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    Chapter 59: The Greenhorn

    Qi Zhengqing’s voice was husky and rough. “I want to kiss you.”

    A direct and raw desire; even his gaze toward Song Yuqing was full of aggression.

    As if he wasn’t saying he wanted to kiss Song Yuqing, but rather that he wanted to strip Song Yuqing bare and consume him.

    Song Yuqing’s fingers moved downward, covering Qi Zhengqing’s mouth.

    His fingers were long and pale, resting on the Alpha’s face, barely able to cover the lower half, only just shielding his tall nose bridge and lips.

    The pale skin against the Alpha’s face made Song Yuqing’s fingers appear even more slender and pale.

    It accentuated the beauty of the one pinned by the Alpha—snowy skin, dark hair, beauty so sharp it felt untouchable.

    “What’s your problem?” Song Yuqing’s voice was lazy, carrying a casual magnetism. “No kissing.”

    But the Alpha caught Song Yuqing’s hand, which was covering his mouth, and kissed his fingertips. The Alpha’s hot breath made Song Yuqing instinctively want to pull his hand back.

    Qi Zhengqing grabbed Song Yuqing’s hand again, placing it on his own face. “Is wanting to kiss you a crime?”

    Not just him—any Alpha would want to kiss Song Yuqing, to leave their mark on him.

    To fully mark Song Yuqing, to make him theirs.

    “Do you know how to relax when you’re stressed?” Even as he lay on top of him, sharing the rhythm of their breaths, the Alpha still maintained a proper appearance.

    Song Yuqing looked puzzled, feeling that Qi Zhengqing was still a bit off today, but he didn’t press further. Instead, he continued the conversation Qi Zhengqing had started.

    “How to relax?”

    Amusement parks, games, or sleep? Song Yuqing wasn’t particularly interested in any of these, instinctively assuming that Qi Zhengqing’s way of comforting him would be similarly juvenile and dull.

    Qi Zhengqing reminded him, “The relaxation methods of adults.”

    “Drinking?” Song Yuqing wasn’t too pleased to hear this from Qi Zhengqing, feeling it was a jab at his inability to hold his liquor.

    “I don’t like it,” Song Yuqing said softly, his tone not displeased, but his expression and halted movements clearly showed dissatisfaction.

    Qi Zhengqing: “Sex.”

    Song Yuqing: “...?”

    “Orgasm triggers the release of endorphins and intimacy hormones, which can bring relaxation and pleasure.”

    “When there’s no way to resolve the source of stress, this method can be used to release tension.”

    It sounded very high-minded.

    Qi Zhengqing spoke like an uncle helping Song Yuqing unwind, explaining these matters with utmost seriousness, without a hint of embarrassment, as if discussing a billion-dollar deal with calm composure.

    Qi Zhengqing kissed Song Yuqing’s fingertips again. “But these are topics for adults, not suitable for someone like you who’s still practically a kid.”

    Song Yuqing insisted, “...I am an adult.”

    “I just wanted to tell you that if you ever have such needs, you should use protection. By telling you in advance, you might be less curious.”

    Song Yuqing: “...”

    Before this, he had never had such curiosity.

    Song Yuqing looked at Qi Zhengqing doubtfully. “Have you tried it?”

    Qi Zhengqing: “...”

    Qi Zhengqing fell silent.

    Song Yuqing suddenly laughed. “Mr. Qi, you haven’t even tried it yourself. Isn’t this all just empty talk?”

    Qi Zhengqing hadn’t expected Song Yuqing to turn the tables on him. He had thought that, given Song Yuqing’s personality, he might be unwilling or curious—a rebellious kitten who wouldn’t shy away from the topic like before.

    At the very least, he hoped to plant a seed in Song Yuqing’s mind, so that the next time he felt stressed from experiments, he might seek his help.

    He hadn’t expected Song Yuqing to ask him directly.

    “I haven’t tried it, but I’ve read related materials.” Even when exposed, Qi Zhengqing wasn’t annoyed, instead using Song Yuqing’s favorite data to win him over.

    Song Yuqing: “Oh.”

    Damn amateur.

    Even though he hadn’t done it either, it didn’t stop him from thinking Qi Zhengqing was a rookie.

    “So, do two men feel good together too?” Song Yuqing had always been curious.

    Qi Zhengqing also discussed it seriously with him. “If both parties are willing, without offense or coercion, just drawing close to each other, the emotional bond that forms can enhance security, ease loneliness, and thus alleviate mental pressure.”

    “This should be considered the first layer—spiritual pleasure.”

    Song Yuqing continued, “What about the rest?”

    “The rest is physical sensation and pleasure.”

    “Rubbing, impact, layered with the first layer of spiritual pleasure.”

    “And probably also a post-workout calm.”

    “Hmm.” Song Yuqing’s fingers absentmindedly fiddled with Qi Zhengqing’s tie, like a cat with a toy, focused and full of interest, his gaze entirely locked on Qi Zhengqing’s tie.

    “After explaining all this, are you still afraid?” Qi Zhengqing looked at Song Yuqing, speaking to him seriously.

    Song Yuqing: “I was never afraid.”

    If he wasn’t willing, he would handle it himself. No one could truly make him feel afraid.

    And even if something did happen, would he take it personally? He preferred handling it directly with anyone who dared to do such things to him.

    Noticing the line of Qi Zhengqing’s throat, Song Yuqing reached out and tapped it.

    “Is Mr. Qi afraid I’ll avoid food after choking, so you’re telling me this is enjoyable? Or...”

    Qi Zhengqing instinctively lifted his head, anticipating Song Yuqing’s touch. The cold fingertips rubbed against his skin, sending a shiver straight to his heart.

    Song Yuqing’s tone was detached as he met Qi Zhengqing’s gaze, his amber eyes looking at the Alpha calmly and seriously. “Do you want to sleep with me?”

    A cold tone, completely detached, yet weirdly enticing.

    "Both," Qi Zhengqing sincerely expressed his thoughts.

    "I don't avoid eating for fear of choking, but what if I don't choose you?" Song Yuqing posed another question that challenged Qi Zhengqing's bottom line.

    Qi Zhengqing's eyes darkened, "I can prepare things for you."

    Song Yuqing: "..."

    88: "...Qingqing, he's utterly devoted to you. Even if you go out to hook up with someone else, he'd still prepare condoms for you."

    Song Yuqing: "..."

    Even Song Yuqing couldn't help but cough lightly and remark, "He’s certainly more magnanimous than Pei Huai."

    Qi Zhengqing laid his cards on the table with Song Yuqing, "Our relationship doesn’t have much foundation, so it’s natural if you don’t like me. A marriage certificate won’t bind you."

    "Before developing feelings for me, you can interact with other alphas. I’m on equal footing with them—just one of the alphas pursuing you."

    "However, I have a decent judge of character when it comes to alphas. If you find someone you like, you can ask for my opinion."

    Song Yuqing: "..."

    Song Yuqing fell silent again. In the quiet, confined space, only their breathing could be heard—one light and soft, the other heavy and rough. Song Yuqing’s long, thick eyelashes lowered slightly. "Alright then."

    Once again, Song Yuqing was stunned by Qi Zhengqing’s generosity.

    "But my bottom line is this: once you truly decide to be with me, you can’t be with other alphas."

    Qi Zhengqing also made his boundaries clear. He wasn’t an alpha without possessiveness; he hoped Song Yuqing would belong only to him, at least while Song Yuqing favored him.

    88: "Qingqing, I’ve thought it over carefully—Qi Zhengqing is a cunning bastard with way too many tricks up his sleeve."

    "He says he’ll prepare things for you and help you evaluate which alphas are suitable, right?"

    Song Yuqing listened attentively to 88’s analysis. "Mm."

    "That means he can keep tabs on your movements and interrupt your relationships."

    "Even someone like me, who came from a place like Haitang, knows this: words are one thing, actions another. People say they won’t interfere, but they usually end up cutting in to sneak their way in or join in themselves."

    Song Yuqing: "..."

    88 continued analyzing for Song Yuqing, "With your qualities, one alpha is nowhere near enough. Alphas are all dogs—just keep them around for fun and tease. Choose whichever dog you want."

    "If you don’t want one, find a new dog."

    "I think a dog like Qi Zhengqing, who arranges 'serving' but intercepts halfway, could be fun to play with."

    "A high school jock like Pei Huai is also fun—he’s both submissive and skilled at—"

    "Xiao Jinshi clearly knows how to have a good time, offering different experiences…"

    Teasing until the little cat meows.

    "Ye Siling isn’t very competitive; he’s too rigid."

    Song Yuqing was caught off guard by 88’s rant and took a moment to recover. "Fa Fa, it’s no wonder you got swept away. You absolutely deserved it."

    "Enough, stop talking," Song Yuqing cut 88 off.

    88 was bursting with more to say, even having simulated scenarios, but forced to hold back, he could only ponder alone.

    Qi Ran isn’t entirely off the table either—stepmother literature, forbidden love. Calling him "daddy" outside the bedroom, and daddy calling out inside.

    Just as 88 was imagining a father-son sandwich scenario, his consciousness began to fade.

    "Qingqing, I think I’m about to be swept away…"

    88’s voice gradually faded, the last word almost completely muted.

    Song Yuqing: "..."

    If he’s swept away, so be it. After all, Fa Fa is useless except for his indecent thoughts—he’ll be released again after a while.

    "I’m going to sleep. Prepare another room for me," Song Yuqing demanded. "You’re pursuing me—there’s no reason for us to sleep together."

    Qi Zhengqing: "Mm."

    Qi Zhengqing added, "It’s already prepared for you, right next to our room. Rest well; I won’t disturb you tomorrow."

    The pressure of developing the robot had been weighing on Song Yuqing’s mind, and he hadn’t rested properly in a long time. Now, he needed undisturbed sleep.

    Qi Zhengqing watched Song Yuqing finish his nutrient drink before letting him go to sleep.

    Song Yuqing was somewhat displeased, glaring at Qi Zhengqing. "Qi Zhengqing, you’re too controlling—it’s not a good trait."

    Qi Zhengqing turned off the light. "Whether it’s a good trait or not, you still need to eat properly."

    "Goodnight."

    Qi Zhengqing left the room, closing the door behind him, and headed to the Fourth District while Song Yuqing rested.

    By the time Song Yuqing woke up again, it was already the next afternoon. He hadn’t brought his computer back, so he asked to borrow Qi Zhengqing’s.

    T-T: "Can I use your computer?"

    Qi Zhengqing: "Sure. No password, you can use it directly."

    The computer Qi Zhengqing kept in the room wasn’t for official business.

    In fact, most of the software installed was what Song Yuqing needed. Song Yuqing’s lab had a cloud platform set up, so he could run the first phase of simulations even without returning to the lab.

    As soon as Song Yuqing opened the computer, Qi Zhengqing’s unfinished research materials popped up.

    Along with a chat dialog with a psychologist.

    Song Yuqing closed each of these materials one by one. From these details, he could glimpse Qi Zhengqing’s meticulousness and seriousness in raising a child.

    From their first meeting, Qi Zhengqing had been testing him, trying to understand what kind of person he was. Even when catching him skipping school, Qi Zhengqing didn’t use harsh, unacceptable methods or blame him for wasting his time. Instead, he identified problems and solved them.

    Qi Zhengqing took his role as guardian seriously.

    But the more this was the case, the harder it was to explain Qi Zhengqing’s neglect of Qi Ran.

    Qi Zhengqing’s approach to Qi Ran seemed almost indifferent to whether Qi Ran lived or died.

    Song Yuqing recalled Qi Ran and Qi Zhengqing’s basic information in his mind. After going over it several times, something felt off.

    Qi Ran’s father and mother were unknown, but he was undoubtedly a child of the Qi family.

    Qi Ran being adopted by Qi Zhengqing also proves that Qi Ran wasn’t from some collateral branch of the family. Qi Zhengqing was only eighteen when he adopted Qi Ran. Logically speaking, no one would have assumed Qi Zhengqing had fertility problems at that age, leading them to place Qi Ran under his care.

    These details seem flawless on the surface, yet they’re filled with inconsistencies.

    He shows no affection toward Qi Ran whatsoever—in fact, his attitude borders on dislike. For someone like Qi Zhengqing, this kind of dislike likely carries a vein of resentment.

    Unless…

    Song Yuqing pondered briefly but didn’t delve further.

    If Qi Zhengqing ever wants to talk about it, he’ll bring it up himself one day. It’s just that the relationship between this father and son has no possibility of being salvaged or repaired.

    Does Qi Ran know?

    Half a month passed quickly. After the final round of debugging, the group set off for Srilanka Continent.

    Xinzhou has three competition slots, Srilanka Continent has eight, Westland Continent has five, and St. Miller Continent also has three.

    The allocation of slots is based on the previous intercontinental competition results—this contest carries significant weight.

    However, Xinzhou’s development focus hasn’t been on military mechanization, so it has always been at a disadvantage in this competition. Srilanka Continent, on the other hand, has long held dominant sway in this event, with most of the judges also coming from there.

    St. Miller Continent is the most marginalized among the four major continents, resource-poor but mysterious.

    Professor Lin, the team leader, was still enthusiastically explaining Xinzhou’s awkward position—not exactly weak, but consistently embarrassing in this competition, to the point of being grouped with underdeveloped continents like St. Miller.

    Qi Zhengqing sent a message.

    Qi Zhengqing: "Come back with an award."

    T-T: "Yeah."

    Just before boarding the plane, Song Yuqing sent one last message back to Qi Zhengqing.

    The other two teams: one was also from a school in the First District, high school students, but from a public high school—not a specialized institution—abbreviated as First High.

    The other team was a research and development team from Xinzhou, relatively older and much quieter, spending most of their time resting with their eyes closed. In contrast, the students from First High were far more lively.

    "Wasn’t Viktor absent the past few years? What’s he doing going this time?"

    "The team captain is Ye Siling?"

    "Who else could it be but Ye Siling? Viktor’s strength is pheromone research, right? I’d believe they could achieve something in that, but combat bots? As if."

    "With Viktor participating this time, next time, Xinzhou might not be stuck with just two slots."

    Song Yuqing appeared before everyone in a black down jacket, and the previously chattering high school team suddenly fell silent.

    An alpha nudged his companion hard. "Look, a total babe."

    The young man’s black down jacket made his snow-white skin stand out even more. The stark contrast between black and white made him resemble an ink wash painting.

    People couldn’t help but admire him cautiously, afraid that such a cold, snow-like beauty might vanish like snow under scrutiny.

    The team leader checked his information and returned his documents to him.

    Song Yuqing went to find his seat. Following behind him were Ye Siling, Xiao Jinshi, and Qi Ran.

    "Why is Xiao Jinshi here too? What does he know about robots?"

    "This psycho is better at causing destruction."

    "Shut up. It’s a good thing Pei Huai didn’t come—he’s another psycho."

    "Is Viktor just planning a one-and-done trip? Is Ye Siling the only capable one?"

    "Bringing such a beauty along—maybe they’re just accompanying him for fun. Tsk, the way these privileged guys chase after people is so peculiar, even taking them to intercontinental competitions for a casual outing."

    "Who knows? Maybe they’ll be kissing in the back while the competition is going on upfront."

    Clearly, no one thought Song Yuqing had any real skill. They resumed speculating about his looks, reducing him to nothing more than eye candy.

    The Pei Huai everyone was talking about had long been sitting in the farthest corner, his long legs all cooped up in the cramped space. The moment he saw Song Yuqing, even his last bit of straight posture slumped. He cursed the team leader for choosing coach.

    His wife I pamper, going out and still sitting in coach? That cheapass parliament might as well be stingy to death. Song Yuqing is fighting for honor for Xinzhou, and they can’t even spare this bit of money—no chartered flight, not even business class.

    Song Yuqing sat down in the seat in front of him. Pei Huai buried his head even lower, afraid Song Yuqing would notice him and tell him to get lost.

    "He’s sitting alone in the back. Ye Siling and Xiao Jinshi went upfront, who knows what they’re doing? Let’s go talk to him."

    The group acted immediately, walking up to Song Yuqing.

    "Are you alone? We’re all here for the competition—want to get acquainted?" An alpha rubbed the back of his head. From a distance, he hadn’t felt this nervous.

    But up close, when Song Yuqing’s cold gaze swept over him, his heart started pounding.

    Damn, he really is something.

    Then again, if he weren’t this good-looking, would Xiao Jinshi and Ye Siling accompany him to the competition?

    Take Xiao Jinshi alone—he’s not someone who cares about skill. He’s a pure face-appreciator, often insulting people for being ugly and saying it hurts his eyes.

    Seeing that Song Yuqing ignored them, the alpha grew impatient. "Say something. What, you look down on us?"

    Song Yuqing lifted his eyelids and glanced over. "Get lost."

    Ice-cold but gorgeous, even his insults carried a unique charm.

    The alpha, scolded again, couldn’t help but stare even more intently. "I won’t."

    "What can you do about it? What’s wrong with letting people look at you since you’re pretty?"

    Pei Huai had been holding back for a long time, his knuckles white. Finally, he couldn’t take it anymore. "Hell no, how dare you talk to my wife like that? You must have a death wish."

    Pei Huai kicked the guy who had been pestering Song Yuqing, sending him sprawling.

    Author's Note:

    Song Qingqing: "The creepy stalker who followed along isn’t hiding anymore?"

    Pei Huai, incredulous: "...You set me up?"

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