Qie Xieling tried to reduce his sense of existence the entire time but it was really hard considering that Lee Ya had traumatised him twice in the two worlds. In the real world, she was just a little overbearing but in the game world, she was like the wicked witch from the west.

He was really trying to keep himself together as his backer, Luo Muchen wasn’t quite his backer yet but Lee Ya curiously glanced at him twice making it incredibly difficult. What made matters worse was that it seemed like Luo Muchen and Lee Ya were getting along in this world.

His breath was caught in his chest the entire time making it difficult to breathe. He couldn’t hold back though when they reached space. There in the middle of the vast seas of the stars was a massive warship, unveiled from its invisible shield. It was looming in the distance, proudly displaying the logo of the intergalactic pirates. It was an impressive sight, sending a shiver down Qie Xieling’s spine. His intense stare outside the window didn’t go unnoticed.

Lee Ya sat next to him and said, "Amazing isn’t it? My brother designed it by himself after he was stripped of his royal status," she said and Qie Xieling was a little surprised. One, because Lee Ya never claimed to be related to Luo Muchen proudly, two she never said anything positive and three his bae was a deposed prince.

Qie Xieling, (QAQ)

"You don’t know anything about my brother’s history, do you? I recommend you research him on StarNet. After all, you should know who you are following from now on," she continued to say her smile as bright as the north star.

Qie Xieling felt shivers all overseeing that smile. It was too terrifying. Bo Ailun watched the two of them with slight suspicion. Lee Ya was nice but not this nice. It was quite unsettling.

When the spacecraft landed in the hangar, Qie Xieling disembarked clutching the gift bag tightly in his hand, he couldn’t wait to see Luo Muchen and cultivate feelings but he was too hopeful.

While he was curiously glancing around, taking in his surroundings he saw a figure approaching him. It was a man with striking human features, but his body was an otherworldly shade of purple. Long, flowing hair cascaded down his back, and his ears were pointed like those of an elf. Qie Xieling couldn’t help but notice the man’s muscular physique and handsome face, though his vertical-slit pupils hinted at a fierce nature.

Being that this was his first alien encounter he stared, he absolutely stared hard. He genuinely looked like a pervert especially when the dude was shirtless. Qie Xieling felt a strong feeling that he was being watched sending shivers all over his body. It was like he was being watched by an animal on the prowl but when he looked around there was no one.

The purple man was so angered by his stare that he bumped his shoulder deliberately almost causing Qie Xieling to fall back.

Bo Ailun took the gift bag from Qie Xieling and spoke with a serious tone, "He will be in charge of you. Oh and be careful, he has a temper." With those words, Bo Ailun turned and walked away, heading towards the elevator alongside Lee Ya. Qie Xieling watched them retreat, feeling abandoned again. Bo Ailun was always his accomplice in crime and this game had made him feel like he would be hopeless without him. He really missed his best friend.

"Bye, new recruit," Lee Ya called out, her enchanting smile leaving a lasting mark on Qie Xieling. That smile would appear in his dreams to haunt him.

The purple alien began walking away, his stride purposeful. Qie Xieling had no choice but to follow behind and keep up with the mysterious, purple-skinned man.

As they navigated the bustling corridors of the warship, Qie Xieling couldn’t help but steal glances at him. His mind raced with questions, but his intimidating aura kept him from saying shit.

When they turned the corner into a deserted passageway, the purple man suddenly shoved him against the wall and clutched his collar lifting him up like he weighed nothing.

"Don’t you know that it’s rude to stare?" he asked his voice menacing.

Qie Xieling, "WTF?!"

The alien’s grip tightened around his collar and Qie Xieling could barely breathe. His initial confusion turned into a realisation that he had unwittingly made a grave mistake.

"You misunderstood me," he managed to utter while struggling for breath. "I was admiring you. You are so buff." He hoped his words would diffuse the tension, but the alien’s grip remained firm.

After a while he loosened his grip and released Qie Xieling, causing him to fall to the ground. Coughing and dusting himself off, Qie Xieling clarified the situation. "It’s a misunderstanding. I was just admiring you. Do you care to share your workout routine by any chance? I would love to be jacked up like you," he said while flexing his muscles.

"What is a workout routine?" asked the purple man and Qie Xieling knew it was hopeless.

"Never mind. I am Qie Xieling. You can call me Lin Lin," he said while stretching out his hand. The man glanced at his hand and then his face before turning to leave.

"I am Mauve, now walk," he said still somewhat agitated.

"Mauve? As in the colour purple?" he blurted out, almost forgetting that he had been pressed against the wall just now.

Mauve’s confusion deepened, his brow furrowing. "What is purple?"

"Okay, never mind," Qie Xieling quickly interjected, realising his remark may have only added to the confusion. With a sigh, he straightened up and gestured for them to continue walking. Qie Xieling was completely unaware that their little exchange had been witnessed by someone.

***

Luo Muchen was sitting in the imposing captain’s chair within the sleek and dimly lit cockpit of his massive intergalactic warship. With a scowl etched on his face, he watched a live feed on the holographic display before him. The feed showed Qie Xieling engaging in a conversation with the shirtless Mauve.

Qie Xieling’s every move infuriated him. Even his very presence was a constant irritant. Yet, there he was, unable to tear his gaze away from the screen.