After the group’s playful banter came to an end, they handed the remaining cleanup tasks to the household robot and went about their own business. Yuan Tianruo, after saying a few words to the others, also returned to his room and locked the door. Once the door was closed, Yuan Tianruo dropped his cheerful act—his bright smile vanished instantly, replaced by a stormy expression.
Yuan Tianruo pulled out an old-fashioned communicator, his eyes widening as he stared at the glaring red word “FAILURE” on the screen. He gritted his teeth, unwilling to believe it was real.
What was Xiang Qimiao, that fragile guide, anyway? Just a spoiled rich kid. How could he have escaped the relentless pursuit and smoothly returned to the Imperial Star, continuing to overshadow him?!
They were the same age, attended the same academy, studied the same major, and were even in the same class. Now, they were both working at the same research institute, both outstanding guides. Yet no matter what, no matter when, Xiang Qimiao always managed to outshine him! From their school days to their current jobs, it had always been this way—never changing.
Back then, Xiang Qimiao’s despicable mother had relentlessly overshadowed his own elegant and accomplished mother, tearing their family apart and leaving it in ruins. And now, that despicable Xiang Qimiao was doing the same to him! Fei Hai and Willrow—those two useless idiots—had squandered the covert support from his family’s influence. They couldn’t even handle a single worthless guide!
The Xiang family, Xiang Qimiao—neither of them would have an easy time as long as Yuan Tianruo was around!
Meanwhile, Xiang Qilin, who had teamed up to investigate the incident involving Xiang Qimiao, had uncovered a surprising figure—Willrow. This was someone Xiang Qilin had never expected.
Willrow was a somewhat notorious leader among the space pirates, infamous for his ruthless pillaging and indiscriminate violence. His crew had intercepted countless passing starships, leaving a trail of innocent lives in their wake. Willrow and his subordinates were all on the Blue Star Empire’s blacklist.
The Blue Star Empire maintained strict control over those on the blacklist. Even if someone managed to sneak in through countless schemes, they’d be hunted down like rats in the streets. However, the Empire wasn’t unreasonable—people didn’t just end up on the blacklist without cause. Willrow and his crew had simply gone too far.
The Empire had considered wiping out Willrow and his gang entirely, but Willrow was cunning and had a keen sense of power dynamics. If the enemy’s defenses were weaker, he’d sweep through, taking lives and resources without mercy. If the enemy was stronger, he’d retreat and hide without hesitation. Willrow was proud, but he also knew when to bow his head—he wouldn’t risk his life over trivial matters or provoke those he couldn’t afford to offend.
For example, if a powerful, spoiled heir relentlessly humiliated Willrow, trampling his dignity underfoot, and offending them would endanger his life, Willrow would willingly place his pride beneath their feet and let them step on it. He’d never do something as foolish as risking his life—or the lives of his men—over momentary pride. Never in his life.
Of course, Willrow was also incredibly petty. Using the same spoiled heir as an example: while Willrow might endure their abuse, he’d never forget the grudge. The moment the heir’s family showed any sign of weakness, Willrow and his crew would swarm like sharks smelling blood, tearing them apart.
A tiny crack would be ripped into a gaping chasm by their relentless assault, leaving the family in irreversible ruin. Only then would Willrow exact his revenge—repaying every humiliation a hundredfold, ensuring the heir experienced true hell, a life worse than death.
That was Willrow’s way.
And now, Willrow had targeted Xiang Qimiao… Xiang Qilin stroked his chin, deep in thought. He had indeed participated in two operations to capture Willrow, though neither had yielded significant results.
But if Willrow was truly targeting the Xiang family through Xiang Qimiao… given his usual methods, he should have waited until the family was in decline before striking. Yet the Xiang family remained firmly standing in the Blue Star Empire. If Willrow wanted revenge, shouldn’t he have gone after the family first? Why target Xiang Qimiao?
Moreover, if it was about hatred, shouldn’t the target be Xiang Qilin himself? What did his researcher brother have to do with any of this? It was baffling.
Still, despite his confusion, Xiang Qilin reported his findings to his father, Xiang Chen. Once Xiang Chen learned Willrow was involved, he told Xiang Qilin to step back.
Xiang Chen: “Alright, A-Lin, I’ve got a handle on this. Leave the rest to the adults. Since you’re on break, take some time to relax. Balance work and rest.”
Though Xiang Qilin didn’t know what his father was planning, he wasn’t one to pry. If his father said he had it under control, Xiang Qilin would obey. Perhaps Willrow was tied to some classified operation—Xiang Qilin knew better than to interfere.
Besides, with the recent holiday and the tension between him and Wei Huanping, a little relaxation wouldn’t hurt.
However, as the saying goes, “Speak of the devil, and he shall appear.” The moment Xiang Qilin thought of Wei Huanping, a call from him came through. Staring at the name on his communicator, Xiang Qilin felt a mix of emotions. After a brief hesitation, he sighed and answered.
Xiang Qilin: “Huanping, what’s up? What brings you to call me?” He tried to keep his tone casual. Truthfully, their recent inexplicable cold war had left an awkward tension between them.
Wei Huanping pretended nothing had happened, holding up a bottle of liquor and raising an eyebrow at Xiang Qilin. “How about it? You and me—let’s have a drink?”
Xiang Qilin couldn’t help but laugh. “A drink? With me? Are you sure?” Xiang Qilin had an iron tolerance—he could drink endlessly without getting drunk, never needing medical intervention. Wei Huanping, on the other hand… was a lightweight who couldn’t handle more than a single sip.
So when Wei Huanping suggested drinking together, Xiang Qilin wondered if he’d misheard. But Wei Huanping made it clear—yes, he was serious.
Why would a drinking novice like Wei Huanping challenge a master like Xiang Qilin? Simple—he wanted to confess his feelings but was afraid he’d chicken out. A little liquid courage would at least help him get the words out.
And so, the two began drinking at Wei Huanping’s place. From the start, Xiang Qilin knew how this would end. Sure enough, within three minutes, Wei Huanping was slumped over the table.
Xiang Qilin took another sip, savoring the fine liquor. What a waste for Wei Huanping to pass out so quickly—might as well enjoy it himself! He continued drinking with relish.
Xiang Qilin had few hobbies, but fine liquor was one of them—a passion inherited from his father. He drank with gusto.
Yet even Xiang Qilin, who had foreseen the outcome, was caught completely off guard by what happened next.
Drunk and emboldened, Wei Huanping clung to Xiang Qilin like a koala to a tree, burying his face in Xiang Qilin’s neck and slurring out a confession: “A-Lin… Xiang Qilin!”
Xiang Qilin: “Huanping, what is it?” Why was he suddenly calling his name? A Sentinel’s sharp senses picked up the alcohol on Wei Huanping’s breath. Oddly, despite his high tolerance and the relatively mild alcohol, Xiang Qilin felt a slight buzz—a strange, new sensation.
Wei Huanping tightened his grip. “Xiang Qilin! I like you! No—wait—Xiang Qilin! I love you!” He blurted it out loudly, without restraint. Xiang Qilin froze, stiff as a statue.
But did Wei Huanping stop there? Of course not. After years of pent-up feelings, how could he settle for just that? This was only the beginning.
“Xiang Qilin! I love you! Ever since I was a teenager and first understood what ‘love’ meant, it’s always been you! All these years, my heart has belonged to no one but you!”
“Xiang Qilin! I want to be with you forever! I don’t care about anyone else—I only want you!”
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