SZAR Chapter 127

Nuo Wei opened his eyes. Darkness filled his vision.

The light was off, and he could see nothing. He turned slightly; beneath him was a soft bed, and the blanket had slipped from his shoulders, but he caught it with his hand.

…A bed and a blanket?

His last memory had been the harsh white lights of the correctional facility, glaring so brightly that everything was a blur of white. According to schedule, in a few days someone would come to remove his wings.

But this was not the correctional facility. There was no soft bed there, and no one would kindly cover him with a blanket.

Nuo Wei didn’t understand why he was here. His body felt weak and sore, his head splitting as if he had a fever. He forced himself to reach for the bedside lamp, but before he could find the switch, he heard the sound of a door opening.

Someone stepped inside, then turned on the desk lamp. The warm yellow light revealed sharp, handsome features, and Nuo Wei’s breath caught.

He recognized the visitor, Chu Ci, his newlywed male lord.

They had been married only a short time, not yet familiar with each other, when Chu Ci had collapsed into the hospital. By all logic, the male should have still been in bed.

Nuo Wei stiffened, unable to think further. He tried to sit up to greet Chu Ci properly, but Chu Ci quickly approached and wrapped him entirely in the blanket.

The male half-scolded, half-sighing: “How old are you? Still kicking the blanket?”

Nuo Wei pressed his lips together. He wanted to say he hadn’t kicked it, but he didn’t dare oppose the male. He lay still, frozen in place.

Chu Ci held a nutrition fluid to his lips: “I know you’re uncomfortable, but drink a little, just to tide yourself over.”

The tube of nutrient pressed directly to his lips. Nuo Wei didn’t even need to sit up; he could drink it cleanly with just an open mouth. The female of the Aettris family had always been independent, from as far back as Nuo Wei could remember, even his uncle Erwen had never fed him this way.

Nuo Wei obediently finished the nutrition, then lifted his eyes to Chu Ci, hesitating: “Lord?”

Why, after just one sleep, had something completely beyond his understanding happened?

Chu Ci said nothing. He pressed his hand gently against Nuo Wei’s lower abdomen through the blanket, feeling carefully, frowning as he asked: “Still sore?”

He began to stroke in a clockwise motion, massaging the skin until it felt warm and tingly. Then he lowered his gaze and apologized softly: “I’m sorry, baby. I didn’t realize you had eggs. Things got a little intense last night. Are you still uncomfortable now?”

The male didn’t hold back his pheromones. A faint, comforting scent filled the air, soothing Nuo Wei’s nerves perfectly.

Immersed in the pheromones, Nuo Wei felt as if he were soaked in a warm spring. His foggy mind processed only one word.

— Egg?

He had eggs?

The odd sensation in his lower abdomen had been lingering. Nuo Wei reached down to touch it, the area was slightly raised, as if it contained something firm. He felt a little helpless, lifted his eyes to Chu Ci, and murmured: “…Lord?”

He and the male hadn’t shared a bed, so why was there an egg?

Normally, being cared for this way would leave a female tense and anxious. But Chu Ci’s presence was far too gentle. His hand stayed on Nuo Wei’s lower abdomen, focused on massaging, and when he heard Nuo Wei call, he responded softly: “Hmm?”

Nuo Wei opened his mouth and asked awkwardly: “What’s the date today?”

Chu Ci looked puzzled: “August 24?”

He reached up to Nuo Wei’s forehead, suspicious: “You don’t even remember the date? They say pregnancy makes you forgetful for three years… is it really true?”

Nuo Wei fell completely silent.

August 24 —  this was not the date he remembered.

The male before him was also nothing like the one in his memory. That male hadn’t liked him, had refused to hold a wedding, and had only shown impatience. But this one carefully held him in his arms; every movement was gentle and patient.

Chu Ci noticed something was wrong. He lowered his head, resting his chin on Nuo Wei’s head: “What’s wrong, baby? You don’t seem yourself.”

Nuo Wei jolted and lowered his head hastily: “No.”

Chu Ci was about to ask again, but Nuo Wei suddenly let out a soft hiss.

He shifted his waist and abdomen uneasily, whispering: “…Egg.”

It had moved.

Chu Ci’s heart leapt with joy.

He and Nuo Wei hadn’t deliberately tried for an egg. Frontline matters had been urgent, Nuo Wei’s mental sea was still unstable, and lingering injuries remained. The doctors had said the chance of conceiving in the short term was low; proper rest was needed.

Chu Ci had felt a little disappointed but hadn’t dwelled on it, especially considering Nuo Wei’s emotional state, he had avoided bringing it up. Still, whenever he saw lively, adorable eggs in other households, he couldn’t help but feel a little fond.

And now, unexpectedly, Nuo Wei, just back from a mission today, had reunited with him after a long separation. Chu Ci’s movements had been slightly vigorous… and discovered that Nuo Wei already had an egg.

One of their eggs.

The new dad was nervous and anxious. His hands didn’t dare linger on the belly; he probed carefully: “Uh… can I… touch it again?”

The question was so bizarre, it hardly seemed like something a male could ask. Nuo Wei paused slightly: “Go ahead.”

His own feelings were complicated.

Just moments ago, he had been in the cold correctional facility, living in fear of possible punishment. Now he lay safely in bed. His male looked at him with boundless affection, and there was an egg in his belly…

It was difficult for zergs to conceive. For females who weren’t utterly favored, having even a single egg of their own was nearly impossible.

Chu Ci released Nuo Wei and leaned slightly down, resting his head against the small abdomen of his female monarch.

He extended his mental threads to sense the child’s mental sea, but accidentally hooked Nuo Wei’s, causing the female monarch to let out a muffled hum. Chu Ci quickly pulled his hand back, afraid to move again.

Nuo Wei leaned against the bed, slightly turning his head, closing his eyes to suppress his breathing.

This body seemed to have gone a long time without closeness with Chu Ci, but their mental threads were perfectly attuned. Coupled with the sensitivity of pregnancy, Nuo Wei felt an inexplicable sensation.

Chu Ci looked at him with concern: “Baby, the doctor said the first three months are off-limits. It’s not good for the child.”

The silver-haired beauty’s strands were messy, dampened with sweat at the temples, sticking to his forehead. He lowered his cyan eyes as if trying to endure something.

“All right,” Chu Ci said.

His hand slid from the neck downward, then he leaned toward Nuo Wei’s ear, whispering: “Give my baby some service. Once the child is born, you’ll have to return it to me.”

Nuo Wei’s breathing went completely haywire.

He wanted to push Chu Ci away, stammering: “No… this isn’t—”

In Nuo Wei’s upbringing, no male would ever do this, nor would any female dare request it. It was against tradition and forbidden; if Chu Ci held him accountable later, he could dig up a dozen faults.

Yet, on the other hand, his whole body was soft and weak, blood concentrated, and he lacked the strength even to push Chu Ci away.

“It’s all right.” Chu Ci leaned closer, planting a kiss and soothing him: “I like it this way.”

Although they couldn’t complete the whole process, seeing the silver-haired beauty succumb, tears glimmering in his eyes, resisting yet unconsciously following Chu Ci’s hands, was mentally satisfying.

Half an hour later, Chu Ci carefully took care of his pregnant partner, turned on the shower for a rinse, and during the bath break, he pulled out his phone, opened the group chat, and summoned his friends.

@GeniusGameDesigner: 【 @Gold-MedalSoftRice, @SeeWhatIGotFromSelection, want to come to my place for dinner tomorrow? Let’s hang out, bros. 】

@Gold-MedalSoftRice quickly replied: 【 @Genius Game Designer, didn’t your darling just got back today? You even have time to reply to us? 】

These three truly embodied what it means to forget your bros for a pretty face. Usually, they were too busy clinging to their own parners to show up anywhere; only late at night, when they had no one else to talk to, would they think of their friends.

@GeniusGameDesigner: 【 I happen to be free. You coming? 】

@Gold-MedalSoftRice: 【 Yeah, yeah, coming. 】

Qu Xia followed suit, typing “coming.”

The three set the time to tomorrow morning.

………………

The next day, when Nuo Wei woke up, it was almost noon.

The egg in his abdomen had absorbed part of the mother’s nutrients, making Nuo Wei a little drowsy. He pushed himself up and heard some noise in the yard, like people talking loudly.

This was a standalone villa, the garden surrounded by walls, extremely private. If there were people in the garden, they must be guests.

For a female monarch not to be present when guests arrived would be very rude, likely earning the ire of a male. Nuo Wei had no time to think, quickly washed up, and stepped outside, but froze as soon as he entered the yard.

The insect swaying on the garden lounge chair looked strangely familiar.

Nuo Wei almost thought his eyes were playing tricks on him. When he focused, he had to admit, the back he was watching swing happily belonged to his uncle, the Empire’s sternest and most serious admiral, Erwen.

— Uncle was sitting in a rocking chair.

Nuo Wei felt his brain overload, his nerves unraveling.

The admiral was the pride of the Aettris family, standing like a pine, sitting like a bell, impossibly mature and composed, but here he was in Chu Ci’s garden, rocking the chair haphazardly.

Nuo Wei couldn’t help but take two steps forward, only to notice that someone was sitting on little uncle’s lap, and it wasn’t Erwen actually rocking the chair, but this completely unfamiliar male insect.

Qu Xia saw Nuo Wei first and called out joyfully: “Nephew!”

Nuo Wei: “Huh?”

He didn’t know what expression to make, so he froze with a blank face. Chu Ci stepped forward, shoved a cherry into Qu Xia’s mouth, and scolded: “Even when there’s food, you still won’t shut your mouth!”

Qu Xia swallowed the cherry and blinked: “Nephew-in-law.”

Chu Ci rolled up his sleeves, looking like he was ready to fight, while another pretty young man with peach-blossom eyes stood nearby, arms crossed, egging him on: “Fight! Fight!”

Chu Ci snorted: “Forget it. With Qu Xia’s little body, one punch from me and his nose would be crooked.”

Qu Xia blinked: “But I have Erwen. You can’t beat Erwen.”

Chu Ci said: “Nuo Wei would help me too!”

Qu Xia retorted: “But Nuo Wei can’t beat Erwen!” He turned to the admiral for confirmation: “Right?”

Nuo Wei, standing nearby, was completely confused. His expression was unreadable, thinking: What even is this? How can someone joke like this with his strict uncle? Then he saw Erwen ruffle the male insect’s hair and laugh in agreement: “Right, Nuo Wei can’t beat Erwen.”

And just like that, some of that uncle-nephew affection disappeared into thin air.

Nuo Wei: “……”

Chu Ci huffed in frustration, placing a few plates on the table, veins popping on his forehead: “Forget it. Eating is more important. I won’t argue with you.”

Qu Xia’s hands were fast; he grabbed a fork and froze when he saw the dishes, making a mournful face: “Why are you cooking?”

Of the three males, only Chu Xiu cooked well. Qu Xia was a true kitchen disaster, while Chu Ci was only halfway competent, his cooking was edible at best, not something you could call delicious.

Qu Xia pouted: “I thought my nephew would be the one cooking.”

Chu Ci laughed: “Then just imagine it. For at least six or seven months, I won’t dare let him cook.”

At that, everyone looked up.

Erwen and Yi Xi simultaneously glanced at Nuo Wei’s abdomen. Qu Xia’s cherry plopped to the ground. Chu Xiu’s peach-blossom eyes widened slightly as he asked: “What do you mean?”

Chu Ci said, “I’m going to be a father!”

Erwen nodded, a smile in his eyes, and looked at his nephew. He waved: “Come sit, Nuo Wei. You can’t stand for too long.”

Yi Xi also nodded: “Congratulations.”

Then Qu Xia leapt back into Erwen’s arms, wriggling around and murmuring, “I want to be a father too!”

Chu Xiu glanced at Yi Xi with an unreadable expression and said, “Maybe it’s time to put that on the agenda.”

The afternoon sun was warm, spilling over the small garden. Everyone laughed and joked, scolded and teased each other. Nuo Wei didn’t speak much, but sitting there, he felt unexpectedly relaxed.

He roughly pieced it all together: that adorable male insect was the empire’s new prince, in love with his uncle; they were already married. The peach-blossom-eyed male insect was Chu Ci’s friend, admired the leader of Stellar Group, and had also entered marriage. And himself…

Nuo Wei lowered his gaze to his abdomen. The life inside, though young and fragile, was truly there.

He hadn’t had his wings clipped or been exiled to a barren star. His male lord loved him, and he loved back. Together, they spent countless calm and peaceful days and nights in this little garden.

And there was even an egg.

The event had come suddenly, and no one had prepared gifts, but the next day, packages piled up outside Nuo Wei’s door.

Erwen had never eaten pork but had seen pigs run. He had raised Nuo Wei for many years and knew a thing or two about taking care of a child. He and Qu Xia sent all sorts of milk powders, snacks, and tiny clothes, brands praised by Erwen’s colleagues.

Heaven knows how many in the First Army looked horrified when the Admiral went door to door, asking which milk powder was best, thinking he’d lost his mind.

Meanwhile, the leader of the Stellar Group was rich and extravagant, favoring only the expensive, not the practical. Yi Xi and Chu Xiu sent all kinds of gold and silver amulets and longevity charms, enough for Nuo Wei to change one from head to toe every ten or fifteen days without repeating.

Nuo Wei lay in bed, feeling like he was dreaming.

His male lord urged him to rest and forbade him from doing any housework. Chu Ci was busily tearing open packages. From Yi Xi’s parcel, he pulled out a ruby bracelet, held it over Nuo Wei’s wrist, and hummed: “Maybe you shouldn’t give this to the baby. It looks better on you.”

Nuo Wei’s pale skin with the deep pigeon-blood red was stunning, almost unreal.

He took the bracelet as instructed, and looking at Chu Ci’s beaming face, couldn’t help but call out: “Lord…”

Chu Ci looked up: “What’s wrong?”

Nuo Wei pressed his lips together lightly and said, “But… we still don’t know if it’s a female egg or a male egg.”

He could feel the male zerg’s joy, and he sensed the kindness from Yi Xi and the others, yet he still felt a bit uneasy. What if the egg in his belly was a female egg, would they be disappointed?

“Why would you think that?” Chu Ci asked, surprised.

He looked a little helpless, a little pained, then took Nuo Wei’s hand, pressed the cool fingertips against his face, and solemnly promised: “It doesn’t matter, Nuo Wei. Whether it’s a female egg or a male egg, I will love it, care for it, protect it, and make sure it grows up safe and healthy. Trust me, okay?”

Nuo Wei lowered his head.

No male zerg in the empire could make such a promise. Nuo Wei knew that even if someone did, it would just be sweet words in a moment of affection, words that couldn’t truly be relied on. But the reflection of himself in the dark amber eyes of Chu Ci, unwavering and serious, made it clear: whatever happens from now on, this vow would not falter.

He meant it.

Nuo Wei pressed his hand against his belly, couldn’t help but curve his lips into a small smile.

This time, it was a lucky egg, loved by many, regardless of its gender.

≈≈≈≈≈≈≈≈≈ End of Extras ≈≈≈≈≈≈≈≈≈

Thank you for reading. See you!

—  dapotaturs ♥♥♥