Ziye had just accused him, demanding to know why it was Tang Wen, not him, who appeared when danger struck, and he knew he had to act.

An Junlie fell into deep thought. Little Sprout didn't disturb him, sitting on the pillow, watching him with its two eyes, waiting to see what conclusion he would draw.

Suddenly, An Junlie felt a sharp pain in his foot. He looked down to see Douzai, resembling a pig, had somehow crawled up to him and deliberately placed the heavy-looking metal chew toy squarely on his foot.

"Jee~" Douzai let out an excited squeal, its grinding teeth ready, and it bit down hard on the cuff of An Junlie's trousers.

An Junlie bent down and picked it up, looking into its bright, eager eyes and round body, and his heart instantly settled.

The Buddha said that enlightenment is a matter of a single instant. In that moment, An Junlie attained his awakening.

He had been hesitant about making any drastic moves, but now, it was perfectly clear: action was necessary!

Considering the increasingly arrogant posture of the recent Interstellar Federation, their continuous suppression of hostile legions—including Wolf’s Den—and their annexation of friendly corps, it was obvious they harbored ambitions to rule the cosmos.

If he didn't act now, never mind protecting Ziye, he might not even be able to protect himself.

If he did act, it would very likely escalate into an interstellar war!

His first step needed to be: prepare for war.

He activated his internal comms and sent an email to Lan Li, drafting an analysis of the likelihood of war to discuss with him.

One minute later, Lan Li replied with a single word: "Good!"

Within the Angels, he ordered them to prepare war deployments, which included developing strategic weaponry, replenishing ammunition depots, increasing the size of battlefield fleets, and strengthening military training...

Once finished, An Junlie asked, "Brother Sprout, are you afraid of war?"

Little Sprout instantly felt elevated; An Junlie had actually called it "brother." It was overwhelmed with gratitude, puffed out its chest, and declared, "Even if war comes, this great self isn't afraid! I can protect little dummy Ziye."

An Junlie chuckled, "How can you protect her when you have no hands or feet?"

Little Sprout indignantly raised the tiny sprout on its head: "You dare look down on this great self?"

An Junlie quickly denied it: "Absolutely not."

Little Sprout snorted, tossing its head back proudly: "You know your place then. This great self can transform! When that time comes, no one will be a match for me!"

An Junlie was amused by it. He swept away all the message windows from the light screen and said, "Thank you, the super formidable Mr. Sprout, for protecting our Ziye. Be a good boy, say you'll let Ziye come stay with the Angels, alright?"

Little Sprout tilted its little sprout: "Jee?"

An Junlie laughed softly, "You're not Douzai, you don't need to imitate its sound."

Little Sprout looked confused: "But why does little dummy need to go to the Angel Domain?"

An Junlie explained, "If she is in the Angel Domain, I can protect her."

Little Sprout puffed out its cheeks: "No going!"

An Junlie tempted it with a bribe: "I'll send you lots and lots of clothes then! You can wear a different one every day—three hundred and sixty-five days in a year without repeats!"

Little Sprout's eyes glittered: "Really?"

An Junlie nodded: "Truer than a real pig."

Little Sprout rejoiced inwardly but maintained a haughty posture: "I'll consider it."

While it was considering, An Junlie initiated a Silver Link call to Red Hair and asked, "Have your strategic weapon manufacturing facilities and departments been fully equipped?"

Red Hair didn't answer immediately, instead asking back, "What are you up to? Aid?"

An Junlie raised an eyebrow: "So, not ready yet?"

Red Hair’s internal alarm bells started ringing loudly: "An Junlie, just tell me what bad ideas you're hiding. Don't smile at me like that; it makes me anxious."

An Junlie: "..." Since Red Hair had called him out, he saw no need to beat around the bush. He went straight to the point: "If your strategic department isn't fully established, under the premise that Ziye agrees, could she come work in the strategic department of the Angel Domain for development? The resulting products would still belong to you; the Angel Domain would only require first right of purchase."

Red Hair sneered: "An Junlie, are you trying to poach staff from me?"

An Junlie said, "I don't mean it that way."

Red Hair snorted, then added, "Did you get Little Stinky's permission for this?"

An Junlie replied, "Not yet, but I will ask for her opinion."

Red Hair angrily snapped, "I don't want to talk to you anymore!"

An Junlie wanted to say more, but the connection was cut. He shook his head helplessly and put away the Silver Link.

Although Wolf's Den had established its strategic department and had sufficient personnel, their coordination and capabilities were still lacking. The reason An Junlie brought this up with Red Hair was twofold: first, to provide Ziye with a powerful support team, and second, for Ziye's own safety.

Regardless, this matter could not be rushed.

An Junlie picked up Little Sprout: "Let's go for a walk."

Little Sprout immediately hopped onto Douzai's back: "You have to take my son."

An Junlie bent down, scooping up the two pets stacked on top of each other, opened the door, and the bodyguards standing outside were completely caught off guard by the sight of him holding two adorable creatures. Their eyes nearly popped out!

An Junlie remained composed, smiling lightly: "Since we are at a tourist spot, how about we organize a cycling team and take a tour? Feasible?"

The bodyguards were nearly blinded by his smile. Truly, the changes in a man in love were terrifying!

They swore they would never believe in love again! Two bodyguards were dispatched to prepare the bicycles, while the rest followed An Junlie closely, moving in a large procession.

Since An Junlie was not leaving on official business, the bodyguards were also wearing plain clothes, giving the appearance of a group outing as they walked.

One bodyguard offered, "Commander, let me hold that little one for you. That way it won't pee on you."

Before An Junlie could speak, Little Sprout leaped up in fury: "You're the one who will pee on him! Don't slander my son!"

An Junlie smiled wryly.

The bodyguard looked constipated, struggling hard to contain his laughter. The others wanted to laugh but felt it improper to burst out, so they stifled themselves with great effort.

An Junlie handed Douzai over to the bodyguard: "This fellow is a Pixiu; it only takes in and never gives out. It won't pee on you."

Little Sprout objected unhappily: "Who said it's a Pixiu? It’s clearly Douzai. Besides, it won't poop on you guys; it only poops on little dummy Ziye."

Everyone nearly burst out laughing again.

The bodyguard detailed for the task was highly efficient; by the time they reached the outside, the bicycles were all prepared.

Little Sprout jumped onto An Junlie's shoulder and straightened up: "Can you guys ride bicycles?"

The bodyguards looked at each other and unanimously shook their heads.

An Junlie waved his hand grandly: "You have half an hour to practice. We set off after half an hour."

The bodyguards stood in a neat line: "Yes!" Then they dispersed to practice, except for the bodyguard holding Douzai, who stood aside with a distressed expression. An Junlie said, "You can put it down and go practice."

The bodyguard looked as if he'd been granted amnesty. He quickly set Douzai down and fled, muttering, "My heavens, that thing’s weight made my hand numb. It’s heavier than iron!"

-RS