LSDWTWHA chapter 64

Chapter 63

[???]

[Did I just mishear?]

[Admiral, what are you talking about? Was that a slip of the tongue?]

Even those who usually believed in conspiracy theories about [White-scaled Shark Shark] were confused at this moment.

Is Admiral a friendly force? Acknowledging dark operations within the military? What is he trying to do by hitting himself?

However, Qi Hanyi had no intention of self-sabotage.

Qi Hanyi displayed a segment of a communication record from a few hours before the official announcement of the competition.

In the communication, Qi Hanyi, dressed in battle attire, spoke in the same tone as during the live broadcast, maintaining his cold and composed demeanor. The contact page clearly showed Jian Cheng’s face: “Contact the developers of ‘Star Wars’ to hold a starship piloting competition and announce it today. I have already drafted the specific rewards and game rules. Just have them follow through.”

“Ten spots for the Empire’s military academies, and you’d personally meet the first-place winner?” Jian Cheng, receiving the news, could no longer stay calm: “This… this reward is too generous. Admiral, haven’t you always shown little interest in ‘Star Wars’? Can I ask why you suddenly want to hold such a competition?”

Jian Cheng normally didn’t say much at work, but this time, he had his own ulterior motive. He knew that his sister was also a top player in the starship system of ‘Star Wars’ and hoped that she would gain recognition from her superior.

Qi Hanyi raised his gaze as if seeing through Jian Cheng’s thoughts and stated directly, “I’m interested in someone whose talent is exceptional. If he stands out in the competition, I will consider recommending him as the next pilot of the White Hare.”

Although there had been speculations online regarding the purpose of the competition, hearing Qi Hanyi admit it in the video stirred excitement among the viewers. They were now very sure that the person Qi Hanyi mentioned was [White-scaled Shark Shark].

[Didn’t expect Admiral to notice White-scaled Shark Shark so early.]

[If that’s the case, the competition could really be said to be held for White-scaled Shark Shark specifically.]

[Why do I feel a sweet vibe between those two?]

[BOLD! You dare to ship the Admiral?]

As the video ended, before the crowd could collect themselves, Qi Hanyi quickly dropped the third piece of major information: “Lastly, regarding the identity of [White-scaled Shark Shark] and how, when, and where I discovered it, I’ve organized a detailed timeline of evidence.”

When the video started playing, the audience was somewhat puzzled, thinking that knowing the identity directly would suffice. Why list out all these details? Was it really that important?

However, since it was gossip from Qi Hanyi, they naturally didn’t want to miss it.

The evidence chain started with [White-scaled Shark Shark] originally known as [Shark Naming is Difficult Ah Ah Ah]. Many audience members only realized at this moment that the genius who had once defeated a streamer in an instant was none other than [White-scaled Shark Shark], and that battle occurred on the very first day he logged into the game, using the basic starship given by the system.

[I wondered how the Admiral would notice a newbie, turns out this video caught his eye.]

[Didn’t expect the Admiral would watch online videos; I must’ve replayed that video so many times myself, now it feels like he’s relatable.]

[Damn, what’s talent? That’s literally someone who plays better than me after two years of playtime in just two hours of account creation.]

[So he is White-scaled Shark Shark, I was a fan of him back then.]

The second segment of time evidence provided by Qi Hanyi showed himself creating an account in-game and actively approaching the other party: “At that time, I found information regarding his name change, and to understand him better, I built an account to enter the game.”

[What kind of dreamlike plot is this?]

[It’s so outrageous that I completely believe it’s real.]

[Can I ship this? Please let me ship them, I’m twisting like a pretzel in bed right now.]

The game account name dazzled the audience.

[Sorry, off-topic, but what kind of nickname is that?]

[That seems like a default system nickname, right?]

[Admiral: Tomorrow I’ll blow up this system with the White Hare.]

Following were some exchanges between Qi Hanyi and the other person in-game from Qi Hanyi’s perspective. Although the editing obscured many specific details, it was evident that Qi Hanyi neither revealed his identity nor interfered much with the other’s gameplay.

[Ahhh, Admiral in the game seems so easygoing, I’m so jealous.]

[So pampering, so sweet, if this isn’t love…]

“I guessed his identity the day I sent him the nutrition pod,” Qi Hanyi said, “His identity is… my partner.”

[Partner?]

[Wait, if I recall correctly, the Admiral seemed to have a mermaid as a partner at the end of August this year.]

[I really got the scoop now, sisters!!!]

The evidence Qi Hanyi attached was a message to Jian Cheng stating that there was no need to continue investigating White-scaled Shark Shark’s identity, as he had already confirmed who he was, along with the time the nutrition pod was first activated.

At this moment, the crowd finally realized why the timeline needed to be detailed: because [White-scaled Shark Shark]’s true identity was not just that of a mermaid, but also Qi Hanyi’s partner. It needed to be proven that Qi Hanyi only learned his identity after the game’s competition, to clarify that the previous evidence was not a long-planned deception.

“Exactly, my partner is a mermaid,” Qi Hanyi openly declared. “Someone privately gifted him an account that could hide his identity in the game, the one you found linked with Freedom Island. He had reached out to ask for my opinion; I knew playing ‘Star Wars’ would be against the law, but I still agreed.” Qi Hanyi intentionally misled here, taking the blame off Su Su for playing the game illegally.

“I understand that allowing mermaids to play ‘Star Wars’ violates Imperial law, and I’m willing to take full responsibility and accept punishment.”

“During that time, I was fully focused on preparing for the competition and my work, without paying attention to his gameplay until half a month later when I sent him a specially made nutrition pod for mermaids, and only then did I see his login account. That’s when I discovered that the person I had been watching for so long was actually my partner.” Here, Qi Hanyi also concealed Yan Bai’s identity. Investigating the powers behind Yan Bai was ongoing in the background, and he did not want to tip them off.

“The dual-form starship was designed by me for him. His control of starships and strength of mental force are far above the S-class starships in the game; the modified starship is more conducive to his abilities. However, the original rating of the starship was only S, so I don’t believe this is a violation.”

“The proposal to have mermaids pilot starships stems from the exceptional talent I see in my partner, which is comparable to any human. Mermaids naturally have good mental force; only allowing them to serve as breeding tools is an enormous waste. The Zerg have been launching offensives more aggressively in recent years, and the pressure on frontier troops has been rising year after year. The astronomical loss of starship pilots means that if any mermaids participate in combat and take on this work, it would significantly relieve that pressure.”

“Many online doubters assert that I only chose a mermaid as a contestant to push for the proposal of mermaids piloting starships. On the contrary, it is because I see the potential for mermaids to pilot starships in White-scaled Shark Shark that I formulated that proposal.”

When Qi Hanyi clarified this, Jian Cheng nervously watched the screen, worried someone might try to stir controversy and say something unfavorable about Qi Hanyi. To his surprise, the comments were flooded with:

[So sweet, is this love?]

[This is too pampering; a domineering general and a genius. He modifies starships in the game; in reality, he provides a nutrition pod.]

[That line, “I’m willing to take full responsibility”, totally moves me.]

[Who said there’s no love between nobles and mermaids! Who said that!]

[Wuwuwu, I can’t handle this; it’s so sweet, giving each other freedom, offering each other a stage—don’t worry, I’ll bear everything for you.]

[Didn’t expect the cold-faced Admiral to approach love this way. I just love this contrast!]

[I came to see the clarification, not to eat this dog food.]

[Hurry, get the shark to cheer for them!]

The public was completely enamored.

Jian Cheng looked at his Admiral with admiration.

This explanation entirely resolved the hidden dangers regarding Su Su’s gaming identity. Although some details may have been embellished, it left no tangible evidence to hold against him, achieving a perfect resolution.

Yet, Qi Hanyi’s goals did not stop here. At the end of the clarification, he showcased another piece of evidence: “Additionally, regarding the allegations of cheating during the competition, the military has conducted its investigation.”

“After investigation, players [Oolong Peach Peach], [Yam Paste Boba], and [Zhi Zhi Mango Mango] colluded with internal personnel of the ‘Star Wars’ game company during the rematch to manipulate the game via account login transfers. Their accounts will be permanently banned and their competition eligibility revoked. Relevant parties will also face accountability.”

The audience initially believed they were all out of surprises that day but were unexpectedly taken aback by the ending.

[Goodness, what a case of the thief shouting to catch the thief?]

[I found it strange; they weren’t new players. If they had talent, why didn’t they show it earlier? What mysterious master could help them transform in such a short time? Turns out it was simply a switcheroo.]

[And they still have the audacity to shout about fair competition?]

[Cheating dogs, get out of the game!]

At this point, Qi Hanyi’s live broadcast ended, and public opinion shifted entirely. The tea-drinking trio was removed from the rematch list, and players ranked tenth to twelfth successfully advanced.

Su Su only learned of this the next day; Qi Hanyi’s clarification had not been circulated in the game, and he couldn’t see the video. He was puzzled when he suddenly discovered that those players in his friend list who had previously acted friendly towards him were now suddenly polite and distant.

Filled with confusion, Su Su inquired further and finally found out the truth. It turned out that Admiral Qi Hanyi had held a clarification live stream yesterday, exposing his alter ego. These people now considered him a female mermaid and recognized him as Qi Hanyi’s partner; fearing unnecessary misunderstandings, they had intentionally distanced themselves.

“I am Qi Hanyi’s partner. Is there any conflict in me interacting with other humans?” Su Su thought, puzzled, and could only ask Yan Bai.

“Of course, there is a conflict. If it were a human partner, it wouldn’t matter; the relationship is independent and equal. But if the partner is a mermaid, it resembles a form of private property. Due to possessiveness, unless in crucial social events, nobles generally do not prefer their mermaids interacting with other humans. This is also why mermaids are prohibited from playing ‘Star Wars’; even social platforms only allow contact among mermaids,” Yan Bai explained to Su Su, this time without any subjective emotions.

“But Qi Hanyi has never stopped me from making other friends.” Su Su boldly speculated, “Does he not want to possess me?”

“Cough.” Yan Bai was almost thrown off by this comment, remaining silent for a moment before saying with a strange expression: “That has nothing to do with it. I think he probably sees you as an equal, which is why he chooses to respect you and not restrict your social freedom.”

Su Su nodded and then tilted his head, scrutinizing Yan Bai seriously.

Yan Bai felt somewhat flustered under Su Su’s gaze: “What are you looking at?”

“You actually spoke well of Qi Hanyi!” Su Su exclaimed. “Haven’t you always disliked humans? I thought you’d take the chance to scold him.”

“I’m just stating the facts.” Yan Bai averted his gaze, feeling a bit panicky.

Speaking of which, he probably needed answers more than Su Su did. Yan San’s actions the last time still weighed heavily on his mind.

Why did they fail? Was it not because his adoptive father misjudged Qi Hanyi’s handling of the situation with Su Su?

Qi Hanyi did not sever his ties with Su Su but instead chose to be open and honest, taking on the blame for Su Su’s online actions.

Qi Hanyi had almost perfectly resolved the crisis, but his approach left Yan Bai confused.

In Yan Bai’s view, Qi Hanyi, as a human, was not really as hypocritical as Yan San said; at least, he should be genuine with Su Su. So, had his adoptive father been mistaken?

Yan Bai thought he was not a selfless person like his adoptive father. He cared more for his interests than the deep-seated hatred mermaids held toward humans. His world was small, accommodating only a few people who treated him well.

His adoptive father had raised him, so he had taken his adoptive father’s goals on as his own. Su Su, being his blood relative and someone he resonated with, was someone he did not want to get harmed due to this matter.

Now, these two conflicting desires clashed; he initially tried to change Su Su, seeking to bring him over to his side, but now he realized that the reasoning for pulling him over had become increasingly tenuous.

He knew his adoptive father would not stop there, and Su Su would likely face even greater dangers in the future. Yet, he did not know how to broach the subject.

He couldn’t advise Su Su to submit nor could he reveal his true identity and the underground organization’s plans; was he to just watch Su Su get into trouble?

“You need to be careful of the Mo family,” was all Yan Bai could offer as vague advice. He added, “I’ve been busy recently, so I probably won’t play the game for a while.”

Yan Bai logged off, leaving Su Su alone in confusion. He felt that Yan Bai seemed to be hiding something from him. But since he chose not to say, Su Su wouldn’t pry into it.

Qi Hanyi’s clarification during the live broadcast triggered quite a public outcry throughout the Empire.

The noble council also began discussing how to judge Qi Hanyi.

Mermaids playing ‘Star Wars’ was originally a capital crime; however, this was aimed at mermaids in general. Now that Qi Hanyi claimed the responsibility, stating he permitted it, the criteria for sentencing shifted significantly.

Just when the council was indecisive, an online petition for amnesty, riding the wave of public opinion, presented itself before the nobles.

In their petition, calls for Qi Hanyi’s amnesty served merely as a pretext; the real demand was to lift the internet restrictions on mermaids. To grant them equal internet access and the right to communicate freely with humans.

This demand was even bolder than Qi Hanyi’s original proposal to allow mermaids to engage with the ‘Star Wars’ game.

Because the competition hosted by Qi Hanyi had shown them a glimmer of hope: that ordinary human offspring, if possessing mental strength and talent, could also become starship pilots.

In theory, mermaids could only marry nobles, but there were indeed instances where humans and mermaids fell in love freely due to some chance encounters—those offspring could also potentially inherit impressive mental strength.

In the eyes of the vast majority, mermaids were a distant and romantic species; they were unattainable but could not help but fantasize and yearn. Opening up limitations on each other was perceived as a good thing for them. If given a chance to win over an unmarried mermaid, they might also be able to have offspring with superior genes, and their descendants could obtain excellent mental strength or even join the military, achieving a leap from commoner to noble status.

This petition was unexpected for Qi Hanyi; it was a good signal but also premature for the current state of affairs. While the timing was not ripe, this petition made the conservative nobles feel threatened. They had long monopolized the privilege of benefiting from the genetic advantages of mermaids, and now this privilege was at risk.

The sky was overcast, and the cold wind was piercing, whistling through the layers of buildings.

Qi Hanyi bundled in a coat, stood straight before an empty tombstone. At his feet was a bouquet of white flowers.

A snowflake fell onto his sleeve and was gently brushed away by his bony fingers. Qi Hanyi spoke, “Dad, it’s starting to snow.”