Johnny’s conditioned reflex was to curse Han Yan for being shameless. In a place like the hospital, they could get intimate, but suddenly he remembered that he hadn’t done anything good in the past couple of days. The words almost came out of his mouth, but he narrowly swallowed them back. Feeling aggrieved, he asked, “Are you done? The aircraft is waiting downstairs.”
Han Yan always maintained a calm demeanor, seemingly unfazed by storms. Without looking at Johnny, he casually replied, completely unaffected by the awkwardness that wasn’t revealed, “Then let it continue waiting downstairs.”
Johnny choked on his words.
Seeing the situation, Gaien got up from Han Yan’s arms and subtly tugged at the male’s sleeve, “My lord, everything is packed. Let’s go.”
Upon hearing this, Han Yan finally rose from the hospital bed. Together with Gaien, they went downstairs to complete the discharge procedures. However, as they were about to board the aircraft to return home, Johnny joined them, squeezing his way up, “Let’s go together, let’s go together. I’ll go with you guys.”
This wasn’t the first time Han Yan found him bothersome. Frowning, he asked, “Don’t you have your own aircraft?”
Johnny grinned, “We’re all a family of zergs. It’s more lively to travel together, isn’t it?”
He never mentioned the psychological trauma he had developed due to the previous accident. He was now too afraid to travel in an aircraft as a lone zerg. Gaien, being a military female, and Han Yan, who wouldn’t hesitate to fight, provided him with a sense of security, so he chose to stick with them.
Uncharacteristically, Han Yan didn’t refuse. He leaned back in his seat, closing his eyes to rest, signaling Gaien to start the aircraft and head home.
During their time in the hospital recovering, they hadn’t informed their friends, including Admon, about the situation. They had been using the excuse of working overtime at the company. Luckily, they were getting discharged today; otherwise, they might not have been able to keep up the charade for much longer.
Upon arriving home, it was exactly noon. Following polite etiquette, Gaien asked Johnny if he wanted to stay and have lunch together. To his surprise, Johnny took the opportunity and shamelessly agreed to stay.
“Sure, I happen to be hungry. Let’s have a meal here before I go back,” Johnny said with a bold face.
Gaien was already familiar with his personality, so he wasn’t surprised by the response. He turned and headed to the kitchen to prepare the meal.
Han Yan gazed at the busy figure of the female zerg inside, lost in his thoughts. After a moment, he withdrew his gaze. Sitting on the stairs by the window, he held a plate of unidentified fruits and slowly peeled the flesh. The sun outside was just right—neither too arrogant nor too reserved. The sunlight poured through the stained glass, casting a mottled pattern of light and shadow on his shoulders.
Johnny didn’t understand why Han Yan chose to sit on the stairs, so he squeezed in beside him, asking, “Why are you sitting here?”
Han Yan just wanted to find a warm place to sit. Today, he wore a light blue shirt, sleeves rolled up to his elbows. He lowered his eyes and earnestly peeled the fruit. The sunlight danced on his fingertips, accentuating the elegance of his long and attractive hands. “Then why did you come over here?” he asked without looking up.
Johnny stammered, “Um, you, uh, didn’t you say you were going to find me a female monarch? Why haven’t there been any updates?”
Han Yan paused at his words, arching an eyebrow as he looked at him. “Didn’t you say to establish a career before settling down?”
Johnny, always unapologetic, replied confidently, “Well, you can at least look around. What if I find someone suitable? Better to act now than risk losing out to someone else.”
Han Yan casually asked, “So, what kind of mate do you want to marry?”
Johnny seemed to be trying to gauge Han Yan’s opinion, “What kind of female monarch do you think would be suitable for me?”
Han Yan thought it would be best if Johnny didn’t marry anyone to spare others from his antics. But then he realized he was no different; after all, he had married Gaien. “Why don’t you ask your father about these matters?” he suggested.
In matters of marriage among the Zerg race, parental wishes and arranged unions still held significance. Even in the Zerg world, seeking the approval of elders was a tradition. There was no reason to consult an older brother about it.
Johnny might be occasionally scatterbrained, but he wasn’t foolish. He knew who held the authority in the family. “I just want to ask you. Come on, tell me, what kind of female monarch would be suitable for me?”
Rich,
Influential,
Obedient,
Able to bring benefits.
These words flashed through Han Yan’s mind, one by one. For some reason, he refrained from saying them out loud. In this moment, his cold and distant heart seemed to produce a tiny bit of inconspicuous kindness. He didn’t want to lead Johnny down the same path of moral ambiguity as himself.
The fruit in Han Yan’s hand had been completely peeled. It resembled oranges, but the segmented flesh had a crunchy texture, a delicacy favored by female zergs in Salaranfa.
Lowering his eyes, he meticulously peeled away the white veins on top. As if sensing something, he spoke, “Marry someone you like.”
Han Yan seemed to have an inkling of what Johnny might say and asked, “Do you already have a female you like?”
Johnny, upon hearing the question, looked bewildered and asked, “What does it mean to like someone?”
Caught off guard, Han Yan also paused and said, “…”
Han Yan was equally clueless about the question, so he couldn’t provide an answer.
At that moment, Gaien had just finished cooking. Carrying the dishes, he walked out and saw Han Yan and Johnny sitting at the corner of the stairs. He spoke up, “The meal is ready. Come and eat.”
Han Yan quietly stared at the female zerg not far away, lost in thought. The sunlight bathed his entire body through the window, and for a moment, his gaze seemed to fade into nothingness. In the depths of his heart, a dark corner felt as if a seed were stirring, eager to break through the soil.
This sensation was somewhat peculiar…
Furrowing his brows, Han Yan tried hard to ignore this unusual feeling. He got up from the stairs, walked over, and placed the plate of peeled fruit in front of Gaien. Only then did he go to the kitchen to wash his hands and prepare for the meal.
Due to the limited ingredients at home, Gaien prepared a simple three-course meal, with just enough to go around. Johnny, not very observant, noticed a plate of fruit beside Gaien and instinctively reached for it.
However, both sets of eyes simultaneously fell upon him, freezing him in place. “…”
Gaien lowered his gaze, watching Johnny’s hand like a protective animal guarding its food, worried that he might take too much.
Han Yan’s gray-blue eyes remained calmly indifferent. Although he didn’t say anything, the message was clear enough for Johnny to retract his hand.
Swindler! A total swindler!!!
Johnny cursed vehemently in his heart. He had initially thought Han Yan was cunning when it came to business, but now, even during a meal, he was being so stingy that he wouldn’t even share a piece of fruit. Could this still be considered brotherhood?!
As harshly as Johnny cursed internally, he kept up a meek appearance. He tactfully picked up the plate, placing two pieces of fruit into Gaien’s dish and two into Han Yan’s. With a forced smile, he said, “You guys enjoy. You guys enjoy.”
He didn’t deserve this.
The meal today was a lively affair, and throughout, Johnny subtly inquired about Han Yan’s views on his marriage. Surprisingly, he found Han Yan’s criteria to be unexpectedly lenient:
Female, alive.
These were Han Yan’s requirements for Johnny in selecting a future monarch. Of course, if Johnny wanted to bring back a male, Han Yan wouldn’t necessarily interfere.
With Han Yan’s consent, Johnny felt as if he had secured a treasure. He bid farewell with a satisfied grin, and even Gaien sensed that something was off in Johnny’s calculations.
“My lord, Johnny seemed a bit strange today.”
As they lay down to sleep at night, Gaien finally couldn’t help but ask, “Why would he suddenly want to marry a female monarch?”
At that moment, Han Yan was busy with official matters in front of the light-brain. Hearing the question, he raised an eyebrow with unclear meaning, “Don’t bother about him. Today he wants to marry; tomorrow, he might forget about it.”
He had just been negotiating cooperation with Prince Pei, but the prince seemed distracted, constantly inquiring about Johnny’s marriage. Even a blind person could see that there was something going on between the two of them.
Han Yan had no intention of intervening or helping; sitting back and watching the drama unfold was more his style.
Gaien recalled that Johnny had once marked Prince Pei, and he felt that this matter might not be as simple as it seemed. After taking a shower and coming out of the bathroom, he noticed Han Yan still working in front of the light-brain. Limping slightly, he approached and reminded, “My lord, it’s getting late. You should rest early.”
Hearing this, Han Yan looked at Gaien. He saw the silver hair still damp with moisture, wearing a loose white shirt. His gaze traveled downward, revealing two legs exposed to the air—
Empty, with nothing on.
However, due to the shirt’s hem being too long and covering the thighs, Han Yan wasn’t entirely sure. He reached out and pulled Gaien onto his lap, carefully examining him. Only then did he confirm that his lower half was indeed bare.
The touch made Gaien tremble for a moment. The visibly reddened fair skin on his body showed a faint scent of pheromones emitted by the male. He couldn’t help but curl his legs in response.
Han Yan sat neatly in his office chair, an enduring sense of restraint always surrounding him. Through the clothing, he gently explored the supple waist of the female zerg. With well-defined abdominal muscles and a deep voice, he slowly asked, “Why aren’t you wearing clothes?”
Gaien’s lower back tensed unconsciously for a moment. Feeling awkward, he lowered his gaze and explained in a low voice, “I did wear something…”
But for the sake of the male zerg’s convenience, he hadn’t worn too much.
Han Yan thought Gaien was always so knowledgeable and tactful. He pinched the female zerg’s pointed chin, reluctant to let go. Finally, he skillfully pressed Gaien against the edge of the desk and kissed him. The cool touch of the table corner against their skin sent shivers, bringing an inexplicable thrill.
Han Yan couldn’t help but feel that he was about to retire another pair of pants. As expected, in just a few minutes, the area around his knees became soaked. He grabbed a tissue, wiped it off casually, and then tossed the crumpled paper on the floor. Inadvertently, he met Gaien’s stunned gaze.
Han Yan calmly said, “The laundry is your responsibility.”
Whoever dirties it has to clean it; it’s only fair.
Gaien regained his composure and, enduring his embarrassment, apologized softly, “I’m sorry. I’ll buy you a new one tomorrow.”
Han Yan always felt that this female zerg was a bit foolish, believing whatever he said. He had Gaien lean against the desk, and he embraced him from behind. In front of them was the light-brain that he hadn’t shut down yet, displaying the fact that Han Yan had just placed a custom order on the Star Network.
Han Yan absentmindedly kissed Gaien’s ear, “Do you know what I just bought?”
Gaien’s eyelashes were dampened by tears, making his vision blurry. He struggled to see clearly what was on the screen after hearing Han Yan’s question but couldn’t manage it. Eventually, suppressing a choked voice, he shook his head, “No… I don’t know…”
Han Yan pushed Gaien forward a bit, bringing him closer to the light-brain screen, and asked again, “Can you see it now?”
This time, Gaien saw it clearly. Han Yan had custom-ordered a set of sharp silver needles online, comprising three different sizes. He didn’t understand why the male zerg would order something that looked like a torture device. His body stiffened for a moment, and he instinctively turned to look at Han Yan, his voice suddenly becoming strained, “Why did you buy needles?”
In Salaranfa, male zergs often had some peculiar fetishes to assert dominance over the females. However, Han Yan had never revealed any hints in that direction.
Han Yan, unable to discern the emotions, asked, “Are you afraid?”
Gaien pursed his lips, unsure of how to respond. The color drained from his face bit by bit.
Seeing this, Han Yan chuckled softly and turned Gaien to face him. Leaning against the female zerg’s forehead, he gently caressed his face with his fingertips, speaking in a breathy voice, “Do you trust me?”
Han Yan often preferred not to explain himself, so he only asked this one question.
Gaien closed his eyes and nodded. In a hoarse voice, he uttered a single word, “Trust…”
Han Yan thought that was enough. He pulled the female zerg into his arms, holding him tightly. His warm lips pressed against Gaien’s chilly earlobe, and his voice became almost indistinct, “It’s not for punishing you.”
He knew what Gaien was afraid of. It wasn’t the pain itself; it was the humiliation that came with that kind of punishment.
As Han Yan tenderly held Gaien, the latter, hearing his words, opened his eyes in a daze. He was met with a pair of gray-blue eyes—so quiet, so steady, like the rarest sapphire in the world.
Gaien’s voice trembled as he asked, “You… won’t punish me, will you?”
Han Yan uttered a soft “No.”
As soon as the words were spoken, the female zerg beneath him suddenly took the initiative to reach up and encircle his neck. It was as if a small creature had nestled into a safe haven, trusting and affectionate, with a incredibly soft touch.
Han Yan’s movement imperceptibly paused for a moment.
His heart, beating in his chest, suddenly felt swollen, as if something had been injected into it, filling it to the point of almost overflowing. This sensation was unfamiliar and somewhat unsettling.
Han Yan quietly tightened his fingertips, furrowed his brow, closed his eyes, and took quite some time to finally settle that peculiar feeling.
“…”
The weather had gradually turned cooler recently. If they were on Earth, it would probably be early winter, and snow would soon be falling. However, on this planet, with so little greenery, the garden was filled with artificial flowers that never withered, making it difficult to feel the shifting seasons.
Han Yan noticed that Gaien’s body felt a bit cold. He took him into the bathroom, and after bathing together for a while, they emerged. They then lay down together in the warm bed and fell asleep.
Gaien had been fed until he was full, and occasionally, a subtle light would flash across the golden patterns on the back of his neck. He rested in Han Yan’s arms, entwining his legs with the injured one gently rubbing against it under the blanket.
Han Yan’s injured leg had always been off-limits to others, but now there was finally an exception.
After sensing Gaien’s subtle movements, Han Yan calmly pressed on his abdomen. The latter immediately tensed up, retreating to avoid his touch.
Han Yan seemed to smirk, but it wasn’t very noticeable in the dark.
Feeling uncomfortably swollen, Gaien finally, afraid of any accidents, quietly crawled to the bedside table and found a soft plug in one of the drawers. It was something he had purchased online, and since Han Yan rarely cleaned the room, he hadn’t noticed it until now.
However, Han Yan wasn’t oblivious. Sensing Gaien’s movements, he accurately grabbed his wrist, and in the darkness, after a brief search, he arched an eyebrow and said nonchalantly, “What’s this?”
Gain didn’t know how to explain, so he responded with silence.
Understanding instantly, Han Yan flipped his fingers and took the object into his hand. He rolled over, pressing Gaien beneath him. In the darkness, he parted the zerg’s legs and calmly said, “I’ll help you.”
It was a place he was familiar with.
It took less than three seconds to finish.
Gaien felt that something was a bit odd. He furrowed his brow, adjusted his position, and finally found a comfortable spot in Han Yan’s embrace. For some reason, memories of pre-marital intimate education from a teacher popped into his mind.
The teacher had said he was like a dead fish and predicted a future of living alone.
But now, not only was it not lonely, it seemed a bit too full.
Han Yan noticed that Gaien was lost in thought and casually asked with his eyes closed, “What are you thinking about?”
Gaien instinctively asked, “What were you like before?”
Han Yan paused at the question and quietly opened his eyes in the darkness. After a moment, he provided an answer without any apparent flaws, “… A fool.”
This body used to be foolish; Han Yan’s response wasn’t entirely incorrect.
“Oh, really…”
Gaien murmured to himself in a low voice, but eventually couldn’t resist the tide of drowsiness that swept over him. His eyelids grew heavier, and he fell asleep in Han Yan’s embrace.
Gaien had never dreamed before, but tonight he experienced an extraordinary vision.
He dreamt that he appeared in a calm and ancient village surrounded by mountains on all sides. Countless pine and cypress trees were hidden in the clouds and mist, creating a winding and distant landscape. The crisp chirping of birds echoed overhead, creating a pleasant and melodious atmosphere.
Having never seen so much greenery, Gaien couldn’t help but pause for a moment. Subconsciously, he followed a small path and arrived at the village entrance. There sat a spirited old man with white, bushy facial hair, but a straight and sturdy posture. In his hands, he skillfully cracked a pile of walnuts, making a snapping sound as he tossed them into his mouth.
Gaien stood in front of the old man, who seemed oblivious to his presence. After finishing the walnuts, the old man leisurely drank a cup of strong tea. He wore simple and ancient-style coarse cloth clothing, with patches on his shoulders.
Gaien furrowed his brow, finding the attire of the elderly man peculiar. However, before he could inquire, a neatly dressed child suddenly ran over from the other side of the village, breathless, saying, “Grandpa, Grandpa! Something’s wrong! Grandpa San is fighting with Yuan Zhi and Zhui Zhi again!”
The old man lifted his eyelids to glance at the child. “Ah, Sui Zhi, why have you come here?”
Unperturbed, the child leaned against the stone table and repeated loudly, “Grandpa San is fighting with Yuan Zhi and Zhui Zhi!”
The old man inquired, “Who won?”
Sui Zhi, with a slightly pouting face, replied, “Grandpa San lost. Yuan Zhi and the others ganged up on him.”
With a nonchalant “snap”, the elderly man crushed another walnut, seeming unfazed. “If he lost, he lost. In a fight, there’s always a loser. Let them pick ten buckets of water each before allowing them to eat.”
Sui Zhi remarked thoughtlessly, “But Grandpa San has a lame leg. How can he carry water?”
Hearing these words, Gaien’s right leg tensed involuntarily for a moment. He belatedly realized that he was in a dream, and the strange zergs in front of him couldn’t see him.
The old man continued, “You should go; he will be able to carry it.”
He looked confident, as if he were absolutely certain about this.
Sui Zhi responded with an acknowledgment and hurriedly ran back. For some reason, Gaien inexplicably followed behind. Although the small zerg in front of him ran fast, being young with short legs, Gaien managed to keep up by walking a bit faster.
By the time they reached the edge of the village and entered the woods, Gaien realized that the ones fighting were a group of young zergs. The zerg referred to as “Grandpa San” looked no more than seven or eight years old, with black hair and eyes, appearing thin and frail.
It seemed familiar…
Gaien, noticing this, unconsciously touched his own heart and furrowed his brow, puzzled by the unfamiliar sensation.
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![The Rebirth of the Last Days and Return to [Fang] Hao](https://www.freenovels.net/wp-content/uploads/2021/09/image_2021-09-11_143139.png "The Rebirth of the Last Days and Return to [Fang] Hao")
