Picking Up An Alpha On Garbage Star - Chapter 53

“How is Huliek faring against the interstellar pirates?” Xie Yu stood in front of the screen, watching the navigation route shorten bit by bit.

 

Lika: “Huliek hasn’t engaged the interstellar pirates many times and isn’t familiar with their dirty tricks. This time, they took a huge chunk out of him, and he probably won’t have the chance to recover.”

 

Pei An held a cup of coffee, listening to the situation quietly and comfortably.

 

“Huliek was set up from the beginning. Even if the mastermind wanted to strike first, they wouldn’t dare openly take me on. Huliek really thought he could take me down. Some people just don’t have the brains for this.” Xie Yu showed no sympathy for Huliek and even took the opportunity to mock him.

 

“Commander, all ships are ready. When do we act?” Zhuge Yue asked.

 

Xie Yu waved his hand: “Huliek brought a lot of people and equipment. We’re not in a hurry. Let’s wait until he’s done fighting.”

 

Huliek did bring a lot of people and equipment; his fleet was even larger than theirs. However, the interstellar pirates have been entrenched here for who knows how many years. They must have developed and grown strong in the shadows, so their strength shouldn’t be underestimated.

 

From the current battle situation, the interstellar pirates have the upper hand, and Huliek is at a disadvantage. If they rush out now and the pirates have any tricks left, they’ll be the ones who suffer losses.

 

A losing deal is not an option, absolutely not.

 

“But Commander, what if Huliek gets killed by the interstellar pirates?” Lika, knowing Huliek’s combat skills, found it perfectly normal to ask this question.

 

“Huliek won’t be easily killed by the interstellar pirates. Even a rabbit bites when cornered. Huliek can’t be worse than a rabbit.” Xie Yu swiped his finger across the control screen, setting a ten-minute countdown. “Let them fight for another ten minutes, and then we’ll capture them both.”

 

Pei An chuckled. If Huliek knew Xie Yu had set a countdown, he would be furious.

 

You can’t blame Xie Yu. He holds grudges. Previously, Pei An had sneaked into Longgang Base alone, and when Xie Yu was worried sick, Huliek had called to mock him. Who else would Xie Yu target for revenge?

 

“Pei An, don’t drink too much coffee. It’ll keep you up at night.” As soon as Xie Yu had a moment, he took Pei An’s coffee and drank it all himself.

 

“… Don’t you need to sleep?” Pei An rubbed his forehead helplessly. Xie Yu was already energetic, and now he drank a whole cup of coffee. Wouldn’t he be even more hyper?

 

“Don’t worry. This cup of coffee won’t affect me at all.” Xie Yu, holding the coffee cup, walked towards the restroom. “I’m going to wash the cup.”

 

While Xie Yu was washing the coffee cup, Lika and Zhuge Yue gathered around Pei An.

 

“President Pei, I’ve never seen the Commander so fatherly. Sometimes, it feels like you didn’t find a boyfriend but a dad.” Lika whispered.

 

Xie Yu took care of everything for Pei An meticulously. It wasn’t just her feeling this way; many felt the Commander acted like a father.

 

Zhuge Yue nudged Lika with her elbow: “No, no, you don’t understand. There’s a type of boyfriend called a ‘dad-like boyfriend’ that’s very popular among omegas.”

 

Lika looked puzzled: “Why should a female alpha like me understand dad-like boyfriends?”

 

Pei An: “…”

 

Zhuge Yue: “…”

 

“If you ever find a partner, it’ll definitely be because they appreciate your emotional intelligence,” Zhuge Yue said lovingly, patting Lika’s short hair.

 

Lika pushed Zhuge Yue’s hand away: “Stop touching me. I just washed my hair, don’t make it oily.”

 

Pei An glanced around stealthily. Seeing that Xie Yu hadn’t returned, he boldly asked Lika and Zhuge Yue, “Does Xie Yu have anything he likes?”

 

“Something the Commander likes?” Zhuge Yue pondered; she couldn’t think of anything.

 

Lika responded immediately: “The Commander is so boring! Before you, he was all about work and training. What could he possibly like?”

 

Then she added, “Except for you.”

 

Pei An: “.”

 

Zhuge Yue thoughtfully said, “Look, President Pei, the Commander likes you so much. Whatever you do, he’ll be happy.”

 

At worst, you could just give yourself to him, and he’d be overjoyed.

 

Of course, she didn’t say that out loud.

 

When Xie Yu returned from washing the coffee cup, Lika and Zhuge Yue had already moved away from Pei An. Seeing that there were still five minutes left on the countdown, Xie Yu ran over to Pei An’s side.

 

“These past few days, Huliek has been battling the interstellar pirates, and both sides have suffered significant losses. It won’t be long before we can end the fight,” Xie Yu sighed softly. “This means I have to return to the Central Star.”

 

They had just started their relationship not long ago, and now they had to be apart for several months. Neither of them was willing to part.

 

Pei An softly responded, “Mm,” and said, “Before you go back to the Central Star, let’s return to DS009.”

 

Xie Yu held Pei An’s hand, “Alright, I need to take Ye Xiuze back to help this time. I’ll have Zhuge switch shifts with him.”

 

He also wanted to visit DS009, mainly to see the house where he and Pei An had lived together. Their future paths might take them far apart, and they might never get another chance to return.

 

“Commander, the countdown is over. We can take action now!” Lika was eager, having anticipated this moment for a long time.

 

Just as Xie Yu predicted, Huliek wouldn’t easily let the interstellar pirates kill him. He launched a desperate counterattack, catching the pirates off guard and putting them under immense pressure, causing significant losses.

 

“Changyuan, Canglong, and Zhuque, attack from the front and both sides, aiming to annihilate the interstellar pirates in one strike. Moonlight, loop around the back to block their retreat.”

 

With the command given, the four main ships accelerated along their routes. A fleet of escort ships, well-armed, and countless small ships and fighters launched from the main ships, heading to the battlefield ahead.

 

The interstellar pirates were in disarray and couldn’t withstand the encirclement formed by the four main ships. Given Xie Yu’s order to annihilate the enemy, they used the most powerful tactics available.

 

“Have the small ships harass the enemy’s main ship. Missiles ready, fire at any deviation from safe positions, aim to kill.”

 

“Block the escape routes with fighter jets. Don’t let a single escape pod through.”

 

“Canglong, keep pushing forward. Aim for the enemy’s bridge and blast it. Zhuque, coordinate with Canglong and speed up to break through their shields.”

 

Through the glass, Pei An could see the brilliant explosions of the firefights in space.

 

Huliek, having fought the interstellar pirates for so long and nearly exhausted his resources, finally saw reinforcements arrive. He hastily requested communication without checking the channel carefully.

 

“Commander, Huliek is requesting communication.”

 

Xie Yu showed a playful smile, curious about Huliek’s reaction when he heard his voice.

 

“Put him through.”

 

Soon, Huliek’s voice came through to the bridge.

 

“May I ask which unit you belong to? I’ll never forget this lifesaving grace!”

 

Xie Yu: “Oh, really? Why don’t I believe that?”

 

Pei An couldn’t help but glance over. Xie Yu’s tone was undeniably provocative.

 

There was a moment of silence before an explosion of anger, “Xie Yu? How the hell is it you!”

 

Xie Yu: “Did you forget? You were the one who wanted to capture me.”

 

I came right to you, and you couldn’t even handle a group of interstellar pirates, ending up in such a sorry state. How pathetic.

 

“Xie Yu, did you set me up?” Huliek gritted his teeth.

 

Xie Yu feigned immense shock, “Huliek, you can’t just say whatever you want. I, Xie Yu, conduct myself with integrity. Don’t falsely accuse me of colluding with interstellar pirates, or I’ll sue you for slander.”

 

Twisting Huliek’s words, Xie Yu absolved himself completely. “If it weren’t for the fact that we’re both imperial soldiers, I wouldn’t have bothered saving you. I’d have let you get killed by the pirates.”

 

Huliek’s face was grim, his uniform worn for several days and looking shabby.

 

Xie Yu was indeed unlikely to collude with interstellar pirates. He had already fought them fiercely for the sake of a subordinate, and the pirates had placed a high bounty on his head.

 

“The Baleim star system is under your patrol. How did such a large group of interstellar pirates appear there without you knowing?” Xie Yu would have pointed out Huliek’s frequent visits to the Bishar star if it had been appropriate.

 

Huliek, after hearing this, kicked the control panel, the sound coming through the communication channel.

 

“Huliek, out of camaraderie, let me remind you. The council has already clarified that the order to arrest me is a rumor,” Xie Yu said earnestly. “If the council declared it a rumor, whose orders were you following to arrest me?”

 

After speaking, Xie Yu signaled to end the communication. Huliek barely had time to ask more before the signal was cut off.

 

Pei An clapped, “You’re setting them up to turn on each other, aren’t you?”

 

Xie Yu nodded. “Huliek has managed to be a freeloader in the Seventh Corps for years because he has family backing. If these people cause a commotion, it’s beneficial for us. The more chaos, the better.”

 

He needed more people to cause trouble so that the Central Star wouldn’t notice what was happening here, ensuring Pei An and the others’ safety.

 

“Report, Commander. The interstellar pirates have lost all resistance.”

 

Xie Yu picked up the communicator. “Fully armed, board the interstellar pirates’ warships. Don’t leave anyone alive except those on the wanted list.”

 

The interstellar pirates on the wanted list were not ordinary criminals; they held significant positions within the pirate ranks. Capturing minor figures wouldn’t yield valuable information, but capturing these key individuals could provide useful intelligence.

 

Numerous small ships advanced rapidly towards the interstellar pirates. Under the relentless bombardment of missiles, the shields were obliterated, unable to prevent boarding.

 

The shield is the outermost layer of a warship’s defense system. If the warship is still fully operational, the shield is not as crucial because counterattacks can fend off enemy assaults. However, once the warship is crippled and its shield is gone, it becomes a sitting duck.

 

If Xie Yu hadn’t wanted to capture a few key figures for interrogation, he wouldn’t have considered boarding the enemy warships. He usually opted for direct extermination of interstellar pirates.

 

“Our firepower is so intense that those interstellar pirates are likely almost dead. We might not be able to capture anyone,” Lika observed the images from the reconnaissance aircraft. “The damage is severe, probably beyond repair.”

 

“Interstellar pirates aren’t afraid to die, but they definitely cling to life. They’ll use any means to save their own skins,” Xie Yu pressed a blue button. “Search the area where the escape pods are stored.”

 

Pirates value their lives, so there must be escape pods. They might catch a few this way.

 

“Xie Yu, strip any usable equipment from the interstellar pirates and bring it back,” Pei An said with a smile. “We’re best at recycling and repurposing.”

 

Xie Yu replied, “Alright. Robbing interstellar pirates, even if it’s just a few energy panels, gives me a sense of accomplishment.”

 

“Oh, you reminded me. I need to ask Huliek for a rescue fee.” He found Huliek in his contact list and called his private number.

 

Pei An added, “While you’re at it, ask him if he needs equipment repairs. As long as the money is right, we’re very accommodating.”

 

Money doesn’t discriminate. Profiting from those with opposing views is even better.

 

Huliek answered Xie Yu’s call, “Xie Yu, are you out of your mind?” The battle wasn’t even over, and he was contacting him for what?

 

Xie Yu sighed, “Huliek, I brought so many people to rescue you from afar. The energy oil consumed and the weapons used in the fight, don’t you think you should reimburse me?”

 

Huliek almost spat out blood. “Weren’t you saving me because we’re comrades?” And now you’re asking for money? Do you have no shame?

 

Xie Yu sounded troubled, “Hey, you can’t put it that way. You know our Third Corps is poor. We really can’t afford such high expenses! Besides, isn’t your life worth something?”

 

Pei An was already covering his mouth, trying not to laugh.

 

Huliek was about to be driven mad by Xie Yu, “Alright, how much do you want?” The words squeezed through his gritted teeth.

 

Xie Yu righteously declared, “Don’t worry! I, Xie Yu, won’t overcharge you a single cent. I’ll have my adjutant tally the energy oil and ammunition consumed and send it to you. You can check it yourself. I promise, no overcharging.”

 

“Fine… Xie Yu, I really can’t thank you enough,” Huliek said, clenching his fists.

 

“No need to be polite, no need to be polite,” Xie Yu exchanged a glance with Pei An, then continued, “By the way, I see your fleet is pretty badly damaged and needs proper repairs. How about I recommend a professional repair team for you? I guarantee they’ll fix everything perfectly. What do you think?”

 

Huliek cursed inwardly. Wasn’t Xie Yu just like a bandit leader?

 

“No need. We have our own service technicians, so there’s no need to trouble your 258 Corps,” Huliek said, ready to hang up. He really couldn’t stand Xie Yu. He truly disliked him and wanted to get rid of him.

 

“How can your technicians compare to the experts I hired at a high price?” Xie Yu was determined to make Huliek bleed some more. “Do you know how much I spent? This expert is someone my entire 258 Corps supports. If it weren’t for the fact that your men have it tough, I wouldn’t dare bother this big shot.”

 

Huliek was suspicious. Did Xie Yu really hire someone at a high price?

 

He knew well that many technicians were unwilling to serve in the military because it was hard work with uncertain pay, and in wartime, it was very dangerous. Real experts wouldn’t be interested in the military’s pay, so if it was a real expert, it must have been hired with a lot of money.

 

“How much did you spend to hire this expert?” Huliek asked.

 

Pei An tilted his head, watching Xie Yu make it up.

 

Xie Yu smiled at Pei An, “I personally took care of the expert’s three meals a day, always at their beck and call. Whatever they asked, I did. You tell me, is that a big price?”

 

I even provided personal services, sleeping on the floor in Pei An’s room.

 

Huliek still wasn’t fully convinced, but his fleet had indeed suffered severe damage, and a lot of equipment needed repairs.

 

“Fix a portion first to show me. If what you say is true, I’ll pay whatever the expert asks,” Huliek had no other choice. If he dragged around this damaged equipment, he really couldn’t keep his position in the military.

 

Moreover, someone was already stabbing him in the back. At the very least, he needed to maintain the fleet’s appearance on the surface. If everyone knew he had been beaten badly by interstellar pirates, the attacks against him would become even more ruthless.

 

Xie Yu looked at Pei An, who signaled with six fingers.

 

“The expert agreed, but the price is sixty million. How about it?” Xie Yu relayed Pei An’s price to Huliek.

 

Huliek was so shocked his voice changed, “How much did you say?”

 

“Sixty million. What, you think a true expert would charge less?”

 

Xie Yu moved his communicator away, pretending, “Hey, hey, let me handle this! Expert, just tell me what you need. Why are you doing it yourself?”

 

Huliek turned green. Xie Yu was really…

 

“Xie Yu, tell that expert I agree to the sixty million price.”

 

No matter what, he needed the repairs to handle upcoming challenges.

 

Pei An certainly wouldn’t go repair things himself. His special status made it inappropriate to meet outsiders at this time. However, the people he brought along were more than enough to earn Huliek’s sixty million.

 

This time, Huliek suffered a double loss, losing equipment badly and having to transfer a large sum from his personal account. Xie Yu wasn’t lying; he listed all the costs in detail, even including the energy consumption of reconnaissance flights.

 

Xie Yu shouldn’t have joined the military. He should have gone into business with his talent for negotiation.

 

Xie Yu sent people to sweep the interstellar pirates’ fleet, capturing two pirates for interrogation by Zhuge Yue. These pirates were on the wanted list, and they might provide valuable information. He also took all usable supplies, as Pei An suggested.

 

Additionally, Xie Yu sent patrols around to check for any remaining interstellar pirates, ready to wipe them out if found.

 

Then, Xie Yu began counting the days until his return to the Central Star.

 

“My father has been laying the groundwork since receiving my message. Now we just wait for me to return and close the net,” Xie Yu said, holding Pei An’s hands. These hands didn’t look like those of an omega, showing signs of wear but were still the best Xie Yu had ever seen.

 

Pei An and Xie Yu stood facing each other. Pei An saw the reluctance in Xie Yu’s eyes, “A short separation now is for the sake of being together for a long time after. I’m looking forward to our future.”

 

Xie Yu took a deep breath, “I’ve arranged everything. When I return to the Central Star, you’ll take the team to the 258 Corps. My subordinates will follow your commands. You can use the pretext of clearing out interstellar pirates to move between star systems and strengthen our forces.”

 

Pei An’s heart trembled. He pursed his lips, then smiled, “Are you really so confident about leaving your troops to me?”

 

Xie Yu replied, “Not just the 258 Corps. You can also use the Third Corps’ resources if…”

 

Pei An was puzzled, “If what?”

 

“If you need it, you can also use the First Corps’ troops.” Xie Yu spread his arms and hugged Pei An tightly. “Pei An, I asked my father to inquire about your father. He said that Uncle Gu, Gu Yuanyang, the commander of the First Corps, was an old acquaintance of your father.”

 

Xie Yu’s messages had to go through several channels before reaching him, so it wasn’t convenient to say too much. He only mentioned that if Pei An needed it, the entire First Corps could be at his disposal.

 

Xie Yu understood that such weight couldn’t be explained by a simple “old acquaintance.” However, he wasn’t sure about the hidden history behind it and didn’t want to reveal too much.

 

“See, there are still people who remember our fathers, not just the survivors of the Bright Goddess. Even far away in the Central Star, someone still thinks of him.” Xie Yu held the back of Pei An’s head with his large hand.

 

Pei An was somewhat lost in thought. So, there were still people who remembered Pei Ruyu. After all these years, they had never forgotten.

 

“Xie Yu, I think my father would be happy to hear this news.” Pei An buried his head in Xie Yu’s neck.

 

It was wonderful, truly wonderful, that someone still remembered Pei Ruyu, the Bright Goddess, and that this person was the commander of the First Corps, willing to help them.

 

The six thousand wronged souls of the Bright Goddess had an increasing chance for revenge.

 

Pei An closed his eyes, leaning against Xie Yu, standing there for a long time.

 

Receiving such good news during a weary journey made the distant future seem not so far away.

 

“Uncle Gu gave me a unique contact key that can connect to all the fleets of the First Corps. I’ll give you the key, and you can also send a message to Uncle Gu.” Xie Yu straightened Pei An’s slightly messy hair. “Uncle Gu likes you very much.”

 

“Come with me.” Pei An grabbed Xie Yu’s hand and ran, heading towards the room where the six thousand urns were kept.

 

Pei An opened the room and found a cat-shaped clip in the drawer holding Pei Ruyu’s ashes. “This is my father’s memento. He loved clipping it to the pocket of his white coat. Please give this to Uncle Gu for me.”

 

This cat-shaped clip was the same one Pei Ruyu wore on his white coat in the photograph.