Chapter 27: Boarding the Starship

Xi Ming spent over ten days discreetly handling his assets on Capital Star. Except for the Xi family mansion, most of his properties quietly changed hands on the dark web. He also divided his liquid funds among ten anonymous terminals and ten fake identity terminals to prepare for survival in regions with less stringent identity regulations.

Shi Chan entrusted his assets to Xi Ming and then focused on intensifying the treatment for Xi Ming.

Although Xi Ming’s legs were still paralyzed, many of his radiation-induced wounds were healing, and the radiation scars on his face were fading.

Anyone who saw Xi Ming now would undoubtedly be shocked, as there was no known method to significantly reduce or heal the damage caused by cosmic radiation, let alone reverse it.

Xi Ming was well aware of this fact, but since he rarely left his room and the household staff kept their distance when he did, few people knew the true extent of his condition.

In addition to funds, Xi Ming also prepared two space pendants for storing mechas. These pendants were even more expensive than the mechas themselves, rare and almost impossible to find on the market. Xi Ming originally owned one and had traded substantial resources to obtain another for Shi Chan.

As an Omega, Shi Chan was not permitted to purchase combat mechas. Instead, he used the pendant as a storage necklace, filling it with terminals containing funds and essential survival items.

Xi Ming’s pendant, on the other hand, housed a backup mecha he had decided to keep, anticipating his gradual recovery. However, the space in the pendant was limited. After placing the mecha, there was barely any room left, so most of the supplies, apart from the terminals and nutritional supplements, were stored in Shi Chan’s pendant.

Soon, the day arrived for their departure.

Xi Ming and Shi Chan disguised themselves to avoid recognition and headed to a more remote spaceport on Capital Star.

Compared to the strict identity checks in bustling areas, this port had a more “relaxed” atmosphere. Unregistered starships often docked here, willing to carry “anonymous passengers” for a fee.

The illegal starship was well-hidden. After Shi Chan presented their tickets, an attendant guided them to the vessel.

Shi Chan clung to Xi Ming’s clothes, acting nervous and timid, resembling someone fleeing after offending powerful figures. Xi Ming, in turn, feigned a mix of panic and protectiveness, keeping his arm firmly around Shi Chan’s waist.

This was the backstory they had agreed upon—posing as a couple fleeing from persecution on Capital Star.

To minimize risks, Xi Ming decided not to reveal his true identity. However, his wheelchair was a glaringly recognizable feature. In a society as medically advanced as Capital Star, individuals with leg disabilities were exceedingly rare. Anyone seeing his condition would likely associate it with him immediately.

For days, Xi Ming had been pondering ways to conceal his disability, furrowing his brow in frustration.

When Shi Chan learned of this, he remained silent. After seeing that Xi Ming was resigned to risking exposure, intending to take detours on multiple starships, Shi Chan finally offered a solution.

Though Shi Chan was reluctant to reveal his mystical techniques, he wasn’t inflexible. With a simple puppet spell to help Xi Ming walk and an enchantment to divert attention, the issue could be resolved. After some thought, Shi Chan deemed it worthwhile.

As for revealing his abilities, Shi Chan decided it wasn’t a significant concern since only Xi Ming would know. Once they left Capital Star and Shi Chan healed Xi Ming, no one else would ever find out.

Over the next two days, Shi Chan practiced the spell with Xi Ming, ensuring he moved like an ordinary person.

Seeing Xi Ming’s astonished and doubtful gaze, Shi Chan hesitated, then used a common Omega tactic—acting coy. Though awkward and stiff, he nestled in Xi Ming’s embrace, expressing that he didn’t want to explain for now.

Xi Ming gazed at Shi Chan intently but refrained from pressing further. Instead, he deepened their temporary bond, ensuring their pheromones blended seamlessly before letting go.

To match their assumed identities, Xi Ming booked a modest cabin. When the attendant led them to their room on the starship, they discovered it was barely large enough for a bed and a bathroom—there wasn’t even a window.

Xi Ming’s gaze lingered on the oversized bed that occupied most of the room before he turned to Shi Chan. “Let’s spend extra to upgrade the cabin,” he suggested. He hadn’t expected the room to be so cramped; the bed was its only redeeming feature.

Xi Ming’s radiation levels had dropped below the danger threshold, so starting today, he no longer needed to limit the time he spent with Shi Chan. From now on, they would always be together—sharing a room, sharing a bed…

Shi Chan, oblivious to Xi Ming’s thoughts, surveyed the room before shaking his head. “Let’s just make do. It’s only ten days, and we need to stay cautious…”

Xi Ming had set their destination as a remote, underdeveloped planet, which would take about thirteen or fourteen days to reach. Unlike legitimate starships with entertainment spaces, passengers on this illegal vessel were restricted to their cabins. For the next two weeks, they would remain confined to this room.

This rule suited Xi Ming perfectly. To evade the ship’s radiation scanners, he had taken medication that temporarily suppressed his radiation levels for three hours, enough to pass the initial checks. If they had free rein to move about, he risked encountering additional scanners. Staying confined to their room minimized suspicion.

After weighing the options, Xi Ming decided against upgrading their room. He knew it wouldn’t be long before his departure was discovered, and investigators would likely follow his trail. The less attention he drew, the better.

Comfort could wait. Once they reached their destination, Xi Ming would make sure Shi Chan lived in the best possible conditions.

Holding Shi Chan close, Xi Ming nuzzled against his neck, his voice low and tender. “I’m sorry you have to endure this.”

Shi Chan smiled faintly, shaking his head. He helped Xi Ming onto the bed, then sighed. “I left a delayed message for Lan Ying. I don’t know when I’ll see him again…” Shi Chan had no regrets about leaving Capital Star, but he felt guilty about abandoning Lan Ying. They had promised to be lifelong friends, yet here he was, sneaking away.

Xi Ming’s eyes narrowed. “You’ll see him again,” he assured. When the Empire descended into chaos during the upcoming war, Capital Star would be easy to infiltrate.

Shi Chan mistook Xi Ming’s words as mere comfort. “I hope so…”

“Come here,” Xi Ming said, pulling Shi Chan to sit beside him. His gaze deepened as he murmured, “We’ll be sharing a bed from now on.”

“Mm…” Shi Chan’s ears reddened slightly, but his tone remained steady. “Don’t worry, I sleep very quietly.”

Xi Ming didn’t take his eyes off Shi Chan, his throat tightening. “Are you certain you want to stay by my side?”

To Xi Ming, Shi Chan was perfect—an Omega who could easily have countless suitors with a mere photo on the star network. Yet he had chosen Xi Ming, a man with paralyzed legs and radiation scars, forsaking the comforts of Capital Star to live in a tiny, dim room.

Xi Ming felt a surge of warmth and determination. As his body gradually recovered, he vowed to give Shi Chan the best life imaginable.

Shi Chan leaned into Xi Ming’s embrace, nodding.

Shi Chan had always longed for close companionship. Marrying Xi Ming, someone he already admired, felt like a stroke of incredible luck.

Anyway… even if there were any unexpected situations, he could erase the alpha mark on his gland. Right now, Shi Chan just wanted to enjoy his life with Xi Ming.

At this moment, Shi Chan somewhat understood why so many omegas ended up as hopeless romantics. After being marked by an alpha, as long as the omega didn’t resist deep down, they would grow increasingly fond of that alpha. Everything about them would seem lovable, and even talking to them would bring happiness. Being embraced and surrounded by their pheromones felt so blissful that even the corners of their mouths couldn’t help but curl up.

Shi Chan decided to indulge in this feeling—Xi Ming was so amazing, and he adored his Brother Ming.

Xi Ming’s heart pounded as he tightly hugged Shi Chan in his arms. One hand gently caressed Shi Chan’s back as he lowered his eyes. “I will always treat you well.”

Shi Chan smiled softly in Xi Ming’s embrace, his voice clear and pleasant. “I will treat you well too.”

“Oh, Feifei.” Shi Chan almost forgot about it. Remembering, he quickly moved out of Xi Ming’s arms, touched the space buckle tied to his waist, and took out Feifei’s small insulated box.

Xi Ming sat at the edge of the bed, watching helplessly as the omega, who had been nestled obediently in his arms moments ago, suddenly pushed him away to dote on the little pet. Regret filled his heart—he should never have bought that Fluffy Beast!

But Feifei, who had been cooped up in the pitch-black space buckle for several hours, had no concern for Xi Ming’s feelings. As soon as it came out, it let out pitiful whimpers, darting toward Shi Chan in a mix of crawling and flying, its little claws clutching Shi Chan’s clothes as it pitifully sought comfort.

Shi Chan laughed, rubbing and stroking Feifei thoroughly. Then, holding the little creature in his arms, he sat beside Xi Ming and leaned closer. “Brother Ming, can it sleep with us at night? I always let it sleep on the pillow.”

Xi Ming was deeply reluctant.

But he also knew that even though they were sharing the same bed, nothing would happen between him and Shi Chan aboard this illegal starship. So, under Shi Chan’s expectant gaze, Xi Ming nodded.

Feifei showed no reaction to this permission, focusing instead on snuggling against Shi Chan.

These Beasts are not good at adapting to new environments. After realizing that he had changed locations, Feifei clung to Shi Chan and refused to let go. Shi Chan let it be. After all, the little creature was only the size of a palm; it didn’t feel burdensome even perched on his shoulder.

Only Xi Ming kept glaring at the fluffy creature on Shi Chan’s shoulder, sulking internally.

After settling Feifei, Shi Chan’s next task was to modify the interior of the room using special memory metal. He installed guardrails beside the bed and inside and outside the bathroom to assist Xi Ming in moving around.

Over the next ten days, Xi Ming didn’t plan to take out his wheelchair but also didn’t want to have Shi Chan help him every second. These small modifications were the best solution.

“Take a look and see if there’s anything else that needs adjustment?” After finishing, Shi Chan helped Xi Ming move around to inspect the room, making a few more changes based on Xi Ming’s suggestions until everything was just right.

Xi Ming glanced at his powerless legs, clenching his fingers before releasing them. When he looked at Shi Chan, his gaze softened.

Shi Chan had given him a chance to live again.

Using his arms for support, Xi Ming moved himself to the bed. “Come and lie down. There’s nothing else to do anyway.”

Shi Chan nodded, bent down to move the blanket aside, and climbed into the bed. The thought of spending the next ten days sharing a bed with Xi Ming made his heart beat uncontrollably faster.

Sitting on the bed, Shi Chan felt uncomfortable lying down in his clothes. He took out two sets of pajamas, handed one to Xi Ming, and steadied his voice. “Do you want to change into pajamas? I brought two sets each, just enough to rotate.”

“Okay.” Xi Ming took the clothes and started undressing immediately.

Shi Chan averted his gaze, but his grip on his pajamas tightened. When he saw Xi Ming about to take off his pants, Shi Chan finally panicked and stammered, “I-I’ll change in the bathroom.” Without looking back, he grabbed his clothes and darted into the bathroom.

In both his past and present lives, Shi Chan had never seen anyone else change clothes, nor had he ever changed clothes in front of someone. Although he had appeared calm earlier, he ultimately couldn’t handle it and fled.

Xi Ming’s eyes followed Shi Chan until the bathroom door closed. A faint smile appeared in his eyes as he resumed changing.

When Shi Chan came out, Xi Ming was already dressed. He folded their clothes neatly and placed them on the small cabinet at the foot of the bed. Then, feeling a little hesitant, he climbed back onto the bed—it wasn’t like he had a choice. Other than the bathroom and the bed, the room had less than two square meters of standing space. Standing around would be even more awkward.

“Come here,” Xi Ming said, pulling Shi Chan directly into his arms without hesitation.

Shi Chan didn’t resist at all, letting himself be guided into Xi Ming’s embrace. He allowed Xi Ming’s arm to rest around him.

With Xi Ming by his side, Shi Chan had no intention of cultivating. Anyway, his personal cultivation speed couldn’t compare to the speed at which he absorbed and refined energy from Xi Ming’s body during treatment. One or two sessions daily provided all the energy Shi Chan needed.

The starship had long blocked its network to avoid exposing its coordinates. Lying in bed with nothing to do, Shi Chan turned to Xi Ming. “Shall I continue your treatment?”

Xi Ming ruffled the omega in his arms, answering, “Okay.”

What followed was a series of spiritual soothing, radiation treatment, and stabilizing the temporary mark.

When it was over, both were drenched in sweat. Shi Chan, his skin tinged with a faint blush, panted softly. His nape bore several fresh bite marks, and his nose was filled with Xi Ming’s pheromones. Feeling languid, he muttered, “You go shower first.”

Xi Ming propped himself up on either side of Shi Chan, giving the omega’s throat a light nibble before awkwardly using his arms to move to the bathroom.

Shi Chan stole a glance out of the corner of his eye, pretending it was unintentional, and his heart ached slightly.

When the sound of running water came from the bathroom, Shi Chan finally moved. He lightly touched the back of his neck with his fingers, feeling the ridges of the marks, his gaze soft.

Cultivate! He had to refine the newly absorbed energy and improve his cultivation as soon as possible to heal Xi Ming’s legs.

Xi Ming would walk again.

After they both freshened up, Shi Chan once again found himself held tightly in Xi Ming’s arms.

Shi Chan’s face reddened slightly. Forcing himself to ignore Xi Ming’s overwhelming presence, he closed his eyes and began refining energy. By the time he was done, it was late at night. Xi Ming was already asleep, but his arm still possessively encircled Shi Chan’s waist.

When Shi Chan shifted slightly, the arm tightened reflexively. Helpless, he gave in and let himself drift off to sleep in Xi Ming’s embrace.

Other than dreaming about being entangled by a multi-legged sea monster that left him breathless, everything else was pretty good.