Previous
Fiction Page
Next
Font Size:
At this moment, he wasn’t wearing a mask. His silver hair cascaded down like moonlight, silky and smooth, exuding a cool and noble aura. His face was exceptionally handsome, with long, sword-like eyebrows and deep, ocean-like eyes that shone like bright stars. His brows and lashes seemed to be frosted, reflecting the snow, and the light in the hall cast a faint shadow between his smooth, prominent brow arch and nose bridge, resembling towering mountains and ridges, with a natural elegance and charm.
The night wind swept into the hall from beside Qi Huan, causing the chandelier to sway and make a soft, chaotic noise. A few strands of the silver-haired youth’s hair fluttered in the wind, creating a dreamlike and illusory scene.
Qi Huan was captivated by this pleasing sight for four or five seconds, unable to look away. This face could be considered a masterpiece of Nuwa’s craftsmanship, and if made into a figurine, it would definitely sell out!
If not for a shred of remaining rationality, he might have blurted out the habitual teasing phrase, “wife.”
It’s all the Little Dumpling’s fault for always bringing up marriage! He forced himself to look away and noticed that the crew-cut youth who had pinned down the B-grade fire claw last time was also there, sitting diagonally across from the Little Dumpling and the silver-haired youth, leaning against the wall, tapping away on a personal terminal, seemingly in contact with someone.
“Huan Huan!” The Little Dumpling stretched out a snow-white arm and waved at him happily, his expression both joyful and proud. “My little uncle is here!”
“Oh.” Qi Huan responded, his steps towards them feeling particularly unsteady. His mind was a bit dizzy, partly from being amazed, partly from surprise, and partly from being out of breath from running earlier. Perhaps he really needed an anti-addiction system to prevent himself from being mesmerized by someone’s beauty.
“Hello, I’m Si Liang’s uncle. Friends usually call me Si Han. Thank you for taking care of him during this time.” The silver-haired youth smiled faintly and extended his hand towards him. Only when he got closer did Qi Huan notice that his lip color was very pale, almost bloodless.
“Hello, I’m Qi Huan.”
Si Han’s hand was fair and slender, with well-proportioned joints. When they shook hands, Qi Huan could clearly feel the thin calluses and the slightly cool temperature between the fingers and palm. Qi Huan tried hard to maintain a calm and polite demeanor, but inside, he couldn’t help but marvel. Alive, looking like this, and still alive! For the first time, he felt that reality was more wonderful than the second dimension, so much so that he was a bit slow to react to the fact that the Little Dumpling’s real name was actually Si Liang.
“Hello, I’m Shen Ye, and the crew-cut guy next to me is Tao Zhe. We’re both members of the Ferocious Beast Squad.” The red-haired youth clasped Qi Huan’s hand with both hands, shaking it enthusiastically. “I heard from Liang just now, we really owe you a big thanks this time!”
“You’re welcome. You guys also saved me from the fire claw a few days ago.” Qi Huan was a bit taken aback by Shen Ye’s enthusiasm.
“Ah, speaking of which, it’s quite a coincidence. We originally planned to come over the next day to repay you, but that night we got news that someone seemed to have seen Liang in the M17 hunting area outside, so we rushed over. The same thing happened a few days ago; someone said they saw a silver-haired kid in the P92 area, and we ended up running around again. Unfortunately, those messages were either false or outdated, and we missed you. Luckily, your friend left a message at the hotel, and we rushed over as soon as we heard this afternoon.”
Shen Ye pulled up a chair and sat down, explaining their whereabouts over the past few days in a rapid-fire manner, leaving Qi Huan no room to interject. He could only nod politely while listening, and when he heard about the hotel, he remembered that he had been too busy today to check messages, probably missing any sent to him.
Occasionally, Qi Huan’s gaze would uncontrollably drift towards Si Han beside him.
He didn’t want to keep staring at the man’s face, so he focused a bit lower on the strong lines of his shoulders.
Today, Si Han and the others were all wearing dark blue work clothes. The ferocious beast mask they wore the previous two times was now hooked onto his right shoulder strap, like an XXL-sized epaulet, adding a touch of casualness to his handsomeness.
The mask seemed to be crafted with a technique of inlaying gold and silver, with dark gold patterns, shimmering with light. The gold lines outlined smooth and expansive lines on the cold metal surface, creating a luxurious yet mysterious aura.
The mask’s patterns were symmetrical, with two sharp, fierce horns at the top, and further out were upward-curving beast ears, lively and dynamic. The eye sockets were prominent and fierce, with a spiral pattern at the brow center, and the cheeks were adorned with fine, beast-hair-like gold patterns, dense and radiant. The bottom only had the upper lip’s pattern, spanning two-thirds of the mask’s base, with the missing lower lip vividly depicting a ferocious beast’s gaping maw, as if ready to devour the world in the next second, fierce and exquisite.
Qi Huan clicked his tongue inwardly, wondering if the Ferocious Beast Squad’s name came from this mask.
“In any case, thank you very much,” Shen Ye once again clasped Qi Huan’s hand with both hands, gripping it tightly. “Next time we come over, we’ll definitely thank you properly.”
“Are you leaving now? Stay for dinner,” Qi Huan quickly reacted to Shen Ye’s words, trying to persuade them to stay. It was too fast; at least let him cook a meal to thank his saviors.
“We mainly need to take Liang back for a detailed check-up. This time, we’re really pressed for time,” Si Han apologized. The Little Dumpling silently lowered his eyelashes, clutching his clothes.
Qi Huan nodded stiffly. Indeed, the Little Fellow was injured, and the conditions on the Waste Star were poor, not to mention it was enemy territory for their family. It was definitely safer for them to leave as soon as possible.
“Actually, the starship has been waiting at the port for a while. If it weren’t for Liang wanting to say goodbye to you in person, we would have left half an hour ago,” Shen Ye explained.
“Then wait a moment.” Qi Huan hurriedly ran into the kitchen, grabbing a bag to pack things.
There were six bottles left of the bald yellow oil and crab roe sauce made with beast oil. He kept one bottle for himself and put the rest in the bag, along with the chili oil and egg yolk sauce he made yesterday, and rushed out of the kitchen.
By this time, Tao Zhe and Shen Ye had already gone outside to start the airship, leaving only Si Han and Si Liang waiting for him in the hall.
“These are all sauces Liang likes,” Qi Huan handed the bag to Si Han, pausing before adding, “Also, there’s beast oil in there. I observed carefully at the time, and he didn’t show any discomfort after eating it. If you’re worried, you can test it again later.”
“This is considered Liang’s room and board fee, a small token of appreciation.” Si Han also handed over a small, light drawstring brocade bag, embroidered with a beautiful and intricate green thorn pattern.
“Thank you.” The joy of seeing his saviors and the sorrow of parting with the Little Dumpling intertwined, leaving Qi Huan a bit dazed as he casually tucked it into his pocket.
“Aren’t you going to say goodbye?” Seeing Si Liang with his head down and silent, Si Han gently pinched the Little Fellow’s nape.
“Goodbye.” The Little Fellow mumbled the words with his head down.
“Goodbye.” Qi Huan raised his hand to ruffle his hair.
“Boss, it’s time to go.” Shen Ye called out loudly from the door, accompanied by the noise of the airship activating.
“We’ll visit again next time.” Si Han politely shook hands with Qi Huan again, his work sleeve slipping down with the motion, revealing a fair wrist. The fingers extended to the wrist bone were long and elegant, though a bit too thin, with the joints clearly visible.
“You’re always welcome.” Qi Huan tried to muster a bright, sunny smile.
Si Han took Si Liang’s hand and headed towards the door. Qi Huan stood in place, watching their backs, feeling a sense of emptiness in his heart.
At the door, Si Liang suddenly stopped, let go of Si Han’s hand, and ran back, launching himself like a small cannonball straight at Qi Huan.
Qi Huan quickly squatted down, opening his arms to catch him.
“Huan Huan!”
The Little Fellow hugged Qi Huan’s neck, his voice tinged with tears.
“Why are you crying, big boy?” Qi Huan hugged him tightly, his eyes inexplicably stinging a bit.
The Little Dumpling pulled a white jade token from his neck and put it around Qi Huan’s, sniffling as he said, “In the future, let my little uncle look after you. When you grow up, bring it to the Ninefold Star Domain to see me, okay?”
“Okay.” Qi Huan gently wiped away his tears. “I’ll make you delicious food then.”
“You still owe me a beast meat sauce.” The Little Fellow reminded him, feeling wronged.
“Mm, I’ll make whatever you want then.” Qi Huan ruffled his hair vigorously.
In the end, the reluctant Little Dumpling was taken away by Si Han.
Watching the airship disappear from the doorway, Qi Huan felt a bit melancholic and decided to busy himself in the kitchen to distract his thoughts.
After making the sauce, he instinctively wanted to call the Little Fellow to taste it, but seeing the empty small stool in the corner, he remembered that he was gone.
He couldn’t help but sigh. During the loneliest and most aimless days on the Waste Star, it was actually Si Liang who accompanied him. Suddenly being alone again, he really wasn’t used to it. But after all, the Little Fellow was a young master from a prestigious family and couldn’t possibly stay on the Waste Star forever. He had to get used to living alone again.
Taking out the brocade bag Si Han gave him, he planned to put the star coins inside into his ‘football’ piggy bank. Judging by the weight, it seemed to be only two or three star coins. But when he opened it, he was stunned. Inside wasn’t star coins, but a fiery red beast core!
Judging by the rich color, it was at least a B-grade!
This room and board fee was prepaid for a hundred years!
The Si family truly lived up to being one of the top ten families!
“Forget it, I’ll just go to bed early and get a good rest today.” There would always be a chance to see the Little Dumpling and his handsome little uncle again. Qi Huan rubbed his face, deciding to wash up.
Half a minute later, a cry of distress came from the bathroom. Qi Huan stared at the mirror in panic. The person in the mirror had messy hair blown all over the place when he ran back, and he had actually chatted with Si Han all evening with this messy hair!
How embarrassing!
Meanwhile, Si Han and Shen Ye had already boarded the starship escorting Si Liang home.
The rest room’s cold metal cabin walls had simple and sturdy lines, with a few warm yellow vertical light strips hanging around. Because it was too quiet inside, they could occasionally hear the hum of energy pipes in the cabin walls. Si Han was flipping through the data of No. 7 Waste Star while watching Shen Ye and the others discuss stone beast attack methods in the group. The doorbell rang, and the display screen showed Si Liang holding a big pillow at the door.
“Little uncle, can I sleep with you tonight?”
Si Han was momentarily stunned, then gently nodded and opened the door.
The Little Dumpling, having received permission, immediately rushed to the bed, wrapped himself in the blanket, and curled up into a small ball, closing his eyes tightly, afraid that if he was a second late, someone would change their mind.
Si Han shook his head helplessly, tucked him in, and continued to flip through the data while peeking at the screen.
Less than half a minute later, the disguised ‘cocoon’ Si Liang couldn’t help but open his eyes again, blinking at Si Han.
“If you have something to say, just say it.” Si Han leisurely flipped the data on the display screen to the next page. The purple-red nebula outside the porthole reflected in his eyes, like a flowing rainbow.
“Little uncle, when do you plan to take over the affairs of No. 7 Waste Star?”
“Not in a hurry, I’ll talk about it after sending you back.” It was supposed to be this month, but last time his body suddenly had issues, so he postponed the takeover for a month.
The Little Dumpling blinked, “Actually, I now think the Waste Star is pretty good. The Jiu Fang family letting you take over here might not be such a bad thing.”
Si Han’s brow furrowed slightly. After his parents passed away, he was taken to the Si family by his sister. If possible, he would rather always be called Si Han than be called back to the name ‘Jiu Fang Yu.’
He glanced at the person nestled in the blanket, “Are you trying to comfort me?”
Si Liang rolled over and lay on his stomach, raising two pink soles, “Little uncle, what do you think of Huan Huan?”
“He’s pretty good.”
“Be more specific.”
“He’s a good person, treats you well, and seems to be good at cooking.”
“Then can you marry him?”
??? Jiu Fang Yu paused his hand that was about to enlarge the data table. Did this kid know what he was talking about?
“He’s much better than those random people who used to chase after you. I really like him.”
“I don’t plan to get married.” Jiu Fang Yu reached out and poked his forehead with two fingers. Someone like him, who was sent to the Waste Star as a star lord, almost had no future.
“Then can I marry him? But Huan Huan is human, and by the time I grow up, he should be married. Your age is more suitable.” The Little Fellow pondered, holding his chin, “Are you waiting for a guide with a high compatibility rate? Maybe when the adult test comes, Huan Huan will be a guide. I heard the probability of humans becoming guides is the highest.”
What is this kid thinking all day? Jiu Fang Yu was a bit speechless by the Little Dumpling, “Marriage isn’t just about one person’s willingness; you also have to respect the other person’s wishes.”
Si Liang was puzzled, shaking his feet, “But if a sentinel and a guide’s mental power is compatible, won’t they be forcibly matched?”
“That’s different,” Jiu Fang Yu’s eyebrows twitched, his expression serious. “Forced matching requires both parties’ mental power compatibility to reach over 95%. Theoretically, people who reach this level of compatibility are naturally attracted to each other, and forced matching also has a six-month clause. During the six-month adaptation period, either party can apply for a dissolution.”
However, so far, no one had ever used the right to apply for dissolution.
“What does mutual attraction mean?” Si Liang asked with a confused face.
Jiu Fang Yu’s expression stiffened slightly, and he stuffed him back into the blanket, “That’s not something a child should know.”
Si Liang stubbornly grabbed the blanket, unwilling to let go, “Does meeting by chance often count?”
“Probably,” Jiu Fang Yu didn’t want to delve into this topic with a child, so he brushed it off.
“Then Huan Huan and little uncle should be quite mutually attracted.” Si Liang nodded firmly, giving his conclusion.
“I went into that store with Shen Ye because I sensed your presence.” Jiu Fang Yu corrected him with a wry smile.
“But I stayed there because of little uncle!” The Little Dumpling looked up at Jiu Fang Yu.
“Because of me?”
“Mm.” Si Liang nodded vigorously, “Huan Huan has one of your buttons. I saw that button and thought you knew each other, so I decided to stay there.”
Button? Jiu Fang Yu’s brow furrowed. On the day he arrived at the Waste Star, he did save a bloodied person, leaving them at the entrance of Base No. 3. That person had already passed out, tightly clutching his clothes. In a hurry to find Si Liang, he tore off that piece of clothing, which indeed had a button.
Many of his personal items were custom-made when he was at the Si family, and that day, the button was embedded with the Si family’s signature green stone, with a special seal. Anyone who knew would recognize it at a glance.
“So it was him.” Jiu Fang Yu shook his head. No wonder he felt a bit familiar when they met at the restaurant.
“Tell me, tell me, what exactly happened?” Si Liang curiously pursued, determined not to give up until he got an answer.
“Don’t you think you should first tell your uncle what happened on the Waste Star?” Jiu Fang Yu pinched Si Liang’s cheek.
“Actually, it’s nothing much,” Si Liang lowered his eyelids, “I accidentally overheard my mom and dad talking about how the bad elders of the Jiu Fang family used the excuse of convenience for healing to give you the worst No. 7 Waste Star. Just as the lab had a new drug, I wanted to bring it to you to heal your injury sooner.”
“So you ran away from home.”
Jiu Fang Yu’s tone was calm, but Si Liang shrank his neck in fear, hugging his arm and acting coquettishly, “I was worried about your injury.”
“And then?”
Seeing that Jiu Fang Yu didn’t pursue the matter of running away from home, Si Liang breathed a slight sigh of relief, “When the starship was about to reach No. 7 Waste Star, there was an accident. After the forced landing, we encountered stone beasts. The guards died protecting me, and I was injured and passed out. When I woke up, I was tied up and taken to a refugee settlement.”
Jiu Fang Yu nodded slightly. He and Shen Ye had found the wreckage of the starship and the guards, and later also found the refugee settlement, but they were a step too late.
“I secretly transformed back into my beast form to escape the ropes and ran out, only to encounter stone beasts. Fortunately, I met a hunting team and followed them to Base No. 3. I thought you were in the Command Hall, so I ran straight there. The star lord named Jiu Fang Kuang said you hadn’t arrived yet and let me stay on the sixth floor of Tianfeng Pavilion.”
“And then?” Jiu Fang Yu’s brow furrowed, sensing something amiss. Although he didn’t want to be too entangled with the Jiu Fang family, he had contacted Jiu Fang Kuang for Si Liang’s whereabouts. The explanation given was that Si Liang had been to the Command Hall, but after hearing he hadn’t arrived, he refused to stay and left directly.
“He was polite on the surface but secretly instructed his men to knock me out at night and throw me outside the base for the stone beasts to eat, making it look like an accidental death,” Si Liang said angrily.
Jiu Fang Yu’s brow furrowed even tighter. Si Liang was the only heir of the Si family. If something happened to him while looking for him on the Waste Star, it would not only strike the Si family but also damage his relationship with the Si family, killing two birds with one stone.
The ones most eager to drive a wedge between him and the Si family were the Fifth Elder and the Seventh Elder. It seemed Jiu Fang Kuang was on their side.
“He didn’t know my enhanced mental power was hearing. I heard him say those words, so I found a chance to escape through the window, hiding and not daring to trust anyone. Without energy stones to heal, my injury worsened, and I couldn’t transform back into human form. I accidentally hid in Huan Huan’s house and found your button. After that, you know the rest. Fortunately, you left that beast core, allowing me to transform back into human form.”
“Reckless!” Jiu Fang Yu gave him a couple of light pats on the butt. He guessed that the Little Fellow was severely injured and energy-deprived, so he deliberately left beast cores in places with his scent. Luckily, it was used.
“I was wrong, I won’t do it again.” Si Liang quickly admitted his mistake. Next time he went out, he wouldn’t foolishly bring so much money. It was useless on the Waste Star. He needed to bring energy stones, the more, the better.
On the other side, Qi Huan, who decided to sleep early, had finished his bath and was hesitating about what information to read before bed to help him sleep when Quan Hai’s voice and knocking came from the door.
“Planning to sleep?” Seeing Qi Huan, who came to open the door, holding a towel to dry his hair, Quan Hai suspiciously checked the time on his personal terminal.
“Yeah, I want to rest early today.”
Quan Hai scratched his head, “Are you still going to the Command Hall?”
“Why go to the Command Hall?”
“You didn’t check the group, did you? Lundo said this afternoon that he’s inviting us to watch a game live stream tonight to relax.”
Qi Huan: ???
Opening the terminal, he realized that, probably to avoid work interruptions, the original owner had set all messages to view-only mode. This meant that messages wouldn’t alert him; he had to actively log into the personal terminal and click the interface to see them.
Among the messages waiting to be viewed were not only those from Lundo and Quan Hai but also from the hotel owner and a friend request sent two or three minutes after the hotel owner’s message.
The name was Ferocious Beast A, and the avatar was Si Han’s inlaid gold and silver gluttonous pattern mask.
Qi Huan’s heart skipped a beat. Was this… Si Han’s account?
Previous
Fiction Page
Next
Lost Nexus[Translator]
Hi, I’m Lost Nexus or call me Nex! I translate web novels into English so more people can enjoy these amazing stories.