Chapter 18: Have Some Decency!
Thanks to Han Naijin, after Bai Mu didn’t have to bother thinking about how to leave, he had a short but very relaxing sleep.
When Bai Mu woke up, he looked around and saw the little ladybug perched on the window, peering inside.
Bai Mu was instantly wide awake. Finding that Han Naijin was no longer in the bedroom, he hurriedly opened the window and let the ladybug fly in.
It had found its own way back, which saved him a lot of trouble. This was how an artificial intelligence should act.
Bai Mu reached out, caught the ladybug, and put it in his pocket, not daring to let it wander around again. Then, steadying his emotions, he walked out of the room.
The early morning light cast a long shadow on the floor, silently separating the night from the day. All the ambiguous touches, the probing questions, and those emotions hidden in the depths of his heart from the previous night were like the morning mist, vanishing with the light. It was as if they had never happened.
Han Naijin was currently sitting on the sofa in his military uniform, looking handsome and capable. Hearing the door open, he turned to look at Bai Mu, raising an eyebrow with a shallow smile. “Morning.”
Bai Mu met Han Naijinâs gaze and gave a flat “Morning” as he walked toward the bathroom.
After Bai Mu finished washing up, the two went to the downstairs restaurant for breakfast. There was little conversation, as Han Naijin was on his light computer talking with the government.
After breakfast, the two went to the control room. The repair of the operating system was underway. Upon arrival, Bai Mu was given a seat and a display screen stacked with error pop-ups, while Han Naijin went to another meeting room with government officials to discuss government affairs.
The biggest problem had been solved the day before; repairing the operating system was only a matter of time and wasn’t difficult. Bai Mu followed the crowd in testing and patching programs one by one. By noon, more than half of the error pop-ups on the screen had disappeared.
In this manner, the tedious program repairs continued throughout the day. Toward evening, all the damage to the operating system had been repaired.
Han Naijin appeared before everyone once again, dressed neatly in his military uniform, even wearing his cap. With a cold and serious expression, he walked to the massive screen in the control room.
Wei Bichen asked, “Consul, all the issues with the defense system have been repaired. Should we start the Level 3 defense test again?”
“Yes,” Han Naijin nodded.
The hum of the reactorâs accelerated combustion came again. Everyone stood before the large screen, holding their breath and staring at the wildly fluctuating monitoring values.
All systems were running normally. The ring representing the sky-curtainâs coverage in the center of the screen was constantly expanding and thickening. The scattering range and concentration of the particle flow had reached the Level 2 defense standard. The particle flow continued to scatter, and the energy continued to burn intensely, about to break through Level 2 and reach Level 3.
Everyoneâs heart was in their throat until the system notification sounded:
[Level 3 defense has been activated.]
Instantly, cheers, applause, and screams threatened to lift the roof of the control room. Even the usually serious and tense face of Wei Bichen broke into an unmasked smile. Han Naijinâs eyes overflowed with bright radiance, and everyone was beaming.
Standing in the least conspicuous spot in the crowd, Bai Mu watched everyone and gave a gratified smile as well.
Once the noise died down, Han Naijinâacting as the Consulâspoke many words of thanks and encouragement to the maintenance officers and Mecha Masters. From Han Naijinâs tone, Bai Mu guessed this would be his last time at North Tower base before Independence Day; he likely had more important things to attend to.
After all the formalities were completed, Han Naijin bowed in gratitude and indicated that everyone could disperse to their respective tasks. The Mecha Masters were also free to leave North Tower base and would receive an extra stipend from the government.
Hearing that the Mecha Masters could leave, Bai Mu thought to himself: he had come with them, so he should naturally leave with them. Once he and the Mecha Masters left North Tower, he would choose a time to get off the vehicle somewhere and quietly slip away.
From the corner of his eye, Bai Mu saw Han Naijin still discussing something with Wei Bichen, seemingly without intention to leave. So Bai Mu buried his head among the crowd and followed the Mecha Masters toward the parking lot, even quickening his pace.
However, just as he was about to step out of the control room, a loud shout rang out from behindâ
“Luo Yi!”
The voice of the devilâthough late, it never missed its cue!
Bai Muâs head buzzed, and his body froze in place. Han Naijin walked quickly to his side, twirling his cap in his hands. He said to Bai Mu, “Let’s go back together.”
These words weren’t quiet and were said with significant ambiguity. Several Mecha Masters heard him, their gazes constantly shifting between the two. Feeling helpless, Bai Mu said formally, “Thank you very much, Consul, but I won’t trouble you.”
Han Naijinâs eyes crinkled with a smile, looking relaxed. He leaned in closer to Bai Mu and added, “Why? Is going back with me that difficult for you?”
As soon as Han Naijin leaned in, the othersâbeing observantâquickly left, even leaving a car specifically for the two of them.
Perfect. The plan to escape on the road had failed again.
Bai Mu was practically fuming, forcing out a few words through gritted teeth: “Of course not.”
The two walked side-by-side at a proper distance until they reached the car, where Han Naijin very gentlemanly opened the passenger door for him.
The maglev car soon left the North Tower base. They didn’t speak much along the way; Bai Mu realized that whenever he and Han Naijin were in a calm state, the scene was always exceptionally cold.
The car drove back toward that luxury residential area. Upon entering a narrow alley, a flashy maglev car drove toward them. Han Naijin let out a scoff upon seeing it.
The alley was narrow but was a shortcut to the Han Manor. Usually, few other vehicles drove here, but today, by some coincidence, a car was coming from the opposite direction.
The two cars couldn’t pass each other, but Han Naijin didn’t yield at all, driving straight ahead and forcing the opposite car to reverse. However, the reverse speed was slow, and Han Naijinâs car almost collided with it.
The person in that car, having lost his patience, rolled down the window, poked his head out, and yelled, “Han Naijin, have some decency!”
Bai Mu followed the sound and saw it was actually Zhang Qing. He was dressed fashionably, his hair gel practically shimmering; he looked like he was about to start his nightlife.
Han Naijin also poked his head out and said cheekily, “With so many roads, you just had to take this one?”
Zhang Qing opened the car door and got out. Upon seeing Bai Mu in the passenger seat, he wore an expression of great pity. Bai Mu didn’t know what it meant. After a brief greeting with Zhang Qing, he could only listen to Han Naijin and Zhang Qing bickering with each other.
Finally, Zhang Qing seemed to remember something and signaled for Han Naijin to get out of the car.
Han Naijin didn’t want to get out, but Zhang Qing practically dragged him out. The two went to the roadside and whispered in a place where Bai Mu couldn’t hear.
Han Naijin was impatient: “If you have something to say, say it quickly.”
Zhang Qing seemed to find it difficult to speak, smacking his lips and thinking for a long time before saying, “Um… I know all about your situation.”
Han Naijin: “?”
Zhang Qing added, “Itâs fine. We’re both men; this kind of problem is common. Thereâs no need to be embarrassed with me. The reasons for this illness are many. How about this: whenever you have time, I know an andrologist for Alphas. I can help you book an appointment.”
Han Naijin: “???”
Han Naijin turned and left, not wanting to hear Zhang Qingâs mysterious rambling. He was back in the car in a few steps.
Zhang Qing was still trying to persuade him from behind: “Don’t hide your illness from the doctor; you need active treatment. My friend is an expert in the Male Alpha Department. You should go and book a… Hey! Why won’t you listen to me…”
Han Naijin got back into the car and started it, his face still full of dark lines. Although Bai Mu hadn’t heard the specific content of their conversation, he had heard the words “Male Alpha Department” at the end. Bai Mu roughly understood what was going on.
Seeing Han Naijinâs fuming look, he covered his face with his hand, fearing Han Naijin would see the curve of his lips.
Once his emotions settled, Bai Mu realized something was wrong. Although they had turned out of the alley, they weren’t heading toward the Han Manor.
Bai Mu asked, “Where are we going?”
Han Naijin snorted coldly: “You’ll know when we get there!”
After driving for a short distance, Han Naijin stopped the car. He parked it in a hidden spot, and Bai Mu followed him out. Night had completely fallen. This area was filled with manor houses, and the streets were quiet, with virtually no pedestrians.
Han Naijin rummaged behind the driverâs seat, found a gun, loaded it with ammunition, and tucked it into his waist. Then he found what looked like a silencer and held it in his hand. Finally, Han Naijin looked at his light computer, seemingly estimating the time.
Bai Mu was confused, but seeing Han Naijinâs serious preparation, it seemed like there was an emergency to handle.
Han Naijin handed Bai Mu a bag and told him to hold it. Knowing the situation was grave, Bai Mu didn’t dare be negligent and gripped the bag tightly.
After all preparations were made, Han Naijin led Bai Mu through several twists and turns until they reached the back of a large manor. Bai Mu saw a patch of grass that was clearly blocky. When Han Naijin led him closer, Bai Mu saw that this patch was actually a vegetable garden.
The entire vegetable patch was quite large and divided into neat squares. Outside the patch, it was completely circled by an electric fence, and an automatic alarm device had been installed. Once someone entered illegally, the alarm would ring throughout the sky. Additionally, a surveillance robot hovered above the patch, conducting a comprehensive search. Once a heat source was detected, the garden owner would immediately know someone had broken in.
It was an eye-opener for Bai Mu. Even the military mecha base didn’t have such security. If someone said this place was protecting radishes and potatoes, no one would believe it; if someone said black crystal ore was stored here, it would seem more plausible.
Han Naijin seemed long accustomed to it. He went to the entrance of the garden and spent a long time tinkering with the alarm terminal, seemingly cutting the alarm wires. Then he covered the alarm with the silencer and fired a shot. The red flashing light on the alarm went out. Han Naijin turned back and beckoned to Bai Mu, and the two entered the vegetable patch.
Bai Mu was speechless.
So this whole “mercenary on a mission” act was just for stealing vegetables?!
Looking down at the bag in his hands, Bai Mu instantly understood his role in the missionâ
The harvester!
This must be Zhang Qingâs vegetable patch, Bai Mu reasonably deduced. Zhang Qing had gone to enjoy his nightlife, so his garden should be unattended. Thus, Han Naijin brought him here to steal vegetables for…
For the “good meal” he mentioned last night as compensation?
Han Naijin took tools from the tool shed, crouched on the ground, and immediately began digging. Within a few moves, he dug up a potato. He threw it to Bai Mu and said, “We have about twenty minutes. That thermal robot is transmitting our images to Zhang Qing. Even if Zhang Qing rushes back, itâll take at least twenty minutes. Thatâs enough.”
Watching the former Eagleâs strongest soldier dig potatoes with the skills of a battlefield breakthrough, Bai Mu rubbed his forehead while finally being unable to stop himself from laughing.
Han Naijin just threw the potatoes and radishes he dug up randomly. Bai Mu went around picking them up. After some picking, the bag grew heavy.
Han Naijin saw that the time was about up, dropped the tools, and the two walked out of the patch.
Standing outside the garden gate, Han Naijin opened the bag in Bai Muâs hand and looked inside, seeming satisfied.
Bang, bang, bang!
A series of gunshots rang out!
Bai Mu was startled by the sudden gunfire, and a bullet casing even hit his shoe!
Before Bai Mu could react, Han Naijin grabbed him and started running like mad. Bullets were being fired behind them. It happened too suddenly, and Bai Mu used all his strength to run for his life. However, his bag got caught on something. With a loud rip, the radishes and potatoes all fell out of the opening and onto the road.
Han Naijin ran while firing back, but he was holding a handgun while the person behind them had a submachine gun. Bai Mu only heard the dense gunfire echoing through the dark night behind them.
The two could only run with all their might until they were out of range. At that moment, a curse full of anger came from behind: “Han Naijin, you deserve to be impotent! I knew you wouldn’t be peaceful, so I came back specifically to check. I didn’t expect you to really come!”
While pulling Bai Mu along, Han Naijin didn’t forget to talk back: “I’m impotent? I’m impotent, but are you capable? Why did that little singer green-hat you? Don’t you have any idea why?”
After hearing this, another burst of frantic gunfire followed, but Bai Mu knew those bullets weren’t actually aimed at them.
During those harrowing few seconds, Bai Mu felt his heart was about to leap out. He truly couldn’t run anymore, but their car was not far away, so the two quickened their pace until they reached it.
Bai Mu leaned his hands against the hood of the car, gasping for breath. Han Naijin was also panting heavily. The bag had long since been thrown away, and the potatoes and radishes were scattered all over the ground. They had spent so much effort digging vegetables only to be chased by a gun and end up with nothing.
Bai Mu really didn’t know why he had cooperated with Han Naijin in such a foolish thing. He said helplessly, “Han Naijin, you…”
Before he could finish, he couldn’t help but burst into a fit of giggles.
That face of his, which was always tense, cold, and distantâonce he dropped all his guard and laughed, the corners of his eyes and brows crinkled up, revealing two rows of neat white teeth. His body shook with laughter; he looked incredibly adorable.
Han Naijin was momentarily dazed. The light was dim, but the eyes of the person before him shone with a dazzling radiance.
But as they laughed, they both suddenly stopped.
Because they both realized one thing at the same time: their hands were still tightly clasped together.
The air instantly froze.
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