The wealthy socialite was named Jian Wen. With delicate features and a graceful appearance, she spoke softly and gently, showing kindness the moment, she met Xia Ze.
Her kindness was tinged with curiosity.
She was also the first to proactively ask for Xia Ze’s contact information.
As the shoot wrapped up, Qi Jing placed a hand on the young man’s shoulder, and the two were about to board the aircraft when Jian Wen happened to walk out. “See you tomorrow,” she said.
See you tomorrow?
Qi Jing glanced at Xia Ze.
Xia Ze nodded at Jian Wen. “Sure, see you at the Green Plant Mall tomorrow.”
They had just met, yet they’d already arranged another meeting.
Qi Jing remarked coolly, “Her husband is a rising star on the main planet, a decent Alpha.”
“Wow, that’s nice,” Xia Ze replied, oblivious to the general’s underlying implication.
Qi Jing had no choice but to spell it out. “So don’t get too close to her.”
What was the big deal?
Only when Xia Ze caught Qi Jing’s gaze did he finally understand.
Ah, avoiding suspicion.
To prevent her husband from getting upset.
Xia Ze nodded in realization. “Got it, I’ll keep my distance. Is her husband the jealous type? That’s not very confident of him.”
Unintentionally hit by the remark, Qi Jing reflexively tightened his grip and pulled Xia Ze closer, muttering, “There are cameras. We should act more intimate.”
Xia Ze nodded and simply wrapped his arms around Qi Jing’s, the two appearing inseparable.
The photographer watching from behind sighed.
Did they even need to deliberately flaunt their affection?
Were they trying to leave no room for others?
Still, the photographer posted the photos not just because of General Qi’s words, but because his account had gained massive attention, with people clamoring for more content.
After years in the industry, though he had some reputation, this was the first time he’d gone viral.
By the time the magazine shoot ended, it was already afternoon.
Instead of heading home, Xia Ze and Qi Jing went straight to the military headquarters.
This was Xia Ze’s first visit to the military district. As soon as they arrived at the gates, he noticed how different it was towering, austere walls, mechanical surveillance cameras, and heavily armed guards all signaled the nature of the place.
Qi Jing’s aircraft could enter directly, as the guards naturally recognized it. But since it was Xia Ze’s first visit, he still needed to register.
The young guard at the entrance couldn’t resist stealing a few curious glances.
Wow, the general’s wife was even more stunning than in the photos and videos online!
Even the most famous celebrities in the galaxy couldn’t compare to his looks.
Xia Ze smiled at the guard, causing the young Alpha to blush instantly and fumble nervously. Still, he managed to whisper, “Thank you for the green plants you sent us, General’s wife. They’ve been really helpful.”
Many soldiers struggled with minor mental energy issues, and Xia Ze had sold them a batch at cost before gifting another large shipment. They hadn’t forgotten.
This visit was also at the soldiers’ request.
Additionally, they hoped Xia Ze could guide the military’s plant specialists to improve their greenery.
Xia Ze had agreed without hesitation.
Inside the military district were office areas, training grounds, and barracks. Naturally, Xia Ze headed to the barracks.
Though the surroundings had some greenery, it wasn’t particularly impressive. Still, the accompanying soldier proudly explained, “The general spent a fortune planting these for us. Resting in greener barracks helps us recover better.”
Soon, the four lieutenants, whom Xia Ze hadn’t seen in a while, arrived as well.
Ding Ruijie, Ding Ruimu, Xu Chuan, and Lei Chen, all four were dressed in military uniforms. Just by their attire, it was clear the barracks were indeed in the final stages of preparation.
Xia Ze walked around, greeted warmly by everyone around him.
Not just because he was General Qi’s spouse, but also because of the greenery he cultivated.
Upon learning that Xia Ze had opened a plant shop, many couldn’t hide their excitement: “Really? Can we go buy some?”
“Is it in the Green Plant Mall? Which floor?”
“Aren’t the plants there expensive?”
“So what if they’re expensive? As long as they work.”
Xia Ze glanced at Qi Jing, feeling a little guilty about profiting from the military. He quickly added, “General Qi mentioned that a portion will be provided to the military later, so there’s no need to buy them.”
Qi Jing had said the shop was intended to serve the military, but he never said it would be free.
Xia Ze subtly tugged at Qi Jing’s sleeve clearly, this was his own idea.
After all, cultivating plants and flowers was easy for him. As long as the military provided the seeds, he could grow them!
He wasn’t boasting, he genuinely intended to do this.
How could he profit from something meant to heal the mental strain caused by defending the nation?
Qi Jing clasped Xia Ze’s hand and announced to the crowd, “Indeed, I plan to establish a green plant base within the military. We’ll invite my spouse to assist, ensuring greenery spreads throughout the camp, even across the entire military and training grounds.”
“The restorative power of natural energy is crucial. Rest assured, we’ll prioritize this.”
Not only were the soldiers stunned, but even Xia Ze looked surprised.
He had only thought of delivering potted plants, but General Qi’s vision was far grander, a dedicated military green plant base!
Just how expansive would that be?
But thinking about it, this really was the best solution.
General Qi truly was remarkable.
Qi Jing met his gaze. “It’ll be hard work for you.”
Xia Ze shook his head eagerly. “Not at all! I can handle it!”
Contributing in this way actually made him happy.
However, Xia Ze quickly realized that this military green plant base had been in the works long before him. Judging by the planning, it wasn’t a spur-of-the-moment decision not even a matter of months.
General Qi had genuinely been considering the military’s needs, seeking solutions for everyone’s mental strain.
Soon, a refined middle-aged officer named Albert approached, his gaze warm as he looked at Xia Ze.
Once Qi Jing led the others away, Albert would oversee military affairs, including the construction of the green plant base.
As the group arrived at the yet-to-be-developed site, Xia Ze inspected the area while Albert chuckled and remarked, “You’ve arranged everything.”
“Aren’t you being a little too cautious?”
Qi Jing’s expression remained stern. “No one can be allowed to harm him.”
From gaining fame on the StarNet to securing a place in the Green Plant Mall, and now fostering ties with the military.
Each step had been carefully laid out. Even without Qi Jing by his side, no one would dare provoke Xia Ze.
If nothing else, anyone who dared lay a finger on Xia Ze would face the wrath of soldiers eagerly awaiting his plants.
Not to mention his growing online following even if they only admired his looks for now, it was enough.
Finally, the Green Plant Testing Center and the Natural Science Research Institute would both endorse this exceptionally talented young man.
Qi Jing looked at the child’s earnest expression and couldn’t help but laugh. “I didn’t expect things to go so smoothly either.”
He didn’t even need to intervene, the child’s own abilities were enough to establish himself on the main planet.
Still, Qi Jing added, “After I leave, please ask Uncle Alberta to look after you. If anything comes up, contact me immediately.”
“People said you got married suddenly to deal with the royal family and the nobles’ harassment. I thought so too.”
“But now I can see you really do love him.” Alberta sighed, especially since Qi Jing had even called him “uncle.” How could he refuse?
For Old General Qi’s sake alone, he would take good care of Xia Ze.
And from what he could see, Xia Ze was indeed a gentle and well-mannered boy.
Since they were on the topic, Alberta teased, “So when are you two having kids? It won’t be long now, right?”
Qi Jing’s gaze darkened, but he replied lightly, “Soon.”
After touring the military headquarters, Xia Ze was still buzzing with excitement.
Though the military’s green plant base wouldn’t be ready anytime soon, it would eventually be built and he was determined to help when the time came!
With such a vast area, they might even be able to grow towering trees.
Over the next few days, Xia Ze visited the Green Plant Emporium daily while Qi Jing busied himself with military affairs.
At the emporium, Xia Ze ran into Jian Wen, a wealthy socialite, and only then learned she was the real owner of the neighboring Shop 503.
After the manager of Shop 503 bought the double-petaled sunflowers, they were delivered straight to Jian Wen. Though she didn’t know how to cultivate plants, she had an eye for beauty.
She had been intrigued by Xia Ze ever since, the one who bred those stunning flowers.
Xia Ze suddenly understood. “No wonder you asked for my contact details back then.”
Jian Wen nodded. “Exactly! We’re neighbors, after all.”
That was true, they were both owners on the 50th floor.
The 50th floor remained as bustling as ever. Jian Wen quietly filled Xia Ze in on the emporium’s dynamics as they walked through the cultivation room.
While Xia Ze already knew the basics, Jian Wen shared some insider details.
“The real owner of Shop 501 is likely the royal family, currently managed by the Emperor’s younger brother.”
“They have many rare, ancient rose varieties that are incredibly popular. Their clientele consists mostly of nobles, and they supply flowers and plants to the royal household.”
Xia Ze vaguely recalled wasn’t the Emperor’s brother the father of Alva, who hosted that banquet?
“Shop 502 belongs to the Queen’s maternal family, the Klaus Clan. It was originally managed by her nephew, Ethan, but now it’s run by Ethan’s half-sister, a very low-profile Beta, I hear.”
Mentioning Ethan, Jian Wen seemed to regret her words. Everyone knew about Ethan’s feelings for General Qi.
Rumors said Ethan was involved in the incident at the Dyer family’s estate, but with insufficient evidence, he was only placed under house arrest.
Losing control of his assets must have been a bitter pill to swallow.
“Shop 503 is mine, though honestly, I don’t manage it. Luckily, my husband found a skilled manager and botanist.”
Jian Wen smiled sheepishly. Her husband was a rising star on the main planet, while she came from a declining noble family on an A-grade planet, making her somewhat out of place here.
Shop 504 was even more enigmatic, no one knew its true owner, though it was registered under an A-grade planet noble’s name.
As for Shop 505, it belonged to the Dyer family.
This was the family that Qi Jing’s mother, Duchess Dier, had married into.
Given this, their targeting of Xia Ze made sense, after all, their family’s eldest daughter had been exiled.
As for Shop 506, it had been purchased by General Qi. The previous owner had managed it poorly, and the general acquired it around May this year, though he never operated it himself.
Jian Wen covered her mouth with a laugh. “Everyone thought he didn’t care about the shop, but it turns out he bought it specifically for you.”
Specifically for him?
No way.
But May?
Xia Ze thought for a moment and asked, “Do you know exactly when the shop was bought?”
Jian Wen didn’t recall such details but said, “Let me check the chat logs.”
She was undoubtedly in the Green Plant Plaza’s main group chat, where records like this would be kept. After searching, she actually found it. “Looks like it was around May 7th, officially transferred on the 8th.”
The 7th.
Wasn’t that the same day General Qi had sent him that message?
Xia Ze remembered it clearly, after all, they had set their wedding date for two months later, on July 7th. Such a significant date was hard to forget.
Could it really have been bought for him?
Xia Ze blinked.
That wasn’t necessary.
He had agreed to this marriage out of gratitude.
Seeing Xia Ze’s expression, Jian Wen knew their guess was right and couldn’t help but say, “Everyone used to say General Qi was so cold that his spouse would have a hard time. Now they’ve all been proven wrong.”
Whether in high society on the capital planet or in discussions across the star network, no one had expected the two of them to be so deeply in love.
Every time Jian Wen saw photos of them together, she wanted to scream.
They were just too perfect for each other!
She was a full-fledged shipper of their relationship!
Jian Wen added, “By the way, I’ll add you to the group chat. It’s for everyone in Green Plant Plaza, covering most of the green plant industry. If you need anything, just ask in the group.”
At the moment, the chat was buzzing with discussions about this month’s sales figures.
