Chapter 28
Elaine rubbed her temples and paced back and forth in the corridor not far from the lounge, feeling a long-lost sense of loss.
These 5,000 milliliters of pheromones not only caused a sensation in the entire hospital, but even his female father who worked at the main star hospital knew about it.
He was immediately ordered to please the male insect as soon as possible and tie it up tightly. The mortality rate in the hospital might even be improved as a result.
But it is not that easy. Male insects basically do whatever they want.
Even though Mr. Yael is different from other male insects, he is certainly arrogant. His willingness to donate may just be a momentary weakness, and it is difficult to establish a long-term and stable relationship.
Buying pheromones from male insects at a high price?
This is one possible method, but hospitals are always short of funds and may not be able to afford the price of the male insect's call.
But if it is an emergency, the higher price is acceptable.
Compared to other male insects who are greedy and want to make big mouths, Mr. Yael is the most trustworthy one... Elaine thought silently.
“Beep, beep, beep!”
The optical computer on his wrist made a sound, and when he clicked it, he saw a special icon. He immediately realized that the male insect had pressed the button to call service.
He rushed to the door of the lounge, but braked suddenly before pushing the door open, quickly fixed his hair and clothes, and then tapped the door lightly.
"Sir, may I come in?"
"Come in."
The temperature in the room was much higher than outside, like a cozy greenhouse. The male insect did not sit quietly on the sofa, but stood by the window, looking at something.
“How do you feel now?”
Elaine asked with concern. She glanced at the hot tea and desserts on the tea table. She found no signs of being touched. She was a little worried for a moment. "Are you still feeling dizzy?"
Yael turned to look at him, "I'm fine, what's the situation over there now?"
"Alvin's condition has improved a lot. He should be out of danger after the surgery. The 5,000 milliliters of pheromones you donated are enough to treat thousands of seriously injured female soldiers. I am very grateful to you!"
Elaine started by asking about his health and then talked about his "great contribution", her tone, which had been suppressed, was still passionate.
“…”
Yael was a little embarrassed by his compliment. He put his hand to his lips and coughed. His eyes wandered. "I came to you because I have something to tell you."
Elaine stopped talking immediately, saying she was all ears. "You go ahead."
“I think we can have a long-term trading relationship.”
Without waiting for the stunned female insect to react, Yer directly stated his idea.
"Normally once a month, 800 milliliters each time. When the war is intense, once every two weeks. Flexible adjustments are acceptable."
Pheromones are not as important to male insects as blood.
Although the output may not be large, it can indeed be generated continuously, and moderate extraction will not cause any adverse reactions.
However, due to the inexplicable pride and self-pity of most male insects, they are either unwilling to donate or only donate a little, turning pheromones into a luxury item that is hard to come by.
“This is what I can offer.”
Yael glanced at Elaine's surprised yet nervous expression, turned his head slightly, and closed his eyes in thought.
Even if he is willing to donate, it is best not to give unconditionally, as this can easily foster endless greed and be exploited by those with ulterior motives.
"Then, what kind of conditions do you hope to see from the hospital?"
Elaine asked in a harsh voice, trying hard to suppress her excitement.
The conditions offered by the male insect were too generous. If the deal could be successful, the hospital's mortality rate could be reduced by at least ten percentage points!
"During the transaction, all treatment costs for my female worms will be waived, and the best medicine can be used."
Elaine nodded hurriedly, "That's absolutely no problem! Even if you don't tell us, we will exempt you from the fee as a reward for your donation!"
"If there is anything I need help with, I hope I can use the hospital's connections and connections."
The boundaries of this condition are a bit vague, but if you think about it carefully, it is not difficult. At least there is a lot of room for movement. Elaine thought for a moment and nodded in agreement.
But this was not the condition he wanted to confirm most.
Elaine considered her tone and said, "I want to ask you something, about the pheromones you provided..."
"The price of pheromones should be based on the price set by the National Drug Administration. The prices on the market are too high and not appropriate."
Yael said calmly, he glanced at the scene outside the window and frowned unconsciously.
This window faces the hospital cafeteria. Countless female soldiers are crowded inside, queuing up to get their meals. The dishes don't look very rich, and it seems like they can only barely fill their stomachs.
This hospital is too poor, how about giving them a 20% discount?
Doubt, shock, disbelief and ecstasy mixed together, making Elaine's expression very strange, and she confirmed incoherently.
"Standard pricing?! Are you serious? Did I hear you right? Is it really standard pricing...?"
Yael turned his head and nodded in Elaine's expectant gaze, "Yes."
"Your hospital is so poor, you can't afford to pay many star coins."
Yael was very understanding and said, "You can also pay the bill. It's fine with me."
Although it is true that it is quite embarrassing, it is somewhat heartwarming.
Elaine tried to save the hospital's image a little, "It's not that poor..."
"But——"
Yael suddenly interrupted him, his expression faded a little.
"You could have talked to me nicely and negotiated a deal, but you chose to put me on the spot. It's really offensive."
His voice was calm, showing no sign of anger, but it made Elaine break out in a cold sweat.
"I'm so sorry, sir, the situation was urgent..."
"If those military girls suddenly rise up, you won't be able to stop them alone."
A sharp question.
Elaine's expression also became solemn, with regret and fear in her eyes.
"I was indeed inconsiderate in this matter. I will definitely give you satisfactory compensation later. If you have any other requests, you can make them at will and the hospital will do its best to meet your needs."
Yael did not comment and just looked at the female insect opposite him quietly.
It wasn't until Elaine was startled and wondered if the male insect was playing a trick on him in the previous transaction that Yael suddenly relaxed his brows.
"There won't be a next time."
He smiled, turned his head to look out the window, and his tone was so calm as if nothing had happened just now.
"Don't be so nervous, the transaction will continue as usual, I'm just reminding you."
Give a date, followed by a slap, and then another date.
This trick is played so well. Although the male insect in front of him has a good temper, he is definitely not a soft persimmon that can be easily controlled.
Elaine felt cold sweat soaking her back, and the happiness she felt in her heart about relying on this male insect disappeared.
Only by setting clear boundaries and showing the greatest sincerity can long-term transactions be successfully continued.
"Oh, yes."
The male insect suddenly seemed to remember something, frowned slightly, and showed a distressed look, "I need help with something right now."
"—I'm looking for something."
*
When Xie Zhao opened the door, he saw the male insect sitting on a chair at the door. Before he could say hello, Xize who came out from behind bumped into him lightly. He immediately forgot what he was going to say.
"Hero Lord."
He stared at the female soldier who was as cold and hard as a stone just now, indifferent and stern, and whispered, with a gentle smile on the corner of his lips.
Yael stood up and looked down at the female insect's expression. Well, it was very calm and he couldn't tell anything.
"How is it going?"
The male insect in front of him had a little bright expectation in his eyes, which seemed to make the insect feel particularly soft-hearted. Xie Zhao opened his mouth, but was too embarrassed to tell him that the current progress was 0.
"Ah... this, that... His current situation is..."
“The treatment is going well. I feel much better.”
A cold and firm voice interrupted his hesitating. Xi Ze raised his eyes and glanced at where Xie Zhao was. "Right, Doctor Xie?"
Xie Zhao felt a chill run down his spine after being looked at by that person. He immediately stopped talking and straightened his back unconsciously. "Yes, that's it."
Then Xi Ze looked at the male insect in front of him, and his tone unconsciously became light and gentle, "... Let's go home."
hiss--
Xie Zhao relied on the fact that the female soldier couldn't see him and bared his teeth in an exaggerated manner.
When the male insect looked at her in confusion, she quickly adjusted her expression and said, "It's nothing, I just suddenly felt a little sour in my teeth, sour in my teeth..."
"Okay, let's go back."
Yael casually rubbed the female insect's soft hair, causing some strands of hair to stand up. The female insect looked inexplicably cute with her lips pursed and her face wrinkled.
A lot happened today, and I am indeed a little tired.
Yael took a deep breath, pulled himself together and said goodbye to Xie Zhao, "Then we'll leave first and come back next week."
…
The operation was finally over. After checking Alvin's condition, the military girl rushed to the VIP lounge.
Just as she had straightened her appearance and cleared her throat to express her gratitude to the male insect, Elaine walked out with a look of joy on her face.
"...Why is it you? Where is that male insect gentleman?"
"Oh, he went to Xie Zhao's place to pick up his female insect. You can go there and take a look."
However, as soon as I arrived at the psychological clinic, I ran into Xie Zhao mumbling to a corner, his facial expression changing from time to time. A female soldier pulled him aside and asked, "Where is that male insect?"
Xie Zhao subconsciously raised his voice and said, "How should I know? Maybe he went back home."
The female soldier was speechless. "…What's wrong with you? If you are sick, go get treatment immediately. Don't delay."
*
It was already evening when I got home.
Last night's storm subsided a little, and the faint glow of the sunset broke through the gloomy clouds, casting a dim light on the small balcony.
Yael drew aside the curtains, and the rosy glow of the sunset flooded into the living room, making it feel warmer and more tired.
“I had forgotten there was such a thing as a wheelchair.”
他轉過身，輕笑了一下，“抱歉啊，讓你一直被015抱來抱去的，很不方便吧？”
“沒有的事。”
西澤低聲道，“雄主已經做得太好太多了……我應該很快就會好起來了，雄主不用太過擔心。”
情況其實并不樂觀，耶爾沒吭聲。
不過雌蟲能這麽想也不錯，至少沒有陷入痛苦和悲觀。
“今天好累……”
他喃喃道，把自己摔進沙發，把臉埋進雌蟲疊的軟乎乎豆腐塊裏，深深吸了口氣。
西澤把輪椅搖到沙發邊沿，雙臂十分利落地一撐，坐在了耶爾旁邊。
“信息素釋放過度是會很疲憊的，還沒到晚餐時間，您可以先小睡一會恢複精力。”
耶爾已經把被子攪散卷在了身上，困倦得幾乎睜不開眼，但還是逞強地喃喃。
“不行，現在睡了晚上就睡不着了，作息會亂掉的……”
他抱着膝蓋來回晃動，試圖趕走不合時宜的睡意，時不時發出含糊的鼻音。
但一只手從耳後伸過來，覆蓋在他的雙眼上，輕柔卻不失強硬地帶着他往後，完全躺入一個軟厚溫暖的懷抱中。
“……嗯嗯？”
耶爾含糊地呓語了一聲，感覺到覆蓋在眼睛上的手放開，随即開始打着圈按揉兩側的太陽穴，手法專業，力道适中。
他頓時像被撓了下巴的貓，一瞬間舒服得渾身都軟下來。
每一根疲憊的神經都丢盔卸甲，完全沉醉在那雙大手的撫摸中，完全不想起來了。
“晚飯……叫我……”
他艱難地掙紮了最後一下。
懷裏的呼吸逐漸綿長，西澤停下手上的動作，又有些生澀地梳理起耶爾的頭發，将那些淩亂的碎發都別到耳後去。
懷裏的觸感太輕也太軟，他努力放松身體的肌肉，想讓雄蟲躺得舒服一點。
但沒等他勾起唇角，屏息仔細感受獨屬于雄蟲的氣息，一道聲音倏地在腦海中響起——
【別自作多情了，你和那個軍雌根本沒有任何區別。】
西澤從來都知道自己是一個典型的軍雌。
高大強壯，沉悶無趣，在戰場上兇殘得可怕，在床上又僵硬乏味，從來不讨雄蟲的喜歡。
從前他對讨好雄蟲嗤之以鼻，但直到遇見耶爾，才後知後覺地咂摸出一點無措和無力來。
若他還有上将的身份，有滔天的權勢和財富，興許還能妄想将眼前的雄蟲綁在身邊攥在手裏。
但現在這個殘缺落魄的樣子，怎麽配得上這樣好的小雄蟲？
西澤眼睫微顫，搭在耶爾肩膀上的手痙攣了一下，最終還是克制地收緊，挪到了一旁的沙發上，沒有再碰過懷裏的蟲一下。
……
這一覺好像睡了很久很久。
耶爾醒來的時候完全是懵的，坐着好一會才逐漸清醒，視線從渙散開始聚焦。
“……幾點了？”
他左右看了看，才發現自己正枕着雌蟲的枕頭，身上也蓋着雌蟲的被子，把頭發和薄襯衣睡得亂七八糟的。
身體睡得有些發軟，卻是難得的輕松和飽足，他都快忘記睡得這麽沉是多久之前的事了。
餘光瞥到陽臺外的天空，最後一絲霞光褪去，幾顆星子挂上夜空，街道上的各色霓虹和房間的燈光漸次亮起。
廣大而熱鬧的夜色才剛剛開始。
廚房裏015正在做飯，洗碗嘩啦嘩啦、切菜咔嚓咔嚓，和鍋碗瓢盆的聲音一起奏成明亮而溫暖的協奏曲。
“……”
他盯着外面出神了一會，後知後覺額頭上的熱度不太對，伸手一摸，覺得自己應該是有點低燒。
難怪身體懶洋洋的，根本不想起床。
“嘀嘀！”
放在茶幾上的光腦響了兩聲，耶爾伸手摸過來，重新倒在柔軟的被子裏查看消息。
【伊萊恩：閣下，晚上好[愛心]！】
【伊萊恩：剩下的檢查報告已經出來了，稍後我會安排員工給您送過去，或者您想要和哪個醫生交流一下，都可以随時和我說，一定為您安排到位！[玫瑰x3]】
【伊萊恩：對了，閣下說的那件事已經安排下去了，如果順利的話很快就有回音了，麻煩您耐心等待一下。】
一連三條消息閃現，基本都是好消息，耶爾懶得和他客套，手指一動發了個表情包過去。
【wwn：貓貓點頭jpg.】
“嘀嘀。”
新的消息彈出，是熟悉的冷淡又狂熱的語調——【今晚有空一起交流嗎？】
耶爾長長地嗯了一聲，沉吟幾秒，決定今晚給自己放個假，實在是支棱不起來了。
【wwn：今晚不行，發燒了。】
【wwn：流淚偷媽頭jpg.】
他正要放下光腦，去廚房看看雌蟲和015在幹嘛，就接連傳來了嘀嘀兩聲，他漫不經心地掃了一眼——
【您收到來自用戶‘伊萊恩’的轉賬共88萬星幣……】
【您收到來自用戶‘阿德萊德’的轉賬共15萬星幣……】
兩條消息并排出現在首頁上，顯得格外賞心悅目。
耶爾眉梢微揚，心情大好地哼笑一聲，分別發了兩個謝謝的表情包回去，然後神清氣爽地掀開被子起身。
015端着一鍋湯從廚房出來，眨了眨豆豆眼，“您醒了呀？晚飯也快好了哦。”
被廚房門關住的飯香逸散了出來，小機器管家将湯煲上的蓋子一掀。
乳白的蒸氣夾雜着濃濃的醇香，在明亮的燈光中袅娜升起，瞬間就喚醒了麻木的食欲。
“……你居然沒把鍋底燒穿？”
耶爾拉開椅子坐下，有些稀奇地道。
雖然聞着很香，但他始終保留着一點警惕，“你沒像上次那樣，把半罐鹽都倒下去了吧？”
015的小屏幕上保持着标準微笑，“您可以喝一口試試看呢。”
“開玩笑的……”
耶爾低笑一聲，接過它遞過來的碗和勺子，眉眼微彎，“辛苦了。”
015卻突然想起什麽，急匆匆地跑回廚房去了，“要糊了要糊了！……還好還好，沒糊呢……”
廚房的門再次被推開。
耶爾本來托着腮，一只手拿着勺子在滾燙的湯裏攪動，聽到動靜後轉頭，果然看見西澤從裏面出來，身上的毛衣沾了些水珠和煙火氣。
“晚飯是你指導015做的？”他笑問。
015哪裏會做這些花樣，來來去去都是那幾個味道，唯一的可能就是西澤下場指導了。
之前他說自己廚藝不錯，看來是真的很不錯。
“好厲害——我就不怎麽會做飯，不餓死自己算好的了。”
因為生病，他的嗓子還有些沙啞，語調懶洋洋的，拖長了一點音。
“聲音怎麽了？”
西澤敏銳地察覺不對勁，側了側頭道，“好像有些啞，是感冒了嗎？”
“可能是有點低燒……沒什麽大事，等會吃完藥睡一覺就好了。”
說話間，015将炒好的菜陸續端了上來，耶爾放下湯勺，夾了一筷子菜放進嘴裏，有些含糊地道。
“這個好吃，如果做辣一點就更完美了……”
他一口接一口吃得不亦樂乎，沒注意到西澤控制着輪椅離開。
背後突然一暖，一件外衣披在了他肩上。
耶爾怔然，下意識伸手一摸，摸到了毛絨絨的帽子邊緣。
“多穿點，不要着涼。”
雌蟲的聲音從身側傳來，背上扶着衣服的手離開，又拿起一個軟枕塞在了腰後。
耶爾感受了一下身上包裹的暖意，緩慢眨了眨眼，還沒反應過來，就被撩開額頭上的劉海探了探溫度。
那只手的溫度比他額頭的還高，穩定而有力，動作帶着幾分克制。
在簡單測完溫度後，西澤臉上的神情才放松了些，低聲囑咐道。
“應該只是累到了……吃完飯後吃點藥，今天早點休息吧。”
額頭上的手還沒有離開，耶爾下意識低頭蹭了蹭，在那手心裏拱了幾下。
那之手僵了一下，然後有些遲疑地、很輕地摸了他的頭幾下，給貓順毛一樣從前到後揉了一把。
“很難受嗎？”
雄蟲從沒有這樣類似撒嬌的舉動，而且從剛才開始就一聲不吭，西澤不免有些擔心。
“不用擔心……我沒事。”
終于回過神，意識到剛才做了什麽，耶爾臉頰有些發燙，連忙低下頭喝湯，“趕緊吃飯吧，等會就涼了。”
他又想起剛才躺在雌蟲懷裏，被揉捏得太舒服而睡着的事，西澤的手法和現在一模一樣。
那感覺很是微妙，總覺得……是被一頭殘缺壞損但仍然強大的大雪獅當成了幼崽，溫柔地舔舐和疼愛了一番。
不能再想了，吃飯吃飯！
耶爾猛喝一大口湯，企圖壓下快要蹦出喉嚨的心跳。
……
所幸經過一晚上的休息，低燒已經好得差不多了。
耶爾才不至于在年假前的最後一天請假，保住了岌岌可危的全勤。
又是按部就班，忙忙碌碌的一天。
“閣下，您今晚有什麽活動嗎？”
臨近下班，亞雌同事突然轉過身，熱情地發出一起吃晚餐的邀請，“反正回去也沒什麽意思，不是嗎？”
Yael turned off the computer screen and politely declined as usual, "I'm sorry, I..."
He was going to refuse by saying that dinner was already prepared at home, but thinking of the female insect sitting quietly on the sofa waiting, he said, "I have an appointment tonight."
The Asian female didn't hold out much hope at first, but when a mouthful of melon was stuffed into her mouth unexpectedly, her eyes widened instantly, "You actually have a date?!"
This is more explosive than the explosion of Etar by the pirates!!
"Ah," Yael blinked, "Just going home, 015 has already prepared dinner."
The female insect who had rushed over after hearing the news let out a disappointed sigh, and then said angrily, "How can eating dinner made by a robot butler be called a date? It's just a waste of precious night time!"
"But has anything good happened recently? You seem to be in a good mood these days."
A female colleague walked by his workstation holding a cup of coffee and asked with a smile.
“Really?” Yael blinked. “I don’t feel that.”
"It's true. Recently, you've been looking at the computer and laughing. You seem very happy."
Light computer... He was basically reading 015's report on the movements of female insects. How could he laugh while reading it?
Realizing this, Yael coughed to put away his smile and said evasively, "Tomorrow is the New Year holiday. Of course I'm happy. It's nothing special."
Seeing that he didn't want to talk, the other insects let out a long "hmm" and continued the topic of New Year's holiday.
The annual vacation here usually lasts for one month, which is similar to the winter vacation during student days. Many insects will take this opportunity to travel to surrounding galaxies and have a good rest.
"I heard that there will be many activities on the street. Do you want to go and see them? By the way, I made an appointment with York to go to Flamingo Park in the past few days..."
There weren't many people coming in to read or buy books at this time, and the director allowed the staff to relax. Although he would be cueed from time to time, Yael quite liked this atmosphere.
It turns out that no matter where you are, office workers are the most miserable.
Almost no creature can resist the joy of a holiday, and discussing holiday plans with colleagues or friends before a holiday is a traditional custom that transcends social status and race.
"Okay," Yael checked the time and put away the things in his hands, "It's time to get off work."
Amid the same enthusiastic farewells every day, he opened the black umbrella and walked into the snow again.
But halfway through the journey, for some reason he suddenly remembered the conversation just now, and Yael lowered his eyes and buried his face in his scarf.
Go home... He no longer has a home.
It was gone ten years ago, and three years ago, even my hometown was lost.
But when he raised his eyes suddenly, he saw lights from thousands of houses like clouds, intersecting star orbits circling above the tall buildings, and the vast starry sky, and the strangeness that frightened him disappeared at some point in this scene.
The arrival of the new year will sweep away all the bad luck and dirt of the past, and what remains is a brand new beginning.
Yael gradually stopped walking, lost in thought.
Only then did he come to his senses belatedly: he had died, he had come here, and he had survived.
The lonely soul crossed the vast and immortal galaxy, completely severed all ties with its homeland, and embarked on a new journey of life.
Fortunately, he is no longer alone.
The light computer on his wrist beeped. It was a text message from 015 reporting that he had finished making dinner. He retracted his gaze and walked quickly into the corridor in front of him.
"I'm back."