Chapter 78: Gathering

Chapter 78: Gathering

The Sword of the Empire, a generation of war god, retiring early for an Omega?

Just by thinking about it, Ji Jing knew that he, this "source of trouble," would definitely be drowned in the spit of the imperial citizens.

"No, no, no! Luo Ke, I've said it before, just be yourself, don't change anything because of me. I know your dreams and ambitions. If one day, you really get tired of fighting and no longer love mechs, and you want to retire, I'll fully support you, but absolutely don't choose to retire because of me, okay?"

"I don't want to be your burden, and I don't want to break your wings when you're supposed to soar." Ji Jing said.

What he feared most wasn't someone else's deep affection, but his own inability to reciprocate such feelings.

If someone were to make significant sacrifices or give up something because of him, that would truly be a sin.

After saying it out loud, Luo Ke also felt that his words just now were too impulsive and childish. Since his youth, his only love had been mechs, and later, after enrolling in the Imperial First Military Academy, he aimed to become an excellent soldier.

His beliefs and hobbies had never changed, but now, there was Ji Jing, who occupied too much of his heart.

But if he really retired, what could he do?

Moreover, his relationship with Ji Jing had already faced so much scrutiny, if he chose to retire now, it would undoubtedly push Ji Jing into the spotlight of public opinion.

In the end, Luo Ke could only say gloomily, "Okay, then you must protect yourself."

Ji Jing smiled in return, "Be good, I will, you protect yourself too, I'll be waiting for you to return victorious!"

When the video call ended, Luo Ke's gloomy mood had vanished, and a few sweet words from Ji Jing had turned him into a lovesick fool.

Afterward, Ji Jing activated the highest security protection of the villa and patrolled around the villa with Dahua, confirming that there were no abnormalities before returning to the house to start cooking.

Although Luo Ke wasn't home, there were plenty of stored ingredients in the house, but most of them were vacuum-packed instant food or frozen meat, with no fresh vegetables or fruits.

Ji Jing wasn't picky; it was a special period, and safety was the most important.

While he was cooking for himself and the two little ones, Semaya sent a message—the Merman Prince had learned to use the human optical brain.

"Ji Jing, we have boarded the interstellar flight and are about to leave Imperial Star."

Ji Jing turned down the stove and typed back, "Okay, have a safe journey, dear Prince!"

A few minutes later, Semaya replied, "Thank you, Ji Jing, I love you, and I won't give up pursuing you."

Seeing this message, Ji Jing couldn't help but laugh. After thinking for a moment, he sent a kiss emoji back to Semaya.

Don't ask why he didn't reject him; it's just that he wanted to keep this potential companion option open, just in case he needed something in the future.

Ji Jing stayed at Luo Ke's house for three days.

During the first two days, he was quite nervous and didn't dare to sleep too soundly. He kept refreshing the interstellar network news to follow the developments outside.

Luo Ke also sent messages occasionally, informing Ji Jing of some news that couldn't be reported on the interstellar network.

However, the main target of the rebels was the royal family, and Luo Ke wasn't on Imperial Star, so no one seemed to pay attention to Ji Jing. Even his house on the third block of Emerald Avenue had no abnormal occurrences.

This made Ji Jing feel a bit embarrassed, thinking that he had been overly anxious before.

By the third day, the situation outside had been brought under control, and order on Imperial Star had mostly been restored. Some rebels had been caught, and others had fled Imperial Star.

Within the royal family, it was said that the emperor was currently undergoing treatment, and the third prince, Lucio Howard, was now handling the affairs of the empire.

In the evening, Ji Jing received a message from Carol, inviting him to an Omega gathering the next day.

Since Ji Jing had been bored staying at Luo Ke's place and had already made plans, he agreed without hesitation. However, when Carol sent the address of the gathering, Ji Jing was taken aback.

—Undercity.

Ji Jing had to confirm with Carol, "Is the address correct? Is it really the Undercity?"

It was quite unbelievable for a group of Omegas to gather in the Undercity.

Carol replied, "The Undercity has been renovated a lot recently, and the venues there are now operating legitimately."

Ji Jing recalled his first encounter with Luo Ke and the explosion and chaos at that time. It seemed that the Undercity had been renovated since then.

After thinking for two seconds, Ji Jing replied, "Okay, see you tomorrow."

As soon as he sent the message, his optical brain suddenly popped up a friend request—"Hello, I am Antonio Howard, can we add each other as friends?"

Ji Jing slightly frowned, left the person hanging for more than half an hour, but eventually accepted the friend request.

He didn't ask how Antonio Howard got his contact; with the other party's status, it wouldn't be difficult to investigate him.

"Hello, Mr. Ji, I hope I'm not disturbing you by contacting you out of the blue." Antonio Howard messaged first.

Ji Jing replied expressionlessly, "Hello, Crown Prince."

Antonio Howard: "If possible, I'd like you to call me Antonio."

Ji Jing didn't respond.

A few minutes later, Antonio Howard sent another message, "The palace has been in some chaos recently, and I haven't had the chance to contact you. Mr. Ji, did you encounter any danger when you returned?"

Ji Jing: "No, I'm fine."

Antonio Howard: "I'm glad to hear that. The impression you left on me last time was really profound. If possible, would you do me the honor of having a meal with me?"

Ji Jing: "I have things to do, I can't make it."

Antonio Howard: "But I haven't even mentioned the time. ^_^"

Ji Jing: "I'm not convenient at any time. ^_^"

Sensing Ji Jing's unyielding and indifferent attitude, Antonio Howard didn't press further and said, "Alright, then we'll wait until Mr. Ji is available. ^_^"

Ji Jing didn't reply to the message.

The next day, after preparing his pheromone concealment and wearing his biomimetic disguise, Ji Jing drove his flying car towards the underground city.

As before, he parked the car some distance away from the entrance and then got out, heading towards the entrance on foot.

Now, both in aura and appearance, he looked no different from an ordinary Beta. Loose clothes concealed his figure, and when he walked, his slightly hunched back made him appear truly "nondescript."

The meeting point was at a newly opened bar called "Fireworks."

When Ji Jing pushed the door open, there were only two customers and the bartender inside.

He sat down at a booth near the door and sent a message to Carol. Shortly after, Carol came out from the back of the bar to meet him.

However, Carol didn't recognize Ji Jing as her gaze swept over him.

It wasn't until Ji Jing took the initiative to wave at her that he greeted, "Carol."

Hearing the familiar voice, Carol couldn't help but widen her eyes, "Ji Jing?"

Ji Jing nodded with a smile.

Once confirming it was indeed Ji Jing, Carol led him towards the back of the bar.

Walking through a dimly lit corridor, Carol pushed open a door at the corner. Inside seemed to be the staff resting area of the bar, with a whole wall of cabinets and a bench for changing shoes by the door.

Just as Ji Jing was wondering if Carol had taken the wrong path, he saw her open the two cabinet doors on the far left, and then push on the backboard of the cabinet. Inside, a small hidden door appeared.

Ji Jing: ……

This… doesn't seem very legitimate, does it?

"Author's Note"

Thanks to "Linlin Yue" and "27066309" for the nutrient solution~