Chapter 18: The Pretend Date

The interstellar spaceship launched on time at 1:30 PM.

To Luo Fei’s surprise, passengers felt almost no noticeable jolts during the intelligent spaceship’s takeoff. The ship ascended slowly into the high altitude, broke through the atmosphere’s gravitational pull, entered the interstellar route, and performed its first spatial jump. The entire voyage was exceptionally smooth. If not for the vast cosmic starfield visible outside the porthole, one might have the illusion of simply “staying in a hotel room.”

Emile lay on the deck chair by the porthole, gazing outside and praising, “KM Airlines really is impressive. This generation of spaceship is a massive improvement over the old interstellar ships. After this voyage, there’s bound to be tons of positive reviews online. Even though KM’s stock is falling now, once the new generation of spaceships is successfully promoted, I think the company’s market value can double next year.”

Luo Fei also sat down in a deck chair by the porthole, thoughtfully stroking his chin. “You mentioned before that Mo Han passed the professional qualification exam ahead of time, getting his Senior AI Engineer certificate. I’m a bit curious; before he went to university, he was studying at home with his younger brother Mo Lin. Who taught him all that specialized knowledge?”

Emile: “…”

I’m chatting about spaceships, and you start talking about Mo Han again? Can we even have a pleasant conversation anymore?!

Noticing Emile’s strange expression, Luo Fei looked back. “What?”

Emile coughed, looking seriously at the other man. “Luo Fei, why do you have to get to the bottom of things about Mo Han? Don’t you think your curiosity about the Mo family is a bit excessive?” As his cousin, Emile really wanted to advise him. “Whether it’s that abduction case from years ago, or these twin brothers in the Mo family, many people have been suspicious, but no one has ever found anything. I think there’s no need for you to wade into these murky waters and meddle in the Mo family’s business.”

Emile’s words did make sense. The Imperial Royal Family and the merchant Mo Family had always kept to their own lanes, neither offending the other. No matter what secrets lay behind Mo Han or Mo Lin, Luo Fei really shouldn’t interfere in the Mo family’s private affairs. Luo Fei understood this, of course. As the First Prince, with his special status, he had to keep any improper curiosity within reasonable bounds.

If Luo Fei and Mo Han were just ordinary friends, Luo Fei naturally wouldn’t meddle in the Mo family’s business.

But what if Luo Fei wanted Mo Han to be his Prince Consort?

Then the Mo family’s affairs would be his affairs. The family matters of his future spouse—naturally, he had to investigate them thoroughly.

Luo Fei smiled. “Cousin, rest assured. I know what I’m doing.”

Emile breathed a sigh of relief, thinking Luo Fei had taken his advice to heart.

He never imagined that what Luo Fei meant by “knowing what I’m doing” was planning on marrying Mo Han and making him his wife.

…

Luo Fei didn’t ask Emile further about Mo Han. For now, he didn’t want to tell Emile that he liked Mo Han. After all, the First Prince falling for an Alpha… that sounded far too shocking. If word got out, it would likely bring unnecessary trouble. Until he had a solid chance, it was better to keep a low profile.

His feelings for Mo Han were genuine, but if Mo Han didn’t agree, he couldn’t just forcibly drag the man back to the Royal Palace, right? The Empire championed freedom of marriage, and as the First Prince, he had to set an example. If he forced a marriage, the public wouldn’t just drown him in spit—his dad would beat him to death.

So, after confirming his own feelings, his first task was to thoroughly understand Mo Han, pursue him, and make Mo Han like him back.

Only if their feelings were mutual would he have bargaining power with his Royal Father and Mr. Mo Qiming. Otherwise, if he just had a one-sided crush and Mo Han ultimately said, “I’m not willing,” wouldn’t all his efforts be for nothing?

After quickly sorting out the key priorities, Luo Fei told Chongming to meticulously search for all information on Mo Han.

Since Mo Han had been studying at home with his brother until age 18, most of the information found about him was from after he entered Herman University. He finished four years of courses in two years and passed the Imperial highest-level intelligent engineer exam ahead of time. Mo Han’s experiences were practically a “top student legend” worthy of being made into a movie.

From what Luo Fei knew, the course load at Herman University was heavy, and failing courses was common for students. Even if Mo Han was incredibly smart, finishing a four-year program in two years seemed too extreme.

The only explanation was that, before entering Herman University, he had already studied computer-coding-related knowledge, perhaps even quite a bit of university-level specialized coursework. With a very solid foundation, handling university exams was easy for him, and he could even pass the highest professional qualification exam and earn his certificate ahead of time.

It seemed Mr. Mo Qiming had great foresight, hiring tutors in advance to give Mo Han extra lessons, putting his starting point far ahead of his peers.

His Royal Father’s educational method for Luo Fei had been similar—letting Luo Fei stay ahead of his peers from a young age, scoring perfect marks during school, precisely because he had already learned much of the knowledge at home. But what Luo Fei studied were basics like astronomy, geography, military affairs, and history, for which finding teachers was relatively easy. If Mo Han studied university-level specialized coding courses, where had they hired that tutor from?

Could there be a master even more skilled than him behind Mo Han?

Luo Fei frowned slightly, instructing Chongming to save all of Mo Han’s data, carefully examining photos of Mo Han within the files.

Chongming, unable to endure any longer, griped, “Master, have you really become a fan of Mo Han?”

Luo Fei smiled. “He’s so outstanding. Isn’t it normal for me to admire him?”

Chongming weakly reminded, “But he’s an Alpha.”

Luo Fei said, “My liking for him has nothing to do with whether he’s an Alpha or an Omega. I like the person he is, not his pheromones.”

Chongming: “……………”

Such sound logic!

Chongming discovered it had actually been persuaded by its master.

Thus, it began actively helping its master gather all online information about Mo Han—including news reports, photos from various event appearances, promotional videos, and more. Anything related to Mo Han was downloaded into its storage space. It even created a separate folder, labeled “Prince Consort Information Library.”

Luo Fei praised, “Good thinking.”

Chongming said, “Master, Mo Han is a powerful hacker! I’m a little scared. If you two end up together, and he wants to hack into my intelligent system, what should I do?”

Without hesitation, Luo Fei said, “Then don’t resist. Let him hack in obediently.”

Chongming: “……………………………………”

Luo Fei added with a smile, “Anyway, he won’t damage your system. At most, he’ll just study your coding.”

Chongming activated sleep mode and entered hibernation.

It didn’t want to deal with such an unprincipled master.

Soon it was 2 PM. Emile wanted to check out the ship’s recreation area. Having nothing better to do, Luo Fei accompanied him.

The recreation area occupied the entire third floor of the ship, divided into different zones for dining, entertainment, movies, games, etc. It was rather like a city’s shopping complex. Many people were enjoying the free entertainment, and the excited laughter of children could be heard now and then—it looked very lively.

Luo Fei didn’t particularly enjoy such bustling scenes. After wandering around with Emile for a bit, he spotted a shopping street ahead and turned to walk into it.

Emile followed him. “You want to buy something?”

Luo Fei nodded. “A gift for someone.”

Emile asked, intrigued, “Who’s it for?”

Luo Fei said, “For Mo Han.”

Emile: “………………………”

After a moment of silence, Emile couldn’t help but mutter, “Why are you buying Mo Han a gift? He’s so rich, he can buy whatever he wants himself, right?”

Luo Fei replied, “Him being rich is his business. Whether or not to give a gift is my token of appreciation. First time inviting him to dinner, I can’t very well show up empty-handed.”

Emile scratched his head, mumbling, “It’s not a date. Why bring a gift just for a meal?”

But Luo Fei thought to himself—it is a date.

First time treating the person you like to a meal, you should always bring a little something to make a good impression.

Without further explanation, he walked into a men’s clothing store and waved Emile over. “Cousin, come help me decide.”

Emile followed him in, feeling utterly awkward.

An Alpha, helping another Alpha, choose a gift… for yet another Alpha?

No matter how he thought about it, it felt incredibly weird…

This store sold high-end custom menswear from a very famous Imperial brand. The clothes were expensive but designed with a low-key style—not too flashy, suitable for formal occasions. Many businesspeople bought clothes from this shop. It seemed fitting for Mo Han.

As soon as they entered, a beautiful sales assistant followed them politely. “Gentlemen, is there anything specific you’re looking for?”

Compared to Emile’s total discomfort, Luo Fei was perfectly calm. He browsed the store for a bit, then spotted a tie. “What do you think of this one?”

Emile snapped back to reality and saw that Luo Fei had selected a tie with a light blue base and white embroidered patterns—very refined. Its style wasn’t too frivolous, nor too dull, making it just right for a young man. Plus, the color was quite fresh and clean.

Emile picked up the tie for a closer look. “I think it’s nice. Are you sure you want to give him a tie?”

Luo Fei nodded. “Mm. He should like it.”

Because the tie Mo Han had worn on the day of the press conference was of a similar style, and it had suited him perfectly.

First time giving a gift, he couldn’t pick something uncertain. Ties were essential for men. Besides, Mo Han had worn blue before, so he clearly didn’t dislike it. Playing it safe and giving him a different style of blue tie—Mo Han, who had to attend various events frequently—could swap it in later. It would definitely be useful.

Having decided, Luo Fei turned to the sales assistant. “Gift box packaging, please. Thank you.”

Hearing this, the assistant immediately nodded. “Of course, sir. Just a moment.”

She fetched a new tie from the stockroom, packed it into an exquisite gift box, and handed it to Luo Fei with a smile.

Luo Fei paid and left, carrying the gift box.

Emile, stunned for a moment, hurried after him. He whispered, “You invited Mo Han to dinner tonight. Should I come along?”

Luo Fei glanced back. “No need. I want to talk to Mo Han alone.”

Emile looked conflicted. “But I’m the one who’s actually his schoolmate. You’re just an imposter.”

Luo Fei said, “With Chongming around, there won’t be any issues. Cousin, just eat dinner by yourself tonight. I’ll cover your bill.”

Emile made a sound of assent and shrugged helplessly. “Alright then.”

Why did he suddenly get the feeling of being third-wheeled?

At dinnertime, Emile went to the buffet restaurant alone to eat. Luo Fei, meanwhile, arrived at Room 5017 and pressed the doorbell.

He waited a moment. Mo Han didn’t appear, but a bodyguard answered the door, his expression blank. “What is it?”

Luo Fei said politely, “I’m looking for Mo Han. I’m his senior from university.”

The bodyguard said, “One moment.”

He clearly went inside to ask Mo Han. A moment later, he returned. “Please, come in.”

Luo Fei scratched his nose and followed the bodyguard inside.

This room was even larger than the luxury suite Luo Fei had booked. Several bodyguards were stationed inside, and as he entered, all of them turned their eyes towards him in unison.

Being stared at by a group of bodyguards, Luo Fei didn’t feel the slightest bit awkward. Instead, he thick-skinnedly smiled at them and naturally walked over to sit on the sofa to wait. The bodyguards had no choice but to stop looking at him and stare fixedly out the porthole at the starry sky.

The sound of running water came from the bathroom—Mo Han was apparently showering.

After a while, the water stopped. Mo Han emerged from the bathroom, and Luo Fei’s eyes instantly lit up—

He was wearing a white bathrobe, fresh from the shower, his skin still dewy with moisture. Under the light, his fair, smooth skin seemed covered with a soft, watery sheen. His damp hair hung dark as ink beside his ears, making his earlobes appear even whiter. The graceful line of his long neck was exquisite, and a few drops of water trailed down its curve, disappearing into the chest area hidden by the robe.

Luo Fei swallowed hard. This sight stirred his heart so intensely he wished he could walk over and hug him, steal a kiss.

However, with several bodyguards present, Luo Fei didn’t dare act rashly, lest he be grabbed and beaten by the group.

Mo Han glanced coolly at Luo Fei, toweling his hair. “Senior came quite early. It’s fifteen minutes before the agreed 6 PM.”

Luo Fei stood up, smiling gallantly. “I wanted to come early and wait for you.”

Mo Han said, “Then please wait a moment. I’ll go change.”

He went to the dressing room to change clothes and dried his hair, then instructed the bodyguards, “Jonah, Josh, you two come with me. The rest stay here.”

Two men immediately bowed respectfully. “Yes, Young Master.”

These bodyguards were clearly fiercely loyal protectors, willing to sacrifice themselves in critical moments to ensure Mo Han’s safety. The bodyguards were all Betas, obviously professionally trained, with muscular builds and rippling biceps. In the back pockets of their trousers were likely concealed micro-pistols. Should anyone dare approach Mo Han with ill intent, these men could undoubtedly blow their brains out in an instant.

Probably the psychological shadow from the abduction case years ago had made Mo Qiming this cautious, hence Mo Han’s carefulness every time he went out.

Luo Fei turned his gentle gaze towards Mo Han. The more he looked, the more handsome he seemed.

Today, he was still in the simple combination of a dress shirt and trousers—a blue shirt, looking more casual. No tie; the top button of his shirt collar was undone, revealing a glimpse of delicate, attractive collarbones. The everyday wear was very relaxed, yet couldn’t hide his unique aura.

Sensing the First Prince’s stare, Mo Han raised an eyebrow in question. “What would senior like to eat?”

Luo Fei smiled. “You know this spaceship better. You decide.”

Mo Han said, “Then let’s go to the VIP restaurant on the fifth floor. The environment is quieter.”

Luo Fei naturally had no objections and followed him out the door.

As it turned out, the movies were right.

Having a date with the person you like—even if it was just a simple meal—could instantly lift your mood.