Chapter 44 What Isn’t Possible

Chapter 44: What Else Is Impossible?

Lin Juangui was mid-conversation with Liang Shanyue when Zhuang Xi called, asking his whereabouts. Lin Juangui told him he was at the rooftop bar.

Liang Shanyue drained the rest of his drink, then rose to leave. "I have a few online meetings. If anyone comes looking for you, I'll head out."

"Alright."

Zhuang Xi soon arrived and, seeing Lin Juangui's dazed appearance, frowned with concern. "You don't look well. Are you okay?"

Zhuang Xi had been busy introducing the charity association's new project to guests at Lin Juangui’s birthday banquet and hadn’t paid much attention to him. He had something to tell Lin Juangui but wasn’t sure he was in a state to listen.

"Go ahead, I'm listening carefully."

If it weren’t something urgent, Zhuang Xi wouldn’t have sought him out at this hour, insisting on a face-to-face conversation.

Zhuang Xi leaned in and whispered something to Lin Juangui, his face alight with excitement and anticipation. Lin Juangui looked at him in surprise. "Aren't I too young? Why would this fall to me?"

"Why shouldn't it involve you?" Zhuang Xi proudly patted Lin Juangui’s shoulder. "What's the fun in me receiving the award alone? Let's share the good fortune. Just remember to be there on time."

Lin Juangui nodded, acknowledging, then ordered Zhuang Xi a drink.

Revisiting an old topic, Zhuang Xi asked Lin Juangui if he was happy today. Lin Juangui nodded. "Of course. If I can't be happy on my birthday, how will I get through the rest of the year? But what happened recently did affect me. I took a sedative after boarding the ship to hold it together until now."

"Ah..." Zhuang Xi's face showed concern. He had dismissed those news reports as mere rumors, never taking them seriously. Lin Juangui always sounded normal when they chatted, so he never thought otherwise.

Lin Juangui appreciated Zhuang Xi's character; no matter what he went through, Zhuang Xi treated him like a normal person.

However, Lin Juangui did have a lingering doubt. "I'm a bit worried about whether those incidents will affect my image in the charity world."

Zhuang Xi was both surprised and indignant. "You didn't do anything wrong, so what does it have to do with you? What, do we need to check someone's background before they can do good deeds? Don't let the media influence you. They're just a pack of hyenas who can't stand to see others succeed."

Lin Juangui couldn't help but burst out laughing. Zhuang Xi's straightforwardness was as refreshing as ever.

Someone set off small fireworks on the deck. Lin Juangui gazed out the window, a smile on his face. "Another year has passed."

New Year's Day followed immediately after Lin Juangui's birthday. He had never been particularly mindful of dates, only knowing what tasks needed to be completed each day before moving on to the next, in an endless cycle.

Huo Zeshen's appearance changed much, prompting Lin Juangui to focus on his life beyond just work.

Lin Juangui felt a pang of emotion. Huo Zeshen had influenced him so profoundly that he found himself thinking of him no matter what he did.

This wasn't a good sign. It made Lin Juangui feel like an epiphyte clinging to Huo Zeshen—if the tree withered, he wouldn't be able to survive independently.

Mu Zhang approached, asking Lin Juangui if he wanted to watch the fireworks. Lin Juangui nodded in agreement.

Zhuang Xi followed them to the terrace outside the bar, found Fang Rennan, and nudged him with his shoulder. "There's a clear difference between someone who's enlightened and someone who isn't."

Fang Rennan nodded in agreement. "I pursued you earnestly before we got married too."

"And after you caught me? Once we married, you stopped caring?"

"Not exactly. The ways I know to make you happy seem limited. Do you ever get tired of them?"

Zhuang Xi found it amusing. "You have to try first to know if I'll get tired, right?"

Fang Rennan nodded thoughtfully. "You're right."

The fireworks on the ferry weren't particularly grand, but they were varied and beautiful. Many people wished their friends a Happy New Year. Mu Zhang also turned to Lin Juangui and said, "This is our first New Year together. Next time, I'll definitely ask what you like before making plans."

Lin Juangui smiled, his eyes crinkling, though his expression was clearly weary. "Thank you for being so thoughtful. I appreciate it."

Mu Zhang's current demeanor was all too familiar to Lin Juangui—those who harbored feelings for him always looked at him with that same focused, tender gaze.

But one thing surprised Lin Juangui: did this count as Mu Zhang falling for someone else? What would happen to Mu Yuanqing? Would the storyline veer off course irrevocably?

Well, if Mu Zhang could collaborate with Sword, what else was impossible?

The next afternoon, the ferry returned. Lin Juangui sat in the car, drowsy and listless.

Omegas were physically delicate, and maintaining composure in front of so many people over the past two days had been incredibly taxing. He had completely exhausted himself.

Lately, Lin Juangui often felt drained, as if his energy reserves were constantly low. Even minor tasks left him feeling tired. Was this the inherent disadvantage of being an Omega? It seemed there was nothing he could do about it.

Mu Zhang sat beside Lin Juangui, working on his device. Once Lin Juangui's breathing became steady, he turned and openly observed him.

Compared to their first meeting, Lin Juangui had grown much thinner.

The baby fat of his youth had faded, replaced by a physique that combined the litheness of a teenager with the slender build of an adult man, exuding a reassuring sense of stability.

In the past, Mu Zhang would never have imagined such words describing an Omega, but the truth was, Lin Juangui possessed an undeniable charm.

Over the past few days, Mu Zhang had heard many people express envy that his Omega was both beautiful and capable. Of course, Mu Zhang felt proud, but more than that, he felt an inexplicable anger and restlessness.

The feeling of having a treasure that should belong solely to him discovered and admired by others was terrible. Yet, this was part of Lin Juangui's role, so Mu Zhang could only sigh helplessly.

Somehow, Lin Juangui's name had become a tiny seed, gradually taking root and sprouting in his heart.

How ironic—Mu Zhang, who once disdained Omegas, had begun to develop unique feelings for Lin Juangui.

Mu Yuanqing's place in Mu Zhang's heart couldn't be easily shaken, but Lin Juangui, as Mu Zhang himself had said, had become a new color in his life.

Geng Xuelan had once told Mu Zhang that many things change after marriage—Omegas are fragile beings, and even if Lin Juangui was resilient, he needed careful care.

At the time, Mu Zhang had privately scoffed at Omegas for being delicate, but now, seeing Lin Juangui resting exhaustedly beside him, he felt a pang of regret.

What had he been doing all this time?

When Lin Juangui opened his eyes, he met Mu Zhang's gaze. He squinted, wondering if his nearsightedness had worsened.

Otherwise, why would Mu Zhang's eyes look so soft?

Mu Zhang subtly averted his gaze and asked Lin Juangui about his holiday plans. Lin Juangui seemed to remember something important and said, "In a few days, I need to go to the Federal Central Star for an awards ceremony."

Mu Zhang frowned in confusion, then suddenly understood. "Issued by the federal government?"

Why hadn't he heard anything about it?

"Brother Zhuang told me yesterday to dress formally. Maybe I'm just an add-on."

"Why so unconfident now? Rest well these next few days and pick out a formal outfit. I'll take you there when the time comes."

"...Okay."

However, it seems that Lin Juangui no longer needs to put on an act in front of Mu Zhang.

He now had a free pass with Mu Zhang. If he continued to act the same way as before, Mu Zhang might think he was being pretentious.

Mu Zhang had other arrangements, so he drove Lin Juangui home and left. Just then, Gu Mi called him, saying he had discovered something intriguing. "I think it's pretty explosive—you should hear this."

What Gu Mi sent was the earlier conversation between Lin Juangui and Wei Yan on the ferry.

When Mu Zhang heard Lin Juangui say that his lover had died at sea, a peculiar smile suddenly appeared on his face. He remained silent until Lin Juangui mentioned feeling fear around him, at which point he frowned and continued to say nothing.

After the robot was powered off, its recording function stopped, so what Wei Yan and Lin Juangui said afterward remains unknown.

So, were the tears Lin Juangui shed when he received his birthday surprise out of joy or a hallucination caused by tranquilizers? Did he think his lover had returned?

"They're already dead. Lin Juangui will forget them eventually."

Mu Zhang was arrogant. If he were ten years younger, he might have believed in undying love. But after so many years with Mu Yuanqing without any outcome, their relationship was now convenience-driven, and it could just as easily end when interests no longer aligned.

Still, Mu Zhang remained cautious. He instructed Gu Mi to conduct a detailed investigation into Lin Juangui’s experiences over the past nineteen years.

"Resourceful and skilled with a gun—could the Lin family really have cultivated such courage and boldness? And now there’s this mysterious lover. His past is truly colorful."

If it weren’t for Lin Juangui’s irreplaceable pheromones, Mu Zhang might have suspected he was a completely different person. But Song Jie’s words still echoed in his mind—she had said Lin Juangui’s split personality was merely a means of self-protection.

Those around him only seemed to care; in reality, they were ruthlessly using him. If he couldn’t stand up for himself, he would be bullied helplessly, without the ability to fight back.

Mu Zhang’s emotions suddenly settled. He let out a long sigh and said, "Forget it. Why should I bother about this?"

In Mu Zhang’s eyes, Lin Juangui was still a kid. Younger people often obsess over one thing and hold onto it stubbornly, but as they grow older and gain more life experience, they eventually move on.

Lin Juangui rested on Yungang Star for a few days. He still felt unwell but couldn’t pinpoint what was wrong. Even when selecting formal attire, he felt listless and lacked enthusiasm. He was worried about his condition—such an important investiture ceremony was not something he could miss.

To ensure everything went smoothly, Lin Juangui called a doctor to his home.

After examining him, the doctor said Lin Juangui’s heat was approaching. Lin Juangui was taken aback for a moment, clearly not yet accustomed to his Omega identity.

The memory of his last heat, which had been a loss of control, was still vivid. The thought alone made him uncomfortable. After a moment of silence, he decided not to let his heat prevent him from missing out.

Fortunately, he still had the strong suppressants he had purchased earlier but never used. Lin Juangui was excited to give them a try.

Mu Zhang had been on Yungang Star for the past few days. Normally, he would return to his starship to rest after concluding his business, but since Lin Juangui was staying here, he had been spending his nights at Lin Juangui’s place.

Hearing from the butler that Lin Juangui had called a doctor, Mu Zhang asked what was wrong. The butler smiled and lowered his voice. "Madam’s heat is coming."

"Oh, I see."

Mu Zhang’s reaction was calmer than the butler had expected. He had assumed Mu Zhang would be looking forward to Lin Juangui’s heat, as it was the best time for an Omega to conceive, and an Alpha would need to make preparations accordingly.

Mu Zhang went upstairs to find Lin Juangui, who had just finished a video conference with his employees in the study and was about to go downstairs for dinner.

"The butler said your heat is coming."

Lin Juangui was already used to Mu Zhang’s unexpected arrivals. He nodded, seemingly unconcerned about his heat. "I’ve been feeling off for the past few days. I was worried it might affect the ceremony, so I called a doctor. It’s probably because I differentiated late, so my heat is also delayed. I didn’t pay much attention to it."

His first heat had been a traumatic experience for Lin Juangui. At the time, he was releasing pheromones to help Mu Zhang through his rut. Surrounded by darkness, with the Alpha’s roars and growls echoing in his ears, he felt as if his soul was being torn apart.

Mu Zhang, too, seemed to recall how weak and exhausted Lin Juangui had looked lying on the neighboring bed after that rut. He turned away, avoiding eye contact, and offered a suggestion: "If you need it, I can get you a few pillows infused with Alpha pheromones."

"Huh?" Lin Juangui’s eyes widened. There was such a thing?

Mu Zhang was amused by Lin Juangui’s unfamiliarity. "Single Omegas can receive a few Alpha pheromone-infused pillows from the Omega Protection Association each month to help them through their heat. You’re disqualified, but others are. It’s still better than using strong suppressants."

It had to be said that when Mu Zhang cared about someone, he could be quite considerate. Lin Juangui nodded in agreement, his smile brightened noticeably. He even asked whether the scents/types could be chosen or if they were random.

Mu Zhang raised an eyebrow. "You can choose, but you can only claim up to five at a time."

"Then I’ll have to think carefully."

Thanks to this little exchange, their dinner was quite pleasant. While taking a walk in the garden, Mu Zhang suddenly asked if Lin Juangui was interested in buying into a project.

Lin Juangui immediately understood and asked Mu Zhang whose idea it was.

Previously, Sword Group and the military had pulled that stunt with Mu Zhang to secure the laboratory on Yungang Star. Now that Lin Juangui was offering the laboratory, they planned to take it without paying a cent—quite the shrewd move.

Mu Zhang didn’t want Lin Juangui involved in these matters. If possible, he hoped Lin Juangui would stay as far away from both parties as possible. But since Lin Juangui had solved the pressing issues of all three parties and was also Mu Zhang’s partner, he was ultimately trustworthy.

"Liang Xiancheng, Liang Shanyue’s grandfather, admires you and is willing to offer you an 8% share."

Lin Juangui was surprised. "The old man is quite generous."

Mu Zhang hadn’t expected it either. "Perhaps he knows it was your idea for Liang Shanyue to storm into the Liang family."

Liang Shanyue was favored because he had always been open and honest like a child in front of his grandfather, never deceiving Grandfather Liang. Yet, he also had his own shrewdness and perspective, which Liang Xiancheng appreciated.

Lin Juangui pondered for a moment and quickly grasped the underlying meaning.

Their real motive for wanting Lin Juangui to join was to hold Mu Zhang’s weakness. After all, Lin Juangui was now a figure of high repute in the Federation. If he participated in this hush-hush project, he would serve as a fallback—someone whose reputation could be used to mitigate any future issues.

Since that was the case, Lin Juangui could take the opportunity to learn what this project was really about.

"Previously, I only knew your business involved the laboratory, but I had no idea what the project actually entailed. If you want me to invest, shouldn’t I at least know some details?"

Lin Juangui’s request wasn’t unreasonable, but Mu Zhang didn’t quite agree. "I suggest you take the money and bow out."

"You’re as domineering as ever. You’ve already made the decision for me, yet you still ask for my opinion."

Lin Juangui took a few steps forward, overtaking Mu Zhang, clearly not wanting to engage with him anymore.

Mu Zhang couldn’t tell if Lin Juangui was angry or not. He quickened his pace to catch up, a smile in his eyes as he spoke. "I said it was just a suggestion. If you want to see the project proposal, I’ll have someone send it to you. You can reply to them in a few days. The investiture ceremony is more important now."

Lin Juangui stopped walking, a faint smile finally appearing on his face.

The project materials were soon sent to Lin Juangui’s light brain. As he read through them while soaking in the bath, [Lin Juangui] also leaned over, looking on with great interest.

"Sword Group quickly captured the market by developing mechas suitable for all types of people. Fighting bugs on the battlefield was no longer limited to Alphas—well-trained Betas and Omegas could also fight based on their own abilities. Have they exhausted mecha research and are now experimenting on humans?!"

Generally, top-tier mechas tested the pilot’s skills. Although anyone could operate the mechas developed by Sword, combat effectiveness still varied based on individual ability.

Sword and the military hoped that through this project, they could develop fusion warriors surpassing Alphas. This would not only reduce Alpha casualty rates but also allow Betas and Omegas to break through their physical limits, leading the Federation into a new era.

The idea was good, but their method involved fusing the genes of extraterrestrial beasts and insectoids captured in space, even conducting experiments on an entire planet.

The reason Yungang Star was chosen earlier was that the two Liang brothers were jealous of Liang Shanyue’s achievements, and the planet’s dense population made it easy to find test subjects—a few disappearances wouldn’t raise alarms.

[Lin Juangui] looked serious. He had never lived to see the finale, so of course he didn’t know who the main characters would ultimately confront or what conspiracies were brewing in this book, waiting for the protagonists to challenge them.

Lin Juangui, however, occasionally tapped his temple. His expression was calm, showing no excitement or thrill at uncovering a major secret.

The initiator of the project remained unknown for now, but based on available information, they had been planning this for many years and had already conducted over a hundred experiments, all of which ended in failure.

This time, they brought in Mu Zhang, who controls the Federation's top military factory, to join the project; their ambitions were clear as day.

When he saw the words "Youlan Star," he suddenly breathed a sigh of relief, feeling relieved, like he’d finally found the culprit.

Youlan Star was not the first experimental planet for this project, but it was the one closest to success. The specific reasons for its failure were not detailed in the project files, likely erased deliberately. However, the fact that the project could be restarted so quickly indicates they are very confident about the next phase of experiments.

Lin Juangui closed the project file and gently stirred the water in the bath with his hand.

Before heading to the Alpha Training Base on Yungang Star, Mu Yuanqing specifically sought out Cai Yu to get the lowdown and later contacted Huo Zeshen under the pretense of visiting.

So, was it really a coincidence that Huo Zeshen saved those children from Youlan Star?

Lin Juangui had only met Mu Yuanqing a few times and, aside from [Lin Juangui]'s descriptions, didn’t know much about him. As a military representative participating in Sword’s project, Mu Yuanqing’s motives were still unclear to Lin Juangui, but for now, his interests aligned with Mu Zhang’s.

Mu Zhang’s reluctance to let Lin Juangui get involved in the project might not be about protecting him but rather because he knew Lin Juangui would merely be used for free without real influence, possibly even becoming a constraint for Mu Zhang.

Thus, how Lin Juangui should respond to the investment invitation was already obvious.

Whether to discuss this with Huo Zeshen was still under consideration. For now, it was just the beginning, and more details hadn’t been uncovered. It was too early to tell Huo Zeshen, who was still growing. Knowing these things now would only create unnecessary hang-ups and hinder his development.

Since Youlan Star was the project’s closest success, the children who escaped from there would undoubtedly be under close watch. Perhaps Lin Juangui wouldn’t even need to lift a finger—they might approach Huo Zeshen themselves.

Mu Zhang claimed he didn’t want Lin Juangui involved, but the truth was, Lin Juangui had already been in the thick of it since he took Huo Zeshen and the other children to the welfare home.

The next day, Lin Juangui stated he would give his response after the medal ceremony. Mu Zhang asked Lin Juangui what he thought.

Lin Juangui took the cushions Mu Zhang brought and gave them a squeeze, his face full of curiosity.

"I’m not particularly interested in human development—it’s not something an ordinary citizen like me should worry about. But do you really believe this project is without issues?"

Most of the cushions had a fresh, non-cloying floral scent, which Lin Juangui clearly liked. He spoke to Mu Zhang with a smile, casually asking as if making small talk.

Mu Zhang curled his lips slightly, dodging the question. "You’ve invested in so many companies and given them revival plans. Isn’t that all about risk and reward?"

Lin Juangui set the cushions aside. Mu Zhang’s argument wasn’t convincing. "Compared to you, what I do is child’s play. It seems you acknowledge the risks of this project too."

Before leaving, Lin Juangui injected himself with a slow-acting inhibitor, which would take some time to take effect. He closed his eyes, planning to sleep through the trip to the Federation’s capital planet, even pulling a blanket over himself.

Seeing him like this, Mu Zhang couldn’t help but find it amusing. "Why does it feel like you’re busier than I am?"

Lin Juangui put on his eye mask, exhaling relaxed. "It just means I’m still at an age where I need to strive. If I had the foundation, I’d love to be a free-loader too."

When he first started working, Lin Juangui struggled to adapt. Transitioning from a student mindset to a grind mindset took time.

He faced many setbacks and endured plenty of hardships, but he persevered. As always, if the money’s good, he could handle anything.

During his sophomore year, while working part-time at a flower shop, he envied the manager, who seemed carefree and happy, doing whatever he wanted with family support, even if he didn’t sell many flowers.

It wasn’t until years later, when Lin Juangui heard the flower shop owner was arrested for money laundering, that he began to reflect on his own naivety. Many flashy appearances weren’t as effortless as he once thought.

Gradually, Lin Juangui came to understand that, for him, taking each step steadily meant progress. Everyone has debts to pay, and living with no regrets was already an achievement.

This time, Lin Juangui chose a very formal suit, tailored perfectly to his figure. The black color made him appear more composed, and the silver-rimmed glasses added a smart vibe, erasing any trace of youthful immaturity.

The awards ceremony was streamed live. Lin Juangui and Zhuang Xi received the Federal Charity Award together, presented personally by the president, who patted Lin Juangui’s shoulder with a smile and said he had a promising future.

In the group photo, Lin Juangui stood in the center of the back row, smiling faintly with an unfazed demeanor.

After the ceremony, Lin Juangui exchanged contact information with everyone present. He was still a small fry and didn’t dare to act too boldly, opting for humility and caution. When praised, he smiled shyly, fitting the impression people had of someone his age.

After finishing interviews with official media, Zhuang Xi pulled Lin Juangui aside and said, "No excuses this time—my friends have been wanting to meet you for ages. Now that you’re a big name personally awarded by the president, you have to come and make me proud."

"No problem."

However, Lin Juangui felt his scent gland growing warm. Having been around many Alphas, his inhibitor was likely wearing off. He took an emergency inhibitor from the bag Qu Yang brought and injected himself in the restroom.

Before boarding the flyer with Zhuang Xi, Qu Yang mentioned someone was looking for Lin Juangui. Turning around, Lin Juangui saw it was the aide who had previously taken him to General Mu’s home.

The aide said, "Stop by and see the old general in the next few days," and left. Lin Juangui watched his retreating figure, lost in thought for a long time.

Now he understood how he’d gotten this award.