NOVEL NEXT 11
Chapter 11: Yearning
After eating, Ellis went to the military unit to prepare for the wedding, arranging task handovers and taking leave.
Xi Tian sat at his desk, ready to start his day as usual.
The new books, still smelling of fresh ink, were laid out on the desk, but he had no desire to open them now, even though he had been very interested in them just a few days ago.
Xi Tian observed his breathing and reflected on his emotions—a scientifically proven way to calm oneself.
He vaguely felt that his emotions were somehow influenced when Ellis was sad that morning.
Rich in emotions, easily influenced.
These words summarized Xi Tian’s character well.
He had long noticed that his emotional fluctuations were more intense than others, making him more sensitive to subtle changes in others’ emotions, but also more susceptible to being influenced by them.
Staying away from crowds to reduce external stimuli, maintaining a regular schedule to preserve energy, exercising to increase serotonin secretion that inhibits emotions, and meditating to observe and reflect on emotions.
His ability to control emotions far exceeded that of others, and he had enough confidence in his self-control. But why, in that instant, was he affected by Ellis’s emotional change?
A familiar song melody floated to mind: “Because of love, I won’t be easily sad~”
Xi Tian shook his head, suppressing the sentimental song, but his thoughts continued to wander.
Because of love?
Love is merely a romantic facade woven for reproduction, while marriage, in essence, is an exchange of benefits with reproduction as the ultimate goal.
Females contribute assets, males contribute time.
At least, that’s how it was in ancient times.
In the ancient times of female supremacy and male subordination, females were tall and strong, while males were comparatively delicate and physically weaker. Back then, families were often one female to many males. The females earned the wealth to support the family, while the males were their dependents, serving as exclusive incubation tools for the females.
Zerg female and male offspring are oviparous mammals, with the female carrying the eggs for four months, laying 1-3 eggs at a time, which are then incubated by the males for up to six months. During this period, it was hard for a single male to manage alone without enough help. Don’t expect the females to assist back then; they were considered the head of the family, and incubation was solely the males’ responsibility, as it would have been very embarrassing for the females to help.
However, over the past four hundred years, the status of males and females has undergone significant changes.
With technological advancements, the famous scientist Vaster invented the first incubator, freeing males from being confined at home for incubation and raising offspring. Subsequent inventions and creations emerged rapidly, and over the course of a century, males were liberated from the household and began to infiltrate various fields dominated by females.
This infiltration was not smooth initially; males were only active on the surface of these fields. It wasn’t until the rise of the Four Saints—Song Huishan in politics, Qi Xuan in the military, Liang Sen in commerce, and Chen Qiaoshen in scientific research—that real progress was made.
These four were of similar age, all males, and graduates of the only prestigious university on Zerg Star. They blazed trails in a world dominated by female insects. The Four Saints were immensely charismatic, adored by all insectoids, admired by females, and idolized by males. Wherever they went, crowds followed.
During the era of the Four Saints, Zerg Star experienced unprecedented prosperity. Numerous laws protecting males and children were established, regulations were perfected, commerce flourished, and colonial expansion occurred, leading to formal membership in the Star Alliance. It was a glorious era.
By the time the Four Saints passed away, the status of males and females had reached a balance. The families of the Four Saints—Song, Qi, Liang, and Chen—formed a new leadership group.
During a war with their archenemy, Catata Star, the use of a special weapon by the enemy brought back a disease that rapidly spread across Zerg Star. The number of offspring per female dropped significantly, and the age of first childbirth was delayed. Worse, the birth rate of males plummeted.
A group of visionary sociologists petitioned the government to address the issue of young, vigorous females unable to find mates (as single females were more prone to violence). After a decade of deliberation, a policy was enacted allowing one male to have multiple female consorts. Males, who were generally milder and weaker, were given full control over the lives of females to maintain social stability.
To this day, the four great families have retained their dominance, suggesting there may be some secret tradition passed down through the males. New families emerging over the past two centuries have followed this example, establishing a male-dominated society.
The groundwork laid by predecessors benefits later generations.
Male supremacy and female subordination work in Xi Tian’s favor, allowing him to do as he pleases, with only minor emotional disturbances. This is a small price compared to the restrictions females face from birth.
“Ding! Ding! Today’s news highlights:
The Star Alliance Security Council discusses the issue of exiled pirates; Zerg Star calls for increased efforts to combat pirates.”
The resource conflict in the H612 colonial system reignites, tensions between Zerg Star and Tartar Star persist.
…”
Listening to the timed news broadcast from the terminal speaker, Xi Tian decided to push his earlier thoughts aside.
He picked up the book on the table and a thick notebook that was already half-filled with writing, and took up his pen.
This was a travelogue introducing the customs and cultures of various countries, documenting a traveler’s personal experiences with the unique traditions of different places.
The outside world had always deeply attracted him, but he couldn’t travel far.
Under the protection of Zerg Star’s system, males were like greenhouse flowers, unable to withstand the elements. Zerg Star had been colonizing uninhabited planets for over a century. He could visit technologically advanced planets, but those with lower technological levels, other than the rough and hardy females, would pose a real challenge for males, who would find the lack of comfort unbearable.
He was well protected by this world, so why would he want to make things difficult for himself by going to such places to suffer?
Xi Tian took notes from the material, supplementing the indexed areas of the notebook with known content. Black ink flowed smoothly across the paper with the movement of the pen.
Yet, deep down, he still yearned for the moment when he could step out fearlessly, see the world, and experience it firsthand.
Author’s Note:
The character of the ‘gong’ (top) is inspired by the word “sensitive,” which means full of feeling and easily affected. The Chinese translation “敏感” (sensitive) would be more fitting, but I avoided it to prevent labeling the character as effeminate (like crying in the wind, being hysterical, unreasonable, etc.), so I changed it to “敏锐” (sharp). However, this change gives the impression of a ‘sharp’ top being emotionally stable, skilled, and incisive, which doesn’t fit my initial concept.
This ‘gong’ is not a perfect transmigrated male; he is a native of Zerg Star, a young man who deliberately avoids social interactions and needs to grow in many areas. So, don’t expect too much from him as he is now.
The title “浪荡子” (Wanderer) means someone who wanders aimlessly rather than being a flirtatious philanderer.
I have a bit of OCD, constantly changing things. Thank you for your patience.
Sincerely.