AIDDPD Ch5

There was no need to select a floor; as soon as Lu Zhao stepped into the elevator, the apartment’s butler system recognized both him and Bai Li, who entered after him, and automatically sent them to their floor.

Lu Zhao was holding a large bag full of plump, red tomatoes. Bai Li, on the other hand, had a big carrot tucked under his arm, both hands stuffed in his pockets, whistling as he entered the elevator. After a few glances at Lu Zhao, he finally said, “Major General, you’re better suited to flowers—tomatoes don’t quite match you.”

Holding the bag of tomatoes, Lu Zhao gave Bai Li a look, “You, on the other hand, match that big carrot pretty well.”

Bai Li winked, “With a face like mine, I look good with anything.”

Lu Zhao: “…” Yeah, sure, you’re something else.

Still, Lu Zhao didn’t deny it. Bai Li’s face really was a big plus—he could make anything look good. Even if he had a butcher’s knife tucked under his arm instead of a carrot, he’d still carry it off with style.

“So why are you back at this hour? Nothing to do at the Legion?” Bai Li asked.

Officers of Lu Zhao’s rank didn’t have to follow regular working hours, and he himself practically spent all day in the training room, returning to his dorm only to rest late at night.

This was common knowledge around the Legion, and Bai Li knew it, given his relationship with Lu Zhao. He hadn’t expected to see Lu Zhao at the apartment at this hour.

Lu Zhao paused for a couple of seconds and answered, “The new recruits took over the mecha simulators.”

He didn’t mention that reading posts on the Empire’s forum had soured his mood or that he didn’t want to stay in the dorm where the other members eyed him like he was walking tabloid fodder, all eager to dig up some juicy secrets.

Lu Zhao felt uneasy at the base and, once outside, realized he had nowhere to go, so he drove his hovercar back to Bai Li’s apartment. He had planned to park and maybe shop around for some fresh clothes but ended up running into Bai Li, who’d been attracted by the carrot and had followed him all the way upstairs.

Bai Li glanced at Lu Zhao, noticing he hadn’t explained why he wasn’t staying in the Legion’s dormitory, but he didn’t press further. The elevator arrived at their floor, and Bai Li walked out first, commenting, “That’s fine; anyway, those officers’ dorms are cramped and boring.”

The First Legion treated its officers relatively well; majors and above were assigned single-occupant rooms, though they weren’t large—just enough space for a bed and a desk. But that was sufficient for Lu Zhao, who didn’t need to bunk with other omegas in logistics due to his rank.

As soon as Bai Li and Lu Zhao entered the apartment, the mechanical butler had slippers ready for them. Bai Li hadn’t even taken off his coat when it sounded a sanitation alert, urgently prompting him to remove his muddy jacket.

Bai Li, being mischievous, dangled the coat just out of the round little bot’s reach, laughing as he watched it roll around trying to catch it.

Lu Zhao, having already changed into his slippers, turned to see Bai Li teasing the bot. He smacked Bai Li’s hand hard on the back, causing the other to yelp and drop the coat. The mechanical butler quickly snatched it up and whirred off to clean it.

“Flower, you’re really rough,” Bai Li complained, blowing on the back of his hand. “If you really cripple me, how am I supposed to make dinner tonight?”

Hearing “cripple” made Lu Zhao uncomfortable—not because of Bai Li, but because it reminded him of the nasty threads on the Empire’s forum.

He managed to push down the irritation and then realized what Bai Li had just said. “You’re actually going to cook?”

“Unless you’re cooking.” Bai Li shoved the big carrot into Lu Zhao’s arms.

Lu Zhao instinctively took the hefty, plump carrot. It had a decent weight to it.

Most vegetables weren’t soil-grown anymore, as meal-replacement nutritional supplements could provide basic energy and nutrients. The cultivation of vegetables had also been streamlined centuries ago. Market carrots took only a week from planting to harvest, though they’d become smaller and milder in flavor.

Holding a bag of tomatoes in one arm and a large carrot in the other, Lu Zhao stood there in his slippers, straight as a rod.

Bai Li clutched his chest, pretending to be hit in the heart, “Flower, you look so strong holding that carrot.”

If it weren’t for the potential waste, Lu Zhao would have broken the carrot over his knee right then and there.

He set the tomatoes and carrot on the kitchen counter, and Bai Li, still being bumped by the round bot, was prodded off to shower and change. Lu Zhao had already showered at the Legion, so he grabbed his personal device, pondering whether to message Huo Cun and ask him to bring over a couple of fresh outfits after work, all the while heading toward his own bedroom.

As soon as he entered the bedroom, Lu Zhao noticed a new set of loungewear neatly folded on the bed. He wasn’t sure when Bai Li had bought it.

Growing up, Lu Zhao had always been left to fend for himself. It was only after he joined the Legion and was promoted that he was assigned Huo Cun as his adjutant to help him with daily errands and living needs during peacetime. Lu Zhao was easygoing by nature, so he often had to remind the forgetful Huo Cun of things. If Lu Zhao forgot, then both of them would be at a loss.

He’d already forgotten to bring a change of clothes from the dorm, and Huo Cun hadn’t thought of it either. Whoever said “omegas are detail-oriented, and betas are reliable” clearly had no idea.

Lu Zhao slipped on the new loungewear that Bai Li had bought for him; this was the first time someone had gone out of their way to buy clothes specifically for him.

Just as he finished changing, he heard Bai Li call out from the other room, “Flower, anything you don’t like to eat?”

Before Lu Zhao could respond, Bai Li added, “Just asking. Doesn’t matter anyway, as long as I like it. We’re buddies; no need for formalities.”

The little bit of sentimentality Lu Zhao had just felt evaporated instantly.

When he walked out of the bedroom, he saw Bai Li standing at the kitchen sink washing the carrot. Bai Li had changed into a loose T-shirt, and his freshly washed and blow-dried short hair was sticking up a bit. With his tousled hair, he scrubbed the carrot while listening to some current affairs on his personal device.

Noticing Lu Zhao, Bai Li glanced up, “Stir-fried carrot with meat and scrambled eggs with tomatoes—just two dishes. I didn’t know you’d be coming, so I didn’t stock up on much. If it’s not enough, we’ll just drink some nutrition packs.”

Lu Zhao and the carrot, tomatoes, and the whole plan had all been neatly sorted out by Bai Li.

Lu Zhao nodded but didn’t move.

Bai Li chuckled, “Why are you just standing there, Flower?”

Lu Zhao ignored his cheeky tone and simply asked, “Need help?”

Meaning: Do you need an extra hand?

“Only two dishes; they’ll be ready in no time. You go do your thing. I’ll call you when they’re done.” Bai Li’s mouth kept running, but his hands didn’t stop. He cleaned the carrot and tomatoes thoroughly and then went to the fridge to fetch some meat.

As soon as Lu Zhao left the Legion, he seemed at a loss. He wandered to the sofa and sat down. True to his noble lineage, Bai Li had a taste for comfort; the sofa was soft and cozy. Sitting down, Lu Zhao was reminded of the way Bai Li had sprawled on it that morning—definitely his ideal lounging spot.

After a moment of hesitation, Lu Zhao opened the Empire Forum and started browsing posts. This morning, the forum had been abuzz with gossip about Lu Zhao supposedly carrying Bai Li, who had “leg pain,” to the hospital last night. After spending some time at the Legion, he found that the forum discussion had shifted, with people saying Bai Li was too weak to “control” Lu Zhao and could only let his omega continue showing up in public.

Lu Zhao was long immune to comments about himself. He’d come to terms with it—otherwise, he’d have gone home long ago to start a family. If he couldn’t handle it, he wouldn’t have reached his current position.

One thread titled “What do you think Major General Lu Zhao really feels about Bai Li?” had somehow gone viral and floated to the top of the homepage. Lu Zhao couldn’t resist clicking on it and leaned against the sofa to read.

Post #1 by OP: [I’m just curious; for an ordinary omega, maybe it’s fine. But does Major General Lu Zhao, stuck with such an alpha—one with no prospects and a disability—really not feel dissatisfied?]

Post #2 by “ZhiZhi Berry Berry”: [He must be! I feel so sorry for my poor Major General. I cried for ages when I found out his partner was this… thing…]

Post #3 by “Stroke-Point Stroke”: [What’s there to pity? This is the result the light brain matched for him. No matter how amazing Lu Zhao is, he’s still just an O. Marriage is inevitable.]

Post #4 by “Cross the Bridge, Don’t Burn It”: [In my opinion, it’s really a pity for Lu Zhao. He could have found a better alpha, let himself enjoy a peaceful life at home without bothering with mechas…]

Post #5 by “Not-So-Clueless”: [Hello? What’s wrong with the comments here? Major General Lu Zhao is excelling in the military, and you want him to stay home?]

Post #6 by “Not-So-Clueless” (replying to Post #3): [Seriously? Are there really people in the year 6020 who think an omega should just marry, settle down, and have kids?]

Post #7 by “Battle’s Tough”: [Love the way the guy above talks. Honestly, the light brain might have done Lu Zhao a favor. Think about it—if he’d been matched with a strong alpha in perfect health, would Lu Zhao still be able to work in the military? Few alphas would allow their omega to be out and about every day.]

Post #8 by OP (replying to Post #7): [You know what, you’re probably right… I don’t think the Major General is planning to quit the military, so Bai Li just doesn’t measure up.]

Post #9 by “Xiao Xiao Xiao”: [That does make me feel a bit better. If our Major General retired because of marriage, I’d go storm the Empire’s light brain control center right now.]

…

This thread had actually been posted before Lu Zhao and Bai Li’s wedding. Although the topic was about Lu Zhao’s thoughts on Bai Li, the first dozen or so pages were mostly debates over whether the marriage was a “win” for Lu Zhao.

Most people thought Lu Zhao had been shortchanged, while a few thought it was a blessing in disguise.

Lu Zhao, feeling a headache coming on, skipped to the most recent pages from today’s date and continued reading.

Post #807 by “ZhiZhi Berry Berry”: [I’m losing my mind! How can an alpha end up in the hospital on his wedding night because his legs hurt? And he had to be carried there by his own omega! Just how useless is Bai Li?!]

Post #808 by “Unacknowledged Grace”: [I thought I was reading fake news, but it actually happened… If it were me, I’d be too ashamed to call myself an alpha…]

Post #809 by “When’s Major General Remarrying”: [Too ashamed to be an alpha +1]

Post #810 by “Knife Unstained by Blood”: [I’m so mad I almost lost my senses. I suggest the Major General get a divorce immediately.]

Post #818 by “Xiao Zhi-er”: [I’m truly impressed by Bai Li—has he thrown away every shred of alpha pride?]

Post #819 by “Cross the Bridge, Don’t Burn It”: [Advising Bai Li to step down.]

Post #820 by “Xiao Xiao Xiao”: [Advising Bai Li to step down.]

Post #821 by User 9988566: [Advising Bai Li to step down.]

…

Lu Zhao felt uncomfortable.

In his view, Bai Li was a good person. Though his leg was impaired, he still spoke and acted more decently than most alphas.

If Bai Li’s marriage partner had been someone else, perhaps he wouldn’t be getting so much criticism. But because the one he married was Lu Zhao, this marriage became like a spotlight, illuminating all of Bai Li’s flaws and casting a dark shadow behind him.

In the kitchen, a “sizzling” sound rang out, followed by the rapid spread of the fragrant smell of eggs meeting oil. Lu Zhao snapped back to reality, sitting up on the sofa to look over.

Bai Li’s apartment was particularly spacious, with an open kitchen that let him watch Bai Li’s back directly from the sofa.

Even someone like Lu Zhao, who spent all day mingling with other Alphas, had to admit there were few Alphas who looked better than Bai Li.

Bai Li was the type with no bad angles, a flawless 360 degrees. Even without seeing his face, just his back and the overall outline of his shoulders told the story: broad shoulders, a narrow waist, and muscular, well-defined arms exposed as he used the spatula to cook.

As soon as the egg solidified in the hot oil, Bai Li broke it up with the spatula, scooped it out, and set it on a nearby plate. Then he turned to grab the pre-sliced tomatoes, revealing his profile with his eyes downcast.

The tomatoes hit the pan, releasing a unique sweetness as he stir-fried them. Lu Zhao instinctively sniffed the air, which Bai Li heard, so he turned to meet Lu Zhao’s gaze, giving him a grin and mocking Lu Zhao’s “waiting for dinner” look.

Lu Zhao didn’t mind the teasing; he leaned back on the sofa, returning to reading a forum post.

After flipping through a couple of pages, he noticed the thread’s tone seemed off.

#981 Three-Year E-Sports Pro: [You’re all here trashing Bai Li, but am I the only one who just wants to say that Major General Lu Zhao looks incredibly handsome?]

#982 Original Poster: [I’ve been wanting to say this too! Goodness, carrying an Alpha to the hospital and all that… way too thrilling! If I could be held by the Major General for just a couple of steps, my Omega life would be complete!]

#983 Little Doesn’t Understand but Totally Does: [Keep it low-key, low-key. To our Major General, it’s just normal to look this good.]

#984 A Line and Three Dots: [Hah. I pity Bai Li, marrying an Omega like that.]

#985 Little Doesn’t Understand but Totally Does: [Replying to #983: Get help if you’re unwell, thank you. Bai Li doesn’t need your pity. Whatever else, he’s a noble by birth, born into wealth and privilege. Now that he’s married to Major General Lu Zhao, he doesn’t have to worry about his path in the military world. And you pity Bai Li? You should pity the Omega who birthed you for going through every effort to bring out a placenta.]

#986 Three-Year E-Sports Pro: [Wow, harsh words from uptairs, I like it! Little Doesn’t Understand but Totally Does really gets it.]

#987 Smiley and Swirly: [Even though I still look down on Bai Li, compared to #984… Little Doesn’t Understand really gets it.]

#988 Original Poster: [Oh no, now I can’t stop thinking about Major General Lu Zhao’s arms and chest. My goodness, what would it feel like to be carried by him!]

#989 Three-Year E-Sports Pro: [My goodness, what would it feel like to be carried by him!]

#990 Strawberry Berry: [My goodness, what would it feel like to be carried by him!]

#991 Bai Li: [Feels great, oh ^_^]

Lu Zhao: “?” Am I seeing things, or is this account really Bai Li’s?

He clicked on the account, and sure enough, there was a large photo of Bai Li himself as the profile picture. That face would be unforgettable to anyone who saw it, with a verified badge after the name to boot.

Lu Zhao was honestly impressed. This guy really knew how to add fuel to the fire.

The forum instantly exploded.

#992 Original Poster: [What the—, crazy, Bai Li himself?]

#993 Endless Life: [What the heck, Bai Li lurking in the thread? Are you out of your mind? So many people are insulting you, and you enjoy it?]

#994 Strawberry Berry: [Whoa, it’s really him? Hand over the mic! Let me ask, Mr. Bai, what’s your take on the fact that you ended up in the hospital the night of your wedding?]

#995 Bai Li: [Can’t help it; leg hurts, need cuddles to get better.]

#996 Strawberry Berry: [Crap.]

#997 Original Poster: [Crap.]

#998 Endless Life: [Crap.]

#999 Little Doesn’t Understand but Totally Does: [Crap.]

#1000 Chunky Brother Trying to Lose Weight: [Crap.]

#1001 User6789123: [Crap.]

#1002 Three-Year E-Sports Pro: [Quick, shine the spotlight right here—there’s a one-in-a-century flamboyant Alpha in our midst!]