On the Onia Star, inside the Zerg High Command office.
Milton sat behind his desk, his gaze lingering on the text of the official document on the screen, though his mind was far from reading it. His thoughts kept drifting back to that night, when he and Gu Qing had shared a mental connection—the most intimate moment of his life.
But afterward, Gu Qing seemed to return to his usual self, focused solely on battles and missions. He was busy with Ace and the small Celestial team after Loes’s arrival, leaving little time for the two of them to interact. Even speaking opportunities gradually became rare.
Milton lowered his head, knuckles tapping lightly on the desk, a twinge of self-mockery crossing his mind: Was it because I wasn’t proactive enough? Or… was I too stiff and reserved that night, making him bored? I was ready, I wanted to be closer… yet now it feels like everything’s been paused.
Tonight was the Star Alliance joint forces’ victory banquet, and as Commander-in-Chief, he had to attend. But Gu Qing—now restored to his official identity and no longer part of the Zerg hierarchy—would he accompany him?
As he pondered, his holocom beeped.
—A message from Gu Qing.
【Sorry, I’m a bit busy today. Shall we meet directly at the banquet?】
Just a few words. No extra emotion, no special intimacy.
Milton’s heart sank. Rationally, he knew both had duties to attend to, and they couldn’t always cling to each other. But emotionally, he couldn’t help feeling hurt. This week, Gu Qing had returned to the hotel late every night, and Milton mostly lay in bed, waiting silently for him, and they’d sleep in shared silence.
He had even chosen his white formal suit for tonight—not to show off, but just so that, even if for a single glance, a single compliment, he could be the only one in Gu Qing’s eyes. If they went together, it would feel like… a symbol, standing together on the postwar stage.
At that moment, Philip knocked and entered, his tone as gentle as ever: “General, it’s time to prepare for the venue.”
Milton nodded lightly and began changing.
The white suit was exquisitely tailored, with silver threads and subtle shimmering patterns woven into the fabric, as if starlight had fallen across the hem and sleeves. Sleek yet supple, it accentuated his elegant and slender form. He tied his silver-white hair, which shone like moonlight, with hair ornaments of cloud silk and silver threads, subtly reflecting starlight around his ears without stealing attention from his already striking presence.
His skin was nearly translucent, as if carved from ice crystal; his features sharp and defined, lips tinted rose-red, silver eyes clear as thawing frost. From afar, he was breathtaking, almost unearthly, exuding a serene and aloof beauty, as though a deity descended from the stars.
As he stepped out of the dressing room, Il, Philip, and Veli all froze for a moment. “Like a god walking out of starlight…” Il whispered.
Milton smiled faintly, adjusted his cuffs, and led the way.
The convoy set off for Onia Star’s premier political and diplomatic hotel—Starshine Cloud Court. Luxurious and located in the city center, it hosted elites and high-ranking guests. Today, the entire floor was reserved for the Star Alliance’s victory celebration.
Upon arrival, the banquet hall was a glittering spectacle. Crystal chandeliers refracted light like flowing stars, guests mingled gracefully, and the scent of exotic cuisine and rare wines filled the air. Long tables displayed delicacies from every species, the atmosphere both grand and ceremonial.
The moment Milton stepped in, countless eyes turned toward him.
Silver hair tied back, purple eyes dazzling, clad in the pristine white suit, he radiated cold elegance and regality. Though ethereal in beauty, it did not hide the sharp authority embedded in his bones—like a sword forged from starlight and ice, unmatched.
Representatives from every race approached, offering compliments and praise.
“General, you’re breathtaking tonight.”
“Without your decisive command of the Zerg forces, this war would have been impossible to end. I salute you!”
“Where’s Lady Lande? Aren’t you always seen together?”
Milton’s reply was calm, polite, restrained: “He’ll be here shortly.”
Then a stir at the entrance—the familiar figure appeared.
“Lande,” dressed in a flawless black suit, seemed like the brightest star in the night sky. All eyes were drawn to him, eager to admire. He exchanged polite greetings before walking straight to Milton.
“General,” his tone warm, eyes blue and full of unhidden anticipation, extending his right hand, “may I have the honor of this dance?”
Milton froze, heart skipping a beat. He looked into those gleaming blue eyes and finally smiled, placing his hand gently in his.
The moment their fingers touched, Milton’s vision shifted.
He no longer saw Lande as others did, but—Gu Qing.
A face carved sharp as a blade, brows and eyes like stars, features cold and precise as carved jade. The black suit was exquisitely tailored, subtle patterns catching starlight with each motion, hair tied back with energy rings, strands flowing like ink, a few falling near the ear.
Standing under the lights, he resembled a nocturnal deity emerging from the starry sea—calm, strong, commanding awe.
And those eyes—black as a deep pool, harboring storms and tender serenity—looked straight into Milton’s, without a hint of concealment.
Milton’s breath caught.
For a moment, he forgot he was at the center of a hall, surrounded by hundreds of spectators. All he felt was his heart pounding and warmth rising at the back of his neck.
He had seen Gu Qing in countless battle armors, amidst blood-soaked battles, in the wind with sword in hand—but never like this. Elegant, composed, almost unbearably perfect.
“You… why did you suddenly return to your true form?” he asked, voice tinged with awe and agitation.
Gu Qing held his hand, gazing down at him, eyes like the deepest stars: “Don’t worry. Only you can see me like this. Everyone else sees Lande. I want to be myself at this banquet… with you.”
Music began.
A soft, romantic waltz filled the air. Under the crystal chandeliers, light flickered like flowing galaxies. The dance floor became the heart of the stars, and they were the only two intersecting within it.
Gu Qing led Milton to the center, hand in hand. Guests’ eyes swept over them like waves, yet they remained in their own world.
Spinning gracefully, Gu Qing guided Milton’s steps, every motion precise, elegant. Milton, initially hesitant, soon found rhythm in that warm, firm hand.
Gu Qing’s palm at his waist was hot, as if burning through the fabric into his skin. Their breathing and heartbeats almost synchronized, eyes locked entirely.
Gu Qing’s gaze was deep and focused, a fire burning solely for him. Within those eyes, there was no one else—only endless tenderness and serene devotion, holding Milton utterly captive.
Milton felt exposed under that gaze, as if the universe itself was watching, his heartbeat thundering louder and louder.
“You look so beautiful tonight, General. Did you wear this just for me?” Gu Qing murmured, voice low and warm, like night wind brushing past.
Milton blushed, turning his gaze aside: “N-Not at all… it’s… just… for the occasion…”
Gu Qing only chuckled softly.
As they twirled, he leaned close and whispered in Milton’s ear: “If we weren’t in public, I’d kiss you… until you couldn’t breathe.”
Milton’s mind exploded like a nebula. Breathing erratic, steps faltering, he nearly lost balance. At the last moment, Gu Qing caught him, holding him securely and tenderly in his arms.
“Are you willingly throwing yourself into my arms?” Gu Qing teased, voice sultry.
“Gu Qing!” Milton exclaimed, flustered, a faint blush spreading across his cool neck, violet eyes sparkling with joy.
Accustomed to the storm of battle, only this person could stir ripples across his tranquil heart with a few words.
Gu Qing’s eyes were gentle yet proud, gazing at him as if he were the answer Milton had sought all his life.
He knew this dance was not just a celebration of victory—it was a new chapter in their story, a prelude to promises yet to be made.
They danced, circling again and again. Light flowed around them, time seemed to slow, leaving only this moment—quiet, passionate, and utterly theirs, burning bright beyond the eyes of the world.