The Cannon Fodder Became the Empire's Beloved Omega - Chapter 15
He had been so caught up in the excitement along the way that he realized he still didn’t know Gu Yu’s true identity.
Being able to stand shoulder-to-shoulder with a group of high-profile figures without seeming out of place Yu Ruan felt that Gu Yu must be an exceptionally remarkable person.
Recalling Gu Yu’s familiar yet unceremonious attitude toward Ye Yizhou, and then thinking back to the pitiable image of him living alone in solitude, Yu Ruan felt he might have stumbled upon some astonishing truth.
Could it be that Gu Yu was actually Ye Yizhou’s rebellious younger brother? Because he didn’t get along with his older brother, he chose to run away from home, defiantly coming to Kenan Star all by himself and even changing his surname?
The more he thought about it, the more plausible it seemed. Yu Ruan couldn’t help but gaze at Gu Yu with eyes full of affection.
Even though the young master’s life was so difficult, he was still willing to lend a hand, what a genuinely good person he was.
Thinking of that recording, Yu Ruan felt deeply moved and took the initiative to strike up a conversation: “Thank you for helping me today. Is there anything I can do for you in return?”
Gu Yu’s eyes shifted slightly, glancing sideways at him. “No need.”
“?”
“Even if I hadn’t recorded it, the surveillance room would have had a backup.” His tone was indifferent. “No need to thank me.”
Even so, he had still made the recording.
Stubborn on the outside but soft-hearted that’s probably what he was like.
Instantly, Yu Ruan felt the other’s image in his mind rapidly grow more endearing.
A little embarrassed, he said, “Even if you say that, I still ought to thank you. It’s just that there isn’t much I can do. But if there’s any food you’d like to try, I could make it for you.”
As soon as the words left his mouth, Yu Ruan realized something.
Tomorrow, they would be boarding a starship headed for the Capital Star. And as everyone knew, the Capital Star gathered the most elite talents from across the empire chefs naturally included.
For a young master from a wealthy family like Gu Yu, once he returned to the capital, how could he possibly end up so hungry that he’d have to settle for drinking mineral water?
So, there would be no need for a part-time cook like him.
Yu Ruan suddenly felt a little dejected: It seemed that building good relationships with his future new colleagues would be a long and challenging journey.
However, this scene took on a completely different meaning in the eyes of the person beside him.
One moment, the Omega’s eyes were brimming with joy; the next, his mood visibly dipped. A trace of disappointment flickered in his sapphire-like beautiful eyes, his long lashes fluttering like butterfly wings. An air of self-reproach seemed to emanate from his entire being.
Gu Yu looked at him, his Adam’s apple bobbing slightly. After a moment, he averted his gaze. “Mm.”
Yu Ruan didn’t catch it clearly and blinked in confusion. “Huh?”
“It’s fine.” The other avoided his gaze. “Thank you.”
Yu Ruan: “!”
Did that mean, he agreed?
Gu Yu really was a good person tough on the outside but soft on the inside!
Overjoyed, Yu Ruan nodded vigorously at the person before him. “I’ll do my very best, you can count on me!”
Something stirred faintly in Gu Yu’s heart.
His expression unchanged, Gu Yu responded flatly, “Mm.”
With a soft “ding,” the elevator doors opened. Gu Yu stepped out first.
Yu Ruan’s mind was still preoccupied with what had just happened. Only when he saw Gu Yu move did he hurriedly follow.
There wasn’t much to pack; some things had already been prepared earlier. After quickly organizing the remaining items, Yu Ruan collapsed onto the bed, his mind completely blank.
The current state of affairs was something he had never dared to imagine before. Yet, the sudden departure from a place he had called home for over a decade inevitably stirred a trace of melancholy in Yu Ruan, even for someone as carefree as him.
However, this feeling lasted only a moment. Soon, a notification from his communicator instantly lifted his spirits.
With a cheerful “ding-dong,” Yu Ruan’s account suddenly received a deposit of 200,000 star credits.
Attached was a message that seemed very much like Ye Yizhou’s words: “This is the first installment. Work hard, Xiao Ruan!” !!!
Yes, Dad! He would spare no effort and work twice as hard!
Having never been this wealthy in his entire life, Yu Ruan clutched his communicator, rolled happily on his bed, and was so moved he nearly shed tears.
The next day, Gu Yu’s car dropped Yu Ruan off at the spaceport.
The others had been waiting for some time. Seeing them arrive, Xie Zhi smiled at Yu Ruan and said, “How are you feeling today? Leaving home for the first time can be tough, so don’t feel embarrassed if you’re upset.”
“If you’re really having a hard time,” he winked at Yu Ruan, “you can come talk to me to vent a little.”
Touched by his concern, Yu Ruan felt a bit ashamed. The day before, he had been too busy celebrating to even think about it. The sadness of leaving home had probably lasted less than ten seconds in total.
“Thank you for your concern,” Yu Ruan said gratefully. “I’ll keep that in mind.”
After a brief exchange, the group boarded the starship, found their seats, and waited for departure.
Although Yu Ruan had been transported into this interstellar novel for over a decade, this was his first time riding a starship, and he couldn’t help feeling a little nervous. Perhaps sensing his unease, Gu Yu, who had just entered the cabin, glanced at him and casually took the seat beside him.
“Scared?” he asked nonchalantly.
“Not really,” Yu Ruan replied, slightly embarrassed. “The air conditioning seems a bit too cold.”
Gu Yu: “…”
He glanced at the temperature display and saw it was only 21 degrees indeed a bit low. He got up and adjusted the temperature for Yu Ruan, then asked, “Anything else?”
Yu Ruan shook his head, deeply moved. “Thank you, you’re so kind!”
Struck by the sparkle in the other’s eyes, Gu Yu gave a quiet “Mm” and sat back down beside him.
Perhaps due to a lack of sleep the previous night, Yu Ruan noticed that the young master still seemed a bit lethargic, though he looked much more alert than the day before.
Unfortunately, old habits die hard. As soon as he boarded the starship, he pulled out a book, placed it over his face, and dozed off again.
Yu Ruan: “…”
He couldn’t help but envy the other’s ability to fall asleep anywhere.
With admiration, he averted his gaze, opened a webpage, and began cramming on the history of the Gaia Empire.
The Gaia Empire had a long and storied history, and since Yu Ruan wasn’t a native, he wasn’t very familiar with it. But now that he had shamelessly taken on this job, he couldn’t afford to slack off.
During the journey, Yu Ruan planned to memorize the imperial history first. The rest could wait until they arrived at the capital planet.
As an ABO novel, although the original author’s world-building was rather careless, the basic framework is still in place. For instance, in this world, Alphas hold the highest status, Betas make up the majority of the population, while Omegas occupy the lowest social standing.
For example, among the empire’s numerous important positions, Alphas are everywhere, and Betas also hold a significant number of roles. However, the rarest of them all, the Omegas are almost nowhere to be seen.
As for an Omega becoming the future monarch of the empire? That would be nothing short of a fantasy.
Just by looking at it, one could tell how challenging this role would be.
But Yu Ruan had a positive mindset: no matter how difficult it was, it couldn’t be worse than playing the role of a cannon-fodder villain! At worst, he could pack up and retire to Konan Star, especially with all that money waiting for him!
Yu Ruan felt that, for the sake of the long string of zeros in his bank account, he could put in a little effort.
His only real concern was what would happen if his work didn’t meet the expectations of the higher-ups and they secretly tried to dock his pay. What could he do then?
It didn’t seem very realistic to seek help from the labor protection bureau.
At this thought, Yu Ruan couldn’t help but sigh.
It looked like he’d just have to work a little harder.
Life really was tough.
Yu Ruan’s sigh was noticed by Xie Zhi, who was watching him from a distance. Instantly, this soft-hearted Beta’s heart overflowed with affection:
His Highness Yu was clearly so sorrowful, yet for their sake, he was suppressing his emotions.
His Highness was truly too kind!
Xie Zhi felt that he had been completely won over by this adorable and considerate Omega. He couldn’t help but want to walk over and comfort him gently.
Realizing something, he coughed lightly and discreetly averted his gaze.
Capital Star, Atlan Palace.
Yitu was directing the attendants, and the palace was in a state of chaos.
This was the residence of the direct heir to the Gaia Empire. With the current emperor having no children, it had been neglected for a long time. But a recent decree had brought Atlan Palace back into the spotlight.
A new heir was coming!
As soon as the news broke, the atmosphere, which had been gloomy due to the emperor’s illness, suddenly became lively again. The attendants whispered among themselves, speculating about what this sudden new heir would be like.
After all, before this heir, the other successor appointed by the emperor was exceptionally outstanding.
That person was known as the “Light of the Nobility,” the epitome of a perfect aristocrat. Even the most critical old nobles could hardly find a single flaw in him.
Countless people on Capital Star were utterly infatuated with him. Even Alphas, who were usually the most resistant to their own kind, couldn’t help but acknowledge his excellence.
With such a person setting such a high standard, how much pressure would the new heir be under?
Moreover, he was an Omega, widely considered unfit for heavy responsibilities!
The attendants murmured among themselves, but out of respect for the emperor’s command, they didn’t dare discuss it openly, only whispering in private.
Even Yitu, the leader of these attendants, found it hard to believe.
As someone who had worked in the Atlan Palace for decades, he had witnessed firsthand how outstanding the former heir was. Yet now, an unknown country bumpkin had snatched away the inheritance rights, it was truly infuriating!
Although the newcomer shared no direct bloodline with the current Emperor of the Empire, to have all their efforts completely dismissed because of this was utterly disheartening.
Itu fumed inwardly, feeling indignant on behalf of the former heir, and secretly resolved: once the new successor arrived at the Atlan Palace, he would make sure to teach them a lesson they wouldn’t forget.
After all, the future ruler of the Gaia Empire was not a position just anyone could assume! How could a rustic from some remote resource planet ever be worthy of such a great empire?