Top-Tier Omega: Chasing Alpha to the Crematorium – Chapter 51

Crying Hoarse, Yet Unending

Amidst Zhan Nansheng’s curses, Wu Lan took her directly back to her own residence.

Zhan Nansheng was thoroughly cowed. She bit her lip hard, sitting motionless in the car, refusing to get out no matter what.

            

Seeing this, Wu Lan crossed her arms and laughed. “Eldest Miss, get out.”

“…No.”

When Wu Lan tried to move closer, she instinctively shrank back. Like a small animal driven to a desperate corner — all her claws and fangs from before now removed — she instantly lost even the courage to roar.

            

“Hurry up and get out.”

“No.”

“I’ll say it one more time. Get out.” Wu Lan’s voice carried a warning.

            

Zhan Nansheng bit her lower lip, stubbornly retorting: “I won’t. If you have something to say, you can say it in the car.”

Seeing she wouldn’t budge, Wu Lan was amused rather than angry. It seemed she’d scared the woman thoroughly. But that was exactly the result she wanted — knowing fear was good; knowing fear meant she wouldn’t keep causing trouble for no reason.

So she decided to add fuel to the fire, leaning down close to Zhan Nansheng, backing her into a corner, and saying with a wicked smile: “Eldest Miss, do you want to try… car sex?”

            

Zhan Nansheng’s eyes went wide. She looked at Wu Lan in disbelief, murmuring as if to comfort herself: “Y-you… you bastard. You wouldn’t dare.”

As if in response to her words, Wu Lan said nothing but reached directly for her military uniform.

The moment her fingertips touched Zhan Nansheng’s collar, she sprang up like a cat whose tail had been stepped on, using all her strength to shove Wu Lan away, staring at her in shock and fear.

            

More afraid that Wu Lan would fly into a rage and actually do something outrageous in the car…

Wu Lan was caught off guard and stumbled from the push, but showed no anger. She simply steadied herself and got out of the car, saying coolly to Zhan Nansheng inside: “Come down quickly. Don’t make me say it a third time.”

All of Zhan Nansheng’s courage to resist was exhausted just now. She cursed “bastard” in her heart but still obediently got out of the car, following behind Wu Lan, silently entering the elevator.

            

In the elevator, Wu Lan said nothing, lost in thought.

Zhan Nansheng grew increasingly anxious. Thinking of the video in Wu Lan’s possession, and the myriad ways she’d been tormented, she felt increasingly desperate. She couldn’t keep being manipulated like this…

She could already imagine what awaited her once they entered the room.

            

The ever-proud and strong-willed Zhan Nansheng now found herself considering swallowing her pride to make peace.

She bit her lip and softly broke the silence: “Wu… Wu Lan, drugging you before was wrong of me. But I’ve been punished now. That should be enough. As long as you promise to destroy the video, I’ll pretend this never happened. I won’t say a single word to my father, and I’ll even have him promote you. Just don’t… don’t do that to me again…” She couldn’t finish the sentence.

She looked up to gauge Wu Lan’s reaction, finding her completely unmoved.

            

Wu Lan kept her focus on the elevator numbers until they stopped at the 16th floor and the doors opened.

She walked out without a backward glance, as if certain Zhan Nansheng would follow.

And Zhan Nansheng did follow, making one last struggle, talking nonstop: “Wu Lan, aside from drugging you, I’ve never done anything to wrong you, have I? Why do you have to be so ruthless?”

            

“You’re someone my father is grooming now. We’ll have plenty of opportunities to cooperate in the future. Why make things so tense? You… you really can’t keep treating me like that.”

“You’ve forgotten — back at school, when I was being bullied, I helped you…”

Wu Lan opened the door, pulled her inside, and pinned her directly against it, all in one fluid motion.

            

Zhan Nansheng’s unfinished words were cut off, because her gland had been pressed by Wu Lan. She swallowed hard, voice trembling: “Wu Lan, don’t… don’t do this.”

Wu Lan didn’t immediately do anything. Instead, she smiled slowly: “Eldest Miss, did you think I didn’t know about your clumsy little schemes? When I was bullied — wasn’t that arranged by you? So you could play the hero and make me grateful, even offer myself to you. And now… isn’t this exactly what you wanted?”

“You… you knew all along!”

            

Zhan Nansheng’s face flushed red, as if the most sensitive string in her heart had been plucked. She was ashamed beyond words.

How could she not know?

This proud Eldest Miss, brilliant as a rose, had been trying every method since her teens to attract her attention. Burdened by too many responsibilities, Wu Lan had no desire to get entangled with this young miss, always enduring and avoiding — never expecting her to only push further.

            

All these years, no improvement at all. She even dared to drug her.

If not for her vigilance, she might have actually fallen for it. To court death like this — well, she couldn’t blame anyone but herself… A shadow flickered in Wu Lan’s eyes before returning to calm.

She gripped Zhan Nansheng’s chin, forcing her to meet her gaze, teasing: “Eldest Miss, admit it. You like me.”

            

Her secret exposed, Zhan Nansheng was completely deflated, losing even the strength to resist.

She let Wu Lan drag her from the doorway to the bedroom, pin her to the bed, and position her in a shameful prone pose. Only then did she start to tremble and struggle: “Let go of me! You bastard!”

She struggled so violently that Wu Lan’s neck was scratched with several bloody marks.

            

Wu Lan had no choice but to release a large amount of pheromones. Under the pheromone suppression, even though Zhan Nansheng was unwilling, her body went limp, letting Wu Lan do as she pleased.

Forced into such a shameful position, Zhan Nansheng was mortified, but more than that, despair and rage spread through her heart. Wu Lan knew she liked her, yet still treated her this way.

In an instant, bitterness welled up. Tears fell silently, dripping onto the back of Wu Lan’s hand. Wu Lan immediately stopped, flipped her over, and looked at her red-rimmed eyes with some surprise: “Eldest Miss, why are you crying?”

            

That mocking tone made Zhan Nansheng want to hit her. She tried — but her hand was caught by Wu Lan before it could rise. Unable to break free, she snarled with false bravado: “You bastard! What do you want? You’re just using the fact that I like you…” Her voice cracked at the end.

“What do I want?” Wu Lan laughed. “Shouldn’t it be what the Eldest Miss wants? I’ve been cooperating with you all along. After all, you worked so hard to provoke me — wasn’t it because you wanted me to mark you?”

“Bullshit!”

            

Zhan Nansheng’s curse echoed through the room, filled with shame and helplessness.

Wu Lan remained unmoved. If anything, her movements grew more determined amidst the cursing.

She lowered her head and bit Zhan Nansheng’s gland. Pheromones flooded in like a tide, domineering and irresistible.

            

Zhan Nansheng’s body shuddered violently. Her fingers gripped the bedsheets tightly. She wanted to struggle, to push Wu Lan away, but her body went soft beyond her control, as if all strength had been drained. Her voice shifted from angry curses to broken fragments, until only intermittent sobs and whimpers remained.

Wu Lan’s movements held no tenderness, as if crushing all her pride and stubbornness. Only when Zhan Nansheng’s voice had gone hoarse from crying did she finally stop.

The room fell silent, save for their breathing.

            

Zhan Nansheng lay limp on the bed, chest heaving, as if she’d just survived a battle to the death.

Wu Lan sat at the edge of the bed, looking down at her with complicated eyes, saying nothing.

After a long while, Zhan Nansheng finally came back to herself.

            

She sat up abruptly and kicked Wu Lan hard. Her voice was hoarse with rage: “Bastard, what exactly am I to you?”

Wu Lan tilted slightly from the kick but didn’t get angry. Instead, she smiled: “What does the Eldest Miss want to be? Girlfriend?”

Zhan Nansheng was infuriated by her ambiguous attitude. She raised her hand to hit her again, but Wu Lan caught her wrist. She struggled twice without breaking free, so she just glared and said fiercely: “You like me too, don’t you? Why treat me like this?”

            

Wu Lan laughed softly, leaning close to her ear. “Doesn’t the Eldest Miss like it this way? Wasn’t it satisfying?”

“You!” Zhan Nansheng flushed red with anger, cursing: “You bastard! Let go of me!”

Wu Lan didn’t let go. Instead, she pulled her closer, her tone suddenly turning serious: “Zhan Nansheng, you’re a Lieutenant General now. Stop being so impulsive.”

            

Zhan Nansheng snorted but said nothing.

Wu Lan sighed and advised: “Your father is right. You really should change that competitive nature of yours. You are you. There’s no need to compare yourself to Ming Yu at every turn.”

At the name “Ming Yu,” Zhan Nansheng’s body stiffened slightly. The anger in her eyes gradually gave way to something more complex. Wu Lan’s words struck at her most sensitive spot — she’d always lived in Ming Yu’s shadow. No matter what she did, she was compared to Ming Yu.

            

Her father’s expectations, her comrades’ gazes — all pressed down on her like mountains, making it hard to breathe.

Seeing her silence, Wu Lan reached out and ruffled her hair, her tone softening: “Eldest Miss, you’re already excellent. There’s no need to keep being so hard on yourself.”

Zhan Nansheng looked up. Her eyes were still red, but no longer hostile. She looked at Wu Lan and asked quietly: “Do you really think so?”

            

Wu Lan nodded, uncharacteristically serious: “Of course. You’re outstanding.”

Zhan Nansheng pursed her lips, then spoke: “I know what you’re trying to say. You want me to stop clashing with Ming Yu. I understand what you and my father mean. Don’t worry, I’ll cooperate with Ming Yu and prove myself with my abilities.”

“That’s more like it.” Wu Lan smiled and stood. “You rest for a while, then apologize to your father. I have matters to attend to, so I’ll be going.”

            

Zhan Nansheng turned her head away, muttering: “Who asked you to meddle…”

Wu Lan laughed softly and turned toward the door. At the threshold, her expression instantly turned unreadable.

Such a gullible Eldest Miss. She almost felt bad about using her.

            

---

Inside the Military Headquarters Building, Ming Yu sat at her desk, focused on processing documents.

The office door opened, and Song Xihan strode in.

“I heard Zhan Nansheng took a big loss at the meeting today. She was so angry her face turned green.” Song Xihan made herself comfortable in the chair across from Ming Yu, crossing her legs, her tone carrying a note of schadenfreude. “She should quiet down for a while now, right?”

            

Ming Yu’s tone was calm: “She’s always been stubborn. This time she’s compromised temporarily, but that doesn’t mean she’ll let it go.”

Song Xihan shrugged, unconcerned. “Either way, she’s fallen into your hands this time. She won’t be making waves anytime soon.” As she spoke, her gaze casually swept over Ming Yu’s neck, suddenly pausing, a knowing smile flashing in her eyes.

“My, your neck…” She deliberately drew out the words, her tone full of teasing.

            

Ming Yu glared at Song Xihan, her voice carrying a warning: “Song Xihan, if you don’t shut up, I won’t mind sending you to the border for a few months.”

“Fine, fine, I won’t say anything, won’t say anything.”

Ming Yu couldn’t be bothered with her, lowering her head to continue working on documents.

            

Seeing this, Song Xihan stopped teasing and turned to business: “By the way, my grandmother’s seventieth birthday is coming up. The family is planning a proper celebration. You have to come and show your support.”

Hearing this, Ming Yu’s pen paused. Her expression turned serious: “Your grandmother’s birthday celebration naturally should be done properly. But… I’m afraid she won’t be too happy about it?”

Song Xihan’s expression also dimmed. She sighed: “You’re right. She may not say it, but she’s definitely not feeling well inside. This birthday means she has to step down from the Marshal position. She’s served the military her whole life. Suddenly stepping down — there’s bound to be a sense of loss. Plus… the matter of my two aunts…”

            

At the mention of the Song family’s two aunts, Song Xihan’s voice dropped.

The Song family was once one of the Federation’s most illustrious Six Great Families¹. But Song Xihan’s two aunts — one married former President Rong Cen and was driven to suicide, while the other mysteriously disappeared, her whereabouts unknown to this day. This led to the Song family relying for years on Song Xihan’s grandmother as a nominal Marshal, while in reality they’d been gradually marginalized, pushed to the edges of military power.

Seeing Song Xihan’s downcast expression, Ming Yu offered comfort: “Your grandmother has given so much to the Federation. Stepping down will let her rest. As for your aunt’s matter… time will heal everything.”

            

Song Xihan gave a bitter smile and shook her head: “I hope so.” She paused, apparently not wanting to continue this topic, and changed the subject: “By the way, are you free tonight? Let’s go out for dinner. We can discuss arrangements for my grandmother’s birthday.”

Ming Yu nodded: “All right.”

“Should we invite Song Qingpei? More people, more lively.” Song Xihan suggested.

            

Ming Yu glanced at her. “You don’t need to tell me. I’ll send her a message in a bit.”

Song Xihan laughed heartily. “Your relationship is progressing quite fast! Looks like my cousin’s ‘good things’ really helped you out.”

Ming Yu glared at her: “Song Xihan, do you actually want to go to the border for a few months?”

            

“Alright, I’ll stop.” Song Xihan immediately fell silent, standing up. “You’re busy. I’m going.”

Ming Yu snorted and ignored her, lowering her head to continue with documents.

---

Blue Sea R&D Office.

            

Murong Ruixue walked briskly to Song Qingpei’s workstation and lightly tapped on her desk.

Song Qingpei looked up, slightly surprised to see Murong Ruixue: “Ruixue-jie, what is it?”

“Qingpei, come with me to the Yuyue Repair Base again.”

            

“The ‘Yuyue’?” Song Qingpei couldn’t help but ask: “That mech’s AI brain was already confirmed unfixable. Why go again?”

Murong Ruixue’s tone carried urgency: “There’s a new discovery! Yesterday we detected sudden fluctuations in the ‘Yuyue’s’ AI brain. Very faint, but definitely present. I think this might be a breakthrough — maybe it can be repaired.”

At the words “AI brain fluctuation,” Song Qingpei’s eyes instantly lit up.

            

Her love for mechs was practically carved into her bones. Especially for a rare top-tier combat mech like the ‘Yuyue’ — it made her heart race.

She didn’t hesitate, standing up immediately: “All right, let’s go.”

The two drove once more to that remote warehouse.

            

Along the way, Murong Ruixue occasionally glanced at Song Qingpei, seemingly observing her reaction. But Song Qingpei was immersed in anticipation for the ‘Yuyue’ and didn’t notice Murong Ruixue’s gaze at all.

Upon arriving at the warehouse, Murong Ruixue entered the password, and the heavy metal door slowly opened.

Song Qingpei stepped inside and was immediately stunned by what she saw.

            

The ‘Yuyue’ had been repainted. Its originally cold, austere frame now looked brand new, its exterior covered in a flowing silver coating that rippled like water under moonlight, giving off a faint luster. Most striking was the mech’s head — the closed faceplate had opened, revealing the glowing AI brain core inside, as if a slumbering beast was awakening.

“This… this is the ‘Yuyue’?” Song Qingpei asked in disbelief, stepping closer.

Murong Ruixue walked to her side, her tone carrying pride: “That’s right. After detecting the AI brain fluctuation yesterday, we immediately performed a full modification.”

            

Song Qingpei listened intently and couldn’t help asking: “So what’s the AI brain’s status now? Can it be awakened?”

Murong Ruixue smiled: “That’s exactly why I asked you here. When the AI brain fluctuated yesterday, we noticed its reaction seemed connected to your mental strength. So I want you to try again — use your mental strength to interface with the AI brain and see if you can wake it.”

“But last time I was attacked. Won’t it be dangerous this time?” Song Qingpei couldn’t help but worry.

            

Murong Ruixue patted her shoulder, comforting her: “Don’t worry, we’ve made full preparations this time. You’ll wear a protective suit, and I’ll monitor everything from the side. If anything abnormal happens, I’ll cut the connection immediately.”

Song Qingpei thought for a moment. In the end, her curiosity and love for mechs won out. She nodded: “All right, I’ll try.”

Murong Ruixue immediately brought a specially-made protective suit and helped Song Qingpei into it.

            

Once everything was ready, Song Qingpei took a deep breath and slowly released her mental strength, letting it gradually seep into the AI brain core.

At first, everything was calm.

But just as her mental strength was about to touch the AI brain core, a powerful suction force suddenly pulled her mental strength inside.

            

Everything went black. Then, a voice resonated in her mind: “Long time no see, master. I am ‘Ji’.”

The voice seemed to cross through countless spans of time, carrying the weight of years, and began a dialogue with her.

Song Qingpei’s heart trembled violently. Before she could react, fragmented images appeared before her eyes.

            

In the vast expanse of space, a silver mech streaked through like a meteor.

Inside the mech’s cockpit, a woman with striking features controlled the mech with intense focus.

But in the next instant, the image shifted abruptly.

            

Countless enemy mechs swarmed from all directions. The woman fought with everything she had, but she was hopelessly outnumbered.

The mech was hit. Blood splattered inside the cockpit. The woman’s figure grew blurry…

“No!” Song Qingpei cried out instinctively.

            

Her heart felt gripped by an invisible hand, the pain nearly suffocating her. The images flooded her mind like a tide. Her mental strength rapidly drained away, and Song Qingpei’s consciousness began to blur.

Just as she was about to lose hold, Murong Ruixue’s voice came through: “Qingpei! Wake up, now!”

Song Qingpei’s eyes snapped open. She found herself collapsed on the ground, cold sweat covering her forehead.

            

Murong Ruixue crouched beside her, face full of worry: “Are you all right? Your mental strength fluctuation was extremely intense just now. I almost cut the connection.”

Song Qingpei gasped for breath, struggling to calm her emotions. She spoke slowly: “I… I saw many images. A woman piloting a mech in battle, then being surrounded… and blood…”

Murong Ruixue’s expression shifted. She asked quietly: “Do you remember what the woman looked like?”

            

Song Qingpei shook her head: “The images were too blurry. I only remember she had a heroic bearing, with very determined eyes.”

Murong Ruixue was silent for a moment, then spoke slowly: “Qingpei, you may not know this, but the owner of this ‘Yuyue’ was the former President — Rong Cen.”

“Rong Cen?” Song Qingpei paused. The name wasn’t unfamiliar to her.

            

Rong Cen was the youngest female president in Federation history, a legendary figure from the once-top Rong family. But her cause of death had always been kept secret by officials — it couldn’t even be discussed on public platforms.

Murong Ruixue nodded, her tone carrying emotion: “That’s right. During her term, President Rong Cen piloted the ‘Yuyue’ in multiple interstellar battles. Her death remains a mystery, but according to official accounts, she was ambushed and killed by current President Zhan Li while piloting the mech on a defection.”

Song Qingpei listened intently. The fragmented images in her mind seemed to gradually become clearer.

            

Just then, her communicator suddenly rang.

She looked down — it was Ming Yu calling.

After connecting, Ming Yu’s voice came through: “Qingpei, what’s wrong? You haven’t replied to my messages for so long?”

            

Song Qingpei forced herself to speak: “I’m at the Yuyue Repair Base. I was busy and didn’t notice my communicator.”

Seeming to sense something off, Ming Yu’s tone grew more worried: “Are you all right? Your voice sounds strange.”

“I’m fine, just a bit tired.” Song Qingpei managed a smile. “I saw your message. You said you’re going somewhere for dinner? I’ll head over after work.”

            

“I’ll come pick you up.” Ming Yu said.

Song Qingpei answered “All right,” her voice weak.

Murong Ruixue watched her with an odd expression, asking tentatively: “You two made up?”

            

Song Qingpei didn’t directly answer, just gave a slight nod, continuing to catch her breath and recover her strength.

Seeing this, Murong Ruixue quickly stepped forward to help her stand, asking with concern: “Are you okay? Do you need to rest a bit longer?”

Song Qingpei waved her hand: “I’m fine. Just need a moment.”

            

After Song Qingpei recovered somewhat, the two returned to Blue Sea Company together.

From a distance, Song Qingpei saw Ming Yu standing at the company entrance, leaning against a car. She’d changed out of her military uniform, wearing a simple white shirt with sleeves casually rolled to her elbows, revealing pale, slender arms.

Seeing Song Qingpei and Murong Ruixue approach, Ming Yu walked toward them.

            

Her gaze lingered on Song Qingpei for a moment, confirming she was fine, before turning to Murong Ruixue with a cool greeting: “Miss Murong.”

Murong Ruixue smiled: “Admiral Ming, long time no see.”

Ming Yu didn’t say much more. Instead, she deliberately tilted her head to reveal the faint red mark on her neck, then reached out to wrap her arm around Song Qingpei’s waist, as if silently staking her claim.

            

Song Qingpei noticed Ming Yu’s little gesture and felt helpless, but didn’t refuse.

Watching their intimate posture, Murong Ruixue maintained her smile with effort and said to Song Qingpei: “You two go ahead. I’m heading back.”

Song Qingpei nodded and bid Murong Ruixue farewell before following Ming Yu into the car.

            

Once inside, Song Qingpei looked at Ming Yu with a half-smile. “You can let go now, can’t you?”

Ming Yu pretended to be composed as she released her hand. She cleared her throat, changing the subject to cover her embarrassment: “Why did you go to the outside repair base again today?”

Song Qingpei leaned back in her seat, her voice tired: “Murong Ruixue said there was a new discovery — the AI brain showed fluctuations. She wanted me to try and see if it could be awakened.”

            

“Be careful. Don’t push yourself.”

Song Qingpei felt a warmth in her heart. She gave a soft “Mm” and said nothing more.

The car fell into silence, but the atmosphere wasn’t awkward. Instead, there was a gentle warmth.

            

Ming Yu drove, occasionally glancing at Song Qingpei. Seeing her rest with closed eyes, she slowed down, trying to make the ride as smooth as possible.

After a while, Song Qingpei suddenly asked: “What made you think of going out for dinner? The military academy is about to open. Aren’t you busy lately?”

Ming Yu answered: “Song Xihan insisted on treating us. Her grandmother’s seventieth birthday is coming up, and she wants to discuss arrangements.”

            

Song Qingpei nodded and didn’t ask further. Song Xihan and Ming Yu had always been close — they’d grown up together. Though their personalities differed, their bond was deep.

The car soon arrived at the restaurant entrance.

Ming Yu parked and got out, then took the initiative to link her arm through Song Qingpei’s.

            

Song Qingpei gave her a helpless look but didn’t pull away, letting herself be led into the restaurant.

Song Xihan had already arrived, sitting by the window. She waved them over and handed Song Qingpei the menu: “See what you’d like to eat. My treat tonight — don’t hold back.”

Song Qingpei took the menu, flipped through a few pages, and ordered several dishes.

            

Ming Yu simply told the server: “Same as her.”

Song Xihan couldn’t help teasing: “You two really are getting more and more in sync.”

Song Qingpei smiled but didn’t respond. Ming Yu just lowered her head and took a sip of water, hiding the slight upward curve of her lips.

            

The three chatted for a while, and the topic gradually turned to Song Xihan’s grandmother’s birthday celebration.

Song Xihan said enthusiastically: “My grandmother’s turning seventy this time. I want to make it lively. Ming Yu, what do you think?”

Hearing this, Ming Yu considered: “Marshal Song has never liked extravagance. I think the birthday doesn’t need to be too lavish — what matters is family reunion, making the old lady happy.”

            

Song Xihan nodded: “I think so too. But after all, Grandmother has made great contributions to the Federation. The celebration should still be dignified. We can invite some of her old comrades. Everyone reminiscing about the glory days together might lift her spirits.”

After a few more exchanges, Song Xihan — ever the smooth diplomat — worried Song Qingpei might feel left out, so she quickly shifted topics. She smiled: “Qingpei, this is my first time treating you to a meal. Let’s toast!”

Song Qingpei could hold her liquor, so she raised her glass. The three clinked lightly.

            

Halfway through the meal, Song Xihan’s face showed signs of tipsiness. She leaned back in her chair and laughed: “Your relationship really is getting better and better.”

At this, Ming Yu’s expression stiffened slightly. She instinctively glanced at Song Qingpei.

Song Qingpei kept her faint smile and didn’t respond.

            

Song Xihan’s grin grew more knowing: “Looks like my cousin’s ‘good things’ really helped a lot…”

Song Qingpei didn’t understand and asked with rare curiosity: “What things?”

“You know, those things the Admiral uses to…”

            

Before she could finish, Ming Yu’s ears turned red. She glared fiercely: “Song Xihan, if you don’t speak, no one will think you’re mute.”

Song Xihan immediately fell silent, not daring to say anything more in front of Ming Yu.

The two seemed to be playing a guessing game, leaving Song Qingpei increasingly confused.

            

It wasn’t until Ming Yu went to the restroom that Song Qingpei couldn’t help asking: “Miss Song, you just…”

“Don’t call me Miss Song. Call me Xihan.”

Song Qingpei obliged: “Xihan, what riddle were you two speaking in just now?”

            

Song Xihan gave a mysterious smile, looking mischievous: “Why don’t you ask Ming Yu yourself? After dinner, when you go back, tell Ming Yu I told you everything about my cousin. Then you’ll know.”

What cousin?

Her words made no sense. Song Qingpei was completely lost, so she didn’t dwell on it. But their relationship had grown closer.

            

When Ming Yu returned, Song Xihan deliberately gave Song Qingpei a knowing look.

It made Ming Yu’s brow twitch with unease. “What were you two talking about?”

“Nothing.” Song Qingpei said listlessly.

            

She was already exhausted from mental strength depletion, and now the alcohol was hitting her. She clearly felt tired.

Noticing Song Qingpei’s pale complexion, Ming Yu asked with concern: “Qingpei, you don’t look well. Are you feeling unwell somewhere?”

Song Qingpei shook her head and spoke softly: “I’m fine. Repairing the mech used up a lot of mental strength.”

            

Ming Yu’s brow furrowed further: “What mech requires that much mental strength?”

Song Qingpei sighed, her tone carrying exhaustion: “It’s former President Rong Cen’s mech. The design is extremely complex. Repairing it takes a lot out of you.”

At the name “Rong Cen,” both Ming Yu and Song Xihan’s expressions instantly changed.

            

Song Xihan’s wine glass wobbled slightly, spilling wine onto the table. She asked in surprise: “Rong Cen’s mech?”

Noticing their strange reaction, Song Qingpei looked at them with confusion: “What’s wrong? Is there something about this mech?”

Ming Yu looked at Song Xihan with some hesitation, apparently uncertain whether to speak. Song Xihan waved her hand, her tone carrying resignation: “So much time has passed. There’s nothing that can’t be said.”

            

She spoke slowly: “Actually, Rong Cen… was my aunt. Years ago, she was surrounded and killed for treason. And my aunt Song Taoyao committed suicide after that. Since then, our Song family has been gradually marginalized by the military, ending up where we are now.”

Song Qingpei’s expression changed. She hadn’t expected this mech to be connected to such a heavy past.

She lowered her head awkwardly and said softly: “I’m sorry. I didn’t know…”

            

Song Xihan gave a bitter smile and shook her head: “It’s nothing. It’s been so long. It’s just…” A trace of doubt flickered in her eyes. “Why would this mech appear at Blue Sea?”

Ming Yu’s expression also grew grave. She speculated: “The Black Kite² rebel organization was formed from Rong Cen’s former subordinates. Since Murong Ruixue has ties to Black Kite, it’s not strange she could find Rong Cen’s mech.” At this, worry flashed in her eyes. “What’s strange is why she specifically asked Qingpei to repair the mech.”

Hearing this, Song Qingpei also grew tense. She was increasingly unable to see through Murong Ruixue’s intentions — all this effort to get close to her. What was she really after?

            

Ming Yu frowned in thought: “Qingpei, do you know the origin of this mech?”

Song Qingpei shook her head: “Murong Ruixue didn’t explain the specific origin in detail. I’m only responsible for repairs. I don’t know about other matters. Should I try to find out?”

“No need to investigate specifically. Your safety is most important.” Ming Yu almost blurted this out.

            

Knowing she was worried, Song Qingpei’s voice unconsciously softened: “Don’t worry. I’ll be careful.”

This was Song Xihan’s painful memory, so the two tactfully didn’t continue discussing it. They quickly changed the subject, and the three chatted and laughed for a while longer.

After dinner ended, the three walked out of the restaurant. The night had grown late.

            

“I won’t disturb you two. I’m heading off.”

After watching Song Xihan leave, Ming Yu and Song Qingpei got into the car.

Inside, neither spoke for a moment. The atmosphere was subtle.

            

In the silence, Song Qingpei — slightly tipsy from the alcohol — felt her mind drift. She remembered what Song Xihan had said earlier. Curiosity got the better of her, and she couldn’t help testing Ming Yu with the words Song Xihan had taught her: “Ming Yu, Xihan just told me about her cousin.”

Ming Yu suddenly sat up straight, somewhat losing her composure: “Xihan… told you everything?”

“Mm.”

            

Song Qingpei nodded ambiguously.

Ming Yu’s ears instantly flushed red, the color spreading until her entire face was as red as a boiled shrimp.

“Can you take me to see it?” Song Qingpei continued following Song Xihan’s script.

            

Ming Yu stared at her in shock, her calm eyes suddenly wide with alarm — like a startled cat, revealing a rare awkwardness. She stammered: “You… you really want to go?”

“Mm. Is that okay?”

Her voice was light and clear, as if discussing something perfectly ordinary.

            

Ming Yu looked at her in disbelief. Song Qingpei’s nerve was unbelievable. How could she… how could she…

She just wanted to see her make a fool of herself.

Ming Yu was instantly caught between embarrassment and annoyance. But faced with Song Qingpei’s request, she couldn’t refuse at all. Even knowing it was a trap, she still couldn’t help falling into it.

            

Her voice trembled slightly: “…All right. I’ll take you.”

Song Qingpei was only acting on a whim. Seeing her agree, she didn’t say more.

Right now, her mental strength was too depleted. She closed her eyes to rest, not noticing Ming Yu shooting her an embarrassed glare, face flushed as she input a new destination into the autopilot system —

            

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