Chapter 111: Jiang’s Romantic Words

Chapter 111: Jiang's Romantic Words

The manager and the waiter were both pale with fear, kneeling on the ground and trembling uncontrollably.

"General Wei, I had nothing to do with this!" The manager tugged at Wei Jian's sleeve, pointing at the waiter beside him. "It was all his fault! Please show mercy and spare me, General Wei!"

Upon hearing this, the waiter immediately cried out, "Uncle, please!"

He had been used to throwing his weight around, always protected and indulged by his uncle. Never did he expect that at this critical moment, his uncle would push him out to take the blame without a second thought?!

Wei Jian shoved the manager aside and walked out.

Seeing that pleading with Wei Jian was futile, the manager turned to Shen Zhixue, hoping he could intercede on their behalf.

Shen Zhixue crouched down, looking at their terrified faces, and said, "If you hadn't indulged him, he wouldn't have become so reckless as to provoke anyone."

The manager desperately kowtowed repeatedly, but Shen Zhixue found it pointless. He pulled Jiang Huizhou along and walked out without looking back.

He knew that when Wei Jian said they would disappear, it wasn't just about them leaving the restaurant. From today onward, they would likely never appear anywhere in the world again.

The Wei family could get away with anything in the Federation.

Jiang Huizhou walked beside him and said, "You've seemed upset the whole time. What's wrong? If you're still upset, we can go back and beat those two up again."

Shen Zhixue glanced at him. "General Wei seems difficult to deal with. I think coming to the Federation might not have been the right decision for you. Everyone here makes me feel dangerous."

Jiang Huizhou turned his head, looking at Shen Zhixue's profile. "Are you afraid, Zhi Zhi?"

Shen Zhixue paused for a moment, then finally nodded. "A bit."

He had never been accustomed to, or even liked, the feeling of being caught in a whirlpool. The cutthroat nature of the entertainment industry in his past life had exhausted him. Now, he just wanted to live a good life. If he could pursue a career he loved, that would be even better. He didn't need to climb too high; just living a stable life for the rest of his days would be enough.

Jiang Huizhou wanted to use the Federation to pressure the Empire, taking control from the Wan family. But given the current situation, this was like trying to skin a tiger.

To truly succeed, it would require immense manpower, resources, and effort. They might have to stay in the Federation for several years or even longer.

But now, he was a bit worried about Jiang Xingliu.

After spending so much time together, Jiang Xingliu had already become his true family. The first separation had come so suddenly, and he hadn't even had the chance or time to explain to Jiang Xingliu the reason for his departure.

He wondered what the kid was doing now, whether he felt left behind again.

Lost in his thoughts, his fingers were suddenly enveloped by Jiang Huizhou's cold touch. "Didn't I say I would handle everything for you? Don't be afraid. If anyone dies, it should be me, not you."

Shen Zhixue tilted his head. "So even the young Duke fears death. I thought the young Duke feared nothing."

"I wasn't afraid before," Jiang Huizhou said. "But now, if you're still alive, I really can't bear to lose you."

Shen Zhixue was stunned. "The way you say it, it seems like my being alive is a bother to you?"

"A little," Jiang Huizhou softly chuckled. "After all, anyone who suddenly gains a weakness out of nowhere would be troubled, wouldn't they?"

"..." Shen Zhixue's ears flushed slightly. "Didn't you say that in the adult world, there's no love, only interests?"

Jiang Huizhou hummed. "You are my greatest asset."

Shen Zhixue raised an eyebrow, pulling his hand away from Jiang Huizhou's grasp. "Who are you trying to charm with your smooth talk?"

Jiang Huizhou rubbed his fingers together, following Shen Zhixue's steps. "Don't you like hearing it, Zhi Zhi?"

"That’s so fake," Shen Zhixue shook his head. "The young Duke’s omega-charming skills could use some work."

"Alright," Jiang Huizhou took Shen Zhixue's hand again. "It’s my first time luring an omega, so I’m a bit inexperienced. Cut me some slack, Zhi Zhi."

This time, Shen Zhixue didn’t pull his hand away. Countless eyes were watching them from behind.

Perhaps soon, the whole capital planet would find out that the young Duke Fidel, who is engaged to Princess Sith of the royal family, has a notorious lover.

This move not only angers Xisi but also provokes the royal family.

Shen Zhixue could roughly guess Jiang Huizhou’s intentions. The Fidel family wields considerable power in the military, and the royal family’s influence is not inferior. To control the Federation, the current balance between the military and the royal family must be disrupted.

A spark needs to be lit between them, and then, they can take advantage of the chaos.

However, this would likely put Shen Zhixue in a very dangerous position. As the one tipping the scales, Shen Zhixue would inevitably become a thorn in the side of Xisi and the royal family.

Shen Zhixue turned to look at Jiang Huizhou.

The Federation’s capital planet is bustling and prosperous, with an artificially created sun that operates on a 24-hour cycle. It should be sunset now.

The artificial sun’s light is softer and more subdued than natural sunlight. The soft, dusky light highlighted Jiang Huizhou’s profile with warmth and tenderness. His eyes seemed to reflect a fragmented sunset, even the cold silver mask seemed to have gained warmth.

"If you keep staring at me like that," Jiang Huizhou stared straight ahead, "I won’t be able to stop myself from kissing you right here."

Shen Zhixue stopped.

He had no idea how many schemes this man was hiding, nor could he tell which of his words were true and which were false.

He said even allies should stay on guard, but at least for now, he might be able to enjoy this moment of peace.

Shen Zhixue rose on his toes and softly kissed Jiang Huizhou.

Jiang Huizhou froze in surprise.

In their relationship, he was the one chasing, while Shen Zhixue had always kept his distance.

Even in bed, Shen Zhixue had never initiated a kiss like this. He was always crying, enduring, and when pushed too far, he would bite Jiang Huizhou’s shoulder and beg for gentleness.

It was like a lamb willingly baring its neck to a wolf. He trembled but willingly surrendered despite his fear.

Jiang Huizhou didn’t react immediately. It was only when Shen Zhixue lightly pursed his lips and pulled back that he instinctively wrapped his arms around Shen Zhixue’s waist, lowering his head to bite Shen Zhixue’s retreating lips.

Shen Zhixue seemed a bit shy, turning his head to avoid the kiss, but Jiang Huizhou directly grabbed his hand and pulled him into a nearby alley.

In the shadows, Jiang Huizhou pinned Shen Zhixue against the wall, kissing him until he was weak.

After a while, he slowly pulled back. Shen Zhixue’s rapid breathing was in his ear, a muffled gasp that felt deafening to Jiang Huizhou.

He hooked Shen Zhixue’s chin with his finger, forcing him to look up, and said hoarsely, "Zhi Zhi, what does this mean?"

Shen Zhixue pursed his lips, which were swollen and red, a bruised, deeply ravished red that drove Jiang Huizhou wild.

"Isn’t this what you wanted?" Shen Zhixue whispered. "You wanted to expose our relationship to stir up conflict between the military and the royal family."

Jiang Huizhou was silent for a long time. "Is that why?"

Shen Zhixue nodded. "Showing them intimacy is the best way to fuel their anger. You took me out to dinner today with that in mind, didn’t you?"

Jiang Huizhou’s thumb brushed his lower lip, and after a while, he suddenly chuckled. "Good thing."

Shen Zhixue was puzzled: "What’s so 'fortunate' about it?"

"Good thing you said something," Jiang Huizhou pinched his earlobe, "or I’d never have known you felt this way."

Shen Zhixue leaned against the wall: "Isn’t that the case?"

"Are you kidding me? If I were trying to cause a rift between the royal family and the military, wouldn’t it be more convenient to marry Xisi and start with her?"

Shen Zhixue opened his mouth.

"Huh, that actually makes sense."

"Then why..."

"My Zhi Zhi is really sharp," Jiang Huizhou sighed, "I can’t keep anything from you. Whatever I do, as soon as I take the first step, you can guess my entire plan. Why’d you miss it this time?"

Shen Zhixue gritted his teeth: "So you’re saying you’re smarter than me, huh?"

"No, I just want to say, perhaps," Jiang Huizhou paused, then slowly continued, "I guess I’m contradicting myself."

Shen Zhixue looked up: "What?"

"Didn’t I once say that self-interest is humanity’s eternal drive?" Jiang Huizhou spoke leisurely, "But every day I’m with you, that belief fades a bit. Sometimes I even think, if you’re willing, I could let go of everything."

Shen Zhixue was stunned, unable to say a word.

"I still think this world runs on self-interest, if human emotions can also be considered a kind of value," Jiang Huizhou rubbed the corner of Shen Zhixue’s mouth, "then having Zhi Zhi’s affection is the most valuable thing in the world. In that case, it’s not wrong to say that interests come first."

Shen Zhixue’s eyes felt a bit warm, and he quickly turned his head away: "I have no idea what you’re saying, you just admitted you’re not great at sweet-talking omegas."

Jiang Huizhou took Shen Zhixue’s hand: "Let’s go, home."

"If it’s not to stir up... conflict," Shen Zhixue followed him, "then what are you doing?"

"Nothing much," Jiang Huizhou said lightly, "I finally found a spot where no one knows who we are, no rivals, no messy kids, so I wanted to live a normal couple’s life with Zhi Zhi."

Shen Zhixue: "Jiang Xingliu is not a messy kid."

"Well, he’s a messy younger brother."

"..."