Only three or four hours remained before dawn, yet the lights in the Jiang family villa still burned brightly.
In the spacious living room, Jiang Mu sat upright on the sofa. Beside him, his overly tall twin brother lounged lazily, leaning against Jiang Mu’s arm.
The younger boy was tossing orange pieces into the air, catching them effortlessly with his mouth, turning even eating fruit into a performance of a hundred little tricks.
When the sound of the front door opening reached them, the twins turned their heads at the same time.
“Dad, you’re back!” Lu Chao jumped up from his brother’s side in an instant. “How did the negotiation go today? I saw Ian Tang online, his smile looked kind of fake to me.”
Jiang Mu rubbed his sore arm and added, “Dad, we went to visit Great grandfather today. His condition is getting worse.”
Jiang Yun responded to Lu Chao first, “You’re right about Ian Tang,” Then he turned to Jiang Mu, “I’ll make time to visit Marshal Lu soon. Now, both of you should go to bed.”
When the twins had gone upstairs, Jiang Yun returned alone to the master bedroom. Thanks to a large dose of suppressant, not a trace of another Alpha’s pheromones lingered on him after an entire day of diplomatic meetings.
He showered, lay down on his narrow single bed, and closed his eyes in the darkness.
He needed a good night’s rest, sleep was the only way to maintain his precision for high-intensity work. Thankfully, it had been a long time since he’d last suffered from insomnia.
That night, Jiang Yun slept soundly.
When he awoke, faint sounds of running water drifted from the bathroom.
Even if the bathroom on the second floor was broken, the twins would never come into his room to use his. That was strange enough. But what was even stranger was that Jiang Yun didn’t find it strange at all.
His gaze drifted toward the other side of the bed. His eyelids lowered slightly, and his palm brushed against the pillow beside him, it was still faintly warm.
The sound of water grew clearer. Jiang Yun sat up and casually reached for a coat from the standing rack beside the bed.
It was a dark green military jacket. The faint, familiar scent clinging to it made his heart relax, it was the one smell that always brought him peace.
But the jacket was far too large. If it were any bigger, it would slip right off his shoulders.
How could someone only a few years older than him have such a different build?
After a moment of idle thought, Jiang Yun came to a conclusion, he probably needed to eat more.
Still clutching the oversized jacket tightly around himself, he got out of bed barefoot, stepping onto the cool floor and heading to the kitchen.
There was a loaf of bread sitting on the counter. He felt a bit hungry, and before he could even walk to the side where the breakfast plates were kept, he bent down and reached for the soft, sweet-smelling loaf.
At some point, the sound of water from the bathroom had stopped. Jiang Yun bit into the bread, but before he could swallow, a voice called his name from behind.
“… Jiang Yun.”
He froze, instinctively turning his head. All he caught was the tall, blurred outline of a man.
His gaze dropped instantly.
He didn’t want to see him. Not at all.
“Caught stealing food again?” the voice teased softly. “Didn’t I tell you we’re going for your physical today? You need to keep an empty stomach.”
Jiang Yun drew the jacket closer, wrapping himself in the young man’s scent, refusing to answer.
“Hm? What’s wrong?” the voice continued, lower now. “Why won’t you look at me, Jiang Yun?”
That distant, familiar pheromone seeped slowly into his senses, like fire, bright and invasive, slipping through every defense. It awakened the long-dormant glands at the back of his neck.
His body grew feverish, his breathing uneven but his mind remained frighteningly clear.
Colonel Lu was already dead.
This was just the beginning of his heat cycle, nothing more. It needed no explanation, carried no meaning.
He had a battle to fight soon. He couldn’t afford to go into heat early.
He couldn’t allow anyone to affect him, not even Colonel Lu had that right.
Jiang Yun made up his mind. He would look directly at this false shadow within his dream.
And then, he would issue the sternest warning possible.
He would tell the Alpha to withdraw his pheromones and stay far, far away.
Colonel Lu, please, don’t invade my dreams again.
That thought settled in his heart, Jiang Yun finally lifted his eyes.
In the next instant, a white light exploded before him, flooding his vision.
He didn’t even have time to speak. He didn’t even get a proper look at the face he hadn’t seen for so many years before the young man’s blurred image vanished completely into the light.
…
Jiang Yun woke in his single bed, eyes slowly opening.
The sky was still dim. The bathroom was silent; the rack by the wall held only his own gray suit jacket.
For a long moment, he sat there, disoriented. Then he bent one leg, raised a hand to the back of his neck, and touched it lightly.
The mark left there on his wedding night had faded over the years but beneath the faint scar, the gland still felt warm, just like in the dream.
Jiang Yun turned his head slightly and gazed at the photograph resting on his bedside table, the one that had been given to him as a “gift.”
He stared at it for a long, long time until the faintest thread of dawn light crept through the window.
At last, he picked it up.
In the dim light of dawn, across seventeen long years, he met the eyes of the young Omega frozen in that photo.
…The Omega who had been caught stealing bread.
Jiang Yun’s pale fingertips brushed the image of the bread, trembling slightly before curling inward.
Colonel Lu as he thought bitterly about him, the Omega wasn’t supposed to eat that bread.
If he hadn’t eaten it that day, then the next morning before his mission, he would’ve taken him to the hospital.
And if he had taken him there… he would have known.
If Colonel Lu had known, would he…. have chosen to stay? Would he have given up that deadly mission just to stay by his side?
He couldn’t understand it. For a long, long time after Colonel Lu’s death, the Omega couldn’t understand either, why, of all days, had he decided to eat that bread?
Jiang Yun lowered his head, resting his sweat-damp forehead against his knees. The expression hidden beneath his loose hair was one of icy clarity that came only after dreams faded.
“Don’t come out and make trouble at a time like this,” he murmured, slowly closing his hand around the photo. His voice was quiet but firm. “Colonel Lu.”
He stayed seated like that for a long while, until, right on time at seven o’clock, the AI housekeeper knocked gently at the bedroom door.
“Good morning, Mr. Jiang,” came the familiar, mechanical tone, exactly the same as every morning for the past seventeen years. “Your hormonal indicators are approaching threshold levels. Under normal circumstances, your next heat period will occur within one week. Please prepare accordingly.”
The first phase of negotiations between the Alliance and the Orin Empire had ended abruptly, with both sides still far from reaching any real consensus.
Five minutes before the end of the workday, Zhong Man was in the Foreign Minister’s office giving her daily report. “The Orin Empire raised no objections to delaying the second phase of talks,” she said. “Ian Tang doesn’t seem in any hurry. His exact words were: ‘Take your time. I’m quite fond of the Alliance capital’s scenery and climate, consider this a vacation. If…’”
She hesitated, unsure whether to continue.
“Say it,” Jiang Yun said calmly.
Zhong Man swallowed and repeated, “He said, ‘If Foreign Minister Jiang would be willing to join me for a drink, that would make it perfect.’”
Jiang Yun didn’t even flinch. He had long grown used to the flirtatious insolence of certain Alphas. This level of offense wasn’t even worth a frown. “Keep watching them,” he said.
“Yes, sir.” Zhong Man exhaled in relief. “Also, Speaker Miyazawa called personally, he wishes to meet with you soon regarding Colonel Lu’s remains.”
Jiang Yun smiled faintly, “So the Orin side isn’t in a rush, but the Alliance Congress suddenly is?”
In the holographic projection, the Speaker sat in his car, the soft light reflecting off the gold-rimmed glasses on his face. A fine golden chain hung down beside his cheeks, giving him an air more like that of an elegant professor than a powerful politician.
“The latest reports from the orbital station say several A-class warships from the Orin Empire have landed on Ice Wasteland Star Gamma,” Miyazawa said. “The planet is now under strict military surveillance. According to the Interstellar Treaty, we have no right to conduct surveys or searches on a world belonging to another state…”
“What are you trying to say?” Jiang Yun interrupted coldly.
Miyazawa’s voice grew careful. “As one of the drafters of that treaty, you should understand these implications better than anyone. Many in Congress are concerned, Jiang Yun. They worry that your… rather forceful methods might lead you and the military to take unnecessary action.”
Jiang Yun leaned back slightly, fingers laced together. “Such as?”
His hands were long and slender, his skin pale and smooth fingers that looked like they belonged to an artist, not a man who dealt with weapons and wars.
Miyazawa’s gaze lingered briefly on those hands before continuing evenly, “Colonel Lu Huai’s contribution to the Alliance deserves the highest honor. Therefore, the Alliance is prepared to yield five percent of K2-19b’s proto-core mining rights, in exchange for Colonel Lu’s remains being returned and properly interred. All you need to secure now is sixty percent of the rights.”
Jiang Yun raised an eyebrow, mildly surprised. “Sixty percent?”
Miyazawa nodded, “That’s our bottom line. Of course, if you can secure it with even fewer concessions, all the better.”
“How generous of you,” Jiang Yun said quietly, studying him with cool amusement. “Since when did the Congress grow so magnanimous? Or…” His eyes sharpened. “Is there something among Colonel Lu’s relics that you want?”
Miyazawa’s smile remained impeccable, “You’re overthinking, Minister Jiang.”
“Then let me rephrase.” Jiang Yun’s tone was calm, almost pleasant. “What exactly do you intend to obtain from Colonel Lu’s body?”
“Colonel Lu is a hero of the Alliance,” Miyazawa said smoothly, “Our willingness to make concessions to the Orin Empire is solely out of respect for that fact. Nothing more.”
“‘Hero,’” Jiang Yun echoed, a cold, short laugh slipping past his lips. “If Lu Huai knew that his body had become a bargaining chip in foreign hands, he’d probably be too insulted to even bother haunting anyone.”
Miyazawa blinked. He hadn’t expected the usually severe diplomat to make such a dark joke. For the first time, the ice mask of Jiang Yun’s face shifted slightly, touched by a fleeting, dangerous beauty.
He almost never mentioned his late husband in front of others. Most people had forgotten that seventeen years ago, Jiang Yun and Colonel Lu Huai had once been an ordinary Alpha Omega couple, young and quietly happy until death tore them apart after only two short months of marriage.
After a moment of silence, Miyazawa changed the subject gently. “Marshal Lu’s health… has it improved lately? When I last visited the sanatorium, he didn’t seem well. If we can return his only grandson to the family, that would surely ease his mind.”
At that, Jiang Yun finally lifted his eyes. For once, a flicker of personal emotion stirred within them.
“Also,” Miyazawa added carefully, “I hear the Orin foreign minister has been showing… particular interest in you. His attitude seems unusually attentive.”
“Everyone knows Ian Tang only cares about two things, money and energy,” Jiang Yun said curtly. “If he’s showing ‘interest,’ it’s only for those reasons. I’m not wasting time on meaningless gossip. Anything else, Speaker Miyazawa?”
Miyazawa hesitated, then smiled again. “It’s dinner time, and I’m near the Foreign Affairs building. Shall we grab a meal before heading home?”
“No,” Jiang Yun declined quietly. This time, he added something he rarely spoke of at work. “My children are waiting for me.”
Miyazawa didn’t press him. “Very well,” he said kindly. “Drive safe on your way home.”
“Tell Congress,” Jiang Yun said, just before ending the transmission, his tone calm but resolute, “I don’t need that extra five percent. I’ll still bring the children’s father home.”
✦ ✧ ✦
Cressilia
[Translator]
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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