Chapter 79
Dragon Spine Island was colorful in the autumn. As the altitude increased, the hues of the forest leaves shifted in gradients.
Layers of dyed forest and autumn colors swayed in the tranquil sea breeze.
When the researchers disembarked, they were immediately captivated by the scenery before them and couldn’t help but stop to gaze into the distance.
Soon, their appreciation of the view was interrupted by voices arguing in the distance.
“I said let go, Lu Wanqing!”
“No.”
“Hey? I said let go, I didn’t say carry me!”
“I feel bad if I’m not holding you.”
“Don’t pretend. You’ve already passed your rut safely.”
“Li Yi doesn’t get to decide that.”
“…I’m starting to think you don’t get to decide that either.”
Shu Ci hammered on Lu Wanqingās shoulder, but the man didn’t react at all, continuing to stride forward with large steps.
Even though Shu Ci had eaten enough to gain weight at the main building’s cafeteria these past few days, Lu Wanqing still carried him effortlessly, as if he could easily lift him straight over his head.
He looked down at the crown of Lu Wanqingās head, his thoughts wandering as he pursed his lips.
After being pushed to the brink and forcing everything into the open, Lu Wanqing seemed to have transformed from a block of cold, hard ice into a ball of fire. His passion was becoming hard to handle.
While their hearts were now connected, there was also an indescribable uneasiness.
It felt as if Lu Wanqing was using his limited time to make up for all the sweetness he hadn’t received before. But this sweetness was like honey in a jarāevery scoop taken was one scoop less.
He didn’t know if it was just an illusion, but Shu Ci revealed a bewildered expression for no reason. By forcing Lu Wanqing to be honest, had he done the right thing?
However, before he could think for long, he was set down.
“Oh? Who was just saying they felt bad if they weren’t holding me? If you’ve got the guts, don’t let go. Keep carrying me.”
He couldn’t help but mock Lu Wanqing a little.
But Lu Wanqing, with a smile playing on his lips, looked toward the area behind Shu Ci. “That works too.”
Shu Ciās eyelids twitched. He turned around to find two elegant-looking researchers standing at the island’s port, casting curious glances at the pair of them.
“…Cough, hello.”
The ears of the Dragon Spine Island’s esteemed owner turned red. After greeting them, he looked at the docked ship. “I’ll go arrange things for the accompanying crew. You guys chat.”
Lu Wanqingās gaze followed Shu Ciās retreating figure, his eyes smiling.
He took the researchers’ luggage and quickly loaded it into the car, asking casually, “Are you the only two available from the institute right now?”
Although he knew beforehand that the survey team wouldn’t be large, he hadn’t expected only two people.
“The geology team is primarily responsible for the Purple Pomelo Stone,” one researcher replied. “But a large portion of the team has gone to District Three for investigation.”
The trip to Dragon Spine Island was classified, so only these two core members were sent. To avoid being tracked by the Gu family, they had even disguised themselves as tourists on a sketching trip when leaving the port.
“Was there a discovery in District Three as well?”
“Yes. Based on the evidence and conjectures you provided earlier, we did indeed find Purple Pomelo Stone in District Threeā”
Shu Ci happened to walk over at that moment. The researcher paused, unsure if he should continue.
Lu Wanqing withdrew his gaze slightly. “He’s in the know. With the Marshal’s approval, there’s no need to hide anything. Does the Purple Pomelo Stone in District Three also have a corrosive outer layer?”
“It’s mainly concentrated deep in the sea area where you fought the mutated creatures. our current hypothesis is that there’s a high probability of a connection between the mutated creatures and the Purple Pomelo Stone, or perhaps a symbiotic relationship.”
However, they couldn’t yet determine whether the new mineral itself spawned the mutated creatures, or if ordinary creatures mutated after coming into contact with the ore or its radiation.
Shu Ci listened as he climbed into the passenger seat. As soon as he sat down, Lu Wanqing fastened his seatbelt for him.
“…Oh, thanks!”
He glanced at the rearview mirror and whispered, “I don’t recommend showing off your affection in front of others. It’ll affect your authority.”
Lu Wanqing raised an eyebrow. Before he could answer, the researcher waved his hand to deny the judgment.
“Not at all, not at all. Our General’s image as a model husband has already gone viral on the internet. Netizens even suggested that if he ever gets dismissed or loses his job, you two should consider opening a video channel to share your daily life.”
“…” Shu Ci put a hand to his forehead.
Look at this ‘entertainment to death’ era.
“It’s not scary if I lose my job, but I hope you don’t lose yours. If you don’t make some breakthrough discoveries, you’ll be letting down the food and lodging my husband provided.” Lu Wanqing changed the subject and started the car.
He stepped on the gas, turned the wheel, and took them to see the Purple Pomelo Stone being mined on the island along the way.
Outside the mining site, the four of them sighed as they watched the endless stream of purple-orange minerals being transported out.
The luster and texture were top-tier; one could imagine how stunning they would look if fashioned into jewelry.
Unfortunately, their properties were still unclear, so any application was indefinitely on hold.
“The parts of the island still under construction are off-limits, but facilities elsewhere are open for use. Hot water supply is currently rationed, so please take note of the times. There are cafeterias on the first and second floors of the main building. There are two other researchers in the main building as well; you might run into them.”
Shu Ci played the host, settling the researchers in. Before dropping them off at their residence, he gave them the work number for the operations company manager.
“I paid for the service, so if you have any issues, contact them directly.”
Lu Wanqing crossed his arms and leaned against the car door, watching quietly as Shu Ciās lips moved, his gaze profound.
“Oh, right. Mr. Cui asked me to pass this to the General.” A researcher slapped his forehead, took a specialized envelope out of his handbag, and handed it to Shu Ci.
Back in the car, Shu Ci handed the envelope to him.
Lu Wanqing opened it, glanced at it, and said, “It should be for you.”
Shu Ci took it and was stunned after reading it.
“Notice to appear as a witness… Did I miss Gu Lanzhu’s trial?”
Two notices had been mailed to Juqing Road with no response. The court contacted Shen Ti, who didn’t know Shu Ci’s whereabouts, so he found Cui You. Cui You asked Marshal He for instructions and then entrusted someone to bring the message to the island.
Lu Wanqing nodded.
Public outrage and media pressure were immense. Neither the police nor the prosecution dared to drag their feet. The efficiency this time was historically fast.
“It shouldn’t matter if you don’t go.”
Lu Wanqing stopped the car by the beach. He pulled up the messages He Lian and Shen Lin had sent him over the past few daysāmessages he hadn’t looked at closely because he was too busy clinging to Shu Ciāand quickly scanned through them.
“Gu Lanzhu took the blame for everything,” he said as he read.
“Including that dessert trading market?” Shu Ciās eyes widened. “I saw some of the victims were much older than Gu Lanzhu. Do they believe he could do something so deranged when he was just a child?”
“Do you think they can’t see through it?” Lu Wanqing noticed Shu Ciās gland was turning a bit red. He reached out to touch it, then lowered his head to kiss the corner of his mouth. “Don’t get agitated.”
He had spoken with Yi Xingshui over the last two days. Shu Ciās disorder seemed to flare up whenever he was emotionally agitated.
“I know. This involves a multi-party game between the Council, the police, the prosecution, and the great families. Since Gu Yan was willing to hand someone over and let them investigate Gu Lanzhu, he’s certain this fire will stop here and won’t spread to him.”
Shu Ci pinched the envelope. “I’m just not reconciled to it.”
“Shen Lin is still looking for an opportunity. He’s preparing to reopen the shipwreck case that the Gu and Chen families conspired on back then.” Lu Wanqing covered Shu Ciās hand with his own. “There’s one more thing.”
“What?”
“About Zhao Qian.”
Shu Ci paused, suddenly remembering the day of the charity gala on the Moon Shadow, where Zhao Qian had chased him all the way until they met Shen Lin.
Under Shen Linās probing, Zhao Qian had vaguely revealed some insider informationā
The Gu family crest was the mark placed on prey in the trading market.
After his daughter was taken away, she disappeared without a trace. That was why he changed his identity and entered the Gu family: to collect evidence and find his daughter.
It was this exchange that allowed Shen Lin to confirm the concrete evidence against the Gu family. During those days, Shen Lin had ordered people to spread a lot of information on the ship, much of which came from Zhao Qian.
It also gave him enough confidence to start the livestream before docking.
“Gu Lanzhu did many things through Zhao Qian, so he went to prison as well. Before the police took him away, he made a deal with Shen Lin using the evidence he had collected in the Gu household over the years.”
Shu Ci suddenly understood.
Shen Lin had calculated long ago that the Golden Lychee scandal wouldn’t be enough to completely shake Gu Yan. The best outcome was exactly this: destroying his shield.
And starting from that night, Zhao Qian had become a hidden chess piece for Shen Lin.
He went to prison as Gu Lanzhu’s confidant, but the evidence he possessed would silently become a weapon for Shen Lin to use against Gu Yan later.
“The deal… was about his daughter, right? Did they find her?”
“They found her. To ensure Gu Lanzhu was convicted as the principal offender, they secretly transferred her to a piece of land privately owned by Gu Lanzhu ahead of time.”
Lu Wanqing glanced at him.
He had been to that place. In the “plot” of that other lifetime, it was where Gu Lanzhu had imprisoned Shu Ci.
There was no need to mention that and disgust him now.
“He hopes we can observe his daughter’s mental state and help her reintegrate into society. Shen Lin wants to arrange for her to come to Dragon Spine Island for convalescence later. He asked me to ask for your opinion.”
Shu Ci sighed. “I have no objections. Once there’s progress with the Purple Pomelo Stone and the mutated creatures, I’ll open this place up as a resort. If other victims’ families are willing, they can all come for free healing.”
Just the evil thoughts of one Alpha caused so many Omegas to live their entire early lives in suffering.
He was just one person with limited power. If he could do something within his means by simply lifting a finger, how could he have any objections?
“Which day did you schedule the prison visit for Gu Lanzhu?”
“…Don’t worry, we’re going back tonight.”
“Hey!” Shu Ci reached out, pressing his fingers against Lu Wanqingās lips. “No jealousy allowed. I just wanted to ask if we could visit Zhao Qian while we’re at it.”
Lu Wanqing looked at him, parted his lips slightly, and bit down on Shu Ciās fingertip.
The gentle licking made Shu Ciās scalp tingle.
“We can.”
Lu Wanqing scooped him up and placed him on his lap, slowly reclining the driver’s seat. He looked up, gazing at him with deep affection.
“But I need some payment.”
“…”
Shu Ci quietly swallowed. “Right here?”
“Mn.”
“We’re definitely leaving tonight, right?”
“Mn.”
He wanted to ask more, but the Alpha had already pressed up to kiss him. His solidified pheromones were released almost simultaneously, locking the car doors and sealing the windows.
Shu Ci frowned. While he could still split his focus, he released his own pheromones, unwilling to show weakness, trying to disrupt Lu Wanqingās willpower.
Lu Wanqingās eyes were instantly dyed with shades of deep, intense desire.
Shu Ciās heart skipped a beat, and his defenses crumbled.
He had never seen such a beautiful blue; it was more captivating and lingering than any clear sky or deep sea.
Shu Ci looked toward the distant sky, falling into the depths before his eyes.
…Will they really be able to leave tonight?
Author’s Note: They can š Being on the boat doesn’t stop him from driving the boat (not really).
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