Chapter 76: Concealed Identity

Chapter 76: Concealed Identity

Rong Mi: "…."

Rong Mi: "………"

At this moment, the memories of his previous self, information related to Lu Yi, and the lingering sense of dissonance that had appeared multiple times all converged in his mind.

Rong Mi: "…."

Rong Mi was not an insensitive person. However, regarding the matter of being the First Legion's commander, he had been held back by his past memories and preconceived notions, unable to see the truth.

Moreover, Lu Yi was far from the adjectives that matched the original owner's recollections.

Ayin was such an obedient wolf!

In this instant, a profound sense of absurdity and deep dissatisfaction arose in Rong Mi's heart.

...Why does Lu Yi never offer an explanation?

He must have realized long ago that he was misunderstood about his identity!

Even if Lu Yi doesn't clarify the misconceptions about his age and personality... he should at least clear it up for Ayin!

Ayin is such a charming and majestic wolf! How could anyone just defame him like that?

Rong Mi was utterly baffled by Lu Yi's thoughts.

Does he not trust me?

This thought flashed through Rong Mi's mind for a fleeting moment, only to be immediately dismissed by him.

He's a therapist, they've entered each other's mental domains – Lu Yi doesn't hold any guards against him, Rong Mi could see that.

...Then what could be the reason?

Rong Mi was deeply perplexed, with frustration stuck in his chest, unable to distract himself enough to respond to Rong Yan's question.

Rong Yan: "?"

She froze for a moment upon seeing Rong Mi's sudden cold expression, then said in surprise, "What happened? Didn't you just say that you got along well and had a good relationship?"

She had only made a playful remark... Why was Rong Mi's reaction so drastic?

Rong Mi: "..."

He looked up at her, suppressing his thoughts, and finally clicked his tongue softly.

"Our relationship is indeed good," he said casually. "I've made up my mind. I'll definitely be his therapist."

Though he was upset, it was impossible for him to ignore the person.

Rong Yan studied him for a while and smiled.

"You're very different from before."

The young man exuded an effortless charm and confidence that was highly captivating.

No wonder Lu Yi was treated differently by him.

Rong Yan continued, "There's no need to put too much pressure on treating Lu Yi's mental domain. It can still be the same as before. Even if we can't cure it, delaying it is better than nothing. If it truly becomes unbearable... there's not much we can do."

Rong Mi knitted his brows deeply.

Though they had exposed Lu Tianxing, the investigation within the military had yet to conclude, and news of Lu Yi's improved mental state hadn't been made public. Despite that, Rong Yan's words made him feel uneasy.

It was as if Lu Yi was a terminally ill patient, merely counting down the days until his demise.

...Or rather, before their encounter in the Ice and Fire Tournament, Lu Yi was indeed on his deathbed, awaiting the inevitable.

"Back then, you attempted to treat Lu Yi's mental domain," Rong Mi recalled the memories of his previous self and asked, "Do you have any records of his previous diagnoses?"

Many of Lu Yi's mental branches were fractured, and Rong Mi couldn't discern the cause just yet. However, access to past examination reports could aid in his assessment.

"Yes," Rong Yan answered promptly, "I can give them to you."

Since Rong Mi had taken on the role of Lu Yi's therapist, there was no need to hide anything.

"However, there wasn't much useful information," she said. "I only delved shallowly into his mental domain..."

"Rong Yan," her words were interrupted by a chilling voice from behind.

Lu Yi spoke up: "Rong Mi needs rest."

The general was waiting in the hospital room for Rong Mi's return, but after a while, without success, they decided to go out and search for her.

Rong Mi: "..."

Rong Mi turned around to see that the door of the hospital room was already ajar.

Lu Yi leaned against the doorframe with one hand, his arm still punctured for an IV, while a medical robot accompanied him, carrying his drip bag.

His lips lacked any healthy color, and he frowned deeply, clearly in great discomfort. The dark butterfly patterns at the corners of Lu Yi's eyes emphasized his pallor even more.

He was in terrible condition.

Considering he was still poisoned by the Frost Butterflies, it was no wonder he didn't look well.

Rong Mi pressed his lips together and took a few steps back, eventually standing beside Lu Yi.

"…Why are you up?" Rong Mi looked up at him, aware that Lu Yi didn't have much strength. Thus, he reached out to support the man's elbow.

Given Lu Yi's current state, even if Rong Mi was upset, it would be difficult for him to hold a grudge.

"You go in first," the young man said. "I haven't finished talking with Lord Rong."

Rong Yan watched from the side, raising her eyebrows at the scene.

Back when she had attempted to treat Lu Yi's mental realm, he had been able to stand straight without any assistance, even on the brink of fainting.

However, Lu Yi did not shy away from Rong Mi's assistance this time.

The Admiral remained still, gazing at Rong Mi with a cold tone. "How long have you been awake?"

"What could possibly be so urgent that you can't even rest?" Lu Yi's voice wasn't loud, but his tone was weak yet stern.

"All you know is to lecture me?"

Rong Mi: "..."

Rong Yan: "..."

Chen Shu and Ellen, who were still present and eavesdropping: "..."

A lesson.

At this moment, the same question arose in Rong Yan's and Ellen's minds.

Rong Yan and Ellen were indeed curious to know how Rong Mi would handle this formidable figure whom others dared not provoke easily.

In contrast, Chen Shu, who had witnessed Rong Mi lecturing Lu Yi about blow-drying his hair before leaving the police station, remained much more composed than the others. He even took Lu Yi's choice of words in stride.

Faced with Lu Yi's "rebuke," Rong Mi almost laughed out of frustration.

He hadn't even spoken yet, and Lu Yi was already displeased?

Gently pinching the general's elbow, he turned to look at him, not at all bothered by Lu Yi's choice of words.

"Ah, don't jump to conclusions. I didn't scold you today," Rong Mi emphasized, rectifying the general's mistake.

After locking eyes with Lu Yi for a moment, he couldn't help but scoff again.

"Or perhaps, I hadn't intended to reprimand you today."

"General, when I warned you to take care of your health before entering the amusement park base, you brushed it off like a passing breeze. You went into battle without even dealing with the Ice Butterfly poison."

"I've been holding back on settling scores with you considering your current state."

Lu Yi's brows remained knitted, and his pale lips slightly parted, as if he wanted to explain. However, Rong Mi had no interest in listening to his "defenses."

Feeling the pressure increasing on him, the young man realized that Lu Yi was struggling to stand and gently pushed him, similar to how he had urged the wolf inside earlier, guiding him into the room.

His tone carried anger, but his actions were cautious as he supported Lu Yi to the bed.

"And besides..."

Rong Mi pressed down on Lu Yi's shoulder, making him lie down, all the while with a cold smile on his face.

"General, perhaps you could reconsider. Is there anything else of great importance that you haven't shared with me?"

Lu Yi: "..."

Lu Yi's furrowed brow relaxed, only to crease again as his expression shifted.

Initially, he had been angered by the youth's disregard for rest and went out to search for him... but it seemed he had stirred up some trouble.

There were indeed quite a few things he had kept from Rong Mi.

His identity as the Legion Commander.

The empathic connection with wolves.

And the ever-widening crack in the spiritual tree's root, which grew with each use of his spiritual power.

Lu Yi focused his thoughts.

If the last item were to be revealed, the youth's reaction would likely be far more intense.

When it came to wolves, Rong Mi wouldn't be sitting calmly on the bedside, allowing the Silver Wolves to rest its massive head on his lap.

Lu Yi's peripheral vision caught Rong Yan still standing by the hospital room door, confirming his suspicion.

It seemed that the Commander's true identity had finally been revealed.

Lu Yi: "...."

It was a rare experience for Lu Yi to feel the consequences of his own actions backfiring on him.

He promptly corrected his demeanor.

"I can explain," the General attempted to sit up again, but Rong Mi's weight held him down, leaving him with no choice but to look up into the young man's eyes.

Rong Mi gazed down at him from above, clearly seeing a hint of frustration and embarrassment in Lu Yi's icy blue eyes.

It was a rare sight indeed.

Reminiscent of the time when the wolf accidentally destroyed a toy ball that Rong Mi had bought for it, revealing a similar expression.

However, what Lu Yi had done was far more severe than a wolf tearing apart a toy ball!

Rong Mi pressed down on Lu Yi's shoulder with one hand, preventing him from getting up, while with the other, he pulled off the tubing attached to Lu Yi's arm and reconnected it to the pain pump, turning on the medical equipment.

"There might have been a misunderstanding on my part before," Rong Mi spoke softly. "I thought the General was dedicated to battling Ice Butterflies, with noble character. But in reality, you have a vile disposition and enjoy watching me make a fool of myself. You see how I've placed my trust in you without reservation, yet I don't even know who you truly are, being manipulated by you... "

"Rong Mi." Lu Yi held the young man's wrist, his breathing quickening momentarily.

Rong Mi turned to look at him.

"Apologies," Lu Yi coughed, his fingers tightening slightly, his voice slightly hoarse.

"I hope you'll join the First Team," he said. "Initially, you had some prejudice against me."

He hadn't disclosed his identity to Rong Mi in hopes that the young man would put aside his preconceived notions and rediscover him anew.

Rong Mi hummed in response, not voicing any opinions, only casually saying, "Take a deep breath."

With his other hand, he gently stroked Lu Yi's chest. "Catch your breath. Continue explaining."

Lu Yi faintly smiled at himself.

"I haven't found the right time to explain it to you," he said, looking down.

"I thought I'd wait until the military assessment is over," Lu Yi continued.

If Rong Mi didn't discover the truth by then, Lu Yi would reveal everything once his admission into the First Team was set in stone.

Rong Mi: "…"

Rong Mi raised an eyebrow.

"Are you afraid that I'll change my mind and not join the First Team because of this?" he asked, raising his voice. "Planning to deceive me until the end of the assessment?!"

Rong Mi couldn't even imagine how furious he'd be if, after the assessment, he found out that Lu Yi was the commander of the First Team...

He might demand a switch right there and then! Even though the rules stated that switching teams required re-taking the year-long assessment, his situation would be considered fraud by Lu Yi! He could always apply for a special exception with the Strategic Apartments! He didn't believe the Supreme Commander wouldn't approve it!

"No," Lu Yi quickly replied.

"I'm sorry."

"I... I just don't dare to speak up."

From the Ice and Fire Tournament to their return to the Capital Star, they had encountered too much. Amidst their busy schedule, the ambiance when they were with Rong Mi was... simply too delightful.

Each time, Lu Yi didn't wish to disrupt that atmosphere.

He was aware that the time he had to spend with Rong Mi might be limited.

As time passed, he knew Rong Mi would definitely become angry.

Lu Yi repeated, "It's my cowardice. I'm sorry."

Rong Mi remained silent.

Rong Mi let out a cold laugh.

"Don't resort to exaggerating adjectives to dramatize your situation." He sat up straight and tapped Lu Yi's chest with his finger. "In this matter, you were in the wrong but lacked the courage to admit it."

"…But am I scarier than an ice butterfly?"

Although he accepted Lu Yi's explanation, his irritation remained, and he was still puzzled.

For if anyone dared to generalize and call Lu Yi cowardly or weak, Rong Mi would be the first to object.

Not even Lu Yi himself could do so.

Yet, according to Admiral's own explanation, he was indeed a coward when it came to revealing his identity.

Rong Mi gazed at Lu Yi's injuries in silence for a while.

"I'll keep that in mind, General," the young man finally stood up, not sparing Lu Yi another glance. He walked straight to the other medical bed in the room, climbed onto it, pulled down the privacy curtains around it, and laid down with a single fluid motion.

Lu Yi: "..."

The youth's tone was cold, leaving no room for an apology to be acknowledged. After lying down, he didn't utter another word.

It leaves one's heart... in a state of unrest.