The Cannon Fodder Became the Empire's Beloved Omega - Chapter 14

As soon as the words were spoken, everyone present was utterly dumbfounded.

Was the position of emperor not appealing enough? This was, after all, the future throne of the Gaia Empire!

Even across the entire star system, the Gaia Empire was one of the most powerful. Countless people dreamed of becoming its emperor. Yet, the young man before them actually wanted to refuse?

And even seemed to show a hint of disdain?

Everyone felt their brains were about to short-circuit.

Yu Ruan, however, had thought it through clearly.

Being an emperor sounded so boring! Though he had never been one, the empire’s endlessly remade TV dramas made it very clear: not only was there no social security or housing fund, but there was also no fixed monthly salary. You’d be worked to the bone and often expected to work overtime for free.

Even the stingiest boss he had ever encountered wouldn’t withhold overtime pay. But once you became emperor, all those benefits would vanish instantly.

Gone!

No social security! No housing fund! No fixed salary!

And the working hours were an inhuman 8-10-7!!

Yu Ruan felt that even the system wasn’t this exploitative.

So why would he want to be emperor? For the “blessings” it brought?

Better not expect too much from a slacker like him.

Seeing the sincerity in Yu Ruan’s eyes, everyone fell silent. For a moment, they had no idea how to respond.

Just then, Gu Yu lifted his eyelids and suddenly said, “Meals and accommodation are provided.”

Yu Ruan: “?”

“Full social security and housing fund contributions, no salary deductions for mistakes.” He sounded lazy, but his words were clear. “Overtime pay starts at ten times the rate, base salary doubles after probation, and performance bonuses are separate.”

Yu Ruan: “…”

Oh no, he was starting to feel tempted.

This emperor position sounded really enticing.

No!

Yu Ruan secretly pinched himself: he couldn’t let himself be swayed so easily! What if the reality didn’t match the description, and he couldn’t even return the “product”? Wouldn’t that be a total loss?

“The food is excellent,” Gu Yu added lightly.

“…” Yu Ruan was sold.

He figured the young master had pretty high standards when it came to food. If even he praised the meals, the cafeteria couldn’t be bad.

With such great benefits, plus meals and accommodation included, if he missed this opportunity, there might never be another one like it.

Yu Ruan felt as if a giant scale had appeared in his heart: one side screamed at him not to go, urging him to retire in the countryside instead. The other side tirelessly whispered, “Opportunity knocks but once” with conditions this good, what more could he possibly want?

The two forces wrestled fiercely within him, leaving Yu Ruan deeply conflicted.

After much deliberation, he couldn’t help but tap into the system, hoping to get some advice.

But all his messages sank without a trace.

The system was still lost in its own dreamland, with no intention of paying any attention to its poor employee.

Yu Ruan felt indignant.

He sensed that his employment relationship with the system was hanging by a thread. If this continued, he might just defect.

Ye Yizhou raised an eyebrow and exchanged a glance with Gu Yu. Then, picking up the conversation, he said to Yu Ruan, “Speaking of which.”

Yu Ruan snapped back to attention and looked at him curiously.

“Your admission notice from Nebula University has arrived. Congratulations.” Ye Yizhou smiled at him. “You’ll soon be heading to the capital planet to study.”

Nebula University!

Instantly, Yu Ruan’s inner scale tipped heavily toward one side.

“Most students at Nebula University are Alphas. As an Omega studying there, you might find it somewhat inconvenient,” Ye Yizhou said. “However, if you’re willing to come, the royal family will provide you with independent, free accommodation nearby.”

“…”

“There’s a one-year probation period. If it doesn’t suit you, you can resign at any time.”

“…”

“And one more thing,” Ye Yizhou smiled and glanced at Gu Yu, “he was mistaken earlier. After the probation period, the base salary isn’t just ten times higher, it’s even more than that.”

“…”

What a casual way to handle the royal position.

Yu Ruan felt his young heart had been thoroughly shaken. His inner scale had completely collapsed under the weight of these words. At that moment, his mind was flooded with one thought:

Yes, boss! No problem, boss!

Although he still yearned for a retired life of teasing cats and walking dogs, who could have expected they’d throw so much money at him?!

This was just too much! It left him with no way to refuse!

Compared to the utterly useless system next door, he might as well just switch sides.

Noticing the usually listless young man suddenly bursting with energy and determination in his sea-blue eyes, Xie Zhi was speechless for a moment, then looked at Gu Yu with deep admiration.

So this was how you convinced His Highness Yu Ruan to work.

No wonder they’d lived under the same roof for so long. He’d learned something!

Gu Yu’s expression remained indifferent. “So, do you want to apply for the position?”

Yu Ruan feigned modesty against his true feelings: “Actually, I’m worried I might not perform very well.”

Gu Yu’s expression didn’t change as he gestured toward Ye Yizhou with a slight tilt of his chin. “There’s free labor standing right here. Just use him.”

Yu Ruan: “!” Oh no, he was even more tempted now.

Ye Yizhou gave a faint, resigned smile to Yu Ruan. “That’s fine.”

Just as Yu Ruan was about to eagerly accept, a distant call suddenly reached them.

He turned toward the sound and saw it was the dean who had earlier guided Xie Zhi and the others.

Ever since learning Yu Ruan’s true identity, the balding middle-aged Beta had been so frightened he’d shrunk into himself, not daring to say another word. It was unclear why he had chased after them now.

“Yu… Yu, cla—” he stammered, “Your Highness Yu! Are you still planning to continue your studies at our college?”

Yu Ruan blinked in confusion.

The dean quickly glanced at Ye Yizhou. “I heard you’ve already received an acceptance letter from Nebula University.”

Hearing this, Yu Ruan understood.

He recalled the scholarship the school had recently awarded him and guessed the dean was trying to tactfully suggest taking it back.

After all, that scholarship was a full 15,000 Star Coins! Not a small sum. It made sense that New Joy Academy wouldn’t want to award it to a transfer student.

Yu Ruan immediately replied, “Are you referring to the scholarship? It’s no problem at all. Please take the money back, don’t worry about me!”

He was about to start a new job with food and accommodation covered. Even without the scholarship, he’d manage just fine. If the school wanted it back, so be it.

Unexpectedly, upon hearing this, the dean’s face instantly turned pale with shock.

He quickly waved his hands, shaking his head like a rattle drum. “No, no, that’s not what I meant! Please don’t misunderstand! You’re an outstanding student at our school, how could we possibly take back this scholarship?”

“Even if you’re no longer a student here, this scholarship will continue to be deposited into your account on time!” The dean declared passionately. “Please rest assured!! We would never withhold this money!!”

His spit flew as he spoke, nearly grabbing Yu Ruan’s hand to swear an oath.

He stared at Yu Ruan with intense excitement, thinking: Who would have guessed? The seemingly unremarkable and down-on-his-luck student turned out to be the future emperor of the Gaia Empire, the nation’s first heir!

If this news spread, New Joy Academy would be known as the institution that nurtured an emperor!

What an honor! What glory!

Just the thought of it made the dean feel dizzy with happiness.

Seeing the dean so worked up, Yu Ruan felt a little embarrassed. He hadn’t contributed much to the school, having spent most of his time following the protagonist couple through their storyline. The dean’s fervent praise made him feel undeserving.

He didn’t think he was all that outstanding.

But the dean insisted firmly, “You must keep this money! I beg you!”

“Alright.” Yu Ruan nodded, feeling ashamed.

When someone was so sincere about giving him money, refusing would be downright rude.

Yu Ruan felt he couldn’t embarrass the dean like that. Even though the dean had been harsh to him in the past, his desperate plea to hand over the money seemed almost endearing.

After all, one could never have too much money.

He had no idea how long his new job would last. What if the higher-ups soon decided he was unfit to be the heir and fired him?

Saving up a bit more would give him some security when he eventually returned to his hometown to retire.

Seeing Yu Ruan accept the school’s gift, the dean was so moved he nearly burst into tears:

What a kind and wonderful student he had encountered!

Not long ago, he had harshly scolded this very student. Yet Yu Ruan held no grudge against the school and was still so gracious to him!

The dean felt deeply ashamed. He was filled with regret and self-reproach for his past behavior toward Yu Ruan.

What an unworthy teacher he had been!

Reluctantly, he gazed at Yu Ruan, berating himself inwardly as he bid farewell to the group, overwhelmed with gratitude as he walked away.

Even after the dean’s plump figure disappeared from sight, Yu Ruan remained bewildered.

What had he just done?

Why had the dean looked at him like that?

He was the one giving away money, yet he acted as if he’d received some heavenly blessing?

Yu Ruan pondered for a while but couldn’t figure it out. He decided it was better to stop overthinking it.

Human emotions were too complicated to decipher.

Just then, Yu Ruan remembered he hadn’t answered Gu Yu’s earlier question.

Oh no!

He quickly averted his gaze and said apologetically, “No problem! I’ll work hard and strive to be worthy of the salary! Please rest assured!”

Xie Zhi: “…”

Had His Highness misunderstood something?

Having found a new job, Yu Ruan was delighted.

Although the retirement date had been forced to extend again, the colleagues were kind and friendly, and the financial prospects were bright. Apart from having to leave home, there seemed to be no downsides.

The departure from Conan was tentatively scheduled for the next day.

After bidding farewell to a few people, Yu Ruan was given a ride home by Gu Yu.

The two stood at the elevator entrance, watching the floor numbers descend one by one. At that moment, Yu Ruan suddenly remembered something very important.

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