Where My Heart Rests Is My Home

The Adjudicator's hand under the table had started to unconsciously rub together. He was considered one of the calmer and more composed among the Female Zerg, not changing his expression immediately, but just smiling as he asked Chu Sui: “Where did Your Excellency hear such a rumor?”

Chu Sui faintly raised an eyebrow: “Oh, I heard them all seem to be saying it, so I just asked casually.”

'They are all saying it?'

The Adjudicator's brows furrowed, and his heart sank. Could it be that all the Male Zerg locked up together knew this news? The more he thought, the more possible it seemed. After all, Chu Sui had been locked in his room this whole time. If he knew, it was impossible for the other Male Zerg not to know.

The Adjudicator vaguely felt this matter was a bit tricky and didn't speak for a long while. Chu Sui, however, didn't press him relentlessly, only tapping his pen cap on the table now and then: “Actually, it doesn't matter if we know or not. If the matter is true, it can't be hidden for long, unless the Military Females in the mid-to-late stage riots never use Male Zerg Pheromones.”

Although Male Zerg weren't considered smart, they weren't all fools. They might not see it in a day or two, but could they really not notice after a long time?

The Adjudicator's expression slightly darkened: “So, Your Excellency means we should establish a new system according to the equality treaty you published on the StarNet? Those Male Zerg with criminal records can all start a new life without paying any price?”

Chu Sui heard a few traces of resentment and sarcasm in his tone and instantly guessed something. After all, there were too many such examples: “Don't misunderstand, that's not what I mean.”

Chu Sui said: “I just feel that if all Male Zerg who have committed crimes are thrown into the Punishment Chamber, then The Empire probably won't have many Male Zerg left. Besides, they can't produce Pheromones at all when they're frightened. This method isn't realistic.”

The Adjudicator frowned slightly: “What does Your Excellency mean?”

Chu Sui, holding the pen, lightly drew a circle on the table: “All Male Zerg will be convicted according to the severity of their criminal records. Those with no prior record will be released directly. Those with minor offenses will pay a fine or be detained. For serious offenses… I suggest setting a one or two-year observation period. If the Male Zerg's behavior is good during this time and they can obtain the forgiveness of their Male Monarch and Female Attendants, their sentences can be considered for reduction.”

Chu Sui paused here: “As for those Male Zerg who have caused deaths, they will be sent to the Punishment Chamber.”

Human life was the bottom line. If that line was crossed, a death sentence wouldn't be too harsh. Chu Sui just felt that some Male Zerg, like Chad, still had a chance to turn back. After all, the way Male Zerg were raised to this point was also partly due to environmental factors.

The Adjudicator had a certain amount of say, but not enough to decide such a matter. He glanced at Chu Sui, knowing that the suggestion he proposed was already the most suitable solution at present. He pulled back his chair and rose from his seat: “I cannot decide this matter. I'm sorry, you cannot leave yet and need to stay here, but I will convey your proposal to the Councilors.”

Chu Sui expressed his agreement but made one request: “Can you return my Light Computer to me?”

The Adjudicator was a bit hesitant. Seeing this, Chu Sui said: “Don't worry, I won't do anything. I just want to play some games to pass the time.”

A Male Zerg with no power or influence couldn't do much even if he wanted to. The Adjudicator had his subordinate fetch the Light Computer that had been confiscated from Chu Sui earlier and said with a pointed meaning: “I hope you can wait for our news quietly. I believe the Councilors will give a satisfactory reply.”

With that, he left. The door was closed, and the office instantly fell into silence.

Chu Sui turned on the Light Computer and took a look, only to find that all his internet access had been disabled. He couldn't log into the StarNet either, only able to make calls and send messages. Knowing it was their doing, he tried sending a message to Arno.

In the Imperial Federation Council, besides a few highly respected elders, there were the influential generals from the four armies. The meeting had been going on all morning, and they still hadn't reached any conclusion, instead letting the atmosphere fall into a stalemate.

Alvin still held firm to his idea, unswayed: “If we can't research it, then we continue researching. We've already invented a drug that can suppress the initial stage of the riot. I don't believe we can't research one for the middle and late stages. In short, we can no longer be constrained by the Male Zerg.”

Arno disagreed. He appeared cold and indifferent, as if nothing could enter his eyes, but in reality, every word was sharp and to the point: “Are you saying that for every day a drug isn't developed, we don't release the Male Zerg? Thirty percent of the Military Females in the military are now in the Bloodline Riot. If we delay any further, the situation will not be optimistic.”

His words moved the other Councilors who were not firm in their positions.

“Admiral Arno has a point. If it really comes to it, we should release the detained Male Zerg first. Otherwise, there's no way to soothe those Military Females in their riot period.”

“Yes, yes.”

Hearing this, Alvin slammed the table and shot up: “Say that to my face one more time?! How many Female Zerg have those Male Zerg killed? On what grounds should we release them?!”

A Zerg retorted: “Then may I ask Admiral Alvin, what should be done about the soldiers currently in the middle and late stages of the Bloodline Riot? Are we to just watch them die?”

Alvin's face turned pale, and he was rendered speechless.

Admiral Morin of The First Army had never taken a clear stance, seeming to just go with the flow, so he didn't speak up. Instead, it was Admiral Horton who, for some unknown reason, had also fallen into a rare silence.

They would listen to whoever held military power. If even one of these four could have a unified opinion, the other Councilors wouldn't be in such a dilemma. Just as they were at a standstill, the door to the conference room was suddenly knocked, and the Adjudicator pushed the door open and walked in.

“I apologize for disturbing you, gentlemen. I have something to report.”

At the same time, the Light Computer on Arno's wrist suddenly vibrated. He glanced down without drawing attention and saw a message from Chu Sui. He quickly scanned the contents, thought for a moment, then discreetly turned on the video function, sat up a little straighter, and aimed the camera at the Councilors at the conference table.

Chu Sui quickly received the feed of the meeting from Arno's side. Ignoring the faces, some familiar, some not, he saw the Adjudicator from before standing to one side, relaying the suggestions he had just made to the Councilors.

Chu Sui leaned on the table and sent a message to Arno: [Do you think it's feasible?]

It was the first time Arno had done something like this during a meeting. He discreetly glanced around, saw that no Zerg was paying attention, put his hand under the table, and quietly sent a message to Chu Sui: [Feasible.]

He had wanted to send another message, to ask how Chu Sui was doing now, but before he could type the words, Alvin's suspicious voice rang in his ear: “What are you doing so sneakily?”

…

Arno froze at the words, then pulled down his sleeve to cover the Light Computer: “Nothing.”

Alvin obviously didn't believe him: “You're definitely up to no good.”

Arno thought, 'is chatting with my own Male Master considered being up to no good?' He looked at Alvin and changed the subject: “What do you think of the Adjudicator's proposal?”

Alvin said, half-mockingly, half-sarcastically: “The Adjudicator's proposal? Isn't it your dear Male Master's?”

Arno smiled, not angered by his attitude: “No matter who proposed it, as long as it's feasible, it's worth a try.”

It had to be said, Chu Sui's proposal had, to some extent, made Alvin feel a bit better. Now, they wouldn't be trampled under the feet of the Male Zerg, and the Male Zerg could also receive due punishment for their past mistakes. It couldn't be a more perfect solution. Yet, he still said out loud: “It's barely acceptable.”

Even Alvin was wavering, let alone the other Zerg. They whispered among themselves, seemingly discussing something. Finally, the most senior Councilor spoke up to control the situation: “Everyone has heard what the Adjudicator said. In this situation, it is indeed not a bad solution. I suggest we release the detained Male Zerg as soon as possible and redraft the laws. Those Military Females in the mid-stage riot can't hold on for much longer.”

Almost all Male Zerg had been arrested and detained, which to some extent had worn down their arrogance. It was expected that they wouldn't cause any more trouble. Furthermore, a batch of Male Zerg with heinous offenses had already been executed, which also served as a warning to others.

The most senior Councilor looked around: “How about this, if you gentlemen have no objections, we'll vote on it. How does that sound?”

Arno nodded: “I have no objection.”

Alvin hemmed and hawed for a long time before reluctantly raising his hand in favor.

With the two of them having stated their positions, many Councilors also raised their hands in twos and threes. Only Admiral Horton and Admiral Morin were left. Before this, The First Army and the Second Army were factions that revered Female Zerg.

The Councilor asked: “Admiral Horton, Admiral Morin, what are your opinions?”

Horton had always projected the image of a stern-faced god to the public. Despite being taciturn, just sitting there, the invisible aura around him was enough to make other Zerg wary. Hearing the question, he looked up, lost in thought for a moment, and didn't speak for a long while. Just when everyone thought he was against it, Horton concisely said two words: “No objection.”

No objection, in other words, meant he agreed.

Admiral Morin looked at him in surprise, unable to figure out why Horton would change his mind. The Councilor, however, didn't care that much. He counted the votes, leaned over, braced his hands on the edge of the table, sighed, and said in a low voice: “In that case, let's first release all currently detained Male Zerg, except for those with serious crimes. The Female Lord agreements they previously signed will all be nullified. The law officers should draft a new treaty and regulations as soon as possible. You can appropriately refer to the legal content published by His Excellency Chu Sui on the StarNet. During this period, please wait for news at home. Meeting dismissed.”

As for why Admiral Morin wasn't asked, since three of the four army admirals had voted in favor, his opinion was no longer that important.

Chu Sui waited quietly in the office. Through the floor-to-ceiling window, he could see the sun outside sinking bit by bit. Behind the towering buildings was a vast expanse of sunset glow. The orange-gold sky gave an inexplicable sense of beautiful hope.

Perhaps everything from before had changed, what vanished had vanished, what passed had passed, scattered like dust in the vast universe, hard to find since. But in this ever-changing world, there should be one thing that achieves eternity, like the sun slowly sinking on the horizon, which has looked the same for millions of years.

Chu Sui unconsciously walked to the window, slowly pressing his palm against the glass. His dark eyes reflected the sunlight, turning a light tea-brown.

He used to feel that his heart was a barren wasteland, that only Blue Star was his true home. But now, a seed called hope was breaking through the soil in his heart. Whether it would be a weed or a fragrant flower was entirely up to his own will.

Just like this twisted world before him, if one was willing to rebuild it, then it could also become a beautiful place, no less than Blue Star.

“System…”

Chu Sui suddenly called out this long-unspoken name. The System, as always, was on call, popping out with a whoosh, its wings flapping behind it.

[Ding?]

Chu Sui raised his eyebrows: “It's been a long time since you came out.”

The System flew a circle around him and finally landed gently on his shoulder: [Because even without my restraint, you can already do very well now]

Chu Sui thought that it was rare to hear praise from the System. Gazing at the distant buildings, after a moment, he suddenly asked: “Do you think… Blue Star has really perished?”

System: [As long as you are willing, it will always exist…]

The human race is a resilient one, having crossed the rolling torrent of history to successfully stand at the top of the food chain. As long as they are still alive, Blue Star will never perish.

Millions of years ago, they depended on each other for survival. Hundreds of years later, they will also share life and death.

Hearing this, Chu Sui felt as if a long-held knot in his heart had been untied. He let out a breath in relief, paused, and then whispered with a smile: “It's good that it's still there.”

It's good that it's still there…

Chu Sui used to want to go home very much, but at a certain moment, he suddenly felt it wasn't important anymore. Whether it was because he had attachments in his heart or because he had come to terms with it, what was important was to live well no matter where he was, and no matter where he was, to never forget where he originally came from.

The door behind him suddenly clicked open. The soldier on guard said: “Your Excellency, you may leave.”

Chu Sui turned back in surprise: “I can go?”

The soldier said: “Yes, you may leave. The Male Zergs detained with you can also leave.”

What great news.

Staying here for a day or two was fine, but Chu Sui wouldn't be able to stand it for long. It wasn't as comfortable as the bed at home, nor were there the delicious snacks Arno made. More importantly, there was no Arno…

Chu Sui walked out of that room and took the Light Elevator downstairs under the soldier's guidance. He saw a group of officers standing in twos and threes at the entrance, seemingly waiting for something, giving off the feeling of parents waiting for their children after school.

There was no other way; the detained Male Zerg had to be picked up by their Male Monarchs to go home.

Arno had been waiting at the door, his gaze so focused that he missed the side door next to him. Chu Sui slowly ambled up behind him. Seeing that Arno hadn't noticed him after a long time, he silently hugged him from behind: “Arno.”

For some reason, his voice sounded inexplicably happy.

Arno's conditioned reflex was to almost throw an elbow strike, but sensing the familiar aura, he managed to stop his hand just in time: “Male Master?”

Arno was usually meticulous in his work. Chu Sui even felt he looked like a scheming old fox. But sometimes, he was foolishly simple and pure. Chu Sui looked at him with a half-smile: “I've been standing behind you for a while.”

Arno subconsciously turned around, the tips of his ears red. He suddenly didn't dare to look directly into Chu Sui's smiling eyes: “Sorry, I kept you waiting.”

Chu Sui used his pinky finger to brush away the scattered silver hair on his forehead, then studied those beautiful blue eyes for a while longer. Without saying anything, he uncharacteristically pulled Arno into his arms in public and held him for a long time.

Chu Sui wasn't thinking much, just that hugging Arno gave him a solid and secure feeling. He didn't realize at all that this was an invisible display of affection. Many of the surrounding Military Females looked over, all with looks of envy.

It was envy, not indifference.

When Chad and the other Male Zerg were released from the detention room, they thought they were dreaming for a moment. But the reality was so clearly laid out before them. It was six in the afternoon, the sky half-darkened, yet when Chad walked out of the building, he felt as if he were seeing the sun again.

Having been locked up for too long, he felt inexplicably out of place. His gaze swept around and found Horton's figure among the crowd of Military Females. The other was silent and taciturn as always, standing quietly in a corner, his handsome and stern face exuding a silent chill.

Chad scurried over happily: “Horton!”

His eyes were bright.

Horton ignored him, crossing his arms and giving him an expressionless glance.

Chad's voice weakened a little. He carefully grabbed the hem of Horton's military uniform and stammered: “Can we… can we go home?”

Horton frowned at his words, said nothing, and turned to walk away.

Seeing this, Chad stood rooted to the spot, at a loss: 'Aww, why is Horton ignoring me?'

As Chu Sui was about to leave with Arno, he passed by him and offered a “kind” reminder: “If you don't chase after him, the Flyer will leave without you.”

Chad was stunned for a moment, then came to his senses and immediately chased after him, like a veritable tagalong: “Hor… Horton! Wait for me!”

Looking at the situations of the other Zerg around, they seemed more or less the same. Perhaps this whole incident was a good thing. The Male Zerg finally realized their precarious situation. Whether their regret was real or fake, at least their attitude was more than one hundred and eighty times better than before.

Chu Sui took Arno's hand and swung it slightly: “Let's go, let's go home.”

Let's go home…

He savored these words in his heart, and suddenly felt a warm feeling, something he had never experienced in his previous life.

Arno seemed to sense it and smiled: “Are you very happy?”

Chu Sui raised an eyebrow slightly, then got into the Flyer: “Of course I'm happy to see you.”

Arno was stunned by his words, because Chu Sui had never said anything like that before. Even on the day he was taken away by Alvin, he had just said concisely, “Wait for me to come back.” He slowly got into the Flyer, his mind suddenly thrown into a bit of a mess by that one sentence.

Chu Sui tilted his head and saw Arno seemingly in a daze. He propped his chin on his hand and studied him for a moment, then smiled: “I'm not lying to you.”

He was genuinely happy to see Arno.

Arno didn't speak, but quietly burrowed into Chu Sui's embrace, burying his face in his shoulder. His expression couldn't be seen, but the tips of his exposed ears quietly turned red. He whispered in his ear: “I'm also very happy to see you.”

Chu Sui was inexplicably reminded of the Ragdoll cat he had raised in his past life. It also had blue eyes and always liked to wag its tail and act cute.

Chu Sui gazed at Arno's ear, then leaned over, gave it a light bite, and then a kiss: “Mm.”

The cat's ear turned even redder.