Chapter 110: I Love You the Most

Chapter 110: You’re My Favorite

"I don't need it. Just take care of yourself."

Song Yuqing gently pushed Ye Siling away, once again widening the distance between them. "That's enough. Go attend to your own matters. I'll come back tomorrow."

As he reached the doorway, Song Yuqing seemed to remember something. He turned slightly, glancing back at Ye Siling, his eyes glistening faintly.

Ye Siling’s gaze had never left Song Yuqing. When Song Yuqing suddenly turned to look at him, Ye Siling’s heart skipped a beat.

"The information displayed is for others to see. Please memorize all the materials and data."

"Instead of trying to trick me, you’d better focus on proving yourself."

"What do you think?" The young man’s voice was calm, his eyelashes lifting gently as he looked at him. The light fell on his pale, delicate eye corners, making him appear even more fragile and vulnerable.

Ye Siling: "..."

Of course, he thought Song Yuqing needed an alpha by his side at all times.

Forget it—he’d just move into the unit below Song Yuqing’s.

That way, he could watch over him anytime.

As soon as Song Yuqing left, Ye Siling shredded the draft papers Song Yuqing had just worked on.

Song Yuqing was right—this information, these details, needed to be memorized.

He couldn’t afford to end up like that pervert Zong He, who fell into trouble because he couldn’t bring himself to dispose of Song Yuqing’s notes or photos.

In reality, Zong He hadn’t obtained any useful information from Song Yuqing, but Ye Siling could understand the warped mentality—Zong He wanted to preserve even Song Yuqing’s useless drafts.

As a result, when things came to light, Zong He had no room for defense. Even admitting he was a pervert couldn’t change the outcome.

He certainly couldn’t let Song Yuqing’s drafts fall into someone else’s hands and cause trouble for him just because he wanted to hold onto them.

***

Meanwhile, in Serilan State.

A certain intelligence agency’s monitors and walls were covered with various pieces of information about Song Yuqing.

Photos, various experiences, all the rumors about him, and the fields he excelled in.

Ever since Song Yuqing became a council member of Neo-State, he had appeared on their intelligence agency’s watchlist.

According to their observations, in the half-year since Song Yuqing became a council member, his political accomplishments had been minimal, and he didn’t seem particularly enthusiastic about power.

But if he wasn’t interested in power, why would he want to enter the council?

The forces around Song Yuqing were complex and intricate. Combined with the technology he controlled, if Song Yuqing’s technology were applied to military use, their plans to invade Neo-State would likely backfire.

He was almost largely considered by Serilan State’s intelligence organizations as the beta most likely to alter the balance between Neo-State and Serilan State.

Moreover, they had also investigated that Hubbard’s last appearance before disappearing was near Song Yuqing.

Hubbard’s disappearance had left them in a passive position, and their tech development had stalled as a result.

Even Xiao Lin, who had been cooperating with them, had vanished. They had contacted the new head of the Xiao family, but that kid Xiao Jinshi wasn’t easy to fool. In short, Song Yuqing forced them to stay wary.

Hurst was brainstorming, pondering the next steps for Serilan State.

New decrypted information reached Hurst:

—Song Yuqing's experiment is concluding; he is hard to handle. Assassination is recommended.

The people in Neo-State have been throwing obstacles at Song Yuqing both openly and covertly. While minor obstacles were easily resolved by Song Yuqing, larger ones are being addressed through pressure, handling, and intimidation.

Yet, despite these hindrances, they have been unable to curb Song Yuqing's progress.

In their eyes, Song Yuqing is like a phoenix undergoing rebirth. Once he gains control of Neo-State, they will face significant challenges.

Hurst sent a reply, suggesting an attempt to turn Song Yuqing to their side.

Losing such a person so easily would be a pity. If Song Yuqing could fill the gap left by Hubbard, he would be the greatest asset to Serilan State.

If Hubbard could be utilized by them, why not Song Yuqing? Now, while Song Yuqing is surrounded by enemies, is the time to extend an olive branch.

They should create more trouble for Song Yuqing.

If turning him proves impossible, they must kill Song Yuqing before he fully rises to power.

Song Yuqing received a package from Western Continent.

The packaging was secure, showing no signs of prior tampering. Inside was a movie film reel.

Movies are no longer shot on film, and modern formats have replaced reels, but some collectors still treasure such items.

Coincidentally, Song Yuqing had a projector at home, also sent from Western Continent some time ago.

Song Yuqing loaded the film, brought Coal Lump over, and watched the first ten minutes together.

During those ten minutes, the film had some audio static, and Song Yuqing took notes while watching.

After finishing his notes, he destroyed the note.

The movie ran for two hours. While it played, Song Yuqing handled his work. By the time he finished, the film had also ended. He fed Coal Lump once more before heading to bed.

The next day, Song Yuqing went to work as usual.

However, he asked someone to help him find old movie reels. Zheng Kaiji, somehow catching wind of this, delivered several film reels to Song Yuqing in the evening.

"I never expected Mr. Song to share the same hobby as me. I thought I was just a lonely collector."

Song Yuqing didn’t stand on ceremony, though his expression remained neutral. He simply replied, "I'm a boring person too."

Zheng Kaiji glanced around Song Yuqing's home, noting its stiff and lifeless furnishings.

Except for a kitten, no bigger than a slipper, playing with a yarn ball on the floor, everything felt cold and impersonal.

Zheng Kaiji smiled. "It seems Mr. Qi isn't spending enough time with you."

"He finds me boring too, so he suggested I get a cat. But the cat is enough company for me." Song Yuqing offered a brief explanation before falling silent.

Zheng Kaiji, however, speculated based on Song Yuqing's words, wondering if Song Yuqing was trying to learn how to live because of Qi Zhengqing.

On the surface, Song Yuqing seemed indifferent to Qi Zhengqing, but perhaps he cared somewhat—after all, Qi Zhengqing was his Alpha.

"Care to watch together?" Song Yuqing selected a reel and loaded it into the projector.

Zheng Kaiji: "I came today to discuss the matter of the parliament. I actually support your effort to whip the parliament into shape—the power within the parliament is too fragmented."

"Someone needs to consolidate the authority; it would be beneficial for Neo-State as well."

The background noise of the movie echoed in the apartment. Song Yuqing replied, "I understand. I will take action."

"But now is not the right time. I’ve got too much on my plate right now."

Zheng Kaiji was momentarily unsure whether Song Yuqing was deliberately stalling or implying something.

If Song Yuqing knew what Zheng Kaiji was thinking, he would simply say he was being honest.

It’s just that those involved in politics tend to overcomplicate things in their minds.

Unable to decipher Song Yuqing’s true intentions, Zheng Kaiji decided to be straightforward: "If you need my help, I can assist you. But after the power consolidation, I’d like a share of the benefits."

"My capabilities are limited, so I want to back the right horse to maximize my gains."

After listening, Song Yuqing nodded again. "I understand. I’ll let you know if I need you."

Zheng Kaiji: "Song…"

Before he could finish, Song Yuqing looked at him and said, "Be quiet. I want to watch the movie."

Zheng Kaiji did not stay to watch the movie with Song Yuqing and left the apartment.

As soon as Zheng Kaiji left, Song Yuqing picked up Coalball to feed her. The sound of the movie once again faded into the background.

The next day after work, Song Yuqing found Qi Zhengqing at home.

The setting sun streamed through the floor-to-ceiling window, casting a glow on the alpha’s tall, upright figure. His back was turned, he seemed quiet, and there was a hint of barely noticeable fatigue.

Song Yuqing asked, "Why are you here?"

Qi Zhengqing’s gaze fixed directly on Song Yuqing. "You’ve been ignoring me for a long time."

"If I didn’t come to find you, probably everyone would know I’ve lost your favor."

Qi Zhengqing walked closer. "It seems you’re unaware of what people are saying about me—that I’m ungrateful."

Song Yuqing, curious, asked, "What are they saying?"

Qi Zhengqing stopped just a step away from Song Yuqing, looking down slightly as he recounted the rumors he’d heard. "They say that once I got what I wanted, I didn’t cherish it—that I even find you boring."

Song Yuqing seemed to have an idea where the rumors originated, likely from Zheng Kaiji’s visit and their conversation the day before.

Then he heard the alpha’s deep voice again.

"They also say I don’t know how to serve someone, that I don’t even know how to please my wife right."

Song Yuqing: "…"

"If I don’t know how, will you teach your alpha?" Qi Zhengqing grasped Song Yuqing’s slightly cool wrist, the warmth from his palm transferring through the skin.

The alpha looked down at Song Yuqing, firmly guiding his slim, pale hand to his own perfectly knotted tie.

Song Yuqing didn’t resist. With a gentle tug, he lifted his fair chin slightly and asked, "Then where are you wrong?"

Both of them knew their conflict wasn’t about whether Song Yuqing was boring or whether Qi Zhengqing knew how to please.

Qi Zhengqing didn’t think Song Yuqing was boring. If Song Yuqing were truly dull, then there would be no truly interesting person in this world.

He simply wished for Song Yuqing to love this world more. For someone as elusive and hard to pin down as Song Yuqing, he wondered what could keep him anchored in this world for the long term.

After gaining power and achieving his goals, Qi Zhengqing doubted Song Yuqing would feel much attachment to the world.

Song Yuqing didn’t love him that much, nor did he care deeply for other alphas, let alone the world itself.

Song Yuqing wasn’t concerned about whether Qi Zhengqing knew how to please him; he simply wanted Qi Zhengqing to be more honest.

If he wanted something, he should say it outright. There was no need to pretend to be magnanimous or repeatedly test him.

"I’m driven mad with jealousy whenever I think of you kissing other alphas, letting them do the most intimate things with you."

"So jealous that I want to lock you away, to make you belong only to me."

"To make sure no one else can see you or find you."

The alpha’s tone remained calm, as if he were rationally discussing business, despite the intensely possessive words.

"I only want to be the one kissing you like this." Qi Zhengqing’s gaze darkened, his eyes filled with overwhelming possessiveness as he leaned in to kiss Song Yuqing’s lips, adding a personal touch as he demonstrated.

"Hmm, you’re quite jealous," Song Yuqing remarked, his voice slightly muffled and with a well-kissed breathlessness.

"Then why don’t you lock me up?"

Qi Zhengqing: "To put it nicely, you’re an independent individual. You’re free."

Song Yuqing tilted his head slightly, feeling the alpha’s subtle movements against his neck. Breathing the same air, sharing the same warmth, Song Yuqing let out a soft sound. "And in reality?"

"In reality, I don’t have much time left. I think it’s good if someone stays with you after I’m gone. Sometimes, I even feel it’s fine if they’re by your side."

A lonely cat should have many dogs around.

Song Yuqing: "Are you afraid I’ll be sad if you die?"

Putting some distance between them again, the alpha stared intently at Song Yuqing. "Will you?"

Song Yuqing gazed back, as if scrutinizing or observing him. Each passing second felt like torture to Qi Zhengqing.

Song Yuqing parted his lips slightly and uttered, "No."

"I won’t be sad."

"I won’t let you die."

Qi Zhengqing brushed his tall nose against Song Yuqing’s. "Mm, I believe you’ll succeed."

An answer he hadn’t considered.

With a bit of bad luck, he might only have five years left. He believed Song Yuqing would succeed but wasn’t sure if it would happen within five years.

He had to get ready to say goodbye for good to Song Yuqing.

Qi Zhengqing stared at Song Yuqing. "I’m afraid of roping you into too much love and hate, yet I feel I should draw you into deeper love and hate."

"I’m becoming more and more selfish."

At first, I only wanted a little, but after having a little, I wanted even more.

"And you are quite selfish, but everyone is selfish."

Song Yuqing: "Next time, there's no need to pretend to be generous. You can ask me not to see them, ask me to care about you more, to love you a bit more."

Qi Zhengqing brought up something else, "If I ask you, will you really not go? If I ask you to like me more, will you actually like me more?"

Song Yuqing: "No, I wouldn’t."

Qi Zhengqing pulled Song Yuqing closer, both amused and exasperated by his words, "Hmm?"

"So confident?"

"You making demands, expressing yourself, asking for love—that's your own business. How I respond is my problem."

"Is that a problem?"

The sun had completely set, casting the apartment into deeper shadow. Only the alpha could still clearly see the cool, delicate arc of the young man's trembling eyelashes.

This was just the kind of person Song Yuqing was—exceptionally good at setting boundaries.

He would respond to others' demands and requests for love only when he was willing to. Similarly, he disliked excessive interference in his own affairs.

It even made it hard to know how to make him stay.

Qi Zhengqing: "No issue. My request is for you to live well, to love yourself, love Coalball, love the moon setting in the west, and love the sun rising in the east."

"To feel a little more connected to this world."

Song Yuqing's eyelashes trembled slightly as he stared fixedly at the alpha, whose features were obscured by the dark.

Sometimes, Song Yuqing had to admit that Qi Zhengqing understood him well—even sensing the loneliness of his life and the length of his existence before he himself did.

He had never thought about what he should do after achieving what he wanted.

Because he didn’t know what else he could do.

He had only that one goal: to reach the highest point of power.

If Xiao Jinshi’s pathological pursuit of emotion made his life as vividly striking as a red rose,

then the essence of Song Yuqing’s life was a barren, desolate wasteland—vast, empty, and hollow.

Qi Zhengqing was trying to cut him off; he could sense it.

"I love you the most. Can you like me a little, too? Just a little more than you like them?"

Song Yuqing’s fingers brushed against the alpha’s brow, and the alpha grasped his hand.

Song Yuqing let him hold it, his fingertips resting on Qi Zhengqing’s brow, feeling the hard outline of the bone beneath the skin and the other’s instantly quickened heartbeat and warm skin at his touch.

Song Yuqing’s eyelashes trembled again, like the faint flutter of butterfly wings in a cold wind, and he explained, "I’m raising Coalball, and I’ve also started growing some bean sprouts."

He was trying to live well. After Qi Zhengqing’s reminder, he was trying to create a home for his future self.

"Hmm." Qi Zhengqing lowered his head, held Song Yuqing’s hand, and kissed it, his deep voice tinged with affection. "That’s very good of you."

Song Yuqing tilted his head in confusion: "?"

Me? Well-behaved?

"Then do you like Pei Huai more, or do you like me more?" Qi Zhengqing’s gaze was intense and demanding as he stared at Song Yuqing, waiting for an answer.

Author's Note:

Da Qi: Be brave and speak your mind.

Song Qingqing: I didn’t ask you to give me multiple-choice questions. Is this really expressing yourself? The kitty’s doubtful.