ABRIWMTHM Chapter 128

When Chi Yao stepped off the aircraft, he received news that Shi Xing had returned to the residence.

Yan Changyue was in the residence reporting to Xu Jin about Shi Xing’s current situation.

“What about his classmate?”

As the chief attendant, Xu Jin naturally wouldn’t wait for Chi Yao to ask before inquiring; he had already looked into it when Chi Yao first asked about Shi Xing.

Xu Jin replied, “He’s still in the courtyard.”

“Still in the courtyard?”

Realizing something, Chi Yao asked, “Was he not invited into the residence?”

That was the main building where they lived. If it were a good friend from school, they should at least be invited in to sit down for a while and have a drink or something.

Shi Xing was not someone who lacked common sense.

Xu Jin shook his head. “No, from the very start of their meeting, it was decided to stay in the courtyard.”

After thinking for a moment, Xu Jin supplemented his report honestly.

“Fu Qing said that Star hit him several times, and in later instances, he used his mental power to do so.”

Chi Yao raised his brows in surprise.

Being sensitive to details, Chi Yao probed further, “So he used mental power in the later instances? Were there earlier ones where he didn’t?”

Xu Jin: “……”

It was too specific; Xu Jin could only ask Fu Qing directly.

Surprisingly, there was indeed an answer.

Xu Jin looked at the communicator, incredulous. “Uh, he used his fists the first time.”

Chi Yao raised an eyebrow. “Is he still not gone?”

“No, Fu Qing is waiting outside, saying that… it looks quite painful.”

Chi Yao nodded. “Then let the aircraft drop us off outside the courtyard; we’ll walk back from there.”

Xu Jin: “……”

Alright then, Chi Yao was curious.

But to be fair, Xu Jin was also quite curious about what kind of classmate could cause such a scene.

Xu Jin’s memory of Shi Xing physically assaulting someone was still from the time when the Alliance diplomats visited, during which Shi Xing acted quite demonstratively.

However, at that time, he had also used mental power; no one had seen him throw a punch.

The aircraft dropped them off at the designated location, and Chi Yao stepped in. The courtyard was next to the residence, a resting area within a garden that had been built in conjunction with the residence. After meals, everyone who liked to take a stroll would come here to walk around.

Xu Jin had contacted Fu Qing, who had already been waiting outside.

Seeing Fu Qing, Chi Yao was surprised. “You’ve left?”

Fu Qing replied, “I was inside organizing my emotions; since you hadn’t called for me and Officer Xu said you were back… I came out.”

Thinking Chi Yao wanted something, he came running out to facilitate any inquiries Chi Yao might have.

I have to say, in this regard, Fu Qing was as perceptive as Fei Chu.

Chi Yao took a glance inside but saw nothing. However, his mental power sensed that Lu Lu’s younger son was standing in the middle of the courtyard flower bed.

So, not only was there no water, but they hadn’t even invited him to sit.

With this understanding, Chi Yao asked somewhat restrained, “What did Star say?”

Fu Qing replied, “Star said to wait until he adjusts his emotions, then let me escort him out.”

That word “escort” likely wasn’t just a surface meaning.

But since Shi Xing had said this, Chi Yao nodded, indicating he understood.

“Then go ahead.”

“Yes.”

Entering from the courtyard, Lu Lu had already tidied himself up and stood by the hallway, waiting for Fu Qing to return.

As they passed each other, Chi Yao glanced at the other briefly, and with just that one glance, his gaze slightly paused.

He remembered.

It was him.

Becoming aware of something, Chi Yao did not stop but moved past Lu Lu, his expression unchanged. As he passed, Lu Lu bowed respectfully, his actions standard, giving no indication of disrespect or dissatisfaction.

Without averting his gaze, in his peripheral vision, Chi Yao did not miss the bruise on Lu Lu’s face.

It seemed like it was a mark left from Shi Xing’s earlier punches.

Yes, it was evident he had gone hard.

After Chi Yao passed, Lu Lu silently walked up to Fu Qing and signaled him to call the aircraft.

Soon enough, Fu Qing piloted the aircraft, sending Lu Lu to the entrance. Only after watching him board the spacecraft and leaving the palace grounds did he turn back.

After Chi Yao returned to the residence, he asked Yan Changyue and received the answer that Shi Xing was in the study.

Having taken off his coat, Chi Yao entered the study to find Shi Xing frowning in front of a large forestry bureau document, looking quite distressed. The scene was so amusing that Chi Yao couldn’t help but chuckle.

Hearing the commotion, Shi Xing turned around, helplessly saying, “Your Highness, it’s not the first day you know I’m allergic to big numbers.”

Chi Yao reached out to minimize the holographic display, maintaining his smile. “Do you really need to look at it this large?”

Shi Xing rubbed his forehead. “It’s filled with numbers; if it’s smaller it gives me a headache.”

A few casual exchanges later, the document was effectively handed over to Chi Yao.

Chi Yao didn’t refuse; he embraced Shi Xing and looked over it together, quickly understanding Shi Xing’s convoluted explanations. While discussing the document, they also engaged in casual chatter whenever the opportunity arose.

Shi Xing questioned, “Aren’t you supposed to stay at the Senate for dinner with them?”

Recently, the Senate had been busy with many affairs, and everyone was working late; Chi Yao staying there would be a vastly different experience, and it’s also a way of showing dedication to the Senate.

Chi Yao replied, “I didn’t want to eat outside; I suddenly changed my mind.”

“What’s wrong? Are you feeling unwell anywhere?”

When Chi Yao’s issues were raised, Shi Xing instantly sat up straight.

Noticing the tension on Shi Xing’s face, Chi Yao pinched his cheek. “No, I just suddenly didn’t want to eat outside.”

“Oh, oh.”

Chi Yao naturally asked, “What about you? Did anything happen today?”

Shi Xing thought for a moment, leaning his head against Chi Yao’s shoulder, pointing at the document he no longer wished to look at, dejectedly stating, “This is the biggest incident I encountered today.”

Heavens knew how he got so lucky to choose a report loaded with numbers.

Chi Yao observed Shi Xing’s expression, not sensing any pretense; since Shi Xing didn’t mention Lu Lu, Chi Yao did not press further.

After dinner, Shi Xing went to discuss matters regarding Blue Star humans with Er Ya.

Chi Yao remained in the study.

After receiving news that Shi Xing had returned to his room, he then called for Fu Qing.

Not knowing what to expect, upon inquiry, Chi Yao learned that there was actually Lu Lu sneaking around the boundary line outside the mothership.

Feeling somewhat surprised, Chi Yao laughed lightly. “It seems Star hitting him didn’t leave him at a loss.”

In fact, the moment he heard about Shi Xing taking action, Chi Yao had already suspected that Lu Lu had some issues.

Well, probably because of favoritism.

“Time and again, you don’t learn well, do you?”

After laughing, his demeanor cooled down again, his tone faint. But Fu Qing could tell Chi Yao was unhappy.

Seeing Fu Qing in a daze, Chi Yao asked, “Didn’t you already see him in the Nest?”

Fu Qing was caught off guard. “Ah, did I see him in the Nest?”

Chi Yao directly sent Fu Qing a video clip.

It was something he had just found.

Fu Qing opened it, realizing it was the video he captured from afar when he saw someone entangling with Shi Xing.

Memory washed over him, and Fu Qing remembered it was indeed Lu Lu.

However…

Fu Qing asked, “Your Majesty, he didn’t show his face; how do you know it’s him?”

Fu Qing only captured Shi Xing’s front, while Lu Lu had his back to the camera, only a silhouette.

“Body type, gait, hair color.”

Fu Qing analyzed using the skills he learned in the military, and well, it indeed matched.

But to remember such an early incident after only one meeting, Fu Qing was still impressed by Chi Yao’s memory and observational skills.

After a moment’s thought, Chi Yao said, “Look into it. Tomorrow, send me his activities and updates from the past two years.”

“Understood.”

Back in his room, Shi Xing had already finished washing up and was sitting on the bed scrolling through the Star Network.

Chi Yao glanced over and saw it was an internal communication signal from the military, a forum specifically for therapists, where Shi Xing was browsing some medical-related posts.

After washing up, Shi Xing was still scrolling. Chi Yao pried open the projection screen, teasing, “Reading such small fonts at night doesn’t give you a headache anymore?”

He repeated what he had said earlier that afternoon, changing the context from numbers to words.

“Your Highness…”

Shi Xing yawned, feeling a bit tired from reading.

Chi Yao’s finger hovered over the off button as he glanced at Shi Xing, who nodded. Chi Yao then powered off the projection, casually tossing Shi Xing’s communicator and his own onto the bedside table. “Rest for a bit; you don’t mind if you’re tired.”

“I want to see more,” Shi Xing muttered.

Chi Yao, however, knew better. “Preparing to treat me?”

Shi Xing jolted, wide awake.

His eyes widened, having been drowsy, and with that unexpected stimulus, he gazed at Chi Yao in disbelief, every thought evident on his face, looking adorably dazed.

Chi Yao found himself unreasonably fond of this simple Shi Xing.

“Stop staring; your expression tells me everything already.”

Shi Xing: “……”

Shi Xing responded sullenly, “Your Highness, you’re deceiving me!”

Chi Yao denied it. “Just a casual question; it’s hardly worth a fuss.”

Fine, even a casual question revealed the truth; Shi Xing didn’t feel like talking anymore.

Chi Yao got on the bed and squeezed Shi Xing’s face; Shi Xing knocked his head against him, and the two indulged in playful antics for a while before returning to normal.

Shi Xing sighed. “Why is it that nothing can be hidden from you?”

Chi Yao didn’t understand. “Isn’t this normal? What’s there to hide? It’s a natural part of life.”

Shi Xing thought for a moment, feeling that made sense, and he sighed again.

His sigh made Chi Yao laugh.

Shi Xing slumped on the bed, resigned. “Is there anything you don’t know?”

That question hit home.

He lowered his gaze for a moment, the conversation right on the tip of his tongue, and Chi Yao naturally picked it up. “Of course there is.”

“Apparently your classmate came looking for you this afternoon.”

“Don’t you have anything you want to say to me?”

The three statements were actually about the same matter, broken into three for emphasis, incredibly restrained.

Chi Yao did not force Shi Xing to speak.

Shi Xing felt respected.

Staring blankly at the ceiling for a moment, Shi Xing asked, “Do you want to know very much?”

In the next moment, he sat up and murmured, “Your Highness, I haven’t had a nightmare in a long time, right?”

It was a question, yet it was stated with certainty.

Indeed, it had been a long time since he had a nightmare; they both knew it.

Slowly, Shi Xing turned to Chi Yao.

Chi Yao still answered in the same way, “If you want to talk.”

Shi Xing replied, “I… don’t mind, but it’s not necessary.”

“But rationally, I don’t want to speak. It has nothing to do with this matter. I…” Shi Xing leaned forward, moving closer to Chi Yao, sitting before him, looking obedient, defenseless, and said, “I feel there’s no need to waste time on such matters.”

“Our time together doesn’t need to be occupied by this.”

That was true.

Returning to the residence, Shi Xing thought he would reflect on it later, but in reality, he didn’t. After opening the forestry bureau report, he got lost in the numbers. Recently, he had also been discussing treatment times with Er Ya and practicing his second talent. He was totally preoccupied with treatment matters for Chi Yao; if Chi Yao hadn’t brought it up that evening… he wouldn’t have thought of it at all.

“And I hit him too; it’s a way to vent.”

Chi Yao extended his hand, and Shi Xing grasped it.

Chi Yao rubbed Shi Xing’s knuckles, not missing every tiny expression on Shi Xing’s face, and said with a smile, “Hitting him is enough; are you so easily satisfied?”

If Shi Xing wanted, there were countless ways Fei Chu could torment someone, and Chi Yao probably had even more.

Yet, Shi Xing did not catch the double meaning in that line.

Looking straight at Chi Yao, Shi Xing abruptly declared, “It’s because I’m doing really well right now.”

His eyes shone with warmth and sincerity. “I feel happy every day; everyone treats me well, and my lover treats me well too.”

“Environment changes a person; living in a jar of sugar, having everything missing, can also make one more forgiving.”

“After obtaining so many wonderful things, I don’t want to bicker with those who have nothing.”

“I feel… it’s not worth lowering myself to that level?”

It wasn’t the standard answer.

Yet it exceeded Chi Yao’s expectations.

As their gazes met, feelings flowed between them, and Chi Yao slowly said, “When you say it like that, I’ll think it’s a confession.”

Not a single word mentioned him.

Yet every sentence didn’t stray far from him.

Shi Xing pondered for a moment, tilting his head and smiling. “Isn’t it?”

Chi Yao felt an undeniable flutter of the heart.

Pulling Shi Xing down, he started with a kiss, intensifying their heartbeat.

Shi Xing, caught in the kiss, felt dazed, his breath unsteady, as Chi Yao’s long fingers slipped inside his clothing.

Chi Yao murmured against his ear, “The little prince is right; it’s not necessary to waste time on such things.”

“Have you rested well for several days now…”

“Shall we do what couples should do?”

Shi Xing’s neck turned crimson, as he softly nodded.

In the next moment, part of his sleepwear was shoved into his mouth; Chi Yao instructed, “Be more proactive?”

Shi Xing felt the heat rise within him, closing his eyes but still nodded.

That night, sitting on Chi Yao’s lap, Shi Xing cried.

Physiological tears could not be controlled.

But the more he cried, the more Chi Yao pressed his shoulders down…

Ah, such a bad person.

The next day, Chi Yao peeled another plate of shrimp.

A bit later, after discussing with Er Ya, Shi Xing decided to return to the Nest to meet the Mother Tree.

As soon as he laid down, Chi Yao naturally complied.

However, he had other matters to handle, so he didn’t accompany Shi Xing back.

Of course, travel between the Imperial Capital and Ancheng took only a day, so there was no need to follow along.

They bid farewell in the morning.

At noon, Chi Yao had time to review the information gathered by Fu Qing, reading through every single page.

Closing the materials, Chi Yao said to Fu Qing, “Make arrangements to ensure that this matter is resolved before Star returns.”

Fu Qing understood and went to take care of it.

Noon was spent catching up with the Senate.

At two in the afternoon, Chi Yao left the Senate.

When Lu Lu returned to his classmate’s house, he sensed something was off in the atmosphere along the way but couldn’t pinpoint it.

His classmates’ parents were diplomats who had gone out on a business trip to the Alliance for now, leaving only his classmate at home, which was why Lu Lu was able to stay for this long.

When he reached the door, unlike usual, it was actually the butler who came to open it.

It seemed the butler had been waiting for a long time at the door.

Lu Lu asked in confusion, “Have Uncle and Auntie returned?”

Didn’t they say they’d be gone for one or two months? They had just left; could it be that their work changed and they returned home?

The butler smiled and shook his head. “It’s not Mr. and Mrs. who have returned, but a distinguished guest.”

Lu Lu caught on. “Should I retreat?”

The butler shook his head again, but the smile didn’t seem too genuine. He pointed inside, “Young Master Lu, you’ll know once you go in.”

Entering the main hall, upon seeing someone in military uniform, Lu Lu froze for a moment, instinctively thinking it was someone from the Lu family.

But upon taking a closer look and spotting the emblem of the royal guard, a secret anticipation arose within him.

Could it be… Shi Xing?

“Is it Lu Lu?”

Lu Lu nodded.

Xiang Fei made a gesture indicating he would lead the way. “Please.”

This glimmer of expectation peaked when he saw Fu Qing, leading to disbelief.

Then, as his gaze fell upon Chi Yao seated comfortably on the sofa, with a particularly nervous classmate beside him, his anticipation turned deeply into disappointment and loss.

“What are you standing there for? Greeting him!”

Seeing Lu Lu in a daze, his classmate would have rushed over to smack him.

Lu Lu finally came to his senses and greeted.

Chi Yao looked at him silently from the sofa. Although he was looking up at Lu Lu, the aura surrounding him was not something Lu Lu could compare to.

In the moment of greeting, Lu Lu felt the pressure Shi Xing had once given him.

Now he understood where Shi Xing’s domineering presence came from.

Or rather, who he learned it from.

Upon rising again, Chi Yao’s first words were not directed at him but at his classmate. “Can we have a few words alone in your house?”

“Of course, Your Majesty.”

As expected, the phone had already been called to his parents, and the entire street had cleared out. It was not within his place to refuse such a matter!

His classmate, quite tactfully, took his leave.

Before leaving, he glanced deeply at Lu Lu, feeling a tinge of worry for him.

Once the classmate was gone, the slight smile on Chi Yao’s lips faded.

“Lu Lu, right? Lu Guangyu’s youngest, approved by me, stayed in the Nest?”

Lu Lu nodded awkwardly.

Once his classmate left, under the scrutiny of that grayish gaze, the pressure skyrocketed.

After a long while, Chi Yao finally spoke, “Hello.”

Lu Lu nervously replied, “I’m very pleased to meet you, Your Majesty.”

His words came out dry and awkward.

Lu Lu knew that Chi Yao was not releasing his mental power, but being close and surrounded by several high-ranking officers created a solemn atmosphere, making it hard for him to relax.

Chi Yao smirked, but his mood was unrelated to happiness.

When he spoke again, his tone was direct and sharp.

Chi Yao: “Do you like Shi Xing?”

Lu Lu’s mind went blank at the question, and his head spun.