FT DR Chapter 118: Headless and Unhappy

Chapter 118: Headless and Unhappy

Translated by Addis of Exiled Rebels Scanlations

Editor: Karai

 

Jin Xuan had just returned from the NTU base, still wearing his military uniform. As soon as he entered, he threw his coat aside and sat opposite Jin Zhe, rubbing his hands together. “Is there anything to eat? Give me some too. I’m starving after morning training.”

“Why did you come back at this time? And where’s Wu Chenghe? Didn’t he give you anything to eat?” Jin Zhe called for food and poured coffee for his unlucky brother, adding milk. He asked, “Aren’t you supposed to be preparing for the post-war awards ceremony and the promotion ceremony?”

“Yeah, the awards ceremony is scheduled for next week, and the promotion ceremony is early next month. Wu Chenghe will be back to Tungusic in half a month, busy catching up on his studies. He won’t have time to eat with me. After he goes back, he has to pass twelve guide courses within a month. He’s going crazy.” Jin Xuan felt a bit melancholic when he mentioned Wu Chenghe going back to the Tungusic base, but he quickly adjusted his tone. “By the way, I came to talk to you about the Zhifu Chain Nebula. Hannibal’s application has been submitted for a while now, right? How do you plan to handle it?”

Discussing such a heavy topic early in the morning made Jin Zhe a bit nauseous. He dropped the bread slice and fell silent for a while before saying, “I know what you’re thinking, but I can’t do what you want.”

Jin Xuan frowned, “What? Are you really planning to give half of the Second Army to Hannibal?”

“At least half,” Jin Zhe said. “If I force him to withdraw from the Second Army’s jurisdiction, he is likely to turn against the Federation. He controls nearly half of the Federation’s military strength. I can’t risk that.”

“The Third Army still belongs to the Federation. He doesn’t have half of the military power.”

“Popova was brought up by him. Half of the senior officers in the Third Army are his confidants.” Jin Zhe frowned. “Do you think he’s been serving as Commander for so many years for nothing?”

“Are you sure Popova would go against the Federation for him? Although Popova is his junior sister, she is also a General of the Federation. It’s not easy for a woman to reach that position. Would she easily turn against the Federation?” Jin Xuan didn’t believe this. 

“It’s very possible. Trust me, women who can reach that position have ambitions just like men.” Jin Zhe’s eyes were gloomy. Seeing Jin Xuan’s incredulous expression, he added in a low voice, “These are Chen Zhen’s words.”

Jin Xuan was startled, “Chen Zhen?”

Jin Zhe didn’t want to say much more, stating, “So I can’t take risks at this critical juncture. I know none of you want to compromise on the Zhifu Chain Nebula issue, but the federal government is not ready yet. At least during my term, they are not prepared.” After a pause, he continued, “And the succession elections are about to begin. I need Hannibal’s support.”

Jin Xuan remained silent, and Jin Zhe sighed, saying, “Politics is disgusting like that, but we have to get used to it.”

Playing with the fork in his hand, Jin Xuan nodded after a while. “Okay, so how much do you plan to give him?”

Jin Zhe pondered for a moment before replying, “Divide the original jurisdiction of the Second Army into two halves along the Zhifu Chain Nebula. One half goes to the First Army, under the command of the Supreme Commander. The other half will be taken over by the Federal Navy, but no separate unit will be established. Instead, an additional General will be appointed to share responsibility with the Navy General for the defense of the transition zone between the Voyager Army’s jurisdiction and the Star Cluster City defense zone.”

Jin Xuan nodded thoughtfully. “So this means giving back a General’s quota to the Federation? Who do you plan to appoint for this position?”

“Yanling,” Jin Zhe said. “General Yanling will be transferred from the NTU to the Navy to oversee the defense of this area. He is experienced and has outstanding military achievements, making him the best candidate.”

Jin Xuan raised an eyebrow. “I see. Only he can handle Hannibal. If a new General were appointed, especially in such a sensitive area, they would be suppressed by Hannibal.”

“Exactly,” Jin Zhe agreed. “I’d rather give the NTU a new General than risk putting someone else under Hannibal’s nose. Yanling is strong and ruthless enough. Plus, he has maintained his secret identity for nearly ten years; it’s time to reveal it. I believe Hannibal will accept this arrangement. After all, I’ve given him half of Lancer’s power without appointing another General, effectively allowing him to govern directly. With such a big advantage, he must compromise and accept Yanling’s joint leadership of the Second Army. I don’t think he’ll oppose me in the elections next semester; at most, he’ll remain neutral.”

Jin Xuan nodded, and Jin Zhe continued, “I’ve already discussed with Yanling, and he wants to bring you along. What do you think?”

Jin Xuan’s eyes sharpened. Yanling taking charge of the defense in the transition zone meant that if there were conflicts between the Voyager Army and the Federation, he would be on the front lines defending the Federation, facing the most brutal of wars.

Blood surged in his veins, and Jin Xuan didn’t hesitate for a second. “I’m willing.”

“Haha!” Jin Zhe’s eyes lit up with admiration, and he slapped Jin Xuan’s shoulder playfully. “You should’ve said this when you were getting married to Wu Chenghe, shouldn’t you? Haha!”

“Are you done being ridiculous?” Jin Xuan looked at his brother with tolerance but didn’t say anything. Jin Zhe felt a little embarrassed and cleared his throat, saying, “Okay, I’m proud of you, Jin Xuan.”

The cheesy tone was almost unbearable. Jin Xuan felt goosebumps rise, unable to tolerate it any longer. “Can you speak normally, Jin Zhe?!”

Jin Zhe cleared his throat again and said, “I just didn’t expect you to be so decisive. I thought you would hesitate at least a little. Ever since you got married, you haven’t been the same. Do you remember how you used to be so aloof when talking about military and political matters? I thought you would continue on the non-mainstream path for the rest of your life.”

Jin Xuan rubbed his forehead. “Can we not talk about the past? Who doesn’t have a dark history? Do you remember how you were kicked out of the guide school?”

Jin Zhe chuckled, “I’m just marveling at your growth.”

Jin Xuan sighed silently, thinking about how much he had changed over the years. Ever since he quit the art world for Wu Chenghe, transitioning from the military school to the information center and now potentially heading to the front lines of naval defense… Looking back at the days when he used to perform in tattered clothes, it felt like a world away, a past he’d rather not revisit.

As the saying goes, marriage before career truly makes sense. Men’s minds probably all have holes in them, and only by finding a wife can they fully develop… Jin Xuan glanced at his brother and, through his resilient facade, saw his immense creativity, confirming the truth of the statement once again.

“Let’s focus on the matter at hand,” Jin Xuan tried to steer the conversation back on track. “So you said Yanling wants me to go with him to the Navy?”

“Yes, that’s correct,” Jin Zhe replied, regaining his presidential demeanor. “After the promotion ceremony, you will be transferred from the NTU to join Yanling in his new jurisdiction.” He opened his personal terminal and showed Jin Xuan the holographic star map and defense layout of the new jurisdiction. “In the future, Yanling will oversee the portion of the military force known as the ‘Navy Independent Fleet,’ integrating the current Navy Seventh Fleet and half of the original Second Army’s fleet to form a powerful fleet group to guard the transition zone between Star Cluster City and the Voyager Army.”

Jin Xuan solemnly studied the holographic star map, and Jin Zhe continued, “The main fleet of the original Second Army, the ‘Tiancha,’ will be under your command after being reorganized. Over the next four years, you will lead this fleet to patrol the Zhifu Chain Nebula as the Federation’s most sensitive probe, keeping a close eye on the front lines of defense between the Voyager Army and the Star Cluster City.”

“The Tiancha” is as illustrious as “The Quadrants” and is the most renowned space fleet of the Voyager Army. Over the past century, it has made significant contributions to humanity’s exploration of the universe. Later, when Lancer defected, taking a small portion of the “Tiancha” fleet to retreat to the Zhifu Chain Nebula, most of its ships were promptly brought under control by the Federal Navy, thus narrowly escaping destruction and preserving the majority of its strength.

Jin Zhe’s decision to reorganize the Seventh Fleet of the Navy and the “Tiancha” fleet would undoubtedly result in a major overhaul. However, even after the reorganization, “Tiancha” would still retain over sixty percent of Lancer’s former power. Once Jin Xuan took command, he would need to integrate internal opposition forces and be wary of the First Army’s watchful eye. The pressure was indeed immense.

But it was precisely this immense pressure that brought him great challenges. Jin Zhe had never been wrong about him. He was of the Jin family, with Jin blood flowing through his veins. He belonged to the fleet and to the Federation.

“I will do my best,” Jin Xuan said after a moment of deep thought. “I will fulfill my duty and defend the defense line of the Zhifu Chain Nebula for the Federation, not letting anyone take a step beyond the thunder pool.”

Jin Zhe’s eyes sparkled as he looked at his increasingly mature younger brother. With a solemn tone, he said, “Your confidence reassures me, Jin Xuan. You possess extensive theoretical knowledge, exceptional courage, and combat experience. However, the battles you’ve been involved in tended to lean more towards individual combat, at most commanding one or two ships. Leading a fleet is a vastly different matter. I hope you won’t be careless and will heed General Yanling’s teachings.”

“I will,” Jin Xuan replied earnestly. He was deeply aware of how fortunate he was to have been promoted to the rank of colonel. Just two years ago, he was just a civilian teacher. Compared to the fleet captains of the Voyager Army who had risen from the ranks, like Lilith, his combat experience could only be described as “pitiful.”

However, his advantages were also apparent. He held dual doctoral degrees, had a comprehensive theoretical knowledge base, and was a Barbary lion Sentinel, naturally gifted with extraordinary senses, mental acuity, and physical strength. Most importantly, he had marked a Guide before the age of twenty-six, using inhibitors for ten fewer years than those Sentinels who married in their thirties. His consciousness was healthier and more intact.

“I will heed General Yanling’s teachings and learn from experienced captains within the fleet,” Jin Xuan earnestly promised. “Brother, I know I was immature before, not knowing my place, but I will change. I will strive to be a competent fleet captain.”

“I believe in you,” Jin Zhe nodded, smiling. “Then I entrust the Zhifu Chain Nebula to you, Jin Xuan. Protect the Federation’s defense line for me.” After a pause, he added, “And also protect your Guide.”

In two months, Wu Chenghe would marry Jin Xuan and serve as his full-time doctor, guarding the Zhifu Chain Nebula together. Jin Xuan understood the profound meaning behind Jin Zhe’s words; the lives of Sentinels and Guides were intertwined. Protecting Wu Chenghe was protecting himself. Jin Xuan replied solemnly, “Rest assured.”

“I’m proud of you,” Jin Zhe said, the smile fading from his face. Once again, he served his brother a plate of chicken soup, and this time, Jin Xuan didn’t find it nauseating but responded solemnly, “I will not dishonor my mission.”

A week later, the post-war commendation ceremony was held. Jin Xuan, as the head of the Vanguard Special Operations Group during the rebellion of the Second Army, performed exceptionally well in the Battle of Tartaros and was awarded the Blue Star and Eagle Feather Medals. It was the first time in history that a military officer under thirty had received both of these medals simultaneously, truly a remarkable achievement. As a consultant at the Saint Martin Research Center and a student at the Guide School, Wu Chenghe also received the Blue Cross Medal issued by the military for his outstanding performance in the battle. It was the first time in history that a Guide student had received this medal, which had previously been awarded only to full-time doctors who had the opportunity to participate in combat and earn such an honor.

In addition to Jin Xuan and Wu Chenghe, other members of the Special Operations Group were also recognized for their contributions, particularly Yin Bo and Kazumi Koyama, who received additional commendations for their sacrifices and bravery while deep behind enemy lines.

Two weeks later, Jin Xuan’s promotion was approved, and at the promotion ceremony organized by the NTU, he was awarded the rank of Colonel by General Yanling. The day after his promotion, he immediately submitted an application to attend the Guide School’s graduation ball, which was approved two weeks later, granting him the legal right to engage in courtship.

Before his application was approved, Wu Chenghe’s mission expired, and he was recalled to Tungusic by the guide school to continue his pitifully short guide education and prepare for the upcoming exam.

Returning to the Tungusic base after a year away, Wu Chenghe strangely felt a sense of familiarity. The green tide of Ida Star had not yet passed. As he disembarked from the amphibious starship, he immediately caught the distinctive tangy scent of the green tide. Fluorescent orchids planted by the roadside swayed in the breeze, and shiny pollen floated in the air, creating a beautiful sight.

“Welcome back, triumphant one,” Mrs. Balon personally greeted him at the gates of Tungusic. After the Battle of Tartaros, she had received a confidential message from the NTU. In addition to mentioning Wu Chenghe’s outstanding performance in battle, the message also included an exemption letter regarding him and Jin Xuan.

Mrs. Balon had already anticipated that Wu Chenghe’s Sentinel’s status might not be so simple, but she never expected him to be the president’s brother. Logically, with Jin Xuan’s promotion coming later, and Wu Chenghe being marked earlier, their situation violated existing guide protection laws. However, now that Jin Xuan was a colonel, eligible to attend the graduation ball, it was clearly inappropriate to exile them.

In nearly a century of the guide school’s existence, there had never been such a peculiar case. Even if Mrs. Balon wanted to confront the military, she couldn’t find any regulations or precedents to reference. Moreover, with Jin Xuan’s current momentum and Wu Chenghe’s military achievements, her husband, Mr. Balon, was arguing fiercely with Hannibal on the front lines. The president intended for the Federal Legion to be stationed in the Zhifu Chain Nebula, and ultimately, these two might have to bear the brunt of the front lines. So, if these two were to be dealt with, her whole family would face enormous trouble.

After weighing the options, Mrs. Balon chose to turn a blind eye and ignore the shameless actions of these two, who had boarded the train before buying tickets. She personally came to greet her student at the gates of Tungusic. After all, this was the first time a student had received the Blue Cross Medal, which was the greatest honor for the guide school.

“Thank you, Principal.” Two years later, Wu Chenghe’s deep-seated hatred towards Mrs. Balon had gradually faded. Perhaps it was because guides were naturally nurturing, or perhaps Mrs. Balon had indeed made positive efforts in reforming guide protection laws over the past two years. When facing her, he was quite calm.

“Thank you for your hard work.” Mrs. Balon also sighed at his tremendous change in demeanor. When he was hunted in Aston, Wu Chenghe was just an eighteen or nineteen-year-old boy, stubborn but ultimately naive. The Battle of Tartaros seemed to have left some kind of extraordinary mark on him. Now he looked mature and calm, with a firm gaze, exuding a military aura.

“For the Federation,” Wu Chenghe said lightly, nodding to her. “And for the school.” Although he could face Mrs. Balon calmly, it didn’t mean he had forgiven her for the harm she had caused to Dean Mu. He could only handle official matters and exchange a few pleasantries with her before standing quietly, not saying anything further.

Mrs. Balon wasn’t embarrassed either. She said, “Your dormitory has been cleaned by someone. The children are with Dr. Luther. If you want, you can bring them to your dormitory to stay for a few days, but I suggest you continue to leave them at the hospital. They are still too young and require a lot of care. You need a quiet environment to prepare for the graduation exam in a month.”

Wu Chenghe pondered for a moment. He missed the two children after all. “I want to bring them to stay for one night first. If I can’t manage, then I’ll send them to Dr. Luther’s.”

“That’s fine.” Mrs. Balon was always more lenient towards students who were about to leave the school. Moreover, Wu Chenghe and Jin Xuan were the future capable assistants of her husband, so she immediately agreed. “I’ll have someone provide you with two smart nannies. Today, let Dr. Luther send a nurse to help you.”

“Thank you.”

Half an hour later, Wu Chenghe arrived at the guide hospital. When Dr. Luther learned of his return, he personally came out to greet him and led him to a spacious nursery on the top floor. He pointed to the semi-transparent automatic door and said, “You’ve finally returned. Go in and have a look. They are both so adorable.”

Standing at the door of the nursery, Wu Chenghe felt somewhat nervous. He was definitely not a qualified father. He had left when the two children were born, and now they were almost nine months old, and this was his first time coming back.

They probably don’t even recognize him, right?

Wu Chenghe took a deep breath and pushed open the door to the nursery. The room was decorated with a warm light yellow carpet, and there were two wooden cribs placed side by side. Fluorescent wind chimes made from seeds unique to Ida Star hung at the head of each crib. The air was filled with a sweet milk scent and the fresh smell unique to children, very pleasant.

A chubby baby was lying on the left crib, wearing a light green onesie, with his bottom sticking up, and his face turned to the side. His chubby cheeks were squashed flat, and his thumb was in his mouth, drooling from the corner. He looked silly and adorable.

After being away for half a year, Wu Chenghe recognized Wu Chenggong at first sight. This one was born slightly bigger and had an unexpectedly good appetite. He didn’t worry about anything and just ate all day long. In eight months, he had grown twice as big, probably weighing around ten kilograms. His skin was fair, with rolls of baby fat, like a Michelin doll.

Indeed, he lived up to his nickname “brainless”!

On the crib to his right, lay a slightly smaller baby, Jin Shengli. Mr. Jin was wearing a light green onesie similar to his brother’s. His right foot was propped on the crib railing, and his left foot was resting on his left knee. He was even sleeping with his legs crossed! He inherited the appearance of worrying about the country and the people since he was born. Even when sleeping, he had a pensive expression, with his thin eyebrows lightly furrowed, as if contemplating national affairs.

Wu Chenghe couldn’t help but smile. He knelt by the bed and reached out to wipe the tiny wrinkles on his forehead. Mr. Jin moved slightly, and his little foot slipped from the crib railings and fell down with a thud, immediately waking him up. He yawned unhappily, glanced at Wu Chenghe, and muttered arrogantly, “Go away!” 

He twisted his body and turned his back to him, sucking his fingers and falling asleep again.

In their first encounter, Wu Chenghe received a “go away” from his son. His feelings were quite complicated…

“He’s in a bad mood when he wakes up. Don’t wake him up,” Dr. Luther whispered to Wu Chenghe, who appeared at some point, leaning over to him. “If he’s not fully awake, he’ll curse at people. I’m being scolded by him every day, just like my grandson, hehe. You’re in for it!”

Wu Chenghe was speechless. “He curses at people too?”

“Shh…” Dr. Luther gestured to him to keep quiet, whispering, “It’s not really cursing, just scolding. Oh, blame me. When I was young, I often scolded other doctors and nurses in front of him, and he somehow learned it… If you find him speaking like me or Principal Balon, don’t be surprised. This child has a strong ability to imitate scolding people, sometimes even imitating the president.”

Wu Chenghe silently lit a candle for his own future and another one for Jin Xuan. Speaking of which, this child must have inherited Jin Xuan’s unreliable genes, right?

“Smart kids can be troublesome too.” Dr. Luther patted his shoulder sympathetically when he saw his slightly awkward expression. “You must pay attention to their education in the future and don’t let them go astray.”

But why did Wu Chenghe feel like he had already gone astray…?

 

 

 

 

 

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