The First Imperial Research Institute was a mobile space fortress, equivalent to a small city. Aside from specialized experimental and office areas, there were living quarters, recreation areas, residential zones, and various other sectors, with fully equipped infrastructure.
Following Professor Zhou’s usual habits, Landon calculated the time and headed straight for the Professor’s office. But when he rushed over, he didn’t see a single ghost.
“Where is everyone?!”
While Landon was bewildered, he saw a male and a female researcher walking briskly past the doorway. He hurriedly called out to them: “Do either of you know where Professor Zhou is?”
Seeing Landon, the male researcher paused for a moment before smiling, “Professor Zhou and the others are holding an award ceremony over there. We’re just about to go watch the ceremony, would the Little Duke like to come along?”
Upon hearing it was an award ceremony, Landon instantly forgot about finding Professor Zhou to “tattle.” Following the two out, he pressed, “What award ceremony? Did something major happen recently? How come I didn’t receive any news about it?”
Although he buried himself in his experiments, he wasn’t completely isolated from the world. Landon would check his terminal for messages whenever he had free time, and his assistant would regularly report important news to him.
His assistant was also taken aback. Did I miss some major piece of news?
“It’s for the Crystal Oak Medal,” the female researcher, who was better informed, explained. “It’s about that Ancient Civilization Heritage that Professor Zhou is in charge of. Someone just deciphered it. Our Empire’s progress is now far ahead of the Alliance’s, so it’s a certainty that this batch of Ancient Civilization Heritage belongs to our Empire.”
“Holy f\*\*k! Who is it? That’s so f\*\*king awesome!”
Landon’s eyes widened, abandoning his noble demeanor to swear out loud. “God knows how hard that pile of junk is to decipher! Back when Professor Zhou dragged me over to help, I worked myself to the bone for half a month with absolutely zero progress. On top of that, I was constantly mocked by that toxic Turkey every day, making me so angry I couldn’t sleep at night!”
Landon and Jian Feichen loathed the sight of each other. Back then, Professor Zhou had dragged Landon to Sector A to see if he could find a decryption approach from a mecha-design perspective. In the end, it was completely useless; he couldn’t match a single symbol to a meaning. He already had enough of a headache, yet Jian Feichen would come over to mock him whenever he was free. Unwilling to accept defeat, Landon would argue back.
The result: he fought repeatedly and lost repeatedly, and lost repeatedly and fought repeatedly. He was so angry he couldn’t sleep at night, and then the next day he’d get scolded by Professor Zhou for dozing off. It made his teeth itch with rage, and in the end, all he could do was resentfully give Jian Feichen the nickname “Turkey.”
“Which big shot managed to crack it? Did Professor Zhou make a breakthrough, or was it Professor Ellens from the Royal Academy, or some big shot from an ancient noble family? The Crystal Oak Medal… I’m not envious, I’m truly not envious at all, sob sob.”
Landon had also yearned for the Crystal Oak Medal for a long time.
After all, the last person to receive the Crystal Oak Medal was his idol—Admiral Shi Xingzhou.
Nine years ago, at the age of eighteen, Shi Xingzhou had led the First Legion not only to reclaim the rare resource planet Zaman from the Zerg, but also to seize a crucial interstellar route from them, returning in total triumph. To commend him, the previous Emperor awarded Shi Xingzhou the rank of Lieutenant General and the Crystal Oak Medal.
The sharp, brilliant young general; the golden crossed-shaped Lieutenant General insignia on his shoulders was far less dazzling than the Crystal Oak Medal pinned to his chest by the Emperor himself.
It was also from that moment on that Shi Xingzhou’s prestige resounded throughout the entire Interstellar Era. He became the great hero in the hearts of countless Imperial youths, the Empire’s undefeated God of War!
To this day, the wallpaper on Landon’s terminal was still a photo of Shi Xingzhou standing on the podium back then, being awarded the Crystal Oak Medal by the royal family.
The male researcher had also just come out of his lab, so his information was a bit outdated. But he had heard some things, and said uncertainly, “It wasn’t Professor Zhou or the others. I heard it was an external consultant… someone whose surname seems to be Xi.”
“Xi?” Landon froze for a moment, but didn’t think much of it, his face beaming with joy. “Whatever! Regardless of who it is, as long as our Empire won, that’s all that matters! A few days ago, I was still worrying that if the Alliance won, who knows how smug that Turkey would act. Hehe, let’s see how smug he can be now! I hope he dies of anger!”
The male researcher nodded hurriedly, “Yes, yes, yes, I was constantly worried about that too. Mr. Jian’s mouth is truly…”
At the mention of Jian Feichen’s foul mouth, the entire group revealed expressions of complex exasperation. The female researcher smiled and said, “You don’t know, but our Empire really stole the show this time. I heard Consultant Xi slapped Jian Feichen’s face so hard that the Alliance folks are all hiding in their offices now and won’t come out.”
“Holy shit, that’s so satisfying!”
Landon absolutely loved hearing this kind of satisfying face-slapping story, especially since the one losing face was that Turkey, Jian Feichen. He urged, “Hurry up and tell me! I’ve got plenty of time, let’s hear it in detail!”
The female researcher spoke with great seriousness, “According to grapevine news, the Alliance was absolutely certain they would win this time, and even sent over a hundred starships…”
The female researcher had quite a bit of storytelling talent. Taking a rumor that had probably passed through countless hands, she narrated it vividly, full of twists and turns. In her story, Consultant Xi descended like a god from heaven, punching the Alliance researchers and kicking that toxic Jian Feichen. At a critical moment, he turned the tide and deciphered a four-character password, stepping on the faces of everyone from the Alliance and rubbing them fiercely into the dirt.
Thus, to commend his contribution to the Empire, His Majesty the Emperor made an on-the-spot decision to award Consultant Xi the Crystal Oak Medal, ordering the Research Institute to produce the medal immediately and award it right then and there.
Landon listened with his heart surging with excitement. Hearing that this Consultant Xi was very young, a feeling of mutual appreciation and admiration for a fellow hero instantly bloomed within him. He was incredibly annoyed that he hadn’t left his lab earlier. If he had been at the scene, he might have already become friends with Consultant Xi by now!
But that was fine. Once he got to the award hall, he would definitely find a chance to buddy up with Consultant Xi. Then, in the future, they could team up to teach that Turkey, Jian Feichen, a lesson! Hahaha!
While they spoke, the group arrived at the award ceremony hall.
They arrived right on time. On stage, Professor Zhou—dressed in formal attire, wearing gold-rimmed glasses, looking refined and upright—had just finished reading the congratulatory speech and detailing Xi Xiuran’s outstanding contributions. He bowed to the Emperor and said, “Your Majesty, please confer the medal upon Mr. Xi.”
Accompanied by the music of the symphony orchestra and under the spotlight, the Emperor—wearing his crown and dressed in full regalia—stepped onto the podium step by step.
Landon: “!!!”
Holy crap, Professor Zhou reading the speech, and His Majesty the Emperor personally conferring the medal—the prestige is maxed out!
Let me see what Consultant Xi actually looks like…
Having arrived too late and standing too far back, Landon could only see that the youth on stage had porcelain-like skin. He couldn’t see his face clearly, but his silhouette was beautiful—a narrow waist and long legs. His sea-blue formal suit seemed to be plated with a subtle halo of light. Under the warm yellow lights, the fingertips the youth extended to shake Professor Zhou’s hand also looked exceptionally slender, translucent, and beautiful.
With that build, is Consultant Xi an Omega?!
Landon subconsciously moved closer toward the podium. Seeing it was him, the surrounding people consciously made way, some quietly greeting him.
Landon gave perfunctory replies, his gaze locked tightly on the podium. Finally, he got a clear look at the features of the youth on stage.
On the podium, the youth took a half-step back and bowed slightly to His Majesty the Emperor, who had just conferred the medal upon him. His posture was elegant and unhurried, like a beautiful little merman prince stepping out from the deep sea. The emerald eyes that occasionally glanced toward the crowd seemed to hold an entire galaxy, unbelievably beautiful.
Xi—Xi Xiuran?!
F\*\*k, impossible!
Landon was struck as if by lightning, frozen in place. No, this is absolutely not Xi Xiuran! It’s just someone who looks similar!
Right! My eyes must be playing tricks on me!
That’s it!
Landon tried hard to hypnotize himself as he watched His Majesty the Emperor pin the medal onto the youth. The Emperor announced loudly: “In the name of Augustus III, I hereby confer upon Mr. Xi Xiuran the Crystal Oak Medal…”
Landon’s expression turned rigid as the whispers and laughter of the crowd reached his ears.
“Consultant Xi looks so young. He just turned 18, right? That’s the exact same age Admiral Shi was when he received his Crystal Oak Medal. They truly are a perfect match.”
“Admiral Shi really married a good partner. The Alliance completely lost face this time.”
“Hehe, I heard Jian Feichen is hiding in his office and refuses to come out, terrified that Admiral Shi will drag him out to shave his head.”
“Hahahahaha… So that brat finally has his comeuppance! Serves him right!”
“Wow, the cameraman really knows what he’s doing! Capturing this eye contact is brilliant.”
“Ahhhhh—the way they’re looking at each other from across the room is so sweet! Hug him! Kiss him! Awooooo—!”
Landon: “!!!”
Landon snapped back to reality instantly. What the hell are you all cheering blindly for?! My idol would never—
—Amidst the crowd’s cheering and thunderous applause, Shi Xingzhou stood up calmly, stepped onto the podium, nodded and smiled at the crowd and the hovering cameras, and then, amidst the escalating cheers, leaned forward and embraced Xi Xiuran.
Landon stared blankly at the two people embracing on stage, unable to recover for a long time.
Wait. Isn’t Admiral Shi extremely averse to physical contact?
…But they really just hugged?!
It’s fake, right? This has to be fake!
Landon was in a daze, unable to believe it. He subconsciously moved closer, only to witness a scene that was even harder to accept. That refined, elegant old man wearing gold-rimmed glasses—the one standing next to Xi Xiuran, constantly chatting with him and smiling so widely his eyes crinkled—was actually Professor Zhou?!
In Landon’s memory, Professor Zhou had never been this amiable and approachable toward him!
Never!
Forget smiling; just not getting scolded by him was already a blessing!
No, no, no… There has to be a mistake somewhere! Landon shook his head, refusing to accept the scene before him.
Something is definitely wrong! That Xi Xiuran is a country bumpkin from a remote planet who doesn’t even have a proper academic degree! He just chewed me out so fiercely in the restroom! How could he possibly be the young genius who deciphered the Ancient Civilization Heritage password?!
“Little Duke, Little Duke…”
Landon snapped out of it, only to see his assistant flashing him a smile that looked worse than crying. Forcing a laugh, the assistant stammered, “Little Duke, Professor Zhou is asking you to come over. He says he wants to introduce you to Con—Consultant Xi…”
The assistant’s heart was entirely filled with regret right now—intense regret that turned his intestines green.
Why did I have to offer the Little Duke ideas?! If this gets out, how am I going to survive in the Institute?!
Landon: “…………”
Introduce us?!!!
While some were utterly dumbfounded and unable to believe it, others looked at the dazzling youth surrounded by the crowd with complex expressions.
Ying Huachi had never seen Xi Xiuran so radiant and eye-catching.
As if washed clean of all impurities, the once gloomy and silent youth had finally revealed his brilliance. He had become confident, composed, and brimming with talent. Those clear, bright green eyes were even more dazzling than the Crystal Oak Medal on his chest, as if filled with a sky full of stars.
Ying Huachi really wanted to go up and say hello, but he felt he couldn’t swallow his pride. Especially seeing Shi Xingzhou walking shoulder-to-shoulder with Xi Xiuran, he didn’t even dare to move.
Hearing the people around him continuously praising them and talking about how perfectly matched the Admiral and his Consort were, Ying Huachi felt a stifling sensation in his chest. Inappropriately, his mind recalled a scene he had accidentally witnessed in the hall earlier.
The hall had been bustling with noise and brightly lit. As the lights on the podium were being adjusted, a beam had accidentally fallen on Xi Xiuran. The youth obediently tilted his head up, letting the Alpha untie his necktie and replace it with a ruby bowtie. His slender, pale neck flashed under the light—dazzlingly white. A layer of misty water seemed to cover his clear green eyes. So obedient, so soft. That look of complete trust, allowing someone else to do as they pleased with him, was truly too enticing.
Ying Huachi had only taken a subconscious glance back then, but he instantly froze in place, his mind going completely blank.
The terminal on his wrist vibrated. Ying Huachi snapped back to reality; it was Mengchen, who had seen his message and replied that he was awake and his body was feeling much better.
Ying Huachi thought for a moment and left the hall.
He walked toward the back door, found a relatively quiet spot, and made a call. He dialed twice before Xi Mengchen finally answered.
Xi Mengchen’s voice was still a bit weak, but it was as gentle as ever, instantly relaxing the listener’s mood: “Why are you calling me now? Are you not busy with work today?”
“Mm…” Ying Huachi paused. Ultimately, he didn’t mention that he hadn’t gone to military headquarters today and had gone to the royal palace instead. He changed the subject to show his concern: “Are you feeling better? What did the doctor say at the checkup?”
“Much better.” Xi Mengchen let out two soft laughs. “I’ll be able to go back to school in two days! I actually wanted to go back tomorrow, but the doctor suggested I rest for another two days to let the toxins completely flush out. It really was just a tiny bit of toxin; everyone made too big a fuss about it. My brother isn’t that kind of person. He just couldn’t accept it for a moment…”
Speaking of this, Xi Mengchen’s voice lowered: “If I had known this would happen, I never should have…”
“Mengchen, don’t overthink it. This was entirely my own decision to act independently; it has nothing to do with you,” Ying Huachi comforted his kind-hearted sweetheart. “The person I like is you, and I only want to marry you. That marriage contract was going to be dissolved sooner or later anyway.”
After blurting out this sentence, Ying Huachi felt the stifling sensation in his chest vanish. He felt a sense of relief. That’s right. The person I like is only Mengchen.
Ying Huachi repeated it once more in his heart. Just as he was about to say a few more gentle words to comfort Xi Mengchen, he heard Mengchen sigh softly on the other end of the line.
“But no matter what, he is my older brother. And Admiral Shi’s situation is truly…”
After a long pause, Xi Mengchen sobbed softly in a low voice: “Major General Ying, do you know how my brother is doing recently? Mom won’t let me go on the Star Network, and with Admiral Shi in that condition… I’m a little worried about my brother…”
Ying Huachi originally wanted to tell Xi Mengchen not to overthink it as usual, but his mind inappropriately flashed back to the image of Xi Xiuran obediently tilting his head up, those beautiful green eyes covered in a misty haze, looking so obedient and soft.
Driven by some inexplicable impulse, Ying Huachi nodded and said: “Alright… I’ll go ask around for you.”
After hanging up the phone, Ying Huachi remained silent for a long time.
I should have refused just now. I shouldn’t have any more entanglements with Xi Xiuran.
I…
Just as Ying Huachi was feeling conflicted, he saw Xi Xiuran walk out of the back door by himself.
By himself…
Ying Huachi froze for a moment and uncontrollably walked over.
T/n: Please Vote on NU to support the novel. You can support the original author here. Happy Reading 💅