Chapter 124

Chapter 124

Contemplating the decision he was about to make, Queqiu didn't refuse Duan Chensen's advances and spent the night in his embrace.

The next day, he sent an email to An Weiran, who was at the Black Star Military Academy, asking for some of Xu Feng’s hair. Although An Weiran didn’t understand Queqiu's motives, he didn’t ask questions and quickly sent what Queqiu needed to the capital star.

After receiving the items, Queqiu obtained a hair sample from Dongkui and handed them over to the relevant testing department for a DNA examination.

The staff member collecting the samples assured Queqiu, "The testing process won’t take long. We’ll deliver the results to your office as soon as they're available."

Queqiu nodded, "Thank you for your efforts."

As soon as the staff left, Duan Chensen clung to him.

"I almost regret making you the chief of the Omega Union Committee," he complained discontentedly. "You're even busier than I am now, always on your feet all day long."

Queqiu agreed, nodding, "You're right."

"Such a packed schedule isn’t conducive to us planning for little roses," Duan Chensen said nonchalantly, "As a family member, I wish the chief would take more time for family."

"After this busy period, I should have a fairly long vacation."

Duan Chensen's eyes lit up immediately. The moment Queqiu mentioned a vacation, he had already planned the trip for both of them.

"Where do you want to go for the vacation? The Deep Sea Galaxy is close to the capital star, it's the most famous tourist planet in the Empire, we could experience a romantic underwater journey there."

"Or, we could go to Green Star. It has the best-preserved grassland in the entire Empire. Although the species are limited, the scenery is beautiful. You'd probably like it."

Duan Chensen enthusiastically described various tourist spots in the Empire to Queqiu, and after finishing, looked at him with bright, expectant eyes, asking, "Where do you want to go? I'll accompany you anywhere."

Unexpectedly, Queqiu showed no interest, merely shaking his head; what surprised Duan Chensen even more was that Queqiu's idea of a vacation meant voluntarily entering the research institute.

Duan Chensen's eyes widened in disbelief, his expression turning tense in an instant.

He grabbed Queqiu's arm tightly, his voice lowered, "Are you joking with me?!"

He felt either he was hallucinating, or Queqiu was talking nonsense.

"You didn’t get the information about the genetic research institute from that Sunflower Omega. Knowing how dangerous it is, why would you want to go there?!"

When making this decision, Queqiu had already anticipated how Duan Chensen would react upon hearing it.

"This is the result of careful consideration. To uncover what Liu Changming and the genetic research institute are really up to, I need to take this risk and personally investigate the institute."

Duan Chensen's brows were tightly furrowed, staring into Queqiu's eyes for a long time, trying to find a hint of jest, but unfortunately, Queqiu was serious.

Duan Chensen became even more perplexed.

He let go of Queqiu, feeling an inexplicable irritation surging in his heart. Clutching his hair and thinking hard, he couldn't make sense of it.

"You know you're taking a risk, but I just don't understand why you need to do this. Hasn’t Dongkui already made it clear? Liu Changming's genetic research institute is using Omegas for live experiments to complete their genes. Our next step should be to find evidence and bring down Liu Changming and the institute. Why do you need to take such a risk?!"

Duan Chensen spread his hands, unable to comprehend why Queqiu would embark on such a dangerous mission.

Queqiu calmly countered, "What's the ultimate purpose of these experiments? What about the briefly mentioned 'Blossoming Plan'? You say we just need evidence against Liu Changming and the institute, but where will that evidence come from? Just from Dongkui? With your unparalleled understanding of this Empire and its laws, you know very well that a single tainted witness can’t threaten Liu Changming or the institute."

Without waiting for Duan Chensen to respond, Queqiu continued, "To uncover the secrets of Liu Changming and the institute and obtain evidence of their illegal experiments and harm to Omegas, the best way is to have someone infiltrate the institute. And as the head of the Omega Union Committee, I am the best candidate."

Damn this Union Committee!

Duan Chensen, infuriated, punched the sturdy wall, his super 3S level Alpha strength enough to create a deep dent. But even so, it did little to alleviate his frustration.

Duan Chensen couldn't answer Queqiu's questions, and despite his vehement opposition, he had to admit that, given the situation, Queqiu was right; sending someone to go undercover was the best option.

But still...

"Why does it have to be you?!" Duan Chensen couldn't comprehend why Queqiu would put himself in such danger.

"There are so many Omegas in the Omega Union Committee; anyone could be that undercover agent. It doesn’t have to be the chief, does it?"

Call Duan Chensen selfish or hypocritical, but he couldn’t bear to see Queqiu shoulder such a heavy burden and undertake such dangerous tasks.

Queqiu explained, "There is no Omega in this Empire more unique than me. To those madmen, I am the ideal subject. If it were in the past, I wouldn’t have cared about these things, only saving Dongkui to fulfill my promise to Xiao Feng; but now that I have taken on this responsibility, there's no turning back halfway."

No matter what Queqiu said, Duan Chensen just wouldn't agree.

Seeing that outright refusal wasn’t working, he tried another angle to persuade Queqiu to abandon the idea, "Think about it, why after so many safe interactions, did that Sunflower Omega, Dongkui, come to you with information right when your real identity was exposed and all your new policies were in full swing?"

To prevent any misunderstanding, Duan Chensen quickly added, "Of course, I'm not doubting Dongkui. I absolutely trust your judgment. But Dongkui's sudden betrayal seems too deliberate. He may be unaware, but Liu Changming, the puppet master behind this, is not clean."

Queqiu quickly grasped what he was trying to say.

Duan Chensen continued, "You may not have dealt much with Liu Changming, but he's definitely not an easy opponent. If Liu Changming didn't want it, Dongkui would never have had the chance to come to you with leaks. Liu Changming deliberately let you get some information from Dongkui as bait, leading you into a trap. He’s surely prepared thoroughly, just waiting for you to enter the genetic research institute. Once you truly fall into his territory, the outcome would be..."

Clenching his teeth, Duan Chensen spoke to Queqiu in a heavy tone for the first time, "I won't allow you to go. Even if someone has to go undercover, let it be me disguised as an Omega, but not you."

"If they are targeting me as you suggest, then I have all the more reason to go," Queqiu remained unmoved.

Stubbornness was the hallmark of his character.

It had always been so; once Queqiu was set on something, he would not change his mind, no matter the cost.

Duan Chensen understood this all too well. Seeing his firm stance was ineffective, he softened, embracing the Omega's slender waist and pulling him into his arms, showering him with gentle kisses.

"Please don't go, okay?" he pleaded. "I know you're strong and no one is your match. But not everything can be solved with strength. According to what that Sunflower Omega said, the genetic research institute is really dangerous. So many Omegas went and never returned. How can I be at peace knowing you're going in there alone?"

"The future of the Empire is important, but to me, you are more important than the Empire itself."

Faced with Duan Chensen’s sincere persuasion, Queqiu wasn’t a heartless stone; how could he not be moved?

But thinking of Dongkui’s ordeal and countless other Omegas who suffered like him, Queqiu couldn't convince himself to act as if nothing had happened.

"You love me, worry about me, and just hearing me mention going undercover at the genetic research institute drives you almost insane—" Queqiu lifted his hand, stroking Duan Chensen's dense eyelashes, speaking softly, "Then tell me, what must the families of those Omegas feel like? Their loved ones are missing, their fate unknown, spending their lives in despair and faint hope."

He embraced Duan Chensen, his usually stern demeanor now completely softened, like a savior deity.

"If we don't put an end to this, more Omegas will suffer, and the same tragedy will repeat in every corner of the Empire. Although compared to our great cause, these Omegas are but tiny individuals, even the most insignificant weed longs for a grand spring rain."

"You are not willing to give up your rose, and I am not willing to give up those blades of grass. The vast universe is also formed from countless stars, each one small but essential."

Duan Chensen buried himself deeply in Queqiu's chest, seeking comfort, and remained silent for a long time.

Queqiu didn't know the struggle Duan Chensen went through internally, but in the end, he chose to respect Queqiu's decision.

"If this is your decision, then go ahead," Duan Chensen said, focusing intently on Queqiu, never having been more serious than at this moment.

His tone carried a mix of heartache, pride, and admiration.

"I know you're not a rose waiting to be pampered in a greenhouse; your bloom is destined to dazzle the entire universe."

Duan Chensen’s love for Queqiu was unconditional and limitless, but he knew Queqiu's world needed more than just his love.

Queqiu closed his eyes, initiating a kiss with Duan Chensen, "This time, it's your turn to wait for my return, my butterfly."

Duan Chensen, taking the lead, tightened his embrace around Queqiu's slender waist, deepening this sweet kiss tinged with a hint of fear for the unknown.

When they parted, both were slightly flushed and their hearts racing, looking at each other for a long while. Even without words, their eyes conveyed everything to each other.

Once they reached an agreement, they sat down to discuss the upcoming plan.

"Liu Changming released Dongkui to lure you into a trap. He’s sure to be highly cautious. How will you manage to infiltrate the genetic research institute?"

Queqiu pondered for a moment, then suddenly a name flashed in his mind, and he immediately had a plan.

"I know someone who could help me enter the research institute under the same identity as Dongkui, as a test subject."

Duan Chensen was curious, as he didn’t recall knowing such a person, "Who is it?"

Queqiu played coy, "It's a secret for now."

"Since you're taking this risk to uncover the truth about the genetic research institute, we can't waste this opportunity. Perhaps, we can use this chance to kill two birds with one stone," Duan Chensen said.

Queqiu looked at him, seemingly guessing his thoughts, "You mean, deal with another mastermind behind the scenes, in addition to Liu Changming?"

Duan Chensen nodded, "Exactly. Liu Changming and Jacquelee are in cahoots, both targeting you."

After speaking, he scooped up the Omega beside him into his embrace, insisting on holding Queqiu to feel at ease.

Queqiu struggled quite a bit to slightly free himself from Duan Chensen's strong embrace, looking up at him, "Then leave Jacquelee to you."

Duan Chensen leaned down and lightly kissed Queqiu's moist lips, "May we both triumph."

Near evening, the testing team indeed sent someone to deliver the report.

Queqiu felt inexplicably nervous receiving the thin sheet of paper, even though he wasn’t the subject of the test.

His hand trembled slightly as he reached out, but then a large hand appeared in his line of sight, bringing a warm touch on the back of his hand.

The Omega's comparatively delicate hand was completely enveloped by the Alpha's, transmitting waves of warm strength to Queqiu.

He was momentarily startled, then looked up to see Duan Chensen smiling at him, "No matter the result, you've done your best."

Queqiu felt a bit more at ease, his hand holding the paper steadied. He took a deep breath and opened the folded report.

The result section was conspicuous, and Queqiu could see it at a glance: Based on the available data and DNA analysis, the relationship between Floppy Ear Alpha Xu Feng and Sunflower Omega Dongkui is supported as being familial.

Everything had finally settled.

Queqiu couldn't describe his feelings at the moment he saw the conclusive results; he was overwhelmed with intense emotions, not only relieved as if a huge weight had been lifted but also more determined to infiltrate the genetic research institute to uncover the truth.

Even Duan Chensen felt genuinely happy for him, saying with a smile, "Our little rose can do anything indeed."

"Finally, we can give Xiao Feng an explanation, and Dongkui’s struggles have paid off." Queqiu repeatedly read the report, then carefully folded it, planning to hand it over to Xu Feng and Dongkui later.

He took a photo and eagerly sent it to Xu Feng, who usually replied instantly. But given the time, Xu Feng might be in class, hence the delay in response.

It was also possible that, overwhelmed by the news, Xu Feng might have secluded himself for a quiet cry.

Queqiu chuckled, "The little rabbit is usually so teary; after seeing the message, he must have cried his eyes out again."

Duan Chensen said meaningfully, "Actually, you look quite lovely when you cry too, with reddened eyes like glistening pomegranate seeds, ready to shed crystal-clear tears at the slightest touch, sweet to the taste too."

His words effortlessly pulled Queqiu back to their playful moments, although during such times, Queqiu was often too dazed by the intensity to remember if he had ever cried... because of Duan Chensen.

Seeing no response, Duan Chensen leaned down to Queqiu's ear and whispered softly, "How about crying for me tonight?"

The Alpha’s deep, magnetic voice sent a tingling sensation through Queqiu's eardrum. He cast a sidelong glance, his clear eyes shimmering with a watery light, retorting fiercely, "It seems like you’re the one who wants to cry."

"I can cry too," Duan Chensen shamelessly replied, "but I don’t use my eyes to do it."

Queqiu was about to retort, "If not with eyes, then how?" but then he realized what Duan Chensen meant. His fair cheeks instantly flushed a beautiful crimson, enchanting as the rosy sky, leaving Duan Chensen utterly captivated.

The bashful yet irritated little rose cursed softly, "Hooligan."

"I'm not a hooligan; I'm a king, and you are my queen," Duan Chensen declared.

Before he could finish, their star brain suddenly rang with an urgent notification sound. Without guessing, Queqiu knew who was calling.

He gave Duan Chensen a warning look, reminding him to choose the right moment for his mischief. Duan Chensen, feigning grievance, closed his mouth and retreated to a corner, subdued after being scolded by his wife.

As soon as the video call connected, sure enough, it was Xu Feng with his eyes red from crying.

His voice was clearly choked with tears, stuttering as he spoke, "Qiu, Qiuqiu, my brother, is it really true that he’s been found?"

Queqiu smiled helplessly and nodded.

"You should save your energy for when you meet in the capital star in a few days."

*

After learning about Dongkui's experience, Queqiu had his suspicions, but such matters required certainty, so he hadn't revealed his guess to Xu Feng until the final results were confirmed.

So, when Dongkui suddenly learned he had a biological brother who had never stopped searching for him, he was stunned, unable to recover for a long time.

He seemed like a computer that had suddenly lost power, unable to respond to external stimuli, as if disconnected from the world, just staring blankly at Queqiu.

After a long while, he barely regained some semblance of awareness, incredulously stuttering, "Brother? My brother?"

Dongkui murmured, "I have a... brother?"

Queqiu nodded and showed him the DNA test results.

Dongkui hesitated to take it, fearing it was all just a joke, a dream that would leave him alone upon waking, surrounded by people laughing foolishly at him.

He didn't want to plummet into the abyss of despair just as he was about to embrace hope.

But Queqiu's voice was gentle, calming, and resolute, solemnly assuring him, "Yes, you have a brother. He is a D-level Floppy Ear Alpha. Since your disappearance two years ago, he has been searching for you, never giving up hope, no matter how faint."

Hearing "never giving up," Dongkui's tightly strung emotions suddenly snapped, and in that moment, he couldn't care about anything else, only wanting to cry freely and hysterically.

In that moment, the only thought in Dongkui's mind was: he hadn’t been abandoned; he wasn’t alone.

In this cruel and cold world, there was someone related by blood who had always been thinking of him, quietly waiting in an unknown corner.

He wasn't unloved.

Dongkui burst into uncontrollable tears, embracing Queqiu tightly. Even though his voice was choked and he struggled to speak, he tried his best to articulate every word, "Thank you, thank you so much."

He didn't know what else to say and could only hold Queqiu tightly, repeating 'thank you' over and over again.

He wished he could show his heart to Queqiu, to express how grateful he truly was.

Queqiu, somewhat helplessly, patted Dongkui's back, consoling him, "The one you should be most grateful to is not me, but yourself. Before I rescued you, you had already redeemed yourself."

Whether it's the Alphas, Betas, Omegas of the empire, or Dongkui before him, they all see Queqiu as a messianic figure, the only salvation. But Queqiu understood that others' salvation can only heal surface wounds, and only self-redemption can truly soothe past pain and scars.

Alone, he couldn't stand against this vast empire; but when these individual strengths are united, this corrupt and broken empire will surely transform into the ideal world everyone dreams of.

Queqiu gently wiped away the tears from Dongkui's eyes, telling him, "Every person's world needs the blooming of a flower, to maintain hope, vitality, romance, and courage. Only when you struggle and save yourself again and again in this world, can others save you from dire straits."

He is the only savior of this world, but so is he.

Each one of them is their own savior.

Author's note:

I hope all my dear readers, no matter what difficulties and despair you face, always keep the courage to save yourself from fire and water time and time again.

Every flower has its time to bloom, and its moment to shine.