Chapter 126 Care

Chapter 126: Care

"Let's go, Yan Shen, lead the way."

Jian Fuxu's single sentence got two people off the hook.

Qi Yanshen led the way, "He Zhi" timidly followed close behind, with Jian Fuxu next, and Lu Yan, the daily whipping boy, bringing up the rear.

Since many people had already arrived earlier, and they were coming today and needed to stay for a while, Jian Fuxu and Lu Yan were billeted in a double room.

It was only half a minute away from Qi Yanshen and "He Zhi's" room.

When Lu Yan learned that Qi Yanshen was living with the little omega, his expression was one of shock, almost loudly questioning Qi Yanshen: Have you no shame? You animal!

"Put your things away first. I checked the tasks the Marshal assigned you. After the Zerg remains are transferred, we need to go install bombs, demo charges, etc. We might have to stay here for two months."

Lu Yan and Jian Fuxu knew the drill. After confirming their identities, they put away some simple items, leaving the rest for later.

During this time, "He Zhi" also put the cake in the refrigerator to eat later in the evening.

Lu Yan suggested, "Grab some lunch?"

Qi Yanshen nodded and led the way.

During this time, "He Zhi" played the part of a shy, socially anxious omega perfectly.

At the cafeteria, seeing what was on He Zhi's plate, Lu Yan asked with concern, "Aren't you going to get more? Is that enough to be full?"

"He Zhi," startled, quickly shook his head. "It's enough. I couldn't finish any more."

Lu Yan cast a questioning glance at Qi Yanshen, who gave a slight nod, indicating "He Zhi" wasn't lying.

Looking back at "He Zhi," Lu Yan couldn't help but feel a twinge of sympathy. With such a small appetite, was he even getting enough to live on?

And how fragile must his stomach be to only digest this little food?

"He Zhi," squirming under the look, quietly moved in front of Qi Yanshen, so Lu Yan could only see half of his figure.

Jian Fuxu gave Lu Yan's foot a solid step. Lu Yan nearly jumped, thinking Jian Fuxu was going to hit him again, almost sending his tray flying.

Not expecting such a big reaction, Jian Fuxu just said quietly, "Hurry up and get your food."

*Qi Yanshen is being so special with this omega, and you're still foolishly trying to talk to him? Aren't you afraid of being dragged to the training ground to get your ass handed to you later?*

Lu Yan belatedly realized and immediately got his food, meekly following them to sit down, watching Qi Yanshen dote on "He Zhi."

Almost as soon as they sat down, Qi Yanshen handed over a wet wipe. "He Zhi" took it as a matter of course, thanked him, tore open the packaging, and wiped his hands.

After wiping his hands, Qi Yanshen handed over a pure cotton handkerchief for the omega to dry his hands, then without missing a beat took the used wet wipe, summoned a cleaning robot, and threw it in.

Lu Yan remembered that brand of wet wipes. Its main selling point was being soft and gentle on the skin, made entirely from natural materials. A single one of those wipes cost a thousand star credits.

After the omega finished drying his hands, Qi Yanshen naturally took the handkerchief back and stored it in his Space Bracelet.

While they were eating, even though the omega had gotten soup and a small piece of watermelon, Qi Yanshen still produced a Snow Honey Peach, sliced it onto a plate, and offered it.

The omega demurred shyly but ended up eating the Snow Honey Peach clean. When he realized there was none left, his eyes held a flicker of regret, clearly showing he really liked it.

Probably knowing the omega couldn't finish his meal after eating the peach, Qi Yanshen proactively took some food from the omega's plate, sparing him the embarrassment of leaving leftovers.

After all, they docked your merits for leftovers based on weight.

And they docked a lot.

After finishing the meal, Qi Yanshen handed over a napkin. The omega took it, wiped his mouth, and placed it on the tray. Qi Yanshen very naturally took care of the cleanup.

During this, the omega just sat there motionless, saying, "Thank you, Brigadier General Qi."

Lu Yan was almost gobsmacked. Was this the Qi Yanshen he knew?

Was he sure he hadn't been body-snatched?

Seeing that Lu Yan and Jian Fuxu were almost done eating, Qi Yanshen asked, "Shall we go?"

Lu Yan nodded mechanically, while Jian Fuxu, his face a mask of neutrality, nodded as well.

Qi Yanshen stood up first, took both their trays to hand to the cleaning robot, then led the omega away by the hand.

Lu Yan was having an existential crisis...

"Little Madman... pinched me. Am I dreaming?"

Jian Fuxu handed his utensils to the cleaning robot and said as he walked, "Do you need a jolt from this energy gun to wake you up?"

As he spoke, Jian Fuxu prepared to take out the energy gun at his waist. Lu Yan immediately changed his tune: "I'm awake! I'm totally awake! Let's go, Qi Yanshen and the others are almost out the door."

While saying this, he hurriedly handed over his utensils to the cleaning robot, simultaneously grabbing Jian Fuxu's wrist as he went for his gun and hurriedly walked out.

Qi Yanshen's morning schedule changed from the training room to the training field. For the afternoon, the plan was still to take "He Zhi" to the greenhouse garden to relax.

As soon as they arrived at the greenhouse garden, Qi Yanshen set to work.

First, he took out a lounge chair from his Space Bracelet and placed it under a large tree for some shade from the artificial sun. Then he took out two blankets, a small table, a water cup, fruit...

After setting everything up, "He Zhi" was also surrounded by fluffballs, taking out snacks from his Space Bracelet to feed them.

Figuring "He Zhi" would be playing with these fluffballs for a while, Qi Yanshen promptly took out a small knife and a carrot, peeled and cut it into sticks, and placed them on a plate.

He first handed one stick to "He Zhi." After feeding it, he waited to see if the omega needed more. If so, he handed over another. If not, he sat to the side, idly feeding the fluffballs now and then. When the omega needed more later, he handed over another stick.

Lu Yan's eyes were glazed over. Jian Fuxu gave "He Zhi" a long, thoughtful look, pondering something.

"I definitely didn't get enough sleep..."

Lu Yan muttered to himself, even suspecting for a moment that Qi Yanshen had been replaced.

Jian Fuxu glanced at Lu Yan with a hint of disdain, sat down on the blanket Qi Yanshen had spread out, took out his comm unit, opened the military system, and started writing a report to apply for the supplies he needed.

Lu Yan sat down like a zombie, looking towards Qi Yanshen and the other, gradually beginning to seriously think.

Was that omega's charm extraordinary, or was Qi Yanshen still hung up on Ji Anzhi?

He couldn't figure it out.

Qi Yanshen noticed Lu Yan's behavior and cast a questioning look his way: What's wrong?

Lu Yan's expression was complicated as he shook his head slightly.

Later, Lu Yan saw "He Zhi" holding a snow-white, chubby cat, clearly liking it very much, unable to put it down. He carried the chubby cat and walked over to sit on the lounge chair.

Qi Yanshen walked over to where Lu Yan was, glanced at the neatly folded white blanket Lu Yan was using as a seat, paused for three seconds, and gave up.

He pulled out a new white blanket, spread it open, and handed it to "He Zhi."

"He Zhi" took it casually. "Thank you."

"Would you like some Snow Honey Peach?"

"...I'll pass, it's too much trouble."

"It's no trouble. I want some too, and I might not finish it. Would you like some?"

"Sure, thanks."

Lu Yan silently turned his head. He remembered asking Qi Yanshen earlier if he was dating that young omega. Qi Yanshen had shot back, "No."

And now?

This treatment was comparable to Ji Anzhi, even more comprehensive than when he was dating Ji Anzhi.

The stench of romance was practically suffocating him, and he still said they weren't dating...

Hmph.

But... he couldn't be bothered.

Back in military academy, Lu Yan had the energy to pursue omegas. But now, after being lazy for so long, he felt that pursuing someone might not even work out. If it didn't, it would just be a waste of time and money. Better to just not bother.

Might as well wait for his dad and father to arrange a blind date for him.

Lu Yan thought this contentedly.

Jian Fuxu was different from Lu Yan. Seeing Qi Yanshen and "He Zhi" interact reminded him of Qi Yanshen and Ji Anzhi.

Qi Yanshen had never taken care of Ji Anzhi to this extent. Of course, part of the reason was probably this omega's fragile physique. After all, E-grade physical fitness wasn't common in the star sector.

But just because "He Zhi" looked like Ji Anzhi and had a fragile body, Jian Fuxu's intuition told him Qi Yanshen wouldn't act like this. There must be other overlooked factors.

But it's only been a short while, and Mrs. Qi and the Marshal hadn't shown any opposition. If they couldn't detect anything, he probably couldn't either.

"Are you two going to the training field to train? The concentration period is only a few days away. That's a real Bug Swarm."

A lowered voice interrupted Jian Fuxu's thoughts. He looked up to see Qi Yanshen. Glancing toward "He Zhi," he saw he was sleeping.

Jian Fuxu checked the time. It was past three in the afternoon. Was he sure he wouldn't have trouble sleeping at night?

Qi Yanshen could tell what Jian Fuxu was thinking from his expression and said quietly, "His health is poor; he gets tired easily."

Considering that E-grade physical fitness, Jian Fuxu understood.

"Are you going?"

Faced with Jian Fuxu's question, Qi Yanshen glanced at "He Zhi," who was sound asleep holding the chubby cat, shook his head, and explained.

"I have a mission to monitor He Zhi. I can't be too far from him."

Lu Yan asked curiously, "Can't you go after he wakes up?"

"He'd be very bored."

And the alphas there acted like they hadn't seen an omega for generations. What if it made He Zhi uncomfortable?

Lu Yan and Jian Fuxu were speechless. If you want to monopolize him, just say so. It's not embarrassing.

Lu Yan said disdainfully, "Fine, fine. Jian Fuxu and I will go. You just stay and guard your omega. Don't lose him."

With that, he got up to leave. He really should train with his mecha properly. If he messed up on the battlefield due to lack of training and somehow survived, his father and brother would still chew him out.

Jian Fuxu, however, didn't leave. Instead, he pulled Qi Yanshen under a tree. Lu Yan, curious, followed.

Jian Fuxu got straight to the point. He didn't want to beat around the bush with Qi Yanshen; it was a waste of time. He directly asked Qi Yanshen a question: "Don't you feel there's something off about that omega?"

Qi Yanshen was stunned for a moment, then nodded. "I suspect he's Ji Anzhi, but the test results show he's definitely an omega."

Lu Yan looked utterly confused. Had he missed something?

His inner suspicion confirmed, Jian Fuxu frowned. "You haven't made him go for another physical?"

Qi Yanshen hesitated for a moment, looking somewhat guilty. "I have, but he never agrees."

Lu Yan sensed something was off. "He doesn't agree, so you just don't take him for a check-up?"

Qi Yanshen nodded. Lu Yan seemed to realize something, looking incredulous. "You... you don't mean that just because he says he doesn't want to go, you agree every time and don't force him?"

The air fell silent for a few seconds. Qi Yanshen nodded.

Lu Yan covered his face and sighed.

This childhood friend was beyond saving. One day, he'd lose everything, down to his underwear.

Jian Fuxu felt the same as Lu Yan, not knowing what to say about Qi Yanshen.

An omega not wanting a physical was clearly a red flag. Yet, he kept agreeing every time, never thinking of forcibly taking him for a check-up. He was even more lovesick than when he was dating Ji Anzhi.

...Oh, right.

He wasn't even dating this omega.

If he's this lovesick without dating, what would happen if they did?

Even if he had to coax and trick him, he should take him for a check-up at least once. Even if not to confirm his identity, at least to confirm if he's really an omega.

Qi Yanshen's eyes darted around. "Sometimes I just agree with him without thinking, I can't help it... And I don't have gene unlock privileges; I can't do a genetic confirmation."

For the first time, Lu Yan and Jian Fuxu sighed in unison, feeling troubled.

"Forget it. But your reaction really isn't normal. I'll find an opportunity later to see if I can get that omega to go for a check-up."

Qi Yanshen had always been rational since childhood. It was only when he was in love that he acted like he'd drunk fake alcohol, muddle-headed.

Before any plan was even made, Qi Yanshen started making excuses: "He Zhi is afraid of those machines. He said someone once caught him and forced him to get checked. If that's really true, wouldn't it be bad?"

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

Jian Fuxu: "........"

Perfectly synchronized, the two looked at Qi Yanshen with utter speechlessness in their eyes.

Qi Yanshen seemed to realize belatedly what he had just said. He coughed lightly. "Sorry."

Jian Fuxu silently scrapped the plan to forcibly take "He Zhi" for a medical checkup. With Qi Yanshen around and his current reaction, if they really tried to force it, it would probably lead to a fight.

But after this conversation, Jian Fuxu became even more convinced about "He Zhi's" identity. "He Zhi" was likely Ji Anzhi.

Qi Yanshen was the child of Aunt Qi and Uncle Yun. Neither of them were unfaithful types; they were the kind committed to their partners. Once committed, unless faced with infidelity or other immoral acts, they wouldn't seek others.

This was evident from the fact that after Qi Yanshen lost his memory, no omega outside his family had gotten close to him. Fundamentally, Qi Yanshen was very devoted to love.

Moreover, Qi Yanshen now knew that before his amnesia, he was in a relationship with Ji Anzhi. He would never, knowingly, show such favor to another omega.

Jian Fuxu shot a discreet glance at the omega on the lounge chair, thinking about how to verify his suspicion.

Unfortunately, private genetic testing wasn't possible. Every citizen had a Genetic Lock from birth, and "He Zhi's" genes were also locked after his medical checkup.

With the Genetic Lock in place, attempting to analyze genes without unlocking permissions would result in automatic destruction before detection, and the Star Network would automatically locate and notify the Star Police.

Once arrested, you'd get at least ten years.

It seemed the path of genetic verification was a dead end. Jian Fuxu considered other methods.

"He Zhi" was an omega. As an omega, he would definitely react to omega-specific pheromone stimulants...

No.

If "He Zhi" really was an omega, his parents would kill him. Moreover, during this sensitive period, if it triggered a group frenzy effect, he wouldn't even make it to the Interstellar Court—he'd be shot on the spot.

To be safe, it was better to wait for the omega's heat. The reactions during that period couldn't be faked by a beta, no matter what.