SBWAN CH129
The sun shone brightly outside the window. Chi Yao groggily opened his eyes to see a magnified cat head.
“Meow~”
Yao Yao rubbed its head against his chin.
So well-behaved.
Chi Yao stroked the cat lying on his chest, surprised that he wasn’t scratched this time.
Catching sight of Jing Xi lying on his side facing him, Chi Yao sat up, holding the cat.
It’s almost noon and he’s not up yet?
The Major General’s biological clock had a day of malfunctioning after all.
“Xi Xi, time to get up.”
Chi Yao chuckled, kissing him on the cheek. He suddenly felt the blissful warmth of having a wife and child by his side.
Jing Xi’s eyelashes fluttered, and he slowly opened his eyes.
Within his beautiful eyes was a pair of golden, vertical pupils.
“Xi Xi!”
Chi Yao’s eyes snapped open to darkness.
His forehead was cool and clammy. He wiped it with his hand and found it covered in sweat.
It was a dream?!
Chi Yao took a few gasps, his heart racing uncontrollably.
He checked the time; it was only four in the morning.
Jing Xi was lying beside him, fast asleep.
Chi Yao gently pulled open his collar. Even in the dim light, he could clearly see the very distinct bite mark.
The blood of a Ghost was like a virus to ordinary people. Once infected, even if not fatal, it would cause a serious illness.
He didn’t know if this was due to the long-term medication they took, or if everyone who had undergone modification was like this.
Thinking of Jing Xi’s beastly pupils in the dream, Chi Yao’s heart skipped a beat. He pulled the man closer and hugged him tightly.
No matter what, he absolutely could not let Jing Xi suffer this as well.
The next day, news of Extreme Shadow being awarded a medal spread across the internet, accompanied by a photo of Chi Yao and Pei Zhenyue together.
For a time, Chi Yao was in the limelight like never before.
“The first Star Pirate in history to be awarded a medal by the military. My Brother Yao is awesome!”
“Ahhhhhhh so handsome!!! I’m alive again!!!”
“A critical hit of good looks early in the morning! If Chi Yao switched careers to be an idol, he would definitely be a top-tier star!”
“Looks like the military is really going to start cleaning up the Star Pirate circle. Looking forward to it!”
“Many people aren’t truly evil; they only became Star Pirates because they had no other choice. I hope they are given a chance to reform.”
“Extreme Shadow and Miao Miao Troupe are the only two pirate groups I like!”
Fierce Tiger Star Pirate Troupe—
A red-haired subordinate ran into the main cabin.
“Boss, Extreme Shadow really got the medal!”
Meng Dahu was gnawing on a leg of lamb and almost choked upon hearing this.
“What medal?”
The red-haired subordinate: “A medal from the military headquarters! Look!”
Meng Dahu looked at the virtual screen.
He didn’t even need to scroll; Extreme Shadow’s name was hanging at the top of the trending list, but this time, no one was cursing them. It was all praise.
“Fuck!” Meng Dahu instantly felt that the lamb leg in his hand was no longer fragrant.
For a while now, there had been rumors that Extreme Shadow had been commended for their rescue efforts and that the military was going to reward them.
But outsiders didn’t know; who in the circle didn’t know Extreme Shadow’s true nature?
If you saw Chi Yao and didn’t run fast enough, you’d be caught and humiliated.
Would someone like Chi Yao, who looked down on everyone and did things purely based on his mood, go to the trouble of helping the military with a rescue?
When Viper went to join Extreme Shadow, the entire Star Pirate circle laughed at them.
They were a ranked pirate troupe, yet they went off wagging their tails to be Extreme Shadow’s bootlicker, probably licking until they had nothing left.
As it turned out, Extreme Shadow really did get the medal!
A group of subordinates gathered around, their mouths watering with envy.
“Being praised by the whole nation, that must feel so good.”
“Extreme Shadow really made a name for themselves this time. So many people like them.”
“Chi Yao must have just done it on a whim, but it’s so impressive!”
“Boss, look at how much Extreme Shadow is being praised. We can’t keep doing things that get us cursed. If they can go do rescues, so can we!”
“Rescue?” Meng Dahu sneered. “We’d be wiped out by the military before we even saved anyone.”
The subordinates looked at each other.
They had forgotten about that.
Not every army was willing to accept help from Star Pirates.
Rats like them couldn’t see the light of day.
Only Extreme Shadow had the strength and confidence to do whatever they wanted, even rushing onto a battlefield. As for others—hehe, just think about it. You can have anything in your dreams.
“Boss, should… should we go join Extreme Shadow too?” a subordinate stammered. “The internet says that if you cooperate with the military enough, you might even get a household registration!”
Meng Dahu’s gaze swept over, and the subordinate instantly fell silent.
“You think it’s that easy to join Extreme Shadow?” Thinking about this gave Meng Dahu a headache. “They sent ten warships and are still being left on the cold bench!”
The red-haired subordinate pursed his lips and muttered under his breath, “Then send them early to get in line. If you’re at the back, you won’t even get the scraps.”
Meng Dahu: “…”
He stroked his chin, pondering. “That makes sense.”
Extreme Shadow had opened a new chapter in the Star Pirate world. If they couldn’t catch this wave, they might be eliminated by the times before long.
With this thought, Meng Dahu couldn’t sit still.
Viper was too strong and wouldn’t bother with a third-rate small troupe like them. To get information, he needed to find someone of similar strength.
The red-haired subordinate’s eyes lit up. “Didn’t we hear that the Wolf Dog Troupe next door went?”
The Wolf Dog Troupe’s strength was even more pathetic than theirs.
Meng Dahu sent out a video call.
The other side took a while to answer.
“Hey, Old Dog Bitch—where are you? Why are you carrying a hoe?”
In the video, a gaunt, middle-aged beta man was walking in a wasteland.
“This is a rake, are you blind?”
“Fuck.” Meng Dahu was angry. When did this bastard dare to talk to him so arrogantly before?
“What happened after you sent the warships? Did Extreme Shadow… accept you?” Meng Dahu asked.
Old Dog smoothed his hair and smiled confidently.
“See this black hair of mine, this outfit of mine, heh, this rake was issued uniformly by Extreme Shadow.”
The surrounding subordinates’ eyes lit up, and they swallowed simultaneously.
So, so envious.
“Extreme Shadow’s military-style management is different. We have to undergo three months of labor reform before we can become official members.” Old Dog said, feigning a sigh. “From now on, we’ll have to change our name to the Extreme Shadow Wolf Dog Squad.”
Meng Dahu: “…”
This pretentious, stinking dog bastard.
Extreme Shadow Wolf Dog Squad?
What a cool name!
All the subordinates looked at Meng Dahu at the same time, their eyes clearly writing, “We want to be called the Extreme Shadow Fierce Tiger Squad too!”
Meng Dahu: “…”
Old Dog: “I heard that troupes with good performance can even be rewarded with rice from the Miao Miao Troupe. I won’t talk to you anymore, I have to go loosen the soil.”
Gulp.
Meng Dahu and his group swallowed their saliva at the same time.
That reward is too good!
After ending the call, Meng Dahu wiped his drool and boldly sent a video call to Chi Yao.
After being scammed out of so much military equipment and suffering heavy losses, his only gain was saving Chi Yao’s contact number.
After a moment, the video call connected.
Meng Dahu was instantly too nervous to speak.
“Bo-Boss, hello. I am Meng Dahu of the Fierce Tigers.”
Receiving a call from a stranger early in the morning, and a greasy-mouthed stout man at that, Chi Yao frowned, displeased.
“Who is this?”
Meng Dahu explained with gestures, “It’s, it’s the one who did military equipment business with Extreme Shadow before—”
As he spoke, his voice grew smaller and smaller.
This mention reminded Chi Yao of how Jing Xi had tricked him before.
“What, you want to do business again?”
The flesh on Meng Dahu’s face trembled.
Why do business that makes no money?!
“No, I, I’ve admired you for a long time. I especially want to join your troupe now—”
Chi Yao sneered. “Admire me?”
Meng Dahu braced himself and spouted nonsense, “You are upright and have lofty ambitions. You are a role model for our generation. I have always regarded you as an idol!”
Chi Yao raised an eyebrow, listening to his nonsense.
Smelling something burning from the kitchen, he immediately lost his patience.
“Go to the old place and get in line.”
These perfunctory words sounded like a holy decree to Meng Dahu.
He was so excited he nearly knelt down. “Yes, we’ll set off right away!”
After ending the call, Chi Yao got up from the sofa and went to the kitchen.
Jing Xi was busy at the stove, wearing an apron.
“It’s burning.” Chi Yao leaned against the side with his arms crossed, watching him work.
Jing Xi, holding a spatula in one hand and chopsticks in the other, clumsily flipped the fried egg.
“I heard you talking to someone just now.”
“Extreme Shadow has become a hot commodity; everyone is scrambling to join,” Chi Yao said with a faint expression.
Jing Xi glanced at him. “You’re not happy?”
Meeting Jing Xi’s eyes, Chi Yao almost pounced.
His fingers twitched, but he held back.
“Too lazy to deal with it.”
Jing Xi scooped up the fried egg and cracked a new one into the pan.
“I’ll help you.”
In the end, Chi Yao made breakfast himself.
Soon after, Jing Rong and Bai Qi returned from their morning exercise.
Jing Rong pulled out a chair and sat down, looking at Chi Yao. “Will my pheromones repel you?”
To avoid any accidents, Jing Xi had told the two elders about Chi Yao’s susceptible period.
“No,” Chi Yao said, eating a sandwich. “Too old, no competition.”
Jing Rong: “…”
Bai Qi: “The first susceptible period, you need to get through it well. What do you want to eat for lunch? Grandma will make it for you.”
Chi Yao: “As long as it’s not sour, I’m fine with anything.”
Jing Xi: “…”
Usually, the first three days of the susceptible period were the hardest to get through.
Having a beloved omega companion would make it better.
Unfortunately, both were alphas. Not only could they not soothe each other, but they would have the opposite effect.
Jing Xi checked his own pheromones from time to time, afraid that if he lost control, he would stimulate Chi Yao.
Yesterday’s assassination attempt had been invisibly thwarted by Chi Yao. Coupled with Pei Zhenyue just taking office, the military headquarters would probably be in chaos for the next few days.
Jing Xi simply took leave on the grounds of monitoring Chi Yao and stayed home.
While handling official business, he felt Chi Yao inching closer. Jing Xi pretended not to notice.
Since waking up this morning, Chi Yao had been avoiding him.
Normally, he would have been clinging by now, but during his susceptible period, he was very restrained, not even touching his hand.
Chi Yao’s original thought was that as long as he was in the same space as Jing Xi and could see him, it would be fine.
But every time he snapped back to reality, he was already right next to Jing Xi.
Seeing Jing Xi looking at the virtual screen, seemingly reviewing documents.
Chi Yao leaned closer and sniffed.
Still bearable, getting a little closer should be fine.
“Want a bite?”
Chi Yao looked up to see Jing Xi smiling at him.
Chi Yao: “…”
He backed away a little.
Jing Xi propped his hand on the sofa and leaned forward.
“A benefit only available during the susceptible period—”
Chi Yao: “Don’t talk.”
Jing Xi: “Really don’t want it?”
Chi Yao’s Adam’s apple bobbed. He was terribly tempted.
This guy must be doing it on purpose.
Jing Xi: “Bite or not, hurry up.”
Chi Yao: “…”
Being so close, Chi Yao seemed to smell the cool, clear scent of wine on Jing Xi, and his whole body heated up.
Bai Qi came downstairs and saw Jing Xi chasing Chi Yao, not knowing what game they were playing.
She shook her head with a smile and quietly went back upstairs.
Ever since Ah Yao came, Xi Xi had become much more cheerful.
In the end, the two still had a fight.
After expending the excess energy, Chi Yao felt much more comfortable.
“Something’s wrong with Ruan Lingyun.”
Jing Xi tossed him a towel, then paused.
Why would he suddenly mention him?
Chi Yao wiped his sweat. “He has more than one type of pheromone. He should be my kind.”
“More than one type?” Jing Xi frowned. “Is your sudden susceptible period related to him?”
“When female beasts are in heat, they also emit a scent. Ruan Lingyun’s pheromone is similar to that.” Chi Yao recalled the feeling at that time. “To me, it was more aggressive than seductive.”
Jing Xi thought for a moment and roughly understood what he meant.
Chi Yao was already on the verge of his susceptible period. Stimulated by Ruan Lingyun, it fully erupted.
Chi Yao: “The raw materials used in Xingbang’s armaments are also problematic. I bought a batch. If we can prove Ruan Lingyun is a modified person, then we have evidence that Xingbang Armaments and Ghost are a team.”
Jing Xi’s face was grim. “They process the ores and energy plundered by Ghost on various planets into armaments, selling them to the military and major mercenary groups. It’s getting something for nothing.”
“Ghost has a huge black industrial chain behind it.” Chi Yao sneered. “Its roots have probably spread throughout the entire empire.”
Just as they were speaking, Chi Yao’s terminal rang.
He swiped it open casually. It was D.
The screen wasn’t switched to privacy mode, so Jing Xi also saw the name on it.
It was the ID that had sent “love you, muah” before.
Chi Yao answered without hesitation.
The window flashed, and an alpha in military uniform appeared on the screen.
His temples were graying, and his hair was combed meticulously.
Although over sixty, his aura was very strong.
Jing Xi’s eyes widened slightly.
It was General Lin Chengde.
Although he had guessed before, seeing it for real was still somewhat surprising.
Lin Chengde looked up at Jing Xi, who had appeared on the screen, and greeted him in a deep voice.
“You must be Ah Yao’s wife, right? I’m his master.”
Jing Xi: “…”
Chi Yao: “What is it?”
Lin Chengde: “You weren’t right yesterday. What happened?”
Chi Yao leaned back casually in the lounge chair, rocking slowly.
“Susceptible period. A small matter.”
“Susceptible period?!”
Lin Chengde’s reaction was huge. He stood up from his seat. “You didn’t tell me about something this big?!”
Chi Yao sneered. “Why would I tell you? It’s not like I need you to accompany me.”
Lin Chengde: “…”
The first susceptible period was generally a sign of an alpha’s adulthood.
But Chi Yao never had a susceptible period.
Everyone previously thought he had lost his susceptible period due to the modification.
But now he had one.
Lin Chengde’s face was tense, but the fingertips of his hand behind his back were trembling.
He sat down again, picked up his cup intending to drink tea to calm down, only to find the cup was empty.
“It’s good to have a susceptible period—”
Lin Chengde muttered to himself.
At least it meant Chi Yao hadn’t strayed too far from humanity.
There was still a possibility of recovery.
Chi Yao played with Jing Xi’s fingers.
His susceptible period was probably directly related to Jing Xi.
After being with Jing Xi, the human part of him gradually returned.
“In that case, you rest well. I’ll handle the other matters,” Lin Chengde said.
Chi Yao: “What did you originally want me to do?”
Lin Chengde’s expression became serious. “Since Old Pei is already in power, it’s time to discuss the next step of cooperation.”
The power that originally belonged to the four great generals would return to the Commander’s hands, making many things much easier to do.
Chi Yao: “If you could have taken the seat yourself, would it be this troublesome?”
Lin Chengde was silent for a moment.
“From the moment I decided to accept this army, the position of Commander was no longer for me.”
Since it was inconvenient for Chi Yao to go out, Lin Chengde said he would contact Pei Zhenyue himself and hung up.
Jing Xi frowned. “I just thought of a problem.”
Chi Yao looked up at him. “What?”
Jing Xi: “The Commander can view the files of all members of the military headquarters, including various special forces. The Shadow Division controlled by General Lin is also included.”
Chi Yao was thoughtful. “You mean, the Shadow Division has information that person behind the scenes wants?”
Jing Xi nodded. “Can’t rule out that possibility.”
Chi Yao: “Could it be Extreme Shadow’s data?”
Jing Xi shook his head. “The possibility is very low. Extreme Shadow has always been a law-abiding Star Pirate troupe. That person probably doesn’t know the relationship between Extreme Shadow and the Shadow Division.”
Chi Yao: “…”
Law-abiding Star Pirate troupe.
They had too few clues and discussed for a long time without any result.
“Are you feeling uncomfortable anywhere?” Chi Yao suddenly asked.
Jing Xi looked down at him. “Is this why you’ve been avoiding me?”
Chi Yao guiltily looked away. “I’m not avoiding you.”
Jing Xi squatted beside the rocking chair, hooked his chin, and kissed him.
“If you were poisonous, I would have been poisoned to death by you long ago. Would I have waited until now?”
Chi Yao: “…”
Jing Xi’s tongue licked the corner of his lips.
“I know you don’t want to hurt me. To avoid you feeling guilty, from now on, physical contact is forbidden.”
Chi Yao: “…………”
Jing Xi pecked him on the lips. “I’m going to work.”
Just as he stood up, he was yanked over, bracing himself on the armrest of the rocking chair to avoid falling on Chi Yao.
Chi Yao pulled him closer and bit his lip in frustration.
“You can’t bully me like this.”
Afraid he had bitten too hard, Chi Yao licked it for him.
Jing Xi muffled a laugh, chasing him and nibbling back.
“You bullied me first.”
Two days later, the black metal ring on Chi Yao’s neck opened and reverted back to a black bean.
[Pheromone indicators have returned to the normal curve. No other problems have been found for the time being.]
That night, the two went to Pei Zhenyue’s house together.
In the study, Pei Zhenyue rubbed his forehead, his face pale.
“You knew about this long ago?”
Jing Xi: “Not long.”
Pei Zhenyue: “Why didn’t you tell me?”
“I told him not to,” Chi Yao said faintly. “Who knows if you’re a person or a ghost?”
Pei Zhenyue was speechless.
Caution was a good thing, but being guarded against by them still left him feeling a little defeated.
He took a stack of materials from the drawer. “These are the files of those assassins.”
Chi Yao took the folder and opened it.
As expected, they were either death row inmates or missing persons.
“We also discovered some of them in the early stages.” Jing Xi opened his terminal and sent over the information on the Ghost personnel.
“Recently, I will conduct a comprehensive review of the work of various departments, including prisons.” Pei Zhenyue looked at Chi Yao. “But I’m worried that some places won’t be able to implement it effectively.”
Chi Yao: “…”
“If you need cooperation, I will cooperate.”
Pei Zhenyue smiled. “That’s good.”
“The assassination, do you have any suspects?” Jing Xi asked.
Speaking of this, Pei Zhenyue’s smile faded, and his temples began to throb again.
“Many, but the most likely suspects are those two.”
“The four of us enlisted in the same year. We were comrades in arms when we were young, and we’ve been competing all our lives.” Pei Zhenyue sighed. “I really can’t believe this has anything to do with them.”
Forming cliques for power was common in circles of power, but illegal research on modified humans and developing a black industrial chain were serious crimes!
“Think bigger.” Chi Yao sneered. “Someone’s goal might be higher than the Commander.”
Pei Zhenyue’s face froze.
He suddenly thought of something and looked at Chi Yao. “Is Chen Bingfeng also related to this matter?”
“Related, but there’s currently insufficient evidence.” Chi Yao rested his chin in his hand. “Don’t release him for now.”
Pei Zhenyue: “What about Li Bo?”
Li Bo had been controlled by Chi Yao for a period of time. He didn’t think it was just a coincidence.
“Him,” Chi Yao smiled. “His problem is even bigger.”
On the way home, Chi Yao looked out the window, his mood a bit heavy.
With the combined power of the Commander and the execution ability of the Shadow Division, the investigation efficiency could be greatly improved.
But the more they found, it was like a bottomless pit. When would it ever end?
“Chi Yao.”
Chi Yao came back to his senses and turned to see Jing Xi reaching out to him.
He reached out and held his hand, the familiar body temperature spreading from his palm.
The anxiety immediately eased a lot.
Chi Yao leaned back against the seat and said懊惱ly, “I should have just kidnapped you the first time I met you. Wasted so many years.”
Jing Xi: “Have we only wasted these few years?”
Chi Yao still couldn’t remember much about their childhood.
If Jing Xi hadn’t insisted on looking for him, what would have happened?
The terminal vibrated. Jing Xi answered.
Jiang Feng’s face was anxious. “Boss, Xu Zhou has escaped.”
Jing Xi frowned. “Can he be located?”
Jiang Feng shook his head. “I’ve had my men look, but the probability of tracking him is very low.”
Chi Yao listened to their conversation, his fingers tapping lightly on the armrest.
“If he’s run, then let him run.”
Jing Xi said to Jiang Feng, “Strengthen the defense. Report any incidents immediately.”
Jiang Feng: “Yes.”
Chi Yao: “I have to go.”
He had received the medal; he had no reason to stay on the Capital Star anymore.
“I’ll go to Chou Tianlin’s lab tomorrow to hand over the blood sample. The day after tomorrow, we’ll leave together.” Jing Xi said faintly. “Let’s go take a look at 810.”
Chi Yao was about to nod when he suddenly thought of something.
“No, the daughter is about to be born. I haven’t finished the cat nest yet.”
Jing Xi: “…”
Jing Xi: “What cat nest?”
Making a detour to the small villa, Chi Yao took out the four small coffins.
“Kitten nests.”
Jing Xi looked at the design, his brow twitching.
“How does that look like a cat nest?”
Chi Yao: “Put soft cushions inside, drill holes on both sides, and make a frame to turn it into a cradle.”
Jing Xi: “Then this monument—this plaque is a scratching board?”
Chi Yao: “To carve names, to avoid mixing them up.”
Jing Xi: “…”
Are you serious?