Chapter 128
Notes: Early release, thanks to Sakuradahl's support on Ko-Fi! ◟( ˃̶͈◡ ˂̶͈ )◞
Upon hearing this, the once confident official's smile cracked, as if a mask fell off.
Nevertheless, after many years on the job, he quickly gathered himself, replacing his previously undaunted grin. "You're right," he responded warmly, "We clearly can't take the resources for free. But I wonder what you, Mr. Planet, want in return? You name the terms — as long as they are within our capabilities, we will naturally agree."
In fact, facing the planet that had developed self-consciousness, the official never intended to take anything for granted. However, his representation for the nation, and the planet's initiative to trade, vastly differed in nature and outcomes.
He initially reckoned that the planet's consciousness would lack understanding of human societal laws. Thus, he, representing the nation, expected to maintain control while obtaining maximum resources at the least cost. However, now it seems that Mr. Planet is not as naive as he'd thought, but rather increasingly inclined to trade.
The cost of acquiring these resources then greatly depends on Mr. Planet's appetite, thought the official. He noticed high-ranking authorities from other countries glancing their way, their eyes gleaming with eagerness.
Since it's a product open for bidding, naturally each country would want to have a go.
Luckily, the young man sitting quietly beside the glass window was his compatriot. The official couldn't help but soften his gaze when he spotted Mu Cai. Assured by this young man's love for his homeland, the chance of obtaining the planet's resources was considerably high.
Upon hearing the other's inquiry, the planet ruler turned to look at Mu Cai, awaiting his beloved's answer.
Sensing the gaze, the young man also turned towards him. A look of confusion spread across Mu Cai's delicate, pale face, his dark eyes bemused as he wondered why his lover was looking at him at this moment.
He was oblivious that the planet ruler was waiting for him to set the terms and had not imagined that such a rare opportunity to negotiate with the state — sought by so many — would be handed to him.
In Mu Cai's view, the negotiation was entirely between his lover and the people present. He believed the resources, no matter how excellent, were not his but belonged to his lover. He deemed that he had no right to make decisions on his lover's behalf nor did he know what his lover specifically desired; therefore, he had never considered what conditions to propose.
A bit helpless yet indulgent, the planet ruler lightly pinched Mu Cai's soft cheeks before prompting, "Don't you desire anything? This is an excellent opportunity to place demands."
Upon hearing this, Mu Cai thought carefully, but couldn't come up with anything he wanted.
Having been raised in affluence, he led a smooth life, barring his hand injury. Mu Cai owned funds, property, and savings. Moreover, he was not extravagant and even if his career stalled, he never worried about essentials.
Therefore, Mu Cai didn't particularly desire anything, even money was just a matter of amount to him; as long as it was sufficient, it was fine.
Seated, the young man tilted his head thoughtfully, finally raising his eyes towards the planet ruler, speaking earnestly, "I lack nothing and desire nothing. As long you are with me, I should be able to provide for you."
After those words, Mu Cai's long lashes fluttered a little, adding somewhat shyly, "Unless, your appetite is extraordinarily big."
After accepting that his lover was a planet, Mu Cai spent two days subtly observing him aboard the Starship. His lover seemed no different than an ordinary person, except during meals; whether he ate little or much, his expression remained steady, leaving one unsure whether he was full or not. When sleeping too, it seemed as if he slept and yet didn't — whenever Mu Cai approached, he would wake up.
Food supplies on the starship were limited as they had to be shared among thousands. It was awkward for Mu Cai to feed his seemingly food-insatiable lover more, yet privately he pondered. For his sake, his lover defied the orbit, left his home, travelled across the extreme distance to reach Mu Cai’s home. At least, Mu Cai wanted him to have his fill.
Nevertheless, when thinking about the size of Dawn, a tad bigger than Earth, Mu Cai felt it was a flamboyant projection on his part.
After Mu Cai finished speaking, his brows, like long-distance mountains, furrowed slightly and his full lips pouted a little. He seemed somewhat regretful and disappointed, his dark eyes quietly lifting to look at his lover.
The heart of the planet ruler felt like it had been shot with an arrow.
His young lover was just too endearing, secretly thinking about providing for him.
However, the planet ruler wouldn't allow him to do that. With his billions of years of life as a planet, he couldn't let his tender and small lover take such a burden upon himself.
After all, he considered this treasure that he held gently in his palm, unable to let others have him in sight.
Thinking about this, the planet ruler smiled and said, "Well, I don't eat much."
In fact, as a planet, he didn't need to consume food, so it didn't matter how much or how little he ate. However, since his little lover had the concept that he "might not be able to afford him because he eats a lot," it was better for him to reassure Mu Cai.
Therefore, the planet ruler turned his head and revealed a smile that seemed like a lion about to roar: "Alright, let's talk about this."
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When Mu Cai was sent to his doorstep, his mind still felt somewhat hazy.
His lover had just opened his mouth to request an astronomical salary from the official, a figure even more than the annual revenue of their family company. And the Mu Cai family's company ranked among the top in the country. Not to mention that revenue was not equivalent to the money that finally entered the pockets of shareholders. Now, his lover's salary was enough to support their entire family and an entire company.
Such a huge sum could only be afforded by the state. After simultaneous discussions with several departments, the official readily agreed and signed a contract with Mu Cai on the spot.
After all, although Mr. Planet did indeed demand a generous compensation, it was much more cost-effective compared to the expense the country invested each year in the pursuit of new energy sources.
Mu Cai's house was a detached villa, equipped with a small garden. After the car stopped, immediately seven or eight people got out, carrying a piece of equipment, installing a spiritual energy converter in the living room of Mu Cai's home.
Once everything was ready, Mu Cai finally relaxed and lay down on the soft sofa. His hands were crossed on his abdomen, and his long, straight legs extended from the edge of the sofa and were placed on the floor in a disciplined manner.
Although Mu Cai had not returned for more than a year, he had arranged for a housekeeper to come and clean once a week before his departure. Thus, now the entire house was neat and clean, even the grass on the lawn in the small garden flourished.
The controller of the planet saw his young lover turn his head to him. His white cheeks pressed against the soft sofa, revealing a hint of rubescent plush. Coupled with those innocent, glossy black eyes looking at him, the sight stirred emotions in the heart of the planet ruler.
He walked over, sat next to Mu Cai, took his delicate, white hand and chuckled, "Tired?"
Mu Cai hummed a "Hmm," with a bit of a nasal tone, sounding soft and tweet, as if cooing to his lover.
Why would he not be tired? He had just nearly escaped his training in the energy field, which was followed directly by the business of appeasing his love and piloting interstellar travel.
Mu Cai was not physically strong. For him, interstellar travel was inherently exhausting, and he was prone to motion sickness. So, it could be said that it was only when he lay on the soft sofa that Mu Cai felt at rest.
The planet ruler naturally couldn't bear his coquettish behavior. He moved closer to Mu Cai, covered his head with his big hand, and threaded his fingers through his soft black hair, pressing on his head from time to time, mimicking what his young lover had once done to him.
His force was much stronger than Mu Cai's. After a set of operations, Mu Cai felt a hot, tingling sensation on his scalp, a mixture of slight pain and pleasure. His clear eyes gradually became foggy, his body seemed to have all its strength drained, curling up like a kitten that had just enjoyed a good rub, and he even began to snore lightly from time to time.
He was just too adorable.
Thinking so, the planet ruler's movements became more skilled and finally he quietly placed Mu Cai's head on his lap. Without any resistance, Mu Cai rubbed his cheek against his leg like a docile cat.
The planet ruler was immediately entranced. But seeing Mu Cai's relaxed expression, thinking of his earlier complaint about being tired, he immediately reined in his impulsive thoughts.
He loved Mu Cai, naturally prioritizing his well-being. And after all, waiting for Mu Cai to rest, devouring him then, he assumed it would surely be tastier than now.
The steady pressure applied by the hand on his head became increasingly soothing, to the point it was almost making him fall asleep. Just before his consciousness totally submerged into darkness, the cellphone he kept with him chimed twice.
Mu Cai instantly became alert.
On his way back, he had already debated whether to go back to his own home or to his parents'. Eventually, considering he was bringing a "ball" with him, he decided heading home first would be better and that he would visit his family tomorrow.
Thus, he had sent a message in the family group chat, explaining his situation and his decision to come home the next day. Now that his phone was ringing, it must be his family replying to his messages.
Mu Cai immediately picked up his phone and lit up the screen. Seeing there was no activity in the family group chat, he saw he had a direct message from his sister-in-law:
"Mu Cai, your big brother saw your live stream this morning and he's been fuming all day; he insists on having dinner at yours tonight and no one can stop him. I've already asked your eldest sister to come back and back you up so I thought I'd give you a heads up. Make sure you’re prepared to face him!”
Mu Cai: "!!!”
He had expected his elder brother to be upset, but he hadn't expected him to be this furious in less than half a day!
The planet ruler noticed his change in expression and couldn't help but ask," What's wrong? What happened, Mu Cai?"
Feeling a bit guilty, knowing his elder brother was probably unsatisfied with the person in front of him, Mu Cai didn't want his lover to know his family disapproved of him. So he vaguely said, "My family might come and see me tonight… and to see you too.’’
After saying that, Mu Cai discretely lifted his eyes to observe the other person’s expressions.
The planet ruler remained calm upon hearing the news, simply smiling and saying, "That sounds good. How will you introduce me to them though?"
Without thinking about it, Mu Cai responded, "Of course, as my lover."
After speaking, he felt the grip on his head tighten slightly, followed by a tender kiss falling on his forehead.
The man, his cheek against Mu Cai's, whispered, "That's nice. But how will your family refer to me?"
"I think I'll need a name from your side."
"You can pick it for me, let's use your surname."
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Author's Notes:
Planet Ruler: I want to take your surname.
Big Brother: Heh, heh, do I agree? :)
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