During the following week, Jiang Yun spent his heat period exactly as he had countless times before, alone, shut away in his apartment, enduring it through one injection after another of powerful suppressants.
While he was confined indoors, the Alliance and the Orin Empire held several more rounds of negotiations.
Jiang Yun’s physical condition made it impossible for him to attend the meetings in person, so Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs, Mr. Simpson, temporarily took over his responsibilities.
Even with five Orin hostages in the Alliance’s hands, Ian Tang continued his desperate resistance, refusing to yield to the terms Jiang Yun had proposed.
The two sides circled each other in stalemate after stalemate, neither willing to concede until Prince Politt of Orin personally called Ian, his tone sharp and mocking.
“If you can’t bring my son back, then don’t bother coming home. Stay in the Alliance’s capital forever, fool. That Omega diplomat you’re so enamored with will be good company for your exile.”
When Jiang Yun’s heat finally ended, he returned home. His two children had been waiting for him for days.
He handed his suit jacket to Lu Chao. The boy looked up at his father’s pale face, so white it seemed almost translucent and frowned deeply,
“Dad, you’ve lost so much weight again.”
Jiang Mu, his twin brother, looked at their father with worry, “Are you really okay, Dad?”
“I’m fine,” Jiang Yun replied softly as he walked toward the dining room, “There’s no need to worry about me.”
It was lunchtime, yet the kitchen was silent. Neither Maggie nor the household AI was at work.
“Maggie Auntie had something urgent come up,” Jiang Mu explained, “She asked for two days off.”
Jiang Yun nodded, rolling up his sleeves as he opened the refrigerator, “Then we’ll have egg noodles for lunch.”
Lu Chao immediately pushed him gently back toward the door, “No need, Dad. You should rest. Jiang Mu and I can handle lunch.”
At nearly sixteen, the twins were already independent and capable, often helping around the house. Jiang Yun didn’t refuse their kindness, “All right. Thank you, then.”
But instead of heading to his room, he sat down at the kitchen bar, quietly watching his sons move about the kitchen.
Though they hadn’t yet differentiated, the twins were familiar with the precautions required after an Omega’s heat period. Omegas were encouraged to eat sweets, it helped replenish energy and lighten the mood.
The boys decided to make brownies for dessert but their enthusiasm soon led to disagreement at the very first step.
“First, we melt the butter,” Jiang Mu said seriously, reading from the recipe.
“What? Shouldn’t we melt the chocolate first?” Lu Chao countered.
“Can you even read? It says right here, melt the butter first!”
“Who still reads recipes these days? The tutorial video I watched said chocolate first!”
Their argument was cut short by Jiang Yun’s calm voice from the counter, “You melt the butter and the chocolate together, use a bowl over hot water and stir until smooth.”
The twins froze mid-debate.
Lu Chao turned around, astonished, “Dad, how do you even know that?”
Their father rarely cooked, and when he did, it was something simple, instant dumplings or noodles. In their minds, his world revolved around diplomacy, trade, and energy treaties. Baking knowledge seemed utterly outside his realm.
Jiang Mu tilted his head curiously, “Really, Dad?”
For once, the great Minister Jiang who had never lost a battle of words, found himself momentarily speechless.
Just then, his communicator chimed. The call display read: Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
“You two go on,” Jiang Yun said quickly.
“Minister Jiang! Mr. Simpson did it!” came the excited voice of his second assistant, Cheng Chi, an Alpha, “The Orin Empire has agreed!”
Cheng Chi had only recently graduated with top honors from the Diplomatic Academy. Still young and inexperienced, his enthusiasm nearly spilled through the communicator.
“They’ve accepted only fifteen percent of the core extraction rights and they’ll return Colonel Lu Huai’s remains! All that just to save the lives of five of their spies!”
Jiang Yun’s gaze fell on Lu Chao’s back. His shoulders sank slightly, “I understand.”
“But there’s one more condition,” Cheng Chi went on quickly. “They’ll allow us to keep the hostages for now, but when we go to Ice Desolation Star Gamma to retrieve Colonel Lu’s remains, they demand that we bring Wickliff Lu along!”
Prince Politt’s beloved Alpha son.
Jiang Yun’s tone sharpened, “Their reason?”
“They say Prince Politt wants to meet Wickliff in person, to ensure he’s alive and well. Mr. Simpson already agreed.”
Jiang Yun frowned. “He already signed the agreement?”
“Not yet, Minister. The signing’s at two o’clock this afternoon.”
Jiang Yun exhaled softly. “Tell Simpson to remind Ian Tang, if he wants us to bring Wickliff Lu to Ice Desolation Star Gamma, he’d better show us some sincerity first.”
“Yes, sir! I’ll go right away!”
When the call ended, Jiang Yun was silent for a moment. Then he called out, “Lu Chao, Jiang Mu, come here for a moment.”
The twins came over, one holding a whisk, the other clutching a block of butter, both looking up at him expectantly.
“There’s something you should know.”
The boys exchanged uncertain glances, anxiety flickering across their faces.
“Your Alpha father,” Jiang Yun said quietly, his tone as steady as ever, “Colonel Lu Huai, his remains have been found.”
There was a sharp clatter. The whisk and butter fell to the table at the same time.
After days of intense work, the Foreign Affairs Department had secured a decisive victory. Naturally, a celebration was in order.
The banquet was held inside the ministry’s own grand hall, normally reserved for entertaining visiting dignitaries. Tonight, however, it was filled entirely with familiar faces.
Mr. Simpson, well past fifty, an experienced Beta who’d long learned the art of political balance was the center of attention. Cheerful and easygoing, he had invited not only colleagues from the ministry but also allies from other departments.
With the shadow of the famous Minister Jiang momentarily absent, Simpson basked in the glow of his apparent success. He had been all smiles the entire evening, cigar in hand as others toasted his “achievement.”
Jiang Yun, however, sat quietly in a distant corner. Still weak from his recent heat, he had little energy or interest in conversation.
Under the soft light of the crystal chandeliers, his pale features seemed even more remote, the faint shimmer of detachment making him appear untouchable. Throughout the evening, he ate only a few slices of fruit.
“Honestly, Minister Simpson didn’t do much himself, did he?” murmured Cheng Chi, who was sitting nearby with Zhong Man, the senior assistant who had been with Jiang Yun for years.
Zhong Man sighed softly. “That’s how it goes. Much of Minister Jiang’s work involves covert collaboration with the Intelligence Department. It can’t be made public. And the final agreement does bear Simpson’s signature, after all.”
Cheng Chi scowled, spearing a sausage from the buffet. “So the moral of the story is, always leave a paper trail?”
Zhong Man laughed quietly. “Look closely, and you’ll see, whenever Minister Jiang is present, everyone’s eyes still find their way to him.”
Indeed, though Simpson was officially the star of the evening, most couldn’t resist glancing toward the aloof, beautiful Omega seated in the shadows. Few dared approach him, out of respect or perhaps fear.
But not everyone was so cautious.
Deputy Minister Lin Zhen of the Energy Department approached with a wine glass in hand. Under the curious gazes of several Alphas, he smiled warmly, “Minister Jiang, the negotiations with the Orin Empire must have been exhausting. You’ve worked hard.”
Jiang Yun had met Lin Zhen a few times before. The man was soft-spoken, scholarly, and refined, a rare sort among bureaucrats. Jiang Yun raised his glass lightly, “Thank you.”
Lin Zhen didn’t waste time, “Now that the agreement is finalized, you’ll soon be heading to Ice Desolation Star to retrieve Colonel Lu’s remains, correct?”
“Yes,” Jiang Yun answered. “If nothing changes.”
“In that case,” Lin said, meeting his eyes, “I was hoping you might allow me a seat aboard your ship.”
Before Jiang Yun could ask why, he added, “The Orin Empire is facing a severe energy crisis. They discovered Colonel Lu’s body on Ice Desolation Star because of a unique crystalline mineral there, one that may convert into a proto-core like energy source. None of the Alliance’s sixteen planets have anything similar. I’d like to see it with my own eyes.”
“I have no objection in principle,” Jiang Yun said, his gaze briefly lowering to Lin Zhen’s midsection, barely hidden beneath his tailored coat. “But… is your current condition suitable for a long interstellar journey?”
Lin Zhen froze. “You… know?”
Jiang Yun’s eyes flicked toward the drink in his hand, “I heard Dr. Lin has an excellent tolerance for alcohol. Yet tonight, you’re drinking only juice.”
Lin Zhen was silent for a long moment before smiling faintly, “That’s quite a bold assumption based on a single clue, Minister Jiang.”
Jiang Yun’s tone was even. “You should know, I have two children.”
Lin Zhen blinked, caught off guard. Of course he knew that. Everyone knew the legendary Omega diplomat had twins. Yet it was hard to imagine such a distant, formidable man going through what every other Omega mother did, nausea, exhaustion, vulnerability.
Twins, no less. His belly must have been enormous then, though his waist now was as narrow and elegant as ever.
Had he worn those immaculate suits while pregnant? Impossible. He must have looked so different… softer, perhaps. Fragile.
But this was Minister Jiang. Could he ever have been fragile?
What on earth am I thinking? Lin Zhen forced the thoughts away, taking a quiet breath, “Regardless, I still hope you’ll consider my request. Our department head is retiring next year, I need this opportunity. I’ll take full responsibility for my decision. Whatever happens during the trip, I’ll bear it alone.”
Jiang Yun didn’t refuse. He only said, “I’ll think about it.”
“Thank you, Minister Jiang.” Lin paused, then added with a calm smile, “In today’s government, you’re the only Omega to have risen to ministerial rank. If I could one day become the second, as head of the Energy Department, I’d consider it an honor.”
Jiang Yun raised an eyebrow slightly, “Understood.”
A few days later, the list of personnel heading to Ice Desolation Star was finalized. Unexpectedly, Lin Zhen’s name appeared among them.
Also on the list were Morris, Zhong Man, and the young Alpha, Cheng Chi.
“Me?” Cheng Chi stared in disbelief, pointing at himself, “Minister Jiang’s bringing me to Ice Desolation Star?”
Zhong Man clapped him on the shoulder, “Do your best, kid. These days, Alpha quality seems to decline year by year. Hopefully, you’ll prove a bit more dependable than the rest. Especially when the Omegas on the team need some help.”
Most older Alphas and Betas were already beyond saving; new ones like Cheng Chi were still worth cultivating.
The young Alpha grinned broadly, practically wagging his metaphorical tail, “So what kind of Alpha does Minister Jiang want me to become?”
Both he and Zhong Man turned eagerly toward Jiang Yun, waiting for his answer.
Still reviewing the files on Ice Desolation Star, Jiang Yun didn’t look up. For a moment, there was only silence. Then he said calmly, “That… depends on you.”
✦ ✧ ✦
Cressilia
[Translator]
☕ A LITTLE SOMETHING FOR THE TRANSLATOR
This translator has been caught working for free again. Scandalous.
☕ BUY THEM A COFFEE →
✧ (づ｡•ㅅ•｡)づ ☕ ✧
✦ thank you for reading ✦
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ChaptersChapter 1 · Who can compare to Colonel Lu?Chapter 2 · He should be deadChapter 3 · How were we born?Chapter 4 · That’s where Colonel died..Chapter 5 · No one knows my pheromone than Colonel LuChapter 6 · Colonel Lu’s remainsChapter 7 · Heat is approachingChapter 8 · CheckmateChapter 9 · A dream liked married lifeChapter 10 · What might be his pregnancy be like?Chapter 11 · He thought he would be the father of two childrenChapter 12 · So we just hang Colonel Lu on the wall?Chapter 13 · Finally, I have something to say to my wifeChapter 14 · Why doesn’t Colonel Lu understandChapter 15 · He doesn’t Love MeChapter 16 · You’ll see him soonChapter 17 · So casual, so carelessChapter 18 Part 1 · He.. He’s looking at meChapter 18 Part 2 · He..He’s looking at meChapter 19 · Lu Huai is still aliveChapter 20 · Wait until I bring back your zombie Alpha dadChapter 21 · Long time no see, Jiang YunChapter 22 · I still have that qualificationChapter 23 · It still tastes sweet when you kiss itChapter 24 · He seems to have forgotten how to act cuteChapter 25 · The two unfortunate children were completely terrifiedChapter 26 · Please make yourself at home.Chapter 27 · Hello, UncleChapter 28 · Am I not your deceased husband?Chapter 29 · Don’t you love me anymore?Chapter 30 · Our home is No. 5, Qianshui RoadChapter 31 · Is he… here to keep him company?Chapter 32 · What exactly did Alpha bring me?Chapter 33 · Thanks a lot, brothers!Chapter 34 · Hi?Chapter 35 · I only let you take care of the child for one dayChapter 36 · Did you have thoughts when you ‘died’?Chapter 37 · Put a double bed in your homeChapter 38 · They both suffered heavy lossesChapter 39 · Welcome back to the Alphas’ arena.Chapter 40 · Why should I lower myself?Chapter 41 · I have learned that Colonel Lu Huai is still aliveChapter 42 · They are sensitive and vulnerableChapter 43 · He would also feel regret.Chapter 44 · When a child is quiet, they’re definitely up to somethingChapter 45 · Dad, you have such a good eye for choosing a husband!Chapter 46 · Who made it wear a colonel’s uniform?Chapter 47 · I love him very muchChapter 48 · Okay, I believe youChapter 49 · I remember you went pretty hard on him at the end.Chapter 50 · Colonel Lu, don’t be too fierceChapter 51 · To…make up for the regretChapter 52 · A perfect match!Chapter 53 · Colonel Lu, let’s get married!Chapter 54 · When will you finally learn to stop talking nonsense?Chapter 55 · My darlings, we’re homeChapter 56 · Babies, please stopChapter 57 · I’m about to enter my heat cycle, not my due dateChapter 58 · Is he complaining to his wife?Chapter 59 · The only lieChapter 60 · Colonel Lu, the babies are all crying.Chapter 61 · Dad, Colonel Lu bullied me.Chapter 62 · A large number of foreign ministersChapter 63 · Jiang Mu definitely likes handsome guys tooChapter 64 · First time bringing a partner to a major diplomatic occasionChapter 65 · You’re still as handsome as you were back thenChapter 66 · Bedtime Strategic PartnerChapter 67 · How can you be so good at threatening people?Chapter 68 · I’m waiting for youChapter 69 · I’ll stay by your side, from beginning to endChapter 70 · Can you handle Lu Chao’s… educational session for me?Chapter 71 · The First SpringChapter 72 · Extra 1Chapter 73 · Extra 2Chapter 74 · Extra 3Chapter 75 · Extra 4Chapter 76 · Extra 5Chapter 77 · Extra 6Chapter 78 · Extra 7Chapter 79 · Extra 8Chapter 80 · Extra 9