Chapter 55 Nothing Works

Chapter 55 Nothing Can Be Done

Mu Zhang opened his eyes much earlier than Mu Yuanqing.

Staring at the pale hospital ceiling, scenes of embracing Mu Yuanqing until death flooded his mind.

After being sucked away by the magnetic field, they arrived at the nest of alien beasts. The surroundings were pitch-dark, and the nest reeked unbearably, filled with rotting and mutilated limbs everywhere.

Mu Zhang activated his coordinate locator, only to find chaos nearby; he and Mu Yuanqing were already lost in the vast universe.

Their arrival awakened the slumbering beast king. After nearly forty hours of fierce battle, the alien beasts on this planet were completely annihilated by the two.

Although their initial purpose in pursuing was to eliminate future threats, it was now clear they couldn't return.

Mu Zhang and Mu Yuanqing's mechas were damaged beyond recognition. Exhausted, they collapsed in the nest. This battle reminded them of the rapport they had during their student years.

Back at the military academy during simulated training exercises, Mu Zhang and Mu Yuanqing were the best teammates. Whenever they teamed up, they always came first, and in individual matches, they took turns being the top.

Unlike other Alphas who refused to yield to each other, Mu Zhang and Mu Yuanqing were less confrontational. No matter who won first place, they would buy each other a meal, often cited as a model dorm relationship.

Who would have thought that Mu Zhang would also wholeheartedly devote himself to someone?

Fighting side by side with Mu Yuanqing felt like returning to those youthful years for Mu Zhang, when his heart and eyes were full of Mu Yuanqing, naively believing they could have a future together.

But before Mu Zhang could fully immerse in this joy, the image of Lin Juangui crossed his mind.

So when the mecha finally regained signal connection with the outside world, Mu Zhang's first thought was to call Lin Juangui.

Mu Zhang felt truly guilty because he had disclosed their contract to Mu Yuanqing.

No matter how much time passed, Mu Zhang's habit of trusting Mu Yuanqing unconditionally remained.

Originally, Mu Zhang wanted to apologize to Lin Juangui, but he had already said sorry too many times. Lin Juangui must be tired of hearing it, so he only mentioned Gu Mi to Lin Juangui.

Gu Mi would definitely monitor this call. His attitude had made it clear; Gu Mi would listen.

Mu Zhang had no more worries. The mecha's fuel was exhausted. He and Mu Yuanqing huddled together for warmth. Memories of the past surged forth, and whoever started it, they kissed.

They both thought they wouldn't make it back alive, but who would have thought they'd get another chance to open their eyes.

So after recalling everything before losing consciousness, Mu Zhang asked himself internally: had he followed his instinct to protect Mu Yuanqing over the years, or had he cheated on his marriage with Lin Juangui?

While Mu Zhang was lost in thought, he heard Lin Juangui's voice outside the door talking to the doctor. Lin Juangui said, "When changing their dressings, I saw. You don't need to hide anything from me. I knew they were close when we got married, so all I want is the specific time they might wake up. The Fourth Military Region and Tianguang both need an explanation."

The doctor said that just one or two more days of releasing pheromones would suffice, and advised Lin Juangui to pay attention to his nutrition. "Releasing large amounts of pheromones outside of heat is not good for your health. You still need to take care."

Lin Juangui sighed, "Yeah, I know."

With that, Lin Juangui pushed the door open and entered. Mu Zhang quickly closed his eyes, listening intently to the footsteps in the room. The scent of Omega pheromones soon enveloped him; Mu Zhang still smelled the faint aroma of white fir.

Lin Juangui sat by Mu Yuanqing's bedside, and then there was silence.

Mu Zhang was already breaking out in a cold sweat because of what Lin Juangui had said outside the room.

Lin Juangui had hinted before, asking Mu Zhang who he really saw him as, and what the pheromones he smelled were like.

Mu Zhang didn't dare answer, because he knew that with Lin Juangui's sharpness, it wouldn't take long to figure out the truth.

The room had been quiet for a long time, only the concentration of Omega pheromones kept increasing.

Mu Zhang slowly squinted his eyes to see what Lin Juangui was doing. He caught Lin Juangui's gaze fixed on Mu Yuanqing.

Calm, completely emotionless.

What would Lin Juangui be thinking at such a time? Mu Zhang couldn't guess, but he remembered the red marks on Mu Yuanqing's neck and the back of his neck were left by him. There was no way to wash this clean. Lin Juangui was an adult after all; he couldn't be completely oblivious.

How to explain?

Mu Zhang couldn't think of a way for now. He could only wait, hoping for a chance when Lin Juangui left the room and Mu Yuanqing happened to wake up to discuss it with Mu Yuanqing.

But who would have thought that Mu Yuanqing was also awake? Lin Juangui, taking advantage of Mu Yuanqing's hazy state right after waking up, set a trap in his words. Mu Zhang panicked and hurriedly opened his eyes, ignoring the pain in his body, and knocked down the instruments on the bedside table with his hand.

Mu Yuanqing's reaction had already revealed everything. No matter what Mu Zhang did now, it would only be making it more obvious by trying to cover it up.

Seeing that Mu Zhang was also awake, Lin Juangui seemed genuinely surprised, his tone even brightening. "Great, since you're both awake, we can call the doctor to check on you together."

Mu Yuanqing knew he had said the wrong thing, pursed his lips and turned his head to glance at Mu Zhang. Mu Zhang took a deep breath, feeling a sense of helplessness like throwing caution to the wind.

The doctor soon arrived. Lin Juangui walked to Mu Zhang's bedside, took an inhibitor patch from the nurse, and placed it on his own gland.

"Thanks to Mr. Lin releasing pheromones these past few days, otherwise the hospital's inhibitors might not have stabilized your glands' energy so quickly."

Mu Yuanqing thanked Lin Juangui, who shook his head and said, "No need for thanks. That night when General Mu saved the children from Youlan Star and they were recuperating at the manor, I was also releasing pheromones. This is what I should do. Mu Zhang knows about it too."

Mu Zhang "Mmm"ed, seeming rather silent.

Mu Yuanqing knew that Lin Juangui now held a place in Mu Zhang's heart. He and Mu Zhang had only shared a brief dream. Returning to reality, Mu Zhang would surely side with his Omega.

However, Lin Juangui and Mu Zhang were contractual AOs. He also knew that Mu Yuanqing and Mu Zhang had lingering feelings. Was Lin Juangui's current nonchalant demeanor an indication that he didn't mind?

But that didn't seem right either.

Mu Yuanqing still felt guilty. But what had happened had already happened. Should he pretend to know nothing and maintain the same purely professional, past-forgetting relationship with Mu Zhang?

At this moment, Mu Zhang was clearly thinking about something entirely different from Mu Yuanqing.

The more generous Lin Juangui acted, the more uneasy Mu Zhang felt, even wondering if Lin Juangui simply didn't care about him at all.

For the next few days, Lin Juangui didn't visit Mu Zhang or Mu Yuanqing.

Mu Zhang thought Lin Juangui was giving him the silent treatment. What he feared most was Lin Juangui acting as if nothing had happened, showing no intention to question. That would make it hard for him to explain. This current situation actually made him feel somewhat relieved.

It wasn't until Gu Mi came and mentioned that during the days Mu Zhang and Mu Yuanqing were unconscious, Lin Juangui had been handling various matters, quelling external rumors, working around the clock without sleep, that Mu Zhang realized Lin Juangui was simply too tired to argue.

An Omega's body is inherently weak. Asking him to shoulder such a heavy burden was too much.

But Mu Zhang's injuries were also severe; standing up was still difficult. Mu Zhang could only ask Gu Mi to send someone to take good care of Lin Juangui.

Lin Juangui slept soundly for several days. He didn't want to disturb Mu Zhang and Mu Yuanqing anymore. He had known the answers to some questions for a long time. Asking that question when Mu Yuanqing woke up was merely because he had already sensed the glance Mu Zhang gave him.

Yes, he knew.

But what could he do knowing? Throw a tantrum? From what position? If he did, Mu Zhang could simply pull out the contract and accuse him of being unreasonable.

All of Lin Juangui's actions were meant to rationalize the foresight he gained from [Lin Juangui]. He knew full well what these protagonists were like, so why bother causing trouble for himself?

So Lin Juangui inquired with the doctor, confirmed that Mu Zhang and Mu Yuanqing were out of danger, left the Fourth Military Region, and returned to Yungang Star to continue his studies.

Regarding Mu Zhang, his explanation was that only by returning quickly could others know that the Fourth Military Region's conflict had been resolved, and Mu Zhang was perfectly fine. Otherwise, Lin Juangui wouldn’t have been able to calmly continue his studies.

When Gu Mi conveyed the message, his expression was somewhat awkward because he knew Mu Zhang wouldn’t take the news well.

Sure enough, Mu Zhang, who had been waiting for Lin Juangui to visit, instantly looked crestfallen.

Even though he knew Lin Juangui’s quick return was to quell rumors, Mu Zhang still felt an indescribable stifling feeling in his heart.

To work more efficiently, Mu Zhang and Mu Yuanqing moved into separate single-occupancy patient rooms.

Both held high positions, with Mu Yuanqing being the key figure in the Fourth Military Region. Many matters involved confidentiality, making it impossible for them to stay in a double room permanently.

Before parting, Mu Yuanqing asked Mu Zhang, “Does Mr. Lin know something about this?”

When Mu Zhang had previously discussed the marriage of convenience with Mu Yuanqing, it confirmed Mu Yuanqing’s conjecture regarding Lin Juangui’s pheromones.

No matter who approached Lin Juangui, they would smell the scent they preferred. Thus, the pheromones Mu Zhang perceived from Lin Juangui must therefore have been the white fir scent of an Omega.

Mu Yuanqing thought this was cruel to Lin Juangui, but judging by Lin Juangui’s reaction, he seemed already accustomed to it?

Did Mu Zhang’s feelings for Lin Juangui stem from Mu Yuanqing? Wasn’t this entanglement too messy?

Mu Yuanqing couldn’t make sense of it, and Mu Zhang was even more distressed.

Mu Zhang didn’t know whether Lin Juangui left so quickly because he minded or didn't care at all. However, recalling the way Lin Juangui had looked at Mu Yuanqing, Mu Zhang felt Lin Juangui wouldn’t let the matter slide easily.

What was Lin Juangui really thinking? Mu Zhang had no idea, but he was already contemplating how to appease him.

After much thought, given Lin Juangui’s workaholic nature, the only thing Mu Zhang could do was help Lin Juangui by making connections and offering support.

Mu Zhang was well aware of what Lin Juangui’s company was currently working on. Lin Juangui was a master of business tactics, and his previous acquisitions of struggling companies weren’t just for those meager assets but to establish a foothold on various planets quickly.

Mu Zhang was well aware of Lin Juangui’s ambition. Lin Juangui was inherently a steady person and had clear goals and plans for the future. Whether effortlessly navigating banquets or maintaining poise in large settings, he gave off a very reliable feeling.

Lin Juangui’s personality attracted many investors. He had recently established a foundation, but the more capital he accumulated, the more others would try to drag him down. Mu Zhang’s role was to prevent these attempts.

With Mu Zhang’s covert assistance, Lin Juangui indeed had less to worry about. As long as Mu Zhang didn’t directly interfere with Lin Juangui’s decisions, Lin Juangui didn't complain.

However, after Mu Zhang recovered and left the Fourth Military Region, he hadn't visited Lin Juangui. Lin Juangui sneered coldly, “Typical of Mu Zhang. Even after all his sweet talk, the moment Mu Yuanqing appears, he still doesn’t take you seriously.”

Years ago, Lin Juangui had believed he was driven solely by gain. If he hadn’t met Huo Zeshen, whatever hidden humanity he had might never have been awakened.

So, regardless of how Mu Zhang handled the situation, Lin Juangui didn’t care. He was only concerned with the development of the companies he owned.

Lin Juangui’s reputation had spread, and many hoped to work under him. Lin Juangui had been screening candidates for a while, and he knew expanding his company required a team—he couldn’t do everything alone.

While Lin Juangui was busy building his empire, Mu Zhang, who had been waiting for Lin Juangui to confront him, finally found an opportunity to make his presence known.

One day, Ge Miao personally went to Yun-Gang Star to invite Lin Juangui, saying his attendance was required at an event.

Lin Juangui agreed. Ge Miao added that the dress code was casual, suggesting sportswear would be ideal.

“A themed party?” Lin Juangui was curious, wondering which lady had such an interesting idea.

But Ge Miao said no more, only emphasizing that Lin Juangui should wear whatever felt comfortable.

Lin Juangui nodded, though he felt something was off but couldn’t pinpoint what.

That weekend, Lin Juangui stood in front of his wardrobe for a long time before finally selecting a white tracksuit.

The tracksuit had blue accents. Lin Juangui paired it with a matching baseball cap and, just in case, packed two additional outfits—one formal and the other a casual suit.

When he got into the car, Lin Juangui noticed Mu Zhang was also wearing a tracksuit, though his was black with gold trim.

It was their first meeting since leaving the Fourth Military Region. Lin Juangui’s expression was neutral, but he lacked his usual playful banter with Mu Zhang. He sat quietly, checking his tablet, and didn’t speak.

Mu Zhang hesitated, gathering his thoughts before finally asking, “How have you been lately?”

Lin Juangui removed his cap and set it aside. “Fine.”

When Lin Juangui wanted, he could make any situation feel cold.

Mu Zhang knew his social skills—Lin Juangui was adept at easing tensions, and no topic ever fell flat with him.

But now, Lin Juangui couldn’t even bother to engage with Mu Zhang. It was clear he was upset about the Mu Yuanqing situation.

“I…”

Before Mu Zhang could continue, Lin Juangui cut him off. “I know what you want to say, but you don’t need to worry about my feelings. It’s been so long—I’ve come to terms with it.”

Lin Juangui turned to Mu Zhang, offering a faint, emotionless smile. “The contract doesn’t have any clauses about this. I have no right to interfere with your actions. I only need to fulfill my obligations. I shouldn’t dictate what you do, but…”

The Omega took a deep breath, as if steadying himself. “I’m human, not an emotionless machine. This isn’t the first time. I can’t keep telling myself it doesn’t matter, especially when I realize why you targeted my family and turned me into your suppressant.”

Mu Zhang’s eyes flickered with pain. His Adam’s apple bobbed as he struggled to speak, but the explanations he’d rehearsed failed him.

“He’s an Alpha. Your pheromones clash. You must have considered using me as a mediator between you, right? Ha…”

Lin Juangui lowered his head with a self-mocking laugh. He shook his head, overwhelmed by the absurdity of it all. “My life has never been my own, Mu Zhang. I’m terrified. Nothing I do seems to matter.”

No matter how hard he tried, it always felt like a joke to Mu Zhang, who effortlessly shattered Lin Juangui’s confidence and made him doubt everything he’d done.

After all Mu Zhang had put him through, why should Lin Juangui continue creating value for him?

Lin Juangui sighed deeply, rubbing his forehead in resignation.

Mu Zhang’s eyes softened with compassion. He gazed at Lin Juangui and said, “Back then, I thought I wouldn’t make it back.”

How could the protagonist know he had plot armor? Yet, time and again, they miraculously survived.

Suddenly, Mu Zhang took Lin Juangui’s hand, cupping his chin to make him look up. When he saw the glistening tears in Lin Juangui’s eyes, his face filled with remorse.

“I admit, initially, everything I did was for your pheromones. But after marrying you, I had little contact with Mu Yuanqing. My feelings for you… they’ve changed.”

Even if he’d denied it repeatedly, Mu Zhang could no longer ignore how deeply Lin Juangui had affected him.

Lin Juangui had left an indelible mark on his life, and “special” was no longer enough to describe what Lin Juangui meant to him.

Mu Zhang had gone from admiring Lin Juangui to being curious about his reactions, then falling in love with him and becoming unable to live without him—all because of Lin Juangui’s inherent charm.

Lin Juangui stared into Mu Zhang’s eyes, momentarily speechless.

Mu Zhang’s expression was utterly sincere. He finally stopped suppressing his feelings and said, “Not long ago, I kept asking Zheng Shi how to make this marriage work. Haven’t you noticed? I can’t live without you anymore.”

“But you’ve always hurt me, Mu Zhang! You constantly make me feel like everything I’ve done for you is a joke!”

Lin Juangui turned away, pulling his hand back, his face etched with anger.

But Mu Zhang wasn't having it. He closed in on Lin Juangui, forcing eye contact.

Mu Zhang’s grip was gentle, carefully controlled to avoid hurting Lin Juangui. Pinned against the corner, Lin Juangui glared at him with a look that said he wouldn't back down.

“It’s not a joke,” Mu Zhang said, cupping Lin Juangui’s face with unexpected tenderness. “Whether it was for your own interests or for me, everything you’ve done is etched in my memory. I’ll remember it always.”

Lin Juangui was breathing heavily, a tear rolling down his cheek. Mu Zhang gently removed his glasses and carefully wiped away the Omega’s tears.

Mu Zhang continued, “What happened with Mu Yuanqing was an accident. You could think of it as trying to get warm when you're hypothermic. After all, he’s not an Omega. You're the only Omega for me. From now on, I won’t use your pheromones for anything else. Trust me just this once, okay?”

Seeing Lin Juangui’s resistance soften slightly, Mu Zhang released him and pulled him into an embrace.

“I hope you won’t blame me for only saying ‘I love you’ now.”

Lin Juangui shook his head. “Mu Zhang, it’s too late. Your love has come far too late.”

But Mu Zhang didn't seem to care. “As long as you’re willing, we can start over anytime.”

Lin Juangui hadn’t really intended to cry, but given the mood, he could only let the tears flow, as if to put an end to it.

At first glance, Mu Zhang’s words sounded genuinely moving. But Lin Juangui was no longer a teenager easily swayed by such sweet talk.

Honestly, he found the whole thing pretty laughable.

But since Mu Zhang clearly wanted him to care, he decided to play along. Otherwise, how would Mu Zhang get to play the remorseful guy? All that carefully rehearsed dialogue would go to waste.

Lin Juangui had high standards when it came to love. He couldn’t understand how Mu Zhang could so casually claim Lin Juangui was the only Omega in his heart. What about Mu Yuanqing? Was he just left hanging?

Unless Mu Zhang was playing both sides—in which case, he'd have another strike against him.

Mu Zhang spent the entire journey making promises. Lin Juangui remained silent the whole time. Only when they arrived at the banquet venue did he put his glasses back on and say, “This is exactly why I never wanted to see you. No matter how I feel, you always assume I’ll give in. And you’re right—under the contract, there are many things I have no choice but to do. But Mu Zhang, let’s not talk about feelings anymore. There’s no point.”

Lin Juangui took a deep breath, as if steeling himself. His gaze drifted toward the expansive lawn in the distance, where guests in various athletic outfits were already mingling and playing games with sports equipment.

The smile on Mu Zhang’s face faded slightly. He had known Lin Juangui would be difficult to win over, but he hadn’t expected to be shut down so completely.

“What can I do to make you forgive me?” Mu Zhang asked, using a tone that was beneath him. His usual arrogance was gone, replaced by dejection.

Lin Juangui, however, remained composed. He looped his arm through Mu Zhang’s, took another deep breath, and offered a polite, plastic smile. “Mu Zhang, you don’t need that kind of thing.”

Mu Zhang had blocked every path himself. Nothing he did would make a difference now.

He closed his eyes, struggling to contain the emotions threatening to erupt.

But when he opened them again, Lin Juangui was still watching him with that detached expression—one Mu Zhang recognized well. It was the same look Lin Juangui had given Mu Yuanqing back at the Fourth Military Region hospital.

It hit Mu Zhang why Lin Juangui harbored such resentment.

He had always believed he could make amends—that offering Lin Juangui more benefits would eventually make him compliant.

But was Lin Juangui made of stone? Even plants had feelings. After being hurt by Mu Zhang again and again, he had grown numb.

“We should go in. I remember you once praised my acting skills. From now on, I’ll keep playing my part.”

Lin Juangui flashed Mu Zhang a brilliantly dazzling smile, but Mu Zhang felt only a chill in his heart.

The event's hosts were famous athletes. Their sports associations had nurtured many promising talents over the years, adding excitement and appeal to various sporting events.

As Lin Juangui and Mu Zhang entered, many guests approached them. Lin Juangui effortlessly displayed his social prowess, quickly chatting easily with the other Omegas.

Mu Zhang quietly accepted a glass of wine from a waiter and took a few sips. He clearly needed time to process Lin Juangui’s words.

His gaze drifted over the crowd toward Lin Juangui, who was surrounded, his eyes tinged with loneliness.

In the past, Mu Zhang would have smugly claimed credit for Lin Juangui’s success—that without their marriage, Lin Juangui would never have reached his current status.

But now, Mu Zhang felt he had ruined him.

Lin Juangui’s exterior was polished and glamorous, but inside, he was scarred.

Mu Zhang had witnessed Lin Juangui’s breakdowns—the hysterical collapses. He never wanted to see that again. It reminded him too much of Bai Qujing’s tragedy repeating itself.

Yet, Mu Zhang seemed to be losing control of the situation.

When it came to Lin Juangui, he felt powerless.

While Mu Zhang brooded, Lin Juangui was surrounded by Omegas asking about his favorite sports, given the banquet’s theme of health and vitality.

“My stamina isn’t great, but I do enjoy jogging and boxing,” Lin Juangui replied.

One Omega nodded in agreement. “That’s just how Omegas are. Without supplements, it feels like we could easily be overwhelmed.”

Another giggled, covering her mouth. “It’s broad daylight—watch what you say.”

Lin Juangui was used to such topics among Omegas and simply smiled without engaging further.

To outsiders, Lin Juangui was a private person who never discussed his relationship with Mu Zhang. The other Omegas respected this and didn’t pry.

Yet, in just a short time, rumors had spread that Mu Zhang and Lin Juangui had argued. Some had seen them talking after getting out of the car, both looking displeased.

Unable to resist, someone finally asked Lin Juangui, “So, did Mu Zhang do something to upset you?”

Lin Juangui remained calm. “All couples have their disagreements. It’s nothing serious.”

“Alphas always take advantage of their strength to bully Omegas. Juangui, take my advice—don’t forgive him too quickly, or he’ll never learn.”

What terrible advice, Lin Juangui thought, unable to suppress a laugh. Seeing him so composed, others concluded the issue wasn’t serious.

When the event officially began, Lin Juangui understood why the hosts had asked guests to wear athletic attire.

Couples were automatically paired, while singles were matched by draw. Behind the banquet venue stood a mountain, and the first team to overcome various obstacles and mini-games would win the naming rights for next year’s Federal Games.

Lin Juangui found it intriguing—such an important privilege decided through a competition? He couldn’t pass this up.

He glanced at Mu Zhang, only to find him still lost in thought.

Lin Juangui tapped his arm. Mu Zhang turned, his eyes questioning.

“The naming rights—they’re important to me.”

Mu Zhang narrowed his eyes, studying the distant mountain. A faint smile touched his lips. It was rare for Lin Juangui to ask him for anything. After a brief assessment, he said, “It shouldn’t be too difficult. Would you let me carry you on my back?”

An Alpha’s stamina far surpassed an Omega’s, but carrying someone would undoubtedly increase the challenge.

This was essentially a test of both competitive spirit and partnership. Lin Juangui didn’t mind, but he was still concerned. “How’s your injury?”

It was the first time since leaving the Fourth Military Region that Lin Juangui had shown concern for Mu Zhang. He felt a warmth he couldn't describe.

So this was the emotional change when a sinner tries to redeem themselves? Mu Zhang felt there might be something wrong with him, but as long as Lin Juangui relented, he was willing to do anything.

Suppressing the expression on his face, Mu Zhang nodded and assured Lin Juangui that it was no problem.

Lin Juangui suddenly took Mu Zhang’s hand. "You once said you saw me as a partner. From now on, I’ll also see you as a teammate. Don’t overthink the trivial details—it’s time for us to fight side by side."

Mu Zhang looked at Lin Juangui’s pale, clean fingers, slowly returned the grip, then raised Lin Juangui’s hand to his lips and kissed it.

The Alpha’s gaze was deeply affectionate. Lin Juangui had never seen Mu Zhang like this and found it strange.

"We’ll take first place—just you wait and see."

In this kind of competition, BB pairs clearly had the advantage over AO pairs. Although Betas’ physical strength couldn’t match that of Alphas, it was still far better than that of Omegas, who could hardly carry or lift much.

No matter how capable an Alpha was, pairing with a low-energy Omega would limit their performance. But Mu Zhang’s exceptional stamina and years of combat experience allowed him and Lin Juangui to quickly devise a strategy.

To reach the summit as fast as possible, they couldn’t afford to waste time on tedious tasks. No one would have guessed that this seamlessly coordinated AO pair had been arguing just before the event began.

After winning a stamp from a mini-game, Lin Juangui immediately jumped onto Mu Zhang’s back and urged him to hurry up the mountain. Surprisingly, Mu Zhang listened right away.

When they planted the first-place flag at the summit, Mu Zhang stood panting with his hands on his hips. Sweat beaded on Lin Juangui’s forehead, and Mu Zhang wiped them away with his sleeve, smiling as he asked, "Are you happy?" Lin Juangui nodded honestly, and Mu Zhang let out a long, relieved sigh.

"As long as you’re happy, that’s all that matters."