Chapter 18 - The General's Wife is an Illegal Resident in the Star System

Translator's Note:

Hello, I hope you've all been doing well.

Here you go, and I wish you a good read.

And, as I said before, if you wish to read ahead, you can head over to my Patreon to get early access to all the translated chapters.

Triumphant Return

 

 

A few days before Qin Yu's Glory Battleship was set to return, General Zhang contacted Lu Li again.

 

They met on the Cosmic Net.

 

"This time, I wanted to thank you personally," General Zhang said, holding Lu Li's hand and giving it a gentle pat, his face filled with fatherly affection. "Even though you didn't say anything, I know it was because of you that General Qin agreed to withdraw his fleet. Thank you for your efforts."

 

"The Federation is still my homeland," Lu Li said, retracting his hand. "I wouldn't just stand by and watch it fall into chaos."

 

"When you spoke up for the Federation, Qin Yu didn't make things difficult for you, did he?" General Zhang asked, concerned.

 

Lu Li shook his head. "No, he didn't. Godfather, Qin Yu is truly a good man. He's known from the start that I was a Federation spy, and yet he kept me by his side. I don't want to let him down anymore."

 

General Zhang frowned slightly, though Lu Li didn't notice.

 

"Lu Li, you're a Federation citizen. Even though you married Qin Yu, it doesn't mean you're obligated to stay by his side. There's no need to feel guilty over these things. The marriage, after all, was because of me—I can't stand by and watch you walk into a trap. The Qin family and the Glory Empire's royal family might not even recognize your marriage."

 

"I don't care about what others think. I know that Qin Yu married me because he truly cares for me." Of all things, Lu Li was certain of the sincerity behind Qin Yu's decision to marry him.

 

"What about your family, your friends, your comrades in the Federation? Don't you want to go back?" General Zhang asked, hoping to reignite Lu Li's resolve by mentioning his loved ones.

 

"You know my family situation, godfather." Lu Li gave a bitter smile. His family held little appeal for him, and going back wasn't a priority. As for friends, he'd lost contact with them after joining the base, and after all these years, he wasn't even sure if those friendships still remained.

 

"If you've already made up your mind, I won't say anything more," General Zhang said. "But I hope you understand one thing. You know who Qin Yu is and what he represents. He doesn't just represent himself, but also the Glory Empire. If others ever discover your true identity, you know what consequences may come. No matter what happens, my door will always be open for you."

 

"Thank you, godfather." Lu Li stood up, giving him a grateful hug.

 

General Zhang sighed heavily, though his gaze seemed clouded with a dark veil.

 

After that day, Lu Li cut off all contact with them, even on the Cosmic Net. This time, he was committed to being the general's wife for as long as Qin Yu wanted to be with him.

 

Five days later, Qin Yu's battleship finally returned to Planet Qin Lu.

 

The residents of Qin Lu were accustomed to their general's triumphant returns from every expedition, yet they still greeted his return with fervent enthusiasm. Throngs of admirers welcomed the Glory Battleship, their cheers ringing far and wide. Hearing the synchronized footsteps outside, Lu Li, who was watching the news in the living room, turned to see Qin Yu entering ahead of the others.

 

Qin Yu still wore his military uniform, looking like he had come straight from the battlefield. His imposing aura was like a blade's edge—sharp, menacing, and tinged with an undertone of restrained wildness.

 

In the two months since they'd last seen each other, his presence had only grown more formidable. No one in his entourage dared make a sound. Besides An Ming, there were two others whom he didn't recognize.

 

Lu Li quickly rose to his feet.

 

"I'm back," Qin Yu said, coming up to him.

 

"Who are they?" Lu Li asked, glancing at the two people behind him.

 

"These are Noyce and Bu Xiaoyu. I thought you should meet them." Qin Yu introduced them with a few words, gesturing for them to come closer.

 

"Hello, madam, I'm Noyce, the general's adjutant. I look forward to working with you." Noyce was a striking young man with blond hair and bright blue eyes. When he smiled, two deep dimples appeared, giving him a warm, sunny aura. His smile was his charm; many people found it hard to resist.

 

Lu Li immediately warmed to him, sensing a friendly nature. Smiling, he extended his hand. "I'm Lu Li. Please, take care of me as well."

 

"Oh, no, I wouldn't dare," Noice smiled, lightly brushing his fingers against Lu Li's hand rather than giving a firm handshake, as if reluctant to hold it directly.

 

Lu Li was a bit surprised, noticing how Noyce shot a careful glance at Qin Yu. He understood immediately, feeling a touch of amusement.

 

It seemed that Qin Yu could be a bit of a jealous type.

 

It reminded him of the time before their marriage when another soldier, Zhou Junyan, had served as Qin Yu's trusted aide. A casual handshake back then had earned them an icy stare from Qin Yu, so penetrating that Zhou Junyan had quickly raised both hands, trying to prove his innocence.

 

It seemed Noice had received some advance warning. Lu Li suppressed a smile.

 

"I'm Bu Xiaoyu. Nice to meet you." When it was her turn, Bu Xiaoyu's words were brief, her voice calm and even, without a trace of the warmth Noyce exuded.

 

"Hello," Lu Li nodded. This time, he didn't extend his hand. Shaking hands with a man was polite, but with a woman, it might seem inappropriate, especially for a married man.

 

"You're dismissed," Qin Yu said curtly after the introductions.

 

"So harsh, General—you're not even inviting us to dinner," Noyce muttered in mock protest. Yet he didn't truly want to stay; dining with the general came with strict protocol, and he had no interest in making things harder on himself.

 

Lu Li, thinking he was serious, was about to extend an invitation when he saw Noyce striding quickly toward the door. "…"

 

"Xiaoyu?" Noyce called, realizing Bu Xiaoyu was still standing there.

 

"Why don't you both stay for dinner before heading out?" Lu Li offered.

 

Noyce returned with a quick grin, pulling Bu Xiaoyu with him. "Oh, we wouldn't dream of it. I was only joking—we've already made plans with someone, and they'll hold a grudge if we cancel. You and the General enjoy your meal. We'll take our leave."

 

"Tell the kitchen to prepare dinner," Qin Yu instructed An Ming once they had left, then turned and headed upstairs.

 

Lu Li followed him.

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