Chapter 31

Chapter 31

After blowing up the lightbrain, the relentless harassment came to a complete halt. Though there was still some lingering worry, overall, a period of tranquil vacation ensued.

With sudden leisure and few distractions, Yale found himself communicating more and more frequently with the project team.

The primary contact with the insectoids was Adelaide, but there were also numerous smaller meetings involving other insectoid individuals.

The student project wasn't overly challenging for him, but it was one that the academy had chosen to actively support. As such, a week before New Year's, the Isenek Academy approved the funding.

"Such a large amount?"

Yale gazed at the five million star coins in his account, his expression filled with astonishment as he counted the digits several times to ensure there weren't any extra zeros.

Adelaide's voice echoed from the optical brain, responding nonchalantly with an "mm-hmm."

"You're almost like another lead on this project now. This sum of money isn't significant."

Then, a hint of fervor seeped into his tone, "Have you rested enough? Where were we in our calculations earlier..."

Compared to Adelaide, Yale felt that he was far from being diligent, let alone a workaholic scientist. However, he found his days filled with purpose as he immersed himself in his projects.

By the time their exchange concluded, it was already noon. Adelaide reluctantly terminated the communication, eager to continue their discussion that evening.

Yale took a sip of water to soothe his throat. Just as he was about to organize the new data that had been sent over, he heard the knock of 015 at the door.

"There are many gifts for you outside. How would you like me to handle them?"

His movements paused, and he suddenly remembered what day it was.

Ithar was a planet that cherished its old traditions. As the New Year approached, its inhabitants would send presents to close friends or partners, often accompanied by a dinner to strengthen their bonds.

Yale had arrived on this planet precisely a year ago, coinciding with this festive season.

During that period, he received all sorts of gifts daily, which piled up at his doorstep. There were also unwavering bouquets of fresh flowers.

The bouquets consisted of various species, all vibrant and dewy, wrapped elegantly in soft velveteen fabric. Some petals even bore fresh droplets of dew.

Sometimes they were placed by the door, other times attached to the doorknob, transforming the plain metal entrance into a delightful and colorful sight.

When Yale stepped out, the living room was already brimming with various bouquets and gift boxes. The vibrant colors filled every corner of the house, almost spilling over.

Chapter 015 carried a large bunch of sunflowers, pacing around, "The coffee table, dining table, and even the vase in the corner are full. There's no more space."

Yale rubbed his temples and sighed helplessly, "Stack them all on the dining table for now. I'll deal with them later."

The sofa was also piled high with flower arrangements, making Xi Ze, who was surrounded by them, appear somewhat restrained.

He hesitantly asked, "…Is it your birthday today?"

"No."

Yale sat down on the sofa and, as he explained the customs of this planet, picked up a bouquet beside him and casually flipped open the small card tucked within.

"I want to be the air

That lingers only for a moment

Upon your skin. I wish to go unnoticed

Nor can it be overlooked."

The card was unsigned, indicating no anticipation of a reply, but the candid and sincere emotion always tugged at his heartstrings, making him unable to resist curving his lips.

Though he had never expressed it to any insect, Yale was genuinely grateful.

These waves of warmth and goodwill had been like countless hands pulling him out of the quagmire of despair, urging him forward, stumbling but determined, as he attempted to accept and integrate into this bizarre world.

"It's quite a lively and entertaining holiday, isn't it?"

Yale's eyes crinkled as he carefully folded the card back to its original shape and placed it neatly in the box that 015 had brought.

He would keep the cards bearing well wishes safely, while other gifts like cakes and cookies would be forwarded to the orphanage in the givers' names, allowing those younglings to share in the festivities.

Hearing the sound of wrapping paper being torn open, Xi Ze asked, "Do you need help?"

"No..."

Yale, who was about to decline, paused in his action. Suddenly, mischievously, he plucked out a particularly delicate pink flower and swiftly pinned it behind the female insect's ear.

The flower seemed to have emerged from a bed of freshly fallen, fluffy snow, proudly blossoming at the edge of his hair.

The male insect was handsome, and the flower was radiant, but together, they created a rather disastrous combination.

It was likely that Xi Ze had never looked so coquettish in his entire life.

"This one suits you perfectly. It complements you, adding an extraordinary vibrancy and charm... extremely, exceedingly..."

He pretended to examine it seriously, throwing in a few vague compliments. Despite his efforts to hold back, he eventually burst into laughter. "Ah—yes, it looks great. I'm not joking."

Xi Ze wore an exasperated expression but didn't reach out to discard the flower. He allowed the male insect to indulge in his excitement and add another blossom on the other side.

"Look, it's a pair of good luck charms!"

Yale snapped his fingers, highly pleased with the aesthetic achieved by the light pink and tender yellow flowers that adorned the sides of the female insect, giving her an artistic touch.

After a moment of contemplation, he even reached out to adjust them, carefully selecting a small daisy for accentuation. He tucked it into the fluffy hair on top of the female insect's head, creating an odd triangular arrangement.

The instant their eyes met, Yale couldn't hold back his laughter, and even 015, passing by, tittered, "What are you doing? It looks so silly."

With great effort, Yale managed to stop laughing only to inadvertently meet Xi Ze's slightly curved eyes.

Those eyelashes trembled gently when he smiled, and his light golden irises reflected the vibrant flowers and Yale's figure. The soft, embracing smile seemed to imply that he could do this and even more without any objections.

In that instant, time seemed to freeze.

Yale heard his heartbeat thudding loudly against his eardrums, vibrant and intense.

It was as if he were basking in the cool winter sunlight, suddenly overwhelmed by an unexpected spring breeze. Unprepared and astonishing, yet strangely beautiful.

He blinked, coming back to his senses, then rather stiffly removed the flower from the female insect's ear and returned it.

"Cough... No more playing around. We need to sort these out quickly."

Yale coughed softly and took a deep breath to suppress his chaotic emotions. Then, he instructed 015 to bring over the gifts piled at the entrance.

"Yes, that's right. Bring them all over here..."

Given their previous experience, arranging the bouquets and gifts wasn't too difficult, but there were just so many of them. If they didn't check the entrance every hour, a small mountain of presents would accumulate.

The flower stands and hanging baskets were dusted clean and adorned with clusters of vibrant flowers, brimming with life and lush growth.

015's wheels spun so rapidly that they nearly started to smoke, almost sparking once more.

Having been repeatedly refused assistance in applying for permission, Xi Ze could only sit quietly on the sofa, his gaze inadvertently following the movements of the male insectoid.

After this period of recuperation, he could now faintly perceive light and colors with his eyes, which had significantly improved in both clarity and brightness.

It was as if a gauzy veil had been draped before his eyes, blurring the vivid blocks of colors that made up the world into an abstract painting.

Xi Ze suddenly recalled an incident from a few years ago.

Back then, right after a major battle, he had stayed on the main planet for a considerable time, attending to a backlog of miscellaneous tasks.

It was during that period when an up-and-coming sub-female painter burst onto the scene, gaining fame among the elite with her breathtaking rural oil paintings.

With royal patronage, scores of exhibitions were held successively on the main planet, one of which took place right next to the First Legion's base.

A colleague had invited him to attend, and he had to admit, those paintings were indeed exceptionally beautiful. The brushstrokes were free and untamed, the colors bright and romantic, making them rare masterpieces.

But at that time, he wasn't much affected. After circling around, he sat down to check his messages. Soon, a young, low-braided submale also took a seat.

"Sir, what do you think of these paintings? Are they boring you?"

"Not at all, they're very beautiful." He closed his optical brain and coughed softly. "It's just that there are too many military matters; I have to take the time to handle some emails."

"That's alright."

The submale didn't seem to mind his true attitude. Instead, he gazed deeply at the painting opposite him, his voice soft as if he were lost in a dream.

"You feel no connection because you haven't yet found your own wilderness. So you can't understand how romantic, free, and wild it is..."

"A soul fulfilled yet fearful, weeping with ecstatic joy, even a single breath feeling like a luxury for which you endlessly thank fate's generous gift."

Whatever he was imagining, the submale's breathing quickened, his expression devout yet secretly excited, as if he weren't merely facing a still painting but was devoutly kneeling in worship.

In the end, he blinked, and a tear suddenly fell from his cerulean eyes.

Later, it was said that the submale artist declined the royal family's invitation to become their court painter. He wandered among countless planets, holding exhibitions sporadically, always chasing after something, and continuously showcasing that enigmatic wilderness to the world.

Even to this day, Xi Ze still couldn't truly comprehend it.

Yet, he suddenly found the scene before his eyes far more vivid and beautiful than those paintings isolated behind cold glass.

The lines and colors that he had once glanced over casually now surged forth from the depths of his buried memories.

They painted the bright halo before him, the lush branches of flowers, and at the center of the artwork, the slender figure dressed in a light yellow pajama, holding a gift box.

So dazzling and captivating, as if it was destined to be the focal point of all gazes.

"What are you looking at?"

Feeling the gaze upon his back, Yale suddenly turned around, only to see the male insect swiftly avert its eyes and turn its head slightly.

He was somewhat perplexed but didn't dwell on it. He simply said, "This time, there's a cake in the gift. I remember that their desserts are particularly delicious. Ask 015 to cut you a slice..."

The diminutive robotic butler bustled about, carrying the neatly wrapped presents to the doorstep in anticipation of the courier's arrival. Upon receiving a command, it rummaged through the remaining gift boxes and fetched a cake before entering the kitchen.

Regaining composure from the embarrassment of being caught eavesdropping, Xi Ze asked, "Are all these meant for the orphanage?"

"Yes, there have been so many wars in recent years that the orphanages are almost overflowing."

Recalling the energetic children, Yale sighed softly. "I heard they're planning to renovate the orphanages and add a few more dormitory buildings once spring warms up."

Comparing it with recent news, he furrowed his brows, a hint of regret on his face.

"I remember that late admiral who was pushing relentlessly for a new policy to support orphaned children. But after Admiral Anthor ascended to power, that policy seemed to fade away. What a pity."

Xi Ze was taken aback, then whispered after a moment, "Yes, it truly is a shame..."

"If only he had been more vigilant, detected the betrayal of the traitorous insect around him sooner, or held out a little longer in battle without retreating. Decades of hard work and foundations could have crumbled in an instant."

Lost in thought, Yale didn't notice the tinge of self-deprecation in his tone. He continued slowly.

"But how can one know such things in advance? It's already good enough to do what we can in the present."

"That admiral was incredible. There aren't many who could achieve what he did. Although I'm not well-versed in political struggles, he persistently advocated for genuine policies that benefited the people and accomplished so much tangible good..."

He began to open the package sealed with tape, commenting casually, "This is what I've pieced together from listening to the news lately. How should I put it? He was indeed the first admiral to be honored with the title of 'Light of the Empire,' and he was truly worthy of respect."

There was no sound behind him for a long time. Yale turned around, realizing the situation only then.

He saw the male insect covering his face with one hand. The tips of his ears, exposed from his hair, had turned crimson, and even his neck was tinged with a rosy hue.

"What's wrong?"

He blinked, halting his action. "Are you alright?"

"… I'm fine."

Xi Ze rubbed his face vigorously, taking a deep breath to suppress the chaotic and agitated emotions within him. After a moment, he lowered his hand but still hesitated to look up at the male insect.

It's not like he hadn't heard compliments before.

During the peak of his prestige, almost all media outlets sang his praises in various ways for his "great deeds."

With verbose and exaggerated language, they hailed him as a god of war descended or the offspring of a solar deity, extolling him as unparalleled in the world.

He remained indifferent, not even sparing a glance, let alone any emotional reaction.

Why did his face flush so much at the mere mention of the male insect's prowess... How peculiar.

"Your face is so red, are you alright?"

A slightly cool finger touched his cheek, catching Xi Ze off guard. He could only cast his eyes down nervously, avoiding that inquisitive gaze.

He muttered embarrassedly, "The... heating seems to be on too high. It's a bit warm."

015 arrived just in time to save the female insect.

"Cake's here... This time, it's a strawberry cake!"

Yale moved aside to make room on the coffee table, watching as the fragrant cake was presented. He chuckled and said, "I won't tease you anymore. Enjoy your cake."

Then, he turned to 015 and said, "It's all set up. Contact the local delivery service."

...

Xi Ze thought that the incident had been successfully put behind them.

Yet, to his surprise, before going to bed that night, the male insect, after freshening up, didn't return to their room but instead sat back down on the sofa.

The night was deep, and the male insect carried the scent of shower gel on his body – it was delightfully fragrant.

However, the next sentence made Xi Ze's expression freeze.

"What were you thinking about at noon? Why were you so flushed?"

Yale's tone was casual, laced with a gentle teasing smile. There was no malice in it; on the contrary, it was so intimate that it caused Xi Ze's heartbeat to quicken slightly.

"Do you think I'd be fooled by mere heating systems?"

"Sorry..."

Xi Ze pursed his lips. Though he didn't wish to hide anything from the male insectoid, the matter was indeed too awkward to bring up. "It's nothing."

"Alright," Yale said, seeing that Xi Ze truly didn't want to talk about it. After yawning, he got up. "Good night. Sleep early."

However, a deep voice came from behind, halting his steps.

"…I just can't wait to see the appearance of my sovereign."

Yale's shoulders relaxed slightly.

Without turning his head, he chuckled softly, his trailing tone dissolving gently into the night, imbuing it with tenderness.

"In that case, sleep early and work hard on your recovery. Strive to see me sooner."

*

His vision was restored three days later.

During this time, Xiuyis dropped by for a checkup and prescribed a more potent medicine that needed to be applied on a bandage covering his eyes.

The following day, after the pain had completely subsided, the bandage could be removed to assess any noticeable improvement.

The bandages were slowly unwound, allowing light to seep in gradually. The world transitioned from faint blurs to vivid clarity, leaving only a thin final layer.

Yet, the hand paused.

"Wait a moment, I'm a bit nervous. Let me gather myself first."

The male insect's voice in front of him was tense, taking a few deep breaths as if preparing himself mentally.

"Didn't the doctor say they needed to observe the results? It might not happen that quickly, so there's no need to be nervous."

Xi Ze reassured him, surprisingly calm despite being the one who should have been most anxious.

"You're right," Yale murmured. However, looking at the face of the female insect before him, that subtle tension lingered.

"I'm still nervous. Why don't you open it first and see how it works, then call me..."

His words were cut off as his hand was seized by another, gently but firmly guiding him to lift the gauze slowly.

The thin, soft gauze fell silently to the ground, and beneath it, the fluttering eyelashes trembled slightly before gradually parting, revealing a streak of golden light in his eyes.

The female insect didn't speak, but the moment their gazes met, Yale knew—

He could see again.

They were so close that their breaths intertwined, and Yale could even see his own miniature reflection, vivid and incomparably detailed, within those golden eyes.

He could sense that he was being scrutinized, examined with the utmost attention to detail, but this gaze did not bring any discomfort.

For it didn't carry any condescending scrutiny or inappropriate desire, but rather a simple gaze that held a admiration and astonishment, perhaps even the Zerg female himself was unaware of.

Xi Ze held his breath, not even daring to blink, as he meticulously traced the vivid and lifelike features with his gaze.

"..."

The silence in the air made Yale feel somewhat uneasy. He raised his eyebrows slightly and joked, "What's wrong? Are you that mesmerized?"

The female still didn't respond, as if truly captivated.

Yale's brows quirked. The initial teasing about being nervous had been half-hearted, but now he was genuinely feeling anxious.

Though he'd roughly explored with his fingers, it couldn't compare to seeing with one's own eyes. After all, everyone had similar noses and eyes; how much could one discern by touch alone?

"Is it... very different from what you expected after looking for so long?"

Yale was perplexed and waved his hand in front of the male, gesturing for him to look at him.

Xi Ze finally came back to his senses but found it impossible to divert his gaze from the male. He softly protested, "That's not it."

However, he struggled to find the appropriate adjectives, nor did he think that those weak words could do justice to the male before him.

Xi Ze opened his mouth several times only to be silenced each time. Eventually, he swallowed his words and let out a soft, muted laugh.

"The Male Sovereign... is just as I imagined."

In truth, he had never actually imagined what the male would look like.

Before truly seeing him, it was impolite to project any emotional attributes onto someone. If one felt regret or disappointment due to a mismatch between imagination and reality, it would be arrogant and even somewhat shameless.

But how could he describe that feeling... He clearly had no idea what the male looked like, yet everything he saw was so perfectly fitting.

Every gentle curve outlining his form, every delicate hue that shimmered with radiance – not an inch more, not an inch less – precisely depicted the male as he was, seamlessly filling in the gaps of his memories.

The Male Sovereign didn't need to resemble anything or fit any adjective; he could be whatever he wanted. As long as the person standing before him was him...

That's enough.

Yale observed the female insect's expression discreetly, confirming that there was no sign of reluctance. He let out a slight sigh of relief. "I see. That's good then."

Bending down, he picked up the gauze that had fallen to the ground. "You don't feel uncomfortable, do you? Your recovery is much faster than expected. I can have Xiues take a look at you this afternoon..."

Sensitive to the subtle hint of disappointment hidden beneath the male insect's calm demeanor, Xi Ze paused in his actions, realizing that his reaction wasn't appropriate.

The male insect couldn't read minds and had no idea about his true thoughts.

His amazement and astonishment, which left him searching for words, might seem insignificant or even disappointing to the male insect, who might think that Yale was dissatisfied with his appearance.

Now was the best time to clarify any misunderstandings. He couldn't let this misconception persist.

Just as Yale was about to stand up, Xi Ze reached out and gently held his forearm. The other hand of the female insect, somewhat at a loss, softly caressed his side before looping around his back, half-embracing him.

In a low voice, Xi Ze tried to retain Yale. "Wait, that's not what I meant. What I wanted to say is..."

"What?"

Yale looked at him quizzically, gently stroking the male's hair in a soothing manner. "There's no rush. Take your time."

The male before him took a deep breath and began to speak with great solemnity and sincerity.

"I'll tell you the words I'd use to describe you: handsome, intelligent, —"

He uttered an unfamiliar and complex word, about four syllables long. When spoken by the male's deep, melodious voice, it sounded like a short, poetic phrase.

"What was the last word?"

"It's a term often used by nobles when composing poetry. It might be a bit obscure..."

Xi Ze's eyes were filled with gentle amusement as he spelled out the meaning of the word.

"It means crackling; bubbling; radiant, shining; vibrant, overflowing."

Yale had been listening quietly but broke into a smile at these words. "You think I'll shine like a star?"

It was more than that.

Xi Ze gazed deeply into the eyes of the male insect before him.

He was like a star that had crashed into his barren existence.

Author's Note:

1. Excerpt from: Joseph Brodsky

2. Inspired by: Charles' "The Paris Library"