Chapter 49: The Squad Leader Escaped

Since the news of Jugu picking up two aliens spread, other countries began to focus on Jugu.

When Qingye discovered that Jugu had learned the technology from the aliens, they were immediately furious and sent people to sabotage.

However, Jugu had already prepared for Qingye, so most of Qingye’s actions were blocked. Even though there were a few occasional successes, they couldn’t stop Jugu’s overall progress.

Especially as Jugu later exchanged more new technologies with Xi Ming, including technologies for basic living aspects, Jugu’s development was rapid.

Shi Chan, under Xi Ming’s guidance, was also slowly repairing their mechs. His spiritual vision allowed him to clearly see the internal structure of the mechs, better understanding Xi Ming’s instructions for every step.

On the other hand, Xi Ming’s injuries were still a concern.

Shi Chan had been treating Xi Ming for a month and a half, and while the surface wounds on Xi Ming’s body had improved, his fragile constitution hadn’t shown much progress.

“You’re about to go into heat again,” Xi Ming said, holding Shi Chan’s hand after the treatment and staring into his eyes.

Shi Chan hadn’t remembered the heat cycle time, but when Xi Ming mentioned it, he calculated and realized it was indeed around this time.

Seeing Shi Chan look back at him, Xi Ming placed his hand on the back of Shi Chan’s neck, feeling the warm skin, his tone firm. “Remember to do as you did last time.”

Last time…

Shi Chan’s face flushed a little.

Last time, Shi Chan noticed something was off with Xi Ming’s mood and brought up the heat cycle. Later, during the heat, Shi Chan took the initiative the whole time and did his best to please Xi Ming.

Shi Chan thought his actions might make Xi Ming feel better, easing his constant worry. However, while Xi Ming’s anxiety seemed to have lessened, his possessiveness and obsession as an alpha skyrocketed. He wanted to keep his omega to himself.

Considering Xi Ming’s health and wanting to keep him motivated, Shi Chan refrained from taking the final step with Xi Ming, and they only shared temporary marks.

In the midst of their deep feelings for each other, Shi Chan whispered in Xi Ming’s ear, “Ming-ge, you need to get better soon. I’m waiting for you to mark me permanently.”

Xi Ming responded with a kiss full of possessiveness.

A month later, Shi Chan’s heat cycle arrived again.

At first, Shi Chan thought omega heat cycles were too frequent, but now he felt if it could stir Xi Ming’s emotions and encourage his survival instincts, having one every month was something he could accept.

Shi Chan got lost in his thoughts when Xi Ming insisted on getting an answer. “Chan, answer me.”

Shi Chan came back to his senses, smiled at Xi Ming, and kissed his cheek. “Okay, just like last time.”

Xi Ming was satisfied, and taking advantage of his poor health and Shi Chan’s reluctance to resist, he pulled Shi Chan into his arms, biting the back of Shi Chan’s neck like a predator, inhaling the faint scent of his pheromones.

After being affectionate for a while, Shi Chan gently pushed Xi Ming away. “We should take a shower.”

The treatment process was always painful. Although Xi Ming had incredible endurance, he still reacted to the pain, and after every treatment, his body would be drenched in sweat.

Shi Chan didn’t want Xi Ming to feel uncomfortable, so after every treatment, they would shower together to cleanse their bodies and then rest so Xi Ming could recover his energy.

Shi Chan did this with a soft smile, never showing any impatience.

Shi Chan thought every moment with Xi Ming was beautiful, full of happiness.

In Shi Chan’s heart, Xi Ming was his lover and family. He wanted to care for him, to make sure that even in his frail state, he would live comfortably and warmly.

Xi Ming felt Shi Chan’s emotions—this warm and peaceful energy surrounded him, giving him courage when facing the unavoidable humiliations of life.

Shi Chan repeatedly assured Xi Ming with his words, attitude, and actions: You’re just sick. You don’t need to feel embarrassed. I’ll care for you forever. I’ll never betray you, never abandon you.

Shi Chan deepened Xi Ming’s sense of security, but at the same time, it also intensified Xi Ming’s possessiveness.

Shi Chan understood this, but he didn’t mind.

After all, he would never leave Xi Ming.

The next day, Shi Chan’s heat arrived as expected.

For the next three days, neither of them left the room. With no other alphas around, they released their pheromones freely, intense and intertwined, unable to part.

Shi Chan could control his body’s state using spiritual power, but at Xi Ming’s request, neither of them did any control. They let go of their most primal and intense desires.

Shi Chan was marked several times, his body sore, yet he kept willingly offering his neck to Xi Ming, entangled in his embrace.

After three wild days, Shi Chan lay beside Xi Ming, exhausted.

Xi Ming’s eyes still held a hint of madness as his fingers traced Shi Chan’s face.

“Never leave me, Chan,” Xi Ming whispered.

---

Shi Chan and Xi Ming had been in Jugu for five months, helping Jugu develop for four months, and in this time, Jugu’s progress had made other countries envious.

Some countries that hadn’t experienced such convenience were okay, but others had started negotiating with Jugu for the new technologies. Jugu had asked Xi Ming, who decided not to intervene.

Meanwhile, Qingye, who had been the first to benefit from the advanced technologies, found it intolerable that other countries were developing faster, especially Jugu, a country they had once looked down upon.

During this time, they tried all sorts of methods to get more technology from their alien source, but unfortunately, the alien claimed he wasn’t a researcher and only knew what he had already provided, with no more knowledge on other technologies.

At first, Qingye had treated the alien with respect, but now, discovering he “wasn’t useful,” some extremists even suggested torturing the alien, thinking he might have more technology but was unwilling to share it.

It was unclear if this plan succeeded, but the alien managed to escape.

Qingye tried to hide this news, but they had spies from other countries, and their frantic search efforts couldn’t be concealed. With a little probing, it became clear the alien under heavy protection in Qingye had escaped.

Other countries quickly became excited.

A large number of spies, foreign tourist groups, and adventurers rushed to Qingye, eager to find the escaped alien. Although the technology Qingye had received was limited and didn’t compare to Jugu’s advancements, it was still the latest tech in other countries’ eyes, and they desperately needed it.

Qingye had been stingy with the technologies they received, keeping them to themselves without sharing any over the two and a half years.

Now, with the alien “unattended,” other countries were ready to compete to seize the opportunity.

“He escaped?” Shi Chan also heard the news and turned to Wu Hongyuan. “When did this happen?”

Wu Hongyuan was now a “well-informed person” in Jugu. To make sure he could answer any questions when communicating with Shi Chan and the others, Jugu made sure he knew about most of their arrangements.

This was hardly a secret. “A few days ago. Qingye tried to keep it quiet, but it couldn’t be hidden. Now many countries are heading to Qingye to try to catch him.”

Shi Chan thought for a moment. “Has Jugu sent anyone?”

Wu Hongyuan glanced at Shi Chan, seemingly worried he might be upset. “Yes, they have. But don’t worry, I’ve heard that the alien doesn’t know much.”

Shi Chan casually watered the flowers with his hand, as if indifferent. “What he knows has nothing to do with us.”

“He might come to Jugu. Be on the lookout,” Shi Chan added. “But it’s also possible he won’t come if he’s not curious about the other two ‘aliens.’”

Wu Hongyuan hadn’t expected this possibility. His voice grew louder with excitement. “I’ll tell the higher-ups. We’ll keep an eye out!”

“Alright,” Shi Chan responded, then handed Wu Hongyuan a terminal. “If you find him and he doesn’t believe you, give him this. He should come to us.”

Wu Hongyuan stared at the futuristic-looking ring in his hand and nearly stammered. “W-what’s this?” Could it be some kind of futuristic weapon or defense tool?

“A wristband.” Shi Chan glanced at Wu Hongyuan’s excited expression and cooled him off. “It can’t be made.”

“Oh…” Wu Hongyuan deflated, but still excitedly took it and left.

None of them expected the world to rapidly develop because of three “accidental” aliens.

Unfortunately, there were still many great things they couldn’t study yet.

But neither Wu Hongyuan nor the people of Jugu were discouraged. As long as they didn’t give up, continuing to innovate and develop day by day, they would eventually reach the high-tech society Shi Chan had mentioned. Perhaps in a few hundred years, they could meet the legendary empires and federations.

Also, there were the human enemies, the insectoids. Although Wu Hongyuan had never seen them, just hearing Shi Chan’s descriptions made his blood boil with excitement, wanting to protect humanity!

While holding the wristband, Wu Hongyuan couldn’t help but wonder if he’d ever get the chance to fight in the mysterious stars.