Chapter 147 Dance of the Stars

Chapter 147: Dance of the Star River

Having a good idea of what Lin Dusheng meant by "a favor," Ji Anzhi said, "Go ahead."

"We hope Your Excellency Ji Anjue can temporarily assist the Federation in defense, hold the line against the Bug Swarm, and step in if the Federation is overwhelmed. Levin and I need to return to handle some... domestic affairs of the Federation."

This "domestic affairs" was self-explanatory without further thought.

While the Federation was struggling to cope with the Bug Swarm, its own backyard was on fire. The best approach was to seek external aid; otherwise, they'd have to throw funds and lives at the problem.

The Federation had no intention of involving him, and he had no interest in getting entangled in their internal conflicts, so he readily agreed.

"Agreed. But we'll only handle Bug Swarm fronts that the Federation cannot resolve themselves. We charge by the hour, with each hour extending the Research Institute's data access time by one day."

Ji Anzhi was fully aware of the tricks Lin Dusheng and the others had played. Ji Anjue had informed him the moment they met.

Lin Dusheng: "..."

Since the Federation was the one seeking help, Lin Dusheng was forced to agree.

The more Lin Dusheng thought about it, the angrier he became. If those alpha conservatives managed to escape this time, he'd be a grandson!

Within minutes, Lin Dusheng had someone draft the agreement. Shortly after both parties signed, Levin regained consciousness.

As soon as Levin woke up, Lin Dusheng hurried over to ask about his condition and whether he felt any discomfort.

Of course, there was none. Ji Anjue's spiritual power had healing properties, and with Ji Anjue himself intervening, Levin's body was now in peak condition.

Seeing that Levin had woken up without any issues, Ji Anzhi announced their departure: "Since Marshal Levin is fine, we'll take our leave now."

What followed would likely involve internal discussions he wasn't interested in, so it was best to leave early.

Lin Dusheng did not stop them, thanking them and having someone escort Ji Anzhi's group out.

After Ji Anzhi and the other two left, Lin Dusheng turned to look at everyone in the room, a thin, cold smile curling at the corner of his mouth.

"It seems those alphas are still blind after all. With unlimited access to treasury funds, if those scum survive another month, everyone's funding allocation for the three years after the Bug Swarm crisis will be cut by one-third to be used as a bounty on those degenerates."

No one doubted his last statement.

Although Lin Dusheng often seemed unreliable, when it came to funding matters, he always kept his word.

Simply put, either round them all up at once, or use the funds meant to support the Legions as bounty money.

They could choose which outcome they preferred.

Levin was still in the dark about what had happened and asked, "What's going on?"

Lin Dusheng stepped forward to explain.

...

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Back on the Star Eagle, Ji Anjue casually remarked, "It's those alpha conservatives."

"Hm."

Ji Anzhi wasn't surprised. From the appearance of the Bug Swarm within Federation territory and the principal's attitude, he could guess.

Qi Yanshen wasn't surprised either. Although he was an alpha, he had no liking for those arrogant alphas either.

They were self-centered and dismissive of human life, especially towards omegas and betas.

A severe psychological distortion.

"Not seeking revenge?"

Ji Anjue asked. He still remembered the rotten things those scum had done.

If not for them, the auction he and Dad Ji attended wouldn't have had an incident, and the subsequent drugging wouldn't have occurred. That score had to be settled.

If not for this, he wouldn't have agreed to the request for help so easily.

Ji Anzhi said calmly, "No need. Aren't the Rose Legion and the Research Institute handling it?"

The Rose Legion needed no explanation; nearly ninety percent of its members held prejudices against alphas, and their methods of torment hardly resembled those of a proper military unit.

As for the Research Institute, the mastermind who had injured him back then was still an experimental subject there, living in agony, unable to die even if they wished.

Ji Anjue thought it made sense. With the Federation handling it, he wouldn't bother. Once Levin's spiritual power was enhanced, there would be no fish that slip through the net.

In front of Dad Ji, he still had to be a good child.

Good children get snack money.

Thinking of this, Ji Anjue rushed forward to act spoiled: "Dad Ji~"

"Can I have a bit more snack money this month? Considering how hard I've worked this month?"

Ji Anzhi said with a kind smile: "No."

Ji Anjue, who had thought there was hope: "..."

Shooting a glance at Ji Anjue, Ji Anzhi paid him no mind and went to the command center, finding his seat and sitting down. Qi Yanshen sat closely beside him.

Did he think Ji Anzhi didn't know? Xiao Tuanzi hadn't been bullying Xiaoxue less recently, otherwise why would he rarely see Xiaoxue?

If Ji Anjue knew what Ji Anzhi was thinking, he would definitely argue.

Xiaoxue had been using the smart device to learn to read characters lately. He hadn't even disturbed her, yet he was being accused of bullying her?

Ji Anzhi was bored, thinking about whether to go look at the newly acquired data, but Qi Yanshen had been following him around looking pitiful for over a month. He had been busy with experiments, feeling a bit like he was giving him the cold shoulder.

He had originally planned to spend time with Qi Yanshen properly after today to adjust to each other, but this incident happened. The Star Net would likely start implementing controls, and his plan to casually surf the Star Net and get used to each other was also gone.

"Sigh..."

"What's wrong?"

"What's wrong?"

Ji Anzhi let out a long sigh. Ji Anjue and Qi Yanshen immediately inquired with concern.

They spoke in unison, simultaneously glancing at each other. Qi Yanshen's look was full of wariness and indifference, while Ji Anjue's was disdainful and contemptuous.

After a brief clash of looks, both turned their attention back to Ji Anzhi.

Ji Anzhi hadn't noticed what just happened and said, "Nothing, just feeling a bit reflective... these three years have been quite chaotic..."

This wasn't wrong. The series of events that occurred in the three years since Ji Anzhi left Suoaoer were nothing short of unbelievable and thrilling.

Neither knew how to offer comfort. For Ji Anzhi, the three years since he came to the Federation had been a real mess.

Qi Yanshen mustered his courage, placed his hand on top of Ji Anzhi's, and blurted out clumsily, "Everything will be fine."

Ji Anzhi looked at the larger hand resting lightly on his own and smiled, relieved. "Yes, everything will get better..."

You have to keep moving forward.

In the following days, Ji Anjue didn't get any assignments and was happily lazing around, binging one novel and TV show after another.

Meanwhile, Ji Anzhi led Qi Yanshen to his dressing room, planning to make him an outfit.

Having a clear understanding of his own skills, Ji Anzhi didn't aim for haute couture quality. He focused on everyday wear like shirts.

Qi Yanshen helped by getting his measurements taken, selecting fabrics and patterns, and helped out the rest of the time.

Of course, during the measuring, Qi Yanshen was like a peacock displaying its feathers—seemingly casual but actually deliberate in every move, showing off his well-built frame and perfectly defined muscles.

Ji Anzhi was a little envious, but more than that, he recognized the physical disparity between them.

Absolutely!

There must not be another physical relationship!!!

Unaware that his display had backfired, Qi Yanshen kept showing off.

Fortunately, his recent self-control training paid off. When Ji Anzhi touched his skin, he managed to avoid the embarrassment of getting overly excited.

During this time, the two grew more comfortable with each other, and the invisible sense of distance gradually shortened.

"Don't move."

Qi Yanshen froze but still squirmed uncomfortably, trying to suppress the unusual reaction there so Ji Anzhi wouldn't see.

Ji Anzhi, who needed to take many measurements, was getting a little irritated.

This was the fifth day. It happened every morning; he was used to it. Why was Qi Yanshen still so shy?

He should just cooperate to get it done quickly.

Over ten minutes later, Ji Anzhi finally finished measuring the data he wanted and let go of Qi Yanshen. Qi Yanshen immediately picked up a nearby jacket and tied it around his waist to cover that area.

Now, Qi Yanshen's face didn't turn as red as a boiled shrimp like before; it only had a faint blush.

"Measurements are done. Which fabric do you like?"

Ji Anzhi brought over three fabric sample cards and asked Qi Yanshen.

Qi Yanshen looked them over, pointed to a dark black card, and said, his voice slightly rough, "This one."

Choosing to ignore the huskiness in Qi Yanshen's voice, Ji Anzhi nodded in agreement, found the corresponding fabric, spread it out, and started drawing the pattern.

Qi Yanshen felt a bit frustrated. It felt like his partner kept stirring the fire, but he couldn't come up with a legitimate reason to ask for help putting it out, so he could only hold it in...

Before Qi Yanshen could finish his lament, the starship suddenly shook violently.

Ji Anzhi was cutting the fabric and lost his balance, falling forward. Ahead were scissors and various pins—falling there would have been disastrous.

Qi Yanshen was steady on his feet. He stepped forward, grabbed Ji Anzhi, and pulled him toward the safer side, simultaneously shielding Ji Anzhi tightly in his arms to prevent any bumps.

"Ugh..."

Qi Yanshen let out a muffled groan. Something sharp was poking into his back.

In the chaos, Ji Anzhi didn't hear the groan but still asked with concern, "Are you okay?"

"I'm fine."

The starship only shook violently for that moment and then stabilized. Ji Anzhi and Qi Yanshen got up, both silently asking Ji Anjue about the situation.

'An Jue, what happened?'

Ji Anjue replied quickly: 'A spatial black hole suddenly appeared. We're inside it now, but this black hole seems abnormal—likely artificial.'

Ji Anzhi paused. An artificial spatial black hole?

Did the interstellar world have such technology?

'I'm coming over right now.'

'Okay, be careful. Keep Qi Yanshen close.'

The moment the accident happened, the psychic energy Ji Anjue had placed near Ji Anzhi immediately surged over, so he naturally knew Ji Anzhi had almost fallen.

Although he didn't particularly like Qi Yanshen, he was indeed good to Ji Anzhi, even protecting him before Ji Anjue could, preventing any injury.

Ji Anzhi agreed and said to Qi Yanshen, "Let's go to the command center."

Qi Yanshen nodded, following behind Ji Anzhi while equipping weapons from his Space Bracelet, preparing for any emergencies.

By the time they reached the command center, Qi Yanshen was fully equipped.

Ji Anjue was still sitting in his seat, a Psychic Stimulant tube in his mouth, with several empty tubes beside him.

Ji Anzhi took out a box of Psychic Stimulants and placed it on Ji Anjue's desk. Ji Anjue unceremoniously opened it, took out a tube, and started drinking it.

"Explain in detail."

After finishing the stimulant, Ji Anjue threw the empty tube into the waste disposal bin and said, "This black hole is different from the ones we've encountered before. Previously, even with sudden black holes, intense spatial fluctuations would occur 24 hours before the black hole fully formed. But this one didn't—its spatial fluctuations only lasted about a minute before the black hole appeared."

"And this black hole is very unstable. It could disappear at any moment."

Ji Anjue's psychic energy had always been attached to the hull of the Star Eagle for protection, with normal consumption being low.

But inside an unstable black hole, Ji Anjue not only had to resist chaotic spatial fluctuations but also sudden cosmic storms that could scatter at any time. The consumption was quite significant.

Qi Yanshen chimed in, "Were we just in the Bug Swarm ruins area?"

Ji Anjue knew what Qi Yanshen was going to ask next and said bluntly, "Yes. Some wreckage was sucked into the black hole, along with some of your Federation's mechs and warships. Most likely, they're all dead."

Qi Yanshen fell silent. The marshal had only left a few days ago, and now this happened. It wasn't hard to guess who was behind it.

Ji Anzhi could guess too. As abnormal individuals with such close ties to the Federation, being targeted was inevitable.

What worried him more was that the other side likely came prepared. They were in a passive position, and if Ji Anjue's strength was suppressed, they would be in great danger.

After thinking for a moment, Ji Anzhi asked, "Can you hold on?"

Ji Anjue said calmly, "Give me all the stock."

Ji Anzhi immediately handed the space bracelet containing psychic stimulants to Ji Anjue, who took it and put it on his wrist.

Ji Anjue's main issue was his rapid energy consumption; as long as he replenished it in time, he was nearly invincible.

"If it's those old alpha factions, can I kill them all?"

Ji Anjue said this as casually as asking what to eat today, with utter nonchalance.

After all, he was a child raised by Ji Anzhi, knowing when to show mercy and when to be decisively ruthless.

"It's up to you. You should learn to judge for yourself which people deserve to die and which deserve to live."

Ji Anzhi handed the choice over to Ji Anjue, with no intention of interfering.

No one present found this inappropriate. Elite education often instills a certain cold-bloodedness in their children—Ji Anzhi was no exception, and neither was Qi Yanshen.

"This isn't a normal black hole, so I don't know the situation or when we might face danger. Qi Yanshen, remember to protect my Ji-dad. If he gets hurt, you can get lost."

Qi Yanshen was taken aback, then saluted Ji Anjue solemnly and vowed, "I swear on my dignity and honor as a soldier that I will never let Ji Anzhi suffer any harm."

Ji Anjue glanced at him and said flatly, "I hope you keep your word."

Although he could easily protect Ji-dad himself, there might be moments when his energy was insufficient. Ji-dad's body hadn't fully recovered yet and could only rely on external means, making Qi Yanshen the best second choice.

The first choice was definitely himself.

Ji-dad liked him so much!

Ji Anzhi sat to the side, smiling without a word.

How could he not understand Ji Anjue's concern? The only thing he could do was not be a burden.

While waiting, Qi Yanshen handed Ji Anzhi a small box.

Puzzled, Ji Anzhi looked at him, and Qi Yanshen gestured for him to open it.

Inside was a brooch. Its centerpiece was a high-quality galaxy stone, about 15 carats. In its deep purplish-black hue, specks of various colors shimmered, transforming with every glance under different lights.

Qi Yanshen explained beside him, "This *Dance of the Galaxy* was prepared by my parents as an engagement gift for you. They originally planned to give it to you after the Bug Swarm was over."

Even though they weren't officially engaged yet...

Ji Anzhi was stunned. He had always thought Qi Yanshen's parents didn't like him much. After all, Qi Yanshen was an alpha, and choosing a beta like him as a partner seemed quite rebellious.

He never expected them to have prepared a gift for him—and one with such significant meaning at that.

A galaxy stone of this quality and size would start at a minimum of ten billion star credits.

The symbolism of the galaxy stone—

Wishing love to be like the galaxy, enduring and everlasting.