Chapter 62

Chapter 62

Nevi hastily removed his apron. In the living room, Bai Bai was practicing walking with Little Black and Xiao Bai by his side, while Mei Mei was quietly crouching on the balcony, plucking flowers from her dad's garden to give to him as a gift.

Ever since Mei Mei had learned to walk, she had become completely uncontainable, dashing around the room all day, touching this and that, her chubby little legs moving surprisingly fast. The living room often echoed with Mei Mei's bright, curious little questions.

Every day, Nevi would take Bai Bai and Mei Mei for a walk in the park, mainly to let the energetic little girl Mei Mei burn off some steam.

White Roses are a rather delicate flower, but for Nevi, who had plenty of experience growing them, it was naturally no problem at all.

In just two months, that one small pot of White Roses had turned into a whole patch under Nevi's careful tending.

The long planter was full of pure white buds, big and small.

Nevi often picked up Bai Bai and Mei Mei to show them the White Roses, patiently telling them the story behind their names and stories about their mother, Aesop.

Bai Bai and Mei Mei listened with blank looks, not fully understanding, but they knew their dad loved White Roses, and getting a faint sense of the mother they'd never met.

So Mei Mei couldn't wait for the White Roses to bloom every day. That day, when she spotted two white flowers hidden among the leaves, her round eyes went wide, and without a second thought, she leaned into the planter, reached out her chubby little hand, and yanked the flowers off.

Nevi had just stepped out of the kitchen when he heard the ruckus. The chubby, sturdy Mei Mei came pattering over and threw herself onto her dad's leg, smearing the dirt from her hands and face all over Nevi's trousers.

But the little messy cub's eyes were sparkling, her face full of adoration and clinginess toward her dad. She looked up, held the White Rose up high with both hands, and said proudly, "Dad, the flowers bloomed! Mei Mei is giving them to you!"

Nevi froze for a second. He looked at the flowers he'd carefully tended and waited so long to see open, now lying limp in Mei Mei's chubby little hands. His face went stiff, a knot of frustration stuck in his throat, and he felt a bit helpless.

But seeing Mei Mei's face and hearing her innocent, happy words, Nevi's heart softened, and warmth flooded through him.

At this age, kids didn't know any better—she just wanted to make her dad happy.

He patted the kid's head, took the flowers from her little hands, and said gently, "Is this a gift from Mei Mei for Dad? How awesome. Dad loves it a lot. Thank you, Mei Mei!"

Hearing her dad's praise, Mei Mei's smile got even brighter, her chubby cheeks looking even more pinchable. She happily hugged her dad's leg, her soft feathered wings fluttering twice.

"Dad likes it, so Mei Mei likes it too!"

"Mhm, Mei Mei is really amazing. Dad's sweet little cub. How about we go to the door with Dad to see who's here?" Nevi took Mei Mei's chubby hand and said softly. There was a guest at the door, and the talk about not picking flowers could wait for later.

Nevi wasn't the type to spoil Bai Bai and Mei Mei without any limits, but he also wasn't the kind of strict parent who ignored his kids' feelings.

Nevi's thinking was simple—he just wanted his two chubby kids to grow up happy and healthy.

"Okay!" Mei Mei shouted, and the big and little figures headed to the front door. The visitor outside was clearly getting impatient, since the knocking and yelling were getting more frequent.

Nevi quickly answered and opened the door.

Sure enough, it was Joelson with his mop of red hair.

But right now, Joelson was soaked in sweat, looked anxious, and was a total mess.

Nevi didn't hesitate. He stepped aside to let Joelson in, grabbed a cloth, and poured him a glass of water, motioning for him to take a breather first.

Joelson hadn't shown up in a while. Kids that age had short memories, and it was clear Mei Mei didn't remember the big brother who once showed her fish. Now she was hiding behind her dad, cautiously peeking out at this stranger who felt familiar.

Seeing Joelson down the water in one gulp, Nevi said softly, "Joelson, has something happened?"

Nevi hadn't seen Joelson since the Blessing Festival. Joelson had wanted to add Nevi's contact back then, but Nevi had declined, not wanting to give him any false hope.

Now seeing Joelson show up out of nowhere, looking flustered and anxious, Nevi was clearly confused.

Having caught his breath, Joelson looked at the beautiful male insect before him—gentle and refined like jade. Even after all this time, his heart still couldn't help but pound fiercely.

He awkwardly averted his gaze, letting it fall vaguely beside Nevi. Thinking of what he was about to say, he forced down the clutter of thoughts in his mind and spoke concisely and quickly, "Nevi, my dad is one of the branch presidents of the Male Insect Association. I happened to pass by his study earlier and overheard them discussing something about you. They want to force you into arranged social events!"

Joelson's words struck like a thunderbolt, crashing down on Nevi's heart and stirring up massive waves.

Nevi's mind went blank. "Wh-what?"

"Wh-what?" Mei Mei, who was standing nearby, naturally didn't understand. She curiously echoed her dad's words.

Hearing his kid's voice, Nevi's rationality returned somewhat. He managed to pat Mei Mei's head and coaxed her to go play in the kids' play area before speaking again, his voice unsteady, "Joelson, could you please explain in more detail?"

Nevi's remaining rationality told him that whether in real life or in his livestreams, he had never hidden the fact that he already had kids and a mate, and that he had no plans to take a secondary spouse for now.

He didn't believe the Male Insect Association would arrange blind dates for him out of nowhere—and forced ones at that!

Sure enough, Joelson's next words confirmed his suspicions and made Nevi's heart sink instantly.

"Nevi, the Male Insect Association actually has a rule: if a single male insect living in the resettlement housing hasn't moved out within two months, the association will arrange a blind date or social event for them once a week until they move out. Nevi, even though you have a mate, I... I heard the presidents say that your status is actually considered unmarried! According to the rules, they should have arranged social events for you long ago.

Uncle Pegita has been trying his best to buy you time, but the situation doesn't look good. Because of the incident last time when Uncle Pegita went all out to protect you and the association got caught up in public backlash, several branch presidents and even the vice president of the main association have grievances. And now, on top of that, Uncle Pegita has technically violated the rules by not arranging social events for you. He's almost completely lost his say in things..."

Joelson said anxiously. He had only heard that much before he couldn't listen anymore and immediately drove his hovercar, hovering right at the edge of the speed limit, straight to the Male Insect Association.

The more he thought about it, the more worried he became, his mind filled with all sorts of terrible scenarios.

What if Uncle Pegita's resistance was futile and he not only lost his voice but also had his freedom restricted? Then Nevi would be at the association's mercy.

Nevi listened to Joelson's words, somewhat dazed. He had been completely unaware of the resettlement housing rule from start to finish.

And what wasn't clear? This must have been the work of President Pegita, Barlow, and the others.

Because he had kids and a chosen mate, they didn't want to put him in a difficult position.

Hearing Joelson mention how President Pegita had gone to great lengths to protect him and had almost lost his voice entirely, and then thinking of how President Pegita had once gently told him to treat the Male Insect Association as home, to stay as long as he wanted without any burden—

Nevi couldn't help but feel his nose sting, a thin layer of mist forming in his eyes.

He closed his eyes, forcing back the tears, and looked at Joelson's worried and helpless expression. He managed to say, "I'm fine, Joelson. Thank you for telling me this."

Joelson watched Nevi on the verge of tears, feeling anxious and heartbroken, while a surge of righteous anger welled up within him. "Although the president uncles were vague, I figured it out! On the capital planet, who else could pressure the Male Insect Association except those upper-class elites?! Nevi, listen to me—you absolutely must not go! Those top-tier powerful insects are almost destined to become the mates of High Excellencies in the future. They won't take you seriously! Those scum—what wouldn't they do?!"

Joelson said through gritted teeth. Looking at Nevi's beautiful and delicate appearance, he could hardly bear to imagine what would happen to such a kind, gentle, yet low-ranked insect with no background or status if they fell into the hands of those scum.

A strong surge of protectiveness and a sense of justice flooded Joelson's mind. His head went hot, and he blurted out impulsively, "Nevi, why don't you bring the kids and stay at my place..." That way, the Male Insect Association couldn't force you.

But before Joelson could finish his sentence, he was cut off by a nearly shrill, shocked voice.

"Joelson—good heavens! What are you trying to do?!" Barlow, dressed in casual clothes, stood behind them with a look of utter disbelief. He had clearly only heard that half of the sentence.

Barlow often visited Nevi, so Nevi had given him a spare key. And right now, it was the time Nevi and Barlow had agreed upon to take the kids to the hospital for their gene level testing.

Barlow strode forward quickly, looking at Joelson almost in disbelief. "Joelson, didn't you already let go of that idea? What are you doing now... You're an unmarried male! How could you say something like that!"

Barlow knew Joelson—he had feelings for Nevi but was an upright and kind-hearted insect. That was why Barlow didn't speak too harshly, mostly just shocked.

Snapped back to reality by Barlow's words, Joelson realized what he had just said, and his face turned bright red. He barely dared to look at Nevi's reaction, only stammering out an explanation, "No, I..."

Seeing Barlow's expression grow increasingly doubtful, Nevi stepped in to defuse the situation. "Barlow, don't misunderstand. Joelson didn't mean it that way." With that, Nevi turned to Joelson and said seriously, "Joelson, thank you for your kindness, but that wouldn't be appropriate."

Joelson also realized it was indeed inappropriate and muttered a hesitant reply.

Then, with Joelson's explanation, Barlow also learned the ins and outs of the matter.

Given the urgency and severity of the matter, Nevi, whose mind was in a complete whirl, couldn't spare a thought for the cubs' level testing.

After expressing their sincere and heartfelt gratitude to Joelson and promising to treat him to a meal once this matter was resolved, Nevi and Barlow saw off Joelson, who seemed reluctant to leave.

Before leaving, Joelson didn't forget to remind Nevi to make a decision as soon as possible—the sooner he moved out, the better it would be—and to contact him if he encountered any difficulties.

This time, Nevi finally didn't refuse Joelson's request to add him as a contact.

If he really moved away, without a communication number, he wouldn't be able to thank Joelson again.

Once the two of them were the only ones left, Barlow spoke up without a moment's hesitation. "Nevi, you and the cubs should move in with me for now. It's just me and my female spouse at my place. You've met my female spouse—he's not much of a talker, but I'm the one in charge at home, so he won't have any objections."

Barlow patted his own chest as he spoke, looking completely confident.

But Nevi stayed silent, offering no reply.

Just now, Joelson had said it was those top-tier power brokers who were behind the pressure. As for these insects, Nevi's only impressions were from the pitiful tales of male insects being tricked and the horrifying rumors he'd heard at tea parties when he first arrived in the capital star.

If these insects with such despicable and rotten characters would go so far as to threaten the Male Insect Association itself, then if he really moved into Barlow's place, wouldn't Barlow and his female spouse get caught in the crossfire?

Nevi didn't dare take that risk, nor did he want even the slightest possibility of that happening.

He looked up at Barlow, whose face was already showing worry at the lack of a reply, and let out a seemingly relaxed smile. "Thank you, Barlow, but moving out with this whole big family of mine isn't a short-term thing. I'll need to have my own place eventually. I've managed to save up a good amount of star coins by now—I can't afford to buy a house, but renting a decent place is more than within my means. Don't worry, Barlow."

"No way. It's way too dangerous for a fragile male father to live alone with two even more fragile cubs. At least I've got a retired military female at my place—staying at my place is the only safe option! What's wrong with staying long-term? My female spouse and I don't mind—you can stay at my place as long as you want!" Barlow decisively shot down Nevi's plan.

Just as Nevi instinctively worried about Barlow, Barlow's first thought was also Nevi's safety.

Just as the two were at an impasse, a knock sounded at the door once again.

This time, it was a voice both of them knew all too well.

"Nevi, are you home? It's me."

Nevi and Barlow exchanged a look and stopped their discussion. A trace of worry appeared on their faces.

But without any hesitation, they both went to the door and opened it.

President Pegita stood at the door in a trench coat, briefcase in hand, looking somewhat tired.

Seeing Nevi and Barlow inside, he didn't seem surprised that Barlow was there.

He just smiled gently as he always did. "Looks like I came at just the right time. I was worried you and Barlow might have already taken the cubs to the hospital by now."

After ushering President Pegita inside.

The three of them sat at the dining table, none saying a word.

Compared to the lively, carefree vibe in the living room's entertainment area, the atmosphere here was suffocatingly heavy.

Pegita picked up his cup and took a small sip of water, his expression looking somewhat reluctant. He took a stack of documents out of his briefcase.

He spoke carefully, choosing his words with hesitation. "Nevi, I know what you're thinking and what you plan to do. This might be a bit of a tough ask, but I've given it serious thought, and I still think it won't do you any harm. I hope you'll give it some serious consideration."

The moment he finished speaking, before Pegita could go on, Barlow blurted out in shock, "President, you're not seriously going to set Nevi up on a blind date or a mixer, are you?!"

Barlow's voice got louder and louder as he spoke. He absolutely couldn't believe that the president, who just moments ago had been described by Joelson as fiercely advocating for Nevi, would suddenly flip his stance.

He had assumed the president would support Nevi moving out, just as he did, and at the very least would never cave to the association's pressure.

But what did he see?

The president had actually pulled a stack of documents out of his briefcase that looked just like profiles of female insects!

This was absolutely ridiculous. In such a short time, had the higher-ups of the Male Insect Association taken him in for some kind of memory-wiping surgery?

"Ah, Barlow, you... you two already know?" Pegita looked at Barlow's expression, then at Nevi's composed face, and immediately caught on to something.

A flicker of bewilderment flashed in his eyes. He couldn't for the life of him figure out how Barlow and Nevi had found out about a decision he had only just made moments ago.

But the very next moment, Barlow cleared up his confusion. "President, we know—we know everything! Joelson just told us everything a moment ago—he overheard your conversation over at his male parent's place. President, did you really cave in? Are you being forced by the association to set Nevi up on blind dates? You know those top-tier noble females—how could any of them possibly be serious? Are you trying to throw Nevi into the abyss?!" Barlow's tone was full of confusion and righteous anger.

"Joelson, ah, I see. I did notice some noise coming from his male parent's direction during the meeting..." Pegita said, now understanding. He smiled with a hint of teasing, looking at Nevi as if with some emotion.

Nevi's charm really was something else. He never would have guessed that Joelson, who had barely met Nevi, would fall head over heels so fast, and even those insects too...

"President, this is no time for that—how can you still be smiling? I'm about to die of worry here! What on earth are you thinking?!" the hot-tempered Barlow blurted out in a panic.

Pegita gave a helpless smile, looking at the two insects before him, who looked confused. Without further hesitation, he explained, "Barlow, Nevi, I think you two have misunderstood."

"What?" "Huh?"

"I misunderstood at first as well, and I was absolutely furious. But then I found out things weren't what I had imagined." Pegita paused, a look of confusion also crossing his face, and said, sounding somewhat baffled, "I thought those top-tier nobles were putting pressure on Nevi... with malicious intent.

But in reality, although the nobles applying pressure were firm in their attitude, they were uncharacteristically serious. They want the Male Insect Association to arrange for their eligible female offspring to meet Nevi. And every single one of them, without exception, has offered the highest standard of matchmaking, directly promising the position of female spouse."

Blind dates arranged through the Male Insect Association generally came in several different types. Most were just simple meetings where, if things clicked, they'd take it from there later. A smaller number were cases where a male insect who had unexpectedly lost his elders and already had a female he liked would go through the motions with the association when both parties were interested. The association would stand in for the male's family and handle the subsequent engagement and wedding arrangements.

As for the highest standard of matchmaking, it was relatively rare. It meant the party making the offer had essentially given up almost all control.

In simple terms, as long as Nevi agreed after the meeting, that female could become his female spouse.

For ordinary male and female insects, this wasn't all that hard to accept.

But what Pegita had received were, without exception, highest-standard matchmaking invitations from the eligible female offspring of top-tier nobles!

Not quite understanding what the highest standard meant, Nevi looked completely lost, while Barlow next to him was completely dumbfounded.

As he spoke, Pegita set the documents down in front of Nevi.

"I've carefully checked these—all the information is completely genuine. And the terms they've promised go beyond just this—they're quite sincere and generous. Nevi, you can take a look for yourself."

*

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Author's note: Nutrient solution has been topped up!

Illustration event is now live! If you like it, dear readers, feel free to click in and take a look!

So heartbreaking—my poor Little Baibai on the homepage background is being blocked, ahhh.

I can only look at the full illustration down below. Wuwu.

Thank you all so much for your support. I'll keep doing my best!