Chapter 32 I Am Your Backbone

Chapter 32: I Am Your Pillar of Support

On the day Huo Zeshen departed for Yungang Star, Lin Juangui personally saw him off.

The slender youth wore a black hoodie, his sleeves appearing loose and empty.

Lin Juangui handed Huo Zeshen the newly purchased Light Brain, instructing him to message if anything came up. "If you're bullied, don't suffer in silence. If anyone mocks you, snap back. Eat well, take leave if you're tired. I am your pillar of support, so don't be afraid. Study hard."

Huo Zeshen looked at Lin Juangui, and as he lifted his head, the edge of the necklace around his neck subtly emerged. He wore Lin Juangui's gift close to his skin, as if to constantly feel Lin Juangui's warmth.

Though Wen Rui hadn't explicitly stated it, Huo Zeshen knew the immense effort Lin Juangui had expended to secure his place at the Federation's premier training facility.

Beyond financial verification, Lin Juangui had also signed a guarantee for Huo Zeshen. After all, a group of Alphas, naturally energetic and hot-blooded, could easily lead to friction and trouble.

These minors, if they caused any disturbances, would naturally have their guardians held responsible.

Huo Zeshen was an orphan. Technically, Wen Rui was his guardian, but she was often overwhelmed with orphanage duties. Lin Juangui, therefore, naturally shouldered this responsibility.

Despite their brief acquaintance, Lin Juangui's actions consistently demonstrated genuine care for Huo Zeshen.

Before boarding the starship, Huo Zeshen stepped forward and hugged Lin Juangui, his eyes filled with reluctance. He promised Lin Juangui, "I won't cause you any trouble."

Each time Lin Juangui witnessed Huo Zeshen's mature demeanor, his heart ached. He ruffled Huo Zeshen's hair, his eyes brimming with concern. "Trouble or not, it's trivial. Just protect yourself, and don't make it seem like a permanent farewell."

Lin Juangui leaned in and whispered to Huo Zeshen, "I might be attending university on Yungang Star soon. Then we can see whose grades are better, alright?"

Huo Zeshen's eyes visibly brightened. Lin Juangui checked the boarding time and patted Huo Zeshen's shoulder. "Go now. This is a new beginning you've earned through your own efforts. Difficulties are inevitable, but you must learn to master them and handle everything with ease. I believe you can do it."

These words were quite profound for a child of Huo Zeshen's age, but he clearly understood and nodded firmly to Lin Juangui.

Though Wen Rui was very busy, Lin Juangui's deep concern for Huo Zeshen prompted her to make time to see him off.

She had always harbored a question, one she could only voice after Huo Zeshen's departure: "Mr. Lin, why are you so... towards Xiao Huo?"

It transcended mere kindness. If Lin Juangui had claimed he was raising Huo Zeshen as his son, Wen Rui would have believed him.

Some parents might not even consider their own children's well-being to such an extent, yet Lin Juangui did.

Wen Rui's perplexed expression made Lin Juangui chuckle. "Perhaps it's to mend a regret in my heart. I'm not someone who constantly overflows with kindness."

Leaving this cryptic remark, Lin Juangui bid Wen Rui farewell. He felt no need to answer all her questions; it wasn't necessary for him.

What mattered most now was preparing for the entrance exam to Yungang Business College.

Although Mu Zhang had assured him the exam questions were not difficult and Lin Juangui's track record in the financial markets was impressive, Lin Juangui still felt compelled to take it seriously.

While practical experience often superseded theory, some theoretical questions were designed to test one's understanding indirectly, and the slightest oversight could lead to lost points. Lin Juangui felt as if he had returned to his university days, staying up all night memorizing key concepts.

Mu Zhang had been recuperating at Luochen Manor during this period. Seeing Lin Juangui's earnestness about the entrance exam amused him.

"That worried about it? With my connections, the exam is merely a formality. What you should truly concern yourself with is the psychological evaluation. Fail that, and you'll be spending an hour each week at the school's psychological counseling office."

In the interstellar era, many children's learning and entertainment revolved around Light Brains. Neglecting physical exercise often led to heightened mental sensitivity, making them as fragile as porcelain. Consequently, educational institutions placed significant emphasis on students' mental well-being.

Lin Juangui abruptly halted his studying, his gaze serious. "Perhaps I shouldn't attend school after all. Wouldn't it be disastrous if someone discovered your partner has mental health issues?"

Mu Zhang raised an eyebrow and chuckled. "Do you truly believe those people are in a significantly better mental state than you?"

He had a point. Some wealthy children indulged in extravagant lifestyles, attributing their behavior to childhood trauma, psychological scars, or a lack of companionship. "Though I possess wealth, who comprehends my inner anguish?" Compared to their struggles, Lin Juangui's self-inflicted emotional turmoil seemed almost negligible.

And so, with his failing score on the mental health evaluation, Lin Juangui smoothly became a student at Yungang Business College.

Given his studies on Yungang Star, daily starship commutes between planets were impractical.

Mu Zhang purchased a small villa for Lin Juangui near the school, complete with a dedicated butler and servants to attend to his every need.

"School is secondary. You don't need exceptional grades; merely passing to save face will suffice. When I require your presence, you must come immediately. Can you manage that?"

When Mu Zhang spoke plainly, he sounded quite normal. Lin Juangui's eyes flickered, and he deliberately asked, "If I achieve good grades, will there be any special reward?"

"No, but I won't inquire about your use of grandmother's private butler."

Lin Juangui's every word and action were under scrutiny, a reality he had grown accustomed to. Feeling somewhat dismissed, he turned, gave a casual two-fingered salute, and departed with a flourish.

Watching Lin Juangui board the starship and leave, Mu Zhang inexplicably felt as if he were sending a child off to school.

Lin Juangui was considerably younger than him. At times, observing Lin Juangui's youthful, flawless skin evoked a sense of time's relentless march.

This young man was remarkably more mature than his peers. Even when he occasionally revealed his "true nature," Mu Zhang found it endearing rather than annoying.

It was even somewhat cute.

Realizing the direction of his thoughts, Mu Zhang quickly composed himself.

He should attend to some actual business.

-

The humidity on Yungang Star was slightly higher than on Sai Ling Star, and Lin Juangui found it quite agreeable.

The small villa Mu Zhang purchased bore a resemblance to Lin Juangui's former dwelling in a secluded corner of Luochen Manor, but it boasted more servants. Upon seeing Lin Juangui, they bowed respectfully and addressed him as "Madam."

Despite the widespread adoption of household robots in this era, Mu Zhang still chose to provide employment opportunities for so many individuals, a surprisingly benevolent gesture.

Lin Juangui was adaptable to new environments. His extensive travels for work had long since honed his ability to doze off anywhere.

[Lin Juangui] had been quietly shadowing Lin Juangui these past few days, like a phantom.

He rarely spoke, mostly observing the individuals Lin Juangui interacted with. When [Lin Juangui] focused on their expressions, he often made surprising discoveries.

However, Lin Juangui had undoubtedly noticed these details as well; no prompting from [Lin Juangui] was necessary. He simply watched quietly as Lin Juangui leveraged his intellect to achieve his goals.

"You look like you have something to say but are holding back. Is there something you're keeping from me?"

Throughout the day, Lin Juangui had been busy directing the servants to arrange the house to his liking. Only after completing these tasks did he plan to ascend for a bath, and he was now preparing to undress.

Not residing at Luochen Manor was beneficial for Lin Juangui. He could enjoy brief moments of solitude, though he still couldn't escape the watchful eyes Mu Zhang had assigned. At least he no longer had to feign smiles in Mu Zhang's presence.

Mu Zhang likely sent Lin Juangui to Yungang Star because he sensed Lin Juangui's discomfort in his company.

The storyline involving the two Alphas was far from over. The military's turmoil couldn't be resolved quickly. Mu Yuanqing cared deeply for his comrades, but his concern extended no further; others held no significance for him.

It was worth noting that neither protagonist was easily swayed; otherwise, their entanglement wouldn't have lasted so many years.

After Mu Zhang recovered, he would continue to contend with the various factions within the military. He was destined to meet and interact with Mu Yuanqing.

They say familiarity breeds connection. Even if Mu Yuanqing uttered the most heartless words, he would still seek out Mu Zhang for personal gain, and Mu Zhang would relish the feeling of control.

[Lin Juangui] swiftly analyzed the situation. He knew it wasn't easy for Lin Juangui to use P-L79 to achieve a remarkable turnaround, but it still seemed a distant goal.

Now fully composed, [Lin Juangui] finally grasped the immense difficulty of his objective.

Even if the book's logic was flawed, the protagonist's plot armor was undeniable. Mu Zhang had been on the brink of death, yet due to his self-imposed isolation, he never appeared by Lin Juangui's side.

Each time he considered this, [Lin Juangui] felt he had been a burden to Lin Juangui. Such emotions had been rare for him over the years.

Lin Juangui paused, his fingers still on the buttons of his shirt.

"I admit, when your system first brought me here, I was somewhat disoriented and distressed. At that time, I was in a dark place—my lover had passed away abruptly, and his body was never found. I was experiencing a period where I felt utterly powerless over everything."

The man looked at the younger [Lin Juangui], as if recalling his own past self, utterly lost about the future.

"Even without a physical form, your will and spirit turned things around. So here I am, right?

If the influence others exert on us is unavoidable, let's see if we can repurpose it. While helping you achieve your wish, I can also pursue what I desire. So, it's better if you remain your bold self—it will also help you relax more."

[Lin Juangui] was unaccustomed to Lin Juangui's gentle demeanor towards him.

His repeated failures in confronting Mu Zhang had completely shattered [Lin Juangui]'s confidence, leading to a complete breakdown. Only witnessing others suffer more than him offered a slight solace.

Who would have imagined that the once popular and well-regarded Omega would transform into such a shadow of his former self, barely recognizable?

[Lin Juangui] hadn't dared to look in a mirror for years. He recoiled from the venomous, resentful expression on that face—an expression he himself despised.

Thus, when he witnessed Lin Juangui decisively end his own life multiple times, [Lin Juangui] surmised that this Mechanical God's mental state was on par with his own.

However, after a few resets, Lin Juangui quickly regained his composure and began to absorb all available information.

[Lin Juangui] sensed that his Mechanical God had concealed his breakdown, even pushing through his fragile consciousness to successfully negotiate with Mu Zhang. Soon, he would marry Mu Zhang.

Lin Juangui was adept at leveraging his strengths, but he always knew when to stop, never overstepping.

[Lin Juangui] admired his incredibly quick mind. Before he could even react, Lin Juangui was already planning his next move.

A sudden system prompt jolted [Lin Juangui] out of his reverie.

He breathed a sigh of relief and offered Lin Juangui a warm, faint smile. "Your affinity for me has increased slightly. From now on, you can summon me mentally. I won't suddenly appear to startle you, nor will there be situations where you wish to see me but I cannot appear."

Lin Juangui raised an eyebrow in surprise. He hadn't expected the system to possess such a function.

He asked [Lin Juangui] about the system's form, but [Lin Juangui] shook his head apologetically. "I cannot disclose that. I never imagined such a thing could exist."

"Alright, I understand."

The system had always relayed messages through [Lin Juangui]—Lin Juangui had never directly interacted with the system within this book.

Why? Lin Juangui had no idea.

But it was already late, and Lin Juangui had no time for further contemplation. After washing up, he went to bed.

The next morning, Lin Juangui went for an hour-long jog before returning to get ready.

Omega bodies were inherently delicate. Due to his late differentiation, his secondary sex characteristics were not very pronounced. Were it not for the inhibitor patch on his scent gland, many might mistake Lin Juangui for a Beta—after all, his height made him stand out among other Omegas.

Lin Juangui understood the disadvantage of poor physical stamina, so he had to seize every opportunity. Consistent training would undoubtedly yield results.

Having resolved to attend school, Lin Juangui maintained his usual understated demeanor.

The business school had a uniform, but students were only required to wear it during the initial days of the term. Lin Juangui simply opted for a baseball jacket and cargo pants, donned a baseball cap and rectangular glasses, and headed out.

The household staff almost didn't recognize Lin Juangui in this attire.

No particular reason—previously, Lin Juangui had always appeared dignified and composed in their eyes, wearing well-tailored loungewear, seeming approachable with a gentle smile.

This new, youthful, and cool appearance was utterly astonishing.

The villa was not far from the school, but Lin Juangui still had dedicated transportation to and from campus.

The school entrance was bustling with students. Most resided in nearby student apartments, making day students a rare sight.

The moment Lin Juangui stepped out of the car, he felt numerous eyes on him. However, he merely lowered the brim of his cap, revealing only his clean, fair profile and chin, slung his backpack over his shoulder, and walked directly into the school.

Lin Juangui had never held a favorable impression of schools.

In elementary and middle school, Lin Juangui often found himself adrift, not knowing what he was doing. He hadn't yet matured then; whatever teachers said went in one ear and out the other, and his sole focus was on playing.

Even in high school, though he benefited greatly from being placed in a good class, the mundane daily routines still irritated him.

University was even worse. He was a lone wolf, constantly preoccupied with how to earn money.

However, his disinterest in making friends did not equate to a loss of social skills.

Even for group projects, he could enlist two introverted classmates, complete their assigned tasks, and still maintain his top grades.

Lin Juangui always found solutions to problems. If a problem proved intractable, he would simply leave it to time; he lacked the energy to torment himself.

But [Lin Juangui] was different.

[Lin Juangui] had many friends in high school and had once believed he would attend the Federation's top business academy on Yungang Star.

However, [Lin Juangui]'s parents, desiring to keep him close, forcibly enrolled him in an art school on Wuying Star.

Just yesterday, [Lin Juangui] had mentioned that his best friend attended this school, but since he became Mu Zhang's lover, they had completely lost contact and never met again.

Lin Juangui felt sorry for [Lin Juangui]. "I will treat this friend with the same sincerity you would."

The school campus was vast, divided into north and south sections. Lin Juangui had studied the layout yesterday, so he quickly located the building for his class.

While in the elevator, someone suddenly tapped his arm. Turning around, he saw Huai Fu grinning widely at him.

"Why are you wearing glasses? I remember you didn't used to be nearsighted."

Huai Fu was also an Omega. Unlike Lin Juangui's striking, aloof beauty, he possessed a more vibrant and captivating appearance—the kind of stunning beauty one noticed immediately.

Surprised to encounter his good friend so soon, Lin Juangui, who admired Huai Fu's looks, smiled and explained, "I had an accident that injured my eyes. Surgery wasn't possible, so I have to wear glasses."

"Ah? What happened?" Huai Fu frowned, looking concerned. "Your marriage was so sudden too. I know there's more to it, but... is Mr. Mu treating you well?"

How could Lin Juangui possibly say otherwise? He nodded. "At least my basic needs are met. Now I can even attend classes here, and the Lin family has hired a new manager—things are stabilizing."

Huai Fu pursed his lips, as if feeling regret.

Huai Fu could sense that Lin Juangui did not love his Alpha.

He had once believed that such a popular Omega as Lin Juangui would end up with the Alpha he loved. He never expected fate to play such a cruel trick, marrying him off so young.

"As long as he treats you well, that's what matters. After all, Omegas need Alphas to help them through their heat—it's safer than the Omega Association randomly assigning one."

Huai Fu didn't probe further, simply looping his arm through Lin Juangui's and saying, "Though we're in different departments, we can take some classes together. Want to coordinate our schedules from now on?"

"Sure." Finding a companion so quickly at school was clearly beneficial for Lin Juangui, and he couldn't possibly refuse.

It was natural for Lin Juangui to struggle to keep up, having joined the class midway. Thus, he recorded the lecture with his Light Brain while reviewing the textbook. Multitasking was already second nature to him.

His college grades were respectable. Although some terms in interstellar-era textbooks differed, the underlying logic remained consistent. While it might sound arrogant, Lin Juangui was already contemplating skipping a grade.

Mu Zhang likely sent him here to establish an alumni connection, facilitating future networking.

However, Lin Juangui wouldn't merely idle his time away at school. He had to graduate before divorcing Mu Zhang. Only with a tangible diploma in hand would his time not be wasted.

"I remember you always enjoyed reading financial news and said you wanted to help manage the family company. You still possess that talent. For me, these courses are like listening to a lullaby."

After saying this, Huai Fu quickly apologized, concerned that his words might have inadvertently hurt Lin Juangui.

But Lin Juangui didn't mind. "I'll catch up on the missed lessons as soon as possible. Do you have notes?"

Although Huai Fu disliked these classes and his grades were in the middle to lower range, he still meticulously took his own class notes.

"Yes, I'll send them to you."

Thanks to Huai Fu's presence, Lin Juangui adapted quickly on his first day at school.

After school, Huai Fu asked Lin Juangui where he was living now. Lin Juangui felt a touch of embarrassment: "Mu Zhang bought an apartment near the school. I live there. If you don't want to stay in the dorm on weekends, come over and hang out."

"Sure, I'm free on weekends and have nowhere else to go anyway."

Huai Fu waved goodbye to Lin Juangui and headed towards the student dormitory.

Lin Juangui was quite pleased. Huai Fu was indeed a good friend, honest and straightforward. This at least indicated that not everything in [Lin Juangui]'s world was insincere.

As soon as he reached the school gate, a throng of reporters swarmed around Lin Juangui.

Photos of him in class had already circulated widely on the Star Network. Some were perplexed by his admission, but most were simply curious about Lin Juangui himself.

The media, like hungry hyenas scenting prey, had caught wind of the news and converged.

Were it not for the robot security at the gate preventing their entry, Lin Juangui might not have even been able to attend class today.

Lin Juangui extended his hand, signaling them to maintain distance, and immediately took charge, urging the reporters not to obstruct other students leaving school.

"First and foremost, I appreciate your attention. To avoid disrupting the academic lives of my fellow students, I kindly request you move aside."

After leading the reporters to a street corner, Lin Juangui asked them to quiet down for a moment.

The man smiled calmly, having already anticipated the reason for their presence. He asked the reporters, "What kind of news do you seek from me? You should be familiar with Mu Zhang's methods, but I don't wish to cause you any trouble. I hope this is the last time."

Lin Juangui was indeed handsome, possessing an inherent allure. When he smiled, his eyes curved, effortlessly dispelling the cold aloofness he exhibited when expressionless. However, this did not imply a gentle disposition.

Though his tone was calm when he spoke, the light in his eyes was sharp. After surveying the assembled reporters, he seemed to comprehend everything, yet still chose to grant them a measure of respect.

In the distance, Lin Juangui's bodyguards had surrounded the reporters. Any further movement would result in their removal. The reporters suddenly felt a chill, realizing they might have underestimated their target.

"We merely wish to ask Mr. Lin a few questions. We are not intentionally causing trouble. Please do not misunderstand, Mr. Lin."

Lin Juangui adjusted his glasses. Under the camera, his skin was as delicate as porcelain, so fair it seemed to glow. Even when the camera suddenly zoomed in from an unflattering angle, it did not diminish the striking impact of his face.

"Is there any loss during transportation, given Bada Star's distance from the Federation?"

"Relevant experts state that the fire on Bada Star will take years to extinguish. Was this a tactic you employed to prevent further exploration of Bada Star?"

"Mr. Lin, you were previously studying at an art school on Wuying Star, correct? Did you gain admission to Yungang Business College due to that donation?"

Lin Juangui initially listened intently to the reporters' questions, but gradually, only a distant, absent-minded smile remained on his face.

"Your questions cover quite a broad range. I'll keep it brief, so you have something to write about.

Whether there was any loss of cultural relics is clearly documented in the video materials we provided to the notary public. There are simpler ways to find out, yet you choose to question me. Don't you think your work ethic is questionable?"

The first reporter averted Lin Juangui's gaze. Lin Juangui continued, "The fire on Bada Star was an accident. At the time, some members of the exploration team completely lost contact with the outside world. Other team members attempted to enter the planet for rescue but failed. Sparks from the explosion ignited the biogas on Bada Star's surface, which caused the massive fire."

The reporter clearly wished to ask more, such as whether all exploration team members had evacuated, or if there were casualties during the exploration, ideally steering the conversation towards Lin Juangui's alleged disregard for human life.

However, Lin Juangui seemed to lose patience, hastily answering the third question.

"I gained admission to Yungang Business College by passing the entrance exam. My scores on all three papers were SSS. If you have the capability, you can verify this yourself. Please don't attribute every problem to me, alright?"

Under Lin Juangui's subtle signal, the bodyguards stepped forward to disperse the reporters. Lin Juangui remained in place, calmly concluding the interview: "Cease questioning my original intentions and motives. I am merely a mirror. How you perceive me reflects who you are. I hope our next encounter is in a more pleasant environment, and your questions are more substantive. I must return home to study. Farewell."

Throughout the interview, Lin Juangui maintained a smile. As the saying goes, one does not strike a smiling person. Even though his final answer was somewhat abrupt, no trace of irritation marred his face, as if confirming his initial assessment when answering the first question—

These reporters were incapable of performing their duties effectively. They merely sought to corner him, a futile endeavor.

It was no easy feat to emerge unscathed from the barrage of reporters' questions. Lin Juangui's demeanor was already quite accommodating; at least he was willing to answer a few questions.

The matter of Bada Star would eventually conclude. Lin Juangui was indifferent to the fate of the cultural relics, as the truly important items had already been entrusted to Huo Zeshen. The cicada and the boy's belongings in Cuigu remained untouched, preserved as part of Lin Juangui's memories.

Over the next few days, Lin Juangui's campus life finally settled into a routine. After that interview, the number of people taking his picture noticeably decreased.

Regardless, he was Mu Zhang's partner. An Alpha's possessiveness towards an Omega was intense. If Mu Zhang ever discovered that so many individuals harbored intentions towards Lin Juangui, he might forbid Lin Juangui from appearing in public again.

On Friday afternoon, Lin Juangui had no classes. He arrived punctually on the seventh floor of the student activity center.

This floor housed only psychological counseling rooms, sparsely populated. The lobby had a single receptionist who immediately stood up upon seeing Lin Juangui and instructed him on how to select a counselor and record the session duration.

Seeing that Lin Juangui was familiar with the procedure, the receptionist smiled and gestured in a direction. "Dr. Yao is in the third counseling room on the left. You can go directly there. Remember to knock, please."

"Thank you."

Before entering the counseling room, Lin Juangui glanced at the doctors' professional photos displayed on the lobby bulletin board.

As Lin Juangui grew older, he placed greater emphasis on first impressions. Numerous experiences had proven that disregarding his intuition invariably led to difficulties, and he had rarely erred over the years.

This Dr. Yao was a Beta, had received several awards, and his qualifications were certainly sufficient, though his professional expertise remained unknown.

Lin Juangui knocked on the counseling room door and entered smoothly.

Yao Zhi looked just as he did in his photo, with meticulously styled hair and sharp lips, exuding an air of refined severity.

His office was distinctively decorated; the wallpaper and curtains predominantly featured shades of blue and purple. Lin Juangui's initial impression was one of coldness. He surveyed the room, his gaze resting on several antique wooden boxes stacked near the door. After a moment of contemplation, he turned his attention to Yao Zhi, who sat in the office chair.

Yao Zhi, thinking Lin Juangui had discovered something, offered a faint smile when Lin Juangui's gaze shifted to him: "Hello, Student Lin."

The psychological counselor assigned to a student upon check-in at the lobby immediately received some of the student's information, so it was normal for Yao Zhi to know Lin Juangui's name.

Lin Juangui sat down opposite Yao Zhi. The chair was remarkably hard, utterly devoid of softness.

He took a deep breath, leaned back slightly, rested his elbows on the armrests, clenched his fists, and propped his chin, adopting a very relaxed posture.

Lin Juangui was wearing a long black trench coat today. He sat sideways with his legs crossed, exuding an air of detached superiority.

The Omega spoke rather coolly: "Dr. Yao, do you have any niche hobbies?"