FT DR Chapter 111: An Unconventional Couple

Volume Four: The Defense of Zhifu Chain Nebula

Chapter 111: An Unconventional Couple

Translated by Addis of Exiled Rebels Scanlations

Editor: Karai

 

It was late summer when they left, but by the time they returned, it was already early spring.

In the spring of Ephemeris 856, Wu Chenghe accompanied the NTU fleet back to Planet Dunkirk. Due to injuries sustained during the Tartaros operation, he was allowed a brief stay at the NTU headquarters before returning to Tungusic Base after completing a series of investigations and commendations, to participate in the recent guide school graduation exam, and then attend the graduation ball to marry Jin Xuan.

Jin Xuan made significant contributions during this operation, and the NTU had applied for his promotion to the rank of Colonel, which was expected to be approved next month. In recognition of his heroic actions on Tartaros, both the military and the congress would award him the Blue Star and Gryphon Feather medals respectively at the post-war commendation ceremony. With these two honors, he would be fully eligible to attend the guide school graduation ball and find a guide for himself.

The educational reform at Tungusic Base officially began after they left Planet Dunkirk. In the new semester starting in the latter half of the year, the curriculum for guides underwent significant adjustments, especially for senior students, who now received education in offensive and defensive tactics. The basic courses were no longer solely focused on preparing for service as sentinels’ doctors, but also included subjects like biology, mechanics, architecture, and arts based on individual interests. Some federal qualification exams, such as those for architects and mecha engineers, were also opened to them. Upon passing these exams, they would obtain professional qualifications equivalent to those of sentinels.

Regardless of whether these registered guides would eventually depart from the mate system and pursue their own careers independently, this educational structure at least gave them hope, broadening their horizons and showing them that there was a broader world and life beyond assisting sentinels.

As for the reassignment of married guides, it had not yet begun, as they all held important positions. Any movement could potentially affect the interests of thousands of military and government officials. The Federation was currently facing numerous challenges, and even staunch reformers like Jin Zhe dared not hastily undermine the positions of their subordinates, as that would be akin to digging their own graves.

Reform had always been a long and arduous process, especially in its initial stages. It was normal not to see results for ten or even twenty years.

On a bright spring morning, Wu Chenghe woke up early in the temporary dormitory at the NTU. It was an important day; Yin Bo and Kazumi Koyama would be registering their marriage in the morning, and he and Jin Xuan had received invitations to attend their registration ceremony as honored guests. Furthermore, he would serve as Yin Bo’s best man at the subsequent wedding.

Such an important occasion required formal attire. After taking a shower, Wu Chenghe carefully groomed his hair and checked his chin in the mirror. Upon returning, the NTU cosmetologist had restored their appearances, and after a week of recovery, the traces of their previous artificial faces were barely noticeable.

His original face was still more pleasing; the downturned corners of his eyes didn’t quite fit his wooden demeanor. Wu Chenghe pursed his lips and used small scissors to trim the few stray hairs that had grown on his chin. He had grown taller over the past six months, reaching a height of 177 centimeters. His frame had also broadened, and he had even begun to grow a beard, with a few strands appearing every three to five days.

Although this body was inherently frail due to its guide genetics, it had indeed been developing towards a more masculine trend. Wu Chenghe performed a few bodybuilding poses in front of the mirror, admiring his meager chest muscles and nearly non-existent abdominal muscles, then happily went out to change clothes.

“Morning, are you ready? Have you had breakfast?” Jin Xuan returned from his morning training, his shoulders draped with a training suit, holding a wet undershirt in his hand. His bare upper body revealed tightly knotted muscles, intricate thorn tattoos wrapping around his left arm and chest, exuding a masculine yet strangely alluring aura. 

Wu Chenghe glanced at him and felt his heart race. He buttoned up his shirt in front of the mirror and said, “Almost ready. There’s leftover cheese cake from yesterday. Do you want me to make you something nutritious?”

“Continue getting ready. I’ll handle it myself.” Jin Xuan tossed the training suit into the laundry basket and headed to the bathroom for a shower. Shortly after, he emerged wrapped in a black towel, his physique resembling that of a sports star. He bit the milk carton to consume his nutrition, then took out the cake from the fridge and placed it on the dormitory table, calling out to Wu Chenghe, “Are you done? Are you doing your makeup? You’re just a best man, not the bride. Is it necessary to be so serious?”

It was Wu Chenghe’s first time serving as a best man, so he was a bit nervous. He came out wearing the custom-made best man suit for the wedding ceremony and asked Jin Xuan, “Is this okay?”

He wore a light blue shirt with a light gray bow tie. The shirt had delicate pleats on both sides of the chest, outlining elegant and slender lines. He paired it with a light gray casual suit jacket and matching pants, giving off a spirited and fresh appearance.

Jin Xuan hesitated for a moment as he bit the milk carton, then hurriedly grabbed some napkins to wipe off the milk that had spilled onto his neck. “Very good, very good. I’ll help you with your hair later… Damn it, is Yin Bo blind? He actually found someone even more handsome than himself to be the best man!”

“Are you complimenting me on being handsome?” Wu Chenghe grinned proudly, taking off his jacket and hanging it on the back of a chair, sitting across from Jin Xuan to eat breakfast. “Why didn’t he invite you then?”

“Because he knows what my real face looks like.” Jin Xuan cut a piece of cheesecake for Wu Chenghe and placed the rest in front of himself, eating it eagerly. “He thinks he’ll be the most handsome as long as he avoids me. What a naive child.”

“What does he really look like?” Wu Chenghe asked curiously. “Is he handsome?”

“You’ll see when you meet him.” Jin Xuan replied, biting his fork. “The most handsome man in the world is already sitting across from you. Anyone else is just a tragedy when compared to me.”

King, who had returned to his original appearance, was indeed extraordinarily beautiful with his phoenix eyes, high nose bridge, sharply defined lips, and firm jawline… But was this level of self-love really okay? Wu Chenghe felt slightly uncomfortable, “And what about me?”

“…You’re an exception.” Jin Xuan immediately wagged his tail. “You’re even more handsome than me.” His tone was sincere, his expression earnest. 

As he spoke, he even pointed his toe at the Barbary lion squatting under the table. The foolish lion nodded eagerly, showing a face of fanatical admiration. The little Light Bulb, originally squatting on Wu Chenghe’s head and hidden, heard the praise and became extremely pleased, spreading its wings and flying to the right ear of the lion, showing its bright orange color like a festive bow tie, decorating the facade for its good friend.

Thus, the foolish lion was immediately filled with a rural and urban fusion sense of beauty.

After finishing breakfast, Jin Xuan changed into a matching formal attire with Wu Chenghe and drove him to attend the registration ceremony.

The marriage registration office in the military and political center was quite grand, resembling a Gothic building, somewhat like a church. The two handed their invitations at the entrance and were escorted by a young emcee to Hall No. 1. “This is it. The registration ceremony will begin in ten minutes. Please, wait a moment.”

The hall was already filled with quite a few people. Since Yin Bo would be leaving the special operations team after getting married, his identity no longer needed to be kept secret. So, many NTU officers were present today, along with some of his classmates from other military academies. There weren’t many people from Kazumi Koyama’s side, besides his parents and a few of his students. It was unclear whether this was out of guilt or for safety reasons, but he hadn’t invited anyone from the Free Guide Organization, including Mu and Sienna.

“Hey, Jin Xuan!” Yin Bo was standing in front of the registration desk talking to someone. When he saw Jin Xuan come in, he immediately waved at him, but his eyes quickly shifted to Wu Chenghe’s face, and he was suddenly surprised. “Is this… Mr. Advisor?”

As the groom-to-be, Yin Bo was dressed in a pure white suit today. His blonde hair was neatly trimmed, and because he was already four months pregnant, his stomach protruded slightly, but it was not conspicuous due to the lines of his clothes. He still looked handsome and dashing. His fake face had also been replaced, revealing a clear and handsome face. Without the seductive queen-like aura of a bait special agent, he now appeared more like a sunny and naive youth, exuding youthful charm.

For a sentinel to look so adorable, he was indeed one of a kind.

“Hello.” Wu Chenghe shook hands with him. “My name is Wu Chenghe. Congratulations to you.”

“Oh my god, how can this be! How can you be so cute and adorable! Weren’t you supposed to be cold and aloof?” Yin Bo rushed over and cupped Wu Chenghe’s face in his hands, almost poking his eyeballs into his face. “This is a disaster! The best man I’ve hired is cuter than me! How can we still have fun together!”

If it weren’t for the fact that he was carrying a bun, Jin Xuan would have directly thrown him away. He spread his hand to shield Wu Chenghe’s face and pushed him away to a safe distance. “Be careful of your body, stay away from him!”

“What’s wrong? Are you two fighting again?” Kazumi Koyama smiled and walked over, holding Yin Bo’s waist from behind. “Don’t be naughty. You’re about to be a dad.” He shook hands with Jin Xuan. “Welcome to the ceremony. I never thought you’d be… hehe, I have many students who are your fans. I heard you teach at Aston University, which is unexpected.”

Jin Xuan’s face was too recognizable. Not only the people from the NTU, but also several of Kazumi Koyama’s friends and relatives had already started to show hearts in their eyes, preparing to come over and ask for autographs. He maintained his poker face as usual, ignoring the passionate gazes of his brainless fans.

“Congratulations to you both. I wish you a happy marriage, but please remember to abide by the confidentiality regulations.” His future was still undecided, whether to continue staying in the NTU special operations team or transfer to the fleet. If it was the former, his identity had to remain confidential.

“Of course.” Kazumi Koyama, although he didn’t have much contact with him, admired him greatly after the Tartaros battle. He then shook hands with Wu Chenghe. “Thank you for agreeing to be his best man. Have you been in contact with Dean Mu recently? How is he? Has his daughter’s quantum beast manifested yet?”

“I talked to him after I got back. He’s doing well.” Wu Chenghe smiled and replied, “His daughter is still the same. It might take a while longer. Girls tend to be later.” 

Generally, a sentinel’s quantum beast would manifest before the age of one. For some reason, Zhuang Zhuang, who was already one year and two months old, still had nothing beside her. Mu was a bit anxious before and took her to see a sentinel doctor once, but the doctor couldn’t find any abnormalities. It was probably just late blooming. They had to wait patiently.

As they were talking, Chang Gong and Qian Hua also arrived. Everyone happily exchanged pleasantries, maintaining a tacit silence about Wu Chenghe and Jin Xuan’s relationship, unlike Yin Bo and Kazumi Koyama. They hadn’t obtained legal marriage yet, so they had to be careful in public.

A few minutes later, the emcee announced that the ceremony could begin. Yin Bo and Kazumi Koyama were a bit nervous. They adjusted their clothes and walked hand in hand to the platform.

“Welcome, family and friends, distinguished guests.” The registrar, dressed in a retro pastor’s robe, stood in the center of the platform and smiled at everyone. “Welcome to the marriage registration ceremony of the two newlyweds. Now, I announce that the ceremony is officially beginning.”

The registrar opened a delicate leather folder, with two marriage certificates inside. Kazumi Koyama and Yin Bo each signed their own names on one side and pressed their fingerprints, indicating their voluntary union as spouses. The registrar checked their signatures against their IDs, then signed his own name in the witness’s position, stamped it with the seal of the Federal Marriage Registry, cleared his throat, and began to organize their vows.

“Mr. Kazumi Koyama, do you take Mr. Tony Parker to be your lawfully wedded husband, to have and to hold, from this day forward, for better or for worse, for richer or for poorer, in sickness and in health, to love and to cherish, till death do you part?”

“Huh? Who?” Kazumi Koyama was nervous, sweating profusely. After listening to the registrar’s words, his expression was a bit blank for a moment. “Tony Parker” was Yin Bo’s real name. He quickly said, “No, no, I know, I, I, I do.”

The registrar wiped the cold sweat from his forehead and repeated the same question to Yin Bo. Being someone accustomed to big occasions, Yin Bo was a bit calmer, though his voice trembled slightly as he said, “I do!”

“Next, exchange of tokens.” The registrar opened the velvet box on the table, revealing a pair of simple platinum rings for men. Inside the ring bands were engraved with their names. “Please put the wedding ring on the groom.”

Yin Bo and Kazumi Koyama both had nervous expressions on their faces as they extended their left hands and awkwardly glanced at each other. Then, simultaneously, they took the rings and struggled a bit to put them on each other’s ring fingers.

The atmosphere of a reverse CP (couple pairing) suddenly pervaded the registration hall. The melancholic black panther crouched under the platform, looking even more melancholic. Meanwhile, Kazumi Koyama’s chameleon, who had been enduring long-term frustration, drooped its four claws and bowed down in submission to its foolish owner. Qian Hua, who was watching, couldn’t hold back a laugh and covered her mouth with her hand. Wu Chenghe had a Spartan expression on his face, and even Jin Xuan couldn’t help but smile.

It was embarrassing… Yin Bo deeply regretted not discussing with Kazumi Koyama last night who would be the top and who would be the bottom… Okay, they didn’t need to discuss that, he had always been the bottom. But because he had a stronger will, he usually took the dominant role in their relationship, with Kazumi Koyama being more submissive in everyday matters.

This peculiar husband-and-husband relationship made their positions in marriage also somewhat peculiar. Frankly speaking, even they didn’t know who was the dominant party and who was the subordinate.

What a mess!

In the end, Yin Bo reacted quickly, pounced on Kazumi Koyama, and gave him a quick peck. Kazumi Koyama also realized the absurdity of the situation, his face flushed with embarrassment, and he kissed Yin Bo back.

With the chaotic registration ceremony finally coming to a satisfactory conclusion, the two walked down from the platform, accepting the congratulations and hugs from their family and friends. The warm and harmonious atmosphere eased the previous awkwardness. Kazumi Koyama no longer felt embarrassed, and Yin Bo regained his joyful and carefree rhythm. He proudly showed off his happiness among his classmates at the military academy—back then, he failed Chinese and was demoted by one rank compared to others. His assigned position was also the worst. Unexpectedly, in just two years, not only had he caught up with everyone else in rank, he had also made significant contributions and married (?) a guide!

Life had finally reached its peak!

After a while, the emcee came to organize everyone to go to the Chen’s Sign of Good Fortune restaurant next to the registration center for the wedding banquet. Family and friends surrounded the newlyweds as they went to the adjacent venue. The lawn wedding had been arranged beautifully, with a hollow metal arch decorated with pink roses. Round tables were draped with white tablecloths edged with pink lace, adorned with exquisite lily and rose flower bouquets. The cold buffet table was filled with delicacies such as desserts, cold cuts, and cakes… There were several Western chefs waiting by the grill, ready to cook various meats and vegetables as soon as the guests arrived.

A small band began playing melodious music, filling the air with the scent of food, lilies, and roses, creating a warm and romantic atmosphere.

Wu Chenghe took a glass of light wine and sat at the table in a daze. Jin Xuan took a cake and sat beside him, communicating through a shared consciousness: “Our wedding will definitely be more magnificent than theirs. Don’t worry, okay?”

“Oh? No, I wasn’t worrying,” Wu Chenghe hurriedly regained his composure. “I’m just a bit excited, it’s my first time attending a wedding.”

In public, they didn’t dare to get too close. After all, there were officers from other units here, as well as Kazumi Koyama’s family and students. Until they obtained the right to marry, their relationship was illegal. They couldn’t afford any slip-ups.

“Next week, you’ll be returning to Tungusic. Study hard when you get back, prepare for your graduation exams,” Jin Xuan’s mood was somewhat subdued. “Don’t worry about me, I’m stable now. There won’t be any problems within a month. But you, you must pay attention to your psychological adjustment, don’t get stuck in trivial matters.”

“I know,” Wu Chenghe smiled at him reassuringly. “Don’t worry, I’ll pass the exams. Both me and the kids are waiting for you in Tungusic.”

“Give them a kiss for me,” Jin Xuan mentioned the children with a somewhat unreal feeling. He had never seen his twins before; he had only seen their holographic videos from Wu Chenghe. Thinking about how the children were already over six months old and he, as their father, hadn’t even given them proper names… it was truly distressing.

He vowed to make it up to them in the future, to pamper them to the heavens! No, first he had to pamper his wife to the heavens!

On the other side of the lawn, Yin Bo was chatting cheerfully with a classmate about children. “I have a boy at home, I’ve already chosen his name, it’s Tata, derived from Tatar, ah, Tataros has brought me such luck. I must revisit that place if I get the chance, hahaha!”

“I envy you,” the classmate chuckled. “We’re still lamenting not getting our diplomas, and in the blink of an eye, you’re getting married. By the way, does the child have sentinel genes?”

“No,” Yin Bo sounded a bit melancholic. “It seems he’s just a regular person.”

“As long as he’s not a guide, it’s fine,” the classmate comforted him. “Regular people are good; they have long lifespans and don’t have to worry about mania syndrome.”

“Even if he is a guide, it’s okay,” Kazumi Koyama, who had appeared behind Yin Bo at some point, smiled. “The government is already reforming the laws; I believe our next generation won’t be like us.”

“Yeah, the President has been helping guides,” the classmate remembered that Kazumi Koyama was a free guide and hastily tried to rectify the situation. “Guides are good too. Guides can now take the architect registration exam. My aunt’s uncle’s cousin’s grandson is a guide and is currently studying for the exam. Maybe he’ll become an architect in the future.”

After exchanging pleasantries, the classmate left, and Kazumi Koyama shook Yin Bo’s hand. “Don’t worry, even if he turns out to be a hidden guide like me, his life won’t be the same as mine. The Federation is striving, we should trust the President.”

Although their child hadn’t tested positive for guide traits, they both knew he was probably a guide. Kazumi Koyama himself was a carrier of hidden guide genes, and during Yin Bo’s pregnancy, he had injected a lot of embryo interference agents, medications developed painstakingly by scientists in St. Martin. It was impossible for them to have no effect.

“It’s okay, I’m prepared,” Yin Bo smiled calmly. “I love guides, whatever he is, he’s our child.”

At that moment, a man in a black suit, with a cold expression, entered through the flower gate, showing his credentials to the emcee at the entrance before approaching Kazumi Koyama.

“Hello, are you Colonel Kazumi Koyama?”

“Oh, yes,” Kazumi Koyama, still not entirely accustomed to his new identity, hesitated before answering, “Hello, and you are…”

“May I have a word with you?” The man in black nodded apologetically to Yin Bo and gestured towards the empty fountain garden in the distance.

“I’ll be right back,” Kazumi Koyama said to Yin Bo, who nodded his approval. He followed the man to the edge of the fountain garden.

“Sorry to disturb you,” the man apologized politely, opening his personal terminal to show his credentials. “I’m from the Presidential Residence Security Service. The President would like you to visit the Residence tomorrow afternoon. He has some matters he wishes to discuss with you.”

“The President?” Kazumi Koyama was surprised.

“Yes,” the security agent confirmed. “Tomorrow afternoon at two o’clock sharp, a special car will come to pick you up from your home.”

“Oh, okay,” Kazumi Koyama felt a bit uneasy. Although the agent was respectful, the weight of the word “President” was immense. After hesitating for a moment, he asked, “May I ask what the President wishes to discuss with me?”

“I’m sorry, I don’t know,” the agent replied. “But it’s related to your work. Please, don’t worry.”

Kazumi Koyama pondered for a moment, his expression turning serious. “Alright, I’ll be waiting for you punctually tomorrow.”

“Okay, sorry for the interruption, goodbye.” The agent nodded briefly and left. Kazumi Koyama stood by the fountain, lost in thought. The President was summoning him; it must be related to the Free Guide organization. The NTU had conducted a thorough investigation on him recently; everything they should know, they already did. The only thing not disclosed was his identity as the head of the Free Guide organization.

He hadn’t dared to contact Mu and Sienna, all to protect the organization. Now that he was exposed, he couldn’t risk jeopardizing thousands of Free Guides in the organization because of a momentary lapse in judgment.

But the President… could he really deceive him?

 

 

 

 

 

This Title is available for faster chapter releases through paid Patreon membership. Any proceeds go to keeping the website running. Check it out HERE.