DALOA CH186

Chapter 186: Extra — Li Ji’s Story (Part 3)

Li Ji hugged the blanket back to the guest room, intentionally leaving the door slightly ajar as he waited for Yan Qing to take the initiative and come find him.

At that room temperature, let alone feigning sleep, even someone in a deep slumber would be frozen awake.

Yet ten minutes passed, and there was complete silence outside the door.

Li Ji turned onto his side to stare directly at the doorway, forcing himself to wait another five minutes, but still, no one came over.

Did I misinterpret things? Is Qing-ge actually asleep?

Unable to sit still any longer, Li Ji returned along the original path as quiet as a ghost, only to find the master bedroom door sitting at the exact same angle as when he had left.

The master bedroom was bathed in darkness. Yan Qing was still lying on his side on the large bed with his back turned toward the door, just as before—except now he was covered with an identical second blanket, sleeping soundly and peacefully.

Li Ji: “…”

Where on earth did this blanket come from?!

If he couldn’t be certain before, Li Ji was now absolute in his conclusion: the temperature in the guest room had been intentionally set by Yan Qing.

So you’d rather dig out a spare blanket than come look for me, huh?

Refusing to do things by halves, Li Ji stole the second blanket and bolted.

Hearing the fading footsteps once again, Yan Qing: “…”

Are we really playing a game of blanket-snatching now?

A whole grown man lying right here in front of him, and all he sees is the blanket?

Resigned, Yan Qing sat up, walking barefoot into the dressing room.

Inside the guest room.

Li Ji figured Yan Qing would definitely come over this time, and he was determined to settle all accounts, past and present.

As a result, he waited another ten minutes, and there was still zero movement.

History repeated itself.

“Just how many blankets does this blasted house have?!” Li Ji muttered as he got up, walking briskly toward the master bedroom.

This time, Yan Qing wasn’t covered by a blanket at all. Instead, he had somehow dragged out a sleeping bag, wrapped himself inside it, and was sleeping serenely.

Enraged, Li Ji unzipped the sleeping bag, stripped it off him, and dragged it back to the guest room. Covering himself with both blankets, he gritted his teeth and lay down. “Yan Qingqing, I’m warning you. If you don’t come over right now, I’m not going to forgive you so easily…”

Within minutes of lying down, Li Ji grew hotter and hotter. Stuffed beneath the heavy layers, his head felt dizzy, and he was struggling to breathe. Raising his head to look, the climate control panel displayed the current room temperature: 35°C.

Playing dirty like this, are we?

Li Ji whipped off the blankets and headed back to find Yan Qing, only to discover that the master bedroom door was now locked.

“…”

Angry?

The one who should be angry is me!

Inside the master bedroom, listening to the subtle noises outside the door, Yan Qing knew Li Ji was standing right on the other side.

However, the man didn’t knock or say a word; he only lingered briefly before walking away.

From start to finish, Li Ji hadn’t shown any intention of taking things a step further with him.

At first, Yan Qing had indeed wanted to test Li Ji’s intentions, but the guy refused to play by the rules. Neither fell for the other’s trap, leaving the mood completely ruined.

Wrapped in a small throw blanket, Yan Qing closed his eyes, deciding to try a different strategy tomorrow.

Just as he was drifting off to sleep, he felt as if his entire body had been tossed into a blazing furnace. In his drowsy state, Yan Qing thought his estrus cycle was starting, but then realized that couldn’t be right—he had just taken a suppressor.

Suddenly realizing what was going on, Yan Qing snapped wide awake. Raising his head to check the climate control display, sure enough, it read 35°C.

“…”

I really can’t treat Li Ji as a mature adult.

Yan Qing got up and headed to the guest room to find Li Ji. Just as he reached the living room, he caught a subtle sound. Turning his head, he saw Li Ji sitting lazily on the living room sofa, casually sipping an ice-cold beer.

“Done playing around?”

Li Ji glanced up slightly. Watching Yan Qing walk over, he casually tossed a can of iced beer toward him. “You’re already in your forties, how can you still be so childish?”

Yan Qing caught it, popped the tab, took a gulp, and sat down beside him. “You were the one who carried off my blanket first.”

Accusing the victim first, incredible. Li Ji was almost amused by the audacity. “Wasn’t it you who cranked down the guest room temperature first?”

Yan Qing: “I didn’t.”

Li Ji: “Are teachers allowed to lie?”

Yan Qing: “It’s after work hours.”

Li Ji: “I’m genuinely worried for your students.”

Yan Qing: “They are all exceptional. Thank you for your concern, Your Majesty.”

Li Ji: “…”

After all that tossing and turning, both of them were completely stripped of any sleepiness. Li Ji simply found a movie he wanted to watch and projected it onto the screen.

Ever since the events of sixteen years ago, out of various mutual concerns, neither had actively reached out to the other, leaving them in a state of near-total radio silence. To finally be able to sit down together again, drinking cold beer and chatting like old friends, was infinitely more pleasant than the blanket-stealing game from earlier.

However, Li Ji was terrified of getting rejected again, while Yan Qing was afraid Li Ji was merely teasing him; out of a unspoken understanding, neither brought up the matter of the pendant.

Yan Qing asked casually, “Do you like passing the time like this when you’re free?”

“Not often. Unless there’s something I specifically want to watch, the only person available to watch movies with me usually is Old Liu.”

At this point, Li Ji added in a lukewarm tone, “I’m not as popular as Teacher Yan, getting invited out by Alphas every day after work.”

Yan Qing: “…”

Yan Qing: “The last time I watched a movie was with you, too.”

Li Ji’s eyes flickered, his expression finally showing a subtle ripple as he involuntarily looked over at Yan Qing.

Amidst the flickering light and shadows, every smile and tilt of the head from the man before him tugged at his heartstrings.

Yan Qing looked at the display, his tone tinged with nostalgia, “It was that safety education film assigned by the military academy. You insisted on hoarding an entire semester’s worth of videos to watch all at once, forcing us to watch eighteen straight hours of it. It was truly an unforgettable, agonizing memory.”

Li Ji: “…”

If I didn’t hoard them, how else could I find an excuse to drag you away from my royal father?

Li Ji took a sip of beer to hide his awkwardness. “Wasn’t it pretty good?”

Yan Qing: “Are you serious?”

Li Ji: “…”

By the time the third movie was playing, empty beer bottles lined the table, and they had talked an endless amount of nonsense—yet not a single word touched upon the main topic.

Yan Qing watched the main characters on the large display battling a giant python in the wilderness. Catching a glimpse of Li Ji watching with intense concentration out of the corner of his eye, he slowly swirled the beer bottle in his hand.

It was already almost three in the morning. This silly guy isn’t planning on watching like this until sunrise, is he?

Li Ji pretended to be thoroughly engaged, while his peripheral vision swept over the table full of empty bottles.

After drinking this much, he wasn’t drunk and wasn’t sleepy, but if they kept drinking, he’d be the first to pass out.

Before long, a weight suddenly landed on his shoulder. Li Ji looked down to find Yan Qing leaning against his shoulder, fast asleep. He let out a quiet sigh of relief.

Finally asleep.

“Qing-ge?”

Li Ji patted Yan Qing gently. “Asleep?”

The only response was Yan Qing’s long, steady breathing.

Being so close, the scent of alcohol was mixed with the refined, elegant fragrance clinging to Yan Qing. Li Ji’s gaze darkened. With a wave of his hand, he shut down the floating display, picked the man up in his arms, and carried him into the master bedroom.

Just as he laid him on the bed, Li Ji looked up and met Yan Qing’s slightly tipsy eyes.

Yan Qing caressed the back of Li Ji’s neck. “Still want to steal blankets?”

Li Ji: “The blankets are all in the guest room. If you can still drag one out, I’ll admit defeat.”

Yan Qing: “…”

Forget it, I should just get a good night’s sleep, or I’ll end up getting angered to death.

Just as Yan Qing was about to let go, his hand was suddenly seized by Li Ji.

Li Ji kissed his fingers. “At a time like this, all you care about is the blanket?”

A brief standoff of gazes ensued. It was unclear who initiated it first, but by the time they regained their senses, they were already entangled together.

The next day, when Li Ji woke up, he was the only one left in the bed.

There was only a lingering trace of warmth beside him; Yan Qing had likely been up for a while.

Li Ji checked the time—10:00 AM.

A prepared breakfast sat in the dining area. A toothpick was stuck into a strawberry, holding a sticky note in place.

【I had to go work overtime. Reheat it before eating. If you don’t know how to use the kitchen appliances, ask the domestic robot for help.】

Li Ji: “…”

I just don’t cook often, I’m not an idiot.

On his way to heat up the food, Li Ji was overflowing with resentment.

Leaving me behind to go work overtime—what could possibly be so important?

After finishing his meal, Li Ji called Old Liu to pick him up and head to the military academy.

On the way, Old Liu explained as he drove, “Today, over a thousand military students are departing for field internships with the military. Over a hundred second-year students are participating as well. As the Director of Academic Affairs, Yan Qing has to be present in person.”

Li Ji: “Let’s go take a look.”

Old Liu stole a glance in the rearview mirror. Seeing no visible joy or anger on Li Ji’s face, he felt an itch of unbearable curiosity in his heart.

It looks like there hasn’t been much progress…

Li Ji stepped into Assembly Hall No. 2. Inside the vast space, the military students were lined up in neat ranks, their youthful faces brimming with vitality and energetic life force.

The newly appointed Chief Administrator was giving a speech, with the faculty and instructor groups lined up on either side.

Li Ji spotted Yan Qing in the crowd instantly. Standing at the very front of the faculty group, wearing his military uniform, he looked solemnly ahead. His calm and composed demeanor was a world away from how he had looked in his arms last night.

In all the years he had known him, this was the first time Li Ji had seen that side of Yan Qing.

Soon, it was time for the Second-Year Academic Director, Yan Qing, to speak. Li Ji had intended to watch quietly from afar, but after finishing his lines as if nothing out of the ordinary had happened, Yan Qing suddenly looked in his direction.

Their eyes met across the distance. Images flashed through Li Ji’s mind, causing his gaze to waver.

“His Majesty has specially arrived to see you off. Please join me in welcoming him,” Yan Qing smiled and clapped.

Li Ji: “…”

The King is here?!

A stir rippled through all the teachers and students present.

The Chief Administrator personally led a group over to greet him.

Bound by discipline, the students didn’t dare to make noise, but their eyes sparkled with excitement as they exchanged thrilled glances with their peers.

Driven onto the stage with no choice in the matter, Li Ji had to say a few words. As they brushed past each other, his fingertips secretly scraped against the back of Yan Qing’s hand to express his dissatisfaction.

Yan Qing’s fingers curled slightly as he stood silently to the side.

Yan Qing was not the lead teacher for the second-years this time; his job was complete as soon as all students were boarded onto the transport ships.

After heading to the tarmac, Li Ji found a spot to wait by himself, watching from afar as Yan Qing walked back alongside a group of teachers, chatting and laughing.

The Alpha who had lost to him yesterday wormed his way back to Yan Qing’s side, whispering goodness knows what.

Before long, footsteps echoed from down the hallway. The instructors walking ahead had returned first, gathering in small groups as they chatted on their way back.

“Old Wang went over to talk to Director Yan again. Man’s really working hard, hahaha!”

“He has to work hard, doesn’t he? Director Yan is way too hard to pursue.”

“Yeah, the Director looks approachable and gentle, but he actually maintains his distance with everyone.”

“Tsk, tsk, Old Wang’s presence is too weak. His chances with the Director are looking slim.”

“With a distant personality like the Director’s, he needs someone warm and proactive. If both people are cold as ice, how are they supposed to live together?”

Inside the lounge, Li Ji held his teacup, taking slow, leisurely sips as he heard every word of the conversation outside. He thought to himself that they simply hadn’t seen Yan Qing pulling tricks to reel him in—he couldn’t be more proactive if he tried.

Thinking he was “cold as ice” was merely because Yan Qing treated them as “outsiders.”

Once most of the crowd had dispersed, Yan Qing was brought into the lounge by Li Ji’s men.

Li Ji set down his teacup and stood up. “I booked a restaurant, and we’re seeing an art exhibition this afternoon. If we don’t head out now, we won’t make it.”

Yan Qing checked the time. “Wait for me to go back to the dorms and change clothes.”

Li Ji: “This set looks great, no need to change.”

Yan Qing: “You want me to wear the military academy faculty uniform to an art exhibition with you?”

Li Ji: “…”

Not impossible.

It’s going to be made public sooner or later anyway.

In the blink of an eye, Sunday afternoon arrived, and Li Ji had to return.

Before leaving, Li Ji handed the Sun God pendant to Yan Qing. “Can you accept it now?”

Yan Qing glanced at it. “Why give it to me?”

Li Ji: “I am the King, after all. How can I eat and stay at your place for free? Just treat this as room and board.”

Yan Qing: “…”

I shouldn’t have expected anything romantic to come out of this kid’s mouth.

Li Ji: “For a lifetime. Paid in full, all at once.”

Yan Qing’s eyes flickered, his composed expression finally cracking with a subtle shift.

Li Ji personally placed the necklace around Yan Qing’s neck, taking the opportunity to pull him into an embrace. “Just take pity on me and accept it. I don’t want to go on any more blind dates.”

Yan Qing: “…”

Deliberately playing the pity card to win sympathy, yet refusing to utter a single word that actually mattered.

Though, this trick works on him every single time.

The transport ship had barely taken off when Yan Qing received a message from Li Ji.

Li Ji: 【Next week, I want to go to the aquarium.】

Yan Qing chuckled: 【Are you a child?】

Li Ji: 【There are still many things I wanted you to do with me in the past that we never did. You owe me—you have to compensate me for them, one by one.】

Yan Qing stared at the line of text, replying:

【Okay.】

Two months later, Danse Palace.

Following the routine Monday meeting, several officials remained in Li Ji’s office to report on work individually.

Once official business was concluded, seeing the officials lingering reluctantly, Li Ji looked up from his documents. “Is there anything else?”

The officials exchanged glances, each trying to nudge the other to speak first.

His Majesty had been dodging matchmaking events for two months now. Every single time, it was either a schedule conflict or an excuse of feeling unwell; this time, they absolutely had to convince him to attend.

Finally, the eldest official spoke with a beaming smile, “Your Majesty, next Wednesday is the sixth birthday banquet for the Grand Princess’s youngest grandson. She mentioned earlier that she hasn’t seen Your Majesty in a long time and is very much looking forward to seeing you there.”

“I will go.”

Li Ji continued reading his documents casually, instructing Old Liu, “Prepare a formal suit for the banquet for Qing-ge. I’ll be bringing him along that day.”

Old Liu acknowledged: “I’ll send someone to take his measurements right away.”

Li Ji: “No need, I’ll give them to you.”

Old Liu: “…??!!”

It seems His Majesty running to the military academy every weekend for the past two months wasn’t without results.

The officials looked at one another in utter confusion.

Qing-ge? Which Qing-ge?

Stepping out of the King’s office, the officials crowded around Old Liu to probe for information.

Old Liu: “He is the Academic Director of the military academy.”

Officials: “…???”

After Old Liu departed, the officials huddled together to discuss it, all coming to the conclusion that they must have misinterpreted things—His Majesty was simply bringing a friend along.

But if it were just an ordinary friend, would he bring them to a Royal Family banquet? And it just so happened that Yan Qing is an Omega.

Ultimately, they reached a consensus: His Majesty was very likely using Yan Qing as a shield to escape the matchmaking pressure.

The news that His Majesty was attending the Grand Princess’s grandson’s birthday banquet with Yan Qing spread through the high-society circles at an unexpected speed, becoming the central topic of discussion at every gathering of young nobles.

Soon, the day of the banquet arrived.

A large crowd gathered deliberately in the courtyard, all eager to see firsthand whether His Majesty really brought someone, and what the situation actually was.

“I’m so nervous! Why aren’t they here yet?”

“I asked everyone I know, and they all said they’ve never heard of such a person beside His Majesty.”

“It must be fake news. I looked into it—that Yan Qing is a commoner, old and ugly, just a school teacher. There’s no way he’d ever have the chance to know His Majesty.”

“I heard he was exposed by the Meng family before as the father of the Second Prince. He probably met His Majesty back then.”

“Even if they do know each other, His Majesty is just playing around.”

“Exactly. Their status and position don’t match at all. How could His Majesty ever marry an old man like that?”

“Even if he really marries him, it’ll just be a minor consort; there’s no way he’d be made Queen.”

“We still have a chance!”

While the group was chatting animatedly, the King’s official vehicle arrived.

Seeing Yan Qing dressed in full formal attire, the group cursed inwardly.

You call this old and ugly?! This is insanely competitive, alright?! His looks and aura don’t lose to anyone in our circle at all! He’s practically outshining all of us!

Before they could recover from the shock, they saw Li Ji walk over to Yan Qing’s side, taking his hand with complete natural ease.

Everyone: “…!!!”

Holy crap.

No way, he must just be a shield!

Someone muttered softly in discontent, “He’s just a commoner, what is he acting so arrogant for—”

Before the sentence was finished, General Yi Yongning dragged his entire family over to greet him. Shortly after, Intelligence Bureau Director Yi Anhe also brought his son over, treating Yan Qing with immense courtesy.

Standing not too far away, they could vaguely hear Yi Anhe thanking Yan Qing for taking care of his youngest child at school, even inviting Yan Qing to visit his home as a guest.

One after another, numerous officials brought their children over, every single one showing utmost respect toward Yan Qing.

Those young noble heirs who were usually tyrannical and domineering stood before Yan Qing with their tails tucked between their legs, necks drawn in, behaving so obediently it was absurd—far more well-behaved than they ever were in front of their own elders.

It took the group of noble youths a long time to figure out that all those people attended the military academy, and Yan Qing was like their absolute nemesis.

“…”

This is completely different from what we envisioned!

Soon, the Grand Princess’s family proactively came over to welcome them. The group chatted and laughed together. Standing among the royal family, Yan Qing—who had neither noble background nor prominent status—didn’t seem out of place at all. His every gesture made people feel as though he was already the Queen.

Midway through their conversation, Yan Qing bent down to play with a child, and a necklace slipped out from the collar of his suit.

Everyone who witnessed this scene: “…!!!”

Is that… His Majesty’s Sun God pendant?!!!

The hearts of the large crowd waiting to watch Yan Qing make a fool of himself—and those hoping to observe the situation to seize an opportunity with Li Ji—shattered into a million pieces.

Jewelry and accessories at the level of the Sun God pendant carried royal significance far beyond their intrinsic value. They were not items that could be gifted casually; they could only be given to a lifelong partner. Even a minor consort wouldn’t have the right to possess it.

Since His Majesty had given this pendant to Yan Qing, their chances were completely gone.

Seeing this, the officials’ hearts sank as well.

They had thought that since there was no chance with the Second Prince, they could make an effort with His Majesty, only to find that His Majesty had already found a partner on his own.

On the second-floor balcony of the castle, Li Xiao and Song Jin, who had arrived early, were leisurely eating snacks and watching the show.

Song Jin: “See? I told you long ago they had something going on, but you didn’t believe me. My eyes are as accurate as a ruler.”

Li Xiao: “You also said my brother ran away while pregnant.”

Song Jin said casually: “Even a ruler can be bent sometimes.”

Li Xiao: “…”

You really have an answer for everything.

Regardless of how big of a sensation it caused in high-society circles, Yan Qing continued to live and work according to his own rhythm. On weekends, he and Li Ji would meticulously prepare dinner together, or on a whim, take off on a short trip whenever they felt like it.

On Thursday morning around nine o’clock, Yan Qing was packing up his lesson plans to head to class when he suddenly received an official email: his application for a name change had been approved.

The surname “Yan” was a fake name created by his grandfather and the others while fleeing as refugees. It had been used ever since they found an opportunity to re-register their citizenship on a Fourth-tier planet.

Now that the Meng and Gao families had both been brought to justice, the modified human crisis had gradually settled, and the members of the Golden Lark Legion had been fully exonerated, Yan Qing wanted to change his surname back to its origin, while also re-registering his family’s household under his grandfather Wei Mo’s name.

Six months ago, he had first brought up this idea to Li Xiao. The latter felt it was entirely necessary and issued an official public announcement stating that anyone in a similar situation could submit an application for unified processing.

Now, the results were out.

Yan Qing was editing a message to inform Li Ji of this news when he heard someone calling his name.

A professor from the same department asked with a cheerful smile, “We’re having a dinner gathering with the instructor group tonight at six. You’re coming, right? I heard several newly transferred military officers joined their team, and they’re ridiculously handsome. Want to come along so we can help you scope someone out?”

Yan Qing declined casually, “No thanks, I have a partner.”

The professor paused. “Ah? That fast?”

All the other teachers in the office were utterly stunned.

Director Yan actually has a partner?!!! Why didn’t any of us in the same office know about this?!

“You hid it way too well! When did this happen?”

“How old are they? What do they do? Are they handsome? Do you have a picture?”

“They’re not from our workplace too, are they? How come I’ve never bumped into them?”

Surrounded by a group of gossiping teachers asking questions, Yan Qing offered a gentle smile. “It’s His Majesty.”

Everyone’s eyes widened: “…!!!”

HOLY SHIT!!!

Leaving behind a group of dumbfounded colleagues, Yan Qing took his lesson plans and headed off to class.

Arriving at the classroom, a student raised their hand to ask, “Teacher Yan, rumors are going around that you and His Majesty are dating. Is that true?”

The shock value of these words was no less than a nuclear detonation on the spot, igniting the curiosity of every student in the class.

“It’s true.”

Yan Qing placed his lesson plans on the podium and looked at everyone. “I might be transferring to Imperial University soon. Please cherish the history classes I teach; every class you attend is one fewer.”

A similar line had been spoken a year ago when Yan Qing was suspected of being Li Xiao’s father, which had amused the students into thinking he was just joking.

To their complete surprise, less than a month later, Yan Qing really was transferred.

In less than two short months, the Royal Family officially announced the grand news of the King’s upcoming wedding. The Queen-to-be was named Wei Qing, the grandson of Wei Mo, the Vice Commander of the Golden Lark Legion.

Seeing the official photo of Yan Qing and Li Ji attending an event together on the news, the students were completely floored.

It was actually real this time!