Barlow, oblivious to Zhuang Zixian's silence, continued smiling as he spoke:

"I didn't expect you to love eating ricebirds."

I happen to raise a lot of them on my farm. If you want to eat them later, I'll send them to you.

Actually, when I was in school, my studies leaned more towards theoretical research; I studied birds. In college, I often ate yellow-breasted buntings; they tasted quite good, and the meat was tender.

Zhuang Zixian awkwardly touched his nose and casually replied, "Oh."

Barlow, still focused on the wok in his hands, explained:

"Let me think, what was my main research area again?"

By the way, have you ever seen a starling?

There are as many as 750,000 of those birds that fly in flocks in the sky.

These birds flew freely, a huge flock, without any shape or pattern.

They are different from geese, which are led by the strongest winged leader during migration.

But each of these starlings could become the center of the flock in the next second.

And they've never collided, isn't that amazing?

A single move can have far-reaching consequences; even the most sophisticated computer cannot predict the trajectory of a movement.

What I studied before were these birds.

Although it is theoretical research, when the high degree of coordination of organisms is applied to warfare, it can create an invincible army.

As you know, there are many Zerg like the ant tribe. We live on the ground and don't have much experience in aerial combat.

Therefore, most zoologists and botanists prefer to study birds.

Barlow finished speaking with great enthusiasm, but when he realized he wasn't getting a response, he scratched his head, smiled, and quickly changed the subject:

"I've been talking a lot, am I being boastful? Well then, I'll give you a cute ricebird as compensation."

He lifted the pot lid, wet his fingers, and then squeezed a ball of white rice in his hand. As he squeezed the rice, a lifelike, plump bird appeared in his palm.

Barlow asked with a smile:

"How was it? Not bad, right?"

Zhuang Zixian had long been impressed by Barlow's extensive knowledge and experience.

It's that kind of slacker's blind admiration for a top student.

Seeing this ricebird now brings a smile to my face.

"It looks very realistic."

Barlow held the plump white rice ball made from the rice stalks in his palm and placed it on the plate. Then, he used a ladle to scoop a spoonful of the stewed rice stalk broth and poured it around the rice.

"Your Excellency Zhuang Zixian, how about trying the rice bowl you like?"

Zhuang Zixian sat beside the kitchen counter, looking at the plates, holding his spoon without moving. He smiled and said:

"I'm a little reluctant to eat it."

She put so much thought into cooking a meal just for him.

This was the first time Zhuang Zixian had received such treatment.

He looked at Ballow, his eyes filled with complex emotions.

The development of love for someone usually begins with admiration.

Zhuang Zixian admired Barlow for his extensive knowledge, insight, experience, and refined taste.

She is a very sensitive female insect, and she takes care of his feelings when chatting with him.

They even barged into his house and asked to sleep there.

In Zhuang Zixian's mind, it also became proof of Balo's courage.

The brave and composed Barlow appears exceptionally reliable.

However, Barlow's next words sent Zhuang Zixian's mood plummeting to rock bottom.

Barlow placed the dishes scooped from the pot on the counter and pushed them towards Zhuang Zixian.

"It must be very hot now, let it cool down a bit before eating. It's been a long time since I cooked. The last time I cooked was for Mr. Bruce. I wonder if my skills have deteriorated."

Upon hearing this, Zhuang Zixian felt a surge of anger rising within him.

Yes, Barlow already has a male, so why bother him!

At this moment, Barlow saw Zhuang Zixian's expression, raised an eyebrow, and smiled:

"Why do you look so distressed? Who has offended you this time? I haven't felt this relaxed in a long time. How about we grab a drink?"

Barlow, as if by magic, pulled out three or four kinds of liquor and a metal shaker from his shopping bag.

In just a few minutes, a glass of orange mixed cocktail was shaken out.

Barlow took two cups from the cupboard, poured himself a cup, and then looked at Zhuang Zixian.

Would you like a drink?

Zhuang Zixian watched Balo's practiced movements and was somewhat bothered by what Balo had just said.

"You said you haven't felt this relaxed in a long time? Are you and... Bruce not happy?"

Barlow pushed his wine glass toward Zhuang Zixian, clinked the two glasses together, and laughed:

"Let's not talk about these things today, cheers."

Helpless, Zhuang Zixian could only pick up his wine glass and take a sip.

The taste of lime and alcohol filled my mouth, much like Zhuang Zixian's mood.

He was absolutely certain that he was attracted to Barlow.

Barlow, like a seasoned hunter, gradually approaches his prey, using himself as bait, advancing and retreating with perfect timing.

It seems that catching a fledgling puppy is a piece of cake for Barlow.

He's even starting to fantasize about how fun it will be to live with Barlow in the future.

After taking a sip of wine, Zhuang Zixian's eyes reddened.

He didn't even dare to look up at Barlow, and could only ask in a low voice:

What exactly do you want to do?

Do you want him to become the other woman?

Zhuang Zixian did not ask the following question.

He gripped his wine glass, waiting for Barlow's reply.

The next moment, an intimate breath was heard in her ear.

The tingling sensation made Zhuang Zixian's fingers, which were gripping the wine glass, turn slightly white.

The aroma of oranges wafted from the side, accompanied by Barlow's chuckles:

"Your Excellency, have I passed your test?"

Approaching strangers suddenly is considered indecent and disrespectful.

However, when you're in a relationship with someone you're having a flirtation with, suddenly getting close to them will only make your heart race.

Zhuang Zixian's heart pounded, and he stammered as he asked:

"Test? What, what kind of test?"

Zhuang Zixian dared not turn his head away, and could only look up.

His unfocused gaze suddenly drifted through the window, and then through a few small trees, to the window of the neighboring farm.

Through the sparse branches and leaves of the small tree, one can see figures moving back and forth in the neighboring farm.

"Hmph, you haven't even finished your meal, and you're already denying it?"

The warmth of Baroque emanates from the air.

Zhuang Zixian felt a slight burning sensation in his right ear.

He genuinely didn't know what a "test" was.

But in such an atmosphere, it would be foolish for him not to understand.

Does passing the test mean you can **?

But he really wasn't ready!

Zhuang Zixian turned his head and stared blankly at Balo, who was standing right in front of him.

"It hasn't been approved yet."

Barlow smiled slightly and stepped back to a safe distance.

"Then I'll come back tonight and help you unload the goods from the van."

After saying this, Barlow raised his neck, drank the wine in one gulp, then stood up, untied the leather apron around his waist, and walked out without hesitation.

Zhuang Zixian stared in astonishment at the departing Balo, his heart filled with rage.

If you can't get what you want, then walk away in time.

What a seasoned scumbag!

They've probably already used this method to lure countless male insects!

With a spoon in hand and gritted teeth, Zhuang Zixian used a spatula to cut the plump white ricebird in half from the plate.

It was only noon.

When Zhuang Zixian looked at the next room again, his state of mind was completely different.

He took Barlow's words very seriously.

Barlow said: I haven't felt this relaxed in a long time.

Is Barlow unhappy at home?

That makes sense, considering Bruce has five female attendants.

After finishing his meal, Zhuang Zixian stood by the window, peeking through the small trees at the neighbor's house, searching for Barlow among the figures by the window.

At this moment, in the neighboring farm.

As soon as Barlow pushed open the door, his smile vanished.

Because Bruce doesn't like him laughing casually, and he especially doesn't like him laughing casually at home.

Hearing the creak of the door opening, Bruce lifted his emerald-green head from the sofa, glanced at Barlow a few times, and asked:

"How's the progress? Have you been drinking?"

Barlow pursed his lips and nodded:

"We got along quite well."

After saying this, Barlow remained silent and walked towards the attic.

Bruce became interested. He stood up from the sofa, walked behind Barlow, and kept asking questions:

"What did you all do? What did you talk about? Did you drink together?"

When Barlow opened the door to the attic, Bruce had already asked more than a dozen questions.

Barlow walked into the attic, turned around, and looked at Bruce expressionlessly.

“I haven’t changed, Mr. Bruce.”

I chatted with him, just like the day I met you.

I also cooked for him. He likes to eat ricebirds, while you like to eat hazel grouse.

He likes sweet and spicy flavors, while you prefer sour and salty flavors.

"Your Excellency, you are different from him."

Bruce's smile froze slightly.

"What do you mean by this, Barlow? Do I need you to remind me?"

Barlow looked into Bruce's eyes and asked seriously:

"Your Excellency, were you telling the truth before? If I really were with Lord Zhuang Zixian..."

Before he could finish speaking, Bruce, his face ashen, cursed:

"Stop! Barlow! I want you to be with Zhuang Zixian, that's my honest opinion. What gave you the wrong impression? I don't like you at all! And I have no regrets!"

When Barlow heard this, he wanted to laugh, unsure whether to laugh at his own foolishness or at Bruce's clarification.

He only said half a sentence.

After a while, Barlow closed the wooden door to the attic.

"I understand, Mr. Bruce."

The small, enclosed attic had no windows.

In the dry air, the tears in Barlow's eyes quickly evaporated.

He lay on the cramped bed, his arm as a pillow, wondering why his life had become so miserable.

However, the time he spent with Mr. Zhuang Zixian was indeed enjoyable, and he rediscovered his former vibrant self.

However, a relationship that begins with lies and deception is destined not to last.

Barlow stopped thinking about these things, set his alarm, and lay down on the bed to take a nap.

Two o'clock in the afternoon is the time of day when the temperature is the highest.

Up in the attic.

Barlow was awakened by the heat in the attic.

Sweat soaked his clothes and back.

He stood up irritably, opened the attic door, and went downstairs.

Barlow felt a little better after taking a shower.

He stepped out of the bathroom, still soaking wet, and frowned as he looked at the scorching sunlight outside the window.

Summer is approaching, there is little rain, and water evaporates quickly, so the farmland needs to be watered three times a day.

Yesterday he was supposed to lay sprinkler pipes in the farmland.

But he was held up by Bruce's business and spent the whole day wiping the car in the yard.

Barlow quickly threw on some clothes, not even bothering to dry his hair, and ran out the door.

He glanced at the neighboring yard; the trucks with cargo boxes were still parked there.

Since the truck is still here, there's no rush to unload it.

However, the matter of farmland is more urgent.

Even a single day of water shortage in farmland can lead to reduced crop yields, resulting in enormous losses.

After thinking it through, Barlow turned and ran to the garage, got on his motorboat glider, took off, and flew towards the farmland.

At the neighboring farm, Zhuang Zixian hid by the window, his eyes filled with rage.

"They said they'd come to unload the truck this afternoon, but they just glanced at it and turned around and left? They'd even just finished showering!"

Zhuang Zixian thought of what Bruce had told him.

The female insect, Barlow, has a high demand and frequently visits special cinemas.

Zhuang Zixian lowered his eyes, his eyelashes falling and casting a shadow.

After a while, he took out his personal computer and sent a message to Bruce.

[Zhuang Zixian]: I agree with what you said before. From now on, Balo will be the protagonist in my tokusatsu films.

Bruce replied instantly.

[Bruce]: Really? That's great!

[Zhuang Zixian]: I have one request: you should take the initiative to divorce Barlow. Since you can't satisfy him, it would be best to disappear from his life. You don't like him either, right? After all, you have five female servants.

Zhuang Zixian lowered his eyes, waiting for an answer.

Bruce finally responded half an hour later.

[Bruce]: Well... okay, I promise you.

[Zhuang Zixian]: You'd better keep your word. Barlow won't be going back tonight.

After sending this message, Zhuang Zixian did not receive a reply from Bruce.

However, Zhuang Zixian no longer cares about these things.

As long as the chat history exists, Barlow's marriage will have to end whether he wants to or not.

The price of freedom of speech is that you have to be responsible for what you say and do what you say.

10 PM.

Barlow finally laid water pipes on all the fields in the F6 area and watered them again at night.

He dragged his weary body back to the manor gate.

Then a voice called out to him.

"Hey, Barlow, come help me unload the truck."

Barlow turned his head to look.

In the pitch-black night, Zhuang Zixian, still wearing that cotton pajamas, leaned against the fence of the farmhouse, which had no door, and waved to him.

Barlow turned his head back to look at his farm.

Bruce, with his algae-green hair, stood quietly in the courtyard, also watching him.

Bruce was backlit, so Barlow couldn't see his expression.

However, Barlow felt that Bruce would definitely make him agree to it.

Barlow smiled:

"Alright, Your Excellency Zhuang Zixian, shall I head over now?"

"Now is the best time."

Without hesitation, Balo turned around and walked towards Zhuang Zixian.

The two walked side by side, chatting casually.

"Sir, which truck would you like to unload first?"

"This one contains the cabinet and bed I used when I was on Aphrodite."

Barlow walked up to the red cargo box and unlocked the latches.

"Thump!"

The heavy sound of the crate panels falling rang out, and the crate was opened, revealing the goods inside.

Barlow stretched his wrists, lifted a solid wood cabinet weighing several hundred pounds, hoisted it onto his shoulder, and braced it with his neck.

"Sir, please go ahead and tell me where to put the things."

Zhuang Zixian smiled and led the way.

"Let's put this cabinet in the bedroom."

The two entered the farm through the gate and then went into Zhuang Zixian's bedroom.

Just as Barlow finished setting the cabinet down and was about to stretch his neck, he heard the crisp sound of a door locking behind him.

Barlow turned around warily, his pupils suddenly contracting.

Clothes were scattered all over the floor.

Barlow's body stiffened instantly, his mind tensed, and he even forgot to breathe.

He was targeted by the male insect using its mental power.

In the quiet of the night.

Barlow felt the male insect's hands pressing down.

Confusion, struggle, anger.

When things really came to this point, Barlow backed down.

He turned his head away angrily, his voice trembling:

"Lord Zhuang Zixian, what are you trying to do!"

Zhuang Zixian smiled:

Bruce said you're really good in that area, and I want to try it myself.

"You!" Upon hearing this, Barlow was furious. How could he share such a thing with others!

Besides, after he married Bruce, they only held hands; where would he get that kind of experience?

Zhuang Zixian wrapped his tail hook around Balo's waist and said earnestly:

“I will take responsibility for you. Bruce and I have reached an agreement. Bruce has filed for divorce at the fertility center. You are free. You are single now.”

Upon hearing this, Barlow's pupils widened suddenly, and a moment of blankness appeared in his eyes.

"Really?"

One of the privileges of male insects is that they can apply for divorce at the reproductive center at any time.

Barlow already had the answer in his heart.

Zhuang Zixian stood behind him and chuckled:

"You can confirm it, but for now I'm only giving you two options."

Hold me, or push me away.

Barlow felt a pang of sadness and hesitated for a moment.

Zhuang Zixian's words are like a devil, full of magic.

"If you leave me, do you still want to go to brothels? I've already awakened your lustful phase."

"This is my first time. Are you sure you want to leave?"

"You won't find another male on the entire planet Laps who likes you as much as I do."

Upon hearing the last sentence, Barlow turned around, his eyes slightly red:

"You really like me, not someone else through the lens of me?"

Zhuang Zixian moved closer to him, his breath as fragrant as orchids:

"And you, can you tell me apart from Bruce? Don't call his name later."

Please think about it yourself.

A week later, the Barlow craze subsided.

Zhuang Zixian lost control several times during this period, feeling as if his entire body had been washed away.

He finally realized just how amazing Barlow really was.

The morning eight days later.

Barlow opened his eyes, his body limp, somewhat unwilling to face the outcome.

But Zhuang Zixian had woken up a day earlier than him and was sitting next to him with a letter in his hand.

“Don’t run away from this, Barlow. I went to your farm and Bruce left with his female servants long ago.”

But he left you a letter, would you like to open it and take a look?

"Bruce left?"

Barlow's eyes widened.

Zhuang Zixian smiled enigmatically, his expression ambiguous.

"What? Did I not do as well as him these past seven days? Why do you seem so reluctant to let go? Do you need me to help you recall those shameful memories? Hmm? Who begged for mercy first? Who cried?"

Barlow awkwardly turned his head away and shakily extended his hand:

"I want to read this letter myself first."

"I respect your choice."

Zhuang Zixian handed the envelope in his hand to Balo.

Barlow opened the envelope and unfolded the letter.

The old-fashioned way of contacting people, the clear and elegant handwriting, are Bruce's work.

————————

Barlow:

Greetings.

By the time you read this letter, I will have already left and embarked on a new journey.

Seeing you with Zhuang Zixian is like seeing me with him.

My wish in this life has been fulfilled, and I have no more attachment to this place.

I haven't told you what kind of female insect it is.

Actually, he is a scholar, just like you, a scholar who studies birds.

After graduation, he went to explore remote planets in the star field, but later got lost in the universe.

His death was not a big deal for the Zerg; it wasn't even reported.

But I feel that my future no longer exists.

At that time, I had no connection with him in terms of status, and I hadn't even received a death notice.

Isn't that a bit ridiculous?

Then I met you, and you looked so much like him.

They both enjoy rambling on and on, and like to chat about interesting things.

I haven't read many books.

But he always managed to explain everything clearly to me. I really enjoyed hearing that kind of knowledge.

I married you so that I could keep the image of him in my mind.

But I'm actually very scared. I'm afraid of falling in love with you and betraying him.

You are just like him, so cheerful, knowledgeable, brave, and reliable, seemingly able to solve everything.

So I suppressed you, belittled you, and separated you. I even sent you to find Zhuang Zixian.

That noon, I was very grateful for what you said: You haven't changed, you are still you.

This slightly eased my guilt.

That evening, I stood in the yard watching you make your choice. Actually, I was somewhat hopeful, even hoping that you would choose me.

If you choose me, perhaps I will accept you? I'm not sure.

But I was so despicable back then, I even betrayed him in spirit.

That's all I have to say. I wish you happiness.

To continue my life and his.

As for his name, I won't say it, you'll all forget it anyway.

But I will always remember him, forever.

————————

Before Barlow could speak after reading the entire letter, he heard Zhuang Zixian mutter behind him:

"What is this? It sounds like a love letter, but it's not even for you."

Barlow smiled slightly:

"Perhaps, this letter is just him expressing his longing, rather than an apology."

Zhuang Zixian pounced on him and laughed:

"Never mind him, what do we do next? Continue moving? But don't move here, we'll move to your place. We'll unload the stuff from the truck directly into your house."

...

Half a month later, a spaceship landed in a star system at the edge of the star field.

Bruce, with his algae-green hair, led five female attendants as they left the spaceship.

But instead of leaving the starport, they disembarked from the spaceship and immediately went to a launch pad.

Bruce was dressed in a trench coat.

Beneath the cashmere coat was a neatly tailored suit, the collars piled up to ward off the cold wind.

He waved to the five female servants while carrying a large suitcase.

"I'm going to find him now, bye-bye."

The five female servants had somewhat complicated expressions and exclaimed:

"Your Excellency, do you absolutely have to go?"

Why take the risk?

"Perhaps his wish is for you to live."

Bruce shook his head, his eyes barely concealing his excitement:

"I have to go; perhaps he's still waiting for me."

You are like starlings; each of you could be the center of the flock in the next moment.

But I'm different. My center is only him, and can only be him.

The stand-in couldn't make me forget him; instead, I missed him even more. I knew then that it was time for me to set off to find him.

I just hope he doesn't resent me for wasting three years.

After saying this, Bruce removed the chain-linked computer from his hand and handed it to a female servant.

"This is my personal terminal. Please give my regards to Balo for me. I hope he and Zhuang Zixian can stay together forever, and let me witness his happiness."

After doing all this, Bruce turned around without hesitation and boarded the small interstellar travel ship on the launch pad.

Bruce is going to embark on a solo interstellar adventure, just like him.

The launch countdown begins.

The flames burned a blazing white.

The interstellar travel ship began to take off, heading into space.

The female servants remained where they were, all knowing that this was a journey of no return.

When the nutritional supplements run out, or the spaceship runs out of energy, Bruce will wander the universe and die along with the spaceship.

But this is Bruce's wish.

A female servant, her eyes reddening and tears welling up, cursed loudly:

"Damn it, I'm so angry! We're just like that bastard Barlow, we didn't get to sleep with any males. But why is it that only Barlow has found a new mate!"

"Exactly! You idiot! Even though he left, Bruce only found Barlow a male insect, that's not fair! What about us? We got nothing! Damn it, I should have cursed that idiot Barlow more!"

"That idiot Barlow! It makes me so angry! He shouldn't have slept in the attic, he should have slept on the roof!"

The female servants cursed indignantly, but tears kept flowing down their faces.

When the last glimmer of light from the spaceship disappeared.

The female servants were already sobbing uncontrollably.

Three months later.

At the farm on the planet Laps.

Zhuang Zixian sat down next to Balo and urged him on:

"Don't just stand there, send it quickly."

Barlow scratched his head, somewhat embarrassed:

"Huh? You're really going to send it? What should I send?"

Zhuang Zixian rolled his eyes and said:

"Of course it's a blessing! You're getting married, you're enjoying a second spring in your life."

Barlow was a little shy:

Is that how you put it?

Zhuang Zixian glared and snatched the personal terminal:

"Not only that, but we'll also release more. The second spring is incredibly powerful, even stronger than the previous one. It's meant to be shown to that bastard Bruce."

After editing the message, Zhuang Zixian posted it on Barlow's StarNet.

After the message was posted, friends who saw it left comments congratulating him.

One of them was particularly eye-catching.

[Bruce]: Barlow, you piece of shit, I wish you happiness!

Upon seeing this news, Zhuang Zixian rolled up his sleeves, ready to confront Bruce.

"Barlow, Bruce called you shit! I'm going to beat him up!"

【over】

**

I've finished reading the whole story.

Red-haired Admiral Ulysses put down his personal terminal, his emotions fluctuating wildly.

The stories written by Lord Han Ling are still so captivating.

The part about the little train whirring was especially exciting; it took a full 100,000 words to write about it!

This novel, titled "I Was Green-Haired and Devoured by the Neighboring Male Insect," has kept all the female insects who opted for early access to the story awake at night.

The female insects were all thinking about one thing.

I am brave, I can cook, I can move, and I am reliable. So, can I find happiness?