Chapter 70

Chapter 70

As it happened, Lin Zheng, despite his prejudice against 502, out of habit, took responsibility once he was confirmed as 502's guardian. The next day, he had 502 come to him for a brief morning chat.

502 wasn't very happy when he returned. When Ruan Yunchu asked him, he learned that Lin Zheng had set many rules for him, such as not calling him "brother" or telling anyone about their relationship to others.

"I think he really hates me. It's nothing like what you said." 502 said sulkily.

Back then, Ruan Yunchu had assured him that there was another person in this world who was just like him, who would treat him like family. So he had been full of expectations, but the "brother" he had been longing for kept his distance.

Ruan Yunchu couldn't make a replicant who rarely interacted with humans immediately understand how emotions come about, so he simply opened a book that 502 had been reading recently.

"Have you finished this book?"

Even though he was unhappy, 502 remained polite. "Yes, I have."

"Blood isn't the only thing that ties people together; companionship is what really matters." Ruan Yunchu said softly. "Like this book, and like us. Two people start with no connection at all, and it's time spent together that gives this relationship more weight. Lin Zheng is a very guarded person, but he's not a bad one. If you give him your sincerity, he'll see that."

502 blinked, as if he understood.

He let out a heavy sigh, his small face full of confusion. "But I don't know if Lin Zheng will ever like me."

These days, he often pestered the other man, but the more time they spent together, the more he could feel Lin Zheng's sense of exclusion. The people close to Lin Zheng included Ruan Yunchu, the soldiers, and officers, but never him.

Ruan Yunchu patted his head. "Take your time."

Looking at 502, he couldn't help but think of Yan Zhuo, who had persistently clung to him despite his repeated rejections, and the corner of his mouth unconsciously curved up in amusement that came a bit late.

That shameless guy.

-

On the way back, an unexpected visitor arrived. Ruan Yunchu had already gotten word while doing check-ups on the replicants, hearing that it was an expert in education.

Expert Ye herself was very approachable, with long black hair and a soft, light-colored shirt, leaving a wonderful impression like a spring breeze at first sight.

Ruan Yunchu sat in on one of her lessons. He had planned to leave early for a meal, but was called in at the last minute to help.

Expert Ye was demonstrating a skit and needed an assistant. Ruan Yunchu, who the children liked best, became the first choice.

The two of them finished after the usual mealtime. Other researchers were gradually returning to rest. Ruan Yunchu changed his clothes and headed out, originally planning to go back to his room first, but Expert Ye hurried after him.

"Sorry, Mr. Ruan, for taking up your meal time. How about having a special meal with me today?"

Expert Ye smiled warmly.

She had been specially transferred from the nearest planet, so some privileges were only natural. Besides, the food these days had really given Ruan Yunchu a headache, so he agreed to go with her to a private lounge.

Expert Ye's room wasn't spacious, but it was quiet. Someone had already delivered the meal to the table, still warm when they entered.

"Please, have a seat. I've just arrived and haven't tidied up much."

Ruan Yunchu looked around and saw several machines that looked expensive. "You're from Planet H?"

"Yes. I had just finished a lecture when I got the notice, so I rushed aboard the warship without packing much."

Expert Ye sat down across from him, turned off the warming system, and set out utensils for him.

"Speaking of which, you look very familiar."

Ruan Yunchu: "Is that so?"

He glanced at the woman across from him but didn't say much, just picked up a few leafy greens and mixed them with rice.

"Mr. Ruan is so good-looking, maybe it's because the news reports from before left a deep impression."

"That seems like a long time ago now."

"Yes," Expert Ye said with a hint of nostalgia. "Back then, Yan Zhuo should have still been by your side."

Hearing her mention that name, Ruan Yunchu's heart suddenly skipped a beat.

Perhaps because too many people, upon learning Yan Zhuo's true identity, had taken to calling him by more appropriate titles, hearing this name so bluntly now gave him a strange feeling of wrongness.

"Do you know Yan Zhuo?"

"Who doesn't know the Commander?" Expert Ye smiled. "He was once my student."

At that, she seemed to feel it was inappropriate, so she corrected herself, "I was his first teacher. When I used to teach him, he was still a little kid."

"Is that so?"

Ruan Yunchu couldn't help but imagine that scene.

Expert Ye chatted with him while eating, talking about Yan Zhuo's past.

"He was quite mischievous when he was little, full of mischief. He was the student who gave me the biggest headache. His parents wanted him to enter the military from an early age, but they were at a loss as to how to handle him, so they specially found several teachers to instruct him. Luckily, as he grew up, after his parents… had an accident, he became much more mature."

Ruan Yunchu had never learned much about Yan Zhuo's upbringing, so he listened quietly, occasionally asking a couple of questions.

"I heard that he was promoted through an exceptional process?"

"Yes. Right after graduation, he was assigned to the A-Star Alliance Rescue Force and spent a year at the grassroots level. I have no idea what came over him."

"Rescue Force?"

Ruan Yunchu's heart lurched. A strange feeling rose within him, as if he was close to a question he'd been wanting to explore.

Seeing his serious expression, Expert Ye thought carefully for a moment. "It should have been about eight or nine years ago. He took part in many rescue operations. You know, at that time, interstellar pirates were rampant, and there were many kidnapping cases. The Rescue Force was the busiest."

"..."

Ruan Yunchu's throat suddenly felt constricted. He couldn't speak for a long time.

It seemed to have been quiet for a long while, or perhaps just the blink of an eye, when he suddenly understood the decision he had made on impulse back then on the beach.

That motionless face, found lying on the beach, whether dead or alive, had always felt familiar to him.

But that kidnapping case had left him with severe psychological trauma. Even ten years later, he still couldn't stay alone in a dark environment or tolerate being in an overly quiet space.

So it was only now that he suddenly realized the young man who had carried him step by step out of the ship's cabin bore a striking resemblance to Yan Zhuo.

For a moment, he was back on that chaotic ship. The arms holding him were so solid and reassuring. Amid his fear and lingering terror, he had looked up and glimpsed those eyes, which now perfectly matched Yan Zhuo's.

No wonder, when he finally recovered his independence and wanted to find that person again, there was no trace of him.

"He…" When he spoke again, he realized his voice was somewhat hoarse. It wasn't until Expert Ye slid a glass of water towards him, and he moistened his dry throat, that he finally could speak.

"When he was in the Rescue Force, did he take on many missions?"

"It should be. I have no idea what came over him. But luckily, he soon got back on track. After that, although being promoted to that position was entirely due to the malice and willingness of his superiors to sacrifice him, fortunately… he did have the capability."

Back then, the Alliance was a complete mess. The front kept losing battles, people's morale was shaky, and soldiers coming back got blamed and punished. Yan Zhuo was shoved into the Commander role when he was barely in his twenties.

The meal went by fast. When Specialist Ye got up to see him out, she finally seemed unable to hold back.

"Mr. Ruan, you two..."

Ruan Yunchu paused, just quietly watching her, with no intention of responding.

Seeing his attitude, Specialist Ye couldn't bring herself to go on. In the end, she just smiled and said, "Never mind, you should head back and get some rest soon. We'll probably be landing in a few days."

Ruan Yunchu gave a slight nod and turned to leave.

On the way back, he was weighed down with thoughts. One moment he'd think of Yan Zhuo when he first came to him, the next he'd remember someone carrying him on a rocking ship.

His mind was racing, and he couldn't settle down for days.

Before he knew it, the starship finally reached Planet A. Because of the sensitive nature of things, the Alliance kept it under wraps even though they'd won, and had them slip into the base without a sound.

Upon seeing the sunlight again, Sanan squinted and let out a sigh of relief. "Brother Fu Yun, can I crash at your place for a bit?"

Ruan Yunchu grunted in acknowledgment, glanced at him, and noticed something. "You've gotten a lot taller lately."

Not just taller—Sanan looked like he'd been on growth hormones, he'd bulked up like crazy, losing that boyish look and starting to look like a man.

Sanan gave a sheepish grin. "They say you grow fast after you differentiate, and I've been training a lot lately. I've put on ten kilos."

Ruan Yunchu nodded. "Don't slack off just 'cause we're back on Planet A."

"Huh?"

Sanan's complaints went in one ear and out the other. Ruan Yunchu's eyes zeroed in on 502 in the crowd. He'd been with Lin Zheng, standing quietly in the crowd. When their eyes met, he gave a smile.

After a quick questioning and check, Ruan Yunchu and Sanan were let go. Knowing 502 still had other checks to go through, Ruan Yunchu left him with Lin Zheng.

Just as they were leaving the Alliance base's branch office, Sanan was telling him about what had happened these past few days, when he looked up and saw Ruan Yunchu suddenly halt.

From the other end of the hallway, two figures were slowly approaching.

"Lieutenant General Peng, Old Master Peng." Ruan Yunchu was the first to greet them, his eyes settling on Old Master Peng's face, pausing for a couple of seconds.

It might have been his imagination, but Peng Yun seemed to have aged a lot over these past few months.

Peng Zhongying nodded. Beside him, Peng Yun smiled warmly. "You made it back safe and sound. Heading home?"

"Mm."

Sanan's eyes went wide, his face a mix of shock and bewilderment.

"Lieutenant General Peng?"

Peng Zhongying's eyes landed on him. "This the kid you met on Planet T?"

Ruan Yunchu inclined his head. "Yeah, the one who almost got modified."

"Modified?" Sanan didn't understand, but he looked left and right curiously. No one gave him an answer.

Instead, Peng Yun beside him studied him for a good while. "Poor kid, with talent like his. Want to become my student?"

Sanan was completely lost.

"He's still young. You can ask him yourself." Ruan Yunchu said offhandedly to Sanan, "This is General Peng Yun, Lieutenant General Peng Zhongying's father."

That name was legendary across the entire galaxy. Sanan's mouth dropped into an O, he was practically flattered beyond belief.

"R-Really? Is that for real?"

Peng Yun burst out laughing. "Do I look like I'm messing with you?"

Sanan's eyes lit up, looking at Ruan Yunchu with expectation and surprise.

Ruan Yunchu said, "In that case, set a time with Old Master Peng yourself."

"Okay!"

After a short while, after exchanging pleasantries, Peng Zhongying made an excuse to see them off and followed behind Ruan Yunchu.

"The message has been passed to Uncle Chen. Sector A has been unstable recently, so you should be careful."

Ruan Yunchu hummed, turned to look at Old Master's back, and asked, "Is Old Master ill?"

"He's been unwell lately, just a routine checkup." Peng Zhongying's face showed obvious fatigue, clearly exhausted.

On the starship, Ruan Yunchu hadn't been able to probe for news. Now facing someone familiar, he remembered something. "Have you contacted Yan Zhuo? When will he arrive on Planet A?"

Peng Zhongying was clearly stunned.

"You don't know yet?"

"What?"

"..."

Ten minutes later, on the Ruan family's hovercar.

Sanan pressed against the window curiously, looking at the bustling streets on both sides. Every time they passed a landmark, he would let out a "Wow." "Sector A is indeed as prosperous as the legends say."

The person sitting next to him remained silent, his face as calm as usual. His slender eyelashes drooped slightly, casting sparse shadows under his eyes, but they couldn't conceal his emotions.

Even the carefree Sanan noticed something was wrong with him.

"Brother Fu Yun, what's wrong?"

After a full five seconds, the youth who hadn't moved slowly lifted his head. A few strands of hair fell messily on his cheek. He brushed them away, his expression cold.

"My name is Ruan Yunchu. Fu Yun is just a pseudonym. Don't call me that anymore."

Sanan's eyes widened slightly. He had actually guessed it long ago, but he still obediently nodded. "Okay, Brother Yunchu. Are we going to your place now?"

"Mm."

Seeing him turn his head to look out the window, Sanan hesitated for a long time before asking softly, "Are you really rich?"

"Huh?"

"You know so many people—even Lieutenant General Peng is your friend, and... the Commander."

"Just a coincidence."

Ruan Yunchu didn't say more. Soon, the car turned into a familiar front yard, passed through large areas of trees and lawns, and finally stopped outside a courtyard.

"Wow!"

Sanan pushed open the door and got out of the car, completely amazed. "So many flowers."

Not only the wide-open gate but also the top of the high wall was covered with branches heavy with blooming buds, making the house inside look even more mysterious and beautiful.

Ruan Yunchu walked through the gate without a word, and his expression softened only when he saw Uncle Chen hurrying out to greet him.

"You're finally back." Uncle Chen let out a soft sigh, looking at him with concern. "You've lost weight again."

"Uncle Chen." Ruan Yunchu said to him.

Seeing the elegantly dressed middle-aged man in a suit, Sanan immediately grew tense. "Hello, Uncle Chen. I'm Sanan."

Uncle Chen smiled kindly. "You must be the young master's friend. I've already prepared a guest room for you."

"Th-thank you."

Uncle Chen could see that Ruan Yunchu was exhausted, so he didn't talk much with him. Instead, he asked Sanan about his dietary restrictions and preferences as they entered the house.

Their conversation went smoothly, and Ruan Yunchu wasn't worried. Sanan, who was adept at dealing with different people on T Star, answered Uncle Chen straightforwardly, so there was no need for him to worry.

Back in his room, he washed up quickly and entered the study, where he saw a smart wheelchair by the window—the same model he used to use.

He paused for a moment, then walked over slowly and sat down. Lifting his gaze, he looked out the window, catching a view of the back garden.

An image surfaced from long ago: sitting here, looking down at the barren land, and then hearing Peng Zhongying's strained voice.

"The commander's battleship was blown to pieces. Most likely he's already..."

Suddenly, he shivered. He realized he had just been asleep. Opening his eyes, he found his hand held tightly.

Lowering his eyes, he saw the sunlight streaming through the window fall perfectly on the man. Yan Zhuo was crouched in front of him, holding his fingers and carefully trimming his nails. Sensing him move, Yan Zhuo raised an eyebrow and looked over, his dark eyes filled with amusement.

"Sorry, I woke the young master up."

He instinctively moved his hand, but couldn't pull it away.

"Didn't you already..."

"Already what?"

Yan Zhuo said casually, then wiped his trimmed fingertips with a wet wipe. Kneeling on one knee, he placed one of Ruan Yunchu's legs on his knee.

"You..."

Ruan Yunchu frowned slightly, annoyed, and tried to stand up on his own, only to realize his legs had no strength.

"What's wrong? Don't I usually trim them? Why are you being so shy all of a sudden?" Yan Zhuo held his slender ankle firmly, not giving him a chance to pull away. "If you don't want me to do it, do you want Wu Ming to take over?"

Ruan Yunchu: "..."

He leaned back in the wheelchair, his breath coming faster from anger.

"Don't be mad. Anger is bad for your health." Yan Zhuo looked down seriously, finished trimming his nails, filed them, and pulled his socks back on before looking up. "Even though I'm happy to take care of you for a lifetime, I still hope you'll stay healthy."

Ruan Yunchu met his eyes, which were smiling, and gritted his teeth, pushing down the inexplicable ache in his chest.

"Liar."

Yan Zhuo looked clearly stunned for a moment, then wore a helpless look. "How am I lying?"

Ruan Yunchu looked at him coldly. "You said you wanted a lifetime together, so why did you have to die?"

"Who said I died?"

Yan Zhuo's eyes softened with concern. He slowly rose and leaned in, kissing Ruan Yunchu's cold lips.

"When have I ever broken a promise I made?"

"... "

Ruan Yunchu didn't move, but as the kiss deepened, he reached out and grabbed Yan Zhuo's collar tightly.

He bit down hard. Yan Zhuo let out a hiss, and the strong taste of blood filled their mouths.

Ruan Yunchu stared at him fiercely. "If you dare to die..."

Yan Zhuo looked at him helplessly, finishing the sentence. "Then I'm a dead man?"

"... "

Yan Zhuo kissed the tip of his nose. "It's okay, I understand. I'll only die by your hand."

"I promise."

-

Even though the Alliance had blocked all news, news still spread across the galaxy that the Alliance forces had brought back a batch of replicants from the rebel base.

For a time, online discussions grew heated.

"Are replicants considered human? They're just like robots, aren't they?"

"I heard the Alliance plans to grant them citizenship. Why? What if I'm walking down the street one day and see someone who looks exactly like me? That would be terrifying."

"I'm firmly against it! Replicants should be destroyed!"

"And the Alliance is deliberately withholding information. Who knows what they're really up to? If they have the nerve, they should show us these replicants."

"My friend was part of the reinforcements this time. I heard the rebels created replicants as war machines—they don't feel pain and aren't afraid to die. What if they become terrorists later?"

"I don't want to live with these beings. There are plenty of barren worlds in outer space waiting to be developed. Why not send them there?"

"In the past, whenever they captured any spoils of war, they would put it in the news immediately. Why are they hiding the replicants? Anyone can guess the reason without thinking."

"And I heard the Alliance is about to have another major shake-up."

"Isn't that the same news I heard?"

"Why are you being so vague? Can't you just say it directly?"

"I heard that the commander died. That's why they don't dare to mention the victory over the rebels—they're afraid the news will damage morale."

"Really? No way! He's never lost before, right? I don't believe it."

"I heard the internal faction in the Alliance has been planning to replace him for a long time. His ship's wreckage is still floating in space, unrecovered. Things are probably getting intense now."

"... "

As the discussion raged on, all the trending posts and keywords were deleted.

At the Ruan residence, Sanan was sharing his experience from yesterday's visit to Old Master Peng's home. Ruan Yunchu closed the blocked webpage, lowered his gaze, and took a sip of tea.

"Old Master Peng is really funny. He even asked me to go for a medical checkup and use the Alliance's professional equipment to create a training plan for me."

Ruan Yunchu looked up at him. "When?"

"Tomorrow."

Without hesitation, he said, "Go to Jiaxie."

"Old Master Peng told me to go to the military hospital," Sanan said, with a puzzled look. "I wondered at the time, since coming to you would obviously be more convenient."

Ruan Yunchu didn't say much, only replying, "Tell him that Jiaxie is also very professional in this regard."

"Alright."

Rather than going to an unfamiliar place, Sanan naturally preferred to stay with him.

Sanan relayed the message to Peng Yun, who had no objections, so he accompanied Ruan Yunchu to Jiaxie that same day for a full examination.

After everything was done, Ruan Yunchu walked out, and the director behind him said, "I will urge them to produce the results as soon as possible."

Ruan Yunchu said "Mm" in acknowledgment and added, "There's one more thing I need you to do."

"..."

That night, Jiaxie Hospital was broken into by thieves, triggering the security alarm, which blared loudly, and the hospital was immediately surrounded by Alliance police.

When Ruan Yunchu arrived, the hospital director was giving his statement to the police.

"What happened?"

Seeing him, the director hurried over. "The laboratory and data storage room were both broken into, and this month's medical checkup records were all stolen."

"Were they backed up?"

"Yes, but..." The director looked troubled, so he leaned in and whispered, "The most important thing is that the gene bank was stolen. With the public opinion around the Replicants already so volatile, this situation is very damaging to the hospital's reputation."

Before he could say the word "I'm afraid," the sound of uniform footsteps came from behind Ruan Yunchu.

He motioned for the director to stay calm, turned around casually, and saw a smug face.

"Well, well, Young Master Ruan, long time no see." Luo Peng's gaze fell on him, filled with malice.

Ruan Yunchu didn't respond, only staring back coldly.

Luo Peng hated this look on his face the most. Back when he chased after this man, it was the same—like he was some annoying fly or mosquito, wishing he would just get lost.

But now, it was no longer up to him.

He pressed his lips together and spoke coldly, "Ruan Yunchu, the Jiaxie Hospital under your name was involved in illegally selling gene banks years ago, and now it has caused another gene bank theft. On behalf of the Alliance military, I am arresting you. Come with me for investigation."

Ruan Yunchu didn't move. "The matter hasn't been cleared up yet. If you make a move on me now, Luo Peng, have you thought about the consequences?"

He knew very well that what Ruan Mingyi did years ago had nothing to do with him. Even if they wanted to detain him, they should start with other insiders. Luo Peng had no legitimate reason to arrest him. If he wanted to pursue it later, he could even gain the upper hand over Luo Peng in public opinion.

This move would bring no benefit to Luo Peng, but this simple-minded fool likely wouldn't think of that.

Sure enough, a flash of anger crossed Luo Peng's face. "Since you won't cooperate, don't blame us."

He slightly raised his hand, and the soldiers on both sides stepped forward, clearly intending to take Ruan Yunchu by force.

Seeing this, the director became anxious. "This isn't standard procedure, and besides, what happened a decade ago has nothing to do with us..."

"Shut up, or I'll arrest you too." Luo Peng looked around with condescension, and that arrogant expression immediately silenced everyone nearby.

"Take him away!"

Just as the two soldiers were about to handcuff Ruan Yunchu in public, a column of soldiers suddenly appeared from the far end of the hallway.

Someone let out a cold laugh.

"Stop!"