Chapter 50 Dusk Raspberry Pastry

## Chapter 50: Twilight Raspberry Pastry Buns

The human world certainly holds a remarkable abundance of good things.

Especially when it comes to food, the little seal indulges daily. By conservative estimates, he has gained at least 10kg since arriving on land, making his figure even rounder and fuller—so much so that his flesh wobbles with every movement.

He and the mermaid are so alike that even if the runaway groom stood right in front of him, it would be hard to tell the two apart.

This is also why Rui Rui has always been so self-assured around Li Hanchuan.

Before leaving, the distinguished and eye-catching omega visited over a dozen restaurants daily on average. In the evenings, he would eagerly devour Chef Li Hanchuan’s specially prepared Northern Chinese dishes.

Even so, the little seal kept discovering endless new delicacies.

“I can’t finish it all, I just can’t, mmm…”

Even at night, Rui Rui would curl up in the commander’s arms, whining fretfully, a hint of anxiety in his heart.

The Alpha affectionately brushed aside his soft golden hair and murmured with a low chuckle, “Who said you were eating? Weren’t you the one being eaten, princess?”

Stunning beauty is indeed a hard currency. With such frequent appearances in public, many restaurant owners mistook the omega for a big-time influencer, doubling both his portions and complimentary items.

“Hello, two signature fish-shaped ice creams.”

For foods that melt easily, the little seal adhered to the principle of ordering fresh and eating immediately.

When he noticed that two orders turned into six servings, the little kitten finally couldn’t hold back a bewildered “Meow?”

Only then did the waiter realize that the golden-haired omega wasn’t wearing a brown beret but had a round, soft little kitten nestled on his head. The tiny creature leaped onto the table, flashed its tiny fangs, and took a big bite of the soft cake base.

With its pink tongue darting, Mi Su purred contentedly, “Rui Rui, you’re the best!”

“The owner must have sensed that you’re a powerful mermaid, which is why they served extra food. Plus, with my newly developed tag-team tactic—you carrying me on your head while walking down the street—heh, I can’t even imagine how scared they must be, meow.”

Over the past few days, Rui Rui had been eating nonstop while also being worn down by Major General Li, leaving him a bit leaner.

He listened to Mi Su’s endless daydreams about freeloading meals, smiling all the while.

The little kitten’s tail held high, and it rubbed against him. “I’ll keep eating with you from now on.”

Rui Rui instinctively agreed, but as soon as the words left his mouth, a wave of melancholy about leaving his friends washed over him, leaving a pang of sorrow in his heart.

Suddenly, he scooped up the ball of fluff and buried his face in its warm, sun-warmed belly, engaging in an innovative act of “seal nuzzling the cat.”

“Mi Su, it’s so wonderful to have met you all.”

Rui Rui secretly wiped his tears on the cat’s belly. “I love you all, as bright and warm as the sunlight on the Federation’s mainland.”

The little kitten didn’t understand the deeper meaning of his words and simply squinted its eyes, making biscuits in the air.

“Meow, even better things are yet to come.”

“Honorable sir, I can sense the powerful aura of the deep sea,” a tall, handsome Alpha suddenly appeared, kneeling on one knee beside Rui Rui’s legs and gazing at him with earnest, adoring eyes. “…Is it you?”

Rui Rui immediately recognized him as the would-be suitor from the bar last time.

The strange behavior drew curious stares from onlookers, making Rui Rui uncomfortable. “Uh…yes, it’s me.”

The mermaid Alpha’s entire demeanor brightened.

He found him!

He finally found him!

“I know I’ve committed a grave mistake, told an outrageous lie, and brought shame upon everyone,” the Alpha said, his voice quivering with feeling, almost like a lament.

The little kitten hopped onto the edge of the table. “After being punched in public, I’d be too ashamed to show my face to Rui Rui again. You’re quite persistent, but do you know he’s already married, meow?”

“I know,” the Alpha nearly wept. “That’s exactly why I beg you to let me make it up to you.”

He leaned down to kiss Rui Rui’s shoe, but the omega jerked back, horrified, pulling his foot away.

“What are you trying to do?!”

The mermaid Alpha, heartbroken at being denied the chance to pledge his loyalty, bowed his head. “Yes, yes…because of my lies and irresponsibility, you’ve endured so much devil’s rain and dew. Even a god would no longer accept my apology.”

In their matriarchal mermaid society, hierarchy is strict, and omegas naturally receive more privileges.

Some Alphas, seeking status, choose to disguise themselves as omegas. However, as they mature, the physical differences between Alphas and omegas become more pronounced, and their pheromones diverge, making it nearly impossible to maintain the deception. The punishment from the clan leader for such deceit is as severe as divine retribution.

But there are always exceptions.

He had been smug about the luxurious life he’d gained through deception, only to be chosen as the candidate for an arranged marriage—to wed Federal Major General Li.

If the clan leader discovered his true identity, death would be his only fate.

While fleeing for his life, the mermaid Alpha heard about a poor soul who wasn’t even a mermaid taking his place in the marriage. He was utterly shocked.

Rumors said this little one endured a life of hardship, eating humble pie, facing condemnation from all sides.

He was even locked in a basement by the damned Li Hanchuan, subjected to endless animalistic urges, with his life hanging by a thread at any moment.

After receiving a series of fighting combos from Li Hanchuan at the bar, the mermaid Alpha became even more convinced of the man’s cruelty. He resolved that, even if it cost him his life, he would rescue the innocent baby seal.

Not only would he rescue him, but he would also help him escape and do everything in his power to compensate him.

But as a mermaid who lived underwater, he had no money and very little to offer an omega. The simplest solution at the moment was…

Under the puzzled gazes of Rui Rui and the little kitten, the oddball stood up.

With a rustle—

His trench coat fell open, revealing everything.

With an expression of utmost humility and eyes shining fervently, he said, “Please check me out. If you’re willing, you can take me anytime.”

Rui Rui: “…”

Bystanders: “…”

The little kitten bristled: “Meow—!!”

A few seconds later, the mermaid Alpha, who had come to confess his crimes, was subdued by good Samaritans. Amidst shouts of “exhibitionist” and “creep,” he was dragged away to the Federal Police headquarters.

Unaware of the day’s events, Major General Li was currently in his office, spacing out as he stared at the Little Dumpling doll.

His long fingers gently kneaded and rubbed it, as if playing with the chubby cheeks of his little wife.

Noticing that the stuffing in one area was uneven, he promptly smoothed it out. If the doll could make sounds, he could almost imagine his wife’s soft, fussing noises.

The more he fights back, the more he enjoys it.

The Alpha couldn't help but snort: "Interesting."

Several officers with opposing political views dared not voice their anger, but once outside, they complained that Major General Li had deliberately given them the cold shoulder, even calling their carefully laid plans childish and ridiculous.

Rui Rui invited friends for a meal to pick out gifts, ticking off items on his bucket list before returning to the ocean.

Li Hanchuan meant just as much to him, carrying more weight in his heart compared to others.

Yet he had no idea how to make it up to him, only holding him close at night to offer kisses. At first, Rui Rui didn’t understand this gesture, but now his feelings were entirely different.

From an omega’s perspective, it was like a baby seal embracing a strong, handsome male seal, pursing his lips to offer a kiss.

Especially in front of the mirror.

Rui Rui blushed from his cheeks to his ears, down to his tender chest and pale, curled-up toes, as if he’d watched seal adult content.

"Still blushing after so many kisses?"

Between kisses, the Alpha gently rubbed his earlobe, tracing down to his scent gland and exploring further.

Rui Rui let out a delicate whimper and curled up his long legs.

"Is it because you’re a sea creature?" The commander looked down with a cold, sharp gaze that made hearts race. "A few kisses and you’re already wet."

But it ended with just chatting under the covers.

The newly active Major General Li didn’t know restraint, feasting all day and night until he’d swollen his delicate partner. For health reasons, he had to dry him off, apply anti-inflammatory ointment, and coax him to sleep in his arms.

-

"Clinically speaking, your pheromone disorder is cured."

Dr. Chen Wang flipped through the data report in surprise, opening his notes to record. "We custom-made so many suppressants for you before, but nothing worked. What have you been through recently?"

"What could he have been through?"

Hua Yunlian, sitting nearby with crossed legs, interjected, "He’s been feasting like there’s no tomorrow."

Hua’s conglomerate focused on biopharmaceuticals, and with his wife Chen Wang, a medical genius, they were always at the industry’s forefront.

Only now did they realize nothing could resist biological instincts.

The best treatment for Li Hanchuan’s condition was marking a highly compatible omega. As the patient, the Major General had previously refused, leaving them helpless.

"Congratulations on you and your wife making it official," Chen Wang said with a gentle smile.

Though adjusting his glasses with a hint of guilt.

The Beta wasn’t sure if the baby seal had revealed all the secrets and needed to confirm with Rui Rui later.

Seeing the commander’s radiant demeanor made Chen Wang nervous.

Others might not notice, but Hua, as his husband, had mastered reading Chen Wang’s micro-expressions and instantly sensed he was hiding something. His intuition was sharper than a bloodhound’s.

Li Hanchuan, observing the mood, stood up. "Yunlian, I’ll wait outside."

Unaware that he’d be the subject of his friends’ gossip.

Once the door closed, Hua pulled Chen Wang into his arms, sitting with him on the chair. "What? Is Hanchuan’s condition not actually better?"

Chen Wang didn’t need to hide 99% of things from him.

But this matter—he feared Hua might act impulsively for his friend, risk exposing it recklessly, and cause an irreparable mess.

Besides, Rui Rui was a kind and brave baby seal.

This issue would only hurt Li Hanchuan and himself, affecting no one else.

"It’s better but not entirely… depends on how the wife handles it," Chen Wang stammered. "It might be a major revelation that rocks the federation. Keep it quiet."

Hua listened, leaning closer until he nibbled Chen Wang’s lips.

"Can’t even tell me?"

"Afraid you’ll spill the beans."

Hua’s face darkened, ready to argue, but seeing Chen Wang’s tired eyes from work, he softened. "Fine, you’re always right."

"Don’t overexert yourself. Come to me for any important matters."

Fluffy leopard ears nuzzled against the Beta’s glasses. Chen Wang straightened the crooked frames and patted him helplessly. "Got it."

The Alphas were close friends, but all were busy, rarely gathering.

Today, they met to tour a cruise ship under the Ji conglomerate.

"Rare to see you splurging like this. Don’t hold back with us—state any requests," Ji Yanxing said, walking ahead on the deck with its sweeping views and cool sea breeze.

He knew Li Hanchuan was an old-school man, accepting a glass of ice wine from a waiter and clinking glasses.

"Tell us, what’s the event? How many guests?"

Renting an entire cruise ship—what kind of occasion? Ji’s mind already echoed with ka-ching sounds.

Li Hanchuan slowly scanned the luxurious venue, nodding in approval.

"At most twenty to thirty, including you two and your partners."

Ji Yanxing and Hua Yunlian exchanged glances: "?"

Li Hanchuan strode to an open area, spreading his arms, his stern face breaking into a faint, serene smile.

The hero had it all and was about to win his beauty.

"I plan to propose to my wife. I’ll be with him forever."

The news nearly made their jaws drop.

Regardless of their relationship, Major General Li had been with the mermaid for so long—planning a proposal completely defied their understanding of him.

Hua Yunlian marveled, "Love is like a strong drink…"

Of course, they kept it secret. That day, they finalized the cruise rental and decor, diving into intense preparations in the following days.

Three days until the proposal—

As a friend, Ji Yanxing was invested, coming to check on progress, only to find the imposing Major General Li with a balloon pump, inflating balloons alongside staff.

Everyone worked in tense silence, not daring to speak.

The commander himself, with an imposing presence, held a girly small balloon, surrounded by pink bubbles, looking utterly delighted.

“…”

“This guy’s gone crazy.”

Judging by his hands-on attitude, if there were enough time, he’d probably want to build the cruise ship with his own hands.

At a loss for words, it took Ji Yanxing a while to finally say, “You can leave these tasks to them. What did I hire them for?”

“Personal involvement brings a sense of accomplishment,” Li Hanchuan glanced at him as he carefully placed eternal flowers onto marked spots.

The proposal was set to take place on the deck, designed to resemble a moon and flower sea.

A massive custom crescent moon light served as the centerpiece, surrounded by low jungle and floral arrangements. Even the floor had hidden miniature ground lights, creating a starry galaxy sea at night—utterly romantic.

Proposing at sea, with the couple immersed in a starry sky, conveyed a sense of transcending time and space to be together.

As Li Hanchuan attached flowers and ribbons, he immersed himself in memories of his time with his little wife, from their first meeting to the present.

Even mundane tasks became enjoyable.

Seeing his nostalgic expression, Ji Yanxing stopped trying to intervene and instead stroked his chin.

“He’s really fallen head over heels…”

That evening, master of time management Major General Li even cooked for his wife, drew her a bath, and picked out her clothes for the next day—everything was perfectly organized.

Even his goodnight kiss was especially gentle.

It’s often said that before a proposal, the other person can usually guess most of it. Li Hanchuan just hoped his surprise could remain hidden a little longer.

“Goodnight,” he whispered, gently pinching his little wife’s earlobe.

Two days until the proposal—

“Major General, your engagement ring.”

As the box opened, an oval-cut pigeon’s egg diamond set in a double-prong setting nearly blinded everyone with its brilliance. Even the experienced jeweler couldn’t hold back an exclamation. “This is the most sincere piece I’ve ever seen—its rarity and clarity are truly unmatched!”

Li Hanchuan picked it up and examined it, his sharp, blade-like features softening gradually.

“Not bad.”

A beautiful mermaid deserved to be adorned with the finest things.

During their arranged marriage, the higher-ups had provided engagement rings, which the Major General still kept safely stored. But those were chosen by others—Li Hanchuan wanted to give Rui Rui something better.

He didn’t understand craftsmanship or categories; he simply believed the most expensive, largest, and dazzling was the best, so he went all out with an extravagant and relentless mode.

He wasn’t worried about overwhelming his little wife’s slender fingers.

His own ring was made from the leftover material of the pigeon’s egg diamond, set with step-cut small pave diamonds.

Inside the band, a subtle inscription read—

“Loyal to Ruifulodite.”

It didn’t even mention loyalty to the Federation—truly a case of obsession-induced folly.

His schedule these days was incredibly tight. The Alpha had also arranged with his comrades to use a warship to Morse code a message “I love you,” a very Alpha-male yet mysterious gesture, but his comrades were more excited than ever.

Additionally, he booked a drone light performance.

The designer suggested that, aside from some standard confession messages, they could also form the shape of a mermaid.

Several graceful example poses were presented.

Li Hanchuan frowned as he looked them over, his expression cool. “None of them look like her.”

He picked up the round Little Dumpling plush toy from his briefcase and handed it over seriously.

“Make it like this.”

The designer held up the seal-shaped tangyuan: “???”

One day until the proposal—

Amidst his busy yet joyful preparations, the commander visited an apparel shop for the first time in his life, hiring a specialized stylist to decide on his styling for the next day. He’d still wear his uniform, but his hairstyle needed some attention.

“Major General, all the attendees have been notified. Thank you for inviting me as well.”

His adjutant prattled anxiously beside him, acting overly cautious. Li Hanchuan gave him an amused glance. “Cut the act.”

Qi Mu hesitated.

“You said we could bring family… I don’t know if you remember Hu Lai…”

“That fox omega?” Li Hanchuan frowned in surprise. “He’s your brother?”

The superior’s expression clearly questioned how two elephants could possibly produce a fox, leaving Qi Mu speechless for a moment before he blushed and scratched his head. “No, no… we’re… dating.”

“He gets along very well with Rui Rui, and his pineapple buns are first-rate. Rui Rui loves them especially…”

Li Hanchuan had been somewhat hesitant, but upon hearing this, he waved his hand dismissively. “Suit yourself.”

“Thank you, Major General!”

“Why did you suddenly decide to go clothes shopping today?” Meanwhile, Rui Rui was escorted into a peacock omega’s custom clothing store by Three Birds Madam and her friends.

Since they’d be leaving soon anyway, he simply said, “Whatever you like, put it all on my card.”

Three Birds Madam cackled excitedly.

They thought Rui Rui had already guessed that Major General Li was planning to propose.

There, he spotted a punk-styled black goldfish omega and was somewhat surprised. “Are you working here now?”

The black goldfish nodded.

“Anyway, with Wei Hanchi, I was just getting paid, never able to be myself. But here it’s different. I’m still getting paid, but I can be myself.”

Fortunately, that scoundrel was dead and wouldn’t cause any more trouble.

The usually aloof and stiff omega smiled sincerely.

“I’m very happy now. I like who I am.”

Rui Rui paused, taken aback, his eyes sparkling as a subtle feeling touched him. He also curved his lips into a smile: "I'm really happy for you."

The omega returned home and gazed at the familiar surroundings, his expression gradually darkened.

-

On the day of the proposal.

The time was set at dusk, just before sunset. The castle-like luxury yacht was already brilliantly lit, resembling a wondrous world filled only with desserts, diamonds, and dreams.

Having heard there was an event requiring the Major General's wife to attend, Rui Rui tidied himself up and boarded the yacht, by now accustomed to this false identity.

The servers moving through were polite, but he saw no other guests, not even the Major General.

"Madam, this way, please."

The omega didn't overthink it and followed the person to the deck.

The sunset was especially quick that day. He hadn't walked far before the sky had completely darkened. An exquisitely decorated venue, like a galaxy, appeared before him. As he walked through the sea of flowers, his footsteps fell on the dappled starlight.

A faint light gradually illuminated the omega's fine-featured face.

"So beautiful," Rui Rui whispered.

Before he realized he would be the guest of honor tonight, he saw an Alpha in a crisp, black military uniform walk out calmly.

Before a huge curved moon light, the Alpha's handsome and sharp features, with his hair swept back, he looked even more dashing than on his wedding day, like a young king returning victorious from battle.

Rui Rui gasped.

It was as if he had seen the most handsome General Seal in the world, and his heart trembled uncontrollably.

Seeing him from a distance, Li Hanchuan reached out a hand toward him.

It was only as the omega got closer did he notice that quite a few guests had actually arrived, all gathered in this area: the Major General's friends, the Bird Ladies and their officer husbands, the adjutant and the little fox, and a tower of pineapple buns.

Everyone was smiling uncontrollably, deeply moved by what was about to happen.

Rui Rui抿唇, 小声强调：“菠萝包。”

"Pretty, isn't it? I arranged it all." A large hand wrapped around his waist as the commander's gaze, soft yet intense, fell on his little wife's pensive face. "So happy you're speechless?"

Even someone as slow as Rui Rui could tell what was about to happen from all this.

Because he saw the kitten practicing saying "Marry him, marry him" in a soft meow, perched on President Ji's hand.

The omega suddenly felt flustered.

Li Hanchuan got straight to the point, one hand moving to pull out the engagement ring: "Rui Rui, I owe you a proposal..."

"Wait!"

The little wife suddenly pushed him away.

"I..." Rui Rui took a few steps back, secretly grabbing a pineapple bun, looking completely flustered.

Chen Wang, standing nearby, anticipated what he was about to do and immediately grew tense.

But before anyone could stop him, under the bewildered gazes of the crowd, the delicate omega spoke.

"Li Hanchuan, I'm sorry."

"I've been deceiving you all along."

Not to mention the friends present, even the stoic Major General Li couldn't quite control his expression: "What?"

Rui Rui had been extremely nervous before speaking, but now he only felt the weight on his heart gradually rolling away.

"I'm not your wife."

The warm atmosphere instantly turned icy.

No one had expected things to take this turn.

Li Hanchuan's light brown eyes trembled uncontrollably; he even wanted to stop him from saying more, but the little wife was remarkably calm and logical.

"Your real fiancée ran away before the alliance marriage. To prevent the Federation from causing trouble, I came to you as a substitute. Now that he's back, he'll probably contact you soon."

"I should go."

"Go?" Li Hanchuan's blank face turned icy cold as he strode forward. "Didn't you like me from the very beginning? Didn't you come for me? Didn't you even join that messy chat group for me? Where do you think you're going!"

Everyone: "..."

Too many key points, no idea where to start.

The commander was furious, his entire presence like an approaching storm.

"...Ruifulodite!"

The omega was also startled and stepped back abruptly. Li Hanchuan, so upset because of his little wife, paused in his steps, afraid the other might fall into the sea—even though the other was an aquatic creature—and didn't press further.

His heart racing wildly, his handsome face ashen: "Don't run around; let's talk about this properly."

The Alpha secretly planned to keep him there first and deal with everything else later.

"Didn't I say that the first time I saw you, I thought you were a celestial being descended to earth? If you're not a mermaid, what else could you be!"

As his frantic words faded, the fragile mermaid wife leaped into the dark, boundless sea.

Amid the screams and gasps of the crowd, the little beauty transformed into a plump, black sesame little dumpling.

His waterproof bag contained certificates for senior pastry chef, royal tea ceremony master, and top-tier florist, among others. His body had gained a chubby, with 10kg more weight.

The baby seal nimbly leaped past countless pairs of eyes, describing a chubby arc in the air.

Li Hanchuan's gaze followed him from left to right: "..."

The little one turned his head as if in slow motion, blowing a soft kiss toward Li Hanchuan with a round, cat-like mouth: "Major General, I'm no longer your fan!"

His voice was soft and tender.

"Go find someone else to be your wife, mwah~"

Suddenly, he lightning-quick raised a paw, stuffed the pineapple bun into his mouth: "Awoo!" His black eyes sparkled with delight at the deliciousness before he vanished into the turbulent sea.