Chapter 38

Chapter 38

038

Should I Mark You Once?

After half a minute, Chu Li, blushing with embarrassment, composed himself and followed Jing Baiyuan behind.

They arrived at another room, but the owner didn't let them in. Instead, he stood by the glass window at the entrance and peered inside.

The room was inhabited by a family of Li Hua Cats. At that moment, the mother cat was nursing her kittens. A few newly-born kittens, who had just opened their eyes and were still unsteady on their feet, were gathered together to nurse, occasionally meowing softly.

One of them, probably full, stumbled to its feet among its siblings. The little kitten, who had just learned to walk, couldn't maintain its balance well. It walked with its tail held high, wobbling to the door. Accidentally looking up, it saw Chu Li leaning against the window and meowed at him.

The kitten's vocal cords were not fully developed yet, so it couldn't produce a "meow." This "meow" sounded like it was squeezed out from the depths of its throat.

Chu Li burst into laughter instantly. He pointed at the kitten and asked, "Can we have this one?"

"Certainly," the shop owner smiled. "But they're still nursing, so you'll have to wait a few days before taking them."

Chu Li promptly said, "No rush. Let it spend more time with its mother."

They quickly finalized their choice of kitten and proceeded with the registration and contract signing. When it was time to pay the deposit, Jing Baiyuan wanted to take care of it, but Chu Li stopped him. "Let me handle this."

Jing Baiyuan didn't protest after being stopped and watched silently as Chu Li made the payment. With that, the kitten officially belonged to him.

Throughout the ride back, Chu Li daydreamed about bringing the kitten home, talking to Jing Baiyuan on his own. "What do you think? Should I bring it home in three months or four? I heard that when they grow up a bit, the mother cat won't let the kittens stay with her anymore..."

Jing Baiyuan, who had been listening quietly, suddenly spoke. "After I leave."

"Huh?" Chu Li was taken aback, not understanding.

As Jing Baiyuan drove, his gaze remained straight ahead, as if he had just made an insignificant comment. Yet, Chu Li sensed something deeper in those words.

He stared at Jing Baiyuan intently for a long while until the latter couldn't bear it anymore and repeated himself, emphasizing his words. "After I'm gone, then bring it back home."

Only then did Chu Li confirm that the subtle unease he felt earlier wasn't just his imagination.

He narrowed his eyes and said with a smile, "Serves you right. Who asked you not to come home with me?"

If he were still that little Li Hua Cat, he wouldn't have considered buying another feline companion.

Jing Baiyuan's grip on the steering wheel tightened abruptly. After a moment, he said, "Not now. When you graduate, I'll bring you to live with me."

Chu Li, who had just been straightforward, blushed and turned away. "Who talked about that with you?"

In the rearview mirror, Jing Baiyuan caught a glimpse of him and swallowed slightly.

---

After sending Chu Li back, Jing Baiyuan returned to the base.

Ya Lan was waiting for him at the entrance with a somewhat solemn expression.

Upon getting out of the car, Jing Baiyuan glanced at her indifferently and asked, "What's going on?"

Ya Lan replied, "General, it seems like the royal family has found out about your whereabouts."

"Um." Jing Baiyuan was composed, having anticipated this day since his recovery. He had been preparing for the revelation of his information all along. He hadn't taken the initiative to act, only wanting more time with Chu Li.

"Let's go, we'll talk inside."

---

In the central district of Blue Stripe Star, within a magnificent and spacious hall, the Empire's First Prince, Lancelot Butler, was seated at one end of a long table, meticulously polishing his prized possession – a gleaming silver sword.

Beside him, the Chancellor of Seals, Nick Elden, stood respectfully, softly conveying the latest news he had gathered.

Lancelot listened for a while before raising an eyebrow. "He said Jing Baiyuan is on Blue Stripe Star?"

"Yes…" Nick replied. "But the Admiral hasn't sent any message to the royal family. The last communication was before the discovery of New Star 1098."

"New Star 1098… That was six months ago," Lancelot chuckled softly. "What a shame."

Handing the sword to a servant, he rose to his feet. "Come, let's have a chat with Father."

Chu Li returned home with the anticipation of seeing the little kitten.

He had arranged to meet Jing Baiyuan the next day to see the cat, but to his surprise, he received a message from Jing Baiyuan in the morning, informing him that their meeting was canceled due to an unexpected matter.

Jing Baiyuan didn't specify what the matter was, but Chu Li could make some guesses.

Without Jing Baiyuan around, Chu Li's life returned to its usual routine. Zhan Jiaqing and the others soon noticed that Chu Li had stopped going out, spending his days in the lab.

On one such day, after finishing his experiment, as he was cleaning up the equipment, Zhan Jiaqing approached with a smile, whispering, "Why haven't you been going out these few days? Has your Alpha returned?"

Chu Li gently shook his head.

Zhan Jiaqing looked at him curiously. "But he came back after such a long time, didn't you two mate?"

How come there's no change in his scent?

Chu Li froze at the question. He had just met Jing Baiyuan, and the topic of mating... Well, that was quite a leap.

Yet, Zhan Jiaqing's words served as a reminder.

If he didn't want to undergo gland cleaning at the end of the year, he needed Jing Baiyuan to mark him permanently – even requiring medication from the hospital to suppress his rut.

After a permanent marking, AOs needed to regularly exchange pheromones. Now that he realized this belatedly, Chu Li understood that his lack of pheromone deficiency after being marked for so long was likely due to Jing Baiyuan, in his cat form, replenishing them for him.

This realization left Chu Li utterly dazed.

Finally, after the experiment was over, Chu Li returned to his dorm and immediately called Jing Baiyuan on video chat.

The moment the call connected, a light screen unfolded before Chu Li's eyes, revealing Jing Baiyuan standing beside a white wall adorned with faint yellow moldings, dressed in an elaborate and intricate formal suit.

Chu Li was taken aback. "You're outside?"

"Mm," Jing Baiyuan acknowledged. "What's up?"

Chu Li suddenly felt that it wasn't appropriate to discuss this matter now. "Let's talk about it when you get back. I'll call you later..."

But Jing Baiyuan replied, "No need. Go ahead."

With no other choice, Chu Li said, "I want you to accompany me to the hospital before you leave."

Jing Baiyuan quickly understood and nodded. "Alright, I'll pick you up tomorrow."

Chu Li: "..."

That soon?

This speed exceeded his expectations.

Seems like Jing Baiyuan was facing some trouble.

He was currently outside in what appeared to be a formal setting, making it inconvenient to discuss such matters. Chu Li swallowed his questions and simply replied with a 'good'.

"Then you carry on with your work. I'll hang up now."

With that said, he ended the call.

After hanging up, Chu Li didn't turn off his personal terminal but instead went online to search for news about Jing Baiyuan.

Sure enough, there were already scattered reports stating that the General of the Expeditionary Force, who had been missing for nearly half a year, had reappeared in the Blue Vein Star's royal palace.

The wall I saw through the phone call must be part of the royal palace, right?

Chu Li let out a long sigh and sprawled on his bed.

Things always seemed to slip beyond his control, be it Little Li Hua Cat or Jing Baiyuan.

He should be leaving soon, shouldn't he?

If not for him, that news would probably have been released ages ago.

There should be a difference between actively revealing oneself and being forcibly discovered.

While I was still entangled in those insignificant matters of emotion, Jing Baiyuan had already been confronted with far greater and more perilous troubles.

How could this be?

Buried his face into the pillow with frustration, Chu Li's emotions were in a tangled mess at this moment. He was unsure if he was reluctant to part with this person or if it was the disruption of their planned journey to understand each other by an unexpected event... Either way, it was complicated.

As an accomplished translator of both Chinese and English literature, specializing in the elegant rendering of danmei novels, I approach the task of translating the passage with utmost care to preserve its delicate nuances and themes. Please provide the original text so that I may proceed with the translation, ensuring that the unique elements inherent to danmei fiction are beautifully conveyed into English.

"General, are you ready?"

At the other end of the corridor, Ya Lan stood elegantly in a blue-and-white gown, leaning against the wall. She glanced repeatedly at Jing Baiyuan Ting, who was standing on the opposite corner and still in a daze even after ending his call. Eventually, she couldn't help but inquire.

Jing Baiyuan Ting, who had been lost in thought, snapped back to reality. He put away his personal device, and the softness on his face vanished.

"I'm ready. Let's go."

The pair walked down the long hallway and arrived at a magnificent palace door. Two attendants had been waiting for them and bowed respectfully as they approached. "The banquet has already begun. Please enter, General Jing Baiyuan."

Opening the door, the noise and revelry inside spilled out. Despite the festive atmosphere, both Jing Baiyuan Ting and Ya Lan wore serious expressions, as if they were about to step onto a battlefield. With straight, formal strides, they entered the grand hall.

---

This so-called welcome banquet was held in the Vienna Hall of the Imperial Palace.

The hall featured a high dome and dazzling crystal chandeliers. However, these were merely decorations; the warm, bright light within was actually cast by shadowless lamps concealed in the dome. Portraits of past emperors lined the walls on either side, their stern or benevolent gazes surveying the guests below, who returned similar smiles.

Warm yet insincere.

The moment Jing Baiyuan Ting stepped into the hall, he captured everyone's attention. They smiled and applauded as if genuinely welcoming the absent Admiral for half a year back to the empire.

No one inquired about his whereabouts during those six months.

Lan Teros, seated on the main seat, also smiled at him and raised his glass, saying, "Jing Bai, long time no see."

Bai Yuanting approached and bowed.

But it wasn't a royal curtsy, but a crisp and stern military salute.

Soft whispers filled the room, and Lan Teros' expression flickered slightly. However, he quickly regained his composure and said with a smile, "You've been wandering around for years, it must be tough. Father has mentioned you recently. Jing Bai, why don't you come with me after the banquet to visit him?"

Bai Yuanting replied coolly, "There's no need. I returned for an important matter. As long as His Majesty is in good health, I won't disturb him."

Lan Teros chuckled, "How can that be? You are, after all, Father's son. What's wrong with visiting the old man?"

Bai Yuanting: "..."

It was common knowledge that Jing Baiyuan, or Bai Yuanting, could also be considered a member of the royal family.

However, this "also" carried an extremely delicate nuance. He wasn't the emperor's biological son but an "adopted son" who entered the royal family alongside his mother, Bai Xian.

Indeed, the current empress was married for the second time, and both she and the emperor had a son from their previous marriages, making them half-brothers.

Despite marrying into the imperial family, Bai Xian didn't change her son's surname. He continued to use his original name, bearing the surnames of both his father and mother.

Whenever someone addressed him as "Jing Bai," they couldn't help but remember that he was the offspring of Bai Xian and another man.

Bai Yuanting spent his days wandering in space, considering the Expeditionary Force his home. On Blue Stripe Star, people referred to him as Admiral Jing Bai, acknowledging his top military achievements, yet seldom mentioned his mother's remarriage.

This topic was also strictly taboo on the internet.

Under these shared assumptions, everyone tried their best to overlook his connection to the royal family.

Now, the eldest prince himself had brought up the matter.

This was not a sign of camaraderie by any means.

Everyone knew that Jing Baiyuan was no pushover. Over the years, he had expanded the empire's territories to the point of overshadowing the ruler. Bestowing him the rank of Supreme General was only due to his mother's influence, an excuse to suppress him. Otherwise, the position of Imperial Marshal should have been his.

Not like now, with the marshal's post left vacant.

The bustling hall suddenly fell silent, and all eyes pretended not to glance their way, attempting to appear nonchalant while concealing the tense atmosphere.

As long as Jing Baiyuan remained silent, they remained on edge.

After an eternity of three minutes of silence, he finally spoke softly, "Alright, I'll make a trip back then."

It was about time he visited Bai Xian.

Lantelos finally smiled. "Very well, after the banquet, you'll return with me."

The tension dissipated instantly, and smiles returned to everyone's faces. Glasses clinked as people continued their conversations, discussing the previous topic.

It was a lively scene.

Some even brought their young family members to Jing Baiyuan's side, seemingly coincidentally nudging them closer to him.

These young masters and misses had hardly ever left Azure Pattern Star, indulging in the privileges of their families and ready at any moment to dedicate themselves to the family's interests.

Among them were Omegas, Betas, and even an Alpha or two.

Ya Lan stood beside Jing Baiyuan, watching as they swarmed over like butterflies, unable to resist a mental sigh and shake of his head.

Don't waste your effort, Admiral isn't that kind of fickle person.

He already has his own Omega, his gaze won't linger on you for a second.

Sure enough, after merely ten minutes had passed, Jing Baiyuan's patience wore thin, revealing an impatient expression.

He seldom returned to Azure Pattern Star, partly because he couldn't tolerate these people's petty tactics to probe him – it always followed the same pattern, sending a group of naive youngsters to curry his favor.

They would be delighted to see him settle down with one of these individuals, for in their minds, he should have long established a family, taken a wife, and started a brood of children.

Ideally, he should marry someone from their "inner circle," for that way, it would be much easier for them to manipulate him.

Jing Baiyuan Yuanting promptly excused himself, feigning intoxication, and retired to the resting room, leaving his adjutant to attend the banquet in his stead.

It was always like this, and the people of Blue Vein Star had grown accustomed to it.

Although they were disappointed that Jing Baiyuan didn't fancy anyone again, they switched their attention to Ya Lan for communication as usual.

Ya Lan wasn't merely Jing Baiyuan's adjutant but also the diplomatic representative of the entire expeditionary force. In other words, the entire expeditionary force was made up of Jing Baiyuan-like blocks of wood, and she was the only one who could speak like a normal person.

With a warm smile, Ya Lan handled these Blue Vein nobles with ease, fitting right in among the high-ranking officials who couldn't communicate properly.

Lancelot, who had yet to choose a side, soon realized that Jing Baiyuan was missing. He didn't bother going to bed and instead leaned lazily on the sofa, chatting with his confidant. "He didn't fancy anyone again this year?"

"Mm," the confidant whispered. "Better than last time, he lasted ten minutes."

"Tsk tsk..." Lancelot sighed. "I even picked a few Omegas close to their rutting period, and considering how he hasn't spared a glance at the people we've sent over all these years, I thought he might not like young Omegas, so I selected a few Alphas. Yet he's still like this. Do you think... he's just not capable?"

After saying that, he chuckled, his light-hearted laughter concealing a web of malice.

The banquet continued until nightfall. Afterward, Lancelot accompanied Jing Baiyuan to the emperor's residence.

Upon arrival, however, they discovered that the emperor had already fallen asleep. Through the gauze curtain, they could vaguely see his silhouette.

Lancelot said, "Father hasn't been feeling well lately. Let's not disturb his rest."

Jing Baiyuan wasn't there to visit the emperor in the first place, so he didn't comment on Lancelot's words.

As the two left the emperor's residence, Lancelot was called away. Although Jing Baiyuan didn't often return, he had the privilege of moving freely within the palace walls. He took Ya Lan with him and headed straight for the queen's quarters.

Bai Xian had fallen ill some years ago and her mind had become foggy. When Jing Baiyuan arrived, she was sitting in a wooden wicker chair, gazing blankly at the stars.

Blocking her view, Jing Baiyuan waved to her. "Go, go, move aside."

She still looked as young as ever, dressed in a white gown with her jet-black hair cascading down the side of her gentle face. Her features were exquisite, showing no signs of aging.

However, her eyes were empty, and her movements sluggish.

Jing Baiyuan crouched down beside her, gently taking one of her hands in his. He whispered, "Mother, I'm back."

Seemingly stirred by his presence, Bai Xian's gaze flickered towards Jing Baiyuan for a moment, but soon, her attention was drawn back to the myriad stars above.

Jing Baiyuan glanced at the sky. It was an imitation, created using the latest holographic technology.

Bai Xian once mentioned her desire to traverse the vast expanse of the cosmic sea, but now, sitting beneath an artificial starry sky, she couldn't even distinguish reality from illusion.

Every time Ya Lan witnessed this scene, her heart ached. As usual, she stood guard at the entrance, giving the General and his mother their private time.

After about an hour, Jing Baiyuanting emerged, composed and ready to go.

Standing at the door, he maintained his upright posture and said to Ya Lan, "Let's go back."

---

The next morning, Chu Li received a call from Jing Baiyuanting, arranging to meet at the school gates.

Knowing that the hospital visit for medication would consume much of the day, Chu Li had already taken a day off in advance.

As expected, the familiar magnetic levitation car arrived, but this time, Jing Baiyuanting alighted, standing tall beside it in anticipation.

After their brief conversation on the phone the previous day, Chu Li felt a bit nervous. Before boarding the vehicle, he looked around anxiously, trying to spot anyone who might be tailing Jing Baiyuanting.

Noticing Chu Li's unease, Jing Baiyuanting approached, took his hand, and gently pulled him into the car. "Relax, no one will come looking for you."

Chu Li gazed at Jing Baiyuan Yuanting.

This man had previously mentioned making their relationship public, but it seemed he had changed his mind now.

The hospital wasn't far from the school, and after about ten minutes, they arrived.

A young Beta male doctor attended to Chu Li. After a series of thorough examinations, Jing Baiyuan Yuanting went to handle the paperwork while Chu Li sat in the doctor's office, listening to the doctor's monologue.

"How long have you two been married?"

"..." Chu Li stumbled over his words. "We... haven't gotten married yet."

"Hmm?" The doctor looked up at him, quite surprised. "You got permanently marked without being married? Aren't you afraid of regretting it?"

Chu Li forced a laugh.

He couldn't very well say that they had been permanently marked before even knowing each other.

The doctor assumed they had a strong bond and were confident in their future together.

He had encountered many such individuals. They would impulsively leave a permanent mark during their passionate moments in bed, some managing to stay together for a lifetime. However, most eventually parted ways.

Omegas would go through gland cleansing and start anew on their own paths.

Due to their physical constitution, Omegas were at a disadvantage in such matters. Since the Omega in front of him didn't seem to mind, he, as a doctor, naturally wouldn't comment further.

Comparing the data, he said, "It seems you've had an illness in the past. This hormonal imbalance is lifelong. Although the permanent mark has temporarily cured your condition, you can't take the standard suppressants during your rut like others. You'll either need your Alpha by your side or..."

Chu Li grew anxious. "Or what?"

The doctor continued, "Or you'll have to get a custom-made suppressant, but that requires extracting your Alpha's pheromones... quite a lot of it. Have you discussed this?"

"We have," Chu Li nodded. "That's why we're here today."

"Tsk." The doctor sighed.

Alpha glands were different from Omega glands and had poor regenerative abilities. An Omega's gland could withstand multiple markings and heal quickly, but not so for Alphas.

Extracting pheromones forcefully was a significant harm to any Alpha. It was rare for the Omega's partner to consent to providing their pheromones for the creation of a personalized suppressant.

Perhaps their relationship was genuinely strong.

But if that were the case, why wasn't the Alpha present during the Omega's rut?

He couldn't figure it out.

The doctor shook his head and handed them a list. "Have your Alpha undergo a physical examination."

Right then, Jing Baiyuan returned. Chu Li passed the checklist to him.

Jing Baiyuan glanced at it without comment and went for the checkup.

His trip took a long time, and when he came back, there was a bandage on the back of his neck. He seemed no different from before – his gait and actions were as crisp as ever. Yet, Chu Li couldn't tear his gaze away from him, for he knew that beneath that pristine bandage lay a small wound.

The doctor compared their data and sighed. "Your compatibility is really high. No wonder you've already undergone early bonding."

He stood up with the files in hand. "Please wait here for a moment."

After the doctor left, only Chu Li and Jing Baiyuan were left in the office.

In the quiet room, Chu Li said rather uncomfortably, "Thank you."

Jing Baiyuan looked at him and replied, "It's my duty."

Despite that, Chu Li was still grateful to him.

He didn't have to go this far.

Feeling a bit uneasy, he pondered for a moment before suggesting, "Would you like to come to my quarters tonight? To some extent, the bonding is mutual, right? You also need my pheromones, don't you? Would you... like to... mark me... once before you leave?"

Author's Note:

Li Li, you're being bold now.

Yesterday, a delightful comment from an adorable little angel deserves to be highlighted for everyone's enjoyment.

Yesterday's Chu Li (covered in cat fur): Honey, I'm back from my misadventures!

Jing Bai: ?

Hilarious.