Chapter 33

Chapter 33

Yale sat in the park for a long time until nightfall before he returned home.

He had no intention of asking directly, knowing that it would be fruitless. It was one thing not to get any answers, but it would be even more unsettling if he were to receive a lie.

However, he couldn't just forget about it either. He could only think about it indifferently yet relentlessly.

Unaware of his distraction, he forgot to shake off the snow on his coat, which he casually draped over the back of the sofa.

He even ignored Xi Ze and 015's greetings as he entered his room directly.

At dinner time, there was a knock on his door.

Outside was Xi Ze in his wheelchair. Upon seeing Yale open the door, he retreated slightly and looked up at him, his voice low and gentle, "It's time for dinner."

"I'm not hungry."

Yale's thoughts were still muddled, leaving him with no appetite at all.

Recalling the exhausted expression on the Omega's face earlier, he added, "Eat more, it'll help your wounds heal faster."

Just as he was about to close the door, Xi Ze directly wedged his hand into the narrow space.

If he hadn't abruptly stopped, Yale's forceful closing of the door would have surely crushed the Omega's hand and caused it to bleed.

"What are you doing?!"

Startled, Yale's brows furrowed in anger. "Why did you suddenly reach out?"

Xi Ze pursed his lips but didn't respond to Yale's questioning. Instead, he said, "Alpha, you didn't eat lunch today either. If you skip dinner, you'll get a stomachache."

Yale's anger still simmered, his tone sour. "I told you I don't want to eat."

"You said you'd be back early."

The Omega in front of him spoke softly, his expression calm, but with a slight curl at the corners of his lips.

Yale's movement paused.

Overwhelmed by the news, he had entirely forgotten that matter. Was Xi Ze... waiting for him to return?

"Did something happen at noon?"

Xi Ze didn't press further. Instead, worry flickered in his eyes as he spoke in a low, cautious tone, "You can tell me about it. Don't skip meals."

His hand remained on the door frame, as if he was determined to drag the male out for a meal.

The military omega's stubbornness wasn't sharp, but it was an obstinate persistence that Yale found helpless. Moreover, he had unintentionally "violated" their agreement, leaving him feeling slightly guilty.

After a moment of deadlock, Yale reluctantly opened the door. "Let go of my hand... Come on, let's go."

...

In reality, that strange state of trance didn't end there; it intensified instead.

"What's wrong with you?"

Adelaide observed the halted calculations before him and keenly sensed Yale's distraction. "You're distracted. Are you too tired?"

These past few days, Yale had stretched their communication sessions to great lengths, and they conversed delightfully. However, not every insect was as engrossed in research as he was.

With reluctance, Adelaide reluctantly said, "If you're tired, take a break. Otherwise, it's just a waste of time."

Yale barely regained his composure, his eyelashes fluttering as he whispered, "…I'm sorry."

The communication ended, leaving the room in sudden silence as the only sound source disappeared.

The deep night pressed down, allowing him space to ponder amidst the suffocating stillness.

Yale got up and drew back the curtains.

Moonlight cascaded through the window, flooding the snowy white bedsheet with its soft folds, resembling a tranquil, shimmering sea.

He leaned back onto the bed, beginning to sort through all that had transpired over the past half-month.

He admitted to his hasty actions, impulsively taking Xi Ze in and then treating the male insect as an emotional crutch without bothering to unravel the complexities behind it. That led to his current predicament.

But the situation was set in stone; the key now lay in how he would proceed from here.

If this had happened half a month ago, he would have without hesitation allowed Xi Ze to distance himself from the matter. But now… he was uncertain.

And the very notion was perilous. For the first two decades of his life, he had never entertained the idea of chaining any individual, let alone a unique being, to his side.

Yale suspected that he was being assimilated by this society.

Unnoticed at first, it insidiously permeates deep into one's bones.

The instant this thought occurred to him, he was almost startled.

Struck as if by a powerful electric shock or pierced by the venomous thorns of an alien plant, he found it almost impossible to suppress a surge of helplessness and panic.

"Damn it."

For a long moment, Yale raised his forearm to shield his face, his gravelly whisper dissolving into the icy air.

...

Yet, it seemed that this was not the case.

Yale often found himself lost in thought, his gaze inadvertently drawn to Xi Ze.

He observed the resilient arch of the male's brows and the plush lips that were often pressed together tightly.

Those golden eyes appeared distant and aloof when they looked elsewhere, exuding an innate regal aura. Yet, they softened at the corners when they met Yale's gaze.

The male's body temperature seemed naturally high, like a scorching furnace in winter. Even from a slight proximity, one could sense that warmth, which occasionally reminded Yale of the warmth beneath the covers that fateful night.

After Xi Ze's injuries had largely healed, he no longer feared the cold. At times, due to the excessive indoor heating, he would stay outside on the balcony, basking in the chilly breeze. His exposed shoulder and back muscles were firm and beautiful, resembling a snow leopard leisurely strolling in the open.

Yet, the collar around his neck and the wheelchair beneath him were like shackles, confining the male within this limited space—

turning him into a large, fierce beast kept by his side, docilely lying on his lap, revealing its fluffy, touchable fur.

Yale was immersed in this burning tenderness for a long while before he could barely detach his gaze. He then objectively assessed his relationship with the male, without much emotional bias.

Xi Ze seldom called him by name, usually addressing him with honorifics, from 'you' to 'sir' and eventually 'alpha ruler.' It was only during that nightmare that he, for the first time, called Yale by his name.

Regardless of the title used, the male would look at him intently, speaking with solemnity and sincerity. His pure white hair and eyelashes trembled with each word, akin to a snow leopard retracting its claws and tail in preparation for action.

Somewhere along the way, Xi Ze had become much more docile - yes, that was the word.

If Yale hadn't witnessed his initial sternness, the sharp edges that could pierce one's gaze, the arrogance and disdain that were almost blinding, and the fangs bared in defiance, he might have assumed this was how all drones were from the start.

This was how society perceived them: military drones, typically reserved, solemn, and uninteresting, in stark contrast to the agile and perceptive subordinates. Their appeal lay solely in their unwavering loyalty and meekness.

People believed that military drones were emotionally numb, like unpolished stones yet to be refined, so they treated them with disregard and even cruelty without consequence. But that was a profound misunderstanding.

Yale knew, at least, that this endurance and gentleness were choices made by the military drone, a gradual opening up and allowance of vulnerability.

Having acknowledged his presence, allowing him to act upon him without restraint, as if everything could be tolerated and forgiven, even harm.

But Yale wasn't sure how much of that was genuine sentiment, and how much was simply a matter of habit.

Perhaps, for a military alpha, this was how affection manifested?

He didn't know, he...was uncertain.

Most of the time, Xi Ze was polite and restrained, maintaining a comfortable, respectful distance that made Yale feel at ease, perhaps even overly cautious.

There were moments when Yale felt he would cross that line, wanting to do or say something, but after holding his breath for a moment, he remained silent, suppressing the surging emotions.

It was as if something was slipping out of control, yet intangible and elusive, like the thick and sluggish air between them that induced a peculiar pleasure amidst a subtle sense of suffocation.

He began to doubt whether his actions were right or wrong, unsure which direction to take or if he should just bury his head in ignorance, doing nothing, waiting for that inevitable day and turning point to arrive.

And the only tangible, touchable presence was right before him—

"Xi Ze?"

The female insect had been concentrating on repairing the remote in his hands, meticulously searching through a pile of tiny components. Upon hearing his voice, he lifted his gaze to look at Yale.

Yale could see the soft, radiant glow in those golden eyes, the corners of his lips pressed tightly together in restraint, yet unable to conceal the delight that flickered across his eyelids and brows, as if being called by Yale was a source of immense joy.

"What is it, My Lord?"

At that moment, Yale was leaning against his shoulder blade, hugging his blanket while nestled on the sofa.

The low, resonant voice echoed in his ear, sending gentle vibrations through their skin-to-skin contact, instilling an unparalleled sense of security and comfort.

"Not much, just wanted to call you."

Yale replied, then heard the soft laughter of the male insect, "Alright, I'm here."

"Xi—Ze—"

He nestled under the covers, half-closing his eyes, and lazily called out again.

"I'm here."

"Xi Ze."

"Here."

"..."

This monotonous exchange of questions and answers repeated countless times. The male insect's responses were consistently patient and calm, with a hint of resignation in his gaze, like a nurturing parent tolerating their mischievous and careless offspring.

Thus, Yale realized that he wasn't being assimilated by this society, but was subtly transformed by this male insect.

It was uncertain whether this change was for better or worse, and its outcome was unpredictable.

Yet, the sensation was so delightful, like drowning in a scorching sea of honey or floating in an ethereal cloud, as if his very soul was slowly melting.

*

After regaining his sight, many tasks became less challenging. With the wheelchair as a means of transportation, the male insect no longer needed 015's assistance and had achieved a degree of mobility independence.

"What is this?"

Yale stared at the tabletop covered with small plates, momentarily stunned.

These miniature dishes might have been freebies from some purchase, dug out from an unknown corner and meticulously cleaned before being arranged on the table.

They were piled high with various cookies and pastries, both recognizable and unfamiliar, forming tiny mounds. They exuded the sweet aroma of butter and milk, adorned with pristine cream and luscious fruits.

They looked... incredibly appetizing.

He swallowed involuntarily, instinctively reaching out to grab a piece before restraining himself. "015, did you make these?"

But the moment he asked, he knew the answer. The only possible explanation was—

"The Ruling Sovereign?"

Xi Ze wheeled himself out from the kitchen, a small plate with several bear-shaped cookies resting on his knees.

He placed the plate of cookies down too and wiped his hands with a wet wipe before chuckling softly.

"I wasn't sure what flavor the Ruling Sovereign prefers, so I made a few different kinds. Try them and let me know which ones you like. I can make those specifically for you later."

Yale froze for a few seconds before he found his voice, stuttering his thanks.

He did enjoy sweet treats, but rarely indulged as there were few dessert shops on Etaire. The one that served delicious desserts was very, very far away, and they didn't offer delivery.

The sudden appearance of a table full of sweets and snacks was like being hit by a massive sugar bomb. It was more than just a pleasant surprise; his tongue already tasted the sweetness without even having a bite.

Popping a bear-shaped cookie into his mouth, the crisp and sweet flavor instantly awakened his taste buds.

"Tasty!"

His eyes shimmered slightly, but before continuing to eat, he hesitated, "…But you didn't have to do this."

He was worried that the male might feel coerced or even humiliated, considering he was a military drone who had fought on the frontlines of barren planets, possibly with an extraordinary status, yet now found himself doing such trivial things to please the dominant.

"Nothing feels forced. This is something I want to do for you… Even if it's just a small and insignificant matter."

Xi Ze maintained a calm expression, his lips curving into a gentle smile as he looked up at Yale again.

"Didn't you say earlier that you wanted me to be a cook in return for the rent? I should demonstrate some skills. You can tell me anything that Dominant likes."

"So skilled, should I start naming dishes?"

With his concerns dispelled, Yale couldn't resist scooping a large chunk of the matcha mousse he had been eyeing earlier into his mouth.

Suddenly, his lips were gently touched, and he lifted his gaze to see Xi Ze gazing down at him, attentively wiping away the matcha powder that had adhered to his face with a tissue.

"Dominant can name anything… Eat slowly, don't choke."

Xi Ze looked up at him with a smile, not the usual submissive and amiable one, but rather, with his eyes slightly narrowed, still carrying a hint of unchecked possessiveness and nonchalance.

Like a snow leopard strolling beside its feeding mate, his chilling gaze intimidated any would-be predators with its icy stare.

Occasionally, he couldn't resist lowering his head to rub against his companion again and again, earnestly licking away the blood that had adhered to the soft fur.

Bang.

Yale's eyes widened slightly, and his breath stumbled for a moment.

The next second, he was caught off guard by a sudden coughing fit, covering his mouth as he coughed desperately, his cheeks and ears flushing pink.

"…Master Male?!"

A voice, filled with concern and panic, rang in his ear. A large hand rhythmically patted his back, assisting him in catching his breath.

Yale shook his head while coughing, then chuckled to himself after a while, finding his own sudden panic rather amusing.

Yet, a hint of sweetness lingered on his tongue, overpowering the slight bitterness of matcha powder. It was dense and rich, a taste more delightful than any dessert he had ever known.

...

Somewhere along the way, Xi Ze started dedicating himself to these tasks, subtly infiltrating Yale's life like an invisible presence.

There were things that 015 couldn't assist with or would often forget, but the male partner would quietly and thoughtfully take care of them.

The most obvious change was the significant improvement in their meals. Not only did they become increasingly delicious and abundant, but they also grew more tailored to Yale's taste, as if custom-made for him.

On occasions when he entered the bathroom without pajamas, before he could call out to 015 for help, he'd find the clothes hanging on the doorknob, even in his preferred color.

There were times when he got so engrossed in his project that he lost track of time, intending to eat the leftover food when his stomach rumbled. But he would discover that the male partner had just finished cooking and served the meal, which was still warm.

At first, Yale was delighted. However, as time passed, this delight turned into concern.

After another late night, when he found a prepared midnight snack in the thermal container on the dining table, he realized he couldn't let this continue.

During breakfast the following day, Yale stared at his plate for a long while. He set down his chopsticks and spoke with a serious expression, "Xi Ze, I need to talk to you."

Xi Ze was surprised and looked at the untouched breakfast, his expression turning regretful. "Is there something wrong with the breakfast? Tell me what you want, and I'll cook another portion for you..."

"It's not about the food," Yale interrupted, lifting his gaze to meet the male partner's eyes, trying to convey the gravity of the matter.

"There's no need for you to go this far. 015 can handle it. I didn't save you to have you do these tasks."

Xi Ze was momentarily taken aback, then his expression cleared. However, he didn't immediately agree, instead lowering his eyes and smiling gently. "I would like to do more, but the Ruler hasn't given me permission."

"What have I forbidden you from doing?"

Yale was momentarily confused, but the female insect didn't respond, leaving him to ponder over it.

After much contemplation, he concluded that Xi Ze must be too bored, thus devoting all his time to him. Promptly, he ordered a new optical brain as a gift for the male.

With the new device, Yale finally saw Xi Ze engaging in activities other than cooking or preparing to cook.

However, before Yale could relax, he realized that the male continued with his previous routines, now managing his time even better. With the optical brain connected to the Star Network, Xi Ze had access to an even wider and more comprehensive collection of recipes.

"Try it, is it good?"

A brand new dessert sat before him. Yale gazed at it for a moment, hearing Xi Ze's inquiry, the tone carrying a subtle hint of anticipation.

He scooped up the first bite and held it out to the male. "Taste it."

Xi Ze paused, noticing the sincere expression on the male's face. He realized there was no room for negotiation and could only carefully lick the food from the spoon without touching it.

"It's very sweet," Xi Ze commented after savoring the taste.

Yale felt an inexplicable sense of relief, as if a tangled knot had been untied within him.

He then scooped another mouthful and tasted the soft, sweet flavor that filled his senses, just as the female had described.

He finally understood that the female wasn't doing these meticulous tasks out of boredom. Instead, he was being carefully considered, cherished, and cared for, which motivated the female to invest time and effort into these small gestures tirelessly.

But Yale didn't want to be the one who merely enjoyed the benefits. At least, for this sweetness, both of them should share it to make it somewhat fair.

"Another bite."

Yale scooped another generous helping, offering it to the female, who gracefully took it with a gentle bite.

In the end, they alternated bites, sharing the dessert between them.

...

Time passed by leisurely, with Yale no longer bothering to keep track of specific dates, until it was just a week before the new year.

It was customary to thoroughly clean the house, and in the past, 015 would handle it simply, while Yale paid little attention. However, he had forgotten that such a cleaning often unearthed long-forgotten items.

"Did the Ruler raise this? Why is it here?"

As 015 turned around, he saw Xi Ze flipping over a board on the balcony, revealing a small pot containing a withered succulent plant.

The plant was a dusty pinkish-gray, its plump, fleshy leaves now shriveled into irregular, thin strips. It seemed utterly lifeless.

015 paused in his sweeping, uttering an astonished "Ah," "This wasn't thrown away?"

Xi Ze looked at it quizzically, placing the tiny pot into the outstretched mechanical hand.

"Sire used to have many of these plants. Let me see... I think there were tens of them, but most didn't survive. Despite the care put into them, one by one they perished, until finally, they were all packed up and discarded."

After envisioning the grim scene described by 015, Xi Ze fell silent for a moment.

Initially, 015 had intended to discard it, but upon rediscovering it, the AI felt a hint of reluctance and proceeded to pour water on the ground in a symbolic gesture.

"It's truly dead; it doesn't even drink water anymore."

The hardened soil absorbed no water, only moistening the surface as the rest dripped onto the floor. 015 appeared somewhat sorrowful, then increased the water flow.

Xi Ze stood behind, watching for a while. Just as the dying plant was about to be completely submerged, he intervened. "That's not how you do it."

Rolling up its sleeves, the male insect began the task of reviving the deceased plant from scratch.

By the time the ruined soil regained its moisture and softness suitable for growth, Xi Ze's slender fingers were coated with dust and dirty water.

Using a sharp blade, the decaying and shriveled parts of the succulent were cut away, scattered messily on the ground, leaving only a small, still-pink core.

"Why did you cut it off? Now it doesn't have a complete body anymore."

015's screen displayed a sad emoticon, expressing its distress.

"When it's rotten, you have to cut it off. The damaged parts will hinder the healthy parts. You must be willing to let go to allow it to continue living."

Xi Ze explained in a low voice.

With the spade, he carefully returned the soil to the small flowerpot and then reburied the tiny plant. Though it might not survive, it at least appeared healthier.

Chapter 15 lowered its head and closely inspected the small potted plant, surprisingly detecting a faint sign of life within. The system had previously determined that it was a dead seedling.

It let out an "aww," switching into praising mode. "You're so amazing! It actually came back to life! Wow…."

When Yale went outside to get water, the surroundings were already bathed in a hazy golden twilight.

Gazing through the open balcony door, a dazzling sunset spread across the sky, casting shimmering shadows upon the ground.

Yet, it was not the sunset that captivated his interest but the figure seated in its glow.

Xi Ze was dressed in a white shirt and military trousers. The sleeves of his shirt were rolled up to his upper arms, revealing his well-defined and muscular biceps.

His palms were broad, with prominent knuckles, securely cradling a pot of soil. Veins subtly emerged on the back of his hands and forearms, disappearing into the folds of his sleeves, exuding both strength and reliability.

The female insectoid moved with agility, her actions not resembling the simple task of loosening soil and watering plants. Instead, it seemed as if she was handling intricate components of an advanced mecha.

A proud and sharp military omega, even if he were to fall into the mud, beaten and torn to shreds, once he was picked up, cleaned, and nurtured, he would regain his original resilience and brilliance once he caught his breath.

Yale's lips curved slightly, his gaze casually drifting downward. But the moment he saw something familiar, his smile froze.

Wait, what is that in the omega's hand...?

"Alright, put it somewhere cool."

Xi Ze wiped his hands clean with a towel, about to place the plant on the ground when suddenly, his hand was held back.

"Where did you find this?"

He looked up, meeting the alpha's widened eyes. The alpha's lips were pressed together in frustration, even a hint of embarrassment showing on his face.

"What's wrong?"

Xi Ze paused, the area touched by the alpha freezing. He didn't move the fingertips supporting the alpha, his breathing softening slightly.

Yale examined it closely, confirming that it was the plant he had tragically killed. Still not giving up, he glanced at 015 beside him, hoping it hadn't told the omega about those "incidents."

Xi Ze understood the look in his eyes and cleared his throat. "I already know."

Yale covered his face and crouched down by the wheelchair, muttering after a moment, "Forget it quickly!"

Xi Ze blinked and chuckled before intentionally asking, "What if I can't forget?"

Yale shot him a death glare, but with his cheeks flushed red, it was anything but intimidating. The soft, warm tip of his ear peeked out from his black hair, looking incredibly touchable.

Xi Ze's suppressed laughter caught in his throat as his gaze was entirely captivated, momentarily losing himself.

His fingers unconsciously tightened, then he lowered his eyes and spoke softly when the male's gloominess lessened, "Male Lord, are you feeling better today?"

Yale was taken aback.

How did Xi Ze know that he had been in a bad mood lately?

Out of the corner of his eye, he glanced at the female, speaking with a hint of realization, "So that's why you've been cooking all sorts of delicious meals for me these past few days, trying to cheer me up?"

"Not really, I've just recently regained my sight and can do something productive."

Xi Ze corrected him, reaffirming, "Even if the Ruler becomes favorable towards us in the future, it won't stop."

The future…

Yale was lost in thought for a moment, pressing his lips together.

He wanted to say something, ask something, but all his words were stuck in his throat. Yet, upon deeper reflection, he realized there was no need to probe further.

There would come a day when Xi Ze would leave, while he was already trapped, with neither the heart nor the strength to pursue anything.

Still, he couldn't use this as an excuse to resist interacting with the female insect. It was like loving a puppy dearly, knowing its lifespan was only about a dozen years, yet still unable to restrain that affection and not raise it, stroke it, or be close to it.

Moreover, that day had yet to arrive, hadn't it?

At least not within the next two or three days that he could see. Instead of being anxious and brooding, he might as well enjoy this last stretch of time wholeheartedly.

Yale sighed and finally decided to let himself off the hook.

Reaching out, he took the female insect's hand, which rested on his knee, and caressed the hard knuckles. In response, their hands intertwined even more tightly.

And if that day should truly come,

He would grant him his liberty, watching him soar away with wings spread wide.

Author's Note:

One of the General's courting tactics includes: Feeding Yeye with five Bear-shaped Cookies, five Strawberry Cupcakes, five Canelés, five Egg Tarts, and five Mousse Squares...

Yeye's conclusion: Lie down, give up, see things clearly, and simply open his mouth to be fed.