Sir, do you want the pheromones? - Chapter 4

Pei Xingyu responded with a hum.

 

Meng Ruqian cautiously asked, “Is Jin Ran here to see you? Is there something going on?”

 

Pei Xingyu paused slightly, moving his neck somewhat uncomfortably. “It’s nothing.”

 

Meng Ruqian had always found him inscrutable. This person was meticulous and guarded; despite having been together in military academy for many years and working together, he considered himself the only one who could be called Pei Xingyu’s friend, yet he still didn’t understand him fully.

 

“Commander, what exactly happened with the ‘Tianji’ explosion? Why does the Interstellar Federation have you in contact with the surface every day? Is that something you can’t talk about?”

 

When the ‘Tianji’ incident occurred, he was involved in a confidential project and all private communications were cut off. By the time he came out, he had heard that the ‘Tianji’ had exploded, and there were no survivors except Pei Xingyu.

 

The K7-class battleship was renamed Ziwei Yuan, and Pei Xingyu took over as its highest commander. Soon after, he received an order to be the fleet commander of Ziwei Yuan.

 

Pei Xingyu said, “If you search the galaxy, you’ll find a hundred and twenty different answers. Pick one you like and believe it.”

 

Meng Ruqian was silent for two seconds, resisting the urge to slam the information in his face. He ground his teeth for a while and then returned to the previous topic: “Tomorrow we have the pheromone induction test. Should we use this opportunity to get rid of Jin Ran?”

 

The pheromone induction test was the first test for every new recruit joining the army, aimed at identifying any Omega who might be pretending to be an Alpha or Beta, as well as testing the psychological quality, physical condition, and endurance of Alphas.

 

Pei Xingyu looked away from the data and glanced at the star map on the crystal desk. After a while, he said, “Okay, I understand.”

 

–

 

After Meng Ruqian left, the space cabin returned to silence. Pei Xingyu sat back in his chair, exhaling deeply, and wearily pinched the bridge of his nose.

 

Jin Ran.

 

How did he end up on Ziwei Yuan? Was it just for a divorce?

 

His personal information was blank in the relatives section. Pei Xingyu knew that Jin Ran’s mother had died early, his relationship with his father was strained, and there was apparently an older sister.

 

At this moment, the interstellar phone rang. Pei Xingyu looked down and his gaze softened instantly. As soon as he answered the video call, a cute little girl appeared on the screen.

 

The little girl, with her golden hair neatly braided and wearing a red dress with white lace, sat at a desk with several boxes of drawing pens, some scattered around.

 

“Yan Yan.”

 

“Brother, look, look!” Pei Yan Yan held up a drawing and explained, “This one in military uniform is brother, and this one in the dress is Yan Yan. Is it nice?”

 

Pei Xingyu’s smile softened, “It’s beautiful.”

 

“I drew it all night. Alo said it wasn’t good, that I made you too short, so I had to redraw it.” Pei Yan Yan wrinkled her nose at the boy, “Hmph, nasty Alo.”

 

A hand appeared on the screen, gently rubbing her head. It was a robot with intelligence and physical capabilities comparable to a real person, left by Pei Xingyu to take care of Pei Yan Yan. It was also Pei Yan Yan’s only “friend”—she didn’t know that this nasty Alo was actually just a robot.

 

Since being sent back, Pei Yan Yan seemed to have stopped growing. After seven years, she was still the same little girl, and her mental development had also stalled at the age when she returned.

 

Pei Xingyu asked, “How have you been at school lately?”

 

“Very well.” Pei Yan Yan said, suddenly lowering her eyes and quickly wiping them, thinking her brother didn’t see, “I just miss you a bit. When will you come back?”

 

“Be good, Yan Yan. Brother will come to see you when he has time.”

 

“Mm!” Pei Yan Yan was easily comforted. The siblings had relied on each other for many years, and she trusted everything her brother said, which made her innocence heart-wrenching.

 

“Yan Yan, remember what Brother said, don’t forget, okay?” Pei Xingyu repeated, fearing she might inadvertently hurt someone.

 

“Got it. People die if they touch me. Alo says I’m good and don’t touch others.” Pei Yan Yan propped her chin, whispering with a hint of envy, “But I also want to play with them. Alo says I can play with them when I grow up. Brother, when will I grow up?”

 

Pei Xingyu looked down, struggling to contain his heartache, and smiled at her. “Soon. Once Brother finds Mom and Dad and figures out your condition, you can play with them.”

 

Years ago, when Pei’s parents were executing the “Star Official” plan, they disappeared with Pei Yan Yan, who was then young. One day, Pei Xingyu came home from school to find a crying little girl sitting at the door, with a small package beside her containing photos from her childhood and her name: Pei Yan Yan.

 

At that time, Pei Xingyu was still a teenager, clumsy in taking care of a little girl, unable to braid her hair or dress her properly.

 

Especially after learning about Pei Yan Yan’s strange illness, he was completely at a loss. Besides compensating for the losses, he avoided “pursuit” as Pei Yan Yan was a defector from the “Star Official” plan.

 

He sold everything he could, barely managed to get her a fake identity, but couldn’t afford her medication. Since the military academy took care of family members, he went there.

 

Unexpectedly, he was divided into an Omega.

 

He, forced by circumstances, accepted Jin Shaoyuan’s terms and gave himself to Jin Ran with a marriage certificate.

 

He hadn’t yet found his parents or been able to treat Pei Yan Yan’s condition. Back then, he went to the “Tianji” to investigate his parents’ disappearance. As a result, the battleship exploded, killing everyone aboard, and he lost his memories of that period.

 

He still had no clues about everything. No matter what, he couldn’t get a divorce.

 

If he divorced, his Omega identity would be exposed. Not only would he be unable to investigate further, but he would also be sent to a military tribunal, leaving Yan Yan without anyone to care for her.

 

Pei Xingyu exhaled deeply.

 

Jin Ran.

 

–

 

“Jin Ran, we have the pheromone induction test later. I’m so nervous,” Zhong Guan had been chattering since early in the morning, still talking after getting his number tag.

 

Jin Ran patted the shorter boy, “Little Song Song, let me tell you, Zhong Guan Gege, are you nervous?”

 

“Crazy, don’t call me Little Song Song!” Song Sishen coldly brushed Jin Ran’s arm away, huffing as he told Zhong Guan, “People like Jin Ran who lack pheromones aren’t nervous. Why should you be?”

 

Jin Ran hissed and slapped him on the head, “How can you speak about your brother like that?”

 

“Alpha pheromone induction, hey, do you think there’s Omega pheromone induction? Maybe we could have a beauty contest, let a bunch of young and beautiful little Omegas undergo induction. Tsk.”

 

“Omega induction would result in heat phase, what are you thinking?”

 

“That’s perfect then. If they get induced, it’s just adding talent to our Federation.”

 

Zhong Guan listened to their conversation, frowned slightly, and spoke to Jin Ran, “That Luo Xinyang is so annoying. I felt he disrespected Omegas when he came up from the ground. Gender is equal, and Omegas can do many things. He’s just making fun of it.”

 

Luo Xinyang was the youngest son of the Imperial Military Academy’s board. Raised like a prized possession, he was surrounded by attention at school. Many Omegas flattered him, and he looked down on Omegas as if it were the norm.

 

Jin Ran was most annoyed by this kind of gender discrimination and snorted without responding. The conversation shifted to preferences for Omegas. Luo Xinyang loudly asked, “Jin Ran, what kind of Omega do you like?”

 

His question was double-edged, indirectly mocking Jin Ran’s lack of pheromones. Could he like an Omega or mark one?

 

“Honestly, Jin Ran, I think you should just find a Beta in the future. Omegas aren’t suitable for you, hahaha. If **phase comes, can you handle it?”

 

“Luo Xinyang, aren’t you implying that our Ran-ge can’t mark his own Omega? Be careful or he might hit you again.”

 

Luo Xinyang smiled maliciously, “Hey, don’t say that. How could I mean that? He’s an Alpha, how could he not mark an Omega, right Jin Ran?”

 

This remark openly mocked Jin Ran’s lack of pheromones, suggesting he wasn’t a complete Alpha. Jin Ran remained impassive, clearly not intending to respond.

 

Zhong Guan reacted strongly, but being weaker, even his questioning was cautious. “Why are you two saying this? Pheromones aren’t the only proof of strength. Jin Ran is strong.”

 

“Strong? An Alpha who can’t even release his own pheromones? Zhong Guan, don’t forget, we’re using pheromone ratings. Don’t worry about Jin Ran’s future. You might not have much of one yourself. You might as well stay at Hall and retire.”

 

Zhong Guan’s face turned red from anger. “I… I might not be capable, but Jin Ran will never be!”

 

“Let’s talk about it clearly first, younger brother.”

 

Zhong Guan wanted to continue speaking but was stopped by Jin Ran. Jin Ran raised an eyebrow, scanning the faces of everyone present, and smiled, “Coincidentally, I like Alphas. Why don’t you try to see if I can mark you?”

 

Luo Xinyang felt uncomfortable at Jin Ran’s smile, recalling how Jin Ran had pressed his hand down in the ecological chamber during a transfer point, beating him up.

 

Alphas could indeed be marked, but that process… ugh.

 

“Forget it. I prefer soft and tender Omegas. After retiring, I’ll marry a beautiful, gentle Omega and have children with them.”

 

Zhong Guan asked Jin Ran quietly, “Do you really like Alphas?”

 

Jin Ran was about to reply when he suddenly smelled a faint scent of Dendrobium pheromones and heard the crisp sound of military boots. By the time the owner of the boots stood at the door, he said loudly, “Yes, I like Alphas.”

 

Pei Xingyu frowned at this statement.

 

“Commander Pei, Captain Meng.” The guard’s loud greeting instantly drew everyone’s attention.

 

Meng Ruqian walked in front, respectfully extending his hand and slightly lowering his head, followed by a tall, slim man.

 

The man’s military boots made a crisp sound on the ground, and his cool gaze scanned the room, finally settling on Jin Ran’s face before looking away after two seconds.

 

Meng Ruqian tested the amplification chip on the podium, tapping it twice with a dull “thud” before saying, “Commander, please.”

 

Pei Xingyu stepped onto the stage with a graceful gait, the creases of his military trousers looking elegant, exuding a sense of restrained coldness.

 

The holographic display projected Pei Xingyu’s profile: long lashes, pale skin, and slightly pursed lips conveying a chill, even his jawline appeared meticulously defined.

 

Zhong Guan whispered, “Is he Commander Pei? So… beautiful.”

 

Jin Ran glanced at the stage, sneering coldly, “What’s the use of being beautiful? With such a cold and hard temperament, it’s just asking for trouble.”

 

Pei Xingyu looked up, his gaze and voice both icy, “I am Pei Xingyu, Commander of the Ziwei Yuan. Although the Tian Shu Task Force was formed to search for the ‘Galaxy Star,’ as long as you are here in the Ziwei Yuan, you must abide by military regulations. No matter your background in Hall, you have no special privileges here. Understood?”

 

“Understood!”

 

Zhong Guan whispered, “Commander Pei is so imposing. Just listening to him makes me a bit scared; he’s so cold.”

 

Jin Ran noticed that Zhong Guan hadn’t realized that Pei Xingyu was the same person who had “taught him a lesson” that day and whom he revered as a god, wanting to be assigned to his team. He couldn’t be bothered to expose it, so he quietly stood below and watched Pei Xingyu’s lecture.

 

When he first met Pei Xingyu years ago, he had been just as indifferent, sitting in front of Jin Shaoyuan, signing his name with a pen, his long fingers showing some scars, indicating he held the pen with considerable force, and veins were visible on the back of his hand.

 

That was their only meeting.

 

Jin Ran really didn’t understand why Pei Xingyu, who didn’t like him at all, was unwilling to divorce. What benefits did Jin Shaoyuan give him to make an Alpha so willing to “marry” a sixteen-year-old boy at that time?

 

Money? Power?

 

If he was resolute about this marriage, he would at least have a bit of kindness towards himself. Instead, he was cold and distant, even asking him to leave the command ship, but still refused to divorce.

 

Jin Ran’s chest grew tighter, and he muttered, “What a lunatic.”

 

When Commander Pei’s lecture ended, Meng Ruqian immediately stepped onto the stage, pointing on the virtual screen. With a “click,” five white, oval-shaped ecological pods slid out.

 

Meng Ruqian said, “From the beginning, enter the ecological pods in sequence. The other four commanders and I will induce pheromones and monitor the data changes. Please don’t deliberately restrain your pheromones, as this will affect the positions you are assigned.”

 

After Meng Ruqian finished speaking, he was the first to enter an ecological pod.

 

Luo Xinyang, who had number one, followed him into the pod. The pod door slowly closed with a soft “click,” sealing with a flash of blue light through the gap.

 

The other four new recruits also entered their respective ecological pods in sequence.

 

The main chamber fell into complete silence. The previously outspoken Alphas were suddenly as quiet as chickens with their necks being pinched, afraid to make any noise. Zhong Guan trembled, thinking it must be because Commander Pei was too intimidating.

 

He glanced around secretly, hissing.

 

“Jin Ran, Jin Ran, is Commander Pei looking at me? Can you check?” Zhong Guan asked softly, not daring to lift his head to meet Pei Xingyu’s gaze.

 

Jin Ran turned to look and happened to make eye contact with him.

 

Pei Xingyu glanced at Jin Ran unintentionally. He stood like the new recruits, but with an added casualness, not as stiff and tense. His military uniform made him look tall and upright. As they made eye contact, he bared his teeth at Jin Ran.

 

If he were to be eliminated from the Ziwei Yuan, it would likely cause a big commotion. Pei Xingyu sighed and decided it was better to keep an eye on him.

 

Even if he had to get a divorce, having him under his watch might leave some room for negotiation.

 

Jin Ran had the last number plate, and he was the only one left to enter.

 

Meng Ruqian breathed a sigh of relief and moved his sore shoulders, just about to speak when Pei Xingyu interrupted, “Come out.”

 

“Huh? Not going to do it for him?” Meng Ruqian propped himself up with one hand on the pod door, looked at Jin Ran’s direction, and asked Pei Xingyu softly, “Even though we’re going to eliminate him, isn’t it a bit too blatant to not even do the pheromone induction?”

 

Pei Xingyu was silent for half a second and said, “I didn’t say not to do it.”

 

“Huh? Then why did you tell me to come out?” Meng Ruqian suddenly had a bad premonition, his eyes wide as he looked at the cold-faced Pei Xingyu, “Don’t tell me…”

 

Pei Xingyu reached out and took the data recorder from Meng Ruqian’s hand. “I’ll do it myself.”