Chapter 105

Chapter 105

The two noble male insects' first reaction upon seeing Nevi was neither anger nor shame, but stunned admiration.

They had seen Nevi in the banquet hall before, but the projection on the large screen was somewhat distorted, and Nevi didn't photograph well. Anyone who had seen him in person would agree that the livestream video didn't do justice to his beauty.

The two noble male insects had been sitting far from the screen in the banquet hall, so they'd only vaguely registered that Nevi was attractive—without any real sense of it. It hadn't hit them nearly as hard as Kaisisen's public proposal.

Now, standing barely two arm's lengths away from Nevi, his breathtaking beauty—like a god of beauty descending, flawless from every angle—made them instinctively hold their breath.

The indignation from being hit with ice moments ago evaporated instantly. Staring at this male insect so beautiful he seemed almost unreal, like he was straight out of a filter, all they could do was dumbly ask, "Who are you?"

Yes, they hadn't recognized at all that this was the very Nevi they'd been gossiping about moments ago.

The "country bumpkin with a worthless rank" who supposedly had some looks and schemes.

The two male insects stared unblinkingly at Nevi, watching the stunningly beautiful male insect angrily spit something out at them. They heard nothing—utterly overwhelmed by the sheer shock of Nevi's beauty.

So pretty!

His red-rimmed eyes are so cute!

The insect race's innate genetic hierarchy made them a species that revered strength, and likewise, most of them were obsessed with appearances.

The higher an insect's rank, the more striking their features. Compared to female insects' worship of physical prowess, male insects—naturally frail with fixed ranks, pampered and spoiled by society—cared far more about appearance.

They loved beautiful things and delighted in dressing up sharp. They genuinely admired and adored male insects with outstanding looks and impeccable style.

Oblivious as ever, Nevi likely hadn't realized this himself. Since arriving at the capital star, every male insect he'd met—young or old—had been incredibly accepting and fond of him. Not a single one had ever shown him malice or dislike.

Now Nevi frowned, the reaction of the two male insects before him struck him as strange.

After delivering his scathing mockery, he'd braced himself for any counterattack they might throw.

But he'd never expected them to just stand there staring blankly at him.

Nevi didn't have time to dwell on it. He glared back furiously, his contempt for them burning hot.

How could they speak so casually, with such self-righteousness, about toying with others' feelings?

The kind friends he'd met at the tea party hosted by the Male Insect Association when he first arrived at the capital star—they still harbored deep resentment over being deceived. They'd tear up whenever the topic came up.

Just because they lacked power and influence, did their sincerity have to be the reason they got deceived?

And their vile insults toward Kaisisen—Nevi was barely restraining himself from punching them square in the face right now!

"You privileged types are nothing but beasts wearing insect skin! All shiny and polished on the outside, but filled with disgusting pus inside!

You sit on your high horses, casually deceiving and toying with the feelings of ordinary insects. But how much better are you than they are? Your power and innate genes were merely inherited from your families! In my eyes, you can't compare to them at all—at least they create wealth with their own hands and abilities, working hard to make a living!

You're nothing but pathetic parasites leeching off the Empire! You toy with others like this, and one day, insects of a higher class than you will toy with you right back!"

Nevi's eyes were practically on fire, his chest heaving violently. "And you—what did my spouse Kaisisen ever do to deserve such slander from you? He did nothing wrong! He simply refused to stoop to your level, and for that, you humiliate him like this... You're rotten through and through! Do you have no respect whatsoever for female insects?! When you spew such venom, do you ever think of your own mothers and sisters?! You—you disgust me!"

Nevi's tirade was sharp and relentless, and this time, both male insects heard every word.

As pampered noble male insects of the privileged class, they weren't exactly known for their patience. Had any other insect cursed them out like this, they would have lost it on the spot and taught that insect a lesson.

But now, watching this exquisitely beautiful male insect look at them with utter disgust, as if they were nothing but garbage, a wave of shame and humiliation crashed over them.

They hung their heads, turning beet red, stammering and mumbling but unable to form a single word.

Because they finally realized Nevi was right.

They didn't actually have any real history with Kaisisen. It was just that one of their friends had once been flat-out rejected by Kaisisen for a marriage alliance. When that friend saw Kaisisen's public proposal earlier, he'd burst out crying and left early.

They'd been furious on his behalf, and blinded by anger, they'd lashed out with reckless insults toward Kaisisen. In truth, they'd only been trying to vent on their friend's behalf, as if tearing the other party down might somehow make their friend feel better.

It was such an immature, tacky thing to do.

Tears welled up in their eyes. They looked up at this beautiful male insect. Even while glaring at them, he didn't seem fierce or ugly—rather, he possessed a unique charm. Clad in simple, elegant high-end attire, he stood like a pristine white swan among the flock, beautiful and graceful.

Then they looked at themselves—even in their ornate, elaborate outfits, they seemed like bedraggled pheasants by comparison. And they'd had the audacity to mock him as a country bumpkin? If he was a bumpkin, what did that make them, then?

In an instant, the sting of being scolded and a crushing sense of inferiority overwhelmed them, and they burst into loud sobs.

Yet they couldn't muster any resentment or aversion toward Nevi. Even now, all they could feel was that Nevi was just so beautiful. Their instinctive pull toward him, that fondness, hadn't even had a chance to show itself before he'd already looked at them with disgust.

They sobbed out apologies, then hung their heads and scurried away in disgrace. Just as they were about to exit the corridor, the two tear-streaked male insects couldn't help but glance back at Nevi standing in place. Their regret and shame intensified, and they cried even harder.

Moments ago, they'd been baffled. But the instant they laid eyes on Nevi, all their confusion dissipated. Even on the capital star, no male insect could compare to Nevi. When such a radiant moon descends to the mortal world, what female insect could resist the instinct to pull it into their arms?

Extreme beauty carries a natural allure, like moths drawn to flame. Perhaps the insect race's fundamental genetic code simply lacks any defense against beauty—almost no insect can resist it.

Under such overwhelming beauty, things like family background and genetic rank suddenly seemed so unimportant.

Who said Kaisisen was crazy?

He was simply incredibly lucky.

*

Nevi watched the two male insects run off wailing, momentarily stunned. Confusion flickered across his face. Was his verbal assault really that devastating? He'd barely gotten started and they'd already fled.

Even so, Nevi's brow remained furrowed. He felt heavy-hearted, not the least bit satisfied.

Thinking back to the two male insects' gossip, his worry and gloom refused to subside.

Ever since Kaisisen had returned, Nevi had been plagued by insecurity. Especially after learning about Kaisisen's background and what his family had done to him, Nevi never felt grounded, always fearing that Kaisisen would vanish like he had all those years ago—gone after breakfast, leaving no trace.

He admitted that Kaisisen's proposal today had thrilled him, but his joy didn't feel entirely pure. Deep in his heart lurked a secret, somewhat shameful thought: Kaisisen had proposed to him publicly on livestream, and the Live Streaming Gala had countless insects witnessing their bond being formed—and their Baibai & Meimei.

Kaisisen was now inextricably bound to him. No one could tear them apart—including Kaisisen's family. As long as they cared about reputation and face, they could no longer resort to those despicable tactics against Kaisisen.

A shadow passed through Nevi's eyes, then faded into deep gloom.

He'd understood the privileged class too shallowly. He'd thought their greatest obstacle was Kaisisen's family elders. He'd never imagined they weren't just facing Kaisisen's family, but the entire privileged class that his family represented.

The thought of his cherished spouse being mocked and ridiculed by other insects because of him made Nevi's heart ache. Even knowing that Kaisisen's personality meant he wouldn't care about such gossip, Nevi couldn't bear it.

He couldn't bear his beloved being wantonly discussed and humiliated by those despicable, shameless insects.

But hiding their relationship in the shadows for the rest of their lives—setting aside whether Kaisisen would agree, Nevi himself didn't want that either.

They weren't rats in a gutter, ashamed to be seen. Why couldn't they stand proudly under the sun?

If only his identity weren't that of a lone insect from a low-numbered star, but rather... surely those insects' attitudes would shift.

A bitter, ironic smile curled at the corner of Nevi's lips.

Power truly intoxicates.

Since they look down on my status, then I'll climb up and give Kaisisen a more noble and distinguished position, silencing those who mock us and shutting their filthy mouths for good!

In that moment, a flicker of resolve passed through Nevi's eyes. His mind was made up, and all hesitation and inner turmoil vanished in an instant.

*

"Papa! Papa!"

Accompanied by a childish voice growing closer and the faint sound of rapidly fluttering wings, Nevi was suddenly hit in the face by a chubby little "face-hugging" bundle.

Caught off guard, Nevi stumbled back a few steps. He quickly gathered his scattered thoughts and reached out to steady Mei Mei, who was buried against his face, ruffling Mei Mei's messy, sweat-dampened hair.

Feeling his papa's touch, Mei Mei was clearly delighted. Like a little kitten, he affectionately nuzzled his plump cheek against Nevi's neck, letting out crisp, giggling laughter.

Those nuzzles from Mei Mei melted Nevi's heart. He squeezed Mei Mei's pudgy little paw and kissed it, then paused and reached up to touch his neck, finding, sure enough, the same cake crumbs that were on that little paw.

Nonchalantly, Nevi lifted Mei Mei off his head and settled him in his arms, and sure enough, there was Mei Mei grinning up at him, sporting food remnants all over his mouth.

It wasn't until Nevi gently poked the corner of Mei Mei's mouth that the little one belatedly realized and clapped his hands over his lips, trying to hide the evidence. His big, round eyes fluttered and darted around evasively, and his trailing, babyish voice sounded both innocent and guilty as he tried to cover it up by acting cute.

"Papa~ I only ate a little, and Mama, Mama said it was okay too..."

Mei Mei's voice got quieter and quieter, because Nevi had already reached out and patted his round, full belly.

"Nai Nai! Papa!"

Seeing that Mei Mei's belly had already pushed open the hem of his shirt, revealing a good chunk of pale, chubby tummy, Nevi was both annoyed and amused. He turned and shot a glare at his doting husband, who had failed to keep the chubby little one in check.

Kaisisen rubbed his nose and immediately admitted his fault. "Sorry, Nai Nai. I'll keep a closer eye on Mei Mei next time."

"Papa, Papa! I won't sneak-eat anymore!" Mei Mei blinked and promised in his cute, babyish voice.

"Papa, I'll look after little brother too!" Bai Bai chimed in, hugging his mama's neck.

Looking at the one adult and two little ones before him, how could Nevi stay angry? He could never truly bear to be upset with them.

But he couldn't just keep indulging the chubby one. Nevi mused for a moment, then put on a stern face. "Alright, Papa will forgive Mei Mei this once. But next time, you can't eat so many snacks before a meal again. Mei Mei, if you do it again, Papa will punish you by taking away your snacks for three days. Mama and Bai Bai are in charge of supervising. If anyone dares to cover for him, same punishment, hmph."

Hearing the adult and the two little ones obediently agree, Nevi ignored Mei Mei's listless little whine and finally smiled in satisfaction.

At that moment, Kaisisen took the chance to set Bai Bai down and take Mei Mei from Nevi's arms. Nevi let out a quiet sigh of relief, hiding it well, and secretly rubbed his slightly sore and numb arm.

Not a single pound of Mei Mei's chub was wasted. As he grew, the plump little one got heavier and heavier in Nevi's arms, like a solid little anchor, and Nevi couldn't hold Mei Mei for much longer.

Nevi shook out his arm, then reached out to pick up Bai Bai, who had been watching him with eager eyes, and planted a few big, smacking kisses on him, only stopping when Bai Bai was giggling uncontrollably.

Nevi gave Bai Bai a little bounce in his arms, testing his weight, and started worrying again that Bai Bai was too light. Looking at Bai Bai, clearly not as robust as Mei Mei, Nevi quietly resolved to cure Bai Bai of his picky eating when they got home.

Though males and females differed in build, Bai Bai's weight was on the lean side even among young males his age.

Raising a child for three hundred years, worrying for two hundred and ninety-nine.

As a papa, worry was inevitable.

But holding his little one in his arms, Nevi's heart felt utterly full and willing.

This was, perhaps, the happy burden of being a papa.

Just as Nevi was lost in thought, Kaisisen's slender, well-defined fingers gently brushed over Nevi's slightly swollen eye area.

The faint sting of the touch made Nevi hiss softly, and Kaisisen's fingers immediately withdrew as if burned.

"Nai Nai, what happened just now?" Kaisisen's gentle, deep voice was laced with barely concealed worry.

Nevi had shed tears during the proposal, but Kaisisen distinctly remembered that when they parted, Nevi's eyes had only been slightly red. Now, however, they were noticeably swollen.

Moreover, Kaisisen could feel that the temperature around Nevi's eyes was abnormally cold, clearly indicating that Nevi had applied an ice pack.

Nai Nai... didn't want him to notice.

Feeling his husband's concern, Nevi sighed inwardly, knowing he couldn't hide it.

He blinked and half-truthfully said he had run into a male fan earlier and got so happy he couldn't help but cry.

Kaisisen let out a pained sigh and didn't press further, simply saying that after dinner he would help Nevi apply a proper compress, or his eyes would hurt badly by morning.

Nevi stood on his tiptoes to kiss the corner of Kaisisen's mouth, soothing the little ones in his arms with reassurances, and coaxed a faint smile back onto Kaisisen's face. Only then did he smile softly and say, "Let's go home."

Kaisisen readily agreed. "Yes, my lord, let's go home."

Nevi let out a quiet sigh of relief as he turned away, secretly glad he had thought of an excuse in advance.

He wasn't deliberately keeping secrets. Now that he had made up his mind, he would tell Kaisisen eventually—just not right now. It was too complicated to explain in a short time, and this wasn't a safe, private place for such a discussion.

But what Nevi didn't notice was that the moment he turned, a shadow passed over Kaisisen's eyes.

Nai Nai was lying.

Nai Nai thought he had hidden it well, but his little tell when lying was exactly the same as Mei Mei's just now.

What had happened? Had some clueless fool made Nai Nai cry?

At the thought, the gentle aura around Kaisisen sharpened, like a dormant beast letting slip a hint of its fury.

Enough to make anyone tremble.

But he concealed it perfectly—neither his lord before him nor the squirming chubby one in his arms noticed a thing.

A cold glint flashed in Kaisisen's eyes. He'd like to see just who this reckless fool was.

*

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Author's note: Finally kept my promise today. I forgot to say it yesterday—Happy New Year, my dears! Wishing you all joy, success in work, progress in studies, good health, and everything going your way~