“Don’t worry, I’m the admiral of the Empire, not some precious son of theirs who will pay attention to them.” Lucas gave a pei and said, “I don’t care.”

Luo Ran hesitated before saying, “En.”

His smile was like the breeze on the surface of a pool. 

Gentle, with some appeasement.

Lucas gazed at it for a moment before opening his arms and saying: “Why don’t you give me a hug?”

Luo Ran was taken aback, and then felt a little ill at ease.

Lucas kept his arms stuck out like a blockhead.

It was just a comforting hug, nothing more.

Luo Ran hesitated, then stepped forward and hugged Lucas.

Lucas leaned his head lightly on Luo Ran’s shoulder and smiled: “It’s enough for me to have you as my family.”

Luo Ran was surprised, then whispered: “Okay.”

The two embraced at a bend in the corner, and the people passing by only dared to sneak a peek excitedly and then flee at a faster pace without disturbing them.

After a while, Lucas let go of Luo Ran and pointed at the floor, saying, “Luo Ran.”

“En?”

“You seem to have dropped something, maybe it got knocked out when we were hugging.”

The already very proficient Luo Ran looked down and exclaimed, “It seems to be the admiral’s small brain, when did it pop out?”

Lucas: “? ? ?”

The phrase “you’re missing a boyfriend” stuck in Lucas’s throat.

Lucas had even considered for a long time whether to choose boyfriend or husband.

Luo Ran raised his head and said worriedly: “Are you going to pick it up?”

Lucas said coldly: “Luo Ran, you’re dead.”

Luo Ran clutched his temples. “My head hurts a bit.”

Lucas: “? ? ?”

Lucas bared his teeth: “Don’t do this again!”

Luo Ran smiled and hugged the official documents, then turned around and quickly ran away.

Lucas was so angry that his face distorted.

Son of a bitch ! !

. . . . . .

Three hours later.

Inside the barracks, Lucas held a serious meeting with Wang Qiuyang, Lu Cheng, and Shen Xiluo in a small, dark room.

The content of the meeting was naturally — the progress of the research project on the outstanding heir to the empire.

Now that the UNK project had been forced to a stop, Shen Shiluo and Xia Zhi were also free. Shen Xiluo brought a report from the medical department to the military department and came to meet with Lucas. After dealing with official business, he heard Lucas unexpectedly ask: “How did you guys first pursue your wives?”

Wang Qiuyang and Lu Cheng exchaged glances.

Lu Cheng said: “The first time we met, I just hit a home run and didn’t have to pursue him……”

Wang Qiuyang said: “It was a blind date arranged by my family, but the first time we saw each other, the family members asked for a marriage, and we got married……”

Lucas was sour.

Shen Xiluo habitually pushed his glasses up and said: “I haven’t officially succeeded in my pursuit yet, but I’m making good progress and will soon succeed.”

Shen Xiluo proudly said: “He has already agreed to have dinner with me.”

The other three people turned their heads to look at him in a daze.

“If you wish to be successful, naturally you must continuously learn, seek breakthroughs, and take risks.” Shen Xiluo said: “Among them are reference materials, further observation, and more learning.”

“Observation and thinking are the beginning of all research, and the same is true of love.”

Lu Cheng and Wang Qiuyang opened their mouths blankly. The depth of research doctors was really of a different kind. A skillful kind.

Lu Cheng stared and said: “What will the admiral do now?”

Shen Xiluo took out the terminal again.

“Naturally, read more information and then apply it.”

Lucas: “…….”

Lucas was on guard. If Shen Xiluo took out anything weird, he would leave.

But Shen Xiluo didn’t.

He just saw him click lovingly on a folder, and say solemnly: “Watching romantic TV dramas and movies is a good choice. I have many types here, including contemporary and ancient earth materials.”

“If you’re just getting started, I recommend a romance series from ancient Earth’s Kimchi Country.”

Lucas: “…….”

Lucas had probably never thought that one day he would watch romantic movies with his adjutants in the barracks.

He also didn’t expect that his vacation entertainment would be watching dramas.

And after watching for a while, he thought they were too stupid.

Tsk.

He, Lucas Aldor, would stop here. He wouldn’t do anything stupid to Luo Ran like those heroes and heroines.

It was best to leave it at that.

Before he left, Shen Xiluo sent him some study materials.

On the other side, Luo Ran had finished studying today’s official documents and was about to go back, when he received the investigation team’s report.

They had acted very quickly, and it took two days to find out Cyril’s complete itinerary.

The investigation team had filtered out a very interesting piece of information.

A lot had happened that night at the king’s birthday party.

Among them, Prince Andika was drugged and then met Lu Cheng, and because of this, Andika was controlled by the star pirates for a period of time.

Prince Andika’s mission was to lead Huntsman and the star pirates to sneak into the capital to do business, and in addition, to take him to meet the “big shot” in the capital.

The second banquet that Andika participated in was the welcome banquet set up for Luobing. At that time, the envoy even blatantly asked Lucas to marry Luobing’s two Highnesses.

And then Huntsman, who was brought by Andika and dressed as a bodyguard, went with him to the east wing on the seventh floor of the hotel.

Cyril was also in the east wing.

In addition, the First Prince was playing billiards with Cyril that night.

Luo Ran rubbed his brow at once, his mood bottoming out.

Naturally, they couldn’t conclude that the First Prince had colluded with Cyril and the star pirates just because of this incident that could be a coincidence.

It was just a possibility.

But if this possibility really held true, then trouble would follow.

Very, very troublesome.

Cyril was the eldest Aldor son.

How ironic was it that the youngest son and the star pirates were fighting to the death, and the eldest son and the star pirates were in the same party? How embarrassed would the Aldors be? Hundreds of years of loyalty and noble reputation were about to be marred by an inescapable stain.

And if the First Prince really got involved, or let Cyril loose to fish for benefits, it would be a disaster for the Empire.

The relationship between the military and the royal family had always been delicate, and the First Prince was still the future leader of the Empire. If the future leader of the Empire colluded with the enemies and looters of the Empire, the star pirates, Lucas would be the first to be targeted, and what would happen to the Empire then?

What would happen to the people of the Empire?

Luo Ran lightly pressed his temples, frowning slightly.

He deleted the file, and was about to go find the investigation team leader in person, when the terminal beep sounded again.

……Huh?

It was information about a school reunion.

In fact, Luo Ran had not contacted his old classmates for a long time. After all, Luo Ran had experienced bullying and targeting since entering junior high school, and transferred to a new school where he spent only two years of high school. His classmates at the new school didn’t dare to make friends with him when they heard about his past, let alone offend the Viscount’s family, who were all extremely high up in the civilian school at that time.

After all, the new school was actually a branch of the old school, and the teaching building was only one street away. Luo Ran’s father tried his best at that time, but he couldn’t be transferred to a different school.

But Luo Ran still received this information, because the class reunion notice was automatically generated by the school for all students at the same level.

Luo Ran received them once every three years, but he had never gone before.

After the class reunion was over, Luo Ran also received a photo automatically forwarded from the school. His former classmates were naturally beautiful and glamorous.

Luo Ran was different from before. He was not inferior, and was even better than his former classmates.

Only, he still didn’t go.

“Why are you in a daze?” When Lucas returned from military headquarters, he saw Luo Ran sitting alone in front of the table, holding a terminal blankly.

“It’s nothing.”

Luo Ran smiled and said: “I’m going back. Good night, Admiral.”

Lucas reached out with a frown to stop Luo Ran, saying: “What’s the matter? Tell me honestly, don’t hide anything from me.”

This was no secret. Luo Ran said helplessly: “It’s nothing, I just received a report from the investigation team and a notice for a class reunion.”

Aside from Luo Ran’s blind dates, the investigation team had always sent reports to both of them at the same time, so Lucas also knew about it.

“En, you don’t have to think so much about those things. Appropriate measures will be taken when the situation calls for them.” Lucas asked, “Will you go meet your classmates?”

“No.” Luo Ran shook his head. “It isn’t necessary.”

Lucas paused, then said, “Go, ba.”

“Ah……?”

Lucas smiled and said: “I’ll accompany you.”

If he never went, Luo Ran would occasionally think of the past, but if he went to face those people and crushed them, he could dismiss them from his mind.

“No need,” Luo Ran said with a smile. “It was a long time ago, and I don’t have a good relationship with them.”

“Is it unnecessary or are you afraid?” Lucas raised an eyebrow and asked: “Why? As my secretary, should you still be afraid to meet them? You have subdued even generals of the Empire, why continue to fear them?”

“How could I.” Luo Ran lowered his eyes and said with red ears, “I won’t.”

Lucas smiled: “Then Secretary Luo, the Imperial secretary who manages the military department, and contends with the royal family, will you go?”

“I’ll go,” Luo Ran said with a smile. “I can go by myself, and also grab some free food.”

After all, the class reunion was held in a very big and famous restaurant in the capital.

“I’ll accompany you.”

“No need, I can go by myself……”

Lucas said angrily: “You can eat but I can’t?!”

“…….”

Lucas said: “Zhou Mingkai went to the military academy before. He told me that a class reunion is a place to show off wealth and partners, and you, as my secretary, represent my face and cannot lose.”

The classmates were all people who had bullied Luo Ran in the past, right?

Lucas sneered. He would not allow Luo Ran to go alone.

“…….” Luo Ran lowered his head, not knowing whether to laugh or cry: “In fact, not every class reunion is like this, and……”

And he didn’t have a partner either.

Luo Ran paused and said nothing.

Lucas just raised his eyebrows and didn’t speak.

The atmosphere was a bit strange.

After a moment, Lucas asked: “Do you want to stay overnight tonight?”

“……No.” Luo Ran turned his head and said: “I won’t bother the admiral. I’ll go home and pack up, then go directly to the investigation team leader tomorrow to finalize the direction of the next investigation.”

When it came to the royal family, everything had to be done with great caution.

“I’ll go with you tomorrow.”

After speaking, Lucas opened his mouth to persuade him to stay, but felt that he couldn’t force him.

Lucas scratched the back of his head.

Ahhh, what a hassle. He used to be able to sleep with him without pursuing him, but now he couldn’t.

Lucas chased after him with some dissatisfaction, thinking that he should at least be able to give Luo Ran a ride.

It was raining outside.

The deluge was heavy, and raindrops wet the doorstep.

Luo Ran was standing by the door, and there was no shelter on the way to the parking lot to fetch the aircraft. He was about to use an umbrella when Lucas rushed to catch up.

Luo Ran was a little surprised. Lucas would never send him off like this in the past.

Before Luo Ran could say anything, his vision went dark.

Luo Ran: “ ? “

Lucas had taken off his jacket at some point, and now it was covering Luo Ran’s head.

The two squeezed in and nestled together under the coat, very close.

Lucas said: “Let’s go like this.”

Luo Ran said: “No need, I have an umbrella.”

“We’re better off going this way.”

“……I really do have an umbrella.” Luo Ran took out a small umbrella from his bag. 

Lucas threw the umbrella into the locker next to him and said angrily: “You don’t have one!”

Lu Ran: “? ? ? ?”

Thus:

The Imperial Secretary and the Admiral of the Empire huddled under a jacket. Luo Ran’s right hand and Lucas’s left hand held the corners of the jacket as they tried to block the bean-sized raindrops with the fabric, and the two of them ran pitifully toward the aircraft with big strides, through the wind and rain.

Someone upstairs witnessed this scene through the glass window, and immediately called their colleagues to watch together.

“Come and see! There are two idiots downstairs! Aren’t there many umbrellas at the counter on the ground floor?”

“Who the hell is that? Let me see!”

“……Wait, isn’t this?”

“……Fuck.”

“What a wonderful love!!”

. . . . . . .

Downstairs.

Luo Ran and Lucas finally dashed onto the aircraft with their shoulders and backs wet from the rain, and they both looked a little embarrassed.

Luo Ran: “……..”

So stupid.

Lucas: “……..”

He also felt very stupid.

But that was how it was done on TV.

Lucas flicked drops of water from his hair like a big dog and asked Luo Ran with a solemn face: “Do you feel your heart pounding?”

Luo Ran: “…….”

He suddenly understood what was going on.

Luo Ran: “…….”

He wanted to laugh, but was also a little embarrassed.

However, the feeling of gloom just now had vanished after being disturbed in such a way. 

That’s right, with him and Lucas here, appropriate measures would be taken when the situation called for them.

“Admiral, you’d better head back quickly, the rain is getting heavier.” Luo Ran handed Lucas the spare umbrella in the aircraft.

“En.”

The jacket on Luo Ran’s head had not been taken off yet, and Luo Ran stretched out his hand to return it, but was taken aback in the next moment.

Lucas stepped forward and tugged his jacket to cover Luo Ran, then leaned his head in to place a very quick, light kiss on his cheek.

His nose filled with Lucas’s tobacco scent, the scent that Luo Ran was most familiar with.

Perhaps it was coming from Lucas, or perhaps from the coat.

Luo Ran blushed.

“Good night,” Lucas said with a smile. “I’ll leave. And I’ll send you home like this every day from now on.”

Luo Ran froze on the spot like a stone sculpture.

A stone sculpture that was painted red.

Lucas disembarked the aircraft, and after he walked all the way back to the office, the aircraft also took off.

Luo Ran buried his head in the jacket like an ostrich.

Wu.

This……was this also learned from TV dramas?

---

Consider donating via Kofi here!

Chapter Sixty << Table of Contents >> Chapter Sixty-Two

The news that the Yan army was about to attack the city quickly spread to every street.

The news that Huang Wangxiang was killed by Yuan Zong at the city gate also spread to everyone’s ears.

The combination of the two events was enough to shake the hearts of the entirety of Sanshui City. From the beginning of this large-scale war, Huang Wangxiang’s three characters were used as a banner. But now, the banner suddenly fell, not on the battlefield, but on the city wall before the battle arrived.

Even people with no military knowledge knew that this was definitely not a sign of victory. At the same time, other news was quietly circulating in the city. It was said that the Qingyang City tragedy was not caused by the Yan army, but the defenders were unreconciled to defeat and aimed their butcher’s knives at the common people.

Truth and lies, chaos on top of chaos.

Miao Changqing took Liu Xian’an and walked on the street together. He was also one of the great generals. Either Yuan Zong didn’t care about him, looked down on him, or was thinking about their past friendship. In short, after ascending the throne, he didn’t attack this old fellow for the time being, so the rest of the rebels did not dare to touch the two of them, and only watched from a distance.

Outside the city, the golden drums were beating, and all the rebels lined up and ran across the long street. Preparing to fight against the defenders, the common people also took up their knives and guarded the gates of their homes. Some of them wanted to run to the gates of the city, but Liu Xian’an stopped them: “Cheng Dacai, where is your daughter-in-law!”

The young man who was questioned by him replied: “At home.”

“Take her to the ruined temple.” Liu Xian’an found a high platform and stood on it, shouting, “Gather all those who cannot protect themselves at the ruined temple. The rest who can hold a sword are responsible for guarding the temple gate. We have to go to the same place together, running around here and there in such a way is not going to protect our families.”

“But in case the Yan army breaks into the city…..”

“Then what if someone wants to kill your wife before the Yan army breaks into the city?” Liu Xian’an didn’t talk to him further, but called to more people, “Quickly! Take your families and follow me!”

Some people chose to listen to his words, and moved their parents, wives, and children to the ruined temple. The sick and weak stayed in the innermost part, and the young and middle-aged stayed outside with weapons. In addition, many people shouted along the street, saying that the ruined temple was protected and everyone should go there. Miao Changqing led a hundred of his men to guard the outermost perimeter. The old man had a white beard and hair, just like the gatekeeper general in the New Year portraits.

More and more people took refuge, and the ruined temple couldn’t fit them all, so they scattered to the houses in this area, and Miao Changqing formed teams of youths with swords to guard every intersection. Such commotion finally attracted Yuan Zong’s attention, and he asked in displeasure: “What does Lao Miao intend to do?”

The officer who came to report said: “General Miao is holding His Majes……Huang’s sword, and he’s obeying that doctor’s orders.”

The military advisor next to Yuan Zong said in a nonchalant way: “The Emperor still can’t see his intentions?”

Yuan Zong himself was full of longing for the throne, so he felt that others should feel the same way. His face was livid as he said: “Tell Lao Miao to quickly bring his people over, as well as all the young and middle-aged men who can fight. If they refuse, if they refuse to come—”

The military advisor completed the second half of the sentence for the new emperor: “Those who resist the decree and do not obey will be killed without mercy.”

Three streams of fiery arrows streaked across the sky, bringing with them a sharp sound.

The Yan army’s attack on the city had already begun.

Liu Xian’an also stood with Miao Changqing, watching an army come from the other end of the smoke-filled street with swords in their hands. Before the people arrived, the leader had already ordered loudly: “The Emperor has commanded that General Miao and all the young and middle-aged men will go out of the city to join the battle without a moment’s delay! Go quickly!”

Liu Xian’an asked: “If the young and middle-aged are gone, who will protect the old, young, sick, and weak? We won’t leave.”

The response he received was the rattle of swords. A-Ning stood bravely in front of his young master: “What, do you intend to kill someone?”

“I almost forgot, if you don’t go out by yourselves, the military advisor ordered that others can live, but Liang Shu’s spies must die!” The leader pointed at Liu Xian’an. “Someone come and arrest him!”

A group of soldiers rushed forward fiercely, and Miao Changqing said angrily: “Who dares! Back off!”

But this old general obviously didn’t have much authority anymore, or perhaps had been dismissed by Yuan Zong. Seeing that Liu Xian’an was about to be taken away, the surrounding young and middle-aged people stepped forward to stop it one after another, and a small-scale commotion broke out at the scene. The leader became even more dissatisfied at the sight: “Arrest them all for me! Those who disobey will be punished as spies!”

“The battle is imminent, yet you won’t go out of the city and just stay here to threaten the common people, calling them to fight and kill!” Wang Fan swept away the person in front of Liu Xian’an with a single blow, and said coldly, “I’ll see who dares to touch my doctor!”

“You oppose us!” The leader drew his sword and slashed, but he was no match for the Wang family brothers. He rolled off his horse awkwardly and lost his composure, shouting: “Whoever stands with them, kill them all, so as not to shake the morale of the army!”

Miao Changqing’s eyes widened in fury: “You’re crazy!”

He tried to ride a horse to find Yuan Zong, but the horse’s legs were cut by random blades, and Wang Fan pulled him to a safe place. At this time, the rebels were already killing like madmen. The young and middle-aged men raised their blades to resist, and some of them shouted, saying they were willing to go out of the city and fight, but what they got in exchange was the cold glint of a blade. Some people saw the signs and called: “They just want to kill us!”

Miao Changqing was already injured. Liu Xian’an tried to help him, but he almost tripped over. With sharp reflexes, Wang Fan picked him up and said: “Young Master, don’t panic. The prince has already sent many people into the city to deal with the current situation.”

He did? Liu Xian’an looked around, and sure enough, he found that among the common people, there were many masters mixed in, and it would be impossible to count them on two hands and two feet. Flying back and forth, they were even more dazzling, so he asked: “When did they all enter the city?”

“As long as you are willing to spend money, no matter how long the queue is, you can get to the front,” Wang Fan said. “This mob is far from being the opponents of our army. You just wait and see, the prince will definitely break through the city within three days.”

The people in the ruined temple worked together and quickly killed all the rebels. Liu Xian’an walked over the mountain of dead bodies, and after finding the leader who had been shouting for their deaths just now, he picked up a knife beside him and cut open his shirt.

Puzzled, A-Ning asked: “What is the young master doing?”

“His behavior just now was too abnormal. It was as if he didn’t come to urge the common people to go to the battlefield at all, and just wanted to find a pretext to kill people. But it stands to reason that the battle has just begun, so there is no need to be so anxious even if they want to massacre the city.” Liu Xian’an said, “If something goes wrong, there must be a culprit. I suddenly thought of the Baifu Sect, but he doesn’t have any tattoos on his body.”

“He is not a member of the Baifu Sect, but that does not mean that there are no people from the Baifu Sect standing on the city gate,” Wang Fan said. “As Young Master says, it really is possible.”

“If it is the cult, it is even more important to protect the common people.” Liu Xian’an took out Huang Wangxiang’s sword from under the statue. “Right now, there is a fierce battle at the city gate, and Yuan Zong can’t take care of this end. Let’s hurry and send everyone out of the city through the small northwest gate.”

Wang Fan nodded: “All right. Young Master, come with me.”

. . . . . .

At the front of the battlefield, blood stained the sky.

Liang Shu adopted the most violent and direct method of attack. Thousands of troops roared like ferocious beasts as thunder filled the dark sky. Fire bombs and boiling oil could not force the attacking forces back. Heavy logs hit the city gates again and again, causing the bluestone city wall tens of zhang high to shake. Yuan Zong’s face was as pale as paper.

He had thought that all of Dayan’s troops were like the ones he encountered earlier, the kind that could be easily defeated, corrupt and unable to bear one strike, so his ambition swelled all the way. He had felt that the whole country was crumbling, and he only needed to tug lightly to change who was sitting on the throne. But now, he personally experienced what a real army was, tens of thousands of cavalry with black armor and long swords. Under Liang Shu’s leadership, they looked so uniform, brave, and invincible. Their bodies and strength of will were like cast steel as they advanced and retreated in an orderly manner, far from the disintegration and collapse of a dynasty.

This was an undefeated master.

“Your Majesty!” A soldier hastened to report, “The city gate will soon be overwhelmed.”

“……Line up, go out of the city to fight!” Yuan Zong clenched the sword in his hand, almost unable to stand steadily. He was already starting to regret that he couldn’t wait to ascend the so-called throne, but he had to stand firm. “Call everyone, go out of the city!”

“Yes!”

“Your Majesty,” the military adviser reminded, “The people who went to look for General Miao have not yet returned.”

“You go have a look.” Yuan Zhong was flustered internally and just gave a casual order, not taking it seriously.

A military division trooped all the way through the city, and at the same time, Liu Xian’an had already led the common people through the northwest gate to hide in the dense forest outside the city. Nobody spoke, they just held their breaths and walked deep into the dense forest, trying to find the safest shelter from the wind before night fell.

The entirety of Sanshui City had almost become empty. The small gate to the northwest was open, and no one was on duty. The military commander’s face was livid, and he ordered: “Go with me out of the city to search!”

The sun gradually sank.

One the battlefield, blazing torches burned, and the city gate collapsed. The Yan army rushed into the city in an unstoppable wave and fought with the rebels. Yuan Zong’s eyes were blinded by the bloody mist, and his horse was also injured. He hadn’t even been able to see Liang Shu at close range. The combat power of the two sides was truly different, whether in terms of combat strategy or the armies themselves.

In a great panic, the new emperor escaped from the city overnight through a side door, surrounded by a group of subordinates, but before he could take two steps, he was blocked by a team of militia.

“Huang Wangxiang.” Gao Lin looked at the man wrapped in a bright yellow robe before him. “Only now do you think of fleeing. It is too late. Surrender.”

Yuan Zong breathed heavily. On top of his initial emotions, another humiliation was added. He had originally thought that the army of the Dayan Dynasty knew of him, and that he was a frightening existence, but facts proved that the other party didn’t even know his own name.

He gave a loud cry, drew his sword, and went forward to kill.

But there was not half a chance of victory.

This small group of rebels was quickly subdued by the Yan army, and one of them, likely in order to survive, took the initiative to inform them: “He, he is not Huang Wangxiang!”

When he heard this, Gao Lin was truly shocked. He thought the other party was playing tricks in a crafty escape plan, so he grabbed him and asked: “Where is Huang Wangxiang!”

The other party said tremblingly: “Dead. Already dead, killed by General Yuan, Yuan Zong!”

Gao Lin asked again: “Where is Yuan Zong?”

Yuan Zong who was right next to him: “…….”

Of course, Gao Lin figured it all out in the end, and the Yan army also found Huang Wangxiang’s body inside the city.

It was completely dark.

Deep in the dense forest, Liu Xian’an was huddling with the common people to keep warm. Because it was not yet clear how the battle outside was going, they didn’t light camp fires, and could only make use of one another’s body heat to resist the cold. Nobody made a sound. The young and middle-aged people scattered around, and after a while, someone suddenly ran back to warn: “There are troops ahead!”

The atmosphere became tense at once.

A-Ning asked softly: “Is it the prince’s army?”

“Not likely,” Wang Fan said. “Everyone, be vigilant.”

Everyone held their breaths, wondering what would happen next. And at this moment, there happened to be a little child who cried “wah-wah.” The clear voice cut through the silent night sky, causing countless hearts to contract sharply!

The woman hastened to cover the child’s mouth tightly, but it was too late. The sound of chaotic footsteps was getting closer and closer, and before anyone arrived, dozens of flaming arrows were already shot over!

“Careful!” Wang Fan swept away the falling arrows, picked up Liu Xian’an, and placed him on the other side. Dozens of others immediately surrounded him to protect him in the middle. Torches were lit all around. It was the rebels, and someone shouted: “Kill them!”

Miao Changqing drew his sword out of its sheath: “Follow me to protect the common people!”

The young and middle-aged people quickly gathered around him, and the silence in the dense forest was broken, half with crying and half with killing.

The military leader stood at a high place, looking through the crowd, and his gaze landed directly on Liu Xian’an. And Liu Xian’an was also observing him. With high cheekbones and a short face, he didn’t look like the common people of the central plains.

“Brother Wang, go and catch that person!” Liu Xian’an said, “It’s better to keep him alive.”

Wang Fan recruited three people and flew up to the high ground. That military adviser also flew backwards, and his martial arts were more than ten Yuan Zongs combined. 

Liu Xian’an stood on the tips of his toes: “Don’t let him get away!”

There was an odd, grotesque smile in the military advisor’s eyes. He dodged to avoid Wang Fan and the others, but did not run further away. Instead, he suddenly turned and rushed toward Liu Xian’an, and a hidden weapon bathed in blue light flashed out of his hand.

Clank, bang. There was the sound of metal colliding and bone and flesh breaking.

All of the hidden weapons were wrapped up together in a big black cloak, and the military advisor was also twisted by the neck and thrown heavily into a tree.

Liu Xian’an said happily: “Your Highness!”

He immediately ran over with no care for what he was stepping on, and slipped with a whoosh: “Ah!”

Liang Shu opened his hands without changing his expression, and took that person firmly into his arms.

---

Consider donating via Kofi here!

Chapter Forty-Eight << Table of Contents >> Chapter Fifty

Pei Yi stood silently at the door and looked at the gleam of light shining from the crack at the bottom. Before his villainous heart could begin to bubble up and struggle, the closed door suddenly opened—

The four eyes met.

Both unprepared people were taken aback.

Pei Yi’s gaze wavered, and he quickly lowered his head to control his expression.

At the same time, Bo Yueming also recovered from the momentary shock. He had just gone to the bathroom to wash his face and drive away the drowsiness when he suddenly heard light footsteps at the door.

Because this was his first time staying in the new house, he feared it was a burglar in the middle of the night, so he approached softly and opened the door suddenly.

Seeing Pei Yi, Bo Yueming pretended at once to be blind and vigilant. “Who is it?”

“……..”

In just a few seconds, the acting skills of the two simultaneously came online.

Pei Yi fought against his inexplicably thumping heartbeat and looked up again—

Bo Yueming was wearing black pajamas, and the tight waistband outlined his lithe waist, raising his body proportions to the extreme.

His meticulously combed wet hair fell down across his forehead, faintly covering the faint cold proudness of his features, and there was trace of asceticism that couldn’t be explained to outsiders.

Pei Yi swallowed slightly, feeling that he was very thirsty. “Er, Er-ge.”

Even though this wasn’t the first time he had seen such a thing, he couldn’t help but sigh internally every time: the other party was the most attractive person in the book, and even Yan Cen and Qin Yishun had to stand aside a little bit.

Bo Yueming pretended to identify him by sound, and said knowingly, “Pei Yi? Why aren’t you sleeping? It’s late.”

Pei Yi thought of his purpose for leaving the room, and his series of embarrassing behaviors as he stood unknowingly in front of the master bedroom, and his whole body felt hot.

For now, he could only come up with a lame excuse. “I’m thirsty.”

“Thirsty?”

Bo Yueming’s expression was a little subtle.

The kitten was playing the fool, and wasn’t really stupid.

Even if he was thirsty and wanted to drink water at this point in time, he would go downstairs and pour it quietly. How could he walk in the opposite direction to his bedroom?

Unless……the other party just wanted to find him.

This thought suddenly popped into Bo Yueming’s mind, and he asked, “You can’t sleep in a new place tonight? Don’t you have your quilt?”

“……..”

How did he know?

He couldn’t sleep even with the quilt.

Still secretly depressed, Pei Yi took a deep breath and played the fool to the end. “Er-ge, I’m thirsty.”

Bo Yueming turned slightly to make room for him, and motioned, “Come in, I”ll get you some water.”

Pei Yi hesitated for two seconds, and then walked in as slow as a snail.

Bo Yueming trailed one hand on the wall and located Pei Yi’s position with the other. “Come on.”

When he was alone, he didn’t have to hide anything, but when the kitten came, he had to act!

Pei Yi was already accustomed to this bit of Bo Yueming’s fumbling and searching, so he naturally held his wrist while skillfully pretending to be very well-behaved.

The two played their own roles and walked inside together.

The area of the master bedroom here was not as big as the one in the Imperial Capital, but all facilities were in place. There were raised cushions on both sides of the large bed to sit on, and the black computer desk was densely covered with materials.

The reason Bo Yueming was up at this point in time was because he was busy with work.

Overturning the original bidding plan and coming up with an advantageous new one within two months undoubtedly came with enormous pressure.

Bo Yueming was not a hands-off boss with only a title, so he naturally had to put in more effort than others.

“…….”

Looking at the project information displayed on the tablet and the materials on the desk, Pei Yi became suspicious.

Bo Yueming’s heart tightened, and the rigorous workaholic became negligent the moment Pei Yi said he was “thirsty.”

He quickly “fumbled” for the bottle of mineral water on the corner of the table, and deliberately dropped a document due to “not being able to see it.”

“……..”

Not only that, but after unscrewing the bottle cap, he handed it out in an ‘uncertain’ direction. “Sit down and drink.”

Pei Yi took it, and cautiously stretched out his hand to wave it in front of Bo Yueming’s eyes. Seeing that there was no extraneous reaction from the other party, he sat on the cushion beside the bed.

Bo Yueming was conscious of his possible flaws, but he had to continue acting.

Slowly and carefully, he sat back in his seat and added, “I thought Lin Zhong had come back after leaving. Remember to ask Uncle Kai to prepare water for you before bed.”

As he spoke, he took out the bluetooth headset from his pajama pocket, put it on, and tapped it twice.

Not only did he have a guilty conscience, but so did Pei Yi, who had “asked for water.”

His doubts were dispelled, and his attention fell on the matter of “Bo Yueming working hard.”

It didn’t matter that he left early and came back late every day, but did he have to work until this point when he got home?

He let the assistant go back to his room to rest, but had to use the electronic text-to-speech function to continue? Wasn’t this a waste of his ears and ability to remember?

Bo Yueming didn’t know what Pei Yi was thinking, and the longer he was silent, the more guilty he became. “Pei Yi, do you want to go back to sleep? I still have some work to do.”

Pei Yi took a couple sips of mineral water and shook his head. “I, I accompany Er-ge.”

In any case, he may not be able to sleep if he went back to his room. It was better to stay here with Bo Yueming to pass the time, and it wouldn’t be too late for him to go back after the other party finished his work.

Wasn’t it just staying up late? This was no problem for him, a night owl!

“…….”

Bo Yueming hesitated for several seconds.

Facing the kitten who had delivered himself to his door, he couldn’t bear to refuse. “Okay, sleep when you feel sleepy.”

Pei Yi made a sound of acknowledgement.

He sat on the cushion on the side of the bed and leaned back against it in a comfortable posture. He could euphemistically call this “accompanying Er-ge,” but he was actually in a “dazed fugue.”

Pei Yi thought of the upcoming “The Last Fog” project, then the plots and characters in the original text and the final results.

It had almost been two months since he transmigrated.

Judging from the plot, Li Yuan and Pei Huan’s origins would be revealed in two months, and wouldn’t Bo Yueming’s eyesight enter the recovery period?

As for his canon fodder self, thanks to the foundation laid out by the original owner, he was able to rely on his mediocre acting skills to pretend until now.

Pei Yi knew that once Bo Yueming recovered his eyesight, he would likely not be able to escape the other party’s eyes.

After all, what Bo Yueming hated most in the original text was deception.

Deception?

Didn’t this count as deceiving him? If Bo Yueming found out, wouldn’t he be very angry?

Pei Yi’s thoughts were complicated and tangled for a while, but he was still steadfast in his original goal—

Save his life and start a career. He couldn’t change anything!

Pei Yi was full of thoughts, but his eyelids gradually grew heavier, and his gaze unknowingly froze in one direction.

Bo Yueming felt the focused gaze from the side, and he felt nervous and helpless at the same time—

It must be known that in the past, he was the only one who “supervised” others.

Unexpectedly, in the middle of the night, a kitten suddenly appeared to “supervise” his every move?

The more this was the case, the more Bo Yueming didn’t dare to show his usual work efficiency, and he honestly listened to the voice from his earphones.

The night gradually deepened.

There was suddenly a faint sound of sleep talking from the bedside. Bo Yueming was taken aback, and turned around to look—

At some point, Pei Yi had hugged a small round pillow and fallen asleep with his head tilted. The promised “accompanying Er-ge” hadn’t even lasted twenty minutes.

Bo Yueming looked at his cute sleeping face, and his heart relaxed slightly. “Pei Yi?”

No answer.

Thus, Bo Yueming simply turned off the tablet and earphones.

As early as the moment Pei Yi came to his door, his working mode was completely disturbed, and he also had a deceptive sense of revealing tension. 

Bo Yueming approached and called out twice. After confirming that the other party was asleep, he easily placed the other party on his bed.

Laying on the more comfortable pillow, Pei Yi let out a comfortable hum.

Bo Yueming became more cautious, covering him with a quilt silently.

The familiar calming scent lingered. Pei Yi habitually turned sideways in his sleep and wrapped his arms and legs around him. “Hmmn.”

Bo Yueming touched the back of his neck, comforting him to sleep with his cool fingertips. “Good. Sleep, ba.”

“…….”

Pei Yi didn’t respond, sleeping soundly.

Bo Yueming stared down at the sleeping person in his arms, joy on his face—

Pei Yi had gradually gotten used to living with him, and he was also ready to go further with the other party.

No matter what the result of this bidding project was, when he returned to the Imperial Capital, he intended to find an opportunity to confess his eye condition to Pei Yi.

Acting to tease the kitten was fun, but he would be noticed sooner or later, and it might even make the other person angry.

Although the relationship between the two was based on marriage, their future relationship could not be based on deception.

At the least, he didn’t want to hide it from Pei Yi and make the other person worry about him.

. . . . . .

It was a gentle, sleepy night, and birdsong sounded outside the window at dawn.

Pei Yi was awoken by the consistent morning calls. He opened his eyes in a sleepy daze, and was instantly alarmed by the scene in front of him—

He actually slept in Bo Yueming’s arms?

Not only that, but he also entangled the other person with his limbs and refused to let go!

“…….”

Having just woken up, it took a while for Pei Yi to recall what happened last night after his brain “crashed,” and more question marks popped up in his mind.

Wasn’t he sitting down lost in thought last night? When did he fall asleep? Why was he lying in Bo Yueming’s bed?

Also, what kind of position was this now?!

Pei Yi swallowed nervously, intending to withdraw from Bo Yueming’s arms, but unexpectedly found that his waist was tightly bound.

Bo Yueming’s arm was around his waist, very firmly.

“…….”

Pei Yi was dumbfounded.

He tried to peel off the fingers that were pressed to his body, and they finally loosened a little. But before he could retreat—

In his sleep, Bo Yueming hugged him back again with furrowed brows, saying in a faint, low tone, “Don’t move.”

“Ah?”

Pei Yi raised his head at these words.

The distance between the two was unexpectedly so close. The tips of their noses rubbed against each other suddenly, their warm breaths blended together, and even their lips seemed to touch.

“……”

Pei Yi’s brain restarted and went blank. He pulled his head back to distance himself.

The bedside lamp was still on, and the clutter on the desk was the same as the night before. It was naturally impossible for Bo Yueming to do everything, considering his eye condition.

Pei Yi stared blankly at the person in front of him for a while—

The sleeping Bo Yueming became softer and less fierce. His eyelashes were very long, the bridge of his nose was straight, and his thin lips were also very good-looking, especially suitable for kissing.

Kissing?

The extremely blurry picture in his dreams flashed through his mind and almost overlapped with his vision.

Pei Yi swallowed several times, and when he realized his burgeoning thoughts, he couldn’t worry about his shock anymore!

He quickly broke free from the firm embrace, and the kitten slipped out of the room with his tail between his legs.

Swish, click.

There was a trace of panic in the sound of the door closing.

Bo Yueming, who had been “soundly asleep,” slowly opened his eyes and looked helplessly at the empty right side of the bed.

As early as the first time Pei Yi moved around in his arms and peeled away his fingers, he had already woken up.

Bo Yueming didn’t get up immediately. He just raised his hand to cover his eyes, silently suppressing some unspeakable impulse.

He had originally tried to hook the kitten with his “sleeping face,” but it was a pity that the other party was very calm, not at all bewitched, and quickly made his escape.

“……..”

Bo Yueming pressed his nose against the quilt lightly. Pei Yi’s warmth still remained on it, and he sighed with a helpless chuckle—

This early in the morning, the kitten trap didn’t succeed, and his own true colors were almost exposed!

. . . . . . .

Pei Yi collapsed on the bed after returning to his room, his whole body filled with an inexplicable heat.

He had always been aware of his sleeping tendencies.

Honest?

It was practically impossible to be honest.

Wrapping up in a quilt before going to bed and throwing the quilt off while asleep were all very normal things.

Bo Yueming’s biological clock was always more on time than his own. During those days they first came to Wencheng and stayed in a hotel, Pei Yi slept until he woke up naturally every day, and each time he woke up, the bed was empty.

The other party never mentioned the commotion at night, so he forgot to consider it until he unexpectedly woke up early today.

Thinking of those nights when he slept in the same bed with Bo Yueming, it was very likely that he treated the other person like a big pillow to hug, and even took the initiative to get into the other person’s arms every night—

Pei Yi felt the emotion called “shame.” He grabbed the quilt and wrapped himself up, acting like a turtle early in the morning.

“…….”

The other party must have regarded him as a fool, so he was extra indulgent, right? But this was too shameful! 

Pei Yi, who learned the truth about his sleeping, was overcome by an indescribable and unfamiliar embarrassment. He didn’t know how to face Bo Yueming at the moment, so he had to “pretend to sleep” in order to avoid breakfast.

However, this one-sided hiding lasted all morning.

Because Bo Yueming was so busy leading the project team, it had become normal for him to leave early and return late, or even stay there overnight.

Pei Yi could imagine the pressure of the workload, and tried to considerately not cause any trouble for the other party.

Fortunately, the nature of his work had always been “home-based,” and he didn’t stop working while the other party was busy.

It took Pei Yi a month to complete the game structure of “Tracking Pros and Cons,” including the original eight levels, plus two additional ones required by Nebula—

Ten levels, a whole series, all at once.

Not only that, but another original mini-game designed by him was successfully sold three days ago, adding another sum of money to his small treasury.

“Teacher Will, the final payment has been sent to you through the forum background. Please check on it!”

Pei Yi looked at the message sent by the copyright team leader, and responded with a smile, “Thank you, Team Leader Gu, for a pleasant cooperation.”

The original 660,000 yuan was finally increased to 760,000 yuan, and he was quite satisfied with his earnings.

Team Leader Gu liked Pei Yi’s game very much, and through this month’s online contract, he found that the two people had a certain resonance regarding game concepts.

Although this short-term cooperation was over, he really wanted to make friends with this great god.

“Teacher Will, would you like to come to Haishi for development?”

“Whether it is our Nebula or our game headquarters in Weiyi, in fact, there is a lack of creative original game architects like you.”

“If you are willing to come, whether it is a guaranteed monthly salary or game shares, it will definitely not be low.”

Seeing the olive branch that was suddenly handed over, Pei YI raised his eyebrows. “Thank you, but I don’t like being controlled by others. I prefer to be my own boss to earn money.”

What’s more, G.M.’s investment was in place, and “The Last Fog 1.0” had officially launched.

Team Leader Gu on the other side was unaware of this, and only thought that Pei Yi preferred the identity of an unfettered freelance architect. “Then in the future, if you have a chance to come to Haishi, I will treat Teacher Will to dinner.”

Pei Yi readily agreed.

The two game company hotbeds in China — The Imperial Capital and Haishi, would definitely have a place for him in the future.

Pei Yi took the initiative to end this string of messages and opened another blank document. He planned to start the writing structure of a new game without pause.

You couldn’t become fat after eating one bite, but you could take one bite after another.

The first wave of pre-heat publicity for Cloud Realm had already begun and achieved initial results. Pei Yi wanted to take advantage of this wave of popularity to open up his reputation in the field as soon as possible.

After all, only his works could determine his capability and prospects.

Ding-dong.

The message notification sound appeared once more.

Pei Yi switched back to the chat interface of Youtu and found a message from his core work group.

Li Yuan: “Will, you there? I want to discuss something with you.”

Pei Yi immediately typed his response. “I’m here.”

The preparatory work for “The Last Fog” had already started. Compared with Pei Yi’s online remote work, Li Yuan had to be busy in the early stages.

Li Yuan said again: “You know that problem with Youming Studios some time ago? If nothing unexpected happened, Ke Ming and Xiang Nansheng should have fallen apart!”

Li Yuan paid special attention to news about their studio due to their past relationship.

Pei Yi stared at this string of news, a little surprised.

After all, when he was still in the Imperial Capital, he had thought about “poaching” and asked Xiang Nansheng to come to the “Last Fog” project team, and even gave him a month to think about it.

It was a pity that the other party didn’t come at the point that the “Last Fog” project was officially launched.

He had thought that Xiang Nansheng and Ke Ming had resolved their differences and continued to run the studio together, so why did they break apart?

Pei Yi returned to his senses and simply said, “Pear Garden, be more specific.”

His daily name for Li Yuan had changed from Little Boss Li at the beginning to his current ID nickname.

Likely finding it troublesome to type, Li Yuan directly sent a fifty-nine second voice message. Pei Yi clicked on it and listened carefully, finally understanding the whole story—

A week ago, Youming Studio’s most popular mobile game, “Search for Another World,” launched a brand new map and also opened a relatively high item charging channel.

However, within twelve hours of going online, many bugs such as character card withdrawal, garbled interfaces, duplicate charges, and undelivered props frequently appeared.

The technical department’s hard work on the servers was fruitless, and the repair process was also lengthy, which caused a large number of players and consumers to be dissatisfied in a short period of time.

It must be known that “Search for Another World” was the proudest work of Youming Studios since its establishment. There were no few players who loved this game. As a result, after this failed operation—

Individual players angrily called the Consumer Association to complain, and more players gave the game low scores on various software stores.

As insiders in the game circle, both Pei Yi and Li Yuan understood how much loss this would bring to a rising studio.

“I don’t know exactly how much Youming Studios lost, and don’t have time to research their subsequent solutions, but I’m sure of one thing now!”

Li Yuan took a screenshot of Youming Studio’s official website:

The “Technical Director” line above had been replaced by someone else’s name, and the name “Xiang Nansheng” no longer appeared in other technical positions.

Pei Yi guessed Li Yuan’s real purpose in expressing all this. “You want to poach Xiang Nansheng?”

Li Yuan said straightforwardly, “Isn’t this what you wanted? Since there is an opportunity now, why not try?”

Their “Last Fog” still lacked a competent and capable technical director.

Lou Yang’s ability was indeed very strong, but “The Last Fog” was a long-term game in terms of development, and it was impossible for her to supervise the art and technical aspects all the time, bearing double the pressure.

Li Yuan said again, “I asked Sister Yang, and she supports it.”

Pei Yi replied, “Okay, can you talk to him in person?”

For a successful game project, the basic core personnel were the most important—

If this “poaching” went well, then “The Last Fog” would be composed of his plot structure and Lou Yang and Xiang Nansheng working together in art design and R&D. As for Li Yuan, he was a good hand at external operations.

Li Yuan was quite confident. “En, we have G.M.’s investment in “The Last Fog,” and the double strength guarantee of you and Sister Yang. I think I should be able to convince him.”

Pei Yi raised his eyebrows with a smile. “Then, troubling our Little Boss Li.”

As soon as this line of words was sent, Lou Yang, who had not participated in the chat, also bubbled up: “You two bosses, review the logo of our studio. Is it satisfactory?”

The name of the studio was eventually chosen by Lou Yang.

Because she had been working abroad for a long time, she preferred simple letters names.  So Li Yuan and Pei Yi each chose an English letter—

Pei Yi chose “y,” from the initial letter of “Yi,” and Li Yuan also chose “y,” from the initial letter of “Yuan.”

Apparently, they were a pair of naming wastes.

Lou Yang had no choice but to make her own choice, and chose the initial letter “w” of “Will.”

Combining these three letters together looked like an emoticon with a crooked mouth next to two scissors.

As a designer, Lou Yang had a rich imagination. She regarded YWY as the expression of a cat, and added cat ears on top of the three letters, as well as an arc for the outline of a cat’s face.

The texture was that of black metal.

A studio logo resembling a black cat with a big face appeared on the screen.

Pei Yi looked at it for a few seconds, considering his words. “Sister Yang, isn’t this a little too cute?”

Li Yuan briefly said, “Seconded!”

“Game studios have always been associated with two-dimensional logos, and the cuteness of animals is easy to remember.” Lou Yang briefly explained her design concept. “Besides, how cute are cats, ah?”

“Don’t you want our studio to conquer the entire game circle like a kitty cat conquers people’s hearts?”

“…….”

“…….”

It made sense, and could not be refuted.

Lou Yang had the stubbornness of a designer, but also the self-consciousness of a subordinate. “How about you two partners, do you have some advice to offer? Or should we choose a more reliable studio name?”

Pei Yi and Li Yuan both fell silent.

In less than two seconds, the nominee was chosen, and the two voted in favor.

“Sister Yang has the final say.”

“Seconded!”

---

Consider donating via Kofi here!

Chapter Forty-Two <<Table of Contents >> Chapter Forty-Four

Bo Yueming and his party returned to the underground parking lot, but the driver, Lao Zhang, was not in the car.

Lin Zhong and Uncle Kai were each carrying a bunch of wine, and the weight was really a bit much. The former quickly put his burden on the ground and said, “Mr. Bo, Lao Zhang isn’t here, I’ll call him and ask.”

Lao Fu, the original driver from the Imperial Capital, did not come to Wencheng with them. The current driver, Lao Zhang, was recruited by Song Yuanyuan for Bo Yueming.

He was under the age of fifty, had excellent driving skills, and was honest.

Bo Yueming had originally planned to take him to today’s Lingshui Pavilion dinner, but the other party refused.

He said that he was just an ordinary person and was really not interested in such a high-end place. Looking at the expensive dishes, he feared he wouldn’t be able to sit still, so it was better to eat at some homestyle restaurant on the side of the road.

Bo Yueming didn’t force it. He only said that he would reimburse the dinner expenses, and let him make his own decision.

Lin Zhong’s phone call went through quickly. “Lao Zhang, where are you? Boss Bo and Little Sir are already waiting by the car.”

“What? You’re buying medicine?”

“Okay, come back as soon as possible.”

Lin Zhong communicated with him briefly, and after hanging up the phone, he explained to Bo Yueming, “Mr. Bo, Lao Zhang said he went to buy some medicine, and he is already on his way back.”

Bo Yueming was not in a hurry. “It’s fine.”

Pei Yi had eaten enough to fill his stomach, and was pacing back and forth with his head bowed.

Taking advantage of the height difference, Bo Yueming gazed at the hair on the back of his head and smiled unknowingly. 

Uncle Kai and Lin Zhong might not be able to see it, but Bo Yueming knew—

The wine that Pei Yi “purchased” tonight was either not in his wine cabinet, or there was only one bottle left, and each bottle was highly valued in the wine circle.

He had spent hundreds of thousands, as a conservative estimate.

If he had lived in the Pei residence since childhood and was maliciously belittled by the Pei couple, how could the kitten have learned so much?

Because of this, he was even more curious about Pei Yi’s real experience hidden under the mask of “foolishness.”

In less than three minutes, anxious footsteps came from far to near, and the driver Lao Zhang ran over panting. The plastic medicine bag in his hand rustled.

“Boss, Boss Bo, I’m really sorry.” 

Lao Zhang looked a little cautious. “I thought you guys would call before you came down, so I just ran out for five or six minutes. I will definitely pay attention to the time in the future.”

Uncle Kai knew Bo Yueming’s character best. As long as it was an important matter, he was always tolerant of his subordinates.

He handed over the packaged dessert in his hand. “Lao Zhang, don’t be nervous, a delay of a few minutes is fine. I recall that your little daughter loves desserts? Second Young Master specially asked the restaurant to pack one for her.”

Lao Zhang was stunned for a moment and then took it, flattered. “Thank you, Mr. Bo. I made you spend money.”

Lin Zhong lifted the wine bottle. “Lao Zhang, open the trunk first.”

Lao Zhang quickly did so.

Pei Yi stared at the medicine bag tightly clutched in his hand, thinking to himself—

Where is Lao Zhang feeling uncomfortable?

If there was anything wrong with his body, they must have a different driver. After all, Bo Yueming had been in a car accident before, so they couldn’t be careless when it came to travel.

Pei Yi considered these things on behalf of Bo Yueming, and pretended to be curious, pointing out, “Medicine? Uncomfortable?”

“Little Sir, I am in good health and I’m not feeling sick.” Lao Zhang opened the bag while explaining, “I bought some anti-bruise and antiseptic cream for someone else.”

After Lin Zhong put the wine away, he asked casually, “Someone else?”

Lao Zhang didn’t hide it, either. “I was just about to say, Boss, I saw Chairman Chen of the Shuntian group just now!”

These days, he drove Bo Yueming back and forth, and although he didn’t quite understand the business affairs of the other party’s conversations, he happened to read the information that Lin Zhong had investigated.

There were photos of Chen Shun and others.

As a native of Wencheng, Lao Zhang was familiar with this well-known big boss.

“……..”

Bo Yueming’s eyes narrowed. “You saw him?”

Lao Zhang answered truthfully, “Yes, ah, wasn’t he wearing blue or black clothes? It was a bit of a distance away, and this underground parking lot is a little dark.”

Lin Zhong felt this was very odd. “Mr. Bo, didn’t Chen Shun leave before we ate?”

Pei Yi nodded imperceptibly, also feeling that the timeline was a bit wrong.

Bo Yueming said bluntly, “Tell me in detail.”

Lao Zhang did not conceal anything from them. “I returned after eating outside. Since it was still early, I planned to walk around the parking lot to refresh myself, and then inadvertently heard the sound of fighting.”

Rather than saying it was a fight, it was better to say that it was someone’s muffled sounds of pain.

Out of curiosity that only middle-aged men had, Lao Zhang followed the source of the sounds and walked over, and then he saw—

In the corner of the parking lot, two security guards were holding batons as they unilaterally beat a thin young man. And Chen Shun stood nearby, watching indifferently with a thick cigar dangling from his mouth.

Lao Zhang was hesitating over whether to rush forward to help, but Chen Shun said, “Don’t beat him to death, it’s unlucky and troublesome.” This signaled the two guards to stop.

The thin, beaten young man lay on the ground and was unable to get up. Chen Shun tossed the cigar that was about to burn out into his face with a clear warning—

“If you don’t want to end up like your brother, then get the hell out of Wencheng.”

“Otherwise, if I see you again, just forget it.”

After speaking, he just walked away.

“After they left, I hurried to check on the situation. That young man looked the same age as Little Sir, ba. His body was oozing blood, swollen and bruised, so pitiful.”

“He can’t stand on two legs, and he dragged his immobile left leg to huddle in a corner, not making a sound. I think the bone is probably broken!”

Lao Zhang thought about everything he had witnessed and couldn’t help but sigh.

As a father himself, he couldn’t bear to see young children suffer like this.

“I questioned the child for a while, but I couldn’t figure out the cause of the incident. I thought to call the police and an ambulance, but he insisted on refusing and said that the police would not care about it, and he had no money to see a doctor.”

Lao Zhang lifted the bag of medicine in his hand. “I couldn’t bear it, so I wanted to rush and buy him some medicine before you returned.”

After all, he was just a passer-by who bumped into him by accident, and didn’t have the power to help much.

After hearing Lao Zhang’s statement, Pei Yi became more suspicious—

Why did Chen Shun have the security guards beat a young man? And his verbal threat mentioned the other party’s brother?

Everything happened for a reason.

There must be something strange going on here!

Bo Yueming also felt that this was not a simple matter. “Lao Zhang, don’t you intend to deliver the medicine to him? Take us there to have a look.”

He shouldn’t miss any clues that were sent to him about Shuntian Group, one of their strongest opponents in the bidding.

Lao Zhang tightly gripped the medicine bag in his hand. “Ai! Mr. Bo, I’ll take you there right away!”

. . . . . . .

In the northernmost corner of the underground parking lot.

Pei Yi saw the figure curled up in the corner at a glance. The blue T-shirt was washed white, and the cropped shorts he wore also looked very old.

The incandescent lights in the underground parking lot were always covered in a layer of dust, but even under such lighting conditions, bruises of different sizes could still be seen on the exposed skin of the other party’s hands and feet. Some abrasions were still wet with blood.

Likely hearing their footsteps, the young man with his head buried in his knees slowly raised his head. His hair was rather long, and must have remained uncut for a long while.

Through the gap in the other’s hair, Pei Yi vaguely met his eyes—

His eyes were very red, as if he had been crying, and there was unwilling hatred and anger in them, along with vigilance and defensiveness against their group.

“Who are you?”

In a word, he was ready to bite.

Driver Lao Fu approached and handed over the medicine bag, quickly explaining, “It’s me, ah, Little Brother. I bought medicine for you!”

“Oh! This is my boss, Mr. Bo Yueming. He heard me talk about your injuries and wanted to see if you need help.”

“…….”

The other party’s vigilant eyes swept over Bo Yueming and Pei Yi, and he slowly took Lao Zhang’s bag. “Thank you.”

Uncle Kai saw that the other party’s injuries were a little severe, so he asked with a frown, “This gentleman, where do you live? We can send you back along the way. Or have your injuries seen to.”

“No need!”

The other party decisively refused.

He supported himself against the wall on his right side and tried to stand, his figure wobbly and very unstable.

Pei Yi’s eyes dropped down—

The other party’s left calf was so red and swollen at the bottom that it had turned purple, and the sole of his foot was puffy. It was clear that he could no longer step on it.

Trying his best to hide the pain, he thanked driver Lao Zhang again for delivering the medicine, then dragged his immobile left leg and moved away little by little.

It seemed that he could fall down at any time.

Pei Yi looked at the young man who was about his same age and height, and thought for some reason about the original owner’s suffering at the Pei house. He couldn’t bear it.

“Wait a minute!”

“Why did Chen Shun have someone beat you?”

The voices of Pei Yi and Bo Yueming rang out almost simultaneously.

The young man in the blue T-shirt paused, and then turned his gaze toward the two of them again. “How do you know that person was Chen Shun?”

Bo Yueming felt the tug at the corner of his clothes and accurately grasped Pei Yi’s hand.

Pei Yi was taken aback, and before he could react, Bo Yueming analyzed without a change in expression, “What grievances did Chen Shun have with your brother before that could cause you to disregard your own safety?” 

He heard Bo Yueming’s further inquiries, which even mentioned his brother.

The young man in the blue T-shirt suddenly became emotional. “Who the hell are you? Why are you asking questions!”

“…….”

The more agitated his emotions were, the fishier this became.

Normally, Bo Yueming wouldn’t “meddle in someone else’s business.” After all, there were so many people suffering in the world, and not everyone’s lives could be meddled with by him.

But the current situation was different—

They were competing against Shuntian for a major project. Apart from their regular abilities on the surface, they also tried to understand each other’s “unusual” situations in private.

Not for malicious competition, but in order to be prepared.

There was a possibility that a seemingly insignificant thing or person could be strong evidence to bring down the opponent.

Even if the other party had nothing, the kitten had seen him now, so it was fine to help.

“I heard that you are seriously injured? I can have my subordinate take you to the hospital first, don’t worry about the cost.” Bo Yueming paused tactically for two seconds, and said bluntly, “But I want to hear what happened between you, your brother, and Chen Shun.” 

The young man in the blue T-shirt frowned. “Why should I tell you?”

“Since finding the police won’t work, then that means you have tried it before. If you want to get justice from a real estate tycoon like Chen Shun, do you think you can do it yourself?”

If it could be done, he wouldn’t have ended up like this.

“Of course, you could choose to refuse and remain silent.” Bo Yueming pointed out, “But when you are not capable enough, it is best not to push away a helping hand.”

“……”

The young man’s expression changed slightly.

Looking at his terribly painful left leg, he remembered the irreconcilable grievances between his family and Chen Shun, and finally made his choice. “My, my name is Qiao Dong.”

No matter who the other party was, he really couldn’t refuse this help.

Bo Yueming simply said, “Lin Zhong, make the arrangements.”

“Yes, Boss.”

Lin Zhong responded quickly and walked to Qiao Dong’s side. “Don’t move around. I’ll call the ambulance at once.”

Bo Yueming trusted his assistant, so he didn’t waste time. “Uncle Kai, Lao Zhang, let’s go.”

After speaking, he turned around first.

“…….”

His arm was pulled suddenly.

Pei Yi lowered his head and at once remembered that they were still holding hands, so he hurriedly followed. “ Er-ge.”

Bo Yueming asked knowingly, “En?”

“Hand.”

Pei Yi tugged back slightly.

Bo Yueming didn’t let go, but pulled even harder. “Yes, we’re holding them.”

Pei Yi looked up at him and hummed, “Why?”

Bo Yueming’s expression didn’t change. “Because I’m afraid a ‘little fool’ like you will get lost.”

“…….”

Pei Yi was blocked and could say no more, but he felt it was very strange—

A blind man, afraid of a fool getting lost?

En, it was hard to say which was more unreliable for a moment.

Uncle Kai at the side suppressed his smile and tried his best to assist and cover for his young master. “Second Young Master, go a little to the left.”

Bo Yueming stopped walking and pretended to be uncertain, slowly changing his course to follow Uncle Kai’s guidance.

Early the next morning, Pei Yi learned of Qiao Dong’s physical condition at the breakfast table—

The scrapes and bruises on his body were minor, and would heal on their own with some medicine.

The serious thing was his fractured calf. When he was first sent to the hospital, he had an X-Ray taken and was treated with a cast, but it was conservatively estimated that it would take two to three months for him to walk on the ground.

“Mr. Bo, after he was settled in the hospital last night, I asked him a few indirect questions, and that kid’s mouth is quite tight. He refused to say anything.”

Lin Zhong took a bite of salted tofu pudding and swallowed contentedly. “However, I can be sure of one thing.”

Bo Yueming asked, “What is it?”

“His brother is probably dead. Combined with what Lao Zhang heard last night, I suspect that his brother’s probable death is associated with Chen Shun and the Shuntian Group.”

Bo Yueming had expected this possibility the night before, so he calmly nodded. “You focus on checking the news related to Shuntian Group in the past year, especially the suppressed gossip that may have the potential to take a life.”

“Also, you should go to the hospital and talk with him more. Try to gain his trust, this person may be useful in the future.”

Listening to Bo Yueming’s instructions, Pei Yi silently took a bite of boiled egg.

He could understand the other party’s intention to “help” Qiao Dong in this way.

Real commercial struggles and things involving interests were often complicated.

It was a normal method to grasp all the flaws and weaknesses of the opponent, then launch an attack at the most suitable time.

If Shuntian Group and Chen Shun really suppressed news of a death, then the relevant departments would also be careful in their selection in terms of this international project.

In any case, everything was still unknown at the moment, but Bo Yueming’s help to Qiao Dong was real.

Pei Yi understood clearly, and Lin Zhong, who had been at Bo Yueming’s side for a long time, was equally convinced. “Okay, Mr. Bo. What about the bidding work?”

Bo Yueming could handle the work alone, and almost forgot about his “vision.” He added calmly, “Song Yuanyuan is also very helpful.”

However, his eyes hidden beneath the lenses contained a rare guilty conscience, and he quickly took a peek at Pei Yi.

Pei Yi swallowed the other half of the egg. He was immersed in thought just now, and didn’t have time to catch Bo Yueming’s flaw.

Bo Yueming was relieved, and after a moment of silence, he said, “Uncle Kai, a house has been found. You pack up the luggage these two days, and we will move there the day after tomorrow. If there is anything missing in the new house, you can make up your own mind about what to get.”

When Uncle Kai heard this, he glanced at Pei Yi. “Okay, Second Young Master.”

He thought, didn’t his young master want to stay in the hotel these two or three months in order to sleep in the same room as Little Sir? Anyway, it was not bad in terms of money.

Why did Bo Yueming not want to?

It was because he knew that Pei Yi’s “foolishness” was all a disguise.

Using the excuse of “being unable to find a house” for eight or nine days was long enough. If this continued, he feared that the kitten would become suspicious sooner or later.

What’s more, although this suite was very spacious, it was depressing to live in for a long time. At any rate, there was a garden-style villa over there, so Pei Yi should live in a more comfortable house.

Pei Yi heard the words “found a house” and breathed a secret sigh of relief while drinking milk.

The wait was finally over.

Although this week, he and Bo Yueming slept in the same bed peacefully each night, they had no practical relationship, after all, and it was inconvenient to sleep together for a long period of time.

The most terrible thing was that he had to “obediently” go to bed early every night at ten o’clock, which was really too difficult for him, a night owl!

. . . . . .

In the evening two days later, Pei Yi finally got his wish and moved into the new house.

The garden-style duplex bungalow had a very attentive and exquisite layout, including the decorations outside and inside, and monitoring and security measures were also in place around the entire villa.

The two bedrooms on the first floor were assigned to Uncle Kai and Lin Zhong respectively.

There was a study between the master bedroom and second bedroom on the second floor. As for who lived in each, the answer was quite clear.

Compared to the one in the Imperial City villa, this bedroom was more private, and there was a computer on the desk.

Although it could not be used for coding programs, it was more than enough for game text structure.

The three-day bidding auction for “Tracking Pros and Cons” had ended. The Youtu forum sent a system message right away—

[Congratulations to user Will. The copyright buyout action you set up has been successfully completed. The final bidding price is 660,000 yuan, and the bidder is “Nebula Fun Tour.” Both parties are requested to further confirm the transaction within 72 hours.]

[If any party reneges maliciously, 3% of the auction price must be paid to the other party.]

Looking at this string of words, Pei Yi couldn’t help but admire the Youtu website’s protection measures for the users’ rights and interests.

660,000.

Combined with the game IP itself and the architect’s reputation, this was within the reasonable price range.

Sure enough, it was the most professional game forum in China. It was filled with knowledgeable people, and there was no random price quotation.

“Nebula Fun Tour?”

Pei Yi felt that the name of this studio was familiar, so he clicked on a webpage to search, and soon found something.

Nebula Fun Tour was one of the studios under the top game company in China — “Weiyi.” It was located in Haishi, which had the fastest growing game market nationwide.

Although Nebula had only been established for three years, as the saying went, it was good to lean against a big tree to enjoy the shade. 

Not all of their games were popular, but the overall development was not bad, and there weren’t many negative comments about the studio.

In general, it was prosperous and reliable.

Ding-dong!

There was movement on the project chat page, which turned out to be a message from Nebula Fun Tour.

“Mr. Will, hello. I am the person in charge of Nebula’s copyright team, surnamed Gu. Do you have any objections to the current buyout offer?”

“Hello, Team Leader Gu.” Pei Yi typed back with a straightforward attitude, “I am very satisfied with the quote from your studio.”

Team Leader Gu on the other side chatted further, “If there is no problem with the price, then let’s talk about the contract details?”

Pei Yi pursed his lips. “Okay.”

The two sides chatted about the cooperation agreement for a long time, and when the general discussion was completed, it was almost ten o’clock in the evening.

There was no rush to formally sign the deal. Pei Yi and Team Leader Gu made an appointment for the next two days to continue to move closer.

Thinking of the large sum of money that would hit his account soon, the corners of Pei Yi’s lips twitched upwards.

He didn’t force himself to perfect the other levels of “Tracking Pros and Cons,” but picked up a towel and pajamas and went into the bathroom. 

Balancing work and rest was very important.

After a while, Pei Yi lay on his new bed in a new house.

Although the bed and environment were unfamiliar, at least the quilt with a familiar scent was still there. He thought he wouldn’t suffer from insomnia tonight.

In the dark bedroom, Pei Yi twisted and turned, unable to fall asleep. Not only that, but he also got hot and felt like something was missing.

Pei Yi slightly lifted the tightly-wrapped quilt and stretched out his hand, opening it.

The right side of the bed was empty, and seemed too spacious no matter how he touched it.

For some reason, there was a trace of discordant loss in his heart. Pei Yi simply turned on the light and sat up.

His phone indicated that it was past one o’clock.

“…….”

Pei Yi looked at the locked door, and an impulse flashed through his mind. He pursed his lips, persuading himself—

It must be because I’m thirsty and can’t sleep!

It wouldn’t be too much to go out and pour a glass of water, right?

Having made up his mind, Pei Yi lightly unlocked the door and went out.

The ceiling light fixture in the hallway emitted a faint yellow light, enough for people to see the path clearly in the dark.

It was agreed that he would go downstairs to pour water, but his steps didn’t take him to the stairs at all. Instead, he unknowingly walked through the study in the middle and to the inner master bedroom.

It wasn’t until he stopped at Bo Yueming’s bedroom that Pei Yi became aware of his inexplicable behavior. He took a breath and lowered his head, only to find a faint light coming from the crack at the bottom of the door.

Pei Yi’s eyes lit up with joy that even he didn’t notice.

Huh?

Bo Yueming still wasn’t asleep at this time?

---

Consider donating via Kofi here!

Chapter Forty-One <<Table of Contents >> Chapter Forty-Three

T/N: Thank you to VC3 and FynnGi for the Kofi! I appreciate your support! Here’s the regular chapter and your two bonus chapters!

Early the next morning.

The hungover Pei Yi endured his headache and sat obediently at the dining table, so guilty that he dared not even look Bo Yueming in the face.

Although he was still drunk to pieces after waking up, he understood what had happened from Bo Yueming’s brief description—

Last night, he was so drunk that he fell asleep in the bathtub, and if not for the fact that Bo Yueming had returned home and sensed that something was wrong, he would probably have had an accident.

And early in the morning, Uncle Kai found the wine bottle in the bedside cabinet.

En, the thief was caught with the stolen goods, and awaited sentencing.

Pei Yi grasped the spoon and stirred the millet porridge in the bowl over and over, complaining endlessly in his heart.

The lychee milk wine was not stimulating at all, but its stamina was so great!

Was this reasonable? It was not reasonable!

Bo Yueming glanced at the millet porridge in the bowl that was about to be smashed by Pei Yi, and said helplessly, “Pei Yi, are you finished?”

“…….”

How could Pei Yi have the appetite to eat? He cautiously probed, “Er-ge.”

Did he go crazy after drinking last night, ah? Did he talk nonsense, ah? Had he revealed anything, ah?

Uncle Kai brought the hangover soup and some medicine from the hotel to Pei Yi.

He took a glance at Bo Yueming, and knowingly helped shield him, “Little Sir, drink, ba. You can’t do such nonsense in the future.”

“Fortunately, Second Young Master came back in time last night. You are quiet when you’re drunk, and Second Young Master’s eyesight is inconvenient, so he really can’t take care of you.”

“…….”

Bo Yueming made a soft sound of agreement.

“……..”

If he went crazy when drunk last night and said the wrong thing or pitted himself, would the other party still be this calm? Impossible.

Pei Yi repeatedly confirmed Bo Yueming’s reaction, and relaxed slightly. He picked up the hangover soup on the table and gulped it down in one go with a hint of obedience.

There was a little bit left on his moist-looking lips.

Bo Yueming suddenly thought of the impulsive kiss last night, and his Adam’s apple rolled slightly. He restrained himself and lowered his eyes, not mentioning the true story of the night before.

“Pei Yi, without my permission and confirmation in the future, you cannot drink casually.”

It was okay to have a drink, but after several observations, the kitten’s drinking capacity was ridiculously poor.

If he was not right under his nose at home, but went somewhere else, what if he met someone as disreputable as Sun Yelong again?

Pei Yi knew he was in the wrong, and was appropriately pitiful and well-behaved.

After what happened last night, who would dare to drink indiscriminately, ah? He completely understood—

Now that his body couldn’t hold alcohol, he had truly lost his title of “King of Drinking Capacity!”

Even if he wanted to exercise his drinking ability, he would have to wait until he left Bo Yueming. After transmigrating, he had “played the fool” until now, and he couldn’t let it be in vain!

Pei Yi gave a small sigh, and when he lowered his head, he caught a glimpse of the bathrobe on his body from the corner of his eye. His chaotic brain suddenly remembered an important thing—

He, he came out of the bathtub last night, right?!

Bo Yueming couldn’t see, so how did he change the bathrobe for him? Like he usually did……by, by feeling around?

He didn’t touch anywhere he shouldn’t have, right? No matter how he thought about it, it made him feel a bit sour.

There was heat on Pei Yi’s cheeks, and the roots of his ears were as red as if they were about to bleed.

Uncle Kai was the first to notice Pei Yi’s abnormality. “Little Sir, what is the matter? Is it hot?”

“……..”

Pei Yi didn’t speak, burying his red face even lower.

Bo Yueming took a second look while he wasn’t paying attention, and as if he had guessed something, the corners of his mouth curled up as he drank his coffee.

Lin Zhong returned. “Mr. Bo, the driver is waiting downstairs.”

“En.”

Bo Yueming set down the coffee cup in his hand and stood up calmly. “Uncle Kai, prepare something light for Pei Yi at noon. I made an appointment with the leaders of the relevant departments to understand the situation tonight, so I won’t come back for dinner.”

Uncle Kai responded, “All right. Second Young Master, please be careful.”

Pei Yi raised his eyes to look at Bo Yueming with a touch of unnaturalness. “Er-ge, bye-bye.”

“En.”

Bo Yueming paused, then added some exclusive advice, “Be good.”

“…….”

Pei Yi didn’t answer. After confirming that Bo Yueming and Lin Zhong had left, he took two perfunctory mouthfuls of millet porridge and returned to the room.

His headache wasn’t completely gone.

The residual alcohol continued to ferment its powerful effects, and the quilt-wrapped Pei Yi fell asleep not long after. The scene of being drunk the night before appeared clearly in his dreams—

Bo Yueming set him on the sink, and kissed him when he was unprepared.

It was a pity that the clearer the dream, the harder it was to remember after waking up.

. . . . . . .

For the next week, Bo Yueming left early and returned late every day.

And Pei Yi also didn’t let his work slide. After comparing the popularity of the two games, he confirmed that suspense and supernatural games were still more popular among the public.

Therefore, Pei Yi wrote another game based on his framework, called “Tracking Pros and Cons”—

The game environment was set at the scenes of various suspenseful cases.

Players could choose to look for clues at the crime scenes from the different perspectives of either the “policeman” or the “murderer.”

The former needed to collect all the traces of evidence and piece together the truth to solve the case, while the latter needed to eliminate every last trace and escape.

You could choose the standalone time-limited mode, and the player would win if they found the truth or destroyed it within the specified time, or you could choose the two-player battle mode. This matched one policeman and one murderer to search for traces at any time. The former searched and the latter destroyed, and when all the traces were found, the game would decide the winner.

Pei Yi would compile a total of eight cases, with the difficulty of each one gradually increasing.

Of course, the party who purchased the copyright could pay him for more, or find another game writer to plan more case levels.

It took Pei Yi a week to efficiently complete the creation of the core plots of two levels.

Before peak traffic in the evening, he uploaded the game concept and general plot of the first copy of “Tracking Pros and Cons” to the Youtu website, and opened the original copyright certification.

This time, he did not open private chat bidding, but started a three-day original IP auction.

This method was very simple – the highest bidder would win.

In addition, he also spent a lot of money to buy the top position on the auction page to promote it.

A corresponding price must be paid for benefits, and without spending money, how could you get more traffic? Last time he had no money, but this time he had to get the right exposure!

As soon as Pei Yi finished all of this, a message came in the private chat interface.

Li Yuan had immediately messaged, “I see that you’ve launched a new game. Why did you choose to auction it?”

Pei Yi raised his eyebrows. “Little Boss Li, aren’t you paying me too much attention? Do you have a crush on me?”

“……..”

Li Yuan sent a series of ellipses, then responded jokingly, “Fuck off, I’ve been a face-con since university, but I’m not interested in shameless people like you.”

Pei Yi had long been accustomed to Li Yuan’s way of speaking, and responded with a chuckle, “En, right now I don’t have the energy to deal with buyers in private chats one by one. It’s better to clarify all the requirements at once, and sell to whoever bids the highest.”

After looking at the game settings, Li Yuan returned and said, “I see that your game can be made with a wave of medium-sized IPs? Why not set up guaranteed shares? You might continue to earn more.”

For Chinese original game IPs, they were generally divided into two modes—

The buyout method, or guaranteed shares.

Pei Yi said bluntly, “Too much trouble. I’m currently trying to make quick money.”

With a one-time buyout, the money was more straightforward.

What if Party A was an unreliable person and didn’t pay the dividends later?

Li Yuan in front of his screen heard this reason and said, “Wait, I’ll join in on the fun with you first.”

Pei Yi raised his eyebrows.

In less than half a minute, he received a system message—

[User Pear Garden (Pear Logo) has participated in the auction of your work, and the quote is 200,000.]

Seeing this quote, Pei Yi couldn’t help but laugh. “Little Boss Li, are you rich, ah?”

“Let’s play, your game IP is worth more than this price, there will be a Party A vying for it.”

“After the auction is over in three days, the system will have to return the money to me. If I didn’t only have the copyright fee to buy the mini-game, I would definitely spend more.”

Pei Yi teased, “You’re not afraid of screwing up? What if the game really falls into your hands in the end?”

Li Yuan replied confidently, “No way, I saw a Party A follow suit as soon as I refreshed.”

In the next second, Pei Yi received two more system messages—

[User Chengfeng Studios has participated in the auction of your work, and the quote is 250,000.]

[User LN has participated in the auction of your work, and the quote is 280,000.]

In just two rounds of bidding, the amount had increased by 80,000.

Pei Yi’s lips curved up. He was already very satisfied with the current bidding process. He was not creating a first-line game at the moment, but the reasonable price for this game was around 500,000 or 600,000.

After all, in addition to the quality of the original game IP, the reputation of the architect was equally important. Although Pei Yi was confident in the work itself, he also knew that his game path in this world had not fully opened up yet.

There was a knock on the door.

Uncle Kai’s voice came from outside the study. “Little Sir.”

“En?”

Pei Yi and Li Yuan exchanged words and then he quickly went offline. He switched the webpage to a video site again, and then rushed over to open the door.

Uncle Kai stood outside the study and glanced at the computer screen with a smile. “Little Sir, Second Young Master just called and said that he is free tonight and wants to take you out for dinner.”

Out?

Pei Yi had been immersed in game creation for the past few days, and had thought about getting some fresh air.

Uncle Kai could see the interest on his face. “Then, does Little Sir want to change clothes? Shall we go down together in half an hour?”

Pei Yi put on a show of obedience, and nodded in response.

. . . . . .

Night fell.

Pei Yi followed by Bo Yueming’s side, watching as the elevator went all the way up. The World Trade Center was the most representative landmark in Wencheng, with a total of 73 floors, and Linshui Pavilion on the 63rd floor was the highest-standard dining place in the local area.

The location, restaurant, environment, and service were all top-notch.

Pei Yi covertly glanced at the person beside him and thought to himself—

He had known they would eat well, but didn’t expect it to be this well. Wouldn’t this meal be expensive tonight?

Bo Yueming noticed Pei Yi’s scrutiny, and pretended to look straight ahead, disclosing, “I heard that this restaurant is famous for their desserts, so order more if you like them.”

When Pei Yi heard about the desserts, which were his favorite, his interest level rose like the number of floors.

He could no longer drink, so he could only rely on desserts to reward his hard work.

— Ding-dong.

The elevator safely stopped at the 63rd floor and opened in response.

After confirming their identities, the manager of the restaurant who had been waiting by the door showed a standard welcoming smile. “Good evening, Mr. Bo, welcome to our Linshui Pavilion. The A3 window seat has been reserved for you. Please follow me.”

The behind-the-scenes boss of the restaurant had rented out the entire floor as a restaurant, with large panoramic floor-to-ceiling windows that occupied one side of the view no matter where you sat. 

Although there was no special private box format, the overall atmosphere of the restaurant was quiet and comfortable because only eight tables of guests were received at a time, and they were quite a distance apart.

In the center of the restaurant was a delicate, slowly-rotating stage, where members of a specially hired orchestra were playing live.

Pei Yi looked around and had to sigh: in the realm of the rich, people really played in style.

At the restaurant manager’s direction, the group was seated smoothly.

Pei Yi and Bo Yueming sat opposite each other by the window, and Uncle Kai and Lin Zhong chose to sit on the outside without dissatisfaction.

If it weren’t for Second Young Master and Little Sir bringing them along, where would they have the spare money to enter such a high-end establishment?

The restaurant manager handed over electronic menus, one for each person. “Good evening, everyone. You can take a look at our limited menu for today. All ingredients are airlifted from across the globe on the same day.”

Pei Yi pretended not to understand as he scrolled through the menu. All the dishes in sight were up to three digits, and some of them directly exceeded four.

Well, what could he say?

It was obviously a money grab, but this restaurant at least let you fill your stomach.

“……..”

Bo Yueming “couldn’t see,” and Pei Yi “couldn’t understand.” Uncle Kai and Lin Zhong looked at each other in blank dismay and didn’t order their own food. The four of them made no moves for the time being.

The manager noticed Bo Yueming’s inconvenience at the core of the group, and prompted gently, “Mr. Bo, if necessary, I can introduce each dish to you in detail.”

As soon as the words fell, a thick, heavy voice suddenly sounded, “Excuse me, Mr. Bo from Bo Dichuang?”

Bo Dichuang was the name of the Bo Group branch in Wencheng.

When Pei Yi heard this strange voice, he automatically looked over—

A middle-aged man in a dark blue shirt was approaching. His appearance was average, but he was imposing, calm, and experienced. The watch on his wrist was worth millions, and there was a lit cigar in one gold ring-adorned hand.

At this moment, there was a trace of uncertain scrutiny in the visitor’s smiling eyes.

The restaurant manager was the first to react, and nodded. “Chairman Chen.”

Lin Zhong also recognized this person, and hurriedly whispered to Bo Yueming next to him, “Mr. Bo, it’s Chairman Chen Shun of Shuntian Group.”

Shuntian Group was the strongest competitor for this “Wencheng Sports Center” project.

Bo Yueming naturally recognized Chen Shun at first sight. He got up slowly, deliberately shifting the direction of his hand. “Chairman Chen, I’ve heard about you for a long time. Please forgive me for not being able to greet you right away, as my eyes are inconvenient.”

No matter in the Imperial Capital or in Wencheng, he couldn’t show weakness in front of others.

“I heard a while ago that the Bo family had sent a new person from their headquarters in the Imperial Capital.” Chen Shun looked at Bo Yueming’s outstretched hand, smiling as he shook hands with him. “Mr. Bo is able to take over the bidding of this level of project at such a young age. It’s really admirable.”

“Chairman Chen overpraises me.”

Their hands loosened as soon as they were clasped.

“I had originally wanted to find an opportunity to meet Mr. Bo, but I didn’t expect there to be such a coincidence today. I just saw Mr. Bo and his party come in.” Chen Shun took a drag of his cigar and let out a light puff. “Thanks to my great eyes, I didn’t recognize the wrong person.”

When Pei Yi heard that last sentence, his fingers on the menu tablet tightened for a moment.

For some reason, he felt that Chen Shun was no good, and there was a subtle ill feeling between the lines.

“Apologies.” 

Chen Shun seemed to have just noticed the guide glasses that Bo Yueming was wearing, and there was an uncertain apology on his face. “Mr. Bo’s eyes are……”

“There was a car accident three or four months ago, and I was blinded,” Bo Yueming spoke frankly, guessing the other person’s intention. “I brought the family to dinner tonight. Since we’ve met, why doesn’t Chairman Chen sit down and eat with us together?”

Lin Zhong heard this and tactfully gave up his seat.

“I came earlier than Mr. Bo, and I’ve already eaten,” Chen Shun declined.

However, he smiled and glanced at Lin Zhong who had given up his seat, and sat down calmly. “Since we met by fate, does Mr. Bo mind if we have a brief chat?”

Bo Yueming sat down, and there was an implication in his words, “If Chairman Chen doesn’t mind talking in front of my family and assistants, I certainly don’t mind.”

Chen Shun looked at Pei Yi and Uncle Kai on the opposite side, and the contempt in his eyes was completely blocked by the smoke of the cigar.

This big Wencheng Sports Center project was the top priority of Shuntian Group this year, and he paid special attention to all the competitors and people in charge.

Some time ago, he managed to get rid of that leader, Feng Zheng, with difficulty. Unexpectedly, the Bo family didn’t give up, but sent another person over.

However, as early as the first day Bo Yueming took over the project, Chen Shun sent someone to thoroughly investigate him—

He was young and capable, but it was a pity he had a bad family background and had gone blind some time ago.

It was said that his grandmother who was his only backer had fallen, so the Bo elders used him as a marriage tool, and even his marriage partner was a well-known fool in the Imperial Capital circle.

As for being sent to take over this project, to put it nicely, he was “valued,” and to put it bluntly, he was “exiled.” He had no future to speak of, and was just a joke among outsiders.

Chen Shun was very confident that his group could win the project, but wouldn’t it be more worry-free if he could lose an opponent before the bidding?

Even if there was no way to repel him with one move, he had to at least know the real situation and frustrate his opponent.

Chen Shun did not easily reveal his shrewdness and meanness, prompting him gently, “Mr. Bo, the Wencheng Sports Center project is not easy, ah. Even if your Bo family wants to enter the coastal market, you shouldn’t start with this project.”

He was clearly the most cunning old fox in the real estate development market in Wencheng, so the “kindness” of the moment naturally had ulterior motives.

Bo Yueming knew this, and showed a little weakness in his tone. “I’ve only been in Wencheng for a few days, and I really don’t know the situation of this project. What does Chairman Chen mean by saying this? Do you have another suggestion?”

He was still a little younger, after all, and he lost his aura with just a few words.

Chen Shun ‘kindly’ instructed, “Mr. Bo, start with small or medium-sized projects and work steadily. This is better than such provincial-level large-scale projects. If Bo Group wants to swallow such a big cake the moment they come, it is difficult to guard against hidden arrows.”

There were implications in the last half of the sentence.

Bo Yueming smiled, replying lightly, “Chairman Chen, there are only three companies left to participate in the bidding.”

Excluding the Bo family from outside, there were only Shuntian and the You family left, so whose family would attack covertly? Whose family would stab them in the back?

“……..”

Chen Shun was stunned for two seconds, but then he smiled. “Mr. Bo, let me tell you the truth. My Shuntian Group is determined to win this project, and I don’t bother with those dirty tricks.”

“I just feel like I am connected by fate to Mr. Bo, so I warn you—”

“Compared to me, that You Qinian who broke the siege at the beginning of the year and took over his own business not long ago, is a real viper, a ruthless character.”

Chen Shun took another deep puff of the cigar and exhaled a deeper and heavier cloud to cover up the sinister depths in his eyes.

“Last month, the relevant departments held a project introduction meeting. I remember that your project leader, Feng Zheng, had a lot of contact with Director You, ah.”

Pei Yi on the opposite side frowned.

He didn’t like this Chen Shun who had appeared suddenly, and he didn’t like his smoking. It smelled terrible!

Bo Yueming noticed Pei Yi’s feelings, and his original “weakened” aura instantly recovered. “Chairman Chen, excuse me, I really can’t stand the smell of smoke.”

“…….”

Chen Shun didn’t expect that his implications would be met with such a sentence.

He was stunned for a rare two seconds before he resumed an old fox’s usual tact, and handed the cigar to the restaurant manager to dispose of. “It was my own lack of thought, ba. Mr. Bo, what are you going to eat tonight? Everything you order can be put on my account.”

“I hope that in the future, we, Shuntian and Bo, can cooperate if there is an opportunity.”

In a word, he meant for Bo Group and Bo Yueming to give up the bidding.

There was a hint of coldness in Bo Yueming’s eyes hidden beneath the glasses. He was just about to reject Chen Shun’s offer to treat them, when he heard Pei Yi , who was cutely pretending to be well-behaved on the opposite side, say, “Eat anything?”

No one at the table expected Pei Yi to suddenly speak.

Chen Shun nodded happily, showing off his imposing wealth. “Of course you can.”

He had guessed Pei Yi’s identity and didn’t take him seriously. He was just a little fool, what tricks could he come up with?

Chen Shun’s affirmation was just what Pei Yi wanted.

He poked randomly at the blacked-out electronic screen, and when the screen turned on, everyone discovered that his page had stopped at the wine category at some point.

The behind-the-scenes owner of  Linshui Pavilion was also a wine lover. There were many types of wine in the restaurant, almost all of which were expensive wines from around the world that were second-tier and up, and the lowest price was “5999.”

Pei Yi acted like he didn’t know how to switch the page, and when he saw the screen turn on, he started to “poke blindly”—

“This one, this one, this one!”

While randomly ticking expensive wines that cost tens of thousands, he continued to talk foolishly. When he stopped, his nonsense cost at least a few hundred thousand.

“……..”

Chen Shun, having witnessed this scene, was at a loss for words.

The manager of the restaurant, who had watched the whole process, wished that so much consumption would be generated tonight so that he could get an easy commission, but he still maintained the most basic professionalism and said nonsense with a smile.

“So much wine at this time? You won’t be able to finish it.”

Pei Yi’s look grew more innocent. “Take home.”

Anyway, the wine wouldn’t be wasted, so it was fine to get more. He had secretly drunk a bottle of Bo Yueming’s Lafite last time, and thought to take this opportunity to “return” it to the other party.

Of course, if Chen Shun disagreed, then forget it.

Anyone who took their word back in public would be ashamed, anyway.

Pei Yi thought of this and looked more expectantly at the silent Chen Shun. “…….Ah? You don’t have money?”

A little polite, but not too much.

Uncle Kai covered his lips and coughed, and Lin Zhong, who was standing at the back, tried so hard to suppress his smile that the corners of his mouth almost twitched.

As expected of Little Sir, he always had a way to inadvertently anger people!

Bo Yueming guessed the cunning intentions of his family’s kitten, and pretended not to see the exorbitant wine price list. “Chairman Chen, my family’s Pei Yi is used to being childish, we’ve made you laugh.”

When Pei Yi heard the words “my family’s” in front of his name, his heart felt a little warm.

“…….”

You call it childish for a fool to order randomly off the menu?

The tone sounded embarrassed, but you never said ‘forget it,’ ah!

At last, a crack appeared in Chen Shun’s expression, and he suddenly felt that he might be mistaken—

What fool? What blind man?

One was naturally wicked, and the other hid his wickedness on the inside, they were a perfect fucking match!

A few gazes followed from a nearby dining table. Chen Shun prided himself on being a big man with a reputation in Wencheng, so he didn’t want to lose face, and could afford this unspoken grievance. 

It was fine, he said it was his treat, so it would be charged to his account.

When the restaurant manager saw that the commission was going to happen, he was even faster than Pei Yi. “Okay, Chairman Chen.”

Chen Shun didn’t care much about the money, but just felt inexplicably aggrieved with nowhere to vent it. “Mr. Bo, I have something to do, so I will leave first. I hope you can think about what I said, then we will have many opportunities to cooperate in the future.”

Bo Yueming gave a slight nod. “Thank you for your advice, Chairman Chen. Leave slowly. I will treat you back when I have a chance.”

“……..” 

Chen Shun choked speechlessly and left with restraint.

Lin Zhong returned to his original seat and excitedly picked up the menu. “Mr. Bo, shall I read it to you? What do you want to eat?”

“Okay.”

Uncle Kai also motioned to Pei Yi, “Little Sir, what do you want to eat? Look at the pictures.”

Pei Yi did not expect that Chen Shun would still stubbornly treat guests. The corners of his mouth twitched, and he raised his head to take credit in front of Bo Yueming, but he feared that his thoughts would be too obvious.

Thus, he had no choice but to change his mind to his appetite, and checked several more items on the dessert column.

An hour and a half later, dinner was over.

The manager of the restaurant personally pushed a small trolley filled with more than a dozen bottles of wine that had already been packaged. “Mr. Bo, all of your wine is here.”

Lin Zhong was a bit stunned when he saw the quantity.

God!

Little Sir, how is this dinner, ah?

He was simply here to purchase goods for Second Young Master!

---

Consider donating via Kofi here!

Chapter Forty <<Table of Contents >> Chapter Forty-Two

The cable car resumed operation, and the fireworks continued to explode one by one.

Lucas gazed at Luo Ran’s face as fireworks flickered over it, and suddenly understood why he had taken a picture of Luo Ran while watching the fireworks with him.

Lucas opened his terminal.

The only photo in his terminal was taken by him after he and Luo Ran went to the racecourse to play and watched fireworks while dining on a restaurant balcony.

The photo was a profile shot of Luo Ran. He was watching the fireworks with the gorgeous sky in the background.

Lucas had never been interested in fireworks, but Luo Ran under the fireworks was very beautiful.

The car returned to the high platform and landed.

Lucas put away the terminal and disembarked the cable car with Luo Ran.

Luo Ran had just been injected with a sedative, and his mind was also unstable. Coming down from a high altitude, he was naturally off balance.

Lucas embraced Luo Ran’s waist from behind, calmly supporting him.

Luo Ran could feel the pheromones gently enveloping him, as if telling him that he had entered a safe space.

After the two came down from the elevated platform, they saw that Lu Bei had come down and was drinking the water provided by Zhou Mingkai. 

Zhou Mingkai said helplessly: “I’ve been waiting here for a long time, and the water isn’t cold anymore. It’s so coincidental……it just happened to malfunction when you went up.”

Lu Bei smiled and said; “It doesn’t matter. It was actually pretty good. We got to watch fireworks twice, which is equal to the price of two tickets. 

“En.” Luo Ran smiled, and was about to reach out to take the milk tea Zhou Mingkai handed to him, when Lucas grabbed it first.

Luo Ran: “…….?”

Lucas frowned and said to Luo Ran: “Don’t drink it cold.”

Shen Xiluo had told him that Luo Ran was weak now, and shouldn’t touch cold or stimulating things.

“Ah.” Luo Ran paused. Anyway, it wasn’t necessary to drink, so he retracted his hand.

“The admiral knows about this?”

“How could I not know?”

Zhou Mingkai and Lu Bei watched their meaningless conversation and exchanged glances.

Huh.

The two couldn’t laugh or cry.

It seemed that these two had settled their differences.

Zhou Mingkai didn’t know what had happened between Lucas and Luo Ran, but at the end of the day, the two could sense the strange atmosphere between them.

The group went to eat something afterwards, and then left after playing around at the game booths.

When only Lu Bei and Zhou Mingkai were left alone, Lu Bei smiled and said: “It seems that the admiral and the secretary have reconciled, one more benefit of today’s trip.”

Zhou Mingkai nodded, saying bitterly: “It was too difficult for me today. You know, when Luo Ran and I were sitting in the back, the admiral almost killed me with his eyes!”

Zhou Mingkai walked toward the aircraft with Lu Bei and said: “Really, those two, one is attacking like a chicken and the other is hiding like hell.”

Lu Bei said: “Secretary Luo has always been professional and calm, and can solve any problem perfectly, and only in front of the admiral does he sidestep helplessly. This is because he likes him, and if he likes him, he could lose his position.”

Zhou Mingkai looked at the indifferent Lu Bei, who wore thin-rimmed glasses and looked like a bookworm, and tutted.

“It shouldn’t happen like that, ba.”

Lu Bei raised his eyebrows: “Who knows.”

. . . . . .

The next weekend, Lucas went back to his hometown, but he took Luo Ran with him this time.

“Why is the admiral bringing me home?” Lou Ran asked anxiously inside the aircraft. “I’m not part of the Aldor family.”

“I don’t want to go back alone.”

Luo Ran paused and said nothing.

The original Aldor family home was a manor located in the suburbs, and had a very understated style. Although the brick and stone house was large and dignified, it looked a little worn down, and there was a bit of moss on the walls.

The military family’s home in the capital had always been low-key.

The aircraft landed, and the captain of the marshal’s guard stepped forward to give a military salute: “Admiral! Welcome back.”

The entire manor was patrolling, and the captain gestured for everyone to disperse so as not to block Lucas’s view.

Lucas had a bad temper, especially since he was not at ease with his family, and everyone knew it.

Lucas led Luo Ran down the long, Chinese-style corridor to the dining room.

“Lucas is back…..! Aiya, Ranran is here too.” The marshal’s wife smiled and pulled Luo Ran to sit down.

“Today I specially asked the kitchen to prepare more dishes. Ranran needs to eat more, he is too thin.”

Luo Ran nodded.

Sure enough, Cyril was also there, sitting to the side with a gentle, harmless smile. He said to Lucas: “It’s a rare opportunity for us to have dinner together.”

“Yes, ah, it almost makes me nauseous.” Lucas crossed his arms in front of his chest and sat there with a cold expression.

“Just eat at mealtime, don’t talk about other things.” The marshal had also been on the battlefield when he was young, and his aura was undiminished. He had a fierce, cold face, just like a middle-aged version of Lucas.

“Ai, Lucas, eat more.” At the dinner table, the marshal’s wife focused her entire being on Lucas, and kept picking up meat and vegetables for him.

Lucas expressionlessly picked out the food given to him by the marshal’s wife with other chopsticks, setting it aside without eating it.

The marshal’s wife was a bit sad, but tried not to show it, and the marshal frowned.

“It’s okay,” Cyril smoothed things over with a smile and picked them up from Lucas’s extra plate. “Mom, just give them to me.”

In fact, Lucas didn’t mean to provoke or target on purpose, he was just a clean freak and felt very disgusted.

This obsession with cleanliness was not about being clean or anything else, but about people. He felt nauseous after even touching someone else.

After finally finishing their meal, there was no way for the family to sit down and talk together, so they could only go back to their rooms to rest.

Lucas asked Cyril to talk on the balcony.

Luo Ran paused, and was about to go to the balcony with Lucas, when the marshal’s wife came to hold him back.

“Come, Ranran, speak a few words with me.”

Firstly, the marshal and his wife truly liked Luo Ran, and secondly, they wanted to use Luo Ran’s hand to repair their relationship with Lucas, so they cared about him very much.

Luo Ran wore a slight frown as he watched Lucas walk toward the balcony.

“What’s wrong?”

“It’s nothing.” Luo Ran smiled.

. . . . . .

The balcony was very spacious, with tables and chairs to the side.

“What is it?” After going up, Cyril sat down in front of Lucas and asked with a smile: “What can I do for my brother?”

—Snap.

Without saying a word, Lucas threw a folder onto the table.

Cyril frowned. He picked it up to glance through it, and the smile on his face froze for a moment.

“Where did you find this? This is false content, it’s slander!” Cyril said, “How could I harm my little brother!”

“I don’t have the patience to argue with you. Just tell me directly that you were ordered by someone, and I won’t have to pursue it.” Lucas crossed his arms in front of his chest and looked down at Cyril.

He led troops into battle, and couldn’t be bothered with a gutter rat like Cyril.

“I told you, it wasn’t me.” Cyril frowned and said, “It really wasn’t me, I don’t know how to defend myself.”

“One, two…..”

Lucas looked at Cyril with a dark expression.

Cyril said anxiously: “Lucas, if you want to fight with me and target me, you don’t have to find excuses to pour dirty water on me!”

“Three.”

Lucas took out his pistol and pointed it directly at Cyril.

“Speak honestly and answer my question.”

“You…..!” Cyril’s face paled, and he could no longer maintain his expression. “I’m your brother, this is our home! What are you doing!”

Lucas pulled back the hammer, and the gun made a crisp sound.

“Three.”

“Two……”

Lucas began to count down again.

Take swift and decisive action, and as long as there was an answer, there would be no opportunity for redundant explanations at all.

Cyril believed that Lucas was really capable of shooting him.

It was only that he didn’t know if he would aim at his heart or other parts.

Cyril took a deep breath and smashed the already broken jar.

—Crash.

Cyril got up and rushed toward Lucas.

The table was thrown down and fell from the balcony, and the large commotion immediately attracted the attention of the guards below.

On the other end, the marshal’s wife had taken Luo Ran to the living room to sit down.

“Ranran, ah,” the marshal’s wife said anxiously, “Tell me, if Lucas was willing to come back to have dinner with us, does that mean he is willing to reconcile with us?”

“Madam.” Luo Ran attempted to organize his words. “Madam, do you want to hear the truth? It might be a little uncomfortable.”

“En? Tell me, I’ll be fine.”

Luo Ran said: “The admiral will never reconcile with you in this life. If you missed it back then, then you missed it. The admiral is naturally irascible and serious. For him, everything is black and white. Love is love, and not loving is not loving.”

The marshal’s wife paled: “We’re working hard now……”

The marshal’s wife had been attempting to integrate into Lucas’s life, surfing the internet, delivering soup, and so on, but perhaps she didn’t know what was wrong.

Luo Ran explained: “At this point, it’s useless to work hard.”

The two were about to speak further when they heard a gunshot from the balcony.

They were immediately startled.

The marshal heard as well, and had a guess in mind. What everyone saw when they went upstairs was—

Lucas stood aside with a face like the king of hell, while Cyril crouched there and convulsed, clutching his shoulder.

The material over Cyril’s shoulder was stained red, and blood flowed between his fingers.

“God……!” The marshal’s wife’s eyes widened.

With a calm expression, the marshal said to a guard: “Call the doctor.”

Lucas took Luo Ran to stride away, ignoring the others.

“Lucas!” The marshal’s expression became even uglier.

Lucas, however, was already gone.

. . . . . .

In the aircraft, Lucas crossed his legs and pillowed his head on his arm, saying: “I asked, and he behaved after I fired a shot. He said he found the reporters himself.”

Luo Ran paused, then nodded.

“He said that, but I can confirm that it was ordered by someone. It was most likely the dog’s owner, the First Prince.” Lucas sneered. “What he said was certainly ironic. Next, we must focus on investigating the negotiations between him and the First Prince to see if there are any clues.”

“En, whether it is the First Prince or not, Cyril and the First Prince are the ones we need to guard against.” Luo Ran sighed and said, “The grievances have already been formed.”

The old king’s health was getting worse and worse. In the future, if it was true…..then there would be even more blood.

“I won’t go back in the future, it’s boring.” Lucas sneered.

“En.” Luo Ran lowered his eyes and said: “Everything depends on the admiral’s wishes.”

Lucas said: “I’ve been very busy recently too.”

Luo Ran was a little puzzled: “Isn’t the admiral on vacation? Why so busy?”

He was the one who was busy.

Lucas sat up and said with a serious face: “I’m busy thinking about you.”

Luo Ran: “……..”

Luo Ran: “? ? ? ?”

Lucas said: “Have you been teased?”

Lu Ran: “…….”

Lucas said: “I searched the internet for methods of pursuing people, and this is a cheesy pick-up line.”

…….A cheesy pick-up line.

Luo Ran said with a smile: “The admiral should talk less.”

Lucas scoffed coldly: “It’s your fault, you’re guilty!”

Luo Ran: “ ? ”

Lucas pointed to his heart and said: “Not only did you break into my heart, you stole it!”

When Lucas spoke this sentence, his face was as serious as if he was at war, and his voice was powerful and sonorous.

Luo Ran: “…………..”

He wanted to get out of the vehicle.

Luo Ran looked down at the official documents and feigned ignorance, not paying attention to anything that was going on in the world.

. . . . . .

The next day, the marshal and his wife came to the capital to find Lucas.

They said they wanted to talk about what happened the night before.

Lucas, of course, was nowhere to be seen.

Luo Ran couldn’t let the couple wait in the reception room, so he had to go see them.

He also brought some official documents.

“Ranran.” The marshal’s wife smiled and asked, “Where is Lucas?”

“The admiral is busy with official documents, so I will do the same.” Luo Ran smiled, asking, “What do you two want with Lucas?”

“To talk about last night.” The marshal said with a very long face. “I think he should give an explanation for shooting his brother in the manor.”

Luo Ran sat down in front of the two and said: “But up to now, the admiral has not received an explanation about his brother poisoning him.”

Luo Ran was always gentle and elegant, but at this moment, the two of them could feel the spirit in him.

The marshal said: “It happened more than ten years ago! They were both young at the time, and after we found out about it, we punished Cyril severely! We understand that Cyril was a weak-willed boy, and so far he hasn’t been able to get a single point in the military department.”

Luo Ran paused, then gently placed one of the official documents in front of the two of them.

It was Lucas’s annual health report.

The two frowned, opened it to take a look, and were stunned.

—Lucas Aldor

—Spiritual strength: SSS

—Spiritual status rating: S-level danger, remnants of trauma, must take xn12, df1, uyy8

“This is the medicine the admiral takes every day, and these are the calming incense and sleeping pills he uses.” Luo Ran pointed to the pictures on the document.

“The admiral has always wanted to save face, and won’t tell outsiders about his mental state.”

After that, Luo Ran gave the two another official document.

“This is the report from the investigation team, about negotiations between Cyril and a reporter. A nine-year-old child poisoning someone can be said to be the result of a lack of mental development, but now that Cyril is twenty-nine years old, I think he should have completed his development.”

Luo Ran lowered his eyes and said with a smile: “This is what was explained last night. I think the marshal will understand everything after reading this information, including the dispute. The admiral did not do it for himself, but for the Empire.”

“Everything the admiral does is for the Empire. He will not use his public office to take private revenge on Cyril. Therefore, I hope the marshal and his wife will not just take Cyril’s side, but realize that the admiral is an ordinary person who can also be hurt, and that what he does for the Empire should not be taken for granted.”

Luo Ran spoke slowly and gently, and his posture was very low, but he didn’t have the slightest fear.

“I’m finished speaking. I apologize that the admiral is unable to come down and see you, and I apologize for what I just said.” Luo Ran bowed deeply.

The faces of the marshal and his wife paled, and they were at a loss for words upon seeing the two official documents.

After speaking, Luo Ran left.

When he stepped out the office door, he turned and met Lucas head-on.

“Admiral……” Luo Ran was taken aback.

Did he……hear that?

Lucas gazed at Luo Ran fixedly.

Luo Ran was a little anxious: “Admiral?”

“En.”

Lucas suddenly reached out and gently rubbed the top of Luo Ran’s hair.

Luo Ran was surprised for a moment, and held the official documents, not daring to move.

Lucas rubbed for a moment, and then lightly tapped Luo Ran’s nose. “Let’s go, ba.”

“Oh……”

Lucas stopped suddenly, turned back to Luo Ran, and said: “Do you have a lighter?”

Luo Ran thought that Lucas was in a bad mood and needed one, but he usually didn’t smoke, so he was completely unprepared.

“Sorry, I don’t have one……”

Lucas turned and earnestly threw out his online study results, adding: “Then how did you set fire to my heart?”

Luo Ran: “………”

Oh.

---

Consider donating via Kofi here!

Chapter Fifty-Nine << Table of Contents >> Chapter 61

Huang Wangxiang followed his gaze and looked over.

The people outside the city had heard the news that the Yan army was about to attack, and became increasingly anxious. They all crowded around the guards in charge of registration, crushing forward in the darkness and demanding to enter the city as soon as possible. The guards pulled out glinting swords and reprimanded them loudly, but failed to deter them, so they hurriedly sent people to the city wall to ask how to deal with the turmoil.

“Your Majesty,” Yuan Zong said, “we can’t let them in! Firstly, there is not enough food in the city, and secondly, the identities of these thousands of people have not been investigated. If they are the Yan army disguised as refugees, the consequences will be disastrous.”

What he said was reasonable, but Liu Xian’an asked: “What if they really are refugees?”

If they were really refugees and were left on the battlefield where two armies were battling, what would happen was obvious. It was also because it was so obvious that Yuan Zong and the other generals chose not to talk about it, and only spoke of the danger of letting people into the city, but now this matter was directly brought to the table by Liu Xian’an.

Yuan Zong said angrily: “The emperor doesn’t need to see a doctor now, you can go back!”

Liu Xian’an ignored him, and looked at Huang Wangxiang: “The people at the city gate are all like me and my brother, they believe that as long as they enter the city, they will be able to eat. That’s why they all came here, because they want to live.”

A look of pain appeared on Huang Wangxiang’s face. The headache accumulated from days of insomnia rushed up at this moment, and he couldn’t even stand firmly.

The people next to him hurried forward to support him, and Yuan Zong drew his sword, pointing it at Liu Xian’an: “Deceitful thing, no matter whether you are a spy or not, you will not be able to survive today.”

“Is it because I told the truth?” Liu Xian’an raised his voice. “I am a doctor, and a doctor should save people. And General Yuan is a general, so his natural mission should be to save people. Why do you want to kill me now because I want to save lives?”

When he said this, he was neither humble nor overbearing, and stood with his hands behind his back, truly intending to petition for the people. Huang Wangxiang commanded: “Lao Yuan, put down your sword!”

Yuan Zong shouted: “Your Majesty, don’t listen to his nonsense. The purpose of not letting the refugees outside the city to enter is to protect the people already inside the city. It is not a departure from the original intention!”

Liu Xian’an asked: “The purpose of not letting the refugees outside the city enter is to protect the people already inside the city. General Yuan said it himself. How is this statement different from those of Dayan’s officials? What is the difference between Sanshui City and those cities with closed gates along the Bai River?”

Yuan Zong grew angry from embarrassment. He believed that Liu Xian’an was here to shake the morale of the army, and raised his sword to strike without a word, but was stopped by someone. The old general Miao Changqing blocked him and said: “Lao Yuan, calm down!”

Huang Wangxiang’s face also flushed, partly because of the chaos in the city, and partly because of Liu Xian’an’s accusations and Yuan Zong’s sudden savage act. There was a shrill ringing in his ears. War was coming soon, and this was bound to be a bloody battle. No matter if they won or lost, it would bring great casualties. If they lost, they lost. If they won, they would attack all the way to the royal city, and he probably wouldn’t be able to achieve the slogan “everyone has something to eat” that he carried in his heart.

Yuan Zong had already loudly ordered people to drive away the refugees outside the city and close Sanshui City’s gate. The news exploded like a bomb, sending out more shrill cries and pleading. Just as Liu Xian’an said, Sanshui City had also become like the cities along the Bai River. There was no difference.

At this thought, Huang Wangxiang held himself up against the city wall. His throat was faintly sweet, and he said with bloodshot eyes: “Lao Yuan, let them in.”

“Your Majesty!” Yuan Zong said, “How can we let them in without verifying their identities? The Yan army has already slaughtered Qingyang City. Should we let them slaughter Sanshui City as well?”

“How does the general know that Qingyang City was slaughtered by the Yan army?” Liu Xian’an looked at him. “Which warring party does not want to win the hearts of the people on both sides of the war? Since the Yan army won a complete victory, why would they massacre the city? Apart from gaining a reputation of brutality and pushing more people to the enemy camp, can there be any other purpose for this move?”

“Liang Shu has killed countless people, and massacring cities is not uncommon! Where is there a good thing about the Yan Dynasty’s dog official!” Yuan Zong said, “Desist, everyone is unable to see through your false appearance as a spy today, so I won’t kill you, I’ll torture you carefully in two days instead. Someone, drag him down and imprison him!”

Liu Xian’an retorted: “Which of your two eyes saw Liang Shu killing countless people? Can this unreasonable act of massacring a city be condemned with the words, ‘dog official?’” The person was dragged down by two soldiers, still shouting back, “Who was the general who stayed behind in Qingyang City? Did the emperor really know him?”

This question caused Huang Wangxiang’s hands and feet to go cold. He didn’t know him, not at all. He only listened to the other party’s rhetoric at the time and was so impassioned and deeply moved that he handed over the entire city.

Yuan Zong took two steps forward: “Your Majesty, prepare for battle!”

Huang Wangxiang gazed toward the outside of the city again. The Yan army cavalry was in the distance, refugees fleeing nearby.

The two soldiers escorting Liu Xian’an walked faster and faster, but they didn’t go to the prison, and instead turned into an alleyway. Liu Xian’an said: “What were you doing, going so fast just now? I could have said a few more words.”

The Wang family brothers disguised as soldiers said: “Second Young Master Liu, it is better not to speak. I think Yuan Zong is like a mad dog. He can only bare his teeth, and can’t talk any sense.”

“I wasn’t reasoning with Yuan Zong, but with Huang Wangxiang,” Liu Xian’an said. “He’s not a bad person. Perhaps if I stayed longer, the war could be avoided.”

“But the people around him would not allow the young master to continue talking. The situation just now is already very dangerous,” Wang Fan said. “Although Huang Wangxiang assumed the title of ruler, he is unlike the prince, who has supreme authority over the army. Every so-called ‘general’ there has his own ideas, and they will never surrender.”

Liu Xian’an stopped in his tracks: “But I think I convinced Huang Wangxiang eighty or ninety percent just now.”

Wang Fan said: “Then he can either rely on the remaining one or two percent of his determination to fight, or……”

Liu Xian’an swiftly turned his head to look at the tower.

And there was a riot going on.

Huang Wangxiang staggered to the ground, clutching his belly with blood spilling between his fingers. Miao Changqing supported him in disbelief: “Lao Yuan, you are mad!”

Yuan Zong brandished the sword, its blade still covered in blood. There were many other generals standing behind him, and although some showed hesitation, they did not speak in the end.

Just now, Huang Wangxiang had ordered the refugees to be allowed into the city, and Yuan Zong tried his best to stop him. Huang Wangxiang drew his sword and scolded him furiously, the two fought, and during the struggle, General Yuan’s sword pierced the new emperor’s belly. As for whether it was intentional or unintentional, no one saw it clearly, but intentional or not, it didn’t matter much, because everyone other than Miao Changqing chose to stand behind Yuan Zong.

They didn’t understand. It was clear that the original route was the way to great victory, and now was a good time to take advantage of the victory and go north. Why did the emperor become confused all of a sudden and insist on taking risks for thousands of refugees? If they had known this, they might as well have elected General Yuan to sit on the dragon chair.

Huang Wangxiang was carried off the city wall.

In a dimly lit room, Liu Xian’an bandaged his wound, his fingertips stained with blood. Huang Wangxiang listened to the noise outside for a while, then asked, panting: “Was it really my people who massacred the city?”

Liu Xian’an said: “Yes. I heard from the surviving people that when the Yan army broke through the city, the defenders did not fight hard, but aimed their swords at the common people. They slaughtered the city first, then killed themselves, and cursed, ‘In the next life, I will be a wolf or a tiger.’ There was no other resistance. They were not greedy for life, but only had an ignorant and savage courage.”

Huang Wangxiang murmured: “You aren’t a doctor, are you?”

“I am a doctor, but not entirely a doctor.” Liu Xian’an put pressure on the wound.

Huang Wangxiang’s eyes clouded with tears: “I was wrong.”

“If you cannot live on and have to beg for a bite to eat, if you want to kill all corrupt officials, there is nothing wrong with that,” Liu Xian’an said. “However, there are some things that cannot be done just by thinking about them. A society where everyone has food cannot be achieved by just one person or dynasty. It requires the effort of tens of thousands, or hundreds of millions of people.”

“And I don’t have the ability to manage tens of thousands or hundreds of millions of people,” Huang Wangxiang said. “I also won’t see that day.”

“But there are always people who will see it.” Liu Xian’an slowed his voice. “Brother Huang, everything you have done today, even if you lose, even if you are wrong, it is not completely meaningless. At least it is a kind of attempt. And isn’t that what history is? Many people and many attempts, pushing the great wheel of time forward.”

Huang Wangxiang looked at him and smiled dryly. “Little brother, thank you.”

Liu Xian’an said: “No need for thanks.”

Huang Wangxiang struggled to grasp his sword with his blood-stained hands. “You go, ba, take this sword. The guard at the northwest gate is mine. If he recognizes the sword, he will let you go. Lao Yuan has already become suspicious of you, so it is not advisable to stay here for long. When you leave, take Lao Miao with you.”

As soon as these words fell, Miao Changqing’s scolding came from outside the courtyard: “Audacious! The Emperor is still inside, who told you to come!”

A-Ning ran in to report: “Ge, many people have come outside, saying they want to arrest us and send us to prison.”

Huang Wangxiang pushed himself up and shouted: “All of you, get out!”

Although he was weak, he was the “Emperor” who had not abdicated. Yuan Zong had not yet ascended the throne, so his subordinates didn’t dare to be too presumptuous. Miao Changqing was also guarding the door with a sword, white-haired and glowering, which was quite frightening, so they just surrounded this courtyard without stepping inside.

And Huang Wangxiang was dying. He felt exhausted, but at the same time, there was a sort of tranquility. He was about to let go and see his wife and children. He did not want to be an emperor in the next life, but wished to continue being a farmer, rely on his own hands for food and clothing, and raise a pair of children to study. So he smiled a little, and then completely entered the darkness.

Liu Xian’an gently covered his eyes for him.

A-Ning was also in a heavy mood. He stood by the bed and asked: “Young Master, what shall we do next?”

“Let’s go to the ruined temple,” Liu Xian’an said. “The prince is about to attack.”

“But there are still many of Yuan Zong’s people outside, and they have already identified us as spies.”

“We are not on the same side as them.”

Liu Xian’an picked up Huang Wangxiang’s sword and stepped out of the room. When Miao Changqing saw the sword, he asked tremblingly: “The Emperor…..”

“He died of his mortal wound. My condolences.” Liu Xian’an said, “General Miao, how many people do you have under your command?”

Miao Changqing hadn’t come out of his grief yet, and said: “One hundred.”

“Good, one hundred.” Liu Xian’an said, “Yuan Zong seems to be completely insane, and I don’t know if he will also order people to massacre the city when he is at the end of the road. General Miao, we must protect the common people.”

“All right.” Miao Changqing nodded. “We’ll just do this.”

Outside the city, all of the refugees had been expelled to the dense forest. Yuan Zong had ordered the gates to be closed and defensive weapons were set up along the city walls. Some, with a wink, already called him “Emperor” in advance. Yuan Zong didn’t refute, and was quite willing to accept it, so everyone began to shout long live. When the Yan army was about to approach the city, they wholeheartedly embraced the new emperor, and he ascended the throne.

Zhou Yi had disguised himself among the soldiers surrounding him, always ready to hear what new orders this person would issue so that he could inform Second Young Master Liu ahead of time. He was really amazed, and didn’t understand why this person was still in such a good mood at this time.

Yuan Zong wore a bright yellow cloak, standing majestically on the high wall.

Gao Lin handed the looking glass to Xiao Bing, and rode his horse to walk side by side with Liang Shu, wondering: “That is Huang Wangxiang? What is he doing in the cold wind, wrapped in such a big cloak? Is he not afraid of being blown away?”

“You take care of him,” Liang Shu said. “Prepare your bow and arrow. You go down and command that the city will be broken through in three days!”

T/N: Lol at Yuan Zong posing on the wall within arrow range. He actually thinks he’s not cannon-fodder.

---

Consider donating via Kofi here!

Chapter Forty-Seven << Table of Contents >> Chapter Forty-Nine

A rich breakfast was served.

Pei Yi enjoyed it slowly by the window while pricking up his ears to listen to the business conversation not far away.

Bo Yueming asked him from the beginning, “How many companies are participating in the bidding?”

What he received from Old Mr. Bo was only the most basic bidding information for the initial stage of the project of “Wencheng Sports Center,” and he didn’t know anything about the specific situation.

Song Yuanyuan replied, “In the beginning, apart from the Bo family, there was also a foreign-funded enterprise in Haishi, and five local enterprises in Wencheng.”

“…….”

Lin Zhong was taken aback. “That many?”

Song Yuanyuan nodded. “This sort of international construction project has always been favored, and this is the calculated number.”

In the early stages, there were still some small enterprises who wanted to share a piece of the pie, but once they heard that so many leading enterprises had gathered, their eagerness to make a move was naturally drained.

Bo Yueming asked directly, “What about now?”

Four months had passed since the original bidding invitation, and the situation was likely to have changed.

Song Yuanyuan spoke truthfully, “The foreign-funded enterprise in Haishi has nnounced its withdrawal, and three other local enterprises in Wencheng chose to withdraw one after another. Now, including our Bo Group, there are only three left.”

Pei Yi took a sip of soy milk and frowned slightly.

Before the first round of bidding, more than half of the original seven companies had given up. Wasn’t this a “sweet pastry” with “impressive results after winning the project?” What was this situation? 

Lin Zhong also considered this aspect, and asked on his boss’s behalf, “Have you found out what’s going on?”

“It’s not clear.”

Song Yuanyuan shook his head, and could only guess, “Perhaps the opponents are too strong,  the competition is too fierce, or there are problems with the companies, so they can’t afford this project?”

Not to mention other companies, but even their Bo project team—

The original person in charge, Feng Zheng, fled “quietly” and may have even taken away and leaked all kinds of bidding data that they had calculated before.

Almost all of the members of the project team who learned about this fell apart.

Song Yuanyuan had reported the matter to headquarters in the Imperial Capital, but there was no news after waiting for nearly a week. If Bo Yueming hadn’t come, they had all planned to pack their bags and leave.

“Do we know the whereabouts of Feng Zheng?” Bo Yueming felt that it was not easy for this man to give up halfway.

Song Yuanyuan nodded. “We called the police, but we don’t have any solid evidence on hand, and it can only be regarded as a private case of resignation. The police will not file the case. I even found a private investigator at my own expense. If there is any news, I will be notified at once.”

Pei Yi stuffed the last bite of poached egg into his mouth, feeling that Song Yuanyuan’s ability to handle things was not bad.

At least after Feng Zheng quit and disappeared, the other party’s follow-up solutions were very reliable.

In the next second, Bo Yueming said affirmatively, “Well done. I will reimburse you for Feng Zheng’s expenses, and you will meet with Lin Zhong later.”

Song Yuanyuan was overjoyed. “Thank you, Boss!”

Bo Yueming nodded. It went without saying. “Moving on, tell me in detail about the two local companies in Wencheng who are also participating in the bidding.”

“One is Shuntian Group, a leading company in Wencheng’s real estate industry. Back then, it took advantage of the development of Wencheng and firmly established its foothold. At present, nearly forty percent of the real estate development involves their shares.”

“Currently, the director with the most right to speak in the company is named Chen Shun. He is in his early fifties, and is all smiles.”

“The other is You Group, a family business of three generations, and it has been extending its industry chain.” Song Yuanyuan paused and explained briefly, “The chairman who has currently taken over the company is named You Qinian.”

You Qinian?

When Pei Yi heard this somewhat important name, a hint of interest flickered in his heart.

“Mr. Bo, he just turned thirty and took over at the beginning of the year.”

Song Yuanyuan thought about the Bo Group’s situation and mentioned a lot to Bo Yueming. “According to the gossip, the power struggle within the You clan is very serious.”

If You Qinian was able to break out of the siege in the intricate chain of family interests, it was likely that his methods would not be simple.

The bidding for the Wencheng Sports Center was his first large-scale project after taking over the You family.

Bo Yueming was silent for a few seconds, then said in a low voice, “Lin Zhong, find someone to check on Shuntian and You Group in detail. Whether it is new about public changes or private gossip, the more detailed, the better.”

Only by knowing oneself and the enemy could one make the most necessary and accurate judgments.

Lin Zhong immediately took out his tablet to write on it. “Yes.”

Bo Yueming was not a person who liked to waste time, and he made decisions with a clear mind. “Deputy Team Leader Song, keep in mind that the entire project team will meet at two o’clock this afternoon. The original bidding plan may have been leaked, so we need to overturn it and start over.”

Song Yuanyuan was unsure. “Mr. Bo, if we overturn and start over, will the time……”

Bo Yueming ordered, “Do it! I have my own measures.”

Song Yuanyuan had heard about this boss’s abilities before. The other party won a big project worth 500 million within two months, gaining a firm foothold in the Imperial Capital circle after that first battle.

Song Yuanyuan immediately put a stop to his premature objections. “Okay. Mr. Bo, I’ll notify you right away!”

This was the first time Pei Yi had seen Bo Yueming’s swift and resolute work, and his eyes were unknowingly fixed on him—

The light coming in hit his profile almost perfectly, making his jawline more distinct, and his protruding Adam’s apple rolled subtly as he spoke. He was indifferent and steady, but also a little bewitchingly attractive.

Tsk.

Why did this person look better and better?

Sure enough, after this “book character” was visualized, could he ever grow tired of watching him?

Pei Yi was in a daze, and caught Bo Yueming’s gaze unexpectedly—

The drifting sunlight passed over his dark blue eyes, cleaning away the grayness of the past. They were just like dusty blue gemstones that had regained their brilliance, so beautiful that it made one’s heart pound.

“……..”

Pei Yi forgot to breathe for a moment. The sound of his heartbeat was wrapped in an unprecedented tension, and even gave rise to the feeling that “the other party’s eyes were already healed.”

But he immediately decided that it was his own illusion.

Because within three seconds of looking at each other, Bo Yueming frowned uncertainly and asked, “Pei Yi, have you finished eating?”

If he could see, why would he need to ask such questions?

The blame could only be laid on the lethality of Bo Yueming’s eyes. According to his recollection of the plot and timeline in the book, the other party was still far away from recovery.

Pei Yi restrained his thoughts and gulped down the last bit of soy milk. “Er-ge, done.”

“I’ll be a bit busy today, you and Uncle Kai stay at the hotel and rest.”

Bo Yueming eased the cold, hard aura he had at work, and his tone was unconsciously gentle. “After a few days, I will find time to take you around Wencheng, okay?”

Pei Yi gave the appropriate “En.”

Perfect.

He recently had to share the master bedroom with Bo Yueming at night, so he could only start to deal with his game and work matters during the day.

Bo Yueming thought about the kitten getting up to no good when he was alone and coaxed teasingly, “Then be good.”

“……..”

Lin Zhong and Song Yuanyuan on the side lowered their heads slightly at the same time, minimizing their presences. 

Pei Yi caught sight of the two, and his cheeks became faintly hot—

Why did he say this in front of outsiders? What was wrong with him? Shame!

Pei Yi was not convinced. “Oh.”

“Okay, let’s go.” Bo Yueming stood up with a smile and raised his voice. “Uncle Kai, I will leave this place to you.”

Uncle Kai, who had been sitting a distance away without saying a word, responded, “Ai, don’t worry, Second Young Master. I promise to take good care of Little Sir, just call if you need anything.”

“En.”

. . . . . .

After Bo Yueming left, Pei Yi went back to the room and slept until noon. After lunch, he maintained the clumsy excuse of “watching cartoons” to gain access to the small study room in the suite.

The scale of the facilities in the suite were top-notch, worthy of the highest star hotel in Wencheng.

The main table in the study faced an uncut glass window. The view from the high-rise was very good, and the computer was equipped with the highest configurations.

Pei Yi confirmed that Uncle Kai had gone back to his room for an afternoon nap, then locked the door and turned on the computer, immediately logging into the “Youtu” website.

A notification was sent to the small three-person group. It was news from Lou Yang.

“God Will, you’re finally willing to go online? I have squatted here to look for you 800 times per day.”

Pei Yi had Qin Yishun, Bo Yueming, and others on WeChat. He feared that adding too many people would reveal his secrets, so he put all of his work content in the small Youtu group.

In any case, the copyright facilities of the website were very strict, and there was no fear of work chats being leaked.

Pei Yi smiled and quickly typed, “Sister Yang, stop teasing me. I had some personal matters to deal with these two days. What do you need from me?”

Lou Yang at the other end replied, “I want to confirm something with you. Wait a moment.”

Not long after this line of words was typed, Pei Yi received a large “loading” picture—

“The image of the ‘human zombie’ in The Last Fog is only the initial version, and it has not been refined yet. You can see if it meets the visual requirements you have in mind.”

Pei Yi clicked on the loaded picture and was instantly amazed by the other party’s design.

This level could be reached in less than a week?

Lou Yang was not only excellent in modeling design and technology, but was also outstanding in graphic image design. The character image on the screen perfectly fit Pei Yi’s vision.

The human zombie on the screen had red eyes and white skin, and there was a string of small, mysterious characters at the corners of the eyes, making them even more strange and cold.

The white lining he wore before death was riddled with holes, revealing the material underneath. His bony hands were slightly spread, and there was a blood-stained hole in his palm, which had a strong visual impact—

Ding.

Li Yuan jumped out first to vote in favor of it. “I’ll say it first, I don’t think there is a problem.”

Pei Yi followed up, saying, “En, I think it’s good too.”

“No rush, I’m just letting you get a sense of it, it’s not the final version.”

Lou Yang lightly explained her own plan. “I just took over the art team of Dawn Games, and I need to recruit more people. Once the division of labor in the group is clear, further composition of clothing, weapons, and even appearance will be carried out.”

Modeling would not proceed until all of this was determined.

Of course, this was a long and tedious process.

Although “The Last Fog 1.0” did not need such a fine version of the image, everything Lou Yang did was for the finer 2.0 version.

Pei Yi pursed his lips in satisfaction. “Sister Yang is in charge.”

Doing things with like-minded people was truly smooth and worry-free.

The matter of the character image was unanimously approved, and Li Yuan took the opportunity to say, “By the way, if nothing else happens, the investment agreement with G.M. will be signed next week.”

“Will, although The Last Fog borrowed Dawn’s venue to begin preparations, we still have to think of a studio name for future publishing and distribution before the official signing.”

The studio could be under the banner of Dawn Games, but externally, it had to have a brand new name.

Li Yuan, who had proposed this matter, said truthfully, “I’m a name waste, you come up with one.”

After all, even his forum screen name directly adopted the same pronunciation of ‘Li Yuan’ (黎于安) as ‘Pear Garden’ (梨园), so there was really no talent for naming things.

“…….”

Pei Yi’s fingertips rested on the keyboard, and it took a moment for him to confess truthfully, “What a coincidence, so am I.”

In the beginning, he even racked his brains for Inspector’s name, but in the end, he chose it under Bo Yueming’s teasing.

The lively screen suddenly froze.

Immediately afterwards, Pei Yi and Li Yuan typed at the same time, “Sister Yang, why don’t you come up with one?”

“……..”

Lou Yang was speechless in front of her screen.

They actually gave up struggling on such an important matter as the studio name?

Are you two sure you are collaborators of the studio? Is this appropriate?

. . . . . .

The matter of choosing the studio name had to be reconsidered, and the three chatted for a while before going offline to work separately.

“The Last Fog” was still in the early stages of preparation, and the two mini-games “Joyful Spirit” and “Cloud Realm” had been delivered.

Pei Yi searched his mind and began to create a new mini-game. Right now, making money could not stop for the time being.

Entering a working state, Pei Yi continued to concentrate until evening. Bo Yueming still did not return from outside.

Pei Yi and Uncle Kai ate a little, and when they were finished, Pei Yi sat back in front of the computer and found that there were more unread messages in the Youtu private chat box.

Clicking into it, Pei Yi saw that the other party was the party who bought “Cloud Realm.”

“Teacher Will, are you there?”

It was sent five minutes ago.

Pei Yi typed quickly, “Hello, I’m here. Is there a problem with the game?”

The other party replied immediately, “No, I just wanted to inform Teacher that we will launch the first round of publicity at the end of the month. In order to show respect for originality, your signature and Weibo account will be attached at that time.”

This was a necessary matter written into the contract between the two parties.

Pei Yi wanted to use mini-games to expand his popularity in this world and in the Chinese game circle, and among the current most popular platforms, Weibo was certainly among the top three.

Pei Yi was a little surprised. “So fast?”

The other party said, “The framework of this game is relatively simple, and it is progressing smoothly. We want to create heat in advance through drawing samples, animations, and the like, so that we can follow up later.”

The game had already been sold, so Pei Yi naturally didn’t have to worry about after-sales.

Another message came. “Teacher, do you have a Weibo account?”

“Hold on.”

Pei Yi had not registered any extra social accounts at this point, but in consideration for the future, he opened the corresponding software and quickly registered.

After a lot of basic default information came the naming part that he hated the most.

For the sake of convenience, Pei entered his current name, “Will,” but the platform indicated that it had already been registered.

“……..”

Pei Yi was stuck for a long time before a “self-affirming” ID popped into his mind—

King of Drinking Capacity Will.

Type, click, success.

Looking at the ID, Pei Yi seemed to have regained his former drinking confidence. He contentedly sent it to the other party.

. . . . . .

Just after seven o’clock, Pei Yi officially ended his work and turned off the computer, walking out of the study.

The living room was empty and the light in the second bedroom was on. Uncle Kai had probably gone to take a shower.

Pei Yi quickly approached the tea bar and opened the fridge below. He had originally only intended to grab a small bottle of mineral water, but when he saw the dazzling array of alcohol inside, he couldn’t move away.

His love of drinking was about to come out to play again, and he gulped unconsciously. “So much? Is drinking one bottle not okay?”

Pei Yi glanced around—

The red wine and champagne he dared not drink for now, but he could take a few sips of fruit wine to enjoy himself and practice his drinking capacity at the same time.

The possibility of getting drunk was definitely not high. At worst, he would fall asleep later, and even if Bo Yueming found out when he got home, couldn’t he still use “milk” as an excuse?

Pei Yi glanced at the early time, and then remembered the Weibo name he had just chosen. Since he had the nerve to say it, he had to do it!

Before Uncle Kai could find out, he slipped away with a bottle of lychee milk wine.

. . . . . .

It was almost nine o’clock when Bo Yueming and Lin Zhong returned to the suite.

Uncle Kai, who was waiting in the living room, quickly approached and offered warm water. “Second Young Master, why were you so busy on the first day? Be careful with your eyes.”

“It’s fine.”

In order to catch up with the progress of the project, the project team held a meeting that lasted nearly four hours today. After the others got off work, Bo Yueming stayed back to study the data for a while.

Bo Yueming drank half a glass of warm water and gestured to Lin Zhong beside him, “You’ve worked hard today. Go back to your room early and rest, and sort out today’s key information tomorrow morning.”

“Boss, I’m not tired.”

Lin Zhong’s salary was quite high, and he had always been used to such work intensity. “It can be sorted out tonight.”

Bo Yueming nodded, feeling strange. It was odd that Pei Yi wasn’t waiting to greet him when he entered the door today.

“Where is Pei Yi? What did he do today?”

Uncle Kai briefly reported the situation, saying, “Little Sir watched cartoons all afternoon, and went back to the bedroom not long after eating.”

“Ten minutes ago, I knocked on the door to inquire, and he said he wanted to take a shower and go to bed.”

Cartoons?

He was likely using the computer to get up to something.

Bo Yueming had his suspicions, and handed back the glass of water in his hand. “Got it.”

. . . . . .

Five minutes later.

Returning to the master bedroom, Bo Yueming closed the door lightly and silently looked around the room—

The big bed was empty, the desk lamp was turned to the lowest setting, and the small ventilation window was open. The cool wind on the upper floors made the curtains flutter, and there seemed to be a faint sweet smell in the air.

“……..”

Bo Yueming narrowed his eyes slightly as a certain guess popped up in his mind. He walked toward the brightly lit bathroom and knocked on the door twice.

— Knock, knock.

No response.

Bo Yueming called out, “Pei Yi?”

There was the sound of running water in the bathroom, but no response.

“…….”

Bo Yueming suddenly thought of his own experience of accidentally falling in the bathroom, and his heart tightened. He raised his volume, “Pei Yi? Are you in there?”

As he spoke, he subconsciously pressed the doorknob.

The bathroom door was locked and did not open, so there was obviously someone inside.

Bo Yueming was concerned by the continuous silence, and immediately searched the cabinet next to the bathroom door. As expected, he found the spare key.

Bo Yueming quickly unlocked it, not bothering with his so-called gentlemanly demeanor for the moment.

“Pei Yi? I’m coming in!”

A moment later, he decisively pushed open the bathroom door.

In the hot, steamy bathroom, the oversized bathtub was filled with running water. Pei Yi had his hands propped up on the sides, his eyes closed as he lay down against the soft rubber pillow that came with it.

A layer of essential oil foam floated on the surface of the water, obscuring his figure.

His gleaming cheek was pressed to his shoulder, revealing an attractive swath of pink, and the mole on the back of his neck was particularly obvious.

“…….”

Bo Yueming was enveloped in the bathroom heat. Risking the possibility of “revealing his secret,” he approached and whispered, “Pei Yi? Are you awake?”

Pei Yi had his eyes closed tight, frowning deeply.

His arm resting on the bathtub was lightly patted, and his subconscious mind caused him to turn around warily, but he forgot the environment he was in and almost instantly slipped down into the tub.

“Pei Yi!”

Bo Yueming was shocked.

Uncaring of his right hand that shouldn’t get wet, he quickly picked Pei Yi up from the bathtub.

Warm water had poured into Pei Yi’s nose, even if just for a moment—

Pei Yi suddenly opened his eyes and instinctively grabbed the hands of the person in front of him as if asking for help, coughing with a flushed face. “Wu! Cough, cough, cough!”

“…….”

Bo Yueming was distressed and angry.

Uncaring of his wet clothes, he picked up a thick bath towel and wrapped Pei Yi in it, half-embracing the person in his arms to place him on the sink.

He opened the small window on the side to ventilate the stuffy heat in the bathroom.

Although Pei Yi had opened his eyes due to the stimulation, he was still confused.

Bo Yueming took a deep breath and exhorted him in a rare heavy tone, “What is the matter with you! Can you just sleep in the bath alone? You know how dangerous that is!”

“……..”

Pei Yi’s brain was muddled by the alcohol.

He blinked his stinging eyes, but didn’t listen to the scolding at all.

Not long ago, Pei Yi had brought the “stolen” lychee milk wine into the master bedroom and opened the bottle to take two or three sips.

The flavor of milk and lychee was very strong, and the taste of alcohol was extremely light. Drinking it was purely for the taste.

Embracing the idea of “drink it if it’s open,” Pei Yi drank all 500 milliliters. After drinking, he hid the wine bottle and planned to wait until Bo Yueming left tomorrow to secretly find a way to throw it out.

Pei Yi didn’t feel drunk at all after drinking a whole bottle, and even played games on his phone for half an hour.

Seeing that the time was approaching nine o’clock, he thought that after working all afternoon, he should take a light bath and rest.

But what Pei Yi didn’t expect was that the bottle of lychee milk wine that he was casually holding looked mild and harmless, but it had surprisingly strong stamina.

He only closed his eyes for a little while, and the drunkenness lurking in his body quickened its pace and emerged vigorously.

Latent for two hours, then down in five minutes.

The King of Alcohol Capacity was gone forever.

Even though Pei Yi was awake now, he was still in a drunken state.

He paused blankly for a while, then suddenly clutched the bath towel to his body as the redness of his cheeks rose another degree. “You, you, you! Don’t look!”

He didn’t listen to a word of the lesson just now, and dared to talk back when he could barely speak?

Bo Yueming ground his teeth, angrily amused. “Haven’t you seen mine? Now we’re even.”

Having said that, he feared that Pei Yi would catch a cold after suddenly getting out of the water, so he considerately put a thick bathrobe on him.

“……..”

Pei Yi didn’t understand what he said, and muttered to himself, “So dizzy.”

“How much alcohol did you drink?”

Bo Yueming could do nothing about this little greedy kitten who stole wine again and again. Would speaking nicely work better?

Pei Yi persisted even after getting drunk, “I didn’t drink.”

Bo Yueming changed his method and didn’t mention the word alcohol. “Where is the bottle hidden?”

The drunken Pei Yi said clearly, “The drawer of the bedside table.”

After speaking, he shook his head a few beats later and changed his words with a little temper after being teased. “I didn’t drink!”

Fearing that he would fall off the sink, Bo Yueming placed his hands on the other’s sides. “Then what did you drink? Milk?”

Hearing the answer he wanted, Pei Yi confidently said, “En!”

Bo Yueming was amused and angry. “Really? Then what is your situation now? You’re drunk on milk?”

“……..”

Pei Yi didn’t answer, vaguely feeling that he shouldn’t stay here any longer.

“I, I won’t talk to you. Er-ge is coming back, I’m going to sleep!”

As he spoke, he struggled to jump down.

Bo Yueming didn’t intend to let him go, and locked him in tightly. “Wait a minute, was the wine good? I won’t tell your Er-ge.”

Pei Yi heard this and calmed down a bit.

Seeing that the person in front of him looked pretty good, he leaned closer and nodded honestly. “Delicious.”

The distance between the two drew close, and with the idea that “one must share with a drinking buddy,” Pei Yi breathed out an invitation, “Do you want some? I’ll give you a taste too, okay?”

His eyes were pure and sincere, but with a breathtaking bewitchment.

Pei Yi’s warm breath fell on the tip of his nose as he spoke, not with the scent of wine, but with the sweetness of milk.

A trace of desire instantly burst into Bo Yueming’s eyes, and he opened his teeth and claws with a change of tone. “You’ll give me a taste?”

Pei Yi subconsciously sensed a hint of crisis, and shook his head like a rattle. “No, I, I seem to have finished drinking it……”

“Hmm!”

There was a sudden change to his voice.

Bo Yueming had grabbed the back of his head resolutely and kissed him on impulse.

The soft wine-coated lips were firmly grasped, and after a little taste, the sweet flavor spread over.

Bo Yueming’s chest was hot, but he had to suppress his deeper impulses. “En, I tried it. It’s good.”

“You, I……”

Pei Yi’s eyes were wide in disbelief, his breathing unsteady.

He tightened his grip on Bo Yueming’s sleeves, and after hesitating for a long time, he couldn’t say a complete sentence.

Bo Yueming looked at this little fool Pei Yi and knew that this person would fall apart when drunk, but he still bit the kitten’s ear, taking advantage of the situation.

“If I catch you drunk again in the future, I will ‘taste’ you just like I did tonight.”

---

Consider donating via Kofi here!

Chapter Thirty-Nine <<Table of Contents >> Chapter Forty-One

T/N: Hello, everyone, I’m Neon Dragonfly, and I’ll be taking over the translation of this story after the previous translator made it clear they have dropped it indefinitely. I hope to do the story justice. For those of you who haven’t read my translations, I’m a pretty regular updater, so you should expect at least one or two chapters per week. Also, I will include an additional bonus chapter for any donation! That said, I hope you all continue to enjoy this great story.

Just a few minutes before Lucas said he was going on a blind date, Luo Ran had received a call from home.

Wang Zitong had met a matchmaker who gave her the contact information of three Alphas, and asked Luo Ran if he wanted to give it a try.

In the past, Luo Ran naturally would have no objection.

But now……

Luo Ran refused.

Wang Zitong: Why did you refuse?

Luo Ran refusing so decisively made Wang Zitong a little curious.

Luo Ran paused for a moment, and only replied that he was busy with his work and would not go on blind dates in the future.

At this time, Lucas also sent him a message.

Lucas: I’m going on a blind date with Lu Bei.

Luo Ran: “? ? ?”

Luo Ran froze for a moment, dumbfounded.

Lucas, that childish devil, was he trying to take revenge on him? Why did he drag Lu Bei into this? Had Lu Bei been tricked by Zhou Mingkai?

Luo Ran raised his eyebrows and replied with his congratulations, then searched for Lu Bei’s name in the address book and sent him a message.

Luo Ran: I apologize, the admiral seems to have caused you some trouble. I hope you can pay this no mind.

Lu Bei replied quickly.

Lu Bei: It’s fine. His Royal Highness the Third Prince told me that it’s fine to treat this as everyone hanging out together. Secretary Luo doesn’t need to worry about it.

After speaking, Lu Bei sent him an e-ticket to the opera house.

Lou Ran: “…….”

He had thought it was Lucas who was going to hang out with Lu Bei.

He didn’t expect that it was a foursome?

Luo Ran rubbed his temples with a headache.

. . . . . .

The weekend, at the opera house.

“Secretary Luo is here.” Zhou Mingkai smiled and said, “Let’s sit together.”

Zhou Mingkai and Luo Ran would sit on one side, and Lucas and Lu Bei would sit on the other in a different row of seats.

Luo Ran nodded.

Lucas gave Luo Ran a distant look.

Zhou Mingkai waved his hand and said, “Let’s go, let’s go, it’s starting.”

When entering the theater, Lucas looked for an opportunity to turn his head and say to Luo Ran fiercely: “Didn’t you want me to find other Betas and Omegas to try, and to see more of the world? I’m trying now.”

“……En.” Luo Ran raised his head. “Admiral, remember to hold Mr. Lu’s hand since you’re on a date.”

“ ? ”

Luo Ran said with a smile: “Isn’t it a date? One should hold hands on a date. Go quickly, Admiral.”

“…….”

Lucas immediately choked on his own breath as he experienced the feeling of lifting a rock and dropping it on his own foot.

Afterward, the four of them sat down. Zhou Mingkai glanced at Luo Ran, who was really concentrating on watching the opera while completely ignoring Lucas, and was dumbfounded. 

“That……Secretary Luo, don’t you feel unhappy that the admiral is on a date with someone else? Are you jealous or…….” Zhou Mingkai scratched his head and said with a dry smile, “Jealousy is not only between couples. There can even be jealousy among friends.”

“Why should I be jealous?” Luo Ran pointed to Lucas, who was sitting not far to the front, “He’s even more reluctant than I am.”

Luo Ran wanted to speak with Lucas, of course, but it wasn’t necessary.

He couldn’t be stopped.

He loved to make trouble for himself.

Zhou Mingkai: “…….”

Zhou Mingkai subconsciously glanced at Lucas.

At this moment, Lucas stubbornly wanted to show off his intimacy with Lu Bei, and sat quite close to him.

Then Lucas began to feel uncomfortable and awkward, frowning as he tried to move away.

Watching the opera seemed to torment him very much.

Zhou Mingkai: “…….”

Zhou Mingkai: “That makes sense, only a fool would be jealous.”

— Only a fool would be jealous.

Lucas turned his head and saw Zhou Mingkai and Luo Ran sitting together and whispering, and felt like the lion fur all over his body was about to puff up.

Little bastard!

Zhou Mingkai felt cold all over, and when he lowered his head, he caught Lucas’ sharp gaze.

If looks could kill, he’d have died a hundred times.

Zhou Mingkai: “…….”

Zhou Mingkai’s original proposal was just to come out with Lu Bei and spend time together in order to support him, and contribute to the progress of the outstanding heir to the empire along the way.

Unexpectedly, the roof tile fell and hit him on the head.

Zhou Mingkai wanted to cry but had no tears.

The opera singers on stage sang, and the treble was sonorous and resounding.

The script was about a sunny, youthful boy who naively pursued a beautiful and wealthy girl, the classic poor boy and young lady story. At this moment, the boy was holding a rose.

When it was finally over, next on the itinerary was the classic holy location for a date — the amusement park.

Revisiting an old haunt.

Zhou Mingkai took a look at the amusement park map and asked, “Shall we go and do the escape room?”

“No.” Lucas donned a cold expression.

“Then go to the horror tunnel?”

“No.”

“Hey, how about the cable car firework experience for two? There are roses.”

Fireworks? For two?

Lucas glanced at Zhou Mingkai and Luo Ran, and his expression soured even more. “That won’t work!”

“…….”

Luo Ran picked up the conversation and smoothed things over with a smile: “Why would the cable car not work? It’s very relaxing, and you can enjoy the scenery. Let’s go do that.”

Having spoken, he simply went to buy the tickets.

Lucas’s face immediately sank.

After Lucas and Lu Bei went up, Luo Ran and Zhou Mingkai, who were following behind, had just reached the door when Zhou Mingkai’s desire to survive burst out.

“I’m afraid of admirals……ah, no, I’m afraid of heights.” Zhou Mingkai gave a dry laugh and said, “Secretary Luo, go up by yourself, it’s only five minutes anyway. How about I buy water for the three of you to quench your thirst?”

Luo Ran paused. “No need to go to such trouble……”

“It’s fine, it’s fine, you’re all my big brothers! Running errands is what I should do!” Zhou Mingkai broke away and fled.

“Sir? Are you still going up?” The staff member to the side asked. “It’s your turn.”

“Yes.”

The ticket is already bought, Luo Ran thought to himself. He had a chance to sit and rest, and the fireworks would not be in vain.

The cable car slowly lifted into the air, the metal creaking where the parts rubbed against each other.

Luo Ran watched the cable car gradually leave the ground, rising higher and higher before circling the amusement park.

They had made it just in time for the event, and there would now be a fireworks show that would be set off in conjunction with the ascent of the cable cars.

Seeing that the fireworks hadn’t started yet, Luo Ran seized this time to take out some official documents for review.

Hiss……

Luo Ran frowned slightly.

When he read the first line, he felt a deep, stabbing pain in his head.

Luo Ran gripped the terminal and bent over slightly, pressing his temples with his hands.

He knew what was probably going on.

His mental wounds were still not healed. Shen Xiluo and Xia Zhi had repeatedly advised him not to work too much, and to get enough sleep every day.

Lucas actually didn’t want him to work overtime, and chewed him out when he found that he hadn’t taken a break.

But there was so much work recently, and these two months were a critical period. Luo Ran was not at ease entrusting so many things to others, and had to personally look them over with care.

So last night, Luo Ran couldn’t help staying up late.

Perhaps it was because of this that his brain was protesting.

Boom—!

At this time, the fireworks were in full bloom.

The experience of watching fireworks at a high altitude was excellent — after all, the distance was very close, almost at the same level.

At the same time, the sound was very loud.

Although the Empire’s fireworks had been developed so that there was no smoke, the sound still made Luo Ran tremble.

Luo Ran rubbed his temples and tried his utmost to sit upright and maintain the blood circulation in his head and body. He reached into his pocket to take out his medicine. 

Hmm?

There were no pockets.

It happened that his trousers had no pockets, so he had put the medicine in his coat pocket. And the coat……was still in the aircraft. After all, the temperature difference between the opera house and the amusement park was so great.

Never mind.

Luo Ran sighed and silently closed his eyes, waiting for the cable car to descend.

The next moment, he heard an electronic female voice come from the cable car.

{Very sorry, Cable Car No.1 is out of order……Very sorry, Cable Car No.1 is out of order…..}

At the same time, there was a metallic sound, and Luo Ran saw that the door of the cable car had been sealed.

{For safety, the system will automatically close the exits in order to ensure the safety of the passengers……}

Luo Ran was dumbstruck.

The cable car……broke down?

There was such a coincidence?

{Passengers, please stay calm and refrain from panicking. Maintenance personnel will restore the cable car to operation within ten minutes……}

Luo Ran felt that his head hurt even more.

This really was……luck, ah.

Luo Ran was unable to sit up straight anymore. The pain and weightlessness caused him to bend over and hug his knees, biting his lower lip as he dripped with cold sweat.

Not wanting to see hallucinations here, Luo Ran closed his eyes tightly.

Ding-dong.

Luo Ran’s terminal rang.

He took a deep breath and pulled it out, tapping to unlock the screen.

Lucas: Open the door.

Luo Ran: “…….?”

Luo Ran: The cable car door automatically sealed, and I may not be able to jump right now.

Luo Ran: What jump, who’s making you jump?

Lucas: There’s an emergency door opening button at the corner of the cable car. Power will be cut off after pressing it for three seconds.

Luo Ran didn’t respond yet.

What the……?

The next moment, he saw it — a tall figure jumped out of the cable car in front and bounded toward his car.

……..! !

Luo Ran was so frightened that he hurriedly pressed the button.

The cable car door opened. Lucas gripped the cable car track with his hands and swung his body, easily breaking into Luo Ran’s cable car.

The cable car swayed as Luo Ran watched Lucas descend from the sky and crouch in front of him.

Luo Ran: “…….”

“Admiral……!”

This was too……

“What are you afraid of? I won’t die if I fall.” Lucas rolled his eyes.

Below the cable car was either the ferris wheel or roller coaster track, and there were many places to break a fall.

Seeing that the cable car had stopped, Lu Bei took out the official documents and reviewed them himself without speaking to Lucas. And Lucas seemed to have a fit when he saw that Luo Ran couldn’t even sit upright. Even if it was a sea of swords and fire, Lucas would jump over it right now.

The people down below only saw a swift black shadow and a swaying cable car, and wondered what had happened.

As soon as Lucas came, he took the pale-faced Luo Ran into his arms.

Gently rubbing the back of Luo Ran’s head, he released his pheromones.

It was the same as when he released pheromones on the battleship to tease Luo Ran before, but this time it was for a different purpose.

Luo Ran was completely stunned.

“Good……” Lucas embraced Luo Ran, letting him rest against his shoulder.

Pheromones could be better absorbed at such a close distance.

“Admiral……?”

Luo Ran said tremblingly: “You……?”

“Hush.” Lucas took Luo Ran’s medicine out of his pocket and grabbed his wrist, saying: “Pheromones plus the lowest level of drugs should be fine.”

Then, Luo Ran slowly recovered.

“Admiral, you know….?” Luo Ran’s face was still pale. “Since when?”

“From the time you tried to pilot Lion One. I wanted to hide it, but seeing you like this, I forgot.” Lucas scoffed coldly. “Just say it, so that it’s convenient for you and me to ask for pheromones in the future.”

“…….”

Luo Ran touched the back of his neck and said shakily: “It was you……who temporarily marked me?”

“Yes.”

“…….”

This, this……

“So the Admiral deliberately teased me in the battleship that day.” Luo Ran recalled this weakly.

Lucas did it on purpose……!

He was really crazy!

“Why can’t I tease you? You are none other than my Omega, my secretary, can’t I tease you?” Lucas was bold and self-confident.

“An Alpha teasing an Omega is, is enjoyable?” Luo Ran was a little angry and resentful.

“Why can’t an Alpha tease an Omega? If you want to tease me back, you can force me into rut too. We’re equal!”

Luo Ran’s mind was a mess, as well as his speech. “An A teasing an O……is wrong.”

“Why? Do you think Omegas are inferior to Alphas?” Lucas said with a smile, “You, an Omega, are much stronger than many Alphas. Tsk, you pretended so well that I would have thought you were an Alpha if you didn’t tell me otherwise.”

Lucas said: “I protect you not because you’re an Omega, but because you are the person I like.”

Luo Ran was stunned.

The doubts and fears that had just arisen due to his Omega identity being exposed vanished just like that.

After a long pause, Luo Ran straightened up and sat opposite Lucas. He said earnestly, “Thank you, Admiral.”

Thank you for your willingness to temporarily mark me for my protection.

Thank you for never underestimating me.

Thank you……

Luo Ran glanced at Lucas’s pocket.

It had never occurred to him that, with a heart as big as Lucas’s, he would carry his medicine with him and keep it in his pocket.

“You’re welcome.” Lucas grinned, and then said, “Why did you lie to me?”

He got right to settling accounts.

“……..” Luo Ran turned his head and said, “Back then you only wanted a Beta.”

And he needed the job.

Lucas touched his nose.

Hiss, this was another good thing he did before.

Being at a high altitude isolated the noise, and the sounds of the amusement park could only faintly be heard.

It was just the two of them.

Luo Ran was enveloped in the smell of tobacco. It was very warm.

Luo Ran hesitated, then said: “Admiral, let me tell you another secret.”

“ ? ”

Luo Ran lowered his eyes and said: “I am not a child born by my parents. It’s just that I was sick with a fever after being adopted from the orphanage and forgot the past. They thought that since I didn’t know, they should keep it from me. In fact, as I grew older, I gradually remembered the days when I lived in the orphanage and the scene of when they found me.”

Lucas froze for a moment, saying nothing.

In fact, Lucas knew. 

When Luo Ran applied for the secretary job, the military department dug up his background, but Lucas didn’t say anything about it.

Because he, like Luo Ran’s parents, didn’t want Luo Ran to be sad.

Luo Ran smiled and said: “But they are very good to me, because love is even better than having a biological child. What I want to say is……”

Luo Ran seemed to be organizing his words.

Then he said: “I didn’t have anything at first. A happy family wasn’t something that belonged to me, but something that was given to me. I also owned few things that were mine. Then I met the admiral, and everything I had was given by the admiral. My first regular job, my first savings account, my first small apartment that I saved up for……because of the admiral, I started to own many, many things.”

Luo Ran’s tone was still gentle and mild. This was the first time he had said such words to an outsider.

“I have you, and I have friends. I’ve learned to fight and protect myself.”

“The admiral taught me to be confident, to be brave, and not to fear anything.”

Lucas interrupted with anxious clumsiness: “You will be given more in the future. I can give you everything I have, all of it.”

Luo Ran smiled and said: “I don’t need it, I am very satisfied now. Admiral, you are……”

Perhaps because the next words were a little embarrassing, Luo Ran paused for a long time.

“What am I?” Lucas was a bit nervous.

“You are the first person in this world to bring me a sense of security.” Luo Ran turned his head.

Lucas’s body froze from head to foot.

“Do you understand?” Luo Ran put it all out in the open, grabbing the corner of his clothes as he said nervously, “You make me feel at ease. I like the life I have now very much, and I like how we are now. I know my experience is not worth mentioning compared to the admiral’s, but I……I really don’t want to lose this.”

Lucas gazed at Luo Ran for a moment, then said in a hoarse voice: “Promise to be with me, and you won’t lose me and what you have now.”

“Admiral, after getting along for such a long time, someone would even develop feelings for their dog. How do you know someone better won’t come along in the future? How do you know this is ‘liking someone?’ You never even had the concept of feelings. You didn’t understand, and I understood that about you.”

Without falling in love, he and Lucas could go on like this forever, and it would be so good.

There would be no breakups, no farewells, no emotional entanglement, and no giving up the old for the new.

Luo Ran didn’t know what the alternative would be like, but he couldn’t bear to let go of this moment.

At this moment, he had experienced gritting his teeth to learn, countless arguments with Lucas, and crying and begging for a week with an application in hand.

This moment was very good.

Lucas was silent for a moment.

{Attention passengers, the cable car system will resume operation in four minutes. Everyone please remain calm……}

The cable car was about to be repaired.

Lucas said: “Zhou Mingkai said that I was in too much of a hurry, and I thought it over. I want to apologize to you. I’m sorry, I didn’t mean to bully you. I’m just pursuing someone for the first time and relatively inexperienced. I’ve never done anything other than fight wars, and it’s clear that the quick victory preemptive strategy has failed. I will improve and continue to learn.”

Luo Ran was taken aback.

Ah……?

Lucas said: “Then I will formally pursue you from now on. Let’s do it again. This time I will make a good confession, with a pursuit method like ordinary people, the kind you can refuse.”

Lucas took the rose that Luo Ran had set aside.

This was the flower that was left in the cable car as a love item for two people. Lucas forgot his in the other cable car, so he could only use Luo Ran’s.

Lucas held up the rose and handed it out toward Luo Ran, saying solemnly, “I like you, and I want to pursue you.”

Lucas thought to himself that he had forgotten the sentences he’d copied from the internet that day.

He could only improvise.

“I like how you look, I like your silver hair, I like your personality, I like when you smile at me, I like when you work, I like it all.”

“I want to join your life and buy a house with you. You can take all my salary and property, and the household registration book.”

Lucas held the rose up stiffly and said: “I just wanted to let you know. From now on, I will pursue you well, and not force you or cause you trouble. I hope you will consider me one day.”

Sincere, and very……unsophisticated.

Luo Ran stared blankly at Lucas.

Then he couldn’t help but laugh out loud with a “Pfft!”

At the same time, the fireworks show started up again, and inside the cable car, Luo Ran’s eyes sparkled with fireworks.

Lucas’s did as well.

The tension and anxiety that had been lingering between the two of them seemed to disappear in an instant.

---

Consider donating via Kofi here!

Table of Contents >> Chapter 60

—Breaking News! Admiral Lucas of the Empire has dispatched his men, reportedly to find his date from the hotel last night!

The reporter excitedly asked a question: What would you do once you find them?

Lucas’ eyes glinted coldly: Kill them.

The crowd: ???

Why does he seem different from everyone else…

Gong’s perspective →

There’s nothing the short-tempered Admiral Lucas looks down on more than the whiny and annoying omegas in his life.

A significant other? Will never happen in this lifetime.

However, if he is forced to elaborate… He much prefers the gentle and honest beta secretary, skilled in both combat and academia, who can brew coffee and match clothes for him.

Shou’s perspective →

Luo Ran is Lucas’ secretary, and what he does is the most inhumane job in the entire empire.

He has to wait on the nit-pickiest superior who sits above him, and below him, he has to deal with the entire empire who dare not interact with the admiral, the admiral’s subordinates, coworkers, admirers… etc.

Not only that, but he also has to carefully hide the fact that he’s an omega, as well as his identity as the admiral’s “one night stand”… constantly facing the imminent threat of getting killed at any moment.

Until one day, he accidentally went into heat in front of Lucas, the sweet and lovely pheromone an exact match with the pheromone of the person from that night.

It’s over, he’s about to be killed now.

“How brave of you.” Lucas held the back of Luo Ran’s head, the other arm looped around his waist as he smiled, “Now… I’m going to kill you.”

---

Please support the author by purchasing the RAWS here.

Consider donating via Kofi here!

---

To read chapters 1-58, follow this link to Novel Updates, where the previous two translators have listed their works.

Chapter 59	Chapter 73	Chapter 87
Chapter 60	Chapter 74	Chapter 88
Chapter 61	Chapter 75	Chapter 89
Chapter 62	Chapter 76	Chapter 90
Chapter 63	Chapter 77	Chapter 91
Chapter 64	Chapter 78	Chapter 92
Chapter 65	Chapter 79	Chapter 93
Chapter 66	Chapter 80	Chapter 94
Chapter 67	Chapter 81	Chapter 95
Chapter 68	Chapter 82	Extra 1
Chapter 69	Chapter 83	Extra 2
Chapter 70	Chapter 84	Extra 3
Chapter 71	Chapter 85	Extra 4
Chapter 72	Chapter 86	Extra 5