Hearing Zhong Yun’s heartfelt murmur, Wei Wei’s eyes instantly reddened, and she said bitterly, “What kind of person do you take me for? Your plaything? You come when you think of me, and toss me aside when you don’t. Two years without a word. Do you know how I’ve managed all this time?”

“As if my parents abused you,” Zhong Yun chuckled softly.

Wei Wei was furious that he was joking at a time like this, turning her back. “You just know how to bully me.” Her voice cracked with tears, eliciting pity.

Zhong Yun’s heart softened. He embraced her tightly from behind, murmuring by her ear, “How could I bear to…” The words were so profoundly evocative that Wei Wei, who had been struggling, froze, then slowly went limp, allowing him to hold her.

Seeing her yield, Zhong Yun scooped her up amidst her startled cry and carried her to the nearby sofa, sitting down. Holding her soft body in his lap, he secured her slender waist with one hand while gently stroking her hair with the other. “Are you settling into your work here okay?”

Wei Wei said nothing, internally cursing her own weakness. For two years, she had firmly resolved that when she saw him, she would ignore him completely, making him apologize and beg until she finally forgave him.

But the moment she saw him, two years of grievance and sorrow poured out like a flood, and she cried her heart out in his arms. A few sweet nothings from him, and her resolve was muddled, her defenses crumbled.

He truly was her natural nemesis; did she really owe him something? She reflected that since meeting him, all her pride had vanished.

She hated this weak version of herself, and now she made her final, silent resistance.

Zhong Yun spoke as if to himself. “The country is developing rapidly now. Work is demanding. Your burden is not light. Don’t overwork yourself. Delegate more tasks to your subordinates. Look at you—you’ve lost weight…”

Wei Wei could no longer listen. She lifted her head, large tears rolling down her cheeks as she sobbed, “Tell me, in your heart, what am I? A lover? Or just a diversion?”

Zhong Yun cupped her exquisite, maddeningly beautiful face, which was now etched with helplessness and despair. He pressed his thumb against her lips, silencing the rest of her question. He felt both pity and heartache. His own vacillation had inflicted such deep pain on this woman who loved him so profoundly.

“I am unworthy of you. I know how good you are to me. But the kinder you are, the more ashamed I become. What virtue or merit do I possess to earn your regard?”

Wei Wei’s tears increased, the hot drops mirroring her burning heart.

“Your heart is sincere, without reservation, unique. But I cannot offer you the same return. I am not worthy of you.” Zhong Yun’s words came from the depths of his soul.

Wei Wei shook her head, slowly and resolutely.

“But even if I am unworthy of you, I still want you. Call me a bastard, call me shameless—I claim you now. No one can stop me. Even if you refuse, I must have you.” Zhong Yun’s voice was gentle, yet his tone was overwhelmingly dominating.

Wei Wei was utterly intoxicated.

Zhong Yun lowered his head and kissed her.

Her lips were cold and bittersweet, yet they intoxicated him completely.

After a long kiss, they held each other close, murmuring secrets into each other’s ears, immersed in the sweetness of love.

“Xiao Yun, I’m getting married.”

When Zhong Yun returned to Base Two, he naturally planned to meet old friends. He hadn’t expected Tian Hai to drop such momentous news right away.

Among the three, Tian Hai was the director of the Academy of Science, specializing in developing new weapons and various equipment. Chen Wen managed the State Security Department, maintaining domestic social order. Zhang Xiao worked in the External Combat Department.

“Really?” Zhong Yun exclaimed with delight, giving Tian Hai a solid thump on the shoulder. “You sneaky dog, you got ahead of me.”

Tian Hai grinned proudly. “Finally, one thing where I’ve surpassed you.”

Chen Wen couldn’t stand his smug look. “A nine-year-long love affair finally reached the finish line. The boy from back then has officially matured into an uncle.”

Tian Hai shot him a sidelong glance. “You’re one to talk. What about your girl? You clearly like her, but you play it cool. If some other man snaps her up first, you’ll be crying into your pillow.”

Zhong Yun was slightly surprised. He knew about Tian Hai’s nine-year relationship, which started the year he left Dawo. Chen Wen having found his match was news to him. He quickly pulled Tian Hai aside. “Who is Xiao Wen’s girl? What’s she like?”

Chen Wen laughed it off. “Don’t listen to his nonsense. She and I are just friends.”

Zhong Yun gave him an ambiguous look. Hearing Chen Wen deny it so quickly confirmed to Zhong Yun that this girl held a special place in his heart. Otherwise, given Chen Wen’s typical playboy nature, he would never bother to explain himself.

“What about you and Yun Qi? It’s been almost ten years, hasn’t it? You should give her some proper closure,” Chen Wen seemed eager to change the subject and steered the conversation away.

Zhong Yun paused. Right, time flew by—ten years already. Recalling every moment spent with Yun Qi made his emotions surge.

Tian Hai knew Zhong Yun still had complicated ties with several women and tried to smooth things over. “Yun Qi isn't like my fiancée; she wouldn’t care about formalities like a mere engagement.”

Chen Wen gave Zhong Yun a meaningful look and took a long drink of his wine.

Hearing Tian Hai’s words, Zhong Yun felt a jolt in his heart. Did Yun Qi truly not care?

“Xiao Xiao was the first to marry. It’s a real shame Xiao Yun missed his wedding banquet. That was the most sensational wedding in all of Dawo back then,” Tian Hai addressed Zhang Xiao, who had been silent until now.

“Speaking of which, I have an idea,” Tian Hai said, a thought sparking in his mind, causing him to clap his hands. “Next time, let’s all bring our partners and have a family gathering, shall we? Let them get acquainted with each other.”

“I agree,” Zhang Xiao immediately raised his hand in approval.

“I have no objection,” Zhong Yun agreed. Although Yun Qi disliked socializing, these men were his closest friends, practically family. He believed Yun Qi would be willing to come.

Seeing the three pairs of eyes turn toward him, Chen Wen shrugged. “Whatever you three decide is fine with me.”

“No bringing some random woman along to just make up the numbers. This is our family gathering. Or I’ll turn hostile,” Tian Hai warned.

Chen Wen blinked, nodding indifferently.

The four men quickly settled on a date.

“Brother, hold me.”

The moment he arrived home, a small figure rushed toward him. Zhong Yun caught the child easily. “Aiyo, haven’t seen you for two months, and little brother is almost too heavy for me to lift.”

This little treasure was his younger brother, Zhong Yu. The boy was three now and especially attached to Zhong Yun. Though Zhong Yun was often away, he frequently mentioned his brother.

“Brother, Xiao Yu passed the third trial yesterday,” Zhong Yu announced proudly in his milky voice, presenting a small achievement.

Zhong Yu was referring to a puzzle game the brothers often played together when they had time. Zhong Yun pinched his nose and laughed, “Xiao Yu is amazing.”

Yun Rong, sitting nearby, watched the two brothers with a gentle smile, filled with deep satisfaction. Seeing her sons’ affection for each other filled her as a mother with contentment.

“You’re back,” Zhong Pingjiang emerged from his room. Upon seeing Zhong Yun, his stern face softened.

Although Zhong Yun was nominally the Supreme Leader, in reality, he delegated everything except military matters to his father. Managing those affairs would kill him. With such a capable father in charge, he comfortably embraced the role of a hands-off manager, focusing solely on the army.

Zhong Pingjiang governed the entire nation, and his imposing aura grew stronger; he rarely smiled outside the home. Others facing him were usually nervous, daring not even breathe too deeply.

“Where is Yun Qi?” Zhong Yun asked, sitting opposite his parents while holding Xiao Yu. It was after work hours, not wartime, so Yun Qi should have been home long ago.

“She took the new recruits out for field training,” Zhong Pingjiang frowned slightly. In his view, his son was being somewhat negligent of his duties. As the supreme head of the military, he shouldn't be unaware of such a deployment.

Every warship leaving port required his authorization. He should have known Yun Qi was leading new troops out.

Zhong Yun smiled. “Dad, can you stop wearing that poker face all the time? Look, Xiao Yu is too scared to even speak now because of you.”

Yun Rong shot him a glare. “How dare you speak to your father like that.”

Zhong Yun stuck out his tongue and leaned toward his little brother, whispering, “Mom is infected by Dad’s sternness too. So fierce.” Zhong Yu nodded in deep agreement.

“Look at you. You’re the head of state now, and you still have no composure,” Zhong Pingjiang remarked.

“If I have to keep a straight face at home too, then being the head of state would be dreadfully dull!” Zhong Yun shook his head emphatically.

“You’re the only one with the logic,” Yun Rong said, her eyes crinkling into crescents. Though she said that, she largely agreed with her son’s sentiment.

Zhong Pingjiang sighed in resignation. His son was good in every way, except for his restless nature; he lacked stability. But no one was perfect, and he shouldn’t be overly harsh.

“Brother,” Xiao Ruo called out from the doorway, holding the little Princess, her eyes lighting up when she saw Zhong Yun as she ran over joyfully. “When did you get back?”

“I just arrived today.” Zhong Yun dared not admit he had returned yesterday; he worried what his parents would think if they knew he went to see Wei Wei before coming home.

As he spoke, he glanced at the Princess behind Xiao Ruo, feeling puzzled. Xiao Ruo’s personality was the complete opposite of the Princess’s, yet they were inseparable best friends. It was truly a miracle.

“Since everyone is here, I have something I need to discuss with you all,” Zhong Yun announced.

“What is it?” Xiao Ruo sat down beside him and pinched Zhong Yu’s chubby cheek.

Once everyone was settled, Zhong Yun finally spoke. “I think it’s time to arrange the wedding with Yun Liu.”

The moment the words left his mouth, Xiao Ruo, who was sitting right next to him, stiffened.

Yun Rong was momentarily stunned, then overjoyed. “Wonderful! That’s excellent news. I’ve been waiting for this day for years.”

Zhong Pingjiang nodded. “Yes, it is time to hold it.”

First release

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