AHDIBCB Chapter 54

He’d just been demoted from husband to “boyfriend”—he couldn’t afford to be downgraded all the way to single and divorced in one go. Li Heng’s head was spinning, but he couldn’t come right out and say that this “cousin” was in fact his legally wedded spouse.

His eyes swept coldly toward Qian Chongwei. If it weren’t for Liang Wei and this guy surnamed Qian, Liang Wanfeng wouldn’t have known he was even coming.

Qian Chongwei was already starting to regret things. Honestly, he hadn’t expected Li Heng to bring Yuan Yi along. In their eyes, given Li Heng’s status and ability, he could have his pick from countless high-born, good-looking candidates. Yuan Yi wouldn’t even make it into the top tiers of that list. After all, this wasn’t a romantic marriage; it was arranged. Qian had assumed Li Heng wouldn’t fall for him—or at least, not this quickly.

Liang Wei had only one younger brother—Liang Wanfeng. He was good-looking and had a likable personality. Naturally, they had been hoping to matchmake the two. From their perspective, the pair seemed well suited in every way. And now that they were all in the same boat, who wouldn’t want to tighten the ropes a little more—secure the alliance more firmly?

But clearly, things had already gone off the rails. Li Heng had called Yuan Yi “wife” and openly acknowledged the child in his belly. What did that say? It meant this whole situation was locked in—unchangeable.

But then—what was the deal with this “cousin”?

Li Heng had brought people along before too, but every time they were in disguise. No one ever asked who was who, and since it was Li Heng who brought them in, everyone just assumed they were safe. Only this time, this “cousin” clearly wasn’t like those others. None of the past guests had ever dared speak to Li Heng in that tone.

Li Heng finally squeezed out a feeble, half-hearted: “What nonsense are you talking about?”

Liang Wanfeng jumped in, “He’s not talking nonsense at all! Heng-ge, not to brag, but if you married me, my dowry would definitely be way better than anything the Zhou family offered. After all, Yuan Yi isn’t even Zhou Tandai’s biological son, right? Blood matters. I’m different—my grandfather’s a deputy commander in the Army, my dad’s a seasoned businessman, my older brother is the garrison commander of District 72, and I’m the only younger brother in the family. With my background, I could totally be a prince’s consort! Heng-ge, just look at me!”

Li Heng internally screamed: You think I dare?!

He said coldly, “I’m marrying a partner, not a bank. Everything you’re bragging about—those are your added assets, not your personal worth.”

Liang Wanfeng shot back, “But at least I have those things, and he doesn’t!”

Li Heng replied calmly, “True. But what he has, you might never have. And what he has—is enough for me.”

“You—!” Liang Wanfeng was speechless with frustration.

At that moment, a knock came at the door. The food had arrived.

Since Qian Chongwei had mentioned someone was hungry and asked them to hurry, only three servers entered, each carrying a large tray. The food was simple but enough to temporarily fill the stomach: rice cakes, salad-like sides, and some vegetables and fruits Yuan Yi didn’t recognize.

The servers placed the dishes quietly on the table. One of them said, “Mr. Qian, the head chef says these are to whet the guests’ appetites. The main courses are on their way.”

Qian Chongwei waved his hand. “You may go.”

Liang Wanfeng finally shut up for a moment. But the second the servers left, he turned to Li Heng and asked with disbelief, “Heng-ge, you want to eat this stuff?”

Yuan Yi smoothly picked up the conversation, smiling as he said, “It’s my first time in District 72, so I wanted to try the local food. Brother Qian is generous—he had them bring a few extra dishes. Honestly, I think you’re completely right, little brother Wanfeng. Family alliances between noble houses should definitely aim to grow stronger through marriage. What’s there to admire about the Zhou family? That Zhou Tandai doesn’t seem particularly capable, and his nephew has no background to speak of—just some regular student. That kind of alliance doesn’t even mean anything.”

Liang Wanfeng instantly lit up, feeling as though he’d finally found a kindred spirit. He exclaimed excitedly, “Right? Right? You think so too, don’t you? I knew this whole thing was unreliable! It’s all because of that person who caused Heng-ge’s accident at the Nine-Colored Star Bridge—if it weren’t for that, what place would that Yuan Yi even have?”

Li Heng narrowed his eyes slightly but, for some reason, didn’t argue back this time. Qian Chongwei, on the other hand, kept a close eye on Yuan Yi’s every move.

Just then, Yuan Yi pointed at some items on one of the plates and asked with perfect composure, “Little brother Wanfeng, could you help me identify these? I’m sorry, but some of the ingredients here are completely new to me. I’m sure someone as well-traveled as you would know.”

And really—who doesn’t enjoy a bit of flattery?

Hearing someone side with him and ask for his guidance, Liang Wanfeng immediately became even more enthusiastic. “Oh, don’t mention ‘well-traveled’ or anything! The interstellar realm is huge. It’s completely normal to come across unfamiliar things!” he said brightly, already leaning over the table, ready to explain.

He pointed at the red-colored rice cake on the plate, “This is Ma Xiang rice cake, made from the Red Jade Rice produced on Shenshi Star combined with the Ma Xiang fruit from our main star. It’s very fragrant and nourishing, and the calcium supplement effect is very good. If you’re hungry, you can eat some of this first. Then there’s this, this is Sulada crispy fish skin.”

Liang Wanfeng picked up a green one, which looked a bit like an unfried green shrimp chip, with white stripe patterns on it. “This thing is made from the fish skin of a kind of fish produced in the gelatin river on Lanjiao Star. The texture when eating is very special. When you bite it, it’s crispy and sweet. But after entering the mouth, it quickly becomes like soft candy. Its effect on supplementing collagen is really good. You try it.”

Liang Wanfeng bit down with a “crack.”

Yuan Yi also ate a bit along with him, finding it quite tasty, not knowing how it was made, and there was no fishy smell at all.

Then Liang Wanfeng introduced other things. Obviously, he treated Yuan Yi as one of his own. He enthusiastically poured fruit juice for Yuan Yi, “Eating this crispy fish skin with this kind of fruit juice tastes very special, you try.”

Yuan Yi ate it with him, chatting casually while eating, “I have a friend whose personality is very similar to yours, you both are very sunny. He also likes to eat these sour and sweet things.”

Liang Wanfeng said, “Ah, really? Then there’s a chance to get to know him. Is he a beta or omega?”

Yuan Yi said, “Omega. Like you, also a male, he’s very cute.”

Liang Wanfeng smiled and said, “Many omegas are cute. By the way, just call me Wanfeng. You seem older than me. How should I address you?”

Yuan Yi said, “Jian Suifeng.”

Liang Wanfeng said in surprise, “What a coincidence, your name also has the character ‘Feng’ (wind)?”

Yuan Yi said, “It’s quite a coincidence. Wanfeng, you said you’re two years older than Yuan Yi, so you’re about twenty-two, right? Generally, omegas at this age have already started dating or already have a boyfriend or girlfriend. What if my cousin doesn’t get divorced, then what will you do?”

Liang Wanfeng was biting the crispy fish skin while thinking for a long moment. He said, “Even if he doesn’t get divorced, Yuan Yi can’t come back anyway. You have to know that the Bruteman people have an implacable hatred with Brother Heng, how could they let Yuan Yi go? Then I’ll just wait. Brother Heng can’t possibly never marry again in his life.”

Li Heng said, “How do you know I definitely won’t go to save him?”

Liang Wanfeng said, “The cost is too high. Is he worth it? Besides, even if he has your child, by the time you go to save him, the child might have already been lost.”

Li Heng now hated hearing this kind of talk most of all. He frowned and said, “Wanfeng, I treat you as my younger brother. You better think before you speak. No matter where Yuan Yi is now, as long as I haven’t spoken, he is my legally married wife, and no one can casually interfere.”

Liang Wanfeng was about to say something more, but Qian Chongwei grabbed him, “Alright, stop talking. Heng ge and I still have serious matters to discuss. You quickly go see if your brother is done.”

Liang Wanfeng said, “What matter can’t I hear? My brother is such a big person, he won’t get lost.”

Qian Chongwei frowned, “Are you forcing me to complain about you in front of your brother?”

Liang Wanfeng said, “Then I want to bring Suifeng ge with me, he’ll accompany me.”

“Nonsense! He’s a guest, how can he accompany you? You quickly go out.”

Liang Wanfeng was unwilling, pouting and reluctant to leave. But although Qian Chongwei was an alpha, he was his brother’s official “husband,” and since his brother valued this husband very much, he dared not disobey.

Qian Chongwei said, “After you go out, don’t talk nonsense.”

Liang Wanfeng said angrily, “Got it!”

After saying that, he looked at Li Heng, wanting to say something but hesitating. Yet seeing Li Heng’s unprecedented coldness, he didn’t dare to say anything more.

When he went out, Yuan Yi was calmly eating at his own pace. Qian Chongwei saw him looking so composed, always unreadable in his true feelings, and felt puzzled inside.

Yuan Yi was only nineteen, almost twenty maybe, but a university student—could he really have such depth of mind?

But besides this one, the other few are even less possible. Those are obviously all alphas. If Li Heng were like him and Liang Wei, there are many excellent people on the Sirius Ship — why would he remain single for so many years and only passively marry a wife now?

Or could it be that Li Heng brought Yuan Yi here but actually he’s still outside? Brought him here, but brought him where?

Qian Chongwei looked at Li Heng and said, “This matter is my failure. Don’t bother arguing with Wanfeng about it. Later I will talk to him. He’s just spoiled by me and Liang Wei, no bad intention.”

Li Heng said, “What use is it if I don’t argue with him? The important thing is that my wife doesn’t argue with me.”

Qian Chongwei said, “Can’t be, right? Could my brother be this miserable?”

He then looked at Yuan Yi, “This cousin Suifeng, do you think Yuan Yi would be angry at your cousin?”

Yuan Yi smiled and said, “How could he? I think Wanfeng is quite right. Yuan Yi, first, has no parents to rely on; second, no family background; third, his own ability is average. What good would it do him to be angry? He now needs to rely on the Li family everywhere, and the Zhou family also has no place for him to stand. So in my opinion, it’s really just that my cousin is overthinking.”

He seemed to just state a fact calmly and indifferently, as if no emotions were flowing.

But is it really overthinking? Qian Chongwei didn’t dare to respond this time. The name Jian Suifeng — the surname Jian is Li Heng’s mother’s surname. The Jian professor’s family does have some relatives, but none are known to work closely with Li Heng. So is this really Yuan Yi in front of him?

Qian Chongwei looked to Li Heng for help but found Li Heng somewhat silent.

Li Heng sensed that Yuan Yi was hiding his emotions; all he could perceive was a trace of numbness and restraint, indifference. It seemed that what Yuan Yi said was also what was on his mind at this very moment. No complaints, no grievances, no awkwardness. Yuan Yi seemed to be telling others, and at the same time telling himself:

Do not harbor too many illusions.

But the more so, the more he couldn’t help but feel heartache.

He didn’t understand what a person had gone through to develop such a personality. Among so many soldiers on the Sirius Ship, including the alien people he had seen before, there was not one like Yuan Yi.

Li Heng felt this feeling was more unpleasant than having a knife held to his neck. So he raised his wine glass and drank it all in one gulp, then looked directly at Qian Chongwei: “It’s impossible between Wanfeng and me. Before, I treated him like a child and didn’t want to be too harsh. But you should know my character. I acknowledge Yuan Yi as my wife not because he has my child in his belly, but simply because I admire him as a person. Unless I die this lifetime, it is absolutely impossible for me to divorce him. No, even if I die, he can only be mine.”

Qian Chongwei was somewhat surprised at Li Heng’s possessiveness and asked in disbelief, “Is he really that good?”

Li Heng said, “I don’t know how others see him, I only know, in my heart no one compares, and that’s enough. Now, back to business.”

Qian Chongwei nodded, drank a whole glass himself as an apology, then continued, “Your guess was right. The Second Prince really ran to the Qiming Army to hide. He is now with the Vajra Mecha Division. But how long he can hide is still uncertain. The Qiming Army has supported the Second Prince for a long time, so it’s possible they might come to blows this time. The problem is if a big conflict breaks out, we won’t be able to stand by and watch like before. What’s your decision?”

“Naturally, we will fight.”

“Fight whom?”

“Of course, whoever hits me, I will hit back.”

“What if the one hitting you is the one currently unconscious?”

“The Sirius Ship will always exist to protect the lives and property safety of the people of Owanda,” Li Heng said, “That will never change.”

“I’m glad you changed your mind,” Qian Chongwei refilled Li Heng’s glass, “Liang Wei will also be happy about this decision.”

“Excuse me for being presumptuous, but is the person you are seeing now the only child of that one?” Yuan Yi said, breaking the crispy fish skin as he spoke, “Is it possible there are others you haven’t seen?”

Li Heng and Qian Chongwei: “…”

Yuan Yi smiled and said, “Sorry, I’m just casually saying.”

Qian Chongwei poured wine for Yuan Yi, “Why do you have such a thought?”

Yuan Yi said, “Some animals, in order to preserve their best offspring as much as possible, might kill those they think are less healthy. But animals are after all animals, their methods are limited. Humans, well, have many more methods.”

For example, discarding the one with defects.

Qian Chongwei asked Li Heng, “Exactly what kind of relative’s cousin is he to you?”

Li Heng looked at Yuan Yi, then took the glass of wine that Qian Chongwei had poured for Yuan Yi earlier, saying, “He can’t drink now, so I’ll drink it for him.”

Qian Chongwei: “…”

He quickly looked at Flight Wolf and Night Wolf: “?”

Flight Wolf and Night Wolf both nodded simultaneously.

Qian Chongwei was stunned, lowering his voice in disbelief: “He’s really nineteen?!”

Night Wolf said, “Our general wasn’t very old when he started leading troops either.”

Qian Chongwei suddenly felt a bit embarrassed. Then he thought about how Liang Wanfeng had been making a fuss not long ago, saying he was two years older than him.

Just then, the second group of food delivery people came in, seven or eight of them. He asked, “Why bring so much?”

The lead waiter said, “Mr. Qian, Young Master Feng said he met a good friend today, and he asked us to bring out all the delicious things he thinks to treat this honorable guest.”

Qian Chongwei: “…………”

Is this really necessary to be so heartbreaking…

Flight Wolf and Night Wolf  looked down, trying hard not to laugh.

Yuan Yi, on the other hand, very seriously thanked the food servers and asked the lead waiter to convey his gratitude to Liang Wanfeng for his kindness.

The waiter was a bit nervous, quickly responding and quietly leaving.

Qian Chongwei couldn’t help but scrutinize Yuan Yi again. What kind of “Jian Suifeng” is that! It’s simply ridiculous!

Yuan Yi seemed to receive no unusual looks. He picked the ones he was interested in and ate a bit of each. He ate food very politely, not taking big bites, and his chewing sounds were very soft. But he ate with great appetite. People who didn’t have much appetite saw him eating and also wanted to try. It seemed he had a kind of gratitude toward the food, as if he ate very attentively and reverently.

Qian Chongwei suddenly remembered the photo he saw earlier when checking Yuan Yi’s information with Liang Wei.

Indeed, he was a handsome person, but at that time in the photo, neither he nor Liang Wei could tell that Yuan Yi had this kind of personality. But now he could understand why Li Heng suddenly didn’t reject the idea of marriage. Such beauty combined with this kind of mind— isn’t this a soulmate?

You have to know, pretty but foolish omegas are easy to find; pretty and smart omegas are also easy to find; but pretty, smart, and also able to stay so calm—that really is a rare treasure.

This is just too… calm!

Qian Chongwei said, “We really should check if there is anyone else we haven’t seen.”

Li Heng said, “Someone has already been sent to check.”

He also suspected what was really behind the emperor’s fainting, but after all, he hadn’t seen it with his own eyes. But Yuan Yi saw it and believed the emperor was pretending, so it very likely was fake.

Though Li Heng never really understood how Yuan Yi advanced so quickly in learning medicine, during this time living together he was very clear that Yuan Yi’s judgment was no weaker than his own.

But what was the emperor’s intention in doing this? To let the first prince and the second prince fight each other, forcing him to clearly state which side he was loyal to?

No matter how you think about it, this is a bad strategy.

The emperor should have guessed what consequences such behavior would bring. Either he removes the second prince for the first prince, or he stands with neither side, first letting the second prince remove the first prince, then he sits back and benefits.

But if that happened, he would become a criminal to Owanda.

Qian Chongwei said, “You could say that when someone’s achievements overshadow the ruler, it’s never something the master likes. You’ve been in the spotlight way too much these past two years. The sky above us looks often clear, but when you’re young, it’s stormy nonstop. If he just handed down the family legacy like that but left you behind, I wouldn’t be at ease either if I were him.”

Li Heng said, “When I first came back, I always thought the one behind the Nine-Color Star Bridge incident was the second prince.”

Qian Chongwei said, “Who says it isn’t?”

Yuan Yi was still eating as if he hadn’t heard their conversation at all. He held a bowl in one hand, a spoon and chopsticks in the other, clearly not near full yet.

Qian Chongwei said, “Your wife sure has a good appetite.”

Li Heng wiped the corner of Yuan Yi’s mouth with a tissue and smiled, “Those two little ones can eat.”

Qian Chongwei said, “I was wondering, looking like she’s five or six months pregnant. But your disguise skills have gotten more refined on your side.”

He could tell by their eyes and habits that Li Heng, Night Wolf, and Flying Wolf were who they were, but he hadn’t realized Yuan Yi was an omega.

Li Heng gently stroked Yuan Yi’s belly and said, “I’m heading to District Nine later. Old Qian, help me prepare some things.”

Qian Chongwei agreed and after discussing some defensive arrangements, went to get something for Yuan Yi. It was a very exquisite-looking gun, but the amazing thing was it was completely transparent, looking like a colorful glass rod.

“This is something Li Heng surely doesn’t lack, but mine is specially made,” Qian Chongwei said. “If you don’t say, no one will know it’s a glue gun. Things might get chaotic later, so keep it for self-defense. Consider it a gift from me and Liang Wei to you and our two nephews when we meet. After you unlock the safety, there’s a totem inside. Everyone in the 72nd district’s military knows it. If you get into trouble, they’ll naturally come to help.”

“Thanks, Brother Qian.” Yuan Yi took the box and handed it over to Li Heng.

“The things you asked for should be ready by now, so don’t wait for Liang Wei.”

“Got it, we’ll keep in touch.”

After saying this, Li Heng quickly left with Yuan Yi.

Qian Chongwei rubbed his head and went to find Liang Wei. When he entered the room, he saw that Liang Wei had handcuffed Liang Wanfeng.

Liang Wanfeng was crying, tears and snot running down her face. Seeing Qian, he pitifully called out, “Qian ge, my brother is bullying me. Please do something. He won’t let me see Heng ge, and Heng ge will probably leave without saying a word, boo hoo…”

Liang Wei was tall and thin, his military uniform fitting just right, outlining his well-proportioned figure. He wore glasses, and if you ignored the uniform, he didn’t look much like a guard commander; he seemed more like a refined businessman.

Qian Chongwei quickly unlocked his younger brother’s handcuffs and said about his other half, “Why did you even have to use those? If you hurt his hands, what will you do?”

Liang Wei said, “How else can I control him? It’s all because you spoiled him.”

Qian Chongwei: “Alright, alright, all my fault.”

Liang Wei asked, “Has Li Heng left?”

Qian Chongwei said, “He left.” Then looking at Liang Wanfeng’s hands, he said, “Xiao Feng, listen to your brother. Don’t keep thinking about Li Heng anymore. There’s someone in his heart already, and you definitely can’t get in. But don’t worry, your brother and I will definitely find you someone better.”

Liang Wanfeng was about to cry again, but Liang Wei sternly said, “No more crying. You’re not a kid anymore, can’t you be a little clearer-headed? Go back to your room and sober up.”

Liang Wanfeng glared at his older brother but still felt angry. He took a few big steps over and flipped down the photo on his desk, saying, “You’re not allowed to put my photo on your desk anymore! You’re so annoying! Hmph!”

After saying that, he slammed the door and ran off.

Liang Wei was speechless. “I don’t even know who insisted on putting that photo there in the first place.”

The guard commander Liang reset the photo upright and asked, “Have you seen Li Heng’s wife?”

Qian Chongwei said, “I have. Today I suddenly understood why you were so determined not to let the old man marry Xiao Feng off to those princes.”

Leaning back in his chair, Liang Wei sighed helplessly, “Although he’s a troublesome younger brother, he’s still my full brother, and I want him to live a long life. I know Li Heng’s character. If Xiao Feng really ends up with him, no matter what position Li Heng takes in the future, I can rest easy. But those others? No way. Xiao Feng’s mind is only fit to live a peaceful life as a little prince. He can’t handle the struggle with others.”

The two men exchanged looks and sighed in unison.

Liang Wei added, “But hearing you say that, Li Heng’s wife is very smart?”

Qian Chongwei said, “To put it this way, sitting and talking with him, I didn’t feel like he’s a half-grown kid. He’s not at all like our Xiao Feng’s peer; he’s more like our generation. The medical school thing seems to be his own capability, and it’s clear Li Heng really cares about him.”

Liang Wei said, “For Li Heng, that would be like adding wings to a tiger — it’s a good thing.”

The couple looked at each other again and laughed out loud together.

But General Li, on his journey to District Nine, couldn’t smile at all.

Yuan Yi didn’t look angry, and his mental energy also didn’t give off any sense that he was angry or unhappy. But he could subtly sense that Yuan Yi was being a bit more polite to him than he was two days ago.

The closeness and emotional bonding of the past few days seemed to have been pushed back all at once by what happened today — Yuan Yi seemed like a little turtle retreating back into its shell.

He was still very friendly, but there was no way to easily touch his heart. And Yuan Yi even seemed a little anxious.

“You don’t believe what I said?”

“No,” Yuan Yi said. “I know he’s just one-sidedly in love with you.”

“Then what are you afraid of?”

“I’m not afraid.” Yuan Yi avoided Li Heng’s gaze.

“Don’t dodge. Look at me.” Li Heng cupped Yuan Yi’s face. “Wife, who told you that you don’t have any support? I’m your husband. Your support is me. No matter what happens in the future, I’ll stand by your side, shielding you from the wind and rain. Also, my parents are your parents, my grandfather is also your grandfather. You’re not alone. And our children — when they’re born, I’ll teach them well, so that in the future, they’ll also learn to protect you. So don’t panic. It’s okay. I promise you.”

“Mm.” Yuan Yi nodded. “Sorry.”

“Why apologize?”

“For making you worry. But I… I’m actually okay. I might just need a bit of time to adjust — shouldn’t take too long.”

“Then what can I do for you?”

“Anything?”

“Yes. As long as I can do it, I absolutely won’t refuse you,” Li Heng said. “Besides, I can’t refuse you at all.”

“Then come with me.”

Yuan Yi took Li Heng’s hand. Li Heng was still a bit anxious — what if this was to draw up some kind of temporary divorce agreement? That he definitely couldn’t agree to.

But as they walked, Li Heng realized they had arrived at the bedroom on the Ghost Ship that belonged to him and Yuan Yi.

Yuan Yi pushed the door open and entered, then stopped by the bedside.

He seemed to be making some kind of decision, then turned his head to glance at Li Heng.

Li Heng walked over and slowly embraced him from behind, asking gently, “What’s wrong?”

At that moment, Yuan Yi slightly lowered his head, moved his hair to one side, revealing his slender, fair neck.

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T/N: Something is about to happen!!!😉🤭 IYKYK!!