Picking Up An Alpha On Garbage Star - Chapter 71
Austin was taken to the Canghai star system. Along with a few others, he boarded the spaceship they had arrived on and set off for the Canghai star system, following the large fleet and drifting in space for several days.
He originally planned to seize the opportunity to escape, change the spaceship’s course, and leave the Independent Army. The army had predetermined combat tasks and would not alter their plans just to pursue them. Once he got away from the Independent Army, he would be free. Once he returned to the Central Star, he would have various ways to deal with the Independent Army.
However, he underestimated the military capabilities of the Independent Army. If a small civilian spaceship could slip away from the massive fleet, how could they fight the rebels? Austin’s hopes were ultimately dashed.
Despite his reluctance, he had to fulfill his duties as a member of the battlefield observation group, personally going to the battlefield to watch the Independent Army fight the rebels.
The others comforted Austin, “Your Highness, don’t worry. With such a large fleet of the Independent Army, they will definitely protect us.”
Austin could only comfort himself this way too. He couldn’t escape and had to wait until the observation group’s mission ended to return to the Central Star. He didn’t believe the Independent Army would dare to murder him; after all, he was a prince.
Reality would soon prove him wrong. The Independent Army indeed had the courage.
Austin would die on the battlefield, with no one to bring his ashes back, as there would be no one willing to do so.
Having lost his last bit of usefulness, it was time to send this despised Seventh Prince, who had used despicable means to harm loyal people, to hell.
…
Xie Yu led his troops to the Canghai star system. With no pressing work needing his attention, Pei An organized a round of reforms in the Komo star system.
After the rebels occupied the Komo star system, the Lyte Empire did not immediately send troops for rescue and even made statements that angered the Empire’s citizens. People in the regions still under the Lyte Empire’s control were also furious, but their feelings did not compare to the citizens in the occupied regions, who were being oppressed and enslaved by the rebels.
Pei An’s reforms in the Komo star system were similar to those in the Moran star system, mainly focusing on political system reforms. Pei An did not intend to return the reclaimed star systems to the Lyte Empire; he planned to reform them to align with the Independent Army’s overall direction.
Even if the Lyte Empire wanted to reclaim the Komo star system, they might not dare to act, as it was now a frontline position. The rebels could attack again at any time. Few would risk going to the Komo star system. Moreover, the Independent Army had full control over the Komo star system, beyond the Central Star’s manipulation.
Pei An’s reforms in the Komo star system went smoother than in the Moran star system. Despite being labeled as a rebel, Pei An faced significant resistance due to entrenched forces. However, in the Komo star system, Pei An had a reputation that surpassed that of the Lyte Empire’s emperor.
An emperor is the head of state and a symbol of the nation. But when an emperor does not care for his people, the people will not respect him. The emperor, far away on the Central Star, could not bring peace to the Komo star system, unlike Pei An, the Secretary-General of the Independent Army, who helped raise funds for post-war reconstruction.
During the occupation of the Komo star system, those who sided with the rebels and oppressed their compatriots were imprisoned by the rebels. Pei An faced even less resistance in implementing reforms. Even those who felt their interests were being harmed by the reforms dared not voice their opposition, lest they be overwhelmed by the citizens of the Komo star system.
Pei An moved to live on the Liao Yuan, which was stationed in the Komo star system. He visited many places for on-site inspections, including factories, farms, and schools, leaving his mark on every planet.
Compared to the Moran star system, the Komo star system was much more advanced, especially in education. Pei An made a point of visiting renowned educators, scholars, and excellent teachers in the Komo star system, noting down their ideas on education.
Pei An spent his days in the Komo star system feeling very fulfilled, and ten days passed quickly.
One day, while Pei An was sampling beef cans from a newly established food processing plant, Lika came running to him with great excitement.
“Secretary-General! Great news!” Lika was practically jumping for joy. “The commander has taken control of a habitable planet and a resource planet in the Canghai star system!”
Pei An tossed the can he had just opened to the person beside him and eagerly reached out to Lika. “Give me the battle report.”
Lika quickly handed him the virtual screen. The first thing Pei An saw was Xie Yu standing in the command bridge, upright and reliable as a pine tree, a sight that naturally instilled confidence.
Xie Yu’s photo was used as the cover by the war correspondent, occupying a full page, suitable for military school recruitment brochures.
Pei An instinctively stroked Xie Yu’s figure on the virtual screen before slowly scrolling down.
This was no simple battlefield. The entire operation included three parts: the main force engaging the rebels head-on to draw their fire, a group executing surprise attacks from behind, and another group targeting the rebels’ supply lines. The rebels needed a constant flow of resources from their resource planets, transported by ships vulnerable to attacks on their flight paths.
The Lyte Empire, despite not receiving full support from the Central Star, still had the formidable strength of the Independent Army, formerly the First, Second, Third, and Sixth Corps of the Lyte Empire. The rebels, lacking such a foundation, could only desperately focus on development.
Development relies on vast resources. As long as the rebels’ resources are cut off, their arrogance can be significantly reduced.
Xie Yu’s combat plan involved entering the Canghai star system, dividing his forces into three groups, and encircling the rebels. Unlike the swift reclamation of the Komo star system, the strategy for the Canghai star system involved taking it in stages: first reclaiming a few planets, using them as bases, and then reclaiming the remaining planets.
There is a saying, “Do not allow others to sleep soundly beside your bed.” Now, the Independent Army had moved to the rebels’ bedside, causing them sleepless nights.
The explosions at the founding ceremony on Jinye star left a deep psychological impact on the rebels. Now, with the Independent Army entering the Canghai star system, the rebels there couldn’t help but worry about the possibility of a surprise attack from the Independent Army at any moment.
“Convey to the officers and soldiers in the Canghai star system that I am proud of their achievements,” Pei An instructed as he handed the virtual screen back to Lika.
“Yes!” Lika responded and hurried off to contact the troops in the Canghai star system.
Pei An’s joy was unmistakable. Once Tang Yunzhen and her team released the news report, it would not only further demoralize the rebels but also garner more support for the Independent Army.
If the reclaiming of the Komo star system had been somewhat overshadowed by the explosions during the rebels’ founding ceremony, preventing Xie Yu from fully showcasing his command skills, then his newfound fame as the cover story of major headlines would make him a universally admired figure.
The last commander to achieve such universal admiration was from Xie Yu’s father’s generation. However, during those times, the newly founded state was still dealing with many issues, and people didn’t have the time or energy to spend their days on the star net. Today, Xie Yu’s glory surpassed that of his father.
While Xie Yu was still busy clearing the battlefield and managing prisoners, the hashtag #XieYuNationalHusband# was already trending on the star net, quickly climbing to the top of the charts.
The star net was flooded with netizens calling Xie Yu their husband.
“Oh my God! He is so handsome! Just a glimpse of his side profile is enough to make my pheromones bubble!”
“LOL at the person above. Are your pheromones bubbles?”
“Does it matter? Not at all, OK? Just look at General Xie’s waist, legs, and proportions. I could drool over him.”
“Just want to ask if General Xie has a partner? What does he look for in a significant other? I want to be General Xie’s partner, it would be so secure!”
“General Xie is so outstanding, he must have high standards for a partner, right? Ordinary people like us should forget about it.”
“Just asking, is General Xie into AA relationships? I’m willing to be the submissive for him!”
“The person above is really bold!”
“General Xie can even turn an alpha, no wonder he’s General Xie!”
“The person above, say you’re just visiting Tulu Star!”
…
The netizens’ focus gradually shifted to whether Xie Yu was single. To the Independent Army, the answer was obvious. Anyone who had been close to Xie Yu and Pei An could sense the strange barrier between them. However, some on the Central Star assumed Xie Yu was single since they had never heard otherwise.
Ambitious individuals began to make their moves. Seeing the Independent Army’s rising power, as the commander, Xie Yu’s status was unmatched. Previously, nobles from the Central Star would only praise Xie Yu out of respect for his father, Xie Rao, with comments like “a tiger father has no dog son.” As a mere heir not yet officially in charge of the Third Corps, Xie Yu didn’t garner much praise from the haughty nobles.
But now, Xie Yu was poised to surpass his father in power and status. Forming a marital alliance with him could elevate their families’ status.
Thus, You Xingzhou received many visitors.
In the past, these guests, who now eagerly approached, had never treated him with such respect. Their attitudes had previously been quite arrogant. But now that his son had proven his capabilities, they flocked to pay their respects.
These visitors failed to consider whether You Xingzhou would accept such opportunistic alliances. They underestimated him.
Since they were at his doorstep, You Xingzhou couldn’t let them stand outside. Although there had been no open conflict between them, he had to maintain appearances and invited them in.
Both parties were aware of the underlying topic but avoided it initially. You Xingzhou responded to their small talk with nonchalant “hmms,” showing little interest. The visitors, after some polite exchanges, finally broached the main subject.
“Madam Xie, how old is Xie Yu this year? I believe he is thirty?”
You Xingzhou replied coolly, “You have a poor memory. My son is twenty-seven this year.”
The visitor was taken aback. He had never heard You Xingzhou speak so bluntly, but since they wanted to curry favor with the Xie family, they had to swallow their anger.
“Haha, what a coincidence! I have a daughter who just turned thirty. They say an older woman is a treasure; she would be a perfect match for your Xie Yu!”
You Xingzhou’s eyes showed a trace of confusion. “Your daughter is a match for my Xie Yu just because she’s three years older? There are plenty of people in the entire Laite Empire who are three years older than Xie Yu. Does that mean they all match with him?” He thought these old nobles would at least maintain some noble demeanor but was surprised by such an ordinary and self-assured statement.
Guessing they had nothing else to boast about, they brought up age.
You Xingzhou slowly wiped the coffee off his lips.
The visitor’s face turned as red as a liver after being retorted by You Xingzhou. He had never seen someone so good at retorting.
“Madam Xie, you must be joking. Actually, young people should get to know each other before falling in love. How about this: let’s have our children exchange contact information and let them chat privately?”
You Xingzhou hummed, “Your daughter is on the Central Star. How is she supposed to contact Xie Yu, who’s on the front line? Do you have better star net signals than us?”
Awkward silence ensued.
He had never contacted anyone across star systems before and was only vaguely aware that it wasn’t easy. He hadn’t expected You Xingzhou to use this against him.
“Also, my Xie Yu is busy on the front line in Yuxi Dujia. He doesn’t have the leisure time to contact your daughter.” You Xingzhou couldn’t even be bothered to look at him twice and directly instructed the orderly to see him out. “Escort this lady out of the Xie residence and don’t let her in next time. Activate the house’s defense system; treat any trespassers as enemies.”
The orderly, holding a gun and with a stern face, said, “Please, madam.”
The visitor, having been retorted by You Xingzhou for a long time and then driven out and threatened, couldn’t sit there any longer. She picked up her bag and left, radiating anger as she walked away.
You Xingzhou leisurely remarked, “Such anger. Did you run out of tea at home?”
What’s there to be angry about?
When your husband deliberately made things difficult for my husband, wasn’t his attitude much worse?
You Xingzhou was never one to repay kindness with malice. Over the years, Xie Rao had suffered a lot for the sake of the Laite Empire, and the visitor’s husband, as a typical stubborn old noble, would have loved to tear Xie Rao apart. Giving them a bit of attitude was nothing.
In the future, who knows when they might be finished and end up as nothing but dirt. So what’s the point of showing off now?
When Xie Rao returned home in the evening and heard about the visitors, he was so pleased that he opened a bottle of treasured wine to celebrate with You Xingzhou.
“These bastards finally got what they deserved! Truly satisfying!” Xie Rao raised his glass. “Come on, let’s have a drink!”
You Xingzhou smiled, raised his glass, and clinked it with Xie Rao’s under the light, the liquid shimmering and sparkling.
Those who couldn’t have something didn’t want others to have it either. After the first visitor was driven out by You Xingzhou, rumors about him spread, saying he was vulgar and not like an omega, and that he was promiscuous behind Xie Rao’s back. But no one believed it. Everyone in Central Star knew each other; who could be fooled?
People continued to visit the Xie residence, but the house’s defense system was activated. No one could get close without permission. Unauthorized entry would result in being shot.
You Xingzhou thought he had finally achieved some peace. Because of these visitors, he couldn’t go to work normally and had to handle everything remotely. Even meetings were online. But he underestimated people’s pursuit of power. Visitors still persisted.
These people thought that if Xie Yu liked them, Xie Rao and You Xingzhou wouldn’t oppose it. No one could predict how high Xie Yu would rise. For the sake of supreme power, some people never gave up.
As a result, Gu Yuanyang had to ask Xie Rao for permission to visit the Xie residence.
“Really strange. How come Xie Yu can become the national husband, but my son can’t?” Gu Yuanyang was very fond of Gu Fan. “I need to have him show off more; otherwise, all the quality omegas and betas will be attracted to Xie Yu. What will he do then?”
Xie Yu shared this thought. After finishing his tasks and finding out he was trending as the national husband, he immediately messaged Pei An to apologize. Although Pei An wouldn’t care about such things, Xie Yu, as a responsible alpha, chose to apologize. His mistake was in attracting attention despite having a family, even if it was unintentional.
Gu Fan clicked his tongue in amazement. “Xie Yu, honestly, I never saw you as the doting husband type before.”
Despite being gentle and considerate in front of Pei An, Xie Yu was a jerk in front of them, showing no concern.
Xie Yu gave Gu Fan a meaningful look. “You’re a single dog, of course, you don’t understand the joy in it.”
Gu Fan: “…” Fine, he wouldn’t argue with Xie Yu.
But Xie Yu had no intention of letting Gu Fan off the hook: “For the next battle, you will command, and I’ll stay in the rear.”
Gu Fan: “???”
“Aren’t you taking this opportunity to win more public support?” Gu Fan didn’t understand. “Xie Yu, don’t mess around; this is a great chance.”
Xie Yu patted Gu Fan on the shoulder. “We’ll have plenty of opportunities to make our mark. There will be countless chances for me to appear before the rebels are completely defeated, so there’s no rush.”
Gu Fan believed Xie Yu’s sincerity. “Alright, you’ve been under a lot of pressure lately, so take a break while I command the second battle.”
While reassuring Gu Fan, Xie Yu privately contacted Tang Yunzhen, asking her to give Gu Fan some special coverage and appropriately highlight that Gu Fan is single and available.
Tang Yunzhen: “…” She wanted to remind him that she was a serious news editor, not a tabloid writer.
Gu Fan was still sympathizing with his brother, not knowing that his brother had just stabbed him in the back.
Thinking that soon the star net’s attention would shift from himself to Gu Fan, Xie Yu was so delighted that he practically floated as he walked.
However, before Gu Fan’s presence could flood the star net, people’s attention was still on Xie Yu. Every day, someone would come to the Xie residence. Gu Yuanyang, having nothing else to do lately, would often come over to watch these performances. Every time he would boldly walk in front of the visitors, and if looks could kill, Gu Yuanyang would have been dead many times over.
Just when Gu Fan thought people had given up, an unexpected person visited the Xie residence while Gu Yuanyang was there.
“Lao Xie, you and Lao Gu should go upstairs to the study for a while.” You Xingzhou couldn’t imagine Gu Yuanyang’s reaction upon seeing Clovis Mondrei, especially after hearing his vile speech, and wondered if he could restrain himself from killing him.
Gu Yuanyang’s good mood was shattered into irreparable pieces by Clovis’s arrival.
“Lao Xie, Clovis is difficult to deal with. I’ll go to the study by myself, you stay with him.” Gu Yuanyang, with a dark expression, headed upstairs.
Xie Rao and You Xingzhou exchanged worried glances.
Clovis had come to the Xie residence for a ridiculous yet normal reason—he wanted to discuss a marriage alliance with the Xie family, using Pei An, who was far away in the Como star system, as leverage. Without Pei An’s knowledge, he tried to use him to gain benefits.
Clovis had never liked his own child, always using him as a tool. Whenever he needed, he would bring him out.
“You must know that the Independent Army’s Secretary, Pei An, is actually my child. He also goes by the name An Mondrei, the only legitimate heir of the Mondrei family. I’m sure you understand my point, Commander Xie and Madam Xie.” Clovis shamelessly continued, having previously announced this on the star net, to which Pei An had not responded.
What appalled Xie Rao and You Xingzhou was Clovis’s audacity to boast about Pei An being the only legitimate heir of the Mondrei family, as if it were a point of pride. Wasn’t it because Clovis couldn’t father another child?
Everyone with some power and connections on Central Star knew that Clovis frequently changed partners, yet had not fathered another child in over a decade. It was clear that Clovis had fertility issues.
Clovis spun his inability to father children into maintaining Pei An’s unique status as the sole heir.
If Clovis could lie with a straight face, so could Xie Rao.
“Sorry, I don’t know. I only know that the Independent Army’s Secretary came from the Far Star, lost his father at a young age, and achieved his current success through his own efforts.”
Clovis’s smile froze. Was Xie Rao cursing him?
Clovis had forgotten that Pei An’s father’s death was his own doing.
“Now you know, it’s not too late,” Clovis continued his shameless rhetoric. “You see, my child is the Secretary of the Independent Army, and your Xie Yu is the Commander of the Independent Army. They are well-matched and often spend time together. They might already be in a relationship. It’s very likely our families could be united through marriage.”
Indeed, the two were in a relationship, but the Xie family would never ally with the Mondrei family.
“You’re joking. We are on Central Star, how could we know what they’re doing on the front lines?” Xie Rao maintained his stance of ignorance.
Clovis wouldn’t give up. He kept spinning flattering words, going back and forth with Xie Rao, until You Xingzhou got annoyed. Clovis had drunk two cups of their tea and still didn’t leave—did he want to stay for dinner?
You Xingzhou decided to fake an illness, collapsing dramatically.
Xie Rao, not knowing it was an act, was scared out of his wits. He scooped up You Xingzhou and dashed upstairs, kicking open the bedroom door and placing him on the bed in under twenty seconds.
“What happened? I’ll call the doctor immediately!” Xie Rao quickly dialed for a doctor.
You Xingzhou grabbed his hand and hung up the call. “I’m fine. I’m just sick of Clovis and want to get rid of him by faking an illness.”
Xie Rao sighed in relief. “Good thing it’s fake. You really scared me.”
Sitting on the bed, You Xingzhou leaned his forehead against Xie Rao’s. “Lao Xie, I want to eat your sweet and sour pork. Quickly get rid of Clovis and make dinner for me.”
Xie Rao grinned. “Sure thing! I will complete the task given by Madam perfectly.”
After he had laughed enough, he changed his expression, his face dropping in displeasure, looking rather unhappy.
When Xie Rao went downstairs, he immediately asked the guest to leave. “My wife is sick. We don’t have time to entertain you. You should go back to your own home.”
Clovis said, “What illness does your wife have? Maybe I can help find a doctor for her?”
What illness? The “annoyed by seeing you” illness.
“My omega doesn’t need your concern,” Xie Rao said with a wave of his hand, summoning the soldiers waiting in the corner of the living room. “You, personally escort Duke Mondrei out, all the way to his car.”
Xie Rao didn’t forget to mutter, “Doesn’t he have his own omega? Why is he worried about someone else’s omega?”
Before Clovis was kicked out, Xie Rao took a final jab at him, almost making him turn back to fight Xie Yu. But, being no match for the military man Xie Yu, and as a duke who disdained physical fights, Clovis restrained himself. After all, proper nobility should have such self-control.
If Xie Rao had heard Clovis’s thoughts, he would have broadcasted it everywhere. Truly, he thought himself high and mighty.
What use is a clean appearance if the soul is dirty?
After getting rid of Clovis, Xie Rao went back upstairs to find You Xingzhou, who called Gu Yuanyang out of the study.
Gu Yuanyang’s hair was a mess from scratching, his mood sour.
“Lao Gu, Lao Xie is cooking tonight. Stay for dinner,” You Xingzhou said.
Gu Yuanyang nodded indifferently. Usually, if Xie Rao was cooking, he would insist on ordering several dishes, taking full advantage.
…
The commotion on Central Star didn’t reach the front lines. Recently, the star of the front lines had become Gu Fan.
Unlike Xie Yu, who was a workaholic alpha, Gu Fan was a bit lazy. He preferred solving problems with his brain rather than his hands, and he wasn’t as ruthless as Xie Yu. After commanding one battle, he was also hailed as the nation’s husband by netizens.
Previously, countless people on the star net were drooling over Xie Yu’s photos. Now, Gu Fan had taken his place, especially since Xie Yu had instructed Ms. Tang Yunzhen to write a grand report on Gu Fan.
The report was so grand that wherever Gu Fan went, people teased him.
Gu Fan realized that Xie Yu had pushed him into the spotlight so that he could quietly disappear from the public eye.
He wanted to settle the score with Xie Yu, but Xie Yu had already returned to the Galil system. This battle had lasted over twenty days, and there wouldn’t be any large-scale battles with the rebels in the Canghai system for now. The Independent Army needed a short rest and resupply period.
Currently, the Independent Army occupied half of the habitable planets in the Canghai system, with the other half still under rebel control. Knowing that the Independent Army’s cannons were aimed at them, the rebels in the Canghai system were becoming increasingly uneasy.
When Xie Yu returned to the Galil system, Pei An also came back from the Como system. After not seeing each other for more than twenty days, they embraced each other warmly upon meeting.
“Xie Yu, I missed you so much,” Pei An whispered in Xie Yu’s ear.
In a secluded corner where no one could see, Xie Yu’s lips brushed against Pei An’s left ear. “An An, I missed you too.”
Perhaps because the left ear is closer to the heart, even though it was the left ear that felt Xie Yu’s breath, it was the heart that reacted strongly.
They hadn’t been to their residence in the Galil system for a long time. Luckily, they had cleaning robots that regularly tidied up. Otherwise, they would be walking into a dusty home.
“Are there any groceries in the fridge?” Xie Yu asked, holding Pei An’s hand. After a moment, he decided they should go to the supermarket. “Let’s go buy some fresh food.”
Pei An naturally agreed. He sat in the passenger seat of the hover car and, before Xie Yu started the engine, pulled him in for a kiss.
“No wonder you’re the nation’s husband; you really are handsome!” Pei An said with a smile.
Xie Yu raised his hands in a mock surrender. “I absolutely didn’t actively flirt with anyone.”
Pei An covered his mouth and laughed uncontrollably. “I know, I know. No one is more loyal than our Commander Xie.”
Xie Yu couldn’t argue with Pei An and just pulled him in for another kiss, covering Pei An’s mouth with his own.
On the way, Pei An, feeling bored, fiddled with his fingernails and murmured, “You see the netizens on StarNet, drooling over your photos. And here I am, able to touch the real thing and do whatever I want.”
Xie Yu sighed. “An An, you’re getting cheeky.”
Pei An used to never say such bold things.
It seemed that Pei An’s attitude had improved significantly.
Xie Yu thought this was good.
It also easily stirred his emotions.
The two of them picked out groceries in the supermarket and then headed home together.
If the war ended and everything stabilized, they could live such a simple yet fulfilling life every day.
Dinner was Xie’s special two dishes and one soup, which successfully satisfied Pei An.
“During my time in the Como system, I ate nothing but robot-made dishes. They’re not as tasty as yours,” Pei An said, reclining comfortably in Xie Yu’s arms, complaining, “Do you think there’s a future for me designing kitchen robots? If I design a robot that makes delicious food, will I strike it rich?”
Xie Yu stroked Pei An’s hair, which had grown quite a bit since he last trimmed it.
“Well, use my cooking as a reference. If my cooking can conquer your taste buds, the market should be great. Then we can rely on kitchen robots, get rich, and with a little more effort, buy a small planet. Nothing fancy, just a place with nice scenery, where we can live and occasionally travel around, play, and explore.”
Xie Yu talked about a beautiful future, matching Pei An’s vision.
But both of them knew very well that their current positions meant they couldn’t easily step back from their roles.
Their lives would revolve around the career they had committed to from the beginning, and perhaps they would only retire when they were too exhausted to continue, then find a scenic planet to retire on.
Pei An suddenly said, “Xie Yu, I’m on leave tomorrow. I’ve already arranged it.”
Xie Yu’s eyes grew deeper and deeper.
“Alright.” His voice sounded a bit hoarse.
Pei An didn’t realize how his gaze had shifted from looking up to looking down. All he knew was that Xie Yu had picked him up.
“Commander Xie, so domineering?” Pei An said with interest as Xie Yu placed him on the bed.
Xie Yu adjusted his shirt buttons and drew the bed curtains while kicking the door shut. “Yes, domineering.”
What could Pei An do? Naturally, he welcomed his domineering General Xie.
“An An, I love you.” Xie Yu never hesitated to express his love in front of Pei An. His affection was so intense that Pei An felt like he was drowning in it.
As they rocked together, Pei An kissed Xie Yu, his every cell proclaiming, “I love you too.”
…
When Xie Yu received a call from Lika, he was in the kitchen wearing his dog apron, frying eggs with one hand, looking very cool.
“Commander, why didn’t you call us when you returned to the Galil system? It’s been ages since we had a proper get-together. We’re not busy lately; let’s all have a meal together!” Lika shouted from the other end.
“I’m a married man. Why would the first thing I do upon returning be to find you all?” Xie Yu, away from Pei An, started to be less courteous. “People should have self-awareness.”
Lika looked at Lin Bieyan in shock. “The commander actually treated me like this?”
Lin Bieyan facepalmed. “You should be grateful.”
Lika was confused. “Grateful for what?”
Zhuge Yue, in a loving manner, patted Lika’s newly shaved head. “Of course, be grateful that your call didn’t interrupt the commander’s private affairs.”
If only Lika could use a bit of the quick thinking he used in battle to handle emotional intelligence, he wouldn’t have disturbed Xie Yu so early in the morning.
All alphas know each other, right? They had a lot of energy early in the morning, unlike those of them who were single. The commander was a married man and might have spent a pleasant morning with his family.
Xie Yu truly didn’t. He was very considerate of Pei An, who was already quite sore from their activities last night. Thankfully, the mattress provided by Alikid was soft; otherwise, Pei An would have had to sleep on his stomach.
Although omegas have strong recovery abilities, Xie Yu couldn’t bring himself to continue tormenting Pei An.
For the alphas in the Xie family, their partner is the highest priority. Even if alphas have many inherent flaws, they should always restrain themselves in front of their partners. Using their nature as an excuse to disrespect or mistreat their partners is absurd.
Pei An floated out of the bedroom, his nose twitching at the delicious aroma, and hung up on Xie Yu. “What are you making?”
Xie Yu said, “Sandwiches with eggs, bacon, chicken, and lettuce.” He added the final piece of bacon to the pan.
Pei An sniffed, feeling incredibly hungry. “This isn’t just an ordinary sandwich; it’s a deluxe version.”
With Xie Yu’s way of adding ingredients, the toast could hardly contain it all.
“It’s a deluxe sandwich made with all my love.” Xie Yu flipped the bacon, then himself.
Facing Pei An, Xie Yu stole a taste from the corner of Pei An’s lips. “Be good, go wash your face and brush your teeth. Breakfast will be ready soon.”
Pei An kissed him back and then went to the bathroom to wash up, humming a tune.
After Pei An finished washing up, Xie Yu had already set the breakfast on the table. Besides the deluxe sandwiches, there was a cup of warm fresh milk.
Having not had Xie Yu’s cooking for a while, Pei An ate with great seriousness.
Even though they were at the battle center most of the time, they often ate in the cafeteria and rarely had time to enjoy a leisurely meal at home.
Later, when Xie Yu would be frequently away with the troops, possibly for months or even years, Pei An cherished the time spent with Xie Yu, especially moments without work, existing solely for each other.
But work still needed to be addressed. Pei An swallowed the sandwich and, looking down, asked, “When will we return to the Canghai system?”
Xie Yu paused with his cup. “In three days.”
The Como system still needed his oversight, and the Canghai system was in conflict. Pei An couldn’t go to the Canghai system with Xie Yu. Moreover, if it were known that the Secretary of the Independent Army went to the most dangerous frontlines for personal reasons, it would be detrimental to public opinion.
Xie Yu quickly finished the last two bites, washed his hands, and hugged Pei An from behind. “I’ll recover the Canghai system as soon as possible and come get you.”
Pei An murmured a soft “mm.”
As he got older, Pei An became more sentimental.