Asianovel

Chapter 63 - Where Is He?

Three days later, a small black spaceship crash-landed in the desert of the Second Planet.

A hand reached out, and Luo Le pushed himself up.

Then, he lifted his hand to push open the cabin door, poked his head out, and struggled to crawl out. The bumpy ride made his stomach churn with nausea.

He leaned against the door and vomited noisily on the ground.

Once the nauseating sensation subsided, he initiated the ship's comprehensive self-destruct sequence.

With a raised hand, the release handle appeared; he pulled it, propelling himself into the sky toward the distance.

Moments later, a tremendous explosion echoed behind him.

He paid no heed and continued his flight. Before long, a sand dune loomed ahead.

"Holy cow, what's going on?"

With the sound, three figures leaped out from behind the sand dune. They glanced at the explosion behind Luo Le and then looked at him. "Who are you?"

Luo Le landed steadily, ultimately deciding against retrieving his belongings for now.

One of the slender youths asked, "Was that spaceship that exploded yours?"

Until he assessed their limits, Luo Le dared not make any rash moves.

He nodded but remained silent.

The plump man standing farthest to the right noticed the protruding belly beneath his blanket. "Are you pregnant? Damn, where's your Alpha? How irresponsible of him."

"What is your name, and how did you come to be here?"

The slender man on the far left frowned, his gaze sharply fixed on him as if he suspected him of being a spy.

Luo Le gazed at the sandy ground beneath his feet, and a revelation dawned upon him regarding the identities of the three individuals standing before him.

"I am Gu Zhiwei. Currently, I am on an interstellar journey. I am just an ordinary citizen of the Empire. An issue with my spacecraft led me to crash here."

"We are the Second Planet Border Patrol. Please present your ID."

Faced with the three pairs of eyes fixated on him, Luo Le hesitated for a moment before revealing his identity.

The slender man acknowledged with a murmur and bent down to verify the information.

Underneath the blanket, Luo Le's hand couldn't help but fidget discreetly.

The ID was issued by Wind City, which could deceive the people of Planet 423. However, the Second Planet was second only to the Empire in development, and they utilized a military system. He wasn't sure if it would suffice to deceive them.

It felt like an eternity passed before Luo Le saw the man lift his head, gazing at him with a profound expression.

Noticing the silence from the man, Luo Le also remained quiet.

After a moment, the man shot him a meaningful glance and asked, "Shall I escort you back to the Empire?"

Luo Le heaved a sigh of relief, beginning to understand why Wind City had so many returning customers.

The person he was teamed up with, whose identity was fabricated, indeed possessed remarkable abilities.

"No need to trouble yourself. But can you drop me off in the city center?"

"Sure, we can take you there, but we'll need to register you first."

Luo Le hesitated for a moment before nodding in agreement.

After completing the registration, Luo Le boarded their hovercar. An hour later, the vehicle smoothly came to a halt in the heart of the city.

The slightly plump man pointed at a building ahead, "This is the city center. The tallest building on the left is where you can get a residence permit. On the right is a property rental agency. Everything you need is here, it's very convenient. We'll drop you off here."

Luo Le nodded appreciatively, "Thank you."

"Alright, we'll be on our way then."

They started walking back towards the car.

Thoughtfully, Luo Le jogged over to them, "Wait a moment."

The trio turned back.

The plump man looked at him and asked, "What's the matter?"

Luo Le pressed his lips together. "Could you trouble yourself to erase my record from the military district?"

The thin man gave him a once-over and warned, "Everyone who enters the Second Planet must register, and that includes Empire citizens."

Seeing their expressions, Luo Le knew there was no room for negotiation. He inwardly scolded himself.

He should have obtained a new identity from Wind City earlier.

The thin man smiled at him. "But, we can keep it off the books."

Luo Le lifted his gaze. "Really?"

The other two didn't object and nodded in agreement.

Before leaving, the plump man smiled at Luo Le and said, "Enjoy yourself. Don't think too much."

Their unexpected kindness left Luo Le somewhat perplexed.

Luo Le glanced at the row of machines in the center and walked over to them.

Upon entering the small booth, the outside world immediately turned dark, but it made little difference to the visibility inside.

With practiced ease, Luo Le entered his account number, and soon a page popped up.

He promptly clicked in and altered the string of numbers associated with the account.

After completing all these tasks, Luo Le let out a long sigh of relief.

Exiting the booth, he turned the corner and headed for the building where one could obtain a residence permit.

Without one, he supposed he wouldn't be able to stay in hotels or purchase property.

At the window, a Beta woman asked, "What's your name?"

"Gu Zhiwei."

Beta perused the information that popped up, "An Imperial citizen, huh? What brings you here?"

"Just sightseeing."

Beta hummed in response and continued to scan through the details. Suddenly, he paused at a certain section, casting a sideways glance at Luo Le's belly, empathizing with the child's plight.

"Alright, your information is updated. You can proceed to apply for a new AI brain over there. I hope you enjoy your stay on this Second Planet."

After encountering four consecutive similar reactions, Luo Le sensed something amiss.

Their attitudes all shifted after seeing his profile.

Could it be...

Luo Le followed the signs to the AI brain application area and, ten minutes later, the implantation was successful.

He moved to a corner to access his updated information. Indeed, it had been revised.

Scanning downward, his eyes fell upon that particular section.

Gu Zhiwei lost both parents at the age of five and was sent to an orphanage. Seven months ago, he was sold by his adoptive parents for six thousand star coins to a fifty-year-old Alpha. Following their wedding night, he left the country.

That was all the information available.

Luo Le looked at the text and twitched the corner of his mouth.

Wind City had mentioned that the new identity they arranged for him would be very convenient, with no need to worry.

So this was the kind of convenience they meant.

No wonder those people had looked at him with such peculiar gazes.

On the Second Planet, houses could not be rented; only bought.

Luo Le chose a residence relatively distant from the city center but with satisfactory surroundings and security measures in place.

The transaction cost him twelve thousand star coins in total.

His wallet significantly thinned in an instant.

*

In the spacious office, a man dressed in a navy blue military uniform sat on the sofa, with Huo Lanjing seated across from him, occasionally tapping the tea table.

"The spaceship belongs to your wife, but the system shows that it has crashed."

With each word, Huo Lanjing's expression grew darker.

Luo Le had really done his homework.

He should have sensed something when Luo Le came to collect his debt.

It was so obvious, yet he hadn't given it enough thought back then.

"That account."

How could an existing account suddenly be untraceable?

The man wore a jovial smile. "That account... we can't locate it for the time being. I'm quite curious as to how your wife acquired that number."

Huo Lanjing's gaze lowered. In their four years of marriage, Luo Le had never mentioned this matter to him.

"No, you wouldn't know either, would you? Aren't you two partners?" The smile on the man's lips deepened.

"Qin Chen."

The tone was laced with warning.

Qin Chen shrugged. "Fine, I'll stop."

"Call Wind City over."

"Sure, sure, sure."

Wind City was just outside. Qin Chen sent him a message, and he pushed the door open, standing before them.

Eyeing Huo Lanjing straight ahead, he rolled his eyes inwardly, his tone less than pleasant.

"What do you want?"

Qin Chen's coat hung loosely on his shoulders as he leaned back nonchalantly, choosing to ignore the situation.

Huo Lanjing's profound gaze fixated on Wind City like a venomous snake, slowly pouring tea into the table's saucer with his cup in hand.

"Where's Luo Le?"

The mere mention of this topic irked Wind City.

When Luo Le messaged him, asking for help to contact the Huo family on behalf of Huo Lanjing, he was taken aback.

Upon investigation, it turned out that Qin Chen had planted a tracker on him at Huo Lanjing's request, allowing them to trail him and locate Luo Le.

All because of him, Luo Le's hard work had been for naught.

He felt too ashamed to even face Luo Le now, all thanks to that madman Qin Chen.

But hearing Huo Lanjing's words, it seemed Luo Le had fled again?

A sardonic smile tugged at Wind City's lips as he taunted, "Didn't you secretly follow me to find him? So, you lost track again? You're quite peculiar, you know? You didn't cherish him when he was around, and now that he's gone, why are you clingy all of a sudden?"

As his words faded, a rich, cold pine fragrance enveloped the entire bedroom, carrying an oppressive sense of danger.

Wind City grunted, overwhelmed by the superior pheromones emanating from someone of a higher rank than him. It felt as if his skull was being crushed under a mountain of weights, compelling him to submit involuntarily.

His pheromones escaped his control.

He couldn't help but bend forward, supporting himself with both hands to keep from kneeling down.

Qin Chen also felt somewhat uneasy, yet he managed to maintain control over his pheromones. The sudden familiarity of the scent tickled his nostrils, causing him to frown slightly as he turned to look at Huo Lanjing. "That's enough, you're suffocating him. How can he answer you like this?"

Huo Lanjing closed his eyes, gradually retracting his aggressive pheromones. The cold pine fragrance in the air subsided slightly.

Wind City took deep breaths, beads of sweat forming on his forehead.

"I'll ask you again, where is Luo Le?"

Wind City kept his head down, ignoring the question and remaining silent.

Huo Lanjing's gaze darkened. "Don't you know how dangerous it is for him, with no one to care for him in this state?"

Recalling the recent events, Wind City's anger simmered. He wiped the sweat off his forehead and replied irritably, "I don't know."

He meant that he didn't know Luo Le's whereabouts, but to others, it sounded differently.

Huo Lanjing pursed his lips, tapping his index finger on the table as he turned to the person beside him. "Him, I'm taking with me."

Upon hearing this, Qin Chen's smile faded slightly. He then looked at Wind City and said, "We traced Luo Le's spacecraft crashing; the situation doesn't seem good. Aren't you worried about him?"

After finishing, he kept his gaze fixed on Wind City. Seeing a slight softening in his expression, he pressed on, "Our people found the crashed ship, but no one was inside. However, there were scattered footprints and traces of blood around..."

The moment he heard the mention of blood, Wind City couldn't stand still. He hurriedly took a step forward, anxiously asking, "And then?"

"We didn't find him, but with all that blood, his condition might not be good. Has he contacted you at all?"

Wind City shook his head honestly. "The last time we communicated was when he contacted the Huo family. After that, I went on another mission and haven't had contact since."

Before, he asked Luo Le if he wanted to return to the Empire. Calculating the days, it should be about time for him to come back.

Wind City's pupils constricted. "Have you searched around Planet 423 or the Empire?"

His expression didn't seem deceitful, and upon receiving the answer, Huo Lanjing's heart sank even further.

He pulled out a sheet of paper stamped with a red seal and handed it over.

Qin Chen took it and glanced at it. It was an authorization letter, signed by the Emperor's seal.

"I haven't touched your place. Here, the key."

Huo Lanjing reached out to take it.

Qin Chen looked at Huo Lanjing, then at Wind City. "You may leave first."

Chapter 112: Perfection

After reading the message, Lu Ran heaved a sudden sigh of relief.

He exchanged a few words with Butler Chen and then lay back in bed, feeling the tide of sleep wash over him like the ocean's waves.

The next day, Fang Chen came to visit Lu Ran once again.

He was greeted by an entirely different scene.

Lu Ran was humming a tune while wiping down the laboratory bench, clearly having finished his task ahead of schedule.

Moreover, his demeanor was vastly different from his distracted state the previous day.

Fang Chen couldn't help but wonder,

"From the looks of it, you seem to be in need of a song that brings good fortune."

Normally, Lu Ran wouldn't bother responding to such remarks.

But today, Lu Ran turned to look at him and said, "You choose."

Fang Chen: "..."

Even if Lu Ran was willing to put up with the explosive background music in public, Fang Chen wasn't.

Another day passed before Lu Ran finally received a video call from Ji Min himself.

The man leaned against the hospital bed, looking no different from usual.

There was none of the frailty or sickly appearance one would typically expect after a major surgery.

On the contrary, the narrowness of the hospital bed's backrest accentuated the breadth of his shoulders and back.

After the video call connected, neither of them spoke for a moment.

They simply stared silently at each other.

Lu Ran had even placed a phone stand on the table and was leaning against it.

His dark eyes were darting around.

After watching for a while, Ji Min couldn't help but laugh as he asked, "Why aren't you talking?"

His voice still held a hint of hoarseness, a residual effect of the anesthesia.

Lu Ran stared at the screen for a while longer before he said, "Ji Min, I want to see your legs."

"What's there to see? They're still in casts."

Despite his words, Ji Min adjusted the camera to show Lu Ran his legs encased in plaster.

Lu Ran felt a pang of sympathy and couldn't help but ask, "Does it hurt?"

He then realized that it was a redundant question.

The first one or two days after surgery, when the anesthesia wore off, were the most unbearable.

Ji Min chuckled and asked, "And you? How have you been lately?"

Lu Ran straightened his back, lifting his chin as he replied, "I've been fantastic recently. My experiments are going smoothly, I'm eating well and sleeping soundly. Not only am I working two jobs, but I've also started a new venture."

The teenager's demeanor was radiant with enthusiasm, almost as if he was announcing that nothing had affected him at all.

"Oh, is that so?" Ji Min raised an eyebrow, looking at him quizzically.

"Indeed!" Lu Ran nodded vigorously.

In truth, he felt a little guilty.

He hadn't slept well these past two days and woke up this morning with dark circles still lingering beneath his eyes.

He also wasn't used to eating alone; when he weighed himself in the lab yesterday, he found that he had lost some weight.

But one must never show weakness, especially not in this situation — he couldn't afford to admit it.

Lu Ran cleared his throat softly.

Just as he was about to change the subject, he saw the man on the screen tease,

"Is that why you sleep well, because you're in my room?"

Lu Ran froze.

He immediately turned his head to look.

The camera was pointed directly at Ji Min's bed in the bedroom.

His freshly changed clothes were still haphazardly draped over the armrest Ji Min usually used.

Lu Ran: "..."

"I think you misinterpreted," he tried to save face. "I just came to your room to take a look, um, your bathroom is more convenient to use!"

Ji Min laughed quietly, pressing his finger against his forehead.

After being ridiculed mercilessly, Lu Ran gave up and said, "Forget it, laugh if you want. What's wrong with me staying in my boyfriend's room!"

Ji Min chuckled for quite some time before he finally subsided.

He turned to look at Lu Ran and asked, "You're eating well too? Why did I hear from the butler that you haven't been eating much lately at night?"

Lu Ran fell silent and then leaned back onto the table.

He mumbled, "If you already know, why are you still asking me?"

For some reason, nostalgia spread in an instant.

Ji Min fell silent too.

He nodded gently and said, "I saw it."

"Hmm? What?" Lu Ran asked.

Ji Min lifted his gaze to look at him and said, "I saw your message saying that you missed me."

Lu Ran was taken aback.

He blinked, suddenly longing to see Ji Min more than anything.

Desperately, he yearned to rush to that isolated surgical building.

But he remembered that Ji Min had just undergone surgery.

It was already a great effort for him to muster the energy to make a call now.

Lowering his gaze, he hurriedly said, "It's late, you should get some rest first."

On Ji Min's end, Manager Chen's gentle reminder could also be heard.

Ji Min paused before he had no choice but to say, "Alright, good night. We'll talk again tomorrow."

"Okay, see you tomorrow!"

Lu Ran instantly regained his energy.

As soon as he hung up on Ji Min's video call, Fang Chen's call came in immediately.

He immediately asked, "Why didn't you answer my calls?"

Lu Ran didn't reply and instead asked, "What's up?"

"Fang Chen here! I wanted to team up with you for a game!" Fang Chen said.

But soon, he lowered his voice and spoke in a mysterious tone, "While calling you, I received some good news."

"What good news?" Lu Ran was slightly surprised.

However, Fang Chen's voice sounded flustered on the other end of the line.

"Hush! My dad is coming over. Let's talk when we meet tomorrow!" he whispered.

The next day, before Fang Chen showed up at school, Lu Ran unexpectedly encountered Shen Xingran.

Shen Xingran was taking an outdoor class with other students from Elite Academy.

Unlike how he pleaded with Gu Ningqi at the Gu family residence not long ago, Shen Xingran had returned to his dazzling self at school.

Upon seeing Lu Ran, he even greeted him with a smile, saying,

"Brother, you should pay a visit home lately. Dad's in a good mood; perhaps you two could have a heart-to-heart talk."

His tone was gentle, yet the message conveyed was profound.

Recently, due to Lu Ran's close relationship with Fang Chen, others at school had started paying more attention to Lu Ran.

Some inevitably brought up his connection to the Shen family, unlike the previous rumors about him being an illegitimate child.

This time, with Fang Chen's status and the way he treated Lu Ran, it solidified the speculation that Lu Ran was the legitimate young master of the Shen family.

There were also those with calculative minds who began to show favoritism towards Lu Ran because of his newfound status.

However, Shen Xingran's words carried a subtle hint.

Not only did he point out that Lu Ran didn't reside in the Shen residence, but he also indirectly implied that Lu Ran had a strained relationship with his family members.

Lu Ran completely ignored this guy's soap opera-like way of speaking.

But after thinking about what he had planned to do the other day, he nodded in agreement. "You're right, I should go back for a visit."

Upon hearing Lu Ran's prompt response, Shen Xingran's expression froze.

At this moment, Fang Chen had also found them and pulled Lu Ran away.

Once they were far from Shen Xingran's group, Fang Chen turned his head, looked around, then complained to Lu Ran,

"I don't really like your younger brother. The last time I went to your house, he even said he wanted to throw Big Yellow out."

"If you play with him again, I won't come to find you," Fang Chen declared.

Lu Ran rolled his eyes. "Which eye of yours saw me wanting to play with him?"

Play as in pushing someone into a pile of feces?

Seeing his reaction, Fang Chen immediately brightened up.

Recalling Shen Xingran's attitude, Lu Ran frowned and pondered for a moment.

Remembering what had happened the previous night, Fang Chen said excitedly, "Guess what good news I have for you?"

Lu Ran looked at him and fell silent before replying, "Your father isn't planning to hand over that project to the Shen family, is he?"

Fang Chen was taken aback. "Huh? You knew about it?"

He exclaimed in surprise, "My dad never tells me these things. I only overheard him talking in his study when I called you yesterday. It seems like he's very interested in your family's latest technology."

As he spoke, Fang Chen modestly shook his head and continued,

"Don't thank me. I can't influence my father's decisions. It's still your Shen family that's amazing."

Upon finishing his sentence, he noticed Lu Ran staring at him with a sullen expression.

"Why... why are you looking at me like that?" Fang Chen couldn't help but shiver.

Lu Ran reached out to pat his shoulder. "Take back what you just said, and we'll still be good friends."

Who cared if the Shen family obtained the project? It would be a blessing if they went bankrupt.

Noticing Lu Ran's expression, Fang Chen awkwardly said, "Why aren't you happy that your family is getting such a big project?"

Lu Ran didn't hide anything from Fang Chen and shared the mess between him and the Shen family.

Fang Chen was astounded.

"Wow, seriously? Such a thing actually happened. What were your parents thinking?"

Then, he tried to comfort Lu Ran. "I only heard my dad praise them. We still don't know the final outcome."

Lu Ran lowered his head in thought, remaining silent.

In the evening, Ji Min called again with a video chat.

Conversing with Lu Ran about his recuperation progress.

Every day, Ji Min would send a message.

Yet, without physical encounters, longing continued to accumulate.

The man sent nothing but uplifting news daily.

His wounds healed splendidly, the cast was removed, replaced with a lightweight brace...

Fang Chen often came to play with Lu Ran.

Owing to his background, Fang Chen was exposed to many novel experiences.

Lu Ran would occasionally join in on the fun.

Surprisingly, Ji Min's choice of Fang Chen genuinely became one of his few friends.

The laboratory project also concluded flawlessly, granting Lu Ran new academic credits.

It seemed that everything was progressing in a positive direction.

Now, Lu Ran's life had become vastly different from his previous one.

But one day, while sitting on the sofa with Big Yellow in his arms, Lu Ran suddenly felt an eerie sense of unreality.

A strange panic welled up within him.

Unable to resist, he called Ji Min for a video chat.

The call connected swiftly.

The man on the screen was still the same as before, the reassuring figure one could depend on.

He smiled and asked, "What's up? Why did you contact me out of the blue?"

Lu Ran couldn't hold back and used their old term of address. "Boss, can you... can you stand up now?"

"Enough."

As the man moved, the perspective in the video elevated.

Lu Ran immediately perked up, his eyes sparkling with excitement. "Can I come and see you?"

Upon hearing this, the figure in the video paused before responding, "Not yet. Wait a bit longer."

"Ahh?" Lu Ran's expression fell.

Ji Min hurriedly consoled him.

In the following days, Lu Ran seized every opportunity to reach out to Ji Min.

No matter when he played the video, the man always maintained his composed demeanor, as if the lengthy and arduous surgery, which had lasted for over ten hours, hadn't caused him any pain or side effects.

However, Lu Ran grew increasingly anxious.

Another video call took place.

Unable to resist, he asked, "Am I really not allowed to see you?"

Ji Min's response was the same as before, "Not yet."

Lu Ran pressed his lips together.

Suddenly, he pointed at the phone's camera and shouted, "To be honest, are you actually an AI?"

The man on the video screen froze for a moment before breaking into uncontrollable laughter.

"Why would you think that?" Ji Min asked.

"I, I..."

Lu Ran hesitated for a while before asserting firmly, "I just feel like something's off! Prove to me that you're not an AI with a facial swap."

"Hmm? How should I do that?" Ji Min asked with a smile.

"Show me your funniest face," Lu Ran requested.

Ji Min: "..."

For a considerable moment, he was rendered utterly helpless, yet ultimately acquiesced to the youth's request. With his fingers tugging at the corners of his lips, he made an absurdly comical face.

Q: "Is it acceptable now?"

Lu Ran felt a half-relief, but it was not a complete easing of his heart.

The next day, after classes were over.

Lu Ran stood by the classroom door out of habit, waiting for Fang Chen to have lunch together.

After a while, observing the flood of people pouring out from the building below.

Lu Ran suddenly realized something was amiss.

Ji Min's surgery had been too smooth-sailing.

Despite the surgery's apparent danger and its lengthy duration of over ten hours, in the man's words, it seemed no more significant than a routine appendectomy.

If the operation had truly been that straightforward, Ji Min wouldn't have delayed it for so long.

And then there was Ji Min's meticulous planning...

Within such a short timeframe, Ji Min had arranged security around him, ensuring his safety.

He had also prepared parental consent forms for the upcoming months.

Not only were Ji Min's signatures on those forms, but several were also signed by Butler Chen.

Ji Min had even made arrangements for Fang Chen.

Especially for Fang Chen.

This person had deliberately found a friend to accompany Fang Chen, to dine with him, play games, and spend time together.

Such thorough preparation...

As if to gradually accustom him to a life without Ji Min.

Chapter 102: The Beginning at Station 23

From the black-curtained sedan chair emerged a delicate-looking young nobleman with a powdered face.

Though he was described as having a powdered complexion, it was because he had actually applied powder, his scent of cosmetics almost overwhelming.

The young man wore a high bun adorned with a pure white headdress. His features were handsome, but the dark circles beneath his eyes betrayed his poor health, making him appear listless.

Si Shuhao even suspected that if not for the maids supporting him, he might not have been able to stand on his own.

He was escorted towards the Shou'an Hall, and upon seeing Su Liao and Si Shuhao, he let out a flippant laugh:

"What's going on here? My two lovely sisters, one in a wedding gown and the other dressed as a maid..."

His casual gaze suddenly froze when it landed on Yan Qiling, as if stuck like dried glue, unable to move.

Yan Qiling ignored him, instead whispering to Ming Yiyang beside him.

Just as this unknown Bai family's eldest son was about to take a step closer, a beautiful maid by his side held him back, calling him in a gentle, coquettish voice.

"Master Longfeng, Madam is about to make an appearance."

The enormous twelve-panel screen was drawn shut, and a lamp flickered to life behind it, casting the silhouette of a woman in the firelight.

The old lady's voice still grated like a grinding wheel:

"I never would have guessed that my two fine granddaughters could be so brazen. One neglects her feminine duties, disrespects her mother, and insults elders; the other thinks herself clever but ends up swapping clothes with a maid and fleeing her husband's home, behaving most recklessly!"

Slowly, the woman behind the screen rose to her feet in response to the scolding.

Her slender figure was perfectly highlighted by the shadows, defying belief that she could possess such a form as an elderly woman resembling a flesh ball.

Her anger was laced with a mocking laugh that echoed from behind the screen:

"You dare to be so bold, ignoring the rules of our Bai family! Well, I'll let you experience the consequences of defying our family teachings!"

"Bring in the servants! Confine the young misses back in their embroidery room, and punish all the maids and servants who fled with death! The accountant and matchmaker are still useful, so give them each ten strokes of the cane as a warning! As for these outsider sedan chair bearers, they too shall receive ten strokes!"

A dozen or so household servants rushed in from outside.

Gazing intently at Yan Qiling without averting his eyes, the nobleman Bai asked eagerly with a seemingly cheerful smile, "Shall we proceed as usual and have him strip before the punishment?"

He appeared extremely eager and enthusiastic. His initial steps towards the inner chamber slowed, and he began to pivot halfway towards the entrance.

It seemed that if the servants merely agreed, he would promptly leave the Hall of Longevity to witness the punishment.

Si Shuhao's perception of this nobleman Bai had transformed from "seems like a decent person" to "what a disgusting creature!"

The servants exchanged glances. One of them was about to nod in agreement, but Yan Qiling had already risen to his feet. He bowed respectfully towards the elderly madam behind the screen, speaking with refined poise, "If Madam Bai insists on this course of action, it might not be advisable."

"What's so inadvisable about it?"

A shrill snort came from behind the screen. The elderly woman clearly held a great deal of resentment towards him, "It is Mr. Yan who should be cautious. I have shown you respect for traveling a great distance, granting you ample face. Yet, you conspired with outsiders, instigating the matchmaker to lead my daughter into the Wen residence under the cover of night. Your intentions are truly suspect! It's only a matter of ten rods. Does Mr. Yan wish to completely alienate yourself from me?"

A daunting pressure emerged from behind the screen, and without anyone holding them down, everyone was forced to prostrate themselves! Ming Yiyang and Diao Qingchang, however, managed to endure the stifling sensation and remain standing.

Inside the room, an eerie gust of wind swirled, but Yan Qiling stood firm in its midst.

This steadfastness was literal; his silk robe corners seemed to be weighted with iron, not moving an inch.

"The lady has misunderstood," the man said with a slight smile. "This entire scheme was executed by me alone. The others were merely following orders. It would be unjust to mete out such harsh punishment to them at the slightest provocation."

The few who had been excluded from his self-accusation were puzzled by his actions. Ming Yiyang's brows knitted slightly as he listened.

"You have quite the compassionate heart," the elderly Madam Bai sneered. From behind the screen, it seemed she lifted her slender arm and waved dismissively. "But you might be a clay Buddha crossing the river, struggling to save yourself."

As her words faded, two beautiful maidens emerged from behind the screen, one supporting its head and the other its tail, gently pulling the open screen to the left.

The graceful silhouette behind the screen gradually revealed itself before everyone's eyes.

The woman behind the screen had a face like a blooming flower, eyes like luminous moons. Her glances were like water reflecting blossoms, exuding an indolent charm reminiscent of a prosperous and luxurious flower in the mortal world.

She was anything but an "old woman," appearing more like a newlywed bride or an unmarried maiden.

At that moment, she sat gracefully on a luxurious couch, holding a round fan adorned with poppy flowers.

Her every movement exuded elegance and allure, radiating opulence as if she were a divine fairy. If she didn't speak, no one would ever guess that she was an octogenarian.

Even upon hearing her voice, most would assume it was due to some throat ailment.

Thus, the elegantly dressed matriarch of the Bai family suddenly appeared before everyone, catching them off guard.

Liao Xinya, Su Shuhao, and Zuo Bo were all dumbfounded by the immense transformation in this woman's appearance.

Was this stunning beauty with a face like a heavenly maiden and a figure that could rival the moon the same person who was once a massive, expressionless blob?!

Is this a direct substitution of partners?!

Madam Bai was indifferent to the shock in their hearts. She narrowed her eyes and stared directly at Yan Qiling, a seductive and wicked curve forming on her lips.

"Offending this old lady... will result in having all your teeth knocked out. I'm afraid Mr. Yan couldn't bear such torment."

"How would we know without trying?"

The man with the yin-yang irises gave a faint smile.

"However, if Madam expects me, Yan, to surrender without a fight, that seems unlikely."

"Oh? So you're suggesting that it's a battle to the death between us?"

Her voice was aged, but it suddenly carried a hint of amusement, instantly diffusing the tense atmosphere.

She held a fan to cover her lips, her beautiful eyes quietly observing him as if appreciating his looks. But more than that, there was an unspoken suspicion and wariness.

This scrutiny lasted only briefly. She put down her fan, lifting her chin with interest.

"Since you're determined to protect them, I'm not an evil person either... But there are laws in the nation and rules in the family. This is my territory, and your arrogance cannot go unpunished to maintain order. However, the previous method was indeed too crude. So..."

"Let's change the form of punishment, how about that?"

Yan Qiling didn't refuse this time.

"I'm willing to hear your proposal."

"I believe the fairest solution would be to let the Dragon God decide."

Madam Bai twirled her fan with her pearl-encrusted nails, seemingly nonchalant.

After a full turn of the fan, she seemed to have made up her mind. With her captivating gaze, she glanced at the eldest son of the Bai family, Bai Changfeng, who was infatuated with beauty.

Before she could speak, a perceptive and beautiful maid beside her coughed discreetly.

Promptly, the lovely concubines surrounding the young master softly tugged at him and whispered in his ear,

"Master, Madam is waiting for your respects..."

To his surprise, Bai Changfeng seemed rather reluctant to part. However, since someone had reminded him, he couldn't appear too ignorant. Finally, he mustered the courage to step forward and respectfully bowed before the beautiful woman who appeared even younger than him.

"Mother."

Yan Qiling knew that the "punishment" that was about to come was undoubtedly related to this seemingly unserious Eldest Young Master Bai.

Sure enough, the Elder Madam Bai lightly waved her fan and smiled indulgently at her son.

"Why are you still standing? Sit down."

Seeing Bai Changfeng obediently sit on the embroidered stool, the Elder Madam revealed a pleased expression. She then turned her head and slightly lifted her chin as she looked at Yan Qiling.

"I won't make things difficult for you two. As long as you can beat my eldest son in three rounds, you won't have to be punished. But if you lose..."

She showed her snow-white teeth, smiling enchantingly.

"You'll pay with your teeth."

Although the rules of the gambling game had yet to be explained, almost everyone present felt an illusory toothache after hearing such a punishment.

Yan Qiling maintained his composed demeanor, unperturbed as always:

"So, what are the rules?"

Madam Bai seemed to have foreseen their future and found it amusing, chuckling softly. As her creamy white body swayed, it was like milk flowing, leaving onlookers mesmerized.

She said,

"I'll set up a gambling table in the main hall. You can take turns to bet, with my son as the dealer. Each of you will have three chances. If you can retrieve your teeth, I'll spare you."

She let out a gentle "ah," as if she had forgotten an intriguing detail, then added,

"Oh, yes, I can be even more merciful."

"If you lose, you can pull out your own teeth to continue betting. As long as you haven't lost all your teeth, you still have a chance. How does that sound?"

Liao Xinya picked up on the cruel undertones. She didn't sense any "mercy" but instead asked calmly,

"Madam Bai, could you please elaborate on your specific gambling method?"

"Since it's the Dragon God who will judge, the wager naturally revolves around luck..."

Madam Bai nonchalantly cast a glance, and a beautiful maid promptly brought over two jet-black dice cups.

With a gentle tap of her fan against the tray, it produced a crisp "clack":

"In each dice cup, there are six dice. Each person will take one cup and shake to determine the numbers."

With a flick of her wrist, one of the cups soared into the air and landed steadily aside, revealing a row of six dice, all showing the same number: five.

She chuckled softly:

"The one with the higher total wins. It's a simple comparison of numbers."

Ming Yiyang, who had been listening quietly until now, finally spoke up:

"What if both parties roll the same number? How would that be decided?"

Madam Bai raised an eyebrow slightly, appearing even more confident in her victory.

"If both players roll the exact same number, the one who rolls last is considered to have a 'leopard.'"

"What's the reward for a leopard?"

"The winner can take double the stakes."

Immediately, she eagerly pointed her delicate finger at the man who had remained composed throughout.

She gazed at him with a smile, admiring his beautiful heterochromatic eyes. Her crimson tongue teasingly licked her already curved lips, her flirtatious gaze exuding a seductive malice that made her even more enchantingly irresistible:

"Mr. Yan, you shall be the first to play."

"Please do."

Chapter 143: Encounter

The human Lan Jiaying had possessed? Wen Ying hesitated for a few seconds before following.

With his mind divided, Wen Ying fought Wang Run alongside Beros while trailing the human that Lan Jiaying had possessed.

As he drew closer, he caught a whiff of blood on the man, and even the stench couldn't mask the fact that Lan Jiaying's condition was dire.

It was unclear whether the person was currently under Lan Jiaying's control or their own. Reaching the end of the road, they turned a corner and encountered two exorcists. The possessed human immediately slammed on the brakes and turned to run down another alleyway.

Wen Ying found himself staring straight into the eyes of the possessed man.

Lan Jiaying only saw a humanoid figure wrapped in magic, with the mist-like power swirling around them also blocking off their aura. Unable to recognize who it was, Lan Jiaying launched an attack, raising their hand to ignite a green flame in their palm.

Wen Ying dodged and seized the wrist of the possessed individual, twisting it and pulling them closer. He whispered into Lan Jiaying's ear, "It's me, your dearest classmate."

Lan Jiaying's eyelids flickered, and they fiercely clutched onto Wen Ying's left hand, yanking it away before throwing him out.

Wen Ying somersaulted a few meters in mid-air. This brief delay allowed the two exorcists to catch up. Eager, they didn't bother with any tedious introductions but went straight for the capture. One controlled a flying knife-like weapon to soar towards them, while the other charged forward with a weapon in hand.

Lan Jiaying had just thrown Wen Ying away, but now he swiftly moved to his side with a mocking tone, "My dearest classmate, dealing with these two exorcists should be simple, right?"

Despite his disheveled appearance, Lan Jiaying's sarcastic words still flowed with elegance, as if he were not on a battlefield but in a luxurious hotel lobby.

Wen Ying didn't kill them; he only knocked them out. Today, possessing Yang Rixi's body, he hadn't engaged in any combat yet, so his magic power was still abundant.

These two exorcists had been previously defeated by Lan Jiaying and were not at full strength. It didn't take much effort for Wen Ying to knock them out.

After knocking out the exorcists, Wen Ying turned around. Lan Jiaying leaned against the wall, panting heavily before slowly sitting down with his head raised and eyes closed.

Wen Ying strolled over, studying his opponent, and clicked his tongue a few times, "How does it feel to be chased by a bunch of bugs?" To their demonic selves, those exorcists were indeed insignificant insects.

Lan Jiaying was incredibly proud and arrogant, so being hunted by what he considered mere bugs for so long must have twisted his psyche. Wen Ying deliberately observed his expression, looking past the facade of the elegant nobleman and revealing the dark, enraged demon beneath.

As Wen Ying observed, he noticed that Lan Jiaying's synchronization with this human body was extremely high. He asked in surprise, "How long have you possessed this human?"

The aura emanating from this person's body had almost entirely transformed into Lan Jiaying's.

Lan Jiaying's voice was filled with suppressed rage, low and chilling, "A long time. After making a contract with this human, I've been using this body all along."

Wen Ying's confusion instantly dissipated. No wonder they sensed that Lan Jiaying possessed much more magical power in this body than they did. Curiously, he asked, "Is it possible that you spend all your time practicing besides eating and sleeping?"

The fury emanating from Lan Jiaying intensified, like a powder keg ready to explode at the slightest spark. Covered in blood, he appeared even more terrifying, his features contorted into something resembling a demonic entity.

"Besides eating and sleeping, there's also studying," Lan Jiaying clenched his fists, his nails digging into his flesh. "This human's wish was to excel in his studies, to make his parents proud."

"After the contract, he immediately handed over his body to me."

"Pft—"

Wen Ying stifled his laughter mid-chuckle. There was no need for him to cover his lips, as the magic enveloped Yang Rixi's entire body. To outsiders, he now resembled a black humanoid figure, his face as dark as a mask, devoid of any features.

Chapter 189: Leaving the Clan

Despite the three-month-long ordeal in Qiyang County, some had miraculously survived the massacre and the conflagration that ensued before the bandits left. Some were simply fortunate, others skilled, while still others, like Dongge's family, managed to hide until the very end and escape the inferno.

At present, these survivors had all flocked to the mountains surrounding Qiyang.

It took six days for Shen Lie and Chen Dashan to reach the inner circle with their group. For most people, it was a treacherous journey filled with endless anxiety.

Lacking the necessary skills, even finding companionship was no easy feat. One could never be sure if their travel companion would stab them in the back when the situation turned dire. Even strangers who were forced to band together had to remain wary. Just as Dongge and his companions, who had joined a group of about forty or fifty people two days prior, had encountered trouble.

They had tagged along because the other group was larger, and they dared not approach them. However, they didn't seem like villains, so they decided to follow from a safe distance, drawing closer when they sensed danger and retreating when it subsided.

The group seemed to view them as no threat and even believed their presence would bolster their numbers against the bandits. Seeing that they were generally well-behaved, they tacitly allowed them to follow.

Suddenly, chaos erupted. From one moment to the next, a wolf appeared in front of them, and two children were knocked down by another in a different direction.

Screams, pandemonium, cries of pain, and wails filled the air. Amidst the sudden turmoil, a group of around forty or fifty people, seemingly a clan, scrambled to protect their kin. The young and strong shielded their family members, but the wolves had infiltrated their ranks. In the heat of the moment, they couldn't distinguish relatives from strangers, grabbing anyone they could to push them towards the wolves.

Dongge and his father and brother were momentarily stunned but quickly regained their composure. As they fought off the wolves charging at them, they also had to protect the women in their family, wary of their fellow travelers resorting to similar tactics.

In times like these, where trust was already scarce, people dared not test the limits of human nature.

No one knew how many wolves there were; in the chaos, their vicious roars seemed overwhelming, leaving everyone too preoccupied with saving themselves and their families to spare a glance.

A new group arrived amidst the melee. Logically, with dozens of people engaging the wolves, the best course of action would have been to take advantage of the confusion and escape immediately. Yet, surprisingly, this new party hesitated only briefly before ten strong young men joined the battle against the wolves.

From the corner of his eye, Dong Ge'er saw his father and two brothers encircling a wolf. Though he felt a surge of emotion, he couldn't divert his attention from the fight. The wolves' sudden attack sent shivers down their spines, stretching each passing moment into an eternity. In reality, the clash lasted no more than a few minutes.

The addition of the unexpected help must have tipped the balance. The pack's leader let out a howl, and all the wolves turned tail and fled into the woods.

Dong Ge'er's father trembled as he looked at his wife and daughter. Seeing that they had only been frightened, with no visible injuries, he breathed a sigh of relief.

While these two families heaved a collective sigh, the group that had just fought the wolves now found themselves in a tense standoff.

A young woman was pushed forward, barely saved by her husband from certain death. She survived but had fallen and crashed into a wolf. In its evasion, the wolf clawed her face. The woman clutched her face, gasping in pain. Her husband pulled away her hand, revealing three bloody claw marks on her left cheek – one shallow, the other two tearing through flesh. The sight was horrifying.

Tears streamed down the young wife's face, reflecting a mix of pain, relief from near-death, and perhaps sorrow for her disfigured face. Her sobs echoed those of the child beside her. The grandmother, trembling, seized a discarded machete and lunged at a middle-aged man in a fit of rage.

The man fled, while the others in the tribe cried out in shock and anger.

"Third Sister-in-law! Put down the knife!" This voice, resonant with authority, belonged to the bearded patriarch.

The woman ignored him, continuing to chase after the middle-aged man while shouting, "Gan Laowu, you beast! You pushed my daughter-in-law in front of the wolf! You think our third branch is powerless! How could you do such a thing? Why didn't you go and die yourself? I'll kill you!"

Gan Laowu still ran, while the young husband, staring at his wife's bloodied face, turned around, nocked an arrow, and aimed at the fleeing figure. He called out again, "Mother, stop chasing!"

The woman barely managed to halt her steps as she turned to look at him. The man had already released his arrow, followed swiftly by another.

As the arrows were shot one after another amidst the clan's cries, one pierced Gan Laowu's right leg, and the other struck his right hand.

The young man drew a third arrow, his hand trembling slightly as he aimed at the howling Gan Laowu.

The Gan family's fifth branch wailed, and the clan was stunned, soon replaced by a collective outrage from the elders.

The young wife, still covering her face, didn't react immediately but tears fell even more profusely. "Second Brother."

She grabbed the man's arm and pressed it downward, shaking her head at Gan Erlang.

The woman who had been chasing after Gan Laowu also regained her senses and immediately shielded her son. "What? Gan Laowu can use my daughter-in-law's life to save himself from the wolf, but my Erlang isn't allowed to avenge his wife? If he doesn't avenge her, then he's no man!"

The Clan Head's eyes darkened with rage. "That's his fifth uncle!"

"So what if it's his fifth uncle? Is that how uncles behave? Using seniority to bully others? What if it was your granddaughter-in-law that he pushed? Would you still turn a blind eye?"

As she spoke, she glared at Old Fifth Gan with contempt. "Your wife and daughter-in-law were there too. Why did you find it so easy to lay your hands on my daughter-in-law?"

"Our second son was in the front line protecting everyone, and this is how you treat his wife from behind?"

More than half of the clan members remained silent. The rest, who were likely peers or elders to the woman, argued that one couldn't simply strike an elder. If there was an issue with Old Fifth, it should be handled by the clan.

Gan Erlang's trembling hands stilled; they no longer shook as he sneered, "Then I truly cannot afford to stay in such a family. If I were to charge ahead one day, how would I know who might harm my mother, wife, and children from behind?"

Among the dozen or so young men who had previously lent a hand, two stepped forward and stood beside Gan Erlang. "Brother Gan."

Only then did Gan Erlang spare them a glance and greet them with a bow. "Brother Feng, thank you for your assistance earlier."

This man surnamed Feng was none other than the elder and younger brothers of Liu Family's second branch, Feng Liu. It was sheer coincidence that the Feng clan was also making their way towards the inner circle to avoid the mountain bandits. Through twists and turns, they had ended up here and witnessed the wolves fighting with humans. Ordinarily, they would have mind their own business, but Feng Eldest Brother and Feng Second Brother recognized a familiar face.

It was Gan Erlang, the brother-in-law of Shi Eldest Brother, who, like them, had gone into the mountains with Shen Lie to learn hunting before the New Year.

Originally from different villages, they had never crossed paths before. But having studied hunting together under Shen Lie, they had become acquaintances and spent a considerable amount of time together. It would be inappropriate for them to stand idly by now. Moreover, the wolf pack numbered less than twenty, while there were two or three dozen able-bodied men on the other side. With their assistance, the situation could still be managed. Thus, after leaving enough people to protect their own families, they called upon their cousins and rushed over to help.

Seeing that GannErLang's family was clearly being bullied by their clansmen, the two brothers stepped forward, providing an indirect show of support for GannErLang.

Feng DaLang shook his head and said, "It's no big deal."

He then glanced at Gann's elders and tactfully asked GannErLang, "Do you need our help, Brother Gann?"

GannErLang looked at his fellow clansmen, then at his wife, whose face was already swollen. He glanced at his mother and young daughter before turning to Feng's clan. Swallowing hard, he said, "Are you going into the inner circle, Brother Feng?"

Feng DaLang nodded. "It's too chaotic out here. We're not daring to leave the hunt. We plan to seek refuge in the inner circle."

Upon hearing that they were heading for the inner circle as well, GannErLang suggested, "Would it be possible for you to take my family with you? My mother, wife, and daughter."

Feng DaLang wasn't surprised by the request but didn't immediately agree. "I'll have to discuss this with my grandfather and uncles first."

The Gann Clan's chief and GannErLang's uncles were already furious and shouted at GannErLang.

But GannErLang pretended not to hear them. He bowed to Feng DaLang. "Please help me plead our case. You've seen the situation just now. In such circumstances, we can't afford to stay with our clansmen anymore. I might not be able to protect my mother and family alone. Brother Feng, you know that I've learned some archery and hunting skills, and I've improved quite a bit in the past year. I won't be a burden to your clan."

Feng DaLang, having trained together, was well aware of this. He nodded and said, "Brother Gan, please wait a moment."

No matter how the Gan family patriarch or the uncles tried to persuade or cajole, using either threats or kindness, their determination to leave was unwavering. Even Gan DaLang's mother remained silent about her son's near-excommunication from the clan.

Leaving the clan at this time was a significant matter. But a family was only a family if it protected its members. The fact that they had used her son and were now willing to sacrifice his wife without anyone speaking up for justice – such a family was better left behind.

The Fengs didn't concern themselves with how the Gan clan perceived them. They had witnessed and heard everything that transpired. Most importantly, Feng DaLang mentioned that Gan DaLang had learned his craft alongside the Feng brothers in Ten Li Village.

Their younger generation of Fengs all carried bows and arrows, having trained extensively in hunting. Could one have too many skilled archers?

Of course not!

Moreover, it was a matter of helping others. Elder Feng and a few uncles immediately agreed.

Before Feng Da Lang could even approach Gan Er Lang, the latter had already pulled his mother, wife, and daughter along, picked up their belongings, and turned to leave. Despite the Old Clan Head's shouting behind them that they were betraying their ancestors by leaving today, they didn't look back.

The eldest son of the fifth branch cursed fiercely, "Can't we still live without him?"

Gan Lao Wu howled in pain, still furious. He spat, "Who needs descendants who abandon their ancestors?"

He panted in pain, yet still found the strength to defend himself, "That was just a startled pull! How could I have aimed at my own uncle? Beast! Beast! What am I to do with this arrow? It hurts so much!"

Silenced by the elder's furious command to be quiet, he ceased his complaints and resumed his howls. However, most of the clan members felt a sense of gloom, especially when they recalled the time they encountered a pack of wolves at the beginning of their journey. Several wolves were taken down by Gan ErLang's bamboo arrows. Though they didn't understand why those arrows were so effective then, seeing Gan ErLang leave like this, those who had scolded him earlier now regretted their words, though it was too late for apologies.

The Dong family watched the scene unfold in silence. They gathered clothes, bedding, hoes, and axes from the nearby deserted villages and hurriedly tried to catch up with the Feng family. As soon as the Dong family left, the other family that had temporarily joined them also followed.

The faces of the Gan clan darkened even more.

The Feng family glanced at Dong GeEr's group, and Feng DaLang softly asked who was following Gan ErLang. Upon learning that the person was unknown but had been trailing them for two or three days without causing trouble and had even lent a hand when needed, the Feng family didn't object, as long as they kept a safe distance.

Feng ErLang had already gathered some herbs from the roadside, washed them with water from a bamboo tube, and handed them to Gan ErLang, saying, "Brother Gan, these are blood-staunching herbs that Shen Lie taught us to recognize. Crush them and apply them to your sister-in-law's wound."

Gan ErLang was about to search for these herbs himself, but Feng ErLang beat him to it. He hastily expressed his gratitude and took them. His mother had already retrieved a small stone mortar from home and used a wooden pestle to grind the herbs, which she then applied to her daughter-in-law's injury.

In the Feng family's formation, young and strong individuals led and brought up the rear, with Gan ErLang now added to the latter group. Meanwhile, in the central column of elders, women, and children, there were now the three Gan family members: the grandmother, mother, and granddaughter.

A dozen people followed at the tail of the procession.

The remaining Gan family, feeling ashamed to follow but wanting to, hesitated for a moment. After an unspoken discussion, they helped Gan LaoWu remove the two bamboo arrows from his body and, choosing a slightly different direction from the Fengs, set off on their own path.

Over ten days had passed since Shen Lie last escorted Sang Luo out of the valley. Thanks to her ability to find food, everyone relied heavily on her, and she was content to stay as well. With Shen An and Shen Ning managing things in the valley, apart from one brief visit to check on them when she delivered supplies, she hadn't returned there yet.

Shen Lie and Chen Dashan took turns leading expeditions, and she only accompanied Shen Lie. The rest of the time, she managed their home outside the valley. Not just Sang Luo, but the other families outside the mountain also contributed. Although they didn't build wooden walls, they constructed bamboo fences for vegetable gardens, compost pits, and even chicken coops and rabbit hutches near the caves. Occasionally, they would catch live animals and raise them. At first glance, these six households appeared no different from Zhou Lazi's group or the residents who had settled in the inner circle of the mountains.

Today, it was Shen Lie's turn to lead, so naturally, Sang Luo joined the outing. They no longer dared venture too far from the village, as long as they could find sustenance within the inner circle. Thus, they no longer focused solely on exploring the direction towards the Zhou family. Instead, they converged at a midpoint between the Zhou family and the outer village before venturing into any unexplored areas.

It was an ordinary day, and neither Shen Lie, Sang Luo, nor Shi Dalang, who accompanied them, expected such a thrilling surprise while cleaning their prey by the stream. Imagine the astonishment of Feng Da and Feng Er, who were actually younger than Shen Lie, as they greeted him with the enthusiasm of meeting a long-lost brother. And Ganniang's delight upon seeing her actual brother-in-law, Shi Dalang.

As the Feng brothers enthusiastically called out to Shen Lie and Ganniang addressed Shi Dalang as her brother-in-law, Dong Ge, lagging behind the Feng family, burst with excitement. Despite his small stature, he dashed forward swiftly, his voice echoing loudly and his emotions overflowing: "Sang Lady! Sang Lady!"

This enthusiastic outburst stunned the entire Feng clan, all turning to look. Even Feng Da, Feng Er, and Ganniang were bewildered.

Wait, who is this?

Shen Lie was utterly dumbfounded. Who was calling Ah Luo?

San Luo turned to follow the sound and saw a figure rushing toward her. His clothes were ill-fitting, and his hairstyle was even more distinctive than that of a beggar's. From a distance, as he ran, he swept his bizarre hair aside, revealing a face just recognizable amidst the chaos. "I, I am Dong Ge! Dong Ge from Dong Fu Lou!"

Chapter 62 - Departure

On Planet 423, large spacecraft could only dock within military zones.

It was quite a distance from Luo Le's residence.

By the time the car stopped, it was already afternoon.

Luo Le's head rested against the cushion, his cheeks slightly flushed, showing no signs of waking up.

Uncle Wang was about to speak when he noticed Huo Lanjing gesture for silence in the rearview mirror. He wisely kept quiet.

Huo Lanjing gently unbuckled the seatbelt beside him and passed the packed items to the front seat.

Understanding the unspoken cue, Uncle Wang took the belongings and exited the car first.

Huo Lanjing stepped out after him and walked over to open the other door.

Bending slightly to avoid Luo Le's belly, he carefully lifted him up and carried him straight towards the spacecraft docking area.

One of the onlookers leaned in and whispered to another, "Hey, yesterday the military district suddenly had a thorough cleaning, and they emphasized grooming. When I heard it was because someone from the Empire was coming, I thought it would be for some policy discussion. Didn't expect all this fuss just to pick up one person."

"Shh, don't talk too much. People who can afford such a spaceship are either rich or influential — we can't afford to provoke them."

When Luo Le woke up, the vast windowpanes reflected a dazzling array of starlight, casting a dim glow over the empty room.

He propped himself up and moved to the edge of the bed. Sitting down, he looked around his belly for his shoes.

Spotting the apricot-colored pair, Luo Le froze.

These shoes... They were the ones he wore back when he was still married, with a small hole at the tip that he had accidentally burned but never bothered to replace due to inconvenience.

Huo Lanjing had even brought these along?

Strange.

Luo Le shook his head and curled his toes to grasp the shoes.

Click. The door creaked open.

Luo Le lifted her gaze, catching a glimpse of Huo Lanjing standing by the door, clad in a creamy-hued sweater, his figure silhouetted against the light.

Seemingly aware of his intention, she swiftly stepped forward and knelt before him, her ankle captured gently in his hand. "You're not moving around easily. Call for me next time."

As she spoke, she helped him put on his shoes with great care.

Luo Le offered no resistance, allowing the garments to be dressed upon him. Once fully attired, he braced himself on the edge of the bed, attempting to rise.

"Feeling hungry? There's fruit on the table."

Without his permission, Huo Lanjing dared not approach to lend a hand, so he could only watch from behind.

Luo Le nodded and stepped out, immediately spotting the pile of luggage.

One of the suitcases was open, with clothes scattered on the sofa.

The left side appeared rather disorganized, while the garments on the right seemed half-folded.

Just as Luo Le was about to speak, Huo Lanjing approached, gently pushing the clothes aside. He fetched a cushion, placed it down, and patted the less chaotic area. "Sit here."

"Mm-hmm, bring everything to my room. No need to tidy up." He walked over, sat down, and grabbed a wet wipe.

Observing Huo Lanjing wiping his hands, Luo Le acknowledged him with a nod but didn't ask further. Instead, he went over to carry the items inside.

As Luo Le watched Huo Lanjing's back and forth movements, he popped grapes into his mouth.

Huo Lanjing had been peculiar lately. Even when treated with arrogance and bossiness, he didn't seem to take offense.

This wasn't the Huo Lanjing Luo Le knew.

The Huo Lanjing he knew was lofty, imperious, and would never be someone who held his words as gospel.

"What are you thinking about?"

Hearing the sound, Luo Le snapped back to reality and noticed Huo Lanjing sitting on the sofa to his right, fixing him with an unwavering gaze.

Setting aside what was in his hands, he gazed intently up and down at her, asking earnestly, "Why, pray tell, do you wish to retreat?"

Huo Lanjing paused, gazing into his eyes, and after a soft 'I', he lowered his head.

Previously, he had always perceived Luo Le as someone indifferent to his life.

In the four years of their marriage, he had never once thought of Luo Le while in the military district.

Later on, Luo Le would casually bring up divorce, causing him great annoyance.

Coincidentally, at that time, he was preoccupied with dealing with the insectoid crisis and postponed the matter without a second thought.

Intent on resolving the matter at hand, I planned to delve into the origin of this nuisance afterwards.

But then Luo Le died, suddenly, like a hammer blow to his skull.

Gazing at Luo Le's cold body, he felt as if he'd grasped a wildly oscillating string in his mind, unsure how to react.

Luo Le had arranged his affairs with clarity, yet had entirely excluded him, leaving not a single word for him.

He thought that Luo Le must have hated him.

At the funeral, his mind remained a blank slate.

Upon completing the funeral arrangements, everything at home began to seem strangely unfamiliar.

During meals, he would always see Luo Le smiling and talking to him. At bedtime, he would catch sight of Luo Le sleeping on the adjacent bed, grinning at him. While working, he would envision Luo Le entering the room with a cup of tea in hand...

These occurrences grew more frequent, and so did his strangeness.

He started questioning himself.

Why did his heart feel so empty?

Why did Luo Le's image involuntarily surface in his mind?

And why did his heart ache whenever he thought of Luo Le?

The traces of Luo Le were everywhere in the house.

Within a week, he found himself thinking about Luo Le more and more.

This was followed by a sense of unease and disorientation.

An answer seemed imminent.

He was afraid.

For the first time, he was terrified of an answer.

So, he fled, retreating back to the military district.

There, he moved to a different residence.

Since then, Luo Le's figure never reappeared.

Yet, the sense of comfort he sought never arrived.

With no trace of Luo Le in his surroundings, his heart grew even more restless, and his mind wandered more frequently.

Eventually, Luo Le didn't even appear in his dreams.

His anxiety and unease threatened to consume him completely.

Promptly submitting his application, he returned to the empire.

Upon pushing the door open, memories flooded in like an endless river, cascading into his mind.

He saw Luo Le sitting on the sofa, smiling at him, her lips moving silently.

Unable to resist, he replied, "I'm back."

But Luo Le vanished, not rushing to embrace him as he had expected.

In that instant, he suddenly realized that she was far from being an insignificant person in his life.

—"What are you doing? Let go of me!"

Huo Lanjing snapped back to reality upon hearing her voice, discovering that he had, without noticing, embraced Luo Le, who was now struggling in his arms.

Still gripped by the panic from his recollection, he momentarily failed to react and continued holding on.

Seeing that she couldn't break free, Luo Le fiercely butted her head against his chin.

Huo Lanjing narrowly avoided biting his tongue in surprise, releasing his grip due to the pain. As he opened his eyes and saw Luo Le holding the back of her head, he leaned forward, reaching out. "Did you bump your head?"

Luo Le hadn't expected his chin to be so hard; tears welled up uncontrollably in her eyes, making her look like a pitiful little puppy.

She pushed away his hand that had reached out. "Forget it if you don't want to talk. Don't touch me."

The conversation returned to where it had started.

Huo Lanjing didn't wish for Luo Le to know about his vulnerable side, so he had no intention of responding.

Gazing at the person who had returned to him, a subtle smile tugged at the corners of his lips.

Thankfully, she was alright.

"I'm glad you're willing to come back with me to the Empire."

Who cares whether you're glad or not.

It was like talking to a brick wall when conversing with him.

Luo Le rubbed his head and nudged, "I'm hungry."

Upon hearing this, Huo Lanjing stood up, "Then I'll go check."

After sending him away, peace finally reigned in the room.

Thirty minutes after dinner, Huo Lanjing, as usual, brought a basin of water to massage Luo Le's feet.

Perhaps it was due to this.

During this period, his feet were indeed less swollen, and he rarely experienced nocturnal cramps anymore.

At three in the morning, a figure stealthily emerged from the room in the darkness.

Guided by the intermittent shimmer of starlight, Luo Le made his way smoothly down the corridor.

He remembered secretly stashing a small spaceship on this vessel sometime before.

Now, where was it again?

The memories were too distant, and he could only recall a vague impression.

Following his scattered recollections, he walked until he suddenly heard a series of footsteps.

It was too late to hesitate. He turned the doorknob on his left, finding it unlocked. He swiftly entered and closed the door behind him.

Inside was cluttered with various items, and in the center, something was covered by a black cloth.

Why did this feel so familiar?

After the footsteps outside faded away, Luo Le walked over and lifted the cloth off.

It was a small black spaceship.

Unbelievable that it's here.

Without further delay, Luo Le reached out to stow the spaceship away.

Those footsteps earlier must have belonged to Manager Wang. They sounded like they were returning from the cockpit.

His steps weren't hurried, suggesting that he hadn't been detected. Perhaps Luo Le had returned to sleep.

Apart from the cabins, this spaceship was equipped with surveillance cameras everywhere.

He needed to hurry. If Manager Wang sensed anything amiss, Luo Le might not be able to escape.

With this thought in mind, Luo Le pulled his coat tighter and turned the doorknob.

As he approached the deck's exit for the small shuttle, he released it and glanced behind him before ducking inside.

Before sealing the cabin, Luo Le reoriented himself, facing the spinning camera, and waved with a smile.

After saying goodbye, he pressed the button. The shuttle flickered and vanished from the deck.

The next morning, after Huo Lanjing woke up, he instinctively made his way to Luo Le's room.

Upon reaching the door, he noticed a slight crack in it.

His heart tightened as he realized something. He pushed the door open abruptly.

The room was eerily empty.

Huo Lanjing's dark crimson eyes narrowed, his face dark as he strode out forcefully.

His overpowering pheromones couldn't be contained any longer.

Exiting the room, he collided with Butler Wang pushing a food cart.

Butler Wang sensed the pheromones and paused, "Young Master, where are you headed?"

"I'm going to check the surveillance footage," his tone icy cold.

Butler Wang immediately understood and hurriedly followed him to the cockpit.

He set down the food cart and went to retrieve the footage from the previous night.

From the moment they had retired, a rapid sequence of twenty-odd surveillance screens played out.

Huo Lanjing tapped the light screen a few times, zooming in on one particular feed.

From the moment Luo Le slipped out of the room quietly, the scene unfolded seamlessly.

Upon seeing himself and Luo Le narrowly missing each other, Uncle Wang froze, casting a cautious glance at Huo Lanjing. Relieved to see that his expression remained unchanged, he sighed in relief.

The footage continued until it froze on Luo Le's smiling face.

Goodbye.

Huo Lanjing's face was grim. Clenching his teeth, he slammed his fist onto the console, producing a muffled thud.

"Find her."

"Yes, sir."

With that, Uncle Wang turned and left, leaving Huo Lanjing alone in the vast cockpit. His head was bowed, hiding his emotions from view.

He had failed to notice that there must be an issue for Luo Le to agree so readily. How could that be possible?

He should have noticed it sooner.

After finally finding someone, he's lost them again...

Chapter 111: Arrangements

Fang Chen felt awkward.

"Hahaha... why would you think that?" he laughed nervously.

Lu Ran remained silent, merely gazing at him intently.

After a while, Fang Chen couldn't hold back any longer.

He was already somewhat intimidated by Lu Ran, so he could only honestly confess, "Alright, yes, that's true."

Lu Ran silently hung up his lab coat.

He stepped out of the laboratory with his backpack on.

Passing by Fang Chen, he turned his head to glance at him, his voice low and muffled as he said, "I don't need anyone to accompany me."

Fang Chen was somewhat taken aback.

It wasn't the content of Lu Ran's words, but the expression and demeanor with which he spoke them.

Previously, in Fang Chen's eyes, Lu Ran was a hero, a devil.

This person was somewhat abnormal, whether in conversation or action, carrying an enigmatic quality that was hard to fathom.

Not the kind of unfathomable depth that was difficult to grasp.

But rather, an unpredictability that could lead him to do anything outrageous at any moment.

Especially Lu Ran's eyes, dark and lustrous, they hold an inexplicably eerie quality upon being gazed upon.

Thus, Fang Chen had always been slightly afraid of Lu Ran, perceiving him as an eccentric individual.

Yet now, as Lu Ran mentioned Ji Min, he said to him, "I don't need anyone's company."

It was precisely the same cold demeanor as usual.

Yet, in Lu Ran, Fang Chen perceived an exceedingly rare kind of caprice.

Certainly, this streak of whimsy wasn't directed at him.

"Hmm, you're quite amusing," Fang Chen commented.

At that moment, Lu Ran had no intention of engaging in conversation.

He simply slung his backpack over his shoulder and headed for the fast-food restaurant where he worked.

As Lu Ran mechanically took orders, his mind wandered elsewhere.

The two bodyguards stationed at the restaurant today were different; they blended in seamlessly with the ordinary customers.

Midway through his shift, Lu Ran's phone pinged.

It was a message from the class group chat.

Their counselor had tagged everyone, reminding the daily commuters to submit their monthly parental consent forms.

The consent form was straightforward, merely a template that required a parent's signature, along with a date and contact information.

Something mundane, but it used to be quite an issue for Lu Ran.

After moving in with Ji Min, he had begged Ji Min to fill it out for him.

But now...

Before Lu Ran could even ponder how to get through this month, the new butler at his home sent him a message.

The message was a photograph, depicting a completed document.

For a moment, Lu Ran felt a bit disoriented.

He stood dumbfounded behind the counter, phone in hand.

It wasn't until new customers entered the shop that he came back to his senses.

As Lu Ran attended to his tasks, memories of Ji Min's visit to the hospital resurfaced in his mind.

In the car, he asked if there was anything he needed to be told.

The man, who usually nagged like an elder, simply said, "What's there to tell in such a short time?"

Such a short time...

On the weekend, Fang Chen came to the store where Lu Ran worked again.

As soon as he entered, he raised his hand and declared, "Let's get this straight – I came here on my own accord this time. I find you quite an interesting person."

Lu Ran didn't pay him much attention, focusing on his tasks.

But when it was time to clock out, he looked at Fang Chen for a moment.

Lu Ran had no friends and had never really had a home since he was young.

So, he had no idea how ordinary people spent time with their friends.

After a moment of silence, he spoke slowly, asking, "Do you want to come over to my place and have some fun?"

Fang Chen's eyes lit up, and he happily followed along.

On the way, Lu Ran had already sent a message to the butler, asking him to prepare dinner for two at home.

Fang Chen had initially assumed that Lu Ran would invite him to the Shen family's residence, but upon arrival, he realized it was the Ji family's house.

Surprised, he teased, "You've even moved into Ji Min's place, huh!"

Lu Ran didn't respond.

The butler, seeing that Fang Chen was the visitor, showed no signs of surprise on his face.

After dinner, the two of them lounged on the couch in the living room, playing games facing each other while cuddling with the dog.

Fang Chen yelled excitedly as he played, "Ruthless! You're damn ruthless! Your attacks are so intense, you're almost breaking the phone screen with all that tapping."

It was Lu Ran's first time staying up late to play games with a friend.

This kind of experience, which is very common among peers, was still unfamiliar to him.

After a few solo matches, the two teamed up for more battles.

When they grew tired of playing, Fang Chen put down his phone and, while petting Big Yellow, examined the layout of Ji Min's living room.

He shook his head and exclaimed, "How can Ji Min's place be more boring than my grandpa's? Aren't you bored? Next week, I'll bring you to my house to play..."

Lu Ran, staring at the character on his phone screen, was actually pondering how Ji Min's surgery would progress by next week.

Fang Chen leaned back on the sofa armrest, observing Lu Ran's expression, then suddenly said,

"Do you know how Ji Min got me to come over?"

Lu Ran looked up at him and asked, "What did he tell you?"

"Tell me? He didn't even talk to me!"

Fang Chen waved his hand before continuing, "He went straight to my dad and said he had a long business trip but was worried about leaving a young child at home. He hoped to find a peer to keep you company."

Lu Ran blinked twice.

"Ji Min rarely asks favors from anyone! When he came seeking help, my dad was thrilled and couldn't possibly refuse. He then instructed me to take good care of you."

Fang Chen curled his lips and shook his head.

After chatting for a while longer, Fang Chen put Big Yellow down and reluctantly retired to the guest room.

Lu Ran sat in the living room for a bit more.

He went upstairs and returned Big Yellow to its nest.

Then, he made his way to Ji Min's room, pushing the door open and stepping inside.

He slowly lay down on the bed.

Lu Ran mused that Ji Min had indeed been meticulous in choosing him as a companion.

Given Ji Min's status, he could have easily picked any young master from an influential family just by asking.

Yet, he had chosen Fang Chen.

Fang Chen was indeed a decent person.

But more importantly, due to his experience with the Shen family, he was terrified of himself.

And in their circle, there were quite a number of people who feared Fang Chen.

Thus, with Fang Chen being afraid of him, he would be in a position where nobody dared to provoke him.

Not to mention...

Lu Ran turned over and hugged his pillow.

Not to mention, Fang Chen's willful and spoiled demeanor was definitely not the type Lu Ran would be attracted to.

So... this playmate was quite safe.

Lu Ran felt like laughing a little.

After his laughter subsided, he felt a strange sense of sadness creeping in.

He tapped on Ji Min's WeChat and typed into the chat box, "I miss you."

However, there was no reply.

Lu Ran knew that Ji Min had already begun his pre-operative preparations.

On the day Ji Min entered the operating room, Lu Ran was still immersed in the laboratory.

In fact, he didn't need to come to the lab today; he should have been working his part-time job.

But today at the fast-food restaurant, something was clearly off with him.

Not only did he mix up customers' orders, but he also mistakenly squeezed chili sauce into a plate instead of ketchup.

Eventually, the boss noticed his unusual state and, concerned, gave him the day off, asking if there were any family issues.

Now, Lu Ran stood before the lab bench, holding a pipette, carefully transferring samples from his tray into a centrifuge tube.

He absorbed the samples almost mechanically.

His senior, standing across from him, watched for a while before finally becoming unable to bear it any longer.

She couldn't help but softly remind him, "Uh... You've added this tube several times already; it's overflowing."

Lu Ran froze for a moment, then looked down at the instrument in front of him and let out an "oh."

Worried that his recent experimental results might be ruined, Lu Ran left the lab and wandered around the academic building.

Fang Chen found him again.

Seeing his expression, Fang Chen was very surprised.

"What's going on?" Fang Chen asked. "Hey! Ji Min is just on a business trip; he'll be back in no time. Do you really need to be so distracted?"

Lu Ran didn't respond.

After a moment of silence, he suddenly asked, "Do you have anyone you want to prank today?"

"Ah?" Fang Chen stumbled, taking a step back in caution. "What do you want?"

Lu Ran flexed his wrist and said, "Just stretching my muscles."

Fang Chen shook his head vigorously. "N-No! There's no one who deserves cruel punishment right now!"

Lu Ran sighed in disappointment.

"How about we play laser tag? That can also get the blood flowing," Fang Chen suggested.

"Not exciting enough," Lu Ran shook his head.

Then, he patted Fang Chen on the shoulder. "I've thought of something to do."

Lu Ran returned to the Shen family residence.

As he was about to enter the gate of the Shen family, a bodyguard following behind stopped him.

The bodyguard lowered his head to send a message on his phone.

Moments later, two more individuals arrived, and the bodyguard then told Lu Ran, "You can go in now."

Lu Ran: "…"

He glanced at the entrance of the Shen family residence, suddenly losing his desire to enter.

Indeed, he was currently craving an outlet for his frustration.

But someone, out of concern for his safety, had arranged so many people around him.

He couldn't just ignore their efforts and be heartless.

Lu Ran returned to the Ji family home.

He strolled around the yard with Big Yellow for a long time, waiting until it was dark before reluctantly returning to his room.

During this time, Fang Chen called to ask if Lu Ran wanted to go out and play, but he declined.

He didn't feel like going anywhere at the moment.

Apparently, he wasn't in the hospital.

Only Ji Min was there, and as usual, he had his studies, work, and leisure activities to attend to.

Yet, it felt as if he were trapped before an invisible operating room door.

After dinner, while lying in bed,

Lu Ran couldn't resist checking the time.

He counted the hours; it had been more than ten since Ji Min had truly entered the operating theater.

Upon this thought, a inexplicable restlessness began to spread.

Lu Ran couldn't help but reassure himself.

It was normal for a major surgery to take this long, and neural surgeries were particularly intricate...

Nothing untoward would happen, surely.

Lu Ran lay in bed, suspended in a state between consciousness and slumber.

A tense thread lingered persistently in his mind, preventing him from truly falling asleep.

Yet, his excessive anxiety plunged him into a fatigue that was his body's protective response.

He could only doze off for a moment before hastily opening his eyes to check his phone.

Scanning the empty message list, he then fixated on the phone screen, involuntarily closing his eyes again.

This cycle repeated endlessly.

As this tense state persisted, Lu Ran couldn't help but sit up.

Regret began to settle in.

He should have caused a commotion when he passed by Shen's house today.

At the very least, he should have poured all the water babies he bought down the Shen family's drain.

Let the Shen family experience the frustration of a toilet that won't flush.

Lu Ran beat his chest and stamped his feet for quite some time.

Just as he couldn't resist getting up in the middle of the night to rush to the Shen residence...

"Ding Dong."

His phone rang.

Lu Ran completely forgot about Water Baby. He hurriedly turned around, fumbled to grab his phone, lit up the screen, and entered the message list.

It was a voice message from Manager Chen.

Lu Ran stared at the lengthy audio clip for a long while, hesitating before finally mustering the courage to tap on it.

In an instant, Manager Chen's voice, filled with delight and relief, echoed:

"The surgery is over, and the doctor said it was very successful. However, Sir is still under anesthesia and will need another day or two to regain full consciousness and be able to communicate with you properly."

At this point, Butler Chen smiled again and added, "He specifically instructed me to inform you of the outcome as soon as we left the operating room."

Chapter 61: Returning Home

The cold wind howled outside the window. At the dining table, Huo Lanjing was serving dishes to Luo Le, occasionally taking a bite from his own bowl.

Luo Le pushed the food back onto his plate. "Eat your own."

This scene had been recurring for over a week. Despite being rejected, Huo Lanjing continued with delight.

He poured a bowl of soup and waited for it to cool before offering it. "Have some soup."

Luo Le glanced at him and put down her bowl. "I'm full."

Upon hearing this, Huo Lanjing didn't insist. Swiftly finishing the last bit of rice in his bowl, he drank the soup in one go and tidied up before heading into the kitchen.

Every time he saw Luo Le bustling around with her large belly, Huo Lanjing felt a chill run down his spine.

He had pretended to be injured just so he could take care of Luo Le. Thus, after visiting the hospital twice, he found an excuse to remove his cast.

Ever since that day, he took on all the chores.

When Huo Lanjing first joined the military, he often carried out missions alone.

In the wilderness, to stave off hunger, after running out of nutrient solutions, he would hunt ferocious mutated beasts and cook their meat himself. Thus, his culinary skills were passable.

However, when it came to household chores, he was hopeless. As a prince spoiled since childhood, Lord Huo found himself floundering when doing housework; he had shattered quite a few dishes while washing them for the first time.

Luo Le was annoyed by this sight, and sarcastically demonstrated how it should be done.

Huo Lanjing was a quick learner. Now, although still somewhat inexperienced in household tasks, he no longer broke any dishes.

He also learned that the first round of mopping required an oil-removing detergent, followed by a rinse with clean water.

After finishing her meal, Luo Le sat on the sofa to rest, listening to the sounds of dishwashing coming from the kitchen.

It had been two weeks since she brought Huo Lanjing home, and Wind City had conveyed a message last week.

Yet, a whole week had passed, and Uncle Wang still hadn't arrived, nor did Huo Lanjing express any desire to leave.

When asked, he simply said that Uncle Wang had other matters to attend to at home and would arrive later.

Huo Lanjing's injuries had largely healed after just two trips to the hospital, and the cast on his leg had been removed.

Logically speaking, a bone injury shouldn't heal so swiftly.

Although Huo Lanjing attributed it to the healing pod, Luo Le felt a nagging sense of curiosity.

As he pondered, Luo Le stretched and was about to lower his hand when something came to mind, prompting him to start searching through his belongings.

The more he looked at the screen, the darker his expression became.

After washing the dishes, Huo Lanjing fetched a bucket of hot water from the bathroom and carried it over with a basin in hand, sitting down beside Luo Le.

Luo Le watched as he sat on a small stool, poured the water, tested the temperature, and began removing his shoes.

He didn't resist as Huo Lanjing proceeded to wash and massage his feet.

Looking at the focused figure with his head lowered, Luo Le's eyes flickered. In the next moment, he lifted his foot and placed it on Huo Lanjing's knee, splashing water that dampened his pants.

Huo Lanjing didn't get angry. Instead, he held Luo Le's slightly swollen foot with his large palm, his gaze darkening. He picked up a nearby towel and started drying it off.

Luo Le kicked the handkerchief aside, planting his foot firmly on Huo Lanjing's chest with a subtle exertion of force.

Huo Lanjing remained still, as if it wasn't him being stepped on.

Not even a hint of anger? This was so unlike Huo Lanjing.

Crossing his arms, Luo Le gazed at him coldly. "What do you want from me?"

Huo Lanjing sensed something and slightly parted his lips. "What?"

"Still pretending? Take a look at this." He lifted his chin slightly and tossed the object in his hand.

With lightning-fast reflexes, Huo Lanjing caught it. Upon examining it, he saw a video playing on the screen, depicting a person with a casted foot and crutches tiptoeing to the kitchen entrance.

He froze for a moment, then grabbed Luo Le's ankle around his chest, his expression earnest. "Come back to the Empire with me."

Luo Le scoffed. "Huo Lanjing, oh Huo Lanjing, you truly haven't changed. You're still that relentless person who won't stop until you achieve your goal."

"Rest assured, I won't show up in front of you without permission once we're back."

"So when is Manager Wang arriving?" he asked again.

"Tomorrow."

There was no point in hiding it.

Luo Le snorted coldly. "Admiral Huo, how come I never realized you were such a good actor? If I hadn't found out about this, I guess you would have confessed to me only after we boarded the spaceship tomorrow, right?"

From the beginning, Huo Lanjing had no intention of letting Luo Le give birth on Planet 423. He just didn't expect Luo Le to discover their plans a day earlier.

He pressed his lips together and, with his head lowered, said solemnly, "Soon, you won't be able to leave anymore."

It was more of an explanation than not.

As Luo Le's pregnancy progressed, traveling through space for extended periods would pose significant harm to his health, especially after seven or eight months.

Huo Lanjing was not skilled in words. He didn't know how to coax people, so after his explanation, he simply gazed intently at Luo Le, awaiting his response.

The wind howled fiercely outside, but inside the room, it was so quiet that even their breathing could be heard.

After a long while, Luo Le still didn't speak.

Huo Lanjing assumed he was using silence as a form of protest. Just as he was about to persuade him again, he saw Luo Le smile and say, "Sure."

Pausing, he seemed surprised that Luo Le had agreed so readily, "You're agreeing to it?"

Luo Le pulled back his dried feet and nodded, "I agree, but I have two conditions."

With great effort, he had finally won Luo Le's consent, which inexplicably lifted Huo Lanjing's spirits.

"Lay them out," he said.

Luo Le raised one finger, "First, I want to ride in the largest and most luxurious spacecraft."

Huo Lanjing nodded, "Alright."

Uncle Wang had taken the family's largest and most luxurious spaceship, the very one Luo Le had once favored the most.

Luo Le extended a second finger, "Second, you can't restrict my freedom on board."

After hearing both requests, Huo Lanjing heaved a sigh of relief; they didn't seem too difficult.

"Alright."

He raised his other foot, and Huo Lanjing, understanding the cue, promptly dried it for him.

Luo Le rose to his feet and walked towards the bedroom without looking back. Once inside, he slammed the door shut with a loud thud.

The person carrying the washbasin paused upon hearing the noise. Sensing Luo Le's anger, they dismissed it and continued with their task.

A peaceful night's sleep ensued.

The next morning, when Luo Le woke up, Huo Lanjing had already tidied everything up.

The room was spotless, and he was arranging the porridge he had purchased.

Upon seeing the bowl of porridge, Luo Le's eyes darkened slightly, but he remained composed as he approached.

Noticing his proximity, Huo Lanjing lifted his gaze. "You're awake. Have something to eat. Uncle Wang will arrive at noon."

Luo Le acknowledged with a murmur, glancing over the tidied belongings behind him before taking the spoon to start his meal.

The porridge was seasoned just right.

As he took a bite, Luo Le looked up and asked, "Did you finish packing everything?"

"Hmm."

"Alright, I'll tell Mother later."

"I'll go instead."

"I still have something to discuss with Mother. Are you going to oversee that too?"

With Luo Le's remark, Huo Lanjing dared not respond further, quietly lowering his head to continue savoring his porridge.

"By the way, there's one more thing."

Huo Lanjing lifted his gaze, looking at him with a hint of nervousness.

"Since you have the means to buy porridge, it means your money is still with you. Settle the bill, please."

"Sure."

To prevent Luo Le from suddenly changing his mind, Huo Lanjing tried his best to accommodate him.

Luo Le specified that he wanted Imperial Starcoins and provided an Empire account number.

"Hmm, what's this account?"

Huo Lanjing looked at the empty search result, devoid of any information, and asked.

"Why bother asking? Just transfer it. Are you trying to dodge payment? Seventeen thousand eight hundred, not a cent less."

"Alright."

Huo Lanjing was prompt, and Luo Le received the payment the next second.

This blank account had been left to Luo Le by his mother. According to Imperial law, such a case was not permitted.

Despite the mysterious circumstances, his old account remained unblocked and passed all security checks since he received this one.

Although he was unsure of the reason, his previous account was now unusable, leaving him with no choice but to use this one.

At noon, the doorbell rang.

Huo Lanjing went to answer it, and after a while, Manager Wang, dressed in a tuxedo, followed behind him into the room.

Upon seeing Luo Le, he nodded with a smile, "Madam, it's been a long time."

Back when he was still part of the Huo family, they all despised him. Only Manager Wang treated him strangely, neither overly solicitous nor neglectful – he was one of the few in the Huo family who treated him decently.

But Manager Wang had never smiled at him before; this was the first time.

Luo Le looked at him a bit awkwardly, reminding him, "We're already divorced, so let's drop the 'Madam' part, shall we?"

Manager Wang glanced at Huo Lanjing but didn't respond or refute the statement.

The atmosphere suddenly became a bit awkward.

"Uncle Wang, bring everything from over there."

Uncle Wang nodded in agreement and snapped his fingers. Three more robots entered through the door, standing straight with their loads in hand.

Huo Lanjing approached with a coat, standing before Luo Le. "Let's go."

Luo Le acknowledged with a soft "Mm," stood up, and took the coat to put it on.

Huo Lanjing held him back and instructed the people behind him, "Uncle Wang, please take the items down first."

Luo Le looked at him questioningly.

Huo Lanjing deftly gathered the water bottle and tissues from the table into a small bag. Then, he casually draped a small blanket over his right arm before coming to assist Luo Le.

"Get away."

Luo Le pushed him aside, put on his hat and mask, and strode out with a large step.

His 29-week pregnant belly was quite substantial by now.

With his protruding belly unsupported and taking rather large strides, Luo Le appeared quite unsteady.

Huo Lanjing watched in alarm and hurriedly caught up, grabbing his wrist. "Take it easy."

Luo Le shook off his hand. "Stop fussing."

Huo Lanjing closed the door and followed, maintaining a respectful distance of one step to avoid irritating him.

This distance ensured that he could reach Luo Le promptly in case of danger.

"Hey, Mr. Luo, Mr. Huo, where are you two off to?"

It was the man from the neighboring apartment.

Due to his suggestion, Huo Lanjing had been able to move in to take care of Luo Le, so he had a favorable impression of the man.

He uncommonly took the time to explain, "Back home."

Recalling the encounter with the man and the robot at the elevator, the man paused. Indeed, they were not ordinary people.

It must be someone from the Empire.

"Well then, have a safe trip."

Observing their animated conversation, Luo Le left straightforwardly.

Huo Lanjing acknowledged with a nod and quickly caught up with long strides.

The journey was silent until they reached the car.

Luo Le directly climbed into the backseat, buckled his seatbelt, and pretended to sleep with his eyes closed.

Seeing this, Huo Lanjing took out a small blanket, brushed it off, and gently draped it over Luo Le's stomach.

Luo Le immediately pushed away the blanket, "Don't touch me."

His tone was laced with irritation.

Huo Lanjing, realizing the tension, offered a water bottle, "Would you like some water?"

"No."

"Are you angry?"

Luo Le replied with annoyance, "No."

"You are."

Unable to bear it any longer, Luo Le sneered, "If you know, then stay away from me."

Huo Lanjing looked up in confusion, "Why are you angry?"

"Nothing. I'm tired. Don't disturb me."

With that, he turned his head aside and closed his eyes.

Did he really think he couldn't tell that it was that man who had given him the idea?

Just the thought of how he had obediently walked into the trap made him furious.

Hearing this, Huo Lanjing indeed didn't respond further. He waited until Luo Le had truly fallen asleep before carefully tucking the blanket back over her.

Chapter 142: Taking Action

"Wen Ying, do they know where Lan Jiaying is going?" the tone of her question was peculiar.

Beros responded, "That guy can't be stupid enough to go back to that human's home directly, right?"

Muershi rolled his eyes, an idea flashing through his mind. "Those exorcists don't seem worried at all. Perhaps Lan Jiaying really will return to that human's house."

"Wen Ying, is Lan Jiaying betting that the exorcists won't dare to act in front of ordinary people?" She quickly dismissed her own suggestion. "Unless he's out of his mind."

Beros, still brooding over being a week behind, was highly aware of the danger they were in. "Our target tonight is Wang Run, whether it's Wu Fei or Lan Jiaying doesn't matter much. We'll follow him and find an opportunity to eliminate him."

"Then we…" Wen Ying paused. "Should keep our eyes on him."

The three demons continued to lurk silently in their hiding spot.

After about ten minutes, the exorcists who still had energy followed Wang Run in a swift relocation.

Numerous exorcists were so engrossed in their mission that they failed to notice the three demons tailing them.

Exiting the old town, they sheathed their weapons temporarily, as the bustling streets were still teeming with pedestrians. The lights from shops and high-rise buildings deterred any mischievous intentions of the exorcists.

They traversed the lively streets and soon entered an apparently older neighborhood. Upon Wang Run's instruction, the exorcists dispersed.

Wen Ying's eyes lit up at the opportune moment.

Muershi chuckled and said, "I appreciate Wang Run's disposition."

Wang Run dismissed his subordinates and sat on a swing in the lawn, crossing his legs and taking out his phone, seemingly engrossed in either leisure or important tasks.

Wen Ying's true form was nearby. The three demons waited patiently for a while before dispersing to scout the surroundings. Once they confirmed that the exorcists were no longer in the vicinity of Wang Run, they eagerly prepared themselves.

Muershi took charge of creating a barrier to conceal their activities, while Beros and Wen Ying's true form were tasked with eliminating Wang Run. Wen Ying's puppet clone kept watch over the environment, ready to use its succubus magic to impersonate Lan Jiaying if any exorcist approached, luring them away.

As Wang Run sat on the swing, absorbed in his phone, he was in high spirits, anticipating the imminent achievement of a significant accomplishment.

When He Guodong called him, Wang Run had initially intended to establish connections with the upper echelons of Mu City, reluctantly dealing with what he assumed was a low-ranking demon's mischief. To his surprise, the entity possessing He Guodong's son turned out not to be a mere low-level demon but an incredibly powerful one!

At the very least, he had already stepped into the realm of high-ranking demons. According to He Guodong's wife's account, he keenly sensed that this demon was connected to the recent case.

They had lost many personnel and demons, disrupting numerous channels for vitality extraction and transportation. Not only were the lower-ranking demons in the Netherworld dissatisfied, but their mid-to-high-level officials were also displeased.

If they could capture that demon, it would significantly alleviate the recent outrage from above.

Not only would the incident be resolved, but he would also acquire a powerful demonic slave. A delighted smile tugged at Wang Run's lips as he envisioned a prosperous future. In the next instant, a terrifying jet of black flames shot directly at him, distorting the air with its scorching heat.

Wang Run's fantasy came to an abrupt halt. Reacting faster than his thoughts, he rolled aside to evade the unknown assault. However, before he could catch his breath, a barrage of whistling sounds echoed from another direction. Wang Run hastily rolled away once more.

Rolling continuously, if he slowed down, the incoming ice spikes would pierce his body. After countless rotations, Wang Run felt dizzy. Suddenly, a wave of heat surged from one direction. His eyelids flickered, and he summoned his contracted demon, enveloping himself in magical armor just as the ice spikes collided with the flames, allowing him to escape the explosion unscathed.

Finally catching his breath, Wang Run took a moment to discern the nature of his attackers. He called forth his demonic familiar.

The moment the serpentine-tailed demon appeared, an overwhelming aura accompanied it, exuding grandeur. Its forked tongue flicked, and its crimson eyes gleamed with malice. A cruel smile adorned its face, embodying the epitome of evil.

Wang Run's lips curled, mirroring the malicious intent in the eyes of the human-bodied, serpentine-tailed demon. Fueled by the humiliation of being ambushed, he spoke through gritted teeth, "Deal with those two. Leave them alive, just barely."

What he saw were two demonic figures, entirely shrouded in black demonic aura, their identities unknown, their auras concealed, making it impossible to discern their exact rank.

They were likely companions of the demon they were pursuing.

The human-bodied serpent-tailed demon, upon hearing the command, was just about to revel in its hunt when, in the next moment, it was flattened to the ground by an innate terror that originated from its bloodline. It prostrated itself, its serpent tail tightly pressed against the earth, its body trembling violently, a stark contrast to its initial arrogance.

Wang Run: "???" This demon had never reacted like this towards him before!

Wang Run sensed that something was amiss – these two demons likely possessed strength beyond his expectations, and might be similar to the demon they were searching for, capable of intimidating his own demon into submission without even engaging in combat.

"Tsk." Wang Run turned and ran without hesitation. Only a fool would stay. He forcefully issued a command to the human-bodied serpent-tailed demon, ordering it to hinder the enemy from pursuing him.

He had anticipated being able to buy at least ten seconds, but to his surprise, his demon was killed in a fleeting encounter. The severance of the contract caused Wang Run to taste blood as a cold presence closed in behind him, the distance shrinking rapidly.

As the tendrils closing in on him were about to make contact, Wang Run's expression hardened. He spun around, raised his left hand to grab the fastest tendril, and yanked it backward with force. With his right hand, he violently tore open the backpack slung over his shoulder, snatching out a sword. As the blade was unsheathed, a sharp sword qi dispersed in all directions.

Grass, rocks, exercise equipment, trees... numerous objects were sliced apart by the dozens of sword qi streaks. The writhing tendrils were also severed by Wang Run's swings, while the subsequent flames were deflected by the air currents generated by the sword, dissipating into the atmosphere.

"It's just that I don't want to fight you seriously. Do you really think I'm afraid of you?" Wang Run swung his sword, the blade ringing sharply as his aura continued to rise. The demonic aura around him grew denser.

Wang Run's eyes reddened. His demon, which he had nurtured for years, was gone just like that. He declared, word by word, "You killed my demon, so I'll turn all of you into my new ones!"

Boros was never one to talk much in battle, preferring action over words. While Wang Run was making threats, Boros had already passed Wen Ying and appeared before him. The sword qi clashed with the black flames emanating from Boros, creating a fierce gust of wind.

A tree that had already been cut by Wang Run's sword qi earlier could no longer withstand the impact and was about to fall. Another demon suddenly flew to the tree, using its vines as ropes to pull it back upright and secure it in place.

Seeing this, veins popped out on Wang Run's forehead as he roared and slashed at the demon in front of him.

How dare that demon look down on him, even having the energy to care about a tree during combat? !

Boros's physical body was as strong as a bronze wall, but Yang Shiming's pampered physique was entirely different. Boros's usual habits soon led to multiple injuries on Yang Shiming's body in the midst of the battle.

After cursing himself inwardly for being useless, Boros forcefully altered his habits and switched to long-range attacks.

Wen Ying's true form possessed many magic cards, which he threw one by one. Of course, each card was enveloped in a layer of demonic aura. All Wang Run could see were clusters of dark gas floating towards him, unable to discern the appearance of the cards within.

The more Wang Run fought, the more alarmed he became. Why could that demon continuously cast powerful spells of various elements without pause? What was going on with it, able to instantly wield so many different elements?

A fierce greed surged within Wang Run's heart. If he could seize these two demons, he could replace Xiao Long as the Temple's sacred son. This intense desire fueled Wang Run's attacks, his adrenaline pumping fiercely.

Demons were acutely attuned to emotions, and Boreas sensed the sticky, repulsive greed in Wang Run's gaze. Enraged, Boreas fought with even greater ferocity, snapping Wang Run back to reality from his delusions.

Realizing his power was restrained by this body, Boreas grew increasingly agitated. Wen Ying frowned, stepping in to restrain Boreas' relentless assault, for Yang Shiming's physical state couldn't withstand such battering for long.

Wen Ying flew between Wang Run and Boreas, intercepting Boreas' attack with one hand while, under the influence of a card, the other transformed into a massive beast claw that slammed Wang Run to the ground, embedding him in the soil.

Meanwhile, at the location of Wen Ying's avatar, he caught sight of a young man swiftly passing between two apartment buildings.

Chapter 110: Not Used To It

Ji Min was genuinely startled.

"Why are you here?"

Lu Ran didn't reply, only burying his head into Ji Min's embrace.

The night was quiet.

The warm yellow light illuminated the bedroom, while only the silhouettes of dark trees swayed gently in the night breeze outside the window.

The youth continually nestled closer into Ji Min's embrace.

His hair was soft, and his body carried a subtle fragrance of mint-scented shower gel.

That humid aroma filled the room, making it exceptionally tranquil.

Amidst this serene, secluded atmosphere, Ji Min couldn't resist closing his eyes, indulging in the moment.

Allowing someone to nestle closely into his embrace.

Through the thin layer of pajamas, a warmth that was both comforting and stirring transmitted through.

Accompanied by the light yet warm breath of youth.

Ji Min could sense Lu Ran's arms wrapping around him tightly.

Almost as if he desired to adhere to him without any gap.

Ji Min felt the youth tilt his head back to kiss his chin.

Eagerly, the kisses rain down, each one bearing an almost desperate yearning.

With his eyes closed, Ji Min endured in silence.

Until the youth's fingers slithered beneath his sleeping robe.

Ji Min gently pressed the other person's hand, slowly opening his eyes.

He planted a gentle kiss on the teenager's forehead and whispered softly, "Stop fussing, shall we go back to sleep?"

Saying so, Ji Min gently pushed the other person away, using his arms to prop himself up and sit up on the bed.

Just as he began to prop himself up, the youth within the covers stretched out his arms once more, embracing him anew.

"I won't be returning."

Burrowing his face into the man's chest, Lu Ran muffled, "I'm not making a fuss."

As he spoke, the youth raised his face, his eyes revealing an almost panicky obstinacy beneath their depths.

He straightened up, looked up at Ji Min, and said earnestly, "Let's do it, okay?"

Ji Min paused, then reached out to gently rub the soft crown of Lu Ran's head.

"Why bother mentioning these now? It's not like it's urgent."

Lu Ran pressed his lips together and wrapped his arms around the man's waist once more.

"I'm not joking; I'm serious. Why can't we?"

Ji Min leaned against the headboard, his gaze lowered as he gazed at the youth's whorl of hair.

He reached out to gently pat Lu Ran's back, then looked up at the warm-colored ceiling lamp.

He gazed silently for a while.

None could fathom how Ji Min managed to suppress the almost painful longing deep within his heart.

Eventually, he gently set the person aside and whispered, "Sleep here. I have some matters to attend to in my study."

Saying this, he propped himself up on the armrest by the bed and returned to his wheelchair.

Without pausing, he directly maneuvered his wheelchair outside.

Hardly had he gone far when sounds came from behind him.

The youth, barefoot, leapt down from the bed and swiftly closed the distance between them in a few steps.

In an irresistible manner, he climbed onto his wheelchair, straddling him across his lap.

"I don't care, I'm going to do it anyway!"

The person on his lap said with an intimidating tone.

Ji Min, however, raised his gaze to meet the youth's eyes, which veiled a tremor of unease.

He reached out, tracing the pad of his finger gently across the corner of Lu Ran's eye.

Gently, he inquired, "Aren't you the one who fears nothing? Why are you like this now?"

"I'm not scared," Lu Ran turned away.

"That's why you didn't want to tell me about the surgery," Ji Min kissed his eyelids.

Lu Ran rubbed his eyes and then glared back at him,

"Are you going to do it or not? If not, I'll find someone else."

A man's arm encircled his waist, leaning back in the chair as he asked leisurely, "Oh? Who are you looking for?"

"I...," Lu Ran stumbled over his words, babbling, "I'm looking for Gu... Gu Ningqi, Zhang Lin, and also..."

"Tsk."

Ji Min reached out to pat his waist. "You don't even know how to choose properly."

He was talking about nothing but flawed individuals.

Lu Ran pressed his lips together. "Anyway, I..."

His unfinished sentence was cut off by a kiss.

It was a gentle kiss, soothing and comforting, easing Lu Ran's tension and anxiety.

Click.

Ji Min switched off the light in the bedroom.

The room dimmed instantly.

The streetlamps outside the window revealed their hues.

A hazy, yellowish glow penetrated through the half-drawn curtains.

In this semi-darkness, the rustling of clothing and intermittent sounds of kisses echoed softly.

After a brief moment, a low sob was heard.

Ringing halfway, it was abruptly stifled by its owner's voice.

Only the gentle and prolonged breathing remained.

There was another moment of silence.

Ji Min reached out to switch on the light, then slowly returned to the bedside, where he gently placed the wilted youth, whose ears were flushed red, onto the bed. He drew the covers over the boy, tucking him in securely.

With his eyes closed, Lu Ran buried his face into the blankets.

Ji Min chuckled softly.

The young man immediately buried himself even deeper.

It wasn't until the faint creaking sound of the wheelchair turning that Lu Ran abruptly lifted his head and looked at Ji Min.

He reached out to grab the corner of the man's clothes and asked, "Where are you going?"

Ji Min opened his hand, showing the palm to Lu Ran.

With a slight curl of his lips, he said, "To wash my hands."

Lu Ran: "…"

He slowly withdrew his hand.

The sound of the wheelchair receded, followed by indistinct splashing noises coming from the bathroom.

Lu Ran's eyelids began to droop.

He intended to wait for Ji Min's return.

But with his nerves that had been tense for so long suddenly easing up, he couldn't resist the urge to sleep.

When Lu Ran finally woke up, it was already morning.

He was still lying in Ji Min's bed, but Ji Min was nowhere to be found.

Lu Ran jolted upright from the bed, still in his pajamas, and hastily rushed downstairs.

Upon seeing the man sitting in the dining room as usual, he let out a huge sigh of relief.

"Awake?" Ji Min looked over at him.

"You... Why didn't you wake me up?" Lu Ran pouted, voicing his complaint.

"You were sleeping like a log. Nobody could have woken you," Ji Min remarked.

Lu Ran: "..."

Ji Min appraised the person from head to toe, raising an eyebrow as he said, "With this attire, you don't think I'd assume you weren't coming and just headed straight for the hospital, do you?"

Lu Ran's thoughts were accurately guessed, and he cast another glance before turning to ascend the stairs for his ablutions.

When I came down, Ji Min was still waiting outside.

Yet, it was evident that everything was already in order, awaiting departure.

Lu Ran remained silent.

He had classes today, so he merely picked up his backpack silently and followed Ji Min into the car.

The vehicle exited the Ji residence's grand gates.

The driver hesitated for a moment before asking, "Should we head to...?"

Ji Min replied, "The school."

Lu Ran interjected, "The hospital."

Both of them spoke in unison.

The driver: "…"

Ji Min cleared his throat and turned to look at Lu Ran.

Lu Ran remained silent, holding his backpack with one hand while gazing at Ji Min.

Ji Min: "…"

He turned back and said to the driver, "Let's head to the hospital first."

Only then did Lu Ran avert his gaze.

During the ride, the atmosphere in the car was tranquil.

After sitting straight for a while, Lu Ran turned to Ji Min again and asked, "Don't you have anything to tell me?"

Ji Min glanced at him and replied, "What could there be to say in such a short time?"

Lu Ran remained silent, not uttering a word.

Ji Min headed to the New City Private Hospital where Doctor Kemler worked, a rather secluded ward.

The car pulled into the hospital and came to a stop.

The door on Ji Min's side opened, and an accessible ramp descended from the vehicle.

As the man maneuvered his wheelchair to exit the vehicle, the youth turned his head and gazed at Ji Min, saying, "You must ensure you return after a successful surgery, understand?"

Ji Min chuckled softly.

He said, "Alright, I promise to fulfill the mission."

Medical staff arrived outside and escorted Ji Min to his designated surgical wing.

Lu Ran sat in the car.

Normally, it was always Ji Min who sent him to school.

He alighted from the car, leaving Ji Min seated quietly inside, watching him depart.

Now, it was Lu Ran alone in the vehicle, gazing at Ji Min's disappearing figure.

After a long while, the driver prompted, "Uh... class is almost about to start."

"Oh," Lu Ran acknowledged. "Let's head to school then."

The driver glanced at them through the rearview mirror, thinking to himself that this young couple made even a routine surgery seem like a farewell before a life-or-death situation.

On the way, he couldn't help but offer reassurance,

"The Chairman has prepared thoroughly for the surgery, and it will be conducted by the best medical team. There shouldn't be any issues."

"Of course," Lu Ran agreed.

However, despite his words, his eyes kept wandering to the empty space beside him.

Ji Min had gone to prepare for the surgery.

Initially, he had intended to have Butler Chen stay with Lu Ran, but Lu Ran had declined the offer.

As a result, the Ji residence was now occupied by Lu Ran alone.

Ji Min arranged for another temporary butler, but Lu Ran wasn't particularly acquainted with this new staff member.

The taste of the meals at home remained unchanged, and his studies were as demanding as ever.

In fact, with the approaching final semester, things had become even busier.

Yet, Lu Ran found himself feeling somewhat unoccupied.

Ji Min's surgery was conducted in a closed setting.

Lu Ran had no objections; there were plenty of messy affairs within the Ji family, and it was wise to be cautious.

Moreover, Lu Ran didn't wish for Ji Min to be distracted by anything else.

Every day, Ji Min would send messages, make calls, and discuss the progress of the surgical preparations with him.

Yet, Lu Ran still felt a sense of emptiness within him.

Unable to resist, he took on two more part-time jobs, filling every gap in his academic schedule.

At the fast-food restaurant.

After the busiest hours, Lu Ran cleaned up the tables and stood by the counter, lost in thought.

He counted the time they had known each other—it hadn't been that long.

Their official time together was even more fleeting.

For some reason, though, even while living the same hasty, hustle-and-bustle life as before, he couldn't help but think of Ji Min.

Lu Ran took out his phone, opened their chat window with Ji Min, and gazed at it quietly.

Then, he lifted his head, scanning the interior of the restaurant.

Nestled in the corner by the east, an uncle was engrossed in reading the newspaper.

By the western window, a tall and slender office lady sipped her coffee gracefully.

"Jingle."

The doorbell rang once.

Both the reading uncle and the coffee-drinking office lady instantly shot sharp glances towards the entrance.

A burly man in a leather jacket stepped inside from the doorway.

Upon recognizing the newcomer, the two patrons slowly averted their gazes.

The muscular man approached the counter and ordered five hamburgers.

As Lu Ran jotted down the order, he couldn't help but discreetly inquire, "Do... you get your expenses reimbursed for ordering at the restaurant where I work?"

Scratching his head, the man chuckled embarrassedly, "This counts as part of our meals, so it's all covered by the company."

"Oh, he's quite generous," Lu Ran commented.

After the burly man left, Lu Ran glanced at the figures both inside and outside the fast-food shop.

He thought to himself, This fast-food restaurant's revenue is probably all supported by these bodyguards.

Having worked quietly for a few days, Lu Ran encountered another incident at school.

After finishing his morning classes, he was just about to pack up his things and go eat when someone who looked somewhat familiar found his classroom and asked, "Where's Lu Ran?"

Lu Ran looked up and scanned the person.

This person had a natural air of arrogance on their face, but they didn't seem to be troublemakers.

Moreover, with their slender arms and legs, they didn't appear to be very capable in a fight.

So, Lu Ran approached them directly and asked, "What can I help you with?"

The man lifted his chin and glanced at Lu Ran without uttering a word, only pretending to clear his throat.

Confused, Lu Ran stared at him silently.

After a moment, the man cleared his throat again.

Lu Ran grew irritated. "If you have a sore throat, go see a doctor. I'm a veterinarian; I can't help with that."

The man's face turned ashen, and he said awkwardly,

"Don't you remember me? I'm Fang Chen. We've met twice before – we even saw each other at the Gu family's place last time."

Lu Ran pondered deeply for quite a while until the surname "Fang" sparked a memory.

He pointed at Fang Chen and said, "Oh, you're that... young master."

Relieved that Lu Ran had recalled him, Fang Chen sighed in relief.

However, after recognizing Fang Chen, Lu Ran immediately turned and headed for the cafeteria.

Fang Chen hurriedly followed after him.

By the time they reached the cafeteria, it was already bustling with people.

Lu Ran was in line to get his food. After he finished, Fang Chen boldly called out to him, "Hey, hey, hey, I forgot my meal card."

Lu Ran gave him a glance and casually swiped his card for him.

Carrying his tray, Fang Chen tagged along behind Lu Ran like a little follower, eventually sitting across from him.

Coming from an affluent family and being the youngest, he had always been doted on. Now, feeling that it was only natural for someone to help him, he sat down ready to eat.

But just as his chopsticks were about to grab some food, Lu Ran swiftly took away his plate.

Fang Chen looked at him blankly.

"Without paying, what the hell do you think you're eating?" Lu Ran showed him his Alipay QR code without any hesitation, not sparing him any dignity.

Fang Chen had never encountered anyone who so bluntly asked him for money in his entire life.

He instinctively wanted to flare up.

But the moment he thought of Lu Ran's track record, he immediately caved and quickly took out his phone.

After scanning the code, he was dumbfounded. "Wasn't it supposed to be eighteen yuan and fifty cents? Why did I just pay one hundred and eighty-five?"

"Because I swiped for you," Lu Ran said with a justified tone.

"You, you, you!" Fang Chen's temper flared. "Then I'm not eating!"

"Wasting food is shameful." Lu Ran lifted his tray slowly.

His posture suggested that he might throw the food at someone's face if they disagreed.

Fang Chen shuddered and promptly paid up.

Perhaps he had been secretly taken advantage of many times since he was young, but this time...

This could very well be the most blatant display yet.

Fang Chen lowered his head and sullenly consumed the meals that had inexplicably become ten times more expensive.

He couldn't help but mutter, "No wonder I've heard you don't have many friends."

Lu Ran raised an eyebrow. "What did you say?"

"Nothing!" Fang Chen hurriedly replied.

After they finished their lunch,

Lu Ran turned to Fang Chen again and asked, "Well, tell me, what did you want to talk about?"

The two of them were still seated in the cafeteria.

Fang Chen seemed lost in thought and was clearly feeling rather awkward.

He looked left and right, as if he were up to no good.

Finally, before Lu Ran's patience ran out, he leaned in and whispered mysteriously:

"Can I borrow your dog for a while?"

"Hmm?" Lu Ran raised his eyebrows. "What do you need Big Yellow for?"

Fang Chen's embarrassment grew more apparent on his face.

He whispered, "I thought the way you pranked Shen that day was really cool, so I wanted to try it out too."

Lu Ran fell into a slow silence.

After pulling pranks for so long, he had heard all sorts of reactions - disgust, astonishment.

But this was the first time someone called it cool.

As if afraid Lu Ran would misunderstand, Fang Chen quickly explained, "I've been bothered by an idiot recently. He's incredibly disgusting; he's spreading rumors that he's already slept with me. I really want to get rid of him!"

Fang Chen gritted his teeth as he spoke, unable to resist complaining, "You have no idea, it's like a snail has crawled all over me!"

Lu Ran interrupted his critique with a light cough. "Big Yellow isn't for loaning."

"Fuh?" Fang Chen's face fell instantly.

"But... the key point of what you witnessed at the Shen residence wasn't Big Yellow," Lu Ran said.

"Then what was it?" Fang Chen asked.

"It was me!" Lu Ran stood up.

An hour later, a piercing scream echoed from the restroom of a teaching building in University Y.

Standing outside the restroom, Fang Chen watched with immense excitement, clapping until his hands turned red.

"Well done! Thrilling!"

Lu Ran remained unfazed, as calm as a still pond.

He removed his disposable gloves and proceeded to wash his hands at the sink.

Fang Chen excitedly patted his shoulder. "Brother, you've helped me out. From now on, we're friends!"

"Starting today, if anyone in Beijing dares to mess with you, tell them you're under my protection, Fang Chen!"

Young Master Fang was highly animated, but Lu Ran calmly pulled out a tissue to wipe his hands.

Then, he silently displayed his payment QR code.

Fang Chen: "..."

"What's this about?" he asked.

"For the payment? You don't expect me to do it for free, do you?" Lu Ran said matter-of-factly.

A few minutes later, Lu Ran left the restroom, pleased with his four-digit earnings.

After that incident, Fang Chen occasionally came to hang out with Lu Ran.

As time went on, everyone in their field learned that Lu Ran and the young master of the Fang family were good friends.

Occasionally, those who failed to see the signs and still dared to provoke Lu Ran had vanished.

As they spent more time together, Lu Ran discovered that Young Master Fang, despite being excessively indulged by his family, wasn't a bad person.

On another weekend, Fang Chen visited Lu Ran at the laboratory.

With enthusiasm, he suggested, "You must be bored being at home alone, right? Why don't we go out and have some fun? If you're not interested in going out, how about I pay a visit to your place?"

Lu Ran was in the middle of changing into his lab coat.

Upon hearing this, he turned his head to look at Fang Chen.

Staring at him for a while, he suddenly asked,

"From the very beginning, it was Ji Min who told you to approach me, wasn't it?"