Chapter 57 - Deeply In Love With You [Quick Transmigration]

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Chapter 57: Lies (1)

 

 

[But Host, didn't you once say he shouldn't abandon the ocean for a bathtub?] 1314 asked.

 

[That's my wish—but he's free to make his own choices,] Zong Que replied, voice serene.

 

[Aren't you worried that once your beautiful fish comes ashore, the Alliance will swarm him with suitors?] 1314 fretted.

 

When a deep-sea merman came ashore last time, the list of candidates alone took up several pages. And now, this was the most beautiful of the entire merfolk—wouldn't the line of candidates stretch from Planet A all the way to the Moon-Jade Sea?

 

[Do you really think he'll listen?] Zong Que didn't even glance up as he crossed off a name from the shortlist.

 

[…]

 

No, that stunning fish had a fiercely rebellious streak—the more you asked of him, the less likely he was to comply.

 

…

 

Zong Que's lab had an entire floor to itself. It brimmed with state-of-the-art equipment, and inside the pristine offices, one candidate after another stepped forward with their resumes, presenting their skills and qualifications.

 

[I thought there wouldn't be many applicants.] 1314 remarked, watching the waiting area fill to capacity.

 

[Everyone has their reasons.] Zong Que struck out another name as a candidate exited.

 

Some were here for the generous salary. Some for the chance to learn. Some had nowhere else to go. And others came out of defiance. Their intentions were plain to see—entirely within expectations.

 

"I can't believe people are still willing to join Zong Que's lab. It's disgraceful to the scientific community!" someone snapped, ripping off his gloves. "Can't anyone drive him out?"

 

"The artificial womb technology is undeniably advanced," said You Chu, trying to placate him. "You shouldn't be so angry. The Alliance is in dire need of talent."

 

"How can I not be angry?" the man retorted, breathing heavily. "Once the artificial womb is released, our research into merfolk modification will be marginalized, even shut down. All funding will be funneled into the new tech! Years of work—wasted!"

 

"But isn't there room for collaboration?" You Chu said with a forced smile, patting his shoulder. "Artificial wombs and merfolk reproduction can complement each other."

 

"Complement?" The man shook off his hand with a bitter laugh. "Did you know what the contract between Zong Que and the Alliance says? That once the artificial womb reaches maturity, all merfolk modification projects will be terminated. You, me—every one of us will be packing our bags and heading home!"

 

You Chu's smile froze for a moment. He hesitated. "Where did you hear that?"

 

"It's written in black and white in the agreement. Still think he came back with pure intentions? He wants to sweep you out the door while playing the good guy." The man yanked on his gloves, took a deep breath, and stormed off. "The Alliance wants to burn the bridge after crossing it? Over my dead body!"

 

As the man left, You Chu's hands slowly clenched into fists. His gaze darkened. Then, with a sudden burst of fury, he slammed his fist into a piece of lab equipment. A trace of venom crept into his eyes.

"Zong Que!"

 

...

 

"Divide the tasks and begin the next round of cultivation," Zong Que ordered as the lab neared completion.

 

Only the best of the best were qualified to join—some were rookies, but their comprehension and learning capabilities were formidable.

 

And confidentiality was mandatory. In this line of work, violating protocol didn't just mean getting blacklisted. At worst, it could mean a lifetime behind bars—or even execution.

 

"Doctor, I thought the artificial wombs were already completed?" a new assistant asked.

 

"There's still room for optimization," Zong Que replied, eyes on a lab mouse undergoing maternal simulation.

 

The current version of the artificial womb was not yet the pinnacle this era demanded.

 

The research was proceeding in full force. Though the technology remained classified, the laboratory itself drew little outside attention. Yet elsewhere in the Alliance, news of a massive troop deployment caused a stir.

 

"I heard three full legions were redirected to the home planet?"

 

"Are we preparing for war?"

 

"Sources say they were sent to the Moon-Jade Sea. Are they planning an expedition?"

 

"Isn't that strictly forbidden by Alliance law?"

 

"One deep-sea merman is simply not enough."

 

Amid the growing speculation, the heads of the Feng and Ye families quietly boarded a starcruiser bound for the homeworld. Under a veil of secrecy, they approached the Moon-Jade Sea without a sound.

 

On the seventh day, as promised, the merman appeared.

 

Negotiations began—and lasted three full days.

 

The shores of the Moon-Jade Sea saw alternating calm and fury—sunlit waves one hour, tsunami warnings the next. The stationed legions remained on edge.

 

On the dawn of the fourth day, a single headline shattered the Alliance's morning slumber.

 

#The Deep-Sea Merfolk Sign an Accord with the Alliance#

 

One line was enough to set the entire network ablaze.

 

"The merfolk? As in an entire race, not just one individual?"

 

"So they weren't just legends after all!"

 

"If they're coming ashore, does that mean we'll finally see what deep-sea merfolk look like?"

 

"Sea fairies!!"

 

"The Alliance quietly pulled this off while moving troops—so it was to strike a deal!"

 

"Also to prevent any sabotage. Just thinking about the Dark War from centuries ago makes my blood boil. If not for that war, the merfolk would never have retreated to the sea."

 

"But this doesn't mean they're completely safe now either."

 

"The rule protecting merfolk has stood for centuries. Anyone who dared break it has been sentenced to death."

 

"But these are deep-sea merfolk."

 

"To witness them in our lifetime… It would be enough to make life worth living."

 

The official announcement sent the public's excitement soaring. The three great families also released selected portions of the pact.

 

{The Moon-Jade Sea is recognized as merfolk territory and shall be autonomously governed. Any unauthorized intruders may be dealt with by the merfolk at their discretion.}

 

{Merfolk are free to come ashore. Any attempt to coerce or detain them will be punished in accordance with merfolk protection laws.}

 

{A seat shall be granted to the merfolk within the Three-Family Council. The leader chosen by the merfolk will participate as a delegate and possess veto power over all decisions concerning their people.}

 

Every clause—territorial sovereignty, shared technology, protections that seemed heavily one-sided—was signed by the heads of the three families. Released to the public, the agreement was now law.

 

And yet, the Alliance largely welcomed this "unfair" treaty.

 

"These are deep-sea merfolk! Most people would beg to see one. So what if they defend themselves when harassed?"

 

"I heard their tails could break a full-grown great white shark in half. Who would be stupid enough to mess with one of them?"

 

"You'd be surprised. There are always desperate fools. I just hope the Alliance protects them properly this time. We can't let history repeat itself."

 

After the treaty's signing, all research facilities near the Moon-Jade Sea were ordered to withdraw. Yet, to the Alliance's surprise, the merfolk leader requested that one row of unused research stations be left standing.

 

The pact was sealed. The nation erupted in celebration. Preparations for a grand banquet to welcome the merfolk leader to Planet A were already underway, the entire population brimming with anticipation.

 

While joy reigned everywhere, Zong Que's experiments proceeded with calm precision.

 

"We spent all that time at the Moon-Jade Sea and didn't see a single merfolk. Then we leave, and suddenly they've signed a treaty?" Luo Xin grumbled mid-meal. "At least let me see one!"

 

"The Moon-Jade Sea and surrounding coastline are now merfolk territory. You might get smacked to death just trying to sneak a peek," Liu Chao replied.

 

"Maybe not. Do you think the news will show the banquet? I mean, the merfolk leader must be the most beautiful of them all," Luo Xin said. "Right, Doctor?"

 

"Mm," Zong Que answered.

 

"Doctor, aren't you even curious? These are deep-sea merfolk!" Luo Xin asked, staring at Zong Que's impassive expression. "They're sea fairies! They must be breathtaking!"

 

"I have an invitation," Zong Que replied as he finished his meal and rose from his seat.

 

Luo Xin stared after him, eyes wide. Then he turned to Liu Chao, on the verge of tears. "I suddenly feel like a complete idiot."

 

"Mm. Remove the word 'suddenly' and it's accurate," Liu Chao said, patting him on the shoulder.

 

"I want to go too..." Luo Xin muttered.

 

"Snap out of it. It's broad daylight," Liu Chao sighed.

 

Zong Que handed his dishes to a service bot and exited the cafeteria. As he approached the elevator, he noticed someone waiting. His steps halted as a hand blocked his path.

 

"What is it?" he asked.

 

"We need to talk," You Chu said, his tone heavy.

 

"There's nothing to talk about when it comes to merfolk modification," Zong Que replied, pressing the elevator button.

 

"This building—at least a third of its research is related to merfolk. The birthing pod is good, but its relevance to human evolution is minor," You Chu insisted. "But merfolk modification... it could let ordinary people become like them. If we could work together to fuse embryos, we might even create more natural merfolk."

 

"The agreement with the deep-sea merfolk includes a clause terminating all merfolk modification research," Zong Que replied. "And the birthing pod technology won't meet your demands, either."

 

"I know you hate me—for not speaking up for you back then, for failing as a brother—but it was you who first proposed halting merfolk modification to the Alliance!" You Chu clenched his fists. "Every line of research has its purpose!"

 

People passing by began to glance over; some even stopped to watch.

 

"That was then. The birthing pod has made that purpose obsolete," Zong Que replied, stepping into the open elevator. He looked at the man outside, whose expression was barely holding steady. His tone remained flat. "Just like you."

 

You Chu's face twisted, but in the end, he didn't speak—just stood there, fists clenched.

 

The agreement with the merfolk indeed included a clause to terminate merfolk modification research, but it was phrased as gradual. And just as public debate rose over that clause, the Alliance announced the success of the birthing pod technology.

 

Lead researcher: Zong Que.

 

Both the breakthrough itself and its origin sent shockwaves through the Alliance.

 

"Wait—does this mean we can have children without modifying merfolk?"

 

"Then what's the point of the deep-sea merfolk treaty?"

 

"Evolution, of course."

 

"So... is it possible we could have deep-sea merfolk children directly?"

 

"If so, that's incredible."

 

"Wasn't Zong Que accused of plagiarism?"

 

"But this birthing pod… it really makes my dream possible."

 

"…"

 

As uproar spread through the Merfolk Modification Department, a spaceship from the homeworld safely landed on Planet A, its arrival causing the spaceport to be surrounded once more.

 

The leader of the merfolk had arrived.

 

"Patriarch, it's time to initiate the plan," a transmission was sent that same day.

 

…

 

The Alliance updated its bulletins daily—and eight out of ten articles were now about merfolk.

 

A slender, powerful hand lifted the invitation from the table. The deep indigo cufflinks glinted subtly, like starlight caught in silk.

 

"Doctor, please." Luo Xin, carefully groomed for the occasion, opened the car door and waited until the man sat down before slipping into the passenger seat. "Thank you, Doctor."

 

"Mm." Zong Que replied.

 

[Host, aren't you excited to see your wife?] 1314 asked.

 

Zong Que gave no answer, eyes lowered to the glowing screen in front of him. Today marked both the welcome banquet for the merfolk leader—and the official launch of the birthing pods.

 

1314 muttered, [If you're not answering, I'll just assume the answer's yes.]

 

[Mm.] Zong Que answered.

 

The banquet was to be held in the national hall, where countless official reporters waited outside. Soldiers guarded the venue. Those who climbed the steps did so with solemn grandeur.

 

Several hovercars pulled up. Attendants stationed outside opened the doors for their esteemed guests. "Mr. Feng, we need to verify your invitation."

 

"Here." Feng Luan's assistant stepped out from the passenger seat and handed over the invitation.

 

Feng Luan exited the car. Under the watchful gaze of numerous reporters, he walked around the hovercar and opened the other door, extending a hand inside—a gesture that drew every eye.

 

"Feng family's heir personally opening a car door? Could it be for that merman?"

 

"The merfolk leader is attending. Of course he'd show up."

 

"Though once regarded as a treasure, there must be some disappointment now."

 

"Yu Hua, careful," Feng Luan said gently to the person inside.

 

The hand that reached out was impossibly pale and slender, so striking that many people couldn't help but stop and stare. Even those already halfway up the steps paused to glance back.

 

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