Chapter 73 7th Military District

Chapter 73: The Seventh Military District

"Are you willing to let bygones be bygones?" Lin Juangui asked.

Mu Zhang couldn't possibly refuse.

The mere fact that such words came from Lin Juangui's lips made Mu Zhang feel as if he were dreaming.

He gently stroked Lin Juangui's hair, his gaze filled with affection.

He still remembered the days when Lin Juangui was undergoing rehabilitation and couldn't comb his own hair. Mu Zhang would carefully smooth out each strand with a comb—this was one of the few remaining "human" aspects of Lin Juangui, and Mu Zhang cherished it deeply.

Yet, Lin Juangui found his long hair troublesome and asked Mu Zhang to cut it.

Mu Zhang was reluctant. In this interstellar era, the profession of barber no longer existed, replaced by robots. He bought tools himself and trimmed Lin Juangui's hair, giving him a rather handsome wolf-cut style.

Lin Juangui praised Mu Zhang's skill, while Mu Zhang meticulously preserved every single strand of hair he had cut.

Mu Zhang inhaled Lin Juangui's scent deeply and said, "Whatever you desire, I will make it happen."

Lin Juangui's words about letting bygones be bygones meant that he no longer cared about what had happened in the past, right?

The topics he discussed with Wei Yan were all related to Mu Zhang, suggesting that he might not have completely given up on Mu Zhang. There was still a place for Mu Zhang in his heart; he just couldn't overcome his own internal struggles.

Mu Zhang was immersed in a profound sense of satisfaction and joy. He took Lin Juangui's slender hands and gently caressed them, a pang of guilt striking him as he realized that Lin Juangui couldn't even grow fingernails anymore.

If he had assigned more people to protect Lin Juangui, perhaps this wouldn't have happened.

But if Lin Juangui hadn't been injured, how would Mu Zhang and Lin Juangui have found a way to start anew?

Mu Zhang slowly closed his eyes. His deep affection for Lin Juangui might not lead to a conventional outcome, but the mere continuation of their connection was precious. He would safeguard this hard-won relationship.

Lin Juangui, nestled in his arms, wore a faint smile, but his gaze drifted far away.

At first, Lin Juangui believed Mu Zhang's devotion was misplaced—he wasn't the same Lin Juangui as before and couldn't reciprocate the feelings Mu Zhang desired. But now, Lin Juangui realized that his past self had indeed been tormenting Mu Zhang, just as the "original" Lin Juangui had implied.

Mu Zhang's transformation was indeed commendable, but the former Lin Juangui had devised schemes solely to bring misfortune upon Mu Zhang. What was the reason behind that?

Lin Juangui didn't quite understand. What was it about the "original" Lin Juangui that made him so desperate to seek revenge on his behalf?

Lin Juangui kept his doubts to himself. As an amnesiac, he knew he had no right to alter past arrangements. So, he decided to stop overthinking and simply live each day as it came.

Compared to his previous workaholic state, the current Lin Juangui clearly enjoyed life more.

He delegated tasks whenever possible, preferring to brew a pot of tea on Mu Zhang's backyard lawn and leisurely read a book.

In a way, the current Lin Juangui was only half a person. He could survive on nutrient solutions even if he didn't feel like eating, but Mu Zhang still worried, often preparing meals before leaving.

However, Lin Juangui seemed rather disinclined, preferring to lounge on a soft chaise longue and read.

Mu Zhang was at a loss with Lin Juangui. He probably never imagined that after the body modification surgery, Lin Juangui would become even less active than before.

Although Lin Juangui's artificial bones were becoming increasingly stable, every subtle movement required precise mental control over internal neural connection points, constantly draining his already depleted energy due to trauma and amnesia.

This wasn't a subjective laziness but a physiological avoidance of mental exertion.

When Zhuang Xi learned about Lin Juangui's condition, he was concerned. Realizing this wouldn't do, he invited Lin Juangui to join him on a charity trip to another planet.

To persuade Lin Juangui, Zhuang Xi even played a holographic video.

It depicted a planet ravaged by war. On the barren land, ragged children cheered joyfully around a newly dug well.

In the video, the children's smiles were pure and radiant as they celebrated around the well. Lin Juangui, too, wore a look of contentment.

After he started earning money, he often donated. Initially, he paid close attention, but as he became busier, he had less time to focus on such matters.

Charity organizations sent annual project reports to Lin Juangui's email. He would read them diligently and even ask friends involved in charity to investigate on his behalf. Upon receiving the results, he would smile with the same contentment and continue with his life.

Seeing Lin Juangui's expression soften, Zhuang Xi seized the opportunity. "Next week, we're going to Shayi Star to establish a medical aid station. They've just been through a plague and desperately need help. I know this might be challenging for you, but getting out, meeting different people and experiencing new things will definitely benefit your mental recovery. Don't worry about Mu Zhang; I'll talk to him."

When Mu Zhang found out, he was indeed hesitant. He asked Lin Juangui for his thoughts.

Lin Juangui had never personally participated in charity work before. Zhuang Xi's enthusiasm made it difficult to refuse, and after staying home for so long, a trip wasn't a big deal.

If Mu Zhang hadn't been so busy, he would have accompanied Lin Juangui. But at the moment, he was swamped with work and couldn't get away.

Mu Zhang urged Lin Juangui to be careful and promised to send additional personnel to ensure his safe journey.

Lin Juangui smiled helplessly into the phone, telling Mu Zhang, "I'm just tagging along. Don't make such a big fuss and draw unwanted attention to me."

The Omega's soft tone instantly dissolved Mu Zhang's anxiety. Mu Zhang could only ask Zhuang Xi to take good care of Lin Juangui. "I've always been by his side before. This time, I'm entrusting him to your care."

Zhuang Xi quickly replied, "Don't worry. The area we're visiting has military patrols nearby, and the association's security has been upgraded. Nothing will go wrong."

The environment on Shayi Star was vastly different from the Federal Capital Star. It was lush with vegetation, carrying the fresh scent of rain-soaked earth and green grass.

Post-disaster reconstruction was proceeding in an orderly fashion, and the air was filled with the faint smell of disinfectant and the heavy sense of rebirth after catastrophe.

Lin Juangui wore the association's uniform volunteer vest over his shirt. Zhuang Xi assigned him to distribute supplies, a task that was well within Lin Juangui's capabilities and didn't consume much mental energy.

It wasn't until a mother who had just lost her child received medicine from Lin Juangui that she broke down, clutching his cold mechanical hand and sobbing her thanks. Lin Juangui gently patted her hand, his eyes overflowing with sympathy and comfort: "It will all pass."

Lin Juangui never looked down on anyone from a position of superiority. He always considered himself just an ordinary person among the masses, someone who had simply seized opportunities by chance.

No one can truly empathize with another's pain. All Lin Juangui could offer was this small comfort.

Lin Juangui and Zhuang Xi stayed for three days. When it was time to take group photos with the disaster victims, Lin Juangui stepped behind the camera.

He didn't want to be in the photos. Zhuang Xi didn't insist but asked on the return trip if Lin Juangui found the experience unfulfilling.

Lin Juangui shook his head. "It's not about whether it was interesting or not. Since waking up, I've read many news reports about my past. Journalists often mentioned charity auctions, but I never actually went to a disaster zone, did I? I probably turned down your invitations many times before."

Zhuang Xi nodded. "That's true. I could sense your concern for charity, but you only donated money and never joined me in relief efforts."

"These past few days, I've been distributing supplies, counting people, and working on spreadsheets with the accountant. It feels like I've done a lot, but I know it's just a drop in the bucket. Zhuang Xi, I feel so powerless."

Zhuang Xi seemed to understand Lin Juangui's thoughts and feelings. He took a deep breath, stepped forward, and took Lin Juangui's hand. "We are all just specks of dust in the universe. We can only do so much, and we can't drastically improve their lives. But as long as we can offer a helping hand when they need it, that's enough. Matters of life and death are not ours to control. A gentleman is judged by his actions, not his intentions. At least we acted, didn't we?"

Zhuang Xi valued the process; the outcome was beyond his control. Compared to those who exploited charity for personal gain, his hands-on involvement in his position was commendable.

Lin Juangui, however, seemed too focused on results, overthinking during the process.

Lin Juangui felt a slight fatigue from the mental energy expenditure. His gaze was somewhat unfocused, but the stagnant sense of weariness seemed to have lightened.

"Thank you for comforting me. I feel much better."

Zhuang Xi patted Lin Juangui's shoulder. "It's nothing. We're friends. Without your kindness, I wouldn't be where I am today. Everything I do is an extension of your will. Without your help, I couldn't have accomplished so much. So you're already remarkable—don't be so hard on yourself."

"Okay."

The starship returning to the Federal Capital Star wasn't nearby, and this area had numerous magnetic vortices, which would be troublesome to encounter. So, Lin Juangui and Zhuang Xi were currently in a small shuttlecraft, needing only to pass through a nearby jump lane to reach the starship's location.

However, a sudden anomaly occurred—the starscape outside the viewport violently twisted and stretched, and the shuttle emitted an unnerving screech of metal friction without any warning!

Alarm lights flashed frantically as a piercing mechanical voice blared through the cabin—

"Warning! Unknown gravitational turbulence detected! Unstable spatial structure! Engine overload! Shield energy dropping rapidly! Prepare for impact—!!!"

The violent turbulence violently flung Lin Juangui from his seat. Instinctively, he grabbed a fixed handle beside him and tightly pulled Zhuang Xi close to prevent impact injuries.

Lin Juangui felt little, but the immense force made Zhuang Xi's vision go black, his organs feeling as if they had been displaced.

The sensations of weightlessness and hypergravity alternated wildly. The shuttle was like a leaf in a hurricane, on the verge of breaking apart at any moment!

Amid the alarms, the screeching metal, and the panicked cries of the passengers, Lin Juangui frowned tightly. His mental energy was already strained from the intense shaking and the effort to maintain balance. He could only grip the handle firmly, enduring the terrifying, sudden turbulence.

The shuttle's shields were about to fail, and the hull groaned under the stress.

Several blinding tractor beams, like divine intervention, pierced through the chaotic spatial turbulence and firmly locked onto the out-of-control shuttle!

Through the violently shaking viewport, Lin Juangui vaguely saw several assault ships with cold, sharp lines and Federal military insignia approaching like agile hawks.

The hatch of one assault ship opened, and a team of soldiers in black form-fitting combat suits, equipped with advanced gear, swiftly boarded their precarious shuttle using traction cables.

In the chaos, Lin Juangui was half-dragged, half-carried by a soldier away from the violently shaking seat to a relatively safe area.

Lin Juangui, still shaken, breathed heavily, his chest heaving, until he heard the soldier holding him ask, "Are you okay?"

The familiar voice sent a shock through Lin Juangui's body. He quickly looked up. The soldier wore a full-coverage black combat suit that outlined his tall, athletic build, exuding a disciplined, iron-willed aura. His helmet and respirator mask revealed only a pair of deep, cold-pool-like eyes.

Lin Juangui's gaze was involuntarily drawn to him. He seemed to sense the complex, indescribable emotions churning beneath the man's calm and steady exterior—the sharp focus of a mission, a flash of intense pain upon seeing Lin Juangui's pale face, and a longing and sorrow forcibly suppressed yet still leaking from the depths of his eyes.

Yet the soldier holding him only looked more profound and complex, until other soldiers in the shuttle sought his instructions. He then nodded restrainedly to Lin Juangui, confirming he was temporarily safe, before quickly turning to command his team with a calm, decisive voice, as if that momentary exchange of glances had never happened.

Lin Juangui stood dazedly watching that tall, rigid back. He lowered his eyes, trying to suppress the excitement, but his trembling hands betrayed his emotions.

Zhuang Xi had also barely calmed down from the chaos and hurried over to check on Lin Juangui, clearly worried the turbulence might trigger bad memories.

"Juangui, are you okay?"

Zhuang Xi's voice brought Lin Juangui back to his senses somewhat. He nodded distractedly and said, "I'm fine, I'm okay. What about you?"

"Thanks to you grabbing me earlier, or I would've been thrown out. Luckily, nothing serious happened this time. With the military nearby, we would've been in trouble otherwise."

The military? How did Huo Zeshen end up in the military?

Lin Juangui quickly grabbed Zhuang Xi's hand and asked, "Which military sector does that rescue team belong to? What's the team leader's name?"

Zhuang Xi made a sound of surprise, as if he hadn't expected Lin Juangui's focus to be here.

"I see." Lin Juangui didn't press further. He knew military-related matters were hard to uncover, and it wasn't necessary to expose his core concerns.

On the return journey, Mu Zhang had already learned about the turbulence Lin Juangui and the others encountered. Monitors showed Lin Juangui's emotions were violently fluctuating. Such abnormal peaks were something Mu Zhang couldn't ignore.

Fortunately, nothing serious had happened, or Mu Zhang would have deeply regretted letting Lin Juangui go with Zhuang Xi for charity work.

Mu Zhang had already decided to reduce the frequency of Lin Juangui's travels to other planets. Staying on Federal Central Star and Sailing Star was safest—after all, they were his turf, with well-established routes and fewer chances of accidents.

By the time Lin Juangui returned home, Mu Zhang had been waiting for a long time. Seeing Lin Juangui appear unharmed, Mu Zhang's eyes reddened with emotion.

He stepped forward and hugged Lin Juangui tightly, his face a mix of joy and fear of having him back. "I won't let anyone take you to other planets again. Don't leave me, okay?"

Lin Juangui patted Mu Zhang's back and said, "Okay. I don't want to experience any more accidents that worry you either."

From gripping the handle so tightly, Lin Juangui had used great force, wearing through the artificial skin on his hand.

Mu Zhang held Lin Juangui's hand, full of concern. He said he would have technicians from the military hospital come soon to repair it.

"Actually, instrument repair is the quickest and simplest, but the military has been stretched thin these years. I'm helping them build factories and have been too busy lately. I hope you don't blame me for not spending much time with you."

Lin Juangui shook his head, indicating it was fine. He stroked Mu Zhang's cheek and smiled understandingly. "Don't overwork yourself. Make sure to rest more."

Mu Zhang turned his head and kissed Lin Juangui's fingers, looking affectionate. "I'll remember everything you say."

In the middle of the night, Lin Juangui suddenly developed a high fever. A faint woody scent filled the room. Mu Zhang, who cared about Lin Juangui's every move even in sleep, quickly realized Lin Juangui was going into heat.

An Omega who had undergone body modification seemed to have a much milder heat. After experiencing intense emotional fluctuations, Lin Juangui was completely unaware of his condition, only the scent gland secretions seeping from his gland revealing his desire.

Mu Zhang stared at Lin Juangui's face for a long time, his fists clenched tightly, knuckles cracking, veins bulging at his temples.

Every time Lin Juangui went into heat, it felt like a trial for him. What tormented him was Lin Juangui's inability to receive pheromone comfort, and what pained him was having to watch helplessly as Lin Juangui accepted another's pheromones.

This Alpha had endless wealth and enviable power, yet he couldn't even provide his partner the most basic comfort.

Seeing Lin Juangui's sweat-dampened temples and tightly furrowed brows, immense helplessness and sharp jealousy gnawed at Mu Zhang's heart.

Lin Juangui, uncomfortable, drowsily opened his eyes. Looking at the silent Mu Zhang, he raised his hand and asked, "What's wrong with me?"

It felt as if a huge wave lived inside him, constantly crashing against his reason.

Mu Zhang forced a difficult smile. "You... you're in heat. It's okay, I'll find a way to handle it. Don't worry, alright?"

So this was heat.

Lin Juangui closed his eyes, suppressed gasps escaping his lips. Memories of his time with Huo Zeshen played like a movie in his mind. Finally, as if he could no longer restrain himself, he slowly moved his hand downward.

Mu Zhang had never seen Lin Juangui like this. Lin Juangui was always composed and calm in front of him, rarely captured by desire.

He turned and left the master bedroom, quietly closing the door behind him. He went to the living room window and dialed an encrypted number he was extremely reluctant to call.

"Yuanqing... it's me. He's in heat. My pheromones can't help him. Do you... have time to come over?"

Mu Yuanqing arrived quickly, his coat even carrying the chill of the night wind.

He walked familiarly to the master bedroom door but stopped abruptly upon hearing the sweet, muffled cries inside. He looked shocked at Mu Zhang, as if asking what was happening.

Mu Zhang sat on the living room sofa, hunched over with his arms on his knees, looking exhausted. "He's taking care of it himself."

"Mmm... it hurts..."

Lin Juangui's voice drifted through the door crack. Mu Yuanqing stiffened, somewhat at a loss.

After losing his memory, Lin Juangui seemed more candid than before. It appeared that during his previous heats, he had been straining to hold himself back with all his might, likely to avoid being too improper in front of Mu Zhang and Mu Yuanqing, to avoid awkwardness between them.

But now, his world consisted only of Mu Zhang. They were partners, after all, so even if Lin Juangui couldn’t accept Mu Zhang’s pheromones during his heat, he had no reservations about taking care of these private needs himself.

Slick, wet sounds filled the master bedroom. Mu Yuanqing placed his hand against the doorframe, slowly and precisely releasing his pheromones.

Like the crisp scent of white fir trees that grow above the snowline deep in an ancient forest, his clean, crisp pheromones carried a clarity that could cut through the mist, spreading with restraint and precision, enveloping the restless Omega on the bed.

The clean, sharp pheromones formed a cool barrier, easily alleviating Lin Juangui’s burning agony.

His brows and eyes relaxed, and his whole body radiated a satisfied comfort. The movements of his hands slowed as he reveled in that radiant feeling.

Mu Zhang covered his face, looking completely distraught. Mu Yuanqing also lowered his head, at a loss for words.

Lin Juangui’s heat was nothing short of torture for both of them. Once he finished his solo relief, Lin Juangui fell into a deep, exhausted sleep, while Mu Yuanqing, like a programmed machine, silently fulfilled his “calming” duty.

Time passed in oppressive silence. Over the past few days, Mu Zhang had been helping Lin Juangui clean himself up and change the bedsheets.

He never seemed tired in these tasks, his expression always calm.

Lin Juangui woke up several times. Mu Zhang would swaddle him in the blanket, hold him close, and ask how he felt.

“The pheromones…”

Lin Juangui didn’t know how to ask, but Mu Zhang just smiled, patted his shoulder, and said, “No matter what happens, there’s always a solution. Don’t overthink it. I’m here.”

Mu Zhang absolutely would not let Lin Juangui revisit the past again. He wouldn’t let Lin Juangui discover Mu Yuanqing’s presence, to avoid any potential misunderstandings.

Lin Juangui sensed Mu Zhang’s reluctance. Since Mu Zhang didn’t want to say more, Lin Juangui didn’t push the issue. Still, the state of his heat left him somewhat embarrassed. Nestled in Mu Zhang’s arms, he murmured, “Am I too [much trouble]?”

Mu Zhang noticed Lin Juangui’s ears were flushed red, likely from embarrassment over the past few days.

The Alpha gave a casual smile and softly comforted Lin Juangui, “It’s fine. It’s my fault for not doing enough, putting you through this alone. You… used to buy some things and keep them at home. I’ll have someone bring them over later, okay?”

Huh? Was the old Lin Juangui this bold? Lin Juangui’s eyes sparkled as he looked at Mu Zhang. He nodded and said, “You’ve worked hard.”

Mu Zhang kissed the top of Lin Juangui’s head, burying his anguish deep inside.

The items were indeed bought by Lin Juangui. They were accidentally discovered by a servant while organizing Lin Juangui’s wardrobe during his hospitalization.

Mu Zhang didn’t know if Lin Juangui had used them himself, but he could almost imagine the blush on Lin Juangui’s skin and his enticing expressions.

Having witnessed Lin Juangui’s heat firsthand this time, Mu Zhang couldn’t suppress Lin Juangui’s desires or force him to live like an ascetic.

Once Lin Juangui’s heat ended, Mu Zhang closed the master bedroom door and called Mu Yuanqing to the study.

“I don’t want him to know you exist. I know it’s unfair to you, but… I have no other choice.”

“I understand.” Mu Yuanqing knew how humble Mu Zhang was in this relationship. He wouldn’t cause trouble for Mu Zhang. Besides, Lin Juangui’s pheromones helped stabilize his own mental state to some extent. There was no need to act entitled when he was already benefiting.

Even without Lin Juangui, they would still frequently meet at the military department lately.

The military had saved Lin Juangui, and Mu Zhang had declared that he would give them anything they wanted. Di Yanhe had been waiting for this opportunity for a long time, eagerly planning to make Mu Zhang pay a hefty price.

Mu Zhang didn’t care much about material possessions. As long as Lin Juangui was alive, he was willing to hand over whatever small profits the military wanted.

In contrast, Sword Group wasn’t so pleased.

Having controlled the military through mechas for so many years, they were unwilling to see their grip easily loosened.

If not for the internal factional strife within the group reaching a boiling point again, the military might not have gotten this breathing room. The factory jointly established with Mu Zhang was soon to be completed in the Seventh Military District, finally giving the military a rare voice.

“Liang Yu has been visiting Huo Zeshen frequently lately, asking about the factory in the Seventh Military District. Sword Group is very wary of the military gaining its own military strength. They’ll probably come for you soon.”

Mu Zhang wasn’t surprised. “I know what to say. At times like this, even the slightest stir will make them nervous. But sending Huo Zeshen to investigate—what does that mean? Is he that influential now?”

Mu Yuanqing nodded. “With Sword Group’s support, he’s been promoted quickly. He’s also capable himself—any task assigned to him is executed perfectly.”

The main reason Mu Zhang disliked Huo Zeshen was that he had seduced Lin Juangui. But the young man’s abilities were undeniable. Thriving rapidly even in the military’s harsh environment, Mu Zhang still admired him.

“Didn’t Di Yanhe try to win him over? Just let him work for Sword Group like that? That doesn’t sound like her.”

The two discussed matters in the study a while longer. When Mu Zhang noticed the time, Mu Yuanqing tactfully took his leave.

Sure enough, not long after, Lin Juangui woke up. Mu Zhang carried him to the bathroom to freshen up. Watching Mu Zhang busy himself for him, Lin Juangui rested his hand on the edge of the bathtub and asked when Mu Zhang’s rut would come.

“I remember the documentary mentioned Alpha’s rut before Omega’s heat. How did I used to help you through it?”

Lin Juangui’s eyes were full of curiosity. Mu Zhang pressed his lips together, worked up a lather in his hands, and gently washed Lin Juangui’s hair. “With you by my side, my emotions are stable. I have fewer ruts than before. If you’re really curious… next time, I’ll take you home to see.”