Chapter 132 Past Events

Chapter 132: The Events of That Year

Levin and Lin Dusheng sat off to the side, waiting for Ji Anzhi to finish drinking the water.

After he finished, the perceptive little omega quickly left the treatment room.

Only Ji Anzhi, Levin, and Lin Dusheng were left in the treatment room.

Levin spoke first, his tone gentle and his attitude friendly as he smiled at Ji Anzhi. "Long time no see, Classmate Ji."

Ji Anzhi appreciated Levin's direct approach.

He was uncomfortable now and had no energy for role-playing.

Ji Anzhi also smiled in reply. "Long time no see, Teacher Levin."

Seeing that Ji Anzhi was no longer pretending, Levin felt relieved. If Ji Anzhi had still refused to acknowledge it, they wouldn't have known how to deal with him.

Levin said, "Classmate Ji, we deeply apologize for Qi Yanshen's actions. Although the root cause was someone maliciously slipping an aphrodisiac, the harm you suffered is real."

"Qi Yanshen is Qi Lan's child. Commander Qi has already given his word: any demands you make will be fulfilled, provided they don't result in Qi Yanshen's death or disability, or endanger the Federation's security."

Levin's words meant little to Ji Anzhi.

He wasn't a child. A promise is only a promise if you have the ability to uphold it yourself; without that ability, it's just a grave luring moths to the flame.

So Ji Anzhi sidestepped that point and instead asked, "What does the Federation want me to do?"

Levin and Lin Dusheng exchanged a glance. They understood what Ji Anzhi's attitude meant—he still didn't trust the Federation.

Talking about other things now would make them seem scheming. It was better to just follow Ji Anzhi's lead.

"Since you put it that way, Classmate Ji, I won't beat around the bush."

Levin opened his personal terminal and projected a holographic model. It was a bug-like creature somewhat resembling a slug, pale green all over with dense, emerald-green antennae on its head. At first glance, they looked like leaves.

Levin explained, "This is the Queen Insect, a new species discovered by the Federation two years ago. It possesses a certain level of intelligence and psychic ability. Its psychic rating was on par with mine, around SSS-class, but that was information from two years ago. We don't know what its level is now."

Ji Anzhi still wore a slight smile at the corner of his mouth, as if he didn't understand. "So?"

Levin paused, then said sincerely, "We hope you can help the Federation protect millions of soldiers."

"I can't be of much help. I'm just a beta. I believe you know by now that my physical fitness and psychic ability are both very weak."

Lin Dusheng interjected, "What about your companion?"

"I can't control what he decides."

For a moment, the atmosphere became somewhat delicate. The attitude Ji Anzhi had displayed so far made it clear he didn't want to help.

But the Federation truly needed the assistance of a powerful psychic now. Just like with the ruins zone outside the Mothership, with such help, the Federation's annual casualty rate could be cut in half.

Moreover, according to Intelligence Department reports, the alpha Conservative Party was growing restless.

To put it bluntly, they were undoubtedly planning to strike against the Federation during the Bug Swarm to regain power and continue their alpha-supremacist autocratic rule.

This absolutely could not be allowed to happen.

Levin continued, "Where is he now? Can you contact him?"

Ji Anzhi's tone remained the same. "I can't reach him."

Levin was stumped. This blatant lack of cooperation made Levin consider using more forceful methods for a fleeting moment.

"Why?"

"I can't say."

"…………"

After a long silence, Levin finally let out a long sigh, as if compromising. "Since you don't want to say, I won't press further. But you should know that among the insectoids, there are now those who can use psychic abilities. They can control humans. That's why we wanted to contact your companion."

Ji Anzhi nodded slightly. He understood this point.

After all, Levin operated at the national level. Compared to ordinary people, they had more unavoidable hardships.

Actually, Ji Anzhi had initially thought Levin might try to threaten him. But to his surprise, Levin hadn't, at least not in their current conversation.

Ji Anzhi lowered his gaze, feeling another wave of envy for the Federation.

Their leaders genuinely considered the people, unlike in Suoar, where they treated ordinary citizens' lives as worthless over minor conflicts of interest.

Then Levin suddenly asked, "Do you want to talk to Yan Shen? He's very concerned about you."

According to his junior, Yun Huaifeng, the boy had asked about Ji Anzhi's condition several times. If he hadn't been forcibly confined, he probably would have already run over to keep watch.

Levin and Lin Dusheng also considerately didn't press further. They averted their gaze, letting Ji Anzhi make his own decision.

Ji Anzhi didn't know what attitude to adopt when facing Qi Yanshen. Over this past month, he had actually been able to feel that he still liked Qi Yanshen. Moreover, this liking had, without him realizing it, ignited something within him.

He was afraid of that feeling, as if he might lose himself because of this love.

As for having relations with Qi Yanshen, Ji Anzhi felt some disgust, but not much.

It was just a bit excessive—knowing to ask for his opinion, but then covering his mouth and counting that as consent. That was too much.

Torn by indecision, Ji Anzhi chose to escape, just like back in Suoar when he was powerless to change the country and thought of going to the Federation.

"Forget it."

Levin and Lin Dusheng exchanged another glance, agreed, and tacitly ended the topic.

Lin Dusheng asked, "Then do you want to see Chi Yan? He's been waiting outside for you."

Ji Anzhi was stunned for a few seconds, then nodded.

"We'll take our leave now. We hope Classmate Ji will consider it carefully. The Federation will absolutely not treat you poorly. ... Oh, right, this is the income belonging to you. The Federation has been safeguarding it for you all these years. After deducting Federation taxes, it totals seventy-four million, nine hundred and ten thousand zhao Star Coins."

Ji Anzhi held out stubbornly for three seconds, then swiftly took the Star Card.

After all, who would turn down money? Besides, with a little one whose monthly snack budget was a hundred million, more money was needed to support him.

"Thank you."

"It's nothing. This is what should be done. Actually, we should be the ones saying thank you. It's precisely because of the modification technology you provided that the casualty rate in the early stages of this year's Bug Swarm has decreased significantly."

Ji Anzhi lowered his head. He knew what kind of person he was.

He was very selfish and didn't deserve such gratitude.

As Levin and Lin Dusheng opened the door, Chi Yan, who had been leaning against it trying to eavesdrop, lost his balance and fell into Levin's arms. Fortunately, Levin caught him in time.

Steadying Chi Yan, Levin chuckled, "He agreed to see you. Go on in."

Under the principal's death glare, Chi Yan saluted loudly and replied, "Roger that!"

General Hong snickered behind them—her disciple was truly impatient.

But it was rare to see Lin Xiaosheng taken down a peg. Her disciple was indeed impressive.

After Levin and Lin Dusheng left, Chi Yan rushed inside. The moment he saw Ji Anzhi, tears welled up in his eyes. He dashed over, hugged Ji Anzhi tightly, and broke down sobbing uncontrollably.

"You're finally awake! You're finally awake... I... I thought you'd never wake up... I... *hic*... I was so scared... It's all... *hic*... all that deadpan's fault... If it weren't for him, Chief Ji, you wouldn't have been unconscious for three days... *hic*... three whole days... It's all his fault... This disgusting gardenia scent... *hic*..."

Ji Anzhi gently patted Chi Yan's head, silently comforting him.

Xiao Bai also sensed his master's distress and nuzzled against Chi Yan anxiously, hoping to cheer him up.

General Hong quietly closed the door, then took a reclining chair from her space bracelet, placed it by the entrance, and lay down to stand guard.

Chi Yan had once told her that Ji Anzhi was the first to tell him that if an alpha bullied him again, he shouldn't worry about the alpha's life—just ensure his own safety.

Moreover, Ji Anzhi had given him something that could kill alphas, helping him gradually overcome the shadows of his childhood and no longer feel the urge to flee when facing alphas.

Having had similar experiences herself, she understood Chi Yan and the significance Ji Anzhi held for him.

Recalling past events, General Hong drifted into a daze.

Just then, Yun Huaifeng approached, seemingly intending to enter the treatment room.

General Hong smiled faintly and said, "No entry allowed right now."

Yun Huaifeng glanced over and asked, "Is the marshal inside?"

General Hong shook her head. "No, but you still can't go in."

Yun Huaifeng had a rough idea and didn't force his way in, turning to leave instead.

General Hong continued leisurely guarding the door.

Inside the treatment room, Ji Anzhi waited until Chi Yan had vented his emotions and gradually calmed down. Once his crying hiccups subsided, Ji Anzhi spoke. "Yanyan, you shouldn't hate Qi Yanshen. The one to blame is the person who drugged him. While Qi Yanshen certainly shouldn't have done what he did, from a certain perspective, he was also a victim."

Chi Yan remained silent for a few seconds before murmuring in agreement.

"Don't be sad. I'm still alive, aren't I? And it's not entirely Qi Yanshen's fault. My health has always been poor, so I can't blame him completely."

"...Chief Ji, do you like that deadpan?"

Ji Anzhi fell silent for a long time before answering, "I do... but I don't know if I should."

The two sat in silence for a while before Chi Yan mumbled childishly, "Chief Ji, if you really like that deadpan, or if one day you stop liking him, I'll help you."

Ji Anzhi couldn't help but chuckle. "Yanyan, you've said that before."

Yet later, whenever he encountered Qi Yanshen, he still acted like a scheming 'green tea' every day.

Chi Yan stood up, his eyes red. Afraid of worrying Chief Ji, he kept his head lowered, not daring to look up.

The two sat together quietly, offering each other silent companionship.

Xiao Bai sensed his master's calm mood and hopped back onto the bed, approaching Ji Anzhi. He climbed up and nuzzled against him.

This was the two-legged creature his master liked the most!

Ji Anzhi didn't stop Xiao Bai, allowing him to cling to his neck, rest, and doze off.

Suddenly, Chi Yan asked, "Chief Ji, what exactly happened back then? Can you tell me?"

Ji Anzhi had never spoken to Chi Yan about the past events—partly because there was no opportunity, and partly because it seemed unnecessary. The past wouldn't change no matter how much one regretted it now.

But seeing the concern in Chi Yan's eyes, Ji Anzhi finally decided to recount what had happened back then.

However, before he began, Ji Anzhi first asked a question: "Do you remember that plant Xiaoxue was particularly fond of?"

Though unsure why Chief Ji brought it up, Chi Yan nodded honestly.

"It was because of that plant—both bug swarms were triggered by it."

Chi Yan was stunned. He stood up, losing his composure as he exclaimed, "How is that possible?!"

Having anticipated Chi Yan's shock, Ji Anzhi calmly explained, "It's true. That plant is somewhat special. It seems the bug race is very attracted to it. I carried it with me during every assessment. And do you remember? During the first bug swarm, Thor went in the opposite direction from the squad, yet most of the bug race chased after him?"

Chi Yan remembered. Back then, when they encountered the bug swarm, Thor broke away from the squad. At the time, he had cursed Qi Yanshen in his heart, blaming him for potentially dragging Chief Ji down.

But now it seemed Qi Yanshen might have been the one dragged into it?

Frowning, Chi Yan asked what exactly had happened.

"I don't know the specifics either." Then, Ji Anzhi brought up another question. "Do you remember Ji Anjue?"

Chi Yan nodded. Of course he remembered that beta little dumpling who looked as delicate as an omega.

Then Ji Anzhi dropped another bombshell.

"An Jue is the guardian of that plant."

"...Huh?"

Chi Yan felt his brain cells were insufficient. Otherwise, how could he understand every word individually but comprehend nothing when they were put together?

Ji Anzhi patiently explained his deception: "You know there's a blond man by my side, right? That's Ji Anjue."

"Ah... but isn't An Jue a child?"

"He doesn't have an age. I'm not entirely clear on the specifics either."

Seeing Chi Yan's bewildered expression, Ji Anzhi decided to let him digest the information first, not wanting to shatter his worldview all at once.

After a long while, Chi Yan spoke in a dazed tone, "So... Ji Anjue can be both a little dumpling and an adult?"

Ji Anzhi nodded.

Chi Yan suddenly grew excited, stammering in disbelief, "Th-th-this... this isn't scientific!"

Ji Anzhi wholeheartedly agreed. He also thought it was unscientific, but it was the truth.

Chi Yan continued muttering as if questioning reality, "How is it possible... How could a little dumpling grow into an adult in just a year? This isn't scientific, not scientific at all... Chief Ji, are you lying to me?"

Ji Anzhi replied candidly, "It's true. Although it does seem unscientific, and I didn't believe it at first either, it's absolutely real."

Chi Yan didn't notice the loophole in these words, struggling between the idea that Chief Ji was lying and accepting the truth.

In the end, Chi Yan chose to trust Chief Ji.

Chi Yan asked, "So how did An Jue change?"

Ji Anzhi replied, "The specific principle isn't clear, but it's related to spiritual power. This allows Ji Anjue to switch back and forth between an adult and Xiao Tuanzi."

"By the way, the secondary development of my spiritual power was because of that plant."

Mentioning the secondary spiritual power development, Chi Yan suddenly understood some things, pondering, "Is that so? No wonder I felt comfortable near Chief Ji before. My spiritual power barely reached S-level, but by second year, it was almost SS-level."

Looking at it this way, calling that plant a rare treasure would be an understatement.

Chi Yan grew nervous again, exclaiming in alarm while clutching Ji Anzhi's hand, "Then Chief Ji, you're in danger! Don't tell anyone!"

Innocence is no protection for the man who holds a treasure.

Even if Ji Anzhi did nothing wrong, having such a treasure could lead to false accusations, plunging him into an abyss of ruin.

Ji Anzhi smiled reassuringly, "It's fine. Ji Anjue is the guardian of the plant. His spiritual power is very strong. Those static bug swarms outside, in a sense, were his doing."

"...Huh?"

Remembering the trillions of simultaneously dead bugs, Chi Yan suddenly grew even more worried about Chief Ji's safety.

What if Chief Ji angered Ji Anjue one day? Would he just be wiped out?