Chapter 2 The Gathering
The gathering the next day was a public affair, centered around a junior whom Ye Yun had previously held in high regard, a student he had personally mentored, who was returning to the main planet from the front lines this year.
This gathering was organized by Ye Yun to introduce this junior to the dignitaries of Earth.
If this young man could make good use of this opportunity, his path to promotion on the main planet would be much smoother and easier.
Similarly, the front-line soldiers who were close to him would be more convinced of Ye Yun's leadership, which was beneficial to both parties.
Currently, Chairman Lin Zhiyuan was still the chairman of Earth. His health was deteriorating, but with the help of various tonics Ye Yun had found over the years, he had not yet reached a state of weakness that required him to step down.
However, Ye Yun had a premonition that this day might come soon.
Therefore, even though he detested such intricate cronyism, he had to brace himself and start planning.
He had no aspirations for the leader's position, nor did he crave power or status. It was simply that Earth was not yet in a position of complete security, and none of Earth's so-called dignitaries could bear such a heavy responsibility.
However, these matters had nothing to do with Ye Mu. Ye Yun had anticipated this day long ago, so he did not discuss many of Earth's affairs with Ye Mu.
The reason he insisted Ye Mu stay was simply to introduce him to the people attending tomorrow. They didn't need to be close friends, but at least they should know each other, otherwise, it would be too impolite.
Ye Mu was woken up early the next morning. He had slept late the previous night, and when Mrs. Ye pulled the covers off him, he was still groggy. He sat up with a mess of hair and a terrible complexion.
Mrs. Ye found it amusing and comforted him, "It's alright, it's just a formality. If you really don't like it, you can go back early this afternoon to find Luo Luo."
Ye Mu blinked for a moment before he understood Mrs. Ye's words. He casually replied with a "no" and then got out of bed to wash up.
Although the rooms here were not lived in frequently, Mrs. Ye and Ye Yun often replaced the necessary items, ensuring there were always clean toiletries available.
Ye Mu spat out the foam in his mouth. The toothpaste was new and unopened. The one he used last time he was here was not this one, and it was likely thrown away due to being opened for too long.
He lowered his eyes and took a mouthful of water. Perhaps he should stay longer today and return tomorrow.
Over the years, no matter how much he misbehaved, his parents had always tolerated him unconditionally. He had spent too little time with them.
Mrs. Ye placed the prepared three-piece suit on the bed and instructed Ye Mu to change and come down for breakfast before leaving the room.
More intimate guests would arrive one after another in the morning. The main event was after the lunch banquet, and Ye Mu would not have this leisure time then.
Because Ye Mu had been on good terms with the little prince of the insect race, many people on Earth harbored suspicions and conspiracy theories about his identity as the son of a major general and his stance.
The reason Ye Yun wanted Ye Mu to stay here today was not solely as a punishment, but more so to let Ye Mu show his face in front of these people.
Ye Mu complied and changed into the clothes. He didn't often wear such formal attire. The shirt, jacket, bowtie, and brooch were elaborate and luxurious, but not conducive to easy movement.
He tugged at his slightly tight bowtie and stepped out of the room, heading down to the second floor.
As he passed a mirror, he caught sight of his reflection and raised an eyebrow.
He had to admit that Mrs. Ye had chosen the outfit very well. The deep, understated black silk fabric perfectly outlined Ye Mu's figure. With his broad shoulders and long legs, he looked like a star ready to debut.
He was still young, so he hadn't opted for an old-fashioned tie. Instead, he wore a satin bowtie, paired with a sapphire brooch that sparkled in the light, exuding solemnity without losing his youthful charm.
However, Ye Mu didn't feel particularly handsome in this outfit. Looking at the clothes, his mind automatically conjured an image of Luo Qi in a suit.
He imagined the slender young man wearing a white suit, with a white bowtie featuring a subtle rose pattern, and a bright ruby brooch.
Ye Mu continued down the stairs, still contemplating, planning to have Luo Qi prepare a similar suit for himself later.
The waist should be cinched even tighter. He had once seen Luo Qi's waist, so slender that it felt like it could be grasped with a single hand. Despite eating so much every day, and being chubby as a child, his waist was now so thin.
How could a boy have such a slender waist?
Ye Mu covered his nose. He couldn't think about it; the more he thought, the more he felt he was losing his composure.
Scenes that previously seemed merely cute now had a layer of suggestive filter added.
Every move Luo Qi made, even just standing there, held an immense attraction for him, like honey.
So, when Mrs. Ye walked out of the kitchen with a glass of milk, she saw her dazed son sitting at the table, his cheeks flushed, his eyes trembling, and his mind lost.
Mrs. Ye: "?"
Ye Mu coughed lightly, "It's nothing." He then picked up the milk in front of him and gulped it down, trying to suppress the sudden warmth that had arisen within him.
"Ah... that's..." Mrs. Ye reached out to stop him, but it was too late, "It's hot."
Ye Mu's face turned even redder. It was hot.
He finally managed to swallow the milk in his mouth. On the surface, he appeared nonchalant, but his tongue had lost all sensation.
He even began to resent the milk cup in front of him. He didn't know what material it was made of. Although it felt only warm to the touch, it was scalding when he drank it.
Ye Mu, the outstanding graduate of both Ye Elementary and Advanced Schools – the human prodigy – the son of a major general, childishly refused to touch the remaining milk all morning because he had been scalded by it.
Ye Yun shoved a bun into his mouth. Compared to breakfast items like toast and sausages, he preferred soy milk and buns. "How old are you? Look at you," he said, his tone laced with mild exasperation.
Ye Mu also took a bun and put it in his mouth. His tongue was too numb from the heat to taste anything. He completely ignored his father's words.
Ye Yun glanced at his younger son and suddenly said, "In less than three months, or at most half a year, the election for the new chairman of Earth will begin."
Ye Mu nodded. This situation was within his expectations. Chairman Lin Zhiyuan was already very old and it was time for him to enjoy his retirement.
He had hoped his father would succeed as the next chairman, but he also knew Ye Yun had no such intention. So, what did Ye Yun's words mean now?
Ye Yun chuckled and seemed to understand his son's thoughts. "Are some people still expecting to marry into the family? Hmph, what ambition."