Chapter 35

Chapter 35

Yale's vision and mobility had been restored, but the medical facility was at a loss when it came to his bone wings, so they were temporarily set aside while they focused on healing the numerous hidden injuries within the female's body.

Yale wasn't in a hurry; the one thing he insisted on was taking Xi Ze regularly to Xie Zhao for psychological treatment.

He hadn't held much hope initially, but after a few sessions with the psychiatrist, the female's mental state visibly improved.

On the other hand, Xie Zhao appeared visibly drained after a few treatments, dark circles forming under his eyes, and his once lively curls hanging limply.

"Did he feed you some magical elixir?" Yale joked. "No, wait, it must be some soul-transferring technique, right?"

"After being freed from deliberate torment and consistently resting, his mental state will naturally improve over time."

Xi Ze smiled, not asking what a soul-transferring technique was.

As they became more familiar, he realized that the male sometimes spoke in peculiar phrases that didn't seem native to their language. Everyone had their secrets, and unless the male chose to divulge them, Xi Ze wouldn't pry.

Since the female's surgery, Yale had become busy. He had promised to visit when he had free time, but he never found the opportunity until close to the end of the year when he finally finished his current workload.

"The treatment for the third phase of the female worm's condition has two sessions left, and then it will conclude. After the new year, the hospital will discuss a new plan."

"In addition, Alvin's injuries have significantly improved. He can now stand for a short while. The military females in the hospital, who have benefited from your pheromones, have been eager to express their gratitude in person..."

The living room screen connected to Elaine's computer, projecting his half-body image as he reported the latest hospital situation. The background seemed to be a hospital corridor, with faint breathing sounds audible nearby.

Yale closed the book in his hand and tossed it onto the coffee table in front of him before picking up another one to read. Hearing Elaine's words, he glanced at the screen.

"I happen to have nothing on my schedule today. So after breakfast, I'll drop by."

Elaine hadn't intended to rush him, but he was clearly unprepared for the male worm's efficiency. He froze for a moment, and the recorded breathing sounds became more chaotic, as if he was struggling to suppress his excitement.

Flipping through the pages, Yale casually asked, "What's that noise in the background?"

"Oh, nothing, nothing at all! In that case, if it isn't too much trouble, could you let me know when you're on your way? That would be great."

The female's voice was cheerful yet respectful, with less pretense than before. The warmth in his eyes had also visibly increased.

"Then, that's settled for now. I won't take up any more of your time. See you later."

The projection was disconnected, and Yale looked up thoughtfully, gathering the documents on the coffee table before rising to knock on the bathroom door.

The day's training had ended, and Xi Ze had been in there for a while. After Yale knocked, rustling sounds of dressing came from inside.

Through the misty vapor, the voice of the omega sounded slightly distorted, "Is it 015? What's the matter?"

Before Yale could speak, the bathroom door swung open abruptly, revealing a vast expanse of light amber skin. The moist air rushed at him, "What's… going on?"

Yale blinked.

The omega before him was holding onto the door frame with one hand and using a towel to wipe his disheveled wet hair with the other, seemingly having come out mid-shower to answer the door. He wore only a loose pair of sleep pants, leaving his muscular upper body fully exposed.

Due to their height difference, the omega's plump and bouncy pectoral muscles, like water balloons, were right in front of Yale's eyes. Un-dried droplets slowly trickled down the curves.

Looking down, Xi Ze met Yale's gaze, clearly stunned, "M-Male Lord…?"

The omega's demeanor instantly became more restrained. His expression seemed to convey both annoyance and embarrassment as he gripped the towel tightly.

"Does the Male Lord… want to talk to me?"

Yale didn't comment, seemingly withholding something for unknown reasons. He observed Xi Ze's hesitant guesswork with interest.

The male caught a glimpse of his intriguing expression and, with a tug, removed the large towel that had been covering his head, revealing his fluffy, honey-coated-bread-like appearance.

"Male Ruler... do you want to touch this?"

His words were straightforward, catching Yale off guard. "What?"

It seemed he had guessed wrong again.

Xi Ze sighed inwardly but still spoke candidly, "After all, even though you find mental satisfaction enough, perhaps there are times when you might want to experience it physically."

He hadn't forgotten what the male had said about "spiritual reliance."

There were also very popular nurturing games in the insect race. Although Xi Ze didn't have much knowledge about them, he had seen many comments saying that they found the virtual insects very beautiful and cute, wishing that they could take physical form and do all sorts of things.

In the beginning, the male clearly enjoyed touching his hair, pinching here and prodding there. Larger gestures would be hugs.

But then, it gradually decreased, and recently, apart from the routine spiritual guidance, there had been no physical contact at all.

Moreover... he had the feeling that ever since that incident, the male had been avoiding him.

Xi Ze gazed at the innocent-looking male before him and pressed his lips together.

Yale finally caught on.

It had been a while since he was so candidly confronted by a male in this manner. He almost forgot how openly affectionate the insectoid culture was. He coughed softly to hide his unease.

"Don't jump to conclusions. I just wanted to tell you that we'll go to the hospital together after breakfast."

The male in front of him nodded, acknowledging the plan, but he was clearly still distracted. Unaware, the water droplets from his damp hair fell onto his eyelashes.

Yale waved his hand to snap him out of his thoughts and asked directly, "Do you have anything you want to ask me?"

Xi Ze fell silent for a moment before cautiously lifting his gaze to meet Yale's, his voice soft, "Why... doesn't the Male Sovereign touch me anymore?"

Seeing Yale's startled expression, his eyes wandered for an instant, and he explained softly, "Like in the bathroom before, or in the living room, when you'd stroke my hair and pinch my ears... Yeah, you know what I mean..."

The more he spoke, the more absurd he felt, his voice trailing off until he fell silent.

"Aah."

After listening to the explanation, Yale finally understood what the female insect in front of him was so entangled about, feeling somewhat helpless and yet amused at the same time.

Previously, he hadn't fully adapted his mindset, so his attitude toward Xi Ze... one could say it was somewhat casual.

But upon further reflection, he realized that his peculiar amusement might be an unpleasant form of harassment to the male insectoid, and thus he restrained himself from prodding it incessantly.

So it turns out he doesn't dislike it.

Yale chuckled softly. Gazing at the female insect's rigid yet visibly disappointed expression, his fingers hanging by his side curled up involuntarily.

"Sorry, I overstepped. Please don't..." take it to heart.

Before Xi Ze could finish his words with difficulty, a shadow suddenly blocked his vision, and a warm touch landed gently on his forehead.

Yale inserted his finger into the damp hair of the female insect, sweeping the stray hairs back to reveal the deep and sharp gaze hidden beneath.

His movements were neither cautious nor rough, tracing the sensitive hairline and behind the ear with his fingertips, circling and kneading those spots with practiced skill. He expertly stroked the omega from head to toe.

Only when Xi Ze's eyes reddened slightly, and his breath became uneven, did Yale finally cease his actions.

Moving closer to the omega, Yale's scorching breath brushed against the blood-red earlobe, his gaze playful and bright with mirth. "Is this how you like it?"

Xi Ze could only hear the thunderous pounding of his heart, thumping irregularly in his chest, as if shouting along with the reversed blood flow.

He even wondered if the sound was loud enough for the alpha to hear.

In the seemingly still space, a sudden "ripping" sound echoed.

Yale paused, taking a step back to create some distance. It was then that he noticed the large tear in Xi Ze's towel, its condition pitiful.

Xi Ze finally regained his composure, his neck and chest flushed with a delicate red, as if the entire insect was burning brightly.

It was somewhat adorable.

Yale coughed softly. "Anyway, finish up quickly. After breakfast, we'll pay a visit... You can continue your shower."

Xi Ze opened his mouth several times, only to close it again, seemingly wanting to argue but ultimately giving a short "Mm."

"Yes, my lord."

...

After breakfast, Yale rummaged through a pile of clothes on the sofa and pulled out a complete outfit, including a black coat, for the male insect. "Here."

"Last time you needed a wheelchair, but not this time. I bought you a new long coat. Try it on."

Xi Ze thanked him and took the clothes to change in the bathroom. When he emerged, he found that Yale had also changed.

The male insect seemed particularly fond of long white down jackets. He looked great in them.

Despite its fluffiness, the jacket didn't appear bulky. The white furry hat emphasized the depth of his dark eyes, creating a striking contrast that didn't detract from his elegance and handsomeness but instead made him look exceptionally beautiful and unique.

Xi Ze paused, taking the scarf that 015 was holding for the male insect. As Yale lifted his gaze, Xi Ze whispered, "Shall I help you with the scarf, my lord?"

Yale didn't mind and slightly tilted his chin, allowing Xi Ze to proceed. Revealed was a long, slender neck, pale enough to see the faint blue veins beneath the skin, delicate and vulnerable.

Xi Ze wrapped a soft, warm fur scarf around Yale's neck, gently brushing his fingertips over the pulsing Adam's apple without alerting the male. Eventually, he tucked the ends of the scarf into Yale's down jacket.

"There you go."

Lowering his gaze onto the male before him, he adjusted the collar of the jacket and curved his lips into a smile. "Shall I help you with your gloves?"

After much dawdling, they finally managed to leave the house half an hour later.

*

"Please fasten your seat belts, passengers. The journey is about to commence. The interstellar map will provide continuous updates throughout the trip..."

The announcement was cut off as a familiar female insectoid turned from the driver's seat, offering Yale a smile from the backseat.

"Sir, good morning."

Yale's pupils constricted slightly, his voice cold. "Why is it you again?"

The female insectoid forced a laugh. "Originally, my colleague was supposed to pick you up, but he had an unexpected matter to attend to today, so I'm covering for him."

Yale had been about to step out of the vehicle, but the eerie feeling of being watched from last time didn't resurface. Moreover, with Xi Ze by his side, there wasn't too much cause for concern.

Better to see what this male insect truly intends rather than avoid him twice.

He withdrew his hand from the car door and tersely said, "Let's drive."

"Lord Male, your seatbelt."

Instead of complying, Xi Ze leaned over, his tall figure almost blocking half of Yale's view. By the time he finished buckling up and retreated, the male insect had already averted his gaze.

His hand resting by his side was touched, drawing Yale's attention back from his scrutiny. He turned to look at Xi Ze sitting beside him, silently asking what was wrong with a quizzical expression.

"..."

Xi Ze didn't speak but offered a small smile that inexplicably dispelled the unease creeping into Yale's heart.

Fortunately, the journey was smooth, and they arrived at the hospital's back entrance without incident. Elaine was still waiting at the door, rushing forward as soon as she saw the hovercraft land.

Just as Yale opened the door to step out, the silent male insect in the driver's seat suddenly spoke, "Sir, watch your step."

That sticky feeling of being watched returned, but before Yale could raise his eyes, Xi Ze suddenly grasped his wrist, skillfully assisting him out of the vehicle while ensuring his safety.

The towering military alpha embraced Yale in a semi-embracing posture, resembling an impregnable wall that shielded him from the malevolent gazes behind.

"Don't worry."

Xi Ze lowered his gaze, his steady and powerful fingers gently pressing on the male insect's shoulder, his voice calm and soothing. "No insect will ever be able to cross... to harm you."

The spacecraft vanished at the end of the road. Xi Ze withdrew his gaze and cast another glance at Elaine, who was approaching. His expression was somewhat unfriendly, effectively halting the male insect's steps.

"What's the matter?"

It seemed like he hadn't provoked this military omega, right?

After understanding the situation, Elaine repeatedly assured that there wouldn't be any more mishaps, then respectfully and apologetically welcomed Yale into the hospital.

Today wasn't originally Xi Ze's scheduled psychological counseling session, but since it wasn't too far away, they came together anyway.

This left Xie Zhao completely caught off guard.

The male insect, with his disheveled curly hair and dark circles resembling smoky eyeshadow, was in a daze. Upon seeing Xi Ze, he suddenly shuddered.

"What's wrong?"

Observing the rapid transformation of Xie Zhao's expression - from astonishment to fear, then despair, and finally forced calmness - Yale couldn't help raising an eyebrow.

He turned his head slightly and whispered to Xi Ze, "Did you secretly beat him up?"

"No," Xi Ze replied in a hushed tone. "I wouldn't cause any trouble for the Male Sovereign."

"I'm not worried about that..."

Yale sighed, his tone laced with a hint of teasing complaint. "Anyway, if anything happens during the treatment, you wouldn't tell me, right?"

"Sorry, Male Sovereign, I didn't mean to..." Xi Ze apologized instinctively.

Although the Omega had indeed relaxed significantly during this period, he still tended to apologize immediately upon hearing any semblance of reprimand.

Yale skillfully reached out and gently massaged the sensitive spot at the back of Xi Ze's neck. "Relax, I'm not blaming you."

It took Tangyuan over half a year to transform from cowering and fleeing at the mere anticipation of a strike to standing stiffly and observing Yale cautiously.

Xi Ze was no foolish puppy but an independent individual with his own thoughts and emotions. Some of his beliefs ran deep, and the manifestations of his psychological wounds were subtle and intricate.

Nonetheless, Yale had ample time and patience.

"Umm... Well..."

Having witnessed the entire scene, Xie Zhao hesitated but eventually interrupted the strangely harmonious yet eerie atmosphere. In response, he was met with a cold glance from the military omega, pinning him to his spot.

Don't glare at me! Weren't you in a hurry to come over? Xie Zhao mentally cried out in frustration.

"Oh, right. You and Doctor Xie can head over first. I'll come pick you up later."

Yale released his hold and nodded at Xie Zhao with a smile, exchanging a brief greeting.

...

"Please come in, sir. We've been prepared for your arrival. If there's anything else you need, feel free to ask!"

Elaine stepped forward, opening the door to the VIP room for the male drone, inviting him to rest inside momentarily.

The room wasn't overly spacious, but it was luxurious by the standards of a warfront hospital, equipped with a sofa, coffee table, and projection facilities.

The heating was turned up high, as if a novice cultivator was afraid of withering a delicate rose, creating a greenhouse effect with excessive effort.

On the coffee table, a pot of tea was simmering, its slender spout releasing wisps of white steam. The table was cluttered with various sweets and snacks, seemingly haphazardly piled up by eager hands.

Seeing the male insect settled comfortably on a soft fabric sofa, surrounded by confections and cushions, Elaine finally breathed a sigh of relief.

"I've called you here for an important matter. If you would be so kind, please wait a moment while I fetch him."

Yale nodded nonchalantly. "Mm, go ahead."

Elaine took a few steps back, opened, and closed the door. Before the gap sealed entirely, he thought he saw the male insect reach for a small white dessert.

"El... look this way... over here! Here!"

A deliberately hushed voice came from behind, and Elaine snapped back to reality. Before he could turn his head, a sense of resignation already washed over his face.

In a corridor not far from the VIP room, a few military females were peeking around the corner, waving at Elaine.

If Yale were present, he would likely recognize some familiar faces – those very insects who had gathered around Alvin's bedside before, including the military female who had brought him meals.

"How does it feel, Sir Male Insect? Are you satisfied?"

A young military female spoke eagerly, "I referred to the guide; male insect pups love soft pillows and tasty treats!"

That Sir was no pup. Elaine gave her an exasperated glance, but after recalling the scene he'd just witnessed, he wasn't so sure anymore.

"I saw Sir Male Insect enjoying a white pastry just now. He seemed to like it quite a bit."

"White desserts?"

The military omega paused, recalling the items they had procured by scaling the wall. None of the pastries seemed to be white.

Wait a moment... later on...

He let out a long hiss, and the smile on his face widened gradually, "I remember now, white desserts, hehehe white desserts..."

"Stop smirking like that!"

The surrounding military omegas weren't used to his teasing and promptly grabbed him by the throat, demanding, "What is it? Speak up!"

Elaine didn't manage to intervene in time. The young and impulsive military omegas had already formed a scuffle, causing her to cover her forehead in exasperation.

"It's a white pastry... from that Snow something Lady...?"

In the middle of the corridor, a tall military omega leaned against the wall. Hearing the conversation, he lifted his head in surprise, "I remember you bought it."

"Yes," he confirmed.

Opposite the window on the other side of the corridor stood another military omega, his complexion pale as if he had recently recovered from a severe illness. His deep sapphire blue eyes were calm, but his sharp gaze couldn't hide the warrior's spirit within him.

It was the military omega from that day in the hospital bed – Alvin.

His entire upper body was wrapped in thick bandages, making movement difficult. He only managed to drape a military jacket loosely over his shoulders.

"Did you bring it?" Alvin asked Noah, who was standing beside him. He watched as Elaine pushed aside the monkey-like military omegas and made her way towards them.

"I brought it, I brought it."

Noah repeated impatiently, then fell silent for a moment before sounding uncertain, "…Are we really giving that item to Lord Male Drone?"

"Gratitude for saving my life cannot be repaid."

Alvin chuckled softly with a slightly hoarse voice, but his expression remained calm and composed.

"It's just material possessions; though it has some value, Lord Male Drone might need it more than I do."

*

The clock in the counseling room ticked incessantly, creating a soft "tick-tock" sound.

This was originally a type of white noise, designed to soothe the patient's mood and facilitate a smooth therapy session.

But now, Xie Zhao felt as if it were counting down the remaining moments of his life.

The scene inside the counseling room was not the harmonious therapy session that Yale had envisioned.

Instead, the curtains were drawn tightly, and all the soft white noise lamps were turned off, casting the entire room into darkness and isolation.

The chief physician was pushed aside, trembling, while the patient who should have been treated sat imposingly on the sofa, engaged in encrypted communication with the head of the Xie family, the most prominent figure in the household.

Xie Zhao stole a glance and noticed that the usually intimidating patriarch was cautiously interpreting the intentions behind the words of the opposite sex's insectoid, wiping the cold sweat off his forehead repeatedly.

"Yes, yes, yes... Alright, alright... I'll take care of it as soon as possible."

Who would have thought that someone with such thick eyebrows would actually be a yes-man for another insectoid's mate outside?

As Xie Zhao silently criticized, he lifted his head only to meet Xi Ze's casual gaze. His breath hitched, and he quickly lowered his head, wishing he could completely shrink into the shadows of the sofa.

"Joking, joking." He muttered an apology inwardly. It's better for you to take the lead, Senior; a junior like me truly cannot withstand it.

"Well then... When do you plan on returning? Your troops seem quite restless, I'm concerned..."

It was more than just restlessness; it had virtually upheaved the entire military department. Rules were broken, punished, and then broken again. There were even instances where the admiral's office was left in shambles, instilling fear and unrest among the ranks. Not a single day passed without turmoil.

Xi Ze was reviewing the latest information that had been transmitted to him. Upon hearing this, he lifted his gaze, casting a fleeting glance at the projected image of the male insectoid. His voice was calm yet authoritative, "There's no need to rush."

"Ah, yes, yes, no need to rush, my lord. Take your time to recuperate; it's never too late to resume command when you're fully rested!"

The head of the Xie family cautiously lifted his gaze again and ventured a question.

"The admiral's adjutant, that Bai Adjutant, I heard he was targeted by An Ting. After you… ahem, left, he was exiled to a garbage planet soon after."

"Has Admiral Xi been in contact with him?"

Xi Ze gave him a quizzical, almost amused glance that made the insectoid break out in cold sweat, still unable to fathom the calm depths beneath the surface. "Focus on your own duties."

"Yes… yes, my apologies."

The communication lasted for hours, until Xi Ze glanced at the wall clock and reached out to close the data page.

"That's all for now."

The projection extinguished, plunging the briefing room into silence.

The military omega on the sofa didn't lift his head. With slender fingers, he spun the light computer a few times, skillfully erasing any traces left behind.

Xie Zhao carefully emerged from a corner, standing at a distance on the other side of the sofa.

"There's still half an hour left. Do you... need a serious psychological counseling session?"

Xi Ze didn't even lift his gaze. "No need, just prescribe the usual medication."

"But your post-traumatic stress is quite severe."

After a moment of hesitation, Xie Zhao's professional ethics as a doctor triumphed over his fear.

"If left unchecked, it might trigger an outburst of mental energy..."

"Thanks, but it's not necessary."

Xie Zhao was taken aback by the man's stubbornness.

As expected, military males were not liked by insects! Not only did he not take care of himself, but he also defied medical advice and acted recklessly. He would surely drive them crazy someday!

Taking a deep breath, Xie Zhao decided to show this male insect a little tough love.

"...However, I can see that Sir Yale cares a great deal. He genuinely wishes for your recovery, so it would be best if you cooperate with the treatment, wouldn't it?"

At the mention of Yale, the indifferent military omega paused in his actions, tossing the handheld light computer onto the coffee table with a clink.

Xie Zhao immediately snapped back to reality, inwardly scolding himself.

Sure enough, living on the Edge Star for too long had made him numb. He had actually dared to mention the "buyer" in front of a powerful alpha who had been reduced to an omega slave.

Which omega slave hadn't suffered at the hands of a male insectoid?

Once Xi Ze connected with his former faction or subordinates, he would undoubtedly leave without looking back, even considering this period as a disgrace and blemish.

Yet he had just mentioned the male insect and spoke of "concern" and "hoping for your recovery." It was as if he was begging for death. Was his mind clouded by that false display of affection earlier?

Xie Zhao let out a dry laugh and took a few steps back. "I'll leave first then. Please come out when it's time."

The door clicked shut, plunging the room into silence once more.

After a long while, Xi Ze bent down to pick up the fallen light brain from the carpet.

He wiped away the fine dust on its surface with the tip of his finger, and the displeasure and disgust in his eyes melted away like lingering snow, replaced instead by a sorrowful gentleness.

Lost in thought for a moment, a faint smile tugged at the corners of his lips as something crossed his mind.

However, his emotional fluctuation vanished just as swiftly. Noticing the monitors springing back to life from the corner of his eye, he cast a disdainful smirk downward.