Chapter 60: The Randomly Drops Second Chapter!

Chapter 60: The Randomly Drops Second Chapter!

That night, the drone returned very late.

Yale held onto his blanket, half-asleep, and vaguely heard the sound of the door opening. But the lights didn't turn on, nor were there any other noises that would disrupt his sleep.

Just as he was about to sink back into his dreams, the bed beside him seemed to softly sink a little. A gentle breath brushed against the nape of his neck, and a soothing warmth came from behind him.

He mumbled something indistinctly, rolled over, and clung to the suddenly appearing large cushion like an octopus, sinking back into a deep slumber.

The next morning.

Yale's eyes remained closed as he instinctively reached out to touch. The softness in his arms felt smooth but somehow off.

He rubbed his temples groggily to awaken himself, only then realizing that he was hugging the long dog-shaped pillow. On the other side of the covers, the warmth had already dissipated.

The drone had been gone for quite some time.

Yale crawled a few steps before reaching the edge of the large bed. After grabbing the light brain from the bedside table, he found it was only seven-thirty.

Having gone to bed early the previous night, Yale woke up quite early in the morning, only to find that Xi Ze had already left.

"I guess he's really busy. It seems like he hasn't slept much at all during the day."

He murmured to himself, losing his desire to laze in bed. He immediately got out of bed and pulled back the covers.

After freshening up, he took the elevator downstairs. A whiff of food drifted down the corridor, guiding Yale towards the dining room as directed by the round, chubby household robot.

The entire dining area was spotless, with soft morning light filtering in through the glass windows. A gentle breeze carried the sweet fragrance of roses from the backyard garden, fluttering the pristine white curtains. The atmosphere was serene and tranquil.

A sumptuous breakfast was already laid out on the long dining table. Spotting no other bugs, Yale's gaze swept over the exquisite pastries before noticing a sticky note attached to one of the plates.

"Breakfast, lunch, and dinner will be prepared by the chef and delivered to you at their respective times. Just come down whenever you're ready. If you have any specific cravings, feel free to order them anytime. Remember to eat on time and maintain a regular schedule, OvO

—Xi Ze"

The handwriting was bold and vigorous, with the pressure from the pen almost piercing through the paper. Yale rubbed the smiley face on the note, smiling silently to himself.

He sampled the incredibly beautiful pastries, his expression remaining neutral.

Indeed, it tasted exquisite, but there was still something missing, somehow.

Not in the flavor or the culinary skills, perhaps... It was because there wasn't another warm body beside him at this moment, no steady breaths in his ear, and no smiling eyes to behold.

Consequently, the spacious restaurant seemed barren, with the pure white curtains resembling birds about to take flight, obscuring a solitary shadow cast on the ground.

...

In the days that followed, their lives fell into a monotonous yet rhythmic routine. Xi Ze was almost always out early and returned late, making their encounters exceptionally rare. He was swamped with work to the point of barely having time to touch the ground.

Yale imagined that if he weren't at home, the Omega might not bother to return in the middle of the night just to cuddle with him for a couple of hours before resuming work, but would instead catch a brief nap in his office.

He had suggested that the Omega pay attention to rest and not let work exhaust his body, but he also understood that it was an unavoidable situation.

The array of matters entailed by the return, along with the five years that were entirely lost, required the Omega to swiftly regain control and resume learning to solidify his position smoothly.

One day, at five o'clock in the morning.

Yale startled awake, finding himself embraced by a cold embrace. The Omega must have just returned from outside; even though he had taken off his military jacket, the scent of snow lingered on the shirt beneath.

Xi Ze gently patted his back with one hand, perhaps sensing that Yale was still awake. He nuzzled into the side of Yale's neck, his low, hoarse voice tinged with apology, flowing softly amidst the deep night.

"I'm sorry, My Lord. Once this busy period is over, it won't be so hectic, and I'll accompany you to rest properly then."

Yale didn't respond verbally but released a soothing pheromone, seeping gradually into the omega's body, attempting to alleviate his exhaustion.

"During these few days, My Lord can plan the places you'd like to visit. When things slow down, we'll go together. There are many beautiful planets that I believe My Lord would adore."

Fully awakened now, Yale pulled the hand on his back into his embrace and gave the omega a reproachful glance in the darkness.

"If there were really vacations, you'd stay home and sleep for two or three days. Why go through all this hassle?"

He was reminded that he had been so occupied lately that it had been ages since he last provided mental soothing to his mate. With that thought, he sat up and switched on the warm glow of the bedside lamp.

"Allow me to alleviate your concerns now, before you depart once again."

The warm yellow light illuminated the male creature, rendering him appear weary yet utterly relaxed. His usually sharp and frosty golden eyes were now filled with a gentle smile, fixed intently upon him.

"Very well, thank you, Supreme Ruler."

Yale let out a sigh and extended two mental tendrils from his forehead, cupping the cheeks of the male drone tenderly before giving them a gentle squeeze.

"Focus."

During the secondary differentiation, he had pushed the limits to the extreme, doing everything possible and impossible multiple times. Now, there were no more taboos left.

However, tonight was not an ideal moment for more. They could only cling to each other, rubbing against one another affectionately, closing their eyes to rest amidst the lingering pleasure.

Yale had assumed that this routine would continue for several more days until the situation completely stabilized.

But the invitation that arrived on his optical brain the next day stirred the still waters.

【To Student "wwn":

Greetings!

Time flies, and years roll by. The First Research Institute of Exson has withstood three hundred years of trials and transformations... (two hundred words omitted)

We hereby propose to hold a grand ceremony on January 28th, in the Star Year 9038, to commemorate the three-hundredth anniversary of the founding of our institution, and we sincerely invite you...】

"Norman Rider, the esteemed Rector of the Exson First Research Institute, cordially invites you,"

Yale scanned the letter at a glance. He was specially invited as an honorary student for the event, which was scheduled for the following morning.

Even someone who preferred solitude needed some social interaction. Lately, he'd been cooped up at home to the point of feeling like a mushroom growing in the dark.

A school celebration seemed lively and entertaining – it piqued his interest.

After a moment's hesitation, Yale screenshotted the email and sent it to Xi Ze.

"WWN: Can I go out tomorrow?"

"WWN: There haven't been any recent S-Class male worm news on the Star Network, nor have my photos leaked. It seems like they've kept things well under wraps! I shouldn't be in danger of assassination, right? (Soybean laugh)"

The "typing" indicator appeared at the top of the chat, but after a minute of intermittent typing, the female worm still hadn't sent a message.

So it wasn't going to work out, huh?

Yale felt a bit helpless, but he understood the gravity of the situation. Although he couldn't offer much assistance, he could at least stay within the safety net and avoid causing trouble.

Just as he was about to reply that it was fine if he didn't attend, the omega replied.

"Xi Ze: I've just lifted the Level One Alert for you. Supreme Male, go wherever you please. It's alright."

"Xi Ze: Oh, by the way, when you go out tomorrow, take the star embedded in the villa's door with you. It might protect your safety if anything happens."

"Xi Ze: I'll be working overtime tonight and might not make it home. Supreme Male, no need to wait up for me. Rest early (kiss)(hug)."

Yale's brows lifted slightly. He carefully selected an emoji from his collection to send back, hoping to enrich the omega's rather rigid stash of emoticons.

Sure enough, the message box promptly displayed two identical kisses, placed side by side.

...

"Goodbye then, have a safe journey~"

Waving farewell to 015 at the entrance, Yale scanned his surroundings and spotted a metal star nestled in a corner. It was intricately designed and only as big as half his palm.

He casually slipped the star into his pocket, oblivious to how the protective barrier enveloping the villa was gradually being tugged and shifting away from its original position as he walked further away.

At the point of climax, it seemed to pop like a bubble, intelligently shrinking in size and enveloping Yale's personal hovercar in layers.

"Xi Ze: Have you set off? If it isn't too much trouble, could His Majesty take some photos to share?"

"wwn: On the way. Are you on a business trip today?"

"wwn: I'll send photos when I can. No rush, just focus on your work."

"Xi Ze: Big kiss.jpg"

Observing the emoticon sent by the male insect, Yale couldn't help but let out a soft chuckle, though his facial expression remained unchanged.

He's quite good at drawing inferences from one case to another, isn't he? Despite being an old-fashioned figure, he seems to have a positive acceptance of these things.

At that moment, the hovercar came to a gentle halt, and the child lock on the door automatically released.

"——Destination reached."

...

"Report! The first wave of beast tide is approaching within a one-kilometer radius. The Second Army is already prepared for combat. Should the First Army engage, please give your orders, General!"

Bai Lang finished his report and looked at the general standing before the command platform, momentarily puzzled.

Wasn't it just a few waves of beast tides? Was it worth the general personally taking charge of the operation?

They had eradicated beast tides hundreds, if not thousands, of times. From the initial gruesome battles to the present zero-casualty outcomes, they even aimed for the fastest clearance records. There was no need to be overly anxious.

Wait, the general didn't seem to be observing the battle situation but... selecting cute emojis?

Bai Lang's pupils constricted in astonishment.

He had a private hobby of surfing the web, which made him quite up-to-date on trends compared to other military males, though none had noticed.

According to his understanding, the First Army's males had diverse personalities. They could be classified into five levels of trendiness, from least to most, based on their online behavior, with changes reflecting the advancement of technology and the star network.

The general had consistently occupied the pinnacle of this pyramid for years, never budging. He was universally acknowledged as stern and old-fashioned, with his mind solely focused on leading battles, work, and tactical training.

But now! He was earnestly picking out cute emojis! Ones with kisses, no less!

Bai Lang dared to steal a glance, and indeed, the Admiral was messaging Yale, the Sovereign. In the next second, after he caught a glimpse of the content, he silently gasped.

Leaving and still sharing photos constantly, were they that clingy? No wonder he, as a single insect, couldn't understand.

"Bai Lang."

A cold voice came from in front of him. The Vice Admiral shuddered, thinking his misconduct had been discovered. He instantly stood at attention and replied, "Yes! Please give your orders, Admiral!"

In reality, Xi Ze was too busy to bother with Bai Lang. He tapped on the photo sent by the male insect of the school entrance and examined it closely. After finding the shadow of the photographer in a corner, he contentedly saved the image.

Then, he frowned slightly, troubled. Without thinking, he asked his vice admiral, "Should I send a few photos as well? Otherwise, I might seem indifferent."

Bai Lang's lips twitched. When facing the long-winded speeches of the Senate elders, why didn't you consider appearing cold then, Admiral?

Wait… What did the Admiral just say?

Photos? Now? Here?!

Considering the healthy development of the Admiral's relationship, Bai Lang promptly spoke up, his tone gentle but laced with exasperation.

"If it's about battlefield images with severed limbs and wailing beasts, it would be best not to send those to His Majesty. Even the media blurs them out when they report."

"Indeed... Prepare for combat. Let's try to finish before afternoon."

Xi Ze put away his light computer, casting a casual glance at the distant surging tide of alien beasts as he issued his command.

"Aye!"

*

After sending the message the previous day, Xi Ze had also asked the insect to send a disguise device, one that could conceal the masculine scent of an insect without altering his appearance, turning him into a handsome young subinsectoid.

Yale stepped out of the vehicle, immediately greeted by dazzling sunlight and the cacophony of insect voices. The air was filled with the vitality of youth.

To celebrate the anniversary, the university was adorned with bright red banners and small flags, creating an atmosphere of excitement. Even the trees, their canopies like clouds, were decorated with long tassels, adding to the festive mood.

"The attire looks so familiar. It seems the celebration at universities is the same worldwide."

Handing the invitation to the gatekeeper, Yale walked straight into the prestigious imperial academy, completely unaware that his brief stay at the entrance had already sparked a minor commotion.

He had initially planned to wander around on his own, have lunch on campus, and then return home in the afternoon. However, after just a few steps, he was suddenly charged at by several insects wearing red armbands.

"Hello! Please stay a moment!"

The leading insect, with its wide grin, appeared innocent and radiant, its eagerness shining through its eyes. "May I ask if you are an alumnus?"

Yale instinctively took a step back, his brow furrowing slightly. "Is there something I can assist you with?"

"Are you, perhaps, an outstanding alumnus?"

He guessed that he might appear too young to have qualified for the invitation as an esteemed graduate.

Uncertain about the number of special invitations extended to nominal students, Yale smiled apologetically, concocting a makeshift excuse.

"Oh... my male parent is an alumnus, but he's unavailable today. So, I'm representing him."

"I see now!"

The young insect didn't probe further, instead gazing intently at him.

"Nice to meet you, nice to meet you. It seems it's your first time here, right? My name is Dennis, would you allow me to serve as your guide?"

Yale couldn't resist the warmth and kindness emanating from the other, so after a moment's hesitation, he nodded. "Sure..."

It was good to have a volunteer. They could familiarize themselves with the map and explore together before parting ways half an hour later.

Dennis chuckled, stealing away the excessively attractive submale under envious gazes.

"Well then, let's get started! What's your name?"

"Y-Not... That Xi... er..."

Looking puzzled at the stammering submale, he repeated, "Xi... er? Your name is Xi'er?"

Only then did Yale realize what he had said, causing his face to flush slightly. But with no way out now, he could only muster the courage to admit it. "Yes."

"In that case, I'll show you around the most efficient route. This school is huge, and it would be tiring to see everything in a day, but there are only a few must-see spots."

"Alright, thank you."

"No problem, hehehehe..."

Yale initially assumed it would be a simple guided tour, and they would naturally part ways after becoming familiar with the surroundings. However, reality proved him too naive.

This Dennis was socially adept to an extraordinary extent!

He warmly greeted every student or teacher he passed by, introducing Yale to them, concluding each encounter with a hearty laugh before eagerly moving on to the next social engagement.

Yale almost suspected that Dennis knew every single student in the school and had memorized the faces and names of every insect he encountered - a true social butterfly with deft maneuvering skills.

Almost every insect who greeted him couldn't help but cast curious glances at the handsome yet aloof submale beside him, though few dared to strike up a conversation.

"…And that's it for now! Goodbye, my friend!" Dennis waved farewell to yet another acquaintance.

Yale sighed, suddenly feeling that his social quota for the day had far exceeded expectations. He could comfortably hibernate at home for the next three months.

"This is the only lake on our campus. Isn't it beautiful? In winter, a thin layer of ice forms on the surface of the water…."

Despite the relentless greetings, Dennis continued his engaging commentary, describing the features of the school as he led Yale from one location to another.

In the universe, trees were cultivated year-round, their diverse species arranged in a picturesque manner around the lake. Snow still clung to some branches, giving the scene a somewhat desolate charm, yet it remained strikingly beautiful.

"It does look impressive."

Yale raised his holographic device, snapping away.

"This is the location for the school's anniversary celebration - the Central Plaza. This entire area spans... Look at this mascot doll, it's the symbol on our school emblem!"

"So huge, it seems like you could park a warship on it."

Yale lifted his holographic device again, clicking away.

"This is an entire shopping street with everything you could want. Xi'er, do you want to buy some souvenirs? You can check out the stores or the stalls here."

It was almost noon, and after walking for quite a while, they finally arrived at a bustling shopping street for dining and entertainment. Dennis wiped the sweat from his forehead, looking enviously at Yale, who still looked neat and fresh.

"Let's find a place to rest after we finish exploring this street. There are eateries here, or we can wait a bit longer and head to the cafeteria specially opened for alumni."

Yale put down his raised hand, smiling. "In that case, let's stroll together."

The shops seemed to be permanent fixtures, while the adjacent mobile stalls were mainly run by students. They offered a wide variety of items, with the flowing tide of people stopping and moving past the various stores.

"Iron Grill! Delicious iron-grilled food…!"

"Third-year student's handwritten notes! 100 star coins per pound! No bargaining, please…!"

"The latest energy drink, guaranteed to provide basic energy for a week!"

The population on Aital Star was relatively small, and the spaces for various activities were cramped, making any event seem rather deserted. However, that wasn't the case here.

Even just a university's anniversary celebration exuded an enthusiastic atmosphere akin to a surging tide, sweeping everyone along with it.

As Yale strolled past a quieter stall, something caught his eye from the corner of his vision. After inquiring with the vendor, he held it in his palm.

"WWN: This little mushroom is so cute, it's only as big as one palm and so soft."

In the photo within the message box, a plump little mushroom lay on a fair, white hand.

Its colorful cap was adorned with tiny wildflowers, while its light brown, knitted stem was encircled by two slender fingers, accentuating its diminutive charm.

"Xi Ze: It's very cute, buy it."

"I'll take this."

Yale transferred the payment to the shopkeeper and hung the tiny mushroom on his chest pocket, adding a touch of liveliness to the pristine down jacket.

"Sorry to keep you waiting. Let's continue."

Dennis caught a glimpse of the holographic screen flashing by; the submale had sent numerous photos, but the response seemed tepid, with occasional brief replies.

Forget it, it wasn't something he should be concerned about anyway.

He was already incredibly fortunate to be guiding a super handsome and amiable submale around today, instead of enduring the arrogance and self-importance of some outstanding alumni!

"Are you tired? There's a place up ahead where we can sit and rest."

...

Yale pulled open the door to the shop and saw Dennis still slumped in his chair. He handed him a bottle of energy fluid.

"Thanks... Huh?! The latest model of energy fluid!"

Upon realizing that what he was holding was not water but the latest, top-of-the-line energy solution freshly stocked, Dennis widened his eyes and waved his hands repeatedly. "No way, I can't take this. It's super expensive!"

Yale glanced at the energy solution in his hand and persisted in offering it to Dennis. "This isn't expensive. Thank you for guiding me."

There were various types of energy solutions available in the store. He had casually snapped a picture and asked Xi Ze which one would be best; the one he had circled was this one, saying it was barely acceptable while the others were not.

"Although most students here are from noble backgrounds and can easily afford it, I'm not one of them... This is the newest model! I couldn't even afford it with my living expenses for three years. No, no way!"

It was that costly, huh... Yale looked at the item in his hand, only now realizing that he had lost the sense of value for money.

The optical brain had somehow been linked to the drone's card, probably so that Yale could use it without any worries, as it didn't even display the bills when he swiped it.

"It's not expensive for me. You keep it."

Yale insisted on giving it to Dennis, who carefully placed it in his inner pocket before sitting down. Yale then took a sip and said, "It doesn't have much of a taste."

"Energy liquid usually has no distinct flavor. The lower the grade, the more impurities it contains, making it harder to drink. High-quality energy liquids are pure, almost comparable to drinking water in terms of taste."

Dennis was slightly perplexed. This young sub-adult had casually purchased two bottles of top-tier energy liquid, clearly being either wealthy or influential. How could he be unaware of such basic knowledge?

Yale bit his straw, muttering, "But I usually drink fruity ones, like strawberry, orange, passionfruit... They're like freshly squeezed drinks, very tasty."

He had drunk strawberry-flavored energy liquid during his second differentiation, and later on, there were more flavors that filled the fridge at home. He could grab one whenever he was thirsty.

Dennis froze for a moment, an assumption forming in his mind, his expression gradually turning incredulous.

"You don't tell me you usually drink customized energy liquids?"

Yale looked at him blankly for a moment, equally confused.

"I'm not sure, my family's bug bought them. So they're customized? Are they expensive?"

Dennis slapped his face with a thud, groaning in distress.

Help—was this the world of wealthy bugs? He was about to laugh himself to tears over his own poverty!

After finally moving past that topic, Dennis bought another bottle of water and rested in the shade for a while before regaining his energy.

"By the way, I wanted to say this earlier..."

The omega scratched his head in confusion, "Why don't you take some pictures of yourself to send to your friend?"

"For sharing photos, you should strike a hundred and eighty poses, playing around while taking pictures for your friends! Or even record a video while commenting on it – that's the way to do it!"

Jumping down from the stool, he gazed intently at Yale, "And with such good looks... not taking more pictures would be a waste!"

Yale was taken aback, imagining himself sending selfies to Xi Ze. He felt an inexplicable flush and awkwardness.

"Cough, cough... N-no need, it feels weird."

Dennis narrowed his eyes, sensing something amiss, "Your face is so red."

"....It's just the sun being too strong."

Lowering his head to avoid his gaze, Yale pressed his lips together before whispering, "He's away on business today. I might have sent too many pictures just now, I'm not sure if it'll disturb him."

The omega could only sleep for two or three hours a day, sometimes not at all. Dark circles had started to form under his eyes. Only during those brief moments when he was held while sleeping did a hint of fatigue appear on his face.

Continuing like this, he would eventually become a burden to Xi Ze sooner or later.

Seeing the disappointment on Yale's face, Dennis instantly felt at a loss.

"Are you alright? It's understandable that work is busy, but he should be happy when he sees the picture...!"

"If it's a photo of a worm with lovely hair, I'd love every single one! I'd save them and look through them from time to time without ever getting tired!"

"Don't be sad. Now, let's go see the most romantic spot in the school—"

With Dennis's chatter, the journey resumed. After walking a while, Yale's vision opened up, and in that instant, he was entranced.

Before him stood a thriving grove of ginkgo trees, their golden leaves falling softly like the wings of countless golden butterflies, shimmering delicately in the sunlight.

A winding path led into the heart of the forest, its ground covered in a thick layer of ginkgo leaves, resembling a plush blanket. Stepping on them produced a crisp crunching sound.

Dennis's voice droned on, explaining the origins of the trees, while the rustling of the wind sweeping through the treetops created a gentle, lively symphony.

For a moment, Yale was tempted. He turned to look at Dennis, his brows and eyes curving slightly.

"Could you take a picture of me?"

Dennis's eyes lit up, and he eagerly gestured an 'OK' sign while searching for the perfect spot for Xi Ze.

"I remember there's a bench under that tree. You can sit there for the photo."

"Or, you could just stand by the tree. No 'V' sign! Are you some kind of clueless straight guy?! Pick up some ginkgo leaves to cover your eyes..."

*

In the starship's command center,

Xi Ze was focused on the battlefield situation. The experienced First Army was almost effortlessly crushing the beast horde, and victory would likely be achieved soon.

The projection screen was broadcasting the gruesome scene in real-time. Countless disgusting, slimy fluids and chunks of flesh kept splattering onto the camera, like a terrible horror movie designed to disgust bugs.

He watched the battle expressionlessly, occasionally jotting down any abnormal data. Amidst the cacophony of screams, a faint beeping sound suddenly pierced through.

Without taking his eyes off the screen, Xi Ze picked up his optical computer and waited until the situation stabilized before casually activating his message interface.

In the next second, his pupils constricted slightly.

In the message, instead of the previous vague silhouette, a close-up half-body portrait was now displayed.

Against a hazy golden backdrop, Yale leaned against a ginkgo tree, picking up a ginkgo leaf to partially conceal one of his eyes and brows, enhancing the warmth and delicacy of his features.

Dappled sunlight fell upon his scattered bangs, and his long eyelashes seemed to quiver slightly. The instant he looked into the camera, his gaze was bright and vivid, like a bolt of lightning piercing through time and space.

This photograph was like an arrow that shot through the heart, leaving behind a lingering tremor that resonated incessantly.

After a long while, Xi Ze regained his composure and couldn't help but laugh softly.

He gazed intently at the male in the photo, his sharp eyes softening unnoticeably.

How could there be such an adorable male in this world?

What should he do? Despite having only been apart for a day, he found himself helplessly missing him again.

Author's Note:

Yeye: Yale V (his forever photo pose)