FT DR Chapter 155: Mu & Jin Zhe, The Retired President Is Worse Than a Dog

Chapter 155: Mu & Jin Zhe, The Retired President Is Worse Than a Dog

Translated by Addis of Exiled Rebels Scanlations

Editor: Karai

The night at the military and political center was exceptionally quiet.

In the backyard of the presidential residence, lush trees swayed gently in the breeze, rustling softly. A stray wild rabbit darted through the bushes beneath the window, startling the smart security guards, who immediately expelled it beyond the safety line with invisible interference waves.

The study had been tidied up almost entirely. Packed storage boxes were neatly stacked in the corner against the wall. Mu went through the checklist one by one, shut down the personal terminal, and sighed lightly as he looked at the empty room.

He had lived in this building for a full ten years. Although he had lived every day under the weight of heavy pressure and responsibility, the sudden realization of leaving made him feel strangely empty inside.

The presidential residence, the most dignified and sacred place in the Dunkirk Federation, had borne witness to the busiest and sweetest memories of his more than fifty years of life. It recorded the most precious moments of him and his husband accompanying their daughter as she grew up.

Now, because Jin Zhe was stepping down, they were finally leaving.

Four terms, sixteen years. Jin Zhe had already become the longest-serving president in Dunkirk’s history. Due to the public’s admiration and the special wartime period, his tenure had even surpassed the basic constitutional provisions.

It was time to draw the curtains… Mu took a deep breath, turned off the lights in the study, and headed to the bedroom. Jin Zhe was nearing seventy years old, and even as an ordinary human, he was past middle age. Coupled with his frequent injuries in his youth, long-term use of inhibitors had taken a toll on his body, which was no longer as robust as before. It was a good opportunity for him to rest well.

The position of the president was too demanding, almost like burning through life at an accelerated pace.

The entire residence was quiet. Jin Zhe had not returned yet, and Zhuang Zhuang had gone camping with her classmates. Mu rarely had such leisure time. As he passed by his daughter’s room, he casually opened the door and took a look inside.

Like any rebellious and energetic child in her adolescence, the walls were covered with graffiti only she could understand. Crystal and diamond jewelry that she liked were scattered on the dressing table. Mu picked up a long wig with big waves and boredly tied a light blue ribbon around it, then clipped on a white diamond hairpin. He held it up to his eyes and couldn’t help but chuckle.

Zhuang Zhuang had caught the “teenage bug” earlier this year, despite his objections, and cut her five-year-long hair into a buzz cut. She regretted it within a week and secretly bought a long wig back, afraid of being teased if Mu found out, so she only wore it when she went out to play.

It had been over a year since he last combed his daughter’s hair. Mu admired the wig in his hand and suddenly understood why Jin Zhe enjoyed dressing up in simulation games so much — dressing up a little princess with his own hands was indeed a fulfilling experience, wasn’t it?

Unfortunately, children always grew up too fast. In the blink of an eye, they no longer needed their father to dress them. Mu felt a bit melancholic yet also relieved. He shrugged, removed the ribbon and hairpin, placed the wig back where it belonged, and hung his daughter’s scattered dresses and coats back in the wardrobe. In a couple of days, this room would also need to be packed up. Hopefully, all these belongings would fit in their new home.

Back in the master bedroom, there was a low breathing sound coming from behind the door. Mu pushed it open, picked up the Akita dog lying on the doormat, and gently placed it in the corner of the dog’s nest. San Pang was already fourteen years old, in his twilight years, plagued by various ailments. But as long as he and Jin Zhe were leaving, it would still crawl out of its nest. At first, it would wait by the gate of the courtyard, then by the living room door, and later, when it could no longer move, it would only lie by the bedroom door.

Perhaps soon, it wouldn’t even be able to crawl out of its nest anymore. Aging, like growing up, was an unstoppable process.

“Woof woof…” San Pang woke up and nuzzled Mu’s palm affectionately. Although it nominally belonged to Zhuang Zhuang, only Mu had the patience to take care of it meticulously. It liked to stick to him, its most attentive and caring master.

“We’re moving to a new home soon. The climate there will be better than here, and your asthma will gradually improve,” Mu comforted as he stroked the aging San Pang, combing its fur, cleaning its eyes and nose, patting its head gently. “Be good, I’ll go pack our luggage now. Stay here with me.”

The old dog nodded obediently. Mu opened the wardrobe to pack his and Jin Zhe’s clothes. His half of the wardrobe was almost entirely black. He liked black — it was safe, inclusive, and allowed him to hide… Now with Jin Zhe, he didn’t need to hide anymore, but after so many years of habit, he still only wore black.

Jin Zhe’s clothes were all handled by the Special Affairs Department — gray, white, navy blue, coffee… Each one was solemn and elegant. But Mu knew Jin Zhe liked red. He was a man forever full of vitality and fighting spirit, fond of rich and intense colors, like bright red and deep blue, bold yet warm.

The title of “president” had made him, shaped him, and also restrained him, forcing him to be reserved and subtle. Just like his feelings towards him.

Mu’s expression involuntarily softened, even with a hint of joy and shyness. Ten years, ten years of marriage. Every time he thought of Jin Zhe’s love and loyalty to him, he felt a warm sensation in his heart.

This wasn’t just the instinct between sentinel and guide, but also the admiration and attachment between ordinary people.

Perhaps I should order some flashy clothes for him. It’s okay to wear them at home, especially now that he’s stepped down and doesn’t need to worry much about public opinion… Mu’s thoughts wandered as he abandoned the half-folded clothes and sat in the rocking chair by the window, opening the virtual store aimlessly, browsing men’s clothing.

A bright red tank top, a royal blue high-necked T-shirt, a white shirt embroidered with pandas on the chest, a tie adorned with raccoons and foxes… Mu tossed a jumpsuit with a skeletal pattern into the shopping cart, unable to help but smile. It was a shame it didn’t come with a matching hood; otherwise, it would be amusing to wear it all and lie in the deep-sea hibernation pod, like bodies soaked in formalin, haha… Better buy another one in a smaller size, matching outfits, pretending to be corpses together.

Mu’s lips curled up, experiencing the rare joy of shopping.

“Woo woo…” Suddenly, a familiar low bark came from outside the door. Jin Zhe’s Barbary lion walked through the wall and lowered its head, lying docilely beside the rocking chair, rubbing Mu’s elbow with its mane. The Icarus butterfly, summoned by Mu’s mental command, naturally appeared in its orange-red form and fluttered affectionately in front of the lion.

“You’re back?” Mu closed the virtual store and called out to the door, “Do you want some late-night snacks?”

There was no response, and the corridor remained silent. Mu extended his mental tendrils outside the door, feeling a sudden vibration in his eardrums. The floor-to-ceiling window on the left side made a “buzz” sound, canceling its existence mode and turning into nothingness.

Mu jumped in surprise, turning his head abruptly. The cool night breeze immediately blew in his face, followed by the sight of a pair of huge silver-gray mechanical wings filling the entire view. Jin Zhe hovered outside the window, wearing a mischievous grin like a fox that stole a chicken. “Haha, did I scare you?”

Mu silently wiped off the grass from his face, stood up from the rocking chair, and asked, “What are you doing? Weren’t you supposed to be at the Iron Wing Tower for a meeting? Why are you playing with wings in the middle of the night?”

“This is part of tonight’s meeting. The military designed a new type of wings, using alien scorpion neural tendrils. With the controller, it can achieve 98% human-machine integration.” Jin Zhe raised an eyebrow, manipulated the wings to perform a few cool moves in mid-air, and said, “How about it, cool, right? Want to give it a try?”

“Stay away from me, it’s too windy!” Mu was almost blown away by him, waved his hand, and said, “Go change, I’ll have the chef prepare some late-night snacks for you.”

“What do we have at home? Let me take you out to eat!” Jin Zhe manipulated the wings to fly closer to the floor-to-ceiling window, reaching out to Mu, “Come on, big brother will take you for a flight.”

Mu got goosebumps. The tenderness and sweetness from ten minutes ago vanished in an instant, replaced by irritability. “Save that title for your little brother. Are you planning to crash into walls again?”

“Definitely not.” Jin Zhe hugged his head, “I’m older than you, remember?”

“Why don’t you just go die since you’re so old?” Mu threw his slipper at him, and Jin Zhe caught it and threw it to San Pang, the old Akita dog, who reflexively caught it and brought it back to his feet like a treasure.

“…Speechless.” Mu swallowed his words, bent down to stroke the elderly but vigorous San Pang, and said, “Good boy!”

“Okay, I was wrong. Stop throwing things. In the past two days, the special affairs team found over a dozen dangerous items from various corners of the house, all because of your habit of throwing things. I don’t know how to explain to them.” Jin Zhe begged with a smile, “You need to change this habit in the future. Without the special affairs team at home, if the paparazzi catch you throwing things at me all day, our carefully cultivated image of a model couple will be ruined. Besides, it’s time to let San Pang rest since it’s so old.”

“Blaming me?” Mu put on his shoes, glared at him. Jin Zhe immediately self-reflected, “How could it be? It’s all my fault. Flattery turned into ridicule. Alright, alright, it’s late. Hurry up and jump out, I’ll catch you.”

“What are you up to?” Mu changed his shoes, put on a jacket, and stood by the window, asking him. Jin Zhe said, “Taking you out for a walk. Since our daughter isn’t at home, can’t we enjoy some alone time together?”

Well, after ten years of a proper first mate life, Mu was indeed a bit tired. He made up his mind and jumped out of the window. Jin Zhe caught him steadily in his arms, manipulated the wings to glide gracefully at low altitude, and left the presidential residence. The floor-to-ceiling window in the master bedroom returned to its existence mode. The old Akita dog crawled back to its nest, biting onto its owner’s slipper and quietly dozing off.

Gliding over the military and political center like a big bird, different from flying saucers and mechas, the highly biomimetic masterpiece completely simulates the flying posture of birds. Mu nestled in Jin Zhe’s arms, overlooking the earth, vast jungles passing by in his sight, feeling like being carried by a big bird in the sky, with an impulse to shout.

“Oh oh oh oh—” Jin Zhe and he understood each other’s minds, emitting wild and primitive roars from their throats. Mu was startled by him, hugged his neck tightly, and couldn’t help but laugh too.

Gliding over the military and political center, crossing the strait, and flying over Gemini City, Mu felt a bit chilly despite Jin Zhe’s warmth. He asked, “Where do you want to go for late-night snacks?”

“Almost there!” Jin Zhe answered loudly. As his words fell, he adjusted the wings to slow down and flew over a brightly lit city.

York City? Mu recognized the terrain below and was somewhat surprised. “Why are we here? Is there a restaurant here that I don’t know about?” His previous home was in York City, but he hadn’t been here much in recent years because of Jin Zhe.

Jin Zhe grinned but didn’t answer. Once again, he slowed down and descended, gliding smoothly over the western part of York City before landing on a quiet hilltop.

“Why are we landing here? This used to be the aristocratic district.” Mu’s legs were a bit numb. He stamped his feet and looked around, “Come to think of it, this is my first time here. Wow, it’s beautiful…” This area had few residents, but they were all either wealthy or noble. Each mansion was large and exquisite, surrounded by dense primeval forests, flower gardens, and lakes, completely different from the crowded hundred-story apartments in the city.

“Follow me, I have a surprise for you.” Jin Zhe folded the wings and took his hand, walking along a winding path for less than five minutes until they reached a spacious courtyard enclosed by pink-white low walls topped with green ancient tiles, giving it an ancient and elegant vibe.

“We’re here.” Jin Zhe led Mu to the gate and handed him an antique bronze key. “Open the door.”

Mu was puzzled but took the key and inserted it into the lock. The electronic lock immediately activated and opened the heavy wooden gate. Inside was an extremely exquisite Chinese-style courtyard, with pavilions, towers, winding paths, lotus ponds, and playful koi fish. Several waterfowls stood on the railing of the arch bridge, standing on one leg, looking ethereal. When they saw someone approaching, they rolled their eyes arrogantly and turned their backs on them.

“What is this…” Mu was a bit dumbfounded. This place was more like a castle than a mansion. Even in this rich neighborhood, it was incredibly luxurious.

“Our new home,” Jin Zhe said proudly.

Mu was extremely surprised. “But isn’t our new home in the Wheat Circle area?” After stepping down, Jin Zhe would still be working near the military and political center, so their new home was supposed to be nearby. Over the past two months, he had gradually moved some personal belongings there.

Was he dreaming? How could he afford such a luxurious house? Mu looked around in disbelief. Jin Zhe still looked proud. “I sold the new house and supplemented it with some savings to buy this courtyard. So this will be our new home from now on!”

“Are you crazy!?” Mu couldn’t believe that he had sold their new home behind his back! Even if he sold the new house, buying such an amazing courtyard would require another ninety percent of the money. Where did he get so much cash?

Was this guy secretly a tycoon?

“It’s a family inheritance,” Jin Zhe scratched his head somewhat embarrassedly. “My savings are not much, so I used some of the savings left by our parents for us brothers. Well, I’ll make more money in the future and replenish it. Jin Xuan won’t mind.”

Mu suddenly remembered that their family had a noble lineage, and there seemed to be a few big merchants among their ancestors… So this guy might really be a rich N-generation!

“But why did you buy such a big courtyard? We’re just a family of three, and Zhuang Zhuang is going to college soon. In the future, there will only be the two of us at home! Are you planning to raise ghosts in such a big place?” Mu still couldn’t understand his actions and was getting frustrated. “Besides, you’ll be working near the military and political center in the future. Even if you commute by flying saucer every day, it’ll still take two hours. Do you think you’re still in your twenties, with the energy to commute like this year after year?”

Jin Zhe sighed, grabbed his hand, and gently stroked it. “Don’t be in a hurry or angry. Tell me, do you like it here?”

Like it? Of course he liked it! Mu looked at the misty pond, the pavilions and towers like a fairyland. He had always loved Chinese-style courtyards and had hoped to have one since he was a child, to raise fish, birds, and grow old… But wanting something and having it were two different things. They still had to work, and living so far away was simply unrealistic.

“I really like it, but I don’t want to live so far away.” Mu knew Jin Zhe wanted to make him happy, but such a big decision about changing houses should have been discussed with him, shouldn’t it? “Why didn’t you tell me before making such a big decision?”

“Ah…” Jin Zhe sighed, wrapping his arm around Mu’s shoulder and pulling him close to his chest. He spoke slowly, “Because I knew you wouldn’t agree to settle in York City in the future.”

Mu sighed as well. “You work in the military and political center, so living here is inconvenient. Besides, you’re not young anymore, and you have so many old injuries…”

“Shh.” Jin Zhe used his lips to stop Mu from speaking and whispered, “I know everything. Sienna asked you to take over her position.”

Mu was taken aback. Jin Zhe continued, “You’ve been with me for ten years. In those ten years, you gave up your own profession, put aside your own dreams, and stood silently behind me… Every time I think about it, I feel guilty. I’m too selfish. I can’t bear for you to leave and work elsewhere, not just because of the Sentinel and Guide bond, but also because of my love for you, my possessiveness.”

“Don’t say that.” Mu’s heart felt a twinge of bitterness as he interrupted Jin Zhe. “This was my choice, not because you’ve restricted me. Besides, our dreams were always aligned, or rather, my dream is a part of yours, isn’t it?”

“It’s not the same.” Jin Zhe rarely denied his words seriously. “You are the most outstanding doctor in the Federation, the most respected scientist. It was my career that stopped you from progressing, keeping you by my side.” He tenderly stroked Mu’s soft hair, saying, “Before, I had no choice. The Voyager Army was expanding, humanity was facing division and war. I carried the responsibility left by the old president, the trust of the military, and even if it meant sacrificing your career, I had to move forward. But it’s different now. The war is over, the Voyager Army has disintegrated, and returned to the control of the Federation. The reforms of the Guide Protection Act are on track, and I have also resigned.”

Jin Zhe’s warm hand caressed Mu’s face, his gaze soft and gentle in the night. “It’s time for me to stand behind you, Mu. I have resigned from parliament, and from today onwards, I am willing to be your strong support and to support your career.”

Mu looked at him incredulously, trying to find some hint of joking in his eyes as usual. But Jin Zhe’s gaze was resolute and serious, completely unlike joking.

“I told Sienna I would convince you.” Jin Zhe smiled. “In fact, I have already accepted her invitation on your behalf. Your employment contract is in my personal terminal, and I promised her that no matter what, I’ll make sure you sign it tonight.”

Mu fell silent. A week ago, Sienna had approached him, asking him to take over her position at Saint Martin’s Center—Sienna was too old to continue managing the center’s heavy workload, and after her tenure ended, she decided to recommend a new candidate to the board.

Mu was undoubtedly the most suitable successor. He was a top scientist in the industry and had assisted the president in managing the federation for nearly ten years. Technically and in terms of connections, he was impeccable.

He had been tempted by the invitation. Sienna was his mentor and also his adoptive mother. He was familiar with her way of working and agreed with their values. He didn’t want her lifelong career to decline because they couldn’t find a suitable successor.

But Jin Zhe had just resigned this year. Physically and mentally, he would face a huge gap and challenge. Once he accepted Sienna’s invitation, it would mean dedicating most of his energy to Saint Martin’s Center and being unable to fully support Jin Zhe and help him through this transitional period.

If it were two years later, even a year later, he would reconsider his decision. But Sienna’s term happened to end this year, and the center couldn’t hire someone to temporarily manage such an important department, giving him one or two years of buffer time.

So in the end, Mu refused Sienna’s invitation. He also wanted to continue his career, but he couldn’t leave Jin Zhe alone to face the difficulties after stepping down.

“Are you angry?” Jin Zhe noticed that Mu’s face was a bit gloomy and touched his face, “Don’t blame me for acting without consulting you first. I was afraid you’d refuse if I told you first. For such a big thing, I’m afraid I’d be sprayed back by you as soon as I opened my mouth, so I decided to resign first and then talk to you.” He kissed Mu’s forehead affectionately, saying, “Don’t be angry with me either. Look, I’m unemployed now. I used all my money to buy this house for you. If you get angry again, I’ll jump into the river.”

Mu couldn’t quite describe the mix of emotions he was feeling—moved and saddened at the same time. After a moment of silence, he choked out, “You’ve sacrificed too much for me. I don’t want you to give up your career for me anymore. I’m willing to stand behind you, help you, take care of you, not just because I’m your Guide, but because I love you.” He couldn’t help but tightly embrace Jin Zhe’s waist. “I want to spend the rest of my life with you, like ordinary people… Jin Zhe, we’ve missed out on too much.”

“I know, I know.” Jin Zhe’s eyes were slightly moist as his mechanical arm gently stroked Mu’s back. “I’ve never felt like I’ve sacrificed anything. The luckiest thing in my life is meeting you.”

After a pause, he smiled again. “Don’t feel guilty. This thing is also beneficial for me. A retired president staying in parliament is awkward. Besides, I’ve been tired of the military and political world for so many years, and I’ve been thinking about changing the environment and developing my career elsewhere. Saint Martin’s Center has been committed to high-dimensional intervention medicine in recent years. If you take over Sienna’s position, you’ll be the top person in this field. I’m placing my bet on you, which is more valuable than investing in parliament.”

Mu clearly knew that Jin Zhe was doing this for him. Hearing him come up with such forced excuses, he felt both touched and amused. Jin Zhe continued talking nonstop, “I’m not entirely selfless either. When you become the director, I plan to inject capital into the center through you, join their board of directors, and in the future, you’ll be working for me. I’ve already discussed this with my trust fund manager. Within two years, I’ll liquidate more than seventy percent of the family’s assets and invest them into your side. He approves of my plan and has already begun to mobilize funds.”

“You… are you very rich?” Mu was very curious about Jin Zhe’s wealth. Although Jin Zhe was always powerful and domineering in the political world, that was based on his deep political background. Now that he had changed careers into the business world, what made him so impressive?

“Indeed.” Jin Zhe nodded proudly. “Although I’m a low-key person, I’m quite wealthy. The Jin family holds a large stake in Chen’s Sign of Good Fortune, and we have industries in the Lyra Constellation mining area, the Canis Major energy area… Jin Xuan’s share, after he got married, he didn’t want it anymore. He said it was too much to count, so he entrusted it all to me. So now, combining our two families’ money, it’s not impossible to buy Saint Martin’s Center in full… of course, their board of directors won’t allow it, so I just want to invest a portion of the capital through you.”

Mu only realized today that he had married a true tycoon. After the shock wore off, he asked with difficulty, “How much money do you actually have?”

Jin Zhe extended his mechanical hand and counted for a long time, a drop of sweat dripping from his forehead. “It seems like I can’t count it either. I’ll let the financial advisor tell you another day.”

Mu really didn’t understand how these two brothers got their PhDs. How could they not know how to count money?

“Okay, let’s stop talking about it. Your hands are cold. Let’s go inside and see the house. I’ve already tidied up the master bedroom, so we can stay here tonight.” Jin Zhe grabbed Mu’s hands and exhaled heavily, bending down. “Let me carry you in.”

“Why do you want to carry me when I’m perfectly fine?”

“I want to carry you.” Jin Zhe pushed his buttocks against Mu’s stomach. “Come on, let me carry you into our bridal chamber. This is the first time we’ve entered our own home together, not counting the presidential mansion, which belonged to the public.”

Mu had no choice but to lie on his back. Jin Zhe carried his wife across the arch bridge, startling the elegant and noble waterfowl. They rolled their eyes and flew away, flapping their wings, scattering white feathers all over the sky. The red koi fish under the bridge, however, were not afraid of people. They followed their shadows all the way, stirring up the silver waves in the pond.

“This master bedroom is so spacious, with a carved canopy bed that looks like a big tent. There are many loving tools inside, ribbons, leather whips, candles… and shelves. Hey hey, shall we try bondage tonight?”

“Who’s going to tie up whom?”

“…You tie me up.” Jin Zhe reluctantly answered. It seemed that a retired president had no authority after all… Sigh, the husband’s prestige is shaky! But his husband’s prestige seemed to have never existed. Forget it, it’s enough to have one person’s prestige at home. Life shouldn’t ask for too much, being too perfect will attract retribution!

 

 

 

 

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