Day: June 22, 2024

Chapter 142 – Competing for Favor

 

Lu Shifeng leaned down, and from his angle, he could clearly see the three suffocating questions on Jian Luo’s panel. For a moment, Grand Marshal Lu’s expression could be described as extremely colorful.

 

Black and white intermingled, creating quite a lively scene.

 

A live broadcast was showing on the screen, and everyone’s information terminals could see this moment.

 

Jian Luo withdrew his thoughts, looked at the panel, and coughed lightly: “Then I’ll answer briefly.”

 

He wasn’t sure if it was his illusion, but after he said he would answer, the whole place seemed to quiet down much more than before.

 

Jian Luo looked at the first question, unable to help but laugh and cry: “Hmm, as for the criteria for choosing a partner…”

 

This question was a bit tricky.

 

After all, the children were present, and hearing something inappropriate might affect them.

 

Jian Luo took a deep breath and said: “Responsible, accountable, preferably with similar interests and hobbies, having common topics to talk about, and most importantly, pleasing to the eye.”

 

This was a very official answer.

 

However, the audience below responded with overwhelming applause. The Dark Stars were very satisfied with Jian Luo’s answer.

 

When it came to the second question about whether he was single, Jian Luo hesitated even longer.

 

Lu Shifeng glanced at him calmly, though he said nothing, the meaning was clear, and his blood-red eyes were very intimidating.

 

Jian Luo thought for a moment and finally said: “Currently, I am unmarried.”

 

…

 

The air fell silent again.

 

After a while, the atmosphere grew restless once more.

 

Although he didn’t explicitly say whether he was single, just stating he was unmarried was enough, right? That meant they still had a chance! The third question practically didn’t need an answer!

 

Jian Luo smiled slightly when he saw the third question: “As for the opportunity, I think such things mainly depend on fate.”

 

The Dark Stars below all pondered his words carefully.

 

Not a direct rejection; rounding it off meant there was a chance!

 

Although Jian Luo smiled, Lu Shifeng standing next to him looked like a grim reaper. Despite the crowd’s fluttering hearts, no one dared to take a step forward, fearing they might lose their life for making the wrong move.

 

The dragon race has an extremely strong possessive nature, with a near-pathological possessiveness over what they consider theirs, destroying anything that poses a threat from afar.

 

Jian Luo closed the information panel and said to the emperor: “I’ve finished answering.”

 

The young emperor unconsciously moved a bit further from Lu Shifeng to avoid the uncomfortable killing aura and said: “Good, good. Let’s return to the palace. I’ve prepared a banquet to welcome you.”

 

Jian Luo nodded.

 

They passed through the crowd of Dark Star ministers. The crowd’s fervent gazes were all directed at Jian Luo, causing the cubs to feel a bit shy and fearful.

 

Jian Luo felt a bit uncomfortable but could only endure it.

 

Lu Shifeng’s long arm swung, pulling Jian Luo close to him. His tall figure and strong presence covered half of Jian Luo, and his tense expression and displeased aura made many prying eyes halt their thoughts.

 

Finally—

 

They reached the end and got into the car.

 

It was a high-end business car, with a spacious interior, a large resting area in the middle, and very comfortable soft leather seats on both sides.

 

After getting in the car, a few others also boarded.

 

Once seated, Jian Luo turned and saw the High Priest in a silver robe, the most wealthy man adorned in glittering jewelry, and the lively young emperor.

 

Lu Shifeng sat beside Jian Luo like a guarding lion.

 

Long Aotian climbed down from his shoulder and burrowed into Jian Luo’s arms. The three little dragons looked warily at the strangers, extremely cautious.

 

Jian Luo smiled a bit awkwardly at Nie Yan: “Boss.”

 

Nie Yan sat opposite, leisurely turning the extremely shiny and obviously expensive gemstone ring on his hand, and said slowly: “How’s your health?”

 

Jian Luo replied: “Very good, thank you for your concern.”

 

He didn’t dare accept Nie Yan’s concern, fearing he’d be sent off to calculate value again.

 

Zhan Wentai, sitting beside Nie Yan, glanced at Jian Luo and said: “You’ve lost a lot of weight, you should nourish yourself.”

 

Jian Luo felt a bit touched. The usually cold and distant High Priest rarely showed concern, making him feel flattered: “Thank you, teacher.”

 

“Mm.”

 

Zhan Wentai continued expressionlessly: “Once you’re nourished, return to class with the three of them.”

 

“……”

 

The gratitude vanished instantly.

 

Jian Luo patted the little dragon’s head and tentatively asked: “Isn’t prenatal education over?”

 

Heavens, he thought once he got through the pregnancy, he wouldn’t have to attend classes anymore. Why did it seem endless, with no hope in sight?

 

Zhan Wentai raised his eyelids to look at him: “As far as I know, you didn’t graduate from university.”

 

Jian Luo choked.

 

He remembered that when he crossed over, he had just been expelled from school.

 

Zhan Wentai looked at the children in his arms: “Do you plan to be the future Dragon King’s mother with only a high school diploma?”

 

“……”

 

All the rebuttal words stuck in his throat!

 

Jian Luo looked down and saw the three little dragons watching him with eyes full of curiosity and no impurities. As a parent, he only hoped their eyes would remain clear forever.

 

He didn’t want to see disappointment in their eyes someday.

 

After much thought, Jian Luo compromised: “I’ll go, I’ll go.”

 

Zhan Wentai was finally satisfied.

 

Lu Shifeng turned to Jian Luo and said: “After recuperating, you should also resume your physical training regimen.”

 

Jian Luo’s mouth fell open: “Ah…”

 

Across from them, Nie Yan continued stroking his gemstone ring, leisurely adding: “Your maternity leave will soon end, you should come back to work.”

 

Jian Luo widened his eyes in shock.

 

This—

 

Ah, this…

 

He had expected it to be tough after returning, but he hadn’t anticipated life being this hard!

 

Only the young emperor, like a considerate little sweetheart, offered solace. The blood race had no particular hobbies other than snacking. The table was piled with snacks of all kinds, sweet and savory. The young emperor said: “Luoluo, take whatever you want to eat.”

 

The young emperor opened a pack of cloud fruits, a treat similar to cotton candy, sweet and soft, melting in the mouth.

 

“Chirp”

 

A cub’s cry echoed.

 

Everyone looked over to find Long Aotian staring at the cloud fruit with shining eyes, resembling a tail-wagging puppy, completely unlike the majestic dragon race.

 

The young emperor asked: “Do you want this?”

 

Long Aotian wanted to nod but was smacked by his sister’s tail, which essentially meant (Can’t you have some dignity?)

 

Long Aotian paused, feeling wronged, and retracted his gaze.

 

Jian Luo watched him shrink back and couldn’t help but laugh. He hadn’t expected his sister to have such a strong sense of vigilance.

 

The young emperor also laughed: “Such a strong sense of pride.”

 

Jian Luo nodded along and gently stroked the little dragon’s head, whispering: “It’s okay, His Majesty isn’t a bad person. You can eat the snacks.”

 

He knew the little dragons could understand him.

 

Sure enough—

 

As soon as he spoke, the three little dragons looked up at the snacks on the table.

 

Children are always tempted, and their self-control is weak. Just restraining themselves from rushing up earlier had taken all their willpower. Now, with their father’s permission, they climbed out of Jian Luo’s arms and wobbled onto the table.

 

The young emperor had already opened another pack, waiting.

 

When Long Aotian approached, the young emperor handed him a cloud fruit. Long Aotian, still palm-sized, sat like a little black ball on the table, his ruby-like eyes lively. Though his movements were bold, his eating was delicate, showing he loved cloud fruits. After one bite, he restrained himself and let his siblings eat.

 

Jian Luo smiled.

 

Sometimes Long Aotian seemed like a scatterbrained kid, but he took good care of his siblings. Often, they were shy and reserved, but the social butterfly Long Aotian could solve everything.

 

The young emperor looked at the three little ones and squinted happily: “Is it good?”

 

“Chirp”

 

Long Aotian chirped in response.

 

Eating happily, his throat produced soft, contented purrs. Being close to the young emperor, he instinctively rubbed his little head against the emperor’s hand, the touch gentle and warm.

 

The young emperor’s eyes widened in surprise, his smile spreading: “So cute.”

 

Their Dark Star replicas are born with the previous generation’s memories, and the worst part is, the first few months are the clearest. As they grow, these memories fade.

 

This results in the newborns lacking typical infant behaviors. An infant rest room for replicas is sometimes eerily quiet.

 

Dark Stars haven’t truly communicated with real infants, nor do they have experience raising them. The replicas stay in the nurturing center for three months before being handed to adopters, by which time they’re usually able to speak and quite mature.

 

Playing with cubs? Impossible!

 

The young emperor was excited. He quickly opened another pack and coaxed: “Eat as much as you like. Whatever you like, I’ll give you.”

 

He was already overwhelmed with excitement and said to the attendant not far away, “Go, bring me another cart of cloud fruits!”

 

The attendant didn’t find anything wrong with this: “Yes.”

 

Jian Luo twitched the corners of his mouth, “Your Majesty, just a little is fine. They can’t eat too much, or they won’t eat when we get back.”

 

The young emperor was visibly disappointed: “Really?”

 

Zhan Wentai, who had been sitting quietly beside them all along, finally spoke up with a steady expression: “Your Majesty, I also think your actions are somewhat inappropriate.”

 

The young emperor turned around, puzzled: “What do you mean, my loyal subject?”

 

“What he means is…” Nie Yan glanced at the three little ones sitting in a row at the table, behaving adorably and still begging for more food, and leisurely added, “How can you feed three by yourself? Aren’t there other people sitting around?”

 

The carriage suddenly fell silent.

 

Author’s Note: A childless person sent their criticism.

---

T/N: Hope you’re having a good day! Drink water and make sure to sleep early! (>w<)/

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

and many, many more!

 

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

Chapter 141 – Return to Dark Star

 

A few children stood in a row at the door.

 

Jian Luo’s happiness was palpable. He squatted down and picked up the children, saying, “Weren’t you supposed to be observing today?”

 

“We missed you, Dad.” The youngest daughter climbed into Jian Luo’s arms, finding her usual spot to snuggle in. “We want to sleep with Dad.”

 

Looking at the small bundle of children, Jian Luo’s heart melted a bit.

 

He gently raised his hand to stroke her head. “Daddy missed you too.”

 

Behind him, Lu Shifeng sat on the sofa like a grim reaper, coldly observing the scene of fatherly affection. This warm picture had nothing to do with him.

 

Jian Luo turned around, somewhat surprised. “You’re still here?”

 

…

 

Lu Shifeng squinted his eyes.

 

Jian Luo immediately sensed his displeasure. But what did that have to do with him? Could he please go be unhappy in his own room and not disturb his and the kids’ rest?

 

Jian Luo walked to the bedside without looking back. “Remember to close the door on your way out.”

 

Lu Shifeng was almost amused by his anger.

 

Fortunately, Lu Shifeng quickly came up with an idea. “We’re about to enter the Stan Interstellar Zone. This area is not very peaceful; there are often space pirates. Tonight might not be safe. Since you’re a light sleeper, you might not rest well. I’ll stay here with you for a while.”

 

Jian Luo looked at him strangely.

 

Then, Lu Shifeng heard him say, “Since it’s so unsafe, you should hurry back to the command center. That would make me feel more at ease. Don’t worry, I’ll have Mom and the kids with me. I won’t be lonely!”

 

…

 

The room fell silent for a moment.

 

Lu Shifeng forced a smile through gritted teeth. “Really?”

 

“Yeah.” Jian Luo spoke confidently and thoughtfully, “Go ahead and get busy. I can handle it!”

 

…

 

Lu Shifeng couldn’t smile.

 

Finally, he left, closing the door behind him. Jian Luo looked at the closed door and finally breathed a sigh of relief.

 

The little sister sat on the bed, while the other two quietly watched Jian Luo.

 

Jian Luo asked, “Why are you all staring at Dad?”

 

“Dad.” The little silver dragon’s dark eyes were as clear as a spring. “Why doesn’t Dad stay with us?”

 

Innocent words from a child.

 

But that clear and crisp voice seemed to carry an inexplicable weight, lightly stepping on Jian Luo’s heart.

 

Jian Luo asked, “Do you like Dad?”

 

The little sister nodded.

 

Although Lu Shifeng was always strict with them, Dad would take them hunting, bathe them, stand in front of them when there was danger, and bring them lots of strange and delicious food. Although his bedtime stories were really boring.

 

Jian Luo patted the dragon child’s head and softly said, “Dad will stay with you.”

 

He was the one who should step back.

 

They were of the same race.

 

They were meant to be together, and he was just an outsider.

 

Sensing Jian Luo’s low spirits, the little sister hesitated for a moment before crawling into his arms and murmuring softly, “Daddy should be with us too.”

 

Jian Luo paused.

 

Beside them, Long Aotian yawned, his head nodding sleepily. His voice was muffled and soft, “Daddy, sleepy.”

 

Jian Luo’s previously gathered emotions dissipated. He saw that the second child had fallen asleep and patted the remaining two. “Sleep, sleep.”

 

Thinking too much was useless. Just take it one step at a time.

 

Tears and sadness were the most useless. No matter what comes, face it bravely. After all, some things can’t be avoided by running away.

 

…

 

The Next Day

 

After days of traveling, the warship was finally returning to Dark Star.

 

In fact, Dark Star’s territory was quite recognizable. The universe was divided into many star systems, with numerous planets orbiting within each one. The degree of prosperity varied across dimensions. In smaller systems, it was good if even one civilization emerged among hundreds of planets.

 

This led to many parts of the universe being relatively desolate and quiet.

 

But these were small star systems. The prosperity of star systems was rated as SSR, S, A, B, C, D, F, in descending order. Earth belonged to the F system, where the entire solar system produced only one civilization. In contrast, higher-rated systems produced more civilizations.

 

Dark Star was the most notable example.

 

The Dark Star system was vast, with countless civilizations along the way. Upon entering the Dark Star system, the number of warships and flights in the universe increased, with small and large passenger ships everywhere. Almost every planet along the way was lit up. This was the bustling capital system, holding 80% of the universe’s wealth and resources.

 

After entering Dark Star territory, the escorting warships withdrew, and the main ship traveled faster, returning to its home ground.

 

Early in the morning, Secretary Jin arrived. “Luo Luo, what are you going to wear today?”

 

Jian Luo was puzzled. “Why should I change?”

 

“How can you not change? Today is a very important day!” Secretary Jin lowered her voice. “The whole nation is waiting for your return. The landing area of the warship is already packed. The emperor, ministers, and several nobles are there. The reporters and major media outlets have been waiting for a long time.”

 

…

 

?

 

A question mark appeared over Jian Luo’s head. “Is it really that exaggerated?”

 

“It’s not exaggerated.” Secretary Jin was amused. “You know, everyone has been waiting for these children for too long. Before this, everyone thought Dark Star was doomed. A planet without new life is just dead. Although we’ve always relied on replication technology, the end of technology is also death. Over the years, everyone had an implicit answer in their hearts, just waiting for it to be revealed.”

 

A row of clothes was brought in.

 

Secretary Jin asked Jian Luo to choose while saying, “But with the birth of the three little princes, everything is different. It shows that we are not doomed to extinction. We still have hope. You and the princes are not just miracles; you are hope, the hope of the entire world.”

 

A race without hope and faith is extremely terrifying.

 

Jian Luo chose a formal black-and-white tailcoat, matching Lu Shifeng’s military uniform. Holding the clothes, he looked at the delicate patterns and the high-quality fabric, all exuding nobility. After a moment, he finally asked, “Will you be good to the three of them?”

 

Secretary Jin was first stunned, then replied, “Of course.”

 

Jian Luo smiled without asking further and went inside to change.

 

…

 

In the afternoon…

 

At the Dark Star Warship Dock

 

The previously restricted area was now crowded with people. Numerous media drones filled the sky, though the central area was well protected. Below the warship, a group of people, including the young emperor, stood watching the hatch open.

 

Jian Luo stood at the passageway. He could step down with just one step, but he was nervous.

 

The dragon children snuggled in his arms, looking up at him in confusion. Only the bravest, Long Aotian, was most at ease, sitting on Lu Shifeng’s shoulder, treating the warship, symbolizing supreme honor and power, as his stool, leisurely swishing his tail.

 

Jian Luo stood at the passageway, pressing his lips together, his heart pounding and his movements somewhat stiff.

 

Lu Shifeng glanced sideways at him.

 

Sensing the gaze, Jian Luo turned back with a somewhat forced smile.

 

Lu Shifeng offered his arm, saying, “If you’re scared, hold onto my hand.”

 

Jian Luo wanted to retort, “I’m not scared.”

 

“The stairs down from the warship are very steep,” Lu Shifeng said. “They might take pictures of you. If you miss a step, your fans will have plenty of new memes.”

 

“…”

 

Fine, you win.

 

Jian Luo wisely took Lu Shifeng’s arm.

 

Lu Shifeng’s body always maintained a neutral temperature, neither too cold nor too warm. His arm was strong and firm, his upright posture like an immovable mountain, providing a great sense of security. His voice was steady, as if this was just a small outing, “There are a lot of people, but we’ll be back soon. If they bother you, just ignore them.”

 

Jian Luo replied, “…Okay.”

 

With this little chat, his nerves eased.

 

Gathering his courage, he stepped out of the hatch. The bright sunlight outside immediately enveloped him, bringing a gentle warmth. There was a faint, familiar fragrance in the air, unique to Dark Star.

 

The warship was very high, and the stairs were indeed very steep. Standing here, looking down, the crowd below was vast. A sea of people looked up at him. They seemed small from this distance, just tiny black dots in Jian Luo’s eyes, reducing the pressure somewhat.

 

The dragon children in his arms were curious too.

 

Especially Long Aotian, who let out a soft, puzzled chirp upon seeing so many people. He nuzzled Lu Shifeng’s face, as if silently asking where they were.

 

The delicate, fragile chirp of the young dragon, though faint, was accurately captured by those below. It was a unique sound of a newborn, a soulful bond of the beast pack to their young.

 

Someone in the crowd started, and then cheers erupted.

 

For thousands of years, Dark Star had been shrouded in the shadow of no new births. This bustling capital had turned into a stagnant pool, its inhabitants living like the walking dead. No matter how glamorous they appeared, their bodies were nearly decaying under their finery.

 

“We have children now!”

 

“These are Dark Star’s children!”

 

“We have hope! Dark Star will not perish!”

 

The thunderous cheers grew louder, wave after wave. The crowd stretched endlessly. The entire planet, or rather, this entire land, was boiling over. Even the air seemed to roar and celebrate. Their shouts were not just for cheering and celebration but seemed like a defiant cry to the world, a desperate shout against fate.

 

Sunlight bathed the world. At this moment, it felt like the planet was truly warming up again, truly illuminated by the universe.

 

Jian Luo slowly descended the stairs, relieved that he hadn’t gone deaf.

 

The young emperor and his entourage were waiting below, a reception of the highest order. For thousands of years, no star lord visiting Dark Star had received such a grand welcome.

 

Jian Luo stood firm on the ground, only to be almost knocked over by a rushing figure. The young emperor, though small in stature, moved swiftly. He wanted to throw himself into Jian Luo’s arms but was stopped by Lu Shifeng’s quicker hand.

 

“Ugh…”

 

The young emperor struggled in vain, ending up a step away.

 

Lu Shifeng said, “Your Majesty, there are media present. What about the dignity of a ruler?”

 

The young emperor pouted, “But you’re scolding me in front of the media.”

 

“Oh?” Lu Shifeng’s smile didn’t reach his eyes. “Then I apologize to Your Majesty.”

 

“…”

 

Forget it, I’m scared.

 

The young emperor looked at Luo Luo, his eyes red. “Luo Luo, you’ve suffered. It’s all my fault.”

 

Jian Luo hadn’t expected the young emperor to be so emotional and quickly said, “No, it’s nothing.”

 

Long Aotian in his arms looked at the young emperor expressionlessly, while the little sister hid behind Long Aotian, peeking out shyly.

 

Seeing the small figure of the dragon child, the young emperor’s eyes lit up, trembling with excitement. “Is this the little one?”

 

Jian Luo nodded. He wanted to bring the child out, but there were too many people around, so he smiled and said, “They’re still young and a bit shy.”

 

The young emperor understood. “When I first ascended to the throne and saw so many people, I almost wet my pants. Luckily, no one knew.”

 

Lu Shifeng remained expressionless. “Your Majesty, now everyone knows.”

 

“…Right.”

 

Jian Luo couldn’t bear to watch. Thanks to the young emperor, he wasn’t nervous at all.

 

The young emperor seemed to remember something. “It’s okay. We can go back soon. Everyone just came to see you and the little ones. Luo Luo, a national survey was conducted recently. The top three most popular questions were selected by public vote. Can you answer them? After that, we can go back.”

 

Jian Luo didn’t expect this process. But today, there were at least thousands of people present, and it didn’t seem right to just make an appearance and leave.

 

Thinking this, Jian Luo said, “Sure, let me see the questions.”

 

The young emperor, prepared, brought out the questionnaire and placed it in front of Jian Luo. “Here are the three.”

 

Jian Luo thought they must be about the children!

 

He took the panel without much pressure, recalling the children’s daily activities. However, he was stunned by the first question.

 

Top 1 Most Anticipated Question:

 

What is Jian Luo’s ideal partner like?

 

Top 2 Most Anticipated Question:

 

Is Jian Luo still single?

 

Top 3 Most Anticipated Question:

 

Do we all still have a chance?

 

“…”

 

Not a single question about the children, all rather peculiar inquiries. It was unclear how these were selected.

 

Seeing Jian Luo’s prolonged silence and surprised expression, Lu Shifeng had a bad feeling. “What is it?”

 

Jian Luo glanced at him awkwardly.

 

Lu Shifeng frowned and looked over. “What did they ask?”

 

Author’s Note: Lu Shifeng: Life is full of sudden twists.

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T/N: Hope you’re having a good day! Drink water and make sure to sleep early! (>w<)/

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

and many, many more!

 

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