IMAO Chapter 110

The full-screen communication ended, leaving the conference room in complete silence. Everyone waited quietly for their new leader to speak.

“Let’s all work hard together.”

It was the first time the woman had spoken in such a gentle tone. Everyone was stunned for a moment, looking somewhat lost, before breaking into smiles and responding enthusiastically, “Let’s work hard together! We’ll definitely build North Mali successfully!”

…

A young man held a gun in his arms. His companion tried speaking to him but received no response. Upon checking, they discovered their captain had fallen asleep at some point. Someone quickly made a shushing gesture, “Shh – he’s sleeping.”

“The captain hasn’t slept for two days and nights since joining the rescue operation. No wonder he’s exhausted. Actually, I’m feeling sleepy too. I might take a quick nap.”

“Alright, alright, you sleep. We’ll keep our voices down.”

After one soldier spoke, everyone lowered their voices as they discussed the full-screen communication they had just witnessed.

“Who would’ve thought that the military force that attacked all of North Mali was actually a group of pirates…”

“No, not pirates exactly. More like a military force disguised as pirates. Those are the Gentleman Pirates who only rob but don’t kill. They always follow their own rules. Once they go into hiding, no one can catch them. Turns out someone’s been tipping them off all along.”

“Could robbery really bring in that much money?”

“Yeah, it does seem far-fetched. A pirate group acquiring enough resources to arm an entire military force? All those lost goods over the years… it seems impossible.”

“And where did they get all those weapons from?”

“Must have bought them gradually over many years.”

Meanwhile, in the Rick Empire, Basil’s face turned pale upon seeing the news. He had known pirates would attack the North Mali spaceport, which was why he didn’t mind leaving early. But he never imagined these Gentleman Pirates weren’t aiming to rob just one spaceport. They were planning to take over an entire country!

 

No wonder they dared to offer him such an irresistible price for the energy network. He had thought the pirates were just joking with him. Based on all the money lost from merchant ships in North Mali over the years, it would barely be enough to buy one energy network.

As for those weapons… without saying, they could only have come from some madman.

Providing weapons for an entire military force, betting on a war with uncertain outcomes.

A madman, an absolute madman!

…

At the spaceport.

After disembarking from the warship.

Jiang Yuan lifted his hand to smell himself. The other day, Ye Nanfeng had mentioned that if he hadn’t known Jiang Yuan was a Beta, he would have thought he was an Alpha, given how strong his Alpha pheromones were.

The scent should have faded by now, right?

Jiang Yuan thought carefully. During the return journey, he had experienced a few episodes of pheromone instability, but it wasn’t severe. He just needed to take a couple of whiffs of Ji Rong to stabilize.

At least he didn’t sleep with Ji Rong a third time.

While Jiang Yuan was deep in thought, Ji Rong grabbed something nearby and was about to speak when Jiang Yuan’s communicator broke the silence.

Jiang Yuan glanced at it. It was a call from Jiang Tianze.

After connecting, his father’s voice came through.

“Jiang Yuan, are you out? I’m waiting at Exit A1,” Jiang Tianze said.

Ji Rong tensed up upon hearing Jiang Tianze’s voice. He knew Jiang Yuan’s father was coming today. They obviously couldn’t hide their relationship. It felt like meeting the parents. How could he not be nervous?

“We’re here, we’ll be out soon,” Jiang Yuan said. “We just got off the ship.”

Jiang Tianze paused. He knew about his son’s situation and figured Jiang Yuan must be with that Alpha. Back when his son was a Beta, he hadn’t worried about him being with Alphas or Omegas. But since learning his son had become an Omega, he’d been incredibly anxious.

“Mm, hurry up,” Jiang Tianze said. “Did you take your suppressants?”

Jiang Yuan froze. “Yes, but they’re not really effective.”

“…Come out quickly, and protect yourself. Stay away from Alphas.”

Jiang Yuan glanced at Ji Rong, who was sticking close to his side.

Jiang Yuan: “…”

Ji Rong: “…”

Jiang Tianze had been waiting outside for a while. When he saw Jiang Yuan, he immediately walked over and examined his son from head to toe. Only after confirming his son returned in one piece did he finally smile. “Good thing you’re okay, or your mom would’ve killed me.”

“Dad, see? I’m fine. Was Mom worried?” Jiang Yuan asked happily upon seeing Jiang Tianze.

“I didn’t dare tell her when we first got the news. I only told her after you were safe,” Jiang Tianze said.

“Oh right, Dad, this is Ji Rong, my classmate. I’ve mentioned him before,” Jiang Yuan pulled Ji Rong forward to introduce him.

Jiang Tianze nodded. “I know him. I saw him quite often during our video calls.”

Jiang Tianze forced a smile as he looked at Ji Rong.

“Hello, Uncle,” Ji Rong said politely with a smile.

Jiang Tianze frowned. “You… nevermind, let’s get in the car and head to the hotel. We’ll discuss other matters later.”

At the car, Jiang Tianze sat in the driver’s seat. When he saw Jiang Yuan and Ji Rong both heading for the back seat, his face darkened considerably. He had already smelled this kid’s pheromones on his son earlier. Although they used concealers, he could still detect traces. It only fueled his irritation.

Since it was due to pheromone imbalance, he couldn’t really blame the kid for giving his son a temporary mark.

He couldn’t force someone to be with his son if they didn’t want to.

It’s like having to thank the pig that ate your cabbage!

However, he was quite satisfied with this particular pig…

As an Alpha, Ji Rong was undoubtedly outstanding. He was handsome, exceptionally capable, and while he didn’t know much about the boy’s family background, it didn’t matter. With the kid’s own excellence, he would have great prospects in the military. He was definitely a high-quality Alpha, worthy of his son.

However, in his recent communications with his son, he learned about Jiang Yuan’s specific situation. His son planned to get checked at the hospital after returning home, hoping for treatment. If treatment was possible, great. If not, he’d have the temporary mark removed and find another Alpha to get through this period of pheromone imbalance before returning to military school.

If this kid wasn’t trying to avoid responsibility, why would his son make such plans?

How could he not be angry?

The fact that he hadn’t confronted the kid right away showed remarkable self-restraint.

Seeing the two about to sit together in the back, his expression changed as he said sternly, “Xiao Yuan, come sit in front. Dad wants to talk with you.”

“Okay.” Jiang Yuan paused, got out from the back, and switched to the front seat.

Ji Rong: “…”

Ji Rong glanced at Jiang Tianze, their gazes meeting in mid-air.

Ji Rong: “???”

Why was he glaring at him?

What had he done wrong?

Sitting in the back, Ji Rong carefully reviewed everything he had done since meeting Father Jiang. After thoroughly thinking it through, Ji Rong fell silent. He didn’t do anything wrong… did he?

Probably?

…

“Man, you got lucky! I thought you’d died in North Mali,” a scruffy-looking guy with dyed yellow hair said to the person beside him.

“Get lost, can’t you wish me well for once?” Su Lan smacked his childhood friend’s head upon hearing this.

“Haha, alright, alright. Come on, I’ll treat you to a meal,” Yellow Hair’s voice turned serious as he looked worriedly at Su Lan. “Why are you mad at me? Your siblings must be furious. Has your dad called to check on you during this time?”

“Him? He probably doesn’t even remember I exist.” Su Lan said seriously. “By the way, did you manage to contact those people from the lab like I asked?”

“Who are we to each other! I’ve already arranged everything. I’ll introduce you when the time comes,” Yellow Hair patted Su Lan’s shoulder and sighed. “Your family just has too many siblings. Your dad…”

He trailed off, shaking his head. He knew how fierce the competition was in Su Lan’s family for the inheritance. It wasn’t like his own situation, where his older brother would take over the family business, leaving him to live a carefree life.

Yellow Hair glanced up, his eyes suddenly brightening as he slapped Su Lan’s arm. “Holy shit, Su Lan, look! Isn’t that the close-combat beast from this year’s mecha competition?”

“Damn, he looks even better in person than on screen.”

Su Lan followed Yellow Hair’s pointing finger and, upon seeing Ji Rong’s face, his mouth twitched. What were the odds of running into him right after getting off the ship!

“Su Lan, do you think if I offered him money, he’d let me sleep with him?”

Su Lan: “…”

Su Lan: “Are you serious?”

Yellow Hair replied, “Do I look like I’m joking?”

Su Lan: “You’re a Beta.”

Yellow Hair: “I know!”

Seeing his best friend’s matter-of-fact expression, Su Lan was momentarily speechless. He grabbed his eager friend who was about to rush over and block Ji Rong’s path.

“Why are you stopping me?”

Su Lan: “I think you’ll get beaten up if you go. You think you can just pay to sleep with a Marshal’s son?”

“Marshal? I know most of the Marshal’s kids… which one is he…” Yellow Hair paused, tentatively suggesting a surname, “Ji?”

Su Lan nodded, “Exactly who you’re thinking of!”

Yellow Hair: “Isn’t the War God single?!”

Su Lan covered Yellow Hair’s mouth with his hand, “Keep your voice down! Someone might hear!”

Yellow Hair: “Shit, what’s going on? Tell me everything!”

…

In the short time it took to carry their luggage upstairs to their rooms, Ji Rong had already been approached by three people trying to strike up a conversation, not to mention the countless others who wanted to but didn’t dare because of his serious expression.

Ji Rong raised an eyebrow. What exactly had he done to upset Jiang Yuan’s father? The man seemed to dislike him for some reason, even though things had been fine before.

After thinking for a moment, Ji Rong took out his communicator and sent a message.

“Buzz.” The communicator vibrated.

Jiang Yuan put down his menu and picked up the communicator.

Ji Rong: Did I do something to upset your father?

Remembering his father’s words earlier, Jiang Yuan hesitated before replying: No, don’t overthink it. My dad actually likes you.

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