The Males Were Reborn After The Female Ruler Was Scumbed [Quick Transmigration] - Chapter 9
Lu Qing was clearly stunned when he saw the sub-male. He hadn’t expected Lan Xi to still be there.
However, Lu Qing couldn’t worry about that much right now. He gestured and said, “Have you seen my takeout box? Yellow and black, yellow and black, about this big…”
This wasn’t an ordinary box; this was a box worth a fortune.
The boss had bought it specifically for his friends. It was capable of maintaining the food’s condition to the greatest extent, keeping its color, aroma, and taste unchanged for 24 hours.
It was a high-end item on the market, priced at 99,999.
Even if Lu Qing sold himself, he couldn’t afford to compensate for it.
“N-never seen it…” The sub-male wore a bewildered expression. “You…”
…You came just to look for this?
Before Lan Xi could finish the rest of his sentence, the male bug gave his answer.
After hearing the word “never,” he didn’t pause for a second and immediately stuck his butt out and went off to look for the box.
Lan Xi: “…………”
Lan Xi stared at the male bug’s back thoughtfully, not knowing what he was thinking. Finally, he tapped his terminal: [Crete, tell all the Military Department bugs to go back.]
Crete: [?]
[I’ve arrived.]
Lan Xi’s expression didn’t change: [Go back.]
Lan Xi thought for a moment and added, [Stop the Area D police too, and take them away.]
Crete: […………]
Fine, you’re the boss, you’re amazing.
Lu Qing finally found the box in the narrow space where he had originally parked. He guessed it was stuck there because the spot was tight, and he hadn’t noticed it when he pushed the vehicle.
Lu Qing checked it. The contents were still fine. His heart settled, and he visibly sighed in relief. “That’s great…”
Just as he was about to leave, he suddenly thought of something, looked at the sub-male standing awkwardly to the side, and frowned. “…”
What was wrong with the Area D police? Their efficiency was as slow as Smecta (a reference to S. Korea), how come they hadn’t arrived yet?
And Lan Xi’s guards. He clearly remembered them as first-rate elites, so how could they have lost contact at this very moment?
Lu Qing felt a bit troubled looking at the sub-male. It seemed inhumane to leave the helpless sub-male, who couldn’t truss a chicken (powerless), alone in an unknown alley.
Lu Qing hated meddling in other people’s business the most in his life. Even though the System now required him to handle various matters, he was still the same cold and self-centered person at heart.
If it were anyone else, he’d let it go, but Lan Xi… the one he had wronged in his previous life. Lu Qing felt an inexplicable reluctance to leave him.
If his previous willingness to save the bug was largely for the Good Citizen Award bonus, then upon realizing the target was Lan Xi, it seemed to include a hint of other emotions.
But if he suggested taking him home now, Lan Xi would definitely refuse.
Lu Qing knew him too well. Lan Xi seemed gentle, approachable, and easy to get along with everyone, but his suspicion was heavier than anyone else’s.
Two chance encounters, two heroic rescues, within a few days—even Lu Qing himself felt it was ridiculous, let alone Lan Xi.
This was also why Lu Qing didn’t stay behind to fawn over him after dealing with those male bugs.
He knew Lan Xi would definitely investigate him afterward. As long as the investigation confirmed it was truly a coincidence, then given Lan Xi’s personality, benefits would surely follow.
But if he played the sycophant now, Lan Xi might overthink things, potentially causing other troubles.
If he were truly deemed to have ulterior motives, not getting the benefits would be one thing, but if it affected Lu Qing’s application for the Good Citizen Award bonus, the loss would be far too great.
Thinking this, Lu Qing kicked up the kickstand, decided he should stop meddling, and coolly swung onto his vehicle.
He’d call the female bug protection association later. That was the plan.
However, just as he was about to leave, the sub-male, who had been silent, suddenly spoke hesitantly: “Excuse me, Your Excellency.”
“Could I trouble you with something?”
Lu Qing blinked. “…What?”
The sub-male looked a bit troubled, as if apologizing for inconveniencing someone. “May I stay at your place for one night?”
Lu Qing: “!!!”
The System was so shocked that the melon it was holding dropped. Th-this is what kind of “wolf-tiger” words (shocking, bold words)?
The Host’s former Male Queen, is he, is he this fierce?
“M-my place?!”
“Yes.” The sub-male looked at him with slight embarrassment. In those emerald green eyes, there was a mix of tension and nervousness, but no guilt or regret. He didn’t look like he was joking at all.
Lu Qing gasped sharply: “…”
What happened? He clearly hadn’t done anything this lifetime, so how had things escalated to the point of him going to his home?
Is this still the highly suspicious Lan Xi? The character setting has collapsed, dammit!!
“It’s like this, Your Excellency. As you can see, after all this time, neither the police nor the escort team who brought me here tonight have arrived. To be honest, I now have some suspicions.”
Lan Xi explained, “If my guess is correct, then it would be too dangerous for me to go back now.”
Lu Qing breathed a sigh of relief. “So that’s it.”
I knew it. How could Lan Xi be so casual…
“Yes.” Lan Xi nodded. “I’m very sorry, I know this is asking a lot, but tonight, only your appearance was unexpected. Staying with you is safer for me right now… Please don’t worry. I will leave once I contact a trustworthy bug and won’t cause you any trouble.”
That makes sense… wait.
Lu Qing realized something was wrong. Going home is unsafe, but staying with him, an attractive, unmarried male bug of unknown origin, is safe?
Lu Qing wiped his face, feeling for the first time that he didn’t quite understand the sub-male in front of him. Developing trust in a strange bug… that was truly unbelievable.
Could this be a test… Lu Qing scrutinized the sub-male, but the other bug looked completely frank and sincere. As if afraid he wouldn’t agree, the sub-male added, “If you agree, afterward, I will help you fulfill any wish you have…”
At this point, whether for the promise of the Edri family or for his own Good Citizen Award bonus, Lu Qing seemed to have no reason to refuse. Moreover, having been partners once, and with the other party having asked, Lu Qing had even less reason to reject him.
“Wait.” Lu Qing made a stop gesture, interrupting him. “That being said… aren’t you afraid that I’m working with them?”
The sub-male adjusted his glasses and smiled gently. “Are you?”
He wore a look of trust, as if he would believe whatever Lu Qing said.
“Of course.” Lu Qing took the takeout box off the rear seat and put it in Lan Xi’s hands. “I’ll drag you off to sell you later.”
Lan Xi slowly looked at the box, then at the male bug in front of him. The male bug had already mounted the vehicle, and his intention was obvious.
A hint of a smile flashed in Lan Xi’s eyes. “Thank you.”
In fact, Lu Qing had guessed correctly; Lan Xi harbored a bit of a testing intent.
Lan Xi wanted to know whether this male bug’s repeated rescues were truly unintentional or long-planned. If the latter, whose pawn could he be…
If it was the former, the male bug clearly seemed very unwilling to help, so what had forced him to change his mind? What exactly was he after… was it himself?
Lan Xi didn’t believe he would fall in love at first sight with a male bug, but this male bug cleverly hit his aesthetic sweet spot, making him immensely curious.
Lan Xi had never experienced this kind of emotion before. This curiosity and concern overshadowed his murderous intent toward his own stupid brother, leading him to this somewhat willful decision.
He was good at testing hearts, and nighttime was when one’s will was at its most vulnerable. He was confident he could glean some answers.
Lan Xi looked at the male bug’s back with a premonition that perhaps this strange male bug would bring him some unexpected joy.
Lu Qing indeed brought him many surprises—
For example, when Lan Xi thought he was being taken home, he got his first surprise—
He rode puffing and panting for an hour, carrying him… to deliver a takeout meal.
Ah, what a dedicated delivery rider.
Another example, when Lan Xi thought he lived in Area D, he got his second surprise—
He rode puffing and panting for an hour and twenty minutes, and then… took him onto a public flyer bound for Area C.
During which, fearing someone might recognize him, he thoughtfully put the paper bag with the four large characters “Ugly Group Takeout” over his head.
Ah, what a thoughtful and thorough male bug.
When Lan Xi got off the vehicle, he was numb.
Numb in the literal sense—numb from the ride. The back seat of the two-wheeled vehicle was really hard.
“You live here?”
Lan Xi looked around. This was a very old residential area. It looked like it had some age, dusty and gray, giving off a feeling of desolation and decay.
“Yes.” Lu Qing carried the vehicle, swiping open the security gate. “It’s old, but similarly, there are few people here. You don’t have to worry about being disturbed.”
“We’re here.” Lu Qing stopped on the sixth floor and opened the door to one of the rooms. “This is it.”
Lu Qing first led the sub-male into the room, said, “Sit anywhere,” and then went to lock up the vehicle.
Leaving Lan Xi standing in place, bewildered and at a loss.
Bug God above, Lan Xi had never seen such a cramped dwelling. This was a very small room, maybe only 50 square meters.
The bedroom was right inside the door, with a bed and a wardrobe against the wall. The bathroom was separated by its own wall. There was a shoe cabinet by the entrance, and on the other side, a small wet bar/counter with a small square table, seemingly a kitchen. There was nothing else.
It could be described as having nothing but four bare walls.
Lan Xi concluded that this male bug did not seem to be doing very well.
When Lu Qing returned, he found the sub-male still standing in the same posture, looking somewhat helpless. He asked strangely, “Why are you still standing? Aren’t you tired?”
Lan Xi looked around, feeling awkward. “I’m sorry, I don’t know where I should sit.”
Lu Qing: “…………”
He almost forgot. His room only had one bed, not even a couch. If Lan Xi wanted to sit, he could only sit on his bed.
Sitting on a strange male bug’s bed… Lan Xi would definitely feel disgusted.
He did have brand-new bedding in his cabinet, but looking at the sub-male’s dazed expression, Lu Qing didn’t know why he wanted to tease him. “Sorry about this. My humble abode is simple. It’s not too late if you regret it now.”
Lan Xi was pampered since childhood; he probably regretted it immensely now.
“I didn’t mean that, Your Excellency.”
Lan Xi paused, then gave a helpless smile. “On the contrary, I am very grateful for your accommodation.”
Lan Xi walked to the edge of the bed and sat down with composure.
Lan Xi was fine, but Lu Qing was severely startled. He quickly pulled him up. “W-wait, wait.”
“Let me ch-change it first.”
Lu Qing took out a new quilt and sheets from the cabinet. He had bought two sets for changing, and this set was new and unused.
Lu Qing pulled out a folding military cot. This was left by the previous tenant. Lu Qing was glad he hadn’t thrown it away, thinking he could still sell it for scrap metal. He hadn’t expected it to come in handy now.
Lu Qing placed his used quilt on the military cot and made the new set for Lan Xi. “Alright, you can sit now.”
Lan Xi slowly walked over. Not knowing what he was thinking, he looked down at his own dirty clothes, then at the clean and tidy bedding, and gave an apologetic smile. “I’m sorry…”
“…May I take a shower first?”
Lu Qing: “!!!”