My Omega Rival in Love [Interstellar] - Chapter 6

Turning to look at the still-muttering He Yu, Gu Jin felt like grabbing her by the collar and giving her a good shake. Who drinks alcohol during their heat?!

But that was clearly unrealistic. Midst He Yu’s restless meddling, Gu Jin frantically set the autopilot destination to her own new home. She then pulled up her optical computer and ordered two types of suppressants, paying extra credits for the “Lightning Delivery” service.

The latest model of the transport didn’t disappoint; it arrived at Gu Jin’s doorstep in an instant. Looking at the still-unstable He Yu, Gu Jin resignedly held her breath, threw the woman over her shoulder, and carried her up to the bedroom.

She locked the door behind her, sealing in that cloyingly sweet scent. Gu Jin took a deep breath of fresh air, feeling as though she’d come back to life.

Sensing the faint scent of fresh grass on herself, the smell of her own pheromones Gu Jin frowned. It was a good thing she was fast; if this had gone on any longer, there was no telling what might have happened.

She hurried to another room to wash off the scent and change into clean clothes. Listening to the commotion next door, she shook her head helplessly. She never imagined that the combination of alcohol and a heat cycle would trigger such a severe reaction! Even He Yu’s normally frigid temperament couldn’t suppress it.

What Gu Jin didn’t know was that beneath those two factors lay a foundation of deep-seated gloom.

He Yu had always been extremely strict with herself, her emotional and behavioral control bordering on perfection. However, under such prolonged high pressure, once a tiny crack appeared, the consequences were bound to be catastrophic.

Combined with the recent situation regarding her parents, her own loss of freedom, and her long-term “tolerance” (?) of Gu Jin, Tao Ran’s sudden marriage had become the final straw that broke the camel’s back. The alcohol was simply the catalyst that breached the dam.

While Gu Jin was still reeling from the close call, her computer showed a notification of someone at the door. A robot clad in red was standing there, holding a package.

The suppressants had arrived. Gu Jin let out a sigh of relief, stepped onto a hovering light-disk to reach the door, grabbed the package, and rushed back. In her haste, she failed to notice the robot’s hesitant, “wanting-to-say-something” expression.

She tore open the package to find two injectors: one red and one blue. The red one was labeled “Omega.” Gu Jin decisively grabbed the blue one and injected herself first.

Once she felt a bit more grounded, she looked toward the next room with hesitation. The noise inside seemed to have quieted down. Entering now shouldn’t be life-threatening, right?

She gave a symbolic knock, knowing He Yu’s rationality was likely long gone. Not expecting an answer, she opened the door and entered.

He Yu was slumped by the side of the bed. The thick scent of pheromones in the room made Gu Jin’s heart leap. She quickly held her breath, grabbed He Yu’s shoulder, and swiftly administered the injection into the gland at the nape of her neck.

Exhaling sharply, Gu Jin was nearly triggered into losing her mind by the scent. Not daring to linger, she stood up and scooped He Yu up horizontally, intending to lay her on the bed, turn on the air filtration, and leave immediately.

Just as she lifted her, He Yu shifted uncomfortably in her arms, creating inevitable friction between them.

Gu Jin froze. Her heart hammered against her ribs. Having spent years guarding the border on fringe planets, her life had been a cycle of training and endless war. she’d had no time for romance, let alone contact with a soft, delicate Omega.

Even knowing the woman in her arms was a “more Alpha than Alpha” Omega like He Yu, the softness was undeniable. Her mind wavered. Gu Jin gritted her teeth, chanting “This is He Yu” a thousand times in her head before making a dash for the bed and setting her down—not particularly gently.

Just as she was about to beat a successful retreat, He Yu moved. Slender arms reached up, hooking around Gu Jin’s neck and pulling her back with sudden force. He Yu slowly opened her eyes.

Those eyes, usually clear and cold with a sense of forbidden asceticism, were now as bewitching as a demon’s. Her porcelain skin was flushed pink from the heat, and her lips were parted slightly—诱人 and tempting.

Boom. Gu Jin’s brain went blank. Looking at He Yu like this, she couldn’t look away. Who would have thought the cold “flower on a high peak” would look like this during her heat?

Those misty, slightly dazed eyes gazed at Gu Jin, her reddened nose adding a touch of pitiable vulnerability. It was a lethal blend of enchantment and innocence.

Gu Jin pinched her own palm hard, nearly biting through her lower lip. She struggled to control her rebellious pheromones, trying to shut down her senses to escape the cloying sweetness. She didn’t even have time to wonder why the suppressant seemed to have had so little effect.

Tearing He Yu’s arms away, Gu Jin used every ounce of her remaining logic to growl, “Keep your hands to yourself, or I can’t guarantee I won’t act like a total beast.”

Supporting herself with her hands on either side of He Yu, Gu Jin tried to pull away. But the “abandoned” He Yu looked at her with displeasure, reached out again, and pulled her right back…

Reason is often balanced on a very thin line. Once that line snaps, it’s nearly impossible to tie it back together.

When the “line” in Gu Jin’s mind finally reconnected the next morning, she was in a state of existential despair.

Thanks to her disciplined military habits, she opened her eyes before dawn, regardless of what had happened the night before.

The memories of the previous night rushed back like a flood, nearly drowning her. She looked at He Yu, who was still curled in her arms like an insecure fawn, looking incredibly soft. The “flood” in Gu Jin’s heart felt slightly less turbulent.

As if possessed, Gu Jin reached out to brush the hair away from He Yu’s face, adjusting her into a more comfortable position.

To say her feelings weren’t complicated would be a lie. But if asked if she felt regret, anger, or disgust… in her heart of hearts, she didn’t. In fact, in some ways, she felt a shameful sense of…

Suppressing those stray thoughts, Gu Jin watched the peaceful He Yu and suddenly felt a mysterious chill down her spine.

Given He Yu’s personality… when she wakes up, is she more likely to slaughter me or chop me into pieces?

Regardless, Gu Jin wasn’t the type to run away from her actions. Since it had happened, she had to face it. She had no intention of fleeing.

She shifted her arm slightly—it was falling asleep but at the slightest movement, the woman in her arms frowned. Gu Jin froze instantly, remaining perfectly still.

Unable to move or speak, and with her computer trapped under He Yu’s head, Gu Jin could only daze out while staring at He Yu’s face.

In terms of looks, He Yu was undoubtedly one of the best in the Empire. Exquisite features, porcelain skin, and pure black hair and lashes that provided a sharp contrast—she looked like a masterpiece carved by the gods.

Even Gu Jin, who was usually oblivious to beauty, had to admit He Yu was stunning.

As she stared, memories of the expressions on that cold, forbidden face from the night before resurfaced. Gu Jin’s face turned bright red, and she awkwardly looked away.

The second she looked away, He Yu’s eyelashes fluttered. Then, those clear eyes now filled with a murderous glint, snapped open.

He Yu had actually been woken up earlier by her internal “Research Center” biological clock. She was about to move when she realized the person beside her was also awake. She had decided to play dead to see what Gu Jin would do and because she couldn’t face the reality of last night yet.

She hadn’t expected the usually boorish Gu Jin to stop moving just because she frowned, or to gently fix her hair. Gu Jin had stared at her so intensely she nearly broke character.

Just as He Yu was reaching her limit, that burning gaze finally shifted.

Unable to keep up the act, He Yu opened her eyes and looked at Gu Jin, only to catch the other woman’s face still flushed red.

Unable to describe her current mood, He Yu simply stared. Gu Jin seemed to be avoiding her gaze but still let herself be scrutinized.

Before opening her eyes, He Yu had intended to treat this “shitty situation” as if it had never happened. But thinking about it, that seemed too easy on Gu Jin. She felt a sense of injustice; even if they ignored it, she had to give Gu Jin a beating first.

Yet, seeing Gu Jin’s wandering eyes, red face, and sheer awkwardness, she felt something else.

Closing her eyes to gather her thoughts, He Yu pushed Gu Jin’s arm away. “I didn’t expect things to turn out like this, but since it happened, none of us can change it. So…” Let’s pretend it never happened.

“I’ll take responsibility for you,” Gu Jin interrupted, her red face set with a rare, solemn seriousness, as if she were issuing a military order.

He Yu was stunned for a moment. Then she sat up, looking down at Gu Jin from a height. “Did I say I needed you to take responsibility? Aren’t you a bit full of yourself? Let me tell you, we will treat this as if it never happened. I have no interest in you, and even less interest in your ‘responsibility.’ We’re all adults get over it.”

Choking on her words, Gu Jin watched the cold, powerful He Yu return. Her expression shifted. She narrowed her eyes and curled her lip. “Oh? So our Great Academic Star He plays that fast and loose?”

Seeing Gu Jin instantly shed her seriousness and put back on her cynical mask, He Yu frowned. She decided it was best to leave immediately.

But before she could move, a pair of arms wrapped around her waist. Gu Jin pressed up against her back, resting her chin on He Yu’s shoulder.

“Since you don’t need me to be responsible… how about one more time?” The light, flippant words came from behind her, making He Yu’s brow furrow again.

Prying Gu Jin’s arms off, a cold word fell from her soft lips: “Scram!”

Since that day’s unpleasant parting, the two had a tacit agreement to stay out of each other’s sight. Gu Ting had arranged a different monitor for He Yu.

In the Vizer Imperial Palace:

Gu Jin sat with her feet up, lazily munching on royal snacks and fruit, acting as if she owned the place.

Beside her, Gu Ting was buried in national affairs. Looking at Gu Jin, who was here every day for free food, he nearly ground his teeth to dust. “Even if you can’t share the country’s burdens, can you at least stop causing trouble for us?”

“I’m here testing for poison! What if someone wants to poison you to death? It’s too dangerous. But with me here, you can rest easy; they won’t get the chance.” Gu Jin picked up another pastry, not even glancing at Gu Ting as she continued to shamelessly fill her stomach.

“I don’t know who would poison me, but I know I’m safest when you’re not here. So can you stop tormenting me? We’re siblings—don’t be so cruel. Give your old brother a break, okay?” Gu Ting’s heart bled as he calculated the credits Gu Jin had wasted and the treasures that kept disappearing from the palace.

“Brother, you’re being too formal. I’m happy to burn myself to cook for others, no need to praise me. I’m the type who does good deeds anonymously.” Her skin was thick enough to deflect anything; she ignored his words and ate another rare pastry worth a fortune.

Gu Ting was so angry he nearly spat blood. He wanted to disown her, but unfortunately, he couldn’t.

Just as Gu Ting was reaching his limit, an attendant entered. Gu Ting instantly transformed from a frustrated brother into a dignified, solemn Emperor.

“Your Majesty, the Empress has arrived.”

The Empress? Gu Jin’s eyes lit up instantly.

She was incredibly curious about her new sister-in-law. When Gu Ting got married, she had been tied down by urgent battles and couldn’t make it back. Since then, the constant warfare had kept her away. She had never actually met the woman.

“The fact that I’m back isn’t officially public yet, and no victory banquets have been held, so I haven’t had a chance to formally meet my new sister-in-law.

However, I’ve heard quite a bit about her. Word is she’s a master of both the pen and the sword, excelling in everything from business to politics. Most remarkably, she’s said to possess beauty that could ‘sink fish and lure fallen geese.’

No Alpha could refuse the chance to see a beautiful, delicate Omega, and I was no exception. Besides, my mind had been so full of He Yu lately that I desperately needed a fresh face to cleanse my eyes and brain.

‘Sister-in-law is here,’ I said, putting down my pastry and giving Gu Ting a heavy look, signaling him to let her in.

With a wave of his hand to the guards, Gu Ting gave an ambiguous command neither inviting her in nor turning her away meaning she was to wait outside.

I felt a surge of disappointment and grabbed another pastry to vent my frustration.

‘I’ve seen her profile. She’s such a delicate, gentle, and wonderful Omega, and you’re actually making her wait outside? Are you even an Alpha?’

As I lectured Gu Ting, I kept a mantra running in my head: Yes, that’s how an Omega should be. He Yu is just an anomaly. Aside from our rivalry, there’s nothing between us, and I absolutely cannot think about what happened that day.

Gu Ting found my sudden change in behavior suspicious.

‘Did something traumatize you? You’ve been binge-eating and drinking at my place for days, nearly bankrupting me, and now you’re obsessed with seeing your sister-in-law. Is something wrong?’

As her only brother, Gu Ting felt he was quite competent. He at least had a basic understanding of his sister’s quirks.

The more he thought about it, the more convinced he became. He began a detailed analysis: ‘Think about it. Last time I checked, you and He Yu were arch-enemies, right? Plus, you nearly lost your life and many generals because of their family’s blunder. You should hate them most of all, yet you’ve been suspiciously calm. You even volunteered to monitor He Yu, only to flee within a day.’

‘Yes, exactly! You’ve been acting weird ever since you left He Yu’s side.’ Playing the role of a master detective, Gu Ting felt he was closing in on the truth.

I wasn’t happy about being read so easily. I stood up and waved him off irritably. ‘What are you guessing for? You haven’t gotten a single word right. Fine, I just want to see my sister-in-law. If you won’t let her in, I’ll go out and see her myself.’

I actually started heading for the door.

Gu Ting dropped his optical computer. There was no way he was letting a loose cannon like me meet the Empress alone.

‘Fine, I’ll let her in. But you have to promise me: no talking nonsense. Sit there quietly, take one look, and do absolutely nothing else.’

Seeing him guard her like a predator, I snorted. ‘What, do you think I’m going to steal your wife? I just want a look. Don’t be so stingy.’

Gu Ting sighed helplessly and stepped out from behind his desk.

‘It’s not that I’m stingy or don’t want you to see her. It’s just that you’ve only recently returned to the Capital Star and don’t understand the complexities here.’ Gu Ting knew my nature all too well. I hated using my brain for anything outside of military matters. To most, I looked like a bit of a ditz, and I completely ignored political maneuvering.

Sensing the hidden meaning, I retorted, ‘What is there to understand? Just tell me. I hate how you people beat around the bush for eighteen turns and still don’t get to the point.’

‘Forget it, I can’t talk sense into you. Just remember: I am the Emperor, but there are many things I cannot decide for myself. This marriage is a product of alliance.’ He patted my shoulder. He couldn’t help but envy my freedom. But everyone has their duty.

I could act however I wanted outside, but back at the Capital Star, I represented the Royal Family. He needed to clarify the situation.

‘Our relationship is complex. It’s a marriage of convenience—mutual benefit with no emotional attachment. Even calling it an “alliance” doesn’t cover the whole picture.’ Gu Ting paused, trying to find words I would understand.

‘Simply put: your sister-in-law wanted to use me to escape her birth family, and I needed her family’s power. We hit it off and became a couple. Understand?’

The explanation sounded like a tongue-twister, but I managed to grasp the core of it. Essentially, two geniuses had teamed up to scheme against the ministers and the Empress’s clan.

Upon hearing this, my expectations for the “new sister-in-law” dropped. If it was just business, she wasn’t a “real” sister-in-law in the emotional sense.

‘Fine, I get it. I’ll take one look and leave. I won’t interrupt your business.’ Since they weren’t a typical couple, I didn’t want to meddle.

‘I’m telling you this because I trust you completely. I’m not telling you to stay away; I’m telling you to mind your manners.’

The Royal Family was sparsely populated; with only the two of us left, there was no room for suspicion between siblings.

I nodded. I wasn’t stupid; I understood the gravity.

Seeing that I finally got the point, Gu Ting exhaled in relief and signaled the guards to let the Empress in.

I straightened my clothes and sat in a nearby chair. Hearing footsteps, I looked up.

Despite knowing the cold reality of the marriage, I had to admit that no one was better suited for the role of Empress than this woman.

Though she wore a simple military uniform, her poise was extraordinary. The noble and commanding aura between her brows was beyond comparison.

As I observed her, the woman—the Empress, Xiao Ze—was also observing me.

Xiao Ze had heard long ago that the Emperor’s sister, Young Marshal Gu Jin, was being reassigned from Planet Rota. He was naturally curious about this legendary female Marshal of such high status.

He had wanted to meet her before, but with Gu Ting in the middle, it was awkward to seek out his sister-in-law specifically. He hadn’t expected to run into her here by chance.

She was in civilian clothes, yet just sitting there, she possessed an aura as if facing ten thousand horses with ease—the unmistakable presence of someone who had seen blood on the battlefield.

Seeing him enter, I studied him for a moment before standing up. ‘Hello, Sister-in-law.’

‘I have long heard of the great Young Marshal Gu. Seeing you today, you are indeed extraordinary.’

Xiao Ze’s response was official and polished. I kept my smile. ‘You flatter me.’

Watching the back-and-forth, Gu Ting’s lip twitched. Why are they never this polite to me?

‘Ahem,’ Gu Ting interrupted the fake pleasantries, looking at Xiao Ze. ‘Does the Empress have business here?’

‘Actually, since the Young Marshal is here, I’ll mention it now. I heard the Marshal is being reassigned back to the Capital, so I thought we should host a welcome banquet to celebrate her return.’

It was obvious that wasn’t why he came, but he had pivoted the conversation because I was present.

I might be blunt, but I wasn’t a blockhead. I knew when to stop overstaying my welcome. ‘I’ll leave the details to you and Brother. I actually have some things to attend to, so I’ll get going. I won’t disturb you.’

I gave Gu Ting a secret thumbs-up, nodded to Xiao Ze, and made a clean exit.

Walking away, my mind began to wander again.

I felt my life lately had been too leisurely. I hadn’t done anything but eat and drink at Gu Ting’s place. I was starting to feel like a pig.

As I thought this, I heard voices nearby. Pricking up my ears, I recognized them: my irresponsible old man, Marshal Gu, and He Yu’s grandfather, Elder He. What were those two plotting?

‘I truly must thank Marshal Gu. Otherwise, these old bones of mine might have had to bury the younger generation.’ Elder He’s voice sounded exhausted. He had clearly been running ragged for his son, daughter-in-law, and granddaughter.

‘Think nothing of it. It was a small matter. I didn’t expect them to be so audacious, but rest assured, I will ensure the safety of those two.’ I heard my father’s voice. ‘The Emperor knows about this, but without concrete evidence, he cannot clear their names just yet.’

‘I know. But since I’m involved, I can’t personally investigate. I have to wait for those useless underlings. Who knows how long that will take?’ Years of high-ranking status gave Elder He a naturally domineering tone.

I had no love for this overly serious old man. He had given me plenty of grief back when he was my tutor.

‘Don’t worry, Elder He. I’m sure the Emperor has a plan. The true cancer won’t get away scot-free…’ My father’s voice trailed off. I had a sudden, bad feeling.

‘Gu Jin, come out here. Did I teach you to eavesdrop?’ Sure enough, I was called out the next second.

Despite being a pure passerby with zero intent to eavesdrop, I was slapped with the accusation anyway.

Resigned, I stepped out from the side path and greeted the two men half-heartedly.

Marshal Gu and Elder He exchanged a look. An idea had formed.

‘Gu Jin, I’m giving you a chance to atone for your “crime.” If you complete a mission, I’ll overlook your eavesdropping. Deal?’

The ‘old ginger is spicier than the new’, my father had made the verdict before I could say a word.

I was about to protest, but then I thought about their conversation. My eyes darted as I pondered. ‘You have to tell me what it is first. If it’s something scandalous, I’m not doing it.’

‘Nonsense! Do I look like that kind of father?’

Having successfully annoyed my old man, I shrugged. ‘Fine. Say it if you’re going to. Otherwise, I’ve got things to do.’

Marshal Gu weighed his options for a moment before deciding. ‘You heard what we said. You know He Yu you grew up together and surely have some friendship. This is to help her and her parents.’

‘You heard about the mech incident, and Gu Ting told me your stance. Since we’re on the same page, I assume you won’t object.’

With the groundwork laid, Marshal Gu got to the point.

‘The investigation is ongoing, but the team is incompetent. No progress for so long. We need someone, someone with no ties to the He family, but with enough power and status to settle this.’

Since Elder He was present, Marshal Gu didn’t say it too bluntly. In reality, he wanted me to be a high-status ‘mascot’ to pressure the investigators, making it easier for them to conduct their private inquiry.

Looking from my father to Elder He, I nodded. ‘I have no objections. It would be an honor to help Elder He.’

Marshal Gu was shocked that his rebellious daughter was being so cooperative.

But he didn’t miss the opportunity. Now that I had agreed, it was perfect. He sent Elder He to see the Emperor alone and took me home to discuss the details.

The moment we stepped through our own door, I flipped the script and started bargaining.

‘Old man, I gave you plenty of face out there. but “even between brothers, accounts should be clear.” Now that we’re home, let’s settle the bill.’ Like a local hoodlum, I propped a foot up on a stool, looking nothing like a Young Marshal.

Marshal Gu was full of regrets. He blamed his younger self for failing to teach his daughter about respecting elders.

‘Fine, I saw this coming. What do you want? But let’s be clear: don’t try to rob me blind.’

He knew he had no choice with his only daughter. Besides, a fair exchange wasn’t necessarily a bad thing.

Having reached my goal, I was in high spirits, nearly slinging an arm around my father’s shoulder.

‘My dear father! Don’t be so distant. We’re flesh and blood—how could I rob you? Actually, I don’t want much. I just remember… don’t you hold the R&D rights for aircraft?’

Leading my father into a trap was second nature to me.

Marshal Gu gave me a look and waved his hand generously. ‘Fine. You just want the latest model? Go pick whichever one you like.’

‘Father, do you think so little of your daughter? Am I a person who can be bought with a mere aircraft?’

I spun the ring (transport) I had scammed from Gu Ting around my finger to show off. ‘See? I already have the latest model.’

‘Then what do you want?’ He gave up guessing.

‘I want the core technology for aircraft R&D. I know you hold the keys to that, so…’

I grinned mischievously. Even as I said it, I felt a bit guilty; it really did feel like I was robbing him blind.

Marshal Gu nearly jumped out of his skin. ‘Gu Jin, have you lost your mind? This isn’t just a high price, you’re trying to eat your father alive!’

‘Let me tell you, that core technology is no small matter. You can’t just ask for it. It’s a national-level military secret. Don’t even think about it.’

Holding his ground for once, Marshal Gu flatly refused.

I rubbed my chin. I hadn’t expected it to be that vital. But besides that, I didn’t really want anything else.

‘Father, didn’t you say anything was fine? How can you back out now? Besides, I’m not using it for anything bad. I’m doing a good deed for the country and its people.’

Recalling the way, He Yu looked at the craft earlier, I could guess what she was thinking. As a mech designer, she was obsessed with improving the next generation of mechs.

The latest aircraft had no special features except for its speed. That was the only thing of value.

I could tell He Yu was eyeing that speed.

I grabbed Marshal Gu as he tried to leave, doubling down on my shamelessness.

‘Listen to me before you go! Think about it besides being used by rich kids to show off on various planets, what use does an aircraft have? Isn’t such good technology a waste of talent in that field?’

Currently, aircraft were just transportation tools. The high-end ones were mostly toys for wealthy playboys.

‘That’s none of your business. Go play somewhere else.’ Marshal Gu wasn’t a man to be swayed by a few words.

But my eyes lit up. There’s room for negotiation!

‘No, Father, think! In space combat, the main forces are motherships and mechs. Mechs are the primary force because they’re flexible and powerful, right?’

He nodded reluctantly, feeling his defenses starting to crumble.

‘Exactly! Aircraft are only suited for small-scale planetary operations. They can’t compare to mechs. If we could apply aircraft technology to mechs to raise them to a new level, wouldn’t that be a massive benefit for us?’

Marshal Gu narrowed his eyes. So that’s where she was leading me.

‘Are you really my daughter?’

‘You’d have to ask Mom and yourself about that. I’m not entirely sure.’ My smart-mouth was back.

He choked on his anger, reminding himself I was his only child and he couldn’t kill her, or he’d have no heir.

‘First of all, I’m in charge of aircraft. That’s fine. But mechs are not under my jurisdiction. They belong to the He family.’ He felt it was time to have a serious talk with his ‘idiot’ daughter.

‘And while I’m helping them, it doesn’t mean our families are on great terms. In fact, in some ways, we are rivals.’

“Opposite sides, you understand? How could I possibly use my core technology to help our rivals? My silly daughter, think about it carefully.”

Since ancient times, the civil and military factions had always been at odds, and the present was no exception.

The Gu family was royalty, historically representing military might. It was common for a single generation to produce two Marshals. On the other hand, the Cabinet often stood in opposition to the Royal Family; since most administrative affairs were handled by the Cabinet, they possessed an authority that functioned independently of the throne.

To the Royal Family’s imperial power, this was a significant challenge.

The second point was that as the Prime Minister of the Cabinet, the He family had always established themselves through civil and intellectual standing. It was rare for their clan to produce warriors, but their achievements in cultural and scientific fields were extraordinary—especially in recent years, where research had been almost entirely dominated by the He family.

The reason these two families could unite now, instead of taking this chance to eliminate the He family, was because Gu Ting, Marshal Gu, and the old Emperor understood the concept of preventing a single power from becoming too dominant. They understood national balance. They needed the Cabinet, the Prime Minister needed the He family, and so, they needed to help one another.

However, this unity born of external threats was fleeting. Eventually, they would all return to their original positions.

And when that time came, if mechs became significantly more powerful, it could lead to a dangerous imbalance.

Marshal Gu’s words were concise but enough for Gu Jin to understand the underlying complexities. She frowned slightly.

“I really didn’t realize there were so many messy strings attached. But if our two families can unite now to resist external enemies, why can’t we work together in harmony in the future?”

If domestic infighting could be settled, it would be great news for defending against foreign invasions. The Vizer Empire would surely reach a new milestone.

“You sound like a child asking that. If the two families could coexist in peace, do you think things would have stayed like this for so many years? It’s impossible for the two families to live in harmony.”

“Man proposes, God disposes. Who knows what’s truly impossible?”

As the conversation reached this point, Gu Jin forgot what she had originally intended to do. Marshal Gu let out a sigh of relief; he had been afraid that his daughter—who hadn’t grown up by his side and was sometimes brilliant but other times incredibly blunt—might do something foolish.

Now that she had proactively given up, he felt a weight lift from his shoulders.

“Fine. For now, just focus on the tasks at hand. You don’t need to worry about anything else.”

He patted Gu Jin on the shoulder and left, heading off to parts unknown.

Left standing there, Gu Jin’s thoughts immediately drifted off course. Her mind wandered back to He Yu’s face.

If the relationship between the two families can’t be reconciled… what would happen if the younger generation of both families got together?

The mere thought was thrilling.

She raised an eyebrow slightly, shaking off the wild ideas for now. Checking the time, she decided to check on He Yu first before looking into the mission her father had assigned her.

Soon, she arrived at the He residence.

For a rare moment, Gu Jin felt awkward. After all, they hadn’t seen each other since that night. Would it be inappropriate to show up so suddenly?

But Gu Jin was never one to dwell on indecision. After a brief moment of hesitation, she stepped inside.

The two familiar soldiers at the door recognized her and didn’t block her path.

Standing in the familiar living room, Gu Jin looked around but couldn’t find He Yu anywhere.

“Where is everyone? How are you people keeping watch?”

She turned to the two soldiers behind her, her heart racing. What happened? Where is He Yu?

“Young Marshal, Miss He is upstairs. She hasn’t left the house.”

The innocent soldiers pointed toward the second floor, indicating that there were rooms upstairs out of sight.

“Oh, you think I don’t know that? I was just testing to see if you were paying attention. Fine, go stand back at the entrance.”

Gu Jin forced a justification for her low-level mistake.

The soldiers said nothing, having gained a little more insight into their Young Marshal’s stubborn temperament.

Each step felt as if she were carrying a mountain, but however slow the pace, the journey was short.

Gu Jin stood before the bedroom door on the second floor, her expression solemn. She raised her hand several times to knock, only to let it fall again.

Just as she was hesitating, a door nearby suddenly opened. He Yu walked out and locked eyes with her.

“Oh, what a coincidence! I didn’t expect you to be here.”

Suddenly flustered, Gu Jin scratched her head, her eyes darting everywhere but at He Yu.

He Yu looked around suspiciously. “If I recall correctly, this is my house. If I’m not here, where should I be? More importantly, what are you doing here?”

Seeing Gu Jin immediately brought back memories of that absurd night. He Yu also felt awkward; she averted her eyes and forced herself to look calm.

“Nothing, I just… came to take a look. Just checking in. Well, if you’re fine, I’ll be going. See you later. Bye.”

He Yu: “…”

Watching Gu Jin’s back as she practically fled the scene, He Yu frowned slightly. Is there something wrong with her brain again? Coming and going like that without explaining anything… what is she up to?

On the other side, Gu Jin stood outside the door, feeling discouraged.

Where did my old arrogance go? The one where I didn’t care about anything? I just wanted to say a word and see her—what’s there to be embarrassed about? Why couldn’t I just say ‘I wanted to see you’?

Actually, she really couldn’t.

After pacing around the entrance for a while under the sympathetic gazes of the two soldiers, Gu Jin vanished as quickly as she had arrived.

Unable to stand her current idle and wandering mind, she decided to report for duty immediately and be a “busy little bee.”

After obtaining all the necessary authorizations for the investigation team from Gu Ting, Gu Jin headed to the Investigation Department’s office that afternoon.

She marched into the office with an air of authority that turned every head along the way. Looking at the few people inside, she spoke up.

“Where is the rest of the investigation team? Didn’t you receive the notification from above?”

Lacking any sense of being a “newcomer,” Gu Jin took charge. She propped her feet up on a desk, looking every bit like a mafia boss.

“Most of the investigation team is currently in the field. As for the notification, we received it and have notified our team leader as quickly as possible. However, it will take time for him to return. Are you… Young Marshal Gu?”

A small, thin, and youthful-looking person stepped forward, looking somewhat intimidated by her.

“Fine. Tell them they must be back here within a day. I want to see all your findings. I hope you don’t disappoint me.”

She held out her hand, her meaning crystal clear.

Within moments, the staff members remaining at the office sent all the files to Gu Jin’s optical computer.

“This is all the confirmed material we have currently. The rest is still uncertain and requires further verification. Do you want me to send those over as well?”

The same thin person spoke, looking at Gu Jin as if she were a predatory beast.

Gu Jin touched her face suspiciously. She knew she wasn’t exactly “cute,” but surely she wasn’t that scary?

Not in the mood to dwell on it, she pointed at the small man. “What’s your name?”

“Everyone calls me Xiao Wang. You can just call me Xiao Wang, Young Marshal.”

“A memorable name,” Gu Jin nodded with a smile. “Alright, Xiao Wang, send all those materials you mentioned to my computer. Also, I want all the photos and videos you took—the ones used for evidence during the investigation.”

Xiao Wang hesitated. “Do you mean… all the footage taken from Planet Rota?”

“I believe I made myself very clear.”

Gu Jin was growing impatient. From the moment she knew she was coming here to oversee the investigation, she suspected the people here were incompetent. She hadn’t expected them to try and brush her off with such low-level tactics.

The staff nodded quickly and immediately sent the data to her computer.

Giving them a thin, cold smile, Gu Jin scanned the files while observing the people in front of her.

“How does your team leader treat you?”

“Huh?” Her question came out of left field, leaving everyone confused. But since a superior had asked, they had to answer.

“Our leader is quite good to us. Generally, he takes good care of us.”

Gu Jin neither believed nor disbelieved them. She nodded noncommittally and went back to her computer. On the screen was footage from the cleanup operations after the Battle of Planet Rota, which she had personally experienced.

When she was there, the scene was tragic, heroic, and soul-shaking. But looking at the footage now, she felt strangely numb.

She tapped the screen to pause and looked at the group again. “Whoever just sent a message to your team leader about what’s happening here, please step forward.”

The group looked at each other, shock written on their faces. An optical computer was the pinnacle of privacy; how could someone else know what they were doing on it?

“I’m giving you one more chance. Step forward.”

The reason Gu Jin was so certain was that while she was using her wrist computer to view the footage, she actually had a top-secret military optical computer implanted in her brain, a piece of technology no one knew about.

An implanted computer naturally possessed capabilities ordinary ones lacked, including monitoring the activity of nearby devices.

Just as Gu Jin was about to lose patience and drag the person out herself, the thin man, Xiao Wang, stepped forward again.

“I’m sorry, Young Marshal. I just… I thought the leader should come back sooner, so I sent him a message. I didn’t know I wasn’t allowed to. I won’t do it again!”

As he spoke, Xiao Wang looked as though he was about to burst into tears.