Chapter 47 Sicilian Cheese Roll

Chapter 47 Sicilian Cannoli

In the dead of night, a shift change was inevitable. The highly anxious Baby Seal twitched his non-existent sleek ears; perhaps it was psychological, but he felt the villains were closing in.

He cooed softly, urging them on.

The pups were naturally disobedient, so it was a stroke of luck that Rui Rui had managed to coax and trick them this far.

The five baby moles scurried around, squeaking. This species had naturally poor eyesight and was quite timid; even the height of the second floor felt like a bottomless abyss to them.

Their tiny paws hesitated at the edge, not one daring to jump.

"Mom, I want Mom..."

Little Dumpling, recently married, was taken aback, his face flushing with anxiety. He couldn't exactly tell the children, "I am your mom," could he?

After a few seconds of internal struggle, the plump Little Dumpling vigorously flapped his two front flippers and declared, "You'd never guess—"

"Actually, I'm a mer-seal!"

"Squeak!"

The five little heads quickly huddled together, peering down curiously, launching into a rapid discussion about the "true identity of the mysterious mermaid," buzzing with chatter.

It sounded like a hundred chattering voices all at once.

"The mermaids in fairy tales all have great figures, and their fish tails are incredibly agile..."

Baby Seal blinked, surprised that this tactic worked, and generously struck a few poses to show off. "Although it's not the time to flaunt my figure, the situation is urgent, so I have no choice but to reveal that I am indeed a mermaid."

His convincing disguise.

The children would surely feel secure.

"Don't worry, jump! I'll catch every single one of you—promise!" Leopard Claw gestured encouragingly.

From the younglings' perspective, all they could see was a blurry, round object swaying rhythmically.

His belly surged like rolling waves, and the occasional encouraging sounds he made were as endearing as his nature.

The children's world was small; they hadn't seen many people or experienced much.

Tonight, besides being kidnapped, they had also encountered the strange new species of mer-seal, and they were completely convinced, exclaiming in admiration.

One brave baby mole stepped forward: "I'm the oldest, I'll go first... I guess!"

"Gulp!"

His round, dark eyes, shiny like obsidian, widened suddenly, reflecting the figure growing larger as the first child jumped down!

Baby Seal quickly inflated his belly, stretching his arms open with all his strength.

The baby mole shut his eyes tightly, his heart racing. The moment he landed, it felt like falling into a warm sea, with cushiony waves buoying him. There was no panic or fear, only a strong sense of safety and happiness.

"Little one, are you okay?" Rui Rui asked nervously.

The baby mole scurried aside and waved up at the others: "I'm fine! I'm fine! His belly is like a waterbed, so soft!"

Hearing this, the remaining children rushed to jump down one after another.

Baby Seal was like playing a game of catching falling coins, quickly moving left and right until all five baby moles landed safely in a line.

Baby Seal let out a long sigh of relief: "Thank goodness for snacks, thank goodness for milk tea."

And also grateful for his human husband's cooking.

It hadn't been long since the kidnapping. The central city was vast, and these people couldn't possibly escape the capital city. Baby Seal quickly estimated an escape path—they could head toward somewhere with water.

The baby moles could burrow; either way, they could escape this factory first.

"Without exaggeration, I might be the swiftest seal in the world." Rui Rui squirmed eagerly, a hint of pride rising in his heart.

The five baby moles were carried on his back, holding onto each other in a chain to avoid being thrown off.

"Big brother, what's your name?"

"Ruifulodite." The Baby Seal's face was dirty, but he smiled like a beaming, cheerful cat, puffed out breathlessly as he replied, "It's just one letter off from the goddess who presides over love and beauty in the legends."

The baby moles quickly launched into a second round of discussion.

They had heard legends about the goddess Aphrodite—golden hair and blue eyes, with porcelain-like skin, the highest symbol of beauty.

Thinking back to the omega who had led them through the ventilation ducts earlier, he looked exactly like the legend, as though witnessing a miracle.

The pups clung affectionately to the seal's back.

Halfway through their escape, a tall figure gradually came into focus in Rui Rui's vision: "Huh?"

This person was wearing a military uniform, and from afar, he felt incredibly familiar. The federal military uniform was designed with a sleek aesthetic, unique in style and not something ordinary people could wear.

So, although full of doubts upon seeing the person, Rui Rui instinctively transformed back into his slender, graceful young omega form, scooping up the chatterboxes into his arms.

Hesitating for a moment, a glimmer of hope appeared on Rui Rui's face.

"Major...?"

The man slowly turned around. The cold moonlight and stark streetlights illuminated his face, a manic grin curling at the corners of his lips as if he had discovered a secret.

"Madam, where are you off to?" Wei Hanchi stepped closer, one step at a time. "Could it be that you mistook me for your husband?"

Rui Rui's face turned even whiter than a ghost: "You... how are you here...?"

"Could it be that you're the one colluding with the Hyena?" The omega couldn't believe it. "You're a member of the Federal Congress! The Wei family holds such a high status in the central city—is there anything you lack? Why would you...!"

To think that the one betraying his own kind, kidnapping young children from their territory and smuggling them overseas, was one of their own.

The thought of desperate citizens crying out for help, only to find that the very authority figures who should be fighting corruption and aiding the weak were the masterminds behind the crime—

This scene was utterly horrifying, enough to turn a seal's stomach!

"Is there anything I lack?" The beta's eyes flashed with cold hatred, his teeth gritted. "I want Li Hanchuan's military power—can I have it? I want a mermaid wife who commands everyone's attention—can I have that?"

"The federation separates military and government. As long as I'm in congress, I can't join the military. But the empire can give me these things—their price is merely a few children!"

Wei Hanchi's injuries from a while ago hadn't fully healed. Even though he was now wearing a sharp military uniform, his posture was awkward and strange.

His shouting and yelling took on a twisted, eerie quality in the night.

"Who that achieves great things doesn't have blood on their hands? If you don't believe me, ask Li Hanchuan—see if his hands are clean!"

The fragile omega trembled all over, clutching the warm baby moles close. Their body heat mingled, unclear who was strengthening whom.

Rui Rui wasn't one to argue with others.

But for some reason, as he looked at the beta before him—who imitated Li Hanchuan in every way yet was diametrically opposed—a surge of anger welled up inside him.

The omega bit his lip and asked, “Would… you also cook for the children at the orphanage?”

This was exactly why Wei Hanchi hated omegas.

They always asked impractical questions, considering themselves incredibly romantic.

“I’m the youngest son of the Wei family. You expect me to cook for a bunch of commoners? Madam Ruifulodite, are you dreaming?”

Rui Rui tightened his arms, holding the children tighter. His clear, bright blue eyes fixed on the other as he spoke word for word, “Surrender.”

Wei Hanchi: “What?”

“Surrender. Let me and the children go, and you and the Wei family might still have a fighting chance. Otherwise, even if I die, you will never become Li Hanchuan. In the empire, you’ll live like a dog, accepted by no one. You won’t even have the life of luxury you enjoy now in the Wei family.”

“You will lose everything,” the omega said.

If Wei Hanchi's dog brain had been capable of understanding this earlier, he wouldn't have betrayed his country.

He had tasted enough of wealth and grown weary of it. He wanted to rise to the top, just like Major General Li.

He desired power, but there were always people standing in his way. The omega before him was a prime example—not only unafraid but daring to taunt him.

“Fine, fine! You think being the general’s wife entitles you to be so arrogant!”

The beta’s already pallid face twisted even more grotesquely. He rushed forward, trying to grab Rui Rui, but the seal was cunning and instantly shifted back into his rounded rice cake form!

“Damn it!”

Wei Hanchi struggled to catch the coconut-gray sticky rice ball, which had several baby moles perched on its head. Slippery and agile, it dodged left and right, evading every attempt to touch it.

Not only that, but it occasionally shifted back into human form, standing at a safe distance, calmly urging surrender.

His pretty face glowing and calm: “Surrender. Do you really want to die that badly?”

Wei Hanchi faintly sensed a powerful aura emanating from Rui Rui.

He had seen this quality in Li Hanchuan before—something intangible, a resilience and inner calm. It was something he, born into the world of fame and fortune, could never possess.

Wei Hanchi was nearly driven mad, roaring, “Enough!”

“You look down on me for imitating Li Hanchuan, but aren’t you just a fake too!”

Rui Rui trembled slightly.

It wasn't so much fear of being exposed—after all, he was already an accomplished impostor. His pretty omega self was just startled by the other's hideous expression.

Wei Hanchi, thinking he had hit a sore spot, sneered, “It seems Major General Li doesn’t know about this. His partner is actually a plump seal. How dare you.”

“As his partner, you must know Li Hanchuan’s temper better than I do. You know how cruel he can be toward traitors.”

At this thought, the beta grew excited: “We’re birds of a feather now…”

“Rui Rui, you’re so beautiful. Why live in fear? If you come with me, I’ll overlook you fleeing tonight. How about it?”

Wei Hanchi opened his arms, signaling for Rui Rui to embrace him. One hug, and the little beauty would be his tonight.

“After all, we’re both deceitful frauds. We’re a perfect match.”

With his only escape route blocked, despair overwhelmed Rui Rui. His eyes reddened slightly as he drew a shaky breath.

The five baby moles in his arms pressed their faces into his chest, afraid to cry aloud.

“No.”

The omega shook his head, his long lashes fluttering. As he lowered his head, his golden hair fell disheveled over his shoulders, making him look incredibly fragile. Yet his words were firm: “You will never compare to him.”

As the words fell, the enraged Wei Hanchi leveled his weapon: “I’ll give you one more chance. Don’t look down on me just because I’m a beta. Do you think I can’t please you?”

“My husband…” The omega’s lips trembled. “He…!”

Rui Rui edged backward under the dark muzzle of the gun, his mind in chaos, unsure what else to say. Perhaps soon, the baby seal who had come to the human world with hope would be shot full of holes.

But he had no regrets.

Until the very last moment, he could shield the innocent children from stray shots.

“But it’s very big!!!”

The omega suddenly turned and ran back, stumbled and fell to the ground. Swiftly, he stuffed the baby moles into a small hole in the dirt beneath a wire mesh—an animal burrow.

Whether it led outside or not, the moles’ natural instincts would allow them to tunnel their way out or hide temporarily until rescue arrived.

But it’s very big!!!

Very big…

Big…

The fragile omega’s desperate cry echoed through the factory.

In the dead of night, the surroundings were empty and silent, the echoes lingering.

“…”

Wei Hanchi was stunned, feeling his manhood severely mocked and challenged. He shook with fury.

Dammit!

This omega would rather die than go with him, all for Li Hanchuan’s… endowment!

Consumed by rage, he let out a roar and prepared to fire. Rui Rui heard the sharp click of the cocking gun and squeezed his eyes shut as he lay on the ground.

Goodbye, Major General.

Though I didn’t quite understand your actions that night, and I was exhausted from all the activity, still…

I was a little happy.

If only the braised pork from the other day had been simmered until fork-tender, to the point where the sauce could be soaked into the rice, it would’ve been perfect. Too bad I won't get to have it again.

It turned out the mind wasn't completely blank before death. In that moment, the omega thought of many past events, and each one featured Li Hanchuan.

It turns out that Major General Li had already become so important to himself.

Several muffled sounds, like watermelons bursting, rang out heavily, and blood splattered along with some filth onto Rui Rui's trouser legs.

The omega trembled uncontrollably, covering his ears and completely lost to the world.

The shooter seemed to have gone mad, firing like a man possessed nonstop until the bullets were completely spent, still repeating the motion of pulling the trigger, as if wishing to turn Wei Hanchi into hamburger meat on the spot.

"Major General, Major General...!"

Li Hanchuan, seeing red, only after what felt like an eternity, heard his adjutant's calls as if coming up for air—growing clearer and more frantic.

He saw his own hands firing relentlessly and heard his own ragged breathing and heartbeat.

The roar of military armored vehicles and rescue teams approached, deafeningly loud, while police sirens pierced the air. The world descended into chaos.

—Ruifulodite.

That was the only name in Li Hanchuan’s mind.

Striding over the bloodied and mangled Wei Hanchi, the alpha swept over to his young husband like a gust of wind, carefully gripping the shoulders of the weak-limbed and trembling omega.

He lifted him bit by bit, afraid of witnessing a scene he couldn’t bear.

"Rui Rui...?"

"Am I dead?" his young husband stared at him blankly, perfectly fine.

In that instant, the usually stoic commander’s eyes grew hot, nearly bringing him to tears. His silly half-beast husband—his face streaked with dirt, hair disheveled, body covered in dirt, and both small hands scraped bloody.

Li Hanchuan knew his expression must have been a twisted mess.

Because Rui Rui, still shaken by fear, sniffed and forced a smile, trying to comfort him first: "Just teasing you, I’m fine!"

"You..."

The major general’s imposing figure sagged momentarily as he let out a long, shaky sigh.

He pulled him tightly into his arms, wishing he could press him into his very bones, yet afraid his husband might be injured and he would hurt him further—holding back until it hurt.

How could anyone be so foolish?

"I’m begging you," the usually proud commander discarded all pride, holding the omega and speaking softly, "I’m begging you..."

"Don’t be so good. Don’t make me love you so much. My life is completely out of control—I really can’t live without you now. Ruifulodite, please be more difficult."

Rui Rui’s stiff, frightened hands still hung in the air as he was engulfed in the alpha’s embrace, being nuzzled over and over.

Li Hanchuan resembled a bear in mating season rubbing against a tree, completely absorbed in his nuzzling.

Thankfully, he had arrived.

If he had been any later...

Rui Rui’s small mouth trembled, about to break down. Luckily, no one noticed, and he quickly suppressed his emotions—only his baby seal tail, hidden under his clothes and too frightened to retract, trembled wildly.

He muttered softly, "You don’t know, I was always quite wicked to begin with."

A special forces soldier in camouflage pulled five mole young out of the dirt hole.

"Eek! Eek! Major General Li is here to save us!"

Children will be children—they immediately burst into joy.

Meanwhile, others quickly searched the factory warehouses, uncovering more evidence of the Wei family’s collusion with the empire and rescuing over forty half-beast young.

Just then, a hyena emerged from nowhere, pointing furiously at Rui Rui, who was curled up weakly in his alpha’s arms.

"You! It’s you!"

Countless gun barrels were instantly aimed at the man.

The man limped, clutching his ribs, blood at the corner of his mouth. Seeing that the cause was lost, he relied on the evidence he held to save himself. "Major General Li, I have something to tell you..."

Li Hanchuan stared coldly at the man, his sharp features devoid of warmth.

"Any last words?"

"If you spare my life, I’ll tell you everything I’ve seen." Confident in his knowledge of Madam Mermaid’s secret, the hyena felt assured of victory. "You’ve never actually seen your husband’s beast form, have you?"

The alpha’s expression shifted.

Rui Rui recognized him as the guard he had earlier pounded flat. His throat tightened, and he instinctively clutched his husband’s lapel.

...Is it time for the mask to slip now?

The hyena laughed, "Haha, I’ve seen it! He actually has a gray tail... Have you ever had coconut gray ice cream? That’s the color. You’ve never seen a mermaid with a gray tail, have you? Your husband is actually a plump, delicious, soft-looking—"

Rui Rui’s mouth fell open, his heart pounding faster and faster.

The hyena suddenly froze mid-sentence, a bullet striking him squarely between the eyes.

With a flick of his wrist, Li Hanchuan tossed the weapon back to a guard nearby, and glanced emotionlessly at the hyena’s corpse.

"No one is to gossip about the young master’s privacy."

The alpha’s light brown eyes flashed with icy anger, his voice deadly serious: "This is the fate of anyone who disobeys!"

"Yes!"

The soldiers under Major General Li’s command were highly disciplined and obeyed without question.

Moreover, the beautiful and fragile-looking Madam Mermaid was beyond reproach. He often showed concern for disabled veterans, cared for young guards struggling with pheromone suppression training, and frequently treated them to food and drinks.

He was like a breath of fresh air in their monotonous black-and-white world.

Who would have the heart to gossip about or slander such a kind-hearted young master?

Especially since Rui Rui had nearly sacrificed his life to save the unrelated mole young—such selfless courage.

Although that last part had been rather earthy and intimate, everyone had heard it.

But as an alpha, finding a partner so perfectly matched made this life worth living.

Now everyone knew just how formidable the major general’s strength was. Having gotten him back, even after the scare, the major general must have felt a flush of pride.

The young master...

Really did love the major general...

A group of bachelor soldier alphas watched with envy, feeling secondhand excitement.

Unexpectedly, the situation took this turn. The omega’s heart pounded like thunder. Relieved, his legs went weak, and he sank into his husband’s arms.

Li Hanchuan felt as if something soft and small nuzzled against his heart. “Don’t be afraid. It’s all over.”

Once the hideout of these criminals was located, the military and police collaborated, moving swiftly and efficiently to wrap things up.

The alpha helped his wife into the armored vehicle to rest.

As the door closed, the world fell silent. The desperate cry, “My husband is a big deal!” still echoed in his ears. Did that count as recognition from him?

Li Hanchuan’s face flushed and paled by turns.

He suddenly realized Rui Rui had a bit of an eager-to-please personality, always smiling, clapping, and praising everything he saw. But that particular compliment… it had to be sincere.

Rui Rui was docile, neither crying nor fussing, almost unnaturally quiet.

Huddled small in his arms, he seemed exhausted from a sleepless night. Li Hanchuan tended to his scrapes.

Then he took out a men’s handkerchief—something purely ceremonial for him—sprinkled some water on it, and awkwardly yet gently wiped his wife’s face.

The dirty little face gradually returned to its delicate porcelain whiteness, sickly and pitiful, but he still didn’t speak.

This was completely unlike his usual self.

Instantly alert, Li Hanchuan had seen too many soldiers and victims suffering from post-war PTSD. He purposefully pinched the omega’s thigh. “Let me check—are you hurt here?”

Rui Rui was physically and emotionally drained from the night. His little baby seal tail refused to retract.

The alpha’s hands wandered restlessly, and afraid of being discovered, he wriggled away. “I—I’m perfectly fine everywhere!”

The Major General smirked slightly and kissed his hair.

With a serious expression, he explained the dangers of post-traumatic stress disorder, emphasizing repeatedly, “Don’t push yourself. If you feel even the slightest discomfort, tell me, understand? It’s okay to be a bit fragile.”

Rui Rui stared blankly at the alpha before him.

Everything that had just happened felt like a nightmare, one that would vanish upon waking.

The omega still shook his head. “Really, I’m fine. I’m a merman! The kind more like a baby seal.”

Li Hanchuan’s worry lingered, but his little wife seemed unusually normal. Instead of catching up on sleep, he poisedly gave an interview in front of the Double Eagle Building, surrounded by reporters.

Children reunited with their parents, hugging and crying—a deeply moving scene imprinted on the hearts of every citizen of the Federation.

A great achievement.

Now, Rui Rui truly shared honor and disgrace with Major General Li.

As if never tired, he hugged the little mole kids, comforting them gently in a soft voice before returning them to their parents.

The little mole kid who had first chosen to trust the baby seal looked up at him.

“You’re a mer—”

The omega smiled gently, raising a finger to his lips in a hushing gesture. The children immediately covered their mouths, determined to guard this great secret.

—They had seen a real merman!

Brave, soft, and beautiful.

The clique of powerful figures who had previously curried favor with the Wei family now scattered like startled animals, none daring to approach, afraid of being dragged into the mess.

Having gone a full day and night without sleep, Li Hanchuan was swamped with work, but he couldn’t stop worrying about his little wife’s condition.

Surprisingly, the other declared energetically, “I’m not tired at all! My tea art, flower art, and baking classes are about to have final tests. I’ve decided to study during the day and sleep at night!”

The Major General had never met anyone with more energy than him and clearly didn’t believe it.

He took him directly to the lounge, staying nearly glued to his side until daytime passed and trusted colleagues from the military came to take over. Only then did Li Hanchuan gently wake his little wife.

Rui Rui had been sleeping fitfully, dozing lightly.

Dazed, he followed his husband home, burrowed into the familiar blankets, and finally felt a bit of security. Drowsiness washed over him again.

The baby seal told himself everything would pass.

After what felt like a long time, the rich aroma of braised pork with caramelized sauce and meat wafted through the air. The omega, dressed in soft loungewear, rubbed his eyes and wandered drowsily into the kitchen.

Li Hanchuan turned and saw his little wife’s slightly messy hair and sleep-reddened face.

“Awake?” The alpha, still wearing his apron, first set the dishes out, then placed a bowl of warm steamed rice in front of him. “Time to eat.”

Rui Rui stared blankly at the commander across from him.

The man said, “Last time, it wasn’t quite right. This time, it’s more infused with flavor. I guessed my family has a merman who loves braised pork, so I made it again.”

Chilly fingertips reached out, tentatively brushing against the alpha’s face.

Warm. Alive.

Not a dream.

Li Hanchuan paused. “What’s wrong?”

“Nothing. I’m just hungry.” The omega had lost track of how many times he’d said those words. He picked up his bowl and chopsticks, then suddenly raised his hand to wipe his eyes. “My eyes are itchy.”

He wiped them again.

Somehow, the more he wiped, the more tears came.

More and more.

“…” Li Hanchuan watched, his expression stunned and heartache-stricken, unable to look away.

The pale, delicate face seemed lost in thought as he murmured, “Maybe there is something wrong.”

Rui Rui lowered his head, covered his face, and his shoulders trembled uncontrollably. He began sobbing, growing louder and more desperate. Even as Li Hanchuan held him tightly, he could feel the violent, breathless shudders of his crying.

Though held in the closest embrace, his little wife choked out between sobs:

“Li Hanchuan, I wanted so badly to see you…”

“…I only wanted to see you!”