At three o’clock the next afternoon, Chu Ci wore a turtleneck sweater, sneakily covering the zerg patterns on his neck. Compared to female zergs, male zergs had fairer and more delicate features. To avoid being exposed, Chu Ci carefully applied two layers of brow powder, striving for a tougher, more rugged look.
Aside from the ever-elusive bigshot, Chu Ci was accompanied by two colleagues. The group met in front of the hotel before heading into the restaurant together.
The Golden Feather Flower Hotel was known for its extravagant pricing and luxurious atmosphere. Before his awakening, Chu Ci had swiped Nuo Wei’s salary card to eat here twice. However, since then, he’d lost interest in such things and hadn’t returned. He still vaguely remembered the hotel’s layout.
His two colleagues, on the other hand, clearly had never been here before. They wandered about in confusion until Chu Ci pointed the way, guiding them to the private room Yi Xi had reserved.
The moment they stepped inside, Chu Ci’s brow furrowed.
High-end hotels usually used scented oils that were widely accepted, ensuring they weren’t unpleasant even if not particularly enjoyable. However, the private room was filled with a peculiar smell—sharp and prickling, stabbing at Chu Ci’s nerves until they throbbed painfully.
It was a scent Chu Ci had never encountered before, and it left him feeling extremely uncomfortable. It was akin to suffocation, his breathing growing noticeably strained.
His colleagues, however, remained calm and looked toward Yi Xi, seated at the head of the table. “Sir, did you inject pheromone medication?”
Fortunately, the room’s ventilation system was powerful, and the smell quickly dispersed. Only then did Chu Ci feel as though he could breathe again, as if he had been revived.
Yi Xi appeared to be about thirty years old, dressed impeccably in a silver-gray suit. His vest and tie were perfectly arranged, and his hair was neatly combed back. He wore a pair of gold-rimmed glasses, with delicate chains dangling from the sides, resting gently behind his ears. He was the very picture of the high-powered mogul Chu Ci had envisioned in his mind.
If only his complexion weren’t so ghastly pale.
Chu Ci and Nuo Wei were already considered fair-skinned among the zerg, but Yi Xi was even paler—unhealthily so. His pallor had a sickly undertone, resembling that of a hospital patient relying on IV drips to sustain their life.
Yi Xi dabbed at the blood at the corner of his lips with a handkerchief and gave Chu Ci and the others a weak smile. “Welcome, please have a seat.”
For this banquet, Chu Ci and his colleagues were merely background players. The main discussions still centered around Yi Xi and the executives from their company. After briefly presenting the follow-up plans and progress of the game, Chu Ci bowed his head and focused on eating alongside his colleagues. Meanwhile, they continued chatting via their terminals.
Chu Ci: 【What’s that pheromone medication they mentioned?】
Colleague: 【It’s used to suppress mental sea disorders. Yi Xi’s condition is a bit unique; he has to take medication regularly.】
Chu Ci: 【There’s medicine to treat mental sea disorders?】
If that were the case, Nuo Wei wouldn’t have had to wait until the last minute for treatment.
Colleague: 【The kind that military males develop on the battlefield can’t be treated. Only secondary disorders can be suppressed.】
Chu Ci was baffled: 【There’s a difference between primary and secondary disorders?】
The only thing Chu Ci knew about having “primary” and “secondary” types was high blood pressure.
Colleague: 【Yeah. For example, Yi Xi—rumor has it that when he was a minor, he was kidnapped. A male used drugs on him, trying to forcibly mature his reproductive cavity and mark him, all to inherit his family’s wealth. That external trauma caused severe disorder in his mental sea. Disorders caused by outside stimuli like that can be suppressed with medication.】
Another colleague chimed in: 【But I’ve heard the medication has severe side effects. Every injection triggers intense hormonal imbalance—agonizing pain. Lord Yi Xi has been taking these injections monthly since adulthood, and every month, it’s like pain searing into his bones. That’s probably why he looks so pale, right?】
Chu Ci didn’t expect to hear such juicy gossip about the elite. He asked, 【If it’s so painful, why doesn’t he find a male to help smooth it out?】
With Yi Xi’s status, it shouldn’t be difficult to find someone, right?
His colleague replied with three question marks.
Colleague: 【???】
【Chu Ci, do you really not know? There’s a mountain of gossip about this on QuQi—what kind of female Zerg doesn’t know this stuff?】
Chu Ci scratched his nose【I really didn’t know.】After all, he wasn’t a female Zerg.
【After that incident, Lord Yi Xi developed PTSD toward all males. Just being near one makes him feel nauseated, and even something as simple as shaking hands is unbearable for him.】
The colleagues chatted away, spilling all the secrets about his partner:
【His male father passed away early, so Yi Xi took control of the Stellar Group at a young age. He declared he wouldn’t marry, and no one could force him.】
【Plus, Lord Yi Xi is an S-Class female Zerg. There’s no one who can make him do anything against his will.】
Chu Ci concluded, 【So, basically, he’s likely never going to marry?】
The colleagues all agreed enthusiastically: 【That’s right.】【Seems like it.】
But amidst the agreement, a dissenting voice appeared in the chat:
【Not necessarily.】
【There are… rare cases. For example, if the boss’s aircraft were to lose control and accidentally crash into some noble male Zerg, breaking their bones or causing severe injuries, then according to Imperial law, the boss would be sentenced to serve as the male’s attendant.】
Chu Ci chuckled.
The Zerg’s AI technology was already highly advanced. Automated flight systems were fast and precise. He had seen Yi Xi’s aircraft earlier on the tarmac—a top-of-the-line Galaxy S-925 Pro. Such an aircraft was as reliable as their personal lightbrains. It was virtually impossible for it to make a mistake like crashing. Even if it somehow did, the streets were full of female Zergs—male Zergs were far too rare for such an incident to happen.
At that moment, Yi Xi and Chu Ci’s direct superior finished discussing the investment details. Yi Xi turned his gaze toward Chu Ci: “Mr. Chu.”
Chu Ci set down his utensils. “Yes?”
Yi Xi said, “I’ve read through your proposal. You truly are a very insightful female Zerg.”
He adjusted his gold-rimmed glasses, smiling with refined elegance: “Here’s the thing—I’ve always admired young people with extraordinary vision. I believe there are areas in this proposal that feel imperfect, likely because you had to make compromises to the market. I’m certain your ideas extend far beyond this.”
Yi Xi’s tone was calm, but his words carried weight as he continued, “I would like to add an additional investment—exclusively for you.”
Chu Ci met his gaze directly. “What do you mean?”
Yi Xi said, “I hope that you can set aside the market’s demands and create a game entirely according to your own vision.”
Chu Ci silently met Yi Xi’s gaze.
As a human, he had played countless extraordinary games—from Hearthstone to Warhammer, from The Witcher to Elden Ring. But such creations were an unimaginable luxury for the Zerg. The gaming industry here was embarrassingly rudimentary, its standards trailing far behind even humanity’s 1970s. It felt as if he had once glimpsed the emperor’s treasure vault but was now forced to scavenge among ruins.
Suddenly, Chu Ci asked, “Sir, if I recall correctly, the Zerg possess brain-machine interface technology, don’t they?”
The brain-machine interface was every human game developer’s ultimate dream. It could read brain waves and create realistic, immersive game environments. Yet, in the Zerg Empire, it was restricted to military mech training and had never been widely adopted for civilian use.
Yi Xi appeared slightly surprised. “Yes, we do.”
Chu Ci took a deep breath. “I see.”
Humanity was limited by its technological constraints, while the Zerg were hindered by their lack of aesthetic sense. But Chu Ci, armed with human creativity and imagination, now had access to the Zerg’s advanced technology. Was it possible that he could use these advantages to create a truly epic game?
The meal continued with satisfaction on all sides. However, just as it was nearing its conclusion, an unexpected incident occurred.
Yi Xi had intended to stand and toast with Chu Ci, his lips still maintaining a reserved smile, but the delicate wine glass slipped from his hand. The expensive red wine spilled onto the floor.
Yi Xi’s expression changed instantly. His hand shot up to grip the back of his neck tightly, fingers digging in as he steadied himself against the chair. The veins on the back of his hand bulged visibly.
Then, that bitter scent began to permeate the air once again. Chu Ci’s brain throbbed sharply, the pain making it almost impossible for him to sit upright.
Security personnel rushed in through the doorway, quickly supporting Yi Xi, who seemed unable to stand steadily. His steps were weak and faltering, yet he managed to offer a gentle smile toward the table’s guests. “My apologies. It seems my mental sea is acting up again. I’ll have to leave early… Please enjoy the rest of the meal.”
Yi Xi disappeared from sight, his figure carried away by the security team. The room fell into stunned silence.
Chu Ci’s colleagues exchanged wide-eyed looks, whispering among themselves.
“Oh no, is Yi Xi’s mental sea disorder that severe?”
“Didn’t he just take his injection not long ago?”
“At this rate, within two years, the ruler of the Stellar Group will have to be replaced, won’t they?”
“Chu Ci, what do you think—wait… Chu Ci?!”
The colleague’s voice suddenly rose in alarm. “Chu Ci? Are you okay?”
The influence of the mental sea could be mutual. Nuo Wei had always been careful to hide any aggressiveness in front of Chu Ci, but Yi Xi’s mental sea was wild, chaotic, and mingled with the suppressive medication.
This medication was harmful to male zergs, and it was strictly prohibited for them to come into contact with it. Unfortunately, leadership had arranged for Chu Ci to sit right next to Yi Xi’s seat. When Yi Xi’s mental sea began to leak its chaotic aura, Chu Ci was hit first and hardest, thoroughly overwhelmed.
“Damn it…”
Chu Ci’s eyes turned red as he pressed his fingertips hard against his temples. The nerves inside pulsed painfully, as if something was drilling into his skull. At the same time, a thought began to echo repeatedly in his mind—
…I want to… I really want to…
What did he want?
He wanted to hold something. To press his face against cool, soothing skin…
His colleague, now thoroughly frightened, reached out to pull Chu Ci. “What’s wrong? You’re burning up!”
“Let go!” Chu Ci jerked his hand away sharply. “Don’t touch me.”
He staggered out, bracing himself against the wall as he walked toward the elevator. Pressing the button, he made his way straight to where the flyers were docked. But when he gripped the hatch door to open it, he froze.
Then came a furious curse. “Damn it.”
The flyer’s hatch used the latest pressurized mechanism. Chu Ci, feeling weak and drained, couldn’t summon enough strength to open it.
Frustrated, he slammed his fist against the flyer’s door with everything he had. But despite his full effort, the punch felt light and powerless.
Behind him came a sound—someone approaching. A passing female zerg had heard the commotion from the parking area and was now peering in Chu Ci’s direction.
“Hello? Do you need help with anything?”
She walked over to him, and just as she was about to reach out, her expression changed dramatically. “Sir?”
Chu Ci, feeling flushed and overheated, tugged at his collar to cool himself down. The smooth curve of his neck was now exposed, flawless and unmarked by any zerg lines.
The female zerg stared at him, her face heating up slightly.
My goodness… this is a male zerg. He looks so beautiful—more beautiful than any male zerg I’ve ever seen. And clearly, he’s been affected by some kind of medication. This is fate! If I can get him to mark me right now… even if I only become a concubine or servant…
The female zerg swallowed hard, her gaze darkening with intent. She reached out, her hand brushing against Chu Ci’s arm through his clothes.
“Sir, if you don’t mind…”
“Open my light brain and call the top contact.” Chu Ci could barely manage more words. “Don’t do anything else.”
The female zerg saw his refusal and didn’t dare to force him. Instead, she complied with Chu Ci’s wishes, taking his light brain and opening his contact list. When she saw the top entry, she hesitated for a moment, then quickly dialed the number.
Nuo Wei was still in a military meeting when he saw Chu Ci’s name pop up. He blinked in surprise, excusing himself from the meeting with Admiral Erwen, then stepped outside to take the call.
The voice on the other end was unfamiliar.
“Um, would you like to hurry over here? Your male master doesn’t seem to be doing well.”
