Chapter 9

Chapter 9

Regardless, Qiu Autumn and Maomao eventually settled down with the help of the kind-hearted street chief.

"After seeing off Yang Shu, Dode quickly returned to the stone house. He had never been so close to an Omega, only ever hearing about them from the residents of Duo Cao Street. Even from a distance, he felt awkward and clumsy. A tall man, he was nervously fidgeting like a child who had made a mistake in front of the beautiful and delicate Omega, while the seemingly calm Qiuqiu appeared more like the host."

"Stammering, he said, 'We don’t have much entertainment here, maybe, maybe you can watch some TV first?'"

"Not waiting for Qiuqiu’s agreement, Dode immediately turned on the scavenged TV. After a burst of black and white static, the screen finally displayed a colorful picture with sound."

"'I, I’ll get you some fruit, just wait here.' He said and, without daring to look at Qiuqiu, quickly disappeared inside, soon followed by the sound of rummaging."

"'Wait a moment…'"

"Qiuqiu wanted to tell Dode not to bother, but before he could speak, Dode was already gone."

"With a sigh of resignation, Qiuqiu sat down on the sofa, pulling Mao Mao beside him."

"Qiuqiu glanced at the TV in Dode’s house, surprisingly similar to those from his time on Earth, showing a formally dressed female presenter delivering Empire news."

"'According to the Empire’s military, General Duan Chen Sen, originally scheduled to return to the capital star on the 23rd, has abruptly terminated his return mission and is currently executing a secret mission on the Empire’s border,' announced the presenter."

"As Qiuqiu watched, the camera cut to the General mentioned by the presenter."

"The silver-haired man looked directly into the camera, his grey, almost translucent eyes colder than crystal ice, exuding a chilling aggression, like a blooded, sharpened silver blade."

"His voice was deep and magnetic, his words forceful and unyielding, sharp and unstoppable, much like his demeanor."

"Staring into the camera, the General stated emphatically, 'We will never fail. The Empire and its soldiers only need to do two things—'"

"'Advance, and then, triumph.'"

"Qiuqiu was taken aback by the intense gaze not even directed at him, feeling a chill up his spine, unexpectedly sensing an unprecedented danger."

"Even through the screen, he felt the General's oppressive presence, like a gloomy, low-hanging sky, suffocating and overwhelming."

"Throughout his long life, Qiuqiu had almost never dealt with someone like the person on the TV, and deep down, he had no desire to come into close contact with such a person."

"Seeking benefit and avoiding harm is not only human nature but even more so for inherently weak plants."

"Qiuqiu instinctively felt this was someone so powerful that he might not be able to handle easily, and the best way to deal with such a person was to avoid them altogether."

"However, an imperial general, even if on a secret mission, surely wouldn’t come to the Dark Star, a place reviled and loathed by the public, right?"

"Thinking this, Qiuqiu felt somewhat reassured."

"Mao Mao seemed to sense his mother's shift in mood, nestling worriedly into Qiuqiu’s arms, drawing a deep breath of that relaxing faint fragrance before looking up at the youth with concern."

"Lost in thought about the fleeting image of the imperial general on TV, Qiuqiu was brought back to reality by a fuzzy head and soft antennae nudging him."

"'Mommy, what’s wrong?' Mao Mao asked worriedly."

"'It’s nothing.' Qiuqiu patted his antennae and then, remembering they were caterpillar antennae, withdrew his hand stiffly with a shudder."

"Mao Mao blinked, not having his fill of being petted, and then rubbed his chubby face against Qiuqiu’s shoulder, purring contentedly."

"Wait a minute—"

"Qiuqiu lifted Mao Mao’s face, examining it carefully, then recalling the news he had just seen on TV, suddenly exclaimed in surprise: 'Mao Mao, you couldn’t possibly be that imperial general’s illegitimate child, could you?!'"

"Mao Mao froze, his large grey eyes showing helpless confusion."

"He said nothing, but the more Qiuqiu observed, the more similarities he saw – both with silver hair, grey eyes; the only difference being one’s aura was sharp enough to kill, and the other a clingy crybaby. Aside from this, their striking resemblance was too much to overlook without suspecting Mao Mao’s origins."

"Qiuqiu almost effortlessly accepted his own speculation. Then, he connected it to the news about the imperial general's recent secret mission – could it be... he was here to search for his long-lost illegitimate child?"

"He looked at Mao Mao with complex emotions, confusing the sensitive little one."

"Lost in his thoughts, Qiuqiu was finally brought back to reality when Dode reappeared, disheveled and dusty."

"The simple and honest young man, Dode, held in his palm a dull grey stone, offering it to Qiuqiu like a treasure: 'This is the 'Stone Fruit,' a special purchase made by the Street Chief from the main city during the annual shopping. It’s unattractive, but consuming it can effectively remove negative impacts on genetic diseases and calm the pheromonal chaos in Alphas and Omegas.'"

"After explaining, he carefully handed the cherished Stone Fruit to Qiuqiu."

"Upon hearing Dode’s explanation of the fruit's origin, Qiuqiu instantly understood that this unassuming 'stone' must be a rare commodity for the residents of Duo Cao Street. He was about to refuse, but before he could speak, Dode continued, 'In my family, I’m the only Beta. Stone Fruit is precious, but it's not very useful for Betas. You, as an Omega who just reached adulthood, must have unstable pheromones and need it more than I do.'"

"Dode's earnest attitude and sparkling eyes resembled a dog eagerly seeking its owner’s approval."

"As if fearing Qiuqiu would disdain his offering, Dode added, 'I should have given you more and better things, but in Duo Cao Street... please make do with this for now. I'll ask the Street Chief if there are any leftovers of the Stone Fruit from the annual distribution to bring you more.'"

"After speaking, he pushed the Stone Fruit into Qiuqiu’s hand and hurried out."

"Qiuqiu and Mao Mao were taken aback by his actions, and Qiuqiu, in particular, felt an indescribable emotion stirring in his heart."

"He watched the direction Dode had run off to for a long time, until the glaring light began to hurt his eyes, and then he turned away."

"Qiuqiu looked down at the unimpressive fruit in his hand, feeling a mix of emotions."

"This was a very basic fruit, its modest benefits insignificant to high-ranking Alphas or Omegas, but for Yang Shu, Dode, and the residents of Duo Cao Street, it was the best they could offer him."

"Qiuqiu understood that this was Dode’s heartfelt gesture, and any refusal on his part might be construed as disdain."

"He pocketed the Stone Fruit and was about to go thank Dode when he heard a commotion and footsteps outside."

"'Hurry, hurry, Anjie Lie's condition seems to have suddenly worsened!'"

"'Let's go! Quick, help the Street Chief and the patrol team!'"

"'Bring more people, they’re short-handed over there!'"

"Qiuqiu paused mid-step, a flash of surprise in his golden eyes."

"Was there trouble?"

"He quickened his pace, but then hesitated and stopped just before stepping out the door."

"Mao Mao, caught off guard, bumped right into Qiuqiu’s leg, causing his feathery antennae to become all crooked."

"He quickly reached up with his short little hands to straighten his antennae, then looked up at Qiuqiu with a completely bewildered expression."

"I don’t know what exactly is happening outside, so stay here and be good, and wait for mommy to come back,” Qiuqiu instructed, confident in his ability to handle the situation but unsure of Mao Mao’s safety given his young age."

"For safety, Qiuqiu decided to leave Mao Mao behind in Dode’s stone house."

"Mao Mao reluctantly agreed, understanding his mother's reasoning, and nodded obediently, his eyes brimming with tears: 'Be careful, mommy.'"

"Don’t worry," Qiuqiu reassured, pinching his soft little cheek."

"Perhaps due to the sudden and urgent situation, as Qiuqiu walked the streets, the curious glances were fewer, with young people flocking towards the town’s main intersection, all focused on 'Anjie Lie.'"

"By the time Qiuqiu arrived, the crowd was densely packed, impenetrable. In the midst of the crowd, roars like those of wild animals, mixed with advice and scolding, echoed."

"The desperate howls, far from abating, grew more frenzied, roaring as if to tear something apart. Suddenly, a piercing scream cut through the crowd."

"'Ahhhh! My hand! My hand!'"

"Following this scream, more cries of pain and calls for help sounded."

"Qiuqiu twitched his fine nose, detecting a fresh scent of blood in the air, his eyebrows furrowing in distaste."

"He had always detested the smell of blood."

"Unable to get closer to the tightly packed crowd, Qiuqiu soon heard a familiar voice and glimpsed Street Chief Yang Shu through gaps in the crowd."

"'First, take the injured patrol members for treatment, make way in the outer circle, don’t crowd too closely, it will exacerbate Anjie Lie’s agitation!'"

"'Get Dr. Will to prepare a tranquilizer gun, we need to calm Anjie Lie down, he can’t keep hurting people in this state!'"

"Under Yang Shu’s efficient direction, the chaotic crowd gradually became orderly."

"Patrol members injured by the frenzied Anjie Lie were carried out from the inner circle, already unconscious from immense pain. Despite the distance, Qiuqiu clearly saw their deeply bitten wounds on the arms, flesh torn brutally as if by a deranged beast, hanging by a shred of skin, horrifically gruesome."

"It was at this moment that Qiuqiu finally saw Anjie Lie, previously obscured by layers of people."

"Even Qiuqiu, upon first seeing Anjie Lie, couldn’t help but widen his pupils in shock and horror—"

"The figure before him was no longer human, at least not in the strictest sense."

"Anjie Lie’s upper body had completely transformed into that of a black bear, fighting the patrol team in his half-human, half-beast form. With a mouth gaping wide, his sharp fangs still bore the traces of blood from biting his own kind, and his beastly eyes lacked any clarity, filled only with blazing rage and a thirst for killing."

"Qiuqiu saw him, and he saw Qiuqiu."

"In that brief moment upon seeing Qiuqiu, Anjie Lie's muddled mind seemed to clear. He paused in his struggle against the restraints, fixating on the sun-like golden presence in his sight, panting heavily, his foul saliva dripping down with blood, corroding the ground into ashes and emitting wisps of white smoke."

"In that brief pause, Anjie Lie suddenly felt a pain in his neck. As he clumsily reached up with his massive bear paw, he only managed to extend it halfway before collapsing to the ground with a thud, kicking up a cloud of choking dust."

"A cheer erupted from the crowd: 'Finally! Anjie Lie has been subdued!'"

"'Dr. Will’s tranquilizer gun is truly effective!'"

"'Quick, a few people, carry Anjie Lie back, but be careful in case he wakes up!'"

"Yang Shu directed several robust Betas to awkwardly carry the unconscious Anjie Lie away, while the white-haired Dr. Will busied himself collecting the scattered tranquilizer darts, muttering to himself, 'Strange, Anjie Lie was struggling so fiercely, almost breaking free, why did he suddenly stop?'"

"He was unaware of the brief eye contact between Anjie Lie and Qiuqiu, only puzzled by the unusual behavior of an Alpha in the throes of a genetic disease outbreak."

"Dr. Will's eyesight wasn’t great; even with his reading glasses, he struggled to find the needles he had just used."

"The old man groped shakily on the ground, and suddenly, a fair hand appeared in his vision, offering him the very needle he needed."

"Are you looking for this?"

A voice, clear as a mountain stream, sounded above him. Dr. Will, straining to look up, saw a dazzling golden light that he momentarily mistook for the sun.

But he quickly dismissed the thought; the sun of Dark Star was far from being as gentle as the young man before him.

Dr. Will packed the syringe away in his small medical bag. Attempting to stand, Qiuqiu bent down to assist him.

"Let's see, which kind-hearted youngster is lending a hand to old Dr. Will."

Lifting his reading glasses displaced by the squat, he gazed at Qiuqiu's face and reacted just like Yang Shu upon their first meeting—eyes wide in disbelief.

“Omega？”

Aware of a young Omega brought back by the street chief from the wilderness, Dr. Will, unlike the curious residents and despite his wide experience, harbored no fondness for typically pampered Omegas.

Yet, Qiuqiu defied his expectations. Astonishingly beautiful, he bore none of the arrogance typical of Omegas.

This unexpected encounter led Dr. Will to quickly abandon his prejudices and grow fond of the kind and stunning young Omega. After his initial surprise, he advised earnestly, "Go back inside, and don't venture out these next few days. As you've seen, Anjie Lie's genetic disease has flared up, leaving him devoid of human rationality. He's dangerous. Stay safe."

Qiuqiu, already preoccupied with the incident, expressed a desire to see Anjie Lie, hoping to understand the situation better.

"Well…" Dr. Will hesitated.

Everyone knew that Omegas were the most timorous and delicate beings in the universe. Anjie Lie's dangerousness was such that even patrol members struggled to handle him, let alone a frail, unarmed Omega.

Sensing Dr. Will's reluctance, Qiuqiu reassured him, "You've already tranquilized Anjie Lie, right? He won't wake up for a while. I just want to take a quick look. There won't be any danger."

"You make a good point," Dr. Will conceded, unable to deny a reasonable and modest request from a young Omega, "Come with me, then."

Yet he repeatedly warned with concern, "But remember, do not get too close to him."

Qiuqiu softly acknowledged with a "Hmm."

By the time he followed Dr. Will to the aid station, the crowd had dispersed, leaving only Chief Yang Shu and the unconscious Anjie Lie on the bed.

Qiuqiu observed the bed where thick chains, as wide as an adult's arm, tightly bound Anjie Lie from shoulder to ankle, entwined so securely that it would be difficult for him to break free even if he awoke.

Yang Shu stood guard by the bed, visibly exhausted.

On seeing Qiuqiu, he was momentarily stunned, "Qiuqiu? What are you doing here?"

Quickly regaining composure, he urged, "You should leave, it’s too dangerous here."

This time Qiuqiu wasn’t as compliant as before. He scanned the room, found a clean chair, and sat down.

He sat properly, legs together, hands folded on his lap, appearing impeccably well-behaved. However, his words were less accommodating.

Lifting his head, his gaze was piercing, like a sun that could see into the depths of one's soul.

"I want to know more about genetic diseases."

Qiuqiu knew the two questions that had troubled him since arriving in this world might find their answers today, thanks to Anjie Lie's genetic disease outbreak.

Author's note:

Duan Chen Sen: Looks like I've become a father.

Duan Chen Sen: I guess I have to be my own father.

(Speaking of which, I scared my wife the moment I arrived.)

(I always mistakenly type 'Duan Chen Sen' as 'Short Shirt' on my phone.)

It's my birthday today, haha!