Chapter 56
Shen Qi's initial ominous premonition became a reality after the wedding.
For a whole month after the wedding, he didn't set foot outside the glass flower room. Not just him, Qin Huan also didn't go out, and all state affairs were handled via video calls. No one came to visit and it seemed like they were back to those days stranded on an abandoned planet, cut off from the world.
The difference was, they didn't have to worry about survival here. All they had to do was enjoy life, eating, drinking, and playing. Anything he liked or even mentioned in passing, or if he just glanced at it on the computer, it would appear in front of him the next day. Well, except for people. Once, Shen Qi casually praised an actor in a drama, only to find that he could no longer search for details about the actor on his optical brain the next day.
Simultaneously, Qin Huan subtly brainwashed him, making him adapt to this life and get used to a presence only his in his life.
The vast glass room, it could be deemed a utopia but more like a gilded cage.
From the beginning, Shen Qi knew something was off with Qin Huan. But little tech geek Shen Qi didn't know. However, after a month, even the most oblivious should have sensed something wrong. He secretly hacked into the SkyNet and came to the conclusion that Qin Huan had a psychological problem, compounded by some issues with psychic energy instability.
In his previous life, when Shen Qi would traverse through different worlds, he typically had high-status identities such as a president or prince, yet he would end up as a stepping stone for the main character. Having never been a psychologist, he had only a basic understanding of psychology. So, taking advantage of these days, he studied the subject more thoroughly. Combining this with the current situation, he had somewhat formed a plan.
"I have something to tell you." One evening, seizing an opportunity when Qin Huan seemed cheerful after playing, Shen Qi spoke up.
"What's the matter?" Qin Huan, holding the man lying on his chest, exuded satisfaction from his brows.
Shen Qi hesitated, lifting his wrist with the computer on it, "Actually... I've been able to connect to the computer for a long time. No, that's not correct. I had already set up a signal tower before you arrived. I'm also quite skilled with the computer. As long as I want, I can see whatever I want to see. Do you know about Red Fox? The infamous intergalactic pirate!"
As he talked, his spirits rose; he lifted his chin with pride, eyes gleaming, "They were caught because of the location I reported! If it weren't for me, the patrolling officers couldn't have caught them. I hacked into their spaceship and saw... They were too evil, I—"
His words disappeared amidst Qin Huan's slowly darkening expression. It was as if he just remembered that he was confessing and quickly pursed his lips, making a pitiful pleading expression.
Qin Huan grabbed his nape, forcing eye contact. There was a stormy oppression in his gaze, "So you knew about my identity all along? You've been deceiving me?"
"No, it's not like that." Shen Qi hurriedly clarified, "I didn't know who you were at first either, you're the one who said that you were the crown prince, and only then did I investigate. Even though I had set up a signal tower, I didn't have a spaceship and couldn't leave by myself. Initially, my plan was to find the patrol officers, but then I saw the royal announcement. I was worried that if I revealed my identity, I'd be asked to fulfill the marriage contract. At that time, I didn't know you and then there were all those news articles..."
"So, you also knew about the marriage contract. It seems like you've known about your background for a while, huh?" Qin Huan jeered, flipping Shen Qi under him with a sudden move. His body emanated an intimidating aura, "You've been toying with me, huh?"
For the first time, Shen Qi witnessed his cold and brutal side.
But Shen Qi wasn't frightened or resistant, and looked him directly in the eyes, "No, I wasn't playing you. The signal tower was set up three months before you arrived. I was planning on investigating my own identity first, to see whether to go meet my family. If they remembered who I am, I'd go find them; if they didn't, I would just live my life alone."
"What I discovered was the same as what you found out — my parents and loved ones are all gone. I was planning on creating a false identity then alerting the patrol officers, but I couldn't accept that."
Puffing his cheeks out, he glared at Qin Huan, "Even though I've lost my memories, there's one thing I still remember — I have a fiancé!" He accused Qin Huan, "But you forgot about me and ended up marrying someone else!"
Qin Huan grasped his shoulder, his gaze icy cold.
Shen Qi didn’t give him any time to react, he took a deep breath as if making a big decision, and confessed honestly, "So I hacked into the royal intranet and found out about your itinerary, knew you were going to the Fallen Star and would pass by the planet I was on..." Eyeing Qin Huan’s expression, he gritted his teeth, "I used the skyscape and magnetic field to alter your spaceship's path and made it crash."
At first, he didn't want to admit that it was him who caused the crash of Qin Huan's spaceship. But for some reason, looking at Qin Huan, he didn't want to lie to him. He could not speak of the events from his three past lives, neither could he explain his mission, or he would be ejected from this world. But what happened in this life, he didn’t want to hide it from Qin Huan.
Qin Huan’s pupils sharply contracted, and a myriad of emotions surged in his eyes.
"I was just curious and wanted to meet you. Initially, I thought if we got along, I would fulfill the marriage contract. If not, I would quietly leave. But I didn’t expect you to have amnesia."
Looking at it this way, it was not a lie. He initially did intend to meet the other party first, to see if he was the same person as Zhao Huaiyu. If he was, he would stay; if not, he would leave.
Shen Qi took a quick breath and kept talking without a pause, "Actually, there were several times when I wanted to tell you the truth, but for some reason, I became increasingly frightened to tell you. I didn't understand this before, but now I do. It's because I'm afraid you would ignore me if you knew the truth. I like you, and I’m scared that you would abandon me if I tell you the truth."
Tears welled up in his eyes, giving him a wronged look.
"We're already married now, you can't leave me." He gripped Qin Huan's arm that was resting on his shoulder, acting spoiled, "Besides, you were the first one to tell me you liked me!"
Qin Huan wore a mask, making it impossible to see his changing expressions. But by his eyes alone, one could tell how chaotic his emotions were. His gaze flickered before he finally took a deep breath and gave a cold, mirthless chuckle, "Very well."
Shen Qi's heart skipped a beat, he hurriedly said, "Everything I've said is true. I was wrong to deceive you. I apologize for that, but I really do like you!"
Qin Huan narrowed his eyes, scrutinizing him as if trying to see into his heart. His slender fingers traced down from his forehead, finally stopping at his throat, where his thumb lightly pressed against his Adam's apple.
Feeling discomfort in his throat, Shen Qi swallowed unconsciously.
Qin Huan seemed to be holding back something or perhaps pondering how to deal with him. His eyes grew redder and veins popped on his forehead. His fingers, which were initially hanging in the air, closed in, choking Shen Qi's neck. “Do you know what happened to the last person who lied to me?”
Shen Qi didn't struggle, looking straight at him. "Yes, I know. Even though you deleted the surveillance footage from that day, I restored it. I saw it." He paused before adding, "So what? I still like you."
Qin Huan's hand, which was strangling his neck, paused for a moment before withdrawing as if scalded. He got up and moved away.
"Stay here," he said, getting off the bed. His eyes revealed suppressed endurance, and the terrifying aura around him grew stronger. With a hurried "Wait for me to come back," he grabbed his coat and quickly exited the room in a few steps.
!!
??
Shen Qi sat up, confused. What just happened? A mental energy explosion?
Not bothering to put on clothes, Shen Qi immediately followed him. However, before even reaching the door, there was a loud crash from outside. The fairy tale scenery surrounding the tree house seemed to have been swept away by a gust of wind, leaving everything in disarray. Looking up, a large hole had been created in the glass house's ceiling – undoubtedly the result of Qin Huan's actions.
Shen Qi was astonished. The glass used in the house was not just any ordinary glass, but the sturdiest material in the entire galaxy. Even with his incredible strength, Shen Qi wouldn't be able to break it without great effort. This just showed how formidable Qin Huan was in his destructive, unstable state due to the mental energy explosion.
But there was no time to dwell on that now. Shen Qi hurriedly contacted Vick through his holographic computer. A mental energy explosion was no laughing matter – they needed to find Qin Huan as soon as possible.
Upon receiving the message, Wei Ke immediately agreed to help. Shen Qi initially intended to go along but, remembering Qin Huan's words, hesitated and ultimately stayed behind in the glass house, obediently waiting.
And so he waited for three days and two nights.
Shen Qi didn't allow himself to fall into a deep sleep, merely dozing off on the couch for brief periods. Suddenly awakening, he saw someone standing before him – it was Qin Huan.
Qin Huan wore the same clothes as the day he left, only now they were covered in blood. There were dried, dark brown stains as well as fresh, bright red ones. It wasn't just his clothes; a bloody mark cut across his silvery-white mask. Blood also covered the area from his chin to his neck, making him appear terrifyingly gruesome.
Shen Qi was startled, practically leaping up to grab Qin Huan's arm and inspecting him from head to toe. "Are you okay?"
"I'm fine. This is the blood of the Zerg," Qin Huan replied calmly. The terrifying aura previously surrounding him had vanished as if nothing had happened.
"Zerg? You went to the border regions?" Shen Qi asked, puzzled. That didn't seem right – traveling from the Central Star System to the border regions of other major star systems would require at least a week, even at the fastest possible speed.
Qin Huan suddenly laughed. The laugh, juxtaposed by the mottled blood, appeared somewhat ghastly — yet his voice was gentle, even tender. "I naturally found a way to reach the Zerg. You don't need to worry over small matters like these." He leaned over, blood-stained hand caressing Shen Qi's cheek. His gaze was warm. "I'm sorry. I was wrong that day; I shouldn't have lost my temper at you."
Shen Qi felt a shiver run through him. No, I would rather you yell at me!
Qin Huan seemed pleased by Shen Qi's expression and let out a soft laugh, his demeanor growing increasingly gentle. "Don't worry. I've thought it through. You were right, even though you deceived me. From your point of view, you acted correctly. I accept your apology."
Shen Qi was aghast. As he opened his mouth to reply, his voice quivered. "Tha-thank you..."
"But you have to admit that you've also done something wrong," Qin Huan said, cupping Shen Qi's face with his hands. "Don't you think?"
"...Yes."
Qin Huan was satisfied with Shen Qi's response. "So, from now on, you can't hide anything from me. Is that okay?"
"Yes..."
"Good Xiao Qi," Qin Huan said, playfully ruffling Shen Qi's hair. "Don't worry, I won't get angry at you again. As long as you behave, I'll grant you anything you want. I'm sorry I ruined our home, but it will be fixed soon, and..."
He suddenly paused, his gaze full of warmth, "From now on, let's stay here and never leave again. Is that good?"
Swallowing, Shen Qi uttered, "Yes."
Qin Huan's smile grew, his eyes alight with an eerie glow. "That's a promise from Xiao Qi. You can't go back on your word..."
As Shen Qi was contemplating the meaning behind Qin Huan's gaze, he was jolted by a click sound. Suddenly he felt a cold sensation on his wrist and glanced down to see a metal band.
"This is a gravity ring, don't be scared. Its only function is to deplete some of your strength..." Qin Huan affectionately pecked Shen Qi's wrist, and then his lips, whispering, "Who made Xiao Qi so powerful? What if Xiao Qi decides to leave one day? Even the glass that can be penetrated by psychic power is insufficient... I have added a password to the gravity ring; no one can unlock it except me. As for the computer, I have asked Vick to prepare a small shielding device hidden in the greenhouse. You won't be able to find it..."
He gently touched Shen Qi's wrist fitted with the gravity ring, showing a relaxed expression as if he had solved a huge problem. "In the future, if you want to access the SkyNet or view anything, you can tell me. I'll show it to you on my computer. You don't need to worry..."
Not to worry my foot!
Shen Qi felt an urge to scream. If he didn't know that Qin Huan and Zhao Huaiyu were the same person, he would have gotten rid of him immediately. He had dealt with a similar protagonist suffering from a mental disorder before!
The glass room was already suspended in mid-air without any support, what would breaking it achieve? Without any armor, was he supposed to jump off the cliff?!
This was a star cluster, not a cultivation world!
He could deal with the gravity ring, but a signal blocker?!
No more hacking to access new episodes, dammit! ~~o(>_
Previous Chapter | TOC | Next Chapter
or purchase bulk advanced chapters here
No comments:
Post a Comment