The military female’s ability to endure pain is widely recognized, as it is necessary to withstand the torment from the male partner after marriage. Being strong and enduring is considered one of the few advantages they have in the eyes of male zergs.
Gaien lay on the bed, watching as Han Yan inserted thin, silver needles one by one into his right leg. His muscles tensed uncontrollably for a moment, and then he forced himself to relax. This sharp, penetrating pain, delving into the veins and muscles, felt like a form of torture, much more challenging to endure than gunshot or knife wounds.
He silently clenched his fingertips, cold sweat dampening his forehead, as he found himself recalling the distant battlefield and the time when he was initially injured.
Back then, Gaien was ordered to lead a team to Lavanya Star to eradicate the alien creatures. Initially, everything was going smoothly, but unexpectedly, the intelligence from the front was incorrect. Inside the nest, there hid a Sand Spider Queen with a lifespan of a thousand years. Its strength was ferocious, and during the battle, they suffered almost total annihilation.
Gaien, along with his squad, stayed behind to hold the line. Unfortunately, he was accidentally injured in the right leg by the scythe evolved by the Sand Spider Queen. If it weren’t for the high protective level of the S-class royal zerg, his leg might have been severed long ago.
Although they barely escaped with their lives at that time and were urgently transported to the hospital for treatment, most of the bones in that leg were already shattered. Coupled with the venomous invasion from the Sand Spider Queen, despite the doctor’s efforts to stitch it up, it could only be reluctantly restored to its current state.
The ligaments were still damaged after all…
Han Yan continued to insert one silver needle after another, only to discover that the ligaments in Gaien’s leg were not in their original positions. Over the years, it remained a mystery how he managed to stand and walk. If it were someone else with the same injury, they would probably be sitting in a wheelchair by now.
Half of the needle curtain on Han Yan’s knees had already been cleared, replaced by a dense array of silver needles on Gaien’s leg. Seeing the female zerg lying obediently on the bed without moving, Han Yan took out a handkerchief from his shirt pocket. After pausing at his fingertips for a moment, he finally reached out and wiped away the cold sweat on Gaien’s forehead.
There were rarely any expressions on Han Yan’s face, making it difficult for others to discern what he was thinking. His gray-blue eyes behind the lenses stared at Gaien, and he made a decisive decision: “From now on, we’ll do one hour of acupuncture every day.”
Gaien did not object. Lying on the pillow, he turned his head slightly towards Han Yan, his face pale. However, the concentration and infatuation in his eyes had not diminished in the slightest: “But I have to lead the army on a mission to the dense forest next week.”
It dawned on Han Yan that Gaien would be leaving soon. He sat on the edge of the bed, lit a cigarette, and absentmindedly furrowed his brow, “When will you be back?”
Gaien noticed that Han Yan tended to smoke when his mood was not good, a subtle habit that others might not easily detect, “Very soon.”
Han Yan, being a businessman who preferred precise figures over vague words, asked, “How many days?”
Gaien wasn’t entirely sure himself, “Maybe two weeks, or it could be a month. I’ll try to return as soon as possible.”
Sounds like a bit of a runaround.
Han Yan slowly exhaled a wisp of smoke, squinting his eyes, but ultimately said nothing. Gaien’s departure wouldn’t affect his business or financial gains, and Han Yan seemed to have no reason to stop or retain him.
Han Yan quietly finished his cigarette, and then, precisely on time, removed the needles from Gaien’s leg. He stood up, walked to the drawer, and was about to put away the needle curtain when Gaien suddenly spoke, “After I leave, will you miss me?”
Han Yan paused briefly but quickly resumed his composure. He closed the drawer gently and casually replied, “I’ll know once you’re gone.”
So, there’s a possibility you might miss me?
For some reason, Gaien smiled at those words. He sat up from the bed, gazing earnestly at Han Yan, and said in a low voice, word by word, “But I haven’t left yet, and I’ve already started missing you…”
Gaien wasn’t skilled in sweet talk; he spoke the truth.
Han Yan thought aristocratic females were supposed to be taught to have “restraint”. Why couldn’t he see any of that in Gaien? Leaning against the desk, Han Yan didn’t turn to look at Gaien. Instead, he glanced at the still bright sun outside, and his deep voice resonated in the air, infused with a hint of warmth:
“The sooner you go, the sooner you’ll be back.”
Han Yan’s response may have been only concise words, but it carried significant value.
…
An attack on male zergs was a serious matter, especially when it involved the notorious Interstellar Pirate Alliance. At this moment, not only was the military investigating the incident, but even the royal family was exceptionally concerned.
General Blairand, who was dispatched to investigate the interstellar pirates, had just transmitted information from the frontlines on this day. As a result, the high-ranking military officials convened a special meeting.
The briefing officer projected an image of post-war ruins on the large screen and addressed the generals gathered around the conference table, saying, “General Blairand sent a report from the frontlines yesterday. They discovered traces of the Klayt Alliance near the Lagona Coast and initiated pursuit. However, due to inadvertently trespassing into the Northern Zerg Territory, they faced interference from them. Only a few alliance subordinates were captured, and the rest of the pirate members are currently in a fugitive state.”
One of the generals frowned and remarked, “It’s those uncivilized barbarians from the north again. His Majesty should deploy forces to attack and reclaim their territory!”
Gaien, also present at the meeting, raised his eyes to the operational records on the big screen and commented, “These interstellar pirates intentionally ventured to the border between the West and North. We’ve never been on good terms with Hossburgh, and Faeus will certainly intervene. Blairand was careless this time.”
The briefing officer explained, “After General Blairand led the team into Hossburgh territory, their actions faced constant interference. They came dangerously close to a conflict with the Northern Zerg Tribe. Currently, they are covertly waiting at the border, ready to capture the pirates when they show themselves.”
Out of the blue, Gaien asked, “What about their leader, Klayt?”
The briefing officer responded, “It’s said that there was a power struggle among the interstellar pirates recently, and Klayt was killed as a result. The Klayt Alliance now has a new leader, reportedly quite formidable.”
Without much contemplation, Gaien rubbed his temples with his fingertips, closed his eyes, and furrowed his brow, saying, “Let General Blairand continue the pursuit. Ensure they are all captured in one sweep. Issue a wanted notice for all escaping pirates on the StarNet, and report immediately upon any new information.”
Originally, Gaien didn’t want to let any of the zergs involved in the assassination incident go free, but the Klayt Alliance had been eluding capture for years, proving not so easy to bring in. The efficiency of the military was much lower than he had imagined.
All the generals present were aware that Han Yan was Gaien’s male lord, and coupled with his royal status, they tacitly remained silent. After the meeting, Gaien limped out of the room. It felt like, perhaps, the pain in his leg was slightly lighter when walking, but it was too subtle to be certain.
Gaien dismissed it as a mere illusion, shaking his head without dwelling on it. As he was about to return to his office, passing through the military headquarters corridor, he suddenly saw a male zerg being escorted out of the interrogation room. To his surprise, it was Sande Durant.
In theory, a noble male zerg like Sande Durant would never appear in a place like this. However, Gaien, in his pursuit of uncovering the mastermind, had quickly pried open the lips of the captured female zerg. The female zerg finally confessed that it was at the behest of Sande Durant that they had paid for the assassination of Han Yan.
The Durant family had long lost the protection of the Zerg Emperor. Going against Han Yan at this time was akin to walking into a trap. With the approval of the Zerg Emperor, the military promptly brought the entire Durant family to the interrogation room for investigation.
Male zergs weren’t as resilient in their silence as female zergs. When Sande walked out of the interrogation room, he regretted telling the truth moments earlier. He struggled fiercely, shouting incessantly, “Damn it! Where do you think you’re taking me! I’m a male zerg! If I lose a single hair, you’ll pay for it!”
The military female in charge of escorting was accustomed to such scenes and remained unfazed by Sande’s frustration. He responded matter-of-factly, “Your Excellency, you confessed to the crimes in the interrogation room just now. For the next period, you may have to spend time in prison until the court’s judgment is delivered.”
Sande struggled even more violently, angrily roaring, “You forced me! Twisted my words! Those confessions have no legal validity!”
As he spoke, he suddenly caught sight of a familiar figure ahead. His voice came to an abrupt halt, and his pupils contracted in shock, “Gaien?!”
Gaien crossed his arms, leaning against the wall, silently watching as Sande was awkwardly dragged away by the soldiers. The silver strands of hair covered any emotions in his eyes, revealing only the crimson teardrop-shaped birthmark beneath them, contrasting sharply with his pale complexion.
In Sande’s eyes, this female zerg still appeared as beautiful and silent as when they were young. However, since the other had grown up and started limping, something seemed to have changed.
He stared blankly at Gaien, momentarily forgetting to struggle.
Gaien observed the scene without any intention of intervening to help. It seemed as if he was merely there to witness how the perpetrator faced consequences. Once Sande was taken away, he turned and walked back to his office.
As it was nearing the end of the working hours, only one female zerg remained in the office, busy printing documents. After organizing his belongings, Gaien, seeing the situation, walked directly over and lightly tapped the desk to draw attention, “Joseph.”
He remembered that was the name the female zerg went by.
Joseph instinctively stood up at the mention, “General, do you have any orders?”
Gaien suddenly asked, “You’re still single, right?”
Joseph’s eyes brightened at the question. He remembered that Gaien had mentioned something about introducing a male zerg to him last time, “Yes, General!”
Gaien glanced at the time, “Are you free tonight? I’ll introduce a friend to accompany you for dinner.”
Joseph cautiously asked, “General, who is this friend?”
Gaien hesitated for a moment, “My brother.”
More accurately, it should be his male lord’s brother, but in a roundabout way, he could be considered Gaien’s brother.
Arranged meetings, or matchmaking, were quite common in Salaranfa. Even if you didn’t arrange it yourself, when you reached the appropriate age, the Empire would organize matchmaking for you. Joseph was a newcomer to the Intelligence Department, and Gaien observed that, among the available options, he and Johnny seemed more compatible. Rather than waiting for the right time, Gaien decided to have them meet today.
The dinner was arranged at the restaurant downstairs in the military building. Johnny, as soon as he received Gaien’s message, hurried over. He wore a light-colored suit, clearly putting effort into his appearance and looking quite presentable.
“How do I look? Good?”
Like Admon, Johnny enjoyed looking good. He stood in front of Gaien, showing off the new outfit he had tailored, hoping to hear a few compliments.
However, Gaien just silently marveled at Johnny’s transformation. Not long ago, the guy couldn’t even afford takeout, and now he seemed to be able to support himself. “Not bad.”
After speaking, Gaien gestured toward the inside of the restaurant, “Joseph is sitting at the bar by the window. You’ll see him as soon as you enter.”
Johnny, at Gaien’s words, glanced inside through the glass door and indeed saw a young female zerg in military attire sitting by the window. “What about you? Are you heading straight home?”
Gaien nodded. He was scheduled to depart with the military for the forest mission tomorrow, so he needed to go back and pack tonight.
Johnny playfully winked at Gaien, “Don’t blame me for not reminding you. My big brother is nearby discussing business. Don’t be in a hurry to go back; you might run into him if you wait a bit.”
Leaving his words half-explained, he adjusted his tie and walked directly into the restaurant to meet Joseph.
Upon hearing Johnny’s words, Gaien hesitated for a moment. He opened his terminal and sent a message to Han Yan, inquiring about his whereabouts and offering to pick him up after work. However, he received an unexpected response:
[Military headquarters.]
Han Yan was conducting business at the military headquarters today. He had noticed during his last visit to the laboratory that it contained many specimens of mutated species captured from the Solitiam Forest – whether it was fire ants, long-horned beasts, three-headed white crows, or humanoid birds. After the research was completed, they seemed to lose their purpose and were left to gather dust on the shelves.
The Solitiam Forest still remained a forbidden area, but the enthusiasm for exploration among the StarNet community was undiminished. Han Yan keenly sensed the business opportunities in this and intended to establish a forest exhibition. Today, he went to the military headquarters to negotiate cooperation and had just finalized the contract—
After all, the annual military expenditure of the Empire was a staggering figure. By providing samples from the laboratory for exhibition, he could gain additional income. Why not take advantage of it?
“Your Excellency, it’s been a pleasure cooperating with you.”
The person in charge of negotiating with Han Yan was the Minister of Propaganda. He stood up, shook hands with Han Yan, and smiled broadly, showing teeth and eyes, “Your idea of the Forest Exhibition is fantastic. We’ve been researching the Solitiam Forest for so many years, and the laboratory has specimens of over ten thousand mutated species, along with many plant samples. If the exhibition is successfully established, we will definitely give our full support.”
Han Yan nodded slightly at the words, “Thank you for your support. Once the exhibition is completed, I will inform you at the earliest opportunity.”
After exchanging a few more pleasantries, they left the meeting room. When Han Yan walked out of the military headquarters gate, his terminal suddenly vibrated. He lowered his eyes and saw a message from Gaien, inquiring about his location.
Han Yan replied with two words: [Military headquarters.]
Now, it was close to the end of working hours. For some reason, Han Yan thought of something and sent another message to Gaien: [What time do you finish work?]
Three seconds later, the female zerg sent a location coordinate: [I’m at a nearby restaurant.]
Han Yan responded: [Wait for me there.]
Gaien was initially seated at a table near the corner of the restaurant, chatting with Han Yan while discreetly observing the developments of Johnny’s blind date from afar. When he received the message, he settled the bill and left the restaurant. It didn’t take long for him to witness a familiar aircraft landing by the roadside.
The hatch slowly lowered, revealing a male zerg with blue hair, blue eyes, and gold-rimmed glasses – Han Yan himself. Seeing Gaien behind him and a restaurant nearby, he inquired, “Are you hungry?”
Gaien shook his head, pointing to the restaurant behind him, “Johnny happens to be inside having a blind date.”
Han Yan raised an eyebrow, “A blind date?”
He remembered that Johnny had the day off today and didn’t go to work. He thought Johnny would be resting at home, but apparently, he went for a blind date instead.
Gaien leaned closer to the hatch and explained, “You asked if I knew any eligible single females, and coincidentally, I do. I introduced him to Johnny.”
Han Yan chuckled at the explanation, not because of Johnny’s blind date but due to the appearance of a familiar aircraft not far away. He raised his chin slightly, signaling Gaien to look in that direction, “Guess who’s inside?”
Following Han Yan’s gesture, Gaien saw a white aircraft with the royal emblem on the tail, similar to the one often used by Prince Pei.
Gaien’s figure paused: “Seems like it’s my uncle?”
Today, Han Yan discussed the business of the exhibition hall with the military. He specifically sought the help of Prince Pei to make connections. He originally thought that the other party had left already, but it turns out he hasn’t left yet. A faint hint of curiosity appeared in his eyes.
Han Yan teased: “Why don’t you ask him why he’s here?”
He was intentionally teasing Gaien. Johnny was inside on a blind date, and Prince Pei appeared right after him. It was clearly a battleground. Wouldn’t going over at this time be asking for trouble?
However, as soon as Han Yan’s words fell, he saw Gaien actually walk over. The curve at the corner of his lips slightly twitched: “…”
Really foolish.
Han Yan, who considered himself clever, never expected his family members to be one more foolish than the other in this lifetime. Seeing this, he opened the hatch, stepped out of the aircraft, and walked straight over. At that moment, Gaien was standing on the roadside. It was unclear what he had said to Prince Pei through the window, but not long after, the other party activated the aircraft and left the place.
Han Yan paused when he saw this, subconsciously looking at Gaien. “What did you say?”
Gaien shook his head slightly, looking somewhat bewildered. “I asked Uncle why he appeared here, and he asked me what Johnny was doing in the restaurant.”
“And then?” Han Yan inquired.
Gaien continued, “I said Johnny was on a blind date, and Uncle left.”
Han Yan: “…”
The air fell silent for a moment. Han Yan eventually chuckled lightly, unsure if he was laughing at Gaien’s foolishness or at the situation. He thought that saying such a thing was practically poking into Prince Pei’s business.
With a half-smile, Han Yan asked, “Didn’t you tell him that Johnny’s blind date was someone you introduced?”
Gaien shook his head, “Didn’t get the chance.”
Han Yan thought it was fortunate he hadn’t. If he had, there might have been consequences. Taking Gaien’s hand, he led him back to the aircraft. Once inside and seated, Han Yan spoke, “From now on, let’s not meddle in their affairs. Let them handle it themselves.”
Gaien, always obedient to him, nodded in agreement, “As you wish.”
He was just too well-behaved and obedient, his appearance always touching the soft spots in people’s hearts. Han Yan silently reached out, pulling him into his lap. Behind the lenses of his glasses, his gaze seemed lost in thought as he casually asked, “Are you leaving with the troops for the forest tomorrow?”
Gaien quietly nestled in his embrace, “We depart at seven tomorrow morning.”
Han Yan said nothing. He didn’t know what to say. Businessmen valued profit over parting, and this kind of thing seemed beyond his concern.
On the way home, they remained silent.
Before going to bed, Gaien opened his suitcase and packed some clothes into it. Military females required very few items on the battlefield, just weapons and food, so the half-empty suitcase looked somewhat modest.
Han Yan sat behind the desk, quietly observing Gaien’s actions. The warm yellow light from the desk lamp illuminated his refined profile, exuding a subtly warm and polished aura. He noticed Gaien folding a white shirt, a style that seemed familiar, almost like the one he frequently wore. He closed his eyes slowly, unintentionally furrowing his brows.
Suddenly, Han Yan realized he didn’t like the word “parting”.
He opened a drawer and took out the acupuncture kit, then walked over to the suitcase and threw it inside. “Take this with you,” he said.
Gaien looked at him puzzled. “Why would I need this?”
Han Yan replied, “Learn to puncture by yourself every day.”
Gaien belatedly realized that Han Yan was referring to puncturing legs. Although he didn’t understand why males were so obsessed with this, he still earnestly stowed away the acupuncture kit in the suitcase compartment.
Han Yan couldn’t help but feel amused seeing Gaien’s actions. He had been waiting for Gaien to ask how to use the needles, but instead, Gaien simply stored them without any questions. Did Gaien think that just poking the needles into his legs would be sufficient?
Thinking of this, Han Yan looked down at Gaien and asked, “Do you know how to use it?”
Gaien hesitated, shook his head, then nodded again. Han Yan naturally didn’t believe him. “Come here, I’ll teach you.”
Han Yan took out a waterproof red pen from the drawer, then sat at the edge of the bed. Seeing Gaien ‘s actions, it was clear he had no idea about what was going on. Gaien lowered his head, removed his military pants, and quietly climbed into Han Yan’s embrace under the warm yellow glow.
Ignoring the gruesome scar on Gaien’s right leg, Han Yan gently traced upward along the slender ankle, using the red pen to mark the important acupuncture points for the needle treatment.
The chilly pen tip glided over the skin, causing a slight itch. Gaien couldn’t help but flinch, only to be held down by Han Yan. A low voice sounded in his ear, “Don’t move.”
Gaien settled down, asking quietly, “My lord, are you treating my leg?”
Han Yan replied, “No.”
He didn’t have the confidence to heal Gaien, so there was no need to give him false hope, and he didn’t want to explain anything.
The ink of this red pen was special, usually used for signing official letters, and it wouldn’t disappear when wet. After marking the acupoints on Gaien’s leg, Han Yan felt that the red dots weren’t quite prominent enough. Finally, he lightly traced the pen tip, sketching a few faint flowers on the skin.
Gaien’s skin was pale throughout the year, and his legs were no exception. The red ink against the white skin gave a subtle allure. Even the gruesome scar seemed to transform into winding branches, adding to the overall enchanting effect.
Han Yan pointed to the center of the flower: “Use the needle here, with the same force as usual.”
Gaien, being a military officer, was no stranger to controlling force, and he nodded in understanding, “I got it, my lord.”
Han Yan noticed Gaien trembling, realizing that this sensitive zerg had once again been tickled in a sensitive spot. His fingertip traced lightly, skillfully opening Gaien’s collar, and then he stayed still, palm resting on the chest.
Through the warm skin, there was a heart beating vigorously.
Thump, thump, thump—
Han Yan remembered that Gaien had mentioned this heart belonged to him. He held Gaien’s hand, then slowly wrote two words in the palm with the pen—
Han Yan.
Han Yan was abandoned at the village entrance shortly after birth in his previous life, with these two characters embroidered in the swaddle. When he was later adopted by his grandfather, he stuck with this name, and it remained unchanged throughout the years.
Many things disappeared in the accident, both his physical body and wealth. However, the name persisted—the only thing he brought from Earth.
The Zerg race’s written language was similar to Earth’s but had its unique characteristics.
Gaien stared at the two characters in his palm, feeling a sense of familiarity that eluded recognition. Puzzled, he asked, “What do these two characters mean?”
Han Yan replied, “I’ll tell you when you come back.”
Unable to figure it out, Gaien dropped the question. Seeing that Han Yan had finished writing and drawing, he slowly unbuttoned his clothes, whispered a phrase into Han Yan’s ear, “My lord, please enjoy…”
It was a phrase spoken by every female zerg in Salaranfa when seeking intimacy.
Han Yan hadn’t really planned on it, especially considering the mission that Gaien had to undertake the next day. Perplexed, he asked, “Do you want to?”
Gaien responded, “Just once, okay?”
He couldn’t imagine any other way to be more intimate with a male zerg.
Han Yan thought one time wouldn’t hurt, so he didn’t refuse. He raised his hand, took off his glasses, and complied with Gaien’s wishes. After all, they were about to face a substantial period of separation.
Han Yan was unusually gentle this time.
Gaien even had the leisure to ponder other matters. He recalled today when he walked up to the aircraft and saw Prince Pei sitting inside with a gloomy expression. In his memory, this uncle always had a smile, was calm, and composed, rarely showing such a demeanor.
No, not rarely, but never.
Leaning over the window, Gaien called out to him, “Uncle.”
Prince Pei clearly hadn’t expected Gaien to be there, visibly stunned for a moment. “Gaien, what are you doing here?”
Gaien, however, answered with another topic, “Johnny is inside on a blind date.”
Prince Pei’s face froze at the words, and he couldn’t even muster a fake smile.
Gaien tilted his head slightly at the reaction, finding it amusing. Members of the Gohedra family seemed to be falling one after another. First Yusto, then himself, and now his uncle.
Gaien smirked and whispered, “It seems you’ve forgotten the teachings of our ancestors.”
There was a saying in Salaranfa:
The bloodline of the Gohedra family was inherently noble. Warriors fought for them in all directions, politicians devised strategies for them, and merchants piled treasures of gold and silver beneath their throne. Everything in the world was within their reach.
They never had anything they couldn’t get.
What they desired, they would undoubtedly obtain.
This was the blessing of the Zerg God.
Prince Pei, who has experienced the royal family’s struggles and has navigated the business world for many years with remarkable skill, is now standing still, not competing or seizing opportunities. Prince Pei understood Gaien’s implication, looked deeply at him, said nothing, and drove the aircraft away with a heavy expression.
Author’s note:
Prince Pei (internally orz1The term “orz” is a representation of a person kneeling on the ground, with “o” being the head, “r” the arms, and “z” the body. It is commonly used in online culture to convey a sense of defeat, frustration, or exhaustion.): You unfilial nephew, helping other zergs encroach on my territory.
![He Lived Like You [End of the World]](https://www.freenovels.net/wp-content/uploads/2022/07/HLLY.jpg "He Lived Like You [End of the World]")
