Category: I’m Pregnant with the Hope of the Entire Planet (Page 1 of 11)

Chapter 102 – Brothers, This is a Misunderstanding

 

There was a momentary freeze in the atmosphere.

 

Jian Luo looked at Lu Shifeng, whose face darkened for a moment, and stammered, “D-Do you really not need it?”

 

Lu Shifeng was so angry that he almost choked. He raised an eyebrow, “Do you think I lack a brother?”

 

“…”

 

He didn’t think so.

 

Jian Luo, who had never been too bright, started to think. First of all, Brother Long inviting him to be included in the family registry probably meant giving him a Dragon Clan identity.

 

The meaning was simple; perhaps considering that children would be born, even though he probably wouldn’t raise the children himself, he would still have visitation rights. If the child found out he was just an ordinary human, it might not be appropriate.

 

Jian Luo widened his eyes, “Could it be, Dragon bro, you mean…”

 

Lu Shifeng’s expression changed from gloomy to clear. Understanding that Jian Luo had successfully grasped the situation, an unusual trace of awkwardness appeared on his handsome face. General Lu, who was accustomed to grand scenes, found confessing feelings quite unfamiliar, especially if it was the first time.

 

Jian Luo sat up, cleared his throat, and said, “I agree to this matter.”

 

Lu Shifeng’s joy was evident.

 

“Is it inappropriate to have an affiliated relationship with you? Are you going to give me an independent household registration?” Jian Luo asked again, “If I move my household registration, will it affect my mother and younger brother? Can I still live in Paradise if I become a member of the Dragon Clan? After becoming a Dragon Clan member, can I visit the child?”

 

“…”

 

For some reason, Lu Shifeng felt a bit emotional.

 

As a man who was used to confessions and love letters, General Lu’s first confession as a Dragon was a complete failure. The other party didn’t realize his intentions; perhaps, there were no intentions.

 

Lu Shifeng said, “Jian Luo.”

 

Jian Luo waited for a while, didn’t get a reply, and asked, “Dragon bro?”

 

Lu Shifeng raised his eyelids to look at him and said, “Have you never thought that I might marry you and include you in the family registry?”

 

…

 

There was a moment of silence in the air.

 

Jian Luo sat on the sofa, feeling like his blood was freezing. He smiled, “Don’t joke.”

 

The tall figure of Lu Shifeng brought a full sense of oppression. He said, “You know I never joke.”

 

“This…”

 

Jian Luo’s mind turned, and he instantly thought of his previous worries. So, tentatively, he said, “I have thought about it.”

 

Lu Shifeng was somewhat expectant, “And then?”

 

“I’ve given my answer,” Jian Luo sighed, “I don’t need you like this.”

 

Yes, he did like Lu Shifeng, but he didn’t need General Lu to be responsible for him. Adult love is probably about being happy together. He was an ordinary human, but he also wanted love. He didn’t want General Lu to be with him just because he wanted to be with him, rather than genuinely wanting to be with him.

 

…

 

Lu Shifeng’s day had its ups and downs.

 

First, he was rejected, then he thought there was hope, and then he was rejected again.

 

He understood that not only did Jian Luo have no interest in him, but he also had no interest in the Dragon Clan. It seemed that he had oversimplified everything; Secretary Jin’s useless suggestion didn’t help.

 

Perhaps, Jian Luo didn’t dislike the Dragon Clan’s household registration. Maybe he liked something else?

 

The Dragon Clan was indeed the first major aristocracy of the Dark Star, but there were others, such as the stingy Pixiu, the bookish Phoenix, and the forever young Emperor.

 

Thinking of this, Lu Shifeng asked a crucial question, “What do you think of Nie Yan?”

 

Jian Luo was stunned, “He’s quite good. The boss is very smart.”

 

Lu Shifeng felt a pang in his heart, “And what about Zhan Wentai?”

 

“Teacher is very clever, quite good.”

 

“And the emperor?”

 

“His Majesty is very cute, I really like him.”

 

“…”

 

The room fell silent.

 

The General, who had never thought his head could shine so brightly, bit his teeth and suppressed the impulse, “What about me?”

 

Jian Luo straightforwardly said, “I like you too.”

 

…

 

With these words, the imposing aura that surrounded General Lu, who was on the brink of fury, disappeared in an instant. The blood-red eyes deepened in color, and the excitement in his heart surged. Lu Shifeng’s voice became hoarse, “Really?”

 

The two were very close; Jian Luo and he locked eyes. For a moment, it seemed as if he could see strong emotions in those eyes. Emotions that felt dangerous, making one subconsciously want to escape, but—strangely, not disliking it.

 

Jian Luo’s heartbeat accelerated inexplicably. His earlobes turned red, and his voice was as soft as a mosquito’s hum, “Mm.”

 

Lu Shifeng paused, his voice husky, “Is it the most liked between them?”

 

This smile was truly enchanting. General Lu’s features and appearance were perfect, different from the delicate beauty of Jian Luo. He had a more rigid set of features—star-like eyes and sharp eyebrows. When not smiling, he gave off a sense of distance, making people hesitant to meet his gaze. When he smiled, it was like a sword being sheathed, making it impossible to look away.

 

Jian Luo was dumbfounded.

 

A fan of beauty couldn’t resist such a huge temptation. His brain ceased to function properly, and he nodded, “Yes.”

 

Lu Shifeng’s smile deepened, his voice full of tenderness, as if he were still saying, “Good boy.”

 

Well, no need to rush.

 

This person was his, and the child in his belly was also his. So, sooner or later, everything would be his.

 

…

 

The next day.

 

Today was the day Jian Luo went to negotiate business with the Elf Clan.

 

Originally, Lu Shifeng had suggested that if he wanted to do this business, he could talk to the Elf King, go through official channels for the supply, especially this year when interstellar pirates were rampant, the Elf Clan’s trade was already poor. It would be easy to negotiate now.

 

Jian Luo thought it could work.

 

So, Lu Shifeng acted as an intermediary and set up a meeting with the Minister of Finance. To make it more formal, Jian Luo decided to change into slightly more formal clothing.

 

Secretary Jin helped him choose, “This one? Black, very formal.”

 

“That’s just a black T-shirt.”

 

“Okay, then this one, a long shirt. It looks quite formal.”

 

“That’s just a long T-shirt…”

 

Secretary Jin choked, “Luo Luo, it seems like your clothes are all of this style.”

 

Jian Luo also noticed. Since he became pregnant, he mostly wore loose-fitting clothes. It was hard to find any variation in style. Originally, he thought he wouldn’t need it much, but irony always came unexpectedly and was hard to fend off.

 

Just when Jian Luo was troubled, Secretary Jin’s eyes lit up, “This one is nice!”

 

Jian Luo asked, “Which one?”

 

Secretary Jin pointed to the last one on the shelf, “These two.”

 

Jian Luo bounced off the bed and approached to take a closer look. One of them was a silver-white robe, long but not cumbersome. Around the waist, there were silver-chain phoenix patterns adorning the white fabric. The texture of the fabric was delicate and smooth, emitting a faint divine light. This was the uniform from the Phoenix Platform, a gift from Zhan Wen Platform.

 

Jian Luo rubbed his chin, “Not bad!”

 

Secretary Jin pointed to another one, “This one is good too.”

 

Jian Luo shifted his gaze and found a golden outfit. The long pants and shirt had pure gold patterns that shimmered under the light, exuding a distinct nouveau riche vibe. If he remembered correctly, this should be the uniform from Moonlight.

 

Jian Luo thought for a moment, “I’ll go with the white one; it feels more in line with the elf theme.”

 

Secretary Jin reminded him, “Wearing the Moonlight outfit symbolizes wealth. Since we’re here for business, we should showcase our strength!”

 

Jian Luo’s eyes lit up, “You make a good point!”

 

Under Secretary Jin’s persuasion, Jian Luo changed into the white outfit. Wearing the dazzling golden clothes, he felt different, exuding a stronger aura. Jian Luo said, “I feel like I’m filled with the power of money now.”

 

Secretary Jin gave him full affirmation, “Luo Luo, I think you’re unstoppable right now!”

 

After boosting each other’s spirits, Jian Luo finally got into the car to meet the Minister of Finance. Upon arriving at the palace, unexpectedly, he encountered Lu Shifeng. From a distance, the Marshal’s gaze fell on Jian Luo’s clothes, a piercing look.

 

Jian Luo greeted him, “Hey.”

 

Lu Shifeng approached, “Where did you get those clothes?”

 

“I got them from my boss back when I worked at Moonlight,” Jian Luo turned around in front of him, a smile on his refined face, “How is it? Does it look good?”

 

Lu Shifeng lightly pursed his lips, “Ugly.”

 

Jian Luo choked, glaring at Lu Shifeng fiercely. In his heart, he decided not to talk to him for the rest of the day!

 

Lu Shifeng added, “Business negotiation?”

 

Jian Luo maintained his composure, nodded, but remained silent.

 

“I’ll accompany you,” Lu Shifeng said, “Let’s go.”

 

Jian Luo raised his noble head, “No need, I can handle it myself.”

 

Lu Shifeng stopped in his tracks, raising an eyebrow, “If we’re talking about profits, it involves the interest rates between various planets. Are you good at math?”

 

Jian Luo quickly grabbed his sleeve, “Let’s go together.”

 

They crossed the corridor and arrived at the conference hall. Elves shared a common trait of unique beauty. Since his arrival, Jian Luo hadn’t seen an elf who wasn’t attractive.

 

The Elf Minister looked mature, standing up as they approached, “Hello, I am Ding Bo, in charge of negotiations. Hello, Marshal, hello, Mr. Jian!”

 

His gaze lingered on Jian Luo’s clothes for a moment.

 

Jian Luo also extended his hand for a handshake, “Hello, I’m Jian Luo, here to discuss cooperation with you.”

 

“Understood, there has been a briefing from above,” the Elf Minister said. “Let’s discuss the profit-sharing for the dried fruits.”

 

Jian Luo nodded, “Sure.”

 

They engaged in negotiations. The usual market price was 0.5 star coins, the wholesale price offered was 30 star coins per kilogram, with a profit split of 6:4 in Jian Luo’s favor.

 

After settling the deal, the Elf Minister shook hands again, “Very pleased to cooperate with Moonlight.”

 

Jian Luo smiled.

 

“It’s not easy to impress Mr. Nie,” the Minister said. “We never thought of collaborating with Mr. Nie. It’s truly an honor. Please convey my regards to him. We will cooperate with anything that follows.”

 

Jian Luo said, “…Don’t get too excited. I can’t guarantee that Mr. Nie will agree. I’m still in the negotiation stage with him.”

 

In life, one must be practical and not give hope too easily.

 

The Minister was stunned, hesitating, “Not sure if he will agree?”

 

Seeing his surprise, Jian Luo bluntly said, “What’s wrong?”

 

“Aren’t you his full representative?”

 

“You misunderstood.”

 

“I didn’t misunderstand,” the Minister pointed to his clothes. “Only the direct descendants of Pixiu can wear this. With the blessing of Pixiu’s divine power, even the highest skilled forgers can’t replicate this aura. The direct descendants of Pixiu have the authority to call upon star elements in any Moonlight business across the universe.”

 

Jian Luo choked, “Direct descendant of Pixiu? Anyone with eyes can see that I’m human.”

 

The Elf Minister was also confused, saying, “Aren’t you carrying Mr. Nie’s child in your belly?”

 

Jian Luo glanced at Lu Shifeng, whose face was gradually darkening, feeling the pressure.

 

This is a big misunderstanding, brother.

 

Lu Shifeng: Wow, now the child isn’t mine, is it?

 

---

T/N: Hey there! There is plenty more where that came from, so stay tuned! And stay healthy! Straighten your posture, so some stretches and drink some water before continuing hehe~

If you like my translations, feel free to donate to my ko-fi!

I really, really appreciate all the support from my readers <3 It goes a long way and motivates me lots!

https://ko-fi.com/hoenibean

 

Also, check out the other series we have on HoH!

If you like cats, check out Revenge of the Garfield

If you like dragons, check out I’m Pregnant with the Hope of the Entire Planet and The Dragon and the ‘Princess’

How about some mystery or showbiz? Check out Morbid Addiction & Perfection

What about the perfect, most non-toxic male lead ever? Laws of Love

How about MC nursing ML back to health? Forced into the Deep

 

Thank you for all your support <3 Leave a comment if you like 🙂 I love reading them!

Chapter 101 – I Take You as My Wife

 

Jian Luo had no idea that what everyone was interested in was not the dried fruits, but the mysterious figure that Lu Shifeng, who helped with advertising, truly was.

 

Unlike Jian Luo, whose fans were mostly young viewers of live broadcasts, Lu Shifeng was different. His fans spanned all age groups, extending beyond the followers of Dark Star. Fans from various major planets existed in his following.

 

Jian Luo looked at the data and exclaimed, “Wow, you’re amazing.”

 

Their focus differed; while Jian Luo was immersed in the joy of finally having someone pre-order the dried fruits (almost reaching twenty million), he could now discuss cooperation with the boss.

 

Lu Shifeng, with a cold tone, remarked, “Is that so?”

 

Ignoring his mood, Jian Luo continued to revel in the joy of potential collaboration. He even found time to contact the boss. He located Nie Yan’s contact information and, considering the Dark Star time, it was probably late at night there. The principal might be asleep.

 

Should he leave a message? Maybe discuss it tomorrow morning.

 

Considering this, Jian Luo boldly left a message: “Boss, boss, I need to talk to you. If you see this, please reply to me~”

 

To show sincerity, he even added a cute little bunny emoji at the end.

 

After sending the message, he prepared mentally on how to convince Nie Yan. After all, this was not a small deal!

 

Lu Shifeng lifted his head from the comments, seeing Jian Luo in a contemplative state. He squinted and asked, “Did you read those comments too?”

 

Jian Luo, still lost in his thoughts, absentmindedly nodded, “Mm…”

 

Lu Shifeng glanced at Jian Luo, trying to find some clues or opinions on the matter from his face.

 

*Ding Dong.*

 

Jian Luo’s information terminal chimed.

 

It was a message from Nie Yan: “I’m here. Speak.”

 

The boss was online!

 

A smile suddenly bloomed on Jian Luo’s face. He quickly typed, “Good evening, boss! You’re still not asleep at this late hour?”

 

When dealing with the boss, one had to be as gentle as a spring breeze.

 

However, this gentle wind from Jian Luo evidently did not warm the Marshal sitting not far away on the sofa. Lu Shifeng squinted his eyes and lightly opened his thin lips, “Did reading those comments make you happy?”

 

Jian Luo had just replied to Nie Yan when he got distracted for a moment, not catching the first part of Lu Shifeng’s question. He heard the inquiry about being happy and decisively nodded, “Yes, happy!”

 

…

 

The room’s temperature dropped by a degree.

 

Given Jian Luo’s long acquaintance with Lu Shifeng, he didn’t feel the overwhelming hostility. If it were anyone else, they might have been intimidated by the Marshal’s aura.

 

*Ding Dong.*

 

Just as Jian Luo was about to inquire, there came a reply.

 

Nie Yan: “Not sleeping. What’s up? You want to sell dried fruits to me?”

 

!!!

 

Jian Luo couldn’t help but exclaim, “Wow.” Nie Yan was truly magical, guessing everything before he even said anything. So, he promptly replied, “Boss, you’re incredibly perceptive. Can I explain the details to you?”

 

Lu Shifeng, seeing Jian Luo’s reaction and recalling his nonchalant remarks earlier, said with a sinister tone, “Found something suitable, huh?”

 

Jian Luo, still in the midst of negotiating with the boss, was delighted at the mention of “suitable.” “Yes, it’s great.”

 

…

 

Lu Shifeng’s frustration surged. He had worked hard to advertise for Jian Luo, expecting at least some gentle gratitude. Instead, he got irrelevant comments, and to his dismay, Jian Luo seemed content.

 

He sat up a bit, ready to talk seriously. “Jian Luo…”

 

But Jian Luo on the sofa stood up abruptly, happily heading outside. “I’m going to make a long-distance call. Keep reading, oh, by the way, there are steamed buns from lunch in the pot. They should still be warm. Help yourself.”

 

With that, he ran off.

 

Lu Shifeng was almost dumbfounded. He dared to say that in the past hundreds or thousands of years, since he became the Dragon Lord, no one had dared to be so audacious. If it were anyone else today, they would have met a terrible fate.

 

But Jian Luo…

 

Lu Shifeng sat on the sofa, stunned for a moment. Eventually, he stood up and walked towards the door. His efficient secretary asked, “Where are you going, sir?”

 

“To the kitchen. Jian Luo said there are steamed buns.”

 

Thinking about this, the Marshal wasn’t as angry anymore. At least, Jian Luo had him in mind, always leaving him meals. Since that’s the case, he could forgive him. After all, he’s still young, inexperienced. Now that he’s worked hard for so long, it’s understandable to be a bit temperamental. Let’s go easy on him.

 

With this in mind, the Marshal’s lips curved into a smile.

 

However, the secretary, walking ahead, spoke recklessly, “Luo Luo’s buns are delicious. Not only me, but even the elves say they’re good! They helped a lot today during the livestream, constantly assisting with cooking. There are many buns left from lunch; five people couldn’t finish them, and there are still plenty.”

 

…

 

The corridor was silent, only the sound of footsteps echoing.

 

Lu Shifeng abruptly stopped, and this sudden halt made the secretary turn her head curiously. What met her gaze were those deep crimson eyes, profound and somewhat intimidating.

 

She was all too familiar with this look—a gaze that only appeared when Lu Shifeng was in an extremely bad mood.

 

Then, Marshal spoke, each word deliberate, “So, the food in the kitchen, is it the leftovers from your meal?”

 

A cold sweat broke out on the secretary’s back. In that moment, she fully understood that if she dared to say a single “yes” today, she might face immediate extinction.

 

“Well, of course not!” The secretary forced a smile. “Luo Luo specifically left it. He said you must want meat, so he kept two trays of meat buns warm for you.”

 

After saying this, she felt a significant improvement in the atmosphere.

 

Although Lu Shifeng didn’t show any particularly obvious expressions, at least there were no more ominous death threats! As a competent secretary, she had the obligation to understand her boss’s likes and dislikes, as well as his mood. According to her own analysis, this matter was actually straightforward; she had been foolish before. Fortunately, the Dragon Clan wasn’t afraid of mistakes because they excelled at turning the tide and rectifying errors!

 

With this in mind, the secretary spoke boldly, “Sir, please allow me to speak frankly.”

 

Lu Shifeng glanced at her, “Go ahead.”

 

“I often take care of Luo Luo, so I have a good understanding of his temperament, if not entirely, at least somewhat. From my observations, Luo Luo is inherently simple and straightforward. For many things, if not approached directly, if not handled with some methods, he may not comprehend them.” The secretary hesitated, “Human life is actually short and fragile. Wasting time can be regrettable.”

 

Lu Shifeng continued walking down the corridor, his military boots making crisp sounds on the floor. He seemed to be pondering, yet not really. Finally, just as the secretary thought the Marshal wouldn’t pay attention to her, Lu Shifeng lightly opened his thin lips and said, “I’ve already wronged him once before, and that time could be considered an accident.”

 

“Do we need to cook for a business discussion?”

 

Jian Luo replied seriously, “No, it’s bribery.”

 

Lu Shifeng continued to press, “Then why haven’t I seen you bribe me, considering how much you care about me?”

 

“…”

 

Jian Luo said, “I did bribe you.”

 

Lu Shifeng asked, “With what?”

 

Jian Luo patted his round belly and said, “Mister Dragon Jr.”

 

The room fell silent again.

 

After a while.

 

A smile tugged at the corner of Lu Shifeng’s mouth. The oppressive aura he had before completely disappeared. Facing Jian Luo, he couldn’t muster any anger.

 

But thinking about what Secretary Jin said during the day, the Marshal also felt that there might be some truth. Perhaps with Jian Luo, being straightforward might be more effective. However, he needed to express it in a way that wasn’t too abrupt.

 

After some consideration, Lu Shifeng spoke, “Jian Luo.”

 

Jian Luo, who was doing homework, responded, “Hmm?”

 

“The Dragon Clan has always been an exclusive group.” Lu Shifeng carefully chose his words, “But now, on behalf of the Dragon Clan, I welcome humans to join us.”

 

Lu Shifeng approached, their breaths close, the atmosphere somewhat ambiguous. The dim lighting, the gaze meeting, everything spoke without words.

 

Jian Luo blinked, hesitating, “You’re allowing us humans to work together with you? That’s quite nice.”

 

“…”

 

Lu Shifeng remained silent for a while and then spoke solemnly, “No, it’s only for welcoming you specifically, to be recorded into our family records.”

 

He was already making it really clear.

 

Jian Luo widened his eyes, finally understanding this time. He never expected for this to happen, “So, can I… be your younger brother? Is there a ceremony for this, like a formal oath to be taken maybe?”

 

---

T/N: Hey there! There is plenty more where that came from, so stay tuned! And stay healthy! Straighten your posture, so some stretches and drink some water before continuing hehe~

If you like my translations, feel free to donate to my ko-fi!

I really, really appreciate all the support from my readers <3 It goes a long way and motivates me lots!

https://ko-fi.com/hoenibean

 

Also, check out the other series we have on HoH!

If you like cats, check out Revenge of the Garfield

If you like dragons, check out I’m Pregnant with the Hope of the Entire Planet and The Dragon and the ‘Princess’

How about some mystery or showbiz? Check out Morbid Addiction & Perfection

What about the perfect, most non-toxic male lead ever? Laws of Love

How about MC nursing ML back to health? Forced into the Deep

 

Thank you for all your support <3 Leave a comment if you like 🙂 I love reading them!

Chapter 100 – Everyone is given a chance

 

Lu Shifeng stood still, not moving. 

 

The farmer couple was still debating whether to return the found child when, just as they were about to dispose of him, there was a muffled thunderclap in the sky. 

 

The wind started to blow harshly.

 

The thunder could wake a soundly sleeping child, and the crying of the child shattered the tranquility of the small road. The child cried pitifully, and even those with hearts of stone would likely not remain indifferent.

 

Indeed, the farmer sighed first: “It’s going to rain heavily. If we leave him here, this child won’t survive.”

 

“What’s it to us?” the woman said. “We are not the ones who abandoned him.”

 

The farmer said, “This is bad karma. Our child is growing up too. Let’s consider this as accumulating virtue for our child. It’ll be good for us too.”

 

The woman was originally reluctant, but when he mentioned accumulating virtue and doing good deeds, she hesitated. Finally, she gritted her teeth and said, “Alright, let’s call him Jian Luo. He can’t eat for free. When he grows up, he can help with the work.”

 

The farmer held the child. “Let’s go home, our sheep just had a lamb. We can feed him some sheep’s milk. Look at him crying; he’s probably hungry.”

 

The woman sneered. “If you want to do it then go ahead.”

 

The two of them passed by Lu Shifeng without a word. As they walked by, the child who had been crying seemed to have caught sight of the Marshal standing on the muddy road. He stared at him with wide, round eyes, unblinking.

 

Lu Shifeng watched him quietly.

 

The sky was densely covered with dark clouds, and it was about to rain, but he stood on this rural road, completely unaffected, not even the hem of his clothes was moved by the wind.

 

Lu Shifeng watched the departing figures of the couple and quietly murmured, “Jian Luo.”

 

…

 

“Wow!”

 

The crying of the child could still be heard from the farmer’s yard, accompanied by the scolding of the farmer’s wife.

 

This noise didn’t stop until late at night, and the whole family was basically asleep. On a small earthen bed, Jian Luo was placed at the edge. The child’s face was pale and tender, still a bit chubby, but somewhat dirty, indicating that he hadn’t been properly cleaned.

 

Jian Luo, who had been soundly asleep, seemed to sense that someone was looking at him. He suddenly opened his dark eyes.

 

Lu Shifeng stood by the bed, and their gazes met. For a moment, he actually had expectations of how such a young child would react to his presence.

 

There was a moment of silence in the air.

 

After a while…

 

The quiet of the night was shattered by a cry of “Wawawa.”

 

Lu Shifeng stood still, a great Marshal dealing with a tiny infant, but for the first time, he felt at a loss. He reached out his hand, tentatively trying to touch the child’s face.

 

Suddenly…

 

“Bang!”

 

A teacup fell from the side of the bed. “Why are you crying so much? It’s so annoying. This damn child won’t let anyone sleep!” The voice, full of anger, echoed in the room, harmonizing with the thunder outside the window.

 

Lu Shifeng turned around, squinting. His blood-red eyes seemed to be filled with a dangerous aura. This time, he harbored murderous intent towards the fragile human.

 

…

 

Early next morning.

 

Jian Luo bounced up from the bed. “Ah, I’m awake!”

 

Normally, Lu Shifeng would have already been up at this time, but unexpectedly, the Marshal, who had just awakened, seemed to be slow to react.

 

Lu Shifeng opened his eyes, sat up, and remained silent for a while, not saying a word.

 

Jian Luo, who was stretching beside him, noticed that something was amiss. After spending so much time together, he had developed the ability to read between the lines, so he asked, “What’s wrong? Did you not sleep well last night?”

 

Lu Shifeng’s eyes twitched, and he glanced at him. “Did you sleep well?”

 

Jian Luo scratched his head. “It was alright.”

 

It wasn’t exactly alright. The bizarre dreams he had last night, not only about his childhood but also about the dragon race, and even a group of little dragons he had never seen before, were unusual. But he couldn’t bring himself to discuss it in front of the great Marshal. So, he decided to praise the bed instead, “This bed is really comfortable. It adds a touch of excitement. I didn’t wake up much last night. In the past, I would have had cramps by now.”

 

Lu Shifeng withdrew his gaze and said softly, “Hmm.”

 

Jian Luo felt that something was off with him. After spending so much time together, he had developed the ability to read between the lines. So, he inquired, “What’s wrong? Did you not sleep well last night?”

 

Lu Shifeng got up briskly. “I slept very well.”

 

“…”

 

Jian Luo sat on the bed, watching the Marshal’s movements. He had changed into a military uniform that was both neat and strangely rigid. His handsome face rarely displayed a smile, his lips were tightly pursed, and his gaze never met Jian Luo’s eyes, giving off an air of aloofness.

 

It was quite peculiar.

 

After Lu Shifeng finished dressing, he glanced at Jian Luo. “Today, I have some free time, so I’ll leave the gold secretary here to keep you company.”

 

Jian Luo beamed with a bright smile. “Great!”

 

“You…” Lu Shifeng looked at Jian Luo’s innocent eyes and, for a moment, his gaze seemed to meet those dark eyes from last night. However, the child’s eyes were always filled with sadness and never stopped crying, as if they held unspoken grievances and suffering.

 

Unknowingly, Lu Shifeng spoke, “Do you find it boring? Maybe I should…”

 

Jian Luo promptly interrupted, “Not at all!”

 

The phrase “came back” was stuck in the great Marshal’s throat, unable to come out.

 

Jian Luo continued, oblivious to the strangeness, “You gave me three spirits, and I have plans with them today. Also, there’s the spirit fruit experiment I want to try today. Don’t worry; I won’t be bored.”

 

He was such a considerate angel! He never caused trouble or inconvenience! Aren’t you touched by his thoughtfulness, great Marshal?

 

Lu Shifeng forced a smile, “Have fun.”

 

Jian Luo had initially wanted to offer some praise but was surprised when Lu Shifeng simply glossed over it. Well, maybe he was in a bad mood. It wouldn’t do to argue with the boss, after all!

 

…

 

In the morning, Jian Luo personally cooked breakfast.

 

It had been a while since he had eaten buns, so he decided to steam some himself. Fortunately, making buns didn’t require too many ingredients, so there wouldn’t be much waste.

 

He decided to live-stream the process.

 

As the small round camera made a “beep” sound, Jian Luo greeted his viewers, “Hi, everyone! I’m Jian Luo, and today we’re making breakfast.”

 

There was a group of loyal viewers who never missed his broadcasts:

 

“One.”

 

“Ready.”

 

“Wow, streamer, your belly seems a bit bigger, doesn’t it?”

 

Since he had promised the little emperor to provide daily content, Jian Luo no longer avoided this topic and sometimes chatted about his pregnancy with others. He said, “Yes, I’ve grown a bit, probably over ten months now. Morning sickness has improved a lot, but the main issue is that I can’t move around easily, and I get leg cramps when I sleep.”

 

Jian Luo wasn’t afraid or shy about talking about his hardships; he didn’t pretend to be strong. He just spoke honestly.

 

The viewers sympathized, “Streamer, take good care of yourself!”

 

“There’s probably more than one, right?”

 

“Ah, hold on for a few more months; it’ll be over soon.”

 

“How many more months to go?”

 

The enthusiasm of the audience soared, and they almost forgot that Jian Luo was making buns. But he didn’t let them completely forget and refocused their attention on the cutting board.

 

The secretary was helping him chop the meat filling, while the three spirits nearby were preparing the fruit filling for spirit fruit preserves. They had once been famous dancers in the Spirit Realm, envied and respected by all. Since following Jian Luo, they had become tools for playing mahjong, kitchen assistants, and participants in endless feasts. Their happiness knew no bounds.

 

Jian Luo began teaching how to knead the dough, saying, “I’ve mentioned this many times; when kneading dough, you have to pay attention to the water content. This dough can be quite sticky, so be sure to wear gloves if you mind it.”

 

The viewers could almost feel the stickiness through the holographic projection:

 

“I failed the last time I tried to make it.”

 

“So sticky.”

 

“I’ll never be able to make pasta in this life.”

 

Jian Luo smiled and started kneading the dough skillfully with his hands, making it look effortless. Finally, there was just a lump of dough left. “Okay, let’s cover it and let the dough rise.”

 

The viewers were still engrossed in this acrobatic performance.

 

Jian Luo began preparing noodle dumplings to go with the buns, and this process was faster. “Noodle dumpling dough doesn’t require much effort; just knead it lightly, and then tear it into small pieces to put in the pot.”

 

A pot of boiling water was on the stove.

 

Opening the pot released a wave of hot steam. Jian Luo liked to add some tomatoes to his noodles. After placing the noodles in the pot, he cracked an egg on top. If he could sprinkle some chopped green onions, it would be perfect, but he decided to skip the green onions due to the lack of ingredients.

 

The viewers were curious:

 

“Do you eat noodles like this?”

 

“It’s so strange, but it smells great!”

 

“Yes, it smells fantastic!”

 

Jian Luo had his own rhythm while cooking, multitasking as he cleaned the table and chatted with others. The conversations were quite ordinary but had a lively atmosphere.

 

He mentioned things like:

 

“The weather is getting colder; should we have hot pot for dinner? Let’s check the ingredients first.”

 

“I heard they’re offering a 50% discount on Moonlight’s Pastries lately. Should I stock up?”

 

“The frozen cake I had at noon seemed a bit salty. Should I make some more next time?”

 

“I heard it’s going to rain today. Should I wear something warmer?”

 

As an Epsilonian with a lack of emotional connection and rarely any family, conversations were generally work-related, and even at home, there were only cold robots. It was rare to have someone chattering in your ear.

 

Busy work often led to desensitization. In contrast, these little chats could bring unexpected results. It was precisely because Jian Luo was so unpretentious and had no ulterior motives or artifice that people could relax and enjoy the live stream as entertainment and leisure.

 

“It’s not just me who uses his live broadcast as background noise.”

 

“I do it too, even if I don’t watch the stream, I keep it on.”

 

“Yeah, it makes me feel less lonely.”

 

“I thought I was the only one!”

 

As people chatted among themselves, the noodle dumpling soup was also ready, its aroma filling the air. However, it was a bit too hot to eat right away.

 

At this moment, the dough had also risen enough, and Jian Luo demonstrated how to make buns. To increase efficiency, he had gathered the spirit beings and the secretary to learn together. “It’s quite simple. Just wrap the filling inside the dough skin and fold it like this.”

 

His technique was natural, making it look effortless.

 

The secretary said, “I understand.”

 

She tried to follow his example but ended up kneading the dough for a long time, resulting in deformed and overstretched buns.

 

Jian Luo couldn’t help but chuckle.

 

The two spirits beside her, on the other hand, quickly got the hang of it and shaped the buns skillfully. Although the spirits didn’t speak, their long, elegant hands and melodious voices made them exceptionally exquisite and beautiful.

 

“Spirits, right?”

 

“Wow, they’re so beautiful.”

 

“Streamer, where are you right now?”

 

Jian Luo didn’t respond to their questions about the spirits. It was only when he was making spirit fruit preserves that he mentioned, “These are a specialty of the Spirit Realm, very delicious, full of spiritual energy, and can even improve your mood.”

 

Before being steamed into fruit preserves, spirit fruit was sweet and sour, making it a tasty fruit. Jian Luo took a bite and said to the camera, “You should try it too.”

 

Many people watching in holographic projection also took a bite. The sweet and sour taste made them instantly alert, and after eating the fruit, they could feel a noticeable relaxation in their bodies. Their fatigue was greatly reduced, making them feel very comfortable.

 

“This fruit is amazing.”

 

“But the shelf life of spirit fruit is quite short.”

 

“Indeed, it’s almost unheard of in other star systems because it spoils easily and is difficult to store.”

 

After packing the fruit, Jian Luo said, “They have plenty of spirit fruit preserves. You can taste the flavor later. If you need them, I’ll consider providing some.”

 

Before negotiating with the boss, he wanted to present enough data to persuade Nie Yan. Just like participating in a bidding process, he needed enough data to support his argument. Otherwise, it was no different from outright theft.

 

Once the buns were nearly done, Jian Luo arranged to steam them. Steaming buns took some time, so he suggested, “Shall we play mahjong?”

 

The secretary agreed, “Sure!”

 

The three spirits had no objections either, and they all gathered around the table to start playing. They were soon deeply engrossed in the game.

 

“Who won in the last round?”

 

“I don’t think I’ll win in this round.”

 

“Wow, the game is almost over; who’s going to win?”

 

The four of them sat around the table, and Jian Luo watched and commented from the sidelines, occasionally giving advice.

 

Playing mahjong absorbed their attention so much that they almost forgot about the viewers.

 

At first, the audience didn’t know the rules and found it a bit strange, but after watching a few rounds, the clever ones figured it out:

 

“Wow, I want to join in too!”

 

“Aren’t you a food streamer? Why are you suddenly a game streamer?”

 

“The buns smell amazing!”

 

The buns were almost done, and their enticing aroma filled the room. Jian Luo took the buns out of the steamer and shared them with the secretary and the spirits. “Give them a try. Are they delicious?”

 

The secretary took a bite of the meat bun. The bun was soft, and the meat was savory and blended perfectly with the soft dough. Each bite was delicious, making you want to eat it all in one go.

 

Some couldn’t eat meat, so they tried the spirit fruit buns.

 

Jian Luo took two bites and, while enjoying them, he said, “I’ll prepare some pickled radishes for later. They should be ready now. They taste great with the soup.”

 

The viewers also joined in the eating experience:

 

“So delicious.”

 

“This soup is so good. I need to buy some noodles.”

 

“The buns are amazing!”

 

“These spirit fruit buns are delicious too. They haven’t lost their original flavor; instead, they’re even softer and sweeter.”

 

“Let’s try the fruit preserves!”

 

The entire livestream went very smoothly. Jian Luo considered his options and initiated a poll on his starnet page to get an approximate count of people interested in spirit fruit preserves. If the demand was high, he would consider this venture.

 

Since he had just finished his livestream, most people could access his profile and messages. Those who had tried the spirit fruit buns were quite enthusiastic and almost unanimously clicked “Agree.”

 

In the late afternoon, Jian Luo looked at the data and said, “There are approximately five million people who want the preserves.”

 

Not far away, on a couch, Lu Shifeng was reading a book.

 

Jian Luo sighed, “There are more than fifty million requests. If five million people want it, I’m afraid that even one shipment might not cover the cost. And there are post-purchase considerations as well. Maybe this spirit fruit preserve doesn’t have much of a market.”

 

Lu Shifeng, observing him, said thoughtfully, “Change your approach.”

 

“What approach?”

 

“The effect hasn’t been maximized.”

 

Jian Luo was puzzled, “What…what do you mean?”

 

Lu Shifeng opened his information terminal and made a few taps on the screen. Then he said to Jian Luo, “Like this.”

 

In response, Jian Luo, who was a bit slow to catch on, also opened his starnet and saw the latest message: “Lu Shifeng has reposted your starnet post.”

 

As a small streamer, Jian Luo had almost 7.8 million followers, but he needed to livestream almost every day and host various activities to maintain such a following.

 

Lu Shifeng, on the other hand, was someone who rarely posted on starnet and had over 95 million followers. He even had a universal fan club.

 

Jian Luo was stunned. It seemed that Lu Shifeng’s reposting and Lu Shifeng’s reposting were two entirely different things. In just a few minutes, the number of likes had already exceeded a million, spreading like wildfire. The comments section had taken a weird turn:

 

“He hasn’t posted in ten years, and now he’s just posting to advertise something?”

 

“Is he his boyfriend or husband?”

 

“Husband, right? He’s even pregnant!”

 

Originally, no one paid much attention to this, but once someone asked, it naturally led to people digging deeper. It turned out that Jian Luo and Lu Shifeng were not officially married, and they hadn’t publicly acknowledged their relationship either. However, no one looked down on Jian Luo for that, as he had worked tirelessly and even bore the hope of their entire world.

 

But what intrigued everyone even more was the nature of their relationship.

 

“Aren’t they a couple?”

 

“That’s great! Do I have a chance?”

 

“Really? Once Jian Luo is done, I’ll try to pursue him too.”

 

“I really like him; he can cook and talk a lot. My ideal spouse!”

 

---

T/N: Hey there! There is plenty more where that came from, so stay tuned! And stay healthy! Straighten your posture, so some stretches and drink some water before continuing hehe~

If you like my translations, feel free to donate to my ko-fi!

I really, really appreciate all the support from my readers <3 It goes a long way and motivates me lots!

https://ko-fi.com/hoenibean

 

Also, check out the other series we have on HoH!

If you like cats, check out Revenge of the Garfield

If you like dragons, check out I’m Pregnant with the Hope of the Entire Planet and The Dragon and the ‘Princess’

How about some mystery or showbiz? Check out Morbid Addiction & Perfection

What about the perfect, most non-toxic male lead ever? Laws of Love

How about MC nursing ML back to health? Forced into the Deep

 

Thank you for all your support <3 Leave a comment if you like 🙂 I love reading them!

Chapter 99 – Otherwise, we’ll sleep separately

 

A gust of cold wind blew through the valley, chilling to the bone, yet heartwarming.

 

Lu Shifeng and Jian Luo walked together. After a while, Lu Shifeng noticed Jian Luo’s lack of response and furrowed his brow, asking, “What’s wrong?”

 

Jian Luo turned back, licking his slightly dry lips and shook his head, “Nothing.” Although he said so, even the most oblivious person could tell that something was amiss. In fact, there was no need for extensive observation. Jian Luo, most of the time, wore his emotions on his face.

 

As they continued walking, Lu Shifeng reached out with his long arm and pulled Jian Luo closer. !! Caught off guard while lost in his thoughts, Jian Luo tensed, his fingers twitched, instinctively wanting to pull away, but reason stopped him.

 

Turning back, he heard Lu Shifeng say, “There’s water on the stone steps up ahead. Watch your step.”

 

Jian Luo looked down and indeed saw water on the stone steps. He silently sighed with relief, grateful he hadn’t pulled Lu Shifeng’s hand away, as that would have been embarrassing.

 

Regaining his smile, Jian Luo said, “Thanks for the reminder.”

 

As he was about to continue walking, Lu Shifeng stood by his side, looking down at him from a higher vantage point, his voice deep and magnetic, “Are you scared?”

 

Jian Luo’s steps faltered, his chest rising and falling as he breathed, steadying himself psychologically before he responded, “No, why would you think that?”

 

Lu Shifeng raised an eyebrow, “Is that so?”

 

Jian Luo nodded.

 

“Then why can’t you look at it?”

 

Jian Luo lowered his head, remaining silent for a moment, then, after psyching himself up, he raised his head and was met with a glass of water handed to him.

 

Lu Shifeng said, “We’ve been walking for a while. Have some water.”

 

Jian Luo struggled to keep up with his pace, dumbfounded as he accepted the water, and replied, “Huh? Oh, alright.”

 

He unscrewed the bottle cap, taking a few sips even though he wasn’t particularly thirsty. He suddenly felt thirsty after the water touched his lips, and he drank half of it before realizing, “Would you like some?”

 

Lu Shifeng glanced at the bottle, but there was no place for him to drink from. Thinking that he might have been offended, Jian Luo put the bottle away, saying, “Well, maybe not then.”

 

Lu Shifeng reached out with his long arm and took the water bottle.

 

This unexpected gesture made Jian Luo’s eyes light up. It seemed that even the distinguished General was not too formal with him and didn’t find him off-putting at all.

 

Lu Shifeng put the water bottle back into his storage space and then said to Jian Luo, “Let’s continue.”

 

…

 

Jian Luo rolled his eyes at him and thought about teasing him, but as he was about to reply, Lu Shifeng suddenly stopped in his tracks and turned to look at him.

 

…

 

Awkwardness filled the air, and Jian Luo cleared his throat, “What… what’s wrong?”

 

Lu Shifeng stood at the higher end of the stairs, casting a glance at him, “Dragons don’t need to drink water as much as humans. This was specifically prepared for you.”

 

“Ah, I see.”

 

Jian Luo rarely saw him drink water. It seemed that, compared to dragons, human bodies were quite fragile.

 

Lu Shifeng took a step forward, pulling Jian Luo along, and said, “The law of the jungle you mentioned earlier usually offers two methods.”

 

Jian Luo eagerly asked, “What methods?”

 

Lu Shifeng’s lips parted slightly, “Become stronger, or attach yourself to someone strong.”

 

…

 

Jian Luo was unexpectedly rendered speechless. If he were to make a direct comparison, wasn’t he currently attaching himself to someone strong?

 

However, upon further consideration, Jian Luo realized that General Lu, elegant and cold, was perhaps providing this explanation to prevent him from overthinking. Maybe he was explaining this just for him?

 

This speculation made Jian Luo inexplicably happy. The haze of his previous unfounded thoughts had largely dissipated. As the saying goes, where there’s a will, there’s a way. With his current situation, there was no point in dwelling on it. It was better to take it one step at a time and go with the flow.

 

Walking alongside Lu Shifeng, Jian Luo absentmindedly touched his belly and murmured, “Big brother dragon.”

 

Lu Shifeng glanced at him and asked, “Feeling tired?”

 

Jian Luo’s hand rested on his belly, separated by a layer, and he felt as though he could sense the blood flowing inside. It was strange; sometimes the connection between a mother and child was so subtle. He raised his face to meet Lu Shifeng’s gaze for a moment and had a sudden urge to ask him.

 

“Will you protect them?”

 

“When the child is born, will you set them free?”

 

“What… exactly do you consider this to be?”

 

Many questions almost slipped out, but just before they did, he swallowed them down, and instead, Jian Luo simply smiled and said, “No, they’re behaving well.”

 

Lu Shifeng redirected his attention, saying, “Alright, hang in there a little longer. We’re almost at the Elf Market.”

 

The Elf Market was essentially the trading hub for the elves. Occasionally, it also attracted various other alien races seeking unique items. Elves were known for their creativity and craftsmanship, and due to their somewhat introverted nature, they often channeled their talents into various arts and crafts.

 

Most elves possessed magical abilities, and when they infused their magic into their handcrafted items, they often produced unexpected effects and surprises.

 

This was why the elven people had the confidence and audacity to seek cooperation with the Dark Stars. Their unique magical abilities could be applied in various fields, whether in combat or daily life.

 

Jian Luo stood at the entrance of the market and looked at the sign, reading it aloud, “Ten Thousand Things Street.”

 

The name was quite peculiar, and he asked Lu Shifeng, “Why is it called that?”

 

Lu Shifeng responded, “Because here, you can buy anything your heart desires.”

 

Jian Luo didn’t argue with such a grandiose name and decided that exploring the market was more important. Both of them entered the bustling commercial street of the elves. It was lively, with not only elves but also small dwarves dressed like Native Americans and even tall individuals walking and chatting.

 

Jian Luo exclaimed, “Wow, look at that!”

 

Lu Shifeng glanced at him from the corner of his eye and asked, “Is it that strange?”

 

Jian Luo made a sound of amazement, “Aren’t you amazed?”

 

Lu Shifeng walked with him to the side and calmly said, “This is their true form. Compared to them, we dragons have the ability to transform our bodies freely, so isn’t that even more extraordinary?”

 

Jian Luo cleared his throat, learning to adapt, “Of course. Although they seem quite impressive, dragons are still the most amazing in my heart.”

 

Lu Shifeng let out a faint hum. While he maintained a neutral expression, Jian Luo could almost see his dragon tail about to wag in the sky. He had recently discovered that his flattery was quite effective. Whenever he praised Lu Shifeng, the general’s mood seemed to improve. Now, it seemed like the general was in a good mood.

 

Seizing the opportunity, Jian Luo made a reasonable request, “Then, shall we buy something to bring back and play with?”

 

The stores around them were mostly stalls with a wide variety of items, and the scene was colorful and chaotic.

 

Lu Shifeng replied, “You can buy whatever you like.”

 

“Alright, I want that.”

 

As he pointed in the direction, Lu Shifeng finally saw it: a simple-looking bed in the distance. It was made of wood with carved green vines on it, appearing quite unremarkable.

 

As they got closer, the details became clearer, and it was indeed very ordinary.

 

Lu Shifeng raised an eyebrow, “Why?”

 

Standing together at the entrance, Jian Luo made a reasonable request, “I’m tired of the bed on the battleship. Can we change it? You can pick any one you like here.”

 

Lu Shifeng wasn’t particularly interested in the bed, but just as he was about to agree, Jian Luo added, “Of course, since I know you’re used to the bed on the battleship, if you don’t like this one, we can buy it and put it in another room. You can use it when you stay over.”

 

…

 

For a moment, the air became silent.

 

Lu Shifeng turned his face to look at Jian Luo, his expression inscrutable. Jian Luo suddenly felt a bit nervous, unsure of what he had said wrong.

 

After a while, Lu Shifeng lightly parted his lips and said, “There are no extra rooms.”

 

Jian Luo was taken aback, “How is that possible? Just a few days ago, I saw some vacant rooms.”

 

“But now there are none. During this special period, we can’t waste resources. I’ve arranged for people to stay in them,” Lu Shifeng said with certainty.

 

…

 

Jian Luo was about to say something when a salesperson from the elven race approached, asking, “Hello, are you here to look at beds?”

 

Lu Shifeng glanced at Jian Luo.

 

Jian Luo’s scalp tingled, but he quickly regained his composure and said, “Yes, that one.”

 

The wooden bed not far away was elegant and luxurious. The salesperson noticed their interest and suggested, “If you are a couple, I recommend choosing this one. It’s made of pure elven wood and promotes restful sleep. What’s more, it has an arousal function as well.”

 

Arousal? Arousal for what? Who needs help to sleep? Isn’t that a waste of money?

 

Jian Luo, being frugal, was the first to object. He waved his hand, saying, “It’s okay, we don’t need…”

 

Lu Shifeng’s voice interjected from the side, “Explain in detail.”

 

?

 

Suddenly, Jian Luo felt like the world was full of question marks.

 

Finally, under the clever recommendation of the elven salesperson, Lu Shifeng chose the arousing bed, and Jian Luo barely heard the conversation between them and the salesperson.

 

Jian Luo protested, “What’s so good about this one? The one I liked was only 50,000 star coins, and this one is half a million! Isn’t this robbery?”

 

Lu Shifeng responded, “It enhances sleep.”

 

…

 

Jian Luo almost couldn’t hold back his words. “The 50,000-star coin bed is just fine, it’s comfortable to sleep on, and it’s just the same.”

 

Lu Shifeng asked, “Have you slept on the one in Paradise? The special one made of pure wood, not the one prepared for you. Where have you slept?”

 

The air suddenly became quiet.

 

Jian Luo paused. He had only slept on this wooden bed in his home back in the 21st century, and he hadn’t tried it since he arrived in this world. Sometimes he spoke without thinking, and Lu Shifeng caught him off guard.

 

Jian Luo’s back broke into a cold sweat. He quickly came up with an excuse. “I tried it in the store when you were talking.”

 

Lu Shifeng stared at him for a moment, then averted his gaze and said, “I see.”

 

Jian Luo sighed in relief, relieved that he hadn’t revealed the truth. He had actually never slept on this bed. Land on Paradise. The fact that he knew the exact details about the bed was mere coincidence.

 

As they continued to stroll through the market, the atmosphere between them had changed. This marketplace was gradually losing its liveliness, especially as some of the houses looked a bit dilapidated. As they passed by a vendor, something caught Jian Luo’s attention. A child, approximately in his early teens, dressed in somewhat tattered clothing and looking rather pale and weary, was selling dried fruits at a stall.

 

Jian Luo asked, “Where are your family members? Why are you here on your own selling these?”

 

The young elf lifted his head, and Jian Luo was surprised to see his bright red eyes.

 

It was a different feeling from Lu Shifeng’s intimidating red eyes. The general’s eyes exuded an aura of power, while the child’s eyes were gentle, like flawless rubies.

 

The young elf replied, “I don’t have any family.”

 

Jian Luo was taken aback. “You don’t?”

 

“They’re all dead.” The young elf’s voice was hoarse. “I was abandoned, a discarded child. Uncle and Auntie here take care of me.”

 

As a person who had come from another world, Jian Luo felt his heart sink. It wasn’t because he had a sudden surge of sympathy but because he saw a reflection of himself in the child.

 

The young elf continued, “Would you like to buy something?”

 

Jian Luo, overwhelmed with sympathy, said boldly, “How much for one?”

 

The young elf responded eagerly, “Ten star coins per piece, sir.”

 

That’s not too expensive! Jian Luo decided to show off a bit. “Okay, how many do you have? I’ll take them all!”

 

The young elf immediately stood up and asked, “We have a total of fifty million pieces. Would you like them all? Would you like to pay by card or in cash?”

 

…

 

Jian Luo’s enthusiasm suddenly turned cold. He was almost about to regret his impulsive decision. He stuttered, “How… how many pieces?”

 

The young elf repeated, “Fifty million pieces.”

 

???

 

Jian Luo now wished he could bite his own tongue. He had gone too far. Playing it cool was one thing, but he had gotten carried away!

 

The young elf eagerly awaited his answer. “So, do you want them?”

 

Jian Luo hesitated, and under the intense gaze of the young elf, he glanced to the side at Lu Shifeng. To his surprise, General Lu had a smirk and an expression of amusement on his face, as if he was thoroughly enjoying the situation.

 

From his demeanor, Jian Luo could almost feel the unspoken message: “Go ahead, kid, make a fool of yourself!”

 

Jian Luo scratched his head, facing the young elf, he asked, “Where did you get so many? Is this all your family has?”

 

The young elf patiently explained, “No, this dried fruit comes from our elven fig trees. During this month each year, the figs grow all over the place, and we can have as many as we want.”

 

Jian Luo sighed. “If that’s the case, why are you selling them?”

 

The young elf explained further, “These dried fruits contain the essence of the elven tree. They can cleanse the mind and purify the soul. They help with happiness factor secretion. They are not only consumed by elves but also by people from other races. However, due to the recent interstellar turmoil, our export trade has been disrupted, so we sell them here.”

 

The logic behind his words was clear, and it didn’t sound like something a teenager in their early teens would say.

 

Jian Luo rubbed his chin, the businessman in him thinking. He picked up a piece from the package and tasted it, offering it to Lu Shifeng. “Give it a try?”

 

Lu Shifeng showed little interest, but Jian Luo prodded, “Come on, give it a try.”

 

After a moment of silence, General Lu condescended to bend down, taking a small bite. After tasting it, he gave his evaluation, “It’s passable.”

 

Feeling a spark of hope, Jian Luo pressed on. “If you find it passable, do you think other people from the Dark Stars might like it?”

 

He hadn’t initially thought of this, but considering the dried fruits’ ability to enhance happiness, they could be a good snack for the people from the Dark Stars. After all, they were more aligned in taste preferences.

 

Lu Shifeng considered for a moment. “The flavor is average. It’s worth a try.”

 

Yay!

 

Jian Luo was elated. “So, the issue of fifty million pieces should be fine, right? We can have them shipped back, right?”

 

Being rather young and inexperienced in business, he hadn’t considered the challenges involved.

 

Lu Shifeng didn’t want to burst his bubble, so he offered some guidance. “Consider the shelf life, the freshness during transportation, and the loss of essence within the dried fruits due to the journey. Even if we solve the logistics problem, most people from the Dark Stars are used to nutrient solutions. Snacks aren’t in high demand. How do you plan to ensure they sell quickly? And…”

 

Jian Luo interrupted, “And what?”

 

“Selling,” Lu Shifeng calmly continued, “is essential.”

 

A bucket of cold water seemed to drench Jian Luo from head to toe.

 

Jian Luo, who had just been burning with enthusiasm, suddenly felt deflated. He had thought about reselling or forming a partnership, and he might have made a few million in profit. However, Lu Shifeng’s perspective was much more long-term. With these additional considerations, he realized he couldn’t handle the logistics.

 

In this moment of despair, as he was about to refuse the young elf, Lu Shifeng spoke up again, “In your case, having strong personal abilities is not the only solution. Sometimes, you can rely on external help to solve problems.”

 

External help? 

 

Jian Luo furrowed his brows unconsciously and asked, “What external help?”

 

Lu Shifeng picked up a piece of dried fruit and examined it thoughtfully. Then he spoke calmly, “In the business world, your boss might be more interested.”

 

Jian Luo’s eyes lit up. “The boss!”

 

Of course! How could he have forgotten? Nie Yan was not only the richest person in the Dark Stars; he also had a significant presence throughout the universe. The Nie Corporation had a well-established industrial chain across the cosmos, and their logistics were highly efficient. If he could convince Nie Yan, the logistics and distribution of the dried fruits could be easily resolved.

 

…

 

He used to be a streamer himself! Isn’t promoting products for businesses quite common? Although we don’t know how effective it is, it’s a way to go.

 

Jian Luo made an appointment with the young elf to return the next day. Then he hurried back to Lu Shifeng, his eyes shining brightly as he looked at General Lu. “Thank you, Big Brother Dragon, you’re really amazing!”

 

Lu Shifeng didn’t accept the compliment but instead asked, “Why do you want to help him?”

 

“Hmm?” Jian Luo hesitated when asked this question. Ultimately, it was the young elf’s plight that got to him, but he simply smiled and said, “Because his eyes are very beautiful.”

 

“…”

 

Lu Shifeng questioned, “His eyes?”

 

Throughout the Dragon Clan, only Dragon King Lu Shifeng had red eyes, and back when he had just been born, in a time when the Dragon Clan had been in decline, a unique pupil like his, combined with such a frail body, had been seen as a bad omen by many. Many had believed that the Dragon Clan was doomed. At that time, these red eyes had been something that Lu Shifeng despised.

 

Now, there was someone saying, “This color is very beautiful!”

 

For some reason, Lu Shifeng felt a mix of emotions. It was a completely new experience, a bit strange but not unpleasant.

 

…

 

When night time came…

 

“Wow, the new bed is here!”

 

Jian Luo, having finished washing up, sat on the wooden bed. He couldn’t see anything particularly different about it, except for a crystal ball in front of the bed with flowing sand inside. It was quite attention-grabbing.

 

Jian Luo asked, “What’s this for?”

 

Lu Shifeng’s hand covered it, and he told Jian Luo, “Press it.”

 

Curious, Jian Luo complied without further questions. He placed his hand on the crystal ball, waited for a moment, but nothing seemed to happen. He asked, “Is there a problem?”

 

Lu Shifeng retrieved his hand and said, “It’s for aiding sleep. Go to sleep.”

 

Jian Luo was somewhat skeptical, but he lay down and went to sleep.

 

Tonight, the night seemed particularly quiet. Lu Shifeng lay down next to Jian Luo and slowly closed his eyes. As both of them drifted into slumber, the crystal ball gradually lit up, and the sand inside began to flow, immersing them in a dream.

 

In this dream, there was a somewhat run-down village.

 

Lu Shifeng stood at the entrance of the village, surveying the area. While he was looking, he noticed two peasants coming slowly down the road. One of them, a woman, covered her mouth and pointed to the roadside. “Child, there’s a child!”

 

The man hurried over. “A boy, left here by someone.”

 

“He’s not dead yet,” the woman came closer and checked his breathing. She seemed somewhat distressed. “We already have so many mouths to feed at home. We can’t afford to take care of this child. It’s a real tragedy.”

 

---

 

T/N: Hey there! There is plenty more where that came from, so stay tuned! And stay healthy! Straighten your posture, so some stretches and drink some water before continuing hehe~

If you like my translations, feel free to donate to my ko-fi!

I really, really appreciate all the support from my readers <3 It goes a long way and motivates me lots!

https://ko-fi.com/hoenibean

 

Also, check out the other series we have on HoH!

If you like cats, check out Revenge of the Garfield

If you like dragons, check out I’m Pregnant with the Hope of the Entire Planet and The Dragon and the ‘Princess’

How about some mystery or showbiz? Check out Morbid Addiction & Perfection

What about the perfect, most non-toxic male lead ever? Laws of Love

How about MC nursing ML back to health? Forced into the Deep

 

Thank you for all your support <3 Leave a comment if you like 🙂 I love reading them!

Chapter 98 – I see you’re quite happy now

 

Jian Luo had originally been holding the cup offered by the Elf King, but he couldn’t drink any more at the moment. He tried to maintain his composure and then placed the cup on the table.

 

The Elf King was still in high spirits and turned to Lu Shifeng, asking, “How do you feel about it, Marshal?”

 

The expression on Lu Shifeng’s face made Jian Luo seriously doubt if the Elf King was really going to send the elves to his bed without any hesitation.

 

The room fell silent, and everyone’s attention unintentionally turned to Marshal Lu.

 

Lu Shifeng raised an eyebrow and asked, “For me?”

 

In the front hall, elves stood side by side. They all had a delicate and shy appearance, fair skin, and a charming figure, especially their features and body proportions, which were exquisite.

 

Lu Shifeng slowly turned the cup in his hand and said, “They look quite appealing.”

 

A soft “thud” came from beside them.

 

Everyone looked towards the unremarkable human standing next to Marshal Lu. Jian Luo felt his face heat up and muttered, “Sorry, my hand slipped.”

 

The fallen cup was picked up, and Jian Luo gave a half-hearted apology to everyone before turning his attention back to the table.

 

Lu Shifeng glanced at him and said casually, “Since His Majesty has agreed, I can’t refuse.”

 

Jian Luo suddenly looked up, his eyes filled with disbelief. He stared at Lu Shifeng, his anger palpable, resembling an enraged rabbit.

 

Lu Shifeng said, “My adjutant happens to have a strong preference for elves, and he’s been quite idle lately. I’ll give them to him.”

 

Jian Luo’s eyes widened even more, and he blurted out, “Me?”

 

The Elf King sitting above didn’t seem to have any objections and said, “Very well, if Marshal Lu wishes it, then let it be so.”

 

Several elves, under the Elf King’s orders, started approaching Jian Luo. While elves were beautiful, they were also distant and not meant for casual encounters. If they all gathered around him, it would feel overwhelming.

 

Jian Luo felt a lump in his throat and discreetly shot Lu Shifeng a glare, whispering, “What are you doing? Why are you giving them to me? What am I supposed to do with elves?”

 

Lu Shifeng continued to toy with his wine cup, showing a hint of amusement as he looked at Jian Luo and said, “Aren’t we a little tired of each other, my dear? I thought I’d do you a favor.”

 

“…”

 

This man was scheming all along!

 

Jian Luo huffed and muttered, “If they’re given to me, they’re given to me. I won’t refuse. After all, handling them should be more difficult than not having them.”

 

The banquet came to an end.

 

The elves were exceptionally hospitable, and they arranged a temporary residence in a scenic area of the Elven Valley for Jian Luo and Lu Shifeng. Despite being a temporary place, the decor and decorations were elegant and refreshing.

 

Lu Shifeng had some official matters to attend to and couldn’t stay for long. After arranging the guards, he left Jian Luo to enjoy the estate. When he returned in the afternoon, it was already dusk.

 

At the door, Secretary Jin welcomed him and handed over his cloak, saying, “Marshal.”

 

“Ah,” Lu Shifeng glanced at her. “How are those elves? If he doesn’t like them, we can find a reason to reassign them tomorrow.”

 

While he was joking with Jian Luo, he wouldn’t neglect his duties.

 

To his surprise, when Secretary Jin mentioned it, she appeared uneasy and stammered, “Um, they’re… they seem to be getting along quite well with them.”

 

?

 

Lu Shifeng found it hard to believe. After all, elves were typically reserved and a bit proud. They shouldn’t have much in common with Jian Luo, who was quite straightforward. Moreover, those elves were originally meant to be a reward for him, and at the banquet, Jian Luo looked fierce and almost threatening, so how could they suddenly get along so well?

 

Marshal Lu remained calm. Lu Shifeng took a step forward and said, “I’ll go over there.”

 

The Elf’s back garden was always filled with lush vines, creating a picturesque scene. As they walked through the green vine-covered corridor, they heard cheerful voices not far away:

 

“Come, come, one more round.”

 

“I won, I won, hahaha.”

 

“My luck is amazing today!”

 

Lu Shifeng stood still, looking at Jian Luo who was wearing loose clothes and sitting at the garden table. Despite his visibly pregnant belly, his hands moved swiftly and expertly as he shuffled the tiles. Three elves were sitting with him, their hands a bit stiff but managing to keep up.

 

Jian Luo’s posture was incredibly casual. He had even taken off his coat, leaving him in a T-shirt. Despite the limitations imposed by his growing belly, his dexterity in handling the tiles was impressive. Lu Shifeng stood quietly, watching him, as if Jian Luo’s presence radiated a continuous and overwhelming charm. It was a feeling he had harbored for a long time.

 

Although life was challenging and difficult, Jian Luo rarely appeared troubled for too long. He was like a blazing and bright sun, occasionally experiencing dark nights but always rising again, shining brilliantly.

 

Fragile yet strong, weak yet powerful, Jian Luo’s radiance couldn’t be hidden.

 

One elf sitting nearby said, “Your Highness, don’t you want to freshen up? What if Marshal arrives?”

 

Jian Luo quickly played another tile, saying, “No need, no need. He’s not here yet.”

 

The elf hesitated, “Shouldn’t you at least get prepared?”

 

Jian Luo continued playing, “No, it’s fine. I’ll say I was studying.”

 

“Really?”

 

“Of course.”

 

Jian Luo’s movements hesitated for a moment. The familiar deep voice felt like a death knell. He stiffly turned his head and met the gaze of Marshal Lu.

 

Lu Shifeng stood there, leaning against the trellis, raised an eyebrow, and asked, “Studying what?”

 

“Uh…” Jian Luo wavered and shrunk back, saying, “I’m, um, studying a puzzle game.”

 

Lu Shifeng clicked his tongue while playing a mahjong tile, “Oh? Like what?”

 

Jian Luo glanced at the elves beside him and quickly improvised, “It’s an intellectual game from the elf race called Mahjong.”

 

The elves’ eyes widened in surprise.

 

Lu Shifeng cast a glance at Jian Luo, his tone lazy, “Is that so?”

 

Jian Luo hastily confirmed, “Yes, yes.”

 

To prevent the situation from unraveling, he rushed over and affectionately took hold of Lu Shifeng’s arm, saying, “I made some noodles for you today. You can try the Yangchun noodles I prepared. I’ll go get two bowls for you to taste. I can’t eat when you’re not here. It just doesn’t feel right.”

 

The three little “turtles” in his belly were really causing trouble. Whoever they inherited their mischievous streak from, it certainly wasn’t him.

 

Lu Shifeng said, “You can’t eat without me?”

 

Jian Luo made an effort to sound convincing, “Yes!”

 

“I’m glad you’re getting used to it,” Lu Shifeng commented, his tone cool. “It seems like you’re enjoying yourself so much that I could skip it.”

 

“… Are you a professional eavesdropper?”

 

What happened next exceeded Lu Shifeng’s expectations. These three elves were originally sent to entertain Jian Luo, as the elf race was known for having a monotonous and somewhat boring lifestyle. Their personalities didn’t match, and they were originally planned to be sent away the next day. Unexpectedly, after interacting with Jian Luo for just one afternoon, these three elegant elves were slowly becoming more “civilized.”

 

In Jian Luo’s words:

 

“I can’t ask soldiers to play mahjong with me, it would interfere with their training. But it’s different for the elves; they’re all free individuals!”

 

With just this casual remark, Lu Shifeng realized something he had overlooked all along. He had always thought that as long as he ensured Jian Luo’s well-being, it was enough. He had never considered how Jian Luo was dealing with the boredom on the warship. Jian Luo was not a recluse by nature; he loved fun and laughter. Yet, these past few months, he hadn’t seen Jian Luo cry, complain, or get frustrated.

 

So, when Jian Luo was lying in bed in the morning, reluctant to get up, Lu Shifeng said, “Get up.”

 

Jian Luo, with sleepy eyes, mumbled, “Why? I’m so sleepy. I’m not thirsty, I don’t need water.”

 

Lu Shifeng said, “… Today, I’ll take you out.”

 

The person in bed hummed a few times, then retreated to sleep. In no time, their head popped back up, and their eyes widened with undisguised excitement, “Is it real? Is it real?”

 

Lu Shifeng was worried and cautioned, “Slow down. You’ve forgotten you’re pregnant.”

 

Jian Luo got up suddenly, nearly stumbling, but he managed to steady himself. Excited, he exclaimed, “Why didn’t you tell me earlier? I wasn’t prepared.”

 

Lu Shifeng looked at the person in front of him, who had just woken up, with disheveled hair but fair skin due to the pregnancy. He had a bit of puffiness, and his eyes were sparkling with excitement. He appeared unexpectedly cute. Marshal Lu spoke gently, “Prepared for what?”

 

“I made plans for a mahjong game,” Jian Luo replied. “I can’t cancel it now!”

 

After some morning preparations, Lu Shifeng took Jian Luo to the Elf Valley. Despite being a race known throughout the universe, the elves were exceptionally low-key. They disliked external interference and lived secluded lives in the Elf Valley, cut off from the outside world.

 

Their intention this time was to establish diplomatic relations with the Dark Star, as the once peaceful cosmic order had been disrupted by rampant interstellar piracy. Weaker civilizations were often oppressed, and the rich resources of the Elf planet made it an attractive target.

 

Jian Luo and Lu Shifeng walked along the paths in the valley. Jian Luo commented, “It’s so clean here, completely different from the other planets we’ve visited. It’s like a vacation spot.”

 

Lu Shifeng asked, “Do you like it here?”

 

“Yeah,” Jian Luo responded casually. “I hope the ecology here remains pristine and isn’t destroyed. The elves have such a good life. They are not only beautiful but also live in this picturesque place. It’s like a paradise on Earth. I hope this utopia can last, unaffected by the schemes of others.”

 

Lu Shifeng walked beside him and spoke slowly, “What shapes them can also destroy them.”

 

Jian Luo was momentarily puzzled.

 

Lu Shifeng ascended the stone steps between the mountains. He had an unabashed arrogance about him as he said, “It’s a survival of the fittest, adaptability, and the ability to enjoy the good fortune. You should make the most of your favorable conditions rather than seeking indulgence. Falling behind will result in being beaten. The best is to be so strong that no one can control you. Otherwise… no one should be blamed.”

 

Jian Luo’s eyes met Lu Shifeng’s, which were blood-red. For a moment, they seemed like those of a stranger. Jian Luo felt a sudden fear.

 

Although they were discussing the elves, Jian Luo couldn’t help but recall what the Queen had said to him. She had mentioned the sudden and unexplained destruction of Earth and its connection to the powerful Dark Star. Many other planets had similarly vanished without warning. The survival or extinction of a planet was just a number for the Dark Star. 

 

What about him? As a human carrying a unique child, what awaited him? Would he be captured and subjected to experiments? Or could there be even worse outcomes? Maybe Lu Shifeng was currently treating him well, but who could predict the future? Perhaps Lu Shifeng’s behavior was only because of the child in him. But what if the Queen’s words were true? What if Lu Shifeng were to change his attitude drastically?

 

Lu Shifeng treated those planets harshly for the sake of the Dark Star, for the survival of the race. So, when it came to his own survival, would he treat himself the same way if it were related to the greater cause of the race?

 

Jian Luo didn’t know what expression was on his face at that moment, but he guessed it wasn’t a good one.

A voice, neither loud nor soft, came from the side.

 

All eyes once again turned toward the inconspicuous human sitting next to Marshal Lu. Jian Luo smiled awkwardly, “I’m sorry, my hand slipped.”

 

A cup that had fallen on the table was lifted, and Jian Luo gave everyone a half-hearted smile before returning his gaze to the table.

 

Lu Shifeng glanced at him and said calmly, “Since His Majesty has taken an interest, I can’t refuse this generous offer.”

 

Jian Luo suddenly raised his head, his eyes filled with disbelief. He stared at Lu Shifeng with a fierce expression, resembling a ruffled bunny.

 

Lu Shifeng continued, “My adjutant is quite fond of the elves, and coincidentally, he’s been idle lately. So, let’s gift them to him.”

 

Jian Luo’s eyes widened even more, and he couldn’t believe it. He stammered, “Me?”

 

The Elf King, seated above, had no objections. He said, “Very well, since Marshal Lu has said so, let’s proceed this way.”

 

Under the Elf King’s assignment, several elves approached Jian Luo. The elves were indeed beautiful, but their beauty was ethereal and unapproachable. If they all gathered around him, looking at him affectionately and exuding an otherworldly aura, it would feel somewhat overwhelming.

 

Jian Luo’s heart tightened, and he shot a discreet glare at Lu Shifeng. In a hushed voice, he asked, “What are you up to? Why are you giving them to me? What would I do with elves?”

 

Lu Shifeng, still playing with his wine cup, cast an interested glance at Jian Luo and smiled slyly, “Aren’t we getting a little tired of each other? I thought I’d indulge you.”

 

Jian Luo snorted softly, “Fine, I’ll take them. It’s not like they’ll be wasted. Why get angry over it? Even if I can’t enjoy their beauty, there are always more ways than difficulties!”

 

The banquet concluded.

 

The elves were very hospitable. They arranged temporary accommodations for Jian Luo and Lu Shifeng in a scenic location within the Elf Valley. Even though it was a temporary residence, the interior was elegantly decorated and exuded a refreshing and refined atmosphere.

 

Lu Shifeng had some business to attend to and couldn’t stay, so he arranged for guards and left Jian Luo to explore the estate. When he returned in the late afternoon, it was already dusk.

 

Secretary Jin stood at the door to welcome him. She took his overcoat and said, “Marshal.”

 

Lu Shifeng nodded. “And how are those elves? If he doesn’t like them, come up with a reason to reassign them tomorrow.”

 

Teasing Jian Luo was one thing, but business was another matter.

 

Lu Shifeng had a brilliant idea, which seemed quite reasonable. However, he was utterly surprised when Secretary Jin mentioned it. She appeared hesitant and said, “Well, they… seem to get along quite well with Luoluo.”

 

Lu Shifeng frowned. After all, elves were usually shy and reserved. Given their slightly haughty nature, one wouldn’t expect them to get along with Jian Luo, who was carefree and easygoing. Furthermore, those elves were initially meant to be awarded to him. Jian Luo had given them a fierce look at the banquet, as if he were about to devour them. But now they were getting along well?

 

Marshal Lu was somewhat displeased.

 

Lu Shifeng took a few steps into the room and said, “I’ll go take a look.”

 

The Elf Valley was always covered in lush vines, creating a picturesque atmosphere. As he passed through the green vine corridor, he heard lively sounds of laughter and conversation from a garden not far away.

 

“Come on, another round!”

 

“I’ve won, hahaha!”

 

“Today’s luck is amazing!”

 

Lu Shifeng stood in place, watching Jian Luo in loose clothing, confidently managing a mahjong game. Although his belly had grown larger, it didn’t hinder his agility in handling the cards. The three elves sitting with him, although less skillful, managed to keep up.

 

Jian Luo was relaxed, even taking off his coat and wearing just a simple T-shirt. If not for the limited range of his movements due to his growing belly, Lu Shifeng suspected he would have floated up into the sky. He stood by silently, watching him, as though he could sense an endless surge of vitality emanating from Jian Luo. It was effortless for Jian Luo to draw attention, just sitting there without doing anything.

 

This had been Lu Shifeng’s impression of Jian Luo for a long time. Despite the hardships and challenges of life, Jian Luo never seemed to be unhappy for long. He was like a blazing and brilliant sun, occasionally experiencing dark moments, but they never lasted too long. He would rise again, shining brilliantly.

 

Fragile yet resilient, weak yet powerful.

 

Lu Shifeng never believed that Jian Luo’s good life was due to him. He felt that even without him, Jian Luo could slowly build his career.

 

The radiance of some people couldn’t be concealed.

 

One of the elves sitting in the chair not far away said, “Your Highness, wouldn’t you like to freshen up just in case Marshal Lu returns?”

 

Jian Luo replied hurriedly, “It’s fine, it’ll be a while before he comes back.”

 

“This…” The elf hesitated, “Shouldn’t you prepare?”

 

Jian Luo’s hands didn’t stop moving. “No need. When the time comes, I’ll just say I was studying.”

 

“Is that so?”

 

“Yeah…”

 

Jian Luo’s movements paused, and the familiar deep voice seemed like a spell, causing him to stiffen. He reluctantly turned his head and met the gaze of Marshal Lu.

 

Lu Shifeng stood straight, leaning against the vines and raising an eyebrow. “Studying what?”

 

“…”

 

Jian Luo hesitated and lowered his head, saying, “Studying… puzzle games.”

 

Lu Shifeng glanced at the mahjong tiles. “Such as?”

 

Jian Luo coughed and quickly looked at the elves next to him, improvising, “These are puzzle games from their elfin culture, called mahjong.”

 

The elves widened their eyes.

 

Lu Shifeng glanced at them and spoke lazily, “Is that so?”

 

Jian Luo hurriedly said, “Yes, yes.”

 

To prevent the situation from being exposed, he came closer and affectionately took Lu Shifeng’s arm. “I made noodles today, you can try some Yangchun noodles. I’ll go get two bowls for us to taste. I can’t eat without you, especially since you’re not here, I can’t adapt at all.”

 

The three little turtles in his belly were quite demanding, and he wasn’t sure whose genes they’d inherited. Regardless, he was exceptionally obedient and had none of these troublesome characteristics.

 

Lu Shifeng said, “You can’t adapt?”

 

Jian Luo mumbled, “Yes.”

 

“I see you’re adapting quite well.” Lu Shifeng smirked. “You seem to be having a great time without me. Whether I come back or not doesn’t seem to matter.”

 

“… Are you a professional eavesdropper or something?”

 

Unexpectedly, what happened next exceeded Lu Shifeng’s expectations. These three elves were originally sent to amuse Jian Luo. The elves were usually bored and reserved, and their personalities didn’t quite match. They had originally planned to send them away the next day. However, what Jian Luo did during the afternoon gradually “transformed” these three elegant elves.

 

In Jian Luo’s words: “I can’t just gather some soldiers to play mahjong, right? It would disrupt their training. But the elves are different. They are all idle. Just a casual sentence, and suddenly, Luoluo helped the elves integrate.”

 

So, Lu Shifeng realized something he hadn’t noticed before. He had always thought that ensuring Jian Luo’s material well-being was sufficient. However, he hadn’t paid much attention to how Jian Luo, who had been alone on the battleship for months, was coping with the boredom. Jian Luo was not a solitary person by nature; he enjoyed play and laughter. Yet for these past few months, he had not complained even once.

 

Thus, when Jian Luo was still half-asleep and reluctant to get out of bed in the morning, Lu Shifeng said, “Get up.”

 

The person on the bed grumbled a few times and then returned to sleep. But shortly after, they resurfaced and stared wide-eyed, unable to conceal their excitement. “Is it real? Is it real?”

 

Lu Shifeng was worried he might strain himself. “Careful, you forgot about your body?”

 

Jian Luo got up rather energetically, nearly tumbling over Lu Shifeng. Fortunately, he steadied himself. He was excited and said, “Why didn’t you say earlier? I didn’t even prepare.”

 

Lu Shifeng looked at the person in his arms. Despite the messy hair from sleep, his skin was fair. Due to the pregnancy, he had some swelling, but he had also gained a bit of flesh. Excitement made his eyes sparkle, and he looked oddly adorable. Marshal Lu gently asked, “Prepare for what?”

 

“I have a mahjong game scheduled!”

 

“… Fine.”

 

After tidying up in the morning, Lu Shifeng took Jian Luo for a stroll in the Elf Valley. Despite being a renowned beauty in the entire universe, the elves were remarkably low-key. They avoided external influences and lived in seclusion in the Elf Valley, isolated from the world.

 

Their intention this time was to establish relations with the Dark Star. Although their planet had been safe in the past, the recent surge of interstellar piracy had made even the smaller and weaker races potential targets. Given the fertile resources of the Elf Planet, it had become a desirable prize.

 

The elves hoped to establish relations with the Dark Star for their safety.

 

Walking through the Elf Valley, Jian Luo said, “This place is genuinely clean. It’s unlike the planets we’ve visited before. It’s ideal for a vacation.”

 

Lu Shifeng asked, “Do you like it here?”

 

“Yeah,” Jian Luo replied casually. “I hope the ecology here can remain this way and not be destroyed. The elves are lucky. They’re beautiful, and their place of residence is like a picturesque paradise. I hope this kind of earthly paradise can last, unspoiled by those with ulterior motives.”

 

Walking beside him, Lu Shifeng spoke slowly, “What shapes them also has the power to destroy them.”

 

Jian Luo was puzzled.

Lu Shifeng ascended the mountain steps with an undisguised air of pride. “Survival of the fittest. If you have the ability to enjoy, you must have the capability to protect it. If you are blessed with exceptional conditions, you should utilize them to the fullest rather than seeking pleasure. Falling behind results in being beaten. It’s best to be so strong that no one can dictate to you. Otherwise, there’s no one else to blame.”

 

Jian Luo’s gaze met his, and it was a pair of blood-red eyes, momentarily frightening in their unfamiliarity. “Everything is the same.”

 

In that moment, Jian Luo suddenly felt a bit afraid. While Lu Shifeng was speaking about the elfin race, he recalled the words the Queen had spoken to him. She had said that the Earth’s sudden and unexplained destruction was linked to the mighty Dark Star in the universe. The destruction of many planets at that time was not coincidental.

 

A planet, with billions of living beings at the very least, was destroyed with the wave of a hand. Dark Star’s people would go to any lengths to achieve their goals, and the survival or extinction of a race was just a number to them.

 

What about himself? As the only human carrying a child, what awaited him?

 

Would he be taken and subjected to experiments? Or would there be even worse consequences in store for him?

 

Perhaps Lu Shifeng was treating him well now because of the child, but who could predict the future? Jian Luo had once naively believed that Lu Shifeng wouldn’t harm him. However, if what the Queen had said was true, and if Lu Shifeng changed his mind in the future?

 

Lu Shifeng had shown no mercy to the people of those planets, all in the name of the Dark Star’s interests and the survival of their race. If it came to a question of the greater good of the race, would he treat himself the same way?

 

Jian Luo didn’t know what expression was on his face at this moment, but he guessed it probably wasn’t a good one.

---

T/N: Hey there! There is plenty more where that came from, so stay tuned! And stay healthy! Straighten your posture, so some stretches and drink some water before continuing hehe~

If you like my translations, feel free to donate to my ko-fi!

I really, really appreciate all the support from my readers <3 It goes a long way and motivates me lots!

https://ko-fi.com/hoenibean

 

Also, check out the other series we have on HoH!

If you like cats, check out Revenge of the Garfield

If you like dragons, check out I’m Pregnant with the Hope of the Entire Planet and The Dragon and the ‘Princess’

How about some mystery or showbiz? Check out Morbid Addiction & Perfection

What about the perfect, most non-toxic male lead ever? Laws of Love

How about MC nursing ML back to health? Forced into the Deep

 

Thank you for all your support <3 Leave a comment if you like 🙂 I love reading them!

Chapter 97 – The smile that gradually disappeared. 

 

Jian Luo quietly looked at the queen. The queen was somewhat nervous. She looked at Jian Luo and said seriously, “You don’t believe me, do you?”

 

Jian Luo stood in place. “You’ve given me so much advice. Let me give you a piece of advice too.”

 

“What is it?”

 

“If you don’t leave now, you won’t be able to leave.”

 

The queen suddenly felt uneasy. She turned around and found no one behind her, and there were no pursuers here. “You deceived me?”

 

Jian Luo said, “Believe it or not, it’s up to you.”

 

A voice came from her communication bracelet. “Sis, you need to teleport quickly; the signal on your end is getting weaker.”

 

The queen frowned and finally hesitated no more. She opened her communication bracelet, and as it was taken apart, it seemed like an invisible wall was spinning. As it got closer, Jian Luo could feel the vortex coming from the other side.

 

The queen’s red dress billowed from the wind on the other side of the wall. She looked at Jian Luo again. “Are you really not coming with me? Is it for the child?”

 

Jian Luo watched her actions, unfazed. “Do you want to hear the truth?”

 

The queen nodded.

 

“I’ve never thought of escaping from him. Not in the past, and I probably won’t in the future. Thank you for your kindness. Goodbye.”

 

As he finished speaking, he received the queen’s rather complex gaze.

 

The queen stepped in, not forgetting to say to Jian Luo, “You will regret this.”

 

Jian Luo watched her quietly, unmoved.

 

As the entire portal engulfed her, the living person who had just stood there disappeared. Jian Luo stared at the empty ground for a while, and he felt like he should be thinking about something, but in reality, he wasn’t thinking anything at all.

 

“Bang!”

 

A loud noise came from outside, along with the sound of commotion.

 

Jian Luo looked up and saw a group of people entering, with General Lu Shifeng at the forefront, wearing a sharp military uniform. It seemed like today they were about to leave. He had a dark blue cloak dr4p3d over his back, and with his every move, the cloak fluttered, making him look quite imposing.

 

The black knee-high military boots stepped crisply on the clean floor, making sharp, efficient sounds. Finally, the owner of the boots stopped in front of Jian Luo.

 

Jian Luo raised his face to look at him, with a thin layer of sweat on his forehead.

 

Lu Shifeng looked down at him, seemingly confirming his safety. He said, “Are you injured?”

 

Jian Luo took a deep breath and then replied, “No.”

 

“Hmm.”

 

Lu Shifeng glanced around the bathroom, took off his cloak, and dr4p3d it over Jian Luo’s shoulders. His voice carried a hint of magnetism, “If you’re scared, you can cry.”

 

Jian Luo remained silent.

 

The cloak was fastened around his shoulders, and along with it came the familiar scent of the man who had been with him every day. Honestly, he was trembling a bit. His earlier composure was just an act. Now, seeing the person who meant everything to him, there was no need for pretense. He said, “If you hadn’t come…”

 

Lu Shifeng raised an eyebrow. “If I hadn’t come?”

 

“Then my legs might have given out. I thought I wouldn’t last that long.”

 

It was clear he had been trying to find a topic to buy more time.

 

Lu Shifeng pulled out a clean handkerchief and handed it to him. “Wipe yourself.”

 

Jian Luo was momentarily stunned, then realized it was for him to wipe the sweat from his forehead. He took it and said, “Thank you.”

 

Lu Shifeng’s chief secretary said, “Bring him back.”

 

The chief secretary replied, “Yes!”

 

Jian Luo was still trying to steady his wobbly legs when he suddenly saw Lu Shifeng preparing to leave. He instinctively asked, “Where are you going?”

 

Outside, two rows of Dragon Clan soldiers were standing, glancing over in this direction, curious to see how the Supreme Commander would comfort his delicate little wife. Would he be all smiles, they wondered, and thought about how the Supreme Commander used to comfort others. If it weren’t for you, he might have already given you a beating. Now, he’s keeping his temper in check and speaking kindly. That’s really not easy.

 

Lu Shifeng stopped in his tracks, turned around, and looked at Jian Luo. “What do you think?”

 

Jian Luo asked, “Are you going to find her?”

 

Lu Shifeng’s handsome face showed little expression, and his blood-red eyes gazed calmly at Jian Luo. “She had set her sights on you.”

 

His voice was calm and steady, with an inexplicable hint of menace. “Damn.”

 

Jian Luo choked on his words.

 

Lu Shifeng’s presence was too overwhelming, and it frightened him. If the queen had escaped, there would be consequences for the leader, and as the last person to have contact with her, Jian Luo might not be let off easily. With this in mind, he walked closer to Lu Shifeng and said, “I’m not her accomplice.”

 

Lu Shifeng looked down at him from above. “I know.”

 

Jian Luo thought for a moment and decided to be honest: “She wanted me to go with her, but I didn’t.”

 

After speaking, he stole a few more glances at Lu Shifeng, trying to gauge the Supreme Commander’s reaction, but found only an unsurprised expression on his face.

 

Jian Luo hesitated. “Aren’t you shocked at all?”

 

Lu Shifeng said, “Clearly not. If you had gone with her, you wouldn’t still be standing here.”

 

Unable to argue with that, Jian Luo found it rather uninteresting. He muttered, “What if I had gone with her?”

 

Lu Shifeng lowered his head to look at him. His aura changed, becoming more imposing, and a strong sense of pressure emanated from him. He quirked a cold smile and said, one word at a time, “You can try.”

 

Suddenly, Jian Luo broke into a cold sweat. He even had a daring thought: what if… what if Lu Shifeng had already left?

 

If he had agreed, he might not be having this pleasant conversation right now.

 

Thinking of this, Jian Luo felt a bit wronged. He had been waiting here nervously, and that jerk was still outside, not coming in. He was making him worry, and he wondered what he had done to deserve this.

 

Jian Luo hung his head, feeling his nose tingle. He mumbled, “Oh.”

 

Lu Shifeng raised an eyebrow. The Supreme Commander wasn’t particularly adept at handling this kind of response. “Why are you crying?”

 

“Didn’t you say it’s okay to cry?” Pregnant people’s emotions can be quite unreasonable, and Jian Luo, feeling he couldn’t control himself, continued in a melodramatic tone, “My tears aren’t going to bother you. Aren’t you busy with something? You’re annoying.”

 

Lu Shifeng fell silent for a while, then spoke, “Jian Luo.”

 

Jian Luo grumbled, “What?”

 

“One million.” Lu Shifeng said, “When we get back, I’ll have someone set up an online shopping account for you, and you can use my credit card.”

 

Jian Luo couldn’t help but almost laugh. He had wanted to act a bit reserved, but he gave in happily. “What do you take me for? I’m not interested in these things.”

 

Lu Shifeng said, “Two million.”

 

“Okay, you win!”

 

Lu Shifeng’s powers of persuasion through money worked like a charm, and Jian Luo forgave him with a cheerful heart. Then, obediently, he stopped causing trouble and went back to the battleship with his chief secretary.

 

The chief secretary said, “Luo Luo, take a rest in this room. If you need anything, call me. I’ll be outside.”

 

Jian Luo nodded. “Thank you.”

 

The chief secretary smiled and left.

 

Once she had gone, Jian Luo slowly lay down on the bed. He glanced at his communication bracelet and couldn’t help but recall the queen’s words today. Whether it was about the Star Core or the communication bracelet, it all replayed in his mind.

 

The idea of plundering the fortunes of other planets was something he had never heard of. It did seem to match Lu Shifeng’s style, and in fact, Lu Shifeng had never been labeled as a good person in people’s mouths, even before he met him. The Supreme Commander was known as ruthless and merciless, and he had a reputation for being cold-blooded.

 

Xiu Liang had more than once warned him to stay away from Lu Shifeng.

 

The Star Core incident had made Jian Luo acutely aware that the man sleeping by his side was far from a saint. They were probably not on the same side either, but what could he do now? He had no way out. He was carrying Lu Shifeng’s child, his family lived within Lu Shifeng’s sphere of influence, and as Lu Shifeng had said, he had no way to escape, even if he wanted to.

 

Unless… he went back.

 

On the other side, the queen was seated, and she had shed her previous vulnerability. She raised her wine glass coquettishly. “Mission accomplished.”

 

The silver-haired person sitting above her scoffed. “Mission accomplished my foot. I told you to bring him back; where is he?”

 

“He didn’t want to come; what could I do?” The queen complained, “Besides, he’s your Dragon King’s little treasure. If anything happens to him, won’t Lu Shifeng annihilate me?”

 

Silver-gray: “What are you afraid of him for?”

 

The queen retorted, “Aren’t you afraid?”

 

While saying this, she glanced at Silver-gray, wondering where this man’s confidence came from. The last time he had crossed Lu Shifeng, he had been bedridden for half a month, and now he seemed to have forgotten the pain.

 

Silver-gray changed the subject, and his expression under the lamplight appeared somewhat eerie. “Enough with the nonsense. Have you completed the tasks I assigned to you?”

 

The queen nodded. “Don’t worry; everything is installed.”

 

Silver-gray sighed. “Do we need to steal some maternity and baby supplies?”

 

“No need,” the queen said. “Dragon children aren’t like regular babies. They’re basically borned old enough to be weaned and won’t need anyone’s care. Instead of thinking about the baby supplies, why don’t you figure out how to raise a human so he doesn’t die?”

 

“…”

 

Four months later.

 

Jian Luo had initially thought that he and Lu Shifeng would return within a few months, but it turned out to be quite the opposite. It seemed that Lu Shifeng was ensuring that he wasn’t disturbed on Dark Star, so the entire army hadn’t returned. It was like an interstellar vacation; while most people went on honeymoons after getting married, he was playing with a child in his belly.

 

However, the battleship was spacious, so he wasn’t feeling cramped. The only downside was that his belly was growing larger and larger. What used to be a small bump was now a noticeable bulge.

 

“Hiss…”

 

Jian Luo opened his eyes, waking up once again from his dream. As the months passed, his pregnancy symptoms had become more pronounced, and he could hardly sleep through the night. He was frequently awakened by the need to use the restroom or by leg cramps.

 

This time, it was a leg cramp.

 

Jian Luo slowly sat up, trying to get used to it and alleviate the discomfort.

 

There was some movement nearby, and Lu Shifeng sat up. “Leg cramp?”

 

Jian Luo noticed that he was awake and hurriedly said, “It’s nothing. You go back to sleep; I’ll be fine after I stretch for a while.”

 

Lu Shifeng was wearing the duck-themed pajamas he had worn on Dark Star. This attire somewhat diminished the Supreme Commander’s imposing presence. He sat up and spoke in a familiar tone, “Which leg?”

 

“…” Jian Luo pointed. “This one.”

 

Lu Shifeng reached out and massaged Jian Luo’s leg. After a long time, Jian Luo began to doubt whether Lu Shifeng was a professional masseur. Who could apply such evenly distributed pressure for so long?

 

Since the onset of his pregnancy symptoms, he had slept poorly, and it had also affected Lu Shifeng’s sleep.

 

Jian Luo looked at him and spoke gently, “Should we sleep in separate rooms?”

 

Lu Shifeng paused and gave him a glance. “What are you planning now?”

 

His tone seemed to suggest, “What mischief are you up to today, you little troublemaker?”

 

Jian Luo replied, “I don’t want to disturb your rest. Could you prepare another bed for me in a different room? This way, I won’t sleep well, and you won’t either.”

 

“…” Jian Luo thanked him silently.

 

They had been on the battleship for a month. The battleship had finally arrived at another destination, a planet that was friendly with Dark Star, and it was even wealthier. According to the chief secretary, it was a kingdom of elves.

 

Jian Luo was excited. “Elves? Are they the ones with the pointy ears and exceptionally beautiful looks?”

 

The chief secretary smiled. “Something like that.”

 

“Wow!” Jian Luo couldn’t contain his excitement. “I’m going to see elves!”

 

The chief secretary was curious. “Are elves so rare? If that’s the case, you weren’t very excited when you first met our Dragon King or the Phoenix Clan. They are all considered rare nobility.”

 

Jian Luo shook his head. “You can’t compare them.”

 

The chief secretary asked, “Why not?”

 

“I was excited at first,” Jian Luo sighed, “But when you’ve been with someone for a long time, it gets old. You get tired of it. Like, which family’s flowers can compare to the wildflowers you find in the wilderness?”

 

“Luo Luo…”

 

Jian Luo: “What?”

 

The chief secretary cast a glance behind Jian Luo and said, “Perhaps you should look behind you.”

 

Jian Luo turned to see Lu Shifeng standing not far away, looking at him with raised eyebrows. The unspoken threat in his gaze seemed to dare Jian Luo to repeat himself.

 

Jian Luo choked up, “What I meant was, as beautiful as wildflowers can be, they can’t compare to the charm of homegrown ones.”

 

The chief secretary couldn’t help but stifle her laughter.

 

As they entered the realm of the elves, Jian Luo was completely unrestrained. He looked left and right, especially when he saw little fairies sitting with transparent wings. He couldn’t help but exclaim, “They’re so cute!”

 

Lu Shifeng warned, “Don’t touch them casually.”

 

Jian Luo stood and asked, “Why not?”

 

The chief secretary explained, “Elves are not allowed to be touched at will. If you make physical contact with them, it might be considered a binding contract, implying that you’re their lifelong partner, meaning you can only be with one palm-sized person for the rest of your life.”

 

“…”

 

Now, they didn’t seem as cute anymore.

 

The group entered the Elf Palace, where the Elf King had prepared a banquet to welcome the guests. He appeared somewhat elderly, with stubble on his face. The decorations in the Elf Palace were almost entirely made of crystal, shining brightly and exuding exquisite beauty. The attire of the elf tribe was equally exquisite, with white dresses and crystal masks, creating an alluring and enchanting look.

 

Jian Luo couldn’t help but exclaim, “Wow.”

 

With a baby girl in his belly, he knew he would have to dress her up beautifully in the future. If it’s a baby boy, well, who cares, he can wear whatever.

 

The group took their seats at the banquet table. Jian Luo looked at the crystal pitcher on the table filled with water and secretly asked Lu Shifeng, “What are we going to eat?”

 

Lu Shifeng pointed to the water pitcher in front of Jian Luo. “It’s right in front of you.”

 

Jian Luo couldn’t believe it. “You mean this?”

 

Do fairies really only drink dewdrops!?

 

Lu Shifeng raised an eyebrow. “Don’t you like elves? When in Rome, do as the Romans do.”

 

“…”

 

Suddenly, his admiration waned.

 

The dancers among the elves who had been performing in the front hall had just finished. Their movements were graceful, and they all looked like celestial beings.

 

As Jian Luo enjoyed the spectacle, he was secretly planning to sneak away. However, the Elf King suddenly spoke, “How does the human guest find our dancers?”

 

Lu Shifeng held a cup and calmly replied, “They’re excellent.”

 

Jian Luo also nodded in agreement. The dance was truly captivating.

 

“Excellent! That’s wonderful!” The king applauded. “These performers will accompany the human guest for a while. They can keep you entertained during your leisure time and bring a smile to your face.”

 

“…”

 

The room fell into silence.

 

The smile on Jian Luo’s smile gradually faded as he realized the implications.

---

T/N: Hey there! There is plenty more where that came from, so stay tuned! And stay healthy! Straighten your posture, so some stretches and drink some water before continuing hehe~

If you like my translations, feel free to donate to my ko-fi!

I really, really appreciate all the support from my readers <3 It goes a long way and motivates me lots!

https://ko-fi.com/hoenibean

 

Also, check out the other series we have on HoH!

If you like cats, check out Revenge of the Garfield

If you like dragons, check out I’m Pregnant with the Hope of the Entire Planet and The Dragon and the ‘Princess’

How about some mystery or showbiz? Check out Morbid Addiction & Perfection

What about the perfect, most non-toxic male lead ever? Laws of Love

How about MC nursing ML back to health? Forced into the Deep

 

Thank you for all your support <3 Leave a comment if you like 🙂 I love reading them!

Chapter 96 – Are you running?

 

Jian Luo looked at the mirror for a while, sighed, and finally decided to go out first, as there was no point in staying here. It was just a waste of time. He opened the bathroom door, intending to hurry and change into a new set of clothes. However, as soon as he opened the door, he froze. Lu Shifeng was standing there, eyeing him.

 

“…”

 

There was a moment of silence in the air. Lu Shifeng’s gaze swept over him, and there was a hint of mockery in his usually cold eyes. He smirked, his intentions unclear.

 

Jian Luo stood frozen in place, his ears turning bright red. He was somewhat embarrassed and annoyed. “Why did you suddenly return?”

 

Lu Shifeng raised an eyebrow. “Isn’t this my place too?”

 

“…” Jian Luo hurriedly walked towards the wardrobe, grabbed a coat to cover up his embarrassing appearance, muttering, “Yes, you just startled me.”

 

As he spoke, he tried to put on the coat, but when he glanced down, he realized it was blue.

 

Jian Luo widened his eyes. Lu Shifeng walked over, his military boots making crisp, resolute sounds on the floor. Jian Luo nervously took a couple of steps back.

 

Finally, Lu Shifeng stopped in front of him, extended his hand, and his well-defined fingers slowly approached. This made Jian Luo’s heart race, and he stammered, “What… what are you doing? I’m still in the early stages.”

 

Lu Shifeng picked up the coat in Jian Luo’s hand. “You can’t wear this.”

 

Huh? Jian Luo’s gaze shifted to the coat in Lu Shifeng’s hand, only to discover that it was the random piece of clothing he had grabbed, and to his horror, it was Lu Shifeng’s military uniform!

 

Annoyance surged within Jian Luo. He felt somewhat indignant. “I picked up the wrong one.”

 

Lu Shifeng responded with a simple “Hmm,” and tossed the coat back into the wardrobe. He then looked down at Jian Luo’s new outfit.

 

Jian Luo was initially embarrassed, but suddenly, he noticed the room had fallen silent. He raised his head inquisitively, only to be met with Lu Shifeng’s scrutinizing gaze.

 

What? Jian Luo instantly retreated half a meter, then leaped onto the bed, hiding under the blanket. “Don’t look!”

 

Lu Shifeng stood there, observing the little rabbit hopping around. The tail of his outfit swayed with each movement, giving it a dynamic quality. Originally meant to be somewhat sexy, the clothing on him appeared more like children’s attire, and it looked cute.

 

Lu Shifeng finally spoke, his voice exuding magnetism with a hint of huskiness. “Who gave you this outfit?”

 

“…” Jian Luo hesitated for a moment, then decided to tell the truth. “It was Ya Jie. Don’t blame her; it’s a gift.”

 

Lu Shifeng raised an eyebrow. “Ya Jie?”

 

Jian Luo nodded.

 

He had prepared himself for some strict words from the Marshal, thinking he might need to plead with him to avoid causing trouble for Ya Jie. After all, he wasn’t a heartless person. But to his surprise, Lu Shifeng casually said, “Not bad.”

 

Jian Luo was taken aback. “Very creative.”

 

Lu Shifeng sat on the edge of the bed, crossing his long legs, and looked at Jian Luo with a raised eyebrow, his tone lazy. “You just thought I neglected your needs.”

 

Jian Luo frantically nodded. “Of course, it’s true!”

 

The atmosphere became somewhat awkward.

 

In the end, Jian Luo couldn’t tell if it was just his imagination, but he felt that the Marshal seemed a bit disappointed in the end.

 

What are you disappointed about?

 

Lu Shifeng turned around. “Go change in the bathroom.”

 

Jian Luo, seeing that Lu Shifeng was no longer teasing him and feeling a bit uncomfortable, found the Marshal’s behavior quite strange. When he was persistent, you wanted to retreat, and when he gave up, you felt a bit off balance. The pure human Jian Luo was now caught up in this dilemma.

 

In the end, he swiftly grabbed a new set of clothes and went to the bathroom to change. In passing, he said, “I’ve left some food for you in the small cupboard next to it. It’s still warm, so make sure to eat it.”

 

Lu Shifeng watched him dash into the bathroom, squinting his eyes. Eventually, he got up and headed to the neighboring room’s bathroom.

 

…

 

When Jian Luo emerged, the Marshal was already having his meal at the table. Jian Luo, while drying his hair, sat down and asked, “Is it delicious?”

 

Lu Shifeng said, “I heard the Queen visited you.”

 

“Yep,” Jian Luo didn’t want to tell him everything, “Because discussing herb matters is always important. We also had a meal together.”

 

This man was truly formidable. Sometimes Jian Luo felt a bit creepy because it seemed like he knew everything about his daily activities, whom he met, and what he did.

 

Lu Shifeng said, “Don’t talk to her much.”

 

Jian Luo was indignant, “Why?”

 

“Most likely, she’s faking her illness,” Lu Shifeng scooped some soup with a spoon, “Staying here is probably just a ploy to find an opportunity to escape.”

 

“…”

 

Really? Jian Luo suddenly felt his perspective had shifted a bit. Why was the Queen getting close to him? Could she have some ulterior motive, planning to use him? The more he thought about it, the more uneasy he felt. “Are you afraid she’ll use me to escape?”

 

“No,” Lu Shifeng raised an eyebrow, leaning back on the couch, his tone relaxed. “I’m afraid you’ll be wasting your effort.”

 

“What…” What is this man thinking? However, Lu Shifeng’s warning did make Jian Luo more vigilant in dealing with the Queen. They might need to stay on the Industrial Star for a few more days because Lu Shifeng had strict requirements for custom-made defense shields, and they had to work with the local engineers. As a family member, Jian Luo had some leisure time on the Industrial Star. He suddenly received a message from the Little Emperor: “Luo Luo!”

 

When the message arrived, Jian Luo was still organizing the herb inventory he had collected from Earth. He was startled and sighed before replying, “What’s up?”

 

The Little Emperor quickly responded, “Just missed you. How’s the honeymoon going? If Lu Shifeng isn’t treating you well, I can find someone else for you!”

 

“…” Jian Luo still valued his life, and he didn’t want the Little Emperor to badmouth him behind Lu Shifeng’s back. So, he replied, “It’s okay.”

 

But he couldn’t help but wonder why the Little Emperor was suddenly reaching out to him. After all, the Little Emperor was, well, the Emperor. Although he had a somewhat casual demeanor, he was still the Emperor. Now, the Emperor was humbly saying he wanted to discuss something with him?

 

Jian Luo put down his work and asked, “What is it?”

 

“I want you to livestream every day when you have time,” the Little Emperor said. “You can share some information about our offspring, or even just cooking.”

 

“… Why?” Jian Luo was puzzled.

 

The Little Emperor answered straightforwardly, “Because the data from the Phoenix Platform in the past two days shows that after your last livestream, the overall national happiness index increased by 20%, social benefits went up, and even Dark Star’s stocks hit the limit up. Moreover, more people who were originally resistant to the idea of having offspring are now signing up for it.”

 

“???” Jian Luo widened his eyes. “Is that for real?”

 

The Little Emperor sighed and finally got to the point, “So, Luo Luo, I want you to consider it. If you can spare time for daily livestreams, we’ll treat it as a job, and you’ll receive 1 million credits in your account every month. As a significant contributor to humanity, we’ll also waive various taxes for you.”

 

Jian Luo pondered for a moment. It seemed feasible. He was in dire need of money to invest in building factories and acquiring new protective shields. Earlier, he had calculated that he would need at least a billion credits as initial capital. Additionally, the interstellar delivery company he had planned, along with the research and development of bubble tea, required funding. Now, he had a job that could earn him money without much hassle, so how could he refuse?

 

Thinking it over, Jian Luo responded, “Alright, I agree. I’ll make sure the minimum length of each livestream is not less than one hour, or I won’t be comfortable taking the money.”

 

The Little Emperor chuckled, “You’ve got it. Otherwise, if the stream is too short, Lu Shifeng may not approve.”

 

“…”

 

Jian Luo suddenly had a frightening thought, “Did you discuss this with Dragon Brother?”

 

The Little Emperor sighed, “I did, but he declined. He said you should rest properly and not tire yourself every day.”

 

Of course, he did. Jian Luo sighed inwardly. He wasn’t tired at all. As long as there was money to be made, he would gladly go out and make it.

 

…

 

After brushing off the Little Emperor, Jian Luo began organizing the herbs. Although Lu Shifeng had mentioned that the Queen was pretending, Jian Luo took the herb mixing seriously.

 

After consulting with a traditional Chinese medicine recipe and double-checking the dosages, he began brewing the medicine. During the process, Secretary Jin came by and was nearly overwhelmed by the scent, “Luo Luo, what are you cooking?”

 

“Medicine,” Jian Luo replied without looking up. “Want to taste it?”

 

“No, thanks. Enjoy it yourself,” Secretary Jin declined.

 

“…”

 

Not just Secretary Jin, even Lu Shifeng could detect the herbal aroma that seemed to cling to Jian Luo. Although the Marshal never voiced his aversion, it was clear that he noticed it.

 

Jian Luo was puzzled, “Is it really that bad?”

 

The answer became clear during one of his livestreams that evening. While he was cooking, the nearby pot of medicine was almost done, so Jian Luo went to check it. When he lifted the lid, an intense medicinal smell filled the entire livestream room, nearly driving away the viewers who had some reservations about the odor.

 

“Biochemical weapon?”

 

“I’ve never smelled anything so bad in my life.”

 

“Jian Luo, you work so hard.”

 

“Poor guy, experiencing this pain when giving birth.”

 

All at once, there was a surge of virtual gifts, and everyone expressed sympathy for Jian Luo, advising him to take care of his health.

 

Jian Luo, “…”

 

Due to the viewers’ comments, Jian Luo felt a bit disheartened. That night, he received a bit of a shock when Lu Shifeng returned home.

 

Jian Luo sniffed himself and moved closer to Lu Shifeng, almost squeezing himself into the man’s arms. He extended his arm and brought it close to Lu Shifeng’s face, saying, “Do you think the medicine smell on me is bad?”

 

Lu Shifeng raised an eyebrow and said, “Not unpleasant.”

 

“Stop lying.” Jian Luo wanted to expose his true thoughts, so he moved even closer, almost pushing himself into Lu Shifeng’s embrace. He held his arm up to Lu Shifeng’s face, “Smell it again.”

 

Lu Shifeng had nowhere to escape but chose to remain still. He raised an eyebrow and said, “Jian Luo.”

 

Jian Luo, “Hmm?”

 

“If you keep doing this, I won’t go any further.”

 

“I just remembered something.”

 

Of course, the person who suffered the most from the smell was the Queen, who had to drink the unpleasant medicinal soup even though she was pretending to be ill.

 

Jian Luo couldn’t fathom what the Queen was thinking. It could be due to her control being compromised, but her illness actually began to improve. On the day they were leaving, a grand farewell banquet was held.

 

Jian Luo wiped away the sweat on his forehead and commented, “Is the room decoration on the Industrial Star always this hardcore?”

 

Secretary Jin replied, “Seems like it.”

 

The entire venue was filled with various metallic and mechanical elements, making it look more like a factory than a banquet hall, which was quite unusual.

 

The Queen and the Commander were standing together in front, looking exceptionally harmonious. She was dressed in a red gown today, and her complexion had improved significantly. Her once innocent appearance had transformed into something entirely different. She seemed to sense Jian Luo’s gaze and looked over.

 

Jian Luo quickly averted his eyes.

 

The Queen might have choked on something because she suddenly started coughing violently, gasping for breath. Her hand holding the red wine glass trembled, causing some of it to spill.

 

The Commander was anxious, “Vanessa, Vanessa?”

 

The Queen’s face turned pale, and she shook her head lightly, “I’m fine, Your Majesty. You don’t need to worry.”

 

“Where’s the royal physician? The royal physician?” The Commander looked around frantically, finally spotting Jian Luo. He hurried over and said, “Can the divine physician take a look at my beloved Consort?”

 

Jian Luo hesitated for a moment, “Of course.”

 

He took a few steps forward to stand beside the Queen. She whispered, “I feel a bit short of breath. It’s nothing serious, divine physician, don’t worry. I’ll rest in my room.”

 

That was just perfect.

 

Jian Luo stepped back a pace, “In that case, Your Excellency, please go and rest.”

 

The Queen smiled and stepped down, saying, “Luo Luo, if you have the chance, you can come back and play here.”

 

Jian Luo nodded.

 

With the Queen’s departure, his nervous energy dissipated somewhat, but he couldn’t shake the feeling that this woman was quite peculiar.

 

Secretary Jin, who was nearby, was eating, “These energy candies on Industrial Star are really good.”

 

Jian Luo, after taking a bite, savored the taste and praised, “Indeed, they are.”

 

However, something unexpected happened. Soon after eating, his stomach began to feel uncomfortable.

 

This can’t be right…

 

Jian Luo furrowed his brow and told Secretary Jin, “I need to use the restroom.”

 

Secretary Jin was still eating, and not far away, Lu Shifeng was finalizing some discussions with the Commander. She said, “I’ll come with you.”

 

Jian Luo didn’t want a girl to accompany him to the restroom, so he replied, “Wait for me outside.”

 

Secretary Jin agreed.

 

After entering the restroom and relieving his discomfort, Jian Luo sighed and decided that he would avoid eating alien food in the future. It didn’t seem to agree with his digestion.

 

As he turned to leave the restroom, just as he was about to step out, a protective shield blocked his way. Then, a figure wearing a red dress appeared in the doorway. It was the Queen.

 

Jian Luo asked, “Your Excellency?”

 

The Queen leaned against the door, “You’re not going outside?”

 

Jian Luo said as he washed his hands, “I’m going outside. But it’s almost as if I expected you to be here, considering you’ve had your eye on me for a while.”

 

The Queen even admired Jian Luo’s boldness by now.

 

She straightened up a bit, “Aren’t you afraid of what I might do to you?”

 

Jian Luo shook his head, “If I were you, I wouldn’t be foolish enough to take action. At least there’s some value in me as a hostage.”

 

The Queen chuckled, “So, did you intentionally let me succeed?”

 

Jian Luo shook his head, “I’m not supporting you.”

 

There was a moment of silence in the air.

 

The Queen’s face darkened, and after a while, she said, “You know, he forced me to steal, to treat me during my illness. You’ve seen the bruises on my body. On the surface, he treats me well, but in private, he’s been abusive. If I don’t feign illness, he’d subject me to even more torture.”

 

Jian Luo let out a soft sigh.

 

The Queen leaned against the door, “I need your help. Your man is Lu Shifeng, and even if you do something, no one will dare to hold you responsible.”

 

That was her plan.

 

Jian Luo scoffed, “Do you think I’m a fool? If I help you, what about Dragon Brother’s order for protective shields? And you’re joking about the lives of the soldiers in the military. Do you think I’m a saint?”

 

The Queen looked surprised. She stood up straight, incredulously gazing at Jian Luo, “You really care about those people?”

 

Jian Luo, “…”

 

Not really, I just don’t want to die.

 

Jian Luo looked at the red-eyed Queen and thought back to the injuries he had seen when diagnosing her illness. It left him feeling sympathetic. He had always been against domestic violence and mind control, even with Lu Shifeng. Although Lu Shifeng often appeared domineering, in reality, he was very gentle and considerate.

 

In their relationship, when Jian Luo said no, Lu Shifeng wouldn’t force him. Moreover, Lu Shifeng was not a dictator; they could discuss any issue, no matter how frustrating it might be. They always found a reasonable solution.

 

Jian Luo considered for a moment, “What’s your plan?”

 

Seeing a slight softening in his attitude, the Queen continued, “Luo Luo, I already have someone ready to receive me. I’ve made thorough preparations for this day, all to escape the grasp of these people.”

 

Jian Luo was a little surprised but nodded, “Then why bother stopping me?”

 

The Queen removed the protective shield and approached Jian Luo, taking his hand, “Let’s leave together!”

 

Jian Luo, “?!!”

 

Standing in front of him, the woman in the red dress took out a magnet from her pocket, a style Jian Luo had seen on the Dark Star. She said, “This can disable the tracking device specially designed by the Dark Star. I’ve been in the palace all this time just to obtain this magnet. When your Dark Star’s warship passed by, they removed the magnet for the protective shields, and I managed to copy one.”

 

“Beep.”

 

Before Jian Luo’s eyes, the Queen’s information bracelet was deactivated.

 

Jian Luo stared, “You really opened it.”

“Luo Luo, I genuinely want to save you. I can see that you’re not truly willing to be with him either, because there is love between you. I am a telepath, and I can sense it.” The Queen tied up her hair, revealing the wounds on her neck. She continued, “And I have some knowledge about Dark Star. Some things I don’t know if you’re aware of, but I must tell you…”

 

Jian Luo asked, “What?”

 

The Queen smiled and said, “If you think Lu Shifeng truly loves you, you’re mistaken. If I remember correctly, during the upheaval on Dark Star, when the planet’s magnetic field was disturbed and the environment became harsh, each planet has its own unique energy. For this, Lu Shifeng ordered the slaughter of many lower civilizations and took their planet’s core crystals.”

 

Jian Luo stared at her, unable to believe what he was hearing.

 

“The Earth, the mother planet of humanity, was also on that list,” the Queen said to convince him. “Have you ever found Dark Star to be strange? Why are there infertility and physical deficiencies among their people? It’s because they were a doomed race to begin with, but they forcibly altered their fate by taking the energy from other planets.”

 

Jian Luo’s face darkened, and he asked, “So, what are you saying?”

 

The Queen waved her hand, “My planet was also on the list. The act of taking the planet’s core was taboo, and most civilizations that were affected were eradicated. Only a few exceptions exist, and I am one of them. I was taken. As for humanity, the reason why they are kept by the people of Dark Star might be a way for the Dark Star to delude themselves and seek redemption.”

 

Jian Luo’s heart was racing, his palms were sweaty, and he resisted, “Do you have any evidence?”

 

The Queen didn’t argue, “Whether it’s true or not, you will find out one day. I don’t need to deceive you. I’m just telling you the truth. Today is the only chance to escape. If you miss it, the next opportunity may be much harder to come by. I’ve already chosen a place where no one will find us, and we can start over. There will be no inequality there, and no one will force us to do anything. Will you come with me?”

---

T/N: Hey there! There is plenty more where that came from, so stay tuned! And stay healthy! Straighten your posture, so some stretches and drink some water before continuing hehe~

If you like my translations, feel free to donate to my ko-fi!

I really, really appreciate all the support from my readers <3 It goes a long way and motivates me lots!

https://ko-fi.com/hoenibean

 

Also, check out the other series we have on HoH!

If you like cats, check out Revenge of the Garfield

If you like dragons, check out I’m Pregnant with the Hope of the Entire Planet and The Dragon and the ‘Princess’

How about some mystery or showbiz? Check out Morbid Addiction & Perfection

What about the perfect, most non-toxic male lead ever? Laws of Love

How about MC nursing ML back to health? Forced into the Deep

 

Thank you for all your support <3 Leave a comment if you like 🙂 I love reading them!

Chapter 95 – “Do you understand what I mean?”

 

The barrage of viewers went into a frenzy.

 

The Dark Star people had been childless for so many years, and while they were powerful, no one dared to mock them for their deadly weakness. But that didn’t mean they wouldn’t feel difficult and sad about not having children.

 

Just like ordinary people walking down the street, seeing someone holding a child’s hand, seeing someone shopping for their child, seeing someone preparing for pregnancy, and someone struggling with the idea of having a child. Whether happy or sad, it was something that made people envious.

 

And now, a hologram made them feel the fetal movements!

 

Life!

 

“I’m crying.”

 

“Ah, little one, I love you.”

 

“Please, can the streamer start broadcasting?”

 

Almost everyone who had activated the hologram felt the happiness of the fetal movements, and such feelings were not common in everyone’s lives.

 

The Dark Star people were not short of money; on the contrary, they were very generous. As long as they were moved enough, they wouldn’t be stingy.

 

For a while, the gifts in the entire live stream room kept coming, densely packed. Jian Luo’s live stream room had climbed to the top of the Dark Star’s live broadcast ranking. It had always hovered around the fourth or fifth position, but this small event had quickly pushed it to the top.

 

“Brothers, it’s worth investing.”

 

“Amazing, I’ve experienced the feeling of fetal movements in my lifetime.”

 

“Streamer, I’m following you now!”

 

Jian Luo hadn’t expected this. He had wanted to do a cooking live stream, but the baby in his belly casually stretched and turned over, and suddenly, he became popular.

 

Is this an unfair world?

 

Jian Luo put his mask back on and said, “Alright, let’s continue cooking the boiled fish.”

 

The fire in the pot was almost ready, and he opened the lid while talking to the audience. “As I mentioned earlier, when preparing this fish, you should mix it with starch. This way, it won’t become too tender, and it will have a better texture.”

 

The soup in the pot was almost ready, bubbling with hot steam. The aroma of chili, which had always been a food that could touch the heartstrings of anyone just by its smell, filled the air. He put the fish into the pot and added the prepared side dishes.

 

Jian Luo explained, “I’ve chosen bean sprouts and potatoes for the side dishes, but you can use whatever you like, it doesn’t have to be the same as mine.”

 

The viewers expressed dissatisfaction with the fish:

 

“This fish has too many bones.”

 

“Ah, I hate it, it’s so fishy.”

 

“Meow? I think it’s okay.”

 

“Streamer, eat less, don’t hurt the baby with the bones.”

 

Jian Luo was shocked by the barrage of comments. In the eyes of the Dark Star people, what did a human look like, and how could bones harm the baby?

 

After some thought, Jian Luo said, “Don’t worry, I’ve chosen a fish with fewer bones, and it won’t be a problem. Moreover, for the fishy smell, I’ve done some preparation to remove it. Some people may not have done this step and cooked it directly, which is why it may be fishy.”

 

His secretary handed him a cup of Red Heart Dragon Fruit Juice.

 

Jian Luo accepted it and said, “Thank you.”

 

This cup of milk tea quickly caught the attention of many people. Dark Star people usually drank nutrient solutions, which were typically green. Who would have something so bright and eye-catching as red?

 

“What is the streamer drinking?”

 

“It looks really good.”

 

“Ah, why is it so sweet?”

 

According to the shared taste sensation of the hologram, the taste of the Red Heart Dragon Fruit was truly exceptional. It was sweet with a hint of sourness, which balanced out the sweetness. One sip made people want to take another, as if it would never get boring. The little soft pearls inside the Dragon Fruit were delightful to chew, and the flavor was unmatched.

 

Jian Luo took a few sips and explained, “This is Dragon Fruit juice.”

 

Dark Star people were stunned.

 

Before this, they were aware of Dragon Fruit, and the vast majority of them had eaten it. However, the taste had been very unsatisfactory, bitter and very sour. According to the Dragon Fruit’s lore, it should only taste sweet when consumed by the pregnant father. Everyone knew that pregnant fathers experienced sweetness, but they had never imagined it would be like this! This was completely different from the taste of their beverage!

 

“I’m crying.”

“It’s too good.”

“But maybe only he can taste this flavor.”

 

Jian Luo saw that many people were talking about this drink in the barrage and said, “No, actually, I tried to make a milk tea, and the taste for those who aren’t pregnant is not bad either. But the amount of Red Heart Dragon Fruit available for sale in bulk is limited. If you like it, I can use other fruits to make juice.”

 

After all, he was relatively poor now, and he needed to make money in any way he could.

 

The audience responded enthusiastically:

 

“Damn, this fruit is so sweet.”

 

“I’m in on this project!”

 

“Man, when will nutrient solutions taste this good? Is thos why am I so thin?”

 

Since Jian Luo started thinking about making money, he began paying attention to the barrage, the preferences of these wealthy patrons, and where the money was going.

 

It seemed that his general direction was correct. How could there be no Happy Fat Otaku Water without snacks?

 

Jian Luo said, “I’ll try to research it, and I’ll share it with everyone as soon as it’s available.”

 

The fish in the pot had started to emit a tantalizing aroma. Jian Luo took the opportunity to add the seasoning, and the fish in the pot was cooked to perfection, with tender meat and a delightful spicy flavor.

 

Jian Luo held up a piece of fish for the camera, making it clear for everyone. “When you’re eating, do be careful of the thorns. The finished product looks like this.”

 

Originally, some viewers were concerned that it might be fishy, but when the actual dish came out, most of them were completely satisfied.

 

“No fishy taste at all.”

 

“Darn, this is so good.”

 

“I can’t handle the spiciness, ahh.”

 

Jian Luo shared some with the secretary and took a few bites himself. He noticed that some viewers couldn’t handle the spiciness and fell into deep thought. Indeed, it would be better to consider everyone’s tastes. Now that he was pregnant, he naturally prioritized his own preferences, choosing to make dishes that were spicier and more flavorful. But since he was aiming to make money, he realized he needed to be more considerate of others.

 

After finishing the dish, Jian Luo continued to interact with the audience. Just as he was about to close the backstage window, he received a message from Jiang Jiang. He opened the message and found that most of them were about Da Yu.

 

Jiang Jiang: “Luo Luo, I heard about what happened with Da Yu. Don’t be angry, he didn’t mean to trouble you intentionally. It’s just that some viewers couldn’t understand the situation, and it caused an argument. Don’t be mad.”

 

Jian Luo replied: “It’s okay, I don’t mind.”

 

Jiang Jiang: “Luo Luo, most of our streamers have schedules. Usually, the bigger ones avoid each other. How about I give you the schedule so you can check and try to avoid streaming at the same time as someone else? It’s not that you’re afraid of them, but it might reduce the conflicts among your fans.”

 

Jian Luo, while peeling edamame with his secretary, replied through voice messages, “My schedule isn’t fixed. I stream when I have time, so I can’t specifically avoid someone.”

 

Jiang Jiang was in a bit of a dilemma.

 

Jian Luo felt a bit exhausted. He said, “I’ll post a statement on the Star Network to clarify the situation and ask everyone not to bring this up elsewhere.”

 

Jiang Jiang was relieved. “Thank you!”

 

Jian Luo felt like he had solved the issue, but he hadn’t expected that after chatting with Jiang Jiang, he received another private message. Without much thought, he opened the window.

 

Da Yu: “Are you there?”

 

“…”

 

Jian Luo remained silent for a while, then replied, “Yes, what’s up?”

 

“Sorry about today,” Da Yu messaged him. “Next time, if a situation like this arises, I’ll stop streaming.”

 

Jian Luo: “?”

 

Da Yu: “You don’t mind?”

 

Jian Luo: “There’s no need for that.”

 

Did this guy really think he was so petty? In fact, he didn’t take this kind of thing seriously at all. These fans of the Dark Star people were not as tough as the keyboard warriors of the 21st century.

 

Da Yu: “You’re not mad?”

 

Jian Luo typed, “Why would I be mad? You haven’t caused any impact on me, but I may have affected your popularity, right? You don’t need to apologize. Let’s both do our best!”

 

Da Yu wanted to say something more, but after showing “typing” for a while, he deleted it and didn’t say anything in the end.

 

Jian Luo wasn’t in the mood to comfort him. He quickly closed the window.

 

“Ding dong.”

 

The sound of knocking came from the door.

 

Jian Luo paused in his edamame-peeling, looking curiously at his secretary. “Is Long Ge back?”

 

The secretary stood up. “He shouldn’t be back. The Marshal has a meeting today, and he won’t return until the evening. How could he be back so soon?”

 

She went to open the door, and the person standing there surprised her.

 

The Queen smiled at her. “I hope I’m not disturbing you.”

 

The secretary stepped aside. “Your Majesty, what brings you here?”

 

“We met briefly during a banquet, and I’ve been wanting to visit Mr. Jian ever since. I hope I’m not causing any inconvenience.”

 

Jian Luo stood up when he saw her. “Not at all.”

 

The Queen had a delicate and gentle appearance, exuding the aura of a friendly neighbor. She smelled the delicious aroma in the room and sighed sincerely, “It smells so good.”

 

Jian Luo gestured towards the fish. “I made some home-cooked dishes. I hope you don’t mind.”

 

The Queen looked at the fish on the table, her eyes widened, but her politeness didn’t allow her to say anything. She said, “I’ve come at mealtime; I didn’t realize. I can come back another time.”

 

The secretary, exhausted in the background, understood too much.

 

Jian Luo smiled, “No problem, the food isn’t ready yet. If you don’t mind waiting, you can stay and eat together.”

 

“Would that be too much trouble?”

 

“Just one more pair of chopsticks.”

 

Perhaps deep down, there was always the warmth of the Chinese people. Humans were social animals, and gathering together was natural.

 

But for the Dark Star people, and even those from Industrial Star, it was quite an unusual occurrence.

 

Even the Queen had low expectations and didn’t think Jian Luo would agree.

 

The Queen was moved and said, “Thank you.”

 

Jian Luo replied, “You’re welcome.”

 

Since the dishes were not cooked yet and there was no rice steamed, Jian Luo asked the Queen to wait a bit. He continued peeling edamame beans and asked about the Queen’s health to prepare medication for her later.

 

The Queen asked, “Can I help out with anything?”

 

Jian Luo didn’t let her do anything. “No need.”

 

The Queen was very polite and said, “It’s no trouble; I’m not that delicate. Let me help.”

 

Jian Luo refused, “No, my concern is that you have asthma, and it might hinder more than help.”

 

“…”

 

Jian Luo was a stubborn man.

 

After peeling all the vegetables, Jian Luo began preparing the stir-fry. During this time, he finally understood one of the Queen’s peculiar symptoms.

 

The Queen’s condition was unique. She had been brought back by the King from the Strong Star, and her body was partially weak due to illness and partially due to the psychological stress she suffered, leading to depression. The reason the Queen felt close to him had a lot to do with the fact that she thought she was “stolen” back by him.

 

“…”

 

A strange logic.

 

Jian Luo tried to explain, “In fact, the Marshal didn’t force me to do anything.”

 

The Queen lowered her gaze and spoke with some difficulty, “I understand. In fact, he didn’t force me either.”

 

No, you don’t understand.

 

Jian Luo didn’t know how to comfort her and simply said, “I can try to help you manage your asthma, but you need to pull yourself together as well. Since things have come to this point, hurting your own body won’t help, right?”

 

The Queen’s eyelashes trembled, and she looked at the healthy and cheerful Jian Luo. “Your attitude is admirable.”

 

“…”

 

You’ve probably misunderstood something.

 

After all the dishes were stir-fried, Jian Luo served a portion to wait for Long Shi Feng to return after his meeting. Then he placed the remaining food on the table. “Let’s eat.”

 

The Queen sat down and picked up a piece of water-boiled fish, which she had been craving. She put it in her mouth and exclaimed, “Mmm!”

 

Jian Luo paused with his chopsticks. “What’s wrong?”

 

“It’s spicy.” The Queen’s eyes were watery. “It’s so good.”

 

Jian Luo said, “You can’t eat too much spice with your asthma. A couple of bites should satisfy your craving. Have some more vegetables.”

 

“…”

 

The Queen felt a bit downhearted. Her love for spicy food exceeded Jian Luo’s expectations. She said, “If you could leave this here, I could eat it for the rest of my life.”

 

Jian Luo said, “You can watch my live stream, and you’ll get the full holographic experience.”

 

The Queen asked, “The interstellar Live Stream?”

 

Jian Luo paused, suddenly realizing a question he had overlooked all this time. Why had he been streaming exclusively on Dark Star? Why not expand to the entire Interstellar network? It could potentially bring in more money, couldn’t it? He decided to discuss this with Jiang Jiang later.

 

Jian Luo said, “I’ll consider that. Additionally, if you ever want to eat physical food, I’ll check if there are delivery or frozen food services available.”

 

The Queen commented, “There are very few such services available in Interstellar now.”

 

Jian Luo’s chopsticks paused as he recognized another business opportunity. Selling services! It was amazing how his perspective had changed since he started thinking about making money. There were opportunities everywhere. These ideas seemed quite feasible, but it would require some effort.

 

Jian Luo said, “If we only cater to individual orders, it might not be cost-effective, and we might end up losing money.”

 

The Queen suggested, “We could bulk deliver. For example, this water-boiled fish dish, we can have people on our planet group together and place orders in bulk when we reach a certain quantity.”

 

An entrepreneurial genius! Jian Luo thought it made sense.

 

The Queen added, “Even for those who are not well-off, they can use resources as an exchange. For example, our Industrial Star produces energy stones. Could we arrange resource exchange?”

 

Jian Luo’s eyes lit up. “Energy stones?”

 

The Queen asked, “You’re probably not familiar with them, right? People like us have nothing to do with things like energy stones that are used for planetary development. You humans should consider yourselves lucky to be associated with the Marshal and enjoy your blessings.”

 

Jian Luo said, “I’m sorry; I might need those.”

 

“…”

 

After finishing the meal, they went their separate ways.

 

Jian Luo was now brimming with enthusiasm, eager to put his plans into action one by one. He decided to take a shower before starting.

 

He rummaged through his closet, and he realized that the clothes he had taken from the military ship were all sealed in bags, and he had never opened them. He randomly picked one of the bags and headed to the bathroom.

 

After the shower, when he opened the bag to change clothes, he was dumbfounded. The clothes in the bag were tiger-striped and looked thick but were surprisingly lightweight. He was sure he hadn’t bought this outfit, and their wardrobe mostly consisted of military uniforms, with his being the only colorful one. This outfit seemed quite flashy and colorful, so it must be his.

 

Where did it come from?

 

Jian Luo wracked his brain, trying to remember. Finally, he recalled that it was a gift from Aya! What kind of clothes was it?

 

As soon as he put it on, he understood Aya’s intention. But it was beyond words:

 

The clothes had a little tail at the back, allowing it to wag playfully. The top was very loose and comfortable, with a hood that had two fuzzy little ears, giving it a cute and lively look.

 

“…”

 

Aya, what are you up to?

---

T/N: Hey there! There is plenty more where that came from, so stay tuned! And stay healthy! Straighten your posture, so some stretches and drink some water before continuing hehe~

If you like my translations, feel free to donate to my ko-fi!

I really, really appreciate all the support from my readers <3 It goes a long way and motivates me lots!

https://ko-fi.com/hoenibean

 

Also, check out the other series we have on HoH!

If you like cats, check out Revenge of the Garfield

If you like dragons, check out I’m Pregnant with the Hope of the Entire Planet and The Dragon and the ‘Princess’

How about some mystery or showbiz? Check out Morbid Addiction & Perfection

What about the perfect, most non-toxic male lead ever? Laws of Love

How about MC nursing ML back to health? Forced into the Deep

 

Thank you for all your support <3 Leave a comment if you like 🙂 I love reading them!

Chapter 94 – I considered it up, too

 

Jian Luo waited with a hint of nervousness for Lu Shifeng’s response.

 

The Marshal glanced at him, giving a cold, bone-chilling smirk as he asked, “Really?”

 

“…”

 

Terrifying.

 

Jian Luo shrank back, stammering, “I, I suddenly don’t really know.”

 

He tried to move away, but he was already on the bed, with nowhere to escape. In the end, he could only sit on the edge of the bed, feeling small, helpless, and vulnerable.

 

Lu Shifeng pulled him back, preventing him from falling off the bed. His demeanor was dominant, a departure from his usual laziness. At this moment, he seemed full of aggression, especially with those blood-red eyes, giving the impression that he was a fearsome predator and Jian Luo was the vulnerable prey.

 

Jian Luo nervously opened his eyes.

 

Lu Shifeng’s voice was low and magnetic, “Be good and don’t cry, okay?”

 

Jian Luo stammered, “I won’t run away.”

 

Lu Shifeng’s lips curved into a faint smile, “Good.”

 

After delivering his threat, the Marshal got up and left the room.

 

As he left, the oppressive atmosphere in the room diminished, and Jian Luo finally relaxed. It wasn’t because he was pleased but because this encounter reminded him of the immense gap between them. For Lu Shifeng, he seemed too insignificant, while for himself, Lu Shifeng was undeniably too powerful.

 

Jian Luo sighed in place, trying to forget the dream-like scenario he had been trapped in. The former Marshal had mentioned that dreams could sometimes be inaccurate; perhaps he was just overly worried.

 

…

 

“Luo Luo, let’s go shopping!”

 

Secretary Jin, came over after breakfast.

 

Jian Luo was excited, “Can we?”

 

Lu Shifeng, who was sitting at the table, remained motionless and gave Jian Luo a glance. “Take care of yourself.”

 

Jian Luo understood, “You’re not coming?”

 

Secretary Jin said, “The Marshal won’t be joining us. He has some business to attend to, but once he’s done, he should have some time.”

 

Lu Shifeng, sitting nearby, appeared nonchalant, waiting for Jian Luo to engage him.

 

However, Jian Luo was straightforward, “It’s okay; he’s busy. Just the two of us going for a walk is fine!”

 

“…”

 

The atmosphere suddenly grew colder.

 

Secretary Jin felt a chill run down her spine and forced a smile, “How could it be? The Marshal will have time to accompany you and the baby once he’s done.”

 

Jian Luo didn’t catch on, “I don’t need someone to accompany me.”

 

Secretary Jin’s smile almost disappeared.

 

Of course, Lu Shifeng’s smile vanished even earlier. Jian Luo hadn’t realized his mistake yet, but the Marshal was giving him a piercing stare.

 

Jian Luo’s heart tightened, “W-What’s wrong?”

 

Where could he find someone as considerate as him?

 

Lu Shifeng smiled thinly, “Okay.”

 

Thinking that he was just in a bad mood, Jian Luo returned a bright smile and left without even eating. Secretary Jin awkwardly accompanied him, and she didn’t dare to look back at Lu Shifeng’s expression, letting everything blow away with the wind.

 

…

 

The commercial district.

Industrial Star excelled in creating a variety of craftsmanship and inventions. They had astonishing talent and creativity in this field, making most shops on both sides of the streets selling these ingenious products.

 

Though there were no specific offerings, if one focused and searched diligently, occasionally, they could find high-quality items at affordable prices.

 

Jian Luo stood in front of a stall, looking at a yellow box, “What’s this?”

 

The vendor answered, “This is a lie detector.”

 

A real-life lie detector!

 

Jian Luo was genuinely excited, “Is this lie detector able to determine if someone is lying?”

 

The vendor, a scruffy young man with long hair that nearly covered his eyes, replied without making eye contact, “It can detect about 90% of questions, and the accuracy depends on the person’s mental strength.”

 

Wide-eyed and curious, Jian Luo looked at the yellow device. He inquired, “Can I try it?”

 

The vendor didn’t refuse, “Sure.”

 

So Jian Luo got a chance to use it.

 

Using the lie detector was straightforward. He inserted his hand, asked a question, and provided an answer. If the answer was a lie, the device would light up.

 

Jin, the secretary, asked, “Luo Luo, why are you interested in this?”

 

As Jian Luo inserted his hand into the lie detector, he replied, “It’s fun.”

 

One of the advantages of this lie detector was that you could mentally ask the questions, to avoid any potentially embarrassing results. To prevent awkward outcomes, Jian Luo chose to think the questions silently.

 

He took a deep breath and began to think the question:

 

“I am a person from the 21st century on Earth.”

 

After thinking the question, he began to wait. In a short time, the machine reacted, and the blue light lit up.

 

Secretary Jin said, “That’s correct.”

A hint of joy appeared in Jian Luo’s eyes, and he decided to change to another question, “I don’t like Lu Shifeng.”

 

The machine hesitated for a moment and then lit up with a red light.

 

Secretary Jin smiled and said, “That’s incorrect.”

 

“…”

 

Jian Luo looked at the machine in silence, deciding to ask a question that would yield a clear judgment, “I am currently a livestreamer.”

 

The machine lit up with a blue light.

 

“Lu Shifeng is a pig.”

 

The machine showed a red light.

 

Jian Luo enjoyed himself and chuckled.

 

Finally, when he grew tired of playing, the vendor asked, “How much do you want to pay?”

 

The vendor raised a finger, “10,000 star coins.”

 

“??!!”

 

It was quite expensive. Jian Luo was aware that he used to earn only 3,000 star coins a month in his previous job.

 

As expected, Secretary Jin said, “This is above market price. Many people are buying lie detectors, so if you’re looking for someone to overcharge, you’ve picked the wrong person.”

 

The vendor replied, “My lie detector is different from the others.”

 

Bending down in curiosity, Jian Luo asked, “What makes it different?”

 

“It’s only sold to those with fate,” the vendor lifted his emo-style hair to reveal his face, “and you two are the chosen ones.”

 

“…”

 

Jian Luo said, “5,000.”

 

The vendor replied, “I can’t even cover my costs with that, I can’t sell it.”

 

“5,000 is my final offer; I tested several questions, and it didn’t work well,” Jian Luo lied with wide eyes. “If you want to sell, sell it. If not, we’ll leave.”

 

The vendor felt frustrated, “It can’t be wrong.”

 

Jian Luo grabbed Secretary Jin’s hand, making a show of leaving, “I said 5,000; I’ll take it for 5,000. A fair price.”

 

Although he said he would leave, he rambled for a while and didn’t actually go. He had enjoyed the act, holding Secretary Jin’s hand.

 

After a brief hesitation, the vendor finally relented, “Fine.”

 

Hooray!

 

In the end, Jian Luo managed to obtain the lie detector as he wished, and he also won the admiring gaze of Secretary Jin, “Luo Luo, you’re amazing.”

 

Jian Luo sighed, “It’s nothing, just a little haggling.”

 

Secretary Jin was shocked, “You can haggle too?”

 

?

 

Jian Luo looked at her curiously, “Don’t you haggle when shopping?”

 

SecretaryJin didn’t answer, but Jian Luo could read the answer in her eyes. These capitalist ways were truly vile.

 

The rest of their shopping was mainly about getting to know the local environment. After a while, Jian Luo noticed something concerning, “Why is there no food for sale here?”

 

Jin messaged back, “Industrial Star used to be ruled by robots, and animals were enslaved. Later, there was a reformation, with robots stepping down, giving the people a chance to rule. However, during the earlier years, due to being enslaved by robots for a long time, their food and drink were all nutrient fluids. They didn’t have much interest in other things.”

 

Jian Luo nodded, “I see.”

 

With this explanation, Industrial Star seemed more desolate than he had thought.

 

The two of them got a rough idea of the situation and returned home. When Jian Luo returned, it was still early, and he hadn’t had a good meal since yesterday. His stomach was growling, especially since his morning sickness had subsided. He decided to cook a meal for himself.

 

Secretary Jin, the secretary, offered, “I’ll help.”

 

Jian Luo took a fresh fish out of the fridge and said, “Let’s make boiled fish.”

 

Jin took the fish and said, “I’ll prepare the fish.”

 

So, Jian Luo started preparing the other ingredients for the fish. He enjoyed the process of cooking, the gradual creation of delicious flavors, and he got lost in it. He decided to make a live stream of it.

 

He chose to make spicy boiled fish and, before starting the live stream, he checked the back-end data. So far, he had prepared nearly 20 different dishes, including snacks like fries and chips, which would start charging once the taste limit was exceeded.

 

Up to this point, he had cashed out only a few times.

 

The total earnings in the back-end were impressive, amounting to 780,000 star coins. Some dishes were particularly popular, with snacks like fries taking the lead at 190,000 star coins.

 

Jian Luo said, “I need to figure out a way to make more money.”

 

And it appeared that dealing with the factory issue was becoming increasingly urgent. Earth was in a state of disrepair, and everything required funds. Even with 780,000 star coins, it was challenging to afford a protective shield.

 

Secretary Jin asked, “Luo Luo, what are you looking at?”

 

Jian Luo snapped back to reality and said, “It’s nothing.”

 

He decided to take it step by step for now. There wasn’t much use worrying about it at the moment.

 

“Ding.”

 

The small spherical live broadcasting device was officially activated. Since the last time he crashed the Jinjiang Live Streaming Network, Jian Luo had become a bit more careful. Before starting the live stream, he informed Jiang Jiang, “I’m going live.”

 

Upon hearing this dreadful news, Jiang Jiang promptly called the programmers to prepare.

 

The audience in the live stream room began to increase.

 

“The streamer is live!”

 

“Why did the live stream start all of a sudden? I was still in Da Yu’s live stream.”

 

“Clashing schedules.”

 

“Oh my, there are fewer people today. Looks like most of them are at Da Yu’s stream.”

 

Jian Luo didn’t know who Da Yu was, but he was curious, “Who’s Da Yu?”

 

The audience in the live stream room replied, “A new food streamer. He makes some strange flavors.”

 

“Similar to you.”

 

??

 

Wasn’t that undermining my character?

 

Jian Luo asked with some difficulty, “What kind of strange flavors are we talking about?”

 

The audience replied:

 

“Charcoal-grilled stones.”

 

“Stir-fried tree leaves.”

 

“Steamed leather belts.”

 

“…”

 

Jian Luo fell silent for a while and said, “That’s… interesting.”

 

Because so many people mentioned it, Jian Luo specifically checked the profile of this guy. He found that he was indeed popular, ranking first on the popularity list with 5.2 million viewers, leaving the second place (which was him) behind by around 2 million viewers.

 

Fortunately, he wasn’t too concerned about these statistics, and he wasn’t eager to compete with others. So, he just checked and left it at that.

 

Jian Luo refocused, a laid-back streamer, and began his broadcast, “Let’s make boiled pork, a homey dish. Don’t miss it!”

 

Jin handed the fish to him, and Jian Luo started explaining to the camera how to remove the fishy smell. As his live stream began, more and more new viewers entered. This time slot used to belong to Da Yu, but with Jian Luo’s broadcast, more and more viewers began to split between them.

 

In Da Yu’s live stream room, there were some discordant voices:

 

“Luo Luo from next door started his live stream.”

 

“Friends, Luo Luo is live!”

 

“Oh, he finally started his stream?”

 

Clearly, Da Yu’s popularity began to decline visibly, which caught the attention of the room moderators and Da Yu himself. Since they joined Jinjiang, they had been the top dog in terms of popularity. They were widely praised, and no other streamer could surpass them. While they knew of Jian Luo’s existence, he rarely streamed, and due to the unpredictable timing of his streams, the two channels had never clashed before. So, everything was peaceful.

 

However, it happened by chance this time that they went live at the same time.

 

Da Yu checked the barrage and said, “Alright, everyone, please stop spamming. Let’s focus on my content.”

 

“Room mods, check this.”

 

“Organize the content.”

 

Most comments mentioning Jian Luo were either deleted or the users were banned. However, even after banning a portion, others still came up. This, to a large extent, caused dissatisfaction among Da Yu’s fans.

 

“Why are there so many annoying people?”

 

“Just let him stream; why spam everywhere?”

 

“I can’t see Da Yu’s content now. It’s so annoying.”

 

Although Jian Luo didn’t instruct such behavior, it contributed to the invisible tension in the air.

 

Soon, some of Da Yu’s fans started fighting back:

 

“I downloaded Jinjiang Streaming just for him. Why can’t I say that?”

 

“Some people are spamming Da Yu in Jian Luo’s stream. Why isn’t Jian Luo moderating his fans?”

 

“Freedom of speech. I’ll say what I want.”

 

“Why are you guys so anxious? Jian Luo has only streamed a few times, and he clashed with us just once. Is it necessary to be so impatient?”

 

Fans argued vigorously, sapping the viewership from both live streams. In the past six months, although Jinjiang wasn’t a top-tier streaming platform, it had achieved some success in the industry.

 

The overall ranking displayed the popularity of various live streams on different platforms, and Jinjiang had been able to enter the top five of the top ten rooms. Today, the rapid growth in popularity in both streams was quite astonishing, and their combined viewership was leaving everyone else behind.

 

“What’s going on with these two live streams?”

 

“Why are they growing so quickly?”

 

“Wow, I heard they’re feuding.”

 

On the other hand, Da Yu’s staff quietly mentioned the popularity of the live stream in their room. They were part of a team, so they knew how to maximize their benefits. Finally clashing with Jian Luo after so much time, they decided to seize this opportunity for a boost in viewership.

 

A room mod said to Da Yu, “Since they like discussing this, you can mention Jian Luo a bit more. It’ll help keep the conversation lively.”

 

Da Yu replied, “I don’t like creating a fuss.”

 

The mod smiled, “Jian Luo also became famous through hype. Don’t be concerned; after all, money and fame are more important. You both can win.”

 

“…”

 

On the other side, Jian Luo was focused on cooking.

 

The fish on the cutting board was ready, and the seasonings were prepared. He faced the camera and said, “Remember, we have to remove the fishy smell.”

 

The viewers’ attention was still mostly on Da Yu’s live stream:

 

“Jian Luo is crossing the line.”

 

“He’s talking nonsense.”

 

“Who would intentionally clash with him to steal viewers? Ridiculous.”

 

??

 

Did anything happen while he was preparing the fish?

 

Jian Luo looked baffled, but he continued to cook the fish. In a calm and gentle tone, he said, “Alright, please don’t mind those comments. I didn’t choose this time to go live with any intention. Everyone doesn’t need to argue. If you prefer to watch someone else, go ahead. It’s all your choice. I don’t mind if you think someone else is better and watch them. There’s no need to argue, right?”

 

Even though he was working hard, the war still raged on. Jian Luo couldn’t help but feel a bit frustrated. He rubbed his temples and adjusted his settings while saying in a gentle tone, “If it continues like this, I’ll have to turn off the live chat.”

 

Initially, he had been wearing a mask while cooking to avoid the fishy smell. However, while massaging his temples, he inadvertently loosened the mask, allowing the fishy odor to seep through the gaps and assault his nose.

 

Jian Luo froze in his tracks, struggling to suppress the nausea building in his stomach, but he couldn’t hold back any longer, “Ugh…”

 

He rushed to the sink and began retching, his movements so rapid and intense that it left viewers in shock.

 

What truly shocked them was the intensity of their own sensations. Because Jian Luo’s stream was broadcasting in real-time, viewers could share in his experiences. The momentary nausea and revulsion felt by everyone watching were a revelation:

 

“My goodness, that sensation was so vivid.”

 

“I actually felt like I was going to throw up just now.”

 

“I’ve never experienced this before.”

 

“Is this what morning sickness feels like?”

 

A large group of viewers, who were suddenly experiencing the urge to vomit, flooded the chat with their reactions. The stream’s popularity soared to new heights, and all the prior arguments were quickly forgotten.

 

As people marveled at this unexpected twist of fate, Jian Luo straightened up, leaned against the sink, and let out a light chuckle. Initially, everything seemed normal, but suddenly…

 

Jian Luo placed his hand on his stomach and then chuckled softly.

 

At the same time, the anxious viewers who were experiencing these sensations were equally astonished. They almost simultaneously felt the subtle sensations, as if tiny fish were swimming by, or bubbles were gliding across their fingertips. It was as though the little one had given them a gentle greeting.

 

In an instant, they were overwhelmed by a sense of happiness. For those whose brains didn’t naturally produce happiness factors, the feeling of joy flooded their minds at the same time.

 

“Ah, the little one is saying hello to me!”

 

“It’s so adorable!”

 

“Rounded up, I’m pregnant too, sob!”

 

“Eh?! Who’s still arguing? I’m immersed in this moment.”

 

---

 

T/N: Hey there! There is plenty more where that came from, so stay tuned! And stay healthy! Straighten your posture, so some stretches and drink some water before continuing hehe~

If you like my translations, feel free to donate to my ko-fi!

I really, really appreciate all the support from my readers <3 It goes a long way and motivates me lots!

https://ko-fi.com/hoenibean

 

Also, check out the other series we have on HoH!

If you like cats, check out Revenge of the Garfield

If you like dragons, check out I’m Pregnant with the Hope of the Entire Planet and The Dragon and the ‘Princess’

How about some mystery or showbiz? Check out Morbid Addiction & Perfection

What about the perfect, most non-toxic male lead ever? Laws of Love

How about MC nursing ML back to health? Forced into the Deep

 

Thank you for all your support <3 Leave a comment if you like 🙂 I love reading them!

 

Chapter 93 – Eloping with a lover

 

Jian Luo had never expected to be questioned at the school.

 

This put him in a dilemma because, in the first place, this body was, to put it bluntly, quite subpar. If one were to describe it based on its history, it could really be summed up in just two words: “not tall.”

 

Is his true mentor now not Zhan Wentai?

 

Or can it not be considered a school?

 

Jian Luo fell into deep thought and, in the end, chose to be honest, “At the Starry Sea Academy.”

 

As soon as he said that, the entire hall quieted down considerably. You see, most people had heard of Starry Sea Academy, and it was known to be a lower-tier institution, not quite esteemed.

 

As expected.

 

Someone sneered, “Is it this academy? I’ve never heard that they teach medicine there.”

 

Others chimed in:

 

“Assistant Commander[/mfn]They started calling Jian Luo this.[/mfn], you should rest easy.”

 

“Being a human, he’s certainly trying his best.”

 

“Assistant Commander, it’s not easy to become an invaluable aide to the Marshal.”

 

Almost everyone indulged in various forms of sarcasm. Unfortunately, in the vast universe, might makes right, and weaker races receive little respect.

 

The hushed murmurs continued, but suddenly, they all fell silent. The reason was simple: Lu Shifeng, who had been sitting silently nearby, lifted his head. He raised his eyelids, and his blood-red, expressionless eyes swept over the faces of the people, like icy blades grazing their bodies, causing their hair to stand on end.

 

Lu Shifeng’s lips curled, and he asked the one who had spoken first, “Go on, why did you stop talking?”

 

The person choked.

 

“Or should we continue the conversation?” Lu Shifeng toyed with a wine cup in his hand. “Sitting alone there is quite dull, isn’t it?”

 

“…”

 

The minister wiped the sweat from his forehead and stammered, “You’re joking, Your Excellency.”

 

Lu Shifeng was about to speak when Jian Luo discreetly tugged at the big man’s sleeve, signaling him to let it go. Jian Luo didn’t mind.

 

He was used to it.

 

And if the patient didn’t accept treatment, it wasn’t his problem.

 

The queen above asked, “Assistant Commander, did you become skilled on your own?”

 

Jian Luo didn’t expect the queen to ask that. He nodded, “A little.”

 

“Indeed,” the queen smiled gently. “Assistant Commander seems quite extraordinary. I’m sure there must be something special about him to become the right hand of the Marshal.”

 

Lu Shifeng remained expressionless, but his imposing aura had diminished somewhat.

 

The leader also chimed in, “Assistant Commander is indeed extraordinary, and he even diagnosed Your Excellency’s illness at a glance. I wonder which medical text he studied, and we should acquire it for further study.”

 

Jian Luo didn’t take credit and responded, “I’d be willing to provide reference materials, but these are from the Phoenix Pavilion’s collection. Without the High Priest’s permission, I dare not lend them without authorization.”

 

With that statement, the surroundings fell silent once more.

 

People exchanged puzzled glances, and some couldn’t believe their ears. Phoenix Pavilion? Was this the same Phoenix Pavilion they’d imagined?

 

“Is it for real?”

 

“They say the High Priest only lends it to close relatives.”

 

But in just a few moments, everyone’s gaze toward Jian Luo had changed dramatically. The earlier disdain had vanished, replaced by a mixture of respect and awe. Many had also realized that if he were just an ordinary human, how could he have become Lu Shifeng’s assistant and acquired access to the Phoenix Pavilion’s collection?

 

Was he truly an ordinary human?

 

No, he was practically a deity!

 

Clearly, the leader shared this sentiment as well. He said, “It’s actually from the Phoenix Pavilion’s collection. We were ignorant. Since Assistant Commander has brought medicine, let’s try it on Your Excellency.”

 

The queen also expressed her gratitude, “Thank you, Assistant Commander.”

 

Jian Luo hadn’t expected that just the mention of Zhan Wentai’s title would lead to such a change in attitude. He chuckled, “Very well.”

 

With the conversation concluded, Jian Luo began to contemplate how to prepare the medicine correctly. He had encountered this page in the medical texts, and it required quite a variety of medicinal herbs.

 

However, this time on Little Blue Star, he had collected quite a few herbs. He planned to consult an old Chinese doctor and make several prescriptions, which should be no problem.

 

Lu Shifeng picked up a fruit and placed it in front of Jian Luo.

 

Jian Luo snapped out of his thoughts, curious as he asked, “What’s this?”

 

“It’s a Shattered Fruit,” Lu Shifeng explained succinctly. “A local specialty here. Eating it allows you to dream.”

 

“Dream?” Jian Luo was puzzled. “But I usually dream even without eating anything.”

 

Lu Shifeng seemed to anticipate his question and said, “It can predict future dreams. The timeline is uncertain, based on individual experiences.”

 

What kind of miraculous fruit was this?

 

This was the first time Jian Luo had encountered such a fruit up close, and he was too excited to eat it immediately. If he had a phone, he might have taken a picture to share on his social media.

 

The fruit’s appearance was also far from ideal. It was entirely red and covered in prickles, making it appear unappetizing. Just by looking at it, no one could imagine its extraordinary properties.

 

Jian Luo, still excited, said, “Let’s try one.”

 

Lu Shifeng, in a nonchalant tone, warned, “The taste of this fruit is unique. If you can’t handle it, don’t force yourself.”

 

“It’s okay, how unique could it be… Ugh!”

 

Jian Luo’s stomach suddenly revolted as he took a bite of the fruit. The taste was indescribable, bitter with a hint of something unpleasant, something he wouldn’t have eaten even if you paid him.

 

In the nick of time, Jian Luo had a sudden realization. He quickly wrapped his arms around Lu Shifeng’s arm, leaning close to him with his head resting on Lu Shifeng’s shoulder. Taking this opportunity, he took a few deep breaths, absorbing the pheromones emanating from Lu Shifeng’s body, which he had found to have a powerful calming effect. One breath could cure a hundred ailments.

 

As expected, in just a few breaths, his stomach’s strong reaction had improved considerably.

 

Jian Luo made an effort to swallow and finally managed to get the fruit down. He said excitedly, “I wonder what kind of dreams I’ll have. I’m so excited; I might not be able to sleep.”

 

Lu Shifeng said, “Don’t get too excited.”

 

Curious, Jian Luo asked, “Why not?”

 

“Because it’s not a guarantee that you’ll dream every time,” Lu Shifeng said nonchalantly. “So, keep a calm mind.”

 

“…”

 

This guy.

 

Nevertheless, Jian Luo was curious about this so-called precognition ability. It was quite intriguing to talk about, and even though he couldn’t choose which future he would see, it was still exciting, knowing it might come true eventually.

 

However, their departure from the council chamber marked the beginning of a tour.

 

The leader said, “This time, our upgraded defense shield has undergone significant improvements. It operates based on self-pressure sensitivity and a specific magnetic field intensity. Its misactivation rate has been tested over millions of times and functions normally in different magnetic fields and pressure conditions in major star systems.”

 

A defense shield!?

 

Suddenly, Jian Luo became interested.

 

The entire glass screen displayed the latest defense shield in action. From the outside, it looked the same as the inside, with a scarecrow placed in the middle. A multitude of fierce creatures with small sharp teeth surrounded it and swarmed toward it. However, at a certain distance from the scarecrow, the defense shield automatically activated, repelling all the creatures.

 

The presenter explained, “Our latest defense shield uses the M78 sensing screen. It’s incredibly flexible and can counteract the force of an attack, returning up to 45% of the force exerted by attacking beasts.”

 

Leaning against the wall, Lu Shifeng spoke slowly, “What if it’s mistakenly triggered by our own soldiers or accidental contact?”

 

The presenter had already prepared an answer, “Of course, we’ve anticipated this issue. The entire defense shield uses an entry and exit pattern. It quickly and accurately captures the information pheromones of those leaving, only defending against those not yet inside. The mode can be adjusted in real-time, and we have abandoned quantity stones for this model. This defense shield employs full artificial…”

 

She continued to talk for a long time, and Jian Luo didn’t hear a word of it. He only caught a crucial point—abandoned quantity stones!

 

They don’t want them? 

 

The new defense shield seemed to be very expensive, and Jian Luo thought it was a perfect fit for his scavenging skills. 

 

Seizing the opportunity while the presenter was giving her passionate speech, Jian Luo whispered to Lu Shifeng, “How much does this new defense shield cost?”

 

Lu Shifeng, with an extra ounce of patience for the Assistant Commander, said, “It depends on the size. One square meter costs 1 million star coins.”

 

…?

 

Jian Luo’s eyes widened, and he almost stopped breathing.

 

“How… how expensive is that?” Jian Luo exclaimed, then quickly whispered, “How many do we need?”

 

The secretary next to them said, “Lu Luo, these are combat defensive shields intended for all battleships. We don’t need to purchase this one, even though its security is sufficient. In actual combat, it falls short.”

 

Jian Luo nodded and said, “I see.”

 

Although it might not be enough for the big shots, it was more than sufficient for a place like Little Blue Star, where their biggest battles were usually against local wildlife.

 

Jian Luo inquired, “So, which one are we going to purchase then?”

 

The secretary pointed to a nearby transparent protective shield.

 

As expected, the presenter recognized the lack of interest in the previous one and switched to introduce the main attraction. “This is our latest 3.0 defense shield, which is both offensive and defensive. It comes with an embedded anti-reconnaissance system, capable of predicting enemy movement within approximately 100 kilometers…”

 

Jian Luo’s mind was still on the previous model.

 

At a rate of 1 million star coins per square meter, calculating the cost to cover the city at their base, it would cost several billion.

 

The sum of money was enormous, beyond comprehension, and thinking about it made Jian Luo feel impoverished. 

 

After the tour, it was already dark outside.

 

Lu Shifeng asked, “Are you thinking of buying any?”

 

Jian Luo sighed, “No, I don’t have that much money. I’ll think about it some more.”

 

Lu Shifeng didn’t ask further.

 

Although he was somewhat troubled, Jian Luo was the kind of person with a broad mind. He quickly put his concerns behind him and began to look forward to dreaming about the future once again.

 

The room provided to them by the industrial star was full of high-tech features.

 

As they entered, the light door unlocked on its own. Once inside, the sensor lights automatically lit up, and all the room’s devices started running. There were minimal furnishings, and everything was controlled through the wall’s light screen.

 

In general, it was a highly advanced and futuristic place, even though Dark Star’s technology was not lacking either.

 

Lu Shifeng commented, “The bed here doesn’t have a mattress.”

 

Jian Luo looked at the central bed, noticing its unique design. It was a kind of suspended bed, floating in the air. When a person lay on it, it felt like entering a sleeping pod. Everything seemed fine, except for the fact that it was quite firm. 

 

“I didn’t expect that,” Jian Luo said.

 

He didn’t know if he would get used to sleeping on it or if it would affect his ability to dream.

 

Lu Shifeng gave him a glance and said, “Let the secretary bring your mattress from your bed at home. We’ll put it on here later.”

 

“???”

 

Jian Luo was taken aback, filled with surprise.

 

Lu Shifeng stated, “I’ve finally put on some weight; it can’t stand too much hardship.”

 

“…”

 

Go to hell.

 

Regardless of the process, in the end, Jian Luo got his way and slept on the larger bed. Because this planet’s industry was so advanced, the bed’s functions were impressive. It had a sleep mode, a learning mode, and even an internet mode.

 

It was essentially a must-have bed for nerds and otaku.

 

Jian Luo chose the sleep mode, and when he activated it, he could clearly feel the firmness of the bed adjusting to the most comfortable position for sleeping. It would aid him in falling asleep faster.

 

The dream world was chaotic.

 

Jian Luo found himself momentarily lost in this dreamscape. It felt like he was looking at himself from a god-like perspective. He lay in a small room, which could only be described as shabby. It was raining outside, and he was alone in the room.

 

Jian Luo was writhing in pain on the bed when he started to wonder what was happening.

 

Suddenly, dragons appeared!

 

Three dragons emerged right in front of him!

 

???

 

Jian Luo’s eyes widened, and he could hardly believe it. He had imagined what his future might look like, but he couldn’t have imagined this particular scenario.

 

He, alone, had birthed a child and was inside a thatched hut.

 

In the dream, he slowly sat up. The three baby dragons that had hatched were still quite small, about the size of his palm. They were all wet, two of them were black, and one had a pale, golden-colored skin. Jian Luo suspected it might have inherited his skin tone. Well, it was fine that way; it balanced out his dream of having golden dragons, even if the color was mixed.

 

Just as he was thinking about this, one of the baby dragons slowly opened its eyes. They were a pure and vibrant blood-red color.

 

Then, he heard faint whining sounds. The dragon babies were hungry and wanted to eat. Unfortunately, there was nothing to eat in the thatched hut, only a profound sense of loneliness.

 

Evidently, Jian Luo in the dream realized this, too. Just as Jian Luo thought he was about to come up with a solution, he watched as he took something from storage, which he couldn’t identify but suspected might be a steamed bun, and crushed a piece to feed to the dragon baby.

 

???

 

“No way!”

 

Jian Luo sat up from his bed, surprised.

 

When he opened his eyes again, there was no difference in the furnishings in the room from before he fell asleep. He breathed lightly and had a layer of sweat on his forehead. Recalling the scene from his dream, it sent shivers down his spine.

 

What on earth was that?

 

Why was he in a thatched hut?

 

He was supposed to be the world’s hope, so why was he starting by eating a steamed bun?

 

Before eating that fruit, he was filled with anticipation, thinking he would foresee a beautiful future. Who would have thought that the future he saw was not beautiful in the least?

 

Jian Luo was overwhelmed with discomfort. He covered his face and said, “This can’t be real…”

 

Just as he was pondering this, he heard Lu Shifeng’s voice beside him, “Having a bad dream?”

 

Jian Luo suddenly looked up and found Lu Shifeng standing there, dressed impeccably in military attire. Whenever the Grand Marshal appeared, it felt like he was a source of stability.

 

Jian Luo replied, “I had a dream.”

 

Lu Shifeng raised an eyebrow and asked, “About the future?”

 

“I’m not sure,” Jian Luo replied. He was reluctant to accept that it was about the future. “I dreamt that I gave birth to a child in a thatched hut.”

 

Lu Shifeng sat down beside him and calmly said, “Dark Star possesses the most comprehensive tracking system. If you try to run, your chances of success will be as high as the size of a speck of dust.”

 

Jian Luo was unconvinced. “Why would I want to run? It’s not like I’m eloping with a lover. What’s the benefit of running? I have my mother and brother to consider. I’m not that silly!”

 

Lu Shifeng seemed satisfied with his response, and his gaze held a trace of approval. “That’s the best way.”

 

Under the weight of that gaze, Jian Luo suddenly felt a bit flustered. He cautiously ventured toward the edge of disaster with a wild question, “What if… I mean, just if… if I were to run with them, what would happen?”

---

T/N: Hey there! There is plenty more where that came from, so stay tuned! And stay healthy! Straighten your posture, so some stretches and drink some water before continuing hehe~

If you like my translations, feel free to donate to my ko-fi!

I really, really appreciate all the support from my readers <3 It goes a long way and motivates me lots!

https://ko-fi.com/hoenibean

 

Also, check out the other series we have on HoH!

If you like cats, check out Revenge of the Garfield

If you like dragons, check out I’m Pregnant with the Hope of the Entire Planet and The Dragon and the ‘Princess’

How about some mystery or showbiz? Check out Morbid Addiction & Perfection

What about the perfect, most non-toxic male lead ever? Laws of Love

How about MC nursing ML back to health? Forced into the Deep

 

Thank you for all your support <3 Leave a comment if you like 🙂 I love reading them!