Chapter 70: “You Only Take What I Don’t Want.”

Chapter 70: "You Only Take What I Don't Want."

Qin Qing took sick leave. After such an incident, he was in no state to work.

"Why move back here when you're upset? Just stay home and be alone. Everyone here is so unpleasant," 996 said, perched on the balcony railing, idly grooming itself.

Qin Qing sat on a metallic rocking chair, staring blankly into the distance.

After Su Su's death, he moved back to the Qin family mansion.

At the moment, he wore a thin white woolen sweater and cotton lounge pants. His feet, bare and limp, rested on the plush chair, looking boneless.

Autumn on this planet was chilly. The wind howled down from the overcast sky, shedding leaves, yellowing the grass, and tinting Qin Qing's face with a red hue, his eyes tearful.

He sat there, swaying unconsciously, much like a withered leaf dangling from a tree—so desolate and fragile.

996 sighed, hopped off the railing, and curled up beside Qin Qing's feet, using its chubby, fluffy belly to warm Qin Qing's naked feet. "I'm warm. Let me heat you up a bit. For someone so grown, you sure can't handle adversity," it grumbled, feigning annoyance.

It was then that Qin Qing looked down, rewarding 996 with a grateful smile.

"What were you thinking about?" 996 asked, wrapping its tail around Qin Qing's slender ankle.

"I was wondering who took Su Su's bone diamond."

In this interstellar era, human funeral customs evolved. After Su Su's death, his body was cremated into ashes, which were then pressurized and heated to form a diamond.

Su Su's parents traveled from a distant planet to claim the diamond, only to be told it had been stolen.

Qin Qing had a hunch who might have taken it. But wasn't it too late for that person?

Why did he desire a cold, unfeeling diamond when he could've had the warm, fragrant, and alive Su Su, whom he could hold and kiss?

"Humans are truly absurd," Qin Qing said, covering his wind-reddened eyes with his hand.

Li Yijia entered the balcony with a plate of fruits, sighing, "Son, stop dwelling on Su Su. Eat something."

"Thank you, mother," Qin Qing said, managing a pallid smile.

Li Yijia motioned downstairs, whispering, "I overheard the mother and son talking about posting a video of Su Su being assaulted in the detention room, intending to expose it to the entire star system. I confronted them and even pulled out a strand of Fang Anna's hair."

Qin Qing's expression darkened instantly.

6 raised its head, showing off its sharp claws, "Darn them! Kicking someone when they're down even after they're gone? My short temper won't stand for this!"

Swiftly, it leaped off the balcony, slid down the vines on the wall, and scratched up the S901 parked by the road—a car more expensive than a villa, sure to upset Qin Gantang.

It's a playful way of getting back, knowing how much Qin Gantang would fret over the damage.

Qin Qing: "Mom, I'll go down and check." He rose from his seat, a storm brewing in his eyes.

On the first floor living room, Fang Anna was desperately clutching a bloodstained lock of hair while speaking to Qin Tao on the phone. Tears streaked her face, making her look pitifully distraught. Qin Gantang sat nearby, projecting a screen from his smart device, displaying a deeply distressing scene.

The cries for help, the screams, and the sobbing from Su Su resonated clearly.

Qin Qing could barely bring himself to look at the screen. Yet, Qin Gantang seemed to relish in it, clapping and laughing as if watching a riveting film.

Closing his eyes for a moment and taking a deep breath, Qin Qing activated the recording function of his smart device, capturing the scene and sending it to Yan Yufei.

He typed in the chat box: [This is the person you fought to associate with. The one you used privileges to buy expensive gifts for. The one you've tirelessly tried to please. Tell me, can he still be called a human?]

The response from Yan Yufei came quickly, just three simple words: [He's not worthy.]

Not even an exclamation mark.

But Qin Qing understood. Such a response wasn't about lacking emotion; it was a calmness that came from extreme loathing.

[If you have even a shred of guilt, don't let him upload Su Su's video online!] Qin Qing wrote again.

[I'll handle it.]

Still, a sentence without punctuation. It felt indifferent, as if Su Su's demise to Yan Yufei was as inconsequential as a dry leaf falling from a branch – silent and expected.

This indifference masked a heart that had been numbed by pain.

Yet, Qin Qing felt it wasn't enough. He wanted to make Yan Yufei suffer more.

[The person is dead. What's the use of that diamond to you? When protection was needed, why didn't you offer it? When you wear that diamond day and night, can you feel the pain of Su Su being reduced to ashes in scorching heat?]

Yan Yufei didn't respond again.

But Qin Qing knew that reading those words would inflict profound pain, pushing Yan Yufei into despair. From now on, the searing flames would constantly torment his soul, even if his body remained unscathed. His spirit would forever remain trapped in those infernal flames.

A subtle smile played on Qin Qing's lips, satisfied. He then continued towards the living room.

Catching sight of Qin Qing's silhouette, Qin Gantang laughed, "Big brother, care to join in watching the movie? Should I have the butler pour you some hot tea?"

"No need." Approaching Qin Gantang, Qin Qing leaned over the back of the sofa, whispering into his ear, "You know, I've met all kinds of people, but you are by far the most despicable, shameless, and vile among them."

Qin Gantang chuckled, seemingly unconcerned.

"Indeed, I'm a wicked person. But what can you possibly do to me? Do you even know who stands behind me?"

Those five elite alphas were Qin Gantang's backbone, a support Qin Qing lacked.

The screen continued to display the brutal violation of Su Su. Qin Qing resisted watching, but he couldn't block out the sounds.

His eyelashes trembled delicately, like fragile blossoms beaten down by a storm. His eyes began to redden, filled with tears that threatened to overflow.

Qin Gantang watched Qin Qing with anticipation, a smirk playing on his lips. He wanted to see Qin Qing crumble, to weep, to despair, or to scream hysterically. He yearned to see the seemingly perfect Qin Qing reveal his most vulnerable and hideous side.

Yet, all these expectations fell flat.

Just as Qin Qing seemed on the brink of breaking down, he miraculously shifted to wear a serene smile. Beneath that fragile facade lay an unwavering spirit.

"How boring." Qin Gantang pouted, turning his gaze back to the screen and savoring his caramel macchiato with evident relish.

"Doesn't this scent seem familiar to you?" he asked, lifting his cup with a teasing grin.

He knew the aroma of caramelized milk would remind Qin Qing of the tragically deceased Su Su.

He would employ any cruel method to torment Qin Qing.

Qin Qing met his gaze, calmly stating, "Su Su was part of the Central Army. I've reported the incident, and the military will thoroughly investigate."

Taking a whiff of his caramel macchiato, Qin Gantang replied with a sardonic tone, "Can the military probe the crown prince of the empire?"

He never bothered hiding his malicious deeds. Yes, he was responsible for Su Su's death, but the one who executed it was Konstantine, the empire's future ruler. Who would dare challenge him?

Since their fallout, Qin Gantang had always been audaciously confident.

"Alas, what can I do with my unique constitution? It matches with five elite alphas. Do you realize the daily dilemma I face? Which alpha should I marry? It's turned my hair gray," Qin Gantang said, mockingly lamenting as he twirled a strand of hair.

His radiant smile was in stark contrast to the crying face of Su Su on the screen.

Qin Qing fixed him with a cold stare, asserting, "I'm not sure about other armies, but the Central Army will definitely investigate the crown prince, especially with our general being Yin Baizhou."

Yin Baizhou, a name powerful enough to shake the empire.

Still smiling, arrogance filling his eyes, Qin Gantang responded, "It's a pity though. Yin Baizhou is also one of my protectors."

No sooner had he spoken than Qin Qing's communicator buzzed, displaying Yin Baizhou's name.

Immediately answering the call, Qin Qing projected a holographic screen three meters ahead.

Qin Gantang hastily turned off his screen, hoping to prevent Yin Baizhou from witnessing the disturbing images of Su Su's abuse.

Yin Baizhou, dressed in a black military uniform, strolled along a path. His uniform, adorned with medals and a sheaf-shaped sash, exuded opulence.

This ceremonial attire, reserved for the most formal occasions, hinted that Yin Baizhou had just attended a significant event, likely meeting an influential individual.

Recognizing the backdrop behind Yin Baizhou, Qin Qing felt a sudden calm. He could surmise what the man was up to.

A steel-crafted aerial fortress floated behind Yin Baizhou, surrounded by the elite troops of the Central Army Corps — the imperial palace.

Yin Baizhou had just exited the royal palace.

As he walked, he scrutinized Qin Qing within the holographic projection.

"You've lost weight," he remarked as his sharp brows furrowed, his first comment upon seeing Qin Qing.

Though Qin Gantang sat in a prominent position within the projection, he was utterly disregarded.

Qin Gantang waved and exclaimed, "Baizhou," yet received no response. Yin Baizhou's intense focus bypassed Qin Gantang entirely, settling solely on Qin Qing.

Such was his prowess—to treat anyone he disapproved of as if they were nonexistent.

Qin Gantang's joyful smile contorted into one of discomfort.

Qin Qing moved from behind the sofa and nonchalantly took a seat next to Qin Gantang, with his bare feet unavoidably visible within the holographic view.

His rosy toes, the delicately glossy nails—it all painted an aesthetic scene. Yin Baizhou's gaze lingered momentarily before he sternly instructed, "Put on some shoes!"

Qin Qing curled his feet onto the sofa, wrapping his slender arms around his knees, and resting his sharp chin atop them.

This posture rendered him even more vulnerable, reminiscent of a small creature trembling amidst dried leaves against a biting cold.

With heightened emphasis, Yin Baizhou ordered, "Qin Junyi, I demand you wear thick socks and cotton slippers right now. That's an order!"

What an unexpected command...

Burying his face between his knees, Qin Qing sneaked a smile. In his darkest and most bewildering moments, a simple call from this man could create a comforting and protective sanctuary for him.

Qin Qing was smiling, but Yin Baizhou remained unaware.

He believed that Qin Qing was weeping for Su Su's death.

A dark malice filled Yin Baizhou's ebony eyes.

At last, he cast a brief, bone-chilling glance at Qin Gantang.

"I have ordered a thorough investigation into Su Su's death," he declared. "The responsible alphas have been apprehended and are under interrogation. This is the Central Army's jurisdiction, Qin Qing. No one can obscure the truth here, even if they are the empire's supreme ruler."

He turned, gazing towards the hovering royal palace in the distance, and coldly stated, "My corps protects the people, not the royal lineage. My soldiers always stand ready against the enemies of the people. Should the royal family become the people's enemy, they won't hesitate to target them. Since the founding of our army, safeguarding the people has been our foremost principle."

A middle-aged man, bearing the emblem of the royal lineage on his chest, happened to walk past Yin Baizhou. Judging by his attire, he appeared to be a prince.

Yin Baizhou's words caught his attention.

Yet, Yin Baizhou met his gaze unflinchingly, showing no regret or unease over his audacious statement. Though he had never before voiced such rebellious sentiments, the entire galaxy knew that if he desired, he held the power to overturn the empire.

This was precisely why Qin Gantang, despite being a crown prince, was willing to marry him.

When angered and unrestrained, he became a weapon capable of utter devastation.

The prince's face paled. Approaching, he said with a trembling voice, "General, I've been sent by the royal family to assist in the investigation. We will not shield any culprits. Please rest assured."

"I don't need the assistance of the royal family. If the culprits are caught, they'll be judged by military law. Be prepared to find a new crown prince," responded Yin Baizhou with icy determination.

As the prince nodded in agreement, wiping sweat from his brow, he left without refuting Yin Baizhou's statement about replacing the crown prince.

This indicated the royal family's capitulation to the Central Army Corps. If even the empire's crown prince wasn't safe, Qin Gantang, the instigator, wouldn't fare better. If Yin Baizhou found evidence linking him to Su Su's murder, he would undoubtedly face incarceration.

Being bound to five elite alphas wouldn't save him. The law protects bond agreements, not criminals.

Qin Gantang sank deeper into the sofa, shaking uncontrollably. With tearful eyes, he wanted to plead for Yin Baizhou's mercy but dared not utter a word.

He knew all too well the unbending nature of Yin Baizhou.

Finally, Qin Qing lifted his head, his reddened, moist eyes meeting the holographic projection of Yin Baizhou.

The usually stern and rigid Yin Baizhou now spoke with an uncharacteristic tenderness, "Qin Qing, trust me. I can deliver justice for Su Su."

The tears Qin Qing had held back for days finally broke free at this moment. He knew that when the world crumbled, this man before him would always stand up and shield him from it all.

He is an unwavering tower, the most wondrous deity.

The thoughts in his heart felt so contradictory that Qin Qing found himself laughing through his tears. He covered his disheveled face with his hands, leaving only a reddened, slightly upturned nose exposed.

A red-nosed Yin Bozhou, yet to Qin Qing, seemed irresistibly adorable.

So adorable that it made the heart feel tender.

"Stop crying. Your tears have dampened your clothes. Your sweater seems quite thin," Yin Bozhou comforted in an unfamiliar tone.

He unconsciously reached for the top button of his military uniform, pausing for a moment before pulling his hand away.

He wanted to take off his coat and drape it over Qin Qing. Fortunately, he realized just in time that this was a holographic scene, not a face-to-face reality.

Wiping away his tears and with reddened eyes, Qin Qing spoke hoarsely, "Thank you, General. I've submitted my report. I knew you would be impartial. No matter who is involved, powerful or not, I trust you won't waver. You'll always choose justice and defend your subordinates."

This burning, unreserved trust made Yin Bozhou's heart soften even more.

"I promise to get to the bottom of it and show no leniency. Rest easy, and don't overthink," Yin Bozhou said, staring intently at Qin Qing, a gleam in his eyes.

That gleam was the reflection of Qin Qing.

Qin Qing obediently nodded, tears still on his face, but now he could genuinely smile.

With his glistening eyes and reddened lips, he resembled a rose dewed with morning droplets.

Seeing this rose bloom under his consolation, Yin Bozhou's heavy heart felt lighter.

The call had ended, nothing left to discuss. Yet, for some reason, Yin Bozhou didn't hang up.

Qin Gantang sneakily moved to the edge of the sofa. While Yin Bozhou wasn’t looking, he swiftly jumped off and ran. He needed to contact the other four alphas right away. He couldn't go to jail!

Fang Anna, who was busy complaining to Qin Tao over the phone, had now fallen silent and discreetly retreated. With her status dependent on her son, if he faced trouble, her position would be jeopardized.

She had once been a firefly in the lower city; she couldn't return to a life of prostitution!

The video call continued, and Yin Bozhou's vivid holographic image lingered before Qin Qing, making it hard for him to hang up.

He rested his delicate chin on his knees, tilting his head, gazing softly with his reddened, dewy eyes at the other person.

Yin Bozhou felt his ears heat up, though his face betrayed no sign. Even without words, being gazed at like this filled him with immense joy.

It seemed even a weapon could detect emotions contrary to destruction.

He continued walking forward, racking his brain for a topic of conversation.

Just then, a flying ship landed on a clearing not far away. Soldiers disembarked, lining up on both sides, awaiting their general. The video call, which neither wanted to end, was about to be disconnected.

Yin Bozhou looked deeply at the hovering image of Qin Qing, saying solemnly, “You're a soldier. I hope you'll recover quickly and return to your post.”

The words sounded strict, utterly professional. But in Qin Qing's heart, they translated differently— "I hope you'll return quickly, back to my side."

Was it so? Was that the true sentiment Yin Bozhou wanted to convey?

Qin Qing pondered, a small, joyful smile playing at his lips.

Call it narcissism or wishful thinking, but he chose to believe it that way.

Seeing that secretly delighted smile, Yin Bozhou’s eyes warmed. He sternly nodded, advised, "Put on your socks and shoes quickly," and then ended the call.

Li Yijia, standing in the corner, immediately came over to help her son put on his cotton socks and slippers.

“Your general truly cares for his soldiers like a father to his children. No wonder the entire central army is fiercely loyal to him. You can rest easy now. Su Su's grievances will surely be addressed,” Li Yijia whispered comfortingly.

Qin Qing nodded, feeling a weight lifted from his heart.

Qin Gantang hid in his bedroom, calling the other four alphas for help. To secure his prince status, Kang Enstan would do his utmost. The other three, hoping to ensure their longevity, needed to protect Qin Gantang too.

Together, they might be a match for Yin Bozhou.

Yan Yufei’s holographic image floated in the air.

Dressed in a white lab coat, he appeared to be conducting an experiment. Likely due to staying up all night, his complexion was pale. Hearing the alphas who harmed Su Su were captured by Yin Bozhou and being interrogated, he turned to face Qin Gantang.

“I can help you eliminate them. Without their testimonies, Yin Bozhou won't have evidence against you. He's an upright man. Without proof of wrongdoing, even if he suspects you, he can't act. But doing this might make your future marriage to him quite challenging.”

“My days won't be tough. Yin Bozhou has many enemies. If he succumbs or becomes disabled, his central army will be endangered. For his army's sake, he'll compromise with me. Can he refuse to marry me? No, he won't. He can't be without me. He's been harsh to me now, but later I'll make him kneel before me in regret!”

Qin Gantang declared with both bitterness and overwhelming arrogance.

Yan Yufei silently gazed at the man, a torrent of wild thoughts racing through his mind.

That hideous face, that tainted heart—he vowed to tear them apart with his own hands someday.

Yet, when he spoke, his words dripped with tenderness, "Regardless of whom you marry, I'll always be by your side. I'll handle those alphas for you, ensuring no trace is left. Rest easy."

Qin Gantang smiled with delight and ran up to Yan Yufei's holographic image, aiming for a kiss. However, the image vanished suddenly.

"Why hang up so quickly? Such an unromantic blockhead."

Qin Gantang murmured a few complaints, then cozily burrowed under his covers to sleep. Upon waking in the afternoon, he opened his computer to check the news. What he read caused him to leap out of bed, waving his arms, a mix of laughter and shouts.

Mysteriously, those alphas had died at the military base, each foaming at the mouth as if poisoned. Yet, no toxins were detected, and no one had come near their cells to make physical contact.

The entire incident seemed otherworldly, with every investigation coming to a dead end.

With no leads, the military could only declare the case closed. Even with Yin Bozhou's influence, he couldn't detain a fragile Omega without evidence, especially when that Omega was Qin Gantang, a top-tier Omega renowned throughout the galaxy.

"I'm safe! No one can threaten me now! Not even Yin Bozhou!" Qin Gantang exclaimed, hopping off his bed and clenching his fists in a frenzy of triumph.

The terrifying efficiency of Yan Yufei's murder method hadn't even raised his suspicions!

Soon after, Qin Qing also came across the news.

Poisoned, but the method remained elusive. Silently killing so many under the tight security of the military—aside from Yan Yufei, who in the empire possessed such capabilities?

Qin Qing immediately sent a message to Yan Yufei: [Was it you?]

[Yes.]

[Why?]

[For rape, one only serves jail time.]

[So you killed them with your own hands?]

[Yes.]

[Doing so will surely please Qin Gantang.]

[He'll be even more pleased in the future.]

[I've arranged a perfect ending for him.]

Reading these chilling messages, Qin Qing felt an unsettling notion that Yan Yufei might have lost his sanity. Instead of confronting him, Qin Qing opened his screen and modified the script he'd written for Qin Gantang.

He had penned this conclusion, but now he wanted Yan Yufei to continue the narrative.

Let fate decide, for only destiny knows the repercussions of the choices made.

After editing the script, Qin Qing's device buzzed again. Ren Zehuai's voice came through with urgency, "Qin Qing, where are you? I have something vital to discuss. Can you spare ten minutes?"

Having been absent from the military base for so long, Qin Qing was now unreachable, which made Ren anxious. With Qin Gantang possibly marrying someone else at any moment, how could he wait?

996 leaped in from the window, curiously asking, "What's that jerk up to now?"

"Probably trying to confess and pursue a relationship. He intends to use me as bait to provoke his real target," Qin Qing replied with an anticipatory smile.

"Damn it, you people are so complicated! I saw Qin Gantang wandering near the pond outside. I'm going to bump into him and knock him into the water!" With the same haste he arrived, 996 dashed out.