Noble Academy's Mob Character: Reborn as the Campus Heartthrob - Chapter 77

Chapter 77: Insect Mother 5

Qi Yuan slapped You Qinghe across his incessantly chattering mouth.

“Shut up when I tell you to. You’re the one who talks the most.”

Even after You Qinghe fell silent, looking aggrieved, Qi Yuan still held two fingers firmly over his mouth, just to be sure.

Across the table, You Yuanxiu pretended not to notice and asked, “Should we send the announcement now or wait until after the Human Emperor’s birthday banquet?”

Qi Yuan chuckled, recalling the news he had seen on the Starnet. He saw an opportunity to use the Zerg to retaliate against those who had wronged him.

No one likes being taken advantage of. Even though it was just his Dreamscape self who had been schemed against and manipulated, it was still him. If he lacked the means to retaliate, that would be one thing. But since he could now rely on the Zerg, not using them would be foolish.

He tapped his fingers lightly on the table, leaned back in his chair, and said, “Now, of course.”

“I have a score to settle with some humans on the Human Main Planet. Since I’m already revealing my identity, I might as well use my position as Insect Mother to get my revenge. Otherwise, my Dao Heart will remain unstable.”

With that, Qi Yuan released the hand holding You Qinghe’s mouth shut. His gaze locked with You Yuanxiu’s, so he didn’t notice the fleeting, wistful look in You Qinghe’s eyes.

The moment Qi Yuan released him, You Qinghe spoke up.

“So, you were abandoned on the Garbage Star by humans and then picked up by you, Big Brother?”

“I knew it! If the Insect Mother had grown up on the Garbage Star, how could he not have suffered radiation poisoning from prolonged exposure, leading to physical mutations?”

“That explains everything.”

You Yuanxiu: “Was it the Qi Family?”

Even before confirming Qi Yuan’s identity as the Insect Mother, You Yuanxiu had already investigated his original background and past experiences. He had good reason to suspect the Qi Family of concealing Qi Yuan’s true identity. Human technology was advanced, with capabilities beyond his understanding.

While ordinary humans couldn’t possibly hide the Insect Mother’s identity, the Qi Family was different. As one of the Four Great Families, even during periods of decline, they remained a formidable force, possessing latent power that other families could never match.

You Yuanxiu had initially planned to wait until Qi Yuan was settled before dispatching subordinates to uncover the truth. But since Qi Yuan wanted to handle it himself, he approved. A mere Qi Family wasn’t enough to make the Zerg back down or allow Qi Yuan to be mistreated.

Qi Yuan: “Yes.”

“They struck first, so they can’t blame me for retaliating.”

You Qinghe nodded in agreement. “That works. That works.”

“I’ll handle the beatings. Qi Yuan, just watch.”

As he spoke, he rolled up his sleeves, flexing his muscular arms for emphasis.

Qi Yuan: “………”

Honestly, this was giving him a headache.

You Qinghe wasn’t this dense in reality. Could his Zerg identity in this Dreamscape be suppressing his intelligence?

“We don’t need to get our hands dirty. Someone will resolve this for us.”

“But first, I need to secure the full support of the Zerg.”

You Yuanxiu pondered for a moment, then devised a plan.

“We’ll take them down one by one.”

“I’ll find a way to lure them out, one at a time. You don’t have to lift a finger. Soon, they’ll all adore you as much as I do.”

His gaze toward Qi Yuan burned with fervent devotion, as if he would give anything—even his life—for him.

Qi Yuan could only avert his eyes, unable to meet that intense gaze.

This affection was too heavy, too overwhelming for him to bear. He knew he couldn’t reciprocate; to do so would be irresponsible not only to himself but also to You Yuanxiu.

In the days since his rebirth, it would be a lie to say Qi Yuan hadn’t felt his heart stir. However, none of those moments had been compelling enough to make him commit.

Perhaps he was too pragmatic, or perhaps his feelings simply weren’t deep enough.

Regardless, Qi Yuan remained clear-headed: he wouldn’t pursue romance until his future was secure and stable.

He had rejected them, resisted them, but to no avail. Since they had their chance, Qi Yuan reasoned, he couldn’t be blamed for using them—it was their own choice.

Sea king? Scumbag? So be it.

After all he’d been through, Qi Yuan felt his mindset had grown considerably, both his highs and lows now reaching new extremes.

Qi Yuan pursed his lips, a genuine smile returning to his face—the first sincere expression since entering this Dreamscape. “You Yuanxiu, thank you.”

You Yuanxiu had no intention of forcing Qi Yuan to accept his feelings. He believed that simply being by his side was enough, far better than being apart.

Take it slow, he thought. Perhaps one day, my efforts will be rewarded. For now, all he could do was help Qi Yuan grow accustomed to his presence.

“No need to thank me. I’m just glad I could help.”

As the old saying goes, “Those who wish will bite.”

For the Zerg, centered around their Insect Mother, this saying couldn’t be more apt.

You Yuanxiu had only leaked a sliver of half-true information, yet High-Tier Zerg were already flocking to the Human Main Planet in droves.

What did it matter to these High-Tier Zerg if the information was false?

In the years since losing their Insect Mother, they had been bombarded with false leads. Yet they had clung to every shred of hope, gambling on the off chance of success—and they still did.

“He Zhou and Cyril have already arrived or are nearly here.”

“Their territories are closest to the Human Star Territory, allowing them to reach us the fastest. They’re the first wave.”

“Who do you want to contact first?”

Qi Yuan believed Cyril would be easier to manipulate.

To be honest, He Zhou was too clever; it would be difficult to win him over on their first meeting. Qi Yuan planned to secure Cyril first, then, with three High-Tier Zerg on their side, crushing one lone High-Tier Zerg would be child’s play.

“Cyril, then.”

You Yuanxiu: “Very well.”

“It just so happens there’s a festival on the Main Planet tomorrow, a celebration inspired by ancient civilizations. Everyone attending is required to wear a mask.”

He retrieved a mask from his Spatial Button and handed it to Qi Yuan.

“You’ll wear this. I’ll have someone lure Cyril near you.”

“Don’t worry, I’ll keep a close watch and won’t let him harm you.”

Qi Yuan took the mask, its texture surprisingly refined.

“Alright, I trust you, You Yuanxiu.”

No sooner had Qi Yuan touched it than You Qinghe snatched it away.

Examining the mask closely, You Qinghe remarked, “This mask is so bland it’s practically invisible.”

Qi Yuan yanked it back.

“It doesn’t need to be flashy. I’m not trying to steal the spotlight at the festival. Plain is perfect—I like it.”

“Fine,” You Qinghe relented. “If you like it, there’s no arguing. But if you look closely, it does have its merits. The material is excellent, and it grows on you after a while.”

Qi Yuan’s lips twitched at this strained praise.

Never mind, he thought. Don’t bother arguing with an idiot.

The next morning, the air was crisp and cool, the wind gentle enough to ruffle Qi Yuan’s disheveled hair.

After washing up and having breakfast, You Yuanxiu helped him put on the mask and adjusted his clothes.

Qi Yuan looked in the mirror, satisfied. He truly appeared unrecognizable.

He waved goodbye to You Yuanxiu and You Qinghe, exited the spaceship, and stepped onto the bustling streets.

The plan was officially underway.

The streets were lined with stalls selling everything imaginable.

Curious, Qi Yuan strolled through the market, buying quite a few things as he went.

The food on the Main Planet was undeniably far superior to what he’d eaten on the Garbage Star.

He only bought a few things that caught his eye to sample. In the Dreamscape, food had never been a priority for him; he’d always thought as long as it was edible and filled his stomach, that was enough. If he wanted something truly delicious, he could indulge once he left the Dreamscape, as much as he liked. Besides, the food in his recent Dreamscapes had been so lackluster that he couldn’t muster any enthusiasm for it.

It wasn’t long before their target arrived.

Even with a mask, the golden-haired Cyril stood out like a beacon.

Carrying his items, Qi Yuan casually brushed past Cyril, feigning nonchalance.

His pace was deliberate, slowed by the crowd, each step requiring a pause before he could continue, much like navigating traffic.

Just a few meters away, Qi Yuan stopped abruptly, puzzled by Cyril’s lack of reaction. As he was about to turn back, someone grabbed his wrist.

Relief washed over him as he turned.

Those violet eyes immediately met his gaze, Cyril’s golden hair shimmering brilliantly in the sunlight.

“May I ask your name?” Cyril asked.

Qi Yuan tilted his head, a faint smile playing on his lips, choosing not to tease Cyril further.

“Qi Yuan. My name is Qi Yuan.”

“And you?”