Chapter 022 Royal Banquet 01

Chapter 022: Palace Banquet 01

The airship settled behind him. Zhou Mo, clad in a bespoke silver-gray suit, stood on the floating embankment of Cang Lake.

A strong wind blew today, painting the sky and the surface of Cang Lake a somber bluish-gray. Looking deeper, the lake’s waters appeared an even more profound black.

The aquatic plants in Cang Lake had always been luxuriant, requiring regular robotic maintenance. Boats frequently traversed the lake, hauling away freshly cut vegetation.

Zhou Mo waited—for news from Zhou Younan, for the signal that he could depart for Plum Blossom Island.

Cang Lake was immense, spanning three of Torikis’ most affluent and prestigious districts: Jiande, the Queen’s District, and Wall Street.

Aerial routes crisscrossed the lake, and all who traveled its skies were either wealthy or noble. Yet, regardless of status, approaching Plum Blossom Island, nestled at the lake’s heart, was strictly forbidden.

No flight paths were designated within five kilometers of Plum Blossom Island. Any unauthorized approach would be met with immediate laser strikes from satellites.

Zhou Mo had given his airship identification number to Zhou Younan. He could only proceed to Plum Blossom Island after receiving Wei Qing’s approval.

A subtle anticipation flickered in his dark eyes.

He imagined himself soaring towards Plum Blossom Island, bathed in the envious gazes of onlookers. This distinction, this sense of privilege, stirred a quiet excitement within Zhou Mo.

This was a small step for him, but a monumental leap for the Zhou family.

By the lake, a young boy was engrossed in operating his new remote-controlled airship. As the drone ascended, the child let out a joyful cry.

When no further commands were issued, the drone began to descend towards the lake. The boy scrambled to catch it, his short legs making the chase seem futile.

In his hurried pursuit, several candies tumbled from his pocket.

Xu Qi’s image abruptly materialized in Zhou Mo’s mind, and his eyes instantly turned cold.

Was the capsule’s effect real or merely a fabrication?

Zhou Mo remained skeptical.

Over a decade ago, Xu Qi was notorious for her fabrications.

If the capsule were genuine, Zhou Younan should have administered it to Wei Qing. Otherwise, Wei Qing would never have developed feelings for him.

Wei Qing had once deeply cherished his second wife. After her passing, he forbade any mention of her.

Zhou Mo had meticulously arranged for Zhou Younan to wear a gown identical in style to hers, and deliberately chose the same hotel and hall for the wedding—all to provoke Wei Qing, to ensure the marriage began in disarray.

Yet, Wei Qing did not erupt in fury. Instead, he claimed the hall and presented it to Zhou Younan.

Was it the capsule’s influence? Had Wei Qing become enamored with Zhou Younan’s pheromones?

The turn of events had far exceeded Zhou Mo’s expectations, leaving him feeling agitated.

What was Zhou Younan’s current stance towards the Zhou family? Did he seek retribution? Or, as he claimed, was he merely trying to safeguard a child?

In a month, the capsule’s effects would dissipate.

How would Wei Qing then treat Zhou Younan? Would the Zhou family suffer the wrath of an enraged Wei Qing?

A torrent of questions flooded his mind.

The remote-controlled airship, with its propellers, was buffeted by the strong wind, flying erratically. The boy leaped, attempting to seize it, but failed.

If the capsule was a sham, then Wei Qing’s affection for Zhou Younan was genuine.

If Wei Qing truly liked Zhou Younan…

The Emperor must have had an ulterior motive in orchestrating the marriage between the Zhou and Wei families.

What did the Emperor wish Wei Qing to uncover from the Zhous? Was it about the nutrient solution? Or the research institute’s secrets?

The remote-controlled airship plunged into the lake, sending up a splash. Ripples expanded in ever-widening circles, growing larger until they vanished.

The sky’s bluish-gray deepened, signaling impending rain.

If Wei Qing liked Zhou Younan… could he use him to unearth past secrets?

Zhou Mo’s pale blue, shoulder-length hair danced in the wind.

He pressed the vaporizer on his wrist and inhaled deeply.

The boy retrieved his airship from the water and, holding it, walked across the soft lakeshore sand towards his father.

The lakeside teemed with people. Street performers sang, and various vendor robots buzzed around like flies, hawking their wares.

The waves on Cang Lake grew larger, crashing against the embankment in successive layers, sending up white foam.

Zhou Mo had always been clear about his objective: to elevate the Zhou family, step by step, to the ranks of the great families.

For this goal, Zhou Mo would eliminate anyone—be it Zhou An or Zhou Younan.

Or his own father, Zhou Quan, or Imperial Marshal Wei Qing… even himself, if necessary.

Zhou Mo’s ink-black eyes mirrored the stormy, impending sky.

Zhou An and Zhou Younan had lost their memories—for now, they posed no threat.

Zhou Mo’s current dissatisfaction lay with Zhou Quan.

Without consulting him, his father had swapped Zhou An for Zhou Younan in the marriage arrangement, leaving Zhou Mo in a completely passive position.

*My foolish father.*

Lately, he had once again taken to choosing his own lovers.

*Truly a stupid Alpha, ruled by his baser instincts.*

“Whoosh—”

Another airship landed behind Zhou Mo’s.

A petite figure emerged, dressed in comfortable sportswear, with a head of fluffy brown curly hair and a cheerful smile.

After disembarking, he walked directly towards Zhou Mo.

From a distance, he waved and greeted Zhou Mo: “Hello.”

Zhou Mo was certain he had never met this person before.

As the person drew closer, Zhou Mo discerned the freckles on his face and his clear, purple eyes.

Purple was Zhou Mo’s least favorite color—he wouldn't even eat purple cabbage.

Those purple eyes stirred an uncontrollable memory in Zhou Mo, recalling another pair of purple eyes from the past.

“Hello, my name is Noah Hall. You can just call me Noah,” the newcomer introduced himself.

Hall? From the Hall family.

The Halls were titans in the gaming industry, with their products not only garnering immense popularity in the Empire but also achieving significant success in the Alliance. Beyond gaming, the Hall family had invested in numerous companies, their presence felt across various sectors.

Zhou Mo thought he should adopt his usual polite demeanor.

“Who are you? What do you want?”

The abruptness in his tone surprised even Zhou Mo himself.

Noticing Zhou Mo’s curtness, Noah’s smile faded, and he pursed his lips.

“Are you Mr. Zhou Mo?”

“May I add your contact information?”

“I don’t mean anything untoward—though you are very handsome… Uh, that’s not why I want to add you.”

“No, what I mean is, I’m a friend of Zhou Younan. I heard you’re going to see him, and I was wondering if you could help me.”

“I haven’t been in touch with Younan for a while.”

“I’m sorry, but I—I really have something I need to tell him. Could you help me?”

Noah stammered, his cheeks flushing redder and his head bowing lower, unable to meet Zhou Mo’s gaze.

The wind intensified, ruffling his brown curls.

“Look at me,” Zhou Mo commanded, his voice still cold.

Noah obediently raised his head.

Zhou Mo knew his appearance was striking—he often saw admiration, desire, or greed in the eyes of others.

But in those purple eyes, there was only guilt.

“I’m Zhou Mo. How did you know I was here?”

“I know Ai Ze. He told me.”

Ai Ze, like Zhou Mo, was a lower councilman, and the two were acquainted.

“You want me to help you get in touch with Zhou Younan?”

“Yes! If you don’t believe me, you can tell him my name. He’ll definitely agree.”

“I’ve never heard him mention having a friend like you.”

“We… we…” Noah stammered, lowering his head again, only repeating, “We really are friends.”

“…Alright, I’ll help you.”

“Really! Thank you so much!” Noah looked up, his purple eyes shining with delight.

Raindrops began to fall on the lake, creating ripples.

Caught up in Noah’s excitement, Zhou Mo added his contact information.

Only after Noah had boarded his airship and waved a cheerful goodbye did Zhou Mo frown at the newly added contact, “Noah Hall,” regretting his decision.

“He seems guileless. I could probably learn a lot about Zhou Younan from him.”

Like how they met.

What was Luo Luo’s background?

Zhou Younan only arrived at the 411 Research Institute at the age of 12. Where had he lived before then?

That blank period in his records bothered Zhou Mo.

He should have asked so many questions…

But those purple eyes had thrown him off balance.

Zhou Mo was not acting like his usual self.

“Noah Hall.”

The name escaped his thin lips, swallowed by the overwhelming sound of the rain.

***

Zhou Younan sent Wei Qing Zhou Mo’s ID number, explaining, “My cousin Zhou Mo is coming to bring me something.”

Wei Qing quickly replied, “Okay.”

A short while later, Zhou Younan received confirmation that the license number had been recorded.

True to form, Wei Qing added, “Zhou Younan, I miss you.”

Just as Zhou Younan was about to reply with “Mm,” Wei Qing sent another photo.

It was the ear cuff Zhou Younan had worn the day before, resting quietly in Wei Qing’s palm.

The image of Wei Qing gently sniffing the ear cuff, a look of pleasure on his face, flashed through Zhou Younan’s mind.

He felt his cheeks grow warm. He deleted the “Mm” and did not send it.

Instead, he messaged Zhou Mo to let him know Wei Qing had agreed.

It was raining, the sky was gloomy, and the air was damp.

This kind of weather made Zhou Younan uncomfortable.

The 411 Research Institute was underground, where sunlight never reached, and the air always carried a damp, metallic odor.

Darkness, moans, pain…

Zhou Younan realized he couldn’t stay idle—if he did, dark thoughts would overwhelm him, making it hard to breathe.

Wuhuarou, the household robot, was in the living room watching a holographic drama. Zhou Younan’s gaze fell upon it.

Wuhuarou kept Wei Qing’s home impeccably clean.

But it wasn’t clean itself—its square body was covered in dust, with patches of rust on its underside.

It couldn’t clean itself.

Zhou Younan found a task: cleaning Wuhuarou.

After telling Wuhuarou the news, the robot buzzed with excitement.

It raised its arms and spun in happy circles around Zhou Younan, cheering in its mechanical voice, “Thank you, Ma’am! Ma’am is the best in the whole world!”

When Zhou Mo arrived, Zhou Younan was wiping down Wuhuarou.

Hurrying outside, Zhou Younan saw Zhou Mo strolling beneath his floating umbrella.

He wore a warm smile, his blue hair swaying in the wind.

Zhou Mo was strikingly handsome—at that moment, he seemed like a spirit from the rainforest, untouched by the mundane world.

Zhou Mo and he were very different.

Zhou Younan smiled and went to greet him. “Brother, how is Luo Luo doing?”