In a flash, a sharp hissing sound filled the air.

I opened my eyes in shock.

The soldier bug in front of me was engulfed in flames. It writhed in agony, thrashing its claws as it collapsed to the ground.

The bugs were afraid of fire, and the one pinning me down instinctively retreated.

Still shaken, I scrambled to get up.

“Xingze!!”

Wei Heng strode in, like a hero from the heavens, carrying a flamethrower on his back.

Overcome with joy, I stumbled and rushed into his arms.

He held me with one hand and asked, “How many bugs are still in there?”

“I’m not sure, but I saw a queen bug and some worker bugs!”

“Alright! Let’s get out of here first!”

Wei Heng led me out, practically carrying me as we hurried to safety.

Once the danger passed, I finally asked, “How did you know there were Zerg here?”

He had even brought a flamethrower with him—so clever!

“I noticed traces of those bugs near where you went missing. I figured it out right away.”

A crowd of villagers had gathered near the cave entrance. Da Mao and Xiao Hai were embracing their families, crying tears of relief.

As soon as Wei Heng got me out, he anxiously asked, “Is there a hospital nearby?”

The village chief quickly responded, “There’s a clinic about five kilometers away…”

Wei Heng was about to take me there when a few men in police uniforms rushed over, scolding him.

“How could you act on your own?”

“Yeah, the firefighters haven’t even arrived! You can’t just run in there by yourself…”

Wei Heng, not bothering with explanations, activated his personal terminal and flashed his military ID.

“I am Wei Heng, a Major General of the ‘Imperial Armed Forces Cosmic Special Task Group.’ We’ve discovered Zerg in the Devil’s Horn cave, and I am now officially taking command here!”

The policemen, seeing his rank, were left speechless, and the villagers fell silent in awe.

Half an hour later—

Over a hundred Navy special forces soldiers arrived.

A medical unit set up a treatment chamber not far from Devil’s Horn.

I lay on a hospital bed, receiving IV fluids while the military doctor treated me. Aside from some severe burns caused by Zerg mucus, I was lucky to only have minor injuries.

Wei Heng stayed by my side the entire time. A colonel entered, saluted, and asked, “General Wei, what are your orders for the next step?”

Wei Heng made a quick decision: “Seal off all exits to the cave, including the underwater ones. Use incendiary bombs and shotguns for an all-out assault! Leave no survivors!”

“Yes, General!”

Wei Heng was preparing to head to the scene, and I worriedly grabbed his hand.

“Don’t fight the Zerg directly! Can’t you just command from the rear?”

I thought of how he had nearly died from Zerg neurotoxins in the past.

He comforted me, holding my hand, “It’s fine. These are just second-generation large-fanged Zerg, not too difficult to handle. Get some rest, and when you wake up, I’ll be back with you.”

Wei Heng kissed my forehead before leaving the medical chamber.

True to his word, they wiped out all the Zerg in Devil’s Horn within half a day, without any casualties.

The discovery of Zerg within the Empire’s borders was no small matter.

The government took it very seriously, immediately sealing off the information and sending officials to Shanjue Village for follow-up. Wei Heng and I were also brought back to the capital.

The military’s medical facilities were top-notch, and I had fully recovered, with only a faint scar on my arm.

However, since I had been in close contact with the Zerg, I was required to stay in a specialized military rehabilitation center for further observation.

Wei Heng was ordered to return to his unit to submit a report on the incident.

During a video call, Wei Heng snapped at his adjutant, “I already sent the electronic report! I’m on leave! I need to stay with my wife!”

The adjutant, always quick to catch on, asked in surprise, “When did the Major General get married?”

“We got married, but the ceremony hasn’t been held yet.”

I felt embarrassed, urging him softly, “Go do what you need to do. I’m well taken care of here. It doesn’t matter whether you stay with me or not.”

Hearing my voice, the adjutant quickly spoke up, “Hello, ma’am! It’s a pleasure to meet you. I’m Wei General’s adjutant, Li…”

Wei Heng cut him off, “Stop trying to chat up my wife.”

After my urging, Wei Heng reluctantly returned to his unit, planning to come back in two days.

In the rehabilitation center, I was given a luxurious single room, with no worries about food or care. Every day, there were specialists checking my health.

Life was comfortable, but a bit dull.

Shanjue Village was now occupied by military and research personnel. The villagers were not allowed to leave, and no further news had come out yet.

Two days later, I was idly watching a 3D movie in my room when a nurse came in and said, “Mr. Lin, you have visitors.”

Visitors?

Wasn’t Wei Heng supposed to be back?

I walked into the attached reception room and found a group of unexpected people.

It was Lin Dong, Lin Yueyuan, and Wei Heng’s parents!

My guilt and fear lasted for only a second.

After all, I had just survived a near-death encounter with the Zerg. This kind of situation no longer scared me.

Judging by their hostile expressions, it looked like they were about to put me on trial.

The nurse left, and I instructed the smart robot to serve them tea. I greeted them politely.

“Thank you, Mr. Wei and Mr. Ge, for coming to visit me. Please have a seat.”

Lin Dong sneered, “Do you really think we came to check on you?”

Ge Yun was the first to lash out.

“Lin Xingze, you took my two billion yuan and promised never to see Wei Heng again! You’ve broken the agreement!”

Unfazed, I replied, “Let me clarify two points.

“First, it was Wei Heng who followed me. I’ve never sought him out on my own.

“Second, if you believe I broke the agreement, you can sue me and let the law decide.”

Ge Yun raised his voice, “Don’t think that just because you’ve bewitched Wei Heng, you can enter the Wei family! We won’t let a lowly beta taint the Wei family’s bloodline!”

Wei Heng’s father, Wei Junlei, reprimanded him in a low voice, “Watch your words. Don’t lose your dignity.”

Ge Yun huffed in displeasure.

Wei Junlei, more composed, spoke to me in a conciliatory tone, “Xingze, we appreciate how well you’ve taken care of Wei Heng these past three years. As a personal assistant, you’ve been outstanding.

“But you’re not the daughter-in-law we envision for our family.

“Wei Heng is an S+ grade alpha. His exceptional genes must be passed on, and only an outstanding offspring can ensure his status within the family remains secure.”