In the 23rd century, the city I live in, Central Twelve Cities, was voted the worst city on the Whole Blue Star.
The results of this poll were announced in Central First City in November 2222, but it wasn’t until January 2223 that the residents of Central Twelve Cities found out. The entire city was in an uproar, declaring that they would start a rebellion from Central Twelve Cities, march all the way to Central First City, seize the Federal Fortress, loot their homes, chop off their heads, have their way with their omegas, and burn their houses.
They issued their declaration on January 8th, were arrested on January 9th, and sentenced on January 12th.
This had nothing to do with me, as I’m a law-abiding citizen, dedicated to my job. Since dropping out of vocational school, I’ve been working in a factory tightening screws, and I’m known as a good-natured person in the workshop. But the problem was, their hideout was right below my apartment. When they were arrested, I went downstairs to see what was happening, and I was grabbed and taken into custody.
I explained countless times to the officers at the Federal Police Department, but the officer only had one response: “Don’t worry, we’re still investigating. If you’re innocent, we’ll clear your name.”
I looked at the officer. He was very young, with rosy lips and white teeth. My prolonged gaze even made him a little uncomfortable, and it was only when the older officer beside him reminded him that he remembered to call the next person in. As I was being led away, I glanced back at him. He was wearing a gray-blue uniform, with a black jacket trimmed with gold thread draped over the chair. On the chest of the jacket was a police badge.
Judging by the stripes and stars on it, I could tell he was probably a rookie.
Rookies have their ways, veterans have theirs, and I have mine.
The second time was a solo interrogation, and my calm demeanor caught the attention of my cellmate. My cellmate was an annoying beta who only ever vented his frustration on me. He spent his days huddled in the corner, glaring at every officer who passed by our cell, muttering curses under his breath—very much like a Chihuahua.
But fortunately, Chihuahuas aren’t very smart, so he was easy to deal with.
My cellmate tossed and turned on the bed, finally sitting up, his eyes filled with irritation. “Aren’t you afraid of dying? You’re so calm!”
From the fact that he was locked up with me, it was clear he was part of the group that got arrested. And judging by his clothes, he probably came from a relatively wealthy family, so there was a good chance someone would bail him out. That’s why his question puzzled me.
I was confused and asked him in return, “If you’re afraid of dying, why did you join them in the first place?”
He said, “I didn’t think it would blow up like this! I’m definitely going to get scolded for this!”
Me: “Wow.”
I thought he was actually afraid of dying, but it turns out he was just worried about getting scolded.
Though most of the people involved in this incident would probably die, and maybe I would too.
When people are about to die, their words become kinder, so I said to him, “Don’t worry, if we make it out of here alive, I’ll put in a good word for you with your family.”
“Hmph, with your status?” He lifted his chin, but then turned his head away. “Forget it, thanks, but no need.”
Wow.
So tsundere.
But I’m not into that.
So I turned my head away, waiting to be called, staring blankly at the iron gate.
But for some reason, he started opening up, as if some kind of otome game CG had been triggered. Sunlight streamed through the barred window, shining on his black hair, his brown eyes flickering with some emotion, his pretty but dusty face looking serious.
He said, “Don’t you hate me?”
This guy really doesn’t know how to talk.
If you really want to know, shouldn’t you ask something like, “Have I done anything to make you uncomfortable during our time together?”
If you ask directly whether I hate you, what can I say? I can only say no, no, you’re fine.
So I replied, “Even though we’ve only been together for a few days, I know you’re just a bit spoiled. But I understand. You come from a good family, with lots of people who love you, so it’s natural to be a bit self-centered. I grew up poor, so I actually envy your spoiled nature. Taking care of you a bit more isn’t a big deal.”
I thought for a moment, then added, “Actually, I kind of hope you stay this spoiled even after we leave here.”
Someone like me, a commoner, can’t teach a young master like you a lesson, but what if you piss off someone more powerful and get yourself killed?
Maybe my expression was too sincere, because his brown eyes, like melted honey in the sunlight, seemed to bubble up.
He said, “You’re the first person who’s ever hoped I wouldn’t change.”
I said, “Because I don’t find you troublesome. People who want you to change might not truly care about you.”
He said, “Then why did you get involved?”
I didn’t get involved, buddy. I got dragged into this.
But now that the mood was set, it would be a shame not to play the role of a passionate rebel.
So I lowered my eyes, showing a sad expression, then looked up with determination. “Many people hate Central Twelve Cities. As our homeland, it’s brought us too much suffering—filthy environments, freezing weather, outdated technology, and corrupt officials. Many have fled, but I refuse to leave. Because I know, no matter where my body goes, my spirit will always be rooted here. Even if this rebellion fails, it doesn’t matter. As long as there’s a first time, there will be countless more. Trading one life for a spark is worth it.”
I looked up at the barred window, my words slow but firm.
He was clearly moved by my acting, his amber pupils trembling. “You—”
“Number 34, Chen Zhiwei, Number 34, Chen Zhiwei.”
It was my turn, but unfortunately, it wasn’t for an all-you-can-eat seafood buffet.
I turned to the beta and smiled. “I’m up. I hope I’ll be back.”
He was stunned for a moment, then grabbed my hand, saying earnestly, “You will.”
I gripped his hand back, giving him a deep look. He pulled his hand away as if burned, immediately putting on a haughty expression. “Don’t worry, I told you you’ll be fine!”
“Yeah.”
I quickly turned around, following the officer, clutching the ring I’d just swiped from him.
Good thing I didn’t get caught!
At the door of the interrogation room, I secretly glanced at the ring in my hand. It was set with a purple gemstone, its color as soft and beautiful as condensed ink, and there seemed to be some pattern at the bottom of the gem.
Before I could finish examining it, the door in front of me suddenly opened, and the officer behind me kicked me inside.
I stumbled hard, falling flat on my face, catching a glimpse of a pair of long legs and shiny military boots in my peripheral vision.
“Disen! What are you doing?”
The person in front of me scolded.
“Nothing, she was acting shifty, so I wanted to make her behave.”
The officer behind me replied.
The person in front of me reached out to help me up, pointing to a seat, frowning. “Sorry about that.”
He then turned to Disen. “Don’t do that again. Close the door.”
He looked back at me. “Hello, I’m Jiang Sen, the officer in charge of this case. We’ve met before.”
I nodded, keeping my head down.
“Your name is Chen Zhiwei?” He flipped through the file in front of him, then studied my face. “Looks like we share the same heritage.”
Before the apocalypse, the world was vast, ruled by multiple nations and ethnicities. During the apocalypse, after several wars, people’s bodies were affected by radiation, leading to the differentiation of three genders—alpha, beta, and omega. The conflict gradually stabilized, eventually leading to a great fusion. In the habitable zones, there are thirteen cities: Central City and the twelve outer districts. Here, civilization has barely recovered to a level similar to pre-apocalypse times.
In these districts, people of various ethnicities mingle, and many from the lower classes rely on their names and heritage to form alliances and help each other.
Of course, the person in front of me doesn’t need this kind of lower-class solidarity, but he’s just trying to build rapport.
I immediately took the bait, repeatedly emphasizing my innocence, while he also kept saying it was just an investigation and not to worry.
“We’ll definitely be fair and objective. You don’t need to be so anxious. The investigation is still ongoing, and they haven’t revealed much information yet.” He paused, then tapped the table with his finger, his handsome face turning serious. “Once everything is cleared up, whether you’re innocent or not will be revealed.”
I stared at his finger. His hands were clean, with no jewelry, and his nails were neatly trimmed.
Jiang Sen noticed my gaze and tapped the table again. “What is it?”
I asked, “Officer, are you saying that my case is both serious and not serious?”
Jiang Sen was taken aback, then nodded. “You could say that.”
I asked again, “Officer, is it going to be a hassle to clear my name?”
Jiang Sen replied, “Not necessarily, but I’ll do my best.”
Finally, I asked, “Officer, do you have a fiancée?”
Jiang Sen looked puzzled but nodded, “Though it’s unrelated to the case, I do have a fiancée.”
It suddenly dawned on me.
All this endless hinting and subtle gestures!
He’s clearly trying to give me a hint!
I shifted in my seat, trying to block the camera, and said, “If you’ve just graduated and started working here, you must be tight on money, right?”
Jiang Sen: “…Huh?”
I extended my fist, the ring in my hand gleaming, “Why not use this to win your fiancée’s heart? I know this case is a bit tricky, but it’s not impossible to handle, right? It’s troublesome, but it’s also not that troublesome, right?”
A look of surprise flashed in Jiang Sen’s eyes, but then he suddenly smiled and asked, “Oh?”
He picked up the ring and examined it, “Seems quite valuable. You’re unexpectedly well-off.”
Damn, this guy’s really pushing his luck!
“I’m not rich. This is my token of love. I’ve sold everything I own, and now this is all I have left!” I grabbed his hand and said earnestly, “All I want now is my freedom, Officer. Just do me this favor. If you think it’s a good deal, let’s—”
Jiang Sen asked, “Let’s what?”
I said, “Make it a one-time deal!”
He replied, “Deal.”
January 12th.
“Bang—”
The gavel fell.
The verdict was announced.
“After investigation, it has been determined that Chen Zhiwei, the individual involved in this case, is not related to the protests in District 12 of Central City. However, she attempted to bribe the officer handling the case, violating Article 28 of the Central City Supervision Law on bribery.”
As I was being escorted out of the courtroom, I ran into Jiang Sen. He was in full uniform, looking composed as he said to me, “A one-time deal.”
I shouted, “You bastard, at least give me back the ring!”
He replied, “It’s mine.”
I tried to kick him but was restrained by the guards on either side, “Aren’t we from the same bloodline? Our ancestors are all from the same place. Fellow countrymen shouldn’t stab each other in the back!”
He added, “This is the engagement token my family gave to my fiancé. I should be asking you how it became your token of love.”
I: “…”
Damn it, I tried to scam the actual owner.
Wait, based on that beta’s behavior…
I quickly thought of a lie.
“I don’t understand what you’re talking about. You’ve got it all wrong. This is fake.” I noticed Jiang Sen’s frown, clearly annoyed, so I continued, “This was given to me by my fiancé in prison. We fell in love in the same cell. He said it wasn’t worth much, but he’d get upset if I didn’t take it. He told me to use it to bribe the officers if necessary, so that’s why I did it.”
Jiang Sen’s expression turned even colder and more severe.
I chuckled awkwardly, “Officer, are you listening? You don’t look so good.”
