The Cannon Fodder Male Insect Refuses the Crematorium - Chapter 7

The Imperial Military University, the Imperial Agricultural University, the Imperial Pharmaceutical University, and the Imperial University are known as the four prestigious institutions of the Interstellar Galaxy. These are the cradles that have nurtured countless talented Insects.

They are distributed across four sectors of the main star, each leading their respective regions with their unique strengths.

The Imperial Military University (IMU) is divided into two campuses: the Downtown Campus, which focuses on theory—including healing, literature, history, mechanics, and military politics—supplemented by practice, and the Mount Takende Campus, famous for its high-quality, high-intensity military training.

In the early stages, military students study theoretical and practical foundations at the Downtown Campus. Later, they move to the Mount Takende Campus for semi-closed military training before being dispatched on missions.

Mount Takende is located in the border region of the main star. It houses stationed generals and IMU students. The most advanced high-tech modern armory is located at the base of the mountain, guarded by heavy troops. Both simulated and real-life training grounds are situated there, creating a unique educational environment for the IMU.

Lu Qing’s destination was the Downtown Campus.

As he stepped through the campus gates, he was greeted by towering European-style spires. Elaborately carved statues and exquisite buildings were everywhere. Grand arched gates stood in neat rows, flanked by stone-carved tablets dedicated to education. The calligraphy on these tablets was powerful and spirited, boldly and elegantly inscribing the four characters: “Hard Work and Struggle.”

In the early morning, many Insects were strolling through the campus.

Lu Qing looked up to see a vibrant sunset glow painting the sky in shimmering, exotic colors. From one side of the horizon, it trailed a long, magnificent arc to the other, gradually disappearing into the line where the sky met the earth.

At that junction, several new interstellar vehicles of various colors, all quite expensive, slowly pulled in.

Having previously visited the Mount Takende Campus, this was the Male’s first time seeing the Downtown Campus of the IMU. Stepping into the Building of the Fourth Department, he found it completely unlike the dilapidated and desolate state of the Takende dormitories and teaching buildings, where only the training grounds and shooting ranges were modern. This place was clean, even reaching a level of luxury and extravagance.

Shu stared, dumbfounded: “Oh my sweet goodness.”

The ceiling shimmered like glazed glass, with small crystal lamps hanging in the lobby.

Golden-trimmed walls led further inside. Sitting by the wall at a desk was an old Male with messy hair, leaning over the table.

“Hello,” Lu Qing said, lightly tapping his knuckles on the desk.

The old Male jolted awake, lifting his head from his arms. His cloudy, bloodshot eyes swept over Lu Qing. Seeing a stranger, he impatiently pulled out a manual from under his arm and tossed it in front of Lu Qing: “Record it yourself.” Then, he slumped back down to continue sleeping.

Lu Qing turned to today’s page. The preceding pages were almost entirely blank, with only a few scattered records.

After neatly writing down all the details, Lu Qing thanked him and turned to go upstairs. The old Male lifted his head again, muttering at Lu Qing’s back: “There are actually Insects who still do registrations properly these days, what a rare sight. Dammit, ruining my sleep.”

The second floor’s clean, white walls were much more comfortable to look at than the gilded lobby downstairs.

Shu remarked: “The registration at the Fourth Department building is as reckless as the gate registration; we got in so easily.”

The corridors twisted and turned, far more complex than the first floor.

After walking for a long time, they finally saw a room labeled “Office 219” on an oak door. Lu Qing knocked and turned the handle: “Excuse me.”

The office space was small, containing one bookshelf and one desk.

The pen holder and the room’s color scheme were black and white. Beside an open notebook lay a pen with its cap removed.

Lu Qing spotted the cabinet mentioned by Lu7in where rewards could be placed. He opened the glass door and put the honey nectar and matching nuts inside.

Without lingering or taking another look, he walked out unhurriedly.

Shu flew out with him, wiping away non-existent drool. “I heard the chopped chili red fish head here is truly delicious. Slurp, I can’t wait. Let’s go, let’s go!”

Lu Qing nodded and was immediately dragged downstairs by the excited Shu.

The registration Insect didn’t look up, merely shaking his head while resting on his arms: “So noisy.”

It looked around blankly; there was nothing.

There was only a foul stench, like rotting matter in a sewer.

Shu scratched its cover: “Where are we now?”

“Wait, be quiet.” Lu Qing suddenly looked toward the corner behind the building, where the shadows of several figures flickered.

Shu looked over, holding its non-existent breath and covering its mouth with its two short hands. Only then could the faint sound of Insects talking be heard from around the corner.

“Where did you hide the thing? Speak!”

A greasy-faced Male with dark circles under his eyes and a sour expression held a long black whip.

His thin silk shirt was stretched into a tight curve by his round belly, even popping a button to reveal oily flesh.

Opposite him was a beautiful Female with blonde hair and blue eyes. He wore a tight, midriff-baring top and tight shorts. Two other Females held his arms, the fabric pressing tightly against his skin, outlining his physique under the pressure.

He remained silent, which only angered the Male further. The Male lashed out with the whip: “Speak!”

As the whip came down, the two Females holding him let go to avoid being caught in the crossfire. The sharp wind of the whip cut through the air, striking the Female hard on the shoulder. He groaned and was knocked to the ground by the force.

Mud splashed, staining his light-colored clothes with dark spots.

The Female coughed lightly. The greasy Male, cradling his round belly, looked down and hooked the Female’s chin with his foot, sneering: “Don’t forget, I paid for your Father’s medical bills and your inhibitors.”

“I give you food and clothes. It’s only natural for you to do my homework and give me XX.”

The blonde, blue-eyed Female said nothing, bracing himself against the muddy ground. His clean clothes were now stained with slimy, foul-smelling mud, and dark, wet earth was wedged under his fingernails. It was very dirty.

The Male seemed to find it amusing. He let out a cold laugh and stepped his soil-stained sole onto the Female’s shoulder, forcefully pinning him back to the ground.

“Forget it. Serve me well, and if I’m happy, I might throw you a few Star Coins to play with. Can that damn mechanical assignment give you money? Can it cure your Father?”

The fat-headed Male stepped on the Female’s shoulder several times in succession. Seeing the Female remain as silent as a block of wood, his face flushed red: “You lowly Insect, do you want your Father to die right now? Hmm?”

The Female closed his eyes tightly, his lips trembling.

Seeing a glimmer of hope, the Male continued: “Give me the major assignment this time, and I can move your Father into a high-level ward immediately. The Vice Dean is my brother. Think carefully.”

“…”

After a minute, the Female spoke: “It’s inside the clothes on my chest.”

The fat Male pulled out the blueprints. Opening them to see the complex designs and structures, the sagging fat on his face shook with excitement. Finally, he had it. He thought it was a sure thing, but the female slave he used as a ghostwriter had suddenly become disobedient, secretly trying to submit the best design under his own name.

Fortunately, someone had intercepted him in time and reported it, otherwise, where would he find another mechanical diagram this good?

The Female hung his head, his blonde hair as dull as withered grass. He murmured softly: “If I fail again this time, I will be expelled from the academy.”

“So what?”

The Male folded the diagram carelessly and tucked it into his pocket. “What’s the use of Sub-Females like you learning mechanics? Won’t you just end up getting married anyway?”

“It’s perfect now. Stay home quietly and come out when I call for you. You won’t have to toil every day for studies and exams anymore, will you? It’s just right.”

The Male laughed loudly. Just as he was about to wrap things up and leave, footsteps echoed from the corner.

“Who is it?!” the Male barked in alarm. A young Male with black hair and black eyes stepped out from the corner, holding a small device that resembled an optical computer.

The fat Male tsked: “Dammit, how much did you hear?”

By the time Lu Qing and Shu arrived, this drama of stealing mechanical designs was nearing its end.

They had only witnessed the process of the Male taking the design and heard him mention that his brother was the Vice Dean. This wasn’t enough for a formal judgment against a Male; at most, it would lead to a verbal warning.

As a member of the Locke family, Lu Qing understood the internal workings of such matters very well.

“I have recorded a video,” Lu Qing said.

His calm, moderate tone didn’t intimidate the fat Male at all. The fat Male looked at Lu Qing, his eyes filled with sarcasm and disdain: “Ha, do you want money or the Female?”

Lu Qing ignored him entirely: “The video is in my hands. I can send it to the Female Protection Association, the media, your family, or anywhere.”

“Name a price, stop whining. Or do you want both the Female and the money?” The fat Male looked Lu Qing up and down. Black hoodie, black pants, no luxury items on his wrist other than an optical computer. His sneakers looked old, washed until they were faded. At a glance, he looked like a typical poor Insect.

Aside from a handsome face, he had nothing. He might even be making a living by selling himself to Females.

At this thought, the fat Male’s disdain deepened.

However, Lu Qing’s face remained as calm as still water. He continued indifferently: “Judging by the luster and material of your shirt, that oily radiance is a characteristic of Lawrence family designs. There are small icons and lettering at the hem, skillfully crafted. I’ve heard the Lawrence family produces garments made of ancient black silkworm silk. There are only five in the entire galaxy: given to the Locke family, Admiral Yager, the Insect King, and the last two kept for themselves.”

The fat Male’s heart skipped a beat. He had a bad premonition, but he forced himself to stay calm: “So what?”

“The Female Protection Association doesn’t have much influence on the Lawrence family. But if this video is submitted and released to the media, causing public outrage among Females, it might be a significant blow to Lawrence Augustadin, who promotes himself as a champion of equality for all Insects. I wonder if he would succeed in the next election for a high-ranking official.” Lu Qing analyzed unhurriedly.

“What exactly are you trying to say!”

A flash of ruthlessness crossed the fat Male’s eyes. He signaled the two Females to sneak up. This poor kid was threatening him with every breath. If this matter reached his brother Augustadin, he would be skinned alive even if he didn’t die.

Lu Qing: “Return that diagram to him.”

The fat Male shouted: “In your dreams!”

The two Females charged forward. One Female even blushed, saying apologetically: “I’m sorry, Master Male.” This was entirely different from the cold attitude he had while watching the blonde Female being insulted.

Seeing the hands of the two sturdy Females reaching out, Shu’s voice cracked in panic: “Luo Luo zi!”

Unexpectedly, the Male, whom everyone assumed was weak, suddenly grabbed the Female’s arm. His indifferent black eyes flashed with a cold light. A sharp wind gusted, and the sturdy Female was tossed like a lifeless, heavy sack over the young Male’s shoulder, crashing heavily into the ground and kicking up mud.

The next Female couldn’t stop in time and was also slammed onto the ground by Lu Qing.

The fat Male was stunned. Terrified, he slumped to the ground.

Lu Qing acted as if nothing had happened, lightly brushing the dust from his palms. His dark, gentle eyes, devoid of any malice, fell upon the mud-stained, terrified fat Male: “I’m sorry for injuring your Females. I will pay the medical expenses. Can the diagram be returned to that Female now?”

The fat Male scrambled to pull out the crumpled diagram and handed it to him.

Lu Qing took it and nodded slightly: “Thank you.”

He walked over to the Female. The blonde Female was repeatedly muttering “expulsion” and “medical fees,” looking as if he were losing his mind. His dirty clothes trembled slightly, and his snow-white calves were bleeding from scratches caused by mud and stones.

Lu Qing pulled a handkerchief from his pocket and handed it to the Female along with the diagram.

The Female looked up as if sensing something. Seeing the items, he froze.

“My, my design.” The Female took it, cradling the wrinkled and damaged diagram in both hands as if he were holding his entire world. He pressed his dirty face against the paper, leaving shimmering tears that pitter-pattered onto the ground.

“Clean yourself up.” Lu Qing gestured toward the mud on his face. “I will help you pay the medical fees, but you must promise me one thing.”

The Female’s body jolted.

He had already imagined his next fate.

The Female quickly wiped away his tears: “Please say it.”

It didn’t matter where he sold himself; at least this Master Male had helped him save his design, giving him the possibility of continuing his studies and a future. Even if he were to be tormented in a different place, he was willing.

Lu Qing’s eyes crinkled into a smile, seemingly satisfied with the Female’s readiness. He said gently: “Are you interested in helping me promote some recipes?”

The Female choked on his breath, blankly letting out a: “Hic?”

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