ISWTDB Ch123

Chapter 123: The Intersteller Mermaid (9, 10)

Thinking about his own initiative in this world, Ying Zhao felt a bit embarrassed. But since Ying Xiao’s wish in this lifetime was to be a happy little pure-hearted person and an old lover in a sweet relationship, he thought it wasn’t too shameless to act this way!

After finding a justification for himself, Ying Zhao buried his head in Cecil’s arms and continued to enjoy his sweet moment. He successfully activated the [Shameless (crossed out)] happy dog food mode.

After spending two days of shameless indulgence with Cecil, Ying Zhao finally realized that there were many important matters left unattended. He felt like he was becoming more and more decadent, wondering if it was because he had committed to his lover so early in this life.

He sighed and continued to happily watch the man next to him, who was earnestly eating breakfast. He thought his old lover was simply the most handsome and charming person in the world.

After the red hair had been trimmed, Cecil appeared more capable, and his features softened slightly after becoming human, but he still managed to capture his attention. 

Although the lines on his face remained, Ying Zhao saw some exotic charm in them. Especially when Cecil pressed his lips together, he couldn’t help but want to kiss him.

Thinking this way, Ying Zhao leaned in and kissed his lips. Cecil was used to his partner’s enthusiasm and directness, and thinking that this restrained and cold general only showed such affection in front of him made his heart feel warm.

Laughing lightly, Cecil held the back of Ying Zhao’s head to prevent him from pulling away and comfortably “ate” him as part of his breakfast. So, every day, the most tiring breakfast of Ying Zhao’s life was served.

After breakfast, Ying Zhao brought a light brain and placed it in front of Cecil, smiling as he said, “This is for you.”

Cecil knew what a light brain was, but for mermaids, it was generally considered an accessory of their partner. 

Although mermaids were rare and well-protected, they were more like delicate flowers raised by humans and didn’t have their own light brains. So when Ying Zhao handed the light brain to Cecil, he was deeply touched.

Then he saw Ying Zhao with a worried look saying, “My military leave is ending in less than a week, and I won’t be able to be with you all the time. So, my dear, you need to quickly learn how to use the light brain so we can stay in touch at all times!”

As he spoke, Ying Zhao hugged his lover’s neck, sitting in his lap, and lamented, “Cecil, I don’t want to be apart from you! Not at all! I want to be with you all the time!”

Cecil nodded, feeling overwhelmed with reluctance. He kissed the top of Ying Zhao’s head and sighed helplessly. He wished he could follow Ying Zhao to the military but knew that his mermaid identity would cause trouble if exposed.

Seeing his beloved feeling reluctant to leave him made Cecil feel heartbroken but unsure how to comfort him. He could only gently pat his back, telling him not to be too sad and that he would wait patiently at home.

In fact, Ying Zhao didn’t want Cecil to follow him right now; the timing wasn’t right. A mermaid transforming into legs was too novel and might attract the research institute’s attention.

Although the Ying family was powerful, Ying Zhao didn’t think they could protect Cecil if the matter became public without any precautions. He wouldn’t risk his lover’s safety, so he decided to take things slowly.

Remembering the promise made to Marshal Ying to visit him, Ying Zhao had spent enough time at home with his lover. He sent a message to Marshal Ying via the light brain and then left home with Cecil after tidying up.

Given the current situation, Cecil remained in mermaid form, and there was a special transportation vehicle for mermaids. Ying Zhao had bought the highest-grade one, making it convenient for Cecil to accompany him.

The hover vehicle flew slowly, and within less than half an hour, they arrived at the Marshal’s residence. Ying Zhao saw not only Marshal Ying but also his aide, Yan Ning, waiting at the door.

Ying Zhao was surprised to see Yan Ning at Marshal Ying’s home and noticed that Yan Ning wasn’t in uniform but in casual homewear, suggesting he lived there.

Raising his eyebrows, Ying Zhao looked at his father in this world. Marshal Ying nodded at him, cleared his throat, and looked at Cecil. He greeted him, “You must be Cecil.”

“Hello.” Cecil tried to smile, hoping to leave a good impression on his lover’s father.

But it was clear that Marshal Ying seemed even more nervous than Cecil. After greeting his “son-in-law,” he looked anxiously at Ying Zhao, with a slightly flushed face, and pointed to Yan Ning beside him, introducing him. “This is your Uncle Yan Ning, whom you’ve met before. Yan Ning is now also my partner, so I thought I should let you know.”

Ying Zhao’s eyes widened in surprise at what Marshal Ying said, though he wasn’t particularly shocked inside.

Seeing Yan Ning, who looked overjoyed upon hearing the introduction, it seemed the two of them were surprisingly well-matched.

Given the original’s mermaid parents had passed away years ago, and Marshal Ying seemed to have selected a gentle mermaid from the research institute simply due to age, Ying Zhao didn’t believe there was real love.

However, seeing Marshal Ying now nervously introducing Yan Ning made himrealize it might be true love. Was it possible they had developed a deep relationship over time?

True love awakening would explain the nervousness while introducing. Ying Zhao understood, smiled, and glanced between Marshal Ying and Yan Ning. He said to his father, “Uncle Yan Ning is very good. Father, I wish you both happiness.”

Yan Ning, upon hearing Ying Zhao’s words, curved his fox-like eyes and revealed a big smile. He held Marshal Ying’s waist with great seriousness and said, “I will definitely make him happy!”

Ying Zhao knew this was Yan Ning’s promise. He had heard that he had saved Marshal Ying many times and was quite satisfied with him. However, just as he was about to say more, he suddenly felt his lover’s hand tighten around his.

Turning his head, Ying Zhao looked at Cecil with some confusion and found him staring at Yan Ning with a look of shock. Cecil’s brows were furrowed, making Ying Zhao concerned about what past he might have with this Yan Ning.

But now was not a good time to inquire, so Ying Zhao patted Cecil’s hand to comfort him. After casually exchanging a few words with Marshal Ying and the others at the door, they all went into the Marshal’s residence together.

When the four of them sat down, Marshal Ying maintained a very formal posture. However, Ying Zhao knew from the original’s memories that Marshal Ying was just such a person, so he didn’t mind.

The original had always shown great respect when with his father, but since this person was now Ying Zhao himself, he knew the original’s expectations and thus felt more relaxed in his tone while speaking to Marshal Ying.

Additionally, Yan Ning was an eloquent person, and he and Ying Zhao harmonized well in conversation. Although Marshal Ying and Cecil were relatively silent, the atmosphere was quite pleasant with the two of them.

After chatting for a long time, since three of them were from the military, they had plenty of common topics. As it was getting late, Ying Zhao and Cecil were invited to stay the night.

Before dinner was ready, Yan Ning helped arrange their room, allowing them to rest there until the meal was prepared.

Ying Zhao quickly realized that the room assigned to him was the same one the original had lived in. It seemed that after Ying Xiao moved out, Marshal Ying hadn’t changed it at all.

Ying Zhao knew that the original had entered the military academy at nineteen, and had not returned home since then. Nearly ten years had passed, but the room’s arrangement had remained unchanged.

The room was spotless, clearly cleaned regularly, which further confirmed that Marshal Ying had a deep paternal love for the original.

With a smile, Ying Zhao felt warmth in hiseyes and nodded to Yan Ning. he thanked him and took Cecil into the room.

Ying Zhao could see the genuine joy in Marshal Ying’s eyes upon agreeing to stay. It seemed he was delighted to finally have some closeness with his son.

Now that the room was just forhimself and Cecil, Ying Zhao asked the person beside her, “Cecil, is there something wrong with Yan Ning?”

Cecil frowned slightly. Over the past few days, he had already told Ying Zhao some of his secrets, including that he was a king of deep-sea mermaids and had awakened ancestral memories. Ying Zhao had not shown too much shock at these revelations but had advised him not to reveal his differences outside.

Cecil knew Ying Zhao was concerned for his safety and felt warm inside. So, he didn’t hide anything and directly said, “I can sense that Yan Ning also has the blood of a deep-sea mermaid in him.”

Ying Zhao was somewhat surprised by this. Knowing the power of deep-sea mermaids, he wondered if Yan Ning was also a deep-sea mermaid.

He voiced hisdoubts to Cecil but received a negative answer. Cecil shook his head and said hesitantly, “He should not be a deep-sea mermaid. I can only sense the bloodline of deep-sea mermaids within him. He has more than a quarter of deep-sea mermaid blood in him. Even just this quarter is enough to make Yan Ning much stronger than ordinary humans.”

Ying Zhao nodded, thinking that if Yan Ning had deep-sea mermaid blood, it indicated that hislover might not be the only deep-sea mermaid left in this world.

Perhaps Yan Ning might know about other deep-sea mermaids. he asked Cecil, “So, dear, do you want to know where the other deep-sea mermaids are now? After all, in your ancestral memories, the deep-sea mermaids frequently migrate, and they might not be in the place where you were discovered anymore.”

To Ying Zhao’s surprise, Cecil shook his head. He gently stroked Ying Zhao’s hair and said with a smile, “I don’t care where they are. In this world, I only want to be with you. Other matters are just accessories. Besides, even if I found them, I could never go back because I absolutely cannot bear to be away from you!”

As Cecil spoke, he leaned down to kiss Ying Zhao’s lips. Feeling embarrassed by his serious affection, Ying Zhao nestled into Cecil’s embrace.

he kissed his chin, then held his hand tightly. After a while, Ying Zhao murmured, “Actually, I don’t want you to go back either, because I can’t lose you.”

he looked into Cecil’s eyes, and the gazes of the two lovers met. Their faces drew closer, their lips touched, exchanging affectionate kisses for a long time. In this world, the most precious thing to them was each other; no one and nothing could separate them.

Though he had learned from hislover that he had no interest in returning to the deep-sea mermaids, Yan Ning was still hisworld’s father’s partner, so Ying Zhao remained a bit worried about whether Yan Ning had any other motives.

he knew well how powerful deep-sea mermaids were. His lover had just explained that deep-sea mermaids could sense each other’s bloodlines.

Since hislover could sense Yan Ning’s quarter bloodline, Yan Ning must be able to sense hislover’s true identity. Cecil’s awakened bloodline would attract even more attention.

As he was thinking, there was a knock on the door. Ying Zhao opened it to find Yan Ning holding a fruit platter, smiling at them, “Pre-dinner fruits, just to tide you over. Dinner will be ready soon.”

Ying Zhao smiled and nodded, finding Yan Ning’s demeanor very friendly. However, after delivering the fruit, Yan Ning didn’t leave but stood there, staring at Cecil with increasingly deep smiles.

Ying Zhao narrowed hiseyes, realizing that Yan Ning’s visit was not merely to deliver fruit. His expression grew serious, and he asked Yan Ning with a slightly cold tone, “Uncle Yan, is there anything else?”

Seeing Ying Zhao’s serious demeanor, Yan Ning chuckled and said, “Ying Zhao, don’t be so tense. I’ve watched you grow up! I’ve been with Xiaolin all these years and would never harm you. As for my identity, I’m sure Cecil has already told you.”

“Hmm.” Ying Zhao nodded expressionlessly.

Seeing that Ying Zhao and Cecil remained very calm despite his words, Yan Ning smacked his lips and said somewhat frustratedly, “Are kids these days really so boring?”

Then, he stopped being cryptic and spoke directly, “I can sense that Cecil’s deep-sea mermaid bloodline has awakened, and the only way for it to awaken is by finding his destined lover. So, you must have already united. Deep-sea mermaids fully trust their lovers, so I know Ying Zhao, you must already know the whole truth.”

Ying Zhao nodded in response, not denying Yan Ning’s statement.

Unexpectedly, despite saying so much, Ying Zhao and Cecil still remained silent. Yan Ning covered his forehead, feeling a deep sense of helplessness. Indeed, did a blockhead give birth to another blockhead? Yan Ning couldn’t help but mutter internally.

He could only helplessly continue speaking to Ying Zhao, “I know you might be suspicious of my motives, so I came here specifically to explain. Although, because of my deep-sea mermaid bloodline, I’m much stronger than ordinary humans, even surpassing your father, I am not a threat. The reason I have willingly stayed by his side for so many years is because I truly love him! I’ve been waiting for him to love me in return all these years. And now, I have finally gotten my wish! Ying Zhao, I am very grateful for your blessing!”

“Perhaps you don’t know. Ying Zhao, your feelings are very important to Xiaolin!” At this point, Yan Ning’s eyes softened, looking at Ying Zhao with gratitude.

Since Cecil was of royal blood, while Yan Ning only had ordinary deep-sea mermaid blood, there was a certain degree of bloodline suppression between them. Cecil had told Ying Zhao to trust Yan Ning’s words. Seeing the genuine emotion in Yan Ning’s eyes, Ying Zhao couldn’t help but relax.

Through Yan Ning, they also learned that his bloodline existed because his grandfather had saved a deep-sea mermaid, and they fell in love. Yan Ning is their descendant.

After so many years, the situation of the deep-sea mermaids had indeed worsened. Their numbers were decreasing yearly due to their reproduction difficulties, and after the deaths of their companions, the royals would follow them. So now, Cecil has become the last royal deep-sea mermaid in this world.

Seeing Yan Ning’s honesty, Ying Zhao informed him that he would be returning to the military department in a few days and hoped his lover could stay by his side. He wondered if Yan Ning had any way to conceal Cecil’s identity.

Although Cecil already had the ability to transform into a human, and after transformation, his features became softer and he had legs, making it unlikely for others to suspect he was a mermaid, his distinctive patterns were still very noticeable.

Yan Ning did not disappoint them. He generously explained that the abilities of deep-sea mermaids were much broader than they imagined, including certain illusion and confusion abilities. Mermaids’ songs, which could confuse creatures through chanting, were real, but unfortunately, Yan Ning was not familiar with them.

Ying Zhao was not concerned about the mermaid’s songs. Seeing Yan Ning earnestly teaching Cecil some minor illusion tricks, he expressed his gratitude. He thought that after returning home, he could further develop his lover’s other abilities.

Regarding the possibility of the royal family and the Auston family colluding to exclude the Ying family, Ying Zhao also informed Yan Ning. After all, he was now Marshal Ying’s partner, and he could not ignore the Ying family’s crisis.

Ying Zhao knew that compared to himself, Yan Ning was the person who understood Marshal Ying the best in this world, making him the most suitable person to handle this matter.

Yan Ning did not refuse and told Ying Zhao not to worry. He would alert Marshal Ying and try to persuade him. Although Marshal Ying was loyal to the empire, he was not entirely blindly loyal. Ying Zhao believed that facing such unfounded persecution, Marshal Ying would make the right decision.

Yan Ning came to find them alone, telling Marshal Ying he wanted to discuss his and his father’s relationship with Ying Zhao. As for his deep-sea mermaid bloodline, Yan Ning requested Ying Zhao to keep it secret for now.

After all, the matter of deep-sea mermaids was too mysterious, and Yan Ning wanted him to gradually accept it. Ying Zhao chose to respect Yan Ning’s decision, not interfering in matters of his elder’s emotions.

After their conversation, both were very satisfied. When dinner time arrived, the three of them went downstairs together, chatting and laughing. Seeing them like this, Marshal Ying finally felt relieved. Although he had already clarified Yan Ning’s current identity when they first met, he still worried that Ying Zhao might have other thoughts.

At dinner, Ying Zhao took the initiative to speak to Marshal Ying, “Father, don’t worry too much. You’ve been alone for nearly thirty years. I’ve always hoped you could find a companion and have your own happiness. Now that Uncle Yan is here, I’m very reassured!”

Marshal Ying was deeply moved by Ying Zhao’s words and was silent for a while. He looked at Ying Zhao with teary eyes, opening his mouth and finally uttering two words, “Thank you!”

Taking a deep breath, Marshal Ying said with some guilt, “Child, I’ve been too rigid over the years. I owe you.”

Ying Zhao shook his head, knowing that Marshal Ying had always wanted to give the original the best. However, due to his silence and overly stern personality, he had not expressed it well. But this sincerity could not be questioned by anyone.

Thinking of this, Ying Zhao showed a bright smile to Marshal Ying and said, “Father, you haven’t owed me anything! Rest assured, with me and Uncle Yan here, we will always be by your side!”

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Author’s Note:

In the next chapter, it’s time to pack up and take the old man to confront the main characters~ Hahaha~