Mecha Chapter 123: Henpecked

Translated by Addis of Exiled Rebels Scanlations

Editor: Sulo

 

Luo XiaoLou couldn’t help but go numb at the sight of Yuan Xi’s smile, and he couldn’t help but glance at the 125 in Yuan Xi’s hand. He considered the possibility of snatching it back and escaping, feeling that they — mostly Yuan Xi — needed to chill out and calm down.

At that moment, a loud cry of a cat rang out, and then Luo XiaoLou felt a weight on his arm. There was a shiny feline standing on his arm, arching his back and rubbing against Luo XiaoLou twice before he straightened up as much as he could with a look that begged for kisses and pets.

“Ah! You really are him!” Ivan cried out in surprise, dropping his plate and trying to jump at it. But the cat that was thrown at him was even quicker.

Ivan had to manage to catch the grey cat, which was fat as hell and looked like a piece of food. Luo XiaoLou himself smiled, as if he wanted to run but was completely afraid to move.

Arthur’s eyes lit up. His tightly knitted brows suddenly relaxed and he stared at Luo XiaoLou, and said, “I see, you didn’t volunteer, did you? ‘I had to follow him because I was attracted to him, but I was bullied and squeezed, and finally, I couldn’t stand it any longer so I escaped’ — it must have been like that, right?”

Arthur’s hand was already on the dagger at his waist. He took another step forward as he said, “Don’t be afraid, speak up if you have anything to say, and I will help separate you from him! He is a man with too many faults, a bad temper, and a bully —” Arthur’s handsome face was filled with righteous indignation, and he spoke as if Yuan Xi was trying to rob Luo XiaoLou by force.

Luo XiaoLou, Yuan Xi, and Ivan all looked at Arthur in stunned silence, and Luo XiaoLou stammered, “Wait! But, but I don’t have any intention of separating from Yuan Xi! Although he, mn, has many flaws, I like him very much. I don’t have any intention of separating from him —” Isn’t Arthur’s imagination too rich, although in a way amazingly truthful?

Ivan would bet that when Luo XiaoLou said this, Yuan Xi changed from a smirk to a dark expression several times, and finally just looked at Luo XiaoLou with gritted teeth and an odd and silly smile.

“You see, some people should mind their own business when they don’t know things.” Yuan Xi said, his face taut, as he raised his head with a smugness and amusement that he couldn’t hide no matter what.

Arthur looked viciously at the two men in the middle of the room. The intimate gesture between the two of them was natural and obtrusive. He finally slammed his glass down on the table and got up to walk out. Once outside, he turned back to Luo XiaoLou and said, “Remember what you promised to do.”

Promised? Luo XiaoLou wondered, then saw Ivan looking at him apprehensively before carefully asking, “You, you’ll teach me, right?”

“Of course. Thank you for the lunch you prepared, and please wait a moment.” Luo XiaoLou said quickly, pulling Yuan Xi back into his room.

“What did you promise?” Yuan Xi asked as Luo XiaoLou sat on the bed with him, hugging his arms like a grown man.

“I need to stay for a few days, and listen to me, there’s a reason for that.” Looking at the grim-faced Yuan Xi, Luo XiaoLou went over everything that had happened since he left, including teaching Ivan to make energy boxes and mecha theory. Finally, he concluded saying, “I can’t just leave like that, it would be a regret for the rest of my life. You’d agree, wouldn’t you?”

At Luo XiaoLou’s pleading gaze, Yuan Xi snorted and said aggressively, “Although you just expressed that you love me so much that you can’t leave me, you don’t think I forgot what you said at the port, do you?” With that, Yuan Xi paled and leaned in close to Luo XiaoLou, pulling him over, “You said — goodbye? That we’re not right for each other? So, personally, what is it that you’re not happy about?!”

Luo XiaoLou was at a loss for words. God, he’d almost completely forgotten about that after he’d made up his mind to go back to find Yuan Xi! It was really just an excuse, and Luo XiaoLou swallowed and put his hand against Yuan Xi’s chest to prevent him from coming any closer. He’d almost been moved by Yuan Xi. He was pressed down to the point of not being able to breathe, with his skin hot under his hands and his heart beating powerfully, “No, it’s not your problem. It’s that I’m not good enough for you.”

Yuan Xi was stunned, as if Luo XiaoLou’s answer was very unexpected. He looked at Luo XiaoLou dumbfoundedly for half a day, then suddenly pulled the man over hard, hugged him hard, and said over his head, “What have you been thinking about all day? Even if you’re so stupid, you’re the one I’ve chosen, the one most qualified to stand by my side for the rest of my life. Besides, no one can see you but me. So give up, you probably won’t find a better choice than to stay by my side.” Yuan Xi said proudly.

Leaning against the warm body, Luo XiaoLou smiled a reassuring smile, and he could feel the same rapid heartbeat like his, coming from Yuan Xi’s chest.

“Okay, I admit, you’re right. I’ll try my best.” Luo XiaoLou said with a smile in his eyes, “So, would it be okay if you stayed and waited with me for a few days?”

Yuan Xi looked at Luo XiaoLou, who was softly begging him, and just grunted without speaking. But Luo XiaoLou made a clear message that he agreed. After a while, Yuan Xi still didn’t let go of Luo XiaoLou who was still held tightly by him, and with a muffled whisper above his head, he said, “I’ll try my best too…”

Luo XiaoLou’s mouth slowly curled up. At this moment, Yuan Xi’s stomach suddenly growled, Luo XiaoLou was stunned, then he got up and said, “You, wait for two minutes, and then you can eat right away.”

Luo XiaoLou greeted Ivan outside and went into the kitchen. Seeing Yuan Xi who followed behind Luo XiaoLou, Ivan opened his mouth before closing it, and sitting down nicely again.

125 whispered affirmatively in Luo XiaoLou’s ear, “I’ve suddenly thought of a term that could definitely be used to describe you.”

“What?” Luo XiaoLou asked as he cleaned up a fish.

“Henpecked. Don’t you think? You listen to Yuan Xi on almost everything, a model of being henpecked.”

Fuck your sister… Could you be more two-faced except for listening to the first word midway!

When Luo XiaoLou fiercely returned to the table with a plate of fish, Yuan Xi had already sat down and Ivan nervously greeted him and leaned in next to Luo XiaoLou. Yuan Xi gave Ivan a quick glance and squinted at the fish that was brought to him. One could tell he was in a good mood.

Ivan glanced at Yuan Xi from time to time as he ate. He couldn’t believe that the prince of the capital was eating at the same table as himself, but then he looked at Luo XiaoLou again. After removing the disguise, he was really quite handsome, and his temperament was gentle and very comforting. Even next to Yuan Xi, who was a prince, it didn’t dull his looks.

After dinner, Ivan took the initiative to clear the table.

There were two knocks on the door and someone outside asked, “Is Luo XiaoLou here, please?”

Ivan ran out of the kitchen, pressed the display, and there was a strange young man outside. He didn’t look at the two men in the house and directly asked, “What do you want with him?”

“It’s like this, Master Maku asked me to ask Luo XiaoLou to come over now if it’s convenient, would that be okay?”

Luo XiaoLou stood up immediately, “Tell him I’ll be right out.”

Ivan looked at Yuan Xi subconsciously before answering. Finding no objection from the imposing man, he told the man outside to wait a moment.

Yuan Xi followed Luo XiaoLou into the room, and not long after, when he came out after changing his clothes, both of their appearances had changed. Yuan Xi was a completely different person, but his whole body still looked tall and handsome, whether it was good temperament, or the strength of the man, it was all invariably revealed, firmly attracting people’s attention. 

But Luo XiaoLou still had that appearance that people couldn’t bear to take a second look at. Ivan didn’t know why, but in his heart he wished that Luo XiaoLou would have been originally like this, maybe then he wouldn’t have to leave.

As he walked outside, Luo XiaoLou muttered, “Actually, I can just go by myself, there’s absolutely no need for you to —”

“No, I’ll go with you.” Yuan Xi interrupted firmly. Then, remembering something, he looked at Luo XiaoLou warningly and said, “If you make me take more than a month to find you again next time, I’ll make sure you never want to run for the rest of your life.”

Luo XiaoLou and the 125 around his neck stiffened at the same time, then he said with difficulty, “Alright, I won’t do that again. Wait, why is this all my fault? Don’t you ever introspect? You never even told me who you are!” When it came back to this, Luo XiaoLou’s momentum actually grew stronger and stronger.

Ivan was particularly dumbfounded by this scene. Luo XiaoLou, who had no background at all, and whose personality and ability were completely different from the prince’s, dared to arrogantly question the prince. But why did he feel that this situation did not seem unconventional at all?

And their great prince — he seemed to be very embarrassed.

This question, which even an ordinary aristocratic dude could casually gloss over, put Yuan Xi in a difficult position, and probably no one would have expected that their prince would be so serious about his feelings.

Luo XiaoLou coughed, ignoring 125’s cheers. He did not intend to embarrass Yuan Xi and continued, “You see, sometimes, even lovers have secrets from each other. So, if I’m ever forced to hide something from you in the future, I hope you’ll be as generous as I am and forgive me and tolerate me.”

Yuan Xi’s eyebrows rose and subconsciously retorted in his heart. Did Luo XiaoLou need to have something to hide from him? No, he would never let that happen.

However, seeing Luo XiaoLou’s meek and pleasing face, Yuan Xi thought of how his own parents got along, the way father was completely willing to be his wife’s slave. He immediately felt that Luo XiaoLou was really too comfortable and heartbreaking — it was mainly his good taste that made him say, “Of course, even if you make a mistake, I’ll help you make it right.”

Yuan Xi was completely oblivious to the fact that Luo XiaoLou and his own mother were achieving the exact same effect, albeit in different forms.

Luo XiaoLou smiled slightly and walked outside with Yuan Xi.

The young man outside explained his intentions to the ugly looking Luo XiaoLou, “I am Master Maku’s apprentice. Master Maku has asked you to come over.” Although he was more than happy to look at the handsome companion next to Luo XiaoLou, for some reason the person next to him gave him the impression that he was emitting cold air.

Luo XiaoLou and Yuan Xi followed the young apprentice in the hovercar to the mecha hall. It was now noon and an intermission period, but a good number of people who had come to hear the lecture were still digging in their heels to get to know the masters better.

Luo XiaoLou was taken upstairs to a good-sized laboratory, where several people were gathered in a small circle.

Luo XiaoLou immediately saw that it was Master Maku who was supervising the first three masters.

Bai Heng whispered in Master Maku’s ear, and the serious middle-aged man’s eyes twinkled as he said a few words to the others. Then, those people left, leaving only Bai Heng and Master Maku in the lab, in addition to Luo XiaoLou and Yuan Xi.

Bai Heng was also surprised that Luo XiaoLou would bring in someone, but that person apparently had no intention of speaking, and only stood by Luo XiaoLou’s side.

Master Maku sized up Luo XiaoLou, then brought three engines over from the table beside him and said, “Can you tell which are the parts you made?”

This was certainly no difficulty for Luo XiaoLou, picking one of them out and saying, “I prepared the parts for this engine for Bai Heng.” He took a glance at the remaining two engines and hesitantly took another one out, “This one is not a part I made, but the material should have been handled by me.”

Master Maku laughed, “Not bad, young man. You’re really fearsome. The one you helped manufacture is the best engine, while the one you handled the materials for is slightly less effective, and the third one is completely assembled by Bai Heng himself. Evidently, even Bai Heng himself saw the difference.”

Luo XiaoLou aimed a glance at the smiling Bai Heng and was moved. It seemed that Bai Heng had not only guessed what he was thinking, but also had some doubts about his profession.

“So, you’re a mecha maker from an Advanced Planet?” Master Maku asked straightforwardly.

“Yes.”

“At what level?” Master Maku’s eyes were glued to Luo XiaoLou, and although he had been very serious, a hint of urgency could still be faintly seen.

Luo XiaoLou hesitated for a moment and said, “I can make a Tier 3 mecha now, and barely manage a Tier 4, but it takes longer.” This was his true level, and although it was nothing in the advanced planets, he would never have said it if he didn’t want to consult with Master Maku about biological mecha.

Bai Heng’s face turned pale and he looked at Luo XiaoLou with a sudden fervor, even his hands clenched unconsciously. He had thought about Luo XiaoLou’s extraordinary level of handling materials, and also thought that Luo XiaoLou’s true profession might not be an assistant, but a mecha maker. But he had absolutely never thought that Luo XiaoLou would actually reach this level. It turned out that the mecha he wanted was actually so easy to obtain…

Yuan Xi watched and gave a slight snort.

Master Maku also stood up excitedly, “At a young age, you can assemble your own Grade 4 parts, amazing! Let’s put it this way, I don’t usually take disciples, but I’d like to make a deal with you.”

Luo XiaoLou smiled as well, “Just as well, I would like to make a deal with you as well. I can provide you with the Tier 4 mecha you want, as long as you teach me a mecha processing method.” Luo XiaoLou didn’t specify since he didn’t know what kind of person Master Maku was. After being stunned, he immediately knew what Luo XiaoLou was talking about and looked at Luo XiaoLou with a complicated gaze.

After two seconds of hesitation, Master Maku asked Bai Heng and Yuan Xi to go out first. Bai Heng, stunned, got up and walked out, while Yuan Xi, staring into Luo XiaoLou’s eyes, turned around and walked out as well.

Master Maku stared at Luo XiaoLou and asked, “What do you want to learn?” 

“Bio-mecha,” Luo XiaoLou replied immediately.

Master Maku was silent for a moment, “You sure do know about it. Is there anyone else besides you who knows about this?” Even the Grey Galaxy didn’t have a second person who knew about this technology, but Luo XiaoLou had discovered it, and Master Maku, on the alert, grew more and more appreciative of Luo XiaoLou’s vision and skill level.

“I can assure you that there’s no second person who knows.” 125 wouldn’t mind such a lie.

Master Maku considered longer this time and finally said, “…Okay, but I also have a condition. I can teach you the technique of bio-genetic fusion, but you can’t teach it to others freely, and if you need to, you have to get my permission, because I don’t want the army to use my mecha to attack the Grey Galaxy. In addition, you’ll have to provide us with premium mecha, whatever level you’ve learned. Of course, I know there’s flexibility in this restriction, and if you hide it, there’s nothing we can do about it —”

“Yes.” Luo XiaoLou suddenly spoke out, “Don’t worry, I know the importance of biological mecha. Even so, I feel that you are the one who is at a disadvantage.”

Master Maku genuinely laughed this time, “No, no, young man, it’s not certain who’s at a disadvantage, it depends on how far you can go. And don’t worry, we’ll buy your mecha at the market price here. And if you want to trade materials, feel free to do so as well, we’ll give you priority.”

Luo XiaoLou was genuinely pleasantly surprised. In fact, he already felt like he had gotten a treasure for learning about biological mecha. These last few lines from Master Maku really made him happy. He had found a future sales channel for himself and had the best source for incoming materials.

Outside the door, Bai Heng looked at Yuan Xi, who gave off a powerful aura, and turned to head downstairs. Luo XiaoLou’s high ability must be immediately told to Arthur and the others.

Arthur, who was informed, had a dark expression and looked on. The atmosphere started getting more and more awkward, until Li finally stood up and said, “In that case, we need to find a way to keep him.”