FT DR Chapter 23: Mourning

Chapter 23: Mourning

Translated by Addis of Exiled Rebels Scanlations

Editor: Karai

Due to Jin Xuan’s sudden appearance, the parade organized by the brain-dead fans, opposing the Voyager Army’s persecution of King, seemed somewhat untimely. After discussions by the organizing committee, it was temporarily changed to a “funeral ceremony to bury youth together with King.”

The next day at noon, the little rascals managed to raise funds and ordered thousands of white roses. With the school’s approval, they dug a hole in the garden behind the teaching building. While humming mournful tunes, they queued up to pass by the large pit, kissing the white roses in their hands before tossing them into the hole. This gesture symbolized bidding farewell to King while mourning their own youth.

Wu Chenghe was fortunate enough to witness this grand event on his way to the cafeteria. Thinking about having to spend all his time with Jin Xuan in the same school from now on, he couldn’t help but feel sad. He picked up a rose and threw it into the pit.

A classmate who knew him as Marlow’s brother and Hannibal’s son was surprised and asked, “Are you also a fan of King? Are you here to bury your youth?”

Wu Chenghe shook his head and walked away despondently. While others were burying their youth, he was burying his principles. The emo had already declared he would confront him head-on. His life would probably become more “exciting” as time went on.

At the headquarters of the First Army Group, in the Commander’s office. Hannibal stared solemnly at the holographic projection in front of him. As Jin Xuan’s figure disappeared from the stage, his gaze became increasingly unfathomable.

Such a heartfelt confession, his little son, who was still inexperienced in the world, must be deeply moved, right? A sinister smirk crept onto Hannibal’s lips as he contacted his first secretary. “Yuna, find me all the information on Jin Xuan, President Jin Zhe’s younger brother, coming to Gabriel Military Harbor this time.”

“Yes!” The versatile secretary took only a few minutes to compile a dossier and pass it to her superior. “He’s here to conduct a series of artistic performances. Originally planned for a total of three shows, ending in two weeks, and then returning to the capital of Dunkirk. But on Valentine’s Day night, he suddenly announced his retirement from the entertainment industry. Later, his manager submitted an application for him to stay here to work on his thesis, which has been approved. For the next four months, he will be collaborating with a research team at the school to conduct scientific research on a small asteroid not far from Gabriel Military Harbor.”

Upon hearing this news, Hannibal’s expression grew even more stern. Without saying a word, he disconnected the communication.

The office fell silent. Hannibal scanned through the documents, his fingers interlocked on the desk as he pondered. After a while, he closed all the pages and threw them into the trash.

“Yuna.” He contacted the secretary again. “Has the selection of personnel for the Special Operations Team of the Guard Group been finalized?” This was a new plan he had recently launched, intending to select one hundred elite soldiers from his personal guard to form an efficient special operations team to carry out some tricky secret missions.

“It’s been preliminarily drafted and is undergoing final political screening. It is expected to be submitted to you tomorrow afternoon.”

“Very good.” Hannibal opened the star map, his knuckles tapping lightly on the map. “Once the personnel are finalized, the training plan should follow immediately. The 28th Brigade Station has just been upgraded and fully equipped. I believe it can serve as the base for the first phase of training.” It was the closest station to that small asteroid. Without the need for relay satellites, communication could be heard clearly through wireless. 

“Yes, Commander.” Yuna replied faithfully.

At school, Wu Chenghe began his heart-pounding game of hide-and-seek with the emo.

Jin Xuan officially joined the school’s research team. His laboratory was in the office building behind the teaching building, on the same floor as the tenth-grade classroom, facing each other with a sky bridge in between.

On his first day of work, he intercepted Wu Chenghe by the vending machine in the middle of the sky bridge. At that time, Wu Chenghe was hitting the vending machine because it had swallowed his two federal coins but dispensed durian juice instead of mango juice.

“Don’t hit it, be careful.” Jin Xuan grabbed his wrist from behind and kicked the vending machine directly. He was a strong sentinel, and with one kick, the entire machine cracked open, spilling out nutrients and juice. Wu Chenghe almost got buried by it.

Wu Chenghe was shaking with anger but didn’t want their relationship to be exposed. He didn’t say anything and just walked away.

“Since it’s all spilled out, take a few bottles. I’ll pay for it.” Jin Xuan picked up a few bottles of mango juice and handed them to Wu Chenghe. Although he didn’t mind his guide being so petite and charming, it would be even better if he could break through the 1.7-meter barrier. A height difference of 25 centimeters was the most adorable.¹

Wu Chenghe’s wrist was grabbed, and he saw a crowd gathering on the terrace across from him, looking this way. Sweat dripped down his forehead. “Stop pulling me. Don’t you know how crazy your fans are?” He pointed to the new mound of dirt in the garden below. “Do you want my name carved on the tombstone down there?”

After the “Burying Youth” event, a small metal tombstone was erected in front of the mound of soil, with the words “Rest in peace, youth” engraved on it. Wu Chenghe guessed that if Jin Xuan didn’t let go, by tomorrow “youth” would be changed to “Wu Chenghe.”

“Don’t worry.” Jin Xuan let go of his hand and looked mournfully at the tombstone. “Before I’m qualified to protect you openly, I won’t say your name.”

Wu Chenghe shook with anger again. The so-called “qualified to protect you openly” was actually an agreement to be with him. He might as well just be buried alive!

Afterwards, although he repeatedly explained to his classmates that he and King only had a chance encounter, he was still bombarded with questions by the brain-dead fans. Wu Chenghe had to call Jin Xuan and warn him not to approach him at school.

Jin Xuan was very unhappy, but out of deep love for him, he agreed. Since then, he had not spoken a word to him at school. However, during breaks, whenever Wu Chenghe went to the terrace or the sky bridge, he could see the emo looking at him affectionately through the windows of the laboratory.

Over time, Wu Chenghe dared not go out anymore. As soon as class was over, he would cower in his seat, poking at his caterpillar.

The little Light Bulb grew a little fatter and could now even break lines as a speech bubble, so every time it taunted Wu Chenghe, it was more elaborate. Perhaps because of their telepathic connection, it learned a lot of internet slang from Wu Chenghe and then used it on its master.

Although Wu Chenghe was good at sarcasm, his venomous tongue wasn’t enough in battle, often leaving him speechless. In frustration, he could only poke the Light Bulb to vent his anger. The little Light Bulb was soft and easy to poke, and when poked in the ticklish spot, it would roll and tremble, laughing with garbled characters, which was especially relieving.

So they peacefully spent more than half a month. Just when Wu Chenghe was starting to relax his vigilance, the emo struck again with a big move.

That afternoon, before school was over, an old teacher suddenly came to the classroom. “Students, please wait a moment. I have something to announce.”

The students quieted down, and the old man continued, “I am in charge of the Teaching Research Office, and there is a joint project with Aston University that is about to begin the experimental phase. We need some interns to help in the laboratory.”

Everyone’s eyes lit up. Aston University was the top university in the Federation. Being able to join their research project group would definitely earn extra points for future exams and interviews. Even Marlow, the proud top student, was very excited, eagerly looking at the old man.

“We’re planning to select ten students from the ninth and tenth grades this time. The names have been decided. Now, I’ll announce them. Please discuss with your parents after returning home and provide feedback if you have any concerns.”

Wu Chenghe had a gut feeling that he was going to be targeted again. Sure enough, the eighth name read by the old man was his. Feeling the envy and jealousy from his surrounding classmates, he could only sigh deeply—With Jin Xuan around, could he ever escape? Perhaps the idea of recruiting interns was all his doing.

Marlow wasn’t selected, looking somewhat disappointed, but he maintained good manners and congratulated Wu Chenghe. “Congratulations.”

“…Thank you.” Wu Chenghe held back his bitterness and could only force a smile.

Back at home, just after finishing his homework, Hannibal arrived, bringing a nut cake. “Lilith came back yesterday and made a cake for you.”

“Oh, thank you.” Wu Chenghe took the cake and plated it for supper. Lilith, as his stepmother, was quite responsible. Since then, she hadn’t visited his apartment or called him, only occasionally sending some snacks through Hannibal to show her affection.

This distance made Wu Chenghe feel very comfortable.

Sitting at the bar counter, Wu Chenghe remembered the internship matter and told Hannibal, “The school’s teaching research group notified me today that I’ll be an intern, participating in one of their research projects.”

“Oh? What project?” Hannibal’s eyes flickered.

“It’s a joint project with Aston University, involving experiments on a small asteroid,” Wu Chenghe said. “Interns will work shifts with teachers, and we may not be able to go home on some weekends.”

“Do you want to go?” Since the last incident, Hannibal’s attitude towards Wu Chenghe had become more gentle, discussing everything in a consultative tone. This made Wu Chenghe feel a bit guilty, thinking he shouldn’t have embarrassed him in front of Jin Xuan.

“I’m not sure.” Wu Chenghe hesitated. “I do want to participate in the experiments because there’s a small project involving the cultivation of bio-based drugs. You know I want to become a doctor in the future, so I don’t want to miss out. But, um, Jin Xuan is also in the group, and I’m a bit worried…” He was worried that the emo’s intentions would be exposed. If people found out he was the culprit behind their idol’s “unrequited love,” he would probably be beaten up in a dark corner someday, or nailed to a cross and burned, just like that poodle chair burnt by the tomboy.

“Hmm, that’s quite a dilemma.” Hannibal frowned, poured two cups of tea, and asked, “Does he often bother you lately?”

By using the term “bother,” he implied that he already knew about their situation. Wu Chenghe guessed that he might have watched the video of Jin Xuan’s confession. Blushing, he said, “Not really.”

“Oh, if he does anything that upsets you, I can talk to his brother for you, after all, you’re still underage.”

“No, there’s no need. I can handle it.” Wu Chenghe immediately shook his head. It was embarrassing enough that Hannibal knew about it. Letting the President know would be too much.

“That’s good then.” Hannibal’s eyes darkened slightly. Lowering his eyelids, he looked at the steam rising from the red tea and said, “Regarding the internship, it’s your decision. I’ll support you no matter what. But as you grow older, encountering pursuers like this is inevitable. If you always want to hide from them, you probably won’t achieve anything.”

Wu Chenghe wiped his sweat silently. If every pursuer was as ruthless as Jin Xuan, he probably wouldn’t achieve anything in his life. However, what Hannibal said made sense. If he kept avoiding them, he would be too cowardly. So he nodded and said, “You’re right. I shouldn’t let him influence me. I should stick to my ideals.”

“I respect your decision.” Hannibal raised his tea cup. “When the project gets busy, if you can’t come back on weekends, remember to call me in advance.”

“Okay.” Wu Chenghe understood the balance between the emo and his ideals. Feeling relieved, he raised his tea cup and clinked it with Hannibal’s.