FT DR Chapter 40: Departure from the United Front with the Scumbag Dad

Chapter 40: Departure from the United Front with the Scumbag Dad

Translated by Addis of Exiled Rebels Scanlations

Editor: Karai

Melodious music filled the air, as the classical orchestra played a dance tune, fitting the retro theme of the day. To match the occasion, Hobart didn’t opt for synthesized music but instead hired a specialized orchestra.

Closing his eyes, one could hear the harshness produced by the horsehair bow rubbing against the metal strings, a flaw that synthetic music lacked. Yet, it aptly expressed the beauty of nature. Even someone like Wu Chenghe, who didn’t understand music, found it exquisitely wonderful.

One pair after another spun into the dance floor, Hannibal and Lilith, Popova and Chen Zhen, and even Miss Lancer, who had rejected him, danced with Marlow… Wu Chenghe watched the handsome men and beautiful women fill the room and suddenly felt disinterested. He didn’t know why he had attended such an upper-class gathering.

Well, he was Hannibal’s son. It wouldn’t be good if they forgot to invite him. Or perhaps, he should have quietly not come to avoid embarrassing Lilith and the Lancer family. After all, no one would notice. Wu Chenghe felt quite superfluous and sighed inwardly as he took a sip of light wine and walked out of the hall through a side door.

Outside, the sky was already completely dark, and the energy center hung in the artificial clouds like a dim disc. He descended the steps, bypassed the fountain, and entered a sparse grove. Trimmed French plane trees surrounded him, their leaves lush green. A gentle breeze fragmented the light, scattering patches of light and shadow on the ground.

Amidst the scent of clothes and the intertwining of toasts, the glamorous life of the upper class did not belong to him, just like his body; both were borrowed. Wu Chenghe sat on a wooden bench, sipping his wine lightly, and began to contemplate the future.

Should he stay in Gabriel Military Harbor or go to the capital of Dunkirk? This question had been troubling him for some time. Hannibal was right; the First Army was within his sphere of influence, and staying here would be safer and smoother. But everything had two sides; safety often meant more constraints. In fact, since the incident at the Grasshopper Space Station, he had felt increased surveillance around him. Hannibal had sent specialized sentinels to protect his safety. He didn’t know where those people were, but he could feel their presence.

In fact, ever since he came to Gabriel Military Harbor, Wu Chenghe felt that Hannibal was overly anxious about him. This anxiety could be explained as “paternal love,” but sometimes it seemed more like a desire to control everything, as evidenced by his previous attitude towards Jin Xuan and the recent issue about school choice.

Perhaps this was a common problem among successful men, Wu Chenghe thought, but this constant control didn’t make him feel safe; instead, it created feelings of insecurity and anxiety. He didn’t know where these feelings came from, or maybe it was just the intuition of a guide.

But the intuition of a guide had always been very reliable.

So, should he leave here and go to the capitol of Dunkirk? What would it be like there? Wu Chenghe rubbed his forehead. He knew very little about this world, let alone the capitol. Would it offer him freedom or danger?

Having experienced death once, he felt like he had become more timid, always worrying and afraid to face new environments. Wu Chenghe sighed and looked up at the sky. In Gabriel, the sky was obscured, and even the stars couldn’t be seen, only artificial clouds and the lifeless energy center.

It was a city where even the stars couldn’t be gazed upon, only the other end of the ring could be seen, unable to see the vast universe, just like Hannibal’s wings, staying below, ignorant yet safe.

Planet Dunkirk might be full of countless unknown dangers, but it could also provide him with countless unknown futures. It was a completely open environment where he could shed the halo of being the “commander’s adopted son” and have numerous opportunities to understand the real world. Moreover, the Aston University affiliated medical school was the best medical university in the entire federation, with the best teachers, the most advanced equipment, and the most outstanding students. By studying there, he could become a top-notch doctor.

Wu Chenghe’s mind suddenly cleared. After experiencing so much, he seemed a bit lost, and the ideals he had persisted in throughout his past lives had become blurred. Putting everything aside, curing illnesses and saving lives was the goal of his life. Regardless of how the surrounding environment changed, he should always strive towards this highest ideal.

He should go to Aston University.

Suddenly, there was a slight fluctuation in the consciousness cloud, a synesthetic sensation generated by temporary marking. Wu Chenghe turned around and saw a familiar figure slowly approaching, Jin Xuan.

“Why are you here alone?” Jin Xuan asked, bending over the back of the bench with his hands in his pockets. “I’ve been looking for you for ages.”

His Barbary lion let out a low rumble and circled around to nuzzle Wu Chenghe’s shins. Wu Chenghe used intuition to seek the opinion of the little tsundere, then took it off his ear and placed it on the lion’s nose, stroking its mane. The Barbary lion wagged its tail happily a few times in thanks before running off with its little companion.

“You didn’t dance?” After sending away the cute pet, Wu Chenghe asked Jin Xuan, “You’re half the host today. Will Mr. Hobart be upset if you leave like this?”

“He won’t be upset no matter what I do. He’s used to it,” Jin Xuan said, sitting beside him, leaning over to sniff his cheek. “Have you been drinking?”

“Yeah, just grabbed a drink.”

“Drinking to drown your sorrows? Because you got rejected by a lady?”

“Haha… maybe.” Wu Chenghe chuckled self-deprecatingly, not wanting to explain further.

“Don’t be silly.” Jin Xuan took the wine glass, finished the remaining wine in one gulp, and pulled his hand. “Come on, I’ll dance with you. The first dance isn’t over yet.”

“Go away.”

“Come on.” Jin Xuan stood in front of him, bowed gentlemanly, and made a “please” gesture. “Do I have to kneel down and beg you?”

“You can try.”

“Dance with me.” Jin Xuan looked into his eyes. “I’m leaving for the capital of Dunkirk with Hobart in a few days. Consider this an early farewell?”

After being entangled by him for months, suddenly breaking free, there was a heavy sense of loss. Wu Chenghe met his gaze, and caught the fragrant scent of Damascus roses from the flowerbeds nearby. Whether it was a momentary impulse or the compulsive control of the mark, he felt a moment of trance and involuntarily stood up, extending his right hand to him.

The daytime heat had faded, replaced by a gentle breeze. The sound of the fountain added a distant and ethereal charm to the music coming from afar. Jin Xuan held his hand with one hand and wrapped his waist with the other, leading him to dance in the grove. Jin Xuan’s steps were smooth, and the lines from his shoulders to his neck were as perfect as those of a dancer. Wu Chenghe followed him, spinning and gliding. His previously low spirits gradually brightened as he watched Jin Xuan’s flawless face. He even ignored the miserable beggar’s clothes he was wearing and had a sense of “this guy is really handsome.”

“What were you thinking just now?” Jin Xuan suddenly asked. “I felt the fluctuation of your consciousness: anxiety, hesitation, fear… Thinking about the entrance exam? How to escape from your dad’s control?”

The mark made the subtle emotions of both marked parties transparent. Wu Chenghe sighed. “Yes, I just talked to my dad about school.”

“He opposes you going to Aston Medical College?”

“Yes, he wants me to stay in the First Army. This is his sphere of influence, and the capitol may be dangerous.”

Jin Xuan chuckled. “So far, both of the fatal attacks you’ve encountered have been within his sphere of influence. And the crime rate in the capitol has been the lowest in the Federation for eight consecutive years. Where do you think is safer?”

“My identity is more sensitive,” Wu Chenghe said. “He said he’s not very popular in the Federation, and I might be implicated.”

Jin Xuan pondered for a moment. “Wu Chenghe, are you afraid of danger?”

“I guess so. Nobody wants to experience something like the Grasshopper Space Station incident again.” Wu Chenghe answered, recalling the terrifying explosion in his past life that had led to his death. It was not a pleasant experience.

“I’m scared too,” Jin Xuan said. “You know, when I was a child, I was kidnapped many times. At that time, my brother wasn’t the president yet; he was serving in the Voyager Army, then transferred back to NTU. He’s a formidable person, good at both fighting and politics. His political opponents, as well as the suspects and terrorists he investigated, were all afraid of him and didn’t dare to confront him head-on. So, they all liked to target me.”

Wu Chenghe had once entered his thoughts and seen some memories, indeed, there were many such scenes. At that time, he had found it strange.

“When he was running for Congress, the opposition hired mercenaries to kidnap me. I was only eight years old, sleeping in my bedroom, and I heard someone coming, so I climbed out of the window.” Jin Xuan squinted as he told the story. “My family lived on the one hundred and seventy-third floor. Do you know what it feels like to stand six hundred meters high? I almost got blown away by the wind. I was terrified, but I knew I couldn’t rely on Jin Zhe’s protection for the rest of my life. That lunatic was chasing his dream, and he wouldn’t stop because he had to take care of me. If I wanted to survive, I had to follow him, protect myself.”

Wu Chenghe’s heart trembled. It was pitiful that such a young child had to face such a harsh environment. But then he thought, a child of eight years old could be so tough; extraordinary people were indeed not made overnight.

“I crawled horizontally for seven meters at six hundred meters high and jumped onto the neighbor’s terrace. Then I climbed to the top floor through their garden ladder and pressed the public alarm button.” Jin Xuan continued, “Before the police arrived, I was afraid they would find out that I had called the police, so I ran down at least twenty floors along the emergency staircase and hid in the ventilation shaft. Later, when the police arrived, there was a firefight between them and the mercenaries, and eventually, the other side was wiped out, and I was unharmed. I was actually very scared. I couldn’t even stand up when Jin Zhe came to pick me up, let alone speak. He carried me to the hospital and slept with me for several days, not letting me stay alone. It took me a long time to recover. But since then, I found that I had grown up. I wouldn’t be afraid anymore just because I couldn’t find my brother. I protected myself.”

Jin Xuan paused for a moment, looked into Wu Chenghe’s eyes with bright eyes, “Staying by Hannibal’s side, you are his weakness. The dangers you will encounter in the future will only increase. If you want to live freely, you must learn to protect yourself.”

Wu Chenghe looked into his honest eyes and couldn’t help but be moved. Jin Xuan was right. Hannibal could protect him for a while, but not for a lifetime. The more he sought Hannibal’s protection, the more he would become his weakness, and the tragedies of the past would inevitably be repeated. Only by leaving here, becoming an independent person, and constantly becoming stronger, could he live his own life and protect himself.

“Hiss—” Jin Xuan suddenly took a breath. “You stepped on me.”

“Oh!” Wu Chenghe only then realized that he had been absent-minded and had stepped on Jin Xuan’s foot. He apologized, “Sorry, I’m not good at dancing.”

“Let’s switch next time.” With the end of the music, Jin Xuan stopped dancing and took a step back to give him a gentlemanly bow. Wu Chenghe chuckled and gave him a ladylike curtsy in return. The two smiled at each other.

“Have you made a decision?” After sitting on the bench for a while, Jin Xuan asked. He could feel that Wu Chenghe’s thoughts were calming down, indicating that his little guide had made a decision.

“It might take some effort to get my dad’s approval,” Wu Chenghe sighed. “He doesn’t approve of me going to Aston University.”

“Perhaps you can find another way.”

“Oh? What do you mean?”

“Do you know about that bill?”

“You mean the Voyager Army Descendant Ideological Education Bill?” This matter has been making headlines recently, and Wu Chenghe naturally had some knowledge about it. “But I’m just his adopted son, technically not within the scope of the bill’s care. I heard they’ve already decided to send Marlow instead.”

“I heard General Lancer opposes it,” Jin Xuan said in a low voice. “The Commander’s wife is still hesitating. If you propose to voluntarily replace Marlow, she will definitely be swayed.”

“You mean Lilith?” Wu Chenghe pondered for a moment, understanding his meaning. “Some say the Federation is enacting this bill to keep a group of hostages in the capitol. So, according to you, Lilith might be concerned about Marlow’s safety.”

“Because of the Free Revolutionary Army incident, General Lancer will face severe punishment, and his relationship with the Federation is becoming increasingly tense. Lilith is his daughter and will naturally be influenced by him,” Jin Xuan said. “You saw it in the hall just now, their family has a strong opinion about you. If it weren’t for the Commander’s insistence, you would definitely be the first choice to be sent to the Federation.”

“But this family is ruled by the Commander, and Lilith also has to listen to him,” Wu Chenghe had become quite clear about this over the past six months. Although Lilith was strong-willed, her feelings for Hannibal were deep, and she would never defy her husband’s opinion.

“That’s because it hasn’t touched her bottom line,” Jin Xuan’s gaze was profound, his voice low. “Son, it’s every mother’s bottom line.”

Wu Chenghe fell silent. If he could legitimately get this spot, it would be the best outcome. The bill stipulates that the Federation would cover all tuition fees during the study period and provide subsidies. He wouldn’t have to worry about money anymore. Plus, the unified exam score requirements would be lowered, which was very beneficial for him.

“I’ll find an opportunity to sound out Lilith,” Wu Chenghe said. “Maybe she will help me persuade my father.”

“I can help you. If you make up your mind, I can guarantee that the Commander will willingly send you away,” Jin Xuan said.

“Really?” Wu Chenghe looked at him incredulously. Perhaps no one else in the world could command Hannibal like that.

“Trust me,” Jin Xuan’s lips curved slightly, his phoenix eyes containing a hint of cunning. With a slightly exaggerated tone, he said, “Your decision is my command. I will execute it mercilessly and crush all obstacles.”

Wu Chenghe sighed, “We’re not that close, can you stop scaring me like this? I’m not the President, I can’t handle your loyalty.”

“You’re much more important to me than the President,” Jin Xuan shamelessly disregarded his brother and faced Wu Chenghe’s eye roll. Then, sincerely, he said, “Okay, I admit I’m selfish. I hope you can go to Aston University so I don’t have to persuade Jin Zhe to let me work at Gabriel Military Harbor. He’s a lunatic, much harder to deal with than the Commander.”

“You want to work at Gabriel?” Wu Chenghe was horrified.

“Otherwise, how can I chase after you? Should I give up halfway? Long-distance relationships never end well, don’t you know?” Jin Xuan said matter-of-factly. “Wherever you go to school, I’ll go teach there. Anyway, I have enough qualifications. Any school principal would kneel to welcome me.”

Regardless of whether the principal kneels or not, Wu Chenghe’s brain circuits are kneeling to him first. The world of top students is too dazzling, and mere mortals are destined to be blinded!

“Anyway, once you make a decision, I’ll do my best to help you,” Jin Xuan put away his joking demeanor and said solemnly. “Don’t rush to talk to the Commander’s wife. Focus on reviewing your lessons. I’ll notify you in advance of what to do and when. I’ll settle this matter thoroughly before I return to Dunkirk.”

After such a long time, Wu Chenghe knows his ability to get things done quite well. He nodded and said, “Okay, I’ll wait for your call.”

Jin Xuan grinned, just as the band played again. “It’s your turn to ask me to dance. Didn’t you say you’re not used to female steps? This time, it’s your turn to do the male steps. Quick, kneel down and ask me to dance!”

Wu Chenghe sighed. There’s no way. He stood up and bowed to him, his left hand behind his back, his right hand gesturing “May I?”

The melodious and lingering music of the blues echoed in the woods, the night was peaceful, and the scent of roses filled the air. Jin Xuan stood up, holding his hands around his neck, and his own hands around his waist, saying, “Hmm, this song is suitable for close dancing.”

Wu Chenghe found himself pressed against Jin Xuan’s chest, but after struggling for a moment and feeling it looked too awkward, he gave up and obediently followed his rhythm in the dance. This kind of dancing brought them extremely close, their bodies almost touching. Through the thin fabric of their formal wear, Wu Chenghe could feel the faint warmth emanating from him. He lifted his gaze and saw Jin Xuan’s sharply defined face, with his sword-like eyebrows and phoenix-like eyes, a hint of coldness in the arch of his eyes, yet his gaze towards Wu Chenghe was tender like water.

Split personality, sometimes, was a fatal beauty, and Wu Chenghe had never realized he was so lustful.

Whether it was the effect of the light alcohol or the confusion caused by the mark, when Jin Xuan lowered his head to kiss him, he completely did not resist. He lifted his chin to meet him, lightly touching his lips and intertwining his tongue with his.

“Don’t forget who’s taking you home, and in whose arms you’re gonna be… Save the last dance for me…” a mellifluous male voice sang sweet nothings, enveloping the two in the enchanting blues. Their dance steps had long lost coordination, but the fire within them quietly kindled.

Jin Xuan restrained himself; after all, this was a public place, and he couldn’t cause trouble for Wu Chenghe. As they parted lips, he looked at Wu Chenghe with infatuation, holding him tightly and whispering in his ear, “Come, enter my mind.”

Wu Chenghe felt confused, still not fully awake from the kiss just now. He couldn’t explain his own action of kissing back, whether he was going crazy, being toyed with by the submissive nature brought by the mark, or genuinely starting to like this split personality killer in beggar’s clothes.

“Come, use your mental tendrils to invade my consciousness,” Jin Xuan said, licking his lips, making the swollen lips glisten with a watery sheen, coaxing him into his thoughts. Wu Chenghe, swayed by his command, absentmindedly extended his mental tendrils, invading his consciousness cloud and probing his thoughts under his guidance.

“Only then can you understand how much I love you,” Jin Xuan, feeling the dull pain caused by Wu Chenghe’s unskilled intrusion into his mind, raised his head, his voice trembling slightly. “This feeling can’t be expressed in words. Only this way can you see clearly. The mark’s effect is about to pass, and next time, next time I hope you’ll fall in love with me, willingly let me mark you, mark you for life.”

With his eyes closed, Wu Chenghe’s mental tendrils slid through his deep and vast consciousness cloud, feeling the warm, intertwined love with life itself, causing his entire being to tremble.

I will try… he thought silently. Through mental empathy, Jin Xuan read his thoughts immediately and kissed him again, enveloping him with his arms almost embedding him in his body: I’m willing to wait for you, keep waiting until the day you fall in love with me.

The reception ended well past midnight, and throughout the evening, Wu Chenghe was entangled in a mix of excitement and fear. After returning to the banquet hall with Jin Xuan and then separately, he found himself hiding alone in a corner near the tall windows, unconsciously drinking several glasses of light alcohol.

When Hannibal escorted him back to his apartment, he was already slightly tipsy, stumbling on the stairs and unable to get up.

“Who let you drink so much? You’re only seventeen, it’s ridiculous…” Hannibal furrowed his brow as he carried him into the bedroom, scolding him while loosening his tie. He hadn’t finished his reprimand when he noticed Wu Chenghe had fallen asleep, emitting a faint snore.

“I have to keep him away from alcohol in the future,” Hannibal shook his head helplessly. The black-and-chestnut eagle let out a whistle and flew to the bedside, its golden-ringed eyes fixed on Wu Chenghe’s neck.

“Oh, you found it,” Hannibal loosened his son’s shirt collar slightly and found the cinnabar mole in the center of his collarbone had disappeared. His brow immediately relaxed, and his tone lightened, “The effect has worn off. Looks like he’s a strong-willed little guy, resisting submission.”

“Caw—” The black-and-chestnut eagle let out a sharp cry, with a hint of encouragement.

Hannibal’s large hand stroked his son’s fair neck, his thumb gently caressing his Adam’s apple. After a while, he licked his lips and shook his head, “No, it’s not time yet. He’s too young, he wouldn’t be able to handle it.”

The black-and-chestnut eagle angrily raised its feathers, flapped its wings, and flew away.

 

 

 

 

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