Chapter 50

Chapter 50

Xiao Xiao paused, then quickly said, "I'll leave a clone there for them. I can go if needed."

For data-based lifeforms like them, leaving a clone marker was standard practice. Without such powerful capabilities, the Mainframe couldn't possibly coordinate so many areas.

"Mm."

The Mainframe calmly cleared its database, freeing up more space. "You should go now."

-

Xie Hantang was in the kitchen with Jiang Shixu, making hangover soup.

But he truly wasn't much help. Jiang Shixu kept urging him to rest, claiming that as his boyfriend, he had to obey.

"If you... really want something to do," Jiang Shixu said, ladling soup into a bowl, "drink this first."

"Okay," Xie Hantang complied without question, downing it in one go. A warmth spread through his heart. He watched the pretty youth pout with hands on hips, then quickly washed the bowl and meticulously tidied up the entire table of dishes. This time, Jiang Shixu didn't stop him.

After everything was done, perhaps because it was their first time, the two felt a bit awkward and fell silent. Jiang Shixu glanced around unintentionally and spotted Ji Wu hiding in a corner—

Acting on impulse, Jiang Shixu quickly grabbed Xie Hantang's hand. "Let's... go to your room!"

No matter what, they just couldn't stay out here!

Xie Hantang replied with a smile, "Okay."

Perhaps because their relationship was now official, he felt that even if myriad challenges lay ahead, nothing could affect him.

The room wasn't large, and the soft bed could barely fit two people. Jiang Shixu sat somewhat unceremoniously on the edge of the bed, watching as Xie Hantang arranged a pile of plush toys. After a moment, he belatedly realized, "Didn't you... give all your plush toys to me?"

Back in the chaotic star system, hadn't he stored all those bed-fulls of plush toys in his space button?

"...I bought new ones while shopping," Xie Hantang glanced at the pretty youth and gently reached out to ruffle his hair.

The other didn't refuse, closing his eyes like a dozing cat, looking lazy and content. When Xie Hantang withdrew his hand, he suddenly seemed to jolt awake, scanning the neatly arranged bed.

Jiang Shixu looked at the tall, long-legged, imposing dream Alpha beside him and still found it a bit unreal. After a moment's thought, he propped his chin and asked curiously, "You made the bed so nicely—are you expecting me to sleep here tonight?"

After all, the wooden house had many rooms.

Xie Hantang fell into a brief, hesitant silence. "I'll sleep on the floor."

Jiang Shixu didn't say anything, a playful smile on his lips. "Really?"

This time, Xie Hantang changed the subject. He glanced at the Holographic Pod in the room and asked, "Do you want to access the StarNet tonight? I have a VIP card for Senfeng. We can check out the auction, and if there's anything you need, you can buy it."

"Sure!"

Jiang Shixu had been wondering what to do. He actually wanted to look up some guides but didn't want to miss out on time with Xie Hantang. Now that the other had suggested it, it was perfect!

Xie Hantang chuckled lightly. He helped Jiang Shixu into the Holographic Pod first, then quickly entered another one, arriving in his personal space.

Perhaps because Jiang Shixu had linked something, the personal space expanded noticeably this time, as if two spaces had merged. It was filled with many cozy and cute decorations. Jiang Shixu sat on a fluffy sofa and waved, "Come here quickly!"

Xie Hantang walked briskly over.

"Senfeng..."

Jiang Shixu quickly entered the destination. When he opened his eyes again, the two were standing at the entrance of the Senfeng Auction House. The people around them were dressed in eccentric outfits, making him and Xie Hantang blend in more.

"How do you have a Senfeng card?"

Jiang Shixu thought of the large stack of various VIP cards at his home. While they were common for him, for Xie Hantang, it must have been earned through hard work and dedication!

Jiang Shixu glanced at Xie Hantang several times, his eyes sparkling with admiration. "It's really impressive to get their card!"

To emphasize his point, Jiang Shixu quickly explained, "Senfeng is prominent both online and offline. Their VIP cards aren't something you can just buy with money—they're a badge of honor..."

"Really?"

Xie Hantang hadn't looked into it much, but seeing the little omega so happy put his mind at ease.

He had always known he was still in a trial period.

Following the navigation, Xie Hantang quickly led Jiang Shixu to a private suite. A huge crystal chandelier shone dazzlingly. Jiang Shixu hurried to the sofa, picked up some virtual data fruit, and handed Xie Hantang a bunch of grapes.

Xie Hantang took the hint and fed him one by one. They had arrived just in time—after only a few grapes, the auction officially began.

"Welcome, everyone, to the Senfeng Auction. Please use the virtual panel in front of you to bid and learn about the items..."

The host's voice remained clear. Jiang Shixu soon moved the virtual panel in front of himself, snuggling in Xie Hantang's arms as he scrolled through the screen:

"The items are all really good! Which one do you want? I'll buy it for you!"

"Oh, the auction started early? Was it because the items changed?"

"Mm," Xie Hantang looked down at Jiang Shixu nestled in his arms, scrolling through the panel. His whole body stiffened, unsure what to do, and he could only foolishly murmur in agreement.

"Let me see..."

Jiang Shixu quickly scrolled to the last item, which was S-grade—

After all, Senfeng was the top auction house, so S-grade items were normal. What was unusual was that this was a Mecha Blueprint!

"Flutterby? This name suits you so well!"

Xie Hantang's distracted thoughts were quickly called back by this exclamation, and a sense of dread washed over him.

"Xie Hantang, did you know? My dad is an official mecha supplier for the Federation."

So he had been influenced by it. Moreover, the Mainframe had rated this as an S-grade blueprint, and the Jiang family needed it too.

Jiang Shixu's gaze lingered on the Mecha Blueprint. To protect the design's value, the core parts were blurred, but the basic outline was visible—a mecha that balanced strength and appearance.

His other father's research institute also needed such innovative designs...

Jiang Shixu grew more animated. He had originally intended to buy something for Xie Hantang, but now he had stumbled upon something that piqued his interest. He sat up straight. "After we secure this blueprint, I'll have my dad produce the first one for you!"

Jiang Shixu turned around with a beaming smile. "As an Alpha entering the Military Academy, how can you not have your own mecha!"

He would be the omega behind Xie Hantang.

Jiang Shixu imagined Xie Hantang piloting the mecha he bought, dominating the Joint Assessment while he watched the entire process. His heart raced with excitement, completely unaware of the young man beside him whose expression had suddenly grown tense.

Xie Hantang gazed absently at the grape stuck in his hand, took a deep breath, and said, "Xu Xu, can we not bid on this?"

"Why? I'm bidding... Don't worry about the money. My third brother just transferred me a substantial amount."

Jiang Shixu was enthusiastic. "How much should we bid later... S-grade items definitely aren't cheap. How about starting at thirty million credits? Probably not enough... I'll go borrow from my eldest brother for more."

Although his big brother was always very cold and imposing, he was always straightforward about sending money, decisive and efficient.

"Xu Xu, doesn't the name of this design's creator look familiar?"

Xie Hantang helplessly pointed to the author's name in the corner of the design's description.

The young man seemed to snap out of his thoughts, following the direction of his finger. "Oh... it says 'SavingUpforTheBigDay.'"

"That name is really strange... wait, why does it sound so familiar?"

Jiang Shixu froze for a moment, then looked up at the helpless young man beside him before glancing back at the virtual panel in front of him.

"Ah..."

"You designed this?"

Jiang Shixu belatedly realized something, remembering the first time Xie Hantang met his family in the living room, when his dad mentioned—

"SavingUpforTheBigDay."

Jiang Shixu quickly figured it out—he had almost bought back the very thing Xie Hantang was auctioning off...

Still, this explained how Xie Hantang had gotten the VIP black gold card for the Senfeng Auction House.

Jiang Shixu didn't know whether to laugh or cry. "Wow, you can even design mechas! By the way, which major did you apply for?"

Mecha design? Or mecha piloting?

Xie Hantang gently smoothed Jiang Shixu's platinum-blond hair and spoke unhurriedly, "Flutterby isn't the latest model of mecha."

As early as five years ago, he had already been piloting Flutterby.

The Imperial Research Academy had planned to upgrade the mecha upon his return, but he never went back.

Xie Hantang smiled. "I can design something better than Flutterby."

As if remembering something, he added, "If you like it, I'll design one for you too!"

But when his gaze fell on the mecha necklace around Jiang Shixu's neck, he knew this gift would likely be left unused, which was why he hadn't considered it sooner.

After all, how could one person pilot two mechas?

"I applied for the Command program. Don’t worry, I know what I’m doing," Xie Hantang didn’t want Jiang Shixu to worry about him, especially since they had just become boyfriends. He wanted to be seen as someone reliable and secure in his eyes.

"...But Flutterby is so beautiful. I don’t want to leave it for someone else. Keep wealth within the family," Jiang Shixu poked Xie Hantang’s chest. "Can I bid on it?"

Anyway, the Jiang family wasn’t short on money—this could be his way of supporting Xie Hantang!

Xie Hantang, who just wanted to save up for his dowry: ...

Xie Hantang got a headache. If things went this way, the money would feel awkward and impossible to save. But since Xu Xu’s wishes came first, he opened his light computer. "I’ll design another mecha blueprint and trade with Jin Hongfu."

He didn’t want Xu Xu to waste his money.

"Huh...?"

Jiang Shixu watched the decisive Xie Hantang and hesitated for a moment. "It’s not really necessary..."

"It’s fine, I already have an idea," Xie Hantang quickly started sketching. After all, this was his way of earning money, so he had been constantly thinking about designs. However, due to the significant technological gap between the Empire and the Federation, even a new design would inevitably differ from the Federation’s own mecha technology—

This was key to ensuring it remained a premium item.

This didn’t mean his designs were entirely copied from the Empire’s; it was just that most female soldiers who could pilot mechas could also repair and design them, relying mostly on experience.

In the Empire’s military system, support units were rare. Most soldiers preferred direct engagement or maintaining high mobility. Besides, resources had to be used wisely—most female soldiers favored hand-to-hand combat, so they handled their own repairs.