Picking Up An Alpha On Garbage Star - Chapter 52

How could it be easy for soldiers to date?

 

For ordinary people, the obstacles to a relationship might be perspectives, family, work… but for soldiers, the obstacles are nation and duty. Only with a country can they have a family. Once they don their uniforms and become part of the military, embarking on long months of floating in vast space, their relationships are destined to be challenging.

 

As the majority in the military, many of them are Alphas. Some have partners, but while on missions in space, they can’t help their Omegas through their heat periods, nor do they have Omegas to soothe them during their susceptibility periods.

 

They almost always rely on inhibitors.

 

So, when Xie Yu can be with someone he can frequently see and spend time with, his comrades are always happy for him.

 

However, frequent meetings do not mean their relationship is easy. Their identities are special, and they are always immersed in work. They can’t afford to talk about stars, the moon, or poetry; their conversations always revolve around work.

 

Pei An asked, “Commander Xie, dating isn’t easy, is it?”

 

Is it easy? Definitely not.

 

But Xie Yu replied, “It’s sweet as honey.”

 

He was very grateful to have met Pei An, who was more dazzling to him than the light of any star.

 

…

 

After having breakfast at the restaurant, Xie Yu called Lika and the others for a meeting. Lika went directly with them to the conference room on the Liao Yuan, while Pang Li was still on Rock Star, and Zhuge Yue was on the Moonlight, so they could only participate online.

 

Last night, not only Lika but also Pang Li and Zhuge Yue had read through the preliminary draft of the defense system, staying up all night to finish it.

 

Pei An’s design for the defense system was brilliant. Every part was closely integrated, with no waste of a single turret. Although they also learned related theoretical knowledge in military school, it was clear that officers focused more on usage, whereas Pei An’s system included comprehensive theories, with each theory interconnected, leaving no room for waste.

 

“We’ve designed defense systems before, but none as detailed as this,” Zhuge Yue marveled. “As expected, President Pei’s professionalism is unmatched.”

 

Not only the subordinates but even she wanted to revere Pei An as a mentor after seeing his work.

 

Lika laughed heartily, slapping the table, “Look at President Pei’s defense system compared to the space pirates’. It’s a complete crush, absolutely!”

 

When they attacked the Dragon Harbor base, the space pirates’ defense system encircling the base was indeed dangerous but had clear flaws. It was effective against large-scale attacks but easy to breach with smaller, pinpoint efforts, appearing formidable but actually weak.

 

In contrast, Pei An’s defense system had few weapons in space, focusing mostly on reconnaissance and counter-reconnaissance equipment. The real weapons were ground-based, managed by personnel, which was much better than leaving a bunch of weapons in space, waiting for others to estimate and attack.

 

Pang Li confidently suggested, “Commander, I think we can use this preliminary draft as the final version and start construction now.”

 

Currently, the base was primarily building basic infrastructure, and the space pirates’ equipment was mostly unusable, requiring a complete rebuild. But their reconstruction was fast, and implementing the defense system would take more time.

 

“I’ve already given orders for all parts of the defense system to be expedited to the base. The ships should arrive in a few days, and Captain Pang will handle the reception,” Pei An said.

 

They couldn’t stay long and would soon head to the Balaem star system, leaving most tasks in the Rock star system to Pang Li.

 

“Don’t worry, President Pei. I will complete the mission beautifully,” Pang Li assured, standing firm even through the network.

 

“No need to stress. We’ve faced big challenges before. Just take it step by step,” Xie Yu said, hands on the table, exchanging a knowing look with his three subordinates.

 

During the few days waiting for the materials to arrive at the base, Pei An had plenty of free time. Sometimes he checked on the base construction, other times he visited Rock Star to observe the administrative changes, and every day he enjoyed a peaceful life with Xie Yu.

 

Of course, this peaceful life didn’t last long. Three days later, news arrived from the Balaem star system that Huliek had engaged in fierce combat with the space pirates, with both sides fully unleashing their firepower.

 

Simultaneously, Xie Yu received a message, which had been relayed multiple times, from his father—everything was ready except for the crucial final step.

 

Once he finished this mission in the Balaem star system, he would have to return to Central Star.

 

This time, his return to Central Star would take several months, making communication with Pei An across multiple star systems difficult. Even sending a message would require numerous relays.

 

Looking at the message from his father, Xie Yu sighed. If not for so many matters at hand, he could take Pei An home to meet his family. Pei An was so wonderful; his father and dad would surely like him very much.

 

But now wasn’t the time for sentiment. Xie Yu gathered his team and set off for the Balaem star system.

 

Ye Xiuzhe stayed behind in the Moran star system, Pang Li in the Rock star system. Only Lika and Zhuge Yue accompanied Xie Yu to the Balaem star system.

 

“Hu Lieke is a playful guy. Compared to the Moran star system, the Balaem star system is better, but it’s still quite backward compared to the Central star system. It’s normal for him not to like staying in the Balaem star system,” Zhuge Yue explained to Pei An about Hu Lieke. “His patrol area includes the Balaem star system and the Bisha star system. The Bisha star system is mostly touristy, suitable for leisure. Hu Lieke spends a lot of time there.”

 

As per regulations, military patrols cannot stay on the ground for long periods. They can only rest on the ground once every few months, during which they procure supplies. However, treating the ground as a second home, like Hu Lieke does, is rare.

 

“Hu Lieke lacks the self-discipline of a proper soldier. He leads his troops more like a gang, and even the most disciplined soldiers under his command are less effective because of his influence,” Xie Yu said coldly.

 

Hu Lieke originally intended to capture Xie Yu to get at Xie Yu’s father, Xie Ao, due to differing viewpoints and stances. It’s normal to target others for personal gain, but Hu Lieke was too presumptuous, thinking Xie Yu would just wait to be caught. This time, Xie Yu tricked him into coming to the Balaem star system, and he’s probably cursing Xie Yu’s ancestors in his heart now.

 

“Hu Lieke is reaping what he sowed. If he had patrolled the Balaem star system more often, space pirates wouldn’t have been able to set up bases there so blatantly. This clash with the space pirates is his own fault,” Lika summed up. “In short, he deserves it.”

 

With their bases being taken out consecutively, the space pirates were furious. When they saw the Seventh Fleet’s ships coming, they naturally blamed Hu Lieke for their losses. As the saying goes, enemies get particularly angry when they meet. Even if the Seventh Fleet wasn’t responsible, it was still the Empire’s military. The space pirates didn’t care about reasons and started fighting immediately.

 

Hu Lieke was also very angry. He came to the Balaem star system with the intention of dealing with Xie Yu, only to be attacked by a group of space pirates. He didn’t want to fight them because it would deplete his strength, which would indirectly benefit others. But the space pirates came on strong, leaving him no choice but to fight, unless he wanted to be killed by them right there.

 

So, both sides went all out, engaging in a fierce battle.

 

“I’ll go first!” Claude stepped out from the crowd. “Commander Xie is busy with so many tasks every day, he definitely doesn’t have time to train every day. Besides, it’s not certain who will lose.”

 

Although said in jest, Claude had been with Xie Yu’s men for a long time and had heard them praise Xie Yu’s skills.

 

These guys always had idle time to praise, praising Xie Yu on one hand and Pei An on the other. They all agreed that both of them were excellent, a consensus reached on this matter.

 

“Okay, let’s do it.” Xie Yu casually assigned someone to count and time them.

 

With the timer started, Xie Yu and Claude grabbed the bar and began doing pull-ups.

 

Pei An moved closer to get a better view.

 

He had seen Xie Yu’s muscles before, but seeing them now, hidden under his shirt, bulging up with each pull-up and relaxing with each descent, somehow fascinated him.

 

Regardless of whether others were impressed by Xie Yu, Pei An definitely was.

 

The people around cheered and encouraged them, and soon a minute passed, with Xie Yu winning in the end.

 

“It’s really strange. We haven’t seen you train, but how come your physical fitness is so good?” Claude genuinely admired Xie Yu.

 

Another officer patted Claude on the shoulder. “Bro, you don’t know. The commander was notorious for being energetic back in military school. While everyone else went back to the dorms to sleep late at night, he would sneak off for extra training. He’s a real freak!”

 

Pei An walked over, still holding Xie Yu’s military jacket. He overheard the conversation.

 

No wonder Xie Yu stayed up late and woke up early that day. His energy was incredible.

 

Pei An handed the jacket back to Xie Yu and asked, “Did you train at home since you were a kid?”

 

“More or less,” Xie Yu buttoned up his jacket one by one. “I was quite mischievous as a child. My father told me I was just like him when he was younger. To discipline me, he used to chase me around the house every day.”

 

So Xie Yu developed excellent skills from a young age, or else he would have been beaten up by Xie Ao.

 

But looking back, he realized it was his father’s way of training him. With his identity, he couldn’t have a peaceful life forever. Directly training a child’s physical fitness when the child didn’t understand why was a bit cruel, so his father chose a more indirect method.

 

“Commander Xie, since you’re here, why not guide us in combat?” Claude invited.

 

“We want to join in too!” Xie Yu’s officers chimed in. “Commander, can we take turns fighting you?”

 

Xie Yu took off his jacket again, handing it to Pei An. “Sure, why not? Let’s do it.”

 

“Then I’ll sit on the sidelines and watch.” Xie Yu didn’t have many opportunities to fight, so he took this chance to observe.

 

Since it was guidance rather than a simple competition, Xie Yu would take turns fighting everyone and point out their shortcomings for improvement during the match.

 

Pei An sat on a bench nearby, smiling as he watched the lively scene.

 

Xie Yu was indeed a military officer groomed from a young age by his father. Many times, he excelled not only in physical fitness and skills but also in his strong awareness, which would be even more prominent on the battlefield, especially in large-scale wars, where he could effectively reduce casualties while dealing heavy blows to the enemy.

 

As he watched, a communication request popped up from Manzhu.

 

Manzhu had been overseeing medical work in the Moran star system. Now that she could contact him directly via the smart brain, she should have left the Moran star system and arrived at the Haiyan Base.

 

Pei An answered Manzhu’s call. “Manzhu.”

 

“Pei An, I heard you’re with Xie Yu now.”

 

Manzhu had heard various versions of the love story between Pei An and Xie Yu since arriving at the Haiyan Base. She already knew there was something going on between them, and after inquiring with Pang Li, she confirmed they were indeed together. Her heart was pounding anxiously and worriedly, emitting a cold air.

 

Pei An admitted openly, “Yes, I’m with Xie Yu now. We’ve just established our relationship recently.”

 

Manzhu frowned on her end, emitting a cold air. “Pei An, you know, being with an alpha with such high compatibility in pheromones isn’t a good thing.”

 

Even if this alpha was faithful to their relationship and wouldn’t betray them, what if they encountered death?

 

After all, undergoing a complete mark removal surgery was extremely painful for an omega, and it would have irreversible effects on the body. But if the mark removal surgery wasn’t done, after the alpha’s death, the omega would suffer greatly for the rest of their life.

 

“Pei An, have you ever thought about what you would do if something happened to Xie Yu?” Manzhu softened her tone.

 

She was older than Pei An, even older than Li Chengrui, Xiao Xueyan, and the three of them. She was the oldest among the children who were urgently placed in the escape capsule back then, so she always put herself in the role of the big sister, hoping that these younger brothers and sisters could live better.

 

The compatibility of pheromones between Pei An and Xie Yu was too high. Perhaps Pei An would never meet an alpha who could surpass Xie Yu in pheromone compatibility in his lifetime. Once they were completely marked, it would be an inseparable connection for life.

 

This also meant that if something happened to Xie Yu, Pei An would suffer from the torment of pheromones for the rest of his life, and Pei An still had his lofty ideals. He wouldn’t be willing to stop and heal his wounds.

 

Pei An was too tough, and no one had ever seen Pei An’s vulnerable side.

 

No one had seen it, but it didn’t mean that Pei An was invincible.

 

Manzhu didn’t want to, there was a probability that Pei An would walk into the abyss.

 

After listening to Manzhu, Pei An said slowly, “Manzhu, I understand what you mean, but sis, Xie Yu is the one I’ve set my heart on. In my life, I will only love him.”

 

His gaze still fell on Xie Yu, the young man who was earnestly guiding everyone’s combat training, he was an extraordinary young man.

 

Manzhu also knew that she couldn’t persuade Pei An, as he was quite stubborn.

 

What a stubborn little brother.

 

“As long as you like him, I won’t force you, just as long as you’re happy.” Manzhu raised her head, looking up at the sky filled with the evening glow, wiping her moist eyes.

 

She thought, if Pei Uncle had a spirit in heaven, seeing Pei An finding someone he liked and had someone to accompany him, he would be very happy.

 

Manzhu voluntarily ended the call, and Pei An looked at the call log, his eyes curved.

 

Xie Yu was still instructing, and these people were all a bit competitive and unwilling to lose. When Xie Yu pointed out their mistakes for correction, they would firmly remember and work to improve.

 

Pei An saw a bright future in these people.

 

A team composed of people who are willing to correct their mistakes will surely be invincible.

 

The guidance session lasted for several hours, until it was time for dinner, and everyone shouted to go to the restaurant for a meal.

 

After several hours of training, even Xie Yu was sweating.

 

“Come here.” Pei An waved to Xie Yu.

 

Xie Yu hesitated before approaching. “I’m all sweaty, don’t want to stink you.”

 

Still the alpha who had manners ingrained in him, unlike some alphas who would have already rubbed up against him, eager to cover him with their scent.

 

“No smell.” Pei An didn’t lie to Xie Yu, he really didn’t smell, not even much pheromones emanated from him.

 

With no handkerchief, Pei An had to use his sleeve to wipe Xie Yu’s sweat. “It’s the first time I’ve seen you sweat so much.”

 

Sweat dripped down Xie Yu’s face, falling onto his shirt, forming beads.

 

Pei An unconsciously looked away, not daring to look again, and focused on wiping Xie Yu’s sweat.

 

The people who hadn’t left yet: “…”

 

So cheesy!

 

What’s the point of eating this meal? We’re already full of dog food!

 

“Alright, let’s go.” After wiping the sweat, Pei An immediately stepped back, not allowing his eyes to wander.

 

Indeed, the ancestors were right, hunger breeds desire; he had never been so lecherous before. Why did he feel so tempted when looking at Xie Yu?

 

“I’ll go take a shower first.” Xie Yu was different from those single guys; he had a partner, so he had to pay attention, or else what if his partner found him smelly?

 

“That’s fine.” Xie Yu’s shirt was damp with sweat, uncomfortable to stick to his body and revealing his physique. Pei An privately thought that as a commander, Xie Yu still needed to pay attention to his appearance.

 

The two decided to go back to their room first. Xie Yu would take a quick shower, then they would go to the restaurant for dinner.

 

Now, not only the restaurant on the Liao Yuan was providing meals to all officers and soldiers, but also the Chang Yuan and Yue Guang, as well as the remaining officers and soldiers of the 258th Legion who were still doing patrol duty in the patrol area.

 

Xie Yu and Pei An had earned quite a bit, especially Pei An, who openly invested the money he made into the military as military expenditure.

 

He had always had some complaints about the Empire only providing nutritional supplements. What’s the difference between that and letting soldiers go hungry to war?

 

Oh, there is a difference. The people in the Central Star can eat tens of thousands or even millions of meals in one meal, which is enough to supply the soldiers with three meals a day.

 

Xie Yu’s visit to the Central Star this time was also important to deduct meal fees from the Finance Department. He kept track of it in his notebook.

 

After showering, Xie Yu changed into clean military uniform, with a hint of laundry detergent scent, very refreshing.

 

Pei An couldn’t help but comment, “Xie Yu, you would be very popular in my hometown, especially in college.”

 

A clean and handsome guy, who wouldn’t love him?

 

Taking advantage of no one around, Xie Yu sneakily attacked Pei An, kissing the palm of his hand.

 

“I only like you.”

 

Author’s Note:

 

I don’t want to write about them parting ways, but it’s inevitable. Before parting ways, although there will still be some actions, just thinking about them not being able to be together for so long, the old mother feels distressed.