Chapter 33
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“Unsuitable.”
“What’s unsuitable?”
“You and that alpha.”
Even though he only saw the back of the man he encountered last night, Qin Muye could still connect the person he cuddled with Rong Qiu last night with the alpha he saw today.
Just thinking that the person who intimately touched Rong Qiu on the street last night was the same alpha today, how could Qin Muye not have more thoughts?
Originally, he thought that the man from last night was Rong Qiu’s lover, but unexpectedly, he turned out to be a bed companion.
Rong Qiu didn’t know that Qin Muye’s thoughts had already gone so far.
If he knew, he would surely find all this absurd.
At the moment, Rong Qiu simply stepped back, keeping a safe distance from someone.
“I had a meal with the alpha; it has nothing to do with Head Commander Qin.”
“…I’m just concerned about you. You were with him last night and had a meal with him today. What would your lover think?” Qin Muye tried to reason, “I believe anyone with moral integrity wouldn’t do such things.”
Huh?
Moral integrity?
Hearing Qin Muye mention his lover, Rong Qiu even felt a kind of insult.
How could these alphas be qualified to mention his beta lover?
“The commander, whom I’ve only met twice, claims to care about me, but the concern is about my private affairs. I can’t bear it. If Commander Qin has time, it’s better to focus more on military affairs in the district, or enhance one’s moral qualities. At the very least, it’s important to distinguish between public and private matters…”
After Rong Qiu finished speaking, he paused, realizing something, and his expression turned fierce, “How do you know that I was with the alpha last night? Did you investigate me!”
Pierced by the youth’s sharp words, Qin Muye furrowed his brows, “It was just a coincidence.”
“A coincidence? Commander Qin, both times we’ve met have been coincidences?”
As he spoke, Rong Qiu laughed, but it was a laugh out of anger.
“I drove to your office yesterday afternoon and suffered from your harassment; I went to the bar to drink last night, and I was picked up by the alpha, which was seen by Commander Qin. Today, I came here to eat with him, and Commander Qin appeared in the same bar… Three encounters in two days. Do I have reason to believe that Commander Qin is following me?”
“Little Qiu, I didn’t investigate, and I didn’t track you. Yesterday, I invited you to the office just to discuss the follow-up matters of the mecha research. I was genuinely concerned about you.”
“I’ve said it before, Head Commander, don’t call me by this name. This name is reserved for my beta lover.”
Hearing Qin Muye call him Little Qiu, Rong Qiu’s goosebumps fell off the floor.
This wasn’t the first time the man had called him so intimately; even yesterday during their office meeting, he used the same address, as if they were very familiar with each other.
What familiarity?
Why insist on pretending to be familiar?
Rong Qiu couldn’t understand alpha thinking, and especially the thoughts of a certain S-rank alpha.
Regardless of what Qin Muye said, Rong Qiu always retorted, and as the conversation progressed, Rong Qiu’s words became less polite. He had spent more time with Rong Qin in his earlier years, and Rong Qin, being straightforward and temperamental, gradually influenced Rong Qiu’s nature.
Moreover, the man in front of him dared to mention his lover, casually throwing around terms like extramarital affair and bed companion.
How could someone like that understand the genuine bond between him and his lover or the existence of normal ABO friendship in the Thirteenth Military District?
Indeed, they were different.
Rong Qin once said that alphas had a hierarchical concept, a cold-blooded group that didn’t care about betas, viewing them as countless screws in the operation of society. If one was lost, countless other betas could replace them. They couldn’t compare to the other two genders’ communities.
An Alpha’s victory was the victory of genetics, the victory of differentiation.
This kind of victory destined them to be arrogant and lofty for a lifetime.
And the higher the alpha’s rank, the stronger the class viewpoint.
It was like the ancient and declining aristocracy, unwilling to accept the changes of the times, still maintaining their decayed dignity.
And the S-rank alpha in front of him was even more so.
Qin Muye was the youngest son of the prestigious Qin family, born and raised on the capital star. The family background was among the best in the entire federation, and the Qin family owned numerous mineral planets. His older brother was an S-rank alpha, holding significant positions in both the military and business sectors. Qin Muye himself, also an S-rank alpha, had risen to the position of Deputy Commander of the Federation at a young age.
With the wind at their backs, they had everything. Given the protection of the family since childhood, he was such a darling of heaven. Rong Qiu couldn’t understand why he would focus on him. Even scenes like last night when he was helped back from the bar by Zhao Nanchen after vomiting were noticed by this alpha.
Yet Zhao Nanchen had clearly assisted him because he was weak from vomiting.
However, in the eyes of the man, Zhao Nanchen was unexpectedly his extramarital affair partner.
But why should he care?
Being exposed by him for not being familiar, the alpha casually said he was “concerned.” He attempted to overturn all their previous interactions with just a casual statement. It was too heartless and domineering.
Why couldn’t he be friends with an alpha?
Why couldn’t he have a meal with an A-rank alpha?
So, Rong Qiu raised his eyebrows, and when he spoke again, his sapphire-like pupils were filled with ruthlessness and decisiveness: “Head Commander Qin, I’ll say it one last time, we are not familiar.”
***
Qin Muye concealed the surprise in his eyes.
Rong Qiu was different now.
If the resistance from Rong Qiu in the office building last time had an element of surprise due to their sudden encounter, this time Rong Qiu clearly and cleanly displayed his annoyance and displeasure towards him.
Someone who used to be all about him.
Now, he treated him like this.
He couldn’t express this feeling, as if the person in front of him had forgotten who he was. The look in his eyes was unfamiliar, and the tone of his speech was also unfamiliar.
Clearly, they had been so close five years ago.
But now.
Not strangers, but worse than strangers.
This kind of alienation and deliberate avoidance made Qin Muye’s chest ache.
Qin Muye couldn’t argue with Rong Qiu, and Rong Qiu didn’t want to engage with Qin Muye. The two were locked in a standoff, but luckily, the restaurant was empty of customers, preventing the situation from being too abrupt.
After a few minutes, Deputy Commander Wang arrived.
He informed the alpha that they could leave.
Rong Qiu was familiar with this old man alpha because Deputy Commander Wang’s photo was prominently displayed in Director Qian’s office. This deputy commander had been working to reduce funding for the Mecha Research Institute, and Director Qian despised him for it. Every year, Director Qian hoped he would step down early, but this man managed to secure his position as deputy commander every year.
Rong Qiu didn’t have a good impression of this deputy commander, thanks to Director Qian. According to Director Qian, one of the projects he proposed at the time was rejected by this deputy commander, claiming it was too expensive, and the Thirteenth Military District didn’t have that much money.
Rong Qiu greeted him casually without enthusiastic pleasantries.
The deputy commander didn’t expect to encounter Rong Qiu.
He had just discussed with the chief commander about reducing funding for the Mecha Research Institute. Unexpectedly, he ran into the top mecha designer of the Mecha Research Institute. It felt like criticizing someone and then being caught by that person.
Rong Qiu drafted the patent and production contract himself.
So he knew how great the potential of this person was.
Clearly a beta, yet possessing a brilliant mind that rivaled the entire Thirteenth Military District’s alphas, able to obtain junior, intermediate, and senior mecha designer certificates within three years. In the fifth year, he successfully designed the mecha that shocked the entire Thirteenth Military District. Such a person coming to the Thirteenth Military District explained why Director Qian made an exception to hire him into the Mecha Research Institute and even provided him with a significant shortcut.
He was also grateful to Rong Qiu.
Because without the mecha designed by Rong Qiu, the Thirteenth Military District would continue to invest in the Mecha Research Institute. But now, with the successful design of the mecha, this portion of the funds could be allocated to other areas.
Not just education and healthcare.
Also, in other aspects of heavy weaponry, after all, mecha was just one part of the firepower during actual combat.
But no matter what, what he did today made him feel a bit guilty. After all, his actions today were equivalent to directly cutting off someone’s research funding. If this got out, he’d be in for a beating.
So, he felt awkward facing Rong Qiu’s greetings.
Seeing the deputy commander of the military region avoiding his gaze, Rong Qiu couldn’t help but feel puzzled. However, Qin Muye stepped forward silently, saying, “Let’s go.”
As Qin Muye brushed past Rong Qiu, he stopped and lowered his voice, saying something that only the two of them could hear, “You two are not suitable for each other.”
After saying this, the man walked away without another word.
Rong Qiu had already calmed down, but Qin Muye’s words reignited his anger. It was like sparks instantly igniting a pile of gunpowder, and frustration churned within him.
He really wanted to stop this arrogant alpha and ask him, “If I’m not suitable with him, does that mean you’re suitable?” Whether it’s suitable or not, the person involved has not expressed an opinion. How can an outsider pass judgment?
However, at this moment, the man had already left the restaurant with the deputy commander.
The man was tall and had long legs, exuding an imposing aura. Even his back was proud, confirming that alpha nature was indeed ruthless. As he left, a faint fragrance of sandalwood lingered in the air.
D*mn familiar and pleasant smell.
Rong Qiu twisted his nose fiercely, internally irritated. The ring on his ring finger had been turned to the point where it could generate heat and flames. The next moment, he went to settle today’s bill with his wallet in a restless manner.
***
Zhao Nanchen, who had already left the parking lot, was somewhat flustered.
Excited to meet his idol just now, he ignored Rong Qiu’s reaction. Rong Qiu seemed to know his idol, but not as acquaintances—more like adversaries.
Although Rong Qiu had a bad temper and often had a stern expression, he was definitely not a malicious person. However, facing his idol just now, Rong Qiu’s expression was cold, and the corners of his lips were pulled tight, as if preparing for a battle.
Could these two have some grievances?
But his brother told him that Rong Qiu had been in the Thirteenth Military District five years ago, while his idol had only arrived in the past few days. Why would they have a conflict?
Zhao Nanchen’s mind was blocked, and he couldn’t figure it out no matter how hard he thought.
Rong Qiu, taking large strides, approached the passenger side door. Through the window, he saw a certain A-rank alpha using his head to repeatedly hit the steering wheel.
Rong Qiu:?
Even if his car wasn’t expensive, it shouldn’t warrant such wanton retaliation.
Rong Qiu tossed his wallet through the car window onto the passenger seat and only then did Zhao Nanchen snap out of it. He quickly unlocked the car for Rong Qiu.
Rong Qiu got into the car and found Zhao Nanchen still staring at him. Rong Qiu’s facial features were handsome, but his expression was extremely impatient. Supporting his forehead with one hand, he glanced sharply to the side and said, “What are you looking at? Hurry up and drive. If it weren’t for agreeing to this meal with you, I wouldn’t have encountered that annoying alpha today.”
Zhao Nanchen’s hands holding the steering wheel trembled.
D*mn, what kind of grudge did Rong Qiu have with his idol?
Back at home, Rong Qiu was in a bad mood and slept deeply for the afternoon. When he woke up, his irritation had increased. His hair was unruly, and Zhao Nanchen, who had gone to work in the afternoon, had not been affected.
Now, the entire villa was occupied by Rong Qiu alone.
The house was spotless, and Rong Qiu couldn’t be bothered to even wear shoes. The compartment under the living room coffee table had an empty cigarette box, and when he casually reached for it, he found it empty. Rong Qiu frowned, walked barefoot to the kitchen, opened the fridge, and took out a can of ice-cold soda with one hand. As soon as the chilled beverage was taken out of the fridge, a layer of mist quickly formed on the surface, slowly gathering and dripping into droplets.
However, Rong Qiu didn’t pay much attention. He opened the pull tab of the can with one hand.
“Hiss,” Rong Qiu poured it down into his mouth.
He rarely appeared so eager, and he usually prioritized protecting his health. Only during extremely hot weather would he open the fridge to take out a bottle of cold soda.
After finishing a can of soda, water droplets on the floor also gathered into a pool. The sense of oppression that lingered after Rong Qiu’s nap slightly eased.
Casually crushing the soda can and tossing it into the trash, Rong Qiu finally noticed his phone. The headshot of Director Qian had been pushed to the top, and there were continuous “ding ding ding” sounds, indicating new messages.
Rong Qiu sat back on the sofa, legs crossed, and lowered his eyes to read.
Director Qian: “D*mn, that old thing is targeting our Mecha Research Institute again!”
Director Qian: “But Little Qiu, don’t worry. Even if we’re short on money, you’ll definitely get the funds for your project.”
Director Qian: “Our Mecha Research Institute won’t let a minor setback interrupt the promising trend of growth. We are proactive, and we are flourishing.”
Director Qian: “United we stand, and we both have a bright future!”
Director Qian: “Smile.jpg”
Rong Qiu showed a puzzled expression.
Director Qian’s messages were all over the place.
Rong Qiu could only vaguely deduce that there seemed to be funding issues again at the research institute.
Director Qian: “By the way, come to my office tomorrow at noon, and we’ll discuss it in detail.”
Rong Qiu’s teeth felt sour.
Rong Qiu was getting PTSD from the word “office.”
***
The next day at noon.
Rong Qiu still went to Director Qian’s office, but he was too busy to change into a white coat.
As soon as he entered, several more photos were posted on Director Qian’s desk, showing the same person from different angles, with various dart marks on them.
Rong Qiu was used to it.
The person in the photos was the deputy commander of the military region he had encountered during yesterday’s meal. Although this person and Director Qian worked in different places—one in the military region and the other as the director of the research institute—they didn’t have any direct connection. Yet, Director Qian had always regarded him as a mortal enemy.
According to Director Qian, cutting their research funding is akin to endangering their lives. Rong Qiu calmly sat in front of the troubled Director Qian.
As soon as he saw the numerous photos, he roughly understood what had happened. Later, after a brief conversation, it turned out to be as he expected.
Director Qian, as usual, complained to Rong Qiu. He explained that yesterday afternoon, the military region called for a meeting with major research institutes. The funding for their mecha research institute wasn’t approved. While it wouldn’t be a big deal if it were just them without approval for a month, several neighboring research institutes had their funds approved, and everything seemed normal.
Naturally, Director Qian was furious. Wanting the money, he directly asked for an explanation in front of representatives from various research institutes.
That’s when he found out it was because of their rising prominence. Last month, the mecha research institute in the Thirteenth Military District gained significant attention, even making a name for itself in the Federation: the Mecha Research Institute of the Thirteenth Military District developed a new type of mecha, leading the trend in future combat mecha for all thirteen military regions.
With great power comes great responsibility. Due to their recent success, the funds for their approved projects suddenly decreased. While it may not seem like they were completely denied, it was close enough for Director Qian. He rambled on about it.
Rong Qiu listened quietly, nodding as he glanced at the ink stains on his white coat. In the end, he responded in a dull tone that he understood.
In reality, Rong Qiu’s heart felt unusually heavy.
In his view, if the research institute’s funding wasn’t approved, it was highly likely due to him. He had repeatedly clashed with the newly arrived chief commander of the Thirteenth Military District. Anyone’s mood would be affected.
Moreover, that person was an arrogant S-rank alpha.
Rong Qiu sat up straight, and the cuffs of his white coat were wrinkled from being rubbed by him. However, his expression remained indifferent.
Once assured that Rong Qiu was willing to stay, Director Qian relaxed slightly.
He wasn’t afraid of the research institute running out of money. With the recent success of the mecha research institute, there were other promising projects besides the mechas designed by Rong Qiu. The institute was receiving income continuously, and even without funding, they could maintain the research of previously approved projects.
But what he was really worried about was Rong Qiu.
He had worked hard to bring in such a good talent, and now that he had convinced Rong Qiu to stay, he couldn’t let a good talent like him leave just because the funding for this project didn’t get approved.
The development of various aspects in the Thirteenth Military District was already meager. Education, healthcare, and other aspects were not as stable and prosperous as the other twelve military regions. And it wasn’t that the Federation was unwilling to allocate funds.
Every time a war broke out, a large amount of money and weaponry was invested. Once or twice was fine, and the Federation was understanding. However, after dozens of battles in a year, even if the Federal Central Military Region was willing to allocate funds, the other twelve military regions were dissatisfied.
We’re all legal taxpayers, why does the Thirteenth Military District get more funding?
The people of the Thirteenth Military District had tried to argue on the internet, but the more they argued, the more apparent the backlash became. It even evolved into regional discrimination.
Your geographical location is bad, and you have constant warfare. It’s your own fault.
If you have the ability, deal with the pirates in your own military region.
No ability, that’s why you keep asking the Federation for money.
So, this military region that grew up amidst piracy, warfare, and flames had reached a point where complaints were useless. Various departments squeezing and scrimping had become the norm.
Every penny wanted to be stretched into two.
Director Qian was an exception, but his vision was more far-sighted. Even if he had to spend money himself, he wanted Rong Qiu to stay.
Talent. This was the most lacking in the Thirteenth Military District.
***
A certain talent finished work and sneezed multiple times.
Rong Qiu got into the car, charged his completely dead phone, and upon booting it up, discovered two missed call records inside.
But his phone had died, so he hadn’t answered them.
Upon closer inspection, both were calls from a younger junior.
Unable to connect, they turned into text messages —
Chu Ming: Little Qiu, I’ll arrive at the U Star Spaceport at 8 pm tonight. You promised to pick me up, okay? QAQ
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