Chapter 53

Chapter 53

The three days in lockup flew by.

Although they had entered together, Philo and Bernice did not leave at the same time. After all, the bugs responsible for picking them up did not arrive simultaneously.

However, after changing out of the detention center uniforms, when Philo saw who was waiting outside, he couldn’t help but do a double-take.

Li Wei… Why was *he* here?

Unlike his generic NPC look in the game, the green-haired female bug in reality had eyes that gleamed like polished jade. His long hair, the same color as his eyes, was gently lifted by the wind, revealing his sharp, elegant features.

This version of Li Wei… seemed much better than the one at the banquet.

But—

Coming to pick *him* up, and dressing to the nines… Was he trying to infuriate Bernice?

Descending the steps, Philo looked at the female bug now standing before him. Though he still doubted whether Li Wei was really here for him, he instinctively smiled and greeted him first.

“Li Wei, we meet again.”

Meeting again wasn’t strange—what was strange was the awkwardness of the location.

After speaking, Philo subconsciously glanced at the impressive entourage of attendants and guards behind Li Wei and asked uncertainly,

“You… came to pick *me* up?”

When the detention center staff had notified them earlier that they could leave, Bernice had also wanted to exit, but since his escort hadn’t arrived yet, he wasn’t permitted to go.

At the time, Philo had assumed that perhaps Zhousha or Yi Jia Fa had arrived earlier than the Geshaluolin Family’s representatives. But who would’ve guessed that not only had the Geshaluolin Family arrived before anyone else, but also…

If Bernice found out that Li Wei had personally come to pick *him* up but hadn’t sent anyone to bring Bernice back as well, Philo couldn’t help but worry for Li Wei.

Though he didn’t understand why Bernice harbored such strong prejudice against Li Wei, he didn’t want to further escalate their conflict because of himself. Especially since Li Wei was a female bug—if Bernice were truly angered, Li Wei’s male parent might…

Frowning, Philo eyed the sharply dressed female bug before him, whom he still found somewhat unfamiliar. When Li Wei nodded in confirmation, Philo let out a small laugh.

“Since I’m already out, you don’t need to escort me personally. Just send a few attendants to take me back.”

Though Philo didn’t know how Yi Jia Fa and Zhousha had agreed to let Li Wei come for him, since things had turned out this way, it’d be better for him to return alone.

However, despite his thoughts—

“I’ll take you back.”

Unlike in the game, the female bug’s real voice was much cooler, and his speech seemed slower.

But even if his voice and appearance were different, even if this was only their second real-life meeting, when Philo met those familiar eyes, the words of refusal he’d been about to say paused—and ultimately, he didn’t voice them.

If that was the case…

“Alright, then.”

Curving his lips slightly, the male bug didn’t refuse further.

The well-equipped, regimented guard unit of the Geshaluolin Family soon escorted the two bugs onto a distant aircraft, which then lifted off.

Only after confirming that Philo had boarded the aircraft did the Geshaluolin Family’s steward, who had accompanied Li Wei this time, finally contact his own male master, Nord, to notify him to pick up Bernice.

Unaware that the Geshaluolin Family had only just informed Bernice’s male parent to retrieve him, Philo sat inside the luxurious aircraft, chatting with Li Wei.

The two bugs were quite familiar in the game, having discussed all sorts of topics before, so their current interaction wasn’t awkward—at most, there was some lingering discomfort from the banquet incident.

But soon, Li Wei seemed determined not to leave even that bit of awkwardness for their next meeting.

“Thank you for that day at the banquet.”

“No need. I would’ve done the same even if it weren’t you. Why be so polite?”

Seeing the gift Li Wei handed him, Philo waved his hand, instinctively wanting to decline.

But the female bug’s next words quickly made it impossible for him to refuse.

“If you won’t accept my thanks, does that mean you’re still embarrassed about seeing those photos of me last time?”

……

Well, *he* wasn’t particularly embarrassed, but he *did* feel a bit awkward on Li Wei’s behalf.

To be honest, in Philo’s eyes, those lightly dressed photos of Li Wei weren’t a big deal.

Whether male or female bugs, Philo didn’t perceive much difference in their appearances. And compared to humans on Earth, female bugs in their non-insectoid forms were practically indistinguishable from normal men.

As someone who often went swimming with friends in just swim trunks during summer, Philo couldn’t possibly feel embarrassed just from seeing a female bug—who looked no different from a man—revealing some arms and chest in photos.

But even if *he* felt nothing, even if he saw no issue, he understood how serious such matters were for female bugs—especially among high-ranking male bugs, whose possessiveness made them particularly sensitive about these things.

Though Philo still didn’t know whether those photos were real, and though he’d only glanced at them briefly before looking away, given bug customs, it was still a bit difficult for him to face Li Wei now without *some* awkwardness.

However—

If the person in question wasn’t embarrassed, then he, the one feeling secondhand embarrassment, didn’t need to be either.

“Honestly, I’m only a little awkward because I was worried *you’d* be awkward.”

This tongue-twister was a bit difficult for Philo, who had only recently learned the universal language.

Fortunately, the green-haired female bug’s comprehension wasn’t lacking.

“I’m not awkward. If *you* feel awkward, then *I’ll* start feeling awkward too.”

“Then if *you’re* not awkward, *I* naturally won’t be either. I never really thought it was awkward to begin with.”

“Oh, then no awkwardness.”

“Mm, no awkwardness.”

Silence.

After this extreme round of verbal gymnastics, Philo felt his universal language skills had leveled up.

Then, as their eyes met, the two bugs laughed simultaneously.

Now, there really was no awkwardness left.

And Philo stopped being so polite.

Accepting the female insect’s token of thanks, the SilverHaired Male Insect relaxed unconsciously, smiling as he steered the conversation to other topics.

"How did you convince my father to let you come pick me up?"

"Sincerity, along with appropriate gifts of apology and thanks."

"...That’s about what I guessed. During the seventy-two hours Bernice and I were detained, did my father give you any trouble?"

"No, he acknowledged what you said for me at the banquet. Thank you, Philo."

"Stop being so polite..."

The distance from the holding facility to the Torras estate was neither very far nor very close.

After switching topics a few times, they soon arrived at the Torras estate.

Stepping off the aircraft, Philo stood on Torras family grounds for the first time in three days.

Turning around, he looked at the green-haired female insect who insisted on seeing him off. Holding the ornate case, he smiled softly.

"I’m here now, you should head back. My father has a bad temper, and it’s better not to go in and subject yourself to his temper."

This was the truth. While Yi Jia Fa had accepted the Geshaluolin Family’s peace offerings, expecting him to be welcoming at this moment was unlikely.

Nodding, the green-haired female insect didn’t insist this time.

Compared to his behavior in the game, the real-world Li Wei, who acted more in line with his status as the Geshaluolin scion, quietly made his parting bows before turning to leave.

But—

A chilly dusk breeze brushed past the male insect’s slightly trembling lashes.

As if remembering something, Philo spoke up just before the female insect fully turned away.

"Wait—before you go."

"Bernice said he wasn’t the one who was behind those photos. I can’t confirm if he’s lying, but if he’s telling the truth, you should know."

If Bernice was lying, then there was nothing to worry about. But if he wasn’t, it meant another insect was trying to damage Li Wei’s reputation, and knowing this would help him be on guard.

And if neither scenario applied... Meeting the green-haired female insect’s gaze again, Philo’s eyes remained calm and clear as always.

Insects, especially female insects, often faced hardships.

In a society and system like this, preserving what matters sometimes required unconventional methods—methods one could sympathize with.

So—

"Mm."

"I’ll look into it when I get back. Rest assured."

Nodding, the green eyes under the dimming sky grew even more limpid and striking. The female insect’s willow-leaf hair fluttered lightly in the breeze, his gentle smile unchanged.

Locking eyes, Philo...

Curving his brows, the male insect’s rosy lips lifted slightly. Without another word, he simply smiled and nodded.

Soon, the aircraft bearing the Geshaluolin Family crest, having landed only briefly, ascended back into the capital’s designated flight paths.

However, the seat where Philo had been sitting was now empty. Staring absently at the passing cityscape, the green-haired female insect seemed distantly pensive.

Then—

"Perhaps telling His Highness Philo the truth wouldn’t be so bad."

An old female insect, slightly hunched, spoke up.

With similarly green hair now mostly grayed, the old female insect had materialized from the rear cabin.

Watching the younger female insect’s faraway look, the elder offered his counsel softly.

But—

"Uncle Sean."

"What do you think of Philo’s personality?"

His Highness Philo’s personality?

This question... The streaked green hair lowered slightly as Sean Geshaluolin, the house steward of the Geshaluolin mansion, chuckled and gave his answer.

"His Highness Philo grew up outside the insect race’s education system, so he has little regard for its caste doctrines. Because of this, his nature leans toward gentleness—marked by forbearance, regard, and compassion."

Forbearance, regard, and compassion.

Among male insects these days, possessing even one of these traits was rare.

Yet precisely because of this, even Sean Geshaluolin—a female insect notorious for his guile—found himself suggesting that Li Wei might consider dealing more frankly with His Highness.

Because...

"Even if His Highness Philo learns the truth, I doubt he would blame you."

Every conversation between the two male insect highnesses in the holding facility had been overheard by the capital’s power players.

After all, the holding facility’s management consisted of insects appointed or planted by major families, making information-gathering effortless.

Though Sean had long been familiar with the Torras family’s young lord, even he was struck by Philo’s exchange with Bernice.

Most male insects sought only to break, claim, abuse, or toy with female insects...

But who would have thought there’d be a male insect who would... show them forbearance?

Yes, a male insect who could excuse a female insect’s mistakes.

One who even took their burdens to heart and understood their hardships.

Such a male insect...

"That’s exactly why I can’t tell him."

Turning his head, the young female insect’s pupils curved slightly, his faint smile seeming as if it might vanish like morning dew.

But what did that mean?

Frowning, the old female insect for once couldn’t decipher his protégé’s meaning.

However, this time the Young Female Insect didn't explain further either. She just chuckled softly and turned her gaze out the window again.

Yes, Philo was good—better than she had imagined, better than she had thought.

But precisely because of that, she couldn't bear to let him go.

The Old Female Insect's earlier description of Philo wasn't wrong. Most insects' impressions of Philo were roughly the same.

He was a rare prince whose temperament and character were highly attractive to female insects.

He had an attitude of respect and tolerance toward most beings in this society.

But the world has always been fair—such rare tolerance comes at a cost.

Simply put, other male insects might not easily tolerate female insects, but they might tolerate a flower that doesn’t bloom so beautifully or respect a tree that is naturally stunted.

Because they never regarded a flower or a tree as something critically important and indispensable to them.

Just like Philo—for a male insect like him, who had grown up separated from the insect race, what exactly did the insect race mean to him...

Her gaze fell into the distance, her green pupils luminous and vibrant.

The Young Female Insect didn’t know the answer to that question yet.

But while finding the answer might be difficult, winning someone over was sometimes far easier than understanding one.

She would spend a long time trying to understand him—but first, she had to catch him.

The aircraft soon departed from the capital planet's flight path.

Philo also quickly returned to his own room.

Though Yi Jia Fa and Zhousha hadn’t gone to pick him up, they had specially prepared a welcome dinner for him. Of course, Yi Jia Fa didn’t forget to make a show of the apology and gratitude gifts sent by the Geshaluolin Family to Philo.

Admittedly, after seeing what the Geshaluolin Family had sent this time, Philo wasn’t surprised that Yi Jia Fa had, for once, held back from scolding Li Wei in front of him.

However—

After logging into the star net and returning to his bedroom, Philo turned on his unused communicator and quickly researched information about the Geshaluolin Family.

It didn’t take him long to find an explanation for the main conflict between Bernice and Li Wei.

So that’s how it was...

Leaning against the headboard, Philo frowned at the content displayed on the holographic screen before him.

From Bernice’s perspective, since the insect race had such laws, his actions weren’t wrong as long as they didn’t violate them. Similarly, from Li Wei’s perspective, if the Geshaluolin Family’s industry were truly divided among other insects...

Turning off the holographic screen, Philo closed his eyes and didn’t read further.

In the end, this wasn’t a relatively equal world.

The entrenched conflicts brought about by class were just one manifestation of it.

He couldn’t use his own principles to make judgments—and likewise, he had no right to intervene.

As for Li Wei...

Recalling what the female insect had said before he left, Philo’s frown deepened.

Li Wei probably hadn’t been involved in this incident. The question was, aside from Bernice, which other insects were trying to cause trouble for him?

What was even more troublesome was that although he had torn up and burned the photos from the banquet, and even stated they were fake, salacious gossip was always the hardest to dispel. Li Wei would likely still take heat over this.

And to make matters worse, part of the reason this rumor had blown up was because of him...

Rubbing his temples, Philo switched to the capital planet’s local network on the star net.

Even though he had mentally prepared himself, he couldn’t help but punch the bed frame when he saw the comments all over the net.

"Tsk tsk, Philo must have seen those photos by now. Li Wei is such a damn snake—trying to seduce Philo is one thing, but resorting to dirty tricks? Disgusting."

"I bet Li Wei has already been seen by someone, maybe even by his own family... heh-heh-heh."

"Shh, that’s too blunt. Be careful or you’ll get caught. Better change Li Wei to WL just in case."

"What’s there to fear? The law doesn’t punish the masses. There are so many insects talking about this—how could they sue everyone? Besides, if it’s fake, they’d have the guts to make trouble. But if we’re right..."

"Come on, how can you all laugh about this? I’m heartbroken. I just hope Philo doesn’t fall for that guy’s photos."

"Zzzt—"

The abrupt sound of the holographic screen being forcibly disconnected rang out. Clenching his fist, the SilverHaired Male Insect closed his eyes, couldn't bear to look at the comments that were, admittedly, expected.

But uncontrollably, the SilverHaired Male Insect was still worked up.

Regret, indignation, pity, frustration, sympathy...

Truth be told, Li Wei’s situation had managed to divert some of the SilverHaired Male Insect’s attention—previously completely fixated on a certain obsession—toward him.

Like a traveler chasing freedom, though his steps never ceased, at this moment, he had paused.

Just one step.

But still, a step.

Throwing down the communicator, the SilverHaired Male Insect truly had no intention of continuing to scroll online.

Perhaps wanting to change his mood, or perhaps because he happened to notice the gift box placed opposite his bed, Philo finally remembered the many presents he had received after the banquet—most of which he hadn’t opened yet. He hadn’t even looked at the gift Li Wei had given him today.

Standing up, the SilverHaired Male Insect clearly preferred to do something else rather than scroll online.

However—

Unlike the large number of gift boxes he had received at the last banquet, this time there were noticeably fewer. But though the quantity had decreased, the insects who had sent them seemed to have put more thought into them—at least, the packaging no longer overwhelmingly bore jewelry logos.

Picking up the gift box Li Wei had given him earlier, Philo walked into the room where all the banquet gifts were stored. Sitting on the floor, the SilverHaired Male Insect began tearing into them again.

Naturally, instinctively, he started with Li Wei’s gift from today.

And then—

"A game guide?"

Holding the booklet in his hand, Philo never would've guessed Li Wei’s thank-you gift would be this.

But... well, he could actually use it.

Smirking, the SilverHaired Male Insect thumbed through the booklet with a smile. Truth be told, though the green-haired female insect’s gift didn’t cost much, the SilverHaired Male Insect’s expression was noticeably brighter than when he had seen other pricey gifts.

But perhaps intrigued by how amusing this gift was, the male zerg couldn't help but grow curious about the contents of the other manual the female zerg had given him.

Last time, due to the photos falling out, he hadn’t had the chance to see what that manual actually recorded.

Thinking of this, Philo quickly located the troublesome manual from the banquet by following the Attendant’s label.

Unlike paper books on Earth, the various manuals of the zerg race, though made of similar materials, were far superior in texture, durability, and even gravity resistance.

Thus, even though Bernice had handled the manual rather roughly that day, there were no creases or pressure marks on the cover of this antique manual.

However—

"Ancient Self-Care Manual?"

Flipping open the cover, Philo was surprised to see the first page filled with handwritten galactic common script by the female zerg—this turned out to be a handmade guide personally compiled by Li Wei.

Not in a hurry to read further, he instinctively closed the manual and gauged its thickness, letting out a helpless chuckle.

A self-compiled manual—something like this must be quite precious to Li Wei.

This guy… really went overboard.

Well, he might as well skim through what was compiled inside. If it contained valuable historical records of the zerg race, he should probably find a way to return it to Li Wei. After all, compared to an outsider like him, such precious things were better kept by the zerg race.

Opening the cover again, the male zerg skimmed through the contents casually while entertaining these thoughts.

Admittedly, even when compiling a manual, a Tech zerg’s work was way more organized and logical than that of an average zerg.

Even with just a cursory glance—despite not understanding the significance of some historical records about unknown organisms from other planets—Philo couldn’t help but admire the patience and effort the female zerg had put into this guide.

Typical Tech zerg—even their hobbies were niche.

Philo paged through the first part more slowly, but as he progressed, his pace quickened. Though the manual was thick, he was nearing the end in no time.

But then—

"Rustle—"

The sound of a page being turned, then abruptly flipped back.

The male zerg’s fingers, which had been unconsciously tapping the cover, froze mid-motion. His purple eyes constricted bit by bit until his entire gaze seemed fixated on a single spot—one specific point.

The blood drained from his fingers.

His limbs stiffened gradually, then gave way to shaking.

Finally—

His lips moved soundlessly.

The male zerg seemed to want to say something, or perhaps do something, but—

His gaze remained locked, his words trapped, as if instantly frozen stiff. For a long moment, Philo didn’t dare move a muscle, his eyes burning dry and red uncontrollably from the dry air.

Finally…

*"It exists."*

*"It… really exists."*