“Chapter 8”

"Chapter 8"

"While they spoke, the trio had already returned to Duo Cao Street."

"Contrary to its name, Duo Cao Street was not only lacking in grass, but not even a single blade could be seen."

"The landscape was dominated by howling, rampant yellow sands, a pervasive dry yellow obscuring the sky. One had to be careful not to let the flying sand scratch their delicate cheeks. There was no sign of grass, let alone roots, and even cacti, known for their drought tolerance, were nowhere to be seen."

"Qiuqiu took in the desolation before him, and for some reason, his heart suddenly sank."

"Before he had developed a human form, his original body grew in a mountain rich in spiritual energy, covered with a diverse range of vegetation and shrouded in mist all year round, a climate akin to a heavenly paradise."

"Therefore, Qiuqiu had never seen a barren landscape like the Gobi of the Dark Star, nor had he imagined a human habitat devoid of even a trace of plants."

"The mountain he lived in was sparsely populated, with Taoist priests in dark robes as his neighbors. From centuries of interaction, Qiuqiu knew that human life was inseparable from plants."

Plants serve as nourishment, clothing, leisurely decorations, and, eventually, a resting place for bodies centuries later.

In life and death, no one can separate themselves from plants; the bond between humans and plants is incredibly close. Sometimes, Qiu Autumn would think that humans might just be another type of plant growing from the soil, only capable of running and jumping.

So, witnessing the desolation before him, Qiu Autumn, usually not prone to emotional fluctuations, could not hide his surprise this time... along with a hint of heaviness.

Unfortunately, Yang Tree, having not spent much time with him, failed to notice Qiu Autumn’s psychological shift. After all, the entire empire's situation was similar to that of the Dark Star; its inhabitants knew from birth about their harsh living conditions and had accepted this reality, so no one was surprised.

Yang Tree enthusiastically explained, "Don't judge by its shabby look; our Duocao Street is the most stable and harmonious community outside the main city area."

His words snapped Qiu Autumn out of his deep reverie. He quietly observed the street, which, despite the advances in future technology, still resembled a village from Earth's era.

The houses, battered by sandstorms, showed crumbling stone walls where the exterior had fallen off. The entire street was covered in flying sand and dirt, making it appear even less developed than villages from Earth's era.

But Duocao Street, much like its leader Yang Tree, though worn and tattered, was kept exceptionally clean. Each household replaced green plants with lifelike paintings or plastic flowers and grass, showing the residents' heartfelt care for their homes.

Even though their beloved home was Dark Siku Star, a place feared, despised, scorned, and loathed by the inhabitants of the Ailibiz number.

Qiu Autumn nodded in agreement with the street leader Yang Tree: "This place feels very warm to me."

He was not one to smile often, but for some reason, in this strange world, Qiu Autumn felt a heartwarming sensation for the first time.

Sensing the shift in mood, Maomao, confusedly lifted its head and smiled happily at him, revealing two tiny, sharp canines.

Yang Tree had been focused on Qiu Autumn during their journey, only now turning his attention to the little one accompanying Qiu Autumn. Considering their size difference and the presence of an Omega, who needed care, he arranged for them to stay temporarily with a newly adult Beta, Duode, at the end of the street.

On the way there, Yang Tree eagerly introduced Qiu Autumn to the local customs of Duocao Street: "There are many elderly and children on Duocao Street, with not much resistance to harsh conditions. Now, when the solar radiation is at its peak, everyone hides inside their houses. Once the sun sets, the young people organize to scavenge in the Gobi Desert."

"Everyone is very welcoming, and with your good looks and personality, you'll be popular here."

He hoped Qiu Autumn would like Duocao Street and decide to stay—after all, although Duocao Street was predominantly Beta, there were a few eligible Alpha bachelors ‘waiting in the wings’.

Despite the scorching sun, as Yang Tree had said, most residents of Duocao Street stayed indoors. Yet, as they passed, many peeked out of their doors, regarding Qiu Autumn with curious but not overly intrusive glances.

At every crossroads, they passed a towering watchtower, and the patrolling sentinels also cast curious looks towards Qiu Autumn.

"Noticing the small Omega's interest in the watchtowers, Yang Shu proactively explained: 'These are Duo Cao Street’s observation towers. We didn’t use to have so many residents on duty, but recently, for some reason, two groups of people have been appearing in the desolate Gobi, seemingly searching for something. We haven’t interacted with them, and their dress and mannerisms don’t match those of the Dark Star’s natives. They skulk around suspiciously, always leaving quickly upon accidental encounters. We added more guards to the towers, fearing they might pose a threat to Duo Cao Street.'"

"Not every new face is a harmless and precious Omega like Qiuqiu," Yang Shu said more seriously, "Duo Cao Street cannot afford destruction, and I will not allow anyone to cause harm."

"This was why he initially had such hostility towards strangers on the Gobi."

"Qiuqiu nodded, showing understanding."

"After a short walk, they reached their destination."

"'This is Dode’s house.'"

"Qiuqiu followed Yang Shu’s gaze to a black stone house with a makeshift tree structure at the entrance, fashioned from branches found elsewhere."

"Beside the tree stood a young man about 1.8 meters tall, fairly good-looking and hearty, who grinned broadly at their arrival."

"Yang Shu addressed him, 'Dode, these are the new residents. He’s a newly matured Omega; take good care of him.'"

"Dode, somewhat shyly, glanced at Qiuqiu. His eyes widened in shock upon seeing Qiuqiu's appearance, leaving him flustered and barely able to stammer a response."

O、Omega……

"He felt dizzy with disbelief, thinking, 'Oh my, the Goddess of Life above, an Omega is actually standing before me!'"

"Qiuqiu, not understanding why everyone reacted so strongly to him, politely thanked Dode, who then blushed from ear to cheek upon hearing his name mentioned."

"Yang Shu added, 'Dode has spare rooms and bedding. If you need anything else after settling in, come to me.'"

"Qiuqiu politely responded, 'Thank you for your and Dode’s assistance.'"

"Realizing the cute and beautiful Omega had called his name, Dode felt woozy, as if drunk, and even patted his cheek to discern whether he was dreaming or awake."

"Yang Shu, somewhat amused and exasperated, inwardly mocked Dode's clumsiness, forgetting his own reaction upon learning Qiuqiu was an Omega wasn’t much better."

"Qiuqiu, unable to understand their eagerness, decided not to dwell on it and gently asked while holding Mao Mao’s hand, 'Can we go inside now?'"

"Yang Shu eagerly responded, 'Of course, of course!' and quickly signaled Dode to properly welcome the Omega."

"Dode, appearing simple and honest but quite sharp-witted, quickly stepped out from under the tree after receiving Yang Shu’s signal. He took the black umbrella from the street chief, adjusted its angle carefully, and ushered Qiuqiu and Mao Mao into the house."

"Mao Mao, sensing a crisis subconsciously, no longer hid behind his mother. He puffed out his tiny chest and walked ahead, seemingly to assert his presence."

"Dode didn’t idle; after stowing the umbrella, he hurried to fetch water."

"Having been under the scorching sun all afternoon, Yang Shu was parched and gulped down most of a bowl in one go. Wiping off the remaining water droplets, he looked at Qiuqiu and asked, 'So, what’s your relationship with this little one?'"

"Mao Mao's antennae twitched, and he quickly looked up at Qiuqiu, his large grey eyes filled with anticipation. After a moment's thought, Qiuqiu slowly said, 'Um... he’s my child.'"

"Mao Mao's eyes curved in a smile, sweetly calling out, 'Mommy!'"

"Yang Shu and Dode, hearing this conversation, were both startled, their expressions changing dramatically upon realization."

"Yang Shu pointed at Mao Mao, shocked: 'This... this is your child?!'"

"Qiuqiu pondered seriously; since he had found Mao Mao, he supposed that made him his child?"

"Not considering the implications Yang Shu was thinking of, he nodded: 'Yes.'"

"Mao Mao, receiving the affirmative response, looked at Qiuqiu with bright, shining eyes, the affection in his grey pupils deepening."

"Yang Shu's face showed even more shock, while Dode appeared profoundly struck."

"Yang Shu scrutinized Qiuqiu from head to toe, swallowing nervously: 'How old are you then? Are you of age?!'"

"Qiuqiu calculated the age difference between plants and humans."

"'Yes,' he nodded again, 'I just came of age this year.'"

"Just turned eighteen this year, and the child looks about three or four years old—"

"Yang Shu's mind raced, quickly drawing a conclusion."

"Suddenly, a thunderous exclamation of 'Beast!' erupted in Dode's stone house."

"Yang Shu, infuriated, pointed in all directions and cursed, 'Which beastly Alpha did this? You deserve to be shot a hundred and eighty times!'"

"Glancing at Dode, who had previously appeared dejected, he was now clenching his fists in anger, seemingly ready to punch the non-existent 'beastly Alpha' at any moment."

"Mao Mao, slightly frightened by the sudden outburst of anger from the uncle and the tall man, softly touched his antennae together, feeling an inexplicable sense of guilt as if he was the one they wanted to hit."

"Mao Mao shifted backward."

"Mao Mao obediently clutched the corner of his mother's clothes."

"After the anger subsided, Qiuqiu noticed that Yang Shu and Dode looked at him with increased sympathy and pity."

"'Good kid, you... you've suffered,' Yang Shu's deep-set eyes moistened, his rough voice slightly choked: 'Don’t worry, from now on, Duo Cao Street is your home. You won’t be mistreated again.'"

"Dode was even more emotional, his eyes red as if about to cry, looking at Qiuqiu as if he were a fragile glass doll."

"Yang Shu extended his hand, wanting to pat Qiuqiu's shoulder, but after a moment's hesitation, he withdrew it, cautiously saying, 'You stay here with peace of mind. I won’t tell anyone about this. To others, I’ll say Mao Mao is your younger brother.'"

Before Qiu Autumn could respond, Maomao showed displeasure, pouting and protesting in a tiny voice: "It's Mama."

Yang Tree choked up, uncertain how to view this “sinful creation.”

He glanced at Duode and instructed, "Don't let the Omega be mistreated, take good care of him."

Qiu Autumn opened his mouth to speak but saw Duode nod firmly, clenching his fist tightly: "Don't worry, Chief."

With many official duties to attend to, Yang Tree didn't linger after settling Qiu Autumn and Maomao, while Duode habitually escorted him for a part of the way.

After the two left, Qiu Autumn, who had been at the center of the whirlwind yet silent throughout, finally realized belatedly... Were they...

Misunderstood?

He looked down at Maomao, who sensed something and looked up, their eyes meeting in an awkward silence.

The author has a note to say:

Yang Tree & Duode: Who is the cursed Alpha that committed such an atrocious, inhumane act! The Empire's laws will have you executed!

The Admiral: ...

The Admiral: .

The Admiral: It was I.