Reborn as the Paranoid Female’s Rejected Sweetheart [Zerg Tribe]

Chapter 39: You Never Knew…

Qi Yao had just picked up the temperature-controlled garment and walked out of the cabin when he looked up and saw Yi Er standing in front of him.

“Why did you come down? Aren’t you going to watch anymore?”

“I came down to check on you since you weren’t coming back.”

Qi Yao handed the temperature-controlled garment to Yi Er, “It took some effort to find yours, so it took a bit of time.”

“You wear it, I don’t need it.”

“I brought it for you.”

Yi Er took the temperature-controlled garment and draped it over Qi Yao’s shoulders, saying, “Then you wear it.”

“…”

With the temperature-controlled garment draped over him, Qi Yao followed behind Yi Er as they walked outside.

The meteor shower was almost over, and the two zergs didn’t return to the top of the cabin, leaning against the spacecraft lost in their own thoughts.

“I saw it just now,” Yi Er said.

“Saw what?”

“That zerg came to find you.”

“…”

“What did he say to you?”

Qi Yao adjusted the temperature-controlled garment on his body and repeated Yao Li’s words verbatim, “He said they really want to see you and invite you to their estate to rest for a night.”

Qi Yao added, “I didn’t give them an answer. I told them the decision is yours.”

Then he looked at Yi Er. “Will you go?”

Yi Er looked up at the sky, seemingly contemplating seriously.

Qi Yao didn’t interrupt him. He knew this decision was difficult to make. The defenses built up over two years weren’t easily broken down by a few words or meetings.

Whether to go or not, he didn’t want to interfere with Yi Er’s decision.

But if Yi Er was willing to try to let down his guard, then he was willing to help him.

The key lay with Yi Er himself.

After what felt like an eternity, just when Qi Yao thought Yi Er would refuse, Yi Er spoke up, “Go.”

It was like he was saying to Qi Yao, but more like he was saying it to himself, “I need an answer, whether it’s good or bad, I have the right to know.”

Making this decision, Yi Er seemed to relax, and for a moment, his entire demeanor seemed much clearer.

Qi Yao couldn’t help but chuckle. It seemed he didn’t need to persuade Yi Er any further; Yi Er was willing to try acceptance.

He felt happy for Yi Er’s initiative.

“Shall we go now?”

“Let’s wait a moment.”

“Huh?”

The meteor shower was still ongoing, albeit sparsely, nearing its end.

Yi Er looked up at the sky, closed his eyes for a few seconds, then opened them again, saying, “Let’s go.”

Qi Yao doubted if he had misinterpreted it, grabbing Yi Er uncertainly. “Were you making a wish just now?”

Yi Er decisively replied, “No.”

Qi Yao didn’t believe him. “Can you tell me what you wished for?”

“I said I didn’t wish for anything.”

“I told you mine.”

“That’s your choice.”

“Are you not telling?”

“Yes, I’m not telling.”

“Stingy.”

The two zergs lingered for a moment, then, facing the waning meteor shower, they set foot on the path where they had encountered Darren earlier.

Yi Er might have truly opened up, or perhaps he concealed his emotions, but in any case, the heaviness and oppression on his body seemed much lighter.

Knowing what lay ahead, he no longer resisted, but his steps were slightly hesitant, betraying the slow-growing tension in his heart.

Catching a whiff of the cool rose fragrance, Yi Er suddenly thought, What should I say when I see them? Should I say long time no see? Should I say I wasn’t prepared just now? Should I say thank you for taking care of me two years ago?…

Forget it, I’d better not say anything at all. It’s been fourteen years since we parted ways, and he already has a new family. Pretending to be intimate would only make the relationship seem more unfamiliar.

He just needed to take a look and confirm that the male named Yao Li was not like Eberley.

Yi Er, lost in thought about what he was about to do, was noticed by Qi Yao from beside him, and his hand was gently held.

There was still a faint sweat in his palm, and Qi Yao scratched his hand, motioning him to look up at the sky.

Yi Er: “?”

Qi Yao said, “The meteor shower is still going on. Would Teacher Yi Er like to make another wish?”

“What wish?”

Qi Yao smiled and said, “Just wish… to be a little braver?”

Yi Er was infected by this smile, and the tension all over his body suddenly relaxed. “Then you make the wish for me.”

Qi Yao refused, “No, this is your own affair.”

Yi Er disagreed, raising his eyebrows seriously. “From an ethical standpoint, he is also your family zerg. So, isn’t this the business of both of us zergs?”

“I…” Qi Yao was speechless, thinking about it again, feeling unable to refute, he could only pretend to be unwilling and dryly said, “Okay, then I’ll reluctantly make one on your behalf. Let the meteor grant enough courage to my female consort, Yi Er, so that he can face his female father with ease.”

Yi Er was satisfied with this, holding Qi Yao’s hand tightly, accepting the comforting smile Qi Yao gave him, and continued to stride forward.

The rose fragrance changed from light to strong. After walking not too far, the front suddenly cleared up.

Under the pale light reflected by the asteroid, a large expanse of rose sea came into view. The flowers were in full bloom, and the strong fragrance filled the air, leading to a serene and understated mansion at the end of the path.

“The lights are still on. Looks like they’re waiting for you,” Qi Yao said.

Yi Er stood still.

Qi Yao pinched his hand. “Teacher Yi Er, the meteor just gave you courage.”

Yi Er paused for a second, then lifted his foot again and walked towards the building in the heart of the estate.

In the estate, Yao Li kept glancing at the door.

Darren had just learned that Yao Li had gone to find Yi Er without his consent, as it might catch Yi Er off guard.

After venting his complaints, deep down, he was also secretly hoping for Yi Er to come.

Now, he had cleaned up inside and outside the estate, laid soft bedding in the guest rooms, and prepared some simple snacks on the kitchen stove.

“Will they come?” Darren asked Yao Li nervously yet hopefully.

Yao Li was also unsure, but to avoid disappointing Darren, he carefully said, “You go rest first, I’ll call you when they arrive.”

Darren didn’t leave. “There are fruit cookies in the kitchen. I need to watch over them.”

Yao Li chuckled. “Darren, Yi Er is already married. He probably wouldn’t like to eat fruit cookies anymore.”

“He’s already married.” Darren’s eyes dimmed, repeating it softly.

Yao Li had already told him this news when he returned and inquired about it.

Regret filled his heart and mind. As a female father, he might be the last zerg to know that Yi Er was already married.

“Yes, and the male next to him looks very gentle. You should be happy for him,” Yao Li added.

Darren didn’t say anything. He had to try the fruit cookies to see if they were sweet. He remembered clearly that Yi Er liked sweet things.

Inside the house, the lights were on brightly.

Yi Er stood outside the door.

On one side of the door was him, and on the other side was his female father.

He hesitated to push open the door. At the third attempt to knock on the door, it opened by itself from the inside.

Yao Li stood inside the door, his eyes bursting with undisguised surprise.

Yi Er stood awkwardly, feeling that both the zerg in front of him and the ground beneath his feet were unfamiliar.

He summoned the courage to seek an answer, but upon arriving, he slowly realized that all the forced ease along the way was just a facade.

“Yi Er, you really came. Please come in quickly,” Yao Li sincerely invited him. “Darren, come and see who’s here.”

Darren came out of the kitchen. Joy replaced anticipation. He wiped his hands randomly, staring at Yi Er without blinking, but soon became flustered.

What were the carefully prepared words? Seeing Yi Er, he couldn’t remember anything to say.

“Yi… Yi Er…” He could only awkwardly call out his name, unable to recall what else to say.

It was Yao Li who remained calm enough to invite Yi Er and Qi Yao into the house. “Please sit.”

The room was warm and cozy. Qi Yao took off his thermal clothing and pulled Yi Er’s sleeve. “Feeling hot?”

“Uh, yes.” Yi Er regained his senses and took off his coat, handing it to Qi Yao.

He deliberately avoided Darren’s gaze, looking around here and there, finally settling his eyes on Qi Yao, who was hanging up their coats.

Darren noticed Yi Er’s restraint and quickly averted his gaze, turning to enter the kitchen and bringing out the prepared food one by one.

Being busy dispelled his confusion and unease, and his fluctuating emotions gradually calmed down.

Yao Li invited Qi Yao and Yi Er to sit down.

On the table were dishes as simple as they could be, typical of how the zerg society treated food, but it was clear that they were prepared with great care.

“You haven’t eaten yet, right? Darren has been preparing for a long time. Quickly eat while it’s hot.” Yao Li pushed all the food in front of Yi Er and poured out the already opened red wine for them.

“Darren said I shouldn’t make it too grand, but it’s such a big deal for you and your female father to reunite. How can we not celebrate?”

At this moment, Darren brought out the last item, a plate of fruit-scented cookies.

Qi Yao whispered, “Yi Er, there are cookies.”

Yi Er expressionlessly poured the wine from Qi Yao’s glass into his own.

Yao Li was stunned. He didn’t understand what Yi Er’s action meant. Was he not buying it? Or was he not giving Darren face?

Yi Er said lightly, “My male lord cannot drink alcohol.”

“Oh, I see, he doesn’t drink. My apologies for the oversight. I have nutrient solution here.” Yao Li quickly excused Darren from his tasks and went to prepare a clear glass of nutrient solution for Qi Yao.

Four zergs sat scatteredly around the spacious dining table.

Awkwardness and embarrassment intertwined, creating an atmosphere where every breath had to be cautious.

As the planner of this family meeting, Yao Li took the initiative to liven up the atmosphere at the table. He raised his glass and said, “Thanks to a meteor shower, Darren and Yi Er father and son are reunited.”

Yi Er courteously clinked his glass, took a sip of wine, then put down his glass, took a deep breath, and began his prepared speech, “Actually, I came here…”

All the way, he had told himself that he was just here to take a look. But that question had lingered in his mind for over two years, and he couldn’t convince himself not to think about it or care. Now, finally, he could openly ask. Perhaps it was only today, only here, that he had the chance to ask.

With determination, Yi Er’s voice was heavy, “I came here not to freeload or stay overnight. I just want to ask one question.”

The table fell silent, no zerg touched their utensils, all listened quietly to Yi Er’s words.

Darren asked, “What do you want to ask?”

Yi Er lowered his eyes and asked cautiously, “Father, you have your reasons, right?”

He paused slightly in his tone, “My male father hurt you, and you just don’t want to go through that again, right?”

He tried not to use harsh words like “exploiting war” or “planning death,” but rather, he delicately raised the issue of having reasons, hoping that Darren did have genuine reasons.

Darren fell silent for a moment, then said clearly, “No.”

Yi Er’s heart sank suddenly, and he continued to ask, “Then what is it?”

Darren looked at Yao Li, and Yao Li encouraged him with a nod.

“It was the wormhole that made me…” Darren looked back at Yi Er, who had lowered his head. He couldn’t see his expression, which made him suddenly change the explanation about how he survived. He changed his tone and said, “Yi Er, I rushed into the fleet with a determination to die. I never thought about avoiding anything.”

“I died once, and being able to come back and meet Yao Li again is heaven’s favor to me.”

“I am very grateful to Yao Li, and we have been working hard for the peace between Glassy and the Empire. Although the process has been difficult, we have never given up.”

“Yi Er, two years ago, I didn’t dare to acknowledge you because I didn’t have the courage. Including meeting you tonight, I also…”

Yi Er suddenly interrupted Darren, “Do you know, Father, you are the unique hero of the Empire.”

Darren stared blankly and remained silent. For some reason, Yi Er’s words made him feel suffocated.

Yi Er continued, “The Empire bestowed upon you the highest honor, yet you gave up everything you were about to receive and turned to build a new family in the Glassy system. I thought, at least, you would apologize to me for being one of the things you abandoned.”

“But you didn’t.” Yi Er’s voice was slightly hoarse. “No matter how much you say, it can’t change the fact that you are already a Glassy zerg.”

He pushed back his chair and stood up. “You never knew, you never knew what you meant to me.”