Category: Inferior A After Having a Baby with the Top Boss

Chapter 38: Temporary Marking Doesn’t Work p2

Ming Fei, in her dream, stood at the door of the ward, calmly watching her seventeen-year-old self. Soon, she heard the slightly childish yet exceptionally firm voice again.

“Why should I regret it? I won’t regret any decision I make.”

The beta nurse paused: “That soldier from the military department you saved, they haven’t come to visit you, have they?”

In the public perception of the Ole Empire, such a thing was truly not worth it, so much so that the other patients in the ward also looked over.

An elderly person said,

“Little girl, do you know how many opportunities an A-level alpha has to get ahead in life?”

“The Empire pours a lot of resources into A-level alphas every year. As long as you seize even a small opportunity, you won’t be at the bottom of society anymore. But now that you’ve become the lowest level alpha, you can no longer enjoy those resources and opportunities.”

“What a pity, such a readily available bright future is gone just like that!”

A middle-aged person with flaxen curly hair said, “Indeed, and your future employment will also be greatly restricted. I’m afraid you’ll never be able to get promoted again.”

At that time, Ming Fei had already, through her own abilities, exceptionally received an acceptance letter from the best university in the Ole Empire.

She didn’t argue with the people around her. After thanking the nurse who changed her dressing, she took her black water bottle and umbrella and left the ward.

This was her first time at the city hospital, and she wasn’t familiar with her surroundings, occasionally having to look at the signs to know where she was.

Guided by the signs, she walked along the stone path of the hospital’s inpatient department and slowly arrived under the ginkgo tree at the east gate of the hospital.

And she sat down to rest on the stone bench beside the ginkgo tree.

A gentle breeze brushed against her delicate face. Her neck and wrist were wrapped in white gauze, and the loose hospital gown made her look very thin.

Like a malnourished child.

She unscrewed the bottle cap and took a sip of warm water, and her pale lips regained some color, but her pale face still made her look sickly.

A grand migration was taking place beside the stone bench, and Ming Fei, noticing this, began to intently watch the ants moving house.

This area was relatively remote, with few passersby.

After an unknown amount of time, little Ming Fei suddenly looked up at the dark sky. After seeing the thick dark clouds completely covering the dome, she softly reminded the black ants who were still busy moving,

“It’s going to rain soon.”

“Come on, you have to hurry up.”

After saying that, she seemed to frown in distress.

She even muttered softly, “Why can’t humans help the ants move?”

Fortunately, the ants cooperated very efficiently, completing their relocation just before the downpour arrived. When the last ant also entered the hole, little Ming Fei smiled at their success, her mood clearly improving a lot.

The downpour arrived with the wind, and little Ming Fei, holding a cheap umbrella commonly found at street stalls, quickly disappeared into the rain with her thin figure.

—

Inside the villa in the Independent State of Yi Meng.

The corridor on the second floor was very quiet, only 0619 occasionally making announcements.

In the master bedroom, decorated in the style of Hui Fu Garden, Ming Fei was lying on the bed with her eyes closed, her long, thick eyelashes casting shadows beneath her eyes.

And Zhu Yiqiao stood a few steps away, watching her and listening to Dr. Tang, who knew the inside story, explain the situation.

“Colonel Zhu.”

Compared to the title of Chief Judge, Dr. Tang preferred to call Zhu Yiqiao Colonel: “Your… friend’s situation is quite special. Her gland should be damaged after the injury.”

“After being damaged, it can no longer secrete pheromones or have heat cycles like a normal alpha.”

Dr. Tang glanced at the person on the bed: “Her pheromone secretion now will definitely not be as smooth as a normal alpha’s, which is why there are sometimes mild and sometimes intense fluctuations.”

“In order not to exceed her tolerance, I suggest guiding her slowly, step by step.”

Zhu Yiqiao opened her lips and said, “Guiding?”

“You can also understand it as leading.” Dr. Tang explained, “Using your pheromones to guide her step by step, instead of letting her control or release them herself, is the safest approach.”

Dr. Tang didn’t say much more. After all, in their ABO world, this kind of guidance was almost like flirting. Although it was just a suggestion, the intertwining of pheromones would indeed be more intimate, almost like a hug or kiss for ordinary humans.

A person’s emotional perception could affect their pheromones, and pheromones would correspondingly transmit the perceived reaction back to the person.

Zhu Yiqiao’s expression was indifferent: “Then what about her heat cycle?”

“In my opinion, it’s best for your… friend to use a proper marking to get through her first heat cycle.”

“You know, suppressants can develop resistance, and even normal alphas or omegas need to increase the dosage. And her gland is severely damaged, with very strong rejection. If she uses suppressants to get through it, it might cause adverse reactions.”

Dr. Tang shook her head: “It might cause other problems with her gland.”

Zhu Yiqiao: “I understand.”

In the silence, Dr. Tang hesitated to speak.

After a moment of hesitation, she still said, “You have been using suppressants for a long time. If this continues, it might affect your health. If possible, it’s better to use the guiding method to get through your heat cycle.”

“If my calculations are correct, the pheromone compatibility between you two should be very high.”

“Her pheromones like you very much, and you should also—”

Zhu Yiqiao said, “Thank you for your hard work, Dr. Tang.”

Dr. Tang smiled, gave a few more precautions, and then said goodbye to the transmigrated Chief Judge.

0619 dutifully saw Dr. Tang out, and the room immediately fell silent.

Zhu Yiqiao worked on official business on the sofa in the bedroom, glancing at the sleeping person from time to time.

An hour and a half passed quickly.

Zhu Yiqiao, having finished her work, got up and walked to the balcony, looking down at the garden below. As a white bird landed on a flowering branch, flapping its wings, the returning 0619 received a message from Min Man.

0619 projected the message onto the display screen for Zhu Yiqiao to read.

Zhu Yiqiao looked back.

[Min Man: Yiqiao, I’m getting ready to bring Zaozao over.]

The second message was a photo taken by Min Man, and 0619 thoughtfully enlarged it.

Ming Zaozao in the photo had just finished packing her things. She was clearly happy after learning that her mother was coming back, her eyes, so similar to Ming Fei’s, curving into crescents with a smile. She held a teddy bear plush toy in one hand and the handmade drum Ming Fei had made for her in the other.

Zhu Yiqiao’s gaze focused on Ming Zaozao’s smiling face. Just as she was about to look away, her eyes suddenly paused on the surface of the grape-faced bellflower orchid drum.

“Zoom in on the lower right corner of the photo.”

0619, receiving the command, immediately zoomed in on the area of the drum.

The high-definition photo clearly showed the drum’s surface and the bells on the side. The one Ming Zaozao was holding was extremely similar to the one Zhu Yiqiao had seen in the toy room in Hui Fu Garden, but the details were completely different.

After repeatedly examining the drum’s material, the embroidered patterns, and the bells hanging on both sides, Zhu Yiqiao finally came to a conclusion.

This was—

The grape-faced bellflower orchid drum from her memory.

Every single detail was a perfect match.

Her eyes flickered slightly, and she subconsciously looked back at the sleeping person on the bed.

And Ming Fei, who had been sleeping soundly, happened to wake up. When Zhu Yiqiao looked back at her, she also happened to look up at Zhu Yiqiao.

At this moment, all was silent, even the flowers swaying in the wind stopped.

Their eyes met, their gazes colliding.

Chapter 38: Temporary Marking Doesn’t Work p1

Inside the pear-scented car, Ming Fei herself also sensed the abnormality in her pheromones.

The usual sweetness was now tinged with bitterness and sourness, like an unripe pear that had ripened too early, or perhaps overripe and starting to spoil.

She couldn’t quite understand her current situation, only deducing that it probably wasn’t a full heat cycle, because the high fever that had just subsided hadn’t returned.

But she was definitely uncomfortable, especially with the burning sensation behind her gland intensifying the pain.

…What should she do?

The temporary marking seemed to have stopped working.

And there were no extra suppressants in the car.

What should she do?

Was she just going to be a human air freshener, constantly emitting pheromones?

Ming Fei couldn’t think of a solution, and the release of her pheromones was accelerating.

Just as she was about to ask Zhu Yiqiao to speed up the hovercar so she could go back to the hotel and try the suppressants, the familiar high fever returned.

Eh?!!

Ming Fei’s eyes widened, and her slender, white fingers clenched the corner of her clothes.

Realizing the situation was getting worse, she immediately looked at Zhu Yiqiao in the driver’s seat.

“…Jiejie,” she said, “Could you stop the car and let me out by the roadside?”

The bracelet on Zhu Yiqiao’s wrist was already set to the highest level of suppression. She showed no outward sign, but her pheromones were constantly trying to surge out, attempting to soothe the pear scent.

“What are you planning to do?”

Ming Fei quickly explained, “We are both alphas. I know my pheromones will definitely affect you, but I don’t want that. You’ve helped me so many times, and I have no reason to affect you, offend you, or harm you when I can’t offer you any help.”

“After I get out of the car, I’ll find a hotel and get a room as an isolation room. Transport robots aren’t as fast as hovercars. If it’s convenient for Jiejie, I would like to… trouble you again to bring me two suppressant injections.”

Zhu Yiqiao turned to look at her, ripples appearing in her usually calm eyes.

“—Ming Fei.”

“Do you know what you’re saying?”

Ming Fei was already very uncomfortable. The uncontrolled pheromones, the returning high fever, and the burning sensation in her gland made her thoughts chaotic.

Even though her body was being scorched by hellfire, she didn’t lose control, only slightly furrowing her brows, her red lips pressed into a thin line.

She replied, “I know.”

“Have you forgotten the consequences I told you about last time?”

“But there’s no better solution.” She insisted, “And, I don’t think this is a premonition of a heat cycle, just that the burning sensation in my gland is much more severe than the fever, probably because my gland was injured.”

“Don’t worry, Jiejie, I can handle it.”

Zhu Yiqiao, sensing the surging pear scent, was skeptical of her pale explanation.

…A burning sensation in the gland?

If the gland was damaged, such an abnormal reaction could indeed occur.

The effect of the reverse temporary marking was minimal, but it should still be able to alleviate it.

Thinking of this, Zhu Yiqiao sat next to Ming Fei. Before Ming Fei could react, she took off the pheromone bracelet from her wrist and put it on Ming Fei’s.

“Let’s try a temporary marking first.”

Ming Fei, seeing her insistence, was both grateful and at a loss.

Because her pheromones and her limited knowledge of differentiation told her that frequent temporary markings in a short period would lead to both parties developing illusions of intimacy and dependence.

Zhu Yiqiao wasn’t her partner and had no reason to go this far for her.

She couldn’t accept Zhu Yiqiao’s help with a clear conscience, especially since Zhu Yiqiao had already helped her so many times. She already owed her a great debt of gratitude.

So, she tried to communicate with Zhu Yiqiao, letting her know the effects of frequent temporary markings.

But just as she was about to speak, she felt an… indescribable burning sensation in her gland. This burning sensation was different from the initial one, causing her pain and discomfort, but also making her lose her rationality and ability to think, intensifying her blurred consciousness.

But Ming Fei would never allow herself to lose control, let alone cross the line.

She resisted and endured, and when she found that her condition was worsening, she leaned over and took out a carving knife from the storage compartment on the right side of the car seat, left there by someone.

As the hovercar passed the statue of Winfella, a symbol of freedom and hope, Ming Fei, without hesitation, cut her palm with the sharp blade.

Instantly, a wound appeared on her flawless white palm.

Bright red blood immediately welled up, like a strange blood moon, casting a shadow of suppressed tenderness over this cruel and bloody scene.

“…Jiejie.”

The blood and pain made Ming Fei exceptionally clear-headed at this moment. Her first words were still out of consideration for Zhu Yiqiao.

“…Stop the car.”

The slight furrow in her brow had smoothed out, her gaze filled with forbearance and gentleness. She even comforted Zhu Yiqiao, who had faced life and death on the battlefield, telling her not to be afraid and promising that she wouldn’t do anything to hurt her.

Zhu Yiqiao found this moment utterly absurd.

She pursed her lips and snatched the knife from Ming Fei’s hand, preventing her from hurting herself again.

But as she reached for the carving knife, which Xue Xun had left in the hovercar, it fell to the ground with a clang, pushing the strange atmosphere in the car to its peak.

Instantly—

The rich pear scent receded like a tide.

A warm sensation touched her shoulder, a few strands of hair falling onto her dark uniform. Zhu Yiqiao looked at Ming Fei, who had fallen unconscious against her shoulder, a hint of scrutiny in her eyes.

Chief Judge Zhu, whom the media described as aloof, indifferent, untouchable, and unattainable, didn’t immediately push the person aside.

She even took out medical supplies from the first aid kit and bandaged Ming Fei’s wound while making a call.

Soon, the call connected on the display screen.

“Boss, calling me during my break, is there something on your mind? Professional love advisor Xiao Lan is here to answer your questions. But the price is double during break time~”

Zhu Yiqiao’s expression was unreadable: “Return trip.”

Lan Lubai was a little surprised: “Although everything has been dealt with, aren’t our tickets for tomorrow? Even robots need rest, right? Did something happen?”

“Arrange my private aircraft, we’re returning in half an hour.”

Lan Lubai didn’t ask any further questions: “Okay, I understand.”

---

“Beep—”

The door suddenly opened, and the doctors entered the ward, looking at the patient in bed number 3 with pity.

“Little one, we are very sorry about your differentiation result.”

“If your gland hadn’t been injured, you would have become the most valued A-level alpha in the Ole Empire, the highest level alpha in the differentiation rankings.”

“But now, we can only regretfully inform you that you have become a defective alpha with a damaged gland, and your differentiation level is F.”

In this dream, Ming Fei clearly heard the answer she had given at the time.

“—Okay, thank you, doctor.”

The alpha in the hospital bed calmly accepted this fact, without a ripple of emotion in her dark almond eyes, as if it was just an ordinary matter that wouldn’t affect her life at all.

Perhaps because she appeared too indifferent, the beta nurse who was changing her dressing couldn’t help but ask,

“Xiao Fei, do you regret it?”

—Did she regret saving someone who had nothing to do with her?

—Did she regret that her gland was damaged because of this, and that she was now labeled a disabled, defective alpha?

—Did she regret the pain in her gland that tormented her to tears every night after the injury?

Chapter 37: Ineffective p2

The hovercar arrived at the Abisaro Library fifteen minutes later.

The changing weather blurred the dark ink of the sky, dyeing it a light gray.

Ming Fei held Zhu Yiqiao’s hand as they got out of the car. After facial recognition on the first floor, she released Zhu Yiqiao’s hand.

“Jiejie, I want to go to the thirteenth floor.”

Zhu Yiqiao said, “I’ll wait for you in Area A.”

“Okay.”

Entering the library, Ming Fei was like a blue whale returning to the sea.

She had been to the Abisaro Library during her first business trip to Taiya, but time was limited then, and she could only stay for half an hour, so she hadn’t been able to finish reading many materials, leaving her with some regrets.

And at that time, the ancient Abisaro Library hadn’t yet opened online browsing, still maintaining its traditional offline reading mode.

But almost two years later, in response to public demand, the Abisaro Library had opened online browsing channels. Only some very old and precious classical books still needed to be found in the library, and after registering with the librarian, one could obtain a time-limited electronic version.

Ming Fei took the elevator to the thirteenth floor, a smile in her eyes.

She looked at the unique decoration and design style of the thirteenth floor, and then, according to her pre-planned schedule, used the search system to find the books she wanted to read.

It took her half an hour to find all the books.

She carefully placed the heavy books into the automatic rolling book cart and controlled the cart towards the registration desk on the thirteenth floor, expressing her needs to the librarian.

The librarian had gray hair, wore black-framed glasses, and had a kind face, patiently helping her find the electronic versions of these sixty books.

Ming Fei waited quietly, using this time to sit down and open the illustrated guide to paleontology on the far right.

This ancient book was out of print, and only the Abisaro Library still had a copy. Because it was precious, her movements were very light and careful as she flipped through the pages. The librarian, glancing at her from the corner of her eye, gradually became certain that she was a book lover.

Because of this cherishing attitude, the librarian’s gaze became even kinder, and she searched even faster.

Ming Fei didn’t notice the librarian’s change. She was immersed in the knowledge of the book. When she casually flipped to page 113, her gaze paused.

Because—

The illustration of the creature in the book made her feel inexplicably familiar.

It was an extinct ancient creature. People at the time hadn’t even given it an official name, only using a series of numbers to represent its existence.

[W1215304]

In the notes on the left side of the page, the author described it as a creature with unclear abilities, able to accurately predict disasters before they occurred, and capable of fission and proliferation to achieve immortality, and even…

The following introduction was too old and blurred into a mess.

Ming Fei stared at the illustration without blinking. In a flash, the scene at St. Gesali that night flashed through her mind.

She suddenly looked up and told the librarian that she would be back later, then quickly took the elevator down to the first floor with the book.

Area A was sparsely populated, and she quickly found where Zhu Yiqiao was and strode towards her.

Because she was a little anxious, a faint blush crept up her cheeks, but it was completely covered by the mask, so it wasn’t visible at all.

“…Jiejie!”

Zhu Yiqiao looked up: “Mm?”

Ming Fei sat next to her, then directly opened the book to page 113, pointed at the illustration of the creature, and explained to Zhu Yiqiao in a low voice,

“At St. Gesali that night, before I fired, I saw a ring on Bai He’s right pinky finger. The pattern on the ring was exactly the same as this illustration.”

The color of Zhu Yiqiao’s eyes deepened.

She didn’t doubt Ming Fei’s words. After carefully reading the description of the creature on this page, she went with Ming Fei to the library’s office on the twentieth floor and directly presented her Trial Court credentials, requesting to take the book back for further examination.

The library director, knowing the seriousness of the matter, naturally didn’t dare to refuse.

As they left the twentieth floor, Zhu Yiqiao looked at Ming Fei in the elevator mirror and said calmly,

“You did very well.”

Not just right, not just correct, but very well.

This was the second time Ming Fei had heard Zhu Yiqiao’s approval. She smiled shyly, her dimples faintly visible.

“Any citizen of the Independent State of Yi Meng would do the same.”

“I really like the Independent State of Yi Meng,” she whispered. “I hope it can continue to develop healthily.”

“Jiejie has helped me many times. I’m very happy to be able to help Jiejie.”

The elevator reached the thirteenth floor, and Zhu Yiqiao only replied, “It will.”

Entering the thirteenth floor, Ming Fei first thanked the librarian who had transferred the electronic versions, then returned the books according to her memory.

She had a good memory and quickly put the books back, finding their original locations without looking at the search system prompts.

In a short while, fifty-nine books were returned.

Light snow began to fall. As the two left the library, Ming Fei felt a strange sensation in the gland on the back of her neck.

As they sat in the back of the hovercar, and the door automatically closed, the strange feeling in her gland became more pronounced.

Ming Fei hesitated to speak.

When she looked at Zhu Yiqiao for the second time, Zhu Yiqiao, who had already noticed her movements, turned and asked,

“What’s wrong?”

The next moment, the surging pear scent answered the question for Ming Fei.

This time, the pear scent was extremely unusual, as if a switch had been flipped, becoming exceptionally rich, the sweetness mixed with bitterness and a hint of unripe tartness.

When Zhu Yiqiao sensed the familiar pear scent, a dark glint flashed in her usually calm eyes.

Because—

The reverse temporary marking had completely worn off.

Having once been a member of the Ole Empire’s royal family, she knew that the speed at which the marking had worn off on Ming Fei was far too… abnormal. Even renewing the reverse temporary marking would have little effect.

The situation was urgent, and she had to make a decision at this moment.

Chapter 37: Ineffective p1

Under the temperature control system of the hovercar, the cabin was warm and comfortable.

As the enchanting floral fragrance lingered, and the atmosphere grew increasingly strange and tense, Zhu Yiqiao, sitting in the driver’s seat, remained indifferent, like a snow-covered sniper rifle hidden in the snow, concealed and ready to fire.

Cold, calm, dangerous, ready to fire a precise and deadly bullet at any moment.

She appeared extremely indifferent, not even frowning, without any outward display of emotion.

Only the pheromone bracelet on her wrist flashed a warning red light twice.

She opened her lips and said, “Xue Xun, is this why you used your ability in public?”

The red-haired, green-eyed woman smiled, her slightly upturned fox eyes full of charm.

“Yiqiao, Yiqiao.”

She said, “Speaking to your Xue Jiejie like this, aren’t you afraid of hurting Xue Jiejie’s feelings?”

She deliberately drew out her words, her voice alluring: “Or are you saying—”

Lan Lubai made a surprised sound, looking at the display screen and suddenly saying, “Eh? There are investigation results from the Bai family.”

Zhu Yiqiao: “Report.”

“The Trial Court’s investigation results are as follows—”

Lan Lubai’s voice became more serious: “After a two-day investigation in Silla by the investigation and enforcement departments, a total of 130 members of the Bai family were screened and investigated. Only Bai He’s mother knew about Bai He’s regular contact with people outside the country. The other 129 people were unaware of Bai He’s actions, and no evidence of their involvement was found.”

“According to Bai He’s mother’s testimony, Bai He had been secretly traveling to Sisi for a long time five years ago. At that time, she had also curiously asked Bai He about the reason for going to Sisi, and Bai He only explained that she was going to discuss business cooperation with her university roommates and have reunions with other classmates who had settled in Sisi.”

“Because Bai He did attend university in Sisi, and the results of the investigation conducted by Bai He’s mother confirmed this, her mother didn’t investigate further.”

“In addition, according to her mother, Bai He didn’t show any unusual behavior in her daily life, nor did she have any special contact with anyone else.”

Lan Lubai encrypted the document and uploaded it to the intranet: “Investigation report complete.”

The pheromone bracelet on Zhu Yiqiao’s wrist had returned to normal. As light and shadows flickered, the hovercar was three minutes away from its destination.

“Inform the Sisi government of the investigation results through the Secretariat, and have the investigation department go to Sisi and present a search warrant to investigate everyone who has had contact with Bai He.”

Lan Lubai said, “Okay.”

Zhu Yiqiao said coldly, “In addition, have the intelligence department investigate the latest movements of the Ministry of International Trade of Moli and the Kail family.”

“Okay.”

Hearing this, Xue Xun, sitting next to them, played with her red wavy hair and said meaningfully, “Moli is adjacent to Sisi’s northern coastline. If Bai He used business dealings with people in Sisi as a cover, she definitely couldn’t avoid Moli.”

She pretended to sigh: “Oh, I just came back from vacation and encountered such a terrible thing. It’s still better to live life offline.”

Lan Lubai: “You were on vacation for more than two months. Everyone in the Trial Court has been working overtime on this matter.”

Xue Xun retorted, “I’m just a businesswoman reeking of money, how can I compare to the Trial Court, which serves the country and its people? Besides, Yiqiao doesn’t look like she’s been working overtime. On the contrary, she looks radiant and happy in love.”

After saying that, she smiled brightly: “Oh~ and she even has a cute little darling now.”

“Xue Xun—”

The person called by her name raised her hand: “I’m just telling the truth. I even prepared gifts for your two little cuties.”

Zhu Yiqiao looked at her: “Get to the point.”

Xue Xun lowered her hand, conjured another flower with her ability, and her casual demeanor finally turned serious.

The flower in her hand was a magnificent red, its petals heart-shaped and several times larger than ordinary petals. The pistil in the center was delicate and fragrant, its scent intoxicating.

“I can’t sense anything.”

She shook her head and said, “Those who awakened their abilities in the apocalypse can sense the presence of others through their abilities. I’ve already tried on the way here. There are no ability users in Taiya who have transmigrated from the apocalypse.”

Lan Lubai put on her cap: “Then that means there might not be any transmigrators in the research institute.”

Eight years ago, there was an anomaly in the sky, and the scientists at the time couldn’t explain the specific cause.

Lan Lubai was still in the military academy at the time and didn’t pay attention to this anomaly at all. It wasn’t until she went to the front lines and met her friend Zhu Yiqiao, and later joined the Ares Special Forces and was about to retire, that—

An accident.

Revealed her friend’s secret to her and Min Man.

—Zhu Yiqiao was a transmigrator.

They were very surprised at the time, but not to the point of dropping their jaws, after all, she wasn’t an alien with six eyes and ten legs.

Later, after learning about the various aspects of the country her friend came from, she, as a citizen of the Independent State of Yi Meng, who had grown up in a free, equal, open, and inclusive environment, couldn’t understand the Ole Empire in another dimension.

She and Min Man both felt that it was a kind of madness.

So, the more they learned, the more they felt sorry for their younger “sister.”

After quickly accepting this information, they also learned from their friend that the King of the Independent State of Yi Meng had long known about all this, and that there was another transmigrator besides her.

—Xue Xun, from another apocalyptic world.

---

Ming Fei took the elevator downstairs early and waited in the lobby on the first floor for two minutes.

When the silver hovercar stopped by the streetlight, she immediately put on her mask and walked outside.

Even though it was a rare sunny day, the cold wind was still biting.

Ming Fei pulled her scarf tighter and quickened her pace.

The distance of five or six meters quickly closed.

When Ming Fei approached the hovercar and stopped, the back door opened from the inside, and two figures stepped out.

One of them was Lan Lubai, whom she had just met recently.

The other one was a stranger, her red hair, red attire, and red accessories very eye-catching. The ten-centimeter-high red heeled boots made a slight sound as they stepped on the snow-covered road.

Lan Lubai smiled: “Good afternoon, Teacher Xiao Fei, how’s your cold?”

The corners of Ming Fei’s eyes curved upwards: “Thank you for your concern, I’m almost recovered.”

Lan Lubai was about to introduce Xue Xun when the latter spoke first.

“Hello, I’m Xue Xun, the founder of Dejade.”

Ming Fei wasn’t familiar with the name, but the brand Dejade left a deep impression on her.

Besides the fact that Dejade was the largest real estate developer in the Independent State of Yi Meng, another important reason was—before moving out of Hui Fu Garden, it was there that Zhu Yiqiao had called the game console a lie detector, later apologized to her and returned the braided rope bracelet she had dropped, and even… asked if she had someone she liked.

Ming Fei met Xue Xun’s gaze and then politely looked away.

She introduced herself: “Hello, my name is Ming Fei. I’m currently a lecturer at Q University.”

Xue Xun: “Teacher Xiao Fei is young and promising. That introduction is too modest.”

Ming Fei didn’t know how to respond, as the person in front of her was a complete stranger, and she didn’t know the relationship between Xue Xun and Zhu Yiqiao. Also, her social skills were really average, and even with 008’s help in studying for social skills class, she couldn’t even get a passing grade.

As she was considering how to respond, the hovercar suddenly beeped, reminding them to get in.

Ming Fei, like a stiff robot, felt relieved upon hearing the hovercar’s reminder, as if she had been rescued.

She smiled: “Then I’ll get in the car first, goodbye.”

Lan Lubai hummed in response: “Goodbye, Teacher Xiao Fei.”

Xue Xun waved as if teasing a kitten: “See you next time, Teacher Xiao Fei~”

Ming Fei softly repeated her goodbyes, then bypassed the two and got into the hovercar.

The car was usually clean and odorless, but today there was a rich floral fragrance. Ming Fei didn’t ask any questions, just took off her mask and greeted Zhu Yiqiao with a light smile.

“Jiejie.”

“Mm.”

The hovercar sped away. As they passed through the Roda 103 public area, Ming Fei received a video call invitation from her daughter, Ming Zaozao.

She glanced sideways at Zhu Yiqiao and, after confirming that she wasn’t working, softly asked,

“Jiejie, are you free now? Zaozao is calling me.”

“Project it onto the display screen.”

“Okay.”

The display screen switched from the latest news of ten countries to Ming Zaozao’s round face.

She was very close to the camera. Seeing Ming Fei, her eyes lit up, calling out to Ming Fei first, then to Zhu Yiqiao beside her.

“Good morning, Mommy~”

“Good morning, Pretty Auntie~”

They both responded. Ming Zaozao immediately began inquiring about Ming Fei’s condition. She was really worried about Ming Fei, asking repeatedly just to make sure Ming Fei wasn’t feeling unwell.

Ming Fei soothed her: “I’m almost fully recovered. I’ll be back to pick you up tomorrow evening.”

“Really?”

“Mm.” Ming Fei’s eyes crinkled with a smile. “Has Zaozao been listening to Auntie Min Man these past two days?”

Ming Zaozao stood up, holding her plush toy, and showed Ming Fei all the gifts she had received, like a proud little peacock.

“Baby has been very obedient!”

“Aunties, Grandmas, they all gave Baby so many presents!”

“They want Baby to visit them often and make delicious food for Baby every day.”

Ming Fei chatted with Ming Zaozao in a gentle voice. Halfway through the journey, Ming Zaozao, who had to go have breakfast, reluctantly hung up the video call.

The car suddenly became very quiet. Ming Fei was about to read again, but as she opened her e-book library, she heard Zhu Yiqiao’s voice.

“What did you eat for lunch?”

Ming Fei, who had given up on eating at the restaurant, looked at Zhu Yiqiao, wanting to speak but hesitating, like a puppy caught with its paw in the cookie jar.

“Did you go into the kitchen?”

Ming Fei’s eyelashes fluttered as she nodded: “Mm.”

She explained, “I originally planned to eat out before going back, but there weren’t any dishes suitable for patients in the restaurants, and the only suitable thing in the hotel was plain porridge, but I wanted vegetable porridge, so…”

Ming Fei felt a strange sense of nervousness, after all, Zhu Yiqiao had just added a new rule to the contract yesterday, and she, as Party B, had violated it the very next day.

Zhu Yiqiao’s voice was emotionless.

“This is the only time, don’t let it happen again.”

“Mm!” Ming Fei’s happiness was written all over her face. “Thank you, Jiejie.”

Zhu Yiqiao didn’t say anything in response.

She looked at the news on the display screen. Seeing the news about a multi-person physical altercation that had unexpectedly occurred at an event in Silla, she couldn’t help but think of the person quietly reading next to her.

Ming Fei was probably the most polite, most obedient, and gentlest person she had ever met.

She always had the words “thank you” on her lips, politely saying “thank you” to everyone except Ming Zaozao, even to the robots at home.

When she accidentally bumped into the robot dog, she would even squat down and pat the robot dog’s head, then apologize to it, as if she really felt sorry.

Compared to those alphas who would fight on the simulated battlefield or use pheromones to provoke at the slightest disagreement, Ming Fei seemed to have a better temper than a rabbit.

But when everyone thought she was so good-tempered that they could push her around at will, she would show another side, calm, decisive, and sharp.

A rabbit would bite when angry, and Ming Fei would calmly hold a gun and make a precise shot.

…

Chapter 36: The Sensation of Lips Brushing Past 

The moment her lips brushed past, Ming Fei’s eyes widened.

Beyond the requirements of the agreement, this accidental touch was far too intimate.

Like a rabbit whose tail was on fire, she quickly retreated, apologizing earnestly with a blush still lingering on her face.

“…I’m sorry, Jiejie.” She explained, “I was a little anxious, wanting to see how you were doing. I didn’t do it on purpose.”

Zhu Yiqiao’s demeanor didn’t change at all. She remained aloof and indifferent, as if the joy and reluctance of the woody scent had nothing to do with her.

“Mm,” she said. “I know.”

The awkwardness dissipated somewhat. Ming Fei, now fully awake, didn’t immediately catch the strangeness of that “I know,” but subconsciously checked on Zhu Yiqiao’s condition first.

“The temporary marking, it really won’t affect Jiejie, will it?”

“Mm.”

Ming Fei asked again, “Then, does it need to be… renewed regularly?”

Other countries, besides the Independent State of Yi Meng, also had a four-day work week and a three-day weekend. This academic exchange only lasted three days, but Zhu Yiqiao had to stay one more day because of the research institute, and Ming Fei had to return with her, so they could only start their journey back on Saturday.

And in the remaining two and a half days, the effect of the temporary marking would gradually diminish until it completely disappeared.

Zhu Yiqiao replied, “Your situation is special. I will judge whether you need a renewal based on your specific condition during this time.”

Ming Fei nodded. After thanking her again, she got up, moved the quilt back to the inside of the bed, and then went into the bathroom of the master bedroom.

The room was clean and bright, the mirror on the vanity reflecting her flushed face. Ming Fei touched her cheeks, trying to cool down the redness with cold water. The fever in her body had subsided, but the blush on her face lingered. Ming Fei felt a little helpless.

Because this was her usual… characteristic.

—Whenever she blushed, it would take a while to fade.

She had gone to the hospital for a checkup before, and after ruling out any possible illnesses, the doctor told her that it was just a normal physiological phenomenon. After that, she hadn’t paid much attention to it, since she only blushed in rare situations.

With a cold, wet towel on her cheeks, Ming Fei checked the gland on the back of her neck with the mirror.

Compared to usual, her gland seemed a little fuller, and there was a bite mark on the edge.

Ming Fei stared at it for a minute, sighing inwardly because of these abnormalities, before tearing open the suppressor patch she had brought and applying it. After that, she combed her long black hair neatly, tidied herself up, and then walked out of the bathroom and into the living room.

It was already four o’clock in the afternoon.

Ming Fei had only eaten a piece of bread for lunch. After her fever subsided, she felt… quite hungry.

Zhu Yiqiao was sitting on the sofa in the right side of the living room, working on documents. Ming Fei glanced at her and silently entered a command into the service robot.

After receiving the command, the robot moved to the side of the sofa and beeped.

Zhu Yiqiao looked up and saw the message on the robot’s display screen.

[I plan to make a big dinner. Jiejie, do you have any plans tonight? Are you going to continue working on official business at the hotel, or go out to a banquet? ^^]

After reading the message, Zhu Yiqiao looked sideways at Ming Fei, who was standing by the dining table. Perhaps because Ming Fei’s work was related to robots, she didn’t find this way of communication strange.

She closed the document, took off her white gloves, and walked towards Ming Fei.

“It’s immoral to make a patient cook.” She stopped in front of Ming Fei. “I’ll make dinner.”

Ming Fei insisted, “That wasn’t a cold or fever, just a premonition of a heat cycle. Does that count as being sick?”

Zhu Yiqiao: “The premonition is only one of the reasons. Your fever is also partly caused by a cold.”

Just as she finished speaking, Ming Fei coughed, the dryness in her throat not worsening, but still present.

Instantly, her argument lost all credibility.

Zhu Yiqiao turned and walked towards the kitchen: “There are fewer things a patient can eat, so you probably won’t be able to enjoy a big dinner.”

“It’s okay, I’m not picky. Jiejie, just make whatever you want.”

Ming Fei followed closely behind her. Just as she was about to enter the kitchen to help, Zhu Yiqiao closed the door. A question mark floated above Ming Fei’s head. The small robot, a step or two behind her, suddenly dinged.

She turned around and saw the message Zhu Yiqiao had preset.

[A new rule has been added to the agreement: During Party B’s illness, entering the kitchen and cooking is prohibited.]

[If violated, Party B will bear the consequences.]

Ming Fei stood frozen in place, stunned.

…What did this mean?

Did Zhu Yiqiao think that after getting sick, she would turn into a kitchen killer, making disastrous food and poisoning her?

Or was this an unusual way of implicitly expressing… care or concern?

Either way, Ming Fei smiled after she reacted.

Her eyes crinkled with laughter, the small dimple on her right cheek faintly visible, and her mood brightened.

Since Party A, who had the right to amend the contract, had added a new rule that must be followed, Ming Fei, who had diligently studied “How to Be a Perfect Party B,” could only obey and stay away from the kitchen, sitting at the dining table and reading a new book.

She was reading “Illustrated Handbook of Plants of the New Century.” After reading for twenty minutes, she got up to pour herself a glass of warm water.

When she came back, there was a new push notification in the reading frame.

Ming Fei clicked on it and glanced—

Fei-colored Yiqiao: A Story of Love at First Sight

Ming Illuminates Yiqiao: The Cold Colonel Falls for the Bunny Teacher

…

In addition, there were real-time barrage comments popping up next to the book covers.

[Hahaha, this is so well-written, I love it, please write more QWQ]

[SOS! What is this good stuff? I’m devouring it! Thank you to the authors!]

[I’m swooning, I declare Chief Judge Zhu and Teacher Ming the best CP of the year in the Independent State of Yi Meng!]

Ming Fei almost choked on her water and quickly closed the push notifications.

She coughed, not understanding why there were such things in the public e-book library. She just wanted to be a mushroom growing in the forest, far away from the hustle and bustle. So, after closing the notifications, she even hid her account.

The robot beside her, sensing her abnormality, automatically switched to care mode.

The robot’s voice in this mode was very cartoonish: “Hello, esteemed guest. Would you like Tulip to call your partner for you?”

Ming Fei shook her head: “No, thank you.”

The glass door of the kitchen had good sound insulation. Zhu Yiqiao, noticing this from the corner of her eye, looked sideways at the person sitting at the dining table.

Their eyes met, and Ming Fei subconsciously raised her phone, telling Zhu Yiqiao that she was just reading.

Zhu Yiqiao’s gaze lingered for only a few seconds before moving away.

---

Dinner was light and nutritious.

In addition to the plain porridge essential for patients and three delicious-looking dishes, there was also a small bowl of stewed pear soup for cough relief.

After a satisfying meal, Ming Fei looked at the small bowl of pear soup on the table, unsure if it was for her, since it was well-known that Chief Judge Zhu liked pears.

The service robot took the dishes and bowls into the kitchen. Ming Fei thought for a moment and, to avoid being presumptuous, swallowed her question.

She stood up to leave, but Zhu Yiqiao’s words stopped her in her tracks.

“Aren’t you going to drink it?”

Ming Fei sat back down: “Jiejie, is this for me?”

“Mm.”

Ming Fei didn’t know which word to use to accurately describe how she felt at this moment.

Because before this, no one had ever done this for her when she was sick.

Her precious daughter, Ming Zaozao, would certainly feel sorry for her, even take care of her, but she was still a child under two and a half years old, and her abilities were limited.

And before transmigrating, although the government had assigned a doctor to the orphanage, that beta doctor had a worse temper than someone much older and was always skipping work. Besides, a common cold like this would usually get better in four or five days. Even if the dormitory manager noticed, they wouldn’t care, let alone go out of their way to buy her medicine.

Therefore, whenever she was sick, she would silently endure it.

Tonight’s dinner and this bowl of pear soup, as well as all the help Zhu Yiqiao had given her this afternoon, made her feel even more grateful to Zhu Yiqiao, even lessening some of her awe and adding a natural sense of closeness.

Ming Fei finished the pear soup without a word, then looked up at Zhu Yiqiao with a smile.

She praised generously, “It’s very delicious, Jiejie.”

Then, she added, “When my cold is better, I’ll make whatever Jiejie wants to eat.”

Zhu Yiqiao: “Mm.”

Ming Fei asked, “Is tomorrow’s banquet still on?”

After the attack at St. Gesali, Taiya had tightened security in the urban area, determined to catch the remaining culprits lurking in the shadows. In addition, the King of Taiya had ordered the cancellation of some public events, including the banquet for public officials.

Zhu Yiqiao said, “It’s canceled.”

Ming Fei nodded and asked again, “Then, if there’s nothing else, can I go to the Abisaro Library?”

The Abisaro Library was the largest and oldest library in the world after the new century. It contained many books that weren’t available in the Independent State of Yi Meng, and Ming Fei had wanted to visit it again before coming here. But the Abisaro Library was located in the remote suburbs, far from their hotel, and she needed to be available to attend events with Zhu Yiqiao, so she hadn’t mentioned it.

She looked at Zhu Yiqiao intently, her eyes filled with anticipation, hope, and a lingering smile.

For some reason, Zhu Yiqiao remembered what Lan Lubai had said.

“—After changing my view of Teacher Xiao Fei, I think she is more like some kind of gentle canine, gentle but not lacking in strength.”

What was she thinking at that time?

She was thinking about their first meeting, when Ming Fei faced her gun, her eyes filled with shock and awe, but never showing weakness or lowering her head, even confronting her and frowning, refusing her orders.

Like a gentle canine?

Like a timid and cute rabbit?

Zhu Yiqiao couldn’t give an answer, but she knew that at this moment, her gaze was fixed on Ming Fei.

So, she replied, “Yes, we’ll go together.”

---

On Friday morning, the weather in Taiya finally cleared up.

At 8:30 am, Ming Fei, bundled up warmly, took Zhu Yiqiao’s hovercar to the Ivy League school. She was wearing a scarf and gloves, her face completely covered by a mask. When she got out of the car and said goodbye to Zhu Yiqiao, her almond eyes curved into crescents with a smile.

The hovercar left the school gate, and Ming Fei unlocked an automatic electric car at the entrance, driving all the way to the lab.

After arriving at their destination, her colleagues curiously asked her why she was wearing a mask. After learning that she had a cold, they immediately told her to go back to the hotel and rest.

“Xiao Fei, go back and rest,” Professor Qin said. “It’s so uncomfortable to have a cold, and you even came all the way here.”

“Right.” Teacher Wen agreed. “We can just send you the timed access link to the lab later.”

Ming Fei said softly, “It’s okay, I took medicine yesterday and I’m much better now. Let’s go, Director An is here.”

Footsteps came from the end of the corridor. Director An of the Ivy League school’s Artificial Intelligence and Robotics Research Institute was leading the way, followed by four professors specializing in various fields.

Everyone exchanged greetings as usual.

Ming Fei walked at the end on the right side. She wasn’t wearing glasses today, making her look even younger. Standing with the three Ivy League students behind her, she didn’t look out of place.

She pretended not to notice the students’ gazes, her eyes sweeping over the paintings in the lab. After entering the exhibition area on the first floor, her attention was immediately drawn to a bionic robot.

The researchers in the institute all had their own areas of expertise. She specialized in robot bionics, but her focus was on animals and plants, not humans.

The bionic humanoid robot in front of her, which hadn’t yet officially passed testing, was perfect in every detail. But it was still a little short of being truly lifelike.

Ming Fei listened attentively to the introduction and analysis by the Ivy League professors, taking notes in her notebook whenever she heard something worth recording, as serious as a student in class.

---

After visiting the entire lab, more than two hours had passed.

As they were leaving, Ming Fei’s notebook was filled with six pages of notes, her neat handwriting flowing smoothly.

Her colleagues all knew that she had a cold and wasn’t feeling well. After explaining to the Ivy League professors, they asked her to go back to the hotel early for lunch and rest, not participating in the afternoon summary meeting.

Ming Fei hadn’t originally intended to leave, but thinking that summary meetings were usually long and boring, more like speeches by leaders than discussions of professional experience, she instantly lost interest in participating.

So, after thanking her colleagues, she unlocked a self-driving car and returned to the hotel.

She cooked herself a simple vegetable porridge. Half an hour after finishing lunch, she took her cold medicine.

The sun was shining brightly outside. She went back to her bedroom and slept for a while. When she woke up, she received a call from Zhu Yiqiao.

“Where are you?”

Ming Fei rubbed her eyes: “At the hotel.”

“Mm.” Zhu Yiqiao asked her, “Do you want to go to the Abisaro Library now?”

Ming Fei’s sleepiness instantly vanished: “Jiejie, are you free now?”

“I’m almost at the hotel.”

Ming Fei made an appointment with her: “Then I’ll come down immediately.”

“Come down in five minutes,” Zhu Yiqiao said.

“Okay, see you later, Jiejie.”

Zhu Yiqiao hung up the phone and looked up, meeting her friend’s teasing gaze.

“Chief Judge Zhu has learned to be considerate so quickly?”

Lan Lubai smiled: “Even specifically telling her not to come down early and catch a chill.”

Zhu Yiqiao: “That’s not it.”

There was another person in the back of the hovercar.

She had red hair and green eyes, and was wearing red faux fur, with red boots inlaid with rubies on her feet. In addition, she was covered in glittering gemstone accessories, except for a pair of differently colored black diamond earrings.

At first glance, she looked like a red fox in the snow.

The corners of her lips curled up, her voice as soft as water: “I love collecting artwork, and I adore beauties with black hair and black eyes.”

“Especially those younger than me.”

She smiled, her fingertips conjuring a red rose out of thin air, followed by a pink rose, a white double-petaled lily, and a light purple bellflower.

Lan Lubai, seemingly accustomed to such a sight, even watched with amusement.

But when she conjured a red hibiscus, Lan Lubai immediately said, “Stop talking, use your ability to get rid of this flower!!!”

The corners of the woman’s lips curled up, and she snapped her fingers lightly.

Instantly, all the flowers in the car dispersed into petals, vanishing into thin air before they could fall to the ground.

She continued, “Although I can’t compare to Chief Judge Zhu’s extraordinary abilities, I am also extremely wealthy.”

“And I’m even better at growing, appreciating, and cherishing flowers.”

The lingering floral fragrance filled the air, and she asked with a smile, “If Chief Judge Zhu doesn’t like her, could I have her after the agreement expires?”

Chapter 35: Reverse Temporary Marking

The entire bedroom transformed into a pear orchard.

Countless pear saplings seemed to sprout, grow, blossom, and bear fruit in an instant, snow-white, sweet pears covering the ground.

For someone who loved pears, this undoubtedly signified a great temptation, an enticement, even an invitation to blossom and bear fruit.

Zhu Yiqiao pursed her lips.

She stood under the main light of the bedroom. Although she had removed her cloak, she was still wearing the dark uniform of the Trial Court, the outer buttons of the uniform and the inner buttons of her shirt fastened to the top.

People admired her, and even the light seemed to favor her, illuminating her like a snow goddess statue from mythology.

She looked back at the person on the bed, a hint of amusement and deeper meaning in her usually calm blue eyes.

“Do you feel it now?” she asked.

Ming Fei, whose condition had just improved a little, nodded, stunned and embarrassed.

“…But, I’ve already had a suppressant injection, why is this still happening?” She tried to find some clues. “Is it because my gland was injured?”

Zhu Yiqiao’s attention was caught by the second half of her sentence.

“Your gland was injured?”

“Mm.”

Ming Fei explained, “My gland was injured when I first differentiated. Later, I went to the hospital for treatment and examination, and the doctor said that my gland would probably never produce pheromones again, and I wouldn’t have heat cycles, nor would I be able to perceive the pheromones of other alphas or omegas.”

“—They informed me that my differentiation level was F, the lowest level alpha.”

According to the Ole Empire’s classification criteria, defective alphas included those with failed gland differentiation, severely damaged glands, severe pheromone disorders, and many other conditions.

Correspondingly, the Ole Empire, which viewed pheromone differentiation as natural evolution, a divine gift, placed many restrictions on the lowest-ranking defective alphas.

For example, they couldn’t work in government departments.

When applying for schools and majors, they could only apply last.

Zhu Yiqiao had originally thought that Ming Fei’s rating was due to other reasons, but she hadn’t expected it to be a damaged gland, which was generally considered the most painful condition.

The reason “painful” was used to describe it was because an alpha or omega’s gland was very fragile and thin, and any slight pain would be amplified countless times, let alone a severe injury that directly resulted in being classified as a defective alpha.

She said, “I understand. There’s no better solution at the moment. Try another injection?”

Ming Fei replied, “Okay.”

So, in the next two minutes, Ming Fei received a second suppressant injection.

This injection should have been more effective, but even after five minutes, the pheromone concentration in the room didn’t decrease, and the pheromone bracelet on Zhu Yiqiao’s wrist even flashed blue five times.

[Detected excessively high pheromone concentration, please be careful!!!]

The three exclamation points were enough to show how high the pheromone concentration in the room was.

And because the suppressant wasn’t working, Ming Fei’s fever continued to rise, her fair cheeks turning as red as Taiya’s chili peppers.

…So hot.

Why was this happening?

Was she going to turn into a human torch like in the games? She wondered.

At this moment, Ming Fei, who was usually extremely afraid of the cold, wanted to become one of the snowmen randomly piled up on the roadside. Or soak in a bathtub full of ice, using the simplest and most primitive method to cool down.

But even though she felt very uncomfortable, she didn’t show any signs of impatience or loss of control. The pear scent she emitted was still as gentle as a spring breeze.

Realizing that the injection didn’t seem to be working immediately, Ming Fei’s first words were out of consideration for Zhu Yiqiao.

“…Jiejie, are my pheromones making you uncomfortable?”

“If they are, just leave me alone.” She paused. “Or, you can handcuff me first.”

Zhu Yiqiao asked, “Handcuff you?”

“Mm.” Her voice was a little hoarse. “I know a verbal promise won’t convince you that I won’t lose control. Handcuffing me would be more credible, and you would be safer.”

For some reason, seeing her like this… made Zhu Yiqiao feel a pang of pity.

Usually, Teacher Xiao Fei was gentle and calm, her attire simple and elegant due to her profession as a teacher.

But at this moment, her long hair was loose and a little messy, her porcelain-white cheeks flushed crimson, the corners of her eyes red, her exposed neck also tinged with red, her lips slightly pursed, and those almond eyes, so similar to Ming Zaozao’s, were like a lake suddenly covered with mist.

…Ming Zaozao.

If Ming Zaozao knew that she had handcuffed Ming Fei, she would probably be angry and sad and ignore her.

Or, like before, she would cry endlessly.

In short, she would be heartbroken for a long time.

She thought, handcuffing Ming Fei was indeed the correct first choice, but she didn’t want Ming Zaozao to cry.

That was her daughter.

Her tears would also affect her emotions.

After some thought, Zhu Yiqiao calmly made another choice. But she didn’t realize that this was already the third time she had made an exception for someone.

And she didn’t delve deeper into why she had repeatedly made exceptions for a single person, for a single reason. What was the reason?

She released a very small amount of her pheromones, her expression still cold and frosty, but when her pheromones touched the pear scent, they were almost joyful enough to announce to everyone with a loudspeaker—

—So fragrant.

—So sweet.

—Can’t I just have a taste of this sweet pear?

Zhu Yiqiao walked to the edge of the bed without taking out the silver handcuffs she had used on Ming Fei before, instead giving Ming Fei the initiative to choose.

“We are in Taiya now, you only have two choices.”

“One, endure it yourself.” She said, word by word, “Two, I’ll help you.”

The former was clearly very painful. Ming Fei asked in a low voice, “Help me? How will Jiejie help me?”

“It’s very simple.”

Zhu Yiqiao said, “The Ole Empire’s royal family, in order to control the pheromone differentiation of its citizens, issued a ban hundreds of years ago, prohibiting any form of marking except between alphas and omegas.”

“But in fact, any group can mark each other, even in reverse. Alphas and omegas can, and alphas and alphas can too.”

Ming Fei, who hadn’t paid much attention in physiology class, was confused, her attention completely focused on the second half of the sentence.

The books said that the pheromones between members of the same group were basically mutually repulsive. Could alphas and alphas… actually mark each other?

If it was really possible.

Was Zhu Yiqiao telling her this because she wanted to temporarily mark her?

Eh? Temporary marking!?

Ming Fei’s thoughts gradually cleared, and she immediately rejected this option without thinking.

After all, such an intimate act could only happen between partners who had established a true intimate relationship. And she and Zhu Yiqiao were only in a contract marriage, so it wasn’t appropriate to do such a thing.

Therefore, she refused: “Jiejie, I choose the first option.”

Zhu Yiqiao didn’t seem surprised: “Are you sure?”

Ming Fei nodded firmly: “Mm, I’m sure.”

The woody scent, like a passing snowstorm, was enveloped by the sweet pear scent, completely immersed in the sweet fragrance of the pear, and utterly captivated.

After sensing that her pheromones were becoming increasingly greedy, Zhu Yiqiao, respecting Ming Fei’s wishes, stopped releasing her pheromones and told her what she might face if she chose the first option.

“Your situation is special.”

“Suppressants are ineffective. Your gland is damaged, yet you have pheromones and a heat cycle. If you want to endure it, there’s a high probability of facing danger.”

Ming Fei asked, puzzled, “What danger?”

“Fainting, loss of control, irreversible pheromone diseases caused by high fever.”

Zhu Yiqiao calmly stated the final outcome: “Even—death.”

As soon as she finished speaking, the gentle pear scent, as if sensing Ming Fei’s shock and astonishment, slowed its surge, causing the other pheromone, which had been excitedly playing, to become dissatisfied.

Ming Fei was stunned for a moment.

Because the impact of “death” was too great.

She loved the world she had transmigrated to and had gained a lot here. Most importantly—she had a daughter who shared her blood.

She didn’t want to give up all this, and she couldn’t gamble with life and death with such a small probability of success.

Against the backdrop of death, the feasibility of the first option immediately dropped to below ten percent.

Ming Fei buried her flushed face in her hands, took a deep breath, and then raised her head and asked,

“How does Jiejie know all this?”

Whether before or after knowing Ming Fei’s alpha identity, Zhu Yiqiao, in her high position, knew everything about Ming Fei’s life after her transmigration.

They held the same secret, but the information gap between them was like a chasm.

Zhu Yiqiao decided to be generous: “Because before transmigrating, I was a member of the Ole Empire’s royal family.”

Hearing this, Ming Fei finally understood the source of Zhu Yiqiao’s information, and her trust in her deepened. After all, the royal family controlled everything in the Ole Empire, and even the servants who served the royal family knew more than ordinary people.

She tentatively asked, “Is there really no other option?”

“No.”

After a moment of silence, Ming Fei asked apologetically, “Will a temporary mark between two alphas have any negative effects on Jiejie’s body?”

Hearing this question, Zhu Yiqiao, still as aloof as an untouchable flower, looked at Ming Fei, but her pheromones became even more excited, almost urging her to release more, wanting to fill the white flesh of this pear with her scent.

“No.”

Zhu Yiqiao said, “I will help you maintain stability until we return to the Independent State of Yi Meng.”

“What about after that?”

“You’ll know when we get back.”

Ming Fei’s eyelashes fluttered with embarrassment. After all, it was a little awkward to change her mind so decisively after making a decision.

But she didn’t want to waste any more time. She knew that Zhu Yiqiao had a lot to do after the attack at the banquet, so she directly unbuttoned her pajamas, turned sideways, and exposed her gland, as unguarded as a gentle and loyal canine.

“Sorry to trouble you, Jiejie.”

Zhu Yiqiao’s gaze first landed on the scar in the center of the gland, very faint, but clearly a knife wound. Gradually, the playful woody scent calmed down, and as if comforting, surrounded the pear scent it uniquely favored.

A spring tide surged in the room, the two pheromones intertwining.

This was the first time Ming Fei directly experienced Zhu Yiqiao’s pheromones.

Her lack of physiological knowledge prevented her from recognizing that this wasn’t an alpha’s pheromone at all, and the temporary marking they were about to undergo was actually a reverse temporary marking, from an omega to an alpha.

In the public perception of the Ole Empire, only alphas could mark omegas; there was no such thing as an omega marking an alpha.

Firstly, because it had always been this way.

Secondly, because alphas were unwilling to be marked by omegas, who were considered to be in a weaker position, even though a reverse temporary marking wouldn’t have any effect.

Therefore, even though the pain an omega endured during a marking far outweighed the pleasure, they were always told that they could only be marked, never mark.

The pheromone concentration in the room reached its peak.

Ming Fei waited quietly, a little nervous about the unknown, but didn’t show it, trusting Zhu Yiqiao completely.

A cold fragrance approached.

The person behind her said slowly, “One last time, are you sure?”

Ming Fei didn’t look back: “Mm.”

Then—

Fangs pierced her gland, and Zhu Yiqiao’s pheromones gradually merged with hers. As her head spun, the burning heat in her body receded like a tide.

A temporary marking lasted only a short time.

Especially a reverse temporary marking.

Zhu Yiqiao watched Ming Fei’s condition with her peripheral vision, while Ming Fei was stiff as a wooden figure.

A reverse temporary marking from an omega to an alpha could indeed have a certain soothing effect, enough to alleviate the premonition of a heat cycle.

But Zhu Yiqiao also knew very well that the effect of a reverse temporary marking, compared to an alpha’s marking of an omega, was actually very different.

When an alpha’s heat cycle truly arrived, the effect of a reverse temporary marking was negligible.

And if it really reached the point where a proper marking was needed…

Her thoughts raced, and the color of Zhu Yiqiao’s eyes deepened.

Soon, the reverse temporary marking ended, and the resulting pheromone fusion made Ming Fei clearly perceive that Zhu Yiqiao’s pheromones seemed reluctant to leave.

Like flowers nourished by the spring rain, longingly wishing for the rain to fall again and stay forever.

Why the reluctance?

…Was it because they were very compatible?

This made Ming Fei feel a little strange, but she didn’t think too much about it, after all, pheromones were complex and difficult to understand.

She buttoned up her pajamas, and after sensing that there was nothing unusual about her body, she subconsciously looked at Zhu Yiqiao.

Because of the reverse temporary marking, they were very close, and Ming Fei hadn’t completely recovered from her drowsy state.

When she suddenly turned her head, Zhu Yiqiao also suddenly moved forward. So, before their eyes met, Ming Fei’s soft lips brushed against Zhu Yiqiao’s chin.

Chapter 34: “What if I were an Omega?”

The Trial Court’s official website was updated every six months.

During this period, many people’s hobbies and preferences would change.

However, since Chief Judge Zhu’s transfer to the Trial Court, the “favorite fruit” section of her official profile had never changed. She had even mentioned in public interviews that she owned a pear orchard.

Many colleagues, wealthy businessmen, and even some citizens had sent specialty pears from various countries to the Trial Court.

However, those pears never reached Chief Judge Zhu’s office. Most of them were forwarded to charitable organizations such as welfare institutions for the disabled.

Therefore, the staff within the Trial Court quickly reached a consensus.

—Chief Judge Zhu didn’t accept pears from anyone.

And she wouldn’t even taste a pear that wasn’t from her own orchard.

But now, as Chief Judge Zhu stood in the pear-scented bedroom, gazing into those feverishly bright almond eyes, she was momentarily lost in thought.

…So sweet.

How could an alpha be so sweet? She wondered.

Ming Fei, suddenly awake, was completely unaware of Zhu Yiqiao’s thoughts. She only felt her throat was dry, her head dizzy, and her cheeks burning hot.

The high fever robbed her of her ability to think. She didn’t ask Zhu Yiqiao why she had suddenly returned, and, having never paid much attention in physiology class, she completely overlooked the pheromone scent in the room.

She just asked softly, “…Jiejie, could you get me a glass of hot water?”

Zhu Yiqiao left without a word.

When she returned to the room, she held Ming Fei’s travel thermos in her left hand and a silver box in her right.

She opened the thermos and handed it to Ming Fei, who sat up in bed.

Although still drowsy, Ming Fei still thanked her before taking the thermos. The hot water moistened her eyelashes and made her lips look a little redder.

After drinking half a glass of warm water, her dry throat felt better.

Ming Fei held the black thermos with both hands, her thick eyelashes lowered, looking very obedient and quiet, perfectly matching the sweet pear scent swirling in the room.

After half a minute, her lost rationality gradually returned. She looked at Zhu Yiqiao, who was quietly standing by the bed, and asked belatedly,

“Jiejie, are you off work?”

“Mm.”

“…Sorry, I have a bit of a cold.”

She subconsciously moved inwards, towards her designated sleeping area after drawing the line. But just as she was about to move, she heard Zhu Yiqiao’s voice beside her ear.

“No need to apologize.”

Zhu Yiqiao took the thermos from her: “Just sleep here.”

Ming Fei whispered, “Okay.”

She was feeling sleepy again, her eyelids heavy, her whole body listless. She felt cold, yet there seemed to be a fire burning endlessly within her.

The flickering flames ignited the fuse of her sleep. Just as her eyelids were about to close, a video call from Ming Zaozao came in.

Zhu Yiqiao projected the video call onto the service robot’s display screen.

Ming Zaozao looked at the person in bed with concern: “Mommy!”

Ming Fei blinked and responded softly: “Mm. Have you eaten, Zaozao?”

“Baby is full!” Ming Zaozao stared at her intently. “Mommy’s face is red, your cold hasn’t gotten better yet.”

Ming Fei knew she couldn’t hide it from her daughter: “Yes, but it’s much better now. I’ll be completely fine after taking medicine for another day.”

Ming Zaozao chattered, not only giving many instructions like a worried little adult, but also sincerely thanking Zhu Yiqiao for coming back to help take care of her sick mother. Finally, she asked 0619, the robot that had been prepared in advance, to tell Zhu Yiqiao some precautions for taking care of a sick person.

Warm light spilled down. Ming Fei, leaning against the headboard, listened to the conversation between the adult and the child, her sleepiness gradually returning.

Soon, Ming Zaozao, after finishing her chatter, reached her bedtime. She reluctantly waved goodbye to her mother and promised to video call her again tomorrow morning.

---

After the video call ended, the room fell silent, only the pear scent swirling quietly.

Perhaps because her sleepiness had completely disappeared, the slow-witted Ming Fei finally realized that her pheromones were leaking. She looked at Zhu Yiqiao in astonishment, her eyes filled with surprise and helplessness, her brain still running slowly.

…Eh?

Why were her pheromones leaking again?

Could a fever actually cause pheromones to be released?

With these questions in mind, Ming Fei tried to control her pheromones while seeking an answer from Zhu Yiqiao.

“Jiejie, I’m sorry, I didn’t control it.”

She felt that she was really a bit slow in this regard, always confidently telling Zhu Yiqiao that she had learned, but in reality, it seemed she hadn’t mastered it, not even realizing when her pheromones were leaking.

Ming Fei’s cheeks, already flushed from the high fever, turned tomato red.

She asked softly, “But… why is this happening?”

Zhu Yiqiao looked at her: “Can’t you feel it?”

Ming Fei was even more confused: “Feel what?”

Before this, Zhu Yiqiao had never met such an obedient alpha.

When she was still Princess Eloris, the alphas she had met would become suspicious, gloomy, arrogant, irritable, and easily lose control due to the premonition of a heat cycle. No matter how gentle and elegant they pretended to be usually, they would drop their masks during a heat cycle.

This understanding reached its peak after she disguised herself as an alpha and entered the military academy.

It was normal and common for alphas to lose control in the military academy. They would be taken to the isolation room by the instructors and military doctors and given suppressant injections to get through their heat cycle. And most of the time, even after the out-of-control alphas were taken to isolation, their pheromones would linger for a while before dissipating after being cleaned up by robots.

In addition, alphas were competitive and aggressive, usually either fighting on the simulated battlefield or using pheromones to compete.

Therefore, during her time at the military academy, Zhu Yiqiao had sensed many different alpha pheromones, and she found all of them, regardless of level, extremely disgusting.

They were foul.

They were nauseating.

They made her uncomfortable.

But—

The person in front of her was completely different.

The fluctuation of pheromone release was related to the individual’s emotional perception.

At this moment, her own pheromones almost surged out of control. The pheromone bracelet on her wrist, detecting the abnormality in her pheromone status, flashed a blue light, as if speaking for her pheromones.

—So fragrant.

—So sweet.

—It was the pleasant pear scent that made her feel happy.

—So sweet that she wanted to taste this pear.

The person leaning on the bed asked again. Zhu Yiqiao, rarely distracted, quickly snapped out of her thoughts and decisively adjusted the bracelet’s detection function to the highest level.

“…Jiejie, what should I be feeling?”

This question was truly naive.

If she hadn’t known beforehand that Ming Fei was really like this, Zhu Yiqiao might have pointed a gun at her head, making her carefully feel what her pheromones were indicating.

But because she knew Ming Fei’s personality, she didn’t take out her gun, but instead released a hint of her own pheromones, deliberately, with a mischievous intention, to help Ming Fei understand the signs of her heat cycle.

The gentle and light pear scent, upon sensing the extremely well-hidden woody scent, didn’t react aggressively or with a sense of oppression and danger, as Zhu Yiqiao had expected.

Instead, it gently and warmly surrounded her, like the gentle spring rain nourishing the flowers and grass.

Making the steep and sharp mountain peak feel drowsy amidst the spring tide of pear blossom rain.

And Ming Fei herself was the same, not becoming anxious, restless, or greedy because of the… sudden pheromone scent. She still sat quietly, patiently waiting for an answer.

Compared to the moment before Zhu Yiqiao released her pheromones, Ming Fei’s current condition hadn’t changed at all.

According to the Ole Empire’s differentiation laws, any alpha, regardless of level, would react to the pheromones released by others once they had their own pheromones.

But Ming Fei really didn’t show any signs of abnormality.

Zhu Yiqiao asked directly, “Didn’t you notice my pheromones?”

“Mm,” Ming Fei admitted honestly, “I noticed them.”

Perhaps because of the cold, or perhaps because she had just had a video call with Ming Zaozao, her tone was softer than usual, like a delicate willow branch swaying in the wind, easily broken.

Zhu Yiqiao said impassively, “We are both alphas, don’t you feel repulsed?”

Ming Fei shook her head: “I don’t feel repulsed, and I won’t do anything inappropriate.”

“I will control myself and won’t make Jiejie uncomfortable.”

“—What if I were an omega?”

Zhu Yiqiao had expected Ming Fei to be surprised or think she was joking, after all, she was completely different from the omegas defined by the Ole Empire. But in the following moments, she found… that Ming Fei’s answer only highlighted the contrast between her and the Ole Empire’s Kerry Declaration.

“Would it make a difference?”

After saying that, Ming Fei smiled, a small dimple appearing on her right cheek: “No matter what Jiejie is, I shouldn’t do anything that makes Jiejie uncomfortable.”

Zhu Yiqiao asked again, “Are you a member of the Mehertaer faction?”

The Mehertaer faction was the only group that openly opposed the Kerry Declaration. Due to their complex social network, the Ole Empire’s government wanted to crush them but couldn’t for various reasons.

Ming Fei smiled: “No.”

“There are certain requirements to join the Mehertaer faction. I was just an orphan, very young at the time, with no money and no freedom.”

“But in any case, I am a supporter of the Mehertaer faction.”

---

Outside the window, it was a world of ice and snow. Inside, the pear scent… was gradually fading without any suppressant injections.

After answering all of Zhu Yiqiao’s questions, Ming Fei wanted to get the answer to the question she had asked twice.

“Jiejie, if you have time now, could you please answer my question?”

Zhu Yiqiao’s gaze brushed over Ming Fei’s fair neck, then she looked away, stepped forward, and opened the silver box in her hand, revealing its contents to Ming Fei.

“These are suppressants.”

“Take an injection first.” She explained, “You are most likely not just having a cold or fever, but experiencing the premonition of a heat cycle.”

Hearing this, Ming Fei’s eyes widened completely.

She hadn’t considered this possibility at all and didn’t understand why, even with her damaged gland, the one percent chance of a heat cycle would still happen to her.

…A heat cycle?

If it really happened, her heat cycle should be milder than a normal alpha’s, right? She thought.

Ming Fei quickly accepted it because she believed that no matter what, she was still herself, a woman with independent thinking ability who wouldn’t be easily swayed.

And she had always been good at enduring, restraining, and controlling herself.

After figuring this out, she thanked Zhu Yiqiao.

“Thank you, Jiejie.”

“How much is this suppressant injection?”

Zhu Yiqiao: “No need to pay.”

Ming Fei wanted to insist, but Zhu Yiqiao didn’t want to take advantage of her: “The suppressant is part of the compensation provided in our agreement. You just need to tell me if you want it or not.”

After a brief moment of hesitation, Ming Fei nodded.

“I want it.”

“Mm.”

Zhu Yiqiao placed the box on the bedside table, took out a syringe, adjusted the dosage of the suppressant, and then looked at Ming Fei.

“You have no experience, so I’ll give you the first injection.”

“Okay,” Ming Fei said sincerely. “Thank you, Jiejie.”

“The first injection will hurt a little.”

“It’s okay.” Ming Fei rolled up her sleeve. “Jiejie, just inject it.”

Zhu Yiqiao didn’t speak. As Ming Fei turned her head, she slowly pushed the suppressant into Ming Fei’s wrist with the syringe in her gloved right hand.

They were very close, and Zhu Yiqiao could clearly see the lines on Ming Fei’s palm and a mole on the webbing between her thumb and index finger.

Ming Fei’s skin was very fair, and the small black mole on her hand made her slender and long fingers look even more like a jade sculpture that should be displayed in a museum.

The colorless and odorless suppressant was completely injected as time passed. Zhu Yiqiao removed the syringe and looked away, telling Ming Fei that the injection was finished.

Ming Fei turned her head back and lowered her rolled-up sleeve.

They both thought that everything would be fine, after all, the so-called premonition of a heat cycle was just a preliminary reaction.

Ming Fei smiled and thanked her again.

Zhu Yiqiao closed the box: “You’re welcome.”

Just as she finished speaking, the clouds outside the window parted, the wind died down, and the snow stopped. Zhu Yiqiao stood up, and instantly, an overwhelmingly sweet pear scent surged out again.

And with unstoppable force, it instantly filled the entire bedroom.

 

Chapter 33: Heat Cycle p2

After explaining again, Ming Fei tried to convince Zhu Yiqiao that she really didn’t mind these things.

Zhu Yiqiao didn’t say much, but changed the subject and asked,

“Did your pheromones overflow this morning?”

Ming Fei shook her head firmly: “No.”

She added, “I’ve learned, I can control it very well now.”

“Mm.”

Since they were talking about this topic, Ming Fei continued the conversation.

“Can I ask Jiejie a question?”

“Mm.”

This question was important. Ming Fei put down her knife and fork, repeatedly confirming that it wasn’t offensive or intrusive, before softly asking,

“After transmigrating, how did Jiejie handle your heat cycles?”

As soon as she finished speaking, Ming Fei felt the air around them stagnate. Frost flowers bloomed one after another on the floor of the private room, layer upon layer, freezing the warm air in the room.

But this seemed to be her imagination.

In a flash, Zhu Yiqiao answered her question.

“Suppressants.”

Ming Fei tentatively asked, “The suppressor patches, pheromone bracelets, and… suppressants, did Jiejie develop these?”

“Mm.”

Ming Fei was stunned by the answer.

Because these things didn’t belong to this world at all, nor were they within the scope of her knowledge. She didn’t understand how Zhu Yiqiao could have developed them.

However, after studying the social etiquette guide with 008, the perfect-scoring 008 told her that one should only ask a question once, asking too many questions would cause resentment.

So, she didn’t ask any further questions, nor did she intend to buy suppressants from Zhu Yiqiao.

After all, her gland had been injured, and it was already unbelievable that she had pheromones. In this case, she most likely wouldn’t have a heat cycle. The reason she asked this question was just to mentally prepare for the one percent chance of a heat cycle.

After stopping her inquiries and thoughts, Ming Fei began to concentrate on tasting Delicadeza’s signature dishes.

Compared to other established restaurants on the market, Delicadeza’s most unique feature was their own special blend of spices.

The spices paired with each ingredient were different. Whether it was meat or vegetables, they managed to preserve the original flavor of the ingredients while adding a surprising twist.

Rabbits are herbivores.

But Ming Fei loved meat dishes.

She ate with gusto, completely oblivious to Zhu Yiqiao, who hadn’t touched her chopsticks much, observing her across the candlelight.

---

After returning to the hotel by the military district coast, they still slept together that night.

Before going to bed, Ming Fei specifically entered a prohibition command into the intelligent bed, ordering it to enter sleep mode. Then, she took out a newly bought space compression quilt.

This space compression quilt was very convenient in all aspects. Except for not being as comfortable as ordinary bedding, it had almost no shortcomings.

And because it was easy to pack, it wouldn’t arouse suspicion from the hotel staff.

Ming Fei spread it out and, after checking it, took her toiletries and went into the bathroom.

A few minutes after washing up and lying down, she fell asleep.

When she woke up the next day, Zhu Yiqiao was already gone. Ming Fei saw the note she had left on the dining table and knew that she had gone to the police department for official business, so she only made breakfast for herself.

According to the business trip itinerary, today was a day off, and she only needed to visit the Ivy League school’s lab tomorrow afternoon.

Ming Fei finished breakfast alone, read for an hour and a half, and after finishing her reading notes, she asked the service robot in the living room to watch a horror movie with her. But the movie the robot chose wasn’t very scary, and Ming Fei closed her eyes as she watched.

She woke up again because of an incoming video call from her daughter.

Ming Zaozao in the video was sitting on the carpet, playing with building blocks. A kitten plush toy was placed on her left, and a toy gun on her right. The moment the call connected, she looked happily at the camera, her eyes sparkling like little stars.

“Mommy~”

Ming Fei responded gently: “Good morning, Zaozao.”

“Good morning.” Ming Zaozao asked, “What time is it there, Mommy?”

Ming Fei glanced at the time and realized she had actually slept for so long.

“It’s 2:30 pm.”

Ming Zaozao chattered non-stop. Noticing that the person in the video was getting redder and redder, she put down the building blocks in her hand.

“Mommy,” Ming Zaozao put her hand on her forehead, “Do this, like Baby, to see if you have a cold.”

Hearing this, Ming Fei belatedly realized that she was running a fever. She touched her forehead, and after confirming that her temperature was definitely above 38 degrees Celsius, she guessed that she might have caught a cold yesterday because it was too cold.

“Mm, a little bit.” She put down her hand and reassured her, “Don’t worry, Zaozao, Mommy will be fine after taking some medicine.”

Ming Zaozao, like a little adult, was clearly not reassured: “Mommy, take it now!”

“Okay.”

She stood up, almost tripping over the table because she was still drowsy from sleep. After steadying herself, she quickly ate a piece of bread from the refrigerator, then took out the fever-reducing medicine from the hotel’s first aid kit and swallowed it with warm water.

After doing all this, she looked at her daughter in the video: “Okay, I’ll be fine after taking the medicine and sleeping for a while. Don’t worry, Zaozao.”

Ming Zaozao’s round eyes were full of worry, but because she wasn’t with her mother, she couldn’t pour water for her, take her temperature, or cover her with a blanket. She could only watch as her mother fell asleep again.

After the video call automatically disconnected, Ming Zaozao, far away in the Independent State of Yi Meng, hugged the kitten plush toy, her small eyebrows furrowed with worry.

Seeing this, 008 thoughtfully offered a feasible solution.

After listening, Ming Zaozao clapped her hands, thinking this was a very good idea, and immediately asked 008 to make a video call to Min Man, who had just gone out.

Her purpose was clear: “Auntie Manman, is Pretty Auntie still busy?”

Min Man in the video glanced at the time and sent a message to Lan Lubai to ask. After confirming that they had finished the first round of investigation, she smiled and replied to Ming Zaozao.

“She’s not busy anymore, she and your Auntie Lubai are having lunch.”

Ming Zaozao asked again, “Will she be busy this afternoon?”

Min Man: “Not for now.”

Ming Zaozao’s eyes lit up: “Okay, thank you Auntie Manman, Baby has something to do, gotta go!”

“Okay, Zaozao, remember to finish your milk.”

“Mm-hmm! Bye Auntie!”

After hanging up the video call, the clever Ming Zaozao immediately asked 008 to initiate a video call with Zhu Yiqiao.

Half an hour later.

A hovercar that had left early in the morning appeared in the parking garage of the coastal hotel in the military district.

When Zhu Yiqiao, dusted with snow, opened the door, the living room was quiet. The service robot was still in its original position, but there was a bag of bread from the refrigerator and the first aid kit on the table.

The lights in the house weren’t turned on, the curtains of the French windows were half-drawn, and outside, snow and wind raged, the sky as dark as ink.

Zhu Yiqiao took off her dark cloak and cap, her long black curly hair cascading down her shoulders.

She didn’t pause, walking directly towards the bedroom, her blue eyes calm. Pushing open the bedroom door, a sweet and slightly sour pear scent wafted towards her. She frowned, bypassed the single chair, and walked towards the bed.

The person who usually slept on the inside was now lying on the outside, seemingly in a deep sleep.

The pear scent in the room was as gentle as the pear blossom rain in April. Zhu Yiqiao walked closer to the bed and saw that Ming Fei’s cheeks, exposed from under the blanket, were flushed, and the hair on her forehead was damp with sweat from the fever.

It didn’t seem like a cold or flu.

It was more like a heat cycle.

Realizing this, Zhu Yiqiao’s expression turned cold. Just as she was about to leave, her eyes met Ming Fei’s, who had suddenly woken up.

Chapter 33: Heat Cycle p1

The first meeting lasted three hours.

As it concluded, Ming Fei, who had been extremely focused throughout, took off her silver-framed glasses.

As Ming Fei rubbed her eyes with her right hand, Teacher Wen asked her in a low voice,

“Xiao Fei, are you leaving first?”

“Mm?”

Teacher Wen explained, “We usually have lunch together after the meeting, but we all know you’re not used to these kinds of dinners, so it’s fine if you want to go back.”

Ming Fei lowered her right hand, her clear almond eyes slightly clouded.

Should she leave or stay?

If she chose to leave, she could try the food she’d been wanting to eat, and after that, stroll along the street to the shores of Lake New Gela. The shops there were full of folk crafts, and she could pick out some gifts for Ming Zaozao.

If she chose to stay, not only would the atmosphere be awkward and the food tasteless, but she might also have to face those who kept giving her unfriendly looks.

After some thought, Ming Fei put her glasses back in their case.

“Then I’ll go back first,” she said. “Thank you, Teacher Wen.”

“What’s there to thank me for?” Teacher Wen patted her shoulder. “I’ll just tell Professor Qin. Be careful on your way back.”

“Mm.” Ming Fei smiled. “See you tomorrow.”

Leaving the conference room, Ming Fei went down to the first floor alone. As she walked along the corridor towards Crescent Moon Lake, her phone vibrated in her coat pocket.

She stopped, took out her phone, her chin buried in her scarf.

[Chief Judge Zhu: Are you finished?]

[Chief Judge Zhu: I’m at the north gate of the Ivy League school.]

Seeing the message from Zhu Yiqiao, Ming Fei didn’t think too much about it. The Military Police Department and the Ivy League school were separated by most of the main urban area, and she guessed that Zhu Yiqiao must have official business here.

Perhaps it was official business that required her cooperation.

Therefore, she naturally replied,

[It’s over.]

[Jiejie, is there some work here?]

[[Kitten confused.jpg]]

Time seemed to accelerate, and snowflakes suddenly filled the campus.

The cold wind blew, and Ming Fei took a few steps forward, entering a pavilion by Crescent Moon Lake. She first took out her hat and gloves from her bag and put them on, then looked down at Zhu Yiqiao’s message.

[Chief Judge Zhu: I’m here to pick you up.]

[Chief Judge Zhu: Which school gate are you closest to?]

The clear and straightforward words appeared on the screen, and Ming Fei was a little surprised.

Because these words had rarely appeared in her life. She had never had family to pick her up from school, and even after being adopted three times, for various reasons, she always had to go back by herself.

Most of the time, she was like a ball being kicked around by her adoptive parents. No one came to pick her up, and no one cared about her thoughts. In the end, she would just be returned to the orphanage again and again. However, she didn’t wallow in self-pity because of these hardships, otherwise, she probably wouldn’t have made it this far.

Due to her surprise and novelty, Ming Fei blinked, and the falling snowflakes moistened her eyelashes.

But soon, the four words “just an act” surfaced in her mind, and she suddenly attributed this to those four words.

[I’m closest to the north gate.]

[I’ll be right there.]

[[Kitten running fast.jpg]]

---

Unlike Q University in the Independent State of Yi Meng, Taiya’s Ivy League school prohibited hovercars from entering the campus.

Inside the hovercar, Lan Lubai accidentally glanced at the emojis in her friend’s chat window and chuckled.

“Is Teacher Xiao Fei’s tone so cute when she chats with you?”

Zhu Yiqiao leaned against the back of the car, the dark cloak making her appear even colder.

“Zaozao added them for her.”

“Oh~” Lan Lubai missed her friend’s adorable child. “Then she must have also added little rabbits, puppies, little bears, and the like. I’ll add them to my emoji library too.”

Zhu Yiqiao’s expression was indifferent as she watched her friend’s antics.

Soon, Lan Lubai finished adding the emojis and immediately sent a “peeking kitten wagging its tail” emoji to the absent Min Man.

The next moment—

[Min Man: ?]

[Min Man: ???]

[Min Man: It seems Executive Lan is under too much work pressure. Do you need me to help you apply for mental health counseling? [smile.jpg]]

Lan Lubai asked Zhu Yiqiao next to her, puzzled,

“What does Min Man mean? Only mentally unstable soldiers need—”

Understanding, Lan Lubai continued to send the emojis she had added to Min Man. After sending all of them, she cleared them and added a bunch of funny and exaggerated emojis that matched her usual chat style.

After doing this, she said to her friend, “It’s okay for Zaozao, it’s okay for Teacher Xiao Fei, but not for me. Got it, got it, I won’t bother you two anymore.”

After saying that, Lan Lubai, who had other work to do, got out of the car with the same determination as if she were going to a battlefield.

The hovercar was warm and comfortable, but after the silence returned, the music Lan Lubai had set beforehand immediately started playing. The name of the song was “Leopard, You Don’t Understand Love.”

Zhu Yiqiao turned off the melodious music. At the same time, there was a sound from the window.

The monitoring system automatically started facial recognition of the person outside the car. After confirming it was Ming Fei, the closed door opened.

Ming Fei smoothly got into the back seat, bringing a gust of biting cold wind with her.

She seemed to have run over, her cheeks flushed, her hat and scarf slightly askew, but her clear and bright eyes were filled with a smile.

“Jiejie, are you done with your work?”

Zhu Yiqiao continued to look at her: “Mm.”

Ming Fei thanked her: “Thank you for picking me up.”

She was still not used to addressing Zhu Yiqiao as “Jiejie” and would unconsciously call her by her title in private, but she would immediately correct herself afterward. After all, this was also part of the agreement, and no Party A would repeatedly tolerate mistakes from Party B.

“You’re welcome.”

Ming Fei clearly knew this was just an act, but the joy of being picked up for the first time in the solemn winter still overwhelmed her awe of Zhu Yiqiao. She smiled, just about to correct her address for Zhu Yiqiao when she heard the other party ask first,

“Did you run here?”

Ming Fei explained, “The Ivy League school hasn’t granted access to our ID cards yet, so we can’t unlock the campus transportation for now. Crescent Moon Lake is quite close to the north gate, so I didn’t waste time waiting for the public school bus.”

Noticing her slightly disheveled scarf, Ming Fei immediately adjusted it: “I didn’t exactly run, I just walked a little faster.”

“Mm.”

Zhu Yiqiao reminded her, “Your hat is crooked too.”

As Ming Fei raised her hand to adjust her hat, the scar on her right wrist was exposed. Zhu Yiqiao’s gaze lingered on the scar. After Ming Fei’s sleeve covered it again, she looked away towards the display screen.

After adjusting her hat, Ming Fei asked, “Jiejie, what do you want to eat for lunch?”

Zhu Yiqiao: “I’ve made a restaurant reservation.”

Ming Fei nodded, silently putting aside her original plan and deciding to go there when she had time.

Snow fell like catkins, and the hovercar sped towards its destination, disappearing in an instant. However, the scene of Chief Judge Zhu crossing half the main urban area to pick someone up was still captured by some reporters who had been waiting in advance.

---

On the way from the Ivy League school to Valeria Street, Ming Fei read the entire time.

Arriving at the reserved restaurant, Ming Fei held Zhu Yiqiao’s hand as she got out of the car. They were both wearing gloves, one black and one white, cooperating tacitly, as if holding hands in public had become a natural thing.

Delicadeza had been famous in Taiya since the beginning of the last century for its unique culinary feasts.

Ming Fei and Li Xing had also wanted to dine at Delicadeza before their first business trip to Taiya, but even though they made a reservation ten days in advance, they were still told there were no seats available.

Therefore, after entering the restaurant, she was especially looking forward to the upcoming lunch.

However, Delicadeza was very different from what she had imagined. From its architectural style, it didn’t look like a restaurant at all. The interior decoration was very retro, filled with old products that had long been updated and eliminated.

The maître d’ who led the way was wearing local ethnic clothing. The red and blue color scheme matched Taiya’s passionate and open customs.

Ming Fei politely observed her surroundings. After entering a private room on the third floor, she noticed a gift placed on the table.

The maître d’ explained with a smile: “This is a wedding gift from Delicadeza. We wish you a happy wedding and a long and happy life together.”

After the Trial Court announced their marriage, Ming Fei had lost count of how many times she had heard this blessing.

—Happy wedding, and may you have a long and happy life together.

Everyone’s wishes were sincere and beautiful.

However, this marriage was just… an agreement.

She responded flawlessly on the surface, but in her heart, she was thinking that there were only ten months left until the agreement ended.

After the maître d’ left, Ming Fei looked down at her phone. It wasn’t until she received a message from Li Xing that she realized what Zhu Yiqiao had just posted.

[Li Xing: Ahhh I’m hooked, is the Chief Judge so straightforward? I now believe that love at first sight is real!]

[Li Xing: I didn’t expect the students at our school to be so fierce, haha.]

Attached to the message were two screenshots. The first one was the latest news released by the Trial Court, and the second one was the debate on social media after the news was released. Someone had questioned Ming Fei being too young when she first became a teacher at Q University, as the youngest teacher at Q University before her was 28 years old.

But in no time, Q University students posted proof of her academic qualifications on the official website. Since this information could be directly found on the school’s official website, the students were a little angry at such accusations, and finally told the other party to directly complain to the relevant government departments if they suspected the official academic credentials were forged.

Ming Fei pursed her lips, wanting to say something but not knowing what to say.

When the restaurant waiter came in to serve the dishes, she lowered her head and replied to her friend’s message.

[Thank them for me. I’ll bring back small gifts for them.]

[Thank you too, Xing.]

[[Little bear holding honey.jpg]]

In the blink of an eye, when Ming Fei looked at the message again, her ears almost burned from Li Xing’s straightforward words.

[Li Xing: No need to thank me, thank your partner, Chief Judge Zhu, instead?]

[Li Xing: Be practical, arrange something tonight—]

[Li Xing: Unspoken Secrets Between Lovers On Marital Sex in the New Century …]

Ming Fei closed her phone after just a glance.

Perhaps because she suddenly straightened up, her eyes darting around, acting a little strangely, Zhu Yiqiao, sitting opposite her, looked over.

Ming Fei’s ears felt hot, and she shifted her gaze to the delicious-looking dishes on the table.

She had thought Delicadeza’s dishes would also contain chili peppers, but after carefully examining them, she was certain that none of them did. And in addition to sweet dishes, there were also several dishes she liked very much.

Her strangeness and surprise were written all over her face, and Zhu Yiqiao didn’t need to guess at all.

“Zaozao told me.”

“Told you what?”

Zhu Yiqiao: “The day I took her to the aquarium, although you weren’t there, she thought of you whenever she saw something delicious or fun.”

“During lunch, she told me the names of several of your favorite dishes.”

Ming Fei understood: “Thank you.”

“—This is an apology gift.”

Ming Fei was a little confused again: “Apology gift?”

“Mm.” Zhu Yiqiao looked at her. “After we announced our marriage, there were some unpleasant comments online, which might have affected your life.”

“It’s okay,” Ming Fei said. “I don’t mind these things.”

She really felt that it was still within an acceptable range, because most of the criticisms weren’t too harsh, and the few aggressive comments were directly censored. And she rarely went online to read these things. When she opened her phone, it was either to reply to messages, answer video calls, or read e-books and materials from the library.

Moreover, after her second adoptive parent had a mental breakdown, she had been subjected to a month of verbal abuse and accusations. She had long been accustomed to hearing harsh and sharp words. In comparison, those online comments were nothing.

Besides, she liked the Independent State of Yi Meng, and she believed that after the hype of the marriage announcement died down, people’s attention would gradually decrease, and the online comments would calm down.

 

 

Chapter 32: Exception 

Taiya’s Ivy League school, the best university since the founding of the country, not only enjoyed a high reputation in the international community but was also highly praised and respected locally.

This was Ming Fei’s second time attending an academic exchange at the Ivy League school.

She had changed into a more formal, handmade black coat from her suitcase, paired with a white shirt and black trousers. Silver-framed glasses perched on her nose, adding a touch of maturity and elegance.

Snowflakes fell on the ginkgo trees lining both sides of the campus road, and the students passing by were bundled up warmly, occasionally building snowmen and playing under the trees.

Ming Fei sat in the back row of the automated school bus, surrounded by her colleagues, all smiling at her.

Associate Professor Qin on the left said, “Xiao Fei, when will the wedding be?”

Teacher Wen on the right nodded: “Yes, we’ll all give you a big red envelope!”

Hearing this, the other colleagues in the bus perked up their ears.

After all, the youngest teacher in the institute, Ming, had suddenly announced her marriage to the Chief Judge. The two, who usually had no interaction, suddenly had such a deep connection. While everyone expressed their blessings, they were also very curious.

Ming Fei, the center of attention, although not very good at handling these situations, didn’t reveal any flaws.

She said softly, “She’s very busy with work, and we’ve considered many factors. We probably won’t have a wedding ceremony.”

Few of the teachers present were married, and the only one who had been married for a long time, Teacher Shu, was almost forty years old. Therefore, they could understand her saying this. After all, the marriage rate in the country had fallen to its lowest point, and most people didn’t hold wedding ceremonies after getting their marriage certificate.

“As long as you two have decided.” Teacher Wen said, “I’ll give you the wedding gift when we get back.”

Associate Professor Qin said, “Me too. Xiao Fei, happy wedding.”

“Wishing Teacher Xiao Fei and Chief Judge Zhu a long and happy life together!”

“May you two grow old together and have a happy life!”

…

Ming Fei could still handle the wedding blessings from others, but the people in the bus were colleagues she had known for a long time and who were very kind to her. Ming Fei, already shy, felt her ears burning slightly, knowing the truth.

After thanking them one by one, she tried to change the subject.

But before she could come up with a new topic, everyone, who had met Ming Zaozao at the school celebration, asked when she would bring Ming Zaozao to play again.

Ming Fei breathed a sigh of relief and promised them that she would bring Ming Zaozao to school when she had time, to see the newly developed WE137 bionic robot in the lab.

Soon, the automated school bus arrived at its destination, and Ming Fei, sitting in the back row, was the last one to get off. She put on the cashmere scarf Zhu Yiqiao had given her and didn’t feel cold even in the biting wind.

The Ivy League school’s Artificial Intelligence and Robotics Academy was located in the south area of the campus, near Crescent Moon Lake.

Due to different development histories, the overall architectural style of the Ivy League school was more post-surrealist, and the Artificial Intelligence and Robotics Academy’s building had a strong sense of technology.

Walking up the steps, two bionic lions on either side opened their mouths wide, their green eyes emitting a cold light. Their wagging tails, according to the program design, wrote the word “welcome” on the virtual screen behind them.

Ming Fei’s gaze paused on the lion’s tail.

“I heard that this robot just passed the experimental and testing phase and hasn’t been put into use yet,” Teacher Wen said.

“Like our bionic goose?”

“Not quite, right?” Associate Professor Qin shook her head. “Xiao Fei’s model can already swim and fly in the middle of the lake. Their balance control system isn’t perfected yet. Look, their tails only swing between thirty and sixty degrees.”

Seeing the student representatives and the dean of the Ivy League academy, Ming Fei coughed softly as a reminder.

Everyone looked up. After some greetings and pleasantries, they followed Director An of the academy and took the elevator to the conference room on the sixth floor.

In the already prepared conference room, the most senior Professor Mu sat at the head of the table, followed by other professors who had been working in the professional field for many years.

Ming Fei wasn’t good at small talk, and her colleagues knew her personality. Therefore, all the pre-meeting chatter was handled by Associate Professor Qin, who was the best at socializing.

Ming Fei, quietly sitting in her seat, was carefully reviewing the prepared presentation.

However, several Ivy League teachers sitting opposite her were looking at her, and one of their gazes made Ming Fei feel uncomfortable.

Teacher Wen, noticing the strangeness, frowned.

She had a frank and straightforward personality and was very protective of her colleagues. Without hesitation, she picked up a partition and placed it in the middle, pushed her computer towards Ming Fei, leaned in, and discussed important points of the presentation with her.

Ming Fei smiled: “Thank you.”

“You’re welcome,” Teacher Wen said. “Focus on your presentation.”

“Mm.”

This meeting was broadcast live, and students majoring in related fields from universities in various countries would watch online. However, many students still found it boring, and the number of online viewers for regular exchange meetings usually didn’t exceed six figures.

But today was very different.

Not only was the public network a little slow when she opened it, but the number of online viewers was close to eight figures.

Director An, who was presiding over the meeting, paused, then resumed speaking as usual.

Ming Fei’s computer was connected to the campus public network, and she could see the live broadcast window in the lower right corner. She clicked on the window and saw that many of the colorful barrage comments contained her name.

[Ahhh I see her, she’s even more beautiful in the video than in the photos! She’s such a good match with Chief Judge Zhu [electronic flowers.jpg]]

[Wow, so Chief Judge Zhu likes the gentle type ovo, feels like the spring rain.]

[Looking forward to it (＾－＾)V, looking forward to Teacher Xiao Fei’s speech.]

[Although they haven’t appeared in the same frame yet, I’m already hooked. I hope some great writer will write 100,000 words of fanfiction!]

…

Ming Fei exited the window, picked up her thermos, and took a sip of the hot tea she had prepared in advance. Her lips, without any lip gloss, looked much redder.

She didn’t get distracted by the barrage comments, instead listening attentively to the professors’ speeches.

When it was her turn, representing Q University of the Independent State of Yi Meng, to share the latest WE137 bionic robot developed by the lab, and talk about the problems and experiences encountered during the development process, she calmly stepped onto the stage.

But in reality, she still felt a little nervous.

There were no teachers younger than her in the Ivy League academy, and she was representing the entire lab this time. Moreover… the number of viewers in the live broadcast was still rising, all of which invisibly added some pressure.

But when she stood firmly on the podium and saw her colleagues looking at her with appreciation and expectation, her heart calmed down.

Then, she displayed the panoramic 3D image of the WE137 bionic robot, which had a rather special purpose, and after the video ended, she calmly and detailedly introduced the WE137 bionic robot to everyone.

“The WE137 is modeled after a cheetah.”

“The cheetah is the fastest land animal*, its body structure giving it a superior running speed*. This WE137 bionic robot uses the latest westry control system, cteris perception system developed by Q University’s Artificial Intelligence and Robotics Research Institute, and the smiloy motion execution system and operating software from Xi He City’s Ji team.”

Her voice was like a clear spring: “The average speed of the WE137 can reach the cheetah’s speed of 110 kilometers per hour*. Its main application is in military battlefields, belonging to military special bionic robots. When traversing dangerous battlefields, it can detect and avoid various traps under the detection of the sensor system, such as landmines and attack bombs. At the same time, it can also use precise positioning to deliver supplies at high speed, while also firing guns and cannons in multiple directions, and detecting and transmitting the latest battlefield situation according to instructions.”

The touch light of the floating screen lingered on her fingertips. She navigated her professional field, shining brightly on the stage under the spotlight.

“After a year and a half of research and development, design, and functional testing and adjustment, the WE137 has been approved for application.”

She gave a light smile: “It will be officially put into use in the military exercises at the end of the year.”

---

Taiya Military Police Department.

Last night’s attack seemed to have cast a shadow over the entire building.

The corridor on the eighth floor of the interrogation building was silent. Besides the Taiya police officers, there were also two Trial Court staff members in dark uniforms, their expressions serious and meticulous, standing on both sides of the interrogation room with the police officers.

Unlike the silence outside, the curses inside never stopped.

The Minister of Civil Affairs of Silla, Bai He, who was always gentle and elegant in public, finally dropped her long-maintained mask. She had fair skin, reddish-brown eyes, naturally smiling lips with a full Cupid’s bow, and her hair, usually tied up, was now messy and disheveled, her expression extremely ferocious.

Bound to the interrogation chair by handcuffs, she glared fiercely at Chief Superintendent Qian, who had arrested her, and Chief Judge Zhu, who had shot her and caused her mission to fail.

“I’ve said it before, I have nothing to do with the research institute you’re talking about!”

Chief Superintendent Qian chuckled: “Minister Bai, at this point, everyone knows your intention of using a minor offense to escape a major one. It would be more effective to confess honestly and provide us with more clues to reduce your sentence.”

“I repeat, I only gave Qi Yu the drug to control her illness. I don’t know why she suddenly went berserk and attacked Lan Lubai. I admit that I resented Lan Lubai because of the Trial Court’s investigation and wanted to take revenge on her, but I really have nothing to do with the research institute.”

After saying that, she suddenly pleaded with Zhu Yiqiao: “Chief Judge Zhu, please believe that I’m innocent. Lan Lubai is slandering me!”

Lan Lubai, standing next to Zhu Yiqiao, almost burst out laughing: “Bai He, did you inject yourself with a stupidity potion? I heard you say with my own ears last night that it was a death trap set by the research institute, and you’re still arguing here.”

“You said I said it myself, is there anyone to prove it?” Bai He’s eyes flashed with disdain. “If you have no evidence, then after twenty-four hours, I have the right to request rescue from Silla.”

She wanted to continue, but Zhu Yiqiao, who had remained silent, directly displayed the recovered video from the compartment.

Just as the mantis stalks the cicada, unaware of the oriole behind, this was a backup system they had prepared in advance. Although it was also hacked by the research institute, after twelve hours of emergency repairs, all the evidence from last night had been effectively preserved.

In the video, Bai He, dressed in a dark green suit, pointed a gun at Lan Lubai’s shoulder and sneered,

“You fools, you never thought tonight would be your last, did you? Soon, the name of the research institute will be recorded in the history books of the new century.”

“We will kill anyone who hinders our experiments!”

“The leader asked me to bring you back, but except for Chief Judge Zhu, it doesn’t matter if the rest of you are brought back dead—”

The video paused, and Zhu Yiqiao’s sharp gaze cut across Bai He’s face like a blade.

“Tell us,” Lan Lubai said, word by word, “who is the leader? Where is the research institute?”

Bai He, who had intended to keep up the act, finally dropped the pretense: “You are not worthy of knowing the leader’s name.”

Chief Superintendent Qian’s expression gradually turned serious: “Bai He, there are citizens of Silla among the research institute’s experimental subjects. As a minister of Silla, do you really not care about the safety of your citizens?”

“Being selected as a sample is the greatest fortune of their lives!”

Her red eyes flashed: “All humans will usher in the most perfect evolution. By then, humans will become gods ruling the universe. You are the despicable ones, using the slogan of citizen safety to try and stop this evolution.”

“Those chosen will be the first batch of new humans hahaha—”

Her maniacal laughter abruptly stopped. Bai He fainted for some reason, and the room suddenly fell silent.

Instantly, Chief Superintendent Qian stood up and checked Bai He’s condition. After confirming that her vital signs hadn’t disappeared, she immediately ordered the police and medical personnel to come in and take Bai He back to the detention room.

After doing all this, she looked back: “Chief Judge Zhu, in your opinion, is it necessary to investigate the Bai family of Silla?”

“Investigate.”

Zhu Yiqiao said, “If the Bai family doesn’t cooperate, issue an arrest warrant directly.”

“Okay.”

Because Bai He suddenly fainted, the interrogation had to be temporarily suspended. On the way back from the police department, Lan Lubai kept thinking about Bai He.

After getting into the hovercar, when the display screen switched to the live broadcast of the Ivy League academic exchange, Lan Lubai looked at Ming Fei on the screen and said meaningfully,

“Yiqiao, I suddenly remembered something.”

Zhu Yiqiao: “What?”

Lan Lubai looked at her friend and found that her gaze was fixed on the display screen, the coldness in her frosty eyes slightly diminished.

“Do you remember the military exercises the year before last?”

“At that time, Min Man and I were talking about that latest military special robot, and you agreed that it was quite well made?”

Zhu Yiqiao recalled for a moment: “Mm.”

Lan Lubai smiled: “Oh, no wonder I felt that Teacher Xiao Fei’s name sounded familiar the first time I heard it. It turns out that the research and development team for that special robot the year before last was from Teacher Xiao Fei’s lab.”

“Her name was listed as the lead creator.”

Zhu Yiqiao didn’t speak.

Lan Lubai teased, “You two are quite fated. Not many people can earn praise from our Chief Judge Zhu.”

The live broadcast on the display screen had entered its final stage. The barrage, which hadn’t been turned off, was constantly popping up with new comments, and several accounts were still continuously belittling Ming Fei.

[I still think she’s not worthy of Chief Judge Zhu!]

[I think so too. I checked the public information, she’s an orphan with nothing? Why didn’t Chief Judge Zhu choose someone of equal standing?]

[She must be the one with the worst background among all of Chief Judge Zhu’s pursuers!]

[Why do so many people say she is beautiful and gentle? I ******** can’t stand it.]

That red barrage comment was full of banned words, almost completely censored in the latter half.

This made Lan Lubai frown. She was about to ask if they needed to intervene when she heard Zhu Yiqiao’s voice.

“Have Wei Lingyu issue an official statement, emphasizing that I was the one pursuing Ming Fei, that I am deeply in love with her, and ask everyone not to pay too much attention to her life, let alone slander her.”

Before this, the official account of the Trial Court, managed entirely by the Secretariat, basically only published official content such as investigation announcements. Zhu Yiqiao herself had never made such a request before.

Lan Lubai smiled meaningfully: “Okay.”

“You didn’t answer Min Man’s question this morning, fine, but my question should be easy to answer, right?”

She then asked, “So, Chief Judge Zhu, are you going to pick up Teacher Xiao Fei from work?”