Chapter 13 Shouldn’t Indulge Anymore

Chapter 13: No More Wallowing

Who else could be cornered against the wall? Huo Zeshen’s eyes were bruised, his lip split, and his short hair was a mess, leaving him utterly disheveled.

Lin Juangui frowned slightly, but merely glanced at Huo Zeshen before asking the bewildered servant beside him, "What happened?"

The servants, too afraid to intervene, saw Lin Juangui as a savior and recounted everything that had transpired since the children awoke.

In short, one of the children, from what was once the wealthiest family, blamed Huo Zeshen for the destruction of Youlan Star.

"How dare you sit here? You should have died with your parents!"

Youlan Star wasn’t large, with a population of a few million. Thanks to its excellent climate and geography, its primary livelihood was farming, and over the years, it had exported vast quantities of grains, fruits, and vegetables to the Federal Central Star.

Huo Zeshen was born into an ordinary farming family. From childhood, he had tended the family’s land, working tirelessly alongside his parents to make a living.

That afternoon, while digging in a newly leased field, he unearthed something—a mulberry-shaped object the size of a large egg.

Calling it an egg wasn’t quite accurate. The thing was roughly the size of a baby, semi-transparent, with something inside that seemed to be "breathing" as if alive.

Huo Zeshen had never seen anything like it. As he bent down for a closer look, he locked eyes with an insect-like face, scaring him half to death.

The large egg made a crackling sound—a larva was chewing through its soft shell.

For some unknown reason, Huo Zeshen felt an instinctive fear.

A subconscious urge told him he must not let this thing hatch. He picked up a hoe and struck the eggshell hard.

Soon, blue blood and transparent mucus spilled everywhere, covering Huo Zeshen’s face and clothes.

The larva failed to hatch, dying inside its egg. Overwhelmed by the indescribable stench, Huo Zeshen fainted.

When he woke again, he found himself locked up, surrounded by people in protective suits recording something on their lightbrains.

The leader wore a troubled expression, muttering quietly to a subordinate, "How could we have overlooked the possibility of human intervention…"

What followed was an inexpressible insect disaster.

Huo Zeshen had no idea what was happening. He was dragged by several adults into an aircraft and even told, "Since you have the courage to face insects, you’re responsible for protecting these children!"

The aircraft flew in the opposite direction of Youlan Star but wasn’t spared by the insects.

From start to finish, Huo Zeshen was completely confused. When he learned from Cai Yu that he was to blame for the insect plague that devastated his homeland, he gradually accepted reality and stopped resisting or talking back.

Until Lin Juangui appeared.

He stood there, and everyone’s eyes turned to him, including Huo Zeshen.

"Stand up," he heard the Omega say to him.

Huo Zeshen pushed himself off the ground, trembling as he straightened up.

Lin Juangui then addressed Cai Yu, the apparent leader: "I know you’re all scared, uncertain about the future, unsure where you’ll go or what you’ll do. But you’re all that’s left of Youlan Star. I don’t think your families would want to see you fighting like this. Of course, I’m not one to sweep things under the rug. If someone is at fault, we can settle it properly by talking, not through violence."

Ye Ming’s eyes were swollen from crying like walnuts. He was the one who had desperately tried to leave the aircraft to find his parents.

He sniffled and said to Lin Juangui, "I don’t understand anything. I was supposed to go swimming today, but then so many insects came. They shoved me into the aircraft, and I could only watch as my parents were swallowed by the insects… Why? I want to know why too! Cai Yu said it all started with that thing Huo Zeshen dug up! Shouldn’t I hate him? Shouldn’t I hit him?"

Lin Juangui had the servants take the emotional Ye Ming to a room, offering food to comfort the child.

The others followed him to the living room.

"This morning, I received news that Youlan Star is rich in resources. It might take three to five years for the insects to fully disperse, so the truth remains unknown. Investigating will likely be difficult, as the insects’ traces could conceal many things."

The children present bowed their heads silently, as if processing this reality.

Lin Juangui sat on the sofa, his expression impartial.

He introduced himself to the children and recounted the events of the previous night. "It all happened suddenly, and I need to get a clear picture of the situation. I hope you can try to remember what you experienced before the disaster. Someone has to keep the memory of Youlan Star alive, don’t you think?"

Cai Yu clearly knew the most, but when it was his turn to speak, he was vague.

When Huo Zeshen said he knew nothing, Cai Yu stood up as if to accuse him but was stopped by a look from Lin Juangui.

"Do you believe he’s responsible for this disaster? What evidence do you have?" Lin Juangui asked Cai Yu.

Cai Yu pressed his lips together and shook his head. "It’s just my feeling. After all, he was the one who dug up the larva, which attracted so many insects."

Lin Juangui pressed, "Did you learn this from your parents?"

Cai Yu hesitated before replying, "Yes."

"Any more details? I recall him saying earlier that he completely killed the larva. Did your parents find evidence proving that the insect he killed attracted swarms of others?"

Cai Yu blinked repeatedly, seemingly unsure how to respond, and finally said, "I don’t know. I can only think that way."

Lin Juangui suspected Cai Yu was hiding something. Based on his speculation, Cai Yu’s parents played a crucial role in Youlan Star’s insect plague, but only these children remained, unaware of the truth. Further questioning would yield nothing.

So Lin Juangui could only comfort them, "Alright, then I won’t interfere or make judgments about this grudge, since no one knows the truth. I hope you can overcome this hardship. Since you’re all underage, you’ll likely need to stay in an orphanage for now, and arrangements will be made for your schooling."

"..."

Except for Huo Zeshen, the other children stopped listening to Lin Juangui. He told them to return to their rooms to rest and have some snacks if they were hungry.

Zhuang Xi had already arranged for someone to pick up the children. Lin Juangui went to him and shared his findings.

After hearing this, Zhuang Xi looked hesitant. "I thought they had gone through hardship together and had a good relationship..."

Lin Juangui wasn’t surprised.

Hierarchy existed everywhere. Cai Yu’s family was clearly wealthy and looked down on farming families like Huo Zeshen’s parents, who relied on the land for survival.

It was still unknown who attracted the insects to Youlan Star, but Cai Yu’s insistence on blaming Huo Zeshen suggested there was more to the story.

Yet those who knew the truth had already perished in the insect plague, and it might take years before the truth comes out.

"Brother Zhuang, I have an idea, though I’m not sure if it’s fully developed. If possible, I’d like these children to be placed in different locations. Youlan Star will inevitably become ruins, and these conflicts will eventually become unresolved matters. Rather than letting them fight, it’s better to separate them."

Zhuang Xi nodded, agreeing with Lin Juangui. "Indeed, with so many children living together, maintaining harmony is crucial. I’ll make arrangements accordingly later, but for now, they need a proper place to stay."

Lin Juangui knew he couldn’t show too much concern for Huo Zeshen at the moment. To him, Huo Zeshen was just a mere passing acquaintance.

Huo Zeshen was already being targeted by his peers. If Lin Juangui showed him favoritism, it would only make his situation worse.

When Zhuang Xi prepared to send the children away, Lin Juangui asked to accompany them. Zhuang Xi was surprised. "It’s your first day married to Mu Zhang. Shouldn’t you be with him?"

"Mu Zhang is busy. There’s a lot on Sailing Star requiring his attention. Besides, General Mu hasn’t woken up yet. Staying at the manor would be twiddling my thumbs. I’d rather accompany you for something more productive."

Zhuang Xi didn't think too much about it and nodded in agreement, his liking for Lin Juangui grew.

Over the years, he had seen countless people who only talked big about charity. When it came to participating in practical activities, they would simply send a representative to take a few photos and leave, caring more about looking good than doing good.

However, Zhuang Xi didn’t really mind this. As long as they made timely donations and didn’t interfere too much with the projects, he was fine with it.

Although Zhuang Xi and Lin Juangui had just met, Lin Juangui stood out to him.

At the very least, he wasn’t the phony type. He showed patience and skill when dealing with the children.

Unlike other Alphas who believed Lin Juangui’s marriage to Mu Zhang was mostly due to luck, Zhuang Xi thought Lin Juangui possessed the courage and capability to stand alongside Mu Zhang. Whether it was his smooth way with guests the day before or his compassion for the vulnerable, all of it really impressed Zhuang Xi.

As Lin Juangui left the Luochen Manor in a hovercar, Mu Yuanqing, who had been lying in bed, finally opened his eyes.

The scent of Omega pheromones still seemed to linger around him, something familiar that made Mu Yuanqing wonder—had Mu Zhang undergone some kind of gland procedure? Otherwise, why would he smell asphalt-like Omega pheromones?

Mu Zhang, who had just finished the meal Lin Juangui brought him outside the door, just gave a nod, not particularly concerned, when Butler Yang informed him that the children rescued by Mu Yuanqing had been sent away by Zhuang Xi and Lin Juangui.

In his youth, Mu Yuanqing had amazing physical stamina, capable of fighting continuously for over half a month without issue.

But this time, the drain on his gland energy left him dizzy when he tried to sit up. He could truly feel his body getting weaker day by day.

Perhaps in a few years, he would have to retire from active duty.

The thought brought a weird feeling of loss, and his vulnerable state was noticed by Mu Zhang, who had just entered the room.

"You're awake?!" Mu Zhang said, his face lighting up, walking to the bedside and gazing at Mu Yuanqing’s pale face. He reached out, touching it with a careful, restrained touch. "I thought I was going to lose you."

Mu Zhang’s enthusiasm was instantly shut down by Mu Yuanqing’s chilly reaction. His smile froze, and he slowly withdrew his hand.

Sitting by the sickbed, he went back to his usual reserved self. "You know I lack nothing in material terms."

Mu Yuanqing nodded. "Yes, I know."

Mu Zhang was not one to skimp on himself—there was little in the universe he desired but couldn’t obtain, except for Mu Yuanqing.

But Mu Yuanqing understood clearly: Mu Zhang was married now, and he should no longer let himself get caught up in these feelings.

"I misunderstood you about the incident with Kuang Jie last time. I apologize—my words must have hurt you."

It was rare for Mu Yuanqing to show such softness, and Mu Zhang couldn’t help but let a faint smile touch his lips.

But what Mu Yuanqing said next left Mu Zhang stunned, unsure how to respond.

"Since you’ve found an Omega you love and are married, I think it’s time we stop whatever this is between us. Don’t you agree?"