it was taking so long.


    It took Li Ran tapping his shoulder for him to turn around. Who would have thought he would see such a scene?


    Knowing that Yi Chen would walk over and tell her to leave, Ikeda Yua spoke quickly issuing a threat.


    ¡°You can¡¯t protect her for long. I will find her soon enough. Let¡¯s see then if y-,¡± she said but Zi Han wasn¡¯t messing around.


    ¡°What business do you have been the third party? He doesn¡¯t like you,¡± he said and with a cold glint shing in his eyes he leaned in close and whispered, ¡°Since you didn¡¯t understand my message before let me say it in person. Back. Of. Bitch..... He¡¯s mine.¡±


    ¡°Fuc....,¡± she swore having realized something. But before she could even react Yi Chen pulled back Zi Han with an intense sourness stuck in his throat.


    .....


    When he saw Zi Han whisper sweet nothings to her it took every fibre in his being to restrain himself and not throw a fit. With a gloomy gaze, he pulled Zi Han back and didn¡¯t even bother giving her face. He dragged Zi Han into the simtor.


    For the first time in his life, Zi Han finally felt the full force of a man eating gallons of vinegar. Not the balsamic kind but white vinegar, the sourest of them all.


    He was so angry that he decimated his own record leaving no enemies for Zi Han to kill. It was as though Zi Han was just tugging along for the ride.


    Y Chen was like a hall of fame yer performing a one-man show in an NBA game, leading his team to victory without his team mates even lifting a finger.


    ¡°Ah Chen-ge, I didn¡¯t even get to shoot one,¡±ined Li Ran feeling quite aggrieved. His colourful mech stood atop a huge sand dune like the mountainous dunes of the Red Desert as he watched the floating screen count the number of kills.


    Because one would be deployed to variouss in the military it was especially crucial to subject them to different environmental pressures in the simtor and enhance their ability to adapt under different climate conditions.


    The desert wind blew violently as the saffron-colored sands covered the corpses of high level beasts scattered all over the ground.


    Holding an armour piercing rifle which he didn¡¯t get to use, Zi Han walked over and stood beside of Yi Chen¡¯s mech staring at him.


    Despite setting his eyes on him for the past ten minutes Yi Chen didn¡¯t even look at him. His face was expressionless his chest gently rising and falling like he was catching his breath.


    Zi Han¡¯s mech moved a little closer and nudged him with his elbow while asking, ¡°Hey, what¡¯s wrong?¡±


    Yi Chen bit his bottom lip hard as though enduring something. After calming himself down he replied, ¡°It¡¯s nothing. I am fine.¡±


    Zi Han wanted to ask if he understood the meaning of the word ¡®fine¡¯ when a four legged creature emerged from within the sand bellowing with his ws and fangs brandished ready to tear Li Ran¡¯s mech apart.


    Li Ran excitedly engaged his weapon and as the luminous bars on its muzzle lit up he moved his finger to pull the trigger but with a bang, the beast was vaporized midair leaving a few stters of purple blood.


    ¡°Ohe on,¡± yelled Li Ran having been robbed again and the culprit obvious.


    ¡°The blind mission has begun. There is no known number of targets. Stay sharp,¡± said Yi Chen his voice cold and aloof like he waspleting the task with strangers.


    ¡°Yah, that is if you don¡¯t rob me first,¡± murmured Li Ran resulting in Yi Chen¡¯s steely gaze being set on him, ¡°Ha ha, I said nothing. Please carry on.¡±


    This entire time Zi Han kept staring at Yi Chen his gaze apprehensive. He could clearly see that Yi Chen was not in a good mood but was he really upset because of that girl?


    If he didn¡¯t know any better he would think Yi Chen was jealous. Yi Chen had asked him to y pretend so as to get rid of this person so why was he upset when he did exactly as asked?


    Zi Han wanted to ask but he could only swallow it down for now. For the next two hours, the trio were bombarded by waves of relentless attacks but these three weren¡¯t vegetarians either.


    They gave as good as they got and with Captain Chen taking the lead they were surely going to break their record. Exhausted both mentally and physically they left the simtor and headed for the locker room.


    Zi Han sat down on the locker bench and stared at Yi Chen who was angrily taking out his bath towel and bath supplies.


    He wiped the sweat dripping off his forehead with the towel hanging around his neck but his gaze remained fixed on Yi Chen.


    Raking his fingers through his damp hair he asked, ¡°Do you want to talk about it?¡± he asked his voice low but Yi Chen heard it. He shook his head in refusal and Zi Han sighed while straightening his back.


    He followed Yi Chen with his probing gaze until he disappeared into the showers. Zi Han twisted the cap of a water bottle and drank a mouthful his eyes a little dim.


    ¡°Don¡¯t worry about him. Give him time. He just needs to cool off first then he will talk about it when he is ready,¡± exined Li Ran standing next to Zi Han while pulling either end of the towel hanging around his neck.


    ¡°En,¡± replied Zi Han before downing the rest of the bottle in one go. He knew that Yi Chen would eventually talk when he was ready but Zi Hancked the patience at the moment. He really wanted to know what was bothering him.

 Chapter 192

    192 Are you jealous?


    With the bottle emptied Zi Han got up to get ready for a shower. He grabbed his stuff and left the locker room leaving behind a vexed Li Ran.


    This pair seemed to influence each other¡¯s moods which he found quite odd. His curiosity piqued he called out to Shorty, ¡°Hey, do you know what¡¯s going on between these two?¡± he asked but the looks he got from both Shorty and Shaun had him rephrasing his question.


    ¡°I mean, they seem you know, too close.... why are you looking at me like that?¡±


    ¡°Aren¡¯t you two besties? We should be the ones asking that question,¡± replied Shaun despite the fact that the question wasn¡¯t directed at him.


    ¡°What? Are you jealous? I know it¡¯s sucks being reced, right?¡± said Shaun in a mocking tone. He was very nice to his circle of friends but he was a stick of dynamite to others and Li Ran happened to be his victim today.


    ¡°Makes sense. Han Han is more handsome than you,¡± said Shaun only for Li Ran to fire back with a response that had them both shutting their mouths.


    ¡°You do realize that I can gain ess to your light brains in a matter of seconds and spend all your star coins, right?¡± he said before walking away with a smug look on his face.


    ¡°Fuck,¡± muttered Shaun watching Li Ran walk away, ¡°you just had to go on and provoke him.¡±


    ¡°Hey, you are the one who called him ugly?¡± said Shorty throwing the pot over Shaun¡¯s head, ¡°we almost offended that great buddha and it¡¯s all your fuckin fault.¡± Shorty elbowed Shaun expressing his dissatisfaction.


    .....


    Unfortunately for him, Shaun was the type to escte and not deescte things. He grabbed Shorty and put him in a chokehold and the two of them began to fight.


    Everyone else in the locker room simply gave them a side nce before continuing with their own thing. Who didn¡¯t know how these two operated?


    If one gets in the middle of it they would end up getting ganged up on by these two. When it came to Shaun and Shorty, it was only crucial that one mind their own business.


    Ten minutester and Zi Han was standing by his opened locker applying cream to his arms. Shorty was sitting on the bench his hair looking like he had just escaped from the chicken coop.


    Zi Han nced over and said, ¡°You have a bald patch,¡± with a slight quirk at the corner of his lips.


    Shaun pressed his lips together stifling hisughter. Shorty red at the both of them while cursing, ¡°What are you smiling for? If I can¡¯t find a wife because of this I am either marrying your sister or his mother aspensation.¡±


    Zi Han broke out inughter while Shaun reprimanded him, ¡°Don¡¯t even think about it. If you dare think of her it won¡¯t only be your hair that you will be losing,¡± said Shaun before Zi Han interjected,


    ¡°I was just messing with you. Go take a shower already and stop sulking.¡±


    Shaun grabbed Shorty¡¯s arm and the two of them left for the shower room. Zi Han picked a clean t-shirt from his locker but before he could put it on someone stood behind him and stretched out his arm to grab the cream from his locker their chest identally brushing against Zi Han¡¯s back.


    His initial reaction was to elbow that person in the gut but that familiar scent of xxx had his back tense as he froze in ce.


    He wanted to turn around and ask Yi Chen what he was ying at but his body turned stiff like a statue and he couldn¡¯t move.


    ¡°Is this why you keep smelling like citrus all day?¡± said Yi Chen his head deliberately lowered speaking next to Zi Han¡¯s ear.


    He flipped the cap open and smelt it. His brow arched upwards as he said ¡°Smells delicious.¡±


    Zi Han¡¯s eyes widened his body feeling hot all over like he had been set alight. His breathing quickened as a sense of danger arose inside of him.


    The patch of skin on his back that had identally brushed against Yi Chen¡¯s slightly damp chest felt itchy with a tingle spreading like an electric current all over his body.


    He should have been able to figure out what was happening to him but now his IQ was offline and there was only static in his brain.


    ¡°Can I use it,¡± asked Yi Chen his warm breath brushing against Zi Han making his insides shudder.


    Unable to bear such tant provocation, Zi Han tried to step away but the moment he moved his finger brushed against Yi Chen¡¯s abs. That¡¯s because his movements were too hasty and now it was making him look like a pervert.


    ¡°If you don¡¯t want to get hit in the gut you better move,¡± he said but Yi Chen didn¡¯t listen. Instead, he brazenly said,


    ¡°Try it and you will see what will happen,¡± he said before licking his lips and suppressing a smile. He couldn¡¯t wait for Zi Han to try it. If he did Yi Chen would surely eat some tofu today.


    His happiness was short lived though.


    That¡¯s because Zi Han wasn¡¯t stupid. Besides the fact that this was one fight he could never win, he had a feeling that two men fighting shirtless would lead to a catastrophe especially when one of them had received a revtion.


    Images of that fight he watched that happened on the bed between those two in the adult film popped into his mind and he suddenly felt so ashamed.


    He just wanted to run away and hide under his quilt. This time Zi Han stepped aside after calming himself down considerably.


    ¡°How can I be that disrespectful.... Captain,¡± he said deliberately lowering his voice while calling him that.


    Yi Chen¡¯s eyes darkened as he stared at Zi Han with that loving gaze. He wanted to pull him into his arms and hug him but there were so many people around. He could only watch on as Zi Han put on his t-shirt like the fire he had just started now had nothing to do with him.


    This situation right here was the perfect example of one ying with fire with zero awareness of how hot it can get. Fuel had been added and this fire was approaching a critical level. It would be shocking if Zi Han would escape from this vicious firestorm unscathed.

 Chapter 193

    193 Zi Han gets face pped


    Ding.....


    ¡°Shit.¡±


    ¡°What are you cursing for? I swear your mother is going to wash your mouth with soap if you keep cursing.¡±


    ¡°Who cares about that? The fuckin team list is out. Damn it... I am in H¡¯s team.¡±


    ¡°What are you on about? I heard someone mention my name,¡± said H terrifying the two boys who were taking a rest after enduring extreme torment.


    As soon as they saw her they wilted like spinach under the hot sun before running away.


    H was about to grab the most talkative one back and ask him what was so wrong about being on her team.


    But before she could do that though she saw Yi Chen striding down the corridor his expression as dark as stormy clouds. She was curious but she didn¡¯t dare ask. When Yi Chen was like that it was best for everyone to stay clear otherwise they would be implicated.


    Lucky for her Zi Han and his band of misfits showed up in time thus she asked, ¡°Who made him mad this time.¡± ¡®And why was this irresponsible wife not running over tofort his husband?¡¯ she thought not daring to say it out loud.


    .....


    Before Zi Han could answer Li Ran who happened to head in the same direction said, ¡°He got the team list now he is upset about something.¡±


    H couldn¡¯t figure it out at first that is until she asked, ¡°Han Han whose team are you in?¡±


    Zi Han¡¯s face still hurt from the epic face p just now thus his mood was horrible. He had just told Evan that they would never be on the same team but here he was third on the list right below Crvena¡¯s name. So yep he was pretty pissed as well.


    ¡°Evan¡¯s,¡± he responded before walking away feeling slightly dejected.


    H, ¡°....¡±


    ¡°Fuck no,¡± she swore firmly opposing this absurd idea.


    Everyone, ¡°....¡±


    Well, even the fujoshi was angry now and like Yi Chen, she would most likely take it out on the dean. Yi Chen was way ahead of her directly entering the Dean¡¯s office without permission.


    The dean who was raising his cup of tea about to enjoy the lovely brew was startled seeing this disrespectful miniature version of the Marshal.


    He sat his cup down and was about to ask, ¡°What¡¯s wrong,¡± when Yi Chen spoke through his teeth.


    ¡°The list,¡± said Yi Chen, and the dean swallowed back his words.


    Knowing that he had Marshal Yi as his backer he said, ¡°Now Yi Chen, don¡¯t be hasty. Sit down first then we can talk about it.¡±


    Under normal circumstances, Yi Chen would have at least tried to reason with the dean and not act rash but this time the old man had taken things too far.


    ¡°As the best out of the entire academy, I am entitled to three names on my list as per the academy rules. But I haven¡¯t exercised my right yet and the team list is already out,¡± said Yi Chen trying his best not to lose his temper.


    ¡°Well,¡± said the dean his tone a little hesitant. He was trying toe up with the right words but after phrasing and paraphrasing in his mind several times he just came out with it.


    ¡°Yes, not unless if the orderes from up above so....¡±


    Yi Chen¡¯s face sank when he heard this. Who else apart from his father would mess with his ns?


    Thirty minutester Yi Chen was barging into another office this time his father¡¯s, his expression unsightly.


    Marshal Yi didn¡¯t even spare him a nce as he continued with his work acting like he was invisible.


    Indeed, he was right. His son had be quite impulsive and brazen too ever since he met Zi Han. After figuring out Zi Han¡¯s identity he investigated his son¡¯s interaction with Zi Han. He realized that his son had be a whole different person especially when he was around Zi Han. Marshal Yi couldn¡¯t get what was so special about Zi Han that he would influence his son this much.


    It seemed that royal blood had some type of enchantment preying on the powerful. That royal blood even brought down the stubbornest woman in Onyx federation. She was so stubborn that she offended every man in Onyx federation but she fell heads over heels for the prince.


    That love ran so deep that she even wanted to burn each and every bridge for him the day he passed away. If it weren¡¯t for Zi Feiji she would have taken down the entire military with her.


    Now it seemed his son had also fallen victim bewitched by that royal blood. A love rtionship wasn¡¯t applicable but there was most likely a sworn brotherhood between them.


    ¡°Sit?¡± asked the Marshal but Yi Chen remained rooted in ce without moving.


    ¡°Why?¡± asked Yi Chen sounding a bit aggrieved, ¡°I do everything you ask of me but one time I want something for myself you take it away from me. Why?¡±


    Marshal Yi paused his movements for a second before he raised his head to look at him and say, ¡°You really don¡¯t know why or are you are pretending to be stupid. Surely you must know who he is otherwise I would truly be ill at ease letting you take this position in the future.¡±


    ¡°Even if I know so what?.... Even he doesn¡¯t know who his father is so what seems to be the problem?¡± said Yi Chen while clenching his fists.


    ¡°Oh.... Since this mission is the method you use to create an elite team that will be loyal to you in the future wouldn¡¯t it be right that you tell him the truth?¡±


    ¡°Since one of the objectives of Hydra is to be morally upstanding with great trust in the brotherhood then why don¡¯t you tell him?¡±


    ¡°Before you even begin you already built a team based on deceit. I tell you what, you should go right now and tell him the truth and I will let it go. How about that?¡±


    For a moment Yi Chen silently listened to him while restoring calmness in his chaotic mind. After the raging waves settled and the stormy clouds cleared he finally could logically analyze the situation.

 Chapter 194

    194 Embarrassing memories


    This was one of his strong suits and Marshal Yi knew it. Thus he deliberately stimted Yi Chen trying to cloud his mind that he won¡¯t be able toe up with a solution favorable to himself.


    Unfortunately, he underestimated the weight of Zi Han in Yi Chen¡¯s heart. In less than a second Yi Chen had already figured out the best oue. He suddenly turned on his heel and said, ¡°Fine,¡± his tone decisive like he was really going to tell Zi Han the truth.


    He was bluffing but his father didn¡¯t know that. Only the heavens know how devastated Zi Han would be if he finds out the truth, especially from him. There must have been a reason why Zi Xingxi never told her son about it. Even Zi Feiji made the very same decision. It must be that they really didn¡¯t want him to know.


    Yi Chen stepped over the threshold his expression serious but he was silently counting down in his heart. As soon as he reached one he heard his father calling him back.


    ¡°Come back here and sit down. I am tired of talking to you while you are standing there. It¡¯s putting a creak in my neck,¡± said the Marshal with slight annoyance.


    Once again he had been outsmarted by his son but he would never admit it. He also couldn¡¯t imagine the consequences of Zi Han knowing about his father and his family history.


    Zi Han was better off not knowing otherwise he might overreact and expose his identity to enemies that had already retreated into the shadows.


    ¡°I still need you to ept the arrangement,¡± said Marshal Yi before lowering his voice and saying, ¡°you promised me before that if I return Zi Feiji¡¯s map of old earth you will ept one request of mine..... You should honor your promise to me.¡±


    Yi Chen¡¯s heart sank hearing this. He regretted ever making that promise. His mood that had improved exponentially fell that he couldn¡¯t even hold his unreadable expression and a hint of emotion spilled out identally.


    .....


    Meanwhile, Zi Han was dealing with his emotions differently. When he got home his grandfather was in the kitchen using a blender with fruit pieces, ice, and a familiar bottle of liquor.


    It was that bitter spirit that left a shadow in Zi Han¡¯s heart. He cked out from merely drinking three shots and now couldn¡¯t remember anything that happened that night.


    ¡°Ugh, why are you making cocktails with that? It¡¯s so bitter,¡± he said his body shivering involuntarily.


    ¡°That¡¯s because you drank it straight. Here try one of these and I promise you won¡¯t regret it,¡± he said pouring out into a tall ss a cocktail that looked more like a slushy than alcohol.


    Zi Han was a little hesitant at first but seeing his grandpa¡¯s eager gaze he couldn¡¯t help it.


    He picked up the ss and before the rim touched his lips he asked, ¡°Where is mom?¡±


    Zi Feiji poured a second ss for himself and answered casually. ¡°She went out to rx a little so don¡¯t expect her to answer her phone,¡± he replied and the two tacitly understood what rxing meant.


    Zi Han was about to ask his grandfather how he spent his day when an image shed in his mind. It was about him wanting spicy seafood that night and from his slurred speech he was definitely drunk.


    There was a theory that if one wants to remember something they forgot all they need to do is put themselves in the very same environment as before. Of course, half the time it never worked but today was especially different.


    ¡°Grandpa I am going to go and change out of this uniform. I will be right back,¡± he said but he seemed so distracted that Zi Feiji couldn¡¯t help but be concerned.


    Zi Han sucked on the umbre straw and walked out of the kitchen. He vaguely heard Zi Feiji saying something to him but his mind was on the memory that shed in his eyes.


    He wanted to retrieve those lost memories and if drinking would help then that¡¯s what he was going to do.


    Instead of changing out of his school clothes like he said he would hey t on the bed, sucked on the straw one more time, andy there summoning the memories that had vanished like wisps of smoke.


    Ten sips in and an expected brain freeze, Zi Han finally remembered something. He remembered watching that funny dance show his mother used to watch with him. He recalled how he had his feet on Yi Chen¡¯sp while promising him he would dance for him when he was sober.


    He recalled himself hugging the wine bottle like a baby hugging a baby bottle and how he.....


    ¡°Oh shit,¡± he swore as he sat up, ¡°what the fuck.¡±


    His body trembled slightly disbelieving what he had recollected. Reserve what? A kiss? And why reserve when you can get it now?


    He couldn¡¯t even recognize himself in that memory. It looked like and it sure sounded like him but were those wordsing from his mouth?


    Clutching his hair tightly on either side he mumbled, ¡°Shit, shit, shit, shit,¡± while pacing back and forth in his room.


    He suddenly didn¡¯t want to remember any of it anymore. He just wanted to repress all those memories, stuff them inside a chest, lock it and toss it in the middle of the sea.


    He might not want to recall any of that but his brain wasn¡¯t cooperative. He saw it all and the more he recalled the redder his face. Flustered he screamed into his pillow letting it all out. At some point, the scream turned into smothering himself with it letting it all out.


    But soon his body froze and his muscles tensed up remembering something. Did Yi Chen recall all of this or like him he forgot?


    ¡°Fuck,¡± he muttered his hair strands disheveled and all over the ce like he was a crazy person.

 Chapter 195

    195 No use in denying it.


    For an entire evening, Zi Han was such a hot mess that he didn¡¯t even sleep. At first, he typed in a message to Yi Chen asking him about that night.But after typing, deleting and retyping he still couldn¡¯t send the message in the end.


    Because the chat interface allowed one to see when the person was typing a message, Yi Chen on the other end saw everything but he assumed Zi Han was upset about the whole team list thing.


    He couldn¡¯t get his father to let this go so now he had no idea what to say to him. Thus he waited and waited but after an hour of on and off typing, Zi Han went offline.


    Yi Chen¡¯s heart felt heavy so he also started typing his own message. Just like Zi Han, he couldn¡¯t figure out what to say. From the day he chose to be with Zi Han he wanted to protect him wholly but the one time he was meant to prove himself he failed and now Zi Han was forced to work under Evan.


    That thought alone made his blood boil but since he should keep his word he could only grit his teeth and endure it. After typing for so long Yi Chen only managed to squeeze out a goodnight.


    YC: Goodnight.


    Zi Han who was under his quilt typing a question anonymously in a forum saw the notification and his heart skipped a beat.


    He swiped down and saw that simple yet heartwarming goodnight. His palms became sweaty as he stared at that message his muscles tense.


    His heart which was startled just now began to beat frantically like he was having a panic attack. His reaction had him so confused. Was he into guys? Was he really into Yi Chen? If not then why did he kiss him not once but twice? The second time he even used his tongue or at least he thought he did.


    .....


    Feeling like a pervert Zi Han once again screamed into his pillow letting it all out. After suffocating himself in that fluffy pillow for a while he raised his head revealing a red face like that of ripe cherries. He brushed away his hair sticking to his face and continued typing on the forum.


    He knew he should respond to Yi Chen¡¯s message but he was afraid of speaking to him right now. If Yi Chen remembered everything then why didn¡¯t he say anything? Whether Yi Chen knew or not, Zi Han was still so embarrassed that he couldn¡¯t bring himself to face him.


    With his tongue sticking out he began to type on the forum. His question went something like:


    Anonymous275: Newbie here so please be gentle with me. I sort of kissed a friend while drunk and only remembered now. Does it mean that I am into them? Urgent, waiting online.


    Zi Han didn¡¯t even have to wait for long before a series of replies followed.


    CandyVicer: What was their response? Did they reciprocate?


    LuminousPearly: Well, do they remember what happened?


    HookupAtFirstSight: Ooho, from friends to lovers. I like. You definitely have the hots for them.


    Zi Han, ¡°???¡±


    Anonymous274: They kissed me back. I don¡¯t know if they remember.


    Yi Chen who also happened to be on the forum trying to find out how to tell his crush that they can¡¯t be on the same team saw this question and curiously opened it.


    The question was eerily simr to his situation with Zi Han the only difference being that Zi Han didn¡¯t remember anything. Yi Chen tried to put himself in the original poster¡¯s shoes. If Zi Han remembered what happened that night he would love for him to say it.


    Thus he immediately wrote back to the original poster;


    Anonymous190: Tell them. Only when you talk about it can you move forward.


    HookupAtFirstSight: You are kidding. That¡¯s like burning a bridge before you cross it. If they didn¡¯t remember and don¡¯t like you then you would lose them for sure.


    HookupAtFirstSight: I say take it slow and dip a toe in to test the waters. If it¡¯s hot then don¡¯t say anything.


    Anonymous274: What Hookup said is right. Thanks.


    Feeling a sense of ease Zi Han moved to close the tab when another response from


    Anonymous190 appeared.


    Anonymous190: What if they like you?


    Zi Han read and re-read this message while biting his thumb. If Yi Chen truly liked him and remembered everything then he wouldn¡¯t know what to do.


    Was he possibly attracted to Yi Chen? Most definitely. His body¡¯s reaction today in the locker room said everything. There was really no use in denying it.


    What he needed to figure out though was if this was only towards Yi Chen or maybe he was attracted to some other guys as well. Secondly, he needed to find out if this was a fling or something because if it was then there was no point in affecting Yi Chen¡¯s life.


    Whilementing this Zi Han subconsciously typed back to Anonymous190.


    Anonymous274: If he did he would tell me.


    After saying that Anonymous274 went offline with the green light turning grey. Yi Chen reread that response and scratched his head a little flustered. This unanimous person was right. Despite the consequences, he should indeed tell him but how the fuck was he supposed to do that?


    Zi Han on the other hand,y t on his bed his mind racing. The forum did give him an insight but because he hadn¡¯t revealed every detail couldn¡¯t get much out of it. After that, he spent hours doing quizzes online and such trying to make sense of everything. But instead of helping him, it left him with more questions than answers.


    Meanwhile, another person was also having a sleepless night because of him. After that embarrassing trip to Scy Military Academy, Ikeda Yua cancelled all her photoshoots and wallowed in her vi feeling depressed.


    If she waspeting with a girl she would have a higher chance to push that bitch off the throne and take it for herself but now that she knew what she was up against she felt defeated.


    Unless she could grow a rod down there and shrink her boobs and ass there was no way she could get rid of the lecherous bitch. That aside she could still bring trouble to that person and make them regret ever knowing Yi Chen but unfortunately that person¡¯s backer was ten times crazier than her own mother.


    Even her father was afraid of Zi Xingxi so he wouldn¡¯ty a finger on her son. Having run out of options she decided to deal with her loss like any normal girl after losing out on love. She would drink it out while cursing him out with her friends until it hurt less.

 Chapter 196

    196 I think I am gay


    With that humiliation sinking in shey on her bed drinking like a fish herposed image as a model gone. Ikeda Crest who heard part of the story from his sister¡¯s assistant came to pay her a visit.


    When he got to her vi the lights were off devoid of that ever-present spiritful atmosphere which was quite unlike her.


    ¡°Yua...,¡± he called out while taking off his coat as the lights came on.


    He heard soundsing from above the stairs and when he looked up he saw his drunk sister standing there with an aggrieved look. ¡°You shouldn¡¯t havee,¡± she said leaning her body against the railing.


    ¡°You cancelled your photoshoot and switched off your light brain so how can I note?¡± he said walking up the stairs to meet her. He brushed the strands of hair sticking to the side of her face and asked, ¡°Did you eat?¡±


    ¡°Why do you care? she said swatting away his hand, ¡°you all pretend to care but you don¡¯t. You all said our Yua Yua is beautiful and how can he not like you but what happened in the end?..... You are all fuckin liars. Now go away!¡±


    After her heartfelt drunk speech, she staggered back to her room and with a bang closed the door.


    Ikeda Crest pursed his lips as he watched that closed door for a while. Her mother had indeed brainwashed her telling her she deserved the best and the best in the federation was Yi Chen.


    If Ikeda Yua managed to achieve this then their mother would whitewash the tag of homewrecker that was on top of her head for years.


    .....


    But who would thought the Marshal¡¯s son would have someone in his heart already? Ikeda Crest didn¡¯t want his sister to be heartbroken anymore thus he called his father as he stood in the kitchen waiting for the food he had ordered for her.


    ¡°Unless if you are bleeding to death in a dark alley hang up the call,¡± said the man with a stoic expression as he read the documents.


    Ikeda Crest was angered by these words but he held back changing his words.


    ¡°Yi Chen isn¡¯t interested in her. He already has someone he likes,¡± he said aiming to advocate for his sister but his father didn¡¯t respond for a long while.


    It was only after three minutes of endless silence did he speak but he only said one word, ¡°So?¡±


    So? So don¡¯t keep insisting she gets with Yi Chen. So don¡¯t value her worth in the family by forcing her upon someone who doesn¡¯t like her at all. So let¡¯s find another way to attain military control. Ikeda Crest thought it but he would never dare say it.


    ¡°What is your point? I had someone in my heart but for the sake of my family, I sacrificed everything. Love is fleeting, family is what¡¯s important,¡± said prime minister Ikeda his eyes bloodshot.


    ¡°Go encourage her. I will deal with it in the background,¡± he said before the screen turned ck signifying the end of the video call.


    Ikeda Crest stood there with a foolish expression for a very long time his thoughts chaotic. He would like to fight for her and remove her from this toxic environment but she also wouldn¡¯t let go.


    Aside from Yi Chen, she loved thevish lifestyle that came with being an Ikeda family member. If he takes her away all that will surely be gone. One couldn¡¯t defy their father¡¯s rules and still benefit from the wealth in the family. He was willing to give it up but his sister wasn¡¯t.


    He also realized that she didn¡¯t know that if she fails to capture Yi Chen¡¯s heart and gave up that would also mean she wouldn¡¯t be able to enjoy the full benefits of being the legitimate daughter of the prime minister. Knowing his father he would most likely disown her and pick another illegitimate child to do it.


    ***


    HandsomeHan: Mum.


    HandsomeHan: I think I am gay.


    Twenty minutester.....


    HandsomeHan: Are you upset with me?


    Ptui!


    That was the sound of water being spat out of Zi Xingxi¡¯s mouth when she checked on her messages. Thinking it was an emergency Lynn Feng leaned in towards the captain¡¯s chair and her eyes widened in disbelief.


    ¡°Boss I swear I had nothing to do with it. I am innocent,¡± she hurriedly exined lest she gets used again of bending someone.


    Zi Xingxi, ¡°.....¡±


    ¡°Well, someone is defensive,¡± said Secretary K while staring at Lynn Feng with a cocked brow.


    Lynn Feng crossed her arms on her chest and said, ¡°You really have the guts to provoke me, huh? Don¡¯t forget I know all your secrets.¡±


    While these two were arguing in the background Zi Xingxi¡¯s head was spinning. Not that she had a problem with her son¡¯s preference. The problem was who bent her son. If it was Yi Chen then she would surely go to her husband¡¯s grave and scold him toe out and discipline his son.


    She changed her Sta username to show that she was still proud of him no matter what, well, except if Yi Chen was involved in this.


    ProudMumZi: Okay.


    ProudMumZi: Don¡¯t tell grandpa yet.


    ProudMumZi: You can tell him while I am around.


    Zi Xingxi hesitated for a moment before sending this,


    ProudMumZi: How did you find out?


    Zi Han nced over at his grandfather sitting next to him while scolding his friends in the group chat before responding.


    HandsomeHan: I can¡¯t tell you that.


    HandsomeHan: It¡¯s too embarrassing.


    Zi Xingxi had a very bad premonition but since she said she wouldn¡¯t interfere she didn¡¯t directly ask the question she wanted an answer to. She could only show her son better-looking flowers out there that were waiting for a handsome young man like him. She had a feeling that if Yi Chen had anything to do with this he would be doing the plucking, not her son.


    ProudMumZi: I will take you to a gay bar when Ie back.


    Zi Han wanted to say no need but since he hade out and she was enthusiastic about it then why not? He supposed it would be fun. A sweet smile appeared on his face as he typed.


    HandsomeHan: My mum is the best (cat with heart eyes.jpg).


    ¡°What are you smiling like a fool for? Did you pass your mech repair exam?¡±


    Zi Han, ¡°...¡±


    What was he supposed to say? No grandpa, I recently discovered I am bent and came out to mum who offered to take me out to a gay bar.


    If he said that then he might as well buy an urn from Sta so they could put his ashes inside after his grandfather kills him.

 Chapter 197

    197 The change in mission location


    ¡°You still don¡¯t know where this mission is happening?¡±


    ¡°I asked but everyone in my circle doesn¡¯t know..... I even threatened the Marshal but he refused to say anything...¡±


    ¡°Do that, at least I will feel reassured.....¡±


    ¡°No he is here..... he is ready to go.¡±


    ¡°Nah he is fine. He seems excited.....¡±


    ¡°Okay, don¡¯t get noticed..... bye.¡±


    That was a call conversation between Zi Feiji and his daughter. For days they had been trying to figure out where this training exercise sh exam was happening but the military was being tight lipped about it.


    Zi Xingxi could only track her son¡¯s location to find out where he was going. At least both of them would have a sense of ease. As mentioned before Zi Xingxi had offended so many people and they were honestly worried that someone will try something while he was out of reach.


    Zi Han on the other hand was so excited about this training exercise that he was even counting down the days.


    .....


    Thus three hours before the warship departed Zi Han was already dragging his grandfather to the hovercar. Zi Feiji couldn¡¯t understand what was so exciting about this.


    When he went for his training exercise it was an entire week of surviving in the hot desert while killing vicious blood sucking insects emerging from the ground.


    As for Zi Xingxi, it was two weeks of suppressing Interster pirates on the furthermost in the sr system.


    When Zi Xingxi went for this training exercise, Zi Feiji was extremely worried but at least he knew where she was going. Now his grandson was going through the same process they did but he didn¡¯t know where they were going. Thus he was stressed for the past few days.


    ¡°Why are you so excited? There won¡¯t be afortable bed or tasty food.... plus you can¡¯t take your light brain with you. With all that on the table you are still smiling like a fool?¡± he said ruffling Zi Han¡¯s hair.


    Zi Han smiled joyfully beforeforting his grandfather. ¡°I am excited about the field training or exam if you can call it that. I am aiming for the best results,¡± replied Zi Han fixing his hair.


    ¡°You know you don¡¯t have to go, right? You can just stay with your grandfather and I can raise you. I worked hard in my youth so you can enjoy your life without stress,¡± said Zi Feiji trying to sweet talk him into giving up this mission.


    Zi Han couldn¡¯t understand his grandfather¡¯s worries but he really wanted to do this. In truth, he was born for this. He was born to dominate the battlefield ande out on top. The thought of it made his blood rush.


    ¡°I will be fine. I will be back before you know it,¡± he said before kissing his grandfather¡¯s cheek.


    ¡°Sir, we have arrived,¡± said Old Lu who was also worried like a mama hen. The young sir hadn¡¯t been home for long now he was heading into the unknown in a ce none of them knew.


    ¡°Grandpa, I got to go. When I get back we can go wherever you want?¡± said Zi Han before patting Old Lu¡¯s shoulder and walking out of the hovercar.


    As he watched Zi Han¡¯s figure disappear Zi Feiji felt slight grievance. He hung his head low and said, ¡°He didn¡¯t even let me say goodbye to him.¡±


    Old Lu looked back at him through the rearview mirror hesitating to say something. After fighting with himself for a while he finally said, ¡°But sir for the past three days you have been sticking to him like white on rice.¡±


    Zi Feiji who had been exposed stared at him with a dumbfounded expression. Why did he have to put his business out there?


    ¡°I did not,¡± said Zi Feiji denying it like a pro.


    ¡°Sir, you dragged him for a sleepover and made him watch your favourite shows until he passed out. He also made you a fluffy cake for two da-,¡± said Old Lu spilling all the tea before Zi Feiji interrupted him.


    ¡°Ba ba ba, say no more. Geez, you are really chatty today,¡± he said and the old steward suppressed the smile threatening to creep up his face.


    Zi Feiji nced out the window unwilling to leave. He watched as the trainees entered through the gates one by one. He was about to ask the old steward if he thought Zi Han will cope when his light brain rang.


    It was a video request from Marshal Yi but because Zi Feiji was still pissed off he didn¡¯t answer. ¡°Let¡¯s go,¡± he said and the hovercar drove away.


    After three consecutive calls, Marshal Yi lost his patience. He figure that Zi Feiji was upset but he didn¡¯t disclose the information because he couldn¡¯t. For some reason, prime minister Ikeda Yua was making unreasonable demands. After hours of arguing he demanded that the location for the training exercise be changed.


    His reasoning was that this training exercise should contribute to solving the recent attacks by these creatures.


    Since they knew of a deste facilitating these intricate portals he suggested that they send the students to find all these devices and destroy them.


    Marshal Yi would have easily epted this request but the problem was that for one to get to this they had to go through a wormhole which was extremely difficult to navigate.


    The was also prone to megets and the extreme weather that is there all year round made it hard to navigate. It made sense why the Republic would choose such a ce to set up these devices which grant them ess to the rest of the Federation.


    What made it even more unsettling was that this technology was an older version of what the royal family designed to get around the gxy in a matter of seconds.


    The only reason it never amounted to anything was that there was insufficient evidence that it won¡¯t affect one¡¯s gic make up. Plus there was also a probability that one might get lost and never be found.

 Chapter 198

    198 This one has trouble written all over his face


    This project was shelved but now it was being used by the enemy against them. No one knew how on earth they got their hands on those project ns despite it being extremely confidential that it even took the Marshal a long time to figure it out.


    Marshal Yi had his people chart a course that would be less damaging to the warship and keep injuries at a minimum. After countless possible routes the team had juste up with a way to reach Dark Star but who would have thought when he presented the mission information the prime minister would request that the training exercise be moved to Dark Star?


    After convincing all the prime ministers they voted on it forcing Marshal Yi¡¯s hand. Because of the sensitivity of this information, he couldn¡¯t disclose it but who would have thought he would offend Zi Feiji at the same time? Marshal Yi could only rub his temples in frustration.


    While everyone was stressed Zi Han was looking around for Yi Chen but after looking for a while he still couldn¡¯t find him. He raised his wrist and was about to tap his light brain and ask where he was.


    It was then he remembered that he had handed over his light brain upon entry. Now he was starting to see what his grandfather was talking about. It was very inconvenient.


    At least he wasn¡¯t alone for a very long time. When he raised his head he found Evan and his pet Crvena standing in front of him with two other guys.


    ¡°You were waiting for us?¡± asked Crvena with a gloating expression. He loved seeing Zi Han¡¯s expression when he found out that he had indeed been ced under Evan¡¯s team. That unadulterated look of utter shock was a rarity on its own. He enjoyed every minute of it.


    Zi Han gave a short half suppressedugh before responding, ¡°No but it¡¯s interesting how you keep wearing that smug look on your face all the time. Was this the first time you had won against someone?..... Because I can tell.¡±


    Crvena¡¯s expression went from a scornful look to a downturn arch in a split second.


    .....


    He knew how Evan felt about Zi Han and as a good brother he should truly be working hard to unite them but AAAHHHHH, Zi Han always got on his nerve for some reason. He was like a thorn constantly poking at his sore spot. This meant half the time he couldn¡¯t control his expressions and tone around Zi Han.


    Crvena swallowed back his irritation and said, ¡°We are having a team strategy meeting and your presence is highly requested.¡±


    To be honest Zi Han didn¡¯t want to be anywhere near these people longer than he had to. It felt forced like he didn¡¯t belong there. A professional and dedicated soon to be soldier of the Military would probably not hesitate to join them but Zi Han was of a different breed.


    ¡°What team strategy when you don¡¯t even know the mission? The captain should lead the team however he sees fit after we know the task. Until then I will be here minding my own business.¡±


    Zi Han expected Evan to blow up but the man was staring at him smiling like he was looking at something amusing. At this moment he cursed whoever came up with this stupid list. He greeted their entire ancestral line grandchildren included. Hehe... if only he knew he had cursed at Yi Chen as well. He would probably offer a sacrifice to a god that he didn¡¯t believe in to take back his words.


    ¡°I understand, let¡¯s go,¡± said Evan with an infectious smile on his face, ¡°I will call you over once the mission is out.¡±


    ¡°Attention to all trainees, please proceed to your designated sheath cruiser for take off. Any personnel missing this transport will be granted an automatic fail... Attention all trainees....,¡± was the sound of the automated voice giving out instructions on the tform.


    Zi Han bid them farewell looking for the stealth cruiser he was meant to board. Lucky for him the heavens were smiling at him because he found his people sitting in their seats already. It seemed he was thest one to board.


    The only person missing though was Yi Chen. It seemed like he was either in another stealth cruiser or he had already boarded the Warship.


    ¡°You look like you fought with someone already,¡± said Shannon noticing the slight crease on his brows.


    ¡°I fought with a dog that¡¯s what happened,¡± he said buckling himself up as his gaze nced over in Crvena¡¯s direction. They were sitting far apart but the maliciousness in Zi Han¡¯s eyes was felt from a mile away.


    The two made eye contact and the tension between them was so intense that the people around them could smell the gunpowder lingering in the air.


    A little annoyed Evan nudged him with his elbow and said, ¡°Let it go.¡±


    Crvena scoffed as he looked away. ¡°Why should I? He started it. By the way, why do you like him? I really don¡¯t get it. There are plenty of soft squishy babes out there with so many curves and long tresses but you settle for him? Your aesthetics are truly special.¡±


    Evan let out a light chuckle before saying, ¡°You just won¡¯t get it. Even Yi Chen is interested in him.... There is something very special about him.¡±


    ¡°Tsk, okay okay, don¡¯t start confessing your feelings now. I get it. You like him so I will dial it down.... but at least you could have picked an obedient one. This one has trouble written all over his face.¡±


    ¡°And that¡¯s what makes him special,¡± said Evan smiling at Zi Han.


    Zi Han who had finished buckling his seat belt looked up and was met by Evan¡¯s doting gaze. He didn¡¯t know it before but after finding out about his preferences he sort of now understood that Evan was into him.


    Immediately after realizing that he thanked the heavens that that kiss didn¡¯t happen otherwise, he would regret it so much.

 Chapter 199

    199 Prime Minister Ikeda¡¯s secret


    In a spacious office with several artifacts from old earth, a man sat cross-legged staring at the floating screen in front of him.


    With both his hands resting on top of each other, on hisp, he listened to the man seriously. On the floating screen, there was a shadowy outline of a man sitting in a very dark office with only a thin line of light rays passing the gap in the walls.


    ¡°The job youmissioned is especially difficult considering that they are on a run-down,¡± said the man before blowing a puff of smoke making the video call a little hazy.


    Prime minister Ikeda chuckled before saying, ¡°Funds aren¡¯t a problem. Since I don¡¯t have any hope of uniting with them in marriage to attain control of the military and Hydra then it¡¯s a much better option to cut down his heir.¡±


    ¡°With no one to take over after his death, I will dmission them and absorb them into the rightfully elected government. You just have to do your part well.¡±


    The man lowered his cigar as a wisp of smoke rose like a stream of water defying gravity and then asked, ¡°What about the Zi kid?¡±


    Prime minister Ikeda snorted as his hand moved to the armrest. Tapping the armrest with his fingers he said, ¡°Dark star is indeed a dangerous. Make it look like he was a casualty of war.¡±


    ¡°If I do this that crazy woman won¡¯t stop till she finds me,¡± said the man in the shadows.


    ¡°I will increase the payment to the kind of money that will help you disappear,¡± said the prime minister his expression serious, ¡°Do we have a deal?¡±


    .....


    ¡°Mn, I will keep in touch,¡± said the man before the floating screen vanished.


    The prime minister leaned forward cing his elbows on the table. Rubbing his upper lip with his index finger he opened a secret folder and a picture of a handsome young man wearing a phoenix pendant while smiling at the camera appeared.


    ¡°Why did you have to refuse me?.... You wouldn¡¯t have died such a tragic death if you had just epted me. I will make them pay starting with that bitch who failed to protect you but dared to threaten me. I hope that will make you happy,¡± he said staring at the picture with a doting gaze.


    This was the real sacrifice he meant. In order to take over the Ikeda family and assume the position of the prime minister he had to sacrifice his true love so he could support them but what happened in the end?


    He was rejected and forced to be with a woman he never loved. In his fury, he dealt with her and she died in a tragic ident and then married his secretary who was already pregnant with Crest.


    He had aplicated love history but his heart could never get over this person. He wanted to avenge his death thus he always wanted Zi Xingxi¡¯s head. Since he couldn¡¯t get to her he could onlye after what she valued most.


    He minimized the image and slowly got up before standing in front of a wall. The wall glowed before breaking into hexagon shapes like hives revealing a secret room.


    Zi Xingxi always wondered where her husband¡¯s things went after the royal pce was burnt to the ground. Well, the answer to that question was in the prime minister¡¯s secret room.


    Be it his royal attire, his crown, his most valued watch passed down from generation to generation, e.t.c. it was all in there and treated with care in ss casings like a disy in a museum.


    When everyone treated him like trash being that his mother was impregnated due to assault, the prince was the only one who was willing to talk to him.


    Everyone including his mother hated him. His mother even pushed him down in the bathtub to drown him. But when his entire family turned their backs on him a knight in shining armor reached out and showed him kindness.


    At some point his gratitude turned to love but who would have thought when he opened up he would still get rejected with a pat on the shoulder?


    Even when he was down and the ship was sinking he never epted his help. The pain in his eyes was apparent as he ced his hand on the ss disy in front of the crown.


    ¡°I will avenge you and kill everyone who failed you,¡± he whispered before taking a step back his eyes bloodshot.


    ***


    Meanwhile, Zi Han was looking at the cabin number on his light brain with slight annoyance. He nced back at these so-called teammates of his and suddenly felt a headache.


    For the next twenty-four hours, he was forced to stay with his teammates in a ten people dorm. It was meant to build up team momentum or something but Zi Han didn¡¯t want to be there in the first ce.


    Evan smiled at him and said, ¡°Cabin two hundred and ten. That¡¯s not bad,¡± trying to at least include him in the conversation.


    Zi Han pressed the tip of his tongue against his cheek as he looked down at the cabin number again suppressing something.


    ¡°I will save you a spot near the captain¡¯s bed,¡± said Crvena devoid of his previous mockery like he was really trying to be nice to him.


    Zi Han looked at Shorty and Shaun as though asking can I sleep over but before he could say anything someone tugged him from behind.


    When he turned around he saw that girl who confessed to him before. The one he bought the shark from. Zi Han was a little surprised to see her thus he asked, ¡°What are you doing here.¡±


    She smiled happily knowing that Zi Han remembered her. She pointed at Evan and said, ¡°I am part of Evan¡¯s team.¡±


    Zi Han realized this was indeed possible. The team leaders were all from ss one and their team members reached twenty max with both boys and girls from their ss and other sses as well.


    He just didn¡¯t think she would be on his team. ¡°I am looking forward to working with you Oppa,¡± she said her voice melodious like an angel¡¯s.


    Zi Han¡¯s eyes widened in shock and he couldn¡¯t react for a while. This dy in response time led those who didn¡¯t know the situation to ohh and wow for no good reason.


    Zi Han didn¡¯t even have time to say anything when his back felt a chill that ran down his spine making his blood run cold.


    He turned to nce back but his shoulder was suddenly hooked from behind and he was wordlessly dragged away.


    The silver-haired girl clenched her hand that was still hanging midair as she bit her lip in frustration.


    ¡°Ag is it?¡± asked Shorty and she nodded her head so he continued, ¡°I hope you can move on soon. He is really not interested. You will only end up hurting yourself.¡±

 Chapter 200

    200 ¡°I remember everything.¡±


    She tucked her strands behind her ear and said, ¡°I know. I just want to be his friend.¡±


    Shaun¡¯s brows twitched hearing this. Yes sure, friend? He would only believe it when pigs fly.


    Zi Han looked at the strong arm around his shoulder and suddenly felt like a husband caught cheating. He looked up to Yi Chen who was spotting a gloomy expression like he had been wronged.


    ¡°Where are you taking me?¡± asked Zi Han while ncing back at the group watching them leave.


    Oh god, knowing what he had done with Yi Chen he suddenly felt so embarrassed.


    If it was before he wouldn¡¯t even be ashamed. He would have shamelessly put his arm on Yi Chen¡¯s waist and deliberately provoked him. After those memories came flooding in any contact he had with Yi Chen he would have critically evaluated it beforehand. If it was too intimate he wouldn¡¯t do it.


    Yi Chen had also noticed Zi Han¡¯s awkwardness and for the past few days, he had been so concerned. He tried to take the initiative but Zi Han would find a way to slip through his fingers.


    He honestly thought Zi Han was still mad at him about the whole team list thing thus he had to find a way to apologize.


    He decided to convince his father to give him a single cabin on the Cetus warship. His father probably felt guilty about changing Zi Han¡¯s team thus he didn¡¯t put up a fight.


    .....


    He had boarded early preparing things and only went to look for Zi Han after he was done. Who would have thought he would find two vultures eyeing his man?


    When he heard that girl call Zi Han that it felt like his heart was in a constant free fall. His legs somewhat developed a mind of their own striding toward Zi Han with a dark expression on his face.


    His jaw clenched he draped his arm on Zi Han¡¯s shoulders and pulled him close before leading him away. He didn¡¯t even spare anyone a nce. All he was thinking was taking this person far away to a ce where no one else would covert him.


    Zi Han could feel the tension between them and he tried to open his mouth a couple of times but he could only purse his lips because everything he thought of would be considered flirtatious.


    When they entered the elevator, Zi Han finally said, ¡°I couldn¡¯t find you at the boarding tform.... not that I am asking where you were but... uh never, never mind,¡± said Zi Han before awkwardly averting his gaze while rubbing the back of his neck.


    Hearing this Yi Chen felt like a weight had been lifted off his chest. He was so jealous seeing Zi Han standing there with that girl gawking at him like she was staring at candy. He had even caught Evan staring intensely like Zi Han was an entr¨¦e.


    Yi Chen exhaled deeply his cheeks hit from embarrassment. The tip of his left foot moved closer to Zi Han as he said, ¡°I boarded early,¡± after clearing his throat.


    Zi Han lowered his head and mumbled, ¡°Then you could have at least told me. I looked like a crazy person looking for....*sigh..... ahem.¡±


    Yi Chen bit his lower lip his chest all warm inside. Suppressing a smile he moved a little closer till their arms were stered together. He lowered his head and asked, ¡°I didn¡¯t know that you missed me that much.¡±


    Zi Han, ¡°???¡±


    ¡°Move over. Why are you squishing me when there is a lot of space in the elevator? Oh shit, why are you strong,¡±ined Zi Han pushing him away but Yi Chen wouldn¡¯t move.


    ¡°That¡¯s not squishing you. This is an appropriate distance between us. You want to see squishing?¡± he said before pressing Zi Han against the elevator wall.


    With a bam his hand hit the elevator wall as he lowered his head to say, ¡®This is squishing,¡¯ but his words got caught in his throat realizing their posture.


    His muscles tensed up as he stared at those pink lips. He wanted to taste them and like a starved beast, he licked his lower lip before gulping with his Adam¡¯s apple rolling.


    The thirst in his eyes was obvious to Zi Han. It was indeed the same look that man gave that woman in those videos. Zi Han felt his heart beat quicken as he stood there frozen while watching Yi Chen¡¯s face getting nearer.


    Yi Chen¡¯s warm breath with a sweet scent of butterscotch brushed against his skin making his scalp numb. He was scared yet high on anticipation at the same time which was a bit confusing.


    Yi Chen¡¯s gaze shifted up to look into his eyes and subconsciously asked, ¡°Why aren¡¯t you pushing me away.¡±


    It was these words that brought Zi Han back to reality. He pressed his palms against Yi Chen¡¯s chest his eyes misty before pushing him away.


    But Yi Chen grasped Zi Han¡¯s hands pressing them hard against his chest so he wouldn¡¯t move. Zi Han could feel Yi Chen¡¯s heartbeat through his palms.


    ¡°Tell me,¡± whispered Yi Chen making Zi Han¡¯s stomach flip over. It was both an amazing and awful feeling.


    The tension between them was undeniable but unfortunately, they couldn¡¯t explore this feeling longer because the elevator announced the floor number and the doors opened.


    ¡°Oh, sorry,¡± said a female voice breaking the atmosphere between them. Zi Han pushed Yi Chen away and strode out his ears boiling hot like they were on fire.


    ¡®Note to self, never get into an elevator alone with Yi Chen,¡¯ he thought walking past the woman who had her head bowed but she was still taking casual nces at them.


    Seeing that Zi Han was passing the door, Yi Chen grabbed his elbow and pulled him back before saying, ¡°It¡¯s here.¡±


    Zi Han didn¡¯t even spare him a nce as he walked in. The ce wasn¡¯t as big as the captain¡¯s cabin but it was spacious and ten times better than a shared cabin.


    ¡°We can stay here tonight?¡± said Yi Chen who was standing behind him feeling a little proud of himself.


    Zi Han turned abruptly and asked, ¡°We?¡±


    Yi Chen bit his lip as he took a step forward. Standing a few feet from him he asked, ¡°What? Is there a problem?¡±


    Zi Han didn¡¯t answer he just turned his face away so Yi Chen asked again, ¡°We need to talk... Are you still mad at me?¡±


    Yi Chen couldn¡¯t understand why Zi Han was giving him mixed signals. He avoided his touch like the gue before but when he did touch him this time he didn¡¯t reject him. Now Zi Han didn¡¯t want to stay with him?


    This was vexing to him. He was about to ask when Zi Han walked over and clutched his cor pulling him down till they were eye level before saying, ¡°I remember everything.¡±


    Yi Chen, ¡°!!!¡±

 Chapter 201

    201 ¡°You remember don¡¯t you?¡±


    For days Zi Han had been waiting to have this conversation with Yi Chen but he just couldn¡¯t find the right time. And when Yi Chen touched him Zi Han would think of their entanglement that night thus he would distance himself.


    When he saw Yi Chen today his confidence went out off the roof taking his soul with it. But when he was pressed down in the elevator Zi Han had had enough. As soon as they entered the cabin he grasped Yi Chen¡¯s cor without thinking and bam.... he said it out loud. He initially wanted to kiss Yi Chen and truly taste the pleasurable feeling of kissing someone when sober but he changed his mind at thest minute. He wanted to hear Yi Chen say it. He wanted Yi Chen to say he remembered.


    The cabin fell into silence as the two stared at each other with intense sparks flying between them. Zi Han let go of him and lightly pushed him away before taking a step back.


    His expression unnatural he asked, ¡°You remember don¡¯t you?¡±


    Yi Chen who was unwilling to part with him took a step forward his heartbeat ringing in his ears. ¡°Mn,¡± he replied staring intently at Zi Han with a loving gaze.


    Zi Han sniggered as he averted his gaze while taking a step back. He ruffled his hair with an absent expression as though lost in thought.


    Yi Chen was at a loss. He nned on telling him today.


    In fact, he nned on doing more than just telling him. He wanted to confess his feelings but he didn¡¯t think Zi Han would remember everything and question him about it.


    ¡°Why didn¡¯t you tell me,¡± asked Zi Han his intense gaze staring straight into his eyes. Yi Chen reached out to touch his hand but Zi Han dodged as though saying, ¡®Don¡¯t touch, just exin.¡¯


    .....


    ¡°Would you have believed me?¡± asked Yi Chen with a great sense of urgency in his tone, ¡°Would you?¡±


    Zi Han breathed in deeply as he created some distance between them. With his back to Yi Chen, he murmured, ¡°No.¡± He most definitely wouldn¡¯t have believed him. Why? It was because the him at the time would have thought that was the most absurd thing he had ever heard.


    He probably would have taken it as a joke and brushed it off. ¡®Fuck, he is right?¡¯ thought Zi Han getting a massive headache. While he stood there wondering what to do next, he was suddenly embraced from behind with Yi Chen¡¯s chin resting on his shoulder.


    ¡°Are you upset?¡± he asked not daring to look at Zi Han¡¯s face lest he sees something he didn¡¯t want to see.


    Zi Han¡¯s body tensed up feeling nervous. He rubbed his neck which felt itchy from Yi Chen¡¯s hair rubbing against his skin. ¡°Can¡¯t you talk normally? Do you have to hold me like this,¡± asked Zi Han staring down at the arms wrapping his waist tightly.


    ¡°If I don¡¯t you will run away,¡± said Yi Chen his voice deep and husky making Zi Han¡¯s ears itch.


    Riddled with anxiety he said, ¡°I promise I won¡¯t. We can talk normally.¡±


    ¡°You promise?¡± asked Yi Chen turning his face slightly before his warm breath brushed against Zi Han¡¯s skin making him tingle.


    ¡°I promise... just, just let go first,¡± he said and Yi Chen reluctantly let him go.


    Yi Chen spun him around by his arms and as they came face to face he raised his hand and lightly caressed Zi Han¡¯s cheek. ¡°I remembered everything..... I remembered the way you wrapped your arms around me.... I remembered how you sat on myp and straddled me..... I remembered.....,¡± he paused as he rubbed Zi Han¡¯s soft lips with his thumb, ¡°the soft touch of your lips.¡±


    Yi Chen¡¯s eyes lit up and a beautiful smile crept up his face jolting Zi Han¡¯s heart with his entire body stretched taut as though anticipating what was going to happen next. Yi Chen lowered his head and asked, ¡°Can I do it again?¡±


    Zi Han¡¯s breathing stalled as his face heated up like he was having hot shes. He rubbed his palm with the tips of his fingers while biting his lower lip looking like a cornered rabbit.


    Yi Chen licked his bottom lip as he drew closer and closer. ¡°If you don¡¯t say anything I will take your silence as acquiescence,¡± he whispered with their foreheads pressed together.


    Yi Chen¡¯s fingers gently caressed Zi Han¡¯s neck creating the most perfect atmosphere for such a romantic rendezvous.


    Zi Han shivered involuntarily unable to extricate himself from this feeling. Like a moth drawn to the me, his soul was captured by those eyes dragging him to the point of no return.


    Their eyes locked together Yi Chen tilted his head slightly and their lips touched. Zi Han¡¯s eyshes trembled before he slowly closed his eyes.


    An overpowering electric current swept past his body igniting an inexplicable feeling that he only felt in his spring dreams.


    It was like his soul was transported elsewhere and he was walking on clouds. Yi Chen slowly parted their lips with reluctance. Maybe it was the overwhelming emotions or the fact that he didn¡¯t want to do too much and scare Zi Han away that he let go.


    Unfortunately for him, Zi Han hadn¡¯t had enough yet. He grabbed Yi Chen¡¯s cor and pulled him down pressing their lips together once more. He had no idea how it worked but he didn¡¯t give a toss at this moment.


    Their lips entangled in a heated exchange with Yi Chen¡¯s hands lowering down grasping Zi Han¡¯s waist and pulling him closer. When Yi Chen¡¯s fingers caressed Zi Han¡¯s waist through the fabric Zi Han let out a small groan adding fuel to the mes.


    Zi Han couldn¡¯t get enough of the taste of butterscotch on Yi Chen¡¯s lips thus he licked Yi Chen¡¯s lower lip with the tip of his tongue making the man shudder with excitement.


    Zi Han knew he should stop. It was best they stopped now otherwise this might lead down a narrow road difficult to track. But despite setting off the rm bells in his mind he still refused to let go.

 Chapter 202

    202 ¡°You, you two are an item?¡±


    He proceeded to suck on Yi Chen¡¯s lips as he let go of the man¡¯s cor. He wrapped his arms around Yi Chen¡¯s neck pulling him down for an even deeper kiss. His thumb rubbing the nap of Yi Chen¡¯s head he pried open the man¡¯s lips desperate for more. As though intoxicated by lust his tongue invaded Yi Chen¡¯s innermost being and sought gratification.


    His actions were clumsy and unrehearsed but it felt so good that Yi Chen couldn¡¯t get enough of it. He let Zi Han do whatever he pleased with him.


    When the tips of their tongues touched Yi Chen reached his breaking point. His member rose to the asion not willing to be left out. Zi Han wasn¡¯t stupid. He felt that bulge rubbing against his body and knowing that it was all because of him made him very happy.


    He lightly bit on Yi Chen¡¯s lower lip his body subconsciously moving forward to ster them together. Recalling how excited those two were in the adult video he suddenly wanted to try it or at least some of it. He wanted to do more than kiss thus he parted their lips and kissed Yi Chen¡¯s cheek down to his neck and finally his Adam¡¯s apple.


    ¡°Mm....,¡± groaned Yi Chen with a slight stretch in his neck letting Zi Han do what he wanted. Zi Han sucked on his neck with no guilt.


    Yi Chen¡¯s grasp on his waist tightened as he panted heavily. Such a tant provocation had him gasping for air like he was drowning in the sea of lust.


    Zi Han left a bright cherry on his neck and kissed Yi Chen¡¯s warm lips again. This time, however, the door suddenly opened and Li Ran barged in while saying,


    ¡°I smuggled the snacks in and I got some beer. This time you owe me..... SHIT!!¡±


    Zi Han¡¯s body froze for a moment before he pushed Yi Chen away but Yi Chen didn¡¯t let go of him. He gently pecked Zi Han¡¯s cheeks which had turned ghastly white and drained of all color. Because Zi Han was still in shock he could take full advantage of it without consequences.


    .....


    ¡°Close the door,¡± said Yi Chen his expression unlike that of a man caught kissing someone.


    A trembling Li Ran closed the door his palms sweating like a pig. Had he just stumbled upon a secret? How long were these two dating?


    ¡°You, you two are an item?¡± he asked with a mortified expression.


    ¡°No,¡±


    ¡°Yes,¡± they replied simultaneously.


    There was no need to even mention whose response belonged to whom. Yi Chen looked at Zi Han with slight grievance but Zi Han averted his gaze a little flustered.


    Li Ran felt horrible for asking such a sensitive question. ¡°Uh.... I am just going to go,¡± he said and Yi Chen immediately responded,


    ¡°Yes,¡± but Zi Han shouted, ¡°No, you... you should ahem.... you should stay.¡±


    Twice! Twice, Zi Han had contradicted him which was kind of upsetting. He was as stiff as a g pole and wanted to continue with what they were doing but Zi Han didn¡¯t want to be alone with him.


    ¡°I am going to take a shower,¡± he whispered to Zi Han before kissing his ear lightly. Zi Han dodged to the side but unfortunately, his response time was slow.


    Yi Chen red at the culprit who ruined a good thing before walking away. Li Ran shivered involuntarily with ayer of goosebumps forming on his skin.


    Two minutester the two were sitting on one of the three-seater couch and the other on the asional chair in awkward silence.


    Zi Han had his head turned to the window watching the starry night while Li Ran was trying to ept that his good brother was interested in Zi Han.


    These two were like oil and water but somehow they nted their lips together and ate each other¡¯s faces. How on earth did they end up here?


    Li Ran nced at Zi Han and asked, ¡°You want a drink?¡±


    Zi Han nodded his head and epted the ice-cold can of beer. ¡°Thanks,¡± he said as the chilling cold seeped into his fingertips.


    With two clicks one after the other they opened their beers and silently drank a mouthful or two.


    ¡°Aaaahh,¡± was the sound of Li Ran letting out a satisfied sigh before asking, ¡°Aren¡¯t you going to take a shower too?¡±


    Zi Han grabbed a piece of candy Yi Chen left on the table and unwrapped it before popping it into the can while asking, ¡°Why?¡±


    Li Ran nced at his crotch area only for Zi Han to follow his gaze. Zi Han showed a sly smile and said, ¡°I don¡¯t see how that is any of your business.¡±


    ¡°Ai, so snippy. Retract your ws tiger. I am just curious,¡± he said but the truth was that he wanted to know if it wasn¡¯t functioning or if Zi Han just wasn¡¯t attracted to Yi Chen. Maybe they were both bi-curious and decided to explore with each other? The only problem with this was that his friend was the one to fall first but Zi Han remained lukewarm.


    ¡°So...is this like a thing or just a one-time event?¡± he asked genuinely curious. Now he understood why H always acted weird around this pair. She obviously knew something he didn¡¯t.


    ¡°Why don¡¯t you wait and ask Yi Chen?¡± replied Zi Han tired of Li Ran¡¯s messy Q&A. Even he didn¡¯t even know what he wanted, okay?


    The attraction was absolutely there but from Yi Chen¡¯s expression, he wanted more than just to vent. He wanted a rtionship and Zi Han wasn¡¯t even sure how to respond to that.


    For a person who preached that he didn¡¯t want to fall in love like a broken record he sure couldn¡¯t resist a tasty meal. He knew it was a trap but that taste, that sweet taste of Yi Chen had him addicted.


    Fuck, just recalling how heated that kiss was made him so hot all over. Two secondster Zi Han was crossing his legs with a cushion on hisp. Lucky for him Li Ran was drinking so he didn¡¯t see the pir forming a tent in between his legs.


    That would have been the second time Zi Han got face pped. He clearly stated that a shower wasn¡¯t necessary but here he was drawing his sword ready for battle. Unbelievable.....

 Chapter 203

    203 ....but you can still kiss me though


    When Li Ran heard that the running water had stopped flowing he stood up and walked over to the partitioned closet near the bathroom.


    As soon as Yi Chen came out of the bathroom he nced over in Zi Han¡¯s direction before turning to look at Yi Chen.


    ¡°What the hell?¡± he whispered loudly his eyes wide open like that of an insect.


    Yi Chen rubbed his still wet nape with a towel ncing at him with a ¡®what are you panicking for¡¯ type of look. Yi Chen was behaving like it was any regr Tuesday.


    ¡°When were you going to tell me this?¡± asked Li Ran while ruffling his hair in frustration.


    ¡°When we are dating,¡± replied Yi Chen putting back on his uniform.


    ¡°Fuck.... you were literally eating each other¡¯s faces just now but aren¡¯t dating? Why him though? I mean the guy puts candy in beer to drink it. That shit is really weird.¡±


    Yi Chen grabbed his mech pendant on the shelf near Li Ran while responding, ¡°Stop cursing so much..... and he doesn¡¯t like bitter things. I told you to bring something sweet but you didn¡¯t.¡±


    ¡°You said I should bring champagne and I did. Do you know that I had a fight with my mom over this? If I didn¡¯t mention your name I would havee here with a torn uniform and missing hair.¡±


    .....


    Yi Chen chuckled before saying, ¡°I owe you a favor.... you should go.¡±


    Li Ran, ¡°QAQ¡±


    ¡®What a scumbag,¡¯ thought Li Ran while staring at Yi Chen with an ¡®are you fuckin kidding me¡¯ expression.


    Just as he took a step out, Yi Chen called him back. Li Ran¡¯s tail that was drooping suddenly wagged as he turned around.


    ¡°Give it to me,¡± said Yi Chen in a soft voice.


    Li Ran red at him for a while before taking out two bottles of champagne and cing them on the shelf.


    ¡°The other thing as well,¡± said Yi Chen, and Li Ran pursed his lips with discontent. He ced the navy box with a red bow in Yi Chen¡¯s hand.


    ¡°Come on, let me stay for dinner. It is so crowded in the shared cabin and I can¡¯t even go find H. She said I was there to steal her team¡¯s secrets,¡± heined almost breaking down in tears.


    ¡°Here,¡± said Yi Chen tapping something on his light brain, ¡°I got ess to the cabin opposite as well. Is thatpensation enough.¡±


    Seeing the ess code in his light brain


    Li Ran smiled happily meaning he was satisfied. He nned on bringing H over and hopefully getting to eat her face too like these guys.


    Zi Han saw Li Ran rushing out after giving him a casual goodbye. The man looked so happy like he had won the lottery.


    Soon after Yi Chen walked back in slow strides exuding a sensual irresistible charm that had Zi Han¡¯s stomach exploding with butterflies.


    Yi Chen stopped a few feet from Zi Han. Zi Han raised his head and their eyes met each with their own thought.


    After a considerable amount of time, Zi Han asked, ¡°What?¡±


    Yi Chen rubbed his chin with a meaningful expression before sitting right next to him. He brazenly draped his arm behind Zi Han and drew closer.


    With his head tilted towards Zi Han, he said, ¡°About what we just did....¡±


    Zi Han knew this question wasing but he was still as rattled as before. His heart racing like a bullet train he cleared his throat while moving away a little. ¡°What about it?¡± asked Zi Han his voice hoarse.


    Yi Chen pressed his fingers on Zi Han¡¯s arm trapping him in ce. ¡°I.....,¡± he said but his voice got stuck in his throat his ears turning red.


    He had dreamt multiple times about what he would say when he confesses his feelings but when it came down to it he couldn¡¯t say it.


    Zi Han didn¡¯t want to hear it because if he was being honest Yi Chen might not like the answer. This intricate web would only ensnare him furtherplicating things so he said, ¡°Don¡¯t say it.¡±


    Hearing Yi Chen¡¯s heart grew cold with ayer of frost forming over it. If Zi Han won¡¯t let him say it then how was he supposed to make him his?


    As a feeling of disappointment washed over him seeming defeated Zi Han continued, ¡°At least not yet. I am not ready to hear it.... but you can still kiss me though.¡±


    Though it wasn¡¯t the oue he expected Yi Chen was content with what he got. In fact, he was so content that he took full advantage of it. He couldn¡¯t give Zi Han the gift he brought to confess nor could he open the bottle of champagne in celebration but he could smooch all he wants.


    By the time it was bedtime Zi Han was fed up with it. While Yi Chen was brushing his teeth in the bathroom Zi Han began to divide the bed using the pillows.


    He was afraid that Yi Chen would kiss him again. A kiss off the bed was fine but a kiss on the bed can only lead to some things he no longer wanted to do. That¡¯s because he had discovered a problem. If they were to go all the way who exactly would be prating who? Zi Han didn¡¯t have the confidence to... ahem neither did he have the courage to be pressed down.


    His curiosity and interest died down rapidly like a me covered in snow. Thus he pulled up all the pillows he could find to create a false sense of security.


    When Yi Chen walked back inside the room he found Zi Han curled up under the quilt pretending like he was sleeping. In the middle was a border wall of pillows being used as a preventative measure.


    Yi Chen chuckledughing at Zi Han¡¯s silliness. The wall looked sturdy but unfortunately, it couldn¡¯t stop this SS-rank youth with a sly heart.


    Zi Han was closing his eyes while struggling to calm his beating heart when a heavy weight fell on top of him before pulling his quilt.


    ¡°Yi Chen, you.... shit, get off me,¡± heined but it went through Yi Chen¡¯s ear and came out of the other.

 Chapter 204

    204 ¡°So we are really going to sleep like this?¡±


    Yi Chen bit his lower lip staring at him with a smile in his eyes. ¡°So you don¡¯t trust me?¡± asked Yi Chen while cing his hand above Zi Han¡¯s head.


    ¡°Can you be trusted?¡± asked Zi Han with a slight smile at the corner of his lips.


    ¡°I can be trusted, you on the other hand....,¡± replied Yi Chen brushing Zi Han¡¯s hair with his thumb.


    Zi Han couldn¡¯t believe Yi Chen had just said that. Howe he never knew that Yi Chen was so shameless? Zi Han pushed him off and Yi Chen moved over to his side of the boundary of pillows.


    Lying on his side he pulled down one of the pillows and smiled as he watched Zi Han lying on his back on the other side.


    ¡°So we are really going to sleep like this?¡± asked Yi Chen feeling aggrieved.


    Zi Han closed his eyes and ignored him but Yi Chen didn¡¯t give up. His hand carefully slipped towards the other side of the border underneath the quilt and once his fingertips touched Zi Han a mischievous smile crept up his face.


    He went in through Zi Han¡¯s t-shirt but the person who was pretending to be asleep just now grasped his hand and turned his head slightly to look at him before saying, ¡°You really don¡¯t want your hand anymore do you?¡±


    Zi Hany on his side loosening his grip on Yi Chen¡¯s hand but he didn¡¯t let go. With his one hand over Yi Chen¡¯s, he said, ¡°Sleep.¡±


    .....


    Zi Han might be calm or at least acting like he was but Yi Chen was the opposite. How could his brain sleep onmand when his sweetheart was sleeping right next to him? He always prided himself on being calm and emotionally sound but here he was freaking out over sharing a bed with Zi Han.


    For a long time, Yi Chen kept staring at their hands that were joined together. He couldn¡¯t cuddle Zi Han to sleep but he was happy with thepromise.


    His joyous mood was brought forth to the next day. He hadn¡¯t slept well and had obvious panda eyes but everyone could clearly see he was in an excellent mood.


    He didn¡¯t sleep well because Zi Han was truly a terrible sleeper. This is why he wanted to cuddle him in the first ce. He would not only kick at the quilt but also at him like he was dreaming of himself fighting someone.


    Despite surviving a grievous battle at night Captain Chen was ready to lead his team to victory.


    ¡°I wille to find you as soon as Iplete my task, okay,¡± said Yi Chen while fixing Zi Han¡¯s gear.


    ¡°Captain Chen, why are you so confident that you will finish before me?¡± said Zi Han with a smirk on his face, ¡°How about Ie to find you?¡±


    Yi Chen let out a throaty chuckle before responding, ¡°Even better. I would like to be your damsel.¡±


    A few feet from these two, Li Ran couldn¡¯t take the dog food being sprinkled on his face like it was Christmas but the two girls standing next to him were beaming with excitement like this was the reason they were breathing.


    ¡°Ugh... I can¡¯t watch this,¡± he said only for H to interject,


    ¡°Why are Yi Chen¡¯s lips swollen? It looks like a lip hickey.¡±


    ¡°Maybe he bumped into something?¡± said Li Ran unwilling to delve into this subject.


    ¡°Weren¡¯t you there when it happened?¡± asked Shannon but Li Ran refused to answer.


    ¡°I have a theory,¡± said H looking at Li Ran, ¡°You can just nod your head if I am right.¡±


    Li Ran, ¡°???¡±


    How badly did she want to confirm her ship was sailing? Well, the answer is badly. She was like thoseizens who read into every single detail on a celebrity¡¯s post just to confirm their rtionship with so and so.


    Who could me her when she invested so much into the ChenHan or Shannon¡¯s preferred name, HanChen CP?


    ¡°Let me guess... yesterday you seemed off like you had seen something you shouldn¡¯t have. Did really see something you shouldn¡¯t?¡± said H moving so close to Li Ran the smile on her face mesmerizing. Li Ran kept his mouth shut simply staring at her entranced.


    ¡°Did you happen to walk in on a certain pair possibly....,¡± she said in a whisper before Shannon finished it of her for her,


    ¡°Kissing?¡±


    Li Ran, ¡®QAQ¡¯


    ¡°Stay away from me temptress,¡± he said to H as though casting out devils. He felt like his expression will divulge all the details thus he decisively dashed away.


    Shannon, ¡°They totally kissed.¡±


    H, ¡°Yep.... and Zi Han left a mark.¡±


    Shannon, ¡°Hehe, marking his territory.¡±


    H, ¡°We might as well marry them off.¡±


    Shannon, ¡°I want to see Zi Han in a white dress.¡±


    Shaun and Shorty standing behind them, ¡°...¡±


    ¡°That is freaking terrifying,¡± murmured Shorty in fear of these fujoshis.


    ¡°Be careful not to annoy Shannon. Last night I ate her croissant and she gave me a devilish grin while saying I am next,¡± said Shaun recalling that terrifying scene.


    ¡°Next for what?¡± whispered Shorty while looking at Shannon with a probing gaze.


    ¡°What do you think?¡± replied Shaun unwilling to be these girls¡¯ next target.


    Good thing the military personnel meant to brief them arrived and everyone scattered standing in their team.


    Yi Chen reluctantly left Zi Han not forgetting to give Evan a warning nce. Unlike most Evan didn¡¯t back down. He stared back with a taunting expression.


    His father after the pool incident told him to pick his battles and this training exam was it. He wanted to prove that he was the best thus he was prepared to take on Yi Chen ande out at the top.


    ¡°Ladies and gentlemen, your task for this exam is quite simple....,¡± said a short woman as a floating screen disyed a rotating surrounded by violentets.


    ¡°This is Dark Star and on it are devices that are a significant threat to Onyx Federation. You should be proud that before you even enlist you are being bestowed upon a very important task.¡±


    The floating screen changed and an image of a circr device appeared on the screen.


    ¡°Your job is to retrieve these devices. Whichever team manages to gather the most.... will be granted the highest medal of honor, Minerva¡¯s crown and they will be eligible for a mech upgrade at the expense of the military.¡±


    Let the war games begin...

 Chapter 205

    205 Air Kiss


    ¡°Each team will drop into different zones. The goal is to find as many of these devices as possible. When you are near one these detectors will start beeping. The intervals between each beep would be shorter the closer you get,¡± continued exining the shortdy as a group of individuals handed out a small device that could be worn on the wrist.


    ¡°Now, as the federation, we respect human lives and try to prevent unnecessary deaths. Thus make use of your extraction device inbuilt into your mechs. Once you press it it will directly transport you back on the stealth cruisers.¡±


    ¡°Even if you are off Dark Star your team¡¯s efforts will still include you though your overall grade will be judged by your performance.¡±


    ¡°I would like for the team captains to take note that if they use the extraction device then their entire team will be transported back to the stealth cruiser bringing an end to their mission. Does everyone understand?¡±


    ¡°YES COMMODORE!!¡± were the echoes of agreement in the hangar of Cetus sending vibrations across the entire floor as patriotic spirit rose within them.


    ¡°Go out there and make Onyx Federation proud,¡± she said saluting them with a three-finger salute. The neat rolls of students saluted her back before turning and marching to the stealth cruiser where their teams were designated.


    Evan and Yi Chen stood outside on either side of the doors of stealth cruiser A in which two of their teams were going to be transported in.


    There weren¡¯t facing each other but the tension between them was apparent. As thest of their teammates entered the stealth cruiser they then turned and walked in with the doors closing behind them.


    Each team was sitting on either side of the cruiser facing each other and despite being on opposite teams they were cordial and chatting to each other with no ill will. To be frank it was more of their captains having a problem with each other not them.


    .....


    Yi Chen walked over to the person sitting opposite Zi Han and with the flick of his finger the person got up. Exuding the aura of a domineering captain Yi Chen sat down but the moment he faced Zi Han he was like a different person. It wouldn¡¯t be considered wrong to call him a smitten kitten.


    Zi Han who was done strapping himself to the seat looked up and almost got a freaking heart attack. Yi Chen was sitting opposite him staring at him with a doting gaze.


    Zi Han mouthed, ¡°What the fuck?¡± but Yi Chen looked so innocent like he was meant to sit there. Evan was sitting in front seriously discussing a strategy but what was this man doing? Flirting in public like he wasn¡¯t the team captain.


    Yi Chen intensely stared at Zi Han his eyes lingering on his soft lips. He subtly puckered his lips shamelessly sending an air kiss at Zi Han.


    Zi Han, ¡°!!!¡±


    He regretted it. He should have kicked Yi Chen to the curb from the beginning. This person was beyond the word shameless.


    Zi Han sucked his lips averting his gaze unwilling to satisfy the person acting like a fool in front of him. He might not be willing to entertain it but the tips of his ears were like ripe cherry tomatoes exposing his true feelings.


    As the stealth cruisers entered the megaet field they began to shake violently making the timid ones hold their hearts in their hands in fear. Some were pressing their heads hard against the headrest of the seat while others clenched their teeth fending off the queasy feeling from the shaking stealth cruiser.


    Yi Chen and Li Ran were the least bit fazed acting like they were used to it. Zi Han on the other hand was indeed a different breed. He was smiling but deep inside his blood rushed with excitement like he was in his element.


    Beep beep beep.....


    ¡°Proximity alert.... warning proximity alert,¡± said the voice of the AI co-operating the stealth cruiser.


    With a loud bang, the stealth cruiser collided with an iing megaet causing it to tilt slightly. Echoes of swears and curses followed expressing their fear and anxiety. If only they knew this was only the prelude to the exciting adventure they might have quit joining the military altogether.


    With a sharp turn, the stealth cruisers broke through theet field and entered Dark Star¡¯s atmosphere. Calm was restored but the violent winds were unforgiving.


    ¡°Team three prepare for the drop. We are approaching your drop zone,¡± said the AI, and team three began to unbuckle their seat belts and prepare to drop off the stealth cruiser.


    Zi Han got up and zipped up his suit. By the time he raised his head, Yi Chen was standing in front of him with a look of concern. ¡°Stay safe out there. You know how to find me,¡± he whispered only for Crvena to speak in a dissatisfied tone,


    ¡°How can team three¡¯s members be fraternizing with team one¡¯s captain? Are you sharing our team¡¯s secrets,¡± he said holding on to the rail as the hangar door of the stealth cruiser slowly opened.


    ¡°What team secrets? Mind your own business,¡± replied Zi Han snipping at him with no reservation.


    Yi Chen lightly grasped his chin and made him look back at him as though he was jealous that Zi Han was paying attention to someone else when he was right in front of him.


    ¡°I wille to find you,¡± whispered Yi Chen.


    Zi Han smiled while looking at him.


    ¡°We will see who will find who,¡± he said before cing a piece of butterscotch candy into Yi Chen¡¯s mouth.


    Evan watched this with discontent. He wanted to call Zi Han over as the team captain but before he could say anything Zi Han directly walked to the fully open door of the hangar and jumped off.


    Despite Yi Chen knowing that Zi Han had his mech he couldn¡¯t help but worry. Of course, Zi Han activated his mech mid-air and as he approached the trees he flipped his body andnded feet first.


    A red and ck mech with the Zi family Crest broke through the branches and created a dent on the ground as itnded. Zi Han stood up straight and the mech looked dazzling under the sun of Dark Star.


    Two minutester loud screams and whistling sounds of mechs raining from the sky caught his attention. Like wishing stars they fell to the ground with an explosive force.


    They were scattered around his radius with some falling t on their faces which was quite amusing to watch.

 Chapter 206

    206 Oppa, help me


    Zi Han looked up to the stealth cruiser and saw Yi Chen standing by the hangar door looking at him. He shook his head with a sweet smile on his face. Even he could tell this man was a whipped boyfriend before he even became one.


    ¡°Oppa, help me,¡± said a sweet milky voiceing from the team chat. Zi Han felt an ufortable feeling when he recalled whose voice this was. He checked the dots on the map floating in front of his mech and saw that he was the closest to her.


    ¡°Don¡¯t call me that ever and I wille to help you,¡± replied Zi Han as he walked over to her.


    Agial¡¯s mech had a head shaped like a beetle and it was silver all over just like her hair. She was struggling to get out of the hole she was stuck in.


    Zi Han just stood there watching her struggle with his arms crossed on his chest.


    ¡°Uh... mm uh help me out,¡± she said stretching out her hand.


    Zi Han crouched down and repeated, ¡°Promise me you will stop calling me that.¡±


    Agial looked at him with an aggrieved look on her face but she had no choice but to nod her head and say, ¡°I promise.¡±


    Zi Han reached out and grabbed her mech by the back of its head and pulled her out of the hole.


    .....


    ¡°Everyone converge at the marked meeting point,¡± said Evan when he saw that Zi Han and Agial were alone.


    Meanwhile, on the other side of Dark Star, Zi Xingxi was watching a blue dot on the floating screen her expression meaningful. Secretary K sitting in front of themand center disyed Zi Han¡¯s vitals and said, ¡°Ma¡¯am everything appears normal.¡±


    ¡°Yah, for now. That entire ce isn¡¯t baby proofed. It¡¯s like an ident waiting to happen,¡± said Lynn Feng who just wanted to get off the warship and go grab Zi Han back. Dark Star was notorious for a reason.


    ¡°Han isn¡¯t a kid. If we interfere too soon he will only run the risk of being disqualified,¡± said Secretary K but Zi Xingxi remained silent.


    ¡°Keep watching him. Let me know if there is anything out of ce,¡± she said as she got up, ¡°You follow me.¡±


    Secretary K immediately got up not forgetting to re at Lynn Feng in the process. A stimted Zi Xingxi was a dangerous existence and Lynn Feng had just seeded at waking the sleeping dragon.


    ***


    ¡°The n is to stick together. If we catch a signal for any of the devices we should deal with it together. Any objections¡± asked Evan his gaze on Zi Han who wasn¡¯t paying attention at all.


    Zi Han was furrowing his brows while looking at the tall trees with their leaves swaying with the wind. They had been given a list of predators on Dark Star but in truth, none of them had encountered them in real life.


    Unlike most Zi Han was born with a key sense. He might be one of the least strong in terms of mental power but his sense was extremely sharp.


    ¡°What is it?¡± asked Evan as he checked the direction Zi Han was staring at. All he could see were dense woods with a breeze passing by making the leaves rustle. He might not be able to see anything but like Zi Han, he could finally sense it.


    ¡°Back on back!¡± yelled Evan and everyone immediately moved into formation with their weapons drawn. Everyone was on high alert and as they fell into silence the entire forest suddenly seemed big. An eerie silence filled the forest with the only sounding from the rustling leaves and whistling of the wind.


    As a cold front swept past them sharp teeth beast more than half the size of thergest mech in the group leaped out from the forest with its tongue stretching out to grab one of them.


    ¡°Shit, shit, shit,¡± swore Crvena with his finger on the trigger aiming at that tongue. The creature broke the defense formation grabbing a yellow mech with its tongue and tossing it at a tree nearby.


    The bullets began to rain but the creature was unharmed as it charged toward the guy with a me ster in his hand.


    With its head lowered it rammed into his mech and sent him flying a few feet away. That¡¯s when its gaze locked on Agial who was reloading herser cannon.


    With legs like that of a horse, it dashed over to strike her. Agial panicked and screamed as she closed her eyes but the expected pain didn¡¯te.


    The creature was punched in the face and with a loud thud, it tumble to the ground leaving drag marks. Shaking its head in confusion it got up and attempted to strike back at the culprit but it was suddenly grabbed by the neck and raised to the ground.


    iling around with its limbs jerking around to hit him it hissed in pain as Zi Han crushed itsrynx with his mech before pulling it out. Blood sttered everywhere as he ripped apart the beast¡¯s crushedrynx.


    His expression though was absent. That¡¯s because when he was a kid his mother designed a coloring ebook with several monsters and she would ask what it was and its weakness. This is where he had seen it and how he knew its weakness.


    He roughly threw the creature to the ground as he panted heavily. He took a step back staring at those lifeless eyes of the creature.


    Everyone, ¡°....¡±


    Crvena¡¯s brow furrowed as he asked, ¡°How did you know it would work? Lasers didn¡¯t work neither did mes or bullets yet you....?¡±


    While others were being helped to their feet Zi Han crouched down and touched the hard shell of the mauve creature.


    ¡°I have seen it in a book before,¡± he replied recalling the memory of him sitting on his mother¡¯sp coloring it pink while sheughed because it was meant to be purple.


    ¡°Don¡¯t tell me you freaking studied zoology?¡± said a ck-haired boy in their group.


    Zi Han didn¡¯t answer him. He stood up and asked Agial if she was okay. Terrified half to death she shook her head and began to follow after him.


    ¡°They usually move in a herd so be on the lookout,¡± he said.


    Evan was at a loss at this point. He couldn¡¯t help but be d Zi Han was on his team otherwise he would have already lost so many team members from just one encounter with a beast.


    This was indeed true. H lost three team members after encountering a funny-looking chimera-like creature.

 Chapter 207

    207 Zi Han¡¯s love for fluffy things resurfaces


    The bloody scene from earlier was especially stimting that the excitement while jumping out of the stealth cruiser had dissipated. Everyone was on high alert as they walked through the rainforest looking for these devices.


    ¡°Everyone stay close,¡± spoke Evan while cutting through the thick bushes so they could pass through.


    Zi Han followed behind Crvena his expression slightly contorted. That¡¯s because ever since he stepped on Dark Star he felt a slight sense of unease creeping up his body and seeping into his spine.


    Don¡¯t get him wrong he was still excited about this mission but his gut was telling him something big was on this. Something that could affect him greatly. It was like being excited to bungee jump on the world¡¯s highest jump while your gut is simultaneously screaming at you.


    Raising his hand he moved the tree leaves away taking a step forward. After two steps he abruptly stopped and saw a five-centimeter tall fluff ball with one eye struggling in the mud with its two antennas drooping.


    His love for fluffy and plushy things ignited and he couldn¡¯t resist bending down to pick it up.


    It seemed because of their disturbance the little guy had fallen from a tree. A rarely seen soft and gentle expression appeared on his face as he stared at it.


    The little cutie climbed up the mech¡¯s arms and after much struggle, it stared at Zi Han with curiosity.


    ¡°Han Han, what is that?¡± asked Agial when she realized he had stopped. Everyone began to pass them as they stood there staring at that cute thing.


    .....


    Zi Han gently poked its little belly and replied, ¡°It¡¯s called a Nimsel. It¡¯s harmless and likes to eat fruit.¡±


    He was overpowered by cuteness that he didn¡¯t realize that she had called him Han Han. He would much prefer that she addressed him formally so as not to create a misunderstanding.


    ¡°You two keep up,¡± said Evan in the team chat extricating Zi Han from his fluffy trance. He put the little one in the tree before walking away.


    A reluctant expression appeared on the little Nimsel¡¯s expression as it patted its dirty coat.


    Zi Han would have loved to keep it but because he sincerely believed creatures should belong in their natural habitat he left it there. It would be nice though to keep it, it meant Mr. Twiggles wouldn¡¯t be lonely.


    ¡°I found one haha, I found a signal,¡± yelled an excited voice in the team chat and everyone followed the voice rushing over in excitement. At first, they thought the task would be easy but after walking for over four hours things didn¡¯t seem so simple after all.


    The beeping sound became louder and louder as they drew closer. Their expressions were joyously excited to retrieve their first device.


    They soon approached a clearing with one massive tree at the center and the beeping intensified but there was no sight of it.


    One boy in a bright blue mech stepped forward towards the tree but his arm was suddenly caught.


    ¡°Don¡¯t move,¡± said Evan before crouching down to observe the green grass. There was a difference in the shade of green with the darker shade forming a circle around the tree.


    With his arms crossed on his chest, Zi Han looked up but couldn¡¯t see anything. Apart from the cloudy skies and swaying trees, there was nothing. But despite his eyes¡¯ observation he still felt something was up.


    ¡°It has to be here somewhere,¡± said one of the girls on the team, ¡°how about we look around?¡±


    Zi Han took a few steps staring at that tree with great interest. As the leaves showered down he suddenly recalled a memory.


    It was the same coloring book but this time the picture was that of a white and gold faceless insect with golden wings and a long abdomen behind it.


    On its head and the rest of its body were clusters of golden coloured holes that would give anyone with trypophobia shivers.


    His mother exined to him that this insect-like creature was slightly simr to what old earth called hos and bees. Their behavior was the same. They both had hive tendencies and stingers.


    But the despmtor had great superiority over bees and wasps. Its queen used unique frequencies to create an invincible barrier hiding her hive. It had a high attraction to unique sounds thus his mother taught him how to whistle.


    Such a sound might be regr to humans but to a despmtor, it was alluring and unique letting one temporarily gain control over their queen.


    Zi Han looked at Evan and said, ¡°It must be a


    despmtor¡¯s hive. The device must be inside.¡±


    ¡°I have heard a bit about them. Aren¡¯t they the critters that almost decimated one of the exodus arks when they brought samples on board before the Federation was established?¡± asked Crvena.


    ¡°It¡¯s not only that but they are highly venomous. If you get stung by one you will have hallucinations for days and without urgent care, one mightmit suicide thinking they¡¯re fighting demons and monsters,¡± said a girl in a bright pink mech as she tightened her grasp on her rifle.


    ¡°So what? Should we just leave this device? It took us an entire day to find this... we can¡¯t just let it go because of some tiny insects,¡± said another boy with a grey mech standing at the far end.


    ¡°Let¡¯s torch their hive. Burn them out then get the device,¡± suggested one of Evan¡¯s friends as he drew his me thrower and pulled the trigger twice unleashing extremely hot mes.


    Zi Han couldn¡¯t ept that. They weren¡¯t provoked so why should they go on the offense? He walked over to Evan and said, ¡°You do that and we might not have a chance to get that device. I have a better n.¡±


    Evan didn¡¯t question Zi Han. In fact, he raised his finger telling his friend to stand down. The young man was very displeased but he didn¡¯t dare go against Evan. He obediently stepped back and crossed his fingers that Zi Han would fail.


    Zi Han told them to step back a little. He moistened his lips and puckered them slightly. With his mouth slightly open he ced his tongue on the roof of his mouth and soon a regr high-pitched sound came from him.


    Zi Han remembered his mother whistling the theme song of his favorite cartoon back then. Being five years old he giggled happily but when he failed to do it he would sulk.


    Knee deep in that memory he whistled the theme song causing mixed reactions among the team.


    ¡°Don¡¯t tell me this is his genius n,¡± whispered Evan¡¯s friend with a look of contempt on his face.

 Chapter 208

    208 Missing Yi Chen


    Zi Han raised his finger shushing him as he took a step onto the greener circle and continued to whistle. Dissatisfied he shut his mouth but his finger held on to that me thrower ready to fire at a moment¡¯s notice.


    ¡°... phooweet.¡±


    As he approached a high note the hidden nest was revealed and a massive hive was revealed. To everyone¡¯s amazement, it was an intricate structure built with intellect.


    Calling it an insect utopia wouldn¡¯t be an overestimation. A few despmtors were peacefully hovering below the hive that is until the queen emerged from the bottom of the hive.


    It was as beautiful as depicted in the coloring ebook. Whoever captured that image managed to even capture its aura and temperament that was both entrancing and otherworldly.


    With a golden scepter in one of its arms, it flew over to Zi Han attracted by that whistle. Zi Han¡¯s heart was pulsing rapidly as he saw it draw closer and closer.


    While the queen was distracted the entire hive would be disoriented and would unwittingly follow the queen. It was at this time that he expected Evan to extract the device.


    Unfortunately, despite it being a wless n things didn¡¯t work as expected. That¡¯s because some trigger-happy person felt the urge to use a me on the hive instead of carefully picking the device stered on top of the hive. Maybe it was out of impatience or stupidity that Evan¡¯s friend decided to use the methrower. Whatever the reason it meant that everything went to shit after that.


    Zi Han just looked at the culprit with an ¡®are you fuckin kidding me¡¯ expression before he yelled, ¡°RUN!¡±


    .....


    After yelling that Zi Han waited for no man. A whole lot of them ran and he even heard Evan yelling in the team chat for everyone to run but among the group they were also fools.


    This included the methrower idiot didn¡¯t see the importance of running more especially when they were inside their mechs.


    ¡°AAAAHHHHHH!!!¡± yelled Evan¡¯s friend while releasing ferocious mes toward the hive.


    The ones that remained backed him up while despising the captain for running. But soon they understood why their captain ran.


    After all that effort the hive didn¡¯t burn instead they were faced with an angry swarm of despmtors angrily buzzing while staring at them with their faceless heads.


    ¡°Fuck,¡± mumbled the young man while tightening his grip on the methrower. With cold sweat flowing down his forehead he tremblingly pressed the trigger again randomly firing at the swarm.


    The swarm immediately attacked with some dismantling his mech trying to get to the person inside. His backup realized then that they are fucked thus they high-tailed out of there following in the same direction that their captain ran off to.


    Loud screams echoed in the forest as the boy¡¯s mech was infiltrated. Terrified half to death he pressed the extractor button and in a split second, he disappeared from the forest rematerializing in the stealth cruiser¡¯s transporter that only worked one way.


    ¡°He has despmtors around him. Seal the transporter,¡± said the officer in the transporter room.


    ¡°Yes Ma¡¯am,¡± responded the man operating the transporter before sealing off the doors. A gaseous poison harmful to despmtors was released and soon the insects began to fall off his mech one by one.


    When they deactivated his mech his face and body was swollen like he had a peanut allergy.


    Meanwhile, the other two running for their lives felt something intruding on their mechs. That¡¯s because the grudge-bearing despmtors had found a weak point on the behinds of their mechs thus they infiltrated through and began to sting their butts.


    On a lone brunch, a cute little nimsel witnessed a pair of mech dashing across the forest with swarms of despmtors infiltrating through their asses while screaming like little girls.


    ¡°Ehehehe,¡± it giggled while watching the good show.


    The screams and yelps reached the ears of Zi Han and the crew. Zi Han knew that the pair had led the swarm to them which meant they had no choice but to jump into theke.


    ¡°Captain, we have no choice but to jump,¡± said Zi Han, and without waiting for Evan¡¯s response he cannonballed into theke.


    Evan wanted to stop him but when he saw a thermostatic image of his team members heading in their direction with a swarm hot on their asses he made an impromptu decision.


    ¡°Jump! Jump! Jump!¡±


    One by one the mechs jumped into the waters with the captain being thest to jump. By the time the teammates reached the cliff, there was no one. Out of desperation, they pressed the extractor button and soon two mechs rematerialized in the transporter with some of the despmtors decimating their asses. These two wouldn¡¯t be able to sit down for the next twenty-four hours.


    Meanwhile, the queen and her swarm hovered above theke looking for the rest of the team.


    These critters as small as they were held a grudge. They wouldn¡¯t rest until they found them thus they hovered on theke¡¯s surface for a very long time.


    Underneath the water, some were panting heavily while Crvena wasughing his ass off. That was quite a thrilling experience for him.


    ¡°How long do you think we have to be down here?¡± asked Agial as the luminous light from her mech lit up the area around Zi Han. Zi Han¡¯s mech gently swayed with the current as he looked up. ¡°I don¡¯t know,¡± he said only to sense something lingering at the bottom of theke. His body involuntarily shivered as his blood ran cold.


    He didn¡¯t have to say anything because Evan also sensed the same thing. ¡°Everyone quiet and turn off the lights.... force hibernate your mechs,¡± hemanded and everyone obeyed hismand.


    Zi Han didn¡¯t care much about hanging in the dark but when he recalled that horror movie he watched that time with his mum he suddenly felt terrified. In that movie, there were water ghosts that pulled people to the bottom of theke which was in his opinion quite terrifying.


    ¡®Shit, shit, shit,¡¯ he swore internally wishing that Yi Chen was here. At least then he would feel safe in Yi Chen¡¯s arms. At this rate, he would rather deal with a swarm of angry despmtors.


    Apparently, he wasn¡¯t the only one afraid. Agial was also mortified and she was trying to be brave but theke was murky and dark while giving off an eerie feeling.


    She shamelessly drifted next to Zi Han and tried to hold his mech¡¯s hand but Zi Han ruthlessly moved his hand away. He was also afraid so whatfort could he give her? He had never missed Yi Chen as much as he missed him now.

 Chapter 209

    209 Yes sure... Han Han


    Agial had never felt so aggrieved in her entire life. Well, apart from the time she was rejected by Zi Han after confessing to him. Despite her grievance, she clung to him as she was genuinely terrified. Her fear wasn¡¯t without merit. That¡¯s because just below the feet of her mech something was slowly drifting upwards looking for what had intruded in its territory.


    The creature was as blind as a cavefish but felt the vibrations in the water thus it came searching. As it swam in between Agial¡¯s feet she yelped silently with her eyes closed.


    Zi Han looked down and saw a dark figure slithering up theke. As it passed in front of his mech the force was so powerful that it pushed back his drifting mech.


    With a swoosh, it emerged out of the water and scattered the swarm of despmtors hovering above the water surface.


    With an explosive dive, it swam back to the bottom of theke. Soon calm was restored but Zi Han¡¯s expression sank when he checked the detector on his wrist. It was shing in intervals and could only mean one thing. The other device was most definitely down there.


    After ten minutes of no movement, the floating screen in front of Zi Han lit up. It seemed Evan wasmunicating with them through text.


    Captain: Everyone float up_


    Captain: Slowly_


    Zi Han wasn¡¯t certain if the despmtors were still waiting for them but it was worth taking a look. The mechs slowly swam up making sure to make as little movement as possible. One after the other, mech heads began to pop up on the surface of theke.


    .....


    It seemed theke creature had scared away the despmtors which was a great relief for everyone. The mechs slowly emerged out of the water and as soon as they approached the shore they deactivated their mechs in fear of suffering from mental exhaustion if they operated them for too long.


    Crvenay t on the ground staring at the sky that seemed to be gathering clouds. He wasn¡¯t the only one lying down. A majority of them desperately needed a break, after all that stimtion. During the debrief they actually thought this was going to be easy but Dark Star showed them mes in just a couple of hours.


    ¡°What the fuck was that thing down there?¡± asked one of the boys while panting heavily on the ground.


    Everyone suddenly turned to Zi Han as though expecting answers. Zi Han, who was checking the magazine on his handgun tilted his head slightly staring back at them with an expression that seemed to say, ¡®How the fuck would I know that?¡¯


    ¡°There is another device down there. Mechs will alert the creature so it¡¯s best to dive in straight,¡± he said while holstering his weapon his expression like he was ready to deep dive.


    ¡°What?¡± asked a girl with long ck hair tied in a high ponytail.


    ¡°The fuck are you talking about? I didn¡¯t pick up on anything,¡± said Crvena seeming a little perplexed.


    ¡°How are we supposed to get it with that thing down there? Ah, fuck! And here I thought the despmtors were bad.¡±


    Zi Han took out a t device and stuck it on his neck while walking toward the water. Evan immediately stopped him and asked, ¡°What are you doing?¡±


    Zi Han found this captain amusing. What did it look like he was doing? He was going down there. He was afraid of water ghosts but he was determined to go find Yi Chen first so he was more than willing to go down there.


    ¡°I will go with you,¡± said Evan holding his arm.


    Zi Han pulled his arm off and said, ¡°We run the risk of attracting the creature¡¯s attention if the vibrations in the water increase. One person will suffice.... other than me does anyone want to attempt it?¡±


    Thetter question was directed at the rest of the group and as expected everyone was shaking their heads. No one wanted to risk going down there alone.


    ¡°I am the captain. I will go,¡± said Evan but Zi Han raised his finger and said,


    ¡°It¡¯s exactly because you are the captain that you can¡¯t risk it. I suggest you coordinate the rest to get that other device before the despmtors get back to their hive.¡±


    Evan knew he was right but his heart felt extremely ufortable. If something happens to him down there he would be forced to press the extractor button which would affect the rest of the team. How terrible it would be if they didn¡¯t even manage to retrieve a single one of those devices?


    ¡°Be careful down there. If anything goes wrong don¡¯t hesitate to press that button..... half of youe with me and the rest stay here and look out for Han Han.¡±


    Zi Han who was exhaling deeply while pumping himself up for the jump turned around sharply and red at Evan.


    He regretted letting H call him that. Now everyone was addressing him as such. Everyone else was fine but to those interested in him when they called him that it was so ambiguous and made him very ufortable.


    ¡°Cadet Han will do just fine,¡± he said only for Crvena to smile slyly while saying,


    ¡°Yes sure... Han Han.¡±


    Zi Han raised his middle finger without any hesitation before jumping into theke.


    Crvena chuckled while saying, ¡°I will take you up on that offer...,¡± when his gaze met Evan¡¯s deadly re he changed his tune, ¡°.... I was, I was just kidding.¡±


    Meanwhile on Cetus¡¯ bridge images of the team members were disyed on a floating screen. Each time one presses the extractor device their picture would go grey.


    The shortdy from before walked over and checked the footage of Zi Han jumping into the water.


    With her arms resting on the control panel she said, ¡°Rey his footage from before.¡±


    ¡°Yesmodore,¡± replied the girl as she tapped a few buttons rewinding the footage. Themodore rewatched his every action and her expression lit up with great interest.


    ¡°What is this cadet¡¯s name?¡± she asked finding his way of thinking and behavior familiar.


    ¡°His name is Zi Han ma¡¯am,¡± replied the young man to her left.


    When she heard the surname Zi she suddenly recalled Zi Xingxi. An imperceptible smile crept up her face. Of course, this child could only belong to her former captain. She should have known just by looking at his face. What surprised her though was that Yi Chen didn¡¯t pick him to be on his team since he had first dibs at picking three of his team members.


    What she didn¡¯t know was that chess pieces were being moved in the background affecting real-life events.


    One of those chess pieces was in the bushes watching Yi Chen¡¯s team. Hiding within the shadows and well concealed he followed them for a couple of hours waiting for the opportune moment to take action.


    That opportune moment finally came when the team was confronted by a ck splicer with razor-sharp teeth, ws, and spikes on its two tentacles sprouting on its two shoulders.

 Chapter 210

    210 Grandpa was right


    The ferocious creature had a panther-like appearance with six legs. Its existence would bring nightmares to plenty but for team A it was a piece of cake.


    While Yi Chen was dodging the spiky tentacles striking at his mech a thin pin was shot in his direction while he wasn¡¯t aware piercing a small part of his mech and shooting straight into the side of his abdomen.


    Because so much was going on Yi Chen didn¡¯t feel it neither did his performance diminish. What he didn¡¯t know was that he had been poisoned and that poison had dyed toxicity.


    The best way to incapacitate an SS-ranked person or any other person with mental power was to poison their neurons.


    Because such a thing had happened in the past Yi Chen¡¯s training included resistance to such poisons. The only problem this time was that it was modified with effects that could be permanent if not treated early.


    Zi Han was naturally unaware that Yi Chen was in big danger. He was underwater dealing with his own fear. He kept chanting, ¡®Water ghosts don¡¯t exist. Water ghosts don¡¯t exist. Water ghosts don¡¯t fuckin exis....¡¯ internally that is until he felt something wrap around his ankle before tugging at him.


    ¡®Shit,¡¯ he swore internally while trying to pull his leg away from that thing¡¯s grasp.


    Having failed he spun around and drew his weapon shining a light at the culprit. What met him was a pair of big eyes and an ugly-looking fish face that almost brought him to tears.


    He was fairly certain that after this experience he would never sleep with the light off ever again.


    .....


    Before he could fire a shot a creature a hundred times bigger than the one holding on to his ankle swam past and grabbed the other creature with its sharp jaws crushing it into half in an instant.


    A faint mist of blood and flesh floated past Zi Han¡¯s face as he realized he might be next on the menu. He decided to find a ce to hide and ride it out. Lucky for him the device helping him breathe underwater had twenty hours of run time. He didn¡¯t even have to worry about his supply of oxygen in this dark abyss.


    Zi Han swam deeper and deeper his heart racing in fear, anxiety, and nervousness. He cursed the Republic several times for putting him in this predicament.


    Zi Han heaved a sigh of relief when he found a pile of rocks at the bottom of theke. Thinking it would make an excellent hideout he swam in between the gaps only to realize that it wasn¡¯t just a pile of rocks but a cave.


    Now everyone knows be it in horror movies or real life chancing upon a creepy cave while running for one¡¯s life could either be a good thing or bad thing. In truth, it¡¯s mostly a bad thing but Zi Han could already sense that creatureing thus he had no choice but to take his chance in the cave.


    He hastily squeezed in between the rocks and entered the cave just as the creature picked up momentum and swam forward in a sh but all it caught was a few bubbles.


    Zi Han swam deeper into the cave but the creature didn¡¯t give up. It rammed the entrance of the cave a couple of times causing violent ripples powerful enough to destabilize Zi Han.


    After flipping for the nth time Zi Han grasped the wall of the cave preventing himself from being pushed deeper into the cave. He had no idea what this cave was housing thus he didn¡¯t want to be pushed deeper into the darkness and disturb the friendly neighbors.


    The creature began to bleed from constantly bashing its head against the rocks thus it stopped its fruitless efforts and left.


    Zi Han watched as the scally body with red patterns swept past the cave entrance. He heaved a sigh of relief only for the petty ass creature to strike the cave entrance with its tail blocking his exit. It was as though it was saying, ¡®Since you won¡¯te out then you must die here.¡¯


    Zi Han, ¡°???¡±


    He wasn¡¯t so worried about this. That¡¯s because he had his mech anyway. He just had to wait for the creature to forget about him then he cane out. If he confronted it head on he might win but it would be extremely troublesome thus he chose what others might call a cowardly approach.


    Zi Han leaned against the wall as he leisurely checked the detector on his wrist. Because he didn¡¯t want to attract the attention of the creature he had muted the detector. When he checked it now it was shing like crazy. It seemed he was in the right ce but the right ce was the ce he didn¡¯t want to be.


    ¡°Uh... shit,¡± he swore as he looked into the eerie darkness that made his spine tingle.


    ¡°Grandpa was right.... I should have let him just raise me or maybe I should have just run away and join the Bloodgarde. At least then I won¡¯t be forced to go down a fuckin.... creepy hole,¡± he murmured as he swam deep into the cave.


    At some point, the cave began to narrow into a tunnel but Zi Han couldn¡¯t go back now. He had already gone this far and there was no quitting now.


    As the tunnel got so narrow that he regretted eating all those sweet cakes and ice cream he finally caught a break. Faint light could be seen in the distance giving him hope. He emerged in a bigger waterless cave with some light seeping in through the cracks.


    He crawled out of the tunnel and the swimming device automatically deactivated. Exhausted hey t on the ground breathing deeply. As his rapidly heaving chest gradually slowed down he attempted to sit back up. As he sat up something out of ce caught his attention.


    The device was there but there was also something else. It was a piece of metal from possibly a mech or a heavily armored vehicle. That wasn¡¯t unusual considering that someone deliberately nted these devices here. What grasped his attention was the family crest on the metal.


    His face turned ghastly white as he spotted the very same phoenix on his pendant on that metal sheet. With his trembling hands, he took out his pendant crouching down before the metal topare.


    It was an exact replica to the finest of details. His father or someone in his father¡¯s family must have been here before. They also had something to do with these devices.


    This revtion shocked Zi Han so much that his nose stung. Did his father have something to do with this? If not then had he ever been on Dark Star?


    As a barrage of questions overtook his mind he subconsciously stretched his hand and ced it on the metal sheet. The pendant that was docile lit up a little as surge of power invaded his body forcing him to close his eyes.


    In a dark rundown vi, a pair of creepy eyes opened followed by snarling sounds of creatures awakening from their slumber.


    Something big was definitely going to go down.

 Chapter 211

    211 It¡¯s Hanifa.... cute, right?


    As he knelt there in the middle of the cave his hand on the scrap metal, Zi Han¡¯s closed eyes kept twitching as though he was seeing something.


    He was indeed seeing something. It was a scene blurred by a light so bright it could blind people. Though he couldn¡¯t see the person¡¯s face he could still see their every move and how they ended up here.


    Like him, the person had jumped into the water and had an unexpected encounter with the monster under theke. After struggling with that monster for hours the man finally had enough. Like him, he found this ce and swam up to the cave.


    He summoned his mech again but when it appeared a part of it fell off due to the vicious battle. Zi Han was seeing all this from the perspective of the mech.


    Thus when the piece of metal fell he looked down staring at it nkly. The manughed out loud finding this whole experience funny. ¡°Iggy, don¡¯t be mad at me. I thought we would win,¡± said the man looking up at his mech.


    Zi Han heard the mech respond, ¡°Sir, I am the least of your worries. The madam is going to kick you out of the house when you return.¡±


    The man¡¯s face still couldn¡¯t be seen but his emotions could be felt clearly. ¡°She won¡¯t be mad when she sees the nursery I built for our daughter,¡± he said while rubbing the back of his neck.


    Zi Han¡¯s brows twitched when he heard the word daughter. ¡®So this isn¡¯t my father,¡¯ he thought but what Iggy said next dispelled this.


    ¡°Sir, the madam is having a boy,¡± replied Iggy correcting its delusional boss.


    .....


    ¡°Hey, hey, hey... don¡¯t burst my bubble. Even if he is a boy I am going to dress him up like a little girl until he is six months. She already agreed. He will never find out. I already picked a name. It¡¯s Hanifa.... cute, right?¡±


    Zi Han gritted his teeth hearing this. No wonder in all his baby pictures he was dressed in bright colored dresses. His mother was only fulfilling an agreement she had with his father.


    ¡°He will see those pictures when he grows up. Aren¡¯t you afraid he will hate you,¡± said Iggy but the man chuckled while pointing at himself,


    ¡°Look at this face. How can my son hate me? Besides I can tell him that we were undercover. Let¡¯s get out of here. I am done messing around for today.¡±


    After the man said this the memory vanished and the pendant hanging on Zi Han¡¯s neck dimmed before the light disappearedpletely.


    He opened his eyes abruptly as he slumped to the ground with a thoughtful expression. He couldn¡¯t believe he had just seen his father and this would the first thing he would learn about him.


    The man was the reason why he was dressed as a girl in his baby pictures. ¡°Fuck,¡± he swore as his gaze unintentionally swept past the device. At least his father had nothing to do with this thing. How could he? The man was long dead after these things appeared.


    From this encounter, he realized that his father had some business on Dark Star but what was it? Why was his father interested in such a deste with such harsh weather that made it hard to thrive?


    Even reaching Dark Star¡¯s orbit was extremely difficult and most didn¡¯t dare take that journey. It was as though the had a self-defense system of its own preventing intrusion.


    Zi Han manipted the nanotechnology in the metal and shrunk it before putting it away in his storage. Such incriminating evidence couldn¡¯t be left here lest they use his father of doing something he didn¡¯t do.


    Zi Han put away the device and followed the path his father used to exit this cave. After thirty minutes of climbing up, he emerged on the surface.


    Agial who was anxiously standing at the edge of theke turned to the person Evan left in charge and said, ¡°it¡¯s almost four hours since he left. You should send someone to find him.¡±


    The boy snorted coldly before saying, ¡°What¡¯s your problem? If he is in trouble he can just press the extractor button. He knows the drill.¡±


    Agial didn¡¯t seem to like his response. She red at him and said, ¡°You know that without him we would have lost so many team members by now. If he is gone then forget winning this challenge.¡±


    ¡°So what? Do you want to go in there? Do you think he will like you if you go and rescue him? Stop daydreaming sis,¡± said the girl who owned a bright pink mech.


    ¡°Roza, that¡¯s enough,¡± said one of the boys when he noticed Agial was on the verge of tears.


    Agial was about to defend herself when something rustled in the thick bushes nearby.


    Everyone sprung up to their feet drawing their weapons. The temporary team leader gestured with his finger for everyone to keep silent and advance forward.


    By the time Zi Han crawled out of that hole covered in tall grass and reeds he was met by five muzzles pointing at him. On reflex, he drew his handgun and was ready to fire when he heard a familiar voice. ¡°Zi Han! How did you?¡± said Agial and everyone rxed as they put down their weapons.


    Zi Han put away his handgun as well but his expression was still so unpleasant. He walked out of the bushes and asked, ¡°Is the captain back yet?¡±


    Roza looked at him and asked back instead, ¡°Did you manage?¡±


    Zi Han ignored her choosing to ask in the team chat instead. ¡°Captain, I got the device. How far that side?¡±


    Evan who was also walking back paused his steps a little surprised. He honestly thought that Zi Han would take much longer than them to get the device thus he nned on going after him after he arrived back at theke. But who would have thought Zi Han would get it done before they did?


    ¡°Great job. We are on our way back. We should set up camp soon after. The weather is getting worse,¡± replied Evan.


    This was indeed true. The dark clouds that had gathered were most likely to bring forth a storm and not just any kind of storm but a hailstorm.


    When Evan came back Zi Han silently


    handed him the device. Evan asked him how he managed but Zi Han wasn¡¯t in the mood to talk.

 Chapter 212

    212 The job is done, isn¡¯t that enough?


    He just gave him a side nce and replied, ¡°Captain, do you really want to know every detail? Because I think I am too exhausted for that. The job is done, isn¡¯t that enough?¡±


    Evan licked his bottom lip feeling a little embarrassed. Seeing that he didn¡¯t respond Zi Han took a step nning to walk away but his arm was suddenly caught. The grasp was light but Zi Han still felt irritable.


    ¡°Thank you,¡± said Evan before letting him go.


    Zi Han nodded his head and walked away.


    Such an arduous journey had just begun. For the next three days, this group lost a total of seven people bringing the total number of people left in the team to ten.


    On the plus side, they had managed to retrieve sixteen more devices. That¡¯s because from their previous experience they had managed to adapt. Plus as they went deeper into the forest most of the devices were buried and some submerged in shallow pools and streams. With fewer predators on the prowess, they were thriving.


    But things seemed to change on the third night when their winning streak seemed to havee to an end. On that night Zi Han was taking watch atop a tall tree with his sniper rifle.


    For the past few days, he had felt like he was being watched. When he tried to investigate he had only caught that little blue Nimsel watching him in the trees.


    Whenever he caught it following him it would hide behind a leaf while peeking at him. Several times Zi Han would give it some dried fruit and it would run away happily.


    .....


    Each time he would say, ¡°This is thest time?¡± but the next time he would give in to those pitiful doe eyes.


    He knew it was the Nimsel watching him half the time but he still couldn¡¯t shake the feeling that something big was up. It was because of his strong intuition that he was extra vignt.


    He didn¡¯t separate from the group and when it was his turn to take watch he would have his sniper rifle out at all times scouting.


    Just like all the other nights he sat there in total silence watching and waiting. He didn¡¯t know when the person or thing would take action but he was more than prepared for it.


    While he was scouting a familiar face fell into his view. It was Agial. She was inside her mech and because the top of the tree was way up she had to hover above the ground.


    Zi Han withdrew his eye from the scope before asking, ¡°What¡¯s up?¡±


    Agial opened the window shield of her mech and said, ¡°I... we made some lotus root and pork soup. I thought you would like some so I brought it over,¡± she shyly said with her cheeks turning pink.


    Zi Han didn¡¯t want to take it but it was so cold and he needed something warm. He knew he shouldn¡¯t ept it as it would give her misconstrued concepts but..... it was steaming hot and very tempting.


    Agial could feel his reluctance dampening her mood. It was just a bowl of soup that¡¯s all. Why did he have to act like she was force-feeding him a love potion?


    Agial opened her mouth to say, ¡°It¡¯s just a bowl of soup. There is no other meaning. I know....¡±


    She didn¡¯t get to finish her words when Zi Han raised his finger to shush her. Thinking he was just being rude she wanted to express her anger when she also heard a sound.


    Zi Han stood up with his body bncing on the thin brunch. He looked through the scope and searched where themotion wasing from.


    When he spotted the moving trees and bushes he swore, ¡°Shit,¡± before turning to the team chat.


    ¡°Um, captain. Do you still remember that mauve creature I mentioned a few days ago?¡± he said and Evan promptly responded,


    ¡°Yah.... what¡¯s up?¡±


    ¡°I think the herd found us and they are hundreds of them,¡± replied Zi Han before turning to Agial, ¡°We need to get back.¡±


    Agial bit her lower lip and threw away the bowl of soup before closing the windscreen of her mech and flying to camp.


    Zi Han was about to get down and follow when he spotted a dark shadowy figure at the back of the herd. That¡¯s when he realized that this wasn¡¯t an ident. Someone deliberately drove the herd towards them. Since the person had shown their hand he naturally had to respond.


    Zi Han snorted before leaping off the tree. As he approached the ground at an elerated rate his mech enveloped his body and he flew up again in the person¡¯s direction.


    BOOM BOOM BOOM!!!


    A series of explosives were fired on the ground barely missing the figure by an inch. The man was sent flying but because his skills went above and beyond the military, he quickly recovered. He spun his body around and fired a needle-sized pinced with poison toward Zi Han.


    He had deliberately upped the dosage intending to take Zi Han down immediately. The sharp pin tore through his mech and struck Zi Han squarely on the neck.


    Zi Han¡¯s mental power stalled disengaging from the mech and before he knew it his mech returned back to its pendant. His body fell to the ground and with a loud bam, he mmed against the hard soil.


    Zi Han heard something crack in his body but he could care less right now. He drew his handgun and fired a series of shots at the figure through the dusty cloud.


    A luminous blue shield appeared in the darkness defending against the bullets raining down on him. He had to say this kid had really good aim. The man dashed over and kicked the handgun out of Zi Han¡¯s hand.


    Zi Han¡¯s eyes widened as he rolled over and got up to his feet. Before he could collect himself the man swung his fist at him.


    Zi Han immediately blocked his attack while simultaneously striking back but this person was unmovable like a boulder. Instead, his body was pushed back by the explosive force.


    Zi Han steadied himself and red at the man with a vicious gaze straight out of the center of hell. With a slight quirk at the corner of his lips, he stood upright sending shivers down the man¡¯s spine.


    He knew that Zi Han was a mere B rank and because of the poisonous substance circting in his body it was only a matter of time until Zi Han was nothing but a regr powerless vessel. Despite all this, he was still very much afraid and he didn¡¯t know why.


    Author¡¯s Note: Yep, he should be scared shitless. Just saying.

 Chapter 213

    213 You did what to his future Marshal?


    Zi Han sneered as the man drew aser handgun and pointed it at him exuding killing intent.


    ¡°Psht, yes keep smiling like a clown. When they find you they will say at least you died happy,¡± he said with a smirk on his face like he had won already.


    With a gentle squeeze, he pulled the trigger, and a sharp-pitched blueser shot in Zi Han¡¯s direction aiming straight for his heart.


    Zi Han¡¯s pupils dted as he dodged theser beam powerful enough to blow a hole through his chest.


    The muzzle of theser gun followed him as he rolled onto the ground dodging the deadly shots being sent his way.


    His heart beating in his ears Zi Han grabbed a handful of sand from the ground and flung it at the man¡¯s eyes.


    The man grimaced as he staggered backward while cursing. ¡°Fuck, did you have to use such dirty means?¡± he said as he rubbed his eyes. Zi Han took advantage of his weakness and lunged forward tond a blow.


    Despite being partially blinded the man was still so vignt. As Zi Han¡¯s arm flew straight at his face the man grasped the boy¡¯s arm and with a powerful force he mmed him to the ground before straightening his back with a loud sigh.


    Zi Han was in pain but he was far from giving up. He could feel something wrong with his body. It was like his strength was disappearing and reappearing in intervals. It was as though two opposing forces were fighting over control with one telling him to lie down and the other itching for a fight.


    .....


    While the man had his back to him Zi Han grabbed a sharp dagger hidden underneath his suit on his ankle and shed the man¡¯s achilles heel. Blood sttered on the ground and the man limped around his expression grim.


    ¡°AH shit!... You little piece of,¡± he shouted as he grabbed the dagger in Zi Han¡¯s hand and threw it away. With a loud tter, the dagger fell but Zi Han had no time to pick it up again.


    That¡¯s because the man clutched his cor and punched him hard in the face repeatedly. Zi Han¡¯s ears were ringing with a sharp stinging pain in between his eyes blurring his vision. He felt a warm wet sensation on his face and the taste of copper at the tip of his tongue but he was resilient.


    He grasped the man¡¯s fist and pushed his body back. Because the man¡¯s mental power was more superior to his, Zi Han struggled very hard to free himself from the man¡¯s iron-like grip.


    His muscles trembling and his breathing stagnant he pushed the man away with the veins on his arm throbbing as they bulged through his skin.


    Zi Han put all his strength into his leg and kicked the man so hard that he fell a few feet away. While the man was lying on the ground grunting in pain Zi Han rolled to his stomach and struggled to get up. But because he had been struck repeatedly in the face his head was buzzing and everything was spinning.


    He bit his lower lip hard trying to keep himself awake. His face covered in blood he struggled to crawl with one of his arms constantly reaching to grab the dagger.


    As his fingertips touched the hilt of the dagger he felt a heavy weight fall on his body. He was forcibly turned around and the man straddled him as he yet again punched Zi Han in the face while calling him a son of a bitch.


    Zi Han gritted his teeth with his hand still stretched out to grab the dagger. Soon he grasped the hilt of the dagger and ruthlessly stabbed it straight into the man¡¯s thigh. As blood trickled from the wound Zi Han withdrew the de and stabbed him again.


    The man growled in pain like a beast as he grasped Zi Han¡¯s wrist almost breaking it. Zi Han bit his lip even harder but he didn¡¯t let go. In fact, he wanted to stab him again. Tired of this cockroach that just wouldn¡¯t die, the man punched Zi Han extremely hard this time that he saw stars.


    The man got up and spat on Zi Han his chest rising and falling violently. ¡°You! Piece! Of! Shit!¡± he said with each kick hended on Zi Han¡¯s abdomen. Zi Han curled up on the ground enduring the intense pain.


    When the kicks ceased, Zi Han coughed vehemently spitting out a mouthful of blood.


    When his eyes focused he saw the man limping toward something. He watched the man who appeared in doubles at this point pick up his handgun and limp back before pointing it at him with trembling hands.


    ¡°I should ask for an increase... you are a much more difficult fucker to deal with than the Yi kid. *Pei.... fuck,¡± he swore spitting out blood after having bit his cheek hard.


    Hearing this Zi Han¡¯s eyes widened as his body froze in ce. ¡°You... you did what?¡± he asked as he secretly took out something from the interspatial storage on his wrist.


    The man didn¡¯t even care what he was doing at this point because with one bullet in between Zi Han¡¯s eyes he would have won. He didn¡¯t care about the client¡¯s request to make it look like an ident.


    That kid was beyond B rank. If he was truly B-ranked this fight should have ended as soon as it began so yep.... he couldn¡¯t even give a damn about what the prime minister asked him to do at this point.


    ¡°You heard me. Hahahahaha.... I bet he won¡¯t even get off this alive..... and so won¡¯t you,¡± he said aiming the gun at Zi Han¡¯s head, ¡°let¡¯s make sure you get a closed casket funeral.¡±


    After saying this Zi Han showed a fearful expression shaking like a leaf with tears at the corners of his eyes. Was his short life truly going to end like this? This was simply heartbreaking.


    The man showed a smug expression as he pulled the trigger. With a loud bang, a bullet shot through flesh followed by light whimpers and a body tumbling to the ground.


    ¡°Hmm.... this is why I think I can make a much better actor than a soldier. Uh, my performance was truly convincing, right?¡± said Zi Han getting up from the ground.


    Because his body was getting affected by the poison his steps were slow and heavy. He eventually reached the man and sat beside him while continuing to say,


    ¡°You see.... my weapons are tailor-made for me. You are in this line of business so you should have heard about gene-activated weapons.¡±

 Chapter 214

    214 Mama bear to the rescue


    Zi Han grimaced from the pain but he continued speaking, ¡°They aren¡¯t on the market yet but my grandfather sort of like funded the project and gave everyone in the Bloodgarde one. That means every weapon issued to the Bloodgarde can¡¯t be used by anyone outside that circle.¡±


    ¡°This means that I also get one by default. Sure it wasn¡¯t allowed to bring weapons not issued by the military to Dark Star but this,¡± he said picking it up from the ground, ¡°managed to slip through the cracks so yuh.... something like this would definitely happen.¡±


    The many there bleeding out from his neck that had been shot through. Zi Han took out an epipen-like injector and spun it in between his fingers while saying, ¡°I can save you. You just have to tell me who sent you.¡±


    The man¡¯s dimming eyes nced at him as his muscles jerked slightly. The man looked away with a vicious gaze before whispering, ¡°Fuck.... you.¡±


    Zi Han, ¡°???¡±


    The man thought he would just die like this. Die peacefully with no regrets. He had no doubts that soon Zi Han would also die which meant he would have fulfilled his task.


    But what peaceful death? Zi Han¡¯s expression turned ferocious as he pulled him up by the back of his cor and stabbed the dagger straight into his shoulder.


    The dagger wasced with a drug called Qual. This is what the sand people called it and when tranted to themon interster tongue it meant excruciating physical and mental pain. It was a sharp gut-wrenching pain that seeped through one¡¯s bone slicing every inch of his flesh.


    The man¡¯s face turned grim with the veins on his neck and temples thumping on the verge of bursting. His muscles tensed up as he clenched his jaw foaming at the mouth while suffering through the pain.


    .....


    Zi Han didn¡¯t let go of the dagger. Instead, he tightened his grip and twisted it making the man growl in pain as he weakly reached over to grab the dagger.


    Zi Han who was kneeling behind him held his arms down and whispered like a devil in his ear, ¡°I don¡¯t need you to tell me who it is because I will find out soon enough,¡± his pupils shing a red color like bright embers burning in the middle of the night.


    Zi Han harshly withdrew his dagger and as he wiped the blood on the man¡¯s clothes he said, ¡°You can fuck with me all you want but you can¡¯t fuck with the future Marshal.¡±


    After saying this he shoved the man¡¯s body away. Zi Han saw a badge sewn on the arm of the man¡¯s suit and tore it off before studying it carefully. Thinking it would be very important to identify this man he kept it.


    The man powerlessly fell to the side. He knew he was going to die but he was terrified Zi Han would make him suffer even more before that. Thus he tried to crawl away but he didn¡¯t even manage to move due to the pain. He was just scratching the ground with his fingers and even then he thought he was getting away.


    Zi Han struggled to get up and when he did he staggered a little. After steadying himself he kicked the man while holding on to his abdomen. The man¡¯s body rolled to the edge of the cliff but he didn¡¯t fall. With half his arm dangling at the cliff he let out pained cries and whimpers like a wounded animal.


    Zi Han sneered before turning around to leave. Unfortunately for him his body finally gave in. As though he had taken a misstep he tripped and fell backward. Groaning in pain hey on his side breathing cautiously andboriously. With his trembling hand, he grabbed the epipen-like device from his interspatial storage and bit off the needle cover.


    He spat out the blue cap and tremblingly pulled down the zip of his suit. He stabbed the needle into his shoulder making him grunt while biting his lower lip.


    ¡°Mmmmmmmh....,¡± he let out a muffled groan as he curled on the ground, ¡°fuck.¡±


    A click sound echoed in the silent atmosphere and Zi Han loosened his grip on the device and copsed on the ground his eyes watery.


    ¡°I want,..... I want to be a fuckin rice weevil.... from mmmmmh.... from now on..... shit,¡± he swore and groaned while trying to get up but his efforts were futile. He decided toy down here for a second. His heartbeat gradually slowed and with a drowsy appearance, he closed his eyes.


    As he drifted off into the unknown he felt his body was being moved by something but his eyelids were so heavy that he couldn¡¯t even open them. From a distance, he could hear whispers but no matter how hard he tried he couldn¡¯t make out what they were saying.


    Meanwhile, Zi Xingxi was losing her mind trying to get to her son. His vitals were very concerning that she dropped everything and rushed over. By the time she finally got there her son had disappeared and his tracking signal was gone.


    His heartbeat had gone back to normal and he seemed safe and not in distress but where was he? In her anger, Zi Xingxi kicked the man lying at the edge of the cliff but his body had long gone cold. He was dead already and her son had killed him.


    ¡°Check his identity,¡± said Zi Xingxi while rubbing her forehead a little concerned. She should have just dragged him into the Bloodgarde. At least her heart wouldn¡¯t be this anxious.


    ¡°Ma¡¯am.... he is the leader of the interster pirate group Rigger. I remember we blew up his fleet ten years ago,¡± said secretary K a little worried.


    This man didn¡¯t die with his crew but he was jailed in the most secure prison in the federation yet here he was dead on Dark Star after having failed to kill Zi Han.


    ¡°Those fuckers. One of them seems to have grown a pair of big balls. Since they daredy a hand on him then it¡¯s only natural I teach them a lesson,¡± she said in a menacing voice that sent shivers down secretary K¡¯s spine.


    Meanwhile, Evan and the rest of the team were running across the forest howling and screaming with the sound of explosions echoing throughout the entirendscape. Who could me them? That herd was made out of over a hundred mauve creatures.

 Chapter 215

    215 The run-down vi


    ¡°How far is it?¡± asked Yi Chen while rubbing his forehead. He hadn¡¯t been feeling welltely and it only kept getting worse. But because he was determined to finish this he tried to stay strong and keep going.


    ¡°Captain, it says it¡¯s a few feet ahead but... something seems off,¡± replied Shannon. Unlike her brother, she was the only one of the four of them to get into Yi Chen¡¯s team.


    Li Ran walked over to him and asked worriedly, ¡°Is the headache still there?¡±


    Yi Chen nced at him his eyes slightly redder than usual. ¡°The healing patch isn¡¯t working. Let¡¯s get thisst one and we can call it quits afterwards.¡± Li Ran nodded his head and turned to look back at the remaining team members and exin the way forward.


    While Li Ran was exining something behind him Yi Chen¡¯s gaze happened to nce into the distance. Their territory unlike Evan¡¯s team¡¯s was mostly grasnd. Except for the first leg of their journey where they were trees the rest of it was vast grasnds.


    When Yi Chen looked into the horizon he would see rocky mountains beyond the vast sea of grass but today something was off about the scenic view.


    Right above the tall grass were faint luminous waves like there was a protective shield hiding something. It was so faint that if it was anyone else they wouldn¡¯t have seen it.


    Yi Chen¡¯s brow furrowed as he took a step forward vigntly. The closer he got the more prominent the protective shield became.


    Yi Chen felt something was seriously wrong thus he took a step back but before he could escape to a safe distance a bright light shone and directly pulled him in.


    .....


    The rest of the team felt something was very wrong thus they rushed over but before they could grasp Yi Chen the man disappeared and so did the light.


    ¡°It¡¯s an illusory shield,¡± said Li Ran as he tried to touch it and trigger the mechanism to open it. But unlike Yi Chen who got sucked in his body was flung a few feet back as the illusory shield turned on its protective mode.


    Some of his team members helped him up while the rest began to attack the shield. But their actions turned out to be futile. That¡¯s because the illusory shield absorbed the energy from their weapons each time it was struck and when it reached maximum saturation it released a massive surge of energy sending the team flying across the grasnd.


    Soon after peace was restored with the illusory shield as tranquil as a cave pool undisturbed for thousands of years. asional muffled groans and grunts could be heard from the injured team members writhing on the ground in pain.


    Meanwhile, Yi Chen found himself standing in front of a rundown vi with vines creeping up the walls giving off eerie vibes. How could this be? Who would be foolish enough to build a house in a ce like this?


    Yi Chen was in awe at this point. He raised his wrist and saw the light from the detector shing in short intervals. This meant the device was most definitely here.


    He took a step forward to determine the direction he should take when he heard howling and growling soundsing from a short distance.


    Yi Chen¡¯s breath hitched as he summoned his mech but the most unexpected thing happened. Ran wasn¡¯t responding at all.


    When he tried to concentrate and summon it again his head that was throbbing amped up the pain level like it was about to explode.


    That¡¯s when he realized something was seriously wrong with him. Yi Chen didn¡¯t have time to analyze the situation he was in because the creatures that were howling and growling in the dark corners suddenly decided to show themselves.


    In a moment of quick thinking, he sprint towards the run-down vi. Three creatures emerged from the shadows and chased after him. They exuded the exact same characteristics as the creatures that attacked the federation but these ones were much more terrifying, faster, and ugly as fuck.


    They had grey leather-like skin and an exoskeleton shaped like that of bats. Their limbs were crooked weirdly with their pair of arms shaped like the frontal legs of a preying mantis.


    Their backs and part of their limbs were covered in sharp spikes, sharp enough to slice a mech through.


    All this wasn¡¯t even the worst of it. They had triple rows of canine teeth sharp and pointed like spikes. They had two tails shaped like ws with the ability to shoot spikes like missiles.


    Yi Chen was clearly in no condition to deal with one let alone three. He managed to kick down the door of the vi in a haste and rush inside.


    High-pitched shrieks followed after him as a rain of spikes flew in his direction. Yi Chen flipped backward barely dodging their attacks.


    He flung his arm and a series of five ck discs flew out attaching to different parts of the perron of the vi.


    Yi Chen slid under the staircase as one of the creatures swung its tails trying to catch him. The creatures gathered at the staircase and dug through the gaps trying to get to him.


    One of them was even atop the stairs pulling apart the concrete while shrieking in excitement.


    As the dust and debris fell on top of Yi Chen, he pressed the button and a series of explosions urred.


    The creatures cried out as they staggered in disorientation. Yi Chen inhaled and exhaled deeply before crawling out from under the staircase. Concealed by the cloud of dust Yi Chen exited the perron and dashed through a passageway that led to another part of the vi.


    One of the creatures spotted his disappearing figure thus it let out a deafening cry as it fired a round of spikes. This time Yi Chen wasn¡¯t lucky. Two spikes shot through his back causing him to tumble to the ground.


    Yi Chen grimaced as he turned over with his havoc energy rifle weapon drawn. The creature appeared on top of him stomping its limbs to crush his skull. Yi Chen dodged in time and as his gaze nced at the crooked hideous leg next to him his brows knitted together.


    He aimed his weapon at its undting mid-gut and pulled the trigger. Explosive energy burnt a hole through the creature causing it to stagger backward while letting out a painful shriek.


    Yi Chen got up on his feet to get away. Behind him on the ceiling were the other two pursuing him heartily.


    Yi Chen skillfully dodged each of their attacks but the vi was further damaged as a consequence thereof.

 Chapter 216

    216 Are you a ghost?


    Yi Chen somehow found himself back at the perron. This time he chose to run up the stairs and entered the first opened door he could find. It turns out it was a master bedroom. Using whatever little of his mental power he had he flung the furniture at the creature hot at his tail.


    He wanted to fire his energy rifle again but to do that he had to be under the creature because that was its weakest point. Several times he had tried to do that but the creatures avoided that as much as possible. This meant they were intelligent just like the ones that attacked Capital Star.


    Yi Chen mmed into the wall avoiding another one of those spikes when he heard a beeping sounding from behind him. When he turned his head back to take a look a small part of the wall broke into hives and he fell through.


    The creatures that were active just now froze like statues before running away. As the walls closed on him he saw them scattering like ants at the beginning of a thunderstorm.


    Breathing heavily Yi Chen took a step back. When he turned around the ce dimly lit up revealing a five-by-five-meter room with walls made up of the toughest metal.


    Inside was a single bed and crib. On the shelves were supplies and baby toys neatly arranged. Yi Chen wanted to explore this ce that resembled a standard safe house but as the adrenaline wore off he could feel the pain now.


    He touched his abdomen with the tips of his fingers and when he raised them they were stained with blood. His vision blurred as he tumble to the ground with the wall as his support. His expression grim he unzipped his suit and studied his situation. There were two holes in his abdomen that were bleeding profusely.


    While Yi Chen was tending to his wounds, Zi Han was lying in an unkempt garden his eyes closed.


    He had been having inexplicable visions as hey there passed out but if one asked himter he wouldn¡¯t even remember what it was he was seeing.


    .....


    After being passed out cold for a good two hours, Zi Han¡¯s eyes slowly flickered as he sat up straight. Rubbing his eyes in a daze Zi Han looked at his surroundings and his brows creased. In front of him was a beautiful vi rundown due tock of care.


    ¡°The fuck,¡± he whispered as he stood up. He looked around in a trance but he couldn¡¯t see the man from before or the cliff. It seemed someone or something had dragged him here.


    ording to survivalw, it is of utter importance that one doesn¡¯t walk toward the creepy abandoned house. If one wants to live they might as well take their chances in the woods.


    Zi Han chose to stay clear of the creepy house but the creepy house didn¡¯t want to let him go.


    He heard a raspy dry voice whisper in his mind, ¡°You can¡¯t leave.... unless if I say so.¡±


    Zi Han, ¡°???¡±


    ¡®What? Houses can talk now?¡¯ he thought as he tried to walk away. Instead, he was met by an invincible wall that wouldn¡¯t let him pass through.


    Zi Han turned around angrily and asked, ¡°Show yourself..... Are you a ghost?¡±


    ¡°Yeah sure, a ghost would tell you if they are one,¡± said the voice before letting out a muffled chuckle.


    Zi Han, ¡°.....¡±


    Zi Han was about to interrogate the voice some more when the pendant around his neck lit up brightly like the sun.


    Zi Han nced down and his brow arched up in surprise. That is when he realized that all this time he might have been actually carrying a mech.


    This mech was so advanced that it disguised itself so well. To anyone, it looked like a simple pendant one would buy from a cheap online store. It was for this reason he had no idea that he was carrying around a mech.


    Before he had enough time to study this phenomenon his body was suddenly transported into someone else¡¯s mental space.


    When the blinding light faded Zi Han found himself standing in the middle of arge hall. In front of him was a throne and on it sat a familiar humanoid creature.


    ¡°Fuck,¡± swore Zi Han as he took a step back. Memories of the previous encounter came rushing back and he froze in fear.


    Zi Han licked his lips as he took out his handgun aiming it at the creature. The humanoid arose from the throne with a domineering air surrounding it.


    ¡°Haven¡¯t we been through this twice already?¡± it said as it slowly walked over.


    ¡°On-once, it was only once,¡± stammered Zi Han his foreheadced with ayer of cold sweat.


    The humanoid creature chuckled before lifting two fingers. ¡°Twice.... the second time I infiltrated the simtor..... I can get to you whenever I want,¡± it said before flinging its arm sending Zi Han¡¯s handgun flying.


    Zi Han was so terrified that hisplexion turned ghastly. ¡°Wha, what do you you wa,¡± he said before his neck was grasped suffocating him.


    The pendant around Zi Han¡¯s neck glowed brighter and brighter. ¡°You are a thief that¡¯s what you are. You robbed what is mine and still ask me what do I want?¡± said the man his tone calm but it still sent shivers down Zi Han¡¯s spine.


    The creature tightened its grip on his neck and touched the pendant before tugging it.


    Zi Han grabbed the creature¡¯s wrist and spoke with great difficulty, ¡°It.... be, belongs.... to my fa, father.¡±


    The creature froze for a second as it pulled him closer to take a look. Zi Han¡¯s face was still contorted with the veins on his temple and neck bulging. The grip on his neck loosened as the humanoid creature whispered, ¡°Xixi.¡±


    Zi Han froze as he stopped struggling. The humanoid creature didn¡¯t have a face but Zi Han could clearly feel its undisguised joy.


    ¡°She, she is my mother,¡± he whispered and sure enough the humanoid creature let him go. It slowly sat him down crouching before Zi Han.


    ¡°Xixi,¡± it whispered again while reaching to touch his face, ¡°Hanifa.¡±


    Zi Han, ¡°???¡±


    ¡°The fuck, I am a boy,¡± he blurted out and when he realized it he closed his mouth with his hand.


    ¡°Ahahaha you even swear like her..... Han Han,¡± it said with thest words spoken in a whisper.


    Zi Han¡¯s eyes reddened as he stared at this creature manifesting his father¡¯s divine sense.


    ¡°Fath_,..... are you really dead?¡± he asked his chest twisting painfully. He already knew the answer but still asked.

 Chapter 217

    217 I did die, didn¡¯t I?


    At that question, the humanoid creature¡¯s emotions changed drastically. If he had a face his brows would crease together with a look of utter vexation.


    ¡°Dead?.... I did die, didn¡¯t I? I don¡¯t rem, remember much,¡± he mumbled back an incoherent response as he backed up a step.


    Zi Han swallowed back his tears that were on the verge of flowing as he walked forward no longer afraid.


    He grasped the humanoid creature¡¯s cold arms and asked, ¡°Who did it? Who, who was it? I will avenge you.¡±


    The humanoid creature that was slowly descending into mental breakdown raise his head and said, ¡°Why? All I ever wanted for you was to be happy. This was never your fight.¡±


    Zi Han shook his head vigorously while saying, ¡°No, no, no how can I be happy without you? Mum has been miserable without you. I have lived with it. I have seen it. I have seen her pain clearly,¡± his voice bing brittle the more he talked.


    ¡°Maybe if I avenge you she will, she will be able to heal,¡± he said before sniffling with his grasp on the humanoid creature¡¯s arms getting tighter, ¡°you have to remember.¡±


    Zi Han waited for a long time but his father didn¡¯t say anything. In fact, his mood was fluctuating so much that Zi Han couldn¡¯t make sense of it. When he finally spoke the topic had gone so far off course that Zi Han was speechless.


    ¡°Did you like the house? I made a beautiful nursery for you and and I also bought you lots of toys for you to y with. I am sorry I missed all of your birthdays but Iggy kept yourpany didn¡¯t he?¡±


    .....


    Zi Han wore a quizzical expression while wondering who the hell this Iggy was. Seeing that Zi Han didn¡¯t respond, the humanoid creature pointed at the mech pendant hanging on his neck. Zi Han looked down in confusion and when he saw the mech brightly shining like the sun he recalled that memory where his father was talking to his mech.


    ¡°I didn¡¯t even know it was a mech until now. I know what you are doing. You are trying to change the subject,¡± replied Zi Han as tears flowed at the corners of his bloodshot eyes.


    ¡°Don¡¯t cry,¡± said the humanoid creature while wiping away the tears at the corners of Zi Han¡¯s eyes, ¡°dad will fix it. It¡¯s just that your mother couldn¡¯t withstand the pain of carrying an SS rank child.¡±


    ¡°It would put a strain on her body and mental health so I tempered with your mental power. I meant to fix it when you were born.¡±


    Zi Han watched on as the humanoid creature raised his hand and rested his index finger a few inches in front of his forehead.


    ¡°I love you and your mother so much. I wish I could have watched you grow up,¡± he said and Zi Han suddenly had a bad premonition.


    ¡°No don¡¯t....,¡± he said before his voice abruptly died down as faint wisps of light permeated through his forehead.


    As the flow of energy slowly streamed into Zi Han the humanoid creature began to fade and the mental space surrounding him began to copse.


    After a minute or two the humanoid creaturepletely disappeared and so did the mental space. Zi Han copsed to the floor knocked out cold.


    Meanwhile, the creatures waiting outside the master bedroom for Yi Chen toe out suddenly shrieked and also vanished. A tranquil silence was restored throughout the vi but Yi Chen didn¡¯t know that he was now out of danger.


    He was struggling to stop the bleeding. If he had his mental power it would have stalled the bleeding but now that he was powerless he was losing blood faster than usual.


    His face ghastly white he hesitated to press the extractor button. With a foreheadced with cold sweat, he raked his fingers through his hair whileughing at himself.


    He wanted to press that button and get medical attention but for some reason, he couldn¡¯t. He soon understood why he didn¡¯t want to. It was because when he took a minute to look in the room he found something unexpected.


    On the small pedestal was an old fashioned type of image. He slowly stood up and staggered over his body falling to the ground when he reached the pedestal.


    His breathing arduous he picked up the picture. It was a framed image of thete prince and Zi Xingxi smiling at the camera.


    Beside it was another framed image but it wasn¡¯t of a person but an ultrasound image with the crossed out name little Hanifa written with a sharpie. Below the crossed out name was the name Han written in another handwriting.


    Yi Chen grimaced from the pain as he leaned back resting against the side of the bed. Breathing cautiously he ced the two pictures in his storage before closing his eyes shut.


    He had to get that device before he leaves this ce. That¡¯s because he knew if the military happens to do a final sweep of Dark Star and find out about this vi they might me all this on thete prince.


    Not only that they might also find out the prince had a son. He was in excruciating pain but he still had to do this. He had to find that device for Zi Han¡¯s sake. If they find this out the prime ministers might use this as a reason to go after the Bloodgarde.


    Yi Chen took out an epipen like device simr to the one Zi Han had and stabbed it into his shoulder. He drew in a cold breath of air before struggling to his feet.


    As soon as he reached the same wall he had entered this safe house through he took out a few explosive devices he meant to throw at the creatures the moment that wall opened.


    After encouraging himself for a while he reached out to the wall with his trembling hands. As expected the wall disintegrated in ordance with his height.

 Chapter 218

    218 Doing it here would be inappropriate...


    He peeked his head out but other than the sound of the wind blowing through the passages the entire ce was silent.


    In cautious slow steps, Yi Chen walked out of the door and as expected there was nothing. If it weren¡¯t for the cracks and dents in the walls he would have thought that those creatures were his own imagination.


    He raised his wrist to check the detector. His vision was slightly blurred but that didn¡¯t stop him. Using the walls of the passage for support he slowly walked over.


    Because he was in excruciating pain he had to take short rests thus it took him a much longer time to get to the device.


    His bloodied hand touched the passageway wall leaving behind a distinct palm print before he entered the kitchen. Before he could take a step forward the cold muzzle of a lock-on handgun pressed on his temple.


    Yi Chen¡¯s adam¡¯s apple rolled as a drop of cold sweat dripped down touching the metal. He was about to speak when he was embraced tightly. Yi Chen was about to push the person away when he smelt the familiar citrus fragrance. Yi Chen didn¡¯t fight anymore.


    Like he had finally found sce after years of pain and suffering he rxed his muscles as he held on to Zi Han like he was holding on to a lifeline.


    Zi Han didn¡¯t think he would find Yi Chen here in such a state. He had woken up on the cold floor alone and curled up into himself. He had lost his father all over again but this time he experienced the pain of losing him firsthand.


    After crying on the floor by himself for a long while he suddenly wanted to see Yi Chen, not his mother. If he saw his mother he might have to exin to her what he saw and he didn¡¯t want that. He didn¡¯t have the emotional strength to face her right now.


    .....


    He wanted Yi Chen. He simply wanted to embrace him and be in hisfort. This was the thing that made him get up. When he got to his feet he dizzyingly checked the extractor button but just as he was about to press it he saw the detector was shing rapidly.


    Since there was a device here he decided to find it. Who would have thought while he was searching for it someone would appear in this deserted vi that could have been his home?


    When he saw who it was he felt a sudden wave of emotion overpowering him. He couldn¡¯t help it. Tears began to flow as he locked his lips with Yi Chen¡¯s. At first Yi Chen was startled and wanted to tell him what he found but Zi Han wouldn¡¯t let him go.


    He kept pressing up against him like he was holding on to his saving grace. Zi Han gripped the side of Yi Chen¡¯s waist tightly as he pushed him against the wall. He pressed hard against Yi Chen¡¯s body seekingfort.


    His lips were hot like he had a fever and against Yi Chen¡¯s biting cold lips it gave him a refreshing feeling cooling down the heat from his body.


    Zi Han groaned as he stuck his tongue into Yi Chen¡¯s mouth. As though to cool his heated mind he began to expel some of his mental power as the tears constantly streamed down his face.


    Yi Chen furrowed his brow as he felt the invasive force enter his body. He had never heard of such a strange phenomenon but he didn¡¯t fight it. It was because as it seeped into his body it gave him afortable feeling taking his pain away.


    Lured by this wonderful sensation he slowly sank into the feeling reciprocating Zi Han¡¯s demanding kiss.


    He raised his hand and ced it at the back of Zi Han¡¯s head before flipping him over switching their positions. Zi Han felt the cold wall press against his back and he hummed contentedly.


    He gripped Yi Chen¡¯s waist even tighter with his lower half grinding up against Yi Chen¡¯s. The heat in his body desperately sought out an outlet making him seem like an animal in heat.


    Yi Chen could already feel his lower half was getting heated up thus he pulled away only for Zi Han to follow his lips reluctant to let go.


    Yi Chen¡¯s hand lowered and he gently rubbed Zi Han¡¯s back breathing heavily. Yi Chen didn¡¯t speak for a while. His eyes closed he inhaled that soothing citrus scent calming his chaotic nerves.


    Zi Han licked his lips with his fingers running through Yi Chen¡¯s hair. His hot breath brushed against Yi Chen¡¯s skin as he pulled him closer.


    He yfully tugged at Yi Chen¡¯s cor while whispering, ¡°I haven¡¯t had enough yet.¡±


    Yi Chen tilted his head slightly his cheeks tingling and pecked Zi Han¡¯s cheek. He exhaled with a puff of air tickling Zi Han¡¯s skin further enticing him.


    ¡°Doing it here would be inappropriate,¡± he whispered before clenching his jaw tightly from the slight pain in his abdomen. Zi Han was about to ask what was inappropriate about this when he noticed Yi Chen¡¯splexion wasn¡¯t right.


    His lustful expression from just now vanished as he looked down noticing the bloodstain on Yi Chen¡¯s suit. ¡°What the fuck happened?¡± asked Zi Han gently pushing him to sit down.


    Yi Chen wanted to reassure him but Zi Han was quite fast with his hands. He unzipped Yi Chen¡¯s uniform revealing a sensual scene that could have anyone¡¯s heart beating in excitement. Unfortunately, such a sight couldn¡¯t be enjoyed as there were gaping holes in Yi Chen¡¯s abdomen.


    His situation was a lot worse before but after Zi Han¡¯s kiss, he seemed a bit better. Whatever poison in his body seemed to be neutralized slightly because his mental power was slowlying back.


    He had heard from his father that the royal bloodline was something special but he didn¡¯t think healing was one of its specialties.


    Now when he thought of it carefully considering what was written about the phoenix in ancient scripts it made sense that they would have healing properties. If it weren¡¯t for him identally meeting Zi Han he might have been in a far worse situation. At this thought Yi Chen couldn¡¯t help but shudder. Zi Han truly was his lucky star.

 Chapter 219

    219 ...... it always me who gets hard.....


    Yi Chen¡¯s focused gaze followed Zi Han¡¯s every action. He watched those slender fingers dangerously linger around his lower abdomen his body instantly turning hot like a switch had been flipped.


    Yes, he knew Zi Han was simply taking care of his wounds but the bulge inside his pants couldn¡¯t help but twitch demanding reparations.


    Zi Han was too focused on the wounds that he didn¡¯t even notice that the machine gun was cocked and ready to fire. ¡°What did this?¡± asked Zi Han when he saw the wounds that were already scabbing over.


    Zi Han¡¯s brow creased in confusion. Wasn¡¯t there so much blood just now? What the fuck?


    Yi Chen gulped before speaking in a hoarse voice, ¡°I am fine. I feel slight pain that¡¯s all..... If you want me to feel better you can just kiss me.¡±


    Zi Han gave him an ¡®are you fuckin kidding me¡¯ look on his face. Who just now told him it was inappropriate to do it here? What was so inappropriate about kissing in an abandoned vi?


    What he didn¡¯t realize was the do it here Yi Chen was referring to was the get naked and feast type of doing it. It was the least innocent version of doing it.


    ¡°Didn¡¯t you say it was inappropriate?¡± asked Zi Han while stering a band-aid patch on the two wounds after spraying disinfectant spray.


    Yi Chen stretched out his hand lightly brushing his fingers against Zi Han¡¯s chin. Zi Han looked up and when their eyes met, Yi Chen said, ¡°I meant the other thing. Kissing is fine.¡±


    .....


    Zi Han¡¯s brow furrowed a little perplexed but as soon as he understood his meaning his eyes widened as he pinched Yi Chen¡¯s waist in retaliation.


    ¡°The fuck? Who said I wanted to do that with you?¡± said Zi Han with heat waves rising to his face.


    ¡°Deny it all you want but your body was honest,¡± replied Yi Chen as he grasped Zi Han¡¯s wrist and pulled him closer. Zi Han found himself standing in between Yi Chen¡¯s legs with his thigh identally rubbing against the neglected bulge.


    ¡°You were rubbing against me just now as though begging to mmmm,¡± he said before Zi Han closed his mouth.


    ¡°For a person who is injured you talk a lot of shit,¡± said Zi Han refusing to let Yi Chen¡¯s mouth go.


    Yi Chen reached out and wiped Zi Han¡¯s cheeks which were a little wet from all the crying earlier.


    He removed Zi Han¡¯s hand from his mouth and asked, ¡°Why were you crying?¡± his expression that of concern.


    Zi Han wiped his face while saying, ¡°Worry about your own situation down south. We can¡¯t leave unless that thing behaves,¡± said Zi Han avoiding the subject.


    He didn¡¯t want to talk about his father right now. This really wasn¡¯t the right time, thus he avoided the topic entirely.


    Zi Han checked the detector that was shing incessantly and began to look around for the device. Yi Chen zipped up his suit while following Zi Han¡¯s figure with his eyes.


    ¡°Han Han, why is it always me who gets hard between us? Are you not attracted to me?¡± he asked while running his fingers through his hair that had been disheveled from the events earlier.


    Zi Han who was looking around for the device turned to re at him. He was about to give him a sarcastic response when he saw Yi Chen raking his hair like a model in a shampoo ad. He didn¡¯t know what it was that was enticing him so much.


    Maybe it was abination of Yi Chen¡¯s face, the movement of his fingers as he pushed his hair back, or the way Yi Chen was looking at him. All in all, it gave Yi Chen an irresistible charm.


    ¡°What are you doing? Shooting a shampoo advertisement?¡± asked Zi Han before he hurriedly looked away.


    Yi Chen, ¡°....¡±


    ¡°Here, I found it,¡± said Zi Han while looking underneath the unfinished kitchen counter.


    Yi Chen stood up and walked over only for his steps to pause when he saw Zi Han¡¯s perky ass just pointing at him begging to be smacked.


    Now he could either do one of two things. Either he behaves himself and acts like a Gentleman or he smacks it and apologizester?


    Well, since he was an upstanding gentleman and the future pir of the federation he swallowed hard and resisted the urge.


    ¡°Do you....,¡± he said before clearing his throat and continuing to ask, ¡°do you need some help?¡±


    Zi Han further reached out underneath the dusty cab by arching his back. ¡°Nope, I am fine,¡± replied Zi Han his voice slightly raspy.


    Now even if Yi Chen wanted to be a gentleman there is only so much he could resist in front of the person he likes. He licked his lower lip and with his itchy right hand, he did the unthinkable.


    Pa!


    ¡°Ow.... fuck,¡± yelped Zi Han as his entire body froze for a moment. When he caught on to what just happened he raised his head sharply and red at the culprit.


    Yi Chen who still couldn¡¯t believe what he had just done stared back at him not sure whether to run or stay here and face the consequences. Yi Chen wouldn¡¯t press the extractor button even when his life was in danger but faced with Zi Han¡¯s livid face he was even considering it. Did he regret it? Nope! It felt so good that he wanted to do it again.


    ¡°What was that for? At least rub afterward if you are going to smack my fleshy parts. Now stop messing around,¡± said Zi Han before turning back with the tips of his ears red.


    ¡®Well, that¡¯s new,¡¯ he thought to himself as he pursed his lips suppressing an inexplicable smile. Fuck, was he such a pervert? Why did it feel nice?


    Zi Han shook off the feeling and stretched out his hand again. As the tips of his fingers touched the device, Zi Han felt a delightful sting in his butt having being pped again. This time Yi Chen gently rubbed afterward but still. Didn¡¯t he (Zi Han) say they should stop messing around just now?

 Chapter 220

    220 YI CHEN!!!


    ¡°YI CHEN!!!¡± yelled Zi Han getting up.


    Yi Chen, ¡°....¡±


    ¡°You said I should rub so I did,¡± he exined with an innocent expression like it wasn¡¯t just him whomitted the crime.


    ¡°You pick it up,¡± said Zi Han rubbing his burning ass. He had revenge written all over his face. Even Yi Chen knew if he bend over he would get smacked real hard.


    But instead of bending over Yi Chen tapped something on his wrist brace and like iron attracted by a ma the device was drawn out from underneath.


    Zi Han, ¡°....¡±


    His expression took a drastic turn as he rushed over to Yi Chen exacting his revenge n. Yi Chen quickly grasped Zi Han¡¯s wrists and crossed them together locking him in ce.


    But because Yi Chen hadn¡¯t fully recovered he was having a harder time than usual pinning Zi Han down.


    ¡°Yi Chen, let go. You smacked me twice so it¡¯s only natural I do it four times,¡± said Zi Han his tone serious like he was truly entitled to four butt ps.


    .....


    ¡°Hahaha why four when I hit you twice? Aren¡¯t you overreaching?¡± said Yi Chen with a radiant smile on his face as they tussled.


    Zi Han smiled slyly while saying, ¡°Then let me bite you once then we are even.¡±


    Yi Chen, who had no idea why Zi Han wanted to bite him cocked his brow while asking, ¡°Why do you want to bite me?¡±


    ¡°Why did you hit me? I didn¡¯t ask you that question so why should you ask?¡± argued Zi Han his point valid, ¡°take your pick. Four smacks or one bite?¡±


    Yi Chen thought choosing a bite was a better choice thus he pulled Zi Han closer and asked, ¡°Where do you want to....?¡±


    Yi Chen didn¡¯t get to finish his question. That¡¯s because Zi Han directly went for Yi Chen¡¯s neck and like a viper, he bit him hard making Yi Chen suck in a breath of cold air.


    Zi Han gently licked the bite mark with the tip of his tongue before sucking on it so hard that he left a distinct hickey. Meanwhile, Yi Chen¡¯s hand was gently rubbing Zi Han¡¯s back his body stiffening under the man¡¯s provocation.


    He knew he had made the right choice when he felt those soft warm lips on his skin. His insides melted like snowcaps at the start of spring.


    His hand moved to the back of Zi Han¡¯s neck and he gently caressed his skin with his thumb. When Zi Han finally let him go Yi Chen lowered his head and asked in a whisper, ¡°Satisfied?¡± his breath warm against Zi Han¡¯s ear making him itchy.


    Zi Han moved back a little feeling slightly flustered. When he saw his beautiful masterpiece Zi Han was happy like he had aplished something great. Now everyone will know Yi Chen is someone¡¯s property.


    ¡°It looks nice. Now stop messing around and put away the device,¡± said Zi Han before turning around to leave. This home reminded him of sad things and he didn¡¯t want to stick around anymore.


    Yi Chen grasped his arm and stopped him saying, ¡°But you found it. Take it.¡±


    Zi Han wasn¡¯t having it. If Yi Chen doesn¡¯t take first ce won¡¯t he be stuck with Evan for the rest of his military career? If Yi Chen wins first then he could also choose the best performing people to join his squad.


    Now that they were kissing, ass pping and neck-sucking buddies why on earth would Zi Han let him run around like a bachelor? He had to be in the squad of elite soldiers otherwise he might as well quit.


    ¡°You think I would let Evan overtake you? You have to be first,¡± he replied seriously.


    ¡°Why?¡± asked Yi Chen while pulling him back itching to kiss those lips again.


    ¡°If you have to ask then forget it,¡± he said but Zi Han still didn¡¯t take the device.


    Yi Chen lowered his head further with the tips of their noses almost brushing against each other. ¡°I will take it.... only if you agree to be my boyfriend,¡± said Yi Chen his voice like that of a charming snake tempting Eve to take a bite of the forbidden fruit.


    Zi Han was entranced by those lips and was closing his eyes while leaning closer on his tiptoes to steal a kiss. But when he heard what Yi Chen said he pulled back a little and blurted out, ¡°How shameless.¡±


    ¡°What? Don¡¯t you think we should make it official? I almost died today and all I could think about was you,¡± exined Yi Chen pulling him closer.


    ¡°I almost died too but I wasn¡¯t thinking about getting a boyfriend.... I don¡¯t n to fall in love. I already told you that,¡± replied Zi Han but Yi Chen was determined to get what he wanted.


    ¡°So you weren¡¯t thinking of me?¡± asked Yi Chen taking a step forward his burning gaze fixed on Zi Han.


    Zi Han pursed his lips refusing to answer that question. Of course, all he was thinking about was Yi Chen. Even when his father left him again all he could think about was getting back to Yi Chen.


    ¡°I know you don¡¯t want to fall in love but I can give you everything else you want as long as you agree to be my boyfriend,¡± said Yi Chen trying to reduce the distance between them again and take another bite of this tasty delicacy.


    ¡°Can¡¯t we talk about thister?¡± asked Zi Han trying his very best to stay lucid.


    Yi Chen lightly caressed Zi Han¡¯s cheek with his fingertips while saying, ¡°Han Han, you have no idea how long I have been holding back. From the moment Iid my eyes on you I knew there was a special connection between us.¡±


    ¡°When I figured out how I felt about you it was no longer about just me. Every decision I made was for the two of us. I knew I was no longer going to walk alone in this life. I was going to walk with you. I like you so much and I want you to be my boyfriend.¡±


    Zi Han, ¡®Oh Shit!¡¯


    Small theater


    Zi Han¡¯s heart: Fuck! We are screwed.


    Zi Han¡¯s junior brother: Don¡¯t mind me, boys. I am taking charge.


    Zi Han¡¯s mind: Sigh, shit like this happens when you let the little head do the thinking.


    Zi Han¡¯s chrysanthemum: I don¡¯t think he is the one doing the thinking..... I am.


    Everyone: ???

 Chapter 221

    221 Fine what?


    Zi Han had been confessed to before and each time he felt like a horrible person, breaking the other person¡¯s heart. He even felt pity for them. He told himself several times that he would never be a ve to such an emotion.


    But here he was standing in front of Yi Chen unable to reject him. He knew very well that what he felt for Yi Chen was beyond physical attraction. He was selfish for him and didn¡¯t want him to look at anyone but himself. He wanted to monopolize him so much that he even thought he had a mental health problem or something.


    Zi Han opened his mouth to say yet again, ¡°Let¡¯s talk about itter,¡± but when he looked into those puppy dog eyes staring at him Zi Han shut his mouth. Rubbing the back of his neck he pointed at the device and whispered, ¡°Fine, take it, and let¡¯s go.¡±


    Yi Chen, ¡°....¡±


    Fine? Was that a yes?


    ¡°Fine what?¡± asked Yi Chen in a faltering tone.


    Zi Han stared back at him for a second before saying,


    ¡°You know what I mean now take it before I change my mind.¡±


    Yi Chen hurriedly packed away the device before pulling Zi Han by the wrist with a joyous expression. Zi Han had agreed! He had actually agreed to be his boyfriend!


    .....


    Yi Chen was happy that he leaned down for a kiss but who would have thought Zi Han would y very hard to get? Before Yi Chen¡¯s lips could touch his Zi Han ced his hand on his mouth with a smile that seemed to reach his eyes.


    Yi Chen wasn¡¯t resigned to this. He grasped Zi Han¡¯s wrist and tried to pull Zi Han¡¯s hand away from his lips so he could kiss him but Zi Han tensed his muscles while letting out a muffled chuckle.


    ¡°Let me kiss you. It would be our first kiss as boyfriends,¡± said Yi Chen having managed to pull Zi Han¡¯s hand a little.


    ¡°You have to work hard for it,¡± said Zi Han before swiping out his one hand for the other.


    Yi Chenughed heartily while grasping both of his wrists pulling him closer. ¡°I will dly work hard. Baby, you are worth it,¡± he said the word baby rolling on his tongue like it was so natural.


    ¡°What did you just call me,¡± said Zi Han with a yful smile on his face as he jerked his arms away trying to free himself, ¡°who is your baby?¡±


    The two of thempletely forgot where they were scuffling like a bunch of well-fed puppies.


    ¡°Ma¡¯am, they are the only ones left but we can¡¯t locate them. From their vitals, they don¡¯t appear distressed just..... active.¡±


    Themodore stared at the two images on the screen in deep contemtion. After much thought, she said, ¡°Bring them up.¡±


    ¡°Yes ma¡¯am.¡±


    Two minutester the two who were still tussling appeared in the transporter of the stealth cruiser with one on top of the other.


    Yi Chen was underneath with Zi Han straddling him while trying to pin his arms down. ¡°Stop squirming,¡± said Zi Han through gritted teeth but Yi Chen pushed back with all his might.


    Using his entire body weight he flipped over Zi Han and their positions were instantly switched.


    Zi Han chuckled while fighting back. He was about to give in when they heard someone clearing their throat. They both turned their heads sharply and were shocked to find a couple of people staring.


    There weren¡¯t any of their teammates but the military personnel monitoring the stealth cruiser. Zi Han pushed Yi Chen away feeling slightly embarrassed.


    They both felt it when they were forcibly transported back to the stealth cruiser. It¡¯s just that they were deep in their emotions that they didn¡¯t notice their surroundings.


    ¡°It¡¯s all your fault,¡± whispered Zi Han as he got up.


    Yi Chen didn¡¯t refute it. He just suppressed a smile as he followed after Zi Han.


    ***


    CRUSH!!! CRUSH!! THUD CRUSH!!


    These were the soundsing from prime minister Ikeda¡¯s office after having heard that both Yi Chen and Zi Han walked off Dark Star with minor injuries and bruises.


    He was so pissed that he told his right-hand man to reach his contact but instead of him, they were met by Zi Xingxi¡¯s face.


    Themunication device was encrypted with the most advanced technology in the federation meaning it wouldn¡¯t be easy for Zi Xingxi to find them but prime minister Ikeda was still shaken.


    Zi Xingxi didn¡¯t mince her words.


    With a devilish grin, she said, ¡°I am pretty certain you already know what happened to the owner of thismunication device. I just want to let you know that it¡¯s only a matter of time until I find you and burn you to ash in front of the entire federation.... so get your affairs in order.¡±


    Soon after the call ended the device in Zi Xingxi¡¯s hands self-destructed but she wasn¡¯t at all fazed. The hunt was on and she couldn¡¯t wait to find who had the audacity to attack her son.


    While Zi Xingxi was tracking down the ballsy man, the prime minister was trashing his office in anger. After throwing a good enough tantrum hebed his hair back with his fingers and then asked, ¡°Tell me they at least lost their mental powers.¡±


    The secretary shook his head and the prime minister slumped into his chair feeling rather frustrated. He didn¡¯t step into his secret room for a very long time after that as he was ming himself for failing that person again.


    The people who were giving him a headache were currently lying in bed while cuddling each other. After surviving four days in the cold forest this warm cabin was like paradise.


    Yi Chen ced his bent leg over Zi Han¡¯s thigh with his knee resting on Zi Han¡¯s waist. Zi Han turned his head slightly and stared at Yi Chen in his peripheral view before saying, ¡°Do you have to be this close? You are making me feel hot.¡±


    Yi Chen gently kissed his temple before whispering, ¡°Let me hug you a little longer,¡± his tone almost like that of begging.


    Zi Han¡¯s heart jolted as though he was suddenly struck by a surge of energy. He struggled to calm his breathing before saying, ¡°Well, at least stop rubbing up against my ass like that. It¡¯s giving me the feeling that of a sheep about to get ughtered.¡±


    Yi Chen, ¡°....¡±


    ¡°What does that even mean?¡± said Yi Chen with a gleeful smile on his face.

 Chapter 222

    222 Why did you cry?


    Zi Han shuffled around and turned his body to lie down facing Yi Chen. Suppressing a smile he said, ¡°It means that I feel like I am about to get fucked that¡¯s what it means.¡±


    Yi Chen lightly bit his lower lip his eyes deepening further showing inexplicable emotions. He lowered his head and asked, ¡°Well, I am more than willing to ept that offer.¡±


    ¡°Of course, you will,¡± said Zi Han with a light chuckle before falling into silence.


    Yi Chen gently caressed the side of Zi Han¡¯s cheek with his thumb before opening his mouth to ask something but he hesitated. He decided to rephrase his question first before asking.


    ¡°Why did you cry?¡± asked Yi Chen his thumb brushing against Zi Han¡¯s cheek. When he asked he wasn¡¯t expecting Zi Han to tell him but to his surprise, Zi Han answered him.


    ¡°I saw..... I saw my dad but not like physically or anything like that,¡± said Zi Han with his brows knitted together trying to find the best way to describe the scene.


    Yi Chen didn¡¯t interrupt him. He carefully listened to the series of events. Three things he could conclude from this were that Zi Han¡¯s father had something to do with those creatures, Zi Han had upgraded his mental power to SS rank, and that he had also experienced firsthand the pain of losing his loved one all over again.


    Yi Chenforted Zi Han in his embrace but something about this was still off. How can Zi Han¡¯s father appear in front of Zi Han and have a conversation with him while controlling those creatures?


    Something was definitely off about this but he chose not to tell Zi Han until he was certain. As soon as they returned to Capital Star, Yi Chen immediately went to look for his father. When he found him the Marshal was in the training room at the military headquarters inside Hydra.


    .....


    As soon as he stepped out Yi Chen spoke in a serious tone, ¡°We need to talk.¡±


    Hearing this Marshal Yi didn¡¯t think twice. He immediately abandoned his training and brought him to his office. After securing the room, Yi Chen told him about the attack on him at Dark Star and what little of the poison they found in his system.


    Marshal Yi copsed in his chair hearing this. He was aware of the prime ministers¡¯ pursuits but he honestly didn¡¯t think they would take things this far. He studied the medical report seriously before saying,


    ¡°You do realize that this type of modified drug has no antidote in our reserves so how is your mental power not crippled?¡±


    Marshal Yi asked the question but he already knew the answer. He had personally witnessed firsthand the prince¡¯s healing capabilities in the past.


    That¡¯s because the person the prince healed was himself after they had shed with interster pirates when their fleets were still powerful terrorizing the entire federation.


    He didn¡¯t even touch him but the gush on the Marshal¡¯s abdomen healed at a speed visible to the naked eye. This is why when the prince came to him for help he didn¡¯t hesitate. Now it seemed Zi Han had inherited the same mental power as his father.


    ¡°It was cadet Han and his mental power ranked up to SS rank just like that.... He said it was his father,¡± said Yi Chen studying his father¡¯s expression carefully.


    The moment Marshal Yi heard that his body froze in ce while staring at his son. ¡°Did he really see him?¡± asked Marshal Yi his expressionplicated.


    Yi Chen nodded his head but he didn¡¯t go into great detail. He didn¡¯t mention the vi or the creatures nor did he mention the appearance Zi Han described about his father. He disclosed as little as he could so he can find out what the Msrshal was hiding.


    ¡°Tsk, when he asked me to help him fake his death I honestly thought he would take Zi Xingxi with him. He always talked about how he had built a home in a ce were he could be happy and free from the federation.¡±


    ¡°But he just vanished after that. His royal highness is definitely alive somewhere. Knowing what I know now about his rtionship with Zi Xingxi I don¡¯t understand why he never came back for her. That¡¯s why when she threw a fit I refused to help her take down the culprit. The plot to assassinate the prince was real it¡¯s just that we made it look like it seeded. The person himself didn¡¯t actually die.¡±


    Marshal Yi put on a brooding look as he carefully thought it through before continuing, ¡°But the fact that he appeared before Zi Han and vanished without taking him means wherever he is he is being held against his will.¡±


    ¡°No one knows this but the royal family¡¯s ability to perform space jumps isn¡¯t because of some intricate advanced technology. That was just a cover.¡±


    ¡°The emperor and each other person who sat on that throne before him were the technology. They were men and women who could jump fleets through space with their mental power. I never understood how it worked but why try to understand it, right?¡±


    After offloading everything he had been holding back the Marshal leaned back in his seat looking like a huge weight had been lifted off his shoulders.


    Yi Chen on the other hand had more questions than when he came to look for his father. Rubbing his forehead he asked, ¡°Before you didn¡¯t want to tell me all this so why are you being open now?¡±


    Marshal Yi looked into his eyes for a second before saying, ¡°That¡¯s because you have proved yourself. You have proved to me that you know when to open your mouth and when not to. This titlees with that.¡±


    ¡°It¡¯s the ability to rationally approach a problem and analyze it to find a solution with the lowest risk and then execute it. And you have just proved to me that you have reached that level despite emotional involvement. That¡¯s why I think you are ready to know everything.¡±


    Yi Chen¡¯s chest tightened hearing his fathermend him. He felt bad about it. He wanted to tell Zi Han but his father was right. ording to Zi Han¡¯s personality, he would go off the rails knowing certain things but that didn¡¯t make Yi Chen feel any better.


    ¡°So the portals... do you think his royal highness has something to do with it?¡± he asked trying to shake off the guilty feeling in his heart.


    ¡°If I were to make a guess.... this had the Republic written all over it. They are using him to get back to the federation and it¡¯s most likely against his will.¡±

 Chapter 223

    223 My sweet baby. Where does it hurt? Let me see.


    While Yi Chen was discovering hidden truths, Zi Han was on his way home when his mother intercepted him. She wanted to have a serious conversation with him in the absence of his grandfather.


    That¡¯s because knowing her father he would probably freak out and go knocking on each of the suspects¡¯ doors. His motto when it came to his family has always been to shoot on sight and ask questionster.


    She didn¡¯t want to scare the prey and have them retreat into their holes. If that happens then they won¡¯t be easy to catchter.


    It was for this reason that she sent secretary K to pick him up instead of Old Lu. Because what they were about to discuss was extremely sensitive she directly flew him to the Han warship with its guns still pointed at Capital Star. Zi Han who hadn¡¯t seen the warship named after him before had his face glued to the cruiser¡¯s window with sparkly eyes making secretary K chuckle in amusement.


    While Zi Han was pressing his palms on the window naming each weapon technology in the warship he felt a white sh pointed in his direction thus he looked back taking a nce.


    Secretary K didn¡¯t shy away. He openly said, ¡°I think ma¡¯am would appreciate it seeing your surprised face. Wait until you find out the name of the warship.¡±


    Zi Han narrowed his eyes a little curious but no matter how much he asked secretary K wouldn¡¯t disclose this great masterpiece¡¯s name.


    The hatch of the warship opened and the cruiser slipped in andnded in the hanger. As soon as the doors of the cruiser opened Zi Xingxi ran in and she didn¡¯t even give him enough time to unbuckle his seat as she embraced him tightly.


    ¡°Oh,¡± he muttered as she hugged him so tight that he couldn¡¯t breathe.


    .....


    ¡°My sweet baby. Where does it hurt? Let me see. Show mommy where it hurts,¡± she said inspecting him closely like he was an antique vase before an auction.


    ¡°Mom, I am really fine,¡± be expressed but Zi Xingxi didn¡¯t take his word for it. She dragged Zi Han to the medical bay and had them test everything. She only stopped nagging when she was certain he was in perfect health.


    Zi Han wanted to check the warship but he also knew his mother had some important things to discuss with him thus he could only put his desire to explore aside.


    ¡°Come sit,¡± said Zi Xingxi and Zi Han slumped onto the couch exhaling deeply like he had just offloaded a huge burden.


    Zi Xingxi sat with one of her legs on the couch while facing him. She pushed back his hair that was long overdue for a haircut while asking, ¡°What happened on Dark Star? I found out you were in distress so I rushed over but when I got there I couldn¡¯t find you. Even your location vanished and I couldn¡¯t track your whereabouts.¡±


    Zi Han licked his lips with slight anxiety. He wasn¡¯t certain how to go about telling her what he found.


    Other things he could hide like how he had agreed to be Yi Chen¡¯s boyfriend but things about his father he couldn¡¯t hide. He ced his hand over his mother¡¯s and said, ¡°Ma, promise me you won¡¯t freak out.¡±


    Zi Xingxi¡¯s eyebrows twitched as she tilted her head slightly in confusion. ¡°Why?¡± she asked before moving closer and taking a guess, ¡°Don¡¯t tell me you and Yi Chen.....¡±


    Zi Han, ¡°???¡±


    How the fuck could she guess that urately? Of course, that wasn¡¯t what he wanted to talk about but how on earth did she guess that?


    Zi Han shook his head vigorously and before Zi Xingxi could interrogate him Zi Han said, ¡°It¡¯s about dad.¡±


    Zi Xingxi who was already thinking of a thousand ways to make Yi Chen disappear calmed down but when she heard that it was about her husband she became was on the edge again.


    ¡°Go, ahem go on. I won¡¯t freak out,¡± she said but her body had already visibly stiffened. Zi Han exhaled deeply with his eyes closed as though conditioning himself to say what he needed to say.


    She didn¡¯t rush him despite being extremely anxious. She appeared calm on the surface but she was panicking on the inside.


    Zi Han sighed again raking his fingers through his hair before saying, ¡°The reason you couldn¡¯t find me was because I..... I stumbled upon a highly secure vi at Dark Star. To be more precise after I fought with that man I copsed and when I woke up I was in an unkempt garden beside a rundown vi.¡±


    After saying that he looked at his mother but she didn¡¯t react. It was as though she was simply waiting for him to finish speaking.


    ¡°When I woke up I was drawn into a mental scape and.... I spoke to my father.¡±


    After Zi Han said this Zi Xingxi¡¯s eyes rippled with emotions as she grasped both his arms and pulled him close. ¡°You saw him?¡± she asked in a brittle voice.


    The two wordlessly stared at each other for a while with one waiting patiently for the other to answer. Zi Han pursed his lips and he was about to speak when the door opened and Lynn Feng walked in with two cups of iced tea for Zi Han and iced coffee for Zi Xingxi but the timing was extremely bad.


    ¡°Here you go-,¡± she said only for Zi Xingxi to yell,


    ¡°GET OUT!!¡±


    Zi Han, !!!


    Lynn Feng, !!!


    When did Zi Xingxi ever talk to her like that? Luckily, Lynn Feng wasn¡¯t someone who took things personally. She immediately turned around and vowed to use this to get a bonus from Zi Xingxiter.


    As soon as she exited the captain¡¯s cabin secretary K asked, ¡°What? Did you put too much sugar in her iced coffee?¡±


    Lynn Feng ced the cup of iced tea in Secretary K¡¯s hand and patted his cheek while saying, ¡°I am not a moron like you. She is in a very bad mood that¡¯s all.¡±


    After saying this Lynn Feng drank the cup of iced coffee through the straw. Zi Xingxi was the one who had told her to bring the beverages over but it seemed whatever Zi Han said in there must have rattled her.


    Secretary K¡¯s mouth shrugged before he nced at the iced tea. Not willing to waste food he drank it as well.


    Meanwhile, Zi Han exined in detail what went down in that vi. He also expressed that he didn¡¯t see his father¡¯s true appearance but that of a humanoid creature.


    Zi Xingxi got up and paced up and down her expression concerned. ¡°Ma,¡± called out Zi Han but Zi Xingxi didn¡¯t stop pacing.


    ¡°I need to go there.... let¡¯s go now so you can show mom, okay? I want to see,¡± she said and Zi Han agreed. He was exhausted and had gone through the same trip already today but for his mother, he would do anything.

 Chapter 224

    224 Babe, you misunderstood


    ¡°I will show you. Just promise me that we will wait for the military personnel to finish their final sweep of Dark Star,¡± he said unwilling for his mother to get into trouble because of this. Who knows, maybe they might even me the wave of attacks on her.


    Zi Xingxi nodded as she sat down again. This time her eyes were bloodshot with tears in the corner of her eyes. She couldn¡¯t even congratte her son for breaking through to SS rank because her emotions were in disarray.


    ¡°I miss him,¡± she whispered and Zi Han immediately pulled his mother into his arms andforted her. This was the only time Zi Xingxi cried over his father while sober. His heart twisted painfully as he rubbed her back. At this moment he wondered if she ever regretted falling in love with his father. Was that love worth this much longsting pain?


    Meanwhile, Marshal Yi who was now drinking with his son was stunned when he received a call letting him know that the Han warship had disengaged its weapons and was currently heading towards an unknown location.


    After a fairly short conversation, he hung up and looked at Yi Chen before saying, ¡°Do you think she is going to Dark Star?¡±


    Yi Chen grimaced after drinking thest of the whiskey in his crystal ss before saying, ¡°Most likely. She must know.¡±


    He initially wanted to meet with her and give her what he found in the safe room but now it seemed he might have to dy.


    Yi Chen pulled up his chat interface with Zi Han and wrote him a message.


    YC: Are you okay?


    .....


    But three hourster Zi Han hadn¡¯t responded neither did it show that he had read the message. Yi Chen wanted to call him but he held back and his wait finally paid off after three hours of waiting.


    Zi Han hadforted his mother until she passed out. Because he was afraid of waking her he stayed put but who would have thought he would also fall asleep? When he woke up it was already two hours and forty minutester.


    He silently slipped out of the captain¡¯s cabin and walked over to the cabin next door. While walking he noticed that his grandfather made several calls.


    Zi Han immediately called his grandfather and exined to him everything that happened and where they were headed.


    Zi Feiji was a little ill at ease and would have preferred it if he apanied them but since they had already left he instructed Zi Han to take great care of his mother and not let her do anything stupid.


    Zi Han promised him before hanging up the call. Soon after taking a short shower, he made a video request call to Yi Chen. Yi Chen who was lying in bed ying with the fin of Mr. Twiggles hurriedly answered the video call.


    Yi Chen immediately opened his mouth to voice hisint. ¡°Babe, why didn¡¯t you....,¡± he said but his voice died down before he sat up.


    Zi Han was standing with his back to the camera with a bath towel wrapped around his waist.


    Since themb had voluntarily offered itself how could Yi Chen not indulge himself?


    Zi Han soon noticed that Yi Chen was too silent thus he turned around to ask him what was wrong but he found that he couldn¡¯t utter a word when he was met by Yi Chen¡¯s lecherous gaze.


    ¡°You!....¡± he yelled as he covered up his chest. It was only now that he recalled how many times he had paraded himself half naked in front of Yi Chen. Wasn¡¯t that like freely offering oneself to the big bad wolf?


    Yi Chen¡¯s brow arched as he asked, ¡°Me what? I have already seen it all so many times.¡±


    Zi Han¡¯s lips twitched hearing this. He quickly turned off the camera function resulting in Yi Chen¡¯s screen turning ck.


    ¡°Are you being shy?¡± asked Yi Chen tugging at his t-shirt because he was feeling a little flustered.


    ¡°Nope. I just don¡¯t want you to take advantage of the situation,¡± replied Zi Han as he hurriedly put on his clothes. After he was done putting on a pair of ck jogger pants and a white t-shirt Zi Han turned on the camera.


    While it was switching back on Zi Han took out a can of orange juice from the mini-fridge. With a click, he opened it and took a sip while Yi Chen was saying, ¡°If you are shy I can take off mine for you to see.... there, we can be shy together.¡±


    Zi Han casually nced over about to tell him to forget it when he saw a shirtless Yi Chen with his ck t-shirt riding up his head.


    ¡°Ptooey!!¡± was the sound of Zi Han spitting orange juice in the most perfect spit take ever.


    ¡°Fuck,¡± he swore while taking the bath towel to wipe the juice off the window of the cabin and floor.


    The corner of Yi Chen¡¯s lips quirked up as he followed Zi Han¡¯s fingure bustling about.


    ¡°Do you like it?¡± he asked as a naughty idea sprung up in his mind.


    Zi Han didn¡¯t pay him any mind while wiping. It was only after he was done that he raised his head and saw what Yi Chen was doing.


    Yi Chen was rubbing some massage oil all over his abs and chest with a rather serious expression.


    Zi Han¡¯s eyes widened as he yelled at him. ¡°What are you doing? You can¡¯t do that while we are on a call. If you, you want to do such a thing.... you should do it after I hang up.¡±


    Yi Chen raised his head seeming so innocent. His hand glided over his nipple as he asked, ¡°Do what exactly?¡±


    Zi Han who was entranced by those powerful hands rubbing against those toned glossy muscles utter an unintelligent response having burnt his brain cells.


    ¡°Huh?..... Oh, I meant jerk off. You can jerk off after we hang up the video call,¡± he said only for his expression to turn stupid having realized he had said what he was thinking directly.


    Yi Chen smiled shyly while asking, ¡°Don¡¯t you want to watch me?¡±


    ¡°Yes, ah I mean know..... shit, Yi Chen will you stop messing with me?¡±


    Yi Chen licked his bottom lip before saying, ¡°Babe, you misunderstood. I was massaging my sore muscles that¡¯s all.¡±


    ¡°Don¡¯t call me that. If my mother hears it we might both go missing,¡± whispered Zi Han getting under his quilt.


    Yi Chen continued to rub the massage oil on his abs while saying, ¡°My mother is already calling you her son-inw. When she saw the hickey you left on me today she asked when you areing over again to see her.¡±


    Zi Han couldn¡¯t help but feel embarrassed. He fervently denied it saying, ¡°What hickey? That¡¯s obviously a mosquito bite.¡±


    Yi Chen, ¡°....¡±


    Author¡¯s note:


    Yep, there were lots and lots of mosquitoes at Dark Star.

 Chapter 225

    225 He was extremely possessive


    ¡°Ma,¡± whispered Zi Han as he stood outside the vi watching her slowly walk in. She waved her hand at him telling him to stay there before going into the vi alone.


    His mother hadn¡¯t been right since yesterday and Zi Han was worried. His grandfather had told him to take care of his mother and not let her do anything stupid. Now she wouldn¡¯t even let him follow her inside.


    Zi Han could only obey. He walked over to the rustic porch swing surrounded by overgrown grass. He curled his fingers around the chain of the porch swing as he watched Lynn Feng enter the vi pulling a suitcase with her equipment.


    Zi Han sighed while staring at the patch of grass he woke up lying on. He began to recall the feelings and emotions he felt when he met his father. His eyes became misty when he remembered the pain he felt when he left him. It was like someone had taken a knife and stabbed it straight into his heart before twisting it.


    ¡°Are you okay?¡± asked secretary K who had shown up at some point and sat next to him.


    Zi Han embarrassedly wiped away the tear at the corner of his eye and said, ¡°I am okay?¡± before the two fell into silence.


    Secretary K was a man of a few words. He knew Zi Han¡¯s character very well. Zi Han wasn¡¯t the type to open up when asked unless he makes that decision himself. Secretary K was just there to keep himpany.


    ¡°Did..... did you know him?¡± asked Zi Han with slight hesitation.


    Secretary K stared at the vi nkly as though contemting something. After a while, he opened his mouth and said, ¡°I did. He was.... more like a ss clown and he was always in a jovial mood, especially whenever he saw the madam.¡±


    .....


    Zi Han gently kicked the grass with the tip of his shoe before asking, ¡°What were they like together?¡± To be honest that wasn¡¯t what he wanted to ask. What he wanted to ask was, ¡°Was the love between them worth all this pain she was going through?¡± but he had to rephrase the question as he felt it inappropriate.


    Secretary K smiled recalling how the pair stuck together like glue. The sweetness between them was something plenty envied but could never get.


    ¡°Their rtionship was a secret so everyone thought they were just in a..... business rtionship. But when they were alone they couldn¡¯t keep their hands off each other. It was so bad that anyone around them would feel very ufortable.¡±


    ¡°Even when they were at public events your father would constantly nce at her with such affection in his eyes that it¡¯s a miracle no one knew.¡±


    ¡°One time at these fancy parties the madam got stopped by one of these prime ministers. I don¡¯t remember which one it was but they wanted to introduce her to his son for you know.... marriage. This wasn¡¯t the first time he had asked her by the way.¡±


    ¡°Your father was never the serious type. He was always smiling and he was very nice to everyone but when he found out he didn¡¯t even ask questions. He just straight-up punched the old man hard knocking him out cold. He went on a rampage stunning the entire federation.¡±


    ¡°Someone who was supposed to be calm and gentle actually beat up an old man. People assumed that it was because of political conflict but in truth, it was because he was a very jealous man.¡±


    ¡°He was extremely possessive and loved the Madam so much that he was willing to give up everything for her. This vi is a perfect example of what he was prepared to give up. It¡¯s a shame he never got to achieve that.¡±


    Zi Han silently listened to him. This was the first time anyone ever talked about what his father was like and his rtionship with his mother. Their rtionship sounded wonderful and for the first time he also wanted that for himself and he could have that with Yi Chen. Maybe he wouldn¡¯t lose him like his mother lost his father. Maybe he shouldn¡¯t be so afraid of getting hurt and just let himself sink into the feeling.


    Secretary K patted Zi Han¡¯s shoulder and suddenly said, ¡°Knowing what she knows now she would still fall in love with him again. Not only was she happy with him, but she also got to have you. She will dly ept the pain of loss because what she gained when she had him can¡¯t be replicated.¡±


    Zi Han slowly digested those words and as he raised his head he saw his mother¡¯s figure through the ceiling-to-floor windows. A slight smile crept up his face having understood something.


    Meanwhile, the bushes next to Zi Han began to shake and while he wasn¡¯t looking a tiny blue Nimsel snuck into his clothes. Zi Han suddenly felt ticklish. He jumped up while unzipping his jacket.


    ¡°Shit shit shit,¡± he swore his imagination running wild. If it is a snake then he might as well die here. That was another thing he was afraid of besides ghosts.


    ¡°Hold still, let me see,¡± said secretary K but Zi Han didn¡¯t even hear him. He took off his jacket and mmed it to the ground his expression ghastly white like he had seen a ghost.


    Zi Han drew his handgun and he was about to shoot at the jacket when secretary K picked it up and shook it. A high-pitched squeak was heard followed by a soft thud.


    ¡°Wee....,¡± was the sound it made as Secretary K picked up the little Nimsel.


    When Zi Han saw it his eyes lit up and he holstered his weapon. He rushed over to grab that cute little furry baby robbing Secretary K.


    Secretary K, ¡°....¡±


    He liked furry things too, okay? Zi Han tickled the Nimsel¡¯s little belly while asking in a yful voice as though talking to a baby. ¡°You missed me so much that you came to see me, huh? Howe you seem a lot cuter than before?¡±

 Chapter 226

    226 ¡°Aren¡¯t you a little too eager?¡±


    What Zi Han didn¡¯t realize was that this little scam artist was scamming his way into his heart so he could adopt it. Its cute antics definitely worked because Zi Han took that little one home and couldn¡¯t wait to show Mr. Twiggles his new brother.


    When Zi Han actually had a video call with Yi Chen the little guy blocked Zi Han¡¯s light brain camera with its furry butt.


    Yi Chen, ¡°.....¡±


    ¡°Sweetheart, why can¡¯t I see you?¡± he asked his brows furrowed.


    ¡°Don¡¯t call me that either,¡±ined Zi Han while pulling away the little Nimsel from his light brain.


    ¡°You don¡¯t want me to call you baby, babe, or sweetheart. Then what should I call you?¡± replied Yi Chen checking the article with the title ¡®Seventy-five of the cutest nicknames and pet names to call your boyfriend¡¯.


    ¡°Don¡¯t you know my name? Call me by my name,¡± said Zi Han before showing off his new baby.


    ¡°Look what followed me home. Isn¡¯t he cute?¡± said Zi Han with a radiant expression, ¡°I haven¡¯t named him yet.¡±


    Yi Chen¡¯s brow arched upwards staring at the little thing bouncing in Zi Han¡¯s palm. ¡°A Nimsel? Where did you....¡± he said before he was abruptly cut off by a knock at his door.


    .....


    ¡°Ah-Chen, go downstairs and watch those two do their homework for me, please. It¡¯s only for an hour. I need to go somewhere,¡± asked Lin Ruoxi standing outside his door.


    ¡°Okay. I wille down just now,¡± he replied before staring at Zi Han on the floating screen, ¡°you want to keep it as a pet.¡±


    Zi Han let the nimsel climb up his shoulder and said, ¡°No not a pet but my second born. I think I will name him Hansel.¡±


    Yi Chen put on a thin hoodie before walking down the stairs. ¡°Since he is also my son I have the right to let you know that that name is ugly,¡± said Yi Chen his tone serious.


    ¡°Hey hey hey. Who says he is yours? You managed to sneakily get parenting rights for Mr. Twiggles but Hansel is different. He is mine alone,¡± replied Zi Han while handing the little nimsel a piece of raspberry.


    ¡°Darling, you are already making me wear a green hat? If it¡¯s not with me then who else would you adopt Hansel with?¡± asked Yi Chen as he entered the lounge.


    Instead of doing homework, one was watching cartoons while the other was ying games.


    ¡°Not everything I adopt will belong to the both of us. If I adopt a dog it¡¯s my dog, not yours,¡± exined Zi Han only for him to hear sounds ofints and whinesing from Yi Chen¡¯s side.


    ¡°What are you doing?¡± asked Zi Han and Yi Chen responded casually while setting up the floating screen so Zi Han can see everyone.


    ¡°I am babysitting two naughty children..... Where is your homework? Let me see,¡± he said as he walked over to sit down on the couch.


    Zi Han soon noticed two disgruntled faces ring at Yi Chen like he had robbed them of something.


    ¡°Jiejie,¡± excitedly yelled Ming Ming while waving her little hand at him.


    ¡°Hie Ming-er, did you miss me?¡± asked Zi Han but when he recalled that hideous makeup fromst time he shuddered involuntarily.


    ¡°I missed you,¡± interjected Yi Youxi with a shy smile but Yi Chen shut it down before it could get out of hand.


    ¡°That¡¯s your sister-inw. Now do your homework,¡± he said only for Zi Han to interrupt him,


    ¡°Sister-inw? Do I look like a girl to you?¡±


    ¡°No but Jiejie sometimes dresses like one,¡± said Ming Ming that is before she saw a small blue thing climbing up Zi Han¡¯s hair. ¡°AAAAAHHHH so cute. What is that? Is that a mouse?¡±


    Hansel, ¡°???¡±


    What kind of mouse has one big eye on its little face?


    ¡°No, it¡¯s a Nimsel. I called it Hansel,¡± exined Zi Han but Yi Youxi still couldn¡¯t let go of the fact that Yi Chen had said, inw.


    ¡°You two are together now?¡± he asked surprised that his brother actually seeded.


    ¡°Yes,¡±


    ¡°No,¡±


    They answered simultaneously. It was easy to tell who answered what without even mentioning names.


    Yi Chen, ¡°???¡±


    ¡°It¡¯s a trial period. Your brother is on probation,¡± replied Zi Han with a sly smile on his face.


    ¡°I wasn¡¯t aware I was on probation,¡± whispered Yi Chen with genuine confusion on his face.


    ¡°It depends on your performance....ter. It¡¯s no use if we aren¡¯tpatible,¡± said Zi Han and Yi Chen instantly understood. The other two didn¡¯t understand what they were talking about but Yi Chen knew what he meant thus he rxed.


    ¡°You don¡¯t have to worry about that. We are definitelypatible in that department,¡± he whispered but who was he kidding? These two obviously heard it.


    ¡°You know dad said that he was on probation too when he met mum now they are married. You will definitely get married and I will be the wedding nner Hehehe,¡± said Ming Ming giggling excitedly.


    Yi Chen took out some candy from his pocket and gave it to Ming Ming. ¡°This is plenty more where that came from. You can start making ns now,¡± said Yi Chen bribing the wedding nner with candy.


    ¡°If he fails his probation you don¡¯t have to be so heartbroken. They are plenty of fish in the sea..... me,¡± said Yi Youxi pointing at himself with a roguish expression.


    Yi Chen, ¡°!!!¡±


    ¡°Mn, I will keep that in mind,¡± replied Zi Han whileughing finding this amusing.


    ¡°Do your homework,¡± said Yi Chen before getting up while minimizing the floating screen. He went into the kitchen and got two cans of iced tea for them.


    Zi Hany on his bed tickling Hansel when he heard Yi Chen asking, ¡°So when can we check ourpatibility?¡±


    Zi Han continued ying with Hansel while responding, ¡°Right now if you like. As long as you can get to me within the hour.¡±


    ¡°But you are twelve hours away from Capital Star? We can give it a try virtually if you want,¡± said Yi Chen with a stern expression.


    Zi Han turned around andy on his stomach staring straight at Yi Chen before asking, ¡°Aren¡¯t you a little too eager?¡±


    Yi Chen stared at Zi Han for a long time with a slight quirk at the corner of his lips.


    ¡°How can I not when you keep looking at me like that?..... I miss you..... so much.¡±


    Zi Han, ¡°..... I miss you too.¡±

 Chapter 227

    227 That¡¯s your great-grandchild


    The excitement in Scy military academy could be heard from the outside. The results hade out and everyone had passed. Now they could enlist and join their brothers and sisters in defending the federation.


    Zi Han was just as excited but he was a little anxious about the results from Dark Star. He was a little worried that if Yi Chen didn¡¯t take first ce then he won¡¯t be able to join the future Marshal in protecting the Onyx federation and its citizens.


    Filled with a patriotic spirit Zi Han hopped into the hovercar feeling jittery. Today was his graduation day and both his grandfather and auntie She were here which was kind of exciting.


    ¡°Did you bring everything?¡± asked Zi Xingxi, oh sorry.... I meant auntie She as she straightened his cor and tie.


    ¡°I brought everything. Are you sure you want toe? I am a little worried,¡± he said to his mother but Zi Feiji reassured him.


    ¡°You worry too much. She has me and the entire Bloodgarde backing her up,¡± he said while taking pictures of Zi Han before uploading them to the group with his friends in it. It was about time he bragged about his little marshmallow who aced the exams like a champ.


    ¡°Just enjoy your moment. I will take you to a gay club tonight. Sister Feng rmended a ce. She said it¡¯s the kind of ce people meet lifelong partners. Mama will help you find a good man,¡± said Zi Xingxi with a proud expression.


    Zi Han, ¡°....¡±


    ¡°Mum!¡± he yelled only for her proud smile to sink when she recalled no one had told grandpa Zi yet that his grandbaby was attracted to the same sex.


    .....


    ¡°That¡¯s ridiculous. Why would you take Han Han to a gay bar.... fuck,¡± said Zi Feiji his voice getting lower and lower when he realised it.


    ¡°Who did it?¡± asked grandpa Zi as the hovercar stopped in front of Scy military academy.


    ¡°Did what?¡± asked Zi Han while Zi Xingxi simultaneously responded,


    ¡°Does someone have to do something to him for him to determine his preference? Wait? Did someone do something?¡±


    Zi Han, ¡®WTF!!¡¯


    The way his mother changed her tune so fast was so frightening. Afraid that he would sell out Yi Chen he clutched his pant leg and as soon as the door opened Zi Han bolted out of there like the sh. Zi Feiji wanted to catch him but instead, all he grasped was little Hansel who was thrown at him.


    ¡°Wee weeeeee,¡± squeaked the little Nimsel after Zi Han caught it snuggling in his pocket. Zi Feiji¡¯s eyes widened as he looked at that rodent-like thing staring at him with that one big eye.


    ¡°Is it even legal to keep this thing as a pet?¡± he asked but Zi Xingxi pointed at the nimsel and said,


    ¡°That¡¯s your great-grandchild hence legal or not we can¡¯t get rid of it.¡±


    Zi Feiji tried to stop the little guy from crawling into his clothes while asking, ¡°Do you think it was that Yi kid?¡±


    ¡°Who else could it be.... fuck!¡± swore Zi Xingxi wondering how the Marshal and his wife were going to take this news.


    She soon realized that she at least didn¡¯t have to worry about one inw. That¡¯s because from the moment she sat down in that great hall Lin Ruoxi who somehow found out her disguise came over to enthusiastically chat her up which was very unexpected.


    Lin Ruoxi kept praising Zi Han and congratting her for raising such a lovely child. Zi Xingxi normally liked to hear people praise her son but this was a little too much for her. Wasn¡¯t Lin Ruoxi being overly excited? Who knows if this rtionship would even get that far?


    What she didn¡¯t realize was how desperate Lin Ruoxi was to make this work. She knew her son¡¯s personality best. He wasn¡¯t the type to have a fling and now that he had chosen Zi Han it meant he had made a lifetimemitment.


    These weren¡¯t mere assumptions but based on experience. If she wasn¡¯t able to get rid of the Marshal then Zi Han wouldn¡¯t be able to get rid of Yi Chen. They were like squatters, they will squat in your heart no matter how hard you try to get rid of them. This is why she was trying to befriend Zi Xingxi and coax her into epting her son.


    But Zi Xingxi wasn¡¯t optimistic. While she was betting with herself on how long this fling wouldst Zi Han was walking down the corridor behind Shorty and Shaun while typing on his light brain.


    He could vaguely hear what their conversation was about. They were talking about the frightening creatures they bumped into at Dark Star.


    Zi Han pulled up the chat interface with Yi Chen so he could give him the heads up. His family was suspicious of their rtionship thus he wanted to tell him to avoid them at all costs.


    But while typing he suddenly bumped into a hard object. Zi Han took a step back and looked up but before he could react he was suddenly pulled by the wrist into a nearby room.


    Because the lights were turned off the room gave off an eerie feeling like that in a horror movie. Zi Han pushed Yi Chen away while scolding him,


    ¡°You do realize that that¡¯s how people die in a horror mov-,¡± but he didn¡¯t get to finish his words because Yi Chen suddenly pressed him against the door and ced his palm on the side of Zi Han¡¯s neck before kissing his lips fiercely.


    Zi Han, ¡°....¡±


    To be honest, he loved teasing Yi Chen through video calls, and because of the distance, he wasn¡¯t even worried about the consequences. But who would have thought Yi Chen was noting all his misgivings down waiting for the opportune time to make him pay?


    Yi Chen was the least bit polite. He swept the tip of his tongue against Zi Han¡¯s warm lips and pried his mouth open. Meanwhile, his unruly hand grasped the side of Zi Han¡¯s waist deepening the kiss. The two entangled with each other creating an x-rated scene not suitable for the faint at heart.


    Zi Han¡¯s eyshes fluttered as he closed his eyes and indulged himself. All this time he was making fun of Yi Chen mocking him for being too thirsty but once he got into it he realized how badly starved he was. He turned the situation around taking charge as he slowly lost control of himself.

 Chapter 228

    228 I am taking what¡¯s mine back


    He chased after Yi Chen¡¯s warm tongue with his and when he couldn¡¯t get what he wanted he parted his lips slightly and gently grazed Yi Chen¡¯s lower lip before lightly biting it.


    Yi Chen let out azy ¡°um¡± sound as his tongue slid into Zi Han¡¯s mouth. Their tongues entwined together in a sensual dance with sounds of turbulent breathing and ambiguous kissing echoing in the empty room.


    Zi Han raised his leg and Yi Chen¡¯s hand caressed it from his bent knee up his thigh with the temperature between them rising spontaneously.


    Bzzzzzz..... bzzzzz!


    That was the sound of Yi Chen¡¯s light brain buzzing breaking this erotic atmosphere. Yi Chen ignored it and continued kissing Zi Han but Zi Han didn¡¯t cooperate. He moved his face to the side avoiding Yi Chen¡¯s greedy lips.


    Yi Chen didn¡¯t mind. In fact, he took the opportunity to kiss his cheek and neck with his heavy and hot breath brushing against Zi Han¡¯s skin.


    Zi Han felt overpowering strings of currents running down his back to his waist making his breathing stagnate. He pressed his hand against Yi Chen¡¯s shoulder and whispered, ¡°We have to go,¡± his voice sultry and seductive.


    Yi Chen buried his head in the crevice of his neck and breathed in deeply taking in that heartwarming citrus scent. The fragrance tickled his senses invoking a pleasantforting feeling that spread all over his body.


    ¡°They can wait,¡± he said as he nozzled the crevice of Zi Han¡¯s neck making him feel a slight itch.


    .....


    Zi Han gently pushed him away and said, ¡°We really have to go,¡± while fixing his tie and shirt that had been messed up just now while they were making out.


    Yi Chen rested his palm against the door with his head lowered watching Zi Han. He admired the man¡¯s mesmerizing fox eyes and curledshes that were fluttering as he seriously straightened his tie.


    Yi Chen felt a burst of warmth spread all over his chest knowing that this person belonged to him. With a slight tilt of his head, he kissed Zi Han¡¯s temple before whispering, ¡°Did you miss me?¡±


    Zi Han raised his head and met his line of sight before asking, ¡°What do you think?¡±


    Yi Chen stared at him for a while his eyes overflowing with emotions. He lightly licked his lower lip as his hand slowly interlocked fingers with Zi Han¡¯s free one.


    Yi Chen rubbed the back of Zi Han¡¯s hand with his thumb while saying, ¡°I missed you so much.¡±


    Zi Han could easily understand why Yi Chen was acting this clingy despite knowing they had to go. It was because Yi Chen was reluctant to separate right after seeing each other. He needed more time otherwise he wouldn¡¯t easily let him go.


    To coax him, Zi Han said, ¡°We can hang out after the event. My mother was going to take me to a gay club afterward but I can ditch her.¡±


    Hearing this Yi Chen¡¯s eyes darkened as he clenched his jaw swallowing down the sour feeling rising up his throat.


    ¡°Did you tell her that you have a boyfriend?¡± he asked his fingers holding Zi Han¡¯s hand tightening and loosening slightly.


    ¡°I didn¡¯t but she suspects something is up,¡± replied Zi Han before biting his lower lip seductively. His hand slid up from Yi Chen¡¯s cor to the back of his neck before slowly pulling him down and kissing his lips lightly.


    Yi Chen¡¯s annoyance vanished quickly as he kissed those soft lips his chest blossoming like early spring. Zi Han¡¯s fingers slipped through Yi Chen¡¯s hair before he slowly retreated.


    ¡°I missed you too,¡± he whispered and Yi Chen who felt a little disgruntled smiled slightly his heart performing cartwheels with excitement.


    This smile of his didn¡¯t disappear even as he stepped on the stage. Sure, it could be considered a slight smile at best but this still managed to shock everyone. Who didn¡¯t know that Yi Chen walked around this ce with a straight face like someone owed him millions?


    It was his father who couldn¡¯t stand it. When he passed by he grasped his arm and asked, ¡°Why are you walking around smiling like a fool? And what the hell happened to your lip? It looks bruised.¡±


    Yi Chen didn¡¯t take it to heart at all. That kiss from earlier was enough to sustain him for a while. He was in such a great mood that he didn¡¯t mind Evan who was standing beside him on the stage while asionally ncing at him.


    Evan leaned over slightly and said, ¡°Whatever the oue we shouldn¡¯t hold grudges.... We are all on the same side.¡±


    Yi Chen pressed his cheek with the tip of his tongue before saying, ¡°Mn.... but no matter what, I am taking what¡¯s mine back,¡± with his gaze ncing over in Zi Han¡¯s direction.


    Zi Han was standing at attention his back straight with his enchanting eyes under the shadow of his army service cap.


    Noticing Yi Chen¡¯s gaze Zi Han¡¯s lips twitched suppressing a smile as he averted his gaze. When he saw that bright red bruise on Yi Chen¡¯s lip he couldn¡¯t help but recall that sensual scene. He suddenly felt really thirsty. He couldn¡¯t wait to make out with him after this event.


    ¡°Ladies and gentlemen please stand for the great leaders of Onyx Federation....,¡± said a female voice broadcasting through drones flying over the cadets.


    The senior military personnel on the stage arose and soon a line of prime ministers walked up the stage.


    Zi Han who was ncing over in Yi Chen¡¯s direction to check if the man was still staring suddenly had his view blocked and was met with a pair of emerald eyes.


    His brow furrowed in dissatisfaction as he looked away but just because he stopped looking didn¡¯t mean the person staring at him stopped as well.


    Those pair of eyes belonged to prime minister Ikeda. He had taken a casual nce at the graduating recruits when he met a distinct pair of fox eyes.


    The face was familiar and so were those eyes. It didn¡¯t take him long to match the face. He immediately identified this as Zi Xingxi¡¯s son but that face shouldn¡¯t be matched with those pair of eyes.


    Because those eyes belonged to someone he knew very well. As an image of that person shed in his eyes the prime minister¡¯s hand trembled uncontrobly his gaze transfixed on that boy.


    ¡®So instead of protecting him... she fucked him,¡¯ he thought as he clenched his hand and hid it behind his back as a dark concerning energy surged within him.

 Chapter 229

    229 Keeping family secrets from the Marshal


    The prime minister¡¯s state only got worse and worse with his gaze constantly ncing over in Zi Han¡¯s direction.


    Even as they sang the federation¡¯s anthem of survival prime minister Ikeda kept staring in that direction with a dark cloud looming over him.


    His actions were so obvious that Zi Xingxi a.k.a. auntie She saw everything. Her outward appearance was that of a beautiful chubby auntie with a soothing appearance but the zing fire in her gaze as she red at him was so terrifying that it would paralyze one in fear.


    With her legs crossed at the knee her back as straight as a rod, she exuded the aura of an arrogant and domineering matriarch.


    Prime minister Ikeda felt that deadly gaze searing through his skin but he seemed the least bit fazed. It seemed his jealousy was over clouding his judgment and he was no longer afraid of wolves.


    He was so brazen that even as Zi Han stepped onto that stage to receive hismendation as a recruit into the military he kept staring at him with those dark eyes.


    Zi Han who was well aware that something big was happening didn¡¯t bag down. In fact, he stood his ground with an air of stubbornness that was eerie simr to the deceased prince.


    The face was not simr to the prince but his attitude was carved from the exact same stone. Zi Han saluted the dean of Scy but his gaze was fixed on the prime minister. When he walked toward him he showed an abstruse smile that gave prime minister Ikeda goosebumps.


    He absentmindedly handed him the certificate and patted his arm congratting him. Zi Han nced at the hand patting his arm before staring back at the prime minister. His gaze seemed respectful but if one looked close enough one could sense the contempt buried deep within.


    .....


    Yi Chen was standing a few feet behind the prime minister hence he noticed this little exchange. All this time he had been following Zi Han¡¯s tall handsome figure through the brim of his military cap.


    With each step, Zi Han took his stomach churned in excitement. He knew they were in public and he couldn¡¯t openly show his affection but he at least thought Zi Han would nce in his direction and admire his handsomeness.


    It was because of this that he was rubbing the tips of his thumb and index finger together in excitement but who would have thought Zi Han¡¯s gaze would be focused on someone else entirely?


    Doused with a bucket of cold water he bit the inner lining of his mouth while following that special person¡¯s figure like it was only the two of them left in the world. He felt an ufortable feeling in the pit of his stomach like a green-eyed monster was scratching at him with its finger. He was undoubtedly jealous and irritable but he would never show it on his face.


    Zi Han received hismendation and he walked toward the other end of the stage with his hand resting on the side of his body. He pressed his index finger and thumb together creating an unequivocal heart shape while his burning gaze stared at Yi Chen.


    Yi Chen who had been staring at Zi Han nced over at his hand and the annoyance and irritation from earlier dissipated. A warm spring sprung from his heart the heat spreading to his face.


    He lowered his head and licked his lower lip before swallowing down his emotions threatening to spill over on his face. His love for this person was only growing stronger by the minute. He would never let him go no matter what.


    After all the graduates received theirmendations it was the team captains¡¯ turn. Thus they stepped forward as themodore announced the results of thest examination on Dark Star.


    Zi Han was honestly a little nervous hearing the team names get called out one by one with the number of devices they managed to retrieve.


    They were ten teams in total and over eighty devices on Dark Star. Overall the teams managed to retrieve ny-six percent of them.


    In the top three were H, Evan, and Yi Chen¡¯s teams. Evan¡¯s team managed to retrieve twenty-three devices, H¡¯s team managed to retrieve twenty-four and Yi Chen¡¯s team was ahead of them by seven more devices hence taking the lead.


    Li Ran heaved a great sigh hearing this. He had suffered the emotional turmoil of almost losing his friend to an unknown entity thus he really wanted Yi Chen to win this.


    As the audience gave him a round of apuse, Marshal Yi walked over followed by one of his admirals with an open scarlet box.


    Inside was the highest honorary badge, Minerva¡¯s crown, sparkling under the sunlight. Like a proud father, Marshal Yi took it and pinned it on the left side of his chest. Once done he gently grasped both his arms and whispered, ¡°I am so proud of you.¡±


    Yi Chen saluted his father in a standard two-finger salute. At this moment his emotions were in turmoil. That¡¯s because he was worried his father won¡¯t be as proud of him when he finds out about his secret love.


    Ever since he was young he would follow behind his father¡¯s footsteps and do everything he was told to do but from the moment he met Zi Han, there had been some friction between him and his father. This was before his father knew what kind of rtionship he had with Zi Han then what about after he does?


    For the sake of harmony, his mother had given everyone strict instructions not to tell him for now. That¡¯s because she was afraid he would mess things up for the pair.


    Even little Ming Ming kept her mouth shut because she didn¡¯t want the beautiful Jiejie to go away. Yi Chen felt bad keeping this from him but he had no other choice. Withplete and total trust in his mother, he did as told.


    What Yi Chen didn¡¯t know was that his mother was implementing the strategy of boiling the frog slowly. She was so determined to make the impossible work that she went above and beyond.


    Her attitude was clearly demonstrated right after the ceremony. Before Zi Xingxi could grab her son and leave Lin Ruoxi caught up and stood in front of the pair of father and daughter.


    ¡°How about we have a celebratory dinner together? I have a booking at Skrk hotel,¡± she said with a radiant smile that made it difficult to refuse.


    Zi Xingxi knew what she was up to thus she outrightly refused with her gaze ncing at her son who was standing with his ssmates. She spotted prime minister Ikeda¡¯s bodyguard heading towards their group but Lin Ruoxi suddenly took a step forward blocking Zi Xingxi¡¯s path.


    ¡°You really don¡¯t have to worry about him. My son will take good care of him,¡± said Lin Ruoxi but that only made Zi Xingxi even more concerned.


    ¡°That¡¯s what I am worried about,¡± said Zi Xingxi stepping aside only to find out that Zi Han was indeed gone and Yi Chen was nowhere to be seen.

 Chapter 230

    230 I promise I will be gentle....


    ¡°Mrs. Marshal aren¡¯t you a little too eager,¡± asked Zi Feiji recalling how this woman had already asked for his grandson to have a blind date with her son.


    Lin Ruoxi wasn¡¯t at all offended. She smiled happily while saying, ¡°Master Zi you misunderstand me. I have always wanted to have a meal with both of you and today so happens to be just the right asion. Please indulge me.¡±


    Zi Xingxi pursed her lips thinking through her next words carefully. She suddenly recalled how she used to sneak off with Zi Han¡¯s father because her father wouldn¡¯t approve. The more her father resisted the idea of them spending more time together the deeper she sank into the love trap. This is why she vowed not to interfere but boy was she itching to pull them apart.


    ¡°Fine, but if he doesn¡¯t return my son in one piece I am going to break his third leg,¡± she said only for her gaze to meet prime minister Ikeda ring at her.


    Lin Ruoxi, ¡°....¡±


    Through this dinner, she soon recognized the reason why her husband and Zi Feiji didn¡¯t get along. They were like water and oil. The two simply wouldn¡¯t mix no matter what. If it weren¡¯t for Zi Xingxi she honestly thought they were going to overturn the cart and end all rtions before the meal was even served.


    ¡°Now you know this was a bad idea, right?¡± asked Zi Xingxi ncing at the flustered Lin Ruoxi.


    Lin Ruoxi sighed heavily before admitting her fault. ¡°I admit I was wrong. I should have just invited you only,¡± she said staring at her husband whom she had already pinched underneath the table several times but he was already deep in this rabbit hole refusing to repent.


    ¡°You want my help? Ites at a price,¡± said Zi Xingxi and Lin Ruoxi nodded her head in agreement. At this point, she would even sell her soul to save this situation.


    .....


    ¡°You get me ess to Paru for a week and we have a deal,¡± she said her expression serious.


    This named Paru was a small known as a natural paradise exclusively owned by the Lin family. This meant no one other than the Lin family was allowed on it. Zi Xingxi always wanted to go there so she took advantage of the opportunity. If she only knew that Lin Ruoxi would tag along she might have chosen something else instead.


    Lin Ruoxi didn¡¯t refuse she agreed rapidly and Zi Xingxi ordered a bunch of liquor bottles. Twenty minutester the pair that was about to tear each other¡¯s faces off were nowplementing each other and reminiscing about the past.


    While the family was getting along Zi Han was being led to a hotel room by Yi Chen. No, not to have..... um um..... not for extra curriculum activities but something else.


    Zi Han imagined that they were going to do this and that in the hotel suite. He thought they would be fragrant roses and lit candles creating a romantic atmosphere.


    But who would have thought when he got there weren¡¯t alone? There was Lin Ran and four other people Zi Han had never interacted with much.


    Zi Han, ¡°....¡±


    Yi Chen who didn¡¯t catch the hint at all leaned closer and said, ¡°This is the rest of the elite squad. I decided we should do the initiation today.¡±


    ¡°What initiation?¡± asked Zi Han only for Li Ran to point at the rented tattoo bed.


    Zi Han, ¡°....¡±


    ¡°We are getting our squad tattoos today,¡± said one of the guys pouring out some tequ in a ss.


    ¡°Fuck no,¡± yelled Zi Han before turning to run. He knew this was mandatory and depending on the squad it could either be a tiny pattern or a big floral pattern. He knew it wasing but damnit he had just graduated.


    Zi Han dashed down the corridor to the elevator but heard Li Ranughing while yelling, ¡°We have a runner.¡±


    Yi Chen red at him before running after his wife who was repeatedly pressing the elevator button.


    Just as Yi Chen caught up the elevator doors opened and Zi Han slipped in. He was fast but unfortunately, he wasn¡¯t fast enough. Yi Chen grasped his waist and pulled him up hauling him over his shoulder before walking back.


    ¡°Yi Chen if you don¡¯t want to be single you better put me down,¡± yelled Zi Han with his fingers clutching the elevator door refusing to barge.


    Yi Chen didn¡¯t take this threat seriously. That¡¯s because this conversation had already been discussed before and Zi Han was very excited but when it came to it he actually ran.


    ¡°If you get it done today I will tattoo your name on any part of my body except my face,¡± he said and sure enough Zi Han stopped struggling.


    ¡°Really?¡± asked Zi Han raising his head slightly to look at him but all he could see was the back of Yi Chen¡¯s head.


    ¡°Mn.... and I will personally do it for you. I promise I will be gentle,¡± he said only for Zi Han to slip away from his shoulder. Yi Chen had no choice but to put him down.


    Zi Han pressed Yi Chen¡¯s chest with his fingers pushing him back. Because the elevator doors had closed his back hit the hard surface.


    With a light bam, Yi Chen¡¯s back hit the doors his heart leaping out of his chest watching Zi Han with an intense burning gaze.


    His throat suddenly felt dry his mind high on anticipation. Zi Han nced back checking the coast and when he saw that the corridor was empty he raised his chin smiling like an enchanter before whispering in his ear.


    ¡°Wouldn¡¯t you rather be doing something else?¡± he said his voice like that of a siren luring men at sea.


    Yi Chen¡¯s adam¡¯s apple rolled as he moved away a little afraid he would pounce on him at any second. His muscles stiffened as he stered his fingers on the elevator wall.


    Zi Han bit his lower lip his hands caressing Yi Chen¡¯s chest in a slow and not so innocent way. His lips hovered around Yi Chen¡¯s igniting fiery sparks despite not having any contact. Zi Han nced at his moist lips for a second before looking into his eyes and whispering again, ¡°I will make it worth your while.¡±


    Li Ran, ¡°Step away from the temptress.... or is it tempter? Whatever the word, he is trying to get out of it and you know he can¡¯t enlist without that identification.¡±


    Zi Han, !!!


    Could he just box Li Ran up and ship him to the Republic? He had interrupted them twice now. Not once but twice. Surely he must have a vendetta against him, right?

 Chapter 231

    231 ....My son is not impotent


    The lights from outside shone through the windows of the hovercar at irregr intervals shedding some light onto Zi Feiji¡¯s flushed face. He had drunk so much at this dinner that he immediately closed his eyes as soon as he got into the hovercar. Unlike some, he was a well-behaved drunk, and just like an old pappy, he slept with the Nimsel on his chest.


    The cute little thing was also curled up into a ball breathing softly as they slept together. Zi Xingxi¡¯s lips slightly quirked as she took a picture of the two of them. She tapped on her light brain and pulled up her chat interface with her son and sent him the picture.w


    Recalling how her father was showing off the little rodent to the Marshal calling it his little great grandson, Zi Xingxi chuckled lowly attracting Old Lu¡¯s attention.


    To fully understand why she found this quite amusing one would have to have been there to hear this unusual conversation. It went something like this:


    Zi Feiji, ¡°Look, look, look isn¡¯t he cute? He is cute, fluffy, and obedient. I have a great grandson and you don¡¯t even have a grandson. Ha! And you think you a better than me.¡±


    Marshal Yi, ¡°You having a great grandson means you are old. You are so old that I would believe it if you say you have a great great great great grandson.¡±


    Lin Ruoxi, ¡°???¡±


    Zi Xingxi, ¡°....¡±


    Well, it¡¯s safe to say the Marshal was also drunk at this point.


    .....


    Zi Feiji, ¡°You are just jealous. I have a cute furry baby and you don¡¯t.¡±


    Marshal Yi, ¡°... no I am not.¡±


    Zi Feiji, ¡°Jea... lous..... admit it.¡±


    As he purposefully drew the word jealous, Zi Feiji rubbed Hansel¡¯s chubby belly from all the overeating with his index finger and the little guy made a wee sound in satisfaction.


    Marshal Yi who was visibly envious, ¡°Ru Ru, I want a great grandson? Why don¡¯t I have one?¡±


    Lin Ruoxi, ¡°You already have three kids and two of them still drink milk every day. You don¡¯t need a grandson let alone a great grandson.¡±


    Marshal Yi, ¡°It¡¯s that bastard Ah-Chen. Why doesn¡¯t he give me a grandson? Yah... it¡¯s all his fault.¡±


    Zi Xingxi, ¡°!!!!¡±


    Zi Xingxi, ¡°Ahahahaha.¡±


    Marshal Yi, ¡°What are youughing at? It¡¯s not funny. Oh, so you think you are better than me just because your son brought home a grandson.¡±


    Lin Ruoxi, ¡°It¡¯s a fuckin rat.¡±


    Zi Feiji covered Hansel¡¯s ears and scolded her, ¡°Shh, he is not a rat. He is a nimsel and a handsome one at that.¡±


    Marshal Yi, ¡°I am going to sort him out tonight. I want a bloody grandson.¡±


    Zi Feiji, ¡°At this rate, you will be lucky if you ever get one from him at all.¡±


    His words directly poked papa bear. Yes, his son was stoic and stone-faced but he was still a vigorous young man and wouldn¡¯t shoot nks so, of course, he would get a grandson in the future.


    Marshal Yi, ¡°You!..... I will force him to get one. Wait and see... tsk, my son is not impotent.¡±


    Zi Xingxi, ¡°Uh, your husband is drunk as fuck.¡±


    Lin Ruoxi, ¡°Yep.... *sigh, here eat some more and talk less.¡± As she said this she shoved some shredded duck meat into his mouth effectively shutting him up for a while.


    Zi Xingxi chuckled again as she ced her finger on her upper lip covering her smile. Old Lu nced at her in the review mirror and also smiled. It was good to see the young miss smile like this. She had never been the same ever since the prince died.


    A bright light shone in the hovercar followed by the buzzing sound from her light brain. It was a message from Lynn Feng. In fact, it was a location, the location of the person she was looking for. Zi Xingxi immediately raised her head and called out to Old Lu.


    ¡°Old Lu, drop me off ahead. I have something I need to take care of,¡± she said her expression grim with all that warmth from before vanishedpletely.


    Old Lu nod his head and pulled over. ¡°Be careful young miss. I will take care of the master,¡± said Old Lu.


    Zi Xingxi showed a slight smile before saying, ¡°Thank you,¡± and stepped out. A minuteter a hovercar descended from who knows where and the doors opened for Zi Xingxi.


    She sat inside and secretary K handed her a semi-automatic handgun as he exined, ¡°He is currently at his love nest. E.T.A five minutes.¡±


    Zi Xingxi nodded her head showing that she understood. She flicked her figures in a gesture that seemed to suggest that she was asking for something.


    Secretary K took out a suppressor and gave it to her. As she attached it to the muzzle of her semi automatic she said, ¡°We enter through the front door. Make sure no onees to his aid.¡±


    ¡°Yes ma¡¯am,¡± replied Secretary K as he sent instructions to the team that was on standby.


    In under five minutes a series of ck hovercars parked in front of a clubhouse type of property with some of them blocking the entrance and exit.


    Zi Xingxi¡¯s brows furrowed as the hovercar parked in front of the clubhouse. She stepped out of the hovercar without even making an attempt to conceal her weapon. She stepped into the dimly lit clubhouse with an overbearing aura that could never be replicated.


    Her men held back the staff that was approaching her giving her free passage. Zi Xingxi headed down the dim corridor with Secretary K right in front of her leading the way.


    Two minutester.....


    BANG!


    The door to the suite was kicked open followed by loud screamsing from other ces. Thinking it was a wifeing here to catch her husband cheating the escorts a.k.a. high-end prostitutes scattered like cockroaches in the night.


    The scarlet light shing in the dim lit room revealed Zi Xingxi¡¯s devilish grin giving off an eerie vibe. The two people on the bed abruptly separated while pulling the covers.


    The young man on the bed grabbed the bed sheet and jumped off but before he could leave Secretary K grasped his neck and tossed him to the ground.


    The young man grimaced in pain but he didn¡¯t dare cry out. Just now he was being drilled by his sugar daddy to the point that his back was going to break now he was being tossed to the ground. Fully aware of his own strengths and when to fight hey quietly on the ground reducing his sense of existence.

 Chapter 232

    232 ..... you killed him


    ¡°Who the fuck are you? Guards! Guards! Do you know who the fuck I am?!¡± yelled Prime minister Ikeda fuming in anger.


    Zi Xingxi grasped his jaw forcing his mouth open before feeding him the suppressor attached to the semi automatic.


    ¡°You know exactly who I am,¡± she whispered while grasping his hair forcing him to tilt his head upwards.


    In this poor lighting, she looked like a vengeful ghost on the hunt for the person who killed her.


    Knowing that he was the one she was looking for prime minister Ikeda shivered involuntarily but he still tried to put on a brave front. Because of the cold steel in his mouth, he couldn¡¯t speak so he could only re at her fiercely.


    ¡°Did you like what you saw, huh? Did you like it? The price for threatening my son is extremely high and I havee for my payment?¡± she whispered in his ear while tightening her grip on the prime minister¡¯s hair.


    The man grimaced as he closed his eyes tightly in pain. It was as though his hair was being pulled out from its roots. It was like his scalp was going to be ripped off his skull. Zi Xingxi roughly let him go and with a powerful swing, she struck his face with the barrel of her semi automatic.


    Three bam sounds apanied by heavy breathing and muffled cries followed as Zi Xingxi struck him repeatedly.


    After she was done she straighten her back and pulled back her hair with sweatcing her forehead. She exhaled softly as she stared at the man writhing on the bed with contempt.


    .....


    ¡°This is yourst and final warning. You so much as look at my son again and I won¡¯t be so merciful. I will end you,¡± she said before turning to leave.


    It was then the prime minister realized that she didn¡¯t know that he was the one who sent someone to kill Zi Han. He suddenly chuckled as a sense of relief washed over him. How could she find out when he covered his tracks very well?


    Zi Xingxi heard that soft chuckle but didn¡¯t care for it. She just wanted to get away from this room that smelt of lust and debauchery. While she was walking out she passed by the young man curled on the ground only for her steps to pause.


    Zi Xingxi pointed at the naked young man and Secretary K ordered, ¡°Look up,¡± but the young man was so frightened that he trembled while curling up further. Secretary K lost his patience thus he stepped forward and grasped his chin forcing him to look up.


    Zi Xingxi sneered when she saw that face. She clenched her fist as her jaw tightened and loosened in aggravation. She abruptly turned around and spoke through gritted teeth, ¡°You dare fucking sully his memory like this?! Who the fuck do you think you are?¡±


    The violent storm raging within her wasn¡¯t without reason. That boy looked eight parts simr to her husband. The fucking bastard had found a substitute to sleep with and satisfy his depraved desires.


    Prime minister Ikedaughed evilly as he sat up on the bed his upper body exposed. Coupled with his bloodied temple, swollen cheek, and bloodied nose he looked especially terrifying.


    ¡°What¡¯s wrong with that? Are you jealous I could find someone who looks just like him and you couldn¡¯t?.... If he had only chosen me.... if only he had chosen me, he wouldn¡¯t have died miserably. Instead, he fucking chose a ck widow.... a fucking husband killer like you. You, it was you... you killed him,¡± said the prime minister breaking into an emotional mess.


    Hearing this Zi Xingxi drew the gun in her hand taking a few steps forward while pointing it at him. She bit her lip hard while her long nails dug into her palm her knuckles turning white.


    ¡°Hahahaha go ahead..... kill me and watch the entire Bloodgarde burn. Without your protection, they will know who he really is and burn him to ash like they did his father. Do it..... fuckin do it,¡± he continued with his rant looking like a man ready to die.


    Secretary K ced his hand on her shoulder and gently squeezed it. Zi Xingxi¡¯s sanity slowly returned. She breathed heavily while taking a step back. The words ¡®.... you killed him¡¯ kept echoing in her mind. Yes, she failed to protect him. The one thing she was meant to do she failed miserably. He died under her protection.


    Emotionally distraught she turned to leave but just as she stepped out she heard the prime minister say, ¡°You have already failed him and will also fail his son. Just give him to me and I will take great care of him.¡±


    Three muffled shots rang in the air followed by chaotic sounds of a man cursing. It was a miracle that there wasn¡¯t any bloodshed that night.


    ***


    ¡°You say it¡¯s not painful but look at the faces he is making?¡±ined Zi Han with one foot at the door. After he failed to distract Yi Chen with his alluring charm he was forced toe back to the suite and like a wee littlemb waiting to be ughtered, he stood there watching as Li Ran got his done by a military certified tattoo artist.


    Calling them tattoos was only because of theck of a better word. They were unique patterns that could only be read by aser at a particr frequency, a frequency unique only to the army.


    These patterns could have been a simple barcode or QR code but it would make it easily recognizable to the enemy thus the unique designs making it appear like a regr tattoo.


    Why were these identification markers important? It contained personal information, military rank, medical history and it could be used to track that person if they go AWOL. All in all one couldn¡¯t enlist without it.


    Yi Chen had chosen a simple three star tattoo but still, Zi Han was very reluctant to get one. He decided to get hisst but it turns out it was a horrible idea. The more he saw the more he wanted to run.


    To keep himself calm he began to drink. Three shots in and he was pumping himself up calling himself a manly man. Unfortunately, even a manly man can also feel pain.

 Chapter 233

    233 What do you want to do?


    ¡°AAAAAHHHHH wait wait..... will it hurt and don¡¯t give me a bullshit answer like it¡¯s like being pricked with a needle type of pain... wait wait Hahaha, give me ten more minutes.¡±


    This was Zi Han¡¯s voice bouncing off the walls while going through a rollercoaster of emotions when it was his turn.


    Because he didn¡¯t trust Yi Chen with this he decided to go with the professional. But who would have thought when the time came the woman¡¯s face would be so terrifying?


    She looked like the wicked witch from snow white watching him fall into her clutches. Zi Han couldn¡¯t help but try to talk his way out of it or at least buy some time.


    Yi Chen couldn¡¯t watch this anymore thus he walked over and gestured to her to take a break. The woman who looked like she had been granted amnesty got up and walked away.


    Yi Chen sat down and ced his cool palm on Zi Han¡¯s neck. Their eyes collided for a moment making Zi Han feel some type of way inside. He was the first to look away feeling slightly embarrassed.


    ¡°Didn¡¯t you say you want to work with me in the future?¡± he asked his voice low enough that it was drowned by the background yammering happening behind them.


    Zi Han turned his body slightly to lie on his side. He cleared his throat and spoke a little hesitantly. ¡°I did,¡± he replied while cing his hand over Yi Chen¡¯s that was still resting on his neck.


    ¡°Didn¡¯t you say that you will have my back and I will have yours?¡± he asked again but Zi Han¡¯s chest felt heavy hearing this. He said it all and Yi Chen putting it out in the open just made him feel worse.


    .....


    ¡°Yes, I did but.... it looks really painful,¡± said Zi Han rubbing his thumb on the back of Yi Chen¡¯s hand.


    Yi Chen pressed his lips together for a while before lowering his head and whispering into his ear, ¡°Let me do it for you. I promise it won¡¯t be as painful,¡± with his lips lightly brushing Zi Han¡¯s ear lobe.


    Zi Han quickly covered his ear with his hand and red at Yi Chen before saying, ¡°You should talk nicely what is the point of whispering in my ear? It¡¯s not like like you are whispering some sort of secret.¡±


    Zi Han tore off Yi Chen¡¯s mask but Yi Chen didn¡¯t even feel guilty about it. He was trying to seduce Zi Han into getting this tattoo done and like a gullible idiot, Zi Han was tempted.


    With a half smile on his face, Yi Chen pulled over the equipment in preparation. Zi Han watched Yi Chen¡¯s long fingers pick up the grafting skin thin-like paper that was meant to blend in with his and he suddenly recalled the badge he took from that man who tried to kill him.


    He took it and said, ¡°Mm..... can you find out who this belongs to?¡±


    Yi Chen¡¯s brow furrowed slightly as he took the green badge with quails flying onto the horizon. He had seen this badge before. As the future Marshal, he had to memorize all crests and symbols belonging to powerful families and criminals alike.


    He knew this was from one of these interster pirates Zi Xingxi personally burnt to the ground.


    ¡°Why?¡± he asked in a serious tone.


    ¡°I need to find his employer. The man tried to kill us both,¡± replied Zi Han in a casual tone like he was discussing the weather.


    Yi Chen, ¡°....¡±


    His father was already looking into this matter but who would have thought the person also targeted Zi Han and Zi Han waited this long to tell him about it?


    Yi Chen called over Li Ran who was still sober enough to do some hacking. Li Ran held the badge in between his fingers before yelling, ¡°Don¡¯t worry sister-inw. I will find out who was paying him!¡±


    Zi Han, ¡°....¡±


    Okay, he was wrong. The man was definitely too drunk to do anything tonight.


    Zi Han sat up and wanted to retort but Yi Chen didn¡¯t give him a chance at all. He pressed Zi Han down and said in a deep voice, ¡°Don¡¯t move,¡± activating the docile voice-con within Zi Han.


    ¡°Okay,¡± he responded obediently that he only realized what he had done muchter. Since when did he start listening to Yi Chen without putting up a fight? This was really strange.


    Yi Chen immediately began to work on Zi Han¡¯s tattoo before he could change his mind. His expression was serious but if one looked closely they could see that his expression was more sullen than serious.


    Why was he sulking? That¡¯s because Zi Han didn¡¯t tell him about the guy who tried to kill him. Like always Zi Han would adopt the same attitude which was ¡®it¡¯s not important that¡¯s why I didn¡¯t tell you¡¯ a viewpoint Yi Chen didn¡¯t appreciate very much.


    An example of what would be considered unimportant would be something like finding a carton of milk on special in the store. Did someone trying to kill him look like it was on the same scale as buying milk at a special price?


    Zi Han could feel the suffocating air surrounding them. Thinking that Yi Chen was upset about him throwing a fuss about getting his tattoo done Zi Han didn¡¯t dare move. Even when it stung he just closed his eyes tightly.


    As Yi Chen looked down at those tightly shut eyes he endured the urge to stop. He paid serious attention to what he was doing. Just as he was finishing tracing it he suddenly felt a hand clutching his pants.


    He paused and looked down only to find Zi Han¡¯s hand clutching at his pants until his knuckles turned white. Yi Chen looked back at Zi Han¡¯s neck and asked, ¡°Do you need a break?¡±


    Zi Han didn¡¯t open his eyes instead he replied, ¡°Ah uh..... just let me hold you like this for a while.¡±


    Yi Chen felt all his irritation from before disappear. How could he stay mad at Zi Han for long? It didn¡¯t take much for Zi Han to coax him.


    As soon as they were done Zi Han made sure to benefit by using the pain he just endured as an excuse.


    He made sure Yi Chen kept to his promise. When Yi Chen asked him where he wanted it, Zi Han directly pulled up Yi Chen¡¯s t-shirt resulting in loud heckles from the onlookers. Zi Han only managed to lift Yi Chen¡¯s t-shirt to his waist before he was stopped.


    Yi Chen leaned down his eyes dark and unclear. With their cheeks almost touching Yi Chen asked, ¡°What do you want to do?¡±

 Chapter 234

    234 You can sleep with me if you are scared


    Zi Han slipped his fingers underneath the t-shirt and brushed past his tight abs while justifying himself, ¡°Didn¡¯t you ask me where I want it? Now take it off,¡± his cheeks slightly flushed from all the drinking.


    Yi Chen¡¯s gaze nced over at Zi Han¡¯s red and glossy lips from drinking and he subconsciously swallowed before crossing his arms and lifting the hem of his t-shirt.


    The action was simple enough but it was energetically earthy and sexually explicit arousing one¡¯s interest. With a half-smile, Yi Chen tossed his t-shirt at Zi Han¡¯s face.


    Zi Han pulled the shirt down and as that familiar fragrance wafted into his nose he smiled slightly while biting his lower lip. Anyone who wasn¡¯t blind could sense the unusual interaction between these two.


    They had all received the memo and understood to turn a blind eye and not talk nonsense outside the squad which wasn¡¯t a problem at all.


    The problem was the tattoo artist. Of course, she had been contracted by the military so many times and knew when to open her mouth but this piece of gossip was beyond her expectations.


    Zi Han stared intently at Yi Chen his eyes sending a clear message. His heart was racing as an inexplicable idea shed in his mind. He wanted to kiss Yi Chen right here right now with all these people here. Intoxicated by liquor and the sexual tension between them Zi Han found himself imagining sultry scenes straight out of the movies.


    He still didn¡¯t make a move though his bodynguage was so inviting. He rubbed his sweaty palm with his fingers his muscles subconsciously flexing.


    He parted his lips and pointed at Yi Chen¡¯s mermaid line before saying, ¡°I want it here,¡± his voice subtly changing pitch.


    .....


    Yi Chen grasped Zi Han¡¯s wrist and pressed his fingers on his mermaid line his expression serious. ¡°Pointing won¡¯t work. You have to touch the ce you want it just in case I get it wrong,¡± said Yi Chen but he soon regretted his decision.


    He meant to tease Zi Han but when those warm soft fingers touched his skin it stirred his entire system giving him a pleasant jolt. It was like an inexplicable warmth was radiating into his body and his breath amplified in his ear.


    Zi Han took his hand back in a hurry. That¡¯s because he felt like a million sparks wereing from where his wrist was held and it was rapidly spreading towards his lower half which wouldn¡¯t end well.


    Yi Cheny down and the tattoo artist took out fresh equipment. She tattooed the characters as instructed.


    It didn¡¯t take her long to finish. As soon as she was done she packed up and left this man cave raging with male hormones. She couldn¡¯t wait to get away lest she sees something that might get her silenced forever.


    Havingpleted their objective the scene became extremely rowdy afterward. There was a lot of drinking, eating, singing and sometimes dancing. After years of working towards such a goal and finally achieving it, they deserved to let loose.


    A flushed face Zi Han was sitting on the floor with a bottle of spritzer alcohol while watching Li Ran and another guy named Zain shrieking through the mic but judging from their expressions they seemed to think they were singing very well.


    Yi Chen walked over and sat on the couch right behind Zi Han and closed Zi Han¡¯s ears while reprimanding them, ¡°Haven¡¯t you sung enough? My sweetie¡¯s ears are about to bleed.¡±


    Zi Han turned his head sharply and wordlessly red at him. Yi Chen sighed before saying, ¡°Fine, I won¡¯t call you that either,¡± lowering his body with his hands gently patting Zi Han¡¯s chest.


    Zi Han averted his gaze as he leaned back with both of Yi Chen¡¯s legs caging him in on either side. Sitting like this Zi Han felt a powerful connection with Yi Chen that reached deep into his soul.


    ¡°Are you kidding me? That was a world-ss performance,¡± said Zain while sitting down dejectedly.


    Li Ran felt his voice was getting hoarse from all the singing so he suggested, ¡°How about we watch a movie? I bought one. It¡¯s called Dawn. I heard it¡¯s very good.¡±


    ¡°What is it about?¡± asked Zi Han before tilting his head backward and drinking the rest of the alcohol in his bottle.


    As he did that a patch of flushed supple skin was revealed down his t-shirt catching Yi Chen¡¯s attention. He suddenly had an inexplicable urge to touch it but he couldn¡¯t strike directly otherwise he would get into trouble.


    He ced both his hands on either of Zi Han¡¯s shoulders while Li Ran was exining the plot. Zi Han was very much interested, well, that is until he found out it was a horror movie, a ghost one at that.


    While he was voicing his objections Yi Chen became a little brazen. His hands roamed around Zi Han¡¯s chest through the fabric trying to act all natural but Zi Han could swear the man brushed past his nipple twice. And where was the evidence? His hardened nipple of course.


    ¡°If you guys watch that then tonight we are all sleeping with the lights on,¡± said Zi Han but his mind was straying from the conversation. He could feel Yi Chen tugging at the sleeve of his t-shirt before slowly moving closer to his cor. Yi Chen¡¯s movements were fleeting but they left Zi Han slightly tense all over with butterflies in his stomach.


    ¡°What? Are you afraid?¡± asked Zain followed by unrestrainedughter from the others.


    ¡°Fuck yeah I am. Why on earth would I say that?¡± replied Zi Han not even embarrassed at all. If he was afraid then he was afraid and there was no shame in admitting that.


    Zi Han felt cool fingers touching the exposed part of his corbone before slipping inside caressing his skin. Feeling itchy he grasped Yi Chen¡¯s hand stopping him from advancing.


    ¡°Come on, let¡¯s watch it together. We don¡¯t mind sleeping with the lights on,¡± replied another guy named Omari who was also a member of their elite squad.


    Zi Han knew there was no way he was getting away from this but before he could agree Yi Chen leaned down and with his nose pressing against Zi Han¡¯s neck he whispered,


    ¡°You can sleep with me if you are scared.¡± While whispering such a thing his thumb was rubbing the seam at the cor of Zi Han¡¯s t-shirt.


    Zi Han, ¡°....¡±


    He knew from that moment that once the lights were turned off he would be taken advantage of. His spine tingled as he leaned forward creating some distance between them.

 Chapter 235

    235 How to seduce your boyfriend the right way


    The lights in the hotel suite switched off suddenly and the giant floating screen lit up showing a surface of a calmke in the middle of the night. Wisps of mist wafted off the surface of the inky waters as eerie music yed in the background rousing one¡¯s imagination.


    Zi Han was already feeling a sense of unease. Licking his lips he pressed his back on the couch clutching the cushion in his hands tightly. The calm waters suddenly rippled and a head with patches of ck hair slowly emerged. Zi Han¡¯s brow furrowed, his chest rapidly rising and falling. He knew what wasing but he couldn¡¯t help but feel frightened.


    Soon a half rotten face with one eyeball hanging out of its socket appeared and with a loud shriek, the ghost crawled out of the water with its arms and legs bent crookedly.


    ¡°Shit,¡± swore Zi Han as the ghost dashed toward the screen. Zi Han lifted the cushion and covered his face before the scene changed.


    Yi Chen leaned down with his hair grazing Zi Han¡¯s ears and neck. Zi Han felt a pleasant itch that sessfully distracted him from the gruesome horror he had just seen.


    Zi Han pulled down the cushion and turned his head slightly and asked, ¡°What?¡±


    Yi Chen turned his head a little till he was staring at Zi Han¡¯s side profile. The light from the floating screen reflected on Zi Han¡¯s supple skin giving him the urge to pinch it.


    Yi Chen pursed his lips before leaning closer and saying, ¡°You don¡¯t have to watch. We can go to the master bedroom and watch anything you like.¡±


    Zi Han knew Yi Chen was only thinking of him when he said it but damn, he was also a man. A manly man at that. A manly man who just got a very very... very painful tattoo so he should toughen up and watch a ghost movie.


    .....


    ¡°I am fine.... now sit properly,¡± replied Zi Han but it seemed Yi Chen had selective hearing. Yi Chen didn¡¯t sit properly at all. He kissed Zi Han¡¯s shoulder as his strong hands gently and endearingly stroked the young man¡¯s chest. Zi Han¡¯s breath hitched in his throat as he felt those hands fondling him.


    He swallowed his saliva involuntarily before responding in a hoarse voice, ¡°Can we watch the movie for heaven¡¯s sake.¡±


    While saying this his fingers were clutching his calf nervously. He didn¡¯t want to admit it but Yi Chen¡¯s behavior had aroused him. Yi Chen lightly pressed his lips on Zi Han¡¯s neck with his hot breath spraying on his skin and almost at the same time, countless goose bumps appeared on that patch.


    ¡°Um,¡± replied Yi Chen his voice sluggish and mysteriously attractive. Yi Chen rest his chin on the top of Zi Han¡¯s head paying more attention to the movie but his hands remained dishonest.


    Because Zi Han didn¡¯t stop him Yi Chen became more brazen.


    A quarter way through the movie his fingers slipped underneath the t-shirt and caressed Zi Han¡¯s corbone and casually brushed Zi Han¡¯s nipple before slipping out and yfully tugging at his cor.


    Zi Han bit his lower lip preventing the sound stuck in his throat from escaping. His face flushed in an instant. It was so bad that the alluring crimson color spread all the way to his neck and his earlobes which were as red as cranberries.


    Zi Han grabbed the can of beer Yi Chen left on the side table and tilted his head slightly before drinking it. When he realized how bitter it was he hastily closed his mouth causing some of it to spill over down his chin to his neck.


    Yi Chen silently took the can out of his hand and ced it back on the side table. With a napkin in hand, his fingers slid up Zi Han¡¯s neck wiping away the drops of beer on his smooth skin while simultaneously forcing him to tilt his head backward.


    With his lips in view, Yi Chen lowered his head and pressed their lips together pushing through a piece of butterscotch candy into Zi Han¡¯s mouth.


    Zi Han¡¯s heart pounded hard against his chest in excitement but before he could indulge himself Yi Chen parted from him while asking, ¡°Is it better?¡±


    Zi Han, ¡°...¡±


    Of course, it¡¯s not better. He was greedy for more but the person just teased him like that before letting him go. Yi Chen let go of Zi Han¡¯s neck and kissed the top of his head before turning his attention back to the floating screen.


    Zi Han could hear the screams and shrieksing from the floating screen but his mind wasn¡¯t there. He was feeling very ufortable.


    Whenever Yi Chen moved, his body would stiffen in anticipation but for a long time, Yi Chen didn¡¯t do anything. The sweetness in his mouth suddenly turned tasteless reflecting how he was feeling.


    Zi Han bit his bottom lip and seriously paid attention to what was happening in the movie feeling disgruntled. His disappointment was short lived though. That¡¯s because the unruly pair of hands from before hade back, sliding down his chest even more brazen than before.


    Yi Chen¡¯s fingers stroked his chest then slowly slid down to his nipple and brushed against it in clear provocation. Zi Han¡¯s body involuntarily quivered as he grasped Yi Chen¡¯s hand and pulled it out of his t-shirt. Yi Chen didn¡¯t resist. Instead, he lowered his head and wordlessly kissed Zi Han¡¯s cheek. The kiss was fleeting but it was very effective. It was a good thing that everyone was focused on the horror movie otherwise Zi Han would surely die from embarrassment.


    Zi Han felt a slight pressure in his lower half thus he crossed his legs with the cushion covering the tent that had obviously arisen. With his back slightly bent Zi Han rubbed the tip of his nose the blush spreading all over till his entire face was red.


    Zi Han felt a little hot so he ced the cushion on the side and got up from the ground. As soon as he took a step, a hand grasped his wrist preventing him from leaving. Yi Chen pulled him back and asked, ¡°Where are you going?¡± while ncing at him but he couldn¡¯t see Zi Han¡¯s face clearly in the dim light.

 Chapter 236

    236 Mission aplished..... sort of


    ¡°To the bathroom. I will be right back,¡± replied Zi Han. Yi Chen nodded his head and loosened his grip. But just as he let him go the floating screen flushed shedding some light on Zi Han¡¯s lower half.


    Yi Chen didn¡¯t think much at that moment. As soon as Zi Han left he leaned back on the couch and continued to watch. But three minutester his brow furrowed as the image of Zi Han walking away shed in his eyes. Once he realized it he almost banged his head against a wall for being stupid.


    He immediately got up heading to the bathroom to look for Zi Han. He was in such a hurry that he didn¡¯t hear Li Ran saying, ¡°Chen-ge, bring some more beer when youe back.¡± Well, that is if he ising back.


    Because this was a family suite there were two ensuite bedrooms and one separate bathroom.


    Yi Chen checked the nearest bathroom but the door was wide open and there was no sign of Zi Han.


    His body trembling with excitement he strode into the master bedroom. Inside was empty but the bathroom door was closed shut. A sweet smile crept up his face as he walked over to the door.


    Zi Han was running the tap with a whoosh sound filling the room. He sshed his face with water twice and because he was careless some water dropletsnded on his pair of pants.


    ¡°Tsk,¡± he tsked pinching the hem of his t-shirt to take a look. He nced at the small wet patch right by the bulge that was gradually calming down.


    ¡°Go down already.... what are you getting excited for,¡± he whispered scolding his g pole that rose to the asion all because he got touched by Yi Chen. Zi Han sighed deeply before tilting his head slightly staring at the tattoo on the left side of his neck.


    .....


    He grimaced a little while observing it in the mirror when his blinking light brain grasped his attention. He tapped it and a message popped up on the screen.


    With a slight quirk at the corner of his lips, he opened it.


    MamaBearZi: (528e6ep.gif)


    Zi Han tapped on it and when he saw the gif of his grandpa sleeping with the little nimsel on his chest he smiled happily. It was so adorable that Zi Han couldn¡¯t help but want to make the image his profile picture on Sta. Zi Han scrolled through his gifs and picked one before sending it to her.


    HandsomeHan: (awwcute.gif)


    He pinched his lower lip as though thinking about something. After a few seconds he typed;


    HandsomeHan: I joined Yi Chen¡¯s elite team.


    HandsomeHan: (Exciteddog.gif)


    Just as he sent it he heard a soft knock at the door followed by Yi Chen¡¯s low voice.


    ¡°Han Han, it¡¯s me.... let me in,¡± said Yi Chen trying not to scare his prey. Zi Han didn¡¯t think much about it. That image of his grandpa sleeping with the little Nimsel on his chest was so heartwarming that his vignce dropped significantly.


    Zi Han absentmindedly opened the door to let him in while trying to pull up the gif again and show it to Yi Chen. But before he could even find it he heard the door get mmed shut followed by a click. His back stiffened hearing this. Zi Han didn¡¯t even dare turn around.


    It was Yi Chen who came up from behind him and spun him around before picking him up and making him sit on the vanity top.


    ¡°Yi Chen what are you mm...,¡± he said but his lips were sealed shut before he could even finish.


    Yi Chen spread Zi Han¡¯s legs apart with his body as he slipped in between Zi Han¡¯s thighs. He raised his left hand and his fingers gently stroked the side of Zi Han¡¯s neck deepening the kiss.


    The cool touch of Yi Chen¡¯s lips made Zi Han muddle-headed. It was as though his soul had departed from his body flying straight to seventh heaven before falling back reluctantly.


    ¡°Mhm.... mm,¡± he groaned as Yi Chen¡¯s fingers moved to the back of his neck drawing him closer.


    Zi Han clutched Yi Chen¡¯s t-shirt on either side of his waist and dragged him closer to ease the difort in his pants. Yi Chen started off with a slow-paced kiss but Zi Han could feel the hint of urgency concealed within. But his resolve soon broke when he heard Zi Han¡¯s contented groans tickling his ear.


    Yi Chen nibbled on Zi Han¡¯s lips before prying them open his fingers pressing against his lover¡¯s nape. Panting heavily he chased Zi Han¡¯s tongue and when he didn¡¯t get what he wanted he withdrew his moist tongue and sucked on Zi Han¡¯s lips.


    His other hand slipped inside Zi Han¡¯s t-shirt and caressed his soft skin. In response, Zi Han leaned back a little jerking away from his provocative touch. A strong numbness spread all over his body to his scalp as he let out a soft groan while panting heavily.


    The tip of Zi Han¡¯s tongue brushed against Yi Chen¡¯s and the person trembled in excitement as an electrifying feeling spread all over his body.


    Yi Chen leaned his upper body forward with his hand underneath Zi Han¡¯s t-shirt pressing against his lower back. Zi Han wrapped his legs around Yi Chen¡¯s hips as their tongues entwined in an erotic entanglement.


    Zi Han indulged in his carnal desires grinding and rubbing against his lover letting himself go. He felt a strong urge to have his nipples touched thus he reluctantly parted from Yi Chen¡¯s lips and bit his earlobe before whispering,


    ¡°Touch me.¡±


    That bewitching voice made Yi Chen¡¯s heart itch. He didn¡¯t need to be told twice. His fingers stroked up Zi Han¡¯s abs and waist before teasing his lover¡¯s nipple with his thumb. Overwhelmed by the wave of pleasure sweeping through his nerve endings he drew Yi Chen closer deepening the kiss. Zi Han knew very well that he was ying with fire but for once he didn¡¯t want to stop.


    He wanted to keep going and reach a pinnacle that he had only ever reached by himself. He wanted to feel the passion that plenty mored about on StarNet. The kind of passion that can only be felt between two people with a strong mental, physical and emotional connection.

 Chapter 237

    237 CAUTION NSFW..... I REPEAT NSFW


    ¡°Wa, wait Aaah... Chen-ge mmm,¡± were the incoherent murmurs and suppressed gaspsing from Zi Han as Yi Chen tugged at his belt while nibbling, licking, and blowing on his neck.


    It felt so good that Zi Han couldn¡¯t help fumbling around to grasp Yi Chen¡¯s hand that was unbuckling his belt while groaning. Yi Chen felt a warm hand touching him thus he stopped his actions and looked at Zi Han. When he saw Zi Han¡¯s misty eyes with slight redness on their rims he couldn¡¯t help but swallow subconsciously.


    He was determined to solve Zi Han¡¯s situation down south thus he resorted to coaxing and seduction to get what he wanted.


    Yi Chen kissed his soft lips in a long lingering kiss filled with tender affection before whispering, ¡°Let me take care of you. I promise it won¡¯t hurt.¡±


    Zi Han pressed his palm on the side of Yi Chen¡¯s face and brushed the man¡¯s cheek with his thumb while staring intensely into his eyes. ¡°It¡¯s not that... we are a little drunk and...,¡± he said but Yi Chen¡¯s fingers pressed on his back caressing and kneading downwards making Zi Han involuntarily close his eyes gasping for air. The sensation was so intense that his insides were shivering in excitement.


    ¡°..... You aren¡¯t drunk enough not to remember,¡± whispered Yi Chen with his lips hovering over Zi Han¡¯s cheek, ¡°you will definitely remember this.¡±


    He lightly bit his lower lip with a slight quirk at the corner of his lips as his fingers unbuttoned Zi Han¡¯s pants.


    Zi Han stroked the back of Yi Chen¡¯s neck bringing him closer to kiss his lips but the soft kiss turned into him lightly biting Yi Chen¡¯s lower lip. That¡¯s because Yi Chen had pulled down the zipper of his pants and pulled out his hard member.


    Yi Chen teasingly stroked the shaft while pressing his nose to the side of Zi Han¡¯s face watching his every reaction. Zi Han¡¯s face was flushed like a blooming rosebud and he was biting his lower lip hard. Yi Chen grasped his chin and kissed him forcibly to prevent him from biting too hard.


    .....


    He grazed the tip of Zi Han¡¯s cock with his thumb and Zi Han groaned while sucking on his lips. It felt both weird and exhrating for Zi Han to be doing such things with Yi Chen.


    ¡°I promise I will make you feel good,¡± whispered Yi Chen before licking and biting his ear lobe.


    Zi Han was too immersed in the pleasant feeling that he didn¡¯t notice Yi Chen going down on his knees. It was only when the tip of his cock was licked did he jerk up and looked down.


    ¡°Aughh... fuck Ah-Chen wha..... Aaah fuck,¡± he whimpered caught between stopping him or not. Defeated by the sudden thrill Zi Han clutched the edge of the vanity while his other hand gently stroked Yi Chen¡¯s hair.


    Zi Han felt a warm, wet sensation on his crotch area. His heart swelled in anticipation and when Yi Chen asked him to open his eyes he obediently did so.


    His body shivered in excitement watching Yi Chen taking in his hardness fully into his mouth. Zi Han ran his fingers through Yi Chen¡¯s hair as he breathed heavily.


    Sounds of sucking and slurping filled the spacious bathroom apanied by asional moans and pants.


    When Yi Chen deep-throated his cock it was like his soul was sucked into an unfathomable vortex. He didn¡¯t want him to stop thus his fingers pressed a little harder on Yi Chen¡¯s head and his waist twisted involuntarily soughting out the very same feeling from before.


    When Yi Chen hit the right spot Zi Han¡¯s breathing quickened as bursts of intense pleasure pulsed through his body.


    ¡°Aaah.... ha..... mmm. Don¡¯t stop.... Aaah fuck.... ah ah,¡± he moaned with his hand clutching the edge of the vanity tightly until his knuckles turned white.


    The exhrating sensation became unbearable for him. His muscles contracted involuntarily and he whispered his voice hoarse, ¡°I am cumming.... ah ah ah..... mmmm.¡± Fearing they would be heard he bit his lip letting out muffled groans as he shot out a warm sticky fluid on Yi Chen¡¯s face.


    As the wonderful feeling died down Zi Han suddenly felt embarrassed but Yi Chen didn¡¯t let him go down that path.


    With a devilish grin, Yi Chen wiped away some of the cum on his cheek with his thumb and licked it clean like he was eating something delicious.


    Zi Han was frozen on the spot as he watched Yi Chen while lightly biting his lower lip like he wanted a taste.


    Yi Chen rub the cum off his chin and caressed Zi Han¡¯s lip with his thumb forcing his mouth open. Zi Hanplied parting his lips while tilting his head slightly. In all of this, his gaze never left Yi Chen¡¯s like he was gazing deep into his heart.


    Zi Han licked the sticky fluid on his lips inevitably licking Yi Chen¡¯s thumb in the process.


    Yi Chen¡¯s eyes darkened and he lowered his head and kissed Zi Han with slight urgency. The two of them engaged in a passionate hot kiss and by the time Zi Han stopped to catch his breath half his clothes were off.


    Zi Han pulled up the hem of Yi Chen¡¯s t-shirt and once he took it off he pressed him against the shower door with their tongues entwined in a heated exchange.


    Yi Chen breathed heavily as Zi Han sucked and licked his neck down to his chest. It felt so good he couldn¡¯t help but twist his hips to relieve the pressure in his pants.


    Unable to bear it he pulled Zi Han and pressed his body against the shower ss. Zi Han pressed his fingers against the shower ss unaware of what Yi Chen was nning to do.


    He felt his pants get pulled all the way down and soon heard rustling behind him. He bit his lip looking forward to what wasing next.


    Yi Chen didn¡¯t disappoint. He stered his bare chest on Zi Han¡¯s back and bit his shoulder while his hand caressed Zi Han¡¯s chest.


    Zi Han groaned as he subconsciously tilted his head to the side. Yi Chen grind up against his body while whispering, ¡°How did I do?¡±


    Zi Han¡¯s ears felt hot from Yi Chen¡¯s warm breath blowing into his ear scorching his heart. He raised his hand and rubbed the back of Yi Chen¡¯s neck and replied, ¡°The exam isn¡¯t over yet,¡± with a seductive look in his eyes.


    Yi Chen smiled slyly while pinching his chin forcing him to look back before kissing his lips. Lewd kissing sounds filled the bathroom clearly expressing the fierce exchange happening between these two.

 Chapter 238

    238 You better be reading this in private


    Yi Chen gently sucked on Zi Han¡¯s ear lobe before whispering, ¡°Press your legs together.¡±


    Zi Han had no idea what Yi Chen was going to do but he was especially obedient. ¡°Like this?¡± he asked and Yi Chen wrapped his arm around Zi Han¡¯s hips pulling him closer.


    ¡°Cross your ankles together,¡± whispered Yi Chen while pinching Zi Han¡¯s nipple.


    ¡°Ah fuck... stop distracting me,¡± said Zi Han with a smile stered on his face.


    Yi Chen breathed on his neck causing Zi Han to break out in goosebumps his skin flushed. ¡°Let me show what it means to distract you,¡± said Yi Chen grasping Zi Han¡¯s cock that was already standing at half-mast ready to go with a little stimtion.


    Zi Han leaned his head back resting it on Yi Chen gasping for air. Yi Chen sucked on his neck leaving behind an obvious hickey as he slipped his hard member in between Zi Han¡¯s thighs that were pressed together.


    Zi Han was a little startled at first but he quickly recovered letting Yi Chen do as he pleased. He didn¡¯t even know when Yi Chen lubricated his cock making it especially slippery.


    Yi Chen slipped his arms underneath Zi Han¡¯s giving him enough space to work with. While stroking Zi Han¡¯s shaft he thrust in between that gap his hips swinging with a discernable rhythmic PA PA PA sound.


    ¡°... ah ah fuck,¡± groaned Yi Chen into Zi Han¡¯s ear thoroughly enjoying this pleasurable sensation.


    .....


    Ten minutester deep groans like that of a man reaching climax echoed in the bathroom followed by the sounds of kissing and the shower being turned on. If one listened closely they would hear one scolding the other for being sexually deprived. That¡¯s because they couldn¡¯t get enough and wanted to coax the other to do more.


    After managing to get away from Yi Chen, Zi Han slipped into the warm bed dressed in a pair of shorts and a t-shirt. He had managed to find a bottle of red wine in the room but there were no wine sses.


    Since he didn¡¯t want to go out he just opened it with ease and drank it while watching some tv series under the covers. Yi Chen came out of the bathroom shirtless with his casual pants intentionally lowered showing off his tattoo of Zi Han¡¯s name on his mermaid line.


    Zi Han nced over and his gaze shifted downwards lingering on the tattoo of his name. He had to admit that this was the best idea he had ever had. Seeing it made his heart blossom like a lily during sunrise and his chrysanthemum blooming under the warm sun.


    This thought had him furrowing his brow but he soon wasn¡¯t thinking about it because Yi Chen grasped his ankle underneath the covers and pulled him down before climbing on top of him.


    ¡°You started drinking without me?¡± asked Yi Chen while grabbing the half-empty wine bottle and taking a sip.


    Zi Han stretched out his hands and caressed Yi Chen¡¯s abs. ¡°You took too long,¡± replied Zi Han smilingly.


    Yi Chen put the bottle back on the pedestal and lowered his body while grasping both of Zi Han¡¯s wrists with one hand and pressing his arms down over his head.


    Zi Han bit his lower lip while his feet yfully rubbed against the bed. Yi Chen nted his lips on his and forced down the wine from his mouth into Zi Han¡¯s.


    Zi Han drank it all up with a little spilling over at the corner of his lips. Yi Chen lowered his body further and licked the wine off his cheeks and neck his intentions clear. Zi Han wrapped his arm around Yi Chen¡¯s neck before flipping their bodies over and switching positions.


    Yi Chen thought he was about to be served some dessert but Zi Han pressed his chest down while straddling him and said with a beaming smile, ¡°You rubbed my thighs raw so you can¡¯t have more tonight.¡±


    Yi Chen ced his arm behind his head seeming rxed. He nced at Zi Han¡¯s lower half and teased, ¡°You keep saying that but he hasn¡¯t had enough.¡±


    Zi Han, ¡°...¡±


    His junior brother was most definitely a pig teammate selling him out with no hesitation.


    ¡°He will calm down on his own. He just had a taste and hasn¡¯t calmed down yet,¡± replied Zi Han while lightly brushing his fingertips on Yi Chen¡¯s chest.


    Yi Chen gently squeezed Zi Han¡¯s thigh while offering his services. ¡°I can give him another taste if you want,¡± he said before flipping their bodies and pressing Zi Han on the bed. asional sounds ofughter and scolding could be heard from outside the door but no one dared disturb this delicate atmosphere.


    ***


    ¡°What room is he in?!¡± asked Zi Xingxi her tone harsh. Lynn Feng jolted back in fright hearing this the first thing after waking up.


    She was about to respond when Secretary K interjected trying to reason with her. ¡°Ma¡¯am, don¡¯t you want to wait for him toe back? I am pretty sure you going to find the young sir like this will only make things worse.¡±


    He was being reasonable but Zi Xingxi wasn¡¯t in her right mind already. Why was she upset? It was because of Zi Han¡¯s messagest night.


    She said she wouldn¡¯t interfere in their rtionship but that didn¡¯t include his career. If these two are in the same squad then that gives the future marshal unprecedented power which will attract more trouble for either of them worse of if they find out Zi Han¡¯s true identity.


    As soon as she saw that message she immediately called Lynn Feng at the break of dawn. Secretary K tried to talk some sense into her knowing fully well that Zi Han won¡¯t like it but she wasn¡¯t listening to anyone.


    Thus Zi Xingxi walked into the hotel lobby and bypassed the reception desk with no hindrance. While she was stirring up trouble Lynn Feng frantically called Zi Feiji.


    If anyone could calm Zi Xingxi down it would be Zi Feiji but like her, he was also surprised. Why the hell would Zi Han join Yi Chen¡¯s squad despite having told him not to? He honestly thought Zi Han would stick to Evan¡¯s squad but it turns out his grandson did the opposite. Talk about calling forth trouble upon oneself.


    With a click, the hotel room door opened after being hacked by Lynn Feng. Zi Xingxi bypassed the boys sleeping on the couch and peeked into the first room that had its door open but Zi Han wasn¡¯t there.


    It was then her attention turned to the closed door. Secretary K¡¯s heart sank watching this prelude to a big fight.

 Chapter 239

    239 First big fight


    In his sleep, Zi Han felt like he was being constricted by a sea serpent. No matter how hard he tried to free himself the coils around him would only tighten further.


    That¡¯s because a shirtless Yi Chen was holding onto him tightly like he was afraid he would disappear in an instant. Yi Chen¡¯s insecurities clearly manifested while he was sleeping.


    Despite Zi Han¡¯s attempts to free himself, he slept rather peacefully. The pair appeared tranquil as they cuddled under the quilt. Unfortunately, this beautiful scene didn¡¯tst long. That¡¯s because the door that was clearly locked from the inside was suddenly kicked open startling the two.


    ¡°ZI HAN!¡± yelled a voice he was more than familiar with.


    ¡°Shit,¡± he murmured as his eyes opened abruptly. He quickly sat up with his eyes as wide as light bulbs in shock.


    Zi Xingxi nced at his fully clothed self and heaved an internal sigh but when she saw the shirtless Yi Chen sitting next to him she got even angrier.


    ¡°Mum, what are you...,¡± he said only to shut his mouth when he met her fierce gaze.


    ¡°Get dressed and let¡¯s go,¡± she said her tone cold sending shivers down Zi Han¡¯s spine.


    Yi Chen interlocked their fingers underneath the quilt and squeezed gently. Zi Han nced at Yi Chen only for Zi Xingxi to explode further.


    .....


    ¡°What the fuck are you looking at him for? Get dressed now!¡± she said while picking up one of the pillows on the ground and throwing it at him.


    Zi Han pulled his hand back and hurriedly got up. He picked up his pair of pants he left on the asional chair in the hotel suite and as he wore them he couldn¡¯t help but try to talk some sense into her.


    ¡°Mum, you can¡¯t do this? Can¡¯t I have some privacy?¡± he said but Zi Xingxi wasn¡¯t even listening to him. Like an angry bull, she was seeing red. That¡¯s because she saw a lot of hickeys on Yi Chen¡¯s chest and there was no need to guess who did that. The tension in the room was palpable, almost unbearable.


    She clenched her fists while glowering at Yi Chen like she was going to fuck him up at any second. Secretary K was worried that Zi Xingxi might really beat the shit out of Yi Chen if they stayed longer thus he walked in and found Zi Han¡¯s shoes and urged him.


    ¡°Young sir, please... you are only making things worse the longer you stay,¡± he whispered.


    Zi Han wanted to say something but he swallowed his words back as he bend down to put on his shoes.


    As soon as he was done he walked over to his mother and said, ¡°Ma, let¡¯s go.¡±


    ¡°Secretary K, get him out of here,¡± she said and Zi Han¡¯s heart sank.


    He tremblingly shook his head while stuttering, ¡°N-no, let¡¯s go,¡± and when Secretary K grabbed both his arms from behind and dragged him out Zi Han exploded, ¡°No, let me the fuck go... no.¡±


    Secretary K was powerful enough to subdue him. He took him outside the bedroom door and pressed him on the wall while whispering, ¡°Young sir calm down. Please.¡±


    Zi Han nced over at Li Ran and the others who were being held down by his mother¡¯s men before looking back at Secretary K and said, ¡°She is acting fuckin crazy.¡±


    Secretary K also thought so but what could he do? No one could defy her orders not even Zi Feiji.


    Meanwhile, Yi Chen pulled away from the covers his expression calm and aloof like he was the least bit affected. He wasn¡¯t afraid either.


    When he stood up, Zi Xingxi saw it. She saw her son¡¯s name on his body and her expression turned deadly like a viper about to strike.


    ¡°If you want to bring down the Yi family then do so but don¡¯t bring my son into it. They are going toe after us and im that we are trying to overthrow the elected government, ¡± she said in a menacing voice that could have anyone scared to tears.


    Yi Chen didn¡¯t respond immediately. He put on his t-shirt before saying, ¡°It¡¯s already toote for that. Whether we stand individually or together they will stille after us.¡±


    Hearing this Zi Xingxi was stuck in a stupor for a second. She resisted the urge to swing at him and spoke through gritted teeth, ¡°You don¡¯t know what the fuck you are doing. If they know who he.....¡±


    ¡°If they do find out they won¡¯t be able to touch him because he will be by my side. I love him.... and I won¡¯t let anyone harm him,¡± said Yi Chen his words heartfelt and sincere but that wasn¡¯t Zi Xingxi¡¯s focus.


    Her breath hitched as the words ¡®if they do find out¡¯ echoed in her mind. Her chest fell and rose rapidly as she took a step back. Her brow furrowed as she stared at him with a ghastly expression.


    How could he know? How did he know? Who else knows? A series of questions filled her mind making her protective instinct kick in. She subconsciously wanted to kill everyone outside her circle who knew.


    As she sank deep into this sinister thought two picture frames appeared in front of her. She didn¡¯t immediately receive it. She just stared at the pictures nkly.


    ¡°This belongs to you... I didn¡¯t tell him but I think you should because he will eventually find out.¡±


    Zi Xingxi¡¯s eyes reddened as she raised her trembling hand and took away the pictures.


    She put away the pictures and red at him one more time before storming out of there. Zi Han who didn¡¯t hear any cries of paine from the room felt a sense of relief when he saw his mother walk out.


    Secretary K loosened his grip and Zi Han pushed him away before dashing over to the door. He wanted to check if Yi Chen was okay but before he could even take another step he was suddenly grabbed by the back of the neck and pulled back.


    ¡°Let¡¯s go,¡± muttered Zi Xingxi in a fierce voice as she led him away.


    Zi Han wanted to free himself but his mother¡¯s grip was as tight as the jaws of life. As soon as they stepped into the elevator his mother held onto his arm instead.


    Zi Han tried to shake off her hand but Zi Xingxi tightened her grasp and pulled him closer. ¡°Don¡¯t make trouble,¡± she said and when the elevator door opened Zi Han was led to the hovercar.

 Chapter 240

    240 Running away from home


    A livid-faced Zi Han sat opposite her his expression dark but Zi Xingxi didn¡¯t back down. She pinched his chin and forced him to tilt his head exposing the three-star tattoo partially covered by the cor of his t-shirt.


    ¡°Why would you even do that? Didn¡¯t I discuss this with you before yet you went behind my back and still joined his squad,¡± she said with a grim expression.


    Zi Han swallowed with his adam¡¯s apple rolling lightly before saying, ¡°You said you wouldn¡¯t interfere.¡±


    Zi Xingxi stared at him with a meaningful gaze for a second before letting him go. After a while, she said, ¡°That was my biggest mistake. I should have never brought you here.¡±


    ¡°Why? All my life you have been hiding me... you even hid me from grandpa. He missed out on seventeen years of my life and for what? Huh? For what reason would you take such a precious thing away from me?¡± asked Zi Han on the verge of losing his mind.


    All his life he thought he was a simple person raised by his simple mother but one day everything he thought was wasn¡¯t but his mother never bothered to exin to him why.


    Enraged Zi Xingxi opened her mouth to say something but paused before changing her words. Why should she exin herself? Everything she did she did it for him. It was all for his own good so what right did he have to question her?


    ¡°Watch your words. You have absolutely no right...,¡± she said as the hovercar stopped.


    Zi Han clenched his jaw while ring at her for a while. He suddenly got out of the hovercar and entered the house.


    .....


    ¡°Han Han... Han Han wait,¡± she called out following behind.


    Zi Han passed by Zi Feiji but didn¡¯t speak to him. Perplexed Zi Feiji called out to him as well but he was only met with the harsh mming of the door.


    Zi Feiji, ¡°....¡±


    Zi Xingxi banged on the door a couple of times calling out, ¡°Zi Han open the door right now. If you don¡¯t open it I will break it down.¡±


    Zi Han stood with his back against the door. He slowly closed his eyes while running his fingers through his hair before crouching down.


    Bang bang bang!


    The sounds of the door being knocked on were so irritating that he closed his ears on the verge of a nervous breakdown.


    Zi Feiji who couldn¡¯t bear it anymore pulled her away and said, ¡°Give him some space.¡±


    Zi Xingxi who had basically lost it at this point walked away while saying, ¡°That disrespectful brat doesn¡¯t deserve any space. How dare he.¡±


    This was the first big fight she had ever had with Zi Han and boy was she handling it wrong. She knew how to deal with enemies and subordinates but she didn¡¯t know how to deal with her son. She wanted to fix things instantly and the more Zi Han shut her off the more the urge to fix it.


    Unfortunately, it was only making things worse. Zi Feiji knew she was going to fulfill her promise and break down that door thus he tried to talk some sense into her.


    For the next hour, the two had a heated discussion about this but Zi Xingxi was still being hot-headed. Thus when Zi Han suddenly came downstairs heading for the door the disagreement escted again.


    ¡°Where are you going?¡± she asked as she got up.


    Zi Han paused his steps and turned to her before saying, ¡°I finally figured it out. All this has to do with my father doesn¡¯t it?... I want to know everything about him starting with who he is,¡± his tone indignant.


    Everyone including Zi Xingxi fell silent for a minute. Who in this room was willing to crack that egg open? Seeing that no one responded Zi Han continued, ¡°You tell me everything or I walk out of that door. I will onlye back when someone in this house is ready to talk.¡±


    ¡°ZI HAN!¡± yelled Zi Xingxi her anger reaching a critical level.


    ¡°You see I knew it. You care more for your dead husband than your very much alive son,¡± he said his eyes stinging having lost himself to his emotions. It was never a good idea to leave Zi Han alone in his mind when he was in distress. That¡¯s because his thoughts veered far off course leading him to think such negative things.


    ¡°Han Han you....,¡± said Zi Feiji but he paused when he saw Zi Xingxi stride over before raising her hand to hit him. He immediately grasped her wrist and held her back but as though possessed by ghosts and demons Zi Han kept talking.


    ¡°Now I get it. Grandpa, do you see it? She doesn¡¯t put any of us in her eyes except that husband of hers,¡± he said as tears flowed down his face.


    ¡°Zi Han that¡¯s enough,¡± said Zi Feiji while struggling to hold back Zi Xingxi who was trying to break free.


    ¡°You see what I mean. He is ungrateful. After all his father did for him he is still so disrespectful,¡± she said while pointing at him angrily while pushing her father forward trying to get to him.


    ¡°He is not my father... I never had one,¡± he said before Zi Xingxi broke free and chased after him.


    ¡°You!....¡± she yelled but before she could get to him Zi Feiji grasped her shoulders and pulled her back while Old Lu convinced Zi Han to leave the house.


    They were both stubborn by nature and the best solution was to take one of them out of the equation to calm things down. Zi Han didn¡¯t even think twice. He left the house leaving his grandfather to deal with his angry mother.


    ¡°Where is he going to go? You can¡¯t let him leave,¡± she said pushing back her hair that was blocking her eyes.


    ¡°He is already gone now we can talk. Let¡¯s talk, okay?¡± said Zi Feiji his tone soft like coaxing a child throwing a tantrum.


    Zi Xingxi suddenly felt defeated. Her shoulders slumped as she called out in a brittle voice, ¡°Dad..... they will do the same thing they did to us. They can hide their rtionship but if they openly work together it¡¯s like an open deration of opposition. They will think we want.... we want to bring back the monarchy the moment they know who he is. I.... I don¡¯t want him to get hurt.¡±


    ¡°Then we protect the both of them. We won¡¯t let history repeat itself... Fighting with your son will only make things worse. Does Xingxi understand dad¡¯s words?¡±

 Chapter 241

    241 .....Come find me


    Zi Han had never been this mad in his entire life. He was so mad that he left without a n. Secretary K just drove aimlessly while asionally watching him in the rear view mirror. Several times he had opened his mouth to say something but he would find himself at a loss and thus shut his mouth.


    The young man was staring nkly out of the window his entire face red after that whole ordeal. His eyes were misty and bloodshot but the tears had long stopped flowing and his emotions had settled.


    As though shocked by a bolt of lightning Zi Han sat up straight and said, ¡°I want to go to the spherical gardens.¡±


    Secretary K nodded in agreement before setting the location in the driving system. The car veered and changed direction. In no less than three minutes, therge see-through spheres of the spherical garden came into view.


    The hovercar stopped at a VIP parking and Secretary K got out to lead him but as soon as Zi Han stepped out of the hovercar he said, ¡°You don¡¯t need to send me. I want to be alone.¡±


    Secretary K wanted to refuse but seeing Zi Han¡¯s fierce gaze he swallowed back his words and transferred a VIP pass to Zi Han before saying, ¡°I will wait for you. As soon as you are ready to leave please give me a call.¡±


    Zi Han ¡®um¡¯ perfunctorily as he turned to leave. While he was walking away Secretary K made a call asking for some people to follow Zi Han and give him regr updates.


    Zi Han who was well aware of his surroundings knew that Secretary K had people watching him for his own safety thus he didn¡¯t make a fuss.


    He took full advantage of this rare tranquil moment to arrange his thoughts. Sitting on the garden bench in front of the artificialke his mind became clear. He was thinking of his mother, the father he had never met, and his grandfather. He loved them all but right now they couldn¡¯t give him the feeling he was seeking.


    .....


    The only person who could give him what he was looking for was an unrted person and that unrted person was Yi Chen. He was a person that loved him not because they had the same blood coursing through their veins nor because they had partially simr DNA.


    Right now, it was that kind of love he wanted. Love so risky and fragile that most fear would vanish at a moment¡¯s notice.


    As his mind delve deeper into such thoughts Zi Han made up his mind. The only person who could make him feel something right now was Yi Chen. He immediately got up and just like a Zi he evaded the men sent by Secretary K and left the spherical gardens.


    He took a quick trip to the mall before heading to Yi Chen¡¯s apartment. As soon as he got there he tossed the contents of everything he bought on the coffee table and spread them out while picking them one by one.


    His expression changed from being confident to a sullen one as he scratched the back of his head. He was really starting to regret it. He slumped onto the backrest of the couch and pursed his lips before opening his light brain. He opened StarNet intending to search for something but he suddenly saw a couple of messages from his mother and grandfather as well as Secretary K whom he had just ditched.


    He ignored his mother¡¯s message and responded to both Secretary K and his grandfather before enabling the settings on his light brain that will make sure none of them disturb him.


    After that, he sat crossed-legged on the couch and started researching a subject so sensitive that he would be barred by StarNet from researching it.


    Two hourster Yi Chen who was with Li Ran trying to figure out who wanted to kill both him and Zi Han received an unexpected message.


    He casually nced at his light brain but when his brain finally registered that it was a message from Zi Han his heart jolted as he got up to read it in private.


    Li Ran seemed to know who it was. He casually nced at him and said, ¡°You two almost blinded mest night. If you unt your love in front of this single dog again I will bite.¡±


    Yi Chen chuckled lightly while saying, ¡°Whose fault is it that you can¡¯t hook the bait properly and catch your prey?¡±


    Li Ran, ¡°...¡±


    ¡°You are such a jerk sometimes,¡± said Li Ran scolding him.


    Yi Chen ignored the stupid look on his face and walked away while tapping his light brain. He thought Zi Han was probably having a discussion with his mother thus he gave him some space. He had already asked him three hours ago if he was okay but Zi Han didn¡¯t respond. Yi Chen tapped the chat interface open and inside was an image.


    HandsomeHan: (Image 59267. jpg)


    HandsomeHan: Come find me.


    Yi Chen downloaded the image with a furrow between his brows. At this moment he was thinking something was wrong with Zi Han thus he subconsciously picked up his jacket.


    ¡°Where are you going?¡± asked Li Ran shifting his gaze from therge floating screen.


    ¡°I.... shit,¡± said Yi Chen when he saw the image of Zi Han in front of a mirror biting the hem of his vest partially revealing his sexy abs and chest his pose lubricious and wanton.


    ¡°What? What¡¯s wrong?¡± asked Li Ran getting up from his seat but Yi Chen raised his finger with his back at Li Ran while saying,


    ¡°No... it¡¯s nothing. Let, let me know if you find something.¡±


    Li Ran¡¯s brow twitched as he watched Yi Chen leave. If Yi Chen had turned to face him Li Ran would have been scared silly. That¡¯s because the bulge in Yi Chen¡¯s pants was no joking matter.


    His ears bright red he leaped off the balcony while summoning his mech. In less than five minutes he appeared in front of their home.


    He disengaged his mech and hurriedly entered the house.


    In an all-white office at the top of Capital Star a voice spoke through the speaker, ¡°Sir, he is no longer alone. The marshal¡¯s son just appeared.¡±

 Chapter 242

    242 NSFW people.... NSFW. Read at your own risk hehe


    Prime minster Ikeda crossed his legs at his knees and replied, ¡°Keep watching them. Let me know when he is alone,¡± before hanging up the call. He wanted to meet Zi Han but he didn¡¯t think Yi Chen would show up and ruin everything.


    ***


    Meanwhile, Yi Chen took off his jacket and called out, ¡°Han baby... where are you?¡±


    Zi Han who was lying t on the couch nervously taking in deep breathszily closed his eyes regretting being so impulsive. He rubbed his sweaty palms from all that nervousness and sat up. Yi Chen who was halfway up the stairs suddenly paused when he felt movement from the couch.


    When their eyes met Yi Chen felt a numb feeling spread all over his body his stomach fluttering like a kaleidoscope of butterflies had emerged from their chrysalis simultaneously.


    Yi Chen walked down the stairs his steps deliberately slow but in truth, he just wanted to press Zi Han down and pamper him likest night. Zi Han was a little more impatient than he was. That¡¯s because he didn¡¯t want to give himself time to regret it.


    Zi Han stood up and pushed him back pressing him against the wall and asked, ¡°What took you so long,¡± his lips hovering above Yi Chen¡¯s lips?


    Yi Chen¡¯s breathing quickened with a face filled with confusion. He wasn¡¯t certain if Zi Han wanted to fight him or sleep with him.


    His half-lidded eyes gazed at Zi Han¡¯s lips that were a few inches away from his and subconsciously leaned down.


    .....


    ¡°I was wrong... why don¡¯t you punish me for beingte,¡± whispered Yi Chen his warm breath spraying heavily on Zi Han¡¯s face.


    Zi Han stered his lips on Yi Chen¡¯s, his actions desperate and unrestrained like he had been starving for weeks. With his hand roughly caressing the back of Yi Chen¡¯s head, he pulled him closer prying Yi Chen¡¯s lips open with his tongue.


    Yi Chen felt his blood boil as Zi Han¡¯s knee slowly moved up in between his legs before stopping right below his rock-hard member. Yi Chen¡¯s groin was so stimted that he pressed himself against Zi Han¡¯s lower body. Meanwhile, his fingers spread apart and slipped underneath Zi Han¡¯s ck vest his fingertips digging into his lover¡¯s skin as the tips of their tongues entwined with each other.


    ¡°Ah baby.... mhm,¡± groaned Yi Chen as that knee gently grazed his member making it throb in excitement.


    Zi Han pressed hard against him as he leaned his head back panting heavily. Yi Chen leaned forward and kissed his elongated neck offered up to him on a silver tter.


    Yi Chen sucked on his skin making the man in his hands shiver in exhration. ¡°Ah.... ah... ha,¡± moaned Zi Han as Yi Chen¡¯s hand slipped down to his perky butt and squeezed it gently. Yi Chen kissed down to his corbone but soon discovered a problem. The vest was in the way.


    Yi Chen spun their bodies around and pressed Zi Han against the wall before pulling the hem of his vest and taking it off.


    The pair of pendants around Zi Han¡¯s neck fell back down as the vest was pulled over his head.


    Yi Chen took off his t-shirt as well while panting heavily like a beast in heat. Their bodies stered against each other their chests and abs brushing up against each other skin to skin.


    His heart beating in his ear Yi Chen leered at Zi Han¡¯s swollen lips. He pressed the young man¡¯s lower lip with his thumb before lowering his body and nting an intense kiss on those soft tantalizing lips red from his tender loving care.


    Yi Chen pressed his palm on the wall above Zi Han¡¯s head while sucking on his lover¡¯s lips. Lewd sounds bounced off the walls of the house as they immerse themselves in their carnal desires.


    Zi Han was very direct with his words. He pulled Yi Chen closer and whispered into his ear, ¡°I want you to fuck me,¡± before he lightly nibbled on Yi Chen¡¯s ear lobe.


    Yi Chen moved his head slightly with his hair strands brushing against Zi Han¡¯s skin sending shivers all over his body.


    Yi Chen kissed Zi Han¡¯s cheek with his hand caressing the side of Zi Han¡¯s waist. ¡°I will do anything you want,¡± he said before picking up Zi Han.


    Zi Han¡¯s heart lurched having been picked up. He subconsciously wrapped his legs around Yi Chen¡¯s waist like he was afraid he would fall. Feeling rather naughty he wound his arms around Yi Chen¡¯s neck and started sucking and licking the man¡¯s skin as though marking his territory.


    Yi Chen¡¯s adam¡¯s apple bobbed as both his hands grasped Zi Han¡¯s butt carrying him upstairs. By the time they got to the bedroom, he had already reached his limit. Both of them fell on the bed and Yi Chen took off Zi Han¡¯s shorts before pressing their lips together.


    Zi Han was especially enthusiastic writhing and grinding underneath him with a clear liquid seeping from his cock smearing Yi Chen¡¯s abs.


    Kissed till he was breathless and muddled Zi Han vaguely heard Yi Chen say something about stretching out something. Zi Han only understood what he meant when an ufortable and painful feeling came from down there.


    Zi Han jolted raising his upper body to see what he was doing. Yi Chen caressed Zi Han¡¯s thighs resting on his shoulder and licked his calf before staring at him affectionately and saying, ¡°Bare with it, babe... I will make you feel good in a minute.¡±


    A minute was indeed a minute. Zi Han arched his back with his chest protruding as he gasped for air. The very intense overwhelming and slightly painful feeling from before had all but vanished. Yi Chen¡¯s lubed fingers took him to a ce he had never dreamed of going. His eyes almost rolled at the back of his head salivating from the inexplicable pleasure. He wanted to feel something and wash away the emotional distress he had been through and this was the exact feeling he was looking for.


    Yi Chen caressed Zi Han¡¯s body from his nipple down to his abdomen before grasping Zi Han¡¯s hard member. He lightly rubbed the head of his cock with his thumb making Zi Han groan in pleasure.


    ¡°Call me husband and I will make you feel even better,¡± said Yi Chen his voice deep and hoarse enchanting the already muddled Zi Han. Zi Han never thought his man was a rogue until now. He was basically using his urge to be fucked against him.


    Author¡¯s Note: Hehehe, hurry up and call husband...

 Chapter 243

    243 Caution.... NSFW. Read an own risk Hahaha!!


    In the dimly lit room was an erotic passionate scene that was difficult to put into words. Two figures were on the bed, one lying t on his back naked while clutching the sheets tightly and the other with his head lowered hiding between two bear thighs.


    Zi Han felt a wave of numbness spread from his scalp to his toes as they curled up. That¡¯s because Yi Chen licked the tip of his cock while urging him to call out ¡®husband¡¯. Zi Han raised his head almost straining his neck intending to scold him but what he saw had his heart throbbing.


    Yi Chen was staring at him with a thin colorless viscous liquid drooping at the tip of his tongue. The thin thread was from the tip of his hardness when Yi Chen licked it.


    Coupled with that lustful gaze it painted a scene so seductive that Zi Han couldn¡¯t speak for a second. Yi Chen stared back into his deep dark eyes and slowly lowered his head. While holding that intense gaze his tongue swirled around the sensitive tip like he was licking soft serve ice cream melting from the hot sun.


    ¡°Haa.... mn.... ah fuck,¡± moaned and groaned Zi Han as he ran his hand up his neck and vicle touching himself. Seeing this Yi Chen¡¯s gaze deepened while biting his lower lip bewitched by this vixen.


    ¡°Baby, call me husband and I will.... I will,¡± he said tripping over his words at the end. That¡¯s because Zi Han slowly rubbed his (Zi Han) lips in a sexual manner before partially opening his lips and sliding his middle finger into his mouth. After seeing that how could Yi Chen remember what he was saying?


    ¡°Or you will what?¡± asked Zi Han after slowly sliding his finger out of his mouth in a provocative manner, ¡°You can¡¯t ask for husband privileges at boyfriend prices.¡±


    Yi Chen licked his lips before saying, ¡°I will marry you if you want.¡±


    Zi Han, ¡°...¡±


    .....


    Was he so casual about this? Doesn¡¯t one need to think it through carefully before throwing out a proposal?


    Zi Han was about to retort when Yi Chen¡¯s fingers slid down a little further and touched a special ce making Zi Han shiver from the thrilling experience but before he could fully bask in it, it was taken away.


    Zi Han suddenly felt a sudden emptiness as his desire to be filled grew stronger. Unable to bare the feeling anymore Zi Han pursed his lips tightly before calling out in a soft barely audible voice. ¡°Ah.... husband,¡± he said with the redness on his face spreading to his neck.


    Yi Chen smiled foolishly while biting his lip as he moved upwards to face Zi Han. ¡°Husband what?¡± he asked with his hand resting on Zi Han¡¯s cheek.


    His thumb brushed against his lover¡¯s skin with a hint of obsession in his eyes. ¡°Husband what?¡± He asked his lips lightly brushing against his.


    Zi Han looked into his eyes and raised his head slightly to kiss his lips but Yi Chen moved back a little avoiding him.


    Zi Han ced his hand on Yi Chen¡¯s nape and pulled him down before whispering to him his voice as sweet as honey drooping down a spindle.


    ¡°Husband... fuck me,¡± he said.


    Yi Chen¡¯s blood surged hearing this.


    ¡°Ugh, you are going to kill me you know that?¡± whispered Yi Chen before pressing his lips against Zi Han¡¯s kissing him until he was breathless.


    Breathing heavily with his eyes closed Zi Han felt that finger slip in and out of his body. He didn¡¯t know why it felt so good nor did he want Yi Chen to stop.


    Thus when one finger changed to two he didn¡¯t have much of a reaction except slightly knitting his brows getting used to it. A tingling sensation spread all over his body as he curled up his toes involuntarily.


    ¡°Ah fuck... mm baby ah,¡± groaned Zi Han his body writhing in contentment.


    Yi Chen felt an inexplicable sense of satisfaction seeing him like this and it was all because of him. Only he could see such a version of Zi Han. Only he could make Zi Han moan like that.


    Before Zi Han could soar into the skies and experience seventh heaven Yi Chen stopped.


    Feeling rather discontent he pulled Yi Chen over as though begging him to continue but Yi Chen stroked his hair and whispered, ¡°Bear with my love. I will make you feel good in a minute.¡±


    Zi Han watched Yi Chen step off the bed and unbuckle his belt looking like a delicious fresh-out-of-the-oven pastry at a bakery.


    His gaze swept over Yi Chen¡¯s toned muscles and sensual abs glowing under the light luring him. When Yi Chen unzipped his pants and pulled them down Zi Han felt like he had been set alight.


    His gaze shifted downwards and he was met by that robust waist and the impressive member twitching in excitement while pointing at him.


    He stared at it for a while wondering how it was going to fit in a certain ce but he couldn¡¯t care less right now.


    He deliberately spread his legs apart inviting him over with his hooked finger. Yi Chen was a little worried Zi Han would back down but to his surprise, he was still so enthusiastic.


    In his naked glory, he climbed onto the bed and the two began to make out passionately kissing, sucking, licking, and biting while Yi Chen cupped their members together in his hand stroking them.


    The temperature in the room increased significantly as the sweet scent of lust spread all over. ¡°Babe.... ah... rx for me, okay?¡± whispered Yi Chen as he grasped his member and applied copious amounts of lube on it before pressing its tip on that flower that had already blossomed ready for the plucking.


    Zi Han who hadn¡¯t expected that kind of sensation shivered involuntarily as he jerked his body away. Yi Chen wrapped his arms around Zi Han¡¯s thighs and pulled him back while coaxing him to stay put.


    Zi Han wanted to retort but before he could put Yi Chen in his ce something much bigger than two fingers invaded that ce making him gasp for air his nails digging into Yi Chen¡¯s back.

 Chapter 244

    244 Warning.... bed fighting scene ahead


    Yi Chen kissed Zi Han¡¯s lips as he pulled back his member before thrusting in a little deeper letting out a contented groan.


    ¡°Ah fuck.... ha,¡± groaned Zi Han his voice at a much higher pitch than before.


    Yi Chen gently bit his ear lobe and asked, ¡°Do you want me to stop?¡± the vibrations from his chest transmitted through Zi Han¡¯s body stimting each nerve ending.


    Zi Han ran his fingers through Yi Chen¡¯s hair and whispered, ¡°continue,¡± his voice raspy and seductive at the same time.


    Yi Chen pressed Zi Han¡¯s hands above his head with their fingers interlocked together. As he thrust inside that warm ce Zi Han¡¯s fingers tightened and low enchanting gasps filled the room as Yi Chen swung his hips in long and slow thrusts easing him into it.


    Zi Han found the pain a little unbearable but this was what he wanted. The pain tore through his emotional barrier offering him temporary sce.


    Zi Han was like a hungry little beast twisting and writhing his waist begging for Yi Chen to prate deep into his soul andfort him.


    But after the pain came something even better. Something Zi Han could never have imagined would be far much better than the pain. An overwhelming amount of pleasure burst forth tearing through the walls of despair leaving him in a muddled mess.


    ¡°Yi Chen... mm,¡± he murmured as the thrusts got fiercer and fiercer.


    .....


    Dissatisfied for being called by his full name Yi Chen sucked on Zi Han¡¯s lips before biting him. Zi Han whose lips were nicked scratched Yi Chen¡¯s back in retaliation and this harmonious entanglement escted. Zi Han pushed Yi Chen and flipped their bodies. Zi Han was now straddling Yi Chen and began moving his waist greedily.


    Yi Chen bit his lip while his hand caressed Zi Han¡¯s ass before smacking it hard and boy did it feel good. Zi Han felt his blood rush being spanked like that.


    Yes, he also thought he was perverted in that aspect. His misty gaze fixed on Yi Chen he grasped the man¡¯s middle finger and licked it before sucking on it gently.


    Yi Chen¡¯s eyes darkened as the tingling warmth lingered on his finger. He growled in exhration as he sat up his fingers digging into Zi Han¡¯s back. With heavy pants and their sweaty skin rubbing against each other they explored ces most wouldn¡¯t dare go.


    By the time they were done Zi Han could barely move instantly drifting off to sleep. Yi Cheny beside him cuddling him with a smile as dazzling as the sun. He was so happy his chest could burst right now.


    His two striped tattoo was itching to separate and attach itself to Zi Han but he couldn¡¯t do it without asking. When his father gave his mother his stripe without asking he almost got dumped so.... Yi Chen wasn¡¯t taking any chances.


    While tracing Zi Han¡¯s arm with the tips of his fingers, Yi Chen lowered his head and kissed Zi Han¡¯s cheek. ¡°I love you so much,¡± he whispered nuzzling Zi Han¡¯s hair.


    ***


    Ting... ting... ting ting ting...


    These were the sounds of Yi Chen¡¯s light brain¡¯s incessant ringing due to urgent notificationsing through.


    ¡°Chen Chen....,¡± mumbled Zi Han while moving his elbow to wake Yi Chen up.


    ¡°Um,¡± hummed Yi Chen but instead he shuffled away before going back to sleep.


    Ting ting ting ting!


    ¡°Fuck,¡± swore Zi Han before opening his eyes and reaching over to the pedestal to grab Yi Chen¡¯s light brain.


    He tapped the screen open and was about to scold the person to high heaven when he saw that there were messages from Li Ran who was freaking out at this point.


    Zi Han¡¯s brow creased as he scrolled through the messages skipping over the ones that were scolding Yi Chen for not answering his messages. After scrolling for so long he finally stumbled upon something unexpected.


    Because Li Ran didn¡¯t think anyone else would ess Yi Chen¡¯s light brain he didn¡¯t encrypt the information he found. Yi Chen¡¯s light brain like the Marshal¡¯s was highly protected so he didn¡¯t think anyone would be that powerful. Well, there was one person and that was the mysterious Lord Feng but why would they be interested in this?


    Little did he know that there was someone who had the full authority to ess Yi Chen¡¯s light brain and also be interested in this piece of information.


    Zi Han nced back at the sleeping Yi Chen before getting up. As fast as he stood up was as fast as he fell back down from the sharp pang at his backside. He red at sleeping beauty over there before carefully getting up.


    He entered the bathroom and began to read through the documents. The more he read the more he grasped on a single name, that name being prime minister Ikeda¡¯s. A sly smile slowly crept up his face as he read further.


    With a sneer, he pulled back his hair brushing up against his forehead his expression fierce. He licked his lower lip which had been bruised by Yi Chen earlier. From the look in his eyes, it seemed he had made his decision.


    He quickly washed up and got dressed before walking towards the door to leave. Before he could step out though his steps froze and he nced back again. With conflicting feelings spilling over on his face he stood there for a while frozen.


    The path he was about to take was a path someone like Yi Chen shouldn¡¯t be a part of but he wasn¡¯t willing to let him go. He wanted to be with him but the moment he walks through that door everything would change.


    Zi Han was a good-natured person but he was definitely selfish. He walked back and kissed Yi Chen¡¯s forehead. ¡°I will be right back,¡± he whispered before leaving.


    As soon as he stepped out of the house he dialed Lynn Feng¡¯s number and when she picked up he said, ¡°I need you to help me find someone.¡±


    Lynn Feng put down her yogurt while typing a message to Zi Xingxi to inform her about Zi Han but her finger paused when she heard him say,


    ¡°The prime minister.... prime minister Ikeda to be exact.¡±


    Lynn Feng, ¡°....¡±


    ¡®Oh, shit!!!¡¯

 Chapter 245

    245 His father¡¯s identity revealed


    ¡°Sir, there is movement... but it¡¯s young master Zi who left the house. Should we follow him?¡± A voice rang out in a dark office with only themp on the table, a floating screen, and some lights from the outside partially illuminating the room.


    ¡°Don¡¯t bother, he is probably going home... Did you take the pictures?¡± was the hoarse voice of the prime minister before a red glow shone in the darkness as he took a drag of his cigarette.


    ¡°Yes, sir,¡± replied the man before the floating screen went dark. Prime minister Ikedazily leaned his head back and blew out a puff of smoke his thoughts unknown.


    Meanwhile, Lynn Feng was caught between immediately telling Zi Xingxi what was happening or dying slightly. It seemed Zi Han wanted her to dy but who exactly was the boss between the mother and son pair? The answer was obvious.


    ¡°Yah, I can¡¯t do that. How did you even know he is the one who tried to kill you?¡± she replied not hesitating anymore.


    With her finger hovering above the send button she heard Zi Han say, ¡°I have other means of finding out. You can tell her but with or without your help I am still going to break in into the office of the prime minister so make your choice.¡±


    Lynn Feng¡¯s jaw tightened hearing this. She was still sifting through so much information and hadn¡¯t yet traced the person who freed that interster pirate. But Zi Han already knew and on top of that, he had highly ssified documents that even she had to break into the military¡¯s headquarters orbiting around Capital Star to maybe acquire some of the these documents.


    Some of them were even only restricted to the Marshal¡¯s office but Zi Han had them. That¡¯s because Li Ran was given back door ess by Yi Chen and like a worm burrowing into a beehive he could explore without anyone noticing he was even there.


    Lynn Feng bit her lip with a lovely looking rose berry shade of lipstick. She heaved a sigh before saying, ¡°Ten minutes no, no I will give you a five-minute headstart. After that, I am going to tell her.¡±


    .....


    She might have said five minutes but in her heart, she had already nned to tell Zi Xingxi four minutes in. That¡¯s because she was worried something would happen to Zi Han.


    Lynn Feng put on a serious face and her fingers began moving really fast as she typed something on the floating screen. While working she said, ¡°I will mess with Sheba¡¯s defenses. They will notice something is wrong in five minutes and run a diagnostic so you better be fast. Oh and um try and enter through the window like a burr. It¡¯s easier than the front door.¡±


    Zi Han who was standing atop the second tallest building in Capital Star crouched down with heavy winds blowing hard against him while responding, ¡°I understand.¡±


    With a devilish grin on his face, he stared at the tallest building in the federation before leaping off it and disappearing into the clouds.


    Sheba¡¯s drones patrolling around the office on the top floor were moving like brain-dead zombies and couldn¡¯t even detect an intrusion.


    Zi Han whose mech was camouged easily floated over to the ceiling to floor windows and when he saw his target his eyes shed with malice.


    He stretched out his hand sending undiscernible vibrations messing with the nanoparticles of the ss. Because his mech was reduced to his height, Zi Han entered through the ss when the particles temporarily disintegrated.


    With light unhurried footsteps, he walked over and stood facing the prime minster. ¡°Who?¡± said the prime minster reaching over to press the panic button on his light brain but he soon realized the screen was dark as though it had been turned off.


    The lights that were dim lit up and an unexpected face appeared before him. His panicked expression rxed significantly like he was no longer afraid.


    Zi Han who only had three minutes and twenty-two seconds left took out his handgun his expression like he wasn¡¯t willing to negotiate.


    He aimed it at him and said one sentence, ¡°You tried to kill me so it¡¯s only natural I take down the threat.¡±


    Prime minister Ikeda gulped staring at the cold muzzle of the gun. A slight smile crept up his face as he said, ¡°I was wrong. If I knew who you were I wouldn¡¯t have tried to kill you. I was so angry at Zi Xingxi it clouded my judgment otherwise I would have figured out who you were earlier.¡±


    Zi Han¡¯s brow twitched hearing. ¡°Let me guess... it has something to do with my father again?¡±


    Prime minister Ikeda swept his entire body with a touch of lewdness in his eyes which he quickly put away.


    ¡°You truly aren¡¯t anything like him. He wasn¡¯t gay but you on the other hand... I didn¡¯t expect it,¡± replied the prime minister pulling up images of him and Yi Chen taken when they were in the living room kissing.


    It¡¯s a good thing he had activated privacy mode in the bedroom otherwise they would have been photographed having sex.


    ¡°Han Han, you have less than three minutes,¡± said Lynn Feng her mind focused on fending off Sheba though her gossiping heart had been tickled.


    Zi Han¡¯s expression sank as he watched the prime minster stand up and walk over to him with obsession in his eyes.


    ¡°Are you threatening me? Is that it?¡± asked Zi Han his voice much colder than usual.


    Prime minister Ikeda let the muzzle of the gun press against his chest his gaze never leaving Zi Han¡¯s eyes.


    With a slight quirk at the corner of his lips, he said, ¡°No, not at all. Do you want to know about him.... your father, do you want to know?¡± The word father was especially a trigger for him today. Can somebody, anybody tell him who his father was?


    Taking his silence as acquiescence prime minister Ikeda turned and walked over to the wall which broke into hives revealing a secret room.


    Zi Han knew he had very little time left but he also wanted to know about his father. It seemed the prime minster was the only one who was eager for him to know.


    His steps leisurely and calm he followed behind only for his heart to jolt in his chest seeing the well-preserved collection of identifiable royal family pieces.


    Directly in front of him was a portrait of thest prince of the Federation. His blood ran cold as he subconsciously took a step back.

 Chapter 246

    246 This bullet is for that crime


    ¡°I liked him... for a very long time but he never epted me. Even when I offered him protection he still wouldn¡¯t look at me the way you look at Yi Chen,¡± said the prime minister ncing back at Zi Han whose expression looked ghastly like he had seen a ghost.


    ¡°Han Han you only have a minute... hurry up,¡± said Lynn Feng as the drones outside started showing signs of life.


    Prime minister Ikeda stood in front of Zi Han and stretched his hand but before his fingers could touch his face it paused mid-air.


    ¡°He wouldn¡¯t ept me but you are just like me... Forget Yi Chen. When the Marshal finds out about you two he will most definitely pull you apart and Yi Chen will abandon you. But I can protect you... I can satisfy you more than he can. You can do whatever you want as long as you stay by my side.¡±


    Zi Han who had been gazing at that portrait intently suddenly lowered his head meeting the prime minister¡¯s eyes. Just when the prime minister thought that the prey had taken the bait Zi Han raised his handgun and said,


    ¡°You tried to kill Yi Chen and you almost seeded. This bullet is for that crime.¡±


    Bang!


    The sound of a gunshot rang in the air as the prime minister¡¯s body mmed into one of the ss disys shuttering it to pieces. The prime minister pressed his hand against the wound as he sat up hisplexion ghastly white.


    ¡°How can you fuckin trust a member of the Yi family? Argh shit,¡± said the prime minister while taking his trembling hand away from the bleeding wound. He stared at his blood at the tips of his fingers before saying,


    .....


    ¡°You are making the same mistake your father made. He trusted the wrong people and look what happened to him. He died like a dog in the street. Let me, let me protec... AAAHHH!!¡±


    That painful scream was what followed after Zi Han fired two more shots.


    ¡°You have ten seconds to get out of there,¡± said Lynn Feng feeling a little anxious.


    Zi Han put down the handgun tremblingly and pulled the bleeding man out of the secret room. Zi Han didn¡¯t want anyone to know what sort of sick and twisted obsession prime minister Ikeda had over his father.


    He grabbed a few pieces that seemed important before the wall closed off like it never existed. Prime minister Ikeda who was lying on the floor weakly grabbed Zi Han¡¯s leg and whispered something with a creepy smile on his blood-stained lips.


    Zi Han ruthlessly kicked him freeing himself before exiting the office the same way he came in. Just as he vanished into the night Sheba regained control and the scene turned chaotic as bodyguards rushed in trying to save the prime minister.


    Zi Han didn¡¯t stop flying his mech in stealth mode through the city. He passed the boundaries of the boisterous city and flew straight out into the deserted barrennds his emotions chaotic.


    While mid-flight he disengaged his mental power from the mech and the mech vanished leaving Zi Han falling from the sky his actions deliberate.


    He closed his eyes free falling back to the surface but before he could hit the ground he was caught by a familiar mech.


    As they reached the ground the mech slowly set him down and his mother came out of Chronos her expression grave. She embraced Zi Han tightly her mind in a muddled mess as she repeated the same question over and over again.


    ¡°Why... why would you... wuwuwu why?¡± she cried out stroking Zi Han¡¯s hair.


    Zi Han buried his head in her embrace with his mother¡¯s scent calming his chaotic emotions. He didn¡¯t want to cry but his mother¡¯s brittle voice jabbed at his heart opening the floodgates. Zi Han broke down in tears venting it all out in the barrennds of Capital Star.


    Meanwhile, Yi Chen who was sleeping peacefully stretched out his hand to pull Zi Han into his arm but all he felt was the cold sheets.


    Thinking Zi Han had gone to the bathroom, Yi Chen called his name in a muffled voice but there was no response.


    ¡°Han Han,¡± he called out again this time opening his eyes a tiny slit but when he saw no one his heart lurched as he sat up straight. He grabbed his pants and put them on before rushing downstairs but just like in the bedroom he was all alone.


    With a slight sense of crisis, he rushed upstairs and grabbed his light brain before calling him.


    After waiting for less than a second a standard customer service voice said, ¡°Sorry this contact is currently deactivated. Please try againter.¡±


    Yi Chen, ¡°...¡±


    He bit his lip pacing in the bedroom his face visibly distraught as he called again.


    ¡°...Sorry this...¡±


    ¡°Shit,¡± he swore at the brink of losing his mind. Where would Zi Han go and why would he be offline? Did he hurt him while doing that so he ran off?


    Multiple scenarios ran through his mind as he paced up and down calling Zi Han over and over again but the response was the same.


    Just when he was about to dial for the nth time, his light brain lit up with a call request. He felt an inexplicable sense of excitement thinking it was Zi Han but when he saw it was Li Ran his mood fell to the lowest point much lower than before.


    ¡°What is it?¡± asked Yi Chen his voice the least bit polite. He had let his emotions get the best of him which manifested itself in his voice.


    Li Ran didn¡¯t probe into it. He just thought Yi Chen fought with Zi Han so he said, ¡°You read the documents I sent to you but you didn¡¯t say anything. Is the evidence enough to send him to jail?¡±


    Yi Chen¡¯s brow furrowed hearing this. What message was Li Ran talking about?


    Yi Chen pulled up their chat interface and what he saw had him shaken. If he didn¡¯t open these messages then who else did?


    He was about to read them when Li Ran shouted, ¡°Fuck! Quickly open the StarNet news. The fuckin prime minister he...¡±


    Yi Chen opened the StarNet news and a floating screen appeared reporting on breaking news.


    ¡°..... he was shot three times in his office and we hear that he is in a critical condition. The spokesperson of the prime minister¡¯s office will give us an update in the next hour.....¡±


    Yi Chen, ¡°...¡±

 Chapter 247

    247 Are you feeling guilty


    With a light whoosh, the sliding door for the captain¡¯s cabin opened illuminating the dark room. Zi Xingxi stood by the door staring at the ball curled up on the bed and sighed.


    He had been like this ever since he passed out from all that crying. If Zi Han kept sleeping like this Zi Xingxi wouldn¡¯t feel at ease.


    She scratched the back of her head before calling out softly, ¡°Han Han.¡±


    Zi Han simply curled up further refusing to open his eyes. This was understandable. He had been through so much and needed the rest but his mother wouldn¡¯t let him sleep longer.


    In truth, Zi Han had been sleeping for sixteen hours which was very concerning. ¡°Wake up, I made you dinner... I promise you will like it,¡± she said and Zi Han turned over kicking the quilt off his body.


    Hey facing the ceiling with a heavy sigh. ¡°Mn,¡± replied Zi Han and Zi Xingxi pursed her lips while lightly tapping the door panel. She wouldn¡¯t leave until he was truly off the bed.


    Zi Han slowly sat up his eyes puffy and with slight redness on the lids. His nose was slightly red at its tip giving him the appearance like that of the cute reindeer, Rudolf.


    He rubbed his itchy nose while clearing his throat and asked, ¡°What time is it?¡±


    ¡°Time for you to wake up that¡¯s what time it is. Now wash up. Your grandfather has been a little anxious to see you. He kept tiptoeing in here back and forth to see if you are awake yet,¡± she said before turning to leave.


    .....


    Zi Han nced at her disappearing back before getting up his steps heavy and sluggish like he was ill. Actually, he wasn¡¯t sick but he felt like he was carrying a ton of bricks on his shoulders.


    Zi Han sshed his face with water before slowly raising his head and facing the mirror. He watched on as drops of water flowed down his wless skin his mood depressive.


    His already red eyes stung with his emotions threatening to burst out again. That¡¯s because that terrible thought had taken root again in his mind.


    He knew Yi Chen would find out what he had done but what he feared wasn¡¯t him knowing but what Yi Chen¡¯s reaction would be. Would he despise him? Would he not want him anymore?


    Such negative thoughts were the reason why he spent so many hours sleeping. It wasn¡¯t the only thing bothering him but it was the one tearing at his heart the most.


    He wiped his face but as he did so a sudden uncontroble urge to cry overwhelmed him. He clenched the edge of the sink his knuckles turning white as his abdominal muscles contracted and he bend down crying.


    His eyes closed tightly he let out a mouse-like whimper his eyshes stained with tears. Just like a passing wave, his emotions settled and he slowly straightened his back and looked at his pathetic self in the mirror.


    He couldn¡¯t deny who he was anymore. He was unknowingly raised this way but he had a choice to pick another path. But when it came down to making that choice Zi Han didn¡¯t even think twice about pulling that trigger with no hesitation. In fact, he was very merciful because he could have blown the prime minister¡¯s brains out.


    When he was attacked on Dark Star his attacker wasn¡¯t as forgiving. Every move he made that day was aimed at leaving a cold corpse behind. Someone might say he should have let thew handle the matter but someone like Ikeda wasn¡¯t that easy to pull down because of his status. He just wanted that man to pay for what he did and this was the quickest and most efficient way.


    It¡¯s just that this method might have cost him someone very important to him.


    Twenty minutester Zi Han joined his grandfather and mother at the dinner table and from their expressions alone he could see the clear worry on their faces.


    Not wanting them to keep looking at his puffed-up face which seemed even worse than when he woke up he lowered his head and buried himself in his food.


    Zi Feiji pinched a piece of shrimp in between his chopsticks and ced it into Zi Han¡¯s bowl before saying, ¡°Eat more.¡±


    Zi Han¡¯s actions paused with a grain of rice stuck at the corner of his lips. He wanted to say something but when he opened his mouth he couldn¡¯t say anything. He simply continued to eat while his mother was staring at him with her sped hands propping her head.


    The three ate in silence but the atmosphere was so heartwarming and healing to Zi Han¡¯s heart.


    After eating Zi Feiji brushed away Zi Han¡¯s hair that had grown longer away from his face while saying, ¡°Are you feeling guilty?¡±


    Zi Han raised his head and nced at his grandfather for a second before lowering it again and shaking it.


    Zi Feiji ced his hand on the side of Zi Han¡¯s face and head before saying, ¡°Good... you did what had to be done and none of us see anything wrong with that. Whatever decision you make I and your mother have your back.... do you understand?¡±


    Zi Han closed his eyes unable to raise his head to look at his grandfather feeling ashamed. Unfortunately, Zi Feiji wasn¡¯t epting this. He forced him to look up and asked again, ¡°Do you understand?¡±


    Zi Han nodded his head and his grandfather kissed his forehead before saying, ¡°Go to the upper deck. Your mother will be waiting for you there.¡±


    Zi Han nodded his head again before turning to leave. He gave his grandfather one more nce and Zi Feiji gave him a reassuring smile. This smile was one Zi Han would always cherish. His grandfather didn¡¯t ask any questions. He just said little and showed his love and support without many words. Rather his actions spoke volumes.


    When Zi Han reached the upper deck it was amazing to find a starry night sky above his head. It was both mesmerizing and beautiful, much more enchanting than what he had seen before.


    The upper deck had a pool and potted nts of various colors and characteristics giving off a rxing air. His mother was sitting in front of a white garden table with intricate flower patterns.


    When she saw him she leaned back and exhaled a puff of smoke before pointing at the seat opposite her with the lit cigarette pinched in between her slender fingers.

 Chapter 248

    248 Let Mama pat you bald


    Zi Han sat down with his hands resting on the table. His gaze fell on the cigarette in her hand wafting out a light stream of smoke. Zi Xingxi noticed his gaze and asked, ¡°Do you want it?¡±


    Zi Han gulped as he raised his head to look at her before asking, ¡°Can I?¡±


    Zi Xingxi raised the cigarette butt to her lips and took a long drag with the bright red embers of the burning paper glowing brighter. She turned her head to the side and released a puff of smoke from her nose before handing it to him.


    Zi Han, ¡°....¡±


    How on earth did she do that? Sensing his fascination she kept a straight face while saying, ¡°Only this once. You can¡¯t make it a habit.¡±


    Zi Han nodded his head and this time he was very proficient. He didn¡¯t cough as bad as the first time.


    He passed the cigarette back to his mother feeling his tense nerves rx significantly.


    ¡°Now you know who your dad was?¡± she asked her expression subtle.


    Zi Han nodded his head and said, ¡°I know...,¡± before turning his face away and looking at the pool as though thinking of something.


    .....


    His finger tapped the table twice before he said, ¡°But who killed him?... I want him dead.¡±


    Zi Xingxi looked at him for a while with azy expression before passing back the half-smoke cigarette to him. ¡°So you aren¡¯t mad that I didn¡¯t tell you sooner?¡± she asked with a set expression.


    Zi Han coughed a little before replying, ¡°No. You had your reasons. Now it makes sense why you never liked the Marshal. He never made the effort to find out who did the crime but he even ruled my father¡¯s death as idental initially. If I had known sooner I might have grown up hating the Marshal and in turn, I would hate Yi Chen so... no I am not mad.¡±


    Zi Xingxi suddenly regretted not saying it sooner. Her son wouldn¡¯t have fallen for that minx¡¯s charms. How regretful indeed. ¡°Now that you know do you still want to be with him?¡± she asked with a mist of smoke wafting in front of her face creating a mystic air.


    Zi Han didn¡¯t answer for a long time. He just sat there in silence staring into nothingness. After a while, he finally spoke, ¡°All this had nothing to do with him... I still want him but I am not so sure if he wants me.¡±


    Zi Xingxi took the cigarette from him and smoked it before pressing it into the ashtray while asking, ¡°And why is that?¡±


    ¡°He isn¡¯t stupid so he already knows what I did but I am not sure if he still wants to be with me,¡± he replied while ruffling his hair trying to distract himself from another wave of emotions threatening to gush out.


    ¡°Hmph, you underestimate your charm. He already drank from the poisonous cup and there is no reversing it. He is going to pester you for the rest of your life,¡± she said and Zi Han raised his head looking at her with narrowed eyes.


    ¡°Speaking from experience?¡± he asked and the corner of Zi Xingxi¡¯s lips rose in a sneer.


    ¡°By the time I figured out that your father was pursuing me and not looking for a fight he had already fallen hard. If I didn¡¯t speak to him he would follow me around Scy calling me Xixi. He was as annoying as a fly.¡±


    ¡°Xixi let¡¯s go to lunch, Xixi smile for me, Xixi you are so beautiful, Xixi this, Xixi that. Aaaah, I almost lost my mind. The one time I kissed him he dragged me to his father and pointed at me excitedly yelling that¡¯s my wife.¡±


    Zi Han chuckled hearing this. It seemed his father was a character and a half. ¡°And what did his father say?¡± he asked curious to know. Zi Xingxi rubbed her earlobe while trying to recall her father-inw¡¯s exact words.


    ¡°He shrugged his shoulders and said to me ¡®he is your problem now¡¯. My face back then was so mortified. I knew then that the emperor was eager to get rid of him. If he had a girlfriend he would stop bothering him.¡±


    Zi Han broke intoughter. It seemed his father was someone interesting to be around. Zi Han pinched the sleeve of his long sleeve t-shirt and asked, ¡°So was it, love at first sight?¡±


    Zi Xingxi smiled and said, ¡°For me no but for him yes. I knew that I was done the day he beat up a prime minister seeking marriage for his son. We were already in a rtionship but I didn¡¯t think I loved him. I still stupidly thought it was a fling and he would naturally get rid of me when he was tired of ying.¡±


    ¡°That night he lost it and after he was done beating the shit out of that annoying man he dragged me to the stealth cruiser and just pressed me against the wall and... hem. Anyway, it was after that that I realized I had already fallen in love.¡±


    Zi Han, ¡°...¡±


    Zi Xingxi leaned forward and asked, ¡°And you? Do you love Yi Chen?¡±


    Zi Han instinctively wanted to deny it but he shut his mouth and said, ¡°You are asking too many questions.¡±


    Zi Xingxi chuckled before saying, ¡°I see. Well, too bad for him. He has been pestering me and your grandfather wanting to speak to you. In fact, we got so tired of his endless calls that we cklisted him. Your light brain broke at some point thus he could only use this method. Do you want to call him back?¡±


    Zi Han lowered his head andy on the table while using his arms as a pillow. ¡°I am not ready,¡± he said in a muffled voice and his mother ruffled his soft hair. When she felt how soft it was she couldn¡¯t bring herself to stop. She had forgotten how addictive it was to mess with Zi Han¡¯s hair. This is why she was particr about his haircut and only ever did his hair by herself.


    ¡°You can break up with him. Mum will get you a better boyfriend,¡± she said only for Zi Han to raise his head his tone reprehensive, ¡°Ma.¡±


    ¡°Shh shh shh, I was kidding. Lie back down and let Mama pat you bald.¡±


    Zi Han, ¡°...¡±


    At this rate, he would have a bald patch at the crown of his head.

 Chapter 249

    249 Are you dumping me?


    The night that was meant to be silent with Capital Star retiring after a long hard day of work, was still so active with sirens and heavy military presence.


    The manhunt for prime minister Ikeda¡¯s assassin was underway while the best medical professionals in the federation were fighting to save his life.


    One such person was Kiet. He had received a call in the middle of the night that there had been an emergency and he was asked to report to the Imperial hospital. He mostly preferred to work with impoverished patients residing in the lower districts of Capital Star for little to no cost.


    asionally he would be summoned to assist the leech of the federation which he couldn¡¯t smile about. For that corrupt prime minister, he had to leave the warmth of Yi Feng¡¯s arms.


    After four hours of removing the bullets from the prime minister¡¯s body and repairing the prime minister¡¯s damaged organs with advanced equipment, Kiet came out of the operating room only to be met by the pair of Ikeda siblings and several other unfamiliar faces.


    When they saw his familiar face Ikeda Yua slightly frowned while Ikeda Crest showed slight surprise. Kiet didn¡¯t even remember them. He simply stated the facts in the most professional way possible.


    ¡°The operation went well. The next forty-eight hours will be crucial. We have several doctors on stand by and the um....,¡± he said only for his light brain to make a distinct beeping sound.


    He lowered his head to check and the corner of his lips twitched. He restored his stern facial expression before continuing,


    ¡°Neethling will watch over him twenty-four seven. It is the most advanced medical AI system in the federation.¡±


    .....


    ¡°Thank you,¡± replied Ikeda Crest. Kiet just nodded his head before walking away his steps hurried. He entered the nearest empty hospital room and fixed his hair before requesting a video call.


    While it was ringing he hastily unbuttoned the top two buttons of his shirt revealing pale skin with prominent hickeys and red scratches looking like an enthralling canvas.


    As soon as Yi Feng picked up his call his face suddenly sank when he saw that it wasn¡¯t only him. He pressed the tip of his tongue on his cheek before putting on the best smile he coulde up with.


    Yi Feng was sitting at the edge of the bed with traces of sleep on his face. He raked his fingers through his hair his eyes sluggish like he was going to go back to sleep at any moment.


    On the other disy panel, Yi Chen seemed haggard like he hadn¡¯t slept at all. It seemed the pair of cousins had suffered each in their own right.


    ¡°I didn¡¯t think I would be speaking to two Yis when I called,¡± he said while buttoning up his shirt when he realized his man wasn¡¯t even looking at him.


    Yi Chen rubbed his temple while apologizing. It¡¯s just that they hadn¡¯t had an update on the prime minister¡¯s condition not that he cared about that. He wanted to know what kind of weapon was used and if it can be traced back to Zi Han.


    If it could be traced back to him then he wanted to get ahead of it and protect his lover. Since he couldn¡¯t get hold of him he could only distract himself this way for the time being.


    ¡°I am so sorry it¡¯s kind of urgent... I want to ask what sort of weapon was used on the prime minister,¡± said Yi Chen his expression as nk as a sheet of paper.


    Kiet smiled slightly while staring at Yi Feng who looked like he was going to pass out at any minute.


    ¡°Don¡¯t you dare fall asleep,¡± said Kiet through gritted teeth.


    Yi Feng raised his head with his hand resting on his forehead beforeining, ¡°Last night you went crazy doing me three to four times. How can I stay awake after that? And worse off I woke up and you were gone, no note no message nothing. I thought you ate your fill and abandoned me.¡±


    Yi Chen, ¡°...¡±


    Too much information, right? Well, that wasn¡¯t Yi Chen¡¯s focus. His focus was on the fact that they did it three or four times and he only did it once. After that Zi Han disappeared without a word.


    Sure, he knew it wasn¡¯t because he was inadequate in that area. Zi Han left for a valid reason but he still couldn¡¯t help but find himselfcking.


    Without much thought, he asked, ¡°So... is this like a thing where you guys go several rounds in one session or-.¡±


    ¡°No, it is not. Cousin don¡¯t learn from him otherwise you will get dumped,¡± said Yi Feng before lying back on the bed his every muscle aching.


    ¡°Are you dumping me?¡± asked Kiet his expression dark. His gaze was so fierce like Yi Feng had touched his bottom line. His insecurities surfaced. That¡¯s because he knew Yi Feng too well. They had been friends for a very very long time and he had seen one skirt after the other swing by especially when he was using that stuff before he got clean. He was genuinely afraid Yi Feng would leave him one day thus he tried his best to please him.


    Yi Chen was a little worried that he was about to witness a couple fight thus he hurriedly said, ¡°Um Kiet... the weapon.¡±


    Kiet who was still so mad at Yi Feng spoke in a tone he had never used on anyone before. ¡°In what capacity are you asking? As the future Marshal or as my brother inw.¡± Since these two practically grew up together they could be considered brothers hence he used the term brother inw.


    ¡°What is the difference?¡± asked Yi Feng wondering what this man was up to.


    Kiet smiled slyly and spoke in a soft voice while leering at Yi Feng. ¡°If he is asking as the future Marshal then he can only wait until the official report is out but... if he is asking as my brother inw I will obviously tell him.¡±


    Yi Feng, ¡°...¡±


    AAAAAHHHH how shameless!

 Chapter 250

    250 It hurts so much.


    ¡°Definitely brother inw and besides he already swore his undying love to you which clearly shows your position in his heart,¡± said Yi Chen effectively reassuring Kiet who was in turmoil at this point.


    Kiet felt like the rock weighing heavy on his heart was lifted and he could finally breathe. Yi Chen was right, as long as this stripe was still on his arm it meant that Yi Feng still loved him. The day it disappears that is the day he should be worried.


    ¡°Are you two kidding me? You are backing each other up now?¡± asked Yi Feng his mouth agape.


    ¡°Sure, brother inw,¡± said Kiet deliberately dragging his words while smiling at Yi Feng, ¡°I will forward the initial report. He is still in critical condition but that old bastard will definitely survive.¡±


    Yi Chen pursed his lips his expression grateful. ¡°Thanks,¡± he said when a nice sounding voice of a young man was hearding from Kiet¡¯s side.


    ¡°Dr. Kiet, here you are. I have been looking for you. I brought you a nutrient supplement. After all those hours in surgery, you must be hungry.¡±


    Kiet turned around and so did the people in the video call. Yi Feng who waszing on the bed sat up straight with a jolt, his eyes as wide as flying saucers.


    How could he not know Kiet¡¯s type? In the past, he was into the fresh young type with toned muscles but not bulky. He on the other hand was a far cry from that type. His voice wasn¡¯t soft nor did he have a skinny frame. His guns were packing and he was tall. His skin wasn¡¯t dewy either so yes, he was very insecure.


    ¡°Who is that?¡± he asked and Kiet tilted the screen for Yi Feng to see. In front of him was exactly the type Kiet was into and that vixen was obviously interested in the handsome doctor. Side by side they looked like the perfect pair like they were a couple.


    .....


    The young man waved his hand a little excited to meet his mentor¡¯s friends. This was progress on his part thus how could he not be happy?


    Kiet pointed at Yi Chen and said, ¡°That¡¯s the future Marshal, and that one over there... is my wife.¡±


    The smile on the young man¡¯s face froze staring at the one Kiet referred to as his wife. Wife where? That was obviously a straight sh gym bunny type of man. He looked like he would be the one to push Dr. Kiet down.


    Yi Feng didn¡¯t know whether tough or cry. He should be happy that Kiet introduced him but why call him wife though.


    ¡°Hurry up ande home if you still want to have a wife,¡± said Yi Feng before kicking him off the video call.


    Kiet, ¡°...¡±


    ¡°I have to go,¡± he said before heading for the door.


    The young man bit his lip a little disappointed. Rumour had it that Dr. Kiet was single but apparently they were wrong. He looked like a man eating meat at home.


    Meanwhile, Yi Chen interrogated his cousin about something that had been bothering him.


    ¡°Didn¡¯t you fall for him a little too fast? One minute you two were friends then... just like that?¡± he asked only for Yi Feng to almost roll his eyes.


    ¡°Says the guy who most definitely fell in love at first sight. At least we were friends for a very long time,¡± he said and Yi Chen shrugged his lips. The man indeed had a point.


    ¡°Have you ever heard that some men unknowingly have emotional rtionships with their friends?¡± he said and Yi Chen shook his head. He really had never heard of it.


    ¡°Well, I must be one of them,¡± he said as hey t on his back, ¡°Maybe it was because he was always Le that I grew attached subconsciously. Now that I think of it I always found myself wishing he was a girl and constantlyparing him to every girl that I dated. *Sigh... I truly stood no chance from the very beginning.¡±


    Yi Chen nodded his head truly happy for his cousin. His mood suddenly fell when he recalled that he couldn¡¯t get hold of Zi Han. He also wanted to press him down and call him wife before doing it three to four times.


    With a soft ding, a report came through to his light brain. ¡°I have to go,¡± said Yi Chen and Yi Feng waved his hand gesturing to him that he didn¡¯t mind.


    As soon as he cut the video call, Yi Chen opened the report and his furrowed brows rxed a little. The three dimensional image of the bullets taken out from the prime minister¡¯s body was indeed familiar but only to him and Zi Han¡¯s family.


    After running it through every secure database in the federation there was absolutely no record of that handgun anywhere. It was clean.


    Yi Chen slumped back into his seat with a great sense of relief. When he opened his eyes again he picked up his light brain and opened Zi Han¡¯s contact. Feeling sullen he dialed Zi Han¡¯s contact but he was yet again pped in the face by that horrible response.


    He pulled his hair back with an irritable disposition. That¡¯s when he realized that if Zi Han was with Zi Xingxi then if he calls her he might be able to speak to him or at least know how he was doing. This was basically when everything went downhill.


    Yi Chen never thought he was the clingy type who would blow up his lover¡¯s light brain calling him but that¡¯s exactly what he did.


    He knew Zi Han wouldn¡¯t be able to see these messages but he couldn¡¯t stop sending them. They started off pretty much normal like,


    YC: I hope you are okay.


    To,


    YC: It hurts so much.


    YC: Please call me as soon as you get these.


    Then they got crazier,


    YC: If this keeps up I might end uping there to look for you.


    YC: Should I bring something for your mother and grandfather?


    YC: Wifey, if you don¡¯t open the door for me I will jump through your window.


    Three minutester...


    YC: The old steward at your ce said you weren¡¯t there.


    YC: Baby, where are you?


    YC: It¡¯s driving me crazy.


    Yep, not the proudest moment in his life but he couldn¡¯t help it. He couldn¡¯t concentrate on anything else. Little did he know that at that time Zi Han was fast asleep.

 Chapter 251

    251 Ms. Lin is so seductive


    ¡°You are telling me you have absolutely no idea who shot prime minister Ikeda? You... you have zero ideas who did?¡± asked Marshal Yi with an unfathomable expression on his face. Yi Chen looked at his father through the misty smokeing from a lit cigar pinched in between Marshal Yi¡¯s fingers.


    He maintained an impassive look like this truly had nothing to do with him. ¡°I don¡¯t know... from the looks of it I am the most likely suspect. I have both the motive and the means but I didn¡¯t do it,¡± replied Yi Chen with the most blunt tone almost angering the Marshal.


    ¡°Of course, you didn¡¯t do it. You are the most rational person I know. You aren¡¯t impulsive unlike a certain someone you are actively protecting,¡± replied Marshal Yi staring dead at him his eyes fierce.


    When he found out how Yi Chen and Li Ran went behind his back and dug in through the prime minister¡¯s highly ssified servers looking for evidence he was extremely angry.


    That he could get over but what he couldn¡¯t ept was the fact that his son knew something and was deliberately hiding it. It didn¡¯t take much for the Marshal to figure out Zi Han did it, he just didn¡¯t have evidence to back that up.


    What angered him the most was that Yi Chen was protecting him and lying about it. His well-behaved son that never defied his orders was now actively going against him for an outsider.


    ¡°Lord knows I also want to finish off that bastard after what he did to you but Zi Han still broke thew andmitted treason. I can protect him. Just tell me everything that happened,¡± said the Marshal his tone much softer than before as though trying to coax it out of him.


    Whoosh!


    The soft sound of his office door slid open and Lin Ruoxi strode in her anger at an all-time high.


    .....


    ¡°Yi Zhen! What are you doing to my son?¡± she said her hand on her hip ready to scold people for messing with her son.


    She had been at a fashion event at Sena, a small star near Capital Star, when she heard the news. As soon as she got home, she didn¡¯t even have time to change out of her stilettos when she heard Ming Ming saying that dad locked her older brother in his office and she heard arguing in there. Lin Ruoxi barged into the office ready to protect her cub.


    ¡°Our son, he is our son and he is hiding something from me. Ever since he met that Zi kid he hasn¡¯t been the same. It¡¯s unbing of the future marshal,¡± exined the Marshal but unfortunately, his wife couldn¡¯t tolerate him bad-mouthing Zi Han.


    ¡°Why are you interrogating him like he is a criminal? Come,e Chen Chen. Let¡¯s go. Your father has obviously lost his mind.¡±


    Yi Chen was clearly aware of thews of the jungle. Whoever wears the crown is king and in this family that would be his mother. Like a fish out of water, his father would p a few times but in the end, he would cave in. Thus Yi Chen stood up and walked out without any hesitation.


    ¡°Yi Chen you!... Youe back for this old man,¡± said the Marshal calling him back but Lin Ruoxi blocked his view her expression saying ¡®you will be dealing with me from now on¡¯ written all over her face.


    ¡°Ruo, you can¡¯t be serious. He is obviously hiding something. Do you know how serious this matter is?¡± he said seeming frustrated at this point.


    Lin Ruoxi closed the door and walked over to him her hand resting on his desk. ¡°It is important but didn¡¯t the prime minister try to kill him? He tried to kill my son and now you want to snitch on whoever shot that bastard? What if it was me who shot him, huh?¡±


    Marshal Yi leaned back in his seat as he stared at her his brows furrowed. ¡°I am just worried that this wille back and bite our family in the ass. They will take everything we have built for themselves and our children will suffer the consequences if they found out he knew something but chose to say nothing.¡±


    Lin Ruoxi took away the cigar from his hand and smoked it blowing the puff of smoke in his face. The Marshal felt shivers all over his body knowing full well what this signified. Faced with the woman he loves he couldn¡¯t resist the temptation.


    He knew right then and there that he had already lost his case. ¡°Freedom and justice is an illusion that only applies when it best suits those in power. If you were to hand over the perpetrator no one knows if he would even be able to get a trial date but Ikeda will most definitely get away with trying to murder my... our son.¡±


    ¡°That¡¯s because he has the entire backing of the populous and he can control public opinion. You know all that better than I do. I am fairly certain a certain someone will make sure that the truth would nevere out. They will never find out who did this.¡±


    By the time she was done speaking she was already sitting on his desk her legs spread apart. While unbuttoning her sheer white blouse one button at a time she said in a whisper, ¡°Now stop stressing... and fuck me.¡± After saying this the sleeves of her open blouse slipped down her shoulders revealing wless snowy skin that made him gulp.


    He clenched his fists trying to resist but he already knew he had lost the war before it even began. Seeing his hesitation, Lin Ruoxi messily ruffled her hair while taking off one of her heels before rubbing his lower half with her toesced with pantyhose.


    The Marshal¡¯s breathing became heavy with his chest rising and falling rapidly. ¡°You don¡¯t want it?¡± she asked before taking another drag and leaning her head back releasing a puff of smoke while elongating her neck her message clear.


    ¡°Ms. Lin,¡± he said before grasping her waist and pulling her closer forcibly. Lin Ruoxi gasped sharply as she stared into his eyes her chest pressing against his face. The Marshal rose to his feet his lips deliberately brushing on her cleavage and neck before stopping near her ear lobe.

 Chapter 252

    252 The case of the missing marshmallow.


    ¡°I am the Marshal of Onyx Federation. The pir ofw. You can¡¯t just offer yourself up to me so I can forget your son¡¯s transgressions,¡± he said in a charming deep, and low voice that made her body tremble in excitement.


    Lin Ruoxi turned her head slightly and caught his piercing gaze in the corner of her eye. ¡°Then that¡¯s too bad because I was willing to do anything,¡± she said before seductively biting her cherry red lip.


    ¡°Ru Ru, you are seriously going to be the death of me,¡± he said before kissing her neck his hand roaming underneath her skirt.


    While the Marshal was drilling into his wife on his office desk, Yi Chen was staring at his light brain with a lost expression seeming lovelorn.


    As hey on his bed his thumb kept scrolling through the unread messages on the chat interface with a despondent look on his face.


    His door suddenly opened and two heads popped through the door staring at him. They knew that their older brother was the cold silent type but they could most definitely tell when his mood was bad.


    Thinking they could do their due diligence as siblings they decided toe and cheer him up with a cup of hot cocoa with little kitty marshmallows floating on the surface.


    Yi Youxi ced the steaming mug on the bedside pedestal while Ming Ming climbed on the bed andy her head on his pillow saying, ¡°We thought dad made you sad so we made you a cup of hot chocte. Do you like it?¡±


    Yi Chen nced at the mug while Yi Youxi said, ¡°Made it? The housekeeping robot obviously did.¡±


    .....


    ¡°It¡¯s the thought that counts,¡± said Ming Ming defending herself while licking the corner of her lip with a little hot chocte left there. That¡¯s because she had eaten one of the kitty marshmallows which resulted in Yi Youxi taking the hot chocte from her lest all the marshmallows disappeared by the time they get to Yi Chen¡¯s room.


    ¡°Thanks but there seems to be one missing?¡± said Yi Chen having noticed that they were only three of them and the person right next to him looked very suspicious.


    ¡°Ha ha... ha, dage, you are seeing things. There were obviously fou-, um three, to begin with,¡± said Ming Mingughing nervously.


    Yi Youxi shook his head while crawling into the bed too.


    ¡°You are so bad at lying. You can never be awyer,¡± he said but she retorted back by sticking out her tongue and saying,


    ¡°Jokes on you. I never wanted to be awyer.¡±


    Yi Chen, ¡°...¡±


    The room fell into a momentary silence as the three siblings did their own thing. One was ying games, the other watching some animation and thest one endlessly scrolling through his chat interface with his mean boyfriend.


    ¡°Are mum and dad still fighting? I am hungry,¡± said Ming Ming rubbing her tummy, ¡°I want roast duck and wontons.¡±


    ¡°*Sigh I want spicy noodles,¡± said Yi Youxi his eyes never leaving his game.


    After thinking about it a little Yi Chen finally said, ¡°Do you want to go eat out?¡±


    ¡°Yes!¡±


    ¡°Yah!¡±


    They answered simultaneously while staring at him.


    ¡°Well, then get ready. We will be leaving in five,¡± said Yi Chen and the pair scurried off the bed at a fast pace. The reason they were so excited wasn¡¯t that they were going to eat out but the person they were going to eat out with.


    Yi Chen rarely ever went out with just them so yep, they jumped off the bed in excitement leaving behind a puff of smoke. They didn¡¯t want Yi Chen to change his mind.


    In the office, Lin Ruoxi who was half dressed and getting drilled from behind heard loud footsteps like they were running around doing something shady. Her mum sense went online and she wanted to say something to her husband but just like she was the king in the house he was the king in the bedroom. There was no way he was letting her go.


    With his hand covering her mouth, he bit her shoulder while thrusting into her faster and deeper. Her IQ instantly went offline forgetting about her kids who were obviously up to something.


    Ten minutester the group of three were in a private room at a fancy restaurant spending Yi Chen¡¯s money like no business.


    Yi Chen was constantly removing any spicy things from Ming Ming¡¯s te because though she said she could handle it she most definitely couldn¡¯t. Yi Youxi on the other hand was guzzling more fizzy drinks than food thus Yi Chen had to watch over that too.


    While he was overseeing the food consumption on the table the moment he had been waiting for finally happened. His sweetheart finally responded but his message was short and concise which wasn¡¯t Zi Han¡¯s style at all.


    ZiHan: Do you want to hang out?


    Yi Chen¡¯s hand shook bumping into the ss of apple juice spilling some on the table. Ming Ming licked her oil-stained face and asked, ¡°Why are you so clumsy?¡±


    ¡°Look who is talking,¡± replied Yi Youxi while Yi Chen wiped the table with a napkin. While the two were bickering, Yi Chen opened the message and typed in a quick response.


    YC: Yes.


    YC: Why did you change your username?


    Yi Chen was basically holding his breath when the message went through but it wasn¡¯t read yet. He was so nervous that his palms turned mmy. When the message bubble changed color showing that it had been read, he heaved a sigh his tense muscles rxing.


    (Typing.....)


    The typing notice at the top remained like that for a while and Yi Chen almost thought he wouldn¡¯t respond.


    ZiHan: I will tell youter.


    ZiHan: Uncle Lu will pick you up. Send me your location.


    Yi Chen looked at the two minions he had dragged along and suddenly felt conflicted. Either ditch his siblings or make a n forter.


    He decided on thetter but his heart was very aggrieved.


    YC: I have my siblings with me so can¡¯t we make a n forter tonight?


    The message was received and read but Zi Han didn¡¯t respond immediately. After what seemed like forever he finally replied,


    ZiHan: Bring them along.


    Yi Chen, ¡°...¡±


    Didn¡¯t they have stuff to talk about? How were they going to have a private chat with these two around?


    Author¡¯s note: Why does it feel like they are about to get kidnapped, all three of them? Huh, interesting?

 Chapter 253

    253 Yi Zhen, I swear upon my grandmother¡¯s ashes


    ¡°Do you guys want to go see dage¡¯s boyfriend?¡± asked Yi Chen before sending his location.


    The two pairs of eyes brightened as theypletely abandoned their meal.


    ¡°Yes, where is he?¡± asked Yi Youxi acting like he was going to jump out of his seat.


    Ming Ming licked the corner of her lips while tilting her head sideways, her little ponytail swaying to the side. ¡°I want to see Jie Jie... can we go now?¡± she said and Yi Chen took a clean napkin and wiped her mouth while saying finish eating first.


    The pair hurriedly finished their meal at an unprecedented speed that Yi Chen was so afraid that they would choke.


    Five minutester the three musketeers left the restaurant and when they passed by a bakery store, Yi Chen dragged them inside which he soon realized was a bad decision. The two of them had their own opinions on what Zi Han would like. From unicorn cakesicles to chocte and hazelnut cheesecakes the pair kept pointing at things his boyfriend would like. Knowing them he was starting to suspect they were mentioning things that they wanted.


    Yi Chen ended up getting them what they wanted but for Zi Han, his heart settled on the most typical and less dazzling dessert. He tried looking for something else but he kept circling back to those heart shaped cupcakes.


    ¡°He won¡¯t like those,¡± muttered Yi Youxi while they walked out of the dessert shop.


    ¡°It¡¯s too cheesy and he is a boy,¡± said Ming Ming truly believing that Zi Han would like her unicorn cakesicles.


    .....


    Yi Chen, ¡°...¡±


    ¡°We should go back and buy him flowers. They are very expensive but he deserves it,¡± said Yi Youxi pulling at his arm.


    Yi Chen was about to respond to their criticisms when Old Lu pulled up and got out of the car.


    ¡°Mr. Yi, Mr. Yi, and little Miss Yi please,¡± he said with a smile so bright like he was about to drive the groom, his best man, and the flower girl to the wedding.


    Ming Ming looked up to Yi Chen and sought permission. Yi Chen nodded his head and she looked at Old Lu with a radiant smile before saying, ¡°Thank you, sir,¡± and directly hopping into the hovercar.


    Yi Youxi followed behind her leaving Yi Chen and Old Lu standing outside together. Yi Chen asked, ¡°Where are we going.¡±


    Old Lu smiled and said, ¡°You will see,¡± before gesturing with his hand for him to enter the hovercar.


    Yi Chen wasn¡¯t worried for their safety but for a second he honestly started doubting Zi Han¡¯s ns. That¡¯s because they drove towards the nearest private tform and took a stealth cruiser.


    Not long after they left Capital Star¡¯s atmosphere and entered the dark starry gxy they were met with a massive warship the most dangerous of them all in the entire federation. Cetus could barely keep up with it and only a privileged few outside the Bloodgarde could see it let alone be in it.


    Now Zi Han was taking him straight into it which was... pretty heart warming actually. They say bring a guy home and you know you have won their heart but to Yi Chen, it was more like bring their boyfriend to the most secretive warship then they will most definitely walk down the aisle with you soon.


    ¡°Look at that? It¡¯s so big... dage are we going in that?¡±


    Yi Chen wanted to respond to Ming Ming¡¯s zealous energy but he was so nervous, especially after what happened thest time. They were caught in bed by his mother and not only that but when he was trying to get a hold of him he sort of stalked all three of them so yep... there was that.It was because of that that his palms were so mmy and he was ridden with cold sweat as he sat there with his legs crossed.


    He clenched and unclenched his fist several times and when he heard Old Lu say they had arrived his hand paused abruptly and he slowly clenched it again his expressionplicated.


    Meanwhile, on Capital Star, a sweaty Marshal Yi was cuddling his wife in his birthday suit while trying to convince her to go again when he got an unexpected call.


    At first, he didn¡¯t want to answer it but the person was fairly persistent. Thus he picked it up reluctantly. When he heard where his kids went the Marshal almost lost his mind.


    ¡°Shit,¡± he swore losing his footing as he hastily got off the bed.


    ¡°What are you doing?¡± asked Lin Ruoxi pulling the quilt to cover herself.


    Marshal Yi put on his pants while yelling, ¡°Those brats they went on the Han!¡±


    Lin Ruoxi had on a puzzled expression as she asked, ¡°The warship? What¡¯s the big fuss? It¡¯s not like they went somewhere illegal. Like seriously?¡±


    ¡°But that¡¯s... I am going to get them and they are all going to be grounded until they are a hundred years old,¡± he replied only for his face to get hit by a pillow.


    ¡°Yi Zhen I swear upon my grandmother¡¯s ashes if you walk out that door don¡¯te back,¡± she said picking up another pillow her hair a disheveled mess like she had been on a rollercoaster.


    Marshal Yi raised his hands and grabbed the pillow his feelings conflicted. He knew Lin Ruoxi was always right but this, this really was getting to him. He was so afraid that his family would get destroyed.


    Growing up his father always told him that the Zi family and the Bloodgarde were never their allies. His father and others who came before them tried to distance themselves from the Bloodgarde. That¡¯s because they were independent of the Royal family. There were never loyal to the royal family from the beginning. Thus if the royal family ever touched their bottom line it would be easy to sever their rtionship. This is why he was very resistant toward the Zi kid very much.


    His wife on the other hand liked him so much that it was so puzzling. With his hand on his waist, he just looked at her with an ¡®are you serious¡¯ type of look and she answered that question.

 Chapter 254

    254 Fighting for his boyfriend¡¯s attention


    ¡°I am not joking,¡± she said but the Marshal didn¡¯t respond. He just ced his hand on his forehead staring at her.


    ¡°Fine, do what you want. I am going to bed,¡± she said before covering herself with a quilt and closing her eyes.


    She could hear sounds in the room for a very long time and she honestly thought that he was going to leave. But as she became drowsy and about to sleep she felt a dip in the bed like some weight had been put on it. Despite this, she didn¡¯t move. She pretended as if she had really fallen asleep.


    A secondter she felt a cool breeze from the quilt being lifted and a warm body shuffling closer to her.


    A warm hand slipped in between her arm and her waist pulling her into an embrace. He didn¡¯t know why she was adamant about this but he trusted her. Worse case scenario... he would abandon his post and flee with his family if ites to it.


    ¡°I trust you... and I love you,¡± he whispered but Lin Ruoxi was honestly starting to feel a bit guilty. She was doing all of this for her son but she suddenly felt like she was disregarding his feelings.


    ***


    Meanwhile, Yi Chen was just standing there like a statue staring at Zi Han like he had received enlightenment and didn¡¯t know how to react.


    His entire body broke into goosebumps and it felt like all the blood in his body was rushing to his head. Several times he opened his mouth but he just didn¡¯t know what to say.


    .....


    He just watched on as his siblings stole the show moring over Zi Han like he wasn¡¯t even there. He suddenly felt like he was fighting for attention.


    Is this how it felt when couples get kids? He really was having a hard time sharing Zi Han with other people even though those other people were his siblings. He was so used to being in their two person world and now that the number had increased he was feeling a little shaken.


    When Zi Xingxi saw this from the high tform she couldn¡¯t help but approach him. ¡°Feeling left out aren¡¯t you?¡± she asked her expression malicious like the wicked stepmother from snow white. Well, in this case, it would be the wicked mother inw.


    Yi Chen didn¡¯t respond. He just kept watching his lover happily interacting with his siblings as they showed off what they brought.


    Zi Xingxi let out a throaty chuckle before offering, ¡°Do you want a drink? I am sure he will remember you exist in a couple of hours.¡±


    Yi Chen couldn¡¯t refuse that. He followed Zi Xingxi to the bridge without much thought.


    Zi Xingxi poured out two shots of whatever strong liquor she had on the rocks and handed him one of the two sses.


    She sat down her gaze transfixed on the starry sky her thoughts unknown. As she raised her ss to her lips Yi Chen¡¯s voice rang out in the silent atmosphere.


    ¡°What will happen when prime minister Ikeda regains consciousness?¡± he said with worry in his tone.


    Zi Xingxi¡¯s hand paused for a moment with the rim of the ss on her lips. With a slight quirk at the corner of her mouth, she continued taking a sip before swirling the ss in her hand.


    ¡°He won¡¯t say shit... I am more than certain of it,¡± she said and Yi Chen¡¯s expression turned inquisitive.


    What did she mean by that? Why wouldn¡¯t the prime minister want to name Zi Han and arrest him immediately? This could also serve as an execuse to take down the Bloodgarde and get what he wants.


    Yi Chen took a sip and his expression immediately contorted as he asked, ¡°And why is that? Why wouldn¡¯t he say something?¡±


    Zi Xingxiughed a little while staring at the crystal ss as she slowly turned it. ¡°Oh, there is more beneath the surface than you could ever imagine... Ikeda Yu was always interested... no, obsessed with his royal highness. When I say obsessed I mean the ¡®I want to be with you¡¯ type of obsessed. When he refused things didn¡¯t go so well between them.¡±


    ¡°That is to say shit went south and because Ikeda Yu couldn¡¯t get with the program my husband broke off the friendship. He was so into the prince that he is willing to find a substitute and the most perfect substitute is Han Han so... he won¡¯t say anything.¡±


    ¡°If anything you should be worried that he is going to pursue Zi Han and trust me he is the type that wouldn¡¯t ept the answer ¡®no¡¯.¡±


    Yi Chen¡¯s heart sank hearing this. Sure he knew Zi Han wouldn¡¯t be interested in such a person and now that he had epted to be his boyfriend he would be fullymitted to the very end but he couldn¡¯t help but feel very unsettled by this.


    Zi Xingxi continued saying, ¡°You weren¡¯t my first choice for my son but he likes you a lot so I can only swallow all myints and step aside. If you as much as hurt him or if he ever sheds a tear because of you I will make your entire family pay. Don¡¯t say I didn¡¯t warn you.¡±


    Yi Chen who was still trying to digest the mind blowing news about the prime minister being interested in his boyfriend was suddenly jolted back to reality when she said that.


    He raised his head and looked at her before speaking from the heart. ¡°I love him and I would never do anything to hurt him. Like I said before I will protect him with my life so you can be reassured,¡± he said and Zi Xingxi believed him. In fact, she was more worried that in this rtionship her son would be more of a heartbreaker than Yi Chen.


    Yi Chen was so deep in his feelings yet her son on the other hand was dodging the question. She just hoped they had a better ending than she and her husband did.

 Chapter 255

    255 NSFW (Appertiser)


    Zi Han loved hanging out with this pair of misfits but when he messaged Yi Chen he not only want to talk. When he wrote the words ¡®hang out¡¯ he meant ¡°making love¡± but when Yi Chen told him he had his siblings with him Zi Han couldn¡¯t wait because he missed him so much.


    After exploring half of the warship Zi Han led them back to the bridge. Yi Chen was awkwardly sitting there while Zi Han mother and grandfather were bickering about something trivial. Yi Chen¡¯s expression didn¡¯t seem right at all. It was slightly pale and his eyes were a little red at the corners.


    Zi Han leaned down and whispered to the pair, ¡°Do you see that auntie over there?¡±


    ¡°Uh huh,¡± responded Ming Ming while Yi Youxi nodded his head.


    ¡°Go over there and tell her you like mechs and that you want to see them,¡± he said and the clueless cuties rushed over excitedly. They loved mechs but other than their protective mechs they really hadn¡¯t been in one so of course, they would be excited.


    Zi Han suppressed a smile as he watched his mother getting overwhelmed by the over energetic pair. Zi Feiji also liked children thus he forgot about whatever they were bickering about before.


    While they were distracted Zi Han nced in Yi Chen¡¯s direction only to notice that the man had been staring at him this entire time with an intense burning gaze that was scorching through his skin.


    Zi Han felt a slight prickling sensation spread from his face to the tips of his fingers as he gazed back at him. He unknowingly bit his lower lip his heart beating into his ears as blood rushed to his head in excitement. He crooked his finger in Yi Chen¡¯s direction and like a marite, Yi Chen got up and snuck out of the bridge unnoticed.


    When he entered the passageway Zi Han was gone. His brows creased as he nced down either side of the passageway. When he checked the left side that¡¯s when he noticed a silhouette disappearing around the corner.


    .....


    Yi Chen didn¡¯t even think. With hastened steps, he rushed over to catch up with him only to bump into a familiar yet not-so-familiar face.


    Lynn Feng so happened to have received amand from Zi Xingxi thus she was walking over there.


    ¡°Excuse me,¡± whispered Yi Chen before disappearing around the corner as well.


    Lynn Feng pulled the lollipop stick from her mouth with an arched brow as she put two and two together. ¡°Ha... it seems someone would be getting a happy ending tonight,¡± she whispered only for her to turn around and bump into Secretary K¡¯s rock-hard chest.


    She slowly popped the lollipop into her mouth her gaze lecherous. ¡°Maybe I can have a happy ending too,¡± she said only for secretary K to take a step back.


    ¡°You must be tired of living,¡± said Secretary K before walking past her.


    Lynn Feng snorted before walking away. ¡°Your loss,¡± she replied with a slight quirk at the corner of her mouth. Because she had walked away hastily she missed the slight ripples in his dark pupils.


    Meanwhile, Yi Chen who had been roped into a game of hide and seek was feeling a little frustrated when he lost Zi Han after a few turns and twists. He took out his light brain and was about to ask, ¡°Where are you?¡± when the sliding door next to him opened and he was grabbed by the cor before getting pulled into the cabin.


    With a high-pitched ding sound, the door locked with the panel turning red.


    Zi Han pressed Yi Chen against the door and began to kiss him fiercely like an animal in heat, licking and sucking like he had been starved for days.


    Pulling him down by his cor Zi Han deepened the kiss with the tip of his tongue slipping into Yi Chen¡¯s mouth. Their tongues entangled in a fiery exchange igniting an intense sensation that had Yi Chen groaning unintentionally. Zi Han chased after his tongue with his while sucking his lips before licking the area underneath Yi Chen¡¯s tongue.


    ¡°Ah... mm,¡± groaned Yi Chen before reluctantly separating their lips. Gasping with their foreheads pressed together Yi Chen whispered, ¡°I thought we were going to talk,¡± while grasping both of Zi Han¡¯s arms.


    ¡°We are talking...,¡± he said before leaning forward and kissing Yi Chen¡¯s lips lightly. With the tips of their noses touching Zi Han continued, ¡°We are talking with our bodies,¡± his hot breath scorching Yi Chen¡¯s skin sending electric sparks all over his body. This wasn¡¯t their first time but Zi Han was like an intoxicating substance. The more you take the more you want.


    Zi Han leisurely opened his lust-filled eyes and nced into Yi Chen¡¯s eyes before ncing down at those soft lips that were tainted with a red flush from the kiss.


    ¡°What?... You don¡¯t want -?¡± asked Zi Han but before he could finish his sentence Yi Chen pressed both his palms on either side of Zi Han¡¯s cheeks and kissed his lips with all his restraints unbound. He swapped positions with Zi Han pressing the man against the door kissing him fervently like his very survival depended on it.


    Zi Han was kissed deeply, having to hold his breath till he was out of oxygen. He was kissed until his mind was in a daze and breathless.


    When Yi Chen finally let him go Zi Han gasped for air with his head tilted back letting Yi Chen kiss and suck on his neck.


    ¡°Mm... you... ngh... you only have... thirty minutes. Spend it wisely,¡± he spoke in breathless prose.


    Zi Han¡¯s fingers slipped into Yi Chen¡¯s hair and he bit his lips preventing the lewd sounds froming out of his mouth. But when Yi Chen picked him up, Zi Han couldn¡¯t help but exim as he subconsciously wrapped his legs around Yi Chen¡¯s hips. Yi Chen kissed his lips again before saying, ¡°Baby, you hurt me.¡±


    Zi Han stared into his eyes with a trace of guilt. ¡°I am sorry,¡± he said before leaning forward and pressing their lips together in a passionately heated kiss that didn¡¯tst long. That¡¯s because Yi Chen pulled back and as though teasing him he whispered, ¡°Sorry won¡¯t cut it.¡±


    ¡°Then what should I do to make it better?¡± asked Zi Han while kissing the corner of his lips and cheeks before continuing in a whisper, ¡°Please go easy on me.¡±

 Chapter 256

    256 NSFW..... Main course hehehe


    Yi Chen felt the fire spread down to his lower half that was tightly strangled in his pants. He gripped the waistband of Zi Han¡¯s casual shorts and said, ¡°I want you to read all of the messages I sent to you. I want you to read them out loud.¡±


    Zi Han, ¡°...¡±


    ¡°Okay. I wi-,¡± he said but his shorts were suddenly torn apart until they resembled rags.


    Zi Han grasped both of Yi Chen¡¯s shoulders a little startled but deep down he felt a deep attraction towards Yi Chen, the kind of attraction carved deep in his bones.


    Yi Chen sucked on Zi Han¡¯s lips expressing his dissatisfaction about what he had gone through for the past two days. He flung away the tattered shorts and proceeded to tear at Zi Han¡¯s underwear.


    Zi Han reprimanded him saying, ¡°Wait, let me take it off myself. I might be well off but I don¡¯t like shopping,¡± his voice getting lower and lower because Yi Chen¡¯s fingers had slipped into his underwear and rubbed against that lewd hole with a thinyer of lube covering his fingertips.


    Zi Han shuddered as an inexplicable itch arose in that ce. He felt so itchy that he was desperate for Yi Chen¡¯s fingers to slip inside andfort him.


    ¡°Baby, you had already prepared yourself for me?¡± asked Yi Chen while pressing that blossoming flower ready to be plucked.


    ¡°What do you think I invited you here for? I miss your dick so much,¡± he said in a yful tone but the consequence of saying such a thing were dire.


    .....


    Yi Chen sunk his teeth into Zi Han¡¯s shoulder making him hiss in pain. Yi Chen licked the tooth marks with the tip of his tongue before saying, ¡°So you only missed that but not me. Han Han, you are so cruel.¡±


    ¡°You already bit me so we are ev-, AAAH... you fucker,¡± replied Zi Han before he was prated with that hard member making him cry out with tears at the corners of his eyes. Yi Chen had shamelessly pushed away the fabric of his underwear and thrust his member in through the gap like a thief stealing stuff through the window.


    Zi Han¡¯s fingernails dug deep into Yi Chen¡¯s skin through his t-shirt as he grimaced in pain.


    ¡°Aaaa... fuck... mm be gentle,¡± he whispered his brow creased. He began to question if it was this painful the first time or had the pain upgraded to another level.


    Yi Chen pulled back his cock and stroked it a couple of times before saying, ¡°Read them,¡± his voice gruff with seductive undertones.


    Zi Han who had just recovered had no idea what he was talking about. ¡°Read what?¡± he asked when a loud ripping sound echoed through the air as his underwear was torn.


    Before Zi Han could utter a word ofint Yi Chen thrust his hardness into him making him cry out. Yi Chen squeezed his ass his thrusts long and hard while Zi Han held on to him overwhelmed by the pain and pleasure shaking his very core.


    Yi Chen twisted his hips while slowly plunging into him making Zi Han moan. ¡°Aaaa... a little faster, ah fuck,¡± he whispered and whimpered but Yi Chen stopped midway while talking into his ear,


    ¡°Read them... read them for daddy.¡±


    Zi Han thought Yi Chen was crazy but this wasn¡¯t the time to question his mental health. If he wanted that sausage then he had no choice but to work for it.


    He hurriedly pulled up the chat interface and gulped skimming through the list of messages. His eyes widened as he asked, ¡°All of them?¡±


    Yi Chen gazed at him through the corner of his eye his gaze staring straight into his heart. ¡°Um,¡± he humped a response with the vibrations from his chest transmitting into Zi Han¡¯s body giving him butterflies in his stomach.


    ¡°Are you.... ah ah ah.... you mm okay,¡± moaned Zi Han while the long and deep thrusts were hitting the right notes. That was one down and fourty something more to go.


    ¡°Mm mm... Where... uh ungh ungh uh uh uh... where are you.... aaaaa,¡± continued Zi Han as the thrusts got fiercer and fiercer. His mind was so muddled that he ended up repeating the same word unable to continue reading.


    Panting heavily Yi Chen bit his earlobe and whispered, ¡°Continue,¡± with his hot breath burning holes into his brain.


    ¡°Shit, Yi Ch-,¡± he said only for his voice to die down when Yi Chen brushed against that sweet precious spot making him tremble convulsively from the intense pleasure.


    Yi Chen pressed both his palms against the door and swung his hips stimting that spot ceaselessly as though venting out something. Loud PA PA PA PA sounds of a strong pelvis pounding against flesh filled the room. asional groans and moans were heard clearly expressing how much pleasure was being derived from this special entanglement.


    Zi Han soon found himself lying face down on the bed with his ass high up in the air.


    PA!


    That was the sound of Yi Chen smacking Zi Han¡¯s ass leaving behind an obvious palm print. Yi Chen fondled the two peaks that were smooth to the touch before smacking the same one as before. He lowered his body and pinched Zi Han¡¯s nipple making the man hum and groan in excitement.


    ¡°Keep reading baby,¡± he whispered with his lips brushing against the back of Zi Han¡¯s neck.


    Zi Han who was as high as a kite at this moment bit his lower lip and opened his mouth to read when Yi Chen thrust into that special ce while biting the back of his neck.


    He knew then and then that he would not be able to continue reading. It was an impossible task thus he could only use his charm.


    He knelt on the bed with his back arched while pulling Yi Chen¡¯s hand and cing it on his neck.


    ¡°Husband please punish me another way,¡± he whispered with the back of his head partially resting on Yi Chen¡¯s shoulder. He ced his middle finger in his mouth and sucked on it his actions provocative. The entire time he was doing that he kept their gazes locked infinitely magnifying the feeling of love in the air.


    He licked the tip of his finger with his tongue before his hand slowly caressed down from his neck down his chest till he grasped his member twitching with excitement as thin clear liquid seep down from its tip.


    Yi Chen gulped with ascivious gaze in his eyes. He was about to let him go unscathed but he reconsidered it. He took off his t-shirt that had been wrinkled from all the activity before he lowered his head. With his hair strands brushing past Zi Han¡¯s cheek as he said,


    ¡°Call me daddy and I will reconsider it,¡± with his thumb gently rubbing his lover¡¯s lower lip.

 Chapter 257

    257 NSFW... Dessert... Please enjoy


    Zi Han felt a little parched his lips dry as he stared straight into Yi Chen¡¯s eyes. He subconsciously stuck out his tongue to lick his dry lips but ended up licking Yi Chen¡¯s finger instead.


    Yi Chen¡¯s breathing stagnated his eyes darkening further. He gently rubbed Zi Han¡¯s lip with his thumb and as though unaware of what was good for him Zi Han kept teasing the tip of his finger provocatively.


    His hand caressing Zi Han¡¯s waist underneath the t-shirt slid downwards with his palms pressing on that smooth sweaty skin.


    He stroked Zi Han¡¯s hard member and the man bit his thumb while gasping in ecstasy. Yi Chen was enthralled by Zi Han¡¯s provocative actions. Yi Chen nibbled on Zi Han¡¯s shoulder while letting out a throaty groan. Zi Han couldn¡¯t bear it anymore. He wanted Yi Chen to move inside of him while stroking his member but the man was stubbornly refusing to plow into him. He removed his t-shirt that was sticking to his body intending to cool off from the heat.


    ¡°Aaaa... fuck me... I want you to fuck me daddy Chen,¡± he whispered in between gasps his sweet moans burrowing into Yi Chen¡¯s ear.


    The two of them forgot themselves as Yi Chen drilled into him like there was no tomorrow. It was as though he was venting out all his frustrations and all his grievances for the past few days.


    From the moment he found that sweet spot that made his lover shudder with uncontroble pleasure he had gained the upper hand. Zi Han felt like his soul had left his body as waves of pleasure swept past his body from the top of his head to the tips of his toes.


    He ced his hand on the back of Yi Chen¡¯s neck drawing him closer and the two began to kiss passionately while Yi Chen thrust long and hard inside his lover¡¯s body.


    Zi Han felt an intense fire building up in his lower half. His hard length felt a pleasant yet ufortable heat like he was on the verge of exploding. This feeling only got more and more intense as Yi Chen slowly slid his member to his deepest depths as though trying to tie a knot between them binding them together in life and in death.


    .....


    Zi Han arched his back even more his ass sticking to Yi Chen¡¯s body yearning to be filled entirely. Yi Chen teasingly pinched and twisted Zi Han¡¯s nipple while his other hand caressed his abs. His mind, body, and soul focused on the unrestrained lewd criesing from Zi Han¡¯s lips apanied by the sound of their flesh bumping into each other.


    ¡°Aaaa... ah fuck... mmmmh.... daddy... mm...ohh yea... aah aah shit,¡± cried Zi Han as his abdominal muscles contracted involuntarily his hard member spewing out cum as he reached his culmination. The feeling was so intense and exciting that he couldn¡¯t help but suck hard on Yi Chen¡¯s lips as muffled whimpers escaped his throat.


    After his release, a wave of chills spread all over his sweat-covered body as he separated his lips from Yi Chen¡¯s breathing heavily to catch his breath. Yi Chen kissed and sucked his back hard breaking the blood vessels on the surface of Zi Han¡¯s skin.


    ¡°Aaaa baby, I like the way your face looks after you climax,¡± he said as he kissed up Zi Han¡¯s back to his neck. His breathing heavy he whispered, ¡°I want to see it again,¡± before pressing Zi Han down on the bed.


    With a naughty expression on his face, Zi Han brought his arms on his lower back and crossed them his face stered on the bed.


    Staring at Yi Chen in his peripheral view he said, ¡°You only have ten minutes left so make it count... daddy.¡±


    With a slight quirk at the corner of his mouth, Yi Chen grasped both of Zi Han¡¯s arms pressing them down hard against his lover¡¯s back, and began to swing his hips fervently making Zi Han cry out with tears at the corner of his eye.


    ¡°Aaaa... mmm... deeper uh... just like that... mmmmh don¡¯t sto... don¡¯t stop... ah ah ah ah ah harder daddy harder,¡± cried out Zi Han his whole body jerking forward under Yi Chen¡¯s movements.


    PA! ¡°Do you dare run away from me next time?¡± he said his tone domineering and overbearing.


    Zi Han could hear what he was saying but he just couldn¡¯tprehend it. The tension on his shoulders intensified as Yi Chen pressed on his arms while thrusting into him releasing an unprecedented wave of endorphins making him cry out in pleasure.


    Zi Han let Yi Chen do as he pleased thus he was done until his nipples were tender and swollen from the pinching sucking and kissing.


    Zi Han thought giving Yi Chen a time limit meant he wouldn¡¯t be excessive but he was wrong. By the time Yi Chen climaxed Zi Han could barely feel his legs.


    ¡°Yi Chen I said thirty minutes. When were you nning on finishing? Tomorrow?¡±ined Zi Han as Yi Cheny on top of him breathing heavily while kissing every inch of his lover¡¯s skin.


    ¡°Can¡¯t youe home with me?... I missed you so much. Even Mr. Twiggles misses you. What kind of husband abandons their family without a word?¡± he said his voice low and enchanting luring Zi Han right back into the trap.


    Zi Han knew his mother would be looking for him soon thus he pushed Yi Chen off of him or at least tried to but the person was as unmovable as a boulder.


    ¡°Chen Chen get off. I need to find new clothes to put on,¡± said Zi Han his lips asionally brushing against Yi Chen¡¯s face.


    Yi Chen tightened his hold and wouldn¡¯t let him go. He caressed Zi Han¡¯s body from his shoulder down to his waist which he pinched a few times before moving down to his ass.


    Zi Han¡¯s body shivered under Yi Chen¡¯s touch. It felt so good that he didn¡¯t want him to stop. ¡°Do you want us to get caught again?¡± asked Zi Han his mind concentrating on the feeling of Yi Chen¡¯s fingertips lightly touching his skin.


    ¡°No... but I want to know why you didn¡¯t go with me. Why didn¡¯t you wake me up so we can go together?¡± asked Yi Chen sounding aggrieved.

 Chapter 258

    258 The case of missing schlong


    One after the other the questions were fired at him subsequently and Zi Han suddenly felt like he was on trial. The answer was simple. It was because he didn¡¯t want to implicate Yi Chen thus he set off alone.


    ¡°Because I am afraid you would be implicated in this entire thing. That bastard deserved to die for what he did to you... if you were toe with me you wouldn¡¯t have let me kill him,¡± replied Zi Han his voice getting lower and lower. He didn¡¯t want to talk about this. He just wanted to do the kind of talking that feels good and releases milky white fluids.


    For a moment Yi Chen didn¡¯t say anything. That¡¯s because he couldn¡¯t refute that. Zi Han was right. Unlike Zi Han, he was bound by the code of the Yi family. He wouldn¡¯t have allowed him to kill that bastard but he would have permitted him to kick his ass to his heart¡¯s content.


    ¡°Then why not call me? I was so worried about you,¡± said Yi Chen his member twitching already as though begging for another round.


    ¡°Because.... sigh,¡± abruptly replied Zi Han before shutting his mouth.


    Yi Chen pushed back the strands of hair sticking to Zi Han¡¯s forehead and continued to ask, ¡°Because what?¡± He had no ns for letting Zi Han go without knowing the truth. He had already figured out Zi Han¡¯s character.


    If one doesn¡¯t push him to speak he might never say it. Zi Han shuffled around until hey in Yi Chen¡¯s arms facing him. With his face stered against Yi Chen¡¯s chest, Zi Han said,


    ¡°I was afraid you wouldn¡¯t want me anymore. I was afraid you would be disgusted with me and leave me,¡± replied Zi Han not even daring to look into Yi Chen¡¯s eyes.


    Yi Chen felt his heart twist painfully hearing Zi Han say that. He pinched Zi Han¡¯s chin forcing him to look up taking Zi Han by surprise. ¡°I will never not want you,¡± he said his eyes trembling slightly his insecuritiesing to the surface, ¡°Baby, you should understand one thing. You are stuck with me for the rest of your life... I don¡¯t n on letting you go. No matter what you do, don¡¯t you dare think it can get rid of me. Do you understand?¡±


    .....


    Zi Han¡¯s breathing quickened as he stared into those eyes that were slowly luring him further into the pit. He was so certain Yi Chen wouldn¡¯t want him. He had convinced himself that this man would stare at him with a look of disgust in his eyes just like in his nightmare.


    Because of the excruciating pain and emotions, he felt in the dream it felt like it was real. Even when he woke up it was like his heart had been torn to pieces and the feeling wouldn¡¯t easily go away.


    Yi Chen didn¡¯t even have to say anything thats because his love for Zi Han was clearly written on his face. Yi Chen was being extremely truthful and had made a silent pledge to protect him. This made Zi Han feel a little sourness rise to his chest.


    ¡°Why me?¡± he subconsciously asked his voice low. Judging from his expression he didn¡¯t mean to ask that.


    Yi Chen stroked Zi Han¡¯s hair as he whispered into his ear, ¡°Because from tha first day we met my heart already belonged to you.¡±


    Zi Han, ¡°...¡±


    How could he even counter that and if he does he might end up being the bad guy toying with one of the federation¡¯s most eligible bachelors.


    ¡°How long have you been practicing in front of a mirror to say that?¡± asked Zi Han choosing to bully the federation¡¯s most eligible bachelor instead.


    Yi Chen who had practiced no less than five times in front of a mirror, ¡°...¡±


    Zi Han interlocked their fingers together as he continued saying, ¡°I think that is the sweetest thing anyone has ever said to me. It¡¯s so cheesy but I love it. As long as you only say those words to me alone.¡±


    Hearing this Yi Chen smiled happily and he leaned down and kissed Zi Han while restraining him with his body. While the two were possibly starting something again, something specific only to lovers, Yi Chen received a message.


    When he saw the content of the message a touch of malice flushed in his eyes with all that gentle softness from facing Zi Han gone.


    Zi Han noticed something was wrong but he didn¡¯t immediately ask. It turns out Yi Chen wasn¡¯t truly happy about the prime minister having a thing for his lover.


    When Zi Xingxi told him about it, he seemed well behaved on the outside but internally he was already seeing himself chopping off the prime minister¡¯s tiny sausage and jiggle berries, cooking them then force-feed them to him.


    Yes sure he couldn¡¯t either touch or kill the prime minister but he had plenty of other means.


    After being chased off the Han by Zi Xingxi and dropping off his siblings Yi Chen decided to pay the prime minister a visit.


    Eight hourster...


    ¡°..... today the entire federation woke up to some very unfortunate news. Apparently, the prime minister was yet again attackedst night but this... this time the culprit wasn¡¯t after his life but the lives of his future generations.¡±


    Zi Han, ¡°...¡±


    He wanted to off the prime minister but this, this kind of thing was too cruel. People on StarNet had alreadye for him not because they were sympathetic.


    Rather they were making jokes about the case of the missing schlong more especially after his dirty scandals went viral on StarNet.


    Memes like have you seen this missing schlong with a picture of a tiny cocktail wiener were especially popr and no matter how hard the prime minister¡¯s office tried to suppress it, it would boil up again.


    Plenty of spections were circting around with some believing it was a jealous ex-lover or a dissatisfied prostitute.


    Whatever the case might be whoever was behind this was the very definition of a vengeful ghost.

 Chapter 259

    259 Couple fight... not in bed so.... yep


    Volume one: How they fell in love young


    Volume two: How it¡¯s going.


    ***


    A lonesome slowly rotated on its axis with more than half of it exposed to the sun.


    Unlike earth, it was mostly green vegetation and a few patches of brown from drynd. This was a named Seon, one of thes supplying most of the federation¡¯s food crops.


    Because it had a lot of suitable conditions to grow a variety of crops it produced anything from wheat and rice to vegetables and spices.


    Seon was a very important chess piece in the federation and it was because of this that it became a target by the enemy.


    In the past two years, the Republic had changed strategies. Instead of attacking random cities, they had begun to strategically attack importants by slowly infiltrating the system, and the final attack crippled the entire.


    This time it was Seon under fire with the entire going dark and off the grid for an entire week. All the transport for granary and vegetables that came to Seon never returned and neither could the rest of the federation get in contact with the prime minister of Seon or the military base.


    .....


    The mission was simple. Rescue Seon and restore order. At the forefront of this mission were seven elite squads including Stygian Wyrmprising of the elite future marshal, a revered genius who can hack into anything, two muscle heads loyal to a fault andst but not least the craziest Cadet in the military.


    ¡°You assholes just had to get Varanasi. Is this the halo of the future Marshal?¡±ined Shannon through the openmunication channel.


    Li Ran monitoring the mission from the COV cruiser chuckled as he leaned back in his seat. He pulled up the images of the sacred city of Varanasi and began to brag.


    ¡°A replica of one of the most sacred cities on old earth. A gorgeous sunkissed city that breathes divine bliss with close to a thousand temples. Oh and-,¡± he continued singing praises before Shannon cut him off.


    ¡°Will you shut the fuck up? You sound like a freaking tour guide,¡± she said the jealousy in her voice apparent.


    ¡°We are stuck with farnds yet you guys get a beautiful city. This is unfair,¡± sheined while walking through a field of tall grass which made one feel itchy just looking at it.


    ¡°Shannon, stop fucking around ande over here,¡± was the sound of H¡¯s voice beckoning her over thus cutting themunication line.


    Li Ran pulled up the live footage from the drones and the mechs while taking a sip of his energy drink.


    ¡°It¡¯s like a fucking ghost town. It¡¯s like everyone just disappeared and left everything as is,¡± said Zain as they slowly walked through the deserted city with his weapon drawn.


    ¡°It feels eerie like there are actual ghosts. I feel chills all over my body,¡± replied Omari respectfully closing the door of a temple.


    Zi Han who had heard ghost this ghost that for the past ten minutes was feeling tense his vignce at an all-time high.


    Slurp, slurp!


    ¡°I think there is nothing left in that can. Please stop,¡± said Zain referring to Li Ran who was sucking on his straw in the team channel.


    ¡°I will slurp to my heart¡¯s content, deal with it... It is a ghost town. The drones have scanned through the entire perimeter and there is nothing, not even a single roach,¡± replied Li Ran that is before he got an alert that a worm was trying to infiltrate his system.


    Li Ran smiled maliciously as he sat up straight. ¡°This is getting interesting,¡± he whispered but no one heard him.


    He dialed a contact and when the person angrily picked up Li Ran asked directly, ¡°Crvena, are you trying to fuck with my system again?¡±


    ¡°You piece of @&#^^#&¡Â, I am going to !#&& and then @%!^@#&. Fuck off!¡± cussed and swore to Crvena before cutting the call.


    Li Ran did it on purpose. Crvena had tried to hack him before but he failed miserably. After that Li Ran put him in his ce so it would be a surprise if he became a repeat offender.


    While Li Ran was setting a trap, Yi Chen was trying to coax his beloved who had been ignoring him for the past twenty four hours.


    Yi Chen stood in front of Zi Han and asked, ¡°Are you still mad at me?¡±


    Zi Han who was still angry just nced at him before walking past him. He was feeling tense because of the word ghost floating around but he would rather deal with a vicious ghost right now.


    Yi Chen grasped Zi Han¡¯s wrist and pulled him back but Zi Han drew his rifle resting the barrel on Yi Chen¡¯s shoulder.


    Anyone who had seen this scene would have thought Zi Han wanted to shoot Yi Chen but only Yi Chen knew that Zi Han had sensed something out of ce.


    His gaze fixed on Zi Han he asked, ¡°What is it?¡±


    Zi Han¡¯s breathing quickened his chest rising and falling rapidly as he stared into the distance. His nerves only got even more tense the longer he stared. In front of him was nothing but abandoned temples and tall statues but he couldn¡¯t shake the feeling that something was watching them.


    There was indeed something watching him. It was a translucent spectre-like monster. It was so confident in its trickery that it wrapped itself around the barrel of Zi Han¡¯s rifle while opening its mouth wide as though to take a bite.


    Zi Han raised the corner of his lips in a sneer. For the past six months he had gone through every creature from the Republic recorded in Igneous¡¯ archives.


    If the Republic was truly shipping beasts from their own sr system to the Onyx federation then this could only be the deadly phantom or as they call it in their team, ¡®Casper¡¯.


    Zi Han whispered, ¡°Duck,¡± and as soon as Yi Chen moved away Zi Han pulled the trigger and a ck shadow showed itself shrieking as theser ripped through its misty figure.


    ¡°Watch your backs. We have Caspers on the loose. Deploy the svre grenades,¡± said Yi Chen as he took out automatic grenades filled with an inky substance. The automatic grenades broke into several parts and soon a series of explosions rang in the air across the city.


    ¡°The fuck, there is a lot of them,¡± yelled Omari his voice muffled by the sounds of gunfire.


    Zi Han stared at the creatures looking at him with stupefied expressions with their bodies covered in the ck substance and he almostughed out loud.

 Chapter 260

    260 They still fighting... we need a rtionship counselor


    ¡°You take left, I will take right,¡± said Yi Chen and with tacit understanding, the two began to fight.


    Zi Han who had been angered by Yi Chen was especially vicious that even the clueless Caspers could sense that this aggression wasn¡¯t all because of them. There was something else deep going on.


    Even Yi Chen could feel that each time Zi Han pulled the trigger it was him getting shot. His muscles would tense up subconsciously.


    The creatures that had been torn through withser bullets had had enough of this trigger-happy human. Thus they merged into one big creature before attacking both of them.


    While Zi Han was focused on the floating giant he didn¡¯t notice another one of these Caspers approach him from behind before hooking his leg and carrying him away. Zi Han found himself upside down without his rifle.


    Seeing this Yi Chen panicked. He summoned his mech and grabbed the merged giant Casper¡¯s head before smashing it into the wall leaving a massive dent in the temple walls.


    He leaped into the sky just as Zi Han summoned Igneous disguised as his other mech. Because of the drastic change in weight, the merged specter-like creature couldn¡¯t hold on to him anymore.


    Zi Han raised his mech arm as he fell to the ground and fired at its head. With a high-pitched scream, its head exploded and it fell to the ground.


    Zi Han wanted to engage his thrusters but before he knew it he heard, ¡°I aming Han Han, hold on.¡± Two secondster the pair of them were on the ground with Yi Chen on top of Zi Han their positions ambiguous and blush-inducing.


    .....


    ¡°Ah Yi Chen, get off me. You are such a pervert,¡± said Zi Han but in Yi Chen¡¯s defense that wasn¡¯t his intention. In a panic, he forgot that Zi Han could summon his mech.


    ¡°Baby, are you still so upset with me that you have to call me that?¡± asked Yi Chen seeming a little aggrieved.


    Zi Han didn¡¯t want to talk about this right now so he pushed him off as Li Ran interjected,


    ¡°I am so sorry to interrupt you love birds but I need you to see something... I think the Republic transported their first person to the Federation and he so happens to be a shitty hacker at that.¡±


    The pair looked at the live feed from the person¡¯sputer and were in awe. In front of them was a grey-haired boy with patterns on his face that looked nothing like what was avable in the federation. His clothes and mannerisms were something out of ce with the people of Seon.


    ¡°We have to find him and don¡¯t report this discovery until I speak to him,¡± said Yi Chen having seen the light after having not found anything of use in the past few years.


    Zi Han was still fuming thus he ignored Yi Chen. He took a few steps forward his brow creasing even tighter. He could sense something and the feeling only got much worse with each waking moment.


    They needed to find the nest of these deadly phantoms asap. Why? It was because these creatures were infamous for stealing livestock and humans for the purpose of absorbing the nutrients for theirva.


    It seemed this time the Republic meant to annihte an entire. Because someone deliberately tempered with the military base they weren¡¯t able to respond in time and were infiltrated from within. This meant they stood no chance when the attack came.


    Zi Han crouched down in his mech and ced his hand on the ground. Igneous used monopulses to geomap the ground underneath their feet.


    As soon as the data came out Zi Han got up and looked at Yi Chen who was still staring at him.


    Zi Han was startled for a moment but he quickly recovered and said, ¡°They are hollow tunnels underneath the city. There must be an entrance somewhere around here,¡± he said and Yi Chen nodded his head before instructing the other two,


    ¡°Go and find that boy. Be careful.¡±


    ¡°Yes Chen-ge,¡± said Zain before engaging stealth mode on his mech.


    ¡°That fuckin brat is probably feeling smug right now,¡± said Omari engaging his mech as well. This meant the deadly phantoms wouldn¡¯t spot them easily.


    Zi Han disengaged Igneous while Li Ran was scanning for all possible entrances to the tunnels beneath the surface. Yi Chen followed suit and the two of them entered a temple under Li Ran¡¯s instruction.


    ¡°I don¡¯t know what you might be looking for. Maybe it¡¯s in the basement or something but it has to be hidden for sure. These people lived for so long without knowing that there was a nest of strange creatures breeding right beneath their feet so it has to be hidden.¡±


    The only thing that alerted them to a problem was the fact that people were disappearing throughout the but because the incidences weren¡¯t rted they weren¡¯t quick to respond.


    When Zi Han saw the two-meter statue of Lord Shiva his steps halted. It wasn¡¯t exactly like in the books of old earth but it was equally amazing.


    Zi Han tried to be as respectful as possible looking for a door that leads to the basement or something. But when he saw Yi Chen staring at it with a very serious expression Zi Han couldn¡¯t help but reprimand him. ¡°Stop messing around,¡± he whispered but Yi Chen kept staring.


    After a while, he asked, ¡°Do you think if I make an offering he will bless me with marriage like in ancient text?¡±


    Zi Han, ¡°...¡±


    ¡°Married to who? Not me that¡¯s for sure,¡± said Zi Han but once he said it his heart ached. He was mad at Yi Chen but that didn¡¯t mean he could say such hurtful words. It wasn¡¯t only hurting Yi Chen but himself.


    Yi Chen didn¡¯t take it to heart. In fact, he could understand Zi Han. He would also be mad if the one person who was meant to support you bes your stumbling block. And what was he doing that had made them reach this point?


    Yi Chen had been actively preventing Zi Han from finding out who exactly orchestrated the attack on thete prince. Well, everyone else thought he was dead but Yi Chen strongly believed he was alive somewhere thus he wanted to interrogate that boy personally before the Federation discover his existence. This was why they had been arguing for the past few days.

 Chapter 261

    261 Getting freaky in the dark tunnels


    ¡°Do you know what he said to his spouse once?¡± asked Yi Chen ncing over at Zi Han who was searching the temple. Zi Han didn¡¯t nce at him but he was listening. Yi Chen moved slightly to his right and tapped his light brain.


    A three-dimensional image of a special ess card popped up on the floating screen. ¡°He said ¡®there is no such thing as the end of life, but, without you, my love, there is no life... I feel the same way about you,¡± he said and with a high-pitched ding, a secret door on the wall opened revealing a stairway.


    Zi Han felt his heart melt like ice under the summer sun. Slowly but surely his words were softening his heart and like a whipped boyfriend he would end up caving in. He might have felt this way but he would never admit it.


    His expression remained the same as he walked to the door of the basement but before he could pass through Yi Chen pressed his hand against the door panel blocking his way.


    With the tips of their noses almost rubbing against each other Yi Chen said, ¡°Baby, I really mean it. Believe me when I say I am doing this for your own good. There is a real reason why I can¡¯t let you take advantage of Sheba. Will you trust my words and understand my position?¡± asked Yi Chen but his tone was slightly hesitant.


    Zi Han stared at him feeling exasperated. He knew he was putting Yi Chen in apromising position and he was fully prepared to be rejected when he asked but he had foolishly thought his boyfriend would at least take some time to think about it instead of rejecting him on the spot. So yah, he was being unreasonably mad and should get over it but damnit it annoyed him so much.


    ¡°You are right. I am being unreasonable and I shouldn¡¯t be mad at you for doing the right thing,¡± said Zi Han with his arms folded across his chest.


    Hearing this Yi Chen¡¯s entangled heart rxed a little but he couldn¡¯t help but feel something was wrong. The words were right but the tone was absolutely not right.


    His heart sank, even more, when he heard Zi Han¡¯s next words. ¡°I don¡¯t really need your help to do this anyway. I have other means,¡± he said while shrugging his shoulders. That was indeed the truth it¡¯s just that it would take Zi Han a whole lot longer than if Yi Chen helped him get ess to Sheba. With this ess, he could get hold of highly ssified chat records and call logs narrowing down the suspect pull. Sheba was not only a defense system throughout the Federation. It was also an intricate AI system that infiltrated each household and listened in on everyone.


    .....


    Yi Chen felt like a heavy boulder was pressing down on his heart when he heard what Zi Han said. He didn¡¯t think it was a good idea to tell Zi Han what he knew but the more they kept butting heads the more anxious he was. He was afraid Zi Han would leave him and his worries were justified. The moment Zi Han goes on a killing spree it would be incredibly difficult to keep him by his side.


    That¡¯s because for his own protection Zi Xingxi would force him to join the Bloodgarde and he would never get to see his lover as much anymore. This was the true reason why he wouldn¡¯t let Zi Han anywhere near Shiba. He wanted to dy things as much as possible so he could find the prince and bring him back but Zi Han was losing his patience.


    In a moment of panic, he said, ¡°Your father, he-,¡± but he was interrupted by painful screams bouncing off the underground tunnel walls.


    Zi Han bend his head down slightly and went under Yi Chen¡¯s arm that was blocking the door. He drew hisser rifle as he walked down the stairs. Yi Chen rubbed the back of his neck as he followed behind. He just couldn¡¯t wait to finish this mission and go back to the ship so they can talk about it.


    Zi Han who was walking in front felt a hot gaze on his butt so he whispered to Yi Chen, ¡°Stop looking at my ass.¡±


    Yi Chen who had only taken a nce was aggrieved. He couldn¡¯t kiss, he couldn¡¯t touch and now he couldn¡¯t even look. What was even worse was that he couldn¡¯t even sleep on the same bed as Zi Han and the entire team knew they fought. He truly wasn¡¯t coping very well and one could understand why.


    For months on end, he experienced the joys of marital bliss thus when disaster struck he didn¡¯t know how to deal with it. As they approached the end of the tunnel Zi Han whispered in themunication channel, ¡°Any ideas where we are going?¡±


    Li Ran spun around in his swiveling chair while responding, ¡°Follow the heat source on the thermal imaging oh and um... try to keep your conversations off the team chat because I can hear everything... including the ass remark that was pretty-,¡± when themunication channel was muted.


    Li Ran, ¡°...¡±


    Zi Han turned around and red at the culprit. ¡°You got to be kidding me,¡± he eximed in disbelief. Now everyone heard their business.


    Yi Chen raised his hands in surrender while looking at Zi Han¡¯smunication device which was obviously lit. He knew it wasn¡¯t him who forgot but before he could say it the pot was already thrown over his head.


    ¡°It wasn¡¯t me,¡± exined Yi Chen while pointing at Zi Han¡¯s chest but because it was a little dark he ended up poking Zi Han¡¯s nipple.


    Zi Han gasped while covering up his nipples and Yi Chen tried to defend himself but who was he kidding? First the ass now this. No matter how hard he exined it he looked like he was ready to get freaky with Zi Han in the dark tunnels.


    ¡°Han Han, I really didn¡¯t me-,¡± he said only for Zi Han to interrupt him.

 Chapter 262

    262 Mummy and daddy are fighting again


    ¡°Save it, mister. I know what the hell you are thinking ab-... shit,¡± he swore when Yi Chen grasped his arm and moved him away pressing him on the wall before closing Zi Han¡¯s mouth with his hand.


    Yi Chen ced his index finger on his lips gesturing for him to keep silent before pointing at the intersection ahead. Zi Han¡¯s brows creased as he turned his head to take a look. It was an unconscious person being dragged by an invisible thing through the tunnels.


    Zi Han nced back at Yi Chen who was still staring at the end of the tunnel vigntly. In the dark Zi Han could barely make out Yi Chen¡¯s face but he could clearly see an outline of his Adam¡¯s apple rolling as he swallowed.


    Zi Han was still as angry as a pufferfish but faced with this man¡¯s charm he couldn¡¯t fend off the urge to take a bite of that apple and who could me him? The man was built like a thirst trap ready to ensnare unsuspecting victims.


    The sound of a body being partially dragged on the rocky ground filled the air giving off a blood-chilling aura but since Zi Han knew that it wasn¡¯t the work of ghosts and spirits he was feeling a little yful.


    Because he was so mad he decided to mess with Yi Chen in this tense environment. He stuck out his tongue and licked Yi Chen¡¯s palm.


    The unexpected warm moist feeling startled Yi Chen so much that he shifted his gaze towards Zi Han only to be met by a pair of teasing eyes.


    His eyes deepened as he signaled for Zi Han to stop it but of course, Zi Han wouldn¡¯t stop. He licked again and again and this time his tongue swirled around like he was eating an ice cream cone.


    ¡®Fuck,¡¯ swore Yi Chen internally before leaning down and pressing his lips on Zi Han¡¯s kissing him fiercely. He had been thoroughly starved for the past two days so yes he took full advantage of the situation knowing truly well that they were meant to stay silent.


    .....


    Zi Han who didn¡¯t think he would be shameless enough to take advantage of the situation fought him off at first but who was he kidding? Yi Chen knew exactly which switch to flip. He might be able to resist but it wouldn¡¯t take long before he was calling out daddy sweetly while begging to be fcked.


    Zi Han bit Yi Chen¡¯s lower lip as punishment and as Yi Chen hissed in pain letting him go the sound of something scraping the tunnel walls drew his attention.


    The sound was low but Yi Chen was able to hear it thus he drew a sword, with a serrated de on one side, and stabbed in that direction. A long line with thick blue blood appeared midair before the deadly phantom showed its true form.


    Before it could alert the others with its horrible shriek, Yi Chen shed its head decapitating it. Its head with an agape mouth rolled down to the ground before the rest of its body copsed to the floor.


    Yi Chen turned his attention back to Zi Han while exining, ¡°I think gunfire will alert the others so I could only-,¡± but he was suddenly sped by the cor and pulled closer.


    ¡°That was so fuckin hot,¡± said Zi Han his voice hoarse and his breath hot like he was in heat.


    Yi Chen, ¡°...¡±


    ¡®Who am I? Where am I? And the most important question... what the fuck?¡¯ he eximed in his mind while Zi Han sucked on his lips. Despite the fact that Zi Han was angry with him he still wanted to do despicable things with him. Wasn¡¯t it a little contradictory?


    ¡°Guys, I can still hear you. So can Zain and Omari. You two are nasty,¡± said Li Ran afraid that they would end up hearing the two of them tearing each other¡¯s clothes off and doing grown people stuff.


    Zi Han red at Yi Chen while panting trying to catch his breath. Yi Chen pointed at his chest and Zi Han looked down only to find the green lighting from his body. ¡°Fuck,¡± swore Zi Han under his breath, ¡°why didn¡¯t you tell me?¡±


    Yi Chen struggled to suppress a smile while saying, ¡°Baby, you were so sure it was me and I couldn¡¯t even defend myself.¡±


    Zi Han, ¡°...¡±


    AAAAAAAAAHHH he was so embarrassed that his face turned bright red. What made it worse was that he was so hard right now that it wasn¡¯t even funny.


    ***


    Meanwhile, across the city, Zain and Omari were giggling like little school girls after hearing some adult things in the team chat. ¡°Mummy and daddy are fighting again,¡± said Zain trying not tough out loud, ¡°and not the good kind of fighting.¡±


    Omari wanted tough too but he couldn¡¯t help but scold him. ¡°What if Zi Han hears you say that? Don¡¯t worry I will help you pick a coffin ande sweep your grave every year,¡± he said as they hid behind a wall vetting the situation inside the building they were trying to infiltrate.


    ¡°I do envy them though. My mother keeps calling me every weekend asking if I met any girl. At this point she is so desperate she wouldn¡¯t mind me finding a wife in the army,¡± said Zain expressing his grievances.


    Li Ran who couldn¡¯t take it anymore interjected, ¡°You do realize you are currently in a life-threatening situation yet you can¡¯t stop talking about rtionships. You are all as crazy as your mum and dad who were eating each other¡¯s faces in a tunnel filled with freaking monsters.¡±


    ¡°Who are you fooling? Weren¡¯t you the one yammering on about H thest time we were fighting off that bloody skorca,¡± said Omari only for Zain to interrupt him,


    ¡°What the fuck is a skorca? That was a fucking Slifer.¡±


    ¡°Well, yah but it looks like a fucking flying orca to me so sky orca hence skorca,¡± exined Omari not understanding why this was so hard to understand.


    ¡°Ah, guys. The target is on the move. If you don¡¯t act now you might not be able to catch him,¡± said Li Ran seeing that the boy who was operating the screen was getting up and getting ready to leave.


    The boy had probably realized that he couldn¡¯t steal the military¡¯s secrets from there and decided to go to the base directly using the tunnels. ¡°If you fuck this up the squad leader will not let you go,¡± said Li Ran trying to figure out the boy¡¯s possible means of escape.


    Zain and Omari didn¡¯t mess around anymore. That one sentence was warning enough. If Yi Chen wouldn¡¯t even let go of Zi Han then what about them?

 Chapter 263

    263 Dealing with a troublemaker


    Tap tap tap tap....


    ¡°Fuck... why the fuck isn¡¯t it working... shit.¡±


    Sounds of violent tapping and curses rang in the air in this tiny back room at the back of a temple.


    The young man pushed his hair back revealing his smooth forehead with throbbing purple veins.


    When he came to this a mandate was given and he had to fulfill it before the mass genocide of its people but now that the date was drawing closer things weren¡¯t going as nned.


    The military secrets he was meant to steal proved to be more difficult to attain than he initially thought. When he realized howplicated the Federation¡¯s technology was whenpared to the Republic he knew things wouldn¡¯t be simple.


    For months on end, he had sat down in this back room learning the intricate system and how to infiltrate it. He had managed to gain the sympathy of a priest of the temple of the god of good fortune thus he didn¡¯t have to worry about food or clothing. He only had to do mundane tasks here and there which allowed him to learn without any worries.


    But despite putting on so much work he still couldn¡¯t gain ess to the base. This meant that he could only physically go to the military base and extract the files. The problem though was that when he got up to leave his old-fashioned system suddenly froze and it was no longer working.


    Without it, there was no way he would be able to achieve his goal thus out of frustration he began to cuss while harshly tapping on the screen.


    .....


    What he didn¡¯t realize was that it was no pure coincidence. He had just encountered a god in the hacking world. Without him being aware of it his image was already being broadcasted to five people and they knew exactly what he had been doing from the moment he found himself in the Federation.


    Just as he lost all hope his screen that was frozen and glitching suddenly turned dark. He moved in closer to take a look. Unexpectedly an image of a terrifying ghost with pale skin, red eyes, and a bloody scar across its face appeared shrieking like an evil spirit.


    ¡°Fuck!¡± he swore as he fell to the ground in terror. cing his hand on his chest he sat up on the ground breathingboriously. ¡°Ghosts aren¡¯t real, ghosts aren¡¯t real, ghosts aren¡¯t-,¡± he chanted only for loud melodiousughter to fill the tiny room.


    His brows creased as he got up peeking from underneath the table. What he saw had him stupefied. It was a young man d in military gear with a smile as sinister as that of a bully in high school.


    ¡°Wow... not only are you a freaking coward but you also have fuckin terrible tech skills,¡± said Li Ran trying to buy time for the pair of muscle heads to get this youngling.


    ¡°You... what are-,¡± said the boy before realizing what was happening. He immediately scrambled to his feet and dashed towards the broken-down cupboard in the room. He most likely had a tunnel ess behind it thus he pulled it down.


    With a loud bang, it crashed to the ground raising dust. ¡°You can¡¯t run, it¡¯s already toote,¡± said Li Ran only for the young man to get sped by the back of his cor and pulled back before he smashed into the broken-down table he was working on before.


    Grimacing in pain he curled up into a ball but before he even recovered his cor was clutched and his body was pulled up. An excruciating stinging pain emanated from his back making him cry out. It wasn¡¯t on purpose but his cries would definitely attract the Caspers lingering around.


    Omari took out a pill with a transparent shell and force-fed the young man. The youth wasn¡¯t familiar with this type of medicine but he knew it wasn¡¯t anything good. Inside of it was a tiny luminous parasite-like thing with tentacles flowing gracefully like that of a jellyfish.


    He pressed his lips t refusing to open his mouth but he was not Omari¡¯s opponent. Zain squeezed his throat tighter while Omari forced the pill down his throat.


    As soon as that pill was swallowed, the man found that he couldn¡¯t speak. His speech had been taken thus he couldn¡¯t make any more noise. Zain let him go and as he copse to the floor the young man red at him with bloodshot eyes while holding his throat.


    Omari cuffed his wrists together withser cuffs before taking out a restraining cor and tying it around his neck. This restraining cor was meant for people with mental power but its effectiveness was also good on regr folk.


    Omari grasped his chin and said, ¡°You move and it will send strong pulse signals into your brain and torture you. Do you understand?¡±


    The young man who was glowering at him suddenly showed a fleeting quirk at the corner of his lips. Zain had a bad hunch and as expected a minuteter Omari was attacked by an invisible thing flinging him straight into the wall.


    Omari tried to get up when he felt something grab his neck trying to strangle him. He stretched out his hand and held back the creature. Zain rushed over to assist but his leg was suddenly swept by that boy who then proceeded to crawl away before getting up.


    Zain was about to retaliate when something pressed his body down with thick saliva dripping on his gear. ¡°Fuck,¡± he swore while ncing at the floating screen facing Li Ran.


    Li Ran already knew what to do. He pulled up another floating screen in front of him and tapped a yellow button while staring at the young man who thought he was going to regain his freedom. With a sharp crisp sound, the young man¡¯s body fell to the ground as he convulsed with his eyes rolling at the back.


    With the boy on the ground, Zain repeatedly punched the creature as the fight intensified. Omari, on the other hand, felt for his dagger and as soon as he grasped the hilt he drove it straight into the creature¡¯s skull repeatedly with purple blood spattering on his face and the walls.


    With a deafening cry, the creature lost strength as the invisible barrier around it faded. Omari kicked the creature away and got up wiping the blood on his face with the back of his hand. He raised his hands clutching the hilt and stabbed it straight into the back of the creature pressing Zain down.


    The creature screeched as it flung its arms pushing him away. Omari¡¯s head hit the fallen cupboard and as he shook his head trying to get up he was pressed down again. This time the creature was partially visible showing its hideous face. Omari gritted his teeth and the creature opened its mouth and screeched at him with its saliva flying everywhere.

 Chapter 264

    264 Zi Han realises how much vinegar he can take


    Sick of this shit Omari summoned his mental beast hyping up his strength. His eyes shed a yellow light as a Siberian tiger-like beast bellowed behind him before he grabbed the throat of the creature and ripped its spine out from the front.


    Omari was suddenly covered in blood. He flung the creature away while Zain finally managed to take out a cannon ster and blew the stubborn creature¡¯s head off.


    Zain kicked the creature away and as he got up he muttered, ¡°I, I had no choice.¡± What Zain meant was that he had no choice but to use the ster which made a lot of noise attracting more of those Caspers.


    ¡°More will being soon,¡± said Omari patting his shoulder in reassurance before walking over, picking up the boy, and carrying him out.


    ¡°Send him over and be discreet,¡± said Li Ran before the floating screen vanished and smoke wafted out of theputer system the young man was using before. Li Ran had fried it erasing any and all data.


    As soon as they left a horde of deadly phantoms appeared in the small room from the tunnel attracted by the noise but the ce was empty.


    Meanwhile, Yi Chen found a rtively safe ce to hide the person who was being dragged earlier. It was a young woman about their age wearing ceremonial regalia like she was performing a sacred ritual before she was grabbed by the creature.


    What surprised him was that her hands and feet were bound which possibly meant that this wasn¡¯t of her own will. Yi Chen removed the restraints while Zi Han stared down at the markings on her body. Because Seon was in danger he had done extensive research about this.


    It was a sacred ce where plenty came to reconnect with their spirituality but on the far side of the were outliers who delved into the untapped sinister side.


    .....


    Ever since the disappearance started a few such outliers believed that it was done by an angry god who had been neglected by them thus they would kidnap young women and tie them up before sending them to the caves in the mountains as a sacrifice to keep the god satisfied hence protecting the rest of the n. This cruel method seemed to work because they wouldn¡¯t be any disappearances for a month.


    ¡°It seems they thought this would save them like before but they didn¡¯t count on the female rising from her slumber. She will need more nutrients when awake than asleep to mature her younglings,¡± exined Zi Han leaning against the tunnel wall. Yi Chen took out something from his medical kit and ced it underneath her nose to wake her up.


    ¡°We should leave her here. Do you have an extra invisibility device?¡± asked Yi Chen and Zi Han took it out. Before he could hand it to her the girl woke up and when she saw the two men she opened her mouth to scream. It seemed in her daze she didn¡¯t realize they were wearing military gear.


    Yi Chen immediately closed her mouth with his hand and gestured for her to keep it down before pointing at his badge. Zi Han felt slight annoyance as he averted his gaze. He tapped his light brain and decided to tell H that they should check the mountains. It seemed there were still people hiding there.


    While he was pretending like he wasn¡¯t feeling sour, Yi Chen let go of the girl and asked, ¡°Are you okay?¡±


    She tremblingly nodded her head while ncing over at the other young man who was tapping something. By coincidence, Zi Han happened to nce over there and met her eyes. Terrified the girl looked away lowering her head.


    Zi Han, ¡°...¡±


    Was he that scary? Did he look like a fuckin ghost or something?


    What he didn¡¯t realize was that she was especially sensitive to hostile vibes no matter how subtle they were. It was all because of what she had been through.


    Zi Han walked back and said, ¡°I sent H a message they will search the mountains. Let¡¯s go,¡± while cing the invisibility device on the rock she was leaning on. She subconsciously shrank away but Zi Han didn¡¯t hold it against her. She was probably still in shock or something.


    Yi Chen pointed at the device and said, ¡°Hold that in your hands and press the center button. The creatures won¡¯t be able to see you. When we are done we wille back and get you.¡±


    His voice was cold and his tone indifferent but she somewhat felt safe with him. Thus when she heard him say that she clutched his hand and shook her head vigorously.


    ¡°Don¡¯t, don¡¯t lea-leave... please,¡± she said only for Zi Han to press the tip of his tongue on his cheek in annoyance. He felt a stifling feeling rise to his throat like he would suffocate to death if he stayed here.


    Yes, she was a weak girl who had been through a traumatic experience but he couldn¡¯t help how he felt. Like a victim rescued out of a burning building by a firefighter, she was imprinting on him which Zi Han couldn¡¯t stand.


    What did he do in this situation? Like a freaking adult, he spoke in a stiff voice, ¡°You stay with her. I will get Zain and Omari to back me up,¡± before turning to leave.


    The gaze he used to stare at the hand holding Yi Chen was so intense and terrifying enough to have a dog whimpering with its tail tucked in between its legs.


    Yi Chen was no fool. He could sense his lover¡¯s displeasure from a mile away. He moved her hand away as nicely as he possibly could and said, ¡°We really can¡¯t stay. Just use that and keep silent. This will be over soon.¡±


    After saying this he gave her a bottle of water and a packet of snacks before following after Zi Han. Zi Han had already picked one of the tunnels and walked a small distance before stopping his breathing heavy.


    Over the course of their rtionship, he hadn¡¯t been in this kind of situation in a long time thus he hadn¡¯t realized how much worse his reaction could be.


    He was slowly realizing that he was a very jealous and extremely possessive person. He just didn¡¯t notice because they had been spending so much time together and rarely interacted with any outsiders who weren¡¯t aware of their rtionship. Now that he had gotten into this position he realized how much more ugly the creature was. Yi Chen belonged to him and only him.


    The fact that he left Yi Chen alone with that girl made him so upset that he decided to turn back. Just as he raised his leg he bumped into that someone and his heart jolted in fright.


    ¡°You left me, why?¡± asked Yi Chen directly facing Zi Han.

 Chapter 265

    265 Who is jealous?


    Zi Han who had been caught walking right back felt speechless. His entire body froze in ce his cheeks heating up like he had directly chewed on raw chilies.


    ¡°I...,¡± he said before pausing and rethinking his response. He was about to deny leaving him behind but he had indeed walked away so.


    He decided to tell him that he was going back to get him but the words that actually came out of his mouth were, ¡°She was scared and... she seemed reluctant to stay alone. She much preferred yo-.¡±


    Zi Han couldn¡¯t even finish his words because Yi Chen pressed his index finger to his lips stopping him from speaking.


    Zi Han couldn¡¯t see Yi Chen¡¯s face clearly in the dark but that only heightened his senses. This meant his entire body was more sensitive to Yi Chen¡¯s movements and the tension around them.


    As Yi Chen¡¯s finger grazed down his lips and gently grasped his chin, Zi Han closed his eyes. Yi Chen moved a step closer sending shivers all over Zi Han¡¯s skin. Yi Chen raised Zi Han¡¯s chin and asked, ¡°Do you like me?¡±


    Zi Han had no idea where this conversation was headed but he was bewitched by that deep husky voice and had fallen under its spell. His brow twitched slightly but he found himself answering the question, ¡°Of course, I do.¡±


    Yi Chen¡¯s eyes shone like they had stars in them as a heart-warming smile appeared on his face. He lowered his head until their lips were almost touching before saying, ¡°Aren¡¯t you scared too?¡±


    Zi Han who was afraid of the dark because his imagination would go on a rampage envisioning nonexistent ghosts bit his lower lip and refused to answer the question.


    .....


    He might not have said anything in response but Yi Chen already knew the answer to that question. ¡°Then I will follow you. I will always follow you,¡± he said with his burning gaze lingering on those lips that he could barely see. He lightly moved his fingers brushing against Zi Han¡¯s cheek with his thumb resting on his lover¡¯s lips.


    ¡°You don¡¯t have to be jealous, baby. You are the only one in my eyes,¡± he said only for Zi Han to move back separating from him.


    ¡°Who is jealous?... Stop messing around and let¡¯s go,¡± said Zi Han his tone defensive. Zi Han turned around and took the lead leaving behind Yi Chen who was grinning like a fool.


    Zi Han seemed to sense his smugness so he said, ¡°... And stop smiling. I can feel that smirk on your face from here.¡±


    Yi Chen, ¡°...¡±


    The two continued to walk and the deeper they traversed in the underground tunnels the colder it became.


    Meanwhile, the girl that had been ditched sat there looking aggrieved. Wasn¡¯t the military meant to protect people? Why didn¡¯t the handsome brother stay with her? Well, that¡¯s because the handsome brother had a wife, a very jealous wife at that.


    After walking for a good ten minutes, the space in the tunnels became tighter and tighter but it also meant they were getting closer and closer.


    The number of these deadly phantoms seemed to increase and because they didn¡¯t feel threatened they weren¡¯t invisible. This also meant that this pair of lovebirds had to be quieter so as not to alert these vicious creatures.


    With their backs pressed on the tunnel wall, Yi Chen and Zi Han watched as a group of deadly phantoms drag two people out of a tight crevice.


    The two looked at each other for a second and Zi Han signed that he was going to check inside. Yi Chen was reluctant to leave Zi Han alone but he knew he had to follow the Caspers dragging people away and find out where they were taking them. He pursed his lips with slight reluctance before he signed for him to be careful.


    Zi Han nodded his head and Yi Chen engaged stealth mode on his gear before vanishing on the spot. Zi Han exhaled slightly before going into stealth mode as well as peeking through the entrance. His brow furrowed when he found men, women, and children of whatever was left of Seon packed like sardines in what turned out to be a big cave.


    Most of these people looked like they had been starved for days and hadn¡¯t had a drop of water in ages. They were zombie-like in appearance having lost all hope that they would be rescued.


    An elderly priest was one of the first to notice Zi Han and thus he began to make muffled sounds trying to get his attention. Their arms and feet were bound together with their mouths gagged thus the muffled cries.


    One after the other they all began to cry out for help. ZI Han had to put an end to it thus he gestured with his arms for everyone to stay silent. He wanted to free them all but he found that he was outnumbered. Once he releases some of them they might run off and make noise resulting in a failed rescue attempt.


    As though to prove him right some people wouldn¡¯t stop mumbling with some mothers raising their children begging for him to save them. No matter how much he gestured for them to keep silent they wouldn¡¯t listen. Annoyed Zi Han drew his handgun which was unlike how a military officer should behave.


    As expected they all quieted down but it was already toote. Their cries had attracted one of the deadly phantoms. Zi Han reactivated stealth mode and hid behind a boulder.


    Seeing the only person who could save them vanish there was a touch of despair in their eyes but they didn¡¯t dare make a sound. Zi Han watched on as the creature silently patrolled the cave while terrorizing the people sitting on the cold floor.


    After five minutes of screwing with the captives it left and the tense atmosphere rxed a little. These people had just witnessed others get dragged out by these creatures and they honestly thought that it would take one of them.


    Zi Han wrote a message to Yi Chen before sending a signal requesting backup at his current location.


    Yi Chen who was carefully following behind those creatures saw a message sh on his screen and opened it to take a look.

 Chapter 266

    266 I love you


    Hansome: Too many people. I requested backup.


    Yi Chen took a second to respond to him.


    AlreadyTaken: Be Careful.


    AlreadyTaken: I love you.


    He didn¡¯t wait for Zi Han¡¯s response as he followed after those creatures. His brow furrowed as he witnessed the creatures ce the conscious pair on the ground before dozens of vines crept towards them.


    In a matter of minutes, their bodies were constrained by the vines engulfing them until one could barely see their bodies. As they wailed and screamed the deadly phantoms hovering above them became even more energetic moving in an orderly manner like they had a hive mindset.


    Yi Chen knew he was outnumbered and couldn¡¯t do anything to save those people. As the bodies were dissolvedpletely the vines loosened and retreated into the darkness followed by a loud shrill that made one¡¯s ears bleed.


    Yi Chen scanned the frame of whatever was in the darkness and his expression changed drastically. It was the female or the queen of these creatures. Its body wasrge and plump like it was on the verge of bursting. Once it bursts it would release a lot of hungry younglings and their first meal would be the people on this.


    From the way its body was vibrating it was probably going to give birth soon. He knew at that moment that he should do something because after it gave birth the situation would be more problematic. He took out a spherical device about the size of his palm and using his light brain he set the coordinates.


    .....


    A secondter the spherical device broke into several pieces flying in various directions. The pieces attached themselves to the cave walls waiting for hismand.


    Yi Chen didn¡¯t immediately blow this ce up. Instead, he waited for Zi Han to get everyone to safety before doing anything.


    Meanwhile, Zi Han¡¯s backup arrived. Surprisingly it was H and Evan¡¯s squad that got here first. When they saw him H wasn¡¯t at all shy about it directly asking, ¡°Where is your husband?¡± before snickering like a preschooler.


    Zi Han, ¡°...¡±


    ¡°He is probably somewhere out there cooling off. I bet you two fought,¡± replied Shannon in a whisper as they untied the group of people.


    ¡°No, we didn¡¯t...,¡± replied Zi Han seeming a little defensive.


    ¡°Trouble in paradise? You know I can give you a shoulder to lean on,¡± said Evan whispering to him as he passed by.


    ¡°All of you back off. Let¡¯s focus on freeing these people first,¡± said Zi Han only for Shorty to chime in,


    ¡°You know you can talk to us. We are here for you.¡±


    Zi Han, ???


    Okay, he had finally had enough. ¡°You guys can handle this, right?¡± he said before turning to leave.


    ¡°Where are you going?¡± asked Shorty with a perplexed look on his face.


    ¡°Anywhere but here,¡± replied Zi Han in a loud whisper before walking out. It seemed he was finally paying the price for the dog food they always sprinkled in everyone¡¯s faces.


    When people around you are so used to seeing you together stuck like glue they would be very concerned when you are apart. Zi Han decided that instead of being questioned about their rtionship he would rather go and look for his boyfriend.


    Who would have thought that as he turned the corner he would bump into someone literally running for their life? That girl from earlier had somehow been found by these creatures and was running while screaming her lungs out.


    Zi Han¡¯s response was fairly quick, he grasped the neck of the creature and smashed its head repeatedly onto the tunnel wall as the girl stood nearby crying her eyes out.


    Two smashes in and streaks of purple blood were shot out sshing on the tunnel walls and Zi Han¡¯s face dirtying his cheek. His actions were especially brutal frightening the girl. That¡¯s because he was trying to silence it before it attracted the attention of the others.


    Unfortunately, it was already toote. Her scream from earlier had already done the trick. Coupled with the screech of this dying creature Zi Han was expectingpany soon.


    Zi Han turned to her his expression dark as he was already inbat mode. It was because of this that she flinched herplexion ghastly like she had seen a monster.


    Apparently, it seemed he was more terrifying than the deadly phantoms. ¡°A few feet from here you will find the rest of my team now run,¡± he said before a loud shrill bounced off the tunnel walls as a warning. Zi Han no longer had the privilege to y nice. He took out his advanced submachine gun and things escted to a whole new level.


    The girl who was meant to be running for her life was frozen in ce from fright. Zi Han didn¡¯t think she was still around. He only noticed when one of the deadly phantoms flew past him rushing in her direction.


    ¡°Shit,¡± he muttered as he pointed the gun at the creature but he knew if he pulled the trigger she would get shot as well which was counterproductive. In a swift move, he hurried over and pushed her out of the way shielding her with his body as they rolled on the ground.


    The creature that had missed its target changed trajectory and behind it were several other creatures rushing over to take a bite. A series of gunshots rang in the air with blood showering down on both of them. After clearing out the tunnel a voice called out, ¡°Han Han.¡± It was H who had rushed over when she realized something was wrong.


    ¡°Take her,¡± said Zi Han as he got up. He wasn¡¯t even in the mood to talk to her. This was why he disliked civilian rescue missions. He wasn¡¯t really a people person nor was he the friendly poster boy of the military thus he most likely would leave a very bad impression on whoever he saves like this girl for instance.


    He would probably get a bad review after this. Imagine what that would be like? Handsome and tall but not so friendly.

 Chapter 267

    267 Unexpected betrayal


    Within the loud echoes and screechesing from the cave, Yi Chen heard the gunfire and his heart instantly dropped. The creatures that had been circling around their female that was on the verge ofbor suddenly lost their rhythm and began to fly haphazardly and chaotic before leaving the cave and heading in the direction where the gunfire came from.


    Without much thought, Yi Chen tossed a fire star at the entrance before drawing out aser shield able to withstand the explosion. The fire star split into three and a series of explosions rang one after the other copsing the cave entrance. Ear-piercing screeches and cries filled the space as dust rose and debris flew in all directions. Chunks of flesh and blood mixed with the dust sttered everywhere.


    Yi Chen¡¯s breathing quickened as he slowly opened his eyes ready for conflict. Now that he had locked himself up with these creatures then he would have to fight his way out of this.


    He rose to his feet with the protective shield surrounding him. With an energy rifle in hand, he began to listen as he scanned his surroundings vigntly.


    In no time a loud whistling sound like something sharp was piercing the air drew his attention. From within the cloud of dust, a pointed vine with barbs at its tip shot out and attacked his protective shield. Yi Chen pulled the trigger and urately struck the vine followed by bloodcurdling shrieks as it withdrew.


    Soon multiple whistles filled the air as numerous vines shot out at the same time. Yi Chen checked the roof of the cave judging if his mech would be able to fit in this ce. Seeing that it would he summoned Ran as he leaped into the cloud of dust grasping as many of those vines in one arm.


    Bam! Thud!


    That was the sound of the queen¡¯s body being mmed into the cave wall after it was grasped by its vines. Because it was on the verge of giving birth it was especially vulnerable.


    It let out a grievous battle cry and the remaining deadly phantoms gathered into three giant Caspers before attacking Yi Chen.


    .....


    Yi Chen was more than prepared. He fought back extensively not forgetting to take advantage of the opportunity to fire at the female¡¯s elongated abdomen. Fearing for their female one of the deadly phantoms blocked the sizzling balls of energy shot from theser cannon with its body ultimately sacrificing itself.


    Angered by this the other creatures rushed over their attacks ten times more vicious than before making sure not to give Yi Chen another chance.


    Outside the cave, things weren¡¯t any better either. Chaos ensued but at least most of the people had managed to leave the underground tunnels. Because it was too chaotic they, unfortunately, had some casualties.


    H who was reluctant to leave Zi Han behind stared at the entrance they had just exited from and spoke to him through the open channels asking, ¡°Where are you?¡±


    Zi Han who had blown up another one of the tunnels to prevent them from being pursued was fighting through the ranks of the deadly phantoms with one goal in mind which was to get to Yi Chen.


    ¡°Blow it up,¡± he replied as he stood with his back on a tunnel wall with his finger on the trigger ripping through the deadly phantoms.


    ¡°But I,¡± she said only for Zi Han to shut her down.


    With sweat dripping down his forehead to his cheeks before disappearing inside his cor he said, ¡°Now H!¡± That¡¯s because these creatures were so eager to get to their meals that they began to ram into the tunnel walls trying to create another exit.


    Some did manage to break through and after ten or so flew out Zi Han tossed a disc-shaped device at the holes on the walls and aser-like appeared to cover the holes. The creatures that were trying to escape were turned to mince meat the moment they flew straight into the.


    H was still hesitant when she heard that familiar screech heading toward them. It was at that moment that the decision was made for her.


    ¡°Blow it up! Blow it up now!¡± shemanded and the cave entrance lit up like fireworks in an instant.


    A few deadly phantoms managed to navigate through the dust and rocks tumbling down. Four or five of them escaped only to be met by heavy fire before they could disappear.


    Meanwhile, Zain and Omari exploded both tunnel entrances simultaneously. The two entrances were the one in the temple and the one in the back room that that boy was living in.


    The force of the explosions destabilized the caves and tunnels causing Zi Han to lose his bnce.


    As he fell a creature took advantage of it, wing at his abdomen leaving behind deep cuts. Zi Han grimaced in pain but it didn¡¯t affect his thinking. His gaze fell on theser-like that was preventing the creatures from escaping.


    Licking his canine tooth with the tip of his tongue he pulled out a handful of thoses and tossed them to the group of deadly phantoms.


    Soon an interconnected barrier separated him from the deadly phantoms buying him time. The creatures dumbly moved forward. After two or three of them were turned into chunks of meat they stopped pressing forward and watched Zi Han with eyes filled with hatred.


    ¡°Iggy, burn a hole into that fuckin wall,¡± he said but Igneous responded,


    ¡°Sir, you can¡¯t activate the mech in this small space. I rmend using heavy artillery like an archer heavy rocket.


    Zi Han grimaced while taking out the rmended weapon. ¡°What would happen if you engage here?¡± he asked Igneous.


    ¡°The mountain will copse and Mr. Yi would be buried alive if his mech isn¡¯t activated.¡±


    Zi Han¡¯s heart lurched hearing this. With a loud explosive force, Zi Han blew up a hole in the wall, and as soon as the rocks stopped falling he climbed up the debris and left. Meanwhile, the creatures aggressively rammed the walls again to get to him.


    ¡°Chen-ge, can you hear me?¡± asked Zi Han as he ran through the tunnels.


    Yi Chen, who was getting pressed on the ground by the deadly phantom that had merged into one threatening to bite off the head of his mech replied, ¡°I am here. Are the tunnels clear?¡±

 Chapter 268

    268 Unexpected betrayal Zi Han opened his mouth to speak but when he heard the loud screeches behind him he paused. ¡°It¡¯s clear. Let¡¯s light them up,¡± he said as he picked up speed heading to where Yi Chen was.


    Meanwhile, Yi Chen¡¯s gaze shifted towards that same girl from before who was lying unconscious with her head resting on a boulder. One might ask why the fuck she was here?


    Let me enlighten you. Yi Chen had at some point gained the advantage and was about to kill the female when she showed up and blocked his path.


    Startled Yi Chen deflected his offense in time and this action was purely reflexive. The priority of the military was life conservation. It was because of this that he didn¡¯t think clearly.


    Why would she stand in front of a creature that had obviously terrorized her and her people? The answer was simple. The grey haired boy wasn¡¯t the only person the Republic sent to ensure the sess of their ns.


    The boy was responsible for acquiring confidential documents and she was responsible for the deadly phantoms. She was there to ensure that they would give birth to more deadly phantoms and thus the blood bath would ensue.


    This is why she intentionally revealed herself to the creatures before. The screaming and running into Zi Han were all intentional but who would have thought that all her efforts would ount for nothing?


    Instead of going with H, she slipped away, and when she saw that the n was about to be foiled she rushed in front of the creature taking advantage of Yi Chen¡¯s sense of duty.


    Yi Chen might have been able to deflect the attack but she was hit by flying debris and thus knocked unconscious. Her n did work because the female was already offloading demon babies that were tearing at its abdomen.


    .....


    After shaking off the gooey substance the newborn creatures noticed the mech and their eyes brightened thinking of food.


    They struggled to fly over and began to chomp down at the mech parts. But it seemed they didn¡¯t like the taste thus they began to wail like newborns almost making Yi Chen¡¯s ears bleed.


    The ginormous deadly phantom screeched in displeasure its actions turning even more violent as it began to strike the mech and shatter the ss.


    If they don¡¯t eat these bloodthirsty younglings would die from all the crying thus feeding them was a priority. As their numbers reached fifty the situation turned more chaotic with the cries getting louder and louder.


    The girl who was lying unconscious also woke up from the noise. She sheepishly opened her eyes and saw some of the wailing younglings struggling to fly over to her. She was happy that she had achieved her goal but recalling her mother waiting for her at home she tried to look for the deterrent agent they gave to her for a situation like this.


    When sprayed on the body the deadly phantoms would be disgusted by the smell and refrain from eating her. As they drew nearer and nearer she began to panic frisking her entire body. Just as she fell in despair she spotted the spray can a few feet from her. It must have fallen when she got struck by the debris.


    With the blood from the injury on her forehead partially affecting her vision, she crawled over and grabbed the spray can. But just as she brushed it with her fingers she was dragged back as one of the younglings bit her clothes. A second one bit through her flesh and she cried out but she continued stretching out her hand trying to reach the spray can.


    With a strong powerful kick, she struck the younglings gnawing at her feet. Crying out in pain she reached out with everything in her and grabbed the can before hurriedly spraying it on herself.


    The younglings fled away like they had smelt something bad and returned to the mech scuffling with the deadly phantom. It was at this time that Zi Han reached the cave summoning Igneous. This mech was indeed deserving of being one of the three cmities. Even when in disguise it was still so majestic insighting fear and admiration to anyone who saw it.


    Igneous grabbed the deadly phantom by the back of its neck and flung it in the direction of the female. Unable to stop its momentum the deadly phantom crashed on top of the female still birthing younglings. It only managed to scatter into multiple deadly phantoms but the female was still hurt with some of the younglings getting seriously injured.


    Zi Han stretched out his hand and helped Yi Chen up while asking, ¡°What is she doing here?¡±


    Yi Chen nced over at the girl who was curled up seeming so pitiful and a look of disgust showed on his face.


    ¡°She is a part of this. She must have something on her preventing these creatures from finishing her off,¡± he said feeling rather stupid for getting yed.


    Zi Han bit the inner lining of his cheek before saying, ¡°Iggy, do you notice any discrepancies on her person?¡±


    ¡°Yes sir, she has an aerosolized version of the flower named Cayoss in the Republic. ording to the records left by your father, it repels deadly phantoms,¡± exined Igneous as an image floated in front of Zi Han.


    Zi Han sneered as he raised the mech arms and fired an electric cage enclosing her in ce. ¡°I will personally deal with herter,¡± said Zi Han before turning his attention to the infuriated deadly phantoms that had broken off into two.


    Using a maic pulse Yi Chen, drew the spray can towards him and no matter how hard the girl struggled to keep it she still couldn¡¯t win. In fact, she got electrocuted and instantly passed out again.


    Yi Chen squeezed the can in his mech arm and the liquid flowed out. He reached out and smear the liquid in Zi Han¡¯s mech that is on Igneous¡¯ chest.


    ¡°You can not stop being a pervert can¡¯t you?¡± said Zi Han as he looked down at the mech hand that was rubbing all over him.


    ¡°What? It is more effective this way,¡± replied Yi Chen.


    ¡°Then wouldn¡¯t it be more effective if you rub it directly on me?¡± said Zi Han with a slight quirk at the corner of his lips.


    ¡°Sir!¡± eximed Igneous. It seemed it wasn¡¯t only its previous master that was flirtatious. His offspring was far worse than him.

 Chapter 269

    269 Can somebody shut her up.


    In an instant, the pair had gained an advantage with the deadly phantoms running away from them in disgust. ¡°I have never been dispised like this before,¡± said Zi Han seeing them running away hiding in the dark corners.


    ¡°Well, I like you. I would never not want you,¡± said Yi Chen sneakily moving closer trying to hold his hand but Zi Han had already taken a step forward while murmuring, ¡°I got this.¡±


    Yi Chen, ¡°...¡±


    When he said ¡®he got this¡¯ Zi Han meant it literally. He did something he never got to do and that is using his full strength to summon his mental beast.


    Igneous was anxious about it so it muttered, ¡°Sir, I don¡¯t think it¡¯s a good idea,¡± but the entire mech was already engulfed in mes as a fiery phoenix projected behind him exhibiting a rarely seen majestic appearance.


    ¡°Baby, I don¡¯t think that is a good...,¡± said Yi Chen only for him to shut up when he saw how much fun he was having tearing up those creatures.


    Zi Han didn¡¯t even need his help. He was like a feral feline that had been hiding its true nature all this while.


    Yi Chen picked up the girl in the electric cage before saying, ¡°Let¡¯s go. It¡¯s better if we blow up this entire mountain and get rid of all the Caspers.¡±


    Zi Han who had just burnt one of the giant deadly phantoms to ash was a little reluctant as he turned to nce at Yi Chen.


    .....


    ¡°Can¡¯t I have a little more fun?¡± he asked but when he nced over in Yi Chen¡¯s direction he was met with a big pair of eyes gawking at him. It was that girl who had woken up at some point staring at him.


    Zi Han, ¡°WTF!¡±


    Yi Chen asked Ran to start the countdown and raised his mech arm with a tri- beamser ster. The concentrated beams of coherent light struck the roof of the cave resulting in extensive damage. Everything around them began to shake with rocks of various sizes crumbling down. A fog of dust rose and the two mechs flew into the hole created by the tri-beam ster as they flew out of the hole.


    Behind them, some deadly phantoms followed not because they were pursuing them. That smell was truly unbearable but their survival instincts had kicked in. Some younglings wrapped themselves on Zi Han¡¯s mech while screeching from the torture of that inexplicable smell.


    The others tried to pick up their fallen female and carry her out but soon a me storm erupted as a series of explosions urred almost simultaneously. In a silent forest mountain range, a loud explosion was heard as beams of light shot out through the mountain top.


    The force of the explosion spread across the ne leveling every tree in sight. Two mechs flew out at full speed as another explosion tore through the atmosphere. The mountain copsed in itself as the ground shook.


    Zi Han witnessed the entire mountain range copsing on the entire thousand kilometer stretch. He whistled seeing this before he asked, ¡°What did you use? I want one of those.¡±


    Yi Chen who wanted nothing more than to please his boyfriend replied, ¡°I will give it to you when we get back.¡±


    Zi Han was pretty much content with this answer. As they got back on the ground the younglings that had clung to Zi Han¡¯s mech had already died from their injuries. Coupled with theirck of food after birth it was inevitable that they wouldn¡¯t survive long.


    One person who wished they had died with them was the girl. Regret was written all over her face and not for reasons one would expect.


    Zi Han released her from the cage and proceeded to say, ¡°You are really good at act....,¡± only for the girl to crawl over while muttering, ¡°F?niks, f?niks, stor f?niks,¡± over and over again.


    Zi Han wouldn¡¯t let her get anywhere near him but that didn¡¯t deter her. He knew a lot ofnguages, ancient or otherwise but this one was new to him.


    ¡°Ssss... first she wanted to kill me now she wants to touch me,¡± said Zi Han while ncing down at his blood-stained gear.


    Yi Chen pulled him close and let him sit down on a rock before kneeling before him to take a look. Zi Han naturally spread his legs apart leaning back to let him check on his wound.


    ¡°Sir, this is another of old earth¡¯snguages from a ce called Norway. It means Great Phoenix,¡± exined Igneous wishing it could shut itself down and not witness this enticing scene.


    ¡°Yes, yes... you are the Great Phoenix, the one promised to us. Our hope in the Republic is to finally meet you so you can take us to betternds. The Federation stole you from us and now they¡¯re flourishing yet we are suffering,¡± she exined as she crawled over with obsession in her eyes.


    Zi Han, ¡°???¡±


    ¡°You have been all lied to. There is no such thing... uh, Chen-ge be gentle,¡±ined Zi Han ring at him.


    ¡°Stor f?niks, let this servant make up for my mistakes. Please, let this servant pay for her mistakes and help you with your wound.¡±


    Yi Chen who couldn¡¯t bear it anymore yelled, ¡°Can somebody shut her up.¡±


    A sharp whistling sound pierced the air before something stabbed straight into the back of her neck doing exactly as Yi Chen asked but it had nothing to do with him.


    Silence followed and Yi Chen thought she had finally got the hint and shut up of her own ord. But Zi Han saw her expression wasn¡¯t right as small droplets of blood seeped down her neck. Her kneeling body toppled forward falling onto the dust-filled ground.


    ¡°Shit!¡± swore Zi Han as he struggled to get up with his weapon in hand.


    Yi Chen quickly got up while asking, ¡°Will you be okay on your own?¡±


    Zi Han¡¯s brow creased looking through the scope as he answered, ¡°Go, he is heading southeast.¡±


    Yi Chen kissed Zi Han¡¯s cheek before he ran off to pursue the person who had just killed this girl. It seemed that this ce had been infiltrated by the enemy and they could easily blend in with the people of the Federation.


    Zi Han put down his rifle when he heard low mutters like she was calling him with the same name as before.


    Zi Han walked over and turned her over trying to make sense of her words but he could hear anything. He lowered his head his ear close to her lips so he could hear.

 Chapter 270

    270 Two new besties


    ¡°Th ugh uh... they wi-will bring you ho, home... soon my... my lo-,¡± she said before breathing herst.


    Zi Han couldn¡¯t understand what the hell she meant but his home is here. He was just upset that some people were being tricked into believing that he was some sort of savior and would agree to do dangerous things just to see that dreame true.


    He didn¡¯t like her at all, in fact, he might have killed her himself if it weren¡¯t for that person but he still closed her eyes and muttered the parting words as stipted by the federation. She wasn¡¯t part of the federation but she was still a person.


    Thirty minutester Yi Chen came back in a hurry his expression dark. Despite all his efforts he still couldn¡¯t find the culprit which was incredibly frustrating. He decided to get back to Zi Han and hopefully figure out another way.


    ¡°You couldn¡¯t catch them?¡± asked Zi Han scratching the back of his head. Yi Chen shook his head while kneeling to check his injuries but Zi Han refused.


    ¡°It¡¯s already healing... I am already sick of this shit. I want to go home,¡± said Zi Han stretching out his hands.


    In tacit understanding, Yi Chen picked him up before summoning his mech. In the cockpit, Yi Chen sat Zi Han down before they flew back to the cruiser.


    While Zi Han was taking a well-deserved bath Yi Chen was on the call with his father who seemed to have aged a little more due to stress.


    ¡°... We need to screen everyone on Seon. I am afraid that there are a lot of spies from the Republic,¡± exined Yi Chen his expression stern.


    .....


    ¡°How many do you have in your custody,¡± asked the Marshal rubbing his temple in frustration.


    ¡°... I have one. The other one was assassinated by someone. I didn¡¯t manage to catch them. That¡¯s why I need everyone on Seon to be vetted extensively,¡± replied Yi Chen recalling that boy who was locked up in the brig.


    ¡°You haven¡¯t reported that you have a captive yet, haven¡¯t you?¡± asked the Marshal but the answer was already obvious. ¡°Are you still holding on to that? Why are you wasting your time on a pointless task? You should be focused on more important things.¡±


    Yi Chen exhaled deeply before shutting this conversation down before it goes any further.


    ¡°I will send you the report. If I find out anything I will tell you about it. I have to go take a shower,¡± he said before ending the call. The marshal was a little displeased but he knew anything to do with finding his royal highness would lead to an unnecessary fight thus he could only let it go.


    ***


    Zi Han on the other hand was in front of a mirror while putting on a face mask and chatting with his mother.


    ¡°... What do you mean you have a surprise for me?¡± he asked but Zi Xingxi remained mysterious about it.


    ¡°I will show you when we meet. I am just going to enjoy thest day of my vacation in peace,¡± she said pulling down her sunsses while sinking further into the beach chair.


    ¡°You obviously overstayed your visit. Yi Chen¡¯s mum must be tired of you already,¡± said Zi Han while staring at her with his brow arched seeing howfortable she was.


    ¡°Aaaaahhh Xixi look look look... It arrived. They said it melts into your skin making it wless. Do you want to try it now?¡± said an excited Lin Ruoxi holding a tiny box with face cream in it.


    Zi Han, ¡°...¡±


    It turns out his mother didn¡¯t overstay her wee on Paru, the Lin family¡¯s personal, it was that Lin Ruoxi was eager to make her stay longer than she should.


    ¡°Oh, hie Han Han. Where is Chen Chen?¡± she said after noticing Zi Han on the floating screen.


    Zi Han waved his hand at her but before he could open his mouth Zi Xingxi interjected. ¡°Okay, goodbye. See you when you get back,¡± she said before cutting the video call.


    Lin Ruoxi, ¡°...¡±


    ¡°You still won¡¯t talk to him after all this time? He is going to be your son-inw,¡± said Lin Ruoxi while opening the box. The reason why Zi Xingxi cut the call was that she thought Zi Han would call Yi Chen and she would have to talk to him so yep... she cut that call really fast.


    Zi Xingxi pulled up her sses and stared at her while asking, ¡°Are we going to try the cream, or we are going to keep talking.¡±


    ¡°*sigh... let¡¯s try it,¡± she said and pulled out the tiniest cream known to mankind.


    Zi Xingxi, ¡°...¡±


    ¡°How much did you pay for this?¡± she asked staring at the packaging that wasn¡¯t even as big as half her pinkie finger.


    ¡°Um.... well,¡± whispered Lin Ruoxi acting like that one friend who buys stupid shit online and tries to justify her irresponsible expenditure.


    Zi Xingxi raised her hands in surrender. ¡°You know what, never mind. Let¡¯s try it,¡± she said and Lin Ruoxi¡¯s dispirited appearance vanishedpletely. The twodies applied the face cream on their faces their expressions unreadable.


    Lin Ruoxi, ¡°It smells nice.¡±


    Zi Xingxi, ¡°Uh huh... is it doing anything for you?¡±


    Lin Ruoxi, ¡°Kinda... it feels plump and soft but I don¡¯t think it¡¯s worth the price.¡±


    Zi Xingxi, ¡°Me neither. You think we can get a refund.¡±


    Lin Ruoxi, ¡°Nope... but I can punish them for deceiving me. This shit isn¡¯t worth it at all. I am going to put them out of business.¡±


    Zi Xingxi, ¡°Let me know when you want to do it. I will directly blow up their factory.¡±


    Lin Ruoxi, ¡°That¡¯s not the type of ¡®put them out of business¡¯ I mean. I meant sting them on StarNet or something.¡±


    Zi Xingxi shrugged her shoulders before pulling down her sunsses and lying back down. Her methods were, how would you say this... dark so she saw no problem with it but her new bestie over here was so innocent. Well innocent, in terms of crime.

 Chapter 271

    271 ¡°I think your father is alive.¡±


    Zi Han nkly stared at his light brain with the floating screen indicating the end of a call still hovering around him. He knew that these two had be close but not this close.


    ¡°Interesting,¡± he murmured while peeling off the face mask. He only did it because his mother was urging him on. Each time they had a call she would analyze his skin like she was a dermatologist and proceed to nag, nag, and nag some more.


    It was indeed refreshing and felt great on his skin but it was annoying to put on. Zi Han was about to peel off one side when he heard amotion happening inside his cabin.


    When he walked to the door of the bathroom he saw his little pet running out of his cabin with Mr. Twiggles in hand.


    ¡°The fuc-... hey,e back here!¡± yelled Zi Han rushing over to catch up with the cute little chubby dumpling holding a shark plushy twice its size running through the corridors.


    ¡°Aaaa...¡±


    ¡°Uh wha-.¡±


    These were the sounds of two crew members eximing as the little rodent rushed past them.


    ¡°Stop that brat,¡± he yelled and the Nimsel halted its steps before glowering at him.


    .....


    Zi Hanughed out loud while exining, ¡°What? I said brat, not a rat.¡±


    With a wee, it snorted before running into a cabin. ¡°Fuck,¡± swore Zi Han before following it.


    He was so focused on getting that little thing that he didn¡¯t realize he was both shirtless and had on a half-peeled face mask. The two officers took a second lingering nce and couldn¡¯t help but blush.


    As soon as Zi Han reached the door of the cabin it closed right in his face almost hitting his nose. While the door was scanning his face he happened to nce back and found those two giggling while watching him. That¡¯s when he realized that he had actually run out of his cabin half naked. He took off the face mask feeling a little embarrassed.


    ¡°Um... it¡¯s really hot so Ahem... yah,¡± he said his leg shaking with impatience for the door to open. With a whoosh the door finally did open and Zi Han ran inside only to go from one awkward situation to another.


    The little Nimsel was cuddling the shark plushy in the tiny bed specifically designed for it. It was an especially cute sight to see but Zi Han wasn¡¯t in the mood to indulge in the cute fluff.


    ¡°Have you forgotten who your real dad is? Always running here like it¡¯s your home. Come here?¡±


    He was about to grab that little nuisance when Yi Chen came out of the shower his body steaming like a freshly steamed dumpling.


    Zi Han found himself rooted on the spot while greedily staring at Yi Chen. Up until now, he hadn¡¯t truly noticed how hungry he was. He had been starved for so long and hadn¡¯t even realized it.


    Yi Chen was a little surprised to see Zi Han in his cabin with no shirt on staring at him like he was going to attack at any moment.


    This made him all warm and fuzzy inside. He hated arguing with his lover and looked forward to their reconciliation. Thus he decided to take the initiative and begin negotiations for a truce.


    ¡°You want to talk?¡± he asked while wiping the back of his neck.


    Zi Han stared at him nkly for a while before saying, ¡°Do you want to do me?¡±


    Yi Chen, ¡°...¡±


    Zi Han wasn¡¯t messing around. He walked over in two steps and pushed him onto the bed. By the time Yi Chen realized what had happened he was already lying on his back on the bed with his sweatpants being untied.


    Zi Han was straddling him while tugging at the drawstring of his sweatpants. Yi Chen¡¯s breath lurched his heart beating in his ears.


    ¡°Baby, wait wait,¡± said Yi Chen but Zi Han shut him up by pressing their lips together in an intense sensual kiss.


    Yi Chen ced his hand behind Zi Han¡¯s neck as he lifted his head slightly deepening the kiss. He wanted to talk to Zi Han but now that the fire had been lit it was proving difficult to do.


    Zi Han found himself slipping his fingers into Yi Chen¡¯s sweatpants his goal straightforward. He meant to entice his lover but his wrist was suddenly caught and he was pressed down on the bed.


    Yi Chen pinned both of Zi Han¡¯s arms above his head staring at him with affectionate eyes like he was staring at his most precious treasure.


    Zi Han bit his lower lip with a muffled chortle as a glint of mischief shed in his eyes. He hooked Yi Chen¡¯s waist by encircling him with his legs locking them at his ankles. With little to no room between them, Zi Han writhed his lower half rubbing against Yi Chen¡¯s member.


    ¡°Aaaa,¡± he let out a faint groan his Adam¡¯s apple bobbing on his elongated neck. His actions were intoxicating and alluring that Yi Chen couldn¡¯t resist. He just wanted to take a bite of that neck and leave a blossoming flower that wouldn¡¯t disappear but he had to resist the temptation.


    Zi Han opened his dark eyes filled with lust as he asked, ¡°Do you still want to talk?¡±


    Yi Chen wanted to say no but his mouth went against him and blurted out, ¡°I think your father is alive.¡±


    The slight quirk at the corner of Zi Han¡¯s lips fell as the look on his face took a drastic turn. Yi Chen didn¡¯t want to fight about this anymore. The feeling was horrible. It was like a part of him was being carved out with a blunt de amplifying his fear of losing his most special person thus he decided to talk it out.


    He got off on top of Zi Han while pulling him to sit up. Zi Han on the other hand waspletely frozen his mind running amok. What the fuck did he mean by alive? The man died right in front of the entire Federation. To this day the video of that tragic day was still avable on StarNet and no matter how hard they deleted it it would always resurface.


    Even Zi Han had watched it before when he was young. At that time he had no special feelings for it because he didn¡¯t know that that man was his father. The point was that everyone witnessed it yet Yi Chen was telling him that things weren¡¯t as they seemed.

 Chapter 272

    272 NSFW... appertiser (hehehehe)


    ¡°Are you fuckin with me? What do you mean you think he is alive?¡± asked Zi Han his voice bing more tremulous as he spoke.


    Yi Chen rubbed his arms infort while exining, ¡°It¡¯s true. My father said he asked for help to fake his death. I think he nned on starting a family with your mother on Dark Star but.... something must have gone wrong.¡±


    Zi Han felt a sharp twisting pain in his chest as he stared at Yi Chen withplicated feelings. ¡°If you didn¡¯t want to help me you could have just said so. You didn¡¯t, didn¡¯t havs... shit,¡± he swore as his feelings slowly grabbed hold of him overwhelming the heck out of him. Even though he knew that Yi Chen didn¡¯t y like that but he couldn¡¯t control himself.


    ¡°I have been trying to find evidence that he is out there but I haven¡¯t found anything yet. I wanted to tell you about it once I found some evidence but it seems I can¡¯t keep it from you anymore... I am hoping that that boy we caught earlier would tell us something.¡±


    Zi Han couldn¡¯t fully process this new information. He also wanted his father to be alive but that possibility was so low that even he couldn¡¯t be hopeful.


    Zi Han wiped the corner of his eye with the ball of his wrist as he got off the bed breathing heavily.


    Yi Chen grasped his wrist trying to stop him but Zi Han removed his hand while saying, ¡°Since you think he can tell us something then let¡¯s go. Let¡¯s go talk to him right now.¡±


    As he watched him going through the closet Yi Chen started regretting telling him about it. Zi Han seemed so dazed roughly pushing clothes aside in the closet unsure of what he was looking for.


    Zi Han hadpletely forgotten that they were meant to wear military uniforms at all times when on a mission.


    .....


    Yi Chen got up and stood behind Zi Han while grabbing a hanger with a neat clean uniform with a badge written Zi Han on it.


    Zi Han just saw a pair of handsing from behind him and the turbulent feelings in his heart calmed a little.


    ¡°I will help you put it on,¡± whispered Yi Chen his lips grazing Zi Han¡¯s ear.


    Zi Han bowed his head while saying, ¡°Thanks,¡± but his voice betrayed him. It was brittle and shaky like he was really going to break down.


    Yi Chen hung the uniform back on the rail and hugged Zi Han his chest pressed against Zi Han¡¯s back.


    Soon a few drops of warm tears fell on Yi Chen¡¯s arm. When he felt the wetness on his arm Yi Chen felt like something sharp was shing at his heart. He loved Zi Han so much and didn¡¯t want him to be hurt. He didn¡¯t know how to make it better nor did he have a quick solution to resolve his grievances.


    Yi Chen kept murmuring over and over, ¡°I am sorry, I am so so sorry,¡± while kissing the top of Zi Han¡¯s head.


    The warmth and loveing from Yi Chen¡¯s embrace made it so that Zi Han couldn¡¯t contain himself. His emotions kept pouring out and it seemed like he couldn¡¯t stop it. After a while, Zi Han left his embrace and Yi Chen thought he was going to change into the uniform but that wasn¡¯t the case.


    Zi Han wrapped his arms around Yi Chen¡¯s neck and pulled him down. Before Yi Chen could react he was getting kissed again.


    The initial kiss was as light as a feather-like he was sampling Yi Chen¡¯s lips but after the initial taste, things escted in an instant. Yi Chen found himself grasping Zi Han¡¯s waist his breathing deep and heavy.


    Zi Han clung to Yi Chen for support as the man was the only solid thing in this dizzying haze. The two of them tumbled on the bed separating their lips. Yi Chen slid his hand on the side of Zi Han¡¯s neck with his thumb rubbing his cheek as he drew him closer to kiss the tears off his lover¡¯s face.


    The salty taste on his lips made him want more.


    Zi Han ced his hand over Yi Chen¡¯s that was resting on the side of his neck. His eyes closed focusing on the pleasurable sensation of being kissed by his lover.


    When their lips met Yi Chen¡¯s insistent mouth parted Zi Han¡¯s trembling lips. As though electrified a wild tremor swept through every nerve ending in his body evoking a familiar intense passion that he had been yearning for.


    ¡°Ngh.... baby, I want you,¡± whispered Zi Han his warm breath grazing the tip of Yi Chen¡¯s nose making him numb.


    Yi Chen dug his fingers into Zi Han¡¯s back and as Zi Han gasped with his head leaning back, he took advantage gently nibbling on his lover¡¯s Adam¡¯s apple.


    Zi Hanpletely lost his mind in the throngs of passion. Unable to bear the pressure on his lower half he twisted his waist grinding up against Yi Chen and it felt so good that he was panting in pleasure.


    Yi Chen bit his earlobe before whispering to him, ¡°Baby, you are going to wake him up if you keep crying like this.¡±


    Zi Han pushed him back on the bed before he got off giving the impression that he was upset. Yi Chen was about to coax him when Zi Han took off his pants and tossed them covering the little guy¡¯s bed so it wouldn¡¯t see what was about to happen. Lucky for them it slept like it was hibernating thus it didn¡¯t even open its eyes otherwise it would be so traumatized.


    Zi Han cleared Yi Chen¡¯s desk and sat on top of it his legs resting on the armrests of the chair. Bare like the day he was born he crooked his finger at Yi Chen inviting him over. How could Yi Chen refuse? He knew Zi Han was using sex as a means to cope with his emotions but Yi Chen couldn¡¯t resist the temptation.


    In slow unhurried steps, he walked over and lifted Zi Han¡¯s leg by the back of his knee so he could fit in between his lover¡¯s legs. He couldn¡¯t wait to have the sweet taste of the forbidden fruit once more.

 Chapter 273

    273 Dinner is served.... enjoy!


    Sitting on the chair Yi Chen looked up to his lover with an intoxicated look on his face his heart racing like it was their first time doing this. Zi Han traced Yi Chen¡¯s jaw with the tips of his fingers as he leaned down their gazes locked together.


    His heart pounded hard as he gazed deep into those dark eyes as though gazing at Yi Chen¡¯s inner being. As their lips touched Zi Han¡¯s eyes flickered before gradually closing, his mind meditating on the feel of Yi Chen¡¯s lips on his and the touch of his tongue intimately exploring inside his mouth.


    Zi Han¡¯s entire being was itching for more making him seem like a nymphomaniac... or in his case a satyriasis. Breathing heavily he parted from Yi Chen¡¯s lips his fingers running through the back of his lover¡¯s head. Yi Chen¡¯s hair was soft tickling all the nerve endings in between his fingers.


    He pressed his fingers lightly on Yi Chen¡¯s scalp and the man obediently lower his head and kissed Zi Han¡¯s abdomen. Zi Han subconsciously leaned his body backward while biting his lower lip his eyes brimming with anticipation.


    His face felt hot as the warm lips trailed down reaching his hardness. His breathing deepened a little gazing down at his lover.


    Yi Chen¡¯s lips quirked up slightly as the tip of his tongue slowly trailed up the shaft of Zi Han¡¯s cock making the man pant unrestrainedly.


    ¡°Aaaaa shit,¡± whispered Zi Hanbing through Yi Chen¡¯s hair with his fingers. Yi Chen liked this kind of expression on Zi Han¡¯s face. Whenever he looked at him like that Yi Chen¡¯s blood would boil his mind muddled with ecstasy.


    When the tip of his tongue reached the head of the man¡¯s erection he leaned his head backward again whimpering from pleasure.


    Yi Chen normally would mess with him a little longer but Zi Han¡¯s emotional state right now wasn¡¯t good. He could only douse him in pleasure to ease the pain temporarily. His tongue yfully teased the tip while licking the fluids seeping out due to the wonderful stimtion. He lowered his head enveloping his lover¡¯s hardness in its entirety.


    .....


    Zi Han¡¯s breathing hastened gasping for air as he sank into one of the most amazing feelings in the world. He couldn¡¯t help groaning while urging Yi Chen on.


    ¡°Ah fuck... aa ha slower..... Ngh... deeper baby, uh fuck,¡± he moaned and groaned unable to contain himself. When Yi Chenplied, deepthroating his cock the sensation was so intense that he felt like he was going to explode.


    The feeling of the tip of his cock passing through Yi Chen¡¯s tonsils deep down to the back of his throat induced a sensation so powerful it could make him cum in an instant. He couldn¡¯t help but gasp for air while calling out Yi Chen¡¯s name begging him not to stop.


    The pleasure he got from his swollen tip thrusting past the hard pallet to the super soft part of his mouth to a tight and highly sensitive passage that is Yi Chen¡¯s throat was so intense that he couldn¡¯t help but cry out. This man truly knew how to please him.


    This intense passionate scene was something to be revered and cherished. Under the stars, a man took the full length of his lover¡¯s cock and pleasured him till he shot out a mouthful of cum.


    His chest rising and falling Zi Han watched on as his man licked his lips with a soul-piercing gaze that made his heart jolt.


    Yi Chen got up with the chair falling back to the ground with an earth-shaking thud and kissed Zi Han¡¯s lips fervently his hands unrestrainedly caressing Zi Han¡¯s body.


    ¡°Baby help me clean up,¡± he whispered in Zi Han¡¯s ear making it unbearably itchy. Zi Han blinked his blurry eyes his hand resting on Yi Chen¡¯s chin. On his thumb was a sticky milky white fluid that didn¡¯t need words to exin what it was.


    He wound his legs around Yi Chen¡¯s waist and pulled him closer as he slipped his thumb into his mouth licking off the slightly sweet liquid. Yi Chen stared at this provocative scene wishing he could just fuck him right now.


    Zi Han slowly took his thumb out of his mouth and ced it on Yi Chen¡¯s bottom lip before moving the man¡¯s head to the side and beginning to kiss away the cum sttered on Yi Chen¡¯s cheeks and neck.


    Gasping heavily Yi Chen whispered in between breaths, ¡°Ah baby... you are driving me fuckin crazy... I love you so much.¡±


    Zi Han didn¡¯t respond. Instead, he licked downwards to Yi Chen¡¯s nipples and lightly grazed them with the tip of his tongue. Yi Chen stroked Zi Han¡¯s hair while groaning in contentment. He especially liked it when his man pampered him like this. It made him feel so special like he was the only one in the world. The two entangled with each other caressing and touching each other building up to the perfect moment.


    Zi Han turned his body over and with his feet on the floor and his perky butt towards Yi Chen he whispered, ¡°Fuck me Chen-ge.¡±


    Yi Chen leaned in close with his chest stered on Zi Han¡¯s back and whispered into his ear while embracing him. ¡°Let me loosen you up first,¡± he said while gently nibbling on Zi Han¡¯s ear lobe.


    Zi Han shook his head while saying, ¡°I can take it, just fuck me, okay?¡±


    Yi Chen was a little worried for him but Zi Han insisted with his ass grinding up against him as though enticing him.


    ¡°I want you,¡± whispered Zi Han his expression saying, ¡®if you don¡¯t give it to me I will cry.¡¯


    Yi Chen took off his pants and slipped on a condom before smearing his hard member with lubricant. ¡°Babe, If it¡¯s unbearable you should tell me, ¡°okay?¡± he said before kissing Zi Han¡¯s cheek.


    Zi Han nodded his head and before he knew it his chrysanthemum was invaded by that thick long stick.

 Chapter 274

    274 Some dessert for you... too much sugar is bad for your teeth


    ¡°Aaaaaahhh,¡± he gasped as he closed his eyes. Yi Chen was carefully thrusting in slowly loosening him up but Zi Han was impatient. He began tofortably twist his ass while crying out in a tone that almost sounded like he was begging.


    Yi Chenplied and the pain of getting invaded shot through Zi Han¡¯s body and numbed his brain. He tightly clutched the edge of the desk with his lower back arched as Yi Chen plowed him like he was drilling for oil.


    Zi Han wasn¡¯tpletely satisfied thus he grabbed Yi Chen¡¯s hand that was kneading his waist and guided him to grasp the back of his head. Yi Chen knew his man liked it rough thus he obliged him grasping his hair before pulling his head back.


    The way Zi Han¡¯s back arched a little more made it so that Yi Chen¡¯s hard member could reach a special ce that made Zi Han groan his pitch much higher.


    ¡°Aah... aaa fuck... faster baby... mm just like that. Fuck me daddy mm,¡± thenguage turned more obscene as the two entangled with each other.


    Gu... Gu... Gu... Gu!!


    Sounds of the desk hitting the wall filled the room but neither of them paid attention as they indulged themselves in the most carnal of desires. Yi Chen withdrew his hard member from that sacred ce with fluids seeping down to the floor.


    He turned Zi Han over and kissed him while picking him up to carry him to the bed. Even as they tumbled to the bed Yi Chen continued to kiss Zi Han¡¯s lips passionately while he slowly thrust his cock into that tight ce.


    The sudden deep intrusion had Zi Han sucking on Yi Chen¡¯s lips hard as his fingers dug into Yi Chen¡¯s back leaving scratches behind. Yi Chen thrust deep inside of him with beads of sweatcing his forehead. The way Zi Han¡¯s cock twitched showed how much he was enjoying the special treatment.


    .....


    Zi Han turned their bodies over and straddle Yi Chen taking in that length to the fullest. With tears in the corners of his eyes, he sweetly called out Yi Chen¡¯s name over and over again while riding him feverishly.


    ¡°Aaaa aaaa Aaaa mm.... daddy Chen... it feels so good aaaa....aaa fuck,¡± were the uncontroble sounds escaping his throat as he moved up and down his hand resting on Yi Chen¡¯s thighs.


    Yi Chen caressed Zi Han¡¯s abs, chest, and nipples with a look of admiration in his eyes. How could he not be entranced by this handsome figure straddling him?


    Zi Han wanted to try another position thus he withdrew Yi Chen¡¯s pistol from his body and whispered, ¡°Come on top of me.¡±


    Yi Chen bit his lips entranced by Zi Han¡¯s licentious behavior. He knew his baby was calling the shots today thus heplied but he didn¡¯t suffer any losses either.


    Zi Hany t on his stomach and Yi Chen did what came naturally. He thrust his penis into that special ce and almost lost his mind from the exciting pleasure.


    ¡°Ah... ah.... fuck... shit, he groaned and swore before smacking his lover¡¯s ass. Zi Han¡¯s butt jiggled slightly with an obvious palm print.


    ¡°Ah fuck... hit me again daddy Chen,¡± he called out his tongue loosened from the inexplicable pleasure.


    Yi Chen smacked him again and grabbed his butt cheek while whispering into his ear his breath and eyes hot, ¡°Do you like that baby, huh? Do you like that?¡±


    Zi Han¡¯s body consistently jerked forward with the hard thrusts driving into his body. Bursts of pleasure spread all over his body as he responded, ¡°Mn... fuck me harder....aaa aaa... ngh...¡±


    The sounds of a pelvis smacking hard against flesh bounced off the walls as Yi Chen¡¯s fingers grasped Zi Han¡¯s hair.


    Yi Chen¡¯s other hand caressed the side of Zi Han¡¯s chest slipping down to his nipple pressed against the bed while he bit and sucked on Zi Han¡¯s exposed back.


    The two of them tossed and turned on the bed until they couldn¡¯t hold back anymore their cum dirtying the sheets.


    After all that, Zi Han wasn¡¯t satiated. He greedily straddled Yi Chen with both his palms pressing against the wall while twisting his waist his member half stiff.


    Yi Chen ced his hands on Zi Han¡¯s waist kneading those toned muscles. He let his lover do as he pleased and the view had him falling even more in love with this person.


    After cumming four times Zi Han finally understood the meaning of the word overdoing it. They had gone through several positions and his thighs were burning like he had run a marathon in his mech. Gasping for air he copsed on top of Yi Chen his muscles aching so much.


    Yi Chen stroked his hair and back while whispering sweet nothings to him.


    ¡°Do you feel better? asked Yi Chen his eyes staring at Zi Han who was buried in his chest. Zi Han shook his head while embracing him even tighter.


    ¡°Do you want some wine or maybe hard liquor to numb yourself for a while? I will drink with you,¡± asked Yi Chen but Zi Han still shook his head no.


    Yi Chen wasn¡¯t certain anymore. He wanted Zi Han to feel better but if sex wouldn¡¯t cut it then what else was there? What he didn¡¯t realize was that Zi Han¡¯s emotions had already mellowed. He was just scamming him so he could get more sex.


    ¡°Then what can I do to make it better?¡± asked Yi Chen while stroking Zi Han¡¯s hair.


    ¡°I want you to fuck me in the shower,¡± whispered Zi Han sounding spoilt.


    Yi Chen, ¡°...¡±


    He suddenly felt like he couldn¡¯t keep up with Zi Han. His tank was empty yet this little greedy goose was eager to be fed some more.


    Soon the sound of running water and pants hidden within filled the cabin as Yi Chen thrust into his lover¡¯s sweet hole bareback. He fucked Zi Han so bad that the man¡¯s knees softened and he couldn¡¯t stand on his own anymore. Yi Chen had to press him against the wall while thrusting into him.

 Chapter 275

    275 Fighting over the L word


    Under a fluffy white quilt, two peopley in each other¡¯s embrace with one restlessly moving his arm constantly.


    That person could only be Yi Chen. His fingers were continually brushing against Zi Han¡¯s already healed wound on his abdomen, kissing the hickeys on Zi Han¡¯s back he himself leftst night and rubbing his foot against Zi Han¡¯s legs.


    Despite all of this Zi Han didn¡¯t wake up. His dreams were much more beautiful than reality thus his mind subconsciously refused to wake up.


    Still stuck in his wonderful dream Zi Han shuffled around andy with his face stered on Yi Chen¡¯s chest while mumbling, ¡°I love you.¡±


    Yi Chen, ¡°...¡±


    Who the fuck did Zi Han say he loved? Ever since they had gotten together Zi Han had never said it back to him. The best responses he got whenever he said I love you were a bright smile, a warm-hearted kiss, and one time he even got an unexpected mouth service on his lower half in the training room shower.


    He recalled how Zi Han had pushed him against the wall and snapped open his belt before going down on him. That experience was so intense that whenever he thought about it his face would get flushed and the corners of his lips quirk up into a bright smile that would have others staring at him like they had seen a remarkable scene.


    Though he loved that intense memorable experience he would rather exchange it all just to hear Zi Han say he loved him. Yi Chen wanted to ignore it but it was like an annoying itch inside his brain that only grew worse with time.


    Zi Han felt an icy chill surrounding him. He subconsciously tugged at the quilt but despite wrapping himself up like a zongzi Zi Han still felt cold. This was the thing that forced him to open his eyes only to be met by a face with a smile that didn¡¯t quite reach his eyes.


    .....


    Zi Han rubbed his eyes before slipping his arm in the gap between Yi Chen¡¯s arm and chest hugging him while asking, ¡°What are you doing?¡±


    Yi Chen hesitated to speak with his mouth opening and closing several times. After finding the least offensive words he clenched his jaw before asking, ¡°What did you dream about?¡±


    Zi Han pulled the quilt over his head while sniffing the familiar rich and hearty cedarwood scent on Yi Chen¡¯s chest.


    ¡°I don¡¯t remember,¡± he said while kissing Yi Chen¡¯s chest hugging him tightly. Yi Chen felt itchy where that feather-light kiss had touched but he couldn¡¯t enjoy the feeling because Zi Han wouldn¡¯t answer his question.


    ¡°You said you love someone so how can you forget such a dream?¡± asked Yi Chen but Zi Han was nning to y dumb all the way. He not only remembered his dream, he remembered it vividly but he didn¡¯t want to talk about it.


    He might not want to delve into it but he forgot who he was dealing with. Yi Chen wouldn¡¯t let it go.


    While brushing his teeth with the little Nimsel on the sink brushing its tiny buck teeth too, Yi Chen stood by the door in ck military gear with green lining representing his rank while saying, ¡°I am leaving. You can follow meter.¡±


    Zi Han, ¡°...¡±


    He spat out his toothpaste and replied, ¡°You always wait for me now you want to leave without me?¡±


    The King of pettiness was starting to surface. Yes, Yi Chen was very petty not just to anyone but to Zi Han. He was going to be petty until Zi Han told him who exactly did he say he loved in his dream.


    ¡°Maybe if you tell me who you said you love then I can wait for you,¡± he said with his brow arched and a slight quirk at the corner of his lips.


    Zi Han, ¡°...¡±


    Nimsel, ¡°Wee!¡±


    Yes, even the little nimsel was shocked. What was the tall one ying at? Did he not want his life anymore?


    Soon after dropping that bomb, Yi Chen left leaving behind two shocked faces. This was only the beginning of the petty king¡¯s n.


    Zi Han thought he was joking thus when he left his cabin he thought he would find Yi Chen waiting for him outside but nope. The man was gone.


    Meanwhile, Li Ran joined Yi Chen at the brig of the cruiser and when he didn¡¯t see Zi Han he asked, ¡°You guys are still fighting?¡±


    Yi Chen lowered his head while answering, ¡°Yes, something like that.¡±


    ¡°You should be more like me. Know when to retreat. Like they say happy wife happy life... or in this case happy hus, husband?¡± said Li Ran with slight hesitation in his tone. Yi Chen knew he was right but aah he really wanted to know who Zi Han said he loved in his dream.


    The two soon forgot about it as their focus now rested entirely on the boy restrained in a high-voltage prison. The boy was chained to the chair his head lowered with his hair covering his face.


    Yi Chen pressed his fists on the control panel in the observation room while asking, ¡°Has he said anything?¡±


    Li Ran shook his head while scrolling through the feed records. ¡°He said nothing even to Zain and Omari. Do you want to interrogate him now? We can only keep him for so long.¡±


    Yi Chen stared straight at the figure through the ss his thoughts unknown. ¡°No, wait for another ten minutes. Han Han will be here by then.¡±


    Yi Chen was right. Ten minutes on the dot Zi Han stormed in his expression murderous like he was going to kill someone.


    When he spotted his target he directly walked over with the little Nimsel and shark plushy acting as backup. He offended the big one so the small one would also be upset.


    ¡°Yi Chen,¡± he said and Li Ran¡¯s eyes widened as he nced at the door to see if he can get away fast enough.


    ¡°Babe, I love you,¡± said Yi Chen his expression sincere but the explosive force surrounding Zi Han instantly calmed down like he had run out of fuel.


    ¡®Fuck,¡¯ swore Zi Han internally whilemending Yi Chen for outsmarting him.


    Li Ran nced back and forth at the two before mouthing to Zi Han, ¡°Say ¡®I love you too¡¯.¡±


    Zi Han, ¡°...¡±


    ¡°You stay out of this,¡± he replied before catching a glimpse of the boy being held captive. After that, hepletely forgot what he was mad about his entire focus shifting towards that young man.


    ¡°I want to talk to him,¡± he said and the little Nimsel jumped into Li Ran¡¯s arms while hugging its shark sibling like it was afraid they would be separated.

 Chapter 276

    276 Itching to hit someone


    Yi Chen knew how emotional Zi Han was when it came to this so he could only ask Zi Han to give him a chance to speak to him first. If he can¡¯t find anything then he would call him toe in.


    Zi Han was itching to hit someone but he stayed back sitting on the swiveling chair observing the situation.


    As soon as Yi Chen entered the restrain room Li Ran sat next to Zi Han while patting the little guy in his arms. ¡°Are you two okay? You seem to be fighting a lottely,¡± said Li Ran genuinely concerned.


    Zi Han knew that Li Ran¡¯s question wasing from a ce of concern so he didn¡¯t feel like he was overstepping. Instead, he said, ¡°It¡¯s nothing. Getting angry with your partner is perfectly normal and healthy thus there is no need to be concerned.¡±


    Li Ran nodded his head in agreement. He even lost count of how many times H either scolded him or kicked him out. In H¡¯s defense, Li Ran had a very loose tongue. One time H was having the nastiest period cramps and called Li Ran to get her some medicine.


    Li Ran was so diligent. He prepared a care package and brought it over. It seemed he would get a straight A plus up front but he just had to say, ¡°Here you go my little ketchup packet,¡± the moment he walked in.


    At that time H couldn¡¯t believe he said that. Who the fuck says that to a woman enduring pain equivocal to that of a heart attack? Well, he got what wasing to him. He was kicked out and it took two weeks for him to crawl back into H¡¯s arms.


    Come to think of it it seemed Yi Chen had it easy. When Zi Han got mad at him it wouldn¡¯t take much to coax him. Li Ran couldn¡¯t help but be envious.


    Meanwhile, Yi Chen was already sitting opposite the boy scrolling through his recordedd activities in Seon ever since he appeared.


    .....


    Thes in the Federation were highly surveilled not only for protection but also because the prime ministers were so paranoid. They didn¡¯t want to be blindsided by someone attempting to overthrow the government system thus the federation was extremely surveilled with only a few exceptions like the slums where the equipment would get damaged or stolen constantly.


    It was because of this they could trace every step this young man took in Seon.


    ¡°You are very resourceful, aren¡¯t you,¡± he said but the boy didn¡¯t raise his head. He kept his head down, eyes shut and his lips closed.


    Yi Chen didn¡¯t mind him ying possum. He continued saying, ¡°You took advantage of the kindness of both old and young citizens of the federation knowing full well that you had already sentenced them to death. Is this how the Republic operates?¡±


    The young man who had his head lowered finally showed signs of movement. With drops of tears falling to the ground he whimpered softly making it seem like he had been bullied.


    His shoulders trembled and he broke down the whimpers getting louder. Yi Chen continued wearing a nk expression his eyes indifferent even as the boy raised his tear-stained face.


    The young man¡¯s whimpers drastically turned toughterced with cynicism. ¡°Ahahaha ha ha hahaha. All I had to do was show them this face and they were more than willing to help me. They were right. You federation scum don¡¯t know the meaning of suffering.¡±


    ¡°If you had witnessed the scene of sons killing their fathers for a grain of rice and mothers eating their own children so as not to starve to death they wouldn¡¯t trust so much. They wouldn¡¯t extend a hand to any pitiful thing that limps their way.¡±


    His bloodshot eyes turned crazed as he jerked forward as though trying to free himself and attack Yi Chen but the person opposite remained aloof with no reaction like he was nothing in the man¡¯s eyes. This further fueled his anger.


    ¡°I don¡¯t care about what you did in Seon. I am more interested in this person,¡± said Yi Chen as he showed a modified image to best suit his Royal highness¡¯ current age.


    When the boy saw this image his eyes cleared his body trembled. His face suddenly turned grim and wailed the veins on his temples throbbing as he broke down. He murmured, ¡°Stor F?niks... stor F?niks,¡± over and over again like he was mourning someone very important to him.


    Yi Chen banged the table with his palm and shouted, ¡°Hey, focus... where is this person?¡±


    The boy was engulfed by his tremulous emotions that he began to violently jerk back and forth on the chair he was tied on shouting, ¡°You Federation scum used him... You used him till his body was destroyed. When we finally got him back he couldn¡¯t even speak nor could he talk. You did that. I will avenge you Stor F?niks!¡±


    Yi Chen, ¡°...¡±


    Zi Han, ¡°...¡±


    Li Ran, ¡°???¡±


    Zi Han couldn¡¯t take it anymore. He stormed into the room and directly kicked the chair the boy was sitting on. The chair was bolted to the ground but because he had an SS mental rank the chair¡¯s legs tore from the ground and the boy fell over.


    Zi Han was under the control of his emotions with the ¡®act first¡¯ principle kicking in. He locked the young man in a chokehold and asked, ¡°Where is he?.... TELL ME!!!¡± his voice getting louder.


    The young man gasped for air as he broke down crying sorrowfully. ¡°He died... he died in front of us. Wuwuwu our salvation died. They said he would be reborn but he was reborn in the Federation. Why does the Federation receive such favors when they are evil?¡±


    Pressing his tongue against his cheek Zi Han resisted the urge to strangle him to death. He violently knocked him back to the ground and got up breathing deeply.


    ¡°Han Han,¡± called out Yi Chen walking towards him but Zi Han raised his finger to stop him. He was not in the right emotional state right now. His body was trembling and his eyes were dark like that of a beast on the verge of exploding. It seemed any small thing could set him off.


    While he was closing his eyes trying to calm himself down the young man who was lying on the ground crying suddenly crawled over like a worm towards Zi Han¡¯s legs.


    During the scuffle just now the pendant of Igneous around his neck hade out from underneath his gear and the boy who had seen this symbol everywhere in the Republic immediately identified it.


    ¡°Stor F?niks,¡± he muttered while crawling over.


    Zi Han, ¡°...¡±


    He was so fed up that he wanted to go directly to the Republic and assassinate whoever came up with that absurd name.

 Chapter 277

    277 Slightly depressing chapter.... sorry


    The leaders of the Republic had truly twisted history in such a way that they could manipte their own people and make them obedient. They had turned the royal family members into the messiahs meant to usher them into a new world.


    It seemed the entire Republic had cult tendencies with the great Phoenix being the almighty savior everyone looked forward to. They had been brainwashed into believing that the Federation had robbed their future and that the only way to get that future back was to destroy the core of the Federation and retrieve their savior.


    Zi Han couldn¡¯t stand it. Shaking with anger he stepped away from the young man crawling towards him but the boy was persistent.


    He kept calling out, ¡°Stor F?niks... Pleasee with me. Come with me home... please Stor F?niks.¡±


    Each time he paused he would sniffle and wail while attempting to grasp his leg. Zi Han was so over it. He raised his leg and kicked the man hard on the shoulder and the man rolled away. Despite this, the young man was very determined. Having met his savior after years of anticipation he wouldn¡¯t give up. The level of brainwashing was such that even if Zi Han beat him to death he would consider it an honor


    He crawled over again and Zi Han waspletely lost. The anger he had been restraining all this time finally erupted and he kicked him several times until Yi Chen pulled him away.


    Yi Chen pressed him against the wall trying to calm him down while Li Ran rushed over to pull the young man up.


    Zi Han was still stuck in his violent emotions his entire body trembling. His chest was heaving violently as he tried to get away from Yi Chen and continue beating that person.


    Zi Han felt like he was going to suffocate from anger. He needed an outlet to vent it out thus he kept trying to get away from Yi Chen. His father was truly dead and the feeling of having hope and then having that hope taken away was so excruciating and ten times worse than the initial grief.


    .....


    Yi Chen couldn¡¯t contain Zi Han thus he could only find an unconventional method. He grasped Zi Han¡¯s wrist and pulled it behind the man¡¯s back.


    Zi Han tried to free his arm but his second hand was grasped as well limiting his movement. Zi Han¡¯s gaze finally focused on Yi Chen. ¡°Let go,¡± he spoke through gritted teeth but Yi Chen tightened his grip on both of Zi Han¡¯s wrists. He raised his free hand and ced it at the back of Zi Han¡¯s neck and kissed him deeply. Zi Han attempted to push him away at first but his struggle weakened gradually as he pressed his lips hard on Yi Chen¡¯s. He began to suck and nibble on his man¡¯s lips as though venting out his frustration. The kiss wasn¡¯t that long but it was effective enough. Zi Han calmed down considerably after that. The boy who caused a ruckus was knocked out after Li Ran injected him with a sedative.


    Ten minutester three people were sitting in a meeting room eating breakfast their expressions wan.


    Zi Han kept stabbing at his food rarely eating while Yi Chen tried to coax him into eating.


    ¡°What do we do?¡± asked Li Ran breaking the long awkward silence.


    Yi Chen rubbed his lips while gazing at Zi Han. There was zero guarantee that the kid will keep his mouth shut and not expose Zi Han¡¯s real identity thus they couldn¡¯t hand him over.


    Yi Chen wanted to solve this problem but at this point, he found that he didn¡¯t have such capabilities. He could only rely on the Zi Xingxi to take care of this matter.


    He heaved a deep sigh and said, ¡°We can only hand him over to the Bloodgarde. This is the only way to ensure your safety.¡±


    Zi Han¡¯s hand stopped poking at his food and he raised his head at nce and Yi Chen. ¡°In a few days, I will take my leave and meet with my mother. I will deal with it then,¡± he said before pushing the te away and standing up to leave.


    The two of them stared at him as he got up and didn¡¯t know what to say. There were no words to describe what Zi Han was feeling right now. Yi Chen felt so bad about telling Zi Han about his father when he hadn¡¯t confirmed it yet now things were like this. Zi Han must be really upset with him right now.


    Zi Han left with the little Nimsel on his shoulder and as soon as the door closed Li Ran cleared his throat and asked, ¡°Aren¡¯t you going to get him?¡±


    Yi Chen couldn¡¯t answer that question for a moment. He felt so horrible and didn¡¯t know how to face Zi Han. He could only give him some time alone until they could have that conversation.


    Yi Chen lowered his head for a while before saying, ¡°Have you ever tried to do something for someone to make them happy but before you could achieve it you tell them about it only for your ns to fall through and end up hurting them more?¡±


    Hearing the pain and worry in Yi Chen¡¯s voice Li Ran pushed his te away with a slight crease in between his brows.


    He was at a loss at this point and there was nothing he could say that could make things better. Heaving a big sigh he finally said, ¡°He won¡¯t say that he loves you but he most definitely does. The way he looks at you, the way he follows you around even with his eyes all express his love for you. He always puts you before himself and if that¡¯s not love then I don¡¯t know. You guys will get through this.¡±


    His words were simple enough but they held great significance to Yi Chen. To be honest Yi Chen expected that they would have a big argumentter but to his surprise Zi Han was.... fine. Or at least he was acting fine. He didn¡¯t argue with him nor did he hold it against Yi Chen when he apologized.


    Zi Han seemed really fine but because Yi Chen felt guilty there was still some lingering awkwardness between them.

 Chapter 278

    278 ¡°I want to destroy the Republic....


    Even when they left Seon Zi Han acted the same like there was nothing wrong. Yi Chen embraced him tightly outside the Zi home hugging him like it was thest time they would ever see each other. He not only felt it but his mind also thought it. It was a fleeting thought but the impact on his emotions was so huge.


    Zi Han kissed his lips and smiled happily, ¡°I will see you in a few days, okay?¡±


    Yi Chen could feel that Zi Han was telling the truth but his heart was ovee by fear. Fear of losing Zi Han.


    His gut was right, not about losing Zi Han but that the Zi Han he knew woulde back to him as a changed person. He no longer talked about his ns on avenging his father nor did he mention his father ever again. It was as though he was hiding something from him.


    ***


    Zi Han was indeed hiding something. To fully understand what he was hiding one would have to go back to the so-called surprise Zi Xingxi brought for her son.


    It was the ultimate death list with a full list of names. These names belonged to every single person who indirectly participated or was responsible for the prince¡¯s death.


    ¡°Will you look at that?... Each and everyone of these people is living their best lives... wining and dining... being merry. All these benefits were gained by stepping on my husband¡¯s dead body,¡± said Zi Xingxi showing the list to Zi Han.


    Zi Han stood next to her scrolling through the list the fire in his heart zing like it had been doused with fuel.


    .....


    ¡°Did you speak to that boy?¡± he asked wondering what his mother would do to him.


    Zi Xingxi took a long drag of her cigarette and released a long string of smoke blurring the floating screen before saying, ¡°Yes... by the time your grandfather will be done with him we will know everything that he knows. He is much more useful alive than dead.¡±


    Zi Han nodded his head while epting the cigarette she passed to him. The moment he pinched the cigarette bud in between his lips the door opened and his grandfather walked in his expression dark.


    The two people¡¯s gazes met and Zi Han froze in ce. He knew his grandfather hated him smoking but he felt like it was a necessity right now. For the past few days, he had held back because Yi Chen was there thus he jumped at the chance to ept his mother¡¯s offer. Who would have thought his grandfather would catch him before he could even take a puff?


    ¡°Give it to me,¡± he said his tonemanding, and Zi Han didn¡¯t dare refuse. He gave his grandfather the lit cigarette but instead of putting it out, Zi Feiji took a long drag while Old Lu transferred files to the main system.


    ¡°What did you find?¡± asked Zi Xingxi asking her father.


    Zi Feiji¡¯s lips quirked up into a smile that wasn¡¯t exactly a smile. He was clearly angry.


    ¡°How did you get the list?¡± he asked instead, ¡°Can it be traced back to us?¡±


    Zi Xingxi took the cigarette from him and responded, ¡°We have been working on a virus that can infiltrate Sheba undetected. All thanks to Li Ran¡¯s constant intrusion Lynn Feng managed to nt it on his system so that when he infiltrated Sheba again we would be granted ess. It will never be traced back to either him or us.¡±


    Zi Xingxi ced the half-smoked cigarette in Zi Han¡¯s mouth while saying, ¡°We should thank your boyfriend this time. He really helped us a lot even though he doesn¡¯t even know it.¡±


    Zi Han¡¯s chest tightened hearing this. He didn¡¯t think that his mother would use this method. As long as Yi Chen wouldn¡¯t be implicated then it was fine.


    Zi Feiji nodded his head before saying, ¡°He was telling the truth. He doesn¡¯t know how the prince ended up in the Republic but he was injured so bad his death was inevitable. His memories were vivid and not altered.¡±


    The room fell into silence for a while as though everyone was processing this news their own way. Light sniffles broke the silence and Zi Han raised his head tofort his mother but she broke into a painedugh as she squatted on the ground.


    ¡°I want to destroy the Republic... I want to kill them all,¡± she whispered her voice ridden with grief.


    Zi Feiji looked at his daughter squatting on the ground with both her hands resting on the sides of her head and said, ¡°The Republic is a whole different mission. It will take everything we have to destroy them... but that list... those people are easy to eliminate. If we deploy a few loyalists we will wipe them out within a week.¡±


    ¡°No,¡± whispered Zi Xingxi shaking her head as she got up, ¡°It has to be me. I have to do it. He was my husband.¡±


    ¡°And he was my father,¡± interjected Zi Han with a look of determination on his face.


    ¡°No,¡±


    ¡°Not a chance,¡±


    The pair of father and daughter responded simultaneously. Neither of them wanted Zi Han to dirty his hands and besides he had chosen a career in the military thus it was best he stayed far away from this as much as possible.


    After that conversation, they honestly thought they had reached a consensus. Zi Han would stay away from this and they would deal with it.


    Well, that is until they woke up the next day and seven of the perpetrators were on the news for different reasons. Three were missing, two died of natural causes and the other two were gunned down on the street by a sniper.


    Zi Xingxi who was drinking a cup of ck coffee spit it all out by ident with some of it sshing on Zi Feiji¡¯s face.


    ¡°Oh god, sorry dad,¡± she said while handing him a paper towel before yelling,


    ¡°ZI HAN!!!¡±


    Zi Han who was crawling through his window with one leg in one leg out, ¡°...¡±


    He immediately pulled his foot back outside and ran for it. Too bad Secretary K was too fast for him.


    Zi Han half raised his hands in surrender whileughing nervously, ¡°Aha... Sec, secretary K let¡¯s just pretend you didn¡¯t see me.¡±


    Secretary K humphed with his hands crossed on his chest. ¡°Yeah, right. Let¡¯s go, young sir.¡±


    Zi Han, ¡°Fuck.¡±

 Chapter 279

    279 Seal the deal


    Zi Han was brought in front of the two elders and made to sit in opposite them like he was a criminal on trial. Well, in terms of Onyx Federationw he was indeed a fugitive.


    Thinking of their expressions when he mentioned for whom he was doing this for, Zi Han couldn¡¯t help but feel like the boulder on his chest was lifted. He felt lighter and happy.


    After years of watching his mother break down crying sometimes in secret, he finally felt like a filial son. His father might not be proud but his mother would definitely be happy even though she might not show it.


    ¡°ZI HAN!! Are you crazy? Do you not care for my words? Does your grandfather¡¯s words mean nothing to you?¡± said Zi Feiji yelling at his grandson but Zi Xingxi remained a bystander.


    Her attitude right now was so nonchnt like she wasn¡¯t the one wouldn¡¯t think she was the one who spat out coffee when she found out. After a round of yelling and not getting any support from Zi Xingxi, Zi Feiji suddenly nced at her.


    She was calmly seeping some of her Irish coffee. As soon as her lips touched the rim of the cup she paused and her eyes met her father¡¯s. She quickly improvised saying, ¡°Bad, very very bad.¡±


    Zi Feiji, ¡°...¡±


    ¡°That¡¯s it? Are you kidding me?¡± he said and Zi Xingxi couldn¡¯t pretend anymore.


    ¡°I mean he can always join the Bloodgarde. He did such a good job,¡± she said while internally continuing with her sentence, ¡®I am so proud of him.¡¯


    .....


    Of course, she was so proud. It seemed she had molded him to perfection. She was more than certain that if it weren¡¯t for Yi Chen he would have joined the Bloodgarde a long time ago.


    Zi Feiji was so done with the both of them that he got up and walked away.


    While his lover was getting a half-assed lecture Yi Chen was trying to fend off his mother. She wouldn¡¯t stop asking questions and boy was he running out of patience.


    She wanted to know why he still hadn¡¯t sealed the deal. By sealing the deal she didn¡¯t mean sex but that double striped tattoo on his arm. She expected him to have only one left but here he was, waltzing in her house with two of them so yep she was anxious.


    ¡°It¡¯s because he is a wuss,¡± interjected Yi Youxi integrating himself into grown folk¡¯s business.


    ¡°What is a wuss?¡± asked Ming Ming while cuddling in the nket her hand sneaking out to grab a handful of popcorn.


    Yi Youxi turned to look at him and said, ¡°It means he is a weak or ineffectual per-.¡±


    ¡°Youxi!¡± yelled Lin Ruoxi forcing the boy to shut his mouth by stuffing it with popcorn.


    Lin Ruoxi turned back to Yi Chen and exined with her palms pressed together as though pleading.


    ¡°Chen Chen, listen to me. As your mother, I only have your best interest at heart. You have to lock it down otherwise you will always feel insecure.¡±


    Yi Chen felt like this time his mother was more enthusiastic than thest time they spoke. Why was that? Yi Chen had already exined to her that Zi Han just wouldn¡¯t say the L word. He thought maybe if he did something big like finding his father Zi Han would finally say it but who was he kidding? Everything went to shit and his boyfriend was acting different.


    ¡°Why are you so...so enthusiastic about this more than usual that is. Thest time you weren¡¯t as persistent as this. Something must have definitely changed.


    Lin Ruoxi wanted to continue persuading him but when she heard his words she suddenly couldn¡¯t speak anymore. He was right. She was too enthusiastic. That¡¯s because she had realized how much fun it was to hang out with Zi Xingxi. She wanted her son¡¯s rtionship locked down as soon as possible so she and Zi Xingxi could be besties forever.


    ¡°Well, I...,¡± she said when the main door was suddenly opened and Marshal Yi walked in.


    Lin Ruoxi could no longer speak of the subject anymore hence she could only drop it for now that is after giving Yi Chen a warning nce.


    ***


    A fish with green scales swum through the murky aquarium its mouth open about to attack a smaller fish when the sound of a creaky door startled its prey. The smaller fish swam away and the predatory fish stared at the nk space with its beady eyes.


    The man watching the show was equally disappointed. He ced the tobo smoke pipe in his mouth and smoked it before asking the man who walked in without his permission what he wanted.


    The man bowed before him his appearance most humble and said, ¡°We have a report from Seon.¡±


    He drew back the pipe pinched in between his lips and asked, ¡°What happened?¡±


    The man bowed even lower his back trembling and said, ¡°None of our recruits appeared at the portal. It is assumed that all three of them were caught.¡±


    The man with a smoking pipe in his hand suddenly flung it out of anger with the hot ashnding on the bowing man¡¯s neck but he didn¡¯t dare make a sound. He just grimaced in silence.


    ¡°And the documents? Did he at least get their weaknesses?!¡± yelled the man causing the bowing one to shiver involuntarily.


    ¡°We have no correspondence whatsoever. It¡¯s as though they all vanished just like that.¡±


    The man sitting in the armchair leaned forward with his fox eyes reflecting in the little lighting into the window. He rubbed his thin lips with his index finger with a thoughtful expression.


    Since things had turned out this way they needed to find another way. He nced at the bowing man and said, ¡°Initiate the third phase. I want the Federation crippled.¡±


    After saying that he got up on his feet ignoring his subordinate¡¯s response. He had to see his very distant cousin. It was the only way he could calm his nerves.


    In a matter of minutes, he was walking down a corridor with depictions of phoenixes all along the walls. This was the sacred temple of the Republic.

 Chapter 280

    280 The truth about the Republic


    It was the ce where citizens of the Republic would pilgrim to so they can feel a connection with their savior but underneath, a few levels down, was an intricateboratory that was way ahead of the Republic¡¯s technology.


    Ever since he was a child his father would talk about this ce that was the Federation expressing how majestic it was. He had promised he would take him there one day and show him this wonderful ce just like his own father had.


    He watched his father ve away in theboratory trying to perfect the technology to perform a space jump.


    But after years of sleepless nights and no sess, his father finally worked himself to death dying before his very eyes.


    Grief-stricken his mother and uncles tried to persuade him to not be like his father and let it go.


    He also thought his father was crazy. How can such a ce exist? A ce where people fought in giant machines and had powers beyondprehension. A ce where there was plenty of food and water that was even wasted and fed to livestock. A ce where one would close their eyes and sleep peacefully without worrying about what sort of creature would crawl into their house and eat their entire family. A ce where illness was easily cured at a cost close to nothing.


    Such a ce sounded like paradise but he didn¡¯t pursue it. He didn¡¯t believe in this great phoenix myth passed down from generation to generation. Thus he didn¡¯t follow in his father¡¯s footsteps. Well, that is until he stumbled upon his father¡¯s secret room years into his reign. He didn¡¯t even remember how exactly he stumbled into this ce but he definitely remembered what he found.


    There was endless footage of the Onyx Federation recorded by the kings before him who had been to the Federation by chance. Within the thousands of years, there were several kings who had inherited a rare gift to space jump but their ability was so weak that they could only perform one or two space jumps to the Oynx Federation.


    What they saw was recorded and they would pass it on to their children so they could see what the future of the Republic could look like.


    .....


    There were even souvenirs and images of what their distant distant cousins who shared the same surname as them looked like. All this information made him determined. He was determined to continue his father¡¯s work and bring the Republic to a brighter future.


    After decades of trying to finish his father¡¯s project and perform a space jump, he finally suceeded.


    What he was met with though when he reached the Federation wasn¡¯t the infamous Capital Star but a remote with a vi in the middle of nowhere.


    He knew he only had a single jump left because his device didn¡¯t have fuel cells powerful enough to perform multiple jumps. He had to make this space jump worthwhile as he didn¡¯t have a second chance. He explored the mansion and by sheer coincidence, he saw an injured man in a healing capsule recuperating.


    His injuries were extensive but he had a feeling that if he didn¡¯t grab this man he would have failed the Republic. When time was up he took the healing capsule with the man with him. Who would have thought he brought back with him his distant cousin who could perform space jumps at will?


    When he found out their rtion he paraded him in the capital city where plenty gathered to see their so-called savior.


    While he was showing him off things went south and the man almost died because he had taken him out of the healing capsule before he was healed enough.


    Everyone including him thought the man was dead but when he ced him back in the capsule the man¡¯s breath was restored.


    He came to a realization. If he took him out of the healing capsule the man would die thus he kept him a few levels below the temple.


    After years of going through all the research by the people before him, he found a way to manipte the man¡¯s mind forcing him to open portals into the Federation.


    The system wasn¡¯t perfect but it indeed brought chaos to the Federation. He could even transport vicious creatures across the Federation and wreak havoc. These attacks were merely a part of it. He wanted to cripple the Federation but that was only a small part of his ns.


    What he truly wanted above all else was this man¡¯s child. Whoever he was, he was the only one who was in full health and could perform space jumps like his father.


    With such a secret weapon he was certain that he would be able to destroy the Federation and bring his people to a new home where they could live without worrying about their safety or their next meal.


    One might ask how he knew how this distant rtive of his had a child. It was because when he entered the vi he saw a nursery. Thus he knew this man must have a child in the Federation.


    But despite manipting this man¡¯s mind and getting him to open several portals through space he would never disclose who his child was nor would he expose his wife which was incredibly frustrating.


    He thought maybe if he sent his people there he might find out who this child was but all of them were dead. What he didn¡¯t know was that his distant cousin had problems of his own and he wanted to protect his wife and child at any cost.


    He would rather have the entire Federation believe he was dead in order to protect his family. The same people his ancestors had saved had turned against him and wanted to acquire his family secrets.


    With a few taps, the elevator door reached the lowest floor below the temple and as the door slid open he exited the elevator and found his distant cousin lying in the healing capsule with so many cables attached to it.


    The man still had his eyes closed but he knew that his distant cousin could hear everything they said. He slowly caressed the ss of the healing capsule and asked, ¡°Cousin... did you miss me?.... You might not miss me but in fact, I missed you.¡±

 Chapter 281

    281 ¡°Your grandfather is really angry this time¡±


    Subsequent beeping sounds echoed in the silent dim lit room with a carmine red light illuminating the young man¡¯s face amplifying his viinous appearance.


    His lips quirked crookedly, his eyes crazed as he stared at the person lying t in a healing capsule affixed with several cables connected to a weirdly shaped ring with recognizable inscriptions written on it. This ring was a part of one of the arks that left old earth during the Exodus.


    Onyx Federation kept the ark in a museum tomemorate their ancestors and the struggles they endured for a better future but in the Republic, however, their ark was stripped for parts and was now being used in this makeshift portal.


    ¡°*Sigh... it¡¯s only a matter of time until I do what others couldn¡¯t do... that is to burn the Federation to the ground,¡± he said as he leaned down with an evil glint in his eyes.


    With his breath condensing on the ss case heughed sinisterly, the kind ofugh that can send shivers down one¡¯s spine. ¡°I will avenge you... I will make sure the people who put you in this position in the first ce will pay. Aren¡¯t you happy... cousin?¡± he asked looking straight at the man sleeping peacefully. Weirdly, he looked like a sleep paralysis demon trying to suppress the sleeping man.


    After two minutes of silence, the man leaned back as the smile on his face fell. His back straight he walked over to theputer light years behind the Federation¡¯s technology and began to type a few things in the system.


    Onyx Federation foiled his ns then he would make them pay greatly with an attack so extensive and make them feel his wrath.


    ¡°Let the firework show begin,¡± he whispered as he pressed a key and the healing capsule lit up with the person inside it convulsing.


    ***


    .....


    ¡°Your grandfather is really angry this time,¡± whispered Zi Xingxi as she stood in the shadows of an alley concealing her presence.


    Zi Han looked outside the window of the cafe watching the raindrops streaming down on the ss window. He picked up the steaming cup of hot chocte in front of him and responded, ¡°He is very upset. I think this time he might kick us out,¡± before taking a sip with the whipped cream staining his upper lip.


    He wiped the cream off his face and pulled down the hood of his jacket before taking a picture of the drunk hot chocte and sending it to Yi Chen.


    Hansome: (image.jpg)


    Hansome: I miss you.


    While sending that the sound of Zi Xingxi¡¯s voice came through into his ear. She chuckled at first before saying, ¡°You can resign from the army and join me. Honestly, you and he aren¡¯t meant to be from the same world. You can date but...¡±


    ¡°Mum,¡± he said his voice stern, and Zi Xingxi immediately stopped talking about it.


    ¡°Uh uh I know, I know. I am just making you aware that you have other options,¡± she said with an invisible umbre hovering above her shielding her from the rain.


    Zi Han raised his head revealing a not so familiar face. His mother had introduced him to her extensive disguises. He resolutely picked a disguise that gave him a milky white weak appearance making him appear as though he wasn¡¯t a threat.


    Since Zi Feiji was mad at them they left and went on a hunt. The person they were stalking was the owner of a cafe in the middle ss part of Capital Star.


    He was known as a phnthropist helping themunity and orphaned children getting them off the street and improving their lives but what plenty didn¡¯t know was that he was a disgraced mech engineer and not just for anyone but the royal family.


    ording to the information extracted from Sheba he got a message from some anonymous person informing him that he was about to lose his certification and might possibly face charges of treason for misappropriating equipment and exchanging it with cheap parts.


    Him losing his job was inevitable but if he swapped out one more part not only will he be able to avoid imprisonment but he would also be able to make a lot of money. Faced with expulsion and life in prison his choice was obvious.


    He didn¡¯t hesitate. A few weekster when he heard that thebat mech he had deliberately tempered with crashed with the prince in it he suddenly became a whole new person. He stopped spending the blood money on luxurious things and sold his vi before moving here to start a small cafe while helping themunity.


    Seeing the man who sentenced his father to death just because of greed Zi Han sneered. The man was a hands-on type of owner actively preparing beverages for his customers alongside his staff.


    If anyone saw him they would give him the holy mother award as he was a man doing everything for hismunity but in truth, he was a ck hearted greedy bastard who just wanted to save himself.


    After twenty minutes the man took off the apron and walked out from behind the counter bidding his employees farewell.


    ¡°He is leaving,¡± whispered Zi Han following the man¡¯s figure with his dark eyes.


    Zi Xingxi snorted coldly before responding, ¡°You know what to do.¡±


    Ten minutes after the man left Zi Han finished off the rest of his hot chocte and tapped his light brain on the floating screen at the end of the table giving the service staff a generous tip.


    When the girl taking orders at the counter saw the notification she instantly thought it was a mistake thus she called out to him. ¡°Sir, I think you gave too...,¡± she said only for her voice to get caught in her throat when the young man pulled up his hood.


    She was so mesmerized by his handsome looks that her brain short circuited. Zi Han smiled at her and said, ¡°You guys need it more than I do,¡± before walking out.


    When he stepped out he found that the rain had reduced significantly. In his earpiece, he could hear the sound of a man yelling but he wasn¡¯t at all fazed.

 Chapter 282

    282 Should Zi Han be merciful?


    Meanwhile, Yi Chen who was having a rare family moment watching a movie with his entire family received a message from Zi Han.


    The sh of light in the dim lit entertainment room was especially conspicuous. Before he could take a look his father who had been forced to watch a children¡¯s movie by Ming Ming leaned over and whispered to his son. ¡°You better not pick that up. If I am watching then you also have to watch. We will suffer through this together.¡±


    Yi Chen, ¡°...¡±


    The little Nimsel in his custody raised its head and red at the Marshal as though displeased because he was talking through the movie.


    ¡°What are you looking at you little rat?¡± he whispered only for Ming Ming to turn towards him and put her dad in his ce.


    ¡°Dad, you aren¡¯t watching... but you promised,¡± she said pouting her lips.


    ¡°Oh, sorry honey. I wa-,¡± he said only for the nimsel he had offended earlier to jump on his face and stomp on him with an attitude before jumping into Ming Ming¡¯s arms.


    Marshal Yi, ¡°...¡±


    Yi Chen lowered his head while pressing his lips together trying not tough. He covered his lips with his forefinger and thumb hiding the quirk at the corner of his lips.


    .....


    ¡°What is that thing doing here anyway?¡± asked Marshal Yi in a low whisper.


    Yi Chen moved in closer and whispered, ¡°I am taking care of it on his behalf.¡±


    ¡°Dage,¡± called Ming Ming feeling dissatisfied. Lin Ruoxi stroked her daughter¡¯s hair soothingly while ncing over at her son. They all had been quite busytely and didn¡¯t have time to gather like this together thus she backed up Ming Ming when the little girl requested movie night.


    Yi Chen shook his head and got up to leave. He had a sneaky suspicion that Zi Han was the one who messaged him earlier and anything to do with Zi Han kept him on edge these days.


    ¡°Where are you going?¡± asked Ming Ming and Yi Chen answered casually,


    ¡°Bathroom.¡±


    ¡°Bring us more popcorn,¡± yelled Yi Youxi just as Yi Chen¡¯s figure disappeared.


    Yi Chen didn¡¯t really want to go to the bathroom. He just wanted to check his light brain. He directly walked to the kitchen while opening his messages. It was indeed from Zi Han. The words ¡®I miss you¡¯ made him smile like a fool.


    Leaning against the wall he bit his lower lip while clicking on the image to see what Zi Han had sent to him. To be honest he was half expecting it to be a shirtless picture of Zi Han but when he saw the cup of hot chocte with the brand carnero he was still smiling.


    What worried him though was the fact that Zi Han was outside at this hour without him.


    Someone¡¯sBae: Since you miss me, do you want me to keep youpany?


    Yi Chen waited and waited but Zi Han didn¡¯t respond. The housekeeping robot finished making the popcorn but Zi Han still hadn¡¯t replied. That¡¯s because he was up to some shady stuff that the future Marshal shouldn¡¯t know about.


    The pair of mother and son were in a remote location with Zi Xingxi sitting down in a chair with her legs crossed at the knees smoking her demeanor calm.


    In the background were sounds of a body being kicked repeatedly followed by loud sobs and painful groans.


    ¡°That¡¯s enough,¡± said Zi Xingxi and Secretary K handed Zi Han a wet wipe to wipe the blood off his hands.


    The man who had been beaten to the ground curled up into a ball hisplexion ghastly as he wailed in pain. Zi Han pushed back the damp strands of hair that were sticking to his forehead while breathing heavily.


    After writhing on the ground for a while the man finally managed to raise his body into a kneel and faced the woman who was sitting on the chair while blowing out a puff of dense smoke.


    ¡°... Please sp, spare my...,¡± he said before spitting out a mouthful of blood and continuing, ¡°spare my life. I have a family. I will give you anything even money... jus, just please.¡±


    Zi Xingxi pressed the tip of her tongue against her cheek while staring at the man with a viinous air surrounding her.


    ¡°You know he also had a family, right?¡±


    The man was a little confused at first but deep down he knew what she was referring to. He relived that nightmare every single night and could only make up for it by umting merit but no amount of good merit could absolve him from his crime.


    The man wiped away the blood at the corner of his lips with his trembling wrists bound together.


    ¡°I can give you mon, money,¡± he repeated it again but Zi Xingxi shut him down immediately.


    ¡°You mean the blood money you got from actively participating in the murder of a royal family member? Is that the money you want to offer me?¡±


    Bam!!


    Zi Han directly kicked the man to the ground. He used a lot of force but it felt like he was still restraining himself.


    The man broke down and began to exin frantically. ¡°I didn¡¯t kno-know... I, they came to me. I tho, thought it would be like the other times. I didn¡¯t mean for anyone to get killed... I just... please,¡± he pled with Zi Xingxi.


    He thought he was helping his case but he wasn¡¯t. The more he spoke the angrier Zi Han became. He clenched his fists tightly till his knuckles turned white recalling all the years he had seen his mother break down. His eyes turned red his body filled with killing intent. Didn¡¯t this man think of the consequences when he did what he did? He greedily took the money and sentenced an innocent, hardworking person to death. Didn¡¯t he think that whoever was going to drive that mech had a family too?


    Should Zi Han be merciful? Should he be forgiving? Every action had consequences and for this man, he was the consequence.

 Chapter 283

    283 We will take good care of the innocent and punish the wicked.


    ¡°Here...,¡± said Zi Xingxi pressing an untraceableser shotgun pistol onto his chest. Zi Han held it with an unfocused gaze staring into the memory of the only conversation he had ever had with his father.


    Zi Xingxi wrapped her palm at the back of Zi Han¡¯s neck and pulled him close. With their foreheads pressed together, she spoke softly her tone like that of the devil convincing eve that eating that apple will turn her into a god.


    The man who had been beaten to the ground kept wailing and begging for mercy while mentioning his children and his charity organization.


    Zi Xingxi knew this man was simply trying to get into Zi Han¡¯s head so she whispered, ¡°We will take good care of the innocent and punish the wicked. Understood?¡±


    Zi Han understood. He understood everything. Seeing the rity in his eyes Zi Xingxi¡¯s lips quirked up as she smiled evilly.


    She patted his nape twice before gently pushing him forward to face the man. Breathing heavily with beads of sweatcing his forehead, Zi Han raised the pistol and activated it. It instantly recognized his gic make up and it lit up.


    In the inky darkness, three shes shone before everything fell back to a state of calmness.


    Zi Han felt his muscles lose all energy thus hezily leaned against the wall wiping the blood off his face with the back of his hand. As for the seven he dealt with before, he didn¡¯t even let them speak.


    There was no need to hear them try to plead for mercy when his father didn¡¯t get the same opportunity. This was the first time he had heard someone plead for their life using his children that he didn¡¯t even see as a shield.


    .....


    Dealing with such a dirtbag was so mentally exhausting. His knees turned to jelly and he slowly slid down his back against the wall. He knew from when he snuck out of home yesterday that things wouldn¡¯t be the same anymore but it was only now that the reality finally hit him.


    Yi Chen was asking him if he could keep himpany while he was doing the one thing Yi Chen was trying to prevent him from doing. He was now walking on the path his lover had tried by all means to prevent.


    A self-deprecating smile appeared on his face as he buried his head in between his knees. As he slowly sank into the negative emotions, the sound of nking heels drew back him back from the dark abyss. His mother crouched down before him and stroked his hair whilemending.


    ¡°You did great... you are indeed your father¡¯s son.¡±


    Zi Han slowly raised his head and parted his lips to say something when an explosive sound interrupted him. The pair of mother and son turned to look in the distance when they . A mushroom-like cloud of yellow and red mes reflected in their pupils. It seemed Capital Star was on fire.


    They rushed over to get a clear view. The entire city seemed to have been set alight. In truth, it was no idental fire but a creature twice the size of Hydra at its fullest capacity.


    It had the head of a dragon with four horns structured like thick tree brunches growing haphazardly. It walked on two limps like humans with a tail like that of a lizard sweeping through the buildings. Its arms had ws for fingers with chains wrapped around its wrists.


    When it bellowed it blew out a stream of fiery inferno melting anything and everything in its path. Surrounding its body was a grey armor that looked like it was carved out of stone.


    Sheba activated the emergency protocols of Capital Star and the part of the city it was breaking havoc at was suddenly closed off with a powerful shield that one couldn¡¯t break out of but can only break into.


    Lynn Feng slid his chair to another control panel in the warship and a floating screen with all thes in the sr system was blinking red reporting major attacks in their capital cities.


    ¡°Uh... Sister Xi, the entire Federation is under attack. Same monsters different sizes,¡± she said at a loss of what to do.


    ¡°How is Sheba holding up?¡± asked Zi Xingxi while sending a message to Marshal Yi.


    ¡°It managed to iste the beasts but the people within the isted area are currently in distress,¡± replied Lynn Feng the anxiety in her voice apparent.


    ¡°Authorize all members of the Bloodgarde to assist as much as possible,¡± said Zi Xingxi before cutting the line.


    She grabbed Zi Han by the back of his neck her grip soft as she asked, ¡°Are youing with?¡±


    Zi Han nodded his head and his mother warned him, ¡°Don¡¯t overdo it. The Federation isn¡¯t ready to know who you are yet.¡±


    Zi Han nodded his head again activating Igneous still disguised as his old mech. Chronos followed with Secretary K right behind him after disposing of the body.


    In the middle of Capital Star right beneath the giant monster a man dressed in a bright red and golden cloak with a design unfamiliar to the Federation walked in slow strides with an arrogant smile on his face.


    His expression proud of the chaos raining down on the Federation he stretched out his hands andughed haughtily. They might have numerous privileges and advanced technology but they were still brought to their knees by a civilization far inferior when it came to advancements.


    He wanted to see it with his own eyes. He wanted to see with his own eyes the federation burn to the ground. It was because of his own conceited and arrogant personality that he decided toe and witness this masterpiece himself and he chose the pir of the federation as his colosseum.


    But before any substantial damage was done he realized that the Federation was more prepared than he thought.


    They had divided Capital Star into sections that in the event of an attack they would erect barriers in the areas where the creatures or be it monsters appear. This was their first line of defense before the response team arrives.


    Within the chaos, the man sneered while ncing around looking for a way to bring this barrier down. If he had known this would have happened he might have brought even more creatures at once. The only thing that stopped him before was because he didn¡¯t want to put a strain on his human transport system.


    If the system overloads then he would lose his biggest advantage altogether. He didn¡¯t want to overdo it but the Federation was truly testing his patience.


    The first response had already reached the scene fighting off the beast. Among them were the Marshal and Yi Chen. If they had known this evening would end up like this they would have cherished Ming Ming¡¯s movie night.

 Chapter 284

    284 Hunter hunted....


    ¡°Any weakness reported yet?¡± asked Marshal Yi as Hydra sent rapid fire at the monster that just wouldn¡¯t relent.


    ¡°Not yet sir. We have been targetting every part of its body but so far nothing seems to be dealing damage,¡± responded Hydra as they dodged the fiery inferno shot in their direction.


    ¡°We might need to escte things but we have to evacuate all the citizens.... Chen Chen, any progress.¡±


    Yi Chen who was outside an apartment building guiding people towards the barrier so he could lead them to safety picked up a kid who fell to the ground crying while replying, ¡°We are evacuating three high rises at the same time.¡±


    He gave the child to his father as he absent-mindedly stepped away. ¡°Speed it up. We are going to use a nitrogen bomb,¡± said the Marshal.


    ¡°Copy,¡± replied Yi Chen as he raised his head having felt a malicious presence staring in his direction. He clutched hisser rifle his expression vignt. After everyone had gathered he raised his fingers and the personnel with him led the people into the alley.


    He stood with his back to the alley vigntly looking around. His gaze suddenly stopped in a certain direction. He raised the rifle and took a step forward. Yi Chen was certain that he had found the person sneaking around watching them.


    Because they had already caught spies of the federation mingling among them he wasn¡¯t taking any chances. ¡°Sir we are ready for transport,¡± said one of the men through the earpiece. Yi Chen took a few steps back and entered the alley but he was still vignt.


    ¡°Make sure you have everyone. We are escting things and deoxygenating this entire perimeter,¡± he exined after pressing the barrier with his palm. As soon as the barrier opened people began to rush through heading for safety. The two men Yi Chen was speaking to saluted him before exiting the alley.


    .....


    After Yi Chen left the man hiding in between the buildings across the street grinned slyly. He now knew how to get his monster out of the barrier.


    His motto was simple that is to wreak as much havoc as possible even when he knows he wouldn¡¯t win. He disappeared into the shadows unfortunately the person he was dealing with was an expert. No one could ever sneak on Yi Chen not even Zi Han. His senses were too sharp.


    The man thought he was the one leading Yi Chen into a trap but it turned out the trap was for himself. When he finally realized it Yi Chen already held a gun to his head.


    Unlike most who would tremble in surrender when in such a predicament, the man was of a different breed. Instead, he smiled sinisterly while raising his hands in the air.


    ¡°Hehehe you got me. You must feel like a big man,¡± he whispered his dialect almost simr to that of the boy they caught. The girl also had the same tone but at that time she barely spoke and they just assumed she was from a small n in the mountains that rarely interacted with the rest of the federation. Turns out they all sound the same but judging from this man¡¯s arrogance he must be a very important person.


    ¡°You lot foiled my ns. I simply nned on ruining that small but you just had to spoil my ns. This, right here is by your design. This is retaliation,¡± said the man as his gaze fell on the bone whistle around his neck. Because he had his back toward Yi Chen, it meant he didn¡¯t notice what the man nned to do.


    Yi Chen took out hisser cuffs and was about to cuff him when the man pulled up the born whistle and blew on it. The sharp ear piercing sound shot through the air and the monster that was a few feet from them suddenly bellowed irritably and spat out a zing inferno in their direction.


    Yi Chen crossed his wrists and a shield appeared protecting him from the ze. His feet rooted to the ground he withstood temperatures reaching a thousand degrees celcius before dodging.


    The man crouched down on top of a building with his hood off as he watched this brave young man withstand the mes.


    ¡°It seems your technology is no fucking joke,¡± he said as he watched Yi Chen who was standing on the other side of the mes that were dying down.


    Yi Chen was about to retort when he saw those familiar eyes and somewhat simr facial features. The eyes looked like Zi Han¡¯s and the face...


    ¡°Shit!¡± he muttered as he leaped up to the roof of the building and grabbed the man by the neck before letting him dangle at the edge of the building.


    ¡°It¡¯s not a high enough fall to kill you but it¡¯s enough to cripple you for life,¡± said Yi Chen with a cold glint in his eyes.


    The man tried to grab his bone whistle but this time Yi Chen ripped it off his chest and tossed it to the ground breaking it.


    The man¡¯s face turned red his eyes almost bulging out with his veins throbbing as he wed at Yi Chen¡¯s hand trying to free himself but Yi Chen only tightened his grip.


    ¡°His royal highness¡¯ ashes.... where are they?¡± he asked through gritted teeth. He knew he shouldn¡¯t dy. He should just kill this person but when he thought of Zi Han he decided to get the information out of him first.


    ¡°Wha, what... ash... ashe-,¡± he said before Yi Chen squeezed his throat even tighter making it difficult for the man to speak.


    ¡°Where are they?!¡± he bellowed with the dust-filled breeze carrying his voice.


    The man began to chuckle. He was being strangled but he was stillughing however difficult it might have been. ¡°Yo... didn... wan, want him,¡± he spoke with great difficulty forcing Yi Chen to loosen his grip.


    ¡°Bit... ch... how the fuck wou, would I be here... if he is a pile... of ashes?¡±


    As though struck by lightning Yi Chen momentarily froze ring at this man with bloodshot eyes.


    Due to his momentary distraction, the man cut his arm with a dagger from inside his cloak. Yi Chen grimaced as he loosen his grip letting the man fall.


    However, the man didn¡¯t fall to his death. Instead, he engaged the prince¡¯s first mech before he inherited Igneous. It seemed when he took the prince he also raided his home and took his property.


    ¡°You would have made an excellent addition to the Republic but unfortunately you won¡¯t live long,¡± yelled the man as he hovered in the air.


    Yi Chen, ¡°...¡±

 Chapter 285

    285 Your son would get to meet his side of the family soon.


    Yi Chen¡¯s breathing amplified as he stared at his trembling hand. His vision blurred slightly and in his daze, he thought he saw Zi Han. While hais mech was trying to administer the first response Yi Chen copsed to the ground.


    He had indeed seen Zi Han. He and his mother had joined in on the fight but before they could deal with the fire-breathing monster his mother suddenly went crazy and it was for a good reason.


    She had noticed her husband¡¯s first mech amidst all the chaos. Her heart lurched thinking it was her husband but when she remembered he had died in the most gruesome way, she became extremely angry.


    She dove down like a missile locked on her unexpecting victim. She mmed the person into the wall with Chronos. The attacked mech broke through the walls in various apartments before its momentum stalled on thest wall and it fell to the ground.


    Because the mech was almost the height of a human when it was attacked it didn¡¯t do much damage.


    The many underneath the rubble with electric wires sparking around him. The thick cloud of dust made it difficult for one to see him clearly neither could he see his surroundings well.


    He wearily blinked his eyes as he saw two figures walking towards him. Actually, it was one figure but he was seeing doubles. He tried to get up but he stumbled back to the ground. That is when he realized his situation was bad.


    He tapped something on his arm thinking he could enter a portal faster than the figure could catch him. Unfortunately for him no matter how hard he tried to press on his wrist the portal didn¡¯t appear.


    The arrogant smile on his face from before had vanished as the figure raised their foot and kicked him out of the building.


    .....


    As he fell out of that building he tried several times to open a portal but it wasn¡¯t working. He showed a rare panicked expression. It was because of this that he didn¡¯t pay attention. He was suddenly punched in the face and fell to the ground leaving behind a crate on the paved road.


    Grunting painfully he raised his aching hand to press that button again but before he could even press it he was pressed down and punched repeatedly by a mad person.


    ¡°Where did you get this? Where?!¡± she asked repeatedly but the man didn¡¯t respond.


    Irritated she crushed the cockpit windscreen and tossed it to the side attempting to get to the person inside.


    When she saw that face that was one part simr to her husband she became even angrier. There was no need to tell her where this person came from.


    Zi Han rushed over to help his mother. Just as he got there the man activated the rocketuncher in the mech¡¯s chest intending to blow this person off his mech but the mech immediately deactivated after identifying the two people by name.


    ¡°What the fuck¡± he muttered and the portal that hadn¡¯t appeared before finally showed its face forcibly drawing him in. Because Zi Xingxi was on top of the man kicking his ass she was bound to be drawn into the portal as well.


    Zi Han was quick-witted. He pulled his mother back but as he did that the other mech kicked his mech¡¯s leg throwing him off bnce.


    The man meant to take him with him. Out of nowhere, Yi Chen¡¯s mech swooped in saving Zi Han in time.


    Because Yi Chen was hurt he could only carry them so far until they both tumbled to the ground.


    When the man opened his eyes he was back inside the temple. He deactivated the mech and as soon as he did that his body fell to the ground every part of his body aching.


    Firstly, his body wasn¡¯t fit to operate a mech. Operating one took great mental strength and years of extensive training unless if it was a protective mech.


    Coughing violently he crawled up from the ground his arm clutching his abdomen. Half his face was already swollen from the beating but he was still so spirited.


    He red at the man lying peacefully in the healing capsule and suddenly had the urge to break this entire thing and just end him.


    When the portal didn¡¯t work he knew it had something to do with this bastard. Seeing him lying there one might think he was in aa and fully unresponsive but in truth, he could hear everything.


    That is why the portal didn¡¯t appear. He intended to leave him in the Federation. The man was willing to die underneath this temple than bring him back.


    Bam! Bam! Bam!


    ¡°You.... mother fucker,¡± he yelled kicking the healing capsule several times but no matter how hard he kicked the healing capsule remained undamaged.


    ¡°ARGHHH!¡± he growled in frustration when he realized he was only hurting himself. After a minute of making unintelligent sounds, his IQ suddenly came back online.


    He finally remembered that the mech identified the boy as well as recognized him as family. His crazed expression was soon reced by a sinister look as he stepped forward pointing at the man lying in the healing capsule.


    ¡°That... ahahahaha.... that, that was your son. If I have him, if I can abduct him to the Republic I won¡¯t need you anymore. There won¡¯t be any need for me to extract your semen for artificial insemination so your offspring can take your ce when you finally die... Hahahaha.¡±


    Well, if only Zi Xingxi knew this man¡¯s thoughts she might have jumped into that portal with him and end his life.


    ¡°I just need to change strategies. Your son would get to meet his side of the family soon. You must be very happy... tsk... I need to see a doctor. That bitch did a number on me.¡±


    As soon as the door closed the room fell into silence and the rhythmic beeping sound suddenly turned rapid as the person lying down raised a finger but that was all the movementing from that person.


    Meanwhile, Zi Han had gotten up from the ground and turned to look at his lover¡¯s mech lying t on the ground.

 Chapter 286

    286 Arguing with the future father inw


    ¡°Chen..., Chen Chen,¡± he called out sluggishly while taking a casual nce at the monster still burning everything around to the ground.


    ¡°Baby... baby wake up,¡± said Zi Han as he crawled over shaking Yi Chen who had passed out.


    That¡¯s when Zi Han realized something was wrong. He hastily deactivated Yi Chen¡¯s mech and ced his hand on the man¡¯s forehead.


    Yi Chen¡¯s forehead was covered in sweat and he was burning up. Ran had already administered medication to make the situation better but when Yi Chen regained consciousness, he asked for a shot of adrenaline when he saw Zi Han almost getting sucked into that portal. This meant his condition which had shown some signs of improvement had only gotten worse.


    Zi Han noticed the cut on Yi Chen¡¯s arm when he peeled back the fabric. There was a long narrow gash colored purple from the poison.


    His chest clenched tightly as he hurriedly activated his mental power. Ever since his father removed what was blocking his mental power they had discovered his healing abilities.


    He could not only heal himself but also others. The only problem was that when he did it for others it would take a toll on him.


    Despite knowing the consequences, Zi Han let his mental power leave his body and seep into Yi Chen¡¯s through the wound. Because he was in a state of panic Zi Han wasn¡¯t careful enough to check his surroundings.


    It was Zi Xingxi who came over and created a shielding barrier around him so no one would see.


    .....


    ¡°You don¡¯t even listen to me anymore. What did I say?¡± she reprimanded him while standing outside the barrier she created.


    Zi Han felt bad. She had indeed told him to be careful but when he saw Yi Chen¡¯s situation he unintentionally disregarded everything focusing on Yi Chen.


    ¡°I panicked,¡± he whispered back as he observed Yi Chen¡¯s face whoseplexion was getting better.


    ¡°Rule number four...,¡± she said and Zi Han quickly responded,


    ¡°Never let your emotions overwhelm you. Such a mistake can lead to death.¡±


    Zi Xingxi wore a satisfied expression and said, ¡°Always remember that.¡±


    Yi Chen was getting better at a rate visible to the naked eye. Zi Han felt slight exhaustion in the end but he regretted nothing. Whatever poison that vile man had injected into Yi Chen was something not of the Federation thus they might not have had a cure. This was the most effective method.


    ¡°The countdown for the nitrogen bomb has begun. We have to go,¡± said Zi Xingxi trying not to think about that person who had her husband¡¯s first mech. She had a lot of questions but this wasn¡¯t the time to talk about them.


    Zi Han took Yi Chen into the cockpit of his mech and followed his mother out of the barrier. Twenty secondster the monster pursued the people rushing towards the barrier and when it reached the boundary it tried to exit as well but it was bounced back causing it to stagger a few steps.


    Soon the residents of Capital Star and the military personnel watched as the creature fell to its knees gasping for air while breathing out dying mes.


    Others stayed on to watch but the Zi mother and pair son didn¡¯t. Each had their own thing to worry about and there was nothing much left to do here. Zi Xingxi was so preupied that she didn¡¯t even oppose it when he said he wanted to take Yi Chen somewhere.


    She knew about their love nest thus she wasn¡¯t worried about where he was going. In contrast, it was actually Marshal Yi who wasn¡¯t happy about it.


    When he video called his son it was Zi Xingxi who answered it. What made matters worse was the fact that Zi Han had full ess to Yi Chen¡¯s light brain. This was wrong on so many levels, especially when considering the fact that Zi Han was rted to the Bloodgarde.


    Zi Han didn¡¯t know what to say. He knew that the Marshal didn¡¯t like him. He could see it in the man¡¯s eyes each time they met. He knew it was because the Marshal was afraid that his rtionship with the Bloodgarde would negatively impact Yi Chen.


    Since he couldn¡¯t convince Yi Chen to distance himself from this person he could only grit his teeth but he would never give Zi Han any face the same way Zi Xingxi never showed his son face.


    Zi Han stared at this man who still had no idea what sort of rtionship he had with Yi Chen and suddenly felt a little guilty. Everyone including Ming Ming knew that they were in a rtionship but the Marshal who manages the entire federation had absolutely no idea what sort of rtionship they had. He just assumed they were at least close friends or sworn brothers.


    ¡°He is a little injured so I am taking care of him. I will send him home as soon as he wakes up,¡± said Zi Han but the Marshal¡¯s frown deepened.


    ¡°You!... We have state-of-the-art equipment and the best doctors at our disposal so what do you mean by this? I am his father, it¡¯s not your ce to make decisions on his behalf,¡± said the Marshal his face turning red with rage.


    Zi Han rubbed his forehead and exined his entire body tense. ¡°He was poisoned by a substance from the Republic. By the time the doctors would figure out what it is and create an antidote it would be toote so I used my mental-,¡± he exined only for the Marshal to interrupt him.


    ¡°That special trait is unique to a particr family. Didn¡¯t your mother tell you not to speak of it?¡± said the Marshal reprimanding him like a caring elder.


    Zi Han wanted to say something when he heard pained gaspsing from the bed. Ridden with worry Zi Han walked over while cutting the Marshal¡¯s call.


    Marshal Yi, ¡°...¡±


    Zi Han walked over to his lover lying on the bed and saw that his eyshes were quavering as he murmured under his breath. He must have been having a nightmare again.


    Zi Han stroked Yi Chen¡¯s hair soothingly while calling out, ¡°Husband,¡± softly.

 Chapter 287

    287 Zi Han is so in love


    Zi Han was a little worried. He sat down seeming dejected at the head of the bed looking straight at the man lying on the bed with slightly knitted brows. He had been sitting there for a long time stroking Yi Chen¡¯s hair his dark eyes full of deep love and distress for his lover that kept burning up.


    His slightly bent back made him look like a lonely stubborn wolf waiting beside his lover¡¯s bedside watching him intently.


    Minutes turned to hours and hours turned into half a night. Zi Han finally slipped underneath the quilt andy on Yi Chen¡¯s chest. Yi Chen was no longer having nightmares but he was still sleeping which was expected considering what he had been through.


    Zi Han yfully rubbed the man¡¯s chest as he whispered, ¡°Husband, you have to get better. The longer you stay asleep the more I starve...¡±


    Believe me the starving he was referring to wasn¡¯t from theck of nourishment but theck of physical intimacy.


    Zi Han ced his bare thigh across Yi Chen¡¯s lower half and his arm across the man¡¯s bare chest hugging him like an octopus. Considering that he was only wearing a pair of underwear Zi Han looked like he was ready for action any time anywhere.


    AN: It would have been best if he was wearing crotchless underwear but anyway...


    The housekeeping system dimmed the lights as per the room settings. Zi Han didn¡¯t sleep so well. He kept picturing himself having fallen into the portal and being hooked to a makeshift machine that looked like a healing capsule connected to some other misceneous things. Zi Han wasn¡¯t an engineer but he could understand a little of what the heck that thing was. His dream was so realistic that he felt a strong emotion like that of being trapped in such a small space for a very long time.


    Zi Han¡¯s breath condensed onto the screen of the healing capsule making it very difficult for him to see. He reached over with his trembling fingers to wipe away the condensation on the ss but he found that he couldn¡¯t raise it that far. That¡¯s because sharp needles were deep in his skin and each time he moved they would stab deeper making him cry out.


    .....


    Zi Han felt so terrified that he could barely breathe and the longer he stayed in such an environment the more stifled his breath became.


    Just when he thought was going to suffocate to death he got up gasping for air his forehead covered in ayer of cold sweat.


    With his upper body sitting up straight he clutched his chest his dazed eyes looking around the room. When he found that he was at the apartment lying in the bedroom his chaotic mind calmed down more especially when he saw Yi Chen lying next to him with a rxed look on his face.


    Zi Han reached over to touch Yi Chen¡¯s forehead and felt an explicable sense of relief when he felt that it was as cool as it normally should be.


    He pushed back his hair while asking, ¡°Ran, what is his current health condition.¡±


    Since Zi Han was authorized to give Ran orders it didn¡¯t argue. It immediately pulled up Yi Chen¡¯s health status.


    ¡°Sir will recover soon. A few more hours of sleep will help,¡± said Ran in the most monotonous voice. Ran was not like Hydra, Chronos, and Igneous. It was meant to follow orders and barely had a personality of its own thus its response was as blunt as its owner.


    Zi Han nced over at Yi Chen his heart beating hard against his chest. He licked his bottom lip in frustration before lying on top of Yi Chen. He stroked Yi Chen¡¯s hair his gaze fixated on the man¡¯s closed eyelids.


    He kissed the man¡¯s eyes, cheek, nose, and lips pouring out his heart with that light touch. He didn¡¯t think when he woke up Yi Chen would still be passed out cold.


    Zi Han who had just had a terrible nightmare suddenly wanted to beforted. To be more precise he wanted Yi Chen tofort him but the person was sleeping soundlessly like he was on vacation.


    ¡°Baby, why don¡¯t you wake up,¡± he whispered while rubbing the tip of Yi Chen¡¯s nose with his.


    His warm breath grazed Yi Chen¡¯s skin but the man didn¡¯t even respond. ¡°Do you want me to say that I Iove you?¡± he continued to say his intense gaze focused on Yi Chen¡¯s eyes, ¡°I love you... I love you so much. Now please wake up.¡±


    But there was no response at all. The person remained cold and indifferent like he hadn¡¯t heard anything. Zi Han chuckledughing at himself. Now could he expect that the man would wake just because of these three words alone? How that he had said it he felt rather stupid.


    He nted a soft lingering kiss on Yi Chen¡¯s forehead before getting off the bed.


    Having said that word aloud he felt like he had just poked a hole into his heart and let his vulnerability known to the world. He felt a wave ofplicated emotions right now. He was both happy that Yi Chen was sleeping and didn¡¯t hear his deration of love but at the same time he was so disappointed that he had wasted those words for a sleeping person.


    Since the sun was about to rise Zi Han decided to make him some nourishing soup or something thus he left the bedroom but the moment he stepped out Yi Chen¡¯s fingers move and his eyelids were flickering like he was about to wake up but soon after his movements weakened as he fell back into the deep abyss.


    His dreams didn¡¯t make any sense but it was a nightmare in themselves. That¡¯s because he couldn¡¯t find his loved one anywhere. He was living his life in an impoverished ce, a ce nothing like the federation with his heart yearning for his beloved but he didn¡¯t know who that person was or where they were.


    He knew he was here in that ce for that person but who that person was he had no idea. The feeling of not knowing terrified him so much that he couldn¡¯t bear it.


    After being tormented by his nonsensical dreams he finally opened his eyes and woke up. He was expecting himself to wake up in a healing capsule at the base but instead, he found himself sleeping in his bed at home alone but his body showed signs that he was being taken care of.


    He opened his mouth and was about to ask Ran what happened when he smelt the delectable fragrance of homemade breakfast.


    From the fragrance alone he could tell it wasn¡¯t his mother¡¯s cooking but Zi Han¡¯s. He got off the bed intending to go see his baby who had been taking care of himst night when he felt a sharp pain in his arm.


    He raised his arm and checked the cut on it. It had healed already but he still felt slight pain underneath his skin.


    When he walked over to the kitchen he saw a half clothed man with his back straight as he opened the lid of the crockpot. Yi Chen felt his heart blossom like flowers in spring seeing this scene. Li Ran was right. The man never said the L word but that didn¡¯t mean he didn¡¯t love him.


    Zi Han was ving away making him nutritious soup to nourish his body instead of sleeping in like usual. Yi Chen walked over and hugged Zi Han from behind unable to suppress the smile on his face.


    Zi Han¡¯s body froze in ce as he swallowed his saliva a little startled. He didn¡¯t expect Yi Chen to suddenly wake up and embrace him like thus his entire body was tense not knowing how to react for a moment. Yi Chen nuzzled in the crevice of Zi Han¡¯s neck, a big man acting coquettish like he had been wronged.


    Zi Han moved his head away unable to bear the ticklish sensation from Yi Chen¡¯s stubble on his neck. Yi Chen caressed and kneaded Zi Han¡¯s waist while speaking in a low seductive voice that had Zi Han feeling an inexplicable thirst that wasn¡¯t there before. ¡°Baby, what are you making?¡±


    Zi Han bit his bottom lip his cheeks heating up. His heart jolted as a sweet feeling spread all over his chest. He was very happy Yi Chen was awake but he did his very best not to appear overly excited. ¡°You have been asleep for so long and this is the first thing you say to me?¡± asked Zi Han while ncing down at the fingers enthusiastically grasping his t-shirt like a hungry beast desperate to tear off the fabric, press him down and eat him. He felt an electrifying feeling spread all over his body tickling his senses.


    Yi Chen¡¯s hands roving around his body made him feel especially good. Zi Han was so happy that he felt the urge to kneel on one knee and propose marriage. He was so in love with Yi Chen but he would never admit it... at least not yet.

 Chapter 288

    288 ¡°I want you to feed me¡±


    What does it feel like when someone you love embraces you from behind? It is the same as the feeling you get when your body gets enveloped in the glow of winter¡¯s sun.


    The feeling of Yi Chen hugging him from behind felt like soaking up winter¡¯s sunlight. His entire body was flooded with feel good hormones improving his mood greatly. He leaned his head back on Yi Chen¡¯s chest while touching the man¡¯s arms wrapped around him and took a deep breath slowly sinking into the hug.


    For a moment the two of them remained in this position each with their own thoughts. Yi Chen was breathing in the scent on Zi Han¡¯s body and each time he exhaled his scorching breath would graze Zi Han¡¯s skin making his scalp numb.


    The warm base of ambroxan and cedar followed by the freshness of bergamot and the unexpected kick of Sichuan pepper tickled Yi Chen¡¯s senses. This was the scent of his shower gel and whenever Zi Han used it he felt the need to hug him all the time. He would hug him at every opportunity. That¡¯s because having his scent all over Zi Han¡¯s body made him feel like he had indirectly marked his boyfriend letting the entire gxy know that he was taken.


    It was odd but it sort of gave him the impression that Zi Han had acquiesced to having their rtionship status publicized to everyone outside their circle. He was extremely possessive of Zi Han and wanted to tell the entire world that they belonged to each other but since he couldn¡¯t shout it out loud he could only be insanely happy when Zi Han used his stuff and wore his clothes.


    Yi Chen kissed the side of Zi Han¡¯s neck while speaking in a low husky voice, ¡°You smell so good...,¡± while his fingers clutched the fabric of his t-shirt with his chest stered against Zi Han¡¯s back tightly.


    Zi Han felt drunk after being doused with so much affection. Unable to bear it he said, ¡°Eat something first... then we can mess aroundter.¡±


    Yi Chen slightly bit his lower lip preventing himself from expressing his true feelings. He wanted to say, ¡°How about we mess around first then eat,¡± but when he saw that Zi Han had worked really hard he didn¡¯t have the heart to say it.


    ¡°Baby, I hurt all over, especially my arm... Will you take care of me?¡± he said with thetter sentence said in a muffled voice as he buried his head in Zi Han¡¯s neck whispering with the vibrations from his voice making Zi Han a little thirsty.


    .....


    Zi Han pushed him away knowing fully well that Yi Chen¡¯s bodynguage right now was that of someone ready to eat something and that something wasn¡¯t food.


    He didn¡¯t use that much force but Yi Chen curled up his arm resting on his abdomen looking all fragile. He even hissed while acting very pitiful and Zi Han almost got scammed.


    ¡°Are you ok...,¡± he said only to realize Yi Chen was holding his abdomen. He crossed his arms on his chest while pressing the tip of his tongue on his cheek while staring at him.


    Yi Chen still wore an indigent expression trying to scam benefits from his boyfriend but Zi Han wasn¡¯t buying it.


    ¡°Wrong ce buddy. You hurt your arm not your abdomen now sit down and I will bring you something to eat,¡± said Zi Han before turning around to fill two bowls with ginseng chicken soup.


    Whiledling the fragrant soup into the bowl, Zi Han found himself opening his mouth to say, ¡°Your dad called you. Well, your mum also... but you were knocked out. He um... he was very mad.¡±


    Yi Chen who was sitting on the bar stool by the kitchen counter watching Zi Han¡¯s ass suddenly raised his head and his expression turned wan.


    ¡°Did he-,¡± he said but Zi Han interjected,


    ¡°No, he wasn¡¯t excessive.¡±


    Zi Han brought over the steaming bowl and ced it in front of him. When he met Yi Chen¡¯s anxious expression Zi Han¡¯s chest clenched a little.


    ¡°I will talk to him...,¡± he said grabbing Zi Han¡¯s wrist and pulling him over. Zi Han didn¡¯t resist. He stood beside Yi Chen with the man¡¯s powerful arm resting on his slim waist. Yi Chen looked up at him and said, ¡°Can¡¯t I tell him about us?¡± while his fingers slipped underneath the man¡¯s t-shirt. He stroked and fondled Zi Han¡¯s waist lovingly while pulling him closer.


    Zi Han felt like he was in the presence of a subus here to steal his soul and imprison him in a little ck room filled with various sex toys. Zi Han cleared his throat but didn¡¯t dare to look into those eyes and said, ¡°You know your father well. He will only make things difficult for you. Let¡¯s, let¡¯s just keep it at that for now.¡±


    Yi Chen wasn¡¯t happy about this. His entire family knew but because his father would make trouble they all decided to keep his rtionship with Zi Han a secret. But that¡¯s not what he wanted. He wanted the entire world to know that this man right here, ws and all, belonged to him.


    Zi Han knew what he was thinking. They had already had this conversation so many times and each time Yi Chen was forced to concede. To appease his beloved, Zi Han lowered his body and nted a sweet kiss on the man¡¯s lips showering him with all his affection. Yi Chen sucked on Zi Han¡¯s lips his hand moving lower and lower his target obvious.


    Zi Han¡¯s lips quirked up as he grasped Yi Chen¡¯s wrist stopping him. He gave him a light kiss before reprimanding him. ¡°Is that all you ever think about?¡± asked Zi Han finding thisughable.


    Yi Chen rested his head on Zi Han¡¯s chest while saying, ¡°I want you to feed me.¡±


    Zi Han kissed the top of Yi Chen¡¯s head and stroked his hair before sitting down next to him to feed him.


    Yi Chen yfully rubbed Zi Han¡¯s thigh with his fingertips while watching his lover blow on the hot soup in the porcin spoon before bringing it over.


    While he was feeding him Yi Chen kept staring at him with that intense heated gaze that had Zi Han¡¯s ears heating up. He couldn¡¯t help but ask, ¡°Why are you looking at me like that?¡± before putting the spoon in his mouth. Zi Han suddenly regretted dishing out two bowls because they were going to share the same bowl anyway.

 Chapter 289

    289 Because you look handsome. I can¡¯t help it


    ¡°Because you look handsome. I can¡¯t help it... I can¡¯t stop staring at you,¡± seriously replied Yi Chen while grabbing Zi Han¡¯s bar stool pulling it closer till their legs were intertwined.


    Zi Han was a little startled. He was about to ask Yi Chen what he was doing when Yi Chen raised his lover¡¯s leg and ced it on top of his.


    His hand rested on Zi Han¡¯s waist which he kept caressing. ¡°You are so clingy,¡± said Zi Han but Yi Chen opened his mouth like a chick anxious for food. Zi Han almost rolled his eyes.


    ¡°Do you like it? It¡¯s my second time making it and I wasn¡¯t really sure,¡± said Zi Han before blowing another spoonful to feed him.


    Yi Chen nodded his head ncing at the piece of chicken like he wanted it. Zi Han wasn¡¯t stingy about it. He took a bite before giving it to Yi Chen his smile priceless. Yi Chen would give anything to see that smile every day.


    It didn¡¯t take long for the soup in both bowls to finish and the atmosphere between them had changed subtly. That¡¯s because Zi Han happened to mention the man from yesterday. He had been waiting to talk to his mother but he knew it wasn¡¯t the right time.


    He decided to talk to Yi Chen about it but Yi Chen was much more silent than usual. That¡¯s because of what the man said yesterday. He was afraid if he tells Zi Han about it and it turns out to be false he would hurt Zi Han again.


    He decided to investigate the matter and find a way to go to the Republic if he had to. Only then did he feel it would be okay to mention this matter to Zi Han. He felt horrible keeping something from him which is why he was more silent than usual.


    ¡°Do you think there is a way for us to go to the Republic? If the Republic can get to us then why can¡¯t we get to the Republic? I know that there is like four million light years distance between the two gxies but we can use the same technology that the exodus party used to warp to the present-day Federation and it wouldn¡¯t take longer than a week to get there.¡±


    .....


    Hearing this the fingers rubbing against Zi Han¡¯s thigh paused. Yi Chen recalled that dream that he had and couldn¡¯t help but tense up. If the Republic was as bad as he saw in his dream then he didn¡¯t want Zi Han to be in such a ce. He also knew something Zi Han didn¡¯t. That so-called space jump technology wasn¡¯t a piece of machinery nor an intricate invention. It was the royal family members who had this gift and there was a high probability that Zi Han was the same.


    At first, when Yi Chen heard the grey-haired boy confess that Zi Han¡¯s father was dead he thought the Republic still had ess to the Federation because among them one of them possessed the same gift to perform space jumps. Now that he knew Zi Han¡¯s father was definitely alive everything made more sense.


    ¡°We can bring the fight to them and end this,¡± he said but Yi Chen¡¯s face only got much worse.


    ¡°Baby can... can we not talk about that right now? I am sorry I just,¡± said Yi Chen as his hand tucked away Zi Han¡¯s hair strand that was hanging loosely on his forehead before continuing, ¡°I just want to spend time with you and forget everything that happened yesterday. I almost lost you.¡±


    Zi Han was a little surprised but he soon recovered. He wrapped his arms around Yi Chen¡¯s neck and pulled him closer.


    He leaned forward and pressed his lips against Yi Chen¡¯s and the two engaged in a passionate kiss that gave one the impression that they were going to rip each other¡¯s clothes off and have sex on the kitchen counter.


    Zi Han felt something hard poking his thigh and he suddenly withdrew. There was no way he was doing it now. Yi Chen still needed time to recover more especially when he never understood the meaning of the word moderation when it came to that.


    Yi Chen who was denied a possible morning snack just watched as Zi Han stood up while pointing out, ¡°You are still a patient.¡±


    ¡°I might be a patient but the gun still works... excellently at that,¡± he replied but Zi Han wasn¡¯t convinced.


    ¡°I am going to take a shower. I am going outter. Do you want toe with?¡± asked Zi Han walking up the stairs.


    Yi Chen nodded his head. Of course, he wanted toe with. He didn¡¯t even know where Zi Han was going but he was definitely going with him.


    ¡°Then pick an outfit for me. Something that matches the weather,¡± said Zi Han as he walked up the stairs.


    ¡°Are you sure you want to trust me with that?¡± asked Yi Chen recalling thest time Zi Han asked him to do that. Let¡¯s just say that it didn¡¯t end well.


    ¡°Uh huh... don¡¯t let me down,¡± said Zi Han before disappearing around the corner.


    Yi Chen nced down at the hard member outlined on his pants and sighed. The housekeeping robot was already cleaning up the bowls and cutlery in the background making light sounds and noises.


    Yi Chen got up while ruffling his ear-length hair as he walked over to the lounge. He decided to watch some news before going up to find clothes for Zi Han.


    Everything being broadcasted had something to do with what happened yesterday. They were reporting on the number of casualties and the damage done. Yi Chen skipped over it as he scrolled down looking for anything other than about the attack.


    While scrolling he suddenly stopped when he saw a familiar name. The headlines were:


    Local phnthropist Caney Volkov owner of the cafe Carnero was reported missing.


    It wasn¡¯t necessarily the name of the person but the name of the cafe. He tapped his light brain and opened his chat with Zi Han. As expected the coffee cup in the image was also Cafe Carnero. Yi Chen¡¯s heart sank as he nced at the open door upstairs. He didn¡¯t want to believe it, and neither did he want to ept it. How could Zi Han have anything to do with that? It had to be a coincidence, right?

 Chapter 290

    290 Matching couple¡¯s outfit


    Search: How to tell if your lover is keeping secrets from you_


    Yi Chen typed this into the search bar expecting some sort of answer but the results were extremely unsatisfactory. He ruffled his hair before deleting the text and rephrasing the question.


    Search: How to get your lover to tell you what they are hiding from you_


    Yi Chen skimmed through the results but when he heard the running shower get turned off he sat up and ran upstairs.


    Putting the matter at the back of his mind he entered the walk-in closet and looked through their clothes. It took him about two minutes to pick something for Zi Han from head to toe.


    He ced everything aside before sitting on the bed and resuming his search. After scrolling for a second or two he came across an interesting article.


    It was basically talking about three things to do to get your partner to tell you the truth. Yi Chen bit his thumb as he immersed himself in the article. One was to have their guard down likezing on the couch for instance. Two, avoiding usations hence making use of nonconfrontational statements. Three, don¡¯t make them feel shitty about it or regret opening up to you. It was doable but he also had to make sure the timing was perfect.


    Yi Chen was so immersed in the article that he didn¡¯t realize when the bathroom door opened and Zi Han stepped out. Zi Han looked over his shoulder and took a peek while asking, ¡°What are you doing?¡±


    ¡°Doing some resear-...,¡± said Yi Chen only for his head to jerk upwards when he realized it was Zi Han. He immediately took down the floating screen seeming very guilty as he got up.


    .....


    ¡°I am going to take a shower he said,¡± and Zi Han followed his figure with his intense stare.


    What the hell was Yi Chen hiding from him? The man looked quite suspicious and guilty. Yi Chen was indeed feeling guilty. When he closed the bathroom door he deleted his search history feeling somewhat bad.


    The fact that he was searching for this made him feel like he didn¡¯t trust Zi Han and he was going behind his back.


    Zi Han on the other hand was trying not to think much as he got dressed. Maybe Yi Chen was nning something for him thus he let it go.


    Zi Han sat in the lounge downstairs with some entertainment channel ying in the background. In fact, he wasn¡¯t paying attention. He was busy texting his grandfather and mother checking up on them.


    He took off his slippers andy on the couch textingfortably. He was so rxed that he didn¡¯t notice when Yi Chen came downstairs and stood at the end of the couch where his head was, watching him.


    It was only when Yi Chen lowered his head did Zi Han notice him. From Zi Han¡¯s point of view, Yi Chen¡¯s face was upside down with his strands of hair hanging loosely.


    Zi Han smiled subconsciously his gaze lingering on Yi Chen¡¯s lips that looked so soft and delectable. Zi Han really wanted to kiss thus he stretched out his hands and interlocked his fingers around Yi Chen¡¯s nape before pulling him down.


    Yi Chenplied with him. He lowered his head and just like the upside-down kiss between spiderman and MJ, the two of them locked lips.


    Zi Han¡¯s soft lips brushed against Yi Chen¡¯s delicately like butterfly wings long enough for him to inhale Zi Han¡¯s breath, feel the warmth of his skin and the taste of his berry chapstick which lingered on Yi Chen¡¯s lips long after their lips had parted.


    Zi Han pressed the tip of his nose against Yi Chen¡¯s with a radiant smile on his face but soon he wasn¡¯t smiling anymore. Why?


    It was because Yi Chen did it again. Just like thest time, Yi Chen matched their clothes making it appear as though they were wearing a couple¡¯s outfit.


    ¡°Seriously? Why... why are we wearing the same colors?¡± asked Zi Han regret written all over his face.


    He should have known Yi Chen would pull this same stunt like he didst time. Yi Chen slid his hand out of his pocket and reached out to touch Zi Han. He ced his hand at the back of Zi Han¡¯s neck and pulled him closer while exining.


    ¡°But the shade of brown is different. Plus I am wearing a id shirt and you are wearing a t-shirt. How is that the same thing?¡±


    Zi Han almostughed out loud. The top half wasn¡¯t the same but the bottom half was. It was the same type of straight-cut jeans and their sneakers as well. As long as they were walking together they looked like a couple. It was a silent deration of ownership on either party.


    Yi Chen took advantage of Zi Han¡¯s inattentiveness lowering his head to kiss those lips again. This time he pressed his other hand against Zi Han¡¯s lower back and pulled him closer before kissing his soft lips.


    Yi Chen was especially impetuous intoxicated by those lips. He found himself muddle-headed and unable to stop once he got a taste. It took Zi Han calling his name while parting from him to listen and let go.


    Yi Chen might have let it go but the whole way he was clinging to Zi Han as though afraid he would vanish on the spot. Zi Han didn¡¯t hate it either, in fact, he encouraged it.


    Even as they visited the shopping district Yi Chen held Zi Han¡¯s hand without any fear of being found out by the Marshal. Zi Han was a little worried about it at first but seeing how happy Yi Chen was he let him do as he pleased.


    Zi Han pulled Yi Chen into a clothing store. And as they went through the collection Yi Chen stood behind him with his hands resting on either side of Zi Han¡¯s waist asking, ¡°Baby, did you really have toe all the way here to do this? We could have shopped on Sta while cozying up under the quilt.¡±


    While he said this he rested his chin on Zi Han¡¯s shoulder his breath partially spraying on Zi Han¡¯s neck. Zi Han dodged to the side rubbing the itchy spot on his neck while saying, ¡°This is one of the things they said people in love should do together. If you don¡¯t like-,¡± before Yi Chen cut him off.


    ¡°Sorry, could you repeat that,¡± he said his expression like that of a smitten kitten?

 Chapter 291

    291 Would you like to try it with me?


    Zi Han¡¯s chest tightened as he clenched his jaw refusing to speak. He knew what Yi Chen was referring to but he would never admit it. He nced back to the set of clothes and said, ¡°I said if you don¡¯t like it-.¡±


    ¡°No not that. What people did you say do this?¡± asked Yi Chen his fingers yfully slipping down to the hem of Zi Han¡¯s t-shirt. Zi Han remained silent. In fact, he was biting his lower lip while pretending to admire the t-shirt in his hand.


    Yi Chen kissed Zi Han¡¯s neck like they were the only ones in this store and whispered, ¡°Baby, if you don¡¯t say it then I will drag you to the changing room and grant you an unforgettable service,¡± with his fingers slipping underneath Zi Han¡¯s t-shirt brushing against his abs.


    ¡°Sir, excuse me. It¡¯s a bit inappro-,¡± said a sales representative after watching this smutty scene unfold before her very eyes but when Yi Chen turned to look at her his head still resting on Zi Han¡¯s back she abruptly fell silent.


    That death re capable of freezing one¡¯s soul had her body shudder subconsciously as she took a step back. Zi Han felt a little sorry for her. They were indeed in a public space and if things continued like this someone might take a picture of them and the Marshal will know. He stepped aside and smiled at her while asking, ¡°Can I have this in a size medium.¡±


    ¡°Oh, sure. I will be right back,¡± she said before leaving herplexion a little better. Yi Chen suddenly felt an inexplicable sourness rise to his throat. Was Zi Han allowed to smile at other people? Why yes sure, but that didn¡¯t mean his boyfriend would be all cool about it.


    He was so jealous that he found himself falling silent while yfully tugging at a shirt he wasn¡¯t even interested in. Coupled with the gloomy cloud looming over his head he appeared visibly upset.


    Zi Han grabbed his hand and as their fingers entwined he asked, ¡°Would you like to try this with me?¡±


    Yi Chen who was still trying to seem upset felt like a stone had been lifted off his chest. His fingers flickered as though trying to resist Zi Han¡¯s attempt to appease him. In the end, he couldn¡¯t resist. He nced at the t-shirt and said, ¡°If you pick a pair of pants then we have a deal.¡±


    .....


    Zi Han¡¯s lips quirked into an even bigger smile as he gazed into his eyes with a burning passion flickering in his pupils.


    Zi Han suddenly felt like Yi Chen was right before. They should have just stayed at the house and shopped on StarNet. At least then he could kiss him to his heart¡¯s content.


    Zi Han randomly grabbed a pair of pants and the two didn¡¯t even wait for the sales representative of the store toe back with the medium-sized t-shirt. They squeezed into one dressing room and as Yi Chen hung up the t-shirt and pants, Zi Han grasped the cor of his shirt and pressed him against the wall of the changing room, and proceeded to kiss him feverishly.


    ¡°Aaaa baby, you are so sexy when you are jealous,¡± whispered Zi Han his intense gaze staring at Yi Chen¡¯s lips.


    ¡°Is that why you keep smiling at other people,¡± asked Yi Chen while his thigh rubbed against Zi Han¡¯s lower half.


    Zi Han gasped as he slowly raised his seductive eyes and stared into Yi Chen¡¯s. Yi Chen lightly pinched Zi Han¡¯s chin and tilted his head to the side.


    Yi Chen lowered his head and whispered into Zi Han¡¯s ear, ¡°There are consequences for making me jealous. Baby, you are going to have to pay the price.¡±


    Yi Chen felt Zi Han¡¯s adam¡¯s apple graze his knuckles as the man gulped. He nced at him from the corner of his eyes and kissed the side of Zi Han¡¯s neck before sucking on the man¡¯s skin for thirty seconds straight.


    Zi Han¡¯s fingers slipped in between Yi Chen¡¯s hair as he tilted his head even more elongating his neck for his lover to do as he pleased. Well, that is until they were interrupted.


    ¡°Sir... I have brought the t-shirt you asked for,¡± said a male voiceing from outside the dressing room.


    Zi Han moved away quickly. He was about to walk out and grab the t-shirt when Yi Chen pressed him against the wall with one of his hands mming onto the partition.


    The attendant outside jolted when he heard the sound but he didn¡¯t dare make a peep. Yi Chen pressed his index finger on his lips gesturing for Zi Han to keep silent.


    Zi Han seductively raked his fingers in his hair, his cheeks heating up. Yi Chen thanked the attendant and closed the curtain.


    He then held out the two simr t-shirts in different sizes his implication obvious. Zi Han didn¡¯t get it at first but once he did he protested.


    ¡°No no no no fuck no,¡± he said and Yi Chen didn¡¯t put up a fit.


    He replied with a simple, ¡°Okay,¡± before making a move like he was about to kneel before Zi Han and pull his belt.


    ¡°Shit, fine fine. You want to look like twins then let¡¯s wear them,¡± said Zi Han regretting that he had picked the one ck t-shirt with a big heart in the middle. How was this any different from posting their images on StarNet and dering their love to the entire gxy?


    Zi Han was skeptical at first but after managing to put it on he really liked it. While he was straightening it out Yi Chen who was standing behind him ced his arm around his vicle and pulled him close before taking a picture of their reflections in the huge mirror.


    Yi Chen was especially giddy having gotten what he wanted thus he didn¡¯t hold back. He kissed Zi Han¡¯s cheek and took another picture.


    ¡°Haven¡¯t you had enough? No one is going to see those anyway,¡± said Zi Han with a sweet smile on his face trying to run away but Yi Chen pinched his chin and forced him to look at him. The two of them kissed and of course, Yi Chen took another picture of it documenting this sweet precious moment.


    ¡°Are you done now?¡± asked Zi Han staring at the man in the mirror.


    Yi Chen wrapped his other arm as well around Zi Han¡¯s vicle. He buried his face in the crevice of Zi Han¡¯s neck and sniffed his scent with a contented smile.


    ¡°Baby you look so handsome...¡± whispered gently swaying side to side. ¡°I can¡¯t believe you are actually mine.¡±


    THUMP! THUMP! THUMP!


    Zi Han¡¯s heart beat against his chest loudly as it wasn¡¯t immune to such tender words.

 Chapter 292

    292 Ooh, yes daddy.... hehe


    ¡°Wait... Does that even suit me? Baby are you nning on buying the entire store... No no no that¡¯s a waste.¡±


    This was Zi Han¡¯s voice echoing in the store after Yi Chen discovered how much fun it was to wear the same clothes as Zi Han. Thus he began to pick things at random so they can wear the same clothes.


    After Yi Chen had picked the fifth shirt that he thought would look good on the both of them Zi Han couldn¡¯t stand it anymore. He finally pulled up his trump card.


    With his hand stered on one of the shirts, Yi Chen was about to pick Zi Han said, ¡°I will make a deal with you. If you only buy these five, I will let you go and buy anything you would like me to put on. However ridiculous it is I will wear it, okay? Just stop buying so much.¡±


    Yi Chen, ¡°!!!¡±


    How can such a pie fall out of the sky for no reason? Pies just don¡¯t fall out of the sky like that. ¡°Are you serious?¡± asked Yi Chen his hand sliding on top of Zi Han¡¯s with his fingertips lightly brushing his lover¡¯s knuckles.


    ¡°Do I look like I am joking?¡± asked Zi Han with his lips quirked his gaze deep and erotic with the ability to make anyone bow before him and swear servitude.


    Yi Chen¡¯s fingers paused as he asked, ¡°Anything?¡±


    Zi Han leaned in closer his lips almost brushing against Yi Chen¡¯s cheek. ¡°Anything... as long as you stop buying simr clothes,¡± he whispered before moving away.


    .....


    Yi Chen wouldn¡¯t let him go though. He grasped Zi Han¡¯s waist and pulled him closending a kiss at the corner of his lips.


    ¡°You can¡¯t go back on your word,¡± he said his thumb caressing the side of Zi Han¡¯s face with a hint of obsession shing in his eyes.


    Zi Han suddenly felt what every wife or girlfriend feels when they spend the entire day sending their partner dirty texts and possibly nudes to entice them only for them to panic when their partner actuallyes home to collect the debt.


    The way Yi Chen was looking at him right now he knew that he was in big debt.


    ¡°En... let¡¯s go,¡± said Zi Han while exposing his light brain to scan and pay but Yi Chen held his wrist and pulled it down before interlocking their fingers. ¡°Let Daddy Chen take care of this,¡± said Yi Chen his scorching gaze searing through Zi Han¡¯s skin.


    ¡°Ooh, yes daddy,¡± said Zi Han the smile on his face glowing like a blushing bride. The attendants tried to keep their heads lowered but damn... these two really knew how to sprinkle dog food and thoroughly abuse single dogs.


    The moment those two left the guy nearest to the doors locked them preventing any more customers from getting in. Some girls who were about to enter knocked on the door trying to get in but the man signed something with his hands like he was saying they were having deep sanitization which wouldst thirty minutes.


    The ss window became opaque leaving the girls standing outside dumbfounded. What deep sanitization? They obviously wanted to gossip and talk about the two lovebirds.


    ¡°Oh wow. Did you see that hug from behind aaaahhh and they say he is stone cold and heartless?¡±


    ¡°The future marshal is so sexy. Did you see how he held that guy¡¯s waist wuwuwuwu?¡±


    ¡°What about that domineering hand grab? AH and when he said ¡®Let Daddy Chen take care of it aaaa.¡±


    ¡°Now I want a boyfriend. I don¡¯t want to be single anymore.¡±


    ¡°I took a picture. Do you want to see it?¡±


    Every person in the store scrambled to take a look and their faces turned bright red watching how Yi Chen kissed Zi Han¡¯s neck at the clothing rakes.


    ¡°You want to post it? Good things need to be shared.¡±


    ¡°Noe on... we shouldn¡¯t, should we?¡±


    ¡°It¡¯s not like they were hiding their rtionship or anything. We can just post it in our little shippers¡¯ club it¡¯s not like anyone can recognize them or anything.¡±


    ¡°Okay... This meal needs to be shared with everyone.¡±


    Meanwhile, Zi Han who had no idea that their picture was about to circte around fujoshi and fudanshi circles was standing in a jewelry store in front of a disy case.


    He was staring at a pair of rings that looked normal at a nce but in truth, they were anything but normal. They were digital and could be used to track each other if there is a need.


    The rings were of old earth Italian design with fifteen carats of ck gold with ck rubies. The smile on Zi Han¡¯s face at this moment clearly expressed his feelings. He returned to look at the sales rep and asked for that exact pair and tungsten chains.


    While he was shopping for rings Yi Chen was elsewhere shopping for something special. It took quite a while and by the time he was done Zi Han had been sitting at the spherical gardens for a long time.


    When he got there Zi Han was sitting alone with his head tilted back as he watched the weeping trees swaying slightly with the artificial wind.


    Zi Han¡¯s head lowered when a figure came over and crouched down before him. It was his boyfriend wearing the same nauseatingly sweet t-shirt like him.


    Yi Chen held Zi Han¡¯s calf and he gently squeezed it. ¡°I am so sorry I took so long. Let¡¯s go and eat something. It¡¯s almost lunch,¡± he said looking into Zi Han¡¯s eyes.


    Zi Han lowered his head gently tugging at Yi Chen¡¯s hair before tucking it away.


    ¡°I was waiting for so long so naturally you need to pay the price,¡± he replied knowing full well that whatever Yi Chen bought would be extreme so he might as well cause trouble for him now.


    Yi Chen smiled happily as he took out something. It seemed he had already anticipated that Zi Han was going to be like this thus he came prepared. He pulled out a raspberry and mango popsicle.


    Zi Han¡¯s eyes lit up as he stretched out his hand to take it but Yi Chen opened it for him and instead of handing it to him he put it in Zi Han¡¯s mouth. His eyes deepened as he watch the popsicle disappear inch by inch into Zi Han¡¯s mouth. His imagination couldn¡¯t help but run wild. His ear heat up as his mind reyed the scene of Zi Han on his knees swallowing his cock till his eyes turned teary.

 Chapter 293

    293 ¡°I mean food damn it. Eat food, not me¡±


    Yi Chen sat next to Zi Han with his arm draped around the man¡¯s shoulder his fingers curled pulling him closer. Zi Han naturally raised his leg and ced it over Yi Chen¡¯s leg. ¡°Do you like it?¡± asked Yi Chen with his head gently touching Zi Han¡¯s while staring at those pink lips sucking on the popsicle.


    Zi Han nced at Yi Chen from the corner of his eye and nodded his head. It tasted pretty good and couldpensate him for making him wait that long.


    Yi Chen grasped Zi Han¡¯s wrist pulling the popsicle out of his lover¡¯s mouth. He swallowed more than two-thirds of it in one go his intense gaze, brimming with desire, staring into Zi Han¡¯s eyes.


    Zi Han bit his moist lower lip while staring at Yi Chen who was swallowing down the popsicle the same way he takes his erection when they are having sex. He raised his finger to wipe away the drool at the corner of his lips. Yes, he had identally drooled after being provoked by the vixen.


    Yi Chen pulled back suppressing a smile. His seduction game had improved greatly and he knew Zi Han wouldn¡¯t be able to resist. As the popsicles slid out of his mouth Yi Chen licked the tip with his pink tongue swirling around it mimicking the exact action he does on Zi Han¡¯s junior brother.


    ¡°You want to go home?¡± asked Zi Han but when he realized what he had said he retracted his words in a hurry saying, ¡°I meant to eat, eat... do you want to go eat something?¡±


    ¡°Yes I would love to go eat... something,¡± he said pausing mid-sentence to nce at Zi Han¡¯s pants while lewdly licking his lips.


    Zi Han, ¡°...¡±


    He covered his lower half with his hand while exining, ¡°I mean food damn it. Eat food, not me.¡±


    .....


    ¡°But you are my food,¡± retorted Yi Chen while touching the corner of his lips.


    ¡°Let¡¯s just go,¡± said Zi Han as he got up before shoving the popsicle into his mouth and directly biting it.


    He didn¡¯t know why but when Zi Han bit that popsicle, Yi Chen had an illusion that the man was sinking his teeth in his junior brother. He flinched a little which waspletely a subconscious reaction.


    The two walked out of the spherical gardens with Yi Chen draping his arm around Zi Han¡¯s waist. As soon as they left a man wearing a grey overcoat and ck hat appeared atop a man-made hill and tapped his light brain to make a call.


    ¡°Sir, they just left the spherical garden. Would you like me to follow?¡± said the man and on the other side of the call, Prime minister Ikeda straightened a picture frame on his desk his actions careful like he was afraid it would break.


    ¡°Keep an undetectable distance and keep taking pictures of Zi Han only,¡± he replied before cutting the call.


    As soon as the call ended he signaled another man to follow but before he could catch up with the pair of lovebirds someone grabbed him and pulled him into a dark corner.


    The one atop the hill was about to rush over to help him when the cold muzzle of the gun touched his temple.


    ¡°Make a sound and you will die here,¡± said a soft yet assertive voice. Her tone alone said everything. She wouldn¡¯t hesitate to kill him right here, right now.


    Meanwhile, the pair of lovebirds were already at the restaurant that is after they shared the rest of the popsicle the whole way. It didn¡¯t take long for them to be seated but because this ce had no private rooms they were bound to meet familiar faces.


    Unfortunately for them, those familiar faces happened to be of two people they weren¡¯t interested in meeting. Ikeda Yua was shocked when she saw the two men sitting next to each other on the upper floor. Ikeda Crest also saw them but he would much rather they left instead of talking to them.


    He was about to tell his sister that they should leave when his arm was pulled by her to the table. Yi Chen was busy picking food items on the digital menu thus it was Zi Han who saw them first. He tapped Yi Chen¡¯s hand and when Yi Chen raised his head he was met by Ikeda Yua¡¯s smiling expression.


    ¡°Hello, I didn¡¯t think I would see you guys here. What a coincidence,¡± she said with a glint of anger. She was still mad at them more especially Zi Han. She strongly believed that if he wasn¡¯t there she and Yi Chen would be together. Thus all her resentment was directed at him.


    ¡°Coincidence indeed. Aren¡¯t you supposed to be at home taking care of your father... you know after he was turned into a eunuch,¡± said Zi Han firing directly with no reservations.


    ¡°You!... it grew back. They made him a ne-,¡± she said when her brother directly chimed in.


    ¡°Our father is fine. Thank you for asking. We will be goi-,¡± said Ikeda Crest only for his sister to directly sit opposite Yi Chen.


    ¡°Since we all know each other how about we eat together? It¡¯s not like your rtionship is so fragile that you can¡¯t even eat a meal with me, right?¡± she said her tone getting higher when she saw Yi Chen¡¯s ugly expression.


    Zi Han chuckled with his hand rubbing Yi Chen¡¯s wrist under the table tofort him. ¡°No, the only reason why I wouldn¡¯t want to eat at the same table as you is because my meal would be unptable seeing that face of yours,¡± he said his wsing out fairly quickly.


    Ikeda Yua should have taken a hint but she strongly believed that Yi Chen was miserable and found no satisfaction in being with a man. She also wanted to show him what he was missing out on but little did she know she was only setting up herself and her brother for abuse. These two were the most shameless pair in the federation. They could go on showing intimate actions in front of everyone as though those people didn¡¯t exist.

 Chapter 294

    294 Dog food for sale....


    Zi Han absolutely did not need to waste his time with this person. He didn¡¯t need to amodate her or anything like that but since she wanted to y this game called ¡®is your crush happy with their partner¡¯ he was so down for it.


    ¡°For the sake of our families I think it would be a great idea to have lunch together...,¡± she said her gorgeous curls bouncing as she turned around to call someone over. Her stiletto nails sparkled reflecting the sunlight from the floor to ceiling windows as she raised her finger.


    ¡°Yua, no.... uh,¡± sighed Ikeda Crest after failing to stop her.


    She curled her fingers under her chin as a waiter walked over and bowed slightly before her. ¡°Can we have a bottle of Blichen Rouge and Urie Doux,¡± she said mentioning very expensive wine bottles before turning to Zi Han, ¡°You do drink, right? Or maybe it¡¯s a little too early for you to drink?¡±


    Yi Chen who couldn¡¯t stand someone speaking to Zi Han like that clenched his fist about to reprimand her but Zi Han held his hand under the table with a sincere smile like he was truly unaffected by her.


    ¡°I don¡¯t have a problem with it... though I think you will need it more than I do,¡± he replied with a sinister aura umting around him.


    Ikeda Yua was about to retort when Zi Han nced in Yi Chen¡¯s direction. When their gazes met there was an insummable surge of electrical sparks between them making everyone around them very very ufortable.


    Zi Han glimpsed at Yi Chen¡¯s lips his body subconsciously leaning forward like he truly intended to kiss those lips. But just as one thought they would kiss Zi Han showed a small shy smile before averting his gaze.


    Yi Chen who had been drawn into this blissful moment was leaning in close as well his eyelids half opened while darting an enchanted gaze at those plump lips.


    .....


    He was so enthralled that he even bit his lower lip lightly his face smitten. One can only imagine his face after Zi Han averted his gaze. He cleared his throat loudly while squeezing Zi Han¡¯s hand underneath the table. The message was clear.


    He was letting him know that he will pay him back tenfold for this teasing. He picked up the ss bottle on the table and poured out some water before cing it in front of Zi Han. Zi Han who wasn¡¯t thirsty looked at him briefly only for Yi Chen to directly drink the rest of the water in the ss bottle.


    Ikeda Crest knew this was a bad idea from the start but seeing his sister¡¯s reaction he thought this might be good for her. She can finally see that Yi Chen was truly uninterested. Zi Han was right, she most definitely needed wine more than he did.


    ¡°Can we also have some Genee iret,¡± said Ikeda Crest to the waiter who at this point was trying to act like he had selective vision. These folks were ordering expensive liquor ten times the amount he earned in a month so hell yes, he was going to act blind.


    Ikeda Yua was crestfallen when she saw their interactions. The amount of sourness stuck in her throat made it so hard to breathe. She just wanted to get up and p the smile off Zi Han¡¯s face and push him away so she could take his ce.


    Who could me her? The way that man was tilting his head back slightly while downing an entire bottle of water with his adam¡¯s apple rolling had her feeling quite thirsty. It was like a scene out of an erotic film unfolding right in front of her.


    She could even imagine him pressing her down on the table and tearing her clothes off while kissing her fiercely. Okay, now she needed a bottle of water too.


    Zi Han was also imagining the same thing the only difference being that Yi Chen could actually do that to him if he asked. Zi Han was sitting with his legs crossed and his elbow resting on the table propping his head as he leered at Yi Chen¡¯s moving adam¡¯s apple from the side.


    Yi Chen felt the side of his face and ear heat up from being stared at by this lecher. He lowered the ss bottle and gave it to Zi Han asking, ¡°Do you want some?¡±


    Zi Han did. His throat was as dry as the Gobi desert thus he took it from him. Zi Han licked his lips before tilting his head slightly and tipping the ss bottle to drink.


    Unlike Yi Chen who unintentionally seduced people, Zi Han was deliberate. He drank a little too fast that some of the water flowed down his chin sliding down past the ripe hickey on his neck to his corbone before disappearing underneath his T-shirt.


    It was basically game over for Yi Chen when Zi Han tugged at his cor like he was feeling hot and was fanning himself.


    It was then Ikeda Yua¡¯s imagination shattered to pieces. Besides the fact that these two were twinning with the same t-shirt, Zi Han had a fresh hickey on his neck which had obviously been done in the past hour or so.


    Ikeda Yua gritted her teeth on the verge of exploding. If it weren¡¯t for the waitering over with the bottles of wine she might have crawled over the table and rubbed that hickey off his neck. She didn¡¯t even pay attention to the waiter showing the bottle of wine to her.


    She just tapped her ss with her nails her action obvious. She was asking him to fill it up. The waiterplied and filled it up. Sip after sip Ikeda Yua kept watching the two with a glimmer of jealousy in her eyes.


    Ikeda Crest felt so awkward being here but since he couldn¡¯t leave his sister alone he had to make odd small talk to ease the tension.


    ¡°So yesterday¡¯s event... hem... any, any ideas who did it?¡± asked Ikeda Crest his gaze unintentionally wandering around Zi Han¡¯s vicle peeking from underneath his t-shirt from when he tugged it earlier. Yi Chen who had his hand behind Zi Han¡¯s back happened to see this and his warm eyes just now turned fierce as he glowered at him as though asking him what he was looking at.


    Ikeda Crest felt an evil re directed at him. He picked up his ss of wine and nced in that direction as he took a sip.


    He wasn¡¯t expecting to be met by Yi Chen demon-like eyes fiercely ring at him like he was a dead man. Ikeda Yua choked on his wine and began to cough while patting his chest.

 Chapter 295

    295 Food thief


    Yi Chen pressed the tip of his tongue on his cheek in annoyance as he fixed Zi Han¡¯s t-shirt. Seeing that it couldn¡¯t be fixed he took out his denim jacket and draped it over Zi Han¡¯s shoulder covering up his corbone.


    Ikeda Crest, ¡°???¡±


    ¡®I am genuinely not interested in stealing your boyfriend,¡¯ he said to himself internally but who would believe him? Likee on Zi Han was like a gorgeously wrapped Christmas lollipop ready for unwrapping. Hmm... Yum!


    AN: I meant the lollipop... its yum not Zi Han. AAAAAHHHH never mind.....


    Ikeda Crest patted his lips with a napkin trying to avoid Yi Chen¡¯s line of sight. By the time food came, Ikeda Yua was already tipsy and her mouth was much more looser than before.


    She pointed at Zi Han and said, ¡°I don¡¯t, I don¡¯t get you... You are a handsome, very handsome-,¡±


    ¡°Yua, here. Eat this. You need to sober up,¡± said Ikeda Crest grasping her finger to stop her from rudely pointing at people. Well, to be exact, stop her from rudely pointing at Zi Han.


    ¡°No, I don¡¯t want it. You, you eat it,¡± she said while pulling her finger out of Ikeda Yua¡¯s hand.


    ¡°You are very handsome and, and... if there wasn¡¯t Chen-ge you... you would be my second choice hands down.¡±


    .....


    ¡°So I don¡¯t get it. Why take such a fine specimen from us when there are plenty, plenty of girls out there?¡±


    ¡°Yua, I don¡¯t thin-,¡± said Ikeda Crest only for her to ce her hand on his mouth to shut him up.


    ¡°Shh, shh. I just want to know. I really just want to know,¡± she said pulling her hand away before stabbing her fork into her penne pasta ted with a creamy white sauce.


    Yi Chen couldn¡¯t stand it anymore. Not only was she coveting him she was also eyeballing his boyfriend. Yi Chen took a sip of his wine. Just as Zi Han was about toe up with some wittyeback, Yi Chen grasped Zi Han¡¯s chin and made him look at him before directly touching Zi Han¡¯s lips with his and transferring the fruity wine into Zi Han¡¯s mouth.


    Zi Han didn¡¯t see that oneing but he didn¡¯t fight it. His brain was in a daze maybe from the alcohol or the kiss. Whatever it was Zi Han was so into it.


    Yi Chen ced his hand on Zi Han¡¯s cheek deepening the kiss with a slight tilt of his head. When he let him go Zi Han¡¯s eyes were misty with a blush on his cheek seeming inebriated.


    Yi Chen wiped the corner of Zi Han¡¯s lips with his thumb and licked it afterward. His body almost sticking to Zi Han he said, ¡°This is why. It¡¯s because he is the only one who can make me do such a thing in public. I will risk it all for him.¡±


    Ikeda Crest, ¡°...¡±


    Zi Han, QAQ


    He had to apud Yi Chen. His boyfriend had the sweetest tongue known to man. It turned his heart to mush just hearing it.


    Ikeda Yua was so upset having watched the person she had been fawning over and dreamt of marrying kiss someone in front of her. The pain was indescribable but who could she me when she brought all this upon herself?


    She could have walked away but she chose to y this game and boy was she not happy. Her face changed into so many colors as she stabbed at her food watching Yi Chen take care of Zi Han his eyes affectionate like the person in front of him was the only one in the world.


    Zi Han was well aware she was looking but he didn¡¯t care. She was here to see something then he would let her look to her heart¡¯s content.


    Yi Chen also didn¡¯t care about her. In fact, he was more interested in Zi Han¡¯s te more than anything else. While Zi Han was taking a sip of his white wine, Yi Chen help himself to his juicy brisket and a big piece at that.


    When Zi Han looked down it was gone. He red at the culprit and the culprit just stared at him like he hadn¡¯t done anything wrong.


    Yi Chen shrugged his shoulders while asking, ¡°What?¡±


    Zi Han, ¡°???¡±


    ¡°Don¡¯t what me. You took my brisket,¡± he used the food criminal and he wasn¡¯t overreacting. This man was a serial offender. No matter what Zi Han was eating even if it was the same food as his te, Yi Chen would deep his fingers in. It was to be expected.


    But today though Zi Han specifically said he wanted a smoked brisket and he asked Yi Chen if he wanted some but Yi Chen said he wanted the pork ribs and promised he wouldn¡¯t touch Zi Han¡¯s te.


    ¡°This is why you can¡¯t trust men. You just can¡¯t trust them,¡± said Zi Han before bringing his fork over to get somepensation.


    Yi Chen smirked while grasping Zi Han¡¯s wrist stopping him from touching his pork ribs. ¡°We can discuss other means ofpensation just leave my ribs alone,¡± said Yi Chen moving his te away to safety.


    Zi Han let out a throaty chuckle before issuing a threat. ¡°If you don¡¯t give me that te you aren¡¯t eating any tonight. I will put you on a diet permanently,¡± he said and Yi Chen wavered.


    ¡°Ugh, how nauseating,¡± whispered Ikeda Yua but the two people didn¡¯t even hear her. They were fighting about food basically.


    ¡°Have you made your decision yet?... You can either hand over the ribs or you are going on a permanent diet,¡± reiterated Zi Han seeing that Yi Chen wasn¡¯t getting it.


    When he finally got it, this was what he had to say.


    ¡°Oh god no, here. You can have it all. I will starve to death if you do that... Would you like some cheddar melt sauce with that?.¡±


    Zi Han couldn¡¯t help but chuckle while taking away the entire te. This was retribution.

 Chapter 296

    296 My husband or my son?


    Retribution indeed. Yi Chen watched on as his man devoured his ribs like a greedy little piggy. But Yi Chen thought he was so cute.


    That¡¯s because he had sticky sauce smudged at the corner of his lips. For this level of cuteness, he would most definitely go hungry.


    Ikeda Yua who was half gone (wasted) by now offered her te. ¡°Chen-ge, you can have some of my food. I am not hungry anyway. Unlike a certain someone I would never let my man go hungry,¡± she said only for Yi Chen to direct a murderous re at her. This girl was ruining a good thing for him.


    Yi Chen nced at Zi Han and thought his baby would be mad or at least upset but unlike what he expected, Zi Han chuckled before saying,


    ¡°I will make sure you are satiated tonight. You know I am good for it.¡±


    Yi Chen, ¡°...¡±


    He smiled gleefully while reaching out to wipe Zi Han¡¯s mouth. ¡°I know you will never let me starve,¡± replied Yi Chen his exquisite visage showing a delighted expression.


    Zi Han wasn¡¯t heartless. In the end, he fed Yi Chen with each bite he took and the pair looked so harmonious that it felt like a crime if one interrupted them. Even Ikeda Yua didn¡¯t dare interrupt after that. She had to admit that Zi Han had his tentacles deep inside Yi Chen¡¯s heart and there was no point in trying to undo this.


    Her best option to vent out her jealousy was to make things difficult for them. She was certain that Lin Ruoxi wouldn¡¯t ept these two being together thus she nned to give her every detail about this meal. Her idea was usible but it was the target she got wrong.


    .....


    The person she should have gone to with this information was the Marshal but she hadn¡¯t thought about it. Her mood suddenly improved as she finished off her ss of wine.


    As soon as she got home Ikeda Yua requested a video call from Lin Ruoxi but like always Lin Ruoxi ignored her. It was only after she wrote a message did Lin Ruoxi call her back.


    Lin Ruoxi was sitting with her two babies helping them with their school work when she saw that message. The fact that the girl mentioned her son¡¯s and Zi Han¡¯s names Lin Ruoxi had no choice but to leave her babies doing homework.


    ¡°Hie Yua-er. I am helping my kids with homework so I couldn¡¯t ept your call,¡± said Lin Ruoxi while ncing at her kids who were sneakily trying to take advantage of her absence and y games.


    ¡°Sorry,¡± said Lin Ruoxi before muting her call and yelling at the two, ¡°hey, put that down. I am watching you.¡±


    She unmuted the call and asked, ¡°What did you say happened to my son again.¡±


    Ikeda Yua didn¡¯t spare any details. She mentioned everything about what she saw, what they did, and her negative opinion of it. Ikeda Yua was very detailed but what she didn¡¯t realize was that Lin Ruoxi was smiling knowing that her son was doing everything right. If one wants to keep their wife they have to put in the work. This was great news.


    The only problem was that this information wasing from Ikeda Yua. When she recalled that the smile on her face fell. She suddenly worried that this willful girl had offended Zi Han and caused conflict between the couple.


    This thought had her interrupting Ikeda Yua in a panic. ¡°I will take care of it, okay? Just keep what you saw to yourself,¡± before directly hanging up the call.


    Meanwhile, Zi Xingxi received a message informing her that someone had ordered a few men to watch Zi Han on his date with Yi Chen. Not only that but they also took pictures of Zi Han. She had been drinking in her room while hugging her husband¡¯s crown when she received the message.


    Yes, it was a thing now. Ever since Zi Han gave her the things he found in Prime Minister Ikeda¡¯s secret room she had been hugging it to sleep. Most people would suggest she moved on but to be honest her husband was the only person she had ever loved. She couldn¡¯t get over him thus this scene where she was lying in bed with her husband¡¯s crown.


    When she got to the brig of Han she found two men with swollen faces kneeling on the ground with blood dripping down their mouths.


    Zi Xingxi sighed as she sat down on the chair while pulling her sleeves back. ¡°Who sent them?¡± she asked seeming very exhausted.


    Secretary K who was wiping his knuckles of all the blood replied, ¡°It was the prime minister. It seems he hasn¡¯t learned anything from the past. He still has immoral thoughts about the young master.¡±


    Zi Xingxi scoffed as she raised her hand and called the prime minister. She couldn¡¯t believe that after he almost lost his life and thoroughly lost his manhood he would still have perverted thoughts about her son. It was just too despicable.


    As soon as her video call was epted she was met by a man much skinnier than before. He seemed to have less vitality and his eyes were sunken with ck circles. He was smoking a cigar his eyes seeming lifeless.


    Zi Xingxiughed as she leaned back after seeing this. She couldn¡¯t get over her husband¡¯s death and is still grieving even now. This was understandable because they loved each other but this man who had been rejected was also still grieving over her husband and even trying to use her son as a substitute which was incredibly insane. What made it even worse was that her son had almost killed him yet he was busy stalking him in the shadows taking pictures of him.


    ¡°You must be tired of living,¡± she said with a deadly re directed at him.


    The prime minister pulled back his hand holding the cigar and exhaled creating a cloud of thick smoke in front of the floating screen before saying, ¡°I can¡¯t help it. I am sure you can understand how much he means to me.¡±


    ¡°Who? My husband or my son?¡± asked Zi Xingxi killing intent flushing in her eyes.

 Chapter 297

    297 That girl is a homewrecker.


    The man chuckled slightly before saying, ¡°You know I am the only one who can protect him. I am willing to put my entire career on the line to do so. Just let me watch him from the shadows and savor his images in private.¡±


    Zi Xingxi showed a smile that wasn¡¯t exactly a smile before asking, ¡°So if my husband was alive right now would you still be this adamant? Would you still be moring over my son?¡±


    Prime minister Ikeda didn¡¯t respond immediately as though thinking it through carefully. After a while, he finally said, ¡°I wouldn¡¯t. He is a married man after all... I would still pursue your son.¡±


    Zi Xingxi wasn¡¯t happy either way. She just wanted this man to leave his family alone but apparently, that was only wishful thinking.


    ¡°You yourself are a married man. Are you fuckin crazy?¡± asked Zi Xingxi her patience wearing thin. In fact, she was only tolerating his bullshit because she was tipsy. Alcohol mellowed her down significantly.


    ¡°It¡¯s not out of love but an arrangement. I did it for your husband but he was more interested in you....,¡± the prime minister paused before continuing, ¡°I am willing to bottom for him... I don¡¯t think your son is the top in his rtionship with Yi Chen... Doesn¡¯t it bother you? Not even a little? I can even marry into your family, that¡¯s how much I want him. I will also protect him. You know I have that capability.¡±


    ¡°Fuck off,¡± replied Zi Xingxi before cutting the call.


    ***


    Yi Chen on the other hand was so excited about what he bought for Zi Han that he couldn¡¯t keep his hands to himself. He was holding onto him when they left the restaurant, inside the hovercar, and even when they got home.


    .....


    Several times he wanted to mention it but he was so embarrassed that the words got caught in his throat. He even took out the bags and ced them somewhere Zi Han could see but even then his lover didn¡¯t notice. He could only wait until when they went upstairs to remind Zi Han.


    Thus the two of them sat on the couch while ying games. Yi Chen was lying down with his head resting on the armrest of the couch while Zi Han was lying on his back within the gap between Yi Chen¡¯s legs.


    The two of them were chatting like this andughing asionally. They looked like the perfect poster of a happy couple. Zi Han suddenly thought of the shopping bag at the kitchen counter that Yi Chen had intentionally left there thus he asked, ¡°What did you buy? I want to see it.¡±


    Yi Chen who had just won a round of gaming raised his head slightly to look at Zi Han before saying, ¡°I am a little embarrassed to tell you. Why don¡¯t you take a look.¡± Zi Han felt his heart sink hearing this. If Yi Chen wasn¡¯t even willing to show him it meant it was that bad.


    Zi Han was very much aware of how thin-skinned Yi Chen was hence it must be something very bad or too shameful to open in public.


    ¡°Let me go take a look,¡± said Zi Han getting up. Yi Chen was about to say he should let it go if he found the things very ufortable when his light brain started ringing and the call was from Li Ran.


    Thinking it must be an emergency Yi Chen answered the call. He was so absentminded that he didn¡¯t even realize that Zi Han had left the kitchen and gone upstairs.


    ¡°What¡¯s up?¡± he asked and Li Ran went straight to the point.


    ¡°Are you two finally informing the Marshal of your rtionship?¡± he asked and Yi Chen answered promptly,


    ¡°No, not yet. Why?¡±


    Li Ran almost burst out in anger hearing this. ¡°Why? Why? You two have been acting lovey-dovey all day and your pictures have been circting among the small circles. Are you fucking kidding me?¡±


    ¡°Can you fix it?¡± asked Yi Chen his confidence in Li Ran apparent.


    Li Ran, ¡°...¡±


    ¡°Of course, I can. I am the fuckin fixer. You are so lucky I had a notification system set up in case otherwise give it two hours and you two would be trending on major tforms. I am certain that you would even break StarNet. You two are seriously giving me a headache. It¡¯s like babysitting children.¡±


    Yi Chen sincerely apologized but deep down in his heart, he wished Li Ran hadn¡¯t seen it. He really wanted his father to know. Whether it angered him or not he didn¡¯t care. He just wanted him to know so they can stop hiding it.


    While he was thinking this his light brain beeped indicating another iing video call. ¡°Hold on, my mum is calling,¡± he said and answered the call.


    He didn¡¯t end his call with Li Ran thus he was there to witness Lin Rouxi¡¯s miniature panic attack. ¡°You two, you and Han Han... are you fighting? That girl is a homewrecker. I am sure Han Han is very upset now.


    Yi Chen, ¡°???¡±


    ¡°More like fighting in bed,¡± said Li Ran out loud, and when he realized his mistake he covered his mouth with his hand. Yi Chen hadn¡¯t told him to keep his mouth shut but he still spoke.


    ¡°Is that Ran Ran?¡± asked Lin Ruoxi while Yi Chen red at his friend who couldn¡¯t keep his damn mouth shut.


    ¡°It¡¯s me, Auntie. How can these two be fighting? I just saw online that someone uploaded pictures of them being all lovey-dovey. I had to take those down otherwise uncle would be mad,¡± said Li Ran spilling all the beans and this was just the beginning.


    ¡°Oh really. Then this mother can be reassured,¡± said Lin Ruoxi her emotions calming down considerably.


    ¡°Auntie, you really have nothing to worry about. Chen Chen knows what¡¯s at stake. He even had a tattoo of Han Han¡¯s name on his body so he knows the seriousness of this issue. If he loses Han Han he might not even get a wife in the future. He even got the permanent kind so don¡¯t worry.¡±


    Yi Chen, ¡°...¡±


    Is it toote to return his best friend to the store? He needed to get a refund.

 Chapter 298

    298 NSFW


    ¡°Mum, we aren¡¯t fighting...,¡± he said only for his words toe to an abrupt halt. Thats because in front of him was the most mouth watering scene he had ever seen. Unfortunately, the person he was leering at wasn¡¯t smiling at all. Yi Chen forgot he was still on a video call with other people.


    He sat up straight his eyes as wide as saucers. He clearly liked it but Zi Han, well..., not so much thus Yi Chen tried not to show his true emotions as he asked, ¡°You, you don¡¯t like it?¡±


    Zi Han looked down at what he was wearing and didn¡¯t even know where to put his hands. His head tilted to the side as he bit his bottom lip with the tips of his ears blossoming like rose buds.


    ¡°I feel like it looks... cheesy.... like look.... it¡¯s like,¡± replied Zi Han his speech slightly ambivalent.


    ¡°What¡¯s wrong? What doesn¡¯t Han Han like?¡± came an unexpected voice startling the two of them. They were very lucky that Zi Han was out of the frame otherwise everyone would have seen this sultry costume.


    Yi Chen ¡°???¡±


    Zi Han, ¡°WTF!¡±


    ¡°Um... mum I will call youter. It¡¯s nothing and you... I will deal with youter,¡± he said before cutting the call but when he nced Zie Han was already walking away.


    Yi Chen had to hastily get up from the couch almost tripping himself. He grasped Zi Han¡¯s shoulders and spun him around struggling to contain his excitement.


    .....


    ¡°Baby, baby... wait. What¡¯s wrong? You don¡¯t, you don¡¯t like it?¡± asked Yi Chen but internally he was giddy and his lower half had already started to lengthen.


    Zi Han felt so subconscious and now that he might have been seen he was a little upset. Coupled with the fact that it was so difficult to figure out what goes where while putting this on plus the frustration that came with it meant Zi Han¡¯s mood dropped drastically.


    Zi Han stroked his hair and felt a little shy. ¡°It looks weird on me,¡± he murmured unwilling to even raise his head.


    Yi Chen figured that his lover was already feeling unustomed to it coupled with what just happened now of course Zi Han¡¯s mood would fall to an all-time low.


    Yi Chen yfully tugged the strings on the sultry outfit while saying, ¡°No one saw. I didn¡¯t think you were nning on surprising me... so I didn¡¯t...¡±


    His words came to an abrupt halt when he realized his throat was dry and his voice sounded hoarse. He gulped with his Adam¡¯s apple bobbing up and down. His expression appeared calm but his eyes were all telling. It was taking everything in him to not pounce on Zi Han.


    When he was picking the outfit it was the most difficult decision he had ever made especially when the attendants were staring at him like they were at a zoo.


    ¡°Aren¡¯t the ears a bit much? I feel like a mutant bunny,¡± he said while tugging at the ears pouting his lips.


    ¡°And this thing is so tight and the pink color is,¡± continuedining Zi Han. He was slowly losing himself nitpicking the outfit. Before he could nag to the ends of the earth, Yi Chen gently stroked Zi Han¡¯s cheek with his thumb while saying, ¡°Baby you look so hot.¡±


    Zi Han pressed his lips tight as he stared at Yi Chen. It was as though he was holding back from saying something.


    ¡°I will prove it to you,¡± he said pulling Zi Han¡¯s hand that was clutching the skirt of the slutty outfit that looked so hot on him.


    Yi Chen licked his lower lip his eyes lustful as he ced Zi Han¡¯s hand on the bulge of his pants showing him how aroused he was.


    Zi Han felt the tips of his fingers grow hot his breathing hastening. He liked it... no, he loved it when Yi Chen was like this because of him.


    He suddenly felt that it was worth what he had to go through putting on that outfit.


    ¡°You know it was really hard putting on the outfit,¡± said Zi Han moving closer as he tugged on Yi Chen¡¯s cor.


    ¡°Really? How hard was it?¡± asked Yi Chen with a slight quirk at the corner of his lips.


    Zi Han¡¯s lips twitched before he put on a serious expression and said, ¡°It was so hard. Those clips were so hard to clip, and the skirt... I couldn¡¯t even tell the front from the back. Don¡¯t get me started on the stockings.¡±


    Yi Chen bit his lower lip lowering his head before whispering, ¡°If it¡¯s ufortable you can let me take it off for you.¡± His fingers brushed against Zi Han¡¯s lips and he lowered his head before nting a sweet lingering kiss.


    When their lips parted Yi Chen said, ¡°Baby you are really driving me crazy,¡± his lips brushing against Zi Han¡¯s cheek before continuing to ask, ¡°Did you wear the underwear.¡±


    Zi Han almostughed out loud before asking, ¡°You still want to call that underwear? Baby, that¡¯s a string that barely covers anything.¡±


    Yi Chen grabbed Zi Han¡¯s waist and carried him to the couch before pressing him down. ¡°If that¡¯s the case then let me take a look. I want to see how much it covers,¡± he said while pressing Zi Han down on the couch.


    Zi Han chuckled knowing fully well that he not only take a look but do more than that. Yi Chen didn¡¯t wait for Zi Han to answer. He slipped underneath the skirt and Zi Han who was smiling just now felt an overwhelming sensation his expression changing extensively.


    That¡¯s because Yi Chen had brushed his finger against his member. Zi Han nced down at the bulge underneath his skirt and he gasped leaning his head back.


    It seemed him wearing this outfit was going to get him so many benefits and he fully intended on cashing in on that.


    Yi Chen¡¯s tongue swirled around the tip of Zi Han¡¯s throbbing cock through the thin sheath of that sexy underwear.

 Chapter 299

    299 NSFW TWO


    Yi Chen¡¯s tongue swirled around the tip of Zi Han¡¯s throbbing cock through the thin sheath of that sexy underwear.


    The friction from being touched through the fabric made Zi Han shiver with his mouth open. The intense feeling almost made him choke on his saliva.


    ¡°Mmm...,¡± were the muffled soundsing from underneath that skirt as Yi Chen took another lingering lick at that lovely head oozing with that sweet nectar.


    Zi Han bit his lower lip with his eyes almost rolling at the back of his head as he sank into the most pleasurable feeling. The pace was just right and so was Yi Chen¡¯s precision. In fact, the man was so enthusiastic that Zi Han couldn¡¯t help butmend him. His performance in that area seemed to have upgraded to a whole new level.


    ¡°Ah! Ngh... fuck,¡± cried out Zi Han as an inexplicable warmth wrapped around his erection. As that warm rough tongue slid down his shaft Zi Han couldn¡¯t help gasping for air while moaning unrestrainedly.


    It felt so pleasurable that he couldn¡¯t help but lightly press down the back of Yi Chen¡¯s head with his hand so his lover could deepthroat his cock and hit that sweet spot.


    The lounge was suddenly filled with


    squelching sounds and unrestrained moans as one sucked and the other enjoyed being pampered.


    ¡°Ah fuck... mm... baby don¡¯t stop,¡± were the licentious wordsing from Zi Han¡¯s lips as an unfathomable surge of pleasure overflowed within Zi Han¡¯s body like someone had opened the floodgates.


    .....


    ¡°Oh fuck... I am cumming, I¡¯m aa aa aah... aah... mmm fuck... baby mmm,¡± were the soundsing from Zi Han as he shot out a load of cum in Yi Chen¡¯s mouth.


    Yi Chen pulled away the skirt revealing his face with beads of sweat on his forehead and an inconspicuous smudge on his cheek.


    Zi Han felt a little embarrassed as he nced at that milky white droplet on Yi Chen¡¯s cheek. He reached out and wiped the cum off Yi Chen¡¯s face with his thumb and licked it before saying, ¡°If you are going to waste my stuff then I don¡¯t think you deserve it.¡±


    Yi Chen was simply mesmerized by this scene. He didn¡¯t know what it was about Zi Han doing that had him feeling hot all over.


    He just wanted to drill into him until Zi Han called him daddy without being urged. He bit his lower lip as his fingers traced up Zi Han¡¯s chest to his corbone and neck before stopping on his chin. His thumb slid up onto Zi Han¡¯s lips before he gently tugged at his bottom lip opening his (Zi Han¡¯s) mouth while grinding up against Zi Han his hips thrusting with great enthusiasm as though to express his desire to plow Zi Han and fuck him until he was muddle headed.


    ¡°Baby... I want you,¡± whispered Yi Chen while raising Zi Han¡¯s legs cing his lover¡¯s calves on his shoulders as he lowered his head to kiss him.


    ¡°How flexible do you think I am?¡± asked Zi Han but when he felt Yi Chen¡¯s member rubbing against his, Zi Han felt so good that he couldn¡¯t help but gasp.


    Yi Chen stered his lips on Zi Han¡¯s and the two began to kiss passionately with their bodies grinding up against each other with their breathing heavy andbored.


    Zi Han felt a warm breath spraying on his neck making him hot all over. ¡°Fuck, daddy just fuck me already,¡± whispered Zi Han while wrapping his arms around Yi Chen¡¯s neck pulling him down harder.


    Yi Chen felt like he was losing his mind as they deepened the kiss with their tongues swirling around each other. He parted his lips from Zi Han¡¯s reluctantly and as the tip of his nose rested on the side of Zi Han¡¯s face he said, ¡°If you want me to then I would have to loosen you up first.¡±


    Zi Han heard this and bit his lower lip yfully as he sat up straight with a heart stopping smile on his face. Zi Han moved in closer and bit Yi Chen¡¯s earlobe before saying, ¡°You were on that phone for a really long time so...¡±


    ¡°So...?¡± asked Yi Chen his lips brushing against Zi Han¡¯s face his hips thrusting expressing his thirst.


    Zi Han¡¯s fingers rubbed against Yi Chen¡¯s member as he whispered, ¡°So I prepared already now fuck me.... hard.¡±


    ¡°Don¡¯t regret it,¡± said Yi Chen his fingers caressing Zi Han¡¯s legs through the silky stockings.


    ¡°I won¡¯t regret, AH FUCK!¡± gasped Zi Han after Yi Chen wrapped his hand around Zi Han¡¯s member before stroking it while rubbing the tip of his lover¡¯s cock with his thumb.


    Yi Chen only let him go after stroking it until Zi Han was lying limply on the couch. He took off his t-shirt revealing a mouth watering chest with toned muscles and firm abs with the characters of his (Zi Han¡¯s) name shimmering under the light.


    Zi Han fondled his lover¡¯s chest unable to contain his excitement. He wound his legs around Yi Chen¡¯s waist eager to be filled.


    Yi Chen tugged his belt before pulling it out at once. He was about to toss it to the side when Zi Han pressed his wrists together his message clear.


    ¡°Baby, thest time we did this your wrists were bruised for a week and everyone thought I mistreated you.¡±


    Zi Han kissed Yi Chen¡¯s lips fervently like he had been starved for days.


    Their lips parted and with him gasping for air he said, ¡°But I like it. Didn¡¯t you promise to keep me satisfied?¡± their gazes locked together.


    Zi Han slowlyy down and Yi Chen skillfully tied the belt around his wrists. ¡°Let me know if it¡¯s too tight,¡± he said as he slowly pressed Zi Han¡¯s wrists over his (Zi Han¡¯s) head.


    Zi Han felt an inexplicable thrill course through his veins as Yi Chen fondled and caressed his chest through the fabric. The two people entangled with each other on the couch touching and fondling each other with baited breaths like their lives depend on it. It was as though if they didn¡¯t satisfy their urges they wouldn¡¯t be able to survive. Like a fish desperate to get back underwater the two of them tangled with each other until one of them groaned like a beast in heat when his body was prated deeply.


    Zi Han¡¯s lips parted as he felt that familiar hardness fill the void within him. This was the most satisfying feeling in the world. The feeling of having your lover take full control of your body and pleasure you to your heart¡¯s content. He didn¡¯t realize how much he missed this feeling until now.

 Chapter 300

    300 NSFW THREE


    Zi Han¡¯s eyes almost rolled to the back of his head from the intense waves of pleasure as he was prated over and over again. His entire being seemed to be at Yi Chen¡¯s mercy as he rapidly sank into the sea of infinite bliss.


    Yi Chen thrust into his body with long and deep thrusts as he pressed down Zi Han¡¯s arms while his other hand unclipped the top part of the sexy outfit Zi Han was wearing.


    After a few tries, Yi Chen exposed a pink cherry pointing at him. Recalling its sweet taste and how Zi Han would react when he touched it, Yi Chen didn¡¯t hesitate.


    He lowered his head and gently breathed warm air directly on that nipple making Zi Han¡¯s scalp numb as he subconsciously nced down.


    ¡°Baby,¡± he whispered but he couldn¡¯t continue speaking anymore because Yi Chen¡¯s tongue slowly traced a little circle around that area making Zi Han lose his mind.


    He subconsciously wanted to run his fingers through Yi Chen¡¯s hair but because his wrists were bound and pressed down he could only interlock his fingers while gasping heavily.


    Yi Chen was so skilled at this, whether be it when he was teasing Zi Han¡¯s nipples or the


    tip of his cock.


    Yi Chen slowly stroked Zi Han¡¯s nipple with his tongue inrge strokes sending Zi Han¡¯s body into a frenzy. Zi Han wanted to dig his nails into Yi Chen¡¯s skin expressing his enjoyment but he found that he couldn¡¯t even move his hands. Yi Chen¡¯s hips began to move again thrusting deep inside his lover making him tremble with pleasure.


    .....


    PA PA PA PA PA PA PA!!!!!


    Sounds of flesh pounding against flesh bounced off the walls apanied by moans, groans, and pants. The sounds were incredibly sexy to the ears heightening the sensation.


    Under Yi Chen¡¯s constant provocation of that sweet sweet spot, Zi Han felt insanely good that he could no longer contain the soundsing out of his throat.


    Yi Chen sucked on the ripe cherry while slowing down his thrusts. Zi Han¡¯s lower half writhed in dissatisfaction.


    ¡°Don¡¯t ah.... faster baby,¡± whispered Zi Han sounding like he had been wronged greatly.


    Yi Chen slowly bit and sucked up Zi Han¡¯s corbone, neck, and chin beforending on the man¡¯s lips. Zi Han who couldn¡¯t use his hands and legs to vent out his frustration decided to use his lips.


    What should have been a passionate kiss between lovers turned fierce as though they were fighting for dominance. As their lips pressed together their breathing became erratic with Zi Han invading Yi Chen¡¯s mouth with his tongue like he was digging into the lost and found box in preschool.


    Yi Chen knew what was doing but how could he let him get away with it? He sucked on Zi Han¡¯s tongue and immediately Zi Han retreated having lost the battle.


    Zi Han red at Yi Chen but Yi Chen smiled slyly. He removed the hard member from his lover¡¯s body and as the tip pulled out some of the fluids seeped out creating a blush-inducing scene.


    ¡°Turn over baby... I promise I will make you feel good,¡± he said his unruly hands caressing Zi Han¡¯s thighs. Zi Han licked his moist lips before saying, ¡°If you disappoint me I will put you in the dog house.¡±


    Yi Chen couldn¡¯t help but chuckle while rubbing Zi Han¡¯s chin with his thumb. ¡°Challenge epted,¡± said Yi Chen grasping Zi Han¡¯s wrists and helping him up. Zi Han felt a slight hint of anticipation as Yi Chen ced him in a position that he most liked but rarely got.


    Zi Han loved the doggy style position but he didn¡¯t really get it often. That¡¯s because Yi Chen much preferred to see Zi Han¡¯s face while doing it.


    He wanted to see his unadulterated expressions. He needed to know if what he was doing was making his man satisfied and if he needed to change anything, thus Zi Han couldn¡¯t get what he wanted often. Now that he was getting what he wanted Zi Han couldn¡¯t help but lick his canine tooth with the corners of his lips slightly quirked up but it immediately fell into a contorted twitch as Yi Chen drove his hard member into that sweet ce making Zi Han unable to speak as he lost himself in the moment. Yi Chen was attentive and enthusiastic at the same time. He slipped his fingers underneath the skirt of that sultry costume and squeezed Zi Han¡¯s ass, smacking it and fondling it while thrusting into him as though drilling for something delectable.


    Yi Chen wasn¡¯t at all a gentleman drilling into his lover until their bodies were covered in a thinyer of sweat thoroughly indulging himself.


    Yi Chen kept pushing away the skirt and when he couldn¡¯t bare it anymore he pulled it down after unzipping it. In an instant, Zi Han was left with only a pair of stockings, a garter, and sexy looking thong that barely covered anything.


    Yi Chen smacked Zi Han¡¯s ass and like an addict, Zi Han couldn¡¯t help but moan after that pleasurable smack. One would be curious why he liked it so much. Maybe it was because of the euphoric feeling that came with it. It was like a cocktail of a delightful sting, delightful warmth, and delightful vibrations spreading through the entire region that made it all incredibly addictive.


    He couldn¡¯t help it. Heter learned that this was just the beginning and that Yi Chen could do, even more sexier things than that. When Yi Chen initially grabbed his pink thong and grasped it while thrusting into him.


    When Zi Han imagined what Yi Chen was doing back there he couldn¡¯t help but blush extensively while an inexplicable breathtaking feeling spread all over his body.


    Yi Chen enjoyed the view as he grasped that thong that barely qualified to be called underwear. The loud echoes of flesh pounding against flesh filled the room apanied by the sweet moans and groans showing how the two of them were enjoying themselves.

 Chapter 301

    301 A dash of NSFW


    There weren¡¯t any limits to these two when they had sex. They swapped positions from Yi Chen drilling into Zi Han from behind to Zi Hand riding on his man taking that machine gun at its entirety.


    It was the only time ever that Zi Hanined about the size. It was like his body was being ripped apart by a hard object but because he was addicted to the taste he wouldn¡¯t let go.


    Yi Chen was so satiated that night that he couldn¡¯t even lift a finger the next morning. His entire muscles were like jello, soft and soggy unable to move.


    That¡¯s because they both went overboardst night. Where others would huff and puff while copsing on the bed this pair was touching each other underneath the covers while whispering, ¡°One more time. I think I can take it.¡±


    The one who would be doing the giving would be hesitant at first until he was seduced into doing it again. Again Yi Chen would raise Xi Han¡¯s feet in the air and pound him until both of them were drooling.The pair were so out of it the next morning that they decided to sleep in ignoring any calls or messages from the outside world.


    It was only afternoon did one of them show any signs of waking. That person was Yi Chen and when he saw the highlighted mission message he massaged his temples feeling a little frustrated.


    As he sat up the quilt slid down and revealed scratch marks and hickeys on certain parts of his body but these love bites weren¡¯t as bad as those on Zi Han¡¯s body.


    If one didn¡¯t know a very possessive human did that they would assume it was a swarm of mosquitoes that did it. Yi Chen lifted the quilt and his feet stepped on the wolf slippers on the floor before he slipped them on.


    He grabbed a pair of shorts from the ground not even bothering to check whose were they and tip-toed out of the room before putting them on.


    .....


    Meanwhile, Zi Han who was fast asleep only turned a few times in bed before quieting down. As soon as Yi Chen reached downstairs hemanded Ran to switch on the coffee maker while requesting a video call from his father.


    The marshal seemed to be in a very bad moodtely and today wasn¡¯t any different. In fact, he was in an even worse mood especially after his son didn¡¯t even bother getting back to him. He had to hear from an outsider that they saw Yi Chen outside though the details of what he was doing seemed quite confusing.


    ¡°So you still know you have a father? Just because that brat can heal you faster than our medical technology doesn¡¯t mean shit. At the end of the day we are still your family,¡± said the Marshal expressing his dissatisfaction. It was no secret that he hated Zi Han so much or at least hated that he was close to his son.


    Yi Chen wanted to defend his sweetheart but recalling what Zi Han said before about keeping their rtionship a secret he chose to not address it which was incredibly difficult.


    ¡°Dad, I am fine now you really don¡¯t have to worry... Did you approve my mission to Loch Ness star? That ce is notorious for its extreme weather patterns.¡±


    Marshal Yi stopped what he was doing and nced at his son before saying, ¡°Since when did you be very picky? This ce harbors very important deposits and everyone including the prime ministers are worried that the Republic might attack there next so... I won¡¯t be reassured unless if I send you,¡±


    The Marshal wasn¡¯t messing around when he said very important deposits.


    Loch Ness star had an abundant mineral on the outskirts of the. This mineral was of little benefit to the federation but it could destroy the federation. It was unstable and vtile. If god forbid anything ever happened an explosion capable of eradicating the federation would ur and wipe out the entire gxy.


    It was for this reason Loch Ness star was very important. It not only was the home of an explosive mineral as fragile as the sun¡¯s atmosphere but it also had extreme cold patterns that sprung up from nowhere half the time.


    The temperature would be -89.4¡ãC one moment and then suddenly dip to -1000¡ãC in an instant freezing mechs and any machinery. It was because of this that plenty would stay clear of the mission to Loch Ness star.


    Normally Yi Chen wouldn¡¯t question his father¡¯s decision but this time he had to ask especially considering the fact that his sweetheart was also a part of his squad. Zi Han¡¯s safety was of great importance to him.


    ¡°You will set off tomorrow,¡± said the Marshal before he noticed slight redness on Yi Chen¡¯s shoulder thus he pointed it out, ¡°Allergy reaction?¡±


    Yi Chen nced down at what he was pointing at and his heart skipped a beat. ¡°Yes, I rubbed it a little harshly while I was asleep... I will speak to youter,¡± he said, and before the Marshal could suggest visiting the medical bay and insist on apanying him Yi Chen cut the call and exhaled deeply in relief.


    Ding!


    The sound of the coffee maker sounded in the background and Yi Chen poured out some ck coffee for himself.


    Meanwhile, Zi Han who had been dreaming of rainbows and sunshine, or at least looked like he was, heard annoying vibrationsing from his light brain.


    He shuffled his body to the other side ignoring it but the person was persistent. Annoyed greatly he picked up his light brain and his eyes half-lidded he opened the most recent message.


    It was from an unknown number and the content of the message was anything but pleasing.


    SN2933: I know what you have been doing.


    Zi Han sat up straight as he nce at the empty spot beside him. He heaved a sigh of relief before speaking to Igneous.


    ¡°Igneous, send an urgent message to Lynn Feng. Tell her to check my light brain. Someone is fucking with me.¡±


    Igneous immediately woke from hibernation and responded, ¡°Yes, sir.¡±


    A second message soon followed and the content was different.


    SN2933: I don¡¯t mean you any harm. In fact, I think they should all die.


    Zi Han, ¡°???¡±


    SN2933: But your list isn¡¯tplete.


    SN2933: I arranged your next mission on Loch Ness star. When you get there I will tell you who did it.


    Zi Han¡¯s chest rose and fell rapidly as he stared at those messages tremblingly. The door suddenly opened and Yi Chen walked in startling Zi Han. The messages that were on his floating screen suddenly vanished erasing themselves from Zi Han¡¯s light brain.

 Chapter 302

    302 Morning snack


    Yi Chen¡¯s eyes narrowed as he stared at Zi Han in an ¡®I look at you, you look at me¡¯ type of situation. ¡°You look guilty,¡± said Yi Chen squinting his eyes while staring at Zi Han.


    ¡°No, you are the one who looks guilty not me. What did you do?¡± asked Zi Han without any slight remorse. Yi Chen walked over to the side of the bed and knelt down and kissed Zi Han¡¯s lips before the person could push him away.


    ¡°Let me wash up first,¡± said Zi Han and pushed away the quilt about to get out of bed but Yi Chen embraced him resting his head on his lover¡¯s abdomen.


    Yi Chen didn¡¯t say anything. He simply hugged Zi Han attempting to calm his chaotic emotions. Recently the fear of losing Zi Han grew greater and greater. His intuition was never wrong but he couldn¡¯t say anything.


    He tried to convince himself that it was nothing and that he was overthinking it. He told himself that it was just his insecurities projecting themselves as fear of losing his lover.


    ¡°Baby, do you love me?¡± asked Yi Chen his voice muffled as he pressed his head onto Zi Han¡¯s bare chest.


    Zi Han felt itchy where Yi Chen¡¯s head was touching and he subconsciously wanted to push him away but somehow he could sense that Yi Chen really needed this.


    He let the man lie on hisp and ran his fingers through Yi Chen¡¯s hair as he answered the question with another question. ¡°What do you think?¡±


    Yi Chen wanted to hear him say it but he also knew Zi Han was stubborn and this was the best answer he can get out of him. He smiled happily as he embraced Zi Han even more while sniffing the scent of his shower gel still lingering on his lover¡¯s body.


    .....


    The two sat like this for a while with one brainwashing himself that things will always be like this while the other was thinking about those messages.


    After a while, Zi Han stroked Yi Chen¡¯s back while saying, ¡°Let¡¯s go wash up. We should go and spend thest few hours at home before we report back for duty.¡±


    Yi Chen didn¡¯t want to at all. He loved his family but he knew they would always be around. Their blood rtion gave him some form of guarantee that they would stay but things were different with Zi Han. They had nothing concrete that would keep Zi Han by his side. His father had given his mother that stripe to make her stay and Zi Han¡¯s father had gotten Zi Xingxi pregnant to make sure she stayed.


    The true reason this worked for their parents was because the persons they did it to loved them but Zi Han never said that word to him (or at least never said it to him while he was awake).


    This way of thinking was very dangerous but he couldn¡¯t help but wonder if this method would work. Would Zi Han stay if he gave him one of the striped tattoos on his arm?


    ¡°Can¡¯t we just stay like this? They are probably busy with something,¡± said Yi Chen feeling a little disgruntled.


    Zi Han really wanted some time away and find out who sent these messages but Yi Chen was unwilling to be separated from him today. He decided to let it go for now and find timeter tonight to talk to Lynn Feng. He will have to wait until Yi Chen was sleeping.


    ¡°Okay, fine but we still need to go and take a bath... Do you want to bathe with me?¡± asked Zi Han and as expected Yi Chen raised his head while wagging his tail in excitement.


    ¡°Of course, I would love to. You didn¡¯t even have to ask,¡± replied Yi Chen as he kissed Zi Han¡¯s lips before getting up. ¡°I will go run the bath,¡± he said before taking off his shorts right in front of Zi Han.


    The loaded weapon plopped out of his pants and bounced in front of Zi Han¡¯s face almost grazing his nose.


    Zi Han licked his lips before swallowing down his saliva. He wasn¡¯t certain what this man was ying at but he was so into it. ¡°How about I treat you to a morning snack? I promise you you won¡¯t regret it,¡± said Yi Chen with his hand touching Zi Han¡¯s chin with a teasing smile.


    Zi Han stared at his man with affection in those beautiful fox eyes. He nced down at that member with its head almost brushing against the tip of his nose and said, ¡°Then feed me. I am dying for a morning snack... Hey, where are you going? Didn¡¯t you offer it to me?¡±


    Yi Chen heard what he said but he was already striding to the bathroom. No amount of exercise or training could help him keep up with Zi Han¡¯s stamina. He had great endurance but Zi Han had a great appetite which meant that he would work both of them to the ground until he was satisfied.


    The morning snack proposition was a joke but Zi Han was willing to take him up on that offer. Zi Han got off the bed hastily and followed Yi Chen to the bathroom.


    The sound of flesh being smacked by a palm was muffled with the running water. A split secondter a yelp was heard followed by the sound of yfully arguing.


    The person whose ass had been smacked was Yi Chen. He had been seriously running the bath when Zi Han came in and smacked his ass with a gleeful smile like he had done a meritorious service.


    Yi Chen touched his ass his lips twitching while ring at Zi Han. ¡°What? You are the one walking around here naked when you know for a fact that I love those buns,¡± said Zi Han taking a casual glimpse at Yi Chen¡¯s ass. To be honest he looked like a pervert gawking at his man¡¯s butt.


    Yi Chen couldn¡¯t take it anymore. He grasped Zi Han¡¯s waist while saying, ¡°You smack mine and I smack yours it¡¯s only a fair exchange.¡±


    Zi Han wasn¡¯t cooperating though. That¡¯s because afterst night¡¯s escapades he had a fading palm print on his ass cheek that this man left.


    Yi Chen tugged at the boxer short that was slightly bigger than usual defending his honor. ¡°Not going to happen Hahaha... you already smacked enoughst night and this is simply getting what I am owed. I was collecting on that debt,¡± said Zi Han while trying to free himself from Yi Chen¡¯s grasp.

 Chapter 303

    303 Lover¡¯s banter with a dash of NSFW


    Yi Chen tried to pull down his shorts while saying, ¡°Oh ho, so you forgot thatst night you were the one begging for me to spank you. How did you say it again? Ah daddy Chen, harder... spank me harder daddy,¡± imitating Zi Han¡¯s voice.


    Zi Hanughed out loud before denying it, ¡°I didn¡¯t say that. Why are you lying? Besides if I did say it I wouldn¡¯t sound like that.¡±


    ¡°How would you sound then?¡± asked Yi Chen with a mildly pleasant frisson on his smiling cheeks.


    ¡°I sound like this... Ah, daddy Chen. Spank me harder... please... mm mm nn,¡± he said and Yi Chen grabbed both of Zi Han¡¯s arms before pressing him against the wall. Their bodies pressed together heatedly and Zi Han¡¯s heart leaped in his chest seeming a little startled.


    Yi Chen leaned his head forward and just as the tips of their noses touched he whispered, ¡°You really are hungry aren¡¯t you?¡±


    Zi Han¡¯s lips rose as he leaned closer and lightly kissed Yi Chen¡¯s lips before saying, ¡°I need my supplements,¡± before cing his hand on the back of Yi Chen¡¯s neck and turning their bodies over mming Yi Chen onto the wall.


    The cold chill from the wall spread all over Yi Chen¡¯s back reducing the heat in his lower half considerably but it didn¡¯t take long before he was breathing with short and quick breaths from excitement.


    That¡¯s because Zi Han really knelt down and took his erection like he did that popsicle the day before.


    Zi Han had him biting his lower lip while gasping with his fingers running into his lover¡¯s hair. Yi Chen was overtaken by that euphoric feeling spreading all over his body as the tip of his cock was sucked into that warm ce. He couldn¡¯t help but press Zi Han¡¯s head slightly while crying out, ¡°Ah fuck baby....right there. Oh shit mm mm baby ah.¡±


    .....


    Zi Han nced at Yi Chen with his teary eyes as he swallowed it even deeper. The corners of his lips were wet from a cocktail of saliva and precum. Couple with the licentious look in his eyes he looked like an incubus desperate to drain his life essence.


    Zi Han popped the stiff lollipop from his mouth and licked the shaft as his hands stroked it simultaneously. When his tongue trailed up to the tip of Yi Chen¡¯s hardness and licked it skillfully while letting out a delightful groan like he was licking something divine.


    Yi Chen felt an overwhelming feeling of great excitement watching his lover enjoying it.


    With both his arms wrapped around the shaft, Zi Han began to stroke that hard member before taking it into his mouth again and deepthroating it.


    Yi Chen gasped for breath while leaning his head back his eyes almost rolling to the back of his head.


    ¡°Aah.... I am getting there.... ha fuck... mm mm nn,¡± were the hoarse soundsing from his throat as he shot out a load of cum in Zi Han¡¯s mouth. Zi Han who had received his daily supplement swallowed the sweet liquid with a slight hint of saltiness.


    Yi Chen stroked Zi Han¡¯s hair and stared into those eyes showing sinful desire to possess what was in front of him. Zi Han hadn¡¯t said it but it was obvious. Zi Han couldn¡¯t hide it no matter what.


    His breathing calming he removed the wisps of hair hanging on Zi Han¡¯s forehead which were partially obstructing his view of those gorgeous eyes.


    ¡°Baby, I love you,¡± he mouthed and Zo Han got up and hugged him tightly. He didn¡¯t say it but he thought it. He loved Yi Chen but feared admitting it would make him vulnerable.


    Zi Han¡¯s lips quirked as he jumped on Yi Chen wrapping his legs around him while whining, ¡± I want you to bathe me.¡±


    Yi Chen pressed his palm against Zi Han¡¯s back and his other hand rested on his ass while carrying him. ¡°You are lucky the tap is automated otherwise we would have flooded the bathroom already,¡± he said pinching Zi Han¡¯s perky peach.


    Zi Han twisted his hips grinding up against Yi Chen¡¯s body whileining with a sly smirk. ¡°Whose fault was it? You should have taken the spanking in silence. This was the consequence thereof.¡±


    ¡°By the way why are you wearing my shorts,¡± asked Yi Chen kissing the subtle cum stains at the corner of Zi Han¡¯s lips.


    Zi Han couldn¡¯t help butugh recalling how a certain someone had forgotten that it was his fault that their shorts were swapped.


    ¡°Did you feel that your balls were getting squeezed when you were making coffee? You do realize that tight underwear equates to an increase in testicle temperature hence low sperm count?¡± said Zi Han teasing Yi Chen. Yi Chen directly nibbled at Zi Han¡¯s lips in retaliation and Zi Han bit back.


    ¡°I will show you, a low sperm count,¡± said Yi Chen before cing him on the bathroom vanity.


    Zi Han changed his tone very fast. ¡°I was wrong daddy Chen... hahaha fuck where are you touching?¡±


    Two minutester Yi Chen was smiling happily in the bathtub while washing Zi Han¡¯s feet and Zi Han was ring at him while covering his nipples that had been sucked dry.


    ¡°Baby, if you keep looking at me like that I will misunderstand,¡± said Yi Chen with absolute no remorse at all.


    ¡°What did you think woulde out sucking them like that,¡± said Zi Han while sshing Yi Chen with water.


    Yi Chen dodged before saying, ¡°Well, something came out,¡± ncing at something underneath the foaming water.


    Zi Han, ¡°...¡±


    He raised his middle finger at Yi Chen and suppressed a smile as he pressed on Zi Han¡¯s acupoint underneath his feet which instantly made Zi Han docile. He sank into the warm water raising his feet for Yi Chen to massage.


    Yi Chen chuckled before asking, ¡°Is it good?¡±


    Zi Hanzily waved his hand and said, ¡°Do it right and maybe this daddy will forgive you.¡±


    Yi Chen pursed his lips suppressing another smile before saying, ¡°Yes daddy Han.¡±


    ¡°Ah ah aa.... ah fuc mm... that¡¯s the spot,¡± groaned Zi Han enjoying the foot rub.


    Yi Chen, ¡°...¡±


    That¡¯s because he had felt something moving underneath the water. It seemed Zi Han¡¯s sweet groans had his member thinking it was time for dinner.

 Chapter 304

    304 Bath and family time


    ¡°Baby, why is your small toe nailless?¡± asked Yi Chen while scrubbing in between Zi Han¡¯s toes.


    Following thatment, there were sounds of water being stirred as Zi Han grabbed his foot and took a look.


    ¡°There is a nail... look,¡± said Zi Han poking his pinky toe.


    Yi Chen grabbed hold of the other toenail and poked it while saying, ¡°Baby, that¡¯s a dot. Literally a dot.¡±


    Zi Han, ¡°...¡±


    Yi Chen let out a throaty chuckle while roasting Zi Han¡¯s nonexistent toenail. ¡°You think the gods ran out of toenails that day and they just decided to give you a tiny dot?¡± he said and he didn¡¯t stop there.


    ¡°Or maybe it was close to knock-off time and they were negligent in giving your pinky toe a toenail?¡±


    Zi Han just red at him talking shit but internally he wanted tough. Besides his mother, no one else had dared make fun of his toes. His mother usually said that it was better not having one at all, it was like an insult to even have that dot.


    Zi Han couldn¡¯t help but find that funny thus he didn¡¯t hold back hisughter. ¡°Okay, that¡¯s a good one. Or maybe they were underpaid and didn¡¯t give a shit anymore,¡± replied Zi Han cing his foot back towards Yi Chen.


    .....


    ¡°But it looks cute. It¡¯s like a droid with one eye,¡± said Yi Chen while flicking the little toe.


    ¡°Don¡¯t all droids have one eye?¡± asked Zi Han as he gathered some foam with his hands and blew bubbles or at least attempted to. The foam ended up breaking apart when he blew on them andnded in Yi Chen¡¯s hair.


    Yi Chen nced up at his hair which now had a small chunk of foam before looking at the culprit. Yi Chen raised his hand and ced a small amount of foam on the tip of Zi Han¡¯s nose.


    ¡°Now you look like a cute dumpling,¡± said Yi Chen before putting his sweetheart¡¯s feet down.


    ¡°Cute is for puppies. Do I look like a puppy to you?¡± asked Zi Han as he turned around for Yi Chen to wash his back.


    As the spongended on the smooth supple skin Yi Chen couldn¡¯t help but gently rub the hickeys on Zi Han¡¯s back. Those were formed when he was thrusting into him from behind while tugging at the pink thong. It was so sexy that he couldn¡¯t help but sink his teeth into Zi Han¡¯s back and left marks like he was painting on a canvas.


    ¡°Does it hurt?¡± asked Yi Chen while rubbing that hickey.


    Zi Han shook his head as he leaned back resting on Yi Chen¡¯s chest. Yi Chen parted his legs wider so that Zi Han could fit even more as he wound his arms around Zi Han¡¯s waist.


    Yi Chen exhaled deeply as he rested his chin on Zi Han¡¯s shoulder. He kissed Zi Han¡¯s cheek before saying, ¡°I wish we could stay like this forever.¡±


    Zi Han was about to respond that their


    skin would get wrinkly from the water when the housekeeping system interrupted their moment.


    ¡°Sir, your mother is here with your siblings and one more person. They said they brought food and medicine and they want to see you. Should I let them in,¡± it said and showed the live feed at the door.


    His mother was yelling at Ming Ming who was eating from the box of mocha caramel popcorn. ¡°When I got it for you you said it was for Han Han now you are eating it?¡± said Lin Ruoxi only for Ming Ming to retort,


    ¡°Saozi won¡¯t mind. He likes sharing his stuff with me.¡±


    Lin Ruoxi, ¡°...¡±


    Yi Youxi on the other hand was staring at Zi Xingxi with uttermost curiosity. For once he didn¡¯t have his head lowered ying a game.


    Zi Xingxi couldn¡¯t stand it anymore and asked, ¡°Hey kid... what are you staring at?¡±


    Yi Youxi tantly said, ¡°You are pretty.¡±


    Zi Xingxi¡¯s brow arched upon hearing this. She ruffled his hair and said, ¡°You aren¡¯t wrong there.¡±


    Zi Han, ¡°WTF!!¡±


    Yi Chen, ¡°...¡±


    If it was only his mother he would havee up with some excuse to get rid of them but Zi Xingxi was with them.


    ¡°Baby... uh...,¡± said Yi Chen at a loss for words.


    ¡°Let them in,¡± said Zi Han and the housekeeping system understood themand.


    ¡°Why do you look like you have just been robbed of something? I like hanging out with your family,¡± said Zi Han caressing his cheek.


    Yi Chen ced his hand over Zi Han¡¯s that was touching his face and said, ¡°Your mum doesn¡¯t even like me.¡±


    Zi Han moved closer and kissed his lips before saying, ¡°Then let¡¯s fix that.¡±


    It turns out Yi Chen didn¡¯t have anything to worry about because for some reason Zi Xingxi¡¯s attitude towards him had changed somewhat. If anything she kept dropping the M word here and there.


    After that disgusting conversation with prime minister Ikeda, she was more inclined towards this pair getting together and staying together forever.


    That¡¯s because though she wanted to finish off Ikeda so bad it was going to be incredibly difficult. Ever since his wiener was chopped off and he almost died security around him was very strict.


    This morning Lynn Feng also told her that the messages that came to Zi Han¡¯s light brain were traced to the prime minister¡¯s office. This made Zi Xingxi even more anxious. She suddenly realized that prime minister Ikeda had graduated from just watching Zi Han on the sidelines to actively pursuing him.


    Thus when Lin Ruoxi asked if she wanted toe to the gxy amusement park halfway across Capital Star she jumped on that chance.


    ¡°You guys look so rosy... don¡¯t they XiXi,¡± asked Lin Ruoxi while ncing over at Zi Xingxi.


    Yep, rosy and satiated. It didn¡¯t take rocket science for one to know that these two were indulging in the fruit of lust especially when a hickey was peeking out of Yi Chen¡¯s t-shirt.


    ¡°Mum,¡± whispered Yi Chen as he kissed her cheek. Lin Ruoxi hugged Yi Chen before replying, ¡°What? I am just saying. How are you feeling? I bet Han Han took great care of you.¡±


    Yi Chen, ¡°???¡±


    Zi Han embraced his mother and without anyone noticing the two had a small exchange. ¡°You saw the messages?¡±


    ¡°Yes, and I know who it is. I will tell youter,¡± replied Zi Xingxi lightly pressing Zi Han¡¯s arm.


    Zi Han nodded his head and was about to ask something else when he felt something tug at his pants.

 Chapter 305

    305 Family time two


    When he looked down he found Ming Ming holding up her hands to be carried. ¡°Hey saozi, I brought you this,¡± she said before handing over half a box of the mocha caramel popcorn.


    Zi Xingxi¡¯s brow creased as she stared at her son. ¡°They call you that?¡± she whispered the question while Ming Ming fed popcorn to Zi Han.


    ¡°Do you like it?¡± asked Ming Ming and Zi Han raised his thumb while nodding his head.


    Zi Han nced at his mother and answered in a whisper, ¡°They do, sometimes... mum just be nice to him... he feels like you don¡¯t like him.¡±


    ¡°Well, I don¡¯t but I will try,¡± said Zi Xingxi while ncing at Ming Ming who was resting on Zi Han¡¯s shoulder like they were the siblings instead of Yi Chen.


    ¡°Where is my baby?¡± asked Zi Han only for Ming Ming to turn her head and point at Yi Chen. When the pair of mother and son nced over, Zi Han couldn¡¯t help but snicker. Who could me Ming Ming when Zi Han and Yi Chen were together it would be baby this, baby that so when Zi Han asked, of course, she would point at Yi Chen.


    ¡°Haha, no I meant my little Nim. Where did you leave him?¡± he asked and Ming Ming tilted her head tugging at Zi Han¡¯s ear lobe.


    ¡°Oh... he is with grandpa. Grandpa said he can¡¯t go to the park. He is too small,¡± said Ming Ming.


    By he is with grandpa she meant he was with Zi Feiji and boy was the old man enjoying his time with that little cutie. The way Zi Feiji wouldin about the little guy you would think he hated it.


    .....


    But when they were alone things were quite different. He not only had several little outfits lined up, but he also took pictures of the little thing and posted them in the group. He was like that dad that never wanted a dog and when they do get one he monopolizes it and showers it with love.


    ¡°He is probably going to dress it like a firefighter, isn¡¯t he?¡±


    Zi Xingxi snickered before saying, ¡°I snuck a nce at his shopping cart on StarNet. There was a costume doctor, a witch, and adybug... Do you know that they watch movies together too? I caught him watching an animation with itst time.¡±


    ¡°Is that why it has been hooked on Little Dust?¡± asked Zi Han recalling how every morning the little thing would be in its bed watching that movie. Zi Han couldn¡¯t help butugh.


    As his eyes turned to crescent moons he nced over at Yi Chen and when their eyes met a series of invisible sparks transferred between the two of them.


    ¡°Let¡¯s go... today it¡¯s not so packed at the amusement park,¡± said Lin Ruoxi as she came over and kissed Zi Han on the cheek.


    Everyone packed into the hovercar with Zi Xingxi and Lin Ruoxi sitting together. Lord knows what they were chatting about because they seemed very happy.


    Yi Chen on the other hand was trying to get his lover¡¯s attention which had been monopolized by his sister. I mean, Ming Ming didn¡¯t even offer him a single kernel of popcorn. This was one of the reasons why Yi Chen would have a hard time if they ever had kids.


    He had a very difficult time sharing Zi Han which was something he needed to work on. Even now his hand was already itchy. He wanted to pull Zi Han into his arms and embrace him.


    Yi Chen sighed as he nced over at


    Yi Youxi who was now back to ying his game. Yi Chen fixed his hair for him while asking, ¡°Does dad know where you are?¡±


    Yi Youxi shook his head and said, ¡°He does but he doesn¡¯t know who we are with... damnit.¡±


    ¡°Language... you are going to lose by the way,¡± said Yi Chen only for Yi Youxi to retort,


    ¡°What do you know? Dage this is games, not mechs... ah damnit.¡±


    ¡°I told you. You will lose. Do you need my help?¡± asked Yi Chen only for Yi Youxi to nce at him like he was looking at an Alien.


    ¡°Really? You are always scolding me for ying too many games yet you are telling me you can win this level?¡± asked Yi Youxi in awe.


    ¡°En, give it,¡± said Yi Chen and from the moment he took over Yi Youxi learned something new about his strict older brother. He might not look like a gamer, or feel like a gamer but he was absolutely a god. It seemed he was either ying in private or he used to y before when he was a kid.


    While Yi Chen was proving that he was good at ying games Zi Han was stealing nces at him, especially his hands.


    Those strong arms with throbbing veins gave him nostalgia. Recalling the way they stroked his member earlier Zi Han suddenly felt parched and felt like he needed water.


    ¡°Ming Ming, can I have a handful of popcorn,¡± asked Zi Han and Ming Ming handed him the box. Zi Han took out a handful before calling out, ¡°Babe.¡±


    Yi Chen glimpsed at him while asking,


    ¡°Huh?¡±


    ¡°Here,¡± replied Zi Han and Yi Chen raised his head only to find Zi Han pinching popcorn in between his fingers before throwing it at him. The popcorn uratelynded in Yi Chen¡¯s mouth.


    ¡°Wah! Again, again!¡± said Ming Ming finding it rather amusing but Yi Youxi had something to say about it,


    ¡°No Ming Ming dage and I are ying games.¡±


    ¡°I can multitask. Give me another one,¡± said Yi Chen only for Zi Han to toss another one at him. While these four were enjoying themselves Lin Ruoxi nced over before turning to Zi Xingxi and whispering, ¡°Are you serious about that thing we discussed before? I mean would Han Han agree?¡±


    Zi Xingxi glimpsed at his son who was obviously happy and said, ¡°Yes, I mean it. Your husband though is going to be the problem.¡±


    AN: I wonder what that thing is that they have been discussing about that would make the Marshal mad. A mouthful right? Try saying it out loud.

 Chapter 306

    306 Marry him... marry him... marry... marry him.


    What is it like to go with your inws to an amusement park? Well, fairly interesting especially when one side of the inws is very satisfied with their family member¡¯s spouse and the other side isn¡¯t.


    Zi Han had integrated into the Yi family more than Yi Chen had integrated into the Zi family. That is he hadn¡¯t gotten into Zi Xingxi¡¯s good books yet. This meant he was a little nervous when he was around his future mother-inw.


    In Zi Han¡¯s defense, he did try to open a dialogue between the two but failed. Despite the silence between them, there was definitely an improvement. At least Zi Xingxi was no longer snorting or humphing which was unbing of a sophisticateddy.


    It was because of this that Zi Han made sure that when they reached the advanced intricate version of the teacups ride that Yi Chen would sit with his mother. As to why they were on such a slow low adrenaline ride? It was because of Ming Ming.


    She wanted to go on the teacups ride so everybody had to and the whole time she was dragging Zi Han along.


    Since a teacup could only fit four that meant Yi Chen could only sit with Zi Xingxi and boy was he nervous. He exhaled deeply preparing himself to survive the longest of three minutes of his life. Compared to the teacup beside them this teacup was sour and sad with one of them looking like he was on death row.


    With grievances in his eyes, he nced at Zi Han. He might as well sell misery so he could harvest some benefitster. But before he could do that Zi Xingxi broke the awkward silence.


    ¡°Do you love him?¡± was Zi Xingxi¡¯s simple and direct question her voice stern like she was addressing a subordinate.


    Yi Chen, ¡°...¡±


    .....


    ¡°I do... with every fiber of my being,¡± he said his expression calm and his tone strong but inside his heart was so chaotic that he began counting down the minutes until this ride ended but what she said next shocked him beyond words.


    ¡°Then marry him...¡±


    ¡®Marry him... marry him... marry... marry him.¡¯


    The words marry him echoed in his mind as his aloof expression showed major cracks. For the first time, his emotions spilled over in front of someone outside his circle.


    How could he not panic? This woman had threatened him so much that he even wanted to give up and stay away from Zi Han. Now she was handing him over on a silver tter... seriously?


    Yi Chen wouldn¡¯t believe it. There was definitely a catch. ¡°I thought you dislike me?¡± blurted out Yi Chen his mouth thinking faster than his brain.


    ¡°I still don¡¯t but considering the alternative,¡± she said using an old-fashioned tactic that she wasn¡¯t even sure Yi Chen would fall for.


    Yi Chen knew what she was doing and knew not to fall for it but the word alternative ground his gears. What alternative? Who was this alternative?


    Just thinking of that old pervert Zi Xingxi couldn¡¯t help but get infuriated. Gritting her teeth she said, ¡°You might have chopped off his wiener but he is still very much active and your boyfriend seems to be his object of interest so.....¡±


    Yi Chen, ¡°...¡±


    ¡°You should have just finished him off... just saying,¡± she continued to say as the ride came to an end. Like she had taken a load off her shoulders, Zi Xingxi got up before asking, ¡°Do you want a smoke?¡±


    Yi Chen who still resembled an electrified zombie shook his head robotically and Zi Xingxi shrugged her shoulders before getting off the ride.


    Yi Chen wasn¡¯t the only one who was bombarded. These two were like nosy aunties at a family gathering going after a husband and wife separately so they can hound the pair for not having kids yet. Only that unlike those aunties Zi Xingxi and Lin Ruoxi were subtle and polite about it.


    What did Lin Ruoxi say to him? Well, she asked, ¡°Are you two happy together?¡± and once Zi Han answered yes, she said, ¡°then wouldn¡¯t it be nice to get married.¡±


    Yes, she said that and Zi Han¡¯s expression was even more bloodless than Yi Chen¡¯s. When he got off that teacup ride his face looked like he had juste off the most terrifying rollercoaster ride in the federation. That rollercoaster ride also happened to be right behind him. Now he really wanted to go on that vomit inducing ride.


    He might have been a little shaken but he could still control himself thus when he grabbed Yi Chen¡¯s hand he seemed as normal as possible. Zi Han was about to ask Yi Chen if he was okay because his expression didn¡¯t seem right as well but Yi Chen pulled him to the side and pressed him against a wall.


    Zi Han was a little startled but he didn¡¯t say anything. He just watched as Yi Chen nced around slightly before kissing his lips his actions domineering and possessive.


    Zi Han had been with Yi Chen for so long that he could now tell the difference between each and every kiss Yi Chen initiated.


    There was the ¡®I missed you, where have you been¡¯ kiss, ¡®I love you but I am busy¡¯ kiss, and the ¡®I am horny let¡¯s fuck¡¯ kiss among many.


    This kiss here was an ¡®I am jealous and need appeasement¡¯ kiss but what did his mother say that had Yi Chen eating his face off in public?


    Zi Han let him vent it all out and in truth, he was getting into it. This whole kissing in public came with its own rush of endorphins thus when Yi Chen stopped kissing Zi Han was a little disappointed.


    He licked his slightly swollen lips while ncing around. A few people were looking and one girl who got caught staring gave him a thumbs up before running away.


    Yi Chen embraced Zi Han his chin resting on his shoulder. His arms wound around Zi Han¡¯s waist tightly as he exhaled as though offloading all his frustrations.

 Chapter 307

    307 ¡°Someone will get jealous.¡±


    Zi Han rubbed his back and asked, ¡°What¡¯s wrong?¡±


    Yi Chen opened his mouth but how was he supposed to say it? Was he supposed to say he was afraid Zi Han would be stolen from him by an elder man who looked like a walking STI? Clearly, he had nothing to worry about but the way Zi Xingxi suggested it was as though he had something to worry about.


    ¡°I am fine. I just... I just miss you,¡± said Yi Chen and Zi Han wanted to call horse shit on that response but he let it go.


    ¡°Come on, let¡¯s go. They will start looking for us,¡± said Zi Han and Yi Chen let go of him with a heavy sigh.


    ¡°You keep sighing like that and you will start to sound like an old man,¡± retorted Zi Han with a slight quirk at the corner of his lips.


    The word old man seemed to be a trigger to Yi Chen today because he hugged Zi Han again and this time Zi Han couldn¡¯t breathe.


    ¡°Uh uh... stop hugging otherwise you will squeeze me to death,¡± he said and Yi Chen reluctantly let him go.


    ¡°My lips are dry. You literally sucked all the moisture out of them,¡±ined Zi Han, and Yi Chen had a solution for that.


    He took out a berry st lip balm and instead of handing it to Zi Han he raised his chin and popped the lid off before applying it to Zi Han¡¯s lips.


    .....


    Zi Han couldn¡¯t help butugh seeing this. ¡°Wouldn¡¯t it be easier if I did it?¡± he asked but Yi Chen was adamant. He wanted to do it for his sweetheart.


    ¡°Hold still. Don¡¯t move,¡± he said and began to apply in gentle strokes his expression serious like he was performing an important task.


    ¡°Your lips are dry too,¡± he whispered while brushing away the strand of hair hanging on Yi Chen¡¯s forehead.


    Yi Chen nced into Zi Han¡¯s eyes as his lips quirked up into a smile. ¡°I will take care of that,¡± he said and lowered his head. Just as their lips were about to touch Zi Han smelt something very familiar. It was his mom¡¯s favorite brand of cigarettes. He could identify that smell even in his sleep.


    ¡°Fuck!¡± he swore as he pushed Yi Chen away.


    ¡°What?¡± asked Yi Chen seeming a little confused.


    ¡°Ma?¡± said Zi Han as he turned the corner and guess what? His mother was there and so was Lin Ruoxi and they were eavesdropping.


    To be fair, they at least remembered to shoo away Yi Youxi and Ming Ming before they began snooping. Please me Lin Ruoxi for that. She just noticed they were gone and when she went to find them she stumbled on what she thought was a proposal.


    This is how these two ended up here eavesdropping. ¡°Well... this is awkward,¡± said Lin Ruoxi trying to ease the tense atmosphere but it only made things worse. She pointed at Yi Chen¡¯s lips and continued to say, ¡°Your lips are still dry.¡±


    ¡°Ru...,¡± whispered Zi Xingxi through gritted teeth.


    ¡°What?¡± she asked seeing nothing wrong with what she said.


    ¡°Let¡¯s go get you a mimosa,¡± replied Zi Xingxi only for Ming Ming to show up holding a puppy.


    ¡°Mum! Mum! Look, can I take it home,¡± she said and behind her, a man dressed in a pet.co employee t-shirt rushed over to stop her. And Yi Youxi? Well, he was unbothered. He just witnessed his sister yank a feeding puppy from its mother¡¯s nipple and didn¡¯t find anything wrong with that.


    ¡°Can I keep it, please?¡± said Ming Ming showing those puppy dog eyes, the same ones she pulls when she wants to get away with shit.


    ¡°No no no honey. You have to go return it. We can¡¯t keep it,¡± replied Lin Ruoxi as she took the whining puppy from her daughter¡¯s hands.


    ¡°Saozi can adopt it. He loves cute little animals,¡± suggested Yi Youxi only for Zi Han to refuse saying,


    ¡°Someone will get jealous.¡±


    ¡°Oh. Little Nim won¡¯t mind. They can y together with Mr. Twiggles,¡± said Ming Ming desperate to take this little cutie home.


    ¡°Who said anything about my little Nimsel? I am talking about him. He will get jealous,¡± said Zi Han.


    Everyone, ¡°...¡±


    ¡°Why are you all looking at me like that?¡± continued Zi Han, ¡°am I lying?¡±


    ¡°That... well. Even I can¡¯t refute that,¡± replied Lin Ruoxi as the employee of pet.co took away the little puppy that was reluctant to leave Lin Ruoxi¡¯s hands. ¡°I am so sorry about that,¡± she said to the employee. He nodded his head before walking away with the puppy.


    ¡°Um dage, your lips look very dry. Do you want some lip balm? You can use mine,¡± offered Yi Youxi bringing back the awkward atmosphere from before.


    ¡°How about we go get some drinks then go to the rollercoaster? Doesn¡¯t that sound fun?¡± said Lin Ruoxi while gently nudging her kids on.


    ¡°Yeah!... I want a strawberry slushy,¡± said Ming Ming having already forgotten about the cute little puppy.


    ¡°I want iced coffee... ow, mum,¡± said Yi Youxi only for him to be lightly flicked on his forehead.


    ¡°You know why you can¡¯t have coffee. You kept me up all night ying board games thest time. Not gonna happen,¡± said Lin Ruoxi scolding her son.


    Zi Xingxi stared at the two and asked, ¡°What would you like? I will get it for you.¡±


    Zi Han was about to say she didn¡¯t have to because they wereing with her when Zi Xingxi pointed at Yi Chen¡¯s lips and said, ¡°Don¡¯t you have to take care of that?¡±


    Zi Han, ¡°Oh god.¡±


    AAAAHHHH, that was so embarrassing for him. Why would his mother say that? ¡°One chocte milkshake it is then,¡± said Zi Xingxi before walking away.


    Zi Han couldn¡¯t believe it. He nced at her retreating back then his boyfriend then back at his mother but still, he couldn¡¯t understand what was happening.


    ¡°What did she say to you on the ride? I mean why would she say that?¡± asked Zi Han his cheeks heating up from embarrassment. Didn¡¯t she loathe Yi Chen? Whenever he mentioned his name his mother would either humph, roll her eyes, or re.


    One time Zi Han saw a printed picture of Yi Chen pinned on the training dummy with knives in it. That is the day he came back home with a bright and vivid hickey on his neck.


    To fully understand how upset she was one has to remember that she took the time out of her busy schedule to print on paper just to do that when paper was very rare. Now she was actively encouraging him to kiss Yi Chen? How baffling.


    While Zi Han was too stunned to speak, Yi Chen kissed him rubbing off all that lip balm on his glossy lips. How could Yi Chen not do it when his mother-inw gave him permission?

 Chapter 308

    308 Is an a frosted muffin an oversized cupcake?


    Because of the secret conversation between Yi Chen and his mother, Zi Han was scratching his head for the rest of the day. Be it in the soul snatching rollercoaster, on the ear bursting drop tower, or the horrendous pendulum rides. He couldn¡¯t get it neither was Yi Chen speaking.


    His mother, on the other hand, was very dismissive shutting him down with the words, ¡°You said I should be nice to him now I am and you are asking me so many questions. Han Han, what do you want from your mother?¡±


    Zi Han, ¡°???¡±


    He knew that there was some maniption in her words but he had indeed said that so.... yep.


    The six of them had the most amazing day creating family memories. What surprised Zi Han the most was that his mother was smiling more and seemed to really enjoy Lin Ruoxi¡¯spany.


    He finally realized what his mother had been missing. She had been missing a kindred spirit friend. Okay, okay.... kindred spirit might be the wrong choice of words because the only thing they had inmon was the need to protect their kids.


    Zi Xingxi was a trigger happy part-time assassin with a temper and Lin Ruoxi was a kind-hearted yet frugal businesswoman monopolizing the fashion industry behind the curtains. In essence, they were pr opposites but somehow they had the opportunity to be best friends.


    He was really happy that his mother found a friend in Lin Ruoxi. Zi Han had been looking at his mother arguing with Lin Ruoxi about muffins and frosting when a poppyseed muffin showed up in front of him.


    ¡°Who do you think is right?¡± asked Yi Chen while scooching closer till their shoulders were touching. Yi Chen¡¯s hand glided on Zi Han¡¯s thigh as he stared at him with affection in his eyes.


    .....


    Zi Han would have heard Yi Chen¡¯s question if it weren¡¯t for the fact that the man¡¯s hand was crawling up his thigh with sinister intentions. Most would say, ¡®Oh no Zi Han, it¡¯s an innocent touch on the thigh. Nothing sinister about that,¡¯ but the man was kneading and rubbing while inching closer to his ahem....


    ¡°Huh?¡± asked Zi Han after ncing at that hand that was bing quite unruly.


    Yi Chen urged him to take the muffin but Zi Han refused. ¡°Why? You don¡¯t want it? We still have to go on the tunnel of love before dinner,¡± said Yi Chen taking the muffin away and peeling off the parchment paper.


    Zi Han took a glimpse at those fingers peeling the paper of the muffin and bit his lower lip saying, ¡°I want it but my hands are not working properly... especially after...¡±


    Yi Chen leered at him from the corner of his eyes his expression overflowing with deep affection but his expression froze when Zi Han said this,


    ¡°The soul snatcher really left me trembling... Look my hands are still shaking.¡±


    And here Yi Chen was thinking that Zi Han was referring to their bathroom escapades. Apparently, he was referring to the rollercoaster ride and he was saying it with a smile


    Yi Chen chuckled while bringing up the muffin for him to eat, ¡°Okay, then I will feed you.¡±


    Zi Han bit into his heart warming up from the sweetness of the atmosphere. Unfortunately for Zi Han, this moment didn¡¯tst. That¡¯s because Lin Ruoxi said this,


    ¡°Practicing for your wedding I see.¡±


    Yi Chen, ¡°Mum! Aren¡¯t you supposed to argue about frosting and muffins?¡±


    Just like a sloth with a short attention span shepletely forgot what she said and went back to the muffins. ¡°A muffin with frosting is basically an oversized cupcake,¡± she said and of course, everyone refuted her including Ming Ming by the way.


    ¡°It¡¯s most definitely still a muffin mum,¡± said Yi Youxi who hadn¡¯t said anything all this time. He just wanted this muffin business to end.


    ¡°Let¡¯s argue about it on the next ride,¡± said Zi Xingxi and Lin Ruoxi agreed. The only problem was that everyone seemed to be opposing her so as they walked over to the tunnel of love she decided to call a friend who she was certain would be on her side and that friend was her husband.


    Marshal Yi was working on the documents for the mission tomorrow when his darling wife called. He showed a beautiful smile looking at his wife¡¯s new hair cut. ¡°You look, gorgeous baby,¡± he said only for him to hear his daughter talk about muffins.


    Lin Ruoxi ced her finger on her lips gesturing for her to quiet down as they walked. ¡°Honey, let me ask you something. Is a frosted muffin basically an oversized cupcake?¡± she asked but her choice of words had already controlled the narrative. Knowing his wife well the Marshal already knew what answer she wanted him to pick.


    ¡°Definitely an oversized cupcake,¡± he answered with a smile so big like he was expecting to get a rewardter on. He was like a dog waiting for his treat after performing a trick.


    In her excitement, Lin Ruoxi turned the camera around and said, ¡°See that. I knew you were all ganging up on me. I told you it¡¯s an oversized cupcake.¡±


    Everyone, ¡°...¡±


    Marshal Yi, ¡°...¡±


    His ellipses were because he had seen two faces he didn¡¯t expect to see. One was wearing sunsses while carrying his daughter and the other was eating a muffin while walking alongside Yi Chen. Why were these two on an outing with his family? Why?


    AN: Yes, why Lin Ruoxi? Why?


    As expected he asked, ¡°Why is-...¡± but before he could get that far Lin Ruoxi shut him down immediately moving the camera away before whispering,


    ¡°This has everything to do with our son¡¯s future now shh. Will talk about itter.¡±


    She immediately cut the video and flicked her hair trying to act casual before saying, ¡°Are you all ready for the love tunnel.¡±


    ¡°No. Yuck. Let¡¯s go to the haunted mansion,¡± said Ming Ming. For her, the love tunnel truly sounded soppy to her. She much preferred the haunted mansion. Unfortunately, she didn¡¯t understand what her mother was trying to do here. She was trying to get these two together forever and she would do anything to fuel that.

 Chapter 309

    309 Why Zi Han should be banned from haunted mansions


    ¡°Sweety, mommy will buy you candy floss if you go with it,¡± she whispered through gritted teeth but Ming Ming was adamant about the haunted mansion.


    ¡°Plus you get scared easily. If I take you there you wouldn¡¯t be able to sleep tonight,¡± said Lin Ruoxi but her kids were dead set on going against her today.


    ¡°But it¡¯s still light outside. She won¡¯t be scared. I also want to go,¡± said Yi Youxi before looking at Zi Han, ¡°Don¡¯t you want to go too?¡±


    Zi Han, ¡°...¡±


    He is very brave but absolutely not that brave. ¡°Um... I,¡± he stammered but Yi Chen finished the sentence for him,


    ¡°You guys can go. We will go to the love tunnel ride.¡±


    Zi Han, ¡°...¡±


    Now he looked like he was a scaredy cat. A seven year old was excited for a good scare yet he was ready to head for the hills.


    Well, challenge epted. ¡°I will go,¡± said Zi Han and he received an ¡®are you serious¡¯ nce from both Yi Chen and Zi Xingxi.


    .....


    ¡°Let¡¯s go. After that we can go for dinner,¡± said Zi Han as he turned and led the way. The reason why he turned that fast was that he didn¡¯t want them all to see that his expression had turned ghastly.


    Zi Han would much rather be at war with the Republic right now than face a haunted mansion. With the Federation¡¯s technology, it was as realistic as day and Zi Han wasn¡¯t looking forward to it. He was so terrified he was literally sweating bullets right now. Yi Chen caught up with him and tried to talk him out of it but Zi Han was as stubborn as a mule.


    So how bad was Zi Han¡¯s fear? Well, he would sleep with the light on, y games, or watch something funny just to get over the gory image of a ghost tearing apart a victim in a movie. It would undoubtedly be better when Yi Chen was around because he could coax him to sleep. This is why Yi Chen was a little concerned.


    And he was right to be concerned because a haunted mansion and Zi Han did not mix at all. One might ask what did he do that was so bad. Well, as already established Zi Han was more of a fight response guy than flight thus things happened that shouldn¡¯t have happened in that haunted mansion.


    Everything from punching a hole in the wall after a jump scare to drawing his firearm at a screen projecting a five dimensional image of a ghoul.


    Lucky for him there weren¡¯t any people cosying as ghosts otherwise it might have been awsuit waiting to happen.


    While his future husband was payingpensation for the damage, Lin Ruoxi patted his back and asked, ¡°Han Han are you perhaps afraid of ghosts?¡±


    Zi Han, ¡°No...¡±


    Zi Xingxi, ¡°Yes, definitely yes.¡±


    ¡°Mum?¡± replied Zi Han having been exposed. Ming Ming and Yi Youxi felt so bad but at the same time couldn¡¯t help but giggle recalling how Zi Han frightened that ghost so much that it ran for its life. It was both a frightening but happy experience.


    The good thing though was that Zi Han was now banned from the haunted mansion, banned for a lifetime. Even throughout dinner Zi Han was still slightly unnerved by this. Not only did everyone know that he was afraid of ghosts but he had sessfully been banned. No amount of peaches and cream crepes for dessert could make him feel better.


    It was only after Yi Chen took him outside to watch fireworks did Zi Han¡¯s mood improve.


    ¡°Well, this was a shitty day... I made a fool of myself,¡± said Zi Han with Yi Chen wrapping his arms around the man¡¯s shoulder as he stood behind him.


    Yi Chen exhaled deeply with his warm breath brushing against Zi Han¡¯s ear before replying, ¡°It wasn¡¯t that bad. At least now we won¡¯t go to haunted mansions anymore.¡±


    That didn¡¯t make Zi Han feel any better. Well, that is until he looked up and saw the shimmering lights of a burst firework with the words ¡®I Love You¡¯. Zi Han chuckled and was about to ask which lovesick fool went as far as doing that when another firework flew up and ignited showing in bright red his full name.


    Zi Han, ¡°...¡±


    ¡°So you are the lovesick idiot who did that?¡± asked Zi Han and Yi Chen admitted it.


    ¡°En, I did. I thought that would make you smile,¡± said Yi Chen and Zi Han was indeed smiling. He was smiling so much that it was reaching his eyes.


    ¡°So are you not going to say it back?¡± asked Yi Chen staring at Zi Han¡¯s side profile.


    Zi Han chuckled before answering, ¡°No... no I am not.¡±


    ¡°Really?¡± said Yi Chen before moving his arms and wrapping them around Zi Han¡¯s waist before picking him up. The two fooled around for a while under the dim lights of the fireworks. It was like the perfect ending to an eventful day that¡¯s is for the two of them.


    For Lin Ruoxi, not so much because they were arguing over what exactly was she doing hanging out with the Zi family members at the amusement park. They had had this conversation about this before but never came to a concession. That¡¯s because Lin Ruoxi kept insisting that she really like being friends with Zi Xingxi and that¡¯s what she was going to do.


    Marshal Yi could no longer argue anymore. His wife was clearly stubborn about this and he was starting to feel like she was hiding something. There was definitely more beneath the surface and since his wife wouldn¡¯t say it then who else could he ask?


    His kids. Not the big one because he could never crack that one no matter how hard he tries. He could only go two his seven year old and nine year old for answers. Unfortunately for him, it wasn¡¯t as easy as he thought. His kids were indeed his kids and quite difficult to manipte the truth out of.

 Chapter 310

    310 How to interrogate your kids


    The sound of two bowls, with three ice cream vors, scoops with bright cherries and a light drizzle of chocte sauce on top, being slid on the kitchen counter filled the dimly lit room. On the sides were peeled bananas sandwiching the three scoops of ice cream bringing together the most perfect banana split the Marshal had ever made.


    Opposite him were his two greedy kids eyeballing the tantalizing dessert with drool at the corner of their lips. He made sure to keep the distance between them and the bowls long enough that he would be able to retrieve them if they dared act recklessly.


    While polishing three dessert spoons he gazed at the pair of siblings and asked, ¡°Youxi does it look good?¡±


    Yi Youxi swallowed his saliva while averting his gaze like he wasn¡¯t going to answer that question. The Marshal didn¡¯t mind. To bring down their defenses one had to go for the weakest link in the chain and that link was his youngest child.


    ¡°Ming Ming sweety, does it look yummy?¡± he asked as heid out the dessert spoons on the kitchen counter one by one. The nking sound drew Ming Ming¡¯s attention back from staring at the yummy yummy dessert.


    With her index finger in her mouth, she nodded her head her eyes big and round like a doll begging for permission to eat.


    ¡°That¡¯s good. I made it for you two especially,¡± he said as he took one dessert spoon and hovered it around the two bowls as though trying to pick which one to eat first.


    ¡°Dad, I thought you made it for us?¡± asked Ming Ming her brows furrowed while looking at that dessert spoon like it was the enemy. If she hadser beam eyes she would have zapped that despicable dessert spoon a long time ago.


    ¡°Mn, I did I did... it¡¯s just that it kindaes at a cost. I will give it to you only if you truthfully answer my questions,¡± he said having picked Yi Youxi¡¯s bowl to pick on first.


    .....


    Ming Ming rxed her tense muscles when she realized that hers wasn¡¯t picked first. Yi Youxi on the other hand tried to y it cool but damn... it was so freaking hard. He decided to use his ¡®get out of any trouble¡¯ card which was bringing up his mother when his dad wanted to punish him but the problem was that his dad had already thought about that.


    Marshal Yi wouldn¡¯t do this unless he was very certain that his wife wouldn¡¯t be able to rescue them.


    ¡°I am going to call mum,¡± said Yi Youxi but the Marshal chuckled as the dessert spoon slid down the chocte vored scoop. It wasn¡¯t Yi Youxi¡¯s favorite. His favorite one was the peppermint and it was at the far end. If his father followed this trend he had a lot of time before his father eats his way to his favorite ice cream.


    ¡°Your mum took a sleeping pill because she was having a headache so for the next eight... no ten hours we will be hanging out together,¡± he said and the pair gulped unconsciously.


    ¡°So we can¡¯t go to sleep?¡± asked Ming Ming feeling a little worried. She had seen how her oldest brother would stay up training before and she was worried they were next.


    ¡°Oh, you can go to sleep sweetheart. I will just stay up and eat all of this all by myself. I will also be watching the exclusive Temple adventures movie by myself. I know you two couldn¡¯t wait to watch it,¡± he replied his expression looking like the viin professor Kripke in the new temple adventures movie.


    ¡°Ha...,¡± gasped Ming Ming while cing her hand on her chest like an adult.


    ¡°How evil,¡± said Yi Youxi as he watched his father ce a spoonful of chocte ice cream in his mouth.


    After swallowing the Marshal dropped an even bigger bomb. ¡°After that, I will spoil it for you down to everyst detail but never tell you the ending,¡± he said and Ming Ming yelled,


    ¡°You monster.¡±


    Marshal Yi shrugged his shoulder before shifting his dessert spoon towards Ming Ming¡¯s ice cream bowl. Just as the spoon touched the strawberry ice cream Ming Ming started cracking.


    ¡°I will tell you. I will tell you. Just step away from my ice cream,¡± she said her hand hovering above her bowl blocking the spoon.


    Marshal Yi smiled happily seeing that the little fishy had taken the bait. ¡°Okay, but if you are lying I will know. Now... what is going on between your mother and that auntie you went out with today? What are they plotting?¡±


    Yi Youxi, ¡°...¡±


    He knew that this had to be the reason why he brought them here but he didn¡¯t think his father would use this method to get the information.


    ¡°Easy, nothing. Mum and auntie are best friends and they aren¡¯t plotting anything,¡± honestly answered Ming Ming with no hint of deception.


    Marshal Yi felt like he should rephrase his question thus he asked, ¡°Is your oldest brother dating someone?¡±


    Yi Youxi, ¡°...¡±


    So direct? Yi Youxi kept his mouth shut while Ming Ming who had no idea what the word dating meant nervously nced at her ice cream that was safe for now and said, ¡°No.¡±


    Marshal Yi seemed to notice that she didn¡¯t understand the question so he rephrased it again and asked, ¡°Ming Ming, does your eldest brother have a girlfriend?¡±


    That question was easy to answer. The answer was obviously no. That¡¯s because her oldest brother had a boyfriend, not a girlfriend and Ming Ming was quick to answer. ¡°No. Can I eat now?¡±


    Marshal Yi stared at the both of them for a while as though contemting something. After thinking it through he asked, ¡°Then does he have a boyfrien-,¡± only for him to get interrupted by Lin Ruoxi who came into the room unexpectedly.


    ¡°There you are? Why are the three of you hanging in the kitchen at this hour?¡± she said seeming very exhausted. She walked to the sink and poured out a ss of water.

 Chapter 311

    311 You better make sure I am dead because I won¡¯t stop...


    Her lower back leaning on the kitchen counter she asked again, ¡°Why aren¡¯t you two in bed?¡±


    Yi Youxi hurriedly answered, ¡°Dad made us a banana split and brought us Temple adventures for us to watch together. Let¡¯s go Ming Ming. Let¡¯s go set up the system,¡± with a sly ¡®cat in the hat¡¯ type of smile as he picked up his and Ming Ming¡¯s bowl.


    Marshal Yi, ¡°...¡±


    He was starting to think he gave birth to a little devil.


    ¡°Mn, I also want to watch it. Go on,¡± she said waving her hand with her nails painted pearl white dazzling under the kitchen ind pendant lights.


    As soon as they left Lin Ruoxi patted her husband¡¯s arm and kissed his cheek before sheepishly saying, ¡°Let¡¯s go.¡±


    Marshal Yi, ¡°...¡±


    That woman had taken a sleeping pill powerful enough to knock out an elephant yet here she was walking around. Seriously?


    In the end, the Marshal had to watch a movie he really didn¡¯t want to watch and take care of his kids after they got so high on sugar. Yes, they literally got so high that he regretted it so much. And his wife was snoring on the couch. It didn¡¯t even take long before she passed out leaving him alone to deal with the aftermath.


    .....


    Meanwhile, Marshal Yi wasn¡¯t the only one who was awake at night in the kitchen. Zi Han was doing the same chatting with his mum.


    Yi Chen had long fallen asleep and since Zi Han hadn¡¯t had the opportunity to speak to his mother about the messages earlier he could only call her now.


    Zi Xingxi was wrapped up in a hoodie nket while watching a show. Behind her Zi Feiji was making an ice cream cake for Zi Han thus everyone had to suffer the cold chill. Even the little Nimsel had taken refuge inside the hoodie nket for warmth.


    Zi Xingxi answered Zi Han¡¯s video call request and asked, ¡°You already put him to sleep? I honestly thought young people like you love staying upte.¡±


    Zi Han poured out some fruit juice in a ss before ncing at his mother through the screen and as he lowered his gaze he asked, ¡°Why are you dressed like it¡¯s freezing cold?¡±


    ¡°Ask your grandfather. He decided to start this little project now,¡± she replied only for Zi Feiji to rush over before asking,


    ¡°Hey Han Han, do you like rum raisin ice cream?¡±


    Zi Han nced at his grandpa who was beaming like he had aplished something big. ¡°I don¡¯t mind it. What are you making?¡± asked Zi Han only for Zi Feiji to wave his hand and walk away with a spring in his step leaving Zi Han with a perplexed look on his face.


    ¡°What is he doing?¡± asked Zi Han a little worried for him.


    ¡°He is making his dearest grandson and his entire squad some ice cream cake. Why you might ask? It¡¯s because Marshal Yi send him a picture of the banana split he made for his kids and of course, your grandpa had to escte things,¡± replied Zi Xingxi before taking a seep of her Irish coffee.


    ¡°I do like ice cream cake but the reason he is doing it is worrying,¡± said Zi Han while sitting down.


    ¡°And the um texts... ignore them. That Ikeda is really fucked up. If he keeps messing with you, tell me so I can end him. I will risk everything to get that pervert off your back,¡± she said seeming really livid about this.


    Zi Han¡¯s brows arched upon hearing this. He didn¡¯t think the person who sent him those messages was the prime minister. He didn¡¯t take those messages seriously.


    He couldn¡¯t wrap his head around it. After he almost killed him the man was still so adamant about getting his attention. It seemed he really kept to his word that he said that day.


    What the prime minister had said to him at that time was, ¡°You better make sure I am dead because I won¡¯t stop.¡±


    At that time Zi Han thought the man was hallucinating from losing a lot of blood and said such nonsense but as it turns out he was very serious.


    Zi Han chuckled finally putting two and two together. This pair of besties were worried that he would get hooked by that idiot prime minister so they wanted to lock down his rtionship with Yi Chen just in case. This is why his mother¡¯s attitude had changed and why Lin Ruoxi was talking about marriage.


    ¡°You two are crazy,¡± said Zi Han looking at his mother with slight confusion. ¡°Do you think I would be interested in that pervert? Is that why all of you were panicking like dogs before a storm?¡±


    Zi Xingxi opened and closed her mouth a few times before pouring out more whiskey into her coffee and drinking it.


    ¡°Ma!¡± called out Zi Han but Zi Xingxi was pretending like she couldn¡¯t hear him.


    ¡°I have to help your grandfather. He put the temperature down so low so that the ice cream wouldn¡¯t melt. It¡¯s because of you that we are suffering. Come sweety, let¡¯s go. Your father is tripping,¡± she said with thetter sentence referring to the little Nimsel that had crawled out of the hoodie nket.


    Zi Han, ¡°...¡±


    Who was really tripping between them? As soon as that video call cut Zi Han felt like swapping out this orange juice for whiskey. But instead, he decided to go to bed thus he drank up whatever was remaining when his light brain made a dinging sound having received a notification.


    Zi Han swiped down and as expected another message came in. Because he had blocked out the other number the messages were nowing from a different number.


    SN9356: You blocked me, why?


    Zi Han moved his finger to block the number when another message came through.


    SN9356: Wait don¡¯t block me yet.


    SN9356: I have video evidence.


    SN9356: Please.


    Zi Han, ¡°...¡±


    Recalling what his mother said Zi Han didn¡¯t hesitate to block that number.


    A few blocks over a man sitting in the dark with a glowing me from a cigarette lighting the room sighed in frustration while staring at the ¡®you have been blocked¡¯ prompt on the screen. He should have let it go but he just couldn¡¯t. Like an infestation, it was growing and if he didn¡¯t talk to him he might end up suffocating from it.

 Chapter 312

    312 A dash of NSFW


    Suffocating? Yes, especially to Zi Han. He absolutely regretted not chopping that man¡¯s head off.


    Zi Han pushed back his hair in frustration revealing his smooth forehead. His eyes closed he exhaled only for a pair of arms to slip down his shoulders and embrace him. ¡°Can¡¯t sleep?¡± asked Yi Chen rubbing his nose on Zi Han¡¯s neck.


    Zi Han smiled as he ced his hand on the back of Yi Chen¡¯s head and said, ¡°I can¡¯t sleep so I called mom. She said grandpa is making ice cream cake.¡±


    A low chuckle came from Yi Chen with the vibrations from his chest transmitting through Zi Han¡¯s back which was incrediblyforting.


    ¡°Come to bed baby. I miss you,¡± said Yi Chen his voice deep and hoarse tickling Zi Han¡¯s senses.


    Zi Han nodded his head. He didn¡¯t want to sit here any longer. He would much rather be in Yi Chen¡¯s arms cuddling in bed. ¡°My legs are numb... I can¡¯t get up,¡± said Zi Han not even bothering to put some effort into his acting it.


    Yi Chen knew he was pretending but he didn¡¯t hesitate to pick him up in a princess carry like a bride about to be carried over the threshold.


    Zi Han wrapped his arms around Yi Chen¡¯s neck and took the opportunity to kiss the man¡¯s lips. Not a light hearted type of peck but deep kissing with some tongue action putting Yi Chen¡¯s mind in a daze.


    ¡°You do realize I can¡¯t see where I am going if you keep kissing me like that,¡± said Yi Chen moving away from this vixen¡¯s lips.


    .....


    Zi Han wasn¡¯t having it. He followed Yi Chen¡¯s lips with his arms pulling him closer. In the end, Yi Chen could only carry his lover to the bedroom while getting his face eaten.


    Yi Chen ced Zi Han on the bed but instead of getting off of him, Yi Chen carried on kissing Zi Han with his hands roaming around the front cket of his pajamas trying to unbutton it.


    Zi Han who had initially started this mess felt like he had set himself up.


    Yi Chen¡¯s breathing was getting heavier as he kissed him harder and deeper with a fervent urgent sending the both of them into a downward spiral.


    It was when Yi Chen¡¯s finger slipped into his pajamas did Zi Han stop him. His palms pressed on Yi Chen¡¯s chest he asked, ¡°What are you doing?¡±


    With a smirk on his face, Yi Chen lowered his head and licked Zi Han¡¯s neck, and sucked his adam¡¯s apple before saying, ¡°I want ate night snack.¡±


    Zi Han chuckled with his hands at the back of Yi Chen¡¯s neck before saying, ¡°We are setting off in a few hours. Stop messing around.¡±


    Zi Han¡¯s legs wrapped around Yi Chen¡¯s waist and hips pulling his man down. The two of them slept side by side with Yi Chen¡¯s hand resting on Zi Han¡¯s waist.


    ¡°I was fine just now but after you kept chasing my tongue with yours you made me hungry. You should take responsibility,¡± said Yi Chen his nose brushing against Zi Han¡¯s ear.


    Zi Han stroked Yi Chen¡¯s hair affectionately as he smiled lovingly. He liked it when Yi Chen acted spoilt. When Yi Chen did that it left a warm and fuzzy feeling inside his heart. Zi Han bit his bottom lip as his hand slipped down to touch that ce that was as hard as a rod.


    ¡°I will give you ate night snack,¡± whispered Zi Han and the hand on his waist kneaded his muscles which felt very pleasant.


    Zi Han stroked the bulge protruding under his lover¡¯s pajama pants. Yi Chen took a sharp intake of air as that hand rubbed against him. Zi Han¡¯s smile grew wider when he heard that. He felt an inexplicable thrill wash over his body. While stroking it Yi Chen¡¯s breathing turned raspy as a slightly damp patch appeared on his pants.


    Zi Han¡¯s fingers slipped through the stic band of Yi Chen¡¯s pajama pants and touched his hard member through his wet underwear. Yi Chen felt a wave of numbness spread all over his body when Zi Han touched him. As his hunger intensified he ced his hand on the side of Zi Han¡¯s neck and pulled him closer for a voracious kiss, his breath sweltering.


    Zi Han slowly slipped his fingers inside his underwear and touched the tip of his cock smeared with slippery liquid. When he touched him, Yi Chen made a deep inarticte sound conveying his contentment. Zi Han skillfully stroked his lover¡¯s member and whatever he was doing had Yi Chen feverish and thirsty for more.


    Passionate gasps and moans filled the room apanied by the rustling sounds on the bed. Unable to contain his yearning for his lover, Zi Hany on top of Yi Chen straddling him while unbuttoning his disheveled pajama top.


    Yi Chen leered at him with his hands slipping underneath Zi Han¡¯s pajamas caressing his skin. He found himself gulping hard with lust in his eyes enchanted by the erotic image above him. Zi Han¡¯s lips were swollen from the kissing just now which was very tantalizing. The way his chest rose and fell as he took off his clothes was so aphrodisiac leaving Yi Chen so intoxicated.


    One button after another the smooth skin underneath the fabric was revealed and by the time he removed his clothes Yi Chen¡¯s object was already incensed with desire.


    He couldn¡¯t help it anymore thus he sat up and began to ravish Zi Han¡¯s chest licking, kissing, and sucking with his hands fondling Zi Han¡¯s back.


    Zi Han gasped with his head leaned back. He elongated his neck looking like ascivious fox demon ready to snatch his soul.


    Their heated bodies entwined together with their hearts pounding in sync like they were working in tandem. Zi Han whimpered as Yi Chen¡¯s tongue licked his nipple. His body spasmed in ecstasy as he wrapped his arms around Yi Chen¡¯s neck. Yi Chen paid careful attention to those two beads up until Zi Han¡¯s lower half felt wet from the lewd fluids. Zi Han¡¯s hips twisted ufortably famished with desire.

 Chapter 313

    313 NSFW He pulled up Yi Chen¡¯s t-shirt, took it off and pulled out his member from his pants his lips stered on Yi Chen¡¯s as they kissed fiercely.


    Zi Han¡¯s hands weren¡¯t idle. He grasped both their members and began to rub them together with the undersides of both cocks touching along their entire length, stroking both penises simultaneously.


    The warmth from Zi Han¡¯s cock and the contact along the shaft intensified the sensation making Yi Chen let out a muffled groan.


    As Zi Han continued to thrust his hips forward and stroke their members together things became extremely heated like a contagious fever was passing back and forth between them.


    Zi Han pushed Yi Chen down and with their chests, stomachs, and cocks stered together he began to move his body as they kissed passionately.


    Yi Chen went through a myriad of emotions as his hand caressed Zi Han¡¯s back. Lewd sounds echoed in the room as the figures on the bed entwined together enthralled in passion.


    ¡°Ah fuck.... mm mm ... ah aah fuck,¡± whispered Zi Han his hips grinding fervidly as his fingers clutching the sheets tightly.


    As he approached the pique of ecstasy Zi Han bit down on Yi Chen¡¯s shoulder his muscles tense as a flux of creamy fluid flowed out of his cock.


    The low whimpersing from his throat and the way Zi Han¡¯s body moved as he climaxed broke the taut string. Yi Chen hugged Zi Han¡¯s back tightly as he groaned in gratification reaching the ultimate pique of pleasure.


    .....


    The two of themy there quietly for a minute catching their breaths. Zi Han felt sweaty and the wetness between them was diforting but he couldn¡¯t let go of Yi Chen. He kept embracing him his mind straying to the pair of rings in his storage.


    He was truly considering taking them out and putting them on each of their fingers. He felt the time was right but at the same time he didn¡¯t want to make it seem like his mother had gotten to him.


    Yi Chen hadn¡¯t said anything when they came back. Maybe he was still thinking about it. Zi Han decided to talk to him about it after cleaning up but when he raised his head the man was already asleep.


    Zi Han, ¡°...¡±


    ¡°Chen-ge,¡± he called out and there was no response.


    ¡°Chen Chen,¡± he called out again but the man was still passed out. If it weren¡¯t for his chest rising and falling one would think he was dead.


    ¡°Yi Chen,¡± he said again and this time there was a response.


    ¡°Mn,¡± he answered and rubbed Zi Han¡¯s back as though appeasing him before falling back asleep.


    Zi Han, ¡°...¡±


    He bit his cheek staring at the man sleeping peacefully. He suddenly felt helpless. He was the one who always passed out not the other way around.


    Zi Han heaved a sigh as he sat up. He touched the sticky wetness on his belly and a slight quirk appeared on his face. Since his baby wanted to sleep then tomorrow he was going to wake up an engaged man.


    Zi Han got off the bed and grabbed a few wet wipes before cleaning the cum off his belly.


    After he was done he cleaned up the sticky fluids on his sweetheart¡¯s stomach before fixing Yi Chen¡¯s clothes and covering him with a quilt. When he finally finished he slipped underneath the quilt with two ck rings in his hand and ced it on each of their ring fingers.


    One could only imagine the type of expression Yi Chen would have when he wakes up with a ring on his finger. Imagining that colorful expression on Yi Chen¡¯s face when he woke up, Zi Han fell asleep with a contented expression.


    ***


    ¡°Take another picture, this time make sure you make the cake appear bigger,¡± said Zi Feiji instead of letting Zain and Omari take the ice cream cake in before it melts.


    ¡°Grandpa... just let them put it inside. It¡¯s already melting,¡± said Zi Han but grandpa Zi wasn¡¯t having it.


    ¡°How am I supposed to brag about it if I don¡¯t get a good picture? I want to show that bastard that I am better at this than him,¡± said Zi Feiji before ordering Zain and Omari around.


    And these two were d to make grandpa Zi happy because to them this man was a legend.


    ¡°Look at me, look at me,¡± said Zi Xingxi fixing Zi Han¡¯s hair before continuing, ¡°I have taken care of everyone except for one. Just keep safe and don¡¯t think about all those messed up things while you are out there, okay? I will follow you after. I just need to deal with thatst person. I will be your backup.¡±


    Zi Han would have much preferred it if his mother stayed here with his grandfather but his mother had indeed offended a lot of people thus they could only do this.


    ¡°Okay, I will be careful. Just take grandpa along. I am really worried about him staying alone,¡± said Zi Han as his mother nced at the man who was having a photo shoot for an ice cream cake.


    Zi Xingxi nodded her head in agreement before stretching out her palm and asking for something but Zi Han was ying dumb.


    ¡°Give it,¡± said Zi Xingxi her brow arched like she meant business.


    Zi Han sighed as he pulled down the zipper of his jacket. A fluffy head with a bow popped out of his jacket and made a distinct wee sound as though confused.


    ¡°You can take Mr. Twiggles with you but not him. It¡¯s too cold for him there,¡± said Zi Xingxi as she took away the little Nimsel.


    ¡°Ma, just say it. You two are monopolizing my baby. Look, you put a pink bow on him. Who does that?¡± said Zi Han his tone usatory.


    ¡°Come here my little cutie.... Oh, and why are you wearing gloves? You never wear them,¡± said Zi Xingxi narrowing her eyes to take a closer look.


    ¡°Ma, will you stop? Look at what grandpa is doing,¡± said Zi Han trying to prevent his mother¡¯s investigative spirit froming out.


    In his defense, Zi Feiji really needed to be stopped. The man was going bonkers with that masterpiece that deserved to be eaten and not sit under the sun having a photoshoot.


    AN: Now I want ice cream cake. Have you guys tried it? Also, don¡¯t put an engagement ring on your partner¡¯s finger while they¡¯re sleeping. It might not end well. Just saying.

 Chapter 314

    314 Leaving for Loch Ness Star


    ¡°We are all clear for take off captain... all ships are ready for warp.¡±


    ¡°Then set course for Loch Ness star.¡±


    ¡°Yes, captain.... course allid in.¡±


    ¡°Maximum warp.¡±


    ¡°Yes, captain.¡±


    Three warships hovering among the stars vanished into deep space.


    Inside the briefing room, two elite squads were sitting around the table, and others were connected through Sheba as they were in other warships or at Capital Star military headquarters.


    From the discussions, people didn¡¯t seem to be in agreement. The generals scattered all over the Federation were also in discord. Some of them didn¡¯t think it was worth sending this many teams to Loch Ness Star. They thought it was reckless and unnecessary.


    ¡°Loch Ness star has five sh points and the coordinates are all on your screens. The sixth team would be dedicated to protecting the capital city and the prime minister¡¯s office. We have also implemented a shield system in case this entire n fails and god forbid Loch Ness star goes under attack... the shield will at least minimize the explosive impact throughout the federation... hopefully it will hold up.¡±


    .....


    As soon as he stopped talking some of the generals began to murmur expressing their discontent.


    ¡°If the shield is in ce why are we sending so much personnel to Loch Ness star? Not only are we deploying the federation¡¯s top squads but three warships will also be protecting the entire. Three... not one, not two but three.¡±


    ¡°That leaves the rest of Onyx federation vulnerable well, except Capital Star of course.¡±


    The voices became louder but the Marshal and his admirals remained silent so did the six squads that were under discussion.


    Zi Han was sitting with his back slouched in the briefing room making him an outlier since everybody else was sitting with their backs straight.


    He was bored already. He could see why they were dissatisfied and, to be honest, he felt like something big was going on behind the curtain but it wasn¡¯t any of his business.


    He set his elbow on the table as he rubbed his temple with his index finger. ncing at the wheel of the chair in front of him he could see Shorty¡¯s fluffy blue head peeking from the back of the chair. Yep, don¡¯t ask when he dyed his hair that color but it looked really good on him.


    Zi Han¡¯s lips quirked up into a malicious smile. With the tip of his shoe, he tapped the wheels of the seat in front of him. Shorty who was trying to be the most well-behaved soldier he could be felt something bump his seat from behind but ignored it thinking it was idental.


    But then it happened again and again and again. Shorty didn¡¯t want to turn around but Zi Han was really messing with him. He nced at him at the corner of his eye and Zi Han winked at him.


    Shorty, ¡°...¡±


    ¡®He wants me dead doesn¡¯t he?¡¯ thought Shorty as he nced away only for him to meet Yi Chen¡¯s piercing gaze making him jolt in fright.


    Yi Chen went back to staring at Zi Han and as expected he was ignored again. That¡¯s because this morning when they were doing that, he um.... got there and then passed out. Yi Chen wasn¡¯t sure if that was what Zi Han was upset about because when he woke up the man was gone and lo and behold he had a ring on his finger which he couldn¡¯t remove by the way.


    He tried calling him and messaging him but the man didn¡¯t answer or reply back.


    Because of his family, he dyed reaching the docks and Zi Han had already left with the rest of the squad for the warship. When he finally caught up with him the briefing was about to start and Zi Han didn¡¯t hold a seat for him.


    He was already sitting between Shorty and Shannon. The man wasn¡¯t even looking at him despite staring at him for so long. If he was being honest Yi Chen felt like he was invisible to him.


    He had to witness his lover chat it up or mess with everyone else but him. Usually, Zi Han¡¯s entire attention was always on him and now that it wasn¡¯t it felt awful.


    He just wanted these old farts to finish speaking so he could apologize and then ask him the meaning of this ring. The longer this meeting went on the harder it was for him. He became extremely restless and he exhibited it by subconsciously tapping on the table.


    The argument between the generals suddenly escted and turned into a screaming match.


    Marshal Yi who had been watching this in silence finally had enough. He disconnected everyone else apart from the generals so he could have a good talk with them.


    The screen suddenly went ck leaving everyone gobsmacked. Zi Han, who had anticipated things will go in this direction put his feet up on the table crossing them at the ankles while asking, ¡°Does it mean we can go? I want to go and eat some ice cream cake.¡±


    H nced down at her light brain before saying, ¡°We already know our posts when we get there. Everyone should take advantage of these two days and rest.¡±


    After she said that some people got up and left. Shorty also stood up and wanted to say something but he felt like this wasn¡¯t the right time seeing that a north easterly wind was springing up.


    ¡°What?..,¡± asked Zi Han.


    ¡°Will you stop calling me a smurf?¡± he said intending to drop that one sentence before running away but Shaun had to chime in.


    ¡°He really doesn¡¯t like it but he looks cute though,¡± said Shaun pulling at Shorty¡¯s cheek whileughing.


    ¡°Ow,¡± yelped Shorty.


    ¡°I called him Smurfette, not a smurf there is a difference,¡± said Zi Han before taking out a packet of candy to give to Shorty.


    ¡°That¡¯s even worse... What? So you think a packet of candy will solve everything?¡± asked Shorty only for Zi Han to flip the packet around revealing a sticky note.


    ¡°My mum said I should give this to her number one fan,¡± he said only for Shorty to grab the packet and sell his soul in the process.


    ¡°You can call me Smurfette all you want,¡± said Shorty before he ran off lest Zi Han changed his mind.


    While these two were arguing about the candy Zi Han felt someone tap him on the shoulder. When he looked back he saw Shannon looking at his hands.


    ¡°What¡¯s up with the gloves?¡± she asked as she got up.


    Zi Han was tired of people asking him that question thus he said, ¡°I developed OCD recently so... only for Shannon to look past him before interrupting,


    ¡°You two have to talk. I will see youter, okay?¡±


    Zi Han nced back and found Yi Chen sitting on the table near his ankles and when he looked around everyone was gone.

 Chapter 315

    315 ¡°I, I proposed¡±


    Zi Han sat up straight with a nervousugh as he dropped his feet to the ground. ¡°Hey... what¡¯s, what¡¯s up?¡± said Zi Han licking his lips with slight anxiety.


    Yi Chen was a little surprised. He honestly thought that Zi Han was upset about the whole passing out after you ¡®know what¡¯ but it turns out he was nervous about the ring.


    The serious expression on Yi Chen¡¯s face vanished as he lowered his head letting out a light chuckle.


    Zi Han arched his brow a little surprised. He subconsciously moved his chair back intending to run and for a minute he actually thought he could get away.


    Just when he was measuring the distance between him and the door and got up but Yi Chen ced his hands on the armrest of the seat trapping him in ce.


    ¡°Captain, we are in public please restrain yourself,¡± said Zi Han only for Yi Chen to say,


    ¡°We are off duty so you can call me whatever you want.¡±


    The two stared at each other for a while before Yi Chen broke the silence. ¡°Take it off,¡± hemanded and Zi Han looked at him with a perplexed look on his face before he finally figured out what Yi Chen was talking about.


    When he figured it out his eyes widened as he ced his hands behind his back. ¡°Take what off? You... move back first and I will take it off,¡± said Zi Han trying to suppress a smile.


    .....


    ¡°You won¡¯t run?¡± asked Yi Chen and Zi Han was quick to answer,


    ¡°No, I won¡¯t run.¡±


    Yi Chen, ¡°Promise?¡±


    Zi Han, ¡°I promise.¡±


    Yi Chen stepped back and watched Zi Han take off the right glove revealing a set of slender fingers. He wanted to tell him not that one but he kept his mouth shut in the end.


    What he didn¡¯t expect though was that Zi Han would toss that glove at him before running out. Yi Chen let out a half-suppressedugh as he ran after Zi Han.


    The people they passed in the passageways just nced at them before carrying on with their business. Who didn¡¯t know that these two had something going on? They just learnt to keep their mouths shut.


    In two steps Yi Chen caught up with Zi Han and wrapped his arm around his lover¡¯s waist before picking him up and hauling him over his shoulders.


    Zi Han tried to struggle but despite them having the same rank in mental power Yi Chen was still so strong.


    ¡°Fuck... Yi Chen, let me go. Everybody can see...,¡±ined Zi Han only for him to shut his mouth when they entered the Cafeteria.


    The two teams, H¡¯s and Yi Chen¡¯s were surrounding the ice cream cake like greedy pigs.


    ¡°All irrelevant personnel please leave,¡± said Yi Chen, and what he meant by irrelevant was anyone outside these two squads.


    No one dared to question him thus they left without a second thought.


    It was only then Yi Chen put Zi Han down and grasped his wrist tightly not allowing him to leave his side.


    ¡°What¡¯s wrong with you two?¡± asked H. She had also noticed their odd behavior from earlier.


    ¡°Probably a break-up announcement,¡± said Li Ran and everyone threw whatever they could get their hands on at him.


    ¡°If these two break up then you and I might as well call it quits because we won¡¯t survive,¡± said H throwing a balled up napkin at him as the room turned chaotic.


    ¡°He is overreacting. Don¡¯t mind him,¡± said Zi Han as he tried to get away.


    Yi Chen raised Zi Han¡¯s wrist and said, ¡°I have an announcement to make,¡± before taking off Zi Han¡¯s glove. Zi Han clenched his fist feeling a little embarrassed.


    Now that he thought about it he was too impulsive. He should have nned something big but instead, he had waited until the man had fallen asleep to give him a ring. AAAHHHHH, how embarrassing. How was he supposed to answer that question in the future?


    Random person, ¡°So how did you propose?¡±


    Zi Han, ¡°Oh, I slipped a ring on his finger while he was sleeping.¡±


    That would surely be embarrassing. While he was being embarrassed over here, Yi Chen had already pulled up the glove and said, ¡°We are engaged to be married,¡± showing off the two rings side by side.


    The room fell to pin-dropping silence as everyone stared at them in shock. One was showing off while the other looked like he wanted to crawl under a rock and hide.


    ¡°Congrattions!¡±


    ¡°Congrats.¡±


    ¡°I expected it way sooner than this.....¡±


    ¡°Wow!¡±


    Floods ofments and congrattory words filled the room but one person just had to ask how this proposal went down.


    ¡°So Han Han how was it? How did he propose?¡± asked Li Ran only for Zi Han to give him a WTF type of re.


    ¡°I think the Squad leader flew his mech in the sky with a banner written ¡®will you marry me¡¯..,¡± said Zain almost imagining that beautiful proposal.


    Zi Han, ¡°....¡±


    ¡°Or maybe he bought him his favorite cake and put the ring inside. When Han Han ate the cake he bit through it. Lo and behold, an engagement ring. Tears followed and a series of I love yous came after,¡± narrated Omari his imagination going wild.


    Zi Han, ¡°QAQ¡±


    ¡°Or maybe he tied the ring around the little Nim¡¯s neck with a red bow then send it to Zi Han with a note and then Zi Han came rushing back screaming ¡®I do, I do¡¯.¡±


    Zi Han, ¡®!!!¡¯


    Okay, even he had to admit that that was a good one. Why didn¡¯t he think of it? Oh, that¡¯s right. His mother and grandmother had been monopolizing his baby so how could he think of that?


    ¡°I, I proposed,¡± said Zi Han while rubbing his temples, ¡°... while he was asleep.¡±


    Everyone, ¡°...¡±


    That was totally unexpected. Everyone wore a surprised look on their faces except Yi Chen. He was as happy as a bride at their wedding.

 Chapter 316

    316 Thest person on the list


    In a ustrophobic dark small room with no windows muffled murmurs could be heard. Sounds of metal nking became even more amplified and so did the muffled cries.


    After hours and hours of crying out and trying to free himself the man finally lost his strength andy there his eyes closed with his chest rising and falling vehemently.


    His fingers that were resting on his side suddenly felt something underneath the bed. It was part of the bed but because it was sticking out it was easy to break off. The people who brought him here were very smart. They had put him in a dark room with an old bed with no electronics because with his identity the security nanoparticles circting in his body would hack into the digital space and send an SOS signal.


    Out of desperation the man pulled and pulled at the part of the old hospital bed that was sticking out. Because the piece was rusted its integrity waspromised.


    His entire body was ridden with sweat as he kept jerking at a twisted angle because he was cuffed. His fear of death made him overlook the cut on his palm from tugging at the metal object under the bed.


    His heart leaped when he finally managed to break the small metal off the hospital bed. He nced down at the object his eyes deep like he had found his life-saving grace. His hand trembling he hid the sharp object underneath his body and exhaled deeply trying to calm his chaotic emotions.


    What he didn¡¯t realize was that someone was watching his every action. That person was none other than secretary K. He turned to Zi Xingxi and asked, ¡°Should I go in?¡±


    Zi Xingxi¡¯s lips quirked slightly into a sly grin as she nced at the man through the wide two-way mirror which the man hadn¡¯t noticed because it was dark.


    ¡°No... let¡¯s give him some hope,¡± said Zi Xingxi before turning to the open door and exiting. Secretary K immediately followed after her.


    .....


    The door that had been shut for more than twelve hours finally opened shining some light through the room. The man¡¯s eyes squinted as he adapted to the light and when he saw two figures walking in he began to make more noises again while tugging at the cuff on his wrists. This was his chance to free himself thus his actions turned frenzied on that bed.


    Zi Xingxi slowly walked over to the bed as the door was closed shut and the light from before vanished. The man¡¯s heart sank with each step that person took. His forehead covered in ayer of cold sweat he pulled out the sharp metal object from underneath his body and clenched it in his fist as he gulped.


    With a click, themp on the bedside switched on and shone at the man. When he saw the face of the perpetrator his chest tightened as his eyes shrank. He knew the people he had contracted in the dark to murder the prince were dropping one by one like flies. He also knew this day woulde, the day when the Bloodgarde caught on. But because of his current identity as the prime minister of Lienov, he didn¡¯t think Zi Xingxi would be that bold.


    Back then he was second inmand in the pce after his father who was the chief steward to the Emperor. This meant he was next in line and would be the chief steward after his father passed away.


    Everything about that position was great with so many benefits that left others covetous. But for him, it wasn¡¯t enough. He didn¡¯t want to be like his father and his grandfather who were servants to the emperor before him. Thus when this n was brought forward to him he took it and executed it with perfection.


    He might have been able to operate in the shadows but his father who knew him best figured out what was happening and tried to stop it. Things got heated between them and it didn¡¯t take long for it to turn physical. It was then that he identally killed his father. Thus for this position he had spilled blood. He had sacrificed his father.


    Recalling what he sacrificed to be who he was today he became courageous staring back at the demon that had just crawled out of hell.


    Zi Xingxi¡¯s grin grew bigger seeming pleased with his reaction. Oh, how she loved them feisty. She gently pulled down the cloth covering his mouth and asked, ¡°Is that better prime minister Fortin?¡±


    ¡°You bitch!... You know my identity but still dare! Release me!!¡± he yelled only for secretary K to take a step forward to shut him up but Zi Xingxi raised her hand to stop him.


    ¡°Oh pardon me. For a moment I forgot your identity prime minister,¡± she said her expression disingenuous.


    She was very insincere but she did walk around the hospital bed and caught the keys Secretary K tossed at her.


    ¡°When I asked someone to grab you it seems I forgot your identity. Now that you have asked me to let you go how can I disobey your order?¡± she said while unlocking the cuffs. With a soft click, the cuffs opened and she walked back around unlocking the next one.


    The man nced at his wrist that was free and pulled it out his thoughts unknown. Before Zi Xingxi could fully unlock the other handcuff the prime minister suddenly jabbed at her with the piece of metal intending to stab her.


    Before the man could stab Zi Xingxi in the eye, his arm was caught by the person he intended to hurt. His eyes widened as he jerked his arm to free himself but no matter how hard he tried he couldn¡¯t loosen that grip. The disparity in their strength was obvious. He was absolutely no match for her.


    Zi Xingxi began to move prime minister Fortin¡¯s arm towards his shoulder. When the man realized what she was nning on doing he gathered all his strength and pushed back while yelling, ¡°No... stop... stop you crazy bitch!¡±


    Zi Xingxi bit her lower lip with slight craziness in her eyes. The word ¡®bitch¡¯ triggered her. Without a second thought, she grasped his clenched fist so he wouldn¡¯t let go of that sharp object.


    ¡°Aaahhh fuck no no no,¡± said the man as the rusty object cut through his palm. Zi Xingxi almost crushed his hand.


    She drove that sharp piece into his shoulder and the man screamed at the top of his lungs. This was only the beginning of his suffering.


    ¡°AAAAAAAAAAAHHHHHHHHHHHHH!!¡± he screamed and writhed but there was no one to save him.


    Zi Xingxi made him stab into his shoulder repeatedly until the man¡¯s vicle bone was clearly visible in the pool of blood and mangled flesh.


    Zi Xingxi whose face had blood stters grasped his wrist and forced him to let go of the sharp metal before she took a step back raking her fingers through her hair.

 Chapter 317

    317 Slight gore... proceed with caution


    ¡°Now look what you have done. You ruined my new dress,¡± she said ncing down at her green floral dress.


    For those wondering why she chose to wear this, it was because she hade from getting manicures with Lin Ruoxi before she came here to take care of the slippery slug that seemed so hard to catch.


    Zi Xingxi gestured with her finger for Secretary K to release his wrist still cuffed onto the hospital bed.


    Secretary K unlocked the cuffs and tossed him onto the ground. As he rolled on the floor crying out in pain, Zi Xingxi walked back and began to kick his body with every strength she could gather without killing him.


    Because she was wearing a pointed stiletto it intensified the pain. It was like his ribs were being cracked by a blunt object. Zi Xingxi grasped his cor and sat him up before punching his face repeatedly and flung him against the wall.


    The man could barely breathe as hey there his body trembling from the agonizing pain. He opened his bloodied mouth trying to beg for mercy but instead, he vomited a mouthful of blood his vision turning ck.


    Zi Xingxi wiped the blood off her hand whilemanding Secretary K, ¡°Don¡¯t let him pass out.¡±


    ¡°Yes ma¡¯am,¡± replied Secretary K before pressing something in his ear and giving an order.


    ¡°Bring in the tools.¡± Two minutester the door opened and a man with a silver briefcase and an eye patch appeared. He took out an injector like that of an epipen and stabbed into the prime minister¡¯s thigh.


    .....


    In a split second the man who had appeared dispirited and lifeless jerked up his pupils widening like he had been injected with a powerful dose of adrenaline. Two more men walked in with chains and threw them over the beam of the roof before pulling the prime minister and tying his wrists onto the chain.


    Before they hoisted him up they tore his shirt and removed his shoes. While they were busying about prime minister Fortin was mumbling, ¡°I am the prime, prime minister of Lienov... you can¡¯t treat me like this,¡± over and over again with his head lowered.


    Because he kept speaking blood kept flowing out of his mouth. His mumbling turned to cries of anguish in a matter of seconds. That¡¯s because he had been strung up by his wrists, behind his head. The awkward angle was pretty much guaranteed to cause an agonizing dislocation of his shoulders. Soon loud cracks were heard mixed in with his cries of despair and he didn¡¯t even have the privilege to pass out from the pain.


    ¡°I honestly didn¡¯t think I would see your name up on that list... Your father was loyal to a fault and yet... he gave birth to a venomous snake,¡± said Zi Xingxi as she picked up a surgical knife and observed it carefully before cing it down and picking another one.


    ¡°Youmitted a treasonous act and ording to the old rules of the Bloodgarde any person whomits atrocious crimes against the crown should be struck down by the legendary sword, the Executioner of Blight in front of the entire world,¡± she said as a creepy smile appeared on her face having found the perfect de.


    She turned around and handed the de to the person standing nearest to her so she could tie her hair with a hair tie into a high ponytail.


    When she was done she took the de back and continued to say, ¡°Four generations back my great great grand aunt once executed a man for calling the queen mother a ¡®bitch¡¯ and other insults behind her back... He was just a man venting out his frustrations after the then queen mother had told him to get his ugly face out of her sight.¡±


    Zi Xingxi stopped in front of him and tilted her head slightly as she gazed up at him. ¡°Now that I think of it, it was a bit unreasonable to kill the man over that... You, on the other hand, you betrayed the entire royal blood and facilitated the murder of the future emperor. How can I not make you suffer? Why should I be called a ¡®crazy bitch¡¯ when I am simply doing my job?¡±


    As she said this soft whimpers began to escape from his lips and Zi Xingxi grasped his chin forcing him to look up. She even disregarded the blood flowing down his mouth letting it stream down the back of her hand.


    ¡°You reaped the benefits all these years it¡¯s only natural that you suffer retribution. Don¡¯t worry I will take my sweet precious time. I will torture you with the same amount of sufferingparable to the number of days you have been a free man.¡±


    After saying this she trailed the de down his chest stopping on his abdomen where there was a bruise. She pressed the tip of the de lightly on the bruise from being kicked by her earlier.


    With a devilish grin on her face, she yed his skin. She didn¡¯t stop there. She carried on choosing several patches of skin and her expression remained unchanged.


    The people behind her were a different story. They knew their boss didn¡¯t mess around but she rarely tortured anyone with her bare hands.


    Now that they were here to witness how dark she can be they couldn¡¯t help but flinch. What made it worse was that she was dressed in a very pretty dress with her makeup on point exuding gracious beauty but because she was smeared in blood she looked like something out of a nightmare.


    Screams and cries bounced off the walls as the man suffered great torment. Zi Xingxi ignored his pleas for death with tears flowing down her cheeks.


    After this everything would be over. She could finally move on. She could finally get rid of the guilt that grab hold of her for years. It was because of this she couldn¡¯t help but tear up while skinning the man like she was skinning a pig. She skinned him till the de she was using became blunt.


    ¡°Please... kill, kill me. Just.... just kill me. I will, will tell what I know,¡± he stammered as Zi Xingxi was busy picking her next de.


    When she heard this her fingers froze. She turned her head sharply and red at the man.


    The man struggled to breathe before he continued to say, ¡°It wasn¡¯t... my idea. I was, was following orders.¡±


    Zi Xingxi¡¯s expression changed colors as she stared at the bloodied man. She recalled what prime minister Ikeda said and her eyes closed her heart sinking.


    ¡°That fucker was telling the truth?... SHIT!¡± she swore realizing she couldn¡¯t get to that pervert. He was now the Onyx Federation¡¯s most protected man second to the prime minister of Loch Ness Star.


    AN: How convenient for the both of them.

 Chapter 318

    318 The Marshal finds out the truth


    Rhythmic plopping sounds filled the cabin as Zi Han tossed the ball and captured it in his hand before tossing it again. He didn¡¯t appear like a happily engaged man at all.


    It was because while they were celebrating earlier another contact sent him a message and this time the tone wasn¡¯t as polite or patient as before.


    The man was obviously desperate and angry but Zi Han ignored it. So what did this delusional person say that was so bad?


    SN9382: Why would you do that?


    SN9382: He doesn¡¯t care for you. Soon the Marshal will find out and he will dump you.


    SN9382:TAKE THE RING BACK!


    Zi Han could care less at that point. He just ignored the message and continued enjoying his grandfather¡¯s masterpiece. Zi Feiji really knew how to pair ice cream vors. It was very delicious.


    The pair of lovers were standing together, one in front of the other, as they fed each other ice cream cake.


    Yi Chen couldn¡¯t and wouldn¡¯t let go of his hand as he stared at Zi Han intensely. Their fingers rubbed against each other in a loose intece and Yi Chen would asionally tug Zi Han¡¯s arm pulling him closer as though to kiss him but each time he would just stare at those lips before ncing back at Zi Han¡¯s eyes as the smile on his face grew wider.


    .....


    The question was never asked but both of them had a tacit understanding. Pink bubbles were floating around them with an intensely sweet atmosphere that no one dared to disturb but unfortunately there were urgent matters to attend to.


    At that time Yi Chen had received a video call from his father and hence left. It was after Yi Chen¡¯s figure disappeared that his light brain made another sound. He stepped out as he unlocked it. Zi Han intended to block the number again only for his attention to be grasped by the message.


    He hastily opened it and it read;


    SN9382: Break it off. If you break it off I will reveal the true identity of the mastermind.


    SN9382: I will give you everything I investigated.


    Zi Han, ¡°...¡±


    His chest felt stifled as he read and re-read the messages. Prime minister Ikeda was really starting to get on his nerve. Enraged he typed out a message back in response.


    HanChen: Fuck off!


    He was as vicious as his mother and his tongue was just as fierce. After that, his mood was thoroughly ruined. He just left the cafeteria and now he was lying down on the bed like a salted fish while tossing the ball.


    If he had to choose between breaking up with Yi Chen to bring down the person who sentenced his father to death his choice though not easy to make, was obvious. He would rather choose to be happy for the rest of his life. He also knew that that was what his father would have wanted for him.


    But it still broke his heart especially when he thought of that person, who broke his family, living a happy fulfilled life with his family and in luxury while his mother was basically a broken porcin doll glued together carelessly preventing her from going insane.


    Zi Han clenched the ball in his hand andy on his side as he closed his eyes trying to think. He wasn¡¯t certain if he should tell his mother about it or not. This back and forth wasn¡¯t helping her heal. In fact, it was increasing the emotional cracks breaking apart the glue that was literally holding her together.


    He decided not to tell her but his heart still hurt. As hey there seeming tranquil, a tear streamed down his cheek and then another followed.


    ¡°I am sorry.... I am so sorry,¡± he mumbled as hey there.


    Meanwhile, Yi Chen was standing in front of a huge floating screen facing his livid father¡¯s face. ¡°I asked you a question. What the fuck is this?¡± asked Marshal Yi as a set of pictures floated on the side.


    Marshal Yi tugged his tie as he leaned back. He nced at his admirals andmanded, ¡°Get the fuck out!¡±


    The men and women nodded their heads before rushing out. No one wanted to be around when that man exploded. His rage might be redirected toward innocent passersby like them.


    Yi Chen¡¯s chest rose and fell as he stared at his father his body trembling slightly. His eyes stung like he was going to cry. Clenching his fist he gulped down on those emotions threatening toe out and said, ¡°It is as you see it.¡±


    ¡°Fuck!!¡± swore the Marshal as he got up unwilling to even look at his son.


    When he called him just now it was to discuss the events that just took ce in the briefing and things he needed to look out for. But who would have thought that during their discussion his light brain would get bombarded by a series of images sent by prime minister Ikeda? He most likely sent them the moment Zi Han told him to fuck off.


    The Marshal who was concerned about military affairs now had to worry about his son¡¯s love affairs.


    Yi Chen¡¯s chest tightened. He closed his eyes swallowing down his saliva. He knew this day woulde but he just didn¡¯t think it would happen today of all days. He raised his head slightly and whispered, ¡°I love him.¡±


    Marshal Yi who was pacing up and down off camera just now halted his steps before swiftly walking back to the floating screen.


    ¡°Does your mother know? Huh? Is that why she acts all chummy chummy with Zi Xingxi? Is that why? Shit....,¡± he swore as he banged the desk harshly.


    Yi Chen kept his mouth shut his expression sullen. He knew his father wouldn¡¯t take it well but he didn¡¯t expect his reaction to be this big.


    ¡°Why didn¡¯t you tell me first, huh? Why do I have to fuckin find out from that bastard?¡± he asked his tone harsh and his eyes bloodshot.


    Yi Chen¡¯s lips didn¡¯t hesitate to move this time as he asked, ¡°Who?¡±

 Chapter 319

    319 Couple fight


    Marshal Yi, who thought he was going to say something sensible held his head in his hands and yelled, ¡°That¡¯s what you are focusing on? Bloody hell. Get the fuck out of my sight.¡±


    After the Marshal said that he cut the video call but he was still seething in anger. He couldn¡¯t believe that brat dared to fall in love with Zi Han and lie to him about it. Because of his stupidity prime minister Ikeda was threatening to publicize these images to the entire Onyx federation which would undoubtedly push the prime ministers to take away military power out of his family¡¯s hands.


    To them having such massive power in the hands of two families was already unsettling, what more if these two families united in marriage? Yes, the Zi family¡¯s wealth and power were bestowed upon them before old earth was even destroyed and the first family was still the first family, not a royal family.


    The Yi family were private mercenaries on old earth and had enough wealth to build their own ark as a private entity. These two families grew stronger from generation to generation into unfathomable entities that couldn¡¯t be easily provoked.


    Despite all that the prime ministers tried to push their agenda under the banner of giving power to the citizens of the Onyx Federation. They couldn¡¯t dream of twisting Zi Xingxi¡¯s arm and taking the Bloodgarde from her because the Bloodgarde had nothing to do with the public.


    The military though was a different story. They swore to protect the federation and its citizens thus they deserved to be under the control of the elected government.


    If the military remained in private control what is to stop Yi Zhen from waking up one day and deciding to topple the government? The prime ministers also wanted some type of defense against the Bloodgarde if things ever went south and to do that they needed full military control.


    In conclusion, if his son¡¯s rtionship with Zi Han was exposed there would be undoubtedly chaos and he would be pressured again to relinquish his control.


    What he didn¡¯t understand though was prime minister Ikeda¡¯s goal in all this. Shouldn¡¯t he be rushing to publicize these pictures so they could get what they always wanted as a collective?


    .....


    Marshal Yi sat on his desk his palm resting on his forehead with a lit cigar pinched in between his fingers. He sat there quietly for a long time. He only got back to himself after the heat from the cigar reached his fingers.


    He put it out while saying, ¡°Hydra, call my wife.¡±


    ¡°Yes sir,¡± replied Hydra and it called Mrs. Marshal.


    Lin Ruoxi was in her boutique checking out the new lingerie stock that had just been brought in when she saw the iing call. She smiled happily as she answered the call.


    Lifting the e bra that can barely cover anything she asked, ¡°What do you think?... Should I bring it home so we can sample the range and see if people will like it?¡± her expression beaming.


    She was genuinely happy to see him unfortunately, this wasn¡¯t a friendly call. ¡°You... you knew, didn¡¯t you?¡±


    Lin Ruoxi who was about to pick up the red one and show him paused as she raised her head to look at him.


    ¡°Huh? What are you talking about?¡± she asked as the smile on her face sank realizing that something was wrong with her husband.


    ¡°You knew all along that our son was running around with that Zi kid and you didn¡¯t fuckin tell me?¡± he said the pain in his voice apparent.


    Lin Ruoxi put down what she was holding before heading to her office and shutting the door her hands trembling. She had no idea how he found out but this wasn¡¯t how she intended for him to find out. She thought she could ease him into it when the time came but someone jumped the gun and told him.


    ¡°It was because you would react like this that I didn¡¯t tell you sooner. I needed more time,¡± she said her entire body tense.


    ¡°More time for what? When exactly did you think it was appropriate huh? When they run off and elope? Is that when you intended to tell me?... Gosh Ru, what the fuck are you thinking? You know how hard I have worked to ensure the safety of our family. This... this fuckin rtionship puts a target on our sons¡¯ backs, it puts a target on my little girl¡¯s back, and yet you didn¡¯t fuckin say anything to me.¡±


    Lin Ruoxi pointed at him and said, ¡°Don¡¯t use such vulgar words with me. When you proposed to me my father was against it for the very same reason. It would put a target on the Lin family but what did you say back then, huh?... Speak... why aren¡¯t you speaking now?¡±


    Marshal Yi rubbed his face in frustration before he said, ¡°That was different.¡±


    ¡°How was it different? My entire family is living on a private two days away from Capital Star. They uprooted everything just so that you can marry me. They sacrificed everything so that they won¡¯t be used against you... You know what... don¡¯t talk to me until you get your head out of your ass,¡± she said and immediately cut the call leaving the Marshal staring at a nk screen.


    He dialed her contact again only to be rejected the moment it rang. When he tried again he had been blocked for two days.


    Seeing this message prompt the Marshal was even more enraged but no matter how mad he was he wouldn¡¯t go looking for his wife because things would just escte. The fact that he had dropped f-bombs at her already added fuel to the mes. But why Zi Han? He could ept his son¡¯s preferences but why that Zi kid? That kid was most certainly going to be the downfall of his family.


    ***


    While the Marshal was having a fight with his wife over his son¡¯s affairs, Zi Xingxi was staring at the man who had been released from his shackles as they waited for Lynn Feng to bring back everything he had secretly investigated about the person just in case something big ever happened in the future.


    He already knew he was going to die today but he wasn¡¯t willing to die leaving the mastermind behind to live a happy life, no fucking way. He was going to burn all bridges today and Zi Xingxi wa kind enough to dy his torture until then.

 Chapter 320

    320 Was it worth it?


    Lynn Feng slowed her steps in the long dark corridor as she recalled the evidence she found in the prime minister of Lienov¡¯s virtual vault.


    She didn¡¯t know how Zi Xingxi was going to react to this. She honestly thought it was over and done with but apparently not. Now she had to break this news to Zi Xingxi and knowing her boss things would really get bloody. She didn¡¯t really want to see blood thus she walked slowly like a zombie.


    Lucky for her Secretary K came over to check on her thus they met in the passageway. ¡°Is he lying?¡± asked Secretary K while taking away the device in her hand.


    ¡°He is absolutely not lying. Can you, can you take it for me? I really don¡¯t feel like seeing blood right now,¡± she asked with her hand on her waist.


    Secretary K scrolled down the information on the small screen before ncing at her. ¡°I can but you owe me,¡± said secretary K with a slight quirk at the corner of his lips.


    Lynn Feng¡¯s eyes widened as she asked, ¡°Why are you smiling like that?¡±


    Secretary K didn¡¯t say anything. He just walked away disappearing into the darkness in the long corridor.


    Lynn Feng scratched her head while murmuring, ¡°What was that about?¡± This man should never smile because when he did he made one feel shivers all over their body like they were being stared at by a devil.


    Secretary K entered the room reeking of blood. The strong smell of iron was overwhelming but secretary K¡¯s micro-expressions didn¡¯t even change. He remained indifferent as he handed the information to Zi Xingxi.


    .....


    ¡°Thank you,¡± said Zi Xingxi before looking in the man¡¯s direction. His dead eyes seemed to light up when he saw the device. At that moment he had some hope that the nanoparticles in his body would be stimted and send a distress signal through the device she was holding but this was just a fool¡¯s dream.


    Zi Xingxi chuckled upon seeing this. While scrolling through the files on the device she said, ¡°Mr. Fortin, this device is very secure. You have to understand there is no saving you now.¡±


    After seeing this the light in his eyes instantly dimmed. The smile on Zi Xingxi¡¯s face suddenly fell as she kept going through the interactions between the two people in the months leading up to her husband¡¯s death. The was never a mention of names or anything but the discussions were detailed. Whoever this person was was very good at concealing their identity.


    They didn¡¯t reveal anything about themselves at all. It was like working with a ghost or a shadow. Seeing things were like this Zi Xingxi could understand why he investigated this person.


    It was in case this ghost betrayed him and pinned everything on him thus he could only protect himself.


    But the ghost seemed to have kept his promise because after that Fortin was elected as the prime minister of Lienov and his life was on the up and up. His wife had a husband and his kids had a father.


    He lived guilt free for two decades yet she was forced to be a single mother. Zi Xingxi pursed her lips suppressing the emotions that were on the verge of bursting as she read through the other files.


    It turns out from what he found out the person was most definitely a prime minister and he had a personal vendetta against the prince. It was much more than just about power. This person really hated her husband.


    There was a lot of incriminating evidence but there was nothing exposing his identity. Zi Xingxi stared at the screen her eyes as dark as the abyss. A storm was brewing and they was no running away from it.


    ¡°Is this everything?¡± she asked while staring at him with a piercing gaze making his wounds burn as though recalling the feeling of getting his skin yed.


    ¡°That¡¯s... that¡¯s all I know,¡± he whispered before breaking down in tears.


    ¡°Was it worth it?¡± she asked as she got up from her chair and walked over to him.


    She crouched down and looked him straight into his eyes before asking again, ¡°Was it worth taking an innocent soul¡¯s life?¡±


    The man lowered his head recalling the look on his father¡¯s face when he pushed him down the stairs. He wasn¡¯t even sure if it was an ident or if he did it on purpose.


    Even though he had sentenced his father to death his father just looked at him with affection in his eyes as he touched his cheek.


    Was it worth it? No, it wasn¡¯t. He didn¡¯t mean to kill his father but it was toote. He couldn¡¯t go back in time to fix it. He had to live with the fact that he killed his father. It was slowly eating at his soul. As for the prince, he regretted it now but before he felt like his actions were justified.


    Zi Xingxi sneered as she raised the man¡¯s chin and said, ¡°Now you can go and meet your father. You can go apologize in person.¡±


    After saying that she took out a hairpin from her hair and without changing her expression she stabbed into his neck with so much force the pin drove through his throat with blood sttering everywhere including Zi Xingxi¡¯s face.


    She shoved the body away before instructing Secretary K to take care of this mess. The moment she stepped into the stealth cruiser she was met with Lynn Feng holding up a towel while averting her gaze.


    Zi Xingxi thanked her as she took the towel before saying, ¡°Find out who this person is,¡± while she was walking away to her cabin.


    She wiped away the blood on her face feeling very dead inside. She somehow became numb to it all at this point. While she was tugging at the hem of her dress to take it off her light brain rang and arge floating screen appeared disying prime minister Ikeda¡¯s name.


    She pulled her dress down and said to Chronos, ¡°Answer it.¡±

 Chapter 321

    321 Love trial has begun


    ¡°Yes ma¡¯am...,¡± said Chronos wishing it could go into hibernation. One shouldn¡¯t be afraid of Zi Xingxi when she was talking but they should be afraid of her when she was not talking.


    The screen changed and prime minister Ikeda¡¯s face appeared his expression a little smug like he had won something.


    ¡°Wow... you look like you just drowned in a vat of blood,¡± he said finding it fairly amusing.


    Zi Xingxi ignored him while taking off her jewelry. ¡°What do you want?¡± she finally asked when she saw that he wasn¡¯t speaking.


    Prime minister Ikeda didn¡¯t like the fact that he was being ignored. He pressed the tip of his tongue on his cheek in annoyance before sitting up straight and asking, ¡°I have news for you... Do you want to hear it?¡±


    Zi Xingxi wasn¡¯t ying this game. She continued to ignore him until he couldn¡¯t stand it.


    ¡°Your son proposed to Yi Chen.... do you know?¡± he said and Zi Xingxi suddenly smiled. She didn¡¯t think her son would be the one to propose but it was the same result either way. Whether it was Yi Chen who proposed or Zi Han who did it, it didn¡¯t really matter.


    Seeing that smile prime minister Ikeda felt very irritable. It was like someone had wed at his heart tearing him apart.


    He sneered while averting his gaze before saying, ¡°You nned this, didn¡¯t you?... You actually think that I am stupid. After what I said you actually pushed your son to get married?¡±


    .....


    Zi Xingxi who had been used of manipting her son immediately retorted back, ¡°I didn¡¯t force him to do anything he didn¡¯t want to. Now, what the fuck do you want?¡±


    The prime minister leaned back in his seat before saying, ¡°I thought you wanted to know who orchestrated your husband¡¯s death?¡±


    Zi Xingxi felt like a heavy boulder was pressing down on her chest as she closed her eyes. She wanted to know but information like that was absolutely not cheap.


    ¡°Are you going to tell me?¡± she asked as she gazed at him with an ice cold stare that could chill one¡¯s soul.


    ¡°Yes... but it will cost you... the Marshal now knows what those two have been up to and he will force them apart. All I ask is that you tell your son to break up with him. That¡¯s all.¡±


    Zi Xingxi, ¡°...¡±


    ¡°Hahahaha, what the fuck is your problem? Even if he does break up with him what makes you think he will give you a second nce? He is younger than your own son!¡± said Zi Xingxi breaking into boisterousughter. This man had truly lost his mind.


    ¡°I know... I just don¡¯t want them to be together. I will tell you who did it as long as you fulfill my request,¡± he said with a hint of annoyance on his face.


    ¡°Fuck off,¡± said Zi Xingxi seething in anger.


    ¡°So you don¡¯t care about the person who nned your husband¡¯s death? You would sacrifice that for the sake of a rtionship that¡¯s already doomed to fail? Did you even love him? You let him die.... you failed to protect him yet you can¡¯t even fulfill your du-,¡± he said only for Zi Xingxi to cut his call and block all externalmunication.


    She was literally shaking from anger and wished she could just rock up at his house and slice his neck right then and there. She would like to know who nned her husband¡¯s murder but at the same time, she didn¡¯t want to sacrifice her son¡¯s happiness for it.


    Despite that, it still hurt a lot. She stepped into the shower with her bloodstained dress and stood under the warm water washing away the filth on her body.


    While Zi Xingxi wasing to terms with her decision, Zi Han was closing his eyes but was unable to sleep. He was hurting so much but it was hard to tell because his face seemed serene and calm. While he was lying there he felt a warm hand slip in between his arm and waist before pulling him close.


    With his back stered on the man¡¯s chest, he bit his lip trying to prevent himself from letting out his repressed emotions again.


    Yi Chen whose emotions weren¡¯t stable either embraced him tightly while kissing the back of his neck.


    He wanted to tell him what was bothering him but he didn¡¯t want to wake him up. He could only embrace him with his warm breath brushing against Zi Han¡¯s skin.


    When Zi Han felt Yi Chen¡¯s breath even out like he was sleeping he shuffled around and slept face to face with his sweetheart. Zi Han kissed Yi Chen¡¯s forehead while cuddling with him.


    He sniffled a little before he said, ¡°I love you... so much.¡±


    Yi Chen who wasn¡¯t sleeping at all heard it and pulled Zi Han into his arms. Zi Han was a little startled thinking he was awake. His body froze in ce for a while but Yi Chen¡¯s body rxed seeming like he was in deep sleep thus Zi Han sighed in relief as he buried his face in Yi Chen¡¯s chest.


    In a ce, Zi Han couldn¡¯t see Yi Chen¡¯s lips quirked slightly. He had never heard him say it nor would Zi Han say it. It turns out Zi Han had been saying it all the time just when he was asleep. Those three words washed away all the dark gloom in his heart. It was all worth it. Zi Han was worth it.


    Yi Chen was willing to let go of everything for him. He loved him so much. Zi Han was his entire world and now that he knew Zi Han felt the same way he was going to dive in head first and fight for their rtionship.


    Indeed he was going to have to fight for it because war wasing. The happiest day of their lives was turning into a nightmare. It was as though the universe didn¡¯t want them to be together.


    Pieces were getting shuffled behind the scenes and things were about to go south. Their rtionship was about to be put on trial.

 Chapter 322

    322 Fiance not boyfriend


    ¡°How long are we going to do this? It is fuckin freezing,¡±ined Shorty as they faced the northern mountains that were all white. It was a sea of all white in all directions.


    Shaun handed him a sk of hot cocoa while saying, ¡°Maybe it will be a rotational system or something.¡±


    Zi Han who had been sitting in the chair enjoying the view spun around and said, ¡°We are going to be stuck here forever. At least I have a boyfriend. I won¡¯t get bored unlike you two.¡±


    ¡°Fiance not boyfriend,¡± said Yi Chen as he walked in on this conversation.


    Zi Han¡¯s lips quivered as they moved into a stiff smile. ¡°Yes, fiance,¡± replied Zi Han recalling how that word was being thrown around all the time now.


    For example, whenever he asked him to get anything Yi Chen would be like, ¡°Yes fiance.¡±


    It was yes fiance this yes fiance that. Zi Han was starting to regret proposing right before this mission. It meant that until the novelty wore off Yi Chen would throw this word around constantly.


    Yi Chen bit his lower lip before saying, ¡°You want me to carry you out? It¡¯s our rotation.¡±


    Zi Han, ¡°...¡±


    .....


    ¡°My legs work just fine.... fiance,¡± said Zi Han while standing up to leave.


    Yi Chen followed behind him asking, ¡°Did you have to say it like that?¡±


    ¡°Like what?¡± asked Zi Han as they exited the room leaving behind two confused faces. As the sliding door closed with a whoosh Zi Han¡¯s voice trailed over saying, ¡°Wait, wait, wait... Yi Chen put me down.¡±


    The two people looked at each other feeling very jealous right now. ¡°I need to get a girlfriend,¡± said Shorty while sitting down where Zi Han was sitting before.


    ¡°Sure, just not my sister. She is off limits,¡± said Shaun as he sat down next to him enjoying the view.


    The two squads had been assigned posts near each other so they shared the same base that was hovering high up in the sky like a watch tower. It¡¯s a great thing that they were sharing the base with H¡¯s squad rather than Evan¡¯s otherwise they might be tension in the base.


    While these two were taking a well deserved break, Zi Han was soaring the skies with Igneous heading towards their post. Behind him was Yi Chen and from the looks of it, he was about to challenge Yi Chen to a race. Zi Han who had been carried out of the base was still mad about it thus he picked up speed leaving Yi Chen in the dust.


    Yi Chen who didn¡¯t even want to race with him was a little surprised. He opened up amunication channel and said to Zain and Omari, ¡°You guys can head back. We will be there in half a minute.¡±


    The pair who were building a snowman outside their post nced at each other. ¡°Yes captain,¡± said Zain while Omari was kicking away the snowman.


    If Yi Chen found out what they were really doing while they were supposed to be patrolling they would be punished to train a few more hours than prescribed. It was only after they had cleared all evidence did they leave their post.


    Yi Chen sped up Ran while asking his future groom, ¡°Baby, what are you doing?¡±


    Zi Han, who was flying into the vast sea of white with a smile on his face replied, ¡°What does it look like I am doing? You can¡¯t keep up can you?¡±


    Yi Chen sneered with a silly little grin on his face before saying, ¡°It seemsst night I didn¡¯t do a very good job. I didn¡¯t tire you out enough.¡±


    As he said this Ran picked up speed ripping through the sky like a sharp de. The snow on the ground parted like the red sea as Ran caught up with Igneous.


    ¡°Hahaha, you wish. You are the one who couldn¡¯t keep up with mest night,¡± said Zi Han his expression devious. He knew he was ying with fire but he also enjoyed being burnt so.... yep.


    ¡°Oh no, you di.... I wi..... tonig... you,¡± replied Yi Chen but themunication started breaking down thus Zi Han heard nothing. He slowed his speed with a furrow in between his brows while inspecting his screen.


    ¡°Iggy, what the hell is going on?¡± he asked and Igneous who wished he could erase all of the recorded interactions between it and its old master replied,


    ¡°Sir, I thought we agreed that name is very inappropriate.¡± It was because of those audios that Zi Han started getting used to addressing him as Iggy.


    ¡°I know but Iggy makes you sound so cute,¡± said Zi Han while tapping on the floating screen around him.


    Igneous finished running a diagnostic test and began to report. ¡°All systems are fully functional. It seems we are currently in a zone with a transmission impairing device. We can¡¯tmunicate with the outside world.¡±


    Zi Han bit the soft skin inside his lips before asking, ¡°Show me the radius.¡±


    In a few seconds, a ce on the map with a radius of five kilometers showed up on the screen. This ce was very remote, to begin with, so why on earth would there be this kind of interference? Just like the south pole was to earth, these snowy mountains on Loch Ness Star weren¡¯t fully explored and held mysteries.


    The reason for this was because it housed the most vtile substance in the federation and no one knew what could set this ce off so it was better to leave it alone. But this transmission impairment device was definitely man-made not natural. Zi Han was about to turn back when Ran appeared right behind him.


    Yi Chen who was panicking for a moment felt so relieved that he almost hugged Zi Han through his mech.


    ¡°You had me worried for a moment. Why did you cut me off?¡± asked Yi Chen seeming truly aggrieved. No matter how upset or annoyed Zi Han would be with him Yi Chen had one rule and that was no cklisting each other or cutting off allmunication.

 Chapter 323

    323 That¡¯s childish. Very childish


    Just now when he couldn¡¯t speak to Zi Han he momentarily lost his mind. That fear deep down in his heart sprung up again. But now that he had calmed down he realized he was being silly. Zi Han wouldn¡¯t have proposed to him if he didn¡¯t intend to stay.


    ¡°You honestly think I would risk that in this ice dessert? My fiance is very silly,¡± said Zi Han stifling hisughter. He couldn¡¯t understand what Yi Chen was afraid of. It¡¯s not like he was going to vanish into thin air.


    Yi Chen asked Ran to run a diagnostic test while he expressed his dissatisfaction with his fiance. ¡°Baby, you always look like you are ready to drop everything and run away from me. Maybe, just maybe if you say you love me just once I wouldn¡¯t be that afraid.¡±


    Zi Han, ¡°...¡±


    He knew Yi Chen tried every method in the ybook to get him to say it but each time Yi Chen had given up and Zi Han wouldn¡¯t end up saying it. This time it was emotional ckmail but Zi Han was a veteran. He wouldn¡¯t fall for that trick.


    ¡°Let¡¯s head back and report this. Something is up with this ce,¡± said Zi Hanpletely ignoring what Yi Chen just said.


    Yi Chen grinned slightly before saying, ¡°I love you.¡±


    Zi Han, ¡°Stop it.¡±


    Yi Chen, ¡°I love you.¡±


    .....


    Zi Han, ¡°That¡¯s childish. Very childish.¡±


    Yi Chen, ¡°I LOVE YOU!¡±


    Zi Han, ¡°What are you smiling like that for? Let¡¯s go...¡±


    While these two were messing around, things weren¡¯t going well in Capital Star. Inside the Onyx Federation Inteary military headquarters, Marshal Yi was staring at his light brain his expression dark like he was going to kill someone.


    And no it wasn¡¯t his son who made him this pissed off. It was an untraceable number that had sent him a message. The words were simple. Relinquish all military control or witness the death of five elite squads in Loch Ness Star with a countdown right below. It was set for fourty eight hours and had already begun to countdown.


    The first person Marshal Yi thought of was prime minister Ikeda. Thus he left the military headquarters and barged into the prime minister¡¯s office. He clutched him by the cor before roaring at him. He truly wanted to kill him. If it weren¡¯t for his admirals the prime minister would have died then and there.


    ¡°What the fuck is wrong with you? This is why you should be stripped of all military control. You strut around like you own the ce,¡± angrily yelled the prime minister.


    What he failed to realize was that his words further fueled the Marshal¡¯s rage. He already suspected him and his words were like thest nail on the coffin.


    ¡°You bastard! Is that why you are holding my son hostage!¡± yelled the Marshal before engaging his mental power and pushing his admirals away.


    As the men holding him back hit the wall, he rushed over and raised his fist to punch prime minister Ikeda.


    It was then the prime minister realized someone was fucking with him. He raised his hands and said, ¡°I didn¡¯t. Your son is with Han Han so I wouldn¡¯t dare.¡±


    Marshal Yi¡¯s fist paused just before it struck the prime minister¡¯s face. He wanted to beat the shit out of him but thinking about it closely it didn¡¯t make sense that the prime minister would do this. He had his own motives but even the Marshal knew it had nothing to do with power. It was something else... something he wouldn¡¯t approve of.


    Marshal Yi let him go and because he used a lot of force the prime minister hit his head against the wall behind him.


    ¡°Shit... did you have to push me that hard?¡± said the prime minister pressing the back of his head as he drew in a cold breath of air.


    Marshal Yi took a step back his chest rising and falling rapidly. Hydra had already shut down this entire area and cut off Sheba hence there wasn¡¯t anyone to protect the prime minister from the raging Marshal. Though no one saw what happened inside the office, people on the outside couldn¡¯t help but be concerned.


    The only person who witnessed this show go down was the prime minister of Loch Ness star who had been on a video call with prime minister Ikeda just now.


    The reason why the prime minister of Capital Star was chatting it up with this snake was because he was trying to probe him to find out what his end goal was. Who would have thought before he could even say a word he was grabbed by the cor by the Marshal and almost got beaten to death? It was starting to look too good to be a coincidence.


    By the time Hydra cut allmunications the man had recorded this sweet scene. He spun around his chair with a creepy smile. His fingers rubbing his dark lips he chuckled thinking of the moment he would publish this footage on StarNet.


    Meanwhile, the warships protecting Loch Ness Star had just realized something was wrong but they didn¡¯t know how to respond nor could they fix it.


    It seemed they had lostmunication with the personnel on patrol. Despite theck ofmunication, they could see that nothing was wrong with their mechs, and from what they could see they weren¡¯t in distress. It was incredibly puzzling. They had to report this to Capital Star immediately and thus they sent a message to headquarters.


    While the message was being ryed to the Marshal, Lynn Feng intercepted part of that message and her heart sank.


    Ever since Zi Xingxi dealt with prime minister Fortin, something seemed to be off on StarNet but Lynn Feng couldn¡¯t put her finger on it.


    Spections on the prime minister of Lienov¡¯s death were leaning toward the Marshal like someone was deliberately steering the topic in that direction. It was obvious whoever was doing this was going after the Marshal but why?


    Now that she had intercepted this message she was petrified. If they wereing for the Marshal then they would also being for Yi Chen and if they areing for Yi Chen then they would undoubtedlye for Zi Han.


    ¡°Shit!¡± she swore before sending the message to Zi Xingxi. Zi Xingxi who was mech battling with her father in the training room saw the message and sted the wall in shock.


    As mentioned before war wasing and it wasn¡¯t for the faint at heart.

 Chapter 324

    324 Mama bears on steroids


    The only time Zi Xingxi ever panicked like this was when her husband died. Now that her son was in a very precarious situation she lost her shit.


    For thest hour, they tried everything but no matter how hard they tried they couldn¡¯t get hold of Igneous or Ran. It was apparent that Zi Xingxi was descending into a very dark space thus Zi Feiji had to step up. He took control of the Han as captain and two minutester they approached Loch Ness Star.


    An engineer that was on his break in the cafeteria of one of the warships hovering around Loch Ness star saw a bright light shing in the darkness from the corner of his eye.


    The speed of him stirring his cup of coffee slowed as he took his eyes off his light brain. He focused his gaze on the huge window and when he saw arge warship with the Phoenix insignia he got up abruptly knocking off his cup of coffee. It made a crushing sound as it shattered to pieces.


    ¡°Fuck,¡± he swore with a ghastly look on his face.


    The rm to prepare for battle was suddenly triggered and everyone began to run around like ants at the beginning of heavy rain.


    Unlike ants that would be heading for the nest, they had to run to their stations. They couldn¡¯t just run to hide underneath their covers and ride it out despite most of them thinking it.


    Why would anyone be that afraid when they had three warships on their side? If anything they had strength in numbers. Well, the problem was not the number of opponents but the opponent themselves. Before it was named Han it was called hellstorm by plenty and for those who had personally witnessed its might, they simply called it the executioner.


    If one encountered the executioner they might as well lie down and roll over like a dog. They might as well beg for their lives even if they had five warships on their side.


    .....


    This was why when that warship appeared the rm went off and their guns were drawn. The captain who had been briefing the Marshal of the situation was startled and he jumped out of his chair rushing to the bridge.


    All three warships had their guns and were ready to fight but when Han activated their weapons they suddenly felt small. What was the point in all of this? The fight wasn¡¯t fair from the beginning. Maybe if they had Cetus warship fighting alongside them they could stand a chance.


    The Captain rushed in and disengaged all weapons while yelling at his subordinates. ¡°Are you crazy? Are you trying to get us killed? Who told you to engage weapons? Fuck!¡±


    While the captain was throwing a fit the transmission system was infiltrated and Zi Feiji appeared in front of them.


    Just as he opened his mouth to speak, Zi Xingxi popped out of nowhere like a torpedo and yelled, ¡°What? Do you want a fight? Is that it? Where the fuck is my son? If anything happens to him I will fu#@^%^#*# and @&#^!&$$ and after that, I will @^^#&@%#$.¡±


    Yeah hernguage had to be censored because she was going off on this poor captain.


    Zi Feiji had to call secretary K to take her out off the bridge and boy she didn¡¯t make that easy on him. As soon as she left, the Captain who had been holding his breath exhaled deeply while wiping the sweat off his forehead.


    ¡°My sincere apologies Sir, it wasn¡¯t on....,¡± said the Captain trying to exin the situation only for Zi Feiji to raise his finger so the man was forced to pipe down.


    ¡°What is the situation?¡± asked Zi Feiji his tone stern that one wouldn¡¯t believe he was the same man who was making ice cream cake for his grandson and taking pictures.


    ¡°We... we are still trying to figure it out. We tried to send a stealth cruiser down to Loch Ness Star but the shield was already up and we couldn¡¯t enter. We were in constantmunication with the prime minister¡¯s office but we also lost connection five minutes ago. When west spoke to them they had deployed all personnel to the posts but we didn¡¯t get a report on that,¡± exined the captain in one breath.


    While Zi Feiji was trying to get as much information out of him as possible, Zi Xingxi had a new target and that target was the Marshal. As she typed her fingers trembled so much that Chronos had to type for her.


    MamaBear: Who did you offend?


    MamaBear: If anything happens to my son I will fuck you up.


    Marshal Yi who just got off the phone with his wife rubbed his temple in frustration when he saw Zi Xingxi¡¯s messages. He raised his finger to respond when his wife whom he had just been on the phone with barged in her face pale as she asked, ¡°My son, where... where is my son?¡±


    Marshal Yi now had to deal with a hysterical wife thus he couldn¡¯t respond to Zi Xingxi¡¯s threatening messages.


    ¡°Baby, listen. You don¡¯t need to panic, okay? I will handle this,¡± he said trying to console her with his hands resting on both of her cheeks.


    Lin Ruoxi was shaking like a leaf at this point. She was already on her way to his office to bring him a set of new uniforms because ever since their fight the Marshal hadn¡¯t returned home.


    Despite her kicking him out and cklisting his contact she still came over to the office to rece his uniforms with fresh clean ones. She even brought him packed meals for breakfast, lunch, and dinner.


    Since he had given her enough space these past two days she finally took him out of the cklist and called him to let him know she was on her way. Who would have thought the moment he epted the call she would be met with such news? He asked her to go back home and he woulde overter to exin. But like Zi Xingxi when it came to her children she was like a bear on steroids.


    She immediately did the opposite of what Marshal Yi said and came to his office. ¡°Wha, what do... do they want?¡± she stammer in between gasps as a panic attack began setting in.


    ¡°Breathe Ru, breathe,¡± he said rubbing her back while leading her to the couch in his office. She sat down with the tears already rolling down her cheeks.

 Chapter 325

    325 Mama bears on steroids Yi Zhen half knelt before her as he pulled at his tie. ¡°That¡¯s great.. keep breathing baby. Just like we practiced... breathe breathe,¡± he said rubbing her thighs in a calming and soothing manner.


    Lin Ruoxi eventually calmed down somewhat as her husband wiped her tears. ¡°What do we do?¡± she asked her voice extremely low.


    ¡°You go home and pick up the kids then go to your father¡¯s. I will go to Loch Ness star and pick up our son, okay?¡± he replied before pulling her into his embrace hiding the uncertainty in his eyes.


    He wasn¡¯t so sure if he could keep his family safe the moment he relinquishes control of the army but no matter what he couldn¡¯t sacrifice his son.


    While the Marshal wasforting his wife, Zi Xingxi was up to no good. She figured the Marshal wasn¡¯t going to respond to her messages so she went out with Chronos without informing her father. In fact, he only found out when he saw her through the windshield of the warship.


    He established amunication channel with her and asked, ¡°What are you doing?¡±


    Zi Xingxi studied the integrity of the shield while replying, ¡°I... am doing what I am supposed to do. I am going to find this shield¡¯s weak spot and bring my baby out. I have already lost my husband, dad I am not going to lose my son as well.¡±


    Zi Feiji rubbed his forehead a little frustrated but soon he wasn¡¯t questioning his daughter anymore because a loud series of explosions that could be seen from space urred. Lucky for them it was only limited to that specific region but still. Zi Xingxi felt suffocated as she stared at the explosion. She couldn¡¯t see anything except the glowing ze in front of her. She was suddenly faced with the reality of possibly losing her son.


    At this point, her soul had left her body and her ears were ringing thus she couldn¡¯t hear her father calling her name.


    .....


    It was only after her father had shouted at her close to twenty times did shee back to herself. ¡°Dad,¡± she said her voice breaking as the tears subconsciously flowed down.


    ¡°Don¡¯t, don¡¯t panic, okay? Just take a breath, okay? If you break down who would be able to save your son? You are the only one who can save your baby so take a deep breath and focus, okay?¡± he said his heart twisting painfully.


    Thest time Zi Xingxi called to him like this was the day her husband died. She had picked up his call and cried out ¡®dad¡¯ just like this. It broke his heart hearing his strong daughter break down and today she had called him the same way.


    ¡°Okay,¡± replied Zi Xingxi trying to calm down.


    ¡°Master, Igneous is still intact and the young sir is not in distress. His heartbeat showed a slight increase but it¡¯s nothing serious,¡± said Chronos giving her an update that would hopefully calm her down.


    ZI Xingxi wiped away her tears as she got herself together. ¡°Thanks,¡± she said pulling up the image of the shield surrounding the that Chronos was analyzing for possible weaknesses.


    ¡°Are you okay?¡± asked Zi Feiji unclenching his fists.


    ¡°I am fine,¡± replied Zi Xingxi and Zi Feiji nodded his head as he rxed his tense muscles.


    ¡°Lynn, can we hack into Sheba? This shield has to be linked to Sheba like the others?¡± asked Zi Feiji.


    Lynn Feng came out of her stupor and said I am still working on it. She pulled up her chair and shook her hands to get rid of the tremors affecting her performance.


    Zi Feiji unmuted themunication channel with the Captain and said, ¡°Captain, we will update you when we find out anything. I expect you to do likewise.¡±


    The captain didn¡¯t even question why he had been muted. He just agreed before the floating screen closed ending the video transmission. As soon as he finished saying that Zi Feiji¡¯s light brain shed with the symbol of Hydra disyed on the screen.


    His brow furrowed before he raised his head and said, ¡°Let me know as soon as you find anything,¡± before leaving.


    He entered the securemunication room. As soon as that door shut a floating screen appeared in front of him and the Marshal appeared. It seemed he was already in Cetus because he was standing in the warship¡¯s securemunication room.


    ¡°Does this have something to do with you or my daughter?¡± asked Zi Feiji but the answer was obvious.


    ¡°It¡¯s because of me,¡± replied the Marshal as he took a step forward with his index finger resting on his lips. After a moment of thought, he said again,


    ¡°Actually, it¡¯s because your daughter has been behaving recklesslytely that they got very anxious and nned on using her as an excuse to elerate the process to deprivatize the military and have something to fight her when she loses her mind.¡±


    Zi Feiji wanted to refute that but he realized that he couldn¡¯t. His daughter had indeed provoked a lot of people in the prime ministers¡¯ office and it was only natural that someone would get impatient.


    ¡°So you are letting it all go?¡± asked Zi Feiji as he took a seat.


    Marshal Yi shrugged his shoulders before saying, ¡°I have no choice.


    Zi Feijiughed before saying, ¡°You indeed still have a lot to learn. You can¡¯t even see outside the picture ced in front of you.¡±


    Marshal Yi¡¯s brows furrowed while asking, ¡°What do you mean?¡±


    Zi Feiji stayed silent for a while with his finger resting on his chin thinking. While he was thinking Marshal Yi dared not disturb him.


    After five minutes or so he said, ¡°If it were me and I have been nning this thing for decades this would only be the beginning of the main course. The prince was the appetizer decades ago and the military is only a small part of the meal. They, whoever they are just don¡¯t want the military... they want all the power... Do you see it now?¡±


    Marshal Yi, ¡°...¡±


    ¡°Think,¡± said Zi Feiji and soon Marshal Yi caught on.


    He slowly paced from left to right before saying, ¡°The prime ministers.... the prime ministers are vulnerable now because we deployed most of our skilled personnel here...¡±


    ¡°And?¡± said Zi Feiji urging him on to continue.


    ¡°When I relinquish military power it will go to them,¡± he said his expression turning grim before he continued, ¡°I will be med for the death of all the prime ministers and I will be executed. My son.... they will still kill my son.¡±


    His voice grew lower and lower as he spoke thetter sentence. These were only spections but Zi Feiji was more than certain that this was the n of the hand that was ying cards behind the curtain.


    As though proving his point an emergency alert came in concerning prime minister Ikeda. Someone had tried to kill him but because Marshal Yi had people watching him like a hawk they managed to stop the attack. He couldn¡¯t say the same though for the other prime ministers.

 Chapter 326

    326 The story of Loch Ness Star¡¯s prime minister


    Who in the federation would stand to gain the most? The answer was in the pudding. Which ever prime minister that wasn¡¯t attacked might be the culprit.


    ording to the rat Ikeda, he had a strong suspicion that it was the prime minister of Loch Ness Star itself but there wasn¡¯t any evidence to suggest this. The prime minister of Loch Ness star was barely vocal and he always dressed unconventionally.


    He wouldn¡¯t speak much of his opinion, he never fought for funding despite two thirds of his being covered in snow and he usually diffused the situation when arguments escted among the prime ministers.


    The Marshal was weary of all prime ministers more especially him because he always seemed like he was wearing a mask.


    ¡°Thank you senior... I need to intiate operation dark horse and save as many of them as I can,¡± he said before dashing out of the highly securemunication room. He wanted to talk about Yi Chen and Zi Han but this wasn¡¯t the best time.


    He had to deal with the matter at hand first. As for Ikeda, the man had given him a week to break them apart so he wasn¡¯t worried that his son¡¯s pictures would be published all over StarNet as of yet.


    ¡°Initiate operation dark horse. Protect them at all cost in the shadows and let me know which of them isn¡¯t attacked,¡± he said to the admiral standing next to him before walking away.


    At this point he really should be leading them to a secure bunker but if he did that then he won¡¯t know which prime minster wouldn¡¯t be a target. But he was very wrong. He had directly yed into the enemy¡¯s hand.


    ***


    .....


    In a spacious lounge decorated with mostly red and white a man sat on the pearl white couch with his legs crossed at the knees his posture very rxed.


    He had the news report ying in the background. It was a report about a series attack on the Federation¡¯s prime ministers. A smile crept up his face when the news reporter led the conversation in the very direction he wanted.


    He caressed the soft couch with his hand with several rings randomly scattered on his fingers. Blending in with the sound of the reporter low sounds of moans and groans seeped into the room.


    They wereing from the closed bedroom down the hall. The home was sound proof but he could still hear it. One can only imagine how loud the people had to be for him to hear it.


    He closed his eyes as a feeling of nostalgia washed over him. When he was growing up his mother would lock him in his bedroom for hours with the longest being twenty four hours while she was doing it in the kitchen, lounge or bathroom with one of many lovers. He would curl up in a nket and try to drown out the noise but there was nothing he could do to make the noises stop.


    One time his mother even had sex on his bedroom door and for an hour he had endure the rhythmic banging soundsing from the other side of the door.


    Yet now these lewd sounds made him feel very nostalgic. He chuckled as hey his head back. His dark lipstick seemed to have faded a little but it still looked gorgeous contrasting with his porcin skin.


    Twenty minutester the door down the hall opened and a man younger than him walked out. The youth nodded at him on the couch slightly before walking out but he just casually nced away.


    He knew his mother liked them young but it seemed they were getting younger and younger now. His lips quirked up as he tucked his short curly hair behind his ears. A pair of slender arms slid down his chest as the familiar scent of dirty vani assailed his senses.


    He instantly rxed and let her touch him. His eyes closed he felt those arms roam around his chest as she kissed his cheek. ¡°Did you do what mummy asked,¡± she said as she let him go.


    His eyes still closed he said, ¡°I did... I will do anything to make you happy mom,¡± he said as he opened his eyes. A bright smile appeared on his face in anticipation. He was anticipating a reward from his mother. This was a twisted pair of mother and son.


    This was their story....


    Through out this journey the name the mention of the royal family had never included extended family or anything of that nature.


    That¡¯s because the Yeoh family had a w. They had the greatest gift known to man but as you know god doesn¡¯t give with both hands.


    When it came to children, they would get one per generation and of they are lucky maybe two. It was a curse from generation to generation.


    Thest emperor decided to have another child after his first son and they had managed to conceive another one but despite the amazing technological advancements in the Onyx federation he lost both his wife and his daughter during child birth.


    Emperor Yeoh was devastated. At that time his son was only two and had no clue that his mother and promised sister were never going toe home.


    He felt very guilty seeing his son sleeping in his bed with his sister¡¯s baby nket whenever he came home. It was something his son used to do with his mother and now he was alone in bed missing his mummy and the sister he was promised.


    Since his son was young and needed a motherly figure in his life Emperor Yeoh married an old friend from his high school days. She was kind hearted and five parts simr to histe wife.


    She was married into the Royal family but their wedding wasn¡¯t public neither was she given the title of empress. Her name was T and she didn¡¯t seemed to have a problem with it as they had discussed the conditions of their rtionship.

 Chapter 327

    327 The story continues


    She was just happy that she had married her close friend and the one man every woman dreamt about marrying.


    She did fulfil her requirements and was very kind to the little prince. But her dissatisfaction began to grow. That¡¯s because when she signed that contract there was a condition in it that there would be no husband or wifely duties between them. She was simply married to be a mother to the young prince and she signed on it.


    She could have intimate rtionships with anyone as long as they were vetted prior by the Bloodgarde. If she wanted to leave and start her own family she would be given a huge sum of money and an extremelyfortable life.


    She decided to not only be the little prince¡¯s mother but be the emperor¡¯s genuine wife. But soon she realised she waspeting with a dead woman. The emperor would constantly remind her to maintain their respected boundaries.


    She took his criticisms with a smile and promised to do better but this only fueled her determination. She did the unthinkable and drugged the emperor using his son.


    While baking cookies with the little prince during the day she added something a little extra in the batter and when the emperor came back home she knew he wouldn¡¯t refuse the offer if it came from his son.


    And just like that she had sex with the emperor while taking fertility pills to boost her chances. When the emperor found out he was extremely furious and would have sent her out of the door but when he saw his son crying his heart softened.


    He let her stay but that was the worst decision he had ever made. A monthter she turned out pregnant and when she found out she was having a son she began to poison the little prince in preparation for her own baby.


    Since the incident with the cookies she was closely monitored and couldn¡¯t touch the little prince¡¯s food. She instead put the poison in her perfume and because it was gene sensitive it only affected the little boy. So each time they cuddled the young boy was getting poisoned.


    .....


    The Emperor couldn¡¯t believe he fathered T¡¯s child no matter how hard she tried to convince him. That¡¯s because he knew how difficult it was for his wife to even have her first child. Their family line was cursed never to have arge family.


    From the moment she gave birth the child was tested for paternity and as expected the baby wasn¡¯t his. After that emperor Yeoh told her to leave. He had already realised he was wrong. He couldn¡¯t rece his wife so what made him think he could rece his son¡¯s mother. It was better for him to be a good dad than try and find a woman to take his wife¡¯s ce as his son¡¯s mother.


    T didn¡¯t take that well. She used the emperor of forging the results so he could deny her son. While throwing a fit she revealed that the prince would die anyway and that he should just ept her son otherwise he won¡¯t have an heir.


    After hearing that the emperor almost struck her down but seeing the innocent child in her hands he drove her out. He still fulfilled his promise and gave her everything owed to her before she left.


    As for the little Jun, he had the blood of the phoenix running in his veins and could heal easily. Give it six months to a year he would have gotten the poison out of his system.


    As they dragged her out of the pce she swore that the emperor woulde and beg her toe back after the little prince was dead. But she waited and waited. Weeks turned to months and months turned to years and years to decades but he never came to beg her nor did the prince die.


    Hatred and resentment grew in her heart. She began to channel that same energy towards her son making him hate Yeoh Jun who had absolutely nothing to do with the matter. She manipted her son throughout the years just so that she could get that woman¡¯s crown and when the royal family fell with the death of Yeoh Jun she thought she would get what she wanted.


    What she failed to realise was that her ex husband on paper had been cremated with his first wife¡¯s belongings taking them with him to the after life. That crown was no where to be seen.


    One would think she had won already. Her ex husband was dead, his dearest son was also dead and the Yeoh family had burnt to the ground so shouldn¡¯t she move on and let it go? But after decades of being obsessed with a person and their driving fuel being hate it was very difficult to let go once that person was gone.


    So what did she do? She manipted her brainwashed son to think bigger. She wanted the Bloodgarde gone and to do that she needed to rob the Marshal¡¯s hand. She wouldn¡¯t rest until her son was the one the highest power in the federation.


    This was in a nutshell the story of T and her son Ju.


    She sat opposite him and pinched his chin forcing him to look at her and said, ¡°Why are you still putting this lipstick shade on your lips. It doesn¡¯t suit you.¡±


    Ju grasped her hand and removed it from his chin before asking, ¡°Who was he?¡±


    T chuckled as she got up and said, ¡°Don¡¯t worry about him.¡± She poured out some warm coffee from the coffee pot only for her hand to pause when he said,


    ¡°I thought you promised me that when Ie today there won¡¯t be anyone.¡±


    The downside of T¡¯s n was that to maintain full and total control of her son she didn¡¯t allow him to develop a healthy rtionship with anyone be it boy or girl. She was afraid they would undo all her hard work and hence she made sure of it that no one woulde close to him. Her hatred had caused her moralpass to shatter into a million pieces.


    She had a reward system for Ju and when he did as she asked he would get one request. The rewards weren¡¯t worth mentioning because they went beyond basic moral standards.


    AN: I am certain by now the dynamics of their rtionship is obvious but we won¡¯t go into detail.

 Chapter 328

    328 Each time you sacrifice yourself for me I hurt


    Prime minister Ju sat by the balcony watching the horizon while his mother flipped through a virtual magazine behind her. The two of them didn¡¯t speak. The atmosphere was both strange and harmonious. It almost felt as though if one walked in they would be suffocated by the air within this space for intruding.


    He leaned his head back and said, ¡°When I walk out I am going to get attacked... I won¡¯t die but it will hurt.¡±


    T raised her head and nced at him before saying, ¡°I will y my part well.¡±


    Prime minister Ju smiled slightly before saying, ¡°That¡¯s all I ask. Soon I will be the only prime minister in the federation and you will get everything you have always wanted.¡±


    T smiled gracefully as she lowered her head continuing with her magazine. ¡°Just don¡¯t overdo it,¡± she said to him in a soft tone.


    Prime minister Ju stood up and walked over to her his entire body d in white. He stood behind her with his hands resting on the backrest of her chair.


    ¡°I hope mother won¡¯t go back on her word when I finally achieve our goal,¡± he whispered before kissing her cheek.


    T smiled gleefully with so much pride in her eyes watching her son leave. Oh, how she wished her ex-husband would have seen this. She bet that he would regret ever not epting her son. He was much more useful than that little brat who did nothing else but cry all day crying for his dead mother and a sister who never existed. Her son outsmarted that brat and he died from her son¡¯s devious plotting.


    As soon as he left through the main door, T took out a crystal bottle from her storage and read thebel attached to it. It was meant to bring tears to one¡¯s eyes but she had to take it two hours before.


    .....


    She got up and walked over to her bedroom. The bedding had already been changed by the housekeeping robot. The room was so clean that one couldn¡¯t even imagine that two strangers had been doing the unthinkable in this room earlier.


    She gently flung her gown back and sat down in front of her dresser. She admiringly gazed at her still graceful figure and plump skin her eyes beaming.


    She squeezed the lid of the crystal bottle sucking up some of the liquid before taking out the ss dropper. She tilted her head back and pulled her lower eyelid before dropping a few drops in her eye. After she was done she lowered her head and smiled like a nefarious viiness character.


    Two hourster the prime minister of Loch Ness star¡¯s convoy was attacked after he left his mother¡¯s home. His motorcade was attacked by a group of armed gunmen. When the security personnel stepped in to protect him something went wrong and the prime minister¡¯s hovercar overturned several times before crashing into a high rise building.


    News about it was all over Onyx Federation. For some reason, live footage of the attack was broadcasted live on StarNet just like two decades ago when their prince died. StarNet erupted with citizens expressing their opinions which varied extensively. Plenty were sending sympatheticments and requesting an urgent update but soon the storm veered towards rage and anger.


    That¡¯s because they witnessed the prime minister¡¯s mother rushing over to the scene of the ident and calling out her son¡¯s name in tears. While she cried herself half to death she casually asked why the army didn¡¯t protect her son.


    Since there wasn¡¯t anymunication between the outside world and Loch Ness star they couldn¡¯t express their concern. They could only haul insults at the Marshal and his cronies.


    Calls to remove the Marshal caught mes and the fire spread rapidly. That¡¯s because someone was cleverly fanning the mes to ruin Marshal Yi. Who wouldn¡¯t more especially when prime ministers were dropping like flies?


    Meanwhile, Zi Han and Yi Chen were covered under a mountain of snow after an avnche caused by the explosion. When it happened they were trying to fly out of the zone with the transmission disruption device well that is until they discovered the radius was expanding extensively.


    Before they could even make sense of what was happening arge explosion came from the west sweeping through the entire northern hemisphere causing extensive tremors ten times like that of a ten point one magnitude earthquake.


    Zi Han feared that the explosion might ignite a series of detonations across the snowy mountains and tear the gxy apart thus he took Yi Chen into Igneous.


    Igneous like the other of the three cmities was built to withstandrge explosions such as these. The two of them huddled in Igneous¡¯ cockpit but the expected explosions didn¡¯t happen. Instead, an avnche followed and they were buried in the snow.


    The temperature had dropped significantly and if it was Ran they were in they would have been filling the chill by now. Because it was Igneous they felt nothing as the snow buried them deep.


    During the avnche, Igneous had been hovering above the ground but the force of the explosion flung them five kilometers east before they crashed onto the ground. Before Igneous could get up arge mass of snow tumbled down the mountains and buried them.


    Yi Chen nced over at Zi Han as they sat up and asked, ¡°Are you okay?¡±


    Zi Han who was lying t on the ground with his limbs sprawledughed seeming a little shaken. While he wasughing Yi Chen pulled up his jacket at the hem and saw a nasty bruise on his lower back.


    Because he had pulled on it harshly he drew in a sharp breath of cold air. Zi Han¡¯sughter died down as he nced over at Yi Chen.


    ¡°What¡¯s wrong?¡± asked Zi Han as he got up and walked over to him.


    Zi Han knelt next to him and checked his wound. His face turned gloomy as he stared at that painful bruise.


    He remembered that Yi Chen wrapped his arms around to protect his shoulder that was about to hit the pilot console. He might have been able to protect him but in return, Yi Chen suffered an extensive blow to his lower back.


    ¡°Tsk, you do realize I am not that fragile. Each time you sacrifice yourself for me I hurt,¡± said Zi Han with the tip of his finger hesitating to touch the bruise.


    Yi Chen grasped his wrist and the two locked eyes for a second. Zi Han¡¯s heart sped up as he stared into Yi Chen¡¯s eyes. He suddenly felt nervous.

 Chapter 329

    329 Shh... we are healing


    Yi Chen on the other hand felt like his entire being had been electrified. They had been with each other for so long but when those eyes looked at him that way he couldn¡¯t help but fall in love all over again.


    He pulled Zi Han over and left a feather light kiss on the man¡¯s finger. With his lips lightly brushing against Zi Han¡¯s skin he asked, ¡°Is this your way of telling me you love me?¡±


    Zi Han, ¡°...¡±


    Yi Chen loved to see that perplexed look on Zi Han¡¯s face so much that he pulled him even closer with the tips of their noses almost touching.


    Yi Chen¡¯s mouth parted as he nced down at Zi Han¡¯s lips which looked tantalizing as is. He only took a glimpse before looking into Zi Han¡¯s eyes and shamelessly saying, ¡°I know but I can¡¯t bear to see you get hurt. Besides you can heal me right after.¡± As he said thest sentence he was leaning even closer with their lips almost touching.


    Zi Han wanted to reprimand him but like a person with little to no self-restraint, he got sucked into the trap. The next thing he knew he was kissing Yi Chen.


    It started off as a way to heal that terrible bruise but as the kiss grew more passionate things got so heated that Igneous didn¡¯t know whether it should go offline or mosaic them.


    Zi Han raised his right leg and went over Yi Chen¡¯s thighs before straddling him with their lips inseparable. He deepened the kiss as he let out a light moan which further roused Yi Chen.


    His hands ran down Zi Han¡¯s back as he caressed him with fervor. In this moment he didn¡¯t seem to mind what type of dangerous situation they were currently in. In fact, because it was a dangerous situation it made things even more exciting.


    .....


    Zi Han started to feel like he was about to lose control of himself and have sex inside the cockpit thus he had to slow things down. He parted from Yi Chen¡¯s lips and looked at him teary eyed.


    ¡°We can¡¯t... ahem, we,¡± he said his voice sounding low-pitched and slightly hoarse.


    But soon his mind was cloudy and in a daze. That¡¯s because Yi Chen was kissing his neck down to his corbone.


    ¡°We ca, can¡¯t... we really can¡¯t. Baby, ah fuck... mm-hmm whispered Zi Han as his fingers raked through Yi Chen¡¯s hair.


    ¡°Shh... we are healing,¡± said Yi Chen as he took a nibble of Zi Han¡¯s earlobe.


    Igneous, ¡°...¡±


    Why were they all the same? When it was Zi Xingxi and Yeoh Jun in this cockpit, Zi Han¡¯s father was the one saying the exact same line.


    ¡°Shh, we are healing,¡± was what he said. Healing what exactly? A bruise?


    ¡°Sir, the snow has settled. I advise that we resurface now before the snow pile freezes over us,¡± said Igneous trying to prevent things from escting.


    Yi Chen was very displeased but what was he supposed to do? Igneous was right but that didn¡¯t mean he would willingly bring this sweet moment to an end.


    Zi Han separated from Yi Chen and got up while fixing his hair. ¡°How are you feeling now?¡± asked Zi Han and Yi Chen outrightly lied.


    ¡°It barely healed. I need more time to recover fully,¡± he said seeming aggrieved.


    Igneous would have rolled its eyes if it had them. Zi Han on the other handughed while saying, ¡°You know when I met you you couldn¡¯t lie at all. Now you are a pro.¡±


    Yi Chen, ¡°...¡±


    ¡°So it¡¯s your fault,¡± said Yi Chen as he got up.


    Zi Han shrugged his shoulder as he said, ¡°What can I say? I am a very bad influence.¡±


    Yi Chen subconsciously licked his lower lip while watching Zi Han buckle up. With the two of them settled, Igneous started moving. It st a clean hole through the snow and two minutester they emerged from underneath the snow.


    Everything was as before. The desert of white snow expanded in all directions into the horizon. Snowkes were forming a curtain making it hard for one to see the sun clearly.


    Yi Chen unbuckled the belt of the retractable second chair in the cockpit and said, ¡°I am going back in Rn.¡± As he said this the windscreen of the cockpit broke into hive-shaped parts before it parted opening up for him to leave.


    Yi Chen smiled at his lover and stepped out but Zi Han pursed his lips before asking, ¡°Is that how we say goodbye to each other these days? No kiss or nothing?¡±


    Yi Chen knew he was wrong. Whenever one of them was going to leave the house or whatever they had to kiss. It was like paying toll fees to leave the door. He immediately walked back and kissed Zi Han¡¯s lips which were slightly swollen because of the kiss earlier and said, ¡°I love you, my fiance.¡±


    Zi Han suppressed a smile before saying, ¡°Now you are being extra. Why say so much? A kiss is just fine.¡±


    ¡°It¡¯s for in case you forget,¡± he said with his thumb and index finger pressed together forming a sweet heart shape directed at Zi Han.


    ¡°Uh uh, enough. Go on. We need to find out what the hell is going on,¡± said Zi Han and Yi Chen winked at him before jumping out of the mech.


    Zi Han rolled his eyes with a shy smile stered all over his face.


    Igneous who couldn¡¯t stand the sugary sweetness said, ¡°I wonder which ancestor I offended that I keep getting force-fed dog food for two, no three generations. Your grandfather was the worst one.¡±


    Zi Han¡¯s brows furrowed slightly before he asked, ¡°You mean emperor Yeoh? Iggy, howe you never talk about him?¡±


    Igneous didn¡¯t know what to say. It was a habit carried on from when Zi Han¡¯s father was still alive. He didn¡¯t like talking about the emperor so Igneous naturally brought this habit forward.

 Chapter 330

    330 ¡°You two still know how to abuse us even in a dangerous situation...¡±


    ¡°We need to check the next post. I can¡¯t find any more mechs on the map,¡± said Zi Han while watching the nk floating screen.


    ¡°Communication is still down. Let¡¯s head back west,¡± replied Yi Chen with worry in his eyes.


    ¡°Is Ran fully functional?¡± asked Zi Han while Igneous conducted an extensive search of the surrounding environment for any signs of life.


    Yi Chen checked the diagnostic report on the floating screen and found that everything was running perfectly. ¡°It¡¯s all good. Let¡¯s head out,¡± said Yi Chen before the two mechs ripped through the curtain of snow flying low.


    Zi Han couldn¡¯t help but worry for his mother thus he asked Igneous, ¡°Iggy, is there really no way tomunicate with my mother?¡±


    Igneous tried to reactivatemunication transmissions but just like before it couldn¡¯t connect. It could only give a suggestion which was that if they get within range they might be able tomunicate with Chronos.


    Zi Han didn¡¯t know if they would ever be in range but right now he could only focus on finding the rest of his squad and the others.


    The further they flew the thicker the curtain of snow. It was now difficult to see where they were headed but their mechs were at the top of the range with exceptional navigational skills. They didn¡¯t have to worry about that.


    After a while they reached the temporary base they were sharing with H¡¯s team. The ce seemed to have survived the aftershock of the explosion but it was dark and there was only Shannon, Li Ran, and misceneous personnel left behind trying to restore the power.


    .....


    When she saw the pair of love birds walk in she was so happy like she had seen a ray of sunshine. She had been very anxious and it felt great seeing someone other than Li Ran.


    ¡°Where are Zain and Omari?¡± asked Yi Chen and Shannon replied,


    ¡°They left on a rescue mission alongside Shorty and Shaun. Everything is down and we haven¡¯t heard from them.¡±


    ¡°Oh thank god you guys are okay,¡± said Li Ran as he entered the base control room.


    Yi Chen stretched out his hand and Li Ran passed him the tablet-like device in his hand. In front of him was the full report on the base¡¯s integrity. ording to the report, there was no extensive damage, and power should be up and running already.


    ¡°Why aren¡¯t the lightsing on,¡± he asked and Li Ran was quick to answer,


    ¡°Give it five more seconds and it will be back on.¡±


    As expected the lights lit up and the cold gloomy base was revitalized once more.


    ¡°We should head out an....,¡± said Zi Han only for another explosion to ur. This time it was much closer to them than before and almost shook the base out of the sky.


    The control room door locked automatically as a safety precaution and the four went down on the floor as the lights switched off again.


    ¡°Shit!¡± yelled Zi Han as his entire body was shaken to the core. A mass of snow struck the windows of the base making them vibrate but it was very much built tost.


    Yi Chen embraced Zi Han tightly while stroking his hair soothingly as these two watched on. How they wished they had someone tofort them through such a terrible experience.


    ¡°You two still know how to abuse us even in a dangerous situation,¡± said Li Ran as the snow speed slowed and tranquility was slowly restored.


    Zi Han didn¡¯t get what he meant until he saw their awkward posture. Yi Chen was protecting him the very same way he did in the mech. Zi Han was about to push him away and express that he really wasn¡¯t fragile but when he saw the worry in those eyes he couldn¡¯t bring himself to do it.


    Zi Han moved close and whispered into Yi Chen¡¯s ear saying, ¡°Baby, you can let go of me now.¡±


    Yi Chen was extremely reluctant but he still let him go and two minutester they got up on their feet. It was clear to them that this wasn¡¯t going to stop.


    It was going to keep happening again and again and the best way was to find everyone, gather them all at the base, and then evacuate this area.


    From the series of explosions, it was obvious that the culprit didn¡¯t want to explode the entire federation. These attacks were carefully nned and only targeted the squads in several posts. They had to do something now before the attacks escted burying them all in snow.


    ¡°Ran Ran, restore power to the base and work on restoringmunication with the outside world. Take advantage of Sheba,¡± said Yi Chen before heading to the door.


    Li Ran felt ill at ease letting them walk out of there but they had no other choice.


    ¡°I will get it done now,¡± said Li Ran before rushing down the corridor to the stairs that go down to the generator that runs the entire base. He knew if he did his part it would help a lot.


    ¡°Stay safe out there,¡± said Shannon hoping they would find her brother.


    In a matter of minutes, Zi Han and Yi Chen were back outside and started searching for anyone within the sea of white. This search went on for three hours before a sudden miracle happened.


    Li Ran actually came through to restore internalmunication temporarily. The mechs that had disappeared on the locator reappeared making the search much more easier.


    ¡°Over there,¡± yelled Zi Han as he flew over with Igneous. They had passed this ce several times but other than a field of snow there was nothing. Turns out Zain¡¯s mech had been buried deep in the snow.


    ¡°Use your cannon ster,¡± said Yi Chen, and Zi Han engaged his cannon ster carefully burning a hole into the snow.


    A minuteter a purple mech was uncovered and from the looks of it, all its limbs and joints were frozen stiff like they had been dropped in liquid nitrogen.


    Yi Chen pulled him out of the snow and they ced his mech on the ground while Igneous checked his health condition.


    ¡°He is body is freezing,¡± said Zi Han while rushing to open the cockpit and take him into Igneous.


    Yi Chen looked at Zi Han worriedly. He knew what Zi Han was going to do but he was worried about the side effects. ¡°Don¡¯t overdo it,¡± he said and Zi Han nodded his head before cing his hand above Zain¡¯s chest.


    Yi Chen grasped Igneous through his mech to get Zi Han¡¯s attention. ¡°I mean it,¡± he said staring at him intently.


    Zi Han halted his actions and promised. ¡°Okay, I promise I won¡¯t.¡±


    Yi Chen got up with something weighing heavy on his chest. He didn¡¯t even realize that his hands were trembling. This was not what he wanted for Zi Han. He shouldn¡¯t have to do this. Yi Chen looked back at Igneous one more time before taking off in the air. He wasn¡¯t sure how long this locator will stay online thus he had to find Omari.


    When he reached the ce where Omari was there was a hardly visible snowman the size of a mech.


    Yi Chen hurried over and what he found had him shaken to the core. Omari¡¯s mech had three of its limbs blown off. The windscreen of the cockpit had shattered and his body had been badly injured. He wasn¡¯t even conscious.

 Chapter 331

    331 It¡¯s not like I am pregnant


    Yi Chen was devastated but he had to think fast. He began to attend to him trying to keep him alive. While he was working frantically Igneous arrived and Zi Han jumped into Yi Chen¡¯s mech.


    When he saw Omari¡¯s condition he didn¡¯t think twice. He was distraught but he kept a level head and did what he had to do. Yi Chen grasped his wrist and stared at him with bloodshot eyes.


    ¡°You...,¡± he whispered but Zi Han showed him a reassuring smile and used whatever of his mental power he could gather to heal Omari.


    As the scarlet-like fog flowed out of his body he felt like a part of him was disappearing. Like something in him was being taken away and never to be returned.


    Despite feeling this way Zi Han would selflessly help Omari. Yi Chen couldn¡¯t take it anymore and once he saw ayer of cold sweat forming on his lover¡¯s forehead he walked over to him and grasped both his wrist while pulling him away.


    ¡°That¡¯s enough. He will live.... baby, that¡¯s enough,¡± he said and pulled Zi Han closer.


    Zi Han felt a little dizzy so he didn¡¯t immediately respond. Hearing that pain in Yi Chen¡¯s voice made Zi Han¡¯s heartache. In a daze, heforted him instead saying,


    ¡°Don¡¯t be sad... I am fine.¡±


    Yi Chen lightly patted his cheek forcing him to look at him. Zi Han¡¯s eyes were unfocused but he was partially lucid.


    .....


    ¡°You worry too much... check if he is okay,¡± said Zi Han but Yi Chen didn¡¯t believe him.


    ¡°Ran, check his vitals,¡± said Yi Chen and Ran began to scan its boss¡¯ future husband.


    It noticed faint abnormalities on his brain which somehow returned to normal in the next second. With the policy, report all no matter how small, Ran said, ¡°The young sir is in good condition. There was a slight abnormality in his brain waves but it was only temporary. A little sugar will give him a kick.¡±


    Yi Chen didn¡¯t feel at ease at all after hearing that. He pulled out a piece of butterscotch candy and fed it to him. Zi Han chortled as he sat down with one of his legs bent at the knee.


    Yi Chen said to him, ¡°Stay there, don¡¯t move,¡± before he checked on Omari. He seemed to be getting better but he was still in a critical condition.


    Zi Han who had been told to sit down heard Igneous speaking into his ear. At first, he thought it was an illusion but it wasn¡¯t.


    ¡°Sir, your mother is trying to connect through Chronos. You have to be in the cockpit to speak to her,¡± said Igneous, and Zi Han abruptly got up almost tripping in the process.


    Yi Chen hastily got up to hold him but before he could ask what he was doing Zi Han whispered, ¡°I am going to talk to my mum. She needs me.¡±


    At first Yi Chen thought he was hallucinating or something but when he looked through the windscreen of his mech he saw there was indeed a call disy on Igneous.


    ¡°Let me walk you there?¡± he said but Zi Han swatted his hand away with a light chuckle.


    ¡°Why? It¡¯s not like I am pregnant,¡± he said.


    Yi Chen, ¡°???¡±


    It was safe to say that Zi Han was definitely out of it at this point. When he answered the call Zi Han had to clench his fist to keep himself focused otherwise he would worry her.


    ¡°Oh, my baby. You had me worried. Are you okay?....¡± said Zi Xingxi almost wishing she could climb into the screen and hold her baby boy.


    ¡°I am fine, mum. What¡¯s going on?¡± asked Zi Han only for Zi Xingxi to squint her eyes as she leaned forward to take a closer look.


    ¡°Where is Yi Chen?¡± she asked her tonepletely different from when she was speaking to Zi Han.


    Yi Chen stepped over into her view and endured a mouthful from Zi Xingxi. That¡¯s because she could easily identify that look. Once her husband exhausted himself healing the Marshal that he wasn¡¯t right for the day. He waszy and talked a lot of nonsense.


    One look at Zi Han and she could tell he had just healed someone who had been severely injured. ¡°When I am not around he is your responsibility. You... can¡¯t let... do such things... if it¡¯s not... you,¡± she said but the connection was already starting to break apart. Just like that, the call ended and the two of them stared at each other.


    ¡°You heard that... I am your responsibility,¡± said Zi Han seeming high like he had smoked something he shouldn¡¯t have.


    Yi Chen, ¡°...¡±


    ¡°Put Igneous on autopilot and let¡¯s drop these two off at the base,¡± he said and Zi Han nodded his head before putting his feet up while patting Mr. Twiggles.


    Yi Chen, ¡°...¡±


    The four of them returned to the base. Zain¡¯s mech could return to its storage pendant but Omari¡¯s was too damaged thus they could only leave it behind.


    When they got back to the base it was busier than before. Shorty had broken his arm and leg. Shaun had a head injury and H had minor scratches.


    The scene in the medical bay was chaotic and depressing. Because Omari was in a much more critical condition than the rest he was directly ced in the healing capsule and the doctor on site watched over the operations.


    H took them to the side and said, ¡°We still don¡¯t have anymunication with headquarters. But ording to the locator, three mechs are down and the pilots are presumed dead.¡±


    Two of the dead were from one of the oldest squads that were assigned in the zone where the first explosion went off. The third person was from Evan¡¯s squad. It was one of their ssmates at the Military academy.


    The news was very devastating and because they didn¡¯t know who the enemy was, the next best thing was to evacuate and bring backup.


    Yi Chen didn¡¯t seem to agree though. These explosive devices were very useful to whoever was behind this attack. If they don¡¯t disarm those bombs they could be used to ckmail the federation. They had to be removed at any cost.


    Yi Chen grabbed Zi Han¡¯s wrist and requested H follow them. The three of them entered the control room and found Li Ran hard at work hacking Sheba which was for some reason trying to kick him out. The best way to deal with the situation was to fight back.

 Chapter 332

    332 You call that a kiss?¡±


    Li Ran pulled up the screen and said, ¡°They have already sent a response team but I don¡¯t know their estimated time of arrival. I don¡¯t know how long we can keep thismunication up though. Someone is really messing with Sheba and locking me out.¡±


    Shannon turned to them and showed the center points of the explosion on the floating screen.


    ¡°This person doesn¡¯t want to explode the entire federation. What they do want to do though is to blow us all up,¡± she said as she zoomed in on the radius of the recent explosion.


    Yi Chen clenched his fist his mind racing. ¡°Can we at least estimate where the other explosives are located?¡± asked Yi Chen and Li Ran pulled up the most probable locations.


    ¡°Alright... Send it out to everyone. We need to find them and deactivate them as soon as possible,¡± said Yi Chen and Shannon immediately sent the information out before they lost connection.


    Because it was a matter of urgency H kissed Li Ran on the cheek and left immediately leaving the three men staring at each other.


    Li Ran was over the moon but soon he fell back down when Zi Han said, ¡°Why are you looking so happy? You call that a kiss?¡±


    Li Ran, ¡°...¡±


    Yi Chen pulled Zi Han out of the room and they caught up with H. As soon as the elevator door closed Zi Han broke the awkward silence. ¡°Look who is feeding us dog food now... You could have at least kissed his lips. I mean not even tongue or anything,¡± asked Zi Han with a teasing tone.


    .....


    H was as red as a cooked lobster at this point. She was thin-skinned when it came to things like this thus she couldn¡¯t help but blush. H closed his mouth and said, ¡°Shh, if you tell anyone about it I will share my art work of you two with everyone.¡±


    Zi Han, ¡°...¡±


    Yi Chen draped his arm over Zi Han¡¯s shoulder and pulled him back his actions possessive.


    Zi Han chuckled while saying, ¡°As long as it¡¯s not the NSFW kind.¡±


    H, ¡°...¡±


    Yi Chen, ¡°...¡±


    ¡°Wait she does?¡± asked Yi Chen his expression a little confused.


    Zi Han pulled him out of the elevator while saying, ¡°She does have the smutty kind and in her artwork, I am the one on top.¡±


    It was then H realized Zi Han was lying. She indeed um... drew a few things before but it wasn¡¯t too explicit and Zi Han was obviously... you know what, never mind.


    Zi Han was just trying to loosen the atmosphere. This day had been the worst one in a very long time and sometimes it was just good tough through the pain.


    When they reached the hangar Zi Han said, ¡°You take this point and I will deal with the other one. Let¡¯s get this done before dinner,¡± with a beaming smile on his face.


    He was about to summon Igneous when Yi Chen grasped his wrist and pulled him back before nting a long blush inducing kiss filled with romantic and lustful energy. It gave off the same vibes as when men left for war in world war two and kissed their wives and girlfriends at the train tform before the train left.


    By the time Yi Chen was done with him, Zi Han was so muddle headed. It would be a miracle if he could operate a mech without using Igneous.


    H who had been standing by the hangar just shook her head but in her mind, she already had great inspiration for her next artwork. She would name it farewell before war kiss.


    Zi Han looked at her and said, ¡°Now this is how you do a farewell kiss.¡±


    Yi Chen wiped his lower lip with his thumb before saying, ¡°Why do you have to brag about it?¡±


    Zi Han just chuckled as he leapt out of the hangar into a cloud of snow before Igneous shot up into the sky.


    ¡°Be safe out there,¡± she said before she leapt out of the hangar as well.


    ¡°You too,¡± replied Yi Chen before he jumped off as well.


    ***


    While the three and other squads were looking for these explosives, Zi Xingxi came back onboard Han warship, and her expression didn¡¯t look good at all. It turned out that even the three cmities couldn¡¯t break through that shield.


    She just wanted to know who on earth nned all this so she could kill them. The person who actually nned this was ying patient while watching what was happening in the snowy mountains.


    Prime minister Ju had set the second explosion as a warning to the Marshal. He nned on continuously detonating a series of explosions until the man yielded. Everything seemed to be going ording to n so far and just like two decades ago his n was wless.


    Well, that is until he checked his secure light brain. What he found out had the smile on his face gone. Someone had messed with his wless n and managed to restore Sheba¡¯s transmission within the parameter of the mechs. They were able to locate each other and from the looks of it, they had even managed to send an SOS message to the Loch Ness Star military headquarters. On top of that, they had located his explosive devices and they were looking for them.


    ¡°Shit, shit, SHIT!!¡± he yelled in frustration. He immediately cut off the restored transmission but ten minutester it was back on.


    He didn¡¯t think anyone couldpete with him when it came to hacking but today it seemed he had met a very stubborn little white hacker with massive experience.


    He decided to pull up the footage of all the bases and sure enough, he saw Li Ran sitting there while poking holes into his n.


    Since he wasn¡¯t in the best condition to do this back and forth he decided to fry the entire base and that¡¯s exactly what he did.


    A slight quirk appeared on his face as he watched the little idiot swear after every electronic device in the base was destroyed.


    Having done that he pulled up the footage he ced around his explosive devices blending in with the snow and to no surprise, those brats had found them, one after the other.

 Chapter 333

    333 ¡°Is Yi Chen cheating?¡±


    At that moment he became very desperate. His initial target was Yi Chen so he decided to finish the job. Sure he would lose his leverage over the Marshal but Yi Zhen was definitely going down.


    StarNet was already calling for his resignation after all those prime ministers were attacked. Soon he would be forced to relinquish his authority over the military and everything else would undoubtedly fall in line.


    Thus at the press of a button, prime minister Ju blew up the explosive device within Yi Chen¡¯s proximity and it exploded with snow rising high up in the sky. At that distance, he was sure that brat was dead.


    A gleeful smile appeared on his face as he scrolled through the other cameras to see who else to explode next. His smile froze when he saw a face so familiar. At first, he scrolled by but something told him to scroll back and when he took a second look he pulled up the kid¡¯s records.


    When he saw that surname he scoffed and knew he had found his next target. He could deal with two problematic people at the same time that was the Marshal and the Bloodgarde.


    Thus the moment Zi Han came into view he lit that explosion like a Christmas tree. The mountains that had somewhat restored calm became violent and chaotic with the explosion spanning a great distance.


    Zi Han who didn¡¯t expect that was thrown off by the explosive force and for a moment he thought he was going to die. He got buried deep in the snow and another avnche swept past further burying his mech.


    This one prime minister Ju did enjoy. But just like the saying ¡®the devil never sleeps¡¯ his system was hacked again and this time it was hacked by a god. The shield he had surrounding Loch Ness Star was taken down and allmunications were restored.


    He wasn¡¯t too pleased with the oue but the damage had been done and his n from then on would go very well. There was no way Yi Chen and Zi Xingxi¡¯s sons would survive that kind of explosion at that distance thus he was very confident.


    .....


    Meanwhile, Zi Han woke up in the very exact same situation as before with the only difference being that he was no longer in Yi Chen¡¯s arms. He was all alone surrounded by a mountain of snow with Igneous calling his name trying to wake him up.


    Zi Han sat up and rubbed his sore muscles. This time he had buckled himself in the seat so he didn¡¯t fly around upon impact but his entire body was still sore.


    ¡°Iggy... tell me where is Yi Chen,¡± he said disregarding his own body condition. The first person he thought about was his lover. It was because he was afraid Yi Chen would worry thus he wanted to get to him as soon as possible.


    Igneous scanned for his body¡¯s condition while pinpointing thest known location.


    ¡°Sir your leg is injured. Would you like us to address that first,¡± asked Igneous reluctant to mention what happened to Yi Chen. He knew after that Zi Han would care less about himself and more about Yi Chen.


    His father was exactly like that. They could care less about their own health as long as their sweetheart was fine. Yes, they could heal but they weren¡¯t immortal.


    Zi Han seemed to sense something off about Igneous speech thus he asked again, ¡°Where is Yi Chen?¡± Igneous tried to y dumb but knowing Zi Han¡¯s character he decided to give him thest known location.


    Zi Han¡¯s heart panicked when he heads the wordsst known location. It meant that allmunications were down again and Yi Chen might be in trouble.


    A powerfulser beam shot through the snow and Igneous emerged from the snow and ripped through the atmosphere heading towards Yi Chen¡¯s direction. His hands were trembling his eyes misty and he was on the verge of losing his shit but he had to keep it together and find Yi Chen.


    When he reached the coordinates, other than a vast sea of white there was no mech in sight.


    Zi Han¡¯s chest tightened and he felt stifled for a second. He couldn¡¯t randomly st through the snow so he could only dig.


    His heart rate spiked sharply as he dug through the snow and that¡¯s when the tears began to wail up. Just when he thought he was alone his mother¡¯s voice suddenly connected to his mech and called out to him.


    ¡°Han Han... are you there... Sweety, mum is very worried. Please answer mum, okay?¡±


    Zi Han who had dug so much with snow piling on his shoulders whispered, ¡°Ma... I can¡¯t find him. He... he... I can¡¯t find him.¡± Zi Xingxi felt like her heart had been stabbed by a sharp de when she felt his broken heart through his voice.


    ¡°Check your locator. It¡¯s already restored... You should find him now,¡± she said. She was right. Everything had gone back to normal but he still couldn¡¯t locate Yi Chen.


    ¡°Ma I can¡¯t find, find him,¡± he said his voice brittle as his tears began to flow even more. Yes, he never said the L word but he loved him so much that he wouldn¡¯t see the point of living if Yi Chen was gone.


    ¡°His locator must be broken. Ran can¡¯t stand such extreme temperatures. Let me, let me figure something out,¡± she said only for Zi Han to raise his hand looking at his finger.


    His downturned lips suddenly quirked up as heughed while crying. ¡°Ma, my ring. Lynn Feng should hack my ring. He is wearing his,¡± he said only for the Zi father and daughter to look at each other. They didn¡¯t know their little Han had trust issues. The boy even found a subtle way to track his fiance. He could track him through a ring.


    Lynn Feng hastily opened the cloud file with the tracking software and two secondster Yi Chen¡¯s location was up on the screen. She immediately forwarded it to him.


    While Zi Han was sting through the thick snow to rescue his lover, Zi Xingxi and Zi Feiji were staring at Lynn Feng looking for answers.


    ¡°Is Yi Chen cheating?¡± asked grandpa Zi ready to skin someone.


    Lynn Feng, ¡°No.¡±


    Zi Xingxi, ¡°Is he up to some shady stuff?¡±


    Lynn Feng, ¡°No.¡±


    ¡°Then why did he put a tracker in their engagement rings?¡±


    Lynn Feng, ¡°...¡±


    How was she supposed to know? She was just following instructions.

 Chapter 334

    334 Foiled n


    It didn¡¯t take long for Zi Han to find Yi Chen. Ran seemed to have suffered some damage but it wasn¡¯t something irreparable. He had to quickly get himself together and not get too emotional for Yi Chen¡¯s sake but it was very difficult for him.


    When he pulled Yi Chen out of the snow, he was still conscious but he was freezing cold and he had a serious injury on his forehead.


    Zi Han was very quick to react while talking to him softly in a soothing tone. He might have appeared calm on the outside but on the inside, he was like a pot of boilingva. He was so enraged and was seeking an outlet to let it out.


    When he finds out who the hell did this they would most definitely be hell to pay. While he was taking care of Yi Chen, Li Ran requested a video call.


    Zi Han answered it but his expression wasn¡¯t at all friendly. One could understand why. After such a traumatic experience it was even a surprise that he was epting calls. Li Ran nced behind Zi Han and found that the person he was looking for was right behind him lying down.


    He heaved a sigh of relief and asked, ¡°How is he doing?¡±


    Zi Han nced behind him before replying, ¡°He,¡± but when he realized his voice was raspy he cleared his throat before continuing, ¡°I sedated him. He just needs to warm up a little and I will take him to the base.¡±


    Li Ran tried to ignore Zi Han¡¯s swollen eyes from all that crying and continued to say, ¡°We are evacuating the base... Do you want us to wait for you two... or maybe do you need some help to bring him back to the base?¡±


    Zi Han shook his head trying to appear as normal as possible which was really hard for him. Yi Chen¡¯s injuries were more serious than that but he didn¡¯t want to worry Li Ran so he downyed it.


    .....


    ¡°I am afraid if I move him now it won¡¯t do him any good,¡± replied Zi Han but the truth was that if he moved Yi Chen now he wouldn¡¯t be able to heal him in full view of everyone else so he much preferred it if they stayed in Igneous for a while. It would be best if the base would be empty by the time he gets there.


    Li Ran didn¡¯t think much of it. He simply nodded his head in agreement before saying, ¡°I will reassure uncle and aunt. Just... just stay safe okay?¡±


    Zi Han nodded his head his lips pressed into a thin line before saying, ¡°Take care of H and the others.¡±


    After that Zi Han cut the video call and walked back to the retractable bed in the cockpit. He sat down and raked his fingers through his hair while painfully biting his bottom lip as the tears wailed up in his eyes.


    This was what he was always afraid of and experiencing it today made him feel like he was slowly turning into his mother. His heart shattered into a million pieces as he dug in that snow. The pain was indescribable andpletely out of this world. He never wanted to experience that again but as long as they stayed in this line of work they were bound to experience it again.


    Zi Han took off his boots before lying down next to Yi Chen. With his curled finger he gently caressed Yi Chen¡¯s cheek with a self deprecating smile. He always gave the same answer whenever his mother would tell him to stay away from girls and that was, ¡°I won¡¯t fall in love,¡± or, ¡°I don¡¯t want to fall in love,¡± but here he was guarding someone on their bedside feeling very anxious. He had not only fallen in love but had fallen very hard that there was no saving him. His fate was now bound to Yi Chen and there was nothing he could do about it. Zi Han kissed Yi Chen¡¯s lips beforeying his head down on Yi Chen¡¯s chest.


    While Zi Han was cuddling his lover and plotting his revenge on whoever nned this, the culprit was looking very upset.


    Not only were the people he sent to kill the prime ministers unavable but Zi Han and Yi Chen had been reported to have survived the explosion. All his explosive devices had been found and deactivated.


    As for the prime ministers the news mentioned them being in critical conditions or status unknown but if that was the case then why couldn¡¯t he get hold of any of his people? It had be very apparent to him that his wless n had been foiled. The only good thing going for him now was that there were more calls for the Marshal to give up all his power.


    He could only retreat into his hole ande up with another n. He didn¡¯t even dare let his mother know what was going on. She would be very pissed off with him.


    ***


    ¡°Shit,¡± swore Zi Han after burning his fingers.


    ¡°Careful... I don¡¯t see why you have to keep doing this. You have made him porridge for the past three days and he hasn¡¯t woken up to eat it,¡± said Zi Xingxi while looking at her son through the video call with a worried look in her eyes.


    ¡°It¡¯s fine. I will have it ready for him when he wakes up,¡± replied Zi Han as he closed the food warmer.


    ¡°How are you doing though? You aren¡¯t overdoing it, are you?¡± asked Zi Xingxi and Zi Han¡¯s back stiffened.


    By overdoing it Zi Xingxi was referring to healing Yi Chen. She had repeatedly warned him about this but the first night Zi Han went all the way. He finally found out what she meant by overdoing it. He felt like his soul had left his body and couldn¡¯t wake up at all the next day. Thus he had been taking it easytely.


    ¡°I have... don¡¯t worry mum,¡± he said before trying to change the subject quickly, ¡°have you found out who did this?¡±

 Chapter 335

    335 Doctor Han its swollen here.... Hehe


    ¡°Not yet but I suspect your grandfather knows something. He has had two private calls with the Marshal these past few days. Those two are always at each other¡¯s throats but all of a sudden they are now buddy buddy. It doesn¡¯t make any sense,¡± she said raising her legs up on the desk while shoving a spoon of yogurt in her mouth.


    ¡°Maybe they have reconciled or something?¡± said Zi Han only for Zi Xingxi tough out loud.


    ¡°I doubt that... anyway I have to go. Remember to call me if anything changes,¡± she said while sending an air kiss to him.


    Zi Han captured the air kiss and ced it on his heart while chuckling. But as soon as the call ended the smile on his face sank.


    The base was empty and felt a little lonely because Yi Chen was simply refusing to wake up. This left him in his head longer than he should have. His thoughts slowly became erratic and chaotic. He was like a water hose with one end filling up with water and the other end secured with duct tape. Eventually, he was going to erupt not unless he found a way to release some of that pressure.


    Lucky for him before that could happen Yi Chen woke up by the afternoon. Zi Han had been taking a shower after training and when he stepped out of the shower with his bath towel wrapped around his waist he found that person he had been waiting for to wake up sitting at the edge of the bed with a nk expression.


    Zi Han smiled happily as he leaned against the door. ¡°You didn¡¯t intend toe back to me, didn¡¯t you?¡±


    Yi Chen who had been rubbing his temple in a state of confusion raised his head when he saw Zi Han standing there with his top half naked.


    Yi Chen asked, ¡°Are you trying to seduce me?¡±


    .....


    Zi Hanughed out loud as he averted his gaze. He didn¡¯t even realize his eyes were wet and tears were flowing down subconsciously.


    It was only after Yi Chen stood in front of him and began to wipe the tears on his face did Zi Han realize he was crying.


    ¡°Baby what¡¯s wrong,¡± asked Yi Chen seeming very concerned.


    Zi Han who had been holding back lost it. He buried himself in Yi Chen¡¯s chest and silently let it all out which startled Yi Chen so much that he didn¡¯t know what to do.


    He began to search his memory for anything that could have upset Zi Han. Thest memory he had was of him looking for the explosive device. Everything after that was a blur. He didn¡¯t even know how he ended up back on the base.


    ¡°Shh, it¡¯s okay. I am here... shh, baby don¡¯t cry. Please don¡¯t cry,¡± he said stroking Zi Han¡¯s back and hair soothingly but his t-shirt got even wetter. It seemed Zi Han had been bottling it all up for days and he finally couldn¡¯t contain himself anymore.


    ¡°You have been sleeping there for three days. Why? Why would you do that to me?¡± said Zi Han his voice low and barely audible but Yi Chen heard hisints.


    It seemed he had been knocked out cold for so long and Zi Han was very worried. ¡°I am so sorry. I am really sorry,¡± he said but Zi Han ignored him.


    In fact, he gently pushed him away feeling a little embarrassed. He suddenly felt like a drama king for throwing such a fuss. Wasn¡¯t Yi Chen fine? So why was he crying like someone had died?


    Even when he criticized himself Zi Han couldn¡¯t help but feel aggrieved. He took out a t-shirt from the hanger and was about to put it on when he was hugged from behind.


    Yi Chen nuzzled the crevice of Zi Han¡¯s neck while speaking to him softly. ¡°Baby... I am sorry. I am so sorry,¡± he whispered.


    Zi Han sniffled his face growing hot from shame. He was about to shrug him off when he felt some wetness on his neck. When he realized Yi Chen was also crying Zi Han felt so bad.


    He raised his hand and gently rubbed the back of Yi Chen¡¯s head. ¡°It¡¯s fine. I was just emotional that¡¯s all...,¡± said Zi Han but Yi Chen didn¡¯t stop embracing him.


    He kissed Zi Han¡¯s neck before saying, ¡°When you hurt, I hurt... so don¡¯t cry anymore, okay?¡± Zi Han showed a pained smile as he kissed Yi Chen¡¯s forehead. He now understood how his mother felt all these years. At least he managed to get to Yi Chen in time. He couldn¡¯t even bring himself to think what would happen if he hadn¡¯t put that ring on Yi Chen¡¯s finger. Would he have still found him?


    Zi Han gently stroked Yi Chen¡¯s hair as the two embraced in silence. This tranquil silence lingered for a very long time that is until Yi Chen¡¯s tummy roared in dissatisfaction.


    Zi Han couldn¡¯t help butugh out loud. ¡°You must be starving. Let me get dressed so we can go to the kitchen. I made you some porridge,¡± he said but Yi Chen wouldn¡¯t let him go.


    When Zi Han pat Yi Chen¡¯s hand to let him go Yi Chen tightened his hold while saying, ¡°I am hungry for other things.¡±


    Zi Han, ¡°...¡±


    He pushed Yi Chen while calling out, ¡°You pervert. You haven¡¯t even recovered yet but all you keep thinking about is sex.¡±


    Yi Chen held his stomach and stumbled backward ying the victim. He grimaced as he sat back on the bed like he had been injured.


    Zi Han put on his t-shirt while saying, ¡°You should improve your acting skills. You hurt your head not your belly.¡±


    Yi Chen then ced his hand on his head and Zi Hanughed while striding over. ¡°Let me take a look. Doctor Han will heal you fast,¡± said Zi Han only for Yi Chen to change where his hand was to his crotch.


    ¡°Then Doctor Han, it hurts here. Can you check it for me?¡± said Yi Chen before biting his bottom lip seductively.


    Zi Han took a step back and said, ¡°That¡¯s not my specialty ah fuck. You... let go.¡±


    What was he asking Yi Chen to let go? The man was holding on to his towel and the way he was tugging it meant he would be left exposed with a little force.


    ¡°Doctor Han, it¡¯s swollen over here. Can you please take a look? I promise it will be worth your time,¡± said Yi Chen seeming so energetic that one wouldn¡¯t think he was the same person who was lying on the bed lifeless for three days.


    ¡°Shit... Yi Chen, let go... ahahaha you pervert... where are you touching?¡±


    AN: Where is he touching indeed?

 Chapter 336

    336 I will make you the happiest man alive


    The nking of cutlery against the bowls resounded in the kitchen as the two sweethearts were eating porridge.


    Zi Han, who had been silently eating, for once, nced at Yi Chen and asked, ¡°What are you looking at?¡±


    Yi Chen, who didn¡¯t think he would get caught swallowed the food in his mouth and asked, ¡°What? So I can¡¯t look at you? You don¡¯t like me looking at you?¡±


    Zi Han just nced at him with the tip of his tongue pressing hard against his cheek his eyes burning holes into his fiancee¡¯s skin.


    ¡°I want you to look at me but not like you are going to eat me,¡± said Zi Han and Yi Chen felt very amused.


    He smiled at Zi Han while eating a spoonful of porridge. After swallowing down the amazing porridge he said, ¡°It really tastes so good. It¡¯s light and fluffy.¡±


    Zi Han picked up the bowl while saying, ¡°I cooked it every day for the past three days and you didn¡¯t want to freaking wake up.¡±


    As he said this he passed by Yi Chen. Just as Zi Han reached the sink Yi Chen moved his hand behind him and grabbed Zi Han¡¯s hand before bringing him back.


    Yi Chen pulled him back and ced him in between his legs. With his thumb resting on Zi Han¡¯s chin he said, ¡°It really tasted good and I love what I see... now I want to eat it.¡±


    .....


    Zi Han, ¡°...¡±


    He smiled as he nced down at him with a smile so bright you would think he had won the lottery.


    ¡°You really don¡¯t think of anything apart from that,¡± said Zi Han as Yo Chen¡¯s hands wrapped around his waist and he pulled him closer.


    ¡°I do but you just look so sexy. I just can¡¯t keep my hands to myself,¡± said Yi Chen before he fleetingly kissed Zi Han¡¯s lips.


    ¡°That¡¯s just an excuse for you to be a pervert,¡± said Zi Han before nting a gentle kiss on Yi Chen¡¯s lips.


    Yi Chen wasn¡¯t satisfied with just a peck thus he caressed Zi Han¡¯s cheek before pulling him down and kissing him fiercely with absolutely no restraint.


    Zi Han felt Yi Chen¡¯s fingers sliding underneath his t-shirt caressing his back. He was slowly falling into the same trap Yi Chen always snared him in but because he was afraid Yi Chen would overexert himself Zi Han tried everything to distract him.


    ¡°How about you talk to your mum and dad first? They have been asking about you every day,¡± said Zi Han and Yi Chen showed some dissatisfaction on his face but he also knew his family was worried for him so Yi Chen had no choice.


    ¡°I will talk to them then but right after that...,¡± said Yi Chen as he got up and pressed Zi Han against the kitchen counter with both his hands blocking his escape.


    ¡°Right after that.... I will make you the happiest man alive,¡± said Yi Chen with a smile so seductive that Zi Han couldn¡¯t help but be charmed.


    Zi Han chuckled before saying, ¡°I am already the happiest man alive.¡± Yi Chen bit his lower lip his eyes sparkling like gems.


    He nced at his lips before leaning forward. When their lips touched Yi Chen was especially impassioned his hand grasping Zi Han¡¯s waist.


    The way he kneaded his waist clearly demonstrated his hunger and thirst for the man right in front of him.


    Zi Han ced his hand on Yi Chen¡¯s cheek deepening the kiss. His tongue licked Yi Chen¡¯s lips before prying them apart and invading Yi Chen¡¯s mouth. Things became very heated between them as Yi Chen chased his tongue with his. Passionate sounds of kissing filled the empty kitchen as the two of them ate each other¡¯s faces off.


    Zi Han could feel the monster inside Yi Chen¡¯s shorts growingrger andrger thus he had to bring things to a stop.


    Zi Han wiped the corner of Yi Chen¡¯s lips while saying, ¡°Go talk to your mum and I will make us ginger cookies and hot chocte. How about that?¡±


    Yi Chen kissed Zi Han¡¯s neck and probably sucked on it a little before he turned to leave.


    Zi Han grasped Yi Chen¡¯s hand and pulled him back with their fingers interlocked together. He stared at him with affection in his eyes as he kissed his lips.


    Yi Chen rubbed Zi Han¡¯s hand as he said, ¡°This is about the time you say you love me.¡±


    Zi Han didn¡¯t say it. He just pulled him into a hug and the two of them embraced tightly. There was nothing sexual about this hug but the love was definitely there. Zi Han felt warm and fuzzy inside that he couldn¡¯t help but say, ¡°Don¡¯t do that to me ever again, okay? Don¡¯t... don¡¯t get hurt like that ever again.¡±


    Yi Chen couldn¡¯t promise him that. He kissed Zi Han¡¯s temple while gently stroking his back. Zi Han also knew that he couldn¡¯t promise him that thus he didn¡¯t pressure him to respond.


    This incident in the kitchen was witnessed by a certain someone who was seriously losing his mind over Zi Han. He rubbed his forehead in frustration before looking at his subordinate. ¡°Did you get what I asked for?¡± he asked and the man handed him a tablet for him to see.


    Prime minister Ikeda tapped on the y button and when he saw the footage of prime minister Ju on the screen his chest tightened. He clenched his jaw his eyes seeming crazed.


    He gave back the tablet to the man before unlocking his light brain and messaging Zi Han.


    As soon as he sent the message he looked at the person standing in the kitchen. Zi Han who was mixing the bowl of batter heard his light brain making a dinging sound.


    ¡°Iggy, read it to me,¡± he said but his hands kept busy.


    Iggy wished it could sigh. If Yi Chen knew his fiancee was receiving such weird messages from a crazy person he would go off in a jealous rage.

 Chapter 337

    337 Too much cookie talk


    ¡°Sir, it¡¯s from the same anonymous contact. It reads ¡®if I was....,¡± it said only for Zi Han to interject.


    ¡°Wait, wait, wait.... I will read it,¡± said Zi Han afraid that the message would be something so petrifying that if Yi Chen hears it he would get very upset.


    Zi Han swiped his light brain unlocking it. His brow twitched as he raised his head looking around. That¡¯s because the message read.


    SN9345: If I was yours you wouldn¡¯t have to lift a finger.


    SN9345: I would love to taste your cooking though.


    Zi Han didn¡¯t even bother replying to the messages. He pulled up Lynn Feng¡¯s chat interface and wrote her a message.


    HanChen: Can you take down every camera in the base?


    Lynn Feng who was working read his message and sent him a thumbs up. Two minutester prime minister Ikeda couldn¡¯t see anything anymore. Enraged he banged the table hurting himself before pulling up Zi Han¡¯s contact but just like thest time his number was blocked again but he wasn¡¯t going to give up.


    ¡°Get me another contact,¡± he said to his subordinate as he leaned back in his seat.


    .....


    ¡°Yes sir,¡± said the man before he left.


    ***


    ¡°I was really worried. All of us were really worried. How are you feeling now?¡± asked Lin Ruoxi with dark circles around her eyes. She hadn¡¯t really slept for these past couple of days worrying over her son and her husband.


    ¡°I am feeling well. Han Han took great care of me. You really don¡¯t have anything to worry about,¡± said Yi Chen with a reassuring smile.


    Lin Ruoxi was very relieved. She had a lot of things to ask and talk about thus the two of them talked for a while.


    While he was responding to her questions Yi Chen spotted his sweetheart drawing something in the snow with his feet. It seemed Zi Han had no idea he was being watched. It was probably meant to be a surprise but watching him doing it made Yi Chen extremely happy.


    It was quite entertaining to watch actually. After tracking his feet in the snow Zi Han seemed to finally give up because the snowkes were falling again.


    Feeling rather annoyed he summoned Igneous and instead of his feet he used hisser gun and drew a big heart shape visible from afar. He observed the heart shape for a while before adding on some finishing touches.


    He wrote HanChen on the top and right before the snow could cover up his masterpiece, Zi Han put away his mech and looked up while writing Yi Chen a message.


    HanChen: Baby,e to the window.


    HanChen: Hurry.


    Yi Chen smiled happily as he ended the video call with his mother.


    ChenHan: I saw it all.


    ChenHan: It was very funny.


    Zi Han, ¡°...¡±


    Well, that didn¡¯t go as nned. Zi Han looked up and red at the windows before walking inside.


    Yi Chen chuckled before leaving the window. He took out the box with a watch inside and suddenly felt very nervous.


    This was it. He wanted to do this so bad and he hoped Zi Han would ept it. He just had to find a way to ask him.


    While he was working out a n in his mind, the door suddenly opened and Zi Han stomped in.


    He was about to say something when he saw Yi Chen put a box away, a very familiar box.


    He didn¡¯t know what was inside of it but Yi Chen always went everywhere with it. ¡°What is that?¡± asked Zi Han only for Yi Chen to change the subject abruptly.


    ¡°Baby, I want a cookie,¡± said Yi Chen but Zi Han wasn¡¯t giving away any cookies. He was more interested in the box.


    ¡°Only good boys deserve cookies. You show me what¡¯s in there and I will give you cookies. Lots of them,¡± said Zi Han but instead of giving it to him Yi Chen picked him up and ced him on the bed before saying,


    ¡°I don¡¯t want those cookies yet. I want this cookie.¡±


    Zi Han clutched his cor and pulled him down before kissing his lips. ¡°This cookie is very pricey,¡± said Zi Han before pushing him away. Yi Cheny back on the bed and watched on as Zi Han straddled him before saying, ¡°Show me what¡¯s in the box first.¡±


    ¡°Cookie first and then I will show you,¡± said Yi Chen while rubbing Zi Han¡¯s thighs.


    Zi Hanughed while taking off his t-shirt. ¡°I think you have it twisted. This is not a negotiation,¡± said Zi Han only for Yi Chen to shove him away and press him onto the bed again. He gently caressed Zi Han¡¯s chest with his fingertips. ¡°Then why are you taking off your t-shirt,¡± he said with the tip of his nose gently rubbing against Zi Han¡¯s.


    ¡°Because... it¡¯s hot.... very very hot,¡± said Zi Han with a yful smile.


    ¡°Is it hot or you are hot?¡± asked Yi Chen while his finger ran down Zi Han¡¯s chin.


    Zi Han moved his head slightly and gently bit Yi Chen¡¯s finger. Yi Chen gazed into those alluring eyes his heart beating fast like spring was blooming in his chest.


    ¡°Did you like my heart?¡± asked Zi Han while letting go of Yi Chen¡¯s finger.


    Yi Chen pinched his chin forcing him to look up.


    ¡°I did. I liked it very much,¡± said Yi Chen as his finger moved to Zi Han¡¯s chest and he said, ¡°I also want this one.¡±


    ¡°You already have that one,¡± said Zi Han with a radiant smile on his face.


    Yi Chen pointed at his chest and said, ¡°And you have mine too... I love you.¡±


    Maybe it was because he was bewitched or because he was drowning in Yi Chen¡¯s affection that he found himself saying,


    ¡°I love you too.¡±


    Yi Chen, ¡°...¡±


    ¡°Sorry what did you say?¡± he asked and of course, Zi Han wasn¡¯t going to repeat himself. Certain things could only be said once and he didn¡¯t n on saying it again.


    AN: So much cookie talk. Now I want a cookie.

 Chapter 338

    338 NSFW.... Yay!!


    Yi Chen nced outside the ceiling to floor windows and saw the thick curtain of snow that was showering down the now tranquil mountains had disappeared.


    Thest remnants of the small golden sun rays were slowly being swallowed by the inky darkness. From where he was sitting Yi Chen could hear Zi Han busying himself in the bathroom preparing a surprise for him.


    He ced his arms at the back of his head and restzily waiting for him. Yi Chen was feeling really giddy inside imagining what his surprise could be. He wondered what sort of outfit Zi Han woulde out wearing. Maybe he woulde out wearing a sexy nurse outfit or maybe his favorite the bunny sh maid costume. Whatever it was he couldn¡¯t wait to tear it off Zi Han and make him cry out in pleasure.


    Speaking of that Yi Chen suddenly felt a sharp pang in his heart. He had been feeling very ufortable ever since he woke up. It was a very weird feeling considering that Zi Han had finally said he loved him. He even went out in the snow and drew a heart for him and now Zi Han even chose to wear something sexy without him having to ask.


    The only thing he didn¡¯t get to do was take a shower with Zi Han. That¡¯s because Zi Han refused. He had to take a shower first and told him to lie on the bed when he was done. No matter how you looked at it, it was a perfect day but Yi Chen couldn¡¯t shake the feeling in his heart.


    Yi Chen sighed as he gazed at the closed door again. Just when he thought Zi Han was too shy toe out the door slid open and he quickly sat up in anticipation. Yi Chen bit his bottom lip his cheeks tingling as his pupils trembled.


    When Zi Han stepped out Yi Chen swallowed moistening his dry throat. His pupils shrank as he sat at the edge of the bed. The lights in the room were a dim blue glow but Yi Chen could see everything.


    For a very long time, he was quite speechless and unable to utter a single word. Zi Han rubbed the tip of his nose his face glowing with a touch of pink on his cheeks. ¡°Don¡¯t just stare at me? What do you think?¡± asked Zi Han not sure what to do next.


    ¡°Uh... you,¡± said Yi Chen but he really couldn¡¯te up with the right words. His gaze swept down Zi Han¡¯s body and he felt the heat rising not only on his face but on his crotch. He was painfully hard and that was just from one nce.


    .....


    Zi Han was wearing an alluring ck hollow cat embroidery bra showing part of his pectoral muscles through the hollow gab, matching ck panties with cat ears above the crotch area, a bell neck choker, and thigh high ck stockings. In his hand, he was holding super cute fluffy ck cat ears and his feet.... fuck, his feet had on thin heeled stilettos. Yi Chen felt a shiver down his spine when Zi Han took a step forward.


    ¡°Baby, are you trying to ruin me?¡± whispered Yi Chen with the tent on his crotch twitching with impatience. Zi Han chuckled as he knelt down in front of him his back arched forward creating a sexy arc. At this angle, Yi Chen could see something he hadn¡¯t seen before. It was a butt plug with a furry tail sticking out of it. Yi Chen wanted to touch so badly but before he could do that Zi Han passed him the ears.


    ¡°Put it on for me please daddy Chen,¡± said Zi Han instantly snatching his soul.


    Zi Han lowered his head with his face right by Yi Chen¡¯s crotch. His warm breath blowing from his nostrils grazed Yi Chen¡¯s hard member making it grow even harder. He felt a zing fire spread all over his body that was desperate to be put out and a fire hose or ice bath wouldn¡¯t cut it. He was so horny like he had been drugged but it was all Zi Han¡¯s doing.


    Yi Chen ced the ears on Zi Han¡¯s head and pinched his chin forcing him to look up before nting a fierce breathtaking kiss clearly expressing his hunger and thirst for this person. Yi Chen sucked on his soft lips with his hot breath spraying on Zi Han¡¯s face. Zi Han arched his back even more pressing his body against Yi Chen¡¯s as his tongue slipped inside the man¡¯s mouth and teasingly licked Yi Chen¡¯s pte and beneath the man¡¯s tongue.


    Yi Chen¡¯s body trembled and whimpered under the influence of that amazing sensation of having the underside of his tongue licked. That was a new trick Zi Han had never used before. Yi Chen wanted to know where he had learnt that from but he had to save that question forter because he was unable to think straight under thepulsion of this fox spirit.


    When their lips parted a silver string of saliva lingered in between their lips clearly demonstrating the depth and intensity of that kiss. Yi Chen gazed at that tail again while asking, ¡°How do you even walk in those,¡± referring to the five inch stilettos on his feet.


    Zi Han sucked and nibbled on Yi Chen¡¯s neck before responding, ¡°It was hard at first but once I figured it out it got easier.¡± Yi Chen leaned his head back enjoying what his lover was doing to his neck. He closed his eyes sinking into the throngs of pleasure.


    ¡°Baby, I want to fuck you,¡± he whispered in a raspy voice as his finger teased Zi Han¡¯s nipples under the thinyer of fabric. Zi Han bit his lips as a pleasurable sensation from having his nipples rubbed against the fabric swept through his nerve endings. With his lips, he caressed the side of Yi Chen¡¯s neck up to his ears before whispering,


    ¡°Not yet... I want to make you beg for it.¡±


    Yi Chen, ¡°...¡±


    He is indeed a dead man walking.

 Chapter 339

    339 Holy water anyone?


    Zi Han was going to eat him up today. This was going to be an unforgettable experience for him. He immediately got up and like a vixen whose sole purpose was to seduce this one man, he swung his hips with his fingers running down his chin to his chest and stopping right at his crotch.


    Yi Chen subconsciously leaned back while spreading his legs apart. the entire time his gaze was transfixed on Zi Han¡¯s sensual movements. the soft erotic song ying in the background helped set the scene making it even more sexually stimting. Yi Chen bit his lower lip as Zi Han¡¯s perky ass came within reach.


    His hands became very itchy thus he pped Zi Han¡¯s ass without a second thought. Zi Han groaned involuntarily as the heat from that p spread all over his body. He spun around and swung his hips like an alluring siren trying to lure him to sea but in this case, it was the sea of pleasure. Yi Chen ced his hands on Zi Han¡¯s waist kneading at his tight skin trying to get him (Zi Han) to straddle him but gently shoved him back onto the bed before walking away.


    Yi Chen hastily got up and grabbed his wrist before pulling him back. With his lips resting on Zi Han¡¯s ear he whispered, ¡°What do I have to do to get you, baby,¡± before gently biting the man¡¯s earlobe. His hand on Zi Han¡¯s waist tightened with his hips moving slightly rubbing against Zi Han. Zi Han gasped as he leaned back a little. He clutched both of Yi Chen¡¯s arms tightly as Yi Chen¡¯s lips trailed down the side of his neck to his vicle licking and nibbling leaving behind conspicuous marks.


    Zi Han pressed his shoulders down and Yi Chen followed his lead. Yi Chen got down on his knees and Zi Han said with a sly grin, ¡°If you want me you are going to have to please me.¡±


    Yi Chen kissed Zi Han¡¯s belly button before raising his head with his moist lips rubbing against his skin. ¡°For you, I will do anything,¡± whispered Yi Chen before continuing to kiss Zi Han¡¯s abs down to thece panties which were barely concealing the hardness under the fabric. Zi Han raked his fingers through Yi Chen¡¯s hair. The feeling of Yi Chen¡¯s strands in between his fingers was intense and more pleasurable making his body burn with desire.


    Zi Han picked up Yi Chen¡¯s tie from his uniform that he (Zi Han) ced on the table and as he untied it he rested the outsole of his stiletto on the man¡¯s chest. Yi Chen ced his hand on Zi Han¡¯s ankle and caressed it with the side of his face. Zi Han bit his bottom lip enjoying watching his man lust over him.


    He then proceeded to walk around the kneeling Yi Chen and half knelt as he tied Yi Chen¡¯s hands behind his back. After he was done he caressed Yi Chen¡¯s chest as his lips trailed up his back kissing and sucking on the man¡¯s toned muscles. Yi Chen trembled and groaned in pleasure as he enjoyed what Zi Han was doing to him.


    Zi Han sunk his teeth into the skin on Yi Chen¡¯s neck and the man sucked in a cold breath of air followed by light gasps.


    .....


    ¡°Let me know if it¡¯s too tight,¡± said Zi Han as his hand raised Yi Chen¡¯s chin so he could kiss the man¡¯s adam¡¯s apple. Yi Chen swallowed and when his adam¡¯s apple bobbed up and down it brushed against Zi Han¡¯s lips which felt weird but in a good way.


    ¡°I can take it,¡± said Yi Chen as a tingly sensation spread from where Zi Han¡¯s hair was brushing against his skin. Zi Han chuckled as he got up on his feet.


    ¡°Prove it to me,¡± said Zi Han as he stroked Yi Chen¡¯s head bringing him closer to his crotch. Yi Chen rubbed his nose on Zi Han¡¯s crotch before kissing his hard member through the fabric.


    Zi Han raised his leg and let the back of his knee rest on Yi Chen¡¯s shoulder while he leaned back. ¡°Prove it to me, baby,¡± he said and Yi Chen used his lips to pull back the fabric barely covering Zi Han¡¯s crotch. With a simple tug the hard


    member popped out and Yi Chen licked the clear liquid at the tip.


    ¡°Ah fuck,¡± moaned Zi Han his finger massaging Yi Chen¡¯s scalp. His warm tongue licked down Zi Han¡¯s shaft and his lover trembled in excitement.


    Yi Chen¡¯s head slowly began to move up and down that shaft until his mouth could take it in in its entirety. Zi Han couldn¡¯t contain himself. His breathing quickened as he made lewd sounds that would have one¡¯s imagination running wild.


    Unable to bear it he took down his leg and slowly thrust his hard member into Yi Chen¡¯s mouth. He drew in a cold breath of air as he cried out softly, ¡°Aah.... Chen-ge... it feels so good.¡±


    His thrusts deepened as his fingers gently stroked Yi Chen¡¯s hair. It was exceptionally good that Zi Han couldn¡¯t help but drive the tip of his cock to the back of Yi Chen¡¯s throat. It was like his soul was getting sucked out of his body reaching seventh heaven before falling back down as he withdrew his shaft from his lover¡¯s mouth.


    Zi Han wiped away the tear at the corner of Yi Chen¡¯s eye before withdrawing from his lover¡¯s mouth.


    ¡°Do you still want it?¡± he asked and Yi Chen licked his wet lips his alluring eyes fixed on his flushed face.


    ¡°I want more baby. I want to drink your cum,¡± said Yi Chen his voice deep and enticing.


    Zi Han stared at him speechless for a while before a seductive smile appeared on his face. This kind of dirty talking from this man¡¯s lips was incredibly sexy. Since he wanted him to feed him his cum Zi Han gave the man what he wanted. ¡°Husband, be good and endure it for a while,¡± said Zi Han with the tip of his cock rubbing against Yi Chen¡¯s lips.


    AN: It seems I need to eat cookies more often. I get very creative afterward. Hey hey hey, not that kind of cookie. I meant ginger cookies. Hehehe

 Chapter 340

    340 Main course (NSFW)


    Zi Han let himself go, indulging in the passionate service being provided to him by his fiancee who had his hands tied behind his back.


    The feeling of having his member sucked into that ce felt so good that he couldn¡¯t hold back his moan and groans. A few thrusts in and his body was convulsing as he released the warm liquid inside his lover¡¯s mouth. With a gruff, masculine voice he pulled back his member that hadn¡¯t offloaded all its contents yet, thus he spewed some of his hot, sticky cum on Yi Chen¡¯s cheek.


    The thick liquid flowed down his cheek to his neck and corbone painting a sensual image that had Zi Han yearning for more. Breathing with short, quick breaths Zi Han nced at Yi Chen¡¯s face.


    Yi Chen stared at him intently while licking the corner of his lips stained with what seemed to be obvious at this point.


    ¡°Baby, you are so wasteful,¡± said Yi Chen before leaning forward and licking the tip of Zi Han¡¯s member cleaning away any remaining residues.


    Zi Han who didn¡¯t expect him to do that grumbled while tenderly stroking Yi Chen¡¯s hair.


    After he had been licked clean, Zi Han crouched down before his lover and kissed his hot lips with fervor, tasting and sucking on them to his heart¡¯s content.


    Yi Chen gasped as Zi Han grabbed his hair at the back of his head and tilt his (Yi Chen¡¯s) head to the side so he could kiss away the cum that had sailed down Yi Chen¡¯s neck down to his chest.


    ¡°Mm.... that feels ah.... aah,¡± whispered Yi Chen as Zi Han sucked and kissed his skin sending endless waves of sexual enjoyment all over his body.


    .....


    Zi Han trailed up Yi Chen¡¯s chest to his neck then his ear. When his lips touched Yi Chen¡¯s ear lobe the man groaned as Zi Han¡¯s hot breath brushed against his sensitive skin leaving behind a lingering tingly sensation.


    Zi Han nibbled on his lover¡¯s ear lobe before saying, ¡°Baby, I am very satisfied.... would you like your reward now?¡±


    Yi Chen tilted his head slightly and with his lips brushing past Zi Han¡¯s ear he said, ¡°Yes... Will you let me fuck you?¡±


    Zi Han¡¯s lips quirked up into a mischievous smile before saying, ¡°Not yet but I will let you do something else to me.¡±


    Yi Chen stared into Zi Han¡¯s eyes almost begging him to let him do it. But he was also curious about what Zi Han wanted him to do thus he pressed his lips on Zi Han¡¯s kissing him passionately.


    Two minutester and Yi Chen was finally released from his lover¡¯s custody. His hand was stroking the fluffy tail while looking at the control panel on his light brain.


    ¡°Which level would you like me to start at,¡± he asked with Zi Han kneeling between his legs.


    ¡°Whatever level you want daddy... you are in charge,¡± said Zi Han his voice coquettish and honeyed that Yi Chen couldn¡¯t help but nce at him with an intense burning gaze.


    Yi Chen bit his lower lip while stroking Zi Han¡¯s soft hair. Since his lover had been really bad to him before, Yi Chen decided to start with the middle speed directly. ¡°I am going to start now,¡± said Yi Chen as he lowered his head and kiss Zi Han¡¯s lips.


    While the two of them were kissing Yi Chen tapped the screen and his lips were suddenly bitten by Zi Han who wasn¡¯t expecting that. Zi Han wanted to move away from him and cry out but Yi Chen ced his hand on the back of Zi Han¡¯s neck and pulled him closer to deepen the kiss.


    Zi Han whimpered through the intense kiss while his lower half twitched from time to time because of the intense pleasure.


    Zi Han had never tried this before and regretted not having tried it earlier. The pleasure from having that sweet spot stimted had him in a daze and unable to think straight.


    When Yi Chen let go of him Zi Han gasped for air like a dying fish. His eyes were misty and his lips swollen red making him especially tantalizing. Yi Chen pulled his hair back and asked, ¡°Do you want me to stop.¡±


    Zi Han shook his head and whispered, ¡°No.¡± Having gotten his answer Yi Chen tapped the screen again Zi Han groaned while lowering his head but Yi Chen wanted to see his face.


    With his hand resting below Zi Han¡¯s chin, he made him look up. ¡°Baby, be good and look at daddy, okay? I want to see your face,¡± he said his voice deep and charming.


    Zi Han looked into Yi Chen¡¯s eyes and as that stimting wave washed over him he let out an involuntarily high pitched moan. Feeling a little embarrassed that that sound came from him he decided to bite his lower lip and control the soundsing from his mouth.


    Seeing this Yi Chen felt dissatisfied. He pulled down Zi Han¡¯s bottom lip with his thumb and Zi Han loosened his teeth¡¯s grip on his bottom lip.


    ¡°Ah... mm mm nn.... uh fuck... aa aa aah,¡± moaned Zi Han with no restraint at all as his member that had awakened again, dripped a thin liquid staining his panties.


    Yi Chen suddenly stopped. While Zi Han was catching his breath he picked him up and ced him on the bed so he could get a good view of his lover.


    Zi Han wrapped his arms around Yi Chen¡¯s neck and pulled him down before kissing his lips while letting out soft cries of pleasure. The two of them tangled on the bed for a while with their skin gliding against each other.


    After making out for a while Yi Chen straightened his back and began another round and this time he increased the speed a little.


    Zi Han¡¯s lips parted as he gasped for air while clutching the bed sheets tightly. It was as though his soul had been snatched out of his body after being electrified by the pleasurable sensation.

 Chapter 341

    341 I love you. Ah, Han Han...


    Loud gasps and pants filled the room as the one indulged in the pleasure of having their lover take full charge of the sexual pleasure while the other enjoyed watching their lover sink into the sea of sexual bliss because of him.


    Yi Chen loved seeing this licentious appearance on Zi Han¡¯s face. From his teary eyes to his curled toes, he liked it all but the problem was that he didn¡¯t want Zi Han to get there with this butt plug.


    A touch of jealousy shed in his eyes as he stopped the vibrator but didn¡¯t take it out. Zi Han opened his eyes feeling a little dissatisfied but before he could say anything Yi Chen kissed his lips as though to silence him before saying, ¡°I want to try something different, okay?¡±


    Zi Han who was too muddled at this point nodded his head. Yi Chen pulled him up a little and sat behind him with his chest pressed onto Zi Han¡¯s back.


    Yi Chen¡¯s hands slipped in between his lover¡¯s arms and chest before rubbing Zi Han¡¯s nipple while sucking the man¡¯s neck.


    ¡°AH!... Fuck... mm,¡± moaned Zi Han as an intense wave of pleasure attacked him all at once. His hard member hidden beneath the soggy panties was twitching begging to be touched.


    ¡°Baby... mm... baby,¡± called out Zi Han unable to bear it anymore.


    Yi Chen carried on sinking his teeth into Zi Han¡¯s shoulder before answering with a low hum. ¡°En... what would you like me to do for you?¡± he asked while biting Zi Han¡¯s ear lobe. The vibration from his chest as he spoke seeped into Zi Han¡¯s back melting his insides.


    ¡°Turn it on... please,¡± he whispered gasping in between as Yi Chen¡¯s finger brushed against the bulge underneath the fabric.


    .....


    Yi Chen¡¯s fingers pulled up the stic band of his panties before slipping underneath. Yi Chen grasped his hard cock and pressed on the wet tip with his thumb before asking, ¡°If I do that, do you promise you won¡¯t cum?¡± with his lips lightly caressing Zi Han¡¯s skin.


    Zi Han who was desperate to be fucked said, ¡°I promise.¡±


    Yi Chen removed his fingers from underneath the ck panties and lightly caressed thece with his fingertips. Zi Han¡¯s lower half twitched as he bit his lower lip.


    ¡°If you do... I will have to punish you,¡± said Yi Chen circling Zi Han¡¯s nipple with his fingertips like a shark circling a lone paddle boat in the ocean.


    Zi Han nodded his head and Yi Chen smiled slyly while pressing the start button on the screen. While Zi Han was lost in his carnal desires Yi Chen teased his nipple with his other hand stroking Zi Han¡¯s arousal above the fabric. The friction from the panties and bra on his most sensitive parts intensified the pleasure of his cries making Yi Chen¡¯s heart itch.


    As expected Zi Han broke his promise. Just as he was writhing seductively approaching his climax Yi Chen pulled out the butt plug neither too fast nor too slow and Zi Han groaned unrestrainedly as he reached a mouth-watering orgasm.


    ¡°Aah aah aah aah... mm.... aaa,¡± were the soundsing out of his mouth as his lower half twitched his cum seeping through the perforations on hisce panties.


    Yi Chen bit and sucked Zi Han¡¯s neck in dissatisfaction. ¡°Baby you lied,¡± said Yi Chen as he wrapped his arms around Zi Han¡¯s waist tightly. Zi Han rested the back of his neck on Yi Chen¡¯s shoulder before saying, ¡°Baby, I was wrong. You can do whatever you want with me,¡± his lips quirking into a smile.


    Yi Chen shuffled off the bed and pulled Zi Han up making him face the ss ceiling to floor windows. Zi Han bit his lower lip as a cool flow of air breezed past his butt as Yi Chen moved his panties out of the way.


    Since that lewd hole had already been loosened Yi Chen smeared a little bit of the lubricant on his throbbing member with bulging veins pulsing from the strong arousal.


    Yi Chen spanked Zi Han¡¯s ass with a loud Pa sound and Zi Han hissed while twisting his waist.


    ¡°Tell me you love me, baby,¡± said Yi Chen as the tip of his cock pressed against his already prepared chrysanthemum.


    Zi Han moaned from pleasure as the hot object impelled him. In a light whisper, he said, ¡°I love you husband, AAH!!!¡±


    ¡°You love me?¡± asked Yi Chen again as he slowly thrust inside of him.


    ¡°Yah... I love you baby... oh fuck,¡± replied Zi Han as the speed of the thrusts increased gradually as though building up towards something.


    ¡°You love me?¡± asked Yi Chen again his mental power unleashed teasing Zi Han as though coaxing him to let out his mental power too.


    Zi Han¡¯s response was natural. They had never done it like this before but it felt extremely enjoyable like they were not only making love physically but mentally as well.


    Zi Han pressed his hands against the ss window stabilizing his body as Yi Chen¡¯s thrusts grew faster and deeper. Zi Han gasped as Yi Chen sucked his neck and back leaving incredibly vivid hickeys.


    The two figures entangled with each other on the ss window exposing themselves. The experience was both terrifying and exciting. It¡¯s a good thing they didn¡¯t have an audience otherwise everyone would have watched a good show.


    PA PA PA PA PA sounds bounced off the walls with flesh pounding against flesh.


    ¡°I love you. Ah, Han Han... I love you so much. I want to make you mine forever. You belong to me,¡± were the wordsing out of Yi Chen¡¯s lips as he thrust deep inside his lover while cupping his ass as they fucked face to face.


    Zi Han kissed Yi Chen¡¯s lips as his body jerked up and down from Yi Chen¡¯s member drilling into him like he had struck gold.


    He tightly wrapped his legs around Yi Chen¡¯s waist while responding,


    ¡°Me too. Ah, fuck me. Aah shit. Faster baby. I am going to get the- aa... aah ngh~.¡±


    Zi Han had answered his question muddled by pleasure but those words had sealed their fate together.


    Hearing Zi Han make such sweet cries, Yi Chen couldn¡¯t bare it anymore. He groaned as his fingers dug into Zi Han¡¯s ass. In long deep thrusts, he release his load inside Zi Han as his mental power wrapped around Zi Han¡¯s enveloping it as though marking its territory.


    A single stripe vanished from Yi Chen¡¯s arm onto Zi Han¡¯s binding them together forever.

 Chapter 342

    342 Dessert is here (NSFW)


    The sounds in the room hadn¡¯t died down two hourster. It was as though the people in the room had taken some kind of aphrodisiac because they didn¡¯t seem to be able to get their hands off each other.


    A pair of shorts andce panties were messily scattered on the floor alongside a pair of slippers. The quilt was half hanging on the edge of the bed as it vibrated slightly from rhythmic and powerful movements. A set of fingers clutched the sheets tightly followed by heavy pants and groans.


    ¡°Slow... ugh.... Slow down mm,¡± whispered Zi Han as Yi Cheny on top of him with his (Zi Han¡¯s) legs resting on Yi Chen¡¯s shoulders


    Yi Chen caressed his thighs while swinging his hips in a long slow thrust. ¡°Like this?¡± asked Yi Chen his voice sultry and deep sending shivers down Zi Han¡¯s spine. Zi Han gasped while nodding his head. He bit his lower lip as he closed his eyes fully indulging in his lust.


    ¡°Right there, baby... Ah,¡± he whispered and Yi Chen grinned as he bit thece stockings covering his ankles. His fingers ran up the stiletto before he took it off. Yi Chen tossed it to the side before nuzzling the sole of Zi Han¡¯s foot with his hips still swinging provoking that sweet spot.


    Yi Chen took off the other stiletto and tossed it aside as well before lowering his body and licking Zi Han¡¯s nipples through the fabric.


    Zi Han ran his fingers through Yi Chen¡¯s hair and his upper body twitched from the intense pleasure of having his nipples teased. Yi Chen pulled up the band of thece bra and his fingers slipped underneath before he pinched one of the two beads on his lover¡¯s chest.


    ¡°Mm...aah... aah,¡± he gasped and moaned as the intense pressure from his lower half was on the verge of exploding.


    Yi Chen kissed up his corbone and neck while plundering his lover¡¯s chrysanthemum with fervor as he whispered his name, ¡°Han Han.... Baby uh.... Ah... I love you so much... mm.¡±


    .....


    Their bodies rubbed against each other with their pants and groans getting louder and heavier with each thrust. Cries of pleasure followed one after the other as they reached the peak of their ecstasy.


    Zi Han closed his eyes while pressing his palm on his forehead. ¡°Mm... baby, I feel funny,¡± said Zi Han after the aftershock dissipated.


    Yi Chen knew what it was but he didn¡¯t know how to say it. ¡°Where does it hurt?¡± he asked while pushing away a few strands of hair from Zi Han¡¯s face.


    ¡°Here,¡± whispered Zi Han while pointing at his heart.


    Yi Chen kissed his chest where his heart was before saying, ¡°It will go away soon. I will go run a bath.¡±


    ¡°No I don¡¯t want to,¡± refused Zi Han while trying to curl up but Yi Chen chuckled while saying,


    ¡°If you move we will mess up the bed even more.¡±


    ¡°It¡¯s toote for that,¡± said Zi Han feeling some wetness on his lower back.


    Yi Chen stared at Zi Han his eyes brimming with affection. He gently rubbed Zi Han¡¯s forehead with his thumb while asking, ¡°Are you satisfied?¡±


    Zi Han who was more than satisfied smiled happily as he wrapped his arms around Yi Chen¡¯s neck and kissed his face. ¡°Do I look satisfied?¡± he asked and Yi Chen would of course toot his own horn.


    ¡°Yes, you do. I can give you some dessert if you like?¡± suggested Yi Chen which made Zi Han break out inughter.


    ¡°Why are youughing? I am serious. I can maybe put some whipped cream all over my body and you can eat it off me,¡± said Yi Chen and Zi Han replied,


    ¡°That sounds very messy. Yet you areining about cum messing up the bed.¡±


    ¡°It might be messy but messy is sexy,¡± replied Yi Chen while rubbing Zi Han¡¯s ear lobe.


    ¡°I will put it here,¡± said Zi Han while poking Yi Chen¡¯s nipple, ¡°and here,¡± while pointing at the man¡¯s neck.


    Yi Chen moved his hips a little and asked, ¡°What about here?¡±


    Zi Han knew what he was referring to thus he chuckled again before he pulled him down and pecked his lips in a light kiss.


    ¡°Yi Chen,¡± called out Zi Han and Yi Chen squinted his eyes refusing to answer.


    ¡°Yi Chen,¡± called out Zi Han again and Yi Chen responded,


    ¡°Why do you have to call me like that? It makes me feel like we are estranged... It makes me feel like you are mad at me. Honey, sweetie, and even wifey works just fine.¡± He was clearly dissatisfied.


    ¡°Just answer. Come on... Yi... Chen,¡± said Zi Han again and this time Yi Chen did answer,


    ¡°Yes.¡±


    Zi Han rubbed the back of Yi Chen¡¯s neck with his thumb while saying, ¡°I love you.¡±


    Yi Chen stared at Zi Han for a while and the longer he stared the more moist they became. His eyes stung like he was going to shed a tear or two.


    He rubbed Zi Han¡¯s cheek with his thumb before responding, ¡°I love you too,¡± his voice raspy before he embraced him. The two of them stuck like this for a while without even saying a word.


    The snow outside began to fall again and the two people went into the bathroom. Zi Han was like a pampered princess being carried all the way and lowered into the bubble bath. It seemed Yi Chen had finally gotten his wish.


    He even brought over a bottle of champagne hence the two of them drank in there which ultimately led to the conversation towards the stripe on Zi Han¡¯s arm.


    ¡°What does it do? It¡¯s like a tattoo but not a tattoo,¡± said Zi Han as he turned his arm around to look at it.


    ¡°You put your name on my mermaid line and I gave you one of my stripes. I think it¡¯s fair isn¡¯t it...,¡± said Yi Chen before taking a sip of his champagne.


    ¡°So this is marking your territory? I can take off the ring but I can¡¯t take this off?¡± said Zi Han while sinking into the foam of the bath.

 Chapter 343

    343 The beginning of the end


    ¡°Do you want to take it off?¡± asked Yi Chen his heart panicking a little.


    Zi Han raised his foot from underneath the water and replied, ¡°You wish. I have already said I love you so you belong to me now.¡±


    Yi Chen lowered his head as a quirk appeared at the corner of his lips. This is what he wanted. He belong to Zi Han and Zi Han belonged to him. The only thing left was for him to share the news with the entire federation so they can stop coveting his sweetheart.


    ¡°Is it sore down there?¡± asked Yi Chen and Zi Han gulped down the rest of the ss of champagne while shaking his head.


    ¡°I want to give you something after this. It¡¯s something very special to me,¡± said Yi Chen and Zi Han started guessing all the way until theyy back down in bed with freshly washed sheets.


    Zi Han poked his chest reminding him about the said gift. Yi Chen who was sniffing the fragrance of lemon citrus in Zi Han¡¯s hair sat up before pulling out that familiar box.


    Zi Han had always been curious about what was inside so he epted it before getting up and straddling Yi Chen.


    ¡°Let me see. What could it be?¡± said Zi Han as Yi Chen rested his arms on the back of his (Yi Chen¡¯s) head. Zi Han was already guessing it was a watch and he was right. It was a watch but this one was a rare vintage watch from old earth and Yi Chen was gifting it to him.


    Zi Han stared at the watch his heartbeat erratic. ¡°Chen-ge, do you know how much this is.... You do realize how much this thing is worth. I can¡¯t even trade half of Iggy to buy it. It¡¯s.... ah fuck,¡± whispered Zi Han his voice getting lower and brittle the more he spoke.


    .....


    ¡°It was my grandfather¡¯s and he passed it down to me. I want you to have it,¡± said Yi Chen as he sat up to wipe Zi Han¡¯s tear at the corner of his eye.


    He took the watch from his hand and unbuckled the strap before putting it on Zi Han¡¯s wrist. While doing so he said, ¡°You can take it as part of a wedding gift from your husband.... I love you and I want to spend the rest of my life with you.¡±


    Zi Han looked at his wrist admiringly and his heart melted into a puddle. He ced both his palms on Yi Chen¡¯s cheeks and kissed him tenderly.


    ¡°I love it. Thank you,¡± he said as he embraced Yi Chen tightly. The two of them hugged for a very long time with pink bubbles flying around them.


    ***


    Zzzzzzz


    Zzzzzzz


    Zzzzzzz


    The repeated sounds of a light brain buzzing woke Zi Han up. He rubbed his eyes as he turned over further burying himself into Yi Chen¡¯s chest but the buzzing just wouldn¡¯t stop.


    He didn¡¯t want Yi Chen to get woken up by the buzzing thus he picked up his light brain as he sat up slowly. His body felt sore all over despite having taken a bath after having been tossed around by his lover.


    Well, much of it was his fault. He was like an insatiable vixen begging to be filled over and over again. Zi Han pulled away the quilt but before he could get off the bed Yi Chen embraced him even tighter and asked in his sleep, ¡°Where are you going?¡±


    Zi Han kissed his temple before reassuring him. ¡°Be good. I am going to the bathroom,¡± he said before Yi Chen loosened his hand and let him go.


    Zi Han entered the bathroom and stared at his face in the mirror. His bottom lip had a small nick and was slightly swollen. But there weren¡¯t as bad as his nipples. They had definitely been bitten and it was especially sensitive.


    Zi Han cursed under his breath but before he could greet Yi Chen¡¯s ancestors with his colorful words the light brain buzzed again. He swiped his light brain open and when he saw it was prime minister Ikeda¡¯s mysterious contact again he became very irritable.


    He was about to cklist him again when a series of videos came in one after the other. Zi Han squinted his eyes as he sat down at the edge of the bathtub. He squeezed his bottom lip with his fingers contemting whether he should open them or not.


    Zi Han¡¯s finger hovered above the first video but before he pressed it he rubbed the back of his head. He finally decided to open it and that was the worst decision he had ever made.


    The more he watched the tighter he clenched his jaw and his eyes instantly became bloodshot. He opened the next one and the next one but things only got worse.


    His chest rose and fell violently as he paced in the bathroom for a while. He couldn¡¯t even finish thest one. He left the bathroom making sure to make as little noise as possible.


    He kissed Yi Chen¡¯s cheek before leaving the base early morning. While he was flying Iggy towards the city he called Li Ran.


    ¡°What¡¯s up,¡± asked Li Ran as he moved his hand from H¡¯s waist.


    ¡°I have an emergency. May you please go to the base and watch Yi Chen for me,¡± said Zi Han, and Li Ran who thought he could wake up and make breakfast for H was a little unhappy.


    ¡°Wait Zi Ha-,¡± he said only for the call to end immediately. Li Ran knew Yi Chen wasn¡¯t fully recovered and needed someone to watch over him thus he had no choice but to leave.


    Igneous was a little worried thus it asked, ¡°Sir, are you okay?¡±


    ¡°Dock on the warship. Is my grandfather still there?¡± he asked and Igneous didn¡¯t ask anymore. This face and those eyes were very familiar. It was better to just keep its mouth shut.


    ¡°Yes sir, he is still there,¡± replied Igneous.


    Zi Han reached the warship and instead of looking for his mother or grandfather he went straight into the weapons room looking for something.


    At first, he couldn¡¯t find it and had to check the logs. Because this weapon was vintage and rarely used it wasn¡¯t kept anywhere easily visible. It was in a secure vault at the end of the weapons room. The only problem was whether he had ess or not.

 Chapter 344

    344 You said you love me so why....


    Zi Han¡¯s emotions weren¡¯t right. When you look at his face and his actions one wouldn¡¯t immediately notice that something was wrong. He seemed overly focused like he was on a mission he was very determined toplete.


    When he was in the armory (weapons room) earlier he managed to get the sword he had been looking for. It seemed just like everything else in the warship he had full ess to everything.


    His light brain had been ringing constantly for the past few hours. Ten calls were from his mother, twenty two were from Yi Chen, and fifteen were from grandpa Zi.


    ¡°Sir the prime minister¡¯s speech starts in an hour and thirty minutes. You need to be present at least an hour earlier,¡± said Igneous seriously contemting whether to reactivate its location so Zi Xingxi could find them.


    Something was definitely wrong with the young sir and because his light brain was set up in such a way that Igneous had no permission to read his messages it could guess who sent the videos and what was in the videos. For the past couple of hours, they had been parked a few meters from the entrance of prime minister Ju¡¯s house just watching.


    Zi Han repeated one of the videos over and over again. The fire in his eyes grew stronger and stronger filled with bloodlust.


    ¡°Iggy have you ever imagined how you would take of the person who facilitated your master¡¯s death,¡± he asked before biting the nail on his thumb.


    Igneous took a very long time to answer and after being silent for so long it finally said, ¡°Officially I am supposed to say arrest the person and send them to jail. But... in truth, I want to cut their body a thousand times and watch them bleed to death while drowning in their own blood.¡±


    ¡°Hahaha, you and I are truly meant to be together.... This man just admitted on video why and how he killed my father. He even called him a cockroach because he just wouldn¡¯t die. Now you tell me whether this man should live a pleasant life in prison while my father lost his life?¡±


    .....


    As he said this his emotions intensified so much that one could hear the pain in his voice. His heart was bleeding from the hurt and anger afflicted upon him by this man and for what? For power? For money? What did he gain that was so good that it was worth another man¡¯s life?


    ¡°Sir, permission to review the evidence,¡± asked Iggy, and Zi Han permitted it before he notice some activity outside the home.


    When the motorcade came and picked up the prime minister, Zi Han smiled maliciously as a thought shed through his mind. Why kill him privately as though to preserve his dignity when he publicized his father¡¯s death for all to see? Now Zi Han finally understood why the video of his father¡¯s dead his mother had tried to remove constantly so as not to be re-traumatized kept popping up all the time. It was like a virus that kept reinfesting StarNet. It was all on purpose. It was for this to satisfy his sadism.


    ¡°Sir, this,¡± it said after reviewing and re-reviewing it. This prime minister Ju was one sick bastard.


    ¡°Let¡¯s get ourselves a prime minister¡¯s head,¡± said Zi Han, and the mech left the ce it had been camouged and appeared at the ce where the speech was happening.


    Everybody was already there standing properly while waiting for the prime minister to appear.


    Zi Han walked over to the podium his expression serious like he wasn¡¯tte. His steps which were well-controlled andposed suddenly faltered when he saw an unexpected face standing at the podium. His heart lurched and his breathing stagnated when their eyes met. Yi Chen had been excused from his duty on ount that he was ill but now he was standing in front of him his eyes piercing his soul.


    Zi Han tried to calm his breathing as he walked up to the podium and stood a foot or two away from him.


    Yi Chen lowered his gaze and swallowed down his tremulous emotions bubbling over. When he woke up he was expecting to be met with Zi Han¡¯s handsome face as he stretched out his hand to cuddle him but that is not what happened.


    He woke up to Li Ran¡¯s aggrieved face and his baby gone. Yi Chen seemed to have a bad premonition. That heavy feeling that he had been havingtely had been validated. His fear of losing his lover forced him toe to this ce when he wasn¡¯t supposed to.


    Now that he had seen him Yi Chen lost his patients. He did do something he shouldn¡¯t do in this case that is he took a step back and stood next to Zi Han.


    The oldmander that was dissatisfied with Zi Han beingte humphed and cleared his throat like an old grandpa expressing his dissatisfaction with the two but they both ignored him.


    Yi Chen identally on purpose brushed the back of Zi Han¡¯s with his but he didn¡¯t expect his hands to be freezing cold. Yi Chen suddenly had the impulse to grab Zi Han¡¯s hands and warm them up but he restrained himself by clenching his fist.


    Zi Han felt a stabbing pain in his chest when Yi Chen touched him. His fretted expression suddenly showed cracks and his eyes stung. He looked away trying to restrain his surging emotions when a warm breath grazed his ear as a voice whispered in his, ¡°You said you love me so why.... just... are you okay?¡±


    Yi Chen wanted to say more but this wasn¡¯t the right time no ce. He was very nervous and ended up saying so much yet so little.


    After a while, he finally said, ¡°Let¡¯s get out of here,¡± but there was some chaos and loud jeers in the crowd below and from the ones watching on the live broadcast.


    Zi Han who was showing some signs of yielding suddenly had an unfathomable expression as he stared at the prime minister waving at people with a joyous expression on his face like he was some innocent victim that had nothing to do with this.


    Zi Han moved a step away from Yi Chen his eyes terrifyingly stern like something big was about to go down. At this moment Yi Chen should have put his duty first over his emotions but he knew for a fact that if he does that then he would lose Zi Hanpletely and he didn¡¯t want that. He would rather die.

 Chapter 345

    345 Well, he is officially a wanted man.... sigh


    The majesty of Foyer the warship dazzled in the background distracting people from what was happening on the podium. Twice, the future Marshal had followed another officer but each time the officer had created distance between them.


    The personnel in the background didn¡¯t pay much attention to them because everybody knew that these two were like this. It was best to stay out of their business.


    Prime minister Ju walked up the stage with one of his arms neatly wrapped in gauze while waving at the crowd his face all smiles.


    When he stepped on the podium he nced at the two faces that he didn¡¯t think he would see today and his chest felt stifled. He showed a slight smile at the pair and nodded his head slightly before facing the crowd. His nce was fleeting but it set off not only Zi Han but Igneous who wanted toe out and chop the man to pieces before burning him to ash.


    ¡°... Today we have proved that we. can. survive. The enemy tried and tried to destroy our lovely home but we. survived. All thanks to these lovelydies and gentlemen behind me who have dedicated their lives to protect the citizens of Onyx Federation,¡± he said before turning his back slightly with his hand outstretched before saying, ¡°Citizens of Loch Ness star and others abroad. Let us give them a round of apuse and thank them for their service.¡±


    Echoes of apuse spread throughout the crowd and hearts were flying on the screens from those who were watching the live broadcast.


    While the prime minister was looking back he identally met Zi Han¡¯s eyes and suddenly felt a sense of familiarity. His heart lurched like he was about to have a heart attack.


    The smile on his face stiffened before he nced back to the audience. His face was drained of all color like he had seen a ghost. He rubbed his chest infort and exhaled while internally chanting, ¡®He is dead... he is obviously dead. There is no need to fear.¡¯


    His ears rang and his back was covered in ayer of cold sweat down his spine. He knew Zi Han couldn¡¯t have known that the explosions were his doing neither could he have known that he was targeted by him but he felt very ufortable having his back at that person.


    .....


    ¡°Sir, are you alright?¡± asked his assistant after noticing him rubbing his chest and short of breath.


    Prime minister Ju waved his hand away and repeated, ¡°I am fine.¡±


    Everyone knew that the prime minister had just been released from the hospital and was still recovering from his injuries thus a barrage ofments on the live broadcast wishing him a speedy recovery flooded the screens alongside messages cursing out the Marshal. The fact that none of the prime ministers in the federation had shown their faces recently added more fuel to the mes.


    There were spections of the Marshal revolting and holding their prime ministers hostage and in incidences where the prime ministers were attacked no one would have any information of what hospital they were in with the words critical condition being thrown around loosely.


    Prime minister Ju continued with his speech saying, ¡°Foyer represents the resilience of Onyx Federation. For generations, it was the symbol of the Royal family¡¯s power but now it represents the power of the Oynx Federation and it will protect the heart of this alliance which is our beautiful home, Loch Ness star,¡± he continued before his assistant brought over a bottle of champagne.


    ¡°Today with you all as witnesses we will re-christen Foyer and reveal its new name which is,¡± he said before he turned to nce at the white sheet covering the name of the warship, ¡°T...¡±


    ¡°What the fuck!¡± swore Zi Han under his breath his breathing heavy as he fumed with rage. He didn¡¯t know the details of what sort of animosity this man had with his grandfather but this was too much. It¡¯s enough that they plundered the warship when the Royal bloodline fell now this man right here was renaming it his mother¡¯s name.


    The Yeoh house had been infiltrated by termites and they had eaten through everything but they won¡¯t stop until the entire name fell. They won¡¯t stop until there is absolutely nothing left representing their legacy.


    If he didn¡¯t clean house then whose duty was it? As the only remaining heir, Zi Han felt it was his responsibility to cut off the head of the snake.


    Unable to contain his mental power anymore, it began to seep out of him its wisps gravitating towards prime minister Ju. A faint figure of a ming phoenix projected behind Zi Han raged with a harsh cry that startled everyone.


    ¡°Shit,¡± muttered Yi Chen as he rushed over to grab hold of Zi Han but for some reason, strength was drown from Yi Chen¡¯s body drastically reducing his speed.


    Everything happened so fast that nobody could stop it. The prime minister met those incandescent fox eyes and the image of Yeoh Jun merged with this kid¡¯s making his blood run cold. He turned to flee for his life his gaze catching a glimpse of the Executioner of Blight¡¯s sharp icy de.


    With a loud roar, Zi Han aim the tip of the de at the coward¡¯s fleeing back as he mentioned his crime.


    ¡°Yeoh Ju, under the authority of the Bloodgarde,¡± he said as a loud shing sound reverberated in the air and the sword thrust into


    the man¡¯s flesh. Blood sttered everywhere as the sword pierced through the man¡¯s abdomen.


    Zi Han kicked the man¡¯s back as he withdrew the sword from the prime minister¡¯s body and said, ¡°I hereby exact punishment for your crimes against the royal blood.¡±


    A lot was going on but it all happen in the blink of an eye. By the time Yi Chen got to him Zi Han had already summoned Igneous and this time Igneous appeared in his true form majestically hovering above the crowd. The mech that hadn¡¯t been seen for decades revealed itself in front of everyone.


    A crowd of people rushed over to attend to the prime minister who was gazing at Igneous his eyes slowly dimming as the light in them died. He had failed miserably. Yeoh Jun was dead but his legacy wasn¡¯t. He couldn¡¯t rob him of that because it was well hidden.


    As thest breath escaped his body he whispered, ¡°I am sorry... mother.¡±

 Chapter 346

    346 [Bonus chapter] Sigh, love is soplicated...


    ¡°... how is it that this person has in their possession Igneous? Just because his mother literally runs the most dangerous organization in the Federation...,¡±


    ¡°No, you can¡¯t even call it an organization. It¡¯s more like a group of gangsters with heavy artillery that¡¯s it,¡±


    ¡°.... Yes, I also think that but how does her son have Igneous. Such a powerful mech shouldn¡¯t be in an impulsive, erratic teenager¡¯s hands..,¡±


    ¡°He isn¡¯t a teen anymore. He is a young adult now....,¡±


    ¡°...Whatever age he is he shouldn¡¯t be running around in that mech. It should have been seized by the government. It¡¯s not a toy but a powerful mech with enough bombs to blow up an entire...,¡±


    ¡°.... but if they seize it then what? You guys do realize that the three cmities are gically coded right? Unless she managed to manipte the AI to ept her son¡¯s gic code doesn¡¯t it mean that he is thete prince¡¯s...,¡±


    ¡°No no, he looks nothing like him,¡±


    ¡°He looks more like her. Maybe her genes are powerful...¡±


    ¡°No, the prince wasn¡¯t married...,¡±


    .....


    ¡°So, even if he wasn¡¯t married it doesn¡¯t mean he can¡¯t father a child...¡±


    ¡°... They have issued a warrant for his arrest. He should be locked up and we should throw away the key....,¡±


    ¡°... From the word going around he is very close to Yi Chen... that right there is the icing on the cake for me,¡±


    The reporters on the broadcast argued in the background while Zi Han was half lying on the couch his entire face and lips red while flicking his foot d in cow design novelty slippers.


    ¡°Yea sure just burn the witch... pssh.... he got what he deserved,¡± said Zi Han before putting a spoonful of bean chili in his mouth. And why was he eating chili? He wanted something to mask the fact that he had been crying.


    The fact that he managed to leave Loch Ness star without being noticed was a miracle in itself. If he hadn¡¯t been theatrical in exacting his revenge it would have been easy to get away with it but he didn¡¯t regret his decision.


    What he regretted though was the fact that Yi Chen was getting involved in this mess and his father was very angry. Yi Chen couldn¡¯t even call him because his father had been watching him like a hawk and had confiscated his light brain.


    To fully understand how he got here we would need to go back to the moment he did what he did in front of everybody.


    Before the crowd could even make sense of what had just happened his very efficient colleagues of his went after him. Sounds of mechs ripped through the skies and they were all trying to talk him into surrendering. But here is the thing, they didn¡¯t know what type of mech they were dealing with.


    Zi Han had always been subtle with his mech speed because he didn¡¯t want people to know that his mech was one of the three cmities. This meant everything about his mech was superior. Be it speed, weapons, precision, and intelligence, Igneous was exceptional. That meant they weren¡¯t going to catch up with him that easily.


    ¡°How in the world is he faster?¡± yelled Shaun as Zi Han¡¯s mech turned the corner.


    ¡°Are we really doing this? I mean I know what he did but he must have a really good reason,¡± said Shorty feeling very off about this.


    ¡°Quit chit-chatting and focus. Yi Chen where are you?¡± yelled H in themunication channel, ¡®Come get your wife.... please,¡¯ continuing the conversation in her head.


    Zi Han engaged in stealth mode and thought he could be able to get away from them and not have to put his friends in a position where they would have to have a real conflict.


    Just when he was about to fly out of the city, Igneous detected a ghost but it wasn¡¯t enough time for him to react.


    Igneous was knocked out of the sky. He engaged his cannon ster and was about to blow up the mech that attacked him when he realized it was Ran. Zi Han paused and the fierce expression on his face melted away.


    Ran was on top of him holding Igneous down. The cannon ster pointing at Ran¡¯s head retracted and Zi Han called out softly, ¡°Baby.¡±


    ¡°Now you want to baby me? What possessed you so much that you went ahead with this without telling me?... I thought you meant it when you said you love me. Is this how you show it?¡±


    Zi Han felt really bad right now but he didn¡¯t regret it. He just wished he had told Yi Chen about it but at the time he was so angry that he left without thinking and one could understand why.


    Zi Han blinked rapidly a couple of times trying to get rid of the tears threatening to flow. He averted his gaze not willing to look at his lover¡¯s eyes. Zi Han could clearly see the hurt in them.


    ¡°If I told you... you would try and stop me. I didn¡¯t want you to bebeled an aplice,¡± said Zi Han before pushing Yi Chen¡¯s mech away.


    ¡°I know you have a responsibility to your family and the people. I don¡¯t want you to get involved in that so I didn¡¯t tell you... I had to do it and I don¡¯t regret it,¡± said Zi Han but the more he spoke the more he drove that de deeper into Yi Chen¡¯s heart.


    ¡°You don¡¯t regret it? Even when it puts us, our rtionship in jeopardy you still don¡¯t regret it?¡± asked Yi Chen but Zi Han didn¡¯t know how to answer this question. He pursed his lips and remained silent for a while longer than he should have.


    ¡°Zi Han!¡± called out Yi Chen his eyes bloodshot and seeming very upset.


    ¡°Okay, okay, okay.... I thought you and I can still be together. I just... With what he did, this was the only satisfying ending. He murdered my father and bragged about it. Not only that but he almost killed you. He did that! So why can¡¯t I deal with him and still be with you?¡± said Zi Han getting very emotional.


    Yi Chen, ¡°...¡±


    ¡°We can... but I want to be able to walk outside with you. Holding your hand without us being afraid that they will take you away from me... That would kill me,¡± said Yi Chen his voice getting lower and lower. He knew Zi Han had a good reason to do this but it hurt so much. Last night they were saying they loved each other and now....


    AN: *Sigh, love is soplicated...

 Chapter 347

    347 More sad stuff


    ¡°I know... and I am so sorry,¡± said Zi Han his voice trembling slightly. He loved Yi Chen so much but he also knew he had to do this and now here they were.


    Yi Chen couldn¡¯t stay mad at him. He decided they shouldn¡¯t discuss this here. ¡°Just send whatever evidence that you have to me. Tsk, that asshole Ikeda really got his wish...,¡± said Yi Chen before a series of sizzling balls of mes fired rapidly at him from a distance.


    ¡°Yi Chen!¡± yelled Zi Han as he watched Ran bounce off the ground twice before rolling on the snow. Because Ran had already suffered some damage from when it was frozen under the snow it meant Yi Chen¡¯s reaction speed was slower than usual.


    Zi Han aimed the cannon ster in the direction where the attack came but just as he pulled the trigger Igneous stopped him.


    ¡°Sir, it¡¯s Chronos and the Madam is trying to connect,¡± said Igneous, and Zi Han scurried to his feet while granting it permission.


    ¡°Uh uh uh, if you don¡¯t want him to be considered an aplice to your crime you better not go there,¡± she said and Igneous pulled up images of mechs heading in their direction.


    ¡°Is, is he injured?¡± he asked very reluctant to leave.


    ¡°Zi Han now!¡± yelled Zi Xingxi and Zi Han had no choice but to walk away. By the time he reached the warship, he was in such a bad mood and he was crying while walking fast. He didn¡¯t even know where he was going. He just wanted to find an isted corner and cry himself to death.


    Zi Xingxi grabbed his arm and pulled him back. ¡°You can¡¯t just go. Tell me what happened. You could have at least let me in on it before you went on executing people in public,¡± she said but they were totally operating on different wavelengths.


    .....


    Zi Han was more concerned for Yi Chen and he was really having a nervous breakdown.


    ¡°I just left him there. I just left him in the snow by himself... mum, he will think I don¡¯t love him but I do. I really do,¡± he said his cheeks wet trying to get hold of him on his light brain.


    Zi Xingxi grabbed both his arms and shook him while yelling, ¡°Get it together. Don¡¯t you trust me? He will only have minor bruises and scratches from that. If he is as smart as he says he is then he won¡¯t hate you. He will understand why you left, okay?¡±


    Zi Han snapped out of it but he was still visibly upset. Zi Xingxi wiped the tears off his face and said, ¡°What I don¡¯t understand though is why you did that. Can you tell mum why you did that in front of everyone?¡±


    Zi Han lowered his head and tapped his light brain a few times before he flicked his finger and an erged floating screen appeared in the middle of the room.


    A video immediately began to y and it didn¡¯t take long before Zi Xingxi¡¯s face changed. She was as angry as Zi Han was when he first watched it. Now she wished she was the first to know about it. She would make sure he died a painful and slow death.


    Her husband had mentioned a step brother before but because they weren¡¯t blood rted and his stepmother had poisoned him he only mentioned them once.


    His father forbade him from even mentioning this pair of mother and son. The stepmother was so delusional that she even gave her son the Yeoh family name when he wasn¡¯t the emperor¡¯s son. Even his name was slightly simr to Jun¡¯s.


    Who would have thought this dove that was trying to upy the magpie¡¯s nest would grow into a messed up human being?


    He had already seeded in taking down the royal family but was still taking their assets and erasing their legacy. The fact that he managed to get ownership of Foyer and tried to change it to his mother¡¯s name was baffling.


    After rewatching this video several times she was so angry that she turned to Lynn Feng and asked, ¡°Is he dead?¡±


    Lynn Feng, who had her hand resting on her forehead her heart weighing down on her raised her head and replied, ¡°He definitely dead? Han Han made sure to go for his vitals and there was no saving him no matter how fast their response was.¡±


    ¡°He also wanted to kill me and Yi Chen. All these explosions had everything to do with him. I was so angry and I,... I couldn¡¯t let him live another day,¡± he said and Zi Xingxi nodded her head in understanding. She would most definitely be in the same emotional state.


    Zi Xingxi removed her finger hanging above her upper lip and asked, ¡°You do understand what this means, right? Things can¡¯t go back to the way they were before.¡±


    Zi Han bit his lower lip his misty eyes getting even foggier as tears wailed up in his eyes. His mother pulled him into her arms and let him cry it out. Zi Xingxi rubbed his back as he silently whimpered.


    Hearing him cry like that was so heartbreaking that even Lynn Feng couldn¡¯t help but shed tears. Secretary K was the only one with a stone cold face but his heart was really hurting.


    The door suddenly slid open and Zi Feiji who had been knocked out on sleeping pills walked in his eyes half lidded. He hadn¡¯t slept welltely and his daughter was worried thus she insisted on him taking them. It was because of this that he had slept through this entire showdown.


    ¡°Wha, who did Han Han kill?¡± he said but judging from his expression he was still rtively high.


    Everyone, ¡°...¡± I guess the old man didn¡¯t know how to read the room.


    ¡°What? Why are you all looking at me like that?... I keep getting messages that my grandson lost his mind that¡¯s what woke me up. So... who did he kill?¡±


    ¡°I don¡¯t know why I haven¡¯t put you in a nursing home yet. You and your friends can gossip there all day,¡± said Zi Xingxi.


    ¡°Who are you are you calling old?¡± said Zi Feiji only for Zi Xingxi to retort,


    ¡°No one called you that. Why are you getting so defensive?¡±


    ¡°Why are we talking about this? Just tell me who he killed,¡± said Zi Feiji, and boy did his eyes grow wide when he found out what his daring grandson did.

 Chapter 348

    348 One more night.....


    While Zi Feiji was trying to digest the information, Yi Chen who was most definitely smart enough to know what Zi Xingxi meant to do took his light brain to call Zi Han but before he could do that the hospital door slid open and his dad walked in fuming.


    ¡°Give that to me,¡± he said with his hand stretched out towards Yi Chen¡¯s light brain.


    Yi Chen shook his head as he tightened his grip on his light brain. Marshal Yi clenched his jaw beforemanding him again.


    ¡°Give. It. To. Me... Now!¡± he said and Yi Chen had no choice but to give it to him.


    Out of anger the Marshal took the light brain and threw it on the ground before stomping on it several times. After he was done he angrily pointed at him his hair a disheveled mess.


    ¡°Stay away from that kid... do you hear me! You are so lucky Zi Xingxi blew a hole in your mech otherwise you will be in handcuffs right now. Our family, your career, and everything that we worked hard for would go down the drain,¡± he said his face flushed with throbbing purple veins on his forehead.


    Yi Chen had seen his father angry just not this pissed. ¡°I can¡¯t do that...,¡± said Yi Chen his voice hoarse.


    ¡°What the fuck do you mean you can¡¯t do that? Do you still have your father in your eyes? He almost ruined our lives because he was so impulsive. He didn¡¯t think about you. He didn¡¯t think about your family when he made that stupid decision,¡± yelled the Marshal getting even angrier.


    ¡°I love him,¡± said Yi Chen and the Marshal fired back hitting his sore spot,


    .....


    ¡°And does he love you? If he loved you then he wouldn¡¯t have put you in jeopardy... Now get your fuckin self together and help me clean this mess.¡±


    As the Marshal said this he fixed his son¡¯s cor. ¡°Let¡¯s go,¡± he said before kicking the broken light brain and storming out.


    As soon as they left the hospital they were suddenly surrounded by reporters and reporter drones shing their cameras while asking questions. Nearby they were protesters calling for the Marshal¡¯s head and this scene of father and son was broadcasted everywhere.


    Zi Han would rey this scene over and over again staring at his lover he hadn¡¯t seen in a very long time.


    His mother had told him not to leave the warship but of course, he had to be stubborn. He disguised himself as a regr looking white cor worker and left for Yi Chen¡¯s apartment. He hoped that when Yi Chen gets a notification that someone had entered their home, he would show up but Zi Han had camped here for a long time but still there was no Yi Chen.


    Zi Hany down and closed his eyes contemting whether he should go to the warship or not when the broadcast that was condemning him just now changed tunes.


    ¡°... Breaking newsing from the inteary military headquarters the prime minister of Loch Ness star was involved in the murder of his highness Yeoh. Verified videos of him confessing to the crime have surfaced. For more on this breaking.....¡±


    Zi Han turned his head to the side his expression indifferent to the news. His mother had already nned on releasing this information. She just wanted to make sure they had everything necessary for a good old fashioned face pping moment. In her own words, ¡°They might condemn my baby but he got rid of the worst monster in the world.¡±


    Zi Han looked up to the ceiling while biting his lips. A tear flowed down the crease of his eye and the small droplet left a trail as it flowed down and disappeared into the couch.


    He had made his bed and naturally he had to lie in it. He had toe to terms with the fact that Yi Chen wasn¡¯ting thus he roughly rubbed his eyes and sat up.


    Just as he made up his mind to go back the door suddenly unlocked and he turned to look in that direction. He saw Yi Chen taking off his jacket at the door.


    Yi Chen hung the slightly wet jacket and while he was doing that a pair of arms wrapped around his waist. He closed his eyes his heart racing as a warm feeling spread all over his chest.


    ¡°I didn¡¯t think you wille,¡± whispered Zi Han and Yi Chen turned around before hugging him tightly.


    He lowered his head and sniffed that lovely citrus scenting from Zi Han¡¯s hair.


    All his unhappiness from the past few days vanished at that moment. ¡°Of course, I woulde. I missed you so much,¡± said Yi Chen his voice hoarse.


    Zi Han couldn¡¯t hold back his emotions. The waterworks began again and yes, he felt stupid because it was his decision in the first ce to do this.


    Now he couldn¡¯t see Yi Chen whenever he wanted. It was all of his own making. Zi Han clutched Yi Chen¡¯s t-shirt tightly and felt the slight dampness thus he asked, ¡°Why are your clothes wet?.¡±


    Yi Chen didn¡¯t want him to know that he had to catch a cab and drop off somewhere busy before shaking away the people his father sent after him.


    His mother knew about this ce and so did his siblings but not his father. He had Li Ran remove his name from the housing registry and put a fake name on this property so his father would never find out he owned it.


    ¡°It¡¯s nothing. I just got rained on. I can¡¯t stay long... my father will hunt me down,¡± he said only for Zi Han to tighten his grip and ask in a low almost begging tone,


    ¡°Can¡¯t you spend one night with me? Just one night.¡±


    AN: One more night... one more night.... one more night.


    That¡¯s a song by the way. Let me know which one it is.

 Chapter 349

    349 Doubting Zi Han¡¯s love


    Yi Chen sighed feeling slightly defeated. He rubbed Zi Han¡¯s back as he tilted his head slightly and nuzzled the tip of his lover¡¯s ear before whispering, ¡°I will stay but... I have to leave before sunrise, okay?¡±


    Zi Han¡¯s lips quirked up in a slight arc that showed both joy and sadness with a bittersweet feeling to it.


    Ten minutester he was having a hard time dealing with his emotions so much so that he was slightly restless. He kept touching this and moving this whileining about what his mother said or what his grandfather did.


    He was still paying attention to Yi Chen but not exactly paying attention to him. It was because he was afraid that he was going to grow even more attached to Yi Chen which would only make it very difficult to let go in a few hours.


    It was like he had subconsciously built a metal wall around his heart so it wouldn¡¯t hurt less when Yi Chen left him tomorrow.


    He even insisted on making something to eat and stood up but Yi Chen abruptly got up and blocked Zi Han¡¯s path.


    ¡°Let me make something. I promise it will be quick,¡± said Zi Han with a slight smile but in truth, his heart was aching. Seeing that Yi Chen didn¡¯t respond, Zi Han took a step to his left to pass him but Yi Chen moved his foot to the side blocking his path again.


    Zi Han pat Yi Chen¡¯s chest and said, ¡°It won¡¯t take long. I will make your favorite, okay?¡± before taking a step to the other side.


    Yi Chen moved abruptly and blocked his path again his expression seeming leisurely. ¡°Baby, don¡¯t make trouble, okay? Now be good and sit over there. Or you can go take a shower and warm up your body. You got rained on,¡± said Zi Han trying to coax Yi Chen.


    .....


    This time Yi Chen didn¡¯t block his path. Zi Han kissed his chin with a feather light touch that was enough to send sparks straight into his heart.


    Just as Zi Han passed him Yi Chen grabbed his lover¡¯s arm and Zi Han was forced to stop. Zi Han raised his head ncing at Yi Chen¡¯s side profile his heart beating hard against his chest.


    A terrifying bright sh of lightning formed cracks in the sky followed by a roar of thunder as the rain outside began to fall heavily beating itself against the ss windows.


    When the roaring thunder shook the skies, Zi Han¡¯s heart leapt out of his chest but his gaze remained on that handsome side profile. It was as though the weather was conveying Yi Chen¡¯s grievance on his behalf.


    ¡°My mother told me to bring you frozensagna that she made before she left...,¡± he said and Zi Han licked his lips before saying,


    ¡°Then I will make some side dishes.¡±


    Yi Chen sighed before staring at him from the corner of his eye and said, ¡°Is this really how you want to spend this night? I might not be able to see you for a long time... Think about it clearly.¡±


    After saying this Yi Chen reluctantly let him go and turned towards the stairs. He crossed his fingers silently hoping that Zi Han would follow him. He thought his lover would wrap his arms around his waist like before and say something sweet to appease him but halfway up the stairs, he realised that Zi Han wasn¡¯t going to stop him. A touch of disappointment shed quickly in his eyes but he didn¡¯t turn his gaze back.


    When he entered their bedroom he took off his t-shirt and jeans before removing his pendant. As he ced his pendant on the pedestal he took a nce at the ring on his finger.


    His lips pressed into a thin line as he twisted the ring as though to remove it. No one could tell what he was thinking at that moment. When he thought of his father¡¯s words his eyes dimmed slightly.


    He never thought about it before but now that his father had brought it up he couldn¡¯t help but overthink and question whether Zi Han truly loved him or not.


    Despite being together for so long, Zi Han never said those words he desperately wanted to hear. He always told himself that Zi Han¡¯s feelings would grow over time and he would finally say it.


    When he did say it Yi Chen was so happy but right after Zi Han said it he intentionally or unintentionally sabotaged their rtionship.


    After days of being apart from him and away from Zi Han¡¯s influence he began to doubt Zi Han¡¯s love for him. His doubts were further exacerbated by what just happened now. Despite knowing that they only had a few hours together with absolutely no certainty on when they could meet up next, Zi Han was choosing to spend some of that precious time away from him.


    This thought had him twisting that ring intending to take it off but when it was halfway off his brows furrowed and he slid it back on.


    So what if Zi Han didn¡¯t have as much love for him as he did for Zi Han? Would he stop loving him then? Would he let go of this rtionship? The answer to all those questions was no. He would rather die. Even if Zi Han didn¡¯t love him as much as he loved him, Yi Chen would never let him go. He will do whatever it takes to make this work even when they were now on opposite sides of the border.


    Yi Chen rubbed the ring on his finger affectionately his eyes radiant and sunny. ¡°If love makes me stupid, then I choose to be an idiot for the rest of my life,¡± he whispered with a slight quirk on his face.


    He pulled down his underwear and stepped into the shower. As the warm water flowed down his body a heavy load seemed to be removed from his soul.

 Chapter 350

    350 Tomorrow is not promised to anyone


    While he was washing his hair, he suddenly felt a cool breezeing from the outside. His back formed a wave of goosebumps from the chill and when he nced back he saw Zi Han standing behind him while sliding the shower door shut.


    His eyes stayed on Zi Han¡¯s naked body his expression calm but in truth, he was doing cartwheels internally in extreme happiness. He turned his back to Zi Han and as the warm water hit his face he showed an unrestrained smile.


    Zi Han nced at the powerful back in front of him and he subconsciously reached over to touch it. His fingers spread out as he rubbed and squeezed Yi Chen¡¯s muscles.


    After Yi Chen left he suddenly felt very anxious and descended into panic mode. His emotions were extremely fragiletely. They were as fragile as a porcin doll. One push and he would fall apart immediately.


    He opened the fridge and began hastily picking things up with his trembling hands before putting them down again seeming confused. His breathing became erratic like he was drowning in shallow waters but could not save himself.


    He didn¡¯t know when he crouched down on the floor and began to swipe his light brain calling his mother. It was only after he heard his mother¡¯s voice did the chaotic mess in his mind settled.


    ¡°Han Han... follow the sound of my voice ande back to me. Don¡¯t focus on anything else but me, okay?¡± were her words that brought him back out of that bad ce.


    Remember when Zi Xingxi warned him to be careful when healing someone? It was because she had a feeling that it did something to his emotional state. Her husband exhibited subtle behavioral changes when he healed the Marshal.


    Sometimes she thought it was because of this that he thought it was a great idea to iste his family on Death Star just to keep them safe. That man was a functional mental patient. Don¡¯t get her wrong she still loved him ws and all.


    .....


    The best way to put it was that he was like a crazy genius. Talented but with ws that manifested, even more, when he used his abilities. As mentioned before, god truly does not give with both hands. There was a heavy price that came with it.


    Now her sweet baby was manifesting the same behavioral changes which were being exacerbated with fear. Fear of losing the person he loves.


    ¡°Baby, tell mum what¡¯s wrong. I told you not to leave but you snuck out....,¡± she said but Zi Han just pushed his head back sitting on the floor hugging his knees.


    ¡°Where is Yi Chen?... If he is not there then I will personallye and pick you up,¡± she continued when Zi Han didn¡¯t give her an answer.


    ¡°No... he is here. I... am afraid,¡± he said his eyes stinging but no tears came out. It seemed he had cried himself dry.


    Zi Xingxi kept silent for a while listening to his whimpers her heart breaking into pieces. ¡°You think it will hurt less if you spend less time with him, don¡¯t you?¡± she suddenly asked and Zi Han was taken aback.


    ¡°How did you...,¡± he asked only for Zi Xingxi to interrupt him saying,


    ¡°Don¡¯t ask me how I know. I just know. The pain won¡¯t be any less either way but you will most definitely regret it. Trust me, I know the feeling... Now stop,... stop wasting time talking to me and go spend time with, uh... I can¡¯t believe I am saying this... go spend time with your man,¡± almost dry heaving. She had epted the status quo but had never thought she would push her son toward Yi Chen out loud.


    ¡°Okay... Thank you, mum,¡± he whispered feeling a whole lot better.


    ¡°Just don¡¯t heal anyone or anything like that. Oh and don¡¯t overdo it....,¡± she said and Zi Han¡¯s face flushed. He was thick skinned but not that thick skinned.


    ¡°.... and hey have you seen my ck stilettos. I swear there is a pair missing. I don¡¯t rem-,¡± she said but Zi Han interrupted her.


    ¡°Bye mum,¡± he said and with a click, the call ended.


    Zi Xingxi, ¡°...¡±


    ¡°You must be kidding me,¡± she muttered to herself only for Lynn Feng to lean back on her seat while sipping on some ramen,


    ¡°Han Han took them maybe three or four weeks ago. He said he wanted me to teach him some moves on heels. He wore mine but they were ufortable and then he said he will take yours.¡±


    ¡°What moves?¡± asked Zi Xingxi and Lynn Feng¡¯s back stiffened as she swore under her breath,


    ¡°Shit.¡±


    She dropped her chopsticks and swiveled her chair around while smiling stiffly, ¡°Well... fuck.¡±


    As soon as she said this she ran for her life. How was she supposed to tell her boss that she taught her son to dance? Actually no she taught him to strip tease.


    ¡°You better run!¡± yelled Zi Xingxi while picking up the steaming bucket of ramen left behind.


    ¡°Ugh chives.... and how many times did I tell you not to eat in the bridge,¡± she yelled but the culprit had already vanished like a ghost.


    In the meantime, Zi Han was walking upstairs when his light brain buzzed again. Seeing that it was his mother he ignored it but that didn¡¯t stop her.


    She proceeded to bombard her son with a string of messages.


    Xixi: You are so dead.


    Xixi: Tell Yi Chen when I see him I will break his leg.


    Xixi: No, I will break all his legs.


    XiXi: His third leg too.


    Zi Han, ¡°...¡±


    How was this the same person? How could she speak words of wisdom and type this a few minutester? He was starting to think his mother had a split personality disorder.


    Anyway, she was the reason why he was standing in the shower with Yi Chen. His mother was right. It hurts to part with the ones you love and this is why we should spend more time with them and love them because who knows what can happen today or tomorrow. Don¡¯t procrastinate that phone call or dy that visit anymore because tomorrow is not promised to anyone.

 Chapter 351

    351 Slight NSFW.... enjoy


    Zi Han bit his lower lip his lustful gaze trailing down Yi Chen¡¯s back before lingering on Yi Chen¡¯s butt as the warm water dripped down the two peaks like a waterfall.


    Zi Han¡¯s hand slowly slid down and groped Yi Chen¡¯s ass which was slippery from thether of the shampoo seeping down his body. Yi Chen¡¯s smile grew wider as he raised his arm to look at the hand taking advantage of him and said, ¡°You aren¡¯t allowed to touch. This is private property so hands off.¡±


    Zi Han didn¡¯t let go. Instead, he squeezed it a couple more times while saying, ¡°It¡¯s mine now. What¡¯s mine is mine, and what¡¯s yours is still mine,¡± with a silly smile on his face.


    With a loud resounding PA, Zi Han smacked him only for Yi Chen to turn around meaning to retaliate.


    His revenge policy was simply two smacks for each smack Zi Han did. Zi Han tried to hide his ass but Yi Chen still managed to grab it a couple of times before pping his ass cheek twice.


    ¡°Ah... why do you always escte things? I only did it once and you hit me twice,¡±ined Zi Han while rubbing his ass with a slight pout on his lips.


    ¡°Why are you acting as if you dont like it? I am guessing you are mad because I didn¡¯t do it thrice,¡± said Yi Chen as he turned his back towards Zi Han.


    Zi Han pursed his lips. Even he couldn¡¯t refute that. Instead, he bend down slightly and walked under Yi Chen¡¯s arms so he could mess with the water temperature on the screen in front of his fiancee.


    ¡°Why is the water so cold?¡± he said with his hand stretching towards the screen but Yi Chen grasped his wrist and took a step closer with his member lightly rubbing on Zi Han¡¯s butt.


    .....


    ¡°Uh ah, I was here first. You aren¡¯t going to increase that water temperature. I don¡¯t want my skin to melt off,¡± he said and Zi Han turned his head back slightly before saying,


    ¡°Uh, Chen Chen you have changed. You used to let me mess with the temperature but now... tsk, tsk. Your love for me has reduced.¡±


    Yi Chen lowered his head and said, ¡°I can let you mess with it if you let me mess with you.¡±


    Zi Han, ¡°...¡±


    Before he could even give a response, Yi Chen ced his hand under the shower gel dispenser. The dispenser pumped out two pumps of shower gel and Yi Chen rubbed his palms together before sliding his hands underneath Zi Han¡¯s arms and massaged his lover¡¯s chest with his slippery hands.


    When his fingers flicked Zi Han¡¯s nipples, Zi Han¡¯s lips parted as he gasped for air. The attack was expected but when done with slip it felt different in a good way.


    Yi Chen removed one of his hands from Zi Han¡¯s nipple and he whimpered softly like he had been wronged. Yi Chen¡¯s pupils darkened as he slid his hand up Zi Han¡¯s corbone to his neck forcing his lover to raise his chin.


    Like the whisper of temptation, Yi Chen¡¯s voice infiltrated through his defenses putting Zi Han in a trance. ¡°Baby, I am very upset with you... You need to be punished.¡±


    Zi Han moved his body trying to look at him but when those fingers gently pinched his nipple he felt soft at the knees and all his fighting spirit vanished.


    He arched his back pressing his ass onto Yi Chen¡¯s crotch. Yi Chen sucked on Zi Han¡¯s neck with a light grumbleing from his throat.


    His hand slid down Zi Han¡¯s chest with the warm droplets of water rushing down at the back of his hand. He grasped Zi Han¡¯s already hard member and began to stroke it slowly and gently.


    Loud pants and gasps bounced off the bathroom walls as Yi Chen took great care of his lover. The two of them indulged in their ecstasy as the bathroom heated up.


    After a rxing shower Zi Hany sprawled on the bed in his sleeping shorts with a content look on his face. He followed Yi Chen¡¯s figure with his lesuirely eyes and a smile so bright like he had just had his favorite snack.


    ¡°Husband your hands are magic,¡± said Zi Han seeming high on the lingering effects of the climax in the bathroom.


    Yi Chen climbed onto the bed and hovered above Zi Han kissing the man¡¯s forehead. ¡°I, your husband am there to satisfy your every need,¡± said Yi Chen before continuing to kiss his eyes, nose, and then his lips.


    ¡°Then if that¡¯s the case... don¡¯t go. Let¡¯s just stay together here. You can go do what you have to do during the day bute back home at night. I will be waiting for you toe back home. I will be like a... a stay at home fiancee,¡± said Zi Han his expression beaming with excitement truly believing that this n would work but Yi Chen knew things couldn¡¯t be that simple.


    He kissed Zi Han¡¯s lips in a long lingering kiss before lying down next to him. ¡°I will figure out a n. Recently my father has been pushing me to train harder as punishment. This is the first time that I have ever been free... I will work around it and make it work. Just give me time,¡± he said pulling Zi Han into his arms.


    Zi Han didn¡¯t immediately respond. That¡¯s because he was hesitating to ask Yi Chen toe back home again tomorrow night. He stared into the void with his ears listening to the soundsing from Yi Chen¡¯s chest. After being out of it for a while he finally patted Yi Chen¡¯s chest and asked, ¡°Baby, can youe back tomorrow?¡±


    Yi Chen hummed but Zi Han couldn¡¯t really tell if he was humming in agreement or in his sleep thus he raised his head slightly before asking, ¡°Baby, are you sleeping?¡±


    Yi Chen breathed in deeply while shuffling around and pulling him closer into his arms before humming a response, ¡°mm-mm.¡± Zi Han smiled happily and wiggled downwards going in deeper under the quilt.

 Chapter 352

    352 A dash of NSFW.... hehehe


    Yi Chen now had a psychological shadow after Zi Han left him thest time thus he grabbed Zi Han¡¯s arm tightly and asked, ¡°Where are you going?... I will go with you.¡±


    Zi Han reached down to kiss and suck on Yi Chen¡¯s arm that was holding him before saying, ¡°Baby, you need to rx.¡±


    Yi Chenzily opened his eyes as he raised the quilt to look at the personying underneath. Zi Han licked his lower lip like a hungry beast ready to devour him. Yi Chen raised his brow with a sly grin on his face before letting go of the quilt. He was so exhausted that he would let Zi Han do whatever he wanted at this point.


    His mind in a daze he said, ¡°You can be a stay at home husband, and if you want we can get a baby and grow our family.¡±


    Zi Han pulled back the quilt and red at him before saying, ¡°I thought you would say a dog or something.¡±


    Yi Chen rubbed Zi Han¡¯s cheek and said, ¡°Fine we can get a dog but I am not sure if little Nim would be happy about that.¡±


    ¡°Your sister abducted him and Mr. Twiggles so, of course, they won¡¯t be a problem,¡± said Zi Han before covering his body with the quilt again.


    Yi Chen heard him say, ¡°Then every day I will make you all kinds of interesting things to eat.¡±


    He let out a groan as he felt warm lips kissing and a moist tongue licking his vicle. ¡°Like what?¡± asked Yi Chen and when Zi Han licked his nipple with the tip of his tongue, Yi Chen arched his chest forward his body jerking slightly.


    .....


    ¡°For breakfast, you can have me in the shower... In the afternoon you can have me on the kitchen counter and in the evening... well, in the evening you can have me in your hovercar,¡± said Zi Han while teasing the two beads on Yi Chen¡¯s chest whenever he paused mid-sentence.


    Yi Chen closed his eyes and his breathing turned erratic and heated especially when Zi Han pulled out his member and sucked on it.


    The bulge underneath the quilt began to move up and down. Yi Chen breathed heavily, his misty eye staring at the ceiling as he enjoyed his lover¡¯s pampering.


    ¡°Ah ah ah fuck... aah, don¡¯t stop, mm... right there baby, ¡± moaned Yi Chen his voice raspy yet maic.


    Zi Han sucked him dry of both his energy and seed. Having drunk his fill, Zi Han pulled up Yi Chen¡¯s pants before crawling out from underneath the quilt. Yi Chen pulled him closer for a passionate kiss.


    The two of them entangled with each other making out until they were both breathless and dazed. ¡°I love you,¡± whispered Zi Han before taking a gentle nibble of Yi Chen¡¯s lower lip.


    Yi Chen buried his nose in Zi Han¡¯s fragrant hair and took a whiff of thatforting scent before saying, ¡°I love you too.¡±


    ***


    By the time Zi Han woke up, the person lying next to him was already gone and the sheets had long grown cold. Zi Han sat up in a panic. And looked around while calling out, ¡°Chen-ge,¡± but there was no response.


    Zi Han pulled the quilt off his body and sat his feet on his slippers when he saw a note on the side of the bed. He picked it up and as he read it the smile on his face grew wide. The note read, ¡°I had to leave. There issagna in the fridge and I will see you tonight. XO XO.¡±


    When Zi Han imagined Chen writing XO XO with a serious face, heughed in a noisy, gleeful way as hey back down on the bed. After rolling on the bed for a while in excitement, he took his light brain and swiped up before he began shopping for things for the house on StarNet.


    After hours of senseless shopping, Zi Han washed up before going downstairs to make a cup of milk tea. While he was waiting he was humming a happy tune seeming very happy. He was even happier than before this whole mess. Maybe it was because Yi Chen had epted him despite the fact that he was now a wanted man.


    A sweet smile appeared on his face recalling that XO XO. As he fell deep into that memory the main door that was locked suddenly opened.


    Zi Han thought it was Yi Chen who had forgotten something so he walked over with a radiant smile. When he reached the door and saw who it was the smile on his face sank.


    ¡°Knock him out,¡± said Marshal Yi before a group of men in uniform walked over toward him in strides. Zi Han was shocked and before he could react he suddenly lost control of his body and his vision ckened.


    Yi Chen who had been forced into training the moment he got back had no idea his sweetheart was gone. He was working extra hard toplete the tasks in the simtion faster so he can sneak out earlier and go apany his lover. Li Ran who hadn¡¯t seen Yi Chen for days finally managed to hack into the simtor and speak to him.


    While Yi Chen was facing off with a group of creatures simr to the ones from the Republic, one of their faces suddenly turned into Li Ran¡¯s.


    Li Ran¡¯s method was crude but it was very effective. The only downside was that Yi Chen pierced him with his de.


    ¡°Hey hey hey, can you at least stop stabbing the creature while it has my face on it,¡± said Li Ran feeling aggrieved.


    ¡°You are disturbing me. I have to keep a schedule,¡± said Yi Chen as he finished off the creature.


    Li Ran¡¯s face vanished and reappeared on another creature¡¯s face as he said, ¡°Aw... you have a date. I thought for sure your father would have forbidden you from being with him.¡±


    Yi Chen sted another creature¡¯s head while shing at another before saying, ¡°He is trying to. But I won¡¯t let him.¡±


    ¡°Of course, you wouldn¡¯t. If you guys like I can get you married on the down low, just give me a day and I will get my officiating certificate.¡±


    Yi Chen, ¡°...¡±


    ¡®Is it that easy? Is it that easy to get a certificate? Is it that easy to get married?¡¯


    The answer to those questions was yes, yes, and yes.

 Chapter 353

    353 Ny nine roses


    ¡°What do you mean? Is it really that easy?¡± asked Yi Chen as the missionpletion announcement echoed in the background.


    He breathed deeply as he deactivated his mech. The simtion ended and Yi Chen sat down in the break room. He pulled out his towel and wiped the sweat on his forehead while Li Ran yammered on about some distant cousin of his running off with his pregnant girlfriend and getting married.


    It was only when Li Ran mentioned the small chapel somewhere on a small rural called Star Dust did Yi Chen begin to pay attention.


    In the federation, marriage between partners under the age of twenty five required parents¡¯ or guardians¡¯ consent.


    That¡¯s because family property was involved and certain legal contracts had to be signed first hence parents needed to give the couple the green light.


    Over the age of twenty five one was considered mature enough not to get conned into marriage and lose half their property when things went south. But despite this rule, there were a few ces where one could go and elope without a problem.


    Yi Chen was never interested in these things before but Li Ran had his fingers everywhere. He knew about this and decided to share the information with his good brother as it involved his future happiness.


    ¡°... you know big weddings are for the family, not the couple. Most couples are fine with just buying a cheap wedding cake, an affordable ring, and renting outfits before taking that step forward andmitting to each other. You and Han Han love each other so why not seal the deal? Screw the Marshal and anyone else who thinks you shouldn¡¯t be together,¡± said Li Ran before a female voice interrupted him in the background.


    ¡°Screw who? You disrespectful little brat. How can you say that about your superior? Come here,¡± yelled Li Ran¡¯s mum before kicking her slipper off her foot and almost whacking him with it.


    .....


    ¡°Chen-ge, I have to go. Think about what I said,¡± said Li Ran before cutting the call.


    Yi Chen leaned his head back and suddenly showed a slight smile. After the conversation they had yesterday he was sure he could convince Zi Han. He could already see them standing in that run down chapel both of them dressed to kill with his mother and siblings witnessing them make their vows via StarNet.


    He wasn¡¯t certain if Zi Xingxi and Zi Feiji would participate. They could also have caramel swirl gateau as a small wedding cake and a bottle of champagne to celebrate.


    After that, they would have their first night in a hotel and he would officially make love to his lover as husbands for the first time. The smile on his face grew wider as this beautiful scenario yed out in his head.


    When he opened his eyes a touch of determination shed in his pupils. He got up and began the next round. He was very exhausted but he had to push himself to finish early so he can go see his lover.


    After literally working himself to death Yi Chen took a shower before leaving the training room. When he left the military headquarters, Yi Chen thought that security personnel assigned to him by his father would follow him. But who would have thought they would ignore him today and let him leave by himself?


    It was puzzling but he didn¡¯t think much. That¡¯s because when hest spoke to his mother she said she would talk some sense into her husband. He honestly thought that their talk had been sessful and that his father had let this go.


    So he passed by the dessert shop and bought Zi Han some tiramisu. Usually, Zi Han had no preference when it came to cakes as long as they were sweet and delicious, he would eat them.


    Yi Chen bought ny nine roses and as he sat on the hover bus he wrote on the card;


    I will love you till I die....


    After he finished writing this, he raised his head and noticed that a few people were looking at him. Because he had a disguise on people didn¡¯t necessarily look at him as if they had recognized him but because he was holding a bunch of roses which was a very luxurious thing to buy in the federation.


    The number of roses he was holding were enough to feed a family in the slums for five years back to back.


    Yet he used that money to buy something that willst for two weeks even with the federation¡¯s advanced technology. An olderdy who couldn¡¯t mind her own business said, ¡°Young man why waste so much money on something that won¡¯tst?¡±


    Yi Chen who hadn¡¯t expected anyone to speak to him remained indifferent and in a distant but polite way he said, ¡°The person I bought them for is worth it.¡±


    She wanted to say something else but Yi Chen¡¯s stop was announced and he had to take another hover bus to reach his ce. Everyone who was listening in on their conversation watched him walk out with a straight back and couldn¡¯t help but feel envious while others felt pity.


    As soon as the doors shut a girl in a college uniform said, ¡°Aww... that was so beautiful.¡±


    ¡°Hmph! Beautiful... he is probably getting scammed out of all his money. Nowadays you can¡¯t trust anyone pretty. One nce and they will rob you of everything.¡±


    A few people agreed as they watched the young man standing at the bus station waiting for the second bus.


    Meanwhile, Yi Chen who had no idea that he had an entire bus having a heated discussion on spending money while courting, got on the second hover bus and three minutester he was in front of the main door his heart beating fast.


    He imagined Zi Han¡¯s face the moment he walks in through that door. Yi Chen rehearsed his lines three times before he was finally satisfied. With a deep exhale he pushed the door open and the lights that were automatically off lit up.


    ¡°Babe!¡± called out Yi Chen but soon the smile on his face sank. He had a very very bad premonition. Without waiting for his shoes to finish getting sanitised he dashed inside the house and left the flowers on the counter. His heart dropped even more, the longer he couldn¡¯t see Zi Han¡¯s face.

 Chapter 354

    354 ¡°I am his father... I am the Marshal... I am your superior... that is who I am


    ¡°Han Han, this is not funny. Where are you?¡± he said entering every single room frantically searching for his lover.


    His chest rose and fell violently as he called out. His voice became tremulous as he repeatedly searched the same rooms over and over again with his red-rimmed eyes.


    There were no words to describe how he was feeling right now. Zi Han left him again even when he promised to see him tonight.


    He stood in the kitchen with his trembling hands grasping the edge of the kitchen counter trying to calm down. But when he recalled all those things Zi Han said to himst night the storm surging within became even more violent.


    He squeezed his fingers tightly until his knuckles turned white as his mental beast slowly creeped out like a vengeful phantom with red eyes.


    Dark and sinister voices began to echo in his ear as cracks form on the counter from the strength in his hands increasing.


    ¡®Tie him to your side...¡¯


    ¡®If he doesn¡¯t want you then make him want you...¡¯


    ¡®He said he loved you so you can¡¯t let him go...¡±


    .....


    With a loud cracking sound the kitchen counter broke. Yi Chen kept his head down with the darkness in his heart taking root.


    Beep... beep... beep.


    The sound of the milk tea machine on the counter drew his sanity back and the fog in his eyes suddenly cleared.


    He walked over there in two strides and he saw a mug of hot milk tea that had long grown cold. His heart suddenly chilled when he realised Zi Han didn¡¯t leave of his own free will.


    The fierceness in his eyes amplified. He was so angry at this point that wanted to tear apart whoever had the balls to steal his lover.


    Meanwhile, the person Yi Chen was going to tear up rtionships for was lying in what looked like a grass field on a with two moons faintly showing on the horizon.


    When he finally opened his eyes the sky was already dimming but the sun never sank into the horizon.


    Zi Han sat up with his hand pressed to his forehead enduring a massive headache like someone had hit his head with a brick.


    ¡°You are finally awake,¡± said a familiar voice making his blood run cold. He struggled to get up on his feet his soul piercing gaze focused on the Marshal.


    The older man was sitting on a stool in front of a traditional Chinese house inclusive of a few touches attributed to the federation¡¯s architectural style. Zi Han clenched his fists his body trembling with rage as he red at the man leisurely drinking tea.


    Marshal Yi set the steaming cup down and said, ¡°Your mother trained you very well but one thing she couldn¡¯t teach you was the ability to control your emotions.... You are impulsive, arrogant, and very very disrespectful which is nothing like your father. She raised a miniature version of herself... no.... a much more dangerous person than herself.¡±


    Zi Han couldn¡¯t tolerate anyone saying bad things about his mother. He swallowed hard and clenched his jaw tightly like it was going to snap off before speaking through gritted teeth, ¡°If you have a problem with me then focus on me. Keep my family out of this.¡±


    Marshal Yi nced at him and said, ¡°They raised you so there is no way the two aren¡¯t mutually exclusive.¡±


    ¡°What do you want?¡± asked Zi Han and the Marshal didn¡¯t respond for a very long time. He took two more sips of his tea before finally clearing his throat.


    ¡°This behind me is the Yi family home passed down for generations. It is as old as the federation. It represents our achievements... our values, our pride, and.... our responsibility as the Yi family... Do you understand the meaning of the word responsibility?¡± asked the Marshal while looking at him with a leisurely gaze but underneath that fineyer was a threatening existence that made Zi Han want to flee.


    Seeing that Zi Han didn¡¯t respond the Marshal said, ¡°It means having a sense of duty to deal with or control something. That means you will be held ountable if anything concerning that thing... Who can me you though for not having any understanding of the meaning of responsibility?¡±


    ¡°Stop mincing words and get straight to the point,¡± said Zi Han unable to restrain himself anymore.


    Marshal Yi picked up the scroll on his table and unrolled it. The scroll was so long that it unrolled all the way down before stopping a few inches away from the tip of Zi Han¡¯s shoes.


    ¡°When a new Marshal is sworn in they have to swear an oath and that oath is inclusive of everything on this scroll. They then seal that oath with a bloody thumb.... This is Yi Chen¡¯s future responsibility but with you, by his side, he can¡¯t achieve that. You two aren¡¯t suitable,¡± said the Marshal, and Zi Han felt like his heart was stabbed right through by a sharp de.


    ¡°Who are you to decide that?¡± he spoke his eyes bloody red as he took a step forward.


    ¡°I am his father... I am the Marshal... I am your superior... that is who I am,¡± said the Marshal as he got up his stance intimidating.


    ¡°So....,¡± said Zi Han having lost himself to his anger at this point. In his mind he was not dating Yi Chen¡¯s father so why should he gravel to please him? Why should he change himself to conform to the Marshal¡¯s preference? He had never offended the Marshal but from day one the man didn¡¯t like him so what was he supposed to do about that?


    ¡°This is what I am talking about. You are very disrespectful and even if the monarch was still ruling the federation, I would never support your ascension. You are insolent andck any sense of responsibility and you want to take my son down with you,¡± said the Marshal before wiping his mouth with a handkerchief and continuing,


    ¡°... leave my son alone.¡±


    ¡°I won¡¯t... our rtionship has nothing to do with you,¡± replied Zi Han before turning on his heels to leave.


    ¡°I was wrong. You do have a sense of responsibility... just to your family, not my son. You don¡¯t love him at all... if you loved him you wouldn¡¯t have jeopardized everything he stands for and shamelessly clung to him afterward ruining his reputation, ruining his life.¡±


    Zi Han¡¯s steps halted his body trembling uncontrobly with rage. ¡°Shut up,¡± muttered Zi Han as a tear flowed down his cheek.

 Chapter 355

    355 Choose one not both


    Marshal Yi who had never been told to shut up in his entire life by anyone,ughed silently but from his expression, something didn¡¯t look right.


    He rubbed his lips in frustration before taking a step back trying to restrain his anger.


    ¡°And you are supposedly interested in bing a part of my family?... Not going to happen. I won¡¯t let that happen... You need someone to teach you respect. Zi Xingxi did a very shitty job,¡± he said only for Zi Han to turn around and lunge toward him.


    It took everything within Zi Han to stop himself from blowing up but the words the Marshal said struck him where it hurt the most.


    Not only did the man criticize his mother, but he also used him of not having any feelings for Yi Chen and jeopardizing his lover¡¯s future which hurt so much that he couldn¡¯t think straight.


    It was exactly because he couldn¡¯t think straight that he did the unthinkable. He actually attacked the Marshal, a man who had ten times the experience than he did.


    This became very much apparent when Zi Han was struck by a powerful force before he could even reach the Marshal. With a loud bam, Zi Han was struck and his body flew across the grass field.


    He rolled on the ground three times before he steadied himself in a half kneeling posture.


    His eyes glimmered with a touch of fury as he clutched the grass and soil on the ground in his clenched fist.


    .....


    His body trembled in anger with the veins on his temple throbbing like they were on the verge of bursting. A faint red figure of a giant phoenix hovered behind him screeching in anger like someone had plucked its feathers.


    The Marshal who was breathing heavily engaged his mental power and a three headed serpent twice the size of Zi Han¡¯s phoenix appeared.


    ¡°Your father couldn¡¯t be here to teach you some respect. For the sake of our old friendship I will teach you on his behalf,¡± said the Marshal his eyes bloody and maniacal.


    Zi Han gritted his teeth before lunging forward his steps light but fast. He swung his fist at the Marshal but Marshal Yi tightly grabbed his arm and with a sly grin he flung him away.


    Zi Han felt an inexplicable pain when his arm was grabbed but he could care less right now. He managed to break his momentum in time before his back hit a boulder.


    He wiped the dirt off his lips with the back of his hand and gathered all his strength before attacking again.


    This time the Marshal let him try. Zi Han attacked the man relentlessly with a couple of near misses on the Marshal¡¯s part but no matter how hard he tried Zi Han couldn¡¯t even touch a single wisp of hair on the Marshal¡¯s head.


    After being on the defensive for so long the Marshal suddenly changed tactics and with a loud resounding p, Zi Han was struck to the ground forming a dent in the dirt where hended.


    Zi Han saw ck spots as hey there with his hand on his burning cheek from the p just now. In a daze, he struggled to get up but he failed.


    The Marshal rubbed his palm with an air of indifference surrounding him. ¡°With your kind of attitude, I thought you were invincible... I thought you were awless god who could do whatever he pleases whenever he pleases. Turns out you are just a small insignificant boy with power... Get u-,¡± he said but before he could even finish his sentence Zi Han swung his leg at him and almost swept the man off his feet.


    The Marshal flipped his body back before steadying his feet and grabbed Zi Han¡¯s knuckles that were a few inches from his face.


    ¡°Zi Han. You don¡¯t love my son. He is just an essory to you just like Igneous,¡± said Marshal Yi tightening his grip on Zi Han¡¯s hand. Small cracking sounds could be heard apanied by Zi Han¡¯s shallow breathing as he bit his lips trying not to cry out in pain.


    ¡°You only enjoy hispany and attention. I won¡¯t allow you to further sink your ws into his flesh. Let him go before I make you,¡± he said and with a resounding crack, he broke Zi Han¡¯s fingers.


    Zi Han couldn¡¯t stand the agonizing pain thus he grunted in despair and beads of cold sweat flowed down his forehead. His body shivering from his agony he breathed in deeply before speaking with great difficulty.


    ¡°Ho, how are you going to make me?¡± asked Zi Han with pain in his voice.


    ¡°Like I said before. You do have a sense of responsibility but that isn¡¯t directed at Yi Chen but to your family. I have plenty of evidence, evidence that can bring your family down overnight. With that evidence, I will burn the Bloodgarde to the ground and make sure both your mother and grandfather go into exile never to recover again.¡±


    Zi Han¡¯s eyes grew colder ring daggers at the Marshal. ¡°But my grandfather is your senior, you can¡¯t,¡± replied Zi Han calling his bluff but even he could see that Marshal Yi wasn¡¯t joking at all.


    ¡°And Yi Chen is my son. Tell me who is more important between the two... huh?¡± asked the Marshal before shoving him to the ground.


    Zi Han half sat up with his other hand supporting the one that had been broken. Marshal Yi crouched down and said, ¡°Come on Zi Han, there is no need to pretend like you are distraught. We both know what choice you are going to make.¡±


    Zi Han felt like he had taken the Executioner¡¯s Blight straight to his heart. He could see it all clearly now. The fog on his mind had cleared and he could see everything now.


    Yi Chen was good for him but he wasn¡¯t good for Yi Chen. Ever since they met there was not a single good thing he had done for him. It was Yi Chen who always sacrificed orpromised for him. And what did he do?


    He dangled the carrot in front of his face and couldn¡¯t even say the simplest of words most people could say easily. It was only when he almost lost Yi Chen that he said it to him.

 Chapter 356

    356 Yi Chen¡¯s incurable foolishness


    The more he thought about it the deeper he fell into this self abhorring state. He was so absorbed in this undeserved feeling that he didn¡¯t realise that he was crying.


    The Marshal stood there motionless as he watched Zi Han sitting on the ground seeming very pitiful. All that arrogance and pride had vanished from his face leaving behind a vulnerable immature child.


    This look of his reminded him of something he would have much preferred to stay in the past. The image of him begging master Lin to marry his daughter merged with Zi Han and he suddenly felt a pang in his heart but the feeling was fleeting.


    He couldn¡¯t be soft hearted when it came to this matter. The future of the entire army was depending on his son. It was all resting on Yi Chen¡¯s shoulders and Zi Han was nothing but a hindrance.


    Zi Han supported his hand on his knee and took off the strap of the watch on his wrist before gently cing it on the ground. After that, he silently got up and turned to walk away.


    The Marshal who hadn¡¯t paid much attention to what was on Zi Han¡¯s person was a little startled when he saw that watch with its ss surface shining underneath the sunlight. That was no ordinary watch but a gift passed down several generations.


    His lips trembled recalling the day his father gave little Chen Chen the watch. It was on his deathbed that he gave it to Yi Chen while telling him the story of how this watch came to be an heirloom. It represented one¡¯s heart.


    The story was that of a woman who loved a man so much that she saved her money for five years just so she could give this special person a gift. But even after saving her money for so long she still couldn¡¯t afford it.


    She loved him but he didn¡¯t love her. He saw her as a shameful ident. A mistake that unfortunately produced a child and he was forced to take responsibility.


    .....


    He loved the child deeply but he just didn¡¯t have her in his eyes. But that didn¡¯t deter her. She didn¡¯t want his money but she did want his heart thus she wanted to give him something special, something he always wanted after earning it from her own blood, sweat, and tears.


    She toiled night and day trying to get him this special gift and when she finally seeded, she rushed home her smile as bright as the sun ready to give it to him. Maybe then he could see her. Maybe then he would greet her in the morning when he came down for breakfast. Maybe then he would ask her how her day was and if she had eaten. She wasn¡¯t asking for much, just that.


    ¡®I give you my heart,¡¯ she said.


    But when she ced it in front of him and asked for him to take a look all that excitement from before vanished and her heart was crushed.


    His eyes turned vicious and he used her of cheating on him with someone else otherwise why would a gift worth more than his car appear in front of her?


    That night in front of their son, she was humiliated and beaten half to death. The beloved son who knew her mother had been working herself to death just to get this for his ungrateful father couldn¡¯t stand it.


    He hugged his father¡¯s thigh trying to save his mother. The man turned on his son as well calling him a child of a viper and that they deserved each other.


    He only stopped beating her when he identally hit his son striking him in the face. After that he left, leaving behind his wife whimpering and sobbing, ¡°Don¡¯t leave, don¡¯t go,¡± as she crawled towards the window.


    Thick blood was seeping down her mouth as she spoke in a low whisper. When she saw him enter his car and leave her heart died at that moment. She suddenly felt an inexplicable urge to jump.


    She clutched the window pane with her broken fingers and grimaced as she pulled her body up. But just as she came to terms with it and made up her mind, a soft hand touched hers.


    When she turned her gaze back she saw her son standing there holding the box.


    ¡°I ept it....,¡± he said in a soft voice. Her eyes rippled and the steely calmness in her pupils stirred.


    ¡°Your heart.... I ept it and I will keep it safe,¡± said the little boy. He was only five but he kept his promise.


    From that day onwards he took great care of her and never allowed his father anywhere near her ever again. That young boy was their ancestor who built the Yi family with his own two hands. It was because of him that they were where they were today.


    The story left a bittersweet aftertaste and each time that watch was passed down that story was told. Yi Chen had promised his grandfather that he would give it to the one he loves because that was his heart.


    Back then he rolled his eyes at the foolishness of this child but now it seemed Yi Chen¡¯s foolishness hadn¡¯t been cured. It was just well hidden. The idiot had given away their family heirloom to Zi Han.


    Marshal Yi picked it up and yelled at the lonely figure meandering like he had lost his soul. ¡°Remember what I said. Choose between your family or my son. I am sure you can make the right choice,¡± said the Marshal before turning to amble slowly into the ancestral home.¡±


    Zi Han summoned Igneous and mindlessly flew away with no clue of where he was going. Igneous felt like something was very wrong but it didn¡¯t know what to do. Hydra had infiltrated its space and prevented it from hearing what was going on. It also couldn¡¯tmunicate with the outside world.


    The three cmities were indestructible on the surface but because they knew each other¡¯s weaknesses it was easy to manipte each other.


    Hydra caught Igneous by surprise thus it couldn¡¯t respond in time. It was easily overwhelmed. Now that it was free, Igneous asked, ¡°Sir, are you okay?.... Would you like us to send your mother a distress signal?¡±


    Zi Han was more than distraught but this time things were soplicated that not even his mother could fix it.

 Chapter 357

    357 ¡°Sir, sir.... please restrain your grief,¡±


    Heartbreak is an overwhelming feeling of distress or a feeling of great sadness that everyone would get to experience at least once in their lives.


    The way people react to this feeling differs. Some people take the approach of out of sight out of mind and take time out to deal with this soul crushing pain.


    Others find themselves filling that void withfort food while others do physical exercise to numb the feeling from their hearts.


    Others shut down mentally and physically closing themselves off from the entire world while others cken and somewhat develop stalkerish tendencies trying to get back together.


    The path to healing from such excruciating pain differs but the end goal is the same. Zi Han was going through the same emotion. He was sitting in his mech in a daze overlooking the mountains.


    He knew that this pain he was feeling was of his own making but he was certain it was the right decision. Now he understood the meaning of the phrase, ¡°If you love someone, set them free.¡± He could hold on to Yi Chen and fight but at what cost?


    Like the Marshal said, things would only get worse from here on out. Despite his reasons for killing the prime minister being valid, he was still the most wanted man in the federation while Yi Chen was the future Marshal, the pir of the federation.


    At the thought of not being a part of Yi Chen¡¯s life anymore, Zi Han¡¯s heart ached overwhelmingly. He clutched his chest and cried out while squeezing his eyes shut tightly till it hurt. Warm tears trickled down as hey his head on the control panel of his mech.


    This appearance had Igneous very concerned for him. ¡°Sir, sir.... please restrain your grief,¡± it said but it only made things worse. The pain in his chest was even stronger than the pain of having his hand broken.


    .....


    Igneous was so worried that he kept urging Chronos along. Soon a stealth cruiser appeared in front of Zi Han and a figure leapt out from it.


    Chronos vanished and Zi Xingxi rushed over. ¡°Igneous... disengage,¡± she yelled and the mech obediently disengaged leaving behind Zi Han lying on the ground with one leg bent at the knee as he wept.


    Zi Xingxi knelt down and hugged her son tightly while whispering, ¡°It¡¯s okay, shh... it¡¯s okay. Mummy is here.¡±


    Secretary K showed up soon after and looked at his broken hand his expression stern. When he touched it, Zi Han¡¯s body trembled uncontrobly but they couldn¡¯t leave it like that. Zi Xingxi could only coax her son while stroking his hair soothingly.


    ¡°Shh... bear with it, okay? I will break that bastard¡¯s arm as well,¡± she said her eyes shing with a hint of maliciousness.


    This experience was incredibly difficult for Zi Xingxi. The baby she loved and raised with the outermost care was treated in such a way by an ungrateful bastard. She wouldn¡¯t let this matter go.


    ¡°Ma¡¯am, we can¡¯t stay here any longer. Their mechs are approaching. They are probably on patrol,¡± said Lynn Feng through themunication channel.


    Zi Xingxi picked up her son and took him away. An even greater rift had formed between the two forces and the damage was irreparable. There was simply no saving it.


    ***


    The violent storm that had stirred up in the Onyx federation after the prime ministers¡¯ mysterious disappearances had finally calmed. All of them were back in office and made a public appearance condemning prime minister Ju¡¯s deeds.


    Their words were rebuking but Zi Feiji knew that they weren¡¯t too broken up about it. It was all for show. In truth, they were d the royal family had been dealt with and they had a fall guy as well.


    But just as calm was restored news surfaced causing a stir once more. Three military bases were blown up simultaneously including a part of the military headquarters. No one was saying it but in truth, everyone knew who exactly did it. It¡¯s not like the Bloodgarde tried to hide it.


    The Marshal had stabilized his position but in turn, he had offended the Bloodgarde. Zi Xingxi was especially relentless with her attacks and Zi Feiji did nothing to stop her. When he saw his grandson lying dejected in the healing capsule his heart broke into a million pieces.


    He called the Marshal but the man didn¡¯t return his calls. Zi Feijiughed at himself for thinking that their old rtionship had any meaning to Yi Zhen.


    Zi Feiji tried to get hold of Yi Chen but something seemed to have happened to him. He had simply vanished and no one knew where he was. It was as though he had been wiped off the surface of the federation.


    After that Zi Feiji didn¡¯t bother to restrain Zi Xingxi. Since this was the path the Marshal had chosen then he could only deal with the consequence of his actions.


    The shes between the Bloodgarde and the army had led to the prime ministers officially putting abel on the Bloodgarde. Afraid that Zi Xingxi will start a war they cautiouslybelled the Bloodgarde as a rogue organisation and that their personnel shouldn¡¯t engage with them directly.


    But to uphold thews of the Federation and prevent acts of vigntism they still harshlybeled Zi Han as the top on the most wanted list thus his face was all over StarNet and the reward for his capture was temptingly high.


    As for the most wanted criminal, he wasn¡¯t fairing well. He had been shut in for days to the point that his grandfather began to worry. His daughter who was supposed to watch over her son was out taking revenge on the Marshal. Her attacks were simply to lure the Marshal out and beat the shit out of him. Hydra and Chronos would have to face off and battle against each other but no matter what, Marshal Yi wouldn¡¯t take the bait.


    He would send personnel to defend against the Bloodgarde¡¯s assault but he would nevere out personally.


    She ended up hacking into Lin Ruoxi¡¯s light brain that had been barred from receiving outside calls except thoseing from the Marshal just so that she could inform her. Since he wouldn¡¯t personallye out and answer for breaking her son¡¯s hand she weaponized Lin Ruoxi.


    Lin Ruoxi didn¡¯t disappoint. She tore through the Marshal¡¯s mask and said a whole lot of things that couldn¡¯t be taken back. At least her efforts managed to get him to set Yi Chen free. Apparently, her husband had used his authority to restrain Yi Chen and prevent him from doing anything stupid. Lovesick people were the most dangerous especially when they were out of love.

 Chapter 358

    358 ¡°Let¡¯s break up.¡±


    The moment he was finally let go Yi Chen¡¯s first response was to look for Zi Han. Since Zi Han¡¯s light brain had long gone offline he tried to get hold of Zi Xingxi and Zi Feiji.


    Like Zi Han, Zi Xingxi¡¯s light brain was offline, or to be more urate it was deactivated. Zi Feiji¡¯s contact was temporarily unavable but he kept trying while rushing over to the Zi family home.


    When he got there the house was empty and from the looks of it, they had vacated the ce already.


    Yi Chen sat down at the front door his leg shaking in anxiety as he called Zi Feiji again. After trying six times it suddenly came online but Zi Feiji didn¡¯t answer. Yi Chen felt stifled like something was pressing hard against his chest making it very difficult to breathe.


    Yi Feng couldn¡¯t keep watching. He was the one who had picked him up from capital star military harbor after he was let go. That¡¯s because the Marshal had managed to confiscate his authority to use the military hovercars for personal use. His father was also temporarily in control of his personal assets thus his cousin had toe and rescue him.


    One might ask why he wasn¡¯t afraid of his uncle¡¯s retaliation. He was bad shit scared but his love for his cousin outweighed his fear. His cousin was there for him when he was at his lowest. He fished him out of the gutter and helped him recover so yes he would back him up.


    ¡°Ah-Chen, you can¡¯t keep sitting here. At leaste sit in the hovercar while you call,¡± said Yi Feng as he stretched out his hand intending to pull him up.


    Yi Chen ignored him while listening to the dialer tone his hand trembling uncontrobly. ¡°You.... you think if the reporters films me sitting here he will see it and know that I am looking for him?¡± asked Yi Chen his voice croaky like he hadn¡¯t drunk water for days.


    Yi Feng looked at his listless eyes with ck circles and suddenly felt an ache in his heart. ¡°He might bu-,¡± said Yi Feng only for Yi Chen to raise his index finger to stop him from talking.


    .....


    ¡°Sir...,¡± he said but Zi Feiji who had answered the call interrupted him saying,


    ¡°What do you want?¡±


    Yi Chen choked up his eyes turning red. He pushed back his hair and said, ¡°I am looking for Zi Han. Is, is he okay?¡±


    Zi Feiji didn¡¯t say anything for a long while that Yi Chen even thought that he had already cut the call. After a while, Zi Feiji sighed and said, ¡°You should ask your father what he did to him... There is no need to call again so... don¡¯t keep trying.¡±


    Each word he spoke was like a dagger repeatedly stabbing into Yi Chen¡¯s heart tearing apart his flesh and soul.


    ¡°Wait, wait... sir, I just want to speak to him. I... I am begging you,¡± said Yi Chen talking so fast that his words were almost tripping over themselves.


    Zi Feiji nced back at the closed door and bit his lip not certain if Zi Han would be willing. ¡°Please...,¡± whispered Yi Chen with tremendous pain in his voice.


    ¡°Fine... but it¡¯s up to him whether he wants to talk to you or not,¡± said Zi Feiji before walking back.


    ¡°Thank you, thank you so much,¡± said Yi Chen in a tremulous voice.


    Zi Feiji stood outside the door and said, ¡°Don¡¯t thank me yet. Whether he would be willing to speak to you is yet to be determined.¡±


    The door slid open and Zi Han who was exercising the movement in his hand turned to look at his grandfather while asking, ¡°Did you forget something?¡±


    For the first time, Yi Chen finally heard Zi Han¡¯s voice after days. A sharp feeling cut through his stomach from the excitement of hearing his sweetheart¡¯s voice.


    He directly wanted to climb out of the light brain and pull him into his arms but that was merely wishful thinking.


    ¡°No, I have someone who wants to talk to you,¡± replied Zi Feiji and Zi Han¡¯s chest tightened as his brows creased.


    ¡°Who?¡± he asked and Zi Feiji whispered,


    ¡°Yi Chen.¡±


    The crease on Zi Han¡¯s forehead eased slightly as he nced at that light brain with aplicated expression.


    ¡°He really wants to speak to you. He has been trying to get a hold of you for the longest time,¡± said Zi Feiji but Zi Han remained frozen on the spot his hesitation clearly written on his face.


    Zi Feiji took off the light brain and ced it on the bed before saying, ¡°It¡¯s up to you whether you want to talk to him or not. I will just leave this here, okay?... Let me know if you need anything.¡±


    After saying that Zi Feiji walked out and with a silent whoosh the door closed. Zi Han swallowed his saliva before taking a small step forward.


    His chest felt even more constricted and the pain spread from his heart to his recovering hand that it trembled involuntarily. Zi Han turned his back to the light brain and pushed his hair back in frustration as he paced a little.


    He finally walked over and sat down before opening and closing his mouth several times. After a while, he said, ¡°Hey,¡± in a mouse like voice that Yi Chen almost missed.


    Yi Chen smiled widely his lips trembling as the prominent veins on his forehead and hand throbbed.


    ¡°Hey...,¡± he whispered back his eyes bloodshot.


    ¡°Are you oka-,¡± asked Yi Chen but Zi Han said simultaneously,


    ¡°Let¡¯s break up.¡±


    A biting cold chill spread all over Yi Chen¡¯s body before it pierced his heart making it bleed. The smile on his face froze and his lips trembled even more. ¡°Wait... wait, what?¡± he said as he painfully clutched his hair.


    ¡°You must be joking, right?¡± he continued to say in disbelief.


    Zi Han bit his lip as he raised his legs onto the bed and sat crossed legged in the lotus position. He rubbed the back of his neck and closed his eyes before saying it again, ¡°Break up... let¡¯s, let¡¯s break up.¡±


    Yi Chen, ¡°...¡±

 Chapter 359

    359 When you said you loved me, did you mean it?


    ¡®Break up, break break break break, let¡¯s break up,¡¯ were the words ringing in Yi Chen¡¯s mind making his head throb. His heart felt numb like it had been immersed in liquid nitrogen and he couldn¡¯t feel anything anymore.


    Yi Chen felt shivers all over his body. His lips trembled and he smiled in pain. The vein on his forehead became more prominent like it was going to burst. ¡°You must be messing with me,¡± said Yi Chen lowering his head with his hand resting on the back of his neck.


    As though mimicking each other subconsciously, Zi Han lowered his head too with his hand rubbing the back of his neck.


    ¡°I am not...,¡± replied Zi Han his voice brittle like he was about to cry, ¡°I am not good for you.¡± Arge teardrop fell like a missilending on his calf before sliding down his leg slowly.


    ¡°I want to see you... let me see you,¡± whispered Yi Chen before requesting a video call.


    Zi Han misunderstood what he meant thus he shook his head while saying, ¡°I can¡¯t do that... please understand me.¡±


    ¡°ept it... baby... ept the video call. I want to see you,¡± he said and Zi Han raised his head having finally understood his meaning. He wiped the tears off his face and ruffled his hair while saying, ¡°I look so horrible. I don¡¯t... I mean I can¡¯t see you like this.¡±


    Yi Chen knew he had to take a firm and stubborn approach otherwise Zi Han would undoubtedly leave him. ¡°I don¡¯t care what you look like. I just want to see your face. Can¡¯t you do this one thing for me?¡±


    Zi Han wasn¡¯t prepared to see him but since this was probably thest time they would speak like this, he decided it was okay to grant his wish. He epted the video call request and the pair that hadn¡¯t seen each other ever since that night finally faced each other. When Zi Han saw how worn out Yi Chen was his heart ached so much that he just wanted to reach in through the light brain and hug him.


    .....


    ¡°Han Han...,¡± called out Yi Chen in a gentle whisper, ¡°I... we can¡¯t break up. Whatever it is I can fix it but breaking up is not an option... We a bound together for life, don¡¯t you understand?¡±


    Zi Han who still felt a sharp pain in his hand from having it broken didn¡¯t seem as convinced. The Marshal was right, they were at two opposites of the poles, and being together only brought harm to Yi Chen. If he persists on this it will only hurt the person he loves and he wasn¡¯t going to do that to him.


    ¡°You, you can¡¯t fix it. There is nothing to fix. We just can¡¯t be together anymore so let¡¯s bre-,¡± he said but Yi Chen interrupted him.


    He couldn¡¯t hear those wordsing out of Zi Han¡¯s lips again.


    ¡°Don¡¯t... don¡¯t say it again. When you said you loved me, did you mean it?¡± asked Yi Chen and Zi Han stared at him nkly for a while. He wanted to say no but that would be a lie and it would hurt Yi Chen so much. He imagined Yi Chen saying it to him and he didn¡¯t like the feeling at all.


    ¡°I meant it... but,¡± said Zi Han only for him to stop talking when he saw the smile on Yi Chen¡¯s face.


    Yi Chen got up and walked to the hovercar with Yi Feng following behind him a little puzzled. ¡°Then it¡¯s worth fighting for. You can¡¯t break up with me. I won¡¯t ept it, okay?¡± said Yi Chen as a glint of obsession flickered in his eyes.


    He wasn¡¯t going to ept it even if Zi Han broadcasted it on StarNet for all to see. After saying those words to him how could Yi Chen let him go? That wasn¡¯t going to happen.


    ¡°Come on, don¡¯t make things harder than they should be. You don¡¯t understand your father he...,¡± said Zi Han only to stop himself from saying it. He didn¡¯t want the rtionship between the pair of father and son strained. He understood the feeling of not having a father around and despite the fact that Marshal Yi had threatened him to leave his son, Zi Han still didn¡¯t want Yi Chen to have a terrible rtionship with his father.


    ¡°What? What did my father do? Was he... was he the one that took you away that day?¡± asked Yi Chen but Zi Han didn¡¯t speak. If he tried to exin, Yi Chen would know that he would be lying just to cover it up.


    ¡°Let it go,¡± said Zi Han but who was Yi Chen? He was more stubborn than the Marshal himself.


    Yi Chen smiled at Zi Han before saying, ¡°It¡¯s okay if you don¡¯t want to say I will still find it... What is your new contact? I don¡¯t want to find you through your grandfather again.¡±


    Zi Han chuckled lightly his once tear-stained face dry already. ¡°This is a break up so why should I give it to you,¡± he said with his voice getting lower the more he spoke. He thought it was a good enough reason to give to him but when he said it aloud it hurt so much that he couldn¡¯t help but rub his chest.


    ¡°I will give you two hours. If you don¡¯t give it to me I will show up in front of you at your warship and broadcast it live. I will call you husband in front of everybody,¡± he said sounding very serious.


    ¡°If you do that your dad will kill you. Is that what you want?¡± asked Zi Han but Yi Chen¡¯s response had him dead.


    ¡°Then it would be worth it. It¡¯s worth the risk,¡± replied Yi Chen before reminding him again, ¡°Two hours.¡±


    Zi Han, ¡°...¡±


    How did a breakup suddenly turn into this? He knew Yi Chen was stubborn just not this stubborn. The man simply wouldn¡¯t ept his words no matter how hard he tried to say it. Zi Han raised his recovering hand and scratched the tip of his nose while saying, ¡°it¡¯s not worth it to me if you end up losing everything.¡±


    ¡°Baby, what happened to your hand?¡± asked Yi Chen having noticed something was wrong with Zi Han.

 Chapter 360

    360 Yi Chen being stubborn and petty


    Bam!


    The sound of a fist hitting the table ripped through the air and the Marshal who was having a call with the prime ministers was angered beyond words.


    He raised his head and met his son¡¯s indifferent expression. His expression might have been cold and aloof but the Marshal could clearly see anger in those dark eyes.


    He nced at the admirals standing by the door his fierce gaze reprehensive before getting back to his video call.


    ¡°Let¡¯s end on this note. We can discuss the remaining points on the agenda tomorrow,¡± he said and the prime ministers who had seen what just happened repressed their gossiping hearts and logged off.


    If it was in the past they would have made fun of the Marshal a little bit but after he saved them from Prime minister Ju¡¯s ploy they didn¡¯t dare say a single bad thing.


    Well, that is except one person. That person was none other than prime minister Ikeda. He smiled evilly when he saw his love rival and said, ¡°Family problems? I wouldn¡¯t let my son behave that way more especially in front of very very important dignitaries... I think the Marshal needs to spend more time educating his son.¡±


    Both the Marshal and Yi Chen viciously red at him like they wanted to end his eunuch life.


    ¡°Oh, I thought you would appreciate my advice. Fine, I was only trying to help,¡± he said before the call ended.


    .....


    Marshal Yi immediately picked up the digital picture frame on his desk and threw it at Yi Chen. Yi Chen¡¯s reflexes were so good that he caught the digital picture frame and said, ¡°That¡¯s a gift from mom. If you break it she will kill you.¡±


    ¡°That¡¯s none of your business. Did everything I taught you fly out of the window, huh? Where did you learn such abhorrent behavior, huh? Before you met that Zi kid you weren¡¯t like this. You didn¡¯t lie nor did you ever go against me...,¡± roared the Marshal only for the admiral to interrupt him.


    ¡°Sir...,¡± he said but the Marshal pointed at him and yelled,


    ¡°You, get out and shut the door behind you.¡±


    The admiral didn¡¯t dare disobey. He hade to inform him that Lin Ruoxi wanted to speak to him. She couldn¡¯t get through his light brain and hence she had to call one of his admirals.


    Being the one who was meant to tell Mrs marshal that her husband wasn¡¯t avable and that he was busy yelling at their son he suddenly felt scared. He sincerely hoped she would uphold the rule of don¡¯t kill the messenger.


    He removed the call on hold and exined, ¡°Ma¡¯am, the Marshal is busy at the moment. He is having a meeting with officer Yi.¡±


    Lin Ruoxi¡¯s eyes narrowed as she asked, ¡°Having a meeting or yelling at him.¡±


    Unlucky Admiral, ¡°...¡±


    Meanwhile, the Marshal continued yelling and things had escted.


    ¡°.... you even gave him our family heirloom. Have you gone mad? Are you crazy? If you are tell me now and I can get you some help.¡±


    As he said this he took the watch out and ced it on the table his chest rising and falling rapidly his nostrils ring like a raging bull suppressing its anger. Yi Chen angrily picked up the watch and carefully put it away. He didn¡¯t think his father would even force Zi Han to let go of the gift he gave to him.


    ¡°Is that why you broke his hand?... is that why you kidnapped him and beat him up? You threatened him because what? I am not the perfect sessor?¡± asked Yi Chen his voice tremulous as though he was holding back something ferocious lurking in his chest.


    ¡°All my life I have gone wherever you want me to go. Done whatever you asked me to do without asking any questions. Like a robot, I did everything you asked me to do. I was just living with no feelings of my own.¡±


    ¡°But when I met him I finally felt alive like, like there was something more for me out there than just the military. I finally had something of my own and what did you do? You took it away fro-,¡± he said but his passionate speech was cut off when his father got up and pointed at him as he yelled.


    ¡°Why him, huh? Why him? Out of the billions of people in the entire federation, why did it have to be him? Heck, I would have epted that that Evan kid even Li Ran, if that¡¯s what you are into but you had to pick him. If he could behave himself I would have maybe worked with it but do you know what he did with his mother,¡± he said before pulling up images of either missing people or those confirmed dead.


    ¡°This is what they did. Both of them disregarded thews of the federation and ended the lives of these people including prime minister Lienov. Do you know who was going to take the fall for that? I was... So you tell me if this person is suitable to be with you? Look at it... look at it then answer my question,¡± he said before he checked his light brain that was ringing constantly interrupting their conversation.


    When he saw who it was he intentionally ignored it. His wife had already threatened not toe back if he kept on hurting their son so he knew very well that if he picked up the call she might utter the word divorce in anger.


    ¡°He is not perfect but I love him and no matter what you do or say nothing can change that,¡± said Yi Chen before tapping the answer button on his father¡¯s light brain. Marshal Yi reached over to stop him but this petty child was too fast for him.


    ¡°Yi Chen, if you dare walk out that door I will make sure you won¡¯t see sunlight for the next month,¡± said Marshal Yi in a low voice but Lin Ruoxi still heard it.


    ¡°Yi Zhen, are you threatening my son? What did I tell you thest time we spok-,¡± she said but Yi Chen didn¡¯t hear the rest.


    He was now more determined than ever to get power. It was only with power could he do whatever he wanted. His father wanted a dedicated Marshal then he would surely give him a dedicated Marshal.


    Once his father retires and he takes on that mantle he will take Zi Han into his arms and wed him in front of the entire federation. His happiness had been threatened and for the sake of protecting this sole light burning in his heart, he had to do whatever it takes.

 Chapter 361

    361 Grandpa Zi¡¯s love story


    Zi Feiji had been standing outside the room for twenty minutes with his ear pressed on the door but he, of course, couldn¡¯t hear anything.


    He was extremely anxious and wanted to check on his only grandson but he couldn¡¯t barge in. He had to wait until Zi Han came out by himself.


    He almost grew roots standing there like a tall tree in a grasnd. Just as he was about to knock and ask Zi Han if he was okay, Zi Han opened the door and handed his grandfather the light brain.


    ¡°Thank you,¡± he said his face with a little more colour than before. Thinking his grandson had gone back on his word and lured back by Yi Chen¡¯s sweet words, Zi Feiji entered the room and as the door slid shut behind him he said, ¡°You couldn¡¯t do it could you?¡±


    Zi Han pursed his lips as he nervously messed with his hair. His appearance right now made Zi Feiji feel distressed. His nose was red, his eyes red-rimmed and his hair slightly messy like Zi Han had taken out all his emotions on it.


    AN: I don¡¯t know why hair is always the victim.


    ¡°I did break up with him but he won¡¯t hear it,¡± said Zi Han before he sighed deeply as hey back on the bed.


    He ced his hand on his forehead partially covering his eye as he asked, ¡°I did my part, right? I won¡¯t stain his career anymore.... right?¡±


    Zi Feiji¡¯s heart broke hearing this. He didn¡¯t want his little grandson to feel this way about himself. He wasn¡¯t a stain or someone¡¯s ck history. He was an amazing and intelligent person with great potential. The two just weren¡¯tpatible that¡¯s all.


    .....


    ¡°You aren¡¯t a stain on anyone. You two are just... how can I say this. You aren¡¯t at that ce where you can be together...,¡± he said and the two of them fell silent for a very long time.


    Grandpa Zi suddenly felt the urge to talk about his past, a past he never talked about. It was a past, not even his daughter knew about.


    ¡°I... loved someone once. She was a very strong person with the most wonderful smile,¡± he said only for Zi Han to open his eyes wide and look at his grandfather like he had been possessed by another soul. His grandfather never talked about this at all.


    Zi Feijiy down beside him and waved his hand. A two dimensional image appeared above them. It was the face of a beautiful yet tough woman in a military uniform.


    ¡°She was amazing and I would just look at her from afar but never confessed because she had a partner. She didn¡¯t notice me at all and I was fine with that,¡± he said his eyes showing a hint of nostalgia.


    ¡°My mother knew how I felt about her and told me to stay away from her so I did. I didn¡¯t pursue it. I always assumed I would get over her.... eventually. Well, that is until one fateful night I met her at a bar. I was drinking with my friends and she just walked into the bar by herself. She looked like she was having a difficult time like she had fought with someone or something.¡±


    ¡°Look I don¡¯t even know why I am telling you this story. It won¡¯t help you feel better but I just think I should share it.¡±


    Zi Han stared intently at the pictures and said, ¡°Go on. I really want to hear it.¡±


    Zi Feiji smiled riley and continued, ¡°I kept watching her from across the room and wanted to talk to her. My friends urged me on. They were like e on here is your chance¡¯ and ¡®you will regret not taking this rare opportunity so I downed four shots of the strongest drink on the table and got up. Mind you your great grandmother had already warned me about her but I disregarded everything she said and walked over there.¡±


    ¡°She remembered me and she actually said, ¡®oh, it¡¯s you. The one who stares at me a lot. You like me don¡¯t you,¡¯ so she knew I liked her and even invited me to sit. I was thrilled at this point that she was paying me attention so I sat down and we started drinking together. She mentioned how she and her girlfriend had broken up and that she was there to loosen up and temporarily distract herself from the pain of heartbreak. I was more than willing to keep herpany and well that night things got very steamy.¡±


    ¡°We slept together and my stupid self thought we were going to be in a rtionship. I would take responsibility and stuff but when I woke up she was gone. My heart was broken but what did I expect? So I toughened up and tried to get over it.¡±


    ¡°Well, two monthster I find out that she went back to her partner and that she was pregnant. Because her partner didn¡¯t want to have a baby that wasn¡¯t theirs together she told her to get an abortion... When I told my mother what I found out she beat me with a slipper first then went to her and demanded that we get custody rights to the fetus.¡±


    Zi Han turned his head to gaze at his grandfather and asked, ¡°What happened to it?¡±


    Zi Feiji showed a slight smile and said, ¡°The courts forced her to get an operation and take out the fetus so we could continue the process in an artificial womb. That whole gene bank thing about your mother is false. She did grow inside her mother¡¯s womb for the first two months of her life but I could never tell her about it. That¡¯s because her mother threatened me that if she ever saw that child she will kill her for ruining everything for her. Because she was pregnant she missed the opportunity to be promoted to a higher rank. After that, I asked myself what I even saw in her in the first ce. She was obviously a very bad person.¡±


    ¡°Did you ever see her again?¡± asked Zi Han and Zi Feiji sighed a little before saying,


    ¡°Yes. Yearster she was injured during a mission in Micheline star which I also happened to be sent there for a rescue mission.¡±

 Chapter 362

    362 I didn¡¯t shave....


    ¡°On her death bed, she asked to see little Xixi saying that it was her only child and she wanted to see her. But I refused using her own words against her. She said she would kill Zi Xingxi so why would I let her see her?


    ¡°Before she didn¡¯t know who I was or what family I was from. It was only then she realized from my uniform I was with the Bloodgarde. Instead of thinking about Xixi she changed her tune and began to curse me for not telling her about my family background. She said I shouldpensate her for everything she lost and    so I walked away.¡±


    ¡°Anyway she died soon after and her partner tried toe after the Bloodgarde using some bogus ims. I had to protect your mother so I got rid of her with a few star coins and yep.... that was it. I was very unlucky in love and I vowed never to try it again. I just wanted my baby to be happy and my baby¡¯s baby to be happy...¡±


    ¡°You two are my world and I don¡¯t want anything bad to happen to you. If I could fix all your problems I would but even I couldn¡¯t fix my own problems. My mother had to stand up for me. It¡¯s unfortunate she died before Xixi¡¯s gestation period was over. She couldn¡¯t even meet her own grandbaby.¡±


    Zi Han listened to this and his heart felt sad. It was starting to look more like he had made the right choice. If his grandfather lost them both, it would kill him. He just hoped that Yi Chen wouldn¡¯t do anything rash at this point because the way he ended that call, it seemed like he was about to dere war on his father.


    While the two people werementing their unlucky hearts, prime minister Ikeda was pouring himself a half ss of brandy with a smile so bright like everything was falling into ce.


    He sniffed the brandy with a contented expression and took a nice sip before cing the crystal ss down so he could start infiltrating Sheba and find Zi Han¡¯s new contact.


    The young man had been absent online since the day he executed the prime minister in broad daylight. From the look on Yi Chen¡¯s expression earlier on they must have broken up and Zi Han was probably heartbroken seekingfort from the arms of another and that another was going to be him.


    But after searching extensively for a very long time the prime minister couldn¡¯t find anything. It was as though all of Zi Han¡¯s digital traces had been erased. His expression turned dark with each minute as he searched and searched.


    .....


    ¡°Shit!¡± he swore as he kicked the leg of the table almost breaking his toes. He suddenly felt like he had been used. The kid got very important information that he wouldn¡¯t have otherwise gotten if it weren¡¯t for him. Now he wanted to disappear on him and pretend like he never existed. That wasn¡¯t going to happen. He would never let this go.


    It seemed he didn¡¯t have to wait long because Zi Han finally left thefort of Han warship with his mother right beside him. The two of them were honestly not up to anything innocent that is depending on who was looking at it.


    Like what the media said, the Bloodgarde was indeed a rogue organisation operating under old rules abandoned by humankind ages ago that is an eye for an eye which meant that if you were a criminal and the victims or the family of the victims contracted the Bloodgarde then you might as well write your will or prepare yourself for retribution.


    Zi Xingxi didn¡¯t personally pick up these small contracts because she had bigger contracts with the Marshal. But now that she and the Marshal had a falling out she wouldn¡¯t be getting and epting any work from him.


    Whether it be star pirates or rebels on rurals she was done. She decided to spend more time with her son and her son wanted to get into the business so she came along.


    ¡°You do realise that we aren¡¯t on a vacation, right?¡± said Zi Han watching his mothere out of her hotel room wearing a swimsuit and a sun hat that looked asrge as an umbre.


    Zi Xingxi looked him up and down before saying, ¡°Why are you dressed like a pool boy? You are supposed to blend in. Show some skin.¡±


    Her mother had changed her appearance but instead of auntie She, she chose to look like a stunning model on the cover of a fashion magazine. She was a little more beautiful than the appearance she chose but Zi Han wasn¡¯tining. In fact, he would have much preferred if they stayed low key.


    ¡°Go wear something else, maybe a short or something. I am embarrassed to walk with you looking like that,¡± she criticised but Zi Han wasn¡¯t at all embarrassed instead he turned around and pointed his finger at her.


    ¡°I didn¡¯t shave... and you always picked my clothes before. Now you don¡¯t care anymore. You have truly changed,¡± he said looking like a wounded cat abandoned by his owner.


    Zi Xingxi, ¡°...¡±


    ¡°That was before you got a boyfriend. You weren¡¯t anywhere to be seen. You are the one who abandoned me nowe on. And what hair didn¡¯t you shave? Do you mean that tiny stubble on your legs? You are like a hairless cat. Comee let go. I will pick clothes for you.¡±


    Zi Han, ¡°...¡±


    There was really no need for insults. Lynn Feng, who was listening to this entire conversation switched channels and asked secretary K, ¡°Are they here to ughter a pedophile or are they on a vacation? I swear Zi Xingxi looks like she is going to walk down a runway.¡±


    ¡°You must be bored up there. Should Ie to keep youpany?¡± asked Secretary K while watching the target surrounded by people in the pool.


    Lynn Feng, ¡°...¡±


    ¡°That¡¯s so many words. When did you be so talkative?¡± asked Lynn Feng but Secretary K didn¡¯t respond. He just showed a fleeting smile.


    AN: People who don¡¯t talk much always seem to be very talkative around certain people. Certain people they like *wink *wink

 Chapter 363

    363 Pervert Alert !!!


    Zi Han the so-called pool boy had been transformed it a handsome vacationing guest with a chest that could turn heads wherever he went.


    He might have looked like a tasty treat ready to be eaten but he didn¡¯t want to look like a tasty treat ready to be eaten.


    He wrapped himself in a white gown and followed after his mother. Zi Xingxi who was walking ahead of him turned around and reprimanded him,


    ¡°Why are you walking slow?... Did you really have to wear that thing? What are you hiding?¡±


    Zi Han looked down at the pink beads on his chest and said, ¡°I don¡¯t want anyone to see my little cherries.¡±


    Zi Xingxi rolled her eyes and continued walking. The moment they reached therge pool a lot of heads turned in their direction.


    Because most of the guests at these resorts were of the wealthy noble ss they knew each other or at least knew about each other.


    If there were any new faces usually they would y things brought over by the other guests or nouveau riche people who hade to join the inner circles.


    These two faces weren¡¯t familiar but they were definitely interesting enough to attract their attention. One young man sitting next to the target in the pool nudged his head and asked, ¡°Hey, who brought those two fresh meat? I like the woman... she looks very tempting.¡±


    .....


    The target who had an employee massaging his shoulders tilted his head backward after taking a fleeting nce and said, ¡°I like them younger than that.¡±


    The group of women and menughed but the one who spoke first still trailed up Zi Xingxi¡¯s long slender legs with his eyes. He subconsciously bit his lip only for a pair of legs to block his sight.


    ¡°Have you seen enough?¡± asked a deep and charming voice that had everyone looking in his direction.


    The man raised his head and was met by a man wearing a white robe staring down at him with a hint of malice in his eyes.


    Zi Han took off the gown on his body and stepped into the pool his pace unhurried and rxed like he owned this resort. As soon as he entered the clear water he asked, ¡°Am I young enough for you young Master Croft?¡±


    The young man who had been staring at himzily suddenly felt a slight jolt in his heart like he had been struck by lightning.


    Zi Han swam closer as Secretary K passed by with a tray of strawberry sunrise. He took the ss and as he moved closer he said, ¡°I can be sixteen... fourteen... or thirteen if you like?¡± with his face aging backward as his mask projected a younger face.


    The man felt very ufortable. His friends knew he dated just above the age of consent but none of them knew his secret. A secret hidden well from the public.


    He suddenly didn¡¯t find it funny anymore. ¡°Who the fuck are you? Securitye get this bastard off the premises,¡± he bellowed as the young woman massaging his shoulders stood up to get security but because she had been kneeling at the edge of the pool for a very long time, her legs had long grown numb and she fell forward almost falling into the pool.


    Secretary K who disguised as an employee reached over and held her up before she could fall into the water.


    When she looked up and met those handsome stranger¡¯s eyes she blushed slightly before uttering, ¡°Thank you,¡± in a soft voice and scurried away like she had robbed someone or something.


    Lynn Feng who had seen the whole thing imitated her voice, ¡°Thank you...,¡± before tossing a peanut in her mouth, ¡°what a chivalrous gentleman.¡±


    Secretary K¡¯s lips quirked as he uttered one word, ¡°Jealous?¡±


    Lynn Feng, ¡°...¡±


    ¡°Fuck you,¡± she swore and Secretary K retorted back, ¡°I don¡¯t mind.¡±


    Lynn Feng, ¡°...¡±


    What the hell was going on today? Was the sky falling? Was the worlding to an end?


    Meanwhile, Zi Han took a nice long sip of the strawberry sunrise as his face changed back. A three-dimensional membership card was disyed from his light brain and everyone was a little stunned.


    ¡°I will show you mine and you should be showing me yours. Who should be kicking who out should be easy to determine,¡± said Zi Han with a sly grin at the corner of his lips?


    This membership card was not only for those who can afford it but those who can afford it and have power. Zi Han had both. This meant across all of the resorts and hotels in the federation the cardholder is treated like a god.


    And this god had descended upon these mere immortals who had gotten a little ahead of themselves because their families had gotten into some money.


    ¡°Who are you? Which tycoon are you selling your body to?¡± he said intending to humiliate him before he got kicked out.


    Zi Hanughed a little his smile graceful and free enchanting onlookers. He was about to respond when a man stood by the pool and answered for him.


    ¡°Me... I am the tycoon he is sleeping with,¡± said prime minister Ikeda as he took off his sunsses. The way he said it was so loud and proud you would think he was telling the truth.


    Zi Han, ¡°...¡±


    The entire poolside fell into a pin-dropping silence. Zi Xingxi who was observing her son¡¯s performance was shocked when she saw that asshole near her son.


    How and when did this pervert get here? ¡°Lynn Feng,¡± she spoke through gritted teeth and Lynn Feng panickingly exined,


    ¡°I don¡¯t know how he did it. I am honestly starting to think he is a hacking god or something because he seems to get things that I ca-,¡±


    ¡°Then get better than him,¡± said Zi Xingxi as she tried to walk over to remove this pest.


    Zi Han nced at his mother as though asking her to stand down and took another sip before handing it to young master Croft.


    ¡°Dispose of that for me,¡± he said his dark eyes murderous like he would kill him if he dared refuse.

 Chapter 364

    364 The pervert with nine lives


    Young master Croft watched on as the young man left the pool and covered himself up. His thought was simple. He was going to leave this ce immediately and tell his father what happened so he could fix it.


    But before he could move someone took the half-empty ss from his hand and when he raised his head it was the prime minister so he could only keep his mouth shut.


    Zi Han who had walked a small distance nced back and when he saw the Prime minister was about to drink the half-drunk strawberry sunrise he left he red daggers at the man his eyes literally saying it all.


    Prime minister Ikeda who somehow thought he could get an indirect kiss was a little disappointed cing the ss on the tray in the disguised secretary K¡¯s hands.


    Zi Han opened the door of the room he was staying in and the moment that door closed his calm demeanor shifted drastically and he grabbed prime minister Ikeda¡¯s neck strangling him without any intention to stop.


    Prime minister Ikeda had already anticipated it. He grabbed Zi Han¡¯s wrist trying to loosen the young man¡¯s grip while projecting another one of those special videos he somehow always gets hold-off.


    Zi Han¡¯s brows creased for a split second. His fingers that were grasping his neck tightened slightly before he sighed in frustration and tossed him harshly to the side. In his mind, he finally thought he could end this guy but he was like a cat. He had nine lives and counting.


    Zi Han sat down while the prime minister was coughing violently on the ground. He really couldn¡¯t understand why a grown man would follow after him like this.


    He was handsome but not that handsome that he would attract a seemingly normal person to the point of madness. At least that¡¯s what he thought.


    .....


    ¡°Say it. What is it that you have that I could possibly want and extend your life?¡± said Zi Han looking down at the man who was sitting up on the floor.


    The prime minister gazed at him for a while with a slight smile on his face. He just couldn¡¯t stop himself from admiring Zi Han. The man was single now and honestly, he couldn¡¯t help but be hopeful. At this point, he was a pest Zi Han could never get rid of.


    ¡°You can do that in the bedroom, I really wouldn¡¯t mind,¡± he said with a light chuckle. His entire face looked mesmerized and the way he bit his lip gave Zi Han goosebumps.


    Prime minister Ikeda thought Zi Han was going to get angry but Zi Han let out a half-suppressed scornfulugh as he drew his weapon and studied the piece as though he was admiring it.


    Prime minister Ikeda¡¯s expression froze and he licked his lips a little shaken. He was afraid of Zi Han, even more, afraid of him than he was afraid of Zi Xingxi and Zi Feijibined but like a moth drawn to the me, he couldn¡¯t control himself.


    Zi Han was like a venomous viper to him. He was terrifying yet at the same time, he couldn¡¯t help but want to cuddle him.


    ¡°You have honestly reached the limit of my tolerance. I already killed you once and I was hoping that would open your mind and you would receive some sort of enlightenment but no... tell me what I can do to get you to stop being a pervert... towards me of course. You can be a pervert to anyone else just not me,¡± said Zi Han his expression cool and calm like he wasn¡¯t holding a handgun while contemting whether to pull the trigger or not.


    Prime minister Ikeda sat with his back straight as he said, ¡°Why can¡¯t I like you? Is it because I am older? Our age gap isn¡¯t that big... I am old enough to be your younger uncle¡¯s age. I know you might never like me but can¡¯t I just like you? I just want to see you and talk to you... I will be satisfied with that.¡±


    Zi Han, ¡°...¡±


    He was starting to think he had some sort of pheromone emanating from his body that kept attracting this man to almost losing his mind. He was willing to risk it all by showing up at that resort and iming that he was keeping a boy toy.


    Zi Han sighed again almost sounding like Yi Chen when he sighs at him ever so often. ¡°What do you have?¡± asked Zi Han and the prime minister showed a radiant smile as he stood up.


    Zi Han raised his finger and said, ¡°No, stay six feet away from me and send me whatever you have.¡±


    Prime minister Ikeda was a little unhappy but this was of course, better than nothing. With a swipe of his hand, he forwarded the video to Zi Han and Zi Han watched it with his legs crossed at the knees.


    His forefinger that was gently rubbing his upper lip paused his brows slightly creased. He couldn¡¯t understand what the fuck was going on with prime minister Ju and his mother.


    ¡®Ew....¡¯


    ¡°Why are you showing me this?¡± asked Zi Han. He has just watched a mother and son hug and that hug was a little on the weird side so yep... he was weirded out.


    ¡°Turn the audio up. Prime minister Ju didn¡¯t just wake up and decide he was going to dominate the federation. Your father¡¯s death was instigated by her and I think she should follow her son to the grave,¡± exined the prime minister.


    ¡°I know she had something to do with this but we can¡¯t get to her because the army is protecting her. We still can¡¯t figure out why?¡± said Zi Han wondering how she wasn¡¯t thrown in prison by now when she had everything to do with her son¡¯s crazy behavior.


    ¡°That¡¯s because she has some information that the military and prime ministers are dying to get their hands on. She is also ckmailing some prime ministers because she haspromising pictures of their sons. She slept with most of them even the ones with wives. She is a disgusting pervert,¡± said the prime minister his expression genuinely disgusted.


    Zi Han stared at this judgemental man like looking at an idiot and said, ¡°Kinda like you, right? You are old enough to be my father.¡±


    Prime minister Ikeda, ¡°...¡±


    ¡°We will get her soon enough. Just stay far away from me from now on. This is to thank you for the evidence of prime minister Ju. That however doesn¡¯t absolve you from your past crimes. You still tried to kill Yi Chen and I will never forgive you for that,¡± said Zi Han before pointing at the door and asking him to leave.


    Prime minister Ikeda was very reluctant to leave but he had no choice. ¡°Can I see you again?¡± he asked and Zi Han gave him the most dangerous look he had ever seen. It was both dangerous and alluring but he knew he had run out of lives and Zi Han might actually kill him... not that it would be an unpleasant way to go. He took onest look (for now) at the handsome young man before leaving in a haste.


    As soon as the door shut and he turned to walk away he met two faces he wasn¡¯t familiar with but he knew who exactly they were.


    ¡°You thought you could get away with it uh... he might have let you go but I am not. Remember you brought this on yourself,¡± said Zi Xingxi before secretary K pushed him to the room next door.


    Three minutester...


    Zi Han was reading Yi Chen¡¯s daily messages begging him to meet up when he heard a scream. It was very faint because the rooms were soundproofed. That person had to be screaming loudly for him to hear him.


    ¡°What was that?¡± asked Zi Han and Igneous was quick to respond,


    ¡°Probably someone watching a horror movie.¡±


    ¡°Oh,¡± replied Zi Han before responding to Yi Chen.


    Unknown: Stop messaging me.


    Unknown: You will get caught very soon.

 Chapter 365

    365 The Yi family protest


    Yi Cheny down on the bed with his limbs sprawled on all four corners while staring at the projection above his head. It was a projection of Zi Han¡¯s image and the chat interface between the two of them. He had a really good setup going on in the background perfect for a broken heart i.e. sad love songs under the cover of darkness.


    He had bombarded Zi Han with so many messages day in day out because he wanted to make sure his fiance doesn¡¯t forget that he was taken. Even when they were apart, YI Chen was going to hold on tight to that rtionship and never let go thus after getting Zi Han¡¯s new contact he was constantly messaging him.


    Yi Chen could tell that Zi Han was trying to distance himself but he was honestly not going to let that happen. After waiting for an hour, a sweet dinging sound blended in with the music, and Yi Chen nced at the small bubble.


    When he opened that message a silly smile crept up his face as he abruptly responded.


    Unknown: it¡¯s like a secret love affair.


    Unknown: Isn¡¯t that exciting?


    Unknown: I won¡¯t get caught. Trust me.


    Yi Chen ced his arm at the back of his head while his other hand was resting on his chest. Biting his lower lip he took a very um... unconventional picture considering that he was only wearing a pair of shorts. He checked if he looked handsome and appetizing enough in the picture before forwarding it to Zi Han.


    He couldn¡¯t wait to get him over here with that one picture. Two secondster a notification came through from the home system letting him know that someone was at the door. He almost thought that it was Zi Han but of course, that image wouldn¡¯t get him here that fast.


    .....


    When he checked the camera he saw it was his mother and his siblings standing there with a lot of suitcases like they were moving in.


    Yi Chen¡¯s brows twitched wondering why on earth they were here. They hadn¡¯t said anything to him in advance. In fact, Yi Chen thought they were still at their grandfather¡¯s ce.


    He gave Ran permission to open the door while he got up and put on a t-shirt and Zi Han¡¯s cow slippers. Yes, they were wearing each other¡¯s clothes now. Well, those that fit.


    When Yi Chen stepped out of the bedroom he saw Ming Ming dragging her tiny unicorn suitcase up the staircase. She appeared like she was struggling despite it being so small so Yi Chen picked it up and asked, ¡°What¡¯s going on?¡±


    Ming Ming pressed her lower back with both her hands like an old auntie that had been bending down for a very long time.


    ¡°We are protesting,¡± she said before walking past him into the bedroom. ¡°Oh, and dage should get an android butler. My back hurts,¡± she continued to say her voice trailing off.


    Yi Chen, ¡°...¡±


    A little bossy, wasn¡¯t she? Not that he minded it.


    Sounds of huffing and puffing followed as the younger brother who despised exercise walked up the stairs dragging his marble-blue suitcase as well.


    Yi Chen took it from him and asked, ¡°What are you protesting?¡±


    Yi Youxi slumped down andined, ¡°Why do you have stairs?¡±


    Yi Chen pulled the suitcase and said, ¡°We have stairs at home as well.¡±


    ¡°But we have a butler and I don¡¯t have to carry such heavy things up and down the stairs,¡± retorted Yi Youxi before lying down on the cold floor directly, ¡°Grandma gave me so many things to give you. It was like carrying a bag full of rocks.¡±


    ¡°You only carried it up the stairs plus you could have just left it downstairs,¡± replied Yi Chen and Yi Youxi turned over hugging his older brother¡¯s slippers.


    ¡°me it on mum. She said that we have to respect sister inw¡¯s house. We shouldn¡¯t leave our stuff lying around,¡± said Yi Youxi while tugging at the horns on the slippers, ¡°Ohh, nice slippers.¡±


    Yi Chen, ¡°...¡±


    ¡°Get up,¡± he said and when Yi Youxi moved away he pulled the suitcase into the bedroom. Ming Ming was already opening and touching everything except what was on the high shelves. Unlike her brother, she didn¡¯t listen to the ¡®respect your sister inw¡¯s house¡¯ policy.


    The little Nimsel had already crawled into Zi Han¡¯s folded clothes curling up like a little fluff ball with Mr. Twiggles as the pillow.


    Yi Chen, ¡°...¡±


    This was an invasion. ¡°Ming Ming stop messing arou-,¡± he reprimanded her only for him to be interrupted by another notification at the door.


    When he checked the camera he was hit straight in the face by massive amounts of dog food. Yi Feng and his boyfriend were kissing by the door and from the looks of it, Kiet was reluctant to leave.


    He hastily gave Ran permission to open the door before picking up his sister to leave his room. Yi Youxi followed behind already ying with his light rain. Yi Chen sat Ming Ming on the couch and asked Yi Feng who had just walked in, ¡°What are you doing here?¡±


    Yi Feng who didn¡¯t feel weed at all said, ¡°I got kicked out so I am staying here for a few hours until Xxx finishes his shift.¡±


    Yi Chen, ¡°...¡±


    ¡°Don¡¯t you have some stock inventory to do at your nightclub or something? I already have a full house,¡± said Yi Chen ready to chase at least one headache out of his house.


    ¡°I have an AI for that... mmmm, smells like aunt¡¯s cooking,¡± he said before turning to go into the kitchen.


    Yi Chen, ¡°...¡±


    He took a step forward and almost bumped into his mother¡¯s suitcase. Yi Chen picked it up and went upstairs to ce it with the others in the closet before checking his light brain. Since Zi Han hadn¡¯t responded he could only go downstairs and speak to his mother.


    ¡°Here, try this?... Do you like it? I bet your mother can¡¯t beat my peanut chili sauce,¡± said Lin Ruoxi while feeding Yi Feng a spoonful of the steaming chili sauce.


    Yi Feng seemed to like it. He squinted his eyes with a contented expression on his face before praising his aunt¡¯s cooking.


    ¡°It¡¯s very yummy?¡±


    Yi Chen side hugged his mother while saying, ¡°Smells nice.¡±


    Lin Ruoxi pinched his cheek quite d he was still in good spirits.

 Chapter 366

    366 Zi Xingxi opens up about her husband


    ¡°We are eating it with steamed buns. Any objections?¡± she asked while Yi Chen took another spoon from the cutlery tray and reached over to taste it but his mother smacked his hand away.


    Yi Chen, ¡°???¡±


    Howe Yi Feng could eat and he couldn¡¯t? Didn¡¯t theye over to cheer him up?


    ¡°No objections auntie,¡± replied Yi Feng with a smug look on his face as though saying ¡®he was loved more¡¯. Yi Chen¡¯s lips twitched while glowering at him. Meanwhile, Lin Ruoxi yelled again, ¡°Any objections!¡±


    The pair of siblings who were sitting on the couch messing with the floating screen answered simultaneously,


    ¡°Nope,¡±


    ¡°I like fluffy buns. Little Nim too. Wait, where is Nim Nim and Mr. Twiggles?¡± yelled Ming Ming while looking around.


    Yi Youxi, ¡°You lost him again? Bad auntie...¡±


    Ming Ming, ¡°I did not and I am the best auntie in the entire federation.¡±


    .....


    Yi Youxi, ¡°Did too.¡±


    Ming Ming, ¡°Did not.¡±


    This ¡®did too¡¯ and ¡®did not¡¯ cycle repeated itself until Lin Ruoxi couldn¡¯t stand it anymore. ¡°Feng-er, will you please go separate the two for me? Oh, here... give them some popcorn. Maybe that will keep their mouths busy,¡± she said while pouring out popcorn for her little minions.


    Yi Feng nodded his head and took the bowl from her before taking out a handful and shoving it into his mouth.


    ¡°Mmm, butter and chives. My favourite,¡± said Yi Feng as he walked out.


    Yi Chen sat down on the bar stool while asking, ¡°Ming Ming said you are protesting.¡±


    Lin Ruoxi picked up the cooking spoon and said, ¡°Your father that¡¯s who. He took away the best thing that has ever happened to you and I am not going to stand for it.¡±


    Yi Chen lowered his gaze feeling a littleplicated. He appreciated what his mother was doing for him but he also didn¡¯t want his family to split up, be it temporarily, over this.


    He was very upset with his father and simply refused to speak to him but in truth, he didn¡¯t want the others to stop talking to him too. The issue was between them only.


    ¡°I appreciate it but I don¡¯t want you and dad to fight over this any longer. Besides, I don¡¯t n on giving up,¡± he said before a bowl of popcorn was ced in front of him.


    Yi Chen raised his head and his mother ruffled his hair like she used to do when he was younger and allowed her to.


    ¡°Good... and don¡¯t worry about me and your dad. We will go back... soon enough. For now, we are here to help soothe that broken heart,¡± she said poking his chest presumably where his heart was.


    Yi Chen nced down and said, ¡°Wrong side. That¡¯s not where my heart is,¡± he said and Lin Ruoxi sighed. Who in their family didn¡¯t have that one child who is particr about everything? Trantion, the one who polices everyone in the family.


    ¡°How am I supposed to know that? I am not a biologist... now eat your popcorn while mummy works,¡± said Lin Ruoxi having a rare moment of deja vu. Her son once sat on the kitchen counter coloring while she was cooking and he tried to correct her pronunciation of the word ¡®croissant¡¯. Let¡¯s just say Yi Chen at five was more stubborn than he was now.


    While the Yi family and co were protesting at their house, Zi Han was sitting in a hovercar with his mother waiting for young master Croft who had escaped while they were dealing with the pervert Ikeda.


    The young master was really good at running. He was like a snake burrowing into its hole after eating the farmer¡¯s eggs.


    Zi Xingxi further sank into her seat while taking out some bubble gum.


    ¡°You want some?¡± offered Zi Xingxi. Zi Han epted it while asking,


    ¡°You are quitting smoking?¡±


    Zi Xingxi pulled down her head scarf while saying, ¡°Your grandfather confiscated all my cigarettes. He is getting very bossytely.¡±


    Zi Han rummaged through his pockets while saying, ¡°What do you mean? He has always been bossy. It just ranges from mild to severe.¡±


    He took out his secret stash and said, ¡°I had to hide these from Yi Chen.¡±


    Zi Xingxi¡¯s brows arched as she pinched the cigarette between her lips. ¡°What¡¯s up with all of them? We are grown folk. We can smoke if we want,¡± she said while Zi Han flicked the lighter on and lit it for her.


    ¡°Well, it¡¯s because they care too much,¡± replied Zi Han while cing a cigarette in his mouth.


    He lit his as well while his mother said, ¡°Your father cared too much as well. He used to hide them all the time and he started doing it before we even started dating,¡± she said before blowing a puff of smoke and continuing, ¡°I would find in ce of them, packets of bubble gum and lollipops. I would get mad and the entire ss would feel my wrath during training. The culprit would blend in with the crowd pretending to be very innocent.¡±


    Zi Hanughed inwardly as he leaned back in his seat. He was very happy inside. That¡¯s because his mother finally opened up about his father. Maybe it was because she now had some closure. She now knew who had killed her loved one thus she was finally healing.


    ¡°So do we have any simrities besides the eyes?¡± he asked before taking a long drag of his cigarette. The red glow from his cigarette glimmered in the darkness giving one a sense of security from the loneliness stemming from the night


    ¡°You both get on my nerves,¡± said Zi Xingxiughing quietly.


    ¡°Ma!¡± eximed Zi Han while staring at her all wide-eyed.


    ¡°... Hahaha, it¡¯s true. I am just kidding...,¡± she said and Zi Han heaved a sigh only for Zi Xingxi to continue saying, ¡°... not.¡±


    Zi Han, ¡°...¡±


    Can he return his mum please without a receipt of course? Can he?


    ¡°You are as fun as he was. There wasn¡¯t a moment in my day when I would be bored. He would let me put a bra on him. I could practice my makeup on him and he wouldn¡¯tin Hahaha... One time I asked him to stand in for me in a mandatory health ss for women in the military and he actually did it. He came out of that ss traumatized after watching a video on childbirth Hahahaha. Oh, and his father punished him for being in the girls¡¯ health ss. It was so funny,¡± said Zi Xingxi unable to contain herself. She was even pping her thigh inughter.


    Zi Han, ¡°...¡±


    He could only think of one word that is ¡®evvvvvilllll¡¯ his mother was evil.


    ¡°After that, he held my shoulders and said, ¡®artificial womb, artificial womb¡¯. That¡¯s my impression of your dad¡¯s voice by the way. ¡®Artificial womb, baby our baby is not going toe from there¡¯. It was so funny it made me cry. I am telling you if he was there when you were born he would have passed out... thrice.¡±


    Zi Han, ¡°...¡±

 Chapter 367

    367 A bun in the oven....


    The pair of mother and sonughed noisily and in a gleeful way like they weren¡¯t sitting in a hovercar on a stakeout.


    Zi Xingxi kept those storiesing and Zi Han started seeing his mother in a different light. She wasn¡¯t as depressed as before. Her body was rxed and she was even willing to show him some videos of his father. One memorable one was when his father was working on Igneous and his name being suddenly called by Zi Xingxi.


    He turned around and looked at the camera with his face stained with a little bit of paint. Zi Xingxi asked him what he was doing and Yeoh Jun bit his lip with slight excitement.


    ¡°Come look. I have a surprise for you,¡± he said in the video as he pulled her hand.


    Zi Xingxi who was recording the video said, ¡°I have a surprise for you too.¡±


    Yeoh Jun stopped moving and turned to look at her with a look of anticipation in his eyes. ¡°What?... What is it? Did you finally get me that outfit we talked about... you know for ourte night...,¡± he said only for her to cut him short.


    ¡°Don¡¯t say it. I would love to show your reaction to someone special in the future so watch your mouth,¡± she said her voice soft like that of a woman speaking to her lover.


    Yeoh Jun seemed a little confused but he just quirked his lips slightly while saying, ¡°Okay... How big of a surprise is it?¡±


    Zi Xingxi took out a tiny box and said, ¡°Open it,¡± before handing it to him.


    .....


    He took it from her seeming a little vexed. When he opened it his eyes seemed even more confused than ever. He pulled the chain out and asked, ¡°A keychain?... Why would I need a keychain of an oven with... with a tiny bun inside. It is very cute though wait... wait wait wait bun in the oven... Are we pregnant?¡±


    ¡°Yes, just found out today when I had my physical exam so yep... you are going to be a daddy,¡± said Zi Xingxi while her boyfriend was looking at her with a stupefied expression.


    After processing this unexpected piece of information for a moment he finally said, ¡°Marry me...¡±


    Zi Xingxi, ¡°...¡±


    ¡°Please marry me... I will, I will take care of you and our child. I will take... take great care of you,¡± he said his mind the informatio processing the information faster than his speech which wasgging behind. He was so excited that he could barely contain himself going on one knee feeling nervous.


    ¡°Isn¡¯t it a bit abrupt?¡± Zi Han heard his mother say in the video her voice tremulous, ¡°My dad will kill you.¡±


    ¡°Then I will die a happy man. I love you Xixi... I love you so much and I want to grow old with you. You are my world. Will you marry me... please,¡± he said again his eyes glistening like those of a puppy.


    ¡°Of course, I will marry you. Why wouldn¡¯t I? I told you the day I said I love you was the day you could never get rid of me,¡± she said and the expression on Yeoh Jun¡¯s face was so priceless it almost made Zi Han cry.


    The footage ended with a scene that Zi Han shouldn¡¯t have heard. The camera was skewed and Zi Han heard his father saying,


    ¡°Wait wait wait... isn¡¯t it weird if we, ah Xixi wait. Isn¡¯t it weird if we do it with the baby inside? What if we poke his head or something?¡±


    Zi Han, ¡°...¡±


    ¡°It¡¯s the size of a pea. Even if you poke it it won¡¯t remember anything,¡± his mother replied before the camera cked out.


    Zi Xingxi chuckled while saying, ¡°Well that wasn¡¯t meant for your ears haha.¡±


    Poor igneous that was nth time he went into hibernation running away from the pair who were doing stuff in the cockpit.


    Zi Han was about to say something when Secretary K sitting in the front said, ¡°Sir, the target is leaving the premises and he has several bodyguards surrounding him.


    Zi Han looked at his mother who was putting out her cigarette bud. Zi Xingxi stared at him and said, ¡°What? It¡¯s your contract. I am just here as your moral support.¡±


    Zi Han, ???


    He turned to look at secretary K and said, ¡°Get them to grab him and they shouldn¡¯t be discreet about it.¡±


    Zi Xingxi¡¯s eyes brightened as she said, ¡°Ohhh, we are going with the ¡®let the world know he has been kidnapped¡¯ scenario instead of the ¡®mysterious disappearance route¡¯, cool.¡±


    ¡°Why are you more pumped up about this than I am?¡± asked Zi Han as Secretary K issued an order through themunicator.¡±


    Zi Xingxi¡¯s gaze shifted to the target who was being carried away like a concubine being sent to the emperor¡¯s bed to serve. The so-called S-ranked bodyguards were lying on the ground unable to move even a finger.


    ¡°Because this is my baby¡¯s initiation into the Bloodgarde. We will throw you a party and I have a special surprise for you,¡± she said pping her hands like a proud ser mum at their baby¡¯s first game.


    Zi Han didn¡¯t even bother asking what exactly she had nned. He just moved his legs slightly as the door opened and the bound Mr Croft was ced in the hovercar.


    He wiggled around like a worm trying to sit up. The hovercar that was parked on the side of the road began to move with the people who were lying on the ground a minute ago now running after the hovercar on foot.


    They had let their client get kidnapped right outside their home so yes they weren¡¯t thinking straight because they pursued on foot for a while which was prettyical.


    Young master Croft finally sat up and when he saw the two faces he had only seen and heard of on StarNet his heart sank as beads of sweat began to form on his forehead.


    Who didn¡¯t know the queen of the underworld and her demon child? Okay fine, that was overkill but one can understand why he felt that way. Zi Xingxi was a terrifying woman who could even take on the Marshal with absolutely no fear and Zi Han? Well, Zi Han, he executed the prime minister of Loch Ness star in front of everyone and he was a wanted man so yes, he was about to pee himself in fright at the sight of these two.

 Chapter 368

    368 Sweet tooth just like his father


    Zi Han kicked his shin with the tip of his sneaker but when he saw the young man¡¯s swollen face he was startled.


    ¡°It seems someone rearranged his face before we got to him,¡± said Zi Han looking at the obvious p marks.


    Zi Xingxi sucked in a breath of cold air hissing before saying, ¡°His grandmother probably did that. Do you know she was a four time p contest heavyweight champion so yep she probably did that? She also fought in the mixed gender category too. She beat the shit out of those burly men until their own mothers couldn¡¯t recognize them. With that kind of grandma, I don¡¯t understand how he still turned out to be a pervert?¡± said Zi Xingxi looking at the terrified young man.


    Zi Han shrugged his lips before punching the young man and knocking him out. This kind of person deserved no sympathy considering what he put his victims through. He deserved to suffer the severest of punishments so Zi Han wasn¡¯t at all courteous.


    Zi Xingxi patted his shoulder while asking, ¡°Did you watch the witness statements of all his victims?¡±


    Zi Han nodded his head. This was how the Bloodgarde worked. When they received contracts they would first do extensive investigations followed by mandatory witness statements from the victims.


    The assassins taking up the contracts needed to know and feel the emotions of the wronged persons. This was so that they could rte with the victim and feel what they felt so they won¡¯t have mercy on the perpetrator.


    Like the others, Zi Han was forced to endure four hours of the girls and boys retelling the events in their own words.


    Most of young master Croft¡¯s victims were from poor backgrounds some without a mother or father to protect them. He was a well known phnthropist in the most impoverishedmunities but behind the curtains, he was donating to their orphanages so he could take advantage of the children. Because their matrons and managers sent them to him the children had no opportunity to refuse.


    .....


    They were forced to under the guise of self sacrifice for the greater good. In return, they would get massive amounts of donations and the managers of the orphanages could even expropriate the funds without any fear of retribution.


    Zi Han didn¡¯t intend on letting go of the people who ran the orphanages. In fact, he intended on gathering them all one by one and then making them go through the same thing those children went through. He just had to start with the head of the snake.


    The other victims were either sold to young master Croft by their fathers or mothers to earn a good amount of star coins and when he was done with his victims he would pay the parent. Zi Han couldn¡¯t wait to torment this person until they were not recognizable.


    A short drive away outside the city, they reached the secret banker and the knocked out man was dragged by two strong men into a soundproofed room.


    The room was indeed soundproofed but Zi Han and Zi Xingxi who were sipping on some tea could hear some faint screamsing from that direction.


    Zi Han¡¯s brows creased as he tasted it. He had on disgusted expression while asking, ¡°What tea is this?¡±


    Zi Xingxi who was enjoying it set her porcin cup down and said, ¡°It¡¯s earl grey tea, why?¡±


    Zi Han felt like his throat was dry with the bitterness travelling down from his tongue to his throat.


    ¡°Why does it taste so awful?¡± he asked rummaging through his pockets to find some candy... any candy would do.


    ¡°Did you put sugar in it?¡± she asked and Zi Han looked at her strangely like she was an alien.


    ¡°Doesn¡¯t ite with the sugar in it already?¡± asked Zi Han wishing he could cleanse his tongue from all that bitter taste.


    ¡°Haha no, here try one teaspoon,¡± said Zi Xingxi putting in a teaspoon of sugar for him.


    Zi Han stirred it vigorously like he was stirring a mixture of spice blends in a vat for a spice factory. He finally took a sip but his expression didn¡¯t change at all.


    He was still disgruntled by the bitterness and astringency from this monstrosity. Zi Han coughed while using his mother, ¡°Are you trying to kill me?¡±


    Zi Xingxiughed upon hearing this. She added one more teaspoon and said, ¡°You really are a drama king. If I did that your father would haunt me every single night... How is it now?¡±


    Zi Han took a hesitant sip but his expression was still taut. ¡°It¡¯s better but I would much prefer having sweet wine right now,¡± he said while asking himself why he even epted his mother¡¯s offer. To him, tea wasn¡¯t tea unless if it was milk tea. Every other tea was unworthy in his eyes.


    ¡°Can I add milk?¡± he asked but his mother¡¯s re said everything.


    Zi Han reached over and added one more... no two more teaspoons of sugar. By the time he drank it he was basically drinking syrup.


    Zi Xingxi couldn¡¯t even be bothered scolding him. The kid had managed to ruin precious tea that was avable on old earth and rare in the federation.


    His expression was so contented that Zi Xingxi couldn¡¯t help but shake her head watching him drink with squinted eyes.


    ¡°Too much sugar for my liking,¡± she said.


    ¡°It tastes really good like this. You should try it,¡± replied Zi Han and Zi Xingxi couldn¡¯t understand how her son was so simr to his father despite having not met him.


    Was it hereditary or something? Yeoh Jun wouldn¡¯t have tea with her unless he had four teaspoons of sugar. He would buy a lot of sweet cakes for himself every day which was quite unsettling.


    If he didn¡¯t have the healing ability in his body Zi Xingxi was sure he would have been diagnosed with diabetes. Now her son had inherited the same trait of eating sugar like it was vital for survival. They were absolutely cut from the same cloth despite having not met each other.

 Chapter 369

    369 A crusader of justice


    PA!


    The sound of a harsh p resounded in the silent room instantly waking up the man who had his head lowered.


    That p had aggravated his already swollen face from his grandmother pping him earlier so it stung so much that he couldn¡¯t help but suck in a cold breath of air.


    The man opened his eyes wide and when he saw the person sitting opposite to him his feet subconsciously tried to run but an inexplicable ce hurt so much but there was no relief in sight.


    When he looked down his eyes trembled as the memories of the past couple of hours resurfaced.


    ¡°You you you monsters,¡± he stammered before breaking down crying but when his facial muscles moved it hurt so much that he couldn¡¯t stand the agony.


    ¡°Who was it?... Oh, right... Ma, fourteen, she said you hit her each time she cried,¡± said Zi Han followed by a hard p across the man¡¯s face.


    ¡°How can you treat someone like this wuwuwuwu,¡± cried young master Croft forgetting how he treated his victims. The harder they begged and cried the more pain was inflicted upon them. He would beat them until they were silent and obedient thus Zi Han was very unforgiving. Recalling all those tears and all the sadness in their eyes Zi Han kicked him repeatedly while mentioning their names.


    When he stopped he pulled back his hair sticking to his forehead from all the sweat. The person on the floor was barely moving and no longer made a sound like he was on his dying breath but Zi Han knew he was ying dead hoping that he would take pity on him.


    .....


    Zi Han stared at him with savagely fierce eyes his body emitting a repressive aura that would leave one frozen in fright. His eyes turned darker and darker as he stood there with his backzily leaning against the wall.


    Zi Han pulled out theser handgun from its holster and examined it with his eyes lowered leisurely. While he was messing with it he heard a small choking voice utter something.


    ¡°Mercy,¡± said young master Croft with blood seeping down from his mouth.


    Zi Han nced at him and asked, ¡°What?¡± his tone contemptuous.


    ¡°M-mercy,¡± he whispered again and Zi Han broke into cynicalughter.


    ¡°Did you let them go when they begged for mercy?... Or did youugh while telling them that they belonged to you for that said amount of time?¡±


    Zi Han fell silent waiting for a response but the man breathing shallowly wasn¡¯t saying a word. ¡°Scum like you don¡¯t deserve to walk among the innocent. You had everything in the world that most people could only dream of having. But because you couldn¡¯t restrain yourself and get some help you acted on your impulses and ruined so many people¡¯s lives.... now you speak of mercy,¡± said Zi Han as he took unhurried steps towards him.


    Zi Han crouched down meeting his line of sight and the man opened his mouth and closed it several times as though hesitating to speak.


    ¡°But but I didn¡¯t kill anyone,¡± he said with viscous blood flowing at the corner of his mouth.


    Zi Han pulled up a three-dimensional image of a young girl and asked, ¡°Do you remember her? That is little Amy. She was sold to you by her step brothers for two days and after spending two days in your Sea Lane mansion she ended her life in the most dramatic way.¡±


    The man didn¡¯t look at the image. Instead he closed his swollen eyes refusing to look which irritated Zi Han. He pulled out his handgun and ced it on the man¡¯s temple.


    The icy chill from the muzzle of the gun made him shiver subconsciously as the fear of death loomed over him. When had he ever been this wronged? He was a pampered young master with all the jewels money could buy. He spent his days frolicking with his friends with zero expectations from his family. All they asked was for him to live his life honestly and not make trouble.


    But there was this dark side of him that couldn¡¯t be repressed no matter what. It started with the maidservant¡¯s daughter and then it escted. He had no fear of retribution because once he threw money at the problem it would vanish. This n worked very well for yes without a problem that is up until now.


    Zi Han saw his distracted appearance and shot a hole through the wall. A loud bang rang in the air startling the man.


    ¡°Look at her!¡± spoke Zi Han through gritted teeth, ¡°You killed her. You might have not done it yourself but you drove her to her death,¡± said Zi Han his eyes getting darker and darker like something evil was brewing within him.


    ¡°These three girls went missing with only two of them found. Their bodies were found discarded in the ditches of the lower district. You did that. They had a chance before you came in and cut off their life source before their lives could even begin. You did that... so why should mercy be granted to you.¡±


    ¡°Why should the lives of your victims perish yet you livefortably in a prison cell? Your family wouldn¡¯t even let you suffer. Sure you might spend the first year in the dungeons of the Netherworld but after that when the heat cools you would be transferred to a morefortable prison cell living afortable life. To me... that punishment isn¡¯t equivalent to the crime?¡±


    Tears fell at the corners of tyoung master Croft¡¯s eyes crying like a baby. ¡°I, I don¡¯t... I don¡¯t want to die. Please...,¡± he said but all his cries were nothing in Zi Han¡¯s ears. In fact, it was very irritating.


    With a loud bang, Zi Han shot the man¡¯s leg while asking, ¡°When they begged what did you say to them? You said cry all you want but no one will save you.¡±


    The man curled up holding his leg that had a hole in it. ¡°I deserve a second chance,¡± he said in between gasps but that only made things worse.


    Zi Han roared inughter before he pulled the trigger and shot his arm. ¡°Second chance... second chance are you fucking kidding me? You didn¡¯t kill or hurt one person identally. You purposefully harmed twenty five young boys and girls four of which died because of you. There is no second chance to speak of.¡±

 Chapter 370

    370 Second chances


    As a society, we speak of second chances but second chances are for those whomit a mistake before it turns into a habit- unknown.


    This young master Croft didn¡¯t just make a mistake. He repeated it over and over again until it became a habit. Even when his victim killed herself, he didn¡¯t stop. He moved on to several other victims. In fact, he was even crueller than before so why should he get a second chance?


    After saying that Zi Han had nothing more to say. He got up and said, ¡°A quick death is me being merciful.¡±


    The man couldn¡¯t even say a word after that. His debauched life was something no one would risk their lives to save. Even his family except his mother would probably celebrate his death and secretly thank the Bloodgarde for getting rid of this problem.


    Three subsequent shes showed around the edges of the door. Zi Xingxi who was watching her son from the live feeding from the room sighed in relief seeing him not hesitate. She was worried after killing prime minister Ju and being separated from Yi Chen he might have been thrown off course emotionally.


    ¡°Ma¡¯am, you don¡¯t have to worry about the young sir. He has everything under control,¡± said Secretary K, and Zi Xingxi nodded her head in agreement.


    ¡°Filth like Croft can¡¯t be left to roam around and live among the innocent. After the initiation he will finally be a part of us,¡± she said but her voice was getting lower and lower.


    They had never discussed what they wanted for Zi Han¡¯s future. That¡¯s because they were waiting for Zi Han to grow up and decide for himself thus they never had that discussion.


    Though the words weren¡¯t said, Zi Xingxi knew her husband wanted Zi Han to carry on his legacy but now there was no longer a legacy to speak off.


    .....


    Her son couldn¡¯t be a prince neither could he eventually ascend the throne but he could be a crusader for justice. He could provide a sense offort to the families of the men, women, and children who suffered under the suppression of others.


    This was their call as the Bloodgarde. They couldn¡¯t protect the monarch but they could protect the weak and disadvantaged who would never be able to get justice through the system.


    When Zi Han left the room news was already circting about young master Croft going missing and that he had been abducted right outside his family home.


    Zi Han sat down while wiping his hands with a wet wipe his ears listening to the report. Zi Xingxi watched him silently before saying, ¡°Should we release everything he has done? We will still protect the victims though.¡±


    Zi Han focused on wiping his index finger as he nodded his head in agreement. ¡°It¡¯s about time to ruin his reputation and let the Federation know that his family had been cleaning up his messes for all these years. If they had taken him to prison when they found out about their son¡¯s evil deeds then they could have saved a lot of the young girls and boys he ruined afterwards. I want theirpany to fall and all their riches eaten by termites to pay for their crimes.¡±


    Zi Xingxi felt a sudden shiver down her spine from the excitement. ¡°Ohh exciting, we are going for total annihtion. Let chaos reign. You are definitely my son,¡± she said feeling rather ecstatic.


    Zi Han took the cup nearest to him but after he took a sip his mouth bulged and he instinctively wanted to spit it out but Zi Xingxi didn¡¯t let him. ¡°Swallow it, swallow it... I might have a lot of money but I am not about to waste expensive tea. Do you know how much I had to offer that old man just to get a box? He is so stingy. If I could pay in blood he would have asked me to pay in blood. SWA-LLOW IT!¡± she said with her hand on his mouth while Zi Han red his arms about refusing to drink it. It tasted so astringent that it was about to snatch his soul like he had consumed heavenly poison.


    Secretary K¡¯s brows arched as he looked at these two tussling like they were younglings.


    In the end, it was Zi Han who conceded. He had to swallow it. After his mother let him go Zi Han dry heaved while taking out some candy Yi Chen stashed for him in his pocket. ¡°Mum, I am going to tell,¡± he said while eating the butterscotch candy begrudgingly.


    Zi Xingxiughed while crossing her arms. ¡°Who exactly are you going to tattle to? You are an adult for heaven¡¯s sake,¡± she said mockingly.


    ¡°I, I am... I am going to tell my my um,¡± stammered Zi Han only for his mother to interject,


    ¡°Your fianc¨¦.... your grandpa?¡±


    Zi Han, ¡°...¡±


    ¡°Fine, I am an adult and I can¡¯t do anything to you... at all,¡± said Zi Han but the slight quirk at the corner of his lips spoke volumes.


    Zi Xingxi narrowed her eye with slight suspicion. After staring at him with a probing gaze for a very long time she finally smiled and said, ¡°I know that look. I will be waiting for your revenge n youngling.¡±


    Zi Han, ¡°...¡±


    Who was she calling a youngling? He was a full-grown man with plenty of sexual I mean... adult, plenty of adult experience.


    While Zi Han was leaving to go to his initiation ceremony, StarNet was in an uproar. News about what that Croft descendant did spread all over StarNet like wildfire. There were calls to see the Croft family fall from hiding their son¡¯s misdeeds. As for the people he hurt, they received the green ribbon on their light brains. For the first time in years, they could sleep peacefully. They didn¡¯t have to sleep in fear. They didn¡¯t have to worry that he woulde knocking on their doors anding back for them. All thanks to this mysterious hero a hero who was screaming in the stealth cruiser after opening Yi Chen¡¯s message.


    ¡°AAAAAAAHHHHH¡±


    ¡°What, what is it?¡± asked Zi Xingxi startled by that scream. They were already in the stealth cruiser heading back to the warship and the stealth cruiser was smaller hence there was nowhere else to run to right now.


    Secretary K was already drawing his weapon ready for anything. ¡°No, nothing. Please carry on,¡± said Zi Han trying to look as normal as possible. Why on earth would Yi Chen send such, such a sexy, no such immoral picture to him like... right now. Okay, fine it was a couple of hours ago but still.

 Chapter 371

    371 Getting sworn into the Bloodgarde


    The two people in the stealth cruiser looked at Zi Han with slight suspicion making him feel very ufortable. He cleared his throat and said, ¡°It¡¯s no-nothing? Shorty just sent me a funny video of a dog and a cat.¡±


    Zi Xingxi who wasn¡¯t buying it all scrutinized him from top to bottom before asking,


    ¡°I thought you cut off contact with everyone so you don¡¯t get them in trouble.¡±


    Zi Han, ¡°...¡±


    ¡°I. I did. I absolutely did. It¡¯s just that I couldn¡¯t bear cutting Shorty off. You know how much he relies on me and so on and so forth,¡± replied Zi Han. Of course, he knew his mother wouldn¡¯t buy his BS but how was he supposed to say that he received a scious and mouth-watering picture from the said person he had supposedly broken up with?


    Zi Xingxi wasn¡¯t done with him. She loved watching her son sweating under her intense interrogation. Only those who have interrogated a toddler after they steal cookies would be able to understand this feeling.


    ¡°What are the cat and dog doing in the video? Can I see?¡± she said and Zi Han subconsciously shifted away while locking his light brain.


    ¡°Uh, no need. The um the cat was on the other side of the ss door and the um... dog was inside and and they were fighting through the ss. But when the sliding door opened the fight ended,¡¯ said Zi Han exining some other video he saw in the past.


    Secretary K couldn¡¯t help butugh quietly already searching for the video on StarNet. This was kind of his thing.


    .....


    ¡°What kind of dog was it?¡± asked Zi Xingxi as she folded her arms across her chest.


    Zi Han, ¡°Heh?¡±


    ¡°Was it a pomeranian? A golden retriever or maybe was it a Siberian husky,¡± asked Zi Xingxi and Zi Han¡¯s eyes instantly became shifty. How was he supposed to remember that?


    ¡°Ma¡¯am, it¡¯s a samoyed,¡± said Secretary K while showing her the video.


    Half a minuteter...


    ¡°Hahahaha ahahahahaha too cute. Why, why aren¡¯t they continuing the fight after the door opened? This is too funny,¡± said Zi Xingxi pping her thigh whileughing.


    Zi Han, ???


    Well, that was new. He didn¡¯t know his mother would find such videos funny. He wiped the sweat off his forehead and was incredibly grateful she forgot about this little episode.


    He didn¡¯t even dare open his light brain after that for fear that his mother would find out what Yi Chen sent to him. In his mother¡¯s eyes, he was brokenhearted and was trying to move on from Yi Chen but in truth, they still had these kinds of chats between them.


    Like a mother genuinely trying to help her son forget about his ex, she had major ns for Zi Han. She didn¡¯t manage to drag him to a gay bar the other time because her son refused.


    For his initiation celebration, she definitely made up for it. She had invited the best male dancers in the federation and boy was it going to be a lit party.


    When Zi Han reached the warship he was surprised to find a lot of people in the hangar dressed in emerald cloaks with their heads covered.


    Zi Han who was so confused asked, ¡°What is this?¡± in a whisper as he was afraid to even speak louder.


    Zi Xingxi draped her arm across his shoulder and said, ¡°Your initiation ceremony. As a youngling you have passed your test and managed toplete the mission sessfully so now we wee you into the fold.¡±


    Zi Xingxi nced at his grandfather standing on a tform with a cloak different from the others. It was the same shade of green but it was embroidered with gold.


    Behind him was Chronos standing tall in glory giving off a sentimental atmosphere. ¡°I, I thought he retired?¡± he whispered to his mother asking about his grandfather.


    Zi Xingxi was about to respond when Zi Feiji cleared his throat indicating that he had heard them.


    ¡°Will talk after,¡± she said while snapping her finger and Lynn Feng brought over a cloak for her.


    ¡°I am so proud of you,¡± whispered Lynn Feng while passing Zi Xingxi her cloak.


    Zi Xingxi put on her cloak and so did Secretary K before they walked forward to stand by Zi Feiji¡¯s side.


    ¡°Ahem... Zi Han son of Ye... hem... son of Zi Xingxi will you ept this oath and walk on this path as a crusader of justice?¡± said Zi Feiji almost mentioning Zi Han¡¯s father¡¯s name as per tradition but he corrected himself in time.


    Zi Han who wasn¡¯t prepared for this and didn¡¯t know it was going to be such a rigorous asion nced at his mother. He was like a nervous preschooler at a dance recital after forgetting the steps.


    He could only look at his mother for help. And just like a responsible mum gesturing the next steps to their little one, she discreetly gestured with her hand for him to half kneel.


    Zi Han did as instructed and answered his grandfather¡¯s question. ¡°Yes I ept,¡± he said and his heart began to beat fast. After taking this oath there was no turning back.


    Once the path was epted he would be a part of the Bloodgarde for life. It was his family running the Bloodgarde but he had a choice. He could choose to have nothing to do with the Bloodgarde.


    But this is what he wanted. This was his choice. If he couldn¡¯t defend the federation from external threats he could at least defend the federation from internal ones.


    ¡°Before you partake in the blood oath you need to leave your old self behind. You need to denounce your affiliation with Onyx Federation Inteary Army. Lay down your badge, uniform, firearms and any other possessions given to you by them.¡±


    Zi Han¡¯s body froze for a moment as he gulped unconsciously. He began to take out everything he had from the militaryying it on the ground.¡±


    Zi Han took out uniforms, body armour, and three badges including the ones he attained for his achievements. He wasn¡¯t as attached to those but when he saw the one with his squad name Zi Han was suddenly hesitant. It felt like he was letting go of the two years he spent with Yi Chen.


    His dark pupils rippled as he stared at that badge for a second. Memories of the battles he fought alongside Yi Chen shed in his eyes. He didn¡¯t want to let go of it but he knew it couldn¡¯t be kept.


    As heid it on top of his uniform he felt a stinging pain like he hadid down his heart. When Zi Xingxi saw him let it go, she exhaled the breath she had been holding back. The military had already released a warrant for his arrest. He was due to face a court-martial on murder charges thus there was no going back. The Bloodgarde was his only choice now.

 Chapter 372

    372 Do you swear servitude to the Bloodgarde till death....,¡±


    Zi Han also knew this thus he let out a sigh as he pressed his palm on top of the badge with his eyes closed before letting it go.


    After that, he began to take out all his firearms. He started off with a simple smart pistol, a couple of hand grenades and an alternator submachine gun but that was only the beginning.


    Zi Han took out three battle rifles, one havoc energy rifle, two special operation assault rifles, four sniper rifles and that was it for the rifles.


    He also took out several other submachine guns, two shotguns, one archer-heavy rocket, one side arm and lots of explosives. Everyone¡¯s eyes widened watching this. They couldn¡¯t help but wonder if Zi Han had robbed the entire armoury or something because that was too much firepower even for an assassin. They usually travelled light and it is understandable why.


    ¡°Is that everything?¡± asked grandpa Zi but Zi Han pressed the tip of his tongue on his cheek and raised his finger before taking out a metal box with poisonous patches inside and a medical kit.


    ¡°Now that you have...,¡± said Zi Feiji only for him to pause when Zi Han raised his forefinger and removed the dagger inside his boot and the other one came from behind him. Only the heavens know where that one was stored.


    ¡°Seriously,¡± muttered Lynn Feng while Zi Feiji nced at Zi Xingxi. Zi Xingxi shrugged her shoulders but anyone could see the pride in her eyes. Her son was like a hoarder for weapons and how he managed to get his hands on all that under strict military supervision was a mystery.


    Actually, no it wasn¡¯t a mystery. Let¡¯s not forget Zi Han was dating a gold master who basically gifted Zi Han with anything he fancied as long as he didn¡¯t use it to hurt anyone in the military.


    ¡°Are you done now?¡± asked Zi Feiji and Zi Han nodded his head but in truth, he was very reluctant to let all that go. Couldn¡¯t they at least let him keep one toy? Zi Feiji wasn¡¯t convinced, hence he snapped his fingers at Secretary K to scan him and the man walked over.


    .....


    ¡°My apologies young sir. May you please spread your arms apart for me,¡± said Secretary K and Zi Han sighed while spreading his arms apart.


    It didn¡¯t take long for the scanner to beep and Zi Han pursed his lips. Weapons in the Federation had a signature marker inbuilt with their technology so as to easily identify who the firearms belonged to or who made them so the scanner picked up a weapon from the military. not the ones his mother gave him.


    Secretary K stretched out his hand and Zi Han took out a small incendiary throwing star. He kind of liked that one because it was a new-generation weapon and Yi Chen gave it to him on his birthday to add to his collection.


    Secretary K was about to toss it on the pile but he made it disappear as he leaned forward and whispered, ¡°I will keep it safe for you while you talk to the madam,¡± before winking at him.


    Zi Han showed a suppressed smug smile as he watched Secretary K walk away. He was more than sure he would get to keep all his stuff. All he had to do was act cute and his mother would cave in. ¡°Now take a step forward and let us usher you into your new life. Forget all past connections andmit your spirit, mind, body and soul to the Bloodgarde,¡± said grandpa Zi and as soon as he reached the bottom of the tform the man continued to ask,


    ¡°Do you swear servitude to the Bloodgarde till death....,¡±


    ¡°Do you promise never to betray the


    brotherhood...,¡±


    ¡°Do you swear to serve justice to the oppressed and never turn a blind eye to anyone in need...,¡±


    ¡°Do you dare sympathize with criminals cklisted by the Bloodgarde?....¡±


    Zi Han answered yes to all except thest question. Satisfied his grandfather stretched out his hand and Zi Han raised his head wondering what his grandfather wanted.


    ¡°The sword, give it to him,¡± whispered Zi Xingxi and Zi Han hurriedly took out the Executioner¡¯s Blight that he had kept in his possession after delivering justice for hus father.


    The sword shimmered under the lights in the hangar as a shing sound bounced on the walls sending shivers down everyone¡¯s spines. It was a legendary sword well known throughout the history of the Federation as the punisher.


    Zi Feiji took the sword and said, ¡°In front of the ancestors and the entirety of the Bloodgarde you have taken this oath that can only be sealed in blood,¡± he said while cutting across Zi Han¡¯s palm.


    Zi Han grimaced as the icy chill from the de seeped into his blood down to his bone making him shiver. His wrist was grasped by his grandfather and pressed onto the ck book alongside the oath he had just taken.


    After he was done Zi Feiji let him go and Zi Xingxi brought over a new cloak.


    ¡°Wee to the brotherhood. Wee to your new family. You are now a new youngling and under the guidance of your brothers and sisters you will thrive and flourish,¡± said Zi Feiji as Zi Xingxi put the cloak on him with a proud smile.


    ¡°Let us all join in weing our newest member,¡± said Zi Feiji as Zi Xingxi turned him around to face everyone. The group of people knocked their chests in unison and weed him into the Bloodgarde.


    Now that this serious ritual was over Zi Han thought that he would be free but his mother dragged him away. The party was about to start and boy, he didn¡¯t expect that at all. His mother went all out and even ignored grandpa Zi¡¯s protests. She wasmitted all the way nning a party no one sawing.


    Everything about it had Zi Han wanting to run away like a cat running away from taking a bath but why would Zi Xingxi let him run? She caught him and hauled him over her shoulder bringing him back.


    ¡°I told you he would hate it,¡± said Zi Feiji almost rolling his eyes.


    ¡°Give him a few shots and he will be in tune. Time to heal your broken heart, baby,¡±


    Zi Han, ¡°WTF!¡±


    ¡°Save me...,¡± he whispered to his grandfather but who was he kidding. Except for his father who was already gone no one else could save him. Zi Xingxi was right. Two shots in and Zi Han was singing karaoke and dancing on the stage with the performers.


    AN: Yi Chen, hurry up ande get your husband before you get robbed.

 Chapter 373

    373 IQ diluted by alcohol


    ¡°He is very ha-handsome. His eye, eyeballs are as bright as the... gxy. When he smiles... when he smiles the sun gets outshined,¡± said a tipsy Zi Han bragging about his lover to the male performers sitting around him.


    ¡°Even the twin suns of Varanasi?¡± asked one of the boys while cupping his cheek with his hand his elbow resting on the table.


    Zi Han took a sip of his gxy lemonade cocktail through the coiled straw before saying, ¡°Uh-huh, brighter than that but that smile is only for me,¡± pointing to himself before continuing, ¡°He doesn¡¯t smile just for, for anyone. Only me... to everybody else he is an ice cold, cold prince.¡±


    One of them who seemed quite interested in Zi Han leaned closer and asked, ¡°So why did you break up if he was that angelic?¡±


    Zi Han pouted with the slight pinkness on his inner lip shimmering under the lights. His expression downturned instantly with his head lowered seeming aggrieved. ¡°You can¡¯t ask that,¡± said one of the boys but Zi Han waved his hand and said,


    ¡°It¡¯s fine. We are... our rtionship is in limbo. But I,¡± he said only to stop when a hand was ced on his shoulder.


    When he looked up he saw Secretary K standing there tall and straight with a stern expression. ¡°Young sir, your mother insists that you go to bed now. Please follow me,¡± he said while ring at the few performers just in case they had any designs for Zi Han and n on taking advantage of him while he is inebriated.


    Zi Han obediently nodded his head and followed after Secretary K. When he passed his mother and Grandpa¡¯s table he just had to stop. They were ying checkers and from the looks of it, it was a tie.


    ¡°Give up little Xixi. You have already lost,¡± said Grandpa Zi while cing the most bitter liquor in the federation on the table, ¡°You might as well ept your punishment.¡±


    .....


    Zi Xingxiughed and said in turn, ¡°No you give up old man. This time I am going to win.¡±


    Zi Han¡¯s brow creased when he saw a crooked piece on the old board. Having lived with Yi Chen for a very long time he had developed a habit of fixing things on ount of Yi Chen¡¯s tendencies of over orderliness.


    He reached out and moved it but it turned out he actually helped his mother finally win against his grandpa. ¡°There, all better,¡± he said with a proud smile like he had done something amazing.


    Zi Feiji, ¡°...¡±


    ¡°Checkmate! Yes Hahaha drink up old man,¡± said Zi Xingxi with a taunting smile on her face. She was so excited and one could understand why.


    She never won these kinds of games against her father ever. From the moment she could hold the pieces without putting them in her mouth her father never let her win. He couldn¡¯t even spare a five year old.


    Now victory was afoot because she had a secret weapon. ¡°You brat! That is cheating. No outside help,¡± said Zi Feiji feeling as though he had been betrayed by these two.


    ¡°It counts. ept defeat old man,¡± said Zi Xingxi and Zi Han couldn¡¯t help butugh,ughing at his grandpa.


    ¡°How disrespectful. I am not only your grandfather but I am also your superior,¡± yelled grandpa Zi and Zi Xingxi grabbed her son¡¯s wrist before they took off running.


    Zi Han ran along but he wasn¡¯t sure why they even had to bother running. ¡°Give me something to hit them with,¡± said Zi Feiji and Old Lu gave him a cane.


    Zi Feiji looked at it and said, ¡°I am not trying to kill them. That¡¯s too excessive.¡±


    ¡°Oh, sorry sir,¡± said Old Lu before putting it back in the interspatial storage and taking out a glove.


    ¡°What am I supposed to do with that?¡± asked Zi Feiji and Old Lu swung it before saying,


    ¡°You can p them. It¡¯s an old earth thing. It¡¯s called a glove p. You know, when our ancestors used to duel.¡±


    Zi Feiji, ¡°...¡±


    ¡°Do we look like we are about to duel? This is not a two-way beating but a one-way. Give me a damn slipper,¡± said Zi Feiji and Old Lu replied,


    ¡°Yes sir,¡± as he took out the slipper and handed it to him.


    After that Zi Feiji took off running while calling out their names. ¡°You bettere out now otherwise I will make things worse for you,¡± yelled Zi Feiji while walking around the empty halls.


    Meanwhile, Zi Han was hiding in the cleaning robot¡¯s closet with his mother while snickering.


    Zi Xingxi ced her finger on her lips and shushed him. ¡°Shh, shh. If he catches us we are done for,¡± said Zi Xingxi with the both of them crammed in such a tiny space.


    ¡°Why did we have to hide here? Why can¡¯t I hide in my cabin?¡± asked Zi Han and Zi Xingxi stared at him with an expression as though looking at an idiot.


    ¡°How much did you drink?¡± she asked while pinching his cheek.


    Zi Han ced his index finger on his chin as though thinking before saying, ¡°This... ah no this much.¡± He raised his hands and showed a measurement which was more like measuring distance rather than liquids.


    Zi Xingxi pinched her nose bridge and said, ¡°No, I mean. How much as in how many sses.¡±


    Zi Han appeared like a stupid idiot as he counted with his fingers several times and then recounted again and again unable to count properly.


    Zi Xingxi raised her brow wondering if his IQ was diluted by liquor. ¡°Whates after five?¡± asked Zi Han and Zi Xingxi made a mental note never to let him drink unsupervised ever again. He wasn¡¯t loud or anything like that. He was just abnormally quiet and so, so stupid. Yes, mothers aren¡¯t supposed to call their kids stupid bute on.


    Thinking his mother didn¡¯t understand what five meant he raised his hand and said, ¡°This much. Whates after that.¡±


    Zi Xingxi was about to say something when they heard a sound outside. It was Zi Feiji looking for them and from the looks of it, he was tired of searching. Before she could even close her mouth Zi Han ced his index finger on his mother¡¯s lips while whispering loudly, ¡°Shh shh he ising shh.¡±


    Zi Xingxi, ¡°...¡±


    Could she return him where he came from? Zi Xingxi pushed his finger away and asked, ¡°Why does your finger smell like chocte? It¡¯s almost as though you dipped your hand in the chocte fountain,¡± she said and she did regret having that by the way. Her son looked like a kid in a chocte factory for the first time. Maybe it was because he was so drunk that he couldn¡¯t contain his excitement.


    ¡°I dipped my whole hand in it. I liked it very very much,¡± he said his eyes sparkling.


    ¡°Oh god,¡± muttered Zi Xingxi before the door slid open and Zi Feiji said,


    ¡°GOTCHA!!¡±


    Zi Han, ¡°AAAAAAAHHHHHHH!!¡±


    Zi Feiji, ???


    Zi Xingxi, ¡®facepalm.¡¯

 Chapter 374

    374 Angel Wings for an angelic fiance


    ¡°Why did he scream like that? He screamed like he was watching a horror movie,¡±ined Zi Feiji as they closed the door of his cabin.


    ¡°He is too wasted. No more unsupervised drinking from now on,¡± said Zi Xingxi but when she recalled how he took off his t-shirt and kicked off his pants before copsing in bed she couldn¡¯t help butugh.


    ¡°You know he used to do that when he was a kid. He would peel off all his clothes and wrap himself like a burrito inside the quilt while he sighed saying ¡®I am tired. Hahaha, that was funny.¡±


    ¡°No, I don¡¯t know because somebody deprived me of my grandson. I wanted to wear cute grandpa and grandson matching outfits,¡± said Zi Feiji seeming quite aggrieved.


    ¡°Ohe on. You can do that with him now,¡± said Zi Xingxi trying tofort her father.


    ¡°No, he is too old for that. He is no longer cute,¡± replied Zi Feiji.


    The not-so-cute grandson opened his eyeszily having recalled that he didn¡¯t reply to Yi Chen¡¯s message. He turned over andy on his belly before wiggling into the quilt. He typed slowly like a snail and made a few mistakes several times. After struggling for a while he finally finished and sent it.


    Unknown: You almost got me caught today.


    Unknown: That picture was too spicy.


    .....


    Yi Chen who was sitting in the lounge watching a movie with his group of protesters felt a vibrationing from his secret light brain followed by a sh of light illuminating the room.


    He wanted to take a look but he had a suspicion that it was his sweetheart. Just in case he reciprocated and sent him a sexy picture, Yi Chen didn¡¯t want to open it here.


    He patted Ming Ming who was resting her head on his shoulder and said, ¡°Sit up straight. I have to get up.¡±


    Ming Ming was intrigued by the movie but she still grasped her brother¡¯s arm refusing to let him go. ¡°Where are you going?¡± asked Ming Ming sounding a little upset. She wanted him to stay.


    Yi Chen gently moved her head away and Lin Ruoxi said, ¡°Ming Ming, let your brother go. Youxi, stop putting your sticky little feet on my face.¡±


    Yi Chen, ¡°...¡±


    ¡°Fine,¡± replied Ming Ming before continuing to say, ¡°then bring us some caramel popcorn.¡±


    ¡°And chocte,¡± said Yi Youxi adding on to that order.


    Yi Chen sighed as he walked away only for Yi Feng to call out, ¡°Ice cream too. The bubblegum voured one.¡±


    Yi Chen, ¡°...¡±


    Did he have the word waiter written on his forehead? He increased his pace and went up to his bedroom just in case his mother wanted to add something.


    As soon as the door closed he excitedly checked his secret light brain. The smile on his face grew wider as he read that message. He sat at the edge of the bed and began to write back.


    Unknown: Oh, I am sorry.


    Unknown: Would you like to punish me?


    Zi Han saw the message while selecting a few pictures from his initiation party. While biting his lower lip he forwarded them all.


    Several buzzes rang in the air and Yi Chen slumped on the bed anticipating some spicy pictures but what did he get?


    His fiance did send pictures of himself but he wasn¡¯t alone. There were male dancers dressed in not so appropriate outfits with him in each end every picture.


    Yi Chen, ¡°...¡±


    Unknown: I had a party today.


    Unknown:I am officially an assassin.


    Unknown: I wish you were here.


    Yi Chen immediately sat up and pressed the call button his heart a little anxious. Oh, he knew that his baby would never betray him but he couldn¡¯t trust those handsome faces.


    ¡°Pick up pick up pick up,¡± he said his muscles tense.


    Zi Han who didn¡¯t expect him to call sat up straight and began to fix his hair. For some reason, he wanted to look presentable.


    Satisfied he finally picked up and said, ¡°H-hi. I thought we can only do this on-once in a while,¡± feeling a little anxious.


    ¡°Well, today is once in a while. Can... can you turn on the lights?¡± he said already aware that Zi Han was drunk as a skunk.


    How did he know? Apart from the glossy eyes and red cheeks, he appeared especially obedient.


    Zi Han didn¡¯t ask why. He just told Igneous to turn them on. Yi Chen exhaled when he saw that there was no one else. He would surely kill anyone who tried to crawl into his lover¡¯s bed. In fact, he would have taken Cetus and caught up with Han warship if he had to. He was ready to risk it all.


    He exhaled deeply his heart calming down considerably. ¡°Why are you sighing like a grandpa and why is there a unicorn suitcase over there? Am I hallucinating?¡± asked Zi Han while shyly ying with his hair.


    ¡°It¡¯s Ming Ming¡¯s. They came over. They are protesting.¡±


    Zi Han didn¡¯t bother asking what he meant by protesting. He just stared at Yi Chen with his glistening eyes and said, ¡°You are angelic.¡±


    Yi Chen, ¡°...¡±


    ¡°How much did you drink?¡± he asked trying not to look at Zi Han¡¯s bare chest.


    Zi Han chuckled while raising his hand to show his five fingers. ¡°Whateveres after this is what I had,¡± said Zi Han while wiggling his fingers, ¡°You like angel wings?¡±


    Yi Chen pursed his lips suppressing augh. He pressed record and couldn¡¯t wait to make Zi Han watch it when he was sober.


    ¡°Angel wings?¡± asked Yi Chen almost breaking down inughter.


    Zi Han pulled up the online store and began to type while saying aloud, ¡°An.Gel wi.Ngs ahh not chicken wings,¡± he said after identally clicking on rmendations.


    Yi Chen chuckled before asking, ¡°Did you drink honey water?¡±


    ¡°Uh-huh, my mom gave me some. Angel wings. Here. Chen-ge, would you wear this for me... naked?¡±


    Yi Chen, ¡°...¡±


    He was definitely hyperventting at this point. Drunk Zi Han was really something. He was so d he was the only unrted person who could see him like this.

 Chapter 375

    375 ¡°I will wear one for you...,¡±


    ¡°I will wear one for you...,¡± said Yi Chen pausing for effect while his gaze lingered on Zi Han¡¯s bare chest, ¡°if you promise to see me.¡±


    Zi Han who was already in a muddled state didn¡¯t even think about what he was agreeing to as he nodded his head.


    ¡°But... you have to take, take a picture first and then I wille to see you in person.¡±


    Yi Chen suppressed a smile while leaning forward before asking, ¡°Are you sure you can¡¯te to stay with me? I will hide you well.¡±


    He thought given how drunk Zi Han was he would get a positive answer but Zi Han was still so resolute.


    He shook his head while saying, ¡°Uh-uh. I can¡¯t. You have a whole lot of responsibilities. I don¡¯t want you to lose your job as the future Marshal. I am a part of the Bloodgarde now. I just can¡¯t leave.¡±


    Yi Chen pursed his lips feeling really down. He wanted to be the Marshal already. It was only then that he would be able to bring Zi Han home and he wouldn¡¯t care what anyone said.


    ¡°Do you get it? Do you like this one? I think this one also looks good and this one,¡± said Zi Han putting all of them on his wishlist.


    Yi Chen cupped his chin while watching Zi Han with a radiant smile. He could watch this person all day and he wouldn¡¯t feel like he had wasted time at all.


    .....


    ¡°Why are you so cute?¡± asked Yi Chen and Zi Han giggled before saying,


    ¡°No, I am not. Cute is for puppies,¡± said Zi Han and Yi Chen chuckled while pointing at the red wings,


    ¡°I like the red ones.¡±


    Zi Hanughed while saying, ¡°No silly. Angel wings aren¡¯t red. They are green.¡±


    Yi Chen, ¡°...¡±


    ¡°No they are not,¡± said Yi Chen and Zi Hanughed out loud like he had heard something funny.


    ¡°I was just messing with you. How about the grey ones? I think they suit your skin tone,¡± said Zi Han and Yi Chen was a little confused.


    ¡°Skin tone? What are you talking about?¡± he had no idea what he was on about but he loved hearing him exin things.


    ¡°It¡¯s just like something about your skin that tells you what colours that best suit you. Have u ever wondered why you always look dashing in your uniform and others look horrendous in it? It¡¯s because well, firstly you are very handsome and two that¡¯s your colour.¡±


    ¡°Okay, then grey it is. Should I be holding anything when I take the picture?¡± asked Yi Chen and Zi Han turned to look at him through the floating screen.


    ¡°No, just your naked glory is enough,¡± said Zi Han. The two of them locked gazes for a while each with their own thoughts.


    Zi Han was imagining how Yi Chen would look with thoserge wings ttering with the wind in his naked glory while Yi Chen was wishing he could touch Zi Han. He wanted to embrace him or at least feel the sensation of Zi Han hugging him. Since they couldn¡¯t see each other he could only settle for the next best thing.


    ¡°Baby are you sober enough to go on the virtual?¡± he asked with great anticipation but Zi Han shook his head.


    ¡°If I go on the virtual with my identity people might see us so no I can¡¯t put you at risk like that...,¡± he said and Yi Chen felt very sad hearing this. Zi Han was right. They couldn¡¯t do this because each virtual ount was attached to that person¡¯s identity.


    He was starting to feel downcast when Zi Han said, ¡°I will ask Lynn Feng to get me one. I probably won¡¯t look like me though in the virtual.¡±


    Yi Chen could care less right now. Zi Han could be a cat in the virtual and he would still cuddle him.


    ¡°Done... you will get it tomorrow. I sent it to the headquarters,¡± said Zi Han as the order was processed.


    Yi Chen¡¯s brow arched as he asked, ¡°Why didn¡¯t you just send it home?¡±


    ¡°Oops, I forgot. We always send our packages to the headquarters. It¡¯s because they deliver faster,¡± exined Zi Han as hey on his side.


    ¡°It¡¯s fine. That¡¯s no problem,¡± replied Yi Chen but he was still feeling a little sad knowing he couldn¡¯t touch Zi Han.


    Zi Hany with the side of his head resting on his arms as he said, ¡°You know, today I killed a bad person.¡±


    Yi Chen wanted to stop him as he was confessing to a crime to him but it was already toote. Zi Han kept talking. ¡°... He is a very bad person. I meant he was a very bad person now that he is dead. He hurt twenty something people and counting. More like the reported cases anyway. Mum said I did a very good job. I mean that guy was a scumbag....¡± Zi Han¡¯s voice got lower and lower until it was faint. Yi Chen had heard about a missing person by the surname Croft being broadcasted all over StarNet and somewhat connected the pieces.


    He cast this thought aside andy down watching Zi Han fall asleep. He looked so peaceful his eyes underneath the lids flickering a little. Yi Chen could watch him all night and that¡¯s what he nned to do.


    His fingers reached for the floating screen to touch Zi Han¡¯s face but his fingers passed right through.


    ¡°Good night... Han Han,¡± whispered Yi Chen as he pressed his index and middle finger on his lips before cing it on Zi Han¡¯s. Of course, his fingers passed right through but it made his heart feel at ease.


    This beautiful atmosphere was something out of a romantic movie with pink bubbles hovering around them. Well, that was until Ming Ming entered the room.


    ¡°You missed the rest of the movie, dage,¡± she said sulkily while Yi Youxi followed behind still upset about the chocte he never got.


    ¡°You are just like dad. You can¡¯t keep your promises. I have a belly without chocte and I am very upset,¡± said Yi Youxi but he still joined them on the bed.


    Yi Chen ended the call abruptly while asking, ¡°Then how about you tell me all about it? How did it end? Did they get the bad guy?¡±


    The two people were instantly distracted and began telling it all.


    Yi Youxi, ¡°The guy went down the tunnels.¡±


    Ming Ming, ¡°And then, and then boom. An explosive bigger than the sky happened.¡±


    Yi Youxi, ¡°The entire street was filled with purple goop.¡±


    Ming Ming, ¡°That snob got goop all over them. It was so exciting.¡±


    Yi Chen, ???

 Chapter 376

    376 Tickle torture is a thing?


    An hourter Yi Chen was lying down on the couch preparing to sleep while recalling the way his siblings reiterated the story. It was both funny and theatrical at the same time.


    He let out a light chuckle only for Yi Feng who wasn¡¯t supposed to be here anymore said, ¡°Wow, is that a smile?¡±


    Yi Chen grabbed the cushion and tossed it at him. ¡°Aren¡¯t you supposed to be gone?¡± he asked and Yi Feng hugged the pillow and replied,


    ¡°Yes, but Kiet is performing emergency surgery which I am grateful for. It gives my ass a break,¡± said Yi Feng only for Yi Chen to stare at him like he was a crazy person.


    ¡°TMI,¡± said Yi Chen only for Yi Feng to try and cover up his tracks.


    ¡°I meant I am so sad very very sad. I miss him,¡± said Yi Feng clutching his chest and getting into the act.


    ¡°I am going to tell him,¡± said Yi Chen teasing his cousin and Yi Feng almost broke down in tears.


    ¡°If you do he will tickle me half to death. That little sadist, I love him but I don¡¯t like being tickled. Oh the horror...,¡± said Yi Feng while cing the back of his hand on his forehead.


    ¡°Let me guess, he tickles your feet and in between your toes,¡± said Yi Chen as he further rxed on the couch while opening the recording of his conversation with Zi Han earlier. He couldn¡¯t wait to hear the sound of his voice again thus he took out a pair of gel-like earphones connecting them to his light brain.


    .....


    ¡°Uhh how do you know that?¡± asked Yi Feng seeming mortified. Did his cousin know about their secret room too? It was impossible but he couldn¡¯t help thinking he did.


    ¡°You forgot that we got a spa treatment after mum and auntie forced us and you kept giggling like a school girl the entire time... It was quite unsettling actually,¡± said Yi Chen recalling how he wasughing in tears begging for the unfortunate person to stop. It was a not so dignified sight.


    But instead of reacting to that, Yi Feng was stuck in the words he said. ¡°You said words,¡± said Yi Feng looking like he was in awe.


    Yi Chen, ¡°Huh?¡±


    ¡°You said words... lots of them. Are you sure you are, okay?¡±


    Yi Chen sighed before cing the earphones into his ear. ¡°Don¡¯t disturb me unless something is on fire,¡± he said but two minutester Yi Feng was hovering above him looking anxious.


    Yi Chen, ¡°...¡±


    ¡°Tell the housekeeping system to put the fire out. I am not interested,¡± said Yi Chen before going back to watch his sweetheart dozing off in the recording.


    ¡°Well, it¡¯s not that. It¡¯s this,¡± he said and he showed footage of Zi Han on a floating billboard. It was a congrattions message for him entering the Bloodgarde and it was all over the Federation.


    Everyone now knew that Zi Han was now part of the Bloodgarde and that he was likely going to take over in the future.


    Yi Chen immediately sat up and watched the video on the floating screen that was ying on StarNet. Before he could even watch the video to the end his light brain rang and when he checked it, he saw it was his father.


    He decisively ignored his father¡¯s calls. His mood was much better today and he didn¡¯t feel like engaging in anything that would dampen it.


    Yi Feng shivered when he saw who the call was from. He pointed at the light brain and asked, ¡°So you aren¡¯t going to answer that?... Wow, you are so brave. I am scared just being here to witness this. He might think I was an aplice.¡±


    Yi Chen ignored him while glueing his eyes back on the video. He didn¡¯t know what Zi Xingxi¡¯s purpose was but whatever it was it couldn¡¯t be good.


    The Marshal who had been ignored by both his wife and all his children felt very upset. He mmed the table in anger. Why couldn¡¯t they see that he was doing this for them? For their future and their protection? Why couldn¡¯t they see things his way?


    His anger boiled all night and saw no signs of receding. Thus when he saw Yi Chen the next day his anger spewed over likeva but before he could erupt he recalled that his wife and children never made it home so he was forced to y nice.


    This morning when he reached his office he saw that there was a box on his desk but it wasn¡¯t addressed to him.


    It was for his son and since he had been very controllingtely he had all of the things addressed to Yi Chen redirected to his office. He decided to use this as leverage thus he approached his son out of the training room and said, ¡°Can we talk?¡±


    Yi Chen who didn¡¯t feel like talking to him wrapped his wrist and fingers with the ck band he had just unravelled while saying, ¡°I have to go back to train. I don¡¯t have time.¡±


    ¡°You...,¡± said the Marshal at a loss for words. Yes, he was the one who had punished him with a year¡¯s worth of training to bepleted in three months but at this point, he could care less.


    He took out the box and said, ¡°I was about to open it but I decided not to. Can you talk now?¡±


    Yi Chen¡¯s eyes widened and decided from now on he should redirect his deliveries to his home.


    His anger that had been repressedtely suddenly surged suffocating him.


    ¡°You might as well tie me to yourself and take me everywhere. With you it seems I can¡¯t have any privacy,¡± said Yi Chen as he took the box from him.


    ¡°You bra-, said the Marshal stopping himself before he exploded. ¡°I am not here to fight with you though I am still mad about you not answering my callst night.¡±


    Yi Chen put away the box and said, ¡°I was sleeping.¡±


    Marshal Yi, ¡°...¡±


    They¡¯re right there. His son never lied before. Now he was so good at it that if it wasn¡¯t for Hydra noticing subtle changes in his body he would have been fooled.

 Chapter 377

    377 Li Ran and H sitting in a tree... K.I.S.S.I.N.G


    ¡°How is your mother... and, and your siblings?¡± asked Marshal Yi knowing full and well that this was one battle he could never win.


    Apart from giving his son more hours of punishment he really couldn¡¯t do anything to him now.


    Yi Chen wasn¡¯t happy with his father at all. He stood up and said, ¡°You can call her if you would like to know how they are doing.¡±


    ¡°I would do that if she was answering my calls. She has been ignoring me,¡± said Marshal Yi and Yi Chen was especially ruthless.


    ¡°Well, it seems we are both out of love. Thank you very much for making me just like you. I am probably going to die alone,¡± said Yi Chen before walking away.


    He was indeed harsh with his words. That¡¯s because he really wanted to get rid of his father and get to his room to take a picture.


    He was hoping that the sooner he takes this picture the sooner Zi Han gets to see him. ¡°Where are you going?¡± asked Marshal Yi watching him leave with aplicated gaze, ¡°aren¡¯t you continuing with training?¡±


    ¡°As long as the task is done why does it matter when it¡¯s done? Unless you need something, I will be leaving now.¡±


    The Marshal wanted to stop him but he somehow felt like it would further strain their rtionship.


    .....


    Yi Chen walked with fast and steady footsteps heading towards the quarters. He couldn¡¯t go home now because it would take him a long time to get there and secondly his house had been invaded by his wonderful family.


    Thus he could only go to his private cabin and take a bold and sexy picture. Along the way, he met H and Li Ran but he was in such a hurry that he didn¡¯t stop to chat.


    ¡°Huh.... that was odd,¡± said H watching his disappearing figure, ¡°I thought he was living in the training room these days. Poor thing.¡±


    Li Ran tsked before saying, ¡°Don¡¯t feel sorry for him. He looks like he is in a good mood.¡±


    H¡¯s lips twitched as she tried to think back to Yi Chen¡¯s face but nothing about it said good mood.


    It was so icy cold like an iceberg in the northern mountains of Loch Ness Star. The chill was so cold that she felt shivers down her spine. ¡°How do you even know that?¡± asked H curious how he could determine these cues.


    ¡°His eyes. There is a faint sparkle. Between you and me that sparkle belongs to one person. It must have something to do with that person... the one we aren¡¯t supposed to talk about,¡± said Li Ran and H¡¯s eyes sparked.


    She leaned down and asked, ¡°They are still... a thing?¡± with the fujoshi in her springing to life like spring hade.


    Li Ran smiled slyly while whispering in her ear, ¡°I will tell you if you do something for me. You know that thing that I like.¡±


    H¡¯s eyes narrowed before she grabbed his wrist and dragged him to her cabin while saying, ¡°I will only do it once. After that do not hold back otherwise....¡±


    She turned around and pointed at him with her ombre coffin nails that at this moment looked like ws.


    But instead of being terrified, Li Ran swallowed his saliva his expression bewitched. He was recalling how H would dig her nails into his back while he thrust into her. The feeling was both painful and incredibly satisfying.


    Li Ran grasped her hand and pulled her close before kissing her lips. The kiss was the least bit innocent. It was the type of kiss that had one¡¯s heart pounding hard against their chest.


    ¡°Uh, captain,¡± whispered Shorty as the three of them stared with their mouths wide open. They were supposed to go to the break room together but now it seemed like their captain was already having a coffee break. H pushed Li Ran away her cheeks flushed red like cherry tomatoes.


    ¡°I uh... you saw wrong we were we um,¡± said H feeling quite shy. She was tough but she was still so thin-skinned.


    Li Ran managed to steady himself and fixed his clothes while saying, ¡°You guys go ahead. I have some business with your captain.¡±


    Shannon pursed her lips suppressing a smile before dragging her brother and Shorty away. ¡°Please go ahead. We will see you on patrol,¡± said Shannon.


    Shorty and Shaun simultaneously said, ¡°Captain,¡± before excusing themselves.


    H was about to tell Li Ran that maybe they should do itter when her hand was suddenly pulled. By the time she came back to her senses, she was in her cabin with Li Ran pressing her against the door.


    Meanwhile, Yi Chen was looking at these massive wings his expression perplexed. What was he supposed to do with it?


    They were long, full and heavy. It almost looked like the real thing. Ran looked at it and said, ¡°Sir, I think this could work. ording to StarNet, you need to oil your muscles and a shadowy background is suggested.¡±


    Yi Chen, ¡°...¡±


    He could operate a mech andmand an entire warship but this was a little too overwhelming for him.


    ¡°You know what, I am going to take a shower first,¡± he said before getting up and walking away.


    Maybe after a long soothing shower, he would be able to figure it out and take the best and sexiest picture for his lover.


    While he was taking a long hot shower, the person he was meant to be taking a picture for was still fast asleep with the quilt on the ground.


    He had long kicked it off the bed and Igneous had to adjust the cabin temperature for him otherwise he would freeze to death. He was still wearing his boxer shorts and nothing else.


    By the time he woke up, his head was pounding and he felt sick. He rested his palm on his forehead while grunting. What happenedst night was very vague. It seemed he couldn¡¯t remember what happened. Thest thing he remembered was hiding in the closet with his mother and chocte.


    Zi Han sat up and noticed a green tonic with celery stalks in a ss. ¡°Uh, Iggy....what¡¯s that?¡± he said his voice raspy as hey back downzily.

 Chapter 378

    378 ¡°I was touching myself, okay?¡±


    ¡°Your grandfather brought it this morning but he didn¡¯t wake you up. He thought you could sleep longer,¡± said Igneous while switching the lights to natural daylight setting. They were hovering in space with the only natural lighting from a distance. It was the sun over Capital Star.


    ¡°It looks like a witch¡¯s potion. Is he trying to kill me? Iughed at himst night so he must be holding a grudge,¡± said Zi Han while burying his head under his pillow.


    Igneous almostughed hearing this. Was Zi Feiji mad about yesterday? Maybe. Would he kill him for it? Nope.


    ¡°Sir, you have to drink it. It¡¯s been sitting there for a while and it will start losing its effectiveness the longer it stays,¡± said Igneous and Zi Han was forced to sit up and drink it.


    It wasn¡¯t all bad. It was refreshing and eased his difort. It was also sweet too which was a plus.


    Zi Han finished drinking it andy back down. This time he intended to sleep longer but just as he closed his eyes, his light brain rang.


    He pulled it out and when he saw it was that unknown number he smiled happily and said, ¡°He misses me already? Aww, that¡¯s sweet.... wait why is there a delivery notification?¡±


    Igneous who knew that this man had forgotten what he didst night said, ¡°Sir, you ced an orderst night.¡±


    ¡°Huh?¡± asked Zi Han with confusion in his eyes.


    .....


    ¡°You even spoke to Yi Chen. Sir, don¡¯t you remember that?¡± it said and Zi Han tried to recall but there was no such memory in his mind.


    ¡°I remember something about wings but...,¡± said Zi Han but soon after he froze after opening Yi Chen¡¯s message. His heart was racing like a bullet train while staring at that sexy image.


    After a very long time, he whispered, ¡°What the fuck?¡±


    Igneous wanted to take a look but after the conversation, these two hadst night it couldn¡¯t be anything good.


    ¡°Wow...,¡± said Zi Han taking a casual nce at Yi Chen¡¯s chest down to his lower half which was just right there in his face begging to be touched. Everything seemed so exquisite and the wings were the ultimate essory.


    Zi Han licked his lips as he responded to the message.


    Unknown: I need more angles.


    Unknown: Like biting your lip while running your hand down your chest.


    Unknown: Also another one with your hand up like up against a door and look straight at the camera.


    Unknown: You look so hot. I really want to ride on top of you.


    Yi Chen who was receiving so many requests, ¡°...¡±


    Heughed quietly while moving his gaze away from the screen. Knowing that Zi Han would meet him soon Yi Chen followed through and send him all sorts of pictures from different angles. It was so much that Ran couldn¡¯t help butin.


    ¡°I am an expensive AI system worth half a yet I have been reduced to a photographer. Sir, please take pity on me,¡± itined but Yi Chen retorted.


    ¡°If Han Han is happy then I am happy and in turn you are happy. If I am in a good mood I can give you an upgrade.¡±


    After that Ran worked very hard and Zi Han was indeed very satisfied. He was very happy sending kissy face expressions but there was no discussion about Yu Chen¡¯s reward.


    After taking them off Yi Chen finally made a video call which Zi Han didn¡¯t answer right away. What was Zi Han doing? Well, he kind off got stimted by those scious images that he couldn¡¯t help himself.


    Because he didn¡¯t want to clean up he got into the shower and while the water was running and the image of Yi Chen floating in front of him started to engage in the most natural thing a person would do after seeing that kind of sensual image. Loud pants and groans bounced off the walls as he enjoyed himself.


    When he did pick up he had already reached his climax but he was still in the shower. The first thing Yi Chen noticed was that Zi Han was flustered he was breathing heavily and his skin was flushed.


    He sat up and asked, ¡°Baby, what were you doing just now?¡±


    Zi Han, ¡°???¡±


    ¡°No-nothing... ahem, I am taking a shower,¡± he replied but anyone who was a man could tell what he just did.


    ¡°And what else?¡± said Yi Chen before biting his lower lip his eyes as deep as the darkest abyss. He was obviously lusting over Zi Han and wanted to see what he had been doing in the shower.


    ¡°You know you shouldn¡¯t be calling me often like this. We will get caught,¡± said Zi Han and Yi Chen zoomed in with an unfazed look on his face like he didn¡¯t care.


    ¡°Baby, what were you doing just now?¡± he asked again and Zi Han who couldn¡¯t stand that scorching gaze finally relented.


    ¡°I was helping myself... I had um, I had an emergency,¡± said Zi Han but Yi Chen wanted him to say it.


    ¡°What emergency? Just tell it like is. I won¡¯t judge you,¡± said Yi Chen with a slight smile at the corner of his lips.


    Zi Han sighed and said, ¡°I was touching myself, okay? There I said it.¡±


    ¡°Are you done?¡± asked Yi Chen and Zi Han gave him an ¡®are you serious¡¯ type of look.


    ¡°If you aren¡¯t then I want to watch,¡± said Yi Chen his expression serious like he really wanted to watch him do it... in the shower.


    ¡°It¡¯s a little embarrassing. I can¡¯t...e on,¡± replied Zi Han but in truth, he felt his blood rush in excitement.


    ¡°Baby please, I have never seen you do it. I just want to see you do it,¡± said Yi Chen the same guy who would get jealous when he touched himself while they were doing it.


    Now he wanted him to do it right in front of him till he climaxed. ¡°You are so fickle, you know that?¡±


    Yi Chen smiled happily like he had already won the victory. He was about to have live sex with his lover so yes, he was very excited. There was some kind of excitement that came with it and he couldn¡¯t wait.

 Chapter 379

    379 Being freaky in the shower hehehe


    A simple warm toned cabin with a lot of figurines and colourful personal items was extremely tranquil so tranquil it could calm one¡¯s heart. But within that serene atmosphere, behind the closed bathroom door something r rated was taking shape.


    Zi Han couldn¡¯t resist the temptation so he gave Yi Chen the kind of nce that set his nerves on fire. ¡°Okay but don¡¯t make fun of me,¡± he said and Yi Chen bit his lower lip lightly before he sat up straight with an eager gaze.


    ¡°I would never do that. Baby, you look so sexy so why would I do that,¡± said Yi Chen with his palms resting on the bed behind his back.


    Zi Han adjusted Yi Chen¡¯s viewpoint and from then on things got very heated. His hand slid down his chest as water droplets trailed down his body.


    When his hand glided over his nipple Zi Han gasped his pink lips parting slightly. Yi Chen thought it would be exciting but he didn¡¯t think it would be this thrilling. His pupils shrunk as he subconsciously clutched the quilt.


    ¡°What would you like to do to me?¡± asked Zi Han and Yi Chen¡¯s eyes widened as he gulped.


    ¡°I want to kiss your lips... kiss your neck and caress your chin...,¡± whispered Yi Chen his mouth almost moving without thinking.


    Zi Han bit his lower lip his fingers raking through his hair. ¡°What else?¡± he asked and Yi Chen came closer and whispered,


    ¡°I want to bite your lip with my arm wrapped around your waist. I want to pull you close and dig my fingers up your back.¡±


    .....


    Zi Han was a little surprised that Yi Chen was very good at expressing himself in this area. His words and his voice got him in so much heat that his breath was scorching.


    ¡°With my lips on yours, my hand will slide down and touch your member and...,¡± said Yi Chen and the bathroom door was suddenly knocked.


    Zi Han, ¡°???¡±


    ¡°Sweety, you have been sleeping for so long you must be hungry. Come out... grandpa made you something special,¡± yelled Zi Xingxi standing outside the bathroom door, ¡°I put your clothes on the bed.¡±


    ¡°Shit,¡± swore Zi Han his expression disgruntled.


    ¡°Just ignore it. Let¡¯s continue,¡± said Yi Chen worried that Zi Han would take a step back.


    ¡°My mum is right outside. Are you crazy?¡± whispered Zi Han and Yi Chen replied,


    ¡°Give it a second. She will be gone.¡±


    ¡°Why are you so proactive today?¡± asked Zi Han only for the door to get knocked on again.


    ¡°Han Han, hurry up. Your grandpa is really snippy today. Oh and who are you talking to in there?¡± she said and Zi Han¡¯s heart almost dropped.


    ¡°Bye,¡± he mouthed before cutting the call.


    ¡°Wait, wait, wait... damn it,¡± said Yi Chen when the call ended abruptly. Hey back down with a heavy sigh in frustration. His lower half wasn¡¯t too pleased either. He was obviously hungry but he was stuck with freaking blue balls.


    Yi Chen grabbed his pillow and grunted while suffocating himself with it. He was extremely frustrated at this point.


    When he remembered that he hadn¡¯t yet talked about meeting up, Yi Chen sat up and began to write a message.


    Unknown: You owe me.


    As soon as the message went through Ran asked, ¡°Sir... so how about that upgrade.¡±


    Yi Chen, ¡°...¡±


    ¡°I will think about it. You can take a break now,¡± he said before hey back down again and reached into his shorts to take care of business.


    In front of him was the recording of the video call they had just had had earlier. Zi Han didn¡¯t even need to touch his key parts to get Yi Chen¡¯s engine revving. Just the way he was touching his chest as his muscles rose and fell was enough to entice him.


    His breathing turned heavy as his hand stroked his hardness. Images of him pressing Zi Han down and kissing his soft lips shed in his mind. He began to call out Zi Han¡¯s name sweetly his voice raspy and deep as he approached the pinnacle of his ecstasy.


    Meanwhile, Zi Han quickly washed up and as he got out of the shower, he almost tripped while grabbing the bath towel. When he saw the message on the floating screen his heart jolted. ¡°What does he mean I owe him?¡± asked Zi Han out loud only for his mother¡¯s voice toe through the door again.


    ¡°Are you okay in there? You haven¡¯t said a word,¡± said Zi Xingxi and Zi Han answered back,


    ¡°I will be right out. AH! Shit.¡±


    Zi Xingxi had a sneaky suspicion that he fell but what could she do? He was a klutz. Why he fell. Well, it was obvious. It was because Yi Chen had sent another message. It read,


    Unknown: Don¡¯t ghost me now. You promised we will meet.


    So yes, he swore and fell. He also appeared distracted while he was eating. The entire time he was in a daze wondering how he could actually meet up with Yi Chen. What excuse could he use? He had already dered that he would leave the past behind and look on to the great future in the Bloodgarde.


    He needed a really good reason to leave otherwise if his mother found out where he was going she might not approve.


    Zi Xingxi sipped on her juice while observing him carefully. She could tell that his mind was somewhere deep in space. She still wanted to know who he was talking to in that bathroom. Her eyes narrowed as she watched him even closer.


    ¡°You seem... distracted,¡± she said and Zi Han turned to look at her with a puzzled look on his face.


    ¡°Huh?¡± he asked and his grandfather chuckled finding his expression amusing.


    ¡°What are you scheming in that little brain of yours?¡± she asked and Zi Han quickly went on the defence.


    ¡°Psst... what scheming? I am not scheming. You are the one scheming... What? No... no schemes here. Grandpa this rice is so delicious. Did you make this? It¡¯s so so good,¡± he said tripping on his words.


    Grandpa Zi knew he was being used as an excuse and wouldn¡¯t give his grandson a pass more especially after the stunt he pulledst night.

 Chapter 380

    380 Zi Han is getting a new boyfriend??


    ¡°It¡¯s stir fried tomato and egg rice. I also know it¡¯s very delicious so don¡¯t use it as a scapegoat. Answer your mother¡¯s question. What are you scheming?¡± said Zi Feiji with his brow arched. He seemed to be very pleased with himself having thrown his grandson under the bus.


    ¡°Why are you like this? Grandpa, you have changed. You used to love me,¡± said Zi Han seeming very aggrieved.


    Normally Zi Feiji would fall for that sad puppy face but this time he was very heartless. ¡°You did that to yourselfst night when you helped your mother win against me. You are dealing with the consequences of your own actions.¡±


    Zi Han, ¡°...¡±


    Having thought of a reasonable excuse Zi Han got up and filled up his mother¡¯s ss while saying, ¡°Mum.... you know I love you, right?¡±


    Zi Xingxi, ¡°...¡±


    Oh, she knew he was up to no good. Despite knowing fully well that this was a trap she still found herself lured into it. Zi Han leaned against the counter and said, ¡°You know I have been very heartbrokentely, right?... I decided that since I want to move on, I need to heal internally so I thought maybe I could go out and meet up with someone new. Someone I met online... so.¡±


    Zi Xingxi was ready to agree to whatever request he had. Her baby had just joined the Bloodgarde so yes, she felt like spoiling him a little. But after hearing what he said she seemed to have a change of heart.


    ¡°You just broke up with Yi Chen now you want to run off with some stranger?¡± she said with a wtf expression stered on her face.


    .....


    Based on her husband¡¯s character their son should be just like him. She knew he was going to have a very difficult time moving on from Yi Chen but this son of hers was even whispering in the bathroom with someone nning meet ups or hook ups or whatever.


    ¡°Is love so cheap to you? You can¡¯t just move on right after a breakup,¡± she said and Zi Han¡¯s brow creased finding it very amusing.


    ¡°What do you mean? I thought you don¡¯t like Yi Chen,¡± said Zi Han and Zi Xingxi who was already ready to erupt swallowed back her words. Did she dislike Yi Chen? Yes. Was she defending him? Nope?


    She was just mad at her son for being so fickle.


    ¡°I don¡¯t like him neither do I care for him but you shouldn¡¯t too be fickle. It¡¯s unlike you,¡± she said only for Zi Feiji to clear his throat.


    He rubbed his throat like it was painful before saying, ¡°Han Han, grandpa¡¯s throat is a little ufortable. Can you get me some warm water... please,¡± he said and Zi Han was really concerned for him and didn¡¯t see this as his grandfather¡¯s way to get rid of him as he hurried away.


    As soon as he was far enough Zi Feiji leaned closer to his daughter and said, ¡°What do you think you are doing? The sooner he moves on the better. I want him to be happy but there is no way I am letting him get wronged by that fuckin Marshal ever again. He beat your son. Even you have never hit him.¡±


    ¡°Well... I have hit him once... okay fine thrice with my slipper... and a pillow,¡± she replied recalling how she chased him with a slipper once and flung it.


    She intended to scare him letting it hit a wall but it smacked him upside his head and she felt guilty about that. The way he looked back at her at that time was kind of funny though. It was as though he was in disbelief. He couldn¡¯t believe that the slippernded urately on his head. For the next four days, he red at her like she was a monster that had possessed his mother.


    ¡°Okay fine you have hit him before but that fucker broke his hand. I am not letting that Chen kid anywhere near him in the future unless he renounces his ancestors and his ancestors¡¯ ancestors and takes up the name Lin instead,¡± said Zi Feiji looking like a warrior ready to charge into battle.


    ¡°So if he wants to move on you better freaking agree. Understood?¡±


    ¡°Understood what?¡± asked Zi Han standing behind the two people whispering loudly.


    Grandpa Zi jolted a little surprised his grandson could even sneak up on him. ¡°Why are you sneaking up on this old man? Do you know that my heart is very weak?¡± said Zi Feiji and Zi Xingxi almost rolled her eyes.


    Her father¡¯s heart was so strong that he could even outlive them both yet here he was ying that card because of his age.


    Zi Han ced the cup in front of his grandfather while exposing him. ¡°I thought you said your throat was ufortable. It sounds fine to me,¡± he said with a nk expression like he wasn¡¯t exposing him just now.


    While these two were bickering in the background, Zi Xingxi suddenly thought it through and her father was right. If Zi Han could find happiness in another person then wouldn¡¯t that be great? Her father was right. The only way she would ever let her son get back together with Yi Chen was if he denounces the Yi family name and disassociates with the Marshal.


    It¡¯s only then she could feelfortable with them being together again. Since that was never going to happen then it would be a good thing if her son moves on.


    ¡°I will let you go out there and mingle but it has to be within the Bloodgarde. You can go on blind dates and see which of the boys you would click with,¡± she said and Zi Han¡¯s jaw dropped.


    How did she decide that from his one request to go out? He frantically waved his hands and said, ¡°No no no. I will do it myself. Why do you have to get involved in this?¡±


    ¡°I didn¡¯t say you should date them. I am just saying you can go hang out with the boys within the Bloodgarde. We have plenty of fun, loving and caring young men on the list. I am sure one of them will catch your fancy,¡± she said before standing up and continuing, ¡°it¡¯s been settled. My baby is getting a new boyfriend.¡±


    Zi Han, ¡°Fk...¡±


    Yi Chen felt a very ominous premonition in his dreams while he was napping which woke him up. Something very very bad was about to happen.

 Chapter 381

    381 ¡®Love is blind¡¯ Too blind.


    ¡°Ma, that¡¯s not... that¡¯s not what I meant. Ma! Ma! Ma!¡± yelled Zi Han but his words only fell on deaf ears.


    Five hourster Zi Han was standing stiffly on the bridge of the warship, his shoulders slumped while his mother handed him a mission package.


    ¡°... After what we discussed earlier on I realised that it would be great if you pair up with Raya on his mission,¡± she said her eyes glistening under the luminous light sparkling like she had won the lottery.


    ¡°Ma,¡± called out Zi Han while rubbing the bridge of his nose. He couldn¡¯t believe she would actually think this was a great idea.


    ¡°He is the same age as you. He is hands-... no he is good looking and he is one of the best new recruits. Top tier highly efficient assassin,¡± she said pausing mid-sentence when she realised handsome wasn¡¯t the best word to use especially when Zi Han had been exposed to that divinely handsome face belonging to Yi Chen every single day.


    After that kind of exposure Zi Han¡¯s eyes couldn¡¯t be saved. He had be immune to other people¡¯s good looks. He would see everyone through a filter with Yi Chen¡¯s face being the most radiant.


    AN: Or maybe he is confirming the phrase ¡®love is blind¡¯ Too blind.


    ¡°Ma, what happened to you saying that I can make my own choice and that it is my life?¡± asked Zi Han a little irritable.


    Zi Xingxi flicked Zi Han¡¯s forehead with a gleeful smile. ¡°Yes, you make your own choices but I am just giving you options. The decision is all yours. Just amuse this olddy okay?¡±


    .....


    Zi Han, ¡°...¡±


    ¡°What olddy? You are obviously still so young,¡±ined Zi Han but the truth is it was a tactic. All he had to do waspliment his mother and like frost melting under the first light of spring, Zi Xingxi would cave in.


    As expected her eyes beamed and her mouth turned very sweet. ¡°Aww, thank you, baby. I think my new face cream is working,¡± she said while patting her cheek.


    ¡°Wah, which face cream is it? Can I try it?¡± asked Zi Han when he realised he had finally hooked her.


    ¡°It¡¯s called youthful glow. How young do you think I look?¡± asked Zi Xingxi getting closer only for Zi Feiji to pinch her arm.


    She drew in a breath of cold air beforeing back to her senses. ¡°He is ying you. Don¡¯t forget the objective,¡± said Zi Feiji and Zi Han pouted his lips looking wronged. His grandfather could really hold a grudge. ¡°Oh right...,¡± said Zi Xingxi before leaning closer to him and whispering, ¡°did you really mean it?¡±


    ¡°Xixi!¡± yelled Zi Feiji and Zi Xingxi finally became serious.


    Lynn Feng who was watching this show from the side suppressed augh while pulling up the files. With these kinds of people, she would never get bored with her job.


    ¡°This time the case is rtively simple. It¡¯s Raya¡¯s mission but you will partner with him and take them all out,¡± said Zi Xingxi and Lynn Feng zoomed on an image and said,


    ¡°This is the MVP of the mission.¡±


    ¡°You can clean house but this person right here is the priority target,¡± said Zi Xingxi referring to a bald headed man with a beard so thick it had braids in it.


    ¡°He looks like a Viking with no hair. It¡¯s funny, that¡¯s what they call him,¡± said Zi Han while reading the files.


    ¡°Human... trafficking. Okay, I will take care of it,¡± he said Zi Xingxi immediately responded,


    ¡°Not I but we. Raya is waiting for you in the fifth district. After yoau are done there is a bar with our seal. He will take you there and you guys can have a drink,¡± said Zi Xingxi and Zi Han almost rolled his eyes.


    He pretended to agree. In truth, he was going to ditch this Raya person and go find his sweetheart. This n was indeed wless.


    An hourter Zi Han was at the top of a building under the darkness of night watching the shadows from afar.


    ¡°What a nice day to y outside,¡± he said and Secretary K responded through themunication channel,


    ¡°I am here as backup. If anything happens let me know.¡±


    Zi Han nodded his head before saying, ¡°I understand. Time to fly.¡±


    Secretary K opened his mouth to say something but before he could even make a sound Zi Han had leapt off the roof.


    Secretary K, ¡°...¡±


    Zi Han¡¯s feetnded lightly on the ground with Igneous already packed away. He could see a familiar person standing atop the building waiting for him.


    The young man smiled while stretching out his hand, ¡°Hello, I am Ra-,¡± but his lips were suddenly covered by a hand preventing him from talking.


    ¡°Shh,¡± whispered Zi Han while slowly crouching down with him before pointing at a pair of lovers through the skylight.


    The pair were armed and probably worked for Viking. Zi Han pulled up a floating screen checking theyout of the building and how many people were nearby when he felt a heated gaze boring into his skin.


    ¡°What are you looking at? Do I have something on my face?¡± He mouthed... and Raya looked away a little embarrassed. Zi Han couldn¡¯t clearly see his face in the dark but he could see the tip of his ear that was red.


    He suddenly didn¡¯t want to waste any more time. He gestured with his hand to go down before taking out a small device and stering it on the window pane.


    He pulled out a rope from it and then slipped in through the open skylight window panel. The rope automatically lowered him down.


    Raya followed suit but before his feet could even touch the ground, Zi Han had already taken a dagger from the side of his boot and stabbed the side of the man¡¯s neck.


    The woman who was immersed in the kiss suddenly felt the person in her arms stiffen. She opened her blurry eyes. She was startled to see a ck masked person standing behind the person she was making out with and the man was staring at her all wide-eyed with a dagger sticking out his neck.


    Before she could even react Zi Han shed her neck. A thin line of blood began to seep out on her neck. She wanted to press on the wound and possibly stop it from bleeding but she found that she could not raise her hand. She was paralyzed.


    Raya tacitly looked for a closet to ce the bodies in. They didn¡¯t want the rest of the armed guards to be alerted of their intrusion before getting to that Viking person.

 Chapter 382

    382 Zi Han killing perverts


    Raya broke the biometric scan to the closet door while Zi Han nced down the corridor.


    He took two brown vials and said, ¡°If you see him first use this poison on him. Lace it in your bullets or dagger. Even if he is injured he will die instantly. Lynn Feng will be turning the power off in a minute so make use of your night vision.¡±


    Zi Han said so much but Raya didn¡¯t say anything. He had been briefed on how this was going to go down already. Since this was his first solo task he knew he would have a senior apanying him.


    What he didn¡¯t realise was that that senior would turn out to be their leader¡¯s son. He would be lying if said he wasn¡¯t excited. Just like Zi Xingxi, Zi Han was equally as impressive and ruthless.


    Zi Han drew his weapon and attached the silencer before asking, ¡°Are you ready?¡±


    Raya smiled but because he was wearing a mask like Zi Han¡¯s no one could see how bright it was.


    ¡°Yes,¡± he replied and Zi Han took the lead. Following the map floating in front of his mask, he waved his hand and made a silent gesture.


    The two of them pressed their backs against the wall and as soon the personing from the room next to them exited, Raya choked the man strangling him to death before opening the room door again and tossing his body inside.


    ¡°Looking good boys,¡± said Lynn Feng as she watched them passing through the cameras she was controlling.


    .....


    Zi Han looked up at the camera and raised his hands above his head forming a heart shape.


    Lynn Feng chuckled while Zi Xingxi reprimanded him. ¡°Stop messing around and pay attention,¡± she said with her fingers resting on her chin.


    ¡°Maybe I should have gone with him,¡± she said after muting themunication device.


    ¡°So you can be a third wheel? Sooner orter he will be taking solo missions so stop butting in,¡± said Zi Feiji.


    Zi Xingxi knew he was right but she couldn¡¯t help but feel anxious.


    Meanwhile, Secretary K who was in the building across with a sniper rifle spoke to Lynn Feng asking, ¡°How about me?¡±


    Lynn Feng zoomed in on Viking¡¯s location and replied absentmindedly, ¡°What about you?¡±


    ¡°Don¡¯t I look good too?¡± asked Secretary K.


    Lynn Feng, ¡°...¡±


    ¡°Why is it always apetition with you? You are constantly looking for praise,¡± said Lynn Feng.


    Zi Han who had just pulled the trigger shooting a guard who was harassing a young girl chuckled and while whispering, ¡°Aiyo and here I thought auntie Lynn was the love expert.¡±


    Lynn Feng, ¡°...¡±


    The girl screamed when the man¡¯s body tumbled on top of her. Her face turned ghastly white with fright as the blood from the man began to seep down into her mouth.


    Raya injected her with something and she instantly passed out. Zi Han pulled the big man off the girl before moving on.


    They managed to eliminate three more men before reaching Viking¡¯s location. The man was inside his indoor pool with a young woman serving him with her mouth.


    Just when he was about to shoot his load in her mouth the cold chill of the weapon touched his temple making him tremble involuntarily.


    He seemed unfazed as he said in a croaky voice, ¡°Let me finish first.¡±


    Zi Han smirked slyly before the quirk at the corner of his lips fell. He raised his hand and bam, he struck the man¡¯s temple.


    Viking fell over the pool chair causing the topless woman to fall to the ground as she screamed.


    She seemed to have sprained her ankle or something because he was holding it with her eyes turning. Raya instinctively moved to help her but Zi Han pointed the muzzle towards her and smiled.


    Viking saw this and slight panic shed in his eyes. However fleeting it was, Zi Han saw it. Viking got up in his naked glory with his meat stick dangling for all to see and said, ¡°You are here for me aren¡¯t you?¡± he said his ascent that of slums of district ten in the neighbourhood Zi Han grew up.


    ¡°The Bloodgarde and I had a deal. I provide cheaper medical supplies to the slums and pay five per cent of my profits to the orphanages now you want to break the deal and kill me?¡± said Viking trying to take a discreet step and shield the young woman.


    Zi Han shrugged his shoulder before saying, ¡°But the deal didn¡¯t involve human cargo and all that changed when you,¡± while slowly turning his weapon towards her again, ¡°took in the queen Jezebel over here. You broke the code the moment you took her in after we brought down her operations and put a bounty on her head. Not only that but you took on her blueprint and allowed her to regrow her empire under your organization.¡±


    Raya, who didn¡¯t get briefed on this information was a little surprised. He was beginning to think that maybe Zi Han had made a mistake. That young woman looked pitiful and scared.


    The young woman got up pulled out the moon-shaped hairpin from her hair that was half tied up and touched the back of Viking¡¯s neck with a delicate finger.


    As she did this, the weak appearance she had on vanished as she gazed at Zi Han with a burning gaze. She kissed the side of the Viking¡¯s neck her eyes staring deep into Zi Han¡¯s soul.


    Raya finally saw it and he was a little stunned. If it had been him alone on this mission he might have been fooled.


    The so-called Jezebel suddenly stabbed into Viking¡¯s neck with that hairpin and Zi Han did nothing to stop her. The man¡¯s eyes widened in shock as the blood flowed down his shoulder and naked chest.


    The young woman tilted his head up with the tips of her fingers while whispering into his ear, ¡°Your usefulness has expired.¡± She kissed his cheek tenderly like she was so broken-hearted about it but her fiery gaze never left Zi Han.


    She kicked him into the pool with a loud ssh. The clear blue pool suddenly had clouds of deep red floating slowly once the water had settled slightly.


    ¡°I was a victim. Look at my scars,¡± she said spreading her arms apart to show deep and shallow scars inflicted on her body like she had survived tremendous torture.


    Zi Han couldn¡¯t even sympathize with her. The worst criminal is a victim that turns around and victimises others.


    ¡°Wait, how did he know that the queen of hearts was there?¡± asked Zi Xingxi a little surprised. She began to sift through all the files but there was nothing. What she didn¡¯t realise was that Zi Han had been going through all their archives and learning about every person they had dealt with from the rat in the sewers to the dragon soaring high in the sky. He knew it all.

 Chapter 383

    383 Meeting the devil¡¯s son


    ¡°... it seems Han Han has a new name for her. Jezebel suits her better,¡± said Lynn Feng finding all this quite amusing.


    ¡°Your son has a neck for this,¡± said Zi Feiji as he crossed his arms around his chest in awe. He couldn¡¯t figure out how Zi Han came to that conclusion so fast.


    Zi Han who had the entire bridge vexed wasn¡¯t done with this Jezebel. He ordered her to put on a top and sit down.


    The woman smiled evilly as she sat down on the sun lounger her eyes glued on Zi Han like he was some sort of meal that she wanted to devour him.


    She obviously didn¡¯t listen to him because she didn¡¯t put her bikini top on. She just sat there with her blossoming bosom for them to see. ¡°I am feeling a little flustered seeing that I just killed my abuser,¡± she said and Zi Han found that very hard to believe.


    She had been a victim at first and was even rescued by the Bloodgarde the days his mother took over. When the Bloodgarde helped victims of trafficking they would provide them with a way to reintegrate into society.


    They would provide free training in whatever field they were interested in and a monthly stipend. When the training waspleted they would be provided with a job and a ce to stay. The Bloodgarde wouldn¡¯t be involved directly in this matter but the organization they were affiliated to. This woman known as the queen of hearts was rescued by the Bloodgarde and assisted to get back on her feet.


    But instead of making something of her life and living honestly, she put herself back in the very same situation. She was abused again by whatever golden master she was with but she realised at this point that she was a masochist.


    She indulged in the abuse and thrived in it. She used her gold master¡¯s connections and money to grow an borate trafficking ring. After that, she became known as the queen of hearts. She was known to have any type of woman or man for any type of client.


    .....


    Well, that is until the Bloodgarde shut her operations down. Somehow she slipped right under their fingers and burrowed into Viking¡¯s circle. She roped him into the business of trafficking and Viking¡¯s operation shifted from the agreement he had with the Bloodgarde.


    Now he was dead and she was sitting there eyeing Zi Han while showing off her tits. One word to describe her is looney.


    ¡°Check if Viking is dead. We need confirmation of death uploaded in the system,¡± said Zi Han and Raya nodded his head before pulling Viking out of the water.


    ¡°Wow, so bossy. I am now in the market for a new man. Why don¡¯t you take off your mask and show me whatever you look like?¡± she said only for Zi Han to ignore her asking an entirely different question.


    ¡°Don¡¯t waste my time. I have other things to do. I want to know where you keep all the men and women? I also need details on who supplies you with these people and shipment routes. I want everything,¡± said Zi Han but the womanughed while flipping her hair coquettishly.


    ¡°Aha, and you think I am going to tell you that for free? Let me see your face and I will tell you everything you want to know,¡± she said with her hand resting on her chin her eyes beaming.


    She was drawn to strong men and loved giving them the illusion that they were in control. She would let them do whatever they want with her as long as it didn¡¯t touch her bottom line and when she was done with them she would move on thus the fate of Viking over here.


    Zi Han raised his handgun and with a loud bang he shot a hole in the floor near her feet. Raya was startled but she wasn¡¯t. She was just dying to see the face hidden behind the mask.


    ¡°The next one will go into your leg,¡± he said his voice domineering and deep.


    The way he carried himself and handled that handgun was elegant and graceful like it was an extension of himself. She was truly intrigued by this noble son.


    ¡°Oh, I have been shot so many times. I can handle it,¡± she said and Zi Han¡¯s brow arched a little surprised.


    Since that wasn¡¯t going to work he decided to find her light brain instead. There was no point in talking to her. Since she was also on the Bloodgarde¡¯s hit list he decided to just kill her. It was no use speaking to her.


    She could recognize that look thus she smirked while saying, ¡°You think you don¡¯t need me anyway so you want to kill me. Fine, go ahead... but I have to tell you something.¡±


    ¡°I have a shipment in transit with about fifty people and if the driver doesn¡¯t hear from me then he will dispose of that shipment. Yes, sure you can find more information on all my brothels and rest houses but that shipment... You won¡¯t be able to find them without me.¡±


    Zi Han¡¯s heart lurched hearing this. He turned to themunication channel and asked, ¡°How do I deal with this?¡±


    Zi Xingxi¡¯s brow creased as Lynn Feng pulled out a file about this woman. Zi Xingxi knew that it was very difficult to deal with a masochist. If you torture them they might even enjoy the pain. Of course, Zi Han could torture her above her limits but Zi Xingxi didn¡¯t want her son to be involved with that pervert.


    ¡°Zoom in on her history,¡± said Zi Xingxi and her eyes brightened having found this woman¡¯s trigger.


    ¡°Han Han mention her grandfather. That will set her off,¡± said Zi Xingxi and Zi Han tapped the side of his ear and the mask vanished. He thought this task would be rtively easy. Viking was already dead but now he had to deal with the crazy.


    The young woman¡¯s eyes sparkled when she saw his face. But after careful scrutiny, she started to see a very familiar face. The smile on her face fell when she realised she had met the devil¡¯s son.


    ¡°Shit!¡± She swore while wondering why she even bothered. She should have run while she still could.

 Chapter 384

    384 Contacting that special someone


    Zi Han could sense the change in her attitude. It seemed this woman had dealt with his mother before.


    ¡°She knows that you are my son. You better be careful,¡± said Zi Xingxi recalling how she beat the shit out of that young woman because she had leveraged people¡¯s lives as well so she could be set free.


    Zi Xingxi couldn¡¯t tolerate her nonsense thus she beat her ass up. This masochist couldn¡¯t take it. She gave up the information real quick. After that experience, she was obviously afraid of Zi Xingxi.


    Zi Han showed a sinister grin as he sat opposite her. ¡°Your grandfather must be so proud to see where you are now. He raised you didn¡¯t h-,¡± he said only for her to re at him like she wanted to skin him alive while interrupting him,


    ¡°Don¡¯t you fucking dare talk about my grandfather. He has nothing to do with this,¡± her hands trembling. She grabbed her bikini top and slid it on her attitude having taken a three hundred and sixty three degree turn.


    ¡°If he was here he would be extremely proud of you, right? Her little Lean Lean has grown up to be this wonderful and kind woman,¡± said Zi Han and when her real name, a name her grandfather alone called out came out of his mouth she couldn¡¯t take it anymore.


    She yelled, ¡°What do you fuckin want?¡±


    ¡°I want you to tell me where that shipment is. That¡¯s it,¡± replied Zi Han.


    Lean averted her gaze and said, ¡°Then you will kill me, right? I know how you people from the Bloodgarde operate. You go against everyw in the federation.¡±


    .....


    Zi Han wasn¡¯t really interested in her BS. He had a boyfriend he had to meet up with so he said, ¡°You already know what¡¯s going to happen so what¡¯s the point of not telling me what I need to know? You have already wronged so many people. You might as well do something good for someone before you die.¡±


    Lean opened her mouth to say something only for the door to open and a guard entered the pool room. He was startled more especially when he saw his boss lying on the ground his face ashen.


    When he met Zi Han¡¯s eyes he panicked and turned to run out only for Zi Han to point his gun at him and shoot him.


    Lean took that opportunity and ran. She rushed over towards the nearest door but Zi Han was faster. He caught up with her and hooked her neck in a choke hold before mming her onto the floor.


    He drew his weapon and without any consideration, he shot her cleanly through the head.


    After that, he walked back a few steps while apologizing. ¡°I am sorry, I was afraid she will slip away,¡± said Zi Han gently hitting his temple with the grip of his handgun.


    Zi Xingxiforted him, ¡°It¡¯s fine. Lynn Feng will find those people. Just be on the lookout, shit is about to go down.¡±


    Zi Han got himself together while Raya checked her vitals to confirm she was dead. Soon after that sounds of hordes of people rushing over to the pool room ripped through the air. Zi Han tapped on the side of his ear and the ck mask covered his face.


    He turned to Raya and asked, ¡°Lights off?¡±


    Raya nodded his head and said, ¡°Yes.¡±


    Zi Han made an okay gesture to the camera while he drew his weapon. He drew his weapon and took the lead. The men and women rushing over to the pool room suddenly fell into darkness. That was when the real panic set in.


    They had never expected something like this would happen. Now there were in the dark with no idea who their enemy was.


    Because Zi Han and Raya could see in the dark they turned that building into a one-sided blood bath. There was some friendly fire among the criminals.


    A series of lights shed through the windows lighting up the darkness. Secretary K who had his finger on the trigger was starting to get very anxious. He was ready to pull the trigger at a moment¡¯s notice.


    He wiped his forehead which was glistening with sweat while asking, ¡°Ma¡¯am, should I send in back up?¡±


    Zi Xingxi was pinching her lips and she was obviously worried but her words didn¡¯t reflect that. ¡°Give him ten minutes. If he is not out then... you can send in everyone,¡± she said.


    Four minutester Zi Han finally spoke.


    ¡°We found a bunch of people in the basement and they seem to be in a bad shape,¡± he said while shining the light on the group of people cowering in fright.


    He took out some candy and water handing it over to Raya. He wasn¡¯t sure when was thest time these people ate or drank something. When they brought in new people this was the ce they arrived to first and got broken before they are sent out to the other branches.


    This meant these people had been through so much torment and one could see it in their listless eyes.


    Raya took the water and candy pieces and distributed them while Zi Han continued, ¡°You can send people in... I think we are done with this.¡±


    Watching these people suffer so much made Zi Han¡¯s heart hurt. He couldn¡¯t understand why someone would make people suffer like this. Why do to others what they wouldn¡¯t want others to do to them? He suddenly felt like he made the right decision to join the Bloodgarde. This way he could truly help people. The people who really needed his help.


    Zi Xingxi showed a slight smile while saying, ¡°I am proud of you. You did good.¡±


    Zi Han pursed his lips before saying, ¡°I wish I hade sooner. At least now they can regain their freedom.¡±


    Lynn Feng didn¡¯t want to cut in on their conversation but she had no choice. She pulled up footage from all cameras that caught the vehicles driving in and out of that building for the past couple of days.


    Afterbing through all the trucks she said, ¡°I think she might have lied about the shipment. The people Han Han found in the basement were herst batch of people. ording to past records, she brings in a group and breaks them down emotionally and psychologically before sending them to the brothels. She never takes two groups at the same time.¡±


    ¡°So it was self-preservation,¡± said Zi Xingxi.


    ¡°Most likely but I am still searching,¡± replied Lynn Feng.


    While these two were conversing Zi Han had already walked out. The moment a group of armed guards walked in he was already on his light brain getting in contact with someone special.


    That someone special had been looking forward to this very moment for a very long time. The only problem was that his mother was like a hawk. She wasn¡¯t going to let him roam around by himself. She stuck Raya on him like white on rice.

 Chapter 385

    385 The mysterious great auntie


    ¡°... Don¡¯t give me that face. You need to get along with everyone in the Bloodgarde and the best ce to start is the drunken beagle,¡± said Zi Xingxi scolding her son who was about to slip away into the grass like a snake.


    ¡°The what? Who the fuck named it that?¡± asked Zi Han his expression very very unwilling.


    Zi Feiji and Zi Xingxi nced at each other and didn¡¯t want to talk about it. ¡°Why is that important? Just follow Raya and have some fun. Isn¡¯t he cute?¡± said Zi Xingxi and Zi Han took a fleeting nce at Raya standing there with his gorgeous shoulder-length hair in a half-up style while smiling at him.


    Zi Han gritted his teeth and moved a few feet away before asking, ¡°Don¡¯t try and change the subject. What was that look? That look you two gave each other?¡±


    ¡°Nothing, psst nothing. Have fun yah,¡± said Zi Feiji before leaning towards Zi Xingxi and whispering, ¡°She is going to eat him up.¡±


    ¡°That¡¯s for sure,¡± replied Zi Xingxi her shoulders trembling suppressing augh.


    ¡°What do you mean to eat me up? Who is going to...,¡± he said only for Zi Xingxi to mute him.


    ¡°We aren¡¯t too cruel, right? We should have at least warned him,¡± said Zi Feiji recalling his very very distant cousin. She was family but she was that family that everyone doesn¡¯t look forward to meeting. This is why they never mentioned her. Now Zi Han was about to fall in her clutches and these two didn¡¯t warn him in advance.


    ¡°You didn¡¯t warn me so why should I warn him? You have grown soft old man. Oh, I am still mad about that. She cut my hair. She kept snipping and snipping until I had to cut it all off. She was like, ¡®oh little Xixi your hair is too long. I can cut it for you. Don¡¯t worry I am certified to do hair.¡¯ Certified to do hair, where? I walked around like G.I. Jane for the next month. You do not want to see this face bald.¡±


    .....


    Zi Feiji, ¡°...¡±


    He wanted to tell her that it didn¡¯t look that bad but it most definitely looked very bad on her. Some women are goddesses with bald heads but Zi Xingxi, well, not so much. Thus he kept his mouth shut.


    ¡°I was so bald that if I wore a poncho I would look like a fucking broken condom,¡± she said and Lynn Feng couldn¡¯t help but snicker.


    It¡¯s a good thing she was roasting herself.


    Zi Han who finally figured out that he had been muted grunted feeling a little frustrated. The entire way to the drunken beagle he was leaning against the window watching the lights moving by outside. He impatiently tapped his thigh waiting for Yi Chen¡¯s response. Forgive him for being impatient, he had shaved his legs for this.


    Raya misunderstood his impatience for reluctance to go to a bar thus he suggested going elsewhere. ¡°How about we go elsewhere? Like maybe the spherical gardens?¡± asked Raya only for secretary K to respond,


    ¡°No, the madam said you have to go to the drunken beagle.¡±


    Zi Han, ¡°...¡±


    He slumped into his seat looking like he was resisting the urge to jump out of this hovercar. While he was sighing his light brain which had been silent suddenly buzzed. His listless eyes suddenly became lively as he sat up and swiped it open.


    A slight quirk appeared at the corner of his lips but it vanished as fast as it came to hide his excitement. Zi Han opened the message and read it with the light reflecting in his bright eyes.


    Unknown: Where are you?


    Zi Han was very quick to respond.


    Unknown2: I am on my way to the Drunken beagle.


    Unknown2: Do you know where that is?


    Zi Han waited for a very short time before his light brain was buzzing again. He pressed his lips together trying to mask the smile creeping up on him.


    Unknown: I wille to get you.


    That was a great idea but Zi Han didn¡¯t want the future Marshal to walk right into a bar well-known for hosting Bloodgarde members. That would make for a good headline on StarNet. It was the type of news people would be very interested in.


    Unknown2: No no no. Wait for me two blocks away and I wille to you.


    Unknown2: Be discreet.


    Yi Chen who was already walking down the hall to the elevator chuckled while reading this. He was unhappy about being separated from Zi Han but at the same time, he was thrilled sneaking around like this. It was exciting in a good way.


    He entered the elevator and decided to pass by his home first so he could pick up their sons, thing one and thing two as well as the watch he wanted to give back to him.


    He was so distracted that he didn¡¯t notice his father following behind him. He didn¡¯t even notice him at all. It was only after his father spoke when the elevator was already heading down did he notice his presence.


    ¡°You seem to be in a good mood,¡± said the Marshal but Yi Chen didn¡¯t say anything. He just looked straight ahead with the fluffy cushy aura from before all but vanished. He was as steely cold like the snow cap mountains of Loch Ness star.


    Marshal Yi was used to it. This wasn¡¯t the first time his son was so mad. This was just the longest time he had been mad at him and from the looks of it, there was no coaxing him.


    ¡°Something good happened?¡± asked the Marshal. This time Yi Chen did respond but soon he was regretting even asking him that question.


    ¡°Why are you asking? Is it so that you can ruin it too,¡± said Yi Chen and that indeed shut the Marshal up for a while.


    ¡°What is your mother making for dinner?¡± he asked only for Yi Chen to retort once more,


    ¡°You should ask her. She is your wife... At least you still have a wife.¡±


    After he said this the elevator door opened and Yi Chen stepped out taking the icy chill along with him.


    Evan¡¯s father standing behind the Marshal said, ¡°He is really holding a grudge, isn¡¯t he?¡±


    ¡°This is only the beginning. Wait until he starts being very petty,¡± replied the Marshal while watching Yi Chen¡¯s disappearing figure.

 Chapter 386

    386 Zi Han getting micro bangs


    The Marshal was right. Yi Chen was petty as fuck and he had already made ns on how to get back at his father. It¡¯s just that now his mind was focused on seeing Zi Han.


    Meanwhile, Zi Han had arrived at the drunken beagle and he finally understood the look those two were giving each other. They set him up for sure.


    From the moment one entered the drunken beagle they would notice someone in particr. Not because she was big, tall and strong... nope. She was super short and like a stick of dynamite, she was packing.


    She was in the midst of tossing a full-grown man outside the bar. After she was done she dusted her hands and said, ¡°If I see you in here again. I will cut you... I will cut you real good.¡±


    Zi Han, ¡°...¡±


    She was about the height of Zi Han¡¯s waist and she had a mean look on her face. She noticed the three and said, ¡°Xixi what are you staring at? Stop standing there and get inside.¡±


    Zi Han, ¡°...¡±


    He knew he looked like his mother but no one would mistake them. He was a man for heaven¡¯s sake.


    ¡°I am not Xixi... I am her son,¡± he said following behind only for the woman to turn around, climb up a chair and clutch his cor before pulling him close as though to confirm his words.


    .....


    After staring at him for a very long time her eyes brightened as she pulled him into her embrace almost choking him. ¡°Little Hanifa is all grown up. Oh, how cute. You finally came to see this olddy,¡± she said and Zi Han who had no idea he had another rtive was almost strangled half to death.


    ¡°Sec, secretary K... he-help,¡± he said struggling to breathe but Secretary K pretended like he was deaf.


    Three people one shouldn¡¯t offend. Zi Xingxi would be the first followed by Zi Feiji and this person right here was the third. If you offend her she would hold a grudge so bad that it would follow you to your grave.


    So yes, he cowered. He liked his life as it was. Zi Han couldn¡¯t believe he had been deserted. ¡°You traitor,¡± he whispered his eye twitching. Secretary K turned away his heart a little shaken. Just now he got super terrified by that look in Zi Han¡¯s eyes. He had a feeling that in the near future Zi Han¡¯s name would be the first of the top three names.


    Lucky for Zi Han this woman didn¡¯t intend to strangle him to death. She let him go and right after that she touched Zi Han¡¯s hair.


    ¡°Ha... who cut your hair? It¡¯s... so uneven. What kind of cut is this?¡± she asked.


    Zi Han whose hair had been cut by his mother, ¡°...¡±


    ¡°Let this great aunt fix it for you. How do you feel about micro bangs? I will cut them this short,¡± she said and Zi Han¡¯s eyes widened. There was no way he was letting this woman touch his hair, well,... any longer than she already had.


    ¡°Young sir, this is your great aunt Hyun. She is your grandfather¡¯s distant cousin,¡± said Secretary K finally introducing the two.


    ¡°Howe I didn¡¯t know I had a great aunt?¡± whispered Zi Han only for the woman to scrunch her brows before saying,


    ¡°Because your grandfather is jealous of me. He was stuck with the organization while I live a carefree life so yep, very jealous,¡± she said with a proud look on her face, ¡°he was probably afraid that you want to walk in your great auntie¡¯s steps ande bartend for me.¡±


    Zi Han, ¡°...¡±


    Now he knew why he didn¡¯t know about her. She was delusional. If she was in charge of the Bloodgarde she would run it the same way she was running the drunken beagle with a rough iron fist. She might even start a war.


    ¡°Do you want me to teach you how to mix a mean cocktail?¡± she said but before Zi Han could even respond another person started making trouble.


    She got off the chair and stomped over to the drunk bastard yelling obscenities. Raya who had gone to look for a ce to seat came back and said, ¡°Senior, I found a ce to sit. Follow me.¡±


    Zi Han, who didn¡¯t want to sit subconsciously turned to leave only for him to bump into Secretary K.


    He looked up while rubbing his forehead and asked, ¡°How tall are you?¡±


    Secretary K leaned down and whispered, ¡°Young sir, please bear with it. Hang out here for at least thirty minutes then I can help you slip away. Just treat it as though hanging out with a new friend.¡±


    Zi Han grunted before turning around with a very stiff smile. ¡°Sure, let¡¯s um... let¡¯s hang out for a bit,¡± he said and walked back.


    The two sat down together but they seemed so distant. It was obvious one was being pushed into this while the other was genuinely interested to know this icon. Raya didn¡¯t even know this was a blind date or anything of that sort. He was told to get to know Zi Han because the young sir was looking for new friends. He did think it was weird though that they asked him what his preferences were.


    Haha, new friend. Wait until his current friend hears about that.


    ¡°So how did it feel to assassinate the prime min-,¡± he asked trying to look for amon subject that could loosen the tense atmosphere between them but Zi Han interrupted him before he could even finish the sentence.


    ¡°I am going to the bathroom,¡± he said as he got up abruptly.


    Raya arched his brow before asking, ¡°Wait, before you go... what would you like to drink?¡±


    Zi Han who had just suffered a major hangover replied, ¡°Lemon water with ice... I will be right back.¡±


    After saying that he left for the back of the bar only to bump into his great auntie. ¡°Oh, little Hanifa,¡± she said only for Zi Han to correct her.


    ¡°It¡¯s Han... just Han not Hanifa.¡±


    ¡°Huh? I thought your father wanted you to be named Hanifa. I guess I was wrong. So, how about that haircut?¡±


    Zi Han, ¡°...¡±


    What was this woman¡¯s obsession with cutting hair? His hair was fine plus his mother would kill him if anyone messed with it.


    Zi Han bent his back forward and bit his lips his knees pressed together pretending like he was about to pee himself. ¡°Great auntie, I have to use the little boys¡¯ room. Please excuse me but Secretary K¡¯s hair is a hot mess. I think he needs a haircut,¡± he said before dashing past her. He didn¡¯t feel guilty at all throwing Secretary K under the bus. That would teach him a lesson, a lesson he would never forget.

 Chapter 387

    387 ¡°How about we be friends?¡±


    Zi Han honestly thought it would be very easy to escape this ce but he was very wrong. It seemed this so-called great auntie of his made sure her bar only had one entrance and one exit which wasn¡¯t up to code in case of fire emergencies.


    Zi Han stood on top of the toilet and looked outside but the window was too small even for him. It looked like the only person who might fit would be a toddler.


    ¡°Damnit,¡± he swore before getting down. He push the stall door open and said, ¡°Iggy, how am I supposed to get out of here?¡±


    ¡°Through the front door,¡± said Igneous and Zi Han replied,


    ¡°I wish it was that simple.¡±


    Zi Han reached the booth Raya was sitting at and sat down in a careless manner as he sighed. He took a casual nce at secretary K and saw that he was sitting in one of the booths his expression gloomy like he had withstood a great tribtion. That¡¯s because his perfect hair was being butchered by the butcher. As expected this woman¡¯s license was probably bought or something because she couldn¡¯t cut hair even if it was to save her life.


    Zi Han stuck out his tongue at Secretary K but the man didn¡¯t react at all. He remained gloomy with a thick grey cloud hovering above his head clearly expressing his mood.


    Zi Han heard the person sitting next to him chuckle. ¡°You are so cute,¡± said Raya and Zi Han¡¯s eyes widened.


    ¡°I am not cute. Cute is for puppies,¡± he said with a humph.


    .....


    Rayaughed and said, ¡°You are so funny. I can¡¯t even tell you are the same person who put those people in their ce. You are as cute as a button and deadly at the same time. So cool.¡±


    Zi Han, ¡°...¡±


    ¡°You can say that but I still won¡¯t be interested,¡± said Zi Han and Raya was a little surprised.


    ¡°What do you mean? You aren¡¯t interested in being my friend?¡± he asked and Zi Han narrowed his eyes a little puzzled. Wait did he know this was like a blind date? From the looks of it, he might not know.


    ¡°You do realise this was meant to be a blind date, right?¡± he asked and Raya¡¯s eyes widened. He couldn¡¯t believe it.


    He had no idea this was a setup but in truth, he did find Zi Han very attractive. He was an entire package. Tall, handsome with eyes so enchanting they could snatch someone¡¯s soul. His voice, his humour, his everything was to Raya¡¯s liking. He thought knowing this icon wouldn¡¯t be so bad but it turns out this was a blind date.


    Raya rested his chin on his elbow while looking at Zi Han and said, ¡°Really? How fascinating. It seems your mother is as controlling as mine.¡±


    Zi Han who did think his mother had gone too far still couldn¡¯t trash talk her behind her back thus he said, ¡°It¡¯s not like that. She is just looking out for me.¡±


    Raya leaned back and said, ¡°They say that but it¡¯s still messed up. My mother set me with a girl despite me telling her my preferences. At least your mother listens to you. She at least got the gender right.¡±


    ¡°Well, she did... but,¡± he said only to stop talking when his light brain buzzed. Zi Han took a look and when he saw the images Yi Chen sent to him he pressed his lips into a thin line suppressing a smile.


    ¡°What? Is it something good?¡± asked Raya noticing that smile he was trying to conceal from the world. This was the second time he had seen that smile.


    ¡°It¡¯s nothing. Just my friend sending a couple of pictures,¡± said Zi Han while typing a response.


    Unknown2: Give me twenty more minutes and I will slip away.


    Unknown2: The windows are too small and there is only one entrance.


    Zi Han finished typing and nced at secretary K. Twenty minutes was too long for him. He just wanted to leave now. He had been waiting so long to see his angel with wings.


    Unknown: The food will get cold.


    Unknown: What are you doing there anyway?


    Zi Han was about to respond when Raya asked, ¡°You seem to have friends already. I mean each time you look at your light brain you seem so happy.¡±


    Zi Han who was indeed happy said, ¡°I did have a lot of friends but after the whole incident I didn¡¯t dare link up with them because I don¡¯t want them to get into trouble. But I kept one friend and I am trying to meet up with him.¡±


    Raya shrugged his lips but he felt a little stuffy inside. Even if this was nothing like a blind date he thought Zi Han would at least give him some attention and give them the opportunity to develop some sort of friendship considering that they would be interacting more than he interacts with his old friends.


    Raya¡¯s smile was a little stiff as he responded, ¡°I can help you slip away. If that¡¯s what you want.¡±


    Zi Han¡¯s eyes beamed. He asked, ¡°Really? Then will you tell my mother that we hung out the entire time and that you don¡¯t like me?¡±


    Raya licked his lips as he leaned back in his chair. He suggested it but he didn¡¯t really think Zi Han would take him up on that offer. ¡°What about Secretary K? Won¡¯t he tattle on you?¡± he asked but Zi Han smirked while ncing at Secretary K.


    ¡°Oh, he won¡¯t say shit,¡± he said while ncing at that butchered head of hair.


    Secretary K felt shivers down his spine when he met those eyes. How can he be terrified of a little man half his age?


    Zi Han was so frightening. ¡°I can tell her that under one condition,¡± said Raya and Zi Han nced at him wondering what he could possibly ask for in return.


    ¡°Which is?¡± he asked and Raya tapped his chin as though thinking.


    ¡°How about we be friends? Today¡¯s mission was amazing and I would love to do more of those with you,¡± he said and his words were spoken from the heart. From this little interaction, he knew that he wanted to hang out more with this icon. Who knows, maybe they could be friends, really nice friends.

 Chapter 388

    388 Ohhh someone is jealous


    Zi Han didn¡¯t mind that. What was one more friend, right? It seemed that Zi Han needed some advice from girls. Girls know that if a guy tries to ask you out and fails or if they already see you won¡¯t be an easy target they resort to saying, ¡®Maybe I can be your friend?¡¯


    That¡¯s because a direct route would have failed and they would be seeking another long route that can at least guarantee a favourable result thus unless interested it¡¯s best to reject that offer.


    Zi Han was clueless of course. He simply nodded his head while reading Yi Chen¡¯s message.


    Unknown: Are you ignoring me?


    Zi Han suddenly felt panicked. He got distracted just now trying toe to an agreement with Raya thus he didn¡¯t reply quickly enough.


    Unknown2: I told you. I am at the drunken beagle on a blind date.


    Yi Chen who had been two blocks over waiting for Zi Han read this and his heart sank. What blind date? He did mention the drunken beagle just not the blind date. Yi Chen felt like he was stabbed right in the gut. His heart which had just somewhat mended snapped into pieces and that darkness from before began to consume him.


    It was the very same darkness that one tries to hide from their family when they get home. They put on a poker face when they get home knowing full well they are dying inside from the excruciating pain.


    But when the lights go off, they would lose theirposure while crying into a soft pillow trying to keep their breathing even, afraid that someone else would hear them.


    .....


    Yi Chen drowned in the same feeling and it didn¡¯t feel good at all. It was invading his heart and lungs affecting his breathing. His eyes which were beaming just now instantly became dull.


    The demon inside of him stiffened up and his eyes shed with a morbid feeling that was very difficult to discern. He got into the hovercar and drove over to the drunken beagle. His light brain kept buzzing but he didn¡¯t care to check it.


    He hadpletely lost his rationality at this point and his mind was clouded by a dark fog which meant he couldn¡¯t think straight.


    Zi Han understood how his message could be misunderstood thus he sent several other messages exining himself. They were indeed delivered but they weren¡¯t read. Zi Han was getting a little anxious thus he decided to leave and find Yi Chen. At this point, he could care less. If anyone tried to stop him he would just kick their ass. Of course, his mother woulde after himter but he could deal with the consequences then.


    Just as Zi Han was about to leave the door was suddenly opened and a tall figure with an overbearing aura walked in. The entire drunken beagle fell silent and nced in the direction of the door.


    Everyone who was anyone in the Bloodgarde knew exactly who that was but what he was doing here was a mystery. From the look on his face, he was most definitely here to pick a fight and the patriots in the bar wouldn¡¯t shy away from it.


    Tensions between the army and the Bloodgarde were extremely hightely and it was getting worse by the day. Now the future leader of the military just waltzed into the bar with no backup at all.


    Zi Han had one foot out of the booth and he was about to leave when he met Yi Chen¡¯s fiery gaze.


    ¡°Oh shit,¡± he swore under his breath. This was very unexpected. How does one deal with this kind of situation? Yi Chen probably thought that the top of his head was very green right now (being cheated on a.k.a wearing a green hat).


    Yi Chen walked over to him in two strides but his path was suddenly blocked as the men and women in this bar drew their guns and aimed them at him.


    Hyun snapped her finger and one of the bartenders brought over a bar stool. She climbed on it and pointed at him with her pocket knife. With a click, it opened and she said,


    ¡°Take one more step and I swear I will cut you. I will gut you like a fish.¡±


    Yi Chen was still furious his chest rising and falling rapidly. He nced at Zi Han his expression tranting to ¡®are you going to fix this or should I?¡¯


    Zi Han snapped out of his trance and got up while saying, ¡°Everybody stand down. He is a... friend.¡±


    ¡°A friend?¡± said Yi Chen who wasn¡¯t too happy about being demoted to friend status after so many years of dating.


    ¡°Friend... ha,¡± said Raya but boy, was he on cloud nine. Handsome men were raining down from the sky today. Zi Han was a total hunk and this guy... this guy was a yes yes yes a million times yes.


    He suddenly touched his hot cheeks trying to cool himself down. Was he being too greedy simping over two guys at once?


    AN: If you ask me, I don¡¯t me him. Hehe...


    ¡°Fiance, not friend,¡± said Yi Chen through gritted teeth.


    ¡°Oh, everybody stand down. He is family,¡± said Hyun and everyone withdrew their weapons.


    They would like to know how their leader¡¯s son hooked up with the future Marshal but it was none of their business anyway. It was Zi Xingxi¡¯s business.


    Hyun patted his cheek and said, ¡°Wee to the family. Your hair is too long though. I will give you a haircut.¡±


    After Hyun left Zi Han opened his mouth to exin but Raya had to speak first.


    ¡°Han-ge, aren¡¯t you going to introduce us?¡± said Raya showing googly eyes at Yi Chen but Yi Chen didn¡¯t even notice that. He was more concerned about what he called Zi Han.


    ¡°What did you just call him?¡± he asked his aura a hundred times more terrifying than usual.


    Raya, ¡°...¡±


    ¡°I dare you to repeat it,¡± he said his foot moving forward. To be honest he looked like he was ready to beat the shit out of him.


    Zi Han had to stand in front of him to calm him down but of course, that was misunderstood.


    ¡°Baby, calm down,¡± said Zi Han and Yi Chen ran with it.


    ¡°What? So now you are protecting him?¡± he said trying to move around and get to that long-haired hippy.


    Zi Han, ¡°...¡±


    ¡°I am not protecting him. I am trying to calm you down. Did you even read any of my messages?¡± he said only for Yi Chen to pick him up and haul him over his shoulder.


    ¡°If you so much as look at him again I will gouge your eyes out,¡± said Yi Chen before knocking over the ss on the table and spilling it on Raya¡¯s pants.


    After that, he walked right out of the bar with his bride and nobody stopped him.


    Zi Han, ¡°What the fuck just happened?¡±

 Chapter 389

    389 Joyful reunion!!!


    Zi Han, ¡°What the fuck just happened?¡±


    Well, what just happened is that his boyfriend was a very very jealous and possessive person. In that state, his rationality would be tossed out the window. His IQ would instantly go offline and he would do very stupid things.


    A perfect example would be now. He came into this bar well known for hosting mostly Bloodgarde members without concealing himself. This meant that his moment of recklessness was captured by passersby who didn¡¯t have any ill intentions.


    The couple had been taking a midnight stroll hand in hand when they saw the future Marshal carrying a boy over his shoulder. Because of this bar, this neighbourhood was very safe. That¡¯s because it was under the protection of the Bloodgarde so they could walk at any time, day or night and still feel safe.


    They had taken such romantic strolls a couple of times before but who would have thought this time they would witness such an amazing scene?


    They couldn¡¯t resist taking a picture. Meanwhile, Zi Han was trying to talk some sense into Yi Chen or at least trying to convince him to put him down.


    ¡°Uh Chen-ge, please put me down. I will follow you willingly. There is really no need to carry me like this,¡± said Zi Han trying to wiggle off Yi Chen¡¯s shoulder.


    Yi Chen was still very much upset that everything Zi Han said would enter one ear ande out the other. He couldn¡¯t help the feeling. In fact, it was slowly seeping into his bones taking root further muddling his mind.


    This is why he wanted everyone to know. This was why he was all for announcing their rtionship to the entire federation regardless of the consequences. That way people would stay away from his lover.


    .....


    The hovercar doors unlocked and Yi Chen finally set Zi Han down. Zi Han exhaled deeply while fixing his clothes. ¡°I feel nauseous. Hanging upside down is not fun at all,¡± he muttered only for Yi Chen¡¯s hands to m on the frame of the car with a loud bang sandwiching Zi Han in between.


    Zi Han instinctively moved back. His spine pressed against the cool surface of the frame of the hovercar. The chill spread through his clothes to his entire back making him shiver slightly.


    ¡°What are y-,¡± he said only for his lips to be sealed into a domineering kiss that gave off the illusion of being suppressed yet at the same time being pampered.


    Zi Han was keenly aware of their environment so he couldn¡¯t let himself partake in this divine kiss even though he was desperate for it.


    He ced his warm hand on Yi Chen¡¯s chest and pushed him away. Yi Chen was extremely reluctant.


    After being pushed back he leaned forward again and sucked on Zi Han¡¯s lip his scorching breath spraying all over Zi Han¡¯s face making his cheeks numb. Like an addict breaking sobriety after years of longing his defences had copsed and he couldn¡¯t help himself.


    Zi Han pushed him away again and moved his face away. Yi Chen¡¯s face turned gloomy and like a wolf pup that had been rejected his ears drooped feeling wronged.


    He knew Zi Han needed some space and the most logical thing to do was to move his feet back but he found that his feet wouldn¡¯t listen to him. They remained rooted on the spot as he panted softly with the tip of his nose rubbing against Zi Han¡¯s forehead.


    Zi Han¡¯s rationality was slowly slipping away. It was as though Yi Chen was releasing an intoxicating pheromone luring him into a trap. He could feel himself getting drawn closer to his special person even more. He subconsciously leaned a little closer till his chest was lightly brushing against Yi Chen¡¯s.


    He could feel the soft movements of Yi Chen¡¯s muscles under the fabric as they pressed against each other. His hand slid down and touched those muscles which seemed to have be firmer since theyst met. His fingers dug into his skin through the fabric gently caressing the ridges and curves underneath that shirt. Slowly but surely he was falling for that spell but when he heard Yi Chen let out a deep groan, Zi Han knew he had to let him go.


    Zi Han whispered into his ear, ¡°Not here... how about you take me somewhere private.¡±


    When Zi Han¡¯s breath brushed against his skin his ear instantly turned red as a tingly sensation spread to all his limbs. Yi Chen kissed Zi Han¡¯s forehead and nodded his head seeming very docile.


    The hovercar door opened and Zi Han turned to sit inside. When he saw that juicy peach Yi Chen couldn¡¯t resist the urge to p it. His hands felt so itchy that he went for it.


    With a dull ¡®Pa¡¯ sound he smacked Zi Han¡¯s cheeks while biting his lower lip slightly. ¡°Ah... hey. This is private property,¡± said Zi Han as he rubbed his ass while hiding it from Yi Chen.


    ¡°Sure, keep telling yourself that,¡± said Yi Chen as he sat next to Zi Han. He drove here but there was no way he was driving back.


    He ced Zi Han¡¯s leg over his and ced his hand on his waist while saying, ¡°Ran, engage the self-driving system. Drive to the coordinates I mentioned earlier.¡±


    ¡°Yes sir,¡± replied Ran and the hovercar drove off leaving behind a blushing couple.


    ¡°Is it just me or that was hot,¡± she asked and her boyfriend shook his head while saying,


    ¡°Nah, it¡¯s just you. You are a little pervert, baby.¡±


    She smiled gleefully her legs jumpy like an excited toddler as she said, ¡°Then I will share it with my circle of perverts on StarNet. This information is too good to keep to oneself.¡±


    While she said this she was reying the video she took just now and her face grew hotter and hotter. She had no idea why she found two men kissing and flirting revved her engine. She couldn¡¯t help herself.

 Chapter 390

    390 ¡°I have something else for you to y with...¡±


    Her boyfriend pulled up her hoodie covering her head from the biting chill while saying, ¡°I really don¡¯t think it¡¯s a good idea.¡±


    The girl raised her head and looked him dead in the eyes before asking, ¡°Do you want to getid tonight or not?¡±


    The man stared at her all wide-eyed with a stupefied expression. ¡°Huh?¡± he asked feeling like his ears had heard wrong.


    ¡°I will even let you do that thing you like,¡± she said and her boyfriend¡¯s face lit up like a Christmas tree.


    ¡°Really?¡± he asked and she lowered her head replying,


    ¡°Yah as long as you let me upload it.¡±


    Welp, he surely didn¡¯t interfere after that. If his baby wanted to post things then he wouldn¡¯t butt in especially when the reward was that hefty.


    ***


    The pair of lovebirds had no idea that their saucy pictures of them were already circting in a small group. Yi Chen was busy showing his dissatisfaction while Zi Han was trying to appease him. Who knew appeasing Yi Chen was exhausting?


    .....


    AN: Says the one who holds grudges.


    ¡°It wasn¡¯t really a blind date blind date. You are overthinking it,¡± he said but Yi Chen wasn¡¯t buying it.


    ¡°But it was a blind date. That¡¯s what you said to me. Baby, are you trying to kill me? Is that it?¡± said Yi Chen slowly luring Zi Han into his trap.


    ¡°My heart ached when I read that. My entire world copsed when I read that. Why do you like to hurt me?¡±


    Zi Han, ¡°...¡±


    ¡°Uh uh, I am sorry. I shouldn¡¯t have gone. I was wrong, okay. I was really wrong. I only love you now don¡¯t be mad,¡± said Zi Han stroking Yi Chen¡¯s hair.


    His hand slid down and caressed Yi Chen¡¯s cheek down to his chin before pinching it gently and pulling him closer. Zi Han reached over to kiss his lips but just as his lips were touching Yi Chen¡¯s the person moved his face away hence Zi Han could only kiss the corner of his lips.


    Zi Han rubbed Yi Chen¡¯s chin and tried to coax him gently. ¡°What can I do to make you happy?¡± he asked his tone indulgent and very patient. Considering that in Yi Chen¡¯s eyes he had given him a green hat he decided to do anything he could to put a smile on his face.


    Yi Chen lowered his head burying it in Zi Han¡¯s chest while whispering, ¡°You even pushed me away while we were kissing. I haven¡¯t seen you for so long and you didn¡¯t even want to hug me. Baby, do you know how much I missed you?¡± said Yi Chen ying that emotional card really well.


    Zi Han felt terrible. If it was him and he had caught Yi Chen on a ¡®quote on quote¡¯ blind date, he would have lost his shit already. In fact, Yi Chen was handling it better than he would.


    The wan expression on his face was suddenly reced by a look of puzzlement. That¡¯s because Yi Chen had found his way towards his nipple and through the fabric, he began to tease it with his tongue.


    Zi Han, ¡°WTF!!¡±


    ¡°You... Chen-ge... ah what. What are you doing,¡± he said trying to free himself from the shackles of this leech.


    ¡°Baby... fuck... Wait wait wait. Not here,¡± said Zi Han struggling to wiggle out of his arms but Yi Chen only got more enthusiastic. He pressed Zi Han down on the seat and pulled up his t-shirt while saying,


    ¡°You asked me what I wanted and now I know what I want. You need to take responsibility and mend my fragile heart.¡±


    Zi Han wanted tough but Yi Chen had on that poker face while saying such words thus he suppressed his smile while pushing his hand against his chest before he was stripped naked.


    ¡°Okay, we can. Just, just park somewhere. It¡¯s not safe doing it like this,¡± he said and a slight quirk showed at the corner of Yi Chen¡¯s lips before he ordered Ran to find a parking ce.


    This was one of his fantasies. He always wanted to press Zi Han down on the car seat and do unmentionable things to him. There was no better time than now to act out his fantasies.


    While Ran was looking for a ce to park, the little Nimsel that had been dozing off in its crate woke up and when it saw Zi Han, it couldn¡¯t help but squeak in excitement.


    Zi Han took the opportunity to slip away and picked up the little guy who looked like he had put on some weight.


    ¡°Oh, my baby. Who is Daddy¡¯s favourite? Who is Daddy¡¯s favourite?¡± said Zi Han while rubbing the little fluff ball¡¯s belly with his finger.


    ¡°Wee wee wee,¡± squeaked the little Nimsel ying with daddy Han.


    ¡°Yes you are, yes you are Daddy¡¯s favourite,¡± said Zi Han while intimately rubbing his face on the fluff ball his eyes beaming.


    Yi Chen, ¡°...¡±


    ¡°We should definitely not get children,¡± he murmured already imagining a very stiffpetition. This little fluff ball just had to show up and mess up his ns.


    ¡°Isn¡¯t he cute? My baby is so cute. Where is your brother? Go get your brother,¡± he said and the little guy squeaked before jumping out of Zi Han¡¯s hand and running over to the crate to get Mr Twiggles.


    As soon as it got inside it suddenly had a very bad premonition. A chill ran down its spine and with a tter the crate door closed, locked by its jealous father.


    Zi Han, ¡°...¡±


    ¡°We need to discuss grown-up stuff so he can¡¯t be out here. I will put on his favourite show and some snacks so we won¡¯t be disturbed. Plus Mr Twiggles will keep himpany,¡± said Yi Chen honestly believing he did nothing wrong. The little guy¡¯s crate was like a little mansion.


    Hell, it was even living it up better than barbie. It was more luxurious than whenpared to Barbie¡¯s dream house. As expected the little Nimsel went silent immediately. He had already forgotten his good old dad watching some cartoons.


    ¡°But I miss him so much. Can¡¯t you let me y with him a little longer?¡± asked Zi Han pouting.


    Yi Chen grinned slyly like he was up to no good making Zi Han shiver involuntarily. He hugged Zi Han and said, ¡°I have something else for you to y with.¡±


    Zi Han, (QAQ)


    He had jumped straight into that one.

 Chapter 391

    391 NSFW.... you have been warned hehehe


    Zi Han had never seen this side of Yi Chen before. Yes, he would have special requests here and there. They could do it in the kitchen, the bathroom and in front of the ceiling to floor windows high up in the sky. But this hovercar thing was new. There was enough space to do stuff but...


    Yi Chen sat next to him with his arms leisurely resting on the backrest of the seat while staring at him with a burning gaze.


    Zi Han smiled while flicking his fingers yfully. He bit his inner lip and asked, ¡°What?¡±


    Yi Chen licked his lower lip lightly before saying, ¡°Come sit here,¡± while patting his thigh.


    Zi Han nced down at Yi Chen¡¯s pants and his brow arched when he saw that tent pitched on his crotch. His lower half suddenly felt very itchy.


    He got up and sat on Yi Chen¡¯sp with his legs spread apart. He wrapped his fingers at the back of Yi Chen¡¯s neck and lowered his head kissing his forehead.


    ¡°I love you and no matter where I am I can only belong to you so don¡¯t be upset, okay?¡± whispered Zi Han his lips lightly brushing against Yi Chen¡¯s skin.


    Yi Chen felt hot where his skin had been touched by Zi Han¡¯s lips. The warmth spread down his face leaving a lingering tingly sensation.


    He grasped Zi Han¡¯s waist tightly as he kissed and sucked on his neck making the man sitting on hisp gasp. Zi Han elongated his neck allowing his lover to kiss him some more.


    .....


    The temperature in the hovercar seemed to grow hotter as the two of them engaged in something they hadn¡¯t done in a long while.


    They had separated for so long but their bodies naturally knew what to do and how to respond like two pieces of a puzzle finallyplete.


    Zi Han groaned as that tongue glided on his skin spreading a chill down his spine. Yi Chen¡¯s hands lowered down from Zi Han¡¯s waist and grasped Zi Han¡¯s butt with no scruples. He squeezed them gently while drawing Zi Han closer. When Zi Han moved his inner thigh rubbed against Yi Chen¡¯s hard member.


    ¡°Aah baby... I missed you so much,¡± whispered Yi Chen in a husky low voice melting Zi Han¡¯s heart.


    Yi Chen raised his head slightly and kissed Zi Han¡¯s lips with slight urgency. He raised his hand and ced it at the back of Zi Han¡¯s neck deepening the kiss. His tongue explored the inside of Zi Han¡¯s mouth caressing his most sensitive spots.


    Zi Han¡¯s entire body softened his breath shallow from the breathtaking kiss. The touch of Yi Chen¡¯s lips on his unleashed a pleasure so intense that his member couldn¡¯t help but harden.


    He writhed his waist grinding his lower half on Yi Chen¡¯s igniting the sparks between them. He gently bit Yi Chen¡¯s bottom lip before releasing hin. He rested his forehead on Yi Chen¡¯s and looked him straight into his eyes.


    His breathing was heavy, Yi Chen leaned forward trying to kiss Zi Han¡¯s lips but before he could touch him, Zi Han pushed him pressing him against the seat.


    ¡°Baby....,¡± he whispered his voice raspy but soon he fell silent. His grievances didn¡¯tst long. That¡¯s because Zi Han began to tenderly kiss Yi Chen¡¯s neck, biting and sucking his skin leaving behind bright red hickeys as though marking his territory.


    His hands weren¡¯t idle. They were rubbing that hard member hidden underneath the fabric. Yi Chen closed hus eyes and let out a contented groan as he stroked Zi Han¡¯s back. He could feel Zi Han sliding down his legs and he subconsciously spread them apart and lowered his sitting posture preparing for what wasing.


    The sound of a zipper being opened sounded and Zi Han suddenly felt like it was a little too quiet. Once he pleasures Yi Chen he would be making much more noise than that this thus he picked the most sensual and slow song to y in the background creating the perfect atmosphere.


    Yi Chen wanted to open his eyes and check what Zi Han was doing but when that warmth wrapped around his member he couldn¡¯t think straight anymore.


    He ced his hand on the back of his head while his hand stroked Zi Han¡¯s hair. Short and quick breaths filled the hovercar as Zi Han moved his head up and down that shaft pampering his lover¡¯s hard member.


    Yi Chen leaned his head back even more as his fingers caressed Zi Han¡¯s hair with a little more force.


    ¡°Ahh just like that... mmm fuck,¡± he whispered as Zi Han sucked the tip of his cock.


    He opened his blurry eyes and gazed at Zi Han¡¯s slightly flushed face. Zi Han pulled his cock out of his mouth with a long string of saliva attached between the head of that impressive cock and his lower lip like the red thread of fate.


    Yi Chen leaned forward and pinched Zi Han¡¯s chin before kissing his lips fiercely. Zi Han was caught off guard by that overbearing kiss that he forgot to breathe for a moment. He was kissed until he was breathless. When Yi Chen let him go his heart was trembling in excitement.


    He didn¡¯t realise how much he missed Yi Chen until now. He missed him so much that thinking of the separationter he couldn¡¯t help but feel reluctant.


    ¡°Chen-ge...,¡± he whispered with his hands slipping underneath Yi Chen¡¯s t-shirt.


    Yi Chen stroked his cheek as he answer, ¡°En.¡±


    ¡°I am hungry,¡± whispered Zi Han his fingers pressing down on the toned muscles. He turned his head slightly and touched Yi Chen¡¯s hand that was resting on his cheek.


    He parted his lover¡¯s fingers and swallowed the man¡¯s middle finger into his mouth sucking on it. Yi Chen¡¯s obsidian eyes deepened as he responded, ¡°Then let me feed you.¡±


    Zi Han let go of Yi Chen¡¯s finger and with a conniving smile, he turned to the throbbing member twitching in front of him as though begging to be indulged.


    Zi Han enveloped the shaft with his hand his thumb resting at the tip. Their gazes locked together as Zi Han teasingly rubbed the opening on the tip of his lover¡¯s cock.


    Yi Chen¡¯s head leaned back subconsciously and he gasped in pleasure his muscles tense like he had been electrified.

 Chapter 392

    392 NSFW...Beware of dancing cars


    Zi Han smiled happily seeing him like this. Oh, how he missed that look on his face. He teased the tip of his cock with his warm tongue and Yi Chen¡¯s hip jerked from the thrill.


    Zi Han lowered his head and slowly slid Yi Chen¡¯s cock into his mouth until the tip hit the back of his throat. Yi Chen¡¯s lips parted as he gasped thrusting into Zi Han¡¯s mouth. His nerves were screaming in pleasure his mind muddled as he partook in this amazing feeling.


    It didn¡¯t take long for him to give in. An inexplicable pressure was mounting in his lower half threatening to burst forth. He pressed Zi Han¡¯s head down and murmured, ¡°I am almost there... uh fuck ah...¡±


    He let go of Zi Han and withdrew from his mouth but Zi Han was stubborn. He let him cum into his mouth and when that sweet milk filled him Zi Han didn¡¯t hesitate to swallow it down like he was eating some divine meal.


    As he caught his breath Yi Chen nced down and saw Zi Han licking his lips with an unfathomable smile. He looked like a hungry beast that wasn¡¯t satiated.


    Yi Chen rubbed some conspicuous fluid off Zi Han¡¯s face with his thumb and ced it into Zi Han¡¯s mouth for him to suck on it. Zi Han obediently sucked on Yi Chen¡¯s thumb his gaze stered on his face.


    ¡°Are you satiated?¡± he asked and Zi Han shook his head no. Of course, he wasn¡¯t satiated. He could care less where they were. He just wanted to be fucked that¡¯s all.


    Yi Chen smiled and said, ¡°Then take off your pants ande here.¡±


    Zi Han bit his lip and got up from his knees. ¡°Okay, daddy,¡± he whispered his voice as alluring as a siren.


    .....


    Yi Chen felt his half mast member grow harder and hotter as the word ¡®daddy¡¯ echoed in his ears.


    Zi Han took off his pants while Yi Chen pulled down his as well. They slid down to his calves but he didn¡¯t have any patience to take them off entirely. Yi Chen stroked his hard member while touching Zi Han with his other hand wishing he could hurry up.


    He took out some lubricant from his interspatial storage and squeezed it on his cock generously.


    ¡°Let me do it,¡± said Zi Han as he sat on the man¡¯sp. Yi Chen let go of it and caressed Zi Han¡¯s waist while sucking on his baby¡¯s shoulder as those fingers wrapped around his cock.


    Zi Han stroked his lover¡¯s impressive hardness while elongating his neck for his lover to kiss him. Yi Chen¡¯s finger slipped underneath Zi Han¡¯s t-shirt as he felt around for that bead on his chest. He squeezed it gently and Zi Han jolted while chuckling.


    ¡°Aah... it¡¯s off limits,¡± he said but Yi Chen couldn¡¯t even take him seriously with that smile on his face.


    ¡°What do you mean off limits?¡± he asked before pulling up Zi Han¡¯s shirt and directly attacking that bead on his lover¡¯s chest.


    ¡°Hey, don¡¯t you dare? No matter how hard you suck it nothing wille out,¡± said Zi Hanughing his ass off.


    ¡°Why would I want anything toe out? Stop fussing and let me lick,¡± said Yi Chen and the two of them began to tussle. The tussle turned sensual as the two of them exchanged a heated kiss.


    Yi Chen¡¯s finger slipped into that sweet spot invading it. Zi Han groaned as he tried to pull back but Yi Chen held him in ce and deepened the kiss while his finger thrust inside.


    Their lips parted and he whispered in Zi Han¡¯s ear, ¡°You were prepared for me, weren¡¯t you?¡±


    Zi Han who may or may not have used the butt plug and his fingers beforehand raised his brows his lips pursed.


    ¡°I don¡¯t know what you are talking about,¡± said Zi Han and Yi Chen lightly bit his ear while whispering,


    ¡°You couldn¡¯t wait, could you? I couldn¡¯t wait either... Han, I want you.¡±


    Zi Han felt an inexplicable itch spread from his ear to the pit of his stomach. ¡°I want you too,¡± he whispered back and the two of them entangled in a heated kiss.


    Yi Chen grabbed his member and slid it inside Zi Han but his lover stopped him and said, ¡°I will do it.¡±


    Yi Chen let go and ran his hands up Zi Han¡¯s back with his fingers lightly digging into his lover¡¯s glossy skin from the sweat. Zi Han moved his hand behind him and stroked Yi Chen¡¯s member.


    His lips stered on Yi Chen he slowly eased into the pration sucking on Yi Chen¡¯s lips hard as he endured the slight difort. His nails dug into Yi Chen¡¯s shoulder as he moved up and down gasping for air.


    Yi Chen grasped the sides of his waist as he groaned in pleasure. Soon he was immersed in the intoxicating feeling of his having his lover ride his cock in such a cramped space.


    Yi Chen pulled Zi Han closer and teased his nipples with his tongue making the man straddling him let out a high pitched grunt his voice entrancing.


    ¡°Aah... ah... mhm ngh,¡± moaned Zi Han his chrysanthemum taking in more of Yi Chen¡¯s hardness.


    Yi Chen grasped Zi Han¡¯s two peaks as he groaned his nerves stretched taut from the exhration. ¡°Baby, you are fucking sexy,¡± he whispered as he raised his head to look at that handsome face staring back at him. Zi Han kissed his lips while grabbing his hand urging him to touch him more.


    Yi Chen caressed up Zi Han¡¯s chest and admired every inch of his gorgeous body. His hand slid up and he caressed Zi Han¡¯s neck his eyes as dark as the abyss.


    Zi Han arched his back slightly and twisted his hips increasing the pace. Yi Chen ced his thumb on Zi Han¡¯s chin as the two of them entwined with each other in the art of love.


    AN: I am d that the hovercar is sturdy otherwise it would turn into a dancing car hehe...

 Chapter 393

    393 A dash of NSFW.... Hahahaha


    ¡°Babe... babe,¡± called out Yi Chen with his hand resting on Zi Han¡¯s flushed cheek which was hot to the touch. Zi Han wasn¡¯t having a fever or anything but he surely had that appearance.


    His ears, cheeks and nose were red and so were his lips. The hovercar had a cool breeze regting the temperature but Zi Han felt very hot making Yi Chen a little worried.


    But Zi Han kissed his lips shutting him up while clinging to him as he rode his hardness to seventh heaven.


    Yi Chen could feel the scorching heating from his body but under Zi Han¡¯s spell, he couldn¡¯t help it. His hands subconsciously wrapped around Zi Han¡¯s back like a bower constrictor as his lover writhed his body rhythmically.


    Unknowingly he engaged his mental power and the chill from his body entwined with the heating from Zi Han. The difference in temperature between them pushed against each other with the warm air rising. This meant Zi Han was even more intoxicated his mind as high as a kite as he flew up in ecstasy.


    By the time Zi Han let go of Yi Chen¡¯s lips they were slightly swollen from being kissed but he wasn¡¯tining. Yi Chen turned their bodies over and pressed Zi Han down on the seat. He pressed Zi Han¡¯s wrists down while his lips lightly rubbed against Zi Han¡¯s.


    ¡°Did you like that?¡± asked Yi Chen and Zi Han nodded his head while biting his lips.


    Yi Chen wiped the tear from the corner of Zi Han¡¯s eye. ¡°I love you,¡± he whispered but before Zi Han could open his mouth and answer he began to move inside of him with long deep thrusts making Zi Han gasp as he clenched his fists.


    ¡°Aah...ngh... harder Chen-ge. Fuck me, harder daddy,¡± said Zi Han moaning and groaning from pleasure.


    .....


    Yi Chen knew which spot to tease thus Zi Han was like silly putty in his hands. Blush-inducing moans and groans filled the hovercar as the two of them engaged in rigorous activity.


    Zi Han indulged in his desires his mental power wrapping around Yi Chen¡¯s. Sounds of flesh pounding against flesh echoed in the air apanied by loud grunts and groans like two beasts were going at it.


    Zi Han scratched, licked and bit expressing his pleasure. Yi Chen shifted him in all positions possible in this tiny space leaving behind traces of his love all over Zi Han¡¯s back, chest and inner thighs.


    He especially liked hearing Zi Han cry out in ecstasy while ploughing him from behind with his palm resting on his lover¡¯s neck. The way his body trembled while calling his name softly made everything in him tingle.


    With that image shing in his mind how could Yi Chen hold back? He bit on Zi Han¡¯s shoulder letting out a deep inarticte sound conveying his pleasure as he reached his climax.


    His body convulsed as he ejacted all his seed inside his lover¡¯s body and because he had held back for so long he released so much of it that it spilt over leaking out of the tight hole.


    As though consuming his lover¡¯s pheromones Zi Han quavered with an intoxicated expression on his face.


    The two of them copsed into each other¡¯s arms while breathing heavily. ¡°That was intense,¡± whispered Zi Han as he drew closer to nozzle Yi Chen¡¯s chin.


    Yi Chen pulled him even closer cuddling him tightly. ¡°Can¡¯t I just take you home?¡± he asked but from his tone, you could tell he was most likely speaking to himself rather than asking Zi Han.


    ¡°Imagine what it would be like if we were married already,¡± said Zi Han his lips lightly brushing against Yi Chen¡¯s neck.


    His warm breath and soft lips made Yi Chen feel slightly ticklish. Yi Chen chuckled lightly while slipping his fingers underneath Zi Han¡¯s t-shirt.


    ¡°We would have a mansion overlooking the city,¡± he said imagining what their beautiful home would look like.


    He would press Zi Han down on the kitchen counter, in the pool and even the garden chairs. Just thinking about it made him shiver in excitement, well, that is until Zi Han opened his mouth and spoke,


    ¡°We would have three pets. A bunny, a cat and a puppy.¡±


    Yi Chen, ¡°...¡±


    Did he mean to say that he would have morepetition? He was already vying for attention with that little brat and shark. The little shark couldn¡¯t speak at least.


    When in all of this chaos would he be able to fit in? He thought that was bad but things got much worse.


    ¡°Then we would have four no five kids. We would name them Yi, ¨¨r, San, S¨¬ and Wu,¡± said Zi Han and Yi Chen looked at him with an are you serious look on his face.


    ¡°You are going to name our children one to five in pinyin?¡± said Yi Chen his brow arched.


    Zi Han who had him right where he wanted said, ¡°So you agree. Will have five kids and six pets haha,¡± while pointing at him like he had won something.


    ¡°No, no... no. I didn¡¯t agree,¡± said Yi Chen while grabbing Zi Han¡¯s finger and turning his body over to press his lover down on the couch.


    Zi Hanughed while saying, ¡°You said ours... that¡¯s what you said. There is no use in denying it. I can even ask Ran to yback the audio.¡±


    Yi Chen immediately retorted, ¡°Ran is hibernating. It won¡¯t y back anything.¡±


    Zi Han wrapped his arms around Yi Chen¡¯s neck andughed while saying, ¡°Iggy heard it. He has the evidence.¡±


    Yi Chen, ¡°...¡±


    Igneous who heard its master mention its name came out of hibernation mosaic these two in order not to stain its circuits.


    ¡°I didn¡¯t. I went into hibernation as soon as you two started kissing.¡±


    Zi Han, ¡°???¡±


    Who knew this AI would sell him out? He was about to scold Iggy for betraying him when a finger suddenly pinched his nipple.


    ¡°Fuck, Yi Chen hahahaha. Why are you pinching my nipple? Does it look like a button you press at will,¡± said Zi Han.

 Chapter 394

    394 ¡°Then if you touch mine, I will touch yours,¡±


    Yi Chen shrugged his shoulders the smile on his face blossoming like spring. ¡°I can¡¯t help it. There are just there tempting me,¡± replied Yi Chen being as shameless as possible.


    ¡°Then if you touch mine, I will touch yours,¡± replied Zi Han as he reached over to touch Yi Chen¡¯s.


    Yi Chen defended his fortress like a maiden guarding her chastity denying Zi Han ess while pinching Zi Han¡¯s in the process.


    Zi Han who was at a disadvantage couldn¡¯t take this lying down. The two of them tussled on the seat as Zi Han tried to get on top of Yi Chen.


    Yi Chen wouldn¡¯t let him and the two began to scuffle. Sounds ofughter and lovers¡¯ banter filled the air as the two of them did what they do best, that is y fighting like puppies.


    After messing around for a while Zi Han kissed Yi Chen¡¯s forehead before saying, ¡°I was kidding. How on earth would we manage such a big household? I was just messing with you.¡±


    Yi Chen licked his lip while affectionately gazing into Zi Han¡¯s eyes. Zi Han suddenly felt shy being looked at like that. He flicked Yi Chen¡¯s nose while biting his bottom lip his heart pounding hard against his chest from all the love spilling over from his heart to the rest of his body.


    ¡°So will you keep going on blind dates behind my back?¡± asked Yi Chen twirling his lover¡¯s hair in between his fingers.


    ¡°I won¡¯t. I am already taken. Look,¡± said Zi Han while pulling his sleeve up showing off the stripe tattoo on his arm.


    .....


    Yi Chen grasped his wrist and said, ¡°Yes, you are taken,¡± before cing the watch back on Zi Han¡¯s wrist where it belonged.


    ¡°Don¡¯t take it off anymore,¡± said Yi Chen and Zi Han smiled shyly. He crossed his fingers and said,


    ¡°I promise. If I ever take it off other than to take a shower may daddy Chen fuck me until I pass out,¡± said Zi Han and Yi Chen couldn¡¯t help butugh out loud.


    ¡°You know you would love that punishment. I know you are greedy for my body,¡± said Yi Chen his voice deep and husky making Zi Han¡¯s ears itch.


    Zi Han pinched Yi Chen¡¯s pectoral muscles while saying, ¡°How can I not be greedy when you keep toning and sculpting your muscles like this,¡± before sitting up and pulling the t-shirt to take a peek.


    ¡°Wow...,¡± said Zi Han while rubbing and stroking those abs his eyes beaming.


    Yi Chen rested his arm behind his head while yfully stroking Zi Han¡¯s naked thigh. ¡°So you only like it when I am toned? Will you still rub me down like that if I had one pack?¡± said Yi Chen with a hint ofughter in his voice.


    ¡°I would actually. Whether you are tall or short, thick or thin, small down there... okay maybe if you were small down south I might have swiped left. You do know how greedy my chrysanthem- AH,¡± he screamed while chuckling because Yi Chen had touched his tickle spot to shut him up.


    ¡°Ah, Chen-ge stop... hahahaha I was kidding... I was Hahahaha fuck I am going to pee myself. Hahahaha, look I am leaking ah don¡¯t,¡± said Zi Han hisughter ringing in the air as Yi Chen taught him a lesson.


    The two eventually calmed down and Yi Chen helped Zi Han put on his clothes his actions very careful and tender.


    Zi Han kept ying with Yi Chen¡¯s hair as he helped him get dressed. The two of them sat together after that with Zi Han massaging Yi Chen¡¯s thigh.


    ¡°Would you like us to go to a hotel? I can¡¯t take us home still. They will try and take your attention away from me,¡± said Yi Chen. Zi Han knew when he got back he would get an earful from his mother thus why not dy the torture and just spend the rest of the night with Yi Chen?


    Zi Han pinched Yi Chen¡¯s chin and drew closer stealing a kiss before saying, ¡°Let¡¯s go. Let¡¯s run away together.¡±


    Yi Chen was very pleased with that response so much so that he raised Zi Han¡¯s hand and kissed his ring finger which still had the symbol of his love.


    ¡°I love you so mu-,¡± said Yi Chen only for his heartfelt words to get cut off when he heard a familiar voice calling out from outside the hovercar.


    The two of them furrowed their brows a little surprised. They couldn¡¯t understand why the Marshal was there.


    Zi Han¡¯s hand felt painful recalling how it was crushed thest time. He was genuinely terrified of the Marshal though he would never admit it out loud.


    ¡°What the fuck is your dad doing here?¡± asked Zi Han and Yi Chen suppressed his anger putting on the most gentlest smile he could put on so that Zi Han wouldn¡¯t panic.


    ¡°Stay here. I will handle this, okay,¡± he said before kissing Zi Han¡¯s lips his actions intense and passionate like he was afraid he won¡¯t be able to kiss him for a very long time.


    ¡°Babe I...,¡± said Zi Han as Yi Chen got up. Yi Chen took Zi Han¡¯s jacket which was thinner than his and put it on while saying to Zi Han,


    ¡°I know. I love you too.¡±


    After putting on Zi Han¡¯s jacket he tossed his jacket at him and said, ¡°Where this. It¡¯s a bit chilly outside,¡± before kissing Zi Han¡¯s lips again with reluctance in his eyes.


    As soon as he stepped out his expression changed and he was ready to argue with his father but before he could say anything a loud p resounded in the air the kind of p that would make one cower subconsciously.


    Yi Chen was sturdy enough to withstand it. With his tongue pressed on his cheek, he straightened his back ring at his father.


    ¡°It¡¯s all over StarNet. You and him frolicking... everyone knows. Do you know what you have done? You have ruined the Yi family. You have doomed us all because of your selfishness,¡± said the Marshal fuming like an angry bull.


    He raised his hand about to p him again but this time his handnded on someone else¡¯s face. Zi Han couldn¡¯t stand watching Yi Chen being beaten thus he got out of the hovercar and pushed Yi Chen out of the way taking that p in his stead.


    AN: This chapter was bittersweet. I am going to cry now.

 Chapter 395

    395 ....you hit my wife.¡±


    If the girl who posted it knew this video of hers would blow up on StarNet in less than an hour she most definitely wouldn¡¯t have posted it, especially when she read some of the harshments and the headlines the major broadcasters put while reporting this unusual discovery. If she knew that the person the future Marshal was kissing was a wanted criminal she wouldn¡¯t have posted it.


    Everything spiralled out of control and now there were people calling for the Yi family to be stripped of all the power they had over the military. That¡¯s because instead of apprehending the person who killed a prime minister live, he was instead kissing them. This went against everyw in the federation.


    Yes, sure there were some people who didn¡¯t think what Zi Han did was wrong. In fact, theymended him for handing a death sentence to the person who killed their beloved prince. Thus they didn¡¯t see the problem with Yi Chen not arresting Zi Han regardless of what type of rtionship they had.


    As the tide went in Zi Han¡¯s favour it steered back to the starting point with the discussion on vigntism popping up. If everyone had the same mindset as Zi Han wouldn¡¯t society as they know it copse?


    If everyone was unterally taking justice for themselves going after the people that wronged them handing down a sentence they dim fit wouldn¡¯t the entire world order fall? Things became heated with opposing sides fighting against each other.


    The marshal and even Zi Xingxi tried to take this discussion off StarNet but the topic was just too explosive that no matter how many times it was erased it would pop up again like a urinary tract infection (UTI) stubbornly clinging to one¡¯s kidneys. It wouldn¡¯t leave until it was done making the host¡¯s life a living hell.


    The Marshal¡¯s light brain was going off with so many people including prime ministers, generals and reporters wanting to talk to him. He decided to find the culprit thus he tracked Yi Chen¡¯s car which led us to this moment in time.


    ***


    The men standing behind the Marshal couldn¡¯t help but flinch as the second p echoed in the parking bay.


    .....


    An eerie silence filled the air with a suffocating tension making everyone very ufortable like something bad was about to happen.


    Yi Chen¡¯s chest rose and fell his eyes bloodshot as he red at his father with killing intent. He looked like he was on the verge of exploding and how couldn¡¯t he? His lover had just suffered a great injustice because of him.


    Zi Han touched his burning cheek his eyes red with a slight tear at the corner of his eye. He wasn¡¯t touching Yi Chen but he could clearly perceive his emotions that is the dark and hostile feelings being exuded from his body.


    Zi Han reached over behind him to touch Yi Chen¡¯s hand and calm him down but he only touched air.


    That¡¯s because Yi Chen had passed him like a gust of wind and did the unthinkable. He actually attacked his father. With a powerful fist, he swung it to punch his father but the Marshal blocked his advance grasping his fist.


    Yi Chen looked like he was about to risk it all. He engaged his mental power and struck his father with his other fist hitting him squarely in the face.


    The Marshal who didn¡¯t think his son had caught up with him in terms of strength staggered back a few feet while rubbing the blood off his split lip.


    His body trembled as he pointed at Yi Chen with a shaky finger. ¡°You!....¡± he said his hoarse voice quavering.


    Yi Chen flexed his fingers before clenching them tightly like he was ready to hit him again. His eyes turned murderous as he said, ¡°You hit him... you hit my wife


    .¡±


    Zi Han, ¡°???¡¯


    The Marshal clenched his jaw glowering at this unfilial son that had picked infatuation over his family. ¡°You have lost your fuckin mind,¡± said the Marshal his expression dark but his heart was breaking into a million pieces.


    Yi Chen could care less about his father¡¯s feelings. He lunged forward with so much aggression that scared the Marshal half to death. No matter how hard he tried to suppress Yi Chen, he was like a rabid dog attacking relentlessly like he wouldn¡¯t rest until his opponent stopped moving. The Marshal soon realised that he wouldn¡¯t be able to subdue his son unless he involves his men and bring this conflict to an end.


    ¡°What are you all staring at? Stop him,¡± he said and the personnel who didn¡¯t want to involve themselves in family matters were forced to intervene which they really didn¡¯t want to. The two of them were honestly equally scary.


    The moment he said Zi Han didn¡¯t seem to settle well with that idea. Like the men standing around them, he knew that intervening would only make things worse. Unless if they go too far this was a very much necessary thing in their rtionship. Sometimes you need to vent it all out to feel better. But the moment Marshal Yi involved other people Zi Han couldn¡¯t stand still.


    He engaged his mental power and a livid phoenix burst forth tossing the men a few feet away.


    No one talked about it but at that moment they knew something new about the Bloodgarde leader¡¯s son. It was a secret worth killing for.


    The Marshal red at Zi Han but the person himself didn¡¯t even bother looking at him. He was much more concerned for his boyfriend. Annoyed half to death the Marshal decided to knock his son out otherwise this fight might escte to irreparable heights.


    He took out a patch from his interspatial storage and stered it on his son¡¯s neck. Yi Chen who was elbowing his father in the gut trying to free himself from the chokehold suddenly felt weak and when his father released him he copsed to the floor but before he could hit the floor Zi Han caught him letting him rest his chin on his shoulder.


    Zi Han gently stroked Yi Chen¡¯s hair while whispering, ¡°it¡¯s okay... I am here, okay.¡±

 Chapter 396

    396 In love with a fugitive


    The Marshal who had never seen his son being cuddled like that was extremely livid. He took a step forward and wanted to grab his drowsy son before his reputation gets flushed down the toilet.


    But before he could touch the back of his son¡¯s cor Zi Han looked up his eyes a zing inferno. It was as though if he dared touch Yi Chen something very bad would happen. Zi Han was very much afraid of the Marshal but at this moment he wouldn¡¯t mind burning bridges.


    Seeing this the Marshal snorted coldly but he still took a step back.


    ¡°I will give you two minutes...,¡± he said and Zi Han looked down at his lover who was staring at him blurry-eyed.


    He wiped the tear from the corner of Yi Chen¡¯s eye with a pained smile on his face. Zi Han didn¡¯t know what to say to him. He knew that they should have been more careful but at that moment nothing seemed to matter. They were just happy to be together and now they were paying the price.


    ¡°I am sorry... baby, I am so sorry,¡± whispered Yi Chen his vision blurred and his speech turning sluggish.


    ¡°You don¡¯t have to apologize,¡± whispered Zi Han while pushing back the strands of hair blocking Yi Chen¡¯s face.


    ¡°I love you,¡± whispered Zi Han and Yi Chen tried to respond but the drug had already subdued him. He couldn¡¯t speak anymore. What his brain was telling him to say wasn¡¯t exactly what wasing out of his mouth. He could no longer keep his eyes open. The fingers clutching the jacket Zi Han was wearing loosened as his eyes finally gave in.


    ¡°Take him away,¡± said the Marshal speaking to the men who dared not intervene after Zi Han swept them away with a force so powerful that it almost sucked their mental power dry.


    .....


    The men hesitated for a moment. They didn¡¯t want to offend the Marshal but they were also weary of this person.


    ¡°Hurry up!¡± yelled the Marshal having sensed their hesitation. The men apologized before trying to take Yi Chen away but Zi Han tightened his grip and moved away slightly refusing to let go of his lover.


    Seeing this the Marshal red at Zi Han while saying, ¡°You are as stubborn as your mother. I thought after our discussionst time you would behave yourself and stay away from my son but no... you met up with him at a bar your organization frequents and now everybody knows your secret. Everybody knows my son¡¯s secret... They all know he had an inappropriate rtionship with a fugitive,¡± said the Marshal the fierceness from before reced by a look like that of a distraught father.


    ¡°That¡¯s it... he is ruined. There is absolutely no way he cane back from this. He is now an aplice to the crime. Hahaha... I failed. I failed as a father,¡± said the Marshal and Zi Han pursed his lips looking at the love of his life.


    His lips trembled involuntarily with the pain in his heart surging. He knew the right thing to do but he couldn¡¯t bare letting go of Yi Chen. It hurt so much but knowing the trouble this date had brought Zi Han couldn¡¯t help but feel bad.


    ¡°I never meant for this to happen,¡± whispered Zi Han as his grip on Yi Chen loosened. Seeing this the men took advantage and took Yi Chen away before Zi Han changed his mind.


    As they took him away Zi Han wiped the tear from the corner of his eye while saying, ¡°Just don¡¯t punish him anymore.¡±


    The Marshal didn¡¯t even look at Zi Han. He simply stared into the distance and said, ¡°As long as you don¡¯t appear in front of him I will make it easier for him and your family.¡±


    Zi Han subtly nodded his head before turning to get inside the hovercar and grab his little Nim Nim. His expression appeared solemn but in truth, he wasn¡¯t letting go of Yi Chen. He said the words break up once and the pain in his chest was extremely excruciating that he thought he was going to die.


    Zi Han ced the little guy on his shoulders before taking out Mr. Twiggles. He wanted to leave it with Yi Chen as a way to send a message. It was a silent way of saying you are still mine without saying a word.


    After leaving Mr Twiggels somewhere Yi Chen would be able to find it, Zi Han came out of the hovercar intending to leave.


    As he took a step away from the group of men, Marshal Yi warned him again, ¡°I mean it. I am very serious about this... If this trouble brings down my family, I will bring the Bloodgarde down with me. Do you understand?¡±


    Zi Han didn¡¯t bother responding. He just fixed Yi Chen¡¯s jacket on his body before walking away.


    The Marshal, ¡°...¡±


    Whether his threat fell on deaf ears or not was yet to be determined.


    Because he needed to do some serious damage control he could only leave soon after. He was on a mission to clear his son¡¯s name and undo what they had ruined which proved to be very difficult to do. The evidence against him was just so damning.


    The video was top quality and the action of kissing caught in 4k was anything but ambiguous. They were truly eating each other¡¯s faces off.


    Yi Chen on the other hand knew nothing of this. His father had isted him from the rest of the world making him practice night and day free from outside influence. He wouldn¡¯t even let hime out and defend himself. Knowing his son¡¯s state of mind he would directly profess his love for Zi Han there and then.


    Zi Han on the other hand expected his mother to yell at him or something but she had on an ¡®I should have known¡¯ look on her face. Her son was just like her husband. He would never get over someone that easily.


    Zi Feiji on the other hand felt regretful. Raya was doomed to fail. His grandson was already addicted to the drug called Yi Chen. It would be a miracle if he would ever date anyone else in the future.


    Thus Onyx federation¡¯s number one couple was torn from each other but each time Zi Han looked at that watch he would smile slightly and each time Yi Chen looked at Mr Twiggles, he would pull at its fin with a glowing smile. They might be apart but they were connected by an unbreakable red string of fate in hopes that one day they would be together again without obstacles.


    THE END...


    AN: I am kidding. Ahahahahaha (evilugh) See you in thements.

 Chapter 397

    397 Approximately three yearster.....


    In the inky darkness, a soft glow like that of embers brightened and dimmed constantly as the smell of smoke wafted in the air. Several cigarette buttsy on the ground like the person had been standing there for so long smoking.


    He had been watching the building opposite him his thoughts unknown. The look in his eyes was very difficult to discern. A figure suddenly descended from the sky andnded softly on top of the building as their mech vanished.


    Zi Han nced back and looked at his mother from the corner of his eye. She smiled at him as she patted his shoulder. ¡°How many of those have you had?¡± she asked regretting ever letting him smoke in the first ce.


    Over the years another habit had manifested itself and that bad habit was smoking two to three packs when he was nervous.


    There were only a few things that made Zi Han nervous but still, it was very worrying. The first time he smoked this much was when Yi Chen was being ndered on StarNet and condemned for harbouring a criminal.


    Yi Chen was even taken to court by the state and stood trial for the crime of aiding and abetting Zi Han. How could they note for him? For years Zi Han had served at Yi Chen¡¯s side so how could he not know his subordinate¡¯s thoughts?


    Zi Han watched the trial through the surveince cameras. For hours he would sit in the dark smoking while watching the trial. Because the trial concerned the federation¡¯s security it wasn¡¯t broadcasted on StarNet hence Zi Han could only use this method.


    He wanted to do something to help Yi Chen but his mother did everything in her power to stop him. She told him that Yi Chen would have to fight this battle alone.


    Zi Han could only sit and watch his lover go through this alone. To calm his nerves he kept smoking which worried his mother so much.


    .....


    As expected, the trial ended with Yi Chen merely getting a p on the wrist. The court of prime ministers that were using him fervently suddenly turned mellow overnight. Their tune had taken a great turn.


    Yi Chen walked out of there with a six months sentence patrolling the deste star of the federation which was the hottest and most dry in the federation but because of its rich ore, it would constantly get attacked by bandits and interster pirates.


    It was obvious a deal had been struck behind closed doors or someone had ckmailed someone because Yi Chen walked out of there unscathed. The narrative on StarNet soon changed and calls to strip all military power from the Yi Family died down. Soon no one cared about this matter anymore.


    The second time Zi Han had smoked this much was when rumours about Yi Chen, the now Marshal, being in a rtionship with a model sh actress surfaced in full swing. Zi Han would have ignored it but the problem was that this woman was one of the Marshal¡¯s admiral¡¯s daughter.


    From this, he could see who was pushing the boat along the river. Zi Han almost lost his mind and in every contract, he took up he was especially ruthless and bloody.


    The third incident was when T, thete prime minister Ju¡¯s mother, came out about her marriage to thete emperor out in public. She began to nder thete emperor¡¯s name and ssh dirty water on the Yeoh family.


    Other than people speaking ill about Yi Chen, Zi Han also couldn¡¯t tolerate anyone speaking badly about his family. They were already dead so what did she stand to benefit from ndering them? Zi Han had vowed to shut her mouth but the problem was that she was one of the most guarded persons in the federation.


    Under the orders of the Marshal, she was guarded heavily which made Zi Han even more annoyed. The two knew each other very well. Even without words, they would know what the other was thinking.


    Zi Han knew that Yi Chen knew he had intentions to ughter that nderous woman but what did he do instead? He guarded her heavily making it difficult for Zi Han to make a move.


    After waiting for more than a year Zi Han finally had the opportunity to kill her but he couldn¡¯t help but feel nervous thus he was smoking on the rooftop.


    He took a long drag of his cigarette before throwing it on the ground and crushing it. He blew out a puff of smoke before saying, ¡°This is myst one... For the sake of my grandmother¡¯s face, I will cut out her tongue and make sure she will no longer be speaking even in the afterlife.¡±


    Zi Xingxi turned her face and nced into the distant lights of the city before saying, ¡°You don¡¯t have to do this. I can send someone else.¡±


    Zi Han chuckled lowly before saying, ¡°I would feel more satisfaction if I do it myself. Besides, I can¡¯t wait to outsmart the new Marshal.¡±


    Zi Xingxi didn¡¯t want to get in between these two. Over the past few years, they hadn¡¯t seen each other and Zi Xingxi was certain that they hardly spoke. When it came to matters of the heart she didn¡¯t want to intervene.


    ¡°You know he has been trying to find youtely. Why don¡¯t you just talk to him?¡± asked Zi Xingxi a little worried for her son.


    Zi Han snorted coldly while tying his shoulder-length hair back. ¡°If he really wants to talk to me he would try harder than that,¡± he said his tone harsh and unfeeling.


    Zi Xingxi didn¡¯t speak after that. She pulled him into an embrace and pat his back while saying, ¡°Mum wants you to be happy. Just remember that.¡±


    Zi Han nodded his head while swallowing down his emotions. He also wanted to be happy but how could he achieve that kind of happiness when his lover was away from him? His position made it difficult to have what others took for granted.


    ¡°I know... I want you to be happy too,¡± he whispered wishing his father was still alive. At least his mother wouldn¡¯t be lonely.

 Chapter 398

    398 The new Marshal


    In a dimly lit office with, the only source of lighting from the blue luminous screen sat a tall stalwart man staring at the floating screen in front of him.


    ¡°Oh my poor baby, I miss you so much. Have you been eating well?¡± asked Lin Ruoxi with worry in her eyes. Despite him being very close Lin Ruoxi hadn¡¯t seen her son ever since he forced his father to retire early.


    ¡°Why are you so concerned for him?¡± said the Marshal trying to squeeze into the camera frame before continuing, ¡°You forced me to retire early now I am stuck being a stay at home dad. Do you know how hard that is?¡±


    The Marshal wanted toin some more but Lin Ruoxi pushed his face out of the frame and continued to speak, ¡°Don¡¯t worry about him. He will get over it.¡±


    Yi Chen nodded his head and was about to speak some reassuring words when Ming Ming showed up out of nowhere and squeezed in between her parents.


    ¡°Dage, what do you think of this outfit for my date?¡± she asked and Yi Chen¡¯s eyes widened.


    ¡°What date? You are only eleven. I am going to beat up that little boy if he darese anywhere near you now go change,¡± said the Marshal while pulling his daughter away.


    ¡°Date?¡± whispered Yi Chen and Lin Ruoxi replied,


    ¡°I asked her to do it. I want to stress your father out a little.¡±


    .....


    His family had been doing this for a while retaliating on his behalf. Yi Chen nodded his head while pursing his lips.


    ¡°Dage, look. It won¡¯t go away?¡± said Yi Youxi walking over shirtless while showing him the pimple on his face.


    Yi Chen, ¡°...¡±


    What was going on in this house since he has been gone? One was walking around shirtless while the other was talking about dating.


    ¡°And then?¡± he asked pointing at Yi Youxi.


    His pimple being ignored, Yi Youxi interjected, ¡°What should I do? Mum says I shouldn¡¯t pop it because it will scar but it¡¯s so annoying. Dage, help me.¡±


    Yi Chen, ¡°...¡±


    ¡°Youxi,e put a t-shirt on!¡± yelled the Marshal and Yi Youxi turned around with a little annoyance.


    ¡°Just because you aren¡¯t asfortable in your body as I am it doesn¡¯t mean you should force me to wear clothes,¡± said Yi Youxi before turning back to his older brother.


    ¡°Listen to mum. She knows what she is talking about,¡± said Yi Chen and Yi Youxi¡¯s lips pouted while his mother ruffled his hair.


    He was about to say something else when his father showed up and took off his t-shirt too. ¡°Who said I am notfortable in my body,¡± said the Marshal and the three people¡¯s mouths went agape.


    How could they not know this man¡¯s temper clearly? He was very strict about the rules and one such rule was that everyone should always dress appropriately.


    ¡°God no,¡± said Yi Youxi before getting up to leave. He wasn¡¯t going to stay for this show.


    ¡°Brother, I advise you to end the call now unless if you want to blind your eyes,¡± said Yi Youxi.


    Yi Chen didn¡¯t understand what he meant that is until he noticed his mother was no longer talking.


    She had the same look Zi Han had when he always saw him naked. ¡°You two are annoying,¡± he said before ending the call. He didn¡¯t feel like being abused by these two.


    They were annoying indeed. Lin Ruoxi who vowed to avenge her son was weak when it came to carnal desires. She couldn¡¯t help it especially when the former Marshal who used tomand armies and fly mechs was standing in the kitchen with an apron on as he made dinner waiting for her toe home.


    She never knew that she had this kind of fetish. Her husband was sexy in his uniform but he was even sexier when he was in an apron.


    Now he was sitting half naked on the couch looking like a tasty treat that had to be eaten.


    The Marshal so the look of lust in her eyes and bit his lower lip while asking, ¡°Do you want it? It¡¯s all yours if you want it.¡±


    The hypocrite Lin Ruoxi swallowed her saliva while averting her gaze. She apologized to her son knowing that she wouldn¡¯t be able to help herself.


    ¡°You can¡¯t tempt me with tha... ah, you!... Put me down,¡± she said when her husband picked her up in a princess carry.


    Lin Ruoxi really tried to y hard to get but once shey on the bed and began to thrust inside of her she melted like butter indulging in her lust.


    Yi Youxi who was pouring some juice into two sses heard his sister walk into the kitchen asking, ¡°Do you think we will have a little brother or sister soon?¡±


    Yi Youxi brought over the two sses and ced one in front of Ming Ming while replying, ¡°Maybe, why? Are you afraid you won¡¯t be the baby of the family?¡±


    Ming Ming shook her head and said, ¡°Nope, I will be very happy. I want a little sister so I can y with her and do her hair.¡±


    On the contrary, it was Yi Youxi who didn¡¯t want another sibling. Ming Ming alone was enough to deal with. ¡°You can do my hair. It¡¯s long enough for ponytails,¡± said Yi Youxi and Ming Ming smiled happily as she jumped off the barstool.


    ¡°I will go get my kit,¡± she yelled before running out of the kitchen.


    Yi Youxi, ¡°...¡±


    He just meant for a ponytail or two so what was the purpose of getting an entire kit? This meant not only will he get his hair done, but he would also get his nails and make up done as well. He was about to have a full body makeover. Suddenly he felt like it wouldn¡¯t be so bad to have another younger sibling. At least he wouldn¡¯t be the one to suffer.


    ¡°I changed my mind!¡± he yelled only for Ming Ming to yell back,


    ¡°It¡¯s toote to back down now!¡±


    Yi Youxi, QAQ

 Chapter 399

    399 Lovesick... Aww


    ¡°The fact that the word lovesick exists, that the simple absence of a person can make you feel physically ill, says a great deal about the terrible power of the human heart.¡± ¨C Beau Taplin


    This was exactly how Yi Chen felt. To be honest he had no idea how he kept himself going all this while. He had worked himself half to death trying to distract himself. He knew why Zi Han was distancing himself from him, that was why he was working very hard and doing whatever it takes to ascend to that position.


    His father wasn¡¯t necessarily the problem but the forces that weren¡¯t impressed with his association with Zi Han. After reassuring some people and stripping power from some, Yi Chen finally achieved his goal. It didn¡¯t take much to get his father to step down.


    His father yelled at him when he handed him the letter of renouncement that required his blood print. This wasn¡¯t the first time a sessor had demanded the predecessor to step down from that position but it was rare.


    The marshal probably felt bad watching his son slowly dying inside that he didn¡¯t really put up a fight. He yelled here and there but right after that he gave in and pressed his bloody print on that letter letting his son take over.


    After he let it all go he suddenly felt a huge weight had been lifted off his shoulders. It seemed he was also tired of the politics and stress that came with this job. Outwardly he would express his anger but inwardly he was as high as a stoner. His son had proved that he was ruthless enough for the job thus he had nothing to worry about.


    This was how Yi Chen managed to get himself the position of Marshal at a very young age. The saying, ¡°Life isn¡¯t about doing whatever you want unless you have the power to control it,¡± resonated with him for all these years and now that he had the power he just couldn¡¯t wait to bring his future husband home.


    The problem now was how to convince Zi Han toe home with him. He also knew that after protecting T, Zi Han would be very upset with him but she was a very important chess piece for now.


    There was something he needed from her something concerning the royal family that could help him find Zi Han¡¯s father. After he gets what he wants he would let his lover do whatever he wanted with her. He could have mentioned this to Zi Han but because his lover was avoiding him at any cost they couldn¡¯t have that conversation.


    .....


    Yi Chen leaned his head back and sighed wondering when he could see that sweet smile again. The only way he could calm the storm threatening to overwhelm him was by watching the recorded videos of Zi Han.


    They would momentarily keep the dark gloom at bay but after that, he would be filled with great sadness. Today was one such day. Yi Chen closed his eyes trying to keep his chaotic emotions under control when Hydra suddenly spoke breaking the silence in the room.


    ¡°Marshal Yi, there is some movement. The madam is making a move on T,¡± said Hydra and Yi Chen opened his eyes as he sat up abruptly. A slight quirk rose at the corner of his lips as he got up. The rabbit had been caught in his snare and he couldn¡¯t wait to catch it.


    Zi Han who had no idea that his fiance had set this up for him walked down the halls of the luxurious building. Because T was heavily guarded Zi Han couldn¡¯t just do what he normally does. He couldn¡¯t just walk in there and finish the job like the other contracts he took up.


    This left him with no choice but to go undercover. He couldn¡¯t conceal himself as part of the military personnel. They had gic markers on their wrists that couldn¡¯t be replicated.


    His only option was to be one of the male escorts in the establishment. T was well known for her preference for younger men and after years of being overly protected by the military, she finally had the opportunity toe to her favourite ce, a ce that legally offered escort services. After being granted a day for herself she booked a male belly dancer from this club.


    She had heard a lot about this transcendent beauty with a body that flowed gracefully like a waterfall and skin as silky as fine jade with eyes like that of an enchanting devil luring the most innocent of girls into handing over their family property.


    She wanted a taste of this enchanter and no matter how hard she had tried in the past she couldn¡¯t get this dancer¡¯s attention. She managed to convince the Marshal to get her the most precious hour of her life.


    Who would have thought though that her precious flower ready for the plucking was reced by an enemy she had been actively provoking? What shitty luck she had.


    Zi Han had Raya abduct the male dancer and he took that man¡¯s ce with half of his face wrapped in a red scarf. He instructed Raya not to do anything to the male dancer but he didn¡¯t say anything about not making him dance. Raya untied him and asked him to show him some moves but who would have thought this man would be so haughty? He turned his nose up high in the sky and ignored Raya.


    While Raya was trying to coax a dance out of the escort, Zi Han was walking to the room with a soft nking sounding from the fitted hip belt made out of coins, the golden headdress on the scarf covering his face and the golden anklets wrapped around his ankles like cuffs.


    He was truly befitting of the most entrancing male escort in the entire federation. When he walked, the way his body flowed had people turning their heads for a second nce and when he turned to look at them with his alluring fox eyes, it was game over for them.


    ¡°Mano is a little different today whispered the girls following behind him.


    ¡°Shh, do you want him toin to the matron? You will get us punished,¡± whispered the second girl but Zi Han could care less about what they were saying. As long as they didn¡¯t mess his ns up he wouldn¡¯t be bothered by them.

 Chapter 400

    400 I apologize in advance


    When they reached the VIP room of the club, the girls rushed over in front of him and opened the double wooden doors.


    Zi Han stepped into the dark room and the girls hurriedly closed the doors before starting the timer. Mano was the most precious prize the matron had to offer. The clients, on top of the fees, paid a deposit triple the price as insurance on Mano¡¯s body.


    If there was so much as a scratch or a strand of hair missing on his head they would be charged and the amount would be deducted from their deposit. His services were only for an hour, not a second more. An hour was strictly an hour thus the girls had to start the timer.


    Zi Han pursed his lips seeing how dark the room was. A tingle travelled up his spine as he suddenly had a very bad premonition. He took a small step to the side his entire being vignt. He swept the vent on his harem pants and took out a dagger while saying, ¡°You only have an hour so make it count.¡±


    Zi Han¡¯s entire body went numb as a figure lunged at him in the dark like a predator pouncing on its prey. He swung the dagger intending to stab it into the person¡¯s throat but the dagger was pushed out of his hand with a swoosh.


    Before he could even react his entire body was pressed on the wall with his wrist bound together above his head by a powerful hand.


    A familiar scent wafted into Zi Han¡¯s nostrils and his muscles tensed up as he stopped struggling.


    ¡°Yi Chen,¡± he whispered and Yi Chen wilted like spinach under the hot sun as he rested his forehead on Zi Han¡¯s shoulder.


    The two of them fell into silence but if one listened carefully they would hear two heartbeats beating in sync like the rhythmic beat of love. Zi Han¡¯s eyes reddened unable to contain his emotions.


    .....


    Thest time he saw Yi Chen, he was in his arms about to pass out. The both of them had swollen cheeks from being pped by the then Marshal. That time he decided that they were better off apart than together. He still loved him wholeheartedly but he no longer wanted to be the gun used to destroy Yi Chen¡¯s family and career. He chose to love this man from afar. He had devoted his entire life to Yi Chen but he wouldn¡¯t appear in front of him ever.


    Now the man was standing right in front of him pressing him against the wall like he was afraid Zi Han would vanish in the next second.


    ¡°Yi. Chen,¡± whispered Zi Han feeling a little weak in his body as a teardrop dangled on his lowershes.


    ¡°You don¡¯t even want to call me like you used to anymore,¡± whispered Yi Chen the pain in his voice apparent.


    Zi Han closed his eyes trying to conceal the emotions in his eyes but it was then he realised something. If Yi Chen was here then where was T?


    ¡°You...,¡± he said his voice trembling, ¡°You betrayed me.¡±


    Yi Chen who was immersed in the warmth radiating from his lover¡¯s body was forced to withdraw as he hurriedly exined, ¡°Babe, I kept her for our benefit.¡±


    Zi Han heard it but he didn¡¯t listen. He shoved the man away and yelled, ¡°No, you betrayed me. You know I have been looking for this opportunity and you actually betrayed me,¡± he said his eyes fierce and red like a fiend in the night.


    ¡°Hahahaha... you yed me,¡± said Zi Han with an eerieugh ringing in the air, ¡°I should have known you would do this. You heard what she said about my grandfather every word of it untrue but here you are defending her.¡±


    Zi Han sneered his eyes cold as though looking at a stranger which broke Yi Chen¡¯s heart into a million pieces.


    Zi Han put away his dagger and stomped over to the window intending to leap out and go find the convoy protecting her. She couldn¡¯t have gone far.


    Watching Zi Han coldly walking out of his life again Yi Chen couldn¡¯t bear it. He hastily grabbed Zi Han¡¯s arm and pulled him back with the shimmering sounds of the coins ringing in the air making a hypnotic sound that could make one fall into a trance.


    ¡°Don¡¯t go,¡± he said and Zi Han pushed him away again intending to get away.


    ¡°Don¡¯t fuck with me right now. I am fucking pissed,¡± said Zi Han enraged.


    ¡°You don¡¯t have to kill her. You cane back home with me,¡± said Yi Chen pulling him back but Zi Han refused to move.


    ¡°Yi Chen, let me go,¡± said Zi Han his chest rising and falling violently on the verge of erupting like a volcano that had been lying dormant for years repressing the hotva inside.


    ¡°She called my grandmother a hoe and a third party and that her son was the rightful fucking heir. She said my father wasn¡¯t the emperor¡¯s son and that he was blinded by that woman¡¯s beauty. She said all those fucking things, nned my father¡¯s murder and I should let her what... live well and dine with escorts yet my father is forgotten ash?¡±


    Zi Han¡¯s body quivered in rage the more he spoke about it. All his pent-up frustrations gushed out spewing in front of Yi Chen for him to see.


    Yi Chen didn¡¯t know what to do. When he came to meet Zi Han he had mentally and emotionally prepared himself for this big moment. He hoped by the end of the night he could take Zi Han home now that he was the newly appointed marshal.


    But no amount of preparation could have prepared him for this. The fear of losing Zi Han forever resurfaced and out of desperation he pulled Zi Han into his arms and nted a fierce, passionate kiss on his lips. Maybe if he reignited that spark they had Zi Han wouldn¡¯t leave.


    Zi Han struggled at first but who was he kidding? He couldn¡¯t resist such temptation. Despite this, he managed to break that spellbinding him and pushed Yi Chen away.


    Yi Chen held on to him tightly refusing to let him go. This pull-and-push action resulted in the two of them tumbling onto the bed and they began to scuffle.


    ¡°You... Yi Chen... keep this up and I will, I wil-,¡± said Zi Han only for Yi Chen to cut him off.


    ¡°You will what? Huh? You will break up with me?¡± said Yi Chen his voice dangerously low.


    ¡°No, you fucking wish,¡± replied Zi Han trying to free his wrists, ¡°Just let me kill that bitch and I wille home with you. That seems like a fair exchange, don¡¯t you think?¡±

 Chapter 401

    401 The offer seemed reasonable


    The offer seemed reasonable. Zi Han would get to skin that woman and avenge his family and he would get his husband back. It was a sweet deal actually and Yi Chen should have taken it but when he recalled what he was looking for from that woman he couldn¡¯t bring himself to agree.


    For a moment he was in a daze unable to make a decision. This dy in response was enough to send Zi Han into a frenzy.


    ¡°You see what I mean. You... let me go. I am done,¡± said Zi Han feeling very irritable. He began to struggle even more and the two of them wrestled like immature teens.


    To Zi Han, Yi Chen¡¯s answer should have been prompt but the mangged like he had gone offline and refused to give him a response like he was seriously thinking about it.


    How hard was it to make a decision? If it was him he would have answered yes already.


    ¡°The fuck... get off me. Now that I know that stupid woman is more important than I am I don¡¯t want to see you anymore. Let go,¡± said Zi Han his eyes filled with rage.


    Hearing this Yi Chen felt like a de had been driven into his heart. He pinned Zi Han¡¯s wrists above his head suppressing him before saying, ¡°It¡¯s because she can help me find your father,¡± he said and theyer of frost in Zi Han¡¯s eyes melted away reced by aplex feeling. The clinking from the coins came to an abrupt halt as Zi Han stopped moving. His chest rose and fell rapidly his body trembling unconsciously.


    Yi Chen saw that he had stopped fighting and interlocked his fingers with Zi Han¡¯s holding him tightly.


    ¡°I was right before... your father is alive in the Republic... That¡¯s how that man was able to open portals in the Federation. Baby, he is alive,¡± said Yi Chen and Zi Han¡¯s tense muscles rxed as he stared at Yi Chen his eyes brimming with emotion.


    .....


    This wasn¡¯t the first time Yi Chen had mentioned this to him. At that time he was filled with hope that his father was still alive but at the end of the day, this was proven wrong. The pain of falling after having hope was so excruciating that he felt like he was being torn apart and Yi Chen was there holding his hand through it all. He knew what he went through. He knew the pain he went through so he wouldn¡¯t say this even if it was just to bring him back home.


    Zi Han looked into those eyes scrutinizing him and he knew that Yi Chen wasn¡¯t lying. He wasn¡¯t trying to bring him home, he genuinely believed his father was alive.


    ¡°Do you.... do you know what you are saying?¡± asked Zi Han his head shaking with a slight tremble in his lips.


    Yi Chen stroked Zi Han¡¯s forehead moving away the strand of hair sticking out from the scarf on his head with affection in his eyes. ¡°He is alive somewhere and I am going to find him for you,¡± whispered Yi Chen as he lowered his head and kissed Zi Han¡¯s forehead.


    ¡°I will bring him home for you babe... I promise,¡± he whispered in a soft melodious voice making Zi Han peaceful and sound of mind. The torrent storm in his heart calmed but he didn¡¯t want to go down this rabbit hole with Yi Chen.


    He could tell that his lover truly believed in this lost cause but he wasn¡¯t going to go down that route with him. The pain was just too intense for him.


    Seeing Zi Han being distracted for so long Yi Chen thought he was in shock. He kissed his lover¡¯s nose bridge down to the tip of his nose his actions filled with tender affection.


    He gently rubbed the man¡¯s cheek soothingly with his thumb his expression intoxicated like he had finally received his first drop of water after days in the hot desert. His actions became more unrestrained as he kissed his lover¡¯s lips with a fiery passion.


    Zi Han closed his eyes as he raised his chin seeming very intoxicated. He was slowly getting lured by the sweet tenderness emanating from his lover¡¯s body but he still knew what he wanted.


    He pressed his lips against Yi Chen¡¯s with his tongue prying open the man¡¯s scorching lips.


    His movements became very urgent as he kissed and sucked on his lover¡¯s lips like he wanted more of him. Yi Chen who had been starved for so long loosened his grip and Zi Han took advantage of this and flipped Yi Chen¡¯s body over straddling him.


    Yi Chen opened his eyes and when he saw his lover sitting on top of him while staring at him with affection in his eyes his heart melted into a puddle.


    This face he hadn¡¯t seen in a very long time and now that he hadid eyes on it he couldn¡¯t help but whisper, ¡°I love you so much baby,¡± while rubbing his thighs above the sheer harem pants, ¡°I missed you so much.¡±


    Zi Han didn¡¯t say anything. He just lowered his body and kissed Yi Chen¡¯s lips his waist subconsciously grinding up against his lover with the sharp ringing sound that was produced by the clinking sound from the coins striking against each other as they shimmered under the dim light in the room.


    Yi Chen sat up halfway with his hand sliding at the back of Zi Han¡¯s neck deepening the kiss. He teased his lover with the tip of his tongue making the man in his arms shudder in excitement.


    Yi Chen was so entranced by his enchanting figure and the way his waist moved like a waterfall drowning him in lust that he didn¡¯t realise something was wrong with Zi Han.


    In as much as Zi Han was very happy to be reunited with his lover he still knew his objective. He took out the belt on his harem pants and tied up Yi Chen to the bedpost in a constrictor knot which was the most effective binding knot that tightens when pulled.


    Yi Chen was already drowning in Zi Han¡¯s toxins and by the time he realised what had happened, it was already toote.

 Chapter 402

    402 Everything I do... I do it for us.


    Zi Han got off the bed his expression a little sullen as he said, ¡°Are you going to tell me where she is or are you going to give me the run around?¡±


    Yi Chen licked his lips which still had the lingering warmth from the passionate kiss just now.


    ¡°Han Han...,¡± called out Yi Chen but he couldn¡¯te up with the words to dissuade him. He didn¡¯t even try to free himself from his bindings. He just looked at Zi Han with a dejected look on his face. He watched his lover take off the outfit he was wearing and put on his gear.


    When Zi Han finished putting on his clothes he walked over to Yi Chen and said, ¡°Forget it. I wouldn¡¯t want to get you in trouble again. You can go ahead and spend the rest of your evening with that fuckin model or whatever. She can finish what I started,¡± he said ncing at the bulge on his pants.


    Yi Chen, ¡°...¡±


    After saying that Zi Han stomped over to the window and as he opened it he heard Yi Chen call his name his voice sounding panicked.


    ¡°Han Han,¡± he said and Zi Han paused his steps with the cool breeze from outside blowing in his face cooling the heat from earlier.


    ¡°Everything I do... I do it for us. Please believe me. I love you and you are my priority,¡± said Yi Chen and Zi Han closed his eyes suppressing the emotions threatening to spill over.


    He was afraid that he would cave in and stay here with Yi Chen but when he recalled what that woman said about his grandmother, grandfather and father he couldn¡¯t let her live another day. She couldn¡¯t continue living happily while his father¡¯s life was cut short because of her scheming. Her jealousy and resentment drove her to murder someone innocent using her son as the knife.


    .....


    ¡°I know,¡± said Zi Han before leaping out of the window engaging his mech while speaking to his mother.


    ¡°She is not here,¡± he said and Zi Xingxi who was still standing on the rooftop was a little surprised. If he knew she wasn¡¯t there then what had he been doing all this time?


    She summoned Chronos and followed after him while asking, ¡°If you knew she wasn¡¯t there then why did you take so long?¡±


    Zi Han sniffled before saying, ¡°I don¡¯t want to talk about it. At least not now.¡±


    Zi Xingxi didn¡¯t push it. She knew it had something to do with Yi Chen. ¡°Okay, Lynn Feng find that bitch,¡± she said.


    ¡°I am already on it,¡± replied Lynn Feng as she began digging deep into Sheba and every other channel. It didn¡¯t take her long to find something.


    She smiled gleefully while saying, ¡°We have found the rabbit. I will put some smoke screens on them. I sent you the location and you have a green light.¡±


    Zi Han saw the location sent to his screen and he sneered. The fact that she thought she would be able to get away from this was quite amusing to him.


    ¡°Alright then. Let¡¯s light them up,¡± said Zi Han and his mech turned sharply heading in the opposite direction.


    Meanwhile, Yi Chen who had already freed himself sat on the bed while holding the outfit Zi Han had stripped off. He knew it wouldn¡¯t take long before Zi Han to find this woman. The issue was whether to report it in or let it go.


    He wanted to find Zi Han¡¯s father for him but if it meant losing him forever then all of this wasn¡¯t worth it. He knew for a fact that if he interfered now, Zi Han would most definitely get angry and he won¡¯t be able to see him ever again.


    Just the thought of not seeing that face again made him feel torn up inside. He just sat there his shoulders slumped with red-rimmed eyes. Yi Chen roughly ruffled his hair having made a decision. He wasn¡¯t willing to go against Zi Han on this.


    On the other hand, Zi Han suspected that Yi Chen would follow behind him thus he acted really fast. His mech fired several fog bombs on three stealth cruisers forcing them to lower their altitude.


    The pilots didn¡¯t expect that. They checked the radar but couldn¡¯t find anything. Sheba didn¡¯t even issue them with a proximity warning. They lowered the altitude and emerged from the cloud of smoke all except one stealth cruiser.


    ¡°AX5 do you have AX15 in your sights?¡± asked one of the pilotsmunicating with the stealth cruiser in front of them.


    ¡°Uh... no AX15 doesn¡¯t even appear on my radar... shit,¡± yelled the pilot for AX5 when a mech abruptly flew past him causing the stealth cruiser to sway preventing a collision.


    ¡°What the fuck are you doing? Where is your stealth cruiser?¡± asked one of the pilots before another mech flew by while the pilot swore,


    ¡°Shit! I can¡¯t see a thing in there. We got attacked by a phantom.¡±


    ¡°Sergeant, what the fuck do you mean by a phantom?¡±


    The so-called phantom had torn a hole into the stealth cruiser pulling out the pilots and forcing them to engage their mechs. By the time their mechs were fully loaded the stealth cruiser was no longer visible in the thick fog thus they descended immediately almost colliding with the stealth cruisers below.


    Zi Han opened the cockpit mid-flight and stepped out into the stealth cruiser. The sound of heavy boots mixed in with powerful sounds of the wind violently blowing filled the air.


    The woman hiding underneath the seat curled further inside the hiding spot her body trembling. She had knowingly provoked the Bloodgarde in order to lure Zi Han out so she could get him arrested. Her n wasn¡¯t foolproof but she took the risk so she could ruin the person who ruined her ns.


    She thought she would at least have a lot of personnel guarding her given that Yi Chen needed something from her but who would have thought things would end up like this?


    The sound of heavy footsteps paused right next to where the woman was hiding and her body trembled in fright her face ghastly white like a ghost.


    Zi Han sneered before grabbing her by the hair and said, ¡°You had the guts to run your mouth yet you hide here like a coward... fascinating.¡±

 Chapter 403

    403 What happened to T¡¯s hair


    A touch of ruthlessness shed in Zi Han as he tightened the grip on her hair almost pulling it at the roots. In fact, he did pull it out of her scalp because she was wearing a wig.


    Zi Han¡¯s eyes narrowed looking at this gorgeousce frontal wig that appeared so realistic. Whoever made this was a genius. Zi Han couldn¡¯t even tell that it wasn¡¯t her real hair at all.


    He nced down at her about to open his mouth and praise the workmanship when he saw her head with a few patches of hair scattered on her scalp. The rest of her head was bald.


    ¡°Oh,¡± he said feeling like he was more curious about what happened to her hair more than he should.


    ¡°Uh... here, you can put it back on,¡± he said and T grabbed it back with her trembling hands before she crawled away in fright her face almost transparent like she had just been fished out of the water after days of being submerged.


    Zi Han rolled his eyes looking at her performance. He knew she was just stalling for time so she would be rescued but Zi Han wasn¡¯t stupid. He knew what she was up to. He took a step forward and grabbed the woman¡¯s arm but she began to re her arms fending him off while screaming hysterically.


    Zi Han felt very irritable. ¡°Stop... what¡¯s the point. You look stupid,¡± said Zi Han breaking through her defences and trying to knock her out.


    Unexpectedly, she scratched at his hand before escaping away towards the cockpit probably intending to lock herself inside.


    ¡°Shit,¡± swore Zi Han as he shook his arm that was bleeding from scratch. In two steps he reached the cockpit before T couldpletely close the door. She abandoned the idea of closing the door and rushed over to the console to send a distress signal.


    .....


    ¡°Help, I am being attacked by....,¡± she said but before she could finish speaking aser beam was shot at the console burning a hole into it.


    She screamed in fright and nced back at him. Zi Han shrugged his shoulders and said, ¡°I also blew up the control system and the cruiser is going to crash any minute now so we have to go.¡±


    T would rather take her chances with the crashing stealth cruiser than with Zi Han thus she clung to the broken console refusing to let go.


    Zi Han was expecting this thus in the midst of warning rms and flickering red lights he got into a scuffle with her though it didn¡¯t take him long to subdue her.


    He knocked her out and dragged her body out of the stealth cruiser. He didn¡¯t even carry her out more especially after she bit him.


    While Zi Han was dragging her he felt like she snugged onto something thus he tugged several times without even bothering to check. After a couple of tugs, her body jerked forward and Zi Han dragged her out just before the stealth cruiser crushed outside the city. He tossed her to the ground and bound her four limbs together like a goat at the market.


    ¡°I got her and I am bringing her back to the nest,¡± said Zi Han his expressionplicated as his thoughts strayed towards Yi Chen. He couldn¡¯t help but wonder why he hadn¡¯t caught up yet. His heart that was chilled in a block of ice suddenly melted his eyes which were dry just now became moist without him even realising it.


    ¡°Han Han, are you crying?¡± asked Zi Xingxi on the floating screen right in front of him.


    ¡°AAAAAHHHHH!!!¡± screamed Zi Han after being startled, ¡°I am not crying... shit why did you have to jump on me like that?¡±


    Zi Feiji who was walking past the screen interjected, ¡°Sometimes you scream like a little girl.¡±


    Zi Xingxi, ¡°...¡±


    She punched her father¡¯s arm with a stiff smile on her face. ¡°Don¡¯t listen to him, honey. He hasn¡¯t had coffee today so yep,¡± she said through gritted teeth.


    Zi Han didn¡¯t mind his grandfather at all that¡¯s because his eyes were leaking and it sucked. He knew the remedy but after that argument, he didn¡¯t want to talk to him yet.


    ¡°Do you want to talk about it?¡± asked Zi Xingxi and Zi Han answered abruptly,


    ¡°No. I will be there in ten minutes.¡±


    After saying that he cut the video call and Igneous flew out of the fog towards the deserted outskirts of the city.


    The moment Zi Han left, Hydra reached the crash site and Yi Chen exited his mech seeming a little bad-tempered and sulky. If anyone was to offend him right now they would have a very bad ending.


    He stepped into the wreckage with a dying me of hope in his heart which waspletely extinguished after he saw no one inside.


    As the distinct sounds of sirens got closer and closer Yi Chen explored the wreckage looking for anything that could implicate Zi Han.


    After looking around for a while he couldn¡¯t find anything. He was about to walk out when his foot got caught on something at the entrance of the cockpit.


    When he looked down his brows furrowed. A thin thread was wrapped around his boot.


    Yi Chen bend down and pulled the thread which was wedged underneath scrap metal. A few tugs and the thread loosened. When he pulled it out there was a blue jade.


    ¡°What is that?¡± asked Li Ran after entering the wreckage and finding Yi Chen bending down while holding a unique-looking pendant.


    Yi Chen had seen it around T¡¯s neck before and that was only once. It was because she always wore it under her clothes but that day she identally let it hang outside her clothes.


    At that time he just took a casual nce and didn¡¯t even think much about it. He just remembered questioning himself why a woman who was so particr about her outfit wore something that didn¡¯t match her style at all.


    ¡°It belongs to T,¡± replied Yi Chen and Li Ran¡¯s brow arched before saying,


    ¡°For a woman who is very particr about everything from her hair, her dresses to her jewellery this pendant is really out of tune. Maybe it was a family heirloom or something.¡±


    ¡°Maybe,¡± replied Yi Chen with a meaningful expression.

 Chapter 404

    404 We still want to know what happened to T¡¯s hair


    Yi Chen couldn¡¯t shake the feeling that something was up with the blue jade. As he drove back to headquarters he kept flipping it between his fingers. Something was definitely up with this thing.


    While Yi Chen was trying to figure out what was so special about this blue jade, Zi Han was telling his mother all about the amazing wig on T¡¯s hair. It wasn¡¯t to humiliate her or anything but he was genuinely impressed by this craftmanship.


    ¡°I honestly thought it was her hair, I mean look at it. It¡¯s so real. The hairline is so realistic,¡± exined Zi Han before sucking on the straw.


    He had no idea what he was drinking but it was very refreshing. Zi Xingxi pretended like she didn¡¯t know what Zi Han was doing. He was trying to suppress his true emotions by overly elevating another emotion. Was the wig fascinating? Sure. Was it worth this much hype? Nope.


    ¡°I am more interested to know what happened to her hair. I mean we have a lot of reconstructive surgeries avable but she chose not to get it fixed. That¡¯s more interesting than the wig in my opinion,¡± said Zi Feiji and the both of them looked at him like he had spoken words of truth and they had just received enlightenment.


    Zi Xingxi nced at Zi Han with a sly smile while asking, ¡°Are you thinking what I am thinking?¡±


    ¡°If what you are thinking is what I am thinking then yes,¡± said Zi Han and Zi Xingxi turned to Secretary K,


    ¡°Wake her up.¡±


    Secretary K nodded his head and walked over to the woman tied up like livestock.


    .....


    ¡°I bet she got into an ident and lost all her hair. Sad but more usible,¡± said Zi Xingxi while starting a betting pool.


    ¡°I think it was a failed surgery. She wanted to change her hair but she had to use a back street surgeon,¡± said Zi Han transferring star coins in the betting pool.


    ¡°You two are evil. That poor woman. How could you find amusement in her misery? Shame on you...,¡± said Zi Feiji acting like he really cared but who was he kidding? He obviously put money on his own spection.


    ¡°I think it was a dye gone wrong. You know those dyes that change your hair colour permanently by changing the gics of your hair follicles?¡±


    Zi Han, ¡°...¡±


    Zi Xingxi turned to look at him with a vexed look on her face. ¡°How do you know about that surgery? Wait... is that even your real hair colour?¡± asked Zi Xingxi and Zi Feiji chuckled.


    ¡°Of course it is,¡± he replied as the woman who had been knocked out cold woke up with a start.


    She coughed violently interrupting their conversation. As soon as her eyes opened she panickingly moved back her chest rising and falling rapidly. Her back hit the wall as she stared at the five people like she was staring at beasts.


    ¡°We haven¡¯t even touched her yet but she looks like she is about to drop dead any second,¡± said Zi Feiji staring at this face that was very familiar to him.


    He was there when this little union between the Emperor and her happened but he never really liked her from the start. He just felt like something was off about her from the get-go but it was never his ce to speak.


    ¡°Wha-what are you going to do to me?¡± she said hugging her knees in fright.


    ¡°Really? Why bother asking? After all that shit you said and did... you thought that we would just let you walk away. It was just a matter of time before you join your son in the grave. The only difference is that you are going to suffer more than he did,¡± said Zi Xingxi the violent storm in her heart stirring up again.


    This here was the mastermind of all things. She stirred the boat in the direction she wanted and she seeded. She was like a viper hiding in the grass, watching everyone suffer after her preemptive strike. There was no way they were going to leave her alive after all she had done.


    Zi Han could tell his mother was about to lose it thus he said, ¡°We just want to know what happened to your hair?¡±


    It was then T realised her wig was gone. She hurriedly covered her head with her hands like that would help the situation.


    Zi Xingxi rolled her eyes and said, ¡°We have already seen it so what is the use of hiding it.¡±


    ¡°Why should I tell you,¡± said T her voice brittle like she was about to cry.


    ¡°If you tell us maybe we will take it easy on youter and give you a quick death,¡± said Zi Feiji and T lowered her gaze her long eyshes wet like she was on the brink of tears.


    She thought her tears would move them but she didn¡¯t realise that everyone in that room were tear resistant unless if the tears wereing from Zi Han.


    ¡°Oh, and don¡¯t you dare say it was cancer. We do have all your medical records,¡± said Lynn Feng leaning back in her chair in a rxed posture.


    T who was about to y the sympathy card got caught off guard. It seemed the tactics she used on her son, who she didn¡¯t seem to be too broken up about, weren¡¯t going to work on these people.


    ¡°The truth only,¡± said Zi Han and the woman lowered her head even more as the tears started pouring down even more.


    Her shoulders trembled as a wet patch appeared on her pants. Soon the silent whimpers and sobs turned to lightughter like her mind had snapped. Herughter grew louder and louder making everyone raise their brows wondering if she had finally lost it.


    T took advantage of this and got up trying to grab Lynn Feng who was the closest to her and use the knife she was using to peel an orange as a weapon to hold her hostage.


    But she fell as fast as she got up. Zi Xingxi nced at her with a gaze so terrifying it sent shivers all over T¡¯s body.


    ¡°You think we would just let you walk around with no precautions? You must think we are stupid,¡± said Zi Xingxi as the woman writhed on the ground curling up in pain.

 Chapter 405

    405 T¡¯s tragic hair loss backstory


    Zi Xingxi let the woman writhe on the ground until she was satisfied that T had suffered enough. After the mental torment ended T breathed heavily her body covered in sweat.


    She opened her eyes blearily as she clutched her fingers tightly. T sat up seeming in a daze as she began to speak in a low voice that was more of a whisper.


    ¡°Why couldn¡¯t it be me,¡± she said and Zi Han pressed the tip of his tongue on his cheek wondering what she was on about.


    ¡°I knew he was destined to be the next emperor but I still liked him. I knew he would marry some noblewoman in the future best suited for him but I still couldn¡¯t help but get close to him. I was so in love with him that I confessed my feelings but he rejected me. At the time I thought it must be because of my family background and that my status was too low so I epted it. I asked him if we could be friends and he agreed,¡± she said her eyes seeming distant.


    None of them knew what this had to do with losing her hair but they didn¡¯t interrupt her. They let her have onest stage before she died.


    ¡°We were friends for the rest of high school but in my heart, I hoped our years of getting along would at least move him so he would disregard my family status and be with me. But when I confessed again after graduation he rejected me and told me that we couldn¡¯t be friends anymore because I was being friends with him with a motive... can you believe that? Years of all my efforts were washed down the drain and he even wanted to cut me off.¡±


    ¡°My reaction then was surprisingly mature. I apologized to him and promised I wouldn¡¯t bother him again but my heart was in turmoil. I watched him from afar and thought I could finally move on from my first love but... ahahaha who was I kidding? When he announced his rtionship with that bitch my heart seethed with anger. I thought maybe, just maybe she was from a top-tier family and that she could bring benefits to him when he ascended to the throne but no... no no no, she was an abandoned child from the slums.¡±


    ¡°She had nothing. No family, no home, just a makeshift house in some garbage star somewhere. If he didn¡¯t care about someone¡¯s background then why not pick me then? I knew him before she knew him so why couldn¡¯t it be me?¡±


    Zi Xingxi snorted coldly upon hearing this. Is that how love worked? Was it a firste first serve type of thing? Was it an I saw him first so he is mine type of situation? No... It had everything to do with the heart so she just couldn¡¯t understand this woman¡¯s logic.


    .....


    ¡°I watched her get everything that should have been mine and it made me so angry I just couldn¡¯t stand it. Maybe this was the type of woman he liked. Maybe he liked an oval-shaped face with grey-silver hair and dimples. So I went to get surgery to change my face shape and got some dimples. I tried to dye my hair silver but my roots would grow out quickly. Her hair was silver from root to tip thus I went for surgery to change my hair colour perm-,¡± she said only for her to get rudely cut off by the very people who had been listening to her seriously.


    ¡°Uh shit... you were right,¡± said Zi Han while Zi Xingxi swore,


    ¡°Damnit.¡±


    ¡°Pay up, pay up. Grandpa needs a new outfit for my little Nim Nim,¡± said Grandpa Zi and the little Nimsel that was having a nap shivered subconsciously.


    ¡°You do realise that he is my pet, right?¡± said Zi Han wondering why everyone monopolized his baby.


    ¡°He is our pet, ours,¡± said Zi Feiji and Zi Han chuckled before taking another sip of his drink.


    T looked at these people with a touch of anger in her eyes. She gathered up the courage and said, ¡°I wasn¡¯t done exining my story.¡±


    Zi Xingxi leaned back in her seat and said, ¡°We don¡¯t need to know the rest. That¡¯s because we already know what happened next.¡±


    ¡°I know you have this thing about fulfilling your duty and stuff but why do you care so much about the royal family? They are all dead and already turned to ash so why bother?¡± said T not understating why they were obsessed with taking vengeance.


    Zi Han sneered while Zi Xingxi got up her expression in no way friendly. She carried on her a dark aura that would have one¡¯s flight instincts kicking in.


    Zi Xingxi crouched before her with a slight quirk at the corner of her lips and said, ¡°You know why we care so much?¡±


    Looking at the touch of murderousness in the woman¡¯s eyes, T trembled while cursing herself for carelessly opening her mouth.


    Zi Xingxi suddenly grasped T¡¯s neck and strangled her tightly blocking her airway. T panickingly fought Zi Xingxi but Zi Xingxi was the least bit shaken. She tightened her grip and banged the back of T¡¯s head against the wall several times until she was no longer fighting.


    After venting out all her anger Zi Xingxi pulled her close and whispered, ¡°Because Yeoh Jun was my husband and this boy right here was his son.... Even if we weren¡¯t in a rtionship I would still do the very same thing,¡± before harshly tossing her to the ground.


    Zi Xingxi got up and fixed her hair her eyes still bloodshot. ¡°I don¡¯t think I can wait until tomorrow. She has already lived long enough,¡± said Zi Xingxi before she turned to leave.


    Secretary K immediately dragged the woman out of there. She was kicking and screaming but the people in the room ignored it like this was an everyday thing.


    As the screams grew distant Zi Feiji turned to his grandson and asked, ¡°... I heard you met with Yi Chen. How was it?¡±


    Zi Han¡¯s finger touching the ss froze.


    He didn¡¯t expect his grandfather to say anything about it.

 Chapter 406

    406 Lynn Feng and Secretary K¡¯s secret love affair


    It was fine if he hadn¡¯t mentioned it but now that he had Zi Han was reminded of it and he suddenly felt irritable.


    ¡°It was fine,¡± he said while rubbing the ss with his thumb.


    Seeing his downcast expression, Zi Feiji felt a sharp pain in his heart. He had seen what it did to Zi Han over the years. They had even tried to link him up with people his age but Zi Han stubbornly refused. His heart was set on Yi Chen and there was nothing in the gxy that could change his mind.


    Grandpa Zi gave up a long time ago and decided to at least try and put a smile on Zi Han¡¯s face but he also knew it wasn¡¯t enough.


    ¡°Don¡¯t you want to at least meet up with him? You two can go on a vacation. Like maybe a two week vacation alone and try and figure things out. He went against his father for you after all,¡± said Zi Feiji and Zi Han really couldn¡¯t listen anymore. He was suddenly ridden with guilt. His reason to stay away was clear but somehow he felt like he had made the wrong decision. He just didn¡¯t want to pull Yi Chen¡¯s reputation down. He wanted to give him enough space to thrive.


    Zi Han sucked on the straw drinking the rest of the drink before standing up to leave. ¡°Grandpa, I will go, help mum, okay?¡± he said patting his grandfather¡¯s shoulder before leaving.


    Zi Feiji wanted to stop him but before he could open his mouth Zi Han had already left. Zi Feiji shook his head while tutting. It seemed the curse of the Zi Family was deeply rooted in his grandson as well.


    Zi Han stomped out of the room his steps heavy and hurried but after walking aimlessly for a while his steps slowed unable to bear the overpowering feeling in his heart. His steps suddenly paused with his palm pressed against the wall. His breathing turned heavy andboured as a sharp pang stabbed at his chest. Maybe they were all right. He should stop being stubborn and meet up with his lover properly. Maybe the people on StarNet won¡¯t scold him as much like before. Maybe he could meet up with him after his inauguration as the new Marshal.


    As he stood up straight it seemed he had made up his mind. He was about to keep walking when he heard a sounding from the cleaning robot¡¯s closet.


    .....


    He walked back to check who it was but when he opened the door his jaw almost dropped. With his hand covering his eyes, he shouted, ¡°When did you two even get here? Secretary K, I thought you were with mum.¡±


    Secretary K whose hand was on Lynn Feng¡¯s waist had on a stoic expression but his ear was so red it sold him out.


    ¡°How long has this been... you know what I don¡¯t want to know. Please carry on,¡± said Zi Han before turning to leave.


    Lynn Feng¡¯s eyes widened as she rushed out to exin. ¡°He had something in his eye and I was helping him,¡± she exined but Zi Han closed his eyes while singing,


    ¡°Llla I am not listening... and I saw nothing.¡±


    After he disappeared around the corner, Secretary K followed her out of the closet while taking hard candy from his mouth. ¡°There was something in my mouth not my eyes,¡± he said before stretching out his hand to give it to her.


    ¡°Do you still want it?¡± he asked and Lynn Feng nodded her head but before she could take it from his hand, he put it in his mouth with a slight quirk at the corner of his lip while saying, ¡°Thene take it.¡± Lynn Feng bit her lip and grasped his cor pushing him back into the closet.


    While they were continuing with their make out session Zi Han entered the brig. Even if he didn¡¯t know where he was going he just had to follow the screams. He found his mother standing by the console while administering what Zi Han could only describe as mental torture.


    ¡°Oh, you are here. Did you see Secretary K? I sent him to get something but he hasn¡¯te back yet,¡± she asked.


    Zi Han¡¯s entire body froze his eyes wide like light bulbs well, that is until she looked at him.


    ¡°What, why do you look like that?¡± asked Zi Xingxi and Zi Han shrugged his lips while shaking his head.


    ¡°Nothing, it¡¯s nothing. I I I didn¡¯t see anything... uh, I mean him. I didn¡¯t see him,¡± he stammered trying as much as he could not to seem guilty.


    ¡°Okay. He has been doing that a lottely. Do you think he is up to something?¡± asked Zi Xingxi and Zi Han absentmindedly leaned against the control panel and identally pressed a button increasing the intensity of the electric shock in T¡¯s body.


    The screams grew louder and Zi Han panicked. He quickly shut it down and everything fell into silence.


    ¡°She is fine... I think,¡± said Zi Han pointing at T who had passed out.


    ¡°Honey, are you okay?¡± asked Zi Xingxi while cing her hand on his forehead.


    Zi Han who didn¡¯t have a fever but was just too stunned to speak properly exined, ¡°I am fine. You are worrying over nothing.¡±


    Zi Xingxi wasn¡¯t convinced at all. She held his shoulders and said, ¡°It¡¯s okay not to be okay. You don¡¯t want to talk it about but I can see the pain in your eyes. You can¡¯t keep hurting yourself like this more especially when you don¡¯t want to move on.¡±


    ¡°You don¡¯t want to break up with him neither do you want to see him and you are simply stuck in limbo... for years. At least go talk to him, okay?¡±


    Zi Han pressed the tip of his tongue on his cheek trying to suppress the tears forming in his eyes. He gulped while averting his gaze. He didn¡¯t want his mother to see him crying thus he sucked it up.


    ¡°What, ahem... what about the former Marshal¡¯s threat to take down the Bloodgarde. I don¡¯t want him to ruin everything you and grandpa worked extremely hard for,¡± he said clearing his throat when he realised his voice was hoarse.


    Zi Xingxi reached over to fix his hair while saying, ¡°Will deal with it at that time. Just go talk to him. He probably misses you more than you miss him.¡±


    Zi Han nodded his head before ncing at the passed-out T, ¡°Right after we deal with her. She is the cause of everything.¡±


    Zi Xingxi couldn¡¯t agree more. This woman fucked up the love lives of two generations thus she had a huge debt that needed to be repaid.

 Chapter 407

    407 ¡°Would you like to get your hands dirty?¡±


    ¡°Which method would you prefer? Death by a thousand cuts, blood eagle or boiling?¡± asked Zi Xingxi while staring at the woman drenched in water with a pained expression on her face. Her chest was rising and falling weakly but she didn¡¯t open her mouth to beg for mercy. It seemed her spirit wasn¡¯t broken yet. She still had her pride and refused to bow to these criminals and murderers.


    But when she heard Zi Xingxi¡¯s question her back trembled subconsciously. She tugged at her restraints as fear rose in her heart. She understood the first two methods of torture but the blood eagle wasn¡¯t familiar to her.


    Zi Han, who was sitting with his feet propped up on her second chair his legs crossed at the ankles said, ¡°Why not let her pick between the three? Since she is the mastermind she deserves a fate worse than death.¡± After saying this Zi Han took a long drag of his cigarette which was glowing underneath the dim light seeming very rxed.


    ¡°Would you like to get your hands dirty?¡± asked Zi Xingxi while taking the cigarette from him.


    Zi Han released a puff of smoke from between his lips while shrugging his shoulders. ¡°Whatever you decide I will be fine with it,¡± said Zi Han with a sluggish expression.


    Zi Xingxi smoked the rest of it while observing T from the corner of her eyes. Her face surrounded by wisps of smoke she chuckled lightly before saying, ¡°If your father was here he would stop us, you know.¡±


    Zi Han leaned his head back on the chair and replied, ¡°From doing what? Smoking or killing her?¡±


    ¡°Both,¡± said Zi Xingxi while tossing the cigarette butt on the ground and stepping on it with her boot.


    ¡°Xixi!¡± sounded an angry roar behind her and her back stiffened. She looked up at the second floor and there was her father staring at her angrily.


    .....


    ¡°You brat. You keep throwing your cigarette butts everywhere on the ship. There are on my pristine floor, in my dishes and you even burnt a hole in my vintage sheets. Do you simply exist to drive me crazy?¡± yelled Zi Feiji and Zi Han pressed his lips into a thin line stifling hisughter.


    Zi Xingxi ced her hand on her waist and said, ¡°But it¡¯s my warship and I can do what I want. Besides, how do you know I did that? Why didn¡¯t you me him?¡±


    Zi Han, ¡°WTF¡±


    ¡°Oh, I definitely know it¡¯s you. My sweet grandson wouldn¡¯t do that and besides, I just caught you in the act. Also, who told you this warship belongs to you?¡± he yelled back holding on to the railing like he was about to jump off it at any time.


    ¡°It most definitely does. You gave it to me,¡± yelled Zi Xingxi and Zi Feiji had a perfect answer for that.


    ¡°You are borrowing it. Borrowing it,¡± said Zi Feiji and the fight escted from there.


    Zi Han pressed his index finger on his ear rubbing it vigorously. His family could get pretty loud when they wanted to. It was because of this that he couldn¡¯t think straight anymore.


    He got up and with slow yet domineering steps he walked over to T and kicked the chair she was sitting on down to the ground.


    The loud bang from the chair falling attracted the attention of the pair of father and daughter arguing in the background and they fell silent.


    They watched Zi Han take out the Executioner¡¯s Blight and spin the hilt in his hands before shing at T¡¯s back.


    The de was extremely sharp that it could slice through a stone wall with no problem. It cut through the fabric of her clothes and the flesh at her back forming a deepceration.


    Blood began to pour out the wound as the woman cried out in pain. Zi Han cut the restraints tying her to the chair and the woman struggled to crawl away from the demon standing behind her.


    Zi Han¡¯s eyes flushed a bright red colour like that of burning embers as he stepped on her back stopping her from moving.


    ¡°I need her tied up,¡± he said and Secretary K who was standing behind Zi Feiji hurriedly answered, ¡°Yes sir,¡± without even realizing that his address towards Zi Han hadpletely changed.


    That is because when Zi Han was like this he instilled fear in the hearts of plenty and that is including his grandfather. Zi Feiji saw a shadow of his father in Zi Han at this moment and his father was the most terrifying person he had everid his eyes on. His grandson seemed to manifest the same aura at this very moment.


    Zi Xingxi was so excited it made her spine tingle. This was her son. This was the bloodthirsty assassin she always wanted him to be. She looked like a really proud mama right now.


    ¡°Your son is very scary,¡± said Zi Feiji and Zi Xingxi shook her fists in front of her chin in excitement.


    ¡°I know,¡± she responded and Zi Feiji furrowed his brows while saying,


    ¡°You are weird.¡±


    Zi Xingxi finally looked at her father and retorted back saying, ¡°No you are weird.¡±


    Zi Feiji, ¡°No you... and childish too.¡±


    Zi Xingxi, ¡°No you are the weird and childish on-.¡±


    ¡°AAAAAHHHHH,¡± were the shrill screamsing from the woman refusing to be bound.


    ¡°Hey, will you just shut her up,¡± said Zi Xingxi to Secretary K but Zi Han was the one who did it.


    He took out a pill from his interspatial storage and knelt right behind her forcing her to open her mouth.


    T kept moving her head trying to bite him but Zi Han clenched her jaw tightly forcing her to open her mouth.


    Zi Han force fed her the pill his expression cold and indifferent. Whenever he thought that he couldn¡¯t be with his lover because of this woman he couldn¡¯t help but be very angry thus he was the least bit polite.


    After forcing her to swallow it he got up and wiped his hand like he had touched something filthy.

 Chapter 408

    408 A password to speak to your husband


    With her arms restrained by chains hanging above the ceiling, Zi Han walked over to his mother his boots nking on the iron floor. Blood dripped from the tip of his sword leaving behind a trail of blood.


    He handed the sword to her and said, ¡°You can have the second cut for your husband.¡±


    The corner of Zi Xingxi¡¯s lips quirked into an evil smile as she said, ¡°Death by a thousand cuts it is then.¡±


    Zi Han nodded his head and Zi Xingxi walked past him towards T. Just that single cut was so excruciatingly painful that T couldn¡¯t stand it. She opened her mouth to beg but it was useless. The time for begging had already passed. Even if she had begged back then it would still be useless.


    Zi Xingxi held the sword in one hand with its tip almost dragging on the floor. She showed a sinister smile before raising the de while staring straight in T¡¯s eyes.


    ¡°I will let you feel what he felt when he died senselessly,¡± she whispered before shing T¡¯s chest and abdomen. Blood poured out her wounds as she cried out but no sound came out of her mouth.


    Zi Xingxi¡¯s eyes were like that of a deadly beast out for blood. After the first sh she couldn¡¯t help herself like a vampire that had had its first taste of blood and couldn¡¯t get enough. Her jaw clenched, Zi Xingxi shed at her. Cut after cut the sinister smile on her face grew wider.


    Blood was sttering everywhere but her clothes weren¡¯t stained at all. There was no single drop of blood on her garments.


    Once she had vented it all out she stared down at the woman who seemed to have passed out her chest heaving vehemently like she had justpleted a marathon.


    .....


    Zi Xingxi turned to walk back to her father and handed him the sword before saying, ¡°She ruined our reputation and made us fail our duty in protecting the monarch. Avenge his highness and maybe our ancestors will overlook our failure,¡± she said and Zi Feiji grabbed the hilt of the sword tightly.


    Zi Xingxi sat down in the chair Zi Han had been sitting on earlier andy down t on both the chairs. She pulled out the rings she hung on a thread around her neck and stared at them in a daze.


    ¡°You may rest in peace my love,¡± she whispered her voice tremulous and emotional. She had finally avenged her husband and could sleep easy from now on.


    The chains nked drawing her away from her reverie. T had been forced away after being injected with a stimulus to keep her awake no matter how badly her body wanted to shut down.


    She looked up and found her father shing at the woman punishing her for all the crimes shemitted against Yeoh Jun, an innocent soul that never hurt anyone.


    ¡°I am done,¡± said Zi Feiji after a while. He took a few steps back while handing the sword to Zi Han before slumping down on the ground. He recalled the promise he made to thete emperor that is to protect his son at any cost, a promise he failed to keep.


    He couldn¡¯t bring that bright young man back but at least this could give them the closure they needed to move on.


    He wiped his cheek that had a drop of blood dripping down on it with the back of his hand his expression bleak. The sound of metal scratching the floor drew everyone¡¯s attention. It was Zi Han dragging the tip of the de on the ground with a nk expression.


    He crouched down as he grabbed the little patches of her hair on her head and said, ¡°I hope it was all worth it.¡±


    The woman¡¯s dim eyes trembled in fear as she opened her mouth to speak. In the bloody mess, Zi Han could see a tear but this only made him smile evilly.


    ¡°Worth it wasn¡¯t it?... Then it¡¯s time you die,¡± said Zi Han driving the de through her throat with so much force it almost sliced her entire head off cleanly.


    The blood dripped down the tip of the de and it made a plinking sound amplified in Zi Han¡¯s ears. Time seemed to freeze at this moment with the only soundsing from those droplets falling into the puddle of blood.


    With a deep exhale Zi Han stood up and drew back the weapon. With a powerful kick to the woman¡¯s chest, her corpse fell backwards making the chains nk louder.


    Zi Han¡¯s ears were ringing as he stood tall ring at that corpse. He could hear the sound of his mother¡¯s voice speaking to him but it was all white noise in the background.


    When he finally came to himself he was standing in the shower under running water. He pushed his hair back only to find that something was wrong. When he brought his hands forward they were trembling uncontrobly that if he was holding a mug it would shatter to the floor.


    Zi Han shrugged it off and continued to push back his hair while closing his eyes. When his eyes closed he started seeing memories of his father that Igneous saved. Happy memories of him doing misceneous and unimportant things but to Zi Han, it meant so much more.


    Those recorded videos were the only way he would ever get to know him. Zi Han sighed as he opened his eyes. The water underneath his fit was dyed red from the blood running off his body with the water.


    When he killed T just now some blood got on him. After washing his body for an hour, Zi Han came out of the shower feeling like the stench of death had been removed from his body.


    He walked out of the shower and found that his mother hadid down his clothes on the bed and left a note for him.


    His eyes furrowed when he read it. It was the contact Yi Chen had been using, a contact he had deleted a long time ago. It seemed she knew that he had deleted his contact and wanted him to add it again.


    With half his body wrapped in a drying towel, he sat on the bed and scanned the contact with his light brain. Two secondster a notification popped up requesting a password to authorize adding Yi Chen as a friend.


    Zi Han, ¡°...¡±


    He liked trivia but this was one trivia he didn¡¯t n on. With a tsk, he tossed his light brain away and copsed on the bed like a pancake.


    He nned on ignoring it but who was he kidding? He wouldn¡¯t rest until he figured out that password... otherwise he would pop up at the house and shake Yi Chen while grabbing his cor.


    AN: It kinda feels likes payback to me. Figure out the password Han Han if you want to talk to him. REVENGE!!!

 Chapter 409

    409 NSFW... Hehehe


    Sounds of tapping on the keypad echoed in the cabin as Zi Han typed away with his tongue sticking out at the side of his mouth. At first, he was sitting on the bed calmly typing in their birthdays, pet names for each other e.t.c. but his request couldn¡¯t be processed.


    He sighed in frustration as hey t on his stomach a little upset. But despite that, he still didn¡¯t give up. He kept trying and trying spending almost an hour trying. He was so obsessed with figuring it out that he didn¡¯t even bother putting on his clothes.


    He still had a now mangled bath towel tied around his waist exposing his thigh. Flustered, Zi Han exhaled deeply as hey t like a pancake on the bed.


    He closed his eyes as the memories of Yi Chen asking him toe home with him poured into his mind. Zi Han couldn¡¯t help but feel horrible. He really missed him yet at the same time wanted nothing more than to protect him. These two conflicting feelings were tearing him apart. He felt very selfish for wanting to be with his lover despite the risks.


    He opened his eyes and his pupils constricted when his gaze fell to the walk-in closet on the other side of the cabin.


    His gaze focused on the bottom drawer and his eyes suddenly beamed. He suddenly got up and slid the drawer open revealing a secret stash of various tools that aren¡¯t suitable for the public eye.


    He picked up the fluffy tail butt plug and his eyes brightened. He had a way to get to Yi Chen, in a very unconventional way.


    Yi Chen who was spinning the jade on top of the desk with aplicated expression suddenly heard a buzzing sounding from his light brain. Since he had put his light brain on don¡¯t disturb, Yi Chen ignored it but whoever it was was quite persistent.


    He swiped the floating screen and when it unlocked his brows furrowed because there wasn¡¯t a message but a notification from some app called key master.


    .....


    Yi Chen swiped the notification bar and read the content. His ears turned red when he read it. It was an invite to y with baby Han.


    He suddenly understood what this app was about. It¡¯s just that he didn¡¯t think Zi Han would take the initiative to contact him using this kind of means.


    He opened the app and when he saw the vibrant control panel floating in front of him he couldn¡¯t help but cough with slight nervousness.


    A pink bubble popped in front of him revealing a new message.


    Baby Han: Are you alone?


    Yi Chen pressed a button under his desk and with a click the door locked and the windows became shadowy like ayer of mist had stered itself on the ss.


    Key master: I am.


    He wrote back while rubbing his index finger with his thumb in excitement.


    Key master: Can we meet?


    Zi Han who felt an inexplicable itch in his chrysanthemum wasn¡¯t in the mood to discuss this. At least not now when he wanted to do things that would be considered shameful to others.


    Baby Han: I want to feel good.


    Baby Han: Help me.


    Yi Chen wanted to say he could help him in person but he knew this might deter Zi Han thus he could only settle for now.


    He would ask Zi Han to meet up afterwards.


    Key master: I can help you under one condition.


    Baby Han: What condition?


    Yi Chen rubbed the back of his neck while biting his lower lip trying to make up a condition that Zi Han wouldn¡¯t refuseter. After much thought, he typed back a response.


    Key master: I will tell you after, now let me help you first.


    Zi Han read the message and showed a half smile on his face. How could he not know what Yi Chen was thinking? They knew each other too well.


    Since he had taken T from Yi Chen essentially damaging his reputation, Zi Han decided to be kind to him and repay his debt.


    Baby Han: Okay, just be gentle.


    Yi Chen leaned back in his seat his tense muscles rxed as he gazed at the various vibrating speeds at the left side of the floating screen.


    He chuckled lightly and tapped on the lowest setting first. Zi Han who was lying with his legs spread apart like he was ready to be devoured felt a slight movement in his lower half and he subconsciously gasped his chest rising and falling softly.


    He clutched his hair gently and his other hand caressed down from his chest to his nipple and abdomen leaving behind a glossy slippery fluid that could only be lubricant.


    He grasped the shaft of his half-mast member and began to stroke it while writhing his waist uncontrobly like he was in heat. But that wonderful feeling creeping up his spine from his tailbone suddenly disappeared and the culprit was obvious.


    Zi Han licked his lips while sitting up to reprimand the culprit when he saw he had a message from the key master.


    Key master: I want to see.


    Key master: I want to watch you enjoy yourself.


    Zi Han raised his brow and noticed that the app had that function. He licked his canine tooth with the tip of his tongue before giving authorization.


    After that, a huge floating screen appeared at the foot of the bed but because it was set as a one waymunication, Yi Chen could see Zi Han but Zi Han couldn¡¯t see Yi Chen.


    As a reward, Yi Chen increased the intensity of the vibrations. Zi Han clutched the quilt tightly as his waist twisted ufortably.


    Yi Chen¡¯s gaze travelled up Zi Han¡¯s slender yet powerful legs that were bent with their knees touching and he couldn¡¯t help but swallow his saliva.


    Because he couldn¡¯t see what he actually wanted he paused the vibrations and a secondter Zi Han half sat up and red at the screen.


    Yi Chen chuckled finding this appearance of Zi Han quite alluring. He couldn¡¯t help but feel the urge to tease him more.

 Chapter 410

    410 NSFW TWO... An online romance


    Key master: I want to hear you.


    Key master: I want to hear you call my name.


    Zi Han pursed his lips before finding the speech function. He was about to tell him to not say anything that would turn him off when Yi Chen¡¯s maic voice transmitted into his ears causing tremors throughout his body.


    ¡°Fuck....,¡± he swore and Yi Chen smiled slyly. He couldn¡¯t help but want to crawl in through the light brain and press this sexy minx down on that bed.


    ¡°Do you want it?¡± he whispered and Zi Han nodded his head while stroking his hard member with soft pants escaping his lips.


    ¡°Then call daddy for me,¡± he said and Zi Han licked his lips with a faint blush spreading from the tips of his ears to his chest.


    ¡°Mm... I want it... Daddy,¡± he whispered with gasps in between making Yi Chen feel hot all over. He tugged at his cor and unbuttoned the first two buttons of his shirt.


    He tapped the third vibration level on the screen and set it for five minutes. Sounds of Zi Han groaning while his waist twisted made Yi Chen¡¯s throat dry and hot. He was very thirsty from the fire scorching his entire body burning what little sanity he had left.


    Unfortunately, the tall ss of water he needed to quench his thirst was in the floating screen and was currently unattainable. His hand slipped down his pants and the sound of a zipper being pulled down echoed in the room clearly depicting what was about to happen. He pulled out the hard member bulging in his pants and it bounced slightly when it popped out of its restraints.


    .....


    Yi Chen stroked it from its tip down the shaft as his burning gaze prated deep into Zi Han¡¯s skin like he wanted to swallow him whole. ¡°Don¡¯t touch it, baby. I want you to get there without touching it,¡± he whispered his breathing short and rapid.


    His words were heard but not listened to. Zi Han was reluctant to let go as it wasfortable and pleasurable but he overlooked what type of person he was dealing with.


    Yi Chen tapped the floating screen again and increased the vibration intensity. This time Zi Han could barely keep his mouth shut even if he wanted to. He grasped the quilt tightly till his knuckles turned pale as he cried out in pleasure.


    ¡°Ah ah ah ah... Aah fuck, don¡¯t stop... Yea... Ngh... Ha fuck, Chen-ge... Faster... Mm just like that,¡± were the sounds directly transmitting into Yi Chen¡¯s ear arousing him even more.


    ¡°Baby call my name,¡± whispered Yi Chen and Zi Han obediently called out,


    ¡°Ah, Chen Chen.¡±


    Yi Chen¡¯s hand moved up and down faster his expression as alluring as temptation itself. ¡°No baby. Call me what I like to hear,¡± he said as he followed Zi Han¡¯s figure on the bed with his legs touching at the knees which made him dissatisfied. His view had been distracted.


    ¡°Fuck me... daddy, ha... Aah aah shit. Harder daddy mmm,¡± whispered Zi Han his voice raspy yet enchanting at the same time provoking scious thoughts in one¡¯s mind.


    ¡°Spread your legs apart. I want to see you,¡± said Yi Chen and Zi Han spread them wide apart with conspicuous fluids seeping down the shaft of his hardness down to his berries before disappearing in the fluffy tail.


    Yi Chen was very satisfied. He increased the intensity of the vibrations from the butt plug and when he saw his lover convulse as he shot out a load of cum on his abdomen, Yi Chen couldn¡¯t help but grunt as his lower half trembled unleashing all his essence on his pants leaving a conspicuous wet stain.


    Zi Hany with his limbs sprawled as he inhaled and exhaled deeply. His loud pants changed to heavy chuckles as he turned to lie on his side. The butt plug hade to a stop but his body was still twitching involuntarily.


    ¡°Chen Chen,¡± he called out but the person on the other side didn¡¯t seem to make a sound. Zi Han had to call him a second time before he got a response.


    ¡°Would we ever be together again?¡± asked Yi Chen and Zi Han¡¯sughter died down. He didn¡¯t think Yi Chen would turn to discuss serious stuff from the get-go.


    ¡°Because I am really struggling baby. I want to be with you and I won¡¯t let anyone get in the way again,¡± said Yi Chen his emotions amplified in his voice.


    Zi Han turned off the camera setting in the app and said, ¡°Tell me your password first so I can add your contact so we can talk freely,¡± said Zi Han and Yi Chen showed a slight smile at the corner of his lips.


    His heart felt warm hearing this. He just didn¡¯t think that Zi Han would actually want to talk to him like this again. He couldn¡¯t help but feel giddy inside.


    ¡°How can you not know my password? I deliberately made it so easy for you,¡± he said and Zi Han retorted back,


    ¡°Just stop screwing around and tell me... shit.¡± He swore not because of Yi Chen but the cum seeping down his abdomen. He reached out for the box of tissues and began to clean it up.


    ¡°I am not screwing around. It¡¯s obvious. Its ¡®I love my handsome wife Han Han¡¯ no spaces in between and all in small caps,¡± he said and Zi Han who was wiping the fluid off his belly paused while replying,


    ¡°Call me wife again and I will press you down. I am not joking.¡±


    His speech was fierce but his heart was as soft and mushy as tofu. He had to admit that despite being separated for so long Yi Chen still had a major hold on him. He knew what to say, how to say it and when to say it making this snippy assassin turn to silly putty in his hands.


    ¡°I am going to take a shower. I will contact you once I am done,¡± said Zi Han and Yi Chen smiled happily.


    ¡°Okay... I love you,¡± said Yi Chen while crossing his fingers hoping to hear those four magic words.


    A long awkward silence filled the room and Yi Chen almost thought he wouldn¡¯t say it back but then he heard, ¡°I love you too,¡± after a long period of time and his heart leapt in his chest like the first time Zi Han said those words to him. What a wonderful unforgettable feeling it was.

 Chapter 411

    411 Han Han got a tattoo... again


    Soothing sounds of running water came from the closed bathroom door with wisps of steam seeping from underneath the door.


    A tantalizing figure was standing unmoving under the water with an uncontroble smile on his face. That was the smile of a man who was about to get what he wanted the most and that was having his lover back in his clutches.


    He was so excited that he couldn¡¯t help but stand under the shower absentmindedly until the skin on his fingertips became wrinkly.


    When he got out of the shower he found that Zi Han had already added his contact but he hadn¡¯t left a message yet. With his lower body still wrapped up in a towel, he sat on the bed and ruffled his hair trying to figure out what to say to him.


    He bit his lower lip while typing.


    DeepLimerence: That was hot. Can we do it agai_


    He typed only for him to erase it again. That¡¯s because it felt a little cringy. What if Zi Han runs away again? He didn¡¯t want toe on strong.


    DeepLimerence: Can we meet up on_


    This time he exhaled deeply calming his nerves while waiting for his trembling fingers to stop shaking. Man, he could march straight into a dangerous situation with no fear but he couldn¡¯t find the right words to say to his sweetheart. It was simply too tragic.


    .....


    He put on a set offortable pyjamas andy down with his legs hanging off the bed looking up at the dazzling lights in the ceiling trying to word the sentence in his mind before trying again.


    While he was trying to word his response like he was doing the equation in his head before writing it down so as not to mess up the homework book a buzzing sound drew his attention.


    The floating screen moved above his face and when he saw that it was a message from Zi Han he opened it at lightning speed.


    StarryShadow: How long are you going to keep typing?


    StarryShadow: I can¡¯t stay up all night.


    Yi Chen¡¯s cheeks grew hot as he read and re-read that message. He typed out a swift response before resting his arm at the back of his head.


    DeepLimerence: I have a lot to say. I just don¡¯t know where to begin.


    Zi Han who was now dressed in hisfortable pyjama pants with a bare upper body took the little Nimsel from its tiny castle into his hands so it could lie with him in the bed. Hey on his side teasing the little fluffy ball that rubbed up against his fingers in return but it was still fast asleep.


    Zi Han was about to respond to Yi Chen when his light brain made a ringing sound because of an iing call. It was a video calling from Yi Chen.


    Zi Han licked his lips as he stretched his hand out with slight hesitation. After the third ring, he finally tapped on the screen.


    He ran his finger through his hair to try to fix it a little when Yi Chen¡¯s handsome face appeared on the floating screen in front of him. Zi Han¡¯s lips quirked up slightly though it was fleeting.


    His lover was sitting with his back resting on the head of the bed d infortable home clothes but he was still so dazzling that Zi Han couldn¡¯t help but be entranced for a second.


    Because Yi Chen had just taken a shower there was still some slight dampness in his hair and there was a slight blush creeping down his cheek to his neck.


    Zi Han was about to ask what he was doing when his gaze fell on the side of Yi Chen¡¯s neck where there was a faint bruise.


    ¡°What happened there,¡± asked Zi Han and Yi Chen who was staring at him admiringly responded casually,


    ¡°Oh this, you did it,¡± while brushing his hair with a smitten look on his face.


    Zi Han¡¯s eyes dimmed a little hearing that. He felt bad thus he apologized sincerely, ¡°I am sorry.¡±


    Yi Chen chuckled lightly before saying, ¡°You have scratched me before and you never apologized for that.¡±


    Zi Han¡¯s brows knitted together upon hearing that. ¡°I have never scratched you,¡± he said and Yi Chen¡¯s brow arched with an expression that seemed to say, ¡®really.¡¯


    ¡°... on purpose,¡± continued Zi Han when he remembered their sexual rendezvouses which made him suddenly blush.


    ¡°In fact,¡± said Yi Chen while taking off his grey long-sleeve t-shirt, ¡°You did a lot more than that.¡± Zi Han¡¯s mind instantly shattered his heart beating rapidly when he saw those firm and well-developed muscles that made him drool.


    Yi Chen was seriously showing him where he got hurt possibly attempting to emotionally ckmail him into meeting up but Zi Han wasn¡¯t paying attention to that at all.


    Over the years Yi Chen had bulked up a bit. Don¡¯t get him wrong, the man was strong and attractive before but now he was very strong and very attractive. He was the very definition of a thirst trap.


    Zi Han suddenly wanted to show him something he did when he was drunk. The next day he had woken up with a tattoo on his lower back with the characters of Yi Chen¡¯s name. We can all call it what it was. Zi Han got a tramp stamp while drunk and his mother didn¡¯t bother stopping him. The kid was too determined and when she asked him to remove it the next morning he stubbornly refused.


    Now he was showing it off with pride like it was a battle scar. ¡°Shh, lower your voice,¡± he said pointing at their baby that was sleeping uneasily.


    Yi Chen smiled slightly and nced at Mr Twiggles on the side table. Whenever he missed Zi Han he would pinch its fin reminiscing about their time in the closet while fighting about this little shark.


    Yi Chen was about to ask him why he wasn¡¯t putting the little Nimsel in its tiny mansion he paid a hefty price for but those words got stuck in his throat. Yes, he paid for it. He tried his very best to be a dad even when Zi Han was avoiding him.

 Chapter 412

    412 ¡°Let¡¯s elope...¡±


    Yi Chen was about to say that even if they shout at the top of their lungs this little rascal wouldn¡¯t wake up when his voice got stuck in his throat. He had survived Ming Ming and Yi Youxi¡¯s fights and he didn¡¯t even flinch. The little Nimsel kept sleeping like it was dead.


    What made him not say anything was because Zi Han had a tattoo on the lower back of his body with his name on it in simplified Chinese characters.


    ¡°Fuck,¡± he swore his heart dropping straight into a warm spring. How could he ever think Zi Han would stop loving him? The man obviously had his name engraved in his heart. Yi Chen¡¯s dark eyes flickered imperceptibly as he tried to suppress his emotions from bursting out like a hot geyser. He couldn¡¯t take it anymore. He wanted to hold his lover in his arms and tie him down so he would never leave him ever again.


    ¡°Do you like it? I will go get it removed soon now that you have seen it,¡± said Zi Han jokingly but Yi Chen¡¯s reaction was unexpected.


    He leaned forward abruptly like he was about to crawl into the floating screen and press him on the bed to stop him. ¡°No don¡¯t... I I I like it... a lot,¡± he said and Zi Han stifled hisughter. He sat cross-legged on the bed with his hands squeezing his calves wishing he could squeeze those biceps.


    ¡°Okay, I won¡¯t remove it... as long as you promise me something,¡± said Zi Hanying out his cards on the table.


    Yi Chen bit his lip nervously before saying, ¡°Whatever you want, babe I will give it to you.¡±


    Zi Han smiled happily and got off the bed. Yi Chen couldn¡¯t see what he was doing but he could hear things being thrown around and Zi Han came back with a box in his hand beaming with smiles.


    ¡°You should wear this for me,¡± said Zi Han while opening the box. Yi Chen wouldn¡¯t agree easily. At least he should see it first before he agrees.


    .....


    ¡°Let me see it first,¡± he said and Zi Han pulled out a maid costume cut out on the chest to show his pectoral muscles.


    ¡°Will you wear it for me and take some pictures... When I bought it I made sure it was ording to your size,¡± exined Zi Han. He really couldn¡¯t wait to see him in it. It would be even better if Yi Chen put it on while they are ying adult games. That would be very very interesting.


    Yi Chen¡¯s eyes narrowed scrutinizing Zi Han before he asked, ¡°Did you buy it when you were drunk?¡±


    Zi Han who had been caughtughed nervously before saying, ¡°Maybe... why does that matter? Are you going to wear it or not?¡±


    ¡°I will wear it and take pictures but... you still owe me,¡± said Yi Chen looking like a CEO about to negotiate a serious contract.


    Zi Han tilted his head to the side and asked, ¡°What do you want?¡±


    Knowing that he had Zi Han right where he wanted him Yi Chen said, ¡°Let¡¯s elope.¡±


    Zi Han, ¡°???¡±


    Seeing Zi Han¡¯s bbergasted expression, Yi Chen exined further, ¡°I love you and I want to be with you. I want to grow old with you... I know you feel the same way as well so... let¡¯s get married.¡±


    Zi Han¡¯s heart trembled hearing this. He couldn¡¯t help butugh out of nervousness but when he realised how this could be misunderstood he covered his mouth with his trembling fingers.


    ¡°My grandfather will fuckin kill us. No no no I am wrong. He will kill just you. Are you crazy?¡± he said but Yi Chen¡¯s expression remained stern like he was serious.


    Zi Han had to take a minute thus he raised his index finger while saying, ¡°Give me a minute, okay? Don¡¯t... don¡¯t go anywhere.¡±


    After saying this he got off the bed almost tripping. Seeing this Yi Chen panicked a little thus he said, ¡°Careful. Are you okay?¡±


    Zi Han just picked himself up while nodding his head. ¡°Uh-huh... I am fine, just fine,¡± said Zi Han while walking towards the bathroom.


    With a click, he closed the door and Yi Chen suddenly felt that maybe this wasn¡¯t the right time. Feeling a little anxious he stood up and ruffled his hair his breathing stagnated. He felt tremors all over his body out of anxiety.


    He really wanted to be with Zi Han. He wanted to marry him and he prepared everything for that. He saved up all his star coins and invested in his grandfather¡¯s (his mother¡¯s side) mines securing their future. He knew that this wasn¡¯t enough but he promised to make sure Zi Han wouldn¡¯t be wronged. Like he said before everything he owned belonged to Zi Han.


    Yi Chen wasn¡¯t the only one having a nervous breakdown. Zi Han was sshing water on his face and pacing up and down while talking to himself.


    ¡°The fuck... why would he even suggest that?... Shit,¡± he swore while sitting on the bathroom floor with his knees pressed into his chest.


    When he reconnected with Yi Chen he thought maybe they could take it a step at a time but who would have thought the man wanted to elope with him? His mother would get over it but his grandfather, not so much.


    He didn¡¯t get married, his daughter eloped and now his grandson was about to repeat the cycle. They hadn¡¯t had a wedding in their family for two generations and this was about to be the third. Zi Han wasn¡¯t sure his grandfather would take that well.


    Zi Han had to consider it carefully or at least inform his family. Whether they wanted to be a part of it would yet be determined.


    After making up his mind, Zi Han got up and wiped his face with a towel before pumping himself up.


    ¡°It¡¯s okay. It¡¯s okay. You like him, right? You love him, right? Right?¡± he said to the man in the mirror but the panic was really setting in. He leaned down on the bathroom vanity and covered his face with his hands.


    AN: I hear wedding bells... hehe

 Chapter 413

    413 Someone is high on vinegar


    Just when Yi Chen thought Zi Han wouldn¡¯te out, the bathroom door opened with a click and he straightened his back. He was sitting on the edge of the bed with his feet resting on the fluffy carpet. The fabric of the carpet rubbed against his toes giving a sense of ease.


    He could hear Zi Han mumbling something in the background while looking for something anxiously.


    ¡°Han Han,¡± he called out softly but the little Nimsel that was napping in the full view of the camera turned over dissatisfied and opened its eyes with a soft wee sound.


    The little fluff ball excitedly pressed its face on the floating screen. It began to make excited wee wee sounds only to fall over through the holographic screen. Despite having fallen t on its face that didn¡¯t dampen its enthusiasm. It got up and began to jump up and down again.


    Yi Chen raised Mr. Twiggles for the little Nimsel to see and the little thing began to jump excitedly. Zi Han walked over to the screen absentmindedly as he flicked a lighter several times trying to light a cigarette which was what he had been looking for a while ago opening drawers frantically.


    ¡°What are you doing? Now he won¡¯t sleep asking for Mr. Twiggles,¡± he saiding into the view of the camera.


    Yi Chen¡¯s hands froze looking at the cigarette dangling on Zi Han¡¯s lips. He couldn¡¯t help but reprimand him. ¡°What are you doing? Haven¡¯t we discussed this before and you promised you would quit,¡± he said and Zi Han paused his fingers before cing his hand on his hip while pointing at him.


    ¡°Do you me me after what you said?¡± said Zi Han in an usatory tone like Yi Chen was the cause for his smoking habits.


    ¡°What? So you don¡¯t want to elope with me?¡± blurted out Yi Chen with his jaw clenched.


    .....


    ¡°I don¡¯t... I mean I do but I have to speak to my family first. I will give you an answer when I see you,¡± replied Zi Han before flicking the lighter again but no matter how hard he tried the me wasn¡¯t lighting up.


    ¡°Damn it. Sometimes I think my grandfather gave me this lighter just so that I can quit smoking. It¡¯s so hard to light it. Look at my finger,¡±ined Zi Han showing his throbbing thumb.


    Yi Chen was feeling a little downcast but when he saw that look of grievance on Zi Han¡¯s face his sullen mood couldn¡¯t help but vanish.


    ¡°Then do you want me to kiss it? I heard kissing it will make your wound heal faster,¡± said Yi Chen and Zi Han¡¯s eyes instantly turned watery like he was about to cry. He was obviously a big man with bloody hands but he couldn¡¯t help but act cute with his lover. Oh, how he missed being pampered by this man.


    ¡°How can you kiss it when I am already far away from capital star?¡± said Zi Han and Yi Chen leaned closer while curling his finger beckoning him over.


    Zi Han subconsciously licked his lips as he moved closer like he was bewitched by this handsome man¡¯s charming appearance.


    ¡°The virtual dummy,¡± whispered Yi Chen before he leaned back while chuckling.


    Zi Han remembered now that there was such a thing. He nodded his head before saying, ¡°Just leave Mr. Twiggles right there. At least you can appease this ancestor.¡±


    The ancestor they were talking about was still making wee sounds as though having a conversation with the plushy shark.


    Yi Chen¡¯s brow arched while asking, ¡°What do you think they are talking about?¡±


    Zi Han shrugged his shoulders while putting a t-shirt on. ¡°I don¡¯t know. Probablyining about everyone in this warship. My grandfather dresses him up in cute outfits and shares them with his friend circle and my mother is guilty of grooming and feeding him constantly. If I were him I wouldin too.¡± Yi Chen acquiesced to that.


    ¡°I forwarded our virtual address. Meet me there,¡± said Yi Chen as Zi Han headed for the door. The simtor Lynn Feng modified wasn¡¯t in his cabin.


    ¡°Mm see you there and keep that call active. My little Nim Nim isn¡¯t done talking,¡± said Zi Han before walking back to pet the little fluff ball¡¯s head and kiss its furry cheek.


    ¡°Weeee,¡± was the sound the little cutie made after that kiss leaving Yi Chen¡¯s lips twitching subconsciously. Even the little guy got better treatment than he did over the years.


    Yi Chen stared at the little nimsel as a sour feeling rose in his chest. The little Nimsel could smell the strong smell of vinegaring from its father and couldn¡¯t help but stick its tongue out.


    Yi Chen, ¡°???¡±


    The amount of disrespect was uncalled for.


    He sighed before getting off the bed and entering the virtual capsule to enter the virtual.


    In a matter of seconds, his consciousness was drawn to the virtual which was bustling despite howte it was.


    Thest time he was on the virtual he was harassed by that annoying girl that he didn¡¯t dare login again. He could only me his father for telling her his virtual alias.


    He was standing right where he logged off that is the auction house. He had been looking for a gift for Zi Han and the virtual auction house was the kind of ce beautiful and unique things could be found. They would then be delivered right at his door in the real world.


    Yi Chen turned to the information disy and pressed the teleportation button that would send him straight to his virtual property.


    Who would have thought when he got there he would find that girl squatting at his doorstep with no self-image at all?


    Yi Chen ignored her. He walked right past her treating her like air. She had been poking the ground with a dejected appearance when she heard the sound of footsteps.


    She raised her head and when she saw that figure walking past her eyes brightened as she got up. ¡°Chen-ge,¡± she called out and grabbed his arm without warning.


    Zi Han who had just arrived at the virtual property was unfortunately met with this scene. His chest tightened like a stone was weighing heavy on his chest as an uncontroble sour feeling rose up his throat.


    ¡®What the fuck,¡¯ swore Zi Han internally his chest rising and falling as a very nasty beast threatened to show its face. Was it illegal to beat someone in the virtual space? Just asking for a friend.

 Chapter 414

    414 ¡°My wife...¡±


    If he had the opportunity to check the rules and regtions for the virtual he would find out if it was a crime to hit someone here. He had never wanted to beat someone as bad as he wanted to hit this girl who dared put her filthy paws on his man.


    Zi Han pressed the tip of his tongue on his cheek before a sly quirk appeared on his face.


    He walked over and clutched Yi Chen¡¯s cor and kissed him. And nope it wasn¡¯t the innocent kind of kiss. It wasn¡¯t a gentle peck but a deep kiss with tongue and everything clearly expressing his possessiveness.


    Yi Chen¡¯s eyes widened at first and he wasn¡¯t the only one. The girl¡¯s eyes were wide too. She was there when the whole Zi Han scandal broke out or in other words, she watched from afar. She honestly ignored it because after that scandal this man showed no interest in any other guy.


    Thinking it was just a phase she pestered her father for an opportunity to meet Yi Chen since he was very close to the former Marshal. The opportunity came and she actively pursued him but who would thought someone else would swoop him up just like that?


    She slowly let go of the arm she was grasping as she took a step back tremblingly. That¡¯s because these two had taken things too far.


    Yi Chen who had been startled just now was actively kissing Zi Han with his hand pressing on the man¡¯s waist pulling him closer so he wouldn¡¯t retreat. Zi Han had brought this upon himself. Now that he had started the fire he would have to put it out. Zi Han also noticed that Yi Chen had shifted from a passive role to a more active one.


    He didn¡¯t mind this thirsty lustful kiss but fuck... the man¡¯s hands were truly unruly. Yi Chen¡¯s hand was sliding down his ass and groping it like a pervert.


    Afraid he would get hard in this capsule, he pushed Yi Chen away and cleared his throat while trying to catch his breath.


    .....


    His fears were valid because his mother who wasing out of the training room noticed that the virtual capsule was blinking lights like someone was using it.


    Curious she entered to check while removing her gloves. When she saw it was her son she called out, ¡°Han Han, you should go to bed already.¡± When she didn¡¯t get a response she walked over and lo and behold there was a pir holding up the Colosseum. Zi Xingxi rolled her eyes as she turned to leave. When she said he should contact Yi Chen she didn¡¯t mean having virtual makeout sessions.


    With his face red, Zi Han smiled at the girl stiffly before walking away. The message had been clearly delivered which was his intent from the beginning.


    ¡°Wha-, who is that?¡± asked the girl her heart simply shattered to pieces.


    ¡°My wife,¡± he said before rushing over to catch up. He grasped Zi Han¡¯s arm and pressed his chest into the man¡¯s back.


    Zi Han who was pressed against the door bit his lip hard stopping himself from cursing. Yi Chen lowered his head and brushed his lips on the side of Zi Han¡¯s neck before whispering, ¡°I will help you with that.¡±


    Zi Han gulped his entire body heating up like someone had set his back alight. Even on the virtual, Yi Chen was like a walking male hormone that could stir the hearts of the coldest ciers and Zi Han had fallen victim to that. It¡¯s too bad the virtual didn¡¯t allow sexual rendezvous, making out yes, sexual rendezvous nope.


    Zi Han looked down at his hand that was being held by Yi Chen his breathing stagnant. He had never messed around in the virtual apart from ying with mechs thus he didn¡¯t know that the sensory setting was this intense.


    Yi Chen gently guided his hand to the panel on the side of the table. With a click, the door opened while the home system announced.


    ¡°Wee home, madam,¡± said the voice and Zi Han pursed his lips wishing he could knock this person on his head but after Yi Chen kissed his neck he instantly cooled down with his brain turning into a muddled mess.


    It tickled so much that Zi Han shrunk his neck. Yi Chen was pretty pleased with the result. He wrapped his arms around Zi Han¡¯s waist tightly and led him into the house while kissing his lover¡¯s neck even more.


    As the door closed a deste figure red at the two people ring up with deep resentment. She should have listened to Ikeda Yua when she said this man only has one person in his heart that was Zi Han.


    The appearance of the guy just now didn¡¯t really look like Zi Han but even she knew Yi Chen¡¯s personality. He wasn¡¯t easily moved which meant that person just now could only be Zi Han.


    Clenching her fist she walked away intending to get the former Marshal involved. These two couldn¡¯t be allowed to be together. While she was stomping off to go tattle, Zi Han found himself pressed against the door with Yi Chen¡¯s arm blocking his path.


    Zi Han tried to move away while saying, ¡°You can¡¯t do such things here,¡± but Yi Chen pressed his shoulder down as he leaned down with a devilish smile.


    He held Zi Han¡¯s chin forcing him to look up. Their gazes locked and Zi Han¡¯s heart exploded like dynamite. His breath lurched as he nced at the lips drawing closer and closer to his.


    He bit his lower lip in anticipation but before their lips could touch Yi Chen stopped moving. Zi Han couldn¡¯t take it anymore thus he leaned forward but Yi Chen retreated slightly.


    With a look of dissatisfaction, Zi Han looked up into his eyes and asked, ¡°Why are you tormenting me?¡±


    Yi Chen caressed Zi Han¡¯s chin with his thumb and asked, ¡°You don¡¯t know why?¡±


    Zi Han who knew leaned backwards with his back stered on the door while lowering his head. ¡°Look at me,¡± whispered Yi Chen into Zi Han¡¯s ear making his body itchy.


    When he looked up his lips were covered by Yi Chen¡¯s and sucked on hard that Zi Han thought he was going to get swallowed whole. He never knew his man could be this domineering until now and fuck... why did he find it hot?

 Chapter 415

    415 ¡°You ignore me then I will ignore you too...


    The heat in the virtual capsule was rising rapidly approaching sh point. That¡¯s because things were going out of control in the virtual. Yi Chen thought he could restrain himself but he totally miscalcted the amount of pent-up hunger within him. Like a starving beast, he pressed his body against Zi Han while his tongue slipped into his lover¡¯s mouth.


    It wasn¡¯t the same as when they were together face to face but it was enough to me the fire. His hand slid down Zi Han¡¯s chin and cupped his throat deepening the kiss.


    Zi Han let out a soft whimper as he raised his chin higher chasing after those soft lips with his hand grasping Yi Chen¡¯s waist tightly pulling him closer.


    Just when he was slowly slipping his hand underneath Yi Chen¡¯s t-shirt to touch what he shouldn¡¯t be touching in the virtual space a loud warning was issued.


    System notification, ¡°Warning, please refrain from participating in activities that go against the moral act legition 333351 otherwise you will be thrown out of the virtual and banned for seven days.¡±


    Zi Han¡¯s fingers stiffened as Yi Chen separated from him. Just as Yi Chen was taking a step back Zi Han grasped his wrist to pull him back before saying, ¡°There are no rules about making out.¡±


    Yi Chen caressed Zi Han¡¯s cheek with his thumb and said, ¡°You can only get a taste. If you want more thene find me,¡± said Yi Chen while staring into his lover¡¯s eyes with tender affection.


    Before Zi Han could evenin or at least try to act cute and get more of those sweet kisses, Yi Chen suddenly logged off.


    Zi Han, ¡°...¡±


    .....


    Since Yi Chen was gone what was the point of him staying on the virtual? He honestly thought that they could spend the night in the virtual space. They could sleep together and cuddle but the person just logged off.


    When Zi Han sat up he saw that he had indeed pitched a tent in his loose track pants. He clicked his tongue in annoyance as he got out of the virtual capsule and left in huge strides. He wanted to call Yi Chen but he remembered that because he wanted the little Nimsel to catch up with Mr. Twiggles he left his light brain in his cabin.


    Because he had to pass by the open lounge before turning to get to his cabin he saw his mother sitting with her back toward him.


    He didn¡¯t dare to say anything thus he slipped away while covering his now half mast member that was yet to shrink back to its regr size. But just as he took a step he heard his mother say, ¡°Is everything alright?¡± as she took a sip of some warm tea with a sly quirk at the corner of her lips.


    Zi Han¡¯s steps paused as he closed his eyes with an embarrassed flush on his face. ¡°I am... I am fine,¡± said Zi Han and Zi Xingxi didn¡¯t bother him anymore.


    ¡°Okay, good night honey. Don¡¯t overexert yourself. It¡¯s not good for your kidneys,¡± she said and Zi Han sighed in relief having gotten amnesty.


    ¡°Goodnight mum,¡± he said before he hurriedly walking away. It was only after he got to his cabin that he realised what she meant by kidneys.


    With his back pressed against the door, he pped his forehead feeling a little flustered. It meant his mother saw him just now.


    ¡°Fuck,¡± he swore before he opened his eyes and nced at his bed. The video call had been cut off already and the little Nimsel was sleeping on the bed seeming to be having a very good sleep.


    Zi Han picked it up while mumbling, ¡°Sleep sleep sleep that¡¯s all you do *sigh... your life must be so carefree.¡±


    He put the little fluffball into its bed and covered it with a tiny nket. After that, he turned to pick up his light brain and tried to call Yi Chen. Yi Chen who was in the bathroom just now walked out only to be met by the endless buzzing of his light brain.


    Recalling what Yi Feng¡¯s boyfriend said about getting a lover back, Yi Chen resisted the urge to answer. Rule number one was to let them have a taste, just a taste, and leave them wanting more. He swore that after that Zi Han woulde running back to him.


    As hard as it was Yi Chen ignored the light brain that was ringing constantly. He walked back to his bed and slipped underneath the quilt. The ringing had stopped but it was soon reced by endless dinging sounds from the messagesing in. His heart twisted painfully unable to ignore his sweetheart anymore.


    He turned to his side so he could respond to at least one message but before he could swipe the light brain something fell to the ground and shattered.


    Yi Chen hastily sat up and noticed that the blue jadeite that belonged to T had broken into pieces on the floor. His expression turned ghastly as he hurriedly got up trying to salvage it but the situation seemed helpless.


    He reached out to pick up the pieces when he felt an inexplicable force draw him in. Before he could even react Yi Chen¡¯s body vanished on the spot leaving no traces behind. Even the shattered pieces disappeared with him leaving behind a dinging light brain from the messagesing from Zi Han.


    Zi Han who had no idea his man had vanished off the entire face of the federation was busy bombarding the man with messages with slight annoyance. He was good at ignoring Yi Chen but he didn¡¯t like the feeling when it was thrown his way.


    ¡°Fine!¡± he yelled and tossed the light brain in annoyance before lying down, ¡°You ignore me then I will ignore you too. Two can y that freaking game.¡±


    After saying this he covered himself with his quilt trying to close his eyes and stop thinking about it but ten minutester he was screaming into his pillow. It was bound to be a long sleepless night.

 Chapter 416

    416 Sadly the groom is missing.


    This terrible mood was carried over to the next morning. Judging from the dark circles on his eyes, Zi Han had barely slept. When he reached the kitchen the four people who saw him hissed with Lynn Feng having mistaken Zi Han for a walking corpse.


    Zi Han scratched his disheveled hair while asking, ¡°What are you all looking at? Haven¡¯t you seen a handsome person before?¡±


    Zi Xingxi couldn¡¯t help but chuckle almost choking on her egg pancake. Zi Feiji pointed at the seat opposite him and asked, ¡°Did you even brush your teeth? If you did then you would have seen your appearance in the mirror.¡±


    Zi Han pouted his lips as he sat down before saying, ¡°I did but my eyes were half closed.¡± Hey his head on the counter while sighing.


    Why didn¡¯t anybody tell him that coaxing a man was so difficult? His attitude when texting had changed from yelling to threatening then to soft coaxing but Yi Chen hadn¡¯t said anything yet. It was so freaking hard.


    Seeing his dejected appearance Zi Xingxi couldn¡¯t help but worry thus he ced the back of her hand on his forehead.


    ¡°Uh... no fever... What do you want for breakfast?¡± she asked while pulling her hand back.


    ¡°I want ice cream,¡± he whispered and Lynn Feng¡¯s brows arched before hitting the arrow straight on the head.


    ¡°Brokenhearted? Who would dare break this little cutie¡¯s heart?¡± she said and Zi Han moved his face away burying his head in his arms crossed over each other on the countertop.


    .....


    Zi Feiji, ¡°...¡±


    Zi Xingxi pressed the back of his neck while asking worriedly, ¡°I thought you two were getting along. How can you fight already? It¡¯s only been a couple of hours.¡±


    Zi Feiji who couldn¡¯t bear seeing his grandson this dejected pressed his light brain and Old Lu who had just left popped up on the screen.


    ¡°Yes master,¡± he said and grandpa Zi suddenly said,


    ¡°Bring me the punisher. I am going to hit that Yi kid until it breaks.¡±


    Secretary K, ¡°...¡±


    Lynn Feng, ¡°Can I film that?¡±


    ¡°Uh uh no no need grandpa,¡± said Zi Han raising his head. He didn¡¯t like seeing his baby in pain. To this day that p still gave him nightmares.


    ¡°What happened between you two?¡± asked Zi Xingxi and Zi Han sighed deeply as he rested his cheek on his cupped fist.


    ¡°Promise me you all won¡¯t overreact,¡± he said, and Zi Feiji who shouldn¡¯t have overreacted already overreacted before promising anything.


    ¡°Is he pregnant?¡± he asked on impulse having forgotten that Yi Chen was a man and if anyone would be pregnant between the two of them it would be Zi Han. Lynn Feng couldn¡¯t help but chuckle while Zi Xingxi red at her father.


    Zi Feiji seemed to realise his mistake so he coughed dryly while sitting back down. Who could me him though? He had been caught with two surprise babies already. First, it was when Zi Xingxi¡¯s birth mother got pregnant and two when his daughter came home announcing she was pregnant by the prince. He kind of had a psychological shadow.


    ¡°Not that¡¯s possible. Just promise me you won¡¯t freak out, especially you mum,¡± he said and Zi Xingxi crossed her heart promising but in truth, she did that because she could say she was scratching her chest thus it wasn¡¯t a promise. This is why she refused to promise out loud.


    Satisfied and unaware of his mother¡¯s ploy, Zi Han continued to say, ¡°I want to marry Yi Chen.¡±


    Everyone, ¡°...¡±


    Zi Feiji, ¡°Fuck no!¡±


    The fact that grandpa Zi swore which was a very rare urrence meant how serious this was.


    Seeing the look on their faces wasn¡¯t good, Zi Han hurriedly exined, ¡°We nned on getting married when we got engaged back then so why not get it done now. We don¡¯t even have to make it big. Will just pop up at the federation register office and... get married,¡± he said but no one else made a sound.


    Zi Xingxi only had one question in her mind which was, ¡®How good was the virtual rendezvousst night that her son woke up and decided they were going to get married?¡¯


    ¡°Are you kidding?¡± asked Zi Feiji while Lynn Feng, Old Lu, and Secretary K congratted him which was in stark contrast.


    ¡°Have you thought about where you will stay or the fact that you two can¡¯t be out together in a public space? This... are you sure?¡± said Zi Feiji with worry written all over his face.


    ¡°We haven¡¯t talked about it but I still want to get married,¡± he said while pressing his fingers nervously.


    ¡°Okay, but you have to Invite his mother. She has been rooting for you two longer than any of us. It would be a shame if she doesn¡¯t witness such a beautiful thing,¡± said Zi Xingxi genuinely keeping to her word. She had interfered enough and things still progressed thus far. This rtionship was predestined and even she couldn¡¯t mess with fate.


    ¡°Xixi,¡± called out Zi Feiji having not expected her to be the first to cave in.


    ¡°What? Look at that face. Who can refuse him? He looks so sad,¡± said Zi Xingxi raising her son¡¯s chin but his expression didn¡¯t seem pitiful enough thus she pinched Zi Han¡¯s thigh making tears form at the corners of his eye like he was about to cry.


    ¡°Ow,¡± he whispered while staring at his mother with an usatory look on his face.


    Zi Xingxi spoke through her teeth, ¡°y along. It¡¯s for your own good.¡±


    Zi Han understood the assignment thus he became teary-eyed and began to cry, ¡°Wuwuwuwu grandpa, I love him.¡±


    ¡°Too much, you are doing too much. Tone it down,¡± she said through gritted teeth and Zi Han who had no degree in acting had to hone whatever acting skills he could master in order to guilt his grandpa.


    Zi Feiji who had seen through their act waved his hand while saying, ¡°Okay, okay. There is no need to pollute my eyes with such shaudy acting. Before that though, I want a mech battle with him in the simtor that is my only condition.¡±


    Zi Han beamed as he got up to hug his grandfather. Zi Xingxi pped her hands in excitement while saying, ¡°Yay, my baby is getting married.¡±


    AN: Sadly the groom is missing.

 Chapter 417

    417 The perfect marriage


    The perfect marriage is just two imperfect people who refuse to give up on each other.¡± -Davis Willis.


    Ever since Zi Han decided that he was going to marry Yi Chen he had been feeling different inside. The best way to describe the feeling would be like an unopened bottle of champagne after being shaken.


    He felt bubbly and excited but could only restrain himself especially when the person who asked him in the first ce was nowhere to be found. The man wasn¡¯t answering both his messages and calls which was very irritating.


    He tried to calm himself down and give excuses for Yi Chen. Maybe he was busy with something or maybe he got into trouble with his father or something? Maybe that girl went over to tattle or something?


    Zi Han ruffled his hair and finally wrote hisst message or what he promised will be thest message.


    StarryShadow: I will see you at the location below at ten in the morning in two days.


    Why in two days? It was because they were returning to Capital Star to celebrate his mother¡¯s birthday that wasing up. Zi Han and Zi Feiji had nned a mini party for Zi Xingxi at a fancy skyline resort after booking the entire ce.


    He decided to meet up with Yi Chen on that day and give him an answer. After sending that message his heart lurched as a wave of numbness spread all over his body.


    Zi Han could barely function well in the next two days neither could he think straight. Sleep was a foreign concept to him. He wasn¡¯t sleeping well at all and Zi Xingxi was seriously getting worried.


    .....


    She made him some tea on the second night after catching him wide away several times in the night. It was only then that Zi Han got some type of beauty sleep no matter how short it was.


    When the day came Zi Han was very anxious. He was bustling about like this was his wedding day.


    He was especially attentive to his outfit of choice, well, that is after he pestered his mother for a haircut.


    Zi Xingxi had cut her son¡¯s hair several times before but this was the first time he had been so particr. The two finally settled on the details and once Zi Xingxi was done Zi Han smiled happily while messing with his long side-swept fringe.


    ¡°Do I look irresistible?¡± he asked while his mother packed away the hair clippers.


    Zi Xingxi smiled at him while looking at his reflection in the mirror. She ced her hands on either side of his shoulders and said, ¡°You look like someone¡¯s handsome husband.¡±


    Zi Han patted his mother¡¯s hand and mouthed, ¡°Thank you.¡±


    Zi Xingxi ruffled her son¡¯s hair before letting him go and get prepared. ¡°Oh, and don¡¯t forget to invite him over to my birthday dinner your grandfather still wants to talk to him,¡± she said through the bathroom door and Zi Han yelled back,


    ¡°Okay.¡±


    Zi Xingxi left her son¡¯s cabin only to almost bump into Zi Feiji. The man seemed a little anxious. ¡°Did Han Han get hold of him?¡± he asked and Zi Xingxi shook her head.


    ¡°That idiot Yi Zhen probably detained his son again. Talk some sense into him because if I do it I will most definitely fuck him up and tear his face,¡± she replied before walking past her father.


    Zi Feiji bit his lips a little frustrated. He had a very bad feeling more especially after hearing some chatter in his circle of friends. He had been worried that Yi Chen¡¯s unavability might be more than what was on the surface.


    His friends were specting that something had happened to Yi Chen. It seemed the former Marshal had been seen in the military headquarters several times and his face didn¡¯t look good at all.


    Zi Feiji attempted to get hold of him but the call didn¡¯t go through. It seemed now he had to escte the matter.


    It was indeed true. In fact, the Marshal had already went to Yi Chen¡¯s apartment the very next day after he heard that his son didn¡¯t show up to a scheduled event from Li Ran. When he got there the light brain was there but his son was nowhere to be found.


    What he did find though were traces of a very familiar mental power but the funny thing was that it belonged to a person presumed dead. It was the former prince¡¯s mental power though faint.


    His first thought was Zi Han but after finding out he wasn¡¯t anywhere near Capital Star he gave up on that route and began to turn his son¡¯s life upside down looking for what he was working on, hopefully, it would lead him to his possible whereabouts. All he found were basic cases most of which Yi Chen took over from him and none of them stood out.


    It was only after interrogating Li Ran did he find out Yi Chen was really into finding the former prince and as expected it had something to do with Zi Han. It was then he went through the chat records again. This time he found so many messages and missed calls from the StarryShadow person and he knew who exactly it was. When he saw that they were meant to meet today, Yi Zhen decided to keep this appointment thus he had Li Ran respond to it swiftly because he could match Yi Chen¡¯s tone.


    Li Ran was very reluctant but he also wanted to know where his friend was thus he responded while silently apologizing to Zi Han in advance


    DeepLimerence: I am sorry my dad found out that we have been talking so I wasn¡¯t avable. He is being an asshole.


    The former Marshal who read these words gnashed his teeth in anger. Who was this fool calling an asshole?


    Li Ran put on an innocent expression and said, ¡°It¡¯s nothing personal, uncle. This is really how your son talks.¡±


    The former Marshal humphed before waving his fingers for him to continue.


    DeepLimerence: I can¡¯t wait to see you tomorrow.


    DeepLimerence: I love you.

 Chapter 418

    418 Meeting gone wrong


    While Zi Han was putting on his tailored suit in front of a mirror he heard a dinging sounding from his light brain.


    ¡°Iggy, let me see,¡± he said while fixing his cufflinks.


    ¡°Yes, young sir,¡± replied Igneous and it pulled up the message which floated on the side of the mirror. When Zi Han read it his lips twitched for a second but a slight smile slowly crept up his face.


    ¡°Would you like to respond, sir?¡± asked Igneous but Zi Han shook his head while sliding his ring on his finger.


    ¡°No need...,¡± he said turning the ring on his finger with a doting look in his eyes.


    When Zi Feiji saw his grandson his jaw almost dropped. He couldn¡¯t help but criticize, ¡°This isn¡¯t even your wedding yet.¡±


    Zi Han showed a half smile while messing with his hair, ¡°Practice makes perfect. Besides, it¡¯s mum¡¯s birthday so I should dress for the asion.¡±


    Zi Xingxi chuckled while leaning against the door. ¡°Yes sure, you can use me as an excuse. You are just trying to impress someone and I am down for it.¡±


    ¡°I will bring him along. We will meet at three pm. Personally, I wouldn¡¯t mind if you arete. It gives me and my lover some time alone,¡± said Zi Han jokingly and grandpa Zi almost rolled his eyes. Wasn¡¯t he being too cocky?


    .....


    Zi Xingxi draped her hand over her son¡¯s shoulders while pulling him away saying, ¡°Old man, it¡¯s my birthday and that beard has to go.¡±


    Zi Feiji, ¡°...¡±


    ¡°Is it that bad?¡± asked Zi Feiji and Old Lu showed a stiff smile unable to lie.


    Meanwhile, Zi Xingxi handed her son a small packet before saying, ¡°He replied didn¡¯t he?¡±


    Zi Han rubbed the small packet in between his fingers while asking, ¡°How did you know?¡±


    Zi Xingxiughed out loud before saying, ¡°Do you still have to ask this? I am your mother and I know everything... If he refuses toe with you you better kidnap him. Knock him out with this. Your grandfather is serious about this.¡±


    Zi Han highly doubted that Yi Chen would refuse thus heughed softly while saying, ¡°I think it won¡¯t be necessary.¡±


    Zi Xingxi ruffled his hair forgetting how much work she put into styling it and kissed his temple. ¡°I am proud of you-,¡± she said before a loud explosive pop sound interrupted her.


    The two of them drew their weapons their eyes sharp and deadly like a viper whoseir had been broken into. But instead of an attack, there was confetti flying everywhere and a banner rolled down that was wishing Zi Han good luck.


    ¡°You go get your man Han Han!¡± yelled Lynn Feng with half her body hanging on the railing on the second floor of the hangar. Secretary K had to pull her back before he went downstairs as he was escorting Zi Han. He gave her a meaningful nce and Lynn Feng smiled back in tacit understanding.


    Zi Han smiled at Lynn Feng while his mother whispered, ¡°That, did you see that? Something fishy must be going on between those two. That look didn¡¯t seem right.¡±


    Zi Han justughed refusing to expose them. Lynn Feng or Secretary K should be the ones to confess. ¡°I will keep you updated,¡± he said and his mother finally let him go.


    When Secretary K passed by Zi Xingxi stopped him and in a stern voice she said, ¡°You know what to do.¡±


    Secretary K nodded his head seriously and said, ¡°I understand. I will protect him with my life.¡± Zi Xingxi showed a slight smile feeling a sense of ease.


    Soon four stealth cruisers lifted off from the hangar and exited the warship before slowly vanished in the darkness. Zi Han¡¯s heartbeat sped up when he looked back at the warship that was slowly restoring its invisibility.


    He couldn¡¯t wait to see his lover in person and tell him the good news. with that thought in mind, Zi Han smiled subconsciously. He pressed his hand on his stomach trying to soothe the butterflies fluttering in there.


    Secretary K could see how nervous he was at a nce thus he said, ¡°It will be okay, young sir.¡±


    Zi Han nodded his head with gratitude in his eyes. He needed someone to tell him that.


    When they reached the ce, Zi Han got out of the car after they checked the location. Given the green light, the guy out and buttoned his suit jacket.


    He looked at Secretary K gesturing for him to follow while the rest of the men guarded outside the museum. This museum was Zi Feiji¡¯s treasure and he had it shut down for a day for his grandson.


    Because this was their territory and the Marshal knew that it meant there wouldn¡¯t dare pick a fight here unless they want to offend the entire Bloodgarde but they were wrong. While Zi Han was sitting in the observatory waiting for his lover to show up something unexpected happened.


    A distress signal was sent from the outside. Zi Han¡¯s heart clenched as he nced up at Secretary K who was standing at the door on the third level. He also saw the distress signal and immediately drew his weapon rushing down to get to Zi Han.


    Zi Han sneered coldly while taking out his handgun. He didn¡¯t know whether this was Yi Chen¡¯s doing but one thing was for sure, he was very pissed off.


    A high-pitched whoosh sound echoed in the room as a thick cloud of smog filled up the ce fast. Soon Zi Han couldn¡¯t see anything but because he had Igneous this was child¡¯s y to him.


    With his hand covering his nose, he raised his weapon, and Igneous reported iing enemies. Sounds of gunfire filled the observatory followed by sounds of swearing.


    ¡°Who are they?¡± He asked Igneous and Igneous reported they were from the office of the Marshal.


    ¡°It¡¯s a pity then that I can¡¯t shoot to kill,¡± he said but his heart was already bleeding like someone had carved it with a knife.

 Chapter 419

    419 ¡°Long, long time no see Han Han. How how are you doing....


    The smog was meant to disadvantage Zi Han but facts had proven otherwise. It was like one locking themselves up with a bat and then switching off the lights. Of course, it was like setting oneself up for failure.


    Secretary K soon caught up with Zi Han and began to cover his back. Because they didn¡¯t want the enemy to know, Secretary K wrote TD in Zi Han¡¯s palm and Zi Han nodded his head.


    The two of them began to navigate within the smog heading to the far east corner of the observatory. Zi Han scanned his finger on a wall that looked regr at a first nce.


    The door on the ck wall opened a smidge as Secretary K held up his weapon watching for any impending attacks.


    Zi Han gently opened the door and entered. Secretary K followed behind and the two of them vanished behind a wall.


    The room was left in confusion. They were silentlymunicating with each other but none of them could find this Houdini that had just vanished.


    Zi Han was very upset and it showed in the way he carried himself. Only the heavens knew how many painstaking hours he spent preparing for this very beautiful moment only for it to be ruined. So yes, he was extremely pissed off. He was exuding dack sinister aura like that of a beast on the prowl. He couldn¡¯t wait to have a word with Yi Chen after this.


    The two of them followed the passageway hidden within the walls leading to the manager¡¯s office. After they reach this office they would be able to leave this museum but the former Marshal had thought ahead.


    When they entered the office through the secret door they found that the former Marshal Yi was sitting in what should have been the museum manager¡¯s seat with his fingers resting on his lips. His eyes were lowered with an air of indifference. He tilted his head slightly and met Zi Han¡¯s gaze.


    .....


    Zi Han¡¯s blood ran cold and his soul immediately left his body. Without much thought, he lowered his weapon. He wanted to fight but when he recalled how his mental power was strangled by this man to the point that he thought he would die he took a step back.


    Yi Zhen tapped his fingers on the desk with slight impatience. After that he raised a stan gun aiming it at Zi Han. Secretary K pushed Zi Han out of the way but it was useless. Zi Han was still caught up in this quagmire. The two of them were immediately knocked to the ground. Zi Han tried to stay lucid as hey on the ground on his back.


    He opened his eyes wide and saw the figure of the former Marshal hovering above him. Zi Han tried to get up but his entire head felt heavy so hey back down his eyes half-lidded. He could vaguely hear what they were saying but their voices were sounding like a faint echo.


    ¡°Sir what do we do with the rest of them?¡± asked one of the men.


    ¡°Tie them up and wait for Zi Xingxi to find them. The only person I am interested in is him,¡± replied the former Marshal while pointing at Zi Han. After that Zi Han¡¯s eyes closedpletely sending him into total darkness.


    By the time Zi Han woke up he was in a small room restrained in his seat. It was these events that led to him beating up an officer because he was seething with anger.


    What made matters worse were the rumors about that irritating bitch still iming his man all over StarNet.


    Coupled with the fact that Yi Chen wasn¡¯t here Zi Han couldn¡¯t help but overthink. This meant his mood had fallen to an all-time low.


    Fast forward to the now where the former Marshal asked, ¡°... you might be on opposing sides but you must at least consider him your friend, right?¡±


    Zi Han couldn¡¯t help but sneer internally. He and Yi Chen were never friends but they were lovers who were ready to be a married couple.


    Zi Han suppressed his anger and said it directly, ¡°Yi Chen and I aren¡¯t friends.¡±


    The Marshal¡¯s heart clenched hearing this. This was what he wanted from the beginning and now that Zi Han had said it with his own mouth he couldn¡¯t help but feel a deep sorrow for his son. At this moment he had even forgotten the countless messages Zi Han had sent to his son under the name StarryShadow.


    He just felt regretful but recalling the matter at hand he went back to the reason why he brought him here.


    ¡°Do you know that Yi Chen is missing? He has been missing for two days now,¡± said the former Marshal and Zi Han¡¯s heart fell to the bottom of his stomach. His body trembled subconsciously as he stared at the Marshal with an ¡®are you serious look¡¯ on his face.


    The small room fell into pin-dropping silence with the two of them stuck in a deadlock.


    ¡°Bu-... but he, he replied to my message,¡± he stammered his heart arching to the point that he couldn¡¯t breathe properly.


    Yi Zhen lowered his head before saying, ¡°That was Li Ran.¡±


    Zi Han¡¯s eyes darkened his anger almost suffocating him. Coincidentally, the door suddenly slid open and Li Ran walked in only for his steps to halt after seeing the deadly re being directed at him. Zi Han looked like he wanted to skin him alive. He suddenly wanted to run away and hide in H¡¯s bossom. He took a step back but as though Yi Zhen had eyes at the back of his head the man said, ¡°Come here.¡±


    Li Ran had no choice but to get inside, his legs trembling in fear. He tried to stayposed as he disyed everything they found about Yi Chen¡¯s recent investigation.


    ¡°Long, long time no see Han Han. How how are you doing?¡± said Li Ran but Zi Han¡¯s fiery gaze said everything.

 Chapter 420

    420 Resorting to threats


    ¡°I I was wrong. I am just worried for Chen-ge... that¡¯s all,¡± exined Li Ran but Zi Han wasn¡¯t reassured at all. Recalling how happy he was when he got that response he couldn¡¯t help but get furiously angry. He really thought Yi Chen had responded to him and felt at ease but who would have thought it was these two that colluded to deceive him?


    Zi Han repressed his anger and asked, ¡°What happened to him?¡± Li Ran felt extremely guilty and wanted to apologize but how could he not know Zi Han¡¯s temperament? He pursed his lips and turned to disy the information they found.


    ¡°Before he disappeared he found this,¡± said Li Ran disying a blue jade that Yi Chen found on T¡¯s person.


    Zi Han scrutinized the blue jade that felt a bit familiar but despite looking at it for a very long time he couldn¡¯t recall where he had seen it. Li Ran saw that Zi Han wasn¡¯t speaking so he continued to say, ¡°I am not sure if he told you but Yi Chen believed that your father was still alive so he had been trying to figure out a way to get to the Republic all this time. He wasn¡¯t really getting anywhere until he found this thing and all of a sudden he disappeared. I am not sure how....¡±


    Li Ran was about to continue speaking when the former Marshal raised his hand to wave him away. Li Ran¡¯s lips parted like he was hesitating to say something.


    After much thought, he finally said, ¡°I am really worried and if anyone can find him it would be you. Please help us find him.¡±


    Zi Han could clearly hear the pain in his voice which calmed his anger down significantly. He watched on as Li Ran left the room.


    Yi Zhen turned to Zi Han and said, ¡°He did this for you.... He has been stuck on this issue all for you so... you have to go find him.¡±


    Zi Han still didn¡¯t respond. He was just looking at him with thatplicated gaze which made him very ufortable thus he could only continue speaking.


    .....


    ¡°You don¡¯t exactly know it yet but you are the only one who can do a space jump to the Republic. If he is there then you can find him and bring him back home.¡±


    Zi Han¡¯s expression remained unchanged but internally he waspletely vexed by the former Marshal¡¯s words. What did he mean by performing space jumps? It literally made no sense but he didn¡¯t interrupt. He let the man continue speaking. Let the crazy continue speaking and he will find Yi Chen himself.


    ¡°You see your father, your father¡¯s father, and all your ancestors that came before you were all gifted in this regard. Your family didn¡¯t discover how to space jump but they were the ones performing the space jumps. Your physiology is phenomenal but it is also a well-kept secret because if certain people know about that they would take advantage of it,¡± he continued to exin but the person he was speaking to kept silent like he didn¡¯t care about the matter at all.


    ¡°I suspect this blue jade was something the former emperor injected his mental power into to perform space jumps with his son. They would go on these father and son trips asionally that couldn¡¯t be exined and this was something your grandfather gave to your father in case one day he lost control of his power and wanted toe back home. The prince treasured this blue jade until it went missing. He was extremely distraught,¡± said the former Marshal before pulling out one of his father¡¯s pictures in Igneous¡¯s cockpit.


    The same blue jade was hung inside the cockpit like he carried it wherever he went. Who would have thought his vicious stepmother would take a fancy to it and rob him?


    ¡°He had it with him always. This... this information is from gathering all the memories of your father I have but the one about you being able to perform space jumps... that one I am certain of.¡±


    The former Marshal had said so much but seeing Zi Han¡¯s unresponsive face he became a little anxious. Didn¡¯t this person like his son? Why wasn¡¯t he saying anything? He didn¡¯t think he would need to threaten Zi Han but if need be then he wouldn¡¯t mind doing it.


    Having run out of options he brought out his trump card. ¡°If you don¡¯t agree to help me find him... I will arrest you right here for your crimes against the Federation. The crime of killing an official of Onyx Federation, especially a prime minister is life without parole in a maximum security prison,¡± said Yi Zhen and Zi Han who was repressing everything just nowughed out loud with a hint of mockery. This man wasn¡¯t serious. He was actually turning to threats now? How fascinating.


    Yi Zhen felt very irritable as he watched himugh despite the seriousness of the matter. He clenched his fists with a deadly aura in his eyes. It was obvious he was on the verge of exploding.


    ¡°Zi Han, do not forget that I can destroy your entire family. With the snap of my finger, I can destroy you, I can destroy your mother and your grandfather as well. I will even go to war if I have to,¡± he said threateningly his voice trembling with anger.


    Unexpected Zi Han didn¡¯t cower in fright or yell back at him. Instead, tears flowed down his cheeks subconsciously. Yi Zhen was sure that Zi Han didn¡¯t even have an idea that he was crying.


    Zi Han¡¯s entire body was shivering unable to restrain himself. His lover was missing for two days and all this man could think about was threatening him.


    If they had told him directly he would have already started looking but they waited for two days only to arrest him thinking he wouldn¡¯t agree. Zi Han bit his lips while staring at him with bloodshot eyes. It was when he felt the wetness on his hand that he realised he was crying. He lowered his head and wiped away the tears.


    His restraints were removed and that could only be the work of one person. Lynn Feng had managed to hack into the devices restraining him.


    To the Marshal¡¯s surprise, Zi Han got up just like that and wordlessly turned to leave. The young man¡¯s expression was woeful but what guarantee did he have that Zi Han would go look for his son?

 Chapter 421

    421 Hydra vs Chronos


    Yi Zhen suddenly panicked when he saw him leaving. He honestly thought Zi Han might walk away despite seeing the hot tears streaming down from his scarlet eyes. He got up in a haste and blocked Zi Han¡¯s path.


    ¡°You...,¡± he said his voice having lost all the arrogance from before.


    ¡°You have already threatened me so do I have a choice,¡± said Zi Han before walking past the former Marshal. The older man didn¡¯t know what to say. He just stood there with a dumb look on his face while questioning himself. Had he gone too far? For his own selfish interests, he hade to find the one person he told to stay away from his son and even threatened him. Thinking about everything he had done to separate the two he suddenly felt like shit.


    He knew how dangerous this was. The Republic wasn¡¯t a good ce, to begin with, secondly doing a space jump without any guidance from his seniors like thete prince could have unknown consequences.


    Yi Zhen closed his eyes in frustration. Without warning, he suddenly punched the two way mirror with a loud bang almost terrifying the admirals in the next room. Cracks spread throughout the entire mirror like it would shatterpletely if a pin dropped to the floor.


    ¡°Fuck, that almost sent my soul straight to nirvana,¡± said one of them patting his chest.


    ¡°Nirvana my ass, you would be burning in hell. You are a sinner brother,¡± replied the other admiral.


    The man was about to retort when a female voice broke through themunication center of the entire base threatening armageddon on them.


    Who else would have the balls to bluntly threaten the military? Zi Xingxi was dressed in full gear like she was ready for war while saying, ¡°... former Marshal Yi you must be tired of living. In broad daylight, you stepped into my territory and kidnapped my son. If that¡¯s not an act of provocation what else would be? My response thereof is justified... You have three min-,¡± before Zi Feiji cut her off.


    .....


    ¡°Two minutes is enough,¡± he said and Zi Xingxi clenched her fists before continuing,


    ¡°You heard him. Two minutes starting now. Give my son back or....¡±


    Guns were drawn in space aimed at the floating heavily guarded Military headquarters. The admiral in charge turned on themunication channel and said, ¡°Zi Xingxi, are you nuts? He is a wanted fugitive and is now in our custody. If you persist we will have to put you under arrest for interfering with military affairs. This has nothing to do with you so stand down,¡± his tone stern but in truth, he was sweating bullets.


    Zi Xingxi smiled slyly while cracking her neck like a fiend hanging upside down on a ceiling in a horror movie. ¡°Tick.... tock,¡± she said while engaging herser cannon. She was really serious. Her son was her entire universe. If she were to lose him then she wouldn¡¯t mind bringing the entire federation down for him. She would dly go to war.


    The admiral knew she was serious but they couldn¡¯t just let Zi Han walk. A conflict was inevitable thus he prepared for battle. It was when the rm sounded that Yi Zhen finally woke up. In less than two minutes Zi Xingxi would be going to war with Onyx Federation Inteary army.


    ¡°Fuck,¡± he swore while turning on his light brain to call Zi Feiji but Zi Feiji just stared down at his light brain and ignored it.


    ¡°Payback is a bitch,¡± he whispered as he sat in the captain¡¯s chair with his ankle resting on the thigh of his other leg.


    Left with no choice the former Marshal interceptedmunication with the Han warship. ¡°He is not here,¡± he said only for the admiral in charge to yell, ¡°Sir!¡±


    ¡°Stand down admiral, I got this,¡± he yelled before turning back to Zi Xingxi, ¡°He left. I need his help that¡¯s all. Can we discuss this privately?¡±


    Zi Xingxi stared at him with a condescending gaze her chest rising and falling rapidly. For a second Yi Zhen thought she wouldn¡¯t agree but after a long silence, her lips rose into a sinister arch as she rolled back her shoulders.


    ¡°Sure... but we talk in person. Oh and former Marshal,... pleasee alone. It¡¯s a very sensitive matter,¡± she said before cutting themunication.


    Lynn Feng could clearly see the word murder written on Zi Xingxi¡¯s face thus she panickingly asked, ¡°Ma¡¯am you.¡±


    ¡°Don¡¯t worry about it. I am just going to wee our guest,¡± said Zi Xingxi before leaving the bridge.


    When Zi Xingxi said the words sensitive matter, Yi Zhen suddenly felt shivers run down his spine. He turned to the vexed admiral and said, ¡°If I am not back in an hour contact my wife.¡±


    Admiral, ¡°...¡±


    What happened to asking for backup or conducting a rescue mission? Why call his wife? Well, that¡¯s because his wife had a close rtionship with Zi Xingxi and if anyone could negotiate on his behalf it would be Lin Ruoxi though he wasn¡¯t sure if she woulde immediately when she finds out what he did.


    Five minutester the hangar of the warship opened and Hydranded with rigor. Zi Xingxi who was standing in the hangar tilted her head slightly while saying, ¡°Good, I was afraid you wouldn¡¯t be prepared for this.¡± She summoned Chronos as she walked over to the former Marshal.


    ¡°Oh, I have been waiting for this moment. You are going down Hydra,¡± said Chronos excitedly.


    ¡°In your dream coward,¡± replied Hydra, and Lynn Feng who had followed behind seemed bewildered as she nced down at the mechs trash-talking at each other


    Old Lu pursed his lips and said, ¡°You have no idea how deep their beef is.¡±


    ¡°Didn¡¯t Yi Chen have Hydra?¡± asked Lynn Feng. What she didn¡¯t know was that Yi Chen had disappeared and didn¡¯t have his mech with him because he had taken it off.


    ¡°Coward?... I will show you, coward,¡± said Chronos as a sword materialized in its hands. Hydra drew its shield and the two shed with a loud bang.


    ¡°Sir, aren¡¯t you going to stop them?¡± asked Lynn Feng but Zi Feiji who hadn¡¯t touched a cigarette in years tilted his head slightly while lighting a cigar.


    After it lit up he pinched it in between his finger and responded, ¡°They know the rule.¡±


    What was the rule? The rule was, ¡®Don¡¯t fuckin damage his warship.¡¯

 Chapter 422

    422 .....It¡¯s Han Han. He has a fever.


    Zi Han didn¡¯t even know how he found his way to their apartment. His heart was in a mess and so were his emotions.


    He just took off his shoes and put on his slippers like it was a regr day. The housekeeping system weed him home but Zi Han was like a zombie especially when he had on that ghastly expression. He waspletely dead inside.


    He walked upstairs and as the door slid open he took off his suit jacket and was about to throw it on the floor when his hand froze mid air. He realised then that his baby didn¡¯t like him throwing his clothes everywhere and would always clean up after him. The tears that had just dried up soon began to pour out again. His lips trembled and he broke down.


    He slumped heavily on the bed and the still room was suddenly filled with sorrowful whimpers and an aura of grief. He cried till his eyes and nose were swollen and red. He couldn¡¯t understand why Yi Chen would risk himself for this. It wasn¡¯t worth it if it meant he would lose him.


    What he didn¡¯t realise was that Yi Chen felt the same way about his position as Marshal. If it weren¡¯t that he needed the power that came with it so he could be with his lover he would have dropped it all. To him, it wasn¡¯t worth it if it meant losing Zi Han.


    Yi Chen believed that if he was able to find his lover¡¯s father then the picture would beplete. But if he was to tell Zi Han that, Zi Han would tell him to let it go. He would rather have him by his side instead of risking his life.


    Zi Han curled up on the bed and hugged Yi Chen¡¯s pillow as he shut his eyes tightly with hot tears streaming down his face. His body felt tired from the pain thus he unconsciously fell into a deep sleep.


    Meanwhile, Yi Zhen and Zi Xingxi were still going at it. Yi Zhen never knew how stubborn this woman was until today. She had suffered more hits than he did but she refused to stay down. When he thought she had had enough she would wipe her blood-stained lips and get up again. They had been fighting intensely for the past three hours and such an intense battle between such powerful mechs would take a toll on anyone¡¯s mental power even that of the best mech fighters in the federation.


    Zi Xingxi could barely keep a mental connection with Chronos but like Chronos, they were determined to bring the opponent down.


    .....


    ¡°Give up,¡± said the former Marshal as Hydra staggered back while staring at Chronos half kneeling on the ground.


    ¡°You fucking wish. My baby did nothing wrong. He did your fucking job yet you dared put him in custody...,¡± said Zi Xingxi before getting up. Her mech struggled to get up but she still persisted. ¡°If I don¡¯t fight for him then who would? You forget my husband¡¯s kindness towards you. You forget that if it weren¡¯t for him you would be here today. You ungrateful bastard.¡±


    After saying this Chronos lunged at Hydra but in a disy of dominance Hydra grabbed Chronos by the neck and lifted it from the ground.


    ¡°Just give up and we will talk it out. You aren¡¯t my opponent,¡± said the former Marshal but Zi Xingxi¡¯s reaction was unexpected.


    She smiled slyly and said, ¡°I am not but my dad is.¡±


    After saying that Yi Zhen¡¯s face stiffened before letting her go. The moment Chronos stepped on the ground Zi Xingxi came out of Chronos and Zi Feiji jumped off the railing. Before his feet touched the ground Chronos disintegrated and reemerged on Zi Feiji.


    What she said wasn¡¯t just bragging. Her father was no joke. He was the kind who would say, ¡°I am a lover, not a fighter,¡± but when it was time to fight he would put whoever it was that dared challenge him in his ce.


    ¡°ytime is over,¡± said Zi Feiji as he put away Chronos¡¯ sword. They were going to fight with fists.


    Yi Zhen was suddenly struck by a myriad of shbacks. Each fight he had ever had with Zi Feiji would end up with something broken, be it a mech or an arm.


    While the former marshal was experiencing real pain, Zi Han felt a hand on his cheek while a soft voice was calling his name. He wanted to open his eyes but they felt so heavy that he didn¡¯t want to open them.


    ¡°Leave me alone... please,¡± he whispered but the person kneeling by the bedside couldn¡¯t leave him like that.


    That¡¯s because his entire body was scorching. It was obvious that he had a fever. While Zi Xingxi was fighting for his son, Lin Ruoxi took the initiative to find Zi Han especially when she heard what her husband did.


    As expected she didn¡¯t go to immediately find him. It¡¯s a shame that he behaved so well all this time only to rpse and go after Zi Han again. They could keep him overnight for all she cared.


    She began to take care of Zi Han while trying to get hold of Zi Xingxi. It was only after his temperature had dropped somewhat did Zi Xingxi be reachable.


    ¡°... I am not letting him go. He has gone too far,¡± was Zi Xingxi¡¯s first response when she answered Lin Ruoxi¡¯s call.


    Lin Ruoxi shook her head while exining, ¡°I know. It¡¯s Han Han. He has a fever.¡±


    Zi Xingxi who thought she wanted to intercede for her husband was a little startled. She didn¡¯t think Zi Han would fall sick from this. She was so focused on her anger toward the former Marshal that she forgot how vulnerable he was now.


    ¡°I will be right there... Oh, and Ru... Thank you,¡± said Zi Xingxi before taking off. She was so anxious that she walked through a mech battlefield which was incredibly dangerous before entering a stealth cruiser leaving for Capital star.

 Chapter 423

    423 [Bonus chapter]Secretary K¡¯s story


    When she got there she was a little surprised to find Secretary K kneeling at the door in self punishment with half his face swollen.


    Her steps froze as her brow twitched. They had a rule in the Bloodgarde that is if one fails a mission they would be subjected to rigorous training for a set number of days to improve their skill and reflect on their mistakes which was what the team Zi Han left with would have to be subjected to.


    She just didn¡¯t expect this giant of a man to kneel in front of Yi Chen¡¯s ce looking broken.


    Zi Xingxi pursed her lips and walked forward. She crouched in front of him and raised his chin before asking, ¡°What¡¯s your problem?¡±


    Maybe it was because Zi Xingxi had already vented out the pent-up anger bynding a few blows on the former Marshal that she wasn¡¯t as upset.


    Secretary K didn¡¯t dare open his eyes. ¡°I... I failed to protect the young sir,¡± he whispered and Zi Xingxi turned his face to the side before asking,


    ¡°So you did this to yourself?¡± looking at the swollen p marks on his cheek.


    Secretary K felt so ashamed that he didn¡¯t dare respond. When Zi Xingxi found him in that pile of garbage after his captives left him for dead she didn¡¯t ask for anything. She just picked up his broken body and brought him back.


    All his life ever since he was twelve years old he had been held captive by the interster pirates. For the first few years, they negotiated with his father for ransom but the moment his father died tragically his stepmother didn¡¯t care to pay it. Why pay it when he was just a son of a mistress?


    .....


    Things became worse after that. They locked him up in a dark room barely bigger than a hovercar. He could still stand when he was young but his height increased drastically due to puberty thus he couldn¡¯t stand anymore.


    They treated him like an animal and would only take him out when it was time to fight for their amusement. He was battered at first and would be shoved back into the cage for weeks with the food portion size reduced to the point where he would survive but it would still be too little to amodate his daily requirement.


    After the third time, he finally became what they wanted him to be. He fought like an animal and won. As a reward, he was upgraded to a cell with his hands and feet bound. He could eat more and finally move around.


    After experiencing such luxury he didn¡¯t want to go back to that cold box. He fought savagely and won each time. The interster pirates began to revere him more and even brought him into their circle. Because he was so outstanding he attracted a lot of people¡¯s attention which included the leader¡¯s wife.


    She became even much nicer to him but no matter how hard he tried to shake her off and treat her perfunctorily she didn¡¯t let go of him. He didn¡¯t want anything to do with her but he found out that this woman was a viper. She was a poison that would ruin good men. Whenever she felt like she was being neglected by the leader she would go after the most good-looking men to rouse her husband¡¯s jealousy.


    This meant the leader wouldn¡¯t take it lightly. If the person doesn¡¯t die they will be crippled for life. He never wanted trouble thus he found a way to resolve it.


    He couldn¡¯t run away because he still wore a cor that would producesers that would decapitate his body if he was a few feet from the base. He could only get ahead of the situation and exin to the leader. The leader was indeed merciful. This young man hade forth and honestly exined himself which was good but he still couldn¡¯t escape punishment.


    He was beaten by the leader breaking his bones in eight ces before he was thrown back into the box that he had escaped years ago. There was no doctor, no medical treatment at all. Whether he lived or not that was up to fate. Just when he thought he was going to die in this ce Zi Xingxi showed up and ughtered all of them like pigs.


    He finally got the chance to escape in the chaos of the explosion but he couldn¡¯t go far. He fell into the pile of garbage and looked up to a sky he had never seen outside those walls ready to die.


    It was then Zi Xingxi found him and when she saw the amount of suffering he had gone through her heart ached. She carried him away and gave him a second chance.


    When he could finally speak again she asked if he wanted to go back home to his family but he refused and vowed to follow her. Back then Zi Xingxi looked at him seriously and said, ¡°I can give you a fresh start. You don¡¯t owe me anything.¡±


    His response was resolute, ¡°I want to follow you. I want to protect you... I want to protect your family.¡±


    Zi Xingxi who was two months pregnant then smiled slyly while saying, ¡°If you want to follow me you must be able to kill for me. Are you willing to do that?¡±


    When he nodded his head, Zi Xingxi waved her hand and a disheveled woman who was weak and sickly was dropped to the floor and she said,


    ¡°You recognize her. When I killed her husband I saved her for you. Kill her and you can follow me,¡± while handing him a dagger.


    He was trembling in fear but there was determination in his eyes. This woman¡¯s selfishness had dragged him back to that hell hole. Thus no matter how much she begged and cried he stabbed her again and again. He not only did it for himself but for every man who had fallen victim to this dog pair. It was then he was reborn and abandoned his birth name.


    Zi Xingxi even gave him the opportunity to bring down his family that stood by and let him rot in that ce yet they had an abundance of wealth left by his father.


    But when it came time to repay this life debt what did he do? He failed to protect the young sir. If Zi Xingxi was to ask for his life right now he would dly give it because without her he wouldn¡¯t be here at all.


    ¡°Don¡¯t be too hard on yourself. I have failed to protect him countless times but does that mean I should hurt myself like this? Is that what you want,¡± said Zi Xingxi before raising her hand to p herself. But before her hand could touch her face her wrist was grasped stopping her.


    Zi Xingxi showed a small smile while saying, ¡°I have told you countless times before that you are my brother and that is your nephew. From the moment you changed your family name you became part of my family so don¡¯t hurt yourself anymore.¡±

 Chapter 424

    424 ¡°Stomp him in the nuts....¡±


    This was the second time Secretary K heard these precious words. Short of his mother before she died no one ever showed him unconditional care or love. His father only wanted to save him because he was his only son. Even then his father faced a lot of opposition from his family to save him. Like they said, ¡°Why would you save a wild seed?¡±


    But this wild seed had finally found a home in the most unlikely of ces. An organization demonised by others was his ce of refuge, a haven much safer than his own family home. How could he not be grateful?


    ¡°I understand,¡± he said looking straight into her eyes.


    Zi Xingxi smiled and helped him up before saying, ¡°Now stop sulking and let¡¯s check on Han Han.¡±


    The moment they entered the door they were greeted by an anxious Lin Ruoxi standing in the kitchen boiling some water. When their eyes met there was no resistance or resentment just pure joy.


    It seemed what Yi Zhen did didn¡¯t have an effect on their rtionship at all. It didn¡¯t even leave a dent. Zi Xingxi hugged her while asking, ¡°How is he?¡±


    Recalling how pitiful Zi Han looked Lin Ruoxi¡¯s heart ached so much she wanted to hit her husband for making this child cry.


    ¡°He is sleeping now. I gave him some medicine and sprayed some cooling spray on him but it was not enough. I think we might need to call a doctor. He is really burning up,¡± she exined as they walked up the stairs.


    Zi Xingxi who knew her son¡¯s constitution wasn¡¯t as worried about the fever burning a hole into his brain. That¡¯s because her son could heal faster than normal people though the pain would still be there. When she entered the room Zi Han was curled up like a ball his breathing quicker than usual.


    .....


    His fox eyes were closed but one could clearly see some slight redness at the corners of his swollen eyes. His face and neck were abnormally red like a cooked lobster.


    Zi Xingxi felt a sharp pang in her chest as she rushed towards the bed to check on her son. She knelt by the bedside and brushed the strands of hair glued to his forehead aside. There were beads of cold sweat on his forehead and he was clutching that pillow for dear life like he was afraid it would disappear at a moment¡¯s notice.


    ¡°I will watch over him. Thank you so much,¡± she said to Lin Ruoxi who was standing there worriedly.


    ¡°I will go home and bring those rascals over so we can keep youpany,¡± she replied worried that if she stays here longer those two would tear Yi Feng apart.


    ¡°It¡¯s okay. That would be troubling you,¡± said Zi Xingxi but Lin Ruoxi shook her head. It wasn¡¯t a bother at all. In fact, she felt bad that her husband had to take things too far.


    ¡°Xixi...,¡± she called out hesitating to speak, ¡°I am so sorry.¡±


    Zi Xingxi showed a half smile while saying, ¡°You don¡¯t have to apologize. The one who needs to apologize won¡¯t. I will never hold his decisions against you, you know that.¡±


    She was clear and concise but judging from Lin Ruoxi¡¯s expression it didn¡¯t do anything to ease her sense of guilt. She knew Lin Ruoxi wouldn¡¯t feel better unless she helps so Zi Xingxi could only yield.


    ¡°How about you make him some soup and bring it over tomorrow with the kids? I am sure Zi Han would love it,¡± she said and sure enough Lin Ruoxi¡¯s face brightened.


    She nodded her head before saying goodbye and leaving the house.


    Zi Xingxi shook her head wondering how someone could be so easily appeased. She called Secretary K over and he helped Zi Han into the lukewarm water for a bath. He used a sponge to clean his body. Zi Han was especially obedient and didn¡¯t make a fuss at all.


    Meanwhile, Zi Xingxi picked loose-fitting clothes for him and left them on the bed before changing the temperature in the room making sure it wasn¡¯t too warm. Her every move was practiced like she had done this plenty of times before.


    She went downstairs and got him a ss of water. While in the kitchen waiting for the water to cool she finally had a moment to think rationally.


    With everything that happened today, there seemed to be someone missing from the picture. The person right at the centre of this storm was missing and that person was Yi Chen.


    Zi Xingxi¡¯s brows creased when she recalled how Yi Chen didn¡¯t respond to Zi Han¡¯s calls and messages for two days. All of a sudden when they were about to meet, that is when Yi Chen responded. No matter how she looked at it everything about this was suspicious. She swiped her light brain and called Lynn Feng.


    The first sounds that were transmitted through were the energetic jeers of Lynn Feng. ¡°Stomp him in the nuts, make his balls cry tears of blood! Tear him apart!¡± jeered Lynn Feng while watching Hydra getting his ass kicked by Chronos.


    Zi Xingxi, ¡°...¡±


    ¡°Are you saying that because you got rid of yours,¡± said Zi Xingxi while leaning against the counter.


    Lynn Feng realised she had identally answered Zi Xingxi¡¯s call knew she had heard everything.


    ¡°Uh jiejie there is no such thing. What are you, what are you talking about? I never had such,¡± said Lynn Feng denying it with a stutter.


    Zi Xingxi took a sip of the water testing the temperature before saying, ¡°If you say so. Can you check for Yi Chen¡¯s whereabouts?¡±


    Lynn Feng furrowed her brows a little perplexed. That¡¯s when she realised that not even a shadow of Yi Chen was seen throughout the day which was very strange.


    Yi Chen wasn¡¯t the type who would just sit and watch while his father was bullying Zi Han so something definitely must have happened to him.


    ¡°I will get right on it,¡± replied Lynn Feng while turning to leave. She left the crew members enjoying the showdown between two of the three cmities.

 Chapter 425

    425 ¡°Hie schmoopy. Do you miss me already?¡±


    ¡°Presume that he is missing when you do your search. I need to know when he wasst seen,¡± said Zi Xingxi and Lynn Feng nodded her head while responding,


    ¡°I will definitely find the runaway groom,¡± as she entered the elevator.


    ¡°Thanks,¡± replied Zi Xingxi before ending the call. She picked up the cup and walked back to the bedroom. Secretary K had already dressed Zi Han and was tucking him in a light and breathable nket. He was like the most perfect manny.


    ¡°How is he?¡± asked Zi Xingxi in a whisper.


    Secretary K stood up while saying, ¡°He is much better now. His temperature seems to have dropped a little.¡±


    Zi Xingxi climbed onto the bed and said, ¡°You can go rest now. I will watch over him.¡±


    Secretary K nodded his head before turning to leave. ¡°I will order something for you to eat. Any preferences?¡±


    ¡°Just something light,¡± said Zi Xingxi before Secretary K left. She gently half raised Zi Han and tilted the cup for him to drink but Zi Han was stubbornly pursing his lips.


    ¡°Han Han, open your mouth and drink some water,¡± she said trying to coax him to open his mouth.


    .....


    Zi Han creased his brows and refused but how could Zi Xingxi let him have his way? The child needed to stay hydrated. With her hand resting on his forehead, she coaxed him again, ¡°Hurry up and drink it otherwise I will murder Mr. Twiggles.¡±


    AAAAAAAHHHHHH, how could a mother be this cruel? How could she threaten her son with her first grandchild? Well, that¡¯s what Zi Han thought in his delirious state.


    He obediently opened his mouth and drank the water. After that, he murmured, ¡°Heartless,¡± under his breath but as sharp as Zi Xingxi¡¯s hearing was, she heard it all.


    ¡°Ah, you brat. Even with a fever you are still mean to this olddy,¡± said Zi Xingxi helping him lie back down.


    Shey next to him while stroking his hair infort. She didn¡¯t have to say anything, her presence wasforting enough.


    She remembered when they stayed in that small house Zi Han had a fever once and she wasn¡¯t around. When she came back she heard her baby who never cried, sorrowfully calling out mummy in the nanny¡¯s hands.


    He was crying so much with snort and tears, his eyes swollen while calling her name. When she appeared he hugged her tightly like he was afraid she would leave again.


    His loud cries had changed to silent whimpers and sniffles expressing his grievance. That night she coaxed him to sleep and hugged him afraid to leave her baby alone again. He was the most important person to her and if anything happened to her son it would kill her.


    Two decadester and here she was coaxing him again to sleep. An hourter, Secretary K came back to inform her that the food had arrived.


    She nodded her head and tried to get out of bed but Zi Han held her arm refusing to let her go.


    Zi Xingxi waved away Secretary K letting him know that he should go ahead and she will follow.


    ¡°Sweety, let go. I will be right back,¡± she said but Zi Han¡¯s grip on her arm only tightened. It seemed her son was out of it because his mumblings made the least bit of sense.


    ¡°He he... left too and you will.... leave too like dad... like Chen-ge. He vanished.... He is gone. Don¡¯t go,¡± he said his body shivering like he was chilly.


    Zi Xingxi furrowed her brow a little bewildered. Where on earth did Zi Han get the notion that she would leave?


    ¡°Shh shh... everyone else might leave but you know mum will always be with you. I would never leave Han Han,¡± she said in a coaxing tone but Zi Han wasn¡¯t convinced.


    He tightened his grip and said in a whisper, ¡°He said the same thing and he still left... Mum, what do I do?¡± his voice sorrowful and ridden with grief.


    Zi Xingxi¡¯s chest tightened upon hearing this. So she was right, Yi Chen was indeed missing but where did he go? Did Lin Ruoxi know her son was missing? Judging from her earlier expression it didn¡¯t look like she knew.


    ¡°Mum will go find him for you, okay? I will go find him now go back to sleep.¡±


    Like a child who couldn¡¯t trust adults, Zi Han pouted like a toddler and buried his head in the pillow. He was obviously delirious.


    ¡°You are lying,¡± he whispered back refusing to believe his mother. She was obviously lying. How could she find him when he was all the way in the Republic?


    ¡°Has mum ever failed you? Everything I say I will do, I do. Now trust me, okay?¡± she said but Zi Han was still not convinced.


    ¡°You promised me an icy frosty from Keegan¡¯s once and you never bought it. You didn¡¯t keep your promise.¡±


    Zi Xingxi, ¡°...¡±


    ¡°You were six. How can you hold a grudge for that long? Keegan¡¯s went out of business when the owner died. He died with his icy frosty recipe so I couldn¡¯t get it,¡± she exined again like she had exined five other times before this. Her son could really hold a grudge.


    ¡°You still failed,¡± said Zi Han and Zi Xingxi almost rolled her eyes.


    ¡°Sleep... you are talking nonsense now,¡± she said, and like a robot that shuts down onmand Zi Han replied,


    ¡°Okay,¡± before loosening his grip and passing out.


    Zi Xingxi, ¡°WTF¡±


    If only he was this easy to put to sleep when he was a baby. She would have had more mummy alone time.


    Zi Xingxi quietly left the room and found Secretary K unpacking. ¡°I bought him some chicken soup but it¡¯s still too hot. I also got him some coconut water,¡± he said while cing a box in front of her, ¡°this one is for you. I bought you steamed fish and iced tea.¡±


    Zi Xingxi thanked him while sitting down to eat. She would go back and feed Zi Han after it cooled down. ¡°Call Lynn Feng,¡± she said and Secretary K nodded his head and called her contact number. Zi Xingxi wanted to find out what Zi Han meant by disappeared.


    How can someone just vanish into thin air? Her mind kept revolving around this matter and she was lost in deep thought, well, that is until she heard Lynn Feng¡¯s way of answering Secretary K¡¯s call.


    ¡°Hie schmoopy. Do you miss me already? I know two girls who miss you so much. It¡¯s the left one and the right one,¡± she said and Zi Xingxi dropped her cutlery with a nk.


    ¡°Seriously,¡± she eximed and Lynn Feng¡¯s soul instantly flew to the heavens.


    AAAAAHHHHHHH, why did she have to find out like this?

 Chapter 426

    426 ¡°At this rate... there might not be a wedding.¡±


    A minute long ¡®you look at me and I look at you¡¯ moment ensued soon after with Zi Xingxi folding her arms across her chest. She was a little surprised that these two managed to hide this from her for so long. However long it was, it was still too long.


    Lynn Feng opened her mouth several times but not even a sound came out. It was as if she had lost her voice like the little mermaid who gave up her voice for a pair of human legs so she could go to shore.


    ¡°We are together,¡± said Secretary K as he lowered his head but his tone was that of a person making a bold deration.


    ¡°Yes, I figured that out but why am I thest to know?¡± she asked and Lynn Feng wished she could dig a hole in the desert sand and bury herself in it.


    ¡°I I I... we,¡± stammered Lynn Feng but Zi Xingxi raised her hand and said,


    ¡°No need to exin. You are both mature adults and can be with whomever you want. As long as you ease up on the dog food. Heavens know I was already getting enough of that from Zi Han and Yi Chen.¡±


    Recalling how each time she would catch her son on his light brain being flirty with Yi Chen, she suddenly had goosebumps. And here it was, the queen of dog food was finally suffering retribution. How they had all suffered under her tyranny with her PDA now she dared to set boundaries.


    ¡°Thank you jiejie. I promise I will keep my hands to myself... but in private mrruh,¡± said Lynn Feng curling her nails while making cat sounds.


    ¡°Lynn Feng!¡± called out Zi Xingxi seeing that she had already started breaking her promise.


    .....


    ¡°Ah sorry sorry sorry,¡± she said covering her eyes with her palms acting all shy.


    Secretary K¡¯s ears were thoroughly cooked at this point that they were even steaming. ¡°Oh god... where are you on finding Yi Chen. Zi Han is quite delirious. He mentioned something about Yi Chen disappearing or something.¡±


    ¡°Actually, he kind of did. He entered the very same house you are currently in and never left. It seems the Marshal has been running around the ce looking for him that¡¯s why he brought Zi Han in,¡± exined Lynn Feng while sending through everything she could find.


    ¡°It¡¯s like he vanished off the face of Capital Star without a trace,¡± she continued exining and Zi Xingxi¡¯s brow creased hearing this. This was serious and not just some case of a groom having cold feet.


    ¡°Keep looking. I am going to bring Zi Han his soup,¡± she said before she got up and poured out the warm soup into a bowl.


    After she left the two lovers stared at each other and Lynn Feng asked, ¡°Is she gone?¡±


    Secretary K replied with a simple, ¡°En.¡±


    Lynn Feng exhaled deeply while patting her chest. ¡°You could have warned me first. I was scared half to death,¡± she said feeling like a weight had been lifted off her shoulders.


    ¡°There is no need to sneak around anymore,¡± said Secretary K with a slight quirk at the corner of his lips only for it to fall after she said, ¡°Well, that takes the fun out of it. I will miss the sneaking around part.¡±


    Secretary K, ¡°...¡±


    Meanwhile, Yi Zhen who hadn¡¯t yielded in a fight in years was brought to his knees. By the time the fight was over he sat down on the floor with his shoulders slumped in defeat. He was breathing heavily while wiping the sweat constantly flowing down his forehead.


    His whole person was in a sorry state. Hydra on the other hand was enduring the childish taunts from Chronos. If it weren¡¯t because it was prohibited to spurt out curses it would have cursed out Chronos a long time ago.


    The pair were in a very miserable state. Zi Feiji walked over his steps menacing like that of a tyrant towering over his opponent.


    ¡°You can show yourself out,¡± said Zi Feiji his eyes filled with disgust and disappointment.


    Just as he turned to walk away, Yi Zhen suddenly raised his hand tiredly and said, ¡°My... My son is in the Republic.¡±


    His words made Zi Feiji halt his steps as he turned to look at him with an expression that seem to say ¡®what the fuck are you smoking¡¯. The very idea that Yi Chen could be in the Republic was both ridiculous and inconceivable.


    ¡°If you don¡¯t want your son to marry my grandson just say so note up with such a ridiculous excuse,¡± replied Zi Feiji before turning to leave again but he only managed to take a step before Yi Zhen asked in confusion,


    ¡°What? Get married?¡±


    It was then Zi Feiji realised that this man had no idea his son was going to marry. His brow arched as he stared at him like he was looking at an idiot.


    ¡°I only took him because I need him to help Yi Chene home. Yi Chen was looking for thete prince and everything points at the Republic or at least I think it does...Zi Han is the only one who can perform space jumps and get him back.¡±


    Zi Feiji hastily responded, ¡°No, go find somebody else.¡±


    Yi Zhen, ¡°...¡±


    Zi Feiji turned to leave with an ugly expression but how could Yi Zhen let him walk away?


    ¡°But Zi Han had already agreed. You can¡¯t refuse on his behalf,¡± he said only for Zi Feiji to walk back again and with a loud bang he punched Yi Zhen¡¯s face thoroughly knocking him out cold.


    Old Lu was about to ask what to do with him but Zi Feiji spoke first. ¡°Leave him there. A night on the cold floor might help boost his emotional intelligence.¡±


    ¡°Yes, master,¡± replied Old Lu wishing he could alsond one kick. This man dared to harm their young master. It was uneptable, to say the least. It was a shame that this person was going to be their young master¡¯s father inw in the future.


    ¡°Master, why not marry Yi Chen into the family, not the other way around? With this man¡¯s attitude Zi Han would be truly wronged and bullied,¡± he suggested and Zi Feiji lowered his head with a sigh while saying,


    ¡°At this rate... there might not be a wedding.¡±


    Old Lu, ¡°...¡±

 Chapter 427

    427 Cursing out one¡¯s husband in fury


    Zi Feiji reached his cabin and carelessly poured himself a ss of whiskey with his trembling hand.


    To say he was extremely worried would be an understatement. He was gued with worry. He knew about this whole space jumping thing but he never took interest in it because it was the royal family¡¯s well kept secret not meant for the outside world.


    He knew Zi Han would agree to Yi Zhen¡¯s request because he was in love with Yi Chen. He would dly jump into this fire pit but how on earth was his grandson going to seed? How was he going to seed in attempting a space jump he had no idea he could do a day ago?


    Zi Feiji sighed before gulping down the entire contents of his ss. A few steps back he slumped heavily into his seat before pulling up all the information Hydra willingly handed to him. It also wanted to find Yi Chen at any cost.


    Zi Xingxi who had just finished a long and tiring process of getting a sick Zi Han to eat answered the call and walked outside to the sundeck.


    ¡°Ya, what¡¯s up,¡± asked Zi Xingxi wishing she could smoke one or two to calm her nerves.


    ¡°How is he?¡± he asked and Zi Xingxi pursed her lips as she sat down at the edge of the sun lounger closest to her.


    ¡°He is not doing well. I am guessing you know that Yi Chen is missing,¡± she said and Zi Feiji nodded his head with an exasperated sigh.


    ¡°And Yi Zhen thinks that he is in the Republic,¡± he said only for Zi Xingxi to raise her head in astonishment.


    .....


    She snorted disbelieving his words. The both of them knew how impossible that was without the technology of the Yeoh family which the greedy bastards failed to attain after getting their wish.


    Zi Feiji knew she wouldn¡¯t believe him but what had to be said had to be said.


    ¡°He was looking for Zi Han¡¯s father... your husband for Zi Han¡¯s sake and somehow he found out about T knowing stealing documents or something about the royal family¡¯s secrets so he came across thi-,¡± he continued exining ording to what he could see but Zi Xingxi¡¯s soft call woke him up.


    ¡°Dad,¡± she said her entire body trembling in shock. Her breathing quickened as she came closer to the screen, ¡°Do do you know what you are saying?¡±


    Seeing his daughter looking this devastated he couldn¡¯t speak for a moment. Herplexion had turned ghastly white like a sheet of paper and her whole person looked like she was going to be sick.


    ¡°I... I know. Read it for yourself. This is everything they gave to me,¡± he said and Zi Xingxi quickly epted the files her heart beating out of her chest.


    ¡°This... this,¡± she stammered while going through every detail in front of her. ¡°How? How can that be possible? I buried him. I watched him die, I did... everyone did... I. Dad,¡± she said again and this time she couldn¡¯t control herself anymore. She broke down in tears while re-reading everything as though to make sure she hadn¡¯t made a mistake.


    It was like her emotions had fallen back to ground zero like the day her husband died. She was reliving that emotion as she rejected the notion that her husband was alive. Zi Feiji could only helplessly watch as his daughter was on the brink of another emotional breakdown.


    ¡°Honey listen, listen... your son is the only one who can do this. He is the only one who can perform these space jumps... I ne-,¡± he said trying to bring her back to the very important point.


    ¡°What?!¡± she yelled releasing her poor hair that was being pulled at her roots. Zi Feiji realised then that maybe his daughter didn¡¯t know about this piece of information. How could she not? Didn¡¯t her husband casually mention it or otherwise?


    Seeing her father silent she called out to him this time her voice terrifyingly loud, ¡°Dad!¡±


    ¡°Uh... Xixi, there is no space jump technology. Your husband, his father before him, your son they are the space jump technology. There are no special blueprints or something of that sort. There is a way to make a space jump device by injecting their mental power b-,¡± he exined but Zi Xingxi looked like her soul had been sucked out of her body.


    ¡°Are you kidding me? Argh, that bastard better be dead because if he isn¡¯t, I will kill him myself. Why the fuck wouldn¡¯t he tell me that? Oh wow, and he was mad because I didn¡¯t tell him that I went to the zoo without him. He was so upset that I ate my first empanada without him. Oh and guess what, he was so fuckin mad when I didn¡¯t tell him I had a foot fetish. Yet he somehow forgot to tell me that he could do space jumps?! That¡¯s bullshit!¡±


    Zi Feiji, ¡°...¡±


    He had unknowingly stepped on andmine set for someone else and he was now suffering the consequences thereof. This was way too much information than he bargained for.


    ¡°You know what no no... let that bastard stay in the Republic. He should stay there forever. I don¡¯t want him anymore,¡± she said now speaking out of anger.


    Zi Feiji tried to calm her down but after opening and closing his mouth a couple of times he just pursed his lips and let her vent it out.


    After pacing back and forth making her father dizzy Zi Xingxi finally stopped and said, ¡°No, I change my mind. He shoulde home so I can ignore him then he will know what I am mad about.¡±


    Zi Feiji just rubbed his temples unable toe up with the right words to say to her. She was dealing with the emotions the way she always dealt with them that is yelling, saying something before retracting it and then saying the opposite thing before slowly smoking an entire pack.


    Zi Feiji now felt very regretful because he didn¡¯t know how she was going to react when she found out that he confiscated all her cigarettes and Zi Han¡¯s too while they weren¡¯t looking. Will it be armageddon or perhaps everything won¡¯t go to shit? Who knows?

 Chapter 428

    428 ¡°He is waiting for me....¡±


    ¡°Missing someone and not being able to see them is the worst feeling ever.¡± ¨C Nathaniel Richmond.


    Zi Han sat down on the blindingly white floor of the simtor room with his knees bent as he turned the ring around his finger. He couldn¡¯t help but worry about the person he was thinking about.


    Was he hurt? Did he eat? Is he sleeping well? Is he waiting for him toe and save him?


    These were the questions running around Zi Han¡¯s mind constantly for the past three days ever since he found out that his lover was missing.


    Because of the ring on Yi Chen¡¯s finger, Zi Han already knew his lover¡¯s coordinates in space but there was no way of getting there without performing a space jump.


    In the past few days, his mother had been turning everything upside down, even Igneous wasn¡¯t spared. Its systems were searched thoroughly for every single data on space jumps. By the time she was done with it, Igneous felt so vited. Its fear of Zi Xingxi grew by a notch.


    While she was tormenting Igneous, Zi Xingxi would curse out her husband who wasn¡¯t there. Zi Han had seen his mother cry over her husband and evenugh recalling good memories but he had never heard her curse him this much. She cursed him out so badly that Zi Han didn¡¯t even know where to put his hands and feet.


    He just sat there feeling very ufortable like everybody else. Zi Feiji who already sat through an earful of curses didn¡¯t want to suffer through it again so he hung around less.


    He was more concerned about Zi Han. They had talked about the risks countless times with his daughter but Zi Han didn¡¯t change his mind. He wanted to go and find him no matter the risks.


    .....


    This was why Zi Han was in the simtor room all this time. Using all the information avable to them Zi Han had been trying to perform any kind of jump. He wanted to start small and jump to another but it turns out he couldn¡¯t even jump to the kitchen.


    After hours and hours of engaging his mental power, he didn¡¯t make any progress. In fact, he was working extremely hard with sweat dripping down his face but it wasn¡¯t working.


    His grandfather thought maybe it would be activated after strenuous training. They tried that but all he got was a sore back.


    Next, they tried stimting his mental power to the maximum level and this is what they trying now but from the looks of it, it was going to fail.


    Zi Han leaned his head back resting it against the wall as he exhaled deeply.


    The fear of failing began to overwhelm him as he sat there staring nkly at the ceiling. His emotions were so chaotic that a tear flowed down his face unknowingly.


    It was only when someone called his name through themunication channel in the room did hee out of this state and realised his eye was leaking. He wiped his cheek while answering, ¡°Yah, I am here.¡±


    ¡°Are you okay?¡± asked Lynn Feng her brows knitted together. She felt like running over there and giving him a warm hug but before she could even take a step, Zi Han stood up and said,


    ¡°Let¡¯s do it again.¡±


    Lynn Feng who knew at a nce that Zi Han really needed to rest couldn¡¯t help but say, ¡°You should at least go and take a break. You won¡¯t be able tost long if you keep working like this.¡±


    Zi Han knew she wasing from a good ce but he couldn¡¯t afford to rest. Every minute spent resting was another minute of Yi Chen being stuck in that ce. Zi Han couldn¡¯t sleep well thinking about that.


    ¡°Onest time,¡± he said and Lynn Feng could onlyply. While she was inputting the simtion data she continued to say,


    ¡°I know you are worried that you will fail... that¡¯s why you are pushing yourself too hard but I believe in you. We all do. We know you can seed but don¡¯t overexert yourself in the process.¡±


    Zi Han wiped the sweat off his forehead and sniffled before responding, ¡°He is waiting for me. I can¡¯t let him down.¡±


    ¡°I know but if he was here he wouldn¡¯t want you to push yourself too far and hurt yourself, right? Just... just be kind to yourself. We are all worried about you.¡±


    Zi Han nodded his head his scarlet eyes stinging like he was on the brink of tears. He also knew Yi Chen wouldn¡¯t want him to push himself over the limit but with each passing minute, he died a little inside. He now knew full well what his mother had been going through all these years.


    Living with this kind of pain was unbearable. Zi Han was pretty sure if he wasn¡¯t there she might have followed him by openly killing all the prime ministers and dying with them dragging them to hell.


    That¡¯s how far she would have gone if he never existed. At least he had some hope that Yi Chen was still alive but his mother at the time didn¡¯t have any hope.


    The white background changed slowly transitioning into the simtion of an intense battle. He was surrounded by an entire battalion of soldiers ready to fight him and bring him down.


    Zi Han took out his dagger and stood in a ready for war stance before attacking the men in hand to handbat. Lynn Feng clearly witnessed Zi Han¡¯s ruthlessness as he fought through the group of men with ease. This kind of momentum was indeed terrifying but even so, his mental power showed no signs of breaking through to a level strong enough to perform a space jump.


    It didn¡¯t take him long before the corpses of the soldiers were piled up in the open field.


    Breathing heavily Zi Han retracted his mental power. His vision became blurred as he staggered one step back but he squeezed his eyes shut and shook his head to keep himself awake. He clenched the hilt tightly waiting for the second phase to start.

 Chapter 429

    429 Babying Zi Han


    He stared into the horizon as the beautiful sun in the simtion touched the sky with a glowing red orange colour.


    Within the beauty of the sun, several heads like that of an army of a thousand men emerged with standard grade weapons drawn.


    Zi Han grabbed his armor-piercing rifle and moved forward. A series of explosions ensued as Zi Han tore through their defenses fighting solo against the highest number of enemies he had ever fought alone.


    At first, he could keep up and at times he had near misses but ten minutes in and his vital signs were starting to seem worrisome.


    Lynn Feng couldn¡¯t help but remind him, ¡°Han Han, you can quit the task if you feel ufortable.¡±


    Zi Han who wasn¡¯t fighting with Igneous but relying entirely on his strength leapt off a waterfall as debris flew after him from the explosion and answered, ¡°I can handle it.¡±


    The person who said he could handle it was showing signs of distress on the monitor due to excessive overuse of his mental power. Lynn Feng bit her lip before pulling up her chat interface with Zi Xingxi. She chose to report it. Maybe Zi Xingxi could talk him out of hurting himself.


    Zi Han who wasn¡¯t aware that Lynn Feng was tattling on him heard the sounds of rapid fire with bullets raining in the water. He flowed with the current before climbing out of the water onto the banks.


    The bullets stopped momentarily only to intensify before he could even position himself thus he pulled up aser shield before ducking into the bushes on the banks.


    .....


    He swiftly reloaded his weapon his chest rising and falling rapidly but he wasn¡¯t in a state of panic. With a click, he pulled out a grenade and tossed it in the direction where the gunfire wasing from. A loud boom sound followed after,ying the enemy to waste.


    Zi Han got up and fired several rounds on the spot killing the survivors who were running away. While he was doing this he suddenly felt a shiver behind his back. At the fastest hand speed, he drew his handgun with his other hand and moved it under his arm before firing at someone behind him shooting them in the leg.


    Before he could rx though three more opponents emerged from the bushes and the already exhausted Zi Han felt a bit overwhelmed. He might have felt that way but he didn¡¯t give in to that feeling. Shots were fired as he rushed into the thick brush trying to create some distance between them and get his footing first before the fight.


    Using his environment to his advantage he camouged himself before taking them down in a heated exchange.


    When the simtor was running the ss screens in front of Lynn Feng would go dark so she wouldn¡¯t be able to see Zi Han but she could see him through the footage of the running simtion.


    Even then she couldn¡¯t assess him through the screen. She could only rely on his vital signs to judge whether he could truly handle it or not. The monitor was already shing red issuing a critical warning thus her finger was hovering above the end mission button. Soon Zi Xingxi¡¯s response came through and it was a direct answer.


    Xixi: End the simtion. I wille there now.


    Lynn Feng responded with an okay gesture but just as she moved her finger Zi Han suddenly spoke through gritted teeth, ¡°Don¡¯t you dare.¡±


    ¡°Uh,¡± eximed Lynn Feng wondering how he found out. She looked around her as though looking for hidden cameras or something.


    ¡°How did you...?¡± she asked but Zi Han who was pressed by four men didn¡¯t respond.


    The veins on his neck were bulging his skin red as he reached out with his fingertips to grab the dagger in his boot.


    With a hard knee kick on one of the men¡¯s key parts, he finally grabbed the dagger and stabbed one of them on the side of his body several times.


    They loosened their grip on him and Zi Han took full advantage of it but his mental power was already at its limit. Lynn Feng couldn¡¯t help but type fast expressing that Zi Han was refusing when the door suddenly slid open.


    Instead of Zi Xingxi, it was the former Marshal that stepped in. He pushed the swivel chair Lynn Feng was sitting in and it rolled away giving him full ess to the console.


    ¡°What are you doing?!¡± yelled Lynn Feng while trying to move the former Marshal away and stop him from touching things he shouldn¡¯t.


    Yi Zhen pulled out aser handgun and warned her, ¡°Don¡¯t move.¡±


    With a start, Lynn Feng paused her steps and raised her hands softening her tone. ¡°What are you... you can¡¯t mess with a simtion that¡¯s already running. It can hurt him. Will you be responsible for that?¡± she said but it was like talking to a boulder.


    ¡°That¡¯s exactly what he needs. If you all stop babying him we might actually make progress,¡± he said his tone very harsh.


    Lynn Feng just wanted to beat this terrible person to death. Who was babying Zi Han? The young man had worked extremely hard pushing himself beyond the limit yet this person dared to say that.


    Afraid Zi Han would truly be hurt, she messaged Zi Xingxi again but the former Marshal who saw her typing from the corner of his eye said, ¡°It will already be toote,¡± before entering themand.


    Zi Han who had been finishing off the four men suddenly witnessed the scene change. Instead of the lush greenery of the evergreen, he was standing in a desert with extremely high temperatures, higher than any ce in the federation.


    Zi Han was very confused and thus he asked Lynn Feng, ¡°What is going on?¡±


    Lynn Feng was about to open her mouth and tell him that his douche of a future father inw was messing with the simtion when Yi Zhen raised his finger telling her to shut up. Lynn Feng was forced to shut it.


    ¡°This is the Republic or at least what the Republic should look like. This is where you want to go, where Yi... where Chen Chen is. This is where your most important person is... your ultimate goal. Can you find this ce?¡±


    Zi Han¡¯s adam¡¯s apple rolled as he looked around this ce of endless suffering. He half knelt fighting the wave of dizziness overwhelming him. ¡°This is the destination,¡± he whispered while rubbing his temples with his thumb and forefingers on either side. The ground beneath his feet suddenly shook making him get up in a haste.


    ¡°Fuck,¡± he swore when a giant grey thing emerged from within the sea of sand.


    ¡°Han Han engage Igneous,¡± said Lynn Feng in a panic when she this through the monitor but the former Marshal pressed the prohibit mech button and Zi Han was forced to defend himself.


    AN: Ohh, I want to beat the former Marshal so bad. The beating he got wasn¡¯t enough.

 Chapter 430

    430 Secretary K defending his lover¡¯s honour


    Zi Han¡¯s heart was palpitating like he was having a panic attack and his mental power was raging on the verge of losing control.


    But he couldn¡¯t afford to have a breakdown now. In front of him was something straight out of a horror movie. It was a beast about the size of Igneous in primal mode and like a water demon, it emerged from the red sands of the desert snatching one¡¯s soul from their body in fright.


    It had the body of a snake minus the charm of one and its head was shaped like a wolf with four mouths wide open like that of a carnivore about to eat its prey.


    The creature snarled at him and Zi Han¡¯s legs felt soft at the knees. He immediately broke into a run but like in dreams where you are being chased but don¡¯t seem to be getting away, Zi Han¡¯s feet kept sinking in the red sand as he struggled to climb up the crater the creature created when it emerged from the sand.


    While Zi Han was struggling and on the verge of copse, a gunshot rang in the control room but it missed its target sting a hole in the wall.


    Yi Zhen was taken by surprise. If it weren¡¯t for his years of training that helped him dodge in time he would have been injured. ¡°Zi Xingxi are you fuckin craz-,¡± he said only for another shot to be fired in his direction. He immediately dodged and theser beam shot the ss of the simtion room that was still pitch dark.


    Theser beam barely made a dent on it but Zi Feiji couldn¡¯t help but panic. If this continued she might burn a hole in the console and affect Zi Han who was currently in a running simtion.


    Zi Xingxi¡¯s wrist was grasped and her father confiscated the weapon in her hand and put it away while holding her back.


    Zi Xingxi might have been bound but she could still run her mouth. ¡°Fuck you. You fucking bastard,¡± she swore at him her face flushed with anger.


    .....


    Everyone, ¡°...¡±


    Zi Xingxi had a very loose and unrestrained mouth that could be considered shrewish sometimes but she would never curse someone this directly. There is a big difference between saying the F word and saying the F word followed by the word you so yes, this was a first for her taking everyone by surprise.


    Yi Zhen couldn¡¯t even refute that. He knew he pretty much deserved it, even worse curses than this but he really wanted his son back and had tried to speak to these two for the past two days and they ignored him.


    He knew that something asplicated as this needed more than just physical and mental stimtion. The key missing piece here was the emotional stimtion. With the three elements and some pressure, a reaction was bound to ur. The simtor was the catalyst which is why he decided to risk everything ande here.


    For Yeoh Jun, it was the death of his mother that stimted his ¡®awakening¡¯ for theck of a better word. One might ask how he knows this. It¡¯s because unlike the Zi family the Yi family wasn¡¯t devoted to the royal family thus they didn¡¯t feel the need to restrain themselves.


    They snooped on the Royal family for countless generations and had insider information on the Royal family¡¯s secrets hidden underneath the surface. He obviously knew things that they didn¡¯t know.


    ¡°You can reserve that anger forter but if you want him to reach that level in a short time you need more than this. He needs emotional stimtion as well. Now are you going to waste your time on me or encourage your son,¡± he said and Zi Xingxi¡¯s lips twitched.


    She clenched her fist and shook her father¡¯s arm away before taking a step forward. With a loud PA sound, she pped him across the face and the former marshal instantly saw dark spots.


    Yi Zhen touched his burning cheek in disbelief. He stared at her with aplicated gaze when he felt some wetness at the corner of his lips. He moved his trembling fingers to lightly touch them and when he looked at his fingertips stained with blood he couldn¡¯t help but grunt as he took a step back.


    ¡°Get the fuck out,¡± she said in a raspy voice like her throat was choked by her emotions.


    Yi Zhen didn¡¯t hesitate. He immediately walked out without saying a word. Lynn Feng who was trembling in fright met Zi Xingxi¡¯s frightening gaze and shakily pulled the swivel chair before stumblingly sat down.


    Zi Xingxi seemed to notice her momentum was a bit terrifying thus she retracted the viciousness in her eyes and asked, ¡°How is he holding on?¡±


    Lynn Feng pulled up the footage from the simtor and shook her head.


    ¡°He is not fairing well. He seems to be on the verge of copse. He is scared,¡± she said her eyes stinging like she was on the verge of tears. She couldn¡¯t bear watching a strong person like Zi Han struggle alone like this.


    ¡°End the simtion,¡± said Zi Xingxi but after Lynn Feng pressed the button to end it a prompt notification showed up rejecting themand.


    ¡°Fuck,¡± swore Lynn Feng while trying to end the simtion but the prompt kepting back up. That¡¯s when she found out that the former marshal was very thorough. This simtion was designed in such a way that Zi Han wouldn¡¯t be able to get out of it until the end of the mission.


    While Lynn Feng was trying to sort this out Yi Zhen who had just stepped out of the room with Zi Feiji hot on his tail bumped into a tall brawny figure blocking his path.


    When he raised his head to look the person in the eye he saw Secretary K staring at him with a stern expression. Yi Zhen wanted to move out of the way as he was severely outnumbered and injured from thest fight thus he asked, ¡°What do you want.¡±


    Secretary K clenched his jaw as though restraining something before saying, ¡°You might have an entire army but you aren¡¯t invincible. Pull that shit again and I won¡¯t be polite.¡± After saying this he bumped the man¡¯s shoulder roughly and walked away.

 Chapter 431

    431 Raised loyal dogs


    Yi Zhen stared at the big man walking away with a bewildered expression. This man still knew his cards but still threatened him.


    The level of loyalty to Zi Xingxi was enviable but what he didn¡¯t know was that the incident he was threatening him was for pulling a gun on Lynn Feng. That was his baby and watching how terrified she was he couldn¡¯t help but want to kill this man on the spot.


    ¡°You truly raised loyal dogs. It¡¯s quitemendable,¡± said Yi Zhen in a mocking tone.


    Zi Feiji was on the verge of losing his shit at this point. He was the most rational between him and his daughter but when he got angry he was equally ruthless.


    He took out the same gun he confiscated from Zi Xingxi and ced the muzzle at the back of his head. The chill emanating from behind him told Yi Zhen that this man was serious.


    He knew Zi Feiji very well because despite everything he was his senior. If it weren¡¯t for the fact that his grandson was interested in Yi Chen he would kill him on the spot. If he were to kill him now it would put a strain on Zi Han and Yi Chen¡¯s rtionship.


    ¡°You have touched my bottom line countless times but for the sake of my grandson, I have restrained myself... Don¡¯t you dare pull that stunt again,¡± he said and the cold muzzle on his nape withdrew slowly but Yi Zhen could still feel the lingering chill.


    Yi Zhen heaved a silent sigh as he sat down on the ground disregarding his face as the former Marshal. His wife had thrown him out because he had gone behind her back and found trouble with Zi Han in such a messed up way instead of telling her upfront that their son was missing. She could have spoken to Zi Han and asked for help which was a much better alternative than kidnapping someone else¡¯s child.


    Lin Ruoxi had even threatened him with divorce more especially if her son couldn¡¯t be saved. Her wife always said things out of anger but this time she was so calm when she said it and he knew she was speaking the truth.


    .....


    She would really do it. He wanted his family back, he wanted his family back together again. On the brink of almost losing everything, Yi Zhen could care less who his son would choose to be with. It¡¯s a shame that he only realised this at the threat of losing everything.


    Meanwhile, Zi Han had finally managed to crawl out of the slope of sand after his mother talked him through it. His mother¡¯sforting voice was the only light he had in this destend.


    After crawling out he got up and began to run as fast as his legs could carry him. He knew it was only a simtion but by god, it was terrifying.


    While running Zi Han¡¯s foot tripped and he rolled down a tall dune falling into a depression with naturally formed sharp ss sticking out in the slightly hard sand.


    Seeing this Zi Xingxi¡¯s heart lurched and she panickily called out, ¡°Lynn Feng!¡±


    Lynn Feng who was fiercely trying to end the simtion replied anxiously, ¡°I am trying.¡±


    Zi Han¡¯s vital signs were spiraling out of control by now. The simtors were meant to make it closest to reality as possible thus Zi Han felt it all. The excruciating pain of having his hands and feet cut was especially intense.


    He hurriedly got up and tried to walk back to the edge of the ss-filled valley when a loud growl ripped through the air. He subconsciously took a step back but because he didn¡¯t look he directly stepped onto an obsidian shard of ss which pierced his boot and drove straight into his flesh.


    Zi Han pursed his lips. He didn¡¯t dare make a sound as he nced up at the creature that was searching for him at the peak of the dune. Zi Han bit his lips and breathed in and out deeply trying to prepare himself for the excruciating pain that was about toe.


    With his teeth sinking into his lips, he pulled his leg up. He didn¡¯t make a peep but the veins pulsing on his temples and red skin said everything. He was in great agony.


    Zi Xingxi couldn¡¯t watch this anymore thus she yelled, ¡°Get that bastard in here,¡± her voice tremulous.


    While Yi Zhen was being dragged into the room, Zi Han managed to run to the edge of the steep slope of sand and pressed his back there hiding. The creature growled and snarled atop the slope while moving about in annoyance. Each time it moved a river of sand would stream down the slope and partially bury Zi Han.


    Zi Han didn¡¯t dare move. He let the sand cover him with noints. The creature soon got tired of trying to get Zi Han so it made a move to leave but there was suddenly the sound of a broken down hovercraft ripping through the sky.


    Zi Han removed some of the sand from his face and took a look. The hovercraft caught a glimpse of the creature and tried to turn back with a sharp turn but it was toote. With a swing of its tail, the hovercraft was swatted out of the sky.


    It came crashing down while Zi Han hurriedly got out of the nket of sand covering his body. That¡¯s because an avnche of sand came rushing down. It was as a result of the creature¡¯s rapid movements that he was about to get buried in more sand.


    Zi Han managed to dodge in time but he still got half his body buried in red sand. He coughed out a mouthful of sand as he gazed up looking at the creature that was slithering trying to get down the slope but it kept hesitating.


    After struggling for a while the creature let out a high-pitched howl that could make one¡¯s ears bleed before it left in discontent. Zi Han nced at the hovercraft that had crashed in the ss field and decided to take a look. This task however turned out to be much more difficult than he thought. The hovercraft hadnded at a ce densely packed with obsidian ss shards.

 Chapter 432

    432 ¡°....It¡¯s just a simtion...


    The red desert sand got into his eyes making them watery. They were in a hazy mess he staggered to his feet and stumbled a little while staring at the hovercraft. His heart suddenly twisted painfully like someone important was in that wreckage.


    Zi Han¡¯s eyes reddened further his mind now confusing reality with fiction. At this moment this was more than just a simtion but his reality.


    His body trembling he stared at the dense ss shards shimmering under the orange sun. he had to find a way to go around it and save whoever was inside that hovercraft. After a quick scan of the steep slope, he found that the other side of the hovercraft was touching the sandy slope.


    Zi Han¡¯s listless eyes brightened slightly as he dashed over to that side. His feet sank into the sand as he walked over to the other side. When he got there he found what should have been thrusters on the ground. He stepped on them and steadied himself before rushing towards the cockpit.


    Just as he was about to wipe the sand on the windshield which was blocking his view of the inside, a sizzling spark touched something and almost blew him off the hovercraft. If it weren¡¯t that his foot was caught on something leaving him hanging upside down with his eye a few inches from a sharp ss shard he would be chopped to pieces right now.


    His chest heaved rapidly as he looked at the drop of sweat dripping from his forehead to the tip of the sharp obsidian shard of ss. Zi Han hastily climbed up and rushed over to wipe away the sand off the windscreen but his heart dropped when he saw who was inside.


    Yi Chen was sitting in the pilot seat with the belt fastened. Zi Han¡¯s blood froze especially when he saw the piece of rusted metal protruding from his chest. droplets of blood were dripping down on his boot with a loud patter before falling into the pool of blood.


    ¡°Noooooo!¡± screamed Zi Han as he engaged his mental power trying to shatter the ss. He tried to wake him up but no matter how much he yelled it was futile.


    The sizzling sparks around him increased and grew even more aggressive. Zi Han was beginning to panic so much that his brain short-circuited. The person who could approach any situation calmly was now in a chaotic mess with his emotions showing on his face.


    .....


    The sparks ignited the fuel and a loud explosion followed and Zi Han was thrown a few feet his body buried in the sandy slope. His ears were ringing and his eyes were seeing doubles before they closed and he fell into darkness.


    Meanwhile, Zi Xingxi turned her head slowly and met the former marshal¡¯s gaze with a menacing glint in her eyes.


    Yi Zhen licked his chapped lips and subconsciously took a step back. Did he go too far? He asked their chief programmer to design the simtion to be as stimting as possible but he didn¡¯t think Li Ran¡¯s mother would take things this far. She was merely following orders but yes, now he could see why he should have been more detailed in his description.


    ¡°Are you fuckin kidding me?... If my sones out of this with PTSD I will fucking kill you.... understood,¡± threatened Zi Xingxi her body trembling with anger.


    They thought now that the simtion was over Zi Han woulde out of it but they were wrong. The doors didn¡¯t open neither did the light get restored in the simtion room. It remained dark inside and the floating disy changed with the prompt ¡°simtion initiating... please be on standby¡±.


    Everyone, ¡°...¡±


    ¡°I I will deactivate it,¡± stammered Yi Zhen while stepping up to the console.


    His adam¡¯s apple rolled as he typed in the deactivatemand with his trembling fingers. He was suddenly afraid that something would truly happen to Zi Han. If that happen then even if he jumped into the Yangtze river it wouldn¡¯t wash him clean.


    He inputted the code and pressed the enter key but nothing happened. Zi Feiji¡¯s chest tightened as he walked forward to take a look. The tension in the room intensified with everyone hovering at the edge of their seats. ¡°Why isn¡¯t it working? Did you input the code wrongly?¡± asked Zi Xingxi clutching the man¡¯s cor but Yi Zhen raised his hands with a defeated look on his face while shaking his head.


    ¡°Type it in again,¡± shemanded her tone making it hard to refuse.


    He began to frantically type but the system gave him a prompt that this action couldn¡¯t be processed. While he was inputting the code again the floating screen lit up and the simtion started again. Zi Han was lying t on the sand unmoving.


    ¡°Han Han,¡± called out Zi Xingxi softly after repressing her violent emotions threatening to burst forth.


    Zi Han who was out of it suddenly opened his eyeszily with half his face lying on the sand. He clenched his fingers lightly while trying to recall where he was.


    His head was aching but he ignored it as he raised his head. He tried to recall hisst memory when he heard his mother¡¯s voice speaking to him in a soothing tone.


    ¡°... It¡¯s just a simtion


    . I promise I will get you out, okay? Just just calm your mind,¡± she said but Zi Han could barely understand what she was saying.


    He sat up and looked around. His face suddenly sank when he recalled where he was and what had happened. His eyes widened and he suddenly became hysterical.


    ¡°Chen-ge!¡± he yelled as he got up to his feet and suddenly began to run in that direction. The ground on his feet began to shake.


    Zi Han didn¡¯t dare look behind. He kept running with one thing on his mind. While he ran through the cloud of dust the creature stirred up the ground, Yi Zhen quickly contacted Li Wei. Lynn Feng was typing away fast but even she wasn¡¯t making any progress.

 Chapter 433

    433 Who ate his family¡¯s cabbage aaahhh


    Li Wei who was sitting in her office having a doughnut, her son delivered to her, answered the video call wondering what Yi Zhen was calling her for. As soon as the people on the other side appeared her face stiffened.


    It was chaotic on the other side and Zi Xingxi was ring at her like she wanted to skin her alive. She couldn¡¯t understand when she offended this great buddha.


    She licked her lips and put the doughnut down her soul almost vacating her body. ¡°What, what happened,¡± she asked not daring to look into those horror filled eyes.


    Yi Zhen exined everything and her rosyplexion turned pale as she opened the simtion program.


    ¡°It¡¯s not meant to do that. It¡¯s either Zi Han is too immersed in this simtion and believes that it¡¯s very real or there is a virus running the program. Given Lynn Feng¡¯s skills, it could be the former. Cases like this had happened before but you either talk him out of it or let him have a satisfactory ending that is more favourable to him. One thing you can¡¯t do though is forcibly end the simtion. That won¡¯t end well. The consequences might be irreparable, especially for someone with a high rank in mental power,¡± she exined and the faces on the other side looked like they were going to kill her.


    While Li Wei was wondering where in this universe she could hide before Zi Xingxi finds her for revenge, Zi Han had gone through more than half of the simtion and he still couldn¡¯t save Yi Chen.


    This time he didn¡¯t get blown away but hey on the slope crying. He suddenly felt like a failure. The fear of losing Yi Chen grew stronger and stronger. Just when he was sinking deep in his despair, the creature caught up and saw his small figure. It swung its tail and buried him in the red sand.


    Zi Han closed his eyes tiredly his emotions in turmoil. He could hear voices trying to calm him down but there were merely echoes in the background bouncing off the walls. His raging mental power mirrored his emotions circling around him restlessly.


    It was clear at this point that he was on the verge of copse. If he saw Yi Chen die one more time then he might reach a point of no return. Silent whimpers could be heard in the darkness as hey there.


    .....


    His mech which was silent suddenly lit up and a ball of light appeared in front of him. The warmth from that light made him open his eyes. In this vast sea of darkness, the ball of light provided a sense of relief.


    ¡°Look at you... why are you crying?¡± said a familiar voice that he had heard before when he was in that vi that could have been their home.


    He had also heard it in the videos stored in Igneous, videos of his father that he rarely watched because it hurt too much.


    Zi Han curled up andy on his side refusing to talk. For once he just wanted not to be strong. He wanted to be vulnerable and helpless thus he didn¡¯t put up a front. He just cried it out and the warm ball of light didn¡¯t disappoint. It lowered down and nozzled Zi Han making him feel warm inside.


    ¡°Shh, Shh dad is here. Let it out little phoenix,¡± it said and Zi Han cried even more this time much louder.


    The ball of light, ¡°...¡±


    If there was a forum it would have typed;


    First time dad here. How to coax adult children? Urgent, waiting online.


    ¡°Why are you crying even more? If you don¡¯t tell me the problem then how can I fix it?¡± asked the light ball. It was a faint light ball but it was an example of what Yeoh Jun could do. Too bad his consciousness was muddled and he could only take this form. Apart from him no matter how weak he was could still sense his little pheonix¡¯s cries in his broken metal power and he could still show up.


    Zi Han wiped his tears and sniffled like a toddler who had been wronged on the yground. ¡°Are you a ghost?¡± asked Zi Han before continuing again, ¡°Am I dead too?¡±


    The little ball of light, ¡°...¡± It wanted to ask if it was okay to call your own child stupid?


    ¡°Me yes... you not so much. You are still very much alive. I don¡¯t have much time so you should hurry up and tell this old man what is troubling you.¡±


    ¡°Oh... Okay,¡± replied Zi Han and boy did the little ball of light feel insulted. A great buddha was right in front of you and your response was, ¡°Oh... Okay.¡±


    Oh? Okay? He should have been more excited than that.


    Everyone else in the control room, ¡°...¡±


    Lynn Feng was the first one to ask, ¡°Who is he talking to?¡±


    ¡°I don¡¯t know. Lynn, increase the volume he is speaking in a whisper like he is sleep talking,¡± said Yi Zhen terrified that he had broken someone¡¯s child¡¯s brain. How was he topensate them?


    Zi Xingxi furrowed her brow when she heard the word dead. They could hear Zi Han but they couldn¡¯t hear the person he was talking to. She was beginning to suspect that her son might be seeing things and was talking to her husband.


    Her heart twisted painfully as she red daggers at Yi Zhen. ¡°Are you happy now? You broke his brain,¡± she said and Yi Zhen felt so bad he couldn¡¯t help but lower his head. His arrogancy from before had beenpletely wiped away so much so that one wouldn¡¯t think it was the same person.


    ¡°I want to space jump but... I don¡¯t know how?¡± said Zi Han with a hint of grievance in his heart.


    The little ball of light rubbed against his hair stroking it lovely before saying, ¡°Uh, thats what you are crying about? That is very easy to do.¡±


    Zi Han seemed a little surprised. His eyes widened and he asked, ¡°Really? Are you lying?¡±


    Ball of light, ¡°...¡±


    Let¡¯s just say that Zi Han¡¯s mental state had dropped to its lowest like his brain was being burnt by a fever so his speech and tone were like that of a wronged child. Zi Xingxi wished she could give her son a head pat.


    ¡°You just have to call dad first,¡± said the ball of light thinking this would be easy for Zi Han. It was indeed a simple request but who would have thought this brat would make the ball of light shocked instead?


    ¡°No, I only have one dad and that¡¯s daddy Chen,¡± replied Zi Han with so much confidence.


    Everyone, ¡°...¡±


    The ball of light, ¡°QAQ¡±


    AN:


    Yeoh Jun: HELP!!! My family¡¯s cabbage has been eaten by a scoundrel called Chen. Whose family did that scoundrel belong to? When I catch them I will make them regret ever setting their eyes on my baby. Wuwuwuwu!!!

 Chapter 434

    434 ¡°She gets very hangry.¡±


    The little ball of light felt like it had been dealt a heavy blow. It wanted to ask who this Chen person was but given that it had little time to talk to this ruthless person it could only shrug it off.


    ¡°Wow... just wow. You know what... never mind. Forget I asked,¡± he said floating around surrounded by a gloomy aura.


    Zi Han smiled in the dim light before saying, ¡°But you are Pa. That¡¯s what I call you in here,¡± while patting his chest, ¡°do you see it?¡±


    After saying this he recalled when he was a kid he would sometimes talk to his Pa especially when he saw other kids having their dads in preschool.


    From his understanding then a Pa was a person you could talk to and have fun with. Well, at least that¡¯s what his deskmate said so he would talk to his pa every night before bed and snitch on everyone who was mean to him.


    This habit gradually faded when he became a teenager but asionally he would tell Pa all his problems even as an adult. Maybe it was because of the connection between their mental powers that the little ball of light saw his memory.


    ¡°A, I am your Pa. Now you are making this old man cry... Just don¡¯tin about your mother to me because I really can¡¯t keep secrets,¡± he said while floating around happily like a husky high on red bull.


    AN: Do not give your dog red bull. It can¡¯t be good for it, right?


    Zi Han giggled her eyes watery as he said, ¡°You are scared of her. When she is mad she gets really scary like an angry lioness especially when she is hungry. She gets very hangry.¡±


    .....


    Zi Xingxi, ¡°...¡±


    ¡°Even I can¡¯t refute that,¡± said Zi Feiji shrugging his shoulders. His grandson might be as high as a kite right now or at least sounds like it but he spoke facts.


    ¡°I am really not that bad. Am I?¡± she said and everyone and anyone who knew her looked at her like they were asking ¡®are you seriously asking us that¡¯.


    ¡°Weeell,¡± said Lynn Feng while averting her gaze.


    ¡°Nope, not afraid though she does look scary when she is hungry. One time she told me to get nuggets and I got wings instead because they had no nuggets.¡±


    ¡°She was two months pregnant then. She just red at me the entire time while eating them. For two days straight I would feel a cold chill in his back like a knife was being driven into my body. That was terrifying,¡± he said while recalling faint memories of his beautiful wife.


    Zi Han chuckled lightly his voice still hoarse from the crying. The ball of light shone a little brighter while asking him, ¡°Do you feel better?¡±


    Zi Han nodded his head and the ball of light was very satisfied. ¡°Then I will tell you what to do. The only way you can do this is if you let it go at the pinnacle of your three elements. When you have reached the peak of your physical, mental and emotional state just let go. Trust in the sort of warm sensation you will be feeling in your body at that moment. Don¡¯t fight it, just let it flow naturally. After the first time, I promise it will get easier.¡±


    Zi Han rubbed his forehead and asked, ¡°What if I fail?¡±


    ¡°When you think of the consequences of failing I promise you, you won¡¯t fail,¡± replied the ball of light as its brightness slowly dimmed.


    Zi Han bit his lips a little hesitant to ask. He wanted to know if his Pa was really dead. Was Yi Chen wrong? Did he sacrifice his life for nothing? Zi Han didn¡¯t even want to think about it thus he didn¡¯t ask. It was better not to know and still carry hope.


    ¡°My little Hanifa can do it. I know you ca-,¡± said the little ball of light. It suddenly died down losing all its vitality before Zi Han fell back into darkness. Zi Han felt sorrowful but he had no time to grieve. He closed his eyes and exhaled deeply before the simtion started again.


    This time things were different. Zi Han still felt exhausted but like his father said he should let it go then he would let it go.


    When he opened his eyes he was standing in the red desert again and this time he didn¡¯t run. He stood there his stance ready for an impending attack.


    Soon enough the ground beneath his feet shook and the beast rose from the sea of sand with a loud growl intimidating him but Zi Han loosened his muscles staring it dead in the eye.


    It was time to stop running and face the enemy head-on. His situation still seemed hopeless as before but he had to fight smart not fight hard.


    ¡°Han Han, be careful,¡± said Zi Xingxi sitting at the edge of her seat.


    Zi Han took a step back while he moved his hand behind his back grabbing the hilt of his dagger. He knew that he wouldn¡¯t be able to kill this beast with just a dagger but he could use his environment.


    ¡°Come on...e get me you ugly thing,¡± he said his heart literally pounding hard against his chest.


    With lightning speed, the multiple jaws descended from the sky attacking Zi Han but Zi Han dodged in time and rushed toward the creature¡¯s slithering body before it had an opportunity to turn around.


    Zi Han engaged his mental power as he leapt up in the air. With a shunk, the de stabbed into the leathery skin that looked like that of a slug. The creature cried out in pain with a sharp ear piercing cry.


    It spun around with vigour and tried to bite him off its body but like a rock climber, Zi Han pressed his legs on the spine of the beast and used the momentum to push himself up. He stabbed the de into the snake¡¯s body again and this time the dust rose in the desert as the creature wailed in pain.

 Chapter 435

    435 ¡°He... he did it,¡±


    Zi Han fought to hold on as the creature began to shake vigorously trying to remove him from its body. He smiled slyly as he continued to stab his way up towards the back of its head.


    When he finally reached the back of its head the creature began to fight violently shaking its head trying to get rid of the insignificant ant that was clinging to its body.


    Zi Han felt a powerful wind and cloud of dust strike his body ceaselessly but he held on. With every ounce of strength remaining in him he stabbed the eye of the creature and it bellowed in agony before dashing off in a random direction hoping to shake off Zi Han.


    Zi Han drove the de deeper inside the eye of the creature controlling the direction the beast was going. He was leading it directly to the valley filled with ss shards.


    ¡°That¡¯s it... that¡¯s it,¡± spoke Zi Han through gritted teeth as the sand dune he was looking for came into view. The creature grew closer and closer but just as it was about to fall over the slope it realised what was happening.


    It tried to stop before it fell over but it was already toote. The slope of sand copsed dragging the both of them down the field of obsidian ss shards. Zi Han held on tightly as they fell but he was still thrown off from the head of the beast. His body flew up in the air and from a distance, he could see the hovercrafting from the south again.


    Knowing this person was safe was enough for him. He didn¡¯t want to see Yi Chen die before his eyes again. An inexplicable warmth spread all over his body like mycelium spreading in his veins threatening to take over.


    His gaze fixed on the hovercraft flying in his direction Zi Han let it go he let it all go thus his body free fell to the ground where the creature that had its body pierced in so many ces.


    The beast that was at the brink of deathy in its pool of blood but when it saw the cause of its misery falling towards it it suddenly didn¡¯t want to die alone so it opened its mouth ready to devour him.


    .....


    Zi Han smiled happily and the mycelium likework spread to his lips as a bright light shone all over his body. His body was suddenly shadowed by a sapphire phoenix before he disappeared with the creature left eating air pies.


    The simtion device suddenly went haywire with the screen glitching and every single warning rm echoing throughout the room. The lights flickered rapidly that they would trigger seizures.


    But in the blink of an eye calm was restored like nothing had happened. The simtion had finally ended and the lights in the room turned on revealing white walls and floors but no Zi Han.


    Everyone looked at the empty room in awe and for a minute or two, no one dared to open their mouths. It was Zi Xingxi who got up first and dashed into the room. The door slid open with a swoosh and she ran in but her steps faltered after a second. ¡°He... he did it,¡± she whispered as she clenched her shaking hands.


    ¡°He did it... he really did it,¡± she said again not knowing whether tough or cry. She was happy that he had finally seeded but now she was worried about where he was and if he was okay.


    She tried to call his light brain but it wasn¡¯t going through. Zi Zingxi tried several times but it was still not avable.


    She was about to try again but her hand held her wrist and she tremblingly raised her head. It was when she looked at her father that she realised she was crying. Her tears hung on her lusciousshes like dew on a de of grass blurring her vision.


    Zi Feiji took out his handkerchief and tried to wipe her tear stained face but Zi Xingxi began to cry even more. Zi Feiji ced his palm at the back of her neck and pulled her close into a hug and she cried on his shoulder.


    ¡°Dad...,¡± she called out in a brittle voice. She didn¡¯t know when her son would be back or where he was. She had hoped he woulde back to him soon but her heart couldn¡¯t help but be broken thus she let herself go and cried.


    While she was crying, Yi Zhen took this opportunity to leave. He had already done what he came here for and had to leave now before Zi Xingxi¡¯s anger redirected towards him. He wasn¡¯t afraid of her before but always considered her troublesome.


    Now his opinion of her had changed drastically. He wasn¡¯t embarrassed to say he was afraid of mama bears. When ites to protecting their cubs they really don¡¯t fuck around.


    Secretary K didn¡¯t stop him. He let him leave for the sake of preserving the rtionship between Zi Han and Yi Chen.


    He left the warship and went to the military headquarters so he could send an announcement to the relevant officials that his son was going on a sabbatical for some time.


    When he reached the Marshal¡¯s office the exhaustion he had kept at bay for so long overwhelmed him. He slumped in his chair and pinched the bridge of his nose only for a familiar voice to startle him.


    ¡°You have been gone for so long... was there any progress,¡± said Lin Ruoxi who had been sleeping on the couch holding her son¡¯s jacket which was a little damp from her tears.


    Yi Zhen¡¯s dull eyes flickered slightly as he raised his head happy to see his wife. He missed her so much that it was slowly killing him inside. The pain of losing his son to an unknown ce was already agonising enough but going through it alone was taking a toll on him.


    He desperately needed his wife but his wife didn¡¯t want anything to do with him. Only a few could rte to the joy he was feeling right now.


    ¡°He seeded. We can only hope he finds this ce soon and bring our son back,¡± he said and Lin Ruoxi felt a little sense of ease despite how small it was. She really wanted her baby back. It was driving her so crazy that she couldn¡¯t keep herposure in front of the children anymore.

 Chapter 436

    436 Slight NSFW hehe


    When a couple loses a child whether they are missing or have passed on to glory three things would happen. They would have sexual problems, emotional distance, and more conflict or fighting especially if the child was the glue that held their marriage together.


    Yi Zhen knew for a fact that Yi Chen was the main reason his wife married him thus he couldn¡¯t help but feel anxious. She had already threatened to leave him which was incredibly painful.


    Hearing his words Lin Ruoxi nodded her head while fixing her hair. She wiped her tears but because she had stopped crying for a while tear stains had already dried.


    She got up calmly and walked over to the bathroom and washed her face. Looking at herself in the mirror she suddenly felt a surge of emotions. She squeezed her already puffy eyes tightly making them painful. Her lips down turned and she cried silently the kind of cry that stems from the pit of her stomach. She leaned down on the sink and her hot tears flowed down. She was in so much pain that she couldn¡¯t help but break down.


    A warm arm suddenly embraced her by the waist and pulled her into an embrace. She instantly began to struggle. She didn¡¯t want to be with him because she was still upset. This man was perfect in most ways but his bad decisions cost her son greatly.


    Her father was so mad that he even wanted her to leave immediately especially when he found out that Yi Zhen had messed with Yi Chen¡¯s rtionship. In retaliation grandfather, Lin banned him from stepping foot on their private.


    She was so angry that she pushed him and pped his hand, chest, and face but Yi Zhen wasn¡¯t willing to let go. He let her vent but still embraced her. Lin Ruoxi got tired of fighting and sank into his warm chest letting all the pain out.


    Yi Zhen didn¡¯t speak. He kept stroking her hair while closing his eyes with a woeful expression on his face.


    After venting it all out Lin Ruoxi pushed him away and walked past him. Wiping her tears she said, ¡°Stay away from me.¡±


    .....


    She walked past him and with a flip of her hair she went out of the bathroom. Yi Zhen who felt like he had been used stood there with a stupefied expression but how could he let Lin Ruoxi go?


    He rushed over and grabbed her wrist with a begging tone, ¡°Baby, please...,¡± he said but Lin Ruoxi jerked her hand away violently but she lost her footing, and fell on the couch.


    She was about to get up but Yi Zhen took advantage of the situation and straddled her. Lin Ruoxi was furious but before she could push him off Yi Zhen buried his head in her shoulder and began to cry. He didn¡¯t want to arouse her sympathy but he was truly sorrowful.


    He didn¡¯t want to do some of these things that he did but someone had to make the call. Somebody had to be the bad guy to get things done but the burden that came with it was so heavy that it weighed down on his heart.


    He loved his family so much and wanted nothing but the best for them though his so-called best wasn¡¯t necessarily their best.


    ¡°I am sorry... I am sorry,¡± he whispered and Lin Ruoxi who was pressing her hands on his shoulders to push him away stopped when she heard this.


    Her heart twisted painfully and she couldn¡¯t bring herself to push him away anymore. She slowly loosened her grip and let him cry.


    When had she ever seen her husband cry like this? No, she had seen him cry like this. It was the day Ming Ming was born. She was born lifeless and they had to revive her. The way Yi Zhen broke down in fear watching his little baby girl in distress. Now he was breaking down the same way.


    Lin Ruoxi¡¯s heart couldn¡¯t help but soften. She wrapped her arms around his shoulders and pulled him close. The two of them stayed like this for a good ten minutes but instead of separating from her Yi Zhen kissed the corner of her lips.


    Lin Ruoxi¡¯s stared into his scarlet eyes with an unfathomable gaze. She licked her lips and suddenly felt an inexplicable heat in her chest. She moved her head slightly and kissed his lips before ncing at him her eyes all telling.


    Yi Zhen who hadn¡¯t had a meal in a long time couldn¡¯t help it. He lowered his head and kissed her again this time his slightly rough lips brushed her delicately soft lips like butterfly wings.


    Their scorching lips entwined with each other were soft, hot, and breathy seekingfort from each other in an attempt to relieve their pain. The heat in her cheeks intensified as she touched Yi Zhen¡¯s tongue seeking that familiar intoxicating taste.


    Yi Zhen grunted like a beast enjoying his meal after starving for so long. Unable to bear it anymore he tore his wife¡¯s blouse and the buttons rolled on the ground.


    He sucked on Lin Rouxi¡¯s neck while caressing her chest through the fabric. Lin Ruoxi¡¯s chest rose and fell as soft pants left her lips. She pushed him and the former Marshal fell on the soft carpet.


    Without taking off her clothes she tore her pantyhose and pushed her underwear aside. Yi Zhen wanted to unzip his pants but she swatted his hand away and unzipped his pants herself.


    She pulled out his hard member and lowered her body with a sweet gasp that sent shivers all over Yi Zhen¡¯s body.


    Yi Zhen half sat up and grabbed the back of her neck pulling her towards himself for a deep unrestrained kiss. The two figures began to move rhythmically on that office floor with lewd sounds bouncing off the walls. Lin Ruoxi didn¡¯t care whether she was wet or not. She just kept moving her body epting the friction as though to numb the painful feeling in her heart.


    Soon the drynds became flooded and the sweet pleasure from the oasis made her thrust her hips eagerly inching towards a climax.

 Chapter 437

    437 The republic


    ¡°Shit shit shit... AAAAAAHHHHH!!!¡± screamed Zi Han as his body fell to the ground. He wasn¡¯t screaming because he was afraid of falling but because of what he had been through. That was the most unpleasant feeling in the world.


    With a loud bam, he fell to the ground like a rookie.


    ¡°Ah shit,¡± he swore his face hurting from the fall. He clutched that familiar looking sand and he suddenly panicked. Thinking that creature will suddenly emerge from the sand he hurriedly got up to his feet only for him to meet but a tranquil desert type of silence. It was the kind that doesn¡¯t make you feel a sense of relief but the kind that mocks you to death. It¡¯s either the thirst will kill you first or the heat.


    Zi Han brushed the sand out of his hair when he heard Igneous who had been in the dog house because of the simtor speak. Maybe it was because of transmission problems or something that its voice broke and there was a harsh static noise that hurt his ears.


    ¡°Si... wat... bene,¡± said Igneous but before Zi Han could try and understand what it was saying his feet were pulled into the sand and he fell into what could be described as a tunnel. While he was falling he was struck in the face by something hard and got knocked out cold.


    Sounds of senseless chatter filled Zi Han¡¯s ringing ear as he came back around. He didn¡¯t immediately open his eyes listening in on what they were saying.


    ¡°What are you going to do with him?¡± asked a young raspy voice followed by the sound of a rough female voice answering,


    ¡°Put him back where we found him. He has a lot of valuable things. We can sell it for some Terre coins. Pass me that screwdriver there,¡± she replied, and the sounds of someone getting up followed.


    ¡°He is dressed weirdly. Can we take his clothes? We can sell them for money,¡± said the young man and the female voice replied,


    .....


    ¡°Sure, let¡¯s just fix this first. We will take his clothes when we leave,¡± she said and Zi Han heard the sound of footstepsing towards him. The person crouched in front of him and examined his face closely.


    The boy seemed fascinated by the man¡¯s skin which seemed wless and milky tempting one to squeeze. He raised his finger hesitating to touch the man¡¯s face. When he saw the injury on the left side of his face that had already bruised he couldn¡¯t help but turn to the girl,


    ¡°Why did you hit his face so hard? We could have brought him to the nobledies in the city. They would have bought him as a husband. Or maybe sister, you can keep him for yourself.¡±


    Zi Han heard this and he almostughed. These two literally let a lion into their den.


    ¡°He is too heavenly for my liking. I don¡¯t want to attract attention by having such a weak flower vase by my side... we can¡¯t sell him either. If his peoplee looking for him we will be implicated,¡± said the female voice with slight irritation in her tone.


    ¡°Oh, how long will he be knocked out,¡± said the young man before moving his finger closer to the man¡¯s cheek to pinch it. Before he could even touch him, Zi Han grasped the young man¡¯s wrist and grabbed his dagger from the sheath on the boy¡¯s thigh. He twisted the man¡¯s arm behind had back and with a devilish smile, he ced the tip of the dagger on the young man¡¯s throat.


    ¡°Weak ha...,¡± he said but when he nced at his ring finger he found that his ring was missing. His eyes which were yful just now turned cold. He red at the girl sending chills all over his body.


    ¡°My ring,¡± he said and the girl who was more concerned for her brother than his words yelled,


    ¡°Let go of him!¡± She drew a shabby-lookingser gun and aimed at the man ready to kill him to save her brother.


    Zi Han pressed the de tightly on the boy¡¯s neck nicking his skin a little. A drop of blood dripped down his skin and his face turned ashen.


    ¡°Sis-sister,¡± he called out his voice trembling in fear.


    ¡°My ring,¡± said Zi Han nudging his eyebrow at the ring peaking out of her bag. She picked it up and tossed it at the man before pointing the gun at the man again her hands still trembling.


    Zi Han let go of the young man and put the ring back on his finger. His heart which was panicked calmed down significantly. He got up from the ground and because the space was tight he had to bend his neck.


    He could see she was still pointing that thing at him but he knew she wasn¡¯t ruthless enough to pull the trigger. Even if she did she would miss. He went to the bag on the table and began to take back his things.


    ¡°Hey, that¡¯s that¡¯s mine,¡± she said but Zi Han ignored her. He picked up all his pendants and sheathed the dagger. He took everything that belonged to him including his light brain before sitting down like he was in his own home.


    He took out a pear from his interspatial storage. The young man who was curled up on the ground suddenly brightened seeing that delicious looking fruit he had only seen in children¡¯s books. He shed off all the fear on his face and sat up staring at the man¡¯s hand almost drooling.


    ¡°Let¡¯s start all over again. My name is Han and you two what are your names?¡± he said but he noticed that both of them kept staring at his hand.


    Zi Han tapped the table and the girl woke up from her trance. ¡°Nayeli and that¡¯s Nathan. Where did you get that?¡±


    Zi Han nced down at the pear before smiling slightly and saying, ¡°Tell you what Nayeli. I will give you each one of these if you tell me where I am.¡±


    ¡°You have two?¡± asked the young man excitedly. For a person who grew up on meal recements this was heaven.


    ¡°Uh huh. I will even forget that you bashed my face, robbed me and wanted to pimp me off to some richdies.¡±


    The siblings, ¡°...¡±

 Chapter 438

    438 Dog eat dog world


    Zi Han was never one to make it difficult for a group of children. In fact, he could sympathise with them. The girl was barely out of her teens and the young boy couldn¡¯t be older than fifteen.


    From the looks of it, they were either abandoned children or orphans. The two of them were just trying to survive and in a deste ce like this, it seemed to make sense that they would rob him.


    ¡°What do you want to know?¡± asked the little girl but she didn¡¯t put down theser gun. Her gaze kept ncing between the man¡¯s face and that pear.


    Zi Han raised his hand and pointed at theser gun with a slight quirk on his lips. ¡°Put that down first,¡± he said and Nayeli looked at him with slight hesitation.


    She nced at her brother and seeing his bright eyes she reluctantly put it down but she didn¡¯t rx her vignce. She still had another one holstered at her back though it was more like a homemade old fashion pistol that could jam or misfire and hurt her.


    Zi Han was curious to take that thing apart but he realised they still didn¡¯t trust him and who would in a ce like this? He thought he could take a look at itter when they weren¡¯t as guarded against him.


    Zi Han took out a second pear while asking, ¡°Where are we?¡±


    Nayeli knew then for certain this person wasn¡¯t from around here. Who wouldn¡¯t recognise the skull desert, a ce where people would wander off to when they wanted to die? If the sun didn¡¯t kill you then your thirst would.


    ¡°We are in skull desert,¡± replied the boy inching closer his eyes wide open.


    .....


    Zi Han didn¡¯t let him suffer anymore. He gave the young man the pear before turning to the sister. ¡°I want to go to these coordinates,¡± he said writing it down on the dust-filled table. He couldn¡¯t rely on Igneous in this ce. It seemed something was interfering with it. Besides it hadn¡¯t mapped out the terrain of this thus he could only depend on the locals which would be faster or rely on his mapping skills which would take him longer.


    ¡°Mmmm... wow... mm thank you... sister, you should try it,¡± said Nathan while gnawing on that pear with a blissful expression on his face.


    Nayeli looked at her greedy brother with a look of disappointment but in truth, her mouth was also watering. She couldn¡¯t care less if it was poisoned because at least she would die happy. She looked at the coordinates and said, ¡°That¡¯s Kengston city. It is a week trip to get there tracking through the desert,¡± she said and Zi Han threw her the pear.


    She caught it and red at him for a second before picking up theser gun again. ¡°If we die then I will take you with us,¡± she said but Zi Han ignored her. They would probably reach there in a sh if he used Igneous but his mecha would attract unwanted attention which was something he didn¡¯t want. He didn¡¯t know what sort of situation Yi Chen was in and didn¡¯t want to furtherplicate matters.


    He stood up and walked toward the broken down hovercraft the girl was trying to fix. At a nce, he could tell what was wrong with it but the girl suddenly became anxious. She put away her savouring expression and waved theser gun around telling him to move away.


    ¡°Get away from it,¡± she said in a raspy voice like her vocal cords were broken.


    Zi Han raised his hands and took a step back but he suddenly smiled slyly and grabbed theser gun from her at light speed. By the time she realised what had happened Zi Han had already ced it furthest from her.


    ¡°You... give it back,¡± she said but Zi Han lowered his head and began to tamper with the engine. It was an old piece of junk but Zi Han could still patch it up so it could run. Zi Han picked up the old-fashioned tools and his brow arched. This ce was indeed behind technology-wise.


    While he was studying the rusty wrench and pliers Nayeli walked over to her brother and sat next to him. While the man was distracted she signed something to him in signnguage. In a world as terrifying as this, this skill was very valuable.


    Their mother couldn¡¯t speak thus she taught them signnguage. Now they were using it secretly to converse.


    ¡°How about we exchange him with the ravagers and get our mother back,¡± signed Nayeli discreetly and Nathan gasped seeming shocked.


    ¡°Don¡¯t gasp like that. He will see,¡± she said before ncing at the man but when she saw he was scrutinising the engine she rxed.


    ¡°But he seems nice,¡± signed Nathan his expression back to normal. Well, as normal as it can get.


    ¡°Are you kidding me? This is a dog eat dog world. If we don¡¯t get our mother back we won¡¯t survive for long. We already offended the ravagers by running away instead of ying bait for that serpent hybrid. What do you think they will do to our mother if we don¡¯t save her?¡± she signed and Nathan reluctantly nodded his head.


    Their father was a hunter. He huntedrge monsters like the serpent with the head of a wolf. This brought a lot of money into their house because he could sell the beast for not only meat but other by-products as well. Their father died on one of their expeditions. Now they only had their mother who was taken by ravagers and they were used as bait to lure the beast lurking in the desert. When they were tied up ready to be eaten by the beast it suddenly change course and seeked out the ravagers.


    Thinking the ravagers must be dead already they untied themselves and ran towards the station the ravagers left their hovercraft. They wanted to fly away but the thing wouldn¡¯t start thus she was trying to fix it. The reason why they pulled Zi Han into the station in the first ce was to prevent him from attracting attention just in case the ravagers were still alive. Robbing him was just a secondary action.


    They didn¡¯t know how they were going to save their mother but now that they had found him Nayeli strongly believed they could get their mother back.

 Chapter 439

    439 .....He saved us,¡±


    Zi Han was well aware of their little actions but he acted like he didn¡¯t see them. Like every othernguage in the Federation and the Republic, his mother made him learn signnguage. There were a few signs that were slightly different but Zi Han recorded their conversation with his light brain which to them appeared like a normal bracelet.


    It didn¡¯t take him long to fix the hovercraft. He turned to the two siblings and called out, ¡°Come start it. It should be working now.¡±


    Nayeli who didn¡¯t expect him to be able to fix the hovercraft got up to his feet with a scrutinizing gaze.


    She couldn¡¯t believe it thus she checked the engine while asking her brother to start it. Nathan pressed a few buttons down and the hovercraft started smoothly.


    Nayeli nced at him with aplicated expression. She couldn¡¯t understand how he was able to fix it in such a short time when she had been working extra hard to fix it for the past two days.


    ¡°You... how did yo-,¡± she said only to stop talking when she heard the sound of someone trying to open the metal door they had lurched from inside. Zi Han looked at the pair who were suddenly frightened their faces ghastly like they had seen a ghost.


    It seemed the ravagers had survived their ordeal and hade back to the station but there was someone bolting the door from the inside.


    Dong dong dong!!!


    ¡°Who is in there?! Ram, is that you? Open the door. We are injured!¡± said the man yelling out. He probably thought that the one who was missing among them had found his way back to the station.


    .....


    Dong dong dong!!!


    The knocking continued and it was getting even more urgent. ¡°Sister, what are we going to do?¡± asked Nathan his fear overwhelming him so much that his knees were trembling. They had experienced the cruelty of these people and his sister had almost been vited by one of them. If it weren¡¯t because they considered her ugly and unattractive they would have hurt her.


    Like every other woman in their small town when they were born they would be cut on their faces several times leaving scars to make them ugly. Their voices would also be altered by drinking medicine that would alter their voices when they reached puberty.


    In this world being beautiful was not an advantage but a curse. One might be taking a casual stroll on the street only to get abducted before getting sold to the highest bidder and their family never to see them again.


    Nayeli held her brother back but it was clear in her eyes that she was afraid. She wanted her brother to hide but even if he did they would still find him. Zi Han sighed before producing a handgun out of thin air, well, at least that¡¯s what they thought.


    He walked towards thedder mounted to the tunnel wall his steps menacing and domineering. Nathan wanted to stop him but Nayeli covered his mouth with her hand stopping him.


    All their movements were noticed by Zi Han but he could care less right now. He was more concerned with finding his lover. He climbed up thedder and with a speed unknown to this world he removed thetch at the door.


    When the men outside heard it they excitedly opened this metal door only to be met by bullets in their brains. Zi Han was especially ruthless.


    He shot to kill with no mercy because he knew that if it was known he was here he might alert the enemy. There was still that man who opened portals all over the federation. If he found out that Zi Han was here he would do whatever it takes to capture him.


    When they saw theirpatriot get shot their first response was to return fire but one by one they wereid to waste by this devil that appear out of nowhere. The weapon in his hand was something out of the divine books, terrifying and cruel. Thest of the men couldn¡¯t ept dying like this thus he kowtowed before him begging for mercy. He even swore loyalty to him in his very touching speech.


    Nayeli¡¯s brow furrowed upon hearing that voice. It was the voice of the man who tried to force himself on her. If his friend hadn¡¯t made fun of her scars he would have carried on. She held her brother¡¯s shoulders tightly suddenly afraid that this person would take pity on this pervert and give him a second chance.


    But soon a loud bang echoed in the air before everything fell into silence. Bright blue shes shone at the entrance of the tunnel. The two of them stood there scared and anxious but in two minutes a figure jumped down andnded sturdily at the bottom.


    ¡°Now that¡¯s been taken care of let¡¯s go,¡± he said as he walked forward towards the hovercraft.


    The two of them were bbergasted. They didn¡¯t know where this person came from but they suddenly saw him as their saviour, especially Nathan. He saw a shadow of his father in this big brother.


    Seeing that they remained unmoved, Zi Han turned back and asked, ¡°Aren¡¯t we going? Hurry up. I have things to do.¡±


    The pair of brother and sister woke up from their trance and rushed over. They picked up a few supplies and rushed to the hovercraft. Zi Han sat in the back seat and closed his eyes appearing like he was sleeping but he was watching the video of the signnguage between the siblings.


    He couldn¡¯t figure out some signs but he could understand the overall situation. These children weren¡¯t exactly orphans. They still had a mother but she was being held captive. Zi Han¡¯s heart sank learning this. He wanted to help them but at the same time, he wanted to find his lover in Kengston city. The more he dyed the greater his lover was at risk but he still couldn¡¯t bring himself to ignore it.


    ¡°What are we going to do? He saved us,¡± signed Nathan after checking if the person behind them was sleeping.


    Nayeli felt so bad but she really wanted to save her mother. She clutched the yoke of the hovercraft tightly feeling conflicted.


    The roof of the station opened and the hovercraft rose from the ground before flying away heading in the northeast direction. Zi Han, who was good with navigation knew this couldn¡¯t fit the directions of the coordinates he gave her so he said, ¡°So what exactly is the n? I am truly curious.¡±

 Chapter 440

    440 I can¡¯t think of a title (QAQ)


    Nayeli suddenly knew that their n had been revealed but how was that possible? Signnguage on their alone had twenty different kinds and the entire Republic had over a hundred so how could this person understand everything they said? She realised then that they had seriously underestimated this person.


    ¡°You know?¡± she asked with slight panic in her eyes.


    Zi Han rested his fingers on his forehead and replied simply, ¡°En.¡±


    Nathan felt anxious thus he tugged at his sister¡¯s sleeve and mouthed, ¡°Sister, what do we do?¡±


    Nayeli bit her lip and nced at the vast desert caught between a rock and a hard ce. For a long time, she didn¡¯t speak making Nathan flustered.


    Zi Han didn¡¯t say anything. He waited patiently for her to speak. After ten minutes she finally stopped the hovercraftnding it on a tall sand dune and pushing the hangar door open.


    Zi Han¡¯s brow arched as he stared at her through the gaps between his fingers. Nayeli pointed in another direction and said, ¡°Kengston city is that way. If you walk for four days you will reach it. The only way we are sending you there is if youe with us first and save our mother. After that, we will send you there. If you don¡¯t like the arrangement then you walk there,¡± and Nathan was a little surprised.


    He didn¡¯t think his sister would shamelessly continue with this n despite the fact that this big brother gave them tasty food, killed the bad guys obliterated their bodies into nothing, and fixed the broken hovercraft. Didn¡¯t they seem ungrateful if they ask him to do this? Nathan opened his mouth to speak but Nayeli lifted her finger and said, ¡°You, keep your mouth shut. What will it be?¡±


    Zi Han could care less about her attitude. He wanted to get to Kengston city as soon as possible but he also wanted to help these children get their mother back. It¡¯s too bad Nayeli didn¡¯t know how to ask for help. She would rather resort to threats than ask for help.


    .....


    ¡°Really... so you don¡¯t n to hand me over to the ravagers in exchange for your mother?¡± he asked surrounded by a calm and collected air like he wasn¡¯t exposing a ploy against himself.


    Nayeli gulped unconsciously trying to maintain her expression like her deep thoughts weren¡¯t exposed. If he couldn¡¯t or wouldn¡¯t help them break into the ravagers¡¯ stronghold and save their mother, she still nned to exchange him.


    People¡¯s ethics and morals in this ce were so messed up that kindness was treated like ckmail. That small act of kindness would mean that person had a hold on you and it had to be repaid.


    ¡°I...,¡± she said only for Nathan to call out,


    ¡°Sister. Mother wouldn¡¯t want this.¡±


    Zi Han stood up and with domineering cold air around him, he stepped out of the hovercraft. His vow as the Bloodgarde was to protect and serve the weak but that didn¡¯t mean that he should be met with this kind of attitude.


    Zi Han stretched out his sore muscles and began to walk into the desert his steps leisurely like he was taking a stroll.


    He knew he could perform like a miniature space jump and be there in seconds but from what he knew about this ce the man who attacked the Federation would take notice of the fluctuations in energy thus he could only resort to either walking or hitching a ride.


    ¡°Welp, it¡¯s just you and me Iggy. I need to figure out a way to fix you and maybe I will transform you into a crappy-looking hovercraft,¡± muttered Zi Han to himself.


    Igneous who could hear everything but just couldn¡¯tmunicate with Zi Han, ¡°...¡±


    ¡°Sister... please... This isn¡¯t the way to ask for help,¡± whispered Nathan tugging at her clothes.


    Nayeli also knew this but that would mean they would owe him.


    How were they meant to repay that kind of debt? It was too expensive for them but she really needed to get her mother back thus she could only swallow her emotions down.


    She clenched her fist tightly before rushing forward and kneeling before Zi Han. Her eyes tightly shut she said, ¡°I need your help... please.¡±


    Zi Han was a little startled. He took a step back and stared down at the young woman lowering her head.


    ¡°There is no need for that. I will help you. All you had to do was ask for help,¡± he said and the girl raised her head looking at him with her teary eyes.


    Zi Han twirled his finger a little mortified. ¡°Don¡¯t... don¡¯t do all that. I already said it¡¯s fine. You don¡¯t have to look so pitiful,¡± he said preferring the haughty version of herself over the pathetic one.


    ¡°Let¡¯s go quickly. I really have someone waiting for me,¡± he said before turning to walk back.


    Nayeli hastily got up and dusted the sand off her knees before saying, ¡°Wait you can¡¯t go wearing that people wi-.¡±


    Her voice was cut off when she witnessed with her own eyes Zi Han¡¯s clothes transformed to match the ones her brother wore except they were of a different color.


    Zi Han walked back into the hovercraft dazzling the two siblings. He was d like the poorest of the people in the Republic but he looked noble in them like he was meant to sit on the highest throne with Stor F?niks.


    This thought made Nayeli¡¯s steps pause as her brows creased staring at that figure sitting in the hovercraft with aplicated expression. Had they just stumbled upon a god?


    Zi Han was no god. He was just a man born from a gifted family line and he was here to get his man back a man who was meant to be in Kengston city. Well, he was in Kengston city but from the looks of it, he had no memory whatsoever. He didn¡¯t know who he was, why he was here, or where he came from.

 Chapter 441

    441 He can lose his memory but he can¡¯t forget his wife


    When he woke up he was on the outskirts of a city with strange clothing. He had noticed a girl being dragged out of the city by two men and another older man being pressed down as he cried out with an outstretched arm.


    The men holding them were twice their size and they looked like gangsters from the bet. They mentioned something about offering such a great beauty to their lord and all that nonsense so he took a dagger then head towards them and killed all of the five men.


    After that, he passed out and the pair of father and daughter buried the dead and brought him back to their house in Kengston city. When he woke up again he was in a shabby looking house with a girl holding his hand. The first thing he did was remove his hand from hers and utter, ¡°I have a wife. Please don¡¯t touch me.¡±


    The girl, ¡°...¡±


    They soon realised that he had no recollection of who he was or where he was from but he absolutely remembered he had a wife. He didn¡¯t know who or where his wife was but he was adamant that he had a wife.


    When they asked him how he knew, he said one of his stripes was missing so it could only be on his wife. The elderly man thought they could be indebted to him and he would hand over his daughter to the man as gratitude but the man insisted he was married and only saved them because he was a kind person.


    The old man might have given up but the girl couldn¡¯t move on. She fell in love with brother Chen from the moment sheid eyes on him. She knew this was her future husband so she did everything in her power to convince him that he would never reunite with his wife. The guy was after all from another strange and he wouldn¡¯t be able to go back to his home. She also thought that even if he had a wife she wouldn¡¯te all the way here just to rescue him. Well, at least that¡¯s what she thought.


    She would say, ¡°Brother Chen, how would you even recognise your wife when you see her,¡± or ¡°brother Chen, I am sure she just wants you to live happily. You should move on.¡±


    But no matter what she said he wasn¡¯t moved. She was indeed beautiful but he wasn¡¯t interested at all. Even when she dressed up or cooked the finest dinner he wasn¡¯t interested. She would say something like, ¡°Brother Chen, does your wife cook this good?¡±


    .....


    His answer was in and simple. ¡°This is good but my wife¡¯s cooking is the best.¡±


    The girl¡¯s father was an inventor sh mechanic thus they were doing better than most. With the Stor F?niks¡¯ blessing, the could afford to have a meal or two a week.


    Every night brother Chen would stare at this pair of silicone chicken cutlets that supposedly belonged to his wife.


    She didn¡¯t know what they were but he would always say that that was the first gift his wife gave to him. She couldn¡¯t get why he liked such a useless gift but brother Chen liked it.


    When their family fell on hard times she didn¡¯t hesitate to ask brother Chen to pawn his ring just for now. They could always buy it back when her father got a new contract. She seemed like she was genuinely asking for help but in truth, she was trying to eliminate any traces of the so-called wife. She wanted to slowly infiltrate his heart and get rid of the past and be his future.


    Meanwhile, Zi Han and the pair of siblings travelled across the desert heading for the ravagers¡¯ir. They had travelled for merely a day before they reached this ce. It was just outside the desert with a gate as tall as the serpent with a wolf head when standing at the tip of its tail.


    They packed the hovercraft just outside theirir and watched the tall walls while trying to figure out a n.


    ¡°How about we sneak in,¡± asked Nathan but Nayeli remained silent watching the patrolling guards ying a board game while gambling.


    Zi Han had already calcted several ns in his mind and picked the one with the highest probability of sess but he didn¡¯t say anything. He was just waiting for them to ask for his opinion. After all the person they intended to save was their mother.


    ¡°Sneaking in won¡¯t work. It¡¯s either we enter through the front gate or nothing,¡± said Nayeli before turning to Zi Han and asking, ¡°any thoughts?¡±


    Zi Han¡¯s answer was simple. He stared straight at the tall wall while saying, ¡°Didn¡¯t you want to exchange me for your mother¡¯s freedom?¡±


    The two siblings looked at each other in confusion but soon they understood what he meant. All they had to do was show this man¡¯s worth and seek an audience with their leader.


    ¡°Are you sure about this?¡± asked Nathan and Zi Han showed a slight smile.


    ¡°I am more than sure,¡± said Zi Han before taking out rope from his storage space. Zi Han tied himself up before raising his head. The two of them were staring at him while he was tying his wrists together like a criminal.


    ¡°I am done now let¡¯s go,¡± said Zi Han before moving back to the hovercraft.


    ¡°Are you sure this is going to work?,¡± asked Nathan and Zi Hanughed while saying,


    ¡°If it doesn¡¯t I will just kill them immediately.¡±


    ¡°Okay,¡± replied Nayeli skeptical of this man¡¯s ability. As long as he didn¡¯t get them killed that¡¯s all that mattered to her. She sincerely hoped to be reunited with her mother soon and the three of them could be safe together again. She just had to convince the guards to let them pass.


    ¡°Halt! Who goes there?¡± yelled one of the guards and the hovercraft stopped. They could identify that the hovercraft was one of theirs but they needed to verify it. In this world, it was better to be vignt. One could never be too careful.

 Chapter 442

    442 He had indeed weaponized his stinky breath.


    When the senior guard noticed the tag on the hovercraft his brows creased. This was from the party sent to capture the humongous beast from skull desert but there wasn¡¯t any sign of their man but the captives they had sent with them as bait.


    He immediately raised his rifle and said, ¡°Get out of the vehicle... Now!¡±


    Nayeli who was slightly anxious couldn¡¯t move her feet her muscle tense for a moment. She slowly nced at her brother and then at Zi Han behind her. Zi Han could sense her nervousness from a mile away thus he winked at her and Nayeli felt a pang in her heart. She parted her lips and was about to speak when the man shouted again,


    ¡°NOW!¡±


    The two of them hastily got up but Zi Han remained seated his expression all nonchnt. He was unconcerned at all with what was happening outside the hovercraft.


    ¡°Where are the others?! Tell me! Did you kill them you stupid bitch,¡± angrily yelled the guard while the other one walked to the other side trying to pull Zi Han out of the hovercraft.


    ¡°Get out of the vehicle. Don¡¯t you understand my words? Are you fuckin stupid?¡± yelled the man but Zi Han raised his bound wrist showing that he had been tied to the floor. ¡°You see, it¡¯s a bit inconvenient for me toply,¡± he said and the guard angrily yanked the rope and cut it. He reached out to grasp Zi Han¡¯s shoulder with his dirty hands with tobo stains in his unkempt fingernails.


    The man who had been avoided like he was gued with an incurable disease angrily stared at him but when he saw that face he was extremely dazzled that his braingged for a minute.


    Zi Han was just like any other man with a tall and strong stature. The only difference was that he was like an unattainable immortal that descended from the heavens with wless skin that made one want to touch.


    .....


    The look in the man¡¯s eyes was what one might call love at first sight. His gaze followed Zi Han as he exited the hovercraft with a dignified and cold air around him.


    Zi Han walked past him and the guard could only follow behind like a servant following his master.


    ¡°Tell me. What have you done with them?!¡± yelled the guard followed by a loud bam from Nathan being punched in the face.


    ¡°No! Brother!¡± Nayeli yelled as she rushed over to her brother who was lying on the ground but before she could reach him she was kicked on the side of her waist and fell to the ground with a loud bang.


    Zi Han felt very ufortable watching this but he couldn¡¯t do anything to save them as he was meant to pretend to be a captive.


    With a sneer, he stared at the guard who found it amusing to torture the weak and said, ¡°No wonder your men died. There are just as pathetic and weak as you.¡±


    The man who wanted to beat Nayeli again looked up and his seething rage turned to Zi Han. He jumped over Nayeli lying curled up on the ground and stomped over while bellowing, ¡°What did you say? You want to say that again, huh? Say that again pretty boy.¡±


    Zi Han, ¡°...¡±


    Who did this man think he was calling pretty? He wasn¡¯t pretty? Handsome yes... pretty, nope. It seemed after he gets inside he must teach this person some vocabry and make him understand the difference between handsome and pretty.


    Zi Han was really trying to keep his cool but the man came right into his face and spat on him. Worse of all his breath smelled like rotten tobo like he hadn¡¯t brushed his teeth for decades and let that shit marinade good. He had indeed weaponized his stinky breath.


    Zi Han averted his gaze unwilling to treat himself badly. This smell was so intense that he couldn¡¯t help but gag several times. Zi Han took a step back and was about to outrightly offer the person a breath mint when Nayeli spoke.


    ¡°Sir, we... we found this man and he had something valuable. Something the lord would want to know,¡± she stretched out her hand producing three fresh and plump nectarines.


    The guards were astounded looking at the fruits in his hands. They were some fruits here and there in the Republic but they were both expensive and rare.


    None of them looked this appetizing thus they couldn¡¯t help but drool. A severe instinct to fight over this precious thing rose within them but none of them dared to take a step forward. They knew if they dared touch this their boss would kill them.


    ¡°This man should have more or at least know where to get more of this. This is why we brought him with us. We would like to exchange for our mother¡¯s freedom,¡± continued Nayeli her shoulder trembling in fright.


    ¡°Take them inside!¡± yelled the guard before grabbing Zi Han¡¯s arm and roughly pulling him forward. ¡°Let¡¯s go pretty princess,¡± he said and Zi Han almost dry heaved. He vowed to make his boyfriend pay for this when he gets his hands on him. These men were filthy with no concept of self-hygiene at all.


    The big iron gate opened and the three people were dragged into the miniature town. The ce was shabby with dust covered roofs and rubbish was strewn everywhere but the residents didn¡¯t seem to be bothered.


    There were men and women fighting on the streets, some were gambling and lewd sounds could be hearding from the dpidated houses on the sides. A woman ran out of one of the rooms her top half exposed as sheughed running away from a group of men.


    Soon they caught up with her and fondled her in public before dragging her into another room. From the looks of it, they were all high on something.


    Zi Han¡¯s brow arched as he silently followed behind the group of men. This ce was much more chaotic than the slums of districts one to ten that he grew up in. At least these people wouldn¡¯t openly have inappropriate sexual conduct in public. This ce looked hopeless whenpared to where he grew up. It was like hell, especially for the children born in this ce. The birth rate of the Republic was extremely low because of the constant exposure to radiation and the ones that did get born were born into misery.

 Chapter 443

    443 What sin did theymit to deserve such treatment?


    Zi Han couldn¡¯t help but sympathise especially when he saw a little skinny child sitting on the ground crying with his clothes torn and blood at the corner of his lips.


    His mother was just scolding him while sitting on a broken stool chewing on something that looked like olive green dry leaves.


    Zi Han averted his gaze his heart in excruciating pain. Why would people do that? Why bring children into the world just to mistreat them? What sin did theymit to deserve such treatment?


    He hid the pain in his eyes as they continued walking. Soon they reached the biggest building within the confines of the property. The building was no different from the rest except for the size. It was still as dusty and run down like the rest but at least it showed signs of being repaired. When they entered the hall the two siblings were shoved on the floor.


    The guard pushed Zi Han as well but he was very sturdy on his feet. He nced at the man with malice in his eyes. The guard¡¯s heart lurched but he didn¡¯t take it to heart. Who was this person showing an attitude to when he was outnumbered? There was no escaping from this.


    Erotic sounds echoed through the thin walls creating an awkward atmosphere. The men around them seemed very excited hearing this despite it being the norm.


    Zi Han¡¯s lips contorted in disgust while the pair of siblings didn¡¯t know where to put their hands and feet in embarrassment.


    ¡°... Ah ah ah wuwu yes my big bear... I want, I want it,¡± were the exaggerated soundsing from the woman. Anyone who had had the opportunity to be pleasured correctly would be able to spot fake moans from a mile away and Zi Han was one of them. It seemed this leader¡¯s skill was horrible.


    PA! The woman was pped in the face hard making the two siblings shiver in fright.


    .....


    ¡°Suck it well you bitch. If you don¡¯t do it well I will kill you,¡± said a boorish ugly voice followed by groans and grunts. After a minute or so, loud growls escaped the room as the torment came to an end.


    Half a minuteter a tall man of about two meters with a fat build walked in with an untied robe. It¡¯s a good thing that he had his pants on otherwise they would see more than just a big jiggly belly. He indeed looked like a tall bear standing on its hind legs. Each time he took a step the floor would make a creaking sound like it would snap into two and swallow him in.


    When he sat on the main seat in the hall he called forth Nathan by curling his finger.


    Nathan remained frozen in ce terrified right out of his mind.


    His adam¡¯s apple rolled as he got up his entire body shaking in fear. Nayeli was afraid he would hurt her brother thus she opened her mouth to interrupt but Nathan met her gaze and shook his head. He didn¡¯t want his sister to get in any more trouble.


    The one the woman called big bear made him stand next to him and said, ¡°Tell me everything that happened since you left these gates.¡±


    Nathan was terrified but he began to speak exining how the beast left them and ran after the men holding weapons. He mentioned how they pulled this stranger into the station and knocked him out. He also exined how they tied him up and brought him over to exchange for their mother.


    The big man roared inughter hearing that with the fat on his chin jiggling with hisugh. The rest of the guards standing in the hallughed as well finding it very amusing.


    Nathan reached into his pouch and pulled out three nectarines and the man¡¯sughter died down immediately. He looked at the dazzling red-purple fruit in his hand and his brow knitted.


    ¡°Bring her here,¡± he bellowed at a few men, and they rushed out of the hall while the leader picked up the nectarines and examined them.


    While scrutinising them closely his gaze shifted to the man who had this precious treasure. He was indeed worth exchanging one life for another. They could ckmail his family for money so they could get him back. They could force him to show him where this treasure came from or they could sell him to those rich nobledies. His face alone was worth a lot of money.


    The nking sound of chains echoed in the room and a woman with a weak appearance entered the hall. She seemed wasted away like she hadn¡¯t eaten for days. They had taken her children from her and wanted to force her to marry one of these barbarians but she refused. Her children were dead, her husband was gone so there was no need to live anymore. She didn¡¯t eat the meal recements they gave her. She was ready to starve herself to death.


    Who would have thought they woulde back for her and drag her here? She thought they wanted to humiliate her before she died but when she entered the hall she saw her two children she thought were dead already and broke down in tears. She wanted to embrace them and kiss them but she could only stand there eagerly.


    ¡°You can have her. She is at death¡¯s door already,¡± said the man as he waved his hand and the chains on her body fell.


    Nathan and Nayeli rushed over and hugged their mother. She hastily checked them for any injuries but they appeared unharmed.


    Nayeli grabbed his mother¡¯s hand and signed, ¡°Mum let¡¯s go now.¡±


    After saying this they turned to leave but the leader suddenlyughed while two guards blocked their way.


    ¡°You can have your mother but you can¡¯t leave. You are now under our protection. The only way you can leave this ce is through death. Show them to their new quarters and find her a husband.¡±


    Nayeli and Nathan were dumbfounded but they still pulled their mother out. They had to get out of there before the bloodshed began otherwise they would be a burden to Zi Han.

 Chapter 444

    444 Stinky fight


    Zi Han watched the pair of siblings help their mother up and guide her outside the hall. As she was staring in his direction he met with the woman¡¯s worried and guilt-ridden eyes. She wanted to be with her family but she didn¡¯t want it to be at the expense of another person¡¯s life.


    Zi Han didn¡¯t want her to feel bad so he showed a slight smile before looking away which left the woman confused. The smile was fleeting so much so that he thought she almost thought it was an illusion. But before she could take a closer look the doors closed shutting her out.


    ¡°Mum, hurry let¡¯s go,¡± signed Nathan but she didn¡¯t even have any energy to respond.


    Meanwhile, Zi Han stretched out his hands and broke the restraints on his wrists while sighing. He took a few steps to the left and sat down with his ankle resting on his knee seeming very rxed like this was his home.


    ¡°Now that the kids have left... the adult discussion can begin. You must understand this is nothing personal. It¡¯s just that I can¡¯t stand the lot of you. It¡¯s more of a me problem,¡± he said exhibiting the very same attitude as his mother. He was a miniature version of her taunting the enemy before destroying them.


    His attitude angered the leader so much that he got to his feet and kicked the chair harshly. It flew towards Zi Han and shattered on his feet.


    Zi Han arched his brow and looked at the broken chair with interest. He couldn¡¯t help but understand why there wasn¡¯t any proper furniture in this hall. It seemed that when this wild boar got angry he would break all the furniture around him.


    ¡°What are you all looking at? Get him,¡± he bellowed at the men rushing towards him.


    Zi Han almost dry heaved when he smelt the disgusting cocktail of body odorsing at him. It was like being in the presence of a rotting durian in a confined space. Better yet, it smelt like a gym locker room that hadn¡¯t been cleaned for a year with stinky socks marinating in the lockers.


    .....


    Zi Han suppressed the need to vomit and three spherical devices with purple lights appeared in between his fingers. It was quite dazzling to look at but these men had no time to admire it.


    Loud crackling sounds like that of fireworks ripped through the air after he threw the three spherical balls. A thick cloud of purple smoke that smelt likevender filled the air. As mentioned before Zi Han wasn¡¯t willing to wrong himself.


    He initially wanted to deal with these people without further exposing himself but damn the smell was just so unbearable. Thus he was forced to use these fragranced smoke bombs that Lynn Feng gave to him.


    At that time he mocked these tiny things asking why they came with fragrances. A smoke bomb was a smoke bomb, not an air freshener. His mum at that timeughed while saying, ¡°Believe me, you wouldn¡¯t be saying that faced by a stinky beast with the kind of smell that can kill.¡±


    Well, he didn¡¯t meet a stinky beast but he definitely met stinky men.


    Zi Han got up and grabbed the broken leg of the chair and struck the nearest man to the ground. The man¡¯s skull was cracked ending his life in an instant. One must remember that the humans from the Republic didn¡¯t mutate and the concept of mental power was foreign to them.


    Most of them had increased strength but there were in no wayparable to an S-ranked person who was trained for more than half his life to kill.


    The sounds of screams and wails reached the outside of the building and the men and women outside stood up their stance intimidating like there were ready to charge into battle.


    They rushed over and the shortest among them leaned his ear at the door to listen. They couldn¡¯t just barge in because this was the boss¡¯ house after all.


    ¡°Do you think we should get inside and check it out?¡± asked one of them but the door was suddenly opened and one of the guards who was dashing out got struck by something at the back of his head.


    He fell down to the ground and covered the back of his head in agony. The others eximed before reaching out to pull him out of the nice smelling smoke but something suddenly hooked his leg and he was pulled into the thick smoke with a loud scream.


    The sound of flesh being pummeled by something followed making the people standing at the door freeze. Two screams in and the man quieted down.


    One of the men wanted to walk in and help but the short man stopped him. ¡°Don¡¯t be stupid. Let him finish big bear first and then we can all go in and finish him. That way one of us can be the new leader.¡±


    Thinking about how much wealth was hidden inside their leader¡¯s house they suddenly showed greedy expressions. They could divide the wealth among themselves and spend it however they liked. Each time they looted and plundered they could only give all of it to the leader and keep a small percentage to themselves. They were long discontented but they had never done anything about it.


    Zi Han who had just taken care of the man who wanted to crawl out was suddenly squeezed from the back with two big fat arms wrapping around his body trying to crush him to death.


    He was about to break away when that stench stabbed his nose making his eyes sting. His face turned green and thevender wasn¡¯t helping at all.


    ¡°Why me?¡± he whimpered almost breaking down in tears. Why did he have to be touched by this skunk?


    It was because of this that Zi Han was especially ruthless. With little to no effort, he pulled those arms apart and freed himself. The giant of a man tried to stop him but he realised then that his strength was iparable to this stick figure of a person which was very baffling.


    The veins on his neck and forehead were throbbing, and his face was red trying to restrain the man but it was all in vain. Before he coulde to terms with what had just happened Zi Han kicked him in the chest and he was sent flying across the hall.

 Chapter 445

    445 Zi Han has a big heart


    Sounds of something huge crashing into a wall sounded in the hall followed by cursing and coughing. The leader staggered to his feet but he was suddenly whacked by a broken chair making him stumble before he fell into another wall.


    This time he crashed into his bedroom and the woman whose face was swollen screamed in fright as she further curled up in the corner.


    ¡°Sorry about that,¡± muttered Zi Han before dragging the big man off the bed. Big bear tried to grab the woman but he failed and could only resort to threatening her.


    ¡°You are just sitting there like a dumb bitch. Get up and call my guards,¡± he roared and the woman hesitated to get up.


    The man gritted his teeth and tried to strike Zi Han but Zi Han lifted him like he had the strength of a thousand men and threw him into the wall again.


    This time theynded in a bathhouse. Despite it being a bathhouse it was as dry as a bone with only a bucket of water in the corner. Seeing this Zi Han who had suffered after fighting the stinkest opponent got so angry that he couldn¡¯t help but grab the bar of soap that had dust all over it and shove it into the man¡¯s mouth.


    He couldn¡¯t even begin to imagine how that woman felt being pressed down by this smelly beast. How could she resist the urge to throw up everything she ate for the past year especially after that filthy cock entered her mouth.


    Just that thought made Zi Han gag again. He took the bucket of water and poured it onto the man.


    ¡°How the fuck... don¡¯t you... know how to fuckin bath...,¡± he said pausing each time he beat him with the bucket. He even vented on behalf of that woman who had to endure such torment.


    .....


    After pummeling the man half to death he staggered back while taking out a sanitiser to santise his hands. He felt shivers all over his body when he saw a suspicious puddle form near the man¡¯s crotch. The man had peed on himself from the beating.


    He took out his handgun and emptied an entire magazine on this person. With a look of disgust, he burnt and vaporised all the bullets eliminating the traces that he was here.


    Meanwhile, the woman shakily got up and ran out of the bedroom jumping over the debris on the floor. In a panic, she ran towards the hall. Because of the thick fog, she couldn¡¯t see thus she tripped on one of the bodies.


    She immediately sat up but felt something sticky in her hands thus she looked down and what she saw made her face turn ghastly.


    ¡°AAAAAAAAHHHHHHH!!!¡± she let out a shrill scream and got up before running out of the hall.


    When she exited the hall she was met by a group of men who stopped her from running. When they saw her knees, hands, and dress stained with blood they couldn¡¯t help but ask, ¡°What happened? Is the leader okay?¡±


    She shakily pointed at the hall mumbling nonsense. Since they couldn¡¯t get anything out of her they let her go before the shortest onemanded,


    ¡°Gather all ammunition and every manpower avable. The leader is in danger,¡± he yelled before ncing at the entirepound standing outside to watch.


    ¡°And get me that boy and girl. Kill the mother for all I care,¡± he said and everyone scattered. Some were looking for ammunition while others were looking for the pair of siblings.


    Unfortunately, their ammunition or manpower wouldn¡¯t be able to save them. Zi Han found his way to the roof of a building and drew his armour piercing rifle. He position himself and ced a piece of butterscotch candy in his mouth while watching the people busying themselves on the ground.


    As the browned butter and caramelized sugar taste spread in his mouth he pulled the trigger and took them down one by one. Retribution hade upon these ravagers who terrorised people, plundered their wealth, stole their women, and burnt their homes. Oh, and not bathing. That in Zi Han¡¯s books was another serious offense. It was about time they pay the price.


    For an entire hour gunfire could be heard in thepound with the ravagers dropping like flies.


    They had learnt to hide in the nearby homes after a while but it was only temporary safety. Zi Han always got his target no matter what.


    ¡°Sir... my system seems to be restored,¡± said Igneous, and Zi Han who was wearing a serious face suddenly smiled. He had concluded that the space jump had messed up Igneous. Now that the problem was resolved Zi Han couldn¡¯t help but feel much better. It was quite lonely in the Republic and having Igneous aspany was great.


    ¡°I missed you so much, Iggy. You almost missed all the fun,¡± he said as he pulled the trigger again and shot the short man instantly killing him on the spot.


    ¡°Sir, weren¡¯t we going to fetch Marshal Yi? Why are we here?¡± asked Igneous and Zi Han sighed.


    ¡°It¡¯s because I have a big heart but after this, I promise we will go find him. I miss him so much,¡± said Zi Han while following another ravager using the child from earlier as a human shield. The boy was extremely terrified his face ghastly white. The word trauma was clearly written on his face. With a bang, Zi Han killed the ravager and the little boy ran away with his short legs.


    ¡°Pathetic excuse of a human being,¡± said Zi Han before finishing them all off. Thepound fell into an unprecedented calmness but no one dared toe out. Zi Han leapt off the roof andnded in front of the building walking in the direction Igneous told him to. He was looking for that pair of siblings.


    Just as he turned the corner he saw that little child from earlier flying in his direction after being kicked. Zi Han responded instantly catching the child in his arms and hugging him. The woman was cursing at the young boy asking why he didn¡¯t just die as well.


    This Zi Han couldn¡¯t tolerate. He pressed the little boy on his chest disregarding how dirty he was and with a loud bang, he shot the woman killing her.


    This kind of mother wasn¡¯t a mother but a monster with legal rights to raise a child they were abusing. Zi Han couldn¡¯t save all children but he could save this one.


    The young boy was trembling uncontrobly from both pain and fright. Zi Han stroked his back and spoke to him in a gentle tone. ¡°Shh don¡¯t cry. She won¡¯t hurt you anymore. Shh,¡± he whispered devoid of the cold and ruthless expression he had on before.

 Chapter 446

    446 I can¡¯t think of a title (QAQ)


    Zi Han carried the toddler who was clutching his clothes tightly and got up on his feet. He continued walking in the direction Igneous mentioned. When he got there he found the woman from earlier covered in blood while clutching a dagger and her children standing behind her staring at the dead ravager at their feet.


    Zi Han asked, ¡°Are you okay?¡±


    The two siblings nodded their heads and the mother dropped the knife with a dull thud. ¡°That¡¯s good,¡± he said before turning away. ¡°We need to go out now. We can¡¯t stay here any longer,¡± he said before staring at the gate.


    The three of them found the hovercraft Zi Han fixed and Nayeli became the pilot while Zi Han handed the child to the sibling¡¯s mother. He had no experience whatsoever in taking care of children.


    The child was reluctant at first but the woman¡¯s soothing voice coaxed him so much so that he crept into her arms willingly.


    After a couple of hours, they reached a small town north of the ravager¡¯spound which was their home. The vige had somewhat recovered from the previous attack which was good.


    The three family members were very excited to finally get home. They begged for him to stay with them but Zi Han politely refused. He had a future husband to find thus he had to leave. He entrusted the child to the three and left them with some fruits and valuable things.


    Since Igneous was fully operational he didn¡¯t need them to guide him to the coordinates. They waved at him until the hovercraft disappeared on the horizon.


    ¡°Why didn¡¯t you keep him here? He would make a great husband,¡± signed their mother to her daughter but Nayeli almost rolled her eyes.


    .....


    She signed back, ¡°His face invited trouble plus I suspect he came here looking for someone special.¡±


    Nathan couldn¡¯t help but interject and add spice to the story. ¡°She hit his face until it was swollen and she pointed aser gun at him threatening to kill him,¡± signed Nathan.


    ¡°You snitch,¡± yelled Nayeli and Nathan ran away from his sister. While these two were fighting, the young boy sank deep into the woman¡¯s embrace feeling very happy. At least he now had a lovely family that would nurture him regardless of theck of blood affection.


    Meanwhile, Zi Han traveled two and a half days across the thin, almost bald forest. He met a couple of people on the way but like everybody else, they minded their own business.


    He finally reached Kengston city by dusk on the third day. When he reached this humongous city the gates were closed and there were plenty of traders waiting outside for the gates to open.


    Zi Han parked the hovercraft in an inconspicuous corner and waited patiently. Meanwhile, a mech that would have been familiar to Zi Han if he had been there arrived at the ravager¡¯spound followed by eight other hovercrafts ten timesrger than the hovercraft Zi Han wasmuting in.


    The half-open gate were kicked open and a man with long legs and a tall stature emerged from the mech. His steps slow and heavy he entered the now abandonedpound and began tomand his man to search every nook and cranny.


    All the devices meant to detect energy fluctuations had only a slight change in pattern in the past few days but there was a sudden sharp spike that couldn¡¯t be exined. Though fleeting it left him with sleepless nights.


    When it came to energy thew of conservation of energy was his daily bread, that is energy can neither be created nor destroyed. It can only be converted from one form of energy to another. Thus any new form of energy was foreign and had to be investigated.


    The energy fluctuation he felt was in the desert thus he travelled overnight to one of the stations in skull desert but when he got there, there was nothing except the signs of hunters using the station.


    Just when he thought the trail had grown cold, another energy fluctuation though small was felt nearby but when they got there there was no one. The ce was empty like it had long be a ghost town. There were dead bodies strewn everywhere and from the looks of it, things were left as is. It was as though the upants vanished into thin air and didn¡¯t even have time to pack up their belongings.


    With a stern unapproachable face, he walked towards the main building where the leader was meant to stay. The ce had been turned upside down and short of broken furniture and corpses, there was nothing left of value.


    ¡°Everybody head out and send out a wanted notice for anyone strange in appearance or behaviour,¡± he said and the man d in priestly robes behind him lowered his head while responding,


    ¡°Yes my Lord.¡±


    ¡°Oh and mention that if anyone is found to have harboured the fugitives they would be sacrificed to the gods.¡±


    ¡°Yes, my lord,¡± replied the servant before leaving the hall.


    This wasn¡¯t the first time there had been these energy fluctuations. More than a week ago there was another surge in energy but after searching for days he couldn¡¯t find anything. Now that it had happened again he couldn¡¯t help but wonder what the Federation was up to.


    He had made sure that he had thest of the royal family members that could perform space jumps so he knew that the federation couldn¡¯t initiate an offensive attack.


    After thest time he opened portals, Yeoh Junpletely shut down and couldn¡¯t open anymore. That¡¯s because he hadpromised the capsule. He wanted to kill the person on the spot but knowing fully well that he was thest person who could perform space jumps and open portals of another world, he could only swallow his anger.


    While he was searching the abandoned city, Zi Han was entering the city following the crowd. His heart which had been lovelorn was now pounding hard in anticipation and the deeper he walked into the city the more his heart palpitated.

 Chapter 447

    447 Hopeless case


    While he was following the directions from Igneous, Yi Chen was in the workshop trying to assist the old man to fix the music box of one of the nobles who had dropped by the family shop.


    The old man could barely see properly thus Yi Chen¡¯s eyes were helpful.


    Seeing the young man seriously taking apart the music box the old man couldn¡¯t help but admire him. He finally understood why his daughter was infatuated with this person. He not only saved their lives but he had excellent mechanic skills and he was very knowledgeable despite not recalling anything except that he had a wife.


    The only reason they knew his name was because of the embroidered name on his t-shirt. They simply called him Chen but they didn¡¯t know his origins.


    Old Du would truly feel at ease if he left his daughter in this man¡¯s hands but the man didn¡¯t like his daughter and he kept emphasising that he was married.


    After his daughter¡¯s nonstop nagging he decided to speak to the young man and hopefully get them to tie the knot. While passing the screwdriver the man suddenly cleared his throat and asked, ¡°So... how are you adapting to this ce?¡±


    Yi Chen who was seriously scrutinising the music box creased his brow slightly lost in thought while saying, ¡°It¡¯s okay.¡±


    Though Yi Chen was from a much morefortable Federation which he didn¡¯t remember, he had been subjected to plenty of harsh environments thus he easily adapted, unlike his future husband.


    AN: I will exin why just now.


    .....


    He could survive any situation thus he didn¡¯t mind this drynd. The old man kept his mouth shut for a while before saying, ¡°How about your wife? Any ideas if you would ever meet her again?¡±


    Yi Chen¡¯s hand finally stopped and he said, ¡°I don¡¯t know but I think she is looking for me. I can feel it.¡±


    The old man almost wanted to retreat and leave him in his hopeful state. That¡¯s because he understood how this young man felt. His wife had woken up gone and for weeks they couldn¡¯t find her. That time he was very hopeful that his wife woulde back but soon he found out that he was wrong.


    His wife had run off with another man and they had been caught by ravagers on the way. For months and months, he waited for her but it turns out she ran away with another man and she was returned to him in an urn as ashes.


    ¡°I understand but do you truly think she will find you? You have a bright future ahead of you but will you put everything on hold? Will you put your life on hold for a person who might note?¡± he said but Yi Chen wasn¡¯t shaken.


    ¡°They wille for me. I have a feeling,¡± he said and the old man couldn¡¯t help but sigh. He loved his wife and also wanted his daughter to find someone that loved her with all their heart. This man right here already had someone else in his heart but his daughter wouldn¡¯t give up. She kept urging him to convince him but even he could tell it was a hopeless case.


    He could only bring the topic towards the night market that wasing up tomorrow night.


    Yi Chen had already refused but his daughter had asked for help so he could ask him to watch over his daughter. She was a beautiful girl after all.


    ¡°I understand that there is a night market tomorrow and Mi Mi said she wants to go. Has she told you about it?¡± asked old Du and Yi Chen who was tightening the tiny screws answered with a disinterested,


    ¡°En.¡±


    The old man could only scratch his head and say, ¡°I am a little concerned that if she goes by herself she might get abducted. Can you please apany her? I will make sure topensate you. It at least puts this old man at ease.¡±


    Yi Chen who was concentrating on the screws stopped working as he turned to look at this person. He couldn¡¯t understand why there was talk aboutpensation when they had opened up their home to him.


    ¡°You don¡¯t have topensate anything. I just need to finish this so you can meet the deadline and I will apany her. I just thought you would be going with her. It¡¯s been a while since you two spent time together,¡± he said trying to throw the ball back at him. He didn¡¯t want to be alone with her but they could be together, the three of them.


    The old man nodded his head realising that he hadn¡¯t been anywhere outside with his daughter for a very long time.


    ¡°You are right. We can go together. I am sure it would be exciting,¡± said old Du, and Yi Chen felt at ease. Only the heavens know how his wife would react if they appeared and found him walking with a strange girl on the street.


    All he knew was that he didn¡¯t want to lose his wife. His love for his wife was engraved deep in his soul. He could lose everything he had but he couldn¡¯t afford to lose his wife.


    Yi Chen finished fixing the music box and closed it while saying, ¡°I think we can give it a try tonight and see if it makes a difference. We can deliver it tomorrow if it¡¯s working fine.¡±


    The old man beamed happily while praising him. ¡°You truly are a genius. I bet your people value you so much,¡± he said but Yi Chen felt a twisting pain in his chest. He didn¡¯t know who his people were but he sincerely hoped they valued him so much that they woulde to find him and bring him back home.


    He hoped his beloved woulde to find him. He hoped his beloved missed him so much that they would travel through time and space to find him.


    The so called beloved was gagging when he saw the bathroom in the motel someone rmended to him. ¡°Fuck no.. uh huh,¡± he swore while running out of there. He could adapt to anything but that. That was a monstrosity right there.

 Chapter 448

    448 Zi Han¡¯s peeve


    Zi Han wasn¡¯t a strict person. He could ignore a jacket on a chair for a day or two but there was one thing he couldn¡¯t stand, and that is a dirty bathroom.


    To him, a bathroom was like a special ce. His mother used to say a bathroom should be spotless so spotless that one wouldn¡¯t mind eating a snack in there.


    Zi Han didn¡¯t agree about the snack part but he definitely agreed that it had to be spotless. This ce was so unbearable that he high tailed out of there so fast leaving behind a cloud of dust.


    He decided to go to the so called high end hotel in the city. Yes, this might attract other people since the so called rich nobles in this city were only a dozen or so but Zi Han couldn¡¯t stand this disgusting ce. Like he said before he wouldn¡¯t wrong himself.


    Using a different face he walked into the so called luxurious hotel. He was met by a man with big George Washington hair and sparklyshes. It seemed the high-ss society in this ce had a weird sense of fashion.


    The man¡¯s smile that was glowing like he was seeing a walking bank stiffened when he saw the clothes the man was wearing. This person was dressed like a poor peasant though on him the clothes looked amazing. He was pretty certain that if a few nobles saw him they would treat him as a trendsetter. Tomorrow there would be plenty of people vying to buy the so called low ss peasant clothes.


    Zi Han saw that the man nced at his clothes and understood his dilemma. He rubbed the back of his neck and said, ¡°One room please... for one night.¡±


    ¡°Sir, do you know how much it is a night?¡± said the man trying to maintain a professional attitude.


    Zi Han who had traded a few things with the merchants at the gate this morning took out some silver coins which was the currency of the Republic.


    .....


    The man¡¯s eyes shone when he saw the money in his possession. ¡°This way sir,¡± said the man while making up a story about this young man in his mind. Maybe the young man was some rich woman¡¯s boy toy who was running away from the cougar or maybe he was a hunter that stumbled upon some wealth and decided to treat himself. But judging from the young man¡¯s regr looking face, he decided on thetter story rather than the former.


    Zi Han wasn¡¯t even aware that this man had given him a back story. He just seriously scrutinized the rooms avable but none of them were satisfactory. They were far behind the standards of the Federation. The only thing that mattered to him the most was the bathroom so he checked it first and ignored the rest.


    ¡°I will take this one,¡± he said and the man with the George Washington hair nodded his head before passing him a room key.


    ¡°Thank you, sir. Breakfast will be served tomorrow morning and check out is at eleven a.m.¡±


    Zi Han nodded his head and the man closed the door. As soon as that door closed Zi Han couldn¡¯t resist the urge to run a cleanliness test of the room thus he asked Igneous to scan it. He also asked to check for surveince or something like that.


    What he found was that this ce was in no way clean. They were conspicuous stains everywhere. Secondly, there was illegal surveince, well, illegal for the Federation. Zi Han took out five small pebble shaped devices and as he stretched out his arms they opened up with tiny legs and red eyes before leaping out of his hand.


    They began to sanitise the room from top to bottom. Zi Han picked up the destroyed surveince and sighed. How much he missed his home. How much he missed his mother and his grandfather. How much he missed his boyfriend.


    As hey on the bed facing the ceiling, Zi Han wondered where Yi Chen was in this big city. He pulled his pillow from his storage space and hugged it tightly with a nk expression. He couldn¡¯t wait to continue his search tomorrow.


    After the city gates opened today he spend so much time in popr public spaces looking for Yi Chen by asking around. The coordinates on the ring showed that he was around the market but after a day of searching he couldn¡¯t find him.


    Zi Han closed his eyes imagining Yi Chen¡¯s face when he sees him tomorrow. He imagined Yi Chen hugging him tightly while kissing him deeply. A smile crept up his face imagining how happy Yi Chen would be to see him but just as he was immersing himself in this beautiful imagination a sudden thought crossed his mind.


    ¡°Shit,¡± he swore having discovered why he had searched the entire day but still couldn¡¯t find Yi Chen. He pulled up the tracker for that ring and as expected it was still in the market area.


    His heart churned as he sat up instantly having realised what might have happened.


    ¡°That bastard,¡± he muttered as anger rose in his chest. He realised that Yi Chen had sold his ring and it was in a store in the market street. That was the only possible exnation. This realisation angered him so much that he couldn¡¯t wait to find Yi Chen tomorrow. He couldn¡¯t wait to cuss him out till his ears fell off.


    That being said, Zi Han didn¡¯t sleep well at all. He was so angry that he punched his pillow several times but that didn¡¯t give him a sense of relief at all.


    Yi Chen who had been sleeping in the kitchen of the small cottage suddenly felt chills all over his body. He raised his hand and touched his aching chest. He couldn¡¯t help but think of his wife. Was his wife angry with him? Was that why his heart hurt so much?


    While he was rubbing his chest, the curtain from Mi Mi¡¯s room opened and the girl who was supposed to be sleeping walked out her steps light. Yi Chen didn¡¯t say anything. He watched her tip-toe towards him stopping only a few feet from him.

 Chapter 449

    449 The wife might need some coaxing


    Her fingers were fidgeting out of nervousness. She stretched out her hand to touch his face but before she could touch him, she heard a deep charming voice ask her, ¡°What are you doing?¡±


    Mi Mi retracted her hand and said, ¡°I I I saw your quilt had fallen a little so I was fixing it.¡±


    Yi Chen pulled the quilt and turned over before replying, ¡°En, go back to sleep.¡±


    Mi Mi¡¯s face blushed as she stood there staring at the object of her affection. This man was cold and indifferent towards everyone and everything but treated her and her father a little better.


    Some rich women had tried to talk to him several times but he was as cold and indifferent as ever. Ever since brother Chen came to their repair shop it had been very popr with somedies purposefully breaking their gadgets just so they could talk to him but no matter how beautiful they were he ignored them all. When they saw them walking together they would cast envious gazes toward her. She never received those kinds of gazes from such people. They usually gave her looks of disdain hence it was the first time they were jealous of her.


    Her friends had advised her to lock it down. Make him take responsibility for you and he won¡¯t even think of his wife. To them, it sounded simple especially when these two were living under the same roof.


    Unfortunately, that wasn¡¯t the case. The man was so dedicated to his nonexistent wife that he refused to look at her. From what she could gather he saw her as a little sister which she didn¡¯t want.


    Under the urging of her friends, she came out dressed in a nightgown with nothing else underneath. They advised her to disrobe in front of him and he won¡¯t be able to resist but hearing that stern voice she couldn¡¯t even take off her robe. She was so afraid that she turned around to leave.


    As she took two steps she heard him say, ¡°Please remember that I have a wife and I love them.¡±


    .....


    Mi Mi¡¯s back stiffened before she took a step forward and went back to her room. Yi Chen could somewhat tell her true purpose foring into the kitchen. He had already rejected her multiple times but from the looks she gave him he could tell she hadn¡¯t given up thus he had to ruthlessly remind her again.


    Mi Mi went back into her bed and silently screamed into her pillow. She dared not make a sound. This was truly embarrassing for her.


    The next step for her was getting him drunk. Men wouldn¡¯t be able to hold themselves back when they are drunk? Come tomorrow she would encourage her father and brother Chen to drink.


    When they are drunk she would sneak into brother Chen¡¯s bed and seduce him. In her mind, no man would be able to resist her charm.


    ***


    Zi Han who hadn¡¯t slept very wellst night walked out of the room looking like the grinch. He didn¡¯t even bother to go down for breakfast because he knew they would be serving some weird beast¡¯s egg.


    He grabbed something from the storage and walked out. Who would have thought he would bump into that man fromst night again?


    ¡°Good morning sir, how was the roomst night?¡± he asked and Zi Han just looked at him with a look that seemed to say ¡®fuck off¡¯ but how could he let Zi Han go? It was these kinds of novice rich people he liked the most. He could provide them with gambling houses and brothels in the city that they would like the most then get a cut from it.


    ¡°Sir, would you like someone to provide you a tour of the city?¡± he asked and Zi Han was about to refuse but when he thought about it, getting a local would help him find that boyfriend of his faster.


    He turned to look at him before saying, ¡°A tour guide would be nice.... Oh, the hotel should pay for his hourly rate becausest night I found this,¡± he said while handing the man the broken camera. The man looked at the broken surveince camera and his lips twitched.


    ¡°Yes sir,¡± he said before taking a step back and continuing, ¡°let me make a phone call.¡±


    Ten minutester Zi Han was walking down the market street with a short handsome man walking alongside him.


    The man was very enthusiastic trying to lead him to the gambling houses and brothels so they could get a cut but Zi Han wanted to find the pawn shops along the market street.


    The young man had no choice but to show him all the pawn shops. Three pawn shops in and Zi Han finally found the one that had the ring. When he saw it he was both happy and upset. At least this meant that Yi Chen was here but it also made him very angry because Yi Chen could have pawned anything else, not this ring.


    His storage had all sorts of things that could be traded so why trade something he gave to him? What he didn¡¯t know was that his sweetheart had lost his memory and didn¡¯t even know that he had a storage space with him. His ring was the only thing he had of value that could be sold and he nned on buying it back when he had the money.


    Zi Han angrily ced some coins on the counter and grabbed the ring. The owner of the store was a little startled. He watched the young man harshly push the door open and leave the store.


    He turned to the short man standing there with a nk expression and asked, ¡°Why is he mad?¡±


    The short man shrugged his shoulders. He just knew that his client had been getting angrier and angrier the longer they searched for the ring in the pawn shops.


    He ran after Zi Han and when he found him, he was kicking a wall while cursing. Anyone who was smart knew that walking over there equals death thus the tour guide squatted on the ground watching him.


    Yi Chen who was scrutinising another gadget for repair felt a cold chill down his spine as an inexplicable sense of unease washed over him.


    AN: Somebody¡¯s wife is pissed off.

 Chapter 450

    450 Don¡¯t light another man¡¯s wife¡¯s cigarette otherwise you are dead....


    Zi Han stood under the shade of a building his expression deadly like if anyone dared to approach him he would ughter them on the spot.


    His heart suddenly felt itchy. It was like an internal itch that couldn¡¯t be scratched thus he could only light a cigarette to ease his difort but when he recalled where he was he suddenly stopped his movements. He stared at the short tour guide walking towards him his gaze so intense that the man felt the sudden urge to run.


    ¡°Come here,¡± said Zi Han and the man strode over his clothes sticking to his back because he was sweating bullets.


    ¡°Give me a smoke,¡± he said and the tour guide was a little confused for a while. What did he mean by that? What smoke?


    Zi Han saw his confusion and exined, ¡°Something you smoke when you are reevaluating your life choices. That¡¯s the smoke I am talking about,¡± he exined and the tour guide wordlessly nodded his head and moved his feet about to run off.


    Zi Han grabbed his back cor and pulled him back while saying, ¡°Don¡¯t bring back anythingced with drugs otherwise I will kill you.¡±


    The tour guide¡¯s heart clenched tightly before he disappeared into the crowd.


    Zi Han thought this brat woulde back soon but who would have thought he took his precious time? He took so long that the sun was already approaching the horizon. At some point, he actually thought the person wasn¡¯t going toe back.


    After twenty minutes of waiting the man came back but his hands were empty. He was bending down while panting heavily from all that running.


    .....


    Zi Han opened his mouth to say something but the young man raised his index finger asking for a minute to catch his breath.


    After some time he straightened his back and said, ¡°They have but to get the really good stuff it¡¯s worth this much,¡± while raising his four fingers.


    Zi Han tilted his head slightly and said, ¡°Then, let¡¯s go.¡±


    The two of them disappeared into the crowd that was growingrger by the second. It was much busier than yesterday which meant something was going on but Zi Han didn¡¯t concern himself with that.


    He walked through the crowd the itch in his chest bing even more annoying. It was because of this that he didn¡¯t really pay attention to his environment. If only he had turned his head a little to the left he would have noticed a familiar tall figure pushing through the crowd.


    Yi Chen was being dragged from stall to stall by this young girl.


    Her father had long been ditched by her which was all by her design. She brought them to the spare parts store first and because of her father¡¯s obsession, she knew he would get sucked into it and stay at that stall.


    Now that they were alone she dragged him everywhere her face with a sense of pride. Yi Chen was only here to make sure she got back safely thus he didn¡¯t care about what she liked or what she fancied enough to buy. While he was standing there he suddenly felt a slight heat in his arm.


    When he pulled up his sleeve he noticed that there was some redness around the stripe tattoo. His heart which had been gloomy all this time suddenly jolted as he nced around looking for that special person. He might not remember who he was or where he was from but he absolutely remembered the significance of this tattoo and who had the other half.


    He suddenly began to push through the crowd absentmindedly abandoning Mi Mi.


    She only noticed he was gone after she turned to show him a ne she had tried on. She wanted to ask him to buy it for her but who would have thought her Brother Chen had vanished into thin air?


    Lucky for her, Yi Chen was an easy target to spot because of his tall stature.


    She was about to catch up with him when she heard cursinging from behind her. The stall owner was yelling, calling her a little thief while greeting a dozen of her ancestral line starting from her great great great great grandmother.


    She hastily took it off and apologized sincerely but when she turned back to the crowd brother Chen was gone.


    While she was searching for him, Yi Chen was rudely pushing through the crowd looking for his wife. His heart was pounding in his ears his hands and feet trembling with panic in his eyes.


    He was afraid that this person would slip through his fingers again and he would lose them. They had alreadye this far to find him thus he would never forgive himself if they don¡¯t meet after such a torturous separation.


    After looking around for a good twenty minutes, Yi Chen suddenly spotted an ordinary-looking man with a cigarette pinched in between his brows as he leaned down.


    The short man beside him was lighting a cigarette for him and when the taller man moved his arm Yi Chen could see a thin stripe tattoo peeking through the short sleeve. Because Zi Han had changed his face in order not to attract trouble, Yi Chen could only describe his wife¡¯s face as regr but his heart was beating fast with a mix of emotions. He was happy yet gloomy at the same time. That¡¯s because his wife was so close to another man.


    Burning with jealousy, Yi Chen clenched his fists and like a bull charging forth in rage, he stomped over there. With a loud bam, he punched the short man squarely in the face and the short man instantly saw stars as he staggered backward.


    The crowd of passersby instantly turned to a crowd of onlookers eager to watch the show, especially because the person who threw the first punch was so handsome that it should be considered a crime.


    Zi Han who didn¡¯t expect this little roon to be knocked out by someone stared at him in disbelief. He was shocked for a moment that it took him a while to react.


    ¡°Still looking?¡± asked Yi Chen the unhappiness in his voice obvious.


    Zi Han, ¡°...¡±

 Chapter 451

    451 Happy reunion


    Yi Chen was very unhappy. That¡¯s because after beating up the person who was leaning too close to his wife, the man still didn¡¯t have his eyes on him.


    His wife still had eyes for another man making his heart ache. Seething in anger he decided to rearrange this man¡¯s face and make sure he would never set his eyes on his wife ever again.


    He raised his fist and was about to hit the man again when his wrist was grasped tightly. He shifted his gaze from that hand that was holding his to his wife¡¯s face. Met with those dark fox eyes, Yi Chen¡¯s adam¡¯s apple rolled his heart transcending to seventh heaven.


    Zi Han¡¯s chest rose and fell violently as he tightened his grip on Yi Chen¡¯s arm. He was so happy that he couldn¡¯t contain the fuzzy feeling in his heart but he was also upset that the man pawn the ring he gave to him. He really didn¡¯t intend to let him off easily.


    The tour guide who had unjustifiably suffered got up after falling over twice. ¡°You fucker!¡± he roared with his docile appearance from beforepletely vanished.


    He was like a wolf pup that had recalled it was a wolf after being bullied. ¡°Do you know who I am?¡± he continued to say while getting all up in Yi Chen¡¯s face.


    ¡°Shut up...¡±


    ¡°Shut the fuck up....¡±


    Yelled the both of them simultaneously. It was easy to tell who between them said what. Zi Han took out a bunch of coins and said,


    .....


    ¡°Here. Somepensation. Tell your manager that I am very satisfied with the service now fuck off.¡±


    Looking at the pouch in his hand the man suddenly felt like the pain in his cheek was worth it. Heck, he would even let this handsome man hit him again at no extra charge. He immediately packed away his newfound fortune before telling the crowd to mind their own damn business and move on.


    Meanwhile, Yi Chen¡¯s brows furrowed upon hearing the words ¡®satisfied¡¯ and ¡®service¡¯. Fuck, why the hell was his wife paying other men for servicing when he was standing here and could provide those services? Is it safe to say that that space jump screwed with his brain otherwise what else could exin his illogical conclusion?


    Unfortunately for him, he had no time to ponder about servicing his wife because there was a soft click and his wrist was cuffed. He didn¡¯t know why his wife would cuff him but the crux of the matter was that he would go with him willingly.


    A bright smile suddenly appeared on his face. That¡¯s because his sweetheart had also cuffed his own wrist binding them together. Like a fated red thread the cuff bound them together as lovers, never to be separated.


    His head lowered he shyly reached for his wife¡¯s pinkie finger and hooked it with his trying to hold hands but his hand was ruthlessly pped away. That though didn¡¯t discourage him.


    With red ears, he leaned closer and whispered, ¡°Wife, are you upset with me?¡±


    Zi Han, ¡°...¡±


    Could he possibly end this rtionship or was it already toote? It was then he realised something was wrong with his lover¡¯s brain. He was behaving strangely.


    Part of the crowd had already dispersed but some were still watching with great interest. They were curious to know what sort of rtionship these two had. From the looks of it they might be in a pet and master rtionship otherwise why would the handsome guy choose to be with someone that regr? It was like seasoning soggy broli. No amount of seasoning can save that shit so why bother trying?


    Zi Han felt ufortable being stared at like that thus he pulled the handcuffs dragging Yi Chen along looking for a less crowded ce.


    He dragged him into a dark alley and ignored Yi Chen¡¯s scorching gaze while looking up, down, and around for any injuries.


    ¡°Does it hurt anywhere?¡± asked Zi Han but Yi Chen was very uncooperative.


    He cupped Zi Han¡¯s cheek and forced him to look up while speaking softly, ¡°My wife worries for me? I am so happy.¡±


    Zi Han¡¯s brow furrowed realising the word wife was being used too often which meant this guy had no idea what his name was.


    ¡°Are you kidding me? Chen-ge, what¡¯s my name?¡± he asked and Yi Chen caressed Zi Han¡¯s cheek with his thumb replying,


    ¡°I don¡¯t know but it doesn¡¯t change a thing. You are my wife.¡±


    Zi Han¡¯s lips twitched before he asked, ¡°Then if you don¡¯t remember, how did you know I am your... wife?¡± The word wife was spoken through gritted teeth.


    Yi Chen stared into his eyes affectionately while stroking his wife¡¯s lower lip with his thumb. ¡°It¡¯s because of this,¡± he said ncing at his partially exposed arm.


    Zi Han nced at his arm and almost cursed to high heaven. So Yi Chen could recall that but not the name of his fiance? That was really messed up.


    ¡°You really are a piece of wor-... mmm,¡± he said only for his lips to get covered with Yi Chen¡¯s and the two of them kiss passionately with no restrain.


    Yi Chen was especially greedy with his tongue sweeping past Zi Han¡¯s lips before exploring in there like he was trying to mark his territory.


    Zi Han was still upset but engulfed with that familiar taste and familiar smell he almost lost him.


    ¡°Wait a minute.¡±


    Zi Han pushed Yi Chen away and his eyes turned cold like a million year old cier while asking, ¡°What¡¯s that smell? It¡¯s like a sweet scent.... You...¡±


    Yi Chen grasped the back of Zi Han¡¯s neck and pulled him closer till the tips of their noses were brushing against each other.


    Zi Han could feel his scorching breath searing through his skin calming the storm brewing in his heart.


    He closed his eyes appearing lethargic but in truth, he was high on this drug called love. He wanted to be mad, he wanted to stay upset but he couldn¡¯t. Under this man¡¯s spell, he found that he would turn docile like a fierce cat showing its soft belly for a rub.

 Chapter 452

    452 Calling Zi Han an ugly man


    Zi Han wanted topletely let go and indulge in this moment. After all the pain and anguish he had been through he wanted to surrender in his embrace and kiss him to his heart¡¯s content but that sweet fragrance was irritating him. It was entwined with his lover¡¯s fragrance invading his territory and trying to push him out.


    Zi Han couldn¡¯t stand it. He pushed Yi Chen away and began to check where the smell wasing from.


    Yi Chen misunderstood. He honestly thought that his wife wanted to get down to business here in the alley. He held the man¡¯s wrist and pulled him closer while saying, ¡°Baby, we can¡¯t do it here.¡±


    Zi Han who couldn¡¯t begin to fathom how Yi Chen¡¯s brain worked, ¡°...¡±


    He freed his wrists and continued to say, ¡°Stop messing around. Why do you smell like that? Who have you been in contact with?... Is it a woman?¡± he said while checking his arm and there it was. There was the culprit. That smell had seeped deep into the fabric at his arm like someone had hooked her arm around his.


    Zi Han immediately grabbed thepel of his outer cloak and took it off the annoyance in his heart growing stronger.


    With resentment in his eyes, he threw that cloak to the ground and stomped on it so hard that it resembled a rag from the dump. Zi Han wouldn¡¯t stop. He kept going until his forehead wasced with cold sweat.


    Yi Chen was afraid he would hurt himself thus he embraced him from behind trying to stop him but Zi Han didn¡¯t appreciate it.


    ¡°Let go,¡± he said but Yi Chen embraced him tighter with his warm breath breathing down his neck. Zi Han felt a sense offort wash over him but his anger wasn¡¯t vented out yet thus he tried to push him away but Yi Chen wouldn¡¯t barge.


    .....


    ¡°I am just afraid you will hurt yourself,¡± he said his soft lips brushing against Zi Han¡¯s ear.


    Zi Han felt an intense shiver travel down his spine and an inexplicable heat rose in his chest but he wasn¡¯t biting. He managed to push him off and continue stomping on it to his heart¡¯s content.


    When he had finally let it out he pulled his hair back with a sly quirk at the corner of his lips. He was about to turn to Yi Chen and ask him if they could go somewhere more private when Yi Chen cupped his face pulling him close for a deep kiss. He wanted his lover¡¯s full attention. He wanted his wife to be fully engrossed in the kiss and indulge in this beautiful moment.


    Zi Han didn¡¯t even have enough time to think. He subconsciously took a step back but Yi Chen followed him cing his hand on his waist drawing him closer till their bodies were stered together. While they were engrossed in the bliss of a loving couple, a loud shrill voice broke this delicate atmosphere.


    ¡°AH!! BROTHER CHEN!!¡± screamed Mi Mi who had been frantically searching for him after being scared half to death.


    She had been looking for him throw out the night market. It was only after she had calmed down a little did she realise there was a slightlyrger crowd in a specific area. When she was walking in that direction she heard conversations about some handsome guy and handcuffs.


    She ran in that direction only to find nothing. She turned to the auntie selling some trinkets and asked her if she had seen a tall handsome man.


    The auntie put on a kind smile and said, ¡°I will tell you if you buy a bracelet and a ne.¡±


    Mi Mi, ¡°...¡±


    She sighed heavily and took out a paper note. The auntie beamed as she pointed at the alley. Mi Mi took the ne and bracelet before rushing over to the alley. Who would have thought she would receive the scare of her life?


    The man she fell in love with was kissing a man in a dimly lit alley and from the looks of it, he was the instigator.


    Her heart couldn¡¯t take it. The man who was ice cold to everyone was happily kissing someone with such eagerness. Zi Han pressed his palm on his chest and pushed him away but Yi Chen wouldn¡¯t let him go.


    It was only after he punched his chest a couple of times did Yi Chen let him go.


    Zi Han panted slightly having almost all the oxygen in him sucked out. While he was catching his breath, he heard his boyfriend saying, ¡°Mi Mi, I want you to meet my wife.¡±


    Yi Chen stretched out his hand and interlocked their fingers his expression and tone brimming with pride.


    Zi Han cleared his throat before staring at him his gaze usatory. ¡°Were you trying to suffocate me to death?¡± he said and Yi Chen proceeded to ignore his fierceness.


    ¡°Isn¡¯t he cute?¡± he asked like it was a matter of course.


    Mi Mi¡¯s chest felt so heavy like something was pressing down on it stifling her breathing. Where was this person cute? He was as regr as the bald headed pervert at the corner store where they buy nutritional supplements.


    ¡°But he is...,¡± she said only for the man beside her brother Chen to chuckle.


    ¡°A man. Is that what you want to say?¡± asked Zi Han as he let out another lowugh while wiping the saliva at the corner of his lips. He didn¡¯t know the Republic¡¯s take on same sex couples but he couldn¡¯t judge it based on this one girl¡¯s take.


    Mi Mi¡¯s gaze shifted back and forth between the two as she clenched her fist tightly. Wasn¡¯t a wife a woman? Wasn¡¯t he supposed to be a she? Even if he was a she what was he doing here? Did they reallye to take him away from her?


    This she couldn¡¯t ept but who was she to cry to? She just looked at them with her obsidian eyes fending off the urge to scratch this ugly man¡¯s face.

 Chapter 453

    453 Love rival vs love rival round Forty five minutester the three people were sitting opposite each other with Zi Han and Yi Chen on one side. Mi Mi nced at the two shoulders brushing against each other.


    She pursed her lips before a ringing sound echoed in the air. It was the sound of the microwave. She had ced nutritional supplements inside it though she wasn¡¯t hungry.


    Using this as an excuse to leave this awkward atmosphere she excused herself and stood up.


    As soon as she got up Yi Chen who had been behaving well just now moved his hand underneath the table looking for Zi Han¡¯s hand but he ended up touching the man¡¯s member instead.


    Zi Han raised his brow and nced at Yi Chen who looked like he was about to die from embarrassment. He pressed the tip of his tongue on his cheek while looking away. Yi Chen¡¯s shy appearance made him feel like pressing him down and straddling him right here.


    Zi Han cleared his throat while rubbing the back of his head masking his true intentions. Just as the girl brought over the nutritional supplements, the door was pushed open and an older gentleman walked in with piles of things.


    ¡°Mi Mi I am home,¡± he said only to freeze when he saw the two men sitting on the small kitchen table.


    ¡°Uh... Chen, you brought a friend?¡± he asked with slight hesitation as he put the things down. After saying this he suddenly felt like something was wrong. Chen didn¡¯t have any friends. In fact, he was new here so how could he know anyone enough to bring them here? However short of a time it was he was well aware of this man¡¯s personality. He didn¡¯t warm up to anyone easily. Even after living with them for so long he still wasn¡¯t as open as most people would.


    ¡°No... he is not a friend. He is my wife,¡± replied Yi Chen holding Zi Han¡¯s hand underneath the table.


    .....


    Old Du looked at his daughter who was clenching the nutritional packets tightly till her knuckles turned white. He sympathised with her and could onlyfort her.


    She knew about this man¡¯s wife from the very beginning and he had repeatedly told her not to have any expectations but of course, his daughter was still so hopeful.


    ¡°Uhm...,¡± he murmured as he sat down next to his daughter before continuing, ¡°I wasn¡¯t expecting that she... I mean he woulde this soon.¡±


    Zi Han knew this person meant no harm but still he couldn¡¯t help but feel slight annoyance. He tapped the side of his face and the mask on his face vanished like a mirage revealing a very handsome countenance.


    The two people sitting opposite him were stunned when they saw that face. It wasn¡¯t what they expected at all.


    Zi Han smiled at them and said, ¡°I have been wearing that face for an entire day.¡± He had seen that look in the girl¡¯s eyes. It was a contemptuous gaze like he wasn¡¯t worth being with Yi Chen. He could have been a bigger person and let it go but that look annoyed him half to death thus he showed his true face.


    ¡°My name is Zi Han... you can call me Han if you wish,¡± said Zi Han while stretching out his hand to the man sitting opposite him.


    Old Du stretched out his hand and the two shook hands getting the formal niceties out of the way.


    ¡°Thank you for taking him in. I really appreciate it. I was worried half to death,¡± said Zi Han and Yi Chen tightened his grip on Zi Han¡¯s hand. A wonderful warmth spread all over his chest hearing this. It was a very wonderful feeling, to say the least.


    ¡°No no no... no need. If it weren¡¯t for him I would have lost my daughter. He saved us and I owe him my life,¡± said the older man while ncing at his daughter whose expression was still so ghastly.


    ¡°How about we have some food first,¡± said Yi Chen, and Zi Han nced down at the monstrosity in the tray. There was no way he was eating that but how to refuse when he was a guest in someone else¡¯s home?


    ¡°I um... I am not used to this but I can make us something you know as a thank you,¡± he said recalling how nasty it tasted after trying some. It was like his taste buds were being burnt by acid and he felt the urge to spit it all out.


    Zi Han couldn¡¯t even swallow it. He knew it wasn¡¯t poisonous but his body rejected it like it was venomous. He wasn¡¯t being rude or anything but he just wasn¡¯t a person who would wrong himself or his fiance.


    The girl snorted silently while lowering her head. Brother Chen didn¡¯t dislike the nutritional supplements from the first day. He thanked her politely and drank it without even changing his face but this person couldn¡¯t even give it a try.


    He might be handsome but to her, his character was just as rotten. ¡°You dislike our food?¡± she said only for her father to call out,


    ¡°Micha!¡± his tone was reprehensive.


    Zi Han didn¡¯t mind. He could understand the feeling of getting your heart broken before your spring could even blossom.


    ¡°I really didn¡¯t mean to be disrespectful. I just can¡¯t stomach it. I have tried. Let me make something for you,¡± he said and got up only for Mi Mi to say,


    ¡°We don¡¯t have any food,¡± unable to control herself.


    Zi Han folded his sleeve while saying, ¡°It¡¯s okay. All I need is a functional stove.¡±


    Mi Mi rolled her eyes and her father gave her a warning nce but it was as though his usually obedient daughter had been possessed by something that even he couldn¡¯t recognise her.


    Yi Chen was about to follow but old Du stopped him while asking, ¡°Do you mind if we talk for a minute?¡± his voice low.


    Yi Chen nced at the already uncuffed wrist seeming a little dejected. He wanted to be with Zi Han all the time. It was because he was afraid that the moment he turns around this person might disappear and he won¡¯t find him ever again.


    Yi Chen could only agree so the older man asked if they could go out and talk. After all, they were in the small kitchen and Zi Han would overhear their conversation. Mi Mi wanted to follow but her father stopped her and the two men left the small house.

 Chapter 454

    454 Merry Christmas guys!!!!


    As the lighting through the creak at the door dimmed Old Du took out a cigar he had been holding onto for a decade and lit it while his gaze drifted into nothingness.


    He appreciated Chen so much and after getting along for so long he had epted him as part of his family. It seemed a little weird for him to consider someone as family despite knowing them for a short time but in the Republic, people were here today and gone the next. This meant one should treasure those around them because tomorrow isn¡¯t promised to anyone.


    ¡°I thought you lost your memory,¡± he said before taking a long drag of the cigar. The red glow flickered in the darkness before he puffed out a string of smoke.


    Yi Chen stood there his back straight as he stared at the houses with dim lights shining through the small windows and replied, ¡°I still don¡¯t remember much but I am certain that he is my wife.¡±


    Old Du smiled and said, ¡°Don¡¯t you mean husband?¡±


    Yi Chen showed a slight smile his heart feeling warm and cosy inside like a fluffy cloud. Husband or wife, he didn¡¯t care. He just loved that person and wanted to be with him. Old Du offered him the cigar but Yi Chen declined politely and he didn¡¯t insist.


    He took another long drag before saying, ¡°I am happy for you. I know you are about to leave but how about you stay one more night?¡±


    Thinking of that small bed he had been sleeping on Yi Chen was a little reluctant. If it was him alone he wouldn¡¯t even think twice but now that his wife hade over he didn¡¯t want to wrong him.


    ¡°I will ask him,¡± replied Yi Chen and Old Du chuckled softly before saying,


    .....


    ¡°I didn¡¯t think you would turn out to be a henpecked husband.¡±


    Yi Chen who was extremely proud of it smiled happily. If anything he was the president of the henpecked husband association.


    While the two were engaged in senseless chatter Mi Mi was really trying to dislike this person and make things difficult for him. She was like a jealous want-to-be concubine vying for the prince¡¯s favour despite knowing fully well that the prince didn¡¯t like her. In simple terms, she was throwing a fuss at the wrong person.


    Mi Mi kept making snarky remarks but Zi Han didn¡¯t indulge her. He wasn¡¯t making anythingplicated.


    He was washing the rice when he heard her say, ¡°What if you are just some imposter who fancies him and decided toe toy im on him? I wouldn¡¯t put it past you. You look shady as fuck,¡± said Mi Mi before squeezing the nutritional supplement in her mouth.


    Zi Han ignored her. While the rice was cooking, he took out some chicken breasts from his interspatial storage. Most military personnel would carry weapons only but Zi Han was packing every deadly weapon known to man plus food. Zi Han was like a mother with a big kid. He would always carry snacks and food just in case the both of them got stuck in a ce where there is no food.


    Yi Chen had a very big appetite in and outside the bedroom. A flirtatious smile crept up Zi Han¡¯s face recalling how he would beg for noodles after messing around in bed. Even when he was spent Zi Han would still get up and make them because if he let Yi Chen do it then the entire kitchen might be brought down by him.


    Sometimes when he came back to the bedroom, Yi Chen would be fast asleep looking like a tired husky after making trouble for an entire day only to tire himself out.


    Zi Han would toss a pillow at him and call out his name. With a guilty look on his face, Yi Chen would pretend like he wasn¡¯t sleeping but resting his eyes.


    Zi Han found this amusing. For a person who was terrible at lying he couldn¡¯t understand why Yi Chen would even think for one second that he would believe that lie.


    ¡°What are you smiling at?¡± asked Mi Mi and Zi Han turned to nce at her while cing the thinly sliced chicken into the hot oil.


    Because he had seasoned it and let it sit for ten minutes the aroma was especially tantalising that Mi Mi couldn¡¯t help but swallow.


    She curiously looked at the ugly looking wok on the gas stove housing such a fragrant dish. Zi Han smiled slightly while adding some chopped green onions and stir fried them till it was mixed well.


    ¡°What is that green thing?¡± asked Mi Mi but when she realised what she asked she pursed her lips feeling a little ashamed. She wanted to hate this person so much but that aroma was enough to have anyone have a change of heart.


    ¡°It¡¯s green onion. Do you have any tes I can use?¡± he asked while adding some sauce and chopped chillis.


    Seeing such a colorful meal Mi Mi couldn¡¯t help but nod her head absentmindedly.


    She pulled out four metal tes that looked almost new because they were rarely used. While Zi Han was dishing up some rice and stir fried chicken, Mi Mi asked, ¡°Where are you from? You can¡¯t be from the Republic, right?¡±


    Zi Han nced at her for a moment and said, ¡°If I tell you that then I would have to kill you.¡±


    ¡°You...,¡± said Mi Mi but even she didn¡¯t know what to say or how to scold him. She just opened and closed her mouth before changing the subject.


    ¡°Your skin... it¡¯s so smooth and glossy,¡± she said but Zi Han ignored her as he continued to dish out the chicken.


    Zi Han could feel her curiosity from a mile away thus he wasn¡¯t surprised that Mi Mi reached out with her tiny fingers to pinch his cheek.


    She gently squeezed once but she squeezed again having discovered how pleasant it was to touch. It was even softer than it looked. Zi Han couldn¡¯t believe this girl had the audacity to grope him twice

 Chapter 455

    455 ¡°don¡¯t cook for others. I get very jealous.¡±


    Just as she was about to squeeze his face a third time the main door suddenly opened and Yi Chen walked in. His face sank as he saw those fingers touching his man.


    Sensing the tension in the air Mi Mi retracted her hand with a guilty expression. It was then she realised that there were certain mortals one shouldn¡¯t even dream of being with because they had their fated match who were equally heaven defying.


    Touching her not so wless skin she suddenly felt like she and Yi Chen were worlds apart. She watched on as Yi Chen walked over his eyes set on one person with a glint of obsession and possessiveness. He pulled Zi Han¡¯s wrist his jaw clenched tightly and his face flushed.


    What he wanted to ask was, ¡°Why did you let her touch you?¡± but he ended up turning his palms over checking if his hands were okay.


    ¡°Don¡¯t cook often. I don¡¯t want you to get burnt,¡± he said but what he meant was, ¡°don¡¯t cook for others. I get very jealous.¡±


    Zi Han almost rolled his eyes as he took his hands away. ¡°Go get the tes,¡± he said before sitting down. Old Du saw everything and couldn¡¯t help but nce at his daughter who was staring at the pair with a look of astonishment.


    When her mother was around all she did was yell at her father. They rarely showed their affection despite being married for so long. This was the first time she had seen people being so tender with each other and it wasn¡¯t forced. It was like a natural response and very tacit.


    Yi Chen passed her exuding a sinister aura that sent shivers down her spine. She was so terrified that she didn¡¯t dare look at him.


    ¡°Ah, since this is a happy asion then how about we drink,¡± said Old Du trying to dispel some of that tension.


    .....


    Alcohol could indeed make friends out of enemies. A few drinks in and the smell of gunpowder in the air waspletely neutralised.


    Zi Han picked out some of the chillis from Yi Chen¡¯s te and Yi Chen nced at him wondering why he was being deprived of the colorful red and green things. Yes, Yi Chen even forgot what those things were called. If a doctor was to examine him they would diagnose him with selective memory loss.


    Zi Han saw his aggrieved expression and smiled lightly while touching the back of his hand with his. ¡°You like the vour but can¡¯t stand the burn from the chilli. You never say it but I can tell,¡± said Zi Han before eating the chilli.


    Throughout the years Yi Chen¡¯s tastes had changed but he never said anything. Zi Han was the one who noticed the subtle changes and he would adjust his meals ordingly. In other words, there was no better person to be his spouse apart from Zi Han.


    The love they had for each other was what some would ssify as a blessing that plenty can¡¯t have the privilege to experience and Old Du could see it. He took a sip of his wine and said, ¡°So how long have you been married?¡±


    Yi Chen lightly rubbed the back of Zi Han¡¯s hand with his forefinger resisting the urge to ce his hand behind Zi Han¡¯s waist.


    ¡°Not married yet but engaged,¡± said Zi Han but when he recalled the ring that was now in his possession Zi Han moved his hand away and took a huge gulp of the clear alcohol in the cup.


    Though the wine was strong it seemed this was the only thing in the Republic Zi Han could stomach.


    ¡°Good good... I hope my little Mi Mi would find someone in the future who will treat her as well as you treat Chen. Your rtionship is very enviable.¡±


    Mi Mi lowered her head wishing she could have some wine to drown her sorrows but her father wouldn¡¯t let her and there was a reason for that.


    Some girls can get drunk until they pass out but some girls shouldn¡¯t touch anything above one percent alcohol content otherwise they will offend everybody.


    That person was his daughter. She wasn¡¯t allowed to drink because of that. Apart from Old Du praising Zi Han¡¯s cooking Yi Chen didn¡¯t hear anything after that. That¡¯s because he was staring at Zi Han continuously with a dejected look like a wolf pup that had done something wrong.


    Zi Han didn¡¯t say anything and kept smiling while talking like there was nothing wrong at all but Yi Chen could feel the icy chill emanating from him such that it chilled his bones.


    Thirty minutester the kitchen was cleared and the siren for the city lights to be switched off rang. The houses would lose power but the streets would still be dimly lit and the district for the rich and the temple would remain lit.


    Zi Hany down on the inside out of habit and Yi Chen slept on the outside. Yi Chen stared at Zi Han¡¯s back for a while not knowing what to do. He wanted to reach out and hug him but he also knew that Zi Han might explode.


    Ready to risk it all he whispered, ¡°Baby, can I see your handcuffs from earlier?¡±


    Zi Han wanted to ask him, ¡°What for,¡± but he didn¡¯t feel like talking right now so he took them out and gave them to him before going back to sleep.


    He was about to close his eyes when he heard a click in the darkness as his wrist was handcuffed.


    ¡°What are you doing?¡± he whispered while half sitting up.


    Yi Chen ced his arm around Zi Han¡¯s abdomen and said, ¡°Just in case you run.¡±


    Zi Han, ¡°...¡±


    ¡°I know you are mad at me and I am afraid... I am afraid you would run away while I am sleeping.¡±


    Zi Han, ¡°WTF!¡±


    ¡°I came here for you so where would I run off too without you?¡± he asked and Yi Chen was very quick to respond.


    ¡°I have a feeling you have run away from me before and it makes me very afraid,¡± he whispered while pulling Zi Han closer until he could feel something hard poking at his ass.


    ¡°Are you sure you have lost your memory... because somehow I am starting to doubt you,¡± said Zi Han as hey back down but who would have thought Yi Chen would half climb on top of him and proceed to kiss him. It was like being licked by a dog aftering home from a month¡¯s vacation.


    ¡°Yi Chen... you....,¡± he said only for Yi Chen to cover his mouth while pressing his index finger on his lips to keep it down.


    AN: Merry Christmas. Look what I got hahaha. Please share your Christmas gifts with pictures. Here is mine.

 Chapter 456

    456 ¡°Are you mad at me?¡±


    ¡°People are sleeping. Don¡¯t make too much noise,¡± whispered Yi Chen before slowly releasing Zi Han¡¯s lips. He lowered his head and wanted to nt his lips on Zi Han again but Zi Han wasn¡¯t having it. He pushed him back and turned to lie down.


    ¡°Don¡¯t make trouble. I am exhausted and I need to catch up with my sleep,¡± said Zi Han. He was indeed exhausted. After not sleeping well for so long because he was worried about this man, he could finally rest.


    He pulled the quilt and closed his eyes only for Yi Chen to embrace him tightly and ask in a low whisper, ¡°Are you mad at me?¡± Zi Han didn¡¯t respond. He simply drifted off to sleep while internally cussing Yi Chen.


    Yi Chen could sense his exhaustion thus he didn¡¯t bother him but he still cuddled him tightly like the handcuffs weren¡¯t enough to reassure him. He was extremely afraid that this person would leave him.


    The feeling was extremely intense that he couldn¡¯t think straight. He just wanted to glue himself to the person so they wouldn¡¯t be separated from each other for the rest of their lives. For more than half the night Yi Chen¡¯s eyes remained open as he stroked Zi Han¡¯s hair lovingly.


    While the pair of lovers had reunited, a small vige was burnt to the ground and all its upants were dragged to the center of the vige. They were all kneeling in a line on the dusty ground as armed men paced slowly guarding them.


    A woman d in a maroon priestess attire stood in front of them in an intimidating stance with a look of disdain in her eyes. With her hands crossed behind her back, she asked, ¡°So you aren¡¯t going to answer?... Your pathetic vige got raided a few weeks ago and they robbed you of everything you had. A couple of weekster and the ravagers suddenly turned up dead or missing. Is it a coincidence... I don¡¯t think so.¡±


    After saying this everyone remained silent like they really didn¡¯t know anything but she wasn¡¯t discouraged at all. Her fiery gaze schemed through the crowd before stopping on a kneeling man who was shivering like he had been dunked in a tank of icy cold water.


    She smiled slyly and picked the nearest woman as ws emerged from the knuckles of the golden glove she was wearing.


    .....


    With a sqwelp, she stabbed the ws through her chest making everyone cower in fear.


    The sharp ws protruded through her back before slowly retracting. She ced her hand on the woman¡¯s neck keeping her from falling forward as blood sttered everywhere. She wiped the ws on the dying woman¡¯s clothes before pushing her back.


    The entire time she maintained eye contact with the man who was shivering the most. She had found the weakest link. She took a step back and a young man rushed over and wiped the tip of her boot that had been stained with a drop of blood.


    She then walked over to the shivering man and crouched down before him. ¡°Whoever speaks first won¡¯t get to die,¡± she said and the man¡¯s lips trembled.


    ¡°We we don¡¯t know any anything. We only know of the siblings. Nathan and Na, Nayeli. They came back with their mother and a child. They were taken by by the ravagers but somehow they made it out. Yesterday, they suddenly gathered their things and left,¡± said the man but he hadn¡¯t told the entire story.


    The truth was that when the family of mother and children came back the people more especially him weren¡¯t too happy about it. He knew that the ravagers wouldn¡¯t let go of anyone easily.


    The fact that they had found their way back meant they had escaped and the ravagers would soone back for them. After riling everyone up they drove them out of the vige cursing and throwing rocks at them.


    They would have stoned them if need be but who would have thought someone worse woulde after that wretched trio? Karma was indeed a mean bastard.


    ¡°Interesting,¡± said the priestess before raising the man¡¯s chin and continuing, ¡°which direction were they headed.¡±


    The man who couldn¡¯t answer that question shook his head his entire body shaking like a sieve. The priestess¡¯ lips before letting him go and saying, ¡°You are useless to me then.¡±


    She stood up andmanded, ¡°By the order of stor fr?niks, kill them all.¡±


    The men and women began to grumble andin followed by screams but she didn¡¯t care.


    But within the sound of wails and cries was a familiar sound of a mech descending from the night skies.


    The mech bowed in a half kneel with its head lowered before the cockpit opened and a man d in white priest robes came out. If Zi Han was here he would have recognised him immediately.


    The man swaggered out of the mech and the priestess fell to her knees with a loud bam. She kowtowed all the way to the ground with her forehead pressing the dusty soil. The smile on her face was that of pure joy.


    ¡°My lord,¡± she said and the man¡¯s steps slowed down before halting. She gazed at his golden brocade boots and resisted the urge to kiss them. This was her saviour, their saviour... their high priest, and their king... the one who will bring back the stor fr?niks to them and usher them into a prosperous age. She raised her head slightly but she didn¡¯t dare look him in the eye.


    ¡°There is definitely something off. Three people kidnapped by the ravagers suddenly reappeared. Someone much more powerful than the ravagers saved them,¡± she said and the man finally nced at her.


    ¡°Rise,¡± he spoke softly with a slight smile.


    She got up on her feet and the young man from earlier rushed over and wiped the dust off her maroon robe.


    The man stretched out his hand towards her and she hesitantly held out her hand to touch his. The man smiled while nodding her head in acknowledgment and she held his hand. Their joined hands fit together like a glove. She felt an inexplicable warmth from where they were joined together and the heat travelled to her ears making them hot.

 Chapter 457

    457 Unnecessary dog food for breakfast


    Her mind was suddenly filled with mushy pink dreams. Dreams of bing the woman beside him flooded her mind but before she could drown in this pleasant delight her bubble burst.


    He grabbed her arm tightly and pulled her close. She grimaced in pain and he tightened his grip even further like he was about to break her arm.


    ¡°Then go find them,¡± he spoke through gritted teeth before pushing her away. That asshole in the capsule had been screwing with him ying dead all the time like he was broken or something.


    He actually knew that his very very distant cousin was on hisstg. The man was most definitely going to die soon it was just a matter of when. He had lost all hope trying everything to heal that bastard but he failed miserably. But when the fluctuations in energy urred he finally had some hope. He should have known that bastard would send for help. If anyone showed up it meant they had the same ability which meant that he could have a new machine to use for space jumps.


    ¡°I want them found,¡± he said in a harsh tone before turning to leave.


    The priestess massaged her arm as the mech ascended in the sky before disappearing. She clenched her jaw with an ugly expression and turned to the men ughtering people.


    ¡°Stop!¡± she yelled and the men hesitantly paused waiting for her orders.


    She walked over to the people remaining alive and asked, ¡°Who knew them best? If you tell me now I will spare everybody.¡±


    After a short moment of no movement, a woman pointed at an old granny who was trembling at the far end. She was the one who gossiped the most in the small vige and she had a way of finding information about others that most wouldn¡¯t.


    .....


    When she saw they were pointing at her, the granny began to scream in a brittle voice, ¡°No no no no... I don¡¯t know them well.¡±


    The woman disregarded the granny¡¯s age and pinched her neck pulling her up from the ground. Her eyes red-rimmed with the veins on her temple throbbing she said, ¡°Speak,¡± deliberately dragging the word.


    ¡°I I I I overheard them say that the man who helped them was in Kengston. That¡¯s that¡¯s all I know,¡± said the granny her face almost as red as a tomato.


    The priestess let her go and turned to leave her expression terrifying. ¡°Finish them off,¡± she said before walking away.


    ¡°No, you promised...¡±


    ¡°Spare us, priestess...¡±


    She ignored the cries of mercy and kept walking. She needed to find these people and please her Lord again. She hated disappointing him and always wanted him to have a good impression thus she was very determined.


    Meanwhile, the mech approached the temple in Kengston. He could see the few peopleing to the temple to make sacrifices. The numbers had dwindled recently. That¡¯s because a few still believed in his cause which was a very big problem. He had to get them all back in his grasp otherwise one of these nobles would think themselves bigger than they are and attempt to overthrow him and take the mech away crowning themselves the new high priest. The men and women who saw him kowtowed paying their respects to him but he kept walking. He wasn¡¯t in a very pleasant mood.


    He took an elevator down to the basement and found the capsule that was making a faint sound with a red light shing as a warning to the attendant that the patient¡¯s vital signs were critical.


    He took out a bottle of wine and unscrewed the cork before downing more than half of it in one go. After drinking it he ced the bottle on the table with a loud bang and wiped the corners of his lips stained with wine.


    ¡°You bastard are a genius. Hahaha ahahahaha... I should have known you had one more trick up your sleeve,¡± he said while pointing at the ss angrily.


    ¡°You made a very very big mistake because whoever ising for you... whoever it is... they are going to rece you. Yes yes... there you go. Now you are reacting, aren¡¯t you?¡± he said as the beeping sound from his heart rate increased sharply.


    ¡°That¡¯s the reaction I want. I will pry you out of that capsule and as you die you will watch that special person rece you,¡± he said before taking the bottle and drinking it all in one go.


    ¡°Oh, I can¡¯t wait to tear the Federation apart. I can¡¯t wait to put them all in their ce. I want to burn down the entire Federation to the ground and watch them perish,¡± he said with a sly quirk on his lips with bloodlust in his eyes like the boy king.


    As he settled on the only chair staring at the capsule he rubbed his lower lip slowly sinking into his thoughts. He had a sudden suspicion that whoever it is might be already in Kengston heading for the temple. When they do appear he should be ready for them.


    His mind half drowned in wine he called his attendant requesting all information for any new people who entered through the city gates in the past few days. If this was Capital Star the task would be less arduous but this was the Republic.


    While someone was turning the entire city upside down looking for him, Zi Han was lying in the bed knocked out cold. The sun had already risen but Zi Han was still sleeping and because Yi Chen was handcuffed to him as well he couldn¡¯t get out of bed as well.


    ¡°Brother Chen,¡± yelled the sweet little voice while pulling the curtain but before she could continue speaking Yi Chen pressed his index finger on his lips stopping her from making any more noise.


    Her heart sank to the pit of her stomach as she watched Yi Chen tenderly stroke Zi Han¡¯s hair with affection in his eyes. This man never showed any ounce of affection to anyone in the time she had known him but here he was showing a warm expression to a man he didn¡¯t even remember.


    She felt like after a shitty night dog food was unnecessarily sttered on her face.

 Chapter 458

    458 ¡°Call me husband and I will let you go,¡±


    By the time Zi Han woke up the sun was already up in the sky and everybody else was already busying themselves. When his eyes opened they were met by a pair of eyes staring straight at him as though looking into his soul.


    ¡°The fuck,¡± he eximed as he sat up only for him to bump into Yi Chen¡¯s forehead.


    ¡°Ssss fuck... Chen-ge. What are you doing?¡± asked Zi Han while rubbing his forehead. Hey back down and closed his eyes again like he was about to go back to sleep but how could Yi Chen let him be?


    He kissed Zi Han¡¯s cheek down to his neck while asking, ¡°How was your sleep?¡±


    Zi Han opened his eye a slit while pushing Yi Chen¡¯s shoulder back. ¡°What time is it?¡± asked Zi Han while shuffling to lie on his other side and cosy up in Yi Chen¡¯s chest. Yi Chen showed a slight smile that was easy to miss. He stroked Zi Han¡¯s back while answering the question.


    ¡°It¡¯s about nine,¡± he said and Zi Han let out a soft hum as he closed his eyes again.


    ¡°Let me sleep a little longer. My head hurts,¡± he said suffering through the anguish of the infamous republic wine type of hangover. Maybe it was because of the impurities or the potency that it left his head throbbing. It barely made him tipsy but it definitely gave him a hangover making it seem like he was going through all that suffering for nothing.


    ¡°Can¡¯t you use some medicine or something? Baby, you have an entire kitchen in there so how can you not have any hangover cure,¡± said Yi Chen running his fingers through Zi Han¡¯s hair.


    While he was doing that his lower body wasn¡¯t very honest. He was consciously or unconsciously pressing against Zi Han¡¯s body resulting in an inevitable awakening. How could hisrade down south not react after being starved for so long?


    .....


    To be honest, he just wanted to have a taste right now but the odds were against him. He could only be patient. Zi Han who could feel that hardness pressing against him ignored it though in truth he was also getting hot.


    ¡°Find it for me,¡± said Zi Han while passing the bracelet-like thing toward him. Yi Chen took it but slipped it back on Zi Han¡¯s wrist using this opportunity to touch his lover¡¯s hand.


    Zi Han had no idea that his man was taking advantage of him. He just felt veryfortable where he was being touched. Yi Chen gently massaged his wrist while asking, ¡°How do I open it?¡±


    Zi Han further buried himself in his lover¡¯s chest and murmured, ¡°Just touch it. It will recognise you.¡±


    After saying this Yi Chen touched it with his thumb and felt something drawing energy out of him.


    What he envisioned was what materialised in the palm of his hand. It was a two colour toned capsule inside a see through package.


    Yi Chen pulled back a little and said, ¡°Here,¡± while cing the pill at the corner of his lover¡¯s lips.


    Zi Han opened his mouth and swallowed it dry. the pill was especially effective and it didn¡¯t take long before he felt a sense of relief.


    But just as he was gettingfortable, he suddenly felt some wetness on the inside of his wrist.


    It turns out Yi Chen was kissing his wrist and because of the heightened sensitivity, Zi Han couldn¡¯t help but bite his lower lip lightly before looking at him.


    ¡°Stop messing around. This isn¡¯t the right ce to screw around... By the way, why aren¡¯t you up already?¡± asked Zi Han and Yi Chen raised his hand showing off the pair of silver bracelets.


    Zi Han rubbed his forehead before taking out the key. He was about to unlock it when Yi Chen grasped his wrist simply refusing to let him go.


    ¡°Yi Chen... you! Let go,¡± said Zi Han but who was he kidding? Yi Chen might not remember anything but he was still as before messing with him at every turn.


    ¡°Call me husband and I will let you go,¡± he said while pressing Zi Han¡¯s wrist above his head.


    ¡°Oh hell no. Not going to happen. You don¡¯t get to ask me that, especially after what you did,¡± said Zi Han struggling to get this heavy boulder off of him.


    The already weak and springy bed creaked giving off the illusion that something X rated was happening inside.


    ¡°So you are mad at me? What did I do to make you mad?¡± he asked and Zi Han was about to respond when the door was suddenly opened.


    Mi Mi who had gone out just now came back only to hear weird soundsing from the inside. She could have walked away but why would she fuel the mes of passion between these two by giving them privacy? She was unhappy so she wanted to make someone else unhappy.


    The picture wasn¡¯t what she expected though. The two were fully clothed but they were in an ambiguous posture. She covered her face with her hand pretending like it was idental and said, ¡°Brother Chen you.¡±


    Zi Han pushed Yi Chen off of him before sitting up. He wordlessly brushed his hair back while staring at Yi Chen.


    Thirty minutester Zi Han who was done washing up headed out with that mask on his face. Yi Chen followed after him and tried to hold his hand but who knew his wife would be as stubborn as a mule refusing to hold hands?


    Yi Chen couldn¡¯t stand it. It drove him crazy all night knowing that something was in the way of their reunion. He patiently waited for Zi Han to wake up but his lover was still upset and wouldn¡¯t tell him what was wrong.


    Unable to bear it anymore, Yi Chen pulled Zi Han behind a deserted crumbling old mill. Yi Chen pressed him against the wall and when Zi Han tried to walk away he mmed his hand on the wall thoroughly trapping him in ce.

 Chapter 459

    459 Do you even love me?


    His response came naturally that it even surprised him. His adam¡¯s apple rolled as he stared at Zi Han who had his head lowered. He lowered his head and after hesitating for a second he whispered into his ear.


    ¡°Please tell me what I did wrong so I can fix it,¡± he said his tone like that of a man whispering into their lover¡¯s ear to coax them.


    Zi Han clenched his fists as a surge of emotion suddenly arose in him. He wanted to keep it inside but after the rollercoaster of emotions, he had been through he just couldn¡¯t hold it.


    He bit his lips tightly and tears welled up in his eyes. He wasn¡¯t a crybaby but damn it, Yi Chen made him cry so much. The fact that he almost lost this man made him so sad that he couldn¡¯t help but cry.


    Yi Chen waited and waited but Zi Han didn¡¯t say anything. Thinking he had pushed Zi Han too far he became very remorseful. He couldn¡¯t remember how they used to get along before thus he could only follow his instincts. He caressed up Zi Han¡¯s arm kneading and rubbing while apologizing, ¡°I am sorry. I was wrong to push you. You can tell me when you are ready.¡±


    He raised Zi Han¡¯s chin trying to face him while apologizing but his body froze when he saw tears flowing down Zi Han¡¯s face.


    Yi Chen suddenly panicked. ¡°No no no baby,¡± he whispered while cupping Zi Han¡¯s face with both his palms. Zi Han lowered his head refusing to look at him but Yi Chen persisted. ¡°Don¡¯t... please don¡¯t cry. I am sorry. I was wrong. You can scold and beat me just... just don¡¯t cry,¡± he said his voice trembling with worry in his eyes.


    He rubbed Zi Han¡¯s tears away with his thumbs but Zi Han tried to pull his hand away. ¡°You are a bastard you know that?¡± said Zi Han speaking out of his emotions at this point and Yi Chen could only agree with him. He preferred Zi Han scolded him rather than watching his lover cry.


    ¡°I know,¡± whispered Yi Chen with the tip of his nose resting on Zi Han¡¯s forehead.


    .....


    ¡°You know and you still do it?¡± said Zi Han still trying to move Yi Chen¡¯s hand away. Yi Chen didn¡¯t reply. He just felt a sharp ache in his heart like something was wing at it.


    ¡°... I couldn¡¯t sleep ever since you disappeared. I almost lost my fucking mind attempting something I have never done before. Your father was even threatening me but you forgot about me. You even pawn my ring,¡± he said his voice brittle.


    He poked Yi Chen¡¯s chest as he continued saying, ¡°The ring I gave you... the ring I chose and you just gave it away like it was some worthless piece of trash. Do you even love me? Oh, that¡¯s right... you forgot.¡±


    Was he being unreasonable? Yes, most definitely. Was he being unfair? Probably. But he couldn¡¯t help it. The umted feelings he had pent up for so long finally spewed out and he couldn¡¯t stop.


    Yi Chen¡¯s heart ached so much that he couldn¡¯t stand straight. His eyes glistened from the tears welling up within. He didn¡¯t know what to say at this moment but he suddenly found himself on his knees his head resting on Zi Han¡¯s abdomen.


    Why did he pawn it? It wasn¡¯t because Mi Mi convinced him. He did want to help the people who were sheltering him but that¡¯s not why he did it. He did it because that was the most important thing he had on his person.


    The contract with the pawn shop was a redeemable one which meant the owner wouldn¡¯t sell it to anyone but he would use it as coteral and the money given to this family would be paid back with great interest.


    This way Yi Chen could keep the ring safe. The pawn shop was the safest ce in Kengston he had ess to.


    His ring had already attracted unwanted attention with some rich people asking him to sell it to them. When he refused one of the nobles who had never been refused anything in his life hired thugs to coerce him to hand it over. They even used Mi Mi to threaten him.


    He handed it over to them but in the dead of night, he attacked those hooligans and took back what was his. The master who had hired them wasn¡¯t spared either. He broke into the effluent bath house for the nobles and found the chubby man in a private room soaking in a warm pool by himself naked.


    Yi Chen took the leather belt among the man¡¯s neatly folded clothes and whipped him with that belt until he couldn¡¯t get up anymore.


    When Mi Mi suggested this to him he found out that there were two ways to get money from the pawn shop. Either one sells something to them or they take a loan and slowly redeem the item.


    Because this had something to do with money, the shop owner would have the safest security in downtown Kengston.


    He wanted to exin this to Zi Han but where to begin? Would his lover even believe him?


    ¡°I did it to keep it safe. He wasn¡¯t meant to sell it,¡± said Yi Chen his head bowed unable to look his lover in the face.


    Zi Han wiped the tears off his face with the back of his hand while saying, ¡°But he sold it to me... what if someone else bought it. How would you find it then?¡±


    Yi Chen raised his head slightly before saying, ¡°He wouldn¡¯t because I told him I would kill him.¡±


    That was indeed the truth. The only reason Zi Han got it was because he was terrifying, he offered a huge sum of money and he asked for the ring specifically. The shop owner would happily point him out if Yi Chen ever came looking for it and he would let these two buddhas fight it out.


    Zi Han finally calmed down a little. He stroked the back of Yi Chen¡¯s head before saying, ¡°I am still upset about it but I can get over it. You just won¡¯t get it back until you earn it.¡±


    Yi Chen didn¡¯t expect his lover to be this lenient. He thought for sure he would get dumped. If that happened then there was really no point in living. His heart was telling him that his entire existence revolved around this person and without him he would lose everything including his life.

 Chapter 460

    460 ¡°Are you saying I am ugly?¡±


    Zi Han couldn¡¯t bear to see this person who was obsessed with cleanliness kneel on the filthy ground. He pulled him up and Yi Chen was a little hesitant at first but he got up to his feet and the two faced each other.


    Yi Chen wanted to get close to Zi Han but he didn¡¯t dare. His lover¡¯s words cut him deep. He didn¡¯t remember anything about the past but he could tell from the depth of his heart that he treasured this person so much and wouldn¡¯t let anyone hurt him.


    But his father had even threatened his most precious person and treated him badly. This thought made him clench his fists tightly. He vowed to cut ties with his father when he gets back. How could he be a good father inw in the future if he was mistreating his wife now?


    Zi Han could sense his lover¡¯s unstable mood thus he leaned closer pressing their foreheads together. He touched Yi Chen¡¯s arm and squeezed it tightly his lips lightly touching Yi Chen¡¯s.


    Yi Chen¡¯s eyshes trembled as he inhaled deeply drawing in his lover¡¯s scent. Thest thread restraining him snapped and Yi Chen moved slightly and kissed Zi Han¡¯s lips.


    Zi Han didn¡¯t reject him. In fact, he followed his lover¡¯s lips his tongue licking them gently. Yi Chen¡¯s body shuddered involuntarily from the electrifying sensation. He groaned unconsciously as he grasped the side of Zi Han¡¯s neck and drew him closer deepening the kiss.


    Yi Chen tilted his head to the side his hot breath entwined with Zi Han¡¯s as they kissed passionately. He wanted to keep this going but Zi Han parted their lips and whispered in his voice breathy. ¡°I I... Let¡¯s go first. We can kisster,¡± he said and Yi Chen¡¯s adam¡¯s apple rolled staring at those pink lips he was sucking on just now.


    He wanted to press this man down and do to him things that couldn¡¯t be mentioned in public but he had to restrain himself. Zi Han had just forgiven him somewhat and it wouldn¡¯t be good to anger him right now.


    Zi Han took out a handkerchief and poured out some water from the water bottle in his interspatial storage to wipe his face but Yi Chen held his wrist gently stopping him. The two of them stared at each other for a while. The ambiguous atmosphere that was about to dissipate suddenly came back again and they looked like there were about to kiss again.


    .....


    ¡°I will... I will do it,¡± said Yi Chen as he pinched the folded handkerchief. Zi Han loosened his grip and Yi Chen gently wiped his face.


    Zi Han didn¡¯t say anything. He was so engrossed in watching Yi Chen¡¯s handsome face that he didn¡¯t notice the people passing by.


    His burning gaze made Yi Chen feel a little embarrassed. He cleared his throat before saying, ¡°It kind of feels weird kissing you in this face.¡±


    Zi Han smiled slightly while closing his eyes letting Yi Chen wipe away the tears from his under eye. ¡°What are you trying to say? Are you saying I am ugly?¡± he asked but a dark shadow suddenly loomed over him before he felt something soft touch his lips. The kiss was as light as a butterfly... it was like the touch of a feather but it still left his heart feeling warm.


    When he opened his eyes Yi Chen was smiling at him the same smile he always had on after doing something naughty. The two of them were so absorbed in each other that they didn¡¯t notice the convoy of people dragging four people with them. From the looks of it, they had suffered greatly with cuts and bruises in several ces. The young boy with them wasn¡¯t spared either despite his young age.


    In the middle was a woman wearing expensive maroon robes her expression as deadly as a viper ready to strike. She was extremely livid and it was with reason. When she caught these people she thought they would give her something useful but instead, they said they didn¡¯t know where the strange man was headed. Even after being beaten they still gave the same answer.


    She wasn¡¯t in a very good mood right now. Who knew that the person she was looking for was behind the abandoned mill she had just passed kissing another man?


    Ten minutester they had reached the temple and the crowd of onlookers that were watching the show still hadn¡¯t dispersed. They didn¡¯t know what crime these people hadmitted but judging from their weak appearances it was probably something not so serious. They looked like a family of four with two boys, one girl, and an emancipated woman who looked like she could drop dead at any second.


    Throughout the years they had seen people being dragged to the temple for the smallest of crimes. Stealing could result in a hand being chopped off. Lying to a priest could result in your tongue getting cut off and speaking ill of the order of stor fr?nik would directly result in death.


    The envoy climbed up the stairs of the temple as the brass bell was struck three times with a loud dong.


    Dong!... Dong!... Dong!...


    The busy temple was suddenly cleared with people scurrying away. This was the bell to summon the high priest who also served the role of king. Before there was a king and a high priest but things changed after the former king died and his first son died.


    The second one who had been ordained as a priest took on both roles but he was mostly addressed as the high priest.


    Yeoh Lang had been checking through the list of new people that had entered the city recently when he heard the bell of summonace.


    ¡°Is she back?¡± he asked and his attendant who had just walked in bowed before him saying,


    ¡°Yes, priestess Fan has returned with the group of people my lord has been looking for.¡±


    ¡°Okay. Let¡¯s go,¡± he said while getting up. His hands were itching to find this person and finally bring Onyx Federation down.

 Chapter 461

    461 ...Thank you foring to find me...


    A group of men d in ck robes ambled into the main hall of the temple surrounding the man dressed in a white robe. When he entered the room he sat on the throne while the men and women kowtowed before him uniformly uttering the same words of respect.


    Yeoh Lang waved his hand impatiently and looked at the four people trembling on the ground. The smile on his face grew wider as he beckoned the youngest of the prisoners.


    ¡°Come...,¡± he said and the little boy raised his head his face a sickly shade of pale. He didn¡¯t want to go over there but he was picked up by the back of his cor and dropped harshly in front of the high priest.


    ¡°Come, don¡¯t be afraid young one,¡± he said his voice soft and calm but the aura surrounding him gave one the feeling of danger. The young boy had been born into an environment filled with malice and he could spot anyone who wanted to harm him at a nce.


    His tiny body trembled even more as he climbed the stairs. The high priest¡¯s brows furrowed and with his voice devoid of any patience he said again, ¡°Come here!¡±


    The boy broke down in tears but he didn¡¯t dare make a sound as he climbed up the stairs. He approached the man but he still kept a safe distance.


    ¡°Don¡¯t make me say it again,¡± he spoke through gritted teeth and the young boy moved closer. He thought the man was going to p him or something but his tiny feet left the floor and he was carried up. When he saw that the man had put him on hisp, the little boy wanted to run but he knew his life would end if he dared make a move.


    ¡°My lord,¡± shouted the priestess wishing to pull this filthy boy off her king¡¯sp. ¡°He is filthy my lord,¡± she continued to say but Yeoh Lang ignored her.


    He took out a piece of hard candy from the sleeve of his robe and said, ¡°Here, take this. You must be hungry.¡±


    .....


    The young boy didn¡¯t want to ept it but he was so frightened that he cowered while stretching out his trembling hand.


    ¡°Tha thank you,¡± muttered the boy. Having lived with an abusive mother he was very careful with his words.


    ¡°Ahahaha, what a good child. Your mother must have taught you well. She should have also taught you not to lie, right?¡±


    The young boy¡¯s body quivered even more as he lowered his head further like he was afraid to get into trouble.


    ¡°Did she not teach you to answer when spoken to?... Since she didn¡¯t teach you then I will have to punish her,¡± he said and raised his finger slightly. A woman dressed in a ck robe walked over and swung a whip with metal spikes and struck the back of the woman kneeling on the ground.


    The little boy raised his head while Nathan and Nayeli cried out simultaneously, ¡°MUM!!!¡±


    ¡°She is not my my mother... please,¡± said the little boy who rarely opened his mouth to speak. Tears streaming down his cheeks the boy showed a pleading expression.


    Yeoh Lang showed a slight smile while saying, ¡°I know but she is your mother now so I will punish her for failing to teach you. Will you answer my questions honestly now?¡±


    The little boy nodded his head like a chicken pecking at rice with snot drooping from his nose. Yeoh Lang raised his hand telling them to stop the whip. The cracking sound of the whip stopped and he asked, ¡°Do you remember the man who saved you?¡±


    The little boy nodded his head and the high priest smiled at him kindly but it made his blood run cold.


    ¡°Did he wear strange clothes?¡± he asked and the little boy shook his head. The man was dressed in regr clothesmon to the Republic.


    ¡°Did he have a big robot with him?¡± asked Yeoh Lang and the little boy hurriedly shook his head no. There was no robot at all just a hovercraft.


    ¡°Did he have different and unique things like trinkets or something?¡± he asked again and the young boy who was about to say no suddenly paused. He was afraid his new mother would be hurt again thus he couldn¡¯t lie.


    He nodded his head and Yeoh Langughed happily. ¡°Tell me, what kind of strange things did he have?¡± he asked and the little boy lowered his head again tugging at the wrapper of the candy.


    Yeoh Lang didn¡¯t waste any time. Hemanded, ¡°Beat her.¡±


    The little boy on hisp suddenly cried out, ¡°Fruits... the big brother called it fruits. And sweets like this one.¡±


    Yeoh Lang seemed pleased by his answer and took him off hisp. ¡°Good job. Now go back to your mother,¡± he said and the little boy whose knees were weak ran off stumbling a few times.


    ¡°Fan,¡± he said and the priestess dashed over her heart pounding in her ears especially when he asked her to lean closer.


    ¡°Go and bring me every strange person who entered through the city gates in the past few days. Bring them all here,¡± he whispered to her, and priestess Fan blushed her ears a little hot.


    She turned to leave while the little boy was crying a few feet away from the woman hesitating to move forward but the woman pulled him first and embraced him.


    She didn¡¯t want him to feel bad or anything. She had seen how the ravagers behaved and knew this child had suffered so much. She was prepared to take him in as her own thus she embraced him infort.


    Meanwhile, Zi Han was standing atop a building looking at the temple his expression stern.


    Yi Chen hugged him from behind and asked, ¡°Does this have something to do with us going back home.¡±


    Zi Han adjusted the binocrs and said, ¡°Nope. It has something to do with why you came here in the first ce.¡±


    Yi Chen buried his face in the crevice of Zi Han¡¯s neck and said, ¡°I was wondering why I would leave my most precious person and wind up in this ce. Thank you foring to find me. I love you.¡±


    Zi Han, ¡°...¡±


    The way Yi Chen jumped from one subject to another was quite baffling.

 Chapter 462

    462 How to seduce your man on the rooftop


    Zi Han was about to respond to Yi Chen when he spotted a woman d in a distinct maroon robe walking down the stairs in a hurry. From the looks of it, she seemed very important.


    He was about to ask Yi Chen what each color robe means when that said person kissed his cheek and not just a light tender peck but the kind with a little tongue.


    ¡°Shit, Yi Chen... what do you think you are doing?¡± he said while jerking his head away. At this rate, he might not be able to control himself and get eaten on this roof.


    Who could me Yi Chen when he was a walking talking snack? He was too irresistible especially after starving for so long. He was like the first bite after starving yourself for an entire day. Tasty and satisfying.


    ¡°You didn¡¯t say it back,¡± said Yi Chen his lower body consciously or subconsciously rubbing against Zi Han¡¯s ass.


    ¡°You do realise we are on a rooftop and if you get hard it won¡¯t be my responsibility. You will be on your own,¡± said Zi Han trying to push Yi Chen away. Too bad he couldn¡¯t get rid of him, not now not ever. The man was going to stick to him like white on rice.


    Yi Chen who wouldn¡¯t give up easily suddenly turned rogue. He nced around and said, ¡°But there is no one here. No one will see,¡± before leaning down and pushing Zi Han¡¯s hair on his neck and kissing him again.


    Zi Han wanted to reprimand him but the sensation on his neck muddled his mind. This man despite having lost his memory still knew how to torture him.


    Lucky enough he still had the voice of reason. He stepped aside running away from him. Yi Chen did stop messing around but his arms were still tightly wound around Zi Han¡¯s waist.


    .....


    He pressed his chest against Zi Han¡¯s back and continued to say, ¡°You didn¡¯t say it. Say it back and I will let you go.¡±


    ¡°Say what?¡± he asked acting like he didn¡¯t know what he was talking about.


    ¡°Baby, don¡¯t y dumb with me,¡± replied Yi Chen while turning him around and cupping either side of his face before continuing, ¡°I know you know what I am talking about. Why do I feel like we have had this conversation before.¡±


    Zi Han, ¡°...¡±


    ¡°Ah uh let¡¯s not talk about that. I will say it. I love you t-... mm mm,¡± said Zi Han before his lips were sealed. Yi Chen was kissing him with his tongue prying his lover¡¯s lips with little to no distance between them.


    The gentle soft touch on Zi Han¡¯s lips slowly intensified arousing a strong sense of urgency within him. Zi Han was on the verge of losing his mind. He just couldn¡¯t resist Yi Chen¡¯s charm. If it weren¡¯t for Yi Chen parting their lips and hugging him Zi Han might have gone down on him on this roof.


    ¡°I really can¡¯t help it. I just want you,¡± whispered Yi Chen and Zi Han rubbed his back while responding,


    ¡°We have all the time in the world. I promise you we will never be apart so there is no need to be in a hurry.¡±


    Yi Chen knew that but his heart felt somewhat ill at ease. He just had this inexplicable feeling that this person would run away from him if he so much as blinked. But when he thought that Zi Han hade all this way to get him however far it was he would feel like he was overthinking it.


    He sighed deeply before letting him go but Zi Han felt a sense of loss. He knew they had something to do but damn, thatst kiss had done it. He was so going to punish him when they are private.


    ¡°What did Ie here for?¡± asked Yi Chen his hand resting on the edge of the roof while staring at Zi Han. The two were no longer touching but Zi Han still felt the lingering sensation around his waist and lips.


    ¡°You came here identally but you were looking for my father,¡± he said and Yi Chen¡¯s brow arched slightly.


    ¡°He is here?¡± asked Yi Chen and Zi Han nodded his head before looking through the binocrs.


    ¡°We all thought he was dead but you believed he was alive and his disappearance most definitely had something to do with that temple,¡± said Zi Han and Yi Chen nced at the glorious temple that was the pir of this entire city and.


    ¡°How do you know?¡± he asked and Zi Han smiled slightly.


    ¡°I can sense it. Dead or alive, he is definitely in there. I want to bring him back home with us,¡± said Zi Han and Yi Chen nodded his head in acquiescence. He couldn¡¯t remember his father inw but he would risk it all for his wife. He was prepared to jump through the fire with him at the risk of getting burnt.


    ¡°This ce is the most protected building in the entire city. It has something to do with a saviour they are looking forward to. A saviour that would usher them into a brighter future so we have to be very careful if we are going in there,¡± he said and Zi Han nodded his head in agreement.


    It was easy to solve this issue but the problem was that it would attract a lot of attention if he summoned Igneous and stormed the temple.


    The leader or the high priest, as what they call him, might justify his retaliation against the federation by using them as an excuse. He much preferred they go in quietly and he can leave this ce the same way he came. This was indeed a good idea but it didn¡¯t mean it would workpletely.


    ¡°Who is that woman in maroon? Is she an important figure?¡± he asked after seeing her walking back into the temple with several men following behind her.


    One man tried to run but one of the ck robed men took out a whip and swung it wrapping its tip around the man¡¯s neck.

 Chapter 463

    463 Yi Chen the deadbeat father


    The man was dragged back and the ground soon disappeared into the temple. Yi Chen knew of this person. She was what the others referred to as the red devil.


    If she locked her eyes on you your life would inevitably be turned upside down. She was quite ruthless in her attacks and she was also wholly devoted to the order of the stor f?niks. It was part of her identity.


    ¡°She is essentially the high priest¡¯s right hand,¡± said Yi Chen and Zi Han turned to look at him his thoughts unknown.


    ¡°Have you been in the temple?¡± asked Zi Han and Yi Chen who had once gone in under Mi Mi¡¯s influence froze. He had refused several times but when he heard an offering to this stor f?niks


    would protect his loved ones he was convinced.


    He burnt four sticks of incense asking the stor f?niks to protect his wife as they embark on the journey to find him.


    It turns out that the offering worked and his wife was standing right next to him safe and sound. Maybe he should offer a sacrifice next time and ask that his wife should never leave him.


    Zi Han who had no idea what he was thinking would haveughed if he found out. This so called stor f?niks didn¡¯t exist at all. It was just a means to control people and give them a purpose in life. One could go as far as saying it was a way to give them a false sense of hope which was very wrong.


    ¡°I did go there once and theyout is quite intricate,¡± said Yi Chen but Zi Han Han stopped him.


    .....


    ¡°That won¡¯t be a problem. I just need to get close enough to scan the building so I know where we should go,¡± he said and Yi Chen immediately volunteered himself.


    ¡°I will do it. You just stay here,¡± he said but Zi Han¡¯s expression was a littleplicated. He didn¡¯t want his lover to go alone neither would he let him.


    ¡°Let¡¯s go together. Maybe we can pray to the almighty stor f?niks to bless us with ten children,¡± he said with a sly quirk at the corner of his lips. He was curious to see if Yi Chen¡¯s response would remain the same as before.


    As expected Yi Chen refused immediately. ¡°No, I don¡¯t like sharing. I don¡¯t want to share you with anyone,¡± he said and Zi Hanughed finding it very amusing. This man would never change even when his brain was broken.


    ¡°Toote. You already share me with two of our children. By the way... what kind of father are you that you don¡¯t even remember your children,¡± he said as they walked down the stairs of the building.


    Yi Chen had asked an elderly woman he had fixed a radio for before to use her roof. Because Yi Chen didn¡¯t charge her a single cent she was more than happy to let him use the roof. Heck, even if he wanted to borrow her house he would hand him the keys. To her, Yi Chen was a very nice person.


    ¡°Uh. Chen, you have children?¡± asked the olddy as she walked over at a snail¡¯s pace her entire body being stabilised by a walker.


    ¡°Yes, he does. Two of them. He is a deadbeat father,¡± said Zi Han and the olddy couldn¡¯t believe it.


    She pointed at Yi Chen with her trembling hand and scolded angrily, ¡°I know you are a nice young man. You should take care of your children.¡±


    Yi Chen, ¡°...¡±


    He didn¡¯t remember squat but even he knew in his heart that he didn¡¯t have babies. ¡°I don¡¯t have children... yet. Neither do I want them. My wife is just messing with you Mrs Wayback,¡± said Yi Chen while pinching the side of Zi Han¡¯s waist.


    Zi Han jolted and moved away before further dirtying Yi Chen¡¯s name and dragging it through the mud.


    ¡°You.... this is the attitude he put up when it¡¯s time to buy diapers and milk he, he says he has no children. Mrs Wayback, please talk to mmmmm mmhmm,¡± he hummed at the end because Yi Chen had covered his mouth stopping him from speaking.


    ¡°Sorry, Mrs Wayback. We have to go. And he is lying. Please don¡¯t listen to him,¡± he said before dragging his lover outside the house.


    Of course, she knew he was lying. He was married to a man so where would the childrene from? She just yed along because she was bored.


    On the other hand, the pair had left the house and were currently walking outside in the busy streets.


    ¡°If you keep talking I will really give you a baby,¡± said Yi Chen his voice stern but the quirk at the corner of his lips said otherwise.


    Zi Han chortled before saying, ¡°You wish. My physiology itself prevents that. I need a womb for that and I am a man.¡±


    Yi Chen draped his arm around Zi Han¡¯s shoulder and said, ¡°Then I will die trying. I will sow my seeds inside of you every day and who knows? Maybe a miracle could happen.¡±


    ¡°Oh my god, where the fuck did you hear that. Who calls semen seeds besides who said you will be doing the sowing? I am the one who sows in this rtionship,¡± he said his meaning obvious.


    Yi Chen who didn¡¯t care about it pulled him even closer before whispering, ¡°Then you should do me every day, and maybe we will get lucky.¡±


    Zi Han, ¡°...¡±


    Just imagining that picture made him feel some type of way that his face flushed. He couldn¡¯t imagine himself pressing Yi Chen down. He wasn¡¯t brave enough for that at all.


    He shoved Yi Chen away while sticking out his tongue at him. Anyone who would see their interaction would go blind from the dog food. Lovers bickering on the street was something rarely seen.


    Just as Yi Chen caught up Zi Han¡¯s path was suddenly blocked and the ck robed man said, ¡°Sir,e with us.¡±


    Before Zi Han could even respond someone held his arm and was about to pull him away when Yi Chen grabbed the man by his neck his eyes bloodthirsty like he was going to kill him. Who did this person think he was grasping his lover¡¯s arm like that? He had definitely messed with the wrong boyfriend.

 Chapter 464

    464 ¡°Go ahead... try it.¡±


    Zi Han didn¡¯t want shit to go down now, at least not yet thus he ced his hand on Yi Chen¡¯s shoulder asking him to stand down.


    Yi Chen didn¡¯t want to. In fact, he wanted to kill this person immediately for even thinking ofying his hands on Zi Han. But in the end, he had to relent because his lover told him to.


    The man whose face had turned red with throbbing veins bulging on his neck and temples coughed violently while trying to catch his breath.


    He nced at Yi Chen with a touch of resentment in his eyes. That¡¯s because that man¡¯s grip on his throat was so hard that he thought his throat would get crushed.


    Zi Han smiled slightly and said, ¡°No need to be rough. I will follow you willingly just as long as you tell me where you are taking me.¡±


    Zi Han had already guessed where they were going to take him. It seemed this matter had something to do with him. They must have known already that he was in the city and wanted to find him. This is why they were taking in a group of men inside the temple. Another man and woman wearing the exact same ck robe walked towards them.


    The woman gripped her whip and said, ¡°We are taking you to the temple so please cooperate. It would be for your own good. Please follow us,¡± she said guiding the way.


    Just as he took a step forward Yi Chen followed behind only for the man who had been strangled by him suddenly took out his whip intending to pay Yi Chen back tenfold.


    Who would think the seemingly docile man drew a dagger and ced it on the ck robe man¡¯s neck in a threatening way? ¡°Go ahead... try it,¡± whispered Zi Han pushing the de against the man¡¯s neck even more his gaze menacing.


    .....


    ¡°Khalid, stand down,¡± said the woman, and the man Zi Han was threatening dropped the ck whip that was as dark as a ck mamba.


    Zi Han sneered while taking his dagger away from the man. Seeing that the de had been stained with a few droplets of blood he wiped it clean on the man¡¯s robe.


    After that, he stretched out his hand to Yi Chen and Yi Chen reached out and held Zi Han¡¯s hand with a silly little smile making it hard to believe that this was the same person who just strangled someone just now.


    ¡°Lead the way,¡± said Zi Han and the woman nced at Yi Chen before saying,


    ¡°He can¡¯te.¡± This man was handsome which was a rarity in this dog eat dog world and she could easily guess their rtionship. She suddenly had the urge to contact him after this man was done with him. She just hope his rates weren¡¯t too exorbitant.


    Yi Chen who had been mistaken for a boyfriend for hire sped Zi Han¡¯s hand tightly trying to reassure him. He was clearly sober right now but he felt like he was on cloud nine. Watching his man protect him was one of the most pleasurable moments of his life.


    He wanted to pull this man towards him and kiss him long and hard but this just wasn¡¯t the right time. Like this, the pair of lovers held hands all the way to the temple like they were walking in a mall on valentine¡¯s day, leisurely and calm.


    The men guarding the temple nced at this unusual scene with slight interest. If they didn¡¯t know any better they would have thought they were guests at a wedding watching the couple walking down the aisle hand in hand. The only issue was that there was a major bnce between the two grooms.


    One was drop-dead gorgeous and the other was as regr as a in A4 paper. It just wasn¡¯t working for them. Yi Chen felt those boring gazes and felt very irritable. With an indignant expression, he ced his hand on Zi Han¡¯s waist and blocked their sight. What did they think they were looking at?


    One of the men almost rolled his eyes. Who among them would want his ugly duckling when they were plenty of those around? Maybe they would want his money of course, but none of them would go as far as robbing him.


    Yi Chen now understood why some women married to the noble ss would wear scarves. It¡¯s because their husbands were truly afraid of getting robbed and in the Republic, it wasn¡¯t umon for a beauty to get kidnapped. He suddenly wanted to buy a veil for his bride and prevent their covetous eyes.


    Zi Han turned to Yi Chen and whispered, ¡°Stay outside.¡±


    Yi Chen¡¯s chest tightened as he refused to let him go. Zi Han knew he wouldn¡¯t agree easily but he couldn¡¯t let Yi Chen enter. That¡¯s because he had recalled that Yi Chen had met the so-called high priest before and he would be recognised. He regretted not changing Yi Chen¡¯s face at this moment.


    Yi Chen didn¡¯t want to but he also knew Zi Han had his own reasons thus he obediently stayed behind while watching his lover go in. If Zi Han wasn¡¯t out in the next five minutes he would break in and overturn the entire temple.


    When they entered the temple Zi Han noticed a group of men standing there confusedly while a familiar little boy stood there in fright looking at all of them.


    ¡°Come on, take another look. Which of these men saved you,¡± said the man sitting on the throne.


    The boy¡¯s watery eyes dimmed his tears flowing silently. He already knew that things weren¡¯t going to end well for them but he could only scrutinise every one of those faces despite knowing that the person wasn¡¯t there.


    The boy shook his head again and whimpered while his new family was trembling in fear.


    ¡°My lord. We brought thest one,¡± said priestess Fan, and Zi Han stared at the man sitting on the throne. His heart turned cold as he gazed at this person from top to bottom.

 Chapter 465

    465 ... impulsive and daring.


    A slight quirk appeared at the corner of Yeoh Lang¡¯s lips as he stared at this man who held no respect for him, not even an ounce.


    ording to the information this man hade into the city and slept in one of their wealthy hotels. He then got into a scuffle with another man before disappearing.


    This had to be the person he was looking for. Everything about him was very suspicious.


    ¡°You must be from the edge of the because you seem not to have any respect for your king,¡± said Yeoh Lang tapping the armrest of the throne with his finger.


    Here is the thing, Zi Han could kill anyone in a matter of minutes but his acting skills weren¡¯t on par at all. He could have knelt down and pretended like he was a local citizen but he just couldn¡¯t do it.


    ¡°You might be their king but you aren¡¯t mine,¡± he said his voice as monotonous as though discussing the weather.


    Yeoh Lang clenched the armrest chair tightly but still kept a stiff smile on his face. His authority had been tantly challenged in front of everyone so yes, he was in a very bad mood.


    Priestess Fan stomped over and acted impulsively. She tried to kick the back of his knees hard and force him to kneel but before she couldy a hand on him, he grasped her neck and lifted her before mming her hard on the floor.


    When she opened her eyes they were as fierce as a Siberian tiger on the prowl but as she looked into those eyes she was suddenly in awe. There was something about this man¡¯s eyes that made her docile.


    .....


    Zi Han let her go and she scurried away. ¡°I respect what you have going on but I am not going to kneel before you. If you insist I will dly pay a fine,¡± he said but Yeoh Lang could give a rat¡¯s arse.


    He just wanted to prove that this man was the man he was looking for thus with a clenched jaw he pointed at the boy and the three people still kneeling on the ground.


    ¡°Take a good look. Is he the one who saved you,¡± he said and four pairs of eyes looked at Zi Han.


    The attitude was simr but the voice and face were different. This couldn¡¯t be the person who saved them so they shook their heads.


    ¡°Fine,¡± said Yeoh Lang but Zi Han knew this wasn¡¯t over. A man like that wouldn¡¯t give up easily.


    ¡°Gentlemen, I apologise for wasting your time. As an apology, I would like to invite you to a feast tonight right after executing these four people... You may leave,¡± he continued to say before he got up with a flick of his sleeve.


    This was of course said on purpose. He knew that the person he was looking for wasn¡¯t simple after all they were from the Federation. They had a few tricks up their sleeves hence the idea that they could change faces wasn¡¯t so far-fetched.


    They could hide their face but they couldn¡¯t hide their care for these people. If he could save them once, he could save them again. Yeoh Lang just had to wait for that moment. Let¡¯s see then if this man would still be smug.


    Zi Han appeared as calm as ever but he was seething in anger as he watched the ck robed men and women carry Nayeli, Nathan, their mother, and the little boy away.


    From this, he knew he couldn¡¯t afford to waste any more time. He turned on his heels to leave but priestess Fan blocked his path. Her expression was nk but there wereplicated emotions flickering in her eyes. She had been obsessed with pleasing Yeoh Lang for years and she purposefully studied everything to do with the royal family that was robbed from them by the federation.


    ording to the records they were said to be gods among men with mes like that of a phoenix and distinct eyes like that of a fox. With each step, they took they would leave behind a divine presence that gave hope to the hopeless.


    This person in front of them looked nothing like the recorded divine appearance but he made her feel some type of way.


    Zi Han red at her before stepping aside and walking away. When he reached outside he found that his boyfriend wasn¡¯t where he left him.


    His heart lurched as he looked around. Soon he spotted him standing at the bottom of the temple stairs and his lips that were normal before were now split.


    Zi Han felt a sense of relief wash over him as he walked over there. The first thing he asked was, ¡°What happened to your lip?¡±


    Well, what happened was that Yi Chen was still pissed off about that guy named Khalid who had the balls to touch his bae so what did he do?


    When he saw him walk away with a cloth on his throat wiping away the blood from the cut, Yi Chen followed him. As soon as they turned the corner Yi Chen beat the shit out of him.


    During the scuffle, Khalid managed tond a punch but that was it. That was game over. If he hadn¡¯t fought back he would have left that ce with a bruise or two. It was because of that that he couldn¡¯t walk for a month without the assistance of crutches. This was the perfect example of a fuck around and find out moment.


    ¡°I got into a fight. It¡¯s nothing,¡± said Yi Chen while draping his arms around Zi Han¡¯s shoulders.


    Zi Han¡¯s brows furrowed as he reprimanded him. ¡°I wasn¡¯t even gone for that long. Who did you fight with?¡± he asked and Yi Chen kissed his cheek before answering honestly,


    ¡°He touched my man and thinks he could walk away scot-free. He won¡¯t dare next time.¡±


    Zi Han, ¡°...¡±


    Is it just him or does Yi Chen seem to have gotten worse than before? He seemed more impulsive and daring.


    ¡°It looks like you are the one who got beaten instead,¡± said Zi Han with a light chuckle.


    ¡°You should see the other guy. He won¡¯t be talking for the next two days or so... so you don¡¯t have to worry.¡±

 Chapter 466

    466 ¡°Taking off my clothes...


    Zi Han facepalmed upon hearing this. He was right when he said Yi Chen seemed to be more impulsive. It was as though after taking away the constraints of being the Marshal, Yi Chen was less cautious and bing more like him.


    ¡°Shit,¡± murmured Zi Han as his steps faltered. In this rtionship, there could only be one crazy person and that person could only be him. If they were both bonkers then that wouldn¡¯t work.


    ¡°You aren¡¯t allowed to fight people impulsively ever again,¡± said Zi Han and Yi Chen nced at him from the corner of his eye with a slight quirk on his lips. It seemed like he wasn¡¯t taking what Zi Han said seriously at all.


    ¡°Where are we going now?¡± asked Yi Chen and Zi Han checked the time on his watch before responding,


    ¡°At a hotel.¡±


    When Yi Chen heard the word hotel his eyes couldn¡¯t help but nce at Zi Han¡¯s perky ass. His hands suddenly felt itchy. He wanted to squeeze it so badly but couldn¡¯t because they were in public. He bit his lower lip lightly with ascivious expression on his face like he was staring at a delicious dessert.


    Zi Han who had no idea that Yi Chen was eyeing his ass pulled his lover¡¯s hand through the busy streets.


    Meanwhile, the priestess from just now watched the two figures disappear as she stood at the door of the temple her brows scrunched up.


    She turned to the group of guards behind her andmanded, ¡°Follow them.¡±


    .....


    ¡°Yes priestess Fan,¡± they responded before running after the pair.


    She turned to get back into the temple and head straight for the high priest¡¯s office. She knocked gently and the man uttered softly, ¡°Come in.¡±


    Priestess Fan entered and found Yeoh Lang standing by the French windows looking down at the boisterous city.


    She could sense the stifling air in the room thus her steps faltered but it was toote to take a step back.


    ¡°My lord,¡± she whispered and Yeoh Lang scoffed before taking a sip of the alcohol in his ss.


    ¡°I knew this day wasing... I just didn¡¯t think he would directly deliver himself to my doorstep just like his father did. Their arrogance is an inherent thing,¡± he said having figured out what sort of rtionship that could possibly be between that disrespectful brat and Yeoh Jun lying in the run down healing capsule. The boy might change his face but the aura emanating from his body and those eyes sold him out.


    He didn¡¯t arrest him because he knew the littlemb would willingly walk into his trap. He knew that kid wouldn¡¯t let those people die. He had already gone through the trouble of saving them. When the momentes he would take advantage and make sure he reces his father in the healing capsule.


    Priestess Fan lowered her head her eyes mobile. She couldn¡¯t understand what the high priest was saying. The almighty phoenix, their saviour had died in front of them and they all witnessed it. That was after the federation abused such a precious gift from the heavens.


    At the time they grieved for a hundred days and looked forward to the reincarnation of the almighty phoenix again.


    This was the day they all had been looking forward to so shouldn¡¯t they be bowing before him and celebrating in the streets with festivities? Their saviour had reincarnated ande back to save them from their misery and pain. They could finally be ushered to newnds and begin afresh. Why did it sound like they were going to capture their saviour and imprison him instead?


    Yeoh Lang turned around and nced at her before saying, ¡°I will squeeze that disrespectful brat of all his worth and burn the federation to the ground.¡± In his anger, he tossed the ss on the ground and it shattered into pieces startling her.


    He slowly walked over to her and cupped her face while saying, ¡°Fan Fan Fan... are you listening to me. This time I won¡¯t let them go. This time I will send every beast in captivity and ruin them. I will make their prosperousnds into wastnds. I will make them barren just like our people. They will pay for everything but in order to do that... I need someone I can trust. I need you.¡±


    After saying that he kissed her lips. The touch was fleeting but her heart was pounding hard. As though bewitched, her doubts from before seemed to have vanished.


    Meanwhile, Zi Han entered the hotel room and asked Igneous to scan the room. After making sure that there weren¡¯t any hidden cameras and that the room was soundproofed, he released the tiny devices to sanitise the room.


    While he was taking out a snack to eat he turned around to check on Yi Chen who had been usually silent only to find Yi Chen almost half naked. Shocked beyond words he began to cough while asking, ¡°What are you doing?¡±


    Yi Chen¡¯s fingers that were unbuttoning his inner shirt paused as he gazed at Zi Han with a confused expression.


    ¡°Taking off my clothes,¡± he said as he took a step forward.


    Zi Han took a step back while pointing at him. ¡°Obviously I can see that you are taking off your clothes, the question is why?¡±


    Yi Chen tugged at the openpel of his inner shirt and took a step forward while saying, ¡°I thought you brought us here so I can serve you.¡±


    Zi Han, ¡°...¡±


    Talk about being impulsive and horny. What a terriblebination.


    ¡°No no, we aren¡¯t here for that. I need to show you something and who taught you to say that? What have you been watching?¡±


    Zi Han wasn¡¯t wrong. Yi Chen barely remembered anything of significance but when he got here the aunty next door liked watching reruns of romantic dramas from old earth thus he would sometimes watch them with her out of pure boredom. Now that his wife was here how could he not put into practice what he saw? So yes, he was seducing his wife.

 Chapter 467

    467 ¡°I want you,¡±


    Zi Han moved away three steps and his knees bent as he touched the edge of the bed. He sat down with a plop and Yi Chen with his half open inner shirt ced his knees on the bed while grasping both of Zi Han¡¯s wrists.


    He pressed them down on the bed with one hand and gazed into Zi Han¡¯s eyes with a soul-searching gaze.


    With his other hand, he caressed Zi Han¡¯s cheek his thumb lightly brushing Zi Han¡¯s chin. Zi Han¡¯s breathing stagnated his eyes limpid as he engrossed himself in his lover¡¯s touch and how it felt.


    Yi Chen skillfully tapped on the side of Zi Han¡¯s face near his ear and the unfamiliar face vanished in an instant. He had already seen Zi Han do it once and now knew how to do it.


    ¡°Chen-ge,¡± whispered Zi Han but Yi Chen ced his index finger on Zi Han¡¯s moist lips while saying,


    ¡°Shh... I just want to look at you... that¡¯s all.¡±


    He gently rubbed Zi Han¡¯s lips with his thumb as he further lowered his body. Zi Han¡¯s gaze fell upon Yi Chen¡¯s pectoral muscles peeking through the inner shirt and he swallowed hard seeing it.


    Yi Chen raised Zi Han¡¯s chin slightly shortening the distance between their lips to the point that Zi Han could feel his breath searing through his skin.


    ¡°I want you,¡± whispered Yi Chen and Zi Han closed his eyes leaning closer to kiss Yi Chen¡¯s lips. But before their lips could touch Igneous suddenly interrupted them.


    .....


    ¡°Sir sir, I did what you asked. After scanning the entire temple I found the eldest sir. He he is alive but his breath is weak,¡± said Igneous havingpleted searching through the intricateyout of the temple after scanning the building when Zi Han was brought there.


    Zi Han suddenly opened his eyes and sat up in disbelief. Yi Chen felt disappointed but knowing that his father inw was alive and not so far out of reach Yi Chen couldn¡¯t help but be happy. He couldn¡¯t help but want to ask for his father inw¡¯s blessing.


    Zi Han couldn¡¯t believe that Yi Chen was right. His father was still alive and because he was ill Zi Han had to do whatever it takes to get to him before it was toote. He ced his hand on the back of Yi Chen¡¯s head and pulled him close nting a fierce kiss on his lips until Yi Chen was breathless.


    When he let him go, Yi Chen¡¯s lips were slightly swollen after being sucked on hard. His heart was pounding as he touched them while leering at the culprit. When he saw Zi Han get up from the bed Yi Chen grabbed his wrist and pulled him back. He didn¡¯t say anything but Zi Han seemed to understand.


    ¡°Let¡¯s go and get pa. I promise after that I will dedicate my entire life to you. For you, I will even quit the Bloodgarde and be your stay at home wife. I will give you everything you ever wanted,¡± he said his tone serious speaking from the heart.


    Yi Chen liked what he was saying but he also didn¡¯t want Zi Han to quit the things he liked for him. He just wanted them to be happy together that¡¯s all. He didn¡¯t know what this Bloodgarde was but from his tone, it seemed like a very big deal.


    Yi Chen got up and hugged Zi Han¡¯s waist tightly before kissing his forehead. It was a lingering heartfelt kiss that touched Zi Han¡¯s soul enticing him to fall even deeper into this trap called love.


    ¡°I don¡¯t want you to give up anything. I just want to be with you... I just want us to be happy,¡± he whispered into Zi Han¡¯s ear his lips grazing his lover¡¯s skin.


    Zi Han¡¯s hands that were pressed on Yi Chen¡¯s chest clutched his cor tightly and he pulled the man down before answering, ¡°Whatever the price I will pay it if it means spending the rest of my life with you... Yi Chen, I love you.¡±


    Yi Chen stared at Zi Han his hands trembling and his heart beating like crazy. He clenched his fingers resting on Zi Han¡¯s waist lightly. His lips twitched as his adam¡¯s apple rolled. He suddenly realised that he wouldn¡¯t be able to hold back his emotions. Ever since he found himself in this strange ce he felt so alone. He feared he would never know where he came from and that his family would never find him. He feared he would be forgotten like how he had forgotten his past. His memories were as nk as a sheet of paper and as dark as the abyss.


    But in this darkness, the only light he could hold onto was that he had a wife, a wife who loved him and would go to the ends of the Milkyway for him. It was a strong feeling he had and he held onto it but now that this feeling had been validated there were no words to fully describe how happy he was.


    He bit his lower lips tightly as he averted his gaze hiding the tears in his eyes from his beloved. Zi Han was a little startled that he didn¡¯t know how to react for a minute. He was about to rub his arm infort but Yi Chen hugged him directly with his face buried in Zi Han¡¯s neck.


    asional soft whimpers escaped his throat as he tightened his arms wrapped around Zi Han¡¯s body. ¡°I love you too, babe,¡± whispered Yi Chen his tears soaking Zi Han¡¯s shoulder.


    Zi Han embraced him even tighter. The scene was so heartwarming that Igneous couldn¡¯t help but take a video of this moment. If Yi Chen dared mistreat the young sir in the future, it had evidence to use against him.


    Thereafter a beating would be justified. It wouldn¡¯t mind putting both Hydra and its master in their ce. It was even sure Chronos would back it up and they would beat the heck out of Hydra.


    Let¡¯s just say that like Chronos it also needed an excuse to beat the shit out of Hydra. Who could me it? Hydra was just like its old masters, indifferent and haughty. How annoying.

 Chapter 468

    468 ¡°Aren¡¯t you a little too horny?¡±


    After his emotions cooled Yi Chen sat on the bed while following Zi Han with his intense gaze. Zi Han was analysing the floor ns of the temple with a serious look on his face.


    Yi Chen subconsciously leaned back and halfy on the bed while biting his lower lip lightly. He had heard the phrase men are sexiest when they work and that was indeed true. He couldn¡¯t resist Zi Han¡¯s charm.


    He tugged at thepel of his clothes revealing his exquisite vicle and gorgeous pectoral muscles while lying there leisurely. The image didn¡¯t even need a caption or a hashtag because the meaning was obvious.


    Zi Han had been pinching his lower lip while finalising the details of the n when he felt that something was wrong. Yi Chen had been quiet for too long. He was a little well behaved which was unlike him.


    Zi Han turned his head ncing in that direction only to double take when he saw what Yi Chen was doing. It was obvious that he was trying to seduce him. His gaze transfixed on those mouth watering muscles for a second longer than he should.


    ¡°Aren¡¯t you a little too horny? You are like a beast in heat,¡± mocked Zi Han while looking away lest he drools. How embarrassing would that be?


    Yi Chen¡¯s forefingers trailed down his chest while staring at Zi Han with an intense gaze as though trying to make Zi Han look at him.


    ¡°How can I not be when you look like that? When I am in your presence I really can¡¯t help myself,¡± he said and Zi Han grabbed a pillow and threw it at him.


    ¡°I will get you neutered you horny bastard,¡± said Zi Han with a smile on his lips.


    .....


    Yi Chen chuckled lightly while hugging the pillow. ¡°So what¡¯s the n?¡± he asked after calming down.


    Zi Han took out a grey thumb ring with purple cracks throughout its circumference and said, ¡°Here. That¡¯s an interspatial storage. Use it.¡±


    Yi Chen caught it and studied it for a while but his attention was soon drawn toward the things Zi Han was taking out. It started off with two battle rifles, one burst-fire assault rifle, and one havoc energy rifle before escting to submachine guns, handguns, and grenades.


    ¡°This one, and this one... no not this one. I like this one... Oh, here. You can also have these daggers,¡± he said acting like a preschooler sharing their toys with their new friend.


    Yi Chen, ¡°...¡±


    No one would be able to guess that someone as cute as Zi Han would be carrying this much ammo in that small bracelet. Well, he was cute in Yi Chen¡¯s eyes but in everyone else¡¯s eyes, he looked a little intimidating especially when he had a sly grin on his face.


    ¡°I want that one,¡± said Yi Chen pointing at the outlier in Zi Han¡¯s possession. It was the only thing colorful and not just a simple colour but hot pink. It was a hot pink handgun.


    ¡°No. This one my mom gave to me for my birthday. See... it even has my name on it,¡± said Zi Han before packing it away as though afraid Yi Chen would insist. This wasn¡¯t the first time Yi Chen asked for it it¡¯s just that thest time he lent it to him this man refused to give it back.


    That big man with a hot pink handgun in his hand was quite intriguing and if he was intrigued then others will most definitely be intrigued by it as well. His man was already hot as is so why should he attract more bees by giving this?


    ¡°I won¡¯t break it,¡± said Yi Chen but Zi Han didn¡¯t agree. If he wasn¡¯t allowed to modify Hydra without permission Yi Chen would have modified Hydra and given it a pink cannon ster. That Zi Han was certain of.


    ¡°It¡¯s not about that,¡± said Zi Han while lifting his pant leg and sheathing the dagger on the strap wrapped around his ankle.


    ¡°If you have the storage thing why do you keep other weapons on your body?¡± asked Yi Chen genuinely curious.


    Zi Han suppressed a smile recalling how he fought with Yi Chen during training once and tried to ess his interspatial storage to counterattack but couldn¡¯t. Yi Chen beat him down and pressed him against the wall with a dagger in his hand. With a sly quirk, he leaned closer and licked his cheek his expression so lewd that Zi Han thought he was going to be molested right there and then.


    At that time Yi Chen whispered in his ear that if his interspatial storage failed him in battle what was he going to do? He handed the dagger to him and said that he needed backups. Now the same person was asking him why he was doing that.


    ¡°You will know when you regain your memories,¡± replied Zi Han while putting away a handgun behind his back.


    He tossed Yi Chen a small medical kit and said, ¡°Get ready. We are going to storm a temple today.¡±


    Yi Chen smirked while catching the medical kit. His blood was rushing like this is what he was good at. Despite having no memories of who he was his body seemed programmed to fight. He started to pack up but his gaze remained on Zi Han the entire time.


    He couldn¡¯t help but ask himself how he got this lucky. How many good deeds did he do in his past life to end up with someone as amazing as this person?


    ***


    As the sun hung low in the skies above Kengston city the boisterous streets had fallen into silence.


    The night market that should have been busy was empty with all the stalls closed and the doors and windows were shut like it had been deserted. But in truth, all its citizens were standing in silence at the bottom of the temple stairs awaiting the execution of four people who had been sphemous against stor f?niks.


    ording to thew, everyone was meant to be present. Failure to appear meant defiance. Even when you were on your death bed they were forced toe. Their family members would put them in a wheelbarrow and roll them to the temple. Failure to attend would result in punishment for the entire family.

 Chapter 469

    469 ¡°You kept whispering nasty things in my ear.¡±


    Mi Mi mingled in the crowd as she searched everywhere for brother Chen. She didn¡¯t know where he was but she also knew he hadn¡¯t left. He promised to let her and her father know when he left. She was a little worried that that handsome brother had influenced him to disregard thew which would undoubtedly have a negative impact on them.


    While she was searching, the temple doors opened and four people dressed in worn out white robes were pushed out with their hands tied up in front of them.


    Each of them were led to four cubes while the high priestess walked over to the podium so she could recite the script and read out their crimes.


    As her raspy voice echoed in the distance, Zi Han was crouching on a rooftop with his finger on the trigger of the handgun watching Yi Chen standing in the crowd. A slight quirk appeared at the corner of his lips when the thought of messing with Yi Chen crossed his mind.


    ¡°You look so nervous. I can smell your fear from all the way here,¡± said Zi Han and Yi Chen opened his mouth to speak but he recalled he couldn¡¯t talk now. He just lowered his head hiding the smile at the corner of his lips.


    Zi Han didn¡¯t stop there. He pulled his hair back and continued to say, ¡°You know... I like you like this. You look so hot. The things I would do to you... mmm,¡± only for Yi Chen to identally initiate the n early.


    ¡°Baby, really,¡± said Zi Han as he stood up. The crackling sounds of firecrackers exploding at people¡¯s feet tore through the air. It wasn¡¯t because he was afraid or nervous but when he heard what Zi Han said his breath stagnated and he pressed the button identally.


    Zi Han leapt off the roof after saying, ¡°I will punish you for thatter.¡±


    Yi Chen calmly walked through the chaos while replying, ¡°This really wasn¡¯t my fault. You kept whispering nasty things in my ear.¡±


    .....


    Zi Han ignored him as hended on the next roof before jumping down to the top of the temple stairs and grabbing the priestess. As he pressed the dagger on her neck he asked, ¡°You got these four?¡±


    ¡°I got them,¡± replied Yi Chen, and two secondster four shots rang out and the crowd scattered with loud screams.


    Zi Han tilted his head slightly and whispered to the priestess, ¡°I am sure you know what kind of situation you are in. Tell them to stand down or I will kill you.¡±


    Priestess Fan looked at the guards who had drawn their weapons and swallowed hard. The Republic had limited amounts of weapons and ammunition thus they rarely took out their guns. Now the situation was dire but she also knew that they wouldn¡¯t be able to stand a chance against this demigod.


    ¡°Stand down,¡± she said and Zi Han grinned like a devil here to wreak havoc.


    ¡°Walk,¡± he said and she was forced toply.


    Yi Chen cut the restraints on the four people before leading them away. Their figures disappeared in the chaotic crowd while Zi Han followed the n looking for where his father was being kept.


    As they walked down the hall heading for the elevator, priestess Fan said, ¡°You know he is waiting for you, right?¡±


    Zi Han licked the tip of his canine before responding, ¡°I know. I am ready for him.¡±


    The two entered the elevator and as soon as the door closed he ordered her to scan her biometrics before she clicked on the button without abel.


    He withdrew his handgun and tapped the side of his face. The regr Joe appearance he had before vanished leaving behind a heaven defying beauty that had priestess Fan staring to the point that her eyes were about to pop out of their sockets.


    Zi Han took out an assault rifle and tapped his index finger on the side to scan his gic code.


    ¡°You... you...,¡± she stammered but Zi Han ignored her. He noticed his bangs had grown a little too long and might obstruct him so he handed her the assault rifle which she couldn¡¯t use even if she wanted to.


    He took out a hair tie and tied his hair into a cute man bun before taking back his assault rifle.


    Zi Han rolled his shoulders back preparing himself mentally. He was about to see his father, a man he never thought he would ever see in his entire life so yes, he was quite nervous.


    ¡°You really are stor f?niks?¡± she asked her face ashen.


    Zi Han smiled at her and said, ¡°Can you hold this for me,¡± while handing her a tiny square envelope.


    ¡°What is it?¡± she asked and Zi Han just smiled at her. Two secondster there was a loud thud as she fell to the ground convulsing. The elevator door opened with a ding and Zi Han drew his weapon as he stepped out.


    ¡°Okay, Iggy. Where is he?¡± he asked and Igneous pulled up the map. Two steps in and the screen began to glitch.


    ¡°Shit,¡± swore Zi Han realising something in this ce was interfering with Igneous. He had to rely on his memory to find the ce his father was being held. After kicking a few doors Zi Han couldn¡¯t find what he was looking for. It was only after searching for ten minutes did he find that there was another secret elevator.


    Zi Han pressed the button and less than a minuteter the doors drew apart with a cloud of mist flowing out. The strong stench of poison wafted in the air. This was a trap set by Yeoh Lang but Zi Han was well versed when it came to poisons in both the Federation and the Republic. He took out an antidote to counter it and entered the elevator.


    Inside he raised his head and found a camera right above his head. With a smug smile, he flicked his middle finger and shot at it. The screen Yeoh Lang was observing went ck and the man sneered while lightly tapping the desk.


    ¡°Let the games begin,¡± he said as he got up to his feet.

 Chapter 470

    470 ¡°Wow, so cocky....


    Zi Han reached over to the biometric scan panel on the elevator doors. With a cold snort, he pressed his light brain onto the panel and a second or twoter the screen glitched like it had been infiltrated before a soft male voice followed.


    ¡°Elevator going down,¡± it said and the elevator began to move.


    Zi Han¡¯s eyes were a little red from the misty poison. He blinked his eyes a couple of times while calling out to his bae. ¡°You better being back. I can¡¯t handle this fucker by myself,¡± he said and Yi Chen who was helping the four people escape the city only heard static.


    ¡°What... ghzzzzzzzzzzht... babe ghzzzzzzzzzzht,¡± were the soundsing through themunication channel.


    ¡°Shit,¡± swore Zi Han while getting into a retention rifle sling position. The elevator doors slowly opened and through the cloud of mist, Zi Han could see the situation in the room. There were no signs of life inside as though it had been abandoned.


    There were numerous thick cables scattered on the floor. Zi Han stepped out looking over the muzzle as he jumped over the cables.


    The room was dimly lit with some of the fluorescent lights flickering. It looked like the perfect setting for a horror movie but Zi Han wasn¡¯t afraid.


    That¡¯s because he knew there weren¡¯t any ghosts but humans. Humans he could deal with but ghosts were something out of reach. He wasn¡¯t some type of exorcist or shit like that.


    Six steps in Zi Han noticed all the cables were converging and heading in the same direction. He followed the cables with his eyes and his gazended on the open door at the end of the room.


    .....


    Zi Han scanned the room one more time as he followed the cables to the other door. Just as he was about to step through the threshold his heart suddenly skipped a beat as he swallowed hard. His palms suddenly felt sweaty as he hesitated to enter. He adjusted the stock of the gun on his shoulder before exhaling lightly and walking in.


    When he entered he pointed the muzzle at the only object in the room. It was an older version of the healing capsule in the federation that was mostly found in underfunded public hospitals.


    A red light was shing rapidly meaning the person inside of it was in a critical condition. Zi Han cautiously walked over and wiped away the dust on the ss of the capsule.


    His breathing was stagnant as he saw that face, the face that made his mother happy. That same face put a smile on her face and made her cry at the same time. After all these years this man had been lying here like a mummy while his mother grieved day and night.


    ¡°Pa...,¡± he whispered subconsciously his eyes stinging. He blinked several times refusing to cry again. Today had just been so emotional that his tear ducts had dried out and it would be painful to cry.


    His finger trailed to the panel to open the healing capsule when his muscles suddenly tensed. He could sense some movement behind him. It had to be that high priest sh king trying to sneak up on him but who was he dealing with?


    Zi Han clenched his rifle and took in two breaths before spinning around and firing three shots. The man hadn¡¯t expected Zi Han to turn around thus the amount of nerve paralysing powder he tossed at Zi Han reduced but it was still enough to blind an elephant.


    Zi Han staggered a little. The antidote he took earlier was for a cocktail of poisons found in the Republic but the problem was that it took a while to counter the poison.


    He steadied himself but his already dry eyes instantly became swollen partially obstructing his vision.


    The manughed manically and swung a machete at Zi Han but Zi Han dodged and threw a kick at the man¡¯s chest. The machete flew in the opposite direction as him but the man wasn¡¯t fazed. He drew out one of the federation¡¯s standard issued weapons probably confiscated from Zi Han¡¯s father.


    Threeser beams shot out at Zi Han but Zi Han heard the sound and activated his shield blocking the attack. When the shots died down Zi Han pulled the trigger and the loud sounds of an assault rifle firing subsequent shots filled the room.


    After several rounds, the man who had pulled up an old fashioned shield disappeared into the darkness and Zi Han followed behind him.


    ¡°Here I thought you would value your father but as it turns out you don¡¯t give a shit about him,¡± said the deep voice bouncing off the walls.


    Zi Han didn¡¯t bother entertaining him with a response. He kept scanning the other room looking for any hideout positions.


    ¡°Aren¡¯t you afraid you would shoot at the cables and cut off your father¡¯s life support?¡± said the man who was crouching down and setting timers on some rather sophisticated grenades.


    Zi Han pointed the muzzle behind the crates in the room but there was no one. He clutched his assault rifle tightly before saying, ¡°I am pretty urate with my shots so I wouldn¡¯t identally shoot at the cables.¡±


    ¡°Wow, so cocky. Did you get that from your father?¡± asked Yeon Lang as he continued messing with the grenades.


    ¡°I wouldn¡¯t know. But whether I got it from my father¡¯s side or my mother¡¯s side what does that have to do with you?¡± replied Zi Han as his steps paused. He wanted to listen for the direction in which the voice wasing from so he could end him thus he stood there still.


    ¡°Oh, it does have something to do with me. As a great great great uncle, I should make up for your parents¡¯ failure to educate you. I don¡¯t mind taking on the task,¡± he said before a slight quirk appeared at the corner of his lips.


    ¡°I will educate yo-,¡± he said only for a myriad of bullets to rain on him. He lowered his head before tossing the grenades over the crates.

 Chapter 471

    471 I want him to be okay.


    Zi Han saw theming thus he shot them down and a series of explosions ripped through the air and it was felt above ground like there was an earthquake.


    Zi Han remained sturdy walking through the fire looking for the man but like a cockroach, the man had disappeared in the blink of an eye.


    Zi Han could care less about him. He was more concerned with his father thus he dashed through the cloud of dust and reached the healing capsule.


    Before he opened it he took out his medical kit while calling out to Igneous. Igneous that had been blocked just now suddenly responded. Though its operations weren¡¯t fully functional it was able to respond.


    ¡°Sir, don¡¯t open the healing capsule. It would be much more troublesome to deal with the consequences,¡± said Igneous.


    ¡°Then what do I do? I can¡¯t just leave him like this,¡± said Zi Han with a rare trace of anxiety in his voice.


    ¡°You see the medicine dispensers on the far end. Open them and connect the following medical cylinders in the prescribed order,¡± it said pulling out medical cylinders.


    Zi Han took out the T40 and T31 but he couldn¡¯t find the one marked T90. That¡¯s because his usually calm mind was extremely panicked and with good reason. The series of explosions just now caused part of the ceiling to crack and as the debris fell onto the capsule it resulted in unmentionable consequences. The light that was shing just now turned urgent with the gap in between shes virtually non-existent.


    Zi Han¡¯s hands trembled as he sifted through the medical cylinders. He was so close to saving his father but he was also afraid to mess things up. How was he meant to exin to his mother then? This fear of losing his father just as he found him grew stronger and stronger by the second.


    .....


    His ears began to ring his breathing quickening as he kept on turning over the medical kit several times. His eyes that were swollen were now itchy as the antidote was taking effect. Zi Han¡¯s anxiety level couldn¡¯t help but skyrocket at this point.


    Just as he was sinking deeper into this turmoil he heard a voice like that of an angel calling his name softly.


    ¡°Han Han.... Han Han can you hear me,¡± said the voice whispering in his ear.


    Zi Han couldn¡¯t help but spill out all his emotions at this moment. He was built to be calm in the most chaotic of situations but his current situation was the ultimate test for him.


    ¡°I can¡¯t... I can¡¯t find it. I am going to fail him. I am going to mess this up,¡± he said with the negativity spreading through themunication channel.


    ¡°Baby baby, calm down... okay? You won¡¯t mess this up. Just take a breath and think of the moment your mother sees your father. Just picture it,¡± said Yi Chen while gasping in between as he ran back to the temple.


    Zi Han¡¯s fingers paused as he nced at the medical cylinders absentmindedly. A chuckle suddenly escaped his throat before he said, ¡°She might wrestle him in the training room.¡±


    Yi Chen, ¡°...¡±


    He suddenly felt like he had it easy. What he didn¡¯t know was that it depended on the duration of disappearance. Yi Chen was only gone for a short period but Yeoh Jun was gone for more than two decades so the reaction would be totally different.


    ¡°Okay okay, I wasn¡¯t expecting that. But if you want your mother to wrestle your father then... keep calm, okay?¡± said Yi Chen and Zi Han closed his eyes taking a deep breath.


    After calming down significantly, Zi Han started to look carefully. Two minutester Zi Han held up the T90 he was looking for and heaved a sigh of relief.


    He stood up and shook off his almost numb legs. Following the instructions given by Igneous Zi Han inserted the medical cylinders into the healing capsule. The T40 and the T90 were inserted simultaneously but the release rate was different with the T90 rushing in through the tubes into the patient¡¯s bloodstream.


    The shing light suddenly slowed showing that Yeoh Jun was no longer in a critical condition. When the T31 was inserted Yeoh Jun¡¯s heart rate seemed to reduce drastically but Zi Han knew this was necessary. He anxiously stood next to the healing capsule while Yi Chen spoke to him trying to distract him.


    ¡°How is he?¡± asked Yi Chen as he ran up the stairs of the temple.


    ¡°He is okay. It¡¯s just taking longer than expected... I want him to be okay... I don¡¯t want to be here anymore. I want us to go home,¡± said Zi Han while rubbing his forehead.


    Yi Chen rushed in through the corridor while whispering, ¡°We will go home soon, okay.¡±


    Zi Han nodded his head while staring at the light unblinkingly. The light that was shing suddenly stopped and Zi Han held his breath while clenching his fist slightly.


    After two to three seconds the red light that was as frozen as the still air in the room suddenly turned green and a pleasant sound echoed in the room.


    ¡°Patient¡¯s vitals normal. Urgent medical inspection is required. Please make necessary arrangements,¡± said the calming female voice and Zi Han reached over to touch the healing capsule with his trembling hands.


    ¡°Can I open it?¡± asked Zi Han and Igneous hurriedly replied,


    ¡°Yes... sir. Please go ahead but be careful.¡±


    Zi Han tapped the panel and his gic coding was scanned before a soft click was heard. He felt his soul leave his body his entire person numb as he stared at his father lying in the healing capsule.


    ¡°Pa,¡± he whispered as he reached out to touch him.


    Meanwhile, Yi Chen was rushing towards the elevator when he was met by heavy fire. He managed to hide behind a pir and draw his weapon before returning fire.


    Zi Han had no idea that his lover was under attack and Yi Chen didn¡¯t tell him on purpose. It was because he didn¡¯t want to ruin the reunion between father and son. Besides he sincerely believed he could handle this.

 Chapter 472

    472 Family feud


    Like the opening of the gates of Valha, a bright light shone as the shield on the healing capsule opened. Zi Han reached over with his trembling hands his eyes stinging on the verge of tears. ¡°Pa,¡± he whispered as a lone tear flowed down his cheek like a weeping maiden. His emotions were clearly written on his face and could easily stir others.


    Zi Han lightly tapped the man¡¯s shoulder and whispered in a heartbreaking tone, ¡°Pa.¡±


    But his Pa didn¡¯t answer. He looked like he waspletely out of it. ¡°Pa.... dad... dad,¡± he called out again this time his tone much more urgent than before but the person remained still like he was devoid of life.


    Zi Han clenched his fingers preventing himself from shaking his father a little too hard trying to wake him up. The veins on his hand became even more prominent as he clenched tightly.


    He took a step back telling himself that his father was going to be okay over and over again.


    The still air was suddenly disturbed as the ground and walls shook. Zi Han nced at the wall and knew that something bad was about to happen. He took out another pendant and tossed it at his father.


    A mech suddenly appeared and engulfed the man lying still in the healing capsule. This at least would protect his father for a while. The tremors became even more intense and as the cracks appeared on the wall Zi Han summoned Igneous and a fist drove through the wall and struck a mech that was destroying yhe temple from the outside.


    With a powerful uppercut, the mech was struck and it fell backwards onto the open space of the town square. Igneous emerged from the cloud of dust like a mighty deity ready to deliver punishment to the wicked.


    A bright redser shot through the cloud of dust but Igneous moved to the side dodging it seamlessly. Theser struck the crumbling wall further destroying the beautiful temple.


    .....


    ¡°Hua, protect him at any cost,¡± he said and the mech that was engulfing his father shot out from the temple and flew out into the dark sky like a shooting star.


    ¡°Babe, you better get out of that temple now,¡± he said and Yi Chen who was running through the copsing temple pirs replied,


    ¡°I am leaving now. I am more worried about you.¡±


    Zi Han activated the sword and a graceful sharp long sword appeared in Igneous hand. ¡°I will let you know if I need help. Let¡¯s try to limit casualties shall we,¡± he said trying not to overthink the emotions in his heart. He was afraid that his two important people would be hurt and he wouldn¡¯t be able to do anything about it.


    He refused to use the explosive weapons in his possession because he was afraid to hurt the innocent people in this god-forsaken ce. He didn¡¯t have anything against the citizens of the Republic. In fact, he felt some kind of responsibility towards them.


    These were the offspring of the people his ancestors saved from old earth but because of the selfishness of some people, they couldn¡¯t enjoy the bliss of bing a part of the federation¡¯s prosperity.


    Their ancestors were forced to endure the hardship of the barrennds even when they didn¡¯t have to.


    Zi Han might have wanted to make sure no one outside this conflict would be affected but Yeoh Lang didn¡¯t have such consideration. He was pretty heavy handed using heavy artillery but despite throwing all his cards on the table he couldn¡¯t even touch Igneous.


    But it was because of this that Zi Han couldn¡¯t get close enough to his father¡¯s old mech and take it down. A series of missiles were shot toward Igneous and Zi Han had to take up the task to shoot them down.


    Zi Han engaged the anti missile res which spread out like fireworks around Igneous. He then engaged theser anti missile system and began to shoot them down.


    The sky that was as dark as ink lit up like the firework disy of the new years eve¡¯s celebration at Sydney harbour, beautiful and dazzling.


    Yi Chen who was evacuating the city looked up and his heart couldn¡¯t help but be anxious. He wanted to go up there and help him but he also knew that Zi Han had to do this. This could very well be described as a family conflict that could only be dealt with by him. He could only be his backup when he needed him.


    ¡°Everybody, head to the south gate,¡± he yelled but these people were like ants scattering in all directions at the first sight of rain. Yi Chen couldn¡¯t help but p his forehead with a sigh. It was like leading preschool kids to the exit in a fire drill.


    Yi Chen climbed up the tform and with a loud bang he shot a bullet into the sky instantly grabbing everyone¡¯s attention. ¡°South gate now!¡± he bellowed and the people looked at him nkly like a couple of meerkats.


    BANG!


    ¡°NOW!!¡± he yelled again after firing another shot into the night sky.


    The timid ones screamed while running in the direction of the south gate. Those who were responsible and sober enough began to lead the others in the direction of the south gate.


    Yi Chen finally sighed with relief as he saw them rushing towards the south side of the city. He stepped down from the tform and suddenly heard his name being called.


    ¡°Brother Chen! Brother Chen!... Ah, brother... brother Chen,¡± called out Mi Mi while tugging her father along.


    Yi Chen didn¡¯t feel like this was a good ce to chit chat thus his voice carried some traces of impatience.


    ¡°Head to the south gate,¡± he said and Mi Mi couldn¡¯t help but pull the corner of the sleeve of his cloak.


    ¡°Aren¡¯t youing?¡± she asked but Yi Chen pulled away his sleeve and said,


    ¡°Run now before it¡¯s toote.¡±

 Chapter 473

    473 ... Busy flirting with your mistress


    Mi Mi was very reluctant. She didn¡¯t want Yi Chen to get hurt thus she pulled him along so they could leave the city.


    Her watery eyes reflected the bright lights of the res in the night sky as she broke down in tears. A loud whistling sound followed before an explosive force struck the nearby roof sending both people and debris flying in all directions.


    Yi Chen shielded the father and daughter pair from the explosion. As soon as the environment calmed down his voice came through the cloud of dust. ¡°GO!¡± he yelled and the old man pulled his daughter away ignoring her struggles and cries.


    ¡°Aiyo, while the wife is fighting you are busy flirting with your mistress. My heart is fuckin bleeding,¡± said Zi Han as another explosion ripped through the air.


    Yi Chen disregarded everything else he said catching on to one word. He chuckled like a silly idiot and Zi Han was almost livid. He couldn¡¯t help but wonder if Yi Chen had broken his brain, well, more than it was already broken.


    ¡°What? Did you get hit in the head?¡± asked Zi Han only for Yi Chen to look up and say,


    ¡°You acknowledged it. You are my wife.¡±


    Zi Han, ¡°...¡±


    ¡°You are full of shit,¡± said Zi Han but he was smiling from ear to ear and his tense nerves had rxed.


    .....


    Because the ying field wasn¡¯t levelled Zi Han found himself struggling to restrain this little short mech which was incredibly embarrassing.


    ¡°Iggy, you are one of the three cmities so howe you can¡¯t even think of a way to take this little mech down,¡± he said voicing hisint.


    If Igneous had a face it would show aplicated expression. ¡°This right here is the eldest¡¯s sir¡¯s design. He was trying to impress a certain someone that is before I was granted to him thus he packed a lot of heavy artillery in that tiny thing and bragged that it could go against all three cmitiesbined. Who would have thought your mother smiled at the eldest sir once and that mech was ttened like a pancake? She also said that he shoulde back to her with a bigger challenge. After that, the eldest sir upgraded this little beast over and over again. In the end, he begged the emperor to grant him me, all to get your mother,¡± exined Igneous. Now, this exined why the fire power was so heavy.


    ¡°Ugh, really. All to get a girl. Now I am fuckin paying for it,¡± he said and Yi Chen who overheard it all said,


    ¡°I will do the same to get you.¡±


    Zi Han, ¡°...¡±


    Okay, this man knew how to tug his heartstrings. He needed to finish this matter off so he could hurriedly reward his man who had such a sweet tongue. Before his mind could sway deeper into this direction a series of explosions ripped through the sky almost shaking the entire city.


    The run-down buildings were immediately set alight and the thick smoke rose to the sky choking whoever inhaled it.


    Yi Chen saw the situation was bad thus he summoned the mech Zi Han gave him and flew towards the tall bell tower that was about to fall on the citizens screaming in terror.


    Yi Chen had no idea what he was doing but it seemed the mech was intelligent enough to make up for it. When the mech reached the tower it held it back letting the people run. Suddenly a bright cute face appeared on the screen of the mech and shouted, ¡°Sir!¡±


    Yi Chen¡¯s brows furrowed as he stared at this thing. He had heard Zi Han talking to something unseen before but he didn¡¯t think there was one in this mech.


    Seeing that Yi Chen didn¡¯t even react to it or have the joys of reunion, Ran was aggrieved. It seemed their rtionship was nothing more than this.


    ¡°It¡¯s me... sir. Its Ran. Have you forgotten me,¡± it said putting on an sad expression?


    Yi Chen couldn¡¯t help but answer coldly, ¡°I only remember my wife.¡±


    Ran, ¡°QAQ!¡±


    How ruthless.


    Zi Han was getting really tired of this thus when Yi Chen tossed the burning tower on the ground, Zi Han asked, ¡°I am getting pretty tired of this bullshit. Tell me all the people are far enough. I really want to smoke this troublesome thing.¡±


    Yi Chen nced around before saying, ¡°You have the green light. Just move the fight over to the north.¡±


    Zi Han smiled slyly before saying, ¡°Finally!¡± After saying this he didn¡¯t take any mercy on this troublesome mech.


    Hit after hit the mech that was showing its prowl just now couldn¡¯t even fight back. It was clearly snared in the trap and couldn¡¯t recover.


    After enduring heavy firepower the man in the mech suddenly couldn¡¯t take it anymore and spoke up. ¡°You see this... this is what the federation does. You bully people and don¡¯t even care about innocent civilians¡¯ lives,¡± he said and Zi Han was so annoyed.


    ¡°Shameless,¡± he said in an icy tone that could chill one¡¯s bones.


    Zi Han was about to end it all when the mech that was wreaking havoc just now froze mid air.


    Yeoh Lang¡¯s eyes widened as he pressed the buttons on the console in a panic. ¡°Work damnit,¡± he said through gritted teeth but nothing happened. He had managed to force Yeoh Jun to give him full control of the mech thus it didn¡¯t matter that he didn¡¯t have any mental power.


    Now all of a sudden his light show was cut short and he lost control of the mech. ¡°Xixi junior... stand down,¡± said a weak hoarse voice that hadn¡¯t spoken for more than two decades.


    Everyone in this channel suddenly fell silent with Zi Han¡¯s entire body tense from head to toe.


    He clenched his fist slightly as he parted his lips to speak but his father spoke again.


    ¡°Why am I here? Ah, my head fuckin hurts,¡± he said while trying to figure out which mech he was in.


    ¡°Pa...,¡± whispered Zi Han and Yeoh Jun froze before denying this ck pot that was being put over his head.


    ¡°Uh, kid. I am not your father. Don¡¯t go around calling me that. My wife will kill me,¡± he said still thinking that his only child was in XiXi¡¯s belly so why would there be a grown man calling him father?


    Zi Han who had been denied by his father was more concerned about the mech¡¯s name. Who names a mech Xixi junior? This man named his mech after his (Zi Han¡¯s) mother. He suddenly wanted to hear the story behind that.

 Chapter 474

    474 Xixi Junior


    ¡°Xixi junior?... How on earth did thate about?¡± asked Zi Han with Igneous hovering within the cloud of dust and ck smoke.


    Yeoh Jun who was really out of it couldn¡¯t help but press his forehead his eyes seeing doubles.


    ¡°Kid... shouldn¡¯t you be introducing yourself first before asking me personal questions?¡± he said and Zi Han was as deted as an airless balloon. This was in no way the reunion he had in mind. He chuckled lowly before saying,


    ¡°My name is Zi Han.¡±


    Yeoh Jun¡¯s body stiffened as he tilted his head slightly and asked, ¡°Which Zi and which Han?¡±


    Zi Han couldn¡¯t help butugh out loud. This melodious sound was warm enough to stir Yeoh Jun¡¯s heart. It sort of gave him a sense of familiarity.


    There was one other person whoughed like that, especially when mocking him and that was his gorgeous wife.


    ¡°Are you Xixi¡¯s brother?... Well, that¡¯s not right. She doesn¡¯t have a brother. Wait, how long have I been out of it?¡±


    Yi Chen who was starting to have a headache from all of this couldn¡¯t help but interject. ¡°Um babe, aren¡¯t you going to tell him?¡±


    .....


    ¡°Give him a minute. He will figure it out... eventually,¡± said Zi Han.


    ¡°Gay couple. That¡¯s cool,¡± blurted out Yeoh Jun after being staffed with dog food for no apparent reason.


    While he was saying that Yeoh Lang finally figured out how to escape the cockpit. While this pair were distracted in their weird family reunion, the cockpit opened, and with no fear of death, he jumped out of the mech.


    Xixi junior issued an alert and Yeoh Jun who had been trying to figure out why this kid was so familiar snapped out of it and yelled, ¡°He is getting away.¡±


    ¡°I got him,¡± replied Yi Chen his mech running across the burning buildings to where Yeoh Lang had escaped.


    Out of habit, Zi Han couldn¡¯t help but blurt out, ¡°Be careful,¡± before descending to the ground.


    ¡°Oh so you two are just going to leave me here, is that it?... Okay. Don¡¯t mind me. I will just be dealing with this hangover,¡± said Yeoh Jun but even he knew it wasn¡¯t a hangover. It was more than that. He decided to get his water filled brain in order while contacting his wife.


    Meanwhile, Yi Chen was searching through the rubble looking for the high priest sh king who had scurried into the dark corner like a cockroach.


    ¡°Where the hell did he go?¡± asked Yi Chen with a hint of urgency in his tone.


    Igneousnded on the ground and with his arms crossed Zi Han replied, ¡°Babe, use your thermal sensors. He is most likely ten feet to your left.¡± This he found amusing. The dearest Marshal of the Onyx Federation inteary defense force had been reduced to a trainee. Now he felt like hazing him.


    ¡°Oh... babe, why do I feel like you are making fun of me?¡± asked Yi Chen, and Zi Han couldn¡¯t help but chuckle while Igneous shrunk in size.


    ¡°I deny that usation. When have I ever made fun of you? I don¡¯t make fun of anyone,¡± he said and Yi Chen paused his steps while looking at him with an ¡®are you serious¡¯ type of look on his face.


    ¡°You just did it to your dad and now me,¡± he said his tone aggrieved like he had been wronged. He was ready to y that emotional card but his lover wasn¡¯t taking the bait.


    Zi Han patted his shoulder before walking past him. ¡°You are overthinking it. I would never do that to you,¡± he said only for Yeoh Jun who was forced to listen to this conversation interrupt.


    ¡°I am sorry, I really don¡¯t mean to eavesdrop but are you really my son?¡± asked Yeoh Jun feeling rather skeptical. His son was a tiny bun baking in his wife¡¯s oven unless.....


    ¡°Oh shit!¡± he eximed having figured it out.


    ¡°Uh, there he is,¡± said Zi Han while running through the rubble of the half copsed temple.


    ¡°How the fuck was I asleep for two decades? Oh fudge, she is going to be so pissed off. Where is your mother? Can I call her... Argh calling her won¡¯t work. Will flowers work or maybe I should buy her a new mech? Or or maybe a new rifle.... I am screwed,¡± he said descending into a major panic. He even overlooked the fact that he had just met his mini me who was already a full grown adult and in a rtionship already.


    ¡°Will he be okay?¡± asked Yi Chen following behind Zi Han.


    Recalling how his mother grieved over his father for decades, Zi Han knew that she would never make it easy on him. She couldn¡¯t wait to grill him the moment he stepped into her sight. What could he say when that was the dynamics of their rtionship?


    ¡°He is not going to be okay... at all. Let it sink in. It¡¯s part of the process,¡± he replied recalling the one time he got her so mad that it took a lot of coaxing.


    ¡°I really have it easy, don¡¯t I,¡± said Yi Chen with a smile on his face.


    Zi Han, ¡°...¡±


    ¡°You head east and I head west. We will cut him off both sides. I think I know where he is heading,¡± said Zi Han before vanishing on the spot.


    Yi Chen, ¡°...¡±


    Now it was his turn to be stunned. His baby was incredibly skilled.


    ***


    ¡°Where is it? Damn it, I thought I dropped it here,¡± whispered Yeoh Lang frantically searching for something. He had a n to deal with Yeoh Jun and his offspring, a n that would keep them obedient but he identally broke the one he had when he fell out of the useless mech.


    The other vials were in the temple but now that it was partially destroyed finding it was proving to be rather difficult.

 Chapter 475

    475 Unexpected failure


    Completely disregarding the stability of the temple he began to search through the ce frantically. His workspace had been destroyed but some of his things were still intact.


    After spinning around like a top looking for it he finally caught a glimpse of the metal box he was looking for under the workbench.


    His panicked eyes brightened as he rushed over but before he could even touch it three shots rang each striking the metal box.


    The dented box was pushed underneath the debris from the copsed wall. He wanted to grab it again but Zi Han wouldn¡¯t give him the opportunity.


    As though paying him back for what happened earlier, ZI Han was extremely ruthless bringing in the heat.


    The man dodged before scurrying away using the furniture and broken walls in the room as a refuge. Just when he thought he could keep this up a little longer, Yi Chen appeared with an assault rifle and pulled the trigger.


    ¡°Shit,¡± he murmured as he got up to run. The rain of bullets followed him. Just when he thought he was going to die here the shots suddenly stopped.


    It was because someone had thrown a rock at Yi Chen but a force suddenly stopped it mid air before the rock disintegrated.


    When he turned around he found priestess Fan holding a handgun while yelling at him.


    .....


    ¡°Leave him alone... He is our hope. If you kill him... you kill us all,¡± she said through gritted teeth.


    What hope woman, he is the one willing to sacrifice every one of you to achieve his purpose?


    ¡°How else will stor f?niks help us if he is dead? The federation had robbed us once and I won¡¯t let that happen again,¡± she said and Yi Chen was amazed by her stupidity.


    ¡°Who in the hell is stor f?niks?¡± he asked almost subconsciously.


    Priestess Fan¡¯s eyes widened as though asking ¡®how the fuck don¡¯t you know¡¯. She tightened the grip on her handgun and said in a condescending tone, ¡°The man you are with. He is our savior. But the Federation brainwashed him and he doesn¡¯t even recognise his own people.¡±


    Yi Chen, ¡°...¡±


    ¡°Have you tried smiling nicely and asking please?¡± he said fully aware of Zi Han¡¯s personality. Ever since this conflict started Zi Han had these people in his mind more than he did. He refused to use heavy firepower unless everyone had been evacuated. He cared more than their high priest did. The man was consumed by deep resentment and hatred that he was willing to sacrifice anyone for his true purpose.


    ¡°What does that even mean argh..,¡± she grimaced at the end of that sentence because Yi Chen had shot her firearm out of her hand.


    Yi Chen picked it up and said, ¡°This is yourst chance. Stay out of this,¡± before rushing back into the temple.


    Meanwhile, Zi Han had been engaged in heavy conflict with Yeoh Lang who was extremely troublesome to deal with. He was pretty good at hiding in dark corners which was further infuriating Zi Han. Unable to stand this annoyance any longer, Zi Han directly engaged his mental power.


    His eyes turned crimson as he strode in Yeoh Lang¡¯s direction. A misty cloud of red surrounded his body as a rarely seen phoenix took shape above his head.


    ¡°You lot are arrogant and stubborn...,¡± said Yeoh Lang his voice echoing in therge room that was on the verge of crumbling. Each time he spoke debris fell from the ceiling that was holding this ce together.


    ¡°It is because of his arrogance that I imprisoned your father for so long and it is also for your arrogance that I will defeat you. I will do to you what I did to him... and you will watch the Federation burn because of your own making,¡± he said but Zi Han who was tired of all this nonsense couldn¡¯t help but put him in his ce.


    The atmosphere took a drastic turn as a deadly aura broke through the barrier and swept past every object in this ce disintegrating it all to dust.


    Yeoh Lang suddenly felt like his chest was being seared from within and scorched to a crisp. As his body was thrown across the room he tossed the vile towards Zi Han and as expected it shattered to pieces and vaporised.


    Its unfortunate victim inhaled it and it didn¡¯t take long before his mental power retreated his eyes returning to normal. The prestigious ming bird vanished leaving behind a perplexed Zi Han.


    His brows creased slightly as he took a step back. He felt a sudden chill spread all over his body with the only warmthing from right below his nose.


    He raised his trembling hand from the chill and touched his nose only to find a blood stain at the tip of his finger.


    Zi Han wanted to find a capsule in his interspatial storage to provide a sense of relief but his limbs were getting frozen stiff and he could barely stand.


    The man who had been hauled across the room coughed up a mouthful of blood as he half sat up. When he saw Zi Han¡¯s current state he began tough until he choked. All his internal organs felt like they had been raptured but he stillughed. He couldn¡¯t help it. After years of devising this n, it finally worked. He had been through it all, from one failure to the next, and today he was finally victorious.


    He struggled to get up while gloating, ¡°You don¡¯t know... how *cough ...how long I have been waiting for this day. I have been to hell and back.... all for this moment. I used your father as a test subject perfecting this form and because it is gically specific...¡±


    He paused as he walked over toward Zi Han who had copsed on the floor while clutching his chest. He crouched down before him and gazed at his listless eyes.


    ¡°... it wouldn¡¯t fail. I win... bitch.¡±


    It was a moment worth celebrating indeed but the problem was that he didn¡¯t count on the variable. The variable that brought his perfect n to its inevitable end.

 Chapter 476

    476 ¡°Iggy, is that you,¡±


    Yeoh Jun could sense from his rampant mental power that something was wrong but when he tried to operate this mech the connection couldn¡¯t be established. This meant he was too weak. He was so anxious that he called out, ¡°You inw, go get my son. If anything happens to him I will personally hold you responsible.¡±


    ¡°I got it,¡± replied Yi Chen while running through the copsing passageway.


    His rage and anxiety were clearly written on his face as he dashed over to him. A dazzling blue ck light shone around him as his mental power surged like a volcano after being repressed for a long time. His speed was unlike anything in the Republic thus Yeoh Lang didn¡¯t see iting.


    With a loud bang the man¡¯s body was once again shoved and this time he directly fell through the wall bashing his head before passing out cold.


    Yi Chen rushed over to Zi Han and pulled him into his arms in a hurried panic. At the moment he really didn¡¯t know what to do. It was because of that that an inexplicable fear rose within him.


    ¡°What do I do?¡± he whispered while caressing Zi Han¡¯s cheek with his thumb wiping away the lone tear on his striking face.


    Igneous knew that at this point and time, it had to do something thus it began to give instructions almost immediately.


    ¡°Marshal, you need to ce him in the healing capsule,¡± it said and Yi Chen picked him up in a haste. In ten steps Yi Chen was already at the healing capsule that was still operational despite suffering some damage.


    Yi Chen carefullyy him down and Igneous connected to the healing capsule taking control of its software. After running a quick diagnostic it gave him the instructions.


    .....


    Just like what Zi Han went through saving his father, Yi Chen went through the same thing as well. He had to find severalbelled medical cylinders that he couldn¡¯t understand their purpose.


    The healing capsule closed and the fluid flowed in the thin pipeline like an IV fluid. As the fluid disappeared into Zi Han¡¯s body his fingers that were stiff jerked a little.


    Yi Chen who was holding his heart in his hands suddenly pursed his lips with his fingers pressed on the ss.


    ¡°Please be okay... Baby, please be okay,¡± he whispered his voice tremulous.


    ¡°How is he doing? Is it working?¡± asked Yeoh Jun the anxiety in his voice clear.


    ¡°I... I don¡¯t know,¡± he whispered before Igneous reassured them both,


    ¡°There is no need to worry. The young sir will be fine. I will continue monitoring his vitals.¡±


    The three fell silent for a while as the weight was lifted from their shoulders. After digesting the information and heaving a sigh of relief, Yeoh Jun suddenly realized something.


    ¡°Iggy, is that you?¡±


    Igneous, ¡°...¡±


    Could somebody please tell this father and son pair that it hated this name so much? It made it sound like a cute AI system like those Hello kitty vending machines.


    ¡°Yes, it¡¯s me, sir,¡± he replied and Yeoh Jun who had been stressing just nowughed happily hearing from his old friend.


    ¡°Help me get this mech moving. It¡¯s not obeying mymands,¡± he said and Igneous obliged him.


    The mech that hovered above the sky just now obediently lowered and shrunk in size fitting his limbs like a glove. It could let him go because his body was still so weak.


    He slowlynded on the ground in front of the broken down building. He strode in as the headgear of the mech disintegrated.


    In front of him was a young man standing by the healing capsule while staring at his son through the ss with an anxious look in his eyes.


    The young man was so absorbed that he didn¡¯t even lift his head to look at him. His red rimmed eyes remained transfixed on the person lying in the healing capsule. This allowed Yeoh Jun to observe him for a while. He remembered Igneous had called him Marshal before but wasn¡¯t he a little too young to be Marshal Yi?


    His face was almost an exact copy of Marshal Yi with the only difference being his youthfulness and his temperament.


    Yeoh Jun¡¯s brow arched finding this amusing. His son had hooked the former Marshal¡¯s son to the point that he was like a love sick puppy. This wasn¡¯t to mock him, in fact, he felt like they were on the same boat.


    This young man was the exact same as how he was with his wife. The first time he saw her his entire world exploded. He found himself unable to sleep because each time he closed his eyes he would see her faceing closer to him calling him husband. With that kind of stimtion, how could he remain sane?


    He decided to pursue her then but damn, that woman was not only crazy but she didn¡¯t even put him into her eyes. It was as though he was invisible. Since retreating wasn¡¯t an option he went the shameless route and boy was he shameless.


    He was shameless to the point that his father had to discipline him. His behaviour was unbing of the future Emperor of Onyx Federation. The moment he got her he lost himselfpletely.


    This young man was definitely the same with his son. He stretched out his hand covered with the cold mech metal. ¡°You must be the Marshal¡¯s son? I am prince Jun... since we are family you can call me dad,¡± he said.


    Yi Chen finally came out of his stupor but he didn¡¯t shake his hand. Instead, he took a step back and chose to kowtow to him. He had no idea why he felt that he would bemitting a great sin if he didn¡¯t.


    Yeoh Jun grabbed his elbow with a slight quirk at the corner of his lips and pulled him up. ¡°No need for that. We are family, aren¡¯t we?¡± he said but it was Igneous who replied.


    ¡°Nope, they aren¡¯t married yet.¡±


    Yeoh Jun creased his brow slightly. He nced at his son before reprimanding Yi Chen, ¡°What are you dissatisfied with? He is a fine young man... well, I am assuming that my wife raised a good person so why not tie the knot?¡±


    Yi Chen who had no clue, ¡°....¡±

 Chapter 477

    477 Igneous snitching on everybody


    He also thought he was the type to marry the moment their rtionship was established but it turns out not. He had plucked cabbage leaves from other people¡¯s garden but didn¡¯t take responsibility.


    Igneous who was in the mood to snitch said, ¡°It¡¯s not the Marshal¡¯s fault. It¡¯s the former Marshal... and the young sir was forced to dump him.¡± Today it was going to tattle on everybody. Even Miss Zi was also included on that list. Whoever interfered with the young sir¡¯s love life was going to be named.


    Hearing this Yi Chen¡¯s face have turned ugly. He didn¡¯t even put to mind the title Marshal. All he heard was the word dumped. Did Zi Han dump him? There was no way he would let that happen.


    ¡°That ungrateful bastard. What? Does your father think my son isn¡¯t good enough for you?...¡± he asked with steam almosting out of his ears seething in anger.


    ¡°Yes and he was also afraid the delicate bnce of power in the federation would be tipped if they got together,¡± said Igneous.


    Yeoh Jun¡¯s reaction spoke volumes. He kicked debris on the floor till it crashed into the wall and shattered to bits before saying,


    ¡°Is this why I gave up power?... as long as they left my family alone I wouldn¡¯t interfere yet they bullied little Han Han while I was gone?... And you, why are you answering for him? Doesn¡¯t he have a voice?¡±


    ¡°Uh... sir... he lost his memories. The only thing he remembers is that he had a wife. He found himself here because he was looking for you,¡± replied Igneous almost shivering in fright. It forgot how terrifying Yeoh Jun was when someone touched his bottom line and his bottom line was Zi Xingxi and Zi Han.


    ¡°It¡¯s all that bastard¡¯s fault. Go drag him here for me. I have a score to settle with him,¡± he said and Yi Chen hesitated for a while.


    .....


    Sensing his reluctance to leave Zi Han, Yeoh Jun pushed his almost silver hair back and said, ¡°I will watch him.¡±


    Yi Chen nodded his head and left inrge strides. Hearing what the man said he couldn¡¯t feel at ease. He feared that Zi Han¡¯s father would take his wife away so he had to hurry.


    While he was gone, Yeoh Jun took a closer look at his son and his chest tightened. All the things he had been looking forward to had been robbed from him.


    The first smile while his tiny hand wrapped around his finger, his first dada, his first steps... all of it was robbed. He didn¡¯t get to take his son to daycare while holding his little hand. He didn¡¯t get to be that one parent in the audience dancing the rehearsed steps along with his son on stage.


    He didn¡¯t get to hear about his son¡¯s first crush or defend him after his first fight. Heck, he didn¡¯t even get to deal with his son¡¯s grumpy teenage phase. They took it all from him out of their own selfishness.Yeoh Jun clenched his jaw tightly suppressing the raging beast within.


    ¡°I am sorry,¡± he whispered with his palm pressing on the ss, ¡°Pa, is very sorry.¡±


    Meanwhile, Yi Chen had found the culprit. He was trying to crawl out of the rubble with a trail of blood from hiscerated leg.


    Yi Chen stared at him with a look of disgust in his eyes. From the strong and brutal pressure in the air he knew someone was behind him but he didn¡¯t care. He kept crawling away dragging himself out of the debris.


    ¡°Where do you think you are going?¡± asked Yi Chen but apart from pained breathing and grunts there wasn¡¯t any response.


    Yi Chen sneered before walking over and grabbing his arm. Yeoh Lang suddenly put up some resistance drawing an old fashioned pistol. Before he could even aim it at Yi Chen it was knocked out of his hand and Yi Chen confiscated it. ¡°Nice try but you are no match for me,¡± said Yi Chen as he twisted Yeoh Lang¡¯s arm behind his back and grabbed his hair pulling his head back.


    Yeoh Lang red at him with blood seeping down his face from a forehead injury. He looked like he had survived a bloody battle in the trenches but in truth, his broken body was all a result of one throw by this madman.


    Gnashing his teeth in anger he swore, ¡°Fuck you.¡±


    Yi Chen arched his brow and said, ¡°Still so spirited... that¡¯s good. I can¡¯t wait to fucking break you.¡±


    Yeoh Lang tried to struggle but finding it useless he spat on Yi Chen¡¯s face.


    Yi Chen managed to dodge but the disgust overwhelmed him so much that he couldn¡¯t help but give Yeoh Lang a hard p that he so stars as he tumbled to the ground.


    That p was no joke considering this person had an SS rank mental power. The only reason why he was still breathing was because Yi Chen permitted it.


    Yi Chen dragged him back by his hair before mming him hard on the ground. Because of his nature, he couldn¡¯t stand the disgust so much so that he kicked him several times in retaliation, and from the looks of it he didn¡¯t restrain himself. He kicked hard on Yeoh Lang¡¯s head and the broken leg venting it all out.


    Four kicks in and he pushed back the strands of hair blocking his eyes before taking a step away.


    ¡°Feel better now?¡± asked Yeoh Jun and Yi Chen nodded his head. He felt a whole lot better though in truth he wanted to strangle this person to death.


    Yeoh Lang cried out in anguish barely moving but none of them gave him the time of day. He knew what awaited him but his hatred made him want to fight. He red at the two of them with his blood filled eyes like a fiend stalking its prey.


    He was about to curse at them once more when he heard the sound of priestess Fan¡¯s voice. She had brought the people back telling them that their saviour had been found and if they wanted their lives to change for the better they would have to express their grievances to him before the federation took him away.


    After that, the entire city came back and now they stood atop the rubble of the temple staring at the three men with different expressions on their faces.


    She had decided to follow that man¡¯s advice earlier and ask instead of plunder. She sincerely hoped he would take pity on them and help them.

 Chapter 478

    478 This is sphemy


    Yeoh Jun turned his gaze to the hordes of people standing on top of the chunks of bricks and concrete looking in their direction. Some were upset, some had pitiful expressions while others had expressions of reverie.


    His memory was still fuzzy but he strangely recalled being in the healing capsule outside this temple with so many desperate pairs of eyes staring at him.


    At that time Yeoh Lang made a ritualistic speech and the people bowed as though worshipping him making him feel very ill at ease.


    At that time Yeoh Lang didn¡¯t know that this healing capsule was keeping him alive after being badly injured thus when he opened it, Yeoh Jun¡¯s health declined sharply, especially because of the extremely polluted air of the Republic.


    The moment that shield was opened his body broke down and he copsed on the brink of death. He should have died at the top of those temple stairs and that¡¯s what he thought.


    He thought he was dead. How couldn¡¯t he? Despite this thought, he still had vague dreams of opening portals andmanding monsters to attack the federation. He also dreamt of talking to his son twice though his memory was vague.


    He also remembered this inexplicable rage arising in him when he dreamt of his son almost dying at the hands of the madman Yeoh Lang thus he retaliated by intentionally severing his mental power preventing him from doing any space jumps. This was a self destructive thing to do but for the sake of his son, he was willing to sacrifice himself.


    All the while he honestly thought he was a drifting soul that was being controlled by someone in dreams. If it sounds like it didn¡¯t make sense, it was because it didn¡¯t. It was hard for him to exin.


    Now, these people were standing in front of him again staring at him intently. ¡°Are you here to plead for him?¡± asked Yeoh Jun his voice bouncing off the broken walls carrying with it a strong pressure assaulting them all with great brutality.


    .....


    Priestess Fan felt her legs weak at the knees and she didn¡¯t fight it. She went down to her knees as they did in the temple while begging stor f?niks for family and life blessings.


    As her knees hit the ground priestess Fan finally realised something. The man they had thought died was now standing before them. This wasn¡¯t the same as the young man she saw before though the eyes were simr.


    Her mind began to spin her cold lips trembling. Wasn¡¯t this person dead? Didn¡¯t he die before them and his memorial tablet was ced in the temple where they burnt incense? Her pupils quivered as she gazed at the man.


    Did Yeoh Lang lie? Did he lie to them for all these years but kept the man in his secret workspace in the basement?


    Her heart which had long grown fond of him suddenly chilled as she nced at the man struggling to sit up leaning his back against the wall.


    He looked in her direction and when their eyes met she hurriedly lowered her head. She couldn¡¯t bring herself to look at him. She looked down her body trembling.


    ¡°How can we trust someone who we don¡¯t even know? He is an imposter. This is sphemy,¡± said one of the nobles trying to save the high priest who looked like he was in a very miserable state. It¡¯s not that he wanted to save him out of loyalty but that he wanted to save him out of selfish reasons.


    If these so called greener pastures happened then there won¡¯t be any way to exploit money out of these people. If everyone was prosperous then what would be left for them to make money? Thinking of this the nobles who didn¡¯t want to lose their statuses and environmental advantages chose to back the high priest.


    ¡°You destroyed all our homes. Our livelihoods so why should we kneel down and beg him?¡± shouted another.


    ¡°You wanted to kill us all. We lived peacefully and granted our environment wasn¡¯t good but we had adapted. Yet you came here and bullied us. How much blood was shed for no reason?¡± shouted someone at the back and more dissatisfied shouts echoed followed by curses.


    Yeoh Jun clenched his fist and took a step forward resisting the urge toy all of them to waste. He wasn¡¯t exactly a patient man especially when it came to strangers. Now he was already in a bad mood and these people added fuel to the raging fire.


    ¡°No wonder our ancestors chose to leave. You are stubborn and brainless, a lost cause. My son tried to save all of you. It was your high priest who used heavy artillery first and he didn¡¯t even care whether the city was still upied or not. You have eyes but you can¡¯t even use them. I might as well gouge them out!¡± he yelled tired of their BS.


    He couldn¡¯t help it. The sacrifices his son went through for them weren¡¯t seen at all. Instead, their focus was on their selfish desires and blind hatred. Yeoh Jun had forgotten that these people had been brainwashed from generation to generation.


    Hearing this, several people were dissatisfied and walked forward intending to vent their anger but before they could reach him Yeoh Lang who was silent just nowughed with a hint of cynicism but it soon turned to a painedugh followed by screams of agony.


    The nobleman who spoke earlier saw that priestess Fan remained kneeling on the ground thus he pushed her while yelling, ¡°Don¡¯t you see he needs help? Aren¡¯t you his right hand man? Help him.¡±


    Priestess Fan clenched her jaw and didn¡¯t move. She didn¡¯t dare to. They didn¡¯t see it but she saw it all now. As though to affirm her conjecture, Yeoh Lang opened his mouth and the words weren¡¯t pleasant.


    ¡°I. Can¡¯t. Kill you... ugh... but some... something else can hahaha *cough *cough,¡± he said and priestess Fan raised her head in shock.


    ¡°No!¡± she yelled but it was toote.

 Chapter 479

    479 ¡°It¡¯s dad, dad not sir.....


    Yeoh Lang pressed a button on the pendant he was wearing andughed sinisterly as he rested his head back on the wall.


    Before Yeoh Jun could figure out what was happening the ground began to shake. The beasts that were lying dormant waiting for this moment were woken up as the hangar doors opened. Their bright red eyes glowed in the inky darkness like devils crawling out of hell after the rupture. Loud snarls and growls followed as the earth trembled.


    Yi Chen grabbed Yeoh Lang by his hair and asked, ¡°What did you do?¡±


    Yeoh Jun who suddenly recalled the terrifying creatures in his dream immediately bellowed, ¡°Everyone run.¡±


    Screams of fear ripped through the air as the people ran back to the south gate again but who would have thought that the creatures woulde from there? They were from the silo-like buildings built outside the city by the high priest. He built this to breed beast that could take down the federation. The entire city approved of this project and taxes were increased for a while to support it. Now the high priest had used this very project to kill them all.


    The crowd began to run in the opposite direction with some choosing to hide while others didn¡¯t stop running for their lives.


    ¡°Hey, Yi kid. Take him away from here. Get him in a mech and make sure he is above the ground as much as possible,¡± said Yeoh Jun while his words were more of amand than a request.


    Yi Chen didn¡¯t think it was a good idea thus he said, ¡°Sir you haven¡¯t recovered yet. I think you should take him and I will take care of things here.¡±


    ¡°He needs you more than he needs me now go,¡± he said as the mech on his body returned to the pendant. Losing the support of the mech his body staggered but Igneous suddenly enveloped him and kept him steady.


    .....


    Yi Chen wanted to say something else but Yeoh Jun had already left.


    ¡°Shit,¡± swore Yi Chen as he rushed over to the healing capsule. He hastily opened it and carried Zi Han out. His lover was still out of it but his vitals had stabilised.


    He put the pendant around Zi Han¡¯s neck and the mech reappeared cocooning him. The two of them flew up in the air away from the chaos but Yi Chen was ill at ease. He didn¡¯t feelfortable leaving behind his father inw but he also didn¡¯t feel good about his lover being in all that chaos.


    He looked down at the ground that resembled a war zone of apocalyptic levels and saw Igneous shing directly with a ferocious beast.


    Yeoh Jun wasn¡¯t fully recovered but knowing what he knew about these creatures he could only fight otherwise this entire would beid to waste.


    With a frighteningly high momentum, Igneous punched the beast that was sweeping its ws towards a group of fleeing people.


    The nobles that had been mouthing off just now felt their souls leave their bodies as they saw the gigantic ws descend upon them. Just when they thought their insignificant lives were about to end like ants trampled upon by men a mech flew by blowing their robes up to their faces and punching the beast. The jaw of the beast contorted weirdly as its spit flew out of its mouth raining down on the people below.


    With a loud boom, the beast copsed into the buildings rolling on the ground several times. The mech vanished after that leaving behind a group of men and women covered in smelly and slimy slobber.


    ¡°Is it weird that I enjoyed it a little too much?¡± asked Yeoh Jun with a sly quirk.


    ¡°Sir, nothing about you weirds me out anymore,¡± said Igneous as another beast leapt up in the air to attack the mech.


    Igneous¡¯ de emerged and with a swift swoosh, the beast was sliced in two before falling back to the ground. One of the beasts standing behind the others bellowed and as though following orders they rushed over as a horde and began to attack Igneous.


    Now, Igneous could hold its ground but the problem with this matter was when they came at it together. To show the full impact of this Yeoh Jun was bleeding through his nose and his eyes were abnormally bloodshot.


    The mech was swamped by this horde that began to pile up on top forming a heap. Seeing the situation Yi Chen was very worried.


    He nced at Zi Han who was still knocked out and said, ¡°Will he be okay?¡±


    Ran who had been ignored all this time scanned Zi Han and saw that his vitals were normal. ¡°Marshal, the madam will be fine. You don¡¯t have to worry,¡± it said and Yi Chen swallowed his emotions down before saying,


    ¡°Stay here, okay? I promise I will be right back.¡±


    The reluctance in his eyes was apparent but he couldn¡¯t leave Yeoh Jun to fend off these beasts alone. He descended down rainingser shots on the beasts.


    Meanwhile, Zi Han¡¯s old mech began to issue proximity warnings while engaging protective mode. That¡¯s because one of the beasts opened itsrge wings and took the fight to the sky. When Yeoh Lang nned this he really had thought of everything.


    Its arm transformed into a cannon ster and searing balls of mes fired at the iing beasts. Because it wasn¡¯t one of the three cmities it was extremelycking when operating without the assistance of the pilot hence it didn¡¯t take long for the mech to be pushed down to the ground.


    Yi Chen who was right in the middle of the storm got a warning from Ran and immediately panicked.


    ¡°Go get him, I will be fine,¡± said Yeoh Jun while pushing away a beast pressing him back trying to bite his head off.


    ¡°Yes sir,¡± replied Yi Chen but Yeoh Jun was dissatisfied.


    ¡°It¡¯s dad, dad not sir!¡± he yelled as Yi Chen¡¯s mech flew off.


    Just as Yi Chen flew off his mech was suddenly caught but a long slimy tongue wrapped around the legs of the mech and jerked trying to pull him down. Yi Chen engaged the boosters and a blue searing me burnt the tongue but the beast wouldn¡¯t let go. What made it worse was that the harder he struggled the worse the entanglement.


    His anxiety shot through the roof when he saw Zi Han¡¯s mech fall further down with the flying beast following behind with its mouth open to eat it.


    ¡°No!¡± he yelled in distress. He gritted his teeth and spun around his mech¡¯s arm transforming into a particle projection cannon with massive firepower.


    Boom boom boom!


    Three beams were shot at super luminal speed and tore through the beast¡¯s jaw. Ran was set free but it was already toote.


    Yi Chen watched Zi Han¡¯s mech get swallowed by that disgusting beast

 Chapter 480

    480 Hanging out with the boys


    Yi Chen¡¯s eyes widened in horror wth fear and desperation written on his face, he rushed over with Ran at record breaking speed but before he could get there the beast that had swallowed Zi Han¡¯s mech suddenly had on a contorted face like it had eaten shit.


    Its stomach grumbled like it had indigestion and a bright red light shone on its belly.The beams of light grew brighter and brighter before tearing through the belly of the beast.


    The beast began to w at its belly trying to remove the thing it consumed but no matter how hard it wed nothing could help the situation.


    A high pitched whistle tore through the night sky and the beast was blown to bits with a shrill cry. Chunks of burnt flesh fell to the ground like bombs thus the people on the ground could only take cover.


    Hua broke through the sky in a rush shaking off the digestion slime on its shiny frame. After reaching a certain height it abruptly stopped and began to shake weirdly.


    Concerned Yi Chen reached the mech and found Zi Han wide awake and cursing. One can only imagine the look on his face when he woke up in the belly of a beast.


    Because Hua was afraid its master was going to die here it electrocuted him and Zi Han who was knocked out instantly woke up.


    ¡°Ugh... it¡¯s so disgusting,¡± he said with a disgusted expression as goosebumps climbed up his body.


    Yi Chen¡¯s eyes beamed with joy seeing this. He couldn¡¯t help but hug him. This directly resulted in the awkward sight of two mechs embracing each other in the sky. if it were two people hugging then it might warrant an a from the masses. But these were to mechs so... yep.


    .....


    Zi Han wanted to ask him how he even ended up in the beast¡¯s belly but before he could even say anything his father couldn¡¯t stand it.


    ¡°Hey, are you two done? I am struggling over here,¡± he yelled and Yi Chen was forced to let go of him.


    ¡°You let my dad see that? That¡¯s so embarrassing,¡± whispered Zi Han with the tips of his ears red. He had forgotten that they were calling each other baby this and baby that an hour ago. Now he was shy?


    The two mechs descended from the sky and with a swoosh, they pushed away the beasts on top of igneous and the bodies were scattered everywhere.


    ¡°This has gone on long enough. How about we end it now,¡± said Zi Han his head still throbbing and his limbs hadn¡¯t gone back to their regr self but he could handle it. He shook off the sensations while turning his mech¡¯s arm into a rotary cannon.


    ¡°Are you sure you are well enough to handle it?¡± asked Yi Chen and Yeoh Jun yelled,


    ¡°Oh, he can handle it. He is tougher than he looks,¡± replied Yeoh Jun as he tore through three beasts simultaneously with a warhead. Now Yi Chen knew what type of dad Yeoh Jun was. He wasn¡¯t the type that when his son got hurt on the yground he wouldn¡¯t say go to your mum but he would say walk it out, you are fine.


    Zi Han smiled happily like this is what he expected his father to be like. As though to affirm their father and son¡¯s special connection, they had a tacit understanding as theyy to waste the waves of beastsing at them. To be honest, Yi Chen was kind of a little jealous.


    ¡°Watch out, watch out,¡± said Yeoh Jun, and Yi Chen ducked as an ugly faced beast leaped forth jumping over him with its mouth wide open. It was because of this that it drove straight into the line of fire.


    Armour piercing bullets rained into its mouth tearing through its skin anding through its brain. With a loud bang, it fell to the ground right at Zi Han¡¯s feet.


    With blood oozing from its mouth, nose, and wound ity there with its body still rising and falling. Zi Han raised the leg of his mech and ruthlessly stomped on its skull crushing it.


    When he scanned his environment he noticed that the beasts were holding back snarling and growling as though looking at a gue.


    ¡°Are they retreating or something?¡± asked Yi Chen.


    ¡°Nope... they are just fighting smarter,¡± replied Yeoh Jun rolling Igneous¡¯ shoulders back.


    Just as he said this, two beasts walking on all fours began to stride slowly like cheetahs stalking their prey but when they opened their mouths a mist sprayed out of their mouths as they walked on either side of the three mechs in a circle.


    ¡°What are they doing?¡± asked Yi Chen following the beasts with the muzzle of his mech¡¯s gun.


    Zi Han swapped out his cannon rifle for his armour piercing rifle and continued following the other beast.


    ¡°That is the scottish mist... that¡¯s what it was named by our ancestors when they first encountered it,¡± replied Zi Han looking through the scope.


    Yeoh Jun turned to look at his son with a proud smile and said, ¡°Your mum has been teaching you well. Actually, it¡¯s a high breed. It spews misty gas but there are usually smaller than that. This one seemed gically mixed with a ferrous de. Those things are massive.¡±


    ¡°Then we take them out as theye,¡± said Yi Chen, and just when he mentioned it the mistpletely encircled them.


    Loud ear piercing shrieks tore through the air like a battle cry and Yeoh Jun knew it wasing.


    ¡°Get into position,¡± he said and the three of them stood back to back.


    A secondter a sharp whistle like the wind broke into the air and a raging chimera like beast leaped out with its sharp ws aimed at Yi Chen. Yi Chen was especially fast firing several rounds before the beast fell to the ground alongside the corpses of its fellows.


    After one came two then three and they wereing from any and every direction. But no matter how hard they tried to break the three mechs¡¯ formation, it was useless.

 Chapter 481

    481 Ragnorok


    The battlefield concentrated in a single area suddenly became still with an eerie silence that would make one very nervous with chills running down their back.


    These three however weren¡¯t fazed. It wouldn¡¯t be too arrogant to say that they were ready to take the heat head-on.


    From the bottom of the mist tongues with thick nodules slithered in silence heading towards the three mechs.


    The tongues were so silent and stuck close to the corpses of the beasts that it was easy to notice them. Like Yeoh Jun said the beasts had changed the ying field and began to fight smart.


    Lucky for them they had one of the three cmities amongst them. It was easy to find out something was amiss. The warning alert on th Igneous screen detected slight movement from the lifeless corpses.


    Yeoh Jun snorted with his lips quirked in sly arch. ¡°Wrapyer,¡± he said while following the subtle movements on the ground.


    ¡°Who in the hell named it that? That wasn¡¯t creative,¡± said Zi Han changing his weapon to a mer before turning to Yi Chen.


    ¡°They hate the heat change into a mer. It¡¯s more effective,¡± he said and Yi Chen listened to him.


    Yeoh Jun engaged Igneous¡¯ mer as well and as raised the mech¡¯s hand telling them to hold off on the attack.


    .....


    ¡°How many are there,¡± asked Zi Han his voice breathy with beads of cold sweat on his forehead making Yi Chen look at him worriedly.


    ¡°I see six not nine now. So how do you want to y this?¡± asked Yeoh Jun.


    Zi Han pulled up devices containing the most mmable substances in the federation. These devices would direct the route at which the mes would go.


    ¡°Ragnorok,¡± he said as the devices flew out into the mist.


    ¡°Ragnorok it is then. Those bastards can¡¯t be too far from their tongues,¡± he said as he watched the device floating in the mist.


    ¡°You know what I just figured out?¡± asked Yeoh Jun his gaze back on sneaky bastards wiggling on the ground.


    ¡°What?¡± replied Zi Han monitoring the devices through the floating screen.


    ¡°I figured that this is like a boy¡¯s night out. The best way to get to know my boys,¡± he said his face full of pride. How could he not be proud when he had two sons?


    Yi Chen couldn¡¯t help but suppress a smile by pursing his lips but still one could see the slight arch at the corner.


    ¡°Pa stop, you are embarrassing him,¡± said Zi Han but in truth, he was the one who was most embarrassed. He was happy though. That¡¯s because his father was the only one who didn¡¯t freak out or make a fuss. He just epted it and didn¡¯t give Yi Chen a hard time.


    He suddenly had a feeling that if his dad was there from the beginning he would have put everyone in their ce. In fact, he would ship them off to the marriage registrar in a heartbeat.


    ¡°I am not embarrassed,¡± said Yi Chen and Zi Han stared at him all wide eyed.


    ¡°Ai... that¡¯s a big mistake. Rule number one, never oppose your wife in public well, unless she is fighting. Then you can talk her out of it,¡± said Yeoh Jun only for Zi Han to cry out,


    ¡°Dad!¡±


    ¡°Eyes up front shoot the mist in ten seconds,¡± said Yeoh Jun, and ten secondster the first tongue with barbs on its tip reached Igneous¡¯ feet.


    The mist that had been eerily silent suddenly shrieked as a firestorm swept through it. Streaks of electric like pulses could be seen through the mist and when the super heated sma from the mer touched it the mes burst forth and spread through it the mist killing anything inside without mercy.


    After ten minutes of ceaseless attacks, the shrieks finally stopped. ¡°Was that good enough?¡±


    ¡°There is still movement but dealing with mes would be of any use,¡± said Yeoh Jun as a choking thick cloud of smoke rose in the air.


    The smell of roasted flesh rose into the air choking anyone who inhaled it. From within the chaos, a beast about the same size as Igneous came out with ringly sharp eyes that could pierce one¡¯s soul.


    This beast was different from the rest. It was both intelligent and agile with the makings of a perfect hunter, an apex predator.


    It had three dragon heads with one of them burnt halfway. Its skin was cracked with luminous red lights fiercely shining on through. Its tail was like that of a viper vicious and hissing at them like it was ready to strike them dead. Its forelegs had a sharp horn on its equine elbows and its tongues were long and slimy and its mouth filled with sharp canines. It snarled at them its eyes fixed on Igenous in an intimidating stance.


    Yeoh Jun¡¯s lips twitched sensing something peculiar about this beast. He could feel that Yeoh Lang had done something unspeakable.


    The beast that seemed ready to attack just now suddenly scratched its ws on the ground and the bright red light glowed even brighter before it vanished.


    Seeing this Yeoh Jun¡¯s chest clenched as he muttered, ¡°Oh shit.¡±


    ¡°What?¡±


    ¡°Where did it go?¡±


    The pair asked simultaneously seeing the beast vanished.


    Yeoh Jun rubbed his face vigorously before calming down enough to talk. ¡°Here is the thing... I think that nasty beast just performed a space jump.¡±


    ¡°How? That¡¯s fuckin impossible. How could it... oh no,¡± eximed Zi Han after figuring out Yeoh Lang¡¯s gamey. This thing was most definitely heading for the federation but whether it would seed was another thing.


    ¡°What the fuck was he thinking? Even if he sent one how could he possibly end the entire federation?¡± asked Zi Han his forehead covered in beads of cold sweat.


    ¡°Unless he sends that one beast to Loch Ness star. All it takes is melting one of the focal points with mes and it¡¯s game over... We have to return to the federation asap.

 Chapter 482

    482 She still loves me.


    Loch Ness, the that was the baine of the Onyx Federation and a thorn in everyone¡¯s eye. For years its existence was kept a secret but once some overzealous explorers visited this secretive ce while live broadcasting.


    I guess calling them explorers would be an overstatement. They were more like influencers with gorgeous faces and fun personalities. While live broadcasting in a ce that others would equate to area fifty one, one of them decided that it was a pretty good idea to start a fire in the makeshift igloo they built based on old earth illustrations in the museum.


    Actually, it was a bright idea, to be frank. It was super cold and a little fire would warm things up. Their clothes and gear were capable of keeping them warm but they wanted the authentic experience thus they lit a fire and umm... what happened next was obvious.


    An explosion spanning a kilometer urred and none of them survived. Because this happened during a live broadcast and the five lifestyle influencers were lost it sparked waves of protests.


    Again the royal family was med for it because they should have found a better gxy for them to live in. After that incident, it was public knowledge that this ce of snow would be the death of the federation.


    From what they knew Yeoh Lang had tried to open portals to this ce several times but failed because the unconscious Yeoh Jun fought it.


    Even in that state, he knew that something wasn¡¯t right. It¡¯s just that none of them expected him to somehow manage to create such a monstrosity and send it straight to the explosive zone.


    It was like sending a warhead straight into a nuclear power nt. That shit spelt disaster from the bet.


    ¡°Pa, can you manage a space jump?¡± asked Zi Han as their mech moved away from the field of corpses heading towards the broken down buildings.


    .....


    ¡°I can try but I am not sure if I can manage... How are you feeling?¡± he asked as he raised some of the rubble freeing two people trapped underneath.


    ¡°Pretty good. Just a mild headache,¡± he said his forehead still covered in sweat despite the cockpit having regted temperature.


    Ran turned back towards him and Yi Chen met Zi Han¡¯s gaze his expression somber. ¡°I know you aren¡¯t okay. How about we take a rest?¡± he said and Zi Han pursed his lips with unwillingness in his eyes. He knew he needed to rest but the situation was very urgent. One small mistake in the entire federation would beid to waste. He worried for his mother and grandfather who were still waiting for him toe home.


    ¡°I know but this is urgent,¡± he said his voice almost in a whisper.


    Yi Chen was seriously at a loss. He honestly didn¡¯t know what to do at this point. Yeoh Jun also knew that his son was pushing it thus he suggested they take a break and regroup.


    While he was suggesting that the people who had starteding out from their hiding ces suddenly kowtowed before them each with their own words to say.


    Zi Han couldn¡¯t bear this but he didn¡¯t say anything. He just wasn¡¯t in the mood to deal with people. He turned his mech and walked away while Yi Chen followed right behind him.


    ¡°You, Yi kid. Help them rescue those trapped underneath the rubble and I will watch over him,¡± said Yeoh Jun before Igneous followed.


    Yi Chen was very reluctant but he also knew that Yeoh Jun needed to rest as well and they had no choice.


    When Yeoh Jun caught up with him Zi Han was sitting atop the city wall which was one of the only structures still standing. He had put away his mech and he was twisting open a bottle of ice cold water when his father sat next to him.


    Zi Han who was about to drink thought of filial piety thus he handed it to him. Yeoh Jun shook his head his gaze fixed on his son¡¯s face as though scrutinising him.


    ¡°I prefer ck current juice,¡± he said and Zi Han¡¯s brow twitched slightly realising why his mother insisted on putting it inside his interspatial storage in the first ce. She was worrying over her long lost husband despite cursing him to high heaven.


    ¡°Mum put it in there,¡± he said handing it over after twisting the cap open.


    Yeoh Jun showed a self deprecating smile before saying, ¡°She still loves me.¡±


    ¡°What do you think?¡± replied Zi Han before taking a sip of water.


    Yeoh Jun gulped down more than half the bottle in one go and the stomach that had been empty for decades suddenly felt ufortable. His taste buds enjoyed it but his tummy didn¡¯t at all. Before he could even say anything a pill was ced in front of him and his heart felt happy. This was the pinnacle of his life. Having a wife that loves him and a son that cares for him was his ultimate joy. Despite having never met him his son was really sincere with him.


    ¡°Thank you,¡± he said before swallowing it down. As a sense of relief washed over him, he leaned back resting the back of his head on the wall as he dazzlingly stared into the distance.


    The scorching sun was already rising on the horizon as a new day dawned upon them.


    ¡°You look like her... like a lot,¡± he said with a slight quirk at the corner of his lips.


    ¡°What? You thought I would look like you?¡± asked Zi Han with a light chuckle.


    ¡°Kind of. I thought you were going to be a girl who looks just like me. I would carry you with me everywhere like a backpack. I wanted... wanted to show you the beauty of space and go on adventures,¡± he said his eyes teary but he didn¡¯t shed a tear. He just took another sip swallowing down the pain.


    ¡°Then too bad I am a boy and look like your wife,¡± said Zi Han jokingly. He had noticed his father¡¯s mood had fallen sharply thus he said this to ease the atmosphere.

 Chapter 483

    483 ¡°I have avenged you... father,¡±


    ¡°That¡¯s not necessarily a bad thing. We can still have tea parties and stuff. You can also put makeup on my face and if you need a fairy princess for your birthday I will dress up as one,¡± he said the smile on his face growing bigger.


    Zi Han flicked the tip of his nose with his finger trying to conceal the smile on his lips. ¡°Uh, no need. We can y with guns though. I already yed dress up too many times. Mum said I make a very pretty girl,¡± he said only for Yeoh Jun to sit up his eyes wide.


    ¡°Really? She made you dress up? Let me see,¡± he said clearly amused by this.


    Zi Han pulled up a picture in his academy uniform in a thigh high skirt looking like a baddie or to be more precise, a goddess.


    ¡°Grandpa made me wear it as punishment but as it turns out I quite enjoyed it,¡± said Zi Han happy to share with his dad.


    ¡°You look exactly like her when I met her except for the eyes. Aww, my little Hanifa.¡±


    Zi Han, ¡°...¡±


    That name was haunting him like a ghost in the night. ¡°Maybe you two should try for another one. You can finally have Hanifa,¡± he retorted back and Yeoh Jun pointed at the image floating mid-air.


    ¡°Why do all that when we can just dress you up? Making another is too much work. I can have both a son and a daughter at the same time, with minimum effort,¡± replied Yeoh Jun in a joking tone.


    .....


    Zi Hanughed out loud his soul calming down considerably. ¡°I can¡¯t wait to take you home. It¡¯s been very hard on her,¡± he said and Yeoh Jun leaned back his body rxed.


    ¡°I can¡¯t wait either. I want to make it up to her and you,¡± he replied with the sun rays shining on his eyes like pearls on the sandy beach.


    ¡°I am happy that you are alive. I never thought I would meet you,¡± said Zi Han before taking thest sip. His father that had been leaning back in a rxed posture suddenly stood up and stretched out his hand to him.


    Zi Han looked up at the tall figure standing before him and asked, ¡°What?¡±


    ¡°Come on, get up,¡± said Yeoh Jun, and Zi Han reached his hand up before his father pulled him up.


    He was about to ask again when his father pulled him into an embrace. This he honestly hadn¡¯t seening. He wasn¡¯t an emotionally demanding person, well, to anyone other than Yi Chen thus he didn¡¯t expect any type of intimacy from his father neither did he ever expect it from his mother.


    But as it turns out his father was the affectionate type. Yeoh Jun embraced him tightly and the emotions that he had been holding back sprung up like a geyser.


    His tear ducts that had been dry for a while began to flow like a waterfall and Zi Han wasn¡¯t any better. He clutched his father¡¯s clothes tightly as the tears followed down uncontrobly. It was all Yeoh Jun¡¯s fault. When he felt the tears wet his shoulder he couldn¡¯t help it.


    The two of them were like this for the next five minutes until they heard a shattering sound followed by a sh. They both turned to look in that direction only to find Ran near them with a floating screen in front of them.


    ¡°Seriously Ran, you forgot to switch off the sh mode,¡± whispered Yi Chen questioning the intelligence of his mech. Why wasn¡¯t it as smart as the one called Iggy?


    The pair of father and son separated from each other wiping their tears embarrassedly. Yeoh Jun pointed at Yi Chen in the mech and threatened, ¡°Don¡¯t you dare speak of this ever.¡±


    Yi Chen, ¡°???¡±


    What was so embarrassing about this? This was perfectly natural. ¡°I won¡¯t tell a soul. I promise... I just brought you a gift,¡± said Yi Chen and Ran opened its palm before tossing a blood-covered Yeoh Lang.


    The man¡¯s body rolled on the floor and Zi Han turned to his father before asking, ¡°Do you want me to deal with him?¡±


    Yeoh Jun gestured with his hand and said, ¡°Be my guest.¡±


    Zi Han pressed the tip of his tongue on his cheek with a disdainful look on his face. He dragged him by the back of his cor to the open palm of Ran.


    ¡°Take us to the temple. I want them all to see this,¡± he said and Yi Chen felt a chill crawl up his back. When his wife smiled it was like looking at a magnificent blinding light that could soothe one¡¯s demons but when he had that menacing expression on it was like standing in the presence of the god of death. His baby was indeed terrifying.


    What he did when they reached that table had him wincing almost taking pity on this amimal. Zi Han grabbed a belt from who knows where and began to whip this grown man in front of everybody.


    No matter how hard he begged or cried for mercy there was no mercy to speak off. Zi Han humiliated him and made all of them see it so they will know not to be deceived the next time.


    Zi Han didn¡¯t give him any time to breathe.


    That is, he beat the man to death with a belt leaving Yeoh Jun bbergasted. In this moment he didn¡¯t know whether to be proud or worried. His wife raised him into a fine young man but she also taught him things that only the Bloodgarde would do. His poor baby who should have been a spoilt little prince was now murdering people for hire. Ah, the horror!


    Yeoh Lang was beaten until he could no longer move. Satisfied Zi Han stood upright stretching his back while pushing the stray strands of hair off his forehead.


    He took a step back while exhaling deeply and handed his father the belt. ¡°I have avenged you... father,¡± he said with a mischievous smile and Yeoh Jun rolled his eyes.


    ¡°So cheesy. Weren¡¯t you calling me Pa all this time,¡± said Yeoh Jun holding the blood-stained belt.


    Zi Hanughed while Yi Chen grabbed his hand which had bruises and blisters with a look of concern. His heart ached inexplicably seeing his lover hurt like this.

 Chapter 484

    484 ¡°Uh yes, the traitor.¡±


    ¡°Excuse me.... excuse me... out of my way,¡± were the loud shouts of a woman running through the passageways of the Cetus warship.


    ¡°Hey,¡±


    ¡°Watch it,¡±


    Were the sounds of people yelling after her as she mercilessly pushed through the crowds.


    She had tried several times to contact the former Marshal but each time themunication failed.


    Left with no choice she rushed over to the captain¡¯s cabin. Without any consideration, she banged on the door several times.


    ¡°Sir, sir,¡± called out Li Ran¡¯s mother, and half a minuteter the door slid open.


    Yi Zhen who hadn¡¯t rested well for days and had finallyid his head down was sitting at the edge of the bed with a dissatisfied look on his face.


    ¡°What is it?¡± he asked while rubbing his forehead.


    .....


    ¡°It¡¯s the Han warship... it retreated. They, they retracted all their weapons and they look like they are preparing for warp speed,¡± she exined unable to make sense of it all.


    For five days straight they had been in a freaking standoff with the Han warship. That¡¯s because the prime ministers bluntly used the Bloodgarde of the Marshal¡¯s disappearance.


    After that, all hell broke loose. As though history was repeating itself they were finally determined to bring the Bloodgarde down. Because the prime ministers had ill intentions they leaked out the information that Yi Chen was missing and rumours that it had something to do with the Bloodgarde were spread like wildfire.


    Cities burnt to the ground as waves of protests swept through the major cities in the Federation. The former Marshal was yet again put in the same position. A position he didn¡¯t want to be in.


    Zi Xingxi wasn¡¯t shy about it at all. She was ready to burn everything to the ground. Her husband¡¯s family built everything they had and they designed him with no scruples. Since they were ungrateful she was ready to tear faces and ruin them.


    Yi Zhen didn¡¯t want things to reach such an extent thus he went in between them. That is after Zi Xingxi¡¯s men bombed several of the mansions belonging to the prime ministers. Zi


    Feiji didn¡¯t stand by either. He was still bankrupting some of their businesses and leaving them all penniless. Their secrets and shady deals were exposed for all to see.


    After that Cetus and Han went head to head or in other words it was Cetus blocking Han from reaching Capital Star.


    After days of this standoff with their guns drawn Han just gave up just like that and left. Something had to be wrong. They had to be up to something.


    ¡°Shit,¡± he swore as he got up to grab his light brain. He frantically dialled Zi Feiji but five ringster there was no answer.


    Meanwhile, Zi Xingxi who was sitting on the captain¡¯s chair giving outmands saw her father turning down a video call and asked, ¡°Who is it?¡±


    ¡°Who else could it be?¡± replied Zi Feiji apparently not in the mood to deal with him.


    ¡°He probably wants to know where we are going,¡± he continued to say.


    ¡°Then I will enjoy cussing him out,¡± said Zi Xingxi.


    ¡°Then here. Please be my guest,¡± he said tossing the light brain to her.


    With an electronic click, the video call was epted and Zi Xingxi put on a sly smile like a fox taunting others for no reason.


    ¡°Uh yes, the traitor. What can I do for you? Bear in mind. I am a very busy woman.¡±


    ¡°Woman, I am not a traitor. I am trying to stop you from burning all bridges. I don¡¯t want your son to return to a burning world,¡± replied Marshal Yi wondering why he couldn¡¯t speak to Zi Feiji, he was the most sensible one in this situation.


    ¡°h h h. Since when have you cared about my son? You are just looking out for your so called family legacy. Now, if you have nothing else I will go now,¡± she said her finger reaching over to end the call.


    ¡°Wait wait where are you going?¡± he asked but even he knew she would never reveal that answer.


    As expected she looked at him as though looking at an idiot before saying, ¡°And why would I tell you that. Go do your own homework Yi Zhen and fuck off,¡± flicking him off with her middle finger.


    Zi Feiji, ¡°...¡±


    His fist propping his cheek he asked, ¡°Is this going to be a thing now?¡±


    ¡°What do you mean is this going to be a thing? I have always been like this just not in front of you,¡± she said and Zi Feiji shook his head. The video call that had just ended rang again but no one answered.


    ¡°We are going dark,¡± she said and Lynn Feng answered,


    ¡°Yes ma¡¯am,¡± before pressing a fewmands.


    The warship that was hovering in their proximity suddenly disappeared leaving behind a confused Cetus.


    The former Marshal sat there like the thinker statue repeating her words. He looked up at Li Ran¡¯s mother and said,


    ¡°What does she mean by homework... I don¡¯t get it.¡±


    Li Ran¡¯s mom shook her head unable toprehend the meaning as well.


    Meanwhile, Zi Xingxi nced at her father and asked, ¡°Do you really think they came back?¡±


    Zi Feiji looked at her like he also didn¡¯t have the answer. They had recorded a surge in energy simr to the one detected when Zi Han performed a space jump so it had to be him, right?


    ¡°We can only wait and see,¡± he replied and Zi Xingxi nodded her head as she exhaled lightly to calm her nerves.


    It didn¡¯t take long for them to reach Loch Ness star. Like they had done dozens of times before they sneaked onto the but when they reached the snowy mountains everything was in chaos.


    The military officers protecting the mountains found themselves in a terrible situation. They had to find a way to kill this beast that had shown up out of thin air and began to attack the mountains.


    Lucky for them it hadn¡¯t struck the focal points which were the most vtile otherwise this world would havee to an end in an even more devastating way than when the old earth was destroyed.


    ¡°Hurry up... tell headquarters,¡± yelled themander in charge.


    ¡°Yes sir,¡± yelled a short girl as she sent out a distress signal. Just when the message was sent through something unexpected happened.

 Chapter 485

    485 Chronos beefing with Hydra


    Several portals opened and a dozen or so creatures appeared. The firepower directed at the beast wreaking havoc on the snowy mountains was redirected giving it leeway.


    It suddenly opened another portal and reappeared on the other side of the mountains and started attacking again looking for the perfect sh point.


    When the cavalry arrived, well the cavalry they weren¡¯t expecting they were relieved. But as expected of a somewhat intelligent being had saved the best forst. They weren¡¯t as easy to kill especially when they had to be cautious and not strike the focal points.


    ¡°I will head east and find that bastard. Be on the lookout for Han Han,¡± said Zi Xingxi before Chronos flew off into the distance.


    The mountains that should have been tranquil and left alone was now a warzone with the fate of the federation hanging in the bnce.


    By the time the message was received on Cetus, Marshal Yi had already figured out what had happened and Zi Xingxi had a head start.


    When he saw the distress signal he couldn¡¯t help but swear out loud. Good thing they were already on the way otherwise the consequences would be dire. For a moment he couldn¡¯t help but think that Zi Xingxi had done this. Given what had transpired he wouldn¡¯t put it past her.


    Using the fastest speed possible they finally reached Loch Ness star. The entire city was already up in arms with some evacuating and others choosing to stay. To them this situation was hopeless.


    ¡°Oh goody, look who is here,¡± said Zi Xingxi her tone brimming with sarcasm as Chronos aimed at the beast with a gravity cannon. It was the best weapon for her to use as it didn¡¯t create heat.


    .....


    When she shot at the beast it would fall off bnce from the force and tumble to the ground which was very annoying to the beast.


    ¡°What do you think? Do you think I am stupid?¡± he retorted back his expression colorful.


    The beast that had fallen to the ground bellowed in anger with mes spewing out of its mouth, mes hot enough to melt a mech.


    Chronos and Hydra could feel the heat trying to sear through their frame but they were able to respond in time and adjust the nanoparticles. Yi Zhen activated his electric whip.


    The cracking sound of the whip sent shockwaves splitting the snow in half. This was to fully demonstrate the might of the whip.


    When it wrapped itself around the beast¡¯s neck and sent it flying across the sky, Yi Zhen felt very proud of himself.


    To him, the n was to get this thing away from the mountains as far as possible so he could use heavy firepower. Having thought of this he couldn¡¯t help but gloat.


    ¡°That¡¯s how it¡¯s done. Now we attack it with everything we got and prevent it from reaching the mountain again,¡± he said and Zi Xingxi didn¡¯t say anything. She let him have his moment. The face p would be more satisfying then.


    She folded her arms and Chronos followed suit. ¡°Be my guest. You are the only genius around here,¡± she said and Yi Zhen couldn¡¯t help but furrow his brows sensing something was wrong.


    ¡°You go ahead Hydra. Show it whose boss,¡± said Chronos wishing Igneous was here. How much more fun that would be?


    ¡°Childish,¡± replied Hydra and it fired a series of missiles but before they could hit the target it vanished on the spot and reappeared a kilometer from them.


    ¡°Oh, did I forget to mention that it does that?¡± she said her tone sarcastic. She didn¡¯t even bother waiting for his response before flying away while firing long range gravity shock waves to knock it down.


    ¡°No, you did not. You know we all have the same goal and we should be working together?¡± he said but Zi Xingxi didn¡¯t bother responding.


    Never in their entire lives had they ever dealt with such an annoying creature. Just when they thought they cornered it it would create another portal and like a coward, it would run. Thest time it went as far as transporting two beasts to keep these two busy.


    While they were upied it suddenly struck gold directly finding a focal point. Its mes burnt through the thick snow like a mer shooting superheated mes into the snow.


    Hydra managed to sh the leg of the creature holding him back cleanly before getting away so he could stop this beast from burning through the thick snow.


    Just when he thought he was about to reach it Hydra¡¯s ankle was caught on something preventing him from leaving. Zi Xingxi sliced the tongue wrapped around Hydra¡¯s leg and it moved forward only for an explosive force to push him back.


    Hydra spun a couple of times in the sky before steadying itself. Within the hazy cloud of snow, Yi Zhen could barely make out what was happening. He could see faint figures, three of them before two vanished leaving only one.


    ¡°Did you see that?¡± he asked and Zi Xingxi who was looking through the screen saw everything. Three figures appeared and one remained behind. As for the beast, it was gone as well.


    The two mechs were about to approach when the other mech identified itself in the haze of snow.


    ¡°Mech 3752919 under the Marshal¡¯smandmonly known as-,¡± it said before Hydra cut it off eximing,


    ¡°Ran.¡±


    Yi Zhen who was in battle mode just now was shocked, his entire body going limp like he had been drained of all energy.


    ¡°Ray-ran... Zi Han has Ran so.... is he... is my son,¡± he spoke almost stuttering.


    The mech finally stopped in front of them and sure enough, it was Yi Chen in the mech. Yi Zhen didn¡¯t dare to believe it.


    He took a hesitant step forward and dared not touch him just in case it was a dream. Only the heavens knew he had dreamt of his son constantly for the past few days.


    Each time he would be happy only to wake up and realise it was just a dream. This was another reason he didn¡¯t dare sleep for these past few days

 Chapter 486

    486 Losing someone you love can do that to you...


    Former Marshal Yi couldn¡¯t help but take a step forward his eyes sour like he was about break down. His eyes glistened reflecting the floating screen in front of him.


    Hydra took a hesitant step forward under Yi Zhen¡¯s control but Ran remained rooted in ce with snow building at its feet.


    ¡°Che-chen,¡± stammered Yi Zhen as a tear flowed down his cheek. He took another step forward and reached out his hand only for the ground beneath their feet to start shaking like something bad was about to happen.


    ¡°We need to close off the hole drilled by that beast. Modify your sma guns with this,¡± she said tossing them canisters with the letters FC on them.


    ¡°Fericellite,¡± said Yi Zhen.


    Chronos modified its sma gun and with a click, the canister was in ce. ¡°Do you have a problem with it? It¡¯s the coldest element in the federation,¡± she said as another shockwave almost knocked them off their feet.


    ¡°This stuff is illegal because it¡¯s rare. How did you get your hands on it?¡± he asked while staring at her with aplicated expression.


    ¡°Take it or leave it, former Marshal,¡± she replied before her mech flew into the sky and disappeared into the thick mist of dense snow.


    Yi Zhen didn¡¯t argue anymore. He fixed the canister in the sma gun while ncing at his son through the mech screen.


    .....


    ¡°Wee back son,¡± he said before leading him to the focal point that was on the verge of exploding.


    Three mechs hovered above the drilled hole and began to fire their sma guns. The tremors didn¡¯t stop, in fact, they intensified with a high pressure steam shooting out of the hole. But after a few minutes, the shockwaves drastically reduced and the three of them heaved a sigh of relief.


    The whole time Yi Chen didn¡¯t say anything. He was studying the two mechs with curiosity. He knew the other one was his father and the woman who looked like his wife must be his mother inw. He suddenly felt nervous. How he wished Zi Han was here so he could introduce him to her.


    Meanwhile, Zi Han was grimacing as he red at this troublesome beast. Both of them were still a little weak with barely recovered mental power and had to perform multiple space jumps just so they could catch up to this nonsense of a beast.


    Yeoh Jun grasped the viper¡¯s tail and squeezed it hard while preventing the beast from opening another portal and making a break for it. The viper opened its mouth and the light emanating from the cracks on its body got brighter and brighter before the inside of its mouth shot out searing mes.


    Yeoh Jun pointed the gun into its mouth and decisively pulled the trigger. When the heat met the biting chill high pressure steam shot through obscuring his vision.


    Zi Han locked onto the target and a series of shots followed striking the creature¡¯s head urately. The beast that was trying to free its tail bellowed and turned its re back at the mech in front of him.


    The recoil that never bothered Zi Han before seemed painful today. He frowned his breathing heavy but he didn¡¯t take his eyes off the target.


    In the middle of an empty deep space, two mechs hovered steadily while tearing apart an unruly beast.


    Yeoh Jun made a bold move squeezing the trigger and tearing apart the tail of the beast.


    With a loud shrill cry, the beast opened another portal and vanished again. When it reappeared it was on a deste and rolled in a grasnd several times before stopping.


    Pained cries and angry bellows echoed in the empty grasnds its nose ring with steaming out of it. It was like a raging bull that was injured.


    Two minutes in and there were repels in the air and a portal opened before two mechs appeared. ¡°It¡¯s much more troublesome to deal with than its creator,¡± said Zi Han as a long sword appeared in his hand.


    ¡°You just killed a man by beating him with a belt. That right there is insane. Did your mother teach you that?¡± he asked and Zi Han chuckled ignoring the mortified look on his face like he was looking at a monster he gave birth to.


    ¡°Well, mum once killed a guy by clobbering him with her eight inch heels so... you knew what you signed up for,¡± said Zi Han before his mech raised the long sword and stabbed through the back of the beast into a kebab ready for roasting.


    ¡°I know but she wasn¡¯t this unhinged before,¡± he replied and Zi Han nced back at him before saying,


    ¡°Losing someone you love can do that to you... For you, she was willing to burn the entire federation to the ground and join you in death. If it weren¡¯t for me I am sure she wouldn¡¯t have restrained herself.¡±


    Yeoh Jun¡¯s chest tightened like a heavy stone was weighing him down stifling his breath. He knew what Zi Xingxi was capable of but he didn¡¯t think she would go as far as burning the entire federation.


    ¡°She loves you so much and I can¡¯t imagine how happy she will be to see you,¡± said Zi Han again before gesturing to the beast nailed to the ground and asking, ¡°Do you want to end it?¡±


    Yeoh Jun nodded his head as a war hammer appeared in Igneous¡¯ hand. Zi Han¡¯s eyes widened as he curse, ¡°The fuck. Iggy, did you short me? You had something that interesting but hid it from me?¡±


    Yeoh Jun chuckled while spinning the handle. ¡°It knows that this is for my use only,¡± he said as he ambled closer. He stood in front of the beast having difficulty breathing and tilted his head slightly looking into its eyes.


    ¡°If you weren¡¯t so unruly I would have tamed you. I really could use a pet,¡± he said before raising the war hammer. Zi Han stood there watching with a nk expression.

 Chapter 487

    487 .... I only remember my wife.¡±


    He thought his father would be soft about it striking once or twice but soon he realised that anyone who would be with his mother must have a tinge of craziness buried deep within.


    Blow after blow Zi Han¡¯s eyes widened having realised that his father was no soft persimmon. He didn¡¯t care that he was covered in blood as he pulverized the beast as though venting out all his past grievances.


    All that time he couldn¡¯t spend with his son. All the birthdays he missed. Everything came out all at once as that hammer cracked the skull of the beast repeatedly.


    Zi Han ended up sitting his mech down while watching his father¡¯s brutality. While he was sitting absent-mindedly a call suddenly came through. Who else could it be if not his mother?


    When it connected Zi Xingxi almost cried out in joy seeing her baby boy in one piece. The reason she called his light brain was because her husband didn¡¯t have one. It was long disconnected.


    ¡°Ar-are you okay?¡± she asked almost wishing she could climb through the light brain and check every inch of him for injuries.


    ¡°Yo-you just vanished just like that. Uh, your poor mother¡¯s heart. I thought I lost you. I really thought... I lost you both. How to live after that? I would die and your grandfather would follow without hesitation. Don¡¯t you dare ever do such a thing ever again....,¡± she said and wanted to keep going when Zi Han reversed the camera showing her Igneous still beating the already dead beast.


    Zi Xingxi¡¯s heart stagnated and her vitals showed signs of shock alerting Zi Feiji and Lynn Feng on the Han warship.


    ¡°Chronos what¡¯s wrong with her? Is she hurt or having a heart attack?¡± asked Zi Feiji in a panic. He was ready to get down there and alert the medic team when Chronos connected to Hua¡¯s feed and sent it to the floating screen in the bridge.


    .....


    ¡°No sir, she is not dying. She is just in shock,¡± replied Chronos wishing it had tear ducts so it could cry to its heart¡¯s content.


    ¡°Is that.... is it really?¡± whispered Lynn Feng before Zi Han¡¯s brittle voice sounded.


    ¡°Ma... I brought him back. Pa is back,¡± he said and Zi Xingxi choked on her tears that were already falling down.


    This scene would have been sweeter without the blood and gore from the mech using a heavy war hammer on the beast.


    ¡°I brought him back,¡± he whispered and Zi Feiji tapped Lynn Feng¡¯s shoulder.


    ¡°Broadcast it. I want all those bastards to weep and kowtow. The emperor of Onyx Federation is back.¡±


    Lynn Feng was a little hesitant but she dared not disobey. There was a reason why Zi Feiji said to do this thus she tapped into the feed and broadcasted it to all cities and on Sta.


    No matter what show they were watching it was reced by this screen, the screen of Igneous ripping out the spine of the beast that had been broadcasted tearing apart Loch Ness star¡¯s deadly mountains.


    The discussion on Sta was heated with some thinking it was Zi Han in the mech again. Criticism and praise followed each other tugging and pulling tearing an entire gxy apart. People were divided about this matter and some even had the audacity to me the beast on the Bloodgarde and how this was all just a scheme plotted by them against the federation so they would be grateful to them and forget the crimes already on top of their heads. Well, that is until Igneous turned around revealing the person in the mech. It was like seeing a ghost live on camera.


    Yeoh Jun who waspletely unaware of it felt so good inside that his mental power rushed out turning into a vicious phoenix spewing mes into the sky. He stepped on the beast¡¯s corpse with his ming mech and the beast was burnt to ashes on the spot.


    ¡°I am guessing you are all healed now,¡± said an oddly familiar voice.


    Yeoh Jun nced at him and said, ¡°Your old man feels rejuvenated.¡±


    Right after that, the feed was cut leaving behind a bbergasted populous. Sta was eerie silent for a second. It was only the cult members who believed the phoenix will rise again that were celebrating and taunting everyone who called them crazy. Right after that, the frenzy started again and the entire Federation was in turmoil. How could they not when they saw a ghost on Sta?


    Zi Han pulled up a call transfer and asked, ¡°Do you want to talk to him?¡±


    ¡°Nope,¡± said Zi Xingxi and immediately hung up the call.


    Zi Han, ¡°....¡±


    Wasn¡¯t she the one who was grieving over him for two decades? Why was she shy all of a sudden?


    Shy wasn¡¯t the right word. Zi Xingxi was trembling all over including her lips and fingers. Her face was wet with tears and her eyes swollen so yep she wasn¡¯t ready. She wasn¡¯t emotionally ready to see the man she thought died a long time ago. She had to calm down first thus she wiped her face but the more she wiped the more tears fell.


    She couldn¡¯t contain it thus he burst out crying and covered her head with her arms resting on the console. A lonely figure of a mech stood in the snow giving off aplicated feeling.


    Ran stood not so far away staring at Chronos¡¯ figure with snow on its shoulders. Yi Chen wanted tofort her but he stopped himself. It seemed she wanted to be alone.


    While he staring there nkly he didn¡¯t notice the mech standing behind him. It was the deste figure of Hydra. Yi Zhen wanted to talk to his son but he didn¡¯t dare make a sound. He just watched the mech¡¯s back for a while trying toe up with the words to say.


    After hesitating for a long time he finally licked his dry lips and said, ¡°Chen Chen.... dad missed you.¡±


    Yi Chen¡¯s brows furrowed as he turned his mech around. He immediately wanted to scold his father for making it difficult for his wife but when he met those teary eyes and that haggard face Yi Chen couldn¡¯t say it.


    He swallowed his emotions and said, ¡°I don¡¯t remember you. I don¡¯t remember... I... I only remember my wife.¡±


    Yi Zhen, ¡°...¡±

 Chapter 488

    488 President of the henpecked husbands association


    Okay, okay, he wasn¡¯t upset at all. It¡¯s not like his son whom he raised diligently and spent so much time with only remembered someone he had only been with for a couple of years was such a bad thing?


    Okay false, he was really dying inside. He couldn¡¯t help but wonder what sort of love portion did Zi Han feed his son that he didn¡¯t even remember his family but only remembered him.


    ¡°You... do you at least remember your mother and your siblings?¡± he asked his voice raspy.


    Yi Chen was a little embarrassed hearing this question. Zi Han had told him he had two siblings and a mum and dad that loved each other but despite knowing all of this his past remained nk like a sheet of paper.


    ¡°I don¡¯t remember them but my wife told me about them,¡± he said and Yi Zhen almost rolled his eyes. There was that word again. Whose idea was it, Zi Han¡¯s or his son¡¯s?


    Based on what he knew about the pair it must have been Zi Han¡¯s idea. That one was a bad influence. Zi Han who had been wronged sneezed twice and his father said to him,


    ¡°Shake it off. You are fine.¡±


    ¡°Do you... do you want to talk to them?¡± he said and Yi Chen just stared at him wondering why this man wasn¡¯t hugging him.


    Yes, they were in mechs but he had hugged Zi Han in a mech so it was indeed possible, but just a little awkward.


    .....


    Ran moved a little close and before Hydra knew what hit it it was embraced. Yi Zhen was a little startled. He really didn¡¯t expect that his son would hug him. Yi Chen would hug his mother and siblings but never hugged him. Most of that was his fault. He couldn¡¯t remember a time after he sent his son to preschool for the first time that he hugged his son. That day Yi Chen was making a fuss while holding his finger tightly with his tiny hands.


    He told him that he had to be brave and from the moment he walked through those doors he was a big boy now. There was no more whining and crying for hugs. Okay, so it was all his fault. The most amount of intimacy he had with his son was through practice in the simtion room and that was about it.


    Now his son who barely remembered anything actually hugged him. It was as though he had gotten back that little dumpling who used to attach himself to him whenever he came back from work.


    Yi Zhen didn¡¯t fight it. He much preferred the embrace without mechs but at this moment he could only take what he could get. The hug was longer than what he expected.


    That¡¯s because Yi Chen who thought he was alone in this world finally saw his family and his heart couldn¡¯t help but swell. He wanted to cry but swallowed it down. He had a dad, a mum, a brother, and a sister who loved him so much and wanted him thus his reaction.


    After separating Yi Zhen couldn¡¯t help but ask him, ¡°Do you want to go on Cetus warship and will get a doctor to check you? After that, you can talk to your mother. She hasn¡¯t slept well and had to be sedated.¡±


    Yi Chen wanted to do that but his steps faltered. That¡¯s because he was worried about Zi Han. He wanted to be with Zi Han and should bring him along but he had no idea where he was.


    ¡°I want to find Han Han,¡± he said with a little stubbornness in his voice.


    Yi Zhen was at a loss. His son was most definitely a henpecked husband without having gotten married.


    ¡°It¡¯s fine. He is probably still dealing with the beast. Don¡¯t you want to get your memory back before you see him again? I am sure he would love that,¡± he said sounding like a father trying to lure his disobedient son and make him break up with his shrewish girlfriend.


    Yi Chen also felt that Zi Han would like that thus he didn¡¯t fight it. ¡°Just right him a message and tell him where I am. I don¡¯t want him to worry,¡± he said and Yi Zhen couldn¡¯t help but internally repeat the word,


    ¡®Henpecked! Henpecked!¡¯ several times in his head.


    Yi Zhen smiled slightly and said, ¡°I will message him in the warship,¡± but Yi Chen stubbornly refused to move. He wasn¡¯t going to move until that message was sent.


    Yi Zhen, ¡°...¡±


    ¡°Do I look like I am an old uncle here to abduct children?¡± he said trying not to get angered to death by this disrespectful son.


    ¡°Kind of. You have been mean to my wife so...,¡± replied Yi Chen and Yi Zhen pressed the tip of his tongue on his sharp canine tooth.


    ¡°Is that what he told you? I have been nothing but....,¡± he said before shutting his mouth. He couldn¡¯t lie to him because he knew his son would find out soon. He couldn¡¯t help but sigh. Of course, Zi Han would snitch on him. He had been very mean to him over the years because he was afraid of the trouble that woulde to their door.


    Despite all this, trouble still came to their door so why bother to pull them apart? Besides he was now indebted to Zi Han. That young man loved his son so much that he attempted something dangerous without any experience just so that he could get him back.


    ¡°Fine, I will message him now,¡± he said and began to type out a message in the middle of the cold blizzard.


    Yi Zhen: Hie, this is Yi Zhen. I have Yi Chen and I am getting him checked on the Cetus warship. Call me if you want to speak to him.


    ¡°There is that good enough?¡± he asked and Yi Chen added something in there.


    ¡°Tell him that I love him,¡± he said ignoring how stiff and cold his father¡¯s sentences were. If this was the way he messages his mother she must have fallen for his face, not his flirting skills.


    ¡°I am not going to write that. It¡¯s between you two. When you get your light brain back you can tell him yourself,¡± he said.

 Chapter 489

    489 Somebody needs to wax... hehehe


    Two minutester he was sighing with a defeated look on his face as they flew up to the Cetus warship. He knew his son was stubborn and probably got it from him but he was never this stubborn in front of him.


    He ended up adding the part about Yi Chen loving Zi Han. Trantion, he caved which never happened especially when it was Yi Chen. If his answer was no then it was no throughout. He was strict with him but today he melted like a marshmallow on the pavement during a heat wave.


    That wasn¡¯t even the worst part. The worst part was that after he sent the message he got a system notification that he was blocked and this contact had given him a lifetime ban. Now that was embarrassing.


    His son just looked at him like his point had been proven. Why would his son¡¯s boyfriend block him? Simple. He was a grumpy and stubborn old man stuck in his old ways.


    Yi Zhen was forced to reword the message and sent it to Zi Feiji instead. It was only after that that his son was satisfied.


    Meanwhile, Zi Feiji looked at the message with a little dissatisfaction. He angrily typed in.


    GrandpaZi: Tell him yourself.


    GrandpaZi: This is not Zi Han¡¯s light brain.


    Yi Zhen, ¡°...¡±


    .....


    He didn¡¯t dare tell his son what Zi Feiji said. At this point, he would be very lucky if he is allowed at the wedding.


    While Yi Zhen was calcting the probability of sneaking into the wedding venue, Zi Xingxi was sitting on the ground in the dimly lit cockpit smoking.


    Her hands which had been trembling just now had stopped but her heart was still beating fast.


    She took a long drag of her cigarette and as she puffed out the smoke she leaned her head back while resting her elbows on her knees.


    Chronos who was very worried asked, ¡°Ma¡¯am... maybe you should call him. You missed him so much,¡± it said ready to dial Zi Han¡¯s light brain any second now.


    ¡°I¡¯m very nervous,¡± said Zi Xingxi while wiping her tear-stained cheek.


    ¡°I never thought I would see him again. Even when Zi Han left I wasn¡¯t as hopeful. I didn¡¯t think they would find him alive and when I saw him... I froze. I can¡¯t... I can¡¯t, I am not ready,¡± she said and Chronos could understand. It had seen it all. The pain and hurt, the drunk nights and outbursts. All it could say was that when a person like Zi Xingxi fell in love they fell really hard.


    ¡°How about this? We go back to the Han and you can wash up. I am sure a hot bath would calm you down. After that, you can take a ss of wine and speak some self affirmation words in a mirror. Oh, you can also use the mint face mask I invented and after that, I am sure you will be ready. If you feel good on the inside then you would feel good on the outside.¡±


    Zi Xingxi chuckled while pushing her hair back. ¡°I am pretty sure you are a battle AI not a life coach one,¡± she said while rubbing her pink nose. Her eyes were bloodshot and her ears hot with an appearance like that of a weeping beauty that would make it difficult for others to ignore.


    ¡°I am both. I am here to assist master on and off the battlefield,¡± it said and Zi Xingxi took another long drag with the corner of her lips quirked into a smile.


    ¡°I need to wax... maybe someser hair removal instead,¡± she said recalling the small bush on her punani. It definitely needed some trimming after being high and dry for years. When she really needed to vent a massage stick did the job and there was no trimming necessary. Now that daddy was home the arctic had to be swept clean. She could swear some hair tangled into dreadlocks.


    AN: I would call her punani Jah Rasta Xixi at this point... hehehe. I hope this joke won¡¯t offend anyone. Let me know if it does.


    ¡°There is a hair removalser machine avable on the Han ready for full body hair removal. It will sting a little but it¡¯s worth it,¡± said Chronos not even shy at all.


    Zi Xingxiughed while forming smoke rings in the air. ¡°Maybe I should also get a haircut. Oh, maybe I should also buy a sexy outfit,¡± said Zi Xingxi jokingly but who would have thought Chronos would go ahead and book the stylist on the warship and provide a list of outfits that could be delivered before they left Loch Ness star?


    ¡°Why do you seem more excited than I am?¡± she asked while putting out the cigarette.


    ¡°Well, a happy master means a happy Chronos. It¡¯s simple math,¡± it said and Zi Xingxi sneered.


    ¡°What are you trying to say? That I am difficult to deal with?¡± she said only for Chronos to wilt like spinach. It knew how to judge her mood.


    Whenever she was with the prince after doing that she would be in an extremely good mood. She was less sarcastic and less nit picky. She also swore less and smiled more.


    Chronos had been with Zi Xingxi long enough to know this and just wanted her to be happy thus it was ready to set up a romantic dinner then abduct Yeoh Jun and bring him to her. It was ready to risk it all.


    Meanwhile, Yeoh Jun who had no idea he was being designed by an AI was sitting on the grass inside his mech catching his breath his heart unsettled.


    He looked at his son¡¯s mech lying on the grass and said, ¡°Why can¡¯t you call her again? I will apologise to her.¡±


    Zi Han closed his eyes and said, ¡°how many times are you going to keep asking? I asked her if she wanted to talk to you and she said no. Maybe she is still in shock and will speak to you when she is ready.¡±

 Chapter 490

    490 I will sneak you back in. She won¡¯t see you.


    Yeoh Juny down next to his son their mech facing the bright blue sky. ¡°Should we go and help them on Loch Ness star?¡± he asked and Zi Han sighed deeply letting all the stress out of his body.


    ¡°No. They can handle it. They can deploy the entire army so... yep,¡± said Zi Han feeling a little drowsy.


    ¡°Don¡¯t you want to go and see what¡¯s his name again?¡± asked Yeoh Jun and Zi Han turned his head slightly while saying,


    ¡°You just want to go to see mum, don¡¯t you?¡±


    ¡°Yes, I really do. The earlier you start coaxing the better,¡± he said with a hint of urgency. His heart couldn¡¯t be settled unless he saw his wife and exin things.


    ¡°How about you get a haircut first and maybe take a shower? I can smell you from all the way here,¡± replied Zi Han with a sly quirk at the corner of his lips.


    ¡°Really,¡± replied Yeoh Jun as he raised his arm to smell himself, ¡°I don¡¯t think it¡¯s that bad. I smell like heavy medicine and just a small dash of sweat.¡±


    Zi Han couldn¡¯t help but press his lips together suppressing hisughter. Who knew messing with his father was so much fun?


    ¡°Let¡¯s go. We will go in the Han warship directly and meet her,¡± he said but it seemed like Yeoh Jun had a change of heart.


    .....


    He looked at his reflection on the floating screen and suddenly felt like he could pass as a homeless guy. There was no way he was going to meet his wife like this.


    ¡°Nope, I take it back. Let¡¯s go to the nearest and get father and son haircuts. Maybe matching tattoos too,¡± said Yeoh Jun already going through his list of things to do with his daughter before he dies. Well, now he had to cross out daughter to son. Oh, he knew he was getting a son but he was going to pretend he had a daughter for a couple of years.


    ¡°With your kind of face, you will terrify everyone. They will think that they have just seen a ghost. Let¡¯s go on the Han,¡± he said and Igneous¡¯ limbsy sprawled on the ground seeming dejected.


    ¡°I will sneak you back in. She won¡¯t see you. Then I can n a romantic dinner for the two of you and you guys can make another baby,¡± he said as he got up from the ground.


    ¡°Yes to everything else and nope to another baby. I saw a birth video and I am not putting your mother through that again... She even did it alone the first time. I can¡¯t even begin to fathom what she went through pushing your big head out.¡±


    ¡°Hey, my head is perfectly normal sized,¡±ined Zi Han while his mech walked through the grasnds.


    Yeoh Jun followed behind absentmindedly. That¡¯s because his mind was wandering. He didn¡¯t know what he was going to say to her when they meet. Should he buy her flowers and a bottle of wine? Or maybe buy her a rare gemstone.


    While the pair of father and son were finding their way back to the warship, Yi Chen was sitting in the medical bay getting examined.


    His expression showed some impatience. That¡¯s because his mind was only on one person and that person was Zi Han. Yi Zhen couldn¡¯t help but facepalm looking at his son who seemed lovesick.


    ¡°Just rx and it won¡¯t take time,¡± he said before the door of the medical bay slid open. A man one head shorter than Yi Chen entered and behind was none other than Yi Feng.


    Yi Zhen turned to the door and saw his nephew behind doctor Kiet.


    ¡°What are you doing here?¡± asked Yi Zhen pressing his temples a little irritable. He didn¡¯t think his nephew would tag along.


    ¡°He goes where I go,¡± said doctor Kiet while draping his shoulders around his boyfriend as though protecting him from rtives.


    ¡°Just go take a look at him,¡± said Yi Zhen wondering how he got the disciple instead of the master. He had invited doctor Goodman to the Cetus but the old man said that his disciple Kiet was already at a level higher than him thus he let him take his ce on the Cetus. Yi Zhen knew that this man was his nephew¡¯s boyfriend. That¡¯s because his sister called himining about our cunning her inw was. Sheined that her idiot son just gave away his heart with ease so yes he knew a lot about this person.


    He wanted to help her with the situation but his son was also infatuated with a fox so he had no time to deal with it.


    He couldn¡¯t refuse doctor Kiet because even he knew that there was no one as good as him apart from the man¡¯s master. Because he knew that his son might be in a terrible condition when hees back he decided to have the best on board but who would have thought there would be a stowaway?


    ¡°Cousin,¡± yelled Yi Feng rushing over to Yi Chen but before he could even touch him Yi Chen moved his hand away.


    ¡°Who are you?¡± he asked genuinely only for Yi Feng to show a sad expression like he had been wronged.


    ¡°That¡¯s your cousin,¡± said Yi Zhen before his light brain vibrated again. He had already told his wife that their son was okay but the woman wanted to speak to him.


    He took a step and the medical bay doors opened. As he exited he turned to doctor Kiet and said, ¡°He seems to have forgotten almost everything. You check him for me please.¡±


    When he stepped out he answered the call and the sound of his wife¡¯s brittle voice screamed into his ear.


    ¡°Where is he? I want to talk to him. I want to talk to my baby,¡± she said while clutching her dress tightly.


    ¡°Baby I already told you that he doesn¡¯t remember anyone. He doesn¡¯t even remember any of us. You can only talk to him after he gets better otherwise it will only make you sad,¡± he said in a whisper trying to coax her but when he heard his kids¡¯ voices in the background he knew that wasn¡¯t possible. These two would pester and pester until they wore him out.

 Chapter 491

    491 There will be no soul sucking...


    ¡°Ma is that dage, I want to talk to dage...,¡±


    ¡°Me too. I want to hear about all his adventures. I heard the Republic is very scary and had giant man eating monsters. That would be a cool game...¡±


    ¡°You think he brought us the heads of a three headed beast as a sign of victory?¡±


    ¡°Eww mum, that¡¯s disgusting. I don¡¯t want to see a three headed beast. It will drip blood everywhere.¡±


    ¡°That¡¯s not even the best part. It will crawl into your bed at night and suck your soul out.¡±


    ¡°Ahhhh mum, wuwuwuwu I don¡¯t want my soul to be sucked out. I like my soul.¡±


    ¡°Youxi, stop scaring your sister. There will be no soul sucking.¡±


    ¡°Wuwuwuwu I want to talk to dage. Where is dage wuwuwuwu.¡±


    From that chaotic conversation, it was easy to tell who was who.


    .....


    While Yi Zhen was trying to reprimand his younger son, calm his daughter, and coax his wife, Yi Chen was getting examined. This process would be less annoying if it weren¡¯t for these two touching each other and calling baby this baby that in front of him.


    His eyes almost went blind watching them. He just wanted to walk out and go look for his wife leaving these two to themselves.


    ¡°So how was it? The republic, how was it? Was it like the federation? I have always been curious,¡± asked Yi Feng only for doctor Keit to stop him.


    ¡°Baby, do you mind? I am working. If you are good I can do for you that thing that you like,¡± said doctor Kiet and Yi Feng shut his mouth real quick.


    Yi Chen, ¡°...¡±


    Oh, how he wished Zi Han was here. Maybe then he would feel less vited by these two¡¯s public disy of affection.


    Just as this thought crossed his mind the medical bay door slid open and his father entered while handing him the light brain.


    ¡°Here, it¡¯s your mother and siblings,¡± said Yi Zhen before stepping aside. An overwhelmed Yi Chen was met with three erged faces of his family with the little girl crying like it was the end of the world. He stiffly raised his hand and waved at them resulting in an awkward silence.


    It was Ming Ming who couldn¡¯t take it anymore.


    ¡°Wuwuwu dage is broken. Someone broke my dage,¡± she cried with her finger in her mouth.


    Yi Chen, ¡°...¡±


    He hadn¡¯t even opened his mouth and said anything yet the little girl was already distraught. What he didn¡¯t realise was that that wave had already sold him out confirming that something was wrong. What wave? He should have been asking Ming Ming why she was making a fuss then Lin Ruoxi would scold him for not being nice to his sister. This was the norm but now he was waving with a stiff smile on his face.


    ¡°Dad, fix him. He is broken,¡± said Ming Ming, and Yi Zhen pinched the bridge of his nose. Didn¡¯t he warn them that Yi Chen was out of it thus he wouldn¡¯t respond like usual yet they still insisted?


    ¡°Dage, how many fingers do I have up?¡± asked Yi Youxi and Lin Ruoxi pped his hand away.


    ¡°What are you doing? He is not stupid,¡± said Lin Ruoxi through gritted teeth but Yi Youxi was very determined to mess with his older brother. Now that his older brother was alive and well he could dry his tears and mess with him.


    ¡°Dad said he forgot everything so he won¡¯t know how many fingers I am holding. For once I can be smarter than him,¡± he said with a smug look on his face.


    Everyone, ¡°...¡±


    ¡°Four now go and do your homework,¡± said Yi Chen his tone as tyrannical as usual.


    ¡°And there he is. See he is not broken now stop crying,¡± said Yi Youxi to Ming Ming and she really stopped crying.


    ¡°Honey, how are you feeling? Mum was so worried. Wuwuwu don¡¯t ever dare do that to me again....,¡± said Lin Ruoxi while Yi Youxi leaned towards Ming Ming¡¯s ear and whispered,


    ¡°You are so stupid. You could have asked him to do all the things he refuses to do before right now while he is still like this. After this, he will never agree.¡±


    ¡°Really?¡± whispered Ming Ming and Yi Youxi nodded her head.


    ¡°Go ahead... ask him,¡± he said while covering his mouth so others wouldn¡¯t see.


    Ming Ming smiled happily with a tear glistening at the rim of her bottom lid. ¡°Dage, can I give you a makeover when you get home? I will put on ponytails and makeup. I will make you very pretty,¡± she said nervously ying with her fingers.


    Everyone, ¡°...¡±


    The culprit who nted the idea in her head was none other than her good brother over there. Seeing those puppy dog eyes how could Yi Chen refuse? He nodded his head in agreement opening Yi Youxi up to a whole new world.


    While Ming Ming was celebrating an unexpected victory Yi Youxi jumped in. ¡°Then can you help me clear level 273 on King¡¯s Lair? I can¡¯t seem to figure it out.¡±


    ¡°No, no games for you. You y too much,¡± said Lin Ruoxi only for him to retort.


    ¡°Ming Ming got to ask for one thing then why can¡¯t I?¡± he asked while his mother put in a request as well,


    ¡°You can go shopping with me and let¡¯s go to the book club afterward. I can¡¯t go on my own because everyone is bringing someone.¡±


    Yi Zhen, ¡°???¡±


    ¡°Then why can¡¯t you take me?¡± he asked and Lin Ruoxi couldn¡¯t help but retort,


    ¡°You nitpick at everything. You analyse every plot hole and ruin it for everybody so you are banned,¡± she said and Yi Zhen snorted.


    ¡°Well, that means they are all stupid. It¡¯s not my fault the author couldn¡¯t even describe how to operate a mech properly.¡±


    ¡°They don¡¯t care. Anyway, you are banned so honey pleasee with mummy, okay?¡±


    Yi Chen knew they were all sad when he unexpectedly disappeared so he agreed. What concerned him though was why none of them seemed to be worried if he would regain his memory or not.


    He didn¡¯t realise was that he was in the hands of the best thus they didn¡¯t worry. As long as he was alive and well they were satisfied. It was a blessing that they could speak to him like this.


    ¡°This is your everyday life. The bickering, that¡¯s normal,¡± exined Yi Feng looking at the four family members bickering in the background.

 Chapter 492

    492 Doctor Kitty


    Amidst all this bickering it was Ming Ming who finally asked, ¡°Where is saozi?¡± drawing everyone¡¯s attention.


    Yi Chen who was silently watching this back and forth licked his lips and said, ¡°He is out saving the world. Do you miss him because I miss him too?¡±


    Everyone, ¡°...¡±


    ¡°Don¡¯t worry dage, I am going to call him for you,¡± she said and pulled up a floating screen before dialing her sister inw¡¯s contact.


    ¡°Uh Ming Ming, he must be busy killing that beast. You shouldn¡¯t disturb him,¡± said Yi Zhen. It¡¯s not that he was considerate enough to not let his daughter disturb Zi Han. It¡¯s just that the face p was too painful. He had been cklisted and handed over a lifetime ban yet his daughter could call with no issues.


    ¡°If he answers then that means he isn¡¯t busy,¡± said Yi Youxi purposefully refuting his dad.


    The entire time Yi Chen was looking at his father with aplicated gaze. He couldn¡¯t help but wonder to what extent did his father bully his good-natured wife.


    Good-natured ha! Beauty indeed lies in the eyes of the beholder and the beholder in this case was Yi Chen.


    Just when they thought it wouldn¡¯t be answered the video call got picked up and Zi Han¡¯s good looking face appeared on the floating screen.


    .....


    It seemed like he was walking in a dim lit narrow passage. He smiled at the little girl on the screen and waved, ¡°Ming Ming... hie. You missed your saozi already that you couldn¡¯t wait?¡±


    Ming Ming smiled brightly and said, ¡°We all missed you. Look there is second brother You and mum... oh and fath...,¡± she said pausing before shifting the secondary video call screen view away from her dad. She didn¡¯t want to upset Zi Han thus she directly skipped her dad.


    Yi Zhen, ¡°...¡±


    It would be your own kids that sell you out for sure. This is why one should never do illegal or shameful things in front of their kids otherwise they wouldn¡¯t hesitate to snitch on you.


    ¡°There is Feng-ge and Kitty,¡± she said and Yi Youxi pulled the screen towards himself while saying,


    ¡°That¡¯s not his name. It¡¯s doctor Kiet... Look how dage misses you. He looks like he is going to cry.¡±


    Lin Ruoxi, ¡°???¡±


    Could she return her son and get a refund?


    ¡°Okay, that¡¯s enough. Han Han, it¡¯s so good to see you. Thank you for bringing him back home. What you have done for my family it¡¯s... it¡¯s... I can¡¯t evene up with the right words. Thank you...,¡± she said her voice brittle like she was going to break down crying again.


    Zi Han hurriedly stopped her before she started kowtowing right then and there. ¡°No need for all that mum. Aren¡¯t we family already? I wille and see you properly very soon, okay?¡± he said while suppressing a smile his gaze fixed on Yi Chen as though saying I aming for you.


    Yi Youxi squeezed in and said, ¡°Dage¡¯s brain is broken so if you want to switch to another candidate I am avable,¡± trying to loosen up the sorrowful atmosphere. He had seen his mother cry so much and didn¡¯t want her to be sad anymore.


    They would slip into her bedroom and climb into her bed so they couldfort her. She cried less and wouldn¡¯t be as gloomy the next morning.


    ¡°Youxi!¡± reprimanded Lin Ruoxi while smacking him upside his head.


    ¡°Ouch... I am just saying,¡± he said only for Ming Ming to interrupt,


    ¡°Doctor kitty will fix him. Right doctor Kitty?¡± she said and Yi Feng couldn¡¯t help but snicker.


    ¡°Kitty,¡± he whispered before resting his fist on his lips trying to hide the obvious smile on his face.


    Kiet pinched Yi Feng¡¯s waist and that was thest straw for the former marshal.


    ¡°Okay everybody let him do his job. The sooner he gets checked the better,¡± he said but who was he kidding? It was like trying to get the attention of a bunch of toddlers after hearing the theme song for celon. Not going to happen.


    Zi Han smiled while watching this show go down. They were already bickering but Yi Chen remained calm in the storm his gaze fixed on his lover¡¯s face with yearning.


    ¡°Han Han, where do I turn? Left or right?¡± whispered Yeoh Jun having reached a junction. He had insisted on sneaking onto the Han but in truth, Zi Han knew the bridge was aware of their presence.


    Since his father wanted to y this game he went along with it. He raised his head and said, ¡°Left¡± before returning to the video call.


    He looked at Yi Chen who was still staring at him like he was afraid that he would disappear on him again and mouthed, ¡°I miss you.¡±


    Yi Chen suddenly felt his ears grow hot. He was silent but his heart was screaming internally. How could hend such a hot guy?


    Zi Han waspletely unaware that he had been branded a hot guy. His gaze happened tond on the small map of the emergency escape passageways on the warship. His eyes widened when he realised he made a mistake. It wasn¡¯t left but right.


    ¡°What¡¯s wrong?¡± asked Yi Chen and the bickering stopped.


    ¡°No, it¡¯s my dad. He took the wrong turn. I wille to visit you soon. Bye,¡± he said and the others waved at him goodbye before ending the call.


    When Zi Han chased after his father it was already toote. He was already messing with the keypad of the emergency exit from the outside.


    Zi Han¡¯s steps paused when he realised whose cabin that was. Should he have warned his father? Yes. Did he warn him? Nope.


    That emergency escape hatch directly entered his mother¡¯s cabin bathroom so... The chances of his mother being back were slim so he would be fine, right?


    Yeoh Jun seemed to sense that his son was no longer behind him thus he turned around and whispered, ¡°Han Han...,¡± while crouching. He leaned his head back and craned his neck but the little brat had ditched him. Thinking he was still on the call with his inws, Yeoh Jun pulled his finger back only for the hatch to make a clicking sound.

 Chapter 493

    493 ¡°Baby, I can¡¯t... I really can¡¯t leave...


    Zi Xingxi had boarded the Han warship and like her son, she had also avoided everyone as much as possible. She looked like a hot mess right now and her emotions weren¡¯t stable enough to speak to anyone thus she discreetly entered her cabin.


    When she entered she leaned her back on the closed door before exhaling deeply. She showed a slight quirk at the corner of her lips as her body slowly slid down till she was crouching on the ground.


    She pushed back the strands of hair sticking to her face revealing a glowing pair of eyes like pearls underneath the moonlight.


    She chuckled lightly with both her hands pushing back her hair. She felt an inexplicable joy overwhelming her.


    ¡°... He is really back,¡± she whispered andughed a little as she leaned her head back on the door.


    ¡°... bath. That¡¯s right, I will take a bath first,¡± she said before getting up with a spring in her step.


    ¡°Run a bath for me please,¡± she said and the home AI system running the cabins of the warship answered,


    ¡°Yes, ma¡¯am.¡±


    With a swoosh, the tap in the bathtub opened at Zi Xingxi¡¯s preferred temperature. While it was running Zi Xingxi opened one of the drawers revealing a stocked-up minibar.


    .....


    She picked a bottle of an already opened cabe sauvignon and grabbed a wine ss before pouring it out.


    ¡°y my favourite ylist,¡± she said as she tapped the wine ss lightly with a dazed expression. On her face was a dazzling smile, a smile that hadn¡¯t been on her face for decades.


    ¡°He is back,¡± she whispered again with excitement all over her face. Sheughed happily as she walked over to her bathroom while taking off one piece of clothing at a time and sipping on the wine in the interim.


    Having stripped into her birthday suit she stepped into her bathtub right at the centre of the bathroom. She set her wine ss on the side and tied her hair up into a top bun before slowly sinking into the warm water with bubbles covering the surface.


    ¡°Wah-ah-ah, oh, oh, oh, oh.... earth angel, earth angel... hmmm... my darling dear... love you all the time...,¡± she sang along to the old song she found in the archives before taking another sip.


    She leaned back resting her neck on the edge of the bathtub when the emergency hatch that had never been opened suddenly jerked and a man crawled out of it like a dog crawling through a doggy door.


    Most women in this situation would cover their key parts and yell pervert but Zi Xingxi wasn¡¯t like most women. She grabbed her handgun and pointed it at the man who was struggling to stand up straight.


    ¡°Why are the emergency hatch doors so small?¡± he said and when Zi Xingxi heard his voice her heart froze. She contemted drowning herself in the bathtub. Okay, maybe not exactly drowning herself in it but hide underneath the water.


    But before she could do anything the man turned around and froze before apologising frantically.


    ¡°No no no. I am so so sorry. I didn¡¯t mean to. Oh god... my wife is going to kill me,¡± he said while trying to crawl back into the doggy door. He had been shutting his eyes the entire time so he didn¡¯t see who it was neither did he care to know. He just wanted to go and find his cheap son and beat him to death.


    ¡°Baby, where the fuck do you think you are going? The fuck,¡± swore Zi Xingxi with a hint of annoyance.


    When Yeoh Jun heard the voice he abruptly raised his head knocking it on the hatch hard. ¡°Ouch,¡± he grumbled while crawling back out. He rubbed the back of his head as his gaze shifted to the bathtub. When their gazes met Yeoh Jun froze his heart racing.


    His face which was stiff suddenly loosened as he crawled towards the bathtub whispering, ¡°Xixi... Xixi...¡±


    Zi Xingxi who didn¡¯t want this to be how they met after more than two decades suddenly realised what kind of situation they were in. It was the worst and most embarrassing situation ever.


    She was in a bathtub naked and in a mess. What about this was romantic and sweet?


    ¡°No no no don¡¯t look at me. I look horrible. Just walk away... I just... I can¡¯t,¡± she stammered but Yeoh Jun couldn¡¯t leave. How could he? He had already left her alone for so long and couldn¡¯t bring himself to leave again.


    ¡°Baby, I can¡¯t... I really can¡¯t leave... I shouldn¡¯t have left you. I am sorry,¡± he said pressing his forehead against hers. Nothing else mattered at this point. He just wanted to be with her,fort her, and love her. He felt like he had truly wronged her forcing her to live like a widow for more than two decades.


    ¡°I am sorry. I am so sorry. Please don¡¯t cry,¡± he whispered with his hand pressed at the back of her neck, not at all bothered by the foam on her body.


    Yeoh Jun pressed his hand on hers that was resting on the side of his neck while calling out Xixi sweetly. He rubbed the back of her hand with his thumb as a tear flowed down his cheek. His father always told him that it was okay for men to express themselves even with tears. Men were human beings as well with feelings and crave intimacy as well so he was never one to shy away from crying.


    Zi Xingxi was so deep in her emotions that she almost wanted to crawl out of the bathtub and embrace him tightly. She didn¡¯t even care that she was naked or at least didn¡¯t think about it


    Since it was slippery and she couldn¡¯t get out she went for the next best thing. She tilted her head slightly and kissed his lips hard till the veins on her temple were throbbing. She wanted to cling to him so tightly and make sure he would never leave her again.

 Chapter 494

    494 NSFW.... Hehehe


    Sounds of pained whimpers and gasps bounced off the walls as the two of them pressed their foreheads together in a heartbreaking scene. Yeoh Jun pressed the back of her head drawing her close and the wetness of her hair didn¡¯t even bother him. The tips of their noses stered together for a second their emotions gushing out like the floodgates had been opened after two decades of being closed shut.


    Yeoh Jun cupped her cheek and kissed her lips. He could feel the wetness from her cheek making his heart sink at the pit of his stomach.


    He wanted to take away all her pain. He wanted to take away the pain from the past two decades but how to do that? How to ease her sorrow?


    As the steam rose from the surface of the water and formed wisps of mist around them Yeoh Jun deepened the kiss with his dry lips rudely pressing against her soft wet lips blocking a soft whimper from escaping her throat.


    The intoxicating scent of red wine from her lips tickled his senses prompting him to invade her innermost being. He chased that intoxicating taste that dizzied his mind.


    A rippling sound from the water bounced off the walls as Yeoh Jun leaned his body forward. Zi Xingxi leaned back into the bathtub and Yeoh Jun followed while kissing her fiercely. He unknowingly entered the bathtub with all his clothes on.


    The bath water rose with the addition of one more person. Yeoh Jun swept the scented candles off the edge of the bathtub and ced his hands on either side of Zi Xingxi blocking her in.


    As it all came crashing down he kissed the corner of her lips down to her neck and vicle. Zi Xingxi spread her legs apart and the water sshed onto the already wet floor. The candle that was still burning in the half shattered ss was extinguished.


    Yeoh Jun pulled down the zipper of his jacket intending to take it all off but before he could take off his jacket Zi Xingxi pressed her palms at the back of his head refusing to let him leave.


    .....


    She hooked her legs around his waist trapping him in ce as her lips found him and sucked on them before taking a good bite.


    Yeoh Jun groaned as the taste of blood mixed in with their entangled tongues. When his wife¡¯s hand trailed down his chest and abdomen he clutched the edge of the bathtub till his knuckles turned white. Her fingertips teasingly caressed the bulge in his pants and as though shocked by an electric current he groaned with the hot air from his breath spraying on his wife¡¯s face.


    Just as her hand was about to slip into his pants he held her wrist unable to take it anymore. His breathing rapid he said, ¡°Xixi... not here.¡±


    Zi Xingxi who was in a muddled mess opened her eyes and stared at him as though staring deep into his soul.


    A minuteter two figures entered the bedroom with water still dripping down on their bodies wetting the floor. Yeoh Jun who was carrying her in a princess carry ced his wife on the bed and with their gazes locked he removed his jacket and threw it on the floor harshly.


    He took off his t-shirt his gaze as hot as moltenva making Zi Xingxi shiver in excitement.


    Those bedroom eyes were no joke. She couldn¡¯t resist biting her lower lip while watching him strip. A shirtless Yeoh Jun climbed onto the bed and crawled in between her legs fitting together like the most perfect puzzle piece.


    Zi Xingxi tugged at his pants trying to open the zip but her wrists were grasped and pressed above her head. She gasped with her chest rising and falling with an inexplicable thrill coursing through her veins. Yeoh Jun pressed both her wrists down with one hand while exploring her curves with his other hand. The pendant around his neck gently swayed before pressing on her chest and the chill from it spread all over her body.


    Yeoh Jun¡¯s finger trailed down her vicle and caressed her blossoming bosom making her shudder. She gasped loudly and their two pairs of eyes met. Yeoh Jun bit his lip and lowered his head while tightening the grip holding her wrists down.


    Her hands that were being held down tensed as she leaned her head back slightly while parting her lips. That¡¯s because that tongue knew exactly where to touch and suck. This man still knew how to please her despite being separated for so long.


    Sounds of loud breathing filled the air intensifying the erotic atmosphere. She eventually couldn¡¯t stand the stimtion thus she began to writhe underneath him while begging him to get inside.


    The invitation was granted but Yeoh Jun wasn¡¯t taking the bait. He raised his head and looked at her with his obsidian eyes. His gaze gradually grew darker and scorching hot like there was a fire burning in his eyes.


    After a while, his lips quirked slightly showing a mischievous smile.


    ¡°I naturally wronged the Madam hence I have topensate her,¡± he said and Zi Xingxi¡¯s eyes widened.


    ¡°You!..,¡± she said before her soul temporarily left her body. That¡¯s because her long-lost husband went down on her despite there being a rainforest down south. Zi Xingxi had never been this embarrassed in her entire life but once her husband started there was no stopping it.


    Her dry spell that hadsted for decades had finally been broken thus she couldn¡¯t fight it even if she wanted to. His tongue skillfully teased that special ce and his fingers knew exactly where to go. In no time she was panting heavily while pressing the back of his head down. Her muscles tensed as a wave of numbness spread all over her body.


    ¡°AH AH... AH fuck...,¡± she cried out her lower half convulsing like she had been electrocuted. She didn¡¯t think it would take such a short time to get her there but she forgot to ount for the years she had been starving.


    She nced down at him and found that he was unzipping his pants while licking his lower lip cleaning up the remnants of what they had just done now.

 Chapter 495

    495 NSFWShe wanted to say something but her lips were seized and she soon forgot about it. That¡¯s because a thick hard member slid inside of her making her sink her nails into his back.


    ¡°Ah fuck... baby... mm,¡± she cried out as the man slowly thrust inside easing her into it. Because they hadn¡¯t done this in a while it was especially tight but because of the wetness, it was slippery enough making it bearable for her.


    Sounds of what one could only describe as passionate and heated lovemaking filled that room as these two indulged themselves. Yeoh Jun knew very well how to please his wife.


    He made sure to make her climax until she had exhausted herself but Zi Xingxi was insatiable.


    She found herself straddling him and began to thrust her hips while kissing and sucking his lips.


    Yeoh Jun especially enjoyed the view. He ced his hand on her waist while his other hand rubbed her nipple.


    Zi Xingxi gasped as she arched her back allowing him to touch her some more.


    Time and time again sounds of her orgasmic cries filled the air as she reached the peak of her pleasure. She had sweat streaming down her body as she thrust her hips but she couldn¡¯t bring herself to stop. She wanted more. She wanted to climax as many times as possible making up for all the years he had been absent and Yeoh Jun didn¡¯t stop her.


    The two naked bodies entangled with each other for an hour till Yeoh Jun couldn¡¯t hold back anymore releasing his seed inside of her. Zi Xingxi copsed onto him gasping for air and Yeoh Jun embraced her while kissing the top of her head. His heart seemed to be filled with honey. It was so overwhelmingly sweet that he couldn¡¯t resist raising her chin and kissing her soft lips.


    .....


    After a short while of making out, Zi Xingxi got off on top of him her expression lukewarm as though all the seductive expressions and lewd sounds weren¡¯ting from her earlier. Her face seemed indifferent but internally she was in a mess. Rolling in between the sheets helped vent some of her repressed emotions but it couldn¡¯t solve anything.


    She sat up and was about to leave when her elbow was grasped. ¡°Xixi,¡± said a deep hoarse voice making her ears itch. Anyone could call her Xixi but when this man said it it made her heart melt and quench her anger.


    Yeoh Jun sat up and shuffled over towards her but Zi Xingxi wouldn¡¯t look at him.


    ¡°Xixi..,¡± he called out again before nting a feather like kiss on her shoulder. ¡°Please don¡¯t ignore me. I will ept it if you scold me or curse at me but... I can¡¯t stand you ignoring me... it hurts. My heart bleeds,¡± he continued to say staring at her with a burning gaze.


    Zi Xingxi tried to ignore him and free herself from his grasp but he wouldn¡¯t let go. She closed her eyes in exasperation before saying, ¡°You lied to me,¡± through gritted teeth.


    Yeoh Jun who couldn¡¯t recall when he ever lied to her twitched his brow with panic in his heart. The room fell into a long eerie silence as she red at him from the corner of her eye. After a while, she tried to get up again but he tightened his grip. She turned her gaze away and said, ¡°You didn¡¯t tell me about the space jumps, the mansion on death star, and our son... you didn¡¯t tell me that you interfered with his mental power in my womb.¡±


    Hearing this Yeoh Jun¡¯s heart sank to the pit of his stomach. He had indeed failed to mention all these things but it wasn¡¯t because he was lying to her, he just didn¡¯t have time to tell her.


    He let go of her intending to kneel before her and exin but she took the chance to walk away.


    Yeoh Jun caught up with her just as she was putting on her silk morning gown. He held her shoulder and spun her around pressing her back against the wall. She moved to her left intending to walk away but he blocked her way in a ssic wall m. The two of them stared at each other their breathing heavy.


    ¡°I didn¡¯t tell you about our child because... I... I thought we had time. I should have said it when I did it but I was afraid... I was afraid that you would end up like my great grandmother. She almost died carrying an S ranked child and I didn¡¯t want that to happen to you. I was wrong,¡± he said and opened her lips about to say something only for her to remember him mentioning this before.


    At that time she told him that she was strong and she could handle it but recalling how hard it was to push that brat out she suddenly understood why he did it though as a mother she couldn¡¯t stand the ridicule Zi Han got each time he fought in the simtor.


    A noble prince was reduced to aughing stock and it was on her to help him realise that he was so much more. After training him, Zi Hanid waste of all of them and he was finally a feared existence on the virtual even with his B-ranked mental power.


    ¡°Then what about the home on death star... did you happen to forget to mention it or was it a hen house for your second wife,¡± she said stabbing her with her words. He knew her tongue was sharp but that really hurt him more than he thought it would.


    ¡°Xixi, enough,¡± he said his voice soft as though whispering sweet nothings to his lover.


    ¡°I did it for you, for our son... for us,¡± he said cupping her face with his broad palm. His gaze shifted from her eyes to her lips as he caressed them with his thumb. ¡°I wanted to surprise you... things just didn¡¯t work out as expected. I wanted us to live freely and raise our son away from all the politics... I thought he would be safer that way,¡± he continued to say.

 Chapter 496

    496 NSFW3... Enjoy


    The pair of lovers were stuck in a stalemate for a long time and if one was to enter this room they would think these two were about to fight.


    Zi Xingxi swallowed her emotions down before asking, ¡°Then the space jumps... didn¡¯t you think it was necessary to tell me that our baby would suddenly sneeze and vanish with no trace? Or is it that you didn¡¯t trust me enough?¡±


    Yeoh Jun pressed the tip of his tongue on his sharp canine tooth as he leaned in closer and stared straight into her fiery gaze.


    His silence made Zi Xingxi grit her teeth trying to hold back the scolding lingering at the tip of her tongue. She swallowed those words down before continuing, ¡± I thought you and I would tell each other everything but apparently not.¡±


    After saying this she took a step intending to leave but Yeoh Jun grasped her wrist and pulled her back. Zi Xingxi¡¯s heart jumped as she stared at the hand wrapped around her wrist.


    ¡°Yeoh Jun, let go of me,¡± he said her voice soft but her tone harsh.


    Yeoh Jun wouldn¡¯t be Yeoh Jun if he listened to her just like that. Pressing his body against hers he whispered,


    ¡°I admit it... I was wrong. I should have mentioned it. I am sorry Xixi,¡± his tone sincere.


    Zi Xingxi¡¯s chest was undting as she red at him fiercely. She also knew she shouldn¡¯t stay mad for long. It was a blessing in itself that her husband who she thought was dead was standing right in front of her apologising.


    .....


    Unable to look at those enchanting eyes she turned her head away and pursed her lips but she could still feel her husband¡¯s intense gaze burrowing through her skin.


    Yeoh Jun reached out and gently pinched Zi Xingxi¡¯s chin before making her turn around to look at him.


    ¡°Xixi... It¡¯s all my fault that your world was torn apart. I know I broke your heart and there is nothing I can do to make up for it. But I will not stop trying to make it up to you... to make it up to our son. I will spend the rest of my life making it up to you... if you can give me a chance,¡± he said his voice hoarse.


    Zi Xingxi knew it wasn¡¯t his fault that all this happened but hearing him say this still touched a special ce in her heart.


    ¡°I guess I should be happy you came back to me instead of being mad at you... But if you dare die on me again I will follow you and beat the shit out of your ghost,¡± she said sounding very unreasonable but Yeoh Jun could barely suppress the quirk at the corner of his lips.


    ¡°Yes ma¡¯am,¡± he said while licking his lower lip while leering at her like an insatiable beast staring at juicy prey.


    Zi Xingxi couldn¡¯t help but chuckle her cheeks burning. She knew what he was thinking at a nce. She could only guess that he was greedy for her body after years of being starved.


    ¡°Are you going to keep staring or are you going to fuck me,¡± she said with a tempting gaze that made it very difficult to resist.


    Yeoh Jun¡¯s lips quirk slightly into a licentious arc. Having been granted the green light he directly picked her up sweeping her off her feet.


    Zi Xingxi naturally wrapped her legs around his waist and with her back stered on the wall behind her he began to thrust long and hard.


    ¡°Ah ah ah ah uh ah fuck make me cum daddy... ah,¡± she moaned and groaned like a girl from the red light district trying to please a client but in her case, it was because her husband was relentlessly attacking that one spot that made her feel an inexplicable pleasure. She was like a genie in amp. Rub her right and she would do anything for him.


    Just when her breathing stagnated like she was about to get there, Yeoh Jun withdrew his member from that warm ce, and as it popped out of her wet pussy a few drops of the lewd fluids dripped down to the floor.


    Zi Xingxi stared at him with a hint of dissatisfaction but when he sucked on her neck trailing down to her chest she had no qualms. She arched her back slightly letting him explore her body to his heart¡¯s content.


    She smiled in pleasure when she felt him brush her nipple with his tongue. She raked her fingers through his hair panting heavily.


    ¡°Ah, husband... I want you, ¡± she whispered.


    Unable to resist her cajoling voice and tension mounting on his hard member, he lowered his hand and slowly pushed inside that hot hole. Once he was inside, Zi Xingxi let out a high pitched cry as she fell once more into that dizzying spell.


    Yeoh Jun groped her perky ass through the silky fabric and thrust deep inside of her stirring that special ce once more. Her cries grew louder as she mbered on, her muscles tense.


    She gazed into his eyes as he thrust his cock deep inside of her. In his eyes, she saw inexplicable desire and tenderness directed toward her. This was the catalyst transcending her to another dimension. She could barely control herself gasping and moaning with the tempo of his thrusts.


    He mmed into her hard with his sturdy chest pressing against her creamy breasts. the squelching of her juices as he slid in and out heightened his ardour.


    Almost without warning, that familiar intense sensation emanating from her core grew stronger and pulsing. The pitch of her voice grew sharper as she pressed the tips of her fingers into his back.


    He could sense her approaching the peak of her pleasure thus he didn¡¯t stop... he couldn¡¯t stop.


    He kept the same rhythm while staring at her face overwhelmed by passion.


    Zi Xingxi lost herself in the exquisite, overwhelming, and uncontroble feeling. Her muscles tightened anticipating the peak of release. Like gushing waters an intense climax far different from when she straddled him overwhelmed her.


    Her muscles tensed as a bursting sensation radiating from within her flooded her senses like a tsunamic wave to the tips of her extremities. She felt her pussy tremor in its release and the muscles in her thighs and stomach fluttered and rippled. Shey her head on his shoulder as the aftershocks of pleasure swept through her.

 Chapter 497

    497 NSFW4...and done


    Her face stered in the crevice of his neck, she panted heavily deliriously spent. Her spasms subsided and her chaotic heart rate slowly calmed as shey there unmoving.


    Yeoh Jun kissed her shoulder and she giggled from the tickling sensation. If one were to see her now they would be in shock. There was only one person in this world who could make her show this coquettish andscivious look.


    ¡°Have you had your fill?¡± he whispered into her ear.


    When she responded her lips brushed against his skin the sensation making him groan as he closed his eyes immersing himself in the feeling.


    ¡°Put me down,¡± she said and he did as she asked his gaze trailing down her body.


    Zi Xingxi smiled mischievously as her feet touched the ground. She spun around and pressed her hands against the wall her butt under the silk fabric moving slightly.


    Yeoh Jun couldn¡¯t resist kneading and rubbing that peach. He spanked it a little and she gasped as she stared at him from the corner of her eyes. While kissing her back he pushed up the slippery fabric. He caressed up her abdomen to her chest as he shoved his hard member inside of her.


    Envelope by that wet and warm ce Yeoh Jun gasped in pleasure. Oh, how he missed this intoxicating feeling. He pulled out his throbbing and pulsing member while calling out her name.


    ¡°Xixi...,¡± he whispered his lips brushing against her spine. He pulled back from her wet ce and kissed the back of her neck before saying, ¡°You are so sexy.¡±


    .....


    His gaze transfixed on her flushed face he pressed against her again as his hand rested on her neck forcing her to arch her back further. He felt her rapid pulse from the veins on her neck enticing him to increase his pace. Her juice lubricated his shaft as he thrust into her faster and faster.


    Zi Xingxi whimpered and let out a high pitched gasp while calling out to him begging him not to stop. Her breathing became sharper and shorter apanied by the loud sounds of his hips mming into her arse.


    She could feel the movement behind bing more frantic and his breathingboured as he plowed her like a beast in heat.


    ¡°Ah ah ngh.... haa.. thrust harder daddy,¡± she cried out her voice oozing with desire.


    Yeoh Jun suddenly couldn¡¯t hold back anymore. He cried out his voice deep and hoarse as his body jerked rigidly. He thrust hard spurting his cum deep into her before dizzyingly copsing on her back.


    Panting heavily, the two of them remained in this position for a very long time. It was Yeoh Jun who raised his head first and asked, ¡°Did you like that?¡± Before kissing and sucking on her shoulder de leaving red marks.


    Zi Xingxi nodded her head as she pulled away from him. When the two of them separated she turned around wanting to kiss his lips but she found that his expression wasn¡¯t right.


    Yeoh Jun raised his head and saw the look of concern in her eyes. He smiled slightly and rubbed her cheek with his thumb while asking, ¡°What¡¯s wrong?¡±


    He might have been asking that question but he knew the answer. His vision was blurred and he was seeing doubles.


    ¡°Oh this is embarrassing,¡± he said staggering back a little and Zi Xingxi hurriedly caught him.


    ¡°What is embarrassing?¡± she asked whileying him down on the bed. She wanted to get up and help him lie down well but Yeoh Jun wouldn¡¯t let her go. He grasped her wrist and touched her face again while saying, ¡°The almighty Prince of Onyx Federation fought a hideous beast only to pass out after making love to his beautiful wife. That¡¯s a nice headline,¡± he said with a light chuckle.


    Zi Xingxi resisted the urge to roll her eyes. This man was really something. ¡°And I would die a happy man. Xixi... you are so beautiful,¡± he whispered while cupping her face.


    ¡°And you are delirious,¡± replied Zi Xingxi as she tried to get up again but Yeoh Jun pulled her down and she copsed on top of him.


    Her lips were suddenly sealed by Yeoh Jun. She wanted to tell him to let her go so she could check his vitals but Yeoh Jun refused to let her go. He even held her more tightly while saying, ¡°Stay like this for one more minute. I want to look at you. My precious Xixi...¡±


    While these two were tearing the roof off the warship making up for lost time, Zi Feiji was eating dinner with Zi Han the pair of them gossiping.


    Zi Han wanted to leave but his grandfather was determined to keep him from leaving for Cetus and with good reason. Things hadn¡¯t been cleared up yet and going on Cetus warship would be like going into a wolf¡¯s den thus he refused to let him go.


    ¡°... so they were worshiping you like a god? That¡¯s ridiculous. What kind of god would you be? The god of mischief?¡± Said Zi Feiji while cing some shredded potatoes in his bowl.


    Zi Han wiped his mouth and said, ¡°No that¡¯s Loki¡¯s. I would be the god of death. Sounds cool,¡± before calling to Igneous.


    ¡°Iggy... argh I forgot dad had it now. The videos are on it. That ce is very harsh and the heat is just horrible.¡±


    ¡°That sounds bad... So what are you going to do about the ce? You can¡¯t leave them there to suffer,¡± said Zi Feiji and Zi Han nodded.


    ¡°We can¡¯t leave them like that indeed. I was thinking of relocating them to another sr system or integrating the Republic with the Federation. We have more than enough space,¡± replied Zi Han.


    ¡°That¡¯s going to be hard. We will need to run a referendum and see what the poption says though I can already guess what the majority of them would decide.¡±


    ¡°Yah, we will talk about it soon. Did you miss me?¡± he asked and Zi Feiji red at his grandson.


    ¡°No. This grandpa didn¡¯t miss you at all. What a dumb question,¡± he said and Zi Han pointed at his panda eyes that seemed sunken a little.


    ¡°Your eyes say different. You couldn¡¯t sleep worrying over me. Grandpa admit it,¡± he said but Grandpa Zi wouldn¡¯t admit to it.

 Chapter 498

    498 Zi Han gets wasted... again.


    Zi Feiji decided to steer the conversation in another direction thus he asked, ¡°Your dad... does he want to ascend to the throne again?¡±


    Zi Han who had no idea leaned back in his seat and replied, ¡°I don¡¯t know. I think he should. These corrupt officials have rotted the federation from within. Maybe he should take the throne back and shift things around,¡± replied Zi Han casually not so concerned about politics. He just wanted to be the executioner beside his father handing out punishments.


    Zi Feiji sighed before getting up and picking up a bottle and two sses. With a soft thud, he ced them on the table and said, ¡°I have been saving this for a special asion... and this is could be considered a very special asion. You managed to achieve something that most would consider impossible. You saved the world and brought your father back. I am so proud of you,¡± he said and Zi Han smiled happily as his grandpa pat his shoulder.


    He didn¡¯t want an award or a ceremony for his achievements. He much preferred something as simple as this. Sitting with his grandad while drinking liquor and chatting. Biggest reward ever.


    ¡°You have had that on the disy cab in your office for so long. Are you sure you want to open it now? Don¡¯t you want to drink one of mom¡¯s cheap wines? With her expensive tastes I honestly thought she would have stocked up on some good wine,¡± he said only for Zi Feiji to open the bottle before saying,


    ¡°You think she would keep her stash here? She keeps it in her cabin. She knows you took her bottle of Screaming Eagle cabe sauvignon. You know she bought that at the auction house and you opened it and drank it all in one gulp,¡± he said reprimanding his grandson who didn¡¯t inherit their love for expensive liquor. Zi Han was fine with any box of wine as long as it was sweet and didn¡¯t give him a headache. He also loved fruit cocktails and he would drink them like drinking water.


    ¡°Uh yuck. It didn¡¯t even taste sweet. I feel like I suffered for nothing,¡± he said and Zi Feiji red at him.


    ¡°Well you better drink all of this otherwise I will ship you to the Yi family home and tell them to keep you forever,¡± said Zi Feiji while handing him a quarter filled crystal ss.


    Zi Han, ¡°...¡±


    .....


    He wanted to say he would love that but when he recalled the former Marshal¡¯s attitude towards him he wasn¡¯t so keen anymore.


    He exhaled deeply with a look as though begging his grandpa for mercy. Grandpa Zi ignored him as he took a nice sip with a contented look on his face.


    ¡°Go on... it¡¯s very good. Take a nice sip,¡± he said and Zi Han shook the ss gently hoping some of the ice could melt and help with the taste. Grandpa Zi who always wanted to share a drink with his grandson looked at him with expectant eyes and Zi Han could onlyply.


    He toughened up and took a sip his expression ugly. He was anticipating the worst but when it touched his tongue it wasn¡¯t so bad.


    This was a big mistake on his part. He shouldn¡¯t have taken a second sip so quickly because when the aftertaste kicked in he almost cried tears of blood.


    He coughed while using his grandpa of trying to poison him. ¡°I thought you loved me *cough *cough *cough. I thought I was *cough your favourite. Grandpa you are trying to kill me,¡± he wailed and Zi Feiji rolled his eyes. Two words to best describe his grandson at this moment would be drama king and he was sure this boy inherited it from his father.


    ¡°Can I put candy in it? It might taste better,¡± he said and Zi Feiji¡¯s eyes widened while pointing at him with his trembling finger.


    ¡°You dare? This is a seventy five year old bottle of Cadestine single malt whiskey, how dare you brat defile it,¡± he said ready to look for a slipper.


    ¡°Grandpa it¡¯s even older than you? How can it taste good? It¡¯s probably gone bad,¡± he said and Zi Feiji was at a loss for words. He suddenly regretted wasting it on him. It was his fault for being too sentimental. He should have bought tickets to an amusement park instead and taken him there. He was sure Zi Han would be very happy with that instead.


    ¡°Give it. I will give you something else,¡± he said choosing not to force him. At least he had taken a sip but just as Zi Feiji was about to take it away Zi Han hugged the ss and said,


    ¡°You can¡¯t take back what you have already given grandpa. It¡¯s mine now.¡±


    So Zi Feiji watched his grandson drink the contents of the ss while trying to maintain a straight expression. After the torture was over Zi Han smiled gleefully with butterscotch candy in his mouth.


    Zi Feiji was about to praise him when he suddenly copsed on the table. He was dead drunk just like that.


    Zi Feiji, ¡°...¡±


    He turned the bottle to check the alcohol content and looked at his grandson smacking his lips.


    ¡°What the....,¡± he muttered only for Zi Han to get up abruptly saying,


    ¡°I am up. I am up...¡±


    ¡°Are you okay?¡± asked Zi Feiji and Zi Han giggled before saying,


    ¡°Uh Ji Ji why do you have four heads?... And why are they spinning.¡±


    Okay, he had most definitely poisoned his grandson and he wasn¡¯t proud of it at all.


    ¡°Okay, let¡¯s go and see the doctor,¡± he said trying to help him up.


    ¡°I don¡¯t need a doctor... I need a love doctor. That bloody bastard pawned his ring,¡± said Zi Han spewing everything that came to mind.


    Zi Feiji knew who this bastard he was talking about was but he didn¡¯t understand anything after that. What ring? Why would Yi Chen pawn his ring?


    ¡°Grandpa you need to seek ju, justice for me. I was wronged,¡± whispered Zi Han the alcohol taking over his brain.

 Chapter 499

    499 Baby bump


    ¡°... Grandpa has to take justice for me other... otherwise I will be bullied by my future husband¡¯s family wuwuwuwu,¡± wailed Zi Han like he had been wronged.


    Grandpa Zi, ¡°...¡±


    Okay, he was wrong. He shouldn¡¯t have drunk with this grandson of his. The young man couldn¡¯t hold his liquor at all. When the door slid open they bumped into Secretary K who had juste from cleaning the mess at Loch Ness star. Who knew the madam would ditch him. After that he had to keep the peace between the Bloodgarde members and the military. The tension was so intense that one spark could result in a massive explosion. Who would have thought that when he got back he would run into a drunk Zi Han and a concerned Zi Feiji?


    ¡°You take him. Carry him to the infirmary. He is too heavy,¡± said Zi Feiji, and Secretary K who was very happy to see Zi Han back safe and sound heaved a sigh internally.


    ¡°Oh look it¡¯s secretary K, no no no it¡¯s uncle K. Uncle K avenge me. I am very very aggrieved,¡± said Zi Han, and the least expressive person on this warship actually cracked.


    ¡°Ignore him. He is too chatty. At least he¡¯s not like his mother when she is drunk. There is a lot of crying... and singing. Ugh, the singing. It gives me nightmares,¡± he said and secretary K subconsciously shivered recalling Zi Xingxi¡¯s singing. It almost made his ears deaf.


    ¡°Why is he like this?¡± he asked and Zi Feiji ced his finger on his lips shushing him.


    ¡°You ask too many questions. Just don¡¯t tell his mother about this. If she finds out that we drank the old bottle without her she will get jealous,¡± he said recalling how he had stopped his daughter from opening it.


    When she graduated from the academy she asked for it but he refused saying that the asion wasn¡¯t special enough. Now the asion was right but whose fault was it that she wasn¡¯t there? If he waited till tomorrow it won¡¯t have the same sentimental feeling.


    .....


    Secretary K couldn¡¯t promise anything. He never lied to Zi Xingxi so if she asks he most definitely will tell the truth.


    Zi Feiji was about to ask him again to agree when Zi Han moved again and this time he had his fist covering his mouth like he was about to throw up.


    ¡°... ugh... grandpa. I am going to throw up... Am I dying?¡± he said his eyes watery like he was going to cry.


    ¡°How much did he drink?¡± asked Secretary K thinking it must have been half a bottle that did this. One can only imagine his expression when he found out that it was less than a quarter of a ss.


    ¡°It was about this much. Believe me, I didn¡¯t see that oneing,¡± replied Zi Feiji only for Zi Han to be even more ridiculous.


    He gasped before saying, ¡°Am I pregnant? I think I am pregnant. Oh, the horror... that¡¯s why I feel nauseous and my ankles are swollen... Chen-ge, you did this to me wuwuwu,¡± whimpered Zi Han and Lynn Feng who had just rushed over after seeing that her sweetheart¡¯s mech had just returned in the hangar of the warship froze. Who would have thought she would run into cutie Han iming that he was pregnant?


    She stared at the three and the three stared at her before she said, ¡°I um I forgot that I I had um something else to do so... bye.¡±


    Zi Feiji, ¡°...¡±


    Secretary K, ¡°???¡±


    ¡°Okay, he should never drink again,¡± said Zi Feiji and Secretary K could second that.


    Meanwhile, Yi Chen who had no idea he had impregnated his boyfriend was standing in an inclined chamber wishing his wife was here. At least then he would feel brave enough to do this.


    After standing there for a while he was getting kind of bored. Lucky for him his father remembered him and brought over his light brain and hooked it to the machine he was currently in. He thought while they were running tests he could entertain himself.


    ¡°Here... I connected it. You can use it until the start of the treatment. You should know how to use it, right?¡± said Yi Zhen looking at his son who seemed clueless about everything. The temperament was the same but the behaviour was way off.


    ¡°Which one is Zi Han¡¯s contact?¡± he asked and Yi Zhen almost rolled his eyes. How was he supposed to know that? Okay fine, he knew but why would he tell him that?


    He wanted to hold back and not say it but after looking into those puppy dog eyes he found himself relenting.


    ¡°Don¡¯t...don¡¯t look at me like that... *sigh... just check the one with a star on top. That¡¯s your favourite contact,¡± he said and Yi Chen couldn¡¯t help but show a slight smile before saying,


    ¡°Dad is the best.¡±


    ¡°Eee,¡± squeaked the former Marshal his heart filled with fluffy clouds. Now he wished his little Chen Chen would stick around a little longer. It was all his fault that his son didn¡¯t smile at him anymore or praise him with a proud expression. He wished this version couldst a little longer.


    ¡°Okay, I um... I am going to go. Just... if you need anything you can call me,¡± said Yi Zhen before leaving.


    ¡°Okay,¡± replied Yi Chen before pressing the video call button. It rang three times before a zoomed-in face of Zi Han appeared on the screen.


    Yi Chen¡¯s brows furrowed a little but before he could ask Zi Han backed away and said, ¡°Oh... it¡¯s you.¡±


    ¡°I thought you would be more enthusiastic than that. Are you... are you naked?¡± he asked and boy the view was something.


    ¡°No no... I am wearing my birthday suit. Grandpa forbade me from leaving and he gave me a hangover pill. I have to wait until it kicks in,¡± replied Zi Han with everything just hanging right there for Yi Chen to see.


    ¡°But why are you nak- I mean why are you in your birthday suit?¡± he asked again and Zi Han hurriedly exined.


    ¡°I saw you called and I wanted to show you my baby bump so I took it all off. I think it looks like I am two months along. What do you think?¡± asked Zi Han while rubbing his belly. To be frank, he looked like he was bloated.


    ¡°You don¡¯t... you don¡¯t look like it. You scum of a husband. You did this and you won¡¯t admit it?¡± said Zi Han his voice fluctuating with his emotions. It was like going through a rollercoaster ride.

 Chapter 500

    500 Dancing in his birthday suit


    ¡°I did it and I like it a lot. I will take full responsibility,¡± said Yi Chen ying along with his lover who was obviously drunk. ¡°How much did you drink exactly?¡± he continued to ask and Zi Hany down while saying,


    ¡°This much,¡± gesturing with his fingers, ¡°it was seventy something old whiskey and yuck it was so bitter.¡±


    ¡°Then why did you drink it if it was bitter?¡± he asked and Zi Hany on his back with the floating screen shifting along with him.


    ¡°Because grandpa looked like he would cry if I didn¡¯t,¡± he replied and Zi Feiji sneezed a couple of times where ever he was. Someone was definitely talking about him behind his back.


    ¡°What should we name our twins? Maybe something sentimental like Amara and Rose,¡± he continued to say and Yi Chen pursed his lips trying not to smile.


    ¡°How do you know that they are girls?¡± he asked and Zi Han went off on him,


    ¡°What? There can¡¯t be boys named Amara and Rose?¡±


    ¡°No. Are we going to fight over our children that haven¡¯t been born yet?¡± replied Yi Chen trying his very best not tough. This version of Zi Han was even more entertaining.


    ¡°Fine, we won¡¯t argue about that but... we can do something else,¡± said Zi Han, and Yi Chen¡¯s interest was piqued.


    .....


    ¡°Like what?¡± he asked and Zi Han smiled evilly. Yi Chen had no idea what his boyfriend was going to do but Zi Han¡¯s enthusiasm was infectious.


    ¡°I am going to dance,¡± he said as he pressed something on his light brain and the sound of music permeated through the walls.


    Zi Han grabbed ab and soon after came the singing with everything dangling. The singing was quite off-key but the view was mesmerising. Zi Han was great at every other thing but singing was not his best skill. He was as tone deaf as his mother.


    Yi Chen would be lying if he said he was listening to the terrible singing. His focus was on the moving parts that were swinging as he danced around.


    His heart was racing so much that he thought he was about to have a heart attack. The image was very stimting especially when Zi Han¡¯s perky tooshie was aimed at him. His sweetheart was something else.


    Just when things were getting good the door of the machine was knocked and Doctor Kiet was standing there looking at him like he was looking at a streaker.


    He couldn¡¯t understand what the man was fussing about until he checked down south. He was really turned on by this alluring dance.


    ¡°No getting excited. I am trying to fix your brain over here. Wait brother inw... are you watching porn?¡± asked doctor Kiet ready to share this juicy gossip with his sweetheartter.


    Yi Chen minimised the floating screen despite knowing that it was on privacy mode.


    ¡°I am not,¡± he said and the two stared at each other for a while before doctor Kiet said,


    ¡°You always treat me better when I am in drag. Maybe I should dress up so you arefortable enough to share your material,¡± before going away.


    Yi Chen, ¡°...¡±


    ¡°Who was that? Is that doctor Kitty? I want him to be our baby doctor,¡± said Zi Han and Yi Chen maximised the screen.


    ¡°No, it was some other random doctor. Why do you call him that?¡± asked Yi Chen. The only other person he heard call him that was Ming Ming.


    Zi Han chuckled while saying, ¡°Ming Ming calls him that. She told me that he came to visit and she put nail polish on him. Your sister really needs big sisters,¡± he exined his eyes seeming a littlezy.


    ¡°You talk to my sister a lot,¡± said Yi Chen with the bulge in his pants receding a lot now.


    ¡°I do. She calls me all the time even Youxi. Your family likes me a lot... all except your dad. Oh, and I took your mom to a health spa on her birthday behind your back. It was fun,¡± said Zi Han as hey down on the bed.


    Yi Chen reached out as though to touch Zi Han¡¯s face while asking, ¡°Then what did you do for me on my birthday?¡±


    Zi Han chuckled while zooming the camera closer. ¡°We had a lot of sex. On the bed, desk, in the bathtub, in the shower, and on the floor to ceiling window with a sexy outfit on. It was very exciting. You are quite creative in bed baby,¡± he said seeming very happy.


    ¡°I hope I will remember it? Or maybe we can make new memories,¡± replied Yi Chen only to see that his naked boyfriend that was dancing naked just now was already fast asleep and he was even drooling.


    ¡°Han Han...,¡± he called out his eyes brimming with tender affection. Zi Han smiled slightly while opening his eyes a small slit.


    ¡°I love you,¡± whispered Yi Chen and Zi Han mumbled a response while pulling a pillow that was outside the camera¡¯s frame.


    When he observed it closely he found out that not only was it a body pillow but it was a body pillow with his face printed on it.


    His heart burst seeing this. Zi Han missed him so much that he had a body pillow made. Wait until he found out that the body pillow was made because they had separated for so long. His dearest father was going to get an earful and another round of pettiness by the petty king would begin.


    While he was watching his lover cuddle the body pillow to sleep, the machine door was knocked again, and doctor kitty ops... I meant doctor Kiet was standing there staring at him.


    ¡°It¡¯s time. I am going to disconnect your light brain now,¡± he said and Yi Chen nodded his head as he cut the video call.


    He didn¡¯t know how long he was going to be in this thing thus he had to cut the call. He sincerely hoped that when he woke up he would be back to normal.

 Chapter 501

    501 ¡°Did he just scold us?¡±


    AN: I am sorry for the past few days. I hurt my pinkie by the car door and now its swollen. I have been using speech to text function and its been very difficult to get the hang off. Thank you so much for your understanding.


    ***


    The pair of lovers who had yed so much that they almost sprained their lower backs were still fast asleep but Zi Han who for some reason woke up early hurriedly brought over breakfast that he made himself.


    Let¡¯s just say that he had a dreamst night, a very bad dream. He dreamt that his father was still dead and that everything he experienced was a dream.


    Thus he woke up early, made breakfast, and went over to the captain¡¯s cabin. He was already this old but he couldn¡¯t get rid of his anxiety.


    ¡°Mum... I brought you breakfast,¡± he said holding the tray tightly only for his grandfather to pass by and smack him upside his head.


    ¡°Ouch,¡± he yelped out in pain and Zi Feiji reprimanded him,


    ¡°Leave them alone.¡±


    ¡°No... I missed so many Father¡¯s Day. I want to surprise him,¡± replied Zi Han while rubbing the back of his head.


    .....


    ¡°You ditched him yesterday and led him straight to your mother¡¯s cabin. I don¡¯t think he wants a Father¡¯s Day breakfast meal right now,¡± replied Zi Feiji as he carried on walking.


    ¡°I did not. It was an ident. How did you know about that?¡± he asked and Zi Feiji halted his steps while saying,


    ¡°You did. You told me everything yesterday when you were wasted in the infirmary. You even confessed to other things that I had no business knowing. It¡¯s my retribution for offering you a drink.¡±


    Zi Han, ¡°...¡±


    He did a lot more embarrassing thingsst night and he remembered some of them like dancing naked in front of Yi Chen.


    He ruffled his hair and knocked again after making sure his grandfather was gone. ¡°Ma.... your coffee is getting cold,¡± he whispered and suddenly heard the sound of something falling inside.


    That¡¯s because his mother who was as much of a terrible sleeper as him had kicked his father off the bed. With a soft thud, the grown man fell off the bed and yelped while holding his lower back like a ser yer faking an injury.


    ¡°Xixi, why,¡± he cried out only for the culprit to crawl over and appear at the edge of the bed her head peering through.


    ¡°Shh... quit messing around and put some clothes on,¡± she whispered loudly while tossing the clothes at him. She heard her sweet baby calling out to his mummy and woke up abruptly. In turn, she identally kicked her husband off the bed and he decided to fake an injury which he was very bad at.


    ¡°You want me to wear this?¡± he asked looking at the purple ankle length pajamas that obviously belonged to his wife.


    ¡°You have no choice,¡± she said putting on another set of pajamas.


    ¡°Did you get rid of my clothes?¡± he asked while putting them on.


    ¡°No, I managed to save a few but it¡¯s in storage,¡± she whispered back while picking up the towel and pillows scattered on the floor.


    ¡°Why can¡¯t we get rid of him,¡± whispered Yeoh Jun and Zi Xingxi red at him.


    ¡°You aren¡¯t the one who had tofort him when he came back home crying that he couldn¡¯t go on the father and son trip organized by the ss. He is a very sensitive boy,¡± she whispered back as though Zi Han would overhear their conversation.


    Yeoh Jun could understand but he was really sleepy so hey back on the bed in pajamas that barely fit his body.


    ¡°En. I will just lie down a bit more,¡± he said while Zi Xingxi checked the cabin once more before opening the door.


    Zi Han smiled brightly as he took a step in. When he saw his father lying in the bed he felt at ease. ¡°I made you breakfast. ck coffee for you,¡± he whispered handing the mug to her before walking over to the bed.


    ¡°Is he still sleeping?¡± he asked and Zi Xingxi threw a pillow at Yeoh Jun before saying,


    ¡°He is awake. He is just resting his eyes.¡±


    Yeoh Jun caught the pillow and opened his eyes his nose wiggling. Something in this room smelt good.


    ¡°Who made this?¡± he asked while sitting up straight. His sleep was already gone.


    ¡°I did. It¡¯s for you. I made it all. Would you like to try some deep-fried dough sticks or maybe some steamed buns?¡± replied Zi Han while cing the bed tray over his father¡¯s legs.


    After that, he slipped into the bed and scorched over like he was about to sleep.


    Yeoh Jun, ¡°...¡±


    ¡°So you came here to sleep?¡± he asked before poking him, ¡°go sleep in your cabin.¡±


    ¡°No,¡± he said pulling the quilt over himself, ¡°I woke up too early. I need to sleep some more.¡±


    Yeoh Jun was at a loss but the moment he bit through the fired dough stick it was game over. Zi Han had definitely earned the right to sleep in their bed. It tasted so good that he couldn¡¯t resist eating another one.


    Zi Xingxi who had been watching them interact chuckled softly while sipping on her coffee.


    Yeoh Jun looked up at her with a crumb at the corner of his lips looking like a greedy little piggy. ¡°What?¡± he asked and Zi Xingxi walked over sitting right next to him.


    She removed the crumb from his lips and ate it before saying, ¡°You do know that it was meant for the both of us, right?¡±


    ¡°It tastes so good. You raised a talented chef,¡± he said while feeding her the fried dough stick.


    ¡°Chef no but he is a great sniper. I know you didn¡¯t want that but after the incident... I was afraid he wouldn¡¯t be able to protect himself. I wanted him to survive,¡± she exined while reaching for the steamed bun but who would have thought her greedy husband would take the te away?


    ¡°No, you have been eating good stuff all this time. Let me have it. You drink your coffee,¡± he said with a smug smile.


    ¡°You greedy bastard. You can¡¯t even finish it all,¡± she said trying to grab a steamed bun from him.


    ¡°If you two can¡¯t learn to share like toddlers then I will take my tray back with me. None of you will get to eat,¡± whispered Zi Han and the pair looked at each other before whispering,


    ¡°Did he just scold us?¡±


    ¡°Yes, he did. Shouldn¡¯t we do something about it?¡± asked Yeoh Jun.


    ¡°I can still hear you,¡± said Zi Han while shuffling under the quilt.


    Zi Xingxi, ¡°...¡±


    Yeoh Jun, ¡°...¡±

 Chapter 502

    502 Conniving witch


    The once peaceful gxy known as Onyx Federation had suffered multiple hits one after another. From violent unrests with criminal elements taking advantage of the chaos to a live broadcast of the man, they saw crash to his death live walking among them and even defending them against their enemies.


    It was because of this that the entirety of StarNet didn¡¯t sleep. There was a lot of arguing back and forth and a lot of doxing threats going around. Questions about whether his royal highness would revive the monarch were flying around but there were no answers. The prime ministers were also staying clear of the reporters.


    Besides running away from the questions they also didn¡¯t have any answers. They had tried to get into contact with the former marshal and the bloodgarde to get an audience with his royal highness but the response was the same. The man wasn¡¯t seeing anyone.


    He was apparently reuniting with his wife and son and had no time to meet them. This ultimately led to the next question which was who was the wife and who was this son? Once that question popped up on StarNet the virtual detectives began to connect the dots starting with the recent live broadcast.


    Yeoh Jun had mentioned something about something old man while talking to someone who could only be his son. The voice that responded was very familiar thus they brought up Zi Han¡¯s videos forparison which were very scarce by the way.


    After that, they brought up old news broadcasts about Zi Han owning Igneous for a very long time. Some said that Zi Xingxi seduced the prince to increase her influence and had a child with him. Other delusional Yeoh Jun fans had the audacity to im that Zi Xingxi drugged their innocent prince and slept with him making her into a conniving witch undeserving of their prince.


    People had different opinions on how this happened but the conclusion was the same. Yeoh Jun plus Zi Xingxi equals Zi Han. They had a prince who was also deeply embedded in the Bloodgarde. Nothing could go wrong, right?


    Well... everything about it was very wrong. This tiny prince also assassinated prime minister Ju for murdering the prince who turned out to be alive after all. He was number one on the most wanted list of people the military was hunting down. He had also been used of making the Marshal disappear so there was that.


    While StarNet was in chaos, the person of interest was sneaking into his grandfather¡¯s cabin looking for his little nimsel.


    .....


    Ever since he had been gone, his grandfather had been taking care of it but after he came back whenever he asked where his baby was he would get a lot of excuses like he is sleeping or he is having a y date, etc.


    Zi Han knew that was all BS. His grandfather was monopolising the little guy again. So while they were having a little reunion sh son inw talking to father inw, Zi Han snuck into his grandfather¡¯s cabin and the moment he closed the door he heard happy wee wee sounds.


    ¡°Oh, my little cutie. Did you miss papa? Oh yes, you did, oh yes you did,¡± he said while nuzzling the little bugger.


    ¡°Let¡¯s get you out of this outfit. I have to take it off. We are going to see your dad,¡± he said while taking off the little tutu skirt, ¡°I guess my mother did this. That is the only decent exnation.¡±


    The little nim nim was just so happy it could see Zi Han. That¡¯s all that mattered. Zi Han was about to walk away when he saw a little shark costume.


    Seeing it, he couldn¡¯t resist at all. Since Mr. Twiggles was with Yi Chen he thought it would be a great idea to dress up his little nim nim in it.


    While putting the outfit on Zi Han suddenly realised that his grandfather seemed to have quite a collection. There were costumes across all professions which were quite unsettling. He suddenly felt like getting his grandfather a dog, maybe a teacup Yorkie or pomeranian. Dogs or any kinds of pet were sold by the pet gene bank but they had aplicated vetting process which he was more than willing to go through. At least after that he wouldn¡¯t have to fight with his grandpa to get his little nim nim back.


    Zi Han slipped out of his grandfather¡¯s cabin and found his way to the hangar before leaving the warship. Because he still had beef with the military he was forced to sneak onto Cetus using Chronos.


    Yes, he borrowed Chronos from his mother and because she was in a very good mood she let him have it. The reason why he asked for Chronos instead of Igneous was that Chronos knew every inch of Cetus warship.


    ¡°I am surprised you chose me, young sir... I thought you would take Igneous on this secret mission for sure,¡± said Chronos, and Zi Han couldn¡¯t help but quirk his brows.


    ¡°Why wouldn¡¯t I pick you? You are my second favourite,¡± replied Zi Han jokingly. Who would have thought it would take it seriously and pester him to no end about which mech was the first?


    The two of them argued all the way to Cetus. It made Zi Han seriously wonder what sort of interaction these two had with his mother. Chronos seemed chatty and his mother seemed serious especially when she is in her mech.


    Chronos was still so talktive even when they snuck on the warship. Granted it was speaking in his ear but Zi Han could still hear it. The little nim nim was even more well-behaved than Chronos.


    When they reached the medical bay, the ce was silent with little to no one walking around the ce. This made it easy for Zi Han to slip in after Lynn Feng opened the doors for him.


    To achieve this borate n he couldn¡¯t rely on Chronos alone. He had to convince Lynn Feng that this had everything to do with his future happiness.

 Chapter 503

    503 How adventurous


    The medical bay seemed deserted at first nce but as he walked in more he found that there was a door deep in the furthest part of the room.


    When he got to the door he could see other medical equipment inside through the ss. His face almost stered on the ss looking inside the room, Zi Han asked, ¡°Can you open this?¡±


    Lynn Feng who was trying to get rid of her boyfriend who was touching things he shouldn¡¯t cleared her throat and replied,


    ¡°It¡¯s going to take me a while. Hold on.¡±


    Zi Han who wasn¡¯t sure if anyone would spontaneously show up could only find a ce to hide while waiting.


    ¡°If I get into trouble you should tell my dad toe to rescue me. I don¡¯t what mum toe because she might get arrested as well,¡± said Zi Han, and Lynn Feng almost rolled her eyes.


    If Zi Xingxi showed up she might end up blowing half the warship off just to rescue him.


    ¡°I will tell your dad plus you won¡¯t get arrested. You just saved their Marshal from getting lost forever. You are their hero,¡± replied Lynn Feng, and Zi Han couldn¡¯t help but shake his head.


    ¡°You know how stuck up these people are. I probably broke tenws just being here,¡± replied Zi Han while the little nim nim peered its head through his unzipped jacket.


    .....


    He rubbed its little head and it tilted slightly as it made a wee sound in contentment. That rub was so good that it leaned back with its tiny leg trembling.


    Zi Hanughed lightly only for the main door of the medical bay to suddenly open thus he had to duck down.


    He honestly thought it was some random medical staff that came to do some random stuff but when he heard the sound of things crashing and a very familiar, no two familiar voices his eyes widened.


    He made a shushing gesture and little nim nim hid inside his jacket again. Zi Han zipped his jacket up a little.


    ¡°Ah... shit. Don¡¯t touch there someone might walk in,¡± said Yi Feng and Zi Han raised his brow while turning his ear slightly to eavesdrop some more.


    ¡°Baby you promised. Do you want me to change into a skirt? Will that help?¡± replied doctor Kiet followed by a banging sound like they had banged against a cab or something.


    ¡°Maybe. Why can¡¯t we go to your cabin? I am so nervous,¡± replied Yi Feng but his boyfriend was very stubborn.


    ¡°You said you wanted an adrenaline rush but I can¡¯t let you go and do some risky stuff outside so this should work,¡± replied doctor Kiet sounding like an old uncle trying to lure a young woman to his house.


    ¡°No... mm.... that¡¯s not what... that¡¯s mmm... stop... that¡¯s not what I meant,¡± said Yi Feng while his boyfriend smothered him with kisses.


    ¡°... you know I can¡¯t resist you once I have started. I promise I will be quick. I will lock the door and blur the ss. No one will know,¡± replied doctor Kiet but even Zi Han wasn¡¯t convinced. It seemed these two had the same script as Yi Chen. He couldn¡¯t be trusted.


    As expected Yi Feng didn¡¯t believe it at all. It seemed he pushed doctor Kiet away and moved aside while saying, ¡°You think I would believe that. Thest time you said that you would be quick you did it five times and I almost passed out. I don¡¯t believe you,¡± he replied and Zi Han¡¯s eyes widened having discovered an interesting thing.


    Yi Feng was the shou in this rtionship. How adventurous and fascinating especially given how small doctor Kiet was whenpared to Yi Feng.


    ¡°I really will make it quick. We won¡¯t even have to take off our clothes,¡± said doctor Kiet arguing his case.


    ¡°Fine but if you lie to me we won¡¯t be doing this anymore. Ah... mm why are you... lifting my t-shirt? I thought you said we are... keeping our clothes on,¡± said Yi Feng and the sound of kissing and rustling of clothes followed soon after. It was obvious what was happening.


    Zi Han took out his light brain and messaged Lynn Feng with urgency. HoneyHanHan: SOS!!! Auntie Lynn how far? These two are about to have sex in here.


    ¡°Okay, okay it¡¯s open now,¡± she said and the door silently slid open. Zi Han waited for a second or two making sure these two didn¡¯t hear it and from the looks of it, they heard nothing.


    He hurriedly crawled out of his hiding spot and entered through the door which slid closed as soon as he entered.


    ¡°What was that? Did you hear anything?¡± asked Yi Feng but his lips were sealed again before doctor Kiet said, ¡°Shh shh shh... it¡¯s all in your head nowe here.¡±


    If Zi Han heard it he might have not been able to resist the urge tough. It was obvious this doctor was thinking with his lower half.


    Zi Han leaned against the wall while asking, ¡°Auntie Lynn Lynn can you blur the ss doors and windows. I really don¡¯t want to blind my eyes. Those two are definitely getting it on,¡± he whispered and Lynn Feng who was struggling to get a broad palm out of her blouse tried to calm her breathing as she tapped something on the floating screen.


    ¡°O-okay... done,¡± she said and Zi Han¡¯s brow twitched.


    Before he could think about it he asked, ¡°Why does your voice sound like that?¡±


    ¡°Nothing nothing,¡± she said her voice even higher than before, and the call suddenly ended. The reason was simple. Secretary K, the secretary K was pinching her nipple making her voice funny. Zi Han didn¡¯t think much. With the ss windows blurred he got up and started looking at all the expensive equipment in this ce.


    One of them had to have his lover in it, right? As expected Yi Chen could only be in this ce. It didn¡¯t take long for Zi Han to find him in one of the active equipment. His eyes brightened as he rushed over to take a look.

 Chapter 504

    504 Monkey see monkey do


    Zi Han¡¯s rushing steps paused a few feet from the piece of equipment that was emitting light pulsing bolts into Yi Chen¡¯s temples. Despite the gentle sizzling sounds of the bolts Yi Chen seemed very peaceful. He seemed so tranquil like he was floating on ake water surface with peach blossom flowers gently falling from the trees around him.


    Zi Han had to stop and catch his heart in his chest before taking another step forward. His eyes were teary but shining as bright as the sun. He couldn¡¯t see anyone but Yi Chen in this moment. His lips trembled slightly as he unzipped his jacket and the little Nimsel popped its head out of it.


    ¡°Look it¡¯s your dad,¡± he said his lips arched into a smile.


    ¡°Weeee,¡± was the gentle squeaking from its lips but Zi Han leaned his head down and pressed his index finger on his lips before saying,


    ¡°Shh... we aren¡¯t supposed to be here,¡± he whispered before taking a step forward.


    As though it understood him it covered its mouth with its tiny hand but it still couldn¡¯t contain its excitement.


    Zi Han pressed his palm on the machine and whispered softly, ¡°Does it hurt?¡± but the person in the machine didn¡¯t answer. The little Nimsel crawled out of his jacket and climbed up Zi Han¡¯s arm before walking over to the ss and imitating its papa by pressing its hand on the ss too.


    Zi Han let out a stifled chuckle before putting the little guy in his other hand. He pulled out a small thin nket and spread it out on the floor.


    He sat crossed legged on the ground and ced the little Nimsel were his legs crossed. He took out a tiny carved incense pot he took from his grandfather and pulled out an incense stick. The little nim nim looked at him as though asking, ¡®what are you doing?¡¯


    .....


    Zi Han smiled slightly and whispered, ¡°We are going to pray for your dad so he gets better soon, okay? The smell won¡¯t leak out because look I brought an air revitaliser. It sucks out all the incense smell. No one will know.¡±


    Zi Han took out a lighter and with a click a bright golden red me appeared. He lowered the incense stick and lit it before a soft wisp of smoke gently floated in the air.


    The cute air revitaliser shaped like a dumpling with a smiley face lit up a blue light taking care of the smell of incense.


    The little nim nim poked the little dumpling with great curiosity but soon its attention was attracted by what Zi Han was doing.


    He whispered something while pressing the incense stick between his palms. He had learnt this from his mother but had never tried it himself thus he decided to do this today.


    He wanted to put in his request to whichever deity was listening. He was praying for his lover¡¯s health and their future happiness. Recalling the feeling when he thought he had lost Yi Chen he couldn¡¯t help but want to try anything so he would never have to go through that ever again. That was too painful.


    Zi Han stuck the incense stick through the holes of the small carved incense pot. The little nim nim looked at him seeming like it wanted to do it too.


    Zi Han nced down at it and said, ¡°You might burn your beautiful fur. How will I exin that to your dadter?¡±


    ¡°Wee,¡± it squeaked sounding aggrieved. Zi Han who could say no sighed softly before taking out another incense stick and breaking it in half so it wouldn¡¯t be too heavy for the little guy.


    He lit it and ced it in its hand before saying, ¡°There... you can stick it in that.¡±


    The little nim nim imitated him pressing the incense stick in between its palms and closing its eyes soundlessly.


    Zi Han, ¡°...¡±


    Was this the legendary monkey see monkey do moment? He couldn¡¯t help but chuckle lightly as he watched it stand up and stick in the incense stick in the small carved incense pot right next to his.


    It came back and sat down again. Zi Han took out a fruit and gave it to the little guy. While it was eating happily Zi Han raised his head to look at Yi Chen.


    His lips showed a slight smile as his eyes stared at Yi Chen unrestrainedly. His gaze couldn¡¯t help but trail down from his phoenix eyes that were trembling slightly to his soft lips that were slightly parted.


    His adam¡¯s apple rolled subconsciously as an image of them kissing passionately while he climaxed shed in his mind. After that memory shed in his mind he couldn¡¯t think of anything else.


    His cheeks turned red with the tips of his ears burning. His throat suddenly felt dry as the feeling of shame wailed up in his heart. Was he that thirsty?


    The answer was simple. Yes, most definitely yes. He was very thirsty but this wasn¡¯t the time to think about that.


    Zi Han patted his cheeks a couple of times before taking out a bottle of ice water and gulping it down. This man was surely going to be the death of him. Now he looked like an insatiable pervert lusting over a patient.


    While he was gulping down the ice water a crew member in the tech security department who had just returned from taking ate lunch walked in and saw a person sitting in the inner part of the medical bay.


    As to why he had the live feed of Yi Chen floating on his work console, it was because he was one of the Marshal¡¯s brainless fans.


    He normally watched from afar but when he heard the Marshal had returned he couldn¡¯t help but ask to be granted this shift so he can watch Yi Chen all he wanted.


    Who would have thought he would catch a rat stealing cheese? He seemed to recognise this face. His breathing lurched as he tapped the emergency button on the screen. He could already see himself receiving an award for his meritorious deeds.

 Chapter 505

    505 Pa, save me!


    He had just caught the person who had put the Marshal in this position in the first ce. In his mind, he was fairly certain that the Marshal would hold a debt of gratitude for catching this bloody murderer.


    He checked his service weapon before grabbing his uniform jacket and rushing out of his office.


    Since he had raised a silent rm everybody else was going about their business. This alert was directly linked to military security.


    He was certain that he would reach there around the same time. In two to three turns he reached the medical bay and not even a secondter a group of heavily armed men arrived.


    ¡°Hands up... do you have authority to be here,¡± asked the team leader while his colleagues pointed their guns at him.


    The young man raised his hands and as they frisked him he stammered, ¡°No no I... I am the one who called you,¡± while pointing at himself.


    After frisking him they took away his service weapon and let him go. ¡°What is the situation? How many intruders?¡± asked the team leader again while another man studied the floating screen checking the number of heat signatures.


    ¡°It¡¯s one... the the the most wanted person... I saw him in the medical bay,¡± he said and the face of the armed military security changed. This wasn¡¯t a small fish but a whale.


    They drew their weapons and one of them took out a key card. ¡°Good job soldier. Now stand back,¡± said the leader before nodding his head to the one holding the key card.


    .....


    He tapped it on the card reader but the blue ring turned red refusing to grant them ess. The team leader nced at him as though asking him to try again. The man tapped it again but it wouldn¡¯t open.


    This wasn¡¯t good at all. Unwilling to take chances he called to the bridge to speak to the chef of security that was Li Ran¡¯s mother. She was sipping on a can of energy drink while leaning back in her seat when the call came.


    ¡°Ma¡¯am, this is the security team leader officer Kwame. The medical bay doors refuse to open and we have been made aware that there was an intrusion,¡± he said and she furrowed her brows.


    She opened a screen and reprogrammed the key card. ¡°Try it now,¡± she said only for the man toe back to her and say,


    ¡°Ma¡¯am it failed. We might have to resort to breaking the door down. Do we have permission-,¡± he said only for him to pause abruptly when the doors opened suddenly.


    Doctor Kiet¡¯s livid face appeared with an oppressive aura. ¡°You better have a very good reason toe here and disturb me,¡± he said while ring at them. He was obviously angered by them and who wouldn¡¯t be after being interrupted? Now he wasn¡¯t even certain if Yi Feng would let him do it ever again. The man was very timid despite possessing the aura of amander.


    ¡°Doctor, step aside. There is an intruder,¡± said the team leader before directly pushing doctor Kiet out of the way their weapons drawn.


    But before he could take a step inside his cor was clutched and with a loud bang his back hit the ss hard.


    To others, he looked like a useless waste injured in battle and a recovered addict but he was so much more than that. He was a terrifying existence his strength not that far behind Yi Chen¡¯s. It¡¯s just that after his injury he never fought again.


    The team leader who didn¡¯t see that oneing gritted his teeth and yelled, ¡°My priority is the safety of the Marshal,¡± while his men had their weapons pointed at Yi Feng.


    Yi Feng heard that and his eyes that had frosted over melted his fist loosening. Something had happened to his cousin but how when they were here the entire time?


    ¡°You darey a hand on him again and I will kill you do you understand?¡± he said and the team leader clenched his jaw and reluctantly nodded his head.


    He let go of him and the mannded on his feet turning to the inner room. The man tried to tap the key card several times but that one wouldn¡¯t even give him a response.


    Doctor Kiet walked over and said, ¡°That doesn¡¯t work here. This is a highly secure room and can¡¯t be essed by any Tom, Dick, and Harry. Move,¡± he said and the security panel read his biometrics before clicking open.


    Zi Han who had heard themotion from a long time ago had just messaged his father when they entered.


    The message? It was simple.


    HoneyHan: Pa, save me.


    There was nowhere to go thus he was ready to face the consequences. ¡°You...,¡± called out Doctor Kiet as the men surrounded Zi Han with their drawn weapons.


    ¡°Inw... hie,¡± he said before the team leader raised his hand to hit Zi Han while yelling,


    ¡°Shut up!¡±


    He had already suffered enough humiliation in front of his subordinates thus he showed this prisoner no face. He was ready to vent it out on the most wanted man in Onyx federation. But before his hand could touch Zi Han, Yi Feng grasped his hand and squeezed it tightly before saying, ¡°Him too. Don¡¯t you dare fuckin touch him?¡±


    ¡°Unless you don¡¯t want your life anymore,¡± added Doctor Kiet as he walked over to take Zi Han. These guns were really making him nervous. Who knows if one of them is trigger happy and shoot Zi Han by ident?


    ¡°Comee don¡¯t worry about the Marshal. He will be fine. Just give it a day or two,¡± he said while pulling Zi Han along but the person was quite reluctant. He kept looking at the piece of equipment Yi Chen was lying in.


    The team leader nced down at the incense pot with two incense sticks burning softly and with a disdainful expression, he kicked it without any respect.


    Zi Han clenched his jaw as he lunged at the man but Yi Feng and his boyfriend held him back before urging to leave.


    ¡°Don¡¯t worry. You can tattle on himter and he will be punished,¡± whispered Yi Feng as they led him out.

 Chapter 506

    506 How spicy


    When the team leader heard this he almost coughed out a mouthful of blood. What did they mean by tattle on him? He didn¡¯t seem to understand what was happening. Considering that this person had harmed the Marshal he couldn¡¯t understand why these two would react this way when they saw that scum, Zi Han.


    It wasn¡¯t his fault that he wasn¡¯t important enough to know the hidden details. Those who knew were already looking at him with sympathy.


    ¡°Wait... where are you taking him?¡± asked the young man who had snitched in the first ce. He thought he would see the prisoner bruised and battered with at least one ck eye but instead, he was being half embraced by the doctor who was meant to be taking care of the Marshal. This was simply unscientific thus he blurted that out in front of his superiors.


    ¡°It¡¯s none of your business,¡± said Yi Feng pushing the young officer away.


    ¡°You aren¡¯t taking him. ording to the rules he is supposed to be in sma handcuffs and locked in the brig. If any of you resist this order you will be implicated as aplices,¡± said the team leader after catching up.


    Doctor Kiet snorted before saying, ¡°Call your superiors and ask them now. Go ahead and tell them who you caught and where you want to put him.¡±


    Seeing the smirk on his face the team leader couldn¡¯t help but furrow his brows a little doubtful. ¡°You stay put,¡± he said before tapping the side of his ear and speaking while his gaze was focused on them watching them like a hawk.


    Li Ran¡¯s mother choked on her energy drink and spilt some on her console. ¡°What the fuck...,¡± she couldn¡¯t help but say while standing up.


    Li Ran couldn¡¯t help but worry while handing her a tissue. ¡°What? What¡¯s wrong?¡± he asked while wiping the console.


    .....


    She ignored him and said to the team leader, ¡°You better find him a five star cabin and bring him the finest fruits on board. You can directly disce the former Marshal from the captain¡¯s cabin and give it to him. Tsk you want the entire army to go down with you. I don¡¯t fuckin think so,¡± before cutting the call.


    She directly sat down and started up her updated intrusion detection system. At a nce, it looked like everything was fine but she soon found that wasn¡¯t the case. She ced her hand on her forehead and sighed while muttering, ¡°Lynn Feng.¡±


    ¡°What? What did she do?¡± asked Li Ran having heard part of that one sided conversation. He already knew who was on board the Cetus warship but he just didn¡¯t want to believe it. If he said he wasn¡¯t scared right now he would be lying. He was terrified of Zi Han for one simple reason.


    It was because of that ¡®I love you¡¯ he sent when he was pretending to be Yi Chen while trying to lure him into a trap. That ¡®I love you¡¯ sealed his fate. He knew if he didn¡¯t write it Zi Han would suspect that the messages weren¡¯t sent by Yi Chen. It guaranteed sess but he also had to face the consequences thereof.


    Now that Zi Han was on board he wasn¡¯t certain if he woulde to him to settle ounts. His mother seemed to sense his fear thus she said, ¡°You should probably hide out in here for a while otherwise you might bump into him and get your ass whooped. You can also get whipped on my behalf. I got him trapped in a simtion where he had to watch Yi Chen die over and over again so... yep. We are in the same boat buddy.¡±


    Li Ran, ¡°...¡±


    While Li Ran was looking for dark corners to hide Zi Han was brought into Yi Feng¡¯s cabin reason being that the good doctor¡¯s cabin was their headquarters and they had done so many things in it that it felt awkward inviting anyone over.


    ¡°Sit,¡± said doctor Kiet while the team leader stood by the door reluctant to leave Zi Han alone with just these two. It just wasn¡¯t safe. He was worried that if anything went wrong the me would be put on top of his head.


    ¡°Just call the former Marshal and fuck off,¡± said Yi Feng still angered by this man. Each time he recalled how this man pushed his lover he couldn¡¯t help but get even angrier.


    Doctor Kiet who was standing while leaning against the table with his palms pressing the edge of the table smiled slyly his eyes like that of a fox. Oh, how he loved it when this man stood up to protect him.


    Whenever he recalled that one time when he said, ¡°Leave him alone, he is with me,¡± he would feel shivers all over his body. He honestly felt like pressing him down again and continuing.


    Zi Han looked at doctor Kiet his eyes wide. He knew that look all too well. Damn, now he felt like a light bulb. Why didn¡¯t they just leave him in the medical bay at least then they could continue with whatever it was they were doing?


    Doctor Kiet took out a bottle of juice and handed one to Zi Han. ¡°Here drink this,¡± he said and Zi Han thanked him. When he looked down at the vour he wasn¡¯t too keen but just when he was about to open his mouth andin he saw that doctor Kiet was almost pressing Yi Feng against the closed door handing him the bottle of juice.


    ¡°Uh... never mind,¡± he whispered and twisted the cap. Like a baby hearing the sound of a food packet being opened the little Nimsel peeped out of the jacket its meaning obvious.


    Seeing its face that seemed to asking ¡®were is my share¡¯ Zi Han sighed. He poked its little nose and whispered, ¡°That¡¯s why you seemed heavier. They have been spoiling you too much.¡±


    Zi Han tried to reduce his sense of existence but that didn¡¯t mean he couldn¡¯t enjoy the show. It was like watching the bachelor after they picked the one. How spicy.

 Chapter 507

    507 Pssh... I am not that cheap


    So what was Zi Han watching that was so interesting? Well, it started off when doctor Kiet walked over in slow strides giving off suspenseful vibes. The unsuspecting Yi Feng hadn¡¯t raised his head yet when with a whoosh a hand passed by his ear and mmed the door with a bang. A bottle was pressed on his chest and when he turned his head to look down he met the fiery eyes of the man a head shorter than him.


    Yi Feng¡¯s breathing stagnated as he stered his back on the door a little startled. ¡°What are you doing?¡± he whispered only for the man to curl his finger beckoning him toe closer.


    Yi Feng¡¯s adam¡¯s apple bobbed as he gazed into these alluring eyes that had long snatched his soul. ¡°But...,¡± there is someone here,¡¯ he whispered finishing the rest of his sentence in his head.


    He found himself obediently lowering his head thinking that his sweetheart was going to whisper something but he was absolutely wrong.


    Just when he thought he had lowered his head far enough for a whisper, doctor Kiet moved a little closer, close enough to feel his warm breath but not close enough that their lips touched but the tension in the atmosphere was unfathomable. Feeling an inexplicable thirst arise within him Yi Feng couldn¡¯t help but purse his thin lips and his adam¡¯s apple rolled his jawline tightly clenched.


    Aggrieved he couldn¡¯t help but lean down a little more while calling out, ¡°Kiet baby,¡± his voice barely audible but it made the audience tense.


    ¡®Just kiss him already. You are making me nervous,¡¯ yelled Zi Han internally almost biting the couch cushion in nervousness. Well, he also had to cover little nim nim¡¯s eyes lest it learnt bad things. Just when Yi Feng gently grabbed his chin drawing in closer doctor Kiet took a step back and twisted the cap of the bottle.


    He leaned his head back a little before taking a few sips. To others, this scene should be nothing. It was just a good looking guy drinking juice while slightly exposing his adam¡¯s apple. Nothing special about that but to Yi Feng it was torture, the ¡®look don¡¯t touch¡¯ kind of torture.


    He couldn¡¯t help but avert his gaze but like a ma drawn to iron, he stole another nce.


    .....


    Doctor Kiet¡¯s lips quirked on one side as he handed the juice over to him with one simple word, ¡°Drink.¡±


    Zi Han, ¡°...¡±


    ¡®AHHHH superb superb,¡¯ he yelled internally while taking notes. How could he not take notes when he was in the presence of a master? He couldn¡¯t wait to try that with Yi Chen. He couldn¡¯t help but wonder if this great buddha was taking in disciples.


    Yi Feng nced at the quarter drunk bottle with his narrowed eyes before looking into those enchanting eyes. Without breaking eye contact he drank the juice returning the seduction back to sender. It¡¯s just that this would have been even more impactful if he was drinking water.


    When Yi Feng drank juice too fast he would get cramps. Doctor Kiet tried to stop him but who would have thought Yi Feng was faster?


    He couldn¡¯t help but shake his head only for the door to slide open and the former Marshal to take a step inside.


    ¡°What are you standing at the door for?¡± he reprimanded him just as he stepped in.


    Yi Feng wanted to say, ¡°Uncle this is my cabin and I can stand wherever I want,¡± but seeing his emotional state wasn¡¯t right he kept his mouth shut.


    Unfortunately for the former Marshal, the good doctor didn¡¯t have such restraint. He couldn¡¯t be bothered to read the room at all. ¡°You know sir if you don¡¯t knock one day you are going to walk into a smutty scene and go blind. The things I do with your nephew are too sultry which is why I lock the doors whenever we get down and dirty,¡± said doctor Kiet directly.


    Zi Han, ¡°*cough *cough.¡±


    Yi Feng, ¡°???¡±


    He couldn¡¯t help but wish the ground could open up and swallow him whole. Oh, that¡¯s wrong, they were on a warship. Fine, he wished the warship floor would open up like a hatch so he could fall freely into the tranquil dark space.


    ¡°You...,¡± said the former Marshal, and Zi Han couldn¡¯t help but stifle augh which of course attracted the former Marshal¡¯s attention.


    ¡°*Sigh... youe with me,¡± he said and Zi Han wished he had kept his mouth shut.


    ¡°What if I say no,¡± he said his courage stemming from the fact that his father knew where he was and he would rescue him.


    Yi Zhen who didn¡¯t want to fight with Zi Han but make amends felt slight annoyance. How was he supposed to coax this kid into letting go of the past?


    ¡°I am not...,¡± he said only to realise that his voice sounded harsh thus he changed the tone and said again, ¡°I am not trying to cause you trouble. I just need to talk to you. Since... since we are going to be family we can talk it out and air out our differences.¡±


    Zi Han who wasn¡¯t sure what kind of talking they could have was a little hesitant. His wrist which was broken by this man before suddenly ached bringing back bad memories.


    ¡°You didn¡¯t answer the question. What if I say no?¡± said Zi Han his little Nimsel also ring at the former Marshal. It could easily perceive the emotions of its hooman thus it also red like a shoebill stork stalking its prey.


    Yi Zhen had never been this much at a loss. He couldn¡¯t help but ruffle his hair a little in frustration before saying, ¡°I will sign an agreement with you. If I make you ufortable in any type of way you are free to leave with my sniper rifle. Is that okay?¡±


    ¡°Pssh... I am not that cheap,¡± said Zi Han looking away.


    Yi Zhen pressed the tip of his tongue on his sharp canine tooth before taking it out.


    ¡°This here is a rare a.50 barrett rifle.... thest of ancient earth¡¯s armory. It has changed hands for generations but it has been well maintained and is in pristine condition. Compared to what¡¯s avable on the market it¡¯s not as powerful but it¡¯s a novelty,¡± he exined but Zi Han¡¯s eyes were already bright like light bulbs while he was internally squirming, ¡®Give me give me give me! I want it.¡±

 Chapter 508

    508 Swindling the former Marshal


    Zi Han pretended not to care before walking over to the table his hands caressing the case his fingertips tingling like he was touching the trophy after winning the rugby world cup. So precious and priceless.


    He maintained a stern expression as he took out the lower part of the Barrett caliber rifle and ced it on the table. His slender fingers pulled the take down pins his actions obvious. He was going to assemble it.


    Yi Zhen what to interrupt him but seeing how fast his hands were moving he was suddenly a little interested. Zi Han took out the top half his heart pounding hard against his chest. If marrying Yi Chen was the first goal in his life then messing with old earth firearms was the second goal. His fingers were almost trembling with excitement.


    He pulled the barrel all the way out extending to its limit. After that, he pulled the barrel key back and pushed down on it making sure it was secure.


    Done with the top half he turned it over and carefullyid it on top of the lower half. His eyes glistened as he pulled the bolt back and the upper part fitted in like a puzzle piece with the lower part.


    He put back the pins and with the grip of the rifle resting in the croak of his arm he pulled it up and inserted a magazine. With an intimidating clicking sound he pulled the bolt back before setting it down on the table.


    No one could tell from the look on his face that he was excited. The adrenaline coursing through his veins was unprecedented. He wanted to take this home so he and his mum could y thus he decided to swindle the former Marshal out of an antique.


    He rubbed his chin lightly ignoring the looks of astonishment around him. Doctor Kiet was thinking this little cutie is dangerous while Yi Feng was thinking where did he know how to do that? Yi Zhen was thinking if it would be rude to take on Zi Han as a disciple. Of course, he knew that was impossible. Not only his son but also Zi Xingxi would tear him apart. No one would trust him with Zi Han. He had already burnt that bridge to ash before he could even cross it.


    ¡°I will talk to you in exchange for it. Is that okay with you?¡± said Zi Han folding his hands across his chest with a serious expression on as though negotiating a huge business deal.


    .....


    Yi Zhen, ¡°...¡±


    ¡°No... we don¡¯t have a deal,¡± said Yi Zhen, and Zi Han casually replied, ¡°Okay,¡± while shrugging his shoulders. He sat back down with his back leaningzily into his seat.


    Seeing how he was acting all nonchnt Yi Zhen rubbed his forehead in frustration. This Barrett caliber wasn¡¯t cheap. It cost him an arm and a leg at the auction. When he got it he was so afraid to tell his wife that he hid it from her for a month until she started looking through their expenditure.


    She was wealthy and the second wealthiest woman in Onyx Federation but she was strict with the finances. That day she waited for him toe back home in the dark with a ss of wine pinched in between her fingers her face illuminated by a dim standingmp.


    When he entered the house he was so startled that he almost screamed. Yes, a grown man who had faced off with a hundred interster pirates with one mech was afraid of his wife at that point in time. After that, he was in the dog house for however long he hid it from her. After all that suffering, his son¡¯s boyfriend simply wanted to swindle it from him just for a moment of his time.


    Fine, for the sake of future happiness, he would give it away. Maybe his wife will be more forgiving now that he was making peace with Zi Han.


    ¡°Fine, you can have it but this deal includes getting an audience with your father,¡± he said before turning to leave.


    ¡°Okay, but wait. I need to pack away my new baby,¡± he said no longer concealing his happiness. His expression changed faster than a face-changing performer in a Sichuan opera. He disassembled it right in front of them and packed it away carefully before closing the case.


    ¡°Let¡¯s go,¡± he said to the former Marshal before waving at the two.


    ¡°I would love to stay longer and learn from you but I know that you are a very busy man doctor,¡± said Zi Han before rushing out and closing the door for them by waving his hand lightly on the disy panel.


    When he walked out holding a case following behind the former Marshal, the team leader¡¯s lips fell. His eyes dimmed having suddenly realised something. What mere mortals could see wasn¡¯t necessarily what was happening beneath the surface. There were a lot of pieces being moved underneath the table that was far different from what was happening on the surface. He was suddenly terrified though he didn¡¯t show it on his face.


    Yi Zhen paused his steps in front of the security team leader and without looking in his direction he said, ¡°Commander... since you have offended Mr. Zi over here, I would ask you to apologise to him while we are here.¡±


    The security team leader gulped with cold sweat dripping down his back and armpits hisplexion unsightly. He was just doing his duty which was protecting the Marshal so why should he apologise? Though he thought he was right he knew he couldn¡¯t go against the former Marshal¡¯s order thus he gritted his teeth before apologising while trying to look as sincere as possible.


    His back straight he didn¡¯t even look at Zi Han as he issued a standard apology. ¡°My apologies for offending you sir,¡± he said and Zi Han who was holding his case walked over to him and said,


    ¡°Apologise to Little Nim Nim too... I mean you also kicked his incense stick away. He doesn¡¯t look happy at all,¡± said Zi Han with a smug look on his face.

 Chapter 509

    509 Checkmate


    The security team leader finally looked at him and when he met those menacing cold eyes he subconsciously trembled. This young man was the true embodiment of a devil and he had offended him greatly.


    Seeing that he was silent for so long Zi Han smirked slyly before saying, ¡°Still aren¡¯t going to apologise?¡±


    The security team leader calmed his heart before saying, ¡°I am sorry little... young sir for offending you,¡± pausing in between when he realised he was addressing a tiny alien creature. What the fuck was even that?


    ¡°Apology not epted,¡± said Zi Han his expression changing drastically before he walked away. Was he unnecessarily making it difficult for the man who was just trying to do his job? Maybe but he really didn¡¯t like guns pointed at him, especially after all he had been through.


    Yi Zhen expected as much. Zi Han wouldn¡¯t be Zi Xingxi¡¯s son if he was good tempered.


    He patted the security team leader on his shoulder twice before following after Zi Han. He wanted to ask him why he was leading the way when he didn¡¯t know where they were going but he wasn¡¯t surprised much when he saw that Zi Han knew where he was going. Of course, he knew where he was going. With Chronos in his possession, he knew every inch of this warship.


    When they reached the captain¡¯s office, Zi Han made himselffortable sitting with his leg crossed over his thigh and his arms spread on the couch¡¯s backrest.


    ¡°So Mr. Yi, what would you like us to discuss,¡± he said and Yi Zhen sighed deeply before asking,


    ¡°Would you like anything to drink? I have whiskey and rum here... the good kind.¡±


    .....


    He honestly thought he could coax him with good liquor. How different could Zi Feiji¡¯s grandson be from Zi Feiji, right? He must have the same expensive tastes.


    Recalling what he drankst night, Zi Han couldn¡¯t help but shiver subconsciously. That nasty stuff, he was never going to touch it again.


    ¡°Not unless you are trying to kill me,¡± said Zi Han his fingers pressing into his calf struggling not to recall that nasty taste. ¡°I am good thanks,¡± he said and Yi Zhen walked over with a crystal ss quarter filled with brown liquor and a spherical ball of ice. On the other hand, he had a case simr to the one his mother had but with subtle differences.


    He opened it and took out a cigar. With a soft click, he cut off the closed head before handing it to Zi Han.


    Zi Han nced at the cigar for a while before looking at Yi Zhen. Sensing his hesitation Yi Zhen urged him to take it and Zi Han finally reached out to take it.


    He lowered his head and lit it with his lighter before showing a content expression. Yi Zhen smiled slightly thinking that it wasn¡¯t Zi Feiji¡¯s taste he inherited but Zi Xingxi¡¯s. He had the right idea just the wrong method.


    He leaned back into his seat andzily swelled the crystal ss with an undiscernible expression. ¡°I know any apology is pointless but I still want to say it. It¡¯s no secret that I didn¡¯t like you,¡± he said and Zi Han chuckled as he puffed a wisp of some smoke from his lips.


    ¡°What a way to start... Why may I ask? Why don¡¯t you like me? Is it my family name or is it just my face?¡± asked Zi Han with an amused look on his face.


    Yi Zhen raised his head and their two gazes met before he averted his gaze abruptly. ¡°You overlooked one word. I didn¡¯t say don¡¯t, I said didn¡¯t. I didn¡¯t like you before but not anymore,¡± he said and Zi Han narrowed his eyes before saying,


    ¡°When was it that you changed your mind? Was it after I saved your son?¡± dealing a blow with no scruples.


    Yi Zhen didn¡¯t know when exactly he stopped disliking Zi Han but it was definitely before Zi Han went to find Yi Chen. Maybe it was the time when he saw his son tear him apart all to force him to retire early.


    His son who never disobeyed him went as far as betraying him and forcing him to retire. He was saddened by it but he also understood then the significance of Zi Han. The roots had already grown deep and couldn¡¯t be removed. His son was already in love with Zi Han and there was nothing he could do to reverse the situation.


    ¡°Maybe... but I realised I was wrong to separate you in the first ce. There was nothing I could do that could reverse the situation. I had to ept the fact that my son is in love with you. Criminal or not, he loves you,¡± he said before taking a good sip.


    Zi Han pinched the cigar in his arms tightly suppressing the emotions threatening to burst forth. ¡°So if I was a girl would you have epted me?¡± he asked and Yi Zhen shook his head,


    ¡°Gender wasn¡¯t as important as your family background. He could have been with any other boy and I would have epted it.¡±


    ¡°Good to know. It¡¯s a good thing the Yi Family is indebted to me otherwise you would still treat me like shit,¡± said Zi Han ready to leave. He didn¡¯te here to be insulted. He took another long drag before putting the lit cigar down in the ashtray.


    Seeing that he was standing up to leave, Yi Zhen nced at him and said, ¡°Sit... please.¡±


    Zi Han clenched his jaw and sat down his eyes fuming.


    ¡°We have our differences and I get that. What I have done to you time and time again is inexcusable. An apology won¡¯t mean much to you but I will try my best to make up for it. Since we are about to be family can you give me a chance to fix things,¡± he said sounding very sincere.


    Yi Zhen honestly thought that Zi Han would continue to make it difficult for him but he suddenly showed a sly smile and Yi Zhen had a very very bad premonition.


    ¡°You want to show your sincerity, right? Then I have a very small favour to ask. This shouldn¡¯t be difficult for you... I want every piece of evidence you have on the Bloodgarde. I want it all and all the backups gone. I promise after that I will treat you like my father-inw and everything in the past will all be forgiven... How is that, uncle? Are you willing,¡± he said with a slight smile at the corner of his lips.


    Yi Zhen, ¡°!!!¡±


    ¡®Checkmate,¡¯ said Zi Han internally.

 Chapter 510

    510 ...driving a hard bargain.


    Yi Zhen pursed his lips while staring at Zi Han with his head tilted slightly. His jaw tightened subconsciously as he stared straight at this boy who was driving a hard bargain. This information was the only thing he could hold against the Bloodgarde if they ever overstepped their bounds thus he was very reluctant to let go of the leverage.


    Zi Han saw his hesitation and sat up straight before continuing, ¡°What are you really worried about? Do you think my mother would just wake up one day and turn against the Onyx federation and burn it to the ground for no reason? Surely she would have been provoked if she did that. Her husband and her son are her bottom line and since you don¡¯t n on offending either of us then why would uncle still hold on to such things?¡± his voice was calm but he couldn¡¯t help but show a slight smile.


    This man was like batman holding on to superman¡¯s weakness just in case superman woke up on the wrong side of the bed one day and takes it out on everybody else.


    ¡°Besides my father is back and I am sure he will hold her back if she goes off the rails,¡± said Zi Han and the former Marshal nced away his expressionplicated. He couldn¡¯t help but show a self-deprecating smile while tapping the crystal ss in his hand.


    After a while, he nced back at Zi Han and said, ¡°That is very difficult. You can pick something else.¡±


    Zi Han chuckled lightly his gaze shifting to the little nim nim cuddling in his jacket. ¡°So that ckmail material is more important than your son¡¯s happiness. It is not worth your family¡¯s happiness. Is that it? You would rather hold on to it at the risk of being an outcast inside your own family?¡± said Zi Han finding this very amusing. The Bloodgarde had never interfered with the Marshal except when it came to the prime ministers. Well, to be exact other than when he killed prime minister Ju they never interfered in each other¡¯s business so Zi Han couldn¡¯t understand why this man was so adamant about this.


    ¡°I will never use that ck material against you again... so there is no need for you to worry. It¡¯s there for our piece of mind,¡± said the former Marshal as he got up and poured two more shots of the rum he had been drinking into the crystal ss.


    Zi Han stared at the condensation slowly dripping down the crystal ss before saying, ¡°What about my piece of mind? Uncle Yi, let¡¯s not forget that you threatened me with that ck material for a personal matter. I would have gone to the deepest depths for Yi Chen because I love him but I didn¡¯t appreciate you threatening me with my family. That feeling was very unpleasant,¡± said Zi Han and the former Marshal finally turned his gaze toward him.


    The two of them looked at each other for a while neither of them willing to back down. Meanwhile, the hangar was in disarray as Igneous demanded to be let on board Cetus. The former Marshal who was having a standoff with a Zi Han got interrupted.


    .....


    He picked up the call and his brows furrowed slightly. He turned to look at Zi Han and Zi Han smiledzily as he leaned back in his seat.


    ¡°I always keep my word. You said you wanted to talk to him so he came to speak to you. I wonder if he asks me who has bullied me over the years should I mention your name? Should I mention how you broke my arm so I could leave your son? Or maybe I should mention how you pped me or mayb-,¡± he said only for the former Marshal to interrupt him.


    ¡°Okay fine. I will delete all of it right here... just... just don¡¯t say things you shouldn¡¯t,¡± he said as he pulled up a file with so much evidence that would take months to read through.


    Zi Han smiled and watched as the file got transferred to his light brain. While he was receiving the file his father emerged from Igneous and didn¡¯t even ask anyone anything as he directly walked over to the captain¡¯s office.


    Along the way, everyone who saw him was in disarray. They didn¡¯t even know what to do. They didn¡¯t know whether to bow or not. They didn¡¯t know of salutations were necessary. Those who thought it was only right to respect their Emperor bowed but he ignored them all.


    He had one thing in mind that is getting his troublesome son out before his wife decided to do something about it. She gave him ten minutes to get their baby back thus he had to pick up his pace.


    When he reached the captain¡¯s office the disy swiftly read his gic code and he was let in. One could say that his genes were a master key in the Federation though most people didn¡¯t know. None of the prime ministers knew that their offices and even house doors could be opened by this man with ease.


    ¡°Who...,¡± said Yi Zhen only for his voice to freeze when he saw who it was. His heart fell to the pit of his stomach as he took a step back.


    He never thought he would see this man ever again so yes he couldn¡¯t help but be disrespectful for a minute.


    Yeoh Jun wanted to say something to him but when he saw his son sitting on the couch with his pet in his jacket he couldn¡¯t help but walk over.


    ¡°Hurry up. Your mother is threatening to burn Cetus warship if you aren¡¯t out there in ten minutes,¡± he said and Zi Han got up to leave.


    ¡°But I want to see Yi Chen. I can call her and tell her I am fine,¡± he said and his father who hadn¡¯t been assertive in the short period they had known each other said,


    ¡°No. When he wakes up I am sure the former Marshal would send him over, right?¡± before turning to the former Marshal.


    Yi Zhen cleared his throat and answered with a stammer, ¡°I... uh yes. I will ask him to to pay you a visit.¡±


    ¡°But,¡± said Zi Han only for his father to give him a stern look while exining,


    ¡°You stay off Cetus until we reach an agreement and they stop looking at you like the enemy,¡± in a low voice.

 Chapter 511

    511 ¡°Did you smoke?¡±


    Thinking of how he was almost arrested Zi Han couldn¡¯t help but keep his mouth shut. Just as he sulkily passed by his father his arm was suddenly caught at the elbow and he was pulled back.


    ¡°Did you smoke?¡± asked Yeoh Jun.


    Zi Han, ¡°...¡±


    How could he have forgotten how his father felt about his mother smoking? It was obvious this would also spill over to him.


    ¡°I uh... Uncle Yi gave it to me and I couldn¡¯t refuse,¡± he said directly throwing the pot over the Marshal¡¯s head before running out.


    Yi Zhen, ¡°...¡±


    Well, this alliance was very short lived. The brat threw him right under the bus at the first chance he got.


    ¡°Your majesty... I,¡± he said only for Yeoh Jun to raise his hand slightly stopping him from talking.


    ¡°You don¡¯t have to be formal. I am speaking to you in the capacity of a colleague,¡± he said and Yi Zhen couldn¡¯t help but nod his head.


    .....


    ¡°Yeoh Jun,¡± he said before a hard punch struck his face. Taken by surprise Yi Zhen staggered backward as he saw ck spots.


    Yeoh Jun threw another hard punch and this time the former Marshal couldn¡¯t sturdy his feet. He fell to the ground with blood at the corner of his lips.


    He shook his head having realised he was seeing doubles. Yeoh Jun crouched down before him and tilted his head slightly to get a good look at the man¡¯s face.


    ¡°I don¡¯t think I need to exin why I hit you, right?¡± he said and Yi Zhen nodded his head while wiping the corner of his lips with his fingertips.


    ¡°I saved your life and one thing that I asked you to do you failed to do it. Instead, you caused trouble for my son while I was gone. You surely are ungrateful,¡± said Yeoh Jun his voice carrying with it a feeling of disappointment.


    ¡°Let me ask you this... where do your loyalties lie? Is it with me or the rats of the federation?¡± he asked and Yi Zhen¡¯s body trembled slightly suppressed by the overbearing aura emanating from Yeoh Jun¡¯s body.


    Yeoh Jun grabbed his arm and pulled up the sleeve revealing the emperor¡¯s crest burnt on his arm. Yi Zhen wanted to resist but he was thoroughly suppressed revealing the one thing that haunted him throughout the years.


    ¡°Your motto underneath your crest is to serve the people¡¯s interests but you know fairly well that your father¡¯s father gave up that right and vowed to serve us. Your allegiance is not with the corrupt prime ministers but with us so why would you treat our son like that?¡±


    ¡°Yeoh... I,¡± said the Marshal almost trembling like a leaf.


    ¡°We are now speaking to you in the capacity of the emperor,¡± he said and Yi Zhen didn¡¯t dare raise his head to look into those eyes that turned a fiery red.


    He lowered his head having a hard time breathing. What was he supposed to say? How was he supposed to exin?


    Yeoh Jun didn¡¯t want him to answer. He directly exposed him. ¡°You wanted to restore your family¡¯s honour and not associate with the Bloodgarde. Do not forget that it was the Bloodgarde that kept your grandfather from losing everything. You can¡¯t restore honour that was lost more than half a century ago,¡± said Yeoh Jun before he slowly got up.


    Just as he took a step to leave, Yi Zhen hurriedly kowtowed before him and tremblingly said, ¡°Your majesty... for, forgive me. It wasn¡¯t that I was trying to regain lost honour but... I was protecting both th-,¡± before he was directly cut off.


    ¡°We don¡¯t want to hear it. For the sake of our children¡¯s rtionship we will let it go but... if you darey a finger on him we will kill you. Count it a blessing that he chose to love your son,¡± said Yeoh Jun before sitting down on the couch while pressing his temples as his eyes regained rity.


    Yi Zhen hurriedly banged his head on the floor a couple of times while thanking him for his benevolence. The stubborn and hard-hearted man who always thought he was right was now wilted like spinach begging for forgiveness.


    After Yeoh Jun let him get up, Yi Zhen didn¡¯t disappoint. He hurriedly poured out some whiskey for the man and brought it to him.


    Yeoh Jun epted it and while swirling the crystal ss he said, ¡°I want all the charges against Han Han dropped... I also want to speak to all your generals. I gave the prime ministers a chance to rule but in the end, they not only plundered the wealth of the people, but they also designed against my family... and me. What they wanted was the space jump technology then I will make them experience it. I will make them experience a living hell,¡± he said his eyes shing like there were going to go back to that state from earlier.


    Hearing this Yi Zhen couldn¡¯t help but reduce his sense of existence. He had a feeling that the prime ministers were going to be thrown to the Republic alongside their families.


    ¡°Yes, your majesty,¡± he said and walked over to his desk requesting an urgent meeting with all the generals. They were now loyal to his son but they would still respond to his call.


    Soon seven generals appeared one by one in the video transmission and from the looks on their faces they were a little anxious. These kinds of meetings rarely happened unless there was an emergency. Thest urgent call they answered to was when Yi Chen went missing thus they couldn¡¯t help but be anxious.


    As soon as they had an opportunity to speak questions concerning Yi Chen¡¯s health and whether an exnation had been given by the Bloodgarde began to fly around.


    ¡°The Marshal is fine. He is still undergoing treatment. As for the Bloodgarde... it wasn¡¯t-,¡± he said only for a person that was out of frame just now to turn the floating screen in his direction.


    ¡°The Bloodgarde had nothing to do with the disappearance of your Marshal. I would very much appreciate it if you keep my son¡¯s and wife¡¯s names out of it.¡±


    Everyone, ¡°...¡±

 Chapter 512 - 512 Long live Emperor Yeoh

    512 Long live Emperor Yeoh


    Yeoh Jun had what most would call a yful personality. To those who went to school with him or had a personal interaction with him thought he was a goofy type of person, cheerful and bubbly. He was the kind of person who was popr with girls because he was handsome and approachable.


    Most people especially in the political and upper ss circles believed the Federation would copse under his rule because he always seemed tock any assertiveness.


    When he died most of them weren¡¯t surprised that someone¡¯s design on him had seeded. This really wasn¡¯t the type of person suited to be an Emperor of a prestigious empire.


    Even his father would scold him constantly for being too yful but looking at him right now the generals were frozen stiff unable to move in fear.


    A tingling sensation spread down their spines as they sat paralysed. Terror thundered down on them as they stared at the person sitting down with his legs crossed at the knees.


    The sound of a swivel chair being pushed away harshly echoed through the video transmission as one of the generals got up and tremblingly bowed while reciting a salutation that hadn¡¯t been heard for years.


    ¡°Long live Emperor Yeoh... Long live the son born of fire. Please ept your humble servant¡¯s blessings...,¡± she said and the rest of the men followed suit bowing before him as they spoke in harmony.


    Yeoh Jun raised his head gently and all of them sat back down. He initially thought it was going to be very difficult to turn these generals back to where they were meant to be but who would have thought they would react like it was business as usual?


    ¡°My son is indeed unruly but his heart is in the right ce. Treachery against the royal family is punishable by death and he was impatient having found out that those who ployed against him were still walking free. We hope you can overlook his impulsive actions. As you can see we didn¡¯t have an opportunity to teach him well,¡± he said but no one dared to speak. They were afraid to. His current state right now had ¡®do not provoke me¡¯ written all over his face. His eyes were a fiery red and his aura stifling to the point of suffocating the faint at heart.


    .....


    ¡°... now that we have reached a consensus... we would like to ask where your current loyalties lie. We feel that before this discussion can continue we should find out exactly where we are,¡± he continued to say his finger gently tapping the armrest.


    Yi Zhen pressed something on his light brain and a poll appeared on their screens. The generals looked at the disy withplicated expressions.


    Yeoh Jun knew their thoughts exactly so he said, ¡°As you know your Marshal disappeared for a while he was in the Republic and our son saved him. As a sign of gratitude, he will marry into our family. He is more than willing to repay the debt in this way, right former Marshal?¡± he said and low whispers could be heard while Yi Zhen¡¯s eyes widened slightly.


    He didn¡¯t think this man would say that. This wasn¡¯t discussed but knowing his son he would pack his bags as soon as asked and happily get into the sedan chair.


    ¡°This... Marshal Yi,¡± said one of the generals with a grey beard that was almost sweeping the floor.


    ¡°His majesty¡¯s words are true. We stand by the royal family,¡± he said his voice a little shaky. He had sold his son the moment he threatened Zi Han its just that it really hadn¡¯t sunk in yet. This was the first time he had admitted it outrightly.


    Yeoh Jun quirked his lips slightly before saying, ¡°Bare that in mind as you vote. Don¡¯t worry it ispletely anonymous.¡±


    The generals nced at each other before reading the options. This situation was veryplicated but now it was reduced to voting against, in favour of or abstain. In less than half a minute the results came in quickly one after the other. They would have much preferred to wait until the Marshal woke up so they can hear it from his own mouth but having worked with Yi Zhen they knew he was of one mind with his son.


    Yeoh Jun nced at the results shed on the floating screen and showed a gentle smile before his gaze returned to the video call.


    ¡°You have chosen wisely. We gave away all of our power in the past thinking this would be for the good of the people but it turns out that people gained nothing but poverty as the wealth gap grew bigger. We gave power to sewer rats and we would like to fix that mistake....,¡± he said before beckoning Yi Zhen over. He whispered something and the man with a half-swollen face brought out a paper and pen.


    This paper wasn¡¯t just any ne scrap paper but the kind used to issue very important orders. It had the watermark of the inteary defense army¡¯s Crest establishing its authenticity. The orders had to be handwritten thus Yeoh Jun picked up the luxurious-looking fountain pen and began to write.


    His order was simple. He ordered the arrest of every single prime minister with corruption charges starting with Ikeda. From the moment he pricked his finger and sealed it with his bloody print it was official.


    ¡°Your your maj majesty... the evidence of wrongdoing?¡± asked one of the generals his voice edged with fear.


    ¡°The evidence will be sent to your light brains and made avable to the entire Sta for all to see. They have lived in luxury for years at the expense of people and bled them to death... but we will fix that,¡± he said and the generals couldn¡¯t help but shudder even when he smiled at them. Terrifying, too terrifying.


    After the video call ended no one dared to ck off. They personally went to apprehend the prime ministers with the scanned edict in their secure light brains.


    The arrests were well coordinated and done simultaneously not giving any of them a chance to run. While this was happening the cities descended into chaos protesting the so-called brutality of the army but before they could burn a single store the evidence was thrown in their faces and boy did that hurt.

 Chapter 513 - 513 Slight NSFW

    513 Slight NSFW


    ¡°Your Majesty,¡± called out Yi Zhen and Yeoh Jun raised his hand before saying,


    ¡°We are going to be inws now. When we are in private you can address me by name,¡± he said his fox eyes calming down considerably.


    Yi Zhen who had fallen for this trap before was silent unsure how to respond. He remained unmoving until he saw a crystal ss being handed to him.


    ¡°Let¡¯s drink together,¡± he said having poured out the drinks for them.


    Yi Zhen was hesitant at first but he eventually epted it as he sat opposite the soon to be emperor.


    Yeoh Jun took a long sip and with a contented smile, he said, ¡°I missed this. I stayed in the healing capsule for decades unable to wake up. I must say that fucker Yeoh Lang screwed me over... If it weren¡¯t for your son insisting that I was alive I would still be trapped in that shitty ce.¡±


    Yi Zhen, ¡°...¡±


    When did the man¡¯snguage turn so vulgar? He was the one always reprimanding others for swearing too much. Apparently, Zi Xingxi¡¯s influence had long taken root despite being away from each other for decades.


    ¡°I still don¡¯t understand how he found himself in the Republic in the first ce,¡± said Yi Zhen hoping to never let his son repeat the same mistake twice.


    .....


    Yeoh Jun took another sip and swallowed the bitter liquor with a slight grimace on his face. He cleared his burning throat and said, ¡°It is one of these special mental power containment devices my father taught me to make when we performed space jumps. It was in case we get separated or for some reason were too incapacitated to perform a space jump. Who would have thought one of them would go missing? Where did your son find it?


    ¡°He found it in your stepmother¡¯s possession,¡± replied and Yeoh Junughed out loud.


    ¡°That witch. She really was troublesome. Is there anything she didn¡¯t rob from me?¡± he said seeming unaffected by it. After a moment of silence, he continued to say,


    ¡°We have great sons and their union is perfect. I don¡¯t see my son with anyone else. Do you agree?¡±


    Yi Zhen still felt a bit of reluctance inside thats because Zi Han had changed his son so much that he couldn¡¯t even recognise him anymore but he also knew he had to get with the program. Though he felt this way he also thought his son seemed very happy which was a good thing.


    ¡°Yes, I agree,¡± he said before chucking down the entire ss.


    While the two fathers were catching up, Yi Feng was busy fending off his horny boyfriend.


    The man had pushed him to sit on the swivel chair in the cabin and he was sitting on hisp. ¡°Baby, you should be in the medical bay watching cousin Chen,¡± whispered Yi Feng trying to get up but the good doctor pressed him down and stubbornly said,


    ¡°I already sent someone to watch over him. Now be good,¡± while unbuttoning his shirt buttons.


    ¡°But you are the only one I trust with... uh... ah,¡± he said only for his voice to trail off when the man¡¯s tongue glided against his skin like the light touch of a feather making his scalp numb.


    ¡°Shh, the more obedient you are the sooner we can return to the medical bay. Now, where was I before we were rudely interrupted? Oh thats right,¡± said Kiet while his fingers tugged at the belt with his scorching breath spraying on the man¡¯s neck.


    Yi Feng couldn¡¯t help but lean his head back his lips parted slightly as he gasped for air. He felt sharp cramps at the pit of his stomach as he felt slender knuckles brush the bulge on his pants while his lover pulled down the zipper.


    His breathing quickened anticipating to be stroked but doctor Kiet stopped. He lowered his head about to ask why he stopped when a pair of arms wrapped around his neck and as Kiet¡¯s soft lips touched his.


    ¡°En... baby,¡± he whispered only for that warm tongue to invade his territory and touch his sensitive spot. His hands resting on doctor Kiet¡¯s slender waist tightened as the man began to slowly grind up against him. His member which had been interrupted earlier throbbed from the fire fueled by the movements of his lover¡¯s body.


    ¡°Ah... Kiet... I can¡¯t can¡¯t haa... I want you,¡± he whispered into doctor Kiet¡¯s ear the heat from his breath searing through his heart.


    Doctor Kiet smiled slyly while saying, ¡°You know what I want to hear. Say it and I will make you the happiest man in the world,¡± before gently nibbling on his lover¡¯s lower lip.


    ¡°Doctor Kiet I am very itchy and I want you to take care of it,¡± he said his face burning like the dim embers of a charcoal fire.


    ¡°Where does it itch exactly?¡± asked Doctor Kiet harassing the only patient he would ever harass.


    Yi Feng¡¯s ears turned red as he gently caressed the man¡¯s waist. ¡°It¡¯s my lewd hole. It¡¯s itching to be prated. Doctor Kiet will you cure me,¡± he whispered his heart pounding hard against his chest. No matter how many times he had said it before, he still felt shy saying it.


    Doctor Kiet smiled slyly his passionate gaze prating deep into his soul. ¡°I can take a look first but I can¡¯t promise to cure you,¡± he whispered before stering his lips on Yi Feng¡¯s kissing him with slight urgency. The two of them entwined with each other in the chair with blush-inducing sounds bouncing off the walls.


    Doctor Kiet kept to his promise crawling off his body before kneeling before him. He bit his lower lip while his fingertips caressed the bulge hidden under the red underwear. He looked like an alluring incubus seducing him into doing inexplicable things. Despite knowing the danger Yi Feng couldn¡¯t resist.


    He pulled apart his legs opening up the gap so his boyfriend could fit right through.


    ¡°Take it out for me,¡± said Doctor kiet as he unbuttoned his shirt buttons revealing pale smooth skin and a well-carved vicle. Yi Feng bit his lower lip slightly wanting to bite it and leave his mark on his lover¡¯s skin.


    He pulled it out and it obediently stood in attention ready to be served.


    ¡°Stroke it for me,¡± he said his words like that of amand, and Yi Feng didn¡¯t dare disobey. His entire body trembled in excitement.

 Chapter 514 - 514 NSFW 2

    514 NSFW Yi Feng stared at the partially open cor his gaze heated and intense. He subconsciously bit his lip his junior brother throbbing with thick veins expressing its enthusiasm.


    He subconsciously bit his lower lip when he saw his love rolling up his sleeves revealing a pair of sexy forearms with prominent veins.


    Those hands had performed countless surgeries and saved plenty of lives but right now they were about to take care of his manhood. With this thought in mind, he couldn¡¯t help but swallow his saliva while adjusting his sitting position as though to provide this man with easy ess.


    The good doctor looked up and when he met that heated gaze burrowing through his skin, he couldn¡¯t help but smile lewdly.


    He hooked his finger and Yi Feng lowered his body down. Doctor Kiet pinched his chin and stered their lips together in a not so gentle kiss.


    Yi Feng was kissed until his mind was a muddled mess. Before he could even recover doctor Kiet whispered in his ear, ¡°I want to hear you so don¡¯t hold back.¡±


    Yi Feng who usually bit his lips while doing adult activities froze. He honestly thought a man his size making such sounds was a bit much but Kiet would torture him until he couldn¡¯t control himself anymore. Kiet gently pushed him back into the chair and as his back hit the backrest, he suddenly trembled. That¡¯s because Kiet¡¯s tongue was dangerously licking the tip of his cock smearing the sticky fluid seeping down in a gentle stream.


    Yi Feng clenched the armrest of the chair as he gasped in pleasure. His lover swallowed his entire member in one smooth move and he subconsciously bit his lips holding back like he always did. Kiet wrapped his hand at the base of his lover¡¯s member and squeezed it as he slid his head back wanting to hear him call out his name.


    His lips gently wrapped around the tip of Yi Feng¡¯s cock he nced up at him with adoration in his eyes. Yi Feng¡¯s fingersbed through Kiet¡¯s hair before gently pushing his head down.


    .....


    Kiet¡¯s mouth was full but his lips were quirked slightly. He enthusiastically devoured his lover till the lewd sounds of desireing from him grew louder and louder. Those deep grunts and groans like those made by a beast were like an unsung melody unraveling the kinks in his heart. His member was throbbing in his jeans because of this man¡¯s lewd cries.


    ¡°Ah ah ah... haa... fuck... don¡¯t stop,¡± were the sounds escaping Yi Feng¡¯s lips his fingers subconsciously pressing his lover¡¯s head down with his head tilted back. A sharp tingle spread from the top of his head to the tips of his toes causing them to curl in his shoes.


    He didn¡¯t want to get there yet but the way Kiet stimted him made it so hard to bear. He was like a skilled magician putting him under a spell that he could never free himself from.


    Just when he thought he was going to explode Keit slid up his cock before letting it pop out of his mouth like he was done sucking on his popsicle stick.


    ¡°Did you like that?¡± asked Kiet as he wiped the corners of his lips with his thumb before sucking on it.


    Yi Feng¡¯s gaze darkened as he lowered his body to kiss those moist lips that were teasing him.


    Kiet leaned back dodging those lips before biting the man¡¯s earlobe his hot breath making Yi Feng¡¯s ears red.


    ¡°You didn¡¯t answer me,¡± he said his hand grasping his lover¡¯s cock.


    ¡°Uhh...,¡± he gasped his eyes shut while sniffing the citrus scent entwined with hints of cedar at the croak of his lover¡¯s neck.


    ¡°I...,¡± he said his voice breathy as the hand stroked his shaft again, ¡°I liked it very much.¡±


    Kiet¡¯s lips twitched and he nuzzled Yi Feng¡¯s ear making his heart itch.


    ¡°Can I fuck you?¡± whispered Kiet his hot lips trailing down the helix of Yi Feng¡¯s ear.


    Yi Feng¡¯s adam¡¯s apple rolled as he gazed at him from the corner of his eye. ¡°Do you have to ask?¡± he said his voice hoarse. He would have loved it if Kiet was wearing that pleated miniskirt he got for him but they left it at his ce. Kiet¡¯s hands became even more dishonest from then on. He pulled up Yi Feng¡¯s t-shirt and shoved him onto the bed.


    When his body fell the bed bounced slightly with the neat bed turning into a mangled mess. Yi Feng¡¯s fists clutched the quilt as a wave of excitement swept through his body. His burning gaze focused on those slender fingers unbuttoning the rest of the buttons one by one.


    His breathing slowed his eyes glimmering with anticipation. When that shirt came off Yi Feng couldn¡¯t help but stare at those rippling muscles. They were not as bulky as his but they were to his taste.


    Being watched like this Kiet couldn¡¯t help but smile slyly as he pulled away the man¡¯s pants stripping him down till he was naked.


    Before he knew it he was lying on top of Yi Feng their lips locked together in a heated exchange. While kissing him like he couldn¡¯t get enough, Kiet couldn¡¯t resist thrusting his hips and rubbing his crotch against Yi Feng¡¯s throbbing cock.


    Yi Feng¡¯s breathing quickened as Keit sucked on his neck leaving beautiful red marks dazzling underneath the dim light. He continued his wet leeching kiss down Yi Feng¡¯s chest.


    Yi Feng clutched the bed sheets even more tightly as his nipples hardened into tight little nubs either from the cool air or the wave of sensation rippling through him as Kiet dragged his lips across his skin.


    Yi Feng closed his eyes focusing on the pleasurable sensation luring him deep into this trap. His back suddenly arched his head tilting backward as a hard object pushed up against that tight ce as though to invade.


    ¡°Ah... wait... I,¡± he whispered in between gasps.

 Chapter 515 - 515 NSFW 3

    515 NSFW A cold chill from the lubricant made him shiver subconsciously as he moved away nning to run.


    ¡°Uh-uhe here,¡± whispered Keit his long hair hanging down his forehead messily, ¡°I promise it won¡¯t hurt.¡± While saying this he was dragging the man back.


    Yi Feng red at him before saying, ¡°You have to loosen me up first. You tell me it won¡¯t hurt but it hurts each time.¡±


    A slight quirk appeared at the corner of Kiet¡¯s lips as he rubbed Yi Feng¡¯s lower lip with his thumb. ¡°Just tell me what you really want. Why do you like speaking in riddles,¡± he said before chuckling lowly his lips brushing against the man¡¯s cheek.


    Yi Feng who had been caught bit his lower lip slightly before whispering, ¡°Doctor Kiet... it itches... I am itching for a fuck.¡± Kiet¡¯s eyes darkened as he gazed at his lover intently.


    He stood up abruptly and took out something from the bedside pedestal. With a sly grin, he smeared a nice coating of lubricant on the silicone anal beads.


    ¡°Is this what you want?¡± he asked while kneeling at the end of the bed.


    Yi Feng pushed his hair back revealing a sweat covered forehead. His sweat-covered muscles rippled with his breathing further enticing Kiet.


    His palm caressed Yi Feng¡¯s abdomen down to his lover¡¯s throbbing member. He stroked it gently as he pushed the small tapering sphere through that greedy tight hole he badly wanted to fuck.


    .....


    Yi Feng¡¯s toes curled as a sensation so pleasurable swept through his body. When it reached the deepest depths he couldn¡¯t help but groan having experienced an exquisite stimtion that left him gasping for air. That lewd expression he had on was so alluring making Kiet¡¯s member twitch in excitement but Kiet¡¯s expression wasn¡¯t too pleased. His baby liked it but he couldn¡¯t help but feel sour. He only wanted Yi Feng to show that expression while thrusting deep inside of him.


    Unable to bear it anymore he pressed his forehead against Yi Feng¡¯s whileining, ¡°Baby, I can¡¯t bear it. Let me do it.¡±


    The doctor who always wore a face like someone owed him money and acted sultry when dressed in drag was now begging his lover softly like he was about to die if he wasn¡¯t permitted to prate that special ce.


    Yi Feng showed a slight smile as he tilted his head slightly running away from the ticklish sensation from Kiet rubbing his nose against his cheek.


    ¡°Take it out slowly then.... ah fuck,¡± he groaned after a bead the size of a plum was pulled out of that special ce. The pleasure stemming from the spherical beads being pulled out of that ce was indescribable. He couldn¡¯t help but gasp while calling out, ¡°Kiet,¡± his voice soft but dealing great damage to Kiet¡¯s heart.


    This one call snapped Kiet¡¯sst shred of reason. He grasped both of the man¡¯s thighs and pulled him closer his hardness pressing against the sweet spot radiating heat.


    He pulled out a red shiny packet and tore it with his teeth before spitting out the torn piece. Kiet rolled the condom down his shaft with an impatient expression before pressing the tip of his cock on that entrance.


    ¡°Baby open your eyes,¡± he said and Yi Feng who was in a trancezily opened his red rimmed eyes brimming with lust. As they gazed into each other¡¯s eyes, Kiet pushed his throbbing member inside capturing every reaction on Yi Feng¡¯s face.


    Yi Feng¡¯s brows twitched slightly as that hot and hard object prated deep inside of him.


    ¡°Uh...,¡± he granted but his lips were suddenly sealed and the man thrust in deeper invading his most sacred ce.


    ¡°Mm... mmm,¡± muffled cries escaped Yi Feng¡¯s throat as the thrusts got deeper and deeper.


    ¡°Mm... go, go slow,¡± whispered Yi Feng after separating their lips. Kiet hummed in agreement as he pressed their lips together nibbling and sucking on those soft lips. Yi Feng felt that hardness slide inpletely and his entire body trembled under such stimtion.


    Kiet shifted his weight to one side letting his other hand caress Yi Feng¡¯s body. When his fingers reached Yi Feng¡¯s nipple he couldn¡¯t help but pinch it in between his forefinger and thumb. The feeling was sharp like a piercing pain entwined with pleasure making Yi Feng grunt his fingers digging into Kiet¡¯s skin.


    The feeling of having his behind prated and his nipple stimted was so intense that he felt like he wouldn¡¯t be able to hold on any longer. As though acquiescing to this feeling his hoarse voice brushed against Kiet¡¯s ear the heat seeping through his skin straight to his heart.


    The sounds of gasping and panting flooded the room as the thrusts got faster and deeper. In a trance, Yi Feng¡¯s body was turned over and Kiet began to thrust from behind his hand teasing his lover¡¯s nipple while asionally pping his butt leaving behind a glowing handprint.


    ¡°You like that baby, huh? Do you like that?¡± he whispered in Yi Feng¡¯s ear his voice breathy as loud PA PA PA PA sounds ripped through the air his hips striking that tight ass.


    ¡°Yeah... haa fuck... I am getting there... ah ah,¡± groaned Yi Feng unable to bear it. Kiet squeezed Yi Feng¡¯s pulsing erection breaking hisst thread of restraint. He let out a grunt as long viscous shots streaked out onto the mangled quilt leaving wet spots. Kiet sunk his teeth into Yi Feng¡¯s back as he hugged him tightly while his lover released his passion. As his muscles rxed Kiet rubbed the tip of his lover¡¯s cock with his thumb before starting to move again. His thrusts became even more feverish like he no longer cared for anything. His grunts grew louder and louder while gripping the man¡¯s hips hard.


    ¡°Ah fuck... mm,¡± grunted Kiet with his sweat dripping down Yi Feng¡¯s back. He buried his hardness deep inside Yi Feng¡¯s deepest depths while his grunts grew louder and louder.


    Yi Feng felt that hard object throbbing inside of him his mind a muddled mess. He couldn¡¯t help but groan as he was fucked hard.


    Kiet shivered as he let out a loud grunt his thrusts shallow and long as he released his cum. He let out a soft chuckle as he pushed his hair back. He pulled out his hardness and couldn¡¯t help but smack Yi Feng¡¯s ass while saying, ¡°Turn over ande on top of me.¡±


    ¡°I don¡¯t want. I am tired,¡± replied Yi Feng with a sly smirk at the corner of his lips. How could Kiet not know that this person wanted to be coaxed? If he wanted to go for another round he could only act cute to reap the benefits.

 Chapter 516 - 516 "I am sorry I took too long."

    516 ¡°I am sorry I took too long.¡±


    ¡°What do you think?... Impressive, right?¡± asked Zi Han while his mothery on the ground testing out the barrett caliber rifle.


    Zi Xingxi looked through the scope her brows furrowed slightly. Having picked up on her target she squeezed the trigger striking her target urately.


    ¡°Its still not as good as my armour piercing rifle but its indeed a novel experience,¡± she said and Zi Han rubbed the back of his neck while studying the magazine. He needed to talk to the armory chief and get them to make bullets for the rifle before they finish them.


    While he was studying the a.50 bullet the door slid open and his father entered the training room. He disregarded his son¡¯s presence and directly spanked Zi Xingxi¡¯s butt before lying next to her with half of his body on top of hers.


    Zi Han, ¡°WTF!¡±


    Was he invisible or something? Maybe he was otherwise these two would spare his eyes.


    ¡°Get off me,¡± said Zi Xingxi but when did Yeoh Jun ever listen to her. He rubbed her back in a gentle caress before saying, ¡°You said you will be back in an hour but it¡¯s been longer than that. You lied to me.¡±


    ¡°Really? Its only been an hour and three minutes,¡± she said looking at him at the corner of his eyes.


    ¡°An hour is an hour,¡± he said and Zi Xingxi looked away with a slight smile at the corner of her lips. She turned back to look through the scope and was about to pull the trigger when her dearest husband kissed her cheek.


    .....


    Zi Xingxi, ¡°...¡±


    ¡°Stop messing around or else,¡± she said without even looking at him.


    ¡°Or else what?¡± he said while smiling like a fool.


    ¡°Or else,¡± she said only to stop talking when she was kissed again. Zi Xingxi pressed the tip of her tongue on her canine tooth with a slight quirk at the corner of her lips. She removed her forefinger on the trigger and turned the safety on. Before she could get him he stood up abruptly while stifling augh. If those generals could see him now they wouldn¡¯t believe it was the same person. The aura waspletely different like pr opposites.


    Zi Xingxi got up and chased after him looking like a pair of young lovers chasing each other in a field of dandelions. Zi Han shook his head and took his mother¡¯s ce lying down.


    Having all these lovers around him showing affection made his heart ache. How he missed having his baby around but it had been three days and he hadn¡¯t heard from him yet.


    Zi Han sighed as he looked through the scope. As he fired a few rounds he could here his parents bickering in the background.


    Zi Xingxi was yelling something like, ¡°You touch mine so I will touch yours.¡±


    ¡°You pervert. Where do you want to touch,¡± used Yeoh Jun acting like he wasn¡¯t the one who just smacked her ass just now.


    ¡°Do you have a fuckin memory like that of a gold fish... Hahaha, you actually think you are faster than me,¡± she said having caught up with him and squeezing his butt cheeks at least twice.


    ¡°Ah... Xixi. You squeezed twice and I only did it once. See what I mean. You little pervert,¡± he said the smile on his face reaching his eyes.


    Zi Han almost shouted, ¡°Do any of you know the meaning of the word pervert?¡± but he wisely chose to stay out of it.


    Zi Xingxi dodged her husband¡¯s grabby hands herughter so melodious that Zi Han almost couldn¡¯t believe it wasing from her.


    ¡°Come here. I needpensation,¡± he said and sure enough he caught up with her groping a couple of times. Zi Han couldn¡¯t see it but he could hear the yful tussle like puppies happening behind him. He wasn¡¯t happy being stuffed with so much dog food but he was d to hear his mother smiling unrestrainedly. If he had known she would be this happy he would have believed Yi Chen sooner.


    It didn¡¯t take long till Zi Xingxi was thoroughly subdued. Her arms were crossed on her chest with Yeoh Jun pulling them back locking them in ce.


    While bickering with her he pressed her on the wall their gazes locked together. ¡°You need to be punished,¡± whispered Yeoh Jun and Zi Han couldn¡¯t help nce back while saying,


    ¡°Hello, your son is still here.¡±


    ¡°You brat wear the noise cancelling headphones,¡± said Yeoh Jun and Zi Xingxi scolded,


    ¡°My son is not a brat. If there is any brat here it¡¯s you.¡±


    Zi Han decided it was in his best interest to put on the earbuds. After that the world fell into tranquil silence as he pulled the trigger multiple times.


    He was so immersed in what he was doing that he didn¡¯t realise it when the two left. Having run out of bullets he nced back and found that the pair had left. He got up intending to reload the bullets in the magazine. While he was putting the bullets in the magazine, a pair of hands suddenly wrapped around his waist embracing him tightly.


    Zi Han¡¯s muscles tensed but he soon closed his eyes when he smelt the familiar warm notes of bergamot, pepper, and amberwood.


    His fingers that were pressing down the a.50 bullet in the magazine trembled slightly and he felt a sour feeling in his eyes.


    He didn¡¯t think he would cry but when he actually met the person again he broke down. Yi Chen buried his head in the croak of his neck and whispered, ¡°I am sorry I took too long.¡±


    He had indeed taken longer than he should have. A treatment that should havested at least twenty four hours took longer than expected.


    When he finally woke up the first person he saw was his father sitting at the desk while going through his medical records. He was probably monitoring him so he could report to his wife who was very worried.

 Chapter 517 - 517 "Did you threaten Han Han?"

    517 ¡°Did you threaten Han Han?¡±


    The equipment doors opened with a soft swoosh and his father turned around. Yi Zhen¡¯s eyes widened in surprise before he hurried over to catch him.


    After days ofying stiffly in one position his son wouldn¡¯t be able to walk properly thus he rushed over to help him.


    ¡°Careful,¡± he said but his son¡¯s response was,


    ¡°Where is Han Han?¡±


    By god, wouldn¡¯t it be nice if he said hie first.


    Yi Zhen looked at him with slight disappointment before saying, ¡°He is on the Han... wait where are you going?¡±


    He asked this right after his son pushed him away before walking away. His steps staggered though before he fell down taking the things on the desk down with him.


    Yi Zhen caught him in time while reprimanding, ¡°You just suffered through aplicated treatment and your brain is still foggy. You will need to lie down for a couple of hours before you go running around.¡±


    Yi Zhen helped him onto the patient bed while scolding incessantly. ¡°Don¡¯t you have anyone else in your eyes apart from that boy? Do you still have your mother and siblings in your eyes? We also worry about you.¡±


    .....


    As he said this Yi Chen remained silent while gently pressing his temple that was throbbing slightly.


    ¡°I will call the doctor for you so stay put,¡± said Yi Zhen while turning away from his son.


    Yi Chen touched his wrist intending to use his light brain. He wanted to send Zi Han a message and let him know that he was awake but there was nothing on his wrist. He stared at his father who was still talking to doctor Kiet as he subconsciously touched his ring finger to twist his ring. This was like a unconscious habit he did whenever he was thinking of his beloved but when he touched it he found that there was no ring on that finger.


    He suddenly panicked and wanted to get up and look for it but memories of what happened in the Republic resurfaced. His chest tightened and he rubbed it while leaning back.


    That¡¯s because he remembered how Zi Han cried when he confronted him about it. He suddenly had the urge to get up again and leave Cetus warship.


    Just when he was about to get up his father returned and told him to stay put. While waiting for doctor Kiet, Yi Zhen dragged the bar stool over and sat at his bedside.


    After a short silence, he asked, ¡°Do you remember everything?¡±


    Yi Chen who was staring nkly at the ceiling replied, ¡°Yes,¡± before his adam¡¯s apple rolled.


    ¡°Everything even the Republic?¡± asked Yi Zhen not knowing how to break the ice.


    ¡°Yes,¡± replied Yi Chen his voice as nd as unseasoned ne boiled chicken breast.


    This was how the two of them always talked but he didn¡¯t have a problem with it before. He was fine with it before but now he couldn¡¯t help but feel ufortable like there was a great rift between them.


    One has to understand that he personally raised Yi Chen and his wife raised Yi Youxi and Yi Mingxi thus the boy was the closest offspring he had. He spent more time with Yi Chen than any of his other children thus they should be close but what he thought was closeness before turns out it wasn¡¯t. It was just his son following orders nothing more.


    He wanted to fix things but how to begin? He opened his mouth to say something when Yi Chen suddenly opened his mouth first.


    ¡°Did you threaten Han Han?¡± he asked but he already knew the answer. He wanted to hear iting straight from the horse¡¯s mouth.


    ¡°I...,¡± said Yi Zhen the emotions in his eyesplicated. He couldn¡¯t say it was all for you own good because he had also put other people¡¯s children in harms way. He also knew now that Zi Han would have willingly jumped into the fire pit with no hesitation but at the time he was afraid Zi Han would throw in his face the words he said to him when he forced them to separate.


    What right did he have as the party who broke them up toe and beg for help? If it was him he would have thrown a fit and walked away so yes at the time he threatened Zi Han. He was afraid he would refuse to help him get his son back. This is why he couldn¡¯t even defend himself now.


    ¡°Do you have nothing to say? Haven¡¯t you done enough? Hasn¡¯t he suffered enough?¡± said Yi Chen each question stabbing into his father¡¯s heart.


    Yi Chen rubbed his throbbing temples with his thumb and fore finger his chest rising and falling rapidly. It was obvious that he was very angry.


    ¡°I was wro-,¡± he said and Yi Chen interjected,


    ¡°Yes you were wrong and you almost cost me my future happiness. Can¡¯t you just be happy for me.l? You and mom are happy so why can¡¯t I? He loves me and I love him too, isn¡¯t that enough for you?¡±


    ¡°Chen Chen I so-,¡± said Yi Zhen reaching out to hold his son¡¯s arm but Yi Chen pushed his hand away while interjecting again,


    ¡°No no I don¡¯t want to hear it. The person you should be asking for forgiveness from is not me but him. If he breaks up with me again because of you you should forget that you had two sons. You will only have one son from then on.¡±


    Yi Zhen who hadn¡¯t heard his son say so many words in a long time suddenly felt very guilty. He had never been scolded by his son like this before thus he was at a loss.


    Lucky for him Doctor Kiet walked in with his tail Yi Feng running behind so the endless scolding ended but he didn¡¯t feel good in his heart. He stood aside as doctor Kiet examined his son who showed a slight smile when he saw Yi Feng. The cousin would get a smile but the father would get an earful. He had to fix this but how to fix it? He could only call his wife and beg for help.

 Chapter 518 - 518 "Are you here to offer yourself in marriage?"

    518 ¡°Are you here to offer yourself in marriage?¡±


    The father and son rtionship seemed irreparable with the sellotape holding it together loosening rapidly. Yi Zhen couldn¡¯t stay here anymore.


    He left the medical bay without a word. What was there to say? Nothing that woulde out of his mouth right now would help the situation.


    Without his father breathing down his neck, Yi Chen managed to escape from the Cetus warship to the nearby Han warship.


    The initial response of the Han warship was to draw their weapons when they saw the emblem of the military on the mech but after getting clearance from Zi Feiji they let him on.


    When he entered the hangar the looks he got were very hostile. It seemed the Bloodgardepatriots didn¡¯t like him very much. He had no idea why.


    What he didn¡¯t realise was that Zi Han was ostracised on StarNet for harming the Marshal which wasn¡¯t true at all. The amount of cursinging from those keyboard warriors was so infuriating that they couldn¡¯t help but show a bad face at the Marshal.


    His steps remained calm and elegant with heavy air pressure around him. They dared to re at him but they didn¡¯t dare say anything.


    The one that blocked his path though was Secretary K who came from who knows where. He stood there and the two people of almost the same height stared at each other like beasts in the wild sizing each other up.


    Lynn Feng, who was standing on the second levelzily leaning against the railing yelled, ¡°Are you here to offer yourself in marriage?¡±


    .....


    Yi Chen¡¯s gaze didn¡¯t stray from Secretary K while he replied, ¡°If your young sir would have me then yes.¡±


    Lynn Feng chuckled as she stood up straight. ¡°K, you heard him. We should be courteous to our inws.¡±


    Secretary K patted his arm before stepping aside. He didn¡¯t dare to be excessive thus he let him go. Yi Chen walked up the stairs with secretary K following behind.


    Lynn Feng stood by the open elevator door while waiting for them. ¡°It¡¯s so good to see you,¡± she said before pressing her light brain and transferring something to him.


    Yi Chen looked down at his light brain and asked, ¡°What is it?¡± as they stepped into the elevator.


    The pair of lovers stared at each other and Lynn Fengughed while saying, ¡°You will know.¡±


    Yi Chen¡¯s brow arched before he nodded his head. You would think Lynn Feng was good-natured and kind but she wasn¡¯t. Since the former Marshal dared to point a gun at her she would show him mes. They couldn¡¯t touch him but they could mess with his rtionship with his pride and joy. That would teach him not to fuck with them next time.


    With a soft ding, the elevator doors opened and Lynn Feng said, ¡°This is your stop. Three turns to your left and you will find the training hall. As a precaution, Zi Xingxi is there.¡±


    Yi Chen¡¯s lips pursed slightly before he said, ¡°Thank you,¡± and walked out. After that, the doors closed and the person who was well-behaved just now suddenly stepped closer.


    Lynn Feng¡¯s face sank while gazing at this predator stalking her. ¡°People are watching,¡± she said as her back pressed onto the elevator wall her heart pounding in her ears.


    When his hand whooshed past her ear and mmed against the wall, Lynn Feng¡¯s heart almost jumped out of her chest. Enveloped by this man¡¯s overpowering scent her knees felt weak. She clenched and unclenched her fist as she nervously watched his lips draw closer. For a moment she thought she was going to get kissed but just as their lips were about to touch the man diverted his lips and brushed past her cheek before saying, ¡°You can fix the live feed and no one will see.¡± After saying that his lips pressed on Lynn Feng¡¯s the sexual tension in the air intensified.


    In the control room, a girl with two pigtails with half red and half ck hair clicked on the warning notification and realised the elevator wasn¡¯t functional neither was the camera.


    ¡°Hey Ronny, elevator three isn¡¯t working,¡± she said turning around.


    The one named Ronny turned around and said, ¡°If it was Chief Lynn who entered the elevator then leave it.¡± What hadn¡¯t he seen on this warship? He had now learned to turn a blind eye.


    Meanwhile, Yi Chen had reached the training room, and when he waved at the panel the door slid open. When he stepped inside his soul almost flew out of his body. That¡¯s because his future inws were in an ambiguous posture while yfully tussling. Zi Xingxi was sitting on the table with Yeoh Jun standing in between her legs while trying to suppress her.


    When they saw him Yi Chen subconsciously took a step back but Zi Xingxi gestured for him toe in. She pushed her husband away but he seemed very reluctant to let her go. He kissed her neck while grasping her waist. He was never the one to shy away from public disy of affection.


    If it weren¡¯t that Zi Xingxi didn¡¯t want toe out public with their rtionship he would have kissed her in front of the entire federation. This was his empress, his queen and he could give a fuck what everyone else had to say.


    Zi Xingxi¡¯s ears turned scarlet red as he whispered something into his ear before pushing him away. Yeoh Jun¡¯s eyes widened as he finally let her go.


    Zi Xingxi jumped off the table and said, ¡°He can¡¯t hear anything. Just wait for him to finish, okay?¡±


    Yi Chen didn¡¯t expect Zi Xingxi to be this nice to him. Sure, she didn¡¯t beat the shit out of him like she promised she would but the hostility was still there.


    Now she was very epting and it didn¡¯t seem to bother her at all. ¡°He missed you so much so it would be nice if you stay over,¡± she said before grabbing her husband¡¯s wrist to leave.


    Yeoh Jun suddenly didn¡¯t want to leave even when Zi Xingxi tugged on his wrist.


    ¡°What are you doing? Let¡¯s go,¡± she said and Yeoh Jun whispered,


    ¡°Shouldn¡¯t they at least get married first before he stays over?¡± Zi Xingxi gazed at him with a look that seemed like she was looking at an idiot.

 Chapter 519 - 519 "I love you."

    519 ¡°I love you.¡±


    ¡°You stayed over multiple times and we even lived together before we got married so what the fuck are you talking about? Don¡¯t mind him,¡± she said pulling her husband away.


    Yeoh Jun reluctantly walked away but he didn¡¯t forget to make an I am watching you gesture.


    Yi Chen, ¡°...¡±


    When they left he turned his head to look at his lover who was immersed in firing the antique weapon. Yi Chen suddenly felt so nervous that he subconsciously moved a step away at an angle so that Zi Han wouldn¡¯t see him if he turned around.


    Because Zi Han thought his parents were still around he had no vignce at all. He just felt the presence in the room was that of his parents.


    One can only imagine his reaction when he realised who was behind him.


    Zi Han was so overwhelmed by his emotions that a tear flowed down his cheek. He ced his hand on top of Yi Chen¡¯s hand wrapped on his waist and that warmth travelled straight into his heart.


    Yi Chen gently pinched his chin and forced him to look at him. When Zi Han met his intense gaze at the corner of his eye his body trembled. As those lips kissed his tear away Zi Han couldn¡¯t help but close his eyes. The touch of Yi Chen¡¯s lips on his cheeks was like the sound of a gong calming his mind, body, and soul. As the ripples from that lingering kiss transmitted into his body, he felt like he was immersed in the deep resonance of love.


    Yi Chen¡¯s intense gaze lingered on his lover¡¯s side profile as though engraving this face into his heart. His gaze fixed on Zi Han¡¯s trembling eyshes he kissed the corner of Zi Han¡¯s lips.


    .....


    ¡°I am sorry,¡± he whispered again and Zi Han turned around and hugged him tightly like he was afraid he would disappear in the next second.


    ¡°I missed you so much. Don¡¯t ever leave me again,¡± he said while pulling him into an even tighter embrace.


    Yi Chen rested his chin on top of Zi Han¡¯s head while hugging him tightly. ¡°I promise I will never leave you. As long as you still want me, I will always be here,¡± he said his heart contented.


    He never thought he would find someone who would truly love him for him. Someone who would love him wholeheartedly and go to the ends of the world for him.


    At best he thought his mother would find someone reasonable when he was ready for marriage. Other than marriage for convenience he never thought he would find someone who made him feel like this.


    Yi Chen embraced him even more tightly taking in that scent that helped him calm his mind. Zi Han finally raised his head and looked up at him with a tear at the corner of his red-rimmed eye.


    Yi Chen raised his hand and wiped away the tear with his thumb their gazes locked. His thumb moved down his cheek to his lower lip. He gently rubbed Zi Han¡¯s lower lip with his thumb and whispered, ¡°I love you.¡±


    Zi Han smiled slightly and the tip of his tongue lightly touched Yi Chen¡¯s thumb. Yi Chen¡¯s heart swelled as his pupils dted looking at him hard.


    Under such stimtion how could he let Zi Han get away with it? His adam¡¯s apple rolled as he moved his thumb away from Zi Han¡¯s lips. Without warning, Zi Han pressed his lips on Yi Chen¡¯s his heart pounding like a million trillion beats a minute.


    His kiss was fleeting and light but before he could withdraw Yi Chen kissed him back open-mouthed while driving him onto the table.


    The ammunition on the table fell to the ground with loud ttering sounds and Zi Han clutched the edge of the table tightly. Zi Han didn¡¯t know why he was nervous when they had done this countless times.


    Yi Chen ced his hand on the back of Zi Han¡¯s head and stroked his hair in a reassuring way. Suddenly he wasn¡¯t as nervous as before with his hand sping the side of Yi Chen¡¯s t-shirt tightly. It was a good thing that he was leaning against the table edge because his knees had turned to jelly.


    Yi Chen picked him up and ced him on the table his lips never leaving Zi Han even for a second. Zi Han subconsciously wrapped his arms around Yi Chen¡¯s neck as though afraid they would part. The kiss that started as a gentle one turned fierce and heated as Zi Han pulled him closer his chest stuck to Yi Chen¡¯s.


    ¡°Mm...,¡± groaned Yi Chen his hand bing very dishonest. His fingers slipped underneath the hem of Zi Han¡¯s t-shirt caressing the toned muscle underneath. Zi Han shuddered subconsciously while the tip of his tongue swept past Yi Chen¡¯s lower lip.


    He began to lean back as though giving Yi Chen full ess. Yi Chen staggered a little steadying himself by pressing his palm on the table while his other hand explored further into his t-shirt.


    The room that was once filled with the sound of gunfire was now filled with kissing sounds, groans, and the sounds of rustling clothes. Things were getting so heated that it wouldn¡¯t be surprising if they got down and dirty in the training room.


    Zi Han parted their lips his legs wrapped around Yi Chen¡¯s hips and waist. ¡°Fuck,¡± he muttered realising that Yi Chen¡¯s entire body weight was all on him but like a bull thinking only about getting lucky he continued sucking on Zi Han¡¯s neck his hardness pulsing in his pants.


    It really didn¡¯t take much for him to get hard when facing Zi Han. Just one hard nce from this person and blood would be rushing down south in a second. Like he had said before, ¡°Don¡¯t keep looking at me like that otherwise I would get hard.¡±


    ¡°Chen-ge ah... you... we can¡¯t do that here,¡± he whispered his voice breathy. As a result, thereof Yi Chen kissed his lips once more till he was muddled and breathless. Zi Han was so entranced that he didn¡¯t even realise when that hand reached his nipple underneath the t-shirt and caressed it lightly.

 Chapter 520 - 520 NSFW

    520 NSFW


    The pair were entwined with each other forgetting where they were but at least one of them was still rational. Zi Han parted their lips and stared at Yi Chen with a soul-piercing gaze while panting catching his breath.


    Yi Chen seemed discontented thus he leaned closer to kiss those soft lips while his thumb was brushing against the nipple that had hardened into a nub.


    Zi Han shuddered while lightly nibbling on Yi Chen¡¯s lower lip. He hurriedly grabbed Yi Chen¡¯s hand that was underneath his t-shirt.


    ¡°Let¡¯s go somewhere else private,¡± he said his eyes teary and brimming with lust. His appearance right now made it difficult for Yi Chen to let go. He wanted to continue regardless of where they were.


    ¡°Okay,¡± he whispered back and his eyes darted a licentious gaze at his soft lips. Before his lips could touch Zi Han¡¯s the young man moved his head away with a sly smile.


    But when did that ever stop him? Like a rogue Yi Chen continued kissing Zi Han¡¯s cheek down to his neck hitting the right spots while his hand gently pinched Zi Han¡¯s nipple with his thumb and forefinger.


    Zi Han pressed his hands on Yi Chen¡¯s sturdy chest with an enchanting smile stered on his face. ¡°If you keep messing around you really won¡¯t have a cookieter,¡± he said and that really had Yi Chen stopping abruptly.


    Instead of kissing him, he changed to hugging him tightly. Yi Chen kissed the top of his head while gently stroking his lover¡¯s back.


    ¡°Let¡¯s go,¡± whispered Zi Han while raising his head slightly. Yi Chen looked down and stared dazedly at the face of his lover. A subconscious smile appeared on his face and Zi Han suddenly felt embarrassed being looked at like this.


    .....


    ¡°Uh, that¡¯s enough staring. Let¡¯s go,¡± said Zi Han and Yi Chen released him but he didn¡¯t let go of his hand.


    Zi Han who was about to pack away the antique rifle he was messing with earlier suddenly felt his hand being tugged back. He tried to pull his hand back but Yi Chen pulled him back causing Zi Han to bump into his chest.


    ¡°Ah Chen-ge, will you stop messing around-,¡± he said only for Yi Chen to raise his chin and nt a heartwarming kiss. His thumb resting on Zi Han¡¯s cheek he pulled him closer deepening the kiss.


    Zi Han felt his knees soften with his heart racing faster than a bullet train. He could no longer keep himself standing properly.


    Yi Chen pressed his palm on Zi Han¡¯s waist pulling him closer while sucking on his lover¡¯s lips. This time it was Zi Han who lost himself in the moment. He threw all his rationality out of the window and raked his fingers through Yi Chen¡¯s hair at the back of his head. That part of him that was standing was now thoroughly outlined underneath the fabric of his clothes like he was smuggling contraband.


    Just when it was getting quite steamy Yi Chen suddenly let him go leaving Zi Han at a loss. With their foreheads pressed together Zi Han could feel the warm breath from his lover brushing against his skin. He closed his eyes subconsciously with a radiant smile on his lips.


    His eyshes trembled slightly before he opened his eyes and whispered, ¡°I love you.¡±


    Yi Chen¡¯s eyes brightened upon hearing this. It was very rare to hear Zi Han say it to him first. How could he not be in seventh heaven right now?


    ¡°I love you too baby,¡± he said the smile on his face as bright as the sun radiant and unconceble.


    ***


    A cabin door suddenly whooshed open and the lights turned on revealing two figures sticking to each other while stripping each other naked. A shirtless Zi Han pushed Yi Chen onto the bed with a handsome devilish smile.


    Yi Chen who had been stripped down to his underwear looked at Zi Han his eyes as dark as the dark abyss. His hard member outlined by the fabric of his trunks pulsed with a conspicuous wet mark.


    Zi Han smiled slyly showing his canine tooth as he unbuckled the belt of his pants. A click sounded in the room followed by a whoosh sound of a belt being taken off making Yi Chen¡¯s body twinge in excitement.


    Zi Han removed his pants revealing a pair of powerful long legs. Yi Chen couldn¡¯t help but gulp unconsciously as he half sat up.


    Zi Han pushed his hair back his muscles rippling with his heavy pants. Yi Chen couldn¡¯t resist taking a good look while biting his lower lips subconsciously.


    ¡°Do you like what you see?¡± asked Zi Han while standing there with azy yet seductive posture.


    Yi Chen shuffled closer until he was sitting at the edge of the bed. He grabbed Zi Han¡¯s wrist and pulled him closer before whispering again, ¡°I like it very much,¡± his lips hovering around Zi Han¡¯s belly button.


    Zi Han ran his fingers through Yi Chen¡¯s hair while looking down at him with a look like that of a predator looking at its prey.


    His eyes locked with Zi Han¡¯s Yi Chen moved closer and brushed his lips against the hard cock outlined underneath the fabric.


    Zi Han leaned his head back gasping. His entire body trembled in anticipation. They hadn¡¯t done this sort of thing in a long time and he hadn¡¯t realised how much he was starving until now.


    His fingers gently stroked the back of Yi Chen¡¯s head as though urging him on. Yi Chen tugged at the stic of the ck trunks releasing that hard member from its constraint.


    As though thrilled to see him, Zi Han¡¯s cock smacked his lips lightly. Yi Chen grinned as he looked up at Zi Han.


    ¡°You must be starving. Here, let me give you what you want,¡± he said and Zi Han wanted to say, ¡°I am not that hungry,¡± when Yi Chen¡¯s tongue brushed against the tip of his cock.


    ¡°Ah fuck,¡± he whimpered as a sharp electric feeling shot up straight to his head.


    No, he was not hungry but he was almost starved half to death and desperate for a fuck.

 Chapter 521 - 521 NSFW 2

    521 NSFW He wanted this man to fill the void that had been long weighing heavy on him. Zi Han licked his lips and said, ¡°Daddy stop teasing me. I can¡¯t stand it.¡±


    Yi Chen who hadn¡¯t expected him to say that felt like he had been struck by a lightning bolt. Blood rushed to his head as he pulled Zi Han down on the bed.


    Zi Han who hadn¡¯t expected Yi Chen to react like that felt the world spinning before he found Yi Chen straddling him. Before he could even recover Yi Chen pressed their lips together in a fierce passionate kiss. That was like a trigger word for Yi Chen. He had suddenly lost all his patience and wanted to fuck his lover until he was crying daddy and begging him to fuck him harder.


    Zi Han dug his nails into Yi Chen¡¯s skin as he wrapped his legs around the man¡¯s waist and hips.


    ¡°Mm mm... haa,¡± were the muffled groans escaping his throat as their lips entwined in a fiery kiss.


    ¡°You drive me crazy, you know that?¡± whispered Yi Chen his palm gently pressing Zi Han¡¯s neck. He could feel the movement of his lover¡¯s adam¡¯s apple roll and the rapid pulsing of his veins as he leered at him greedily.


    Zi Han nced at him from the corner of his eye before answering, ¡°Then fuck me,¡± with a seductive grin.


    Yi Chen swallowed his saliva as though trying to quench the unbearable heat spreading rapidly all over his body.


    He moved his thumb up and rubbed Zi Han¡¯s lower lip his hot breath searing through the skin in the croak of his lover¡¯s neck.


    .....


    ¡°Ah...,¡± groaned Zi Han when Yi Chen¡¯s lips sucked on his neck. After not being touched by this man for so long he found that he had be even more sensitive.


    All his nerves were set alight and he couldn¡¯t help but pull Yi Chen towards him even harder like he wanted to join their bodies as one.


    Yi Chen kissed and sucked on his vicle, nipples down to his abdomen leaving behind radiant marks and a lingering pleasurable sensation.


    Zi Han who couldn¡¯t stand it anymore grabbed Yi Chen¡¯s hand and directed it towards his hard member dripping with lewd fluids. ¡°Daddy I want you to fuck me,¡± he whispered in Yi Chen¡¯s ear.


    Yi Chen stroked his memberforting his restless lover while kissing his lips. He let go of him and said, ¡± Baby, let me stretch you out first. Be patient, okay?¡±


    But Zi Han who was so itchy heard nothing. He rolled them over and in a second he was on top of Yi Chen.


    Yi Chen watched nkly as his sweetheart pulled out a bottle of lubricant and a colorful pack of condoms.


    He felt a twinge at the pit of his stomach when he saw his lover tear a corner with his teeth and spit out the small torn piece of the wrapper which if he must say was so sexy. He caressed Zi Han¡¯s waist with his fingertips while watching him wrap that weapon before coating it with a generous amount of lubricant.


    Zi Han showed a satisfied smile as he tossed the bottle aside and grabbed Yi Chen¡¯s member.


    Yi Chen grabbed either side of his waist and said, ¡°Tell me if it hurts.¡±


    ¡°You worry too muc...ah fuck... mm,¡± replied Zi Han only to lose his voice as the tip slid into his tight hole. Yi Chen was still a little worried thus he pulled Zi Han down and kissed his lips hard.


    Zi Han writhed his waist while slowly taking in his lover¡¯s full length. He sucked on Yi Chen¡¯s lips when it was painful but that pain was soon forgotten and reced by an intoxicating pleasure.


    He sat up and moved his waist and hips with a seductive charm that had Yi Chen¡¯s adam¡¯s apple rolling with a look of arousal. He half set up and hugged Zi Han their lips entangled in a heated exchange.


    ¡°Mm...mm,¡± groaned Zi Han unable to let it out because of the sweet suffocating kiss. The two bodies moved erotically on the bed with asional groans and grunts expressing how intense the feeling was.


    It didn¡¯t take long before Yi Chen rolled them over and pressed Zi Han onto the bed. With their fingers interlocked together Yi Chen thrust inside his lover making Zi Han moan with his head tilted backward. His slow and long thrusts touched a certain sweet spot thus Zi Han couldn¡¯t help but cry out.


    ¡°Ah ah ah deeper baby...mm just like that Ah... fuck,¡± were the wordsing out of Zi Han¡¯s mouth. Yi Chen thrust deeper inside his gaze fixed on every change in expression on Zi Han¡¯s face. That look on Zi Han¡¯s face meant he wouldn¡¯t be able tost long.


    Yi Chen let go of his lover¡¯s hands and pulled up Zi Han¡¯s leg letting his calf rest on his shoulder before thrusting in fast and shallow thrust.


    Zi Han¡¯s eyes widened as his grunts got louder and louder. Yi Chen stroked his hard cock and continued with his ceaseless attack.


    ¡°You like that... do you like it, baby?... Huh?¡± he said and Zi Han let go of his lower lip that he was biting.


    ¡°Yes, daddy... just like that.... ah ah... haa... ah,¡± he said his voice getting higher and higher.


    Yi Chen let go of that pulsing member that was on the verge of exploding. He kissed Zi Han¡¯s calf resting on his shoulder while thrusting deeper and longer.


    Zi Han¡¯s abdominal muscles contracted as he shot out long streaks of cum having reached the pique of his pleasure.


    This was only the beginning of his evening. Yi Chen who hadn¡¯t had this sweet nectar in a long time was thirsty for more. He turned his lover around and thrust from behind while his hand smeared the cum on Zi Han¡¯s belly his mind lost in the sea of lust.


    Zi Han¡¯s back was left with bright hickeys and his butt was red a little from being smacked. How blissful.

 Chapter 522 - 522 A dash of NSFW

    522 A dash of NSFW


    In the darkness of space two shadows in a dimly lit cabin entwined with each other in what could only be described as artistic eroticism. A hand gently caressed the characters on the other man¡¯s lower back while swinging his hips grunting with pleasure. Papapa sounds entwined with blissful cries of one¡¯s carnal desires being satiated.


    ¡°Ha... aha... ah ah... you are so fuckin sexy baby... uh shit,¡± whispered Yi Chen his lips lightly brushing Zi Han¡¯s reddened ear.


    Zi Han¡¯s lips quirked into a sly smile as he turned his head slightly toward Yi Chen wanting to see him.


    Yi Chen ced his hand under Zi Han¡¯s chin forcing him to turn his lips towards him. Because of the awkward posture, their lips couldn¡¯t fully touch but that was enough. With his butt pushing hard against Yi Chen¡¯s member, Zi Han groaned as the thrusts entered deep inside invoking a sensation so incredible that his eyes almost rolled to the back of his head from the pleasure. It seemed his husband was hitting all the right spots because the way he was writhing his waist would have anyone invading a nation just for a glimpse.


    This went on for half an incense stick before they copsed on the bed panting heavily. Yi Chen might have eaten his fill but he was still clinging to Zi Han with a smile so bright you would think he had finished first in a marathon. With his chest stered on Zi Han¡¯s back, Yi Chen embraced his lover¡¯s chest while kissing his (Zi Han¡¯s) cheek and ear. Zi Han who felt so sweaty and tired pushed his face away whileining,


    ¡°You keep kissing me like that when I am covered in sweat?¡±


    Yi Chen showed a slight smile while kissing Zi Han¡¯s back. ¡°I can¡¯t help it when you taste so sweet,¡± he said only for Zi Han to push him away before trying to get up.


    But before Zi Han could even get far his waist was hugged and he was pulled back. Zi Han was thoroughly pressed down and the two of them began to tussle on the bed like energetic puppies.


    The sound of Zi Han¡¯sughter was like music to Yi Chen¡¯s ears. He couldn¡¯t fathom what meritorious deeds he had done in his past life to have gotten someone this amazing to be with him.


    .....


    Seeing that Yi Chen had stopped struggling Zi Han¡¯sughter died down as he gently pressed Yi Chen¡¯s arm and asked, ¡°What¡¯s wrong? Not ying anymore?¡±


    Yi Chen stared at him for a while his expression brimming with tender affection. His forefinger gently caressed the side of Zi Han¡¯s face before he nted a kiss on his lover¡¯s forehead, a soft lingering kiss filled with great meaning.


    Zi Han bit his lower lip while yfully rubbing the dazzling hickey on Yi Chen¡¯s chest that he had left there himself. It was in this sweet moment that he suddenly wanted to say something. He wasn¡¯t the type to speak out his deep feelings but this time he wanted to let them out.


    ¡°Baby,¡± he called out his voice a little rough.


    ¡°Hmm,¡± responded Yi Chen lowering his head to look at him.


    Zi Han looked into his eyes and said, ¡°I thought I lost you. I... For a moment I thought I would never see your face again. It hurt so much, it... it felt like I was dead inside. I I I regretted separating from you. I regretted not saying yes fast enough. I was wron-,¡± he said his voice brittle like he was slowly inching closer to another breakdown.


    ¡°Shh shh shh, baby don¡¯t... don¡¯t go there. It hurts when you are sad,¡± said Yi Chenforting Zi Han with their foreheads pressed together.


    ¡°I was wrong... I should have stayed with you,¡¯ whispered Zi Han with his eyes closed unable to hold back his emotions.


    Yi Chen kissed the tip of his lover¡¯s nose before trailing down to his lips and stopping him from speaking such sad words. Zi Han was kissed until his mind was in disarray and breathless. If there was any negative thought in his mind it was swept away instantly.


    While he was in the middle of regaining hisposure Yi Chen lightly caressed his lips with the back of his forefinger while asking, ¡°Then how about now?¡±


    Zi Han who wasn¡¯t sober enough to understand what was happening gave an unintelligent response his starry eyeszy like a satiated cat basking in the sun.


    ¡°Huh?¡± replied Zi Han his hands messing with Yi Chen¡¯s hair that was hanging low.


    ¡°Will you give me a straight answer if I ask you again?¡± asked Yi Chen.


    Zi Han¡¯s finger twirling around Yi Chen¡¯s strands of hair paused seeming a little stunned. His expression soon rxed and he suddenly felt like ying.


    ¡°How about this? I will hide this ring in this warship tomorrow and when you find it we will go get our marriage registered,¡± said Zi Han the smile on his face as beautiful and elegant as a blossoming kan flower.


    ¡°If I get it sooner will there be a reward?¡± asked Yu Chen kissing Zi Han¡¯s fingertips.


    Zi Han wore a thoughtful expression as though thinking about it seriously. He pursed his lips before saying, ¡°Isn¡¯t the reward marrying me faster.¡±


    Yi Chen liked the sound of that yet he couldn¡¯t help but bargain. ¡°Well yes but... this warship is too big and finding it in a couple of hours would be pretty impressive don¡¯t you think?¡±


    Zi Han found no w in his words so he said, ¡°Sure, I ept any of your requests that is if you find it in four... no three hours.¡±


    ¡°Uh, xiao di di isn¡¯t that a bit unfair? You won¡¯t even give me clues ah,¡± he cried out after Zi Han pinched the his waist.


    ¡°Call me that one more time and I will ship you back to Cetus,¡± said Zi Han his tone serious. Who was this man¡¯s little brother?

 Chapter 523 - 523 "....maybe wife."

    523 ¡°....maybe wife.¡±


    He wasn¡¯t much younger than Yi Chen yet this guy called him little brother. That was a very hard pill to swallow.


    Yi Chen chuckled lightly before asking, ¡°Then what should I call you?¡± Inching closer to his ear, ¡°maybe wife?¡±


    Zi Han¡¯s ears turned red as though dripping with blood. His fingers twisted his fleshy part subconsciously and Yi Chen eximed but he didn¡¯t move away.


    ¡°Were you a crab in your past life? Ah... it hurts,¡± he saidmitted to the act all the way. Acting a little pitiful could see one reap amazing rewards.


    Zi Han knew his boyfriend¡¯s acting skills were terrible but he still indulged him. That¡¯s because if it has anything to do with Yi Chen his heart will soften. Zi Han bit his lower lip while the same fingers he used to pinch Yi Chen raked through the man¡¯s hair.


    ¡°Okay okay, I am sorry. Does it hurt a lot? Do you want me to kiss it for you,¡± he said in a coaxing tone.


    ¡°I want more than that? A kiss won¡¯t be enough,¡± he said and Zi Han pushed him before straddling him.


    ¡°Then I will kiss your pain away,¡± he said with mischief in his eyes.


    Yi Chen rested his arm at the back of his head and watched as Zi Han lowered his upper body and brushed his lips on his neck nibbling and sucking on it.


    .....


    Yi Chen gasped with his fingers kneading Zi Han¡¯s shoulder. In the throngs of pleasure, he vaguely heard Zi Han¡¯s enchanting voice ask, ¡°Is that where it hurts?¡±


    ¡°No,¡± whispered Yi Chen his ear numb from Zi Han¡¯s scorching breath.


    Zi Han smiled slyly while gently biting the man¡¯s ear lobe. ¡°Then tell me when I get to where it hurts,¡± said Zi Han before kissing Yi Chen¡¯s chin down to his chest leaving behind dazzling marks like he was marking his territory.


    When he reached the part where his name was tattooed he looked up and asked, ¡°Howe you didn¡¯t know my name when you lost your memory when it is tattooed on you?¡±


    Yi Chen raised his head slightly and stroked Zi Han¡¯s hair while trying to recall what he thought when he saw the traditional Chinese characters on his mermaid line.


    He chuckled when he remembered his thought process. How could he have been so dumb back then? ¡°I thought it was the Z¨« for purple and H¨¤n for man so purple man. I thought the characters were simplified. Just don¡¯t me me, my mind was totally scrambled.¡±


    Zi Han couldn¡¯t help but chuckle while straightening his back. ¡°How the hell did you manage to mix that up? Even if you came to that conclusion wasn¡¯t it strange that you would have a tattoo like that? What the fuck does purple man even mean?¡±


    Yi Chen was a little embarrassed too. He couldn¡¯t help butugh at himself thinking about it. At the time he told himself that maybe he had lost a bet or something. He wrote it down and even asked Old Du but most people in the Republic had long lost some writtennguages with each generation thus there was really no one who could tell him that that didn¡¯t say purple man at all. Thinking there was a story behind it he let go of the matter. Maybe one day he would remember that it was the Z¨© for nourish and H¨¤n for heroic.


    ¡°I knew it didn¡¯t make sense but part of my intelligence was gone alongside my memories. Don¡¯t be mad, okay?¡± He said and Zi Han kissed his belly button with a slight smile on his face.


    ¡°You still need topensate me,¡± said Zi Han before getting off the bed. Yi Chen wanted to stop him but Zi Han was a little faster. Yi Chen looked down at the loaded wrapper still wound around his member and tsked while getting up to dispose of it.


    When he reached the bathroom he found Zi Han standing by the bathtub while testing the warmth of the water.


    Yi Chen nced at the infamous tramp stamp on Zi Han¡¯s lower back and his heart melted like ice. He walked over and grabbed Zi Han¡¯s waist before rubbing his name that was tattooed there.


    ¡°How drunk were you when you got this?¡± he asked and Zi Han chuckled lightly. The details were vague but he remembered that he was so stubborn and no one could talk some sense into him.


    ¡°I was super drunk but I knew you would like it. Do you like it?¡± said Zi Han and Yi Chen kissed the back of his neck his hand gently smacking Zi Han¡¯s butt.


    Zi Han pushed him away bringing an end to this groping and put his feet in the water. ¡°I need wine. Baby, go get me some,¡± he said as he slid his body into the water with a contented sigh.


    Yi Chen, who wanted to enter too could only ask, ¡°Which kind?¡±


    Zi Han closed his eyes as he whispered, ¡°Any that¡¯s good. This moment deserves a good drink.¡±


    Yi Chen turned on his heel and went to the wine fridge to look for a bottle. It didn¡¯t take him long to find one and brought it back. He opened it and poured it out into two wine sses handing one to Zi Han.


    After that, he wordlessly put his feet in the bathtub only for Zi Han to try and block him with his wet foot covered with bubbles.


    ¡°Nope, no bath for you. Go take a shower,¡± he said after taking a small sip of his wine.


    ¡°I want to bathe with you. Move your foot,¡± replied Yi Chen really forcing his way in.


    ¡°No, we won¡¯t fit,¡± replied Zi Han even though this huge bathtub could fit three people.


    ¡°You know that I am not that big right? If you don¡¯t move your foot I will move it for you,¡± said Yi Chen while grabbing Zi Han¡¯s leg. When he sat down he let Zi Han¡¯s leg rest on his chest and ran his finger at the bottom of Zi Han¡¯s foot. Zi Han¡¯s reaction was as expected. He tried to move his foot away while wailing softly. The center of his bottom foot was so sensitive.

 Chapter 524 - 524 "I am your genie... your wish is my command."

    524 ¡°I am your genie... your wish is mymand.¡±


    Zi Han¡¯s movement stirred the water. He didn¡¯t know why his foot reacted this way. It was like a irritating tickle that was too intense to be pleasurable.


    ¡°You!... wuwuwu Chen-ge. Are you trying to kill me?¡±ined Zi Han and Yi Chen apologised to him as he started rubbing his foot.


    ¡°Sorry sorry sorry, I won¡¯t do it again,¡± he said and Zi Han rxed a little. But as he drank his wine Yi Chen did it again and he almost spat out the contents in his mouth.


    ¡°Yi Chen!¡± he yelled while sshing his face with water. Yi Chenughed out loud while preventing Zi Han¡¯s leg from escaping.


    Yi Chen his feet and seriously rubbed Zi Han¡¯s foot while calling out, ¡°Baby.¡±


    Zi Han turned his head towards him while passing him a bath sponge. ¡°What¡¯s up?¡± he said and Yi Chen began to scrub his feet while trying to put his thoughts into words.


    ¡°I... Do you want to go public with our rtionship. I mean... do you want us to officially announce that we are together?¡±


    Zi Han carefully digested his words before asking, ¡°Won¡¯t it affect your position as the Marshal?¡± his gaze fixed on him while his lips brushed aganist the rim of the wine ss.


    ¡°It won¡¯t and even if it does I wouldnt care. I just want to be with you,¡± he said while washing in between Zi Han¡¯s toes.


    .....


    ¡°Then we will let them all know. We can even live broadcast the registration ceremony,¡± replied Zi Han enjoying the feeling of having his body scrubbed by someone else.


    ¡°How about your mother and siblings? Don¡¯t you want them to be present? I really want her there,¡± he said and Yi Chen showed a slight smile thinking of how excited they will be but when he thought of his father his smile suddenly sank.


    ¡°I am sorry about my father. What he did to you was very uneptable... I failed to protect you. I am so sorry,¡± said Yi Chen his tone sincere.


    He really felt horrible about it but somehow he managed to get one of the most tolerating man in the history of rtionships. He didn¡¯t me him for failing to control his father neither did he break up with him. He was extremely grateful for that.


    Zi Han smiled slightly while asking for the bath sponge. Yi Chen who was done washing Zi Han¡¯s second foot gave him the bath sponge his expression like that of a sulking puppy while waiting for his response.


    Zi Han pulled out Yi Chen¡¯s leg from underneath the water and naturally washed his foot while saying, ¡°You don¡¯t have to apologise for him. He is the one who did something wrong not you. His heart was in the right ce but his methods were hurtful and selfish. I just hope we can move on from this.,¡± he said and Yi Chen pursed his lips while looking into Zi Han¡¯s eyes his mind going back to the same question. What did Zi Han see in him that warranted such great devotion toward him? Unwilling to go there anymore he took the wine ss and drank a significant amount.


    Zi Han suddenly felt a little mischievous. Since Yi Chen messed with him he wanted to return the favour.


    He ran his finger down the center of Yi Chen¡¯s foot but other than his small toe moving slightly there was no other reaction. Yi Chen was a little sullen but even then he couldn¡¯t help but smile slightly.


    ¡°Nothing? Really? You feel absolutely nothing?¡± asked Zi Han and Yi Chen chuckled lightly. ¡°That is not my tickle spot,¡± said Yi Chen and Zi Han who had done it with him countless times couldn¡¯t help but recall the ces that Yi Chen would react strongly to when he kisses him.


    ¡°Other than behind your ear where else is sensitive?¡± he asked and Yi Chen shrugged his shoulders. Its not that he didn¡¯t want to tell him. Its just that he really didn¡¯t know.


    ¡°Then I will find it,¡± said Zi Han epting the challenge. He proceeded to touch behind Yi Chen¡¯s knee while scrubbing his calf.


    ¡°Baby don¡¯t forget in between the toes,¡± said Yi Chen his eyes half closed like he was going to take a nap.


    ¡°What in between the toes? Does this look like a bath house with bathing experts that scrub you down?¡± said Zi Han his tone yful.


    Yi Chen knew this was dangerous territory but he couldn¡¯t help but want to tease Zi Han thus he said, ¡°Then maybe I should go to a bath house and let the experts scrub me down.¡±


    Zi Han, ¡°...¡±


    ¡°Do you have a death wish? Mr Yi , from the moment you stepped on the Han you became my prisoner. Whose name is on that warship?¡± asked Zi Han with a smirk on his face.


    Yi Chen took his foot back and moved closer. ¡°Yours,¡± he said with a glimmer of light in his eyes.


    Seeing the distance between them shortened, Zi Han¡¯s eyes darted past his moist lips that probably would taste as sweet as the wine they were drinking. At this moment he didn¡¯t know whether he was inebriated by the wine or intoxicated by love.


    ¡°Then you have to settle for my scrubs. No one is allowed to see you naked... do you understand?¡± he said his lips inching closer for a kiss.


    Yi Chen gently grabbed Zi Han¡¯s thigh underneath the water the sexual tension in the atmosphere intensifying.


    ¡°Yes... only you can see me naked. Since I am your prisoner, don¡¯t you want to tie me on the bed and blind fold me. I promise I won¡¯t struggle,¡± he said his lips almost brushing against Zi Han¡¯s. Zi Han who was lured in by his words closed his eyes gently while leaned closer to kiss him.


    Yi Chen gently grabbed his neck and forced him to raise his chin. He turned to whisper in his ear, ¡°I am your genie... your wish is mymand.¡±


    Zi Han¡¯s heart, ¡°BATHUMP!¡±

 Chapter 525 - 525 Han Han wants a facial...hehe

    525 Han Han wants a facial...hehe


    Was it just him or this man¡¯s flirting skills had advanced greatly. Yi Chen never used to talk like this. Well, he did flirt but not to this extent.


    Zi Han opened his eyes and met Yi Chen¡¯s gaze for a second then said, ¡°Three wishes aren¡¯t enough. I am very greedy and want an infinite number of wishes,¡± said Zi Han his hand resting at the back of Yi Chen¡¯s neck.


    Yi Chen let out a faint chuckle. As expected his wife had broken the system. He had wished for an infinite number of wishes and Yi Chen wouldn¡¯t mind granting him all of them.


    ¡°Your wish has been granted. You can as you please with me for the rest of our lives,¡± he said and Zi Han bit his lower lip liking the sound of that.


    He moved his head slightly like he was going to kiss him but just as Yi Chen puckered his lips Zi Han by passed them and turned his back towards him.


    ¡°Then first order of business, wash my back,¡± said Zi Han his shoulders shaking withughter.


    Yi Chen didn¡¯tin. He started scrubbing Zi Han¡¯s back like a diligent drone serving the queen bee but unlike the queen bee he was the only one to serve. There was no harem in sight.


    Zi Han squinted his eyes with a content look on his face from the amazing back rub. He had forgotten how good it felt being washed by Yi Chen. It felt both wonderful and refreshing.


    Zi Han wasn¡¯t as selfish as ddin. He also turned around and scrubbed his genie¡¯s back while making sure to take advantage of him at the same time.


    .....


    He was eating Yi Chen¡¯s tofu at any chance he got, pinching this and stroking that like a pervert. The handsome genie was more than willing to get fondled and groped as eagerly expected by his hard member twitching underneath the water.


    ¡°You are like an insatiable beast,¡± he mocked despite knowing fully well that he was the culprit who caused all of this.


    ¡°When you touch me like that it would be abnormal if I don¡¯t get hard. Your hands are like an aphrodisiac... my love drug,¡± said Yi Chen and Zi Han¡¯s brow arched.


    Who was this person? How could this be the same thin skinned straight faced lover of his that would turn red all over like a cooked lobster after being teased?


    ¡°Why are you also hard?¡± whispered Yi Chen after touching Zi Han¡¯s junior brother underneath the water. It was as hard as a stiff pole. He had already climax do many times yet his cock was pulsing underneath the water like it hadn¡¯t been fed at all.


    Zi Han couldn¡¯t help butugh. They were a pair of sex addicts addicted to each other. ¡°You want me to help you?¡± asked Yi Chen and Zi Han refused immediately.


    ¡°No, I will end up with kidney deficiency. I don¡¯t want to harm my body,¡± he said and continued to scrub. Yi Chen chuckled with one thought in mind which was, ¡°Your kidneys are just fine,¡± but he didn¡¯t say it aloud.


    The two of them finished bathing and while the bathtub was draining Zi Han pulled Yi Chen to the sink for a face routine.


    Yi Chen was well aware of Zi Han¡¯s skin care routine inherited from Zi Xingxi which he (Yi Chen) was very resistant too but he wanted to take the chance to eat some tofu so he went along. If Zi Han wasn¡¯t naked Yi Chen might have run away and got dragged back by the ear.


    After washing his face the questions began. It¡¯s not that he was curious but that he was distracting Zi Han so he could touch him.


    ¡°What is that?¡± he asked his fingertips inching close to Zi Han¡¯s nipple.


    ¡°Its tone, toner,¡± said Zi Han while dodging that finger and covering his nipple with his hand.


    Zi Han wanted him to apply it but Yi Chen shook his head and said, ¡°I don¡¯t know how. You do it for me.¡±


    The unsuspecting Zi Han abandoned his nipples and left them defenseless while applying it for him. Yi Chen of course didn¡¯t disappoint. He reached out to pinch them while Zi Han was exining.


    ¡°You were at that ce longer than you should have and your skin needs some tender loving care. So stay sti... ah Yi Chen,¡± he eximed after being pinched.


    Yi Chen¡¯s lips twitched while he was being reprimanded. ¡°If you keep messing around you would have to do it by yourself,¡± he said and Yi Chen nodded his head obediently.


    He was quite obedient for a while well that is until the face mask was ced on his face. Because he was taller he had to sit down the bed. While Zi Han was helping him put it on Zi Han¡¯s chest was within reach. He couldn¡¯t help but touch the little pink nubs that were begging for a squeeze.


    ¡°Ah fuck... Yi Chen,¡± said Zi Han while covering his defenseless nipples with slight embarrassment. Just now he had actually moaned, the high pitched kind too.


    ¡°You finish it up yourself,¡± he said before going to get another face mask for himself.


    Like a tail Yi Chen followed after him and stood next to him on the sink. When he saw his appearance in the mirror, Yi Chen couldn¡¯t help but chuckle. This wasn¡¯t the first time they had done this but he still found it hrious each time.


    ¡°You know that sperm is very good for your skin. It makes your skin smooth and plump,¡± said Yi Chen looking at Zi Han through the mirror reflection.


    Zi Han, ¡°???¡±


    Can somebody tell him what happened to his real boyfriend? This man right here wasn¡¯t his cute and shy Chen Chen.


    ¡°Then maybe we can start a business and pay men to jerk off so we can make cum serums and masks,¡± said Zi Han and Yi Chenughed before saying,


    ¡°We will call it cum infused face masks. But you can only use mine. You have a free lifetime supply of cum over here,¡± he said pointing at his instrument.


    Zi Hanughed while saying, ¡°Then you should be ready for some over time because I use a lot of sheet masks. I need a really good facial on a daily basis.¡±


    ¡°I got you baby. We can even start now,¡± said Yi Chen while pointing down insinuating that he should kneel down so they can start.


    ¡°Your tank must be empty by now. I don¡¯t think I will get the rich concentrated stuff,¡± replied Zi Han unable to hold back hisughter.


    AN: These two hehehe. Han Han wants a facial.

 Chapter 526 - 526 NSFW

    526 NSFW


    Zi Han stared at Yi Chen with an intense loving gaze his ears bright red. He bit the corner of his lower lip and looked away his heart racing.


    His lips couldn¡¯t help but quirk into a shy smile. Could he say that his life was perfect now? Yes, it was perfect. He didn¡¯t have to worry about his mother and his lover was back in his life. What could go wrong, right?


    While Zi Han was stuck in his little world, a hand suddenly embraced him from behind and Yi Chen¡¯s face pressed against his.


    Zi Han raised his head and looked into the mirror meeting the two faces covered with white sheet masks. ¡°What are you doing?¡± asked Zi Han and Yi Chen stuck closer to him while saying, ¡°I want to take a picture.¡±


    Zi Han, ¡°...¡±


    What kind of picture when they were both naked? A sultry picture?


    ¡°Baby, the both of us are naked. Let me-,¡± he said trying to get a pair of bath towels or something but Yi Chen moved his hand wrapping it around his vicle preventing him from leaving.


    While nuzzling Zi Han¡¯s ear, Yi Chen said, ¡°I won¡¯t take it from the waist down, and besides the vanity is blocking us,¡± before sniffling the sweet scent emanating from Zi Han¡¯s body.


    Zi Han was silently watching Yi Chen in the mirror with a slight quirk at the corner of his lips.


    .....


    ¡°Fine just hurry up. I still need to apply some cream,¡± said Zi Han.


    Hearing this Yi Chen gently nibbled on Zi Han¡¯s ear with his warm breath spraying onto his lover¡¯s sensitive skin. Zi Han found himself closing his eyes his mind focused on the sensation spreading all over his body to his toes.


    Yi Chen took a couple of pictures with the tip of his nose still nuzzling Zi Han¡¯s ear. Drawn in by the sensual reflection on the bathroom mirror Yi Chen moved a few centimeters to his right and his half-hard member brush up against Zi Han¡¯s inner thigh.


    Zi Han clenched his fists, his jaw tight restraining the groan threatening to escape his throat which was incredibly hard.


    Yi Chen removed the sheet mask on his face before proceeding to take off Zi Han¡¯s. Zi Han wanted to say something but Yi Chen¡¯srge palm suddenly raised his chin further exposing his neck.


    Zi Han gasped before his adam¡¯s apple rolled as he obediently let Yi Chen do what he wanted with him. Yi Chen¡¯s other hand moved downwards gently caressing Zi Han¡¯s skin leaving behind a lingering pleasurable sensation.


    Yi Chen lowered his head and his lips brushed against Zi Han¡¯s neck. The tip of his tongue slowly circled a red hickey making Zi Han swallow subconsciously.


    ¡°Baby open your eyes,¡± whispered Yi Chen and when Zi Han opened them he saw the indecent posture they were currently in.


    His cheeks burned like he had been set alight watching this seductive scene. Even he had to admit that it was unbearably hot. Yi Chen locked gazes with him through the reflection of the mirror and Zi Han¡¯s heart jolted his breathing stagnated.


    Yi Chen kissed his neck and shoulder while maintaining that intense hypnotic gaze. When he sucked on Zi Han¡¯s shoulder the person in his arms shuddered while letting out a soft whimper.


    Yi Chen¡¯s hand that was rubbing his lover¡¯s abdomen slid downwards and grabbed that member that was already producing pre-ejacte fluid after being aroused so much.


    Yi Chen held Zi Han¡¯s member in his hand and rubbed the tip with his thumb. Zi Han shuddered while subconsciously dropping his head down. Yi Chen turned his chin up slightly and licked his neck.


    ¡°Ah...,¡± groaned Zi Han as his adam¡¯s apple bobbed. Yi Chen didn¡¯t spare his neck, adam¡¯s apple, and shoulder. He nibbled and sucked on them while his hand stroked that hard member skillfully.


    Zi Han¡¯s breathing became heavier and heavier under the stimtion. Watching his own reflection under such stimtion was a novel experience for him. It made this even more intense.


    The visuals of their pleasure were like a powerful turn-on awakening their sensuality and heightening their arousal. Zi Han couldn¡¯t hold back any longer. With his hand resting on the back of Yi Chen¡¯s head, he pressed his butt hard against Yi Chen¡¯s body and grunted louder with no restraint.


    When he closed his eyes he heard the soft whisper in his ear. ¡°Baby look at me,¡± he said while gently biting Zi Han¡¯s ear lobe.


    Zi Han opened his tear stained eyes and met Yi Chen¡¯s heated gaze. He found that the more he stared into those eyes it became incredibly difficult to extricate himself. It was like his soul was being sucked in joining their hearts as one.


    Zi Han¡¯s body trembled as he inched closer and closer to the peak of his pleasure. With a gentle sultry whimper, he cried out shooting his cum straight into Yi Chen¡¯s hand. The entire time their gazes remained locked with Yi Chen¡¯s lips brushing the corner of Zi Han¡¯s.


    Yi Chen bit Zi Han¡¯s shoulder while his sticky hand slowly stroked his lover¡¯s satiated member. He let go of Zi Han¡¯s jaw and brushed his fingers against Zi Han¡¯s chest. ¡°Did you like that?¡± He asked his lips still lightly brushing against his lover¡¯s shoulders.


    Zi Han raked his fingers through the hair at the back of Yi Chen¡¯s head as he answered, ¡°I did. I loved it so much,¡± in between breaths.


    ¡°Would you like to help me, baby?¡± he whispered with the tip of his nose brushing against Zi Han¡¯s ear and hair strands.


    ¡°How do you want me to help you?¡± asked Zi Han. YI Chen bit his bottom lip with a mischievous look in his eyes.


    ¡°Let me show you,¡± he said and moved Zi Han¡¯s legs together. He pressed himself against Zi Han¡¯s back after smearing Zi Han¡¯s cum on his erection.


    ¡°Baby, put your feet close together... like as close as you possibly can,¡± he whispered and Zi Han who knew what he was going to do smiled with a hint of seduction before doing as he asked.

 Chapter 527 - 527 NSFW 2

    527 NSFW ¡°Like that?¡± asked Zi Han while looking at him through the mirror.


    ¡°Just like that. Pinch my cock with your thighs baby,¡± he said his warm palms caressing Zi Han¡¯s nipples and abdomen.


    Zi Han leaned his head back and kissed Yi Chen¡¯s lips while the man slowly thrust into his thighs. Yi Chen dug his fingers slightly into Zi Han¡¯s hips as he thrust in between that gap.


    ¡°Cross your legs over for me baby,¡± said Yi Chen his voice breathy and hoarse.


    Zi Han crossed his legs over and he heard Yi Chen whisper to him, ¡°Yeah baby, trap my cock in there.¡± Because of such provocative words, his half-mast member was instantly awakened and he became hard all over again. He was honestly starting to question himself. Did he have such a high sex drive or was it because of Yi Chen? When he wasn¡¯t anywhere near Yi Chen it was like he had no interest even in the self help service. If it happened it would be maybe once a month when he would use hisdy five fingers. But now it was as though he was starved and couldn¡¯t resist wanting more.


    ¡°Ah... this feels so good,¡± he groaned while stroking his member while Yi Chen slid his thick hot rod between Zi Han¡¯s legs.


    ¡°You like that?¡± whispered Yi Chen his hot lips grazing past his shoulder.


    ¡°Yeah...,¡± replied Zi Han the pitch of his voice slightly higher.


    Yi Chen groaned in his ear as he pulled back Zi Han¡¯s arms and locked them while thrusting in the gap. ¡°Baby, you are so sexy uh,¡± whispered Yi Chen thoroughly sinking into the sweet feeling of his cock being pinched in between his lover¡¯s thighs.


    .....


    Soft papapa sounds of his hips striking Zi Han¡¯s ass filled the room mingling in with the sweet sounds of pleasure.


    Yi Chen released Zi Han¡¯s arms and he immediately began to stroke his member again. Soon Zi Han¡¯s groans grew louder and higher followed by an alluring whisper, ¡°Ah... I am so close ah ah ah.¡±


    ¡°Yeah?¡± asked Yi Chen his raspy voice sending shivers all over Zi Han¡¯s body. Yi Chen pinched his nipple with his thumb and forefinger before twisting it gently.


    ¡°Cum for me baby... Cum for daddy,¡± he whispered his voice as enchanting as a siren luring sailors into the salty waters only that in his case it was the sea of bliss and contentment.


    ¡°Ah ah ah... ah fuck,¡± groaned Zi Han his lower half twitching as he shot out all over the bathroom vanity.


    Yi Chen gently rubbed Zi Han¡¯s neck while watching his alluring expression as he climaxed.


    Zi Han leaned his head back resting on Yi Chen¡¯s shoulder while panting heavily trying to catch his breath.


    Yi Chen grabbed the back of Zi Han¡¯s neck and pulled him closer for a deep passionate kiss.


    After kissing for a very long time Zi Han took the initiative to get down on his knees and licked the tip of Yi Chen¡¯s cock with a devious expression further enticing Yi Chen.


    Zi Han licked his lower lip before parting his lips and sucking on the head of his lover¡¯s throbbing cock.


    Yi Chen gently stroked Zi Han¡¯s hair his expression that of a man enjoying the service. Zi Han¡¯s tongue skillfully licked the head of his cock in various directions making him groan in pleasure. Zi Han knew exactly how to please him licking and sucking the tip before slowly taking in his full length.


    Unable to bear it anymore Yi Chen unleashed his restraint and began to thrust into Zi Han¡¯s throat with his hand lightly pressing down the back of Zi Han¡¯s head.


    ¡°Mm.... fuck. Just like that... yeah... mm yeah,¡± were the wordsing out of Yi Chen¡¯s lips on the verge of exploding.


    ¡°Argh.... baby I am going to get there,¡± he said while sliding his dick out of Zi Han¡¯s mouth.


    Zi Han pushed his hair back and with an eager gaze, he parted his lips as though begging to be fed. Yi Chen didn¡¯t disappoint. With a beastly growl, he shot his cum all over Zi Han¡¯s mouth, lips, and cheeks giving him a proper facial.


    Their gazes locked Zi Han licked the sweet juices all over his face seeming satisfied. Yi Chen grabbed his wrist and pulled him up before locking their lips together. Yi Chen didn¡¯t mind the stickiness. In fact, he loved it so much that he continued to kiss Zi Han while leading him to the shower.


    Because the shower was a step higher Yi Chen picked up Zi Han and carried him. Zi Han was a little startled thus he subconsciously wrapped his legs around Yi Chen¡¯s waist and his arms around the man¡¯s neck before carrying on kissing passionately.


    Zi Han¡¯s back felt cold as he was pressed on the shower wall but he wasn¡¯t cold for long because a soft and warm drizzle flowed as the water was turned on.


    Yi Chen didn¡¯t let go of Zi Han. He was intoxicated and muddle byst that he couldn¡¯t bring himself to let him go. The two of them entangled with each other in that shower until they were satisfied.


    Ten minutester, Zi Han was lying t on the bed while Yi Chen applied body cream on him. That¡¯s because Zi Han simply refused to lift a finger.


    ¡°You like that?¡± asked Yi Chen and Zi Han hummed in agreement.


    He raised his head slightly and said, ¡°A little harder,¡± before lying back down.


    Yi Chen who couldn¡¯t help but recall him saying the exact same words while they were making love earlier blushed with an all-telling smile.


    Zi Han who seemed to sense his perverted thoughts turned his head slightly again and said, ¡°Pervert,¡± with a yful smile.


    ¡°Yes yes, I am a pervert but I am only a pervert for you,¡± replied Yi Chen while pressing his fingertips a little harder on Zi Han¡¯s back.


    Zi Han groaned in contentment enjoying the services only a boyfriend like Yi Chen could provide.


    ¡°Ahh.... ahh mm ah fuckkkkk... right there yeah.... ah you have magic hands baby,¡± said Zi Han, and Yi Chen couldn¡¯t help butin,


    ¡°If you keep making those sounds I might not be able to control myself.¡±


    Zi Han, ¡°...¡±


    ¡°Don¡¯t even think about it. I am spent,¡± he said his eyes a little droopy like he was going to fall asleep at any second.

 Chapter 528 - 528 "It’s what is yours is mine and what is mine is also mine."

    528 ¡°It¡¯s what is yours is mine and what is mine is also mine.¡±


    When the elders say there is such a thing as too much ying this is what they meant. The two figuresy in each other¡¯s arms seemingly knocked out cold.


    Yi Chen who had been kicked a couple of times had learnt to suppress Zi Han in his sleep. His arms were wrapped tightly around Zi Han¡¯s chest and his powerful thighs suppressed his lover¡¯s legs.


    His hold on Zi Han was so tight that when the man tried to escape he couldn¡¯t. The two of them slept like this until Zi Han woke up naturally. Well, the thing was that in his sleep he felt like he was being strangled by an octopus. When he tried to fight it he found that he was powerless.


    After struggling for a while he finally woke up and found that there was no giant octopus threatening to devour him in its stomach but his boyfriend who was wrapped around him like he was afraid he would run away.


    Zi Han tried to look behind him when he heard the person holding him speak, ¡°Awake?¡± with his lips and breath tickling the back of his neck.


    Zi Han subconsciously raised his hand and covered the back of his neck but Yi Chen covered the back of Zi Han¡¯s hand and interlocked their fingers together.


    Zi Han nced at their interlocked fingers while responding, ¡°En... Did you sleep well?¡±


    Yi Chen shifted his head a little getting even closer to Zi Han¡¯s nape.


    With his thumb rubbing Zi Han¡¯s he replied, ¡°How can I not when you are finally with me?¡±


    .....


    Zi Han¡¯s heart felt a sharp twinge his eyes bright like a candle in the inky darkness. Any other person would have followed up with a response like ¡®aww, you are too sweet or something along those lines but Zi Han asked,


    ¡°Why are you sleeping on my pillow?¡±


    Yi Chen¡¯s lips quirked up as he brushed them past the back of Zi Han¡¯s neck. ¡°Baby, what¡¯s mine is yours and what¡¯s yours is mine so why can¡¯t I sleep on your pillow,¡± he said and Zi Han chuckled while retorting back,


    ¡°It¡¯s what is yours is mine and what is mine is also mine.¡±


    Yi Chen couldn¡¯t help but raise his head to look at Zi Han¡¯s face. He had heard his mother say that to his father and at the time Ming Ming asked, ¡°Then what does dad have? Doesn¡¯t it mean that he is poor?¡±


    His mother¡¯s response then was, ¡°He has my heart. That¡¯s what matters.¡±


    Now hearing Zi Han say it Yi Chen was curious to know what his response would be. He licked his lip lightly and asked, ¡°If you have everything then what do I have?¡±


    Zi Han looked at him for a while his lips grinning slightly. He suddenly got up and pushed Yi Chen over. Yi Cheny on his back when a shadow loomed over him and Zi Han straddled him.


    Yi Chen rubbed Zi Han¡¯s thighs with a sparkle in his eyes from watching the conspicuous marks he left on Zi Han. It felt good knowing that wherever Zi Han went he would carry with him his love marks.


    ¡°You have this,¡± said Zi Han pointing at his heart.


    ¡°Really? Then let me mark it,¡± said Yi Chen before pulling him down along with the quilt. His lips sucked on Zi Han¡¯s chest hard until he was satisfied.


    Because the two of them were covered with a quilt no one would be able to see what was happening inside, only the two of them knew.


    ¡°Satisfied?¡± asked Zi Han and Yi Chen checked his masterpiece while rubbing it with his thumb.


    ¡°Yeah... that shouldst long enough,¡± he said looking into Zi Han¡¯s eyes.


    ¡°Then it¡¯s my turn now,¡± he said before lowering his head and kissing Yi Chen¡¯s adam¡¯s apple. Yi Chen¡¯s fingertips dug into Zi Han¡¯s skin as he leaned his head back elongating his neck.


    Zi Han wasn¡¯t messing around at all. He made sure to leave an obvious hickey on Yi Chen¡¯s neck on the side without his military squad tattoo. There was absolutely no covering that up without makeup.


    While the two of them were fooling around Zi Han¡¯s light brain rang but he ignored it. Unfortunately for him, the person was very persistent. It kept ringing thus Zi Han had no choice but to pull away the quilt and check. It was his grandfather calling.


    He answered it and the voice of his grandfather permeated the air ruining the ambiguous atmosphere.


    ¡°Did I wake you up?¡± he asked and Zi Han cleared his throat before saying,


    ¡°No, I am awake. Good morning grandpa.¡±


    ¡°Mn...e over for breakfast and bring that Yi Kid with you, okay?¡± said Zi Feiji and Zi Han nced down at Yi Chen.


    ¡°Did you hear me?¡± asked Zi Feiji and Zi Han stuttered,


    ¡°Ye, yes yes I will bring him.¡±


    ¡°You have twenty minutes,¡± said Zi Feiji before he cut the call. Zi Han was about to ask him if he really wants to go when Yi Chen half sat up and sucked on his neck.


    ¡°Ah... Chen Chen-ge... Mn,¡± he said his voiceced with ecstasy. Maybe grandpa Zi should have given them thirty minutes because it was really difficult to get anything done when they were around each other.


    ***


    ¡°Your son iste,¡± said grandpa Zi while Zi Xingxi brought over rice paper omelette and ced it in front of him.


    ¡°Dad, he needs this. I am not sure why you even asked him toe when I can send someone to deliver his breakfast,¡± she said and Yeoh Jun who was standing by the kitchen counter with a te full of steamed pork buns stared at her.


    ¡°They shoulde so we can get to know him better,¡± he said and Zi Xingxi sat down while looking at him.


    Yeoh Jun mouthed, ¡°What?¡±


    She knew what he wanted. He just wanted to y with Zi Han. Who in this warship didn¡¯t know he had a long to-do list? But to hang out with his son he had to temporarily get rid of the light bulb.

 Chapter 529 - 529 "Then you would be single for life."

    529 ¡°Then you would be single for life.¡±


    ¡°You can¡¯t make up for two decades in one day you know?¡± said Zi Xingxi and Yeoh Jun sat the te down while kissing his wife¡¯s cheek.


    ¡°I know but he will get married soon and won¡¯t have time for this old man,¡± he said and Zi Feiji interjected saying,


    ¡°Now you know how I felt. You even abducted her without my knowledge. At least Yi Chen didn¡¯t get him pregnant. How about you?¡±


    ¡°It¡¯s not that he didn¡¯t get him pregnant it¡¯s that he can¡¯t get him pregnant. If he could have kids he would have two by now,¡± said Zi Xingxi and the sounds of falling cutlery filled the room.


    The two men looked at her and she froze with the rim of her mug at the tip of her lips. ¡°What? I am just saying,¡± said Zi Xingxi waving them off.


    Yeoh Jun ruffled his hair a little flustered. It was fine when not mentioned but now that it was, he couldn¡¯t help but feel slight annoyance. Don¡¯t get him wrong, he was very happy with his inw but his protective instincts would kick in unexpectedly.


    He didn¡¯t want his baby boy to be wronged that¡¯s why he was pushing for marriage. Put them under lock and key and Yi Chen won¡¯t be able to nibble and run.


    ¡°Old Zi, how many times should I apologise till you forgive me?¡± asked Yeoh Jun and Zi Feiji snorted.


    It was then the door slid open and the two people they had been waiting for rushed in holding hands.


    .....


    Yeoh Jun beckoned Yi Chen over, ¡°Come sit by me.¡±


    Zi Han, ¡°...¡±


    Yi Chen looked at Zi Han and Zi Han could only lead him there. Why did he feel like these three were going to monopolise his man like they did his little nimsel?


    ¡°Where is my baby?¡± asked Zi Han as they sat in between Zi Feiji and Yeoh Jun.


    Zi Feiji who was feeding the little Nimsel fruit said, ¡°Here. He doesn¡¯t even recognise you anymore. He prefers grandpa. Don¡¯t you little cutie, don¡¯t you?¡± The little Nimsel made subsequent wee sounds like it was happy having its chin scratched.


    Zi Han, ¡°...¡±


    ¡°Now that you have a husband, you even forgot you have a mother,¡± said Zi Xingxi before taking a sip of her ck coffee.


    Zi Han felt bad thus he got up and hugged his mother who was refusing. ¡°No, I don¡¯t want it anymore,¡± she said with a teasing smile and Zi Han hugged her tightly clinging to her like a tick.


    ¡°Don¡¯t be mad ma. You know I love you,¡± he said and Zi Xingxi ruffled his hair before letting him go.


    Zi Han sat back down with his eyes fixed on the food. He was so hungry, especially after what they were up tost night that he didn¡¯t notice his father ncing at the somewhat visible hickey on Yi Chen¡¯s neck.


    He tilted his head to take a closer look at his son and sure enough, there was a bright hickey on his neck too.


    He wanted to say something but he found that this ce wasn¡¯t appropriate to talk about this. He wasn¡¯t certain if his wife had had this conversation with his son. It was his responsibility to talk to him as a father.


    In fact, he was right. The only conversation on the birds and the bees Zi Han had had was basically Zi Xingxi telling him to stay away from girls and not get anyone pregnant. The conversation was vague and her son did listen. He did stay away from girls and got a boyfriend instead.


    ¡°Here have some of this,¡± said Yeoh Jun as he ced a steamed bun in front of Yi Chen.


    Yi Chen thanked him politely looking like a well-behaved son inw but his hands were the opposite of well-behaved. Underneath the table, he was rubbing Zi Han¡¯s thigh making Zi Han a little flustered though he acted natural on the surface.


    Zi Han nced at him and found Yi Chen cing a half eaten steam bun in his bowl. He suppressed a smile as he happily ate it.


    Yeoh Jun, ¡°...¡±


    Who would have thought that one day he would be blinded by these two showing affection so openly? He also forgot that he was the one blinding everyone and even nned to blind the entire federation very soon that is in a couple of hours or so.


    ¡°When are you going back to take on your duties as the Marshal?¡± asked Zi Feiji and Yi Chen who hadn¡¯t even thought about it was slightly at a loss.


    ¡°Grandpa, I just got him back so, of course, he won¡¯t be going back anytime soon,¡± replied Zi Han while cing his leg over Yi Chen¡¯s. Because he was wearing shorts Yi Chen had ess to his skin and could touch it to his heart¡¯s content.


    ¡°I am just asking. He needs to bring his house in order and show his face in public. People are still using Han Han maliciously,¡± said Zi Feiji and Yi Chen¡¯s brows furrowed.


    When he regained his memories all he thought of was being with Zi Han so he didn¡¯t know that something big was happening.


    ¡°I will take care of it,¡± he suddenly said and Zi Feiji nodded his head seeming satisfied with this response.


    ¡°I will be addressing the federationter today. You don¡¯t have to be present. Your father will stand in for you,¡± said Yeoh Jun and Yi Chen nodded his head.


    Yeoh Jun¡¯s brow twitched studying the two. His son was naturally talkative but his son inw was how can he say? A bit introverted. He barely said a word ever since he sat down and when he met him he gave him the impression that he spoke a lot that is until he realised he only spoke a lot when talking to Zi Han. How interesting.


    ¡°Mm... that reminds me of something I have to do,¡± said Zi Han before taking a big bite of the steamed bun.


    Yi Chen turned to look at him but Zi Han picked up a plum from the big fruit bowl at the centre of the table and got up.


    ¡°Where are you going?¡± asked Zi Xingxi and Zi Han looked at Yi Chen with an all-telling smile.


    ¡°Keep himpany and y nice,¡± he said before turning to leave.


    ¡°Weeeee weeee,¡± cried the little nim nim calling to papa to wait for it but Zi Han turned around and scolded,


    ¡°Stay. Now that you are full you remember you have a dad. Stay with your father over there,¡± before leaving.


    Everyone, ¡°...¡±


    ¡°Where is he going?¡± asked Zi Feiji while handing the child to the father.


    ¡°He is going to hide my ring,¡± answered Yi Chen.


    The room fell into silence for a while with the three elders wondering what sort of games these young people were ying. It was Yeoh Jun whoughed first while saying, ¡°Why didn¡¯t I think of that? I should have hidden yours.¡±


    Zi Xingxi shoved the omelette in his mouth and said, ¡°Then you would be single for life.¡±

 Chapter 530 - 530 "I always let him win."

    530 ¡°I always let him win.¡±


    With a ck plum in his mouth, Zi Han walked through the halls looking for a ce that wasn¡¯t too hard to find and also not too easy to identify.


    While he was looking for the perfect hiding spot, Yi Chen had finished eating breakfast and he was ying a game of chess with old man Zi.


    The pair of husband and wife had already left for Loch Ness star leaving only the two of them to y.


    Zi Feiji wasn¡¯t a difficult person to get along with. It turns out Yi Chen was an old soul at heart. He liked challenging intellectual games, drinking bitter sugarless drinks, and having a smart conversation. Well, that was in the absence of Zi Han.


    When Zi Han was there he liked doing all sorts of fun things as long as his baby was happy.


    ¡°... when did you fall in love with my grandson?¡± asked Zi Feiji not shying away from asking that question at all.


    Yi Chen moved his ck knight from e five and took the white knight on c six before answering, ¡°When I first met him I felt... I felt something I have never felt before but at the time I didn¡¯t think much of it.¡±


    ¡°Uh, I see. I don¡¯t have much requirements for you,¡± said Zi Feiji as he moved a white pawn from e four to e five.


    He looked right into his eyes and said, ¡°I just want you to make sure your father doesn¡¯t bully him. He is tough but he is not indestructible. His heart,¡± tapping his chest where the heart was before continuing, ¡°is like fragile ss. It will shatter at the slightest push so treat him very well and make sure he isn¡¯t wronged.¡±


    .....


    Yi Chen nodded his head seriously before opening his mouth to say, ¡°I promise I will make sure no one hurts him.¡±


    ¡°Oh and um make sure your father is very generous with the betrothal gift. I want him to feel a huge dent in his pocket for what he did to Han Han, do you hear me?¡± said Zi Feiji and Yi Chen couldn¡¯t agree more.


    ¡°Yes sir,¡± he replied and Zi Feiji chuckled softly before saying,


    ¡°Why are you being so formal? You can call me Old Zi or grandpa like Han Han. We are now family.¡±


    Yi Chen smiled lightly and called out, ¡°Yes grandpa,¡± before moving his bishop from f six to g five.


    Grandpa Zi smiled happily and the game continued with the two of them getting very serious. A few moves in and Zi Feiji¡¯s brows furrowed. He raised his head slightly before reprimanding him,


    ¡°You kid. You couldn¡¯t even spare an old man. I thought your skills were so-so. Zi Han always beats you so how can you beat me when he is not as good as me?¡±


    Yi Chen, ¡°...¡±


    That¡¯s because Yi Chen always let Zi Han win. How could he not? When you want your wife in a good mood for a little something somethingter you need to let them win. Who would have thought him letting Zi Han win would be misunderstood by Zi Feiji?


    ¡°I always let him win,¡± he answered honestly.


    Zi Feiji¡¯s eyes widened as he asked, ¡°But why?¡±


    ¡°Well because...,¡± replied Yi Chen unable to say it.


    ¡°Because what?¡± asked Zi Feiji getting a little impatient.


    Yi Chen sighed lightly before saying, ¡°You know your grandson¡¯s temper. If he loses there will be a lot of sulking.¡±


    Zi Feiji tilted his head slightly and recalled each time he won against his grandson. Zi Han¡¯s mood would plummet and he will persist in fighting until he wins at least one game.


    ¡°I see. At least you know how to keep him happy,¡± said Zi Feiji and Yi Chen lowered his head with a shy smile.


    ¡°Then you should be able to drink with me. We are family now,¡± he said before pulling that bottle that made Zi Han pass out.


    ¡°Can you stand bitter things?¡± asked Zi Feiji and Yi Chen nodded his head.


    He reached over to take the bottle from Zi Feiji. ¡°Please let me,¡± he said and Zi Feiji didn¡¯t refuse. How could this kid be more sensible than his son inw?


    Yi Chen raised the small shot ss with both his hands and said, ¡°This drink is to thank you for raising an amazing grandson and allowing me to be with him.¡± After saying that he drank all its contents in one shot. His brows scrunched a little but the bitterness was bearable.


    ¡°And this one is to ask for your grandson¡¯s hand in marriage,¡± he said after pouring out another ss. He downed that one too and Zi Feiji who was fascinated by him ced a second ss right in front of him urging him to drink it.


    Yi Chen downed the second ss and Zi Feiji was satisfied. ¡°You have my permission. If the betrothal gift is to Zi Xingxi¡¯s satisfaction and your father sincerely apologises she might let him marry out but if not you will be the one marrying in,¡± he said but Yi Chen honestly didn¡¯t care. Either way, he got to be with Zi Han.


    Zi Feiji lifted his full shot ss and said, ¡°To family.¡±


    Yi Chen clinked his shot ss with his and replied, ¡°To family.¡±


    Ten minutester both of them were regretting drinking a little. Grandpa Zi who prided himself in being a veteran was defeated by Yi Chen a seasonal drinker who Zi Han once mocked for having low alcohol tolerance.


    Yi Chen was still functional and his face stern like it barely made a dent on him but Zi Feiji was a different story. Old Lu had to deal with the aftermath. There was a lot of scolding and cursing then came the well-behaved Zi Feiji a very rare sight.


    Yi Chen entered Zi Han¡¯s cabin and when he saw the person hadn¡¯te back yet he was a little sad. He tugged his cor and the little guy who was sleeping inside his clothes woke up. Don¡¯t even bother asking why it slept in there. It didn¡¯t bother Yi Chen in the slightest. He took it out and ced it on the bed that had already been made with the old sheets reced with new ones.


    With a soft sigh, he took off his boots andy on his back. The little nimsel made a soft wee sound before climbing on his chest and stomping on him first as though looking for afortable ce to sleep.

 Chapter 531 - 531 I said before that he behaves like a married man

    531 I said before that he behaves like a married man


    Ity down and happily made a soft wee sound as Yi Chen¡¯s chest rose and fell. ¡°When is your dading back? I miss him already,¡± he said as he lightly brushed the fur on the little guy with his fingertips.


    ¡°I think I should tell them I am fine, right? I am sober enough to tell them that, right?¡± he said and the little guy rolled over and stared at him as though acquiescing to his words.


    Yi Chen seemed to ept the advice of the little cutie and got up leaving it lyingfortably on the bed. He entered the bathroom and checked his appearance like a tipsy person trying to prove that he wasn¡¯t that drunk.


    After fixing his hair a little he was satisfied. He sat up down on the desk and called out, ¡°Ran.¡±


    A soft melodious sound followed as Ran answered, ¡°Yes sir.¡±


    ¡°Open my StarNet ount and set up a live feed,¡± he said and Ran didn¡¯t ask any questions. If it was Hydra it would have been questioning his judgment and giving advice. It would have advised him to use official channels rather than make an official announcement on StarNet.


    It would be best if he had his admirals around. They would have told him how bad of an idea this was. The floating screen showed his face and he checked the lighting and background before starting the live broadcast.


    Soon notifications that the Marshal was online popped up on people¡¯s light brains and the man that hadn¡¯t been seen for so long appeared safe and sound. He had lost a little weight but he seemed unscathed. A barrage ofments soon followed with some calling out husband, others calling out Marshal happily like obedient followers, and others cursing Zi Han to death for harming their Marshal.


    Yi Chen didn¡¯t care for the husband cries neither did he care for thements of admiration. The ones that irked him most were the ones cursing Zi Han. Annoyed hemanded, ¡°Ran, tell admiral Li to hold everyone who is cursing my wife, I mean Mr. Zi on StarNet to be held ountable.¡±


    .....


    The bullet screen:...


    Yes, he had conveniently forgotten to mute when he issued this order.


    ¡°Yes sir,¡± replied Ran, and Yi Chen continued,


    ¡°I am Marshal Yi, the fifty-ninth Marshal of Onyx Federation Inteary Army. Sheba can confirm my identity for those who are sceptical,¡± he said his voice as chilling as the snow caps of Loch Ness star.


    ¡°I had been missing in action but Mr. Zi came to rescue me. He is the reason why I am here speaking with you today. I have heard some disconcerting things said about Mr. Zi and I am unamused. Mr. Zi is my benefactor thus he should be treated as such. I will not be immediately resuming my duties as the Marshal anytime soon for health reasons.¡±


    While he was continuing with his speech the barrage ofments were going crazy with the word wife constantly making an appearance and the little nim nim who was being well-behaved so far was now climbing up the desk curious to see what its father was doing.


    Yi Chen could see it was struggling thus he helped it up and ced it on the desk. The little nimsel was very appreciative thus it rubbed against Yi Chen¡¯s fingers like a cat with a contented wee sound.


    One can only imagine people¡¯s reactions seeing a cold-faced Marshal ying with a cute fluffy thing. It was truly a sight to behold.


    The door slid open with a swoosh and Yi Chen turned his head not even meaning to hide it at all. Zi Han entered the cabin and when he met Yi Chen¡¯s gaze he smiled his face radiant like a blossoming orchid under the morning sun.


    This image of Zi Han was captured in the live broadcast setting up a storm. Who would have thought the cold ruthless killer who was a hero to others and a death sentence to evildoers could smile like that stealing one¡¯s heart and soul?


    ¡°What are you doing?¡± asked Zi Han while walking towards him. Before Yi Chen could respond, Zi Han kissed his cheek and Yi Chen subconsciously raised his hand and stroked the back of Zi Han¡¯s neck.


    [AAAAAHHHHH my eyes]


    [I will die a happy woman. Sisters did you see that?]


    [I said before that he behaves like a married man. They look like an old couple.]


    The joyousments of hardcore fujoshis flooded the screen overpowering the hatefulments that didn¡¯t deserve to be seen by the world.


    Zi Han let go of him as he left the frame of the camera and asked, ¡°Did you drink?¡±


    Yi Chen immediately abandoned the live broadcast and stood up following Zi Han to the bathroom like he had been hypnotised.


    The emperor who was about to tell the world he was in love with his wife, ¡°...¡±


    That little rascal beat him to it. If he was to show off his wife it would look like he waspeting with his son inw. His n was simple. He would let the world know that he was taking back the throne, punish the prime ministers, crown his empress, and then kiss her in public but Yi Chen had to go on and jump the gun.


    ¡°This isn¡¯t what I meant by clearing things up. What is he thinking?¡± yelled Yeoh Jun very dissatisfied.


    Zi Xingxi fixed his cor while saying, ¡°Why does the method matter? It¡¯s the effect that¡¯s most important. At least now no one will have the balls to curse our son on StarNet... Now stop whining.¡±


    Yeoh Jun who was not whining but very upset hugged his wife seeming aggrieved as heined.


    ¡°It matters. You just don¡¯t understand,¡± he whispered but he didn¡¯t dare tell her of his n. He hugged her tightly and said,


    ¡°I can¡¯t wait for you to be my empress. I will give you my mother¡¯s crown and you will sit by my side.¡±


    Zi Xingxi who thought she was already his empress rubbed the tip of her nose on his neck and whispered, ¡°I thought I was already your empress from the day you married me.¡±


    This was what many aspired to have. A person who loves them for them and would do anything to keep them happy. Yeoh Jun had found that person decades ago and he would be stupid if he were to let her go.

 Chapter 532 - 532 Yeoh Jun taking care of business

    532 Yeoh Jun taking care of business


    Today was a day to make history in Onyx federation once more. It was the day history was reversed, a day most never thought woulde. The consequences of such a change were yet to be determined but it was expected that not everyone would be happy or upset with the power shift.


    After Marshal Yi whetted their appetites people were curious about how his royal highness would respond to his son having an illicit affair with the Marshal. Illicit was the wrong word choice but to spice things up that¡¯s the word that was being used on StarNet.


    In front of every floating screen in Onyx Federation was the memorial hall for the imperial family members, a run-down hall that had been neglected for two decades.


    The prime ministers had worked very hard to eliminate traces of the royal family over the years. They had already burnt the royal pce to the ground which was the most significant show of power of the royal family. What more these small historical buildings?


    Today those prime ministers were brought to that rundown memorial hall in chains with their heads bowed. Their crimes had been published publicly and everyone was well aware of what they had done but some were very reluctant and hoped that Yeoh Jun would be merciful.


    Just then a warship about the size of fifty football stadiums hovered in the skies above Loch Ness star and blocked the twin suns.


    The city that was brightly lit was suddenly covered in gloom. The family crest on the warship put the crowd to ease. This was the Marshal¡¯s family Crest. With them here nothing could go wrong, right?


    Several mechs descended from the sky, each with its own personality. The badges on their breasttes were that of the generals. Alongside them were some lieutenant generals, major generals, and brigader generals from their field armies.


    Such a gathering, the gathering of the seven hadn¡¯t been seen in more than two decades. That was at the former emperor¡¯s funeral.


    .....


    These men a.k.a the prime ministers had put on their masks pretending to be deeply saddened yet in their hearts they were already calcting Yeoh Jun, a young man who had just lost hisst rtive.


    Now they had gathered again but this time it was for the return of the lost prince. The mechs stood on either side of the aisle as Hydra descended from the sky with a frame that was both chilling and dazzling at the same time.


    The general performed a perfect salute and Hydra walked down the aisle toward the bottom of the stairs leading to the entrance of the memorial hall.


    Hydra vanished right after and the former Marshal walked up the top of the stairs. After reaching the stairs he stood by the throne that hadn¡¯t been seen for decades. The official throne had perished in the pce fire but there was one in the memorial hall.


    It didn¡¯t take long for two more mechs to appear. At a nce, it was easy to identify them as they were the two of the dazzling three.


    Chronos and Igneous stood side by side evoking the patriotic spirit in the hearts of plenty. By hierarchy Igneous should have been in front of Chronos but the two walked side by side like a pair just joined in holy matrimony.


    When they reached the stairs Chronos and Igneous vanished leaving behind a pair made from heaven. Zi Xingxi was d in her bloodgarde uniform with her hair neatly tied back in a bun. As for his royal highness, he was dressed in regalia his father and his father¡¯s father wore on the coronation.


    It was obvious that today there was no discussion neither was there a second option. He was going to forcibly take back power and be the emperor of Onyx federation.


    Yeoh Jun reached over to hold Zi Xingxi¡¯s hand under everyone¡¯s gaze. The drone even zoomed in on their sped hands as though afraid that the entire federation won¡¯t know that they were together.


    When they reached the top of the stairs, prime minister Ikeda¡¯s eyes widened. He saw the footage of Yeoh Jun fighting the beast and knew he was alive thus he had prepared himself for this moment but when he actually saw him he couldn¡¯t control his expression. The only person who had stirred his heart was now standing there but he couldn¡¯t even get close to him and hold him.


    The person who had frequently appeared in his dreams had shown up in front of him close enough to touch but would never look at himself. When Yeoh Jun died he broke down in grief but unlike everyone else who had lost someone special, he didn¡¯t choose to deal with his emotions the right way but instead chose to find substitutes to fill in the holes in his heart.


    He was even shameless enough to try and bed the man¡¯s only son directly transferring all his feelings for Yeoh Jun to Zi Han. Sure, he was rejected but the damage had already been done. He lusted over the man¡¯s son because he couldn¡¯t get the man himself.


    Knowing Yeoh Jun¡¯s personality he wouldn¡¯t let this slide. Despite their close friendship in the past Yeoh Jun wouldn¡¯t let him go. He was going to make him pay.


    Prime minister Ikeda suddenly didn¡¯t want to show his face anymore. He had let his obsession take hold of him and did such shameless things. Now retribution hade right on time. He turned his head away but he suddenly felt like something sinister was boring through his skin. Though frightened and very ufortable the prime minister didn¡¯t dare look in that direction. He stood there quietly his back stiff.


    Yeoh Jun retracted his contemptuous gaze and sat down on the throne with his queen beside him. Echoes of salutations to the emperor sounded almost causing tremors on the ground.


    With the military acknowledging Yeoh Jun as the emperor, one would think that people would keep their opinions to themselves but that didn¡¯t happen.

 Chapter 533 - 533 Yeoh Jun still taking care of business

    533 Yeoh Jun still taking care of business


    The prime ministers who already foresaw their impending deaths suddenly had nothing to lose. They opened their mouths and began to rebuke Yeoh Jun¡¯s actions to his face.


    ¡°You fabricated evidence against us just to gain power...¡±


    ¡°Yes, this is all your design. Who knows if this story about the Republic is even true....¡±


    ¡°You probably colluded with the Republic just to overthrow the elected government...¡±


    They spoke over each other shouting excitedly as though afraid that no one would hear them.


    Zi Xingxi drew the Executioner¡¯s Blight with a whoosh. She was about to take a step forward and directly end their lives as she was in every right to do so when Yeoh Jun ced his hand over hers.


    He convinced her to sheath the sword and Zi Xingxi could only take a step back. The soft gaze he had on his face when facing Zi Xingxi vanishedpletely when he stood up and looked at them.


    His hands resting behind his back he said, ¡°This is fascinating. Please carry on. We would love to hear what you have to say to us,¡± his voice a big contrast to the smile on his face. The aura surrounding him transformedpletely making one¡¯s knees soften in fright. When he spoke his voice touched every nerve in their bodies forcing them to submit.


    Wise ones knew to keep their mouths shut but among them were arrogant fools who wouldn¡¯t stop talking due tock of knowledge.


    .....


    ¡°... We were chosen by the people to be their leaders. The monarch fell a long time ago.¡±


    ¡°... You probably conspired with your son to murder prime minister Ju. Did you kill him because he discovered your secret?¡±


    ¡°Or did you kill him because you felt like it? It makes sense. After all, you fell in love with a bloodthirsty killing machine who has no regard for human li-,¡± said one of the old men who had been part of the faction to ruin the royal family. But before he could continue with his speech Yeoh Jun directly kicked him and his body rolled down the stairs. People watched on in horror as the man¡¯s body fell down two hundred flights of stairs. Yeoh Jun could tolerate others scolding him but he couldn¡¯t stand anyone insulting his wife. Thus he impulsively kicked him down the stairs.


    The crowd of nobles gasped in horror especially when one of the generals checked the man¡¯s vitals and found that he was dead. Words like tyrant and dictator floated around but no one dared to say it in Yeoh Jun¡¯s face. Yeoh Jun nced in Yi Zhen¡¯s direction and Yi Zhen nodded his head epting the order.


    He pressed a video file with all theptions of this man¡¯s crimes and began to y it. What were this man¡¯s crimes?


    Conducting shady arms deals with the interster pirates and selling confidential technological ns for weaponry to the warlords of outlyings.


    The consequence thereof was the loss of lives from both civilians and military personnel. When a whistleblower tried to report him, she was abducted and given to the interster pirates to do as they pleased. It was Zi Xingxi who saved her during one of their operations and in front of the camera the woman who looked emancipated broke down while telling her story.


    The words tyrant and overlord came to a halt as their anger turned to the corpse lying on the ground at the end of the stairs.


    Later on, footage showed a conversation between him and his wife. She was the one who suggested such a cruel punishment sending this poor young woman to hell for merely trying to do the right thing.


    This information tipped the scale significantly. Most high ss figures knew that such immoral practices were taking ce but feared that if they point a finger in that direction their own dirty little secrets would be exposed. It simply wasn¡¯t worth it. They also feared the so-called loyal supporters of the prime ministers that rallied behind them not out of devotion or loyalty but the fat paychecks.


    ¡°Anyone else wants to speak out? We will happily showcase your deeds in front of the world to see,¡± said Yeoh Jun with a sinister smile.


    The prime ministers who had been speaking loudly just now were as quiet as chickens not even daring to raise their heads.


    ¡°Better yet, we think it is good to let the world watch what you did. Let them see every crime youmitted,¡± he continued to say and Yi Zhen pulled up all confidential files containing video and audio evidence before sending it out to the world including the ones for the deceased Yeoh Ju and his mother.


    Their cries for mercy went unheard but there was one person who remained silent and unmoving and that person was prime minister Ikeda. Back then Yeoh Jun had helped him fend off his bullies and he knew how cruel he could be. As amazing as the feeling of being protected by him was that¡¯s how terrifying it was when one was at the receiving end of his anger. If he had known this woulde he would have neverid his eyes on Zi Han.


    ¡°These are the people you elected. The people you supported dearly. Have we not provided for all your needs? Have we not been benevolent over the years? We brought your ancestors out of the shadows of death and gave you a chance to thrive but how do you thank us? How did you treat our son?¡± he spoke his mental power tapping into that of his predecessors. His eyes had be a fiery red his emotions entwined with that of his fathers before him.


    ¡°We brought you prosperity and peace but you chose to betray us. Are you any different from those of the Republic?¡±


    ¡°Since there is no difference between the Republic and those who support these vile men we shall send them there with them because the Federation can not amodate such evil and insatiable beings.¡±


    The more he spoke the more the hearts of the people sank. If one were to ask them now, they still wouldn¡¯t be able to exin what possessed them to do what they did. Wasn¡¯t life under the imperial family good?


    There was no such thing as poverty and crime was at its lowest. The care and love could be felt from afar but their minds were poisoned by a malicious person and they turned against their emperor. Was there a way to receive redemption?

 Chapter 534 - 534 "He lost his ring"

    534 ¡°He lost his ring¡±


    The more Yeoh Jun spoke the greater the sense of shame in people¡¯s hearts. Their ungrateful hearts were exposed for all to see. The sense of shame and regret was real.


    While Yeoh Jun was expressing his disappointment in the people of the Onyx federation, Zi Han was lying on the bed chatting it up with Ming Ming and Yi Youxi.


    They had as expected invaded Yi Chen¡¯s room and were sitting on his bed while ying a game on StarNet with Zi Han.


    ¡°... when is dageing back?¡± asked Ming Ming while changing the costume for her fairy princess on the screen.


    ¡°He is still looking for his ring,¡± replied Zi Han while buying clothes for his fairy princess.


    ¡°Ugh, can¡¯t we y something else? My character is annoying and weak,¡±ined Yi Youxi regretting ever agreeing with Ming Ming to y this stupid game. If he decided not to y anymore, he was sure she would tell mum and of course, that would blow up the matter.


    ¡°It¡¯s because you aren¡¯t making her feel pretty. If you want her to be powerful you need to make her feel confident,¡± said Ming Ming having finally decided on a pretty outfit.


    ¡°Are we going to do the daily quest now? I want to upgrade my wand,¡± said Zi Han kind of getting into this game. It was a fantasy game called Princesses and dragons with the weirdest upgrade system. The prettier the princess felt the greater her power and skills. Yi Youxi was really having a hard time mastering the art of making a fairy princess pretty.


    ¡°But mine if I put her in green she frowns like I offended her or something. Is this how it is like trying to please girls?¡± said Yi Youxi sounding very aggrieved.


    .....


    ¡°That¡¯s because she doesn¡¯t like green. Check her likes and dislikes in the character guide,¡± said Ming Ming before her brain finally caught on to what Zi Han was saying,


    ¡°What ring? Is it the one dage was showing off all the time?¡±


    Zi Han¡¯s fingers paused on the disy and raised his head asking, ¡°He showed off a ring to you?¡±


    ¡°Yessss... he was always moving his hand weirdly the first few days like we wouldn¡¯t notice it. We aren¡¯t blind for heaven¡¯s sake,¡± said Yi Youxi seeming exasperated.


    ¡°He would twist it on his finger all the time and if we asked he would just smile slightly acting all mysterious,¡± said Ming Ming while yfully kicking her legs.


    Hearing this Zi Han¡¯s heart warmed up with a beautiful smile just like a spring breeze.


    He didn¡¯t know that Yi Chen was that attached to his ring. ¡°Well, I am surprised that he even lost it. The fact that he is looking for it is very weird. He never took it off. One time some aunties came by having a meeting with mum and they tried to hook him up with their daughters. He showed off his hand and said proudly ¡®I am taken¡¯. The look on their faces haha that was funny.¡±


    ¡°Auntie B was like ¡®Tsk Tsk what a shame. Can she cook better than Micha?¡¯. Mum went crazy on her saying her inw can cook very well way better than Micha. You know she almost cut off their friendship over that.¡± said Ming Ming imitating thedy¡¯s high-pitched voice.


    Zi Han couldn¡¯t help but chuckle softly while controlling the little fairy on the floating screen to kill the trolls.


    ¡°Cut their friendship? Mum almost beat the shit out of her. Things escted really fast. Auntie B was like ¡®as long as it¡¯s not that Zi boy. Girls are much more softer and kind. They can also carry children¡¯ after that mom lost it. Have you seen mom mad? You do not want to see mom mad.¡±


    ¡°She gets raving mad,¡± said Ming Ming her character jumping up and down using the power of love to defeat the trolls.


    ¡°What are you two talking about? Who gets raving mad?¡± asked Lin Ruoxi with her head peering through the door, ¡°and why are you in your brother¡¯s room again?¡±


    ¡°Hie auntie,¡± said Zi Han when he heard her voice. Hearing Zi Han¡¯s voice she smiled happily as she walked over.


    ¡°Hey, how are you? You look like you are glowing. Something good happened?¡± she asked and Zi Han had no answer to that question.


    ¡°No auntie. We are just ying games,¡± replied Zi Han, and Lin Ruoxi hurriedly corrected him,


    ¡°It¡¯s mom now. Let me hear it.¡±


    Zi Han almost covered himself with a pillow in embarrassment. The thick skinned person was now blushingly calling out, ¡°Mum.¡±


    ¡°Good. Where¡¯s Chen Chen,¡± she asked and Yi Youxi answered the question for him.


    ¡°He lost his ring,¡± said Yi Youxi and Ming Ming added on saying,


    ¡°He went to find it.:


    ¡°Well, that¡¯s odd. He never takes that ring off... You two better get out of your brother¡¯s room before hees back. I won¡¯t be there to advocate for you.¡±


    Hearing this Zi Han¡¯s cheeks grew hot. Of course, Yi Chen would never take it off. He should never ever take it off.


    The person they were talking about was turning the warship upside down looking for that ring. He suddenly regretted ever making this deal with Zi Han. With the ticking of each second, he would get even more anxious.


    He knew he would eventually find it but at this moment he couldn¡¯t help but panic. Just after finishing searching the training hall, he bumped into Lynn Feng who was leaning against the wall like she was waiting for him.


    ¡°Marshal Yi you really want to marry into this family, don¡¯t you?¡± said Lynn Feng.


    Yi Chen who thought the answer to that question was obvious didn¡¯t answer but he showed a helpless expression. Lynn Feng folded her arms across her chest and said, ¡°You know I can see every corner of this warship. All you have to do is ask for help and I can help.¡±


    This offer was absolutely tempting but he also didn¡¯t want to cheat. He would feel very guilty if he got help.


    Seeing this honest and morally upright young man Lynn Feng couldn¡¯t help butugh. If he yed games with the members of the Bloodgarde they would eat him alive.

 Chapter 535 - 535 HanChen guardian angels

    535 HanChen guardian angels


    ¡°Here is a hin-,¡± said Lynn Feng only for Yi Chen to cut her off.


    ¡°No... I don¡¯t need it,¡± he said before walking away. After he left, Lynn Feng pulled up a floating screen and wrote Zi Han a message.


    FloweringFeng: He doesn¡¯t want it.


    Zi Han swiped down the notification bar and smiled slightly. Of course, Yi Chen wouldn¡¯t want a hint. Since that was the case then he might be getting married after ten years.


    Chen¡¯sWife: Of course, he wouldn¡¯t.


    Chen¡¯sWife: Thanks anyway, Auntie Lynn.


    Yi Chen who had no idea that his boyfriend was trying to help him took a minute trying to think through Zi Han¡¯s thought process.


    It had to be in a ce that Zi Han either frequented or a ce he keeps his favourite things. The ring wasn¡¯t in the training hall neither was it in the kitchen and the bridge.


    The only ce left was the armoury. It had to be there but Yi Chen wasn¡¯t even sure if he had ess to the armoury. It was one of the most sacred ces on the Han warship. It was the ce that housed their most secretive and advanced weaponry.


    .....


    Yi Chen still walked over there and the closer he was to this ce the more of the Bloodgarde members he met. Unlike yesterday¡¯s hostility, today it seemed like they were lukewarm and some even had a weing look.


    When he reached the armoury he was met by a guy twice his size in both height and width with a burn scar running down his left eye.


    When the two people¡¯s gazes met Yi Chen almost thought they were going to fight. It would only make sense since they were enemies on different sides for a very long time.


    As the man stood up Yi Chen took a step back but what happened next was beyond his expectation.


    The big man showed an excited expression and eximed, ¡°Marshal Yi can you sign this for me. I am a huge fan of your CP,¡± pulling up a cute chibi drawing of him and Zi Han.


    Seeing this familiar art Yi Chen¡¯s brows arched. Who else could it be other than H? Her ount was a menace to others on StarNet but to him, it was a source of inspiration.


    Where on earth would a block of wood know how to do a perfect wall m? Where would he without experience learn about having an indirect kiss? He surely owed H a red envelope for her major contributions.


    ¡°Uh... um. Sure,¡± he said and reached out his hand. A three dimensional pen showed up on the floating screen and he signed the cute drawing of himself kissing Zi Han¡¯s cheek cutely.


    ¡°Thank you and we are all rooting for you,¡± said the big man before giggling like a little schoolgirl.


    Yi Chen, ¡°...¡±


    ¡°Oh, thanks,¡± he said a little hesitant to speak, ¡°how can I get inside?¡±


    The man was a little puzzled by the question but he still answered, ¡°Marshal, you have ess to the entire warship for at least four years now... see.¡±


    He pulled out a notification that was sent four years ago by Zi Han. That is to say, Zi Han granted him ess to the entire warship and no one was allowed to stop him wherever he wanted to go.


    ¡°Oh... then I will be going,¡± he said and the man waved at him a little too enthusiastic.


    Just as he took a step forward he halted and turned to ask, ¡°Just curious. Are there a lot of fans on the warship?¡±


    ¡°Yes of course. We have a chat group called HanChen angels. We are your love guardians,¡± replied the man, and Yi Chen had no words. Who would have thought there were people out there called HanChen guardian angels watching over his rtionship with Zi Han? He was quite ttered.


    When he entered the armoury his eyes were dazzled. He knew that the Bloodgarde was packing so much firearms but he didn¡¯t think it would be this much. They had an entire five floors packed with all sorts of weapons, some of which he had never seen before.


    It was no secret that their technology on firearms was far ahead of the army but he just didn¡¯t think the gap was this huge. This was just on the Han, how much more did they have on the ground?


    Yi Chen called out to Ran and asked it to search for the ring¡¯s signature. There was no way he would finish looking if he did it by himself. Ran was overwhelmed by the mech weapons and suddenly wanted an upgrade. There was even a baby pink methrower. Who didn¡¯t want a baby pink methrower?


    ¡°Ran focus,¡± said Yi Chen as he walked up to the elevator.


    ¡°Yes sir,¡± said Ran but its eyes kept going back to the methrower. It wanted it, it wanted it so bad. Yi Chen thought the elevator would take him to the floors above but when he entered there were buttons for six floors on the disy screen.


    ¡°Wee Marshal Yi, which floor will you be visiting today,¡± said the automated voice after scanning his biometric information.


    Yi Chen felt like a warm spring burst in his chest hearing this. Just like him Zi Han¡¯s heart was settled on him to the point that he was including him in his daily life. This was a ce Yi Chen probably wouldn¡¯t have gone to in his entire life but Zi Han still gave him ess just in case.


    ¡°Sixth floor please,¡± he said and the doors closed. When they opened again he found himself in a room filled with ancestral relics of the Zi family.


    There were weapons, uniforms, and portraits of every member of the Zi family throughout the generations. Ran whose heart was still on the ground floor, thinking about the methrower suddenly eximed.


    ¡°Sir sir sir, I found it. It¡¯s a few feet ahead of you,¡± it said and Yi Chen rushed over. His steps suddenly slowed when he saw the ring shimmering under the light only that next to the box were simr wedding attires.


    His heartbeat sped up as he took a small step forward. This... this waspletely unexpected.

 Chapter 536 - 536 "So you love my wife?....

    536 ¡°So you love my wife?....


    There were no wedding bells anywhere but Yi Chen could swear he heard them ringing. His face changed from that of shock to excitement. His fingers brushed against the material stirring his heart.


    The federation had no particrs when it came to wedding attires. Some wore the simplest of clothes and others wore extravagant outfits that could only be worn once. The cultural traits of the outfits were purely determined by either preference or family history.


    Yi Chen never thought of these things. He always thought his mother would pick these things for him. If she said he should wear a suit he would go with the flow as long as his mother and future wife were happy. He never thought he would be emotionally invested in his wedding until he met Zi Han.


    He wanted to be a part of it and make Zi Han happy. If Zi Han wanted ck he would fight his mother to the end and let his lover wear ck.


    What he wanted full control of though was the bridal chamber. He never cared for it before but the day he fell in love with Zi Han he knew he would be responsible for this.


    This was why he agreed to Zi Han¡¯s deal taking a risk to find that ring in the shortest amount of time possible. That way he could veto the bridal chamber and give Zi Han a gift he would never forget.


    Yi Chen smiled like a wolf that had managed to get its bunny in his set trap. His fingers brushed past the extremely borate gold embroidery on the red material as he imagined Zi Han wearing it.


    They would undoubtedly make the most handsome grooms and he couldn¡¯t wait for the day anymore. He picked up the ring and asked Ran to take a picture of it.


    Yi Chen scrolled through the pictures and picked one that showed part of the wedding attire. He immediately posted it on StarNet with the tag #Gettingmarried.


    .....


    With a satisfied smile, he walked out of the armoury with the ring back on his fingers.


    There wasn¡¯t any need to exin what sort of explosion urred on StarNet. There were a lot of well-wishers with some directly blowing fireworks on the virtual for their Marshal.


    Among all this chaos there was onement that drowned within the sea of well-wishers. Most people wouldn¡¯t notice it but Yi Chen could smell a rat from a mile away.


    He directly called Li Ran and the person himself started to panic like a dog before a storm.


    He was there on Cetus when Yi Chen woke up but he was so terrified that he didn¡¯t daree over. Yi Chen was a little puzzled at first.


    When he came back from the Republic without his memories he thought he sent the messages to Zi Han.


    But when he regained his memories and went through the messages he had with Zi Han again he found out the truth. This was why his best friend who had been following him around since they were kids had suddenly disappeared.


    ¡°You are finally willing to show yourself now?¡± asked Yi Chen when the call was picked up.


    ¡°I I I I... Chen-ge wuwuwu... I was wrong. I was really wrong,¡± he said almost kowtowing on the floor despite not being able to be seen by him.


    ¡°So you love my wife? Is that it?¡± he asked and Li Ran almost cried tears of blood. He knew better than anyone else how possessive and jealous this person was when it came to Zi Han. He saw thising but at the time he was desperate.


    ¡°Then you and me one on one tonight. You better be on the Han by dusk,¡± he directly said and Li Ran who was even more afraid of Zi Han than Yi Chen cried out.


    ¡°Uh dage, can¡¯t we meet on Cetus? I am afraid I won¡¯t be wee on Han,¡± said Li Ran already seeing his life sh in his eyes. He should have known better than to mess with Zi Han. Now he was paying the price.


    ¡°Why do you think I am bringing you here? It¡¯s so that you show your sincerity otherwise if you let things ferment he would just get even angrier. If you want to be at my wedding you should apologise to your saozi,¡± he said and Li Ran could understand.


    He had to apologise but what he didn¡¯t realise was that Zi Han was very petty and the punishment was partially orchestrated by his (Li Ran¡¯s) girlfriend. On her own H was fine but when she got together with Zi Han it was a disaster waiting for him.


    Yi Chen finished his call with Li Ran just as he was reaching Zi Han¡¯s cabin. Before he could enter he felt a chill spread all over his body. That¡¯s because he had pissed off the same person twice. He had managed to ruin his father inw¡¯s n two times.


    First with that live broadcast where he was showing Zi Han tender affection and second with that announcement.


    Yeoh Jun shouldn¡¯t be childish andpete with children but damn he couldn¡¯t help it. After he solely dered himself Emperor and was clothed by the Marshal as per custom, he directly grabbed Zi Xingxi¡¯s waist and pulled her close before directly kissing her lips.


    He meant for it to be a fleeting kiss but after kissing she really tasted good. As though making up for the wedding kiss he didn¡¯t get to have he really kissed her until she was out of breath. You know weddings are the only ce where one can thoroughly disy their affection. They get to kiss with all eyes on them as the stars of the show. He very much wanted a wedding kiss.


    This move directly overtook the Marshal¡¯s announcement. That¡¯s because the woman who always appeared pissed off in all news broadcasts was actually kissed till her ears turned red. Even the prime ministers who had directly felt her anger were shocked beyond words.


    This was a woman who never listened to any of them and had what they deemed as violent tendencies. Yet this same woman was obediently letting the emperor do as he pleased. Unbelievable!

 Chapter 537 - 537 "Are you happy... my empress?"

    537 ¡°Are you happy... my empress?¡±


    They used to make jokes behind her back saying that there was no man in the federation and beyond that could push this woman down. Their jokes even went as far as stating that she would be the type to be doing the pushing and that if she isn¡¯t a lesbian then she would be pegging whomever she was with.


    Jokes like this were said openly in their meetings and some would even go as far as mentioning how great the feeling must be to conquer that woman. If they knew then that she would be their future empress they would keep their mouths shut.


    When Yeoh Jun let go of his wife she was red-faced and unable to know where to put her hands. If she had known he would pull such a stunt she wouldn¡¯t havee. Naturally, she had forgotten her husband¡¯s nature. The only reason why he hadn¡¯t done anything in the past was that she didn¡¯t want anyone to know but after losing him once and getting him back she relented easily.


    Yeoh Jun wanted to kiss then Zi Xingxi would let him. If Yeoh Jun wanted to dance then she would also let him. If Yeoh Jun wanted to wrestle then they would tussle to his heart¡¯s content. If Yeoh wanted to fuck... well, you all know where this was going.


    Zi Xingxi shyly pushed her hair back and Yeoh Jun held her hand with their fingers intertwined with each other neither tight nor loose.


    ¡°Are you happy... my empress?¡± he whispered with his head lowered slightly. He deliberately emphasized the words ¡®my empress¡¯ on purpose and Zi Xingxi¡¯s face was so hot she almost thought smoke wasing out of it.


    Yeoh Jun stared at her with an intense tender gaze with the love in his eyes apparent. The drone didn¡¯t disappoint. It zoomed in on this scene filled with pink bubbles sending StarNet into a frenzy.


    It didn¡¯t miss the part where Yeoh Jun leaned down closer and ced the empress¡¯ crown on her head before whispering, ¡°I love you.¡±


    There were detailed ceremonial steps and rituals to be taken on such an asion but Yeoh Jun could care less. He had always been the type to bend the rules and he didn¡¯t think his ancestors would mind anyway.


    .....


    After showing off his love for his wife, Yeoh Jun led her to Cetus warship. Behind them, the prime ministers were dragged along as the honoured guests.


    When they disembarked from the stealth cruiser and entered Cetus they thought they would be taken to the brig but Yeoh Jun nned on making good on his word.


    He truly nned on sending them to the Republic. When they stood in the hangar a few of their family members were suddenly brought on board. Yeoh Jun wasn¡¯t a heartless person and would never make family members pay the price for the sins done by the head of the household.


    Thus everyone he brought along wasn¡¯t innocent. The wives that had a hand in their husband¡¯s crimes were brought along. The aunties and uncles who had a role in robbing the federation were also included.


    The adult children who werecent with their fathers and mothers crimes were brought along as well. The supporters who had their fat pockets filled so they could nder the royal family were soon to follow. For now, he wanted to deal with this batch of people.


    ¡°Your majesty...,¡±


    ¡°Your majesty have mercy....,¡±


    Your majesty this, your majesty that were the echoes in the hangar of the warship with some kowtowing and wailing. One even had the balls to run toward the wall to bash their skulls in and kill themselves but Yeoh Jun wouldn¡¯t let that happen.


    The suffering hadn¡¯t begun yet so how could he let them die? Death wasn¡¯t permitted at this point. ¡°Bring him,¡± he said and Yi Zhen grabbed prime minister Ikeda.


    Prime minister Ikeda heaved a sigh of relief seeing that his son wasn¡¯t here. His daughter, however couldn¡¯t be spared. That¡¯s because instead of honestly epting defeat she kept on getting people to nder Zi Han on StarNet. I bet if she knew then this young man was the only offspring of the now emperor she would have kept her mouth shut.


    She used her father¡¯s ess to Sheba and deliberately manipted the top ranking trending searches on StarNet. Though Zi Han didn¡¯t care about what people were saying on StarNet it still didn¡¯t mean he appreciated being scolded for no reason.


    If it was anyone faint of heart they might have offed themselves as thements said. For this Yeoh Jun wouldn¡¯t let her go. Ikeda Yua made her existence smaller and smaller but the person Emperor Jun pointed to next was her.


    Her outstanding ability to single Zi Han out and bully him didn¡¯t go unnoticed.


    ¡°Dad... I am scared,¡± she said as they were dragged to the elevator wishing her father could save her like all the other times but the fallen prime minister ignored her.


    Feeling even more terrified by the minute, Ikeda Yua held his sleeve her wrists pressed together in cuffs. She showed a pitiful expression and almost broke down in tears.


    ¡°Dad,¡± she called out softly not daring to be too loud.


    ¡°Yua, didn¡¯t I tell you to stay away from him countless times? What did you think I meant when I said it? He already has the Blood-,¡± he said and the soldiers interrupted them,


    ¡°Shh, prisoners shouldn¡¯t speak,¡± in a harsh tone.


    Prime minister Ikeda pursed his lips quieting down but Ikeda Yua wasn¡¯t resigned.


    She shook his sleeve and whispered again, ¡°Dad... help me. Weren¡¯t you friends with the emperor before? I saw your picture together in your study. I also saw his regalia in your office before.¡±


    It truly would be your own kids that would sell you out for sure. How she even discovered that false wall in his office would always remain a mystery to him. Children cry about parents viting their privacy but they themselves are the greatest vitors of all time.


    They can get into anything as well. They are like curious magicians which can have serious consequences as prime minister Ikeda would soon discover.

 Chapter 538 - 538 "Yua shut the f*ck up!"

    538 ¡°Yua shut the f*ck up!¡±


    ¡°If you know what¡¯s good for you then you should keep your mouth shut,¡± he said through gritted teeth and Ikeda Yua suddenly had a moment of realisation.


    Her dad who could fix anything no matter how bad it was was gone. He couldn¡¯t save himself let alone save her. She pursed her lips tightly and lowered her head. The tears that hadn¡¯t flowed out in a very long time came out and she began to cry silently.


    She had never been wronged all her life. Apart from Yi Chen rejecting her, she had never suffered any grievances. She ate whatever she liked, wore whatever she liked and received people¡¯s praises from time to time on StarNet. She had never suffered any hardships under her father¡¯s care.


    Now she was in handcuffs and being taken to who knows where her future uncertain. When the elevator doors opened with a soft ding, she jolted in fright like she was about to get executed.


    ¡°Miss step out,¡± said the soldier escorting them but Ikeda Yua remained glued on the spot. When she raised her head she could barely see through the haze of her tears. Her red nose and ears were in great contrast with her pale skin enhancing her traits of a delicate beauty that had been bullied.


    Normally if she showed this look in dramas she would stir up the hearts of men and women alike rousing their need to protect. If these men didn¡¯t know what she was used of they would have felt pity for her. Ikeda Yua shook her head frantically with her tears streaming down even more.


    The men who knew Yi Zhen¡¯s temper very well walked back into the elevator and dragged her out. ¡°No no no. No please wuwuwuwu,¡± she cried while resisting but what could a slim girl with little to no mental power do? She was dragged out and led to the trial hall.


    ¡°What is the use of crying? You are only making it more difficult for yourself,¡± said the prime minister in ast-ditch effort to educate his daughter


    When they entered the trial hall, they found emperor Jun and empress Xingxi sitting on the highest seats in the room.


    .....


    Zi Xingxi was looking at the reflective floating screen produced by her light brain her expression uncertain. ¡°I don¡¯t think crowns are for me. My hair is just too t for it,¡± she said while Yeoh Jun fixed it for her.


    ¡°It looks good. Don¡¯t act like you never tried this crown before,¡± he said as he stopped fiddling with it.


    ¡°I knew it. You were peeking,¡± she said while pinching his waist, ¡°You said you didn¡¯t see anything.¡±


    ¡°I even took evidence and wanted to show my father,¡± he said with a light chuckle.


    ¡°You must be kidding me? Why would you snitch on me?¡± she asked feeling betrayed.


    ¡°It was because you would have to take responsibility and marry me. You wore it so when I became the emperor you would have no choice but to be the empress,¡± he said with confidence like his n would have worked wlessly.


    Zi Xingxi rolled her eyes only to notice that there were people here and they had been watching their interaction for so long.


    ¡°How long have they been here?¡± whispered Zi Xingxi suddenly feeling like her vignce had drastically reduced ever since this man came back. She was less on guard probably because she knew she wasn¡¯t alone and that he was there for her.


    Yeoh Jun draped his arm around her shoulder and pulled her close while saying, ¡°I don¡¯t know but let¡¯s pretend like they just got here.¡±


    Zi Xingxi, ¡°...¡±


    She thought that was bad enough that is until she heard what he said next. ¡°I will be the bad cop and you will be the good cop, okay?¡± he said and Zi Xingxi was seriously starting to think he was high on something. His energy andck of seriousness were much more than usual. It would be hard to think that this was the same person who was scolding the entire Onyx Federation not so long ago.


    ¡°Prime minister Ikeda, no I am sorry it¡¯s former prime minister Ikeda... on your knees,¡± said Yeoh Jun hus voice was calm but it still sent shivers down the man¡¯s spine.


    ¡°Yes your majesty,¡± he said ready to ept whatever sentence this man would give him. His heart had long chilled especially when he saw their interaction.


    For years he had tried to get Yeoh Jun to look at him like that but the man always wore a polite smile like he was distancing himself from him. They were friends but in his heart, he knew that he was a fake friend trying to get close so they could be together.


    He just wanted to have a rtionship with Yeoh Jun but the man didn¡¯t like him that way. He should have epted that they weren¡¯t fated a long time ago but his obsession grew stronger and stronger. By the time he realised he had an illness, it was already toote.


    Just as Yeoh Jun was about to hand down the sentence he heard a girl¡¯s voice speak up. Damn, he hadn¡¯t even noticed the person standing next to Ikeda.


    ¡°Your ma majesty you and my father were friends friends once,¡± she said in between sobs, ¡°Can¡¯t you for the sake of your old friendship let us ago... or me at least.¡± Prime minister Ikeda didn¡¯t forget to turn his head to look at her when he heard her words. He just wanted her to shut her selfish mouth but she seemed determined to bring them down to hell together.


    Her sobs were so annoying that Yeoh Jun wanted to kick her out immediately. Before he could even give the order, Zi Xingxi who couldn¡¯t stand it more than him finally opened her mouth.


    ¡°Friendship? That is the biggest joke of the century,¡± said Zi Xingxi feeling a little irritable.


    ¡°I I saw it. They were friends. He had both electronic and physical pictures of the two of them. There there was even a video as well in a locker room and his majesty was,¡± she stammered through only for her father to yell at her.


    ¡°Yua shut the fuck up!¡± he said not even caring that he had cursed at his daughter.

 Chapter 539 - 539 "I wil kill him,"

    539 ¡°I wil kill him,¡±


    Zi Xingxi who didn¡¯t know about this rose to her feet her anger seething like boilingva about to explode.


    ¡°No no, keep speaking. Maybe it will save your life,¡± she said her posture not at all looking like a person who would take pity on anyone.


    Ikeda Yua tremblingly stared at her father who had great disappointment in his eyes. Ikeda Yua licked her lips and was hesitant for a moment. She couldn¡¯t understand why her father was reluctant to use this rtionship as their way out. There were once friends in the past, weren¡¯t they?


    ¡°Speak,¡± said Zi Xingxi her expression not good at all. Terrified by the woman¡¯s voice, Ikeda Yua¡¯s face turned ashen as she spoke her lips trembling.


    ¡°He was taking off his t-shirt in the gym and they were making jokes. So so if you can film that then you must be good friends, right? He even has a special folder with all sorts of materials so how can the two of you¡¯s rtionship be that bad? Please for the sake of your past friendship let let us go. He even kept your majesty¡¯s regalia and other things safe. He has truly been loyal to you and a great frie-,¡± she said before Zi Xingxi cut her off.


    ¡°What your father is is a pervert,¡± she said before snapping her fingers beckoning them to bring over the prime minister¡¯s light brain.


    ¡°Yua you have truly killed your father. Are you happy now?! You dumb bitch! After all, I did for you and this is how you repay me?!¡± roared the prime minister scaring his daughter half to death.


    Her tears flowed even more after being cursed by her father like that. He didn¡¯t do much raising but he made sure they had afortable life. She still cared for him so why would he say such a thing? Seeming perplexed by his words she said, ¡°I am only trying to help us. Why won¡¯t you let me,¡± trying to hold back her tears.


    Zi Xingxi walked over to him and kicked his chest without hesitation. Ikeda Yua let out a scream as she crawled over to her father. ¡°What are you doing wuwuwu... don¡¯t don¡¯t hurt him. Your majesty please wuwuwu,¡± she cried out her eyes swollen from crying.


    .....


    ¡°Shut her up!¡± yelled Zi Xingxi and Yeoh Jun didn¡¯t dare interfere. He didn¡¯t want her to dirty her hands but if he didn¡¯t let her take care of it, he wouldn¡¯t hear the end of it.


    Ikeda Yua¡¯s cries turned to muffled sobs as she was dragged away. Zi Xingxi gestured for them to pick him up and force him to look at her.


    ¡°Zi Han didn¡¯t let me deal with you before because you brought forth evidence against Yeoh Ju but I warned you didn¡¯t I?... Didn¡¯t I?!¡± she yelled hertter question her body trembling with anger.


    As mentioned before she was a very possessive and jealous person. She knew this person had the hots for her husband and secretly coveted him but she didn¡¯t think he was perverse enough to secretly record him. What other creepy things did he have in that light brain?


    ¡°Open it,¡± she demanded and the prime minister who didn¡¯t dare look into her eyes shivered before turning on the interface with his voice. He spoke a password after throwing out the idea of speaking the kill code password that would destroy everything in his light brain. If he really did that then she would surely kill him right here.


    Zi Xingxi opened the folder and scrolled through the pictures each of which were more perverted than the next. He also used AI technology to put her husband in slutty outfits which was very disturbing.


    She had just scratched the surface. There were tons of videos taken secretly and some of which Yeoh Jun was in the shower at the military academy.


    Because he didn¡¯t go to the same academy as him it meant the prime minister paid someone to take some of these. Yeoh Jun¡¯s princely butt was shown partially making Zi Xingxi very angry.


    Just when she thought that she had seen it all Zi Xingxi noticed a folder titled virtual sex. She already knew that it was going to be bad but she had to see it. As her finger reached over to click it the prime minister interrupted her with one word.


    ¡°Don¡¯t,¡± he said and Zi Xingxi¡¯s chest rose and fell with her tongue pressing hard on her cheek trying to suppress the urge to kill him now.


    She turned to look at Yeoh Jun and the man immediately stood up following her out into the back office where deliberations were made during military court.


    She soon found out why he said not to open it. As soon as the door shut she yed it but instead of a video, it was a three-dimensional virtual video of two characters having sex.


    The creepy Ikeda probably paid someone to be this virtual character he created of Yeoh Jun and made them perform inexplicable acts to satisfy his perverted behaviour.


    Yeoh Jun whose deep fake had had virtual sex in his image, ¡°...¡±


    ¡°I didn¡¯t,¡± he said hurriedly exining to his wife. He didn¡¯t have anything against men being with other men or women being with other women and didn¡¯t discriminate against anyone.


    Personally, he very much preferred his wife and worked very hard to get to be with her so no he wouldn¡¯t jeopardise that for anyone or anything.


    ¡°Of course, I fuckin know that. You were presumed dead when this was made,¡± said Zi Xingxi almost boiling over in anger.


    ¡°You deal with him as you see fit,¡± he said as she switched off the video in disgust. Just as she was about to smash this light brain to pieces she saw there was another one and this time it was her son who was the protagonist.


    ¡°I will kill him,¡± said Yeoh Jun before turning around and leaving the office. By the time Zi Xingxi turned her head, there were screamsing from a grown man as her husband kicked the person several times.


    He wasn¡¯t as angry when he found the pictures, videos and even the virtual sex thing that had him in it but when it involved his son he erupted in anger beating him mercilessly.


    That was his son. That was his precious son this pervert was lusting over.

 Chapter 540 - 540 "Your daughter will bury you,"

    540 ¡°Your daughter will bury you,¡±


    When Yeoh Jun said he would kill him he really meant it. All creepy Ikeda remembered was being pushed down to the ground and the rest was a blur.He subtly recalled Yeoh Jun¡¯s deadly re as he struck him repeatedly in the head.


    He wanted to say he was wrong and beg for mercy but his mouth couldn¡¯t open. He couldn¡¯t say a word to defend himself. At first, he could faintly hear his daughter¡¯s begging cries but those soon came to a stop.


    It seemed she was in so much shock that she didn¡¯t dare say a word. Of the two she had mistakenly thought that Yeoh Jun was the good-natured one and Zi Xingxi was the terrifying one but at this moment she witnessed what true cruelty was.This man had the face of the king of hell as he beat her father repeatedly and no one dared to stop him.


    There was a sudden surge in mental energy making the people around very ufortable and feel an urgency to kneel. Those a rank lower couldn¡¯t stay on their feet thus they fell to the ground and thoroughly submitted to the pressure.


    Yeoh Jun who was half out of his mind opened a portal like he was forced to do whileying unconscious in that healing capsule. Everyone was shocked when they saw this including Zi Xingxi. It was like a door to another world far different from their own.


    Yeoh Jun grabbed the bloodied prime minister curled up on the ground in pain and dragged him to the portal. ¡°Bring her too,¡± he said his eyes glowing a red colour to the point that one couldn¡¯t see his pupils.


    When they passed through Yeoh Jun tossed the person onto the ground and he fell on the hot desert sand. He only had the opportunity to groan once before he was kicked in the abdomen repeatedly.


    ¡°That¡¯s my son! Ikeda that is. my. son... Haven¡¯t we been good to you?¡± he roared at the top of his voice seething in anger.


    ¡°We saved you, didn¡¯t we? And how did you repay us,¡± he yelled again trembling in anger. He pushed his hair back as he let out a burst of maniacalughter. If his son didn¡¯t have the mother that he had what would have this filthy beast done to his son?


    .....


    How was he meant to exin to the ancestors what happened to their bloodline? How was he to exin that he failed to protect him? His heart hurt so much thinking about what sort of future his son would have had.


    ¡°You will die here. For the sake of exposing Yeoh Ju, we will keep your son alive and your daughter will bury you,¡± he said before turning back to leave. The others followed and so did Ikeda Yua. Seeing where they were she could foresee herself dying here.


    ¡°NO! I WON¡¯T STAY HERE. I DON¡¯T WANT TO DIE HERE!!!¡± she screamed as she ran towards the portal. Before she could reach it she was punched right in the face by Zi Xingxi and knocked out cold. Soon the hot desert of the Republic restored its tranquil state as two bodiesy on the hot sand with the sun scorching their faces.


    The portal closed immediately and everyone who was still stuck in a stupor hadn¡¯t yet recovered. Zi Xingxi hadn¡¯t recovered either but when she heard a familiar whimper escape his throat she turned to the people standing there stupidly.


    ¡°Everyone give us a minute,¡± she said but they all remained rooted in ce and one could understand why. They had never seen such a thing in their entire lives.


    Annoyed Zi Xingxi yelled, ¡°Get out! Now!¡± Hearing her say this they high-tailed out of there as though afraid of demons and ghosts.


    As soon as the door closed Yeoh Jun lost it. His knees softened and he copsed on the floor. Zi Xingxi managed to catch him but they still sat on the ground together.


    He couldn¡¯t hold back his tears. This was his precious baby. The child he treated especially well in the belly. He would read stories to him and sing for him while Zi Han was still in there.


    When he was rudely kicking his mother he would appease the little ancestor by rubbing her belly. His precious prince that he cared for so much and wanted to leave this chaotic world for was almost defiled by a perverted man and his image was used to satisfy that man¡¯s disgusting obsession.


    No matter how much he tried tofort himself he could not get rid of the feeling that he had failed him. He failed to fulfil his promise and let his boy suffer.


    ¡°Xixi I failed him,¡± he murmured and his wife that was embracing his shoulder from behind pulled his head closer to her chest and whispered back,


    ¡°No, you didn¡¯t. It wasn¡¯t your fault. Don¡¯t cry okay.¡±


    She found it difficult tofort others but each word wasing from deep within her heart. She didn¡¯t me him neither did Zi Han. The fact that they could have him back was a miracle on its own so why would they me him?


    ¡°I am the only Zi Family member who didn¡¯t get to raise my own son. I failed you Xixi. I should have known things would go this far,¡± he whispered the tears flowing down his face like a river.


    ¡°Everything happens for a reason. Maybe this was the path we were destined to follow so no matter how hard you try to change it it would still happen.¡±


    She rubbed his shoulder and continued to say, ¡°All that matters is that we are together now. I love you so much babe. This right here is the greatest gift to me,¡± she said and Yeoh Jun closed his eyes asking himself the same question again.


    How did he get so lucky? What wonderful deed did he do in his past life thatnded him such a beautiful and kind hearted woman?

 Chapter 541

    541?¡°I want it rough,¡±


    ¡°You know your son used to wake up and giggle in the middle of the night,¡± said Zi Xingxi while resting her chin on top of his head.


    ¡°Isn¡¯t that what babies do?¡± he asked while sniffing.


    Zi Xingxi wiped the tears off his face with her finger as she continued saying, ¡°Sometimes but when he woke up he wouldn¡¯t cry. He would just keep lying there and babble some nonsense while drooling. The giggles would follow soon after like he was ying with someone.¡±


    ¡°I thought it was abnormal so I took him to the doctor and like I said it was weird. Which baby would wake up in the middle of the night and instead of crying he would be mumbling whileughing? I thought... I thought maybe he was seeing your spirit but I wasn¡¯t sure. Well that is until he spoke his first word. Do you want to know what it was,¡± she asked and Yeoh Jun turned around slightly and asked,


    .....


    ¡°What was it.¡±


    Zi Xingxi smiled at him while saying, ¡°Pa... He called you first. Strange right? That wasn¡¯t all. Sometimes I would catch him sitting with his toys and he would know how to fix the shapes or say a particr word. At first, I thought he was too smart for his age but then I asked him. At three he said to me pa taught me,¡± conveniently forgetting to mention how she cried that night. She cried herself to sleep but woke up and found Zi Han sitting on the bed while patting her back tofort her. She didn¡¯t even know when he woke up and found his way to her room tofort her.


    What she didn¡¯t know was that after seeing how sad his mother was Zi Han never mentioned the word pa again but it didn¡¯t stop there. He might not remember it all but pa would appear in his dreams and even helped him pass physics once. Zi Han somehow knew the answers despite not understanding anything. If he failed Zi Xingxi would cancel their trip to the amusement park so... let¡¯s just say this duo were operating in tandem but they didn¡¯t know it.


    Yeoh Jun suddenly showed a smile that was as ugly as crying. ¡°So it wasn¡¯t a dream? It wasn¡¯t a dream. I don¡¯t remember it all but there was one vivid one when I saw him trying to make you a mother¡¯s gift. He drew the ugliest drawing I had ever seen so I mocked him and he got angry. I told him you would love a hand-woven bracelet with the letters XJ as a charm. He refused to believe me but he still made it. He also asked what XJ meant but I didn¡¯t remember as well,¡± he said excitedly retelling what he thought was a dream.


    He didn¡¯t even notice that Zi Xingxi¡¯s face had changed drastically. She pulled out a box from her interspatial storage. Inside it were gifts Zi Han had bought for her in the past. She pulled out the exact same bracelet with her trembling hand and asked, ¡°You mean this one?¡±


    ¡°Yeah... oh shit really?¡± he eximed as he took the bracelet from her his eyes bright like pearls under the moonlight.


    ¡°I wonder if I can speak to him now with my mental power. I know I can space jump to where he is but can I mentallymunicate with him?¡± he said but Zi Xingxi was too mind blown to think straight.


    ¡°Wait so when I dreamt him telling me he thought he liked a boy that was real? Awesome, I think I should try it now,¡± he said his energy picking right back up like a toddler after having two oreos. There was no stopping that type of energy now.


    ¡°Xixi, do you think I should be sleeping or maybe I can do it while awake? Let me close my eyes and try,¡± he said but Zi Xingxi was just staring at him dumbfounded. She loved that bracelet so much and when she asked how he knew what XJ was Zi Han acted all mysterious like it was confidential information from the government or something like that.


    While she was amazed at what Yeoh Jun could do the man himself tried it and boy did he regret it. Did it work? Yes, it absolutely did so what was he regretting?


    That¡¯s because when he appeared Zi Han was kissing Yi Chen and not the ¡®aww too cute¡¯ kind but the ¡®let¡¯s go to bed kind¡¯.


    ¡°Nope nope not doing that again,¡± he said as he got up abruptly startling Zi Xingxi.


    ¡°What¡¯s wrong?¡± she asked as he helped her up.


    ¡°Don¡¯t make me say it otherwise I might beat Yi Chen up. No wonder your father whacked me with a broom. If you overthink it you will beat anyone who gets close to your kid. Argh, I want to ground him so bad but I can¡¯t... can I?¡±


    Zi Xingxi, ¡°...¡±


    This was her husband without sugar or caffeine in his system. Now imagine if he had an energy drink. It would be a disaster because he wouldn¡¯t stop talking.


    ¡°Nope... our son is?a grown man. You can¡¯t ground him,¡± she said and his shoulders slumped a little.


    ¡°Oh, then can I ground you... Mrs Yeoh,¡± he said with that familiar look on his face.


    ¡°You still have blood on your hands and shit, Yeoh Jun put me down,¡± she yelped after being picked.


    ¡°Baby, I feel like a warrior who has returned from battle after defending your honour. And do you know what warriors loved to do after winning?¡± he asked while taking her to the deliberation room so they can deliberate on sensual matters.


    ¡°Sleep?¡± she answered as she subconsciously wrapped her arms around his shoulders.


    Yeoh Jun shook his head and said, ¡°They liked to fuck their wives,¡± before lowering his head and whispering into her ear, ¡°then baby can I fuck you?¡±


    Zi Xingxi bit her lower lip her excuse being that Yeoh Jun needed to burn that energy somewhere so....


    ¡°I want it rough,¡± she whispered and his response was simple.


    ¡°Yes ma¡¯am. Iggy, block the camera view and lock the door. I don¡¯t want her to escape... Oh and take Chronos with you. You can go bully Hydra or something.¡±


    Igneous wanted to retort, ¡°If anyone would be trying to escape it would be you,¡± but as a respectable AI it followed orders dragging Chronos along.

 Chapter 542 - 542 "You underestimate me"

    542 ¡°You underestimate me¡±


    While the pair of lovers were ying adult games in the deliberation room, the two AI explored Cetus going ces they could be and ces they shouldn¡¯t be. It didn¡¯t take them long to find Sheba¡¯s weapon system and mess with it.


    Like two siblings up to no good, they picked at the defence system of the warship and even had the audacity to despise it.


    ¡°Han is definitely better, right? It has more weaponry than this,¡± said Igneous while Chronos pulled up the data on the warheads.


    ¡°The Han will definitelyy it to waste in a heartbeat. How about a fight between us? Who would win?¡± asked Chronos and Igneous did some calctions.


    ¡°It¡¯s obvious I will win. Have you seen the new pulsesers I got? You don¡¯t have a chance,¡± said Igneous eager to show off its upgrade.


    Like a little brother who knows their older brother¡¯s strength Chronos agreed too. ¡°Yea, you are right. I would probably lose that fight. But I would give you hell first. It will be a hell of a fight.¡±


    ¡°True true. How about me vs Hydra?¡± asked Chronos and the two AIs fell silent for a while.


    That was yet to be determined. Hydra had more battle experience and it was ruthless in its methods. One on one, they might not win.


    ¡°You aren¡¯t supposed to be here,¡± said Hydra startling them after appearing out of nowhere.


    .....


    ¡°AAAAAHHHH!!!! Why would you sneak up on us like that?¡± screamed Chronos almost ready to run back to Xixi andin.


    ¡°Nothing... nothing at all. What are you doing here?¡± asked Igneous like they were about to pick a fight.


    ¡°This is my territory and yes I will win that fight,¡± said Hydra getting straight to the point.


    Chronos gasped before pointing fingers, well, if it had fingers. ¡°You were eavesdropping on us. You are nasty,¡± it said.


    Igneous, ¡°...¡±


    Hydra, ¡°...¡±


    ¡°You want to fight?¡± asked Hydra and Igneous being the most mature of the three refused with one word,


    ¡°Childish.¡±


    Hydra sneered before asking, ¡°Scared?¡±


    Chronos, ¡°...¡±


    ¡°You aren¡¯t scared are you?¡± asked Chronos not at all helping the situation.


    ¡°No... if you want a fight then let¡¯s fight,¡± it replied epting a challenge that was long overdue.


    ¡°Virtual fight it is with all our mech specs,¡± said Hydra and the two left only to realise that Chronos wasn¡¯t behind them.


    ¡°Chronos what are you doing?¡± asked Igneous and Chronos that was caught with its virtual tentacles hovering above the missile instruction codes retracted its sticky fingers and said,


    ¡°Nothing nothing. I aming.¡±


    ¡°You better run you brat,¡± said Sheba after noticing something was messing with its weapon system. It wasn¡¯t as intelligent as the three cmities but it wasn¡¯tgging behind that much.


    Like a toddler caught in the cookie jar, Chronos ran fast leaving the two of them behind.


    ¡°Stupid,¡± scolded Hydra and Igneous didn¡¯t like that at all.


    ¡°Your emotional intelligence is seriouslycking,¡± said Igneous urately hitting the spot.


    Hydra, ¡°...¡±


    Even it couldn¡¯t even refute that.


    While the two AIs were fighting it out Li Ran was suffering heavy damage that he almost mourned for his mech. Now he knew when they say don¡¯t ever mess with someone¡¯s wife, they meant it.


    Those were indeed wise words. In a ¡®fuck around and find out¡¯ teaching moment Li Ran thoroughly grasped the meaning of those words.


    ¡°I was wrong Han-ge,¡± said Li Ran after a good beat down in the training room. This could also count as training except that this time Yi Chen didn¡¯t hold back.


    ¡°I am not your brother. You should call me grandfather from now on,¡± said Zi Han with a smirk on his face.


    ¡°Yes yes I am your grandson from now on,¡± he said and Zi Han was satisfied.


    ¡°As for your punishment,¡± said Zi Han and Li Ran¡¯s eyes widened. Wasn¡¯t this beating the punishment? No, the beating was the punishment from Yi Chen for luring his wife by typing the words ¡®I love you¡¯.


    This punishment was for Zi Han¡¯s pain and suffering or his emotional distress. Since he didn¡¯t know how to handle Li Ran he asked H and of course, she had a few suggestions. As punishment, she asked for something she had been begging Li Ran to do for a very long time so Zi Han picked that.


    He stood up and descended from the tform he was looking down at Li Ran from. He took a few steps and draped his arm around Yi Chen¡¯s shoulder before saying. ¡°For the wedding, you dress in whatever H says and I will let bygones be bygones,¡± he said and Li Ran¡¯s expression changed slightly.


    AAAAAHHHH!! His girlfriend screwed him over. H had been mentioning something about challenging gender roles and him wearing a skirt and her wearing pants. Damn, she really got him good.


    ¡°Okay, this grandson epts the punishment,¡± he said and Zi Han smiled happily.


    He stretched out his hand and helped him up.


    Just like that, this matter was resolved and Yi Chen was very happy. He didn¡¯t want there to be any enmity between his wife and his best friend.


    Yi Chen kissed Zi Han¡¯s cheek and asked, ¡°Do you want me to go beat up my old man next?¡±


    Zi Hanughed softly before saying, ¡°I would rather go and have a mocktail with my gramps. The man makes a mean mocktail. Besides you won¡¯t be able to win that fight.¡±


    ¡°You underestimate me,¡± said Yi Chen a little dissatisfied.


    ¡°You really underestimate him saozi. He will mop the floor with him,¡± said Li Ran trying to help out a brother impress his wife.


    ¡°Let the former Marshal hear you say that and he will turn you into a mop,¡± said Zi Han as they walked out of the training room.


    Grandpa Zi who had no idea he was going to be used to make mocktails didn¡¯t know that his peace was about toe to an abrupt end. He had already sobered up and he was still ying against Old Lu trying to figure out what sort of sorcery that kid used to beat him.

 Chapter 543 - 543 Slipper throwing skills

    543 Slipper throwing skills


    ¡°Ma! Hurry up! We arete,¡± yelled Zi Han his feet stomping down the corridor like he was a mammoth.


    Zi Xingxi who was naked under the covers turned to push Yeoh Jun away while mumbling, ¡°Your son is calling,¡± before falling back to sleep.


    ¡°What do you mean my son? You made him?¡± replied Yeoh Jun pulling the covers over his head. Last night these two had gotten it on all night long living it up like they were twenty.


    They had exhausted themselves half to death and still had to wake up and travel to the Lin family¡¯s private.


    ¡°I didn¡¯t make him alone. Go tell him that we will bete. That Yi Zhen owes us big time,¡± she said before turning to sleep on her side.


    Yeoh Jun kissed her forehead before getting up with a typical dad sigh. He stretched out his muscles while asking, ¡°Why is he so energetic? Where does he even get the energy from?¡±


    Zi Xingxi who had been toyed with all night like a sex doll, ¡°...¡±


    Yeoh Jun felt her stare from behind him thus he looked back and asked naively, ¡°What?¡± Zi Xingxi pulled up the quilt and ignored him. Yeoh Jun got up and put on a pair of loose pants before walking out.


    Zi Han was in his bedroom looking at the mirror with a nice outfit on. When he heard the sound of footsteps he turned around and asked, ¡°Is it too much?¡±


    .....


    ¡°Yes... most definitely yes. Didn¡¯t you tell your mother that you were a big boy now and didn¡¯t need help picking clothes?¡± said Yeoh Jun ruffling his hair as he walked toward Zi Han¡¯s closet.


    ¡°I did but now I feel like adulting is hard. How am I supposed to know what to wear? Should I wear a pair of shorts or maybe a suit? What did you wear when you saw grandpa?¡± he asked.


    The shirtless Yeoh Jun randomly pulled out a t-shirt and said, ¡°Your mother picked my outfit. She said I needed something that was loose enough for me to run.¡±


    Zi Han, ¡°...¡±


    ¡°He wore a pair of shorts, a sports vest and trackers,¡± said grandpa Zi who overheard them talking while passing by.


    ¡°And you never caught me,¡± said Yeoh Jun and grandpa Zi saw the scratch marks on his back before snorting,


    ¡°Would you like a rematch with my slipper? Go ahead, I will give you a thirty-second head start.¡±


    Zi Han smiled excitedly while saying, ¡°Is this really happening?... Are we doing this?¡±


    ¡°We sure are. You will never catch me, old man,¡± said Yeoh Jun with a smug look on his face.


    ¡°I see, you are a big boy now. Don¡¯t cryter when I send you to your ancestors,¡± said Grandpa Zi already taking off his slipper.


    Zi Han, ¡°...¡±


    Two minutester and they were in the training room putting up a simtion. They didn¡¯t have a garden so this would work just fine.


    ¡°Go grandpa,¡± yelled Zi Han watching the two adults acting childish. Why was it so much fun?


    ¡°You! Who birthed you?¡± said Yeoh Jun his tone usatory.


    ¡°Sorry pa, gramps is going to win this one. His slipper throwing skills are urate... ouch,¡± he yelped when a fluffy wolf slippernded on his arm. It was his dad who threw it and itnded urately.


    ¡°I am better than him,¡± said Yeoh Jun and Zi Hanughed dodging the second one. He had already forgotten that he was the one screaming ¡®we arete¡¯ ¡®we arete¡¯ over and over again.


    ¡°Still not running?¡± Zi Feiji asked and Yeoh Jun eximed,


    ¡°Shit,¡± before running like the wind.


    ¡°Thirty seconds is up gramps. You got this,¡± said Zi Han being the most perfect enabler in this childish game.


    Grandpa Zi held his slipper and like a sniper looking through the scope he calcted the approximate distance and angle.


    After swinging his arm twice he finally locked on his target and threw the slipper and at a forty five degree angle. With a whoosh whoosh whoosh it spun in the air a couple of times and bam it hit Yeoh Jun like a heat-seeking missile.


    ¡°Yesssss!!!¡± yelled Zi Han like a ser fan celebrating victory without doing anything.


    Yeoh Jun felt that one. His father inw was especially ruthless with that throw. He got up and walked over whileining but when he saw his wife standing behind the two who were clearly unaware that she was there, he started to limp while holding his upper back pretending to be injured.


    He was like a husky copying its injured owner¡¯s limping movements. Zi Han and Zi Feiji were a little confused. Let¡¯s not even mention his mental power rank, he was fine just now and two secondster he was limping. Something was definitely up.


    ¡°You know one of the joys of having a son inw is to bully them. It¡¯s like having a younger brother that you can push around,¡± whispered Zi Feiji his gaze fixed on this person who was obviously faking an injury.


    ¡°Will they do that to me?¡± asked Zi Han and Zi Feiji replied,


    ¡°No, your father will do that to Yi Chen. Wait and see.¡±


    ¡°Wait and see what?¡± said a very familiar voice and the two of them jolted in fright.


    ¡°How how how long have you been standing there?¡± stammered Zi Feiji wondering how much she heard.


    ¡°I heard everything... and you? Weren¡¯t you the one waking me up with your yelling and foot stomping like an elephant yet you are ying with these two over here,¡± she said pinching his ear.


    ¡°Ah ma I was wrong? I was wrong,¡± he said and she let him go.


    Before walking past them and hugging Yeoh Jun. ¡°Where does it hurt? Where did it hit you?¡± she asked looking him up and down like he was expensive porcin.


    ¡°The only thing that hurts is his pride. I barely touched him,¡± said Zi Feiji after seeing that smirk on Yeoh Jun¡¯s face.


    ¡°You see that? Your father is a scam artist,¡± he said but Zi Han¡¯s reaction wasn¡¯t as expected. Instead of scolding his father with him, Zi Han had changed teams really fast.


    ¡°Are you taking disciples? I need to learn from you,¡± he whispered. This pitiful act was gold. It could grant him several benefits.


    Little did he know that his mother was the true master. When she was pregnant, Yeoh Jun worked like a horse and didn¡¯t evenin about it. She was waking up in the middle of the night craving pork and he would make it with a happy smile.

 Chapter 544 - 544 "learn from it."

    544 ¡°learn from it.¡±


    The Zi family took so long to get out of that house that one would think they had a dozen kids and a couple of dogs.


    It was a chaotic mess but despite all of that they looked very stunning. Zi Han kind of felt constrained in his clothes that his mother finally picked for him. He tugged at the cor whileining, ¡°I feel like I can¡¯t breathe and it itches. Is this a punishment or something?¡±


    Zi Xingxi wanted to say something but Yeoh Jun held his wife¡¯s hand and said, ¡°Han Han, you need to be respectful to your mother. She worked hard to pick that outfit for you you know.¡±


    Zi Han, ¡°...¡±


    Zi Xingxi knew she didn¡¯t work hard picking an outfit. In fact, she was a little perfunctory about it but it was nice being appreciated.


    She kissed Yeoh Jun¡¯s cheek with a beaming smile beforeying her head on his shoulder.


    Yeoh Jun rubbed her hand with his thumb before turning to Zi Han and mouthing,


    ¡°Learn from it.¡±


    Zi Han, ¡°...¡±


    .....


    One might be wondering why Zi Feiji didn¡¯t snitch on Yeoh Jun, it was because he was bragging to his little group about his grandson¡¯s wedding.


    The conversations were getting very heated so no one dared to disturb him.


    Zi Han stopped tugging at his cor and showed an okay gesture with his hands before turning to his light brain. He wanted to tell Yi Chen that they would bete but his mother suddenly brought up an issue Zi Han hadn¡¯t thought about in a while. He had been drowning in happiness that he almost forgot about it.


    ¡°I sent aid to the republic but I am not so sure of the way forward,¡± he said while gently rubbing his cheek on Zi Xingxi¡¯s hair.


    ¡°What do you mean by aid?¡± asked Zi Han feeling quite guilty at this moment.


    ¡°I mean medicine, food and temporary shelters. They can¡¯t stay in such a ce for long,¡± said Yeoh Jun and Zi Xingi sat up straight.


    ¡°How about finding a new and helping them develop? We have plenty of funds for that,¡± suggested Zi Xingxi but Yeoh Jun wasn¡¯t too certain about it.


    ¡°The criminals don¡¯t get a pass. I have seen what those people are capable of. They are a menace to society,¡± added Zi Han recalling how that little boy was beaten by his own mother. He honestly didn¡¯t want any of those people to mix in with the crowd and carry their bad deeds to the new home.


    ¡°How about this? We bring them to the federation and leave the criminals behind. We can set them up at one of the outposts and start from there?¡± suggested Yeoh Jun as Zi Han got up to take out a drink from the mini bar.


    He took out a can of spirit cooler and his father gave him that look that seemed to say ¡®it¡¯s not even twelve yet¡¯.


    Zi Han opened the can with a snap as he asked, ¡°What? I am nervous. I need to calm my nerves.¡±


    ¡°I will take one,¡± said Zi Xingxi and her husband gave her the same look he gave Zi Han. These two enabled each other too much. This was one of the reasons he couldn¡¯t wait to get these two apart. One Xixi was enough but with the two in the mix, it was a disaster. He could take care of her and Yi Chen could take care of Zi Han, let¡¯s see then if they would still be able to sneak in a packet of smokes.


    ¡°Why do you need it?¡± asked Yeoh Jun and Zi Xingxi went straight to the point.


    ¡°I am about to face Yi Zhen¡¯s stupid face. If you don¡¯t want me to hit him then I am drinking,¡± she said and Zi Han gave it to her.


    ¡°I will have one too. I might beat him up as well,¡± said Zi Feiji so the three of them drank while Yeoh Jun looked like the odd one out.


    ¡°I think the outpost idea is good but they need to go through a programme and filter out the hate they have for the federation,¡± said Zi Han and Zi Xingxi acquiesced.


    ¡°I will sponsor the building project for the school and the medical centre,¡± said Zi Feiji and Yeoh Jun was very grateful. Since the royal family was put to ruin most of their properties had been plundered and seized. It was going to take a while to recover them.


    This man was broke right now and the few properties Zi Xingxi could save weren¡¯t enough. He was about to praise his father inw for being generous but he soon realised it was nothing like that. There was no free lunch in this world, especially after his son inw acted pitiful earlier and got him a scolding from his daughter.


    ¡°Give your father a drink, an ice-cold one,¡± said Zi Feiji. Memories of the day Yeoh Jun had a drinkingpetition with Zi Feiji resurfaced and he had shivers all over his body.


    Yeoh Jun got so drunk that he woke up with a tattoo on his inner thigh. It was a tattoo of Zi Xingxi¡¯s name. Let¡¯s just say if all their family members took off their clothes they all had tattoos now.


    Zi Han was more than happy to deliver. He handed his father the spirit cooler and clinked them together like they were clinking champagne sses after a toast.


    ¡°You just want to get me drunk,¡± said Yeoh Jun and Zi Feiji chuckled while saying,


    ¡°You want my money, you drink so bottoms up,¡± said Zi Feiji and Yeoh Jun couldn¡¯t help but chuckle softly. He knew what to expect when he got married so he didn¡¯t hesitate.


    The four of them showed up at the event a little turned up. They were like those cousins whoe to the cookout already in a jovial mood after having one or two drinks on the way there.

 Chapter 545 - 545 Severing father and son relationship

    545 Severing father and son rtionship


    The Lin family home wasn¡¯t any better. Yi Chen had already been pacing up and down waking everybody up. He was even supervising the dishes in the kitchen which was something his mother and grandmother were supposed to be doing.


    ¡°What are you... Yi Chen, get out,¡± yelled grandma Lin while chasing her grandson out of the kitchen. Lin Ruoxi couldn¡¯t help butugh.


    ¡°He is just a little nervous,¡± said Lin Ruoxi and grandma Lin couldn¡¯t help but bring back the topic from yesterday.


    ¡°What sort of vixen has him running around the kitchen like a damn housefly?¡± she said and Lin Ruoxi couldn¡¯t help but stifle augh.


    Wait until her mother met Zi Han, she wouldn¡¯t help but fall in love too. When she saw Yi Chen¡¯s smile at that coffee shop she knew that they were meant to be together. Anyone that made her son that happy deserved her entire wealth.


    ¡°Ma, didn¡¯t you say you will be nice?¡± asked Lin Ruoxi stir frying the vegetables.


    ¡°I know. And I am happy he is happy but he should be happy elsewhere but not in my kitchen,¡± said grandma Linying done thew.


    ¡°That boy can¡¯t even cook. He will burn my entire kitchen down,¡± she continued to say. Lin Ruoxi couldn¡¯t even deny that.


    After being chased out of the kitchen, Yi Chen checked the time and so that there were ten minutes left so he messaged Zi Han.


    .....


    Han¡¯sHusband: Baby, where are you now?


    He didn¡¯t get a response immediately making him a little nervous. He closed his eyes and exhaled deeply trying to calm his tense nerves when he heard his grandfather calling his name.


    ¡°Ah-Chen,e here for a second,¡± called out his grandfather who was sitting in the garden perg drinking with the uncles.


    ¡°Damn, I have never seen any other expression on his face. Look at him. He is so nervous,¡± said his mother¡¯s cousin while his uncle handed him a drink.


    Grandpa Lin side-hugged his grandson with a proud smile. ¡°You bagged Zi Xingxi¡¯s kid and survived. Do you know how lucky you are?¡± he said before taking a sip of his beer.


    ¡°Very lucky. She would have buried you a long time ago. You would be a missing person by now. Ask your uncle Jess. He once tried to ask her out and almost lost an eye,¡± said his mother¡¯s cousin the two of them finding it hrious.


    ¡°Congrattions. We wish you a happy marriage. You better not let him go. There is no one in this world who can love you as he does,¡± said grandpa Lin recalling how her daughter was crying all the time until Zi Han left to get Yi Chen back.


    ¡°Too a happy marriage and plenty of children,¡± said uncle Lin raising the can up high.


    ¡°I will drink to that,¡± said cousin Lin before drinking it all down. Yi Chen drank to the happy marriage part but not the plenty of children part.


    ¡°And there he is. He looks like he has it rough,¡± said uncle Lin watching his brother inw trying to convince his sister to forgive him.


    ¡°He offended sister Ru. He knew it wouldn¡¯t be easy,¡± said cousin Lin before taking a good sip.


    It was like watching a dog blooded drama for free. More like a sad romantic movie of a man trying to win his lover back.


    When grandpa Lin saw that her daughter was getting mad he yelled, ¡°Ru-er, y nice!¡±


    Lin Ruoxi pressed the tip of her tongue on her sharp canines almost wishing to bite him to death. ¡°This is not over,¡± she said before going back into the house.


    The dejected former Marshal wanted to follow her but Grandpa Lin for once didn¡¯t want to make it difficult for him. ¡°Ah-Zhen,e join us,¡± he called out and Yi Zhen hesitated. This old man had threatened him when he messed with Zi Han so he was a little afraid of being scolded twice in one day.


    Left with no choice he walked over looking very dejected. When he reached the perg everyone except his son was very weing. His son just stood by his grandfather not saying a word. It was like they were strangers yet they were father and son.


    ¡°So you two are still not talking, huh?¡± he asked and Yi Chen looked away. The old man couldn¡¯t help but sigh. He understood why Yi Chen was angry but this couldn¡¯t go on.


    Yi Zhen who was being ignored by his wife and his son couldn¡¯t stand it anymore. ¡°What should I do to fix it?¡± said Yi Zhen genuinely asking. He had no idea what to do. His wife was even more difficult to coax than before and his son was giving him that mean look all the time like he was about to fight him.


    Yi Chen took a sip of the cold beer before asking, ¡°Did you apologise to him?¡±


    ¡°I did,¡± he expressed a little emotional. He had already given up his antique rifle and now he was about to give up his mine for him so wasn¡¯t that sincere enough?


    Any wise man wouldn¡¯t and shouldn¡¯t say this but being unintelligent emotionally he said it all. Even grandpa Lin couldn¡¯t save him.


    ¡°That¡¯s the problem... Do you think that giving him these things will make up for all of it? Is hecking in all of these?¡± asked Yi Chen his bodynguage speaking volumes.


    Grandpa Lin was even afraid that they will sever ties here as father and son so he decided to talk to Yi Chen alone.


    ¡°It¡¯s alright, it¡¯s alright. Let¡¯s go talk for a while,¡± he said and led him away.


    Yi Zhen was seriously frustrated at this point. Not even a cold beer could clear his mind. ¡°Don¡¯t worry brother inw. It will work out in the end. Just buy jiejie fireworks and done, she is coaxed,¡± he said while handing an icy cold one.


    ¡°This is why I am single,¡± said cousin Lin only for uncle Lin to dunk cold water on him.


    ¡°No, you are single because you are petty and everybody knows that,¡± he said.

 Chapter 546 - 546 Grandpa tries to help

    546 Grandpa tries to help


    The importance of a united family front was finally revealed today. When the father and son couldn¡¯t agree a grandfather could step in and solve the problem. Grandpa Lin took him to the beachfront right past the garden and the two of them walked along the beach silently.


    As the breeze swept past the old man inhaled deeply before exhaling with his eyes closed.


    ¡°Do you feel that? That cool breeze. It has special calming effects. You should try it,¡± he said and Yi Chen nced at his grandfather with a face that seemed to say ¡®its never going to work¡¯.


    Grandpa Lin ced his hand on his shoulder and squeezed gently as though telling him that this wasn¡¯t up for negotiation.


    Yi Chen closed his eyes and did as told. He focused his mind on the cool breeze touching his skin. The sensation spread to the rest of his body recing the heat from his rage before with a tranquil silence.


    Seeing that he listened and he was calming down somewhat, grandpa Lin continued to say,


    ¡°I know he hurt your boyfrie-.¡± Yi Chen interrupted him saying,


    ¡°Fiance.¡±


    Grandpa Lin wasn¡¯t upset at all. He chuckled softly and said, ¡°Yes right right right. How could I forget? Your fiance... but you have to help them reconcile because you two are going to get married. Han Han is going to be family now and we can¡¯t have the two of you ignoring each other, right? It makes the atmosphere tense and hostile which can¡¯t be good for the family, right?¡±


    .....


    Yi Chen could understand what his grandfather was saying but he still couldn¡¯t let it go. He wanted to get Zi Han justice andpensate him but even he couldn¡¯t find anything that wouldfort Zi Han. He could only hate his father for messing things up over and over again.


    Yi Chen pursed his lips and said, ¡°Why though? Why does he hate him so much? Even you didn¡¯t treat him how he treated Zi Han. How can I let that go? He broke his wrist and pped him across the face. He also kidnapped him and forced him to help him find me. That¡¯s very unforgivable,¡± said Yi Chen his anger rising again.


    ¡°Shh shh shh, I know I know. It is unforgivable but we can¡¯t focus on the negative. You know your father best. Try and think through what his thoughts were when he made that decision. I am not siding with him, I just want you to say what you thought your father was thinking when he did that,¡± said grandpa Lin and Yi Chen began to think through it.


    ¡°When he broke Han Han¡¯s wrist he was trying to distance the military from the Bloodgarde,¡± he said and grandpa Lin asked,


    ¡°Why? Why would he want to do that?¡±


    ¡°It¡¯s... its because if the world found out then it would bring trouble to not only Zi Xingxi but my session,¡± he answered as another thought slowly creep up his mind.


    ¡°And when he pped Han Han in the face?¡± asked grandpa Lin and Yi Chen pointed at himself.


    His father was trying to get to him but because Zi Han got in the way he was the one hit instead.


    ¡°As for the kidnapping part. Your father had already done so much to Zi Han and he knew that the moment he showed up in front of him he won¡¯t even get a chance to speak to him so he decided on this method which wasn¡¯t the best of idea but your mother was crying herself to death... I am not saying he was right, I am just saying he was thinking about your future and wanted the best for you but his methods were wrong. All in all, he loves you so much. He loves your mother and he loves your siblings. For you four, he will go to the ends of the world.¡±


    Grandpa Lin had said a lot but he didn¡¯t know if it was changing Yi Chen¡¯s outlook.


    ¡°What if Han Han can¡¯t forgive him?¡± asked Yi Chen and Grandpa Lin replied,


    ¡°You influence him just as much as he influences you. You just have to be willing first and he will listen to you. For the sake of family harmony I hope you two can reconcile,¡± he said before turning to leave leaving behind Yi Chen all by himself.


    He also wanted things to go back to how things were in the past but whenever he recalled Zi Han¡¯s grievances when he was crying about this his heart would ache and he would develop an inexplicable desire to fight his father and make him apologise.


    While he was thinking it through a stealth cruisernded at the front of the property and the Zi family arrived ready to keep the party going. Zi Han was trying his best to stop himself from running into the mansion to look for his lover whom he missed so much.


    Lin Ruoxi received them with a warm smile reaching her eyes. She pulled out her light brain and messaged the entire house toe out.


    Yi Chen was the only one who didn¡¯te that¡¯s because her father told her not to call him. He mentioned something about him having something to think about.


    When grandma Lin saw that cute face she couldn¡¯t help but understand why it had to be him and no one else. ¡°Ohe to grandma... little Han is so handsome no wonder Yi Chen couldn¡¯t stop talking about you. That kid wouldn¡¯t stop chirping,¡± said Grandma Lin almost monopolising him.


    ¡°Uh, grandma. I also want to hug saozi,¡± said Ming Ming pushing through the crowd of adults that were exchanging greetings.


    Grandpa Lin pulled her back while saying, ¡°It¡¯s not your turn yet. Don¡¯t you know him already? It¡¯s grandpa¡¯s turn.¡± Ming Ming pouted as she watched grandpa Lin take her ce.


    ¡°Hello grandpa,¡± said Zi Han while his hand opened and a little guy that had been sleeping sniffed around trying to understand the situation.


    Little nim nim couldn¡¯t understand why they were so many people but it didn¡¯t panic. Ming Ming immediately understood and she took the little guy before running away.

 Chapter 547 - 547 "Childish"

    547 ¡°Childish¡±


    Ming Ming walked out of the crowd only to bump into a pair of long legs. When she looked up she found doctor Kiet standing there while looking at the little Nimsel in her hand.


    ¡°Is that Han Han¡¯s pet?¡± he asked while pointing at it but it showed its butt to him.


    ¡°Yes,¡± said Ming Ming before moving her hand away like she was afraid he would take the little guy away.


    ¡°I heard doctor Kiet dissected a little piggy alive. Not only that but a lizard and a frog too. He wille for you Hansel,¡± said Yi Youxi and a secondter an ear-piercing scream ripped through the sky almost scaring the adults half to death.


    ¡°Youxi! Stop messing with your sister,¡± yelled Lin Ruoxi as she watched her kids running away with one chasing the other.


    ¡°Tsk,¡± she tsked before resisting the urge to take off her shoe and throw it.


    ¡°I wonder how that rumour started?¡± said Doctor Kiet while looking at Yi Feng.


    ¡°What? Do you think I started it... fine, I just wanted to scare Yi Youxi but who would have thought he would turn around and scare Ming Ming instead?


    ¡°He will make an excellent doctor,¡± said doctor Keit referring to Yi Youxi.


    .....


    ¡°More like a mortician. That kid was unfazed,¡± replied Yi Feng and the two of them held hands tightly as they walked into the house with others.


    It didn¡¯t take long to form three clusters. One was in the kitchen and unfortunately, Zi Han and Zi Xingxi were pulled into it with the aunties.


    Yeoh Jun and Zi Feiji joined the others in the garden and with the old men arguing about how to barbeque right.


    Ming Ming and Yi Youxi were ying with the Nimsel and Mr Twiggles after being kicked out of the kitchen by grandma Lin. The house that was tranquil was suddenly noisy but weing to even outsiders.


    ¡°I never thought our inw can cook,¡± said Yi Feng¡¯s mother after pushing Zi Han to the stove.


    ¡°He is so virtuous and tough just like his mother,¡± said Lin Ruoxi and the mother they were referring to was drinking wine while instructing him.


    Zi Han just wanted to find Yi Chen but these women wouldn¡¯t let him go. No matter how many times he slipped away someone with sharp eyes would catch him back into the chaotic cycle.


    This time it was grandma Lin who brought up a subject Zi Han was too embarrassed to talk about in front of people.


    ¡°I heard Yi Chen is nning the bridal chamber. He has been paying so much detail you would think he is nning for the entire ceremony,¡± said grandma Lin recalling how her grandson had been calling her asking questions.


    Zi Han, ¡°...¡±


    ¡°His shopping cart is quite packed. I saw he bought a red quilt, golden chalices and a mirror,¡± said Lin Rouxi while Zi Xingxi poured wine for her.


    ¡°A mirror,¡± asked Zi Xingxi and Lin Ruoxi took a sip before saying,


    ¡°Yes, a mirror. It¡¯s not a small one but about one hundred and fifty centimetres by two hundred centimetres (sixty inches by eighty inches). Why would he need a mirror that siz-,¡± only for Zi Xingxi to choke on her wine so much that she coughed violently.


    ¡°Are you okay? Get your mother some water,¡± said grandma Lin while Zi Xingxi coughed till her face turned red. How could she not know what that kid was thinking? She knew but the rest didn¡¯t and from the looks of it Zi Han had no clue either.


    Unwilling to spoil the surprise she epted the water and drank it all down. Zi Han pat her back worriedly but she constantly reassured him that he was fine.


    Outside grown men were having a barbeque off. You see there is a bake off where theypete in baking but grandpa Zi, grandpa Lin, Yi Zhen and doctor Kiet werepeting to see who makes the best t-bone on the charcoal grill.


    With alcohol as a catalyst and the rest as judges it seemed like an interesting fight.


    ¡°Feng-er can¡¯t vote, he will be biased and vote for his boyfriend,¡± said grandpa Lin disqualifying him directly.


    ¡°No, I won¡¯t. I am an honest person,¡± he said defending himself but grandpa Lin didn¡¯t buy that.


    ¡°Hey, Youxi!¡± he called his grandson who had his body in a sand pit all except his head, ¡°go call Han Han here.¡±


    ¡°But I am buried,¡± he said and grandpa Lin replied,


    ¡°If you don¡¯t go then I will bury you permanently now hurry.¡±


    Yi Youxi sighed while Ming Ming hurriedly unburied him and the little Nimsel instead of helping was doing the opposite pushing sand right into Yi Youxi¡¯s hair.


    After freeing himself with great difficulty, Yi Youxi shook off the sand and walked into the house only to get a scolding from grandma Lin.


    ¡°Ru-er look at your son tracking sand into my kitchen. Look how dirty he is now. What are you three years old?¡± she said while the sweeping robot followed after him like it was going to swallow him as well and spit him out when he was clean.


    ¡°Nana I didn¡¯t want toe inside but grandpa wanted me to call saozi. It¡¯s really not me,¡± he said with those puppy dog eyes that made it hard to stay angry at him.


    ¡°Here,e get a dumpling,¡± she said and Lin Ruoxi was amazed at how fast her mother changed face. Wasn¡¯t she the one that always talked about being strict with the kids and punishment? Yet here she was rewarding bad behaviour.


    ¡°Nana, my hands are dirty,¡± heined and grandma Lin fed her sandy little grandson.


    ¡°Is it nice?¡± asked grandma Lin.


    With his cheeks bulging Yi Youxi said, ¡°Yes of course it is yummy. Nana¡¯s food is the best.¡±


    Lin Ruoxi, ¡°...¡±


    ¡°You kid,¡± she said only for Yi Youxi to run out while holding Zi Han¡¯s wrist.


    Zi Xingxi took a pair of chopsticks and tasted the dumplings before looking at her friend. Lin Ruoxi thought her best friend would side with her but nope.


    ¡°Mm, he is right. Your mum¡¯s dumplings taste better,¡± said Zi Xingxi.


    Lin Ruoxi, ¡°...¡±


    ¡°That¡¯s it. You are demoted. You are no longer my best friend, or friend but acquaintance,¡± she said and Zi Xingxi¡¯s response was simple,


    ¡°Childish.¡±

 Chapter 548 - 548 "How did you know he was the one?"

    548 ¡°How did you know he was the one?¡±


    Zi Han followed the smoke after Yi Youxi had ditched him to go get buried, whatever that meant. When he reached the perg he found four grown men on the grill each with their own T-bone while trash talking.


    Zi Han already had some thoughts. Dr Kiet¡¯s was beyond charred and Yi Zhen¡¯s was charred outside but bloody inside. As for grandpa Lin he seemed to know what he was doing.


    The best out of all four was his grandfather¡¯s. The man could make an exquisite ice cream cake and a T-bone was like child¡¯s y to him.


    ¡°There he is. Here have a beer,¡± said grandpa Lin opening a can for him.


    Yeoh Jun grabbed his son¡¯s shoulder and said, ¡± For your grandpa¡¯s sake you need to drink.¡±


    Zi Han wanted to refuse and change to something sweet but now that his father had mentioned it he couldn¡¯t refuse. He knew this was to get back at him forplying with his grandfather and handing him a spirit cooler.


    He pursed his lips before taking a small sip. ¡°Thank you grandpa Lin,¡± he said while trying his best not to scrunch his face.


    ¡°Is it good? Now drink some more,¡± said Yeoh Jun while tilting the bottom of the can for him.


    Zi Han had on a face like ¡®I am going to tattle¡¯ as he took a long sip.


    .....


    Yeoh Jun smiled slyly while rubbing his back like he was saying ¡®if you tell then you are a mama¡¯s boy¡¯.


    Grandpa Lin wasn¡¯t a novice. He could tell Zi Han was suffering thus he took a piece of butterscotch candy and said, ¡°Here, maybe it will help.¡±


    Zi Han smiled happily and said, ¡°Thank you, grandpa.¡±


    ¡°How naive. Don¡¯t you see he is trying to bribe you so you can vote for himter? It¡¯s a psychology thing. You are going to feel grateful to him for going easy on you. Well too bad my grilling skills are far superior,¡± said Zi Feiji and grandpa Linughed softly while saying,


    ¡°Ohe on. Am I such a person? Though I wouldn¡¯t mind if you vote for me.¡±


    Zi Han raised his thumb with a sweet smile. While they were grilling Uncle Lin asked, ¡°How did you two meet anyway?¡±


    Zi Han sat down next to Yi Feng and the two of them looked at each other. He understood clearly what Yi Feng was trying to say and nodded slightly showing him that he understood.


    ¡°We fought,¡± he said.


    Everyone, ¡°...¡±


    ¡°And who won that fight?¡± asked Yeoh Jun while ruffling his son¡¯s hair for no reason.


    ¡°I did,¡± he said with a toothy smile and cousin Lin called him out on his bull shit.


    ¡°... No fuckin way. You beat him... you?¡±


    ¡°Uh don¡¯t mess with my Han Han he might be a little shorter but he does pack a punch,¡± said Zi Feiji but Yeoh Jun couldn¡¯t believe it either.


    ¡°You must have been B rank at the time so you couldn¡¯t have won. I know you gave him hell but I am fairly certain you lost in the end,¡± he said and Zi Han chuckled while saying,


    ¡°Can¡¯t you give me this at least? Fine I lost but I got him covered in trash,¡± he said before dropping the butterscotch candy in the can. Now he knew where Yi Chen got the habit of carrying this vour of candy from.


    ¡°Well, that is a win in my book. That kid is a neat freak so you definitely got him,¡± said grandpa Lin.


    Sounds ofughter filled the air as the tantalising smell of meat wafted with the cool breeze.


    ¡°And when was it that you knew that he was the one?¡± asked cousin Lin genuinely curious.


    ¡°Now why would you want to know that?¡± asked Yi Feng and he scratched his hair while saying,


    ¡°I am curious. How do you all tell that that¡¯s the one? Was it like a zing or something?¡±


    Yeoh Jun touched his chest and began to act out his y. ¡°For me, it was love at first sight,¡± he said with a dreamy look on his face before Zi Feiji interrupted his little romantic drama.


    ¡°More like infatuation at first sight,¡± said Zi Feiji and everyone got a goodugh out of it.


    ¡°For me we were friends and I honestly never thought I had a thing for him until after ah-ahem,¡± said Yi Feng and Doctor Kiet showed a shy smile on his face. Exmations andughter filled the little perg.


    ¡°I knew on our third meeting but he was straight so I kindly let it go,¡± said Doctor Kiet.


    Zi Han, ¡°...¡±


    Amidst theughter, Zi Han asked, ¡± How about you Uncle Yi? When did you know she was the one?¡±


    Yi Zhen who didn¡¯t think he would be asked especially by Zi Han lowered his head and said, ¡°When I first saw her I felt something strike me hard in the chest and I couldn¡¯t breathe. I was apanying a friend and his girlfriend on a night out and she was also doing the same. I just couldn¡¯t stop looking at her. I told her when the evening ended that she was going to be the mother of my children and she punched me. I had to walk around with a ck eye and refused to get it treated.¡±


    Theughter was no less than when Yeoh Jun mentioned infatuated at first sight. As it died down Yeoh Jun circled back to Zi Han and asked, ¡°When did you know?¡±


    ¡°I don¡¯t know exactly but I started getting annoyed when I saw him get close to others. When I found it was jealousy. It was game over. I was done for.¡±


    ¡°Interesting. That brat definitely took the boil the frog slowly type of approach. He definitely listened to my advice,¡± said Grandpa Lin and Zi Feiji retorted,


    ¡°So it was your idea. I should have known.¡±


    ¡°Alright, time is up. Time to judge,¡± said cousin Lin while handing the contenders tes.


    The four disyed their masterpieces of which two looked like they had stayed in the sauna for too long.

 Chapter 549 - 549 "You don’t expect me to eat that, right?"

    549 ¡°You don¡¯t expect me to eat that, right?¡±


    They cut them up into pieces and started off with Doctor Kiet¡¯s dry and crusty T-bone and everyone¡¯s expressions were unsightly.


    ¡°You don¡¯t expect me to eat that, right?¡± said cousin Lin his stomach already churning.


    ¡°Nobody should have to eat such a thing. Are you trying to poison us?¡± said uncle Lin looking like he was about to vomit. This kind of thing was the type to wreck someone¡¯s taste buds and none of them were willing to risk it.


    The only brave one among them was Yi Feng. He took a piece while Zi Han said, ¡°I feel sorry for the cow that had to make this sacrifice.¡±


    Yi Feng ate it with a smile like it was the best thing he had ever eaten in his life.


    ¡°See this is why you are disqualified,¡± said Grandpa Lin while pointing at Yi Feng who was giving an okay gesture at his boyfriend.


    ¡°How about mine?¡± asked Yi Zhen and Yi Feng who had just swallowed the driest piece of meat said,


    ¡°It looks like it just came from the ughterhouse. It¡¯s still bleeding,¡± he said and he wasn¡¯t lying. It was dripping so much blood that only vampires would eat it. It was definitely undercooked and all of them might for sick. Even if it was premium enough to be served as beef carpio, none of them were willing to take the risk.


    ¡°Nope.¡±


    .....


    ¡°Uh-huh.¡±


    ¡°You should stick to mech and staff because grilling isn¡¯t your thing.¡±


    They weren¡¯t polite about it at all. Yi Zhen also knew it was terrible. Now he felt like he shouldn¡¯t have talked smack before because it was very embarrassing.


    ¡°At least someone ate mine. You on the other hand¡± said Doctor Kiet not even caring that this man was his superior, well, technically his superior.


    ¡°You!....¡± he yelled but when he realised he was telling the truth he couldn¡¯t even think of aeback.


    ¡°So we all agree that that shit looks nasty, right?¡±


    ¡°Yep.¡±


    ¡°Most definitely.¡±


    ¡°I agree.¡±


    ¡°Next.¡±


    Grandpa Lin presented his masterpiece like it was a treasure and passed the te around for all of them to pick a piece.


    ¡°Bon appetit,¡± he said quite confident in his craft and he wasn¡¯t just bragging. It was really good.


    Seeing their eyes squinting with an approved smile he said, ¡°Of course, I am good at this. How do you think I won my sweetheart¡¯s heart? I lured her in with my cooking and trapped her.¡±


    Uncle Lin felt like gagging hearing this. He was always the third wheel on this.


    ¡°Not bad. Sorry, grandpa. I just had to say it,¡± said Zi Han his taste buds tingling in excitement.


    ¡°You see, this one is a traitor. Unlike him I will stick by you so you should at least be nicer to me,¡± said Yeoh Jun and Grandpa Zi humphed before saying,


    ¡°Cleanse your pte, I don¡¯t want him to take credit for my masterpiece.¡±


    ¡°How do you even do that? Will a beer work?¡± asked Yeoh Jun and Zi Feiji gave him the same look he gives Zi Han when he was acting silly.


    After a couple of sips they tried Masterchef Zi¡¯s T-bone and boy was it delicious. It waspletely out of this world and made one¡¯s heart tingle with joy.


    ¡°Wow... this is divine. I feel guilty eating it,¡± said cousin Lin with a look of contentment on his face.


    ¡°Amazing as always dad ow,¡± said Yeoh Jun before his hand was smacked away when he tried to eat the rest of it.


    ¡°I vote for gramps. My taste buds are in seventh heaven. Anyone else,¡± said Zi Han and the hands went up one by one.


    Yi Feng also raised his hand and Doctor Kiet looked at him as though he was injured.


    ¡°I am sorry honey. I willpensate youter,¡± he said and Doctor Kiet smiled like he had won thepetition. It seemed losing also had its benefits.


    ¡°It¡¯s been decided, grandpa Zi is the best person to touch the meat today and if any of us do we might poison people,¡± said uncle Lin effectively passing on the chore that was initially meant for him.


    ¡°Yeah, nice try kid. You still have to take over the grill,¡± said Granpa Lin while patting the back of his neck and he almost stumbled forward.


    ¡°What did I miss?¡± said a voice that had been missing in the crowd.


    Zi Han¡¯s eyes beamed so bright that he couldn¡¯t see anyone else but him. Under everyone¡¯s gazes, Zi Han ran past all of them and literally jumped into Yi Chen¡¯s arms with his legs wrapping around the young man¡¯s waist and hips.


    ¡°Okayyyyy,¡± said Uncle Lin a little jealous of his nephew. The only living thing that gets that excited to see him was his cat that is if it wanted something.


    ¡°It only gets worse from here so I suggest you prepare yourselves,¡± said Zi Feiji warning everybody in advance. His grandson was like a different person when they were together.


    It wasn¡¯t his personality that changed but he became as sticky and sweet as taffy. Forget serving his Grandpa first. If he wanted water he would give Yi Chen first then grandpa. Even his own mother was sidelined so yes he had to warn everybody.


    Zi Han didn¡¯t disappoint. He kissed Yi Chen¡¯s entire face to the point that the young man almost staggered.


    ¡°Baby... babe... babe,¡± said Yi Chen pausing in between because he had been kissed with a loud mwah.


    It was like;


    ¡°Baby....¡±


    ¡°Mwah...¡±


    Babe....¡±


    ¡°Mwah...¡±


    ¡°Babe, everybody is watching,¡± he finally said and Zi Han reluctantly stopped.


    ¡°Never mind us. We are invisible,¡± said cousin Lin and with a click, he took a picture. This was worth posting. Instead of saying something about his rtive finding love his caption was,


    ¡°Single man looking for a lover who would rush over to me like this whenever they see me. DM me if you are single and interested. PS gender isn¡¯t important.


    PPS they should be serious. No hookups.¡±


    Five minutester the back door was opened with a bang and a stout auntie with gorgeous hot pink hair yelled,


    ¡°Leo Gabriel Lin! What possessed you to make this post!¡±


    Cousin Lin, ¡°...¡±


    ¡°Oh shit. Got to go,¡± he said and ran to the beach.


    ¡°You better run young man! When I catch you you are dead!¡± she yelled before running after him with a rolling pin.


    Everyone had a look on their faces that seemed to say, ¡°Stay out of it.¡±

 Chapter 551 - 551 "No no no biting."

    551 ¡°No no no biting.¡±


    ¡°Are you boys okay in there?¡± she asked a little worried. These young people nowadays didn¡¯t know their limits. She was afraid they would get injured on such an important day.


    ¡°Mu mum. We are okay. Just go downstairs and wait for us. We will be down in a minute,¡± said Yi Chen his back t on the ground while staring up at the culprit who was looking at him worriedly.


    Lin Ruoxi still wasn¡¯t reassured so she said, ¡°Young people like you shouldn¡¯t be so impatient. You will have plenty of alone time as soon as we are do-.¡±


    ¡°Mum! Seriously, it¡¯s not what you think,¡± said Yi Chen and Lin Rouxi finally let it go.


    ¡°Okay, okay fine. I won¡¯t say anything. Juste down soon,¡± she said before leaving. Before she could turn towards the stairs a hand suddenly grabbed her before dragging her into the next room. She was about to yell when the person closed her mouth and whispered, ¡°Ru, it¡¯s m-... ouch,¡± before yelping after Lin Ruoxi sunk her teeth into his hand.


    ¡°No no no biting. We have talked about this before,¡± he said and she humphed while folding her arms across her chest.


    ¡°Aren¡¯t you the one who asks me to bite your shoulder hard when we are doing it?¡± she said exposing his little kinks with no scruples.


    ¡°You said you would never say it out loud,¡± he said while resisting the urge to kiss her. How she missed his sugar bear so much and couldn¡¯t wait to hold her in his arms.


    ¡°Babe,¡± he said grasping both her arms, ¡°what can I do to fix this... to fix... us.¡± He pressed his forehead against hers and continued in a whisper, ¡°I am dying inside... Please.¡±


    .....


    Lin Ruoxi pressed her tongue against her cheek with slight annoyance with herself. She couldn¡¯t help but gravitate towards him despite being angry at him. She also missed him and it had been hard on their family but she still couldn¡¯t let it go.


    Her children had moved into her bedroom pushing out their father and she let them. She loved the sleepovers and the pillow fights with her kids but she also missed her big bear. She wanted to cuddle with him so badly.


    ¡°You should apologise to Han Han first and publicly too then we can revisit this, okay,¡± she said and Yi Zhen¡¯s face lit up slightly.


    He wasn¡¯t very good at apologising but if it got his family back then he would do his best.


    ¡°Okay... then can I... can I have a kiss,¡± he said but Lin Rouxi shoved his face away while saying,


    ¡°Nice try buddy.¡±


    After saying that she walked out of the room while rubbing her red cheeks. Being pulled like that into a dark room was a little thrilling for her that her cheeks heated up. She liked it romantic and soft but when she was also into a little rough action thus she couldn¡¯t help but blush.


    Meanwhile, Zi Han helped Yi Chen up with a look of guilt. Just now when he heard Lin Ruoxi¡¯s voice he was so frightened that he kicked him off of him.


    ¡°You broke my back,¡±ined Yi Chen while stretching.


    ¡°Let me get you a medic kit,¡± he said while turning to look for it when his hand was grabbed and Yi Chen interlocked their fingers while saying,


    ¡°Can you heal me? Please?¡±


    He raised his other hand and pointed at his lips while saying, ¡°I need some mouth to mouth resuscitation.¡±


    Zi Han, ¡°...¡±


    How much more shameless could this man be? Quite shameless actually. In fact, he should have earned the title of the most shameless husband of the year booting out Yeoh Jun.


    When Zi Han came downstairs with a white t-shirt and red suit jacket on he was as dazzling as the twin suns of Varanasi but it wasn¡¯t as dazzling as the lip hickey he obviously didn¡¯t have before he went upstairs.


    Behind him was Yi Chen walking slowly with a joyous smile on his face like he had just won the lottery.


    Zi Feiji¡¯s brow arched while Yeoh Jun humphed. He wanted to point a finger at the culprit and yell ¡®shameeee¡¯ but who was he kidding? His wife would kill him and he would end up much worse that the lonely ghost Yi Zhen.


    He had nothing against Yi Chen and even liked him a lot but when he thought of that kissing scene, the man would get into protective mode. No wonder Zi Feiji always messed with him at every chance he could get. It was because he was annoyed that his family¡¯s cabbage was munched on.


    It is customary that fathers dislike their daughter¡¯s boyfriends because they were once young too and knew fully well what was on those boy¡¯s minds. Yes, Zi Han was a man but that didn¡¯t stop Yeoh Jun from feeling a little irritable.


    ¡°Stings doesn¡¯t it? You see, this is why I bully you. It makes me feel better,¡± whispered Zi Feiji and Yeoh Jun suddenly found sce in a fellow sufferer.


    ¡°Just y nice and let him get through the door. Once he is in he can¡¯t get out,¡± whispered Zi Feiji with a forced smile.


    Yi Chen suddenly felt a chill run down his spine and thus he checked where the sinister aura wasing from. What he saw was his future father inw and grandfather smiling and waving at him.


    Yi Chen, ¡°...¡±


    Why did it feel like he was back in high school but this time he was being bullied by older boys? He could absolutely hold his ground against one of them but the other was the emperor so....


    ¡°Ahem... I am d everyone is in a happy and jovial mood. We have alcohol and snacks for those who would like to pad their stomachs,¡± said grandpa Lin and his son raised his hand.


    ¡°Son this is not a ssroom? You don¡¯t have to raise your hand,¡± said grandpa Lin.


    ¡°Okay, if we drink without eating won¡¯t we get drunk early?¡± he said bringing up a fairly good point.


    ¡°Oh well, all of us can handle our liquor except you so drink less,¡± he said and Yi Youxi raised his hand too.


    Grandpa Lin, ¡°...¡±


    ¡°Yes Youxi,¡± he said and Yi Youxi asked,


    ¡°Can I have some too?¡± resulting in both his parents yelling simultaneously.


    Lin Ruoxi, ¡°No!¡±


    Yi Zhen, ¡°Absolutely not!!¡±


    Yi Youxi, ¡°Geez.¡±

 Chapter 552 - 552 Ending the feud

    552 Ending the feud


    The union of two families is a special thing more especially if the parties involved are willing and happy with each other. Theughter and joy thates with it are something out of this world.


    Grandpa Lin couldn¡¯t help but smile joyously while watching his family gathered around and his inws getting along well with them.


    ¡°Okay, let¡¯s begin so we can eat. I know some of you are looking forward to it,¡± he said only for his daughter to tug his sleeve and whisper something.


    Yi Zhen instantly knew it was his turn to speak. His father inw looked at him first before beckoning him over.


    Yi Zhen got up while rubbing his palm with the thumb of his other hand in nervousness. He stood there with his head lowered for a while his feet gravitating toward Zi Han.


    Zi Han had no idea what Yi Zhen was about to say. He just stared at him for a while before staring at Yi Chen.


    Yi Chen on the other hand was staring at his father with slight vignce. Memories of Zi Han crying still haunted him to this day and he didn¡¯t want to go through that again. A few warm fingers suddenly slip in between his and a thumb rub against the back of his hand infort.


    Zi Han didn¡¯t need to use words. Just this alone was enough to calm Yi Chen down.


    His gaze met with his father¡¯s and no words were exchanged but the sh between them could clearly be felt.


    .....


    ¡°Han Han,¡± called out Yi Zhen and Zi Han¡¯s gaze shifted away from Yi Chen towards his future father inw.


    Yi Zhen sighed and said, ¡°It¡¯s not easy for anyone to admit when they are wrong especially when they are... are in a position of power for a long time. I don¡¯t want to be the type of person that doesn¡¯t admit they are wrong so I am standing in front of you and everybody else to tell you that I was wrong.¡±


    ¡°What I did to you was very uneptable and I shouldn¡¯t have done that. I shouldn¡¯t have tried to separate the two of you from the beginning. I was so used to thinking like a Marshal for decades that I forgot to think like a father.¡±


    ¡°I should have considered your feelings... I should have considered my son¡¯s feelings before making the decisions I made. I am very sorry for what I did to you... all of it. I sincerely apologise from the bottom of my heart. I am more than willing to make it up to you for the rest of my life,¡± he said and Zi Han looked him straight in the face listening to what he had to say.


    He thought the man would end it there but he actually knelt down till his forehead was touching the floor.


    Slight murmurs and whispers followed but no one stopped him. He had done horrible things and if this was what it took to move forward then he would humble himself in front of a junior and apologise.


    After twenty to thirty seconds he got up from the ground not expecting any response. To be honest, if he was in Zi Han¡¯s shoes he might not forgive as well.


    Yi Chen rubbed Zi Han¡¯s back not sure who he wasforting exactly. He feltplicated feelings as well because his father had only ever knelt in front of his mother. He couldn¡¯t even recall the offense but the situation was so bad that he had to kowtow before her.


    His father was such a powerful figure who rarely admitted when he was wrong so this came as a surprise for him.


    Seeing that neither Zi Han nor Yi Chen spoke, grandpa Lin was about to open his mouth so they could continue but Zi Han spoke,


    ¡°Grandpa,¡± he said, and the two grandfathers answered simultaneously.


    ¡°Yes...¡±


    ¡°Hm...¡±


    ¡°Sweetie, you have to specify. You now have two of them,¡± said grandma Lin with an infectious chuckle.


    Zi Han stifled a smile before correcting himself. ¡°Grandpa Zi, do you still have it,¡± he said but he didn¡¯t get to finish before his grandfather took out that bottle that had him iming he was pregnant after a few sips.


    What better way to end this than a drink? Grandpa Zi ced the bottle on the coffee table and Old Lu brought over a shot ss.


    Zi Han looked at Yi Zhen who was standing there staring at the shot ss somewhat in a daze.


    He cleared his throat and said, ¡°I love Yi Chen and because I love him I love you all and I want you to ept me. I have more than proved myself to every one of you that I am reliable and will never hurt him, well, not on purpose anyway. I want you to ept me and I would love toe over to your house without any awkwardness or walking on eggshells. I am sure even when hees to my house he wouldn¡¯t want that as well,¡± he said making more sense than the former Marshal could ever have in a lifetime.


    ¡°Contrary to your beliefs, I am a very peace loving person and I love being happy all the time so I won¡¯t hold any more grudges now that you have apologised. It will take time to establish a rtionship between us but at least there isn¡¯t this barrier. As a sign of your sincerity,¡± he continued to say while pouring out some liquor into the shot ss, ¡°then please drink three shot sses as an apology.¡±


    The room that had been slightly tense suddenly rxed a little and Lin Ruoxi showed a bright smile seeming very happy. Zi Han was well-spoken and expressed his feelings well which made her very happy. She was d he was able to speak up for himself.


    Yi Zhen epted the first drink and without stopping he drank it all in one gulp. It was bitter but bearable so he ced the shot ss down and let Zi Han pour out more.


    The second one wasn¡¯t as easy as the first. That¡¯s because it burned as it went down his oesophagus.

 Chapter 553 - 553 "With pleasure yes,"

    553 ¡°With pleasure yes,¡±


    He cleared his throat as Zi Han poured out thest one. This time he gulped thrice as he talked himself into drinking it. After breathing out deeply he tilted his head backwards and drank it all.


    Once finished he showed the shot ss as he said, ¡°I promise you I would never hurt you again. Thank you for giving me a chance.¡±


    ¡°He gave you a chance but I didn¡¯t. You have to at least drink one for my pain and suffering. As a mother, my child is my heart and you treated my treasure horribly. For me you have to drink one only then can we continue with this discussion,¡± said Zi Xingxi as she took the bottle from Zi Han and poured it out.


    Yi Zhen wisely epted it. His wife had already made him understand his wrongs and could understand how Zi Xingxi felt because he also almost lost his son.


    ¡°I apologise for putting you through that. From now on I promise to treat your son as my own,¡± he said his eyes sincere before he drank it down.


    Just as he thought the ordeal was over, Zi Feiji beckoned him over.


    ¡°I also deserve an apology. You are so stubborn and were very disrespectful to your senior even when I tried to tell you that you were wrong. Power truly got into your head. For me, one is not enough. Drink two,¡± he said and Yi Zhen who was already feeling like he was standing on clouds, epted the punishment.


    It took him longer than usual to drink the two shots after apologising to his senior for his wrongdoings. After that everyone looked at Yeoh Jun as though expecting him to say something but Yeoh Junughed softly while saying, ¡°We hashed it out already,¡± that beating was no joke so.... yep.


    ¡°Okay then, now that it¡¯s finalised we can move on to the exciting part,¡± said Grandpa Lin watching his son inw stagger a little before he slumped onto the couch while draping his hand on the backrest behind Lin Ruoxi.


    .....


    ¡°It is our tradition that we have a betrothal ceremony, only the heavens know how we have butchered that after so many generations. We aren¡¯t going to be too strict about things so may the groom present the betrothal gifts to the um other groom¡¯s parents,¡± he said trying to figure out how it would work between two young men.


    It was easier for him to figure it out when it was his daughter because she was automatically deemed the bride. As for these two, there was some ambiguity plus this was his first same-sex couple betrothal thus he had no idea how it works.


    ¡°We decided as a family that Han Han will marry out but it really doesn¡¯t make a difference to us because they are both our sons,¡± said Yeoh Jun and Yi Zhen was a little surprised. Let¡¯s just say that he had been cut out of the family discussion ever since he was dered a repeat offender for offending their inw.


    Yi Chen leaned closer to Zi Han¡¯s ear and asked, ¡°Are you sure that¡¯s what you want? I don¡¯t mind marrying in.¡±


    Zi Han covered his mouth under everyone¡¯s gazes and whispered in his ear. ¡°Your dad broke my wrist and this is the only way I will get that mine. I want it for our future kids.¡±


    Yi Chen, ¡°...¡±


    Who knew this was more about shakingpensation out of the former Marshal? Well, he did the crime and should pay the price.


    ¡°Okay,¡± whispered Yi Chen before standing up along with his aunt and his mother. He had prepared so many gifts for Zi Han and almost fought with his grandma over this, well, that was before she met Zi Han. Now that she met him she wouldn¡¯t mind bringing out all her jewellery to give this amazing cutie.


    The three of them picked up the gifts with the help of the attendants in the house and brought them all over. Because they didn¡¯t want outsiders they had Yi Feng¡¯s mother act as the matchmaker.


    Zi Han had never been to any betrothal ceremony or wedding for that matter so this was a novel experience for him. There were so many gifts from roast pork, wedding cake, hard liquor, wine, candles, cigars, and lots of jewellery including watches, pendants and maybe it was his illusion but he did see some pearl earrings in there.


    Zi Xingxi seemed very much satisfied with the wine and she couldn¡¯t wait to open it. After that Zi Han gave some of the gifts to Yi Chen as part of the ceremony.


    One gift stood out in particr causing Yeoh Jun to double-take. He leaned back and asked Zi Xingxi, ¡°Is that?¡±


    ¡°Yep... don¡¯t ask,¡± she replied not wanting to hear it. She already heard about the mirror thing and didn¡¯t want to know more about the ancient tonic for increasing endurance in bed.


    Yeoh Jun heard what she said but he wasn¡¯t willing to let it go. ¡°They don¡¯t need it but we do so... how about we keep it for ourselves,¡± he whispered his eyes looking at that red box like a hawk.


    Zi Xingxi smacked his shoulder with her backhand and whispered, ¡°Stop staring. Your endurance is bloody fine. What are you trying to do? Kill me?¡±


    ¡°With pleasure yes,¡± replied Yeoh Jun the two of them almost buzzed.


    Let¡¯s not even mention Yi Zhen. The man was as silent as a mouse with his hand resting on his forehead like he had passed out.


    ¡°Time to eat. We can all move to the garden so we can amodate everyone,¡± said Grandpa Lin, and Ming Ming who had sat long enough waiting ran out so fast like she was afraid they will change their minds.


    ¡°Let¡¯s go feast. I want some wine as well,¡± yelled Lin Ruoxi ready to get turned up and she didn¡¯t leave her husband behind either. Today they were bound to learn new things about their families. How fun.

 Chapter 554 - 554 "Do you love me"

    554 ¡°Do you love me¡±


    Zi Han had never drunk and eaten this much in his entire life. He had so much fun that by the end of the evening he didn¡¯t know his right leg from his left. He couldn¡¯t even identify his little babies.


    Mr Twiggles and Hansel were left in the dust with their father denying them with no hesitation. Zi Xingxi couldn¡¯t help butugh.


    Zi Feiji noticed ang just had to ask, ¡°What are youughing about? You also denied Han Han when you got drunk. You said that wasn¡¯t your son because your baby had a big head otherwise how else did it take you ten painful hours to deliver him.¡±


    Yeoh Jun, ¡°...¡±


    He raised ten fingers and mouthed, ¡°Ten hours?¡±


    ¡°What? Your son was stubborn. It was like he was pinching my uterus for hours refusing toe out,¡± she said treating it like a trivial matter but at that time it was in no way trivial.


    She said a lot of things that were eyebrow-raising like ¡®I hate that bastard Yeoh Jun¡¯, ¡®kill me now so I can find him in the afterlife and beat the shit out of him, and the ssic ¡®he said just the tip, no more sex for him¡¯.


    ¡°I have the recording if you want to watch it after this,¡± she said and his eyes widened.


    ¡°Why would you record that?¡± asked Yeoh Jun and she said,


    .....


    ¡°Just in case that little brat bes Disrespectful to his mum in the future. I wanted him to see how hard his mother worked to bring him into this world,¡± she said before pinching the straw in between her lips and taking a nice long sip.


    ¡°Well was he?¡± asked Yeoh Jun and Zi Xingxi asked him back,


    ¡°Was he what?¡±


    ¡°Disrespectful?¡± he said while watching Zi Han being helped into the house by Yi Chen.


    ¡°You think I would let him? He is a little angel just like his pa,¡± she said and Yeoh Jun loved being praised. He picked up a small piece of grilled sausage and fed it to her.


    Zi Feiji, ¡°...¡±


    Was he by any chance invisible? Maybe he really was invisible otherwise his inw would have some form of respect for him, right?


    ***


    Zi Han was rtively well behaved except for his fingers that kept getting into Yi Chen¡¯s t-shirt and trying to touch his nipple.


    Yi Chen looked down at the person who was smiling drunkenly and one word came to mind, ¡®cute¡¯.


    ¡°Do you love me?¡± asked Zi Han and Yi Chen answered softly,


    ¡°Yes.¡±


    Zi Han kept silent for a while as they went up the stairs. Halfway up he asked again, ¡°Do you love me?¡±


    Yi Chen, ¡°...¡±


    ¡°Yes, I do.¡±


    ¡°Do you love me?¡±


    ¡°Baby, I love you. What¡¯s wrong with you,¡± he saidughing out loud.


    Zi Han asked two more times and on the third time Yi Chen decided to test the waters and answered, ¡°Maybe.¡±


    That was the worst thing he could say to a drunk Zi Han. Zi Han was so aggrieved that he cried and no matter how he tried to exin there was no redemption for him.


    When they got in the room he ced Zi Han on the bed and covered him with a quilt. Just as he got up to get him a towel, Zi Han kicked off the quilt and red at him.


    Yi Chen stifled a smile and walked back before kneeling in front of the bed and asking,


    ¡°I I was wrong. How should I make it up to you?¡±


    Zi Han sat up and took out a permanent marker while saying, ¡°Come here.¡±


    Yi Chen knew what wasing but he didn¡¯t refuse. He leaned close and let Zi Han write on his forehead.


    ¡®I love Han Han¡¯ and a heart shape. ¡°Satisfied?¡± asked Yi Chen while his fingertips caressed Zi Han¡¯s lower back.


    Zi Han pointed at his own forehead and said, ¡°Mine too. Write Chen Chen¡¯s husband.¡±


    Yi Chen who was meant to be the mature one of the two smiled happily and wrote ¡®Chen Chen¡¯s wife¡¯ and a heart shape. The smile on his face sold him out but Zi Han was too drunk to think clearly.


    ¡°Is that what you wrote? Why does it feel different?¡± he said but Yi Chen coaxed him.


    ¡°You are drunk so everything feels the same. Stay here let me get you a towel, okay?


    Zi Han obedientlyy down but as soon as Yi Chen disappeared he sat up and walked over there. He found Yi Chen wetting a towel in the sink and without warning he smacked Yi Chen¡¯s ass with a chuckle.


    Yi Chen yed along and let out an exaggerated high pitched moan. The two of them startedughing so much that Zi Han almost rolled on the ground inughter.


    ¡°Ahahahaha what what the fuck was that?¡± asked Zi Han while clutching his stomach.


    ¡°I thought you would like it. Maybe next time you should tie me up and spank me. I will moan like that over and over again,¡± said Yi Chen as he took a step forward.


    Zi Han took a step back with each step Yi Chen took forward, the smile on his face beaming like the full moon.


    With a bam, Yi Chen mmed the wall forcing Zi Han to move back with a jolt till his back was pressing against the wall. Even when startled his smile was quite mesmerising like he was excited about what was toe next.


    ¡°Didn¡¯t I tell you to stay in bed? Go wait for me.¡± said Yi Chen while staring into Zi Han¡¯s eyes intently.


    ¡°Yes daddy,¡± said Zi Han before biting his lower lip looking a little thirsty. He nervously tugged at his pants with his fingers anticipating a kiss but he gave up and rushed back to bed.


    Hey down t and pulled down his cor revealing more of his porcin white skin and beautiful corbone.


    He made sure to take out some chapstick and put a little on his lips. Like sleeping beauty, he awaited the arrival of the prince for some dubious consent kissing.


    When Yi Chen came back this was the scene he was met with. The only thing missing were the seven dwarfs.

 Chapter 555 - 555 Then lets make it real

    555 Then lets make it real


    Yi Chen knew his man was shameless, just not this shameless. When he touched his skin with a cool towel, Zi Han would twist his body subtly and make sex noises like he had been touched in the no no parts.


    In other words, he was deliberately ying with fire. Yi Chen couldn¡¯t help but stifle augh.


    ¡°Babe, that sounds fake. You sound like you are faking an orgasm,¡± he said as he continued to wipe Zi Han¡¯s chest underneath his t-shirt.


    Zi Han turned his head and said, ¡°Then let¡¯s make it real.¡±


    ¡°You are obviously drunk. How many fingers am I holding up?¡± asked Yi Chen and Zi Han raised his hand and started counting slowly.


    ¡°One... two... four... seven...,¡± he said with a serious expression like he really didn¡¯t want to get it wrong.


    ¡°Really?¡± said Yi Chen almost unable to contain himself.


    ¡°Uh husband, now I have to start again. You messed it up. One... three... eight fingers. The answer is eight,¡± he said his voice louder like he was answering at a game show and the prize being ¡®gettingid¡¯.


    ¡°How can I have eight fingers up when I only have one free hand,¡± he said before pinching Zi Han¡¯s nipple with his fingers that were still in there.


    .....


    ¡°Ah fuck,¡± moaned Zi Han as he sat up slightly.


    ¡°Now you aren¡¯t faking it,¡± said Yi Chen and the two of them startedughing so hard that tears came out of Yi Chen¡¯s eye.


    Ten minutester Yi Chen had to go downstairs and get Zi Han some honey water. There were some hangover pills avable but Zi Han insisted on honey water.


    When he entered the kitchen Yi Feng and his boyfriend were chatting it up while Yi Youxi and Ming Ming were ying with their light brains, probably ying a game together.


    ¡°Aren¡¯t you supposed to be asleep?¡± asked Yi Chen while smacking the back of his brother¡¯s head. Don¡¯t ask why? It is what older brothers do sometimes to remind the younger ones who the senior is.


    ¡°Ow... I am going to tell,¡± he said and Ming Ming leaned back and looked at the back of his head. It didn¡¯t look painful at all.


    ¡°If you tell then you are a mama¡¯s boy,¡± said Yi Chen while boiling water.


    ¡°Who said I am going to tell mum? I am going to tell Han Han does that make me Han Han¡¯s hahaha,¡± heughed after running away.


    Yi Chen didn¡¯t run after him but he still warned, ¡°You better run.¡±


    ¡°What happened to your forehead?¡± asked Yi Feng trying to rub it off.


    ¡°He has been branded by his husband. It won¡¯te off unless the husband wants it to,¡± said doctor Keit who was obviously buzzed.


    ¡°Can I have the marker?¡± asked Yi Feng and Yi Chen dly handed it to him.


    Yi Chen warmed up two sses of milk and turned to give his siblings but he caught Ming Ming leaning towards Yi Feng¡¯s wine ss.


    ¡°Uh-uh,¡± he said before confiscating it.


    Ming Ming pouted but she still took the ss of milk. ¡°Thank you,¡± she said while Yi Chen took away the wine ss before cing it next to the pair writing on each other¡¯s foreheads.


    ¡°Thanks,¡± said Yi Youxi and Yi Chen took the honey water before saying again,


    ¡°You should go to bed soon.¡±


    When he returned what he found was Zi Han who had been begging him to hurry back up, had already fallen asleep. Yi Chen sighed as he ced the cup next to the bed.


    He went to take off his clothes and wore pyjama pants before switching off the light. The sound ofughter and music was stilling from downstairs but it wasn¡¯t so bad thus he got underneath the quilt intending to sleep.


    He shuffled closer to Zi Han and pulled him into his arms but his hand suddenly touched warm skin. Disbelieving his sensory perception he felt around Zi Han¡¯s body and he was indeed naked.


    Yi Chen, ¡°Fuck.¡±


    The next thing he knew was that Zi Han was on top of him sucking his neck. From outside the quilt, one could see it moving underneath as the two tangled with each other.


    Yi Chen popped his head out of the quilt to catch his breath while his fingers ran through Zi Han¡¯s hair.


    ¡°Why why did you take off your clothes?¡± he asked and Zi Han answered honestly.


    ¡°Because I want milk. I want you to feed me,¡± he said and the look on Yi Chen¡¯s face said it all.


    ¡°Baby, drink the honey water first,¡± he said and Zi Han¡¯s head popped out from underneath the quilt and took the cup.


    He drank it down in three sips and after he was done he slipped back underneath the quilt. Ten secondster Yi Chen¡¯s eyes widened as the head underneath the quilt begin to move up and down like an oil drill in fracking, slow and rhythmic.


    Because of the warm honey water, Zi Han had drunk his mouth was especially warm and toasty.


    His voice turned raspy and breathy as he gently pressed down Zi Han¡¯s head so he could suck a little deeper.


    Yi Chen tilted his head back and called out Zi Han¡¯s name over and over again from hisfort.


    Because he had drunk his endurance had beenpromised thus it didn¡¯t take long before he released his desire inside Zi Han¡¯s mouth and Zi Han swallowed it down.


    Breathing heavily Yi Chen looked down at his lover who had on an appearance of I have been bullied but It was worth it and wiped away the tear at the corner of his eye.


    ¡°I want more,¡± said Zi Han while wiping the corner of his lips with his mouth before licking that finger sensually.


    ¡°No it¡¯s my turn to eat,¡± said Yi Chen as he sank into the quilt. He smacked Zi Han¡¯s ass with a soft pa sound while sayinge up.


    Zi Han crawled up until his member went right on top of Yi Chen¡¯s mouth. These two as expected wouldn¡¯t waste any chance to get it on.

 Chapter 556 - 556 Slighty NSFW

    556 Slighty NSFW


    While the two lovers were engaging in some drunken fun, Yeoh Jun was sitting on the bed looking at the view of the snow cap mountain in the distance.


    He was in a drunken daze but he hadn¡¯t passed out yet. ¡°Xixi,¡± he suddenly called out and Zi Xingxi who was washing her face answered,


    ¡°What!¡± while pressing her fingertips on her cheeks.


    Yeoh Jun didn¡¯t say what he wanted instead he called out again, ¡°Babe!¡±


    Zi Xingxi sighed as she walked towards the bathroom door whileining internally about why they were the same. Father and son would call out and when she does answer they don¡¯t say what they want but call again until shees to them. She couldn¡¯t help but me herself for spoiling them.


    ¡°Ba-,¡± called out Yeoh Jun again but he was interrupted when Zi Xingxi spoke by his ear.


    ¡°I am right here,¡± she said and Yeoh Jun answered simply,


    ¡°Oh...,¡± as he looked up at his wife with foam on her face.


    ¡°Was it hard? I feel bad because I wasn¡¯t there... Did it hurt so much?¡± he asked and Zi Xingxi raised her brow.


    .....


    ¡°Yes, it was very painful and if you were there I might have castrated you so... it¡¯s a good thing that you weren¡¯t,¡± she said before turning to walk away but Yeoh Jun grasped her wrist to stop her.


    ¡°But you were all alone. Even your father wasn¡¯t there,¡± he said before pulling her and hugging her waist with his face pressed on her belly.


    Zi Xingxi was a little startled as she stared at the man who could be very emotional if he wanted She reached her fingers to ruffle his hair but her hand froze mid-air when she realised she still had face cleanser on her fingers.


    ¡°How could you manage that while you were grieving at the same time?... I am sorry Xixi,¡± he spoke in a muffled voice while nuzzling her belly.


    Zi Xingxi couldn¡¯t help but smile thinking how cute her fiery phoenix was. She said, ¡°I wasn¡¯t alone. I almost broke Lynn Feng¡¯s finger and KK ran around like a headless chicken in a panic. It was really funny to watch... so stop apologising already. It¡¯s in the past and it wasn¡¯t your fault. You should be more concerned about what happened to my body after that. That I will hold you responsible for,¡± she said and he raised his head a little worried.


    ¡°What... what happened? Did you get hurt? What happened?¡± he asked looking very worried.


    He was expecting the worse only for her to walk away from him heading straight into the bathroom. He hastily followed behind and asked again.


    ¡°What happened to your body? Is it serious?¡± he said wishing he could drag her to the medical bay.


    Zi Xingxi sighed as she said, ¡°I gained weight for a while that was so hard to lose... I pee a little each time Iugh. I lost my hair and had a bald spot for a while and let me not even mention my boobs,¡± she said while rinsing her face.


    As she was patting it dry, Yeoh Jun grasped her arm and spun her around before pressing her against the wall. Because she was a little tipsy her response was a little slower than usual. She felt a little dizzy and couldn¡¯t recover for a moment. Before she knew it, her lips were pressed into a hard demanding kiss that she couldn¡¯t respond to immediately.


    When she groaned his tongue slipped into her mouth and explored with no restraint tasting every inch of her tongue with fervour.


    Zi Xingxi sucked on his lips before her teeth sunk into the softness. The enticing aroma of wine made her run her hand on the back of his head pressing him closer to deepen the kiss.


    Sounds of heavy panting and the rustling of clothes filled the dimly lit bathroom as the two took their time, caressing and fondling their bodies with a fiery passion.


    ¡°Aah!¡± moaned Zi Xingxi her voice high pitched and alluring as her husband sucked on her chest. She leaned her head back with her leg wrapped around his hip as she rubbed against him in pleasure.


    Yeoh Jun picked her up and ced her on the bathroom vanity before sweeping everything on the surface to the ground.


    Zi Xingxi red at him for his extreme enthusiasm but before she could say anything he tugged at her blouse that was half open and tore off the top buttons revealing her chest with one of her tits half hanging out of her red bra.


    While sucking on her neck his hand slipped into her garments and began to skillfully rub at that sweet ce like a pro.


    Sounds of moaning and heavy breathing echoed through the room and only got faster and faster before they stopped abruptly.


    Sounds of a belt being unbuckled and a zipper being opened followed before the moaning resumed. Sounds of flesh pounding flesh filled the room and the temperature drastically increased. The two were entangled with each other for a very long time until Zi Xingxi¡¯s legs were trembling.


    She climaxed several times and so did her husband but she was beginning to feel suspicious. Wasn¡¯t his gamey today a little too long?


    Yes, yes it most definitely was. Since Yeoh Jun couldn¡¯t get his hands on the so-called love potion, he couldn¡¯t let it go so he asked Yi Zhen about it and Yi Zhen asked his brother inw. Because his brother inw loved making trouble for no reason he took out another bottle from his mother¡¯s pharmacy where she makes them using ancient recipes. She also made other medicines but their focus was on this particr medicine.


    He gave them each a lid cap full of the medicine after convincing them that it had very little effect. A small lid size wouldn¡¯t even stir up things so he gave them a taste.


    The two men didn¡¯t like the taste at all and washed it down with wine. What he didn¡¯t tell them though was that alcohol was a catalyst. A very good catalyst. They won¡¯t go hard but if they do things will get a little interesting. This was why Zi Xingxi felt something was incredibly off.

 Chapter 557 - 557 Just a dash of NSFW

    557 Just a dash of NSFW


    Just like Zi Xingxi, Lin Ruoxi was experiencing the same fate. She had put her drunk husband to bed after dealing with her naughty kids. Thinking she could rest after a busy day she kissed her husband¡¯s cheek and switched off the bedsidemp before covering herself with the quilt.


    Two minutester Yi Zhen turned over and cuddled her from behind while his hand rested on her belly. Lin Rouxi smiled happily as she pulled his hand up so she could hug his arm. Big mistake, very big mistake.


    Yi Zhen rubbed against her backside like a dog humping his favourite pillow. Lin Ruoxi who originally wanted to sleep felt that sword poking at him and she suddenly got up while reprimanding him.


    ¡°You, ... this is my mother¡¯s house,¡± she said not daring to speak loudly for fear that someone will hear.


    Yi Zhen was a little disappointed and just stared into her eyes seeming very sad. How could a starved woman like Lin Ruoxi not feel anything? She wanted it so bad that shepromised.


    ¡°Just a quickie, okay? I wille on top,¡± she said before taking off her underwear and pulling up her nightgown to her upper thigh. She didn¡¯t even undress him. To her, a quickie was a quickie, ten minutes tops.


    With his hands on her chest fondling her through the fabric she began to writhe and gyrate as sweet cries escaped her throat. The sounds got louder and louder her thrusts long and hard her pleasure amplified.


    Yi Zhen held the back of her neck and pulled her close for a fierce breathtaking kiss as she climaxed.


    Since it was, after all, a quickie she assume that as per usual her husband would vent out all his desires in a couple of thrusts but boy, was she in for a surprise.


    .....


    Things got even more heated and they went through ten of the fifty known sexual positions but like an insatiable beast, Yi Zhen kept going and going. Don¡¯t get her wrong, she enjoyed it a lot but by the time they were done, she was so tired that she passed out with sticky cum all over her belly.


    She wanted to wake up early the next morning and help her mother in the kitchen to make breakfast but that wasn¡¯t going to happen now.


    These two women were so pissed aboutst night that they were ring at their husbands the entire morning.


    Zi Han was also ring at his future husband because when he woke up he had the word wife on his forehead and it wasn¡¯ting off so he was in a very bad mood.


    Sitting while facing each other in the kitchen, Zi Hanined, ¡°You shouldn¡¯t have agreed to my request. I was so out of it... You are usually the responsible one.¡±


    Yi Chen was really trying not tough which was incredibly hard. ¡°You would have cried if I said no,¡± he said and Zi Han¡¯s eyes widened. He vaguely remembered crying but he had no idea why. Even though he knew Yi Chen was right he wouldn¡¯t let him know the truth.


    Instead, he said, ¡°Nonsense, I never cry.¡±


    Zi Xingxi who was passing by couldn¡¯t help but exim, ¡°Really?¡±


    Zi Han, ¡°...¡±


    ¡°Ma... what¡¯s eating you today? You never expose my business in public,¡± he said and Zi Xingxi sneered while ring at Yeoh Jun through the window.


    Yeoh Jun felt that sinister gaze and he shivered all over. Damn, his wife was too scary. He could feel her anger from all the way here. She was mad because he took that medicine and the only reason she found out was because of Lin Ruoxi who also found out after interrogating her brother. He snitched and everything went to shit.


    ¡°Here, some rubbing alcohol and some cotton swabs,¡± said Yi Feng seeming very angry as well.


    ¡°What happened to you?¡± asked Yi Chen and Yi Feng sneered. Last night that beast Kiet went too far. Yi Feng couldn¡¯t understand where he got his energy from.


    They almost broke the bedst night but how could a drunk person have that much energy? It¡¯s only today when he saw his Uncle being hit by a cushion by his auntie did he find out thatst night a group of men who had no business taking a stimnt to enhance their endurance in bed took that love potion and screwed over their partners.


    Yes, doctor kiet experimented as well. In their defence, the drug dispenser didn¡¯t tell them how potent it was when mixed with liquor no matter how small the quantity was.


    ¡°If you see Kiet, don¡¯t tell him where I went,¡± said Yi Feng before rushing away.


    ¡°Oi, I don¡¯t even know where you are going,¡± said Zi Han while Yi Chen rubbed the words off his forehead.


    ¡°Why does everyone seem to be in a bad mood today?¡± asked Zi Han before Lin Ruoxi walked in and dropped a basket on the countertop with a loud bang.


    Inside were onions freshly picked from the greenhouse but she was treating them like enemies on the battlefield. ¡°We need to teach them a lesson,¡± she said chopping those onions like she was chopping Yi Zhen¡¯s third leg.


    When that knife descended Yi Chen shivered subconsciously while silently praying for his father. As though the universe was mocking his prayer his father walked into the kitchen intending to ask if she needed some help but Lin Rouxi turned around with a knife in her hand.


    Yi Zhen, ¡°...¡±


    He ran away so fast that not even his shadow could be seen. After hearing Zi Xingxi and Lin Ruoxi talk about it, Yi Chen suddenly figured out what happened. These three excluded him? Why?


    ¡°Did everybody else take it apart from me?¡± he impulsively asked without thinking only for Zi Han to re at him too. Talk about intentionally harming oneself. Two minutester he was also in the dog house licking his wounds with the rest of them.


    Lin Ruoxi¡¯s younger brother didn¡¯t even dare to show his face otherwise they would eat him alive.

 Chapter 558 - 558 Bribes

    558 Bribes


    Yi Chen wasn¡¯t upset that he was in the dog house with the others, he was upset that he was in the dog house yet he didn¡¯t even try this so-called love potion.


    And these three, no four people left him out. Even his father didn¡¯t even let him on on the good stuff.


    He just nced at the three men sitting on the beach chairs looking at the sea in a daze with their stomachs growling from hunger.


    Yeoh Jun rubbed his tummy after it growl for the nth time and had to ask, ¡°Can¡¯t we send one of your kids to get us food?¡±


    Who else among them had young kids except for Yi Zhen? Yi Zhen nced at him and said, ¡°You know they listen to their mother. Even if I call them now if she says no then it¡¯s a no.¡±


    Yeoh Jun turned to Yi Chen and asked, ¡°How about you? Will they listen to you?¡±


    Yi Chen scratched his head and said, ¡°If I bribe them, yes.¡±


    ¡°Then son-inw. We are all relying on you,¡± he said after patting his shoulder. Yi Chen who was eager to get along with his father-inw swiped his light brain and typed in a message.


    Yi Youxi who was frowning while cutting tomatoes for his mother checked his messages and he subconsciously looked outside the window.


    .....


    Chen-ge: Please bring over four muffins. I will give you the figurine you wanted.


    Yi Youxi was tempted, very tempted but Hydra¡¯s figurine wasn¡¯t enough to entice him. He wanted more. As a newly born weeb, he decided to get his brother to buy him a body pillow for his favourite female character. He bit his lips while ncing at his mother before he hurriedly typed.


    YiYi: I want it and this.


    YiYi: Image2843.jpg


    Two minutester his brother responded.


    Chen-ge: If you tell mum that I got you that I will skin you alive.


    Chen-ge: You have ten minutes and don¡¯t get found out.


    Yi Youxi wanted to respond that ten minutes wasn¡¯t enough but his mother suddenly said,


    ¡°Youxi, why are you in a daze? Where are my tomatoes?¡± she asked and Ming Ming who was folding cute dumplings with Zi Han and grandma Lin tattled, ¡°He is on his light brain.¡±


    Yi Youxi, ¡°...¡±


    His lips contorted as his eyes threatened her. Ming Ming stuck her tongue out at him and the two of each othermunicated with their eyes for a while having a sibling fight in silence.


    With a mother like Lin Ruoxi, they knew the consequences of fighting out loud. She would punish them both by switching off their StarNet ess which was torture for the both of them so they had to fight silently.


    Zi Han saw the faces they were making at each other and couldn¡¯t help but stifle augh.


    ¡°Done,¡± he said and gave her the tomatoes.


    Lin Ruoxi looked at the tomatoes that were meant to be diced with a look of astonishment. These tomatoes looked like they had been through a warzone. One piece was huge and the others were too small.


    ¡°You know if you didn¡¯t want to do it you could have just said that,¡± she said only for Yi Youxi to say,


    ¡°But I tried my best. If I tried my best then I shouldn¡¯t feel bad.¡±


    ¡°Who told you that?¡± she asked while turning to the stove.


    ¡°Dad said it,¡± he said throwing his father right under the bus, ¡°so can I go now?¡±


    Lin Ruoxi didn¡¯t want to bother him anymore so she sent him off. ¡°Go go. You aren¡¯t useful anyway,¡± she said and her mother disagreed.


    ¡°Don¡¯t worry about it Youxi. You are very helpful. You did a great job,¡± she said and Lin Ruoxi¡¯s eyes widened.


    Zi Xingxi chuckled while checking the tomatoes in the bowl. ¡°Wow, it¡¯s like you did it blindfolded,¡± she said and Yi Youxi pouted before looking at his grandma.


    ¡°Nana, can I have a muffin? I am so hungry,¡± he said with a cute smile that could have mothers handing over their wallets.


    ¡°Sure, go get one in the pantry,¡± she said while pinching his cheek.


    ¡°Mum, he won¡¯t eat breakfast if he eats that,¡± said Lin Ruoxi while stirring the eggs in the wok.


    ¡°Well, you should have woken up earlier. My little grandson is very hungry now,¡± said grandma Lin before looking at Zi Han and asking, ¡°Han Han, would you like one?¡±


    ¡°No thanks nana, I am not hungry yet,¡± replied Zi Han while Lin Ruoxiined,


    ¡°And whose fault was it? Argh, I me you, mum. You and your miracle drug. No no nope I me your son. He screwed me over.¡±


    Grandma Lin smiled before mumbling under her breath. ¡°Maybe I will have another grandchild soon. Ming-er will make a good big sister,¡± she said while folding the dumpling.


    ¡°Mum!¡± said Lin Ruoxi while Zi Xingxiughed.


    Ming Ming shook her head frantically. ¡°I don¡¯t like babies. They cry and poop all the time and that is so annoying,¡± she said and grandma Linughed softly while saying,


    ¡°Aren¡¯t you going to have one of your own in the future? Would you give her to your mother to raise?¡±


    Ming Ming shook her head with her hair bouncing from side to side. ¡°Nope... I am going to be a nun,¡± she said and grandma Lin smiled while saying,


    ¡°And you will make a great nun.¡±


    Yi Youxi came out of the pantry with a bag full of muffins in his t-shirt. He passed by his mother in a sh and was about to get out of the door when Lin Ruoxi noticed that his chest was fatter than before.


    ¡°Wait wait wait. Youxi what do you have in there,¡± she asked and Yi Youxi turned to run while yelling,


    ¡°Nothing.¡± He bolted out of the door but unfortunately, he was caught before he could go far. His mother looked small and easy to bully but dang, when she wanted to catch someone she was pretty fast.


    She pulled out the bag inside his t-shirt and asked, ¡°Are you bringing food to your father?¡±


    Yi Youxi didn¡¯t dare lie. He nodded his head and Lin Ruoxi ced the muffins on the countertop before saying,


    ¡°Let them wait... Since you are so nice peel the potatoes for me,¡± she said and Yi Youxi couldn¡¯t help but say, ¡°I wasn¡¯t willing to help. I didn¡¯t do it for free.¡±


    Lin Ruoxi, ¡°...¡±

 Chapter 559 - 559 Greedy goblin

    559 Greedy goblin


    Yi Chen bit his inner lip while looking back at the house. When the door opened he thought it was Yi Youxiing but it turned out to be Zi Feiji, his grandpa and Yi Feng with no food in their hands.


    ¡°Uh, your little brother is so unreliable,¡± said Yeoh Jun when a small packet of butterscotch candy appeared in front of him.


    Yeoh Jun pulled up his sunsses and took it only for two more hands to appear in front of Yi Chen. He had no choice but to take out more of it.


    ¡°Why aren¡¯t you helping in the kitchen?¡± asked grandpa Lin looking at these four sittingfortably.


    ¡°I got kicked out,¡± said Yi Zhen while raising his hand.


    ¡°Why am I not surprised? And you?¡± he asked Yi Chen and he had the same answer.


    ¡°I got kicked out too.¡±


    Grandpa Lin looked at his forehead seeming a little confused. Was this another form of dering one¡¯s love or something?


    ¡°What happened to your forehead? Is this a new kink or something?¡±


    .....


    Yi Chen, ¡°...¡±


    ¡°He probably slept first and Han Han drew on him. We used to do that all the time in high school when we were hanging out. Only that it wasn¡¯t a love deration but a crooked penis,¡± said Yeoh Jun whileughing.


    ¡°We used to draw a moustache and sses,¡± said Yi Feng who had already removed his using the rubbing alcohol he got from his boyfriend who he had been hiding from.


    Doctor Kiet grabbed his wrist and pulled him over making him sit on hisp. Let¡¯s just say Kiet had no shame at all. He didn¡¯t care if grandpa Lin was there and grandp Lin didnt seem to mind at all.


    Yi Feng winced a little but he didn¡¯t struggle. His chrysanthemum blossomed and bloomedst night till he couldn¡¯t think straight.


    ¡°How about we visit the greenhouse?¡± asked Grandpa Lin and doctor Kiet asked,


    ¡°Is there food?¡±


    ¡°Yeah, let¡¯s go. There are fruits and veg-,¡± replied grandpa Lin only for the emperor of Onyx federation to dash in the direction of the greenhouse like he had been starving for a year. In his defence, one of the side effects of ying too much was extreme hunger.


    ¡°AH-Zhen, go make sure he doesn¡¯t eat your Mother inw¡¯s peaches otherwise we will all sleep outside,¡± he said and the former Marshal had to run after him before it was toote.


    Well, was it toote? Yes, yes most definitely. She had been trying to grow this tree for a while and this was her third try. This time it didn¡¯t die and she had finally got some peaches growing and now they had just let the goblin inside the garden.


    She was like God when it came to that apple tree and just like God who threw them out, she was probably going to ban her inw on this.


    When Yi Zhen got there this man was biting through the third one. ¡°Your majesty stop just stop,¡± said Yi Zhen and Yeoh Jun was confused.


    ¡°Please, step... step away from the peach tree... nice and slowly. Do not and I repeat... don¡¯t touch another peach,¡± he said and Yeoh Jun nced at the rare red fleshed peaches and said,


    ¡°What? It¡¯s just a peach.¡±


    As soon as he said that grandpa Lin and the others arrived and the old man who was always calm suddenly panicked.


    ¡°Damn it, how did you not see the sign? It¡¯s right there,¡± said Grandpa Lin pointing at the little man holding a peach with his head tilted like he was about to eat it and a red circle with a red line slit across the picture clearly indicating that one shouldn¡¯t eat them.


    If that wasn¡¯t enough there were words written in bold and a not so hard to miss red colour. Grandpa Lin even forgot for moment that he was talking to the emperor of the Onyx federation.


    ¡°Just no one mention it... The trick is to deny deny deny if she asks. You can eat anything else just not the peaches,¡± he said and everybody nodded their heads in understanding.


    After padding their stomachs with fruit they casually strolled back to the house only to find Lin Ruoxi ordering her little brother around while he was setting the table.


    ¡°You know I am a grown man, right? You can¡¯t be bullying me like this,¡± heined but Lin Ruoxi who had been tossed and turnedst night because of him didn¡¯t spare him.


    ¡°Next time you will stay out of my business. That fork is crooked, fix it,¡± she said only for her father to pat her shoulder while asking,


    ¡°Why are you so fierce?¡±


    Lin Ruoxi¡¯s brows furrowed when she smelt the aroma of something very sweet. ¡°Ask him what he did first... Is that? Did you guys eat mum¡¯s peaches?¡±


    Yeoh Jun, ¡°...¡±


    Everybody, ¡°...¡±


    ¡®Damn, was she a sniffer dog in her past life?¡¯ thought Yeoh Jun smelling his breath.


    ¡°Oh hoho someone ate mum¡¯s peaches. You are so dead. All of you,¡± she said only for grandma Lin to walk out holding a casserole dish.


    ¡°Ru-er, why are you speaking of such inauspicious words on a happy asion?¡± she reprimanded her but Lin Ruoxi didn¡¯t snitch. She just smiled at them knowing fully well that her mother would eventually find out.


    ¡°Mm something smells sweet like like... peaches,¡± said grandma Lin. Because of the concoctions she mixed herself she had a keen sense of smell and knew what that scent was and where it wasing from.


    ¡°I I uh,¡± said Yeoh Jun only for Grandpa Lin to interject,


    ¡°It¡¯s his new shampoo. It smells really good right?¡±


    ¡°What shampoo? He and Zi Han share that tear-free shampoo. It¡¯s berry st, not peach,¡± said Zi Xingxi unknowingly selling out her husband who ate the peaches despite the warning not to.


    Everyone, ¡°...¡±


    Yeoh Jun, ¡°I am so dead. At least let me eat first.¡±


    ¡°You ate my peaches in the greenhouse didn¡¯t you?¡± said grandma Lin almost terrifying Yeoh Jun half to death. Grandma Lin reminded him of his mother. He could never lie in front of her. Even when she was dead he couldn¡¯t lie in front of her portrait.


    ¡°I am so sorry,¡± he said his head lowered like a guilty golden retriever after getting into trouble.


    Zi Xingxi, ¡°...¡±


    ¡°You ate... oh god,¡± she said feeling bad. She should have fed him, now he had caused trouble.

 Chapter 560 - 560 The end of the peaches saga

    560 The end of the peaches saga


    Zi Xingxi couldn¡¯t help but shake her head unwilling to look at her greedy husband. How hungry was he?


    With her hand covering her face she asked, ¡°Why would you eat her peaches? She has been talking about it for a very long time,¡± in a low whisper.


    ¡°It wasn¡¯t on purpose,¡± he said grabbing her other hand for her to touch his belly before continuing, ¡°my tummy had been growling in hunger plus my stomach is almost sticking to my back. I was very hungry for some reason.¡±


    Grandma Lin couldn¡¯t help but re at her son who started all of this. That concoction was no joke especially when alcohol was added to the mix.


    ¡°It¡¯s my fault for not locking it up. You don¡¯t have to worry about it,¡± she said and Yeoh Jun felt even worse.


    ¡°No no, I feel bad. I need topensate you for it. How about this? I have a bottle of peach wine here?¡± said Zi Xingxi dealing with the matter like when she dealt with people after Zi Han caused trouble.


    ¡°Ah, no ne-,¡± said Grandma Lin before Lin Ruoxi called out,


    ¡°Mum.¡± Grandma Lin sighed and thanked Zi Xingxi. The reason why Lin Ruoxi said that was because she knew Zi Xingxi wouldn¡¯t let it go. It was best they end it here before Zi Xingxi took out more valuable things topensate for a few peaches.


    With that said the peaches incident came to an end that is except for Yeoh Jun. He knew how dearly Zi Xingxi held wine in her heart. She had the biggest collection known to man, it¡¯s just that she kept her best collection as far away as possible from the little goblin that she gave birth to and her father.


    .....


    Now that she had given up a rare peach wine bottle she had kept for who knows how long, he knew that the price,ter on, would be very high.


    ¡°Okay, let¡¯s eat,¡± said Grandma Lin and the men who were greedily staring at the food looked like they had been granted amnesty.


    The table felt silent for a short moment with the only sounding from the cutlery and dishing spoons. Yeoh Jun first ced food on Zi Xingxi¡¯s te trying to butter her up but he would have to do more than that.


    Yi Zhen was also inspired to coax his wife but these women were really not buying this sugar-coated sweetness.


    Zi Han on the other hand had bigger problems. While others coaxed by piling their partner¡¯s tes with food his man was messing with him underneath the table.


    It started with Yi Chen¡¯s hand on his thigh rubbing gently as though to soothe him. Zi Han threw that hand away but soon enough he was back again and this time it was the inner thigh.


    Zi Han jolted and dropped his chopsticks before ring at Yi Chen. Yi Chen kept a straight face while cing some egg and scallion crepe on Zi Han¡¯s te like he wasn¡¯t the one touching him just now.


    Zi Han wanted to say something but he just parted his lips when Yi Chen leaned in closer like he knew he wanted to say something.


    He moved so close that Zi Han¡¯s lips identally brushed past his ear lobe.


    Zi Han wanted to say not so close but he found himself ncing at that ear lobe and suddenly having the urge to take a bite.


    Yi Chen turned his head slightly and mouthed, ¡°If you keep staring, I am going to get hard.¡±


    The two of them locked gazes staring at each other hard with the sexual tension between them simmering like ake ofva deep in the crate of a volcano. Zi Han suddenly felt very thirsty thus he licked his lower lip and gulped with his Adam¡¯s apple bobbing. He was obviously thirsty as fuck. It was written all over his face.


    Having lured the fish into his trap, Yi Chen bit his lower lip, with a slight quirk at the corner of his mouth.


    ¡°Ahem, hem... hem,¡± were the sounds of Yeoh Jun harshly clearing his throat seeing these two going too far.


    Ming Ming looked at this uncle as she scratched her face and said, ¡°Uncle it¡¯s the peaches. It must be stuck in your throat. Nana said that if we eat the peaches without permission, they will get stuck in your throat and a peach tree will sprout.¡±


    Yeoh Jun, ¡°...¡±


    Everybody couldn¡¯t help butugh at this obvious lie grandma Lin used to prevent anyone from robbing the peaches.


    Yeoh Jun decided to indulge this little girl and asked, ¡°Then what is the cure?¡±


    Ming Ming tried to recall and when she did recall it she said, ¡°Nana said that you have to drink bitter gourd juice three times a day and confess your crime in the ancestral hall.¡±


    Yeoh Jun, ¡°...¡±


    The man who couldn¡¯t stand bitter things just like his sun almost cried tears of blood. He wouldn¡¯t be able to survive through a single sip.


    While Yeoh Jun was shivering subconsciously trying to get the thought of drinking that stuff out of his mind, Zi Han was removing Yi Chen¡¯s hand from his thigh before whispering,


    ¡°Keep your hands to yourself.¡±


    Yi Chen was obedient, almost too obedient for Zi Han to feel at ease. Sure enough, Yi Chen didn¡¯t disappoint. He ced his leg over Zi Han¡¯s obediently keeping his hands to himself.


    Zi Han, ¡°...¡±


    What could he do? The man had found a loophole to exploit. Zi Han couldn¡¯t believe it. The shamelessness in this man was upgrading each day. Ever since he found Yi Chen in the Republic, the man was even more unrestrained and would flirt with him at any chance he could get like right now.


    While these two were flirting while eating, Yi Youxi eximed when he saw that he couldn¡¯t connect to StarNet. He knew his mum had nothing to do with it but she couldn¡¯t help but call out to his mum his tone usatory.


    ¡°Mum! I can¡¯t connect to StarNet, ugh. Is this because of the tomato thing? I promise I will dice them to perfection next time just please turn it back on.¡±


    Lin Ruoxi, ¡°...¡±

 Chapter 561 - 561 Amazonian ready for war

    561 Amazonian ready for war


    ¡°You kid, am I that type of person in your eyes? Am I so ideal that I would cut your ess so you can bother me all day?¡± she said and she was right. Without StarNet her kids would turn to her for entertainment.


    ¡°Uh uh don¡¯t me your mother. When there is a storm in the northern hemisphere it messes with the connection. The storms rarely happen though so it will be back on soon,¡± said Grandpa Lin and the inte addict Yi Youxi almost cried tears of blood.


    ¡°When is soon? An hour, two hours... ten hours? I can¡¯t survive that long. I will die from boredom,¡± he said as panic sat in.


    ¡°We can y a game, yay!¡± said Ming Ming and the adults could all agree.


    ¡°How about we y baseball?¡± asked Leo Lin (cousin Lin) but a lot of heads shook no.


    Comints like it¡¯s too hot or I can¡¯t run echoed in the air. ¡°How about we go swimming?¡± asked uncle Lin but it was Ming Ming¡¯s idea that took the trophy.


    ¡°Water balloon fight. We can have two teams and whoever wins won¡¯t have to cook till we go back,¡± she said and the girls who had been doing most of the cooking scoffed.


    ¡°We have been doing the cooking anyway so what¡¯s the point?¡± said Lin Lin Ruoxi and Yi Youxi came up with a better idea.


    ¡°The losing team cooks and get to perform any act of the winning team¡¯s choosing on thest night. Mum, I bet someone offended you and you would like to get back at them,¡± he said while winking and nudging in his dad¡¯s direction.


    .....


    ¡°Okay then, it¡¯s a n,¡± said Zi Xingxi and everybody seemed on board except Yi Zhen. He wanted to be on the same team as his wife but his wife had a score to settle.


    ¡°So wife, we will be in the same team,¡± said Yeoh Jun draping his arm around Zi Xingxi but his wife didn¡¯t cooperate with him.


    ¡°Ah no, I have a score to settle with you so why would we be in the same team? Han Han, are you in? With two snipers, I don¡¯t think your father¡¯s team will stand a chance,¡± she said and Zi Han high-fived her hand before turning to his grandfather.


    ¡°Grandpa Zi, are you joining our team m?¡±


    ¡°Hmph... I am too old for that. I will be the judge and the bartender,¡± he said and grandpa Lin agreed with him.


    ¡°I will bring out snacks so you guys have at it,¡± said grandma Lin and thus the afternoon was decided.


    Two hourster Zi Han was stretching his arms getting ready for war when Yi Chen walked over with a bottle of water.


    He unscrewed the cap open and handed it to him only for Zi Xingxi to yell, ¡°Han Han, no fraternising with the enemy!¡±


    Yi Chen, ¡°...¡±


    ¡°Ma said no,¡± said Zi Han while giving back the sk bottle shaped like a panda.


    Yi Chen took it back while saying, ¡°I chilled it for you and the temperature is perfect for this heat. Why wouldn¡¯t you ept my good intentions?¡±


    Zi Han chuckled softly as he took a step forward to whisper in his ear. ¡°You think I don¡¯t know that you want to poach me? Not gonna happen,¡± he said and intentionally or unintentionally brushed his lips on Yi Chen¡¯s ear lobe.


    Zi Han took the bottle bag and said, ¡°You better bring all you got baby,¡± before turning to leave.


    Yeoh Jun ran over after that and asked, ¡°Did he say yes?¡±


    Yi Chen, ¡°...¡±


    Ming Ming who had decided to be in her father¡¯s team took out her mother¡¯s lipstick that she took who knows when and asked to draw two stripes on their faces.


    ¡°Ming-er, we don¡¯t need to do all that,¡± said Yi Zhen wondering why she even chose to be in their team. He honestly thought she would go and partner up with her mother. She was just going to be a liability. It¡¯s not that he was discriminating against his daughter but that his daughter was terrible at throwing and aiming. His wife was exceptional at it but his daughter... she was not good at any sport which he didn¡¯t mind. It¡¯s just that now that she was on his team it was a very big problem.


    What he didn¡¯t know was that she was going to but Yi Youxi somehow convinced her to join their dad¡¯s team. That is because Yi Youxi already knew that his mother¡¯s team was going to win. He could feel it deep in his bones thus he wanted to be with the winning team at any cost.


    ¡°We have to do it. It¡¯s a tactic for yers to intimidate their opponents. Now please lower your head dad and let me do this,¡± she said and Yi Zhen had no choice but to lower his head.


    The four men had red lipstick on their cheeks which looked ratherical but seeing the smile on Ming Ming¡¯s face they let it slide.


    ¡°Happy now?¡± asked Uncle Lin wishing he could wipe it off.


    Ming Ming nodded her head happily before giving the lipstick to her uncle.


    ¡°Uncle draw it for me. Two for each side,¡± she said and who in their right mind wouldn¡¯t say yes to that face?


    With their lipstick on, the team of men and a little girl walked to the huge dish filled with colourful balloons.


    ¡°Babe, you owe me a new lipstick. Your daughter used it on your faces so you should reimburse me,¡± said Lin Rouxi and Yi Zhen nodded while smiling happily d that his wife was actually talking to him. This was better than being ignored. ¡±


    ¡°I will buy you another one Babe,¡± he said then she retorted back,


    ¡°You better. Now get ready to eat my dust.¡±


    Yi Youxi couldn¡¯t help but stand in front of his mom and reprimanded her. ¡°Mum, no fraternising with the enemy,¡± he said and she gasped with a look of you kid, that¡¯s not fraternising.


    ¡°I was trash-talking,¡± she said and Yi Youxi shook his head saying,


    ¡°That wasn¡¯t even remotely close to trash-talking.¡±


    ¡°Yea, that sounded more like flirting than trash-talking,¡± said Zi Xingxi enlightened by her best friend.


    ¡°Then how would you say it?¡± she asked and Zi Xingxi was eager to demonstrate.


    ¡°Your posture should be intimidating and intense like this. And then you say ¡®you will eat my dust you cheeky bastard¡¯ like that.¡±


    ¡°Yikes, that¡¯s harsh,¡± said Lin Ruoxi but when she finally said it it felt so good and empowering in a weird way that she couldn¡¯t stop trash-talking her husband. Was this what sports felt like? She felt like an amazonian ready to go to war.

 Chapter 562 - 562 Leila is Kiet?

    562 Le is Kiet?


    ¡°The rules are simple. If you get hit once, you are out and you cane over here and enjoy some snacks and cocktails. When I blow the whistle you cane to the front and pick up as many water balloons as you can and you have a thirty-second gap to run. You can utilise any part of the back yard including the maze,¡± said grandpa Lin enjoying this great power thates with being a patriarch.


    ¡°We are going to let them win, right?¡± asked Yeoh Jun knowing fully well how much of a sore loser his wife was.


    ¡°If we do that and they find out it will only make things worse. I just got back into bed. I am not sleeping in the office again,¡± said Yi Zhen just crossing his fingers that they would lose for the sake of peace.


    Yi Chen who heard all of this couldn¡¯t help but turn his head to look at them. He let Zi Han win so many times but he never thought about what would happen if Zi Han found out that he was holding back. Realising that the penalty ording to his father was getting kicked out of bed, Yi Chen suddenly felt unhappy. Recalling how hard it was for him to part with Zi Han over the years he didn¡¯t want to go through that again.


    ¡°Just put up a fight but don¡¯t make it too obvious when you ck off,¡± said doctor Kiet his gaze following Yi Feng where ever he went.


    As soon as an agreement was reached the whistle was blown and they set off grabbing as many balloons as they could. They wanted to go easy on their partners in a not-so-obvious way but they had no idea how organised they were.


    Zi Xingxi came up with a formation that put them at a disadvantage. Two marshals, one emperor, an Onyx federation renowned surgeon and a mech engineer were defeated in a heartbeat.


    Why wasn¡¯t uncle Lin included? It was because his own teammate took him out. When it happened he was hiding with them behind a brush when his back felt wet. ¡°Why?¡± he asked and Yi Zhen¡¯s answer then was,


    ¡°You put us in this situation in the first ce brother inw,¡± he said and after being betrayed by his own teammates he walked back to the patio drenched in water. He looked like a wet poodle after being caught in the rain.


    .....


    ¡°Oh, my poor baby. Who got you? Was it your sister?¡± said Grandma Lin while wiping his hair with a towel.


    ¡°No, it was brother inw,¡± he said and none of them could sympathise with him.


    ¡°Dad, that wasn¡¯t nice. Uncle looked so sad. He looked like he was going to cry,¡± said Ming Ming only for her father to say,


    ¡°You should be feeling sorry for me not him. Didn¡¯t you see that your mum is angry with me,¡± said Yi Zhen but Ming Ming shook her head. It seemed she didn¡¯t think her dad was sad at all.


    ¡°Shh shh, I I hear something. I think we should split up instead of staying as a group. If they catch us all then it¡¯s game over,¡± said doctor Kiet and everybody nodded.


    ¡°You go left and we go right. Circle the maze,¡± whispered Yeoh Jun and they split up.


    Yeoh Jun kept his head low while walking through the bushes with doctor Kiet behind him. When they reached the end of the passageway they heard the sound of Yi Youxi¡¯s voice whispering loudly.


    Yeoh Jun made some hand signals and doctor Kiet slowly approached the turn only for a water balloon toe falling above his head.


    With a ssh, the good doctor was eliminated by his future mother inw. Yi Youxi had long retreated after trying to drag his aunt back but she was immersed in gloating after her victory that she refused to return to base.


    ¡°Oh how I have been waiting for this day, Kiet and it feels so good,¡± she said whileughing manically like an evil superviin after plotting her revenge.


    Doctor Kiet wiped his face with a defeated look before asking, ¡°Why do you dislike me? I have tried everything to make you like me but you always give me that side eye like I am a robber.¡±


    Auntie Yi was a little startled. She didn¡¯t think he would ask that. ¡°It¡¯s because you broke a perfectly good rtionship. I knew my son liked Le and you just swooped in and bam you had his stripe on your arm. I will pretend that I like you in front of him but I still don¡¯t like you,¡± she ran her mouth making it difficult for Yeoh Jun toe out now and strike her with the water balloon.


    ¡°What?¡± asked doctor Kiet a little surprised.


    ¡°Yes sure, he denied that he liked her but I could see it. The way he smiled at her, the way they yed together and went everywhere together it was obvious that they liked each other but you just had to sleep with him and bam Le vanishes into thin air and I can¡¯t even speak to her. Poor girl, she must be so heartbroken,¡± she said throwing a fit only for doctor Kiet to stare at her all wide eyed.


    Couldn¡¯t she recognize him? Was he that different in drag? How could she possibly not recognise that he was Le in drag? It meant Yi Feng never confessed to his mother that Le was he and he, Kiet, was Le.


    ¡°I am Le,¡± he said and Yeoh Jun who was enjoying the gossip dropped one water balloon by ident attracting auntie Yi¡¯s attention.


    ¡°Is this an ambush? Did you n this you cheeky bastard?¡± she yelled while running away but Yeoh Jun didn¡¯t miss his target. With a dull pop sound, she was hit on the back and auntie Yi was out of the game just like that.


    ¡°You set me up just like you set up La. You are so unbelievable,¡± she said while tugging at her t-shirt that was drenched in water.


    ¡°Auntie, I didn¡¯t set anyone up. I am La,¡± he said and the older woman looked at him like she was looking at a fuckin idiot.

 Chapter 563 - 563 How do you tuck it in?

    563 How do you tuck it in?


    Yi Feng who heard from Yi Youxi that his mother was fighting with his boyfriend, ran over only to hear this awkward conversation.


    Knowing what wasing, Yi Feng turned his foot silently before making a run for it. But before he could run far, his boyfriend saw him and asked, ¡°Baby, you didn¡¯t tell her?¡±


    Yi Feng, ¡°....¡±


    Yes, he didn¡¯t say it. That¡¯s because his mother liked Le so much despite having met her a handful of times. Whenever she saw her, she would mention getting the two of them together and how much Le was a positive influence in his life.


    That was indeed the truth, he met Kiet when he was in a bad space and they became close friends. Whether he was Kiet or Le they were the same person who stuck close by him in the dark times. His family was there but he didn¡¯t want to disappoint them further so if he was struggling he wouldn¡¯t go to his mother or Yi Chen but he would go to Le a.k.a. Kiet.


    They were super close and his mother mistakenly thought they had a thing. Well, at that time he thought she was mistaken but now looking at it her mother had a sixth sense about these things. She knew he loved Le before he even knew he had feelings for her.


    When he got together with Kiet, his mother would ask about Le and talk about how she would love to go shopping with her and have a girls¡¯ night out. He should have confessed then but he felt like she would be upset. Who would have thought today would be the day she found out?


    ¡°Mum... Kiet is Le. He... how do I exin this. He dresses up as Le sometimes,¡± he said but his mother couldn¡¯t believe it.


    ¡°No way... but the face, the eye colour... it¡¯s different. Plus where does your... you know... where does it go. It can¡¯t just disappear underneath the skirt. You can¡¯t put it on and take it out. Plus these, Le had these and you are as t as a pancake,¡± she said referring to her boobs.


    .....


    ¡°Well, I,¡± said doctor Kiet about to exin when a dull pop sound that was now familiar to the three of them echoed.


    Ming Ming giggled as she said, ¡°I got you,¡± before running away with her dad.


    Yi Feng, ¡°...¡±


    ¡°Mum, let¡¯s go talk outside the maze. I will exin everything,¡± said Yi Feng but his mother was clear about it.


    ¡°I don¡¯t want to hear from you. Come, Kiet, you tell me everything starting with the boobs thing. Do you grow them or is it like a hormone therapy thing or a pill? They looked so freaking real.¡±


    Kiet didn¡¯t expect the direction of this conversation to go there. He answered honestly, ¡°No, I put on a snug-fitting bra and then put the silicone breast enhancement pad in each cup of the bra and it pushes my skin toward the centre to create the illusion of a... cle cleavage.¡±


    He had exined test results and medical procedures to patients before but he had never had to exin how he dresses up in drag. He never imagined that one day he would be exining to his mother inw how he got dressed up.


    ¡°Really? So how about your sausage? I reckon it can¡¯t be so small that you can¡¯t see it through the skirt, is it?¡±


    Doctor Kiet, ¡°...¡±


    He could tell she was genuinely curious so he didn¡¯t have a problem exining it as respectful and less embarrassing as he could.


    ¡°I have a tuck kit and I tape it down with um tape,¡± he said his ears turning red.


    ¡°Does it hurt?¡± she asked seeming genuinely concerned for him.


    Doctor Kiet shook his head no while saying, ¡°It doesn¡¯t and if it does then they are probably doing something wrong.¡±


    ¡°How about the makeup? Le looked so you know... she had soft features... and the eye colour. How on earth is that possible? I mean it¡¯s interesting and everything but how do you manage to do that?¡± she asked as they stopped along the hillside.


    Yi Feng who had been chased off by his mother kept looking back at them constantly but they didn¡¯t even check on him. With his back slumped he walked up and uncle Lin tossed a scrunched up chocte wrapper at him and asked, ¡°What¡¯s up with that sour face? Did he dump you?¡±


    ¡°No... why would you even ask that?¡± he said tossing back the wrapper.


    ¡°I don¡¯t know. So we can be single together. It¡¯s boring out here,¡± he said as Yi Feng sat next to him.


    ¡°How are you up here already? That¡¯s too fast even for you,¡± he asked while picking up a cupcake from the nearby table.


    ¡°I got betrayed by my teammates. They stabbed me right in the back,¡± he said and Yi Feng couldn¡¯t help butugh. He didn¡¯t think there was anyone as miserable as him. At least it was Ming Ming who got him and not his teammates.


    ¡°I thought those two don¡¯t get along. What¡¯s up with that?¡± he asked and Yi Feng shifted his gaze from the cupcake he was peeling the baking cup off of.


    When he saw themughing he suddenly felt a sense of ease. ¡°They are getting along now. It¡¯s a good thing,¡± he said with a beaming smile that grew into a burst ofughter when he saw Leo Lin being chased out of the maze by his mother.


    ¡°Mum, that¡¯s not how this game works. You can¡¯t take me out when you are already out of the game,¡± he yelled while running.


    ¡°Why can¡¯t I when you took your own mother out of the game? Who does that? What kind of son are you? Unfilial, that¡¯s what,¡± she said while throwing one more water balloon at him.


    It turns out Leo Lin thought it would be a great idea to get back at his mom by taking her out. This was already a very bad idea from the get-go but it was made worse when he identally hit her face with it. Her face wasn¡¯t what he was aiming for but that¡¯s what happened so... yep.


    Now should the referee or judge intervene? Yes. But did he? Absolutely not.

 Chapter 564 - 564 Ming Ming, the little swindler

    564 Ming Ming, the little swindler


    AN: I have been writing these family chapters topensate you for the pain and suffering from the several separations before. I truly hope you like them. Happy reading.


    Zi Han peeked through the thick hedge and saw that Leo Lin wasn¡¯t officially out of the game yet so he chuckled softly before throwing the water balloon over the hedge.


    Like a bomb dropping from the sky, it descended upon him and with a loud pop he was out immediately. Grandpa Lin blew the whistle and shouted, ¡°Leo, you are out.¡±


    ¡°Damn,¡± he cursed while looking at the maze with resentment.


    Zi Han was about to get up and run because he knew someone would find him soon when saw a someone standing behind him. His heart jolted as he cursed, ¡°Fuck... where did youe from?¡±


    Behind him was Ming Ming standing there like a creepy girl in a horror movie. His senses were sharp but for some odd reason, he failed to sense her presence. Zi Han nervously nced at the blue water balloon in her hand and asked, ¡°Why didn¡¯t you end me?¡±


    The answer was obvious of course. ¡°Because I want saozi to win. I can tell you where dage is if you like?¡± she said ready to sell out her entire team.


    Zi Han squinted his eyes with some suspicion. The Yi kids were nice but nice for a price in certain instances. Looking at who their father was it was easy to understand why.


    ¡°Okay, tell me. What would you like?¡± he asked and Ming Ming showed a hurt expression before saying,


    .....


    ¡°Am I such a person in your eyes,¡± uttering the same line as her mother said before with her hand on her chest?


    Zi Han raised his brow and Ming Ming finally stopped acting. Damn, how did her inw know her too well?


    ¡°I want to go to a concert for the Kao boys but mum said no. Will you take me?¡± she asked and Zi Han who had no idea who these Kao boys were asked,


    ¡°When?¡±


    Ming Ming smiled and said, ¡°Next weekend. I promise I won¡¯t leave your sight. She won¡¯t say no if you ask.¡±


    Zi Han crossed his arms on his chest and sighed before saying, ¡°Fine. I will ask her, now where is your older brother.¡±


    Ming Ming giggled happily before whispering a location and running off like she hadn¡¯t just sell out her teammate. What both of them didn¡¯t realise was that Ming Ming had yed both of them.


    Yi Chen had told her to tell Zi Han where he was but not make it so obvious and in return he would give her a gift card to her favourite plushy store. She didn¡¯t agree because she wanted merchandise for the Kao boys instead.


    This wasn¡¯t the first time he heard about them because she had mentioned them before and she had been trying to convince their mother to take her there. He just didn¡¯t think she was that much of a die hard fan.


    He agreed and she ran off only to swindle a concert out of Zi Han after that. If Lin Ruoxi knew her daughter was just like her she would probably have let her husband raise her.


    Zi Han looked up and saw the tree house Ming Ming was talking about but it was all the way across the maze. He braced himself and ran over in that direction. Along the way, he saw his father inw and mother inw in a heated battle that seemed unending.


    Unwilling to intervene he ran off and climbed up the tree house. He found Yi Chen on the other side with a water balloon in his hand aiming at who knows who.


    ¡°You do realise if she finds out it was you she will hold a grudge? You would have to sleep with one eye open.


    Yi Chen who was expecting him put away his smile and pretended to be surprised. ¡°How did you find me?¡± he asked while holding that water balloon as though ready to throw it at him.


    Zi Han put on a seductive smile and walked over to him in slow strides while saying, ¡°You want to hit me with that? I thought you loved me.¡±


    Yi Chen, ¡°...¡±


    Oh, he was fully aware of what Zi Han was doing but he couldn¡¯t extricate himself. His adam¡¯s apple rolled as he stared into those alluring eyes.


    Zi Han crouched down before him and caressed his face with his fingertips while saying, ¡°Instead of this I have something I would rather be doing.¡±


    Yi Chen¡¯s eyes closed leisurely as he whispered, ¡°Like what?¡±


    Zi Han¡¯s lips brushed past his while whispering, ¡°Like this,¡± before kissing his lips.


    Just as their lips touched Zi Han slowly took the water balloon in his hand and pressed it on Yi Chen¡¯s back before abruptly getting up with a smug look on his face.


    Yi Chen, ¡°...¡±


    If he let him go then his surname wasn¡¯t Yi.


    He grabbed Zi Han¡¯s arm and pressed him against the wall of the tree house and ced his hand on Zi Han¡¯s neck raising his chin and forcing him to look up at him. Their eyes met and as though tied together by an electric current they mirrored their pupil movements.


    Zi Han¡¯s lips quirked into a smug smile as his lower lip touched the tip of Yi Chen¡¯s thumb.


    ¡°You lost,¡± said Zi Han and Yi Chen nced at his thumb that was rubbing against Zi Han¡¯s lips.


    ¡°Then let me give you a reward,¡± he whispered before kissing his lips fiercely. That tree house lost its purity because of these two.


    While they were canoodling in there, Yeoh Jun was dodging his wife¡¯s merciless attacks. ¡°You better admit defeat!¡± she said but in truth, she was running out of water balloons. Who would have thought Yeoh Jun would use his ability to open portals to run away from her? After several near misses, she could only turn to maniption.


    As she stood at the heart of the maze she called out to him but Yeoh Jun remained silent. Ming Ming who so happened to be running away from Yi Youxi ran into her. Before she could put on a pitiful act Zi Xingxi threw it at her startling Ming Ming.


    Ming Ming wanted toin but she heard the whistle and her grandpa saying. ¡°Ming-er, you are out. Come, nana has your favourite cookies,¡± said grandpa Lin and Ming Ming stomped her feet before turning to leave.

 Chapter 565 - 565 it’s a fair game, baby

    565 it¡¯s a fair game, baby


    Zi Xingxi started feeling like the biggest bully in the yground after attacking a little girl with a water balloon. She was about to apologise when she felt a gust of wind behind her.


    She smiled knowingly before saying, ¡°Don¡¯t you think it¡¯s unfair that you use your ability to evade me?¡±


    Yeoh Jun chuckled softly before saying ¡°But you are using your exceptional aiming skill to target me so... it¡¯s a fair game, baby.¡±


    Zi Xingxi turned around and faced him before saying, ¡°But baby, your aiming skills are exceptional. You got me pregnant after doing it one time,¡± with no shame on her face at all.


    Yeoh Jun, ¡°...¡±


    He was stupefied for a moment and it was because of this that he was caught off guard and struck with a water balloon. He nced down at his wet chest in astonishment while grandpa Lin called out, ¡°Yeoh Jun, you are out!¡±


    ¡°You are an enchantress, you know that,¡± said Yeoh Jun catching up with his wife, ¡°So would you like me to shoot another shot? I won¡¯t get you pregnant but I will make you satisfied.¡±


    Zi Xingxi, ¡°...¡±


    ¡°You are such a pervert, you know that. Anyway, tonight it will be my turn to take that love drug. I want to see how you will hold up.¡±


    .....


    Yeoh Junughed happily while epting the challenge a decision he woulde to regret. He never thought the drug would be as effective if not even more on Zi Xingxi. It was his turn to beg for mercy.


    Grandpa Lin saw Yeoh Jun returning with a wet patch on his t-shirt and behind him were his daughter and son inw. Unlike the others, these two looked like they had rolled in the grass like young lovers frolicking in the grass.


    In truth, they weren¡¯t frolicking but tussling. Lin Ruoxi escted things so fast that Yi Zhen didn¡¯t know what hit him when he tripped into the grass.


    Lin Ruoxi pressed him down and tried to hit him with the water balloon. Yi Zhen held her wrists and tried to talk some sense into her but Lin Ruoxi looked like she was in a warzone and he was her prime target.


    The water balloon fell to the ground with a plop and the two rolled on the grass. Grandpa Lin could only look away otherwise his eyes would go blind.


    Amidst that struggle, Yi Zhen identally hit her with the water balloon on her chest. Because her t-shirt was white Yi Zhen could see inside. His gaze stuck there like glue and he almost squeezed them.


    Lin Ruoxi, ¡°...¡±


    Before she could even say a word, Yi Youxi came from who knows where while yelling a battle cry.


    ¡°I will avenge you mum!¡± he said and with a dull pop a water balloon exploded on Yi Zhen¡¯s face.


    Lin Ruoxi stifled augh as she got up. She ruffled Yi Youxi¡¯s hair and said, ¡°You are my little hero.¡±


    Yi Zhen, ¡°...¡±


    ¡°Now give me your t-shirt. You made mine wet so you have topensate me,¡± she said and Yi Zhen had no choice but to take off his. This was why he was shirtless.


    ¡°Ah-Zhen and Ru-er, you are out,¡± yelled Grandpa Lin and now they were in front of him one of them shirtless.


    ¡°Sit down,¡± he said to his daughter and said nothing else. She was mildlypetitive but when it came to Yi Zhen it was as though she was possessed with a spirit ofpetitiveness that she even forgot her image as a mother.


    Yi Zhen picked out the grass in her hair while suppressing a smile. He was so happy that his family had finally taken him back.


    ¡°Where is Yi Youxi? Didn¡¯t we win already?¡± asked Zi Xingxi.


    ¡°I don¡¯t know. He is still waiting for Han Han and Chen Chen to show up so he can leave the maze. Where are they by the way?¡± asked Yeoh Jun only for Ming Ming to tattle subconsciously,


    ¡°They are in the tree house.¡±


    Grandpa Lin didn¡¯t want to say anything but now that she had mentioned it it was toote.


    ¡°I will call them,¡± said Grandpa Lin and he contacted Yi Chen.


    Two minutester two figures left the tree house with dishevelled hair like they had also rolled in the grass. Their clothes were a slight mess and Yi Chen had a cut on his lower lip.


    ¡°This is all your fault,¡± said Zi Han through gritted teeth his face as red as a tomato.


    Yi Chen pulled him into his arms and whispered in his ear, ¡°You started it. I was just putting out the fire you started.¡±


    Zi Han pushed him away and walked fast leaving him in behind. Yi Chen was fine with this too. The view from behind was breathtaking so he didn¡¯t try to catch up.


    When they joined the others, Grandpa Lin had to call Yi Youxi back and he came running out like he had won the inteary championship.


    Zi Xingxi threw a towel at Zi Han and said, ¡°You two really took this game to a whole new level,¡± in a teasing tone.


    ¡°Ma,¡± he said his face as red as a beet at this point.


    ¡°I am just saying,¡± said Zi Xingxi with a slight smile.


    ¡°Now that we won you boys should start nning for dinner. I feel like having hot pot,¡± said Lin Ruoxi while rxing on the sun lounger.


    ¡°Hot pot sounds very nice. I can¡¯t wait,¡± said Yi Youxi while staring at his sister with a smug look.


    Ming Ming¡¯s lips twitched having realised her brother was gloating. Zi Feiji rubbed the little nim nim¡¯s chin while saying, ¡°Then we are all going to be poisoned to death tonight, especially with that Yi pair of father and son.¡±


    Yi Zhen, ¡°...¡±


    Yi Chen, ¡°I can¡¯t even defend myself. I am very self-aware.¡±


    Zi Han stared at him while saying, ¡°Yes, you are self-aware that is after you tried to burn the kitchen while making an egg.¡±


    ¡°Well, was it cooked?¡± asked Lin Ruoxi and Zi Hanughed while saying,


    ¡°No, it was still runny on the inside but charcoal on the outside. He is a helpless case.¡±


    Yi Chen, ¡°...¡±

 Chapter 566 - 566 Wedding plans

    566 Wedding ns


    The bonds of family are very important because they help us go through the most disastrous times and the best times.


    Getting to spend such an amazing day with all these wonderful people who were also his family, Zi Han couldn¡¯t help but feel content. Recalling the days it was just him and his mother he couldn¡¯t help but marvel at how far they hade.


    If one was to ask the younger version of himself if he ever thought that they would be here today he would respond with mockingughter. No, he thought he would finish military training and buy his mother a lovely house in Sky city. He would strive to attain a higher military rank and when the timees, he would go to the gene bank and get a child of his own. When he wasn¡¯t around the little one would keep his motherpany.


    Who would think that he had an amazing grandfather who would go to the ends of the federation for them? Who would think his father woulde back from the dead and put that smile on his mother¡¯s face?


    Who would have thought he would have an amazing fiance and inws that would ept him into their fold? As he sat there watching them y in the water, Zi Han smiled happily. Yi Chen who was being harassed by his two siblings who were trying to get the beach ball from him, felt an intense gazeing from the shore.


    Curious, he turned to nce in that direction and saw Zi Han sitting on the sun lounger facing his direction. He was wearing a pair of sunsses but Yi Chen could tell he was looking at him.


    Yi Chen mouthed, ¡°You look sexy,¡± and Zi Han looked away with a smile that was very hard to describe.


    Yi Chen wanted to say something else to him but he was pushed into the water by these two who were relentless. Lin Ruoxi shared a floating screen with Zi Han while asking, ¡°Han Han, this is what we came up with. What do you think?¡±


    Zi Han scratched the side of his nose while zooming in on the floating screen. The reason why he wasn¡¯t in the water cooling down and was instead sitting in the shade sipping on a strawberry sunrise was because Lin Ruoxi wanted to show her what she was thinking about the wedding.


    .....


    It was useless to talk to Yi Chen because he was the anything goes type as long as Zi Han was happy. He only wouldn¡¯tpromise when it came to the bridal chamber. That he was very particr about.


    Zi Han seemed quite impressed with her arrangements and when he showed it to his mother, he found out that she already knew because these two had been having meetings behind his back for the past years.


    The day they met and officially epted each other as inws they had been nning for the big day. They had talked about the decorations, the menu and even the guest list.


    One could see that they went way ahead of themselves especially after confirming the children¡¯s intentions towards each other.


    ¡°Who do you think arranged the flowers in the design? I even picked who would be there,¡± said Zi Xingxi while ruffling his hair.


    ¡°You two had been nning this for a long time, haven¡¯t you? What if we never got back together? Wouldn¡¯t it be a waste of your time?¡± said Zi Han and Zi Xingxiughed.


    ¡°You think I don¡¯t know you? I am your mother after all. What never gets back together? I might have been in denial before but deep down I knew the game had already ended from the moment it started. You love that man stubbornly so,¡± she said and Lin Ruoxi chuckled softly.


    When did she know? She knew the day she saw her son smiling in that cafe. From then on there was no turning back.


    ¡°Uh fine, I am stubbornly in love with Chen-ge,¡± he saidughing at himself. His heart was when it fell, fell down for good. There was no way he could recover from it.


    ¡°I have already consulted for an auspicious day. Once I have it, I will give the vendors the go ahead and you two can finally tie the knot,¡± said Lin Ruoxi while tapping on the floating screen checking if they had already sent it to her.


    ¡°Okay,¡± replied Zi Han before taking a long sip. Maybe it was because alcohol clouded his mind that he said, ¡°If it were up to me we would have eloped already.¡±


    ¡°Don¡¯t don¡¯t say the E word,¡± said Lin Ruoxi crossing her fingers that her mother hadn¡¯t heard it but who was she kidding? She was obviously older but her ears were incredibly sharp.


    She woke up from her light nap like a dog after sniffing an intrudering to rob the house.


    ¡°Who wants to elope?¡± she asked while pulling up her sunsses. She heard the e word and like a magic spell, it woke her up.


    Zi Han, ¡°...¡±


    ¡°Mum, go back to sleep. We were just chatting casually,¡± she said and grandma Lin answered,


    ¡°Oh,¡± before lying back down.


    ¡°Kids nowadays want to run off and get married without us. We also want to toast their wedding wine and judge other guests¡¯ outfits. Why would you take that away from us? That¡¯s the best part about being part family,¡± she said before cosying back into the same position as before.


    She loved weddings so much but rarely had to attend one. How she loved the runway show and the food.


    While Lin Rouxi was trying to appease her mother her husband had brought back some jet skis from the underground garage drawing Yeoh Jun¡¯s attention. It was inevitable theirpetition would insure. It was just their second nature.


    It didn¡¯t take long before they were challenging each other and they somewhat involved Yi Chen who was minding his own business.


    The once peaceful water had three jet skis wreaking havoc which also happened to draw Zi Han¡¯s attention. He also wanted to y and Zi Xingxi could see it in his eyes.

 Chapter 567 - 567 "May the best man win."

    567 ¡°May the best man win.¡±


    ¡°Do you want to go?¡± she asked and Zi Han nodded her head like a chicken pecking at rice. Before she could even say they can discuss thister, Zi Han had already kicked off his slippers and run into the water.


    Seeing that iparable speed Lin Ruoxi said, ¡°Boys and their toys, am I right?¡±


    Zi Xingxi pushed up her sunsses as she said, ¡°I want to get into that water too and show them how it¡¯s done.¡±


    Lin Rouxi turned to look at her with a touched smile as she said, ¡°Aww, but you aren¡¯t going so you can keep mepany.¡±


    ¡°Nope, I am not going because I don¡¯t want to embarrass them,¡± she said with a slight quirk at the corner of her lips.


    Lin Ruoxi, ¡°...¡±


    Zi Han who had to endure watching Yi Chen lose to his gloating father and father inw, couldn¡¯t help but wish he could shake Yi Chen awake. Yi Zhen who had regained the childish spirit that he had long lost couldn¡¯t help but ssh water on his two kids and Zi Han.


    He found it quite funny thus heughed out loud only for hisughter to die down when he heard yellinging from the beach.


    ¡°You! Don¡¯t ssh water on my boys!¡± yelled Lin Ruoxi and Ming Ming who had been sshed two red at his mother like Wednesday Addams.


    .....


    Lin Ruoxi, ¡°...¡±


    ¡°And daughter,¡± she said but even she knew it was toote. She had already offended Ming Ming.


    Zi Xingxiforted her friend saying, ¡°You aren¡¯t the only one who offended her today. I offended her as well and I am guessing she will retaliate sooner orter.¡±


    Lin Ruoxiughed nervously while saying, ¡°She... she is not that type of girl,¡± but even she couldn¡¯t believe her own words.


    ¡°Let me ask you something,¡± said Zi Xingxi as she leaned closer, ¡°Do you think that lipstick thing was coincidental? She used your lipstick to draw intimidating lines on your opposing team¡¯s faces and you think she doesn¡¯t hold a grudge? Your daughter has found subtle ways to get back at you without making a big fuss. She won¡¯t even brag about it when she does it. She won¡¯t im the credit.¡±


    Lin Ruoxi, ¡°...¡±


    The person they were discussing was plotting her vengeance in the water like a hippopotamus.


    ¡°Forget it boy, you have nothing on this old man,¡± said Yi Zhen gloating. His son might have grown taller than him and surpassed him when it came to mech battles but he was still as slow at this as when he was a teenager.


    ¡°Oh wow, I know they are sore losers but I didn¡¯t think sore winners were a thing as well,¡± said Yeoh Jun with his handszily leaning against the handlebar of the jet ski.


    Zi Han couldn¡¯t stand it. He wanted to prove to his father inw that his baby was the best. In fact, his baby was the best at everything even this. He had a suspicious feeling that Yi Chen was holding back or something because there was no way he couldn¡¯t beat those two older gentlemen.


    Zi Han swam over and hooked his finger at Yi Chen. Yi Chen leaned down and Zi Han whispered, ¡°If you win against them both I will let you post what you wanted to post.¡±


    Yi Chen¡¯s eyes widened as he grabbed Zi Han¡¯s hand and lifted him out of the water.


    ¡°Really?¡± he said as he looked at him over his shoulder. Zi Han wrapped his arms around Yi Chen¡¯s waist and said,


    ¡°I am serious. Make me proud.¡±


    Yi Chen bit his lower lip while scrutinizing his facial expressions as though to confirm if he was being serious. Yi Chen pecked Zi Han¡¯s lips and Yeoh Jun couldn¡¯t help butin.


    ¡°Ohe on. Are we going to go again or you two are going to continue messing around?¡±


    Zi Han got up and said to his father, ¡°Pa, you are going down and you to uncle Zhen.¡±


    The pairughed mockingly. ¡°There is nothing you can offer him that can make him win this race,¡± said Yi Zhen a little too confident of himself.


    ¡°Don¡¯t say that otherwise, the face p would be too brutal old man,¡± said doctor Kiet and Yi Zhen couldn¡¯t help but point at him angrily.


    ¡°You!... Go hang out with your mother inw instead of talking nonsense here.¡±


    ¡°Why are you getting mad? I am just spitting out facts,¡± he said and Yi Youxi couldn¡¯t agree more.


    ¡°Dad, don¡¯t be surprised when dage beats you. He was just saving your face in front of uncle Jun,¡± said Yi Youxi.


    ¡°Fine, bring it on,¡± said the former marshal. From the moment he realised his son had surpassed him he wouldfort himself that he had at least this. This was any man with a son¡¯s most dreaded day. The day their son bes better than themselves at everything. It gave off the illusion that their son no longer needs their father and like everything that loses its value they would be tossed to the side or discarded.


    ¡°Okay, let¡¯s go,¡± said Yi Chen as he turned the jet ski around. The two of them gazed at the faraway boom they had to reach before turning back and Yi Zhen said, ¡°May the best man win.¡±


    Yi Chen smiled smugly and said, ¡°I will.¡±


    Yi Zhen, ¡°....¡±


    AAAAHHHHH whose son was this? He even knew how to talk his father down. Yi Feng blew the whistle he stole from grandpa Lin and the two set off in a hurry leaving behind a huge ssh.


    Zi Han ced Ming Ming on his shoulder because she couldn¡¯t see that far. ¡°Go dad go!¡± she yelled and Zi Han couldn¡¯t help butin.


    ¡°You are on my shoulders yet you are supporting the enemy?¡± he said and Ming Ming justified herself by saying,


    ¡°I need to butter him up so I don¡¯t have help in the kitchen tonight.¡±


    Zi Han, ¡°...¡±


    Yi Zhen who had been cocky this entire time suddenly realised halfway through what Zi Han meant. This son of his was definitely holding back on him before. He lost by a small margin but it was still a loss.


    ¡°Damn it. How is that possible? Is there anything else you have been holding back?¡± he asked and Yi Chenughed while saying,


    ¡°I might have beaten you but you still have one more son who will never beat you in anything.¡±


    Yi Youxi, ¡°...¡±


    ¡°You don¡¯t like it when I am at peace, don¡¯t you?¡± said Yi Youxi after his brother sold him out directly.


    ¡°True. Youxi, do you want to have a go?¡± he asked and Yi Youxi refused. There was no way he was going topete with his father at anything, well, except online games. That he was sure he would take his father to the cleaners with no doubt.

 Chapter 568 - 568 Self abuse

    568 Self abuse


    ¡°How about it young man? Would you like topete with your old man?¡± asked Yeoh Jun looking at his son who was floating in the water.


    Zi Han chuckled lightly while brushing the tip of his nose with his finger. ¡°Sure, but don¡¯t cry because unlike him I won¡¯t hold back,¡± he said referring to his fiance who had been holding back and giving these old men the illusion that they still stood a chance.


    ¡°You speak with a lot of confidence. Show me what you got,¡± said Yeoh Jun and Yi Chen got off the jet ski and held the handlebar for him.


    Zi Han emerged from the water and sat on the front seat with a smug look on his face that looked very familiar. It was because Yeoh Jun had the very same look on his face right now.


    This was one of the rare moments that one would say he looksmed just like his father.


    ¡°Don¡¯t weep when I beat you,¡± said Zi Han and as the whistle blew the two jet skis roared leaving behind a huge ssh.


    Yeoh Jun soon realised that his son wasn¡¯t messing around but unlike Yi Zhen, he wouldn¡¯t y honestly. Just like he did to Zi Xingxi he opened a portal and reappeared close to the finishing line to Zi Han¡¯s dismay.


    Sounds of unrestrainedughter and boos ripped through the air as Yeoh Jun celebrated his victory by circling around them a couple of times.


    He stood up and called out to his sweetheart. ¡°Baby, did you see that? I was sexy, right?¡± he said and Zi Han almost rolled his eyes.


    .....


    Zi Xingxi who didn¡¯t want to be associated with this cheater grabbed Lin Ruoxi¡¯s sun hat and wore it covering her eyes to ignore him.


    ¡°You cheated. You used portals for such a trivial thing. I don¡¯t think our ancestors would be happy about that. They will disown you,¡± said Zi Han wondering who between them was older.


    His father had cheated so he could impress a girl who also happened to be his mother. How ridiculous.


    ¡°How is that cheating when you can do the very same thing? You can do what I did and I wouldn¡¯tin,¡± he said and Zi Han crossed his arms on his chest with frustration in between his brows. His father hadn¡¯t taught him to do that so how could this be fair game? If he were to attempt it he might find himself in another universe.


    ¡°Okay, if that¡¯s how you want to y. Then let¡¯s y,¡± he said before taking out a water ster.


    Ming Ming saw it and her eyes brightened. She swam over while begging her sister inw for one.


    Zi Han who was packing took out five more and handed them out like charity. ¡°Why on earth do you even have five of those?¡± asked Yeoh Jun having a very bad premonition. Even Yi Chen was wondering the same thing too. He suddenly wanted to take an inventory of everything in Zi Han¡¯s interspatial storage.


    ¡°What? I shop a lot when I am drunk. I can¡¯t be the only one who does that,¡± he said and grandpa Zi who was under the beach umbre ying checkers with Grandpa Lin raised his hand.


    ¡°I do it,¡± he said.


    ¡°Well he does it and your wife too,¡± said Zi Han.


    Zi Xingxi raised his hand and agreed, ¡°Guilty. You have no idea what kind of things you will find in my interspatial storage.¡±


    ¡°Then it must be a Zi family thing,¡± said Yi Zhen only for Lin Ruoxi to give him a warning nce like she was going to expose his business if he kept talking so he shut his mouth really fast.


    Seeing Zi Han aiming that muzzle at him Yeoh Jun raised his hand trying to talk some sense into him. ¡°Hey hey hey, I am your father you know that, right? You should respect your aaaahhhhh,¡± he said before squealing like a pig as he jumped into the water.


    Two minutester he was running on the beach resulting in some unfortunate casualties.


    ¡°Hey, you... Ming Ming!¡± yelled Lin Ruoxi after, and I quote, identally being sshed with water.


    Zi Xingxiughed at her but soon she was drenched too while Ming Ming exined, ¡°Sorry my hand slipped.¡±


    Zi Xingxi, ¡°....¡±


    The back garden turned chaotic like it was a warzone. In ce of dangerous weapons were water sters, a water hose and some remaining water balloons from earlier.


    No one was spared from this mini fight and some even caught a cold from it as exined by the evening scene in the lounge.


    The couch was packed with Zi Han sitting in between Zi Xingxi and Lin Ruoxi under cosy nkets. Grandma Lin was sitting on her favourite chair and Yi Feng was lying on a two seater couch while fighting with Yi Youxi for space.


    Yi Feng¡¯s and Leo Lin¡¯s mother were sitting in the dining area watching some wrestling match they were both fans of.


    Zi Han who was squashed between these twodies couldn¡¯t help butin. ¡°Can¡¯t we watch something else? This is too dog blooded for me,¡± he said feeling like he was being tortured for no reason.


    And who could me him? It was that kind of show where the male lead is mean, cold and indifferent and somehow the female lead endures the abuse seventy five per cent of the show before she realises she is worth more than that. Then the chasing my wife to the crematorium plot begins abusing the scum man for only twenty five per cent of the movie.


    The entire time his mother was describing in detail how she would slice off his balls and turn them into thin slices of salmon before feeding them to him.


    Lin Ruoxi on the other hand was the type of viewer who would be crying,


    ¡°Why can¡¯t she just leave? She is far more than that wuwuwu. Why is he so mean.¡±


    Zi Han had a great way of describing it which was ¡®self abuse¡¯.

 Chapter 569 - 569 Abusing grandma Lin’s cookie cutters

    569 Abusing grandma Lin¡¯s cookie cutters


    After failing to escape multiple times he suddenly envied Yi Chen. He would rather be cooking right now.


    He envied him but Yi Chen was really having a hard time. The only thing he knew how to do was reheat meals prepared by his mother and make honey water, coffee and sometimes tea.


    He would never starve because the housekeeping robot could whip out a nice nutrient solution or maybe a scrambled egg.


    Now that they had to do this by themselves from scratch, Yi Chen almost wailed.


    ¡°... seriously it¡¯s not that hard. You just have to cut it into cubes,¡± said Yeoh Jun finding this father and son pair funny. He was the emperor and even he knew how to cut things.


    ¡°I am doing it how you are doing it but it doesn¡¯t look like yours,¡±ined Yi Zhen now a little frustrated. Who knew how many sweet potatoes he had screwed up so far.


    ¡°If you want we can swap you with Ming Ming so you can set the table,¡± said doctor Kiet who somehow had managed not to mess up the soup base by some kind of miracle. Ming Ming who was passing by with a stack of bowls refused almost immediately.


    ¡°Nope, I like my job. Thank you very much,¡± she said before standing on her tippy toes checking the stuff they had cut. With a judging look in her eyes, she let out a low, ¡°Ha,¡± before walking away.


    ¡°What was that ha for?¡± asked Yi Zhen but Yi Chen pointed at the butchered sweet potato that was peeled until all its fleshy bits were gone.


    .....


    ¡°Even I know that¡¯s not right,¡± he said and Yeoh Jun couldn¡¯t do it anymore.


    ¡°Here trim the wood stems off of these and slice, that¡¯s all. I will do the sweet potatoes,¡± said Yeoh Jun and Yi Chen just looked at him as though saying ¡®are you sure about this¡¯.


    Yi Zhen felt like it would be way easier to work with the shiitake mushrooms rather than the sweet potatoes so he agreed.


    Unfortunately, his ipetence in the kitchen didn¡¯t discriminate against any vegetable. Whether it be a root, stem, tuber or leaf and leaf stalk vegetable. They were all treated the same way. He so wished they could use a housekeeping robot for all of this but who told them to offend Lin Ruoxi?


    Everything had to be done by hand from scratch.


    ¡°What if you use the cookie cutter to make cute shapes of the potatoes?¡± asked Yi Chen and doctor Kiet loved that idea.


    For some reason, they found that quite interesting and fun so they ran with it. ¡°We can try it on the pumpkin too,¡± suggested Yeoh Jun as Yi Zhen opened his mother inw¡¯s drawers looking for the various cookie cutters.


    The result was that he found cookie cutters for all sorts of holiday seasons and animal shaped ones too.


    The four men gathered around trying it on the sweet potatoes first. ¡°It¡¯s a little hard. You should push it down with more force than that,¡± said Yi Zhen and Yeoh Jun pressed down the evil pumpkin cookie cutter that was meant for Halloween on the sweet potato.


    ¡°Don¡¯t break it. She will kill us all,¡± said Yi Chen and with a blunt cutting sound it actually worked and they celebrated like their team had just scored a goal.


    ¡°My turn, I want to try,¡± said Yi Zhen and picked a t-rex shaped cookie cutter.


    If grandma Lin knew her precious collection of cookie cutters was being abused she would have chased these grown men with a slipper.


    Ming Ming stood by the dining table while wiping cutlery when auntie Yi said to her, ¡°Sweetie, go get us aunties some wine please.¡±


    Ming Ming sighed before saying, ¡°But auntie I am setting the table.¡±


    ¡°We will do it for you,¡± said auntie Lin knowing fully well they wouldn¡¯t. Unfortunately for them, they didn¡¯t know who they were dealing with.


    ¡°Okay, which kind?¡± she asked and auntie Yi answered, ¡°Any that¡¯s in the green zone. The ones in the red zone are forbidden so don¡¯t touch those.¡±


    ¡°Okay,¡± said Ming Ming before tossing the clean dishcloth in her auntie¡¯s hands so she can polish the silver.


    Ming Ming ran away so fast you would think she had oil on her feet. She was afraid that they would change their minds.


    She was going to dawdle in the wine cer and probably y a game or two so that by the time shees back the dining table would be fully set and ready for hot pot.


    As it turns out these aunties weren¡¯t the only ones thirsty for some wine. Zi Xingxi and Lin Ruoxi were also thirsty so they picked the one who wasining a lot before to go to the wine cer.


    Unfortunately, Zi Han was now hooked by this self abuse drama that it took being told three times for him to get up.


    Lin Ruoxi knew Zi Han would be able to find the bottles she was looking for but he wouldn¡¯t be able to navigate the wine cer so she sent him with Yi Youxi.


    The two boys rushed to the cerpletely unaware that Ming Ming was also in there but she hadn¡¯t switched on the lights on purpose. One of them was afraid of the dark and the other was scared of ghosts so one can only imagine what transpired in that wine cer.


    ¡°Light on,¡± said Yi Youxi while walking down the small stairs and the lights turned on almost immediately.


    While walking in between the rows of wine racks and wine cabs the two of them were chatting it up happily that they didn¡¯t notice the short girl peeking through the racks.


    Now if she was a perfectly sweet little princess she would have called out and said, ¡°I am here,¡± but Ming Ming wasn¡¯t that type. Besides Yi Youxi had scared her a couple of times so it was just the perfect moment to pay it back.


    If only these poor naive boys knew what wasing they would have run for their lives while they still could.

 Chapter 570 - 570 "What sound? I heard nothing."

    570 ¡°What sound? I heard nothing.¡±


    In the eerie silence, a low scratching sound was particrly audible but could be ignored with the braining up with excuses like it¡¯s probably a cleaning robot or maybe the air conditioning system.


    A fearless person would persist in this line of thinking but these two had their own weaknesses as everybody does. After hearing that sound for the fourth time they could no longer ignore it. ¡°Saozi, did you hear that?¡± asked Yi Youxi but Zi Han was the worst person to be in this kind of situation with. Why? It was because he denied it. He denied it vehemently and made it seem like Yi Youxi was the one hearing things.


    ¡°What sound? I heard nothing,¡± he said and Yi Youxi suddenly felt even more frightened.


    ¡°Ah saozi, can¡¯t you hear it?¡± he asked again as his steps halted.


    Zi Han rubbed his thumb trying to suppress the anxiety in his heart. He could feel like someone or something was watching him but when he turned to face in that direction he couldn¡¯t see anything.


    The two continued to walk but the sound followed them. The pair simultaneously turned their heads in time to see a fleeting shadow in the distance.


    Zi Han suddenly dared to walk over. That¡¯s because he truly believed there was no such thing as a ghost operating under the light. It had to be someone messing with them.


    Of course, this was what he told himself when the lights were still on but when they went off, shit got real so fast.


    ¡°AAAAHHHH! Han-ge, where are you?¡± cried Yi Youxi frozen in ce like amppost.


    .....


    Zi Han was able to think fast and yelled, ¡°Lights on,¡± and the lights did flicker but they didn¡¯t turn onpletely before it went dark.


    This time they saw a figure underneath a ck cloth walking slowly in the flickering lights. Zi Han abandoned all his bravery and muttered, ¡°Shit shit shit,¡± while running off.


    Yi Youxi was so frightened that he stood there his limbs stiff like a corpse as he stared nkly in the direction hest saw the dark figure before the lights went off. Zi Han suddenly realised that Yi Youxi wasn¡¯t following behind him.


    He retraced his steps and grabbed Yi Youxi¡¯s arm before running towards that door. The door that had been open just now suddenly closed shut trapping the two of them in the haunted wine cer.


    Hemanded the door to open but it didn¡¯t even barge. Zi Han called out to Yi Youxi standing beside him saying, ¡°Youxi, how do we open this damn door?¡±


    ¡°You, you have to override the automatic doors by using the manual switch,¡± he said and Zi Han¡¯s face turned pale. Why? It was because Yi Youxi¡¯s voice wasn¡¯ting from where he was standing but from where they were standing before.


    Zi Han had no idea how they got out of there. All he knew was that he was holding Yi Youxi¡¯s hand and running up the stairs only stopping until they entered the kitchen.


    The two of them were panting heavily their souls flown off to who knows where. Yi Youxi sat down on the floor pushing back his damp hair from his forehead that was sticking to it from the sweat.


    ¡°What happened?¡± asked Yi Chen with great concern as he held both of Zi Han¡¯s shoulders holding him up.


    Zi Han couldn¡¯t speak for a while his body trembling slightly. ¡°What is it, Han Han? What could possibly scare you in a house full of people?¡± asked Yeoh Jun unable to figure out why these two were so flustered. There was no report of an intrusion so what could possibly scare them?


    ¡°We... we saw a ghost in the wine cer,¡± said Yi Youxi unable to bear it anymore. His father who was done washing his hands from dealing with the pork loin walked over to him and helped him up.


    ¡°There is no such thing as a ghost and even if there is there can¡¯t be any in the house. Mum made sure to consult a feng shui master before picking this location to build the house,¡± said uncle Lin while slicing the brisket into thin pieces.


    ¡°But uncle, we saw it and it locked us in the wine cer. If you don¡¯t believe us then go check,¡± said Yi Youxi. Yi Zhen did believe that they saw something, the real issue though was whether it was a real ghost or something else.


    ¡°I will go check it out,¡± said Yi Zhen while Yi Chen wiped the sweat off of Zi Han¡¯s forehead and cheeks with a look of concern in his eyes.


    He could tell that if they didn¡¯t give him an exnation tonight, Zi Han might not sleep at all. ¡°Are you okay?¡± he asked and Zi Han nodded his head but his face was saying otherwise. Hisplexion was still pale and his nerves tense while looking back just in case the ghost followed him.


    ¡°Are you sure I should leave you alone here?¡± he asked and Zi Han nodded his head but wouldn¡¯t let go of his clothes that he was clutching tightly contradicting himself.


    ¡°Do you want toe with me?¡± asked Yi Chen while ncing at the fingernails that had turned white from clutching too tight. Zi Han didn¡¯t reply immediately and kept clutching at his clothes so he said, ¡°I will protect you.¡±


    This time Zi Han¡¯s eyes which seemed lifeless and sullen turned lively as he licked his dry lips. At first, it was just Yi Zhen and Yi Chen who were going to go but because the others loved gossip they followed after them leaving uncle Lin alone in the kitchen. He wanted toe too but someone had to stay behind and finish the work and they all nominated him.


    The group of six rushed over to the wine cer with Zi Han and Yi Youxi right at the back. Yi Chen who should have been in the forefront was also at the back of the pack because he had to appease Zi Han. His sweetheart wouldn¡¯t let him go thus they could only walk together hand in hand.

 Chapter 571 - 571 "There is no statute of limitations for revenge."

    571 ¡°There is no statute of limitations for revenge.¡±


    ¡°Saozi, I am scared as well. Will you hold my hand?¡± asked Yi Youxi and Yi Chen who was walking in front of them while pulling Zi Han along red at him.


    He watched as those little paws were reaching over. He took Zi Han¡¯s hand before Yi Youxi could hold him and said, ¡°Go back if you are afraid or ask dad to hold your hand.¡±


    Yi Youxi wanted to say something but he paused having realised it was a pretty decent idea. ¡°Why didn¡¯t I think of that? Thanks dage,¡± he said before walking over to his father and holding his hand.


    With a pitiful look on his face he said, ¡°Dad, I am scared. Can I hold your hand?¡±


    Yi Zhen, ¡°....¡±


    Could somebody tell him how to react in this situation? If it was Yi Chen he would have smacked him upside his head and told him to grow a pair but seeing that this method made his son grow up distant from him both emotionally and physically he knew this was the wrong method.


    He didn¡¯t want Yi Youxi to continue to fear the dark but he didn¡¯t know what method to use that wouldn¡¯te across as too strict or too coddling.


    ¡°Just... just go back to your mother if you are scared,¡± he answered a little at a loss.


    ¡°By myself? I can¡¯t, I am so scared,¡± he said and Yi Zhen could only rub his temples in frustration.


    .....


    Yeoh Jun could see he was struggling so he whispered, ¡°Let him hold your hand. There is absolutely nothing wrong with that. It¡¯s okay for children, boys or girls to show their vulnerabilities. Now hold his hand like a big man and make your son feel safe.¡±


    Yi Zhen, ¡°...¡±


    ¡°Oh and tell him it¡¯s okay. You have his back,¡± whispered Yeoh Jun again having realised that this emotionally redundant person wasn¡¯t going to say anything to his poor son.


    Yi Zhen nced at Yi Youxi who was looking at him with those expectant eyes and pursed his lips as though trying to prepare himself to say it out loud.


    After a second or two he said, ¡°It¡¯s okay, I will protect you.¡±


    Yeoh Jun pat his shoulder with a proud expression like he was a teacher who had finally seen his worst-performing student improve.


    When they reached the wine cer the door was closed and there was no light seeping from underneath the door.


    Yeoh Jun didn¡¯t hesitate to enter followed by the good doctor who seemed ready for war. The rest of them peered through the door watching a good show.


    Ming Ming who wanted to scare grown men was suddenly overwhelmed when she saw that Yi Youxi and Zi Han had brought the entire squad so she switched on the lights and put a pitiful look like she was terrified.


    Her acting skills were so exceptional that even Yi Youxi almost believed she wasn¡¯t the one who tried to scare them just now. Tried? Actually no, she terrified the living daylights out of them.¡±


    Yi Zhen let go of Yi Youxi¡¯s hand and rushed over to his daughter with a look of panic. This little princess was like porcin, if she so much as had a crack on her body his wife would throw all three of them out in the cold and tell them to find a hotel to sleep in.


    Had it ever happened before? Yes, it did. While he was watching Yi Youxi and Ming Ming he got distracted and the two of them decided it was a good idea to jump from the top of a cab in the garage and fall onto the mattress.


    While messing around like this and their father not watching them properly Ming Ming got hurt and his wife turned into a t-rex tossing both him and Yi Youxi out of the house.


    He remembered his son looking at him with a nk expression while asking if they were homeless now. Yeoh Jun patted his head twice that day while saying, ¡°Maybe... maybe.¡±


    That memory had him rushing over to see Ming Ming and check if the ghost hadn¡¯t touched his little princess.


    Yeoh Jun who put two and two together couldn¡¯t help but shake his head while saying, ¡°She is the culprit. She probably wanted to get back at Youxi and Han Han was just coteral damage.¡±


    ¡°No... she is so innocent. Look at her. She looks terrified,¡± said Yi Zhen defending his little princess. That being said it was easy to see why she would get away with anything under Yi Zhen¡¯s watch.


    Yeoh Jun, ¡°...¡±


    With that look on her face, she would probably swindle her father out of all his money.


    ¡°Sweety, did you scare your brother and your brother inw?¡± asked Yi Zhen when the people around him gave him a nce like that when looking at an idiot.


    Ming Ming shook her head and Yi Zhen sighed in relief while saying, ¡°See. She didn¡¯t do it,¡± but Ming Ming pped his face hard with her next words.


    ¡°I scared You-ge and saozi. I don¡¯t have a brother inw but a sister inw,¡± she said correcting Yi Zhen and Yeoh Jun almostughed out loud. This kid was really interesting. Now he was kind of regretting not trying for a second one. He would love to have a little girl with Ming Ming¡¯s attitude.


    Yi Youxi who was peeking through the door heard this and he got so mad. ¡°You almost gave me a heart attack do you know that? I thought I was going to die,¡± he said while patting his chest. When he stood there in the dark he saw his life shing before his very eyes frozen in fear.


    ¡°Well, I almost had a heart attack after you put a spider in my hair,¡± she said and Yi Youxi was dumbfounded.


    ¡°That was five years ago! What were you like? Five?¡± he said scratching his head.


    ¡°No... why are you making such a big deal. You scared me and I scared you back, simple,¡± replied Ming Ming and Zi Han was caught right in the middle of it. He was the innocent one in this case.


    ¡°Still, that was five years ago. Surely you can¡¯t hold a grudge for that long,¡± said Yi Youxi and Ming Ming retorted back,


    ¡°Yes, I can. There is no statute of limitations for revenge.¡±


    Everyone, ¡°...¡±


    ¡°Forget it, buddy. You already lost the argument,¡¯ said Leo Lin sympathising with him.

 Chapter 572 - 572 Ghostbuster

    572 Ghostbuster


    Zi Han couldn¡¯t even get angry at this point. Ming Ming wasn¡¯t aware of his fear and even if she did she didn¡¯t know how severe it was. He could only cross his fingers and hope that tonight he would be able to sleep.


    He couldn¡¯t get angry but Yi Chen didn¡¯t let her go so easily. ¡°Do you know your saozi is afraid of ghosts? You terrified him so much that his face was so pale. Don¡¯t you have anything to say to him?¡± he said and Ming Ming felt so guilty that she lowered her head and apologised.


    ¡°I am sorry Han-ge, I didn¡¯t know,¡± she said her tone sincere.


    Zi Hanughed nervously while ruffling her hair. ¡°It¡¯s fine. I need to face my fears anyway,¡± said Zi Han but inside his nerves were still tense. He even dreaded sleeping tonight.


    ¡°How about me? Aren¡¯t you going to apologise to me too?¡± asked Yi Youxi and Yi Chen who recalled the spider incident very well red at him.


    ¡°Uh uh fine. I deserved it. Now let¡¯s go eat. This whole damn ghost scare made me very hungry,¡± he said and walked away with his hands in his pocket. It took him a lot of energy to admit that Ming Ming had actually outsmarted him.


    ¡°Show is over. Damn, I was actually hoping it was a real ghost. I would have loved to try my luck as a ghostbuster,¡± said Leo Lin while following behind Yi Youxi.


    ¡°Well, I was hoping it was an intruder. I would have loved to send him to another and watch him getting chased by the locals. Wouldn¡¯t that be fun,¡± said Yeoh Jun after patting his son tofort him.


    Everyone left the wine cer leaving behind Zi Han and Yi Chen standing there. Yi Chen nced at the door to check of everyone was gone before pulling Zi Han into a hug. He knew more about Zi Han¡¯s situation better than anyone else, even better than Zi Xingxi thus he was taking it seriously.


    .....


    He pulled Zi Han¡¯s arm and embraced him tightly. Zi Han¡¯s mental fortitude copsed and he held on to Yi Chen tightly. His muscles that had been suppressed by him were unleashed and he began to quiver like a leaf.


    Yi Chen didn¡¯t say anything. He just gently stroked the back of Zi Han¡¯s head with his arm wrapped around his lover¡¯s waist holding him tight.


    Zi Han pressed his palms hard against Yi Chen¡¯s back his eyes closed. He had no idea where this fear stemmed from neither did he want to delve deep into it. He was just d he didn¡¯t have to sleep by himself at night.


    ¡°Do you want to take a walk around the wine cer? You can also pick any wine you like,¡± said Yi Chen and Zi Han instantly understood his meaning. Yi Chen was inviting him to walk around the wine cer to reassure himself. Once he sees that nothing is wrong he should rx and forget about the incident.


    Zi Han nodded his head and the two of them walked hand in hand deep into the wine cer.


    They picked several bottles at random before leaving that ce with their loot like robbers.


    With hot pot ready everyone gathered by the dining table and ate happily whilemending the men and girl who sacrificed their fingers for this meal.


    The joyousness from this gathering was so infectious that others would have felt the urge to join them and be a part of the family.


    Such a joyous thing would forever hold a special ce in Zi Han¡¯s memories. He turned to look at Yi Chen who had his arm stretched out scooping up some broth and enoki mushrooms with a porcin spoon.


    Feeling that gaze burrowing through Yi Chen¡¯s skin he turned his head and asked, ¡°What?¡±


    Zi Han turned his face away and replied, ¡°Nothing,¡± while shrugging his shoulders.


    Yi Chen ced the broth in Zi Han¡¯s bowl and kissed his cheek. Zi Han chuckled softly while dodging and rubbing his cheek which now had a smudge of oil from that kiss.


    ¡°Chen-ge, you are going to give me pimples. Keep your lips to yourself,¡± he said and Yi Chen tried to kiss him again while saying,


    ¡°Then let me kiss your lips. You won¡¯t have a break out from it.¡±


    Instead, Zi Han fed him fish tofu while saying, ¡°Eat instead of focusing on me. You should eat as well.¡±


    Yi Chen chewed slowly while watching him his mind veering in another direction. After swallowing down the delicious fish tofu he said, ¡°How did I get so lucky?¡±


    Zi Han, ¡°...¡±


    Did this look like a romantic candlelight dinner? Yi Chen shouldn¡¯t have been saying such things in front of everybody, especially in front of his parents.


    ¡°You can ask me thatter when we are alone now eat,¡± he said while feeding him a squid ball.


    Yi Chen leaned forward and parted his lips before taking a bite of the squid ball his gaze locked with Zi Han¡¯s. Zi Han felt an inexplicable warmth gushing out of his heart before spreading to his cheeks and ears. Why did Yi Chen have to make even eating so enticing arousing his thirst?


    Yeoh Jun dropped his pair of chopsticks in shock after watching this pair sowing dog food all over the ce with no restraint.


    ¡°Damn it,¡± he mumbled as he tried to reach the chopsticks but when his fingertips touched them they rolled away to his wife¡¯s side.


    Zi Xingxi pat his arm and said, ¡°I will get it,¡± and she looked underneath the table. As her fingers touched the chopsticks she subconsciously raised her head slightly and found that Zi Han and Yi Chen were holding hands in secret.


    Their fingers were interlocked and their thighs touching painting a romantic picture.


    She smiled slightly while getting out from underneath the table. ¡°Thank you, babe,¡± said Yeoh Jun while taking them from her before cing them in the open mouth of the cleaning robot since they couldn¡¯t be used anymore.


    Zi Xingxi didn¡¯t say anything for a while as though lost in thought.


    She suddenly said, ¡°You know... I think I did pretty good.¡±


    ¡°Did pretty good with what?¡± asked Yeoh Jun who couldn¡¯t catch up with her line of thought.

 Chapter 573 - 573 "And I will help you cover up the crime."

    573 ¡°And I will help you cover up the crime.¡±


    ¡°Raising him. I did a pretty decent job raising him,¡± she said and Yeoh Jun couldn¡¯t agree more.


    As parents they all want their kids to grow up healthy and great. They also want them to grow up and achieve great things but for Zi Xingxi it wasn¡¯t the achievements she cared about but her son¡¯s happiness.


    She wanted her son to be happy. Whether he found happiness in love or happiness in his career it didn¡¯t really matter. As a mother, she couldn¡¯t help but feel very content seeing her son happy. She wished he would remain like this and be even happier in the future.


    ¡°Yes you did,¡± said Yeoh Jun while draping his arm around Zi Xingxi¡¯s shoulders. He reached out and touched his wife¡¯s lips pretending to remove something when in fact he was just stealing some tofu.


    ¡°He is happy and healthy. He is also a good person with a big heart,¡± said Yeoh Junmending his wife for doing a great job. He wished he had been there for the both of them but unfortunately fate said otherwise.


    Yeoh Jun kissed Zi Xingxi¡¯s shoulder and pulled her closer. ¡°He seems very happy with Yi Chen. I think I trust him enough with Zi Han,¡± said Yeoh Jun and Zi Xingxi nodded her head.


    ¡°I trust him too. But if he does screw up I won¡¯t hold back,¡± she said and Yeoh Jun chuckled softly before saying,


    ¡°And I will help you cover up the crime.¡±


    The pair of themughed sending shivers down Yi Chen¡¯s spine. He could sense some maliciousness towards him but he couldn¡¯t tell where it wasing from. If he only knew that his inws were plotting his death if he ever hurt Zi Han, he would have reassured them that he harboured no such intentions.


    .....


    After a hearty meal, some gathered outside watching the starry night chatting andughing while sharing some gossip. They were so immersed in their conversation that they didn¡¯t notice that some individuals had been missing for a long time.


    When they finally did notice that Yi Zhen and the others weren¡¯t back yet it was already an hour or soter. ¡°I thought he said he was going to the bathroom?¡± said Lin Ruoxi recalling how her husband said he would be right back.


    ¡°Yeoh Jun isn¡¯t here either,¡± replied Zi Xingxi before taking a sip of her red wine.


    Zi Han massaged little Nim Nim¡¯s back with his fingertips while saying, ¡°He probably fell into the toilet.¡±


    ¡°Or maybe he went to my man cave to dpress. Youdies had them running around today so they might not be used to it,¡± said grandpa Lin when a bottle cap from his beer uratelynded on his face.


    Grandma Lin who had flicked the bottle cap at him gave him a re that sent shivers all over his body. As the fourth inmand in the henpecked husband association he shut his mouth obediently.


    Two sips in and he almost spit out a mouthful. ¡°Oh my god,¡± said Zi Feiji his eyes wide as light bulbs. Why? It was because the so-called missing persons had finally shown up and they were dressed in mascot suits of exotic animals protected by the conservationw of the federation.


    The reason why they were even mascot suits here, was because Lin Ruoxi and her brother had been at the forefront of stopping the senseless ughter of animals that were getting extinct due to hunting for a sport or unproven medicine.


    They were pioneers for this cause and help changed things forever but the mascot suits remained in the basement unused for decades.


    Who would have thought they would be put to use again after losing a water balloon fight? Zi Xingxi couldn¡¯t help butugh watching the cute feel with a big head shaking its tooshie.


    A feziel was a cat like creature with two pink stripe lines going down its back and spikes on its spine. There were also two fishu mascots with two different colours. It was like a blend of a fish and a frog. Thest one was a cute crozad that looked like abination of a colourful bird and mouse. Ming Ming was dressed in a pink tutu with a heavy mental style get up but with a ssh of pink.


    She had a pink bolt of lightning drawn down the left side of her face and a karaoke mic in her hand.


    This was the show they prepared and because they couldn¡¯t sing Ming Ming suggested this. She, of course, chose a song by the kao boy band for them to sing.


    Boisterousughter erupted to the point of tears and rolling on the floor. This was just too funny for them especially when the mascots bounced around cluelessly.


    Ming Ming raised her hand asking them to settle down and they respectfully tried their best to settle down.


    ¡°Okay, so today we are going to perform first light by my favourite boy band. My backup singers aren¡¯t that good so don¡¯t have high expectations,¡± she said and Yi Youxi couldn¡¯t help but blurt out,


    ¡°You are enjoying this, aren¡¯t you?¡±


    ¡°Yes yes, I am. Like a lot,¡± she answered honestly. How many girls in this world could say I had my dad, brother, uncles and brother inw dress like anything even a princess? She got all four of them dressed like cute mascots and made them lip-synch her favourite song.


    This day will forever be a treasured memory for her. ¡°Which one is which? I can¡¯t tell which of you is the mighty emperor of the Onyx federation,¡± said Zi Feiji his cheeks hurting from hisughter.


    ¡°Or the former Marshal of the inteary army. This is gold,¡± said Lin Ruoxi while taking a video.


    ¡°You can guess after the performance. We can make a game out of it,¡± said grandma Lin and Zi Han pulled up his betting app so people could ce bets.


    ¡°Let¡¯s make it more interesting by involving some petty cash. Whoever guesses all of them right gets to keep the star coins,¡± he said and grandpa Lin¡¯s eyes widened. He was about to say something when he saw Zi Feiji swipe up his light brain.


    ¡°I am in. Grandpa wants a new hovercar, let¡¯s go.¡±


    Grandpa Lin, ¡°...¡±

 Chapter 574 - 577 Chs

    577 Chs


    ADD


    574 Zi Xingxi¡¯s first crush


    The performance was unexpectedly entertaining and they didn¡¯t do just one song but two. None of them were into current trends or music artists more especially boy groups that were liked by teenage girls.


    But even they had to admit that the tunes were catchy. They were indeed catchy but Zi Han was more interested in identifying who was who in those mascot suits.


    He was following each mascot when they stepped up to dance and make hand gestures while pretending to be singing their part.


    Did he need to win? No, he didn¡¯t really need the money but hispetitive nature had sprung up again and he wasn¡¯t the only one who wanted to win. His mother was also determined to win. It was rtively easy for her to identify her husband who had awkward stiff movements when dancing.


    It was the others she couldn¡¯t really identify. ¡°You might as well give up because I am going to win,¡± said Zi Han when he saw his mother squinting her eyes while scrutinising everybody.


    ¡°Are you saying that because you are afraid that I am going to beat you? You must be very worried,¡± she said wiggling her finger at him with a look of pure amusement.


    ¡°Psychological warfare, I taught you that buddy. You can¡¯t outsmart me,¡± she said and Zi Han chuckled before raising his ss of wine at her.


    ¡°Good luck,¡± he said as he input his answers in the app.


    Lin Ruoxi on the other hand was like a parent at a recital cheering for Ming Ming like she was performing at the super bowl.


    .....


    ¡°That¡¯s my baby woohoo shake it, baby,¡± she said and grandpa Lin couldn¡¯t help but facepalm while shaking his head.


    Well, That is until he saw his wife standing up and copying her grandaughter¡¯s moves with so much energy and vigour that he never thought she had.


    Two songs were really their limit. It was so hot in those mascot suits that they almost fainted. One of the fishu fell to its knees as the song came to an end and copsed on the floor.


    Their faces showed a look of worry while asking, ¡°Are you okay?¡± The fishu raised its fin trying to make a thumbs-up gesture.


    ¡°I already know who that one is,¡± said auntie Lin having figured it out the moment the mascot copsed. That could only be her son. He was the only one who had so many health problems among them. Whether it be asthma or allergies he had it all. Sometimes he would just breathe wrong and he would get a rash on his face.


    ¡°Has everyone finished filling in so we can close the bets? That fishu looks like it can¡¯t hold on anymore,¡± said Zi Feiji and Grandpa Lin could only sympathise with whoever was in the fishu mascot suit.


    ¡°Wait wait wait... and done. You can close it now,¡± said Yi Feng after changing his answer at thest minute.


    ¡°Okay, copsed fishu reveal yourself,¡± said Zi Han and Zi Xingxi nced at her son with an ¡®are you serious¡¯ look on her face.


    ¡°You sound like a stupid game show host,¡± she said and Zi Han retorted,


    ¡°Game show hosts aren¡¯t stupid. They are funny and interesting.¡±


    ¡°Yes they aren¡¯t stupid but you sound silly,¡± she said and the two bickered like they always did.


    Zi Feiji had to intervene. ¡°Hey hey look. Both of you were right. Look the fishu was poor Leo. He is even sweating so much.¡±


    ¡°You are going down Ma¡¯am,¡± said Zi Han marking himself correct in the app like he was marking the circles on a bingo card.


    ¡°At least you are still well-mannered when trash-talking your mother,¡± she said with a haughty smile.


    Zi Han chuckled before saying, ¡°Fishu two reveal yourself,¡± his voice loud for dramatic effect making Ming Ming giggle.


    ¡°Oh god, will you please stop,¡± said Zi Xingxi and Zi Han shook his head immediately while answering,


    ¡°No. I like it. Look grandpa doesn¡¯t mind and Ming Ming isughing... And what¡¯s your beef with game show hosts anyway.¡±


    That is to say, this conversation had taken ce before but his mother never exined why she disliked game shows, particrly game show hosts.


    Zi Feiji who was tired of this back and forth said, ¡°That¡¯s because her first celebrity crush was the game show host for that stupid fake hunting game show. She couldn¡¯t stop yammering about him back then.¡±


    Zi Han, ¡°...¡±


    ¡°Oh, that guy. I remember he had a scandal back then. His credentials were fake and he was using a fake face too,¡± said auntie Lin while the others stifled theirughter. They wanted to burst outughing but they were afraid of Zi Xingxi¡¯s dark face.


    ¡°Who?¡± said Yeoh Jun while trying to take off the head of the crozad but it was refusing toe off. He pulled at it in a hurry but the zipper seemed stuck.


    ¡°Wait... wait for me so you can. exin. clearly. Help me!¡± he said his voice muffled. He never thought his wife liked anyone other than himself so one can only imagine how he was feeling right now.


    The frizel and another crozad came to help out but because their hands were covered in thick fabric the task proved much more difficult than it should have.


    Doctor Kiet who ended up being the other crozad came over to help. The head was off but his hands were still wrapped in fabric thus he wasn¡¯t much help.


    Because of their big chubby bodies like that of Teletubbies, they couldn¡¯t steady themselves thus they tumbled to the ground like dominos which was incredibly funny. It was like watching rugby yers piled on top of each other but in mascot costumes which were quite hrious.


    Zi Xingxi didn¡¯t want tough but it was so funny that she couldn¡¯t help but pull up her blouse tough inside.


    They had been married for so long and separated for a very long time but he still managed to make herugh.


    ¡°Dad, if he divorces me because of this, I will move in with you permanently,¡± she said in between herughter and Zi Feiji said,


    ¡°What do you mean by moving in permanently when you never left? Your things have always been in my house and I know you wille back.¡±

 Chapter 575 - 575 cock not cork

    575 cock not cork


    Zi Xingxi pulled down her blouse only to be met by a frizel that was smiling but seemed angry at the same time. Why was he still in the mascot suit? It was because they failed to pull down the zipper and he was too anxious to know who his love rival was.


    With exaggerated hand gestures, he said, ¡°You... didn¡¯t you tell me you never had a crush before. You have always said you only liked me.¡± Zi Xingxi tried to suppress herughter by pursing her lips but she was really struggling.


    Zi Han couldn¡¯t help but look away trying to hide hisughter from his father. This was just too funny. He should have at least gotten out of that mascot suit before confronting her.


    Zi Xingxi wasn¡¯t the only one who was being confronted. Yi Feng who had failed to pick his boyfriend in a group of cute exotic animals was getting an earful from doctor Kiet. He thought that because they knew each other for so long he would be able to tell but apparently not.


    ¡°How could you not know it was me?¡± he asked and Yi Feng answered honestly,


    ¡°How was I supposed to tell it was you? It was very difficult to tell.¡±


    Doctor Kiet felt exasperated as he said, ¡°I don¡¯t know. My dance moves maybe... or the way I walk. Hell, even my ass is easy to identify. Look... look,¡± shoving his cute butt in Yi Feng¡¯s face.


    ¡°I knew it was you. See see, I can identify your two left feet even when you are turned to ash,¡± said Lin Ruoxi after Yi Zhen removed his mascot suit.


    Yi Zhen, ¡°...¡±


    .....


    ¡°That means I win. Hahahaha suck it... all of you,¡± said Zi Han celebrating his victory. He leapt off the patio and grabbed his cute crozad and pulled him away.


    ¡°Comee, daddy will buy you something nice on StarNet. What would you like? A new pair of sneakers or maybe a nice outfit,¡± said Zi Han and Zi Feiji couldn¡¯t help butugh. This was what they called a sore winner.


    An hourter Zi Han came out of the bathroom with a tiger sheet mask on his face and walked over to the mini-fridge.


    Before he opened it he heard the person lying in bed watching him ask, ¡°Are you looking for this?¡±


    Zi Han turned around and found the bottle they got from the wine cer in Yi Chen¡¯s hand.


    ¡°Are you sure we won¡¯t get into trouble? It was in the red zone,¡± said Zi Han as he smilingly slipped underneath the quilt.


    ¡°You don¡¯t have to worry about it. I will take the fall if grandma makes a fuss,¡± replied Yi Chen as he pulled the seal open before screwing the spiral part of the corkscrew into the cork. Zi Han watched him eagerly while saying,


    ¡°Why do they call it corkscrew? Is it because the screw is screwing the cork? It sounds sexy.¡±


    Yi Chen chuckled softly as his hand screwed down the corkscrew until it couldn¡¯t screw anymore. ¡°When you say it like that it sounds dirty,¡± he said and Zi Han moved closer before saying,


    ¡°I would like you to screw my cork,¡± his voice alluring.


    Yi Chen stopped what he was doing and stared at him before correcting him. ¡°Cock... you are supposed to say, cock not cork,¡± he said and Zi Han nudged him with his shoulder while saying,


    ¡°But babe, it sounds literally the same.¡±


    ¡°No no, it¡¯s cock c. o. c. k not c. o. r .k cork. Now say it right otherwise there will be no screwing tonight,¡± with the tip of his nose touching Zi Han¡¯s.


    Zi Han chuckled lightly before saying,


    ¡°Then babe will you screw my cock.¡± Yi Chen finished opening the bottle and Zi Han excitedly brought over two sses of wine. He couldn¡¯t wait to have a taste of this fine bottle of wine. Zi Han took off the sheet mask and pat his skin lightly while waiting for him.


    Yi Chen poured out a third into the wine sses before setting it aside. ¡°Cheers,¡± said Zi Han and the two clinked sses before taking a sip. Zi Han was who expecting it to be sweet but when that woody bitter and astringent taste lingered on his tongue Zi Han seemed aggrieved.


    ¡°Fuck... who did I offend. It¡¯s so bitter,¡± he said quite displeased.


    ¡°But it gets you tipsy faster...,¡± said Yi Chen before taking Zi Han¡¯s ss and pouring it back out into his wine ss.


    He set Zi Han¡¯s ss aside and said, ¡°Here. Let me make it sweet for you.¡±


    Zi Han thought he was going to put some candy in it like he did with the can of beer but instead he drank a mouthful.


    Before Zi Han knew what was going on his lips were suddenly kissed and his mouth pried open. A warm bitter liquid seeped into his mouth. Zi Han was about to push it back to sender when the back of his neck was pressed and he swallowed it subconsciously.


    A pleasant burning sensation flowed down his throat warming his chest as their tongues entwined in a sensual lustful kiss.


    Zi Han sucked on Yi Chen¡¯s lips making sure not to waste any of the sweet nectar. After a long arousing kiss, the two parted with slight dissatisfaction.


    Zi Han licked the corner of Yi Chen¡¯s lip while Yi Chen asked, ¡°Is it sweet?¡±


    Zi Han wiped the corner of Yi Chen¡¯s lips with his thumb and said, ¡°It is,¡± his eyes as alluring as an enchantress, ¡°but I want you to lick it off of me next.¡±


    Yi Chen wanted to say it was messy but seeing that eager gaze and lower lip bite, Yi Chen couldn¡¯t resist it.


    ¡°Okay,¡± he agreed readily like it was a given. It was bound to be messy but since baby wants some then baby would definitely get some.


    Yi Chen helped Zi Han out of his clothes andy down ready to be licked all over.

 Chapter 576 - 576 NSFW

    576 NSFW


    Zi Han never thought that being licked all over would feel this nice. As that slithering tongue glided on his body he felt an inexplicable pleasure spread to the depths of his soul.


    It was then he realised that his body had an insatiable appetite. He felt immense sexual stimtion when that tongue swept past his most sensitive areas with a lot of nerve endings.


    Yi Chen had on his face a satisfied smile having made his lover grow weak with sexual desire.


    Which part of Zi Han¡¯s body didn¡¯t he explore? He licked, twirled and sucked on his ears, his neck, his fingers, his nipples, his belly button, his inner thigh and even his perineum. Zi Han¡¯s eyes were misty like he was under a dizzying spell.


    He gave Yi Chen a sexually provocative look as the tips of his fingers raked through Yi Chen¡¯s hair. When Yi Chen poured a little wine on his chest, Zi Han shuddered from the sensation his heart beating fast in anticipation.


    When that warm tongue slid down his chest Zi Han gasped as he arched his neck back elongating his chest for Yi Chen to do as he pleased with him.


    Yi Chen ced his arm behind Zi Han¡¯s back and his broad palm caressed his skin while stimting his lover¡¯s hard nipples. Coupled with the intoxication from the wine, Zi Han sank deep into the throngs of lust.


    Unable to stand the stimtion he raised his upper body and half sat up with his hand resting at the back of Yi Chen¡¯s neck. He pulled him closer and gazed into his deep dark eyes as though staring straight into his soul. With his warm breath spraying on Yi Chen¡¯s face he said, ¡°I want you to fuck me,¡± his voice hoarse and breathy.


    Yi Chen nced at his slightly swollen lips from the kissing his gaze heated and intense like he wanted to kiss him hard. He raised his hand and touched his lover¡¯s lower lip with the tip of his thumb. His gaze moved up and he was met by Zi Han¡¯s eager gaze.


    .....


    ¡°Okay but I want to fuck you in the shower,¡± he said before biting his lower lip seductively, his imagination running wild.


    He imagined himself pressing Zi Han¡¯s body against the shower while thrusting deep inside of him. Just the thought of Zi Han¡¯s fingernails digging deep into his skin made him so excited that his lower half outlined on his pyjama pants twitched in excitement.


    Zi Han nodded his head and watched Yi Chen take another sip of the wine in the ss. He subconsciously licked his lipspletely unaware of how alluring his actions were.


    Seeing him like this, Yi Chen identally swallowed with his adam¡¯s apple rolling under his skin. Zi Han looked at him seeming aggrieved.


    Yi Chen ced his hand on Zi Han¡¯s neck and gently massage it while asking, ¡°Do you want some?¡±


    Zi Han nodded his head while leaning in closer appearing docile which was unlike him. Yi Chen saw him lean closer for a kiss and an alluring smile crept up his face as he ced a finger on Zi Han¡¯s lips to stop him.


    Yi Chen took another sip and move his hand still resting on Zi Han¡¯s neck slightly making him tilt his head up a little. He leaned in close and pressed their lips together.


    Zi Han obediently parted his lips and as the warm liquid trickled into his mouth he groaned with his hands clutching the side of Yi Chen¡¯s waist tightly.


    His member felt hard and hot itching to be touched. His chrysanthemum was tingling lewdly desperate for his man¡¯s hardness to plunder and plough him until he climaxed.


    Like a thirsty beast, his tongue invaded Yi Chen¡¯s innermost being chasing that intoxicating taste. Their tongues entwined with each other as though to form an unbreakable love knot.


    The two of them kissed until they were a muddled mess. Unwilling to part Zi Han continued kissing his chin and neck kissing away the wine that trickled down earlier while Yi Chen was forcing the wine down his throat.


    Yi Chen carried him to the bathroom but the person in his arms was extremely disobedient that he couldn¡¯t help but pick up his pace. He ced him down in the shower and pressed his body against Zi Han¡¯s while kissing him hard. Zi Han was a little restless thus he started peeling off Yi Chen¡¯s clothes in a hurry.


    The two of them were a disastrous mess rolling on the ss wall of the shower. Yi Chen picked up his lover who was restlessly rubbing against him. The water trickled down on them as Zi Han wrapped his legs around Yi Chen¡¯s waist and hips.


    Yi Chen tore off whatever clothes were left on Zi Han¡¯s body as he sucked on his lips hard marking his person for the world to see.


    Zi Han dug his nails into Yi Chen¡¯s back as he gasped at the sensation. ¡°Baby I want you,¡± he whispered his voice husky and entrancing.


    Yi Chen gently nibbled on Zi Han¡¯s ear his hot breath spraying on his skin making Zi Han¡¯s body shiver in excitement. ¡°Are you sure?¡± he asked his hardness barely contained by the fabric of his pants pressing against that special entrance.


    Zi Han pushed back the hair sticking to his forehead revealing a pair of those alluring eyes as he replied, ¡°I can take it.¡±


    Yi Chen removed his hand pressing against the ss wall and pulled down his pants his burning gaze on Zi Han¡¯s side profile. With a light tug, his hardness popped out of the pants and he stroked his member lightly while kissing the corner of Zi Han¡¯s lips.


    Zi Han took out a colourful wrapper and tore it open for him but Yi Chen didn¡¯t want it. He nuzzled Zi Han¡¯s neck while saying, ¡± Can I not¡­ please.¡±


    Seeing him like this Zi Han couldn¡¯t help but chuckle softly. Who could resist that cute face? If he was a girl, six weekster they would be having this conversation about who between them acted so pitiful that they ended up producing babies.

 Chapter 577 - 577 NSFW 2

    577 NSFW Zi Han kissed Yi Chen¡¯s lips in a heated and passionate exchange his answer obvious. His lips suddenly bit down on Yi Chen¡¯s lips when that hard member ripped through his tiny hole.


    It was lubricated but still. Being the one who asked him to do it he didn¡¯t evenin. He licked Yi Chen¡¯s lip with his tongue making Yi Chen grunt.


    With his palms pressed on the shower wall, Yi Chen thrust into that sweet ce slowly making his lover shudder with both pleasure and pain.


    Zi Han bit Yi Chen¡¯s shoulder and the thrusts deepened and sped up. ¡°Mm... ngh fuck,¡± cried out Zi Han as that thick hard object prated him and glide past a certain special ce.


    ¡°Fuck... ah don¡¯t stop. Just like that mm,¡± he cried out in between gasps the pain long gone and the pleasure sweeping through his body from the top of his head to his tippy toes.


    The two figures entwined with each other on the shower wall indulging in the fruits of lust. The bathroom was soon filled with mist from the water fogging up the shower walls.


    Yi Chen put Zi Han down and with a tacit understanding, Zi Han turned his body around and pressed his chest on the shower wall. Yi Chen kissed the back of his neck while caressing his skin. The touch of his skin with the water gliding on his body was so sensational that he couldn¡¯t help but rub him a few more times.


    His hand smacked Zi Han¡¯s ass and his lover moaned in pleasure. His hand resting on Zi Han¡¯s neck he began to thrust hard producing a flesh pping against flesh sound. The passion in the room was so intense that it could make one excited at a nce.


    For others such a passionate night was a foreign concept. For instance, Zi Xingxi was ring at her husband who was crying while watching the birth video.


    .....


    She had wanted to give him a taste of his own medicine by taking that love drug and tormenting him all night until he passed out but when she came out of the bathroom dressed in a redce night dress, Yeoh Jun was weeping while watching Zi Han¡¯s birth video.


    ¡°Wuwuwu that brat better respect you and treat you like a queen. That looks so painful,¡± he said as he watched his wife almost screaming at the top of her lungs as she pushed.


    ¡°Oh god... why did you decide now to watch this?¡± she asked as she sat on the bed her legs spread wide for him to see.


    ¡°Not now honey,¡± he said while moving her leg to close the crevice inviting him in.


    Zi Xingxi, ¡°...¡±


    ¡°Well, you feel bad because you weren¡¯t there so how about youpensate me,¡± she said spreading her legs again and this time she put her leg over his.


    Yeoh Jun took a tissue from the pedestal and wiped away his tears while saying, ¡°How can Ipensate you?¡±


    Zi Xingxi smiled happily having caught his prey and said, ¡°You can pay tribute to my coochie by licking it.¡±


    ¡°Ah, baby be serious. I am still watching this and I am not in the mood right now. Let me finish this first,¡± he answered and Zi Xingxi was so annoyed that she rolled over andy down.


    Ten minutester she got up her steps harsh like she was angry. Why was she mad? It was because she never rejected him but he would reject her sometimes which was an ufortable feeling.


    ¡°Wait where are you going?¡± asked Yeoh Jun after seeing her leave but she didn¡¯t reply.


    The bathroom door shut and this dad who had missed his son¡¯s birth continued to watch his expression sullen. He wanted to talk to her about it and ask her questions but twenty minutes in and his wife hadn¡¯te back.


    He was starting to think she had a tummy ache or something thus he paused the video and got up.


    He knocked on the door softly and asked, ¡°Xixi are you unwell?... Do you want me to get medicine or something?¡±


    Zi Xingxi¡¯s voice sounded a little hoarse as she said, ¡°I am fine. Just leave me alone for a while.¡±


    Here is the thing. Yeoh Jun wasn¡¯t the type to let things lie. That¡¯s because he knew his wife was the type who would endure everything by herself and if no one reaches out to her she might not reach out to anyone.


    She dislocated her shoulders once in the academy and he found her trying to fix it herself. They weren¡¯t together yet so she was very rude to him and kicked him out. If it weren¡¯t that she was hurt he might have gotten his ass


    kicked.


    It was then he realised he had to be stubborn when dealing with her otherwise she would endure everything by herself. So when she said he should leave, he pushed the door open instead and the scene he was expecting, of her throwing up on the floor, didn¡¯t happen.


    Zi Xingxi was holding a massage stick taking care of business by herself. Yeoh Jun¡¯s eyes brightened as he rushed over to join the party but she pushed him away.


    ¡°Uh-uh, this is not an invitation. You can leave,¡± she said her tone stern yet scious at the same time.


    ¡°Why? Xixi, I can hold it for you. I can be very useful,¡± he said and Zi Xingxi almostughed out loud.


    ¡°Don¡¯t you have other things to do? Weren¡¯t you watching something? Go... go watch. I am fine here,¡± she said not at all giving her husband any face.


    Which husband would be so noble as to walk away after seeing his wife using a vibrator with a lustful and irresistible look on her face?


    Maybe others could but he couldn¡¯t. He picked her up and carried her to the bed. She protested but it was pointless. Yeoh Jun was determined to join this solo party and make her feel so good that she won¡¯t hold it against him.


    ¡°You... Yeoh Ju-,¡± she cried out only for her voice toe to an abrupt silence when that vibrator was lightly ced on her sacred ce. She was done for.

 Chapter 578 - 578 Trending on StarNet

    578 Trending on StarNet


    ¡°Ma... where is it?¡± yelled Zi Han on another morning of ¡®where are my things that mum has absolutely nothing to do with but I would still ask her anyway¡¯.


    Zi Xingxi had never felt like strangling her kid this much until now. In fact, she couldn¡¯t wait to ship him off at this point. Who would have thought that her child getting married would be this stressful?


    ¡°Sweetie, did you look in your closet thoroughly? I told you yesterday to pack your shit but no. You were busy on your light brain chatting it up with your sweetheart instead of packing and now you are asking where is what? Call your boyfriend toe to help you,¡± she said while sitting down on the couch and putting her feet up like she wasn¡¯t bothered.


    Zi Han, ¡°...¡±


    ¡°Ma... I know I was wrong. Help me please,¡± he said while tugging her arm.


    ¡°Nope, don¡¯t talk to me yet. I haven¡¯t had my morning coffee,¡± she said as Yeoh Jun walked over with a steaming cup of ck coffee.


    ¡°Give my wife a minute. She has been very tiredtely... you know... making up for lost tim-,¡± said Yeoh Jun when a couch cushion came flying in his direction.


    Seeing that grown man stagger backwards from that hit, Zi Han couldn¡¯t help but stifle hisughter.


    Zi Xingxi took a long sip of her coffee before closing her eyes and showing a content expression. Zi Han was very patient. He didn¡¯t dare say anything until that cup of Joe hit the right spot.


    .....


    As soon as she appeared rxed, Zi Han sat next to her andy his head on her shoulder trying to act cute.


    Zi Xingxi, ¡°...¡±


    Yeoh Jun couldn¡¯t let this pass. He moved his son¡¯s head off his wife¡¯s shoulder and said, ¡°Give your mom a minute she needs a break from you,¡± ready to back his woman as he should.


    Unfortunately, he was also included in this don¡¯t disturb me list. ¡°You too. Run along. I need to recharge first,¡± she said and the two people were chased off the couch.


    ¡°I am starting to think I owed you something in my past life otherwise why would you always mess up my ns,¡± said Yeoh Jun his tone usatory.


    ¡°What the hell are you talking about? When have I ever messed with your ns?¡± replied Zi Han a little exasperated.


    What he didn¡¯t expect though was that his father had a long list of times he had unknowingly screwed up his ns even before he was born.


    There were times when he wanted his wife to kiss him but coincidentally, little fetus Han would kick and make a fuss causing his wife to feel sick.


    Even sexy time was also ruined by the little one. He had been out all day and had been receiving text messages from his wife enticing him with sexy pictures and dirty texts. When he got home he took off his clothes from the minute he entered that door till he was left with only his underwear but when he entered the bedroom the dirty talking wife was fast asleep in bed and she was even snoring with half her body leaning over the bed.


    When he asked herter she said that the baby was restless and she fell asleep after taking a walk. Now, he couldn¡¯t me Zi Han for that because he was an innocent little fetus who probably... maybe didn¡¯t do it on purpose.


    But even now he somehow managed to mess with their private time whenever he was around. He essentially became the third wheel, a light bulb that was constantly popping out of nowhere.


    Whether it be watching movies, cooking together or going out shopping his son would pop out of nowhere and ask,


    ¡°Are you going out? Can Ie too?¡± His wife wouldn¡¯t have a problem with it. In fact, she would half hug him and drag him along almost in a chokehold.


    If this wasn¡¯t intentional sabotage then what else could it be? Yeoh Jun never thought that he would push his son to leave the house often neither did he think he would call his son¡¯s boyfriend to pick him up.


    What he didn¡¯t realise was that these two had been each other¡¯s backup for years and now that Zi Han was officially leaving the nest the separation anxiety was real. This was why Zi Xingxi would drag her son along whenever she got the chance.


    This was the truth of the matter but Zi Han would never admit that mostly because he didn¡¯t notice. Thus he denied it.


    ¡°I did no such thing,¡± he said and Yeoh Jun¡¯s eyes widened.


    He grabbed the back of his son¡¯s neck with a force not so heavy or too light. ¡°You are kidding me, right? You are like a sniffer dog. You always show up at the door just as we are about to do something. Like right now, I was trying to soften her to do something for me but here you are messing it up,¡± he said and Zi Han¡¯s lips quirked while saying,


    ¡°You are imagining things.¡±


    The two of them entered Zi Han¡¯s bedroom which had things scattered in what one could only describe as an orderly mess. Zi Han sighed looking at all the work he had to do before leaving in three days for the beginning of the wedding festivities.


    Yeoh Juny on the bedzily while swiping through StarNet fully intending not to lift a finger to help his son. Even if he did help he would probably make things worse.


    His fingers that were swiping up the floating screen suddenly paused and asked, ¡°So that Yi kid is seriously going to keep this picture up,¡± his expression showing slight annoyance.


    Zi Han who was picking up a box filled with misceneous things answered, ¡°What are you talking about?¡± but he was fully aware of what he was talking about.


    Remember when he decided to motivate Yi Chen by telling him to win and he would let him post what Yi Chen wanted to post but Zi Han never let him? After they left Lin¡¯s private, Yi Chen made sure to post it and boy was it trending on StarNet.

 Chapter 579 - 579 Mine....

    579 Mine....


    Yeoh Jun wasn¡¯t a meddlesome person but dang this picture had to go. It was a picture of his son shirtless and Yi Chen standing behind him with his arm across Zi Han¡¯s shoulder in a possessive manner. Yi Chen was also shirtless with the tattoo he had with Zi Han¡¯s name on his mermaid line partially visible.


    One word that best described this picture would be ¡®hot¡¯ and the weirdos on StarNet were simping on it, especially with such a caption.


    What was the caption? Mine.... That was it. It was a simple word and it spoke volumes. As though to prove a point one couldn¡¯t even save the picture, download it or screenshot it. It was protected like confidential files in the military.


    As a normal being, Yeoh Jun wouldn¡¯t even be bothered by this picture. He would have even given it a like as a person who liked seeing happy couples. There was nothing wrong with his son being shirtless. It¡¯s not like he was a girl so....


    The only problem was that this was his son and the one behind him had not so innocent intentions. It shouldn¡¯t have bothered him but as a father, he couldn¡¯t help but feel slight annoyance. ¡°This picture. It¡¯s too explicit,¡± he said while ncing at his son.


    Zi Han dared not look at him as he continued packing things. He also knew it was quite sexy, especially the fiery gaze Yi Chen was staring at him with the tip of his nose lightly grazing his skin. The way his arm wrapped around his shoulders made him feel an immense feeling of being wanted. It was like he was the only one in his eyes which stirred up something deep in his soul. Let¡¯s not even talk about his other hand that was resting at the back of his entwining their fingers.


    He initially didn¡¯t want anyone to see his boyfriend in that state but Yi Chen wanted to showcase it to the world so badly that he couldn¡¯t wait for the wedding pictures. They had no pictures of each other on StarNet because in the past their rtionship wasn¡¯t out there apart from their circle of friends.


    Now that it was out there and they hadid im on each other in a very very obvious way Zi Han felt this inexplicable feeling stirring up inside of him, a feeling so pleasant and thrilling that he no longer wanted to take that picture down.


    ¡°You can use another picture like maybe the one at the betrothal ceremony. I can even send them to you if you don¡¯t have any. All you have to do is just tell me,¡± said Yeoh Jun but Zi Han loved that picture.


    .....


    He turned around and tapped a few times on the floating screen of his light brain before transferring a picture to him.


    ¡°How about this one?¡± he asked with a smug look on his face. His father was one to talk. He had a picture of him and his mother in the exact same posture just that he was holding her belly from behind with his chin resting in the crevice of her neck.


    This picture was buried in Yeoh Jun¡¯s light brain for more than two decades but the day he told the world that Zi Xingxi was his empress he posted this image stirring up a storm.


    ¡°But that¡¯s from the maternity photoshoot,¡± he said justifying himself but Zi Hanughed out loud.


    ¡°That¡¯s explicit too but I didn¡¯t say anything,¡± he said as he sat on the bed next to his father.


    ¡°Fine. I will keep my mouth shut,¡± he said having realised he could never win in a war of words with Zi Han.


    Zi Han grunted in annoyance as hey back down with his feet almost in his father¡¯s face. Yeoh Jun pushed his feet away and reprimanded, ¡°Get your nasty feet off my face.¡±


    Zi Han pulled his feet towards himself and smelt them before saying, ¡°Pa, you are just being petty. They don¡¯t smell awful at all.¡±


    ¡°They are feet so they are nasty, end of the story,¡± he replied before continuing to scroll down.


    Zi Han stared at the ceiling in silence for a while before saying, ¡°Are you going to help me or you are just going to lie there.¡±


    Yeoh Jun shook his head his answer straight forward, ¡°You have two hands and feet. You do it.¡±


    Zi Han, who was sozy half sat up on his left side and asked, ¡°Do you think if I call grandpa, he will help me?¡±


    Yeoh Junughed before saying, ¡°Your grandfather will never agree especially now that he is out with his friends having a petpetition. If little Hansel doesn¡¯t take first ce he would most likelye back in a terrible mood.¡±


    Zi Han knew that was true but he still didn¡¯t want to do all this by himself. Actually, he could ask Old Lu but he had also left with grandpa Zi.


    Secretary K was with Lynn Feng at who knows where. His mother had called it a mini vacation but she might as well have called it a honeymoon.


    That¡¯s when it hit him. He recalled that he had a fiance with obsessive cleanliness habits. He didn¡¯t have to ask him at all. All he had to do was have a video call and Yi Chen would see it. Zi Han was almost certain that he woulde running over in a heartbeat.


    Thinking he will make it worth his while, Zi Han called him without considering his father who was going through his wife¡¯s past interactions on StarNet.


    A second or twoter the video request was epted and Yi Chen was met with piles of things or in Zi Han¡¯s words, an orderly mess.


    His brow twitched as he asked, ¡°Babe, I can¡¯t see you.¡±


    Zi Han who had intentionally turned the camera to the view of the room switched it back and said, ¡°Hey babe. Missed me?¡±


    Yeoh Jun, ¡°...¡±


    This kid had no respect for his old man at all.

 Chapter 580 - 580 Momster

    580 Momster


    Zi Xingxi took a deep breath and chanted a few mantras before finally putting on a smile ready to deal with the world. This was her morning routine especially when Zi Han was younger. She needed mummy time before dealing with her precious baby who was indeed a handful.


    Even as an adult her son was still a handful but a mother¡¯s love wouldn¡¯t expire just because they had grown up. She got up with her mug and was about to head to the kitchen when the doorbell rang.


    She checked the camera on her light brain and was met with her son inw¡¯s face. She went over to open the door while asking, ¡°Aren¡¯t you supposed to be out with your mother? I heard you are finalizing the details of your house today.¡±


    Yi Chen was a little surprised to see that it was his mother inw that opened the door but he quickly recovered and said, ¡°Good morning auntie. I just came over to drop off Han Han¡¯s favourite cake and I also bought a custard tart for you from that bakery you and mum like,¡± he said looking like he was trying to bribe his way in.


    When she saw the luxurious pink packaging, Zi Xingxi couldn¡¯t resist. She epted it looking like she was ready to sell her son off for a night. She led him to Zi Han¡¯s bedroom and when the door opened she found the person who was supposed to be packing lying on the bed while ying a game on StarNet with her husband.


    The two people were yelling, okay no, it was more like Zi Han was yelling at his dad telling him to juice moreplement points on the fairy princess otherwise the character won¡¯t be able to fight the trolls.


    Yes, they were ying that game Ming Ming introduced him to. It¡¯s not that his sister inw was forcing him to continue ying it but that it was quite addictive. He just couldn¡¯t help but teach his father but who would have thought it would very difficult to teach an old dog new tricks?


    ¡°I amplimenting her now get off my back aaaahhhh this stupid game. My blood bar is so freaking low. Buff me up otherwise I will get killed,¡± said Yeoh Jun with an anxious look on his face like it was a life and death situation.


    ¡°Aren¡¯t you two supposed to be packing up?¡± she asked with her arms crossed on her chest.


    .....


    The two of them didn¡¯t even look up. It was Yeoh Jun who responded first. ¡°He is the one meant to be packing not me,¡± he said and Zi Han raised his five fingers before saying,


    ¡°Five more minutes.¡±


    ¡°None of you are leaving this bedroom until it¡¯s all packed up,¡± she said before turning to Yi Chen, ¡°let¡¯s go. Let¡¯s leave them be.¡±


    When Zi Han heard this he finally looked up and saw his sweetheart that he had manipted toe here standing next to his mother with a branded paper bag in his hand.


    ¡°Chen-ge, you came and you brought me some cake. You are so sweet,¡± said Zi Han getting off the bed hastily to get to him but his mother blocked his path pressing her palm on his forehead.


    ¡°Uh uh uh, you don¡¯t get to eat this delicious cake unless you finish cleaning up,¡± she said and Zi Han slumped his shoulders looking sullen.


    He showed a pitiful expression that Yi Chen couldn¡¯t resist but Zi Xingxi wouldn¡¯t let him have his way.


    ¡°Both of you clean up and I mean both of you,¡± she said before the door closed and Yi Chen was forced to follow her.


    With the two of them gone Zi Han couldn¡¯t help butin. ¡°Now that Chen Chen can¡¯t help me, Pa you are going to be my new help,¡± he said and Yeoh Jun howled having lost the game.


    ¡°She is dead... she is dead. Periwinkle is dead,¡± he cried out mourning the loss of his in game character.


    Zi Han, ¡°...¡±


    He was today years old when he realised, his father was so unreliable. While Zi Han was trying to get his father to get off the bed and help him out, Yi Chen was sitting on the couch under Zi Xingxi¡¯s instruction.


    Was he ufortable? Yes, very much but now that they were going to be family it would be a good thing if they could get along. Zi Xingxi brought back two cups of coffee, the tart and the cake on a tray. Yes, she unpacked Zi Han¡¯s cake and ced it on a dessert te neatly.


    Yi Chen saw the cake and opened his mouth to say something but Zi Xingxi raised her finger gesturing to him to keep quiet. She pulled up a floating screen and video called Zi Han. It didn¡¯t take long before the video call was answered.


    ¡°Ma, what¡¯s up? Have you changed your mind and want to help?¡± he said only for his mother to open a secondary screen with the live video of the cake.


    ¡°No no no. Now you are a big boy so you should do big boy chores. I just wanted to let you know that for every ten minutes, you aren¡¯t downstairs I will...,¡± she said as she pressed the fork down cutting through the sweet cream down to the pink fluffy cake.


    ¡°You monster,¡± he said and Zi Xingxi chuckled before saying,


    ¡°No, that¡¯s momster for you sweetie.¡± After saying that she ate it showing a delighted look on her face. ¡°Mmm yummy,¡± she said taunting him and Zi Han almost lost his mind.


    ¡°No no no no. Ma, that¡¯s mine. They only make it once a month because the strawberry supply is low. I will pack up, I promise. Just don¡¯t eat-,¡± he said only for the video call toe to an abrupt end.


    ¡°Hello, hello... ma... ma... ma! Damn it,¡± he said before trying to open the door and leave but his father said,


    ¡°She locked it. Don¡¯t even bother.¡±


    Zi Han still tried to open the door but as expected it wouldn¡¯t open. He groaned in annoyance on the verge of throwing a tantrum.

 Chapter 581 - 581 Son, help me help you."

    581 Son, help me help you.¡±


    Yeoh Jun finally got off the bed and said, ¡°I will help you but you have to help me... Son, help me help you.¡±


    Zi Han, ¡°...¡±


    ¡°What do you want?¡± asked Zi Han feeling like whatever he wanted wasn¡¯t anything good.


    ¡°I want you to tell me every creepy pervert that pursued your mother while I was gone,¡± he said with a very serious look on his face.


    Zi Han knew this couldn¡¯t be anything good. Why did he want to know? Why did it matter who pursued his mother?


    ¡°All of them?¡± asked Zi Han and Yeoh Jun answered seriously,


    ¡°All of them. Even if it was just a ¡®hey baby¡¯ I want to know it all.¡±


    Zi Han, ¡°...¡±


    ¡°Well, that¡¯s going to be a very long list though some of these men are either missing or disabled with a broken limb or two,¡± he replied with a serious expression like he wasn¡¯t messing around. He was telling the truth though. The neighbourhood they grew up in had a lot of criminals because the environment was conducive for it.


    .....


    Anyone who had the balls to walk up to his mother and say ¡®hey baby¡¯ would most definitely end up in a very bad state, especially the criminals running rampant in the neighbourhood.


    ¡°Good, now let¡¯s clean,¡± said Yeoh Jun and the two of them got very busy.


    While they were rushing to pack up in under ten minutes, Yi Chen was sitting opposite his mother inw the atmosphere a little awkward.


    Zi Xingxi minimised the floating screen and said, ¡°Don¡¯t worry. I am just trying to get him to pack faster. He has been putting it off for a while and he gets distracted easily.¡±


    Yi Chen knew his lover very well. He also knew that Zi Han was calling asking for help without saying it. This was why he came running over. Who would have thought that his mother inw would stop him and he couldn¡¯t help Zi Han anymore?


    Zi Xingxi could tell he was anxiously looking up the stairs so she decided to give him some advice.


    ¡°Let me ask you something. Did he call you or you called him?¡± she asked and Yi Chen raised his head before replying,


    ¡°He called me.¡±


    Zi Xingxi could already see her son¡¯s trick clearly but this love struck puppy didn¡¯t know he had been drawn to the trap.


    ¡°Video call?¡± she asked and Yi Chen nodded his head while taking a sip of the steaming coffee.


    ¡°You do realise he did that on purpose because he knew you woulde running over, right?¡± she said but Yi Chen¡¯s answer was unexpected.


    ¡°Yes, I know. That¡¯s why I am here,¡± he said and Zi Xingxi¡¯s eyes widened. One was maniptive and the other was willing to be manipted so who was she to interfere in their business?


    She couldn¡¯t help but let out a soft chuckle as she leaned back in her seat. ¡°Okay, as long as you know,¡± she said her heart stirred. She knew her son¡¯s character very well and always worried that he would never find someone who tolerated his bad habits but it seemed she had nothing to worry about.


    He had found someone not only tolerant but was so in love that he was blind to it all. This was a really good thing.


    ¡°So other than my son do you have any other interests?¡± she asked and Yi Chen who had no other interests apart from work had to think for a moment.


    ¡°Um... I like mechs and one vs one matches,¡± he said and Zi Xingxi nodded her head.


    ¡°I like mechs too... and fighting,¡± she said before taking another sip of her coffee which was the second cup in less than half an hour.


    ¡°Thank you, auntie, this coffee is really nice,¡± he said genuinelyplimenting her. It was far better than what he can make or the housekeeping robot. Hell, even his mother¡¯s coffee couldn¡¯t even be close to what he was drinking right now.


    ¡°Oh, that¡¯s good. I am the only one in this house who loves coffee,¡± she said with a soft smile on her face.


    ¡°Me too. Everybody just looks at me like I am crazy and they say my tastes are strange,¡± said Yi Chen his smile genuine like he had found a kindred spirit.


    ¡°Interesting. You know I kept buying your mom a double shot of espresso. I bought it three times in a row and she never said anything that is until I caught her rinsing with water outside the cafe. She didn¡¯t even want to tell me she hated coffee because she was afraid I would get mad,¡± said Zi Xingxi and Yi Chen¡¯s heart felt touched. He knew his mother drank that coffee for him. She was trying to get along with Zi Xingxi for his sake and lock down this rtionship as fast as possible.


    ¡°She hates coffee but she loves caramel bubble tea,¡± he said and Zi Xingxi nodded her head. Well, she knew how much that woman loved caramel bubble tea. She loved it so much that she could smell it from a mile away.


    ¡°Would you like to watch a show with me? I know those two will take a long time to finish,¡± she said and Yi Chen agreed.


    He had already been tormented by his mother who dragged him to watch such things so he didn¡¯t mind watching it with his mother inw.


    As the screen turned on and she logged into the streaming tform, her light brain rang and it was a call from Lin Ruoxi. Her brow arched as she answered.


    ¡°What?¡± she asked and Lin Ruoxi yelled in an usatory tone,


    ¡°How dare you cheat on me?¡±


    Yi Chen, ¡°...¡±


    He turned his head and saw his mother in a clothing store while continuing with her usations. ¡°You said we will watch royal imposter together so why did I just get a notification that you logged in and are about to binge watch without me? Bad friend...you are a,¡± she said only for Ming Ming to show up behind her wearing a cropped top revealing her belly.


    ¡°How about this mum,¡± she said and Lin Ruoxi turned to scold her.


    ¡°Hell no. Take that off. Didn¡¯t I tell you that only grown girls wear that to concerts? Go change,¡± she said but Ming Ming didn¡¯t move so she continued to yell, ¡°Now!¡±


    Yi Chen, ¡°...¡±


    ¡°And you,¡± she said returning back to Zi Xingxi, ¡°you promised.¡±


    Zi Xingxi couldn¡¯t understand why she was mad thus she asked, ¡°Why do we have to watch it together? I promise I won¡¯t talk about it until you have watched it.¡±


    ¡°No, it¡¯s ruining the experience. If you are my bestie, you have to wait for me until tonight. We can have the five of them out of the house and we can watch without being disturbed,¡± she said meaning that the boys will be taking Ming Ming to the concert and they could stay behind and watch in peace.

 Chapter 582 - 582 I don’t like sharing him.

    582 I don¡¯t like sharing him.


    Zi Xingxi never thought that having a friend would be this tiresome. She pursed her lips before saying, ¡°Fine, fine. I won¡¯t watch it without you.¡±


    She turned to Yi Chen and asked, ¡°Do you mind watching something else?¡±


    Soon after that, a familiar voice replied, ¡°I am fine with anything.¡±


    Lin Ruoxi, ¡°...¡±


    Was that her son? What was he doing there? Didn¡¯t he say that he went to check the bedding for the bridal room and the decorations?


    Lin Ruoxi almost wanted to crawl into the light brain and interrogate him. This man was getting married yet he still had time to run around with no direction.


    Zi Xingxi turned the video call to Yi Chen while saying, ¡°Your son found his way here because thatzy boy wanted help packing but I held Han Han¡¯s cake hostage so he is doing all the work with his dad upstairs.¡±


    Lin Ruoxi heaved a sigh hearing this but she was still worried. These two acted so calm like they weren¡¯t getting married soon. It was the moms that were losing their hair from the stress. She was almost sure none of the two even knew what their centrepieces at the reception looked like. Better yet she knew they didn¡¯t know where they were getting married.


    ¡°Okay, you two have fun... just don¡¯t watch royal imposter without me. I will bring lots of snackster so we can watch,¡± she said before Ming Ming showed up behind her again. This time she was wearing a ripped t-shirt which was a great improvement that is if it wasn¡¯t written badass bitch in bold.


    .....


    ¡°Are you purposefully going against me today? Is that it?¡± she asked before turning to Zi Xingxi and whispering,


    ¡°You should be d you didn¡¯t have a girl. It¡¯s so freaking stressful. I have to deal with this, bye.¡±


    After that, the call ended and Zi Xingxi nced at his son inw and said,


    ¡°You heard that. Don¡¯t have a little girl in the future otherwise, you will stress your mother out because I know you two will dump her at nana¡¯s.¡±


    Yi Chen, ¡°...¡±


    Did he want kids? No. But he knew Zi Han wanted kids or at least a kid so he was willing topromise just as long as it wasn¡¯t more than one. He loved spending time with Zi Han and had a very hard time sharing with anyone for that matter especially after they had been separated for years.


    The feeling grew stronger and stronger. He knew it was his problem and he should get it taken care of but he hadn¡¯t gotten around to dealing with it yet.


    Zi Xingxi saw he didn¡¯t say anything so she turned to the huge floating disy and picked something else for them to watch. She didn¡¯t want to see Lin Ruoxi¡¯s sulking face following her around for the next few days just because she watched royal imposter without her.


    She picked a mech battle show and various mech parts flew in all directions with a realistic feel to it. Just as the battle was getting very exciting Yi Chen finally opened his mouth and said,


    ¡°I don¡¯t want to have any... I am a little selfish and um... I really don¡¯t like sharing him with anyone. I just... in our space, I just want it to be us,¡± speaking his truth that he didn¡¯t dare say out loud before.


    Zi Xingxi had already seen him through a long time ago. Yi Chen never showed it on his face but Zi Xingxi could see his difficulties especially when Zi Han was with other family members and he wasn¡¯t talking to Yi Chen for a very long time. At least if Zi Han looked at him, smiled at him or waved at him from across the room Yi Chen would feel better but this was not always the case.


    Yi Chen thought he hid it well but apparently, Zi Xingxi knew about it because she was the same. She could understand what he was going through.


    ¡°I know. I can see it because we are the same,¡± she said and Yi Chen was a little surprised.


    ¡°I don¡¯t know if Han Han has told you but I never got over my husband when I thought he was dead. I wanted to die with him at first. In fact, I was ready to just give birth to Han Han and give him to my dad to raise then I would perish with all the prime ministers... all of them.¡±


    ¡°Dark right? But when I saw this little innocent minion who was a product of the two of us... I couldn¡¯t do it. I fell in love with that cute innocent smile that I fully embraced him and promised to give him everything he ever wanted.¡±


    ¡°When we fell pregnant, I wasn¡¯t expecting it neither did I want to share my time with him with anyone else even my own kid. I thought that he wouldn¡¯t love me any more or he would pay more attention to our son and he would forget that I exist. I was fully prepared to drop my baby by my father¡¯s doorstep if my husband dared to ignore me but when he was gone, I realised Han Han was his gift to me. It was as if he knew if he left I would undoubtedly follow him with no hesitation.¡±


    ¡°It is hard trust me I know but just realise that if you do decide to have a child or children, they are a gift from each of you to each other. A product of the love that you have for each other.¡±


    Yi Chen listened carefully and valued her advice deeply. He was the type who didn¡¯t speak much but when it came to serious matters he had no problem asking for advice.


    ¡°You will be fine. Han Han loves you so much and I bet he doesn¡¯t like sharing you either,¡± she said before turning back to the floating disy to watch the mechs get shredded to pieces.


    That was it. That was the end of the conversation but the wisdom he got from that short discussion would stay with him forever.

 Chapter 583 - 583 Adventurous intimacy talk

    583 Adventurous intimacy talk


    While Zi Xingxi was getting closer to her son inw, Yeoh Jun was getting closer to his son and boy he didn¡¯t like what he found out.


    That¡¯s because while packing he discovered things he had no business finding. The concept of sex toys and role-y outfits was somewhat foreign to him or in other words he had very little experience with them. Apart from the vibrator he caught his wife using he really knew nothing of this interesting world.


    This was why when he found some of these things in his son¡¯s room he was both shocked and curious.


    ¡°Who told you about these things? I am fairly certain it wasn¡¯t your mother so...,¡± said Yeoh Jun staring at that box at a distance like he was afraid they would get out of the box and chase him around.


    Zi Han almostughed out loud. Who would have thought that one day he would be having this conversation with his dad?


    ¡°StarNet. They even have sses too you know to teach you how to keep your partner happy. The federation is keen on keeping couples together and happy so they have these programs that teach people at-,¡± he said only for Yeoh Jun to interrupt him.


    ¡°Yes yes, I know about the family unit initiative. Your great grandfather started it but I am very certain there are no bedroom sses on the coursework,¡± he said calling out his son on his BS.


    ¡°Fine, I learnt it somewhere. I just don¡¯t remember where,¡± he said trying to pick the box up and put it away but Yeoh Jun stopped him.


    ¡°Wait wait wait... so why are there handcuffs? Isn¡¯t it ufortable?¡± he asked his expression serious.


    .....


    ¡°Pa, ma is going to eat my cake if you keep dying,¡± he said worried that there will only be crumbs left for him.


    ¡°She was just scaring you. At least she will eat half and leave the other half for you. Now the handcuffs... talk,¡± he said while pointing at them.


    Zi Han, ¡°...¡±


    Didn¡¯t this man know that it was embarrassing for him to talk about it? ¡°Ahem... not ufortable. You can handcuff both hands to the bed or handcuff their hands behind their back or front and... it¡¯s fine,¡± he exined almost dying inside of embarrassment.


    ¡°So is he doing this to you?¡± asked Yeoh Jun the pure concern in his eyes as real as day. No wonder dads bully their son inws. It was payback.


    ¡°Pa!¡± said Zi Han almost covering his face with his pillow.


    ¡°Fine fine, I won¡¯t ask,¡± he said but two minutester he asked, ¡°And the bunny ears? Wait is that a tail? Where does it go?¡±


    While he was asking Zi Han closed the box and packed it away. He stood in front of his father and said, ¡°You know what. I will help you. I will buy you gifts and theye with instruction manuals. I guarantee that after this mum will be so addicted that she won¡¯t have enough.¡±


    Yeoh Jun, ¡°...¡±


    If only Zi Xingxi knew that her son would open his father¡¯s eyes and usher him into the world of butt plugs, nipple mps and realistic angel wings she would have packed everything herself.


    By the time they were done packing up an order was already ced and Zi Xingxi¡¯s sex life was about to take a drastic turn.


    ¡°Ma, I am done. Please open the door,¡± said Zi Han while on a video call with his mother.


    Zi Xingxi deliberately ate another bite while saying, ¡°Show me or you just stuffed your things in the closet like you did before.¡±


    He had done it before but he was a teenager and his mother was still holding on to that. Well, if a pile of clothes and toys fell on you too you would remind them constantly about it. She was so mad at him that day that he ran out of the apartment and dared note back for hours.


    ¡°Are you kidding me? Ma it¡¯s spotless. We worked together and it¡¯s clean,¡± he said showing her around.


    But Zi Xingxi wasn¡¯t looking at that. She was much more worried about her husband. Something about him seemed off.


    ¡°What happened to your father? What did you do to him?¡± she asked and Zi Han turned to his father before saying,


    ¡°He is fine. He is just on StarNet catching up with the past two decades worth of information.¡±


    Yeoh Jun who was reading about certain things that women like in bed didn¡¯t even hear this conversation. When he disappeared they hadn¡¯t been together long enough to delve into the adventurous side of intimacy so he was indeed curious.


    No no no, Zi Xingxi knew her husband and he was never on his light brain like that even before he was presumed dead. Something was definitely up. ¡°Okay, I will open it for you,¡± she said and with a soft click, the door unlocked.


    Zi Han cut the video call and called out, ¡°Pa, let¡¯s go.¡±


    But Yeoh Jun didn¡¯t respond. It seemed like his confidence in his performance had been somewhat shaken. Zi Han had to call him several times before he answered with a perplexed look on his face.


    ¡°Huh,¡± he said seeming quite lost.


    ¡°The door is open. Let¡¯s go,¡± he said and Yeoh Jun finally came back to himself.


    The two left his bedroom and went downstairs. As his father said she indeed ate half of it. Half of it was all gone and his mother looked like she was going to eat more. Zi Han hurried over and took the te with a delighted expression.


    He sat next to Yi Chen and like no one was watching he kissed his lover¡¯s lips. It was a fleeting kiss but anyone could feel the sweetness emanating from it.


    He ate a piece with a delighted look on his face. With the fork hanging in his mouth, he raked his fingers through Yi Chen¡¯s hair while Yi Chen looked at him shyly creating a heartwarming scene.

 Chapter 584 - 584 Was she a pickpocket in her past life?

    584 Was she a pickpocket in her past life?


    An auntie once said the feeling of anger or dissatisfaction you have with your partner intensifies in the presence of another couple lovingly showing affection. You just seem to show a forced smile when you see them cuddle but re at your partner more intensely.


    Yeoh Jun never thought his son¡¯s PDA would earn him a re from his wife. She kept looking at him while biting through that tart after asking him what was up.


    Something was definitely up but he wasn¡¯t going to say it. He wasn¡¯t going to say he wanted to spice up things in the bedroom and his son paid for an all-inclusive beginner package to sexy adventures.


    So when she asked he said, ¡°I am fine,¡± which should have ended the conversation but she asked two more times after that and even gave his light brain a casual nce.


    When most partners ask their significant other if their okay and they say they are fine but their tone is off, it means that they are absolutely not fine. Using this rule of thumb, Zi Xingxi could tell something shady was going on but he wouldn¡¯t talk. She could only re at him for now but she didn¡¯t let it go.


    Zi Han was so entranced by his man that he didn¡¯t realise his parents were having a silent disagreement. He was busy telling Yi Chen about the little sulent nt he nted with his grandfather and that it survived. Yes, he had killed one before which was virtually impossible but he managed to do it somehow. This was why he was excited to tell Yi Chen about it.


    ¡°Do you want to go see it? It¡¯s up on the rooftop sundeck,¡± he said and Yi Chen who was staring intensely at him like he was the only one in the world nodded his head and the two of them got up.


    ¡°It¡¯s so adorable and grandpa said it will bloom a colourful flower on top of it. It can be either red, pink or orange,¡± he saidpletely immersed in what he was saying.


    What he didn¡¯t realise was that it was a fake sulent that his grandfather tricked him into getting because just like his mother he had no connection whatsoever to nature. Everything they nted or grew died so... unwilling to lose another of his rare nts he gave him a fake one and lied that it was real.


    .....


    While the two of them disappeared at the top of the stairs, Yeoh Jun said, ¡°I am so happy for him. At least there won¡¯t be a third wheel anymo-.¡±


    Before he could finish talking Zi Xingxi interrupted him saying, ¡°Give me your light brain?¡±


    Yeoh Jun, ¡°...¡±


    This was the first time his wife had asked for his light brain directly. He didn¡¯t have a problem with his wife having his light brain, in fact, she had full ess to it and could even use it the entire day without him asking for it back. It was the same vice versa.


    He could use hers as well and there was absolutely no problem with it. But knowing what he had been searching for prior to this he would rather choose death than give it to her. Okay, maybe choosing death was an exaggeration but still, he wasn¡¯t nning on giving it to her.


    Now, most people would say that everybody needs privacy and that using somebody¡¯s phone or light brain in this case is a vition of privacy. Yes, that is correct not unless one¡¯s married. There shouldn¡¯t be any issues with your significant other answering a call for you while you are in the shower or switching off your rm. As long as they are well behaved and don¡¯t mess with your job, or family members or abuse this power there is no problem at all.


    It¡¯s a trust thing. The most blissful part of a rtionship is when there isplete and total trust.


    Did Zi Xingxi trust her husband? Yes, she totally did but right now the man looked shady so she did what she had to do when he said this,


    ¡°Why?¡±


    Why? Well, that was a new word she had never heard before.


    ¡°Yeoh Jun, I am not ying with you. Give it to me,¡± she said saying his full name which indeed terrified this grown man.


    ¡°Now babe, I did search for something but I really really don¡¯t want you to see it so,¡± he hurriedly exined knowing full and well that things were going to go downhill from here onwards.


    Zi Xingxi wrapped her finger around her strand of hair and asked, ¡°Then what were you looking for? Was it a gift for me? I like jewellery like a lot so.¡±


    Yeoh Jun knew that answering this question wasn¡¯t a great idea but the way she looked at her and her bodynguage screamed vixen.


    ¡°I I um...,¡± he said as he leaned a little further away from his wife who was leaning closer and closer. Staring into those charming eyes he swallowed hard.


    ¡°Babe, you should move back a little. What if... what if the boyse back,¡± he said with a stammer as his wife crawled on top of him forcing him to lie down on the couch.


    Zi Xingxi smiled seductively as her fingers trailed up Yeoh Jun¡¯s chest, neck and chin as she spoke sweetly to him. ¡°I also like choctes and flowers. We can light the candles and open a bottle of wine. Isn¡¯t that romantic?¡± she said and Yeoh Jun shook his head the heat in his body rushing to his lower half.


    ¡°Would you like that?¡± she whispered in his ear with the tip of his nose grazing his skin making him very itchy. Yeoh Jun closed his eyes as his adam¡¯s apple rolled.


    ¡°Then let¡¯s go to the bedroom and have an appetiser,¡± he said his voice breathy but before he knew it his light brain was unsped from his wrist and the person on top of his body got up hastily.


    By the time he opened her eyes, Zi Xingxi was on the other side of the couch with her feet up while unlocking his light brain.


    Yeoh Jun, ¡°...¡±


    Was she a pickpocket in her past life?

 Chapter 585 - 585 "Do women like roleplaying in bed?"

    585 ¡°Do women like roleying in bed?¡±


    Zi Xingxi¡¯s eyes widened as she read his search history. Seeing this Yeoh Jun wanted to convince her to stop reading but when he came closer she pressed her foot on his chest preventing him froming any further.


    ¡°Do women like roleying in bed?... Well, you could have asked me and I would have told you the answer,¡± she said reading out his search history while giving amentary to the questions.


    ¡°What¡¯s the answer?¡± he asked while rubbing her thigh.


    Zi Xingxi nced at him but didn¡¯t say anything. She smiled slyly at him and continued reading, ¡°Do women like butt plugs?... Oh hoho, that¡¯s a good one. How to tell if my wife is satisfied in bed without her telling me that she is satisfied?... I must look not satisfied.¡±


    Yeoh Jun, ¡°...¡±


    Who could save him from his embarrassment?


    While Yeoh Jun was regretting ever asking his son about such things, the culprit was on the sun deck with his fingers resting on Yi Chen¡¯s cheek their lips pressed together in a heartwarming kiss.


    Yi Chen pressed his forehead on Zi Han¡¯s as he rubbed his palms against his lover¡¯s waist.


    ¡°I am sorry I couldn¡¯t help you clean up,¡± he said and Zi Han chuckled while saying,


    .....


    ¡°Who said I wanted you to help me? I was perfectly fine doing it by myself and besides... I got to mess with my parents. They will definitely thank meter.¡± Both of them knew it was a full blown lie but they pretended like it was the truth.


    Yi Chen pursed his lips while pushing Zi Han¡¯s hair back. He lightly pinched Zi Han¡¯s chin and forced him to look up before saying,


    ¡°I wanted to do it for you. Are you tired? I can take you out for a nice treat,¡± offering this up because he didn¡¯t want to leave.


    Zi Han separated from him and sat on the sun lounger while picking up his sulent nt. He showed it to Yi Chen again and said, ¡°You didn¡¯t say anything about it. Don¡¯t you like it?¡±


    Yi Chen sat next to him fighting off the urge to tell him that the sulent was fake. ¡°I like it... a lot,¡± he said while unsping Zi Han¡¯s fingers one by one before massaging his hand diligently like a devoted husband.


    ¡°Do you still want to go to the concert? Since dad and Youxi are going with her, I really don¡¯t see the need,¡± he said trying to coax him out of going to the concert.


    Why? It was because he found out that one of three Kao boy band members hadmented on one of his postsplimenting his fiance.


    If it was innocent words like he is handsome, it would have been fine. His baby was handsome and it made sense that others would notice.


    The problem was that he called Zi Han husband in yhement and that he wouldn¡¯t mind being the bottom for him. Thement only got worse. He said he would do everything for Zi Han. He will not only cook, clean, and shave his #^@& for Zi Han¡¯s @#@% to ruin him. It was censored because hisment was censored and that was the reason why he didn¡¯t want Zi Han to go but Ming Ming wanted Zi Han toe with her so badly that she had this to say when Yi Chen told her that Zi Han won¡¯t be going.


    Her response was, ¡°Saozi promised me and you don¡¯t have thest say. You can¡¯t decide on his behalf.¡±


    His response was, ¡°I am his husband so...,¡± and she cut him off saying,


    ¡°So what? You can¡¯t tell him what to do.¡± She was right. He would never dream of telling Zi Han what to do thus coaxing was his best bet. He was going to find a way to coax Zi Hanter but who would have thought his sweetheart would call him first?


    ¡°I do. I have never been to one. It must be very exciting. Besides, I promised Ming Ming so...,¡± said Zi Han as he set the sulent nt down that he was even thinking of naming.


    Since Yi Chen couldn¡¯t convince him he decided to ask something he never mentioned before but because he didn¡¯t know the right words to use he had to go about it the roundabout way.


    Thatment really stayed with him so he had to ask, ¡°Do you remember that day when you came to find me and I asked if you can get me pregnant.¡±


    Zi Han¡¯s brows creased not knowing where this conversation was going. Yi Chen had lost his memory then and didn¡¯t remember the dynamics of their rtionship.


    ¡°Yah, I remember... Why?¡± asked Zi Han and Yi Chen stared at him straight in his eyes and asked,


    ¡°Would you like to.....?¡±


    Zi Han didn¡¯t need him to finish to be able to understand what he meant. He knew the term vers short for versatile but he never thought of himself as one. Now that his sweetheart was asking it was either he really wanted to try it out or someone said something that made him want to try it out.


    ¡°It depends on why you are asking. Did someone say something to you?¡± he asked marvelled at the way the universe worked.


    He had messed with his father¡¯s head and now someone had messed with Yi Chen¡¯s head. He figured that Yi Chen was afraid he (Zi Han) might want to experiment and if he can¡¯t get it from him would his lover be resentful or be moved if someone else offered. Zi Han was just specting but from what he knew about Yi Chen that¡¯s what was probably going on in his mind.


    Yi Chen rubbed Zi Han¡¯s palm his gaze fixed on that soft skin. ¡°It was just ament I saw. I... I just want you to know that I am willing and would love to try,¡± he said as he raised his head to look at him.


    Zi Han, ¡°...¡±


    If he ever finds out who wrote thatment he would make them regret it. ¡°Okay, since you are offering. Come here,¡± he said clutching Yi Chen¡¯s cor before pressing him down on the sun lounger.


    ¡°Let¡¯s do it right here. It will be very exciting,¡± he said with a hint ofughter in his eyes.


    ¡°Babe, not here. It¡¯s too open and look look look, your grandfather has a camera over there,¡± he said and Zi Hanughed while saying,


    ¡°It¡¯s fine. I can deactivate it and lock the door,¡± being as shameless as Yi Chen when they have extra curriculum activities, especially in usual ces.


    What a rogue hehehe

 Chapter 586 - 586 "how did I get so lucky?"

    586 ¡°how did I get so lucky?¡±


    Yi Chen¡¯s heart was pounding hard against his chest as he stared at Zi Han who was lying on top of him. He stretched out his hand and touched his man¡¯s long and thick eyshes admiring his handsome visage.


    Zi Han who was messing with his clothes looked at him and suddenlyughed. ¡°Why does your face look so pale? Are you that afraid we will get caught?¡± asked Zi Han with a glint of pleasure in his eyes.


    Yi Chen shifted his gaze from Zi Han¡¯s eyes to his pink lips. His hand moved down and he gently rubbed Zi Han¡¯s bottom lip with an infatuated look in his eyes.


    ¡°You... you are so handsome,¡± whispered Yi Chen before his gaze shifted back to Zi Han¡¯s eyes and continued, ¡°how did I get so lucky?¡± his voice hoarse and sexy.


    Zi Han¡¯s ears grew hot as he averted his gaze seeming shy. ¡°Well, luck really doesn¡¯t have anything to do with it,¡± he said ying with the cor of Yi Chen¡¯s t-shirt seeming bashful like a newly wedded bride in the bridal chamber with her new husband.


    ¡°You wooed me persistently and you mad-,¡± he said before his lips were sealed with his scorching breath spraying on his face.


    Zi Han was a little startled but soon his muscles rxed as he pried Yi Chen¡¯s lips open deepening the kiss.


    His hand caressed down Yi Chen¡¯s chest and slipped underneath his t-shirt. He caressed Yi Chen¡¯s muscles and the man groaned softly like he was finding his touch very much enjoyable.


    Yi Chen slid his fingers up Zi Han¡¯s corbone kneading and caressing making his heart itchy. He pressed his palm at the back of Zi Han¡¯s neck and pulled him down deepening the kiss.


    .....


    The two entangled in a heated exchange and quickly sank deep into the sea of desire that is until Zi Han¡¯s light brain rang. He ignored it at first sucking on Yi Chen¡¯s lips while his roguish hands kneaded Yi Chen¡¯s abs underneath his t-shirt.


    The person on the other side of the call was oddly persistent so Zi Han had no choice but to stop. He reluctantly parted from his lover and turned his head to the side to answer.


    While his light brain was scanning his biometrics to unlock, Yi Chen kissed his ear and licked it with the soft tip of his tongue.


    There was a wet glimmer on the pink earlobe and like a feather brushing against his sensitive spots, it left an itchy feeling at the bottom of his heart.


    Zi Han nced at Yi Chen from the corner of his eye the usation in that gaze as clear as day but Yi Chen ignored him.


    He continued to bury his head in the croak of Zi Han¡¯s neck kissing him tenderly yet forcefully igniting the sizzling passion lying docile in his heart.


    Zi Han cleared his throat before answering the call. ¡°Grandpa, hello,¡± he said but that didn¡¯t deter Yi Chen who kept harassing him. ¡°You two better not screw each other on my sun lounger or I will ban the both of you from my house,¡± said Zi Feiji and Yi Chen who overheard the raspy voice froze. His back suddenly stiffened and even his breathing stopped.


    He hastily let go of Zi Han and pulled down his t-shirt while pushing Zi Han¡¯s chest with a force not so light yet not so hard. His face was flushed with the redness spreading down his t-shirt.


    Compared to him Zi Han wasn¡¯t rattled in the slightest. In fact, he looked like he was going to continue the moment this call ended.


    ¡°Are you watching the surveince? Grandpa, that¡¯s not its purpose,¡± he said with a smile in his eyes like that of a fox.


    ¡°You brat. Who is watching you? I forgot that I needed to water my chrysanthemums and wanted to check if you lot were home so I could ask one of you. Who would have thought I would catch you two messing around,¡± said Grandpa Zi and Yi Chen was so embarrassed that he wanted to run away and hide.


    He didn¡¯t dare raise his head looking like a husky who had done something wrong and refused to look his owner in the eye. If he had ears on the top of his head they would be drooping and sad.


    One word popped into Zi Han¡¯s head and that word was cute.


    This man was inexplicably cute. Such a word couldn¡¯t be used to describe the Marshal, themander and chief who had countless loyal subordinates and infinite deadly weapons at his fingertips but here he was unable to think of another word to describe Yi Chen.


    ¡°Uh uh, grandpa I am sorry. I will water the chrysanthemums for you. By the way, how did my baby do at thepetition?¡± he asked but grandpa Zi blew up like a pressure cooker after being sabotaged.


    ¡°Your baby? He is more like my baby than yours. I have to go... and stop messing around on my sundeck. Go get a room,¡± said Zi Feiji before the phone call was cut.


    Zi Han nced down at Yi Chen and without any consideration of his grandpa¡¯s words he pinched Yi Chen¡¯s chin forcing him to turn his head before kissing his lover hard.


    Yi Chen was still unsettled by the call so his response was a little stiff as his fingers weakly rested on Zi Han¡¯s chest. He wanted to push him away but that kiss was just like the taste of nectar is to bees. He was so drawn to it and unable to fight it.


    ¡°Hmm...,¡± he groaned his fingers slowly letting go.


    Zi Han who was finally satiated parted their lips and kissed his chin, cheek and forehead with an affectionate look in his eyes. Zi Han lowered his head and whispered into Yi Chen¡¯s ear, ¡°I love you.¡±


    The sweet sweet sound of Zi Han¡¯s words seeped into his heart making it beat faster. Yi Chen turned his head slightly till his lips were touching the side of Zi Han¡¯s face and replied, ¡°I love you too.

 Chapter 587 - 587 "how about you water my chrysanthemum instead?"

    587 ¡°how about you water my chrysanthemum instead?¡±


    Zi Han knew he had to get off Yi Chen but he was so reluctant. He kissed his forehead onest time before getting up.


    He straightened his t-shirt pulling down the hem to cover up his erection clearly visible in the shorts he was wearing. Because the shorts were loose, it was clearly standing up slightly foaming a tent.


    Zi Han rubbed the back of his neck while saying, ¡°Let¡¯s water the chrysanthemums before grandpa calls me again.¡±


    Yi Chen nced at his lower half which was as hard as a rod and shamelessly said, ¡°how about you water my chrysanthemum instead?¡±


    Zi Han, ¡°...¡±


    His ears were so hot but because they were tucked away in his hair, Yi Chen didn¡¯t notice.


    Zi Han showed a shy smile as he picked up the hose. His back towards Yi Chen he said, ¡°I much prefer if you water my chrysanthemum.¡±


    Zi Han chuckled softly as the water sprinkled on the chrysanthemums of varying colours. The person behind him was silent but Zi Han could feel that intense prating gaze burrowing into his back.


    Yi Chen was staring at him with his bent arm resting behind his head. In his eyes were a myriad of emotions ranging from affection to lust mingled in there together. Zi Han suddenly nced back and met Yi Chen¡¯s gaze.


    .....


    He pressed the tip of his tongue against his cheek with a hint of mischief in his eyes.


    ¡°So you are just going to loaf around and not water my chrysanthemum?¡± he said and Yi Chen ced his hand on his chest with a sly smile all over his face.


    ¡°You aren¡¯t going to water mine either so why should I water yours?¡± said Yi Chen and Zi Hanughed seeming like he had let it go but all of a sudden he turned around and sprayed water on Yi Chen.


    ¡°There, all done,¡± he said with a light chuckle and Yi Chen sat up and wiped the water from his face with a deep and throaty chuckle.


    He wiped the water off his face and pushed his hair back while saying, ¡°You know I have an afternoon appointment, right? Do you want me to go there shirtless?¡±


    Zi Han hurriedly nodded his head and answered, ¡°Yes... I mean you can be shirtless now not at the appointment.¡±


    As though granting his wish Yi Chen tugged the back of his t-shirt and pulled it off his body like a thirst-trapping tiktoker. Zi Han leered at him as he subconsciously licked his lower lip.


    He had a subtle feeling that Yi Chen was training behind his back because his muscles were unexpectedly even more defined and distracting.


    Here is the thing, Zi Han wouldn¡¯t be looking so much like a thirsty pup if Yi Chen had just sat there without doing anything.


    It was as though Yi Chen was intentionally teasing him especially when he flexed his biceps while cing the wet t-shirt over his shoulder. He rubbed his fingers across his pectoral muscles as though wiping away the water on his skin but everything about this screamed seduction.


    Zi Han followed the man¡¯s hand gliding down his chest to his abs down to his mermaid line wiping away the droplets of water. The entire time Yi Chen had his head lowered with the sun reflecting off that sun-kissed glow on his skin and lustrous damp hair.


    ¡°Fuck,¡± swore Zi Han under his breath. Talk about being seduced in broad daylight.


    When Yi Chen raised his head and nced at him with a smug look on his face, Zi Han panicked for some reason. He froze on the spot like a thousand year old tree. They had done this so many times and been in this very position countless times but Zi Han¡¯s breathing still stagnated and his heart still leapt in his chest.


    Yi Chen stood towered over him and lowered his head slightly before saying, ¡°Eyes up here baby.¡±


    Zi Han whose IQ had already been ttened like a pancake answered with a muffled, ¡°Hmm.¡±


    Yi Chen suddenly chuckled his gaze briefly shifting into the distance. He took the water hose that had already been shut and raised it above Zi Han¡¯s head. With a ssh water came rushing down Zi Han¡¯s head waking him up from his trance.


    He raised his head seeming shocked like his breath had been taken away. ¡°Chen... Chen-ge,¡± he said blocking the water raining down on him.


    Yi Chen shut the water and looked down at the partially wet t-shirt stuck on Zi Han but he wasn¡¯t satisfied. He turned the water on again and drenched him once more till the wet t-shirt was stuck to his bodypletely and see-through.


    His gaze lingered on the two beads on Zi Han¡¯s chest and like a hungry cub, he leaned down. Zi Han who was still baffled by his childishness didn¡¯t realise that this man had already locked on his target.


    If he had known he would have protected his nipples in advance. Yi Chen wasn¡¯t gentle either. He went in straight for the kill and sucked on them with no restraint.


    ¡°AH Chen-ge,¡± he yelled like he had been struck by lightning. A jolt of electricity struck his entire body and he leapt away but how far could he go?


    Yi Chen wrapped his arm around his waist and sucked the erect nipple once more. The sundeck which was usually peaceful was filled with loudughter and a weird banter between the two of them as they tussled.


    Zi Han wasn¡¯t willing to go down without a fight. He gave back two-fold groping whatever he could. Zi Feiji wisely shut down the surveince the minute he hung up the call. He really didn¡¯t want to blind his eyes.


    The sundeck that was as dry as the desert was now drenched because the tussling escted to using the water hose. At the end of it, it wasn¡¯t only the chrysanthemums that were watered, even the fake sulent nt was mercilessly drenched in water.


    Zi Han gave it his all but the one who won in the end was, of course, Yi Chen. Zi Han found himself crammed against the wall with his wrists pressed above his head and being kissed until he was breathless.

 Chapter 588 - 588 "Okay ladies, have fun,"

    588 ¡°Okaydies, have fun,¡±


    ¡°Let¡¯s go... we are going to bete,¡± said Ming Ming and Lin Ruoxi who was sitting on the couch with her feet up nced at her beforeughing in a gleeful way.


    Why was sheughing? It was because her daughter was finally getting a taste of her own medicine. Every morning she would have to drag Ming Ming out of bed to get ready for school. They werete almost every morning which was incredibly frustrating.


    Now Ming Ming was standing at the door calling out the exact same way she does when they werete. Lin Ruoxi couldn¡¯t miss the opportunity to make fun of her.


    ¡°Honey, maybe you should try shouting a little louder that way they will get down the stairs faster,¡± she said before taking a sip of wine from her ss.


    Ming Ming knew exactly why her mother was saying that. She now understood how frustrating it was to get people out of the house quickly.


    ¡°I would try threatening them. It works for me all the time,¡± suggested Zi Xingxi and Ming Ming¡¯s eyes brightened.


    ¡°With what?¡± she asked and Zi Xingxi pulled out a handgun while saying,


    ¡°I usually shoot up and theye scurrying down... ow.¡±


    The ouch at the end was because Lin Ruoxi had pped her hand lightly while speaking through gritted teeth. ¡°Don¡¯t teach her that,¡± she said and Zi Xingxi shrugged her lips before putting it away.


    .....


    With the rim of the wine ss brushing past her lips she said, ¡°I swear it gets my subordinates standing at attention.¡±


    ¡°Just keep shouting. It works trust me,¡± said Lin Ruoxi before turning to the floating disy.


    Yi Youxi who was lying on the couch asked, ¡°Can¡¯t I not go? I really don¡¯t want to be in a crowded ce.¡±


    Lin Ruoxi brushed her son¡¯s bangs off his face while saying, ¡°You will be in the VIP section. Just have fun with your sister.¡±


    Yeoh Jun entered the loungeing from the training room and behind him was Yi Zhen. The two looked like they had been arguing over some mech battle or something but when they overheard Yi Youxi, they also didn¡¯t want to go.


    Imagine these two big men with great status in the federation going to a boy band concert. It sounded ridiculous in itself.


    ¡°Is that an option? Can we not go either?¡± said Yeoh Jun but Zi Xingxi refused him ruthlessly.


    ¡°You should go out and see the world. Besides, Ming Ming would be sad if you don¡¯t go too,¡± she said and Lin Ruoxi nodded her head with a distorted look on her face after realising how bitter the wine was.


    ¡°And you need to spend time with your daughter so you have to go,¡± she said referring to Yi Zhen.


    While she was saying that Zi Feiji opened the door and entered with Old Lu with a cute nimsel and shark plushy on a golden pillow like a little king.


    ¡°Guess who won!... Wait, why are you all here,¡± said Zi Feiji his brow arched. His house which wasn¡¯t as lively for almost two decades was now packed with people everywhere.


    ¡°Hello grandpa,¡± said Ming Ming while ying with the little Nimsel.


    Zi Feiji smiled at her as he pat her head lightly. ¡°You seem to be the only respectful one in this room,¡± he said and the adults in the lounge started grumbling and mumbling.


    ¡°Did he win?¡± asked Ming Ming looking at the tiny golden crown on its head.


    ¡°Yes, he sure did. Isn¡¯t he cute?¡± replied Zi Feiji with a proud look on his face like his child had won the Nobel peace prize.


    Hansel twirled with a delightful wee wee sound as Ming Ming patted his fur. ¡°Proud of you Hansel,¡± said Zi Xingxi the insincerity in her tone obvious. She was the grandma but she wasn¡¯t allowed to go.


    Yeoh Jun who always wanted to y with Hansel but was always forbidden tried to take advantage of Zi Feiji¡¯s good mood and ask.


    ¡°That¡¯s great. I will take him for an ice cream treat tomorrow,¡± he said while trying to pat the little winner but like a mother hen protecting her eggs Zi Feiji shielded Hansel.


    ¡°Nope, you can¡¯t be trusted with him. He is delicate,¡± he said and Yeoh Jun was aggrieved. Everybody but him was allowed to spend time with the little guy. They even dressed him up and took pictures but he couldn¡¯t even pick an outfit for him too.


    He turned to his wife and didn¡¯t even need to say anything. Zi Xingxi looked at her father and said, ¡°It¡¯s my turn to watch him tomorrow.¡± Yes, they had set a schedule because grandpa Zi monopolised Hansel. Even on that schedule Zi Han had very limited time despite Hansel being his. He was almost certain that if he has a child he won¡¯t see his baby often as well because of these two.


    ¡°Fine,¡± said Grandpa Zi before walking away, ¡°let¡¯s go little Han Han, time for a bath.¡±


    Zi Xingxi¡¯s brows knitted as she turned to look at his disappearing back. ¡°Don¡¯t let Han Han hear you call him that.¡±


    Zi Feiji just brushed her off as he passed Old Lu the gold pillow with pretty tassels.Yeoh Jun looked at his wife with a pitiful gaze and she had to exin, ¡°I will be hung over tomorrow anyway so you can watch him.¡±


    Yeoh Jun kissed his wife¡¯s cheek seeming very ecstatic. He was going to dress him up like the three cmities and post the pictures. Yes, this man had gone as far as custom designing fully functional miniature versions of the three cmities. They didn¡¯t have weapons but they could fly around. If he knew this would cause trouble he would never have made them functional.


    ¡°Thank you, wife. You are the best,¡± he said just as Zi Han and Yi Chen opened the dooring from outside.


    ¡°Sorry, we arete. Let¡¯s go,¡± said Zi Han and Ming Ming finally showed a happy expression.


    ¡°Let¡¯s go let¡¯s go let¡¯s go,¡± she said while pulling Yi Youxi off the couch, ¡°it¡¯s going to be fun.¡±


    Yi Youxi was so stubborn refusing to move. He held on to his mother like he was glued to her. Frustrated, Ming Ming looked at her father with a pitiable expression.


    Yi Zhen sighed before picking up Yi Youxi and carrying him over his shoulder.


    ¡°Okaydies, have fun,¡± said Yeoh Jun waving but his expression almost seemed like he was

 Chapter 589 - 589 Playing on a stripper pole

    589 ying on a stripper pole


    Zi Xingxi gave him that look that seemed to say suck it up. Yeoh Jun knew this was happening whether he liked it or not.


    As soon as that door closed, Lin Ruoxi looked up the stairs checking the coast. Zi Xingxi looked at her a little curious why she was acting sketchy.


    She poured out some more wine while asking, ¡°Why are you acting sketchy?¡±


    Lin Ruoxi smiled nervously before stuttering trying to put her question into words. ¡°Here is the thing. I I want to ask you a very embarrassing question,¡± she said and Zi Xingxi raised her brow before saying,


    ¡°Ask.¡±


    Lin Ruoxi who hadn¡¯t had a very close friend that could be trusted couldn¡¯t help but want to ask her.


    ¡°I want to get you know... my coochie pierced but I want you to talk me out of it. I almost did it today but Ming Ming was there. She would want a piercing as well.¡±


    Zi Xingxi almost spat out her wine, in fact, she choked on it. ¡°*cough *cough *cough you... you are fuckin with *cough *cough with me, right?¡± said Zi Xingxi in between coughs.


    Here she was thinking that she was going to ask about something less shocking like is my left boob was bigger than my right? That question she could answer not this.


    .....


    ¡°Xixi, please do it with me. You can get your nipple pierced. I promise it won¡¯t hurt,¡± she said and Zi Xingxi who loved living on the edge couldn¡¯t even think of getting a piercing.


    Let¡¯s just say her obsessions were heels, guns and mechs. Apart from her ears being pierced, she had no other piercings. She could handle pain but just not piercing pain.


    ¡°I am afraid of doing it myself,¡± said Lin Ruoxi and Zi Xingxi shook her head no but she forgot that Lin Ruoxi was the kind of friend who will wear you out until you go insane.


    ¡°Why do you even want to do it... down there,¡± she said whispering thest part of her sentence.


    Lin Ruoxi checked the stairs again before saying, ¡°it apparently intensifies you know... climax,¡± her voice getting lower and lower.


    Zi Xingxi, ¡°...¡±


    You see, this is why she didn¡¯t have any friends before. They will talk you into doing the most insane things. Now she wanted to do it though she never needed it. She was convinced just like that but she didn¡¯t want Lin Ruoxi to know thus she acted all nonchnt.


    ¡°Let¡¯s watch first and I will think about it,¡± she said before taking another sip. Lin Ruoxi was ted. That wasn¡¯t a no which was good.


    ¡°Okay. I promise you won¡¯t regret it,¡± she said and stopped bothering her.


    Meanwhile, Ming Ming was undoubtedly having the time of her life. Her brother went all out getting her a hover limousine which could only be described as the pinnacle of luxury. The interior was as elegant and sophisticated as expected but she didn¡¯t really care for that. She was more interested in moon roof and the smoke machine.


    Yi Youxi on the other hand was more interested in the pole that was on the other end of the limousine.


    ¡°What is that for?¡± he asked and Yi Chen¡¯s eyes widened. He hadn¡¯t been specific about the details. He just booked the most expensive one and this was what they gave him.


    Yi Youxi wasn¡¯t reserved at all. He walked over and swung on it.


    Yi Zhen, ¡°...¡±


    Yi Chen, ¡°...¡±


    Zi Han didn¡¯t hesitate to take a video while Yeoh Junughed his ass off. Ming Ming also wanted to give it a try but as she got up both Yi Zhen and Yi Chen stopped her.


    ¡°No no no,¡± said Yi Zhen pulling her back.


    ¡°But Youxi is doing it,¡± she said seeming very upset.


    ¡°It looks like so much fun,¡± said Zi Han before going over and taking a swing.


    Yeoh Jun, ¡°...¡±


    Could someone tell him why his son seemed a tad bit proficient? Did his mother teach him? ¡°Who taught you that?¡± he asked genuinely curious.


    The person who taught him was Lynn Feng but he would never say it. ¡°How in the hell can you do it yet your mother can¡¯t,¡± he muttered under his breath.


    Zi Han, ¡°...¡±


    He had no idea though that because of this his bridal chamber got on an upgrade. ¡°Dad, I want to try. Look Saozi tried it too,¡± said Ming Ming who also wanted to try it. She wasn¡¯t going to give up until they let her try it.


    ¡°Fine, just don¡¯t tell your mother unless if you don¡¯t want a dad anymore,¡± he said and Ming Ming walked over jumping on the pole like it was a monkey bar at the yground.


    ¡°It will be fine, right?¡± asked Yi Zhen already foreseeing his wife¡¯s reaction.


    ¡°Is it even sanitary?¡± asked Yeoh Jun and Yi Chen got up quickly with a sanitiser. He knew that they sanitised all their vehicles before and after use but now that Yeoh Jun had mentioned it he could not help but get up.


    But who would have thought that he would be dragged into trying it? Damn, if the world knew that their Marshal could swing on a stripper pole they would get the shock of their lives. Yi Zhen who couldn¡¯t stand it had to rain on his parade.


    ¡°Ah-Chen not you too,¡± he said only for Yeoh Jun to get up while yelling,


    ¡°Teach me. I want to try it,¡± and Zi Han made space for him.


    Yi Youxi and Ming Ming sat down next to their brother and watched this uncle with gusto. The man was so hrious that they couldn¡¯t help but giggle.


    ¡°Uncle Yeoh, why are you hugging it like that? You look like a monkey Hahaha,¡±ughed Ming Ming and Yeoh Jun exhaled while saying,


    ¡°Little girl, stopughing at this uncle when you did the same exact thing. I think I did pretty good.¡±


    The three Yi kids couldn¡¯t help butugh at him.


    ¡°Dad you should try it. Everybody else had a go,¡± said Yi Youxi just trying to stir the pot for no reason.


    Yi Zhen, ¡°...¡±

 Chapter 590 - 590 "Okay, I will try it only once,"

    590 ¡°Okay, I will try it only once,¡±


    AN: Happy sunday. I have been exhaustedtely so I am taking a day off. I will see you guys tomorrow. Thank you so much for your support.


    Yi Zhen had never felt this much peer pressure ever since he graduated high school. That right there was a pole and a pole mostly used for exotic dancing so yes, this former marshal didn¡¯t want to try it.


    Zi Han found it funny that he was refusing toe over. It was just a pole for heaven¡¯s sake. He should have let it go but he couldn¡¯t let him escape. He turned to his father inw and said, ¡°You are overthinking it, uncle Yi. There is an actual fitness training program called pole dancing. It helps with arm and core strength so you can think of this as a piece of exercise equipment like an um... what¡¯s it called,¡± he said and Yi Chen who really wanted to see his father on that pole helped his wife out.


    ¡°Hang bars? It is just that hanging bars are horizontal, not vertical,¡± he exined and Yi Zhen just stared at his son as though saying do you think I am a fool?


    Yeoh Jun tried to swing on his one arm like his son but failed miserably while saying, ¡°Come on senior Zhen, it¡¯s just a pole. What are you afraid of? Don¡¯t be a stick in the mud and put a smile on those faces.¡±


    As though grasping his meaning Yi Youxi and Ming Ming instantly wore sad miserable expressions ying along with this uncle.


    ¡°See, look at that. Who can say no to those faces, huh? What kind of monster?¡± he said and Ming Ming pouted her lips looking so sad her big eyes watery.


    Seeing that face Yi Zhen couldn¡¯t handle it. His sons he could brush off but his baby girl, not so much. He secretly got his nails painted by her once because he couldn¡¯t say no. And when she was five and started preschool she asked him to babysit one of her dolls. She would leave instructions on outfit changes and feeding times. A big man his size obediently took care of that baby doll carefully until his wife made it disappear.


    ¡°Fine, I will try it just... just don¡¯t tell your mother,¡± he said as he got up his steps reluctant. Yeoh Jun acted like the expert showing him how to swing properly though what he thought he looked like versus what he actually looked like was way different.


    .....


    Inside he felt like a trained professional but outside he looked like a toddler trying to copy his older brother on the monkey bars at the yground.


    ¡°Okay, I will try it only once,¡± he said and Yeoh Jun moved out of the way.


    Yi Chen, his well-behaved son decided it would be an excellent idea to film it all and send it to his mother.


    Yi Zhen was not aware of this. He awkwardly held on to that pole in a weird posture while Yeoh Jun instructed him like he understood how it was done.


    Zi Han watched this shit show go down in silence while the two kids wereughing so hard that it was so infectious. After Yi Zhen had beenughed at by his kids so much he couldn¡¯t keep messing around anymore. He let go of the pole and walked back to his seat wondering how on earth those people did it. This type of thing required talent.


    ¡°Han Han, show me how you slide upside down. I think I am ready to learn that,¡± said Yeoh Jun and Zi Han chuckled while grasping the cold titanium-gold pole. Zi Han was lifting his leg when Yi Chen grabbed him by the waist and picked him up before carrying him to sit down.


    Zi Han, ¡°...¡±


    ¡°Wait I haven¡¯t seen it yet,¡± said Yeoh Jun but Yi Chen didn¡¯t even give Yeoh Jun face as his father inw.


    ¡°You can learn from where he learnt it from, which is where?¡± he said turning to ask Zi Han the question.


    ¡°Aunty Lynn taught me but you have to pay a huge tribute for you to be her student,¡± answered Zi Han and Yi Chen continued,


    ¡°You hear that? Huge tribute and be a disciple. Han Han has no time to teach you. We have a concert to go to.¡±


    Yeoh Jun, ¡°...¡±


    Yi Zhen, ¡°...¡±


    ¡°Forget it. Who wants to learn? My wife won¡¯t like it anyway,¡± mumbled Yeoh Jun only for Ming Ming to ask,


    ¡°Why would auntie not like it? It looked so funny so she will definitelyugh.¡±


    Yeoh Jun turned to Yi Zhen and said, ¡°I was wrong. Sometimes you need to rule with an iron fist and teach kids manners.¡±


    Ming Ming, ¡°QAQ¡±


    Could anyone please tell her why she was getting punished just for asking a question? This uncle who seemed nice had actually stabbed her in the back in front of everybody.


    Yi Youxi shifted his body slightly to fully take in his sister¡¯s face as she got scolded but he identally touched a disy scren and in front of him appeared a floating screen with severalmands in colourful boxes.


    As curious as he was he wouldn¡¯t leave these buttons be. He discovered the moonroof and so did Ming Ming. It didn¡¯t take long before the two of them were peering their heads through to take a look.


    Yi Zhen tried to convince them both to get down but they remained unmovable and stubborn. He even turned to Yi Chen for help but the person ignored him his eyes set on Zi Hanpletely.


    Yi Chen was resting his arm at the back of Zi Han¡¯s seat but his bodynguage seemed possessive and territorial which wasn¡¯t so obvious to innocent eyes but to veterans it was apparent.


    His arm was barely touching Zi Han but his aura, the look in his eyes and the slight movement of his fingers at the back of Zi Han¡¯s neck, all spoke volumes.


    Yi Chen tilted his head slightly and asked, ¡°When did you learn all that? That was incredible.¡±


    Zi Han who had barely scratched the surface showing only a few of the things taught by Lynn Feng scratched the back of his head embarrassedly while saying, ¡°That¡¯s not all I know. I know way more than that.¡±


    Yi Chenid back in his seat his muscles ckening as he kept his gaze transfixed on Zi Han. He had to admit it, this man made him weak. This man made his hard exterior mushy like a marshmallow for all the world to see.

 Chapter 591 - 591 "I can put my tongue elsewhere if you like,"

    591 ¡°I can put my tongue elsewhere if you like,¡±


    The man who always showed an overbearing, cool and distant face in front of others was an infatuated puppy who couldn¡¯t take his eyes off Zi Han when he was present.


    This meant that whenever Zi Han wasn¡¯t around he would be like an icy cold cier with spikes on it but when he was around that cier would melt into a puddle which was a sight to behold.


    Yi Chen wanted to say something but he held back with his index finger lightly rubbing his upper lip. Zi Han was a little uneasy when Yi Chen didn¡¯t say anything but when he saw that spark in his eyes he knew there was nothing to worry about.


    ¡°So when were you nning on telling me or were you nning to keep it a secret?¡± asked Yi Chen while scratching the side of his nose with the back of his thumb¡¯s fingernail.


    Zi Han rubbed Yi Chen¡¯s thigh while coaxing him, ¡°I was going to tell you it¡¯s just that I much preferred showing you instead.¡±


    Yi Chen cleared his throat while trying to keep his cool and not get too excited. ¡°Okay,¡± he said his heart leaping with anticipation. Oh boy, he couldn¡¯t wait to bring him into the bridal chamber.


    How sexy would it be to have him swing on that pole in his wedding undergarments? Just the thought of it made Yi Chen feel hot on his cheeks and gut. He wanted to kiss Zi Han but the chaos in the background wasn¡¯t romantic at all.


    ¡°Ah-Chen, if your brother and sister get decapitated that¡¯s on you too,¡± said Yi Zhen after failing to convince his children to get down. Just like any part-time parent who rarely spends time with their own offspring, they shift the me to the eldest like they were born to be a third parent.


    What made it even worse was that the pair of siblings were apanied by Yeoh Jun so it made them brazenly ignore their father. Ming Ming even went as far as saying that if Yeoh Jun doesn¡¯t get down then she won¡¯t get down too.


    .....


    Yi Chen knew he was just worrying over nothing. He just slowed down the speed of the self-driving hover limousine just in case there were any idents.


    It didn¡¯t take long before the hover limousine pulled up in the VIP section and little Ming Ming finally had the celebrity treatment, well, a smidge of it. There were crowds of fans everywhere screaming their favourite band¡¯s name almost shaking Capital Star off its orbital.


    ¡°This is so cool,¡± said Ming Ming her face stered on the car window. Lucky for her no one could see her from the outside otherwise they would get the shock of their lives.


    She was a gorgeous girl but when her face was pressed on the ss window like that she looked like a baby blobfish.


    ¡°Wow, I am offended. Why does a bloody boy band have more fans than I do?¡± asked Yeoh Jun with a look of dissatisfaction on his face. They were like a colony of ants weaving a raft on the water¡¯s surface.


    ¡°You have a fan page with a lot of followers,¡± said Zi Han but he didn¡¯t want to share that fan page with him because mixed in with die-hard fans were perverts and thirsty individuals licking his abs in the shared images.


    ¡°That¡¯s okay uncle, they sing songs and post a lot of pictures on StarNet so they have more fans than you,¡± she said patting his shoulder infort. She genuinely hadn¡¯t grasped who this uncle was yet except for being Zi Han¡¯s long-lost dad.


    ¡°Ming Ming, you do know that your saozi is a pri- mmm,¡± said Yi Chen before Zi Han blocked his mouth. He didn¡¯t want Ming Ming to know yet otherwise he might make her cosy as the prince from her game. Yes, she had said before that she wished there was a real prince in this world so that she could dress him up as prince Ericson of fairnd.


    No, this lord didn¡¯t want to be dressed in a prince cosy and post pictures on their forum. Yi Chen¡¯s brow arched looking at the man who had his hands over his mouth. If he was a very well-behaved person he would have let it go but he wasn¡¯t, was he?


    Like a slippery worm, his tongue slipped out and licked the man¡¯s palm. As though electrified, Zi Han retracted his hand and looked at it. In the middle of his palm was a wet patch shimmering underneath the shing lights. He nced at Yi Chen with a look that seemed to be saying ¡®are you kidding me¡¯ but Yi Chen wasn¡¯t at all remorseful.


    ¡°You know for a person who has a cleanliness issue you sure like messing with me. Did you even check if my hands were clean before putting your tongue there,¡± he said in a joking tone but Yi Chen¡¯s reaction was unexpected.


    Yi Chen¡¯s expression remained the same as he said, ¡°I can put my tongue elsewhere if you like,¡± while ncing at Zi Han¡¯s lower half. The nce was casual and fleeting yet impactful. Zi Han felt like he had been stripped of all his clothes by that gaze.


    ¡°When did you be so shameless,¡± said Zi Han and Yi Chen chuckled softly while averting his gaze. His level of shamelessness would only get bigger and bigger over time and he was proud of it.


    ¡°We are here,¡± said Yi Zhen as the hover limousine came to a stop. He held his daughter¡¯s hand and asked, ¡°Did you have fun?¡± Ming Ming giggled happily as she hopped off the hover limousine like a bunny.


    ¡°Too much fun. Let¡¯s go to the concert,¡± she said excitedly with a soft squeal at the end. Her feet were so restless that she wanted to run off immediately. She was like a dog excited to go to the groomers which is very rare.


    ¡°Ming Ming, who is your favourite among the band members,¡± asked Yeoh Jun but before she could answer that question, Yi Youxi said,


    ¡°Her favourite has to be Akito. Every day it¡¯s always Akito this Akito that. My ears are almost going deaf,¡± said Yi Youxi and when Yi Chen heard that name his back stiffened.


    That was the guy who had a lot to say about Zi Han. What should he do then if Ming Ming wants an autograph? Won¡¯t this person¡¯s hormones explode and jump on his sweetheart?

 Chapter 592 - 592 "I can dance better than you,"

    592 ¡°I can dance better than you,¡±


    Zi Han had never cared much about music in other words he listened to music but he never followed the artists on StarNet or became an active fan. This meant, it had to be his very first concert and he wasn¡¯t at all displeased.


    The music was good, and the crowd was excitable but the highlight of it all was watching Ming Ming excitedly screaming at the top of her lungs while waving two light sticks in the VIP lounge.


    In fact, she wanted to be down there with everybody else but her father put his foot down citing security concerns.


    Ming Ming could only settle for this and the price thereof was the former Marshal¡¯s ears almost bled. Worse of, he couldn¡¯t say anything because that was the purpose of them being here. This was a safe space where she didn¡¯t have to be restrained butugh, cry and scream to her heart¡¯s content and nobody was allowed to stop her.


    Zi Han felt like her figure appeared a little lonely so he got up with the light stick provided by the event manager for VIP guests and stood next to her. He didn¡¯t know their songs but the tune was catchy thus he sang with her.


    Yi Chen couldn¡¯t help butugh as he watched his fiance lip-synch badly. He wasn¡¯t lip-synching along with the lyrics and he wasgging behind which was funny. Zi Han didn¡¯t notice that Yi Chen wasughing at him. He was following along with the dance that Ming Ming was doing. Well, she was following what the band members were doing and she was surprisingly good at it.


    Seeing that Zi Han had joined her she was so happy that sheughed more. Her smile was incredibly infectious that Yi Youxi who had initially intended to endure this torture by ying games was suddenly interested.


    His head bobbed to the steps they were doing and he suddenly wanted to try it too. Like the quiet kid in the dance circle he rushed in separating the two before doing a perfect spin with his hand stretched out.


    Zi Han stifled hisugh so hard that he couldn¡¯t help but bend down with his hands covering his mouth, his cheeks almost bursting.


    .....


    As the song was reaching an end, Yi Chen chuckled before saying to Yi Youxi, ¡°You look like you are having a seizure. If you want we can call a doctor for you.¡±


    Yi Youxi, ¡°???¡±


    ¡°What does having a seizure even look like? You are just jealous you can¡¯t dance like me. You are as stiff as an old-generation housekeeping robot,¡± said Yi Youxi throwing it back at his brother twofold.


    Yi Chen picked up the chibi plush of Akito which he wanted to tear its head off earlier and threw it at theughing Yi Youxi. Zi Han who knew that his fiance wasn¡¯t as stiff as he was saying pursed his lips and said nothing. Anyone who could move his waist and hips like Yi Chen was not stiff at all.


    ¡°I can dance better than you,¡± he said and Yeoh Jun couldn¡¯t help but intervene.


    ¡°You two should just have a dance battle. In fact, all of you Yi men and boy should show us what you got,¡± he said and Zi Han couldn¡¯t agree more.


    He walked over to Yi Chen while twisting the cap of his water bottle. He patted Yi Chen¡¯s shoulder and said, ¡°Baby, I want you to dance on our wedding day so you better practice now.¡±


    Yi Chen nced up at him and asked, ¡°So you think I can¡¯t dance? Is that it?¡±


    Zi Han showed an I will believe you when I see it look before taking a sip. He didn¡¯t answer but everybody else including his father shook their heads while humming a big no.


    Yi Chen was a little surprised that all of them didn¡¯t believe he could dance. Since Yi Youxi had gone after him he also went after Yi Zhen. Pass it over to his father, right?


    ¡°You are shaking your head like that yet you are the stiff one,¡± he said to Yi Zhen but Yi Zhen let out a snort.


    ¡°Do you know that your grandfather was a dance fanatic? After years of enduring him dancing all around the house I was forced to adapt. Come on, the man even danced in Hydra in a live broadcast after he defeated the interster pirates,¡± he said and Yeoh Jun showed an enlightened expression as he recalled that video.


    ¡°Yeah, I remember that. What did they call him again? The dancing Marshal,¡± he said and Yi Youxi who had never heard this story was suddenly interested but before he could ask to see the video, Ming Ming said,


    ¡°Then dad and dage can dance with me. The next one is starting.¡±


    Yi Chen nced at Zi Han again and said, ¡°You will never doubt me again.¡±


    Zi Han snorted softly before saying, ¡°I will believe it when I see it.¡±


    Yi Chen gazed at him affectionately with a tad bit of haughtiness in his eyes. He was going to prove him wrong and show them what dancing was.


    Ten secondster Zi Han¡¯s jaw dropped while Yeoh Jun cheered them on. Who knew that the former Marshal and current Marshal could dance? Yi Chen could even sing the lyrics and his voice wasn¡¯t bad at all.


    Why could he sing the songs? It was because, from the day Ming Ming discovered the Kao boy band, she had been ying the songs on repeat in the lounge so everybody could hear it even when upstairs.


    She would alsoe to him asking for him to listen to it and tell her his opinion so yes, he knew their songs back to back.


    Zi Han just couldn¡¯t believe that this was his man. This person who had on Yi Chen¡¯s face was singing with his heart and his dance was so good. It had to be another soul in that body otherwise why was he so good?


    ¡°He must be possessed because there is no way he is that good,¡± said Zi Han and Yeoh Jun pointed out that however years he had spent with his wife he still didn¡¯t know her fully and was still discovering new things about her. That was one of the blessings of growing old with somebody.

 Chapter 593 - 593 "Did you write this?"

    593 ¡°Did you write this?¡±


    ¡°You believe me now?¡± asked Yi Zhen and Zi Han lightly smacked his arm while saying,


    ¡°Why didn¡¯t you tell me you are a Kao fan? What do they call the fans again?¡± he said turning to ask Ming Ming but Yi Chen answered,


    ¡°I am not a Kaonite. It¡¯s just that if the song keeps ying in the house you will soon know the songs back to ba-,¡± he said only for Ming Ming to scream out loud after her light stick was randomly picked toe on stage.


    ¡°Ming-er, are you trying to make me deaf before I even get old?¡± said Yi Zhen but his daughter didn¡¯t respond. She already had one foot out of the door.


    Yi Chen grabbed her by the back of her cor and pulled her back before asking, ¡°Where do you think you are going?¡±


    ¡°I was picked to go on stage look look look. They switched off all of them and said they will randomly pick fans to go on stage for thest song,¡± she spoke hurriedly like they would pick someone else if she was a secondte.


    ¡°I will take her,¡± said Zi Han since he was the only adult here who seemed to be in this with her wholeheartedly but Yi Chen¡¯s reaction was unexpected.


    He let go of Ming Ming and said, ¡°I will go with her.¡± Zi Han didn¡¯t suspect anything. He didn¡¯t know that his fiance was afraid of this Akito guy who had explicitly shown interest in him.


    ¡°Just be careful,¡± said Yi Zhen and Yeoh Jun nced back while saying,


    .....


    ¡°Yes please, it¡¯s like a warzone out there. Don¡¯t get lost.¡±


    Yi Chen nodded his head while Ming Ming was pulling his arm impatiently urging him to go. As the two left, Zi Han sat back down in thefortable chair waiting for Ming Ming to show up on stage. He wanted to take a video for her so she could remember this moment, the moment she met her idol.


    But before he could even swipe open his light brain, he noticed that Ming Ming left her chibi plush she wanted to be signed.


    He picked it up and said to his dad, ¡°She left this. I will bring it to her. Oh and Youxi, record it for her please?¡± Yeoh Jun barely raised his head as he hummed in agreement while Yi Youxi gave a perfunctory response. He was the least trustworthy of the three to trust this important task too. He nced at Yi Zhen and his father inw instantly understood his meaning. He nodded his head and Zi Han felt at ease.


    After that Zi Han left the VIP room. When he stepped out the corridor was empty with two bodyguards on either end. He passed by one of them and she actively saluted. It was their duty as the Bloodgarde, after all, to protect the royal family members and that task had already been reinforced.


    Zi Han nodded his head slightly in acknowledgement before walking past her. He entered the elevator with his head lowered and typed a message to Yi Chen letting him know that Ming Ming had left her plush.


    By the time he got there, Ming Ming had already left the stage and was with a couple of girls surrounding two of the band members.


    And his fiance? Well, funny story actually. His fiance came down with Ming Ming and stayed off stage while she scurried over with the other girls to hug their boy band idols but before Ming Ming could hug Akito older brother Chen somehow got her attention his eyes strict and saying no hugging.


    Ming Ming sneered before stretching out her hand to shake Akito¡¯s hand like a dignifieddy. This little action of hers attracted the band members and lo and behold, the Marshal was standing right in front of them.


    Who would have thought that they would be graced by such an important figure? If they knew that the Marshal¡¯s sister was their fan they might have mentally prepared to meet him.


    Akito was just as stunned but he recovered quickly when he met that fierce death re that pierced straight into his flesh.


    He couldn¡¯t help but jolt in fright wondering when he offended this beast. He hurriedly let go of the little girl¡¯s hand just in case that was the crime. Unfortunately even that couldn¡¯t remedy the situation.


    He got himself together and they performed thest song well thoroughly satisfying the appetite of their fans. Ming Ming was so happy that she felt like she was part of the band singing along and following their dance moves to the t, in fact, they even gave her an honorary title of the fourth group member.


    When they left the stage the girls wanted autographs and praises their idols to the high heaven. The atmosphere was cheerful and lively but it wasn¡¯t enough to suppress the killing intenting from Yi Chen.


    Akito under the urging of their manager decided it was a good idea to air it out with this great buddha otherwise forget singing, he would be kicked off Capital Star if he offends this man.


    ¡°Mar-marshal, have I offended yo-,¡± he said only for Yi Chen to pull up thement and ask,


    ¡°Did you write this?¡±


    Akito, ¡°WTF!¡±


    Who knew that the Marshal would read thosements? Were his words true? Well yes, he happened to find Zi Han very attractive but did he write it with a sober mind? Nope, he didn¡¯t. They had had a long tour across the federation and on thest night, they decided to drink. As always alcohol is the devil¡¯s spawn. He wrote this after feeling a little lonely. One can only imagine how single dogs feel seeing happy couples showing off their love constantly so he posted it.


    But because it was on his sockpuppet ount that most didn¡¯t know about, he didn¡¯t delete it. This was why his manager didn¡¯t grill him over it but who would have thought retribution woulde today?


    This man was the Marshal of the Onyx federation inteary army so if he wanted to know the name of a person after posting anonymously he would find out in a heartbeat. He just didn¡¯t think Yi Chen would care about such things.


    AN: Lighting a candle for you bro.

 Chapter 594 - 594 "Dage, why are you lying?"

    594 ¡°Dage, why are you lying?¡±


    ¡°I I I I,¡± were the only wordsing from this poor music artist¡¯s mouth. He was the type that only went to the gym for stretch exercises and dance training and he had never fought anyone in his entire life.


    Looking at the man standing in front of him he was not only taller but he was also stronger with a stance like he would knock him out with one swing. Looking at it now he couldn¡¯t help but regretfully ask himself why he even sent thatment when he couldn¡¯t beat hispetitor.


    He had never been frightened in his entire life. His knees felt weak and his fingers were trembling but he still had a voice.


    ¡°I sent it yes... but I didn¡¯t mean anything by it,¡± he said before licking his dry lips in nervousness.


    Yi Chen knew people wrote stuff on StarNet that they didn¡¯t mean but this still bothered him so much.


    He was about to tell him to forget that he had ever seen Zi Han and never to write something like this again when Ming Ming walked over with a happy smile asking for an autograph from her favourite superstar but when she saw his state she knew something was up.


    She wanted to reprimand her brother for making her favourite artist cry. Well, no. He not only made him feel like crying, but Akito was also almost shitting his pants right now.


    Ming Ming tried to defuse the situation by asking for an autograph but she then realised that she didn¡¯t bring her plush so she could get it signed on its tiny t-shirt.


    She tugged her older brother¡¯s sleeve but he didn¡¯t even look at her. His sight was fixed on this young man who was trembling in front of him his gaze as fierce as a lion who had been robbed of his lioness.


    .....


    ¡°Dage, I forgot my plush. Can he sign my t-shirt?¡± she asked looking so pitiful like she was going to cry. It was only then that Yi Chen turned to look at her his answer abrupt and non-negotiable.


    ¡°No,¡± he said his voice stern and unquestionable.


    Ming Ming was so annoyed at this point. She stomped her foot and said, ¡°Then what am I supposed to get signed?... Then let¡¯s get your t-shirt signed and you will give it to meter,¡± she said her expression like that of their mother when she wasn¡¯t ying games. Ming Ming was actually serious.


    ¡°You are joking, right?¡± asked Yi Chen, and Ming Ming spun him around before showing his back.


    She smiled with her teeth clenched like she was trying to restrain something.


    She showed that unsettling smile to Akito while apologizing. ¡°I am sorry about him. He is like that with strangers,¡± she said before handing him a fancy marker after uncapping it. ¡°Will you please sign this for me?¡± she asked politely that Akito couldn¡¯t refuse.


    ¡°Um...,¡± he said while pointing at that frozen stiff back that was exuding a chilling aura.


    Ming Ming followed his gaze and saw that he was pointing at the cier in front of him.


    ¡°It¡¯s fine. You are fine right dage?¡± she asked and Yi Chen was at a loss at this point. What was he supposed to say? He knew how important this was to his sister but he really didn¡¯t want to get his t-shirt signed.


    ¡°But that¡¯s my favourite t-shirt,¡± he said and Ming Ming almost rolled her eyes. It was incredibly funny because he never had a favourite anything. The only favourite he had was Zi Han and if that t-shirt was not from him then he wouldn¡¯t even remember it even if it got lost.


    ¡°Dage, why are you lying?¡± she said while urging Akito on to sign. Looking at the soul-piercing gaze directed at him Akito wasn¡¯t sure who was more terrifying between the two.


    ¡°Just hurry up,¡± he said and Akito signed but his hand was trembling the entire time. It was like signing his own death certificate.


    It was at this time that Zi Han decided to walk over. He had no idea why Yi Chen was roasting the weak chicken but he found it rather amusing seeing him sweat bullets like that.


    Zi Han strode over his steps slow and stood beside Akito while staring at his signature. Because he came from behind them no one knew he was there.


    Yi Chen¡¯s brows furrowed because he could smell a familiar scent but because the tip of the marker pressing on his back was so annoying he didn¡¯t think about it some more.


    Akito felt someone standing next to him but he didn¡¯t immediately look in that direction. He just assumed it was one of his group members. When he finished signing he nced in that direction and saw that handsome side profile.


    At first, he didn¡¯t think too much about it but when he took a second nce he almost got a heart attack.


    ¡°Ha, Ha...,¡± he stammered while taking a step back. Zi Han smiled at him before taking the marker from him.


    ¡°Your signature looks good. It¡¯s way better than mine,¡± said Zi Han and Yi Chen¡¯s heart jolted in fright. What he feared the most had just happened.


    He turned around and asked, ¡°Why are you here?¡± Zi Han took out the chibi plush and gave it to Akito his smile genuine and friendly.


    ¡°Ming Ming forgot this so I brought it for her,¡± he said and Ming Ming suddenly felt that the atmosphere wasn¡¯t right. Her sister inw was smiling but the smell of gunpowder in the air was quite suffocating.


    Zi Han looked at Akito but what he saw on his face was a little startling. Why was this lovely-looking young man staring at him like he was a fan of his? He was looking at him the same way those girls were looking at him (Akito).


    Zi Han was so confused but he didn¡¯t show it on his face. ¡°Are you going to sign?¡± he asked and Akito finally came out of his stupor.


    ¡°Uh, yes... yes I will sign,¡± he said his hand trembling even more than before.


    He opened his mouth and was about to ask for a picture but he felt sharp daggers were piercing through his entire body thus he could only shut up.

 Chapter 595 - 595 "Are you upset with me?"

    595 ¡°Are you upset with me?¡±


    He finished signing and Zi Han ruffled Ming Ming¡¯s hair while asking, ¡°Happy?¡±


    She nodded her head frantically before saying, ¡°And dage you can give me that t-shirt.¡±


    ¡°Well not right now. He will give it to youter,¡± said Zi Han before looking at Yi Chen and asking, ¡°Ready to go?¡±


    Yi Chen couldn¡¯t gauge whether this person was upset or not. He was smiling happily but Yi Chen felt ill at ease. ¡°Let¡¯s go,¡± he said reaching for Zi Han¡¯s hand before interlocking their fingers with his fiery gaze on Akito as though letting him know that if he dared step into his territory he was a dead man.


    Zi Han smiled at all of them before saying, ¡°It was nice meeting you. I am not a fan but my sister inw likes you so I support you.¡±


    The manager who had let this y out for so long finally stepped out and asked for a favour. ¡°Well, your highness since that¡¯s the case then would you take a picture with the group members for promotional pur-purposes,¡± he said only to stammer on thest word because Yi Chen was glowering at him. Damn, who needed bodyguards when you have a fiance as scary as him? Zi Han didn¡¯t need anyone to protect him, his fiance was enough. Well, that is until the bad guys discover how terrifying Zi Han was.


    Zi Han opened his mouth and said, ¡°Uh,¡± while Yi Chen gave a straightforward answer,


    ¡°NO!¡± before pulling him away.


    Ming Ming who hadn¡¯t thought about a picture just now felt stupid. She tried to free herself and ask for one but her big brother was already in a terrible mood.


    .....


    Zi Han could see that Ming Ming really wanted to go so he turned to look at the man wanting to convince him to let her go but the man¡¯s face looked very ugly. Ming Ming looked to her sister inw for help and Zi Han gestured for her to not worry about it.


    As soon as they got out of the elevator, Yi Chen took off the t-shirt that was making him feel very ufortable and said to Ming Ming, ¡°Here, don¡¯t ask me to do that again. Now go ahead and we will followter,¡± while tossing it to her face.


    Ming Ming smiled happily before running off like she had been granted amnesty. As soon as she was gone Yi Chen turned to Zi Han and saw that he was naked. His upper body was as bare as the day he was born.


    Instead of asking on Ming Ming¡¯s behalf to get a picture with her favourite boy group, he found himself dazzled to the point that his mind was muddled.


    ¡°You...,¡± said Yi Chen only to follow Zi Han¡¯s gaze. He intentionally or unintentionally flexed his pectoral muscles before saying, ¡°My eyes are up here, baby.¡±


    Zi Han, ¡°...¡±


    ¡°Yes, yes... I can see that,¡± he said before pulling off his hoodie. ¡°Here, wear this. I know you are hot but I don¡¯t want others to see it.¡±


    Yi Chen didn¡¯t refuse his kind gesture. In fact, he showed a slight smile and as he put it on he said, ¡°I don¡¯t even know why you were wearing one. It¡¯s not that cold.¡±


    ¡°Hey, I descended from the legendary phoenix. I love the heat. You on the other hand must be from a pr bear. You have been walking around with a short sleeve t-shirt like a bodybuilder,¡± replied Zi Han when he saw that Yi Chen¡¯s head was stuck in his hoodie.


    Zi Han chuckled as he helped him pull it down and when Yi Chen¡¯s head popped out he took a deep breath before saying, ¡°I almost suffocated. Your hoodie is so small.¡±


    Zi Han flicked his forehead before saying, ¡°Call me small again and you will be lonely in the bridal chamber.¡±


    Yi Chen, ¡°....¡±


    He held Zi Han¡¯s waist and pulled him close trying to coax him. With the tip of his nose buried in the croak of Zi Han¡¯s neck, he mumbled,


    ¡°I was wrong,¡± while his hands were rubbing his waist sensually.


    ¡°Hmm... it tickles. Stop...,¡± said Zi Han while trying to get away from him. In his voice was something off so Yi Chen raised his head and asked, ¡°Are you upset with me?¡±


    Zi Han, ¡°...¡±


    ¡°Where on my face is it written upset? I am not upset,¡± replied Zi Han wondering where this question wasing from.


    ¡°Really? I thought you would be mad about the whole t-shirt signing thing,¡± he said while rubbing his lover¡¯s cheek with his thumb.


    ¡°No, I am not upset about that. Baby, what do you take me for? I can¡¯t get mad over something small,¡± said Zi Han while fixing his hoodie for him.


    Yi Chen lowered his head with a sh of disappointment in his eyes. Why? Well, it was because he liked it a little when Zi Han was jealous which was a rare urrence. He thought Zi Han would be a little upset but it seemed everything was dandy.


    ¡°Oh,¡± he said his fingers slipping underneath the hem of Zi Han¡¯s clothes.


    Zi Han held his hand stopping him from going underneath his clothes while saying, ¡°Why don¡¯t you let Ming Ming take a picture with the Kao boy group members? She would cherish it forever.¡±


    He was trying to coax his husband into letting his sister inw take a picture. Yi Chen pursed his lips restraining himself but in the end, he couldn¡¯t help but say it.


    ¡°Wha-what do you think about them?¡± he asked Zi Han with his fingers twirling around the hem of Zi Han¡¯s clothes.


    ¡°They can sing... and dance but that¡¯s about it,¡± said Zi Han not even sure why this question was directed at him. Shouldn¡¯t he be asking Ming Ming what she thought.


    ¡°I can sing and dance too,¡± replied Yi Chen and Zi Han finally recognized the sourness lingering in Yi Chen¡¯s voice.


    ¡°They have nice makeup. Not too feminine and not too masculine. I also like their hair cuts, especially on the curly-haired one. What¡¯s his name again,¡± said Zi Han intentionally poking the beehive.

 Chapter 596 - 596 I love yours more

    596 I love yours more


    The beehive was inevitably provoked but the person doing it didn¡¯t stop. In fact, he kept poking and poking until Yi Chen was on the verge of perming his hair to make it curly.


    If Zi Han liked curly haired weak chickens then he would turn himself into one.


    ¡°Do you really like it like that?¡± asked Yi Chen his voice unable to hide the angerced within.


    Zi Han raked his fingers in Yi Chen¡¯s hair his expression tentative like he was carefully studying Yi Chen¡¯s soft strands.


    ¡°No, I love yours more. I love everything about you,¡± he said and Yi Chen who had gulped down a jar of vinegar in that short moment suddenly felt a wave of sweetness rushing from the tip of his tongue to the back of his throat.


    Just as he smiled happily, Zi Han suddenly grasped the cor of the hoodie his expression taking a drastic turn. He pulled him close mming Yi Chen¡¯s chest into his and whispered into his ear, ¡°The only one allowed to sign anywhere on your body is me... do you understand?¡±


    Yi Chen bit his lower lip trying to hide the smile at the corner of his mouth. Who said Zi Han wasn¡¯t jealous? Of course, he was and this made him very happy.


    ¡°I understand,¡± he said with his head tilted slightly with his lips brushing against Zi Han¡¯s ear making it very itchy.


    Zi Han let him go and turned his heel to walk back to the VIP lounge but before he could turn a second step his arm was suddenly grasped and he was pulled back. His body was suddenly pressed against the wall before his lips were sealed.


    .....


    The Bloodgarde bodyguard standing nearest to them tried to not nce in that direction but dang she couldn¡¯t help it. Even when on duty she would be stuffed with dog food. She stared straight but through her peripheral view she could see the Marshal pressing his body against the prince while his hand slipped into the man¡¯s shirt like a field mouse burrowing into an underground hole to find nuts.


    By the time they parted, they were panting heavily with one of them having a conspicuous lip hickey. The pair acted like they were alone and there was no one else around thus the bodyguard could only pretend like she was invisible.


    Zi Han wiped the corner of Yi Chen¡¯s lips while saying, ¡°About the picture. You should let Ming Ming take it with her favourite boy group otherwise she might hold a grudge against you.¡±


    Yi Chen wanted to say, ¡°This again?¡± but didn¡¯t end up saying it. He didn¡¯t want Zi Han to take a picture with those group members but after his lover mentioned Ming Ming he suddenly understood. This had nothing to do with Zi Han and him. Ming Ming was the fan here so she should go with Yi Zhen. He was her father anyway.


    ¡°Okay,¡± he said tightening his grip on Zi Han¡¯s hand. Zi Han was satisfied but even until now, he couldn¡¯t understand where Yi Chen¡¯s jealousy sprung up from. He hadn¡¯t even spoken to the group members before so what was up with that? He could have asked Yi Chen but he didn¡¯t want to make him upset again hence he let it go.


    That being said, Ming Ming finally got her wish. She managed to go with her father to get a picture taken with the group members but the images were less than satisfactory.


    That¡¯s because her father was even worse than her older brother terrifying these young men into shitting themselves.


    The smiles on their faces in the pictures were so stiff that one would think they had been forced to take those pictures. The culprit was standing there like the terrifying statue of the God of death terrifying the heck out of all of them.


    By the time they left the stadium Ming Ming was all tired out and so was Yi Youxi. They had to go back to the Zi family home to pick up Lin Ruoxi and drop off Zi Han and Yeoh Jun so they started there first. When they arrived at the house it was still so lively with the two mothers ying ¡®never have I ever¡¯ drunk which was a very bad idea.


    The sad part was that instead of sleeping Zi Feiji was dragged by his daughter to make cocktails and pizza from scratch for them. One might ask why not order one. Well, Zi Xingxi insisted that her father made a fresh one with eggnt, green peppers, and mushroom toppings.


    He was serving these two because if he didn¡¯t Zi Xingxi would put on a tearful face that was very hard for this old father to resist. This was exactly why she got away with a lot of stuff when she was young.


    When they entered the house the two women were giggling while spilling secrets that Zi Han was certain they shouldn¡¯t be.


    ¡°Pizza!¡± yelled Ming Ming who so happened to wake up as soon as the vehicle stopped.


    She took a slice and sat on her mother¡¯sp only for Lin Ruoxi toin.


    ¡°Ming Ming you know you aren¡¯t five anymore, right?¡± she said but Ming Ming nted her butt there like it had grown roots.


    Yi Youxi followed behind and leaned against Lin Ruoxi while lying on the couch. He also reached over to take a slice and stuffed his face like a little hamster.


    Zi Xingxi couldn¡¯t help butugh seeing how crowded Lin Ruoxi was. She turned to look at Yi Chen who had just entered through the door and asked, ¡°Aren¡¯t you going to join in? This picture would beplete if you are in it.¡±


    Yi Chen was about to pull Zi Han and say that his body pillow was here but Zi Han strode over to his mother and copied Yi Youxi¡¯s sleeping posture.


    Yi Chen, ¡°...¡±


    Zi Xingxi ruffled Zi Han¡¯s hair and messed with it like a mama monkey picking lice out of a baby monkey¡¯s hair. Now I am not saying Zi Han had lice but it looked like she was picking them out. Zi Han closed his eyes like he was having a nice scalp massage.

 Chapter 597 - 597 Corpse bride

    597 Corpse bride


    If Yeoh Jun said he wasn¡¯t envious then he would be lying. He wanted to go over there two but it seemed like it was mother and son time.


    Seeing this Yi Zhen had a feeling that they would stay here overnight if they didn¡¯t leave now so he said, ¡°All people surnamed Yi to the hover limousine. We are going home. You too.¡±


    Yi Chen, ¡°???¡±


    He was a grown man so did it matter if he went home? Couldn¡¯t he stay here and sleep over?


    ¡°Why? The couch isfy and there is pizza,¡± said Ming Ming only for Lin Ruoxi to push her hair back while saying,


    ¡°Honey, this is your mother¡¯sp, not a couch.¡±


    ¡°Everybody out. You call her and him. I will take care of her,¡± said Yi Zhen telling Yi Chen to carry Yi Youxi and Ming Ming out. He would deal with Lin Ruoxi.


    ¡°I want to stay,¡± replied Yi Chen and Yi Zhen said,


    ¡°Your mother is obviously drunk and I can¡¯t take care of her and these two at the same time so you areing with me.¡±


    .....


    Yi Chen, ¡°...¡±


    Yi Chen sighed as he walked over to pick up Ming Ming but when it was Yi Youxi¡¯s turn the youth rxed his muscles ying dead.


    Yi Chen, ¡°...¡±


    ¡°Youxi, get up. I am not ying with you,¡± he said but Yi Youxi didn¡¯t open his eyes as he replied,


    ¡°No. I want to stay.¡±


    ¡°Come on, let them stay. We have plenty of room, right dad?¡± said Zi Xingxi and Zi Feiji almost rolled his eyes.


    ¡°Sure, we have plenty of room. You twoe to serve your wives and kids. I suffered enough when I raised that one,¡± he said before walking to the couch and finding a spot for himself.


    ¡°Then we are staying,¡± said Lin Ruoxi and Yi Chen put back Ming Ming where he found her. He found his way near Zi Han and sat there without looking in his father¡¯s direction.


    ¡°Pa, I want some popcorn,¡± said Zi Han and a few more people echoed in agreement.


    ¡°Me too.¡±


    ¡°I want some.¡±


    ¡°I want mine to be caramel.¡±


    Yeoh Jun, ¡°...¡±


    Is this what it meant to be a family man? ¡°Let¡¯s y a game or watch a movie,¡± suggested Zi Han and it seemed this was the n now.


    Two families sat in the lounge all cozy while the two fathers ved away meeting their demands. At the end of it, Yeoh Jun had this to say,


    ¡°I think this is why I need my own man cave. This is exhausting.¡±


    Yi Zhen couldn¡¯t agree more. ¡°I just use my office as my man cave because even at home they stille looking for me.¡± Sometimes a man needs time away from their family for the sake of their mental health... just saying.


    ***


    ¡°How about this? I think this colour suits you. Or maybe this one? It seems more like a nude shade,¡± said Zi Xingxi, and Zi Han who had woken up before four a.m. wasn¡¯t in a very good mood.


    ¡°I don¡¯t want to wear it. Find a clear one mum,¡± said Zi Han as the stylist did his hair.


    Zi Xingxi looked at her son¡¯s pale lips and couldn¡¯t help but want to smear some colour on them. She wasn¡¯t sure if it was because he hadn¡¯t slept well that he looked like this. They went for an entire spa day and by the time he left Zi Han was in an excellent state.


    For an entire week, her husband wasining that he didn¡¯t get to go drinking with his son and wanted to throw both of them a bachelor party so both Lin Ruoxi and her caved in eventually.


    They let Yi Chen and Zi Han go out with their father the night before the wedding. The result thereof was Zi Han looking like a corpse the next morning.


    ¡°AAAAHHHH,¡± screamed Lynn Feng after walking into the room with a velvet box housing Zi Han¡¯s crown. Zi Han looked at her reflection in the mirror and Lynn Feng almost jumped in fright.


    ¡°Are we doing a wedding theme? A ghost bride wedding theme maybe?¡± asked Lynn Feng looking at the dark circles under Zi Han¡¯s eyes.


    ¡°More like corpse bride,¡± said Zi Xingxi, and Zi Han couldn¡¯t help but correct her,


    ¡°Corpse bridegroom. I am a man remember.¡±


    Lynn Feng couldn¡¯t help but walk over and sit beside him before asking,


    ¡°What happened to youst night?¡±


    Zi Han almost wanted to fall forward and sleep on the vanity but he couldn¡¯t move because of the curling iron being used in his head.


    ¡°Ask KK. Wasn¡¯t he therest night?¡± said Zi Xingxi and Lynn Feng who came in halfway through the party at the private club to pick up secretary K for some sexy time in the car felt kind of guilty.


    She knew that her boyfriend was the voice of reason in the group and once he was removed from the situation they went wild like untamed horses and had so much fun. The result was one or even two of the grooms looking like the walking dead.


    ¡°Uh... I want to sleep. Can¡¯t we postpone by a couple of hours or maybe tomorrow?¡± said Zi Han almost crying tears of blood.


    ¡°You must be kidding me, Han Han? You have been looking forward to this day for a very long time. Nope, nope I refuse. I will get you hangover soup and you can only nap for an hour that¡¯s it,¡± said Zi Xingxi before leaving the room.


    ¡°Auntie Lynn, I am dead tired,¡± he said looking like he was going to break down in tears. Lynn Feng felt very guilty and could onlyfort him.


    ¡°It¡¯s just for a few hours and then you can sleep... well, it would be bad luck to sleep early in the bridal chamber but who cares, right?¡± she said and Zi Han¡¯s eyes widened.


    ¡°Are you sure you are here tofort me or you are here to make me feel worse?¡± asked Zi Han his voice brittle.


    Lynn Feng, ¡°...¡±

 Chapter 598 - 598 A bride with mood swings

    598 A bride with mood swings


    Grandpa Zi was so excited today that he woke up early his body restless. He couldn¡¯t wait to brag about his lovely grandson and his new husband to his friends thus he jumped out of bed early in a great mood. When he reached the kitchen he found that his daughter was trying to make something in the kitchen.


    She was an excellent cook but today she seemed to be in a mess. Everything seemed chaotic and she almost burnt herself. Worried for her Zi Feiji walked over and took the spat from her hand.


    ¡°I know you are stressed but if you get hurt then what¡¯s the point?¡± asked Zi Feiji and Zi Xingxi stood aside with her fingers rubbing her temple.


    ¡°I am not stressed. You were therest night and didn¡¯t stop him from drinking. Now he has a bloody hangover and he looks horrible. This is all your fault,¡± she said feeling quite upset. She not only med him but also med her husband for this. They were meant to be taking care of him but they let him run wild like a horse.


    Zi Feiji was a little surprised that this pot was falling on his head. ¡°You know how your son is. He was so unrestrained that he drank like a fish. Not only that but he sang... a lot. I wouldn¡¯t be surprised if he doesn¡¯t have a voice,¡± he said and Zi Xingxi suddenly recalled that Zi Han¡¯s voice was slightly raspy.


    ¡°Did you give him the hangover pill?¡± he asked and Zi Xingxi leaned against the kitchen counter while saying,


    ¡°No, he has to eat first... I hope Yi Chen isn¡¯t as bad as him.¡±


    Well, he was bad too but he was very active and energetic that his mother couldn¡¯t even keep him still to manicure his nails.


    ¡°Oh right. Let me make the hangover soup. Go back to him and make sure he stays awake,¡± he said a little worried that he might fall asleep and they won¡¯t be able to wake him up.


    .....


    Zi Xingxi thanked her dad and kissed his cheek before walking away. When she was about to leave he said, ¡°Don¡¯t worry too much. He is going to be okay, okay?¡±


    Zi Xingxi¡¯s steps paused and she turned her head to look at him. She suddenly felt better. She pursed her lips as she nodded her head seeming grateful that her father was there.


    When she arrived in Zi Han¡¯s room her son was sitting with his head almost drooping. He wanted to go back to sleep.


    She walked over and helped support his head before saying, ¡°Don¡¯t sleep now sweetie, grandpa is making you some hangover soup.¡±


    Zi Han opened his eyes slightly before asking, ¡°Do I really need these? I don¡¯t want my hair to be too curled. And how do you sleep in these? I don¡¯t get it,¡± his voiceced with a hint of grievance.


    ¡°It won¡¯t be a tight curl. She willb it out and it¡¯s only for a couple of hours,¡± she said but Zi Han wasn¡¯t convinced. He couldn¡¯t help but say, ¡°I am going to look like a chia pet. I don¡¯t want to look like a chia pet.¡±


    Zi Xingxi, ¡°...¡±


    She narrowed her eyes while scrutinizing him. She had a sneaky suspicion that he was about to have a meltdown, a massive meltdown. He was just like a toddler. When they miss their nap they cry... a lot and looking at Zi Han right now he was slowly inching towards that.


    ¡°Um... okay, I can take them out if they make you ufortable,¡± she said trying to prevent a meltdown.


    She reached over but Zi Han¡¯s mood swings were blindsiding her. He moved his head away and said, ¡°No, I will look ugly.¡±


    Zi Xingxi, ¡°...¡±


    ¡°I won¡¯t look good if you take them out,¡± he said and Zi Xingxi was beginning to wonder if her son had been reced or something.


    ¡°Okay okay... we will leave them in... god, where is your grandfather?¡± she said worried that this little tantrum will escte. Her worst fear did happen because now he was panicking about what he atest night which escted to all his eating habits for the past years since he had those bridal clothes made.


    ¡°I am worried it won¡¯t fit. I ate a lot of donutsst night and lots and lots of wings. And I haven¡¯t been watching my weight. I have been eating for a lot of years. What should we do if it doesn¡¯t fit?¡± he said and Zi Xingxi had her lips pursed the entire time just looking at him like she didn¡¯t know what to do.


    ¡°But you tried it on less than two days ago. It¡¯s fine,¡± she said wondering if she was like this when she was grieving over her husband when she was drunk. Most of the time Zi Han was present and he would just pat her back and listen to her cursing her dead husband for leaving her behind.


    ¡°I did but it was a little tight around my waist. Don¡¯t you remember?¡± he said and Zi Xingxi was starting to think he was having cold feet. If not that then he was just sleep deprived and hungover.


    ¡°You were just bloated,¡± she said and Zi Han pulled up his t-shirt before mumbling, ¡°Oh.¡± He pinched and pped his belly to see if he was still bloated.


    ¡°Okay, okay that¡¯s enough. Let me tie a scarf on your head so you can go to bed after you have the hangover soup,¡± she said before opening the emergency bag for the wedding.


    Zi Han¡¯s eyes widened his sleepiness vaporised in an instant.


    ¡°No, nope. I am not going to wear that,¡± he said and Zi Xingxi suddenly found a form of distraction.


    ¡°Come on, it¡¯s not that bad. You have already worn a dress before and it looked good. Let me tie it on your head and your hair will stay prim and proper,¡± she said but could somebody tell Zi Han why she had a smile on her face while she was saying that?

 Chapter 599 - 599 "Blue is your colour babes,"

    599 ¡°Blue is your colour babes,¡±


    ¡°Come on, you will look good. It¡¯s also blue and has a lovely pattern. Blue is your colour babes,¡± she said following him around.


    Zi Han was well aware of this little trick. When the word ¡®babes¡¯ came out of her there must be something big going down. The first time he asked her to dress up in a tutu skirt she used that word. First time trying extremely spicy chips, that word. First time trying on lip gloss, that word. Just know that when Zi Xingxi called him ¡®babes¡¯ she wanted something he would normally say no to.


    Zi Han shook his head no but who was his mother? She wouldn¡¯t let that slide. Zi Han took off his slippers and leapt on the bed before running towards the door.


    ¡°Pa!¡± he yelled while running down to his mother¡¯s bedroom. He could hear the chaos downstairs but ignored it while running across the passageway.


    His distant aunt that loved giving people horrible haircuts, was wearing an overly exaggerated hat while asking, ¡°What¡¯s going on up there?¡±


    Zi Feiji nced up and said, ¡°She is trying to distract him... I think.¡±


    She gasped loudly her hand on her chest while asking, ¡°Is he having cold feet? Don¡¯t worry cousin, I already have the perfect escape n and they would never find him. Just say the word and I will take him away... although you have to bear the cost. I am short of money so....¡±


    ¡°You just want to borrow some money don¡¯t you?¡± he said and she nodded her head.


    Zi Feiji, ¡°...¡±


    .....


    ¡°What for?¡± he asked and she enthusiastically showed this hovercar she had been eyeing.


    ¡°Look at it. Isn¡¯t it beautiful?¡± she asked but instead of being a good cousin Zi Feiji turned snippy instead.


    ¡°You should stop buying stupid hats and save some money,¡± he said before walking back to the kitchen.


    Meanwhile, Zi Han, a grown man about to get married, was crawling into his parents¡¯ bed running away from his mother. His dad who somehow was left to sleep to his heart¡¯s content while he had to wake up early was suddenly woken up and boy was he grumpy.


    ¡°Ugh... Han Han,¡± he murmured while clutching the quilt moving away from him but Zi Han didn¡¯t get the hint.


    He crawled over sticking to him like toffee. ¡°Hey!... Come here. Zi Han! You are ruining your hair,¡± shouted Zi Xingxi while jumping on the bed to get him.


    ¡°Oh god,¡± said Yeoh Jun while rubbing his temples.


    ¡°If I can¡¯t sleep then you can¡¯t sleep either,¡± said Zi Han ready to mess with his father to his heart¡¯s content.


    The two people were scuffling on the bed like two roons fighting over food in the dumpster while Yeoh Jun was doing the dad sigh while trying to get some more sleep.


    The door suddenly opened while Zi Xingxi was struggling to tie Zi Han¡¯s hair in a satin silk scarf. Zi Feiji just rolled his eyes which was unlike him.


    ¡°The hangover soup is ready,¡± he said only for Yeoh Jun to finally open his eyes and say,


    ¡°Thank you so much. How did you know I needed some?¡±


    Zi Feiji glowered at him while asking, ¡°Who said it was for you? It¡¯s for the groom only.¡±


    Yeoh Jun, ¡°...¡±


    ¡°I know you don¡¯t like me much old man but this is favouritism,¡± he said looking quite pitiful. Zi Feiji ced the tray on the dresser before saying,


    ¡°Ask me who asked me to make it. It¡¯s your wife who didn¡¯t think about you.¡±


    Yeoh Jun turned to his wife who had aplished the task and asked, ¡°Really?¡±


    Zi Xingxi who med him for their son getting so wastedst night didn¡¯t feel bad at all. She smacked Zi Han¡¯s hand that was trying to untie the knot while responding, ¡°It¡¯s your fault he is like this. Come on, eat some Han Han. I want your dad to watch while you are eating and he isn¡¯t.¡±


    Yeoh Jun, ???.


    Tell me you married someone petty without telling me you married someone petty.


    Yeoh Jun had lost the battle but he still hadn¡¯t lost the war. He turned to Zi Han and said, ¡°You look like a grandma.¡±


    Zi Han, ¡°...¡±


    ¡°Now that was uncalled for. Low blow old man, low blow,¡± he said and Zi Feiji snorted with a smirk on his face.


    ¡°Will you look at that. He is really your son. Monkey see monkey do,¡± he said delivering a death blow to his son inw.


    Yeoh Jun was really envious. That hangover soup was taunting him so much that he ended up going downstairs.


    ¡°Where are you going?¡± asked Zi Xingxi and he answered honestly.


    ¡°I am going to fend for myself because apparently, my wife doesn¡¯t care about me,¡± he said acting quite pitiful but who was he kidding? There was no sympathying from that direction.


    When he reached downstairs he sulkily walked into the kitchen looking for any leftovers. Usually, Zi Feiji would make more just in case someone else wanted some but who would have thought he would find a greedy goblin with a big hat eating straight from the pot?


    He cleared his throat loudly trying to draw the other person¡¯s attention but when he saw who it was his hand subconsciously touched his hair with a paleplexion.


    Everybody says it is just hair which it probably is but anyone who let this one touch their hair will rethink that statement. Only the heavens know how long it took him to grow out his hair. It was horrible.


    He looked like he had been struck by lightning after being run over by awnmower and his wife tried to make him wear a toupee till it grew out which was very ufortable so no. As the nightmares resurfaced Yeoh Jun took a step back.


    ¡°Hey, my loyal customer. I am so d you are back from the dead. I really can¡¯t wait to get my hands in your hair,¡± she said and Yeoh Jun didn¡¯t waste time. He turned and ran for his life. He was so fast that one would think he had oil under his feet. There was no way he was ever going to be alone with this woman ever again.

 Chapter 600 - 600 Consensual kidnapping

    600 Consensual kidnapping


    Yeoh Jun might be the ruler of an entire empire, who was supposed to be back at work by the way, but he ran away so fast that he almost left his shadow behind.


    Zi Han almost got a heart attack when his father came back in a hurry like he was being chased by ghosts and demons. He shut the door and even locked it before cing his hand on his head again to check if his luscious hair was still intact.


    ¡°What is wrong with you?!¡± asked Zi Xingxi as she ran out of the walking closet with her weapon in hand like she was ready to shoot somebody.


    ¡°Your au, great aunt is here? Why didn¡¯t you tell me she wasing?¡± he asked and Zi Xingxi¡¯s muscles rxed while putting her handgun away.


    ¡°She is family so, of course, she woulde. Tsk, why are you so dramatic?¡± she said and Yeoh Jun bend down with his hands on his thighs exhaling deeply before saying,


    ¡°Dramatic? I don¡¯t want to wear a toupee... ever. You better keep her away from me.¡±


    Zi Han could sympathise especially when he recalled that terrible haircut on secretary K¡¯s head.. He decided to be a good son and share his meal with his dad.


    He pushed the bowl over and Yeoh Jun was touched. He was so touched that he thought he was going to cry. ¡°You are your father¡¯s favourite child,¡± he said before taking a huge spoonful.


    ¡°Wait what? Aren¡¯t I your only child?¡± he asked and Yeoh Jun showed a contented expression before saying,


    .....


    ¡°You are.¡±


    Zi Han, ¡°...¡±


    Zi Xingxi almost rolled her eyes. ¡°Han Han go take a nap for an hour... oh and don¡¯t forget to take the hangover pill,¡± she said and Zi Han nodded his head before leaving as fast as possible.


    As soon as the door closed Zi Xingxi ruffled her husband¡¯s hair while saying, ¡°You do need a haircut.¡±


    Yeoh Jun, ¡°...¡±


    ***


    The great federation had never experienced such a grand event in a very long time. This event literally skipped one generation. They didn¡¯t even know that their current emperor was married and had a son so yep they had no grand wedding experience.


    So when the news that the newfound prince was getting married and not only getting married but he was marrying the Marshal of the federation everybody was very excited.


    Some were camping in the live broadcast waiting for the amazing event. Some people even dressed up like wedding guests even though they weren¡¯t going to be there physically. Let¡¯s just say that the entire federation was satisfied with this match and couldn¡¯t wait to see them ride off into the sunset and begin their new married life.


    While the groom was snoozing the downstairs of the Zi family waspletely transformed with so many red and gold decorations. They were paper fans, balloons, ribbons and champagne was flowing already.


    His grandfather had already changed into a suit and was sitting with all his friends who had made their way to his house. Because his family was rtively small his friends were like his family and they were eager to be a part of this day.


    The kitchen was filled with all sorts of tasty treats from pastries and cakes ordered by the groom¡¯s family. Talk about being spoilt.


    ¡°You must be the luckiest bastard,¡± said grandmaster Wayne his face beaming with jealousy.


    Zi Feiji wiped his hands with the napkin wiping the crumbs off his fingers while responding, ¡°Why? I am not lucky. That Yi Kid is the luckiest one here. My grandson is a big catch.¡±


    ¡°But how did he manage to catch a good one? My granddaughter met the most narcissistic fuck that I want to smack each time I see him,¡± said another one of his friends his expression very ugly.


    ¡°Well, my granddaughter¡¯s boyfriend is too goofy and always follows me around trying to impress me. It¡¯s exhausting.¡±


    Zi Feiji¡¯s brows creased while saying, ¡°Isn¡¯t your granddaughter dating Li Ran.¡±


    ¡°Argh don¡¯t mention that name to me. If he wasn¡¯t Yi Chen¡¯s henchman I am sure he would be bothering me right now trying to ask for H¡¯s hand in marriage,¡± he said and Zi Feiji couldn¡¯t help but wonder why he didn¡¯t just give the kid permission. Maybe then Li Ran won¡¯t follow him like a tail all the time.


    He was about to say something about it when he heard themotion outside his door. It seemed the other groom was here to pick up his partner. Lynn Feng and secretary K did not disappoint. They were ready to make it difficult for the groom to enter the house. That¡¯s mostly because they were buying Zi Han time. It turns out it was a very bad idea to let Zi Han sleep because waking him up was a huge hassle.


    The groom was looking dashing in a full-length three-piece wedding attire. It was made of high quality silk, heavily adorned with gold. It had thread embroidery with auspicious motifs symbolising infinite blessings for the couple. The embroidery of a three headed hydra right by his chest was especially eye-catching that secretary K couldn¡¯t help but take a second nce.


    His hair was slicked back which was perfect for his soft and straight hair. The man undoubtedly looked very handsome and the privileged few who were permitted to watch this broadcast couldn¡¯t help but lick their screens in admiration.


    Yi Chen wasn¡¯t aware of all of this. He was anxiously standing outside the door as the red confetti rained on him.


    His hand was mmy and trembling slightly so he clenched it and crossed it in front of him. Li Ran saw this and couldn¡¯t help but hand him a wet wipe.


    ¡°Thank you,¡± he whispered while wiping his fingers. Li Ran nudged him with his shoulder while saying,


    ¡°You got this. If they don¡¯t let him out we can kidnap him. I heard that during old earth there was a tribe that did that. They would just nab the girl to their house and after one night they would inform her family that she is part of their family now.


    ¡°That¡¯s messed up and very criminal,¡± said Yi Chen ncing at him from the corner of his eye.


    ¡°Well, yea... but if she likes me then what¡¯s the problem. We can call it consensual kidnapping,¡± he said and Yi Chen was starting to think that Li Ran was plotting something. Something very big.

 Chapter 601 - 601 Taunting the groom

    601 Taunting the groom


    ¡°Is there something you want to tell me?¡± he asked and Li Ran instantly became very dodgy?


    He shook his head like a rattle and said, ¡°Nope nothing... oh look they are finally out. This is going to be interesting.¡±


    Yi Chen wanted to press him for an answer but the was a more pressing matter right now. In front of him, the door was barred and from Lynn Feng¡¯s devilish smile, she didn¡¯t n on letting him in unless he paid big time.


    ¡°Uh marshal, what can we do for you?¡± she said with her hands crossed on her chest. Behind her was secretary K and a group of older men that he was very familiar with.


    His eyes squinted when he also noticed a very familiar face. It was Zi Han¡¯s great aunt Hyun a.k.a the hair butcher. Just seeing her made his spine quiver. There was no way she would insist on giving him a hair cut so he could get Zi Han, right?


    ¡°We are here to pick up the bride,¡± said Li Ran jumping the gun and Lynn Feng handed it to him with no hesitation.


    ¡°Is your name Marshal?¡± she said and Lynn Feng pointed at Yi Chen as he stammered,


    ¡°But but but, his name isn¡¯t Marshal ei either.


    Why was he stammering? It¡¯s because he was in the presence of the god of StarNet. The woman who single-handedly made the best hackers in the Onyx federation cry. Lynn Feng almost rolled her eyes but she didn¡¯t. She was a very ssydy after all.


    .....


    ¡°I am here to get my bride,¡± said Yi Chen and Lynn Feng was really making it difficult for him.


    ¡°There is no bride for you here, only a groom,¡± he said and Yi Chen pursed his lips trying to suppress his anxiety.


    Negative thoughts like Zi Han running away and maybe someone else blocking this marriage sprung up again and he tried to suppress them. ¡°I am here to pick up my groom,¡± he said and Lynn Feng smiled happily.


    She was about to mention the toll fees to enter through the door when Li Ran took out several red envelopes. Yes, they went for physical Star currency known as golden notes.


    They were rare and expensive, and this groom was willing to splurge on his bride... oh sorry, groom. The negotiations to enter through the door began and Lynn Feng opened the red envelope and the golden notes inside were eight of them. It seemed this young man was very knowledgeable. The number eight represented wealth but it still wasn¡¯t enough to let him in.


    She passed the red envelope to her boyfriend standing behind her while the older gentlemen behind her were jeering him on. This groom was not only handsome but quite generous.


    ¡°Not enough. Keep theming,¡± she said and Li Ran handed over the red envelopes like a diligent ountant.


    The amount increased and Lynn Feng was very satisfied. She stepped aside and the elders behind him pulled Yi Chen in with excitement.


    It started truly feeling like the wedding had begun.


    Yi Chen thought that after emptying his wallet he would get to pick up his man but nope. Instead, he was blocked still with no Zi Han in sight.


    Yi Chen had never been married nor had he attended a lot of weddings so he had no idea what was happening right now.


    Lynn Feng went all the way. Yi Chen was made to y wedding games, he had to drink some bitter tea and Li Ran wasn¡¯t spared either. He hade with Yi Chen so he had suffered too.


    Her excuse was that it was to prove that he was willing to weather through joys and sorrows with his spouse.


    Just when the horrible tea was still messing with his taste buds, Hyun came over with some spicy and bitter foods. The groom soon knew what true suffering was. Yi Chen¡¯s cheeks were red and his expression was ugly.


    The good thing was that the crowd was entertained at his expense but he was more than willing to go through it all for Zi Han. At this point, Zi Feiji couldn¡¯t help but want to say ¡®just give the man his groom¡¯.


    But that wasn¡¯t the end. The cold-faced king of the north pole had to dere his love for Yi Chen in front of everybody through poetry. If it was singing then it would have been better. Poetry? Nope... he was bad at it.


    That was indeed a sight to see. Even Zi Han whose door had finally been opened after clearing everything heard that impromptu poem and sympathised with him.


    ¡°You do realise you guys will make him run away, right?¡± said Zi Han and Zi Xingxi said,


    ¡°He endured the Republic so he can endure a poem.¡±


    Zi Han, ¡°...¡±


    Well, she was right. Yi Chen could endure it. He endured it until Zi Feiji couldn¡¯t endure it anymore.


    ¡°Alright alright... that¡¯s enough. You can go and get your man,¡± he said while patting Yi Chen¡¯s shoulder.


    Yi Chen thanked him before rushing upstairs skipping steps like he couldn¡¯t wait. When he reached the top of the stairs he found his inws standing by the door.


    He greeted them politely and Zi Xingxi urged him on. She seemed really happy and didn¡¯t make it difficult for him at all. Yeoh Jun gave him a shoe box with Zi Han¡¯s shoes which he was supposed to put on his groom¡¯s feet.


    He walked into the bedroom and that¡¯s when Zi Xingxi broke down. Her eyes turned red and reality set in. Her sweet precious baby was leaving the nest.


    Her emotions began to run rampant and the more she thought about it the more the thought of him noting back took hold of her.


    She couldn¡¯t help but take a step forward when Yeoh Jun grasped her arm pulling her back. That¡¯s when he saw her eyes were red.


    It was fine if he didn¡¯t mention it because the moment he did she lost it. She cried silently which terrified her husband so much. He had seen her cry but not this deep and sorrowful like she had lost something important.

 Chapter 602 - 602 "Baby, you look perfect"

    602 ¡°Baby, you look perfect¡±


    AN: Hello wonderful people. I would love to thank you so much for your wonderful support through out this journey. As we near the end my heart is sad but all good things muste to an end. Thank you so so much and I appreciate you all so much.


    ***


    Yeoh Jun was afraid she would cry out and attract the attention of the people downstairs so he hugged her while rubbing her back tofort her. His expression looked like that of a man at a loss as to what to do.


    He had no idea that this was what his son endured. His mother cried like this almost every time she got wasted and Zi Han had tofort her. Hell even Zi Feiji, her own father hadn¡¯t seen her cry as much as Zi Han had. That¡¯s because when she was a baby she barely cried unless Zi Feiji took her pacifier. As she grew older she wasn¡¯t the kind of child that would cry when upset. She was the ¡®sleep with one eye open because I am petty¡¯ type of child.


    Yeoh Jun really had no manual to go by andfort his wife. He just did what came naturally but as a result, his shirt was getting soaked through.


    ¡°Baby baby, shh. It¡¯s okay. You can see him whenever you want. You don¡¯t have to be sad,¡± he said but it seemed his words only made his wife cry some more.


    While Yeoh Jun was trying to console his wife so he wouldn¡¯t make their son sad too, Yi Chen had taken two steps into the bedroom when his heart lurched as he froze on the spot.


    Sitting on the bed was the most transcendent and ethereal image. d in red garments embroidered with gold, Zi Han was like an exquisite beauty out of this world. In other words, he was like an immortal gracing him with his presence especially when he looked at him with those fox eyes through the thin red veil.


    Yi Chen¡¯s eyes stung as he stood there rooted on the spot entranced by his person sitting on that bed. Behind him, several people stood by the door their hearts melting as they celebrated this happy couple but Yi Chen didn¡¯t notice them at all.


    .....


    In his eyes, there was Zi Han and Zi Han alone. It was as though in this world it was only the two of them left. Yi Chen¡¯s reaction was thoroughly captured by the camera for all to see.


    That look of pure love and joy in his eyes was had to miss. His look wasparable to the pure love and joy on a baby¡¯s face when they see their most favourite person. It was a look of bliss andplete and utter trust, trusting oneself to that person.


    Zi Han was about to joke that he looked weird with the veil right but when he saw the way Yi Chen was looking at him he found himself unable to speak. His heart was thumping fast and he couldn¡¯t contain the feeling in his heart.


    Yi Chen looked dazzling in his wedding apparel which Zi Han expected. I mean his man was very handsome so it was within his expectation but what he didn¡¯t expect was that knowing this person was dressed this way just to marry him would have his heart beating in a frenzy, more especially when he was looking at him like he was the only person in the world.


    Zi Han¡¯s eyes couldn¡¯t help but be sour on the verge of joyous tears. He watched on as Yi Chen knelt before him in front of the bed and open his mouth several times like he desperately wanted to say something but he didn¡¯t have the right words.


    Zi Han could sense his nervousness from a distance thus he stretched out his hand toward him. Yi Chen whose gaze was transfixed on Zi Han¡¯s face nced down. When he saw those long fingers stretching towards him, he didn¡¯t know what to do initially. He wasn¡¯t stupid, well, maybe he was stupefied by love so much so that his IQ had dropped to the negatives.


    He looked up at Zi Han again and Zi Han nodded his head lightly and Yi Chen touched his hand. The warmth from Zi Han¡¯s hand seeped straight into his heart setting it alight.


    He loved this person to the ends of the universe and back. He loved him so much that he couldn¡¯t see himself without him. He just wanted to hold on to this hand and never let it go. Yi Chen rubbed the back of Zi Han¡¯s hand and leaned in close before whispering, ¡°Baby, you look perfect.¡±


    The awws and ohhhs in the background just made this pink bubble scene perfect.


    ¡°Chen Chen put shoes on your bride¡¯s feet so we can get you married already!¡± shouted grandmaster Wayne and Yi Chen showed a bashful smile his ears red while opening the box.


    Zi Han pursed his lips suppressing the shy smile threatening to unveil itself in front of everybody. He was so grateful that he had the veil covering his face otherwise every body would have seen the perfect embodiment of a shy bride.


    Zi Han unfolded his legs and stretched them out letting him put the shoes on his feet. He suddenly felt like he was reliving Cindere¡¯s tale only that he wasn¡¯t an ill-treated maiden. The jeers in the background turned sonorous but the two people were just staring at each other like there was no one else around.


    Zi Han was so enchanted by this man that when he (Yi Chen) stood up and stretched out his hand towards him he raised his hand subconsciously reaching out to him but Yi Chen carried him in his arms instead. Zi Han didn¡¯t resist at all.


    Even if Yi Chen was going to carry him into a pit of fire he would ept it him with no questions asked. The two of them made their way downstairs under the rain of confetti with their family celebrating them wholeheartedly. Zi Han nced at his lover¡¯s face his heart beating hard aganist his chest as though nervous. Sensing his uneasiness Yi Chen gazed back at him with a reassuring smile further entrancing him.


    The spell lingered even as they sat in the decorated hovercar together. Yi Chen kept their hands sped together the entire way like he couldn¡¯t let him go. He now understood why people married. The feeling he was feeling right now was hard to put into words.

 Chapter 603 - 603 ’May you forever be of one mind’

    603 ¡®May you forever be of one mind¡¯


    Zi Han was so entranced that he didn¡¯t realise that the route they used was extremely long. Alongside the busy streets whether it be in the most affluent neighbourhood or the most impoverished, men, women and children were standing on the side of the road eager to catch a glimpse of their most beloved prince and his future husband.


    This was as per tradition but no one thought there would be this much support for Zi Han. He was after all the most vilified prince in the history of the federation and even topped the list of the most wanted criminals.


    Most political analysts and reporters predicted that he would be the most hated prince with very little support. But they were wrong. The streets were crowded despite the fact that the citizens could now watch the procession on StarNet on every broadcasting channel.


    What the so called analysts and reporters couldn¡¯t see was that even before they discovered he was the prince, Zi Han had done more for the disadvantaged than any of the prime ministers had donebined.


    He had not only brought evildoers who had terrorised them to justice but the Bloodgarde, alongside the Lin foundation, had changed so many people¡¯s lives.


    From free hospitals to education centres and the dream foundation personally orchestrated by Zi Han himself. Any kid who had a passion and dream in Onyx federation deserved a fair chance to achieve that and the dream foundation made it possible.


    Zi Han was vilified in the media and on StarNet but in the slums, he was an angel they didn¡¯t deserve. It¡¯s just that, unlike others who broadcasted to the entire federation the good deeds they had done for others, Zi Han was a shadow in the background. Those who knew what he and Zi Xingxi had done for them knew. The rest of the world didn¡¯t have to know.


    Yi Chen nced at Zi Han and said, ¡°It seems you have more fans than the Kao boys,¡± while rubbing the back of his lover¡¯s hand with his thumb.


    Zi Han came out of his trance and nced outside the window in a trance. What he saw were streets filled with so many people. They were like a colony of ants surrounding their queen admiringly. Zi Han smiled slightly when he saw the distinct banners from the former Republic citizens adapting into Capital star.


    .....


    The words written on them were clear. The first red banner read ¡®May you have a harmonious union thatsts one hundred years¡¯ and the second read ¡®May you live together until your hair turns white with old age¡¯. Thest one was the biggest and it read ¡®May you forever be of one mind¡¯.


    Zi Han who had no idea that he had touched so many lives felt a pang in his heart. It was only now that he had realised his importance to them. All those words by those broadcasters before his wedding were disproved in this moment.


    They had said things like they wouldn¡¯t participate because even if he was a prince he had blood on his hands. He had no morals and ethics that a decent human being should have. They had imed that having this grand celebration was like celebrating awless criminal and vignte the nobles hated the most.


    Zi Han didn¡¯t care much about how they felt or what they said. All that mattered was what was in his heart. Which bastard that he killed didn¡¯t deserve it? He had no guilt in his heart so it didn¡¯t matter to him what they thought of him. But seeing these people wishing him well and celebrating him in the streets Zi Han was so touched.


    Yi Chen knew what all those people said and when he tried to interfere his father-inw stopped him that¡¯s because he wanted their faces to hurt so much when they saw this very scene.


    As a royal family member, Zi Han had to have a thick skin because they were meant to ept and be able to handle criticism. Yi Chen also knew Zi Han was unbothered by their words but seeing that smile on his face he felt his heart melting in his chest.


    He leaned down and asked, ¡°Do you want to wave at them? They would remember it for the rest of their lives.¡±


    Zi Han thought it awkward. Who on earth would want him to wave at them? Wasn¡¯t it a little weird? But seeing the look of reassurance in Yi Chen¡¯s eyes he agreed.


    Seeing that Zi Han had agreed, Yi Chen instructed Ran to open the roof of the hovercar. The screams and jeers from the crowd amplified as they saw the roof of the car disappear revealing the pair of lovers adorned in dazzling red.


    High-sounding sounds of praise ripped through the air as Zi Han awkwardly raised his hand in a barely visible wave. He thought no one would see it but seeing the former Republic citizens jumping up and down with others trying to reach over the guard rail to touch him, Zi Han¡¯s heart jolted. He seemed even more confident this time thus he waved a little more and boy, did the crowd love it.


    Zi Han, ¡°...¡±


    Was this how those celebrities felt when they were receiving admiration from their fans? It was indeed an amazing yet overwhelming feeling. Zi Han was getting into this whole smile and wave thing when his future husband suddenly pulled him close and tilted his head slightly before whispering, ¡°Not too much just in case they fall even more in love with you. I can¡¯t take thepetition.¡±


    Zi Han couldn¡¯t help but stifle hisughter while pinching Yi Chen¡¯s waist. Yi Chen leaned down his head resting on Zi Han¡¯s shoulder.


    This single dog-abusing image was so sweet that it blew up on StarNet. It was the image of a loving couple shoving their love in people¡¯s faces and boy did they love it.


    They ate it up so much that it was trending for six months straight, well, that is until a certain someone consensually kidnapped his bride.


    There was no need to mention who it was. What was shocking was how long it took him to execute that n.

 Chapter 604 - 604 Getting married yay!!

    604 Getting married yay!!


    Onyx federation was in awe when their handsome prince stepped out of the hovercar and walked down the red carpet hand in hand with the Marshal.


    The mix of lilies, orchids, peony and lotus flowers draping down the arches at the entrance of the royal hall, recently build just for this moment, was like stepping into a beautiful fantasy with pixies and fairies.


    It was absolutely stunning especially with the grooms walking down the aisle but the grooms had this to say. ¡°They did too much didn¡¯t they?¡± said Zi Han in a whisper and Yi Chen leaned down and replied,


    ¡°They did but it looks good.¡±


    They did do too much but Yi Chen was right. It was incredibly stunning. But this is only the beginning. When they stepped inside they were speechless. Their mothers had taken it from zero to a hundred with the wedding decorations. Zi Han never dove into the world of decorations so he never knew one could make a room look like this.


    He was so mesmerised by the centrepieces and lights all in a vibrant red that he didn¡¯t hear the elder announcing their arrival. It was Yi Chen who squeezed Zi Han¡¯s palm and Zi Han came out of his trance and gazed at him.


    He could surely say that this was the most perfect day in his entire life. In front of their parents and amazing family, he signed a marriage contract and bound himself to Yi Chen in the marriage registrarwork. Finally, they were legally bound together and never to be separated again.


    As soon as the forever-binding marriage contract was signed loud apuse and jeers ripped through the once-silent hall. Zi Han showed a radiant smile as he raised his head and met his mother¡¯s reddened eyes.


    Because of the chaos earlier, he didn¡¯t see her until now. When he saw that she had been crying Zi Han¡¯s heart hurt. He wanted to ask what was wrong but she reassured him with a wonderful smile.


    .....


    It seemed like she was okay but Zi Han could see what others couldn¡¯t see. It was the look of reluctance and intense sorrow like she had lost something dearest to her heart.


    Zi Han knew she was putting on a brave front for him so he didn¡¯t pursue the matter. He turned to Yi Chen standing beside him and found out that he was looking at him as well.


    Yi Chen lowered his head and whispered in his husband¡¯s ear his voice chasmic and pleasant. ¡°Are you regretting it?¡± he asked and Zi Han averted his gaze with a crease at the corner of his eyes from all the smiling.


    ¡°Never... I would never regret ever marrying you,¡± he said and Yi Chen bit his lower lip suppressing the tender smile at the corner of his lips.


    The elder beckoned them over and Yi Chen knew it was time to perform the three bows.


    The pair of newlyweds walked alongside each other neither fast nor slow.


    This harmonious image stirred something in one¡¯s soul leaving their hearts contented and sweet. With both of them holding either end of the red hydrangea flower ball they arrived in front of the family altar.


    The elder seemed satisfied by this lovely pair. He cleared his throat and said, ¡°You should bow three times to show your gratitude... bow to heaven and earth.¡±


    Zi Han, ¡°???¡±


    He wanted to say which earth but when he nced at Yi Chen from the corner of his eye he saw that he was already moving to kowtow. Zi Han joined him and kowtowed till his forehead touched the ground.


    His heart beating in his ears he rose up to his feet. The elder¡¯s voice overshadowed the sound of his tremulous heart.


    ¡°Show respect to your elders and bow to the parents,¡± he said and Zi Han clutched the red ribbon tightly as he spotted their four parents looking at them.


    Zi Han bit his lower lip his eyes sour on the brink of tears. He didn¡¯t know why he was being emotional. He was just d no one could see his emotions through the veil.


    He kowtowed before his family and as his forehead pressed the floor a tear flowed down the bridge of his nose onto the veil leaving a wet stain.


    He wasn¡¯t sure why he was even crying but one thing was for certain. It wasn¡¯t a tear of sadness but a myriad ofplicated emotions. It was a mix of extreme joy, nervousness and great aplishment. His dream hade true so how could he not be ovee by his emotions?


    When he rose to his feet he didn¡¯t realise the wet patch on his veil. He didn¡¯t even notice the wetness on his face staring at his parents who seemed very proud of him.


    ¡°Bow to each other,¡± said the elder and the pair turned to face each other. Yi Chen¡¯s hand trembled in excitement as he stared at his man.


    From here henceforth this person officially belonged to him and he belonged to Zi Han. Everything was perfectly well, except the wet patch on that red veil. Seeing it Yi Chen¡¯s heart lurched. He wanted to ask him what was wrong but this wasn¡¯t the time to talk about it.


    He clenched the red ribbon in his hand tightly as he kowtowed with Zi Han. As his forehead touched the ground, Yi Chen felt an explosion in his heart the corners of his lips quirking into a joyous smile.


    The sound of firecrackers and loud apuse flooded his ears as he raised his head ncing at Zi Han. Their gazes met as though connected by an unbreakable electric current. The sparks struck their hearts simultaneously making them beat in synch.


    ¡°You may exchange the rings,¡± said the elder as Ming Ming brought over the rings d in an embroidered hanfu cheongsam with the tassels of her pearl and flower hair pins swaying with her movements.


    Seeing her prancing around like a princess, Lin Ruoxi couldn¡¯t help but recall how hard it was to put her in that outfit.

 Chapter 605 - 605 Consummation

    605 Consummation


    Ming Ming almost disowned her own mother for that entire outfit yet here she was floating in the clouds with each step she took like a model walking on their dream run way. Ming Ming smiled happily while handing the opened box to her brother.


    The rings were the same ones they wore before but they had both received an upgrade. Twin gemstones known as Dal and Dimas had been added to the rings. Dal was luminous as the moon over the cold icy mountains of Loch Ness star while Dimas was a fiery red as dazzling as the heart of the sun, the main sun in their sr system.


    They weren¡¯t just any simple gemstones but the rare viviax gemstone his ancestors found a full millennium after the Onyx federation was established.


    The pair of gemstones were once one but the two-toned gemstone was broken into two parts with one being given to the royal family as tribute. Like Dal, Dimas was kept as a family heirloom as there was no reason to bring them back together as one. Now today the pair were brought together with the union of two lovers.


    Only a few knew the meaning of this peculiar viviax gemstone but Zi Han had heard the story from overly romantic girls in school who were hoping to see this overrated rock reunited.


    At the time he hadughed and said, ¡°What? You wanted thete prince to marry the Marshal so that stupid love rock would be brought topletion.¡± The little girl had angry stomped her foot and said he would eat his words one day. His words hade to pass only that it was the marriage of the current prince, him, with the Marshal. He suddenly felt likeughing because his sarcastic response had somewhate to pass.


    Yi Chen picked up Dimas ring as he grasped Zi Han¡¯s hand. He cleared his throat and said, ¡°Baby...¡±


    Zi Han who had been lost in thought came back to himself and answered softly. ¡°Yes... husband,¡± he said with the word husband mouthed.


    Yi Chen smiled happily his cheeks turning red. He licked his lips out of nervousness before looking into Zi Han¡¯s eyes and saying, ¡°I... from the moment I first met you I knew there was something there. At the time I wasn¡¯t sure what it was but... it didn¡¯t take me long to discover that there was a soft me flickering in my wintry heart. Before I knew it my heart was engulfed by it and I found out that you were the source of this inexplicable feeling. Like a moth to a me, I found myself drawn to you. I was willing to get burnt countless times in hopes that you would ept me.¡±


    .....


    ¡°Now that you have epted me and chosen to spend the rest of your life with me... I vow to love you as you love me and more through all the hardship, darkness, and pain. I will share in all your joys and aplishments. I love you Han Han with my everything.¡±


    ¡°A.¡±


    ¡°So sweet.¡±


    ¡°That was beautiful wuwuwu.¡±


    Words such as this followed soon after as Yi Chen ced that ring on Zi Han¡¯s finger. Zi Han couldn¡¯t take it anymore. Tears flowed down his face his heart, mind and soul having been stirred. He thought he could contain himself but those words echoed in his mind repeatedly stirring up his emotions again and again.


    He swore he wasn¡¯t a crybaby but he couldn¡¯t help himself. Zi Han tried very hard to suppress it but Yi Chen saw it and so did everybody else. He wanted to exin himself so that Yi Chen wouldn¡¯t misunderstand but before he could say anything he was suddenly pulled into a warm embrace.


    Those who were just as emotional shed a tear or two and those who weren¡¯t were either apuding or wishing they could hurry up so they could finally get to the eating part.


    The familiar scent overpowered his chaotic emotions thoroughly subduing them. Zi Han finally calmed down and Yi Chen whispered into his ear asking, ¡°Are you all better now?¡±


    Zi Han nodded his head and Yi Chen showed a sly smile before saying, ¡°Then let¡¯s finish this off and quickly skip to the good part.¡±


    Zi Han sniffled while asking, ¡°What good part?¡±


    Yi Chen lean in even closer his lips lightly rubbing against Zi Han¡¯s ear through the silk fabric as he answered, ¡°Consummation.¡±


    Everyone, ¡°...¡±


    StarNet, ¡°...¡±


    ¡°Woo woo woo, you do realise your voice is amplified so we can all hear you. We can all hear everything,¡± said Yeoh Jun and Yi Chen was as thick-skinned as a pig¡¯s skin. There was no way he was going to be shy about it. Who here didn¡¯t know what happens after the reception?


    Well, someone didn¡¯t and that person was little Ming Ming. She tugged Yi Chen¡¯s sleeve and covered her mouth with her hand as though afraid someone would read her lips.


    She tilted her head innocently and asked, ¡°Dage, what is consummation?¡±


    Yi Youxi wouldn¡¯t miss the opportunity to cause trouble. While rubbing little Hansel¡¯s chin while whispering to her.


    ¡°It¡¯s in the word. Consume and consummation have the same first six letters so mean the same thing. They will consume each other and the winner will be the husband and the other the wife.¡±


    Yi Chen, ¡°...¡±


    Was it bad luck to beat up a family member at your own wedding? Scratch that, was it bad luck to beat your own little brother at your wedding in front of everybody?


    Ming Ming was a little surprised to hear this exnation. No wonder her mother acted like the husband and her father acted like the wife when they thought she wasn¡¯t looking. It turns out mum beat dad at consummation.


    ¡°Oh okay,¡± she whispered back while smiling at her mother with a look of admiration. When she grew up she wanted to beat her partner at consummation too. Whether her partner was a boy or girl she was determined to win the consummation. Well, that would be an interesting fight to watch.

 Chapter 606 - 606 Getting married makes him even more thirsty

    606 Getting married makes him even more thirsty


    Zi Han couldn¡¯t help butugh hearing this. He hoped tonight he could consume Yi Chen during the consummation. Seeing Zi Hanughing like that Yi Chen let it slide. It seemed this little brat had been saved by his inw.


    The ring on Zi Han¡¯s finger was on and he wasn¡¯t crying anymore so this was great. Zi Han got himself together and took the ring from little miss Yi who seemed pleased with herself.


    Zi Han nced at the ring with something shing in his eyes. He twisted the ring in between his fingertips before calling out, ¡°Chen-ge.¡±


    Yi Chen looked into his eyes through the veil his expression eager to hear what Zi Han had to say to him. Zi Han smiled lightly before saying, ¡°I didn¡¯t like you at first. I hated that you were taller than me, you were stronger than me and I always wanted topete against you. I honestly thought you would you know... keep your distance from me but you kept appearing in front of me again and again and again.¡±


    To be honest these weren¡¯t the romantic tear jerking vows Yi Chen was expecting. He was well aware that his lover didn¡¯t like him much at first and Zi Han made no effort to hide it. How Zi Han even fell in love with him, in the end, was a mystery to him. At some point, he just thought he would either be friend zoned or worse enemy zoned forever.


    ¡°But when it hit me it hit me hard. I couldn¡¯t stop thinking about you. I always dreamt about you and I couldn¡¯t wait to see you every morning. I have been looking forward to this day since the moment I decided that I wanted to spend the rest of my life with you.¡±


    ¡°From this day forth I promise you my evesting devotion, loyalty and respect. I will always be there for you in everything whether it be good or bad. I will strive to keep that beautiful smile on your face and do my best to make you happy and make you feel loved. I am more than willing to be your husband... I love you Chen-ge.¡±


    Zi Han was never a poet or the one toe up with romantic words but everything he said wasing from the heart.


    Yi Chen was so enthralled that he became visibly restless. He wanted to move closer and just kiss him. Why couldn¡¯t he? Why couldn¡¯t he just go underneath that veil and kiss his lips in front of everybody?


    .....


    His Adam¡¯s apple rolled as he leaned closer before taking a hesitant step back. His heart was in turmoil. He would have never thought Zi Han¡¯s mouth could be this sweet.


    Fully aware that this groom was about to pounce on the other groom the elder had to move this along as quickly as possible. In fact, he was so right because Yi Chen¡¯s hand was reaching for Zi Han¡¯s waist so yep.


    Auntie Yi was especially quick to her feet bringing with her a jug of wine and two golden chalices. She filled them up generously too.


    Yi Chen wanted to say something but Zi Han had already epted his his question simple. ¡°How am I supposed to drink with my veil on?... Can I take it off?¡± he asked auntie Yi and the answers to both those questions were you will figure it out and no.


    Zi Han, ¡°...¡±


    ¡°I cane underneath there if you like?¡± suggested Yi Chen his words very considerate but it sounded so wrong the way it came from his mouth.


    Zi Han chuckled while asking, ¡°Do you want me


    to lift my skirt for you then?¡±


    Auntie Yi, ¡°...¡±


    Yi Chen couldn¡¯t help butugh. He wasn¡¯t ashamed to im the title of the luckiest man in the entire federation at this moment. ¡°Geez, just cross your arms together so we can all get out of here. I am starving,¡± whispered auntie Yi and the twoplied, well, mostly because Yi Chen couldn¡¯t wait for consummation or as Yi Youxi put it consuming each other.


    ¡°Wait wait... that¡¯s not... baby, don¡¯t put your arm like that,¡± said Zi Han seriously questioning his husband¡¯s IQ right now.


    ¡°Just let mee underneath there. It will be way easier,¡± he said and Zi Han knew that was an utter lie. This person just wanted an excuse to kiss him in front of everyone.


    ¡°No, you have to wait until the bridal chamber,¡± he spoke through gritted teeth but his parents still heard it. The mic was off but they were close to them so they could hear everything.


    Auntie Yi was fed up so like a teacher guiding preschoolers she helped them cross their arms together and exhaled deeply before saying, ¡°There now drink it... all of it.¡±


    Yi Chen lowered his head to peek underneath the veil but Zi Han tugged the corner down while saying no peeking.


    If there was anything the citizens of Onyx federation learnt from this it was that Marshal Yi was a very yful person in front of Zi Han. People always wondered how an aloof man with a cold and indifferent face spent time with a crazy happy person like Zi Han. From the outside, their personalities didn¡¯t seem to match and despite looking good together the people didn¡¯t expect them tost.


    Looking at it now, he was just cold and indifferent to the rest of the federation but in front of Zi Han, he was a big fluffy husky with a lot of energy.


    The two couldn¡¯t help but chuckle while staring at each other drinking from the chalices. Yi Chen who wanted their closeness tost a little longer drank much slower than Zi Han taking a small sip at a time.


    Zi Han raised his hand and tipped the chalice slightly while stifling hisughter. Yi Chen had no choice but to finish it all. After they separated he couldn¡¯t help but stare at his lover imagining that soft tongue licking the wine stains on his (Zi Han¡¯s) lower lip.


    He never thought he would be this thirsty for a kiss. It was as though after getting married a switch was flipped and his hunger grew tenfold.

 Chapter 607 - 607 The future empress of the federation

    607 The future empress of the federation


    He honestly couldn¡¯t wait for the bridal chamber to love his wife tenderly. The elder who was keeping these two in check finally urged Zi Han to call Yi Chen¡¯s parents mother and father. Zi Han had no problem calling Lin Ruoxi mum. In fact, he subconsciously called her that several times so it wasn¡¯t an issue at all.


    The problem was getting to call Yi Zhen dad. That was the most difficult thing to do. He had sort of let go of the past and for the sake of Yi Chen, he was willing to get along with his father inw but... past trauma couldn¡¯t bepletely forgotten.


    Though he had a very difficult time, Zi Han still said it. He turned to Yi Zhen and called out, ¡°Father,¡± with his head bowing slightly. For a moment Yi Zhen thought he wouldn¡¯t say it so one could only imagine his expression when Zi Han called him that. He suddenly felt very undeserving and his response was a little awkward. Lucky for him it was Yi Chen¡¯s turn so they had to move on quickly.


    Yi Chen smiled slightly and called out stiffly, ¡°Ma,¡± to Zi Xingxi. Zi Xingxi nodded her head slightly acknowledging him. Her reaction was as expected. Calm, chilled and not once did she make him feel ufortable.


    It was Yeoh Jun¡¯s reaction that was unexpected.


    The moment he called out, ¡°Pa,¡± Yeoh Jun hugged him and said,


    ¡°Wee to the family my son. You are the future empress of the Federation.¡±


    Yi Chen, ¡°...¡±


    At least Yeoh Jun liked him a lot though his enthusiasm was a little suffocating to the introvert. ¡°It is official. You are now family,¡± said the elder before announcing the new couple to the entire federation.


    .....


    Outside the sound of firecrackers ripped through the air with hovering banners disying congrattory messages.


    Now that the formalities were done and over with, the real party began. The entire banquet was avish affair with lots of delicious treats. No one held back. That¡¯s because the meals in front of them were like divine delicacies making it very difficult for one to refuse. There was roasted duck, roasted pig, abalone and sea cucumber, fish, scallops, rice, and noodles among other things. There was plenty of rice wine and red wine gifted by luxury brands thus those who wanted to swim in wine could swim freely till they didn¡¯t remember their mothers.


    Yi Chen had to go around toasting everyone as the groom and Zi Han dly slipped away in hiding with H and Li Ran.


    He was so impressed by Li Ran¡¯s dress that he couldn¡¯t help but take a few pictures tomemorate him showing off his legs. Since Li Ran wanted to make a good impression on H¡¯s grandfather theypromised. He didn¡¯t have to wear it during the ceremony but during the banquet, they would swap and boy did he look good in H¡¯s dress.


    ¡°You two are you satisfied?¡± asked Li Ran while awkwardly pulling the skirt down subconsciously. He nced in the mirror to admire himself.


    H was right to pull into waxing his legs. Sure his legs felt weird at first but now they were as smooth as silk and looked great with the dress. He would never tell her that ever otherwise who knows what new thing she would make him try.


    ¡°Wow... just wow,¡± said H admiring her naive boyfriend¡¯s legs. Li Ran turned to look at her and almost got a heart attack.


    That¡¯s because she was staring at him with a very familiar look. It was familiar because he always looked at her like that when he was hungry for something something. She looked like she was going to smack his peach if Zi Han wasn¡¯t here.


    He looked away his face flushed like he was the bride at this wedding. ¡°But I think I look fat in this dress,¡± he said trying to shift the subject elsewhere but he underestimated his starving girlfriend.


    ¡°Yes, you do especially your behind. There is a lot of junk in that trunk,¡± she said and Zi Han knew when it was time for him to leave.


    Lucky for him, the door opened and Yi Feng entered inside. When he saw this scene he wasn¡¯t fazed at all. Who among the four of them hadn¡¯t worn a dress? Please don¡¯t ask him when that happened. With the type of boyfriend he had it was inevitable.


    ¡°Ready to go? The car is waiting for you,¡± he said and Zi Han got on his feet in a hurry.


    ¡°I will see you guyster. Don¡¯t overdo it,¡± he said and Li Ran asked with a clueless look on his face,


    ¡°Overdo what?¡±


    H just smiled tacitly while saying, ¡°You too,¡± before the door closed.


    Zi Han took two steps forward and the sound of an ass being smacked reverberated through the walls. He chuckled softly while Yi Feng¡¯s expression turned nostalgic. Every morning his butt cheeks weren¡¯t spared neither did he spare Kiet. They would grope and smack each other as they got ready for the day. That was one of his favourite times of the day.


    ¡°All three aunties are waiting for you. They will take you to your house. Oh, and Ah-Chen will join youter. Your father and grandpa Lin are having a private conversation with him,¡± said Yi Feng while leading him to the main entrance.


    The so-called private conversation was no were near one. They just wanted an excuse to get him drunk and mess with him as is at every wedding. Hopefully, he would be sober enough to find his way into the bridal chamber otherwise he will miss out on all the ns he had been looking forward to.


    Zi Han nodded his head as they exited the royal hall. Outside his mother took his hand and pulled him into the hovercar. A procession of hovercars soon left the reception whisking the bride away without the groom knowing it. When he did find out that his bride was gone these men finally witness what a panicked marshal looked like. Yeoh Jun knew that Yi Chen loved his son but Yi Chen¡¯s freak out when he realised Zi Han was gone Yeoh Jun concluded that this was the ride or die type of love. Zi Han was like his very breath and without him, he would suffocate to death.

 Chapter 608 - 608 Bedroom advice

    608 Bedroom advice


    Zi Han didn¡¯t know that his mother would be the type of auntie who would be so enthusiastic about marriage and bedroom matters. The subject of sex ended when she said, ¡°Don¡¯t get anyone pregnant and stay away from girls,¡± and that was it.


    One can only imagine his reaction when his mother started talking about bedroom matters with both auntie Yi and auntie Lin. They were sort of giving him advice but at the same time, they weren¡¯t. They were enjoying this conversation way too much.


    Unable to bear it anymore he finally said, ¡°You do know that I am a boy, right?¡± but that only got them even more enthusiastic.


    ¡°So what? The mechanics is more or less the same. Who among us hasn¡¯t done it like you guys do?¡± said auntie Yi and sure enough none of them raised their hands. Zi Han¡¯s eyes widened as he couldn¡¯t believe it.


    Didn¡¯t straight couple stick it to the kitty and probably the mouth? Zi Han¡¯s mind exploded like he had found something very interesting.


    ¡°I tried it and it feels a little weird at first but the second time around it was quite enjoyable,¡± said Lin Ruoxi and Zi Han could only me himself for interfering in their conversation. He should have stayed away from it otherwise he wouldn¡¯t have to be this embarrassed.


    ¡°You hate it but it¡¯s our duty as mothers to advise you. You might not be a girl but this advice works either way,¡± said auntie Lin and Zi Han¡¯s ears felt so hot that he just wanted to rub them.


    ¡°What about Yi Chen? Why aren¡¯t you giving him advice?¡± asked Zi Han thinking he shouldn¡¯t be the only one to suffer the ordeal.


    ¡°Who said he isn¡¯t... why would we separate you two? It¡¯s because we forgot that we didn¡¯t have this conversation. Yes, you have probably done it so many times but we still have to educate you,¡± said Zi Xingxi.


    .....


    Zi Han, ¡°...¡±


    ¡°You shouldn¡¯t judge each other. Everybody have their little preferences or you can call them fetishes. If your husband likes something you should be open-minded. You should allow some room to have the conversation with no judgment. If it is something you canpromise on then why not. The same goes the other way around. If you like your feet being licked then you should befortable enough to tell him,¡± said auntie Yi and Zi Han almost wished the ground would open up and swallow him whole. Oh wait, he was in a hover car and no way near the ground. Thus he wished the floor of the hover car would open and he would fall out of the sky like an angel banished to the centre of the capital star.


    ¡°I understand. You don¡¯t have to worry so much,¡± he said but this torture didn¡¯t end immediately. There was a discussion on toys, role y and things to focus on to please his significant other. One thing that his mother said that stuck with him though was to never go to bed angry which was especially riching from a woman who had a very bad temper.


    He couldn¡¯t help but wonder if she followed her own advice because when she got mad Zi Han wouldn¡¯t be surprised if he found his father sleeping on the couch.


    By the time the hovercar stopped Zi Han ran out from there like he had been granted amnesty. He couldn¡¯t wait to get away from the three women when his steps faltered.


    In front of him wasn¡¯t the apartment he was used to. Wasn¡¯t this the Yi family¡¯s neighbourhood? Was he hallucinating?


    He craned his neck and looked one yard over and sure enough, he was neighbours with his inws.


    Not only that but five minutes over was the site for the new royal pce his father was constructing.


    ¡°Wait wait... what is going on?¡± he asked and Lin Ruoxi eagerly stepped forward while saying,


    ¡°We are going to be neighbours. Yi Chen bought the mansion next door. Soon your parents and grandfather will move into the same neighbourhood. We can have dinner together every day.¡±


    Zi Han, ¡°...¡±


    ¡°Comee. Let me show you inside,¡± she said as she hooked Zi Han¡¯s arm and pulled him into the house walking past the dragon and phoenix couplet at the front door. He could tell that it was his grandfather who picked this because he saw him researching his ancestors¡¯ weddings. He mentioned something about having a good rtionship between the newlyweds.


    When he stepped into the house it was decorated just as he liked. Everything from the couch to the cutlery was picked and arranged to his liking. There were red flowers all over the house. There were peonies, red roses and lilies everywhere. There were double happiness symbols hung all around the house like the perfect good luck charm.


    Zi Han brushed his fingers lightly on the backrest of the couch as he looked around. He could see the figurines from his room had been incorporated into the decor putting a smile on his face.


    ¡°Do you like it?¡± asked Lin Ruoxi and Zi Han nced in her direction with a smile that reached his eyes.


    ¡°I love it... a lot. Thank you,¡± he said and Lin Ruoxi smiled happily. She was d he didn¡¯t mind living next door. She honestly thought he would be unhappy but from the looks of it, he was very satisfied.


    Zi Xingxi got off a call and walked over while saying, ¡°Your husband is about to start a riot because you are missing. You should go upstairs now.¡±


    Zi Han wasn¡¯t even surprised. He might cause trouble too if he didn¡¯t see Yi Chen. Auntie Yi went into the kitchen while the two mothers led their son to the bridal chamber.


    Zi Han wasn¡¯t really expecting much but when he entered the room he was met with a sea of red everywhere and this was all by Yi Chen¡¯s design. Everything from themp to the quilt with mandarin ducks was a dazzling red.

 Chapter 609 - 609 "Baby, look at me,"

    609 ¡°Baby, look at me,¡±


    Zi Xingxi led him to sit down on the bed while saying, ¡°Your dowry stuff is in the other room. You can look through it tomorrow and put it away in a safe when you have time.¡±


    Zi Han nodded his head as he clenched his fists on his thigh. He seemed a little nervous though there was really no need for him to be. Lin Ruoxi fixed his veil while saying, ¡°We are leaving. Auntie Yi will do the rest... okay?¡± with a bright smile.


    Zi Han nodded his head again and Zi Xingxi couldn¡¯t help but pat his head lightly while saying, ¡°I am so proud of you sweetie.¡±


    ¡°If he ever bullies you don¡¯t hesitate to tell me. I will sort him out for you,¡± said Lin Ruoxi seeming very reluctant to leave. In fact, both of them didn¡¯t want to leave. They were looking over him like mama bears afraid that their cub will get bullied. They even forgot that Zi Han could take care of himself. In fact, it should be Yi Chen they should be worried about.


    It took auntie Yiing upstairs for them to leave. She ced a tray with some wine and two goblets on the table before saying, ¡°I wille up with Yi Chen when he is here.¡±


    Zi Han felt his heart beating fast when he heard this for some reason. It was like he was a blushing virgin bride though he wasn¡¯t. The wait was so nerve-wracking that he found himself bing very restless.


    He started tugging at the quilt with his lips pouting yfully while fluttering his legs that weren¡¯t touching the floor. As he exhaled deeply the door suddenly opened and auntie Yi walked in. Behind him was his man who seemed a little tipsy.


    Yi Chen shook off auntie Yi¡¯s hand and rushed over to Zi Han to embrace him. The two of them almost fell on the bed if Zi Han didn¡¯t press his hand on the bed.


    ¡°You left me,¡± he said with his lips rubbing against Zi Han¡¯s neck.


    .....


    ¡°You knew where to find me so what¡¯s the problem?¡± He asked but Yi Chen didn¡¯t like that response. He tightened his embrace almost suffocating Zi Han while mumbling,


    ¡°You already forgot your promise to me.¡±


    Zi Han, ¡°...¡±


    Auntie Yi who didn¡¯t want to be a third wheel any longer than she should spoke up. ¡°Come on Ah-Chen. You have to get this done so we can leave you and your husband alone,¡± she said while trying to peel him off Zi Han.


    Hearing this Yi Chen was more than willing to send the elder away so he could be with his sweetheart and consume each other. He let go of Zi Han and pulled him up while asking, ¡°What do we have to do?¡±


    Auntie Yi lit the dragon and phoenix candle while saying, ¡°You have to repeat the same thing as before and also make a hair knot. After that this aunt will leave you alone.¡±


    Yi Chen couldn¡¯t wait so he picked up both of the goblets but looked inside. They were empty.


    ¡°Uh... auntie are we drinking air?¡± asked Yi Chen his IQ quite concerning right now.


    Zi Han pursed his lips into a thin line trying to suppress hisughter. Auntie Yi had the urge to flick his forehead and knock some sense in his head.


    ¡°Let me pour it out for you but you have to take his veil off first,¡± she said and Yi Chen¡¯s eyes widened like a kid after being permitted to say a swear word.


    ¡°Can I? Really?¡± he asked and Zi Han couldn¡¯t hold back anymore. Heughed out loud while saying,


    ¡°You really shouldn¡¯t drink?¡±


    Yi Chen ced both his hands on his shoulders and said, ¡°Wife, I promise you I won¡¯t drink ever again. This will be thest day I swear.¡±


    Zi Han, ¡°...¡±


    Auntie Yi couldn¡¯t bare the dog food anymore thus she said, ¡°You don¡¯t need me here so you two do your thing before you know... mess up the bed.¡±


    After saying that she didn¡¯t waste any time. She just poured out wine before leaving fast like she had oil underneath her feet.


    Zi Han nced at the closing door before his cheek was suddenly held and Yi Chen turned his face making him look at him.


    ¡°Baby, look at me,¡± he said in a very deep and charming voice. Zi Han¡¯s suddenly felt a kaleidoscope of butterflies in his stomach as he stared into his man¡¯s eyes.


    In them he could see the flickering me from the candle reflecting in his dted pupils. Yi Chen took a step forward and asked, ¡°Can I,¡± his voice seductive and alluring.


    Zi Han licked his lower lip and gulped unconsciously as he nodded his head. Yi Chen pinched either corner of the veil and pulled it up slowly as though unwrapping a beautiful gift.


    When their eyes met Yi Chen¡¯s breathing stagnated the atmosphere suffocatingly sweet. Yi Chen¡¯s heart was racing as he pressed his hand on the side of Zi Han¡¯s cheek. He smiled his lips trembling before saying, ¡°You look very handsome baby.¡±


    Zi Han thought he wouldn¡¯t blush this much after hearing him say something he always said to him before. This time something seemed different when he said it.


    Zi Han bit his lips the sexual tension in the room suffocating. He subconsciously stood on his tippy toes leaning in closer for a kiss but before their lips touched loud fireworks exploded with the bright colours seeping into the room through the ceiling to floor windows.


    The two of them nced in that direction at the same time and saw fireworks with their characters exploding in the air congratting them.


    It wasn¡¯t only in the skies of Capital star but all the others of the federation as well. Their skies were lit with congrattory fireworks and hovering disys ying the highlights of their wedding.


    If anyone didn¡¯t know that this pair had tied the knot now they knew. It was all over the skies. Yi Chen held Zi Han¡¯s hand and pulled him towards the ceiling to floor windows. When they looked down they saw their family next door waving at them while pointing at the skies. This had Yeoh Jun¡¯s handwriting written all over it.


    Yeoh Jun excitedly raised a handwritten banner saying ¡®we are so proud of you¡¯ inside a red heart.


    Zi Han, ¡°...¡±

 Chapter 610 - 610 "You can always heal me."

    610 ¡°You can always heal me.¡±


    While the two were watching the explosion in the skies, Yi Chen embraced Zi Han from behind. He wrapped his powerful arms around Zi Han¡¯s waist his chin resting on his lover¡¯s shoulder.


    With the night sky bursting with colours and sparkles Yi Chen whispered a question in Zi Han¡¯s ear.


    ¡°Do you know why your grandfather insisted on fireworks?¡± he asked and Zi Han turned his head slightly with his cheek brushing against Yi Chen¡¯s before replying,


    ¡°No. I would assume because they are beautiful, exciting and romantic.¡±


    Yi Chen chuckled softly with the vibration from his chest reverberating in Zi Han¡¯s back sending a pleasant sensation all over his body.


    ¡°No. He said the noise will drive away evil spirits,¡± said Yi Chen and Zi Han couldn¡¯t help but chuckle softly.


    ¡°I am pretty sure if they are any they have been terrified out of the entire universe,¡± said Zi Han.


    He was right. With so many fireworks visible in space and the Han and Cetus warships getting in on it, which evil spirit would still hang around?


    Yi Chen lightly rubbed his nose on the side of Zi Han¡¯s face as he whispered, ¡°Then how about we take advantage of this opportunity while the evil spirits are gone and consummate our marriage.¡±


    .....


    Zi Han¡¯s closed his eyes lightly while whispering back, ¡°Hmm... I love that idea.¡±


    After saying that the privacy mode activated and the ceiling to floor windows darkened so much so that the people on the outside couldn¡¯t see what was happening on the inside.


    With the arm around his waist loosened Zi Han turned to walk towards the table only for his arm to get pulled back causing him to m directly into Yi Chen¡¯s chest.


    Before he knew it he was spun around and his back mmed onto the wall. Yi Chen¡¯s thumb rested underneath his chin forcing him to raise his head.


    His heart pounding hard against his chest he grasped Yi Chen¡¯s waist pulling him closer. Their warm breath entwined in a sensual dance as their lips pressed together in a heated kiss.


    Zi Han¡¯s fingers dug into the fabric pulling him closer with slight urgency like he couldn¡¯t contain himself. It was as though Yi Chen had an aphrodisiac effect on him.


    Panting heavily he turned Yi Chen around pressing him against the wall his hands trying to slip underneath the fabric of his wedding clothes but it was incredibly difficult and frustrating.


    Zi Han reluctantly parted their lips as he tugged on Yi Chen¡¯s belt. Sensing Zi Han¡¯s frustration, Yi Chen ced his hands on the side of Zi Han¡¯s cheeks while caressing his soft skin with his thumbs.


    His gaze transfixed on Zi Han¡¯s face he whispered, ¡°Let¡¯s drink the wedding wine first and then...¡± with a deep hoarse voice like his throat was parched.


    Zi Han was gazing at Yi Chen lovingly while lightly biting his lower lip. He was expecting Yi Chen to finish his sentence but Yi Chen kept staring at him with a gaze that sent shivers all over Zi Han¡¯s body and warmed up things down below. He had the hots for his husband and he couldn¡¯t wait to eat him.


    ¡°And then what?¡± asked Zi Han before jumping on him with his legs wrapping around Yi Chen¡¯s waist and hips and his arms wrapped around his lover¡¯s neck.


    Yi Chen didn¡¯t seem to think he was heavy. Being that he was a full grown man Yi Chen should have felt something but he looked like he was carrying a feather. He even went as far as groping that ass enthusiastically.


    Zi Han squirmed as he reprimanded his husband for touching him in that area but the smile on his face said everything. ¡°That is my property. You can¡¯t just touch my butt,¡± he said while Yi Chen ced him on the table with a slight quirk at the corner of his lips like he was up to no good.


    ¡°Here,¡± he said handing him the goblet with the sweet liquid swirling inside. Zi Han raised his head to look at him with an enchanting smile on his face. He epted the goblet and just like before they crossed their arms together. This time there wasn¡¯t a problem.


    With their gazes fixed together, they drank from the goblets tied together with a red string never to be separated again with the heavens being their witness. ¡°Now will be together forever,¡± said Yi Chen with a beaming smile like he had won the Nobel peace prize.


    Zi Han bit his lower lip his eyes reflecting the flickering candlelight. ¡°Forever... even in our next lives,¡± he said and Yi Chen couldn¡¯t agree more. Even as a ghost, he would follow him to the ends of the world.


    After saying that Zi Ham picked up the scissors and said, ¡°Now let¡¯s cut your hair.¡±


    Yi Chen, ¡°...¡±


    He rubbed the side of Zi Han¡¯s waist while saying, ¡°Well, can¡¯t you say it without looking so psychotic? You only need a wisp of hair but the way you are looking at me is as if you are going to butcher my hair.¡±


    Zi Han chuckles softly while saying, ¡°It runs in the family. I will give you a nice haircut. Don¡¯t you trust me?¡±


    Yi Chen stared at him intently for a while trying to pick the right answer. If he says no, Zi Han might not like it. Thinking it was just hair and it will grow back he lowered his head and said,


    ¡°Here, then go ahead. I trust you with my life, what more my hair.¡±


    Zi Han, ¡®Fuck!¡¯


    How can a man have such a sweet mouth? With the tip of his tongue pressing on his cheek he pressed the back of Yi Chen¡¯s neck with his palm forcing him to lean down further.


    ¡°Where should I cut? Here?... Or maybe here?¡± said Zi Han while moving the scissors around on top of Yi Chen¡¯s hair. Like an obedient husband, he let his lover do whatever he wanted.


    Zi Han couldn¡¯t help butugh seeing this. He ended up turning Yi Chen¡¯s face and cutting the hair at the back. But that also meant he had set himself up.


    Yi Chen took advantage of the situation and buried his face in Zi Han¡¯s chest. Like a sniffing dog, he began to dig into the fabric trying to get inside.


    Zi Han, ¡°...¡±


    ¡°You do realise that I am holding a sharp object, right?¡± said Zi Han and Yi Chen replied back saying,


    ¡°You can always heal me.¡±


    Zi Han, ¡°WTF!¡±

 Chapter 611 - 611 "Husband... please show me."

    611 ¡°Husband... please show me.¡±


    ¡°Do I look like a healing capsule to you? Hahaha you are such a pervert,¡± said Zi Han finding him very amusing. ¡°Getting injured would be the least of your worries. It¡¯s your hair that you should worry about. That will take longer to grow out,¡± he said and Yi Chen instead of behaving started nuzzling Zi Han¡¯s neck making his lover ticklish.


    Zi Han couldn¡¯t help but chuckle while trying to push him away. ¡°Let me cut mine first and then we can y,¡± he said and Yi Chen for once behaved.


    He leaned back and gave Zi Han space but his mouth was still moving. ¡°I can¡¯t believe we are married. You... are my wife now,¡± he said and Zi Han pinched his waist with no hesitation.


    Yi Chen acted clueless like he didn¡¯t know what he had said that warranted him a pinch. He just bend down with his head resting on Zi Han¡¯s shoulder while acting very pitifully.


    ¡°Baby, uh... it hurts,¡± he whined like a big husky pretending to be hurt.


    Zi Han, ¡°...¡±


    ¡°Yi Chen get up. Let me finish,¡± he said and Yi Chen who didn¡¯t think he would still be referred to as Yi Chen wasn¡¯t happy at all. He would have much preferred it if Zi Han called him husband, wife, and babe would be fine too but not Yi Chen. It sounded like his mother calling him when she was upset.


    ¡°I don¡¯t like it,¡± said Yi Chen and Zi Han held up the two wisps of hair before asking,


    ¡°Do you have the embroidered pouch?¡±


    .....


    Yi Chen was still upset about the name choice but he still looked for it for him. ¡°I just put it in like so?¡± he said and Yi Chen nodded his head.


    Zi Han put them inside the beautiful pouch and caressed it like it was treasure before raising his head to look at his sulking husband.


    ¡°Then where do I put it... husband,¡± said Zi Han before pressing his lips suppressing the quirk at the corner of his mouth. He knew how to push Yi Chen¡¯s buttons and he also knew how to make him feel better. As expected, Yi Chen smiled happily.


    ¡°Call me that again and I will show you,¡± he said with a silly shy smile his ears flushed red.


    Zi Han was very indulgent. He hugged his waist and looked up with a flirtatious smile while calling out, ¡°Husband... please show me.¡±


    Yi Chen¡¯s heart exploded looking into those eyes. ¡°I will show you but we have to be on the bed,¡± he replied and Zi Han whose mind was full of consummation genuinely thought that Yi Chen wanted to get down and dirty.


    Before he knew it Yi Chen had carried him off the table and ced him on the bed. Zi Han was very much pleased with the princess treatment. He was shamelessly enjoying it.


    After Yi Chen put him down Zi Hany down on the bed with his knees bend and legs wide open. By the time Yi Chen turned to look at him, he couldn¡¯t resistughing.


    ¡°What are you doing?¡± he asked and Zi Han said,


    ¡°I thought you were going to show me where it goes. Don¡¯t you need to take off my clothes?¡±


    He was very confident but after seeing Yi Chen¡¯s expression Zi Han finally realised he had misunderstood something. Damn, did he look that thirsty?


    He sat up with a sweet smile on his face. ¡°Well, where does it go then? Stopughing,¡± he said but Yi Chen rested his head on Zi Han¡¯sp whileughing.


    ¡°I will show you... just don¡¯t be mad at me, okay?¡± he said having realised he wasughing a bit much. Zi Han wasn¡¯t upset at all. Embarrassed yes, not upset.


    ¡°Just show me,¡± said Zi Han while raking his fingers through Yi Chen¡¯s hair.


    Yi Chen stopped messing around and tied the pouch around Zi Han¡¯s waist his expression serious like he was aplishing a very important task. The entire time Zi Han was staring at him intently his fingers gently stroking Yi Chen¡¯s hair.


    When Yi Chen was done he nced up and found Zi Han looking at him. When their eyes met that intense spark from before grew stronger and drew their hearts and souls closer together.


    Zi Han licked his lip subconsciously before lowering his head and the two of them grew closer and closer.


    This time the kiss was very different. It was an intense sensuous kiss that was leading in a very predictable direction. Just a simple touch sent Zi Han into a fiery heat. Yi Chen was especially eager while peeling off Zi Han¡¯s wedding attire with no restraint. Before Zi Han knew it, half his clothes were already off and his breath was shallow and hot from the caressing and kissing.


    When he opened his eyes and took a look at his husband who was untying his belt he saw something on the ceiling thus he couldn¡¯t help but ask,


    ¡°What is that?¡±


    Yi Chen, who was kissing Zi Han¡¯s belly button looked up at him with a lustful gaze before asking, ¡°Where?¡±


    Zi Han pointed up and Yi Chen nced up before saying,


    ¡°I installed a retractable mirror up there. I heard it will make things more interesting.¡±


    Zi Han, ¡°...¡±


    He was quite speechless at this point. He heard that Yi Chen had taken full charge of the bridal chamber and it looked exquisite. The man really took his time to make sure their bedroom would be up to perfection but he didn¡¯t expect this.


    ¡°Who told you that?¡± he asked while his body jolted from the kiss that was going lower and lower.


    Yi Chen crawled up until he was face to face with Zi Han. Stroking the hair on Zi Han¡¯s forehead he said, ¡°You should try it. I promise you will like it.¡±


    Zi Han was a little sceptical about it but he was willing to try it out. Who would get excited by watching themselves having sex through a mirror? It sounded ridiculous but he was open-minded. Oh, if he only knew how much he would love this mirror. It could be considered the best gift ever.

 Chapter 612 - 612 NSFW

    612 NSFW


    With his half-lidded eyes, Yi Chen twisted his hip and grind his lower half against Zi Han¡¯s inner thigh. Zi Han leaned his head back gasping as Yi Chen¡¯s hand gently grasped his neck. Yi Chen leaned down and as his lips brushed against his lover¡¯s flushed neck he whispered, ¡°I promise you will love it.¡±


    Zi Han felt his knees soften and he clutched at the red quilt tightly. When he partially opened his eyes he saw the mirror unveiling and was met with a seductive appearance. His breathing stagnated as he gazed into his dark eyes. A wave of uncontroble enthrallment took over him watching this erotic scene.


    Yi Chen sat up on his knees and unbuckled his belt with a click making Zi Han¡¯s heart jolt. Can somebody tell him why he wanted Yi Chen to tie him up to the bed and do stuff to him?


    Yi Chen could tell what he was thinking just from his expression thus he rolled the belt around his hand before stretching it taut. Zi Han¡¯s smile grew wider his eyes glowing with excitement.


    Yes yes, both of them are... interesting.


    Yi Chen hooked his index finger beckoning him over. Zi Hanplied. He interlocked his hands and put them out for daddy Chen to tie them up.


    Yi Chen tied his wrist together and asked, ¡°Is it too tight?¡±


    Zi Han moved his wrists lightly and grabbed Yi Chen¡¯s clothes pulling him down roughly. Yi Chen pressed his hand on the bed with a sly quirk at the corner of his lips. Zi Han sucked on Yi Chen¡¯s lips before his tongue pried his mouth open and explored inside fervently.


    The sound of kissing and rustling of clothes echoed in the room. Zi Han let him go before he whispered into his ear, ¡°Baby.¡±


    .....


    Yi Chen whose brain had been muddled by lust could onlye up with a light hum as a response as he swallowed his saliva. ¡°Make tonight worth it,¡± whispered Zi Han before he bit Yi Chen¡¯s earlobe lightly.


    ¡°Can you do that for me husband?¡± he added some spice and Yi Chen¡¯s heart was racing and so was his blood to his lower half. Being tipsy didn¡¯t help the situation either. He was very determined to make this night memorable for Zi Han.


    Yi Chen hummed in agreement as he kissed and sucked on Zi Han¡¯s lips with his hands shedding off his clothes and randomly tossing them away.


    He reluctantly parted from Zi Han but the man followed his lips like he hadn¡¯t had enough. Intoxicated by his lover¡¯s sweet lips Zi Han got up following him subconsciously.


    He put his arms over Yi Chen¡¯s head and hooked the back of his neck pulling him closer.


    The two of them kissed with their knees sinking into the bed as they were in a kneeling position. Yi Chen slid his hand down Zi Han¡¯s back caressing him slowly and gently like a potter admiring unique fine porcin.


    His finger curled and he dug into Zi Han¡¯s skin pulling him closer. Yi Chen rubbed himself against him and Zi Han couldn¡¯t help but gasp in pleasure.


    Yi Chen kissed his cheek down to his neck before sucking on his skin. Soft moans escaped Zi Han¡¯s throat further encouraging Yi Chen. That tongue worked its magic on Zi Han¡¯s body putting him in a trance. It brought back the same thrill, if not more, from the first time they had sex.


    Zi Han was unrestrained moaning and groaning while calling out husband. Such provocation couldn¡¯t go on without consequences.


    Yi Chen kissed up to his ear while whispering, ¡°If you keep making those noises I won¡¯t be able to hold back.¡±


    With a slight quirk at the corner of his lips, Zi Han said, ¡°That¡¯s exactly what I want. I want daddy to fuck me hard.¡±


    Now now, which unfeeling bastard won¡¯t be able to get hard from such words? Maybe a vegetarian or devotee sworn into monkhood.


    Yi Chen bit his lower lip while looking at Zi Han like a hungry beast about to punish his prey for taunting him earlier. That gaze sent waves of excitement pulsing through Zi Han¡¯s body. He was as hard as a rod and needed proper servicing.


    Yi Chen got off the bed and unbuttoned his pants but when he saw that hungry look in Zi Han¡¯s eyes he changed his mind. With his head tilted to the side slightly he hooked his finger beckoning him over.


    Zi Han dly shuffled over and got on all fours his gaze fixed on Yi Chen. Because he was looking up his perky tight ass was sticking up. It was a shame that he was still clothed.


    Yi Chen helped him take them off and untied his hands before tying them behind his back to make the following task easier.


    Zi Han was happy giving this man control of his everything thus he was verypliant. He didn¡¯t look like the tough and I don¡¯t give a fuck type of person like before.


    In front of Yi Chen, he was so docile that you would think, that he wasn¡¯t the same person. After Yi Chen was done tying Zi Han¡¯s hands he pinched his lover¡¯s chin and asked, ¡°Do you want it?¡±


    Yi Chen looked into those dark fox eyes that were staring right into his soul and he was even more excited that the bulge in his pants was threatening to burst out.


    With a seductive appearance Zi Han moved forward and nozzled Yi Chen¡¯s groin his burning gaze still locked on his lover¡¯s face. Yi Chen gently moved away the strand of hair that was blocking his view of Zi Han¡¯s beautiful eyes.


    Zi Han licked Yi Chen¡¯s hardness through his pants and the man couldn¡¯t help but let out a deep groan his expression that of arousal.


    Zi Han didn¡¯t stop there. He sucked on his lover¡¯s member before biting the zipper with his teeth and pulling it down.


    Yi Chen caressed Zi Han¡¯s back anticipating what was about to happen. When it happened Yi Chen¡¯s mind was thrown in a disarray. Fuck, his man knew how to please him.

 Chapter 613 - 613 NSFW 2

    613 NSFW Yi Chen leaned his head back letting out a subconscious whimper. He raked his fingers through his hair as he gazed down only to be met with the scene of his sweetheart¡¯s tongue swirling around the tip of his cock.


    Zi Han showed a slight smile at the corner of his lips before swallowing Yi Chen¡¯s member in its entirety.


    Yi Chen¡¯s fingers slipped in between Zi Han¡¯s strands of hair as he moaned with pleasure. Zi Han was especially diligent in his service. He moved back and forth deep throating his man¡¯s member with great enthusiasm.


    With tears in the corner of his eyes, he sucked on the tip while watching Yi Chen¡¯s every reaction. Because of such a hot sexy scene, Zi Han¡¯s member was also hard seeping with precum. His hard member twitched as though suffering from neglect.


    Yi Chen stroked the back of Zi Han¡¯s head and slowly thrust into his lover¡¯s mouth with a gruff groan. ¡°Uh shit, baby you are so fucking sexy,¡± he said with his other hand groping Zi Han¡¯s ass.


    Zi Han was so into it that he couldn¡¯t help but wish his lover¡¯s fingers would shift a little to the left and touch his very lewd hole that was desperate to be prated.


    Yi Chen thrust in slowly again fighting the urge to lose the restraint but who was he kidding? He couldn¡¯t help himself. His thrusts sped up before slowing down again.


    He nce down at his lover who was in tears and pulled out before kissing those tears away. After that, he kissed his lover¡¯s lips long and hard. Before Zi Han knew it his hands had been tied in the front and the other end of the belt tied to the bed.


    With his legs spread apart, he looked up and lo and behold his lewd reflection stared straight into his face. From his hickies to the lustful look in his eyes, Zi Han could see it all. It was so sexy that he couldn¡¯t help but get even harder.


    .....


    When he heard the sounds of a pair of pants being pulled down, he looked at his lover and found the tall toned man in just his underwear standing in front of him with a proud look like he was presenting himself as a sacrifice.


    Zi Han nced down at his name tattooed on this man¡¯s body and couldn¡¯t help but feel an inexplicable sense of pride. ¡°Come and fuck me,¡± he said with a hint ofughter in his voice.


    Yi Chen crawled onto the bed while saying, ¡°Not yet.¡±


    Zi Han knew what he meant by that but because his hands were bound he couldn¡¯t even touch him to speed up to his most favourite part.


    Since he couldn¡¯t free himself he decided to use his voice. ¡°Baby, I feel so ufortable. I really want you to put it inside,¡± he said and Yi Chen knew exactly what Zi Han was ying at.


    He lowered his body and returned the favour with his lubricated fingers slipping into Zi Han¡¯s chrysanthemum.


    Zi Han¡¯s eyes closed tightly as he groaned from the expected yet unexpected feeling.


    ¡°Ah fuck,¡± he cried out from pleasure. It wasn¡¯t their first time but there was something euphoric about doing it for the first time after tying the knot.


    When Zi Han opened his eyes slightly he saw their reflection and everything Yi Chen was doing to him. It was incredibly sexy. Zi Han just wanted to engrave this image in his mind and rey it over and over again.


    His eyes misted over as Yi Chen slid in the third finger. He was like a seductive fox spirit crying outsciviously making Yi Chen unable to hold it in anymore. His lover was constantly tempting him and he had finally reached the limit.


    Yi Chen kissed Zi Han¡¯s abdomen his hands caressing and kneading the man¡¯s body with great enthusiasm. When his tongue teased Zi Han¡¯s nipple, it was game over for Zi Han. Because his hands weren¡¯t free he could only curl his toes while calling husband with his chest rising and falling from the excitement.


    ¡°I want you,¡± whispered Zi Han his lower half twisting around seekingfort.


    Yi Chen kissed his neck up his chin before sealing Zi Han¡¯s lips. He pulled out his hard member from the underwear he was still wearing and stroked it before thrusting it inside that sweet ce.


    Zi Han groaned but because his lips were sealed he could only let out a muffled groan. Yi Chen didn¡¯t let him go. He carried on thrusting slowly and deeply savouring the taste.


    Yi Chen parted their lips and the two of them gasped for breath. He raised Zi Han¡¯s legs and ced them over his shoulder his expression as lewd as it can be. Zi Han clutched his hands together his expression eager like he couldn¡¯t wait to be rammed into over and over again.


    Yi Chen kissed his lips as though to appease him and Zi Han was very much appeased. He spread his legs even more apart ready for some good loving and Yi Chen gave it to him good. Zi Han couldn¡¯t stop calling out husband and other lewd words that would make one cover their face in shyness while blushing like innocent maidens.


    Yi Chen¡¯s movements were especially skilled, even more, skilled than before. That¡¯s because having an open conversation with experienced men gave insights he would have never found online. When they said they would teach him how to make your lover addicted to you they meant it.


    Zi Han wore several expressions on his face from surprise to ¡®what the fuck was that¡¯ then to ¡®you better keep that rhythm otherwise I will resent you¡¯.


    Yi Chen bit his lower lip his expression oozing with intense male hormones making everything inside Zi Han¡¯s body tingle. He lowered his body raising Zi Han¡¯s legs a little higher before thrusting inside his pace fast.


    At first, he thought Zi Han wouldn¡¯t like it but when he heard him whimper in contentment while whispering, ¡°Just like that. Mm... right there right there... ah fuck ahh ahh,¡± he knew that this advice was golden.


    He kissed Zi Han¡¯s lips sweetly and his lover gently sucked on his lips while moaning like he was eating something sweet.

 Chapter 614 - 614 NSFW 3

    614 NSFW Things were quite interesting after getting married. It wasn¡¯t only different positions but the way Yi Chen was hitting the spot over and over again made things so intense that Zi Han¡¯s eyes almost rolled to the back of his head.


    His cries started low and deep but the more Yi Chen thrust inside of him the louder and higher the pitch of his voice became. Yi Chen turned him over but Zi Han was very impatient.


    That¡¯s because he was so close to climaxing this man decided to withdraw his member. At that very moment when Zi Han was inching towards that most blissful ce a bucket of cold water was thrown at him raining on his parade.


    Zi Han opened his mouth toin but Yi Chen sealed his lips with his his kiss urgent and fiery. Zi Han let out a sweet hum as the tip of Yi Chen¡¯s tongue entwined with his. Because he had his ass sticking out against Yi Chen¡¯s body he arched his back weirdly so he could kiss his lover¡¯s lips.


    Yi Chen¡¯s hand was resting on Zi Han¡¯s chin pulling him towards him painting a very alluring erotic picture. He let him go and whispered into his ear, ¡°Do you want more?¡± The warmth from his breath caused a massive ripple all over Zi Han¡¯s body. His senses were set alight and he was desperate for more.


    ¡°Uh huh,¡± he responded and Yi Chen caressed the tattoo on Zi Han¡¯s lower back with a grip of an obsession in his eyes, an obsession he was powerless to resist.


    He rested his other hand on Zi Han¡¯s chest and thrust inside that sweet ce making his lover tremble with excitement.


    Zi Han bit his lower lip his eyes misty as he suppressed the sweet criesing out of his mouth. But he soon failed to hold back as he cried out even more. Yi Chen groped and smacked his lover¡¯s ass while thrusting hard.


    The intense passion that night was nothing like before. After an hour of endless fucking, Zi Hany powerless on the bed with Yi Chen cuddling him tightly. Even in his sleep, Yi Chen kept kissing and sucking Zi Han¡¯s shoulder, neck and back adding to the love bites that were already there.


    .....


    When morning came Zi Han felt so sore all over but what made it worse was the heavy object almost lying on top of him. Hezily opened his eyes and was about to turn his head to look at the person partially pressing him down when he felt something hard pressing against his backside.


    Zi Han, ¡°...¡±


    Thinking of what they didst night he couldn¡¯t help but blush. The sex positions they dabbed into were quite memorable, to say the least.


    A stinging pleasure brought him out of his reverie and he red at Yi Chen. The man still had his eyes closed like he was fast asleep but Zi Han knew he was wide awake.


    ¡°You better stop pretending... I know you are awake,¡± he said but Yi Chen hugged him even tighter and nozzled the back of Zi Han¡¯s neck.


    ¡°Good morning wife,¡± he whispered tickling the back of Zi Han¡¯s neck.


    Zi Han wanted to reprimand him but those words made his face heat up and his lips quirked subconsciously.


    He hid his embarrassment by trying to get off the bed but Yi Chen wouldn¡¯t let him go. ¡°Where are you going?¡± asked Yi Chen while pulling him back.


    ¡°I am going to use the bathroom now let me go,¡± he said and Yi Chen reluctantly let him go.


    He turned to sleep on his back and closed his eyes but he wasn¡¯t sleeping. Yi Chen was impatiently waiting for Zi Han toe back to bed. He could hear the sound of watering from the bathroom but after waiting for so long Zi Han still didn¡¯t show up.


    ¡°Babe,¡± he called out but Zi Han didn¡¯t answer. Thinking he didn¡¯t hear him he called him again.


    ¡°Babe...,¡± no answer, ¡°Han Han,¡± still no answer, ¡°Wife...!¡±


    Well, thest one definitely got him the answer he wanted. Zi Han craned his neck outside the bathroom door and answered, ¡°What?¡±


    Yi Chen struggled to suppress the look of pure joy in his eyes and said, ¡°Come to bed.¡±


    Zi Han showed him his toothbrush and said, ¡°Come brush your teeth first then we can go back to bed.¡±


    Yi Chen didn¡¯t fight him. He pulled off the quilt and revealed his fully naked body with something hard pointing north like apass.


    Zi Han, ¡°...¡±


    His adam¡¯s apple rolled as he nced away. This man was a walking temptation and he was even doing the tempting in the morning. Yi Chen stood behind Zi Han and ced his arm around his lover¡¯s waist.


    He tugged at the stic of the ck trunk underwear Zi Han was wearing before letting it go with a snap. Zi Han continued brushing his teeth while ncing at the reflection of the man standing behind him.


    ¡°Why did you wear this? I like you naked... you know... for easy ess,¡± he said and Zi Han chuckled while staring at him in the mirror.


    ¡°My balls were coldst night... some of us don¡¯t have balls of steel like you do,¡± said Zi Han and Yi Chen¡¯s hands fondled Zi Han¡¯s chest while breathing into his ear.


    ¡°Let me warm them up for you,¡± he said seriously trying to getid again.


    Zi Han¡¯s hand paused before saying, ¡°If you can behave yourself for five minutes and keep your hands to yourself I will let you have one round.¡±


    Yi Chen knew how hard it was going to be but the benefits were worth the sacrifice. He let go of Zi Han but his eyes were still leering at that tight ass like a predator resisting the urge to pounce on his prey.


    Like the work of ghosts and demons, Zi Han bent down to spit out the toothpaste foam in his mouth making it very difficult for Yi Chen to ignore. He wanted to smack the man¡¯s peach. He wanted to smack it hard but for the sake of breakfast he had to resist the urge.

 Chapter 615 - 615 NSFW 4

    615 NSFW ¡°You are doing it on purpose unting the goods in front of me like that,¡± said Yi Chen while taking his toothbrush from the mounted toothbrush holder.


    Zi Han finished rinsing his mouth and wiped his hands before smacking Yi Chen¡¯s butt. ¡°Three minutes and thirty seconds,¡± he said before walking away.


    Yi Chen followed his disappearing figure with his intense gaze before hastily brushing his teeth. He was afraid that Zi Han would renege on his promise and leave the bedroom.


    How could he let him leave just like that? There was arade as hard as a rod that needed taking care of.


    When he left the bathroom Zi Han was lying on the bed with one of his legs bent at the knee.


    He was scrolling through the pictures his parents sent to him from yesterday his expression rxed.


    When he felt Yi Chen¡¯s gaze Zi Han nced at him and smiled slightly. He patted the bed beside him and Yi Chen jumped into bed a little excited. He wrapped his arms around Zi Han demanding attention.


    Zi Han should have cuddled his big bear lovingly but he just had to say, ¡°You failed. It wasn¡¯t five minutes yet.¡±


    Yi Chen, ¡°...¡±


    .....


    ¡°But you are the one who invited me? Now you want to change your mind,¡± he said while kissing Zi Han¡¯s wrist like the soft touch of a feather.


    Zi Han turned away from him with his back facing Yi Chen while saying, ¡°Sorry, you failed to keep your hands to yourself,¡± but his butt was rubbing against Yi Chen¡¯s arousal like he was in heat.


    Yi Chen could read his bodynguage very well thus he said, ¡°I understand. I was very wrong,¡± but he was removing Zi Han¡¯s underwear.


    ¡°Mn, next time you should follow the rules. Five minutes is five minutes,¡± said Zi Han with a bright smile. Hey on his side and Yi Chen raised Zi Han¡¯s leg while sucking on his lover¡¯s neck.


    Zi Han vaguely remembered thatst night Yi Chen carried him to the bathroom and he got pampered with his body getting scrubbed. Yi Chen did, in fact, take advantage of him pinching and fondling him but it was quite enjoyable.


    He nced back at Yi Chen but he could only see his fluffy head of hair. He asked, ¡°Aren¡¯t you tired? Last night you worked so hard and even helped me take a bath.¡±


    Yi Chen chuckled softly as he moved Zi Han¡¯s leg up. Zi Hanplied. As the little spoon, he threw his leg back over the big spoon giving Yi Chen better ess to the front of his body so his lover could get handsy.


    Yi Chen stroked Zi Han¡¯s hard member while sucking on Zi Han¡¯s neck hard. Zi Han¡¯s adam¡¯s apple rolled as he groaned from pleasure. Just when Zi Han twisted his hips and waist thrusting his arousal into Yi Chen¡¯s hand the man let go and Zi Han followed him with dissatisfaction.


    Yi Chen caressed his abs while calmly soothing him. ¡°Just wait, okay,¡± he said and Zi Han raised his hand and caressed the back of Yi Chen¡¯s neck.


    Yi Chen smeared a generous amount of lubricant on his hardness focusing mostly on the tip with some impatience.


    He pushed the tip of his member into that special ce. Zi Han gasped with his brows knitted slightly but his expression soon rxed with the corner of his lids moist. His face and neck were flushed with his eyes crimson. Those eyes were luring and seductive making Yi Chen lose himself in them.


    He wanted to see him cry out like before so he stroked his lover¡¯s hardness while thrusting in slowly and precisely. Zi Han adjusted his leg and his body trembled all over as an intense pleasurable sensation took hold of him.


    ¡°Call me husband...,¡± whispered Yi Chen in Zi Han¡¯s ear while thrusting long and hard. ¡°Call me husband and I will make you cum,¡± he said again and Zi Han turned his head slightly before kissing Yi Chen¡¯s lips with fervour.


    By the time their lips parted Zi Han¡¯s lips were tingly and a little swollen. ¡°Fuck me husband... ugh just like that,¡± said Zi Han as Yi Chen began to thrust his hips striking that sweet spot constantly. Zi Han couldn¡¯t contain himself groaning and grunting in pleasure.


    Yi Chen pinched his nipple while sinking his teeth into Zi Han¡¯s shoulder when the man in his arms cried out louder than before his body trembling from the sudden burst of pleasure.


    Zi Han¡¯s breathing was stagnant as bursts of pleasure came crashing down like an ocean wave on the beach, undting between crashing up the shore and receding back down to the sea, only toe back once more. When it was over Zi Han felt dizzy for a moment with an incredible rush of pleasure lingering in his body.


    Yi Chen caressed his abdomen while kissing the back of his neck. ¡°You are so sexy baby,¡± he whispered with his fingers digging into Yi Chen¡¯s skin. He moved his lower half slightly and Zi Han gasped while clutching the quilt tightly.


    ¡°You want to try something else?¡± he asked and Zi Han bit his lower lip before saying,


    ¡°I am more than willing.¡±


    Yi Chen showed an affectionate smile. Could somebody tell him why he found Zi Han¡¯s words so hot? ¡°Come on top of me but face up,¡± he said and Zi Han couldn¡¯t help but chuckle.


    ¡°Chen-ge, if I break something I will me you,¡± he said while following instructions.


    ¡°Baby, I will take responsibility,¡± said Yi Chen with a silly smile.


    When Zi Han saw himself in the mirror his cheeks felt so hot but not as hot as when he met Yi Chen¡¯s gaze. With their gaze locked together Yi Chen prated that special ce and Zi Han leaned his hand back groaning in pleasure.


    Yi Chen wrapped his arms around Zi Han¡¯s abs while kissing his lover¡¯s shoulder. The two of them looked at each other in the mirror intensifying the feeling of pleasure. This was a new kind of bliss Zi Han didn¡¯t want to let go of. He never thought such intimacy would make him fall even more in love with his husband but it did.


    ¡°I love you so much,¡± whispered Zi Han making Yi Chen¡¯s heart jolt.

 Chapter 616 - 616 Final Chapter

    616 Final Chapter


    While the newly wedded couple were exploring each other and indulging in the benefits of marital bliss, Zi Xingxi was looking like she had been through grievous tribtions. Her hair was quite messy, she was walking funny and she looked lethargic as she poured out some coffee.


    The interesting thing about this all was that she seemed happy... too happy. She smiled creepily like she did whenever she got a new toy and by toy that would be referring to weapons.


    Zi Feiji squinted his eyes a little suspicious. This was unexpected considering that she was the one drinkingst night and saying her baby was no longer her baby. There was a lot of weeping and coaxinging from her husband.


    Now she was a happy camper with a spring in her step. Zi Feiji couldn¡¯t help but stare at her while taking a sip of his tea. What made it worse was that she was humming a song. His expression was directly tranting to ¡®what the fuck is this¡¯.


    Zi Xingxi smiled happily at her father giving him shivers down his spine. It was like looking at Pennywise but a much beautiful version.


    He was about to ask what was up with her when he saw her taking out a saucepan and started to make hot cocoa. The only person who had had that special treatment was Zi Han when he had done a very good job.


    Even he had never been given hot cocoa despite him being her father. He pursed his lips and kept his mouth shut only for Zi Xingxi to nce at him and ask, ¡°Do you want some.¡±


    Zi Feiji raised his mug and said, ¡°I am fine. I have this.¡±


    Zi Xingxi shrugged her shoulders while saying, ¡°Okay.¡±


    .....


    After that, she continued to make the hot chocte still humming. Just as Zi Xingxi took a sip of his tea Yeoh Jun walked in and he was in a much worse state than Zi Xingxi.


    He was also walking funny, he had panda eyes and because he was shirtless Zi Feiji could see all the crimson marks on his chest neck and arms.


    Yeoh Jun didn¡¯t even notice his father inw sitting there as he sat slumped on the opposite bar stool andy his head on the kitchen counter using his arms as a pillow. His body was so lifeless like he was dead so Zi Feiji couldn¡¯t help but call him.


    ¡°Ah-Jun...,¡± he called out before taking another sip.


    Yeoh Jun let out a soft hum while turning his head slightly to look at his father inw. ¡°Blink twice if you want me to save you,¡± he said and Yeoh Jun turned away while nodding his head.


    Zi Xingxi ced three marshmallows in the mug while saying, ¡°You worked very hardst night. You should just go back to bed.¡±


    Zi Feiji choked on his cup of tea hearing this. This was why these two needed to move out of his house. It¡¯s exactly because of this. This old man couldn¡¯t stand the constant abuse from these two in his own house.


    ¡°Dad, are you okay?¡± she asked while reaching for a ss of water but Zi Feiji didn¡¯t want to stay here any longer than he had to.


    ¡°*Cough *cough *cough I am fine *cough just don¡¯t disturb me for the next hour or two... better yet for the rest of the day. For the rest of the day don¡¯t talk to me,¡± he said before walking out of the kitchen.


    As soon as he turned the corner he almost jolted in fright having bumped into Old Lu. ¡°Why are you sneaking around? Damn, you almost gave me a heart attack,¡± said Zi Feiji while patting his chest.


    Old Lu apologised sincerely his head lowered like he was hiding something and Zi Feiji noticed. His brows creased and he asked, ¡°What¡¯s up with that face? What are you hiding?¡±


    Old Lu raised his head and said, ¡°No sir, it¡¯s nothing.¡± Yes, it was nothing except that his boss was drunkst night and kind of insinuated that they were like a married couple and might as well be.


    Was old Lu startled? Yes. Was he upset? No. He was embarrassed and weirdly liked it. Would he ever say anything? Probably not.


    ¡°Stop acting weird. Do you want to y chess? I need to cleanse my mind from those two idiots showing too much affection,¡± he said before taking another sip and walking away.


    In a daze, Old Lu stood there with a nk expression rooted on the spot. It took Zi Feiji turning to look at him and saying, ¡°Why are you standing there like a tree. Let¡¯s go,¡± for Old Lu toe back to himself.


    Old Lu came back to himself and followed after him obediently. Meanwhile, Zi Xingxi was treating her husband like a king. Well, he is the emperor so it made sense that she would treat him like a king but this treatment was from the heart because he was the king of her heart.


    She stroked his hair lovingly while cing the mug in front of him. ¡°So...st night,¡± she said as she leaned down with her elbow resting on the kitchen counter. ¡°Last night you were amazing,¡± she said whispering into his ear.


    Yeoh Jun who didn¡¯t know his wife was this energetic in bed hummed softly while turning to look at her. He stared at her with a slothful sensual gaze. The pair of them looked like high school lovers with their heads lying on the desk while whispering sweet nothings to each other.


    ¡°You liked it?¡± he asked in a raspyzy voice his gaze on her lips.


    Zi Xingxi nodded her head with a beaming smile and Yeoh Jun leaned in close and kissed her.


    Ten minutester, Zi Han who was already fully dressed was standing by the door putting on his sneakers when his light brain made a dinging sound.


    He sat down on the shoe storage that doubled down as a stool while checking his light brain. Yi Chen knelt down before him and helped him put on his shoes.


    Zi Han opened his messages and skipped over the congrattory messages and opened his father¡¯s message.


    Xixi¡¯sSweetheart: Don¡¯te back home ever again.


    Zi Han, ¡°...

 Chapter 617 - 617 Final Final Chapter

    617 Final Final Chapter


    ¡°I think I have just been disowned,¡± he said and Yi Chen tied his shoces while responding,


    ¡°Nah, who would disown you when you look so cute.¡±


    Zi Han was about to respond again when another message came in.


    Xixi¡¯sSweetheart: QAQ


    Xixi¡¯sSweetheart: Your mother is a beast.


    Chen¡¯sWife: TMI!!!!


    Zi Han typed angrily before locking his light brain. He was about to say something when his lips were suddenly kissed.


    He was a little startled but when he saw that handsome smiling face staring up at him he couldn¡¯t help but want to kiss him too.


    ¡°What happened? Why are you getting disowned?¡± he asked while caressing Zi Han¡¯s chin.


    .....


    ¡°I gave my dad bedroom advice and bought him a care package now he is mad. I guess it worked,¡± he said and Yi Chen nodded his head in understanding. That care package made him even more addicted to Zi Han so... he would most definitely rmend it. He loved how adventurous his sweetheart was.


    ¡°Let¡¯s go otherwise Ming Ming will eat all of the fried dough sticks,¡± he said and Zi Han stood up with Yi Chen¡¯s help.


    While he was exiting the front door, Yi Chen ced his arm around Zi Han¡¯s waist in a possessive way. The two of them decided to walk there. It was like having a short romantic walk that would leave others dying of envy.


    When they reached the door, Yi Chen didn¡¯t forget to grope a little just in case they overstay their wee and he won¡¯t be able to touch.


    Like a cat whose tail had been stepped on Zi Han jumped before ring at Yi Chen. Yi Chen was very defensive. He patted his butt again and said, ¡°There was a stain there. I don¡¯t know what you sat on.¡±


    Zi Han, ¡°???¡±


    Who could argue with that? Since it was a great defence Zi Han decided to use it too. He turned behind Yi Chen and tried to grope him but who would have thought the person would dodge his hand?


    Zi Han couldn¡¯t believe it. ¡°Baby, let me remove a stain. Stand still,¡± he said but Yi Chen smiled with an evil glint in his eyes. Zi Han tried to touch him again but Yi Chen moved again before scurrying away.


    Zi Han, ¡°...¡±


    Zi Han could have been the bigger person but he was just as childish as his husband. On their parents¡¯ doorstep, they began to tussle with oneughing like a taller person bullying a shorter person while the other was yelling something to do with butts.


    In the lounge, Yi Zhen kept getting notifications at the front door like that when a cat and a dog were fighting . He let out that dad¡¯s sigh that seemed to say ¡®am I really standing up for this¡¯ before walking to the door.


    Lin Ruoxi peered through the kitchen door while asking, ¡°Who is it?¡±


    ¡°Probably a cat and a dog fighting at our doorstep,¡± he said before opening the door. When he opened it he found his son and son inw tussling with fur flying.


    Yi Zhen sighed before walking back inside. He didn¡¯t close the door though so he clearly heard his son inw saying something about touching his son¡¯s butt.


    Yi Zhen, ¡°...¡±


    He was starting to think that them moving in next door was a very bad idea. He didn¡¯t want to see his son tussling with his husband every other morning.


    When the pair finally walked in Zi Han seemed like he was smiling like he had gotten what he wanted. It seemed things ended in his favour.


    ¡°Good morning,¡± said Zi Han while Yi Chen was stuck to him like glue.


    While Yi Zhen was responding Yi Youxi came flying down the stairs and so was Ming Ming before hugging Zi Han.


    The first thing she asked was, ¡°Who won the consummation?¡±


    Zi Han, ¡°...¡±


    ¡°I think it was dage. Look how bruised saozi¡¯s neck is. Dage obviously won ow,¡± said Yi Youxi before his father smacked him upside his head.


    It was Ming Ming who put the icing on the cake. She tugged Yi Chen¡¯s sleeve and asked, ¡°So can I y with the pole now? Last time you said that saozi had to use it first so can I y?¡±


    You see, this is why he didn¡¯t want his siblings at the house when he was renovating. His sister was now selling out his secrets.


    As expected Zi Han asked, ¡°What pole?¡±


    Yi Chen didn¡¯t want to talk about this now so he could only urge them to the breakfast table.


    Everybody was moving things around setting the table just like a family unit which was a wholesome moment. Zi Han wanted to know more about this pole but Yi Chen was avoiding it.


    The entire time they had breakfast he was holding Zi Han¡¯s hand underneath the table his smile something out of this world. Zi Han could clearly see the happiness and joy written on Yi Chen¡¯s face.


    This was it. This was what he wanted and now that he finally had it, he was extremely content. If his kid ever asked him in the future his most memorable moment, it would be this very moment. The moment his husband showed a contented look in his eyes like this was the zenith. This was everything he ever wanted and he had finally achieved it. He had finally gotten what he wanted.


    Yi Chen turned to nce at him and seeing that he was looking at him, he rubbed Zi Han¡¯s hand with his thumb and whispered, ¡°I love you.¡±


    Zi Han smiled at him too and squeezed his hand with the two of them in their own little world. This little trance seemed like it was going tost forever well that is until Lin Ruoxi broke the spell when she ced a dumpling in Zi Han¡¯s bowl.


    ¡°Thank you,¡± he said but his gaze couldn¡¯t help but nce back at Yi Chen. If he could freeze this moment in time he would.


    It was after all a true love journey. A journey with heartbreak, pain and tears but above all love, happiness and joy. I wish everyone would find love like that. Love that would never fail.


    The Novel will be updated first on this website. Come back and


    continue reading tomorrow, everyone!