Chapter 275: Extra (12)
Lang Ze held Zheng Xing tightly, but not so hard as to hurt him.
Waves of emotion churned in his heart, a sharp ache pricking at its core. Tears rolled uncontrollably down his cheeks.
When Zheng Xing had ended the call, saying he’d come back in two days because of a project, Lang Ze had felt a pang of sadness.
After all, he had almost died this time.
The gratitude of surviving such a close brush with death and the raw fear of facing it head-on lingered deeply within him.
Even if Zheng Xing were angry at him, or even scolded him like Ika had, all Lang Ze had wanted was to see him immediately after waking up, to hear his voice.
But now, that sadness had been replaced by a mix of overwhelming gratitude and guilt.
Zheng Xing, still in Lang Ze’s arms, lightly patted his back and said softly, “When I’ve perfected it, you’ll be able to take it off.”
Lang Ze immediately released him and exclaimed, “No! You can’t keep overworking your body and mental strength for research and inventions. Promise me you’ll stop doing this in the future!”
“Okay,” Zheng Xing replied softly.
His slender hands reached out, finding Lang Ze’s face and brushing away the lingering tears with gentle fingertips. His hand slowly moved down to rest on Lang Ze’s chest.
“Does it hurt, Brother?” Zheng Xing asked quietly.
Lang Ze froze, and then his lips quivered.
Having his chest pierced clean through—of course, it had hurt. But back then, he hadn’t cried. Now, tears streamed down his face.
How could his Xing Xing be so good to him?
He hadn’t been angry, not even for a moment. From the beginning, all he had cared about was Lang Ze’s wellbeing.
Lang Ze took a deep breath, suppressing his sobs, and spoke brightly, “It doesn’t hurt at all. I’m fine now! Ika’s amazing—he healed me completely, no side effects at all!”
Despite his cheerful tone, the heaviness in his voice was unmistakable. Zheng Xing could hear it clearly.
He didn’t say anything, only leaned closer into Lang Ze’s chest, wrapping his frail arms around his waist and resting his ear over Lang Ze’s heart.
Thump-thump. Thump-thump.
The strong, steady rhythm of Lang Ze’s heartbeat resounded in his chest. It was no longer faint or weak, his breathing long and even. It was the vitality Zheng Xing knew so well.
Zheng Xing let out a slow, relieved breath and murmured, “It’s okay now…”
Lang Ze opened his mouth but ultimately stayed silent.
After this experience, he swore he would never be so reckless again. He had promised to protect Zheng Xing for a lifetime—how could he break that promise?
“I’ll make you something to eat,” Lang Ze said.
Remembering that Zheng Xing had been surviving on nutrient fluids for the past week, Lang Ze’s heart ached. A lover of good food, Lang Ze had become the best cook in the squad through years of practice.
“Why don’t you rest a bit longer, okay?”
Zheng Xing shook his head, clinging to Lang Ze.
Feeling how clingy he had become, Lang Ze only felt warmth in his heart. Truthfully, he didn’t want to leave Zheng Xing’s side either. And with Zheng Xing now blind due to mental exhaustion, Lang Ze didn’t feel comfortable leaving him alone.
“Then turn into a kitty,” Lang Ze suggested.
Even though Zheng Xing’s mental energy was depleted, his bloodline power was still strong enough to support his transformation.
Obediently, Zheng Xing nodded and gradually shrank into a small black cat.
Lang Ze scooped up the kitten and tucked him into the front pocket of his pajamas—a design he often wore, with either a large front pocket or a spacious hood where a cat-sized Zheng Xing could snuggle.
He gently stroked the kitten’s furry head before heading to the kitchen to cook porridge.
Zheng Xing’s body was weak, so he needed something light and nourishing to help him recover.
As the porridge simmered, the doorbell rang.
Lang Ze quickly checked his pocket and saw that the little black cat hadn’t stirred. Breathing a sigh of relief, his heart ached even more.
He must be completely exhausted to sleep this deeply, Lang Ze thought, stroking the kitten’s soft head once more before going to the door.
He checked the monitor and saw Xue Wei and Little Li Hua outside. Opening the door, he greeted them warmly.
“How’s Zheng Xing?” Xue Wei asked immediately.
Lang Ze had run into her while carrying Zheng Xing home, which was why she had brought Xiao Lihua along to check on him.
“He woke up briefly but went back to sleep. I’m making him some food now,” Lang Ze replied.
“Need any help?” Xue Wei offered.
Lang Ze shook his head. “I can take care of him. Don’t worry.”
As they talked, Little Li Hua peeked at the sleeping kitten in Lang Ze’s pocket. She pulled out a small vial from her storage pouch and handed it to him.
“This is medicine for mental exhaustion. Give him a little when he wakes up,” she explained.
As someone who trained in mental energy techniques, Little Li Hua was knowledgeable about such treatments.
“Just a small dose at a time—it’s potent, so don’t overdo it.”
Lang Ze’s eyes lit up as he carefully accepted the vial. “Thank you, Li Hua!” he said with genuine gratitude.
“Don’t be so formal,” Little Li Hua said with a casual wave of her hand.
She wore a pastel green dress, and her voluminous curls were styled beautifully, a stark contrast to her usual simple combat uniform.
“Are you heading out?” Lang Ze asked.
“Yep,” Little Li Hua replied with a soft smile. “I’m going shopping! It’s rare to have time off, so of course I want to have some fun!”
“Stay safe,” Lang Ze said.
“Don’t worry!”
After ensuring that Zheng Xing was fine, Little Li Hua tugged Xue Wei along, and the two left. Lang Ze watched their retreating figures before glancing at the small vial in his hand, lost in thought.
Returning to the kitchen, Lang Ze resumed cooking porridge. Suddenly, he opened his communicator and sent a call request to Mu Bao back on Earth.
*
Meanwhile, Xue Wei and Little Li Hua headed to the largest shopping mall nearby.
Being on the interstellar war’s frontline, the recreational facilities for soldiers were practical and limited in aesthetic appeal. Yet, despite the simplicity, Little Li Hua was thrilled.
Her world had once been confined to the orphanage, then Base 24, then Earth. Now it extended to the vast interstellar realm.
Though her world had expanded, Little Li Hua remained easily content.
The sight of two beautiful and adorable girls at the war alliance’s headquarters naturally drew attention, but no one dared approach them disrespectfully.
The fame of Li Fu Qiu and Xue Wei, the “sister blossoms,” far surpassed that of the other Earth Squad members. Their impressive achievements had earned them universal respect and admiration.
“Wei Wei, are you going to the Tes Empire after the war?” Little Li Hua asked suddenly.
Xue Wei paused mid-step. “Why do you ask?”
“Father hopes my brother and I will go back,” Little Li Hua explained.
Earth’s recovery was well underway, and with no strict requirement from Su Su for them to stay, Li Sinian had begun contemplating other possibilities.
“What about you? What do you want?” Xue Wei asked.
“I’m not sure yet,” Little Li Hua said, picking up a delicately designed glass cup. “I want to go back to Earth, but I’m afraid it’ll make Father sad.”
It wasn’t like when they had first reunited. Over the years, her relationship with her father had grown, making it harder to act purely on her own wishes without considering his feelings.
Xue Wei thought for a moment before replying, “You should take some time to calmly talk to him about how you feel. Family is about understanding and supporting each other. I believe he wants you to be happy above all.”
“Mm!”
Little Li Hua nodded, then hugged Xue Wei’s arm affectionately. “You’re the best, Wei Wei.”
Xue Wei couldn’t help but laugh, her mood lifting.
After wandering for a while and buying a variety of items, the two returned to their dormitory together.
When they reached the dorm, they noticed a tall, slightly awkward figure standing by the door. At the sight of them, the man straightened up hurriedly.
He was a well-built young soldier, his gaze fixed on Xue Wei. As the girls approached, he called out nervously.
“Wei Wei, do you know him?” Xiao Lihua whispered.
Xue Wei hesitated for a moment before nodding. “We met on the battlefield.”
The man stammered, asking if he could speak to Xue Wei privately.
Little Li Hua glanced between them and, seeing that Xue Wei didn’t refuse, nodded. “I’ll head inside first.”
Once Little Li Hua left, the soldier awkwardly brought out a gift box he had been hiding behind his back and handed it to Xue Wei. His face turned crimson as he said, “Thank you for saving me on the battlefield.”
Over the past two years, Xue Wei’s divine abilities had been instrumental in saving many soldiers from dire situations. Unbeknownst to her, she had become something of a goddess in their eyes.
“It was just a small effort—there’s no need to be so formal,” Xue Wei said, politely declining the gift. She smiled warmly. “Seeing you fully recovered is more than enough for me.”
The soldier had been in a truly grim state back then, even worse than Lang Ze’s recent injury. To see him standing here, healthy and well, was a blessing in itself.
The young man, overwhelmed by her smile, turned an even deeper shade of red, his ears burning.
“I… um… I…” he stammered.
“What is it?” Xue Wei asked gently.
Before he could finish, a cold voice interrupted. “What are you trying to say?”
Both Xue Wei and the soldier turned toward the voice, finding a red-haired young man standing there with arms crossed.
Ran Lie had emerged from the dormitory building unnoticed, his sharp gaze fixed on the soldier. His red eyes radiated a commanding pressure.
“Colonel Ran Lie… sir!” The soldier immediately straightened and saluted, his voice trembling.
Ran Lie nodded curtly, and before he could say another word, the soldier, cowed by his presence, quickly mumbled his goodbyes and scurried away.
Watching the scene unfold, Xue Wei couldn’t help but chuckle and shake her head. “Lie Lie, you scared him.”
Ran Lie snorted. “Only someone with a guilty conscience would run away.”
He stuffed his hands into his pockets and strode past Xue Wei toward the street outside the dorm.
“Where are you going, Senior Brother?” Xue Wei called after him.
Ran Lie didn’t turn back. “For a walk.”
Xue Wei watched his retreating figure thoughtfully before deciding to follow.
Ran Lie glanced at her from the corner of his eye, the faintest hint of a smile curling his lips before he quickly suppressed it.
The two walked slowly down the street, keeping a small distance between them. The setting sun cast a warm, golden light over their figures, enveloping them in a serene glow.
Before long, they arrived at the seashore.
Standing by a low wall, they gazed at the shimmering waves. The sea breeze tousled Xue Wei’s hair, filling her with a sense of tranquility and contentment.
If only days like this could last forever…
Then, Ran Lie’s voice broke the silence. “When the war ends… do you want to visit the Aixi Empire?”
Xue Wei froze, startled.
Memories from her childhood resurfaced, and she turned to meet Ran Lie’s unwavering gaze. His expression was firm as he said, “If you want revenge, I’ll help you.”
Thirteen years ago, during a political upheaval in the Aixi Empire, Xue Wei’s family—her parents and herself, the daughter of a prince—were ambushed while fleeing. Her parents were killed, leaving her an orphan.
Ran Lie had long known her story.
Though over a decade had passed, Xue Wei couldn’t forget that day. But…
She shook her head and turned her gaze back to the rolling waves.
“And after revenge?” she said. “As much as I hate to admit it, the people have lived better lives since the royal family was overthrown.”
Her eyes reddened slightly. “Even if I killed those responsible, it wouldn’t bring me happiness.”
Had it been when she first left Earth, she might have considered it. But after more than two years of war, she deeply understood the value of peace and the sacrifice her parents made to protect her from that vortex of chaos.
Ran Lie pressed his lips together, lowering his gaze slightly. His voice was stiff when he said, “I’m sorry.”
“Senior Brother, there’s no need to apologize.”
Xue Wei’s eyes were still red, but her face carried a gentle smile. “I know you care about me, but… I’ve already come to terms with it.”
She looked toward the horizon, where the sea met the sky, and spoke softly. “Mom and Dad simply reached the finish line before me. They’re waiting for me there, so I no longer have to fear death.”
Ran Lie frowned. “Xue Wei…”
But before he could continue, she went on. “I’ll live well—do the things I want to do, live bravely and happily. That way, when we meet again, I won’t disappoint them.”
Though her eyes glistened with unshed tears, her smile was radiant and warm. It was so captivating that Ran Lie found himself unable to look away.
He raised his hand slightly, but in the end, he let it fall back to his side.
Once Xue Wei had calmed her emotions and turned to face him again, Ran Lie was gone. In his place stood a majestic Crimson Flame Tiger, crouched by the low wall.
Xue Wei blinked in surprise, her expression a mix of astonishment and curiosity.
Seeing her reaction, the tiger averted its gaze awkwardly, its ears drooping as it muttered, “Do whatever you want.”
“Really?” Xue Wei’s eyes lit up.
“Mm…”
Before Ran Lie could finish, Xue Wei lunged at him. Caught off guard by her force, he toppled to the ground, his expression contorting involuntarily.
Xue Wei, however, buried her face in the thick, snowy fur of the tiger’s chest, laughing joyfully.
Ran Lie listened to her laughter, sighed deeply, and gave up resisting altogether.
