Jiang Huai withdrew his hand, his gaze flickered to the gun in Li Qin’s hand, and his lips curved into a smile: “Leader Li, what are you doing?”

“Don’t you know what I’m doing?” Li Qin’s gun moved towards the row of old record books on the shelf. “Headquarters just announced that Old Man Ji escaped, and you immediately came to get his things. It’s hard not to be suspicious.”

Jiang Huai froze, tilted his head to look at the shelf, and then suddenly chuckled. “Is that all? You scared me.” He took another record book from a shelf above, gesturing to Li Qin. “We’re rebuilding the database recently, and Old Zhang said he needed records from this year. He asked me to run this errand on my way.”

Li Qin’s gaze swept over the record book in his hand, his face full of suspicion.

Jiang Huai leaned against the shelf, his face looking somewhat displeased: “Don’t believe me? You can check my records in the system or contact Old Zhang to verify. And while you’re at it, please tell him I’ll never run errands for him again. I got no benefits, and I almost lost my life.” As he finished speaking, a hint of anger entered his tone.

Everyone in the base knew about the database reconstruction. All departments had been busy with it as their top priority recently. Seeing his natural expression, not feigned, Li Qin slowly lowered his gun.

“My apologies. Too much has been happening lately; I’m a bit on edge.”

Jiang Huai wasn’t comforted by the remark, merely forced a smile: “I understand. Everyone’s pretty tense.”

Picking up the record book, Jiang Huai walked out with him. “Aren’t you in charge of the armory? How did you end up here? Or have I been away from the base too much and misremembered?”

Li Qin sighed: “Headquarters issued an urgent notice to strengthen the security of the archives, so they transferred me here.”

After closing the archive door, the two naturally headed to the smoking area across the corridor.

“Managing those old books must be boring, right?” Jiang Huai pulled out a cigarette and offered it to him, lighting one for himself. “Nothing beats managing weapons; cleaning gun barrels every day is a joy.”

“Exactly!” Li Qin leaned against the wall and took a deep drag, his face etched with worry. “I don’t know if I’ll ever be transferred back. It’s annoying.” A thin wisp of white smoke slowly rose from the cigarette held between his long fingers.

Jiang Huai chuckled: “But looking on the bright side, it’s quieter here than there. It’s just you; you can slack off whenever you want.”

Li Qin clicked his tongue in irritation: “But it’s still dull. There’s no one to talk to.”

“Hmm—that’s true—” Jiang Huai exhaled a puff of white smoke, his smile deepening. “Sometimes I also feel incredibly dull. How much longer will days like this continue?”

Li Qin’s vision blurred. He shook his head uncomfortably but felt his head growing heavier. “Wha-what’s going on?” He straightened up alertly but found himself unable to stand steadily. Realizing something was wrong, he suddenly looked up at Jiang Huai. “The cigarette has a problem! You, you—”

Jiang Huai held the cigarette in his mouth, smiling at him. “Me?”

“It’s you—!”

Li Qin reached for the gun at his lower back, but before he could touch it, he collapsed face-first onto the ground, unconscious.

Jiang Huai glanced at the time on his terminal and casually walked away. In another 56 seconds, this person would stop breathing in his sleep.

Midway, he paused. “Why are smokers always bad news?” he grumbled, reluctantly extinguishing his cigarette in the recycling robot’s tray.

Quickly returning to the archive, Jiang Huai initiated a communication request to Rong Shi as he walked inside. Rong Shi’s face soon appeared in the enlarged virtual window.

“I’ve found the data.” Jiang Huai put on gloves and swiftly scanned a row of record books, speaking quickly. “You said you could handle the surveillance for me?”

In the dorm, the moment the call connected, two virtual windows appeared before Rong Shi: one showing Jiang Huai, and the other filled with dense characters.

“Yes, I can,” Rong Shi’s fingers danced rapidly on the virtual keyboard, his voice steady. “Be careful of the archive administrator. Do you have a gun on you?”

Jiang Huai’s scanning speed was very fast, averaging less than a minute per book. “No.”

Rong Shi’s brows furrowed. He regretted his decision a bit. Although he was confident he could guarantee his father-in-law’s safety, what if something did go wrong? How would he face his little cat?

Jiang Huai: “You don’t have to worry about the administrator. He’s already dead.”

Rong Shi: “…”

Rong Shi: “Won’t that expose you?”

After scanning, Jiang Huai returned all the record books to their original places, took off his gloves and put them back in his pocket, then turned and left. “Everything that needed to be collected has been collected. It doesn’t matter if I’m exposed now.”

As he reached the door, he confirmed again: “Is the surveillance handled?”

Rong Shi: “No problem. It’s already set to play at random time points, but you should still be careful.”

Needing a communication link to control the surveillance system there, just in case, Jiang Huai minimized the window, covered his personal terminal on his wrist with his sleeve, opened the door, and walked out. He unhurriedly walked through the entire archive back to the research center, handing the record book he brought with him to Old Zhang.

Old Zhang received the record book and said with a smile: “Xiao Ji, could I trouble you to deliver this report to Old Liu for me? Thank you.”

Jiang Huai pushed away the document offered to him, smiling: “My return time here is up. If I don’t go back now, I might be suspected. Apologies.”

Old Zhang sighed in disappointment: “Alright then.”

“Mm, see you next time.” Jiang Huai waved goodbye to him and the others in the office, then turned and left the office door. That body would be discovered sooner or later. If he didn’t leave quickly, the exit might be blocked, leading to more trouble.

Successfully getting away with it, Jiang Huai breathed a sigh of relief. Just a few steps out, Old Zhang’s voice suddenly called from behind him. He paused, his half-lidded eyes hiding a hint of killing intent. Jiang Huai turned around and smiled at Old Zhang: “What’s wrong?”

Old Zhang leaned out from the door, lowering his voice: “Next time you’re back, I’ll treat you to dinner.”

Watching him close the door, the smile on Jiang Huai’s face vanished, and he quickened his pace, heading towards the exit through the corridor.

In the dorm, Rong Shi was highly focused, constantly checking the surveillance along the path to ensure there were no issues, more nervous than if he were on site himself. It wasn’t until ten minutes later, when Jiang Huai’s hovercar flew out of the base, that Rong Shi realized his forehead was covered in sweat.

Jiang Huai had set an automatic route and picked up a spray bottle to spray his face. Moments later, wrinkles appeared on various parts of his chin skin. Jiang Huai lowered the interior mirror and tore off his disguise.

Rong Shi connected to the hovercar’s driving system, helping to check the situation behind, fearing that those people would give chase. Looking up, his eyes widened slightly, his pupils constricted, and for a moment, he almost thought it was Little Cat Song.

Removing the stuffy disguise, Jiang Huai breathed a sigh of relief. He reopened the communication window and casually pulled out a thin cigarette from a small box beside him, holding it in his mouth. Seeing Rong Shi’s overly startled expression, he took out a lighter and smiled: “What, is my face that scary?”

Rong Shi calmed down, saying faintly: “Just a bit surprised. At first glance, I thought it was Xiao Yu smoking, and for a moment, I wanted to spank him.”

Jiang Huai: “…………”

His motion to light the cigarette paused, and he silently put the lighter back.

The data transfer was successful. Rong Shi saved it and asked softly: “What are your plans next?”

Jiang Huai held the unlit cigarette, craving it. “Change my face and visit various legions.”

Rong Shi hesitated: “The military will get increasingly chaotic, and it’s too dangerous for you to be out alone. Have you considered coming to the Academy Star? Professor Ji and Professor Qin are already researching the restorative agent; you could be of great help.”

Jiang Huai teased: “You could hide your little intentions a bit better.”

Since he was seen through, Rong Shi stated directly: “Xiao Yu needs you very much. You have a great influence on him.”

Jiang Huai was curious: “More influence than you have on him?”

Rong Shi thought for a moment: “You can’t compare to me.”

Jiang Huai: “…”

He shook his head and chuckled, looking straight ahead in silence for a long time. “I’ll consider it.”

---

As soon as he hung up, footsteps sounded outside the door. “Who do I need very much?” Song Yu walked into the dorm, took out two bottles of iced water, and sat next to Rong Shi. “Who were you just talking to?”

“Jiang Huai.” Rong Shi took one of the bottles. “The data is already in hand.”

Song Yu paused his drinking: “That fast?”

Rong Shi: “He just happened to be with the Sixth Legion, pioneering the F03 area of V99.”

Seeing Song Yu’s puzzled expression, Rong Shi changed the subject and asked: “What’s the situation over there?” 

The research into the restorative agent might be a very long process, making Qin Professor’s home unsuitable as a laboratory location. After much deliberation, they finally settled on a site near the Central Research Institute branch. It wasn’t in a bustling area, making it easier to handle any incidents, and also convenient for cover.

Speaking of this, Song Yu’s face turned cold: “Three waves of people in just two days.” 

Ji Ming’s escape had more severe consequences than the data center being bombed; the organization was growing increasingly brazen in their attempts to seize him.

Rong Shi was thoughtful: “Such actions will only increase from now on. My only concern now is the palace—”

Before he finished speaking, Song Yu’s terminal rang. It was Queen Ji Ling. Song Yu and Rong Shi exchanged glances; both had a very bad feeling.

The communication connected, and Ji Ling’s cold, beautiful face appeared in the enlarged virtual window. Song Yu didn’t give him a pleasant look, his voice cold: “Something wrong?”

Ji Ling sat in his palace, his face haggard, the corners of his eyes slightly red. Behind him, the King lay on the large bed, eyes closed, face pale.

“Your father the King suddenly fell gravely ill and is currently being rescued. Come back quickly, I, I’m really afraid—” 

Halfway through, Ji Ling’s voice choked, and he raised a hand to wipe his eyes.

Seeing Song Zheng’s appearance, Song Yu’s face changed drastically, and he stood up abruptly. “What did you do to him?!”

Ji Ling sniffled, feigning distress: “He worked day and night for state affairs, busy until late every night. I couldn’t dissuade him. Even a body of iron can’t withstand that, wuwuwu—”

“Don’t give me that crap!” Song Yu was enraged by his pretense. “If you dared to lay a hand on my father the King, don’t even think about leaving the palace alive!”

Ji Ling sniffled, then a twisted smile suddenly curved his lips. “Such touching father-son affection. Then let’s see, who will die first, your father the King or I!”

Song Yu: “You dare?!”

Ji Ling burst into laughter. “What do you mean by that? I’m diligently caring for my gravely ill husband, far better than an unfilial son like you who goes against all norms.”

Song Yu: “Ji Ling!”

Ji Ling calmly took a sip of tea, his smile triumphant. “Return to Capital Star within two days, or I can’t guarantee you’ll see him one last time.” After saying that, he waved at the camera and cut the communication.

“You—!”

Song Yu stared at the black screen, his mind blank.

Rong Shi’s face was grim, his brows tightly furrowed. The feared outcome had happened. In the original situation, all parties were restraining each other; a single move would affect the whole. Every step had to be taken cautiously. Now, this situation was completely broken. Ji Ling, after successive blows, began to retaliate. Unable to seize Ji Ming, he played his ace card, King Song Zheng, to restrain Song Yu and attempt a comeback.

He held Song Yu’s cold hand, comforting him softly: “Don’t rush, contact Uncle Yin first.”

Song Yu hastily found Yin Rong’s communication number and dialed. It took a long time for him to pick up.

Song Yu: “What’s wrong with Father King?!”

Yin Rong looked haggard, as if he hadn’t rested in a long time. “Yesterday morning, His Majesty suddenly collapsed in his study and was rushed to rescue. The Queen, in conjunction with the council and medical team, controlled the entire situation. Now even I can’t see His Majesty.”

“Suddenly collapsed?” Song Yu was stunned, unable to recover. “Were you there then? Did he use pheromones to control Father King?!”

Yin Rong shook his head with a grim face: “We checked. There were no pheromone residues in the air.”

To be so easily outmaneuvered by someone like Ji Ling, Song Yu was furious, unsure whether he was angry at his father’s incompetence or Ji Ling’s treachery. “Why didn’t you report such an important matter to me?!”

Yin Rong’s eyes were half-downcast, and he said softly: “His Majesty had instructed me before not to tell you no matter what happened to him, and not to return no matter who contacted you.”

Song Yu was incredulous, his confused mind unable to process the meaning of that sentence for a moment. “What do you mean? Let me ignore him?”

Yin Rong’s face was calm: “Just pretend you don’t know about this.”

Song Yu’s emotions spiraled out of control. He didn’t want to say anything more and turned to walk out.

“Xiao Yu!” Rong Shi blocked him. “Calm down.”

“How can I calm down?!” Song Yu forcefully pushed his hand away. “That old man is dying!”

Rong Shi pressed down on his struggling hand and wrapped his arms around him from the front. “Uncle Yin.” He looked at the virtual screen. “Please report every situation in the palace to us from now on; it’s very important to us.”

Yin Rong nodded: “Okay.”

Rong Shi: “Also, there’s something I’d like to ask you to help with.”

---

After hanging up the call, Rong Shi turned the person in his arms around and hugged him tightly. “Don’t worry, he’ll be fine.”

“Why won’t he let me go back?” Song Yu buried his face in Rong Shi’s chest, sneering, “He can’t even handle an omega, an incompetent tyrant.” “He keeps enemies close and can’t even fight them off. If it doesn’t work, just kill them already. He’s so heartless to me, his son, but so merciful to his enemies.”

Feeling his collar dampen, Rong Shi’s heart ached. He kissed Song Yu’s hair repeatedly, comforting him softly: “Since he told Uncle Yin, it means he anticipated this, and things surely aren’t that bad.”

Late at night, Rong Shi opened his eyes; his arms were empty. He threw back the covers and tiptoed out. In the dim living room, Song Yu was already dressed. He bent down to tuck his gun into his lower back, then quietly walked towards the door.

Halfway there, the living room lights suddenly flickered on, and Rong Shi’s voice sounded from behind him. “Where are you going?”

Song Yu didn’t turn around, his fingers clenching at his side. “I can’t just leave him.”

Rong Shi walked over: “How many people are waiting outside the Academy Star for you to walk into their trap, even if you know it’s a snare, you’ll still jump in?”

“He’s the only father I have left.” Song Yu turned his head to look at him, his expression terribly calm. “If it were you, what would you do?”

Their eyes met, and Rong Shi took his hand. “Alright, I’ll go with you—”

---

Author’s note: 

Cat Dad: I hear my son’s managing me again? [Pinching out cigarette butt, chest pain.jpg]

Cat Father: I hear my son’s scolding me again? [Lying flat, serene.jpg]

Rong Bunny: Furious Cat will arrive on the battlefield in five seconds. Please prepare (to be scratched).