When Jiang Yun returned to the ship, daylight had already broken in full. He arrived just in time for the daily morning briefing.
Both sides of the long conference table were already filled, with only the seat at the very front still empty.
The moment Cheng Chi pushed open the door for Jiang Yun, everyone in the room rose to their feet in one sweeping motion.
“Minister.”
“Minister Jiang.”
“Mr. Jiang.”
Jiang Yun gave a slight nod, signaling for everyone to sit. “Arrange a negotiation with Olin as soon as possible. I need their government to immediately take responsibility for the disappearance of Colonel Lu’s remains.”
Yi Laizhe stood up again. “Understood.”
Jiang Yun continued, “Contact the President of the Advanced Academy of Sciences, Mr. Fu Mingqian, in my personal name. There’s something I need to ask of him.”
If he were to request the component Lu Huai needed through proper channels, the approval procedure alone would take at least three days.
During a crisis like this, he could only resort to unconventional means.
Hopefully, the Academy President, who once served as one of their wedding groomsmen, still acknowledged the friendship he had with Jiang Yun and Lu Huai.
Zhong Man immediately replied, “Alright, I’ll see to it at once.”
“And also, have Dr. Lin submit to me a list of twenty members for a mining team,” Jiang Yun added, his tone firm. “This team must depart Capital Star before the day ends and they must arrive on Ice Wasteland Star exactly three days from now.”
“A mining team?” Lin Zhen looked confused. “Are you planning to initiate crystal core extraction on Ice Wasteland Star?”
Jiang Yun folded his hands atop the table. “What else?”
Lin Zhen’s expression tightened. “But Minister Jiang, how could the Olin side possibly allow us to extract their unique energy source on their own territory? To be honest, I tried to visit their mining zone yesterday for a survey but the Olin military intercepted me before I even got close.”
Cheng Chi added, “Furthermore, Ice Wasteland Star is currently under near total lockdown. Without Olin’s communication clearance, the Alliance’s mining vessel won’t be able to land at any of their ports.”
“Leave those issues to me,” Jiang Yun said calmly. “All of you only need to handle your own tasks.”
When the meeting adjourned, Jiang Yun was the first to rise and head toward the door.
As he passed by Maurice, he slowed, as if suddenly remembering something and stopped beside him.
Under Jiang Yun’s cold, indifferent gaze, Maurice stiffened from head to toe. “M-Minister Jiang?”
Jiang Yun’s lips curved, the faintest hint of a mocking smile tugging at them. “In the future, please refrain from claiming you understand Colonel Lu in my presence, Lieutenant Colonel.”
Maurice: “…!”
Yi Lai Zhe worked with impressive speed; the negotiations with the Olin side were scheduled for that very afternoon.
Although Jiang Yun had forcibly assumed control over the laboratory preserving Lu Huai’s body, the Olin authorities had not abandoned their own investigation into the case.
Unfortunately, the hand that stole the colonel’s remains had left behind no more evidence than the sniper who blew off Wickliff’s head. Like foam dispersed across the ocean, both culprits vanished without a trace.
Ian Tang, who had just regained the height of his political power, was now burdened with responsibility for both cases, while simultaneously enduring relentless pressure from the Prime Minister of Mountain City.
The Foreign Minister was completely overwhelmed; in fact, the Alpha’s mental state at the negotiation table was far worse than Jiang Yun’s, despite Jiang Yun having gone nearly forty eight hours without closing his eyes.
Ian had no doubts, the disappearance of the remains was Jiang Yun’s doing, just like the sniper who killed Wickliff.
If Jiang Yun had the ability to arrange for a top tier marksman to appear on Ice Wasteland Star without anyone noticing, then arranging for a top level infiltration hacker was hardly beyond him.
But in the absence of any evidence whatsoever, only an idiot like Politte would dare publicly accuse a high ranking Alliance official.
Across the negotiation table, Ian stared coldly at Jiang Yun, his gaze filled with the urge to bore a hole straight through the Omega’s thin chest, just to see what on earth lay inside that heart of his.
The Alliance, in turn, presented their demands:
First, Olin’s grave negligence in security had placed Alliance personnel under severe and direct threat.
Not only had Wycliffe died a gruesome death with the killer still unapprehended but now the slums had produced an assassin targeting Minister Jiang as well as eight brutally murdered corpses. This had inflicted significant psychological trauma upon Alliance personnel.
For example, Minister Jiang’s poor young son, he had been so frightened he could barely sleep through the night.
Second, the Alliance had fully upheld their end of the agreement, delivering Wycliffe Lu safely and without a single hair harmed to Ice Wasteland Star. Olin, however, had failed to honor the agreement and return Colonel Lu’s remains.
Such behavior could only be regarded as a breach of contract.
And a breach of contract comes with a price.
In conclusion, was it not only natural that Olin compensate the Alliance as they deserved?
When the Olin delegation asked Jiang Yun what sort of compensation he wanted, Jiang Yun replied,
“For example…” Jiang Yun paused for quite a long time, lowering his head as though deep in thought. “Perhaps… twenty thousand tons of crystal core samples?”
The Olin side: “!!!”
Twenty thousand tons, how could anyone still call that a “sample”!?
If crystal cores were equated to primaries, the universal energy resource across the interstellar network, then twenty thousand tons’ worth would amount to nearly one hundred million Olin credits.
The financial loss alone was already staggering but if the Alliance obtained core technological insights ahead of them, Olin would inevitably fall further and further behind in future energy disputes.
At a moment when even the whereabouts of his deceased husband’s remains remained unknown, Jiang Yun still had the presence of mind to eye Olin’s crystal cores, eager to squeeze even the final drop of value out of the colonel’s body.
This Omega was truly capable of being so ruthless?
An Olin diplomat stood up and shouted on the spot, “Crystal cores are a rare energy exclusive to the Empire of Olin! For you to demand them so brazenly, how is this any different from barbaric robbery? Don’t you think you’re being excessive, Mr. Jiang?”
Jiang Yun laughed.
“Excessive? Your Prince Wycliffe viciously assaulted three Omega citizens of the Alliance, leaving two severely injured and one dead on the spot. Is that not excessive?”
“Six years ago, together with your ally, the Kingdom of Halman, you spread large scale disinformation, attempting to manipulate public opinion to interfere in our elections, thereby preventing me from assuming the position of Foreign Minister. Was that not excessive?”
“Ten years ago, while we were providing orbital construction support to the Sawyer Republic, you deliberately launched a military invasion of that nation and during our withdrawal, you even attempted to steal our advanced equipment and classified technology. Were these, somehow, not excessive?”
“Would you like me to provide more examples, hmm?”
The Olin side: “…”
The silent Ian suddenly spoke. “If only you hadn’t become the Alliance’s Foreign Minister six years ago. My colleagues certainly wouldn’t look this unhappy today.”
“The Foreign Minister of Halman said something similar,” Jiang Yun replied with a soft, derisive chuckle. “Unfortunately for all of you, your efforts failed.”
“Indeed,” Ian said with genuine regret. The red haired Alpha forced himself to focus as he continued, “As for the crystal cores, I cannot make that decision alone. I must consult with the cabinet.”
“You have one day to consider,” Jiang Yun said casually. “Additionally, our mining team will arrive on Ice Wasteland Star three days from now but to avoid unnecessary delays, you may issue their travel clearance now.”
“What?” An Olin diplomat shot to his feet, furious. “We haven’t even agreed to your conditions yet your mining team has already departed?! Do you have even a shred of respect for the Empire!?”
“Respect is mutual, sir,” Jiang Yun replied evenly. “By the way, have you identified the eight deceased individuals found in the slums? If not, our side is more than willing to assist. Personally, I’m also quite curious what business they had on Ice Wasteland Star.”
“What do the eight dead in the slums have to do with our negotiations today…!”
Others might not know but Ian could already guess exactly what foolish stunt Politte had pulled on his own.
If Jiang Yun produced evidence proving that an Olin prince had hired a third party force to assassinate the Alliance’s Foreign Minister, then compared to the consequences that would trigger, even crystal cores worth a hundred million credits would seem insignificant.
Ian immediately gestured for the other diplomats to stop talking. With forced politeness, he said, “You will have our response by today, Minister Jiang.”
Jiang Yun smiled. “I await your good news.”
Someone had spent two nights cracking Olin’s anti theft system. Jiang Yun had likewise spent two nights navigating countless bureaucratic obstacles to borrow the component that person needed from the Advanced Academy of Sciences.
Soon, the energy team newly assembled by Lin Zhen would be carrying that component, arriving at Ice Wasteland Star’s port right on schedule.
Once all immediate tasks were completed, Jiang Yun finally earned himself a period of rest.
He usually slept no more than five hours a day. This time, he slept a rare, uninterrupted eight hours and woke with a faint sense of disorientation.
Outside, Ice Wasteland Star continued the endless snowfall that had persisted for centuries. Inside the cabin, however, it was as warm as spring.
The twins sat on the carpet by the bed, chatting idly. On the nightstand sat the lunch they had prepared especially for their father.
Everything felt strangely familiar, no different from any past moment when he rested after exhausting work.
Sitting against the headboard with a cup of coffee in hand, a soft blanket covering him from the waist down, Jiang Yun looked almost gentle despite his naturally cold features.
Gazing out at the perpetual blizzard and recalling the events of the past few days, a vague sense of unreality gradually clouded his expression.
“By the way, Dad,” Lu Chao said, “we just heard from the assistant that tomorrow you have to visit the research institute where Colonel Dad went missing…”
Jiang Yun, who had been still for a long time, suddenly spoke. “The day before yesterday, I did leave the ship alone and I did spend three hours in the slums before returning, did I not?”
“Yes.” Jiang Mu grew tense at the abrupt question. “Is something wrong, Dad?”
Jiang Yun asked again, “And eight corpses were indeed found in the slums?”
“Y-Yes,” Lu Chao answered uneasily. “Dad, why… why don’t you remember what happened two days ago?”
Jiang Yun exhaled in relief. He subconsciously touched his lips, the same lips that bore no trace of anything. “It’s not that I don’t remember. I only wanted to confirm again that these things truly happened and weren’t merely my own…” A shadow crossed Jiang Yun’s eyes. “Hallucinations.”
Jiang Mu and Lu Chao exchanged bewildered looks.
“Sorry for interrupting you,” Jiang Yun said, regaining his composure. “What were you saying just now?”
“Well, it’s like this, Dad. The assistant said the case of Father’s stolen remains has caused great unease for the Olin side. They no longer fully trust their automated security scans, so everyone entering the research institute now has to undergo manual inspection.” Jiang Mu tried to put it gently. “And, you know, all the staff working on Ice Wasteland Star are either Alphas or Betas. The assistant asked us to check if you would mind…”
“I don’t mind,” Jiang Yun said.
Manual inspection was necessary for major occasions. He couldn’t always expect a male Omega inspection officer.
As long as it was for official duties, there was nothing he could not comply with.
Wait, manual inspection?
Jiang Yun froze for a split second, the hand holding the coffee pausing midair.
Manual… pat down?
…He suddenly had a very clear idea of how Lu Huai intended to retrieve the component from him.
Seeing their father’s lack of response, Jiang Mu called tentatively, “Dad?”
Jiang Yun suddenly let out a short, cold laugh, almost as if amused yet not truly angry.
If it had to be described, it was the same sort of laugh one made after spending a month tutoring Lu Chao, only to see the score on Lu Chao’s math exam.
“No wonder you said you looked forward to working with me,” Jiang Yun murmured, taking a sip of coffee. “Truly impressive, Colonel Lu.”
Their father’s sudden string of bizarre reactions completely terrified the two unfortunate children.
“Dad, don’t scare me… Who are you talking to?” Jiang Mu asked shakily, turning around. “Is Father’s body… here?”
“Dad, Dad, what’s wrong with you!? Please snap out of it!” Lu Chao lunged onto the bed, grabbing Jiang Yun’s shoulders and shaking him wildly. “Did something traumatize you!?”
Jiang Yun had already been feeling disoriented; now shaken violently, his head spun and his coffee nearly spilled. He immediately issued an order: “Enough, Lu Chao. Hands off.”
Lu Chao withdrew nervously.
Jiang Mu climbed onto the bed as well. The twins knelt on either side of Jiang Yun, identical worried expressions staring at him like two anxious puppies.
Rubbing his throbbing temples, Jiang Yun thought that the current situation was far too complicated to explain. Telling the children now was out of the question. Better to wait until Lu Huai could return openly.
Hopefully, he could make it back before the twins’ sixteenth birthday.
If he did, it might become their greatest birthday surprise, or perhaps their greatest fright.
“I’m fine. Go play for now,” Jiang Yun told them. “We’ll go to the restaurant together for dinner tonight.”
The twins were still uneasy about their father’s condition but they didn’t dare disobey him.
Taking reluctant, backward glances with every step, they headed toward the door, only to hear Jiang Yun say to the AI assistant:
“Please pick out an outfit suitable for going out tomorrow.”
“Certainly, Mr. Jiang,” the AI responded. “May I ask the purpose of your outing?”
“Official business,” Jiang Yun answered. Then, after a brief pause, he added, “But it need not be too official. Something slightly more… personal is acceptable.”
Jiang Mu: “?”
Lu Chao: “???”
“Understood, Mr. Jiang,” the AI said. “One moment, please. I am searching your wardrobe… My apologies but it appears you do not possess any clothing classified as ‘personal style.’”
Jiang Yun stood silent for a few seconds, then turned to find the twins still standing there. “Why are you two still here?”
The brothers left the cabin in identical states of shock. Outside, they stared wide eyed at each other.
“No, seriously,” Lu Chao sputtered, “for someone who looks like that, is picking out clothes even necessary? And it’s all going to be black suits anyway!”
Jiang Mu shook his head, confusion written all over his straight A student face. “I can’t make sense of it either.”
Lu Chao thought for a moment. “In situations like this, the least likely answer is usually the correct one.”
“And your answer is?” Jiang Mu asked.
With absolute certainty, Lu Chao declared, “The person inside isn’t Dad at all. He’s an Olin agent impersonating him.”
Jiang Mu turned and walked away. “Why do I even waste my time talking to you?”
✦ ✧ ✦
Cressilia
[Translator]
☕ A LITTLE SOMETHING FOR THE TRANSLATOR
The Realm accepts your wallet. The translator accepts coffee. ✦
☕ 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