TYMIMA Chapter 64

After the night rain, the next day brought bright sunshine.

Autumn light passed through the half-open window, falling on the soft bed, caressing the faces of two embracing people.

Lance’s long hair was scattered, covering his shoulders exposed outside the bedding. He lowered his head slightly, breathing evenly, hands resting by the pillow, but his back pressed tightly against the person behind him.

This position gave him great security, perhaps because in childhood within the Spirit Realm system, the voice that pulled him from fear had also embraced him from behind like this.

Zhan Pingchuan circled his waist, holding him against his chest, his palm resting on Lance’s soft, smooth lower abdomen.

The bed was small—they had to maintain this position to fit. Last night they hadn’t gone to the final step, partly due to limited conditions and insufficient space, partly because dawn was already faintly breaking and time was running out.

After Zhan Pingchuan gave Lance a temporary mark, Lance clung to him—a normal physiological reaction. Marked Omegas desperately needed Alpha comfort, craving touch and aftercare.

So Zhan Pingchuan climbed through the balcony, stripped off damp clothes, and pressed skin against Lance’s while releasing soothing pheromones.

Lance enjoyed the pheromone comfort, enduring the sting after his gland was bitten, then gained prolonged pleasure. Like a lazy little animal, he half-closed his eyes. Though very sleepy, his fingers still wandered over Zhan Pingchuan’s engorged muscles.

Zhan Pingchuan had to catch his hands to help remove his clothes.

He held the docile little fox in his arms, kneading him possessively, licking his gland several times before finding a comfortable position to sleep deeply with Lance.

Of course they had slept together.

Tang Li and Liu Bo’s vigorous door-knocking hadn’t woken them.

But today’s Blue Pivot truly had no mood to care about two insignificant interns.

Si Hongche had fallen ill.

Last night he suffered emotional shock, vomiting blood. The pillar supporting his high-intensity work finally completely collapsed.

The medical center provided emergency treatment. The best recovery system Awakened one healed Si Hongche’s wounds, but he never woke up.

The aide hadn’t slept all night, exhaustion written across his face. He grabbed the doctor somewhat frantically: “What’s wrong with you people? Why isn’t Director Si awake yet?”

The doctor could only spread his hands helplessly: “The wounds are treated, full-body examination complete. If he still won’t wake up, perhaps Director Si doesn’t want to wake up.”

The aide was stunned, releasing the doctor.

His worst fear had happened. The past events might truly be a huge conspiracy. Si Hongche’s eighteen years had become an absurd joke.

Every injury inflicted on enemies was actually slow torture of his lover.

So even someone as cold and strong as Si Hongche had things he was unwilling to face.

At Blue Pivot building, Tang Li and Liu Bo reluctantly went to Robert to check in.

Robert, sporting two large dark circles, numbly and mechanically cleaned up last night’s mess. Hearing movement, he lifted his eyelids, glaring: “Where’s that restless Alpha?”

Liu Bo forced an ugly smile: “He… he… might have been too tired yesterday, hasn’t gotten up yet.”

Robert snorted, his fat belly rising and falling: “Too tired? What’s he tired from? Did he labor all night?”

Robert rarely thought in that direction because after the seventh floor person disappeared last night, surveillance equipment couldn’t be fixed. Many First District employees were called to work, but obviously no one would call an intern.

But Tang Li clearly understood ‘labor’ too deeply. His cheeks heated, quickly turning red, even covering his ears and shaking his head: “No no no, I don’t know how long he labored.”

Because no one answered their knocking, he and Liu Bo stubbornly went around to the back window and inadvertently glanced, discovering…

Robert: “?”

Liu Bo seemed tongue-tied, making things worse: “We didn’t see anything! Teacher White, don’t speak so directly—we’re still students.”

Robert: “…”

His work-numbed thoughts finally returned to his comfort zone.

Robert slammed the table, his excess flesh shaking with the movement. He blew his messy beard, cursing incredulously: “With all that commotion last night, this kid could still get it on? What the hell did he come to Blue Pivot for! If you can’t work, get out! Damn it, I worked overtime all night while he screwed all night… Damn it!”

Robert was responsible for intern arrangements, naturally understanding their living conditions.

The restricted zone wasn’t as chaotically managed as Star University. To prevent AOs from losing control, intern dormitories were strictly single occupancy, with beds only big enough for one person.

He immediately imagined that red-haired little Omega clinging to that guy’s shoulders, sitting on his lap, red hair flowing to his waist, covering his snow-white back.

Robert was envious and jealous, wanting to report this inhumane incident to the First District director, the Federation Congress, even the Council of Elders.

Tang Li shrank his neck, covering his ears, but Robert’s crude words still uncontrollably drilled in.

My god.

This kind of leadership, this kind of place—it really wasn’t fit for humans. After graduation, he’d definitely stay far from the capital city and head straight to High Tower Guild without looking back.

Meanwhile, Blue Pivot’s Second District had no mood to care about Lance being late.

Almost everyone knew Oliver had turned into snowflakes and left that confinement room, and last night Director Si had discovered something, actually leading people straight to Star University. After returning, he vomited blood and lost consciousness.

Though internal orders demanded cautious words and actions, discussion continued despite prohibitions.

“Did you hear? Star University’s principal disappeared.”

“I think it’s not disappearance but fleeing in fear of punishment. Can you believe the autopsy report for Director Si’s sister eighteen years ago was done by him? I heard it from the Seventh District director.”

“Huh? That big mouth from Seventh District… I never would have thought Star University’s principal once worked in the restricted zone?”

“Yesterday the underground third floor was invaded. The Seventh District director said Si Hongmei’s archive materials were pulled out—that’s what they came for. Only then did they realize something might be wrong with the past events.”

“So that person was very likely wronged. My god…” The inspection team member nearly dropped his mouse.

Eighteen years, S-level, from the center of attention to prisoner. If truly wronged, how could anyone accept it?

“Otherwise, why do you think Director Si vomited blood? He tortured his former lover as an enemy for so many years. Who among us hasn’t seen that person covered in wounds? Who hasn’t heard that person’s breakdown and crying? I heard the Seventh District director yesterday also suppressed his upturned lips and shed a few crocodile tears.”

“Sigh, actually I think Director Si still has feelings for that person, otherwise he wouldn’t have kept him by his side.”

“The most tragic thing is that Director Si still has feelings for that person.”

“So what was the Black Lantern Society’s real purpose in infiltrating the archives? To bring down Star University’s principal? Severely damage Director Si? Or for the mastermind?”

“Who knows.”

“Don’t you think the Black Lantern Society is a bit too capable? Such an ironclad case that even Director Si never doubted—how did they know?”

“Those involved are confused. But didn’t Director Si receive a mysterious tip? Whether the Black Lantern Society is truly capable depends on whether they can escape this calamity.”

“But I think Director Si will probably need a long rest.”

…

Lance and Zhan Pingchuan leisurely wake up until 10 AM, and even then, they’d only slept less than five hours.

Zhan Pingchuan’s aftereffects from crawling through ventilation ducts all night finally showed. His limbs felt heavy and sore as if filled with lead. Worried Lance would notice, he endured the discomfort and teased: “At least you have some conscience—didn’t abandon me and run this time.”

He lifted Lance’s hair, seeing the mark on his gland, couldn’t help kissing it: “Mm, this is the little fox I marked yesterday.”

Lance lifted the blanket, glanced down at his naked body, then quickly covered up again.

“Classmate Zhan, we’re late.”

Zhan Pingchuan didn’t care about being late at all, instead focusing on the key point: “Why are you still calling me Classmate Zhan?”

Lance turned back, looking at him puzzled.

Zhan Pingchuan decided to push his luck. He pretended to be serious, cupping Lance’s beautiful face: “Baby, we’re officially together now, in a very intimate relationship. Shouldn’t this form of address change to show some ceremony?”

Lance blinked, signaling him to continue.

Zhan Pingchuan’s eyes were bright black: “Privately, you should call me hus—”

Lance immediately extended two fingers from under the blanket, gently pressing Zhan Pingchuan’s lips, his expression innocent yet regretful: “Classmate Zhan, you’re still young—you can’t hear such things.”

Zhan Pingchuan: “…”

His face visibly fell.

Lance found it amusing. He knew what Zhan Pingchuan wanted to hear.

Little idiot was like a wolf cub who’d tasted sweetness and couldn’t get enough. Unfortunately, White Pharaoh didn’t like indulging those around him so much—he’d need to earn more favor first.

After dressing, they reached Blue Pivot building at 10:30.

Zhan Pingchuan was obviously scolded by Robert and branded with the infamy of being shameless and unprincipled.

Zhan Pingchuan felt quite wronged. He pointed to the strawberry marks on his collarbone and throat, defending himself: “Teacher White, we just innocently kissed. We didn’t do anything else.”

Robert stared directly at those bite marks from Omega’s small sharp teeth, couldn’t help feeling sour and furious: “You expect me to believe that? You’re staying late tonight to work overtime! Clean my office!”

Zhan Pingchuan could only shrug, regretfully saying: “Why can’t there be more trust between people?”

When Lance clocked in and rushed to the cafeteria, he found Lauen had already ordered all the lunch boxes and loaded the cart.

“Senior Lauen?” Lance was somewhat surprised—he hadn’t asked Lauen to take over his work.

Lauen quickly explained: “Oh, everyone worked all night and still hasn’t rested. I saw you didn’t clock in this morning, so I took the liberty of getting their meals.”

Lance smiled: “Thank you.”

Lauen shook his head.

He obviously hadn’t rested either. His hair stuck up messily, and though he tried to perk up, his complexion didn’t lie. Faint stubble emerged on his chin, and his eyes were clearly dull underneath.

“Lance, do you know he disappeared last night?” Lauen arranged the last lunch box, his thumb rubbing back and forth on the cart’s handle.

Lance nodded.

He knew who Lauen meant.

Lauen smiled, his expression somewhat sad yet relieved: “Actually, I guessed this day would come long ago. This was his wish—he got what he wanted. I should be happy for him.”

That fragile, desperate person, that person who gently said thank you to him, was finally no longer in this world.

Once he thought death must be sad and regretful—that’s why people cried.

But coming here, meeting that person, he suddenly had new understanding.

Death could also be happiness. For many people, this was the simplest way to bid farewell to pain.

He saw those golden snowflakes, floating gracefully, free and willful, so beautiful, so gentle, so resolute.

In the final moments, he offered birthday wishes, and that person remembered his name.

This was already the most beautiful ending Lauen could imagine.

Lance looked at Lauen meaningfully. After a long while, he agreed with an “Mm”: “Indeed worth celebrating—that was his free will.”

Lauen’s fingers stopped rubbing the handle. With that smile, he forcefully pushed the cart forward.

He skillfully navigated around crowds, going down the slope from the cafeteria’s side. Semi-transparent door curtains were lifted, noon sunlight falling on his thin but straight spine.

“No need to deliver to the seventh floor today, and never again in the future.” He seemed to be talking to himself, yet also tirelessly chattering about matters concerning that person to Lance.

“Hey, after this period, I might resign and look for opportunities at guilds.” The sunlight was so bright he couldn’t open his eyes—sour and stinging.

“That’s great.” Lance walked behind him.

Lauen slowly stopped, looking up at the exceptionally clear sky: “So bright.”

So even such a heavily fortified place couldn’t block freedom’s light.

–

Thanks to First District’s information blockade and Second District’s universally cold attitude, Lance only learned two days later that the underground third floor archives had been burglarized, Si Hongche had pursued Star University’s principal, but ended up vomiting blood and falling unconscious.

He immediately felt a sense of crisis.

The virus Duma detected was indeed no coincidence!

This meant that besides the Black Lantern Society, another person knew the secrets from eighteen years ago, even knew Yan Qili was involved.

Lance wrote a heavily inked X on his notepad.

Who exactly was this opponent? How did they infiltrate the heavily guarded restricted zone?

Using abilities?

No, archives like this classified place would certainly be filled with rare lead ore, absolutely impossible to leave such an opening for Awakened ones.

Was the opponent trying to make Si Hongche discover the truth? To trigger internal power struggles among the higher-ups?

But according to his speculation, the Uriel incident was actually intricately connected to the Rebellion Suppression. The current restricted zone leadership were all beneficiaries of the Rebellion Suppression—no one should want to bring fire upon themselves for internal conflict.

Or perhaps it was someone who lost out back then, unwilling to accept unequal distribution of power and position, wanting to flip the table.

But eighteen years had passed—even if dissatisfied, could they really wait this long?

Also, had the opponent seen through his substitution trick? Did they know Oliver wasn’t actually dead? Would they use this as leverage in the future?

Was the opponent an enemy, an opponent of the Federation government, or perhaps an ally with coincidentally aligned goals?

Lance slowly rolled his pen between his fingers, pressing a small patch of skin red, his expression sinister, gaze ice-cold.

Just when one matter was finally resolved, now another trouble had emerged.

He had to find this threat hiding in darkness, confirm their identity, ensure they would never become an enemy.

Zhan Pingchuan entered Lance’s room carrying a bunch of washed grapes. He glanced down at the inexplicable X in Lance’s notes, casually asking: “Baby, what are you thinking about?”

Lance instantly put away his sinister expression, turned his head, and opened his mouth toward him.

Zhan Pingchuan very perceptively stuffed a grape in.

Lance held the grape in his mouth, deflecting: “I heard Seventh District gossip today, saying someone infiltrated the underground third floor archives that night two days ago. Have you heard about it?”

Zhan Pingchuan’s fingers paused slightly. He looked down casually: “I did hear about a righteous person with agile skills and calm decisiveness who unknowingly infiltrated classified areas, single-handedly overturned an eighteen-year-old wrongful case, then under Seventh District’s layers of blockade and heavy encirclement, used their resourceful mind and far-sighted strategy to escape unscathed… First District is searching for this person.”

Lance used his tongue tip to hold the grape skin, looking at Zhan Pingchuan with surprised eyes.

Zhan Pingchuan felt his hair stand on end under Lance’s stare, immediately becoming alert. Had his description been somewhat exaggerated, arousing little red fox’s suspicion?

“Cough, I—”

“—Did you secretly flip through an idiom dictionary behind my back?” Lance asked.

“…”

Zhan Pingchuan’s heart dropped with relief, reluctantly admitting: “Flipped through a bit.” No, baby, your husband’s literary accomplishment was always this excellent—what kind of misunderstanding do you have about me?

Lance meaningfully withdrew his gaze.

Little idiot was indeed a bit insecure about being last place.

Actually, he didn’t care at all. Compared to those Black Lantern Society members who were dying to get into Star University but couldn’t, little idiot was already very capable.

Zhan Pingchuan quickly closed Lance’s notebook, half-joking, half-serious: “Why suddenly think of this person? Tell me honestly—has he caught your attention?”

Lance sighed lightly: “Desperate criminals are still too far from me.” If only closer, the Black Lantern Society could catch him, investigate his background, dig out all his secrets.

The rebellion track shouldn’t be too crowded.

Zhan Pingchuan was slightly stunned, couldn’t help raising his hand to lovingly ruffle Lance’s hair whorl.

Even if it was setting things right, even if it was doing the right thing, his actions were still too extreme for a good student like Lance with a clean family background.

Lance suddenly realized something, gripped Zhan Pingchuan’s hand in return, narrowing his eyes: “You admire his methods?”

“Mm… not bad?” Couldn’t say admiration—could only say every cell in his body agreed.

Lance lowered his eyes, his hidden expression somewhat serious. He lightly kissed the back of Zhan Pingchuan’s hand to show affection.

S-level Alpha—how could he not have some adventurous spirit? However—

“You’re not allowed to do such dangerous things in the future, otherwise…” I’ll really punish you.

But Zhan Pingchuan flipped his wrist, palm up, lifting Lance’s chin.

His eyes held laughter, fingers caressing Lance’s lips stained with grape juice: “Don’t worry, with such a cute little fox at home, I can’t bear to have anything happen to me.”

It seemed revealing his identity and luring little fox back to Ghost Eye Guild would have to be done gradually.

–

Four days later, Si Hongche woke up.

News spread throughout Blue Pivot. Everyone seemed to fall into a day of suffering, trembling and not daring to breathe loudly.

Even though under Seventh District director’s “unintentional” spreading, Si Hongche’s eighteen years of hatred had become a laughingstock, his accumulated authority remained. No one dared to carelessly discuss right and wrong anymore.

Si Hongche didn’t seem crushed. He even seemed to have sealed off certain emotions, instead becoming clear-headed and calm.

The first thing he did after waking was to find the person who promoted Yan Qili.

Though it was an appointment document spanning over ten years, it wasn’t difficult to investigate. Under Si Hongche’s highest clearance, Federation Congress video records were quickly pulled out.

Not only the congressman who proposed the motion, but even those who voted in favor back then couldn’t escape.

A group of pampered, high-ranking congressional members were dragged from private bedrooms, from Qian Yun offices, from speech venues, from business events—handcuffed without explanation and brought before Si Hongche.

“Si Hongche! Are you rebelling?”

“Who gave you the right to privately arrest congressional members? What crime have we committed? What evidence do you have?”

“I’ll impeach you! I’ll report your crimes to the Council of Elders. You can forget about being Second District director!”

“No procedure, acting arbitrarily! Si Hongche, you’ve really gone mad. You won’t die well!”

“Si Hongche, I’ll later propose a vote in Congress to imprison you!”

“You threaten congressional members’ personal safety—you’ve committed intimidation, establishing private punishment, dereliction of duty, contempt of Congress, and harming government officials!”

“Your forbidden favorite—you tortured him to death yourself! How dare you take it out on us!”

“Exactly! Congress only sentenced him to four years—it wouldn’t have cost his life!”

“Your Second District investigated back then, your Second District convicted him. Now you want to overturn the case—isn’t that too absurd!”

“Go find your dead former district director if you dare—what does it have to do with us!”

“Quickly release us and kneel to apologize!”

“Haha, maybe there’s no hidden truth at all—Yan Qili just said a few words to deceive you!”

“Eighteen years later, you bring up this matter again—are you worthy of your tragically dead sister!”

“This matter was concluded long ago. I say Yan Qili was bought by the Black Lantern Society, and you were brainwashed by them!”

Over thirty congressional members shouted in the restricted zone’s internal prison. Curses and roars echoed in the narrow corridor like sharp poisonous thorns, viciously stabbing at the person sitting at the center of power.

But Si Hongche remained unmoved.

He removed the gloves hanging from his uniform belt, lowered his eyes, and methodically put them on.

His pupils were like two masses of undissolvable thick fog, showing no ripples amid the cursing. He didn’t even bother to look carefully at these congressional members before slowly clenching his five fingers.

Buzz—

All handcuffs simultaneously shattered, prison doors burst open, a powerful S-level pheromone struck, and huge transparent light spheres instantly enveloped all congressional members.

The loudly clamoring congressional members immediately changed color—they recognized this as Si Hongche’s S-level ability [Envelop]!

Within the enveloping range, all abilities were blocked, everything controlled by the manipulator.

Si Hongche closed his eyes, his voice ice-cold and bone-chilling: “Since you love voting so much, starting now, you have ten minutes to vote and identify the person who framed Uriel. Otherwise, you all die together.”