Chapter 69: Playing the Victim
Achi briefly recalled all of Yan Gui Xing’s past gossip, disagreeing somewhat with Yan Gui Xing’s statement.
Those entertainment reporters dared to follow Yan Gui Xing, a hot-tempered warrior, 24/7, so they wouldn’t be afraid to follow a gentle secretary-general.
Most importantly, the Imperial entertainment reporters possessed an intrepid spirit; they dared to spread any outrageous, absurd, and unverified gossip.
The most typical example was their General Yan.
The fact that Secretary-General Mi hadn’t been exposed might mean there was nothing to expose.
After hearing Achi’s conclusion, Yan Gui Xing looked at Achi with a compassionate gaze that said, “You’re so grown-up, yet still so naive.”
Achi: “…”
Yan Gui Xing lazily said, “Those men from aristocratic families, I don’t believe they’re all squeaky clean. Even if they’re clean after marriage, they might not have been before.”
“Let everyone in Capital Star investigate Secretary-General Mi and the Mi family, don’t let anything slip. If you can’t find anything, try hacking into the intelligence department’s terminal.”
Investigating the Mi family and hacking into the military intelligence department—Achi couldn’t determine which was easier, only offering silent condolences to those tasked with the mission.
“Eight days,” Yan Gui Xing tapped his knee, correcting himself, “No, five days. I only give them five days. If they don’t produce anything useful, they can all go to logistics and clean mechs.”
Achi’s sympathy for his colleagues doubled, coldly agreeing.
The business was finished, and Achi should leave. But before leaving, he thought of the oblivious Mu Mu and hesitated, looking at Yan Gui Xing.
Achi, a large man, stood like a wall beside the sofa, casting a shadow on the optical brain in Yan Gui Xing’s hands, making it hard for him to pretend not to notice.
Yan Gui Xing sighed helplessly, inverting the optical brain on his knees, pressing both hands on it, turning his head to look at Achi, his helpless tone laced with mockery.
“What are you doing standing there? Have you developed a new hobby of being a wall?”
Achi’s maternal instincts and his fear of Yan Gui Xing were in conflict. The words on his lips were hesitant and mumbled, “Um… uh…”
Yan Gui Xing waited for three minutes, his patience exhausted. A fierce light appeared in his lake-green eyes; his crimson lips curved into a smile, and he said gently, “Haven’t I told you to speak directly? Don’t mumble like a little kid who can’t speak properly.”
Achi immediately felt discouraged but, prompted by a rare pang of conscience, whispered, “Boss, Little Madam is actually quite good.”
Yan Gui Xing, this malevolent dragon, felt his green eyes glow fiercer at the mention of his treasure. He clenched his right fist, then released it, snarling, “How good my person is, I would know! Do I need you to tell me?!”
Seeing Yan Gui Xing’s attitude, Achi realized Mu Mu still held a significant place in Yan Gui Xing’s heart and wouldn’t be easily discarded.
But just now, Yan Gui Xing seemed to agree to the marriage with the Mi family.
Mu Mu’s boss didn’t intend to give up on him either?
What was his boss planning? Was he planning to keep the Mi family’s young lady and Mu Mu by his side at the same time?
Could Yan Gui Xing be considering the “polygamy” of old Earth? No, bigamy was a serious crime! Even a General couldn’t be exempt!
The absurd thought, applied to the unconventional Yan Gui Xing, somehow seemed plausible to Achi.
His bronze-colored face paled, and he stepped forward, his voice trembling as he urged, “Boss, the Marriage Law doesn’t allow for two partners. Boss, please don’t act impulsively! Love is wonderful, but your future is also important! It wasn’t easy for you to reach where you are today!”
Yan Gui Xing was bothered by Achi’s outburst, pressing his temples, giving Achi a cold glare, and sharply said, “Achi, shut up!”
Achi’s neck chilled, and he shuddered, shrinking his shoulders and closing his mouth.
Yan Gui Xing wasn’t stupid. Achi’s words were clear enough that, upon reflection, he understood what Achi meant.
Although Yan Gui Xing often yelled at Achi, beat him in training, and questioned his choice of Achi as his deputy, their shared experiences had forged a bond of brotherhood. Therefore, Achi’s frank discussion of Yan Gui Xing’s private affairs didn’t feel out of line.
“The marriage is merely a cooperation; the wedding is just a formality. I have no intention of signing any marriage contract with the Mi family.”
Mentioning the marriage made Yan Gui Xing feel controlled by the Yan family. His already bad mood worsened, and his tone became harsher.
“As for the Mi family, heh, they probably wouldn’t want to spend their life with an illegitimate child who can’t be brought to the table. Those nobles are inherently arrogant.”
“As for Mu Mu, that little fool…” Yan Gui Xing paused, his fingertips rubbing the back of the optical brain, thinking of Mu Mu diligently folding the blanket and the pink strawberry on his head. His furrowed brows finally relaxed.
He exhaled, already worried about Mu Mu’s ear treatment, and then came this marriage issue.
Already annoyed, his little fool was disobedient, insisting on working. His refusal led to a childish cold war.
These issues piled up, enough to upset anyone, let alone someone with Yan Gui Xing’s already bad temper.
He rubbed his temples, his relaxed brows furrowing again, creating a deep crease that made his beautiful features appear grim and cruel.
Yan Gui Xing’s voice was soft, as if talking to Achi or murmuring to himself, “We have to keep this marriage a secret from him; he can’t find out.”
Achi, sharp-eared, heard Yan Gui Xing clearly and nodded in agreement.
Yan Gui Xing glanced at Achi, “Sometimes, I really want to open your head and see what’s inside, making you think so…”
He chose his words carefully, finally settling on, “… uniquely.”
Achi felt wronged. He didn’t understand why his thoughts were considered unique. But he didn’t dare to argue and accepted the assessment.
——
Achi was the first to know about Yan Gui Xing and Mu Mu’s cold war; the second was Gongsun, who came to report on the repair pod’s debugging progress.
In non-wartime, there were few life-threatening injuries or amputations; ordinary minor injuries and bone fractures could be treated with healing instruments and chambers. Repair pods were mostly idle.
Gongsun needed time to activate the long-idle repair pod and prepare the treatment solution suitable for Mu Mu’s ear condition.
Gongsun could have reported to Yan Gui Xing online, but with a doctor’s compassion, he wanted to personally confirm Mu Mu’s condition before feeling reassured.
Thus, he became the second person to know about Yan Gui Xing and Mu Mu’s cold war. Within half a day, everyone in the Fourth Army knew that their General and Little Madam were in a cold war.
The reason? Gongsun was a gossip, loving nothing more than sharing gossip about his idol, Yan Gui Xing, with his colleagues.
And so, the news spread like wildfire throughout the Fourth Army: the General and Madam had a fierce argument, smashed half the villa, and then fell into a cold war.
The Fourth Army’s attitude towards Mu Mu consequently became one of awe.
By the time Yan Gui Xing learned of this rumor, they had already reconciled. However, Yan Gui Xing, being petty, made the entire Fourth Army undergo three months of extra training.
Returning to Yan Gui Xing and Mu Mu’s cold war, it lasted four days. Less than a week; not a very long time.
Mu Mu, being honest and pure, could easily focus on one thing, including a cold war. Having decided to ignore Yan Gui Xing, even if he wanted to cuddle, he adhered to the rules of the cold war.
He didn’t speak to Yan Gui Xing or look at him; he completely ignored him, truly understanding the cold indifference of a cold war.
Yan Gui Xing, on the other hand, was the one who couldn’t keep it up. The first day was fine, the second day he managed, but he lost sleep that night, staring at the optical brain all night.
By the third day, he couldn’t take it anymore. He couldn’t handle his official duties, either staring at the optical brain or pacing restlessly in his study like a caged beast.
On the last day, at lunchtime, Yan Gui Xing conceded.
He patiently waited for Mu Mu to finish his sweet soup. As Mu Mu was about to get up, he grabbed his hand.
Mu Mu was startled and looked up, seeing Yan Gui Xing’s haggard face. A beautiful man is striking in his prime, but his weariness held a fragile beauty.
Yan Gui Xing intentionally showed weakness, using his looks to their maximum advantage. Mu Mu was soft-hearted and, seeing his beloved in this state, felt immense heartache.
But despite his heartache, the little fool remembered they were in a cold war. His eyes were slightly red, but he pursed his lips and didn’t speak.
Yan Gui Xing had no intention of continuing the cold war. He lowered his head, resting his chin on Mu Mu’s hand, looking up at him, his voice hoarse from sleepless nights.
“Baby, let’s not be in a cold war anymore? I know I was wrong, please forgive me.”
Seeing Yan Gui Xing apologize, Mu Mu’s coldness melted like ice. He puffed his cheeks and gently stroked Yan Gui Xing’s face.
Yan Gui Xing seized the opportunity. Seeing Mu Mu soften, he rubbed against his palm, asking, “Are you still angry with me?”
Mu Mu gently shook his head, “Gui Gui apologized, so Mu Mu isn’t angry anymore.”
Yan Gui Xing breathed a sigh of relief. He knew that not being angry was only the beginning; their problem hadn’t been resolved. Resolution would end the cold war.
“Mu Mu, let’s talk about the work thing again, okay?”