Wanderer of the Zerg

Chapter 52: Meeting the mentor

The sunlight filtered through the lush branches, casting a mosaic of light and shadow on the ground.

The leaves rustled, the cool breeze carried the crisp scent of melting snow.

Xi Tian took a deep breath and slowly exhaled.

The bell of the pointed church rang out, its sound waves rippling in the wind. A few young children, laughing and playing, ran barefoot over the cobblestone path, waving windmills.

The leading child turned back and called to the others, “Catch up!” Stumbling, they bumped into Xi Tian.

The child’s small face was tender and white, mischievously sticking out their tongue, then darting behind Xi Tian, shouting loudly, “If you can, come chase me!”

Xi Tian looked back at the child’s retreating figure and laughed, “I never expected my mentor to settle in such a place.”

Leaving the small town this time did not leave him with negative feelings.

“This place still looks like spring,” Ellis observed.

“Of course, it’s only March. According to the solar calendar, it’s right in spring.”

They were now on the secondary neutral planet Morisan, a location unknown to Xi Tian.

Upon arriving, he quickly lost his way and had to rely on a 3D map for navigation to reach the address given by his mentor.

As they continued forward, a tall female stood there, dressed in a brown sweater and khaki casual pants, with gold-rimmed glasses that gave her a refined and handsome appearance.

Xi Tian raised his voice, “Mentor!” and walked briskly toward them.

Professor Cody, who was usually serious in media interviews, smiled and hugged Xi Tian.

Ellis’s greeting was cut off by the uncomfortable scene before him.

Why did Xi Tian’s former lovers and Korawa, before their departure, all need to be so close to Xi Tian, insisting on hugs?

“We haven’t seen each other for over half a year,” Professor Cody said, releasing Xi Tian and smiling.

“I guarantee it’s all your fault.”

Xi Tian smiled, pulling Ellis over, “This is my partner, as I told you.”

There was a hint of pride in his words.

“Professor Cody, hello. I used to see you often in the news.”

Ellis extended his hand, but Cody did not reciprocate. Instead, Cody half-closed his eyes, sizing Ellis up from head to toe, and remarked, “Adequate.”

His manner was as if he were a parent scrutinizing another female who had taken away their beloved young male.

Ellis felt awkward, unsure how to react, and nervously looked at Xi Tian.

Xi Tian laughed, “Alright, stop with the poker face. We’ve just arrived and are exhausted.”

Cody nodded, “You should rest up early.”

Cody turned and walked alongside Xi Tian, leaving Ellis behind. Their conversation was openly audible to Ellis.

“However, Xi Tian, I think you need a partner with better adaptability, not someone as ordinary as this.”

“Are you referring to adaptability or capability?”

“Both. You’re a great kid; he’s the one who’s lucky to have you.”

“I don’t need those things. Why talk about high and low matches? We’re suited to each other, and that’s enough.”

“You’re still young and don’t understand that having a capable person by your side gives you an advantage over others.”

“I’m already 25. Is there anything I can’t handle myself?”

Before them, green grass spread out, with a small white-brick house hidden beneath the tree shadows.

Cody opened the door for Xi Tian and, as Ellis approached, shut the door and went inside.

Ellis, who had been left out, touched his nose and decided to enter on his own, choosing to remain silent.

“I’m sixty years old; I have much more experience than you, a mere young adult…”

Cody was setting up to give Xi Tian a lesson when his communicator rang.

He initially ignored it but became serious upon seeing the caller and stepped outside to take the call.

Xi Tian sat next to Ellis, who had deliberately kept his distance from Cody earlier.

“Are you angry?” Xi Tian asked, holding Ellis’s hands.

“Looks like the professor is indeed quite angry,” Ellis shrugged.

“I meant, are you angry?”

“Me? How could I be?”

Xi Tian carefully observed Ellis’s expression, confirming that he wasn’t affected by his mentor’s words.

“I’m sorry you had to go through this. The professor used to be very nice; I didn’t expect him to say such things.”

“I thought famous people all had their quirks,” Ellis tilted his head.

“Oh my god, you think his rudeness is a quirk? Don’t let him hear that.”

Xi Tian chuckled, “My mentor always prided himself on being ‘approachable’.”

“Approachable?” Ellis murmured, understanding well enough that Cody simply disliked him. However, ‘approachable’ seemed far from the stern image frequently shown in the media.

“Yes,” Xi Tian laughed almost falling onto Ellis, “He always looked down on those who sought fame and acted recklessly, saying it was immature.”

“So, have I offended the professor then?”

Xi Tian shook his head, “Definitely not. I had already informed him of this when we were together.”

“Besides, if I don’t say anything, who would know?”

Ellis also laughed, “Then please help me keep this a secret.”

“Keeping it a secret is fine, but there will be interest charges.”

Xi Tian pointed to his lips.

“Cough,” Ellis pretended to cough. The unfamiliar environment made him slightly awkward, but he didn’t intend to refuse the small request.

He glanced around, noticed the professor still talking on the phone outside, and quickly leaned in to give Xi Tian a quick kiss.

Xi Tian was not satisfied with the brief peck and decided to take over, pressing his lips firmly and deeply against Ellis’s.

When they finally separated, Ellis was panting and weak all over.

His mate, while gentle, had a stronger control over him compared to most, and their intimate moments were always initiated by Xi Tian. This was quite different from the current trend on their home planet, which was oriented around female seduction.

Ellis had grown accustomed to accepting Xi Tian’s dominance and plundering, becoming deeply entrenched and unable to extricate himself.

A heavy thud suddenly came from the doorway.

Cody, with his arms crossed and a cold look in his eyes, said, “I just stepped out for a moment, and you couldn’t resist starting to seduce Xi Tian. Truly impressive!”

The last words were almost spat out through gritted teeth.

Ellis, still catching his breath, didn’t seem to care much, which only infuriated Cody further.

Xi Tian jumped off the sofa, went to his mentor, took his hand, and spoke gently, “Mentor, since we first met, you’ve had something on your mind. You’re anxious.”

“It’s because you were taken away by this unknown female!” Cody snapped back.

“Mentor!” Xi Tian raised his voice and guided him to sit down.

“You’re not being honest. It’s not that you’re angry because of my partner; you’ve been anxious all along,” Xi Tian said.

Cody shot him an annoyed glance, “I really don’t know how you’re always so perceptive!”

“It’s a natural talent,” Xi Tian shrugged, “Do you need me to help calm you down?”

Cody looked at Xi Tian’s refined face, and his heart, though still unsettled, calmed a bit.

“No need from you.”

Cody stood up and walked over to Ellis, extending his hand.

“I’m sorry for my earlier outburst. I didn’t control my emotions well.”

Ellis, looking a bit awkward, hesitantly extended his hand and shook hands with the renowned figure from their home planet. He even forgot to stand up.

Cody patted Xi Tian’s shoulder, “You take care.”

Xi Tian, puzzled, asked, “Take care of what?”

Cody remained silent.

Xi Tian wasn’t bothered by this and asked if there was anything in the house they shouldn’t touch. After getting the answer, he confidently showed Ellis around.

Cody couldn’t help but recall the message Xi Tian had sent him:

“This is my marriage partner, a military female [image]. I initially just wanted to try matchmaking, but I met him. The moment I saw him, it felt like he was the one. He’s also an orphan, not a female obsessed with sacrificing for love. And I’m not a male obsessed with pleasure. I think we’re a good match.”

Author’s Note:

The message was sent in Chapter 15.