Qi Jing had wanted to keep it with him, but with so many wedding preparations, they’d placed it in the residential garden, Xia Ze’s usual haunt.
Qi Jing initially intended for just the two of them to retrieve it, but Colin was too excited to read the room: “I’ll come with you! I’d love to see the garden Xia Ze tends to.”
The crowd collectively gasped.
Dean Colin was going to see it?
This individual holds an extraordinary status in the botanical world.
Any plant he lays eyes on will see its value multiply.
Xia Ze’s luck is simply incredible.
Most people haven’t yet grasped just how high Xia Ze’s affinity with plants truly is, assuming it’s merely Dean Colin showing him favor.
However, Xia Ze’s thoughts drift to the desert rose incident.
Previously, Dean Colin had been scammed over a desert rose, so Xia Ze told him he had one himself to prevent further deception.
Qi Jing sighs helplessly as one insists on going while the other agrees.
Still just a kid.
Yet he also understands the boy’s deep love for plants and naturally wouldn’t refuse.
With Qi Bo managing the banquet, they have no worries and proceed from the social area to the residential zone.
The deeper they venture into the living quarters, the more Colin senses the overwhelming abundance of natural energy.
The Qi family villa is vast, making it hard to perceive clearly, but the entire residential area seems saturated with a rich botanical aura.
Colin has only ever experienced this sensation in two other places.
One is the imperial palace, maintained at great expense.
The other is his own Natural Science Academy.
And now, a third location here.
If he recalls correctly, Qi Jing’s spouse only recently arrived on the capital planet, hasn’t he?
In barely half a month?
Colin’s eyes grow increasingly astonished.
The longer he spends with Xia Ze, the more he realizes this young man’s extraordinary nature.
Upon reaching the garden, his gaze is met with blooming hydrangeas and roses in full splendor, the entire space exquisitely arranged like a dream garden.
Following the nearby pebble path leads to the greenhouse, where hundreds of newly sprouted succulents thrive.
“These hydrangeas, how can they bloom to such perfection?”
“You actually cultivated such rare roses? And they’re flourishing like this?”
“All of them survived??? You must be joking!”
No wonder Dean Colin recognizes these flowers, he once fought over their seeds.
Back then, he assumed Qi Jing’s spouse couldn’t possibly grow them well.
Now he admits outright: “Even if I had these seeds, I couldn’t nurture them this successfully. The survival rate wouldn’t be nearly as high.”
Xia Ze tilts his head. “Is the survival rate that high? I think one rose died.”
“That’s not high enough?!”
His underachieving students ought to witness this, see how it’s properly done.
All of Colin’s marveling becomes incoherent when his eyes land on the botanical pods.
Laymen see the spectacle; experts recognize the craft. He instantly grasps the significance of these pods.
“Indeed, creating a micro-environment, establishing an ecological cycle, completely isolated from external contaminants.”
“But these plants are so delicate. How were they cultivated successfully? And this soil, where did it come from?”
As Colin mutters in awe, Qi Jing steps aside to conceal the Archangel Gabriel rose.
This plant is far too anomalous, it mustn’t be seen by knowledgeable eyes.
Xia Ze’s eyes widen in realization, oh right, he’d forgotten about that.
His grateful glance meets Qi Jing’s understanding nod.
“You two! Stop making eyes at each other!” Colin hovers near the pods, torn between touching them and restraint. “Do you realize what this means?”
“Mean what?” Xia Ze blinks innocently, feigning ignorance about any exchanged glances.
“It means mass production could solve most citizens’ spiritual energy issues and cleanse magnetic pollution across entire regions.”
“Even if the overall environment can’t be changed, placing a few of these in your bedroom will silently nourish your body during sleep, improving most health issues for the majority of people!”
Colin was exhilarated.
His research into greenery wasn’t merely for ornamental or therapeutic purposes.
He was striving to make it accessible to the masses.
That’s why his initial research focus had been on succulents, those legendary plants from ancient Earth that were supposedly cheap and easy to maintain.
Though succulents weren’t exactly inexpensive now, their prices had already dropped significantly.
All thanks to Dean Colin’s efforts.
Now, seeing another possibility unfold before him, how could he not be excited?
Xia Ze felt a deep respect.
He grew plants simply because he loved them, never truly delving into understanding the world’s struggles.
Or perhaps he knew but didn’t care.
After all, he didn’t even acknowledge his own Omega identity, making it hard for him to actively learn about the world he lived in.
If possible, he’d prefer living by ancient Earth’s ways.
But that didn’t stop him from admiring Dean Colin’s dedication.
This was truly benefiting all of humanity.
Dean Colin’s excitement was genuinely moving.
Hearing this, Xia Ze shared more: “Mass production isn’t feasible. The materials inside are very special. Most plants in this era die immediately after being transplanted into bottles.”
“Every piece of greenery here, even each grain of sand, was meticulously selected, minerals and soil with minimal environmental contamination.”
“The process was arduous. It took months of searching in F31 Planet’s border regions just to gather a small handful. Any carelessness during creation would lead to recontamination.”
Xia Ze crouched down, gazing at the tiny bottle: “See that tree? Small trees like this are actually a mutated variant, offshoots of larger trees that retain long-term growth potential. You could say they’re one in a million.”
“As for the moss, it’s incredibly difficult to cultivate.”
“But it was through raising this moss that I learned how to prolong its lifespan. The moss on the large rock by the entrance benefits from this technique.”
Dean Colin understood this perfectly.
The material challenges, the technical difficulties, he knew them all too well.
But Qi Jing’s gaze grew increasingly profound as he listened.
He understood more than just these surface details.
He caught the underlying meaning.
This palm-sized bottle came at great effort.
The transparent coating inside, every grain of sand, every patch of moss, every pebble, even the tiny rabbit figurine, all had undergone extensive, prolonged processing.
So thin, so small.
How many times had he ventured into F31 Planet’s border regions in that bulky protective suit to become as skilled as Qi Jing had witnessed?
He knew how painful the sandstorms were, how blinding the sunlight, how to expertly evade the tempests.
All to create this little bottle.
Then arranged private delivery to send it ahead as a birthday gift.
Qi Jing’s heart couldn’t help but soften at this.
And the care behind it filled him with remorse.
As Xia Ze finished speaking, still unaware, Dean Colin remarked wistfully: “Qi Jing, you’re truly fortunate.”
Why didn’t anyone make such bottles for him?!
Simultaneously, Dean Colin felt the name “Micro-Landscape Greenery Bottle” was fitting.
Especially “Micro-Landscape”, a tiny yet comprehensive scene, presenting an almost complete ecological cycle within the bottle.
However, the name “Green Vial” rolls off the tongue more easily, and that’s what most people at the banquet called it.
The only pity is that it’s too precious to be mass-produced.
But that’s alright now that we have this direction, we can take things step by step!
Dean Colin couldn’t help but size up Xia Ze.
Such a talented individual shouldn’t be left wandering outside, he truly belongs in the Academy of Natural Sciences.
Just as Dean Colin was about to speak, his peripheral vision caught something in the corner.
Wait.
What was that?
Desert Rose!!!
The Desert Rose he’d been longing for!!!
He’d even been scammed over this very plant!
Colin nearly lost his voice as he hurried over, tiptoeing as if afraid his breath might disturb the precious greenery.
“How do you have this?!”
“To get this, you’d have to brave countless dangers, it’s deep in the heart of the storm-ridden desert!”
Colin had hired many people to retrieve this flower, but most either refused outright or found it impossible to venture that far.
Xia Ze glanced at Qi Jing, and Colin immediately understood, clutching his chest in exaggerated distress. “I sent your husband an invitation back then! Asked him to help during his leave! But he never replied!”
Your husband.
The term made Xia Ze blink rapidly, trying hard to ignore it.
“It really was hard to get. He even got injured back then.”
“Besides, he was on leave, why would he go somewhere so dangerous?”
Qi Jing ruffled his hair. “It wasn’t dangerous. Or troublesome.”
Colin rolled his eyes. That wasn’t what he’d said when ignoring his messages.
He’d reached out to many powerful Alphas. Most cautiously declined out of respect for his status only Qi Jing had left him on read.
Turns out, he’d been messaging the wrong person!
Well, not exactly. It seemed Xia Ze hadn’t even asked.
“No wonder you two are a match.”
“One goes through hell to make plant bottles, the other risks his life for a Desert Rose.”
Colin grumbled, but his eyes never left the flower. The more he looked, the more familiar it seemed the shape, the leaves it matched the two Desert Roses he’d seen in photos.
Except now, it was in even better condition.
Only after he finished speaking did Xia Ze realize, someone must have used photos from his online shop to scam Dean Colin.
Xia Ze felt a pang of guilt. Who knew the problem would circle back to him?
But he didn’t want to expose his online store, so he just said, “Maybe someone took a photo by accident.”
Qi Jing frowned immediately. Was there a mole in the villa?
Xia Ze quickly leaned in, whispering, “My online shop. They posted it.”
The warm breath against Qi Jing’s ear made his fingers twitch.
Colin looked away after one glance these two were being disgustingly sweet again. Unbearable.
Ah well. Newlyweds about to go on their honeymoon, who was he to judge?
After getting Qi Jing’s approval, Xia Ze offered, “I’ve propagated a few Desert Roses. They’re just stems now, but they’re easy to care for. Would you like to take one back, Dean Colin?”
Easy to care for?
Take one back?
Colin was overjoyed, he didn’t know which part to celebrate first.
Xia Ze, you generous soul!
But right now, he had his eyes on an even bigger treasure.
Qi Jing’s gaze flickered, but he didn’t stop Colin’s train of thought.
He’d soon be heading to the battlefield, and with him and his lieutenants away from the capital, having the Natural Sciences Academy’s protection would deter anyone from messing with Xia Ze.
He’d already planned to get the kid into the academy but before he could make his move, Xia Ze had caught the dean’s attention on his own.
Qi Jing smiled. “No need to hold back. This isn’t hard for Zeze. Few can match his expertise with plants.”
Colin’s delight grew.
Perfect, perfect! Their academy needed talent like this!
Unfortunately, he still needed to discuss with his old colleagues first. After all, they weren’t yet aware of Xia Ze’s capabilities and couldn’t directly recruit him.
Come to think of it, with Xia Ze being so skilled, he might be able to help solve the issue with the rare roses.
Colin had an idea in mind as he carefully took the desert rose, while unceremoniously picking some hydrangeas and exceptionally fine roses.
He felt no guilt whatsoever!
These were all for his old colleagues to see!
Xia Ze hesitated to speak these were the flowers he’d grown for General Qi.
They were beneficial for mental energy.
Qi Jing held his wrist, gently shaking his head to indicate it didn’t matter.
Besides, there were plenty more, and he still had his plant bottles.
Using these as bargaining chips was more important.
Unaware of Qi Jing and Colin’s plans, Xia Ze could only watch heartbroken as the flowers were taken.
He had wanted to gather more for General Qi to take to the battlefield.
Not just for his own use, but for the soldiers too.
Noticing the boy’s dejection, Qi Jing leaned over and said, “Later, we’ll visit him and get some premium seeds.”
That’s right!
Xia Ze’s eyes lit up.
Exactly!
They could exchange for Old Man Colin’s seeds!
With all three having gained something, they finally left the garden.
Colin was in a hurry to tend to these plants and left early, since the banquet was winding down anyway.
Qi Jing and Xia Ze also prepared to return, needing to bid farewell to the remaining guests.
The wedding was essentially over by this point.
Little did they know, M Magazine had already published their interview online at record speed.
They’d even released a special digital edition dedicated to covering this unique wedding, with more content to be added later.
This half-finished digital magazine was being devoured by countless netizens.
Sweet!
So sweet!
Look at that gaze they shared, and the content of their conversation.
For example: When did you first meet, and what were your first impressions?
Someone as cold as General Qi actually answered “love at first sight”!
Love at first sight!
The question was accompanied by a photo showing Xia Ze’s slightly surprised expression, as if he hadn’t expected such an answer from the general.
When asked the same question, Xia Ze gave a more conventional response.
He said General Qi was impressive, incredibly strong in combat, and made him feel very safe.
This answer satisfied many of Qi Jing’s fans.
Exactly—that’s how they felt too.
But when asked about permanent marking, both their answers made many Omegas nod in approval.
Right, for safety reasons, it’s better not to take such risks.
Unless you’ve found someone truly reliable, it’s better to wait.
At the very end was a behind-the-scenes video clip, one calling “Zezé, wifey” and the other shyly responding “hubby.”
The real highlight was General Qi’s visibly rolling Adam’s apple that single “hubby” had completely changed the look in his eyes!
[Help! Help! The sexual tension is killing me!!!]
[Seriously, the chemistry is off the charts.]
[If not for the inappropriate setting, they’d already be in bed.]
[You’re all getting carried away, but I totally get what you mean!!!!]
[Hubby! ahhh so hot so hot.]
[Wifey knows how to call him just right.]
[Wahhh just kill me with sweetness already.]
[No more words!!! May you have children soon!!!]
[Have them! Have a whole bunch!]
[Hehe honeymoon’s coming up, make babies!]
[Make them!]
[Am I the only one curious about what Dean Colin’s up to? He’s the head of the Interstellar Natural Science Academy, whose plant research has benefited so many people.]
[Actually, this Institute of Natural Sciences isn’t just prestigious, it’s also wealthy. Everyone knows how scarce greenery is among the star-faring people.]
[Right? What’s he doing here? I heard Xia Ze owns a flower shop they wouldn’t invite him, would they?]
[HAHAHAHA this is hilarious, does Xia Ze even have die-hard fans now? Inviting him? Do they even know what kind of place the Institute is? If status alone could get you in, the Queen’s nephew would’ve been admitted ages ago.]
[This is genuinely funny.]
[Let’s get back on topic, no more about this.]
[Did you guys see the wedding photos? They look so perfect together, and their rings are gorgeous too.]
[Thanks, I’ve been staring at my screen for ages.]
[Ughhh I want a love like this too.]
[Rewatching General Qi’s throat-bobbing clip, he really wanted to devour his wife.]
[Who wouldn’t? Pretty wife, snuggle snuggle.]
When Xia Ze and Qi Jing returned to the banquet, many were sneakily eyeing the general’s throat.
Wow, they hadn’t even noticed it live.
Guess the netizens saw it clearer.
Qi Jing, for once, felt a chill down his throat, why were people staring at that?
The rest cast sympathetic glances at Xia Ze. Oh no, you’re definitely done for tonight.
What was that phrase online again?
Ravage the wife!
Ugh, how could they be so crude?!
Xia Ze, unnerved by the stares, instinctively leaned closer to Qi Jing.
What was going on?
From the shadows, the Crown Prince watched with clear displeasure, though by the time he stepped forward, his smile was perfectly polite.
“It’s about time, I should head back.” For someone of his status to stay this long was already a courtesy to Qi Jing. He raised his glass for one last toast.
Qi Jing picked up his wineglass, and Xia Ze hesitated before taking a small sip too fast for Qi Jing to stop him.
Well, it was his wedding not drinking was impossible.
Following the Crown Prince’s lead, guests began leaving one after another.
After seeing off the last guest, the Qi family villa remained lively, with Butler Qi organizing the cleanup of the social and entertainment areas.
Their wedding was officially over.
Next up: a week-long honeymoon, set to begin in two days.
Xia Ze sighed. “Weddings are exhausting.”
“Mm. Once is enough.”
That line sounded familiar—hadn’t Qi Jing said it before?
Xia Ze was already drowsy. Between greeting guests and sipping nearly half a glass of wine, the breeze now made his head spin.
The recent busyness and fatigue, combined with the relief of the wedding being over, made the alcohol hit harder, pulling him toward sleep.
Noticing this, Qi Jing said, “It’s been a long day, everyone should rest. We’ll handle the rest tomorrow.”
Especially Butler Qi, who had worked tirelessly.
But the old man only beamed, though he didn’t want to keep the staff waiting. He handed out generous red envelopes they’d deal with the mess tomorrow.
Amid a chorus of “Happy marriage!” and “May you have children soon!”, Xia Ze swayed slightly.
One-drink lightweight? More like half-drink.
And now people were talking about kids? He muttered, “No kids.”
Qi Jing didn’t catch it at first, leaning closer until the words registered.
“No children.”
Qi Jing chuckled. They couldn’t have them anyway.
He didn’t plan on it either.
Seeing them whispering, Butler Qi hurried over. “Go rest, both of you.”
Qi Jing nodded and helped the person walk toward the room.
Before they even reached the destination, he simply scooped the boy into his arms. The kid was already light, so Qi Jing had no trouble carrying him.
Qi Jing felt like he might be a little drunk too. He had indeed drunk a lot today not just his own share, but also the drinks he had taken for Xia Ze.
When they returned to the room, Qi Jing glanced at the door on the right, about to carry Xia Ze over, but the drunken boy instinctively crawled onto his own bed, found a comfortable spot, and immediately fell asleep.
Breathing in the familiar scent, Xia Ze buried his face in the blanket and drifted off.
Qi Jing froze.
If anyone else had done this, he would have taken it as a hint.
But this was Xia Ze, just the instinctive actions of a little drunkard.
The corner of Qi Jing’s lips curled up as he walked to the bedside, gently pulling the blanket away from Xia Ze’s face. He gazed at the boy’s soft cheeks and, unable to resist, gave one a light poke.
Happy wedding, my newlywed partner.
Author’s Note:
Check out my upcoming novel The Little Flower Demon Trembles in Fear, please add it to your reading list!
A little flower demon from the deep mountains possesses peerless beauty. The moment he descends, he’s dragged into an idol audition.
But!
During the preliminary rounds, the exasperated show director kicks him straight to the neighboring drama set.
A tone-deaf pretty face like this should just go act!
Drama director: ? Seriously? Thanks, I guess.
The clueless little flower demon dons colorful robes, stunning beyond words.
The camera rolls, only for the furious director to shove a red envelope into his hands.
A stiff, beautiful vase like this should just go work in a factory!
The flower demon: QAQ
But a little flower only needs to be pretty!
Wait, why are his mindless plant kin trembling in fear in that man’s hands?
The flower demon approaches the man and whispers, “Um… please don’t bully the little flowers. They’re scared of you.”
(He’s scared too! He’s also trembling!)
Zhou Heng: ?
Show director, contestants, drama director, cast members: Sponsor Daddy, spare the little flower! He’s innocent! Don’t bully him!
Zhou Heng: ? What did I even do?
Some time later.
Zhou Heng decides that if he’s already being accused of wrongdoing, he might as well give Hua Yujia something to actually tremble about.
