Chapter 87

Chapter 87

No one knew what injuries Lin Fu had sustained, how severe they were, or to what extent he was weakened.

But that didn't stop everyone from refraining from acting rashly in his presence.

Especially under the encompassing chill of his somber gaze.

He was merely a guide, and years before the emergence of this extraordinary guide, no media outlet could have imagined they would see days like these.

This frail, seemingly wind-toppled guide, frightened into silence?

Clutching their recording equipment, they stood still in silence, watching their big scoop slowly walk away.

It took a good long while before they exchanged glances, pointing incredulously at the receding figure, then at themselves.

Were they just going to let him walk away?

He was the clear loser, a blemish in this victorious war. How could he walk with such unearned arrogance?

But it was enough; Lin Fu’s statement alone was big news.

The media couldn’t wait to release the story, along with high-definition videos that captured every detail of Lin Fu.

His indifferent tone echoed through the streets and alleys of various planets, and everyone wondered if he had lost his mind!

"Look! Look at this unrepentant face! His delay in arriving at the Imperial Capital Star for the military report must have been deliberate, right?!”

"I really misjudged him before. I thought he was a decent person, but it seems I was blind! It's fortunate that he refused the crown prince; otherwise, the prince would have married such a calamity into the royal family!”

"I'm disgusted! Guides should never be on the battlefield! They're so spoiled, they don’t even think defeat is their fault, and they still act so superior! In my opinion, we really need to reconsider whether guides have too much status in society. They're only fit for managing households and should not be involved in any positions of power; otherwise, we end up with situations like this!"

"I am a guide, and I want to make it clear that Lin Fu's actions have nothing to do with us guides. He himself is a disabled guide. Even though he has recovered, he has never received proper guide education. He cannot be considered a guide at all!"

"Exactly! A disgrace to all guides! Maybe he's been twisted from a young age, which would explain why the Lin family didn't treat him well."

For a time, there was a great uproar.

……

His return was an opportune time to consolidate the piece of land he had tricked away from Cheng Ying before his departure.

Before he left, he had left behind a troop stationed on the Imperial Star, and over the year, they had built a garrison.

The troops that followed the warships to the Imperial Capital Star disembarked and headed to the garrison, following orders.

Along with them, the Ninth Legion's landing troops also made their way there, boldly declaring in front of everyone that the two legions were as close as family.

Lin Fu leaned against the swing frame in the manor, squinting his eyes with a smile: "The royal family is more proactive than I thought."

Cheng Jiu sat down beside him, and the swing frame sank heavily, creaking.

He displayed the foresight of a future boyfriend, wrapping his hands around Lin Fu's cold palms and pressing them under a blanket: "There's no need to rush. Didn't we agree that we'd be staying on the Imperial Capital Star for a while? You might as well think about how to pursue your future boyfriend."

Lin Fu laughed, amused: "Indeed, I need to give it some thought. Otherwise, if my boyfriend runs off, it'll be hard to find someone better."

Cheng Jiu took his hand into his own embrace, stroking his waist, and couldn't help but whisper, "How come you're getting thinner?"

He enveloped him in his arms, able to wrap the young man up completely, shielding him thoroughly.

There wasn't a hint of color on his lips.

Reaching out, he pinched Lin Fu's cheek, bringing a faint blush to the pale face, making him look less like he was at death's door.

Lin Fu frowned and swatted the mischievous hand away from his face: "That's because I'm still growing. It's normal not to gain weight."

Cheng Jiu chuckled softly, burying his head in the young guide's nape, his chest trembling: "You still want to grow taller?"

He tousled Lin Fu's hair: "Major General, I'm afraid your wish might be dashed. Haven't you noticed you haven't grown taller in a long while?"

Lin Fu wasn't angry, weakly batting away the hand on his head, warning: "Stop touching me."

A message arrived on his light brain, from Pu Tian Xiang Ri.

After reading it, Lin Fu said, "The military meeting has been moved up. Before that, I need to make a trip to the Harvey residence."

The Harveys' fate was intertwined with the Fourth Army's; their fortunes and misfortunes were one and the same.

With the Fourth Army in the eye of the storm, the Harveys would not have it easy. Lin Fu felt obliged to pay them a visit in person.

Moreover, with Albert and others dealing with the aftermath and not returning from the front lines, Lin Fu's presence was particularly significant.

He acted swiftly, arranging a meeting with Mrs. Harvey the very next day.

Cheng Jiu, acting as a temporary mode of transportation, helped Lin Fu upstairs.

Mrs. Harvey had seen Lin Fu's pale face on the news before, but was still startled by his frail appearance in person.

Miss Harvey rose worriedly, but upon seeing the attentive and considerate Cheng Jiu by his side, she settled back into her seat: "Major General, it has been a long time."

Lin Fu greeted her with a smile, "It has indeed been a while. Apologies, but Albert didn't return with the troops this time and couldn't meet with you."

Mrs. Harvey replied, "No worries, I've had a video call with him. Thank you, General Lin, for taking care of him. It's apparent he has grown a lot."

Her gaze shifted as she inquired, "How is the General's injury...?"

Lin Fu smiled with narrowed eyes, "I've specifically returned to the Imperial Capital Star to recuperate."

Mrs. Harvey immediately grasped Lin Fu's meaning and smiled in return, "General, please focus on your recovery, don't worry about other matters. If there's anything you need, just let us know."

Lin Fu expressed his sincere gratitude, "Thank you."

He had absolute faith in the loyalty of the Harvey family, and they were sufficiently astute.

Conversing with astute individuals, one need only hint; there's no necessity for explicitness.

After they had dinner together, they bid each other farewell.

Lin Fu alighted from the car upon returning to the manor.

He walked slowly, and before long, a fine layer of sweat formed on his forehead.

Cheng Jiu bent down to pick him up effortlessly and carried him upstairs.

As he laid him on the bed, he caught sight of Lin Fu's docile posture. Kneeling beside the bed with a hoarse voice, he cradled Lin Fu's cheeks, "I truly wish you were a doll, so I could tuck you in my arms and take you everywhere."

Lin Fu gave him an unapologetic roll of the eyes, "You might as well wish that I had broken legs, that would be more realistic."

Cheng Jiu, slightly irritated, pinned him down on the bed and bit his upper lip, silencing him to avoid ruining the mood.

Lin Fu lacked the energy to struggle, so he simply lay there, letting Cheng Jiu do as he pleased.

Cheng Jiu was excellent at gauging his actions; listening to Lin Fu's gradually labored breathing, he loosened his grip and let him go, then got up to help him remove his shoes and socks.

At that moment, a black panther leaped onto the bed.

It seemed to have been lurking in the shadows for a while, and upon getting onto the bed, it rubbed against Lin Fu affectionately, its thick black tail wrapping around Lin Fu's legs and its tongue licking his neck.