Chapter 93 Like You More

Chapter 93: I Like You Better

Liang Shanyue had always harbored a deep-seated loathing for those utterly tedious genetic experiments.

The various species of Zerg were nauseating enough, and while capturing some for research was beyond reproach, why was there such an obsession with attempting to fuse human and Zerg genes? Even after countless failures, they remained tirelessly devoted to it.

The Federation's military-industrial factories and labs were primarily controlled by Mu Zhang. Since Lin Juangui took over, they had continued to delve deep into this direction; truly, they were all the same brand of evil.

Seeing Liang Shanyue so indignant, Lin Juangui seemed somewhat puzzled. "Were you frightened? My apologies, but I must explain myself. Those laboratories are mostly managed by people sent by Mu Zhang. At most, I look at a financial report and sign my name once a year."

Lin Juangui was Mu Zhang's front man for external socializing and maintaining relationships—that was his purpose. After his memory loss, he lost control over his previous influence. Mu Zhang took this opportunity to shift all risks onto Lin Juangui while he himself kept his hands clean by taking a post in the Political Department.

However, just like the issues reflected by the Tianguang affair a while ago, while the reforms were initiated by Lin Juangui, there were still many who secretly followed Mu Zhang. Lin Juangui had to resort to ruthless measures to finally purge those people.

Mu Zhang did not want to argue with Lin Juangui over these issues. Coincidentally, Lin Juangui had recently played the "loyalty" card with Mu Zhang, allowing the Tianguang incident to be put behind them.

The disaster on Planet Buli might have been a complete accident, just as Huo Zeshen had explained to Di Yanhe, but as for why the recording of Jin Qi had found its way to Liang Shanyue, Lin Juangui appeared to know nothing about it.

For the past few days, Liang Shanyue had been repeatedly watching the video he received. He didn't dare hand it over to experts to check for AI tampering, fearing any leak that might link the disaster on Planet Buli to him. Yet, Jin Qi calling his name over and over in the video left him feeling incredibly agitated.

In the footage, Jin Qi was restrained in a cold laboratory, his once handsome face covered on both sides with irregular black spots.

"Shan... yue... save... save... me..."

Eventually, Jin Qi could no longer speak. His body would occasionally undergo unnatural spasms, as if something were writhing beneath his skin.

A new life was being born within Jin Qi's body, and his eyes lost their luster.

What followed was even more revolting. Liang Shanyue forced himself to finish watching, witnessing Jin Qi be consumed on the screen and seeing the speed at which the nourished insects grew and reproduced.

"I did want him dead, but I thought if he went to the lab, Mu Zhang would arrange for him to be some kind of manager, and years later he’d return with some research results to throw in my face..."

Liang Shanyue looked haggard. Years ago, he had been traumatized by an explosion Lin Juangui triggered right in front of him. Lin Juangui had at least survived, and that psychological shadow was slowly dissipating, but Jin Qi's death shook him to his core once more.

Why did Jin Qi become an experimental subject! Just how many more people like that were in that laboratory!

Liang Shanyue suddenly took a deep breath. He gripped the sink and glared at Lin Juangui. "If you didn't know, then Mu Zhang certainly did. To prevent the situation from escalating, the high command dragged Mu Yuanqing out to take the fall! With his status, the public won't think it's just a cover-up."

"There's one thing I don't understand. Why was this video sent to you? If it was to cause friction between us, what benefit does he get?"

Liang Shanyue let out a cold, trembling laugh. "To drive you out of Cloudport."

Lin Juangui's expression froze, as if he understood Liang Shanyue's meaning. "The cost is too high."

Liang Shanyue took a deep breath, originally intending to leave the bathroom, but the next second he bent over and began retching again. Lin Juangui found it strange. "I'll call a doctor to check on you; your condition is very precarious."

Lin Juangui helped Liang Shanyue to the bedroom. Liang Shanyue’s face was pale, and his voice was weak. "I know you don't remember, but a long time ago I told you that getting rid of Mu Zhang was your only chance for freedom. I was willing to help you, but then so many accidents happened. There were many things I couldn't say. Mu Zhang also seemed to start showing a shred of humanity because of you, but in reality, nothing has changed."

"Yes, for a while after losing my memory, I lived in a daze, not knowing what I was doing or why I did certain things."

These were Lin Juangui's true feelings, so his expression was heart-wrenching when he spoke.

Liang Shanyue sighed and shook his head. After the doctor finished the examination with the equipment, he said, "Mr. Liang, you are pregnant."

Lin Juangui offered his congratulations with a mix of surprise and joy. Liang Shanyue didn't seem surprised and waved for the doctor to leave.

"I don't care how Jin Qi died or when he died, but I loathe those human experiments. The thought of my child being born into such a world fills me with despair."

Back then, Liang Shanyue had exerted immense effort to dissuade Mu Zhang and his uncles from building a laboratory on Cloudport. Recalling it now still made his heart race.

If he had been a bit weaker and believed their talk of sharing profits after a successful experiment, the planet trampled by the Zerg might have been his Cloudport.

Liang Shanyue wasn't surprised that Jin Qi met such an end. After all, Jin Qi had consented to these experiments; becoming food for the Zerg now was simply the retribution and consequence of his past malice.

However, Liang Shanyue understood the principle that if one falls, the other is next.

Lin Juangui also frowned, looking equally worried. "I can't control what Mu Zhang wants to do; he has his own ideals and ambitions. As for the rest... I'm just living for the moment."

"Don't go thinking Huo Zeshen is some kind of saint. He has my grandfather wrapped around his finger. Even my uncle doesn't carry as much weight with Grandfather as he does now. Anyone who didn't know better would think Grandfather was going to hand the Liang family over to him."

Lin Juangui said helplessly, "At least I can't resist his pheromones at all. I never felt this way around Mu Zhang. It's quite extraordinary."

Liang Shanyue understood this feeling all too well. Years ago, he had confined Jin Qi in the basement of his home just to have Jin Qi help him through his heat. No one had a higher Alpha/Omega compatibility with Liang Shanyue than Jin Qi. Jin Qi's pheromones not only satisfied Liang Shanyue but also calmed his agitation.

It was just that there were too many problems between this AO pair. Even if they were harmonious in bed, the disparity in their values was agonizing.

Liang Shanyue did not look at Lin Juangui with judgment. On the contrary, he offered him cover. "It's not easy for an Omega to find their own happiness. As long as you don't get emotionally involved, everything is fine. Juangui, whatever you do, don't let yourself fall for him."

Lin Juangui seemed touched. "Thank you for telling me this."

Liang Shanyue had been tormented by Jin Qi's video and hadn't rested well for days. For the sake of the child, he couldn't keep pushing himself like this.

Lin Juangui told Liang Shanyue to get some rest. "I'll continue to investigate the source of the video. Don't worry."

"Thank you for your hard work. Let's go shopping in a few days. When the child is born, I'll have him call you godfather."

As for who the child's biological father was, it didn't matter. He only needed Liang Shanyue as his father and would eventually take over the burdens of the Liang family.

Lin Juangui readily agreed.

After leaving Liang Shanyue's home, Lin Juangui called Ge Miao. The other party answered immediately, accompanied by the sound of footsteps. "Madam."

"Has Mu Zhang been eating well these past few days?"

Lin Juangui asked casually as if on a whim, but Ge Miao answered seriously, "The situation has been tense lately. The Master sleeps three hours a day at most. If he doesn't eat on schedule, his body won't be able to hold up."

It seemed Mu Zhang had purged many more people; things were going very smoothly. Lin Juangui seemed somewhat relieved. "I haven't been at the Federation's main star lately and haven't been able to look after his daily life. Thank you for keeping an eye out."

Ge Miao's tone remained polite. "Rest assured. The Political Department will be conducting physical exams soon, and a copy of the Master's report will be sent to you."

"Good."

Mu Zhang was busy consolidating power. He might not be unaware of what was happening in Cloudport, but now that they were on the same page, he had to display his generosity and tolerance. He didn't want any more arguments with Lin Juangui. They didn't have much affection left to burn through, and Lin Juangui's willingness to play ball was exactly what he wanted.

Liang Shanyue already knew what Lin Juangui and Huo Zeshen had been doing in Cloudport these past few days. It wouldn't be long before word reached Liang Yu, and Grandfather Liang would be even more smug about the success of his plan.

As for how poorly the reconstruction project for the Sixth Military District—which the Liang family and several other companies had recently taken on—was progressing, it was not within Liang Xiancheng's considerations.

If Lin Juangui truly couldn't resist Huo Zeshen's pheromones and wanted Huo Zeshen to stay with him longer, he would surely help Huo Zeshen clear the obstacles and shoulder the burden of reconstructing the Sixth Military District. This was exactly why Liang Xiancheng had Huo Zeshen get close to Lin Juangui.

Ever since the disaster on Planet Buli occurred and the Liang family, along with several other companies, established a project department and appointed a manager, the manager in charge of procurement hadn't slept a wink.

The disaster on Planet Buli had come too suddenly, and given its proximity to the Federation's main star, the rescue and reconstruction of Planet Buli were designated as "highest priority." During this time, the prices of everything were skyrocketing, creating significant obstacles and difficulties for material procurement.

Furthermore, after clearing the Zerg remains from the important planets of the Sixth Military District, specialized equipment was needed for neutralization. The companies involved in the project had made initial preparations, so the clearing phase went smoothly. However, many raw materials could not be shipped even if contracts had been signed at the beginning.

Suppliers of key raw materials such as energy crystals, special construction materials, and ecological restoratives either claimed they had no stock or raised prices to astronomical heights, causing the project's budget to become unimaginably high in an instant.

To make matters worse, the Mu family's logistics dispatch center was in utter disarray.

Due to Mu Yuanqing stepping forward to take the blame, the Mu family was suddenly thrown into the limelight. Three large transport ships they had booked encountered anomalous nebula interference while passing through a certain star sector and were forced to detour.

The most stable jump corridor to the Sixth Military District was even temporarily requisitioned by the military, prohibiting all civilian starships from passing through. Taking alternative routes meant costs would triple and travel time would double!

If Mu Yuanqing were still in power, a single word from him would have been enough, but who would be willing to give way to the Mu family now? Mu Zhuo asked the Liang family to leverage Huo Zeshen's influence, but the other side simply wouldn't bite.

Bad news rained down like hammer blows, with various "accidents" and "force majeure" events emerging endlessly. Apart from the Liang and Mu families, the other companies involved were no longer willing to pour more money into this bottomless pit, fearing they would lose their entire fortunes.

When it rains, it pours. The disaster on Puli Star caused fluctuations in the Federation's overall economy. Coupled with the recent sudden spread of negative analysis reports on the StarNet claiming "the Sixth Military District reconstruction project may be severely delayed due to resource shortages, potentially becoming a boondoggle," investor confidence began to shake.

Mu Zhuo's position was originally rock-solid, but due to the impact of the reconstruction project, some market players who had noticed the project discovered that the bonds they issued for it had plummeted in price. Moreover, the game's gacha pool inexplicably increased by 25% at this time without any announcement.

"This is a joke. I spend money so you can develop games and optimize the user experience, and you have the nerve to raise gacha prices after losing yours? Where's your shame, I ask?"

"Remember to watch the rage-quit livestream tonight. The stream title is..."

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Under the pressure of public opinion, Mu Zhuo was removed from his position by the board. However, the consequences of his actions led to a sharp drop in the company's stock price. Runlin capitalized on the situation and acquired the gaming company, marking its official entry into the gaming industry.

Lin Juangui looked at the recent stock market trends and the stalled project reports on the light screen. His face was impassive, as if he were merely looking at a set of irrelevant data.

He didn't need to get his hands dirty. He only needed to nudge a few key pieces at critical moments to make his opponents completely collapse on the battlefield they themselves had chosen.

This was not just a commercial blow, but also a form of psychological torment and an absolute and overwhelming demonstration of strength.

Lin Juangui would make everyone understand who truly controlled the situation, and also let all potential opponents see clearly the consequences of being his enemy.

He gracefully lifted his wine glass, raising it slightly towards the brilliant starry sky outside the window, as if silently bidding farewell to the prey caught in his net.

Anyone who fell into this intricate trap would be lucky to get out with their life. Mu Zhuo, who had been dismissed, was reported to the authorities for misconduct during his time at the company. The Mu family simply cut him loose entirely. His greed had brought him a prison sentence.

The Sixth Military District reconstruction project had completely turned into a mess. The Federation government couldn't afford to sit idly by. Now, the only person capable of taking on this project was Lin Juangui's Runlin Group. For this purpose, they dispatched a special envoy to negotiate with Lin Juangui, along with Liang Yu, the sole remaining representative of the Liang family in the project.

At an upscale club on Yungang Star, Liang Yu and the envoy sat across from Lin Juangui.

Liang Yu seemed troubled by the reconstruction project, his words revealing anxiety, though his expression remained as gloomy as ever, his eyes locked intently on Lin Juangui.

"Mr. Lin, let's not mince words. We've encountered unprecedented difficulties with the Sixth Military District reconstruction project. Someone is definitely behind this."

Lin Juangui leisurely brewed tea, his face wearing a perfectly measured look of gravity and sympathy. "Director Liang, I'm aware of your plight. Man proposes, God disposes. The sudden incident on Puli Star disrupted everyone's plans. Dwelling on the cause isn't productive now. The crucial thing is that the project must not fail. Otherwise, what will happen to the people who originally lived in the Sixth Military District?"

The envoy hurriedly chimed in, "Yes, Mr. Lin has a commendable view of the bigger picture."

Lin Juangui continued, "General Huo is newly appointed to the Sixth Military District. He needs a stable and reliable rear. If the project cannot continue, the military might initiate emergency protocols to assume control by force. At that point, not only would the initial investment be completely lost, but there might also be accountability for impeding military readiness."

These words not only distanced Lin Juangui from the problem but also attributed the other party's predicament to "force majeure," while also pointing out the public pressure they would face if the project stalled, forging a united front among everyone present.

Liang Yu took a deep breath and fell silent. He was all too familiar with Lin Juangui's act, each time mentally tipping his hat to the man.

Although the envoy and Mu Zhang were from different departments, no one dared to disobey Mu Zhang's arrangements now. The envoy understood that Lin Juangui would definitely take on this mess, if only for Mu Zhang's sake. However, certain pleasantries were still necessary.

"We came today hoping that Mr. Lin, for the sake of the homeless people of the Sixth Military District, would step in. The reconstruction work is very important to them."

Lin Juangui sighed, his tone full of helplessness. "It's not that I don't want to help, but my hands are tied. Recently, prices across the Federation have been soaring. Runlin's teams are stretched thin and simply don't have the capacity to take on such a large project."

Liang Yu raised an eyebrow, surprised that Lin Juangui would refuse. He had thought Lin Juangui would naturally agree to this.

The envoy also looked startled, sitting up a little straighter. "Mr. Lin, if you have any conditions, please feel free to state them. We are all here for the Federation citizens of the Sixth Military District."

Lin Juangui looked at Liang Yu, as if assessing his psychological endurance. Liang Yu met his gaze for a moment before speaking. "Mr. Lin is indeed a renowned philanthropist throughout the Federation. But how many people are willing to do business at a loss? What would it take for you to agree to help?"

According to them, Lin Juangui was almost becoming the Federation's only "lifesaver."

Lin Juangui seemed to "deliberate" for a long time. "In that case, I can coordinate my foundation and some partner banks to provide an emergency bridge loan to cover the most urgent penalty fees and basic expenses. But the condition is a pledge of 3% of Liang Group's shares."

Liang Yu knew Lin Juangui's game. After all this maneuvering, his goal was still Liang Group's shares.

However, the envoy didn't see any problem with this and was still listening attentively to Lin Juangui.

"Given such a complex situation, efficient unified command and resource allocation capabilities are needed. To ensure the project is revived and to avoid coordination failures again, the overall management authority of the project must be temporarily handed over to my team."

Liang Yu had to lower his head to hide a smirk. Lin Juangui was ruthless. The current situation was clearly of his own making, yet he could sit here pretending to have nothing to do with it, discussing solutions.

But this was precisely what he admired.

What an impressive Omega, outstanding in both appearance and ability. A pity he wasn't his.

Lin Juangui knew Liang Yu was distracted, but he didn't miss a single word he needed to say. "As for the shortage of raw materials and logistics, I will try my best to coordinate some surplus resources and idle transport capacity. All responsibilities and fines resulting from previous project delays will still be borne by the companies that originally accepted the reconstruction project. My team will only be responsible for the project's progress and results after taking over."

The envoy knew these conditions were harsh, but ensuring the project could proceed smoothly was his duty. He turned to Liang Yu, seeing his expression wasn't great, and reminded him in a low voice, "Mr. Liang, if you have any opinions, you can voice them too."

Already pushed to this point, how dare Liang Yu have any opinions? A stalled project meant immediate death. Accepting Lin Juangui's conditions might at least preserve some dignity and a bit of remaining value.

"I need to hold a meeting with the group's senior management. I'll give you a reply within three days."

Lin Juangui didn't seem worried that Liang Yu would refuse and nodded agreeably.

After the envoy left, only the two of them remained in the private room. Seeing Liang Yu's gloomy expression, Lin Juangui found it quite amusing and asked him, "What's displeasing you now?"

"You've been deceiving me all along." Liang Yu realized many things belatedly. The Liang family was inevitably declining. Lin Juangui was devouring the Liang family without shedding blood. Liang Yu had gone from being a partner to prey.

Lin Juangui picked up his teacup and took a sip. "I haven't deceived you. You want to inherit the Liang family, but as long as the old man doesn't pass away, you'll never get that day. Rather than waiting for an unseen future, it's better to take the initiative. What I can promise you is that I will hand over all decision-making power to you. I won't participate in any management. That's what you want, right?"

Liang Yu took a deep breath. "This is tantamount to making me betray the Liang family."

Lin Juangui seemed to hear something very amusing. "Why the sudden attack of conscience? That's quite frightening."

Which of the Liang family's descendants hasn't used the family's interests to trade for their own future? They wouldn't care about the consequences. Even Grandfather Liang was using the Liang family to buy his own life. When the upper beam is not straight, the lower ones will go aslant—that's the principle.

Liang Yu didn't know what he was being sentimental about either. Perhaps it was because Huo Zeshen had gotten the piece of meat he himself had been longing for, stirring up a feeling called jealousy deep within him.

"I'm afraid that in the future, you'll chew me up until not even scraps remain, selling me out while I still count money for you."

"How could that be?" Lin Juangui put down his teacup, his expression almost innocent, but a mischievous glint hid behind his glasses. He said pleasant words as always: "Mr. Liang is very important to me. How could I bear to sell you out? Leave everything else to me. You just need to wait quietly for the results. Isn't that good?"

Liang Yu smiled along with Lin Juangui. He suddenly asked coldly, "How does it feel being with Huo Zeshen? Is it good?"

Years ago, it was a relationship between a sponsor and the sponsored. Lin Juangui was married, Huo Zeshen was a minor. Now that they both have prominent social status, they couldn't wait to get together. Was it because these two were too shameless, or was the attraction of pheromones too strong?

Lin Juangui's smile faded slightly. "If you're so curious, go find Huo Zeshen yourself. Experience what it's like to play around with a kid."

Liang Yu was physically weak. In his youth, he spent most of his time battling illness and medication. His mother, as Grandfather Liang's last wife, nearly lost her life trying to protect Liang Yu. Liang Yu understood his responsibility. He would absolutely not let his older brothers and nephews take everything from him.

But his strength was meager. As an Alpha, he couldn't release much pheromone to please Omegas, which was why he remained unmarried.

This also had a small benefit: his need for Omega pheromones wasn't great, and the symptoms of his rut weren't as overwhelming.

But that would mean missing out on a lot of what makes life enjoyable.

Liang Yu knew Lin Juangui was mocking him, so he replied bluntly, "I can't relate."

Lin Juangui showed no trace of guilt on his face; instead, he was completely unapologetic. "Exactly. I'm practically half-disabled now. Huo Zeshen has been steeped in the military for so many years—he charges ahead without thinking and doesn't know his own strength. What made you think I enjoy being with him?"

Liang Yu wasn't angered by Lin Juangui's retort; his expression even softened considerably. He scoffed and shook his head. "Hmm, I wonder who it was that told me years ago that they were the most devoted one."

After all, this Omega didn't remember a thing. Following his instincts and acting a little wild was actually advantageous for Liang Yu.

Knowing he wouldn't get a warm reception from Lin Juangui, Liang Yu stood up, ready to return to his hotel room to have a meeting with the Liang Group's top executives.

The news, once brought back, naturally set off a firestorm. The Liang family wasn't what it used to be; to secure such a top-tier project, they had to join forces with several other companies.

Lin Juangui alone had shattered all the preparations previously made for this project. This not only signaled the Liang family's failure in the business world but also rendered all the groundwork laid for the upcoming election completely useless.

In the end, it was Liang Xiancheng who stepped in and made the call to accept Lin Juangui's terms.

In his view, getting Lin Juangui to take on the Sixth Military District reconstruction project was a success. As for face or pride, it no longer mattered. As long as the final plan succeeded, the Federation would be his.

The signing ceremony was a low-key affair. Lin Juangui did not make an appearance, but he had already been portrayed on StarNet as a savior who turned the tide against all odds, taking on this unmanageable mess that no one else could handle.

Shortly after Runlin took over the project, the "short" materials were quickly supplied, and the blocked logistics were rapidly cleared up. The project's progress even exceeded the initial plan.

Anyone with a discerning eye could see that everything was now firmly under Lin Juangui's control. He had not only swallowed up the Sixth Military District but also struck a blow against the Liang and Mu families' influence, while demonstrating his extraordinary ability to solve problems.

In this game, Lin Juangui was the calm, ultimate winner.

Once the Liang family took a step back, they would continue to retreat for their so-called grand plan until they were completely devoured.

By the time they realized it, it would be too late—they would have already lost the ability to resist.

Lin Juangui pulled off this masterstroke in just two weeks. Mu Zhang finally found time to call him and ask how he had been feeling lately.

"Quite good. Yun Harbor Star has beautiful scenery, not as hectic as the Federation's central star. But after a while, it gets lonely at the top. How about you? Ge Miao mentioned you haven't been sleeping much lately. Can your body handle this kind of strain?"

Mu Zhang's tone was exceptionally gentle. "Knowing you care makes it feel less exhausting."

Lin Juangui chuckled softly, and Mu Zhang continued, "Your heat is in a few days, right? I won't be by your side this time. Do you think I'm failing in my role as your Alpha?"

"Everything you're doing now is for our future. I understand, Mu Zhang. Don't worry; there will always be a place for you in my heart."

Lin Juangui's words soothed Mu Zhang's recent low spirits. Even eliminating so many political obstacles hadn't brought him much joy—only Lin Juangui was where his heart truly lay.

Yet, the Lin Juangui by Mu Zhang's side was not happy, so Mu Zhang chose to let go temporarily, allowing Lin Juangui to do what he wanted.

"I love you, Juangui."

Love conveyed over the phone might seem a bit weak, but only when not facing Lin Juangui could Mu Zhang smoothly utter such mushy words.

Lin Juangui responded earnestly, "Mm, I love you too."

Whether Mu Zhang believed it or not, at least Lin Juangui's attitude was sincere.

Mu Zhang was completely satisfied.

After turning off the communicator, Lin Juangui saw Huo Zeshen's reflection in the floor-to-ceiling window.

He was wearing the dark blue denim coat Lin Juangui had chosen for him. His long legs were crossed as he leaned against the corridor wall, his expression calm, revealing no particular emotion. Only his slightly lowered eyes gave the impression of a puppy abandoned by its owner.

Lin Juangui walked straight up to Huo Zeshen, smiling as he looked up at him. "Why are you here so early? You must have been working nonstop on military affairs—you have dark circles under your eyes."

Huo Zeshen's Adam's apple bobbed. He met Lin Juangui's gaze for a moment before asking why Lin Juangui liked keeping cats.

Lin Juangui explained, "It's not that I particularly like them. According to the household staff, the tabby was picked up by Mu Zhang for me to raise, so I've kept it ever since."

"Between dogs and cats, which do you prefer?"

A knowing, composed smile played on Lin Juangui's lips as he ruffled Huo Zeshen's hair.

"I prefer you."