The main planet, Qi Family Villa.
Early the next morning.
The first thing Xia Ze did after waking up was to water the large rock at the entrance with nutrient-infused water.
For the first few days, frequent watering was necessary, especially in the early morning when it was most suitable.
After carefully watering it several times, a puzzled voice came from behind: “What are you doing?”
The voice sounded elderly, tinged with both confusion and a hint of dissatisfaction.
“Why are you watering a rock?”
Xia Ze turned around and saw an old man with graying hair leaning on a cane, staring intently at the large rock.
The old man was dressed in exercise clothes, as if he had just been passing by.
Xia Ze glanced back at the rock. After two days of watering, tiny patches of moss had begun to sprout in its shaded areas.
This was precisely his goal to cultivate moss.
Though Xia Ze didn’t recognize him, seeing the results, he couldn’t help but smile and explain, “Moss. For an uncarved rock like this, it needs to be covered in moss to look rustic and charming.”
“See how this rock isn’t particularly delicate, but it’s still quite endearing.”
The old man fell silent for a moment, then pulled out a magnifying glass from somewhere and examined the rock closely, studying the moss.
Finally, he ran his fingers over the nutrient water and the freshly replaced soil.
After finishing his inspection, the old man snorted and walked away, though the air of dissatisfaction around him had dissipated.
What a strange person.
Xia Ze shook his head and decided to hurry off to check on his new seeds instead!
Thinking of the roses and hydrangeas in the large garden, once they bloomed and he added a few more decorative touches, the garden would surely become incredibly beautiful.
As for that odd old man, Xia Ze didn’t pay him much mind probably just a neighbor.
The hundred cactus seeds he had hydroponically planted in the garden had already sprouted, their tender green leaves looking lovely.
Good. In another couple of days, they’d be ready for sale.
His little online flower shop could open briefly again.
Then there were the rose seeds, hydrangeas, and daffodils.
Today, he’d start soaking them!
While Xia Ze was busy in the greenhouse, Qi Bo, Ding Ruijie, and Xu Chuan, who rarely overslept woke up ten minutes later than usual.
The three exchanged glances. One person oversleeping was understandable, but all three?
Ding Ruijie immediately grew wary, but Xu Chuan said, “I just felt like I slept exceptionally well last night, so I ended up waking up a bit late.”
If someone had drugged them, it definitely wouldn’t have felt like this.
Xu Chuan realized his body felt lighter than usual.
Qi Bo, being elderly, simply felt more limber than usual.
As an Alpha, Ding Ruijie instinctively tested her mental energy.
Sure enough!
It was much better than yesterday, as if some force had been silently nourishing her mental energy.
“Why is this happening?” Ding Ruijie couldn’t help but mutter. “If this continues, I might even return to my peak condition.”
Ding Ruijie immediately summoned the guards stationed nearby all of them former military personnel and Alphas.
The guards, who took shifts, had already noticed this phenomenon.
One of the younger ones even said, “I was stationed at the garden exit yesterday, and the soothing effect on my mental energy seemed to originate from there.”
The garden.
Had Xia Ze planted something there yesterday?
Ding Ruijie and Xu Chuan immediately headed toward the garden.
Sure enough, the cactus planted yesterday had already taken root and sprouted, looking quite delightful. Stepping into the greenhouse, one could feel a surge of natural vitality.
But within this space, the most concentrated area of life force was surprisingly near Xia Ze’s hands.
He was handling rose seeds, and just watching him work with them could bring a moment of calm.
Ding Ruijie and Xu Chuan turned their gaze to Xia Ze.
The same thought arose in their minds simultaneously.
Qi Jing.
What an incredible man.
To have found such an amazing partner.
Without hesitation, the two immediately sat down to bask in the life force of the greenery.
An hour spent here was more rejuvenating than a whole day in a recovery pod.
This wasn’t an exaggeration it was truly the case.
After preparing breakfast, Butler Qi, still somewhat worried, held an invitation in his hand.
The invitation was exquisitely ornate, adorned with the most classical and elegant patterns, and bore the royal insignia as its seal.
Xia Ze, his hands still covered in soil, leaned over for a glance. “An invitation for me to attend a banquet tonight?”
Butler Qi nodded. “May and June are the peak seasons for galas on the main planet, but since the Qi family is rarely home, invitations are usually declined.”
“But this year is different. This invitation specifically addressed you by name, Young Master.”
Of course. Previously, General Qi had been away at war, so attending was impossible.
The reason this year was different was that General Qi now had a fiancé, and with their wedding approaching, the invitation had been extended to him instead.
“Then I’ll go,” Xia Ze said nonchalantly.
Since he was pretending to be General Qi’s Omega, he had to be professional.
Butler Qi hesitated before tactfully reminding him, “After the unpleasant encounter with Duchess Dier yesterday, this sudden invitation might not be well-intentioned. We can decline if you prefer.”
Xia Ze hadn’t considered this angle but shook his head. “It’s fine. Avoiding it now won’t solve anything.”
Before coming to the main planet, he’d known this day would come.
Besides, constantly dodging would only give others ammunition.
He couldn’t tarnish General Qi’s reputation.
Though the general fought valiantly to protect the citizens of the galaxy and cared little for his own fame, Xia Ze didn’t want his efforts to go to waste.
His purpose in coming here was to play the role of General Qi’s Omega well, ensuring a smooth transition so the general could return to the battlefield.
He hadn’t forgotten that.
How could he just focus on his own enjoyment?
Reluctantly, the dutiful Xia Ze set aside the plants.
Ding Ruijie and Xu Chuan soon noticed the absence of the vibrant life force emanating from the greenery.
How frustrating.
What kind of ridiculous banquet would interrupt their general’s fiancé’s gardening?
The three of them slumped in disappointment, amusing Butler Qi even further. “Since Young Master has decided to attend, we must ensure he makes an impression.”
“I’ll arrange for a stylist right away.”
Though the Qi family wasn’t fond of such affairs, they had access to the finest resources.
Within an hour, the most prestigious fashion and jewelry brands in the galaxy were at their disposal.
Unimpressed by the delivered jewelry, Butler Qi brought out the family’s private collection.
The stylist, Ansem, audibly gulped.
“Is this the legendary largest blue sapphire? Good heavens, the craftsmanship!”
“And this necklace even the edges are studded with diamonds.”
“This is available for use?!”
As one of the top Omega stylists on the main planet, Ansem had possessed a keen fashion sense since childhood.
The team he led was in such high demand that even the royal family had to book appointments in advance.
It was extremely rare for someone to make a reservation in the morning and arrive the same day.
However, the reason his team agreed to the invitation was mostly out of curiosity.
Then again, who on the main planet wasn’t curious about General Qi’s Omega?
Just a fleeting glimpse on camera had already inspired countless designers as their muse.
For Ansem, though he wouldn’t go as far as calling him a muse, even after seeing many noble Omegas, he had to admit, the general’s fiancé’s face was truly one of a kind.
He had never seen an Omega so breathtakingly beautiful.
Yet, the moment he laid eyes on Xia Ze, Ansem instantly changed his mind.
Muse!
This is the muse!
He had simply lacked taste before!
His near-perfect features struck Ansem’s aesthetic sensibilities directly.
He carried an elegance unlike that of the nobility if he had to describe it, it was more like an ethereal forest spirit.
Xia Ze, noticing his dazed expression, smiled at him, which only made Ansem even more excited.
Ansem stepped forward and eagerly grasped Xia Ze’s hand. “Hello, I’m Ansem! I’ll be designing your look for tonight’s banquet!”
His mind was already racing through hundreds of suitable outfit combinations.
No wonder the Qi family’s steward had insisted on bringing out their private jewelry collection everything he had brought was utter trash!
How could such mediocrity be allowed near this kind of beauty?
Xia Ze nodded sheepishly. “Something simple is fine. I don’t really care about these things.”
If any other Omega had said that, Ansem would have disagreed.
But since it was Xia Ze, he immediately replied, “Exactly! You’d look amazing no matter what!”
Xia Ze: “…?”
That wasn’t what he meant!
The rest of Ansem’s team finally snapped out of their stupor.
Good heavens, he’s gorgeous.
Was this the most beautiful Omega they had ever worked with?
Even dressed so plainly, he was stunning.
Many couldn’t help but steal glances.
Maybe they should try copying Xia Ze’s style tomorrow?
For the entire afternoon, Xia Ze was dressed and redressed like a living doll.
He felt like they were playing a real-life version of a dress-up game.
Meanwhile, Ding Ruijie was diligently taking photos on the side.
Every single one would be sent to General Qi!
Not that she would admit that yesterday’s video had earned her a special training opportunity!
Seeing her snap away, Xia Ze blushed and whispered, “Stop taking pictures. Don’t send them to General Qi.”
General Qi?
The busy Ansem team immediately perked up their ears.
Gossip!
They wanted in!
Everyone was curious about how General Qi and his fiancé had fallen in love.
This was a rare chance to witness it up close they couldn’t miss it!
Ding Ruijie feigned seriousness. “General Qi loves seeing them.”
One of Ansem’s makeup artists couldn’t help but giggle. Under everyone’s gaze, the young girl bashfully added, “Who would’ve thought someone as cold as General Qi could be so…”
So clingy?
Xia Ze looked puzzled. “He’s not cold at all. He’s actually quite warmhearted.”
Seeing that the general’s fiancé didn’t mind the discussion, the group grew even more spirited.
“Really? Really? But General Qi never acts like that in public! How is he warmhearted with you?”
The question was expertly phrased it was basically asking, How do you two interact?
But Xia Ze answered earnestly, “The first time we met, he saved me. If not for him, I would’ve died at the hands of space pirates.”
There was no need to hide something like this. Though the details weren’t important, the fact that he had saved him had to be acknowledged!
Moreover, for General Qi’s better image, it’s even easier to praise now!
“Wow, a hero saving a beauty!”
“So amazing, even injured he could defeat those space pirates.”
“General Qi wasn’t even an adult back then.”
“Divine romance.”
“Shipping them so hard.”
A CP fan slipped into the conversation.
Xia Ze finally whispered: “He’s truly great, fighting for the interstellar citizens and suffering many injuries for it.”
Anselm couldn’t resist teasing: “We know your general is wonderful, no need to emphasize.”
“No, I’m just stating facts.” Xia Ze was about to scratch his head when Anselm stopped him.
After spending the afternoon together, Anselm and his team had come to appreciate how adorable Xia Ze was, treating him like a friend.
So Anselm acted swiftly: “Don’t touch! We worked so hard on this styling!”
“We must thoroughly shut those people up!”
Anselm immediately realized he’d spoken out of turn.
But Xia Ze didn’t mind: “It’s fine, I understand.”
Xia Ze’s calm demeanor was striking no longer the easily flustered youth from before. His composure drew admiration from Anselm.
He seemed both bold and shy, an irresistibly likable young man.
Yet Anselm’s words about shutting people up weren’t unfounded.
Everyone knew this sudden banquet invitation was a trap, with many potential attacks aimed at Xia Ze.
That he still chose to attend surprised many.
An Omega from a garbage planet should be cowering in fear.
Daring to appear before royalty and nobility without General Qi’s escort?
Such audacity.
When the full styling was complete, every detail from Xia Ze’s hair to his nails, even every fold of his clothing, had been meticulously attended to.
After long consideration, Anselm decided against makeup.
Xia Ze’s face was like the Creator showing off utterly perfect as it was, needing no improvement.
They’d chosen a casual light green suit that looked effortlessly fresh, with a perfectly cut gemstone on the chest that made him resemble a storybook prince.
His fluffy hair and radiant presence made him seem to glow.
Where others might look plain in such attire, on Xia Ze it created perfect harmony, an embodiment of forest vitality that demanded repeated glances.
“Heavens, stunning.”
“Xia Ze will definitely top this year’s ‘Most Beautiful Omega’ rankings.”
“Too gorgeous.”
“So unfair, why must such an Omega marry so young!”
The whispered comments continued until Butler Qi coughed pointedly: “Our young master is calling.”
!!!
A call???
Xia Ze turned to see Butler Qi approaching with a video call. He instinctively touched his bare wrist his communicator had been removed during the outfit change.
On screen, Qi Jing said: “I couldn’t reach you, so I contacted Butler Qi instead.”
Xia Ze smiled automatically, noticing Qi Jing’s intense, somewhat displeased expression.
Qi Jing continued: “Who was speaking just now?”
The styling team froze at the sound of the Qi family butler’s voice.
This was Qi Jing!
The General!
What had they been saying?!
This single question terrified them whoever said he was easygoing clearly lied.
Finally Anselm gathered courage to say: “We were wishing you and Xia Ze a lifetime of happiness!”
The remaining people quickly caught on: “Yes, yes, may you have a harmonious union lasting a hundred years!”
“May you have a noble son soon!”
“May your home be filled with descendants.”
These words made Xia Ze’s heart tremble.
Who wanted to have children?
He certainly didn’t. He quickly changed the subject: “The styling team Uncle Qi arranged for me will be here soon. We’ll be leaving for the banquet shortly.”
Qi Jing nodded this time: “Send me the banquet address.”
Xia Ze asked curiously, “Are you coming too?”
Qi Jing glanced at the sandstorm outside and the desert rose at its center, sighing helplessly, “Probably not.”
As the call ended, the quail-like Anselm and others finally regained their composure.
What an intimidating presence!
They wouldn’t dare speak carelessly again!
As night fell, Xia Ze boarded the aircraft heading to the banquet venue, with Ding Ruijie and Xu Chuan naturally still providing protection nearby.
Before leaving, Xia Ze checked on the rose seeds he’d cultivated that morning and watered the strange rocks by the entrance once more.
Attending a banquet was certainly less important than these things!
Even after completing these tasks, Xia Ze arrived at the banquet with time to spare.
The receptionist checking invitations at the entrance instinctively looked up when seeing the guest’s name.
Xia Ze!
General Qi’s Omega!
Just as stunning as the rumors said.
The receptionist was also an Omega. Born into humble circumstances, she had earned her place at this banquet by studying hard to attend school on the capital planet.
Watching the similarly low-born Xia Ze about to enter the grand hall, she instinctively whispered, “Be careful, be careful of the nobles. The Dier family.”
Immediately after speaking, she regretted it.
She shouldn’t have given such a warning, but there was something inexplicably approachable about Xia Ze.
Xia Ze smiled and nodded. Xu Chuan, following a step behind, found this strange.
Earlier, it made sense for stylist Anselm to offer advice after spending an afternoon together developing goodwill toward Xia Ze was natural.
But why would an Omega who’d just met the general’s wife also be so kind?
Xu Chuan didn’t comment on this anomaly.
Still, it was ultimately a good thing.
Xia Ze took a deep breath before entering the grand hall.
Once inside, his smile became flawlessly poised.
While this lifetime’s Xia Ze might not have attended many high-society events, in his previous life accompanying his botanist father and famous miniature landscape artist mother, he’d frequented plenty of upscale venues.
