Chapter 95 Can’t Shake Him Off

Chapter 95: Don't Even Think About Getting Rid of Him

To secure a few extra days of leave, Huo Zeshen used special medication to induce his rut early.

A drug-induced rut was ultimately different from a natural one. This time, Huo Zeshen's condition wasn't as intense as before. He could even watch his own arousal with cold, rational detachment. If it weren't for this, he might not have been able to restrain the urge to pounce on Lin Juangui.

For some reason, Huo Zeshen always felt Lin Juangui was being too indulgent with him, as if using this method to persuade Huo Zeshen to give up sooner.

Did he think Huo Zeshen would lose patience once he got what he wanted?

Absolutely not.

Lin Juangui was a desire Huo Zeshen had harbored for years. He would cling to Lin Juangui desperately. Even if Lin Juangui grew tired of him, he would take pleasure in following behind, observing what kind of Alpha Lin Juangui might go for next and where he himself fell short.

Anyway, in this lifetime, Lin Juangui can forget about shaking him off.

If there was a next life, the same would go for that one too.

Huo Zeshen knew his methods were dirty and despicable, shamelessly playing the pity card and acting obedient in front of Lin Juangui.

But he couldn't think of a better way. He was a twisted and cowardly creature; once he got hold of what he wanted, he would never let go.

Lin Juangui's body was as soft and smooth as velvet, wrapping around him like water. The pleasure in Huo Zeshen's eyes was almost overflowing.

Huo Zeshen utterly despised his own contradictory nature—clearly wanting it, yet unwilling to show it in front of Lin Juangui, while also being moved that Lin Juangui used his own body as a commitment to their relationship.

Lin Juangui's body had been modified, and he'd even said he was incapable of intimacy.

Yet he still did this.

Whether an Omega's craving for bonding overrode his physical concerns, Huo Zeshen didn't know. But Lin Juangui found joy in it, and Huo Zeshen was willing to accompany him.

Huo Zeshen was an adult. He understood that every choice came with a price. The timing of their relationship wasn't right, a fact both were well aware of. Yet, even so, they wanted to seize this rare opportunity to steal a few more moments of intimacy.

However, there wasn't much time left for their passionate moments. To ensure a smooth journey to Youlan Star, both Lin Juangui and Huo Zeshen had made extensive preparations.

Youlan Star had been abandoned for so many years, and no one had acted rashly. They were not only waiting for the Liang family to let their guard down completely but also needed to find the right moment to strike when the other side was defenseless to deliver the final blow.

Logically, Lin Juangui didn't have any deep-seated hatred with the Liang family, at most some commercial disputes. But those weren't serious enough to become public. Lin Juangui could even cooperate happily with Liang Yu and be good friends with Liang Shanyue.

It was just that the main task of this book was to expose the crimes the Liang family had committed over the years. Bringing them down was something Lin Juangui had to do. Long ago, Mu Zhang had taken this as a goal, but after Lin Juangui appeared and helped solve many problems, Mu Zhang himself was able to focus on his political career without looking back.

Over the years, Lin Juangui's business had grown larger and larger. With Mu Zhang's arms factory providing protection, he was almost invincible. Coupled with his cutting-edge business strategies, the Liang family was nearly driven to a dead end.

However, a starved camel is bigger than a horse. Lin Juangui needed to watch Liang Xiancheng's century-old foundation crumble to dust while he was still lucid. By then, Liang Xiancheng would surely drag a lot of people down with him—now that would be interesting.

For safety's sake, Lin Juangui and Huo Zeshen arrived separately at a small planet near Yungang Star. Their warship and exploration vessel were docked nearby.

Lin Juangui wore a dark-colored exploration suit suitable for action, standing by the gangway chatting with Rong Rui.

Rong Rui's posture remained upright, his sharp eyes tempered with a gentleness born of years of experience.

It had been a long time since Rong Rui last saw Lin Juangui. Lin Juangui, however, knew to send someone every three months with a batch of pillows infused with his pheromones, making Rong Rui's ruts more comfortable.

If it were seven years ago, Rong Rui might have felt regret, wondering how such a great Omega like Lin Juangui ended up with Mu Zhang. But their marriage had lasted this many years. Regardless of their feelings, their interests were ultimately intertwined.

So, Lin Juangui could still remember someone like Rong Rui, willing to help him through his ruts, place her trust in him, and invest in upgrading his ship. Rong Rui had no reason not to repay Lin Juangui.

Upon seeing Lin Juangui, Rong Rui's usually stern face broke into a brilliant smile. He spread his arms as if to hug Lin Juangui. Lin Juangui didn't refuse but maintained a polite distance, giving Rong Rui a friendly pat on the back.

Rong Rui seemed quite emotional. "Long time no see. I thought you were going to become a hermit and never come out again."

Lin Juangui had no memory of Rong Rui at all, but he had heard from Qu Yang about their past experiences. Back then, Rong Rui had taken great risks to help him explore an unfamiliar planet, with Mu Zhang's Tianguang warship watching closely nearby. That battle was a close brush with death.

Even if Lin Juangui couldn't remember, he had to repay Rong Rui's kindness. Before losing his memory, he had arranged many things as if anticipating what might happen. Lin Juangui took over seamlessly.

So, Lin Juangui gave Rong Rui a relaxed smile. "Not to that extent, but my health really isn't what it used to be. The doctor advised me to rest more at home."

It truly was a health issue. Lin Juangui now only appeared human on the surface, seemingly unaffected in daily life, able to socialize and work normally. But if any accident occurred causing even slight bodily misalignment, it would require time and effort to repair, making it completely not worth the trouble.

Mu Zhang had always hoped Lin Juangui would go out less. At first, Lin Juangui was quite obedient, but later he realized if he stayed put any longer, he'd become a mere mascot.

With a deeper understanding of this world, Lin Juangui knew that waiting around to die was not an option. He couldn't afford to lose his grip on everything.

So, when deciding to come to Youlan Star, Lin Juangui immediately contacted Rong Rui, who was happy to prepare everything for the trip.

However, the warships patrolling nearby made Rong Rui worry about a repeat of the incident on Bada. He asked Lin Juangui if these warships were trustworthy. Lin Juangui's attitude was inscrutable.

"At least for now, we need each other's strength. Youlan Star is very important to him, and I also need to know a lot about the Liang family and the inside story. Just focus on digging that up for me."

"Don't worry. When have I ever failed to meet your requests?"

Lin Juangui nodded. Just as he was about to board the ship with Rong Rui, his communicator rang. He gestured for Rong Rui to go ahead, and Rong Rui nodded.

"What's wrong?" Lin Juangui remembered they had discussed many plans for this operation before leaving. Was there an emergency?

Huo Zeshen's voice carried an undeniable decisiveness. "Abnormal wormhole turbulence detected near the conventional route to Youlan Star. It's risky for non-military ships to pass through. I'm inviting you to board my warship."

Lin Juangui raised an eyebrow slightly. He looked up at the warship docked not far away, a habitual smile on his face. "General Huo, military vessels have so many rules. As an ordinary civilian, I'm afraid I lack the authorization to board, and it's against regulations, isn't it?"

For now, Lin Juangui didn't want everyone to know about their relationship. In public, he needed to maintain distance from Huo Zeshen.

But Huo Zeshen seemed completely oblivious to the distance in Lin Juangui's words. His voice lowered slightly but became even clearer and firmer. "On my fleet, I am the regulation. I will personally be responsible for your safety. My invitation is your authorization."

"Hmm." Lin Juangui was still hesitating. There were things he didn't want to say, afraid of hurting Huo Zeshen's pride.

Rong Rui's exploration vessel wasn't necessarily much worse than a military ship. Over the years, Lin Juangui had been funding Rong Rui's vessel, equipping it with top-tier gear. It wouldn't fear any turbulence or wormholes.

But Lin Juangui didn't want to spurn Huo Zeshen's sincere offer. Just as he was about to agree, he heard Huo Zeshen say, "Then I'll come to you. I'd like to meet that Mr. Rong as well."

"..."

Lin Juangui hadn't even said anything yet, and Huo Zeshen had already found his own way down.

Still, Lin Juangui felt the need to remind Huo Zeshen. "Don't act recklessly like you did during that meeting. If you behave... there's a reward."

This time, it was Huo Zeshen's turn to fall silent.

Lin Juangui knew exactly how to handle him. Huo Zeshen took a deep breath, as if trying hard to steady his emotions. "...Wait right there for me."

The call ended. Lin Juangui stood at a distance, waiting composedly, a faint smile lingering on his face.

The man seemed to arrive in a bit of a hurry, the wind tousling the hair on his forehead. His gaze locked onto Lin Juangui the moment he spotted him.

Lin Juangui looked Huo Zeshen up and down, appreciation shining in his eyes.

Huo Zeshen in military uniform versus a white lab coat gave off completely different vibes. The Huo Zeshen from that other world could be described as meticulous, definitely buttoning the top button of his shirt, with only his face and hands visible. In winter, he'd even wear gloves.

Lin Juangui asked him why he was so "conservative," and Huo Zeshen would only squint and smile, "I'm a gentleman."

Whenever it wasn't a formal occasion, Lin Juangui was never dressed properly. He'd either unbutton his shirt a couple of buttons, saying he was hot, or wear sheer pajamas that would slip right off him with the slightest touch.

Huo Zeshen would get upset about this—not with furious questioning, but with a sullen, cold expression while washing the laundry.

Lin Juangui didn't quite understand. While Huo Zeshen was washing a shirt for him, he leaned in and nuzzled Huo Zeshen's shoulder. "Why?"

He genuinely didn't get it.

"What do you mean, why?" Huo Zeshen's voice was deep, clearly not wanting to engage, but he couldn't just leave Lin Juangui hanging.

Lin Juangui gathered his thoughts a bit. "I just think it's comfortable, and it's easier for you to touch me too. I remember you like that. It's not like I'm taking things off left and right in front of others..."

Lin Juangui slowly reached from behind Huo Zeshen to hold the man's chin, gently stroking his skin with his fingers. "I only act like this for you. Isn't that enough?"

Huo Zeshen stopped what he was doing. He was at a loss with Lin Juangui, his expression tinged with a hint of gloom. "Is that all our relationship is—just these antics? Is it too much for me to care about whether you'll catch cold from not wearing enough?"

Lin Juangui seemed to realize, his tone exaggerated. He wrapped his arms around Huo Zeshen's back, resting his head on the man's shoulder. "So that's what you were worried about. I admit I was wrong, alright? My mistake."

Only a fool wouldn't take the offered way out. Huo Zeshen gently wrung out the shirt, hung it neatly on a hanger, and put it out on the balcony to dry. Then he turned around with one hand on his hip and said to Lin Juangui, "Even with the constant temperature system at home, catching a draft can still give you a headache or a cold. I don't want you to feel unwell."

"Got it. From now on, I'll prioritize warmth over style."

Huo Zeshen's expression softened considerably. "You don't have to go that far. You look good in anything."

Lin Juangui grinned, lifting his arms to wrap them around Huo Zeshen's neck. Suddenly lowering his voice, he said with a mix of seriousness, "For a moment there, I was really scared. I was afraid you'd call me slutty, that my mind was only ever on those things."

In the eyes of a small group of people, Lin Juangui's reputation wasn't great. He was a man with a tainted past, someone who had been used and broken before. He should have died to prove his innocence; staying alive was seen as shameless.

Those people whispered behind his back, calling him all sorts of names like "slut" and worse. After he went public with Huo Zeshen, it intensified, as if confirming some warped conjecture of theirs.

It was as if he was supposed to live a lonely, bitter life, punishing himself with the sins of others. But he hadn't done anything wrong. Wasn't that too much of a denial of human desire?

Lin Juangui remembered his high school self again. He told himself it was okay. As long as he was powerful enough, could those people still throw rotten vegetables at his face?

As long as he stood at an absolute height, those who hated him, those who envied him, wouldn't even be able to see his shoes.

Even though he constantly tried to convince himself to let it go, Lin Juangui's process of accepting himself was slow and laced with an indescribable, dull pain.

He knew there was no going back. His body felt overripe, like fruit on the verge of rotting. He didn't want to seek pleasure in those foul-smelling nightclubs; it was a waste of time and would give people ammunition. He could only buy some interesting toys to try out.

Over time, the broken ones he didn't want to throw away and the ones still in use filled an entire storage box.

Sometimes, looking at that box, Lin Juangui would find it laughable. He'd even find a bitter amusement in it, thinking he was practically a toy expert. Maybe he could develop a career in this field someday, start a whole new business.

But the physical pleasure always ended with intense self-loathing. So, Lin Juangui often visited his therapist. He had to find a way to cope.

Until one day, his persistence finally paid off. Lin Juangui finally met Huo Zeshen.

Huo Zeshen didn't care about Lin Juangui's past or his family background. The only thing that seemed to truly concern him was Lin Juangui himself.

It would be a lie to say he wasn't moved. Lin Juangui gradually opened up to Huo Zeshen, letting himself be petted, even sharing the thoughts he'd buried deepest in his heart.

Huo Zeshen understood Lin Juangui's pain. He held Lin Juangui tightly in his arms, his expression already tinged with a hint of guilt. "No, Xiao Juan... I do really enjoy being intimate with you, but that's not the entirety of our relationship. I know you're busy and tired from work. Maybe these intimate acts are the easiest and most convenient way to relax, but I still want us to have more beautiful memories beyond just these things. What do you think?"

Lin Juangui nodded in Huo Zeshen's embrace. "You're right."

Huo Zeshen seemed to place more emphasis on spiritual connection. When he was with Lin Juangui, he was not only gentle but had never once hurt him.

Lin Juangui could feel Huo Zeshen's respect, radiating from the inside out. Huo Zeshen had shaped part of Lin Juangui's views on relationships, and now Lin Juangui was, in turn, influencing Huo Zeshen.

What a cycle.

Huo Zeshen, now in his military uniform, approached Lin Juangui. Seeing Lin Juangui staring blankly at his lower abdomen, a hint of confusion flickered across his brow before he smiled. "That look in your eyes is like you want to devour me."

Huo Zeshen in uniform looked particularly dashing. The pants hugged his thigh muscles tightly, paired with leather boots. His upper body was broad but not brutish, feeling pleasantly firm and toned to the touch.

Lin Juangui blinked, snapping back to reality, and waved his hand nonchalantly. "I've already had my fill. I'm not as desperate as you think."

"Ahem." Huo Zeshen awkwardly averted his gaze, quickly changing the subject. "Take me to see him."

Lin Juangui didn't ask further. He sent a message to Rong Rui, telling him to go to the tactical analysis room—someone wanted to see him.

Rong Rui guessed it might be the commander of those warships coming to discuss something and readily agreed. But he didn't expect the visitor to be Huo Zeshen.

Anyone who followed military affairs couldn't possibly not know Huo Zeshen. When facing Rong Rui, however, Huo Zeshen displayed none of the arrogance of a young general. Instead, he stood straight, raised his right hand, and gave a crisp, powerful military salute.

"Senior Rong."

Rong Rui was taken aback for a moment, then immediately straightened his spine and returned a salute that, while no longer textbook-perfect, still carried the vigor of his younger days. "General Huo. I've long heard of you."

Huo Zeshen lowered his hand, his posture still respectful. "Senior Rong, back in the day, you and your guide held the outpost against overwhelming odds for three days and three nights, buying critical time for the rear evacuation. I learned about that in my very first classes at the military academy. I never thought I'd have the honor of meeting you here today. It's truly fortunate. I hope to learn more combat experience from you."

Rong Rui hadn't expected anyone to still remember his name. He shook his head with emotion. "After all these years, the Federation has forgotten me, yet General Huo remembers. It's all ancient history, not worth mentioning. General Huo, you are young and accomplished, undoubtedly a pillar of the Federation."

Lin Juangui pulled out a chair and sat down, listening to their exchange without interrupting.

Huo Zeshen got straight to the point, activating his optical computer. A cold metal tabletop projected a holographic image of Youlan Star, the barren planet slowly rotating before the three of them.

"This is Youlan Star as it is now. The forests that once covered over 70% of the planet's surface have completely vanished. The biological matrix and strong acidic secretions of the Zerg have altered the soil composition, causing desertification and compaction, making it unable to support most native plant life."

The image displayed vast, dark red deserts like burn scars, dotted with massive, semi-pulsating Zerg creep tumors and bizarre hive structures formed from solidified Zerg secretions mixed with soil.

Rong Rui pointed to a coastal area. "The entire planet is permeated with high concentrations of acidic spores and biological pheromones. Without top-tier protection, breathing is impossible. Most water sources are contaminated—murky and toxic. The planet's entire ecosystem has completely collapsed."

Huo Zeshen pulled up comparison charts between old data and the current situation, analyzing calmly, "The Liang family chose this place back then because of Youlan Star's rich biodiversity and stable ecological environment. They hoped humans could coexist with the Zerg, attempting to combine the Zerg's powerful environmental adaptability and regenerative abilities with humans. But the lab lost control."

Huo Zeshen switched the image, revealing several bottomless, massive pits like wounds on the planet's surface.

"The Zerg disaster wasn't accidental. It was likely triggered by a chain reaction from a successful or over-experimented specimen. Their reproduction and terraforming capabilities far exceeded estimates. They not only destroyed all native vegetation but transformed the entire planet into a hellscape suitable for their survival."

That's why the Liang family could so brazenly sell off Youlan Star. Cleaning up a place like this would cost a fortune. Youlan Star had little value beyond its environment. A dead planet's rebirth would take who knows how many years. Only someone like Lin Juangui, with a screw loose, would be willing to pick up this "bargain."

Although the Zerg disaster ended and the bugs scattered back into the cosmos, the environment on Youlan Star was now hospitable to them, and a queen had already been born there.

Rong Rui crossed his arms, frowning deeply. "This means we have to directly breach the deepest part of the Zerg nest, or force our way in from the air or ground. The target is too large; we could easily be overwhelmed by the hive."

Lin Juangui tapped his finger lightly on the table. "So we need a secret passage. Back then, for transporting supplies and handling emergencies, the Liang family must have left behind unknown or not fully destroyed underground tunnels and backup exits. Some of these passages might have collapsed or been taken over by the bugs, but it's our only hope to avoid a direct confrontation with a large-scale Zerg swarm."

Both Huo Zeshen and Rong Rui nodded, agreeing with Lin Juangui's point.

Huo Zeshen's gaze was sharp. "I've already reconstructed the architectural blueprints of Youlan Star from memory. Once we arrive, we'll conduct deep geological radar scans and cross-reference them to locate these potential path entrances."

Rong Rui greatly appreciated Huo Zeshen's efficiency. He quickly caught up with the pace. "I'll have the tech department prioritize analyzing the scan data from these areas. At the same time, I'll dispatch scout teams to release micro-probes to confirm entrance conditions and internal Zerg activity frequency."

Huo Zeshen hadn't expected to collaborate with Rong Rui so smoothly. He continued, "After that, I'll lead an elite squad to enter first for reconnaissance and clear the passage. You'll establish a forward base in the rear and maintain communication."

Lin Juangui detested bugs, and the formidable combat prowess of the Zerg left him with lingering wariness. There was no way he could accompany this group to Youlan Star, but he needed to be the backup for Huo Zeshen and Rong Rui, ensuring the most rational decisions were made in case of emergencies.

Of course, Lin Juangui still hoped no accidents would occur. "If an emergency arises, call off the mission and get yourselves out safe. Understood?"

Rong Rui nodded without hesitation. "Of course."

Huo Zeshen's expression was somber. Lin Juangui asked him again, "Did you hear what I said?"

Rong Rui stroked his chin, clearly sensing something was off. After all, Huo Zeshen held the highest military rank present, yet Lin Juangui seemed to boss him around with such ease.

Without much thought, Rong Rui understood and sighed inwardly. This Omega really could turn heads wherever he went.

Huo Zeshen was being unusually stubborn in front of Lin Juangui. "I will do my utmost to obtain the evidence. If I can't... then it's on you."

The unspoken words were clearly "come back," but Lin Juangui snorted coldly, acting like he didn't get it. "General Huo, some things, if you can't do them yourself, others won't think to help you either."

Lin Juangui was likely all bark and no bite. Huo Zeshen nodded in understanding. "So I will come back."

"Mm."

The atmosphere eased considerably. Rong Rui stepped in to smooth things over. "It's been so many years since I last went to Bada with you. Time really flies. I never thought we'd have another chance to explore a place together."

Both Lin Juangui and Huo Zeshen turned their gazes toward Rong Rui, making his skin crawl.

Lin Juangui reacted quickly, jumping in after Rong Rui. "I can hardly remember. My memory was damaged before, and many details are completely gone. Since we still have some time before reaching Youlan Star, wanna tell us about it?"

Rong Rui studied Lin Juangui for a moment, confirming this was indeed the Lin Juangui he knew. After thinking it over, he finally spoke. "I don't know what you've been through these past few years, nor how Mu Zhang has treated you. But if you've almost completely forgotten Bada, you might need to see a doctor. Don't go losing your mind at such a young age."

Lin Juangui was amused by Rong Rui's concern. "Thank you for worrying about me. It's a long trip anyway, so why not share? I'll get you some coffee, okay?"

"Alright."

Huo Zeshen observed the familiarity between the two. He knew outstanding people naturally attracted each other; it wouldn't surprise him if Lin Juangui was liked by anyone. Yet, Huo Zeshen still felt a bit jealous.

Huo Zeshen remained silent throughout Rong Rui's recounting of his experiences in Bada. He also drank the coffee Lin Juangui poured—though not to his taste, it was a good pick-me-up.

So, the Lin Juangui of the past had chosen to entrust that mirror fragment to Huo Zeshen precisely because he had been to Bada and witnessed so many bizarre events. He had long since witnessed Huo Zeshen's story and understood the connection between them, which was why he had unreservedly supported Huo Zeshen.

In an instant, Huo Zeshen seemed to comprehend many things. The slight jealousy in his heart slowly dissipated. However, after listening to Rong Rui's tales of Bada and viewing many previously taken pictures, Lin Juangui fell silent for a long time.

He never expected to see Fan Meiyi in this world's Bada.

It seemed as if some puzzle pieces were slowly falling into place. Lin Juangui's expression remained calm as he suddenly shook his head and chuckled. "Bada, truly fascinating."

It appeared to be the starting point of everything. According to the story Huo Zeshen had told, the Silent Cicada and the young clan leader who eagerly attempted reform but failed marked the beginning of the cycle. Later, the Cicada gave half of its power to the young clan leader, and they became part of the cycle.

What role did Fan Meiyi play in all this? Lin Juangui's confusion about the past and himself seemed on the verge of being resolved.

After finishing his story, Rong Rui went to arrange personnel from the technical department, leaving only Huo Zeshen and Lin Juangui in the analysis room.

"There's still something you haven't told me," Huo Zeshen preempted. Even now, he believed Lin Juangui's precise memory loss was orchestrated by Mu Zhang.

But Lin Juangui was thinking on a higher plane.

If it were just him and Huo Zeshen entangled in an endless cycle, why was Mu Zhang the protagonist of this book? Why was Huo Zeshen the second male lead? Why was he a cannon fodder character?

Why was the ending of this book so crucial? Were the illusions he saw himself, or fabrications created by this world's overseer?

Lin Juangui's expression turned exceptionally grave. It was rare for him to experience a moment where his mental processes seemed to stall, but Huo Zeshen was still waiting for his answer.

"It's too chaotic. I don't know where to begin. Perhaps I need some time to sort it out. Right now, we have more important matters at hand. This is what we should be focusing on."