Northwest of the capital lay the renowned Croston Manor, home to Imperial Army Martial Lei Cheng and his family.

The manor was bustling with activity tonight. The First Legion, led by the Marshal, had concluded its six-month expedition, and the Marshal was holding a banquet at his own manor to welcome back the soldiers who had worked hard and made great contributions.

Ling Yi rubbed his aching waist, a look of displeasure crossing his face.

“I told you to rest, but you insisted on coming,” Oser accused in his ear.

Ling Yi glared at him in rebuke: “If you’d told me there was going to be a welcoming banquet for Marshal Lei Cheng today, I would’ve never let you into the bedroom last night.”

A triumphant smile appeared on Oser’s lips: “How did I not know you have an idol complex for the Marshal?”

“Which military academy student doesn’t admire the highest-ranking commander of the Imperial Army? The last time the Marshal visited Luban, the students crowded around to watch but didn’t even get to see him. Now that I finally have a chance to see him up close and personal, I would crawl over here if I had to. I’m going to tell Bo Rui and the others about it when I get back. They’re going to die of jealousy.”

Oser shook his head helplessly at the idol worship and competitiveness among children.

“If you had chosen the same idol as your brother, you would have saved yourself a lot of trouble.”

Ling Yi said boldly and confidently: “What can I do? I’m just a rebel and don’t like the same person as him. I even used to collect negative information about you and send it to Xi Lei whenever we had a fight. He always flew into a rage.”

Under the pretense of hugging his waist, Oser pinched a sore spot to teach him a lesson, then rubbed it to assuage the pain.

“There will be opportunities like this in the future. It’s no big deal to have the Marshal treat you to a banquet between just the two of you.”

When Lei Cheng heard that Oser had arrived at the manor, he personally led several trusted subordinates to greet him.

The group’s eyes were piercing, their bodies straight, and their steps full of vigor.

“Your Highness Oser, I haven’t seen you for six months, and you look even better than when I left. Do you have some unexpected news you haven’t told me?”

He only greeted Oser, pretending not to notice Ling Yi standing beside him.

“With the Marshal out there guarding the peace, I sat comfortably in the palace, eating well and sleeping soundly. Naturally, my complexion has improved.”

“Defending the country is a soldier’s duty, but why do your words make me envious? Your Highness’s ability to speak unpleasant words has not diminished in the slightest.”

The group of officers laughed heartily.

Oser took his words as a compliment and accepted them as his due.

“I’m just stopping by today to welcome you. My family’s little friend heard you were throwing a party and insisted that I bring him over.”

Only then did Lei Cheng turn his attention to Ling Yi: “I heard that the distinguished guest of His Highness Oser gave Grand Duke Sully a great honor a few days ago. I was very disappointed that I didn’t see you with my own eyes, but Croston has received an unexpected blessing today.”

Oser: “The Marshal didn’t miss a single shred of gossip from home while away at war.”

Lei Cheng laughed heartily: “The battlefield is both dangerous and boring. How could I get through it without entertainment from you royals and nobles?”

Ling Yi observed Lei Cheng closely and found him to be even more imposing than he had imagined, with every gesture and movement carrying a soldier’s heroic spirit.

“It’s an honor to meet you, Marshal. Many of my friends and I admire you. We even study your classic battles at school.”

Lei Cheng smiled meaningfully: “To be able to learn combat strategies in the classroom, it seems that His Highness’s little friend doesn’t attend an ordinary school.”

Ling Yi felt that he had said too much, and went quiet. Lei Cheng was also smart enough not to delve deeper, and simply invited the two of them inside.

“Your Highness has come at the perfect time. I brought a few distinguished guests back with me, and I’d like to introduce them to Your Highness.”

Lei Cheng deliberately lowered his voice when he said this, and Oser understood that he had confidential information to report.

He instructed Ling Yi: “Just wander around for now. I’ll come over once I greet these people.”

Ling Yi nodded in agreement and glanced around at the layout of the Marshal’s manor, collecting topics to brag about when he returned.

Unlike the magnificent decoration style of Grand Duke Sully’s home, Croston was decorated in the likeness of its owner, with simple, sharp lines and plain colors. The most eye-catching aspect was a wall full of military medals and trophies collected from all over the world.

Most of the guests coming in and out wore military uniforms. Starkly different from the refined and soft-spoken nobles at the ball, they spoke with vigor and never savored the wine while drinking. They looked at him with open curiosity about his identity, and weren’t embarrassed when he met their eyes.

Due to his special status, Ling Yi was the focus of attention wherever he went. He was used to being stared at, but there was one gaze that differed from the others, and Ling Yi could feel its presence no matter where he went.

He pretended to head to the bathroom, but hid in a corner and caught the stalker who quickly chased after him.

“It’s you.”

Ling Yi looked his stalker over from head to toe.

“Why are you here?”

Lei Yue wore a complicated expression, and spoke after a long pause: “This is my home.”

Ling Yi looked into the distance, then back at him, and suddenly realized: “The Marshal’s surname is Lei, and so is yours. Why didn’t I think of it?”

Lei Yue looked disappointed: “You didn’t know who I was before?”

Ling Yi was very glad to meet a familiar face in a room full of strangers.

“I never thought I’d be able to race the Marshal’s son.”

Lei Yue had read some of the rumors.

“I saw someone say online that you’re the Omega His Highness Oser found from abroad. Is it true?”

“You looked me up online?”

“N-no! I just stumbled across it!”

Coincidentally, Ling Yi had also seen those unreliable speculations.

“Some people online say I’m an alien or an artificial human. Did you believe them too? Instead of worrying about gossip, it’s better to hone your riding skills.”

“My riding skills aren’t bad. I’ve only lost to two people so far.”

Ling Yi’s playful mood arose again, and his eyes shifted slyly.

“So who do you think is the better rider – me or that guy?”

“Why compare yourself to the dead?”

“Out of curiosity. In the end, you were the one defeated by us, so you have the final say.”

Lei Yue thought for a long time, his face gloomy: “You two are of an equal level, but your motorcycle is better than his.”

“You mean he was able to beat you even on a shitty bike, and I only beat you because of my hardware advantage?”

“That’s not what I said!”

Ling Yi had his fill of the other’s embarrassed anger, and decided to quit while he was ahead.

“Actually, your bike seemed pretty good when I rode on it last time. Can I take another look?”

His request landed perfectly on Lei Yue’s point of pride. It would be better to say that Lei Yue had been looking for an opportunity to invite him to see his collection.

“Come with me.”

There were more than a dozen top-quality motorcycles neatly parked in the underground garage, some of which were out of production or limited editions. Anyone who loved motorcycles would shout “paradise” upon coming here.

Ling Yi was dazzled by the sight. Almost every one of them could be called his dream machine.

“This is so cool…..”

Lei Yue was extremely proud when talking about his collection: “This is my private collection. I’ve never brought anyone to see it before.”

“The Marshal’s son has so many nice machines. He wouldn’t have secretly embezzled military funds to buy them, right?”

Lei Yue’s face flushed with anxiety: “No! I bought them all with my own money!”

Ling Yi smiled brightly: “I was only joking, but you took it seriously.”

Lei Yue was dazed by his smile for a few seconds, then quickly shook his head to rid himself of inappropriate thoughts.

“I’m not sure who’s better at riding between you and Ling Yi, but you both have the same terrible personality.”

Ling Yi’s attention was drawn back to a black heavyweight motorcycle. He replied casually: “I’ll take that as a compliment.”

This motorcycle had a very imposing appearance, and even reminded Ling Yi of a tank.

He couldn’t help but touch the gas cap. “What kind of bike is this? I’ve never seen one before.”

“It’s the AstraX10000. It weighs 1.5 times more than an ordinary motorcycle, and its exterior design also highlights its weight, making it look really intimidating. But it’s not bulky at all, and even reaches speeds of up to 600 kilometers per hour.”

Ling Yi’s eyes lit up: “If you race on this one, I’ll have no choice but to breathe in your exhaust fumes.”

“That would be a truly unfair victory,” Lei Yue said seriously.

Ling Yi nodded, pointing to the eye-catching model next to it.

“What about the red one?”

“The Crimson Flame Eye. It’s equipped with a Red Flame engine, with superior horsepower and an impressive suspension system, which ensures its stability at high speeds. I replaced its tires with specialty ones that prevent it from slipping even in the worst rainy and snowy conditions, because I enjoy riding brightly-colored bikes in the snow.”

Lei Yue’s excitement kicked in, and he introduced Ling Yi to his collection one by one. When talking about his pride and joys, he could speak endlessly, and knew them all like the back of his hand.

“This is the Star Patrol model XH-7. It has a built-in STELLAR third-generation engine, and is especially good for racing on mountain roads. Even if the terrain is rugged, it’s like riding on flat ground. Its most striking feature is that when racing at the highest speed, the engine exhaust will spew out starlight flames. There are only three of them in the world, and even I had to ask someone to buy it for me.”

“Wow,” Ling Yi exclaimed from the bottom of his heart.

Lei Yue seized the opportunity and said: “If you’re interested, you can try it out.”

“Really?”

Lei Yue loved motorcycles as much as he loved his life. He never let anyone touch his collection, and even insisted on doing the daily cleaning and maintenance himself. But at this moment, he felt as if he had found a true friend.

He patted the seat of a silver motorcycle and said: “Come and try the Aurora.”

Ling Yi straddled the seat and held the handlebars. Even without starting the machine, he could imagine the roar of the engine, and his heart filled with excitement.

“I feel like this one’s main focus is its lightness and agility. Am I right?”

Lei Yue watched Ling Yi as he focused on trying out the motorcycle, but for some reason, he kept thinking back to the silver hair blowing into his face with the wind that night, and the alluring scent that lingered on the tip of his nose.

His thoughts drifted away, and he snapped back to the present when he heard Ling Yi ask: “…..Am I right?”

Lei Yue hadn’t heard what Ling Yi asked him at all, and was briefly confused.

“Are you hot?” Ling Yi asked, peering at his flushed face.

Lei Yue quickly turned his head away. “I’m not.”

“This bike has a good feel to it. I wonder how it’ll drive.”

Ling Yi reluctantly dismounted.

“Do you like it? I’ll give it to you,” Lei Yue said impulsively.

Ling Yi was shocked.

“I lost the wager, and since you refused to take my helmet, you can take this as my stake.”

“Isn’t it inappropriate to bet such a valuable thing?”

“Why not? I think it suits you perfectly. Its frame matches your silver hair.”

Ling Yi: ?

Lei Yue felt he had spoken out of turn, and desperately attempted to justify his statement.

“No, I mean, it’s not as heavy as other models, it’s agile, and it suits your style. Its full performance can only be reached in your hands.”

Ling Yi looked around to find that every motorcycle was kept spotless, evidence of their owner’s love.

“Forget it, I can’t take away something you love.”

Lei Yue didn’t understand his train of thought, and said sourly: “That’s right. You’re His Highness Oser’s friend, and he can afford to give you everything you want. Of course you wouldn’t be interested in what I have.”

Ling Yi found him amusing: “According to you, not wanting your bike means I’m looking down on you. If I accept it, you can’t have any regrets.”

Lei Yue’s spirits lifted and his face lit up, as if Ling Yi’s willingness to accept his gift was a great joy.

“Where do you live? I’ll give it a thorough maintenance inspection soon and send it to you.”

Ling Yi couldn’t just tell him to send it to the medical college: “Do you know where His Highness Oser lives?”

Lei Yue’s expression froze. “So you’re living together now. According to tradition, shouldn’t a royal wedding be announced first, followed by an engagement ceremony, a wedding ceremony, and then official cohabitation?”

“Since when has His Highness Oser been someone who abides by royal traditions?”

Despite being in high spirits just now, Lei Yue suddenly became depressed: “You’re not wrong.”

Ling Yi glanced at the guards who had been posted at the parking lot entrance the entire time: “Come on, we’ve stayed here too long. If His Highness Oser can’t find me, he’ll turn Croston upside down.”

“His Highness is too cautious. This is the home of a military marshal, there’s no need for him to protect you so closely.”

Ling Yi smiled and said nothing.

Back in the banquet hall, Oser was still surrounded by a group of people. He met Ling Yi’s eyes through the crowd, warning him not to run around.

Ling Yi donned a well-behaved expression and found somewhere to sit that was still within Oser’s line of sight while not being too conspicuous.

Lei Yue volunteered to get him some food. 

“I know which dishes are the best in the kitchen. Wait just a minute, I’ll be back soon.”

Ling Yi sat and waited, “eavesdropping” on the loud private conversations around him until a figure blocked his line of sight.

Ling Yi adjusted his focus, and what came into view was the face of an unfamiliar young man.

“Sorry to bother you. I saw you sitting alone and worried you might be bored.”

Ling Yi had never seen this face before, but he recognized the voice.

“Are you Sidi?”

The young man named “Sidi” smiled happily.

“I didn’t expect you to still remember me. After all, on that day—” He made a mask-like gesture with his hands. “We met like this.”

“You recognized me too?”

Disi lowered his eyes in embarrassment: “To be honest, when those two reckless guys did that, I was shocked by your beauty at first sight. Your face has been on my mind these days, so I recognized you at the door.”

He added cautiously: “I hope I haven’t offended you by speaking frankly.”

“You can’t offend me more than those two idiots did. I thought people in high society liked to speak in roundabout ways, and I didn’t expect to have to adapt to your straight-shooting style.”

Disi couldn’t help but laugh: “I’m so sorry for giving you a bad first impression of high society. Do you mind if I sit next to you?”

Ling Yi symbolically moved aside for him. Disi took two glasses of wine from a passing servant’s tray and handed one to Ling Yi.

“The white wine produced on Croston’s own estate is refreshing and mellow, but be careful when drinking it. Soldiers can drink a lot, so the alcohol content of the wine is naturally higher.”

“Are you here to eat for free today too?” Ling Yi asked.

“The Wielan steak at Croston is the best in the world. You have to try it.”

“There probably aren’t many people who can eat at the homes of both Grand Duke Sully and Marshal Lei Cheng.”

“You’re making fun of me again. Before Viscount Qiao Wen’s family fell into decline, it was also a prestigious family.”

He toasted Ling Yi, who raised his glass to him as well. The glasses tapped together with a crisp sound.

Disi didn’t drink, but instead held his glass and pondered: “Come to think of it, although I said the other day that I didn’t care about your identity, it’s a little inconvenient not having a name to call you.”

Ling Yi thought about finding a pseudonym for himself, like “Daddy,” when he heard the other party say:

“I wonder if I could call you—”

Disi leaned over and whispered in his ear: “Ling Yi?”

---

Consider donating via Kofi here.

Chapter 32 << Table of Contents >> Chapter 34