LSDWTWHA chapter 59

Chapter 58

Seeing her brother chase someone away, Qi Yue had no choice but to reluctantly bid farewell to Su Su.

Su Su waved her off as she left, lazily yawning, “I should sleep early too.”

Saying this, he burrowed into his blankets, completely giving no indication of any abnormalities.

It seemed that there were still no side effects. Qi Hanyi’s heart had just begun to relax when suddenly, Su Su threw off the covers, reached out, and patted the spot next to him, making a sound: “Hubby should sleep together!”

He said this with his back straight and with confidence. After all, the other party was his husband, and sharing a bed was just normal.

He certainly wasn’t being lewd and wanting to cuddle with a handsome human.

“Don’t call me that.” Qi Hanyi said this but still lay down on the bed.

In the wide bed, the two occupied their own sides. There was not only no contact, but the space between them was wide enough to fit another person.

Su Su was evidently dissatisfied with this distance; he twisted his body, rolled over, and got close to Qi Hanyi, with his warm breath blowing onto Qi Hanyi’s neck.

Stimulated by this breath, Qi Hanyi’s Adam’s apple moved lightly up and down.

“Don’t be so close to me.” Qi Hanyi tried to maintain a normal tone, but his voice came out surprisingly hoarse.

“No, I want to cuddle.” Su Su became more audacious, wrapping his arms around Qi Hanyi and burying his head into Qi Hanyi’s chest.

“That’s not okay.” Qi Hanyi felt as though he had been burned. He abruptly sat up, coldly staring at him, ready to get off the bed: “I’ll sleep on the floor.”

Su Su clutched the blanket, sticking closer, wanting to make his ulterior motives very clear: “But if you don’t sleep with me, how can we have babies?”

Qi Hanyi laughed in anger: “What nonsense! Even if we sleep together, you can’t have babies.”

Su Su’s eyes slowly widened, sparkling with unusual excitement: “Really? I don’t believe it. Unless you let me try.”

The beautiful young man leaned against the headboard, his skin shining under the light, so white it was almost blinding. His shark pajamas were slightly open, revealing a delicate collarbone and a distinctly outlined chest. He displayed an unguarded posture, his innocent gaze paired with exquisite features served as a lethal temptation.

Qi Hanyi was, after all, not a monk indifferent to desires; on the contrary, he liked Su Su, naturally having normal thoughts and desires towards him. However, in order not to hurt the other party, he had no intention of crossing boundaries until he could clearly define the future.

Even a rabbit will bite when cornered; Qi Hanyi felt his rationality slipping as Su Su continued to provoke him beyond his limits.

“Okay.” The corners of Qi Hanyi’s mouth curled slightly with a hint of ferocity, looking both fierce and cool.

Su Su’s eyes glazed over, foolishly allowing Qi Hanyi to push him down, fiercely kissing his lips and taking control.

His heart raced, fast and urgent, difficult to discern whose heartbeat it was.

Breath was stolen, leaving Su Su slightly dizzy. Blood surged through him.

This was the first time Su Su had seen such a fierce Qi Hanyi; it was not coldness, but rather a raw lust emerging after he shed his icy exterior. It was a primal urge that seemed ready to consume him.

The exhilarating tingles were like electric shocks, starting from his toes and crawling up his spine to the top of his head. Unlike the previous kiss which was just a fleeting taste, this sensation threatened to drown him like a tidal wave.

Too much, too much. Su Su’s face flushed bright red, his mind a muddled mess, and his gaze grew slightly unfocused.

When Qi Hanyi lifted his head, he saw Su Su looking dazed, as if someone had bullied him into stupidity. He didn’t speak, merely breathing heavily with slightly swollen lips.

Qi Hanyi held himself back, letting out a sigh: “Do you want to continue?”

Su Su couldn’t articulate what he felt now; kissing was undoubtedly pleasurable, but for some reason, he was a bit afraid of that loss of control. His eyes darted, and he burrowed his face into the blankets, muffledly saying: “I don’t know anything. I’m just a little shark.”

Qi Hanyi thought the matter was settled, and they could sleep. Who knew that just under a minute of settling down, Su Su pulled out a shark plush toy from under the covers, precisely the one he had wanted to cuddle with before sleeping.

He held the toy up for Qi Hanyi to see, proudly declaring: “Look, it’s my baby!”

Qi Hanyi looked at Su Su’s serious pride, gradually growing serious: “Do you still remember your name?”

“Um?” Su Su blinked, trying hard to recall. What was his name again? The memory felt like a jumbled database; fragmented pieces flashed by. Su Su pulled out a fleeting glimpse.

“Ah Yin!” he announced confidently: “My name is Ah Yin!”

Indeed, although Su Su seemed awake on the surface, his mind was already not functioning normally.

“…” Qi Hanyi gave him a strange look, indicating the shark in Su Su’s arms: “And what about it?”

Su Su looked at Qi Hanyi with a “you seem a bit slow” expression: “How could a newborn have a name?”

…Qi Hanyi felt both amused and exasperated; today, the little fool surprisingly wasn’t completely clueless.

Su Su snuggled against his husband on one side, held the “baby” on the other, blissfully drifting into dreamland.

The next day, when his memory returned, looking at the shark toy he had forced into a name, Su Su finally felt a hint of embarrassment.

Embracing the spirit of “as long as I have enough thick skin, the embarrassed one is others,” as soon as Qi Hanyi opened his eyes, Su Su boldly cuddled up, pecking his lips quickly before Qi Hanyi could react, exclaiming: “Good morning, hubby.”

Qi Hanyi knew he had returned to normal, so he presented his usual distant demeanor, pursing his lips: “Don’t call me that.”

“Why not? Didn’t we get married?” Su Su was baffled by Qi Hanyi’s erratic attitude and plaintively accused him: “You let me say it last night, and you even kissed me.”

Qi Hanyi closed his eyes. He knew he had crossed some lines last night, thus feeling somewhat guilty, but principles still needed to be discussed so that Su Su wouldn’t have regrets in the future.

He said, “You don’t understand human emotions yet. Don’t casually talk about these things. Feelings are serious matters; right now, my focus is only on work. Besides, you should also know, my condition hasn’t been cured—there’s a good chance I could die any day. And you’re still taking mermaid medicine, whether you can become human is still uncertain. So, any promises made between us right now would be irresponsible.”

“Responsibility? So you’re worried about that?” Su Su said, half understanding. What was there to worry about? In nature, danger and accidents could strike at any time. He had always known to be indifferent to life and death, seizing the joy of the moment while being a shark.

“Once the matters here are resolved, I will fulfill our agreement and annul our marriage. As for what comes afterward, we can discuss it then.” Qi Hanyi made his decision clear.

An annulment? Then Qi Hanyi wouldn’t be his husband anymore?

Could such a cute, remarkable human husband simply disappear?

The atmosphere grew a bit heavy.

Su Su remembered that there had indeed been such an agreement between them. However, times had changed, and now he wanted to procrastinate. He held up the shark toy: “But we already have a baby. Aren’t you going to take responsibility?”

Qi Hanyi’s recently restrained cold expression cracked instantly, his mouth twitching upwards, his gaze softening a fraction. He rubbed Su Su’s head vigorously, exuding a sort of helpless yet indulgent tone: “Stop messing around.”

If he could help it, he wouldn’t wish for a future. But after witnessing the tragedy of his parents, until everything was settled, he couldn’t dare to wish for more in his relationship with Su Su.

The two returned to Qi Hanyi’s residence together. Before Su Su left the old house, he packed the plush toy named Ah Yin.

At the same time, the finals video regarding [White-scaled Shark Shark] had begun circulating online, drawing attention to the myth of a genius starship pilot.

At almost 30, Qi Hanyi was nearing the limit for a starship pilot, and the matter of his mental force collapse was somewhat of an open secret in the noble circles. Thus, many speculated that this player known as [White-scaled Shark Shark] might very well be Qi Hanyi’s chosen successor, likely to become the next pilot of the Baize.

Yan San also saw Su Su’s competition video. Initially, he had been interested only in Su Su’s status, paying little attention to his piloting talent, especially since he had entered the game for such a short time.

But this competition made him realize the frightening talent Su Su had in piloting starships.

Originally, he had planned to take his time scheming, waiting for the competition to end before delivering a fatal blow to Su Su. Now, the urgency of the situation made waiting untenable. If they didn’t act soon, their entire plan might possibly be interrupted by Su Su.

Furthermore, a few suggestions Qi Hanyi had recently submitted to the emperor at the military had also caught his eye.

Through some channels, Yan San had seen the documents Qi Hanyi submitted, all suggestions revolving around mermaids piloting starships, providing numerous benefits for cultivating mermaids as starship pilots.

Many knew of his father’s past, and out of sympathy, coupled with the beneficial nature of these suggestions for humanity, they faced little opposition.

Following this plan, a significant number of mermaids who had contracts with humans would obtain qualifications for training as starship pilots.

The training location was a branch school relinquished by the Imperial Military Academy. All participating mermaids were accompanied by their partners.

In just a few days, this proposal also caused quite a stir among the mermaids.

Although most participating mermaids couldn’t adapt to starship piloting training, a small portion acclimated well and even found enjoyment in the starship maneuvers.

Many mermaids regarded it as a positive sign. The value of mermaids would be redefined through the war against the insect race; perhaps one day in the future, they would no longer be subordinate but comrades-in-arms fighting together.

Of course, some mermaids believed this was just another way for humans to exploit them.

More mermaids remained indifferent, believing it was merely an issue for a minority.

Yan Bai, however, was pleased with this development and specifically mentioned it to Yan San: “I think this is a good sign. It shows that Qi Hanyi has put aside past grudges. To be more optimistic, perhaps he already knows Su Su’s player identity but still wants to pave the way for him. Otherwise, why would it be such a coincidence that Su Su shines in the competition while Qi Hanyi proposes that mermaids can become pilots?”

“This is also an opportunity for us. Su Su has performed well in the competition; unless something unexpected happens, he should become the champion. By then, he will smoothly take over the Baize, and our plan can soon be executed successfully.”

Yan San shook his head, disagreeing: “You, typically clever and quick-witted, what’s with the confusion when it comes to Su Su?”

“You say Qi Hanyi possibly knows Su Su’s identity and is even purposely paving the way for him. But did Su Su ever tell you anything about his relationship with Qi Hanyi? Does Qi Hanyi know he is [White-scaled Shark Shark]? Does he know it was you who secretly provided a human account for a mermaid to log into the game? When did Qi Hanyi permit him to openly enter the game and compete? Did Su Su mention even one word about these to you?”

Yan Bai opened his mouth. No, Su Su had truly not shared anything with him, and he didn’t want to think too deeply about the reasons behind it, even comforting himself: “No, perhaps Su Su doesn’t even know that Qi Hanyi found out his identity and told him. Qi Hanyi is very astute and calculating; it’s very possible he would do it this way.”

He had nearly succeeded in convincing himself of this. Yet Yan San countered with a harsh fact that shattered his fantasy without mercy: “So do you know, just a month ago, Qi Hanyi experienced a mental force collapse? At that time, the one treating him was Su Su, his partner from last night. Now everyone believes it was Su Su who sang for him and saved his life. Qi Hanyi’s obvious attitude shift also began around that time.”

“What!” Yan Bai felt slightly unsteady on his feet. The implications behind this matter were already evident.

Su Su was a mermaid; it was impossible for him to have saved Qi Hanyi with his singing. Thus, the current outcome could only mean that Qi Hanyi had taken the initiative to protect Su Su. Risking a mental force collapse at any moment and pretending to have recovered just to cover for a mermaid, he was even scheming a future road for Su Su.

Had he reached this extent? Was it really possible Su Su was completely unaware?

Perhaps, it was just himself who was the fool kept in the dark the entire time.

Yan Bai forced a weak smile, his gaze gradually turning cold. Yes, he had unilaterally treated Su Su as family, trusting him, helping him, protecting him. He had even gone out of his way to speak well of him in front of his adoptive father, turning the situation in Su Su’s favor. But what had Su Su returned him? Only betrayal and deception.

He had betrayed and deceived himself for a human.

“So the next master of the Baize can’t be Su Su.” Yan San concluded firmly. “Su Su has no sense of belonging to the mermaids. Instead, he is more inclined to be close to humans. He doesn’t understand our hatred. If he discovers that I bought a plan, he might completely switch sides to humans and betray us.”

“We need to eliminate him before the finals begin.”

“Understood.” Yan Bai concealed his gaze, all warmth fading, leaving only coldness.

Yan San tapped the handle of his cane with his fingertips, filled with eagerness for wicked plots: “As for Qi Hanyi, we cannot allow his proposal to be executed. Su Su’s identity is leverage—if used well, it becomes our weapon to deal with both of them in one go.”

Although Yan Bai didn’t have a favorable impression of Qi Hanyi, he was still puzzled: “But isn’t Qi Hanyi’s proposal beneficial to us?”

“Beneficial?” Yan San snorted coldly. “He and his father are of the same ilk. They’re merely sharper and smarter than others. These sorts of people are more detestable than those who openly express their disdain for mermaids. Cloaking themselves in pity, disbursing small favors, they aim to undermine the mermaids’ will to resist. Under the guise of help, they gather exploitation; this phony and cheap sympathy is something we don’t need.”

Is that so? Yan Bai was conflicted: “Qi Hanyi doesn’t seem to be the type of person who would be hypocritical; he might genuinely want to help the mermaids.”

“So what? Does that somehow absolve them of the sins they have committed against mermaids? Does it wash away the blood mermaids left on the reefs? Can it even repay the debts for treating mermaids as commodities and subjecting them to humiliation like livestock? Even his life, that set of superior genes and excellent mental force, were given by the mermaids. What right does he have to act this way? What right does he have?” Yan San’s tone grew increasingly radical: “An Xun was the most outstanding mermaid under my command; she actually died from heartbreak over that man. What right do they have? They are nothing but a bunch of sinners!”

“That kind of hypocritical charity doesn’t change anything; it changes nothing! What we need to do is take revenge! To overthrow human rule, to dominate this planet as mermaids, making them taste the bitter fruits of the disdain, harm, and humiliation they have wrought upon us.”

“Until humans pay the price in sufficient lives and blood, until they genuinely feel guilt and remorse, this revenge will never stop!”

“Yes!” Yan Bai was inspired by Yan San, his gaze growing resolute. Indeed, hatred; he shouldn’t harbor sympathy and illusions for humans just because he had spent some time with them, forgetting the deep enmity that once existed between them.

Seeing Yan Bai comprehend his meaning, Yan San suppressed his excitement and returned to his usual composed demeanor. He tapped the ground with his cane, advising Yan Bai: “The Mo family is a valuable ally.”

“I heard that ever since Mo Shan took over Star Wars, due to strict regulations from the military, disallowing the exchange of game currency and real currency, he has grown somewhat discontent. And Mo Lin, being an artist, has painted many mermaid-themed artworks, but after seeing Su Su at the banquet, he hasn’t painted any mermaids since. What do you think is the reason for this?”