Chapter 115 Fishing for Information

Chapter 115: Fishing for Information

Thor could now communicate with Qi Yanshen via a specialized telepathic link.

“Xiao Yanshen, what’s going on?”

Qi Yanshen explained, “I’m taking the person I’m surveilling out to relax.”

As he spoke, Qi Yanshen deftly guided He Zhi into the passenger seat. After ensuring He Zhi was comfortably settled and securely buckled in, he reassured him not to worry, then returned to the driver’s seat.

Once seated, Thor whispered eagerly, “Who *is* he, really? You haven’t treated an omega this well all year.”

Qi Yanshen evaded the question and instead asked, “Thor, do you know him?”

Thor was taken aback—puzzled. “You mean *that* omega? Why would I know him? This is the first time you’ve ever brought an omega up here voluntarily.”

Thor didn’t know He Zhi. Had his guess been wrong?

Powering up the mech, Qi Yanshen replied, “His name is He Zhi. He’s connected to that blond man from two days ago. The Marshal ordered me to monitor him for three months… Speaking of which—shouldn’t you already know?”

He hadn’t restricted Thor’s access recently; Thor should have been fully aware of all external developments. Logically, there was no reason for Thor to be asking.

Thor admitted guiltily, “Well… Sai Ren invited me to hang out on the StarNet yesterday… I couldn’t help it… I just played for a little while…”

Qi Yanshen raised an eyebrow, skeptical. “Just a *bit*?”

“…Just—just half a day.”

“The truth.”

“…A full day.”

Qi Yanshen had never imagined the day he’d need to worry about an Intelligent Mech becoming addicted to the internet and neglecting its duties.

“Don’t let it happen again.”

Seeing Qi Yanshen wasn’t pressing the issue, Thor—who had been acting timid—immediately adopted a cooperative attitude and apologized: “I was wrong. I understand. It won’t happen again.”

Since Thor’s apology seemed sincere, Qi Yanshen didn’t pursue it further.

Soon, they arrived at Thor’s port.

The port was now temporarily under Federation control. As they already held valid clearance, no secondary inspection was required upon arrival. Qi Yanshen stowed Thor directly into his Space Bracelet and escorted He Zhi to the shopping mall.

Seated in the Automatic Hovercar, Thor began muttering incessantly.

“Do you like this omega? He looks average. His physical fitness is poor—only a D-grade omega, with an E-grade constitution to boot. Why are you treating him so specially?”

Qi Yanshen didn’t reply—because he didn’t know either.

He didn’t understand his own behavior. He simply couldn’t help wanting to interact with He Zhi, draw closer to him, care for him, and make exceptions for him.

He wanted to know the reason, too.

Thor was accustomed to receiving no answer from Xiao Yanshen—and continued muttering to itself.

“Has the military investigated this omega? His background seems suspicious. And you’re actually planning to misuse public funds on him? The Commander didn’t reprimand you—so you really *are* his biological son…”

“Ahem…”

He Zhi suddenly coughed. Qi Yanshen felt a jolt of nervousness—though he couldn’t say why.

“What’s wrong? A cold?”

He Zhi waved a hand. “Just a tickle in my throat—probably because I dried off too hastily after the shower, and my hair wasn’t completely dry, so I got a little chilled.”

Only after confirming He Zhi was truly fine did Qi Yanshen relax again.

Thor, however, was stunned by Xiao Yanshen’s demeanor. Aside from Xiao Yanshen’s omega relatives, it had never seen him treat *any* other omega with such attentiveness and concern.

Other omegas couldn’t even expect concern—merely avoiding being deemed a nuisance was already considered fortunate.

Thor had a dozen questions it longed to ask—but Xiao Yanshen abruptly muted it, leaving Thor feeling stifled and uncomfortable. With no choice, it abandoned its inquiries and resumed binge-watching its drama series.

They soon arrived at Yadecove Mall. Its scale rivaled that of Scott Star’s Moonlight Mall.

Due to the incident two days prior, the mall was nearly deserted. Many stores had even temporarily closed, intending to reopen only once tensions eased.

Still, numerous stores remained open—typically those backed by powerful interests or those simply indifferent to public sentiment.

Qi Yanshen led He Zhi into a high-end clothing store. First, they needed to select some clothes—an omega required far more than just a couple of outfits.

Sleepwear, sportswear, formal wear, casual wear, everyday wear—*at least* two sets of each.

“Would you like to try them on?”

The sales assistant’s smile widened instantly, and she launched into her enthusiastic pitch.

“You can browse the selections over here—all this year’s newest styles. The fabrics are all crafted from ultra-soft moon cotton, specially formulated to soothe and nourish omega skin.”

Under the assistant’s energetic introduction, Qi Yanshen glanced at He Zhi with a questioning look. *What do you think?*

He Zhi glanced at the price tags, leaned close to Qi Yanshen, and whispered nervously, “Maybe… isn’t it too expensive? Should we try another store?”

Qi Yanshen looked at the prices. For someone from the Wandering Star Regions, the cost of a single garment could sustain comfortable living for decades. He hadn’t considered that properly.

Yet cheaper garments lacked the softness of premium fabrics and chafed easily. Omegas were generally more delicate—and deserved the best in this regard.

Qi Yanshen tried to reassure him: “It’s fine. Omegas like you deserve the best. Besides, these are pre-discount prices. After the discount, it won’t be that much.”

Lying through his teeth, he glanced at the sales assistant—who instantly caught on and played along flawlessly: “Yes, we’re currently running promotions. No need to worry.”

That wasn’t *entirely* false—the store *was* running a promotion—but it involved complimentary gifts, not discounts or price reductions.

He Zhi: …………

Thor: …………

Both human and mech fell utterly silent.

Thor mused to itself—if it hadn’t been half-paying attention to the outside world while watching its drama, it never would’ve known Xiao Yanshen could lie so effortlessly.

He used to stammer and fumble when lying in front of Ji Anzhi—but now the lies rolled off his tongue, smooth and unhesitating.

Given He Zhi’s origins, he would naturally be extremely reserved. Moreover, most omegas raised in such environments instinctively deferred to alphas’ wishes.

So, after brief hesitation, He Zhi obediently nodded—and selected the plainest-looking outfit available.

And in high-end boutiques, the plainer and more understated something appeared, the more devastatingly expensive it invariably was.

"Um... is this one okay?"

In He Zhi's hand was a shirt and trousers set, a classic black-and-white combination, but the shirt's collar featured a dangling ribbon that could be tied at the neck for decoration.

"Sure, go try it on. If it doesn't fit, we'll swap it."

"I... I think it's fine... probably no need to try it on, right?"

Qi Yanshen went quiet. Actually... he wanted to see him in it.

At that moment, the perceptive sales assistant stepped in and recommended he try it on. That way, he could not only get the best fit but also see if the outfit suited him and avoid wasting money.

Persuaded by the sales assistant's spiel, He Zhi was finally led to the fitting room.

Meanwhile, Qi Yanshen waited outside, and while he waited, he sent a message to Lu Yan.

"Qi Yanshen: Are you there?"

The response was almost instant.

"Lu Yan: Yes"

"Lu Yan: What's up?"

"Qi Yanshen: Do you know this person? [Image]"

Lu Yan, slacking off in the Eighth Legion, opened the image and examined it carefully. He was certain he didn't know the person, but that face... why did it seem somewhat familiar?

"Lu Yan: No, but it feels a bit familiar. So who is this exactly?"

Qi Yanshen immediately seized the key point—familiar.

Familiar meant that Lu Yan had likely encountered someone who looked similar to He Zhi before. Combined with his own unusual reaction, it was almost certainly related to his lost memories.

Qi Yanshen began to guide him step by step.

"Qi Yanshen: An omega I rescued. I just feel he's somewhat special."

"Lu Yan: Didn't the Federation investigate thoroughly? What's special about him?"

"Qi Yanshen: He's from the wandering star regions, no identity information can be found. I don't mind being around him."

"Lu Yan: !!!!!!!"

"Lu Yan: There's actually an omega you're okay with?"

"Qi Yanshen: Don't you think he looks like someone?"

Hearing this, Lu Yan opened the photo and examined it closely. Looks like someone? Like who?

But aside from family and friends, the only person Qi Yanshen had ever treated specially was Ji Anzhi. It couldn't possibly be...

Wait.

Lu Yan looked it over again and realized the omega in the photo did bear a passing resemblance to Ji Anzhi. Because he hadn't seen Ji Anzhi's face in over a year, he hadn't made the connection immediately.

"Lu Yan: I don't know."

Qi Yanshen and Lu Yan had grown up together, so they knew each other very well. Qi Yanshen could tell at a glance that something was off with Lu Yan.

Normally, Lu Yan wouldn't just send three words; he'd write at least ten and actively guess who the person resembled.

After thinking for two seconds, Qi Yanshen chose to make a video call.

Lu Yan looked at the video call request and almost panicked.

Qi Yanshen had taken after Uncle Yun in interrogation, scoring full marks in both written and practical exams. Lu Yan wasn't confident he could deceive Qi Yanshen.

But not answering the call would clearly indicate a problem...

After three seconds of thought, Lu Yan bravely chose to answer.

Before he could even start deflecting the topic, Qi Yanshen dropped a bombshell.

"He looks a lot like Ji Anzhi."

Qi Yanshen's assertive statement made Lu Yan's pupils contract sharply, but he calmed down in just one second.

If Qi Yanshen had truly regained his memories, he wouldn't have come to ask Lu Yan earlier; instead, he would have concealed the information and found an opportunity to search for Ji Anzhi.

"What are you talking about? I understand you really want to recover your memories, but you can't just say someone looks like Ji Anzhi simply because you feel a special connection to them."

Lu Yan appeared very composed. If Qi Yanshen hadn't been watching closely and noticed that brief moment of unease, he might have actually believed Lu Yan's words and doubted himself.

Qi Yanshen said, "Then where does your sense of familiarity come from?"

Lu Yan casually replied, "How would I know?"

"...Lu Yan, you always say that exact phrase when you're feeling guilty, and your breathing is slightly heavier than usual."

Lu Yan: "........"

That's why I don't like dealing with you guys who are good at interrogation.

Exposed, Lu Yan could only pretend not to know. If he confirmed that the person resembled Ji Anzhi, it would lead to big trouble.

Lu Yan forced himself to stay calm and retorted in a tone that suggested he was being wrongfully accused.

"How could that be?! I'm your childhood friend! Would I lie to you? You can't just suspect me or think that omega looks like Ji Anzhi just because you've lost your memory!"

He spoke as if he had been betrayed by a scoundrel.

Qi Yanshen didn't reply, silently staring.

What he hadn't mentioned was that when Lu Yan lied and felt guilty, his voice would grow louder.

He was certain that the omega did resemble Ji Anzhi, but why did he feel so special toward that omega?

It was like... the liking his father had once described.

But Ji Anzhi was a beta, and he was an alpha. How could an alpha like a beta?

If it were about social connections or winning him over, he would definitely believe it.

Liking? That was simply absurd.

But...

"Ji Anzhi and I have slept together."

Halfway through his sentence, Lu Yan trailed off, his eyes darting away.

How did Qi Yanshen ace interrogation class?

So unfair for a gossip like him.

Once he had what he needed, Qi Yanshen threw out a curt "thanks" and hung up.

His face hardened further, but his mind was racing.

He was really dating a beta?

And judging from Lu Yan's words, he, an alpha, was the one who had actively pursued him...

Now he got why his parents didn't want his memories back. An alpha and a beta—they were headed for a rough road. Putting himself in their shoes, he'd try to stop it too.

His chaotic thoughts were interrupted by a sound from the fitting room.

Qi Yanshen looked over and saw the sales assistant walking ahead, reassuring the shy omega behind him.

That outfit suited "He Zhi" very well. He Zhi was good-looking, and his figure was slender—he could pull off anything.

Sure enough, after putting it on, "He Zhi" looked like a young omega noble, slightly shy, with a ribbon tied around his slender neck, revealing a hint of fragility that tugged at the heartstrings.

His heart skipped a beat, and Qi Yanshen felt a pang of shame.

So he really had been crazy about a beta. Even after losing his memories, he still felt something special for an omega who looked similar...

...Wasn't this just looking for a substitute?

Scumbag behavior.

Qi Yanshen was suddenly struck by a headache. Just then, "He Zhi" walked up to him and said shyly, "One piece should be enough, right?"

The headache vanished instantly. Qi Yanshen replied seriously, "Buy a few more. You'll need them to change into, and you never know when an accident might happen."

The sales assistant also began to persuade him, after all, he got a commission for each piece sold, especially from someone who clearly wasn't short on money.

Under their persuasion, "He Zhi" picked out a few more casual outfits, all in everyday styles, along with a set of pajamas.

Qi Yanshen went to pay. Six sets of clothes plus a Space Bracelet cost only four million star credits—not too expensive.

"Our store is currently running a promotion. For purchases over one million star credits, we offer a small complimentary gift. Please accept it."

With that, the sales assistant handed over a small box with a smile.

Qi Yanshen opened it. Inside was a pair of matching couple's scent-isolating bracelets. He didn't need them.

"Thank you."

He naturally tucked them into his pocket.

They were free, after all.