After the Breakup, He Washed Away the Memories Chapter 49

Chapter 49

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【I can play all the roles of your beta lover.】

【Moreover, I can do it better than him.】

Rong Qiu’s first impression was that Qin Muye had gone mad.

Completely and utterly mad.

How could someone be so persistent about him?

Moreover, he was willing to be a substitute, even humbly lowering himself to become someone else’s replacement.

Didn’t he make it clear before? He emphasized his beta lover, even highlighted the high similarity between his beta lover and Qin Muye. Both explicitly and implicitly, he showed signs of refusal. Yet, Qin Muye still came to him, even directly stating that he wanted him as an alpha companion this time.

How many omegas would envy this if it became known?

But envy belonged to others.

Rong Qiu just found it troublesome.

Moreover, Qin Muye just said, “Moreover, I can do it better than him.”

Could he really do better than Ah Ye?

On what basis?

Ah Ye was gentle and handsome, whether in terms of appearance or personality. Rong Qiu had always believed that he saved the federal system in his previous life, allowing him to meet his beta lover in this life. Ah Ye was so good; how could someone pick him up like picking up garbage at the village entrance?

Rong Qiu didn’t believe Qin Muye could be as good as Ah Ye.

Even if Qin Muye was considered the shining star in the eyes of many, shining brightly, it still didn’t dazzle Rong Qiu.

So, what the alpha said sounded a bit arrogant.

If someone else stood in front of him and said they could be better than Ah Ye, he would have punched them already. But now, it was Qin Muye in front of him, an S-level alpha with the capital of pride and arrogance.

Is personal privacy something you can show off to others casually?

A legal partner of a top-tier S-level alpha could gain numerous benefits.

Leaving aside the special case of an S-level alpha, even for a regular alpha and omega pairing, many potential benefits had to be surrendered. Once he and Qin Muye became legal companions, he would have the right to enjoy half of Qin Muye’s wealth.

What Rong Qiu could be sure of now was that his assets were definitely inferior to Qin Muye’s.

And as a beta, as the one on top, it meant that if he and Qin Muye were together, there would be no chance of having children.

A top-level alpha without bloodline continuation.

This was considered absurd by all alphas.

In summary, Qin Muye, who made this request, didn’t gain any advantage, and even suffered a great loss. 

As the second top S-level alpha in the federation, with such a family background and an extremely high level of pheromones, Qin Muye had become a treasure in the eyes of all omegas. Even the federation was willing to arrange matching blind dates for him. Rong Qiu didn’t believe Qin Muye couldn’t find a suitable partner.

He also didn’t believe that Qin Muye hadn’t considered the consequences.

So why did Qin Muye do this?

Just because of that faint “love at first sight”?

Such a romantic thing was truly hard to believe happening to Qin Muye.

Rong Qiu examined the tall man in front of him, and the man’s expression was profound and serious. It seemed that this matter was the most important thing in his life. The assassin Qin Muye’s black eyes were fixed on him, waiting for his response.

For someone like Qin Muye, who holds such a high position, accustomed to looking down on others and observing them with a condescending gaze for a long time, he would neither bother nor deign to lie. 

The more serious the man was, the more difficult it was for him.

What should he say?

What could he say?

Rong Qiu rarely felt so tricky.

This feeling was like Qin Muye had him in a vice grip, unable to move up or down. Unfortunately, he was a person who didn’t know how to refuse others from a young age. Although he had a hot temper and was prone to violence, there was always a soft spot in his heart. Otherwise, he wouldn’t have let Chu Ming stay overnight due to his soft-heartedness.

Now, Qin Muye’s actions had unintentionally poked into his soft spot.

Because the gaze of the alpha was too sincere.

Rong Qiu crossed his arms, leaned against the door frame, silently sighed, waiting for the shock in his heart to gradually subside. Originally with his arms crossed and leaning against the wall, his posture changed to a steady step forward.

“Commander Qin, this place is not suitable for conversation. Let’s find another place to talk.”

***

Naturally, Qin Muye followed him.

At the same time, he carefully observed Rong Qiu’s expression. The beta didn’t seem angry; he just appeared shocked that someone would say such things.

This was much better than the reaction Qin Muye expected.

At least Rong Qiu didn’t give him a shoulder throw, or a cold face, telling him not to daydream without any emotion.

Yes, it was daydreaming.

Qin Muye admitted it himself.

If Rong Qiu, so simply, agreed to be his partner, he would be daydreaming, transforming his wishful thinking into a beautiful reality.

Unfortunately, he still couldn’t figure out Rong Qiu’s attitude now.

At the restaurant, after Qin Muye ordered the dishes, he saw Rong Qiu continuously lowering his head to play with his phone. The young man’s handsome face showed no obvious emotional changes.

Qin Muye didn’t calculate accurately again.

He just looked at the calm expression on the surface, while a hurricane surged in his heart, and waves surged.

Qin Muye set aside the menu, thinking that it would be good if he and Rong Qiu could become partners. If rejected…

Rejected.

Qin Muye’s expression silently collapsed.

Forget it, if rejected, just don’t think about it.

As the dishes were served one after another, Rong Qiu finally raised his head from his phone. Qin Muye had chosen this restaurant, and the dishes on the table were also ordered by Qin Muye. Rong Qiu, who had been looking at his phone, didn’t notice what Qin Muye had ordered. Now that the dishes were served, he realized that they were all to his taste.

Rong Qiu didn’t think much, assuming that Qin Muye also had his taste.

But he thought of something else. He remembered that his beta lover Ah Ye loved spicy food and heavy oil. Looking at it now, Qin Muye and Ah Ye still had differences.

Discussing marriage without a certain emotional foundation is undoubtedly a kind of torment.

Qin Muye could see Rong Qiu’s reluctance but did not get angry.

He slowly revealed all his cards.

Qin Muye opened his light brain, and the screen displayed all his assets, including the available liquid funds, as well as a series of assets such as the real estate of the companies under him. This set of data in front of Rong Qiu was too heavy. Rong Qiu only took a glance and confirmed one thing – he definitely didn’t have as much money as Qin Muye.

Qin Muye’s asset amount reached an astonishingly huge figure.

The specific value is inconvenient to disclose.

Anyway, Rong Qiu’s eyebrows raised in surprise. He believed that Qin Muye wasn’t trying to show off wealth. Then, why would he show him all this?

So much money, he couldn’t earn it back even if he designed top-level mechas for a lifetime.

He vaguely sensed something.

But subjectively, he didn’t want to believe it.

Qin Muye’s approach to him was like the male lead in a melodramatic TV series trying to keep the female lead, handing over all his wealth.

If you don’t believe in my sincerity, you should at least believe in my money.

Rong Qiu always thought that such behavior was quite foolish, or rather, naive.

But he never expected that one day he would become the protagonist in a melodramatic TV series, and the money being thrown around would be thousands of times more.

Rong Qiu gently pushed Qin Muye’s light brain back and asked with a composed expression, “Commander Qin, what do you mean by this?”

Qin Muye looked at the light brain with a dismissive expression but spoke with a serious tone, “Half of it is yours.”

After a pause, he added, “As long as we become partners.”

Rong Qiu understood. The prerequisite was to become Qin Muye’s partner.

Rong Qiu licked his lips, and his azure eyes narrowed slightly, “There are no free lunches in the world. I’m afraid of getting married, then not being able to take the money, without a chance to spend it.”

It was just a joke, but Qin Muye’s eyebrows furrowed tightly, and the peaks of his eyebrows gathered like two closely adjacent mountains.

“I won’t treat you like that. I said I genuinely admire you. Now that your lover is no longer in this world, I want to take care of you for him. I did this today just hoping you could give me a chance.”

What chance or no chance, Rong Qiu completely ignored.

He only heard the middle part of the statement.

Ah Ye was not there anymore, so Qin Muye wanted to take care of him on behalf of Ah Ye.

This statement made Rong Qiu shudder.

Was Qin Muye out of his mind?

He actually said he wanted to take care of him on behalf of Ah Ye. Clearly, they didn’t have much between them yet, but Qin Muye already positioned himself as Ah Ye’s substitute?

Rong Qiu rejected outright, “I can’t accept it.”

Rong Qiu quickly explained, “Even if Commander Qin is willing to be a substitute for my beta lover, I can’t accept it. You and Ah Ye are clearly different people, and the feelings you bring me are different. How can one person replace another?”

To better persuade Qin Muye, Rong Qiu mentioned many aspects.

“We have no emotional foundation, and even if there is, it’s a one-sided affection from your side. My feelings are directed towards Ah Ye, and they won’t shift just because you become Ah Ye’s substitute or after we spend more time together in bed.”

After saying so much, Rong Qiu’s last sentence was particularly hurtful.

Rong Qiu had given all his love and affection to the deceased beta, leaving nothing for Qin Muye.

Qin Muye had initially thought that by showing all his possessions and being honest with Rong Qiu, he might convince him to become his partner.

But the result was not as expected.

He was too abrupt.

In Rong Qiu’s eyes now, he was just an alpha he had met a few times, had a few encounters with.

Even if his identity, status, and second gender were exceptionally outstanding, they didn’t mean much to Rong Qiu.

Rong Qiu only remembered Ah Ye, and only recognized that beta Ah Ye.

Everything else, Rong Qiu didn’t want.

He didn’t want him either.

Rong Qiu indeed felt that way, “So, Commander Qin, you don’t need to lay out all your belongings in front of me. It’s unnecessary. I won’t become your partner just because of these things.”

“Qiu Qiu…”

The man’s call of “Qiu Qiu” was filled with deep affection, but more of an unhideable heaviness.

Rong Qiu’s carefully prepared words were abruptly interrupted, and he suddenly couldn’t connect them.

He looked up to face Qin Muye, only to find that the alpha’s calm face was now filled with sorrow. This kind of pain was evident, spreading across Qin Muye’s handsome face like weariness and anguish, as if pure white paper had been splashed with dark ink. Even someone with weak eyesight could clearly see the changes.

Caught in bewilderment, Rong Qiu had a moment of confusion.

Was it because he was too straightforward and hurt the man in front of him? 

And when Qin Muye faced Rong Qiu, it seemed that he had abandoned all his pride and arrogance. The man’s gaze towards Rong Qiu was full of sincerity and dull pain. 

He said, “If not for this, I really can’t find any advantages of mine that would make you not look at those betas and choose me.” 

Rong Qiu’s heart trembled lightly.

It was a gentle and weak tremor, like the fluttering of a butterfly’s wings in a soft breeze, or the touch of a dragonfly skimming the water, creating small ripples. In these subtle ripples, the man’s words from earlier echoed in Rong Qiu’s ears like a gentle breeze on the lake, soft and delicate, as if using the most gentle feather to stroke his eardrum.

Rong Qiu didn’t know what was happening to himself.

It was like being enchanted. In the end, he inexplicably agreed to the man’s request.

But it wasn’t a complete agreement.

Becoming partners was impossible.

Even sharing a bed was uncertain.

He only said that if needed, Qin Muye would be his first choice.

He couldn’t offer any other promises.

This statement is clearly just an excuse to deceive people, but it seems that Qin Muye easily accepted it.

Originally, the alpha’s initial intention was to become his legal marital partner, but now he only expressed willingness to consider him as one of the preferred bed companions. Qin Muye’s handsome and cold face couldn’t help but break into a smile.

It wasn’t a very obvious smile, just a slight curve of the lips, but it gave a feeling of the clouds parting to reveal the moon.

***

Rong Qiu thought.

Just a crescent moon.

He didn’t take it to heart.

After dinner, he drove back to his villa, and Qin Muye didn’t accompany him.

Since Zhao Nanchen was taken away by Zhao Dongqi, his home had become much quieter. The TV, which had been broken before, was repaired and sent back. Looking at the empty white vase, Rong Qiu felt like something was missing.

En, he’ll bring a bouquet of yellow roses tomorrow when he finishes work.

Yellow roses are still better; the fragrance of lilies is too strong.

Casually wandering in his thoughts, Rong Qiu came out of the bathroom. His hair seemed a bit long, and in the damp state, it stubbornly poked into his eyes.

Looks like he needs to get a haircut tomorrow.

After drying his hair, Rong Qiu took out his diary.

There didn’t seem to be much to record, but he still picked up the pen and started writing.

He wrote about his new project, the need for a haircut, and eventually, the image of a certain alpha appeared in his mind.

【If not for this, I really can’t find any advantages that would make you not look at those betas and choose me.】

Rong Qiu’s fingertips paused slightly.

Can liking someone really make you so humble?

Rong Qiu covered his chest. Clearly, he didn’t experience this when he was with Ah Ye, but his heart still slightly ached.

Alphas shouldn’t be like this; they should stand radiantly at the highest point. Such words should not be spoken by him.

But the alpha still said it.

Unavoidably, seeing such a humble side of the man made his initially firm heart soften.

***

The next day, Rong Qiu was very busy.

Busy enough that he turned around and forgot about meeting Qin Muye the day before.

In the evening, Rong Qin, who had some free time, came to his house for dinner, bringing dishes from the restaurant.

They got some wine and had a light drink.

Rong Qiu’s forehead-length hair was tied into a small bun. As Rong Qiu chewed, the bun swayed slightly. Rong Qin, with a sip of wine and a mouthful of food, complained about Qin Zexi.

The same old problem.

Rong Qin had been running around for so long, but he still couldn’t get the application for the voluntary army organized. 

He asked, and it was still someone sent by Qin Zexi who stopped him.

After going back, he argued with Qin Zexi for a long time. It had become a routine in the life of this pair of AB mates. This time, the argument was quite fierce, and he couldn’t stay at home anymore. Seeing Qin Zexi annoying him, he decided to come over and take refuge with Rong Qiu.

Looking at Rong Qiu’s empty villa, Rong Qin sighed, “I might as well move back and live with you.”

Taking a sip of wine, Rong Qiu asked, “What about Big Brother Qin? Aren’t you going to care about him?”

“Why should I care about him? Does he lack someone to care for him? Without me, there are millions of people in the Federation who want to take care of him.”

Rong Qin’s words weren’t just angry talk; he was serious.

Because he found that, except during Qin Zexi’s susceptible period when he still had some effect on him, during other times, his life didn’t change much without him. 

He couldn’t cook or manage household chores. 

Qin Zexi’s daily life wouldn’t undergo significant changes without him.

The more Rong Qin thought about it, the more angry he became. It seemed like he was just a tool for soothing Qin Zexi during his susceptible periods, responding to his calls at will. For example, last time, Qin Muye sent him a few photos and videos, and he hurried back to help.

The result was that he helped bring out a Qin Zexi who only caused him trouble.

But if his current partner wasn’t Qin Zexi, his voluntary army organization wouldn’t have been stuck at the first step.

He wouldn’t have said these things to Rong Qiu before because at that time, Rong Qiu didn’t know that his partner was Qin Zexi. He was afraid of scaring Rong Qiu, and he also considered the relationship between Rong Qiu and Qin Muye. It wasn’t good to be involved. But now that all four of them have met, he can finally speak out some words that he had kept in his heart.

They chatted for over two hours, perhaps due to having some wine, Rong Qiu wasn’t sleepy.

Already having a similar temperament as a fiery beta, as they continued to eat, they even lit up cigarettes and spoke more directly, even harshly.

Rong Qiu was still okay, but Rong Qin directly started cursing.

Cursing the leader who didn’t approve his application, cursing Qin Zexi who restricted him in his work, and as the conversation progressed, it even involved Qin Muye.

Rong Qiu raised an eyebrow, “What happened to him?”

“Who? What happened?”

“It’s Qin Muye.”

“Oh, nothing. I’m used to cursing this pair of brothers. I just included him along the way.”

“…”

Rong Qin came back to his senses, “Hey, something’s wrong, right? Usually, when I curse Qin Muye, I don’t see you react. Why did you single him out today?”

Rong Qiu held his cup higher, covering his beautiful lip line and jaw, “Nothing, just asking.”

Rong Qin clicked his tongue twice, “I don’t believe it. Did he find you behind my back again?”

Guessed by Rong Qin, Rong Qiu didn’t refute.

He only briefly told Rong Qin about how Qin Muye, for some unknown reason, claimed to be infatuated with him and wanted to be his bed companion. So he took Qin Muye to the cemetery to make him give up. However, Qin Muye didn’t give up, and even last night, he took out all his assets, wanting to become his partner.

Rong Qiu spoke nonchalantly, and Rong Qin listened as if he had caught up with some super bizarre melodramatic TV series.

“He said he fell in love with you at first sight?”

Rong Qiu nodded.

“You took him to the cemetery?” Rong Qin paused, seizing onto something, “Is it the cemetery where you bought the double grave? Did you take him in front of the double grave of your beta lover and try to make him give up?”

Rong Qiu nodded again.

The main character was taken to the front of a certain pair’s double grave.

This time, Rong Qin genuinely felt pity for Qin Muye.

But what he cared more about was the subsequent development: “So when you met last night, he showed you all his assets and wanted to marry you!”

“Yes.”

Rong Qiu recalled Qin Muye’s attitude from last night, and it was quite humble.

But he didn’t tell Rong Qin about this; he had to leave some face for the alpha.

On Rong Qin’s side, he secretly marveled at Qin Muye’s tactics.

It had to be said that Qin Muye was quite friendly. At least, he was much better than Qin Zexi, who directly took him to the Civil Affairs Bureau to get married. Qin Muye gave Rong Qiu the space to choose. However, this display of family wealth seemed more like a male bird displaying colorful feathers to court a female bird during the mating season.

Rong Qin wanted to laugh a bit, but he held it back.

At this moment, showcasing assets was more reliable than sweet words. If it were him, he might have agreed immediately.

He was always about looks.

For a man with looks, money, and power, why be picky?

But he was himself, and Rong Qiu was Rong Qiu.

From Rong Qiu’s perspective, he still held a skeptical attitude toward Qin Muye. Qin Muye had caused Rong Qiu so much pain, and now, taking advantage of Rong Qiu’s forgetfulness, he wanted to deceive Rong Qiu with a new identity. How could such a good thing happen?

If this could work, then in the future, whenever a scummy alpha did something wrong, they could just arrange a brainwashing session for their little partners and start pursuing them again.

Rong Qin held back his sarcastic comments, “Did you agree?”

Rong Qiu shook his head. The cigarette in his hand had burned down to the end. He restrained himself, taking only this one puff, “But I agreed to something else.”

“Hmm?”

“If I ever need a bed companion in the future, he will be the first choice.”

***

Rong Qiu didn’t want to admit that he was stimulated by Qin Muye’s vulnerability. If Qin Muye had approached him with the same strong attitude as before, declaring that they should become bed companions, Rong Qiu might have just slapped him. However, the softened stance of Qin Muye made a difference; he couldn’t hit a smiling face.

Qin Muye didn’t smile, but his appearance yesterday was worse than a smile.

***

For this potential future bed companion, Rong Qiu didn’t put it to heart.

Qin Muye also didn’t contact him proactively.

Another half month passed, the weather gradually cooled down, and today he finally had time to get a haircut. Rong Qiu returned home with a refreshing hairstyle.

Rong Qin was already a regular guest in his house.

Still living on the second floor.

Seeing Rong Qiu’s noticeably shorter bangs, Rong Qin, who was busy in the kitchen, praised seriously, “With the haircut, you look a few years younger.”

“It doesn’t make me look younger; I’m already twenty-five.”

Only Rong Qin would say something like this. His friends at the research institute would usually say he looked a few years younger after getting a haircut. But Rong Qin was different; from the perspective of an elder brother, he would say his younger brother looked small.

“I said you look younger, so you look younger. If you don’t believe it, put on a student’s uniform now, and others will think you’re a high school student.”

Listening to Rong Qin becoming more and more absurd, Rong Qiu shook his head helplessly. He carefully trimmed the yellow roses he had bought, arranged them in a vase, and placed them on the marble coffee table in the living room. The golden bouquet, particularly eye-catching.

Seeing these flowers, Rong Qin definitely found them familiar.

He seemed to have seen them at Qin Muye’s villa before.

Whether it was the same variety or not, it was the same golden color. At that time, Qin Muye changed the water for the flowers every day, replacing them when they withered. It was the same color.

Rong Qin’s cooking was terrible.

But Rong Qiu still ate his own portion to give face.

After dinner, it was Rong Qiu doing the dishes.

Rong Qin was in the living room, smoking with his feet propped up. Seeing this scene, Rong Qiu found it somewhat familiar.

It seemed like he often did this.

Rong Qiu smiled and, once again, earnestly washed the dishes.

Someone knocked on the door, and Rong Qin went to open it. Hearing it with one ear, Rong Qiu thought it might be someone looking for Rong Qin. After all, he had been living here for so long, and no one had visited him.

Unexpectedly, the person Rong Qin led in was Qin Muye.

Rong Qiu still held a wet dish in his hand, “Commander Qin?”

Qin Muye held a briefcase in his left hand, and in his right hand, he carried a gift box. The combination seemed oddly humorous, as if he came to discuss official business with Rong Qiu or to be a serious guest at Rong Qiu’s home.

Rong Qin took the dish from Rong Qiu’s hand and pushed him toward the living room, “Leave this to me; it seems he has important matters to discuss with you.”

Hearing that it was something important, Rong Qiu led Qin Muye to the study on the second floor.

He wasn’t as guarded against Qin Muye as before.

Even when they met again, there was a slight awkwardness because Rong Qiu couldn’t help but shift his gaze. It was as if there were three words shining brightly on Qin Muye’s head: “Ready bed companion.”

Rong Qiu cleared his throat, realizing he hadn’t poured water for Qin Muye. Qin Muye stopped him, “This matter will be discussed quickly.”

“Okay, Commander Qin, please go ahead.”

Qin Muye came to talk to Rong Qiu about the affairs of the Research Institute’s General Union.

As expected by Director Qian, during the process of the General Union’s rectification, there was a major reshuffle. Many people were demoted, but inevitably, some would be promoted. So, Qin Muye wanted to push Rong Qiu a bit. Although Rong Qiu had a short tenure, his ability was excellent. In less than two years at the Research Institute, he had designed a military mech that drove all alphas in the Thirteenth Military District crazy. Such a talent placed outside was sure to be fought over.

However, Rong Qiu hesitated and didn’t give him an immediate response.

Qin Muye paused, “What’s wrong? Don’t want to go?”

Rong Qiu shook his head, “I just want to pilot mechs and design them purely.”

Qin Muye:…

Saying such things might be too idealistic.

Reality was like that. How many designers now were genuinely passionate about design? They treated their design achievements as stepping stones to climb higher, and the patent fees they earned were no longer satisfying. What they wanted was more money and power, control over people’s minds and desires.

But Rong Qiu was different.

His love for mechs was truly pure.

If one day there was no place for him in the Mech Research Institute, he would use all his wealth to start his own mech research institute.

Qin Muye received Rong Qiu’s reply.

He retrieved the document that had been prepared for three days, “Since that’s the case, you can continue to work peacefully at the Mech Research Institute.”

Rong Qiu raised an eyebrow. He felt that Qin Muye’s words carried deeper meaning.

Receiving the man’s silent nod of agreement, Rong Qiu relaxed his brows.

It seemed that regardless of how the General Union meeting at the research institute changed, their Mech Research Institute would be safe.

This conversation took only five minutes.

As they were about to go downstairs, Rong Qin was still earnestly wiping wet dishes in the kitchen.

Seeing them come out, Rong Qin quickened his pace, placed the last plate in the cupboard, and walked over, hands dry, “Finished talking?”

“Yeah.”

Looking at the calm state of the two, it seemed that there was no argument.

But how could they argue?

In their current relationship, Rong Qiu held the dominant position. Qin Muye, the reserve bed companion, didn’t have much say.

Seeing Qin Muye being defeated, Rong Qin was pleased.

In addition to the briefcase, Qin Muye brought a gift box this time.

It was less than ten minutes since he came as a guest, and Rong Qiu didn’t feel it appropriate to ask Qin Muye to leave immediately, even though he had refused the position in the General Union meeting at the research institute. Qin Muye’s goodwill was not something he could ignore.

Rong Qiu invited him to stay.

Naturally, Qin Muye was more than happy.

Rong Qin watched as these two people interacted, a familiarity tinged with unfamiliarity. The familiarity stemmed from the feeling Qin Muye gave him; he knew Rong Qiu’s preferences and had purposely brought along the sticky rice cakes Rong Qiu used to eat frequently. However, the unfamiliarity lay in Rong Qiu’s response. 

“Commander Qin, I don’t like sweets,” Rong Qiu reminded, pondering for a moment. “For snacks, I prefer crispy and savory.” 

Qin Muye let out a low “Mmm” and quietly withdrew the offered gift box. 

Noticing Qin Muye’s subtly widened pupils, Rong Qin had to firmly grip his palms to suppress the urge to laugh. 

A cleansing of memories indeed, but what had it brought forth? 

A change in taste was minor; a change in bed position was significant. 

The box of sticky rice cakes was left for Rong Qin, who enjoyed sweet treats. 

Rong Qin savored each bite of the small sweets. 

Observing the spectacle, one could discern some subtle differences. 

For example, this memory cleanse by Rong Qiu was truly worth it. With Rong Qiu back to his true self, Qin Muye found it difficult to approach, despite wanting to. The discomfort was all on Qin Muye’s side. Faced with the amnesiac Rong Qiu, Qin Muye couldn’t even recall their past interactions. 

If, by some chance, Rong Qiu regained his memory… 

By then, Qin Muye wouldn’t be able to salvage the situation, even if he buried himself in the ground.

Qin Muye left before eight o’clock, and Rong Qiu saw him off.

The distance to the underground parking lot was still some way off. The autumn night was much quieter and lonelier than a summer night, making footsteps and breaths especially clear in the wind.

Rong Qiu watched Qin Muye get into the car. The man, wearing casual clothes without styling wax, was the type that Rong Qiu was familiar with and liked.

Just like his beta lover.

Before leaving, Qin Muye didn’t mention the bed companion matter or when they would meet again. Qin Muye only looked deeply at Rong Qiu and, in a deep voice, said, “Leaving,” before gradually disappearing from Rong Qiu’s world in the car.

However, Rong Qiu stood still for a long time.

The night’s wind and moon were adept at stirring people’s heartstrings.

When Qin Muye said “leaving,” he unexpectedly felt an impulse to stop this “Ah Ye.”

Rong Qiu restrained himself; it was probably because of the resemblance.

***

Returning under the moonlight, Rong Qiu, who felt refreshed, found Rong Qin at home suffering from a swollen stomach due to overeating the glutinous rice cakes.

Rong Qin, feeling uncomfortable, paced back and forth. Seeing Rong Qiu return with a relaxed expression, he asked, “What did he say to you?”

“Nothing much, just asked if I was willing to join the General Union meeting at the research institute.”

“The one in charge of all the research institutes?”

“Yeah.”

“What did you say? Are you going or not? But I guess you didn’t agree. This kind of thing is troublesome and unrewarding. You don’t want to spend your energy on it…”

Rong Qin rambled on.

Rong Qiu smiled at his words, a refreshing and clean smile, “Yeah, didn’t go.”

“Then I have a matter here that doesn’t require you to do anything, just to lend your name. Will you come? Let me make it clear first; it might not necessarily work. I just want to use your name, and maybe it can help smooth things over.”

“What name are you using?”

“It’s for the volunteer army organized by my organization. They haven’t approved the documents for it until now.”

“Can this matter be handled using my name?” Rong Qiu asked, “I’m not a famous person, just a bit well-known in the research institute. Outside the military District, no one knows me. It’s not as useful as your name, Brother Rong Qin.”

But Rong Qin reassured him, “Relying solely on me might not work, but with you, it’s definitely possible.”

He hadn’t thought about submitting the volunteer army’s application to Qin Muye before. Now, with Rong Qiu, the chances were even greater.

Rong Qin’s formation of the volunteer army was something Rong Qiu was aware of.

Rong Qiu didn’t mind lending his name to this cause. In fact, he even double-standardly asked Rong Qin if he needed any help, like optimizing and modifying their volunteer army mechs in the future.

“Sure, sure, sure!” Rong Qin expressed his gratitude, “Once our volunteer army annihilates the sea pirates, Little Qiu, you’ll be the biggest hero!”

Even though it was something the entire Federation hadn’t achieved, Rong Qin talked about it effortlessly. 

As if as long as they did it, the result would undoubtedly be what they wanted.

Where there is effort, there is gain.

This enthusiastic attitude inspired Rong Qiu as well, “Brother Rong Qin’s goals will surely be achieved!”

Rong Qin, moved to tears, disregarded his bloated stomach and gave Rong Qiu a big hug, “Little Qiu, from today onwards, you’re my real little brother!”

Gaining a real elder brother, Rong Qiu’s steps upstairs exuded a joyful atmosphere.

Lying on the bed, he stretched his body.

Every night, Rong Qiu would empty his mind like this.

But tonight was a bit different.

His mind was chaotic, and his thoughts scattered rapidly.

From complex mech design drawings to the data he researched during the day, his mind swiftly shifted to the documents and materials that Qin Muye showed him in his study at night. It was about the vacant position in the General Union meeting at the research institute, and Qin Muye had helped him plan it neatly, making the pros and cons apparent at a glance.

Qin Muye had specifically approached him for the General Union meeting.

Was he trying to lend him a hand?

It was a good intention.

In fact, among the many things Qin Muye said earlier, one sentence had deeply moved him.

The man could play all the roles of his beta lover.

Like tonight, Qin Muye in the garage resembled the Ah Ye who drove him to the hospital to see his hand.

He sniffed, as if catching a whiff of the familiar scent of sandalwood.

Rong Qiu inexplicably felt a bit warm and agitated.

Rong Qiu quickly got up and headed to the bathroom.

The sound of the shower drowned out certain low gasps.

Under the cold water, he imagined the face of his beta lover, but still felt like something was missing. Although this was something he could quickly finish before, today it lingered and wouldn’t dissipate.

Until he switched to the face he had just seen…

Everything went smoothly.

It even went too smoothly.

The moment he came out, Rong Qiu felt tired and empty.

Adding a kind of affair-like sense of departure.

He looked at the sticky substance in his palm, and his porcelain-like face turned as black as ink.

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