Chapter 119 Encounter

Chapter 119: A Chance Meeting

They made their way to the cafeteria and ordered their meals together.

He Zhi's appetite was still tiny. The servers even double-checked a few times if it would be enough.

It wasn't until the little omega assured them again and again that he had enough did they reluctantly retract their ladles, thinking, 'Eating so little, no wonder he's so thin and small. Such a pitiful kid.'

Qi Yanshen's appetite was the complete opposite of He Zhi's: a meat dish, a vegetable dish, soup, and rice—four heaping bowls in all, nine times what He Zhi was having.

Two people with such a noticeable difference in appetite walking together inevitably drew attention.

Like Chi Yan, who happened to come for a meal with his little white snake, Xiao Bai, and his companion Na An'an. Also present were Luo Hai, who had also joined the Rose Legion, and Lilette, who was pursuing Luo Hai with desperate determination.

(Luo Hai: Male beta, previously in Qi Yanshen's squad, elite from the Mecha Combat Department, from a garbage planet, once nearly assaulted by a perverted alpha [recall, you probably forgot].)

(Lilette: Same dormitory squad and department as Luo Hai during military academy, S-class alpha.)

All four wore the Rose Legion's signature dark red military uniforms. Among the Federation's twelve legions, only three special legions had their own unique uniforms.

The moment Qi Yanshen entered, Chi Yan noticed the two of them. Na An'an's eyes followed his lead.

Seeing that Qi Yanshen really did have an omega trailing behind him, and that his appearance was about forty percent similar to Ji Anzhi, Na An'an's feelings were complicated.

To say Qi Yanshen didn't love Ji Anzhi... yet while amnesiac, without anyone providing photos and not knowing Ji Anzhi's appearance, he could find an omega who looked similar to Ji Anzhi and fall for him.

To say Qi Yanshen loved Ji Anzhi... yet he found a substitute...

Sigh, hard to say.

Luo Hai had been on good terms with Ji Anzhi, Chi Yan, and Na An'an since their squad days, especially Ji Anzhi.

As a beta, like ninety percent of the betas in the military academy back then, he admired Chief Ji. However, because Chief Ji's physical fitness was so pathetic, Luo Hai didn't make it obvious.

Until a year ago, upon learning that Chief Ji single-handedly annihilated the Bug Swarm, Chief Ji's status in Luo Hai's mind shot straight to the top.

So, upon seeing the omega behind Qi Yanshen who looked so much like Chief Ji, Luo Hai felt Qi Yanshen was defiling Chief Ji.

How could any omega compare to Chief Ji?

They were separated by a hundred and eight thousand light-years, okay?

Luo Hai found the sight irritating and turned away, asking the two omegas in front, "What are you getting?"

Chi Yan was somewhat absent-minded. "Whatever."

Na An'an said, "Trying to gain weight. Meat."

So the four of them finally chose rice with grilled meat—carbs, fat, and grease, definitely weight-gaining.

After choosing seats and sitting down, Lilette seemed out of place. He used to mock Qi Yanshen for being out of his mind to chase a beta, but now it was his turn.

"Um... Luo Hai, won't you at least think about it?"

Chi Yan, who had been watching Qi Yanshen and "He Zhi," turned to look at Lilette.

He never understood why Lilette suddenly fell for Luo Hai. Luo Hai was notoriously anti-alpha. For an alpha like Lilette to pursue an anti-alpha beta with exceptional combat skills—was he tired of living?

Luo Hai ate calmly, ignoring Lilette.

He really hated alphas. Although Lilette was less annoying than other alphas, he was still an alpha. Not having the desire to kill him was already good enough; how could he possibly like him?

Seeing Luo Hai ignore him, Lilette looked hurt and even a bit like a stereotypical omega, a far cry from the aloofness he had in the military academy.

"Luo Hai, I really like you. Won't you consider it? I can be the bottom."

Luo Hai still didn't reply and continued eating.

Chi Yan and Na An'an almost choked. Xiao Bai didn't understand, its head weaving back and forth.

Lilette was an alpha, right? Was he seriously willing to be the bottom?

Even passersby were shocked. An alpha actually willing to submit beneath a beta? Could he be impotent?

"Shut up."

Luo Hai suddenly spoke. Lilette obediently shut up, and Chi Yan and Na An'an could finally eat in peace.

Chi Yan collected himself, stealing occasional glances to check on the situation over at Qi Yanshen's side.

Qi Yanshen and that omega sat together. No meaningful glances passed between them; they both ate obediently, like coworkers.

Until that omega accidentally choked, coughing lightly a couple of times. Qi Yanshen immediately leaned in to show concern, brought over a cup of warm water, and said something.

This was the kind of treatment you'd give Chief Ji.

After watching the whole scene, Chi Yan lowered his eyes in thought. It seemed Qi Yanshen really cared about that omega, but wasn't this too sudden?

Previously, Qi Yanshen had always rejected those omegas, among whom there were also some who bore some resemblance to Chief Ji. Why was Qi Yanshen only special to him?

Chi Yan felt like he was overlooking something, but he just couldn't remember.

By the time they finished eating, Qi Yanshen and that omega had already left. Chi Yan had only arrived at the Bug Swarm ruins late last night and had many things to apply for, so he didn't dwell on it further.

"Let's go, apply for items."

"Mm."

Na An'an stood up and followed behind. He was already used to following behind Chi Yan, who had kicked him off the chief position. Chi Yan was indeed more capable than him; there was nothing to argue about.

Of course, jealousy still existed, and plenty of it.

Luo Hai came as a member of the Rose Legion's security team.

The Rose Legion was one of the Federation's three special legions, using medicine, chemistry, and other fields as their main means of attack, primarily targeting organizations and individuals within the Federation that undermined ABO equality.

Luo Hai and Lilette were assigned as high-precision combat forces for protection. They needed to ensure the safety of Chi Yan and Na An'an.

Although Luo Hai and Lilette believed these omegas didn't need their protection.

The Rose Legion's ferocity was well-known to all.

After Chi Yan and the others completed the procedures, the staff informed them that due to special circumstances, the hands-on experiment originally scheduled for tomorrow was postponed indefinitely. During this period, they could study the low to mid-level insectoids here, only needing to leave records on the application form.

Chi Yan had no objections. He hadn't come for the modified King Insect anyway. His interest in insectoids over the past year stemmed from his desire to make them cease to exist.

He kept thinking, if there were no insectoids, his Chief Ji wouldn't have disappeared.

"Where to next? Want to visit the greenhouse garden here?"

Lilette was the first to agree, as that place was a holy land for pursuing a partner!

Chi Yan and Luo Hai had no objections, so the four of them headed toward the greenhouse garden.

The greenhouse garden was mainly designed to help soldiers alleviate stress. After all, staying in the pitch-black, soundless expanse of space for too long could easily cause both physical and psychological issues for humans, who originally lived on land.

The ones who visited most frequently were omegas, so places like the greenhouse garden were also prime spots for alphas to look for potential mates.

As soon as Chi Yan entered, he saw someone sitting on the garden’s cradle swing—long black hair flowing down, dressed in everyday black clothes, with a gentle smile, just like the way Chief Ji used to smile at him.

For a moment, Chi Yan almost thought it was Chief Ji—that he had finally found him.

But upon closer inspection, when he met Qi Yanshen’s gaze, Chi Yan realized, chagrined, that it wasn’t Chief Ji, but the omega who resembled him.

Chi Yan lowered his head, thinking gloomily, no wonder Qi Yanshen liked that omega—even he had almost gotten them mixed up.

But that was Chief Ji—how could he be confused with anyone else?

Chief Ji would always be Chief Ji.

No one could replace him.

Lifting his head again, Chi Yan’s gaze hardened with determination as he walked toward Qi Yanshen and the other person.

Na An’an noticed the direction Chi Yan was heading and quickly grabbed him. “Yanyan, Yanyan! Calm down!”

Chi Yan smiled calmly. “An’an, I am calm.”

Na An’an still wasn’t reassured, worried that Chi Yan might be saying one thing and doing another. She invoked Chief Ji’s name, saying, “Chief Ji wouldn’t want anything to happen to you.”

Chi Yan hesitated for a moment before nodding slightly and smiling back at Na An’an. “Don’t worry, I’m still waiting for Chief Ji to return.”

Every omega at the military academy was waiting for Chief Ji to return.

Chi Yan walked toward Qi Yanshen and the other, who naturally noticed Chi Yan and the other three.

When “He Zhi” saw Chi Yan, he stiffened momentarily, instinctively wanting to turn away to avoid Chi Yan’s gaze, but quickly caught himself and forced himself to meet Chi Yan’s eyes.

After just one second of eye contact, “He Zhi” lowered his gaze, his eyes settling on Xiao Bai hanging around Chi Yan’s neck.

Xiao Bai’s size was about the same as when he left, with no noticeable changes—it seemed Chi Yan hadn’t been feeding him recklessly.

Xiao Bai darted his tongue out at “He Zhi,” then tilted his head curiously.

Why does this two-legged creature feel so familiar?

Chi Yan walked up to Qi Yanshen and said politely, “Good day, Brigadier General Qi. May I ask who this omega is? Is he your partner?”

Qi Yanshen remembered Chi Yan—the top student from the medical department in his year. When he came to claim lost property a year ago, Chi Yan had even snapped at him.

Judging by the uniform, he had indeed joined the Rose Legion.

Qi Yanshen replied politely as well, “Good day, Lieutenant Colonel Chi. He is not my partner; I am only responsible for monitoring him.”

Chi Yan said with a slight smile. “Really? So Brigadier General Qi doesn’t dislike omegas after all? It seems the rumors about omegas being thrown and disfigured were mere rumors. My apologies.”

Hearing this, Qi Yanshen frowned. What was this omega trying to do? He didn’t recall ever provoking him.

Chi Yan no longer looked at Qi Yanshen, shifting his gaze to “He Zhi” instead and stepping forward.

After just two steps, he was stopped by Qi Yanshen’s dark expression.

Instinct told Qi Yanshen that he absolutely could not let this omega get close to “He Zhi.” He couldn’t explain why, but he trusted his intuition.

Even after being stopped, Chi Yan remained smiling and unruffled, just like Chief Ji in the past.

“Why is Brigadier General Qi doing this? I just wanted to check in on this omega. We’re both omegas—is there a problem with caring about his mental health?”

Before Qi Yanshen could say anything, Chi Yan apologized, “Ah, my apologies. I shouldn’t have spoken to Brigadier General Qi like that. It was a moment of thoughtlessness on my part—I shouldn’t have doubted Brigadier General Qi’s magnanimity. After all, Brigadier General Qi is the top graduate of the First Military Academy’s command department and the eldest son of Commander Qi. How could he be petty? My sincerest apologies.”

Na An’an turned away, struggling to suppress the corners of her mouth.

Yanyan’s “green tea” skills were as sharp as ever, still exuding that rich, lingering aroma.

It seemed Yanyan had truly mastered Shi Lan’s best tricks—no wonder he spent an entire holiday learning from her.

“He Zhi” reacted similarly to Na An’an, though he lowered his head, trying hard to suppress the curve of his lips.

Chi Yan had never had a favorable impression of Qi Yanshen.

Seeing this scene again after a year, Ji Anzhi felt a twinge of nostalgia.

But there was no going back.

Qi Yanshen frowned, feeling provoked by the “green tea” act. What did this omega mean? He hadn’t even said anything, yet the other was already talking to himself?

Qi Yanshen furrowed his brows and asked, “Do you have business here?”

Chi Yan put a hand to his mouth. “Ah, didn’t I say? My apologies. I wanted to speak with this omega, to tend to his mental well-being. It’s the duty of every medical professional in the Federation.”

With that, Chi Yan gave a benevolent smile.

Qi Yanshen refused without hesitation. “His mental state is fine. No need.”

At that moment, Na An’an chimed in, “Brigadier General Qi, Yanyan is the top graduate of our year’s medical department and was even praised by Teacher Shenmu. It wouldn’t hurt to let him take a look—to rule out any potential risks.”

Qi Yanshen paused. Thinking about it, it made sense. Regardless of why this omega seemed to have it out for him, in terms of ability, becoming the top graduate of the First Military Academy proved he was no ordinary talent.

After a few seconds of thought, Qi Yanshen agreed.

“I hope Brigadier General Qi can step back a bit. I have a bit of an aversion to alphas—my apologies.”

Qi Yanshen felt a flicker of irritation but kept his expression neutral. “Does Lieutenant Colonel Chi care about gender when treating wounded soldiers?”

Chi Yan smiled as usual. “Not at all. The alphas, omegas, and betas sent to me all receive treatment…” He paused, the curve of his smile widening slightly. “…However, the alphas sent to me are all serious criminals. I’m responsible for giving these heinous scumbags and degenerates…”

“…a physical castration.”

Hearing this, Qi Yanshen suddenly had a suspicion—could the omega his mother mentioned, who was obsessed with sterilizing him, be Chi Yan?

To test his theory, Qi Yanshen asked, “Then, may I ask, does Lieutenant Colonel Chi treat non-criminal alphas the same way?”

Chi Yan shook his head. “No, but there aren’t any alphas who aren’t serious criminals. Unless Brigadier General Qi wants to give it a try? In that case, I’d be grateful for Brigadier General Qi’s contribution to my medical career.”

With that, Chi Yan put on an expression of shock and gratitude.

Qi Yanshen fell silent. He was almost certain now—this person really did want to sterilize him.

So how exactly had he provoked him? It didn’t seem like a case of love turning to hatred. Instead, it felt more like he had stolen something precious and was being hunted down for it.

Qi Yanshen collected his thoughts and refused, "Sorry, but I'm not interested."

Chi Yan pressed on relentlessly, "Brigadier General Qi, don't you dislike omegas? It seems you don't need that thing. If something is useless, there's no need for it to exist, right?"

Qi Yanshen fell silent...

He was now one hundred percent certain that the other party really wanted to sterilize him.

He Zhi quietly turned his head. *Chi Yan was really persistent...*