Chapter 102 Keep Me Company

Chapter 102: Stay with Me

The war between the Federal forces and the rebel army lasted for over half a month.

The rebel forces were loosely organized and fought independently. Huo Zeshen carried out multiple decapitation strikes, precisely destroying their command nodes, logistical hubs, and energy cores. He not only established a three-dimensional blockade of the starfield but also severed the rebels' external support and supply lines.

Over 80% of their ships and heavy weaponry were destroyed. Those unmanned mechs were almost all reduced to scrap metal. Organized resistance had essentially ceased to exist.

Planets were recaptured one after another. The remaining rebel forces were scattered and isolated in a few star systems. Their defeat was inevitable.

The troops led by Huo Zeshen ended the war swiftly and efficiently. Media reports showed him accepting the surrender of enemy soldiers, protecting civilians caught in the crossfire, and paying silent tribute to the fallen on both sides.

In the eyes of many citizens, Huo Zeshen was merciful. He only destroyed military targets and refrained from wanton killing. Even in public, he first thanked the Federation that nurtured him, without seeking personal glory, giving an impression of strength, reliability, and benevolence.

The smoke of the battlefield had not yet cleared, and the tumultuous discussions about unmanned mechs on the StarNet had never stopped.

On a relatively intact plaza, Huo Zeshen gave a brief interview to a leading Federal media outlet.

When the reporter pointedly asked Huo Zeshen for his views on the unmanned mechs provided to the rebels by the Liang family, Huo Zeshen did not offer a righteous condemnation. Instead, he fell silent for a moment, his gaze sweeping over the battlefield ruins being cleared in the distance.

There lay the remains of both Federal soldiers and the wreckage of destroyed black mechs.

The man's eyes held a scrutinizing look. When he spoke again, his voice was low and steady, betraying no obvious emotion. "They... are indeed very efficient."

This statement made the reporter and all viewers of the live broadcast pause momentarily.

But then Huo Zeshen added in a grave tone, "This efficiency manifests in killing and destruction. They feel no fear, no hesitation, and won't break down from seeing comrades fall. Purely from a military perspective, they seem like perfect soldiers."

The reporter quickly followed up, "Then, do you believe we should reassess the Federal legal system and consider developing unmanned mech technology to reduce casualties among Federal troops in future wars?"

Huo Zeshen did not answer directly. Instead, he looked up and stared straight into the camera.

In those eyes, which had witnessed countless life-and-death situations, there was a penetrating power.

"I have seen the bravest soldiers, who, at critical moments, would abandon an ideal firing position to protect a civilian child."

"I have also seen cowardly recruits, who, after their comrades fell, mustered the courage to take the enemy down with them."

"Uncertainty might be humanity's greatest weakness on the battlefield. But it is precisely this humanity that defines what we fight for and where our bottom line lies in combat."

The reporter held his breath, his expression intensely serious. He listened with rapt attention, eagerly awaiting the answer from Huo Zeshen.

Yet, Huo Zeshen's stance remained ambiguous. "Federal law prohibits the development of unmanned combat mechs to prevent AI from gaining self-awareness. This clause was born of historical tragedy. Its original intent was to protect the spark of humanity from being extinguished. Any attempt to challenge it must face the strictest scrutiny and pay a heavy price."

Huo Zeshen paused. "Whether we should forever be bound by fear is not a question for me to answer. It should be decided collectively by all Federal citizens."

The reporter, seemingly disappointed at not getting a definitive answer from Huo Zeshen, watched as the general, busy with military affairs, nodded to signal the end of the interview and left the plaza.

Huo Zeshen's remarks sparked massive discussion and varied interpretations on the StarNet.

Some believed Huo Zeshen was making excuses for the Liang family.

It was well-known that Huo Zeshen was nurtured by the Liang family and had a very close relationship with Liang Xiancheng. Some speculated this war might have been deliberately instigated by the Liang family to build momentum for Huo Zeshen.

"At least he's willing to discuss it, not just be an unfeeling war machine. He shows some capacity for deep thought. Isn't such caution from someone in his position more reassuring?"

"Some people actually believe this is just a surface act? That's hilarious! 'Efficient'? 'Perfect soldiers'? For such words to come from a Federal general's mouth is itself a betrayal!"

[Today they discuss 'efficiency', tomorrow someone will argue for 'controllability'! The early intelligent machines were also controllable! Huo Zeshen's ambiguous attitude is downright nauseating!]

"Many people fail to distinguish between the issues. Anyone who has studied history knows AI hasn't been completely removed from our lives. We even use AI rationally. The focus of unmanned mechs' emergence should be on whether the government and military can properly manage them. Isn't all this uproar due to panic stemming from distrust?"

"Account Suspended"

In a hotel suite on Cloud Harbor Star, Lin Juangui lay on a recliner, watching the recent farce unfold.

As if finding it all rather boring, Lin Juangui idly rubbed the ring Mu Zhang had given him.

He understood all too well the act the Liang family was putting on. All these convoluted maneuvers were to accumulate prestige and elevate Huo Zeshen's influence, making him bear the brunt of the anger surrounding the emergence of unmanned mechs. Meanwhile, the Liang family remained in the shadows, waiting for the storm to pass before making their next move.

Why did they dare to bet everything on Huo Zeshen? Did they believe they could definitely control him, or did they have other plans?

Regardless of whether it was damaging or beneficial, this public opinion storm had greatly increased Huo Zeshen's public recognition and political influence. If the Liang family won this gamble, what they might deploy in the future wouldn't be limited to unmanned mechs, but possibly a Federation-wide human experiment.

They might even leverage the fact that Huo Zeshen was an experimental subject, having everyone witness the success of this experiment. Then, the Federation could turn into a living hell, and Liang Xiancheng could easily select the life vessels he desired.

Mu Zhang had encountered a soft rejection from the President. The evidence Lin Juangui provided him about the Liang family's unmanned mechs seemed to have been for naught. Mu Zhang would likely adjust his strategy next, ensuring at least in the court of public opinion, the Liang family got no breathing room.

A few days ago, Lin Juangui messaged Mu Zhang saying he wasn't feeling well and might stay on Cloud Harbor Star to recuperate for a while.

Mu Zhang wanted to send a medical team to Cloud Harbor Star to conduct a systematic check-up on Lin Juangui, but Lin Juangui said it wasn't necessary to make such a fuss. "Maybe I was too mentally excited recently. Now that I've relaxed a bit, I just feel tired. Resting for a while should help. You're so busy lately, don't trouble yourself over me."

"If you're not well, what's the point of me doing all these things?"

Mu Zhang's mind was made up, and it seemed nothing Lin Juangui said would change it. Lin Juangui wasn't anxious either, speaking calmly, "Don't make me feel guilty, okay? I know my own body. This is a critical time. I can't help you much anymore, so at least don't let me hold you back."

Lin Juangui had done all he could. Besides not being able to appear publicly, whether it was collecting intelligence and evidence on the Liang family or having Huai Fu monitor StarNet trends and guide discussions, he had been supporting Mu Zhang in his own way.

This support was crucial to Mu Zhang. When Mu Zhang spoke again, he seemed to have conceded. "If you still feel unwell, tell me promptly. Don't push yourself too hard. After all, your body isn't like an ordinary person's. You won't make me worry, will you?"

"Of course not."

After ending the call, Lin Juangui went to the sink and vomited up the nutritional drink he had just consumed.

According to Lin Juangui's past habits, he should have sought out a psychological counselor at a time like this.

Lin Juangui understood better than anyone that when unexplained physical symptoms appear, one should quickly look for psychological issues. But he had "lost his memory." The moment he had the thought of confiding in someone, if he said even one wrong word, it could be seized upon as a flaw.

He could only bottle it up.

Lin Juangui was someone prone to self-loathing. After struggling to overcome psychological difficulties during high school, his life seemed to see a dawn. But setbacks at work made him self-destructive again. Finally mustering the willpower, he lived seriously for a while with someone by his side, only for his lover's death to push him completely onto a path of self-destruction.

Life was full of such twists and turns. Lin Juangui felt helpless. After arriving here, nothing except matters related to Huo Zeshen held any interest for him. But now, he even felt Huo Zeshen wasn't that interesting anymore.

Huo Zeshen seemed to indulge him in everything, deeply concerned and infatuated with him. But he had hidden many things from Lin Juangui.

Lin Juangui didn't care whether Huo Zeshen was willing to tell him those secrets that were utterly insignificant to him. Just seeing Huo Zeshen alive brought him a sense of solace. Yet, many things Lin Juangui deliberately ignored would occasionally surface to prick him.

The Huo Zeshen he loved before had also hidden many things. He had always pretended not to see. Wasn't that another form of self-deception?

So, what kind of Huo Zeshen did he truly want?

When he told Professor Tan he didn't intend to seek treatment, Lin Juangui had already let go.

It wasn't that he didn't want to resolve the current issues with Huo Zeshen and stay together for a long time. It was that he was truly in a bad state now—not just mentally, but physically, with wounds that couldn't heal. He couldn't muster the love for anyone anymore, nor did he have the energy to keep up the act.

Lin Juangui was tired.

After tidying himself up, Lin Juangui returned to the living room and noticed the room's scent had changed slightly—there was now a faint smell of cordite.

When he walked to the entrance, a pair of military boots were just lying there.

Lin Juangui checked the master bedroom but didn’t find Huo Zeshen on the bed. He then went to the other bedroom and saw Huo Zeshen wrapped in a blanket, sleeping on the floor.

Huo Zeshen was clearly exhausted, his eyelids sealed shut with no sign of opening.

Lin Juangui lowered himself to his knees beside Huo Zeshen, gently stroking his face and tidying his hair.

Even in sleep, Huo Zeshen remained highly alert. Sensing the movement, he cracked his eyes open slightly. Seeing it was Lin Juangui, he smiled, his voice hoarse and low. "I thought you weren’t here."

"The floor is cold. Go sleep on the bed."

Huo Zeshen shook his head. "It’s fine like this. I’m dirty."

After returning from the battlefield, he hadn’t had time to clean up. Handling military affairs and processing the rebels had kept him awake for days on end. While his subordinates returned to the Seventh Military District, he came to Yungang Star, hoping to rest in a place where Lin Juangui had stayed. He hadn’t expected Lin Juangui to be here too—it was an unexpected delight.

Lin Juangui’s expression showed a trace of annoyance. "Do I seem like someone who cares about such things? Take off your jacket and get in bed. I won’t disturb you."

"...Since you don't mind me, could you stay with me?" Huo Zeshen had learned to push his luck.

"Get up first."

Huo Zeshen got up from the floor and took off his combat uniform. Lin Juangui picked up the blanket and sat on the bed, carefully tucking Huo Zeshen in after he lay down.

Huo Zeshen was reluctant to close his eyes. Lin Juangui gently patted his back and said, "Sleep. I’ll stay with you."

Lin Juangui’s face was bathed in a soft glow, his eyes slightly lowered. Huo Zeshen took his hand and slowly kissed his fingertips before finally closing his eyes.

In that moment, Lin Juangui felt like he was back in the old days.

Back then, Huo Zeshen had just come off the operating table. The first thing he did upon returning home was to take a shower, telling Lin Juangui he was dirty and asking him not to touch him yet.

Lin Juangui knew Huo Zeshen’s hospital department was particular about such things, so he did as he was told.

After showering, Huo Zeshen hated blow-drying his hair, leaving the nape of his neck damp. He would cling to Lin Juangui, asking to be pampered. Lin Juangui would simply grab a large towel, wrap it around his head, and vigorously rub his hair until it was dry.

Lin Juangui remembered every little detail about him and Huo Zeshen, no matter how trivial or ordinary. To him, they were all warm and precious memories.

But now, Huo Zeshen’s responsibilities were much heavier than before, and Lin Juangui found it even harder to share the words he couldn’t bring himself to say.

It’s so hard, Huo Zeshen.

Lin Juangui slowly closed his eyes, his brows gradually furrowing as he became trapped in his thoughts, unable to break free.

When Huo Zeshen woke up, he saw Lin Juangui lying beside him, asleep.

Lin Juangui wasn’t sleeping well; his face clearly showed worry. Huo Zeshen didn’t know what he was concerned about but didn’t dare disturb him. He quietly got out of bed, closed the bedroom door, and went to wash up.

While washing up, Huo Zeshen listened to his subordinates’ reports. When his adjutant mentioned that Mu Zhang wanted to meet, Huo Zeshen wasn’t surprised at all—he was calmly waiting for it.

He had been waiting for this day for a long time.

Not to be looked down upon or crushed like an insect by Mu Zhang, but to sit at the same table and speak as equals.

Of course, this equality was only in Huo Zeshen’s own mind. Whether in the Liang family, the military, or the eyes of politicians, Huo Zeshen was nothing more than an expendable asset, not worth cherishing.

Water streamed down Huo Zeshen’s back as he leaned against the wall and chuckled to himself. He instructed his adjutant to accept the meeting request.

"Tell him I won’t return to the Federal Central Star for a few days. I’ll decide the meeting location. Otherwise, no deal."

"Yes, sir."

When Huo Zeshen finished washing up and stepped out of the bathroom, Lin Juangui happened to be coming over with a large blanket. For a moment, Huo Zeshen forgot to cover himself. It was only when Lin Juangui wrapped him up that he said somewhat sheepishly, "Did I wake you?"

Who would have thought Huo Zeshen would walk out stark naked?

Lin Juangui was used to it and didn’t think anything of it, but Huo Zeshen had never lived with anyone before and still felt a bit shy in front of someone he liked.

"Do you want me to dry your hair for you?" Lin Juangui offered.

Huo Zeshen nodded vigorously, wrapped himself in a towel, changed into clothes, and then hurried over to Lin Juangui, grinning at him.

Lin Juangui finally showed a faint smile.

At least for now, he was quite happy.

Huo Zeshen bent down to let Lin Juangui dry his hair, taking care of the necklace around his neck as well. When Lin Juangui finished and touched the pendant, he suddenly felt a tingling sensation in his fingertips.

What was going on?

Logically, Lin Juangui’s limbs shouldn’t experience such sensations anymore. Could it have been a reaction from the pendant just now?

Seeing Lin Juangui staring at the pendant, lost in thought, Huo Zeshen made a move to take off the necklace, but Lin Juangui stopped him.

"Remember to dry your hair promptly after washing it in the future, or you’ll get a headache."

"Okay, I understand."

Huo Zeshen’s eyes sparkled with a smile, as if he would agree to anything Lin Juangui said.

When Lin Juangui took Huo Zeshen to the dining room for a meal, he didn’t bring a bowl for himself. Huo Zeshen asked why he wasn’t eating, and Lin Juangui shook his head, saying he wasn’t hungry.

Huo Zeshen thought for a moment, then showed a hint of concern. "Xiao Juan, I think you’ve lost a bit of weight compared to before."

Lin Juangui smiled slightly, touching his own face. "Maybe. I haven’t had much of an appetite lately. I’ve been drinking nutrient solutions."

After drinking the nutrient solution, whenever he felt upset, he would run to the bathroom and vomit it all out. Anyone unaware might think Lin Juangui was experiencing morning sickness.

Huo Zeshen pursed his lips as if he had some suspicion but didn’t voice it immediately. Instead, he quietly picked up his chopsticks and began eating.

While accompanying Huo Zeshen during meals, Lin Juangui didn’t handle any work matters. He simply watched quietly, even intently.

Huo Zeshen was starving. After returning, he had slept deeply and now needed to replenish his energy. He finished almost all the food Lin Juangui had ordered, and Lin Juangui even took a few tissues to wipe his mouth for him.

"Are you full?" Lin Juangui asked.

Huo Zeshen nodded and got up to clear the table, with Lin Juangui helping him.

After they washed their hands, Huo Zeshen suddenly hugged Lin Juangui from behind, his hand gently resting on Lin Juangui’s stomach, holding it softly.

"Have you been feeling down lately?"

Even back on Sailing Star, Huo Zeshen had noticed something off about Lin Juangui’s mood. There was a lingering gloom in his eyes, yet he always wore the familiar gentle smile on his face.

This time was no different. Lin Juangui’s attitude toward him remained affectionate, but Huo Zeshen couldn’t shake the feeling that Lin Juangui was hiding a lot of things in his heart.

Seeing Lin Juangui's cheeks, which were slightly thinner than before, Huo Zeshen couldn't help but jump to conclusions.

Lin Juangui rested his hand on Huo Zeshen's arm. He didn't deny it, but he didn't tell him everything either.

Both Huo Zeshen and Mu Zhang were Alphas, and their minds went to the same place. When they noticed a close Omega feeling unwell, their first thought was always...

"I'm not pregnant."

Lin Juangui had indeed been intimate with Huo Zeshen, but Huo Zeshen wasn't the one in control. Huo Zeshen only remembered finishing inside Lin Juangui and later helping clean him up.

At the time, he wanted to ask if Lin Juangui might have his child, but considering his own status, he felt he shouldn't get his hopes up. He was just a lover; Lin Juangui wouldn't leave such a complication for himself.

Any Alpha who had taken basic biology would have such thoughts after sleeping with an Omega, and Huo Zeshen was no exception.

After hearing Lin Juangui's words, Huo Zeshen couldn't quite describe the feeling in his heart—a mix of joy and sorrow.

Huo Zeshen didn't like children. He didn't know if a child born from his genes would be some kind of freak, nor did he want a kid competing for Lin Juangui's attention.

Lin Juangui's energy was limited, and the attention Huo Zeshen received was already scarce. If something else drew Lin Juangui's attention away, Huo Zeshen would probably end up sulking in a corner like a resentful husband.

But Lin Juangui being so definitive about not being pregnant still left Huo Zeshen feeling a bit disappointed.

Huo Zeshen realized that Lin Juangui could always accurately guess what he was thinking and answer him.

Sometimes, Huo Zeshen wondered if Lin Juangui could read minds.

Lin Juangui added, "I can't read minds. It seems because I differentiated into an Omega relatively late, my gestational sac didn't develop fully, so I can't get pregnant. Otherwise... after all these years, it's impossible I wouldn't have had a child."

Huo Zeshen went "Oh," pursing his lips as if wanting to ask something, but he bit it back.

Lin Juangui probably didn't want to talk about his mood, and having resolved Huo Zeshen's doubts about pregnancy, the conversation seemed to end there. Huo Zeshen felt that wasn't acceptable.

Huo Zeshen walked over to Lin Juangui and gave him a beaming smile. "Staying in the room all the time is too stifling. Let's go out and have some fun?"

"Huh?"

"Come on, come on. It's fine, no one will recognize us."

In the past, Huo Zeshen always wanted to show his mature and reliable side, but Lin Juangui had seen plenty of people like that, and they did nothing for him. Huo Zeshen would eventually lose his attractiveness to Lin Juangui.

Mu Zhang had indeed been someone Huo Zeshen once desperately wanted to surpass, but after Lin Juangui firmly stated he would choose him, Huo Zeshen felt maybe he didn't need to be so fixated.

Since he was a blank slate in front of Lin Juangui, he could just learn from Lin Juangui and be completely honest.

Although being an open book was still somewhat difficult for Huo Zeshen, since it was Lin Juangui, he was determined to take this step.

Lin Juangui had always been the one taking the initiative before; what did it matter if Huo Zeshen took the lead from now on?

Huo Zeshen would do his best to bring Lin Juangui happiness, or at least help him feel less suppressed.

The decision to go out was sudden, but Lin Juangui didn't refuse, quietly waiting for Huo Zeshen's arrangements.

Seeing Lin Juangui was willing, Huo Zeshen excitedly called for something to be delivered.

Lin Juangui wasn't sure what was going on, but his eyes held a hint of curiosity, wondering what surprise Huo Zeshen had for him.

Huo Zeshen took out two minimalist, matte-metal ear cuffs from a frosted box and handed one to Lin Juangui.

"It emits specific frequency sound waves that interfere with others' visual neural signal processing, creating a cognitive blur." Huo Zeshen deftly clipped it onto his own ear. "In others' eyes, our faces will look very ordinary."

Lin Juangui put his on with interest. He went to the mirror and looked at himself; his features seemed veiled in a mist, becoming indistinct—the kind of face you'd lose in a crowd.

Huo Zeshen took Lin Juangui's hand and left the hotel. They looked like an ordinary young couple, rushing out for a date.

Once a person experiences many things, they lose their sense of novelty about the world. Lin Juangui had seen too much, which was why he always appeared so unflappable.

Huo Zeshen's actions set Lin Juangui's heart racing for some reason. It seemed he could temporarily set aside those tedious calculations and plans and genuinely spend some time having fun with Huo Zeshen.

The Huo Zeshen before him was completely different from the person he'd seen before—not only youthful and vibrant, but also brimming with a confidence and vitality no one else could match.

Lin Juangui had forgotten: the current Huo Zeshen was only in his early twenties. The premature maturity he carried was forced upon him by his circumstances.

If possible, who wouldn't want to be a carefree, sunny youth?

The place Huo Zeshen brought Lin Juangui to was also quite interesting. Arriving at the entrance of the most famous amusement park on Cloud Harbor Star, Huo Zeshen pointed at the winding, dragon-like Deep Space Vortex ride and asked, "Wanna try?"

Lin Juangui raised an eyebrow, seeming about to say something, but Huo Zeshen directly pulled him over.

In the rapid plunges and rolls, the intense weightlessness blanked out all thoughts. Lin Juangui seemed to shed all defenses, gripping Huo Zeshen's hand tightly and screaming like any ordinary person.

When they got off, Lin Juangui's steps were still steady, but his face was flushed from the thrill. Huo Zeshen steadied him and asked if he was okay.

Lin Juangui took a deep breath, leaned into Huo Zeshen's arms, and laughed. "What if I said I was really scared?"

"I'm right here with you," Huo Zeshen said gently.

Lin Juangui looked up and kissed Huo Zeshen's chin. "Did I squeeze your hand too hard?"

Huo Zeshen shook his head with a smile. "No, you could hold it even tighter."

Passing by a retro shooting game stall, Lin Juangui asked Huo Zeshen if he wanted to compete.

Huo Zeshen seemed pleasantly surprised. "You know how to use a gun?"

"Of course," Lin Juangui said, picking up a laser gun and asking Huo Zeshen what he wanted.

Huo Zeshen didn't hold back, directly pointing at the largest plush toy—a silly-looking white bear wearing a spacesuit.

The target swayed slightly. Lin Juangui's hand was steady; he fired a shot that was fast, accurate, and ruthless, hitting the bullseye.

The staff handed over the white bear. Huo Zeshen quickly took it, hugging the plush toy and asking Lin Juangui, "So you're giving this to me?"

Lin Juangui put down the gun, took the white bear from Huo Zeshen, and gave it a gentle squeeze. "You have to give me something too before I give it to you."

"That's easy."

Huo Zeshen went to the shooting booth and practically cleared out all the available plush toys.

Huo Zeshen looked quite pleased with himself, asking Lin Juangui if they could trade. Lin Juangui placed the white bear on the large basket for Huo Zeshen to carry. "They're all yours now."

After sitting down at a dessert shop in the amusement park, Lin Juangui happened to see the slowly rotating Ferris wheel not far away.

Huo Zeshen ordered two drinks and a signature dessert. Following Lin Juangui's gaze, he smiled slightly, his eyes tinged with nostalgia.

"The first time I came to an amusement park was with you too. Back then, I asked if we could ride the Ferris wheel, and you agreed... I only remember we were so close, you were glowing, every part of you seemed sacred."

Lin Juangui hadn't expected these details. Cupping his face, he stirred the drink the server brought, wearing a knowing smile. "I was really bad back then, going on a Ferris wheel with an underage kid."

Huo Zeshen's eyes flickered as if he were anticipating something, playing dumb on purpose. "What's wrong with riding a Ferris wheel?"

The server presented the "Lava Nebula," describing how it was specially crafted with rare honey and precious spices. Lin Juangui took a bite, narrowing his eyes like a contented cat.

Only after savoring that bite of cake did Lin say, "It depends on what meaning you want to give it. I don't know what I was thinking then, but if I've made you this obsessed, I must have been quite successful."

Huo nodded seriously. "Not just successful—from that moment on, you're all I've been able to think about."

He remembered how Lin used to urge him to eat well, but now Lin himself couldn't manage another bite.

The sweets lifted Lin's mood considerably. Huo Zeshen asked if he was feeling any happier.

Lin's eyes curved into a smile. "I'm happy just having you with me. It's always been that way."