Su Heng froze for a moment, then realized Qu Sheng’s stammering hesitation was because of that “atmosphere bed” with its bizarre array of functions.
For a moment, he didn’t know what kind of expression to face Qu Sheng with. Fortunately, with Jiang Ying present, he didn’t need to respond aloud. And thankfully, Qu Sheng wasn’t his subordinate—even if Qu Sheng returned to Erga someday, he wouldn’t have to face him often… and since Qu Sheng, out of respect, hadn’t investigated the identity of that Federation woman, he probably wouldn’t mention this to anyone else.
Hearing who it was, Jiang Ying said with delighted surprise, “Chairman Qu? I’ll open the door right away.”
Being called “Chairman Qu” right in front of the Lord Commander by his “little girlfriend” made Qu Sheng itch with discomfort.
But he was still maintaining the dignified air of the Federation Beastman Association Chairman, and he couldn’t expose the Lord Commander’s identity—it wasn’t as if he could just blurt out something ridiculous like “Haha, Miss Jiang, you’re too kind, just call me Xiao Qu.”
Qu Sheng went upstairs, and the person following him brought up the newly replaced bed, setting it in the room before leaving.
But maybe it was just his imagination—the moment the door had opened, he’d felt a tangible pressure emanating from the Lord Commander.
What was that about? Was he actually angry?
Just because Miss Jiang called him Chairman Qu?
Yet when Miss Jiang called the Lord Commander “Doggy,” wasn’t that even more thrilling and exciting?
So why was he getting angry at him?
The more Qu Sheng thought about it, the more baffling it seemed.
Could it be because his… adventurous behavior had been accidentally discovered?
Hiss…
He’d heard the Lord Commander was ruthlessly decisive on the battlefield. Qu Sheng touched his own neck and suddenly felt a phantom pain.
Better get down to business first.
He was still far too useful; the Lord Commander was always tolerant of his own people. Surely he wouldn’t silence him.
Qu Sheng swallowed his doubts and gave Su Heng a meaningful look, then made small talk with Jiang Ying: “I didn’t expect to see you again so soon, Miss Jiang.”
Instinctively, Jiang Ying took hold of Su Heng’s arm, using his position to orient herself more accurately toward Qu Sheng.
As Su Heng looked down at his arm in surprise, she spoke without any apparent awareness: “But why is it Chairman Qu delivering this bed for the exchange?”
…Her action was far too natural.
It made the struggle he’d just endured in solitude seem like a joke.
Yet even as frustration simmered, the sensation from her touch on his arm filled him with indescribable reassurance and pleasure, scattering the pent-up gloom in his heart.
Never before had he felt so utterly hopeless as he did in this moment.
Qu Sheng couldn’t fathom why the Lord Commander’s mood had suddenly brightened again.
He cleared his throat twice and explained his presence to Jiang Ying.
“All beastman-related products on the market are overseen by the Beastman Association. The Association has always been committed to promoting a positive image of beastmen, easing tensions between beastmen and humans, and securing more welfare for beastmen. Negative reviews and returns for related products are all reviewed by the Beastman Association to ensure the quality of goods in circulation and to check for anyone maliciously disrupting the market.”
The Association did indeed conduct periodic checks on orders each quarter to investigate any meddling by the Extreme Resistance Faction.
But today’s visit was, in truth, Qu Sheng’s way of seizing an opportunity to establish contact with Su Heng.
“The Beastman Association has limited manpower, so,”
Qu Sheng mixed truth with fabrication, “I sometimes personally handle grassroots investigations. It wasn’t until I was downstairs checking the buyer’s information that I discovered it was you, Miss Jiang! What a coincidence.”
Legitimate Federation purchases required real-name registration, so Jiang Ying saw no reason to doubt Qu Sheng’s explanation.
His status, moreover, lent it an air of credibility.
Embarrassed, Jiang Ying twirled a strand of hair around her finger. “Ah, it’s not that I was making a malicious return.”
“Oh, oh.”
It took Qu Sheng a moment to catch on. “Right, right, that’s exactly why I’m here—to look into this. Product quality is also very important and falls under the Association’s oversight. So, may I ask, Miss Jiang, why did you want to return that bed? I can convey your feedback to the seller for improvements—”
“Ahem.”
Su Heng hastily cut Qu Sheng off before he could say something earth-shattering. “The bed’s quality isn’t the issue. We just didn’t fully research it before purchasing. We only realized it wasn’t quite suitable after it arrived. Sorry for the trouble.”
“Oh, it’s no trouble at all. I checked—this shop has a seven-day unconditional return policy. And this bed, designed specifically for beastmen, is covered by Beastman Social Welfare, so the return shipping and labor costs are waived.”
Qu Sheng sensed Su Heng’s emotional shift.
Angry again. Truly peculiar.
He quickly dropped the topic and found an excuse to send Jiang Ying on an errand.
“There are some procedures before you can confirm receipt—routine paperwork. I may need you to provide some necessary documentation, Miss Jiang. Let’s see… that includes your ID, Federation Social Security Card, Residence Permit, Property Deed, Work Certificate, Beastman Employment Agency Certificate, Marriage Certificate—if applicable, of course.”
As he finished, he once again inexplicably received a knife-sharp glare from Su Heng.
Tsk, tsk, tsk. It seemed their Lord Commander’s temper wasn’t nearly as mild as it appeared on the surface.
Just a mere mention of a marriage certificate with his “little girlfriend,” and this was his reaction!
While Qu Sheng was internally reveling in the drama, Jiang Ying felt a bit overwhelmed.
“That many? That’ll take a moment, I’ll have to find them all…”
She tugged his arm gently. “A Heng, keep Chairman Qu company and chat for a bit, okay?”
The earlier awkwardness between them seemed as if it had never happened.
She appeared utterly untroubled by it.
Forgotten in an instant, cleanly and completely.
Su Heng didn’t know if he should be glad, or…
Stop.
Don’t think about this anymore. Now was the time for business.
He watched the creases she left on his sleeve when she let go; his rigid expression softened slightly, and he drew his now-empty arm back a little. “Alright.”
Qu Sheng was exceptionally skilled at reading people. It was this very skill that, in such a short time and under a human guise, had allowed him to gain the Federation’s trust and rise to the position of Beastman Association Chairman.
From the moment he entered, he had been observing Su Heng and Jiang Ying.
When Miss Jiang was present, the Lord Commander remained in a state of tension; once she left the living room for the bedroom, his entire demeanor relaxed.
The old fox, Qu Sheng, instantly understood the Lord Commander’s standing in this household.
Suppressing a smile, he exchanged encrypted contact information with Su Heng, the kind used within the Federation.
All communications were encrypted—there was little worry about it being intercepted by the Federation.
“If you ever need anything, you can contact me,” Qu Sheng pledged. “I will assist you while safeguarding the welfare of our beastman compatriots.”
The compatriots he spoke of were the Federation beastmen.
From the intelligence Qu Sheng had previously relayed to Erga, his stance was clear.
His efforts to help that Federation woman build a beastman website, his work within the Beastman Association—though he was a citizen of Erga, he cared more about the interests of the beastman race as a whole, regardless of borders.
On this point, Su Heng held him in some esteem.
He raised no objections and simply acknowledged it calmly.
“There is indeed one matter that requires your assistance.”
“Please, tell me!”
“I need you to help me find a trustworthy beastman clinic.”
“A beastman clinic, huh.” Qu Sheng pondered for a moment. Then he seemed to remember something. “I don’t know if you’re aware of the Beastman Forum—its founder originally worked in the beastman medical field. Unfortunately, after establishing the Forum, the founder completely changed professions. I don’t know their exact identity, only that the beastman clinic they left behind is still run by others. I can give you the clinic’s contact information. However—”
“However?”
“Er, might I inquire what sort of ailment you’re seeking treatment for?”
“…” Su Heng fell silent for two seconds. “Nothing pressing. I simply wish to use this opportunity to learn about the Federation’s beastman medical environment.”
Qu Sheng nodded thoughtfully.
“That beastman clinic is suitable, but I recommend you go to a different one.”
He was, after all, an old fox who had risen to this position deep undercover in the Federation; his thinking went far beyond the surface.
He had already largely deduced the purpose of Su Heng’s journey here. Even if Su Heng hadn’t stated it explicitly, Qu Sheng would not be stingy with any intel he could provide.
“There is a beastman-friendly human psychologist. He also has some knowledge of beastman medicine. As long as the condition isn’t overly complicated, I believe he should be able to handle it.”
A psychologist?
Su Heng frowned.
This was a physiological condition, not a psychological issue. Besides, Qu Sheng had no idea what condition he wanted looked at—why would he recommend a psychologist?
And that profession…
The image of Jiang Ying touching that man’s wrist flashed before Su Heng’s eyes again.
Qu Sheng couldn’t understand why the aura around him had plunged once more.
But since the words were already out, he could only continue explaining. “My recommendation has nothing to do with his current profession. And his knowledge of beastman medicine isn’t the most important factor either. What matters is—”
He paused. “He is the son of Federation President Jin Congmin.”
“I believe that, compared to the former, you would be far more inclined to choose his clinic.”
A flicker of surprise passed through Su Heng’s eyes.
Jin Chuyun. Jin Congmin. The grand banquet filled with Federation politicians.
The previous “encounter” now had an explanation.
His mind even connected it to the name of Jiang Ying’s colleague and friend. Jin Chuyu, so similar to Jin Chuyun—perhaps there was a connection there as well.
Then there was A Lanyin, Commander of the Federal Beastman Army.
So many prominent Federation figures had gathered around her.
Was it truly just coincidence?
If not, then why?
“Your analysis is correct.” Su Heng pulled back his thoughts and looked up at Qu Sheng. “I will go.”
“You already knew?” Qu Sheng’s eyes lit up with realization. “Ah, I see. So you already knew that Doctor Jin Chuyun is Miss Jiang’s psychologist.”
Excitement surged within Qu Sheng!
What, what, what!
Was he about to witness the classic “rivals meeting, eyes blazing with jealousy” storyline unfold?!
“Ahem.” Qu Sheng suppressed his eager, drama-loving enthusiasm and struggled to maintain a composed expression. “Shall I help you make an appointment with Chu—Doctor Jin?”
“Tomorrow.” Su Heng hadn’t needed much time to decide. “I’ll trouble you with this.”
“What trouble?”
Jiang Ying emerged with a bundle of documents in her arms, asking curiously as she searched for Qu Sheng.
“Nothing. Just chatting with Chairman Qu.”
Su Heng stepped forward to take the items from her hands, careful not to touch her and reveal his current sensitive state. After a pause, he handed the documents to Qu Sheng.
“Are these the ones?” Jiang Ying naturally looped her arm around Su Heng’s.
“No problem, no problem.” Qu Sheng’s gaze drifted to the space between them where they pressed close, and he immediately noticed the telltale signs of the Lord Commander’s displeasure.
“Didn’t Chairman Qu say he had other matters to attend to?”
Su Heng said abruptly, “I’ll see you out.”
“…Hahaha, alright.”
Fine. Can’t even spare a glance now, can he?
The old fox Qu Sheng was crystal clear in his heart, perfectly reflecting Su Heng’s current train of thought—
He hadn’t even gotten a taste of the meat yet, and here he was already guarding his food!