Chapter 98

Chapter 98

It was a long and drawn-out play. The two leads had to perform their roles for months in front of millions of spectators, and it had to be flawless in a single take, not allowing any audience to perceive their act.

Clearly, they played their parts with resounding success.

The public sentiment on the Star Network was not dampened with the passage of time but fermented instead. With the Fourth Army's refusal to respond and the Royal Parliament's subtle insinuations, their indignation intensified, as if Lin Fu was not defeated, but their enemy.

To this end, they spared no effort in wasting vast amounts of time online, hurling insults, and even painstakingly sought to dig up every dark secret about Lin Fu, each becoming fodder for their mockery.

And in the eyes of outsiders, Lin Fu seemed to grow weaker by the day.

As the emotions of the Imperial citizens piled up, reaching a peak, something happened that they found immensely satisfying.

Lin Fu vomited blood.

The moment he stepped out of the car to meet Cheng Jiu, copious amounts of fresh blood gushed from his mouth, as if he wished to expel his very innards.

Cheng Jiu was so terrified that he turned pale, rushing forward. Before he could catch him, Lin Fu collapsed, motionless.

This scene was caught by a reporter who had been stealthily following them, ready to snap photos. A few pictures topped the media headlines, and overnight, the whole Empire was made aware.

Online, it was as if a great celebration had occurred. The news spread like wildfire, and people were jubilant.

The small fraction of people who felt saddened were immediately attacked and shredded to pieces the moment they spoke up.

"After all, he was the first guide to become a commander. How did it come to this…"

"My dear Lin, ah, I'm so heartbroken. This can't be real, right?"

"Are you still dancing upstairs? Lin Fu is trash, more disgusting than the Bug race. The world is better off without him. You're so sad, why don't you accompany him in death?"

"Some guides are just foolish, lacking discernment. So what if Lin Fu became a commander? Guides aren't suited for the battlefield, we've said this countless times! This is the consequence of letting a guide onto the battlefield. If he hadn't been allowed to attend the military academy in the first place, none of this would have happened, and there would have been no defeat!"

"Exactly..."

"Just die already!"

……

Lin Fu was carried back by Cheng Jiu. The manor was heavily guarded, with the personal guard units of both the Fourth and Ninth Armies stationed outside. No one was permitted entry without authorization.

Away from prying eyes, Lin Fu opened his eyes and patted Cheng Jiu's arm, "Alright, put me down. I can walk on my own."

Cheng Jiu didn’t stop his stride. He quickly walked into the room, laid him on the bed, and his hands didn’t loosen their grip, holding Lin Fu tightly around his waist, pressing him into his embrace.

His heart was beating rapidly, yet to calm down even after so long. His head buried in Lin Fu's chest, his muffled voice came through, "You acted... too convincingly."

His voice was tight, tinged with a tremor, causing Lin Fu to pause in surprise.

They lay in an awkward position, one supine on the bed, the other leaning over, embracing his waist, head buried in his chest. They were both smeared with crimson fake blood, smeared across their collars and corners of their mouths.

So much blood, just like on Planet S177 when Cheng Jiu saw Lin Fu. His lips were smeared with blood, covering his entire body, soaking his clothes, flowing endlessly to his feet, pooling into a puddle. His entire being was pale, fragile as paper, seemingly about to tear at the slightest touch.

Cheng Jiu had seen the brutal scenes of battle, but this one nightmare, since the day he witnessed it, haunted him, replaying the despair and palpitations of that moment.

He clung to Lin Fu, wishing he could meld into his bones, his voice trembling softly, "Major Lin, you played your part well... But next time, in the future, don't perform such frightening acts. I'm faint-hearted."

"Even more so than you can imagine."

The room was quiet, save for their breathing.

Lin Fu raised his hand, caressing the back of Cheng Jiu's head, feeling the cold sweat on his neck, and soothed in a gentle voice, "Alright, I won't act anymore."

He paused, then whispered reassuringly, "Brother, don't be afraid, it's all just an act."

Seeing Cheng Jiu like this, Lin Fu suddenly regretted choosing such a method. Although he had previously reassured Cheng Jiu, knowing and fearing were always two different things.

Lin Fu propped himself up on the bed, cradling Cheng Jiu's head, his fingers threading through his hair, coaxing, "Seeing how scared you are, let me tell you some good news. My spirit has recovered."

As he spoke, a black panther appeared at the foot of the bed, sitting beside Cheng Jiu's waist in a half-crouch. Its glossy eyes blinked, and its tail gently patted Cheng Jiu's head in comfort.

Cheng Jiu's emotions receded quickly; he was not a man led by emotions, nor could he bear to see Lin Fu fret over him.

He stood up, rubbed the black panther's head, and helped Lin Fu out of bed, "Let's get cleaned up. Then, Major, you should consider when you're ready to get engaged to me and become my fiancé."

This was a plan they had previously discussed. By then, the internet would likely be abuzz with rumors of Cheng Jiu's engagement to fulfill Lin Fu's dying wish, and the royal family would no longer be able to hold back, exposing their next move and intent.

Lin Fu chuckled, stripping off his blood-stained jacket and shirt, revealing a well-defined and lean upper body.

The clothes were casually discarded on the floor.

The pale skin on such a physique didn't convey weakness but rather a sculpted, smooth power.

Lin Fu invited Cheng Jiu, "Shall we shower together?"

His gaze drifted down, landing on Cheng Jiu's blood-stained collar and neck, his chest soaked through.

The previously dull atmosphere was swept away, replaced by a feverish excitement.

Cheng Jiu's Adam's apple bobbed, his voice hoarse as he stared unblinkingly and asked, "Do you realize what you're saying?"

Lin Fu's fingers rested on his belt buckle, unfastened it with a click, kicked his pants aside, and strode boldly into the bathroom, his lazy voice trailing behind him, "Join me or don't, your choice."

As the bathroom door was about to close, a hand grabbed the edge, then it was forcefully shut.

The leopard, bored on the bed, listlessly licked its front paws, its ears twitching at the sound of certain noises.

It looked up to find a black leopard standing by the bed, its amber eyes intensely fixed on itself.

The leopard hopped onto the bed with both front paws on the quilt, laying down beside it and affectionately nuzzled it.

Seeing no anger, the amber-eyed leopard moved closer, tilting its head to lick the other's back and neck fur, its tail entwined with joy, and a contented purr emanated from its throat.

……

The emotional exchange between the two leopards was far more intense than that of their owners.

Emerging from the bath, it seemed as though he had been through a major battle.

On the bed, the black-eyed leopard that could squash a bug with one slap was crouching under the quilt, embraced possessively by another cheerful black leopard.

Upon seeing Lin Fu, it wagged its tail happily and let out a purring sound towards him.

*

As soon as the news of their engagement was made public, the reaction on the star web was just as they had anticipated.

Over eighty percent of the comments believed Lin Fu was truly on his deathbed.

At such times, people's inexplicable sympathy began to take effect, or perhaps it was a greater malice veiled in pity.

"What goes around comes around, huh!"

"Considering Lin Fu's impending death, I can't be bothered to curse him. I'm just waiting for the news of his death post-engagement."

"Is getting engaged his last wish? Can he die sooner if he gets engaged quickly?"

"He's dragging General Cheng down even before his death; speechless. But since he's dying soon, let General Cheng be his for now."

"To have waited until now, it's quite pitiable, really stubborn. Is it that hard to just apologize?"

……

The engagement of Lin Fu and Cheng Jiu was a grand affair, attended by countless media outlets.

Although it was a scheme, it was indeed their actual engagement ceremony.

Qi Mingxi and the Qi family patriarch were invited to the Imperial Capital Star, while Lin Sizhen and Principal Karl represented Lin Fu's side.

People from major noble families also received invitations and attended in droves, the royal family was no exception.

Simon Constance sat among the guests, squinting at the couple on the stage.

Lin Fu's complexion was deathly pale, worse than before, as if he might collapse at any moment. Cheng Jiu's movements were all cautious, his amber eyes almost devoid of any mirth, unable to muster even a forced smile.

In his heart, he murmured softly, "What a tragedy."

Enveloped in a mood of contentment, he even sincerely blessed the couple with well-wishes.

Genuine sincerity would be best, hoping they would love each other to death. Once Lin Fu died, Cheng Jiu would follow to the grave, and then the Ninth Army would be his for the taking.

Qi Mingxi, sitting diagonally behind him, crossed his legs and gave a kick, causing Simon Constance to stagger, the noise of the moving chair drawing glances from those nearby.

He couldn't help but turn around with a furious glare, only to meet Qi Mingxi's smiling, beautiful face.

Qi Mingxi spoke gently, "My apologies, Your Highness the Crown Prince. I accidentally kicked your chair. I didn't realize you would be so easily moved."

He lowered his crossed leg and said apologetically, "You wouldn't be angry, would you?"

With his beautiful eyes curved, Qi Mingxi sat unmoved in his suit, the epitome of grace, not seeming like he had intentionally kicked Simon Constance.

Besides, Qi Mingxi was merely a Guide; how much strength could he have? Not every Guide was a freak like Lin Fu.

Qi Mingxi, known throughout the empire for his beauty, was naturally the focus of attention. Countless micro cameras hidden in the shadows captured him from every angle. Simon Constance couldn't afford to lose his composure in public, so he forced a smile and said, "Of course not, you worry too much."

Qi Mingxi expressed his profound gratitude, speaking warmly, "The Crown Prince is indeed magnanimous."

Simon Constance, holding back his irritation, turned back to continue watching the ceremony.

The two on stage were already holding hands and kissing; it was time for the representatives of both families to come forward and present flowers to the couple.

As a representative of Cheng Jiu's family, Qi Mingxi naturally rose, placing his hand along the back of Simon Constance's chair.

The next moment, Simon Constance, along with the chair, toppled backward, ending up on the ground like an overturned turtle.

Qi Mingxi, startled, stood frozen with eyes wide open, not daring to move.

At this instant, all the micro cameras turned their lenses towards this scene.