Chapter 57

Chapter 57

Xi Ze turned the page of the report with a grave expression. In the top right corner of the next page was a chip containing the recording of that very interrogation from years ago.

He played the recording in its entirety, confirming that the main figure was indeed Yale.

Back then, the male insectoid was still inexperienced, yet his expression was still that familiar blend of gentleness and determination. Standing alone under the spotlight, he appeared as brave as a warrior fighting solo in a battle.

He ended the orchestrated conspiracy with just three sentences:

"I will not grant him forgiveness."

"For he was never guilty to begin with."

"That is my request."

His words were firm and unyielding, silencing all those who sought to muddy the truth, those who cheered for chaos, and those who spat curses due to their failed plans.

That inexplicable aura, conveyed through the aged recording, resonated in the hearts of every viewer, stirring a palpitation that made one's heart skip a beat.

Xi Ze gazed deeply into Yale's image on screen.

It was as if he had transcended time and space, seeing the young Yale who had just arrived in an entirely alien world, filled with fear and panic but still standing tall, attempting to protect with a language he had learned with great effort -

That resolute and shining soul.

No wonder.

No wonder Gallagher had surrendered so early; he must have heard that Yale was on his side and hoped to repay the favor.

...

"Wait, wait, wait!"

Bai Lang couldn't help interrupting Gallagher's tale, looking at Yale, who was resting his chin in his hand, in disbelief.

"I heard about that incident back on the Edge Star. You were the main character in that story?!"

"Yes."

Galagher took up the conversation, his expression somewhat rigid on his face. He lowered his eyes, not daring to look at the mighty insect.

"If Your Highness finds this meeting distressing, let us conclude it here for now."

"No, at that time, I was actually... quite grateful to you."

The pure chocolate flavor lingers at the back of my tongue, imparting a subtle bitterness with each nuanced thread.

Thinking about the prospect of seeing Xi Ze soon, Yale felt quite pleasant throughout the day and didn't mind revisiting those tumultuous memories.

Galagher was taken aback. "Thank... you?"

Yale lowered his gaze, reminiscing about the situation back then.

"Yes, if not for you, I might not have escaped that isolated island of terror as quickly."

It was like being lost in an endless sea, surrounded by a distorted alien landscape with no stars or moon. There was only himself, screaming and shouting without any hope of receiving the desired response.

Amidst the motley crew of sea-dwellers, each with their distinct appearances, personalities, and motives, the fear of alienation deepened with every passing moment.

But should an injured whale drift by their side...

They would momentarily set aside their fears, mustering renewed energy to seek tools and remedies, determined to save that whale first.

"Hmm, it was precisely because I had a purpose – learning a new language to figure out how to rescue you – that my mood improved..."

The male insect before him possessed striking eyes, with thick, long lashes and a gentle, sweeping curve at the corners.

When not smiling, they might exude aloofness, but in that instant of mirth, they blossomed like flowers in winter, causing many insects to overlook the depths of those eyes.

There, one would find an impenetrable darkness, so intense that little light could penetrate, akin to a hollow, dried-up well. Prolonged gazes could evoke an eerie sensation.

Galagher didn't fall for the male's smile; instead, he gazed directly into his eyes, his expression turning inexplicably focused and somber.

"So, are you feeling better now?"

Has that fear truly subsided, allowing you to live peacefully in this world?

Yale didn't respond to his words, instead adopting a thoughtful expression after suppressing his smile.

"What brings the General here exactly? Just to catch up?"

The male insect's fingers tapped irregularly on the table, as if sensing an unwelcome topic, revealing a hint of irritation.

In contrast, Gallagher, who had just moments ago been eager to escape at the slightest provocation, now seemed relentless, his tone somewhat stiff.

"No, I came to inquire of Your Highness. Back then..."

"I mean, didn't nothing happen during those two years after your first molt?"

"Hmm?"

Yale's eyes widened slightly as he looked at him.

"Your Highness had the generous benefits of a male insect as a safety net, securing you a good living environment and protection. You learned the language and attended school, I've heard that due to your outstanding performance, you were even allowed to intern at the research institute ahead of schedule..."

As if realizing what the military female was trying to uncover, a flicker of panic flashed in the male insect's eyes.

But before he could stop him, Gallagher lifted his gaze and looked deeply into his eyes, whispering softly,

"Why did you choose to hurt yourself later?"

Snap.

He turned another page, but the hand paused abruptly the next second. It froze in disbelief for a long while before tremblingly reaching out to touch those photographs.

The gruesome, mangled, and unbearable images were like razor-sharp needles piercing through his quivering pupils, reflecting an unspeakable horror.

"...Dominant Male?"

His whisper was soft, filled with tremors and disbelief, vanishing silently into the cold air.

His hand shook so violently that it almost couldn't hold the thin paper. After several attempts, he managed to pull out the stuck photograph, only for it to fall stiffly onto the desk.

The dried blood stains on the pristine white sheets resembled the decay of sun-baked plants.

The image held no sign of vitality or life; only a bleak landscape of pain and sorrow remained.

The male insect's expression remained serene and gentle, his eyebrows and eyes even relaxed, as if he had simply fallen asleep and would awaken with those beautiful, dark eyes at the first light of dawn.

But his thin, moist lips were unnaturally pale, as if he had been frozen in a black-and-white photograph, resembling...

...the world's last remaining snapshot.

Moments later, Xi Ze fiercely pressed his lips together, spilling out the entire stack of photographs. Reaching out, he began piecing together the enlarged close-ups one by one.

After sifting through countless chaotic snapshots, he finally found amidst a sea of splattered blood the source of the male insect's excessive bleeding—

He now knew how the cut on the male's left wrist had come about.

The marks were messy, indicating an inexperienced hand with a sharp object, yet each gash was deep enough to expose the bone, almost severing the tendons and bones there. It clearly demonstrated an unwavering determination.

The smart home system forced into shutdown, the tightly closed doors and windows, and the pre-approved leave...

Yale had made all the preparations, doing everything possible to prolong the time before he was discovered.

He hadn't left himself any escape route at all.

Xi Ze stared at the photographs, his lowered eyelids subtly reddening as his breathing turned rapid and heavy, his Adam's apple rolling visibly.

Amidst a piercing buzz, he heard the sound of his frozen heart being abruptly struck, shattering into pieces. The splintering ice shards pierced through flesh and bone, causing an excruciating pain that felt like it was carving into his very bones.

As the jolting pain began to subside, overwhelming fear and anxiety surged up within him.

The male insectoid had awoken the previous day. Bai Lang had told him that the male knew his identity… He didn't seem in high spirits.

He hadn't been there when the male had woken up. They were supposed to have gone through secondary differentiation together… Would the male feel deserted and lonely?

Would he… still have thoughts of self-harm?

A flood of chaotic thoughts swirled in Xi Ze's mind. With great effort, he stilled his trembling fingers and pressed the communication device on his desk.

"Push full speed ahead. Let's strive to reach our destination in the shortest time possible."

His command was urgent and forceful. The pilot immediately acknowledged with a crisp "Yes, sir," maxing out the power source. Amidst a deafening roar, they forcefully slashed through the vast expanse of space-time, making a quantum leap towards their destination.

What should he do now… Besides rushing back as soon as possible… Right.

Xi Ze leaned on the table, lost in thought for a moment. He hastily activated his light brain, flustered, and opened the chat interface with the Alpha male.

...

"Beep."

The soft vibration of the light brain snapped Yale out of his reverie. Apologizing inwardly, he accessed the device.

"Xi Ze 2.0: Are you doing alright now?"

"Xi Ze 2.0: Has the Alpha noticed any discomfort or... unhappiness?"

"Xi Ze 2.0: I'm sorry for being so busy lately and not being by your side. But I've arranged Bai Lang and the guard unit to be with you. They're all trustworthy insects. If there's anything you want to eat or do, tell Bai Lang. Don't hold back; he'll try his best to fulfill your requests. However, it's too dangerous outside right now, so we can't go out. In the future, I'll take you out to play wherever you like. Moreover, I've already contacted a specialized chef to prepare your favorite meals and desserts. It's just that due to the recent rush, the team isn't in place yet. Once you're discharged from the hospital, it should be fine...

"Xi Ze 2.0: Sorry, I was too anxious just now, and my messages are all over the place. Please don't read them for now. Just rest well.

"Xi Ze 2.0: I should be back in about half an hour. Can you wait for me, please?"

Yale pondered for a moment, scrolling through the unusually lengthy message. For a fleeting instant, he wondered if someone had possessed Xi Ze.

The usually reticent male insect suddenly acted so unusually — did he know something?

Before he could ponder further, his optical computer vibrated again.

"Xi Ze 2.0: [Kiss][Heart][Heart Launch][Love at First Sight]"

"Xi Ze 2.0: Big Cat Kisses Little Mouse.jpg"

He had even specifically found the little mouse from the emoji pack Yale had sent yesterday. It was quite an effort on his part.

Yale burst out laughing, the displeasure from being provoked instantly dissipating, like the bitterness of rich chocolate fading away at the back of his tongue, leaving behind a hint of sweetness.

This was the unique flavor of the male insect — a bitter outer shell hiding a honey-filled core. Each taste brought new sensations, making him crave more, almost addicted.

"WWN: I'm doing fine right now."

"WWN: Don't rush your journey; it's easy to have accidents."

"WWN: I've already reserved the whole day for waiting for you. Travel safely."

"WWWN: [Kiss][Heart][Heart Launch]"

Yale apologized again and put down his light brain, contemplating how to provide a reasonable explanation.

Unconsciously, the curve of his lips remained in a smile, even the corners of his eyes softened slightly, and his dull eyes shimmered with a faint glow, suddenly imbued with vitality.

"I've been investigating," Gallagher said abruptly. Meeting the male's questioning gaze, his expression turned somewhat frustrated.

"For over a year since then, I've been looking into whether anyone managed to bypass the guards and do something harmful or distressing to you."

"But my authority and abilities must be too low, as I couldn't uncover anything significant. It wasn't until Admiral Monte returned that I was able to utilize his methods to eliminate that despicable, daring female who interfered with your once-in-a-lifetime transformation..."

"My network has always been rather limited, and I'm not skilled in those underhanded tactics."

"This time, I came to ask you directly if there is any confirmed enemy bug you can identify, so I can seize an opportunity to get rid of them."

The female before him spoke terrifying words without emotion, yet Yale's pupils dilated slightly.

He stood there in a daze for a long while, then, after a moment of silence, he covered his face and chuckled softly.

"Galagher, you truly are..."

The last trace of annoyance vanished, and Yale put down his hand with a pleasant mood, lifting his gaze to meet the unease in the male insect's eyes.

Suddenly, he felt that there was no harm in sharing it.

In truth, it's not something that needs to be shrouded in secrecy. It was just that his temperament was not very stable at the time, which led him to do some rather extreme things. Later, his mindset underwent significant changes, and he grew weary of revisiting the past.

"At that time, I truly didn't encounter anything significant."

Yale's face took on a reminiscent expression, yet it wasn't one of disgust or fear. His lowered eyelashes fluttered slightly, concealing the warmth that shimmered in his eyes.

"The aftereffects of my first differentiation were quickly resolved, thanks to the generous social welfare, ensuring I lacked for neither clothes nor food."

"Then, I entered university for further studies and was chosen by my mentor to assist in research during my first year. Given my mentor's influential status, no insect dared to make any untoward moves behind closed doors..."

"Everything was progressing as planned."

His mentor was renowned in the field, albeit with an eccentric and solitary disposition, but at heart, he was a decent being.

Following in his mentor's and senior's footsteps in research, his life was not too different from his days on Earth.

In fact, thanks to his status as a male insectoid, he no longer struggled as he did in his previous life. Although he encountered some harassment, those issues were promptly resolved.

With a steady routine and work to do, he might even get to raise a little pet in the future.

This was the best life he had ever dared to imagine for himself.

...

"It's been months! Finally, we're nearing completion!"

"Ahhhh, after all these exhausting months, I can finally catch a proper break! Professor, are we getting any time off? I feel like my dark circles are about to slide down to my chin!"

"I swear my liver has shrunk to the size of a grain of rice; I can't push myself any further, ahhhh!"

After months of intermittent sleepless nights, there wasn't a single insect in the lab that didn't look as pale as a vegetable.

With the successful conclusion of the experiment, the pent-up tension dissipated, and everyone instantly slumped into exhaustion.

After inspecting their accomplishments, a smile graced the mentor's face. With a sweeping gesture, he granted a three-day break.

"Make the most of your rest, you fledglings. We'll resume with new experiments in three days."

Some eager senior students rushed out to change, while the rest chuckled as they packed up, all radiating a sense of relaxation and contentment. The entire laboratory was enveloped in a leisurely atmosphere.

"Speaking of which, what do you plan to do during these three days, Yale?"

Yale, who was slowly gathering his belongings, paused for a moment before smiling.

"I haven't decided... I might just sleep it off. Who knows, I might wake up on the fourth day."

"Indeed! After squeezing us dry for months, we only get three days off! Even a steel worm couldn't endure that kind of treatment — ah ah ah!"

Yale chuckled at the familiar lament, slinging his backpack over his shoulder. "Let's go."

Anticipating no more late nights, he had pre-ordered a signature cake from a bakery. It should be ready for pickup now. After indulging in that and a hot bath, he intended to sleep until he was fully recharged.

Yale emerged from the laboratory, greeted by a gentle evening breeze that cooled his skin.

The location of this lab was somewhat secluded, thus it remained tranquil throughout the year. However, a glance in the distance revealed the bustling central campus, its bright lights intertwined with the faint aroma of food and the sounds of chatter.

It was around seven or eight in the evening, a time of day that was comfortably warm and imbued with the cozy aura of home-cooked meals.

Yale strolled along the path, casually reviewing the day's experiments in his mind.

High above, a beautiful crescent moon hung peacefully in the night sky, resembling the moon from his hometown.

"Here you are, thank you for your visit!"

Yale successfully obtained the cake. Through a transparent corner of the box, he could see the delicate pink cream and crushed nutty chocolate inside, releasing a sweet fragrance continually.

"Senior! Please, I insist, accept this!"

Not far from there, a blushing junior presented him with a bouquet of flowers. Unable to refuse, Yale found himself holding the fragrant blooms as he continued his journey back home.

He passed through the lively hubbub, gradually leaving the illuminated scenes behind, and headed towards the entrance of his neighborhood.

The streetlight's glow was obscured by the tree shadows, casting a gradient boundary, guiding one from a warm yellow radiance into a dusky, nebulous darkness.

Yale turned back to the lamp, only to find that even the moon was hidden behind the foliage, allowing only faint streaks of lunar light to filter through the intermittent gaps.

So quiet, he thought.

But this wasn't an eerie silence; rather, it was a tranquil serenity infused with the rustling of leaves in the gentle breeze and the chorus of cicadas, soothing all weariness and hurt.

His current life seemed so serene and peaceful, the surroundings brimming with warmth and contentment.

The crescent moon and myriad stars, reminiscent of home, the fragrant bouquet of flowers, and the delectable cake... There were countless things to cherish and admire.

He should feel content and at ease.

Yale absorbed his surroundings in a daze.

But where was this? Earth? The insectoid planet? Or perhaps just a figment of his imagination?

Confusion suddenly gripped him, and he turned slowly, surveying the familiar yet alien surroundings, unsure of what to think or say.

An eerie sensation lingered in his heart, like a delicate venomous needle suspended above numb flesh, waiting for the perfect moment to pierce through his apathetic soul.

"Is anyone there?"

Yale's voice rose abruptly, only to freeze in the next instant.

He had intended to inquire in the language of the insectoids, "Are there any insects?", but the words that escaped his lips were his native tongue from his forgotten home, as natural as breathing.

As if what was once forgotten had never truly vanished, merely concealed deep within his soul, awaiting the day it would burst forth amidst chaos, roaring with an almost deafening intensity—

Don't forget who you are! Where you come from!

Yale's pupils constricted, and in the midst of the deathly silence, he heard his own heartbeat pounding like a drum.

Lowering his head, he discovered an empty cavity in his chest, through which every breeze could pass, carrying away ashes of debris.

Reaching out to touch it, his hand passed right through, for there were no tree-root-like nerves and vessels, no scorching red blood, nor the flesh that constructed his body.

He attempted to grasp something to fill the void, only to find his palms as pale as snow, incapable of holding onto or retaining anything.

It was futile, Yale realized abruptly.

No matter how desperately he studied and pretended to fit in, he remained irreparably alone, unsalvageable, with no vision of the path ahead or any glimpse of a future to come.

Was this day, he wondered, the pinnacle of beauty and happiness he could ever attain, feel?

But it wasn't enough.

Far from it, the emptiness remained untouched.

...Perhaps it was time.

He thought, it was indeed time.

Like a venomous needle concealed within his nerves, it suddenly pierced through his soul, rousing him from the delusion and numbness that had numbed his senses.

He felt that searing pain once more, but rather than igniting anger or despair, it brought a sudden clarity and even an ecstatic calm.

His pace gradually increased, from small steps to strides, then into a light jog.

He dashed down the long path beside the community flower beds and almost rushed into the building's corridor, bounding up several floors with two steps for every three. The cake in his hand became unrecognizable, but he paid no heed.

Yet, standing before that door, Yale suddenly regained his composure.

"I can't be hasty; I'll surely be discovered."

Formulating a meticulous plan within a minute, he unlocked the house and activated the highest level of security through the smart home system, ensuring no unauthorized entry.

Sudden death, transmigration.

Death, return.

His past life was a patchwork of chaos, mundane and even tedious, yet not without its charming moments and endearing people. Occasionally, he would encounter shimmering strokes of fortune.

Moreover, he had tasks that needed to be done, responsibilities to shoulder, and most importantly –

It was the unvisited graves of his mother and grandmother, and the possibility that Tangyuan might have been adopted or ended up on the streets.

This was what had constantly weighed on his mind, fueling his unwavering determination at this moment, making him eager to act.

Leaving here, returning home.

As his scorching blood flowed relentlessly, seeping into the bed beneath him, and black spots began to blur his vision, only two thoughts occupied his mind.

Amidst the silence, he closed his eyes with a smile, full of hope.

...

"Someone eventually noticed something amiss and called the authorities. Then I was rescued and placed on the Red Alert Protection List."

Yale leaned back on the sofa, helplessly spreading his hands, trying to sound lighthearted.

"You know how it is. Once you're on that list, you feel like a marked prisoner, beeping wherever you go, it's a nuisance. That's why I decided to leave the main planet for some peace and quiet."

Throughout Yale's tale, Gallagher's brows remained knitted, his expression grave and stern. Not even the news of Yale's rescue seemed to alleviate his concern.

"Your Excellency Yale."

He suddenly said, "So now, would you still…"

The sound of hurried footsteps mixed with the voice of the female insect in his ear, seemingly coming from the corridor outside and drawing closer, feeling somewhat familiar.

"Would you still have thoughts of self-harm?"

Yale's eyes flickered. As the door opened, overlapping with the inquiry, he lifted his gaze to meet a pair of dazzling eyes like molten gold, filled almost to the brim with love, concern, and anxiety.

Amidst the pounding of his heart, he heard himself respond.

"No more."

Author's Note:

It's like accidentally stumbling into an abandoned ghost village in the wilderness, where it's obvious that you're the only living person and are likely trapped there for life.

You try hard to fit in but suddenly realize the emptiness of the world and your own foolishness. The nerve that had never relaxed snaps with a 'crack,' plunging you into a calm madness and despair.

In essence, it was a self-inflicted madness.

The forcibly separated lovers finally reunite, and the next chapter is packed with intense emotional scenes! Turn to the bottom right for a delightful surprise.