MPWATMBC Chapter 65

Ryan and McAryan were deep in discussion on the star network about how to design and manufacture mechas. They debated what groundbreaking improvements could be made to existing technology, such as which metals could form alloys to enhance the mecha’s surface resistance to pressure and large temperature variations. Mecha manufacturing wasn’t just about design and construction; it also involved fields like material applications and metal synthesis. However, human energy is limited, and it’s impossible to be an expert in everything. That’s why McAryan had a powerful team under his command, composed of experts from various disciplines. He didn’t need to engage in the research himself, only to enjoy the results of their work.

Ryan, on the other hand, was severely lacking in this area. He listened eagerly as McAryan explained the latest advancements in material science from the past few years—information that couldn’t be found online. Compared to seven centuries ago, there were now more planets to explore, more materials to discover, and greater depth in technological development. Consequently, more of these advancements could be applied to mechas.

The world is like a vast treasure trove; it’s just missing the eyes to explore it.

They had discussed a lot, but still skirted around the topic of bio-mechas. Ryan only briefly shared his thoughts on bio-mechas, while McAryan, who was in charge of their construction, offered only a few vague points. The result was that both of them felt as if they were merely scratching the surface, leaving them frustrated and unsatisfied, like trying to scratch an itch through thick boots.

There were still forty minutes left in their three-hour online session, but Ryan glanced at the time and suggested they end the meeting for now, saying they could continue the discussion another time.

McAryan, surprised, blurted out, “You just mentioned a little about improving the stability of the mecha’s waist structure—aren’t you going to elaborate on that? And that method for enhancing drive capacity, you only started to touch on it. And what about developing the mecha’s stealth function? You barely gave me a glimpse of your vision!”

How could these young people be so calm? With so many secrets right in front of them, they weren’t eager to solve or explore them? Weren’t they supposed to be like his generation, discussing non-stop for three days and nights, consumed by their passion?

“I’d love to continue our discussion, but there’s something I need to take care of at home. I have to log off now,” Ryan explained. He quickly calculated the time—Blair had probably arrived at his house a while ago. He knew exactly why Blair was visiting, and he certainly couldn’t miss such a crucial moment.

As McAryan grew older, he not only became more proficient in his field but also developed a certain stubbornness and childlike purity. He tried to negotiate with Ryan, saying, “At least tell me about your ideas on how to synchronize the frequency between the mechanical heart and the human nervous system. Once you’ve explained that, then you can log off.”

A flicker of satisfaction flashed deep in Ryan’s eyes, a sense of having achieved exactly what he’d planned. But he replied with a hint of difficulty, “I really can’t right now. I might be about to become a father, and I absolutely can’t miss such a crucial moment.”

“Congratulations, congratulations,” McAryan instinctively responded, then quickly remembered who Ryan’s partner was—the youngest general in the Empire. While most people wouldn’t know, McAryan was well aware that the young general had the rare X genetic sequence. Suddenly, things clicked into place for him as he looked at Ryan with new understanding. This young man, who outwardly appeared gentle, humble, and calm, had been throwing out concepts during their discussion without going deeper into them. McAryan smiled to himself. He got it. He really got it now.

“Young people can be so sly,” McAryan said with a playful wag of his finger, his gaze filled with both exasperation and fondness. He had high hopes for Ryan, not just as an academic peer but as a younger person in need of care and guidance in life.

Seeing that his intentions had been exposed, Ryan no longer hid his true purpose. He met McAryan’s eyes frankly and said, “If I’m going to be a father, I need to provide a stronger foundation for my family and the people I love. The usual way is too slow, and I have to take some shortcuts. I’m sorry.”

“Oh, there’s no need to feel apologetic. If you didn’t have the ability, how would you have caught my attention in the first place? How does that old Chinese saying go? Ah, yes—‘It takes two to tango,’ or more precisely, ‘like Jiang Ziya fishing, those willing will take the bait.’” McAryan looked at Ryan with admiration. If Ryan had continued to hide his intentions, McAryan would have found him difficult to get along with. But Ryan’s straightforwardness in revealing his goals made McAryan respect him even more.

Ryan’s desire to grow quickly and become a protective figure for his family reminded McAryan of his own younger days. Back then, as a young man with no real backing, he had used his intellect to gain the protection of a powerful family, securing a safe, stable, and prosperous life for his wife and children. Although he had sacrificed some of his research freedom in the process, as he delved deeper into his field, no one could dictate his work anymore.

A man who makes sacrifices for his family is responsible and bold—qualities that made McAryan even more optimistic about Ryan’s future.

“It’s getting late. I’m logging off now,” Ryan said calmly. Despite having reached this point in their conversation, he still didn’t make any requests. He knew when to stop, and that, too, earned McAryan’s respect.

McAryan, who had been eagerly anticipating Ryan’s next move, once again found himself surprised by Ryan’s unpredictable behavior. He even started to suspect that Ryan was deliberately playing hard to get. However, when he looked into Ryan’s clear and unwavering eyes, it became obvious that there were no such complex thoughts at play. It was undeniable, though, that once a person truly recognizes and respects someone deep down, they tend to overlook certain things—after all, Ryan’s actions had been quite intricate already!

Choosing to ignore this complexity, McAryan smiled and said, “Tomorrow… no, wait, I have a meeting tomorrow. Let’s make it the day after tomorrow. Come to the mecha research institute at 9 a.m. Take this with you—no one will stop you from entering.”

McAryan raised his right hand, the one integrated with his personal terminal, and waved his palm over the surface of the table. A temporary access card, the size of a business card, materialized. He slid it across the table toward Ryan, saying, “We’ve been discussing theory for a while now, but as the saying goes, ‘What is learned from books is always shallow; true understanding comes from hands-on practice,’” McAryan chuckled, “Did I get that right? Come to my lab, and we’ll do some real research. I’ll give you a tour of the Empire’s top research center so you can see just how advanced the cutting-edge technology has become. We’ve got a few mechas currently in testing. If you’re up for it, you can even pilot one yourself.”

Ryan, having achieved his goal, felt a mixture of satisfaction and awe. Gaining entry to the research center was his first step, and now, standing on the verge of this accomplishment, he felt the weight of it. After thanking Master McAryan, he took the access card and examined it. The front read: “Imperial Mecha Research Center Access Card – ID 003.” On the back, a motto caught his attention: “Research for the security of the nation, innovate for the stability of the nation, strive for the future of the nation.”

Seeing Ryan absorbed in reading the motto, McAryan lifted his chin proudly. “That’s the creed every mecha researcher must uphold. It was spoken by Emperor Qin Feng Anderson, who laid the foundations of the mecha field. Ever since this discipline became a distinct branch of science, his words have been the guiding principle for all of us. Every newcomer must commit it to memory and live by it as they pursue their work in the future.”

Ryan nodded, remembering the full quote, which continued: “Research, innovation, and effort are what I desire; Mahjong is also what I desire. First, let’s play a few rounds to relax. Come on, join me for some cards.” Why did he remember it so clearly? Because his adopted son, Stark, had lost several hundred star coins. If he lost any more, he’d be down to his last pair of pants. At over a hundred years old, Stark had shamelessly clung to his leg, crying for ten minutes, which disgusted Ryan but also allowed Stark to evade his gambling debt. Poor Qin Feng’s adopted son ended up being henpecked and carried no more than two hundred star coins at a time after marrying and having children.

Who was the genius who misinterpreted the saying and turned “for the nation’s security…” into a creed?

But that was the past, and dwelling on it was pointless. Ryan placed the access card near his personal terminal, and it transformed into a stream of stardust that vanished into his terminal. The star network had a knack for adding charming details that could unexpectedly delight users.

“I’m very pleased to have been invited. I’ll see you the day after tomorrow. I’d like to use your lab then; I have a few theories I want to test out,” Ryan said, subtly showcasing his research achievements to McAryan.

“Just what I hoped for,” McAryan said, his eyes reflecting understanding and appreciation. He admired Ryan more and more—his approach was mutually beneficial, not greedy at all. Very good!

After Ryan left the private room and entered the lobby on the first floor, he didn’t linger but went straight out the door. According to star network regulations, citizens couldn’t log off directly within the establishment. As soon as he stepped outside, Ryan quickly logged off through his personal terminal. The moment he opened his eyes, he saw the time on the glass screen of the holo-chamber—2:26 p.m. Blair must have arrived by now.

His left hand swiftly found the button; he pressed it, and the chamber door opened. Ryan jumped out without hesitation and walked straight to the adjacent meeting room.

Just as he reached for the door handle and prepared to enter, he heard footsteps behind him, accompanied by a puzzled shout, “Ryan? Ryan Smith?”

Ryan turned to see the chestnut-haired young man he had met at the Newnes Adaptive Center. He remembered that the young man’s surname was Winstar, realizing with a start that Bunier Winstar must be Blair Winstar’s brother. Looking more closely, he could indeed see a resemblance between Bunier and Blair.

“Bunier, hello! Long time no see,” Ryan said.

“Wow, it really is you!” Bunier exclaimed, clutching a package and hurrying over to Ryan. “I saw your silhouette from afar and was almost disbelieving. But the closer I got, the more familiar you looked. I didn’t expect to run into you here. How come you’re at General Dalton’s place? I remember from our chat before that you were transferred to the Xingtian ship. I didn’t think you’d be serving as a general’s close guard. That’s impressive. If it weren’t for my brother calling me, I wouldn’t have had the chance to see the general, but now you get to see him every day.”

They had only had a couple of online exchanges since their brief encounter at the adaptive center, so their connection was quite distant.

It was certainly a pleasant surprise to meet again. In an empire with billions of people, finding someone you know felt like fate.

“Haha, running into you here must mean that fate is keeping our friendship alive,” Bunier said with a cheerful nod, as if affirming this idea. His long hair swayed lightly, and he carried himself with the mature charm of a married man.

Ryan asked, “Did you end up matching with someone?”

“Yes, indeed. He’s also a soldier. It’s quite a coincidence, but he’s stationed on the Xingtian ship as well. After his patrol mission ended, we met up and recently got married,” Bunier shrugged casually. “It’s better than I imagined, so I’m quite happy about it.” Despite his nonchalant words, the joy in Bunier’s eyes honestly revealed that he was content with his married life.

“What’s your partner’s name? I might know him.”

“Derrick Hall. He’s a close-combat soldier, and the unit number is confidential, so I’m not sure.” Bunier blinked and looked at Ryan with curiosity. “Do you know him?”

Ryan’s eyes widened slightly. “That’s amazing, we do know each other. Derrick is a friend of mine.”

“Oh my gosh!” Bunier looked astonished. “When I get home, I’ll have to ask Derrick about this. It’s incredible—here I am meeting you, and you know Derrick, who’s now my husband. What a miraculous connection!”

“It’s truly incredible,” Ryan said, as he pushed open the door. Inside, both people looked up simultaneously—Blair, with his usual indifferent expression, showing little interest in anything except corpses, stood by a machine that was working on the table. Auston sat beside the table, his face neutral, but those close to him could see the underlying anxiety and excitement.

Ryan’s heart skipped a beat, and a bittersweet joy began to swell within him. The feeling was slow to rise but quickly filled his chest and reached his eyes, causing a tear to fall almost instantly. The tear landed directly in Auston’s open palm—Ryan had unconsciously moved to Auston’s side. Auston instinctively flinched as if the tear was scalding.

Ryan knelt beside Auston’s leg and buried his face in Auston’s palm, his tears increasing. Amid the surreal and absurd feeling of joy, a deep fear emerged, as if he were terrified that everything was just a dream, a figment of his imagination drifting in an endless void. He was afraid that when he woke up, he would find himself back to having nothing.

A gentle caress on the back of Ryan’s head eased his fleeting panic. The touch was so tender and real that it stifled the irrational fear. Ryan heard Auston’s voice softly say, “The final result isn’t confirmed yet.” He was concerned that both he and Ryan might be celebrating too soon.

Ryan lifted his head, his face still damp and eyes slightly red, but his voice was steady. “Then we’ll keep striving. Our little angel will come to us eventually.” He wanted to ensure that Auston didn’t feel anxious or burdened, though his heart raced as if he’d been through intense exercise. His face, however, betrayed none of his inner turmoil.

Auston nodded. “Mm.”

Bunier, witnessing the couple’s interaction, was visibly stunned. He stared between Ryan and the general, then at his seemingly indifferent brother, feeling a sense of bewilderment as if he was the only one out of the loop. He shuffled over to his brother’s side, placed the package he had brought on the table, and asked hesitantly, “Hey, what’s going on? Can you fill me in?”

Blair tilted his chin towards the box. “What’s this about?”

“Oh, a friend runs an online store selling various small toys. When they learned I was coming, they asked me to bring this along when the delivery robot was already scheduled.”

“Is your academy running low on funds?” Blair asked, raising an eyebrow.

“It’s a fixed salary, just making a bit of extra cash on the side,” Bunier replied, feeling a chill under his brother’s icy gaze. “Alright, alright, it’s not just a friend; it’s actually my own small online store. Just a little business venture. Really, there’s a personal connection with a friend, and you know how it is. No need to make me explain it.”

“Once you’re married, you should ask for a salary card and money to spend. What’s the point of having a husband if he doesn’t contribute?” Blair said, somewhat archaically.

“…Bro, that theory is so outdated. Nowadays, young people prefer financial independence.” Bunier could hardly stand it and quickly shifted his gaze, excitedly adding, “Today’s full of coincidences. The first order from my store happens to be in the East District. Just as I was preparing to have the robot pick it up, I got your message asking me to come here. Then I bump into a friend I met during genetic matching, and Ryan turns out to be Derrick’s friend. What a coincidence!”

“Very coincidental,” Blair nodded, his attention now diverted. He was relieved not to have to explain further about the situation.

Bunier frowned, sensing a hint of dismissal in his brother’s response. Narrowing his eyes, he leaned in close to Blair’s ear, urgently whispering, “Come on, tell me what’s going on here. Why did you call me over? Tell me quickly!”

Blair slumped, clearly not in the mood to elaborate.

Bunier stood there, puzzled and confused. His mind struggled to catch up with the revelation, and he hesitantly asked, “That day, when we were looking at magazines, the cover featured the general.”

“Yes,” Ryan confirmed with a smile. “It’s quite a marvel how fate works.”

Bunier’s face flushed with excitement as he clapped his hands vigorously. “Yes, the coincidence is extraordinary! Ryan is pregnant… Wait, no, that’s not right. Your genetic sequence is Y, so… so…”

His voice trailed off as he stuttered, struggling to grasp the astonishing truth. He suddenly raised his voice, “The general’s genetic sequence is X? The general is pregnant? Did you call me here to be the specialized obstetrician?”

Bunier’s voice escalated with each sentence, nearly reaching a crescendo that could have torn the roof off. As a member of the Imperial University’s Department of Biology, Bunier specialized in the possibilities of in vitro fertilization in the interstellar age. His side profession was obstetrics and gynecology, for which he held a formal license and had considerable experience. He had provided professional services to numerous politicians, wealthy business people, and celebrities, and had personally handled over twenty embryos from their mothers. His mentor was even more accomplished, having cared for over three thousand pairs of mothers and fetuses throughout his career.

“Being versatile and earning extra on the side is just part of life. Especially in the capital city, everyone has to juggle multiple roles,” Bunier said, reflecting his practicality and adaptability.

He turned to the general with a determined smile, “Don’t worry, General. I’ll make sure to complete this task perfectly!” Bunier’s enthusiasm was palpable, and his previous shock was replaced with a dedicated commitment. His initial impression of being aloof had given way to reveal a more reliable and lively personality.

Auston chuckled softly, his hand still holding Ryan’s, his fingers curled slightly with nerves. “We used a pregnancy test earlier, but the results weren’t very clear. We’re doing a blood test now, and the results should be out soon. Blair mentioned your expertise, so if the results confirm the pregnancy, we’ll be counting on you.”

Bunier’s eyes lit up with excitement at the unexpected praise from his older brother. “Sometimes hormone levels are low, and pregnancy tests can’t pick it up. It’s quite common. Even if there’s a faint line, there’s a sixty percent chance of pregnancy. Once we have the blood test results, I recommend getting a record at the hospital and doing an ultrasound to confirm the pregnancy. Don’t worry about privacy; my mentor’s clinic is one of the best in the entire star system.”

Bunier playfully winked, “Because the confidentiality is top-notch, haha.”

Auston smiled, “I’ll take that as a good sign.” Bunier’s words effectively confirmed the pregnancy, bringing a sense of relief to Auston.

Waiting in silence was the hardest part. The data analysis required time, and though it was supposed to take half an hour, every minute felt like an eternity. Patience was in short supply. Bunier, with his lively and amusing personality, made the waiting period more bearable. His ability to interact well with children spoke volumes about his compassion and dedication.

He picked up the package, and with a cheerful demeanor, walked over to Auston. Ryan instinctively tried to intervene, his concern causing him to act a bit flustered. Bunier, however, seemed not to notice, and with a joyful grin, said, “General, here’s the toy you ordered. I hope you like it. Hehe, next time, when buying online, set it to anonymous to keep your name hidden.”

Bunier opened the package to reveal a bright yellow squeaky toy in the shape of a chicken, wrapped in velvet. Its ever-familiar design, with its wide eyes and protruding belly, clearly indicated its purpose—to be squeezed.

“This is the latest model in the store. It makes the sound of ‘666¹T/N: Like the sound of ‘Liu Liu Liu’.’ Just squeeze it near the neck,” Bunier explained.

Auston, with a somewhat neutral expression, accepted the toy. Under the gaze of everyone present, his ears turned slightly red.

Bunier’s enthusiasm was infectious as he continued, “If you ever need any toys, just let me know. My store has a wide range of options, with new items coming in regularly from all over the star systems. I pay special attention to the materials to ensure they’re safe for babies, and they cater to all children up to twelve years old. We also do custom orders if you need something specific. Just let me know, hehe.”

As a multitasker, Bunier’s side jobs were as varied as they were interesting.

With the nervous new parents needing a distraction, they listened attentively as Bunier recommended the latest toys from his store. He even projected a hologram of the toys through his personal terminal, showcasing them with genuine enthusiasm. Ryan and Auston found themselves captivated by the recommendations, and by the time Ryan’s mind cleared, he realized they had purchased over ten toys.

Bunier cheerfully added, “I’m offering a discount for you. You can sign up for VIP access on my online store and enjoy a 20% discount on all future purchases. You’ll also get notified about new arrivals first. If you need any specific toys, I can help find them or even customize them for you.”

At some point, Da Fu, the family’s pet, had wandered into the room. He curled up by his owner’s feet and tilted his head, clearly fascinated by the toys displayed on Bunier’s terminal. The little cat let out a soft, inquisitive meow.

Auston, bending down to pet Da Fu’s small head, smiled and said, “Do you have any toys for kittens?”

“A cat teaser, climbing tree, and toy mice?”

“Those aren’t necessary. How about a sturdier cloth tiger? The little guy needs to start learning how to bite and tear.” Ryan glanced at Da Fu, the little griffin, who, without parental guidance, had missed out on learning many of the things griffins should know. It would be up to its owners to teach it everything now.

“Got it.” Another successful sale—happy times.

Blair watched the two of them excitedly discussing toys, shaking his head in amusement. Clearly, they hadn’t heard the sound of the machine beeping; otherwise, they would have already come over to check. He held up the test results in his slender, pale fingers, fingers more used to holding a scalpel, and raised his voice a bit, “Progesterone is 42.19, and hCG levels are 2570.2… Congratulations, you’re going to be fathers.”

Auston and Ryan, who had been focused on discussing toys, turned to look at Blair. Their faces displayed a calmness with a hint of bewilderment. The lack of a dramatic reaction surprised Blair.

Blair raised an eyebrow and continued, “You’re about five weeks along. I also noticed some mild anemia in Auston’s results. You’ll need to pay close attention to his nutrition. And while I understand you’re still in your honeymoon phase, it’s advisable to limit some of your more intimate activities during the early months. The data suggests that even your baby is already giving you a little protest.”

Ryan and Auston, still absorbing the news, exchanged glances. The excitement and shock were evident, even if their outward demeanor remained composed. Blair’s practical advice brought them back to the reality of impending parenthood.

Bunier, noticing the shift, took the opportunity to reassure them. “Don’t worry, I’ll help with any additional questions or needs you might have. It’s going to be a wonderful journey, and I’m here to support you.”

The atmosphere, now tinged with a mix of joy and responsibility, settled into a more focused and hopeful anticipation as they prepared for the new chapter in their lives.

Auston and Ryan blushed deeply when Blair spoke so bluntly. Ryan, anxious, asked, “Is it alright?”

“There’s a slight decrease, but it’s nothing serious. Just pay attention to nutrition and rest,” Blair replied.

Ryan and Auston breathed a sigh of relief, but they still didn’t show much excitement, as if they had already used up their emotional energy.

The two Winstar brothers exchanged a glance and decided not to disturb the couple. Originally, they had planned for Bunier to conduct a physical examination, which was the real reason Blair had called his brother—he hadn’t been invited just to sell toys. Seeing that the couple didn’t need further interruption, they arranged for a hospital check-up tomorrow with professional equipment for a comprehensive assessment. They left together, leaving behind a squeaky toy.

The emotionally stirred couple were too preoccupied to invite their guests to stay for dinner or anything like that; their minds were entirely occupied with each other and the baby in the womb.

“Ah… 66666…” The altered squeak turned into a dramatic shout of 666, breaking the tranquility of the small meeting room. Ryan and Auston looked at each other and saw the shared joy in each other’s eyes.

“In the future, the baby should smile often, not like me.”

“It’s cute to be like you. I want to hold a tiny version of you.”

“What will the little one be like? Will they look like the photos in the nursery of the planting star?”

“There will definitely be some discrepancies with the synthetic technology. Our baby will be even more beautiful and adorable.”

“I don’t know how to hold a baby, change diapers, make milk powder, or entertain the baby. Will the baby be scared of me or not be close to me?”

“I don’t know either. We’ll learn together. If the baby doesn’t like me, I’ll spank their little bottom.”

“Don’t hit the baby.”

“Okay, I won’t.”

“Will it be a boy or a girl?”

“I like both boys and girls. As long as it’s your child, I’ll love them so much.”

“Ryan.”

“Hmm?”

“I love you.”

Ryan hugged Auston tightly, “I love you too.”

The innocent squeaky toy, which only squeaks “ah ah ah ah” or shouts “666,” lacks the soul of its older predecessors, which were far more expressive = =.

Being pregnant and having a child, with a new member joining the family—such happy news makes it hard for Ryan and Auston not to be excited. However, both of their personalities are reserved and restrained, and after the initial emotional highs, they found it hard to express their feelings, even feeling a bit surreal.

“Do I really have it?”

“Let me listen?”

“I can’t hear it; there’s no equipment at home to listen to the fetal heartbeat.”

“I can feel it.”

Auston was sitting while Ryan crouched beside him, pressing his ear against Auston’s abdomen, trying to hear a faint yet strong heartbeat that didn’t belong to Auston. Auston gently stroked Ryan’s head and even playfully pinched his ear, asking, “Can you hear it?”

“I can hear it. He’s even calling me Dad.” Ryan could hear Auston’s heartbeat and his own, but he couldn’t distinguish a third one. Of course, he wouldn’t admit it; he just knew he could hear it!

“I’ve read some information. In ancient Earth times, women could feel the baby’s movements around four to five months of pregnancy, hear the baby’s heartbeat, and even see the little hands and feet through the belly.” Auston imagined what their baby might look like in the womb but found it hard to picture.

“We can see the whole process of the baby’s growth and development through the incubator, and even touch his little hands and feet.”

In the interstellar era, reproductive gender is no longer fixed to physical sex, and the methods of pregnancy have changed significantly. At three months pregnant, the fetus is removed from the womb and placed into an artificial womb, or incubator. Initially, humans used traditional methods of reproduction, but with deeper space exploration, the effects of cosmic radiation, dietary changes, and other factors led to beneficial mutations in the human womb. Since natural wombs couldn’t support the entire developmental process of a child, artificial wombs emerged as a safe, efficient, and healthy method of nurturing.

“We should consider whether to buy an incubator to keep at home or use a centralized breeding center.”

Auston frowned slightly; this was a matter he needed to think through carefully. He said, “I was born at home with family doctors and hired maternity assistants providing full-time care, and my mother was always by my side. I—”

“I was raised in a breeding center, so it was more like a ‘wholesale’ process.”

Auston was momentarily stunned, then realized Ryan was making a joke and couldn’t help but smile. “I want to set up an incubator at home.”

“Alright, I support your decision; I agree with you.” This way, they could see their baby’s progress at all times. They could even apply for parental leave to stay home and be with the baby as it grew. But Ryan knew that reality might not allow Auston to do so. As the leader and commander of the Legion, Auston had many responsibilities, and having a regular six-month leave was already quite good. Ryan lowered his gaze, wishing he could sprout wings and fly away.

“We should call Mom, Dad, and Grandma to share this good news!”

“You’re right!” Good news is meant to be shared. Ryan opened his personal terminal and dialed his mom’s number, mentally calculating the timing. Five weeks—just over a month ago. “The baby was conceived on the Planting Star. Let’s see, that day we…”

Auston quickly covered Ryan’s mouth, worrying about what if they were to connect at that exact moment. His mind raced back to that time, and his face turned a little red. If the timing worked out, the child was conceived when they were in the wild, in that cave on Planting Star they discovered the Yuan Chu… What a twist of fate!

Ryan’s words, carried on a warm, moist breath against Auston’s palm, conveyed the wonder of their situation. “It’s truly amazing. We’re going to have a legacy.” For him, Qin Feng Anderson, becoming Ryan Smith had brought everything he had never had in his past life: a partner, a child, and a blissful marriage. It was extraordinary. Wealth, status, and power were within Qin Feng’s grasp, but they couldn’t provide the peace and contentment that came with this new life he had with Ryan.

“Son?” Mom’s voice came through, drowsy and muffled. The dim light from the small night lamp cast a faint outline of her in the video call. She threw off the covers, put on her pajamas, and walked to the other side of the bedroom. Sitting on the sofa, she yawned and turned on the lamp beside it. “What’s up?”

“Mom, sorry for calling so late and waking you up,” Auston said, realizing they hadn’t considered the time difference. It was afternoon in Summer City, which meant it was the middle of the night for his parents, the best sleep time.

Mom’s eyes crinkled into a warm smile as she let her long hair fall loosely. “Auston, don’t feel bad. You can call us anytime you need.”

Footsteps approached, and soon Dad, looking sleepy, appeared on the screen. He waved at Ryan and Auston. “Good evening, kids.”

“It’s daytime there, it’s afternoon.”

“Oh, oh, good afternoon, kids.”

“Good evening, Mom and Dad,” Ryan and Auston said in unison, exchanging smiles.

The parents on the other end of the screen couldn’t help but start laughing.

Without any preamble or buffer, Auston shared the good news with his parents. “I’m pregnant. You’re going to be grandparents.”

“What?!” Mom’s voice pitch shifted in shock, and Dad rubbed his eyes and ears, doubting he had heard correctly.

Ryan repeated, “We’re going to be parents, and you’re going to be grandparents.”

Mom suddenly stood up, then, realizing something was wrong, slowly sat back down. With a dazed expression, she asked, “How far along?”

“Five weeks.”

“That means it was conceived at home.” After the kids left, Mom had been meticulously calculating their schedule and noting the timing of their activities. So, hearing “five weeks,” she knew exactly when it was. Mom’s trance and calmness was a bit odd, followed by Dad’s muffled groan of shock. Hearing Dad’s reaction, Mom realized she wasn’t dreaming. Her excitement shot straight to her head, and tears immediately started to fall. “Wah, my little Ryan has grown up, and he and Auston are having a baby. Wah, I’m so happy.”

Leaning on Dad’s shoulder, Mom cried uncontrollably. Dad, who had been pinched by Mom, gritted his teeth to keep from crying, forcing a smile despite the pain. “You’re both such good kids. Let’s hang up for now; I’ll call you back later.”

“Mm-hmm.” After ending the call, Ryan guessed that his emotional parents were likely hugging and crying together in excitement. He knew his parents well. Ryan reached out, gently stroking Auston’s face, and leaned in to give him a kiss on the lips. “Thank you, darling, for giving me such a big surprise. I never thought I would have this kind of day.”

Auston had learned to respond to such affectionate gestures, returning the kiss. “I should thank you. Without you, my life wouldn’t be as colorful as it is now.” He couldn’t imagine what his life would be like if his matched partner hadn’t been Ryan. He used to never make such idle speculations, but now, with the prospect of a child, he found himself contemplating many sentimental thoughts.

Ryan said, “I can’t imagine life without you either. Let’s go out. Bowers and the others must be waiting anxiously outside.”

Seeing that Blair had come and gone, the staff of the household, who had been anxiously waiting, were all standing at the door. When Ryan and Auston emerged from the small meeting room, they both wore the same gentle, contented smiles—soft and revealing satisfaction and joy. As soon as everyone saw their smiles, the anxiety lifted from their hearts.

Auston said, “Everyone, get ready to welcome our little one.”

Bowers’ eyes widened in excitement, and his lips trembled. This gentleman, known for his emotional control, nodded and said, “Congratulations, General. Congratulations, Ryan.” After speaking, he surprisingly turned and walked away as if knowing the news allowed him to return to his unfinished work. However, his slight gesture revealed his true emotions—his hand, which had been hanging by his side, lifted to secretly wipe away his tears. If viewed directly, Bowers’ eyes were red, and he was silently crying, overwhelmed with joy.

The chef, hearing the news, immediately started pacing with excitement and exclaimed, “General, what would you like to eat? I’ll prepare it!”

“Something nutritious. The doctor mentioned Auston has mild anemia,” Ryan said, worriedly contemplating whether their lack of restraint since discovering the pregnancy might have contributed to Auston’s anemia.

Bowers, who hadn’t gone far, rushed back in alarm. “Anemia?”

“Mild, Uncle Bowers, don’t worry,” Auston reassured the elder, noticing Bowers’ eyes nearly bulging out with concern.

“Make sure to replenish everything!” Bowers looked at Ryan sternly. Their eyes met, and some things were understood without needing to be said aloud. Ryan nodded in acknowledgment, indicating he would be careful from now on. He was determined not to overstep any boundaries until after the embryo was taken out for external nurturing.

“Eat more blood-nourishing foods. I’ll draft a meal plan,” Laura said, her mind already racing with ideas for nutritious and pregnancy-friendly foods.

With the arrival of a new life, the atmosphere of the Dalton household underwent a dramatic transformation. What was once a cold and somewhat lifeless home now buzzed with joy and vitality. The gardener, in a fit of excitement, pruned several dense holly bushes into chubby, childlike shapes, transforming the garden into a lively space.

In the future, the house would be filled with the sounds of a baby’s cries, laughter, and babbling. Ryan and Auston, young and in good health, would have many more little lives to enjoy.

Just thinking about it brought immense happiness.

After Ryan and Auston finished their dinner and went for a walk, Auston’s personal terminal rang with a holographic video call from his grandmother.