Chapter 118: Qin Yuxing x Song Hengye’s Daily Life (Extra)
As Xing Xing and Hanye grew older, their training intensified.
Once the mental forms were fully evolved, their training regimens changed significantly.
Standard training was something Qin Yuxing had always been lazy about, so with the intensifying regimen, he opted to simply slack off.
After his previous incident of hiring a stand-in was discovered by his grandfather, Qin Yuxing faced some serious punishment and now had to train himself—half-heartedly, at best. The only time he showed any enthusiasm was in the mecha repair class; during other training sessions, he’d just play games.
Eventually, his grandfather realized he couldn’t keep him in check and discreetly approached Song Hengye, saying, “If you can make sure Star stays on track with his training, I’ll pay you handsomely.”
With a show of fingers, he added, “Fifty thousand credits a month—enough to cover your expenses at the academy. What do you say?”
The Imperial Military Academy had high living costs, and as the coursework advanced, Song Hengye would need to buy his own spacecraft and combat mech. Mechs were incredibly expensive to maintain, requiring regular servicing and upgrades, advanced AI systems, and occasional parts replacements. Only the wealthy could afford mechs, but without one, Song Hengye’s progress would stall, and how could he stay ahead over the next four years?
Even the academy’s practice mechs had limited availability, and students who borrowed them had to pay a maintenance fee, which he couldn’t afford.
As always, if it didn’t cross his bottom line and the pay was good, Song Hengye would rarely refuse a job. Besides, he felt Qin Yuxing was too lax about training. After all, Yuxing was an S-class talent, and it would be a waste not to use his abilities.
So Song Hengye agreed.
Qin Yuxing had no idea he’d been “sold.” Every day, he would eagerly wait for Song Hengye at the training ground, only to spend the sessions lazing around nearby. Song Hengye would train diligently while Qin Yuxing jogged at a snail’s pace with the lightest sandbag on his back. He’d run a few steps, stop to drink water, run a bit more, then pause to eat.
One morning, after his own early training, Song Hengye wiped the sweat from his forehead and looked over at Qin Yuxing, who was cooling off on a rock. “Let’s go,” he said, “we’re going to the holographic training room.”
Qin Yuxing’s eyes widened in shock. The holographic training room was for combat simulations—surely he’d get killed in minutes! “What do you mean? You want me to escort you?”
Standing up with a faint blush, Qin Yuxing felt oddly embarrassed. Usually, Song Hengye kept to himself, and without Yuxing’s persistent tagging along, Hengye would never have asked him to join. Qin Yuxing’s heart raced a little.
With a shy smile, he stammered, “What’s with you today? Suddenly need me to walk you over? You’re a big guy, you know the way.”
Despite his grumbling, he walked right over and followed Song Hengye toward the training room. He felt secretly thrilled, imagining all sorts of things about Hengye. Who would’ve thought this tough guy was too scared to walk alone to the training room? It’s probably because he needs me to protect him!
He was lost in his daydreams when Song Hengye’s voice interrupted. “Your grandfather asked me to supervise your training daily. The pay is very generous, and I think you need to start putting in the effort. At this rate, you’ll fail even the monthly assessments.”
Direct as always, Song Hengye didn’t hide that his motivation came from Qin Yuxing’s grandfather’s offer. But he also had no intention of turning it down just to appease Qin Yuxing.
Qin Yuxing’s smile instantly faded, his shock and frustration clear as he stared at Song Hengye. “You’re getting paid by my grandfather to monitor my training?”
The betrayal hit him hard, and he practically shouted, “Song Hengye! You’re taking money from my grandfather to keep tabs on me?”
Qin Yuxing’s eyes reddened with indignation, his thoughts spiraling. “So, for money, you’re forcing me into this? What’s next? Are you going to sell me out for an opportunity? Say it, go on!”
Song Hengye: “…”
Song Hengye, expressionless, blinked at him. “Why would I sell you? That’s illegal.”
He added with strict precision, “The Imperial Academy is a place where the strong thrive. Selling anyone wouldn’t bring me any advantage. Yuxing, money isn’t everything—you need to train properly.”
If selling people could open doors to opportunity, Song Hengye wouldn’t have struggled so hard to get where he was.
Qin Yuxing: “…”
With reddened eyes, Qin Yuxing pointed a trembling finger at Song Hengye, too overwhelmed to respond. His frustration boiled over as he stomped his feet. “No! I’m not training! You can’t make me train! Not in this lifetime!”
Song Hengye sighed, watching Yuxing throw a tantrum. He thought, *He really is just a kid.* No wonder the old man was paying so much to have him supervised—he likely had no other choice.
Nearby, a golden lion also glared at the white tiger with narrowed eyes. Like Song Hengye, the tiger would usually ignore Star, so why was it suddenly sticking close?
Oh, it wanted to trick Star into training!
Mental forms had to train too, often at an even higher intensity than their human counterparts. The lion’s mane bristled like a fluffy ball as it snarled, “Traitor!”
White Tiger: “…”
Without further ado, Song Hengye rolled up his sleeves, hoisted Qin Yuxing over his shoulder, and strode toward the holographic training room.
Qin Yuxing: “!!!”
Dazed for a moment, he then struggled furiously. “What are you doing? Put me down! I’m not training—I’m causing a scene!”
At the same time, White Tiger lunged forward, pinning the snarling lion. Paws held firm, the lion found itself dragged along, completely overpowered.
Lion: “…”
No matter how they resisted, neither Qin Yuxing nor Star had the strength to fight back. They had slacked off too much and didn’t stand a chance against Song Hengye.
With Yuxing over his shoulder, Song Hengye made his way through the campus, drawing plenty of curious stares along the way.
Hengye didn’t mind the attention, but Qin Yuxing did! As the young, untamed heir of the Qin Yuxing family, when had he ever been treated like this?
Once inside the training room and freed from Song Hengye’s grasp, he angrily wiped his face and marched to the corner, facing the wall.
It was his last stand against showing weakness.
Song Hengye swiped his ID to activate a room. Usually, he trained alone, but today he wanted to keep an eye on Qin Yuxing, who he believed could benefit from some guidance. He adjusted his helmet and walked over with a spare one for Yuxing.
“Put it on. We’re starting.”
With his back to him, Qin Yuxing’s cheeks puffed in silent fury. The young master was truly mad.
Song Hengye nudged his shoulder with the helmet, staring at him patiently.
Without Hengye’s self-control, Yuxing burst out, “Get that thing away from me!” His voice shook with emotion, and Song Hengye fell silent, realizing he’d unintentionally pushed too hard.
The young master was actually crying. Had he really gone too far just now?
Song Hengye, rarely given to self-reflection, took a moment to consider, then said softly, “Don’t cry. I’ll train with you.”
Qin Yuxing sniffled, his tone defiant. “I don’t need your company.”
Unfazed, Song Hengye added, “We’ll share a room. I’ll support you as your backup.”
Qin Yuxing’s shoulders twitched, his voice softening. “Really?”
Song Hengye would be his support? That meant he could still slack off in the game, right? After all, Song Hengye would be there to guard him.
Song Hengye nodded. “Of course. Let’s go?”
It didn’t take much to coax Qin Yuxing back. Wiping his eyes on his sleeve, he turned around and grabbed the helmet, mumbling, “The wind was just really strong on the way here. Got sand in my eyes—so annoying.”
A small smile played on Song Hengye’s lips as he gave a resigned pat on Yuxing’s helmet. “Yeah, the wind was pretty strong.”
Strong enough to make the young master shed a few tears.
—
**Chapter 119: Daily Life with Star 3**
Since Song Hengye had started overseeing his training, Qin Yuxing’s days as a carefree slacker were over.
After all, if his grandfather had spent such a large sum to hire Song Hengye, it meant he was giving him full authority over Yuxing. Before, Qin Yuxing could find excuses to slack off, but now? Not a chance. Song Hengye, solidly “bought off” by his grandfather, was unrelenting. Yuxing’s protests, tantrums, and even dramatic rolling-on-the-floor stunts did nothing to sway him. Every day, right on time, Song Hengye would be there to fetch him for training.
For someone as rebellious and hot-headed as Qin Yuxing, being reined in like this was a shocking change. Song Hengye only had to give him a look, and the young master would fall in line, trailing after him with his tail between his legs.
Song Hengye, accustomed to working hard for every coin, had often done double shifts. But now, with his duties normalized, he had extra time to meticulously monitor Qin Yuxing’s training progress.
Qin Yuxing, however, could barely stand it.
One morning, he was fast asleep when he was woken up by Song Hengye. Yes, ever since Hengye had taken charge, Qin Yuxing’s grandfather had him transferred to the academy’s dorms. Since Song Hengye had started sending in daily reports on his progress, his grandfather’s mood had visibly improved. He even began eating two extra helpings each meal, and finally agreed to Yuxing’s dorm stay.
Though Yuxing came from wealth, the academy was all about merit, not money, so he shared a four-person room like everyone else. With Song Hengye bunking below him, he endured it.
Song Hengye, having completed his morning training by 4 a.m. and already downed a nutrient drink, came back to wake Qin Yuxing for the academy’s 7 a.m. morning exercises. Their other two roommates were already up and dressing. One of them saw Hengye at Yuxing’s bedside and joked, “Well, look who’s here to wake his ‘wife’ again.”
They teased him often. The two were inseparable, with Hengye transformed into a mother hen and Yuxing into a docile little quail.
Song Hengye remained as stone-faced as ever. Not only did he ignore them, he didn’t even glance their way, keeping his focus on Qin Yuxing.
Used to this, the roommates continued their banter. “In Song Hengye’s eyes, Star’s the only one that matters. He won’t spare a look for the rest of us.”
“Why would he? You’re not as cute as Star.”
Red-faced under the covers, Yuxing was set on sleeping in, even if it meant dying in bed rather than going to training. He shot up, cheeks flushed, and snapped at them, “Can you shut up? I’m not his ‘wife’! I’m a Top, got it?”
If he were going to be with a guy, he’d be the one calling the shots!
Besides, he thought privately, even if he were to find a guy, he’d never pick someone like Song Hengye—stiff as a board, cold, and completely humorless. Not a shred of warmth or charm!
With a pout, Yuxing stormed off to the washroom, face still flushed.
The roommates exchanged knowing glances, turning to Song Hengye.
“Hey, Song Hengye, is he really mad?”
“Song Hengye, is the young master really not your ‘wife’?”
Song Hengye: “…”
After a pause, he sighed and offered a rare explanation. “Of course not. I’m just here as part of an arrangement with his grandfather to keep him on track.”
It was probably the longest sentence he’d said to them yet, likely because the young master seemed genuinely upset, and Hengye felt it necessary to clarify.
The two roommates shared a look, clearly shocked by the revelation.
They weren’t actually a couple?
After the roommates left for breakfast, Hengye went over to the washroom door and knocked. “If you’re not out in five minutes, I’m coming in.”
Seconds later, a still-damp-haired Yuxing appeared. “Song Hengye! Don’t you dare push me!”
Song Hengye: “…”
Lately, every day was the same with Yuxing—constant resistance, yet no real escape.
Song Hengye didn’t think he’d done anything wrong.
In fact, he couldn’t understand why Yuxing resisted training so much. If he wasn’t interested in training, why apply to the academy in the first place?
Not to mention that as the only heir of the Qin Yuxing family, if Yuxing didn’t train and become stronger, how could he possibly support a family as influential as his? Gentle by nature, Yuxing would likely be torn to shreds in the cutthroat circles of the elite without real strength.
Song Hengye glanced at the clock. “Academy regulations state that washing up shouldn’t take more than ten minutes.”
It had already been fifteen, and since he was mindful of Yuxing’s growth, Hengye had even ensured Yuxing went to bed early and didn’t join him for late-night sessions.
With hair wet and eyes reddened, Yuxing looked at him with fury and threw himself down on the chair. “You know what, Song Hengye? Just don’t bother. Take the money, send the reports, but don’t get involved with me. Just take my wristband each day, log the data, and be done.”
Song Hengye frowned. “You’re hiring a stand-in again?”
Yuxing jumped to his feet, his anger boiling over. “So what? Take the money, send the report—are you planning on dictating my life too?”
Song Hengye remained silent, a deep frown forming as he looked at Yuxing. “And how will you manage your exams? The finals? You’re an S-class, gifted. Don’t waste that potential.”
Yuxing scoffed. “You handle your own potential, okay? I don’t want to train, I don’t want to go to the front lines. All I want is to enjoy life. Got a problem with that?”
Song Hengye’s expression turned cold. “Fine.”
The young master of the Qin Yuxing family had both wealth and power. Who was he to dictate how he lived?
Song Hengye felt an unexpected frustration. It was a profitable arrangement; if Yuxing didn’t need his supervision, he’d still get paid. Normally, this would make him happy, so why did it feel so disappointing?
In a huff, Yuxing began changing his clothes, peeling off his shirt and going to his wardrobe for his training uniform. Hengye just kept watching him.
Qin Yuxing had a slender frame; he was still growing after all. His skin, fair and soft like tofu, was the type that had clearly never seen hardship—a true young master’s skin. Song Hengye watched as he finished getting dressed and understood that this time, Yuxing was not merely throwing a tantrum. It looked like he’d decided not to let Song Hengye oversee him anymore.
Yuxing strode to the door. “Go do your training; just leave me alone! I don’t want to argue with you.”
Song Hengye continued to watch him, out of habit asking, “Where are you going?”
Yuxing replied loudly, “To the rooftop to sleep!”
Song Hengye: “…”
Left alone, Song Hengye made his way to the training field, furrowing his brow as he wondered how to bridge the gap between him and Yuxing. The young master was mad—and no, he hadn’t gone off to nap.
Lately, he’d been spending a lot of time with a new transfer student, Arden. Arden, unlike Yuxing, came from humble beginnings, with barely any resources beyond the support of Teacher Bai and Captain Chen Min. But he was talented and hard-working; in just half a year under Chen Min’s guidance, he’d grown rapidly in both strength and stature, even reaching S-level and filling out impressively.
While strapping sandbags to his legs in the sparring ring, Song Hengye’s gaze drifted to where Yuxing was. Yuxing often said Arden was handsome, but Song Hengye couldn’t quite see what the fuss was about.
Now that Yuxing wasn’t under Song Hengye’s watch, he eagerly went to Arden for company. Both had grown up under Teacher Bai’s care, and Yuxing found Arden easy to talk to, especially compared to the always-busy Han Baiyi or the blunt Chu Jiangting. Arden, though quiet, wasn’t hard to approach. When Yuxing talked to him, Arden’s shy, slightly awkward reactions triggered Yuxing’s protective instincts.
Squatting beside him, Yuxing forced himself to ignore Song Hengye and said, “Arden, how have you been?”
Arden was tying sandbags around his ankles and strapping guards to his wrists. He had recently cut his once-long hair into a short buzz cut, making him look even more handsome and tough. Hearing Yuxing, he hesitated, then nodded. “Good.”
Yuxing, noticing the faint blush on Arden’s cheeks, raised an eyebrow. “Hmm, if everything’s fine, why are you blushing?”
Arden looked flustered. “Am I?”
Yuxing: “…”
Arden really was simple; he couldn’t hide anything. Following Arden’s gaze, Yuxing noticed that today’s training supervisor was none other than Captain Chen Min.
Deciding not to spoil the fun, Yuxing leaned close to Arden and whispered, “Arden, could you help me with something?”
Curious but trusting, Arden asked, “What is it?”
Being the little trickster he was, Yuxing slyly took off his wristband and handed it to Arden. “My stomach doesn’t feel well today, and if I skip training, Grandpa will lecture me to no end. Could you wear my wristband and train for me? Just for today! Pretty please?”
Yuxing batted his eyes, clinging to Arden’s arm with a little shake. This pleading act was Yuxing’s specialty, and he’d only ever failed to sway one person: the unmovable Song Hengye.
Arden, oblivious and sympathetic, nodded. Though he knew it wasn’t entirely right, he thought it was reasonable to help his friend if he was feeling unwell. “If it’s just for today, I can help you out.”
With a delighted grin, Yuxing threw his arms around Arden. “Thanks, Arden! You’re the best!”
Suddenly, a shadow fell over them. Yuxing looked up to see Song Hengye standing there, staring down at them expressionlessly.
Yuxing: “…”
For some reason, he felt a pang of guilt and quickly retracted his arm from around Arden.
Arden, spotting Song Hengye, beamed. “Vice Captain Song Hengye! Are you here to train with me?”
Arden loved sparring with stronger people, and since they got along well, he’d invited Song Hengye a couple of times before. But Song Hengye had always declined to stay by Yuxing’s side. Now, seeing Arden with Yuxing’s wristband, he simply nodded. “Sure.”
Arden jumped up in excitement and eagerly followed Song Hengye into the training room.
Yuxing: “…”
What? Was Song Hengye going to take on someone else now?!
