Chapter 99

Chapter 99

With his face flushed in anger, Simon Constance refused the helping hands extended towards him and got up from the ground to glare at Qi Mingxi: "Was this also an accident, Mr. Qi?"

As if just coming to his senses, Qi Mingxi blinked innocently and said apologetically, "Your Highness, I merely brushed against the chair... I'm terribly sorry, I didn't anticipate such an incident. If you feel it was my fault, I'm willing to offer my apologies."

He appeared so blameless, and all the micro cameras drew closer, almost pressing against Simon Constance's face to capture the moment.

Grinding his teeth, Simon Constance managed to suppress his anger, having to apologize to Qi Mingxi instead: "It seems I misunderstood."

Qi Mingxi's eyes curved into a smile as he said amiably, "It's alright."

With that, he gracefully ascended the stage to present Lin Fu with a bouquet of flowers.

Lin Sizhen, who had already presented her flowers, glanced at him twice.

Apart from this little episode, the engagement party was quite smooth.

After the ceremony, Lin Fu disappeared quickly. Everything indicated that he indeed couldn't hold on much longer, with death beckoning to him.

As soon as the videos and reports of this engagement party were released, the internet erupted into a frenzy.

The reason was simple: the center of the uproar wasn't Lin Fu and Cheng Jiu, but Qi Mingxi and Simon Constance.

As a renowned empire-wide celebrity with countless fans, Qi Mingxi's every move attracted attention. The Crown Prince deliberately causing trouble at his cousin's wedding was something his fans couldn't tolerate.

Just seeing their idol standing amidst the chaos, with a bewildered and innocent look, was enough to break their hearts.

And the Crown Prince was undoubtedly the culprit responsible for their heartache, deserving of their criticism.

The Crown Prince's supporters, naturally unwilling to be outdone, along with the instigation of paid trolls, created a smokescreen on the star net, diminishing the attention on Lin Fu and Cheng Jiu.

After more than a year, Simon Constance, following Lin Fu, became the subject of millions of derogatory comments on the star net for his association with a Guide.

His complexion was terrible, and he was irritable for days on end, unable to contain himself, he revisited the underground laboratory to seek out Lin Sicheng.

"Teacher, Lin Fu is about to die, when will the Queen's promised Swarm be launched again? If we wait until Lin Fu's death, it'll be too late, and you'll lose the best subject for your experiments!"

Lin Sicheng, utterly unconcerned with the outside world, frowned upon hearing this: "Is that so?"

To convince him, Simon played a video of Lin Fu at the engagement party on his holobrain.

The person in the video, dressed in a pure white suit, seemed paler than his clothes, the light in his eyes constantly teetering on the brink of collapse, precariously close to the edge.

Indeed, he looked like someone on the verge of death.

Lin Sicheng watched for a long while before waving Simon Constance away: "Go prepare. Depart for the front lines as soon as possible. I'll urge the Queen, preparations should be complete by the end of the month."

Overjoyed, Simon Constance quickly left the laboratory.

Wait and see, you fools. When the Swarm erupts in a month, you'll tremble, waiting for my rescue, and I'll become a hero you'll look up to, surpassing Lin Fu and Cheng Jiu of the past!

*

"The Crown Prince has gone to the front lines."

Lin Fu received this news while squatting on the ground, petting Cheng Jiu's leopard.

Looking up, he said: "Notify Dean Carl to have the Fifth Army ready. Also, send the remaining batch of mechs on the warship to the front lines to complete the equipment. I'll inform Putian towards the Sun."

Cheng Jiu's lips curled in a smile: "Alright."

Lin Fu turned his head and asked Lin Sizhen: "Aunt, have you ever met Lin Sicheng?"

"No," Lin Sizhen replied with a cold demeanor, "By the time Lin Xiujian wanted to acknowledge me as part of the Lin family, Lin Sicheng was already reported dead on the battlefield."

Lin Fu smiled: "I haven't seen him either, but we should meet him soon. The Lin family has pinned all their hopes of climbing the social ladder on him. I wonder what their faces will look like when their hopes are shattered."

Time flew, and at the end of the month, news suddenly came from the front lines that the Swarm had erupted once again.

As military commanders, Cheng Jiu and the Crown Prince, without a doubt, set off for the battlefield immediately.

Lin Fu, nearing his physical limits, couldn't complete the spatial leap and stayed behind on the Imperial Capital Star. Pu Tianxiang was entrusted with full authority over frontline matters, assisted by Albert in negotiations.

The insect tide erupted too suddenly, not even a year after the last major outbreak. This abnormal frequency of outbreaks left the entire empire in a state of panic, with many recalling the ferociousness of the insects from the previous encounter.

Unable to join the front lines or receive the most accurate updates, their underlying anxieties multiplied.

Everyone’s gaze anxiously turned towards the frontline.

……

After Cheng Jiu departed from the Imperial Capital Star, Lin Fu received an invitation from the royal family.

Or more precisely, from the Emperor himself.

The reason given was grandiose, concerning the future handling of the Fourth Legion. As its commander, Lin Fu naturally couldn’t refuse.

He changed into a set of clothes and, accompanied by his aide, headed to the imperial palace.

Due to the war, even the bustling Imperial Capital Star was quieter than usual, with fewer hovercars on the roads.

Lin Fu sat in the back seat, looking out at the swiftly passing scenery before finally withdrawing his gaze.

They had arrived at the imperial palace.

As the aide opened the car door and helped him out, Lin Fu hadn't taken many steps before he bent over, covering his mouth to muffle a cough, his cheeks and neck flushing a light red. The color soon faded, returning to his usual pallor.

They followed a palace servant and were led to a reception room.

A while later, the Emperor had not appeared, and the room was emptied.

A panel in the wall slid open, and a man in a white lab coat with a handsome yet soft appearance stepped through, his eyes fixated on Lin Fu, revealing a hint of obsession and greed.

Lin Fu covered his mouth with a handkerchief, locking eyes with the man. He squinted and then smiled before breaking into a violent cough, splattering a few drops of bright red blood onto the handkerchief even as he covered his mouth.

Lin Sicheng looked him up and down with surprise in his tone: "The fact that you've grown up is beyond my expectations, and even more surprising is your presence on the battlefield. Sadly, you don't have much longer to live."

Lin Fu wiped away the blood, and with a weak voice, said, "You're Lin Sicheng? So, you're not dead."

Ignoring his remark, Lin Sicheng stepped closer, his tone obsessive: "You're frequently coughing up blood; your organs must be starting to fail and deteriorate, right? No, the damaged organs haven't healed at all... You, who once killed Morel Xie, were the first 2S level Guide in human history. But now, even maintaining an S level is difficult for you... No, even standing on your own is a challenge."

He approached Lin Fu and reached out, intending to touch him: "But don't worry, I will let you live much longer. No need for thanks, after all, I am your uncle... Get away!"

The aide at Lin Fu's side intervened, preventing Lin Sicheng from touching him.