Chapter 31#
Good Night#
The rapidly moving light spot on the screen caught the technician’s attention.
“Sir, a mech has been detected approaching the outpost!”
“Which one?” Yin Beichen’s tone was a bit urgent.
“A research-specific unit!”
“…What about Blade?”
“No feedback for now, for now.”
Yin Beichen was silent for a moment. “Dispatch a transport ship to rendezvous.”
“Yes, sir!”
Now, more than half of the outpost personnel had been evacuated. Two support teams had already reached Sector C and were racing at full speed towards Blade’s coordinates. Two transport ships were on standby in the air.
But there was still no news from Ning Feng.
In truth, the most correct course of action would be to arrange for all personnel to evacuate, wait for Blade mech’s rescue system to activate, and then send someone to retrieve him. That would minimize the risk, just like with the research-specific unit.
But…
Staring intently at the stationary light dot, Yin Beichen recalled the piercing alarm he had heard last. The knuckles of his hand gripping the table turned white from the force, but he quickly suppressed his emotions.
“Sir, main ship cannon preheating complete.” At that moment, the technician reported loudly.
Yin Beichen lowered his eyelids, his voice flat.
“In five minutes, all personnel evacuate the surface. In ten minutes, main cannon locks onto Sector C.”
“Yes, sir!”
**
[ALERT! Energy Shields Failed!]
[ALERT! Core Engine Damage 10%!]
[ALERT! Energy Remaining 40%!]
…
Listening to the furious roars coming through the channel, Ning Feng looked up at the sky light.
Perhaps having been underground for too long, seeing even a sliver of light stung his eyes unbearably. He rubbed his tear ducts, calmly watching the swarm awaken, then letting out a series of mournful, piercing shrieks in his mind as they lunged at him fiercely.
[This human killed the Lord, took the hostage!]
[But he’s the Dominator, we can’t kill him!]
[Capture him, capture him now!!]
…
Countless monsters attacked from all sides, blanketing the entire cockpit densely. The view before him was as dark as if engulfed by storm clouds, oppressive and suffocating.
Although lacking the command of high-rank bugs made them chaotic, under the absolute advantage of numbers, Blade soon used up its last bullet.
Rip!
The arm holding the gun was completely twisted off. His legs were entangled by countless child bugs. Blade wobbled, fell to the ground, and was quickly buried by the swarm of monsters.
[ALERT! Core Engine Damage 50%!]
[ALERT! System Defenses Failed!]
[ALERT! Energy Remaining 20%!]
…
Harsh red lights flashed rapidly in the cockpit. The sound of tearing metal filled his ears, but Ning Feng had no time to care. He curled up tightly, gasping for air, while blood kept gushing from his mouth.
He trembled, his vision blurry. He could see nothing, hear nothing. His heart felt as if gripped by an invisible hand, suffocatingly tight. From head to toe, it felt like invisible beasts were tearing at him, pain penetrating to the marrow.
With difficulty, he fumbled out the talisman, stared at it for a long moment, and then clutched it tightly in his palm.
[ALERT! Core Engine Damage 70%!]
[ALERT! Detection Radar Failed!]
[ALERT! Energy Remaining 20%!]
…
Limping weakly onto the control console, Ning Feng felt his strength rapidly fading, even breathing becoming increasingly difficult. But there were still some words in his heart he couldn’t let go of.
He really wanted to make a call, to ask Yin Beichen if he had ever liked him.
Even if it was just a little, even if it was just a lie.
After thinking, Ning Feng reactivated his optical brain. But his finger stopped just a second before pressing the button.
What was there left to ask? Everything had been made very clear already. Why court humiliation?
[After you’re dead.]
“Ah!”
A sharp pain suddenly pierced his heart. Warm liquid kept bubbling up. Ning Feng quickly covered his mouth with his hand, but deep blue blood seeped through his fingers, spilling everywhere.
[ALERT! Core Engine Damage 90%!]
[ALERT! Energy Remaining 10%!]
[ALERT! Cabin Air Pressure Abnormal!]
…
Looking at the blood in his palm, Ning Feng let out a low laugh.
Everything before had just been self-deception. He should have known long ago.
Yin Beichen understood all the hints. He fully grasped the subtext but remained unmoved. This wasn’t some emotional push-and-pull; it was simply that he wasn’t liked.
That’s why, whenever this topic came up, he would always be so disgusted, so angry, so… repulsed.
But at least Yin Beichen was honest.
In the end, this was an unrequited love that could never be returned. Yin Beichen’s words just forced him to see this fact clearly.
It was fine, really.
[ALERT! Core Engine Failed!]
[ALERT! Remaining Energy Below 5%!]
[ALERT! Cabin Air Pressure Reached Critical Level!]
[ALERT! Detected Decline in Pilot Vital Signs!]
[Pilot, Evacuate Immediately!]
…
His ears were filled with the sounds of alien bugs gnawing. The main screen flickered rapidly twice and then went completely dark. The entire cockpit was plunged into darkness, with only the crimson emergency lights flashing continuously.
Blood foam bubbled from the corners of his mouth, dripped down his chin onto his chest, staining his clothes a messy red. The sweet-sour smell of blood permeated the air. Ning Feng could barely hold on anymore. He felt so tired, so sleepy, wanting nothing more than to rest, to close his eyes and sleep.
He didn’t want to die. He really didn’t. There were so many things he still wanted to do.
He wanted to drink with Big Beard, eat the cafeteria auntie’s desserts, visit the old director and ask if her back pain had gotten better… Oh, and Qu Yan. He had said he would give him a gift, but it seemed he wouldn’t receive it. Also, his birthday was in about ten days, but that person probably wouldn’t remember, right?
Ning Feng chuckled softly, blue blood gushing from his mouth.
Finally, with effort, he turned his head to look at the camera above.
The constantly lit blue indicator light had dwindled to a tiny point, casting a hazy, indistinct glow in the darkness.
Ning Feng squinted, as if gazing into a pair of deep blue eyes. Distant, profound, serene, yet holding an unattainable distance. Thinking this, he revealed a relaxed, happy smile. He parted his lips and whispered softly.
“Yin Beichen, I love you.”
He paused, breathing heavily for a long time, before murmuring again, so softly it was almost inaudible.
“If there’s a next life… I never, ever want to see you again…”
Ning Feng gently closed his eyes. Gradually, his breathing ceased, and even his heartbeat stopped.
So he never noticed that the squad channel’s voice indicator was still flickering with a faint light.
The ferocious alien bugs surged towards the broken Blade mech, like a tidal wave of death…
Then, they completely engulfed it.
[ALERT! Remaining Energy Below 2%!]
[ALERT! Detected Pilot Vital Signs Fading!]
[Initiating Consciousness Stream Transfer Protocol.]
[Extracting Consciousness Stream Brainwaves.]
…
The next moment, the cockpit blazed with light. The entire seat glowed with fluorescent blue.
The flowing light pulsed and flickered, traveling along the surrounding conduits, swirling around Ning Feng, then spreading outwards. The halo scanned layer by layer from bottom to top, eventually converging on the man’s sweaty forehead, gradually forming a deep blue data chain.
[Extraction Complete. Beginning Transfer Sequence.]
Beep.
All data was transmitted into the small square box behind the seat.
[ALERT! Remaining Energy Below 1%!]
[Activating Backup Energy.]
[Activating Backup Engine.]
[Initiating Cockpit Ejection Procedure.]
…
Boom!!
A violent air explosion. The damaged outer shell shattered with a bang, sharp fragments slicing the bugs clinging to it into chunks of meat. Parts scattered everywhere. The massive mech rapidly disintegrated, leaving only the control console and a simple, thick framework. It swiftly deployed a golden magnetic net, tightly wrapping and protecting the cockpit.
Blade had fulfilled its final mission.
[Cockpit Successfully Ejected.]
[Beginning Return Voyage.]
At that moment, the engine mounted at the rear roared to life. The entire cockpit shot up, burst through the surface, and flew at high speed along a calculated path.
The bugs below screeched loudly, rushing up to try and intercept. But they were all hit by the cockpit’s pre-set defensive榴弹, not even having time to scream before turning into fireballs and falling from the sky.
Burning with a pale blue flame, the engine raced at full speed out of the orbital path, silently passing beneath the massive Nora, then plunging into boundless tranquility.
**
At that moment, the atmosphere on the bridge was extremely oppressive.
No one was speaking except for the announcer’s urgent voice. It felt like a heavy stone was pressing on everyone’s hearts.
The ground personnel had been evacuated. The main cannon was ready. But Yin Beichen, standing in the center of the command room, had yet to give the next order.
The Captain stood beside Yin Beichen, not speaking. He knew the other man was waiting. Waiting for news of Ning Feng’s escape. But this was war; they couldn’t wait indefinitely. If there was no word within ten minutes, then…
Two minutes remained until the final deadline. Everyone held their breath.
Suddenly, the technician’s voice echoed in the command room, tinged with excitement. “Sir, detected a change in Blade mech’s coordinates. It has entered orbital path autonomously!”
“Orbital path? Can you calculate the destination?” Yin Beichen asked.
The technician quickly pressed a few buttons. After a long moment, he spoke again. “It seems to be heading in the direction of the base.”
Hearing this, Yin Beichen let out a long, silent sigh of relief.
He knew that some time ago, the Heavy Military Factory had developed a new type of cockpit. In an emergency, it would automatically eject to ensure the pilot’s safety. Although it hadn’t been widely deployed yet, it seemed to be working well.
Safety was the most important thing for pilots. Returning, this upgrade plan could be put on the agenda.
Pulling his thoughts together, Yin Beichen looked up at the orange-red planet, his gaze holding an unmistakable chill.
“Activate the Photon Cannon.”
“Yes, sir!”
A thunderous roar instantly spread across the entire bridge. After several seconds of charging, a deafening blast shook the entire command room violently.
Boom!!
The massive photon cannon shot down like a sharp spear of light, piercing through the clouds and plunging straight into the ground. The intense light it emitted dwarfed all radiance.
Scorching hot flames completely enveloped the Insect Nest Star. The surface heaved and gasped amidst the colorful radiation death rays. A huge breach was blasted open in the mountains below, and the shockwave rapidly expanded outwards. Rocks all around shattered, like throwing a boulder into a calm lake, causing ripples across the entire planet.
The cyan-blue energy beam pierced the crust. The bugs underground were terrified, surging upwards, only for those destroyed by the beam to fall into the thick, scorching magma.
The atmosphere was torn, riddled with gaps. Powerful hurricanes and tornadoes churned the air.
Tens of thousands of alien bugs turned to ash. Swarms of flying bugs fought back, charging upwards. The frigates launched a fierce attack on them. Under the intense bombardment, they turned into fireball after fireball scattered across the sky.
Boom!!
Continuous cannon fire and waves of electromagnetic pulses swept across the vast void, crossing the entire battlefield, branding glassy cracks onto the Insect Nest Star’s surface. Before long, the bugs’ counterattack weakened significantly and no longer posed a threat to the fleet.
A one-sided battle.
The dazzling flashes of fire flickered across the various screens, reflecting in Yin Beichen’s eyes, shining with complex light. He moved his fingertips, hovering over the communication button. But the instant before pressing it, he slowly withdrew his hand.
After a while, he asked the Captain in a low voice, “Are we tracking Blade’s coordinates?”
The Captain was taken aback, then nodded. “I’ll immediately assign personnel to monitor Vice-Admiral Ning’s movements specifically.” Thinking for a moment, he added, “We just received word from Regional Commander Qu. Before losing consciousness, he repeatedly stressed sending someone to retrieve Brother Feng… Should we dispatch a transport ship to bring him back?”
Staring at the faintly moving light spot in the corner, Yin Beichen pressed his lips together and dialed that familiar communication number.
The expected mechanical female voice didn’t sound. Instead, a lazy, somewhat carefree voice came through the earpiece.
[Hello~ This is your Ning Feng. Leave a message after the beep.]
Yin Beichen froze. For a moment, he forgot to hang up.
[Ah, I know you’re in a hurry, but don’t be. When I get back, I promise to reply with the sexiest, most magnetic voice~ Bye~]
Everyone: …
The air froze for a second, followed by waves of sighs of relief and low murmurs.
“Damn, that scared the hell out of me just now.”
“I told you, Brother Feng is amazing, he’ll be fine.”
“That guy Feng is always messing around.”
“Hehe, did you just hear him talking to the Commander—”
“Shh!”
…
A piercing light passed through his blue eyes. Yin Beichen hung up quickly, and said coldly, “No need. He can handle it himself.”
**
[Successfully entered planned flight orbit.]
[Activating cruise mode.]
In the boundless night, a solitary cyan-blue light traveled forward alone.
This micro-aircraft flew at full speed for a while, but soon gradually slowed down.
It scanned for obstacles within a one-star-mile radius in real-time, while receiving various channel signals from nearby. A small metal rack rose from the instrument panel, stocked with various flavors of snacks. The cabin adjusted to the most comfortable temperature and began playing music on a loop.
Lyrical rhythms echoed in the quiet cockpit. Every note carried a burden of bittersweet experiences.
Starlight dotted the sky. A brilliant ribbon of light traversed the heavens, a galaxy slowly rotating in the darkness. The brilliant starlight shone through the clean, transparent shield, falling onto Ning Feng’s calm face, gently caressing his handsome brow.
[Destination: Junk City. Voyage Time: Five Days.]
[Date: November 21st, Stellar Calendar 1648. Time: 01:00. Weather: Clear. Radiation Level: Low. Suitable for outdoor activities, suitable for mech cleaning. No umbrella needed.]
[System will remind you twelve hours before arrival.]
[Please keep your seatbelt fastened, pilot.]
[Good Night.]
**
That night, Yin Beichen managed only three hours of restless sleep. He woke at exactly six AM, washing up punctually.
Soft strands of hair fell over his shoulders, shimmering like scattered gold under the light. Dressed neatly, he sat by the bed for a long time before standing up and heading for the door. Standing at the threshold, Yin Beichen stared at the closed cabin door opposite his, his gaze deep and unfathomable.
That was Ning Feng’s quarters.
Usually, at this time, Ning Feng would be waiting by the door, urging him to go for breakfast. Then he would have all the materials ready, starting the battle report.
…No, he usually wouldn’t bother knocking.
Yin Beichen’s lips tightened.
Just then, the sound of light-hearted chatter came from the end of the corridor. Two crew members could be seen joking and complaining about the cafeteria food. Their relaxed expressions immediately stiffened when they saw Yin Beichen, snapping to attention and saluting.
“Good morning, Commander!”
“Mm.” Yin Beichen withdrew his gaze and walked towards the command room.
The mopping-up operation was going smoothly. Without the Bug King leading them, the swarm was like a heap of loose sand, easily scattered by the cannons of the fighter jets and warships. Soon, these alien bugs could only cower in corners, barely surviving. Yin Beichen didn’t even deploy any ground troops.
The operation was entering its final phase. The focus now shifted to treating the wounded and handling logistics.
“Commander, the first batch of wounded has arrived at the base starport. This is the list for the second batch.” The Captain handed over a tablet.
Although the operation was successful, casualties were unavoidable. Medics had triaged the wounded by severity. Those with more serious injuries had been sent back to the base overnight. The rest were also being transported back in batches.
Ou Jingshan and Qiao Xi had been picked up by a transport ship yesterday and taken back to the transport vessel. However, due to their contact with the Lord, they tested weakly positive for bug venom. After receiving the blocking agent, they still hadn’t regained consciousness, so they were also on the second transfer list.
Scanning the dense list of names without finding a familiar one, Yin Beichen frowned. “Is this the list of all wounded?”
The Captain was taken aback for a moment, then reacted quickly. “Except for Vice-Admiral Ning.”
Because Ning Feng’s aircraft was navigating directly to the base and was still en route, and the cockpit didn’t have the conditions for establishing a communication link, the specific situation hadn’t been registered yet. However, the cockpit had a complete life support system. In a true emergency, as an experienced commander, Ning Feng would have found a way to contact them.
“His coordinates have been constantly monitored by dedicated personnel. The flight path hasn’t had any issues.” He carefully observed the other’s expression. “At the current speed, he should reach the base in three more days.”
Clearly, Yin Beichen understood this too.
“Mm.” His gaze shifted back to the screen. The screen showed a mix of colorful, chaotic images, the messy colors flickering unsteadily. After a long silence, he finally spoke slowly.
“As long as he’s being tracked.”
**
The battle situation was becoming clear. Yin Beichen’s personal presence was no longer required here, so he delegated the remaining tasks to other field commanders. Two days later, the Nora returned to base with the second batch of wounded.
Also returning to the base was the Lord’s sample. Upon landing on the tarmac, it was immediately sent to the Research Department’s laboratory.
After returning, Yin Beichen was incredibly busy.
With Ning Feng gone, all the accumulated affairs, big and small, over the past ten-plus days fell onto Yin Beichen’s shoulders.
Every day, besides assessing battle situations with various commanders and formulating training plans, he also had to find time to handle the base’s military affairs. Although some less important tasks had been shared by other departments, the pile of documents waiting for him to review was still mountainous.
For this reason, Yin Beichen often worked late into the night.
It was already past ten PM. He sat in his office, buried in comparing the aircraft upgrade plan that Big Beard had submitted three days ago. It wasn’t until a dull ache started in his stomach that he suddenly remembered he had missed dinner again.
He pulled a tube of nutrient supplement from the drawer and began sipping it slowly.
This type of supplement was easily absorbed by the body and easy to carry. Back when he was out on missions, he relied on it to quickly replenish energy. Although the Research Department had developed many new flavors, the taste was still indescribable.
Before, someone would nag him about meals every mealtime. Come to think of it, he hadn’t had a nutrient supplement for quite a while.
Staring at the empty tube, a hint of heavy thought appeared in Yin Beichen’s eyes.
Just then, the doorbell to his office rang.
He pulled his mind back, throwing the empty tube into the trash can. “Come in.”
A subordinate walked in, holding a thin tablet. “Commander, this is this month’s candidate list for mercenaries.” He looked a bit unfamiliar, his expression very stiff. He probably hadn’t dealt with him before.
Glancing at the neatly arranged various forms, Yin Beichen frowned. He felt that the military affairs he handled were several times more than usual. “Is it always this much?”
“No, Brother Feng arranged the tasks in advance before he left.” The subordinate swallowed. “This is considered less.”
Yin Beichen lowered his eyelids. After a moment, he said, “Leave it.”
Upon hearing this, the subordinate looked as if he had received a pardon, dropped the tablet, and fled the room.
Yin Beichen leaned back hard in his chair, rubbing his temples.
He had always only dealt with matters related to military strategy. These trivial things were always handled by his adjutant. When Ning Feng was around, no matter how urgent the task, he could always handle it on time, even finding time to supervise his meals.
Yin Beichen glanced at the date on his optical brain and realized it was already the fourth day. The aircraft should have returned this morning.
What was going on?
Ning Feng hadn’t contacted him proactively these past few days, and he had turned a blind eye, assuming the man was just resting in the cockpit for a few days. But now that he was back, decontamination shouldn’t take this many days. Why hadn’t he shown himself yet?
Didn’t this guy know how much there was to do at the base?
An inexplicable irritation rose up. Yin Beichen thought for a moment, then called up that familiar channel number. After staring at it for a long time, he pressed the call button.
[Hello~ This is your Ning Feng. Leave a message after the beep.]
A message?
Before he could hang up, the other side started talking again on its own.
[Ah, I know you’re in a hurry, but don’t be. When I get back, I promise to reply with the sexiest, most magnetic voice~ Bye~]
Yin Beichen: …
He disconnected the call, frowning.
Not there?
An indescribable anxiety welled up inside him. His brow twitched. He quickly tidied up a bit and strode towards the Heavy Military Factory.
**
The extermination mission on the Insect Nest Star had just ended, and various warships were returning one after another.
Even though it was late at night, the starport tarmac was still bustling. Over a dozen transport ships were circling high in the sky, waiting, while several battlecruisers entered their berths guided by the control tower. All aircraft entering the base had to be registered at the starport. If it was a flight returning from a mission, it would be directly towed to the Heavy Military Factory for decontamination and repairs.
Ground crew drove cranes towing various pieces of equipment. Mechanics surrounded damaged aircraft, assessing which parts could still be salvaged.
Yin Beichen went directly to find Big Beard, the main person in charge of the Heavy Military Factory, wanting to inquire about the aircraft’s status. However, he received an unexpected piece of news.
“Not arrived yet?”
“Very sorry, Commander.” Big Beard wiped the sweat off his forehead. “The workshop has no records of any aircraft entering storage.”
“Have you checked with the starport?” Yin Beichen’s frown deepened.
“We contacted the control tower. They have no information on any aircraft entering or leaving either…”
Seeing Yin Beichen’s increasingly gloomy expression, Big Beard’s voice grew softer.
He was also very puzzled.
This cockpit aircraft was his own design. The three new large engines added were the same model as those on the Dragon II, specifically for escaping. Despite its small size, its flight speed was faster than ordinary fighters. It could perform multiple long-distance jumps and even had basic attack capabilities for emergencies.
But the third batch of wounded was almost here, why hadn’t it returned?
Just as the air grew heavier, Yin Beichen’s optical brain chimed with a series of notification sounds. He peeked at it—it was the Captain of the Nora. His ears perked up.
“Speak.” Yin Beichen said coldly.
The Captain, too busy to worry about the Commander’s tone, spoke with a steady but urgent voice. “Commander, the radar technician just discovered an emergency situation.”
“What situation?”
“Vice-Admiral Ning’s aircraft has disappeared from the radar.”
“…What did you say?”
Yin Beichen froze, standing motionless.
Time stood still for a few seconds. Big Beard watched his expression gradually stiffen, then slowly lift his gaze, even the muscles in his cheeks tense. After a while, he let out a short, convulsive breath.
“When did this happen?”
His voice was low and deep, like an echo from the depths of the earth. It was a terrifying stillness. They could clearly sense the violent anger lurking beneath the calm tone.
Big Beard couldn’t help but take two steps back. Even the battle-hardened Captain’s voice tightened.
“One day ago.” He replied.
At first, they thought the aircraft was just temporarily out of contact due to a nearby meteor storm. But a whole day had passed, and they still hadn’t been able to detect any signal emitted by the aircraft.
Yin Beichen was silent for a long time.
“The last coordinates, do you have them recorded?”
“Yes, around here.”
The Captain immediately sent the coordinates. Yin Beichen opened them, and a star map appeared before him.
Big Beard hurried over to look, discovering it was a star field ten star miles from the base. It was surrounded by hundreds of magnetic turbulence fields. Further out was the infamous territory of space pirates. Nearby was Junk City, the largest gathering place for mercenaries in this star sector.
And the location where the aircraft disappeared was right in the center of these three points.
Big Beard’s face twitched.
Truly worthy of Brother Feng—even when going missing, he had to pick the most troublesome spot.
Before he could finish his sigh, he saw Yin Beichen snap the communicator shut. His blue eyes glared at him, a kind of indifferent, piercing gaze that sent chills down one’s spine.
“Did you design this cockpit?” Yin Beichen said softly.
The voice wasn’t loud, but it sent a chill through Big Beard’s heart. He quickly explained, “Commander, yes, I designed it. But the navigation system uses existing programs. The upgrade blueprints were provided by Professor Qu Yan. It’s absolutely no problem detecting and avoiding hazards.”
As he spoke, he fumbled through his optical brain, pulling out a mountain of documents, all design blueprints, spreading them one by one in front of Yin Beichen. “Surely you trust Professor Qu, sir?”
But Yin Beichen just pressed his lips together, watching silently. It wasn’t until Big Beard felt his skin crawl under the stare and couldn’t continue that he slowly opened his mouth again.
“Then where is he?”
“…”
No matter how much he explained from a professional standpoint, it was useless. Ning Feng was missing, and he was sitting in a cockpit he had designed.
But the most bizarre thing was that Ning Feng hadn’t contacted anyone during this time. He should know that the communication equipment inside the cockpit was very advanced. If he had encountered a real emergency, he would have contacted them immediately. But for so many days, neither the Nora nor the base had received any distress signal from him.
…Could something have happened to him before he even ejected?
Big Beard rubbed his hands together, his heart full of worry and unease.
Suddenly, his eyes widened, and he smacked his fist into his palm. “That’s right! The camera!”
Rubbing his thick beard, Big Beard grew more excited as he spoke. “Every cockpit has a built-in camera. I upgraded it before, having the footage transmitted in real-time to a cloud database. If we check the records, we’ll know exactly what happened!”
Big Beard felt his words were somewhat useful. At least after hearing them, Yin Beichen’s expression relaxed a little.
He slightly narrowed his eyes, his expression still inscrutable, his tone flat.
“Do everything possible to detect the aircraft’s signal.” Yin Beichen took a difficult breath, as if suppressing some emotion. “Also, arrange three squads of unmanned reconnaissance drones before dawn. Deploy them tomorrow.”
With that, he turned and left the workshop, not giving the other any chance to object.
Three squads of reconnaissance drones?!
Big Beard’s head was buzzing.
The fleet executing the mission had just returned. All the factory’s personnel had been sent to rush repairs. Who was left to arrange reconnaissance drones? And at this hour, needing them by tomorrow? This…
Frantically tugging at his beard stubble, Big Beard let out a long sigh, staring gloomily at the cockpit’s design blueprints.
“Brother Feng, where the hell did you go?”
**
The long corridor was brightly lit. The sound of hard leather boots striking the iron floor echoed through the silent passage. Yin Beichen walked to the end of the corridor, ignoring the guard’s salute, and dexterously unlocked the various barriers, entering the terminal equipment room.
Only after sitting down did he manage to steady his breathing.
He gained access, entered the database, and retrieved the video data from Blade’s cockpit. Just as he was about to enter the password, Yin Beichen’s movements suddenly stopped.
Something was wrong.
This wasn’t normal.
There was a mountain of tasks on his desk. A large amount of data in the star charts needed to be reviewed. He had to report to the main star’s military department in two days… Even if his most capable adjutant was missing, the proper way to handle it would be to send people to search, not like this—showing up in the equipment room in the middle of the night to check these trivial, unimportant surveillance recordings.
This wasn’t something he should be doing.
Even though he was aware his behavior was too abnormal, his hand moved fluidly to enter the password. By the time he reacted, a beep sounded, and a large video file popped up.
He dragged the time slider to the period when the aircraft disappeared. Yin Beichen’s fingertip paused for a moment, then double-clicked to open it.
First, a soft melody played. Then came the brilliant star river outside. The cockpit inside was dark and gloomy.
Then, Yin Beichen saw Ning Feng.
He was lying in the pilot’s seat. His usually sharp, spirited starry eyes were tightly shut, as if asleep. The man lay there quietly, his entire body sinking into the darkness, his outlines blurred in the half-light.
Yin Beichen’s breathing paused for a long time before he let out a soft sigh.
How could he be sleeping so soundly? How could he be so still?
Was he injured?
But the cockpit seemed relatively intact. He should have been safe inside. Had he been knocked during the ejection?
Countless thoughts flashed through his mind, but he couldn’t grasp a single one. Suddenly, Yin Beichen remembered the time he had accidentally touched the scar on the back of the man’s neck. That scorching sensation, as if it were burning…
In truth, he had long known Ning Feng was poisoned by bug venom.
As a strategic resource, the amount of antidote was recorded. Sometimes, under the pretext of testing for the Research Department, Ning Feng would apply for some antidote. He knew this. Moreover, the bugs they encountered on missions were at most third or fourth rank. Even if he was infected, there was enough antidote.
But as time passed, he noticed the man’s condition seemed to be worsening. That’s why he had pushed the Research Department to speed up the development of the antidote. Extracting samples this time was one of the most important objectives.
Could the bug venom have flared up?
No, that shouldn’t be.
Knowing Ning Feng’s character, he would definitely have some antidote on him. That night on the Insect Nest Star, he had seen Ning Feng inject himself with the antidote. The man always thought he was hiding it well, but he saw it all.
Then how could it have come to this?
Doubts swelled in his heart, trapping him. Suddenly, Yin Beichen remembered that just now, Big Beard had mentioned the cockpit design blueprints were provided by Qu Yan.
Wait, the Research Department?
Speaking of which, last time when the equipment room was destroyed, Ning Feng had shown signs of the poison acting up. When he rushed to the room, there was another person there. It happened to be someone from the Research Department too.
Qu Yan.
Yin Beichen’s eyes narrowed dangerously.
A familiar yet unfamiliar feeling suddenly surged up, mixed with bitterness and resentment. A bit confused, he touched his throat, trying to suppress this feeling.
Just then, a mechanical prompt came from the screen.
[Twelve hours until arrival at Junk City. Preparing for space jump.]
[Please keep your seatbelt fastened, pilot.]
The next moment, the picture shook violently. The screen displayed messy electronic interference. After a long while, it switched to a full screen of static snow.
The recording ended there.
“Junk City…”
Yin Beichen straightened up, smoothing back the messy golden hair by his ear. A cold, stern look gradually spread across his face, as if covered by a thin layer of frost.
He stared at the screen full of jamming signals. His fingertips moved, hovering over the time threshold of their last call. After much deliberation, he still lowered his hand.
Unfounded speculation would only disrupt reason. The priority now was to find the aircraft.
But before that, there were some things he needed to confirm personally.
Thinking this, he transferred the video to his optical brain and walked expressionlessly towards the Research Department.
**
When Yin Beichen came looking for him, Qu Yan was holding a cigarette, comparing data on two tablets.
“Good evening, Commander.” Seeming used to the other’s habit of entering without knocking, Qu Yan tapped away on the screen without looking up. “Coming so late, I don’t have any new data ready. If you want to see Qiao Xi, he’s still on leave—”
“Ning Feng is injured.” Yin Beichen got straight to the point. “I suspect his bug venom has flared up.”
Flared up?
Hearing this, Qu Yan’s entire body stiffened. His eyes stared dead at the screen, the muscles in his cheeks twitching faintly. After a long time, he let out a light laugh, leaning against the desk, squinting at the other man appraisingly.
“And then?”
“You knew all along.” The blue eyes locked onto his expression. Yin Beichen’s brows slightly furrowed.
Qu Yan tossed the tablet aside casually.
“So what?”
“Why didn’t you report it?”
“Your adjutant didn’t report it to you either, did he?”
“That’s none of your business.”
“If it’s none of my business, why did you come looking for me so late tonight?” Qu Yan picked up a cup, poured half a cup of hot coffee, his expression nonchalant.
The bitter smell of coffee filled the space. The lab was shrouded in silence.
Finally, Yin Beichen spoke.
“Ning Feng’s aircraft has gone missing.” His face was as calm as if wearing a mask. “I checked the cockpit’s video recording. He was already unconscious before he disappeared.”
“Unconscious?” Qu Yan sneered. “If only it were just unconsciousness.”
“What do you mean?”
“Nothing much.” He flicked the ash from his cigarette and took a heavy drag. “If you can’t find the aircraft, that’s hardly my problem, is it?”
“You provided the cockpit blueprints.”
“Now even helping out with some blueprints makes me a suspect?” The Professor laughed sarcastically. “Honestly, I’d love to help, but I really don’t understand mechanics. And I don’t know anything.”
Yin Beichen was silent. He looked very calm. But often, the calmest seas hide the greatest storms.
“Commander, I know this doesn’t sound good, but I have to say it anyway.” Qu Yan didn’t seem to care, his voice deep and tinged with malice. “It’s been so many days. If he were coming back, he would have been back by now.”
He leisurely sipped his coffee, savoring the other’s expression. “Just a small aircraft floating alone in space, surrounded by pirates and meteorites. Who knows what kind of accident could happen. I consider myself Ning Feng’s friend, but I’m still being objective and neutral. Maybe he’s already—”
“Ning Feng is alive. He’s just missing.”
Yin Beichen’s Adam’s apple bobbed. His knuckles first turned white from the force, then quickly relaxed. He opened his mouth, his voice a little hoarse. “I won’t believe any speculation until I see the body with my own eyes.”
Qu Yan chuckled softly, flicked his cigarette ash, and probed, “I don’t understand why you’re so insistent on finding him. He’s infected with bug venom, isn’t he? Surely you don’t want to keep him here to recuperate?”
Yin Beichen was silent. His entire figure was backlit, his outline blurred in the interplay of light and shadow. Only his deep blue eyes cast down a cold gleam.
“He should have submitted a request to go back and recuperate—”
“And go back to wait for death?” Qu Yan put down his cup with a click. A mocking smile curled his thin lips. “What is this bug venom? Even the base needs long-term medication to suppress it. And you want him to go back? Commander, this is truly something only you would say.”
Qu Yan’s tone was restrained, but the underlying dissatisfaction and reproach were unmistakable.
Why?
Ning Feng prioritized this man in everything, considered his needs in everything. And this is how it ended up? Now this guy dismisses all his sacrifices with a single “should have”?
Incredible!
Yin Beichen remained silent. His expression was blank and empty. He stared off into space, his eyelids lowered, no one knew what he was thinking.
Suddenly, the Professor gave a sardonic laugh and walked over step by step.
“But it’s not your fault.” White smoke curled up, the strong smell of tobacco rapidly spreading in the air. Beneath the gold-rimmed glasses, a hint of vengeful satisfaction shone. “General Yin comes from a good family, holds a high position. The number of people who admire you is countless. What is this Ning Feng? Surely you’ve never cared about anyone else’s feelings, have you?”
He stopped in front of Yin Beichen, leaning in. Towards the handsome face, he slowly blew a smoke ring.
“So, why do you think he didn’t report it to you?”
Yin Beichen looked up coldly, his gaze like ice.
“Get lost.”
Qu Yan slowly straightened up, pointing at the door with a half-smile.
“Commander, this is my office.” He lowered his eyelids, exhaling white smoke between his lips and teeth. “Actually, he’s just an adjutant. You can find a new one. I think there are plenty of people in the base who want to be your adjutant. Why waste time looking for a useless corpse—”
“Professor Qu, you don’t need to worry about finding him.”
Cutting him off abruptly, Yin Beichen lifted his chin slightly, a cold light flashing in his eyes. “Please focus on the antidote. Don’t waste your energy on meaningless gossip.”
With that, without another glance at him, he turned and left the room.
Watching the other’s straight back, Qu Yan’s dignified smile finally faded, a cold glint appearing in his eyes. His entire face was shrouded in white smoke. It wasn’t until his finger was burnt by the flame that he viciously stubbed out the cigarette.
Just then, his optical brain chimed with a cheerful notification sound. A message popped up.
[The package arrived. Why didn’t you say something before sending it?]
Qu Yan’s eyes flickered. He quickly typed a few words in reply.
[I only found out a few minutes before you did. An accident. It arrived early.] He then asked, [How is he?]
After a moment’s pause, the optical brain chimed again.
[Are you asking about the one that can move, or the one that can’t?]
His eyelashes trembled. Qu Yan pressed his lips together, a white sheen covering his glasses. He reached for the cigarette in his pocket, but his hands were shaking. He fumbled several times but couldn’t get it out.
After a long while, he raked his hand forcefully through his bangs and slowly typed the words.
[Take good care of him.]
Throwing down his optical brain, Qu Yan glanced in the direction Yin Beichen had disappeared. His tea-colored pupils narrowed slightly.
Looking for someone? Hah!