Top-Tier Omega: Chasing Alpha to the Crematorium – Chapter 64
by Little PandaSecond ‘Crematorium’1 Warning
In the early morning, Song Qingpei opened her eyes, feeling the warmth of the body beside her.
She turned her head and looked at Ming Yu’s peaceful sleeping face, a wave of complex emotions welling up in her heart.
Today was the official founding day of the military academy. She was about to witness Ming Yu’s glory, but at the same time, it was also the day of her departure.
Ming Yu seemed to feel her gaze and slowly opened her eyes. “Morning.”
Song Qingpei forced a smile, replying softly, “Morning.”
After the two got up, Ming Yu specifically called over the stylist Elena to select a formal gown, do makeup, and style Song Qingpei’s hair.
Having spent time together on several occasions, Elena was already quite familiar with Song Qingpei. She couldn’t help but tease with a smile, “You two were certainly intense last night. Miss Song, these marks on your neck can’t even be covered up.”
Song Qingpei’s face reddened slightly. She subconsciously touched her neck, looking at Ming Yu in embarrassment.
Ming Yu, however, looked as usual. “Choose a high-collared gown,” she said mildly. “That will cover them.”
Elena smiled and nodded. She picked an elegant, high-collared, form-fitting long dress from the rack and handed it to Song Qingpei. “This one is nice. It’s dignified and can hide these ‘little secrets.'”
Hearing the words “little secrets,” Song Qingpei felt even more embarrassed.
She quickly took the gown and fled into the changing room to put it on. When she stepped out, Elena nodded in satisfaction. “It suits you perfectly. Admiral Ming’s taste is always impeccable.”
Ming Yu stood to the side. Her gaze fell on Song Qingpei, a flash of tenderness crossing her eyes.
She had already changed into a gold-stamped black military dress uniform. The crisp tailoring perfectly outlined her tall, slender figure, highlighting her narrow waist and long legs. The medals on her epaulets gleamed, complementing her coldly beautiful, snow-like features. She was breathtakingly fierceβbeautiful, valiant, and commanding awe.
As Song Qingpei watched, a strange feeling suddenly bloomed in her chest.
Ming Yu’s military dress uniform wrapped her up tightly, immaculate and pristine. Thinking of their intensity last night, she was suddenly struck by an inexplicable desire. If she were to strip off that strict uniform, piece by pieceβ¦
While her thoughts were running wild, Ming Yu stepped up behind her.
In her hand, she held that exquisite sapphire brooch. She lowered her eyes slightly, a complex expression flashing through them before quickly vanishing. Leaning down, she gently pinned the brooch onto Song Qingpei’s gown, like a devout knight crowning her queen.
She said softly, “Today, my glory is with you.”
Song Qingpei looked down at the brooch. She said nothing, taking the initiative to embrace Ming Yu. Their breaths merged into one, as if everything was understood without words.
Only after a long while did the two separate, then set out for the military academy.
The square of the military academy had long been arranged in solemn grandeur.
Massive flags fluttered in the wind. Soldiers stood in neat formations, waiting for the opening ceremony to begin. Arm in arm with Ming Yu, Song Qingpei entered the venue, feeling the gazes cast from all around.
She let out a long breath, trying hard to maintain her composure.
They walked slowly down the red carpet. On either side, the academy cadets stood tall and straight, saluting with standard military precision, their eyes full of reverence and aspiration.
Song Qingpei glanced sideways at these young, energetic faces, her heart swelling with emotion. These youths were about to embark on their dream journey here, and Ming Yu was the guide pointing the way for them.
Entering the auditorium, it was bustling with noise.
Beneath the dome, massive crystal chandeliers cast brilliant light, illuminating every corner.
In the VIP seating at the front, many military and political dignitaries had already taken their seats, President Zhan Li among them. Dressed in a dark suit, his expression was stern. He occasionally whispered a few words to the aides beside him, exuding authority with every gesture.
The old Song Qingpei would never have stared at such a prominent figure for long. But after learning the truth of her parentage, she couldn’t help but steal a few extra glances at this powerful ‘murderer of her mother.’ Zhan Li was incredibly sharp; in the next instant, as if sensing the unusual gaze, he sharply turned his head to look in Song Qingpei’s direction.
Ming Yu instinctively shifted in front of Song Qingpei, blocking Zhan Li’s line of sight.
Zhan Li frowned imperceptibly, then naturally turned back around, continuing to converse with the people beside him.
Feeling Song Qingpei grip her hand tightly, Ming Yu leaned in close to her ear and whispered, “Qingpei, don’t be impulsive.”
Song Qingpei forced down her anger and nodded, following Ming Yu to their seats.
The opening ceremony commenced amidst solemn music.
The host stepped onto the stage. With a resonant, impassioned voice, he read out the significance and mission of the academy’s founding. Every word seemed to carry weight, echoing in the air above the auditorium.
Following that, representatives from various circles took the stage to deliver their speeches in turn.
First, President Zhan Li gave an enthusiastic address, praising the academy’s establishment for its vital importance to the Federation’s future. His words were filled with admiration for Ming Yu, calling her the “future star of the Federation.”
Sitting in the third row, quite close to the stage, Song Qingpei kept her gaze fixed on Ming Yu.
She watched Ming Yu standing on the stage in her crisp uniform, her expression resolute and confident.
Ming Yu’s speech was brief and powerful, drawing rounds of applause. Finally, her gaze fell upon Song Qingpei from afar, her voice carrying a touch of tenderness. “Lastly, I want to extend a special thanks to my wife, Song Qingpei. Her support and understanding are the driving force that pushes me forward.”
As her words fell, a dead silence swept through the venue.
Though the dignitaries kept their expressions neutral, they couldn’t hide the surprise in their eyes. A moment later, following an unknown lead, enthusiastic applause quickly broke out. All the cameras focused on Song Qingpei.
Song Qingpei felt a wave of embarrassment and tried her best to maintain a proper smile.
The live broadcast feed rapidly spread across the Star Network, instantly sparking a massive uproar.
On all major social platforms, discussions surged like a tidal wave.
Unused to being under such a spotlight, Song Qingpei’s back went stiff with tension, terrified of embarrassing Ming Yu. Only when the cameras gradually shifted away did she breathe a sigh of relief.
Right then, her communicator vibrated.
Song Qingpei looked down. It was a message from Li Man: “Qingpei, everything is ready. We’re waiting for you at the rendezvous point.”
Her heart sank heavily, her fingers trembling.
She knew it was time to go.
Song Qingpei stood up quietly. Taking advantage of everyone’s attention still being fixed on the stage, she silently slipped out of the venue.
She hurried to the lounge, changed out of her intricate gown, and put on a simple set of casual clothes. Her heart was beating wildly. Her mind kept replaying Ming Yu’s words from just moments ago, her chest filled with reluctance and guilt.
But she knew she had to go save her auntie. It was a responsibility she couldn’t escape.
Taking a deep breath, Song Qingpei pushed open the door to the lounge and quietly left the military academy.
Following Li Man’s instructions, she headed toward the rendezvous point.
After Ming Yu’s speech concluded, thunderous applause erupted throughout the hall.
Standing on the stage, her gaze swept over the crowd below before finally landing on the seat where Song Qingpei had been sittingβit was already empty. Ming Yu’s heart clenched fiercely. She furrowed her brow, but her face maintained a composed smile.
Stepping down from the stage, she swiftly navigated through the crowd toward the backstage area.
Lieutenant Lin was already waiting there. Seeing Ming Yu, she immediately stepped forward and whispered, “Admiral, Miss Song has left.”
Ming Yu’s eyes instantly turned cold. Her voice was low and restrained. “When did this happen?”
“Just a few minutes before your speech ended,” Lieutenant Lin replied, a trace of tension in her tone. “She went to the lounge, changed out of her gown, and then left through the side door.”
Ming Yu’s fingers tightened, her knuckles turning white from the force.
Her gaze swept over the venue, as if searching for Song Qingpei’s figure, but she quickly withdrew her sight. Her voice was calm and decisive: “Proceed according to the original plan.”
Lieutenant Lin nodded and immediately turned to execute the order.
Ming Yu stood there, forcing herself to calm down. Even though she knew full well that Song Qingpei couldn’t escape, she still felt a pang of panic and pain at this moment, as if something vital was slipping away from her.
She turned and walked in the direction of Zhan Li.
Zhan Li was standing among a group of high-ranking officials, seemingly discussing something. Upon seeing Ming Yu approach, his smile deepened.
“Congratulations, Admiral Ming.” Zhan Li raised his wine glass, his tone carrying a profound undertone. “The establishment of the military academy is a major event for the Federation. As the chancellor, your contributions are indispensable.”
Ming Yu remained neither haughty nor humble. “You flatter me, President. This is the result of everyone’s collective effort.”
Zhan Li narrowed his eyes, his gaze lingering on Ming Yu’s face for a few seconds before he chuckled. “Admiral Ming, I heard your wife also came today? Why haven’t I seen her?”
Ming Yu’s expression remained calm. “Qingpei was feeling a little unwell, so she went back to rest.”
“Oh?” Zhan Li raised an eyebrow, a hint of probing in his tone. “Is that so? What a pity. I wanted to meet her in person.”
A flash of surprise passed through Ming Yu’s eyes, but she quickly concealed it.
“President Zhan attends to a myriad of state affairs every day,” she said mildly. “Qingpei is but an ordinary person; I wouldn’t dare trouble you with her.”
Zhan Li chuckled and said no more. He merely gave Ming Yu a meaningful look before turning and leaving.
Ming Yu stood rooted to the spot. Watching Zhan Li’s retreating back, a sliver of coldness flickered in her eyes.
She didn’t know if Zhan Li had already begun to suspect Song Qingpei’s identity. But today, she had publicly declared Qingpei’s status. Even if the truth of Qingpei’s parentage was exposed one day, out of respect for her and the Ming Family, Zhan Li wouldn’t dare act rashly.
Ming Yu turned and headed for the Command Center. Lieutenant Lin was already waiting there.
Seeing Ming Yu, she immediately stepped forward to report. “Admiral, everything has been arranged. Our people have locked down all the starports. Miss Song will absolutely not be able to leave Planet Lan.”
Ming Yu nodded. “Find her, but do not alert anyone.”
“Yes, Admiral.” Lieutenant Lin promptly turned to carry out the order.
Ming Yu stood before the large screen in the Command Center, her gaze fixed tightly on the blinking red dot on the displayβthat was the locator signal from Song Qingpei’s brooch. Her expression was frosty. Her fingers tapped lightly against the desk, creating a rhythmic sound, as if she were suppressing the anxiety within her.
Right then, her communicator suddenly rang.
Ming Yu glanced down. It was Wu Lan’s number.
She answered the call, her voice cool and restrained. “Director Wu, what is it?”
Wu Lan’s voice drifted through the communicator, carrying a touch of lethargy. “Admiral Ming, Song Qingpei has already left the academy and is heading to the rendezvous point. What do you plan to do?”
Ming Yu’s eyes instantly chilled. “In accordance with our agreement, we wipe out the Black Kite members in one fell swoop. Only the dead can keep a secret forever. I will give you what you want.”
Wu Lan gave a light chuckle. “Don’t worry. I’ll make sure the Admiral is satisfied.”
Ming Yu said nothing more and simply hung up.
After leaving the academy, Song Qingpei quickly made her way toward the rendezvous point according to Li Man’s instructions.
Suddenly, her communicator buzzed.
She looked down to see a text message from an unknown number.
Opening the message, she found the content brief, yet it sent a jolt through her heart:
γMiss Song, please think about it carefully. Will Admiral Ming truly let you leave?γ
Song Qingpei’s footsteps jerked to a halt, her heart rate spiking.
She stared at the text, her fingers trembling as she quickly replied: “Who is this?”
However, the other party never responded again.
Her mind was in chaos, her thoughts like a disturbed lake, unable to settle. She forced herself to calm down and ponder the meaning behind the message.
Will Ming Yu⦠truly let me leave? she asked herself once more.
Suddenly, a scene flashed through her mindβthe momentary, complex emotion in Ming Yu’s eyes when she pinned that sapphire brooch on her.
She abruptly looked down at the brooch on her chest, a terrifying suspicion faintly forming in her mind.
She swiftly unpinned the brooch and examined it closely under the light of a streetlamp.
Sure enough, on the back of the brooch, she discovered a tiny, nearly imperceptible deviceβa locator.
Song Qingpei’s heart sank heavily. A rush of shock and fury instantly flooded her chest.
She clenched the brooch tightly, feeling both angry and disappointed: Ming Yu, you really did⦠play a trick after all.
She forced herself to remain calm and rapidly analyzed the current situation.
If Ming Yu had planted a locator in her brooch, then her whereabouts were already exposed. Li Man and the Black Kite members had likely been targeted, and if she continued to the rendezvous point, not only would she fail to save her auntie, but she might also drag everyone else down with her.
I can’t goβ¦ at least, not like this, she told herself.
Song Qingpei quickly scanned her surroundings and spotted a shared autonomous hover car parked not far away.
She hurried over, gently placed the brooch on the car seat, and then activated the autopilot mode, setting the destination in the opposite direction.
“Ming Yu, let this brooch take you for a spin.”
She muttered this softly, a flash of determination in her eyes.
The hover car slowly started up, and Song Qingpei swiftly stepped out, ducking into the shadows beside the road.
She needed to find a new hiding spot as quickly as possible and figure out a way to contact Li Man to alter the plan. But before that, she had to ensure Ming Yu’s people wouldn’t discover her.
She rapidly altered her disguise, then found a secluded spot and contacted Li Man, briefly explaining the situation.
“Li Man, Ming Yu planted a locator in my brooch. My movements have been exposed. I can’t go to the rendezvous point now, or I’ll implicate all of you.”
Li Man asked tensely, “Qingpei, where are you right now? Are you safe?”
“I’m okay. I’m hiding for now,” Song Qingpei said softly. “But I need a new plan to regroup with you.”
Li Man fell silent for a few seconds before saying decisively, “Qingpei, head to the new extraction point immediately. We’re out of time. The Bureau of Investigation is already making their move. If we delay any longer, none of us will be able to leave.”
Song Qingpei hurriedly asked, “Where’s the new extraction point?”
“I’ll send you the coordinates. Go there immediately.” There was an urgency in Li Man’s voice. “Remember, you must be careful. Ming Yu’s people are definitely already looking for you.”
“Alright, I’m heading there now,” Song Qingpei said softly, then ended the call.
She quickly checked the coordinates Li Man had sent, finding that the new extraction point was located at an abandoned warehouse on the outskirts of the city. She then quietly slipped away from the small shop she was near and rushed toward her destination.
However, by the time she arduously reached the new extraction point, she realized something was wrong.
From a distance, she saw several Bureau of Investigation vehicles parked outside the warehouse. A few uniformed agents were escorting two people out of the building.
Song Qingpei’s heart dropped. She hastily ducked into the shadows by the road.
“How could this happen⦔
Not daring to act rashly, she could only hide in the shadows and watch helplessly as the agents shoved the Black Kite members into their vehicles before driving off.
The exterior of the warehouse returned to silence, leaving only the sound of the howling night wind.
Only when she was certain they had left did Song Qingpei pull out her communicator to contact Li Man again. But there was no response from the other end.
Her fingers trembled as a wave of panic surged within her. Did something happen⦠to Li Man too?
Song Qingpei’s heart raced, her mind in complete disarray.
She knew she had fallen into a desperate situation. Ming Yu’s people were searching for her, the Bureau of Investigation was hunting for her, and she had lost contact with Li Man and the Black Kite.
What should I do⦠she asked herself silently.
Just then, her communicator vibrated once more.
It was another text message from that same unknown number:
γMiss Song, please return home immediately. Contact Ming Yu and tell her you are not leaving. This is your only chance to lower her guard and gain her trust. Only by doing this will you ever have a real opportunity to get away.γ
“Lower Ming Yu’s guardβ¦ gain her trust⦔ Song Qingpei muttered under her breath, her brow furrowed tight.
She knew her current predicament was extremely dangerous.
Ming Yu’s people were likely searching everywhere for her, and the Black Kite extraction point had been raided by the Bureau of Investigation. With Li Man out of contact, if she continued to act recklessly, she would very likely fall into someone’s trap.
But did she really have to do this?
At that moment, a news push notification popped up on her communicator:
“Breaking News: A massive explosion has occurred at the starport. The Bureau of Investigation has engaged in a conflict with an unknown organization. The scene has been locked down.”
Song Qingpei’s heart plummeted. Her body couldn’t stop trembling.
She quickly tapped the news link. In the footage, the starport was surrounded by a large number of Bureau agents. The fighting was fierce, and a scene of several figures dressed in black being pushed into vehicles flashed by.
In a flash, a terrifying thought crossed her mind.
Was it possible that using her as bait to draw out Li Man and the Black Kite organization behind herβ¦ had been Ming Yu and Wu Lan’s transactional plan all alongβ¦
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