Chapter 88 (NEW)

Planet R-5348 is a medium-sized planet with a relatively high mass and density. It has its own water cycle, magnetic field, and atmosphere. Orbiting the Purple Moon in the Milky Way, from the outside, it presents itself as a beautifully tinged purple globe.

R-5348 is a world of contrasts, a place where wealth and social status disparities are glaringly evident. The rich get richer, and the poor, poorer. On the surface, everything seems harmonious, but underneath, conflicts and power struggles are rife. Despite this, it’s the largest commercial planet in the Milky Way, highly favored by merchants. Many renowned trade associations and auction houses host their events here.

Soon, the Chana Auction House will hold its annual auction.

Albert and his crew pretended to be traveling merchants attending the auction and headed straight to a discreet inn.

It was called a ‘black inn’ because of its covert location. Unlike official inns that required formal passes, here, if you had money, no questions were asked about who you were.

The moment Shen Fengyue entered, he felt something was off.

They arrived at noon, with several patrons already having their lunch in the lobby. Every time the entrance door moved, the patrons would collectively lift their heads to scrutinize the newcomers with sharp, predatory eyes. Only once they deemed the arrivals non-threatening would they return to what they were doing before.

Never having been subject to such intense scrutiny, Shen Fengyue was unsettled by their fierce gazes. He quickly moved behind Albert, immediately feeling a surge of security.

Albert noticed Shen Fengyue’s subtle move but said nothing. However, a barely discernible smile curled at the corner of his lips.

The innkeeper was blind in one eye. The blind eye was eerily pale and lifeless. Yet, his other eye was sharp and vigilant. After a quick once-over of the newcomers, he announced, “800 coins.”

Albert handed over a bag. The innkeeper didn’t even open it to check. He simply weighed it in his hand, the coins inside clinking pleasantly as he did.

After approximately three shakes, satisfied with the weight, he signaled an attendant with a nod and offered Albert a warm smile.

It’s amazing how quickly an innkeeper’s demeanor can change when money’s involved. With cash, you’re royalty.

Understanding his boss’s intent, the attendant bowed slightly, gesturing courteously, “Please follow me. I’ll show you to your rooms.”

The Lone Wolf crew consisted of ten members, with two assigned per room, making it five rooms in total. Naturally, as Albert’s personal attendant and chef, Shen Fengyue shared a room with him.

After showing them to their respective rooms and handing over the keys, the attendant’s task was completed and thus he excused himself.

Once he’d left, Albert signaled for the others to gather in his room with a wink.

Several muscular giants crowded into Albert’s room, standing in front of him as he sat. Shen Fengyue instinctively positioned himself behind Albert.

“We need to discuss how we’ll execute the plan,” Albert began.

As others began to pitch in, Albert silenced them with a gesture, commanding their full attention.

“We’ll need cooperation both from the inside and out.”

Shen Fengyue raised an eyebrow, finding Albert’s piecemeal way of speaking too annoying.

“So, Captain, what should we do?” one of the crew members asked.

“That’s why we need an insider. Herman is involved in the gray market, trading humans. So, I need someone to cross-dress as a woman and infiltrate the auction as our inside agent.” Albert explained in one breath, pointing to a bundle in the corner, “I have some tools here for the disguise.”

Albert’s gaze then turned back to the burly men standing in front of him, his intent unclear.

Alarm bells rang in the minds of the men. Wait, wait, wait! Was he suggesting that they should wear dresses and impersonate women?

“Boss…” One of the hulking men called out to Albert with a pitiful tone, but he was brutally shut down by Albert’s intimidating “Yes”. Reluctantly, and with tears in their eyes, the men each grabbed a piece of clothing and headed around the corner to change.

With the room now empty of everyone else, Albert suddenly turned his attention to Shen Fengyue, who stood behind him.

When Shen Fengyue had first heard the audacious proposal, his eye twitched in disbelief. Now, with Albert’s chilling gaze upon him, he blurted out, “Captain, I don’t think this is a good idea.”

“Boss,” Albert corrected him.

Shen Fengyue, “…” Alright then.

He changed the words and repeated, “Boss, I still don’t think this is appropriate.”

“Oh?” Albert raised an eyebrow. “And why not?”

Shen Fengyue felt as if he was questioning his IQ. “Those are hulking, eight-foot-tall men! Their muscles bulge like rocks. Having them dress as women? Unless Herman is blind, anyone with half a brain would see through the disguise!”

“True, what you said makes sense” Albert nodded in agreement. Just as Shen Fengyue was about to say something more, Albert turned the conversation, “That’s why I’ve prepared an outfit for you also. I think you’d pass off convincingly.”

Wait??? What??? Shen Fengyue’s mind raced. The curveball Albert had thrown left him completely blindsided.

He frowned, staring at Albert, who shot back an equally intense look.

Neither man was willing to back down, their staring contest going on for what felt like forever. Suddenly, the realization hit Shen Fengyue. Damn it! He’d walked right into Albert’s trap. The man had intended to rope him in from the very beginning, with all his twists and turns in conversation.

How infuriating!

Every ounce of his exasperation was written across his face, and seeing it, Albert’s eyes sparkled with a rich, amused glint.

Shen Fengyue shook his head defiantly, “No, my heart rejects this.”

Albert didn’t hesitate for a second, “Denied.”

Outraged, Shen Fengyue exclaimed, “I feel humiliated!”

Albert, in a sudden, tender gesture, placed his hand over Shen Fengyue’s head, caressing it gently. “There, there be good,” he cooed softly.

Shen Fengyue, “…” QAQ.

“Your outfit has been separately packed for you. It’s right beside that big bundle.”

Next to the larger package was a smaller one. Shen Fengyue hadn’t known what was inside before, but now it was all too clear.

With a huff, he strode over to the bundle, snatching up the smaller package, then headed behind a partition to change. As he left, he shot a fierce glare at Albert, which only earned him a deep, magnetically resonant chuckle from the man.

Dressed in various styles of women’s clothing, Shen Fengyue had become something of an expert. He donned the garments with a proficiency that seemed almost tragic, given his inward reluctance.

At this time, the system suddenly remarked, “What’s the big deal? There’s only ever a first time and countless times after that for cross-dressing. Plus, aren’t you already used to it?”

Shen Fengyue was left speechless by the comment, and after a long pause, he retorted, “Nonsense!”

Being the last to change, he was, of course, the last to emerge.

The others had long since finished changing and were already gathered in front of Albert. Their robust physiques made a comical contrast with the delicate dresses they wore. Their outfits looked more like child’s play on their muscular forms, appearing both absurd and laughable. They fidgeted with their dresses, obviously uncomfortable, and couldn’t help but mockingly laugh at each other’s ridiculous appearance. This chaotic scene, however, was silenced by one person’s entrance.

As Shen Fengyue stepped out, the others, hearing him, eagerly turned around, curious to see what their chef would look like in women’s clothing. Yet, they were utterly taken aback, their faces displaying pure astonishment.

Several pairs of eyes were locked onto Shen Fengyue, their intense gazes making him involuntarily step back. As he did, he noticed a hint of awe and admiration in their expressions.

Shen Fengyue did indeed look stunning in his female attire, a sight for sore eyes and undeniably captivating.

The beautiful dress fitted his slender frame perfectly. Without any pronounced muscle definition, the outfit seemed tailor-made for him, complementing every curve. Beneath the flowing dress, he wore red leather shoes tied with a golden ribbon that fluttered with every step he took, the delicate bow resembling a butterfly in flight.

Shen Fengyue’s features naturally had a kind of aloofness and indifference, but devoid of any makeup, his face seemed even more delicate and refined.

Yet, he was missing a couple of things.

Albert stood up, fetching a wig and a petite hat from around the corner. He personally adorned Shen Fengyue with these items.

The black, straight hair cascaded down like a waterfall, topped by the elegant small hat. The ensemble was unmistakably that of…

“He looks like a young lady of nobility!” someone voiced what everyone was thinking.

Shen Fengyue shot him an icy glance. When his gaze met that person, the latter found it hard to breathe for a moment.

A dignified, cold, and alluring young lady stood before them. Her aloof demeanor and icy aura didn’t deter onlookers; instead, it intensified their desire to win her over.

Placing all the men in their dresses side by side, it was clear who stood out. Without hesitation, Albert decided that Shen Fengyue would act as the insider for their plan.

Everyone else seemed pleased by this decision, all except Shen Fengyue. He felt indifferent, even slightly amused. He cast a fleeting glance at Albert, thinking, So, you had me in mind all along. Why even pretend to be fair?

The others, having dodged the bullet, breathed a sigh of relief. They all patted Shen Fengyue’s hand, urging him to do his best.

Keeping a straight face, Shen Fengyue simply nodded. Feeling defeated, he was asked by Albert to step out and buy some snacks. Not bothering to change, Shen Fengyue stepped out in his current attire.

As he stepped out, the one-eyed innkeeper seemed curious. When did a dignified young lady arrive? But he couldn’t be bothered. As long as the money was in hand, he didn’t stretch his hand into other people’s business, a rule of the inn.

Albert’s usual meals were all prepared by Shen Fengyue, so naturally, Shen knew what he liked to eat. Shen wandered around the main street, and after successfully buying what Albert liked, he prepared to head back. Unbeknownst to him, he had caught someone’s attention, and a shadow trailed behind him.

On his way, he came across a fruit resembling an apple. Its plump, red skin was speckled with droplets, making it look irresistibly juicy. The amiable vendor let him have a taste, and it was indeed delightful. While it had a slightly different flavor from apples, it was still delectable. So, Shen Fengyue picked a few to take back.

With the basket hanging on his arm, he was about to step away when someone behind him called out.

“Excuse me, beautiful miss, is this the flower you dropped?”

Flower? What flower? Turning around, Shen Fengyue found himself face to face with a refined-looking man. The man wore a wrinkle-free suit, gold-rimmed glasses, and his eyes were filled with warmth and humor.

In his hand, he held a blossoming flame flower.

Seeing Shen Fengyue’s attention, the man promptly placed his right hand over his left chest, giving a slight bow, exuding impeccable manners.

However, Shen Fengyue was not at all impressed by such individuals. The pretentious Orril from the Lone Wolf had already exhausted his patience for such types. Moreover, this man seemed utterly out of place in the surroundings, creating a stark contrast.

Feeling uneasy, Shen Fengyue shook his head not wanting to talk, intending to walk away. But as he took a step, the man swiftly grabbed the hem of his dress. The pull was so strong that Shen nearly fell backward into the man’s arms. Thankfully, he reacted quickly, freeing himself. Now irritated by the man’s unwarranted advances, Shen Fengyue shot him a stern look.

The man, seemingly undeterred, extended the flame flower with a broader smile. In a softer tone, he said, “A beautiful flower for a beautiful lady. This flame flower suits you very well.”

“My name is Andre Kort, a businessman. May I have the honor of knowing the name of such a beautiful lady?” He attempted to step closer, but Shen Fengyue quickly sidestepped him.

Avoiding the stranger became a bit too conspicuous, and Andre’s eyes flashed a hidden glint, even as his smile grew even more pronounced.

Shen Fengyue internally cursed his luck, suspecting he’d stumbled upon some persistent suitor. Not wanting to engage further, or risk exposing his disguised identity, he spun on his heel and took off without a word.

“Beautiful miss, wait!”

“Dear, sweet, esteemed lady, please halt!”

“I’m captivated by your beauty, utterly enthralled beneath your dress’s hem. Please give me a chance to get to know you!”

“Lovely lady!”

The trailing calls were like haunting melodies, grating on Shen Fengyue’s nerves and making his steps hasten even more.

Suddenly, a hand landed on his shoulder.

Had that frivolous man caught up? As he was about to turn, prepared to risk being exposed and labeled as a freak, a cloth covered his nose before he could react.

A nauseatingly sweet aroma invaded his nostrils, likely some form of knockout drug. It acted quickly; his mind grew foggy, and his vision blurred. Before he could make out his assailant’s face, his eyes rolled back, and he collapsed, only to be caught securely.

As consciousness waned, the last thing he heard was Andre whispering in his ear:

“You’re as captivating as a canary, and I’ve fallen for you at first sight.”

“A bird is meant to be caged.”

Damn it, I had run into a real creep!

His basket of fruit clattered to the ground, scattering the red fruits that rolled away unattended.

Abductions in broad daylight were all too common on Planet R-5348. People were indifferent and unsympathetic; they might utter a word of surprise but wouldn’t interfere.

Only the scattered red fruits silently told a truth unknown to the passersby.