Chapter 17 Chat

Chapter 17: Chat

The reformatory's schedule was remarkably healthy: wake up at 7:00 AM, breakfast at 7:20 AM, followed by pre-class preparations at 8:00 AM. In the adjacent buildings, residents could choose to watch movies, play billiards, swim, or engage in handicrafts, all under the supervision of dedicated teachers.

It was almost more comfortable than retirement, completely free of charge, and the timetable was so sparse it could hardly be called rehabilitation; "rest and recuperation" would be more fitting.

After the free activity period, a one-hour class session began at 10:30 AM, concluding at 11:30 AM, followed by lunch. Naptime started at 1:00 PM, with afternoon classes running from 2:30 PM to 4:00 PM. Afternoon tea was served afterward, and classes resumed at 5:00 PM, ending completely by 6:00 PM.

The courses here were exactly as Xierlan had imagined: flower arrangement, handicrafts, sand art, pottery, crocheting, and occasional photography assignments—mostly time-consuming and monotonous tasks. There was also a weekly basic common knowledge class where teachers covered fundamental legal principles.

The purpose of teaching such dull subjects was to prevent male insects from developing an interest in learning. They already struggled to focus, let alone absorb any knowledge, and even the legal lessons were merely symbolic, as no male insect was willing to listen. Thus, the content was kept to very simple common sense.

Xierlan pondered for a long time, glancing at the digital textbook sent to him. He blinked, unable to shake the feeling that it was all a bit too lenient.

The teaching materials covered basic concepts: for example, it was forbidden to kill or steal. When a male insect married a *primary consort*, the female insect had to transfer half of her assets to him. Unlike *concubines* and female slaves, who surrendered all their assets, a *primary consort* retained half control... and other basic common knowledge meant for juveniles.

These were all the courses available via the access code, which granted access to most learning websites. However, some protection was needed, like a VPN, but 99 would assist him with that, so it wasn’t an issue.

As he was lost in thought, the other male insects grew irritated by his silence. "Hey, newcomer, why aren’t you talking? Did you lose your tongue?"

Miao Qie was the worst of them, even going so far as to try and shove him, acting with his usual spoiled and arrogant demeanor. He yelled, "What did you do to those female insects? Tell us! Did it feel good to hit them? Too bad there’s no chance to play now, what a pity..."

Xierlan initially didn’t want to do anything, but after careful consideration, he decided it was better not to tolerate it.

So, before Miao Qie could finish speaking, his outstretched hand was seized tightly. The grip was so powerful that Miao Qie couldn’t break free, even using both hands—he couldn’t budge an inch, left struggling with a red face.

"You—what are you doing! Let go of me now!"

Hearing the male insect’s shouts, Xierlan smiled faintly and slowly curled his fingers, squeezing until Miao Qie felt his hand was about to break.

A male insect raised in pampered luxury had never been treated like this. Furious and still unaware of the trouble he’d stirred, Miao Qie struggled wildly. When he realized he truly couldn’t break free, he was crying hysterically, screaming, "You lowly insect, let go! How dare you treat me like this! Do you know who I am? Let go!!!"

The golden-haired Haibi widened his eyes in fear, too stunned to react. He didn’t dare get anywhere near Xierlan—this new male insect was a downright omen of death; who would dare approach him!

Liposi, on the other hand, retained some sense. He didn’t dare stand by and watch the vice-administrator’s precious son get bullied, but he trembled with fear as he hesitantly stepped in to break up the fight.

Xierlan thought to himself that it didn’t matter how many came at him. He gladly accepted Liposi’s attempt to intervene, grabbing him and pressing both male insects down onto the table, pinning them firmly in place.

It wasn’t an excessive move, but for male insects obsessed with saving face, it was humiliation enough.

Sure enough, the pinned male insects struggled frantically. Even though Xierlan’s hands didn’t look particularly strong—slender and jade-like, slender and beautiful—at that moment, those beautiful hands pressed down on them so hard they could barely breathe, forced to face each other awkwardly on the table.

The human smiled faintly. As several guards entered the room, he tightened his grip gently and said in a soft tone, "We’re just playing, right?"

The guards didn’t dare step forward, terrified that Xierlan might impulsively harm the other two male insects. If that happened, they wouldn't be able to answer for it to the powerful families! They’d be doomed! Who could they even complain to?

"Calm down, sir, please calm down..."

The guards were on the verge of fainting from fear.

Xierlan ignored them, simply increasing the pressure in his hands, amused. "What? Did you lose your tongue?"

He finished with a smile, but since his back was to the cameras and guards, his tone turned frosty. "If any of you dare say the wrong thing, be careful when you sleep tonight. Wouldn’t want to accidentally fall and be smashed to pulp. Don’t say I didn’t warn you."

Miao Qie was furious, but he was even more afraid that this lowly insect might actually toss him out the window secretly. He nodded frantically, terrified out of his mind. "Yes, yes, we’re playing, just playing."

Seeing Miao Qie cave, Liposi saw no reason to stay stubborn and yielded immediately. "Yes, yes, yes!"

Miao Qie was seething, cursing inwardly, wishing he could insult all eighteen generations of Xierlan’s ancestors.

Damn it, this is unbelievable! If it weren’t for his family wanting to teach him a lesson, how could this Class A commoner male insect ever dare to dominate him like this!

That lowly insect!!! Just wait, he’ll make him pay!

Xierlan still wore a smile, appearing very approachable. He sighed softly and patted the two male insects’ cheeks amiably, though his eyes were cold and sinister. The hand patting their insect faces felt sharper and more chilling than a blade.

"I quite like male insects’ tail hooks. After all, they’re more collectible than female insects’ wings, don’t you think? How do yours look..."

Xierlan leaned in slightly, looking into their eyes, his voice low. "I’d really like to know."

At that, all the male insects were terrified out of their minds, letting out one scream after another that horrified insect-kind.

Xierlan was barely holding back laughter, his lips twitching slightly, which made him appear even more terrifying in the eyes of the male insects. They trembled in fear, feeling phantom pains in their rear ends.

"No, no, we really were playing, really."

Damn it, you can’t mess with a psycho! If it really gets cut off, it’s over.

Besides, a male insect without a tail hook isn’t a male insect—it’s worthless trash!!!

The guards saw them getting along harmoniously again and didn’t suspect they’d been threatened, so they left once more.

The three male insects felt phantom pains in their tail hooks and didn’t dare sit in front of Xierlan, nor let him sit ahead of them. The three huddled pitifully in a corner, like drenched quails.

"This male insect is too terrifying. How dare any female insect stay with him? No wonder he ended up here. He must have done something terrible, probably killed all the female insects willing to be with him. So scary, I never knew insects could be like this. I’m really afraid, I want to go home."

"The female insect who brought him here must’ve been coerced. Too terrifying, even worse than me."

Haibi cried bitterly, vowing never to provoke Xierlan, that perverted psycho, again.

Seeing the male insects finally behave, Xierlan clapped his hands, pleased with the successful prank. It saved him the trouble of these male insects constantly blindly bumping into him.

With that, he headed to the other two buildings to find some entertainment. The first two and a half hours allowed free choice between attending classes or engaging in activities. He needed to find a place to make a video call to his wife.

Sexia probably never expected him to make a video call, hehe.

Too excited, Xierlan walked quickly. Following the signs, he arrived at the floral cultivation area, sat down in a rest pavilion, and secretly messaged Sexia.

Xierlan: Moshi moshi, is my baby here?

Xierlan: I’m looking for my *primary consort*. Yes, he’s my baby.

Xierlan: It’s been a while since I left home. I wonder if he misses me (lifting a rock).

Xierlan: (running around).

Sexia was following up on leads and handling some scattered trivial matters. Seeing Xierlan’s message, his eyes glimmered for a moment, softening immensely.

Sexia mimicked his tone and replied.

Sexia: There is a baby here.

Sexia: Your baby misses you very much (picking up).

Sexia: (wagging tail).

Xierlan initially thought he'd have to wait a while, propping his chin on the stone table, but seeing Sexia's message melted his heart.

Xierlan: (Patting) (Serious) Baby, why are you so clueless—don’t you know how to find your husband?

Xierlan: (Sneaking a pinch of the kitten’s tail).

Seeing the reply, Sexia’s pupils trembled, and the tips of his ears instantly turned bright red.

Author's Note:

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