Chapter 114: The Puppy Knows How to Paddle and Save Itself!

Lei Po realized what was going on, and so did Shen Yu and the others. On the surface, they remained indifferent, but the glances they cast were cold.

Laili actually cared about that comment.

Under the cold stares of his companions and the realization that he had hurt his good brother, guilt washed over Lei Po. He broke into a cold sweat, wanting to say something but stopping himself out of fear that the two Imperial Alphas might notice something. His face turned a riot of colors before finally settling into a twisted expression.

Ji Laili had no idea his friends misunderstood him. He had said those words purely to confuse the situation and make his lies seem more convincing.

Besides, while Garna might not know he was talking nonsense, his companions definitely did. They were close enough to tell when he was lying, which would make them suspect there was something wrong with the helmet.

So every question Garna asked, Ji Laili subtly steered toward making it seem like he and his friends had a bad relationship.

“The Federation Military Academy? I’ve heard of it. Just a bunch of annoying Alphas, acting all high and mighty—just like that Alpha over there.” Ji Laili shot a glance at Zhai Yifei.

“They only think about themselves, sharp-tongued and arrogant. A bunch of self-important pricks.”

Garna felt like this curly-haired Alpha was speaking straight from his heart. Every single word resonated with him.

The red light on the helmet hadn’t flashed, meaning Ji Laili was telling the truth.

Garna curled his lips in satisfaction. “So, you really hate Alphas. Why did you still join this base?”

That question… Ji Laili froze, sweat beading on his forehead. How was he supposed to answer that? He desperately searched his memory, and then—eureka! His eyes lit up.

“I heard there’s a really beautiful and adorable Omega here! I came for him!”

“Him?” Garna let out a meaningful chuckle. “You like Omegas with male traits?”

Not exactly. If the person in question wasn’t Little Butterfly, he probably wouldn’t be able to accept it.

In his past life, Ji Laili had dedicated himself entirely to the nation, never even considering finding a partner. Who would’ve thought he’d end up in a relationship with a guy in this life?

But now was definitely not the time to admit that!

Whatever Garna assumed, Ji Laili had to contradict it!

The little puppy clenched his fists. He was rebellious! Unpredictable! Impossible to read!

He blurted, “Of course not! I personally prefer Omegas with female traits.”

Ji Laili added, “But strong Omegas are the most attractive! I came here just to meet him.” His expression was perfectly natural, as if he were simply curious. “I wonder if the rumors about an Omega at this base are true.”

Ji Laili was testing the waters. The intel only said there was a suspected Omega researcher, but there were no concrete details.

The captured spies probably didn’t know whether the person was truly an Omega either.

He carefully observed Garna’s reaction and noticed the slight sneer on his face. That was enough to confirm—there really was an Omega here. Most likely a female.

Thinking deeper, maybe this helmet was something that Omega developed.

[Host, I’ve severed all the mental links. You don’t have to worry about the remaining helmets.]

“Thanks, System Bro! You’re amazing! It’s so, so great to have you here!”

Ji Laili beamed and showered his system with praise. The system, pretending to be calm, merely replied, “No need to thank me,” before logging off at the speed of light.

Ah, System Bro was still so shy. Always logging off in a panic at the slightest compliment.

Ji Laili chuckled. “Lord Garna, do you have any more questions? If not, I’ll take this off now.” He placed his hands on the helmet, looking completely at ease.

Garna narrowed his eyes. At last, the Nagano Star System had sent over a somewhat competent Federation soldier.

Seeing Garna remain silent, Ji Laili casually removed the helmet. The plan was complete, and he was overjoyed. No matter what his companions might be hiding, they wouldn’t be in danger now.

Ji Laili smiled, but as he looked up, he was met with the stormy faces of three people.

It was like being on a sturdy little boat, only to suddenly realize it had been leaking all along. And now that the water was pouring in, they were just starting to panic, guilt written all over their faces.

Lei Po and Zhai Yifei were staring at him the hardest.

Another gaze met his—Lance’s.

Before coming here, Shen Yu had disguised himself. His cold, beautiful features were now plain and unremarkable, so average that he would be lost in a crowd. But those dark eyes, like obsidian washed in water, were still as deep and chilling as ever.

And when they landed on him, they became soaked with an almost suffocating dampness.

Ji Laili froze.

There it was—an undercurrent of sadness.

Why was Little Butterfly upset…? He hadn’t even done anything!

Wait…!

He—he wasn’t taking those words seriously, was he?!

Ji Laili tugged at his curly brown hair, a bit panicked. He wanted to explain, but Garna and Lowry, the two Imperial Alphas, were still right there, watching like hawks.

Damn it!

It was all Garna’s fault for asking such a weird question. Who even thinks to ask why someone who doesn’t like Alphas would join a place full of Alphas?!

What was he supposed to do—kill them all? That would be illegal!

So, he had to make up an excuse about an Omega. And just when he thought he could leave it at that, Garna had to push further, asking if he liked male Omegas…

At the time, Ji Laili had been full of rebellious energy, determined to contradict Garna no matter what.

Now, though, all that fiery energy had burned out, and even his bright, curly brown hair seemed to droop.

No wonder the Federation hated Imperials so much. They were truly insufferable!

Ji Laili wanted to explain himself, but both he and Shen Yu had to hold back. They couldn’t let the Imperials notice anything suspicious.

On the surface, they merely exchanged a brief, indifferent glance before Lance coldly swept his gaze over Ji Laili.

It looked like he was irritated by all the commotion that Alpha had caused earlier, interrupting his confrontation with Garna and putting him at a disadvantage.

Rumor had it that Lance had always been jealous of Lord Garna back in the day, which was why he had been sent to be a spy.

At least, that was what slacker Lowry thought.

In reality, those damp, deep eyes had never once left Ji Laili.

They were just as familiar—just as shadowy and unreadable.

It felt like falling into a bottomless pool, the ripples dragging him down.

But that was fine. The puppy knew how to paddle and save itself!

Its tail was a propeller!