Chapter 61 Cocoa Old-fashioned Cake

Chapter 61: Cocoa Classic Sponge Cake

Li Hanchuan brought nothing with him. After securing Rui Rui’s repeated promise not to run away, he quickly changed into his combat gear, shifting into battle mode—sharp, fierce, and rejuvenated.

“Are you sure you don’t need to bring anything?”

His omega saw him to the door, full of worry.

Even being just a Mochi, Rui Rui understood the brutality of war. His mood was somber and tense.

He had come ashore precisely because he feared the Federation might turn against marine life and initiate a one-sided war. He had nearly forgotten that the human world’s power struggles were truly endless.

Major General Li clasped his cold hand and warmed it against his neck.

He smiled. “No need.”

Once things got busy, meals would be wolfed down in two minutes flat. He’d be in full combat gear day in and day out, with no time for changing or showering.

His little wife looked pale. From the commander’s elevated vantage point, his delicate face seemed smaller than his palm.

Something cold and substantial was suddenly pressed into Rui Rui’s hand.

Looking down, he found it was a gun.

Startled, he looked up and met Li Hanchuan’s intense eyes. The alpha’s reluctance was almost palpable. “Keep it for self-defense.”

“Central City isn’t entirely safe. Protect yourself when I’m not around. I taught you how to use it—remember?”

Rui Rui nodded numbly, his palm sweating as he gripped the gun.

Had things become so unstable lately?

Ordinary citizens were too sheltered; dangerous information circulated only among higher-ups. It was only now, as a family member, that little Mochi felt the crisis.

He had never been in real combat before…

Was he capable?

Li Hanchuan squeezed his shoulder and said, in the same tone he used to encourage him to eat more, “If anyone threatens your safety, blow their head off. It’s fine.”

“Oh my god!” Rui Rui felt dizzy at his casual words.

Incredible—the ocean was going to produce a baby seal sharpshooter.

“One more thing.” The alpha bent down, unfastened the special metal neck guard of his combat suit, and pointed to his own gland. “Mark me, darling?”

Rui Rui: “How can an omega mark an alpha?”

Li Hanchuan remained persistent, holding his pose.

Rui Rui never imagined that Major General Li would be the type to fear abandonment after just two minutes apart.

Baby seal never believed in the saying “hitting is affection, scolding is love,” but no one fit it better than Li Hanchuan.

“Mom, alright.” The soft baby seal appeared, looking nervous.

Noticing the round outline from the corner of his eye, Li Hanchuan chuckled and lowered himself further.

A plump, round muzzle moved in and bit down earnestly on the man’s nape, the little meatball’s mouth forming a w-shaped line.

The sweet, gentle scent of raspberry and blackcurrant pheromones spread.

Anyone who smelled it would know this alpha was taken.

“It hurts a little, but I like it.” Li Hanchuan kissed his muzzle and said softly, “Don't see me off.”

Adjutant Qi Mu waited in the armored vehicle for what seemed like only a few minutes but kept checking his watch and breathing heavily, not daring to rush—proof of how urgent the situation was.

Li Hanchuan practically flew into the vehicle. The door shut instantly, the engine roared, and they vanished into the night.

Under the security lights stretching out like a starry river at the heavily guarded upscale residence, a lone black sesame tangyuan stared at the vanished shadow.

Even without eye drops this time, his round, large black eyes glistened with tears.

Before, Li Hanchuan had always taken him to training or the association—it had become routine.

This was likely the first time he actively watched Li Hanchuan’s receding figure.

…Was this how it felt?

The little one’s perky whiskers drooped. He turned his plump body, raised a paw, and since he couldn’t wipe his tears, simply let them stream in the wind, not daring to imagine how mature and restrained he was being.

Mom.

It felt like the pain of leaving his mother.

Li Hanchuan, do you not know…

You’re just as special to me?

-

Days later, at the Northwest Border Military Base Command.

“All units, rest for two minutes.”

A few sniffles sounded nearby. Glancing sideways, even the usually steady Adjutant Qi Mu had eyes rimmed red.

Major General Li hissed and frowned. “Hold it in.”

Qi Mu, aware of his lapse, used his trunk to grab two tissues and quickly shoveled food into his mouth to suppress the tears.

“Sorry, Major General.”

“I didn’t understand this feeling before I settled down. It just dawned on me now.”

“Don’t be sentimental. You and Hu Lai aren’t even married yet? Set a date when we return—I’ll give you a big red envelope.” Major General Li said, then shoveled a couple mouthfuls of food into his mouth, glanced at his dirty glove, tore it off, and revealed a dazzling wedding ring.

So many soldiers were stationed at the border, any of them could die at any moment. Who wouldn’t want to reassure their families?

As the supreme commander, he had to share in their hardships.

So he stifled his longing, wiped the dust off his ring, and gazed into the distance with profound calm.

Major General Li had a small thought.

This time, he’d specifically worn the wedding ring his superior had ordered, not the one he ordered later.

This meaningful accessory—he would wear it again only when the world returned to peace and stability.

—Wait for me.

-

"The border signal was suddenly cut off, all communication is cut off, and we know nothing about the situation over there."

"Trust Major General Li. With him in command, everything will be resolved before the start of winter..."

At the charity jewelry exhibition at Qiyun Hotel, a blond omega had only taken a few steps after getting out of the car when he overheard several weary-looking women whispering. His breathing instantly grew heavy.

He had already learned the news last night.

Hearing it again still made his heart churn.

Madam Flamingo noticed the space beside her suddenly empty and turned to see Rui Rui zoned out.

The delicate, slender beauty seemed as fragile as glass in the cool air, making anyone who saw him feel protective.

The lavishly dressed Madame Ostrich fanned herself lightly and sighed, shaking her head.

"The powerful brought to their knees by love, a twist of fate after a forceful pursuit—the wooden beauty finally feels something. I'm hooked!"

Mrs. Woodpecker stayed silent, suddenly grateful her husband’s position didn’t require being on the front lines. Trying not to show it, she stepped forward and placed a comforting hand on Rui Rui’s shoulder.

"Don’t worry, Rui Rui. Warfare isn't like it used to be. The commander is highly skilled and decisive—he’ll be fine."

She took a foil-wrapped pineapple bun from her handbag and offered it to him:

"I bought this specially from Hu Lai. Have a bite if you need a pick-me-up."

A pale, slim hand accepted it. Rui Rui glanced down at it for a moment before putting it away in his bag. "...Alright, thank you."

Three Birds Madam stared at the figure heading inside first, her features pulled into a look of disbelief.

"He’s not even eating the pineapple bun... He must be really upset..."

Inside, elegantly crossing his long legs, the omega placed a paper notebook on his lap. His demeanor was gentle and elegant as he acknowledged guests with a nod who came to greet him.

Amid the clinking glasses and mingling crowd, guests stole glances—

"Poor omega, putting on a brave face while inwardly he’s already falling apart."

Some alphas were even tempted to approach: "Major General Li is certainly admirable, but such a vulnerable omega is even more endearing. Who wouldn’t want to step in and care for him? Even if it's just as a stand-in."

"Rui Rui, you even did your homework?" Madam Flamingo asked.

Glancing around, the omega poofed back into Mochi and gave a soft nod: "Mmm! I don’t know much about gemstones."

As the auction was about to begin, many attendees had taken their animal forms. At a glance, the room was filled with fluffy creatures of all shapes and sizes, now speaking over a hundred different languages.

Three Birds Madam took the notebook and flipped it open. A quick look made her blush bright red.

"You—you’ve been working so hard! And the Major General isn’t even back yet!"

"?" Baby seal took back the notebook with his flipper and realized it was filled with his earlier romance novel notes. His innocent round face flushed with slight embarrassment. "Sorry, mmm, I was reusing the back of the paper."

Turning the notebook over, they now saw dense notes on various gemstones.

He had especially detailed records of all the pieces featured in this charity auction.

Madame Ostrich asked in surprise, "How much are you planning to buy? You’ve recorded everything so meticulously."

Chubby front flippers held up a sleek black card, and the soft, adorable Little Dumpling declared in the most domineering tone: "Money—mmm, I’ve got plenty."

This was Rui Rui’s first charity event. It was said that a large portion of the auction proceeds would go toward charity.

Baby seal had previously communicated with the organization, planning to allocate funds to support border soldiers and their families, and also intended to make a personal donation.

Even though he knew this donation might not yield much return.

As one of the world’s rare wealthy Mochi, he simply wanted to contribute to world peace.

If not for Three Birds Madam stopping him, baby seal might have placed an unlimited bid at the auction.

During the after-party, a few people chatted privately, glasses in hand: "Do you think Rui Rui was shaken by the Major General going to the front lines? We should comfort him more. He’s still young and hasn’t experienced much..."

"I’m not young; I’ve been an adult for a while now." Rui Rui (the 'Black Sesame Tangyuan') appeared unexpectedly.

The group looked embarrassed, about to say something, when Mrs. Woodpecker spoke up: "Rui Rui, is that Major General Li’s stepmother, your mother-in-law?"

Baby seal followed her gaze and sure enough, it was Mrs. Luo.

The woman was adorned in glittering jewels today, clearly dressed to impress, yet she couldn’t conceal the faint madness and sickly pallor in her expression.

Baby seal paused.

He remembered that Li’s father had publicly stated his wife was unwell and hadn’t allowed Mrs. Luo to go out or meet anyone for a long time.

Had she recovered?

Just as he hesitated whether to approach and greet her, thick smoke suddenly billowed into the venue through the main entrance. Someone screamed in panic: "Fire! Fire!"

Three Birds Madam was startled. Several bird claws grabbed baby seal’s little flippers and chubby tail, ready to dash out.

"Run!"

"My feathers are maintained daily with the most expensive serums—they can’t get burned!"

The smoke from the fire spread faster than the flames themselves, like a toxic, invisible hand easily robbing people of their senses, making them lose consciousness and unable to breathe, dying in extreme agony.

The venue was crowded with guests and staff, and everyone valued their lives. Chaos erupted instantly—people scrambled wildly.

Everyone rushed toward the side doors, crowding into bottlenecks.

Someone yelled furiously: "Who the hell locked the back door?!"

In an instant, some pounded on doors, others screamed—the scene descended into utter chaos.

Baby seal, whose gray coloring blended with the smoke, remained remarkably calm. His soft, gentle voice continued trying to maintain order.

"Everyone, stay calm! I’m Rui Rui, president of the Omega Association!"

All the survival tips he’d learned earlier now came in handy.

The little one instructed everyone to drench their formal wear or skirts in plain water and cover their noses and mouths to reduce smoke inhalation. Gradually, some order was restored.

Finally, with everyone working together, one of the side doors was forced open.

But just then, a massive crystal chandelier from the ceiling crashed down, exploding with a deafening sound in the smoke-filled, visibility-limited hall.

As fire trucks battled the blaze outside, security personnel broke through the doors, carrying out some of the lightly injured animals.

"Look out! The chandelier's falling on President Rui Rui!" someone shouted.

The omegas screamed and rushed to help clear the wreckage.

The fire began to die down. Some guests at the scene suffered minor injuries, and the worst off should have been whoever was hit by the crystal chandelier. However, when the security personnel cleared the wreckage, there was nothing underneath—not even a trace of blood.

Rui Rui was not there, nor was he anywhere at the scene.

He had vanished into thin air just like that.

At the same time, Three Birds Madam also disappeared. Soon, someone was crying, saying their omega friend was gone too.

Had this charity event just turned into a mass omega kidnapping?!

-

"When?" The woman's voice was sinister, her eyes hidden in the darkness burning with an eerie light, as if her skeletal face was nothing but those two burning eyes. "You promised me!"

"Don’t be in such a hurry. Did you bring everything I asked for?"

The reply to Mrs Luo came in a noncommittal male voice.

In the southeastern border of the Federation, an isolated island was home to a sophisticated base and prison.

All the omegas imprisoned here wore plain white prison uniforms for easy management. Each one had their birth date, astrological birth chart, blood type, and organ conditions meticulously recorded.

It was like a law of nature.

Creatures that can reproduce are always considered superior to those that can't. Omegas are inherently extremely rare and precious.

Thus, the Empire established a specialized department to seek out "valuable" omegas.

And the most prominent omega during this period was none other than Ruifulodite.

The person responsible for monitoring these special prisoners was a snail alpha, Professor Si Nei, who had just calmed Mrs Luo's agitated emotions.

"I brought it…"

The woman, her hands as thin as dry twigs, presented the federal secrets she had stolen from Li Hanchuan's father's study, topped with her and her son's identification documents.

Professor Si Nei directly shoved the mother and son’s information to the bottom and eagerly flipped through the Federation's secrets and scandals.

His eyes gleamed with excited, manic light. He adjusted his glasses and said calmly, "Very good."

"I’ll pay extra attention to your son’s matter. Don’t even mention Major General—I can even posthumously promote your deceased son to General! He’ll definitely outrank Li Hanchuan and his father!"

The woman gave a devout smile.

"Thank you, Professor Si Nei. It was worth cooperating with you to kidnap that seal."

Mrs Luo had spent half her life with wealth and power, backed by her husband’s immense influence.

She lacked nothing—except her desire to bring her deceased son back to life.

Initially, when she was approached by Empire spies who claimed these fiends could replace organs at the cost of a few innocent lives, she showed little interest, as she had no desire for immortality.

Unexpectedly, the Empire knew just how to get to her. They asked for her son’s DNA information, attempting to create a clone.

In reality, it was just for show—such technology didn’t truly exist yet.

After some time, the Empire spies returned with news that the cloning had failed.

But to persuade Mrs Luo to betray her husband and the Federation, they offered to posthumously honor her son as a heroic young General, surpassing even his father’s achievements—all at the cost of some "small sacrifices" and "lending a hand."

Mrs Luo, who only had eyes for her dead child, agreed without hesitation.

To show her loyalty, she even volunteered, "Even if Li Hanchuan finds out his spouse has been kidnapped now, he can’t return from the front lines. It’ll only add to his internal and external troubles, increasing his chances of losing the war!"

"So, please take extra care to ensure my son surpasses that illegitimate child…"

-

When Rui Rui hazily woke up, he found himself in a pure white world. Upon closer look, it was a prison cell.

His custom-tailored suit had been replaced with a loose white prison uniform.

Where was this?

His head throbbed with pain, and he frowned uncomfortably, pressing his temples. Before he could think further, a furious scream erupted from the next cell: "Let go! You Empire bastards, do you know who I am!?"

Rui Rui watched as a familiar companion was dragged past the bars.

The flamingo’s carefully maintained feathers were roughly pulled and damaged, scattering.

He instantly rushed forward: "Wait!"

Baby seal, though terrified, said, "I—I am the president of the Federal Omega Association. My status is higher than theirs… If you have any issues, you can come to me. Have your superiors see me."

A soldier in an Empire military uniform coldly stated, "We know who you are."

"A cunning Federal spy, a once-in-a-century disguise genius, the highest-priority target our superiors warned us to be wary of—ranked equally dangerous as Li Hanchuan!"

The little beauty with slightly disheveled blond hair pointed at himself: "Me?"

"Silence!" The soldier coldly raised his weapon and spoke into the walkie-talkie on his collar, "Send ten more men to escort the top-level felon."

The omega tidied his hair: "...Alright."

Soon, two teams of Empire soldiers escorted a solemn-looking black sesame Mochi to Professor Si Nei’s office.

Upon entering, the soothing scent of sandalwood wafted over—not an alpha’s pheromones, but burning incense. Strangely, the room held no trace of the alpha’s scent.

Rui Rui knew this base primarily answered to this person.

The boss's chair was turned away from baby seal, leaving him wondering what kind of brutal creature sat behind it.

The black leather chair slowly turned around, revealing a snail the size of a human palm, excitedly extending its tentacles, speaking in a humble and polite tone: "Hello there, beautiful little seal omega?"

The black sesame ball didn’t stand on ceremony, wriggled to the opposite side of the desk, and propelled himself onto the chair.

His round face was calm, his front flippers crossed over his belly, and his hind flippers elegantly raised.

"You don’t even bother to call me President Ruifulodite."

Baby seal opened his innocent eyes: "Keeping me alone in a room—doesn’t that mean you want to talk to me? This isn’t very sincere."

He noticed the snail demi-human’s shell was made of metal.

It seemed the original shell had been damaged, which was almost fatal for a snail.

"Of course, we're both in awe and fear of someone of your stature, and had no choice but to take certain measures," Professor Si Nei wriggled his tentacles and pushed a plate of pineapple buns toward him. "I heard this is your favorite food. Please, help yourself."

"Coo," the little seal waved his hand to refuse. "I brought my own."

He then took out a tin foil-wrapped item from the small bag on him, slowly unwrapped it to reveal a golden, plump pineapple bun, and shot a disdainful look at the dried-out food on the table, a hint of white showing in his dark eyes.

His contempt was unmistakable.

"Ah-woo!" He shoved it into his mouth in one bite, showing no intention of sharing.

Professor Si Nei: "..."

Might as well cut to the chase.

"I’ve long heard of your reputation in the Empire—posing as a mermaid for a political marriage while being a seal. If you wanted, you could have kept up the act for a lifetime."

"I heard you eventually revealed your identity on your own, yet Li Hanchuan still wouldn’t leave you alone."

Professor Si Nei’s tone was brimming with admiration. "A natural master of deception like you, who can effortlessly win people over, is exactly the kind of talent the Empire needs. Consider joining us—name your terms."

Baby seal said sincerely, "I want to be the Imperial President."

"..."

Clatter!

Weapons all around the room were instantly aimed at the black sesame tangyuan.

"Mu-haha! I’m just kidding. What about the salary and benefits?"

Mochi put up little resistance, appearing naturally harmless, which quickly eased the wary snail professor’s suspicions.

"May I ask, are all the soldiers here Betas? Why haven’t I detected even a trace of pheromones?"

Professor Si Nei’s face fell slightly. He waved his hand, dismissing the soldiers.

Once the door closed, he slowly said, "Since we might become colleagues in the future, I don’t mind sharing my secret."

"I was once a high-ranking officer in the Empire, but an accident caused permanent damage to my scent gland, and my snail shell shattered. Now... I’ve lost my reproductive functions and barely survived with my life."

His gland was ruined, causing changes in his hormones.

Now, Professor Si Nei isn’t classified under any ABO category and had to retreat behind the scenes. He often faced disdain behind his back, and his mental state warped over time.

"So, I deeply despise those damn alphas who think of nothing but going into heat all day."

Baby seal discreetly observed the room’s furnishings—old-world and elegant. The bookshelf held advanced medical texts alongside numerous religious books. It seemed the man, in his extreme suffering, had turned to seeking immortality and enlightenment.

Professor Si Nei: "My entire unit operates under strict celibacy protocols. I absolutely forbid my subordinates from spouting crude talk or indulging in fantasies in front of me."

"President Ruifulodite, you seem easygoing and stout, not like someone with a chaotic private life. I’d feel reassured working with you."

Baby seal: "..."

The bedsheets I’ve rolled around on with my human husband outnumber the meals you’ve eaten.

But Rui Rui held back from retorting, his mouth twitching. "Coo, since you sincerely want me to join, I need a few days to consider, to scope out the island’s environment and food, things like that."

After all, it’s the Empire’s inescapable trap.

Unless the overwhelmed Li Hanchuan flies back immediately, this seal will remain in their grasp.

If he doesn’t yield, he’ll be treated like the other omegas—used as an organ donor.

Rui Rui stayed on the island for a few days, demanding that Three Birds Madam receive the same meals and not be mistreated.

"Professor, that seal eats like a horse! The cafeteria’s supplies are gone again." A soldier observing in secret wiped his sweat. "At this rate, he’ll grow increasingly dissatisfied and lose any desire to join us!"

Professor Si Nei angrily retracted into his metal shell.

"Buy, buy! Get as much food as you can!"

Once the subordinate left, he flipped through a marine animal encyclopedia, searching for any creature called a "sea pig," deeply suspecting they had misidentified Ruifulodite’s species.

Because the head of the Empire’s secret base was an abstinence-obsessed pervert.

Baby seal endured the blandest, most insipid meals during this time—daily weight-loss meals that left him perpetually hungry.

The Federation must be planning a rescue. To buy time, the little sesame tangyuan forced himself to eat everything, even pretending to enjoy it.

He tearfully crunched down on even the sinful broccoli.

"Coo..." His watery, dark eyes brimmed with tears as he lied, "So delicious! Another bowl, please!"

Professor Si Nei’s food budget exploded.

To feed the seal spy, he even entrusted him with the military rations: "See here? These are all our soldiers’ canned rations. I’m giving you something to do—watch over these supplies. You can have some too."

Professor Si Nei smirked coldly.

He refused to believe a little seal could eat through the Empire’s entire food storage.

Two days later, seeing that Rui Rui still showed no sign of allegiance, Professor Si Nei grew anxious. As soon as he unlocked the storage door, he saw a mountain of empty cans.

Baby seal, now round as a ball, was asleep atop the pile, clutching a half-eaten chocolate in his paw.

"Ruifulodite!" Professor Si Nei snapped.

The response was a chocolate-smeared coo: "Coo?"

Rui Rui struggled to turn over, asking softly, "What’s wrong? Is there new food? The Empire’s meals are okay, but they’re not quite enough."

"You..."

Professor Si Nei’s face turned green with rage. Shocked and despairing, he rummaged through the cans—all empty!

He wanted to strangle baby seal, but the creature had no neck, just slippery blubber that was hard to grip. Furious, he yelled, "Are you fucking stalling for time, messing with me!?"

"Someone!"

Soldiers swarmed in immediately.

Professor Si Nei: "Arrest him! He’s next for organ harvesting!"

"Wait!" Little Mochi suddenly pleaded pitifully, hugging Professor Si Nei’s leg and cooing tearfully, "I genuinely want to join! I have Federation secrets to tell you!"

"...!?"

"Let’s hear it."

The little one obediently pulled out a notebook and flipped to a page, never expecting it would come in handy at a time like this.

Then, under the gaze of the Imperial soldiers and Professor Si Nei, a pure and harmless Little Dumpling loudly recited the climax of an 18+ pornographic novel.

Every imaginable position, moans, and playstyle was included.

"[Nonsensical erotic sounds]!"

"Stop! Stop talking...!" Professor Si Nei turned pale, beads of cold sweat dripping incessantly from his forehead. He began to have difficulty breathing, once again haunted by the trauma of his pierced gland. "I fucking told you to stop reading!"

Little Mochi read aloud with great emotion and expression, wiggling his plump little body.

"%……&￥coo!"

Professor Si Nei's eyes were already bloodshot. He snatched a gun from a nearby soldier and aimed it at the wriggling, pudgy bundle.

At the critical moment, an earth-shattering tremor hit. Several soldiers lost their balance and fell, as dirt and gravel rained down.

"An earthquake?!" someone exclaimed.

Si Nei turned pale: "No..."

"Run!" He quickly fled, but after only a few steps, the blinding sunlight hit him—the building had been half-destroyed by an explosion, with smoke-filled rubble and exposed wreckage.

A helicopter painted as a seal hovered in the air, followed by countless Federal military helicopters, all snipers in position.

Surrender warnings blared from above.

The Empire was finished.

Li Hanchuan, wearing camouflage combat gear, leaned halfway out of the helicopter, his posture casual yet imposing. Between his brows seethed with bottled-up rage and gloom, like a volcano on the verge of eruption.

The alpha spotted Mochi from afar, with his little pouty mouth still smeared with chocolate.

His usually cold eyes suddenly softened with compassion, silently saying:

"Rui Rui, don’t be afraid."