Xia Ze watched Gao Zhou’s retreating figure, somewhat puzzled, and whispered to the man beside him, “What’s wrong with him?”
Qi Jing narrowed his eyes, noticing the child’s gaze still lingering on that Alpha. He shifted slightly forward, completely blocking Xia Ze’s line of sight, before speaking. “Why did you give him a gift?”
A gift?
It was just a potted plant, how was that a gift?
Qi Jing stroked the leaves of the nearby plant, his long, well-defined fingers tracing them slowly, but his eyes remained fixed on Xia Ze.
Xia Ze replied, “He helped me out, and he hasn’t been sleeping well lately. I thought a plant would be a good gift.”
His answer was straightforward, and the faint jealousy in Qi Jing’s heart gradually dissipated. Still, he pressed, “What about me?”
“Should I give you a plant too?” Xia Ze was already considering what to choose.
Seeing his earnest expression, Qi Jing couldn’t help but ruffle the child’s soft black hair. “You should say, ‘Between spouses, there’s no need for thanks.'”
“Because we’re family.”
Only outsiders required politeness and gratitude.
Qi Jing watched as Xia Ze’s expression shifted from confusion to understanding. Just as he was about to say more, Xia Ze clapped his hands excitedly. “I’ve learned something new!”
With that, he grabbed a notebook nearby and jotted down the words. “General Qi, you’re amazing! Thank goodness you told me the answer, if the media ever asked, I wouldn’t have known how to respond!”
Qi Jing straightened up, his smile fading.
Great. The child had taken this as a lesson on how to play the role of a spouse.
Xia Ze wrote carefully, stroke by stroke, and Qi Jing didn’t interrupt. Only after he finished did Qi Jing say, “I’ve booked a restaurant. Let’s go eat something good.”
After locking up the shop, Xia Ze touched the mask on his face again.
Better keep it on, he’d need it when he returned later.
Qi Jing didn’t mind. No matter which face Xia Ze wore, it was still him.
The aircraft was ready. As Xia Ze followed Qi Jing toward it, a crowd of onlookers from the garbage planet gathered around.
Such an advanced aircraft rarely appeared here, and the sight made them drool with envy.
“Who’s the big shot visiting our garbage planet? That’s the latest model maybe we should steal it.”
“Are you insane? Do you think the patrol squads are useless now? Besides, you know it belongs to someone important, and you still have the nerve to think like that?”
“Just fantasizing. It’s not illegal.”
The group stared at the aircraft with envy, but when its owner approached, they quickly backed away.
“Isn’t that the florist? Why is he with such a handsome Alpha?”
“He acts all aloof, but in the end, he’s just latched onto a rich man.”
Qi Jing frowned, his gaze turning sharp. The murmuring individuals instantly collapsed under the oppressive aura of a top-tier Alpha, their spirits crushed as if drained away, unable to even move a finger.
Xia Ze didn’t dwell on it. Truthfully, he found it odd too despite wearing such an ordinary mask, he still attracted attention from Alphas, Betas, and even Omegas.
After rejecting so many, it was inevitable that some ill-intentioned people would talk. He simply ignored them.
Hearing his indifference, Qi Jing’s frown deepened. He opened the aircraft door for Xia Ze before saying firmly, “You should care.”
“Next time, curse them back.”
“I’ll back you up.”
Xia Ze paused, instinctively wanting to shake his head, but General Qi pinched his chin firmly: “Remember, you must retort.”
With his chin restrained, Xia Ze could only nod in response.
Retort? Maybe he should try it next time.
Seeing the boy nod, General Qi finally started the aircraft, his gaze drifting downward again. Those gossipers remained immobilized they probably wouldn’t recover for half a month.
They wouldn’t dare report it to the authorities either, since they were the ones who had been rude first.
Upon arriving at the reserved restaurant, Xia Ze couldn’t help but look around in awe. “I’ve lived on this trash planet for so long, but I never knew there was such a high-end hotel here.”
Trash Planet or more formally, F-Grade Planet No. 31, rarely had upscale restaurants. Luxury establishments in these remote planets typically catered only to specific clientele.
So it was no surprise Xia Ze hadn’t known.
Fresh vegetables and premium meats, difficult to obtain elsewhere, were commonplace here.
Though transportation was challenging, as long as the price was high enough, even dragon meat could be sourced.
Xia Ze was visibly excited, but his manners were unlike those of a child raised on a trash planet. General Qi found it odd how refined and even practiced his dining etiquette was.
This was a habit from Xia Ze’s past life, his parents had been quite impressive!
The two ate quietly, with General Qi mostly feeding the boy. Expensive fresh shrimp, fruits, and vegetables were all peeled and placed within easy reach.
Midway through their meal, an intrusive voice interrupted: “What a coincidence, running into General Qi here.”
Xia Ze instinctively looked up to see a portly man in a tailored suit accompanied by a beautiful Omega. Their similar eyes suggested a father-daughter relationship.
The man gave Xia Ze a cursory glance, visibly relieved upon seeing his appearance. “General Qi, I’m the chairman of the F31 Planet Chamber of Commerce, surnamed Qiao. Meeting you here is truly an honor.”
“This is my daughter, Qiao Qinqin. Qinqin, greet the General properly.”
Qiao Qinqin stared in disbelief at the legendary General Qi. The top-tier Alpha’s striking features left her mesmerized, her gaze practically glued to him. “General Qi, it’s an honor to finally meet you.”
She extended her hand, but General Qi merely glanced at it and replied coolly, “Apologies. On duty, I must prioritize safety.”
Meaning, as a military officer, he couldn’t casually touch others.
Chairman Qiao and Qiao Qinqin faltered but remained undeterred especially since the Omega beside the General was rather plain-looking. Their daughter was far prettier.
Rumors had reached them that General Qi was here on official business and had taken a liking to an Omega as a lover. Chairman Qiao had immediately thought of offering his daughter even if she couldn’t marry into the Qi family, being a lover would suffice.
His business would flourish either way.
After all, one lover or two made little difference.
Opportunities to become a general’s lover didn’t come often.
They had to seize this chance.
Xia Ze remained oblivious, quietly eating the shrimp General Qi had peeled for him. But as the portions piled up, he finally protested, “Too much. I can’t finish.”
The moment he spoke, Chairman Qiao and Qiao Qinqin immediately turned their attention to him.
Was this bragging?
It had to be bragging!
The General personally peeled shrimp for him, and he had the nerve to complain about the quantity?
Qi Jing’s lips curved slightly as he coaxed, “Only took two bites and you’re full? Just like a little kitten.”
Xia Ze looked shocked. “What two bites? I ate plenty!”
Glancing at the still-standing chamber of commerce president and his daughter, Xia Ze realized they’d been somewhat neglected. Noticing their intense stares fixed on the peeled shrimp, he whispered, “Would you like to join us?”
President Qiao’s expression darkened further.
Was this provocation?
Absolutely provocation!
Qiao Qinqin was equally stunned. No wonder this plain-looking man had managed to seduce General Qi, he was unexpectedly skilled at veiled sarcasm!
This round, she’d lost.
Watching the two storm off in a huff, Xia Ze remained puzzled. “What’s wrong with them?”
Qi Jing pressed his lips together to suppress his obvious amusement. “Don’t mind them. Just keep eating.”
Such an obedient child. So endearing.
