[{"content_id":4393,"novel_id":71,"chapter_no":1,"chapter_title":"Safe Word","content":"

\n [Loading Host Consciousness]\n

\n\n

\n [0%, 2%... 100%, Host consciousness fully loaded]\n

\n\n

\n [Host Name: Xie Yu.]\n

\n\n

\n [Loading Book]\n

\n\n

\n [Book Title: Bound Relations]\n

\n\n

\n [Book Genre: Modern, Danmei, Protagonist Abuse, Coercion, [Mosaic], [Mosaic], [Mosaic], Beep—Beep beep—]\n

\n\n

\n A harsh sound of electric current rang out.\n

\n\n

\n The System jammed for a moment. [The system has detected violating vocabulary and has automatically replaced it with mosaics for you.]\n

\n\n

\n After the mechanical voice coldly read this sentence, it stopped moving. Xie Yu rubbed his throbbing forehead and propped himself up to sit. With his movements, the bubbles eagerly rolled off him, and a large amount of water overflowed, leaving a puddle of water stains on the floor.\n

\n\n

\n He was lying in a bathtub.\n

\n\n

\n To be precise, he was lying in the luxurious bathtub of the top-floor suite in a lavish five-star hotel in Jiang City.\n

\n\n

\n The bathtub bubbles used essential oil extracted from Damascus roses, and a woody reed diffuser was lit in the bathroom. Even the floor was made of imported Macauba stone slabs. Looking out from the bathroom's huge floor-to-ceiling windows, one could overlook the city's borderline, taking in all the neon lights that merged into a large halo of warm yellow light.\n

\n\n

\n Xie Yu roughly estimated that the room rate for one night here would be over ten thousand.\n

\n\n

\n This body belonged to a rich second generation, and a top-tier one who squandered money like dirt at that.\n

\n\n

\n Xie Yu sat up straight in the bathtub, looking at the system interface, then reached out and poked the fluorescent blue panel in the void, which displayed dense text.\n

\n\n

\n "Is this the book I transmigrated into this time?"\n

\n\n

\n "Yes, Host, this is your novice mission."\n

\n\n

\n Xie Yu, a new employee of the Transmigration Administration, suffered sudden cardiac death one day. Just as his consciousness was dissipating, a system calling itself "System 55 for NPC Acting in Abusive Novels" approached him, saying that if he completed the NPC acting missions, it could resurrect him and return him to reality.\n

\n\n

\n Xie Yu didn't want to die, nor did he delve into the meaning of the string of mosaics behind the book title. He cleanly and decisively clicked agree, becoming System 55's host.\n

\n\n

\n After a bout of dizziness, he found himself lying in the hotel bathtub.\n

\n\n

\n System 55: "Plot loading complete. Does the host wish to review it?"\n

\n\n

\n Xie Yu put on a bathrobe and said, "Yes."\n

\n\n

\n The System loaded and turned the page. Silvery-blue specks of light trembled and transformed. A moment later, a rectangular novel-reading screen hovered in mid-air, displaying closely packed text.\n

\n\n

\n Xie Yu skimmed ten lines at a glance, getting the general idea.\n

\n\n

\n This was an old-school modern Danmei novel named "Bound Relations". The author had special fetishes, and the text was filled with a large number of indescribable scenes. Out of consideration for harmony and friendliness, they had all been mosaiced by the system.\n

\n\n

\n The protagonist of the novel was named Shen Ci. He was born into poverty; his parents died early, and he depended on his grandmother for survival. Fortunately, Shen Ci had excellent grades and was admitted to the best local university, A University. He also secured a postgraduate recommendation early on and selected his mentor. If everything went smoothly in the future, he would be a favored son of heaven with a successful career.\n

\n\n

\n The unforeseen event occurred during the year Shen Ci was about to graduate.\n

\n\n

\n His grandmother suffered from a chronic illness and needed to take medication year-round. To pay for the medical expenses, Shen Ci had been working part-time to fund his studies since he entered university. He worked as a tutor, organized the library, and did part-time jobs at milk tea shops. However, even if he only slept six hours a day and spent the rest of his time studying and working, this money was just a drop in the bucket compared to the massive treatment costs.\n

\n\n

\n And no matter how hard Shen Ci tried, his grandmother's condition never showed any improvement. It even deteriorated steadily, reaching the brink of being beyond medical help.\n

\n\n

\n And just when he could no longer afford the fees, the Student Affairs Department recommended a "big gig" to him.\n

\n\n

\n The city's top tycoon, Xie Yuanshan, had approached the Student Affairs Department, wanting to pick an outstanding student with good character and academics to act as a study companion for his incredibly stubborn and mischievous son.\n

\n\n

\n As a giant in the biopharmaceutical field, Xie Yuanshan's company had collaborative projects with overseas research institutes. One of their experimental drugs was recruiting volunteers and could be provided to patients free of charge, which might be effective for his grandmother's illness.\n

\n\n

\n However, the volunteer quota was limited, and it wasn't something anyone could just sign up for. Shen Ci hesitated for a moment, then accepted the gig.\n

\n\n

\n During this time, quite a few people advised him against it, saying that Xie Yuanshan's son had a vile personality and plenty of methods to torment people. If he really went, who knows how terribly he would be mistreated.\n

\n\n

\n But Shen Ci had no other choice.\n

\n\n

\n Xie Yuanshan's son, Xie Yu, was the top second-generation rich kid in Jiang City. He knew absolutely nothing about humanities, sciences, or arts, but was proficient in all forms of eating, drinking, and merrymaking. His daily life consisted of clubbing, bar-hopping, and racing. With his unruly and frivolous personality, the entire upper-class circle of Jiang City would shake their heads and sigh at the mention of him.\n

\n\n

\n Xie Yuanshan was busy with his business. Out of 385 days a year, he spent 300 days flying back and forth across the five continents. He wasn't close to his son and had no time to discipline him. That was why he thought of finding a good student to be his companion, at least to keep him somewhat in check.\n

\n\n

\n The companion he found was Shen Ci.\n

\n\n

\n Shen Ci had heard of Xie Yu's reputation and knew this young master was no pushover, but due to his financial straits, he still signed the contract with Xie Yuanshan.\n

\n\n

\n However, if a second-generation rich kid could be reformed just by a companion, he wouldn't be a second-generation rich kid.\n

\n\n

\n Xie Yu scoffed at this "study companion" and "little teacher" his old man had hired. On the day his old man went abroad, he cornered Shen Ci at the school gate and threw out another agreement.\n

\n\n

\n "Sugar Baby Agreement".\n

\n\n

\n It contained every minor detail, listing numerous personality-insulting conditions. Xie Yu even explicitly stated that he had some "special fetishes" that Party B needed to satisfy.\n

\n\n

\n Shen Ci gripped the contract, his hands trembling, while Xie Yu leaned against his car and warned him condescendingly: "You'd better think it through within three days."\n

\n\n

\n Shen Ci didn't say a word.\n

\n\n

\n Xie Yu didn't care about his silence, because Xie Yu knew that Shen Ci had no way to retreat.\n

\n\n

\n The time limit for the volunteer recruitment was exactly three days.\n

\n\n

\n No one knew what kind of struggle Shen Ci went through, staring vainly at the desolate four walls of his home, or how many times he crumpled his washed-out shirt. But on the last day of the three-day deadline, he still brought the agreement and came to Xie Yu's place.\n

\n\n

\n ...\n

\n\n

\n Xie Yu glanced at the time: "Right now is the third day?"\n

\n\n

\n System: "Yes. It is estimated that in one hour, the protagonist will knock on your door."\n

\n\n

\n Xie Yu: "Then I need to familiarize myself with the script first."\n

\n\n

\n With only one hour, time was tight, and Xie Yu had absolutely no acting experience. He hadn't even participated in high school English plays. But fortunately, he wasn't exactly a model student either. He usually slacked off, teasing cats and provoking dogs, which partially overlapped with the original owner's character setting. As long as he grasped the lines, the possibility of breaking character wasn't high.\n

\n\n

\n Xie Yu clicked to turn the page and read on absentmindedly.\n

\n\n

\n However, the moment he turned the page, his hand paused.\n

\n\n

\n [[Mosaic], [Mosaic]]\n

\n\n

\n [[Mosaic], [Mosaic]]\n

\n\n

\n Xie Yu's expression paused: "What is this?"\n

\n\n

\n Mosaics?\n

\n\n

\n He skipped these two lines and looked further back, but it was still large sections of mosaics.\n

\n\n

\n [Only to see Xie Yu [Mosaic], [Mosaic], [Mosaic].]\n

\n\n

\n [Shen Ci [Mosaic], [Mosaic].]\n

\n\n

\n [Xie Yu [Mosaic] Shen Ci [Mosaic], [Mosaic], Shen Ci [Mosaic], Xie Yu [Mosaic].]\n

\n\n

\n Xie Yu: "...?"\n

\n\n

\n He knocked on the system's floating screen: "System, did you get waterlogged? Are these two performing a duet skit here?"\n

\n\n

\n The bathroom was highly humid with a lot of water vapor. If moisture had entered the system's interior through some interface, it could indeed cause a display malfunction.\n

\n\n

\n The System paused for a moment: "As the latest technology of the Transmigration Bureau, I do not get waterlogged."\n

\n\n

\n Xie Yu pointed at the screen: "Then this?"\n

\n\n

\n The System beeped twice, feeling a bit guilty: "... Upon inquiry, this is a plot that needs to be shielded."\n

\n\n

\n Xie Yu: "Reason?"\n

\n\n

\n The System whispered: "It violates public order and good morals."\n

\n\n

\n Xie Yu: "..."\n

\n\n

\n What kind of damned book was this, to have so many shielded words violating public order and good morals appear within just a few short lines?\n

\n\n

\n Xie Yu vaguely felt that things were looking bad.\n

\n\n

\n He slid the cursor, checking the content in the middle and later parts of the novel. More than half of this book was mosaics, interspersed with some fragmented plots. With a mix of guessing and piecing things together, Xie Yu roughly figured out the original owner's subsequent storyline.\n

\n\n

\n As the villain NPC of the novel, he had to perform certain prohibited activities on the protagonist Shen Ci that violated public order and good morals so much that they couldn't be displayed. He was to abuse the protagonist physically and mentally, pushing him to the edge of a mental breakdown.\n

\n\n

\n In the later stages of the novel, Shen Ci suffered from a severe mental illness, forcing him to swallow large amounts of pills daily just to sustain his life. Yet even so, Xie Yu had no intention of letting him off. On the contrary, Shen Ci's cold attitude aroused Xie Yu's desire to conquer. He played increasingly viciously, abused him more ruthlessly, and almost caused fatal accidents several times.\n

\n\n

\n And half a year later, Xie Yuanshan returned to the country. He truly couldn't stand his son spending all day racing cars and clubbing with his fair-weather friends, idling his time away. Thus, he hauled Xie Yu abroad to study, and only then did Shen Ci finally get a chance to catch his breath.\n

\n\n

\n Another three years passed. Xie Yuanshan died of a sudden illness, and Xie Yu's uncle, Xie Yuanhai, took over the company. Meanwhile, Shen Ci, having lain dormant for years, entered the company after graduation and skyrocketed up the ranks, becoming Xie Yuanhai's trusted aide and the newly minted upstart of Jiang City.\n

\n\n

\n With Xie Yuanshan's passing, Xie Yu's living expenses were cut off. He returned to the country in a sorry state, only to be blocked at the airport by men sent by Shen Ci and detained back at the hotel. Afterwards, right in this hotel, in front of this huge floor-to-ceiling window filled with humiliating memories, Shen Ci broke Xie Yu's fingers, one by one.\n

\n\n

\n The former young master looked as pathetic as a stray dog. He screamed hoarsely, crying and begging for mercy. Shen Ci watched with cold eyes, then forged medical records, falsely claiming that Xie Yu had a mental illness. He had him confined in a psychiatric hospital, locked up year-round in a tiny ward, never to see the light of day.\n

\n\n

\n How could the original owner endure such a grievance? He first resisted fiercely and then tried to contact his former fair-weather friends. However, Shen Ci's control was so tight that it left him absolutely no opportunity. Eventually, he truly developed mental problems and went insane. After living in a muddled state for twenty years, he finally died in the psychiatric hospital.\n

\n\n

\n The plot had developed to this point, but the novel hadn't finished. However, Xie Yu's role had ended, so the system didn't display the subsequent parts.\n

\n\n

\n Xie Yu: "..."\n

\n\n

\n After digging through a pile of mosaics to piece together this little bit of remaining plot, Xie Yu's worldview was shaken. He pointed a finger at himself: "So, next, I have to play a mentally-challenged rich second generation, be mentally-challenged all the way, get my fingers chopped off, and ultimately spend twenty agonizing years in a psychiatric hospital?"\n

\n\n

\n ... If that was the case, his resurrection wasn't exactly a must-have.\n

\n\n

\n "No, no, no," 55 hurriedly explained. "When your fingers are being broken, I will block your pain perception system. You just need to act and pretend to be in a lot of pain. As for the time in the psychiatric hospital, you only need to come back and act when Shen Ci comes to visit. The rest of the time, you can live a normal life."\n

\n\n

\n Xie Yu nodded: "That's more like it."\n

\n\n

\n Looking at it this way, he only needed to be a top-tier rich second generation for a few years, finish the first half of the plot, then go abroad to sightsee and travel. He'd play an inconsequential background character in the second half of the plot, and then he could leave this world. This life was actually quite pleasant.\n

\n\n

\n ... The only problem was, he didn't know how to act out the first half of the plot.\n

\n\n

\n Xie Yu flipped through the short novel over and over again, yet he simply couldn't decipher a single line of dialogue from the pile of mosaics.\n

\n\n

\n He pointed at the screen: "This?"\n

\n\n

\n Without even any lines, how was he supposed to act?\n

\n\n

\n The System coughed: "Although I cannot violate the rules to display the original content of the novel, I can give a little hint."\n

\n\n

\n "Xie Yu's character setting is very thin. He's just an NPC in an abusive novel, set as an arrogant, domineering, and empty-headed second-generation rich kid. You just need to act in this direction. Your actions aren't strictly required to be identical to the novel."\n

\n\n

\n "As for this shielded content..."\n

\n\n

\n The System slightly jammed, the cursor jumping as if hesitating, and then, evasively, it typed two letters on the screen.\n

\n\n

\n "It's this."\n

\n\n

\n Xie Yu looked closely, and highly raised one of his eyebrows.\n

\n\n

\n "...?"\n

\n\n

\n Although he had never been in a relationship and wasn't deeply involved in this genre of novels, even if he hadn't eaten pork, he had seen pigs run. He still recognized these two letters.\n

\n\n

\n Xie Yu's eyebrow twitched slightly, trying to put up a dying struggle: "These two letters couldn't possibly mean what I think they mean, right?"\n

\n\n

\n The System ruthlessly snuffed out his fantasy: "That's exactly what they mean."\n

\n\n

\n Special fetishes... so this was the special fetish.\n

\n\n

\n Xie Yu: "..."\n

\n\n

\n According to the article's description, the original owner not only had special fetishes but also had professional methods. He could play with many tricks, playing so bloodily and perversely that the novel's mosaics were pasted thicker than a city wall. The entire piece was restricted-level.\n

\n\n

\n And although Xie Yu wasn't exactly a good student either—having skipped classes, gotten into fights, and even ridden motorcycles during his school days—if he really compared tricks with the original owner, he would pale significantly in comparison.\n

\n\n

\n "No way." Xie Yu closed the novel. "I'm afraid I can't do this. You'll have to find someone else."\n

\n\n

\n He admitted he wasn't as perverted as the original owner and couldn't act out the original owner's effect.\n

\n\n

\n The System was startled, its cursor flashing: "Then after the original owner goes offline, you won't be able to survive either."\n

\n\n

\n The condition given by the System was that he'd be resurrected in the real world after acting out the novel's content. If Xie Yu didn't complete the main quest, then after the novel ended, he naturally wouldn't be able to live anymore.\n

\n\n

\n Xie Yu spread his hands: "Then I still can't act it out."\n

\n\n

\n He thought it over. Living an extra dozen years as a rich second generation was already a profit. But asking him to play this kind of pervert, relying on his status to oppress the protagonist and playing out half a book's worth of restricted-level content, he found it disgusting himself.\n

\n\n

\n System: "..."\n

\n\n

\n Watching Xie Yu put on a trench coat, tie the belt, and look ready to grab his bag and leave, refusing to play along, it hurriedly spoke up: "Wait, wait, wait, Host, you don't have to replicate it 100%."\n

\n\n

\n Xie Yu turned back.\n

\n\n

\n "Because the book is mostly mosaics, it objectively limits the difficulty of completion. You only need to complete the key plot nodes, with a replication rate of over 50%, and that will be enough."\n

\n\n

\n Xie Yu: "Key plot nodes?"\n

\n\n

\n "Yes." The System explained, "For example, in this hotel scene with Shen Ci, you only need to play the original owner's character and make the protagonist feel the emotions of [Humiliation] and [Embarrassment]. You don't need to strictly follow every plot point. As for how to achieve these emotions, you can figure it out yourself."\n

\n\n

\n Xie Yu sat back down.\n

\n\n

\n 50% was acceptable.\n

\n\n

\n He had only a smattering of knowledge in this field and his understanding was limited. He could only frown and read through the novel, trying to analyze the original text's content. Before he could figure out anything, the doorbell rang.\n

\n\n

\n System cursor: "Shen Ci is outside the door."\n

\n\n

\n The one hour was up.\n

\n\n

\n Xie Yu nodded. He crossed his long legs on the sofa, finding a comfortable position, then slightly lifted his chin toward the door and said lazily: "Enter."\n

\n\n

\n There was a moment of silence outside. The door opened and closed. A young man pushed the door open and walked in, meeting Xie Yu's eyes before lowering his gaze to avoid them. Enduring the other party's critical and scrutinizing gaze, he took two steps forward and then stood still.\n

\n\n

\n To be fair, he was very good-looking.\n

\n\n

\n This future all-powerful big shot of Jiang City was still very young. His figure was on the thin side, but he was tall. He wore an old white shirt, its collar washed until it was worn and faded white. His lower garment was also a pair of faded trousers that had been worn for who knows how many years. His two legs encased in the trouser legs looked straight and slender, and the curves at his ankles were smooth and beautiful, very suitable for holding and playing with.\n

\n\n

\n Xie Yu raised an eyebrow: "Teaching Assistant Shen?"\n

\n\n

\n Shen Ci was a teaching assistant at A University, which was written on the resume submitted to Xie Yuanshan.\n

\n\n

\n At that time, when Xie Yu and Shen Ci first met, Xie Yuanshan was also present. He pressed down on Xie Yu's shoulders to introduce him: "Come, this is Teaching Assistant Shen."\n

\n\n

\n Xie Yu had been lawless since childhood. He didn't even use honorifics with his old man, let alone with Shen Ci. He blatantly scrutinized the new study companion, from his meticulous hair down to the slender ankle below his old trouser leg, until Xie Yuanshan frowned fiercely and scolded: "What are you spacing out for?"\n

\n\n

\n In front of an outsider, the original owner had to give his old man some face, so he raised an eyebrow and called out 'Teaching Assistant Shen'. But being forced by his dad to address someone, the second-generation rich kid couldn't swallow this anger. When he later delivered the "Sugar Baby Agreement" to Shen Ci, he also called him Teaching Assistant Shen, his words completely dripping with mockery.\n

\n\n

\n Hearing this title, Shen Ci didn't speak.\n

\n\n

\n Xie Yu raised his hand: "Where's the agreement?"\n

\n\n

\n Shen Ci paused and handed over the document in his hand.\n

\n\n

\n Xie Yu flipped through it. Indeed, Shen Ci's name was signed at the very end. The handwriting was vigorous and forceful, showing an unyielding character. And behind the agreement was a thick stack of documents. Xie Yu took a look; it was a medical examination report. Besides the general checks, the tests for syphilis and gonorrhea were blatantly ticked off.\n

\n\n

\n This was something the original owner had his men drag Shen Ci to do.\n

\n\n

\n Xie Yu thought to himself: 'How incredibly insulting.'\n

\n\n

\n Plundering by force aside, to actually demand the other party to prove their body was clean and disease-free just to have the qualification to be a plaything for the second-generation rich kid—no wonder Shen Ci went completely mad afterwards and directly sent the original owner to the psychiatric hospital.\n

\n\n

\n After Xie Yu verified there were no errors, he put the contract away to the side, raised his eyes to look at Shen Ci, and didn't speak for a long while.\n

\n\n

\n He was pondering how to proceed with the next step.\n

\n\n

\n The script gave no details, so he could only improvise. Xie Yu was just wording how to speak when he saw Shen Ci suddenly raise his hand, pull off his outerwear, and casually drape it over his arm.\n

\n\n

\n With his outerwear off, only a shirt remained inside. It was half-new and not too old. The buttons were buttoned up to the second one, firmly wrapping around his neck.\n

\n\n

\n Xie Yu: "?"\n

\n\n

\n Shen Ci didn't raise his eyes. He merely placed his hand on the buttons, gesturing to unbutton them.\n

\n\n

\n His fingers were slender, with thin calluses on the fingerpads. Right now, they were trembling uncontrollably. He was pressing down hard on a perfectly good button, trying to unbutton it several times without success.\n

\n\n

\n Shen Ci's movements were fast. His posture of taking off his clothes was more like peeling himself out of them rather than simply taking them off. His complexion looked calm and collected, and his expression was as composed as ever. But Xie Yu's gaze fell on his fingertips, which were clearly trembling.\n

\n\n

\n It seemed as though as long as he stripped fast enough, he could conceal his unease and awkwardness.\n

\n\n

\n Xie Yu sat up from the sofa: "You..."\n

\n\n

\n — Let's talk nicely, don't just start stripping right off the bat!\n

\n\n

\n Shen Ci raised his eyes. He had already half-taken off his top, revealing his waist and abdomen. A segment of the curve tucked inward at the waist, outlining the traces of his waist dimples. The only covering left on his upper body was the jacket draped over his arm. Seeing Xie Yu's action, he showed an expression akin to self-mockery and asked: "Is this not enough?"\n

\n\n

\n Xie Yu: "What?"\n

\n\n

\n Shen Ci chuckled softly: "The tools, do you want me to bring them over for you?"\n

\n\n

\n Xie Yu: "...?"\n

\n\n

\n Shen Ci gave a light scoff and walked straight to the hotel wardrobe. He neatly half-kneeled, pulled out a leather suitcase from inside, and asked: "Which one do you want to use?"\n

\n\n

\n Xie Yu: "Uh."\n

\n\n

\n In the silence, Shen Ci understood. He stood up, pulled that leather suitcase completely out of the wardrobe, placed it on the coffee table in front of Xie Yu, and mocked: "Going to use all of them?"\n

\n\n

\n This was a vintage-style leather suitcase with decorative clasps that weren't very sturdy and would spring open with a press. When Shen Ci placed it in front of Xie Yu, the clasps unlocked automatically, and the contents inside were spread out on the table, completely exposed to view.\n

\n\n

\n Xie Yu lowered his eyes, casually sweeping a glance, and almost failed to maintain his facial expression.\n

\n\n

\n He had never seen so many varieties of whips.\n

\n\n

\n Leather ones, fiber ones, multi-strand ones, loose ones, bizarrely shaped ones, ones with barbs... They simply looked like interrogation tools from Republican-era spy movies. Just by looking at them, Xie Yu could imagine how much they would hurt when hitting someone.\n

\n\n

\n These things, to be used on a human body???\n

\n\n

\n Xie Yu didn't speak, and Shen Ci didn't speak either. They just faced a suitcase full of things, locked in a silent stalemate. In this suffocating, dead silence, Shen Ci's fingers tightened more and more, almost digging into his flesh...\n

\n\n

\n "Teaching Assistant Shen, it's like this." Xie Yu glanced at him and spoke carefully: "I am a very professional enthusiast. Before proceeding to the next step, there is actually another procedure..."\n

\n\n

\n Shen Ci raised his eyes to look at him.\n

\n\n

\n With great difficulty, Xie Yu listed the few things related to "special fetishes" from his barren knowledge, weighing every word:\n

\n\n

\n "Uh, first of all, we need to have a safe word."\n

","published_time":"2026-05-24T00:00:00.000Z","paid":false,"show_flag":true,"show_scheduled_time":"2026-05-24T00:00:00.000Z","unpaid_scheduled_time":"2026-05-24T00:00:00.000Z"},{"content_id":4394,"novel_id":71,"chapter_no":2,"chapter_title":"Sharing a Pillow","content":"

\n "..."\n

\n\n

\n Shen Ci paused, furrowing his brows.\n

\n\n

\n In this kind of game, to prevent the dominant party from acting too aggressively and breaking the submissive party's bottom line, it was common practice to agree on a Safe Word in advance. When one person said the Safe Word, the other had to stop and end the game to ensure safety.\n

\n\n

\n But that was how ordinary people played.\n

\n\n

\n But who was Xie Yu? He was a top-tier second-generation heir in Jiang City, an arrogant eldest young master who had been domineering since childhood. When he played games, it was only ever when he got bored or tired of it that he would be the first to stop. How could there be any room for others to intervene?\n

\n\n

\n Shen Ci suspected whether this was just a new game Young Master Xie thought up on a whim. He fixed his gaze on Xie Yu's face, trying to find some clues from his expression. However, Xie Yu simply lay lazily on the sofa, his two long legs curled up casually, his expression calm, and even a smile playing at the corners of his lips. He looked exactly like a cynical second-generation heir, giving nothing away.\n

\n\n

\n Xie Yu let him stare: "How about it, does Teaching Assistant Shen have a word he likes?"\n

\n\n

\n Shen Ci withdrew his gaze and said flatly, "Up to you."\n

\n\n

\n "Up to me? Then I'll have to think carefully." Xie Yu propped his chin on his hand and casually glanced out the window. At this time, the sun was slanting to the west, and there was a patch of red-gold fiery clouds in the southwest.\n

\n\n

\n Although large parts of the original novel were mosaicked, some environmental descriptions remained. For example, when Shen Ci walked into the room, the author mentioned the view outside the floor-to-ceiling windows, saying, "the setting sun melted like gold, the evening clouds merged like jade," and when the two were sleeping, it was described as "the stars twinkling, the night growing thicker." That meant they were supposed to go at it from dusk until dark this time.\n

\n\n

\n It was just past six o'clock now, still about an hour before dark. He had to stall for some time.\n

\n\n

\n Xie Yu feigned deep thought, taking his time to choose.\n

\n\n

\n "Hmm, first of all, this word can't be too common, like 'no' or 'don't'. These are too frequent. If you say them, I won't be able to tell if you really can't take it anymore or if it's just foreplay. Secondly, the word can't be too complicated either, otherwise, when the time comes, you might not have the stamina to say it out loud. Hmm... we need to find a compromise."\n

\n\n

\n Shen Ci: "..."\n

\n\n

\n He uncomfortably rubbed his fingertips together.\n

\n\n

\n Xie Yu was happy to spout nonsense to stall for time. He kept a distance of several meters from Shen Ci, not overstepping a single bit, as conservative as a gentleman strictly abiding by the rules, yet the words coming out of his mouth were becoming increasingly out of tune. A Safe Word was obviously a private matter, but Xie Yu brought out the attitude of a student writing a thesis. This wasn't good, that wasn't good either, and he even had to eliminate them one by one, as if he weren't discussing a Safe Word with a pet, but naming a child.\n

\n\n

\n Xie Yu methodically analyzed, summarized, and concluded, finally deciding: "In short, we need a rarely used word with a short pronunciation."\n

\n\n

\n He raised his eyes to look at Shen Ci. "Teaching Assistant Shen, do you have any opinions?"\n

\n\n

\n Shen Ci: "..."\n

\n\n

\n Who would have opinions on this kind of thing?\n

\n\n

\n He didn't utter a single sound.\n

\n\n

\n Xie Yu wasn't surprised at all. The Shen Ci in the novel was just like this. He had a good-looking exterior, but his personality was extremely cold, and he was exceptionally unyielding. He never cooperated outside of the contract.\n

\n\n

\n And the original owner despised this aloof personality nurtured in the slums, determined to crush his unyielding nature and carve him into an ornament to hold and play with in his hands. That was why he tortured him over and over again.\n

\n\n

\n Since Shen Ci didn't speak, Xie Yu simply spoke for him. Young Master Xie looked around and his gaze landed on a porcelain vase in the hotel's glass cabinet. It was a blue-and-white Linglong pure vase with a quaint and slender shape. The body of the vase was wrapped with a circle of cyan lotus patterns, looking elegant and dignified. In terms of temperament, it was somewhat similar to the Shen Ci in front of him.\n

\n\n

\n So Xie Yu asked, "Porcelain, how about Porcelain? The pronunciation is simple, and it's not commonly used."\n

\n\n

\n Shen Ci remained silent. His gaze, originally focused out the window, now returned to Xie Yu's face, seemingly considering what new idea this second-generation heir had come up with now.\n

\n\n

\n Xie Yu leaned forward: "Speak."\n

\n\n

\n Shen Ci: "...Okay."\n

\n\n

\n Silence fell between the two of them once again.\n

\n\n

\n At this time, Shen Ci's shirt was half-off, with most of the buttons undone. His cold, white skin was exposed, breaking out in goosebumps. He didn't pull his clothes back up, but just stood there quietly like a lifeless commodity.\n

\n\n

\n Xie Yu glanced at the floor-to-ceiling windows.\n

\n\n

\n There were large swaths of flocculent fiery clouds in the sky. It was still twenty minutes away from sunset. He still needed to stall.\n

\n\n

\n Forcing a chat wouldn't work; he and Shen Ci didn't have any common topics and couldn't chat for twenty minutes. Estimating the time, Xie Yu simply took out his phone and made a call.\n

\n\n

\n An abrupt ringtone exploded in the room. Shen Ci trembled slightly and turned his head. Xie Yu got up, walked to the cabinet, and said something in a low voice. The bedroom was large, and they were far apart, so they couldn't hear everything clearly, but one could vaguely hear, "Right, right, right," and "Come to my room."\n

\n\n

\n Shen Ci, who had been standing properly, suddenly raised his head upon hearing this. He tightly gripped the hem of his shirt and looked at Xie Yu in disbelief.\n

\n\n

\n Xie Yu was still on the phone: "Right, right, right, 3501, the presidential suite on the top floor."\n

\n\n

\n He looked up and happened to see Shen Ci's deathly pale face, and couldn't help but ask, "What's wrong?"\n

\n\n

\n Shen Ci gripped his shirt hem so hard that the blue veins on his wrist were visible. He tried his best to steady his emotions: "No, no."\n

\n\n

\n Xie Yu asked: "No? No what?"\n

\n\n

\n Shen Ci closed his eyes, his figure tense, his body trembling slightly, even his fingertips beginning to shake. He looked embarrassed to the extreme: "...Just you, no multiples."\n

\n\n

\n At the same time, Xie Yu asked: "No green onions or no cilantro?"\n

\n\n

\n They looked at each other simultaneously.\n

\n\n

\n Xie Yu was bewildered: "Ah?"\n

\n\n

\n He was on the phone, and the person on the other end was also talking quite loudly, so he didn't hear what Shen Ci said clearly and pressed on, "Do you have dietary restrictions?"\n

\n\n

\n Xie Yu truly hadn't thought about multiplayer games. It was just that there were still twenty minutes left, and he felt that just wasting time together wasn't going to work, so he called the hotel to order room service, picking a few dishes according to his own tastes. It wasn't that he deliberately ignored Shen Ci's taste, he just figured that even if he asked, Shen Ci wouldn't tell him, so he simply ordered for him. Unexpectedly, Shen Ci directly opened his mouth to say no.\n

\n\n

\n Xie Yu didn't hear clearly, but he figured that Shen Ci was probably saying, "I won't eat."\n

\n\n

\n He thought to himself, 'As expected of a future big shot, the novel's protagonist. Even down and out like this, he's still quite picky.'\n

\n\n

\n In the novel, Shen Ci's family situation was poor. He usually ate in the cafeteria, only spending five or ten yuan. Things like tofu mixed with green onions, or water spinach with minced garlic—it was all leaves and grass, with not a trace of meat. Xie Yu thought he wasn't a picky eater and would eat whatever he was given.\n

\n\n

\n On second thought, he mused: 'But if he's picky, let him be picky. The original owner is wealthy and imposing; being a little picky with food isn't something he can't afford to raise.'\n

\n\n

\n Xie Yu handed the phone over. "Then you order."\n

\n\n

\n Shen Ci: "..."\n

\n\n

\n His expression was hesitant, but his tense muscles slowly relaxed. He silently took the phone. A sweet female voice came from the other end: "Hello, sir, what would you like to eat? Our hotel's French desserts are very famous, and the head chef has won many international honors. I highly recommend the black truffle mousse and the vanilla canelé..."\n

\n\n

\n Shen Ci felt it was absurd.\n

\n\n

\n He had been agonizing over how to overcome the humiliation and take off his clothes, yet the person on the other end was talking about black truffle mousse and vanilla canelé.\n

\n\n

\n The chattering recommendations on the phone were all expensive dishes. Shen Ci didn't reply immediately. He just looked at Xie Yu with a weird expression and asked a seemingly random question, "You're letting me eat?"\n

\n\n

\n Xie Yu: "Of course. Why wouldn't I?"\n

\n\n

\n This was a purely subconscious reaction, but as soon as the words left his mouth, he knew he had misspoken.\n

\n\n

\n Young Master Xie was picky and a slight germaphobe; he never allowed others to eat dinner before spending the night.\n

\n\n

\n However, the words had already been spoken, and Xie Yu couldn't swallow them back. He waved his hand, signaling Shen Ci to order.\n

\n\n

\n The staff member on the other end of the line was still chattering away with introductions. Shen Ci casually ordered two dishes and stopped speaking.\n

\n\n

\n Ten minutes later, the staff knocked on the door pushing a cart, setting a table full of food. Xie Yu motioned for Shen Ci to sit down and then started scrolling through the original owner's phone.\n

\n\n

\n The original owner was a wealthy playboy, and the circle he mingled with consisted of other wealthy playboys. His messaging app had a pinned group chat called F1 Group. At this time, it had 99+ new messages. Xie Yu tapped into it and saw someone was tagging him.\n

\n\n

\n He Zhiyuan: "@Young Master Xie, have you gotten your hands on that academic type you fancied yet?"\n

\n\n

\n He Zhiyuan: "How does it taste? Looks really good, that temperament, so aloof. I haven't done a prestigious university student before, Young Master Xie sure is lucky."\n

\n\n

\n He Zhiyuan: "When Young Master Xie gets tired of playing, let me have a taste too?"\n

\n\n

\n Xie Yu didn't speak.\n

\n\n

\n The friends of a second-generation heir were also a bunch of second-generation heirs, spouting foul words that were truly obnoxious. He was about to turn off his phone when another message popped up.\n

\n\n

\n Li Yang: "Yo, got a new target. Looks like Young Master Xie won't be logging onto the game tonight?"\n

\n\n

\n Only then did Xie Yu type: "Logging on."\n

\n\n

\n The group was full of wealthy second-generation fair-weather friends. Li Yang was considered one of the more normal ones. His hobby was playing games, and when he couldn't find teammates normally, he'd drag Xie Yu to play. And since Xie Yu was just worrying about not having anything to do tonight, he readily agreed.\n

\n\n

\n After eating his meal, he plugged in his earphones and lay on the sofa, ignoring everything else. He didn't spare a single glance at Shen Ci, fully engrossed in playing the game. He played until ten o'clock before yawning, getting up, and staggering to his feet.\n

\n\n

\n Shen Ci watched him walk into the bathroom.\n

\n\n

\n Through a layer of frosted glass, the sound of water rang out. Xie Yu washed up hastily and came out wrapped in a bathrobe. "You go take a shower."\n

\n\n

\n This was one of the few lines in the original text that hadn't been censored.\n

\n\n

\n He circled Shen Ci with his eyes, scanning him from head to toe. "You should know what to do."\n

\n\n

\n Shen Ci paused for a moment. He got up and walked into the bathroom, his face showing neither sorrow nor joy. Once the bathroom door closed, completely cutting off Xie Yu's line of sight, he leaned his back against the cold wall and silently closed his eyes.\n

\n\n

\n In this suite of over two hundred square meters, only this bathroom could temporarily contain Shen Ci's breakdown.\n

\n\n

\n But even so, he didn't dare to, and couldn't, delay for too long. After silently steadying his emotions, Shen Ci reached out to turn on the showerhead. Hot water cascaded down from above, pouring onto his skin. As the water sprayed, Shen Ci realized that the hand holding the showerhead was actually trembling.\n

\n\n

\n After all, the person sitting outside the door was definitely no saint.\n

\n\n

\n Eldest Young Master Xie Yu loved to play, and played particularly wildly. Everyone in the upper crust of Jiang City knew this, but Shen Ci had never come into contact with this circle before, nor had he ever thought he would be entangled with Xie Yu. All the achievements, pride, and even dignity he had accumulated along the way were as light as a piece of paper in front of Xie Yu, ready to be trampled underfoot at any time and ground into mud with his shoe.\n

\n\n

\n Separated by a wall, Xie Yu was looking through Shen Ci's physical examination report.\n

\n\n

\n According to the description in the novel, on the day the agreement was drafted, Xie Yu demanded that the other party go for a physical examination. Shen Ci didn't cooperate, working his part-time jobs and attending classes as usual. Xie Yu had someone directly park a Bentley right at the entrance of the laboratory, looking like he wouldn't let it go until he succeeded. This attracted many onlookers, and Shen Ci, unable to bear the harassment, reluctantly gave in and went to the hospital.\n

\n\n

\n As he flipped through it, he found it somewhat shocking.\n

\n\n

\n Shen Ci's physical condition was in a constant state of sub-health all year round. Insomnia, anemia... Xie Yu even suspected that a simple cold could become the last straw that broke the camel's back.\n

\n\n

\n "System," Xie Yu called out to the System while looking at the blood test data. "Are you sure the protagonist's physical condition can survive so many mosaics? Playing with these two letters won't turn into a murder scene, right?"\n

\n\n

\n System was nonchalant: "Don't worry, Host. Protagonists are very durable."\n

\n\n

\n He definitely wouldn't die. As for feeling pain... if the protagonist of an abusive protagonist novel didn't feel pain, would it still be an abusive protagonist novel?\n

\n\n

\n Xie Yu: "..."\n

\n\n

\n He cast a sidelong glance: "Damn, what kind of hellish organization is yours anyway?"\n

\n\n

\n A bunch of freaks?\n

\n\n

\n At this time, the sound of water in the bathroom stopped.\n

\n\n

\n Xie Yu stuffed the documents into the nightstand, closed the cabinet door securely, and pretended nothing had happened.\n

\n\n

\n Shen Ci put on his covering clothes, buttoned up to above his collarbone, and carefully smoothed out every wrinkle in the mirror—as if wrapping his body in the faded, pale fabric gave him a sense of security. Then he lowered his eyes and opened the door.\n

\n\n

\n Things having reached this point, avoiding it was meaningless.\n

\n\n

\n He took a deep breath, adjusted his expression to complete placidity, and only then walked to the bedside and looked at Xie Yu on the bed.\n

\n\n

\n Then, he froze.\n

\n\n

\n The imperious young master of the Xie Family was quietly burying his face in the quilt, half of his face rubbing against the pillow, revealing a fluffy head of hair. Stripped of his arrogant daytime demeanor, he actually looked quite gentle.\n

\n\n

\n He was asleep.\n

\n\n

\n Shen Ci stared blankly at Xie Yu's sleeping face. After a long silence, he walked to the bedside and raised his hand to turn off the main light.\n

\n\n

\n He sat down on the sofa to the side, leaned against the sofa cushion, and closed his eyes.\n

\n\n

\n And on the other side, Young Master Xie, who appeared to be sleeping soundly on the surface, was bargaining with the System.\n

\n\n

\n System: "Hmm, let me see. All non-mosaic lines have been performed. The protagonist feels humiliated and uneasy. Key task node completed. Base score 80... Deduct 40 points for adding extra non-essential lines... Overall evaluation 40 points."\n

\n\n

\n "Wait," Xie Yu interrupted. "What non-essential lines did I add?"\n

\n\n

\n System: "There's no Safe Word in the original text; this behavior violates the character setting."\n

\n\n

\n "It doesn't, right?" Xie Yu pondered. "I remember the original owner was an exceptionally 'professional' rich second generation when it came to special games?"\n

\n\n

\n System: "Yes."\n

\n\n

\n "Under normal circumstances, shouldn't a Safe Word be agreed upon in this game?"\n

\n\n

\n System: "...Yes?"\n

\n\n

\n "As a professional, he must possess the corresponding professionalism. Therefore, he should agree on a Safe Word?"\n

\n\n

\n System: "..."\n

\n\n

\n The System thought carefully, finally relenting: "Alright, then deduct twenty. You know, you shouldn't have asked Shen Ci about his dietary restrictions."\n

\n\n

\n There was indeed no arguing this point, so Xie Yu nodded in agreement.\n

\n\n

\n The two reached a consensus, and the System turned off its screen and shut down. After all this arguing, Xie Yu also felt a bit sleepy. He pillowed his head on his arms, calculating the subsequent plot, but suddenly heard a suppressed cough coming from the sofa nearby.\n

\n\n

\n By the moonlight, Xie Yu looked over.\n

\n\n

\n Shen Ci's forehead was pressed against the sofa cushion, his back tensed like a bow. One hand pushed against the backrest while the other gripped his throat, as if trying his best to suppress the sound in his throat.\n

\n\n

\n The sofa was a single-seater. Shen Ci had a slender, tall figure, so he could only draw his legs in, his posture like a curled-up shrimp. The temperature of the hotel's central air conditioning was set very low, and he was only wearing a thin shirt that was mostly soaked with sweat. At this moment, he was shivering violently, doing his utmost to suppress the sound in his throat, letting out only the slight bits he couldn't hold down.\n

\n\n

\n It must be very painful to swallow all the coughing sounds back down.\n

\n\n

\n Xie Yu hesitated about whether to pretend to be asleep, but felt the person nearby coughing more and more fiercely, his entire back tensed and trembling.\n

\n\n

\n Xie Yu: "..."\n

\n\n

\n He estimated the System's evaluation criteria, then reached out and clicked the bedside lamp on.\n

\n\n

\n Shen Ci's back stiffened.\n

\n\n

\n Xie Yu sat up and scolded with a cold face: "In the middle of the night, are you going to let people sleep or not?"\n

\n\n

\n Shen Ci lowered his eyes: "Sorry, I will restrain myself."\n

\n\n

\n "Restrain yourself my ass!" Xie Yu sized up Shen Ci, irritably grabbing a pillow. "Why are you on the sofa? Who told you to sleep on the sofa? Get up here."\n

\n\n

\n "..."\n

\n\n

\n Shen Ci paused, but ultimately said nothing. He half sat up and began to unbutton his shirt with lowered eyes.\n

\n\n

\n Xie Yu raised his eyelids: "What are you taking off? Just come up."\n

\n\n

\n Shen Ci stiffened. His fingers gripped his cuffs, his expression unreadable: "I don't have many good clothes."\n

\n\n

\n Xie Yu: "...?"\n

\n\n

\n He didn't understand the logic here, but saw Shen Ci give a self-deprecating smile and say, "Forget it, let it be."\n

\n\n

\n He got on the bed from the other side, kneeling on the mattress wearing only his shirt, seeming to wait for something.\n

\n\n

\n After a thousand twists and turns of thought, an unbelievable idea popped into Xie Yu's mind: 'He thinks I'm going to tear his clothes?'\n

\n\n

\n System popped out silently: "For the original owner, this is indeed standard procedure."\n

\n\n

\n Xie Yu: "..."\n

\n\n

\n He rolled over, turning his back to Shen Ci, and feigning a sleepy look, said impatiently, "I told you to get up here, so get up here. Coughing away in the middle of the night, noisy as hell. You ruined my sleep."\n

\n\n

\n Shen Ci paused, then immediately lay flat on the other side. This was a large bed nearly two meters wide. Xie Yu slept on one side alone, showing not the slightest intention of sleeping together with him. He hesitated whether to take the initiative to go over, but saw Xie Yu flip a section of the quilt backwards, covering him completely.\n

\n\n

\n Young Master Xie's sleep-talking-like voice rang out: "It's so late, go to sleep."\n

\n\n

\n Shen Ci paused.\n

\n\n

\n He clutched a corner of the quilt. The quilt was very large; even if they lay flat on opposite sides of the bed, drawing a clear line between them, it didn't feel crowded. The section thrown over him covered him loosely, still carrying Xie Yu's body heat, and was surprisingly very warm.\n

\n\n

\n He kept his body tense, waiting for Xie Yu's next instruction, but Xie Yu just rolled over, and the sound of heavy breathing followed.\n

\n\n

\n Xie Yu seemed to have fallen asleep again.\n

","published_time":"2026-05-24T00:00:00.000Z","paid":false,"show_flag":true,"show_scheduled_time":"2026-05-24T00:00:00.000Z","unpaid_scheduled_time":"2026-05-24T00:00:00.000Z"},{"content_id":4395,"novel_id":71,"chapter_no":3,"chapter_title":"Heavy Rain","content":"

\n Early the next morning, when Xie Yu got up to wash up, Shen Ci had already left.\n

\n\n

\n Before leaving, he put the props scattered on the floor back in their places and took away the coat on the sofa. The room was restored to be spotlessly clean, as if he had never been there last night.\n

\n\n

\n Xie Yu bit his toothbrush and flipped through the hotel's breakfast brochure, casually asking, "The eldest young master doesn't demand Shen Ci to stay and keep him company for breakfast?"\n

\n\n

\n The System said, "The eldest young master couldn't get up, and Shen Ci has a morning meeting and needs to go to the laboratory. You can flip through the agreement; their agreed-upon time doesn't include the morning."\n

\n\n

\n Xie Yu nodded.\n

\n\n

\n He wasn't considered a good student when he was in school. He would skip morning reading sessions whenever possible, and his grades were mediocre. He was the type of problem teenager who sat in the back row of the classroom. In his earlier years, he had even gotten his ears pierced and played around with motorcycles. In short, he and a serious, straight-A god like Shen Ci were not from the same world.\n

\n\n

\n He roughly flipped through the agreement, then tossed the booklet onto the sofa and asked the System, "Are there any arrangements for today?"\n

\n\n

\n "Yes." The System flipped through the novel. "There's a racing match today."\n

\n\n

\n The original owner was a top-tier second-generation rich kid who played quite extravagantly. Besides various unspeakable special fetishes, he also liked to play with race cars.\n

\n\n

\n Xie Yu nodded: "What are the key task nodes?"\n

\n\n

\n "First, you need to bring Shen Ci to attend the match, tell your circle that you bagged him, and have... uh, physical contact with him in front of your bad crowd."\n

\n\n

\n Hearing this ambiguous description, Xie Yu knew immediately that it was mosaic content again.\n

\n\n

\n But the mosaic was exactly where he could maneuver.\n

\n\n

\n Xie Yu nodded: "What else?"\n

\n\n

\n "Similarly, you need to make the protagonist feel embarrassed and uneasy. The key points of the task are: declaring sovereignty, verbal teasing, forced physical contact, and humiliation."\n

\n\n

\n The plot focus of an abusive novel is always similar. Xie Yu nodded to show his understanding. The racing match was scheduled for 2:30 in the afternoon. Heading over just after lunch fit perfectly within the time agreed upon in the contract.\n

\n\n

\n He called Shen Ci: "Alright, I'll let the protagonist know."\n

\n\n

\n In the laboratory, Shen Ci took off his gloves and turned on the water valve.\n

\n\n

\n The laboratory gloves were made of rubber and were unbreathable. After firmly wrapping the skin for several hours, taking them off now revealed a thin layer of sweat covering his knuckles. Under the bright lighting of the lab, contrasting with his cold, pale skin, it looked like a layer of glaze over porcelain.\n

\n\n

\n As water flowed over his fingers, Shen Ci wiped them with a towel. At this moment, the phone in his pocket vibrated slightly, and the screen lit up. Shen Ci paused, but ignored it. Instead, he thoroughly washed and dried his hands before raising his eyes to look at Li Yue and Han Yunyun: "Remember to keep an eye on the temperature of the incubator, record the experimental data every twenty minutes, and if there's anything wrong, please contact me immediately."\n

\n\n

\n These two were his juniors in the laboratory, freshmen who had just joined this year and were unclear about many procedures. The two nodded like chicks pecking at rice: "Okay, Senior Brother Shen."\n

\n\n

\n Shen Ci waved them off to do their own tasks. Han Yunyun took two steps before turning back. "By the way, Senior Brother, there's a conference next week. The professor wants you to attend."\n

\n\n

\n Shen Ci nodded.\n

\n\n

\n Li Yue added, "The advisor said this conference is quite important and wants you to dress a bit nicer."\n

\n\n

\n Shen Ci paused, his expression unchanged: "Mhm."\n

\n\n

\n He didn't have any nice clothes.\n

\n\n

\n At this moment, the phone in his pocket vibrated again. Han Yunyun pointed at it. "Senior Brother, you have a call."\n

\n\n

\n Shen Ci glanced at the caller ID, stopping his movements the instant he saw the name clearly. The fluorescent blue screen of the phone reflected in his pupils, looking like a deep, freezing pool.\n

\n\n

\n Han Yunyun watched from the side, cautiously calling out, "Senior Brother?"\n

\n\n

\n Shen Ci turned off his phone, his expression remaining cold and devoid of emotion. He simply said, "Something came up. I'm heading out for a bit."\n

\n\n

\n With that, without waiting for Han Yunyun to reply, he directly pushed open the glass partition door and walked quickly down the corridor, disappearing from sight.\n

\n\n

\n Han Yunyun watched him leave and muttered softly, "Does Senior Brother seem a bit weird today? What could be so urgent that he can't tell us? In the past, if there were Student Affairs Department activities or meetings, Senior Brother would always let us know beforehand."\n

\n\n

\n Shen Ci truly had no way to tell the two of them.\n

\n\n

\n The weather today was gloomy and misty, looking like it was about to rain. Yet, he detoured all the way outside the courtyard. Only when the laboratory windows were far behind him, ensuring that Li Yue and Han Yunyun couldn't hear any sounds from here no matter what, did he unlock his phone.\n

\n\n

\n Two missed calls, both from Xie Yu.\n

\n\n

\n According to Young Master Xie's temper, letting the phone ring three times consecutively without answering was a heinous crime.\n

\n\n

\n Shen Ci stood at the entrance of the laboratory building, his lips pressed into a straight line. He didn't want to call back, but the screen lit up, and Xie Yu called again.\n

\n\n

\n "Hello," Young Master Xie's casual voice came through. "Why didn't you answer my calls?"\n

\n\n

\n Shen Ci: "...I was doing an experiment and didn't hear it."\n

\n\n

\n Xie Yu let out a laugh: "Really doing an experiment or faking it?"\n

\n\n

\n Shen Ci lowered his eyes: "...Really doing it."\n

\n\n

\n Not answering the phone because he was busy with an experiment was certainly not a good excuse, but if Young Master Xie wanted to make things difficult for him, he wouldn't need any excuses anyway.\n

\n\n

\n However, while his whole body was tense, Xie Yu had merely asked casually. After a simple greeting, Xie Yu opened the novel and read his lines to Shen Ci: "I have a racing match in the suburbs. You need to go with me. I'll pick you up at the laboratory building at two o'clock this afternoon."\n

\n\n

\n This was the original owner's condescending young master demeanor. He wouldn't ask Shen Ci if he had time or if it was convenient; he just stated that he was coming, and Shen Ci had to wait.\n

\n\n

\n Fortunately, there were only routine experiments in the afternoon and no crucial meetings. If he hurried up in the morning, he could finish them before leaving.\n

\n\n

\n In the few seconds he paused, Xie Yu spoke again: "Answer me."\n

\n\n

\n Shen Ci could only say: "Okay."\n

\n\n

\n The other party hung up.\n

\n\n

\n Expressionless, Shen Ci put away his phone and walked back toward the laboratory. When he reached the end of the corridor, separated by a layer of misty frosted glass, he suddenly lightened his footsteps and paused at the door.\n

\n\n

\n Separated by a wall, Li Yue and Han Yunyun were gossiping.\n

\n\n

\n Both were newly admitted freshmen, youthful, vibrant, and energetic. Han Yunyun, in particular, loved reading gossip on the school forum. In just the two months since joining, she had already thoroughly figured out who the prominent figures on campus were. Every time Shen Ci returned to the laboratory, he could hear her and Li Yue chatting idly about which department and class had handsome guys, which counselor got together with which professor, and so on.\n

\n\n

\n But this time, the subject of the gossip was a bit special.\n

\n\n

\n Han Yunyun: "Speaking of which, did you see the Bentley that came to pick up Senior Brother Shen Ci that day?"\n

\n\n

\n The day Xie Yu had someone escort Shen Ci for a medical checkup, his subordinate had driven a Bentley to the school.\n

\n\n

\n The original owner didn't like old-school business cars like Bentleys; he preferred flashy luxury sports cars. However, when his subordinates handled errands, they didn't drive the young master's favorites; they just brought the Bentley.\n

\n\n

\n Li Yue recognized the car brand: "I saw it. I think it was a Bentley Bentayga, a car worth over three million."\n

\n\n

\n He muttered: "But isn't Senior Brother Shen from a poor family background, relying entirely on scholarships? He barely orders meat when he goes to the cafeteria, strictly eating vegetarian. Would he have a friend who drives such a nice car?"\n

\n\n

\n Han Yunyun: "Speaking of this, there's a rumor on the forum that the eldest young master of the Xie Family..."\n

\n\n

\n Gossip spread fastest in the school. Not to mention, Xie Yu had always been ostentatious. There were quite a few second-generation rich kids in Jiang City who recognized his cars, and there were many at A University as well. Someone had seen the Bentley's license plate, and catching wind of it, some rumors were already circulating on the forum.\n

\n\n

\n Han Yunyun said a few more words, and Li Yue, seemingly startled by something, raised his voice: "No way. Senior Brother Shen is so aloof and proud, how could he..."\n

\n\n

\n At that moment, the door lock beeped.\n

\n\n

\n This sound was practically like a death warrant. Both of them shuddered simultaneously, and the room became deathly quiet.\n

\n\n

\n Shen Ci pushed the door open and entered without even looking at his junior brother and sister. He stood in front of the experimental bench and put his gloves back on. His slender fingers were wrapped in rubber, faintly revealing the outline of his joints: "Have you recorded the data from just now?"\n

\n\n

\n Han Yunyun's heart skipped a beat: "R-recorded."\n

\n\n

\n She stealthily checked Shen Ci's expression. Seeing that his brows were calm and everything was as usual, she emboldened herself and asked awkwardly, "S-Senior Brother? When did you get back?"\n

\n\n

\n Shen Ci's expression was aloof: "Just now."\n

\n\n

\n He didn't continue the topic. Taking out the reagents he needed to use and categorizing them, he added, "I have to go out at 2:00 PM. I'll finish the work this morning, and you two can watch over things in the afternoon."\n

\n\n

\n "Ah?" Li Yue hesitated: "Finish it all in the morning?"\n

\n\n

\n Han Yunyun also said: "The workload is a bit heavy, isn't it? Senior Brother, are you skipping lunch?"\n

\n\n

\n Without even lifting his head, Shen Ci replied: "Mhm."\n

\n\n

\n The atmosphere became gloomy for a while, and no one spoke again.\n

\n\n

\n After lunchtime passed, Han Yunyun and Li Yue left one after another. Shen Ci kept track of the time to rush through the experiment. Looking at his watch, it was ten minutes to two.\n

\n\n

\n By now, the sky had turned gloomy. Through the glass windows, a dark, oppressive mass could be seen in the distance. The smell of moisture filled the air, making even the inside of the laboratory unbearably stuffy. Judging by the sky, it looked like a heavy downpour was imminent.\n

\n\n

\n Shen Ci pressed against his throbbing forehead. Skipping lunch compounded with hypoglycemia made him feel dizzy. However, if he were to pass out in front of Xie Yu, he didn't want to know what the consequences would be.\n

\n\n

\n After hesitating for a moment, he still went to the school's small supermarket to buy a cheap bar of chocolate.\n

\n\n

\n Since it was right after mealtime, students were buying snacks in groups, making the checkout line slightly crowded. By the time he paid and came out, there were only three minutes left.\n

\n\n

\n Xie Yu's text message arrived right on time: "I'm here, downstairs at your building."\n

\n\n

\n For Xie Yu, arriving at the agreed destination three minutes early was basic courtesy. If he wasn't afraid of breaking character, he would usually arrive ten minutes early. But for Shen Ci, this felt more like a signal of the young master's dissatisfaction.\n

\n\n

\n He pinched the small bar of chocolate in his palm and took a shortcut back. This path was sparsely populated and went through the school's birch forest. Halfway there, a strong wind suddenly picked up, making the birch trees rustle loudly.\n

\n\n

\n Autumn weather changed particularly fast, often sunny in the morning and rainy in the afternoon. The dark clouds that had been gathering overhead for so long were split open by a streak of silver-white lightning. In the next second, before Shen Ci even had time to react, a torrential downpour arrived right on cue.\n

\n\n

\n In late summer and early autumn, this rain was surprisingly cold.\n

\n\n

\n He didn't have an umbrella and nowhere to take shelter, getting completely soaked from head to toe. Rainwater continuously rolled down his shirt, causing the fabric to stick entirely to his body.\n

\n\n

\n His phone vibrated again, and Xie Yu asked: "It's raining. Where are you?"\n

\n\n

\n Without time to think much, Shen Ci hurried to the laboratory building. Sure enough, he saw a silver-gray Bentley parked downstairs, featuring a waterfall grille and two rows of matrix headlights. A small window was rolled down. Young Master Xie sat in the driver's seat, resting his forehead on one hand with a lollipop in his mouth, scanning the passing crowd through the glass, seemingly waiting very impatiently.\n

\n\n

\n The original owner smoked, but Xie Yu didn't. Having a lollipop in his mouth was just to maintain the character setting.\n

\n\n

\n At this time, it was exactly two o'clock, which was also the time for students to return to the laboratory. People were coming and going in the building. Li Yue and Han Yunyun walked over from the dormitory side and recognized Shen Ci from a distance. Seeing his disheveled state, Han Yunyun couldn't help but be taken aback: "Senior Brother, do you not have an umbrella?"\n

\n\n

\n Before she could finish her sentence, the Bentley's doors unlocked, and Xie Yu rolled down his window halfway.\n

\n\n

\n Caught in the middle between them, Shen Ci felt his whole body go stiff and cold.\n

\n\n

\n Xie Yu didn't know Li Yue and Han Yunyun: "What are you staring blankly for? Aren't you cold? Get in."\n

\n\n

\n Shen Ci pursed his lips, ignoring Li Yue and Han Yunyun, and got into the car right in front of them.\n

\n\n

\n Once he was inside, Xie Yu rolled up the window, leaving a small gap for air, and asked, "What happened?"\n

\n\n

\n Shen Ci was soaking wet all over, his face pale and lips turning blue. Rainwater dripped down from his hair, and his clothes clung tightly to his body, making him look rather pitiful.\n

\n\n

\n Xie Yu only glanced at him once before looking away.\n

\n\n

\n The wet shirt clinging to his body perfectly outlined a section of his waistline. The curve of his waist dimples was smooth and beautiful, very suitable to be wrapped around and held in the palm to play with. The fabric of the clothes was also sheer, a thin layer that teased without fully exposing, exuding an allure like a beauty half-hiding her face behind a pipa. With just one look, Xie Yu saw everything he should and shouldn't see.\n

\n\n

\n He coughed: "How did you get yourself into this state?"\n

\n\n

\n Shen Ci: "I just happened to get caught in the rain."\n

\n\n

\n Through the layer of glass, he raised his eyes to look out the window. Li Yue and Han Yunyun were still standing rigidly in front of the laboratory building, hesitating over whether they should come over and ask.\n

\n\n

\n Xie Yu gave an "Mhm," and reached out to open the front storage compartment. "Your shirt is soaked through. Take it off first."\n

\n\n

\n Shen Ci had caught a chill and coughed just from having the air conditioner on last night. If he was wrapped in wet clothes for the whole trip, Xie Yu wouldn't even need to go watch the racing match; he could just send him straight to the hospital.\n

\n\n

\n As soon as he finished speaking, Shen Ci abruptly paused, looking over in disbelief. His body tensed up, his nails digging almost into his flesh. He just stared at Xie Yu, unmoving for a long time.\n

\n\n

\n Xie Yu continued rummaging through: "What's wrong?"\n

\n\n

\n Shen Ci asked hoarsely: "Here?"\n

\n\n

\n "Ah?" His voice was too quiet, and Xie Yu didn't hear clearly. He continued digging in the storage box, seemingly reaching for something deep inside.\n

\n\n

\n Shen Ci paused for a long time before raising his eyes in a panic.\n

\n\n

\n Separated by a thin layer of one-way glass, people were coming and going outside the laboratory building. Young men and women weaved through the campus, talking and laughing, as if they were in a completely different world from the inside of the car.\n

\n\n

\n Shen Ci stared blankly out the window. Li Yue and Han Yunyun were still under the eaves. Han Yunyun held an umbrella in her hand, and Li Yue had dug out the towel he prepared for playing basketball in the afternoon, seemingly wanting to bring it over to him.\n

\n\n

\n The glass was a one-way mirror, but a ventilation gap had been left in the rear window. If the two changed their angle, they would be able to see inside the car.\n

\n\n

\n Shen Ci lowered his eyes.\n

\n\n

\n The silence in the car was so dead that for a moment, the only sound was Xie Yu rummaging for things.\n

\n\n

\n In the silent stalemate, Shen Ci seemed to have thought of something. His face turned ghastly pale, and his fingers trembled uncontrollably. A moment later, seeing that Xie Yu had no intention of relenting in the slightest, he silently reached out for his buttons. One, two... His cold, pale skin was exposed to the air, breaking out in a layer of fine goosebumps.\n

\n\n

\n By the time he got to the last few buttons, his shirt clinging precariously to his body, Shen Ci closed his eyes completely.\n

\n\n

\n But the next moment, something soft came down right over his head. It was thick and heavy, completely covering him.\n

\n\n

\n Shen Ci was stunned, subconsciously reaching out to touch it, and grabbed a handful of fluff.\n

\n\n

\n It was a thick blanket.\n

\n\n

\n Xie Yu turned the heater to the maximum, pulled the fleece blanket out of the storage compartment, and draped it over Shen Ci's head, saying, "Hurry up and dry off. Looking like this, how am I supposed to take you out to see people?"\n

\n\n

\n This was the original owner's tone.\n

\n\n

\n Shen Ci didn't speak, as if he hadn't processed it yet. His wet hair stuck to the side of his ears, and only his eyes peeked out from the fluff, looking at him fixedly, a bit dazed.\n

\n\n

\n Xie Yu: "What are you staring blankly for? Wipe yourself off."\n

\n\n

\n He had been quite frightened by Shen Ci's medical checkup report. It was no exaggeration to say that with Shen Ci's constitution, a simple cold could quickly develop into pneumonia, leading straight to hospitalization, the ICU, and if more serious, straight to the crematorium. Xie Yu would still act his part in the places indicated by the plot, but in situations like this not mentioned in the novel, he didn't dare let the protagonist freeze.\n

\n\n

\n Seeing Shen Ci not moving, Xie Yu simply took the blanket and ruffled it roughly over his wet hair.\n

\n\n

\n Outside the window, Han Yunyun was walking into the laboratory when she turned her head. Positioned exactly at that gap, she caught a glimpse of the scene inside the car.\n

\n\n

\n She saw that on the spacious car seat, their senior brother was sitting in the passenger seat, tightly wrapped in a thick blanket, with only a small portion of his head exposed. In the driver's seat was a tall, handsome young man wearing a Patek Philippe with an azure blue dial on his wrist, which looked extremely valuable just from a glance. At this moment, he had casually pushed the watch up his wrist, holding a blanket with both hands as he leaned over to rub their senior brother's head, drying his hair. His brown pupils refracted scattered spots of light, and his peach blossom eyes were brimming with a smile.\n

\n\n

\n Looking at it, he actually seemed quite gentle.\n

","published_time":"2026-05-24T00:00:00.000Z","paid":false,"show_flag":true,"show_scheduled_time":"2026-05-24T00:00:00.000Z","unpaid_scheduled_time":"2026-05-24T00:00:00.000Z"},{"content_id":4396,"novel_id":71,"chapter_no":4,"chapter_title":"Racing","content":"

\n Xie Yu only rubbed his head once before letting go, issuing a concise command: "Wipe."\n

\n\n

\n Shen Ci held onto the blanket. The soaking wet shirt was placed aside. He wiped the water off his body and watched Xie Yu turn the air conditioning knob. Warm air surged in, and the inside of the car instantly warmed up.\n

\n\n

\n Having done all this, Xie Yu turned the steering wheel to the right. The Bentley carved a beautiful arc in the rain. The two rows of matrix headlights turned on as it merged onto the main road.\n

\n\n

\n Shen Ci sat in the passenger seat wrapped in the blanket, not saying a word. He occasionally glanced at Xie Yu from the corner of his eye and quickly looked away, no one knowing what he was thinking.\n

\n\n

\n Xie Yu: "Not going to ask where we're going?"\n

\n\n

\n Shen Ci: "Where are we going?"\n

\n\n

\n Xie Yu said, "We were originally going racing, but now we have to go buy you some clothes first."\n

\n\n

\n He cast a critical glance at the shirt Shen Ci had taken off, sneered, and said, "Taking you out in this kind of cheap street-stall trash will only make me lose face."\n

\n\n

\n The System required him to make Shen Ci feel humiliated. Based on Xie Yu's experience, a good student like Shen Ci had a lofty personality and high self-esteem. As could be seen from his meticulous attention to the details of his clothes, which were washed until they faded to white, even if he was poor, Shen Ci tried his best to maintain his outward appearance. He couldn't stand others exposing his shortcomings. By pointing it out directly, Xie Yu was certain he would feel embarrassed.\n

\n\n

\n He couldn't get physical, so he could only speak a bit more harshly to barely maintain his character persona.\n

\n\n

\n Sure enough, Shen Ci turned his head to look at him with an unreadable expression, not saying a word.\n

\n\n

\n Xie Yu didn't expect him to speak either. He drove into the mall's underground parking lot, slammed on the brakes to a steady stop, pulled out the car key, got out of the car, and said, "With your miserable look, just don't get out. Give me your measurements."\n

\n\n

\n Shen Ci raised his eyes and slowly reported three numbers.\n

\n\n

\n Xie Yu rolled the numbers over his tongue and unnaturally glanced at Shen Ci's waistline, thinking to himself, 'Is it really that thin?'\n

\n\n

\n Although he had already seen it on the first day, Xie Yu considered himself a gentleman. He had only glanced at it before looking away. Now hearing the exact measurements, he couldn't help but click his tongue: "As expected of a protagonist from a smut novel, his figure is truly up to standard."\n

\n\n

\n He went upstairs and walked around the brand stores the original owner used to frequent. The original owner was wealthy and overbearing, never looking at the price when picking clothes, so Xie Yu didn't look either. He scanned the store and pointed out all the ones that were decent. Finally counting out over a dozen pieces, he snapped his fingers and told the clerk to wrap them up, deliver them to the parking lot, and put them in the backseat.\n

\n\n

\n He sat back in the driver's seat and lifted his chin to signal Shen Ci: "Pick one and change into it."\n

\n\n

\n Shen Ci reached out to grab one. The boxes in the back row were all uniformly stamped with black gold. Inside, they were lined with velvet and wrapped in release paper. He pulled out a shirt with a pointed collar, straight sleeves, and tight, strong stitching. It was an old European gentleman's cut, and just by touching it, he knew it was made of excellent material.\n

\n\n

\n Shen Ci looked at Xie Yu: "For me?"\n

\n\n

\n Xie Yu sneered: "Would I make you buy it? Could you even afford it?"\n

\n\n

\n He ignited the engine and said in dissatisfaction, "Fasten your seatbelt, we're going to be late."\n

\n\n

\n Shen Ci buckled up and turned to look at Xie Yu. Young Master Xie's handsome brow, framed against the curtain of rain, was actually quite cold and stern. With a click as the seatbelt locked in place, Xie Yu turned the steering wheel, and the Bentley revved up, charging into the pouring rain.\n

\n\n

\n The racing track was located in the suburbs of Jiang City, about a 40-minute drive from A University, near a scenic spot. There was also a thousand-acre golf course nearby. The rich enclosed large tracts of land in this area where every inch of soil was worth its weight in gold. They scraped away the native vegetation completely and replaced it with various rare and precious flowers and trees, euphemistically calling it "original ecology and pure nature" for their entertainment and leisure.\n

\n\n

\n By the time Xie Yu arrived, the rain had lightened, leaving only a few faint, drifting drizzles. He drove the car to the parking lot and parked it properly. From a distance, he saw a person standing at the entrance.\n

\n\n

\n He Zhiyuan had a cigarette dangling from his mouth, his arm around a female companion, chatting and laughing. Seeing Xie Yu, he waved his hand, took a cigarette from his pocket, and offered it: "Young Master Xie is quite late. Want a smoke?"\n

\n\n

\n Xie Yu pushed his hand away: "I haven't been in good health lately, I quit."\n

\n\n

\n The original owner liked to smoke, but when the System signed the contract, it brought him over directly. This was Xie Yu's own body, and he didn't have this habit.\n

\n\n

\n He Zhiyuan looked him up and down: "That's a rare thing. Looking at how tall and long-legged you are, you don't look like you're in bad health at all."\n

\n\n

\n Xie Yu said, "It's an internal issue, you can't tell from the outside." He glanced behind He Zhiyuan, changing the subject, "Who's this pretty girl? Aren't you going to introduce us?"\n

\n\n

\n He Zhiyuan pushed the girl behind him forward to introduce her: "Oh, Lin Yin, my girlfriend. She plays the flute at the music academy, please take good care of her."\n

\n\n

\n The girl had bright, expressive eyes and wore light makeup. She greeted him reservedly.\n

\n\n

\n Xie Yu nodded in acknowledgement, exchanging pleasantries: "Since she's Zhiyuan's girlfriend, I will naturally look out for her."\n

\n\n

\n Lin Yin smiled along. After greeting him, she sensibly took a step back, leaving space for the two of them.\n

\n\n

\n Although he called her his girlfriend, she was actually just a temporary female companion. He Zhiyuan swung both ways and always brought a companion whenever he came out to play. Moreover, this person's tastes varied. A while ago, he liked mature men and women in the entertainment industry with fiery red lips. Later, he also hit on streamers, preferring the youthful and young ones. Recently, he felt those lacked challenge, so he changed his temperament and started wanting to play with cultured intellectuals who had a scholarly air, which was why he got together with a good girl from the music academy.\n

\n\n

\n When it came to scholarly air among those present, the number one wasn't Lin Yin, but Shen Ci from A University.\n

\n\n

\n Although He Zhiyuan was holding onto Lin Yin, he tilted his head and stared straight behind Xie Yu: "And this one? Young Master Xie isn't going to introduce him?"\n

\n\n

\n In the book, this He wasn't a decent person. Xie Yu didn't have the slightest intention of introducing Shen Ci to him, so he lightly changed the topic: "An unimportant person. He looks good, so I brought him along for fun... Why are we standing around at the door? Aren't we going in?"\n

\n\n

\n He Zhiyuan sighed: "We're waiting for Zhou Yang, aren't we? That kid just bought a new limited edition motorcycle and insisted on riding it over."\n

\n\n

\n There were cliques among the playboys too. Xie Yu, He Zhiyuan, and Zhou Yang were all famous playboys in Jiang City, considered a small group of birds of a feather.\n

\n\n

\n After a while, the roar of a motorcycle came from far down the road. A figure wearing a helmet and a black windbreaker sped off the main road, then drifted right in front of them and braked to a stop.\n

\n\n

\n Xie Yu used to play with motorcycles too, but his was mid-priced. Even though it wasn't cheap, there was still a gap between his and a real second-generation rich's. Zhou Yang's ride was a modified flagship model of MV Agusta. With a single retro round headlight, streamlined body, and painted in deep red lacquer, it was flashy and beautiful.\n

\n\n

\n Zhou Yang took off his helmet and got off the bike. Seeing Xie Yu looking at his motorcycle, he laughed: "Just got it, cool, right?"\n

\n\n

\n Xie Yu said sincerely: "Cool. Lend it to me for a ride later."\n

\n\n

\n Zhou Yang: "Easy."\n

\n\n

\n He didn't bring a companion. He pulled Xie Yu and He Zhiyuan inside.\n

\n\n

\n This was a very standard racing venue. Stands were set up on all four sides of the track, divided into A, B, C, and D zones. As this was an internal gathering organized by the second-generation rich, there were very few spectators in the stands.\n

\n\n

\n Xie Yu looked around and asked, "Where are we sitting?"\n

\n\n

\n Hearing this, He Zhiyuan gave him a strange look: "You're sitting? The race is about to start. Aren't you going to your car?"\n

\n\n

\n Xie Yu paused.\n

\n\n

\n His tone was subtle: "I'm going to the car?"\n

\n\n

\n He Zhiyuan walked straight towards the track and said matter-of-factly, "Of course to the car... Are you tired and need to rest? Then you can go to the racers' lounge and sit for a bit, but the previous race is almost over, so be quick."\n

\n\n

\n Xie Yu's expression stiffened, repeating: "...Racers?"\n

\n\n

\n He kept a face that wouldn't change even if Mount Tai collapsed in front of him, looking serious and stern, but inside he was frantically calling the System: "Fuck, System, the original owner is a racer? Aren't I just here to watch the race?"\n

\n\n

\n The System's drowsy voice came over: "I already told you the original owner is a thrill-seeking second-generation rich. What's the point of watching racing? Of course he has to race himself."\n

\n\n

\n Xie Yu: "..."\n

\n\n

\n He almost couldn't maintain his expression: "Bro, you know that driving a race car requires getting a license, right? You know that to participate in a racing competition, one needs to pass the Federation of Automobile Sports training and complete the exam, right?"\n

\n\n

\n System was baffled: "I know. The original owner has a license."\n

\n\n

\n Xie Yu: "..."\n

\n\n

\n He couldn't help but swear: "The original owner has a fucking license, but I fucking don't!"\n

\n\n

\n Xie Yu's family's financial situation was average. His father indulged in eating, drinking, whoring, and gambling—all the vices. With a meager monthly salary, he barely managed to raise Xie Yu. Xie Yu's financial situation only improved after he started working. From childhood to adulthood, he had never even touched a race car. The driver's license he held was a C1 he got the year before last, while any random car on the track reached speeds of 200 km/h and above, catching up to a high-speed train. If he were to really go up there and drive with his bare hands, he'd likely crash off the track in minutes, ending in a destroyed car and his own death.\n

\n\n

\n The System paused in bewilderment for two seconds.\n

\n\n

\n For an electronic lifeform, there was no difference between a race car and an ordinary vehicle.\n

\n\n

\n He Zhiyuan had already reached the entrance and turned back to look at Xie Yu: "What's wrong, Young Master Xie? Come on down."\n

\n\n

\n Since things had reached this point, if he didn't go down, his character persona would likely collapse.\n

\n\n

\n Fortunately, this was an amateur race organized by the second-generation rich. There weren't many spectators, and it wasn't professional either. Although the rich kids sought thrills, it wasn't worth risking their lives, so the speeds weren't too fast.\n

\n\n

\n With his hands in his pockets, Xie Yu walked down with a cold face. Just as he reached the guardrail, the last few cars of the previous round crossed the finish line and sped away, almost becoming afterimages. The wheels spun rapidly, plowing through a large puddle on the asphalt track and kicking up a spray of water that splashed all the way onto Xie Yu's coat.\n

\n\n

\n Xie Yu's face darkened completely.\n

\n\n

\n Among the three, Xie Yu and He Zhiyuan were racers, while Zhou Yang didn't play with race cars. Now that both had left, he sprawled alone on the spectator seats, casually looking down. Catching sight of Xie Yu's expression, he suddenly clicked his tongue, then cast a sympathetic glance at Shen Ci: "I reckon you're about to run into bad luck."\n

\n\n

\n Shen Ci sat quietly in his place without responding, as if Zhou Yang was discussing someone irrelevant. Lin Yin, however, asked somewhat curiously, "Why?"\n

\n\n

\n Zhou Yang reached out and pointed down: "What else could it be? Xie Yu isn't in a good mood. With his temper, every time he loses a race, he takes it out on someone. Last time, there was a minor internet celebrity he also brought to a race. He beat them so badly that night they ended up in the hospital. Later, he paid two million to settle it privately. Now he has that kind of expression before the race even starts. I reckon things won't end well today."\n

\n\n

\n Lin Yin let out an "Ah."\n

\n\n

\n She was considered half an insider and knew somewhat about these filthy matters. Among these second-generation rich, Xie Yu had a particularly bad temper and was especially heavy-handed. Hearing this, she couldn't help but secretly size up Shen Ci, her expression carrying a bit of sympathy.\n

\n\n

\n Down on the track, Xie Yu had already sat inside his race car.\n

\n\n

\n They were all amateur racers and not very professional. The race cars were all parked on a straight lane outside the main track. Driving forward for 200 meters and making an arc would allow them to merge onto the main track.\n

\n\n

\n He Zhiyuan put on his helmet and turned back: "Young Master Xie, are you ready? I'll definitely be faster than you this time."\n

\n\n

\n Xie Yu: "..."\n

\n\n

\n As he spoke, the starting gun fired.\n

\n\n

\n He Zhiyuan gripped the steering wheel, leaving everyone in the dust after the countdown ended, swiftly merging into the main track.\n

\n\n

\n Xie Yu: "..."\n

\n\n

\n He tentatively stepped on the gas pedal.\n

\n\n

\n The race car puttered twice and slid forward two meters.\n

\n\n

\n Xie Yu: "..."\n

\n\n

\n The System kindly reminded him: "Host, you can't do this, your character persona is collapsing."\n

\n\n

\n Xie Yu stepped on it again. The race car continued to putter, sliding forward another two meters.\n

\n\n

\n ...A perfectly good million-tier race car was forcefully driven by him to feel like a children's kiddie ride.\n

\n\n

\n Zhou Yang looked towards the starting lane and frowned: "Is there a problem with Xie Yu's race car?"\n

\n\n

\n Why did he ignite it twice, but it just forcefully refused to start?\n

\n\n

\n Lin Yin let out an "Ah," and couldn't help but turn to look at Shen Ci, the sympathy in her eyes growing even stronger.\n

\n\n

\n At this time, the fastest few cars on the track had already completed more than a lap, passing by Xie Yu one by one with splashing water. Xie Yu stayed in the starting lane, the wind whistling past his ears and the roar of engines exploding in bursts as race car after race car sped past on the main track like lightning, almost becoming afterimages.\n

\n\n

\n He couldn't help but curse under his breath.\n

\n\n

\n Xie Yu pulled out the key and got out of the car, cursing and swearing.\n

\n\n

\n The System said weakly: "Host, your character persona."\n

\n\n

\n The veins on Xie Yu's forehead throbbed: "Shut up, I'll figure something out."\n

\n\n

\n He took off the helmet on his head and threw the keys to the staff, telling them to do maintenance on the race car. Then, he walked straight through the lounge towards the spectator stands.\n

\n\n

\n To be exact, he walked towards Shen Ci.\n

","published_time":"2026-05-24T00:00:00.000Z","paid":false,"show_flag":true,"show_scheduled_time":"2026-05-24T00:00:00.000Z","unpaid_scheduled_time":"2026-05-24T00:00:00.000Z"},{"content_id":4397,"novel_id":71,"chapter_no":5,"chapter_title":"Speeding","content":"

\n Zhou Yang and the others were sitting in the upper seats, taking in the commotion over here clearly. Xie Yu was just stepping over the bottom row of seats, vaulting up to their level. His face was intensely dark, visibly irritable.\n

\n\n

\n Among the trio of Zhou, He, and Xie, Xie Yu probably had the worst temper. He liked to resort to punches and kicks and was famous for his violence. Seeing him come over, Lin Yin couldn't help but shrink back, hiding to the side.\n

\n\n

\n Zhou Yang looked back to size up Shen Ci, wiped his face, and asked, "Can you take a beating?"\n

\n\n

\n Shen Ci sat still, but his eyelid twitched involuntarily.\n

\n\n

\n Zhou Yang looked him up and down: Xie Yu's little lover was tall but not robust. He looked gentle and refined, with a very scholarly air. Beneath his clothes was a thin layer of muscle, and his waist was slender. A single punch to the lower abdomen would probably make him vomit stomach acid. On top of that, Xie Yu's mental state wasn't good. If he struck without knowing his own strength, he might end up with a life on his hands.\n

\n\n

\n Zhou Yang frowned and said, "Forget it, I'll put in a few good words for you."\n

\n\n

\n Seeing Xie Yu approach, Zhou Yang stood up and slung an arm around his buddy's shoulders, patting him twice. He quietly pulled him a bit further away and asked with a smile, "Why aren't you driving? Is there a problem with your car?"\n

\n\n

\n Xie Yu shook his head. "No problem."\n

\n\n

\n He had also considered whether to lie and say the car had malfunctioned, but race cars all had maintenance records from specialists. A single check would reveal the truth. If Zhou Yang and He Zhiyuan found out he lied afterwards, it would be hard for them not to feel that something was wrong with him.\n

\n\n

\n Zhou Yang paused: "Then why did you come down?"\n

\n\n

\n Xie Yu pulled his arm off his shoulder: "It's nothing. I just suddenly felt that racing is meaningless."\n

\n\n

\n Zhou Yang: "Suddenly felt that racing is meaningless?"\n

\n\n

\n Xie Yu gave Shen Ci a meaningful look: "Of course. I leave a great beauty just sitting here by himself while I go off to race in a car, what's the point of that?"\n

\n\n

\n Seeing that he had no intention of getting physical, Zhou Yang put his arm down and laughed in amusement: "Then what do you think is meaningful?"\n

\n\n

\n Xie Yu: "Why are you asking so much? Your motorcycle, the limited edition MV Agusta, give me the keys."\n

\n\n

\n The original owner also rode motorcycles, though not often. Zhou Yang took the keys out of his pocket and handed them over: "What do you want this for?"\n

\n\n

\n "Taking someone for a spin."\n

\n\n

\n Zhou Yang paused: "Taking someone for a spin?"\n

\n\n

\n "You're in my way." Xie Yu pushed Zhou Yang aside and went straight ahead, stopping on the step just below Shen Ci. He looked up and smiled: "Teaching Assistant Shen, good student, have you ever ridden on a motorcycle?"\n

\n\n

\n He twirled the keys in his palm and reached out a hand to Shen Ci: "Let's go. What's so interesting about watching a car race? This Young Master will take you for a joyride."\n

\n\n

\n Shen Ci lowered his eyes, looking fixedly at the hand Xie Yu extended.\n

\n\n

\n By now, the rain had completely stopped. A bit of the sun emerged in the west, and the golden rays shone from behind, perfectly outlining Xie Yu's handsome, well-defined brows and eyes. His facial features melted into the crimson halo, and his smile was surprisingly clean.\n

\n\n

\n He looked like the kind of high school student who sat in the back row, neither listening to the lecture nor causing trouble. He might not be obedient, but he was very sincere.\n

\n\n

\n It was strange to say, but when the people of Jiang City talked about Young Master Xie, they mostly spoke of his violent temperament and his endless methods of tormenting people. Shen Ci didn't know he actually had this kind of side to him.\n

\n\n

\n Xie Yu urged him: "Hurry up, this is also part of the agreement."\n

\n\n

\n Following Party A's arrangements when out having fun was indeed part of the agreement. It was clearly written in black and white, leaving no room for refusal.\n

\n\n

\n Shen Ci lowered his eyes and placed his hand into his palm.\n

\n\n

\n The temperature was slightly low after the rain, and Shen Ci's body temperature was also low. His fingers were icy cold, but Xie Yu's palm was scorching hot, so hot that Shen Ci's fingertips flinched uncomfortably.\n

\n\n

\n Xie Yu casually suppressed this insignificant struggle. Closing his hand, he pulled Shen Ci up with a slight tug. He then gripped his wrist and walked quickly downwards, vaulting over the seats just like that, leading him out of the stadium under Zhou Yang's astonished gaze.\n

\n\n

\n Lin Yin watched them disappear and asked quietly: "What does Young Master Xie mean by this?"\n

\n\n

\n Zhou Yang withdrew his gaze and also muttered: "Has Young Master Xie changed his tune? The sun must be rising from the west."\n

\n\n

\n Zhou Yang's motorcycle was parked right at the entrance of the racing track. The deep red body was flamboyant and passionate. While Xie Yu was a layman when it came to car racing, he was practically a half-expert with motorcycles. Straddling it, he inserted the key and tested the feel of the controls, roughly knowing how to drive it.\n

\n\n

\n Shen Ci stood beside the bike, somewhat constrained. He had clearly never ridden a motorcycle before. He stood stiffly in place, not knowing where to put his hands and feet. Acting like an arrogant lord, Xie Yu slapped the helmet onto his head and ordered: "Get on."\n

\n\n

\n He affected the tone of a wealthy young master, condescending and entirely unceremonious. However, Xie Yu was tall, wearing a white T-shirt and loose pants in a simple, free-spirited style. Straddling the motorcycle so casually with a few stray strands of hair carelessly swept behind his head, he gave off a radiant, youthful vibe that wasn't at all detestable.\n

\n\n

\n Shen Ci stepped onto the footpeg and tentatively swung his leg over. He sat at the very back of the seat, bracing his hands against the pillion, staying far away from Xie Yu.\n

\n\n

\n Xie Yu: "You'll fall off like that. Get closer."\n

\n\n

\n Like a turtle, Shen Ci inched forward a tiny bit.\n

\n\n

\n Xie Yu instructed: "Further forward... forget it, hug my waist."\n

\n\n

\n The plot had requirements for physical contact. They had to be pressed together for a certain amount of time. He hadn't accumulated enough time in the car earlier, so Xie Yu planned to make it up now.\n

\n\n

\n Shen Ci stiffened slightly, not moving.\n

\n\n

\n Xie Yu chuckled: "What, is Teaching Assistant Shen refusing to cooperate?"\n

\n\n

\n He didn't say anything more and simply ignited the engine. Turning the key, the twin-cylinder engine let out a massive roar. With the triple exhausts operating simultaneously, this steel behemoth seemed to come alive in an instant. The body of the bike violently vibrated. Startled, Shen Ci flinched and subconsciously wrapped his arms around Xie Yu.\n

\n\n

\n Through the thin layer of the T-shirt, the heat from his waist seeped through the fabric. With his palms pressed against the lower abdomen, he could vaguely feel the outline of his abs.\n

\n\n

\n Xie Yu laughed again.\n

\n\n

\n Shen Ci acted as if he had been scalded by that laugh. He pulled his hands back, maintaining the embracing posture but cautiously leaving a slight gap, only holding onto Xie Yu lightly.\n

\n\n

\n Xie Yu kindly reminded him: "Teaching Assistant Shen, you'd better hold on tighter."\n

\n\n

\n Shen Ci: "..."\n

\n\n

\n He looked away: "No."\n

\n\n

\n In the next second, the sound of the engine abruptly grew louder. Xie Yu gripped the handlebars tightly, clutching and shifting gears in one smooth motion. The MV Agusta shot straight out like an arrow released from its bowstring.\n

\n\n

\n Shen Ci: "!!!"\n

\n\n

\n The wind howled past his ears, and the trees on both sides of the road retreated rapidly, turning into green-brown blurs. The tremendous acceleration brought a huge backward force. Shen Ci had never known a motorcycle could be driven so fast. Before he could react, he opened his arms and hugged Xie Yu for dear life.\n

\n\n

\n His hands wrapped around Xie Yu's waist, his chest pressed against Xie Yu's back. At the moment the motorcycle took off, Shen Ci even couldn't help but press his face against him as well, clinging tightly to Xie Yu like a koala.\n

\n\n

\n Xie Yu laughed again: "Teaching Assistant Shen is quite enthusiastic."\n

\n\n

\n The System required physical contact and verbal teasing. The physical contact was achieved, so the verbal teasing couldn't be left out either.\n

\n\n

\n Shen Ci had the mind to retort, but the motorcycle was speeding along the road, occasionally making big turning and drifting movements. He kept his eyes tightly closed, even his eyelashes trembling. Feeling his heart racing uncontrollably, he couldn't say a single word and simply grabbed onto Xie Yu tightly, as if clinging to a lifesaver.\n

\n\n

\n Xie Yu: "Ow! Ow, ow, ow! Teaching Assistant Shen has quite a lot of strength. Are you pinching me now?"\n

\n\n

\n Shen Ci opened his eyes, only then realizing he was using too much force. His ten fingers were dug into Young Master Xie's waist. Right now, it was more like pinching than hugging. Was this posture too ambiguous? Shen Ci hurriedly loosened his grip: "I didn't mean to."\n

\n\n

\n Xie Yu asked: "What? I didn't hear you clearly, say it again."\n

\n\n

\n The speed of the bike was too fast, and the wind was rushing from all sides. Pressed for an answer by him, Shen Ci raised his volume: "Sorry! I didn't mean to!"\n

\n\n

\n Xie Yu chuckled and teased: "Good student, you're scared out of your wits just by this speed? This is nothing yet!"\n

\n\n

\n Shen Ci paused.\n

\n\n

\n 'He wasn't in pain, he was faking it?'\n

\n\n

\n Before he could react, he heard Xie Yu say again: "Sit tight, I'm accelerating."\n

\n\n

\n Before his voice had even faded, the sound of the wind abruptly magnified. For a moment, between heaven and earth, Shen Ci could only hear the roar of the motorcycle.\n

\n\n

\n The world spun around him.\n

\n\n

\n Shen Ci squeezed his eyes tightly shut.\n

\n\n

\n In extreme insecurity, he subconsciously hugged Xie Yu tightly. It wasn't until the bike had been ridden for a few kilometers that his body finally got used to the motorcycle's vibrations.\n

\n\n

\n They were driving on a suburban asphalt road. On both sides of the road were continuous rolling green hills, displaying a lush greenery after the summer rain. The air carried the scent of plants and soil. The lingering drizzle fell on their bodies, feeling a bit cold.\n

\n\n

\n Shen Ci had a cold constitution and wasn't wearing a jacket. Xie Yu was his only source of heat. Even though he now dared to open his eyes, he still clung to him subconsciously, refusing to let go.\n

\n\n

\n Xie Yu let him cling to him. Shen Ci had never ridden a motorcycle before, and the speed was a bit fast for him, so it was normal to be scared. But to Xie Yu, this was just an everyday occurrence.\n

\n\n

\n MV Agusta was one of the best motorcycle brands with excellent performance. Both its stability and speed were top-tier in the industry. Moreover, this wasn't an urban area; it was an access road built by the racing track. The road was smooth and sparsely populated. You wouldn't see a single soul for kilometers, so it was entirely possible to go even faster. While driving, he even kept his character persona in mind, finding the time to joke with Shen Ci: "Teaching Assistant Shen isn't going to ask me where I'm taking you? What if I sell you? Or lock you up in a small dark room."\n

\n\n

\n Shen Ci: "..."\n

\n\n

\n He had signed an agreement with Xie Yu. Even if he wasn't locked up, his situation wouldn't be much better. Shen Ci closed his eyes and mocked himself, but still asked: "Where are you taking me?"\n

\n\n

\n Xie Yu: "Nowhere in particular, just taking a spin."\n

\n\n

\n He merely wanted to avoid driving the race car; where they went wasn't important.\n

\n\n

\n Keeping track of the time, Xie Yu wandered outside for about half an hour. Estimating that the race was more than halfway done, he made a turn and rode the bike back.\n

\n\n

\n When he hit the brakes and stopped outside the venue, the first few cars were just crossing the finish line.\n

\n\n

\n Xie Yu glanced from afar; He Zhiyuan's car wasn't among them.\n

\n\n

\n He vaulted onto the spectator stands, walked up to Zhou Yang, and asked: "Where is Zhiyuan?"\n

\n\n

\n Zhou Yang pointed it out to him: "Among those last few cars. He's not in good form today. Actually, none of the cars ran very well today. It's a pity you didn't race, otherwise your results would definitely have been quite good."\n

\n\n

\n Xie Yu thought to himself, 'Please no.' If he had really raced, it wouldn't be a question of whether his results were good or not, but a question of how many tables would be needed for his funeral banquet.\n

\n\n

\n Shen Ci took a seat in the back row, one seat apart from Lin Yin. Lin Yin cautiously observed his complexion and asked: "Did Young Master Xie do something to you?"\n

\n\n

\n Shen Ci's face was pale; he really didn't look well.\n

\n\n

\n Shen Ci said: "No, it's just low blood sugar."\n

\n\n

\n He hadn't eaten lunch.\n

\n\n

\n Lin Yin let out an "Ah" and asked: "Then do you have anything to eat?"\n

\n\n

\n Shen Ci shook his head: "No."\n

\n\n

\n He felt around his pocket but found it empty. He had originally bought a chocolate bar, but now it was gone. He guessed that the movements during the drag racing just now had been too intense, and it had fallen out of his pocket.\n

","published_time":"2026-05-24T00:00:00.000Z","paid":false,"show_flag":true,"show_scheduled_time":"2026-05-24T00:00:00.000Z","unpaid_scheduled_time":"2026-05-24T00:00:00.000Z"},{"content_id":4398,"novel_id":71,"chapter_no":6,"chapter_title":"Sweet","content":"

\n Shen Ci's skin tone was naturally a cool white. Now experiencing hypoglycemia, even his lips had lost their color, making him look like a paper figurine.\n

\n\n

\n Lin Yin felt a bit sympathetic. "There's still a while before dinner, so it might be a bit hard to endure. Right, do you know Young Master Xie's rules for bringing people into the circle?"\n

\n\n

\n When these second-generation heirs hung out together, they never ate at normal hours. They would always play until eight or nine o'clock before leisurely strolling back to the city. If it was someone brought along for the first time, they had to drink first. Back when Lin Yin first met Xie Yu and the others, she was forced to chug three bottles, and that was already going easy on her because she was a girl.\n

\n\n

\n Shen Ci asked, "What rules?"\n

\n\n

\n "Drinking, drinking a lot of alcohol. For baijiu, you have to start with at least eight taels." Lin Yin whispered, "On the way back, try to find a way to eat something to pad your stomach, otherwise, you'll drink until your stomach perforates."\n

\n\n

\n Shen Ci, however, said, "I'm not participating."\n

\n\n

\n Lin Yin's eyes widened. "You're not participating?"\n

\n\n

\n Shen Ci simply replied, "I have a meeting tonight, it's not within the scope of the contract."\n

\n\n

\n In the agreement, the original owner had agreed not to interfere with Shen Ci's academic activities. If Shen Ci had a meeting, he could leave at any time.\n

\n\n

\n When Xie Yu saw this stipulation back then, he also found it very strange. Given the original owner's arrogant and domineering personality, this wasn't his style. For this reason, he even deliberately flipped through the novel. The original text's description was:\n

\n\n

\n "Eldest Young Master Xie was tired of keeping frail canaries. They were beautiful but uninteresting. He now wanted to change his tastes and keep someone with a stiff backbone who wouldn't yield easily, preferably someone who had achieved something in their field. Cool and indifferent in the laboratory, commanding everyone's attention on the podium, yet having to beg for mercy with red eyes on his bed—only by grinding them down like this would it be interesting."\n

\n\n

\n At the time, Xie Yu smacked his lips and thought, 'Plays pretty kinky.'\n

\n\n

\n "This... this, will Young Master Xie agree to this?" Lin Yin hesitated for a moment. She had never seen someone like Shen Ci in the circle. After thinking it over, she still advised, "You know Young Master Xie better than I do. If you don't go this time, you'll have to go next time. Next time Young Master Xie forces you to drink, he'll force you even harder."\n

\n\n

\n It was hard to say if it would even be just forcing drinks.\n

\n\n

\n Shen Ci shook his head and merely said, "I know what I'm doing."\n

\n\n

\n It wasn't that he didn't know the consequences, but ever since signing the contract, all his time was held in Xie Yu's hands. Like a puppet manipulated at will, only this tiny bit of freedom rewarded through the gaps of the young master's fingers allowed him to eke out a living.\n

\n\n

\n At this moment, a burst of cheers erupted on the track. The last few cars crossed the finish line, the large central screen flickered a few times, and the names of the top three were highlighted in bold red. The host raised the microphone to congratulate the champion, runner-up, and second runner-up of the race.\n

\n\n

\n Beside the large screen was a smaller screen showing the scores of the other contestants. Xie Yu took a look; he, who had abandoned the race midway to take a beauty for a stroll, had gloriously won last place. He Zhiyuan was a bit above him, in seventh to last place.\n

\n\n

\n Xie Yu didn't mind much and clapped perfunctorily. From afar, he saw He Zhiyuan coming down from the track with a dark face. Throwing his helmet onto the ground, he sat down next to Zhou Yang, panting, and cursed, "Damn it, a bunch of blind bastards, trying so hard to overtake me, they squeezed me all the way into the side lane!"\n

\n\n

\n Zhou Yang patted He Zhiyuan. "Condition issue, it's normal."\n

\n\n

\n "Bullshit, I think the referee is blind too!"\n

\n\n

\n He Zhiyuan couldn't swallow this anger and sat on the side cursing. Zhou Yang comforted him, "How about this, let's find a place to drink tonight and chug a few bottles?"\n

\n\n

\n He Zhiyuan brushed him off. "What's there to chug?"\n

\n\n

\n Zhou Yang: "Not chugging? I just got my hands on a few bottles of Rémy Martin, fifty-year-old premium stuff."\n

\n\n

\n He Zhiyuan's expression was unhappy, but he didn't have many hobbies, his favorite being the contents of a cup. Hearing that there was good wine, he nodded. "Alright, same old place. Should we call a few more people we get along with to keep us company?"\n

\n\n

\n He looked up and asked Xie Yu, "Young Master Xie, what do you say?"\n

\n\n

\n When he said this, although He Zhiyuan addressed Xie Yu, his gaze was directed towards Shen Ci. He looked the person up and down, his stare quite explicit, as if he wanted to strip him out of his covering clothes.\n

\n\n

\n According to the rules at their table, it wasn't good to go all the way with the "boyfriends or girlfriends" brought by brothers, but copping a feel was still acceptable.\n

\n\n

\n Shen Ci remained expressionless, but Lin Yin shrank back a bit, not daring to speak.\n

\n\n

\n "Sure." Xie Yu was originally sitting at the very front in a daze, his mind wandering thousands of miles away. Suddenly called out, he casually pulled out two blades of grass from the cement gap and said, "Let's go."\n

\n\n

\n If his fair-weather friends extended an invitation and he didn't agree, his character setting would collapse.\n

\n\n

\n He Zhiyuan said, "Alright, then let's head back to the city."\n

\n\n

\n The three of them stood up. He Zhiyuan and Zhou Yang went down first, while Xie Yu fell a step behind, leisurely sauntering after them, planning to wait for Shen Ci to come up together. As a result, after waiting a while without seeing anyone, he turned around, only to see Shen Ci still standing ramrod straight in his original spot. His white shirt wrapped his slender body, lean and upright.\n

\n\n

\n Xie Yu raised an eyebrow. "Teaching Assistant Shen?"\n

\n\n

\n Shen Ci looked at him. "I'm not going tonight."\n

\n\n

\n Xie Yu: "Hmm?"\n

\n\n

\n Shen Ci's fingers gathered into fists inside his sleeves. He looked at Xie Yu on eye level and stiffly repeated, "I have a meeting tonight, I won't go to the drinking party."\n

\n\n

\n As soon as the words fell, everyone looked towards him.\n

\n\n

\n Lin Yin jumped in fright. "Are you crazy? You can't say that!"\n

\n\n

\n She had never seen someone as reckless with their life as Shen Ci, and immediately advised in a low voice: "You won't gain anything good by making Young Master Xie lose face in front of his friends like this. If you don't want to get beaten tonight, apologize immediately!"\n

\n\n

\n Shen Ci did not speak.\n

\n\n

\n If he knew how to apologize, he wouldn't have been tortured into severe depression in the later stages of the novel without even being willing to say a soft word to beg the original owner.\n

\n\n

\n Xie Yu didn't have much of a reaction. He merely glanced at him, turned around to head down, and said, "Come down, we'll talk about this in the car."\n

\n\n

\n He slowly and leisurely sauntered to the parking lot, pulled open the car door, and sat inside. Outside the car, Lin Yin looked at Shen Ci with some sympathy, shook her head with a sigh, and got into He Zhiyuan's car. Zhou Yang fastened his helmet and also cast a glance at Shen Ci, as if to say 'you're on your own'.\n

\n\n

\n Shen Ci grasped the handle. In the reflection of the glass car window, his face was pale, and his lips were also white; his appearance was truly quite miserable.\n

\n\n

\n Xie Yu unlocked the car door. "Get in."\n

\n\n

\n Shen Ci lowered his eyelids and sat in the car.\n

\n\n

\n With a click, the car doors locked.\n

\n\n

\n Xie Yu's car was a business-class Bentley. The car doors were reinforced with thick steel plates, and the windows used explosion-proof glass. Once the locks fell, the inside of the car was like an isolated island cut off from the rest of the world.\n

\n\n

\n Shen Ci pulled over the seatbelt with one hand. The four-finger-wide belt bound his body, wrapping across his waist and abdomen, almost as if he had put a chain on himself and tied himself up.\n

\n\n

\n Xie Yu started the engine and reversed the car. He didn't turn on the stereo. The interior was terrifyingly quiet, with only the slight noise of the steering wheel turning. In this death-like silence, Shen Ci spoke again: "I'm not going tonight."\n

\n\n

\n He lowered his eyes to look at the car window, his hands hidden in his sleeves, his back taut like a bow.\n

\n\n

\n Xie Yu let out a "hmm" and lazily said, "If you're not going, then don't. I'm not going either."\n

\n\n

\n Shen Ci paused in surprise.\n

\n\n

\n He paused for two seconds before turning his head to look at Xie Yu. The young master was reversing the car, the joints of the hand gripping the steering wheel distinctly visible. He tilted his head to assess the road conditions behind them. The dim, yellowish light of the parking lot piled onto his handsome and sharp facial features, casting fragmented specks of light on the turns of his brow ridge and nasal bone, sparse and stark like the rugged strokes of regular script calligraphy.\n

\n\n

\n It truly was an outstanding outer appearance.\n

\n\n

\n Shen Ci hesitated for a moment. "You..."\n

\n\n

\n Xie Yu: "Hmm?"\n

\n\n

\n Shen Ci turned his head away. "...Nothing."\n

\n\n

\n Xie Yu gave a half-smile. "I happen to be busy tonight, and you are too, so let it be. But if you don't come next time..."\n

\n\n

\n He paused for a moment, dragging out his tone, "I wouldn't know the consequences."\n

\n\n

\n Shen Ci's back instantly tensed up, and then forced himself to relax. "...Mm."\n

\n\n

\n Xie Yu nodded.\n

\n\n

\n It wasn't that he had suddenly gone crazy; this sentence was a plot line that he had to say.\n

\n\n

\n In the original text, when Shen Ci refused to attend the drinking party, the original owner was very unhappy and tormented the person right there in the car, leaving behind a large patch of mosaics.\n

\n\n

\n The mosaics weren't the problem; the problem was that scattered plotlines were mixed within the mosaics, and these nonsensical plotlines were all things Xie Yu needed to act out.\n

\n\n

\n Earlier, taking advantage of the break at the racetrack, Xie Yu had skimmed ten lines at a glance and finished reading the required performance content. He read it with a suspicious expression and twitching eyebrows, unable to help but ask the System: "Is this part in the car what I think it means?"\n

\n\n

\n The System said coolly: "An abusive smut novel, what else do you think it could mean?"\n

\n\n

\n Xie Yu: "..."\n

\n\n

\n The time he remained silent was too long. The System leaned closer: "Is it very hard to act out? The parts that aren't mosaiced out are all normal plotlines."\n

\n\n

\n Xie Yu raised an eyebrow. "All normal plotlines?"\n

\n\n

\n He pointed it out to the System: "This 'Young Master Xie was seen letting out a laugh, reaching over, and pressing Shen Ci's entire person into his arms', this is a normal plotline?"\n

\n\n

\n The System: "It's, it's okay, right."\n

\n\n

\n Xie Yu: "Then what about this one? 'Xie Yu pinched Shen Ci's jaw with one hand, forced him to open his mouth, and ordered, 'Lick''? Is this normal?"\n

\n\n

\n The System: "..."\n

\n\n

\n It said tactfully: "Host, in a smut novel, this couldn't be more normal."\n

\n\n

\n In short, this nonsensical plotline lasted for over a chapter. Later, it was only because Xie Yuanshan called to ask his son to come home for dinner, saying he had something to discuss, that it was finally dropped.\n

\n\n

\n While Xie Yu was still pondering how to act out the nonsensical plot, three honks sounded from the entrance.\n

\n\n

\n He Zhiyuan rolled down his car window and leaned out his body: "Young Master Xie, what are you doing? Why aren't you going?"\n

\n\n

\n Xie Yu made a 'coming right up' gesture, closed the plot window, and drove the car onto the mountain road.\n

\n\n

\n At this time, dusk was gathering, approaching sunset. The cold mechanical voice of the navigation system echoed inside the car windows. The scent of the mountain forest outside seeped in through the window gaps, mixing with the smell of leather and cologne, as well as a faint scent of honeylocust soap.\n

\n\n

\n The stereo in the car was turned on. Xie Yu casually selected a radio station, playing a soothing concerto. The deep and gentle tone of the cello, paired with the spacious seats of the luxury car, made it so comfortable that it made one want to sleep.\n

\n\n

\n Xie Yu had long arms and long legs; slouching in the seat didn't affect his ability to watch the road and step on the clutch. His sitting posture was lazy and unrestrained, lacking any proper form. Shen Ci, on the contrary, sat quietly upright, his neck hanging in a perfect curve, looking like a well-bred young master from a classical novel. Such a posture shouldn't be sitting in Young Master Xie's luxury car with the identity of a pet, but rather in a laboratory, a teaching building, or a study room in the library.\n

\n\n

\n Xie Yu drove while appraising him.\n

\n\n

\n Xie Yu had never been a good student. When he was in high school, he happened to hit a long rebellious phase, being a problem youth who sat in the back row, while Shen Ci seemed like the unsmiling class monitor or academic committee member in the front row.\n

\n\n

\n A bad student facing a good student always had a strange mentality—disdain mixed with envy, and jealousy driven by vanity. If Xie Yu had met Shen Ci in high school, he inevitably would have snatched his eraser, copied his homework, and bullied him mildly.\n

\n\n

\n But now, Shen Ci had really become his agreement partner, bullied to the point of merely being able to sit here, letting others mold and flatten him at will. He actually felt a bit guilty and didn't dare to look much longer.\n

\n\n

\n No one spoke along the way.\n

\n\n

\n The car traveled for more than twenty kilometers and reached the fork of the ring expressway. Further ahead was the main urban area. Xie Yu told Li Yang and He Zhiyuan in the group chat that he had something going on tonight and wasn't going. Amidst the pleas and wails of his fair-weather friends, he turned the steering wheel and got off the expressway.\n

\n\n

\n He adjusted the navigation destination: "Teaching Assistant Shen, drop you off at the entrance of the lab? ...Teaching Assistant Shen?"\n

\n\n

\n "Okay." Shen Ci was half a beat slow before he lowered his eyelashes. "Sorry, I zoned out a bit."\n

\n\n

\n Hesitating for a moment, he added, "Thank you."\n

\n\n

\n Xie Yu looked at him through the rearview mirror. "You're not in a good state?"\n

\n\n

\n From the moment he got in the car, Shen Ci had closed his eyes, almost sleeping heavily the whole way.\n

\n\n

\n Shen Ci shook his head. "No."\n

\n\n

\n Just hypoglycemia.\n

\n\n

\n Although he felt a bit dizzy, it wasn't unbearable. Shen Ci raised his hand to glance at his watch. At this time, there was still an hour before the meeting started, enough time for him to go to the cafeteria and eat a bowl of plain noodles.\n

\n\n

\n A University was located in the suburbs of Jiang City, not far from here. The car drove for less than ten minutes before arriving at the bottom of the laboratory building.\n

\n\n

\n Xie Yu braked and came to a steady stop. "Teaching Assistant Shen, take care, I won't see you out."\n

\n\n

\n He looked at Shen Ci, resting one hand on the cushion, let out a teasing laugh, and read another novel line: "I'll let it go this time. For the next gathering, Teaching Assistant Shen must accompany me to play nicely."\n

\n\n

\n The System popped out silently: "You're just going to let him go like this?"\n

\n\n

\n Xie Yu: "What else?"\n

\n\n

\n The System reminded him: "You still have several lines you haven't said."\n

\n\n

\n The fluorescent blue screen floated in mid-air. The novel turned to the corresponding page, with several lines marked with a red background, bright red and eye-catching.\n

\n\n

\n Xie Yu said lazily, "I can't bring myself to say it, so I won't. Anyway, as long as the plot conformity is at 50%, that's fine, right?"\n

\n\n

\n Saying so, Xie Yu pressed the button to open the door, and the car door unlocked. Shen Ci grabbed the handle and pushed it outwards. The damp and cold air instantly flooded into the car seat. The noisy voices of men and women on campus reached his ears; girls walked past the small path holding milk tea, boys made plans to go to the internet cafe to surf the web. And as he unbuckled his seatbelt, for a moment, he actually felt an illusion of being a lifetime apart.\n

\n\n

\n Just like that, he was out?\n

\n\n

\n Shen Ci turned his head, wanting to say thank you. In the instant he half-straightened his body, his face paled, and immediately he felt dizzy and his head spun. The aftereffects of hypoglycemia compounded with sitting for a long time made his legs go soft. Before he even had time to react, he leaned against the cushion and fell back down.\n

\n\n

\n "Hey, you?!"\n

\n\n

\n Xie Yu was already planning to close the car door and leave. Shen Ci unexpectedly collapsed towards his side, so he hurriedly raised his hand to support the person. Shen Ci's consciousness was groggy, and upon being scooped up by his reaching hand, he crashed stiffly into Xie Yu's arms.\n

\n\n

\n Xie Yu: "..."\n

\n\n

\n Although his family background was impoverished, Shen Ci paid great attention to his appearance. His head rested on Xie Yu's shoulder, his hair brushing against his neck, and the skin of his cheek rubbing past the tip of his nose. Xie Yu could smell the scent of old-fashioned soap and detergent. It wasn't some custom-blended fragrance; it was the kind of old domestic brand preferred by the grandmother generation, bearing the bitter scent of Chinese medicine mugwort. It wasn't premium, but it was very clean.\n

\n\n

\n The System said flatly: "Congratulations to the host, the main plotline 'Xie Yu reached over and pressed Shen Ci's entire person into his arms' has been completed."\n

\n\n

\n Xie Yu said angrily: "Fuck, is this the time to say this? Navigate to the school hospital for me!"\n

\n\n

\n The System said coolly: "Rest assured, Host, the protagonist of an abusive novel doesn't get into accidents so easily. He just has hypoglycemia, leave him be for ten minutes and he'll be fine."\n

\n\n

\n ...Hypoglycemia?\n

\n\n

\n Xie Yu was thoughtful. He wrapped one arm around Shen Ci and dug out a handful of lollipops used for quitting smoking from his pocket. He tore off the wrapper in a few swift motions and pressed the candy against Shen Ci's lips. He then paused, thinking that saving the person was paramount, so he pinched his jaw with one hand and shoved the candy inside.\n

\n\n

\n The System read in a monotone voice: "Congratulations to the host, 'Xie Yu pinched Shen Ci's jaw with one hand, forcing him to open his mouth' has been completed."\n

\n\n

\n The veins on Xie Yu's forehead throbbed wildly. "Shut up!"\n

\n\n

\n Shen Ci wasn't completely without sensation. After a bout of dizziness, his perception gradually returned. He understood the feeling of hypoglycemia very well and didn't panic. He just rested for a moment, then propped up his body, wanting to sit up.\n

\n\n

\n Immediately after, something was stuffed in.\n

\n\n

\n The System thoughtfully highlighted the completed parts in green. Now, only the last spot of red remained in the entire chapter.\n

\n\n

\n Xie Yu glanced at the screen and said guiltily: "Um, to replenish your blood sugar, lick... take a lick, it's sweet."\n

\n\n

\n Shen Ci hadn't completely sobered up yet. He groggily curled his tongue and, true to his word, took a lick and held the candy in his mouth.\n

\n\n

\n Amidst his confusion, only the body's instinctive thought remained.\n

\n\n

\n —It really is very sweet.\n

","published_time":"2026-05-24T00:00:00.000Z","paid":false,"show_flag":true,"show_scheduled_time":"2026-05-24T00:00:00.000Z","unpaid_scheduled_time":"2026-05-24T00:00:00.000Z"},{"content_id":4399,"novel_id":71,"chapter_no":7,"chapter_title":"Investment","content":"

\n A hypoglycemic episode was unbearable, but it also passed quickly once sugar was replenished.\n

\n\n

\n Shen Ci pressed his forehead. After a brief dizzy spell, he propped himself up on the soft cushion beneath him and sat up, "Many thanks."\n

\n\n

\n He still had the candy in his mouth, so his speech was mumbled and mixed with a bit of a nasal tone, completely different from his usual cold and clear intonation. Xie Yu glanced at him, inserted the key, and said, "Don't you still have a meeting? Get out, I'll come find you next time."\n

\n\n

\n After saying that, he closed the door, locked it, started the ignition, turned the steering wheel, and turned onto the main campus road.\n

\n\n

\n Shen Ci watched him leave. It wasn't until the Bentley disappeared from his line of sight that he lowered his eyelashes and took the lollipop out of his mouth.\n

\n\n

\n This inconspicuous little thing was an expensive imported good. It was vanilla milk flavored, and its color showed a soft, glutinous beige. Both the milk and vanilla used were top-quality ingredients.\n

\n\n

\n Shen Ci pinched the stick and scrutinized it for a moment, unable to guess the price.\n

\n\n

\n He rarely ate candy when he was a child. At that time, his family was always very poor. The town's small shop was several hours away from the village. Even if he wanted it badly, no one would get him these delicate treats. Later, when his grandmother fell ill, Shen Ci's meager salary was completely poured into the hospital. He usually ate at the cafeteria and even hesitated to add some toppings to his noodles. He had never tasted Young Master Xie's expensive and useless snacks, nor had he ever thought about tasting them.\n

\n\n

\n But now...\n

\n\n

\n Shen Ci looked at it for a moment and put it back into his mouth.\n

\n\n

\n It was indeed very sweet.\n

\n\n

\n With the candy in his mouth, his mind wandered, and he started thinking about the evening's experiment again. There was still more than an hour before the meeting started. Shen Ci planned to go back to the laboratory first to get the experimental data, and then go eat and change clothes. As he thought about it, he walked back. Before he knew it, he had swiped his card and walked into the laboratory.\n

\n\n

\n The lights in the laboratory were on; Li Yue and Han Yunyun hadn't left yet.\n

\n\n

\n Han Yunyun was copying experimental data. Hearing the sound, she looked up, "Senior Brother, you're finally back. This is our experiment for today... ah?"\n

\n\n

\n She suddenly choked on her words.\n

\n\n

\n Shen Ci originally didn't think there was anything wrong, but Han Yunyun's startled reaction suddenly made him realize something, and he abruptly paused.\n

\n\n

\n "S-Senior Brother?"\n

\n\n

\n Shen Ci gave an "En," feigning calmness. He took the data, glanced at it, picked up the report, and went out.\n

\n\n

\n Han Yunyun didn't speak for a long time.\n

\n\n

\n It wasn't until Shen Ci walked far away that Han Yunyun woke up as if from a dream, "Li, Li, Li Yue, what was Senior Brother eating?"\n

\n\n

\n Li Yue: "..."\n

\n\n

\n He looked suspicious, "A lollipop?"\n

\n\n

\n Senior Brother Shen, who usually never smiled or joked, came to the laboratory with a lollipop in his mouth, the candy propping up his cheek into a round curve. The two stared blankly as they watched him walk away, not daring to say a single word.\n

\n\n

\n Han Yunyun mumbled, "Is Senior Brother possessed, or am I possessed?"\n

\n\n

\n On the ring road highway, the System silently reappeared in front of Xie Yu.\n

\n\n

\n The fluorescent blue light dots flickered, "Congratulations, the important plot point [Racing Track Incident] has been completed. Key dialogue completion is 100%, character persona retention is 80%, and the protagonist felt emotions such as [Humiliation], [Pain], and [Dizziness] during the incident. Emotion matching degree is 50%."\n

\n\n

\n "According to the System's evaluation, the matching degree of this performance is 75%."\n

\n\n

\n Xie Yu: "Pretty high."\n

\n\n

\n He only aimed for a passing grade, cheering 'long live 50 points,' but ending up with an extra fifteen points was a completely unexpected delight.\n

\n\n

\n "Do I have any more scenes tonight?"\n

\n\n

\n System: "There are no more main storyline plots. The next plot point is the [Weekend Gathering], where you will take the protagonist to attend He Zhiyuan's banquet."\n

\n\n

\n "Can I move freely?"\n

\n\n

\n The System flipped through the novel, "But there is a segment of background plot. Hmm, your father will ask you to return home for a trip."\n

\n\n

\n In the original text, "Xie Yu" was greatly displeased by the protagonist's disobedience. Not to mention tormenting the person half to death in the car, he even wanted to drag him to a hotel to continue. It was only because Xie Yuanshan called and asked his son to come home that the protagonist managed to escape a disaster.\n

\n\n

\n Xie Yu asked, "This Xie Yuanshan, what kind of personality does he have?"\n

\n\n

\n Playing the role of the original owner's son, he naturally needed to know his biological father's temper so as not to reveal any flaws.\n

\n\n

\n System: "Xie Yuanshan is a marginal supporting character in the novel, with not much description. The keywords extracted by the System are 'bad-tempered, irritable, and highly controlling.' However, he doesn't interact much with the original owner, so you don't need to worry about blowing your cover."\n

\n\n

\n Xie Yu was originally tuning the radio. He repeated the words and sneered, "Bad-tempered, irritable, and highly controlling? How is he so much like my own biological father?"\n

\n\n

\n The System explained, "As the chosen host, you have a certain degree of similarity with the original owner. This similarity includes name, height, appearance, family background, childhood experiences, and so on. Therefore, if you feel that the 'father' in this world is similar to the one in your original world, it is also possible."\n

\n\n

\n Just as they were talking, Xie Yu's phone rang three times. The caller ID showed Xie Yuanshan.\n

\n\n

\n The original owner's cheap dad.\n

\n\n

\n Xie Yu pressed answer, "Hello?"\n

\n\n

\n Xie Yuanshan's voice came through, "Xie Yu, where are you?"\n

\n\n

\n The voice was deep and stern, faintly harboring anger. It didn't sound like a father speaking to his child, but rather like a boss disciplining a subordinate. When Xie Yu didn't reply for two seconds, the other side spoke in a deep voice, "Speak."\n

\n\n

\n Xie Yu paused, then gave a chuckle, fully adopting the posture of a wealthy playboy, "I'm out playing, is something the matter?"\n

\n\n

\n Xie Yuanshan said coldly, "Come home tonight, I have something to discuss with you."\n

\n\n

\n Xie Yu: "What is it about?"\n

\n\n

\n "Company matters."\n

\n\n

\n "..."\n

\n\n

\n After a moment of silence, Xie Yuanshan's patience was exhausted, "I don't care what you're doing tonight, at eight o'clock, I want to see you at the dining table."\n

\n\n

\n After saying that, he didn't explain a single word and directly hung up the call.\n

\n\n

\n Xie Yu turned off his phone and casually tossed it into the console slot. He gripped the steering wheel and didn't speak for a long while. Then he leaned forward and turned the radio knob, just happening to switch to a live opera broadcast. The male actor was dragging out a long aria, his singing voice echoing with countless twists and turns. He hummed along for a few lines, and then set the navigation, "Locate hotel."\n

\n\n

\n System: "Host? The original owner's father asked you to go home, are you not going back?"\n

\n\n

\n Xie Yu retorted, "Why should I go back?"\n

\n\n

\n System: "It's certainly okay if you don't go see him, but the original owner was afraid of his father and mostly listened to his words. According to logic, it's better if you meet him."\n

\n\n

\n Xie Yu's acting performance had always hovered around the passing mark. If he could avoid losing points off-stage, he should try his best not to lose them.\n

\n\n

\n Xie Yu was silent for a moment before suddenly scoffing, "Truly a lingering ghost."\n

\n\n

\n The voice of the original owner's father was exactly the same as Xie Yu's biological father's.\n

\n\n

\n At exactly eight o'clock in the evening, Xie Yu entered the Xie Family home on time.\n

\n\n

\n This was Xie Yuanshan's residence in Jiang City, a large flat overlooking the river. The floor-to-ceiling windows in the living room faced the river water perfectly. In recent years, due to municipal planning, neon lights had been installed on the high-rise buildings on both banks. At a glance, the bright lights and vibrant colors made it extraordinarily bustling.\n

\n\n

\n The lights in the house were not turned on, leaving it pitch black. There was only the light shining through the window, making it strangely desolate. Xie Yu pushed the door open and entered. Xie Yuanshan lifted his eyelids at the dining table, "You're back? Turn on the lights."\n

\n\n

\n Xie Yu turned on the lights. The cold white halos of the downlights poured down, shining on the iron-gray marble countertop, making it seem even more desolate.\n

\n\n

\n Xie Yu sat down at the dining table and saw Xie Yuanshan's face clearly.\n

\n\n

\n His cheekbones were prominent, yet his cheeks were sunken. His eyebrows were thick and heavy, and the distance between his eyes was extremely narrow. From afar, they looked like two bricks pressing down on his eyes. A deep, needle-like crease between his brows resembled a split ravine in a canyon.\n

\n\n

\n He sneered silently, thinking to himself, 'He really does look eighty percent alike.'\n

\n\n

\n Xie Yu didn't believe in fortune-telling or face reading, but just looking at Xie Yuanshan's face, one could tell he was a master of violent temper and extreme personality.\n

\n\n

\n The System typed out a line of small text, silently prompting: "The original owner's relationship with his father is average, and they rarely speak. Please grasp the situation."\n

\n\n

\n Xie Yu lowered his eyebrows and nodded, asking faintly, "What did you call me back for?"\n

\n\n

\n Xie Yuanshan critically scrutinized him for a moment and tapped the table. This was the gesture he used to direct his secretary to pour water for him, but Xie Yu remained perfectly still. He slightly furrowed his brows, "You're in your twenties this year, right?"\n

\n\n

\n Xie Yu: "24."\n

\n\n

\n Xie Yuanshan looked at him sideways, "Already 24, at this age, yet you still spend all day outside provoking trouble, acting like a complete scoundrel."\n

\n\n

\n Xie Yu only smiled and didn't speak.\n

\n\n

\n He was indeed 24 this year, but the original owner was only 22. He deliberately reported himself two years older, and Xie Yuanshan didn't notice in the slightest.\n

\n\n

\n Xie Yuanshan frowned, "What are you smiling at?"\n

\n\n

\n Xie Yu scoffed, "Nothing, you're absolutely right."\n

\n\n

\n As a famous entrepreneur in the city, Xie Yuanshan's time was very precious. He also had no intention of wasting more of it on Xie Yu, simply saying, "You are my only son. At 24, you need to get in touch with some business knowledge. I have prepared an initial sum of capital for you to see your investment skills."\n

\n\n

\n Xie Yu raised his eyebrows and watched as Xie Yuanshan pushed a black card over.\n

\n\n

\n Xie Yu picked up the card with one hand to inspect it. The card had rolled gold edges and refracted a halo like shattered diamonds under the light. He examined it for a long time before suddenly smiling, "Then if I use this money to invest in a grave for Mom, there's no problem, right?"\n

\n\n

\n When he said this, Xie Yu was looking sideways at Xie Yuanshan. His eyelids were half-closed, and the light and shadows in his eyes fluctuated and flickered, as deep as a freezing pool.\n

\n\n

\n Xie Yuanshan was visibly stunned for a moment, "What?"\n

\n\n

\n "Nothing, just joking." Xie Yu broke into a smile again. He pinched the card between his fingertips and asked, "How much is in here?"\n

\n\n

\n "10 million." Xie Yuanshan obviously loathed his son's slacking attitude. He frowned tightly, "Xie Yu, you know my temper. If you can't produce results in six months..."\n

\n\n

\n When Xie Yuanshan spoke, he liked to say half and hide half, leaving people to guess.\n

\n\n

\n Xie Yu smiled, "Alright, I know."\n

\n\n

\n The original owner ultimately didn't achieve anything from this, and was packed up and thrown abroad to study by Xie Yuanshan.\n

\n\n

\n Studying was painless and inconsequential for Xie Yu, but for the original owner, it was indeed a punishment. His bad friends were all in Jiang City. Accustomed to being surrounded by people like stars around the moon, suddenly going abroad to study meant losing a bunch of bootlickers kissing his ass, and his living expenses were also cut. The original owner was very unaccustomed to it.\n

\n\n

\n Of course, before he could even figure out the basics, Xie Yuanshan suddenly died of an acute illness. Young Master Xie was caught and brought back by Shen Ci, who had already become a big shot, got his fingers broken, and was locked up in a psychiatric hospital. Naturally, there was no need to tell Xie Yuanshan about these things.\n

\n\n

\n They sat across from each other, a bizarre silence falling over the table. After finishing the main business, the father and son couldn't say a single word of pleasantries.\n

\n\n

\n Xie Yuanshan had set up a family dinner, probably wanting to educate his son while eating, but Xie Yu didn't want to listen to his lectures. He just pulled back his chair, "Alright, do you have anything else? If not, I'm leaving."\n

\n\n

\n Xie Yuanshan also didn't want to say more, waving his hand, "Go."\n

\n\n

\n Xie Yu then chuckled, pocketed the black card, strode briskly down the corridor, and reached back to close the main door behind him.\n

\n\n

\n When the Xie Family door closed with a loud thud, the System doubtfully typed out a question mark, "Do you hate him a lot? I feel like he treats you pretty well."\n

\n\n

\n The System counted on its fingers, "Giving you money, sending you abroad to study, and having you join the company when you return. Isn't this very good?"\n

\n\n

\n Xie Yu said, "That's because Xie Yuanshan has fertility issues, and I am his only son."\n

\n\n

\n If it weren't for that, he wouldn't even be able to enter the door.\n

\n\n

\n The host obviously didn't want to say more, so the System had to stop and ask, "What about that black card? What do you plan to do with the 10 million? Are you really going to invest it?"\n

\n\n

\n Six months wasn't even enough time for financing. Xie Yu knew nothing about business. Six months wasn't even enough for him to get started. What reliable project could he possibly invest in?\n

\n\n

\n Xie Yu propped his chin up, "I didn't plan to do any serious investing in the first place."\n

\n\n

\n He would be locked up in a psychiatric hospital in a few years, what was there to invest in?\n

\n\n

\n He pondered, "I remember that at the end of the novel, I was locked in a psychiatric hospital by Shen Ci, and I was locked up for more than twenty years, right?"\n

\n\n

\n The System was baffled, "Right, but what does that have to do with investing?"\n

\n\n

\n Xie Yu: "How about this, let's invest in the psychiatric hospital."\n

\n\n

\n System: "???"\n

\n\n

\n Huh?\n

\n\n

\n "Although I don't need to be there all the time during the twenty years of being locked in the psychiatric hospital, Shen Ci was also severely ill at that time. He often came to the psychiatric hospital to see me, to see if I was doing 'well.' At those times, I have to be present to act, right?"\n

\n\n

\n "Right..."\n

\n\n

\n Xie Yu spread his hands, "It's going to be my home for the rest of my life, after all. Spending a few million to upgrade the infrastructure, getting a comfortable bed, and fixing up the yard will make it more comfortable to lie down when I move in."\n

\n\n

\n "..."\n

\n\n

\n "Host." The System evaluated honestly, "You are the most bizarre host I have ever seen."\n

\n\n

\n Xie Yu cupped his hands, "I'm flattered."\n

\n\n

\n He drove back to the hotel, actually opened his computer, and started looking at the information of psychiatric hospitals in the city.\n

\n\n

\n The original book didn't write the name of the hospital where the original owner was eventually locked up, so Xie Yu had to investigate them one by one.\n

\n\n

\n There were a total of three psychiatric hospitals in Jiang City. The largest one was a public hospital with complex personnel coming and going. Locking a normal person here would easily leak information, so Shen Ci definitely wouldn't choose this one.\n

\n\n

\n The remaining two private ones were both in the outer suburbs. The hospital websites were very beautifully made, making it impossible to tell which was good or bad. Xie Yu prepared to invest a little in both and just see which one he hit.\n

\n\n

\n He copied down the hotline numbers for the psychiatric hospitals, planning to call them tomorrow during working hours to ask if they needed investment, but when he was saving the numbers into his phone, he paused and slightly raised his eyebrows.\n

\n\n

\n This number was already saved in the original owner's phone.\n

\n\n

\n Xie Yu clicked open the notes: 1735******, Doctor Xu of Qingshan.\n

\n\n

\n And this psychiatric hospital was called Qingshan Psychiatric Hospital.\n

\n\n

\n Xie Yu clicked on the number and linked it to WeChat. The original owner and Doctor Xu were actually friends on it. Over the course of half a year, the two had sent dozens of messages to each other. They were all the original owner making appointments, and the other party giving the time.\n

\n\n

\n They should be in a doctor-patient relationship, and a long-term, stable one at that.\n

\n\n

\n Xie Yu scrolled up. There were no chat records from before half a year ago. The original owner seemed to have changed phones, so no more messages could be seen.\n

\n\n

\n Xie Yu: "System, what's going on?"\n

\n\n

\n System: "The novel has no similar content; it should be content automatically supplemented by the world."\n

\n\n

\n Xie Yu nodded. Imitating the original owner's tone, he tentatively sent a message: "Doctor Xu, appointment."\n

\n\n

\n Ten minutes later, Doctor Xu: "Saturday evening?"\n

\n\n

\n Xie Yu: "Saturday won't work, I have a gathering in the evening."\n

\n\n

\n According to the novel, Saturday was an important plot point. He Zhiyuan would organize another gathering at the bar to make up for tonight's absence. He warmly invited Xie Yu and specifically told him to bring Shen Ci along. Then there would be another large segment of censored plot.\n

\n\n

\n Xie Yu: "Sunday afternoon?"\n

\n\n

\n The other side sent an "OK."\n

\n\n

\n The conversation came to a pause.\n

\n\n

\n Judging from the fluency of their replies, the original owner and Doctor Xu were very familiar with each other. There was no need for detailed explanations; they could understand each other's meanings clearly and efficiently.\n

","published_time":"2026-05-24T00:00:00.000Z","paid":false,"show_flag":true,"show_scheduled_time":"2026-05-24T00:00:00.000Z","unpaid_scheduled_time":"2026-05-24T00:00:00.000Z"},{"content_id":4400,"novel_id":71,"chapter_no":8,"chapter_title":"Forced Drinking","content":"

\n For the next few days, no events occurred.\n

\n\n

\n In the original novel, Shen Ci ran a high fever and was on an IV drip in the hospital for three days. The original owner, afraid of catching his sickness, didn't look for him for those three days. This was a rare chance for Shen Ci to catch his breath in the early stages of the novel.\n

\n\n

\n In reality, Xie Yu slept comfortably for three days and tasted all the dishes made by the hotel's head chef. He even evaluated them with great interest: "The black truffle is a bit old, there's too much sugar in the mousse, and the chocolate shell is too thick. It doesn't feel very authentic."\n

\n\n

\n The System could only watch and not eat. It could only glare at Xie Yu while he ate, growing mushrooms out of boredom.\n

\n\n

\n Finally, Saturday arrived—another important plot point.\n

\n\n

\n Xie Yu opened the novel chapter: [Saturday Gathering]\n

\n\n

\n The story went that on Saturday, He Zhiyuan was thinking about Shen Ci. Itching with desire, he absolutely had to get his hands on this cold beauty, so he organized a gathering. He urged Xie Yu to make sure to bring Shen Ci along, and the original owner, having quite a bit of "brotherly loyalty," really brought Shen Ci there. The group drank themselves into a stupor, forcing the academic god to drink until his stomach bled. Everything that happened after that was a mosaic (censored). Xie Yu could guess nine out of ten; it was nothing more than things that violated criminal law and would land them in jail.\n

\n\n

\n Considering the completion rate of the plot, he definitely had to bring Shen Ci, but he could freely improvise the mosaic parts.\n

\n\n

\n Sure enough, early in the morning, He Zhiyuan was barking orders in the group chat, pulling people together to form the party.\n

\n\n

\n He Zhiyuan: "Drinking tonight? Got two bottles of good wine to liven things up. The usual place, on the Jiangxin Pleasure Boat. I've booked the whole venue."\n

\n\n

\n The Jiangxin Pleasure Boat was the most luxurious cruise ship in the city, which also functioned as a hotel. It set sail every evening, spent the night in the middle of the river, and cost a fortune for a single night.\n

\n\n

\n He Zhiyuan yelled out: "Zhou Yang, is Zhou Yang coming?"\n

\n\n

\n Zhou Yang: "Coming."\n

\n\n

\n "What about Young Master Xie? Is Young Master Xie coming?"\n

\n\n

\n Xie Yu was concise and to the point: "Coming."\n

\n\n

\n He Zhiyuan's true intentions lay elsewhere. Seeing Xie Yu speak up, he immediately asked: "That big beauty you just bagged, the one doing research at A University. Slim waist, long legs, really exciting. He ran away last time, is he coming this time?"\n

\n\n

\n "With our relationship, I'd tie him up and bring him to you if I have to."\n

\n\n

\n These were the original lines.\n

\n\n

\n Xie Yu typed such an intimate line, but his face held no expression. His glass-colored eyes were cold and distant, faintly revealing his impatience.\n

\n\n

\n He Zhiyuan was overjoyed: "As expected of Brother Xie, taking care of your brothers."\n

\n\n

\n Xie Yu cursed inwardly, 'Bullshit.' Taking care of brothers meant sending someone to a brother's bed, trampling their dignity into the mud, and stomping on it a couple more times? What kind of bullshit brotherly loyalty was this?\n

\n\n

\n He became increasingly impatient. Hampered by his character setting, he couldn't say much more. Pinching his tone into that of a rich second generation, he brushed He Zhiyuan off with a few more sentences and turned off his phone.\n

\n\n

\n By noon, Shen Ci was just about coming out of the laboratory. Xie Yu followed the original text and called him: "There's a party tonight at seven. Get ready, dress cleanly, and I'll come pick you up."\n

\n\n

\n This time, the phone only rang three times before Shen Ci answered. Keeping his voice low, he quickly replied: "Okay."\n

\n\n

\n Judging from his voice, there was less reluctance than last time.\n

\n\n

\n Xie Yu still had several threatening lines left unsaid, but they were blocked by that single word. He paused for a long while before lowering his voice to continue: "Be good. Don't forget that I was the one who got the quota for your grandmother."\n

\n\n

\n "Okay," Shen Ci replied. "I know."\n

\n\n

\n It seemed there was someone beside him, as he kept his voice very soft. In the original book, Shen Ci's tone was cold and he never gave Xie Yu a good look, but now, it sounded a bit soft.\n

\n\n

\n Xie Yu: "..."\n

\n\n

\n He looked at the original text in his hand, skipped the next few sentences, and coughed twice. "Anyway, just stay put. I'll come pick you up tonight."\n

\n\n

\n After saying that, he directly hung up the phone.\n

\n\n

\n In the laboratory, Shen Ci also turned off his phone's screen and put his gloves back on. The milky-white rubber wrapped around his slender fingers, and a hint of flesh color peeked through a slightly stretched section. When he looked up, Han Yunyun was winking and making faces at Li Yue.\n

\n\n

\n Shen Ci stopped the movements of his hands and raised his eyes: "Is something the matter?"\n

\n\n

\n "No! Nothing!" Han Yunyun urgently stood at attention.\n

\n\n

\n Shen Ci said nothing more and continued looking at the data. However, as soon as he looked up again, Han Yunyun was hiding behind the experimental bench, holding onto the equipment and peering over in his direction.\n

\n\n

\n Shen Ci sighed softly: "What exactly do you want to do?"\n

\n\n

\n Han Yunyun laughed awkwardly a couple of times. "Senior Brother, I just wanted to ask... do you have something important going on lately? You've never looked at your phone in the lab before."\n

\n\n

\n She actually wanted to ask if he was dating someone.\n

\n\n

\n Shen Ci's face didn't reflect that he was thinking too much about it; he merely gave an "En" in response.\n

\n\n

\n Young Master Xie's messages were indeed important. If he replied even two minutes late, there was no telling how much he would suffer.\n

\n\n

\n Han Yunyun let out an exclamation and covered her face with a lab report, who knows what she was imagining.\n

\n\n

\n Li Yue glanced at him and handed another document to Shen Ci: "Then Senior Brother, seeing as you've been quite busy lately, will you still be taking the work-study jobs from the Student Affairs Department?"\n

\n\n

\n Li Yue was one of the student officers of the Student Affairs Department and knew about Shen Ci's family situation. Previously, when Shen Ci did work-study jobs, Li Yue would save some of the well-paying tasks for him.\n

\n\n

\n Shen Ci nodded: "I'll still take them."\n

\n\n

\n He had surrendered himself to Xie Yu mainly for his grandmother's medication contract, but he hadn't received much support financially and was still strapped for cash. With Shen Ci's pride, he couldn't open his mouth to borrow money from Xie Yu.\n

\n\n

\n Li Yue said, "Currently, there are mainly two short-term tasks. One is to be a temporary teaching assistant for Pharmacokinetics next week. Their teaching assistant was hospitalized, and with finals the week after next, someone needs to go over the homework with the students. There's a subsidy of fifty for one evening study session."\n

\n\n

\n "There's another one: going to a hospital school in the suburbs to act as a volunteer and coordinate with the school's propaganda department. There's a 200 allowance for round-trip travel expenses."\n

\n\n

\n Neither task was difficult, and they wouldn't delay anything. Shen Ci nodded: "I'll take them both."\n

\n\n

\n It was approaching autumn and winter, so the sun set quickly. Before seven o'clock on Saturday evening, the sky had already turned completely dark.\n

\n\n

\n The Jiangxin Pleasure Boat was docked at the shore, and the neon lights were already lit. People were dancing in the cabin, and the flashing disco ball pulsed along with the intense drumbeats, creating a dazzling, blinding display of colorful lights.\n

\n\n

\n He Zhiyuan had ordered a champagne tower. Over two hundred goblets were stacked layer upon layer, and the golden liquid cascaded from the top. Half poured into the glasses, and half clung to the sides. The pungent smell of alcohol permeated the air. They were using expensive Selosse champagne, averaging tens of thousands a bottle. Just this single tower wasted hundreds of thousands.\n

\n\n

\n Shen Ci stepped out of Xie Yu's car. As the river wind blew, he reached out to gather his clothes closer to himself.\n

\n\n

\n It was very cold.\n

\n\n

\n Xie Yu stepped onto the boat and handed his coat to a waiter. Soon, someone came forward to lead the way, guiding him inside.\n

\n\n

\n Xie Yu took a couple of steps and, seeing Shen Ci falling behind, tilted his head slightly: "Why aren't you coming up?"\n

\n\n

\n Shen Ci lowered his eyes and followed: "Coming."\n

\n\n

\n He stood on the side of the ship, the hull swaying gently in the river water. Following two blasts of the horn, the cruise ship gradually departed from the shore.\n

\n\n

\n Shen Ci took one last look at the riverbank before heading up to the second floor with Xie Yu.\n

\n\n

\n From now on, this ship was like an isolated island, with nowhere to go. The wealthy young masters laughed wantonly inside, while the others were isolated, helpless, and had no way to call for help.\n

\n\n

\n Xie Yu passed through the crowd and took a seat in the innermost private booth.\n

\n\n

\n He Zhiyuan and Zhou Yang had already arrived. The two sat on the left and right, leaving the middle seat for Xie Yu. Lin Yin, carrying a small bag, sat cautiously beside He Zhiyuan. Upon seeing Xie Yu and Shen Ci, her eyes darted away, quickly shifting her gaze.\n

\n\n

\n He Zhiyuan's gaze swept over Shen Ci, and then he put an arm around Xie Yu. He chuckled, "Good brother!"\n

\n\n

\n Xie Yu calmly brushed his hand away, offering a smile that didn't reach his eyes: "Naturally."\n

\n\n

\n He Zhiyuan didn't notice Xie Yu's rejection in the slightest. He handed over a glass of champagne: "We were just waiting for you."\n

\n\n

\n Xie Yu took two sips and turned his head to speak to someone else.\n

\n\n

\n He Zhiyuan's true intentions weren't focused there, so he let him go and moved in front of Shen Ci. He looked him up and down, then bent over, stopping twenty centimeters away from Shen Ci's nose. Placing a wine glass in front of him, he smiled: "Mr. Shen, give me some face?"\n

\n\n

\n This was a glass of strong white liquor with an alcohol content of over 52 percent.\n

\n\n

\n For someone like Shen Ci, who couldn't handle alcohol, just one glass would make him drink until he threw up.\n

\n\n

\n He Zhiyuan didn't dare force strong liquor down Xie Yu's throat, only getting him a glass of champagne, but when facing Shen Ci, he had no such scruples.\n

\n\n

\n Shen Ci said indifferently: "I can't drink."\n

\n\n

\n Hearing this, not only He Zhiyuan but Zhou Yang also laughed out loud, wearing an expression of watching a good show.\n

\n\n

\n When these playboys played to their heart's content, they would force drinks if they said so. Did they care whether the person could drink or not? Even if they drank until they threw up, so what?\n

\n\n

\n He Zhiyuan narrowed his eyes and picked up the glass: "You really can't? Everyone on the boat can."\n

\n\n

\n Even if he couldn't, once he boarded this boat, he would have to learn how.\n

\n\n

\n Shen Ci looked at him evenly: "I can't."\n

\n\n

\n He Zhiyuan obviously hadn't expected Shen Ci to give him so little face. His complexion suddenly darkened, and he immediately sneered: "Good, very good."\n

\n\n

\n As he spoke, he suddenly picked up the wine glass, pressing it heavily under Shen Ci's lips, and reached his left hand toward Shen Ci's neck, wanting to forcefully pry his jaw open and pour the liquor in.\n

\n\n

\n "If I force you to drink, are you going to drink or not?"\n

\n\n

\n Shen Ci turned his head to avoid it, but the space in the chair was limited. With his back pressed against the cushion, he had no way to retreat.\n

\n\n

\n He frowned, revealing his disgust. The liquor was right under his nose; a considerable amount splashed out from the glass and dampened his shirt collar. He only needed to lower his head to smell the pungent scent of alcohol.\n

\n\n

\n He pursed his lips, with nowhere left to retreat.\n

\n\n

\n "Hey, I say."\n

\n\n

\n Someone suddenly spoke from behind. However, with the beauty right in front of him, He Zhiyuan's mind was filled entirely with Shen Ci's listless expression. That look, seeming like contempt and resembling disgust, was glaring to the eyes and ignited a fire in He Zhiyuan's heart. He couldn't wait to force the liquor down his throat, making this beautiful face tainted with fear, despair, and pain. He wanted to force this person to drink until he vomited and convulsed, preferably so he could never make that kind of expression again...\n

\n\n

\n "Hey, I said!"\n

\n\n

\n As He Zhiyuan was thinking this, he suddenly felt a strong force from behind. In the next moment, he was grabbed, pulled back two steps, and forcibly pressed down onto his seat.\n

\n\n

\n He Zhiyuan turned his head in astonishment. Xie Yu was leisurely releasing his grip, gently patting his cuffs as if brushing away something dirty.\n

\n\n

\n Young Master Xie lounged back lazily in his seat and raised an eyebrow at him: "Hey, I say, the cocktail party just started. What's the point of getting everyone drunk so soon? Let's take our time, no need to rush, right?"\n

\n\n

\n He Zhiyuan: "But..."\n

\n\n

\n Before he could "but" out anything, he saw Xie Yu, eyes half-lowered, lightly glancing over. Xie Yu looked fixedly at him with a faint, unreadable smile. Even though he was clearly sitting in the middle of a debaucherous scene, his dark eyes reflecting the lights, they were dead silent and indifferent, as deep and cold as an icy pool.\n

\n\n

\n A chill ran down He Zhiyuan's spine, and for some inexplicable reason, he didn't dare to speak anymore.\n

\n\n

\n He rubbed his nose, sat back down with his wine glass, and said awkwardly, "True, it just started. The night is still long, the night is still long."\n

\n\n

\n Although everyone present was a rich second generation, there were still differences in their family backgrounds. Xie Yu was considered top-tier in Jiang City, so everyone present had to give him face.\n

\n\n

\n During this time, a few more rounds of drinks were poured. The rich heirs joked and cursed, and Zhou Yang started playing with dice, opening two casual rounds. Someone in the private booth even lit a cigarette, puffing out clouds of smoke.\n

\n\n

\n Shen Ci choked a couple of times, suppressing his coughs in his throat. After a moment, he stood up: "I'm going to the restroom."\n

\n\n

\n Xie Yu nodded.\n

\n\n

\n He then walked quickly up to the deck. The early autumn river breeze was chilly, and blowing against him like that, it dispersed the smell of tobacco. Shen Ci followed the side of the ship, stopping in a quiet, deserted spot, listening to the river water playing the continuous sound of tides, wave after wave.\n

\n\n

\n These stolen ten minutes might be the rare moment of tranquility he would get tonight.\n

\n\n

\n He stood there for a while and was about to go back when he suddenly heard someone call him softly: "Shen Ci?"\n

\n\n

\n Shen Ci looked towards the sound. Lin Yin was hiding in the shadows, her expression hesitant as if she had something to say.\n

\n\n

\n Shen Ci asked: "Miss Lin Yin, is something the matter?"\n

\n\n

\n Lin Yin was nominally He Zhiyuan's girlfriend, but she was clear-headed and had no feelings for him. She was only after his money and came to the party to act as eye candy. She hadn't said a word during the first half of the banquet, so Shen Ci hadn't expected Lin Yin to initiate a conversation with him.\n

\n\n

\n "Mr. Shen, it's like this," Lin Yin hesitated for a moment but still spoke up. "When I came, I saw Young Master He's phone. He was chatting with Young Master Xie... Do you know what he said?"\n

\n\n

\n Lin Yin was half-in this circle. She wasn't a bad person. Although she was weak and powerless, unable to pull anyone out of the mud, when she saw certain things, she still wanted to give a heads-up.\n

\n\n

\n Shen Ci was startled: "What?"\n

\n\n

\n Lin Yin took a deep breath: "It's like this. Young Master He organized the party and asked Young Master Xie to come play. He specifically asked if Young Master Xie could bring you. Then Young Master Xie said, they're good brothers, and he would tie you up and bring you to him if he had to... Do you know what these words implicitly allow in our circle?"\n

\n\n

\n The cold wind on the river blew past. Shen Ci stood frozen in place, feeling inexplicably a bit cold. He tucked his icy fingers into his sleeves and pulled his coat closer: "I don't know."\n

\n\n

\n Lin Yin gritted her teeth: "It means allowing others, multiple people, many people to play together!"\n

","published_time":"2026-05-24T00:00:00.000Z","paid":false,"show_flag":true,"show_scheduled_time":"2026-05-24T00:00:00.000Z","unpaid_scheduled_time":"2026-05-24T00:00:00.000Z"},{"content_id":4401,"novel_id":71,"chapter_no":9,"chapter_title":"Porcelain","content":"

\n "It means allowing others, multiple people, a lot of people to play together!"\n

\n\n

\n Shen Ci froze in place. His face showed no change, but the fingers gripping the railing tightened forcefully, his knuckles turning white and bluish. Looking closely, they were even trembling.\n

\n\n

\n His voice was tight. He remained silent for quite a while before squeezing a sound out of his throat: "I see."\n

\n\n

\n So the tricks on this boat were even more unbearable than the limits of his imagination.\n

\n\n

\n Lin Yin didn't dare to look at him, but pushed on in one breath: "I know you're not someone from this circle, but now that you're on this boat, several kilometers from the shore, you can't even swim away. If you're truly unwilling, then go beg Young Master Xie! Beg him with a soft voice, coax him into a good mood, and perhaps, perhaps..."\n

\n\n

\n Perhaps what, Lin Yin couldn't bring herself to continue.\n

\n\n

\n Lin Yin knew exactly what kind of reputation Xie Yu had in the circle. He Zhiyuan was already a complete scumbag, but Xie Yu was even worse. When He Zhiyuan asked Lin Yin to be his girlfriend, she could still agree for the sake of money. If it had been Xie Yu, she would have run as far away as possible.\n

\n\n

\n Would a person like that let Shen Ci off the hook just because of a few words of pleading?\n

\n\n

\n As Lin Yin spoke, even she felt weak and powerless. She said hastily, "Anyway, that's how it is. You figure out what to do."\n

\n\n

\n After speaking, she left in a hurry, disappearing around the corner in a few steps.\n

\n\n

\n It became quiet here again. The only sounds left between heaven and earth were the waves and the wind.\n

\n\n

\n Only when Shen Ci released the railing did he realize his fingers were as cold as ice. The river breeze drilled straight into his sleeves, making his entire body cold and numb. When he could no longer delay, he lowered his eyes and walked into the cabin. He came to a stop in front of the private box, paused for another good while, and then raised his hand to push open the door.\n

\n\n

\n The door hinges turned with a soft creak. Shen Ci looked over to see that the rich second-generations had already drunk three rounds and were slumping unsteadily in their seats.\n

\n\n

\n Xie Yu sat at the head of the table, holding a glass of champagne and leaning sideways against the back of his chair. His long legs were crossed, his posture unrestrained and dashing, showing barely any signs of drunkenness. Seeing Shen Ci, he waved his hand, gesturing for him to come over and sit.\n

\n\n

\n On his right, three or four empty liquor bottles sat in front of He Zhiyuan, who was sprawled out drunk to the side. Seeing Shen Ci, he chuckled a couple of times. He leaned over to speak with Zhou Yang, but his gaze unreservedly roamed over Shen Ci. Whatever the two said to each other, it cracked them both up.\n

\n\n

\n Meeting their gazes, Shen Ci felt his stomach churn with disgust. Lowering his eyes, he bypassed the unsightly crowd and sat down beside Xie Yu.\n

\n\n

\n Xie Yu took a sip of champagne: "Where did you go for so long?"\n

\n\n

\n Shen Ci: "Stood by the ship's rail for a bit."\n

\n\n

\n Xie Yu: "The rail? The wind on the river is so strong. Aren't you cold?"\n

\n\n

\n Shen Ci: "Not cold."\n

\n\n

\n He had things weighing on his mind; his expression was cold, and his tone was even colder. In the end, he remembered Lin Yin's advice to softly beg and say a few pleasant words, and his body stiffened.\n

\n\n

\n Actually, Shen Ci knew perfectly well in his heart that on this boat—which was like an isolated island—only Xie Yu speaking up could spare him from this humiliation. Unfortunately, he had never been one to beg others. Even if he had the intention to beg for mercy, he couldn't force out any soft words, so he remained motionless in silence.\n

\n\n

\n As they spoke, the door to the box swung open, and a few more people walked in. They were all rich second-generations who hung out together, and the room became increasingly noisy.\n

\n\n

\n Shen Ci's gaze swept over their faces. Recalling Lin Yin's words—"multiple people, a lot of people"—his complexion darkened a few degrees.\n

\n\n

\n They took their seats one after another. Lin Yin stood up, greeted them politely, and then accompanied them with smiles and drinks. Only Shen Ci sat to the side, utterly motionless, sitting as straight and proper as a teacher in a private school. His aura was far too quiet and elegant, completely out of place in the smoke-filled room. Someone pointed at him and asked casually, "Who is this?"\n

\n\n

\n Before Xie Yu could answer, He Zhiyuan beat him to it: "Young Master Xie's little lover. Pretty, isn't he?"\n

\n\n

\n He winked and hinted, "Young Master Xie specially brought him tonight. You all understand, right?"\n

\n\n

\n A burst of roaring laughter followed.\n

\n\n

\n Shen Ci uncontrollably tightened his fingers, his nails digging into his palms, leaving crescent-shaped marks.\n

\n\n

\n His whole body turned cold. The room was filled with smoke, hot and stuffy, but even so, it couldn't warm him up in the slightest.\n

\n\n

\n To a playboy like He Zhiyuan, tonight was merely a mediocre night among countless nights of sensual indulgence, a game to kill off loneliness. But to Shen Ci, he was a toy in this game; no one cared about his joy or anger, and he didn't even have the power to call for a stop.\n

\n\n

\n By now, there were already about ten people in the room. He Zhiyuan called everyone to play dice. Between jokes and laughter, he lost a luxury car. Riding high on the gambling thrill, he still felt it wasn't exciting enough and yelled loudly: "There are still people outside, right? Why aren't they coming in? Where's Fang Yu? He's great at cards! Haven't seen Qin En in a long time either. Go ask Zhang Siming if he's coming!"\n

\n\n

\n Like reading off a menu, he rattled off several names, all of whom were well-known rich kids in Jiang City. For a moment, he was the only one chattering away in the entire private box.\n

\n\n

\n Xie Yu sat in his place, a faint smile hanging on his face. He neither approved nor objected, simply watching He Zhiyuan as if watching a monkey show. Suddenly, he turned his head to look at Shen Ci, asking suspiciously: "Teaching Assistant Shen... are you cold?"\n

\n\n

\n Beside him, Shen Ci's face was terrifyingly pale. He desperately clutched the hem of his shirt, crumpling the fabric into large swathes of wrinkles.\n

\n\n

\n Xie Yu: "Very cold? The AC is already set quite high. Are you sick?"\n

\n\n

\n Saying that, he reached out a hand, wanting to check the temperature of Shen Ci's forehead.\n

\n\n

\n The moment his fingers touched skin, Shen Ci suddenly reached out and seized Xie Yu's sleeve. He pulled with extreme force, tightly gripping that pitiful piece of fabric as if clutching a life-saving straw.\n

\n\n

\n Only then did Xie Yu realize he was trembling slightly.\n

\n\n

\n Xie Yu froze: "Teaching Assistant Shen?"\n

\n\n

\n "Xie Yu." Shen Ci lowered his eyes, his long eyelashes casting a small patch of shadow beneath them. Steadying his voice, he asked, "Does what you said before still count?"\n

\n\n

\n Xie Yu: "Hm?"\n

\n\n

\n Shen Ci looked up at him, his eyes reflecting the cabin's lights. He said: "Porcelain."\n

\n\n

\n Porcelain. This was the Safe Word Xie Yu had promised during their first meeting.\n

\n\n

\n Shen Ci understood that to end this game, he could only beg Xie Yu. Xie Yu was the dealer of the game, and he was a toy on the card table. A toy had no control over itself and no power to call for a stop. But he suddenly remembered that Xie Yu had actually given him a promise.\n

\n\n

\n A promise that if he said this word, the game would stop.\n

\n\n

\n "Porcelain?"\n

\n\n

\n Everyone present was stunned.\n

\n\n

\n He Zhiyuan and Zhou Yang looked at each other, quite baffled. Shen Ci's words were sudden and lacked any context. Neither of them understood what he was trying to say.\n

\n\n

\n He Zhiyuan sneered: "Teaching Assistant Shen hasn't even drunk much. Did the smell of alcohol make him confused?"\n

\n\n

\n Shen Ci ignored him, only looking fixedly at Xie Yu.\n

\n\n

\n Xie Yu sat up straight, frowning. He was slightly dazed, seeming to be in thought. In the prolonged silence, Shen Ci gave a self-deprecating smile. His hands lost their strength, and he immediately let go of the hem of Xie Yu's clothes.\n

\n\n

\n Of course. The playboy young master was just shooting his mouth off at the time. How could he have meant it? How could he have believed it again?\n

\n\n

\n Once the game began, did a plaything even have the room to say no?\n

\n\n

\n Shen Ci's face was deadly pale, his lips equally pale. As if drained of energy in an instant, he closed his eyes and leaned back against the chair, not saying another word.\n

\n\n

\n Xie Yu rolled the word over his tongue, murmuring: "Porcelain?"\n

\n\n

\n This word sounded familiar, but it hadn't been in the novel. He frowned and thought back, finally catching a sliver of a clue in a flash of lightning.\n

\n\n

\n The Safe Word.\n

\n\n

\n Xie Yu hadn't thought twice when he blurted out this word back then. Furthermore, he was confident that he would never use extreme methods, so it would never reach the point where Shen Ci had to use the Safe Word. Thus, he hadn't committed it to memory. But now...\n

\n\n

\n He looked around. The party had only been going on for a few hours, and the rich kids were having the time of their lives. Although Shen Ci was keeping them company, he was sitting quietly, and no one was bothering him. The only one causing trouble was He Zhiyuan, and he had been dragged away by Xie Yu halfway through. At most, the smell of smoke was heavy, he couldn't play on his phone, and it was a bit boring. But with Shen Ci's level of endurance in the novel, it shouldn't have reached the point of needing the Safe Word.\n

\n\n

\n But he looked at Shen Ci. The protagonist's face was indeed looking terrible. Even though his fingertips were gathered in his sleeves, one could still see that they were trembling intensely.\n

\n\n

\n ...Was he cold?\n

\n\n

\n Perhaps because Xie Yu had been staring for too long, Shen Ci, leaning back with his eyes closed, had a cold and calm expression as if he had never said anything. But looking closely, even his eyelashes were trembling.\n

\n\n

\n He was genuinely afraid. Very afraid.\n

\n\n

\n Xie Yu abruptly stood up.\n

\n\n

\n He picked up his windbreaker from the back of the chair and looked around: "Sorry everyone, I still have matters to attend to tonight, so I'll be taking my leave first."\n

\n\n

\n Shen Ci opened his eyes in shock. Immediately after, a sharp pain shot through his wrist as he saw Xie Yu grabbing him and hauling him straight up. Shen Ci stumbled a couple of steps, and then something warm was thrown over his head and face, enveloping him completely.\n

\n\n

\n It was Xie Yu's windbreaker.\n

\n\n

\n He Zhiyuan paused, instinctively reaching out to grab Shen Ci: "No way, what time is it? You're already leaving? Didn't we agree to pull an all-nighter?"\n

\n\n

\n Xie Yu brushed his hand away and firmly pulled Shen Ci into his arms, not letting him touch the person. He only said coldly, "I have an emergency."\n

\n\n

\n He pulled Shen Ci along, walking briskly through the cabin and taking him straight out of that boisterous playground of feasting and revelry. His pace was extremely fast, as if something bad would happen if he slowed down even a step. Pulled into a stumble, Shen Ci obediently tagged along behind him.\n

\n\n

\n Xie Yu didn't ask a single question, just dragging him through the lively cabin. The lingering smoke was completely left behind. As the river breeze blew, even the smell of alcohol dissipated for the most part.\n

\n\n

\n They arrived at the observation deck at the top of the cruise ship.\n

\n\n

\n Xie Yu said, "Sit down and wait. I'll call a boat from my family to pick us up."\n

\n\n

\n The cruise ship had already sailed to the middle of the river. It would take a lot of time to sail back, so Xie Yu simply called someone to pick them up. He pulled out his phone, made a call, murmured in agreement a couple of times, and it was settled.\n

\n\n

\n Shen Ci sat down on the sofa. He felt a vague sense of unreality. He sat stiffly on the edge, pulling his clothes around himself without a word.\n

\n\n

\n This was the highest point of the cruise ship, where dozens of sofas were arranged in small groups. The top was built with a glass roof, allowing one to see a sky full of stars upon looking up. Glancing to the left and right, one could see the tall buildings on both banks and the orange lights. Coupled with the gentle river breeze, it was actually very pleasant.\n

\n\n

\n The scenery was good and all, but a bunch of rich second-generations didn't come partying on a boat to look at the stars. There wasn't a single person here; only a drink counter was still open.\n

\n\n

\n The server at the counter had been sitting there for a long time without a single customer, bored out of their mind playing on their phone. Seeing Xie Yu and Shen Ci, they enthusiastically greeted: "Would you two like some drinks?"\n

\n\n

\n Xie Yu said, "Mix me a Tequila Sunrise, make it strong on the alcohol."\n

\n\n

\n The server nodded eagerly: "Okay, sir."\n

\n\n

\n The orange-red liquor fell into the glass, garnished with a lemon slice on the rim. The server pushed the glass to Xie Yu, then looked at Shen Ci. "And for this gentleman?"\n

\n\n

\n Shen Ci paused for a moment before realizing they were addressing him: "I'm not drinking."\n

\n\n

\n The price of any random drink on this counter would cost as much as several days' worth of his meals.\n

\n\n

\n Xie Yu, however, said: "Aren't you cold? Drink something to warm up."\n

\n\n

\n As if anticipating that Shen Ci wouldn't speak, Xie Yu's gaze swept over the menu, as if to make the decision for him.\n

\n\n

\n Shen Ci followed his gaze. Most of the items on the menu were alcoholic, from cocktails to straight liquors, brandy, tequila, and even Russian vodka. Many of them had a very high alcohol content, higher than the glass He Zhiyuan had pushed over earlier. If Shen Ci downed a glass of that, he would definitely throw up, but...\n

\n\n

\n —This time, no matter which glass Xie Yu handed him, he would drink it.\n

\n\n

\n It was just a glass of alcohol. Exchanging it for Xie Yu bringing him out of there was simply too good of a bargain.\n

\n\n

\n But he watched as Xie Yu flipped the menu back and forth, looking very dissatisfied. Finally, he reached out a finger and tapped on a certain item in the corner.\n

\n\n

\n "Here, give him this."\n

\n\n

\n Shen Ci looked over as directed, but completely froze.\n

\n\n

\n Hot milk.\n

","published_time":"2026-05-24T00:00:00.000Z","paid":false,"show_flag":true,"show_scheduled_time":"2026-05-24T00:00:00.000Z","unpaid_scheduled_time":"2026-05-24T00:00:00.000Z"},{"content_id":4402,"novel_id":71,"chapter_no":10,"chapter_title":"Thigh","content":"

\n Seeing the drink Xie Yu pointed at, not only did Shen Ci freeze, even the shop assistant was stunned.\n

\n\n

\n "You're the first guest tonight to order milk," the assistant joked as he poured it. "Bringing your boyfriend on a cruise just to drink milk?"\n

\n\n

\n Shen Ci paused. "No..."\n

\n\n

\n He was just Xie Yu's contracted partner—hardly a boyfriend.\n

\n\n

\n But Xie Yu said, "His stomach isn't good. He'll throw up if he drinks."\n

\n\n

\n The assistant had worked on the boat for years and seen all kinds of guests. His gaze swept over Shen Ci and Xie Yu—seeing Xie Yu dressed in fine clothes, decked out in luxury brands, even his watch studded with gemstones, then looking at Shen Ci's plain attire, he understood most of it. Smiling, he said, "Maybe not a boyfriend now, but who knows about later."\n

\n\n

\n Xie Yu chuckled. "He's thin-skinned. Don't tease him."\n

\n\n

\n Milk didn't need mixing; it was ready in a dozen seconds. Xie Yu took it and handed it to Shen Ci. Warm steam rose, carrying the scent of milk. Shen Ci held it through the sleeve, warmth spreading through his body.\n

\n\n

\n Lowering his eyes, he said softly, "...Thank you."\n

\n\n

\n "It's nothing." Xie Yu glanced out at the river. "My family's yacht is here. Let's get ready to board."\n

\n\n

\n Half an hour later, Shen Ci sat inside Young Master Xie's private yacht, holding the takeaway hot milk. Beneath him was a soft fabric sofa—so soft that even sitting on the edge made him sink in.\n

\n\n

\n Looking out through the yacht window, he could see another ship gradually receding into the distance—the one they had just left. That ship was awash with flashing lights and liquor, glaring neon reflecting off the nearby river into something gaudy and decadent. The one he was on now, however, had a clean cabin, warm yellow lighting, and was gliding steadily across the water. The distant dock was already faintly visible; at most, ten more minutes and they would arrive ashore.\n

\n\n

\n Shen Ci felt a little dazed.\n

\n\n

\n He had left that ship so easily, without paying any price.\n

\n\n

\n When he first met Xie Yu, Young Master Xie had set a Safe Word, saying that if he couldn't endure it, saying that word would make everything stop.\n

\n\n

\n Shen Ci had taken it as a clumsy joke. He didn't believe a mere word could restrain Xie Yu, nor did he believe the arrogant Young Master Xie would care about his feelings. It was nothing more than a typical tactic of those in power—like a cat playing with a mouse, giving cheap hope only to take it away, watching the weaker party struggle in vain for amusement.\n

\n\n

\n But perhaps it was the towel placed over his head in the rain, the lollipop handed to him during low blood sugar—after just a few days together, Xie Yu was far less violent than rumored, and had never used any real means against him. Shen Ci gradually lowered his guard. And so, on that isolated cruise ship, in that smoke-filled private room, he spoke the word—like a drowning man grasping at the last straw.\n

\n\n

\n In the few seconds when Xie Yu looked over in surprise and then fell silent, Shen Ci thought his struggle must have looked pitiful and laughable.\n

\n\n

\n Like fish on the chopping board, yet still trying to call a halt to the butcher's game.\n

\n\n

\n But it actually worked.\n

\n\n

\n Xie Yu seemed to have only brought him along to show his friends, to make an appearance. After Shen Ci said the word, he took him away—without even asking for a reason.\n

\n\n

\n That Safe Word... was actually valid.\n

\n\n

\n Incense burned in the cabin—agarwood sandalwood. Along with the gentle rise and fall of the river, it evoked the feeling of a forest after rain or an ancient mountain temple. As if people were sleeping in tents by a fire, listening to a soft autumn drizzle.\n

\n\n

\n Wrapped in the soft sofa, Shen Ci grew drowsy.\n

\n\n

\n This was a novel experience. By Young Master Xie's side, he had always been tense, ready for sudden trouble. Even on the first night in the hotel, he had only dozed, never truly slept.\n

\n\n

\n But now, it was as if the bottomless abyss suddenly had a limit. As if the toy had suddenly grasped the stop button of the game.\n

\n\n

\n And so he relaxed.\n

\n\n

\n Shen Ci raised his eyes. Xie Yu sat opposite him, still with his usual sloppy posture—slumped into the sofa, long legs loosely folded, idly scrolling through his phone. His bearing was noble yet languid, like a boneless big cat.\n

\n\n

\n Yet beneath that calm exterior, Xie Yu's mind was in chaos.\n

\n\n

\n "Ahhh, Host!" the System screamed.\n

\n\n

\n "Host, what are you doing?!"\n

\n\n

\n "Tonight is an important plot point! You still have so many lines you haven't said!"\n

\n\n

\n "It's collapsing! It's collapsing! Completely collapsing!"\n

\n\n

\n "At this rate, you're going to fail!"\n

\n\n

\n A vein throbbed on Xie Yu's forehead. "Can you calm down?"\n

\n\n

\n The System was furious, like a melodramatic heroine from old romance dramas. "How can I calm down?! How am I supposed to calm down?!"\n

\n\n

\n Xie Yu felt a bit conflicted. He hadn't even developed anything with the protagonist yet, but here he was exchanging cheesy romance lines with an electronic lifeform. Pressing his forehead, he said, "Think about it—wasn't I doing this for my character setup?"\n

\n\n

\n "Ha? What character setup?" the System scoffed.\n

\n\n

\n Patiently, Xie Yu guided it. "Shen Ci just used the Safe Word. In this kind of game, what does a Safe Word represent?"\n

\n\n

\n "?"\n

\n\n

\n It hesitated. "A bottom line that cannot be crossed?"\n

\n\n

\n "Exactly. Shen Ci used the Safe Word, and I'm a very ‘professional' person. So according to ‘professional' standards, what should I do?"\n

\n\n

\n "...Stop the game immediately, remove the submissive from the scene, and if they're still on the verge of collapse, comfort them."\n

\n\n

\n "I stopped immediately, took Shen Ci away, and bought him hot milk to comfort him. Isn't that professional conduct?"\n

\n\n

\n "...?"\n

\n\n

\n Since when did this kind of thing have professional standards?\n

\n\n

\n It felt a bit confused and couldn't argue immediately. It just said, "I'm still deducting your points."\n

\n\n

\n It began listing Xie Yu's issues: "You skipped a lot of lines. The protagonist felt embarrassment and humiliation, but not strongly enough—didn't reach the threshold. Also..."\n

\n\n

\n Xie Yu was shocked. "There's a threshold for that too? Isn't this a bit much?"\n

\n\n

\n The System replied righteously, "We are a serious system! We have strict evaluation standards!"\n

\n\n

\n "Fine... what else? Go on."\n

\n\n

\n "Your physical contact is also far below standard."\n

\n\n

\n The original text had many detailed descriptions of physical contact. Tonight, Xie Yu had only grabbed a wrist—far from enough.\n

\n\n

\n Xie Yu knew he was in the wrong and waved it off, letting it deduct as it pleased. His previous two scores had both exceeded sixty; averaged out, it wasn't a big problem.\n

\n\n

\n Just as the argument ended, a long horn sounded. The ship trembled slightly as staff secured the ropes—they had docked.\n

\n\n

\n Xie Yu stepped ashore and found his family's Bentley. Since he had been drinking, he couldn't drive, so he called a driver, who had already arrived. Xie Yu tossed him the keys and opened the rear door.\n

\n\n

\n The original owner had a high alcohol tolerance, built from indulgence in nightlife with bad company. Xie Yu's tolerance was average. Mixing champagne and red wine had already left him somewhat drunk. Half-reclining against the cushion, he closed his eyes to rest.\n

\n\n

\n The front seats were occupied by the driver and an empty passenger seat. Shen Ci hesitated slightly, then got into the back with Xie Yu.\n

\n\n

\n Xie Yu lifted his eyelids, half-drunk like a lazy cat. Thinking about the unfinished plot, he suddenly tapped the System. "Hey, System. That physical contact requirement—it can be done anytime tonight, right?"\n

\n\n

\n Still sulking, the System replied flatly, "Yes. You were supposed to stay on the ship all night and disembark at dawn. Anytime would have worked."\n

\n\n

\n Xie Yu chuckled. "That's easy, then."\n

\n\n

\n The rear of the Bentley was spacious. He and Shen Ci sat on opposite sides, minding their own business—until Xie Yu raised a hand and rubbed his forehead, pretending, letting out a soft sigh.\n

\n\n

\n Hearing movement in the back, the driver asked, "Young Master Xie, are you alright?"\n

\n\n

\n "Mm, I'm fine. Just a bit dizzy from drinking."\n

\n\n

\n Shen Ci, who had been sitting quietly, turned his head at that, glancing over. His gaze lingered on Xie Yu's face for a moment before quickly shifting away.\n

\n\n

\n The driver, however, didn't want to miss a chance to curry favor. "There's a pharmacy ahead. Should I get some hangover medicine?"\n

\n\n

\n "No need. I'll just lie down for a bit."\n

\n\n

\n "The rear seats can be adjusted to a reclining position. Shall I help you—"\n

\n\n

\n Before he could finish, Xie Yu leaned sideways and collapsed onto the person beside him, resting his head on his thigh just like that.\n

\n\n

\n Startled, Shen Ci raised a hand to push him away—but Xie Yu wouldn't allow it. Rubbing his forehead, he muttered, "This alcohol really gives me a headache."\n

\n\n

\n Half-drunk, he murmured complaints in a soft tone. Shen Ci paused, his hand hovering a few inches above Xie Yu's forehead, before pressing his lips together and lowering it.\n

\n\n

\n Remembering his unfinished lines, Xie Yu half-opened his eyes and said with dissatisfaction, "Teaching Assistant Shen, what? Can't I rest on your leg?"\n

\n\n

\n Shen Ci lowered his eyes to look at him, saying nothing.\n

\n\n

\n This line was from the original text. Back then, Shen Ci's expression had been as cold as ice. He hadn't given Young Master Xie any face at all—using the excuse of going to the restroom, he directly pushed him off his lap.\n

\n\n

\n Naturally, the original Young Master Xie couldn't swallow that insult. He grabbed Shen Ci by the collar and slammed the back of his head against the wall, leaving him dazed. Still not satisfied, he grabbed Shen Ci's throat and drove a knee into his abdomen. Shen Ci immediately vomited from the pain, curling up—only to be dragged and thrown onto a chair, stripped in front of everyone.\n

\n\n

\n Xie Yu still remembered that description—Shen Ci's hair being yanked, forced to bow his head, his neck and back forming a beautiful curve, skin like warm jade exposed to the air, raising goosebumps, tempting people to grasp and play with.\n

\n\n

\n Usually, such descriptions didn't affect Xie Yu. But now, slightly drunk and resting on Shen Ci's thigh, his gaze drifted over his collarbone and neck—and he could indeed sense a bit of that allure, a faint stirring of desire.\n

\n\n

\n After all, Teaching Assistant Shen was truly good-looking—clear, cold features, composed and dignified. Standing there, his porcelain-white skin resembled an expensive antique displayed behind glass.\n

\n\n

\n If one could hold such "porcelain" in hand and toy with it, it would surely be a great pleasure in life.\n

\n\n

\n Xie Yu silently scolded himself—what sin, thinking like the pervert in the original text—and quickly reined in his thoughts, continuing his lines.\n

\n\n

\n "Teaching Assistant Shen, according to our agreement, not just your leg—every inch of your body belongs to me."\n

\n\n

\n According to the script, Shen Ci should struggle fiercely. But after waiting for a long time, Xie Yu got no reaction.\n

\n\n

\n "?"\n

\n\n

\n He continued acting, narrowing his eyes slightly with a dangerous expression. "Teaching Assistant Shen, don't forget—who gave your grandmother that spot—"\n

\n\n

\n In the novel, this line was a trump card. Every time Xie Yu said it, Shen Ci would immediately submit. This time should be no exception—he should stiffen, then go limp like a soulless puppet, staring emptily into the distance.\n

\n\n

\n But before Xie Yu could finish, Shen Ci suddenly sighed.\n

\n\n

\n He pressed his legs together, letting the most cushioned part support Xie Yu's head more steadily. Then he turned his head away, looking out the window unnaturally, and said evenly, "If you want to lie there, then lie there."\n

\n\n

\n Xie Yu blinked. "Huh?"\n

\n\n

\n That completely stunned him.\n

\n\n

\n His mind, dulled by alcohol, struggled to process it. ‘...What the hell? Since when can I just lie here if I want?'\n

\n\n

\n He frowned, waiting. But this aloof, upright good student really did allow him to use his lap as a pillow—his straight legs resting obediently, unmoving.\n

\n\n

\n Xie Yu: "..."\n

\n\n

\n Honestly, if Shen Ci had struggled desperately, resisting to the death, he could have fully immersed himself in the bully role and finish the scene. But with Shen Ci letting him lean like this, he felt awkward instead.\n

\n\n

\n The legs beneath him were long and straight, well-proportioned, with just the right amount of softness—not too thin, not too bulky. Very comfortable.\n

\n\n

\n Shen Ci didn't have good clothes—everything was worn and loose, failing to show his figure. But just imagining it, Xie Yu knew how good those legs would look in a suit.\n

\n\n

\n Pulling his wandering thoughts back, he asked, "Shen Ci, I bought you clothes. Why don't you wear them?"\n

\n\n

\n Trying hard to stay in character, he added, "Wear them when we get back. I want to see."\n

\n\n

\n Shen Ci looked down at him, saying nothing.\n

\n\n

\n Xie Yu pressed on. "Remember this—if I want to rest on your leg, I will. Anytime, anywhere."\n

\n\n

\n This was also a line from the original text.\n

\n\n

\n Shen Ci glanced at him again, still silent.\n

\n\n

\n Xie Yu: "..."\n

\n\n

\n Now his head really hurt. Dizzy, he felt something was off, and stopped bothering Shen Ci, weakly instructing the driver, "Driver, hurry home. I'm really sleepy."\n

","published_time":"2026-05-24T00:00:00.000Z","paid":false,"show_flag":true,"show_scheduled_time":"2026-05-24T00:00:00.000Z","unpaid_scheduled_time":"2026-05-24T00:00:00.000Z"},{"content_id":4403,"novel_id":71,"chapter_no":11,"chapter_title":"Confusion","content":"

\n "Hey, hey, hey," the driver prevaricated, "Alright, Young Master, we'll be there right away."\n

\n\n

\n Saying this, he discreetly glanced at the rearview mirror and immediately slowed down.\n

\n\n

\n As an experienced driver who had worked for the Xie Family for many years, he had figured out the situation by now—Young Master Xie was groaning about being dizzy and having a headache, claiming it hurt terribly but refusing to buy medicine. He wasn't truly unwell at all; he was just flirting with his new little boyfriend. The two of them were being all sticky and sweet in the backseat, playing some ambiguous game of "let me lie on your lap" and "lie down if you want to." The driver didn't even dare to take another look in the rearview mirror, silently stepping on the brakes.\n

\n\n

\n Late at night, Jiang City shed its daytime clamor and settled into complete silence. The lanes were deserted, with barely a car to be seen for miles. The driver leisurely cruised along the streets of Jiang City, practically turning it into a vacation drive. Only after quite a while did he pull up downstairs at the hotel.\n

\n\n

\n A hotel staff member stepped forward to open the car door. Xie Yu sat up from Shen Ci's lap and knocked on the System: 'Is the intimate contact mission complete? How much longer?'\n

\n\n

\n System: "Twenty minutes left."\n

\n\n

\n Xie Yu clicked his tongue.\n

\n\n

\n He had been clinging to him the entire way; he couldn't give up halfway. He'd have to cling a bit longer after returning to the hotel tonight.\n

\n\n

\n Xie Yu looked inside the car: "Teaching Assistant Shen, come down."\n

\n\n

\n The school was long closed by this time. If Shen Ci went back, the dorm auntie would definitely curse him out in anger. Besides, given Xie Yu's persona, it was impossible to let him run away now. Thus, Shen Ci naturally followed him upstairs.\n

\n\n

\n The night was late and the dew was heavy; it was quite cold outside. Xie Yu entered the room and then went into the bathroom to draw a bath.\n

\n\n

\n The hotel's bathtub had a comfortable curve and a moderate water flow. Leaning against the backrest offered a perfect view of the city skyline. At night, illuminated by the neon lights, it had a rather charming atmosphere. Ever since checking in, Xie Yu had fallen in love with taking baths.\n

\n\n

\n Hearing the sound of running water, Shen Ci knew the bathtub was being filled. He rubbed his fingertips together, feeling slightly nervous.\n

\n\n

\n In truth, he had never expected to emerge unscathed from Xie Yu.\n

\n\n

\n Xie Yu had secured his grandmother's experimental medical treatment qualifications. That drug was basically not tested domestically, and spots were hyped up to exorbitant prices on the black market. It was incredibly expensive, far beyond the reach of a poor student like him. Based on the principle of equivalent exchange, Shen Ci was willing to pay the price.\n

\n\n

\n However, Young Master Xie was of noble and wealthy status. Shen Ci knew clearly in his heart that he had no capital to exchange with Xie Yu. His only reliance was that his face was quite good-looking and his figure wasn't bad. As long as Xie Yu didn't trample his dignity into the mud and didn't play those degrading games that could leave permanent damage, Shen Ci would have no complaints.\n

\n\n

\n Steam covered the bathroom walls. The frosted glass door became even more blurred, obscuring Xie Yu's tall figure in the mist. Without realizing it, Shen Ci had been watching for quite a while.\n

\n\n

\n He slightly closed his eyes, thinking to himself: 'If today, if today...'\n

\n\n

\n If today Xie Yu wanted him to fulfill his obligations, he would cooperate.\n

\n\n

\n Before he could agonize over it any further, three minutes later, Xie Yu pushed the door open and came out.\n

\n\n

\n His clothes were perfectly intact. Shuffling in the hotel slippers, he padded from the bathroom to the wardrobe. Under Shen Ci's watchful gaze, he dug out a bottle of essential oil and then, still in his slippers, padded right back.\n

\n\n

\n Shen Ci was stunned: "You?"\n

\n\n

\n Xie Yu was stopped by his call and turned back: "Hmm?"\n

\n\n

\n Feeling awkward for stopping him inexplicably and not knowing what to say, Shen Ci asked dryly: "Are you going to shower first?"\n

\n\n

\n "Ah, yes." Xie Yu paused. "I've already drawn the water, so I'll wash first. I'll draw yours later."\n

\n\n

\n Saying that, he padded back to the bathroom and clicked the door shut.\n

\n\n

\n Shen Ci: "..."\n

\n\n

\n Looking at the bathroom door, his ears completely burned up.\n

\n\n

\n Heaven have mercy, the original owner might have played wild, but that was the original owner. Xie Yu genuinely had no idea what top-tier rich kids liked to play, nor did he know that the hotel bathtub could actually fit two people. He lacked that awareness; he had just drank alcohol, his shirt reeked of booze, and he was dizzy, so he just wanted to quickly take a bath and sleep.\n

\n\n

\n The pitter-patter of water came from the bathroom. Twenty minutes later, after Xie Yu finished a comfortable soak, he considerately drained the water and drew a fresh tub for Shen Ci before calling him over to bathe.\n

\n\n

\n Unable to articulate his feelings, Shen Ci closed the bathroom door and stepped into the water.\n

\n\n

\n The warm water enveloped his skin. Previously, when Shen Ci lived with his grandmother in their hometown, the old house lacked a water heater for a long time, relying on a wood-fired stove. It was only after poverty alleviation efforts that they could shower frequently. Being submerged in hot water like this was a novel and very comfortable experience.\n

\n\n

\n After drying his body, he stepped out of the bathtub, wrapped himself tightly in a bathrobe, and gently pushed open the door.\n

\n\n

\n The main lights were already off. There was a mound of blankets on the bed; Xie Yu had gone to sleep.\n

\n\n

\n Shen Ci's expression was strange, unsure if he should feel relieved or what. He sat on the edge of the bed. A meter away, Xie Yu lay on his side, his face hidden in heavy shadows. His brow ridge was like the moon, his nose bridge handsome and straight. He slept peacefully and quietly, not bearing the slightest resemblance to the rumors.\n

\n\n

\n Xie Yu only felt someone sitting on the edge of the bed without moving. With his eyes closed, he patted the space beside him: "What are you looking at? Come up."\n

\n\n

\n Shen Ci paused, then climbed onto the bed.\n

\n\n

\n He lay flat stiffly on the edge, close enough to fall off if he turned over. However, Xie Yu patted the spot next to him like a boss: "Why are you sleeping so far away? Come here."\n

\n\n

\n There was still twenty minutes of physical contact left.\n

\n\n

\n Shen Ci slightly shifted his body, moving a bit closer.\n

\n\n

\n Xie Yu reached back and pulled him over.\n

\n\n

\n He only hugged him, doing nothing else. He rested his chin on Shen Ci's shoulder, while his hands hung properly at his sides. Like a large cat, he found a comfortable spot to nestle in and then stopped moving.\n

\n\n

\n He was so close that his breath puffed behind Shen Ci's ear. It was hot and a bit ticklish. Shen Ci's previously relaxed body tensed up again, and he shifted uncomfortably.\n

\n\n

\n Xie Yu was too sleepy to open his eyes: "Don't move. Let me hug you for twenty minutes."\n

\n\n

\n Only twenty minutes left.\n

\n\n

\n Maintaining this posture, he fell straight asleep.\n

\n\n

\n Early the next morning, by the time Xie Yu was washing up, Shen Ci had already returned to school.\n

\n\n

\n Xie Yu's driver had brought him back. He first returned to his dorm to change into clean clothes and grab his work badge before heading to the laboratory.\n

\n\n

\n Standing in front of the lab doors, Shen Ci glanced at his watch. It was just past seven-thirty. Li Yue hadn't arrived yet, but Han Yunyun was already there. She clearly wasn't working. Sitting at her workstation, she was looking at something unknown, beaming with joy and trembling with excitement, even occasionally pounding the desk.\n

\n\n

\n Han Yunyun was so engrossed that she didn't even notice Shen Ci coming in. It wasn't until Shen Ci walked past behind her that she jumped in fright. First, she reached out to press the power button, but in her haste, missed it. Then, she stood up in a flurry, using her body to block the screen. Her large movements directly knocked over the milk tea next to her.\n

\n\n

\n Shen Ci knew Han Yunyun liked reading strange things and had no intention of prying into her privacy. He helped right the spilled milk tea, pulled out two tissues, and handed them over. Just as he was about to tell her to be careful, his gaze inadvertently swept across the screen and suddenly stopped.\n

\n\n

\n Han Yunyun was reading a novel, and not a serious one at that. At a glance, Shen Ci saw a familiar term: Safe Word.\n

\n\n

\n He lowered his eyes.\n

\n\n

\n Han Yunyun turned around guiltily, blocking the screen even more tightly, and smiled awkwardly at Shen Ci: "Senior, Senior Shen hahaha, you're here so early today, Senior Shen."\n

\n\n

\n Shen Ci hummed in acknowledgment, lowering his eyes to wipe the desk. He swept all the spilled milk tea into the trash can, then sat down at his workstation.\n

\n\n

\n Han Yunyun sat down with lightning speed, closed the novel, and opened her work page, but she couldn't take in a single word. She only used her peripheral vision to secretly peek at her senior's expression.\n

\n\n

\n Shen Ci had been working properly, but seeing her acting all sneaky and glancing his way over a dozen times in just a few minutes, he asked out of the blue: "What does Safe Word mean?"\n

\n\n

\n Han Yunyun: "!!!"\n

\n\n

\n She almost jumped up from her workstation, staring at her senior's profile in doubt and shock. Seeing him quietly typing on the computer, his exposed profile cold and calm, as if he was just asking casually and didn't know the specific meaning, she finally let out two awkward laughs and made something up: "Uh, how should I put it, it's, it's a little game between couples. You can understand it as, um, a nickname with a special meaning..."\n

\n\n

\n As Han Yunyun spoke, she felt more and more guilty, and her voice grew softer and softer, almost burying her head in her chest. Because of this, she didn't see her frost-like senior suddenly pause his fingers. His white jade-like fingertips rested on the keyboard, motionless for a long time.\n

\n\n

\n A moment later, Shen Ci continued writing his report. His expression was as cold as ever, and his typing frequency hadn't changed. He only asked: "What kind of special meaning?"\n

\n\n

\n Han Yunyun: "..."\n

\n\n

\n She sized Shen Ci up suspiciously. Seeing her senior looking as usual, as if making idle chat, she slightly relaxed and continued her fabrication: "Um, it's a term of endearment between couples, it might have a special meaning... For example, in the one I'm reading, the Safe Word is 'coffee'. It means one of the partners is a barista, and their personality is like coffee, bitter yet aromatic. Um, when the other partner hears this word, they can't help but feel tender affection. Like that."\n

\n\n

\n Shen Ci seemed somewhat interested: "Can any word be used as a Safe Word?"\n

\n\n

\n Han Yunyun: "I guess so. As long as both parties agree on a word with a special meaning, anything can be a Safe Word."\n

\n\n

\n Shen Ci glanced at Han Yunyun's desk, asking casually: "Like 'milk tea', for example? What meaning could that have?"\n

\n\n

\n Han Yunyun spouted nonsense with her eyes closed: "Uh, maybe that one partner is sweet, soft, and very cute?"\n

\n\n

\n Shen Ci looked at the desktop: "Pothos?"\n

\n\n

\n Han Yunyun: "Vibrant, full of greenery, making one feel relaxed just by looking at it, I guess."\n

\n\n

\n Shen Ci glanced out the window: "Fir?"\n

\n\n

\n Han Yunyun was getting more and more adept at this. She thought her senior just didn't want to work and was looking for a chat, so her fabrications grew increasingly confident: "Tall and straight, unafraid of wind and rain, enduring in silence yet reliable."\n

\n\n

\n Shen Ci paused slightly.\n

\n\n

\n His gaze fell upon the decorative Porcelain vase at the corner of Han Yunyun's desk.\n

\n\n

\n There was a word pressed against his tongue, pressed so affectionately and gently, just like a lover's murmur. Shen Ci's gaze steadily focused on the computer screen, his expression calm and attentive, yet his index finger unconsciously clicked the mouse. As his lips parted, they actually trembled slightly.\n

\n\n

\n "...What about Porcelain?"\n

\n\n

\n Han Yunyun didn't notice anything unusual at all. She had fully gotten into the zone, talking glibly with an academic and rigorous attitude: "I think it means treasured, precious, but also very fragile, requiring careful love and protection."\n

\n\n

\n After she finished speaking, she waited for her senior to ask the next question. However, no one spoke. When she looked up, Shen Ci was staring at the computer screen, his pitch-black eyes lowered, not knowing what he was thinking about.\n

\n\n

\n The computer screen was stopped at the thesis title page. The bold black font was rigid and dull, but it was as if her senior was mesmerized by that line of text, not scrolling the mouse at all.\n

\n\n

\n Han Yunyun asked carefully: "Senior Shen? Senior, are you spacing out?"\n

\n\n

\n "No..." Shen Ci hid his expression and smiled slightly: "Just brainstorming my thesis."\n

\n\n

\n Every noun on the screen was incredibly familiar, yet none of it entered his brain. His thoughts felt entangled by something, turning into a chaotic mess.\n

\n\n

\n There was a glass of water on the desk. Shen Ci gazed at his reflection in the water, repeatedly chewing over those few words, before unnaturally curling the corners of his lips, revealing a mocking smile akin to self-deprecation.\n

\n\n

\n He silently watched his reflection in the water, thinking to himself: 'Such a bland, uninteresting person, so hollowed out inside that a few drops of alcohol could land him in the hospital—is he really worth Young Master Xie's careful love and protection?'\n

\n\n

\n The young man in the water was pale and thin. His face was indeed good-looking, but it was only good-looking and nothing more. If Shen Ci picked at it, he could find many flaws. His features often carried a tired look; they weren't striking enough. It was as if his body had been hollowed out by years of accumulated poverty. Combined with his faded, washed-out clothes and lack of grooming, if Xie Yu picked based on looks, he could find dozens or even hundreds of people far more glamorous.\n

\n\n

\n Leaving those aside, Shen Ci knew how he had roughly grown up, completely different from the precious young lord Xie Yu. When Xie Yu was surrounded by people, wearing hundreds of different outfits a year without repeating, he was washing clothes in the river during the freezing winter until his knuckles were covered in chilblains. When Xie Yu was nitpicking over truffles and caviar, he was calculating how many bowls of noodles the thirty yuan on his campus card could buy... To an inexperienced young master like Xie Yu, he was nothing more than a somewhat pretty toy. But, treasured? Precious?\n

\n\n

\n Who would treasure an easily obtainable doll? Who would find a plaything—whose lifelong food expenses amounted to less than one of the young master's meals—precious?\n

\n\n

\n Fragile? In need of protection?\n

\n\n

\n Shen Ci only found it ridiculous.\n

\n\n

\n From the moment he signed the agreement with Xie Yu, Shen Ci knew what the young master wanted to play. It was nothing more than having seen too many soft, submissive youths, so he picked someone with tough bones to abuse, occasionally changing his taste.\n

\n\n

\n But...\n

\n\n

\n But up until now, Xie Yu hadn't laid a single finger on him.\n

\n\n

\n Although he considered himself a plaything, Xie Yu's treatment of him truly didn't resemble the treatment of a plaything.\n

\n\n

\n When He Zhiyuan threw a cocktail party, Shen Ci said he wouldn't go, so he didn't. Even after blatantly slighting Young Master Xie's pride, Xie Yu hadn't said a single extra word. During the banquet on the ship, when Shen Ci said the Safe Word halfway through, Xie Yu had directly taken him away without asking any questions. Even down to all the details over the past few days, whether it was the towel handed to him in the car after the rain, or the milk that night...\n

\n\n

\n Shen Ci was somewhat dazed for a moment. Bit by bit, incident by incident, the way Xie Yu treated him had never involved any humiliation or belittlement. At most, there had been some harmless teasing.\n

\n\n

\n But compared to that spot worth millions, what did this teasing amount to?\n

\n\n

\n Young Master Xie had a notorious reputation, having degraded an unknown number of people. He was famous for his violent temper. They had even signed an agreement like that, with humiliation written between every line. When Xie Yu had people press him into going to the hospital for a medical checkup, he had made it perfectly clear—he was just missing a punching bag to abuse and vent his anger on. But...\n

\n\n

\n But why hadn't he ever laid a hand on him since?\n

\n\n

\n Shen Ci couldn't figure it out.\n

\n\n

\n Right at that moment, the main door beeped. Li Yue came in from outside, carrying breakfast and greeting the two of them one by one: "Senior Shen, Junior Han."\n

\n\n

\n Shen Ci withdrew his thoughts and gave a slight nod.\n

\n\n

\n Li Yue handed the breakfast he bought for Han Yunyun to her, then delivered a notice from the Student Affairs Department to Shen Ci: "Perfect timing, Senior. There's a volunteer activity this afternoon. Don't forget."\n

\n\n

\n Shen Ci gathered his thoughts and nodded: "Alright."\n

","published_time":"2026-05-24T00:00:00.000Z","paid":false,"show_flag":true,"show_scheduled_time":"2026-05-24T00:00:00.000Z","unpaid_scheduled_time":"2026-05-24T00:00:00.000Z"},{"content_id":4404,"novel_id":71,"chapter_no":12,"chapter_title":"Hospital","content":"

\n When Xie Yu woke up, it was already high noon. He looked to the side; the bedding was neatly arranged, and Shen Ci had already left.\n

\n\n

\n Top student Shen had a morning meeting. His daily schedule was regular and unshakable, completely unlike a slacking second-generation heir like Xie Yu.\n

\n\n

\n The System reminded him, "It's almost noon. You have an appointment with the doctor this afternoon."\n

\n\n

\n It was referring to Doctor Xu of Qingshan Psychiatric Hospital.\n

\n\n

\n Xie Yu made an 'OK' gesture, got up to wash, and casually used his phone to search for Doctor Xu's information.\n

\n\n

\n He opened the official website of Qingshan Psychiatric Hospital, clicked into the "Doctor Profiles" section, and browsed through the past achievements and specialties of each practicing physician.\n

\n\n

\n The surname Xu wasn't particularly common, nor was it rare. Qingshan Psychiatric Hospital only had one doctor surnamed Xu, named Xu Qingshan. He was the head and director of the hospital, specializing in anxiety, paranoia, schizophrenia, and bipolar disorder.\n

\n\n

\n Xie Yu's gaze swept over Xu Qingshan's photo, pausing slightly. After memorizing his information one by one, he pondered how to start the conversation to fish for information.\n

\n\n

\n The original owner was an old client of Xu Qingshan, but his last appointment was half a year ago. The two didn't usually talk and shouldn't be friends, just having an ordinary doctor-patient relationship. With the System backing him up, Xie Yu wasn't worried about his identity being seen through.\n

\n\n

\n Xie Yu got into his car and set the navigation. Qingshan Psychiatric Hospital was located in the suburbs. He drove for about 40 minutes and entered the hospital's parking lot.\n

\n\n

\n Director Xu's consultation room was on the third floor of the hospital. Xie Yu went straight up in the elevator. He found the specific location, pushed the door open, and came face-to-face with an elegant man.\n

\n\n

\n Xu Qingshan was in his early thirties this year and well-maintained. His entire person exuded a refined and scholarly aura. Seeing Xie Yu, he lightly pushed up his glasses, "Xiao Yu... Mr. Xie, please take a seat."\n

\n\n

\n Xie Yu sat down opposite him, only to see Xu Qingshan inspect his face before smiling, "Your condition is much better than before."\n

\n\n

\n Xie Yu said, "Indeed, I've been feeling more comfortable lately. Perhaps I've just let things go."\n

\n\n

\n He didn't know the original owner's situation, but if a psychiatrist praised his condition as being good, he could probably just brush it off with 'having let things go'.\n

\n\n

\n Xu Qingshan: "According to standard procedure, let's do a psychological test first to see your recent condition."\n

\n\n

\n He took a pen and paper and pushed them to Xie Yu. Printed in black and white on the paper were questions used to evaluate one's mental state.\n

\n\n

\n Before Xie Yu could say anything and just picked up the pen, the System in his mind had already gone crazy with noise.\n

\n\n

\n "No, Host, are you really going to do it? Are you actually going to do it?!"\n

\n\n

\n Xie Yu pressed his forehead. "Keep it down, you're giving me a headache... Why shouldn't I do it?"\n

\n\n

\n "You'll break character." The System was filled with anxiety. "You are a mentally healthy, sound person. If the original owner really had a mental illness and you just randomly fill out the test, it definitely won't match up with him. I've checked this Xu Qingshan; he is a professional psychiatrist who studied abroad and earned a Ph.D. in psychology. He has rich clinical experience. Once he sees a problem, what will we do?"\n

\n\n

\n Xie Yu bit off the pen cap and began to write his answers fluently. "Don't worry, he won't see any problems."\n

\n\n

\n System: "But..."\n

\n\n

\n Xie Yu pressed his index finger against his lips. "Keep your voice down—"\n

\n\n

\n The System froze for two seconds, then immediately typed out three exclamation marks: "!!!"\n

\n\n

\n The fluorescent blue dialog box flashed frantically, and the System anxiously displayed, "How could you make a gesture at me? Xu Qingshan is still watching from across the table; it will expose that you have a System!"\n

\n\n

\n Xie Yu's previous gesture was completely undisguised, and Xu Qingshan took it all in.\n

\n\n

\n Xie Yu: "Don't panic, look at Xu Qingshan."\n

\n\n

\n The System turned its head, only to see Xu Qingshan adjust his glasses, not at all surprised that Xie Yu was talking to thin air. He thoughtfully scrutinized the patient, occasionally lowering his head to type on his computer, recording something.\n

\n\n

\n Twenty minutes later, Xie Yu set down his pen and handed the paper back.\n

\n\n

\n Xu Qingshan took the paper and carefully read it from beginning to end.\n

\n\n

\n The System's heart leaped in fear.\n

\n\n

\n Although it didn't have a physical body, its heart felt as if it had jumped into its throat. It wished it could grab onto something to relieve its anxiety, but it saw Xie Yu lounging in the chair like a granduncle, nonchalantly playing with a pot of pothos on the desk, pinching the leaves and tapping the pot, showing absolutely no sign of nervousness.\n

\n\n

\n System: "..."\n

\n\n

\n Just as it was about to suffocate, Xu Qingshan finally finished looking over the paper. He revealed a slight smile. "Just as I expected, your condition is gradually improving. Although there are still some issues, compared to before, you're doing much better."\n

\n\n

\n Xie Yu's expression remained unchanged. "Is that so? I feel the same."\n

\n\n

\n Xu Qingshan nodded. "Since that's the case, continue taking your previous medication. I'll adjust the prescription and reduce the dosage a bit."\n

\n\n

\n Saying this, he kept nodding, as if sincerely happy for his patient's recovery. Xie Yu observed from the side and suddenly asked, "Doctor, is there a possibility of a full recovery from my illness?"\n

\n\n

\n Hearing this, Xu Qingshan sighed slightly. "Little... Mr. Xie, it's like this. Some things, you still have to let go of yourself. The departed have ultimately passed away. If Madam were still alive, she wouldn't want to see her child like this."\n

\n\n

\n He said this out of nowhere, but Xie Yu seemed to understand. Under the System's bewildered gaze, he nodded. "You're right, but if it were that easy to move on, I wouldn't have been sick for so long."\n

\n\n

\n Afterwards, Xu Qingshan asked a few more questions. Xie Yu answered them one by one, his words watertight. The two conversed back and forth, with Xu Qingshan nodding from time to time, actually not suspecting a thing.\n

\n\n

\n As their conversation neared its end, through the glass window, they heard a bus braking. Qingshan Psychiatric Hospital was located in a remote area with few vehicles coming and going, so the hospital grounds were quiet, making the sound of the brakes exceptionally distinct.\n

\n\n

\n Xie Yu took a sip of tea. "What's the situation? Delivering patients by the busload?"\n

\n\n

\n Xu Qingshan looked down from the window and laughed. "It's some volunteers from a school. They help us do a day's work, take some pictures for their publicity department. They come once or twice every year."\n

\n\n

\n The two exchanged a few more pleasantries. Xu Qingshan handed Xie Yu the prescription and told him to go get his medicine. The afternoon consultation was then concluded.\n

\n\n

\n Xie Yu went down in the elevator and happened to run into the volunteers coming up the stairs. The leader held a small flag that read 'A University Volunteer Group'. He gave them a cold glance and then headed towards the pharmacy.\n

\n\n

\n In the crowd, Shen Ci paused his movements.\n

\n\n

\n This was a student volunteer activity organized by A University. Coming to a psychiatric hospital in the distant suburbs to be a volunteer for a day, look around, sweep the floor, and cooperate with the publicity committee for photos yielded a 200 yuan subsidy. It was easy money for little work, and Shen Ci had only managed to snatch a spot relying on Li Yue's connections.\n

\n\n

\n But he never would have imagined that he would run into Xie Yu here.\n

\n\n

\n And a Xie Yu like this, at that.\n

\n\n

\n The Young Master of the Xie Family was arrogant, domineering, and unrestrained, always wearing a smile on his lips. But when he walked past just now, his expression was cold and lonely, his face pulled tight, without the slightest hint of a smile.\n

\n\n

\n Xie Yu's bone structure and facial contours were actually extremely clear and sharp. They only seemed somewhat softer because he usually wore a smile. Now, with a cold expression and his brow full of weariness, he exuded a stern aura that told strangers to stay away.\n

\n\n

\n A fellow student saw Shen Ci's gaze and looked over curiously. "Senior Shen, do you know that person?"\n

\n\n

\n Xie Yu was tall and good-looking. His back alone was attractive enough.\n

\n\n

\n Shen Ci said, "He's my... friend."\n

\n\n

\n He really couldn't figure out why Xie Yu would appear here.\n

\n\n

\n Young Master Xie lived a life of luxury with luxury cars and brand-name watches. He shouldn't possibly have any mental issues.\n

\n\n

\n Shen Ci pondered for a moment, then called out to the leader, "My friend is here, I'll go ahead first."\n

\n\n

\n Student volunteer activities didn't have strict rules; as long as you were there for the photos, it was fine. The leader waved his hand, gesturing for him to do as he pleased. Shen Ci took two steps forward and followed Xie Yu downstairs.\n

\n\n

\n He stopped in the shadows of a corner and watched Xie Yu enter the pharmacy.\n

\n\n

\n A moment later, Xie Yu picked up his medicine, casually tossed the prescription receipt into a trash can, and strode away.\n

\n\n

\n Shen Ci paused for a moment, then stepped out of the shadows. Standing in front of the trash can, he clearly read the text on the prescription receipt.\n

\n\n

\n "Lamotrigine Dispersible Tablets, three boxes; Lithium Carbonate Tablets, one bottle; Oxcarbazepine Tablets, two boxes..."\n

\n\n

\n All three medications were used to treat bipolar disorder.\n

\n\n

\n He bent down to pick up the prescription receipt, smoothed out the wrinkles, stared at it for a long while, and then tucked it into his breast pocket.\n

\n\n

\n On the other side, Xie Yu had just walked out of the hospital gate when he suddenly slapped his forehead. "How could I forget about the investment?"\n

\n\n

\n He had originally sought out the psychiatric hospital for the sake of investment. As a result, after going through a consultation, he had completely forgotten his main business.\n

\n\n

\n Xie Yu turned back. The System silently appeared in front of him, its fluorescent blue screen bumping into him. "Host, what was with that form just now? You looked so capable and at ease."\n

\n\n

\n It was very difficult for a normal person to pretend to have a mental illness, let alone complete a professional scale without showing any flaws. Yet, Xie Yu hadn't even stopped to think, finishing it smoothly and effortlessly.\n

\n\n

\n Xie Yu let out a laugh. "Because I've had a mental illness too."\n

\n\n

\n System: "?"\n

\n\n

\n "!!!"\n

\n\n

\n It raised its volume, completely incredulous. "What?!"\n

\n\n

\n Xie Yu's expression was calm, entirely uncaring that he had just dropped a shocking bombshell. "I had it in high school. It was mild, not serious, and I've already recovered."\n

\n\n

\n He smiled at the System. "Didn't you say that the original owner and I share a certain degree of similarity, including name, appearance, family background, childhood experiences, etcetera, etcetera? Then it's completely normal that I've experienced the things the original owner has experienced."\n

\n\n

\n The System was stunned. "What?"\n

\n\n

\n Xie Yu was a supporting character in the original book. He had very little screen time and no detailed descriptions, so the System wasn't clear about his background.\n

\n\n

\n Xie Yu spoke as if it were nothing at all. "It's nothing. Just that my father liked to abuse people. He got my mother pregnant out of wedlock, then beat her until she ended up in a psychiatric hospital. After that, he abused his child and wanted to throw the kid into an orphanage. In the end, he discovered his sperm motility was poor, and this was the only child he had to inherit the family business, so he eagerly brought the child back and raised him by his side."\n

\n\n

\n The System momentarily froze. Even though it was clearly an electronic lifeform, it felt as though its breath caught in its throat just like a human's.\n

\n\n

\n It asked carefully, "Did your dad... hit you?"\n

\n\n

\n Xie Yu scoffed. "When you brought my body over? Didn't you see those scars on my back? They were from being beaten when I was a kid."\n

\n\n

\n The System paused, feeling bitter. "It seems there were."\n

\n\n

\n "Thanks" to his family, Xie Yu, just like the original owner, had also suffered from bipolar disorder. It was especially severe during high school, making him unable to study for a time. It was also during that period that he learned to drink, fight, and ride motorcycles. Later, when he became financially independent and distanced himself from his original family, coupled with medical intervention, he finally got better.\n

\n\n

\n "So that's how it is? Was the original owner like this too?" The System felt a little sad and muttered to itself. "Then his extremely short temper and special fetishes are excusable."\n

\n\n

\n Xie Yu sneered. "Bullshit. I went through the same thing, so why aren't I short-tempered?"\n

\n\n

\n He irritably unwrapped a lollipop, touched it with his tongue, and added, "Just because his father was scum and he suffered abuse as a child, he treats innocent people the same way. How is that any different from being scum?"\n

\n\n

\n With the lollipop in his mouth, it didn't have much flavor. Xie Yu couldn't bring himself to eat it, so he simply threw it away. "Forget it, I'll go find Xu Qingshan to talk about the investment first."\n

\n\n

\n He returned to the hospital. At this time, the lobby was full of volunteers. Shen Ci was hidden among them, not drawing any attention. As the two brushed past each other, Xie Yu didn't see Shen Ci, but Shen Ci saw him.\n

\n\n

\n Xie Yu took the elevator up. Shen Ci noted the floor and the duration of the stop, and quietly followed him.\n

\n\n

\n He saw Xie Yu go up to the third floor and turn into the director's office, so he pretended to walk by casually and glanced through the glass window.\n

\n\n

\n Xu Qingshan was sitting at the consultation desk, holding a dark green medical record in his hand. Nowadays, most hospitals had gone digital, but Director Xu still retained the habit of handwriting medical records. The edges of this medical record were curled, and the inner pages were yellowed and faded. It had clearly been in use for a long time.\n

\n\n

\n Xie Yu sat across from him, his fingers holding a lollipop in the posture of holding a cigarette. The romantic and hedonistic aura around him had completely faded away. As he leaned back in the chair, his temperament was cold and detached.\n

\n\n

\n Xu Qingshan pushed up his glasses. "You want to invest in my hospital?" He smiled helplessly. "There's no need for this, Xiao Yu. I'm not short of money."\n

\n\n

\n "I have nowhere to spend it anyway," Xie Yu interrupted. "Use it to help the patients, expand the hospital, add some infrastructure, or set up a relief fund. It's up to you. If you leave it in my hands, I'll only end up buying cars and watches."\n

\n\n

\n He had to stick to the original owner's character setting. Seriously investing was out of the question; if the investment was successful, how would the future plot of studying abroad proceed?\n

\n\n

\n Xu Qingshan paused and sighed slightly. "Alright, I'll hold onto it for you first."\n

\n\n

\n Xie Yu: "I'll go find a reliable lawyer to see how to draft the contract. I'll come find you when everything is negotiated."\n

\n\n

\n After saying that, he gathered his clothes, stood up, and left.\n

\n\n

\n Shen Ci turned sideways and hid in the adjacent office just as Xie Yu walked out of the room. This was the third floor of the hospital, mostly administrative offices with no doctors or patients, so it was very spacious and empty. Not long after, two young women dressed as clerks came from the other side, just happening to brush past Xie Yu.\n

\n\n

\n They put down their reports and looked back at Xie Yu. The taller girl asked in a low voice, "Who was that guy walking past? A family member? He's pretty handsome."\n

\n\n

\n The petite, round-faced girl shook her head. "Handsome, isn't he? And very rich too. It's a pity he's not a family member; he's a patient."\n

\n\n

\n She pointed and added, "He's also somewhat related to our director. It's said the director is his younger uncle. Back then, the reason the director chose his specialty was reportedly related to his illness."\n

\n\n

\n A patient in a psychiatric hospital could only mean they had a mental illness.\n

\n\n

\n The taller girl was somewhat astonished. That young man was handsome enough to be a movie star. His gait and demeanor were calm and natural, standing out even more than a model's. He completely didn't look like he had any problems. She wanted to ask more but was tapped on the head by the shorter girl, who scolded her with a smile, "Stop asking about patient privacy. Go organize the documents."\n

\n\n

\n As they spoke, they gradually walked further away.\n

\n\n

\n Shen Ci walked out from the shadows. The crumpled prescription receipt was in his pocket, the sharp folded corners of the paper pressing against his skin through the thin layer of fabric, cutting in a bit uncomfortably.\n

\n\n

\n Xie Yu... is really a patient?\n

\n\n

\n Young Master Xie had always lived a life of luxury and fine food, dismissing everything around him, like a lazy big cat. No matter what, Shen Ci couldn't link him to bipolar disorder.\n

\n\n

\n At this moment, his phone vibrated. The leader was asking, "Senior Shen, where are you? We're getting ready for the group activity."\n

\n\n

\n Graduate students generally didn't participate in this kind of activity. Because Shen Ci was short on funds, he was an exception, and everyone else on the team called him 'Senior'.\n

\n\n

\n Shen Ci smoothed out the prescription receipt through his clothes and typed out: "Coming."\n

\n\n

\n Xie Yu returned to the hotel, locked the medication in the cabinet, and didn't touch it again.\n

\n\n

\n The System was rather worried. "Don't you need to take some?"\n

\n\n

\n Xie Yu was speechless. "I already told you, I'm not sick now. I only had it briefly in high school."\n

\n\n

\n Mental illnesses were also graded by severity. Xie Yu was naturally open-minded and had no hurdles he couldn't overcome. He had a mild episode in high school, but it wasn't severe enough to require medication. Later, when he gained financial independence, he slowly recovered.\n

\n\n

\n System: "But..."\n

\n\n

\n "No buts." Xie Yu held his forehead, feeling a headache coming on. "Look at my current mental state. Do I look sick to you?"\n

\n\n

\n The System said cautiously, "You do."\n

\n\n

\n Xie Yu: "."\n

\n\n

\n Speechless, he pushed the System away. "Stop blabbering and quickly check what plot is coming up next. I remember there's a plot point tonight."\n

\n\n

\n "Oh, oh, oh, let me check." The System scrambled in a flurry. "There is a plot point. There is an entire chapter of plot."\n

\n\n

\n An entire chapter of plot meant it was a relatively important major plot point. Xie Yu opened the novel. "What is the chapter name?"\n

\n\n

\n "The chapter name is—'Coercion After Drinking'."\n

\n\n

\n "Pfft—" Xie Yu spat out a mouthful of hot tea, finding it unbelievable. "What?!"\n

","published_time":"2026-05-24T00:00:00.000Z","paid":false,"show_flag":true,"show_scheduled_time":"2026-05-24T00:00:00.000Z","unpaid_scheduled_time":"2026-05-24T00:00:00.000Z"},{"content_id":4405,"novel_id":71,"chapter_no":13,"chapter_title":"Does It Hurt?","content":"

\n "The chapter name is—'Coercion After Drinking'."\n

\n\n

\n Xie Yu: "..."\n

\n\n

\n He had briefly skimmed through the novel before, but because there were too many mosaics (censorship), which was an eyesore, he hadn't read all the chapters carefully. Now, hearing the System read out the chapter name in a cold, electronic voice, his worldview was temporarily shaken, leaving him a bit speechless.\n

\n\n

\n The System looked at him with pity: "Host, we are in a smut novel. These kinds of words will appear from time to time. You need to get used to it."\n

\n\n

\n Xie Yu: "..."\n

\n\n

\n He pressed his forehead: "Bring up the chapter."\n

\n\n

\n Large clusters of light points appeared on the glowing blue screen, converging into large paragraphs of text.\n

\n\n

\n Xie Yu read ten lines at a glance, roughly grasping the plot.\n

\n\n

\n The plot of a smut novel was always simple and crude. The story went that on this night, Young Master Xie went crazy for some unknown reason and got dead drunk all by himself. Returning to the hotel, he felt the room was ice-cold. Feeling extremely empty and lonely, and remembering that he had a contracted beauty, he simply called Shen Ci over.\n

\n\n

\n The System commented: "How strange. Would the original owner drink alone?"\n

\n\n

\n Young Master Xie could least endure loneliness; he always gathered a group of friends every time.\n

\n\n

\n Xie Yu slightly raised his eyebrows, deep in thought, but didn't respond to that, only saying, "Let's read on first."\n

\n\n

\n The current Shen Ci was perfectly fine, but the Shen Ci in the novel was doing very poorly. His physical foundation was already weak, and without proper rest, he had a whole host of problems like hypoglycemia and dizziness. After being played with by the original owner for several days in a row, he developed a high fever and was admitted to the hospital.\n

\n\n

\n But Young Master Xie wouldn't care whether he was sick or in the hospital. He even felt that playing with someone who had a high fever would have a unique flavor, so he directly sent someone to the hospital to pick Shen Ci up.\n

\n\n

\n "System." Xie Yu pointed at the plot. "We're stuck on the first step."\n

\n\n

\n The novel's protagonist was hospitalized with a high fever, but Shen Ci wasn't hospitalized. Which hospital was he supposed to go to to pick him up?\n

\n\n

\n The System was used to this kind of minor collapse. It said weakly: "As long as we get sixty points, it's fine. Just go to the school to pick him up."\n

\n\n

\n So Xie Yu made the call. Faking a drunken tone, his attitude was as atrocious as ever: "Teaching Assistant Shen, where are you?"\n

\n\n

\n Late at night, he should be at the university, right?\n

\n\n

\n Who knew Shen Ci would lower his voice: "At the hospital."\n

\n\n

\n The background noise was loud and chaotic, with the sound of machines turning on. Xie Yu paused, unable to maintain his drunken voice: "What's wrong with you?"\n

\n\n

\n He hadn't done anything to the protagonist.\n

\n\n

\n Shen Ci kept his voice very soft: "Visiting my grandmother." He hesitated for a moment before adding, "It's not me, I'm fine."\n

\n\n

\n Saying this made Shen Ci himself feel awkward, as if Xie Yu would care whether something was wrong with him or not.\n

\n\n

\n On the other end of the phone, Xie Yu let out an "oh," leaned back against the sofa, and adjusted his tone back to a drunken state: "Come to the hotel tonight. I'll send someone to pick you up at the hospital."\n

\n\n

\n Shen Ci covered the receiver with one hand, his voice mixing into the complex background noise, indistinct: "Okay."\n

\n\n

\n He put down the phone, looked at the old woman by the hospital bed, and leaned over: "Grandma, I have something to do at the lab. I have to go."\n

\n\n

\n The old woman's temples were white, and her skin was covered with age spots from hyperpigmentation, but her brow bone and nose bridge were delicate and elegant. Judging from her bone structure, she must have been a beautiful woman in her youth.\n

\n\n

\n Hearing this, the old woman looked at Shen Ci and patted the back of his hand with her needle-pierced hand. Her voice was hoarse: "It's so late, and there's still work at the lab?"\n

\n\n

\n Shen Ci: "Yes, it's the project cycle now, so the lab is very busy."\n

\n\n

\n The old woman looked at him quietly. At her age, the eyes were mostly cloudy, but these eyes were very clear. The old woman asked calmly: "Who was that calling you just now?"\n

\n\n

\n Shen Ci's fingers twitched.\n

\n\n

\n He withdrew his fingers, picked up an apple from the fruit basket, and lowered his eyes to peel it: "A friend."\n

\n\n

\n "Just a friend?"\n

\n\n

\n The old woman's hand pressed on the back of Shen Ci's hand. She was fully aware of her grandson's movements but didn't expose him. She continued, "Recently during my hospitalization, I feel that the service has improved a lot. Looking at the medicine in the bottles, I don't recognize any of the names. Listening to the nurses chat, they said they are all imported, very expensive, and sometimes you can't even buy them if you want to... Xiao Ci, tell Grandma, where did you get the money? Where did you get the connections?"\n

\n\n

\n Shen Ci sighed: "It's the friend I just mentioned. He lent it to me."\n

\n\n

\n The old woman looked him up and down. Shen Ci looked somewhat similar to her in her youth; both had a dignified and quiet appearance. In comparison, Shen Ci rarely smiled, his eyebrows and eyes were colder and more solemn, which was also more likely to arouse certain desires.\n

\n\n

\n She slowly closed her eyes: "If it's really a friend, bring him over for me to meet someday."\n

\n\n

\n Shen Ci was stunned and said briefly: "He—"\n

\n\n

\n He slowed his tone without leaving a trace: "Grandma, he is busy with work and his career is demanding. His schedule is very tight, so he might not have time."\n

\n\n

\n Young Master Xie did whatever he wanted, and Shen Ci didn't feel he held enough weight in Xie Yu's heart to trouble him to make a trip to the hospital.\n

\n\n

\n Moreover, although the old woman had failing eyesight, her mind was very clear. The pampered, luxury-car-and-brand-name-watch posture of Young Master Xie was something ordinary people couldn't imitate, so Shen Ci couldn't find anyone to impersonate him.\n

\n\n

\n The old woman didn't speak, only looking at him. Unspeakable sorrow was hidden in her dark eyes. After a long time, she closed her eyes and said, "If it's really a friend who helped so much, letting Grandma thank him in person is always possible, right?"\n

\n\n

\n Shen Ci had no choice but to say: "I'll ask if he has time."\n

\n\n

\n He stood up, left the ward, glanced at the floor-length mirror by the door, and breathed a slight sigh of relief.\n

\n\n

\n The person in the mirror looked well. In fact, because the hotel bed was soft and the air conditioning temperature was just right, he had slept well these past two days, so his complexion was even better than before.\n

\n\n

\n He thought to himself, 'She shouldn't be able to tell anything.'\n

\n\n

\n What Shen Ci didn't know was that there was also this plot in the novel. At that time, his complexion was much worse than now. His face was pale and his lips had no color. Every time he came to see his grandmother, he even needed to apply some makeup to cover it up.\n

\n\n

\n In the hotel, Xie Yu was setting up the scene.\n

\n\n

\n The original owner would get dead drunk and lose his mind, leaving the suite reeking of alcohol. Xie Yu, however, had no such interest. It damaged the liver and kidneys, and getting genuinely drunk would affect his performance. So, he simply opened two bottles of rum and brandy, drank himself a third of the way to drunkenness, and once a flush appeared on his face, he splashed a little on his shirt and around the room.\n

\n\n

\n The room temperature was high, so the alcohol easily volatilized. Before long, the room was filled with a rich aroma of alcohol. Mixed with the sandalwood and ebony scent of the reed diffuser, it really gave off a feeling of decadent luxury.\n

\n\n

\n Xie Yu took a bath, ruffled his hair into a mess, and casually pulled on a bathrobe. He tied the belt loosely, exposing a large patch of skin on his chest to create an atmosphere of a hangover. Then, timing it with Shen Ci's arrival, he lay down horizontally on the sofa.\n

\n\n

\n When Shen Ci arrived, this was the scene he saw.\n

\n\n

\n He first smelled the overwhelming stench of alcohol in the room and frowned slightly. Then, he looked toward the sofa, where Young Master Xie was sleeping, propping up his forehead. His brows were tightly knit, as if he was sleeping very uneasily.\n

\n\n

\n Shen Ci walked over to him and sat on the edge of the cushion to prevent Xie Yu from rolling off. Then, he tied the belt properly for him, covering the exposed chest, before lightly touching his face: "Xie Yu?"\n

\n\n

\n Xie Yu remained with his eyes closed.\n

\n\n

\n Shen Ci sighed: "You called me over to keep you company. I came, but you fell asleep?"\n

\n\n

\n He went to the bathroom to fetch a towel, wet it with water, and wiped the sweat from Xie Yu's forehead. Then, he passed his hands under Xie Yu's shoulder blades, intending to carry him to the bed.\n

\n\n

\n Sleeping curled up on the sofa all night would probably cause a cold.\n

\n\n

\n Xie Yu: "..."\n

\n\n

\n He was pretending to sleep, not actually asleep.\n

\n\n

\n According to the script, after Shen Ci came in and found Xie Yu dead drunk, he would silently wash up, then sit by the side table to read. It wouldn't be until Xie Yu, half-asleep, rolled over, fell off the sofa, and hurt his tailbone, that he would furiously climb up, grab Shen Ci, drag him to the bed, and press down on him.\n

\n\n

\n At this point, the plot would be mostly complete. As for the subsequent censorship and dialogue, Xie Yu decided to improvise and act according to the situation, which was why he was sleeping disheveled on the sofa.\n

\n\n

\n But Shen Ci didn't go read a book; he was trying to carry Xie Yu to the bed.\n

\n\n

\n Xie Yu had no choice but to skip the previous steps. He stood up, reached out and grabbed Shen Ci, then threw him onto the bed, pressing his entire body over him.\n

\n\n

\n The hotel mattress was very soft, so he didn't worry about hurting him.\n

\n\n

\n Shen Ci was startled and raised his hands to push him away: "Xie...!"\n

\n\n

\n Xie Yu thought 'sinful' to himself, then controlled both of his wrists, holding them firmly in his palms. With a slight application of force, Shen Ci was forced into a position with both hands raised over his head, leaving all his vulnerable spots exposed.\n

\n\n

\n Due to their intense movements, Shen Ci's shirt was lifted up, revealing a flat, firm lower abdomen and a section of his waistline, smooth and beautiful.\n

\n\n

\n Xie Yu lowered his eyes for a glance, looked away, and frowned in dissatisfaction: "You came so slowly."\n

\n\n

\n At the same time, he tensed his lower abdomen.\n

\n\n

\n Next, Shen Ci was supposed to knee him in the lower abdomen. According to Xie Yu's design, he would let go in pain, then pretend to be furious, playfully bully him a couple of times as a token effort, say a few dirty words, and then collapse and pretend to sleep.\n

\n\n

\n But Shen Ci didn't kick. Xie Yu's face was close at hand, and his figure cast a heavy shadow over him. His face was also hidden in the shadow, making his expression indiscernible.\n

\n\n

\n Shen Ci's pupils contracted slightly as he belatedly reacted.\n

\n\n

\n Xie Yu was drunk.\n

\n\n

\n Some people's tempers became completely different from usual after drinking. They became gloomier and more violent, resorting to punching and kicking others. Shen Ci didn't know what Xie Yu was like when drunk, but he knew that Xie Yu had bipolar disorder.\n

\n\n

\n Someone with bipolar disorder would presumably be even more irritable after drinking than a normal person.\n

\n\n

\n This posture was very bizarre, and having his lower abdomen exposed made him feel extremely unsafe. Shen Ci frowned and endured it, but his body couldn't help trembling. He quietly observed Xie Yu, wanting to say something to appease him, but when he just struggled to move his wrists, they were gripped even tighter.\n

\n\n

\n "Hiss—"\n

\n\n

\n His wrists were bent backward and upwards; it hurt a bit.\n

\n\n

\n Only one bedside lamp was on in the bedroom. In the darkness, the tactile sensation of the skin became even more acute. Xie Yu's breathing was close at hand, bringing an immense sense of oppression. Shen Ci was like a fish on a chopping board. Hot breath sprayed behind his ear, and scorching heat transmitted from where their bodies touched. A thin piece of clothing couldn't block anything.\n

\n\n

\n The Shen Ci in the novel never cried out in pain. No matter how violent the original owner's methods were, he could never hear a single word of begging from his mouth. But on this large, soft bed, firmly surrounded by the quilt, feeling a Xie Yu entirely different from during the day, Shen Ci suddenly felt a bit uncomfortable.\n

\n\n

\n The daytime Xie Yu was lazy and comfortable, like a wealthy idler who cared about nothing. The current Xie Yu, however, was extremely oppressive, like some hunting beast.\n

\n\n

\n What would Xie Yu do? Would he use those tools in the box? Would he... hit him?\n

\n\n

\n Shen Ci pursed his lips, tasting a bit of difficult bitterness. A sourness welled up in his chest that he couldn't push down no matter how hard he tried. He turned his head to bury his face in the quilt, hiding his overly complex emotions, while letting his wrists be obediently held, without even a hint of struggle.\n

\n\n

\n He said softly, "Xie Yu, it hurts."\n

\n\n

\n He lowered his eyes, his eyelashes drooping like fans, looking lost and distressed: "It hurts so much."\n

\n\n

\n Xie Yu let go of his hands as if electrocuted.\n

\n\n

\n He was only a third drunk and his mind was still clear. Hearing Shen Ci cry out in pain, he subconsciously thought he had been too heavy-handed.\n

\n\n

\n Shen Ci was startled and silently curled his fingers.\n

\n\n

\n He hadn't expected Xie Yu to hear him, much less that Xie Yu would let go. It was just having his wrists pressed down; how much could it hurt? It didn't even compare to the pain of getting chilblains on his hands from washing clothes in winter. He had only put on such an act, as if he had never endured hardship and couldn't bear any suffering, because he was relying on Xie Yu being too drunk to hear.\n

\n\n

\n Truly pretentious.\n

\n\n

\n But Xie Yu had actually heard him.\n

\n\n

\n Shen Ci broke free from Xie Yu, turned his face to the side, and stopped speaking.\n

\n\n

\n Then, the rich aroma of alcohol pressed down. The smell of rum was clear and sweet. Xie Yu leaned closer. Shen Ci couldn't figure out what he was going to do, so he just tensed his nerves and waited, though he was ultimately not as nervous as before.\n

\n\n

\n How far could a person who stopped just because he said "it hurts" really go?\n

\n\n

\n The next second, Xie Yu pulled over the quilt and wrapped him entirely in it. His fingertips touched the skin on Shen Ci's wrist, pinching and examining it. Half-drunk, his tone was a bit hesitant: "Does it really hurt a lot?"\n

\n\n

\n Shen Ci was completely buried in the quilt, with only his hands raised above his head exposed. Xie Yu held his wrists under the lamp, and his long, slender fingers shrank uneasily and curled up under his gaze.\n

\n\n

\n This posture was far too strange.\n

\n\n

\n Having reached this step, the plot was mostly complete, and the rest was just censorship. Xie Yu had no intention of continuing. He asked, "System, what's the score?"\n

\n\n

\n The System appeared silently and said weakly: "Around 50. If you press against him a little longer, it could reach 55."\n

\n\n

\n It no longer expected a high score from its Host. 50 was fine. Long live 50.\n

\n\n

\n Xie Yu thus lay down flat, pulled the person into his arms, rested his head on Shen Ci's shoulder blade, and said softly: "I drank too much. I won't mess with you anymore. Go to sleep."\n

\n\n

\n He wasn't very good at handling alcohol. After tossing about so much tonight, he was genuinely tired.\n

\n\n

\n Shen Ci paused. Enveloped by the scent of rum and brandy, his body felt languid and weak. He wanted to say something more, but Xie Yu covered his eyes.\n

\n\n

\n Eyelashes brushed across his palm. Meeting the confused and searching gaze of the person in his arms, Xie Yu said forcefully, "It's late. Go to sleep."\n

\n\n

\n ...Forced to sleep, that counted as coercion too, right.\n

\n\n

\n The two of them fell silent for a while. Xie Yu found a comfortable position, closed his eyes, and after a short while, his breathing gradually became steady.\n

\n\n

\n He had fallen asleep.\n

\n\n

\n "..."\n

\n\n

\n In the darkness, Shen Ci hesitantly raised his hands and loosely hugged Xie Yu. His fingertips touched his back, then pulled back as if burned. He repeated this several times before finally resting them gently on him.\n

\n\n

\n The next moment, he suddenly furrowed his brows.\n

\n\n

\n —Where his fingertips touched, there were distinctly the marks of scars.\n

","published_time":"2026-05-24T00:00:00.000Z","paid":false,"show_flag":true,"show_scheduled_time":"2026-05-24T00:00:00.000Z","unpaid_scheduled_time":"2026-05-24T00:00:00.000Z"},{"content_id":4406,"novel_id":71,"chapter_no":14,"chapter_title":"Accident","content":"

\n His fingertips landed on the surface of the skin. The touch was uneven; shockingly, it was a long and narrow scar.\n

\n\n

\n Shen Ci quietly withdrew his hand. He waited until Xie Yu was fast asleep before tracing the scar all the way up his back. However, even though he reached almost his entire arm into Xie Yu's pajamas, he still couldn't feel the end of the scar.\n

\n\n

\n It was a very long scar.\n

\n\n

\n Shen Ci's fingertips trembled slightly. He silently turned on the small bedside lamp, then knelt on the bed, pinched the hem of Xie Yu's clothes, and lifted a corner of the pajamas.\n

\n\n

\n In the warm yellow halo of the bedside lamp, he could clearly see Xie Yu's back.\n

\n\n

\n The young master's back had beautifully contoured lines, and his skin exuded a light honey-colored luster like fine silk. But on top of this silk, there were many crisscrossing traces of scars.\n

\n\n

\n There were whip marks, burn marks, and even knife wounds.\n

\n\n

\n These scars had faded in color over the years and were stretched open by newly grown tender flesh, blurring into large patches of dark brown and reddish-pink. They lingered on his back, resembling stains and tears on silk.\n

\n\n

\n Shen Ci stared at them intently, not saying a word for a long time.\n

\n\n

\n How could Xie Yu have... these marks on his body?\n

\n\n

\n Who was Xie Yu? He was the eldest young master of the Xie Family, a noble and pampered son. Normally, he ate black truffles and caviar, and wore Vacheron Constantin and Patek Philippe. How could a young master raised in such a pile of riches have such marks?\n

\n\n

\n Shen Ci quietly rolled Xie Yu's pajamas further up, exposing a larger area of skin. He adjusted the angle of the light, then leaned down to carefully observe those scars.\n

\n\n

\n Pharmacology has experiments targeting scar tissue, and Shen Ci had done related research. He could roughly tell the formation time of the scars; it should be over ten years ago.\n

\n\n

\n Over ten years ago, Xie Yu was still a child.\n

\n\n

\n The hotel bedside lamp was slightly dim, making the shadows of the scars blurry and unclear. Shen Ci frowned and leaned in closer.\n

\n\n

\n The next second, his wrist was grabbed.\n

\n\n

\n Shen Ci's fingertips twitched.\n

\n\n

\n Xie Yu grabbed him and rolled over, lifting his eyelids, and said lazily: "What are you doing?"\n

\n\n

\n He hadn't sobered up yet, speaking with a thick nasal tone.\n

\n\n

\n Shen Ci paused: "Drinking water."\n

\n\n

\n Xie Yu pulled his pajamas back down, finding it funny: "Drinking water? Why lift my clothes to drink water?"\n

\n\n

\n Shen Ci: "I rubbed against it when I raised my hand."\n

\n\n

\n Teaching Assistant Shen had a personality that was too aloof and was completely not the type to strip someone's clothes in the middle of the night. Xie Yu didn't suspect anything either. He lay flat on his back on the bed, making room for Shen Ci, and complained: "Drinking water in the middle of the night, go ahead."\n

\n\n

\n Shen Ci slowly got out of bed, pretentiously poured some water and took two sips, then climbed back into bed. Xie Yu swept his long arm out, trapping him in his embrace like holding a large body pillow, rubbing his chin against the top of his head: "Go to sleep quickly, don't you still have classes tomorrow."\n

\n\n

\n A dreamless night.\n

\n\n

\n The next day, perhaps because they slept early yesterday, when Xie Yu woke up, Shen Ci surprisingly hadn't left yet and was sitting at the table flipping through documents.\n

\n\n

\n Xie Yu sat halfway up, asking in surprise: "You're not going to your morning class."\n

\n\n

\n In the past, every time he woke up, he wouldn't see Shen Ci anywhere.\n

\n\n

\n Shen Ci closed the book: "I have nothing to do this morning... I brought breakfast, do you want to eat?"\n

\n\n

\n He pushed over a tray with the breakfast provided by the hotel. All kinds of pastries were available, neatly arranged on snow-white plates. Xie Yu gave him a suspicious look, got up to change clothes, and thought to himself, 'Did Shen Ci take the wrong medicine?'\n

\n\n

\n Being so polite to him so early in the morning.\n

\n\n

\n Who knew that in the next second, Shen Ci would suddenly stand up. The mattress then dipped a bit as he sat down beside Xie Yu, reached out to take the clothes, pressed them onto Xie Yu's shoulder, and said: "Let me help you change."\n

\n\n

\n Xie Yu: "......?"\n

\n\n

\n The suspicion in his eyes grew even stronger. He looked Shen Ci up and down, his gaze filled with inquiry. Shen Ci calmly held the clothes and let him stare, but his eyes were lowered, not meeting his gaze.\n

\n\n

\n Xie Yu: "Do you have a favor to ask of me?"\n

\n\n

\n He propped up his chin: "Speak, what happened at the hospital? Tell me, beg me softly a few times, and if this Young Master is in a good mood, I'll consider helping you solve it."\n

\n\n

\n Shen Ci shook his head and said it was nothing, but his gaze landed on his back. It was well wrapped in pajamas, making it impossible to see the marks under the fabric.\n

\n\n

\n Shen Ci: "According to the requirements of the agreement, I should do these things."\n

\n\n

\n Xie Yu thought to himself that there was indeed something fishy. Whether inside the novel or outside, when had they ever strictly followed the agreement? Young Master Xie acted entirely based on his mood, tormenting him however he pleased, and Shen Ci had always been as cold as ice, never giving the original owner a single good look. Yet now he was coming up to him so nicely, wanting to help him change clothes?\n

\n\n

\n He unnaturally pulled his collar tightly together and got out of bed to wash up. The silk fabric draped down, completely covering his back: "I don't need it. Go do your experiments after you finish eating. Just stay at school today, I have something to do later."\n

\n\n

\n Xie Yu really did have something to do. Xu Qingshan had already found a lawyer and finalized the donation plan for Qingshan Psychiatric Hospital, waiting for Xie Yu to sign.\n

\n\n

\n The two had arranged to meet in the hotel's conference room. Xu Qingshan brought a thick stack of contracts, with the lawyer accompanying them. Xie Yu casually flipped through them, then put pen to paper and signed.\n

\n\n

\n He signed briskly and neatly; his handwriting was like silver hooks and iron strokes, displaying a firm character.\n

\n\n

\n Xu Qingshan froze, his face full of disapproval: "Are you not even going to read it? Xiao Yu, you're very easily deceived like this."\n

\n\n

\n Xie Yu let out a laugh: "I trust you."\n

\n\n

\n Many people in the novel world corresponded to reality, such as his dad and Xie Yuanshan. He felt a sense of familiarity the moment he saw this Xu Qingshan; he was exactly like his youngest uncle in the real world. The two usually didn't talk much, but whenever something happened, his youngest uncle would always unconditionally take his side.\n

\n\n

\n After the thick stack of contracts was signed, the funds would be transferred to the hospital's account on the next working day. Xie Yu capped the pen with a click and casually asked the lawyer: "Are there any channels for selling luxury goods? I have some cars and watches I want to sell."\n

\n\n

\n The lawyers at this law firm all served rich people, including no shortage of second-generation heirs from fallen families, so many of them sold cars and watches.\n

\n\n

\n Opposite him, Xu Qingshan was stunned: "Selling luxury goods?"\n

\n\n

\n Xie Yu smiled: "Saving some money for future use."\n

\n\n

\n He got a business card for a second-hand luxury goods business from the law firm. After making contact, he went back to the hotel to inventory his finances.\n

\n\n

\n The original owner had a home in Jiang City, but the original owner always stayed at the hotel long-term. He would only go back for a trip when Xie Yuanshan returned from a business trip and explicitly demanded that he go home. The luxury goods were all in the hotel wardrobe.\n

\n\n

\n System floated beside him, watching him pack up various kinds of luxury watches, and was a bit curious: "Everything is fine, why are you disposing of these things?"\n

\n\n

\n Xie Yu: "I won't be able to stay here for much longer."\n

\n\n

\n In the novel, Shen Ci had already been hospitalized several times by now and needed to take antidepressants to sustain his life. The early plot was halfway done, and the remaining plot would progress at a rapid pace, finishing within two months.\n

\n\n

\n Meanwhile, Xie Yuanshan had given a six-month investment period. In the novel, the original owner squandered it all within three months. Xie Yuanshan was furious and directly packed him up and sent him abroad.\n

\n\n

\n Xie Yu, however, did not squander it. He fully upgraded the software and hardware of the psychiatric hospital, instructed Xu Qingshan to replace all the mattresses in the wards, and was just waiting to be locked in by Shen Ci so he could comfortably lie there and retire.\n

\n\n

\n The whereabouts of this money were not hard to track down; Xie Yuanshan would find out within a month at the latest. At the same time, he would also discover that Xie Yu had early on signed a foolproof agreement, and the money transferred to the hospital's account could not be recovered. By then, Xie Yuanshan would only be angrier than in the novel, and would throw his son out of the country even faster.\n

\n\n

\n Xie Yu calculated with System: "Once I go abroad, Xie Yuanshan will definitely torment me and control my living expenses, forcing me to come back to apologize and beg for mercy. But apologizing is impossible. I wouldn't apologize to him even if I starved to death. Besides, I still want to go traveling."\n

\n\n

\n System was dumbfounded: "Traveling?"\n

\n\n

\n Xie Yu laughed: "Since I've become a rich second-generation heir, and I'm rare to have so much money on hand, why not go see the auroras, penguins, and polar bears? I can also go for a stroll around the moai on Easter Island..."\n

\n\n

\n He said melancholically: "Once I return to my own world, I won't have so much funding and free time anymore."\n

\n\n

\n System looked at him, hesitating to speak, then trying to stop before speaking again, and finally said tactfully: "It's not entirely impossible."\n

\n\n

\n ——Doing a mission really turned into a vacation for him.\n

\n\n

\n Once he went abroad, Xie Yu would completely become a background character in this book. With no plotline whatsoever, this period of time was completely blank and could be freely managed. The original owner was impoverished and destitute due to Xie Yuanshan's control, barely scraping by. However, Xie Yu could prepare in advance and save up a fund first.\n

\n\n

\n Xie Yu imagined this kind of life, feeling quite delighted. He flipped through the original owner's luxury goods to estimate their value; the amount quickly broke past two million and was heading towards five million. As a result, while he was flipping through them, a kraft paper bag suddenly fell out from a pile of luxurious gift boxes with gold-stamped logos, its opening properly sealed with glue.\n

\n\n

\n Xie Yu paused and picked up the bag.\n

\n\n

\n The paper bag was tiny and plain-looking; one could buy forty of them for 10 yuan at a stationery store. Yet, it was carefully kept among a pile of luxury goods, not even having a folded corner.\n

\n\n

\n System leaned over: "What is this, why is it here?"\n

\n\n

\n Xie Yu squeezed it but didn't tear it open. He just put it back and said, "This thing is not for sale, leave it be."\n

\n\n

\n System was amazed: "You didn't even tear it open, and you're not selling it?" It circled around Xie Yu suspiciously, "Do you know what's inside?"\n

\n\n

\n Because of the mapping relationship between reality and the novel, Xie Yu knew many background details that System didn't.\n

\n\n

\n Xie Yu obviously had no intention of saying more. He put away the kraft paper bag properly and said: "Help me call the second-hand dealer."\n

\n\n

\n System snorted and obediently dialed the number. The phone screen lit up silently, and the number was automatically entered.\n

\n\n

\n Before it finished entering, a piercing ringtone rang out. Xie Yu flipped it open to take a look; it was Zhou Yang.\n

\n\n

\n He pressed to answer. Zhou Yang's voice came through, and his surroundings were a chaotic mess of noise, making it hard to hear clearly.\n

\n\n

\n Zhou Yang said: "Young Master Xie, I need to tell you something. He Zhiyuan beat someone up last night, he beat Lin Yin so bad she ended up in the hospital."\n

\n\n

\n Xie Yu paused and asked: "He beat someone up, what does that have to do with me? Didn't he settle it with money?"\n

\n\n

\n Zhou Yang let out a sigh: "Beating someone up isn't the problem, the problem is that he beat someone up on the street, and it was even recorded and posted online. Now a case has been opened for investigation. He Zhiyuan doesn't want to leave a criminal record, so he offered a price wanting to settle privately, but Lin Yin isn't satisfied with the price and refuses to relent. Old He just thought of finding someone they know to persuade her, to see if an agreement can be reached."\n

\n\n

\n Xie Yu sneered: "If she isn't satisfied, then add more money. Is the He Family lacking this bit of money?"\n

\n\n

\n Zhou Yang: "He doesn't want to tell his family, otherwise he'll be scolded by the old man, and his credit cards will be frozen. So he wants to settle it himself. Sigh, you also know that playboy personality of his, he doesn't have much money in his account. Anyway, there aren't many people who know both He Zhiyuan and Lin Yin at the same time, just you, me, and Shen Ci. My persuasion didn't work, so bring Shen Ci along to persuade her and see if it works."\n

\n\n

\n Xie Yu replied perfunctorily: "Okay, okay, fine, fine, fine."\n

\n\n

\n He cursed 'serves him right' in his heart. He had long found He Zhiyuan an eyesore, but the original owner's persona was a rich second-generation heir who valued loyalty to his bros. Since Zhou Yang had asked, he really had to go.\n

\n\n

\n Xie Yu sent Shen Ci a message, telling him to hurry over, and then drove straight to the hospital.\n

\n\n

\n Lin Yin's ward was on the third floor VIP section. Xie Yu went up to the third floor, and from far away down the corridor, he saw Zhou Yang sitting at the ward's door spacing out.\n

\n\n

\n Xie Yu asked: "Where's He Zhiyuan?"\n

\n\n

\n Zhou Yang: "In the police station."\n

\n\n

\n Xie Yu: "..."\n

\n\n

\n He said: "Lin Yin is inside, right? I'll go persuade Lin Yin."\n

\n\n

\n Xie Yu pushed open the door, making up his mind to just say a few perfunctory words, sit around to drag out the time, and then tell He Zhiyuan, "I can't persuade her, I can't move her, just hurry up and prepare the money." As a result, his front foot had just stepped in when Shen Ci arrived.\n

\n\n

\n Teaching Assistant Shen hurried over from the school. His pace was extremely fast, his forehead covered in sweat. He hadn't even taken off his lab coat for experiments, and the hem of his clothes fluttered up and down with his steps, giving off quite an aloof and ascetic vibe.\n

\n\n

\n Seeing Zhou Yang guarding the door, his figure stiffened, and his tone was taut, revealing an indescribable tension: "Who was hospitalized?"\n

\n\n

\n Xie Yu had given him the ward number but hadn't told him what happened.\n

\n\n

\n Zhou Yang blanked out: "Lin Yin is hospitalized... Teaching Assistant Shen, did you run over here?"\n

\n\n

\n Shen Ci's lab coat was blown into a messy flutter, and the hair at his temples was also slightly disheveled. His straight and handsome brows furrowed, and his face showed a hint of hidden worry. Sweat reflected the incandescent light, giving off a glass-like luster.\n

\n\n

\n Zhou Yang's gaze was bizarre: "No, Teaching Assistant Shen, even if Xie Yu was hospitalized, why were you running?"\n

\n\n

\n Shen Ci's steps stiffened.\n

","published_time":"2026-05-24T00:00:00.000Z","paid":false,"show_flag":true,"show_scheduled_time":"2026-05-24T00:00:00.000Z","unpaid_scheduled_time":"2026-05-24T00:00:00.000Z"},{"content_id":4407,"novel_id":71,"chapter_no":15,"chapter_title":"For Me?","content":"

\n Looking at Shen Ci's travel-worn and extremely hurried appearance, Zhou Yang's gaze was strange: "Wait, Shen Ci, even if Xie Yu was hospitalized, what were you running for?"\n

\n\n

\n Shouldn't Xie Yu's contract partner be hoping for him to die an early death?\n

\n\n

\n Shen Ci paused and didn't reply to that: "Where is Xie Yu?"\n

\n\n

\n Zhou Yang pointed toward the ward: "In the room, persuading Lin Yin."\n

\n\n

\n The ward's door was tightly shut. There was a rectangular decorative glass panel on the door through which one could faintly see inside. Shen Ci looked in; Xie Yu was sitting on a tall, small round stool, his two long legs having nowhere to be placed, so they could only be aggrievedly crossed. At this moment, he was holding a small knife peeling an apple, leaning forward to talk to Lin Yin.\n

\n\n

\n "I'm not here to persuade you either," Xie Yu held up three fingers. "He Zhiyuan probably has this amount of cash on hand. The He Family can give twice as much. How much you can get out of them, you can weigh for yourself."\n

\n\n

\n Lin Yin lay on the hospital bed, her face pale, her eyes flashing slightly: "You came to see me, just to say this?"\n

\n\n

\n Xie Yu scoffed: "He hit someone, there should be some price to pay."\n

\n\n

\n Xie Yu was thoroughly annoyed with He Zhiyuan. If he wasn't restricted by his character setting, he would have knocked out two of that good-for-nothing's teeth long ago.\n

\n\n

\n The two really didn't have much to say. Xie Yu placed the peeled apple on the table, said a few more nonsensical pleasantries, and pushed the door open to come out.\n

\n\n

\n Zhou Yang looked up: "How did the persuasion go? Did she relent?"\n

\n\n

\n Xie Yu shrugged: "She didn't relent. I'm not familiar with her, so of course I couldn't persuade her."\n

\n\n

\n Zhou Yang then turned to Shen Ci: "You've spoken with Lin Yin, you go and try to persuade her too."\n

\n\n

\n Xie Yu frowned: "Why should he go?"\n

\n\n

\n Shen Ci and Lin Yin were in similar situations, both playthings in the hands of rich young masters, and Xie Yu's reputation was even worse than He Zhiyuan's. Now that Lin Yin was lying in the hospital ward covered in injuries, what kind of logic was it to have Shen Ci go persuade her?\n

\n\n

\n Shen Ci had originally been silent, standing quietly to the side. At this moment, he suddenly said: "I can try."\n

\n\n

\n Xie Yu was startled and looked up, only to see Shen Ci's eyes half-drooped, his emotions all hidden beneath his eyelashes, indistinct.\n

\n\n

\n With that, he really pushed the door open and went in.\n

\n\n

\n Xie Yu then sat down on the bench, thinking to himself, 'Strange.'\n

\n\n

\n After five or six minutes, Shen Ci came out of the ward and gave a slight nod: "She agreed."\n

\n\n

\n Zhou Yang was surprised: "She agreed?"\n

\n\n

\n Xie Yu raised an eyebrow and poked the System: "Was this in the original text?"\n

\n\n

\n The System flipped through the novel: "No, in the original text, although He Zhiyuan also hit people, he didn't do it on the street. This time he drank too much and lost control."\n

\n\n

\n Xie Yu found it amusing: "He didn't lose control in the novel, but he lost control now?"\n

\n\n

\n The System explained: "It's like this. He wanted to mess with Shen Ci before, and in the original text he succeeded, but now you took the person away on the pleasure boat. He was extremely displeased and has been drinking for the past two days."\n

\n\n

\n Xie Yu increasingly felt that Shen Ci's actions were strange. Given the personality of this person who directly sent the original owner to the psychiatric hospital in the later stages, not only did he not let He Zhiyuan go to jail now, but he also helped persuade Lin Yin, and even succeeded?\n

\n\n

\n He quietly observed Shen Ci. Teaching Assistant Shen stood quietly to the side, his slender and upright body wrapped in a shirt, his eyes lowered without a word, looking exceptionally docile.\n

\n\n

\n Under Xie Yu's silent gaze, Shen Ci's face was calm, but his fingers were hidden in his sleeves, his fingertips rubbing together slightly, as if nervous.\n

\n\n

\n Xie Yu withdrew his gaze and didn't say much: "If you still have classes, go back to the university first. Zhou Yang and I have some things to discuss."\n

\n\n

\n Shen Ci paused for a moment, hesitating to speak, then nodded and turned to leave. His back was held straight, and his steps seemed slightly stiff.\n

\n\n

\n Xie Yu flipped through the novel. Just as the person was about to reach the end of the corridor, he suddenly thought of a plot point and spoke: "Wait a minute, Teaching Assistant Shen, are you substituting for a class this Wednesday?"\n

\n\n

\n Shen Ci paused and stopped in his tracks: "Yes."\n

\n\n

\n As the end of the term approached, undergraduates had Q&A sessions. Shen Ci was a teaching assistant; he wasn't responsible for lecturing, but he was still responsible for in-class Q&A. Wednesday was fully booked all morning with his classes.\n

\n\n

\n Xie Yu said: "Alright, I'll come find you before your class on Wednesday."\n

\n\n

\n There was a plot point on Wednesday, so he needed to prepare a bit.\n

\n\n

\n Shen Ci's brow twitched imperceptibly, and he immediately said: "Okay."\n

\n\n

\n He left with quick steps.\n

\n\n

\n Once he was gone, Zhou Yang clicked his tongue: "What are you doing? Where did he offend you that you have to teach him a lesson? When you mentioned Wednesday just now, his face turned completely pale."\n

\n\n

\n Xie Yu: "It's nothing, really."\n

\n\n

\n There was indeed a perverted plotline in the original text, but it didn't matter, he would make the plot less perverted.\n

\n\n

\n Zhou Yang laughed: "You also saw that there's something wrong with Shen Ci persuading Lin Yin?"\n

\n\n

\n Among the trio in the original text, Zhou Yang was the only one with a brain. Lin Yin had bitten down hard and refused to relent at first, wanting huge compensation. It made no sense that Shen Ci could persuade her with just a few light words. It could only mean that Lin Yin had ulterior motives, and this matter with He Zhiyuan wasn't over yet.\n

\n\n

\n Xie Yu played dumb and brushed it off: "You're overthinking it. I don't think it's that deep."\n

\n\n

\n He Zhiyuan was an 80th-tier male supporting character in the novel, with low IQ and terrible character, practically the fighter jet among trash. Xie Yu was about to pack his bags and go traveling soon, so he couldn't be bothered to care.\n

\n\n

\n Zhou Yang: "Shen Ci probably thought you were going to teach him a lesson over this. He was scared out of his wits."\n

\n\n

\n Xie Yu: "Nothing of the sort."\n

\n\n

\n He bypassed Zhou Yang, "I'm leaving too. I rushed over here early in the morning, I'm dead tired."\n

\n\n

\n At this time, he would usually still be sleeping.\n

\n\n

\n He stepped downstairs, not taking the elevator. His good mood for the morning had been practically ruined by He Zhiyuan's mess, so he wandered aimlessly along the wards. As he strolled, he ended up at the Special Treatment Area.\n

\n\n

\n This area was invested in by Xie Yu's father, Xie Yuanshan. It belonged to a semi-private ward within the public hospital area, communicating directly with foreign teams, and was used for clinical trials of some unlisted drugs. According to the novel's background, Shen Ci's grandmother should be staying here.\n

\n\n

\n The novel didn't write much about this old lady; she was merely a background board for the entire text, and her illness was also the beginning of Shen Ci's suffering. Suddenly, Xie Yu wanted to see what this old lady looked like.\n

\n\n

\n Shen Ci had classes and was in a hurry, so he didn't have time to stay long in the hospital. He had only stopped here for a few minutes before leaving. Xie Yu then slowly shuffled to the front of the ward and looked inside through the glass observation window.\n

\n\n

\n This was a single VIP ward. A haggard old woman lay in the pure white bedding, so weak it seemed she could dissipate at any moment. Beside her were placed many unnameable instruments, displaying incomprehensible waveforms and scanning curves. An IV drip was placed high to the side, the medicinal liquid being injected into her blood vessels at a constant speed.\n

\n\n

\n Judging solely by her bone structure, this old woman did bear some resemblance to Shen Ci.\n

\n\n

\n Reading the novel through a screen, all the characters seemed like background boards whose life and death were insignificant. But standing before the window now, Xie Yu dazedly realized that this was indeed a living, breathing person. The weight pressing down on Shen Ci wasn't just some illusory excuse for smut in a novel, but a very real burden of life.\n

\n\n

\n The weather was already quite cold now. The air Xie Yu exhaled condensed on the glass, forming a patch of white fog. He raised his hand to wipe away the fog, but suddenly met a pair of eyes.\n

\n\n

\n The old woman in the room was looking at him.\n

\n\n

\n Those tea-colored eyes were seventy to eighty percent similar to Shen Ci's, her gaze clear. She looked at Xie Yu, first slightly confused, then revealing a kind smile.\n

\n\n

\n Xie Yu paused and returned a smile. Then, he wiped the glass clean, pretending to have just casually passed by, and stood up to leave.\n

\n\n

\n Wednesday, three days before the end of the term at A University, Jiang City experienced a pattering drizzle.\n

\n\n

\n Every autumn rain brings a bout of cold. After the autumn rain, the temperature plummeted. There were many more people wearing trench coats and padded jackets on the street, and some were even fully armed, wearing hats and scarves, bundled up tightly.\n

\n\n

\n Shen Ci took one last look at the lesson plan and closed the folder.\n

\n\n

\n He packed his things into his bag and didn't enter the classroom. He just stood at the entrance of the teaching building. Many students recognized him and politely greeted him. Shen Ci nodded to them one by one. Some students even came over to strike up a conversation, asking him why he didn't go inside when the weather was so cold.\n

\n\n

\n Shen Ci only said he was waiting for someone. After about ten minutes, a Bentley slowly drove in and stopped at the main entrance.\n

\n\n

\n This car was too conspicuous—large headlights, dual exhausts, and five meters in length. It looked extraordinarily expensive. Many students stopped to watch, and some even took photos with their phones. Not long after, the car window rolled down, and Xie Yu waved from the driver's seat. Shen Ci pursed his lips slightly and bent down to enter the car under the watchful eyes of the public.\n

\n\n

\n As the car door closed, the sound of discussions suddenly grew louder.\n

\n\n

\n This wasn't Xie Yu's first time coming to the university. Many second-generation rich kids recognized his car's license plate, and his identity had been thoroughly dug up on the campus forum. Shen Ci was also implicated. All kinds of rumors emerged one after another; calling Shen Ci a kept man was considered mild, as more people said he was selling himself to climb the social ladder.\n

\n\n

\n Shen Ci never cared about these things. He and Xie Yu were in a contractual relationship anyway, so being a kept man and selling himself were the truth. There was no need to refute it. But getting into the car in front of so many people still made him somewhat hesitant.\n

\n\n

\n Xie Yu dressed warmly today, wearing a grayish-tea-colored scarf, the lines of his side profile sharp in the shadows.\n

\n\n

\n Shen Ci's fingertips moved slightly, feeling a bit nervous.\n

\n\n

\n He had been too presumptuous in his conversation with Lin Yin. Xie Yu had been right at the door, and with a little inquiry afterward, he could probably guess most of it. That wasn't a wise move. Yet, he had an inexplicable feeling that even if Xie Yu knew what he had said, he wouldn't do anything to him.\n

\n\n

\n This feeling was baffling and entirely unreasonable. Young Master Xie valued brotherhood and loyalty the most. He Zhiyuan had known him for nearly ten years; in comparison, what did a plaything that could be replaced at any time count for? But Shen Ci had done exactly that. He hadn't thought that much about it in the hospital, but now, sitting in the car, he suddenly became nervous.\n

\n\n

\n Would Xie Yu... be angry? Did he come looking for him today to punish him?\n

\n\n

\n But this nervousness was slightly different from the countless times before. Although he was apprehensive, there was no pain or despair, and even an indescribable anticipation.\n

\n\n

\n What was Xie Yu looking for him for?\n

\n\n

\n Xie Yu didn't let him guess for too long. He just handed over a box: "For you, wear it during class."\n

\n\n

\n This was a line from the original text.\n

\n\n

\n It was a square-shaped packaging box with a gold-stamped logo on top.\n

\n\n

\n Shen Ci paused: "What is this?"\n

\n\n

\n Xie Yu swallowed the plotline dialogues expressionlessly, cursing the original text countless times in his heart, and merely said: "You'll know when you open it."\n

\n\n

\n The name of this chapter was 'Completely Shattered'.\n

\n\n

\n Having gone through all the previous plotlines—the beatings, the torture, the games on the boat—the novel reaching this point was meant to accomplish a complete mental breakdown.\n

\n\n

\n The Shen Ci in the novel had extremely tough bones and refused to yield. What could be a more torturous method than beatings and punishments?\n

\n\n

\n To degrade his self-esteem in front of relatives and old friends, to dissolve his personality under the watchful eyes of the public, to make him wear something unacceptable and finish lecturing from the podium—and then, you could admire the sight of a beauty completely breaking down.\n

\n\n

\n Through the thick layers of mosaics, Xie Yu couldn't even finish reading this chapter.\n

\n\n

\n Shen Ci pursed his lips. He held his breath and gently lifted the lid off the packaging.\n

\n\n

\n It was a scarf.\n

\n\n

\n A golden-tea-colored scarf, made of wool, soft to the touch, with a beautiful houndstooth pattern.\n

\n\n

\n Xie Yu irritably gripped the steering wheel: "Wear it. You are not allowed to take it off for the entire class, otherwise you know the consequences."\n

\n\n

\n Shen Ci didn't speak, his gaze sweeping over Xie Yu's neck; the style and pattern of the two scarves were exactly the same, almost like matching couples' items officially designated by the merchant.\n

\n\n

\n He held up the soft fabric, like holding up a piece of cloud: "...For me?"\n

","published_time":"2026-05-24T00:00:00.000Z","paid":false,"show_flag":true,"show_scheduled_time":"2026-05-24T00:00:00.000Z","unpaid_scheduled_time":"2026-05-24T00:00:00.000Z"},{"content_id":4408,"novel_id":71,"chapter_no":16,"chapter_title":"Sweet Slumber","content":"

\n Xie Yu was irritated. "Of course it's for you, who else would it be for?"\n

\n\n

\n He snatched the scarf box from Shen Ci's lap and tossed it onto the backseat with a clatter. "Don't just stand there looking dumb, put it on, let me see."\n

\n\n

\n Shen Ci paused slightly. The fabric in his palms was exceptionally soft, made of excellent material; a single scarf could cover several months of his food expenses. Feeling somewhat awkward, he wrapped the scarf around his neck, winding it tightly twice.\n

\n\n

\n It looked as if he intended to use this scarf to hang himself.\n

\n\n

\n Xie Yu: "...Are you an idiot? Forget it, let me do it."\n

\n\n

\n He leaned over to retie the scarf for Shen Ci, making a beautiful knot. The fringed tassels hung loosely over the trench coat, completely wrapping Shen Ci up.\n

\n\n

\n Shen Ci gathered the scarf, casting his eyes down to watch Xie Yu tie the knot. Young Master Xie's fingers were long, beautiful, and exceptionally dextrous. "...Sorry, I haven't tied this kind before."\n

\n\n

\n There were no scarves at home, only his grandmother's old-fashioned silk scarves, which had been washed until they were wrinkled and faded, their patterns completely gone.\n

\n\n

\n Xie Yu paused, finished tying it properly for him, and then sat stiffly in the driver's seat. His fingers absentmindedly rubbed against something, and he didn't speak for a long while.\n

\n\n

\n Shen Ci: "Then I'll go to class?"\n

\n\n

\n He pulled the door handle, wanting to get out of the car.\n

\n\n

\n Xie Yu shouted to stop him. "Don't move! There's something else!"\n

\n\n

\n Seeing Shen Ci stop, Xie Yu clutched the box in his hand, cursing the god-awful plot ten thousand times in his heart. Then, he closed his eyes and ordered, "Uhm, you, lower your head."\n

\n\n

\n Shen Ci was slightly taken aback but cooperatively lowered his head.\n

\n\n

\n Xie Yu: "Brush your hair back, expose your earlobe."\n

\n\n

\n Shen Ci tucked his hair behind his ear, exposing his earlobe.\n

\n\n

\n Xie Yu opened the packaging and reached out to hold the edge of his ear. The next second, Shen Ci felt a slight pinch of pain on his earlobe as something clipped onto it.\n

\n\n

\n Xie Yu: "This..."\n

\n\n

\n He swallowed a certain noun whole. "This ear stud too, you are not allowed to take it off before class ends."\n

\n\n

\n The word "ear" was deliberately slurred, spoken vaguely.\n

\n\n

\n Shen Ci turned his head and, through the car's rearview mirror, clearly saw the small accessory. It was a platinum ear clip the size of a grain of rice, shaped like an English letter "x" in calligraphy. The lines were smooth and beautiful, like intertwining vines.\n

\n\n

\n The ear clip was unadorned. Because it was small enough, it was very understated and didn't attract attention. It was a unisex style, hanging coolly on his ear with almost no sense of presence.\n

\n\n

\n Shen Ci touched it. "x?"\n

\n\n

\n Xie Yu narrowed his eyes. "The first letter of this Young Master's surname. What, you don't want to wear it?"\n

\n\n

\n In the perverted novel, the original owner stubbornly wanted to leave a mark on Shen Ci. The original text described it as "a [censored] piercing engraved with Young Master Xie's name." Although the censored word was mosaicked out, Xie Yu could figure out what the hell it was with his toes. Feeling incredibly speechless and thoroughly repulsed, he found a jeweler overnight and custom-ordered this ear clip.\n

\n\n

\n As for why it wasn't a stud, first, it was because Xie Yu didn't know how to pierce ears, and second, he felt it was weird to ask Shen Ci, a man, to get his ears pierced for him. Fortunately, although it wasn't a stud, it was close enough, and the System didn't raise any objections.\n

\n\n

\n Shen Ci pinched it. The tiny ear clip hung on his ear, and being bundled up by the scarf, from a social distance, one could only see a speck of silver, making it almost indistinguishable.\n

\n\n

\n While he was observing the accessory in the mirror, Xie Yu's Adam's apple bobbed slightly, feeling uncomfortable all over. The guy was just coming out to attend class, yet he insisted on branding him and even marking his own name, like claiming property. He was practically acting like a psychopath. Although it was the System's requirement, it was still utterly perverted.\n

\n\n

\n Xie Yu felt a bit irritable. "If you don't like it, just sell it after this class. It can fetch quite a bit of money."\n

\n\n

\n Young Master Xie wasn't short of money. The ear clip was haute couture from a luxury brand, a one-of-a-kind custom design. Even secondhand, it could sell for a lot, enough to cover Shen Ci's expenses for the next few years.\n

\n\n

\n Shen Ci's hand, which was pinching the ear clip, paused.\n

\n\n

\n Xie Yu continued to be irritated. "Anyway, I don't care how you deal with it later, but you must wear it during this class, understand?"\n

\n\n

\n "Mm," Shen Ci said, and after a moment added, "I won't sell it."\n

\n\n

\n As class time approached, the people at the entrance of the teaching building gradually increased. Xie Yu's Bentley was extremely eye-catching. Seeing that there were less than five minutes left before class, Shen Ci pushed the door open. "I have to go."\n

\n\n

\n He glanced at Xie Yu and, seeing that he had no intention of starting the engine, hesitated slightly. He originally wanted to say, 'Are you going to wait for me?', but then felt that Young Master Xie's time was precious, and saying so would be too presumptuous. Thus, he asked, "Do you have any plans later?"\n

\n\n

\n Xie Yu often hung out with a small group of second-generation rich kids, but since He Zhiyuan was in the police station, they probably wouldn't be able to play today.\n

\n\n

\n Who would have expected Xie Yu to pull out the car keys and jump out from the other side. "I'll go with you."\n

\n\n

\n Shen Ci paused. "With me?"\n

\n\n

\n Xie Yu: "Go to class with you."\n

\n\n

\n He pulled a long face. "What, I want to listen to your class, is that not allowed?"\n

\n\n

\n Shen Ci: "It might be a bit boring."\n

\n\n

\n Today was a Q&A session for a major course. A University, as the top academic institution in Jiang City, was filled with exceptional students, and the academic difficulty was extremely high. The course Shen Ci taught had a failure rate as high as 50%, and half the students in this major couldn't understand it. If Xie Yu insisted on listening, he would definitely find it extremely boring.\n

\n\n

\n Xie Yu thought to himself that he had no choice but to listen. With this dogshit plot right here, he had to act it out. He nodded with a cold face. "I know."\n

\n\n

\n Shen Ci had no choice but to take him to the classroom.\n

\n\n

\n As the end of the term approached, even those who usually skipped or ditched class had shown up, and the classroom was fully packed. Xie Yu looked around, headed straight to the back, and found a corner seat to sit down.\n

\n\n

\n In high school, he liked to sit in the back, sleeping in places where the teacher couldn't see.\n

\n\n

\n Shen Ci watched him sit down and stepped onto the podium. He spread open his lesson plan, his clear eyes sweeping across the room, pausing slightly on Xie Yu before moving away. "Everyone, let's first go over the exercises with the highest error rate in the homework..."\n

\n\n

\n Shen Ci was tall and slender, wearing a tailored camel hair trench coat—the very one Xie Yu had bought last time. The belt outlined a beautiful curve at his waist. Standing on the podium like this, he looked both refined and ascetic.\n

\n\n

\n Xie Yu admired him for a moment, raising his hand to check the time. "System, keep an eye out for me."\n

\n\n

\n According to the novel's requirements, there were still a few plot points left.\n

\n\n

\n Time passed, the PPT advanced three slides, and the students buried their heads in calculations.\n

\n\n

\n System: "Host, click the remote control."\n

\n\n

\n Xie Yu pulled out a TV remote control, rested his hand under the desk, and pressed buttons blindly.\n

\n\n

\n This thing was a hotel TV remote control. With the two locations over ten kilometers apart, the remote was naturally useless; otherwise, it would rewrite the history of infrared communication technology. Xie Yu brought this thing purely because of the original text's requirements, pulling it out at the last minute to use as a prop.\n

\n\n

\n The original description was: "The elegant and beautiful young man on the podium was slowly giving his lecture. His posture was excellent, his back taut and perfectly straight. Young Master Xie took this in, let out a mocking laugh, and thought to himself, 'What a tough nut to crack. He's held it in to this extent, yet he still refuses to bend.' He suddenly felt intrigued, wanting to test where the young man's limits lay, so he curled his lips slightly and pressed the remote control..."\n

\n\n

\n To this, Xie Yu expressed: "What remote control is not a remote control? Who stipulated what kind of remote control must be used? Is my TV remote control not a fucking remote control?"\n

\n\n

\n He followed the System's prompts. When the System said increase, he pressed the volume up button; when the System said decrease, he pressed the volume down button. Through a flurry of random operations, he managed to bluff his way through.\n

\n\n

\n Over there, Shen Ci was lecturing, chalk scratching across the blackboard. He had just finished breaking down two major problems and had now switched the PPT, having the students practice on the spot.\n

\n\n

\n No student dared to disregard the practice questions before the final exam. For a time, everyone buried their heads, the rustling sound of pen tips rubbing against paper echoing out. Meanwhile, Shen Ci stood on the podium, his gaze making a suspiciously deliberate sweep of the room before landing steadily on Xie Yu.\n

\n\n

\n System: "Quick, quick, quick, you've made eye contact! Host, touch your scarf!"\n

\n\n

\n In the novel, after the original owner left a humiliating mark on Shen Ci, he also wore a matching necklace around his own neck. When they made eye contact, he deliberately caressed his neck, like a lofty master reminding a slave of their status, full of the smugness of a petty villain.\n

\n\n

\n Xie Yu wasn't wearing a necklace; he wore a matching scarf. So, he raised his hand and unnaturally touched his scarf.\n

\n\n

\n "System, I thank you." Xie Yu's expression was wooden. "This is the first time I've known that adjusting a scarf could look so sleazy."\n

\n\n

\n Shen Ci also noticed this action. As if he had been burned, he hurriedly shifted his gaze away and buried his head in reading the lesson plan.\n

\n\n

\n In the original text, Xie Yu's actions were only this much. Now that he had finished them, but class wasn't over, Xie Yu couldn't leave either. So, he half-sprawled on the desk, listening to Shen Ci's lecture.\n

\n\n

\n Shen Ci must have been a teaching assistant who was very well-liked by the students. His speaking pace was neither rushed nor slow, and his logic was clear and rigorous. As he spoke eloquently, many students revealed expressions of sudden realization.\n

\n\n

\n But Xie Yu wanted to sleep.\n

\n\n

\n This sort of major course was very interesting to top students, but to poor students, it was truly boring. Moreover, Xie Yu was a poor student from a completely different major. Shen Ci was reciting nothing but incomprehensible nouns and unfamiliar formulas. Xie Yu listened in a daze, dreaming of his high school classroom. In less than two minutes, he became overwhelmingly sleepy. The Shen Ci on the podium seemed to turn into a double image, and the profound vocabulary turned into chanting, spinning round and round his head.\n

\n\n

\n Xie Yu: "...So this is what the world of an academic god is like? After listening for two minutes, if I didn't know I was just sleepy, I would have thought my psychosis was acting up again."\n

\n\n

\n More than halfway through the class, Xie Yu couldn't hold on any longer, buried his head, and fell asleep.\n

\n\n

\n Shen Ci looked up slightly, his gaze landing on him, and he paused.\n

\n\n

\n Xie Yu sat in the back row by the window. Outside the window were large swaths of ginkgo trees. At this time, it was right in the middle of late autumn, and the ginkgo leaves had all turned golden yellow. Sunlight shone through the window frames, taking on a warm and lazy hue. Those halos fell on his coat, his scarf, and the skin of his cheeks, highlighting the tiny peach fuzz. He looked fuzzy and warm, soaked in the scent of the sun.\n

\n\n

\n It was truly a peaceful, sweet slumber.\n

\n\n

\n Shen Ci looked at him, unexpectedly stunned for a moment.\n

\n\n

\n Xie Yu exuded an aura completely different from Shen Ci's. Shen Ci was tense, cold, and austere, radiating a solitary and aloof detachment. But Xie Yu was relaxed and lazy, like a large cat basking in the sunlight—comfortable and cozy, making one unable to resist the urge to lean in and give his fur a good rub.\n

\n\n

\n Shen Ci looked at him, and suddenly thought aimlessly, 'It would probably be very comfortable to hold him.'\n

\n\n

\n He was startled by this bizarre thought, and then suddenly remembered—he had already held him.\n

\n\n

\n On many past nights, on the large bed in the hotel, he had pressed close against Xie Yu. At the time, he only considered it as fulfilling a contract, but thinking back on it now, the temperature from that time was somewhat burning.\n

","published_time":"2026-05-24T00:00:00.000Z","paid":false,"show_flag":true,"show_scheduled_time":"2026-05-24T00:00:00.000Z","unpaid_scheduled_time":"2026-05-24T00:00:00.000Z"},{"content_id":4409,"novel_id":71,"chapter_no":17,"chapter_title":"Meal Card","content":"

\n Xie Yu slept straight through until the end of class.\n

\n\n

\n University classrooms possessed a hypnotic magic. The autumn sunlight was just right, and when he woke up, he felt even more comfortable than sleeping in a hotel.\n

\n\n

\n It was just that his neck ached a little.\n

\n\n

\n The bell had just rung, signaling the end of the class, yet Shen Ci was still surrounded by a circle of people holding their exercise books and waiting for him to explain the problems.\n

\n\n

\n Shen Ci explained them one by one, his pen leaving beautiful handwriting on the paper. Xie Yu propped his chin on his hand and watched from the side, waiting for him to finish.\n

\n\n

\n University students before finals always had countless questions. Dragging on like this, twenty minutes passed. The hand Shen Ci used to hold his pen paused slightly, and he glanced at Xie Yu with a hint of unease, afraid that he was getting impatient from waiting.\n

\n\n

\n According to Young Master Xie's temper, only others waited for him; he never waited for others.\n

\n\n

\n Xie Yu didn't mind at all. He was emptying his mind, stuffing things like his car keys from the desk drawer into his bag, quietly waiting for the final plot point.\n

\n\n

\n He had to forcibly drag Shen Ci out of the classroom in front of everyone.\n

\n\n

\n In the original novel, Shen Ci was considered an influential figure at A University. Many people had a favorable impression of this aloof senior. Even though he was born into poverty, working part-time to support his studies while taking care of his grandmother, his grades never dropped, and he won scholarships every year. When underclassmen mentioned him, it was always with admiration.\n

\n\n

\n And the original host wanted to destroy this admiration.\n

\n\n

\n Young Master Xie himself was ignorant and incompetent, indulging in eating, drinking, whoring, and gambling. He found good students to be an eyesore, especially the aloof and highly-principled ones like Shen Ci. Seeing Shen Ci surrounded in the middle, looking so highly respected, made his teeth itch with hatred. Without waiting for the Q&A to finish, he dragged him away with a dark expression. His movements were rough and his methods tyrannical. According to the original description, Shen Ci was still wearing that thing at the time, and when dragged by him, almost dropped to his knees on the spot.\n

\n\n

\n At that time, there were already many rumors going around the school about Shen Ci. Talks of him clinging to the rich and being a gigolo were rampant. The original host's drag directly confirmed these rumors. Shen Ci's reputation was swept to the ground, and even his mentor caught wind of it.\n

\n\n

\n Shen Ci's mentor was a rigid old scholar who valued reputation the most. For many major projects afterward, he intentionally or unintentionally avoided Shen Ci, turning him from the core of the laboratory into an expendable outcast.\n

\n\n

\n Watching time slip away minute by minute as the crowd asking questions gradually thinned, the System popped up and poked Xie Yu, "Are you still not making a move?"\n

\n\n

\n Xie Yu calmly observed, "No rush, let's wait a bit longer."\n

\n\n

\n 'In front of everyone' didn't specify how many people 'everyone' was. Ten people was 'everyone', twenty people was 'everyone', so why couldn't two or three people be 'everyone'?\n

\n\n

\n Because Xie Yu kept his attention entirely on the podium, he didn't notice that someone in the front row had been staring at him.\n

\n\n

\n Han Yunyun buried her face behind a textbook, revealing only a pair of distinct black-and-white big eyes, secretly observing Xie Yu.\n

\n\n

\n She was also a teaching assistant for the course, responsible for grading homework and helping Shen Ci out. She had noticed Xie Yu from the very first moment he stepped into the classroom: this tall handsome guy had a handsome face, long legs, and even drove a Bentley to school. It would be hard not to notice him.\n

\n\n

\n Of course, what Han Yunyun cared about even more was the scarf around Xie Yu's neck.\n

\n\n

\n The scarf's material was excellent, the fluff delicate, and the brand was a niche luxury brand that wasn't cheap. Based on Han Yunyun's understanding, Senior Brother Shen couldn't afford such a scarf. But now, her senior brother was wearing the exact same style as the handsome guy in the back row. This meant that the handsome guy in the back row must have bought it.\n

\n\n

\n Hidden behind the cover of the textbook, Han Yunyun's fingers were typing so fast on her phone that they were almost striking sparks.\n

\n\n

\n "Li Yue, Li Yue! Do you remember that big handsome guy in the Bentley? The one who helped Senior Brother Shen dry his hair! He came to school today!"\n

\n\n

\n "Holy crap, just a fleeting glimpse back then made me think he was super handsome, but he's even more handsome in person!"\n

\n\n

\n "He's even wearing a couple's scarf with Senior Brother Shen! And! And! He listened to Senior Brother Shen teach an entire class!!!"\n

\n\n

\n "Pharmacokinetics! Such a boring class! A class even I can't bear to listen to! He! Finished! Listening! To! It!"\n

\n\n

\n This course was famously boring. Even A University's own students were unwilling to listen, and the truancy rate remained stubbornly high. It once set a record of having four hundred students enrolled, but less than a hundred showed up for roll call. If it weren't nearing the finals, the classroom would have been completely empty.\n

\n\n

\n Han Yunyun typed, "Everyone on the forum is talking about him being a kept man or a contract lover, but I said that was impossible."\n

\n\n

\n With Senior Brother Shen's personality, how could he possibly be kept by someone?\n

\n\n

\n Although she didn't know what a real sugar baby contract looked like, she had never eaten pork but had seen pigs run. With so many contract relationships in movies and TV shows, which wealthy family didn't cover things up, wishing they could be like ancient emperors and wrap their playthings in a quilt to be carried straight to their beds? How could they swagger through the streets wearing couple's scarves, or waste half a day making a special trip to a classroom just to listen to someone teach a specialized course?\n

\n\n

\n She made her final verdict: "It's definitely true love!"\n

\n\n

\n At this point, most of the questions had been answered, and only a scattered few people remained at the podium. Shen Ci was wiping the blackboard and gathering the chalk. Han Yunyun's gaze flickered to Xie Yu, and seeing him resting his chin on his hand in a daze, not paying attention to their side, she took a step forward, leaned close to Shen Ci, and asked in a very small voice, "Senior Brother, is that really good-looking guy in the back row waiting for you?"\n

\n\n

\n The hand Shen Ci used to hold the chalk paused slightly. "Why do you ask?"\n

\n\n

\n Not denying it meant silently admitting it.\n

\n\n

\n Han Yunyun's gossiping heart burned fiercely. She immediately leaned even closer, avoiding Xie Yu's sight, half-covering her face with the textbook, and whispered stealthily, "Senior Brother, look, isn't your scarf the same style as his? How coincidental is it that you two bought the same one..."\n

\n\n

\n Before she could finish her sentence, Xie Yu's gaze slowly drifted over.\n

\n\n

\n The System said, "Hurry, hurry, Host! There are only a few people left!"\n

\n\n

\n Xie Yu's gaze landed on Han Yunyun, and his eyebrows twitched uncontrollably.\n

\n\n

\n Undeniably, an emotion called displeasure rose in his heart. This emotion came without any logic. Taking advantage of the System's urging, he abruptly stood up.\n

\n\n

\n A contract agreement was, after all, not something that could be brought out into the open. At the podium, facing his junior sister's slightly curious probing, Shen Ci slightly lowered his eyes, avoiding her gaze, and only covered it up by saying, "Is it? It's probably just a coincidence..."\n

\n\n

\n Before he could finish the word 'coincidence', a sudden strong force grabbed his wrist.\n

\n\n

\n Xie Yu's slightly displeased expression appeared in his line of sight. His hair was messy from sleeping, and his expression was gloomy, like a lion awakened from its slumber. Just like that, he locked his grip on Shen Ci and forcibly dragged him away.\n

\n\n

\n Before Shen Ci could react, his legs were already moving along. He stumbled a couple of steps, hurriedly keeping up with Xie Yu, his expression one of helpless shock.\n

\n\n

\n "Wow." The System applauded. "Great acting, Host! You got all the main points from the original text. I can give this segment full marks."\n

\n\n

\n Look at this gloomy expression, look at these somewhat rough movements, look at this arrogant rich second-generation behavior, and then look at Shen Ci's staggering footsteps and helpless expression...\n

\n\n

\n The System evaluated, "Perfect!"\n

\n\n

\n Han Yunyun was left dumbfounded.\n

\n\n

\n She watched her senior brother get dragged away by the unfamiliar handsome guy. After recovering from her stupor, she couldn't help but click her tongue and say disdainfully, "Pulling and tugging like that, how improper."\n

\n\n

\n It was still in the classroom! And right in front of his junior sister! Couldn't they show a little restraint!\n

\n\n

\n Truly, public morals are degenerating with each passing day, and people are not what they used to be!\n

\n\n

\n Over here, Shen Ci was pulled by Xie Yu and followed him all the way out of the teaching building. After a brief moment of thought, he realized what had happened. There was actually some distance between him and Han Yunyun at the time, but from Xie Yu's angle, part of his line of sight was blocked by the textbook, so he couldn't clearly see what was going on.\n

\n\n

\n "Xie Yu..." Shen Ci used his free hand to tug at Xie Yu's sleeve. "I wasn't..."\n

\n\n

\n He looked at Young Master Xie's handsome side profile. Mottled tree shadows cast upon his nose bridge, creating a play of flickering light and shadow. Shen Ci rarely felt an emotion known as panic, but he did now.\n

\n\n

\n Whether according to the terms of the contract or from any other aspect, it was his mistake.\n

\n\n

\n Xie Yu, of course, knew he wasn't. Han Yunyun was a relatively important female supporting character in the novel. When Shen Ci was beaten into the hospital by the original host, Han Yunyun had paid a lot of his medical bills. Furthermore, it was written very clearly in the text that she liked the sunny and cheerful big boy type. This was completely opposite to Shen Ci's style and completely unrelated.\n

\n\n

\n "I know." Xie Yu stopped and looked at Shen Ci with an unfriendly expression. "But you dragged it out for too long. I'm hungry."\n

\n\n

\n It had been over forty minutes since class ended, enough time to teach another class.\n

\n\n

\n It was clearly a dissatisfied tone.\n

\n\n

\n If it had been before, Shen Ci might have tensed his body, waiting for all of Young Master Xie's impending scolding. But now, he only paused slightly, pulled a campus card out of his windbreaker pocket, and asked a bit helplessly, "I... I'll treat you to a meal?"\n

\n\n

\n Xie Yu put his hands in his pockets. "Alright."\n

\n\n

\n He hadn't studied much in high school and his university was only average. There was only one cafeteria on his entire campus, and the taste was just passable. Therefore, he was somewhat curious about the cafeteria of a top-tier institution like A University.\n

\n\n

\n A University was the highest institution of learning in Jiang City, and its cafeterias also enjoyed a good reputation among all the universities in Jiang City. There were four major cafeterias on campus. Right next to the main teaching building was one of them—a three-story building with a fair-faced concrete exterior set with patterned tiles and glass curtain walls. It was bright and spacious, providing a place for students to dine after class.\n

\n\n

\n The food at this cafeteria tasted good, but it was expensive; even fried rice cost around twenty yuan. Shen Ci didn't come here often.\n

\n\n

\n He led Xie Yu inside, walked a circle around all the windows, and asked, a little constrained, "What do you want to eat?"\n

\n\n

\n It was already past mealtime, and only a few scattered people were left in the cafeteria. Many windows were closed. Xie Yu scanned the area. "Grilled fish."\n

\n\n

\n There was a grilled fish window right in the middle of the cafeteria.\n

\n\n

\n Shen Ci's gaze swept over the menu, estimating the approximate price, and he nodded. "Okay."\n

\n\n

\n Since he was treating, Xie Yu placed the order. Standing in front of the window, he chose a meal for two. Shen Ci calculated the balance on his card, breathed a slight sigh of relief, and handed the card to him. "Swipe it."\n

\n\n

\n Xie Yu asked, "Is this enough for the two of us? Is there anything else you want to eat?"\n

\n\n

\n Shen Ci naturally shook his head.\n

\n\n

\n Xie Yu estimated the food intake for the two of them and still said, "Let's add a side of macaroni."\n

\n\n

\n Shen Ci's face turned pale. "Wait..."\n

\n\n

\n The next second, the card touched the machine, and a harsh prompt tone sounded: "Sorry, insufficient balance on the card. Please recharge promptly."\n

\n\n

\n Shen Ci gripped the corner of his clothes, feeling a bit embarrassed.\n

\n\n

\n He and Xie Yu were inherently people from two different worlds. Young Master Xie never ate at a cafeteria, and the one rare time he came, Shen Ci couldn't even afford to pay for a single meal.\n

\n\n

\n The cafeteria auntie pushed the card back. "Not enough money, go recharge and come buy again."\n

\n\n

\n In her eyes, it was merely that Shen Ci had forgotten to add money. Only Shen Ci himself knew that the balance on his meal card was never enough for the combo meal at this window plus macaroni.\n

\n\n

\n Shen Ci took the card and turned around. "Sorry, I'll go recharge first..."\n

\n\n

\n But he couldn't take a single step.\n

\n\n

\n Xie Yu pressed down on his shoulder and effortlessly pulled the card from his hand. He gave Shen Ci a glance. "Where are you going? I'll do it."\n

","published_time":"2026-05-24T00:00:00.000Z","paid":false,"show_flag":true,"show_scheduled_time":"2026-05-24T00:00:00.000Z","unpaid_scheduled_time":"2026-05-24T00:00:00.000Z"},{"content_id":4410,"novel_id":71,"chapter_no":18,"chapter_title":"Agreement","content":"

\n Pinching the campus card, Xie Yu cursed the original owner ten thousand times in his heart.\n

\n\n

\n When he transmigrated over, the original owner and Shen Ci had already signed the contract. Xie Yu naturally assumed that the money was in place. He didn't expect that the original owner only resolved the hospital quota and didn't give any money at all!\n

\n\n

\n Shen Ci, the agreement partner of Jiang City's top rich second-generation heir, was dressed in luxury haute couture, with stud earrings worth hundreds of thousands, but the balance on his campus card was no more than a hundred yuan, and he was gnawing on steamed buns with green vegetables in the cafeteria?\n

\n\n

\n Xie Yu brought his two fingers together, easily pulling the campus card out of Shen Ci's hand, and pressed him down onto the chair. "Don't move, I'll do it."\n

\n\n

\n He walked to the manual service desk diagonally across from the cafeteria and handed the card over. "Hello, may I ask what the maximum amount I can top up on the campus card is?"\n

\n\n

\n The auntie looked up at him. "Ten thousand."\n

\n\n

\n Xie Yu pushed his credit card over. "Then top up ten thousand."\n

\n\n

\n All of his net worth, including the cars and luxury goods the original owner didn't need, had been sold for cash, which he had Xu Qingshan transfer to an overseas account. Now, all his expenses were paid by swiping his credit card.\n

\n\n

\n According to the plot design, it wouldn't be long before Xie Yuanshan discovered his son's investment in the psychiatric hospital and furiously froze all his cards. If he didn't swipe it now, it'd be a waste.\n

\n\n

\n The cafeteria auntie had obviously never seen anyone top up so much at once and was slightly stunned. "Are you sure you want to top up ten thousand?"\n

\n\n

\n Xie Yu nodded. "I'm sure."\n

\n\n

\n The card was tapped on the POS machine, and Xie Yu entered the password. Based on the freshly baked balance in the meal card, even if Shen Ci ate grilled fish for every meal, it would take a hundred meals to finish it.\n

\n\n

\n He returned to the grilled fish window, ordered the food, and sat opposite Shen Ci. Shen Ci held the card somewhat cautiously. "How much did you top up?"\n

\n\n

\n Xie Yu didn't stop his chopsticks. "Not much, quite little."\n

\n\n

\n Shen Ci sighed slightly in relief. "Thank you."\n

\n\n

\n Actually, according to the agreement, Xie Yu only needed to secure that medical quota; everything else was not within the scope of the agreement. The Shen Ci in the original text had never asked for money either. He had a strange insistence in this regard; whether it was called strength of character or pedantry, he was unwilling to owe too many favors.\n

\n\n

\n But now it was different from the original text. He harbored a secret thought: as if this way, the differences between him and Xie Yu wouldn't be so great, the distance wouldn't be so far, and they could get closer, just a little closer.\n

\n\n

\n The grilled fish was spicy and fragrant. Shen Ci preferred a bland palate and didn't eat much, but Xie Yu ate quite happily.\n

\n\n

\n It had been a very, very long time since he had sat in a campus cafeteria to eat.\n

\n\n

\n After they finished their meal, Xie Yu looked around near the glass curtain wall. Outside the curtain wall were large swathes of ginkgo leaves. "Teaching Assistant Shen, take me for a stroll around A University?"\n

\n\n

\n His high school grades were not good, but he had a filter for good students, and also a filter for good schools. A University was the premier top-tier university in Jiang City and had won the title of the most beautiful campus in the country for several consecutive years. Xie Yu was a bit interested.\n

\n\n

\n Shen Ci naturally replied, "Okay."\n

\n\n

\n They went downstairs together, walked side by side through Ginkgo Avenue, passed the flower beds planted with clivia and wintersweet, passed the school's artificial lake and Lover's Slope, and through the dense shade of trees, saw couples kissing on the bridge.\n

\n\n

\n At the back of the campus was a commercial street running north to south. The restaurant bosses all had their stoves fired up, and the places were bustling and packed with people.\n

\n\n

\n Xie Yu and Shen Ci walked along the commercial street. Many young couples walked towards them; some, like them, wore couple scarves, some walked arm in arm, and some shared the same cup of milk tea with two straws.\n

\n\n

\n Shen Ci's gaze fell on the milk tea. Han Yunyun often drank this stuff. It wasn't cheap; a cup cost a dozen or so yuan and would be placed on the office desk. Shen Ci had never had the interest to taste it.\n

\n\n

\n Firstly, he didn't have a sweet tooth. Secondly, it was unnecessary. Wasting his meager spending money on momentary oral enjoyment was something only people with material abundance would do.\n

\n\n

\n Shen Ci was like this when he was a child too. The only nearby canteen was in a town over a dozen kilometers away. He had never eaten candy, had never bought toys, and was even ashamed to mention them. For his family, wanting these "excess" things that exceeded basic needs was a sin of not being considerate to his parents.\n

\n\n

\n Over the years, Shen Ci's material desires became extremely thin. He didn't look, didn't care, and didn't want them. He didn't even have the desire to examine them. But now, as these couples passed by with milk tea, with Shen Ci and Xie Yu standing side by side, he suddenly wanted to know what it tasted like.\n

\n\n

\n This thought came inexplicably, but once it arose, it was difficult to contain, growing wildly in his mind like weeds. When they had almost strolled to the end of the commercial street and were about to step out after two more paces, Shen Ci suddenly grabbed Xie Yu.\n

\n\n

\n Xie Yu turned his head and looked over with a hint of confusion. The hand Shen Ci used to tug his sleeve was trembling uncontrollably. He was like a bad child whose secret had been exposed, spreading out something unspeakable piece by piece, only lowering his eyes, stubborn yet hesitant. "Xie Yu, I... I want to drink milk tea."\n

\n\n

\n For couples in love, this might just be a normal request, but Shen Ci and Xie Yu were not a couple. There was a fragmented emotion in his heart. On one end was immense shame, making an unreasonable plea as an agreement partner, yet on the other side, he had a bit of secret expectation.\n

\n\n

\n Like a faint candlelight, easily extinguished at a touch, yet secretly growing, refusing to give up.\n

\n\n

\n Would Xie Yu... be willing to buy it?\n

\n\n

\n Xie Yu was naturally willing to buy it. He was just a little surprised. The beautiful young man in front of him seemed a bit different from the original text. With the original Shen Ci's cold and isolated personality, it would be impossible for him to make such a request.\n

\n\n

\n But with the plot developing to this point, it had already collapsed by more than just a little bit. Xie Yu accepted it well. Anyway, he only needed 50 points; if the extra parts collapsed, so be it.\n

\n\n

\n Xie Yu took out his phone to scan the QR code. "It just so happens I want to drink some too. What do you want to drink?"\n

\n\n

\n Shen Ci was slightly stunned. "...Anything is fine."\n

\n\n

\n He was the one who made the request, but Xie Yu satisfied it without even thinking, and he was also the one left stunned.\n

\n\n

\n Xie Yu: "Then I'll order according to my taste."\n

\n\n

\n He skillfully ordered two cups of hot drinks and handed one to Shen Ci. "Try it."\n

\n\n

\n Shen Ci raised his hand and held the cup. The dense hot steam rose, blurring his features.\n

\n\n

\n The System popped up silently. "Host, don't forget you still have two lines left."\n

\n\n

\n Xie Yu made a sound of acknowledgement. Suddenly, he pulled Shen Ci closer, brushed aside his stray hairs, slid his fingers into the scarf, and caressed the nape of his neck.\n

\n\n

\n This was a posture full of threat. The cold fingers pressed against his skin, raising large swathes of goosebumps. Xie Yu toyed with the neck of the person under his palm like a collector playing with porcelain.\n

\n\n

\n "Shen Ci." He leaned down, ambiguously reciting his line. "Tonight, come to the hotel."\n

\n\n

\n Shen Ci's fingertips trembled, and he said softly, "Okay."\n

\n\n

\n In the original text, Xie Yu purely treated Shen Ci as a tool to vent his frustrations, a punching bag or a condom, summoning him over to mess around whenever he had nothing to do. These were scattered minor plot points, but accumulated together, there were a dozen or twenty of them. Xie Yu had to run through them all before going abroad.\n

\n\n

\n These minor plot points were monotonous and lackluster. Aside from large areas of censorship mosaics, there weren't any lines or highlights. They were similar to the first or second free-point questions in an exam. They didn't take much time, but they had to be done. According to the System's meaning, just half-assing it was fine.\n

\n\n

\n The two finished strolling, and all the lines were spoken. The System set off fireworks in Xie Yu's mind: "Done and dusted!"\n

\n\n

\n Assisting a host like Xie Yu every day, it was also exhausted enough.\n

\n\n

\n Xie Yu drove back, and Shen Ci also returned to the laboratory. Han Yunyun was placing a stack of documents on his desk. "Senior Brother Shen, this is a new project the professor took on. He specifically named you to lead it. Take a look."\n

\n\n

\n Shen Ci hummed in response and browsed through them carefully. Han Yunyun added, "This project seems quite important. The supervisor is just one step away from becoming a promotion. Who knows if he can be selected this year? If he can, we should be changing offices."\n

\n\n

\n Besides the basic laboratory building, A University also had a newer one. Inside, bigshots gathered, all prominent figures from various departments.\n

\n\n

\n Shen Ci, however, said, "Let's focus on our experiments first. It has little to do with us."\n

\n\n

\n Han Yunyun nodded in agreement. She was well-behaved for two seconds before she couldn't help but lean closer. "Senior Brother, your boyfriend, what is his background exactly?"\n

\n\n

\n She had already tacitly assumed Xie Yu was Shen Ci's boyfriend.\n

\n\n

\n Shen Ci sighed slightly. "He's not my boyfriend."\n

\n\n

\n Han Yunyun didn't believe it. "You two are already so intimate, how can he not be?"\n

\n\n

\n Shen Ci: "He really isn't."\n

\n\n

\n He and Xie Yu wore couple scarves, his earbone had Xie Yu's name embedded on it, and they had walked through A University's commercial street and Lover's Lake together, but they were also, truly and certainly, not in a romantic relationship.\n

\n\n

\n Xie Yu's public status had always been single. He had never publicly declared himself to be in a relationship. When He Zhiyuan introduced Lin Yin, he even said she was his girlfriend. But when Xie Yu introduced him, he always used his full name, only saying, "This is Teaching Assistant Shen from A University, named Shen Ci."\n

\n\n

\n Han Yunyun raised an eyebrow, only thinking her senior brother was trying to cover it up. "Then what is your relationship?"\n

\n\n

\n Shen Ci paused slightly, tasting a bit of astringent bitterness on the tip of his tongue. He unnaturally tugged at the corners of his mouth. "Just treat what the forum says as true."\n

\n\n

\n The forum said it was a kept relationship, and it indeed was a kept relationship.\n

\n\n

\n The power to interpret the contract was in Xie Yu's hands; a kept relationship that could be terminated at any time.\n

\n\n

\n Han Yunyun clicked her tongue and lowered her head to fiddle with the experimental reagents in her hands. "I don't believe it. Just now, when he pulled you away from me, I felt like he was going to beat me up."\n

\n\n

\n Shen Ci only shook his head and didn't speak.\n

\n\n

\n As night fell, he once again got into the Bentley and knocked open the door of the top-floor suite.\n

\n\n

\n Xie Yu was the same as always, lazily nestled on the sofa playing games. Seeing Shen Ci come in, he teased him a couple of times neither lightly nor heavily, and then the two washed up separately and lay down fully clothed.\n

\n\n

\n They were clearly resting on the same bed, separated by no more than an arm's length, yet Xie Yu went straight to resting with his eyes closed. His palm only loosely draped over Shen Ci's shoulder, like the most rigid and strict gentleman, unwilling to easily cross the line by a single step.\n

\n\n

\n He seemed to have no interest at all.\n

\n\n

\n Even if Shen Ci had never been in a relationship, he knew that facing someone you liked, or even a favored plaything, one shouldn't act like this.\n

\n\n

\n In their circle, Young Master Xie's preferences were no secret, and Shen Ci had also heard of them. He favored bright, delicate, and soft young men, especially liking those who loved to laugh, cry, and act coquettishly. This was, if not worlds apart from Shen Ci's personality, then completely opposite. Compared to the streamers and celebrities Xie Yu had previously liked, Shen Ci considered his own looks plain and uninteresting, and his personality lackluster. If he didn't lack a handy punching bag, he probably wouldn't have caught Young Master Xie's eye.\n

\n\n

\n But if he didn't like him, then why protect him in every way, accommodate him time and again, give him gift after gift, and frequently make misleading actions?\n

\n\n

\n In the darkness, Shen Ci reached out his fingers, his fingertips tentatively touching Xie Yu's shoulder blade. "Xie Yu..."\n

\n\n

\n Xie Yu, half-asleep, caught his fingers in his palm. "What's wrong?"\n

\n\n

\n Shen Ci looked at him calmly and asked very lightly, "What is our relationship?"\n

\n\n

\n Xie Yu was so sleepy he couldn't open his eyes. He merely held onto his fingertips. It took him a good while to process what was asked before he answered like sleep-talking, "...An agreement relationship."\n

\n\n

\n He thought groggily that in another month, Xie Yuanshan would discover the investment issue, and Xie Yu would leave for another country. Within five years, he would not set foot in China again. Their agreement would subsequently be voided, and Shen Ci would lose a shackle and become completely free.\n

\n\n

\n By then, the sea would be vast enough for fish to leap, and the sky high enough for birds to fly. The protagonist would successfully endure the darkest time of his life, and from then on, his path would be brilliantly lit and wide open.\n

\n\n

\n And he, this villain, should also take a bow and exit the stage.\n

","published_time":"2026-05-24T00:00:00.000Z","paid":false,"show_flag":true,"show_scheduled_time":"2026-05-24T00:00:00.000Z","unpaid_scheduled_time":"2026-05-24T00:00:00.000Z"},{"content_id":4411,"novel_id":71,"chapter_no":19,"chapter_title":"Departure","content":"

\n In the darkness, Shen Ci silently clenched his palms.\n

\n\n

\n He clenched them so tightly that his nails almost sank into his flesh, pinching crescent-shaped marks into his palms, but he felt nothing.\n

\n\n

\n Xie Yu lay right next to him. Heat radiated continuously through the quilt. As long as Shen Ci wanted to, he could roll into Xie Yu's arms with just a slight turn.\n

\n\n

\n The sleeping Young Master Xie was very easy to talk to, letting others shape and mold him. If told to hug, he would hug; if told to let go, he would let go. However, Shen Ci merely gazed at him quietly. His dark tea-colored eyes lowered, hiding all his emotions beneath his eyelids.\n

\n\n

\n The hotel had the air conditioning on, making the bedroom as warm as a lit charcoal stove. The quilt covering them was made of premium down, the clusters plucked from white geese on the Siberian tundra. It had an extremely high fill power and was exceptionally warm.\n

\n\n

\n But Shen Ci still felt cold.\n

\n\n

\n Early the next morning, when Xie Yu woke up, Shen Ci had already left.\n

\n\n

\n Spitting out toothpaste foam, he mumbled indistinctly to the System: "Why didn't he wait for me to have breakfast?"\n

\n\n

\n Shen Ci used to leave right away at the very beginning, then he waited for him to have breakfast for a period of time, and now he was leaving straight away again.\n

\n\n

\n The System, which shut down as soon as it finished running the plot, was even more clueless than Xie Yu: "What's the situation? I don't know."\n

\n\n

\n Xie Yu waved his hand: "Forget it, it's not a big deal."\n

\n\n

\n He ate his meals as usual, went out for strolls, and played the part of a wealthy second-generation heir spending money like water. The System also fell silent for a long time. It wasn't until more than half a month later that it quietly surfaced beside Xie Yu.\n

\n\n

\n "Two pieces of news. Which one do you want to hear first?"\n

\n\n

\n Xie Yu: "Whatever."\n

\n\n

\n System: "This past half month, Shen Ci went to the hospital ward to see Lin Yin again."\n

\n\n

\n Xie Yu gave an "Mhm." The Shen Ci in the original text was no ordinary person and was best at seizing opportunities, so he wasn't surprised.\n

\n\n

\n "And the other?"\n

\n\n

\n "Also, Xie Yuanshan found out about your investment. He threw a huge temper tantrum in the company conference room in Los Angeles, bought a plane ticket back to the country, and is rushing here right now."\n

\n\n

\n Xie Yu casually opened a shopping website and tried to pay with his credit card. The screen displayed that the payment had failed.\n

\n\n

\n His card had already been frozen.\n

\n\n

\n Xie Yu wasn't panicked at all. Xu Qingshan had helped him set up an overseas account with a few million in cash inside, enough for him to live freely for several years.\n

\n\n

\n Sure enough, that night, his phone ringtone blared. He pressed answer, and Xie Yuanshan's gloomy voice came through. Suppressing boundless fury, it carried a hint of gnashing teeth: "Xie Yu, get your ass back home right now."\n

\n\n

\n Xie Yu hummed a string of "Mhms" and perfunctorily agreed.\n

\n\n

\n He was eating small wontons at a street stall at the time. After hanging up the phone, he unhurriedly finished his wontons, drank a couple of mouthfuls of soup, and only then got into his car and cruised back home.\n

\n\n

\n Xie Yuanshan was infuriated. Upon seeing him, he immediately wanted to get physical. However, Xie Yu was no longer a frail and powerless child. Standing at over 1.8 meters tall, he was a full head taller than Xie Yuanshan. If the older man wanted to slap him, he would have to stand on his tiptoes to do so.\n

\n\n

\n Xie Yuanshan scrutinized him. Xie Yu stood in the shadow of the corner between the walls, his dark tea-colored eyes also hidden in the darkness, cold and indifferent. It seemed that as long as Xie Yuanshan dared to strike, he would not hesitate to strike back.\n

\n\n

\n "..."\n

\n\n

\n Xie Yuanshan withdrew his gaze, giving up on his plan to get physical. He spoke stiffly: "Fooling around with your bad crowd all day, look what you've become. Hurry up and pack your luggage. Get your ass over to City C."\n

\n\n

\n Xie Yu kept his hands in his pockets, not taking his punishment seriously at all: "What time is the flight?"\n

\n\n

\n Xie Yuanshan was thoroughly sick of Xie Yu and wished he could throw him abroad on the spot. The secretary checked the system and booked him a flight for tomorrow afternoon.\n

\n\n

\n Xie Yu had been prepared for this and accepted it well. He packed all his luggage that night, and then, in accordance with the plot and character requirements, called He Zhiyuan and Zhou Yang one by one. He tearfully complained about his miserable experience and invited them to get together the next morning as a farewell banquet.\n

\n\n

\n Of course, Xie Yu couldn't actually cry. He pinched his nose and forcefully squeezed out two choked sobs: "Brothers, I won't be able to see you guys for a long time."\n

\n\n

\n The System accompanied him by the side, clicking its tongue in pain.\n

\n\n

\n It was a bit disgusting.\n

\n\n

\n Ever since the incident with Lin Yin last time, He Zhiyuan had felt embarrassed and returned to live in his ancestral home in the Capital City. He hadn't come to Jiang City for a long time. Currently, his movements were restricted by his family, so he wouldn't be able to make it tomorrow.\n

\n\n

\n Zhou Yang, however, agreed readily. After a brief chat, the two chose a bar they often went to by the riverside.\n

\n\n

\n According to the original text, Shen Ci was hospitalized at this time. No matter how wildly Young Master Xie liked to play, he was still afraid of causing a death. Therefore, tomorrow's gathering had nothing to do with Shen Ci and became a two-person meetup between Xie Yu and Zhou Yang.\n

\n\n

\n Xie Yu hated He Zhiyuan and had an average impression of Zhou Yang—he couldn't say he liked him much, but he didn't hate him either. The two of them drank a few cocktails at the bar and then went for a walk along the riverside.\n

\n\n

\n Zhou Yang asked him: "Are you really going for five years without coming back even once?"\n

\n\n

\n Xie Yu smiled: "Really going."\n

\n\n

\n Zhou Yang smoked, blowing smoke rings towards the river water: "Your biological dad is truly a piece of work... By the way, I heard he froze your cards. Are you short on money? Do you want your bro to give you some?"\n

\n\n

\n Xie Yu shook his head: "No need, I'm not short on money, but there is indeed something I need your help with."\n

\n\n

\n Zhou Yang raised his eyebrows: "We've been friends for over a decade, just say it."\n

\n\n

\n Xie Yu: "Keep an eye on He Zhiyuan and tell him to stay away from Shen Ci."\n

\n\n

\n Zhou Yang's hand that was smoking paused.\n

\n\n

\n In the original text, He Zhiyuan wanted to mess with Shen Ci, and he did. The guy had an attention span of three minutes; once he got what he wanted, he no longer cherished it, and he never pestered Shen Ci afterward. But this time, Xie Yu had strictly guarded against him and absolutely didn't let him touch Shen Ci. He Zhiyuan was itching for it, and heaven only knew what he might do.\n

\n\n

\n Zhou Yang was stunned: "This is the first time I've seen you care this much... Alright, I'll cover him. Before you come back, He Zhiyuan won't even be able to lay a finger on him."\n

\n\n

\n "Thanks."\n

\n\n

\n "Small matter, no need to thank me." Zhou Yang teased: "But Young Master Xie, since you like him so much, aren't you going to leave him some more money?"\n

\n\n

\n Xie Yu: "I did."\n

\n\n

\n Given the original owner's character setting, it was impossible for him to leave money for Shen Ci. So Xie Yu had sought out Xu Qingshan, asking him to set aside a portion from the psychiatric hospital's donations as a reserve. In case Shen Ci's grandmother had an emergency and needed money urgently, it could be allocated from there. If Shen Ci asked about it when the time came, they would just say it was a charitable donation and his family's number had been drawn.\n

\n\n

\n Shen Ci didn't know that Xu Qingshan had anything to do with him, nor would he associate it with Xie Yu.\n

\n\n

\n The two talked about some random things and then went their separate ways.\n

\n\n

\n Xie Yu lugged his luggage out of the hotel—two large suitcases in total. He checked his important items one by one. The small kraft paper bag he had dug out earlier was safely tucked away in the inner lining of the suitcase, cushioned by a layer of lining paper.\n

\n\n

\n The System looked at it curiously: "What exactly is this?"\n

\n\n

\n Xie Yu pushed it aside, latched the suitcase shut, and carried it downstairs.\n

\n\n

\n He got into the secretary's car and drove all the way to the airport. After passing security and taking a seat at the boarding gate, he finally brought up the System screen and opened the novel's page.\n

\n\n

\n Before Xie Yu went abroad, there was one last plot point.\n

\n\n

\n He took a deep breath and dialed the number.\n

\n\n

\n The default phone ringtone sounded. After three seconds, the call connected, and Shen Ci kept his voice low: "Xie Yu?"\n

\n\n

\n He seemed to be in a laboratory, keeping his volume very light. In the background, there was the clinking of glass test tubes and the rustling sound of a pen tip sliding across scratch paper... These sounds were very peaceful, like the sleep-inducing white noise in ASMR.\n

\n\n

\n Xie Yu held the phone, seemingly entranced, and didn't speak for a long while.\n

\n\n

\n "Xie Yu?" The other side called out again. Shen Ci must have stepped outside. The receiver transmitted the friction of fabric as a white lab coat was folded, followed by the swiping of a card, footsteps, and finally the sounds of birds chirping.\n

\n\n

\n The prolonged silence made Shen Ci feel slightly uneasy. He hesitated for a moment and asked: "...What's wrong? Did something happen? Should I come to the hotel to find you?"\n

\n\n

\n "No need." Xie Yu heard his own calm voice: "From now on, you don't need to come look for me either."\n

\n\n

\n "..."\n

\n\n

\n A long silence.\n

\n\n

\n It was completely quiet on the other end of the receiver; besides the noisy background sounds of the campus, there was nothing else.\n

\n\n

\n After a long time, Shen Ci finally asked very softly: "What do you mean?"\n

\n\n

\n Xie Yu: "I'm going abroad. My flight is this afternoon. I won't be back for five years. The agreement is voided."\n

\n\n

\n Pausing for a moment, he let out a laugh again, putting on the cynical tone of a playboy: "Congratulations to you, Teaching Assistant Shen. You are free."\n

\n\n

\n These were the lines from the original text. Right before going abroad, Eldest Young Master Xie hadn't forgotten to mock his pitiful canary. The tone was supposed to be sinister and twisted, but Xie Yu was being serious.\n

\n\n

\n He was very seriously congratulating Shen Ci on breaking free from his confinement and regaining his freedom.\n

\n\n

\n "..."\n

\n\n

\n It was yet another lengthy silence.\n

\n\n

\n After quite a while, Shen Ci finally spoke. His clear voice carried through the receiver, sounding a bit muffled: "What time is your flight? I'll see you off."\n

\n\n

\n Xie Yu: "No need. I'm already at the security checkpoint."\n

\n\n

\n This part was not in the original text's dialogue; he had already added it in. But after thinking for a moment, Xie Yu added: "Goodbye."\n

\n\n

\n Xie Yu hung up the phone.\n

\n\n

\n The next time they met, he would have to go to the psychiatric hospital.\n

\n\n

\n The phone screen went completely black, reflecting Xie Yu's face. The youth's brow ridge and nasal bone formed a beautiful curve, and his pair of eyes were hidden in the shadows, dark and faint.\n

\n\n

\n "Passengers traveling to City C, please note. Flight JC5845 is now boarding. Please proceed to..."\n

\n\n

\n As the broadcast sounded, Xie Yu looked up, shoved his phone into his pocket, took his plane ticket, and boarded the plane.\n

\n\n

\n The flight time was up to twenty hours. Xie Yu leaned against the plane window. The retractable screen showed that they had flown over Japan, passed through the Aleutian Islands and Alaska, and as they crossed the Pacific Ocean, looking down from the window, the azure surface of the sea was distant and profound, meeting the sky at the horizon.\n

\n\n

\n The System silently poked him: "Aren't you happy, Host? We can travel all over the world now!"\n

\n\n

\n It was a newborn System that hadn't seen much of the world. It immediately pulled up hundreds of travel guides from the internet, spreading them out in front of Xie Yu, and excitedly said: "Look at this one, a seven-day, six-night independent tour of Iceland, the itinerary includes the ice blue caves and the Blue Lagoon hot springs! And this one, a first-time experience at a Las Vegas casino, featuring beautiful dealers in uniform..."\n

\n\n

\n Xie Yu lazily pushed it aside: "We're on a plane. Can you even connect to the internet right now?"\n

\n\n

\n System: "...Gah?"\n

\n\n

\n Xie Yu: "Shut down."\n

\n\n

\n System: "."\n

\n\n

\n It tried to explain that as a high-tech system, its internet connection wouldn't interfere with communications, but Xie Yu had already spread a magazine over his face, refusing to communicate any further.\n

","published_time":"2026-05-24T00:00:00.000Z","paid":false,"show_flag":true,"show_scheduled_time":"2026-05-24T00:00:00.000Z","unpaid_scheduled_time":"2026-05-24T00:00:00.000Z"},{"content_id":4412,"novel_id":71,"chapter_no":20,"chapter_title":"Hidden Pain","content":"

\n By the time Xie Yu landed, the sky had already turned dark.\n

\n\n

\n When Xie Yuanshan said he wouldn't care about him, he really meant it. He only gave him a business card for the company's branch office in City C, leaving him to handle all contacts on his own.\n

\n\n

\n Xie Yu casually tossed the business card into a trash can and turned to contact Xu Qingshan. "Little Uncle, I've landed."\n

\n\n

\n Xu Qingshan replied instantly, "Mhm, I've already asked a classmate to pick you up."\n

\n\n

\n At the time, Xie Yuanshan threw Xie Yu into this unfamiliar place, hoping he would turn back and admit his mistakes, preferably crying bitterly and feeling overwhelmed with regret. Then, he would show immense mercy, forgive his young and ignorant son, and play out a scene of a loving father and a filial son.\n

\n\n

\n However, coincidentally, City C was the place where Xu Qingshan studied abroad for his Ph.D. Many of his classmates had stayed in the local area. Xu Qingshan cared decently for this little nephew and had made contacts early on. As soon as Xie Yu walked out of the airport, he saw his uncle's classmate.\n

\n\n

\n The other party guided him through the procedures and introduced a rental agency. Xie Yu picked a small apartment near the sea, a five-minute walk to the beach. He swiftly paid the money and settled down.\n

\n\n

\n After everything was done, he held his phone, feeling a bit hesitant.\n

\n\n

\n According to the original text, Young Master Xie was forced abroad by Xie Yuanshan. Unable to save face, he blocked Shen Ci's contact information after calling him.\n

\n\n

\n This was the last minor plot point.\n

\n\n

\n Xie Yu paused, pulled out a piece of scratch paper, and first carefully wrote down the number stroke by stroke.\n

\n\n

\n He then clicked to block, his fingertip hovering over the screen for a long time before finally pressing down. Afterward, he saved the number into his memos.\n

\n\n

\n In the remark section, he felt a bit troubled. The original owner's remark was just "Shen Ci," but according to the plot, the name Shen Ci shouldn't appear in his phone. Xie Yu raised his hand and typed: "Porcelain."\n

\n\n

\n He paused and changed it to: "Mr. Porcelain."\n

\n\n

\n It was a coincidence when they set the Safe Word at the time; Xie Yu had just happened to see the porcelain in the display window. But later, he found it more and more fitting.\n

\n\n

\n Shen Ci looked gentle and fragile, but his bones were extremely tough. If he was really shattered, the shards would definitely cut the perpetrator deeply, leaving profound bloodstains, just like with the novel's original owner. But if he was held carefully and wiped gently, one could feel that smooth, moist touch like white glaze.\n

\n\n

\n After doing all this, Xie Yu tucked his phone away, as if trying to cover up his actions, and checked his schedule for the next semester.\n

\n\n

\n Xie Yuanshan had used some unknown means to stuff him into the economics department of a well-known university in City C, threatening that if he couldn't graduate, he should never come back.\n

\n\n

\n The school had a high international ranking and a stellar reputation, whereas the original owner was a true good-for-nothing playboy. The school's workload was tight and the pressure was high. Despite using every trick in the book, he really ended up not graduating for five years.\n

\n\n

\n The System popped up, curiously glancing at the screen. "Why are you looking at your schedule? Are you really going to study?"\n

\n\n

\n Xie Yu: "Since I'm already here."\n

\n\n

\n System: "...Let's get this straight in advance, I won't connect to the internet to help you cheat on exams."\n

\n\n

\n Xie Yu: "I don't need your help."\n

\n\n

\n Although he hadn't studied much in high school, that was due to depression. Now that he had the opportunity, there was no harm in learning a bit.\n

\n\n

\n It was already the beginning of winter, and the entirety of City C was bleak and desolate. A heavy snow fell during the night, and fierce winds blew down several pine trees on the streets. Xie Yu's life consisted of a simple two-point routine: going to school for classes, and then returning home to sleep. When he had holidays, he would pack his bags and travel.\n

\n\n

\n Having been a rich second-generation heir for nearly half a year, he had completely forgotten his previous cooking skills. Now, being in a foreign country, he couldn't get used to the local tastes and was forced to pick them up again. First, he tinkered around in the apartment to make braised chicken with rice, making it look quite decent. Later, he successively unlocked recipes like cola chicken wings and braised chicken breast.\n

\n\n

\n As the Spring Festival approached, Xie Yu even invited a few classmates over for dinner. He used a hot pot base to boil a large pot of ingredients. Since glass noodles were hard to buy here, he threw spaghetti into the pot instead. They swallowed it all down, eating quite happily.\n

\n\n

\n Because he didn't put on airs and his consumption level was average, his classmates didn't realize at all that he was a rich second-generation heir. They just thought he was a serious student here to study. The few of them laughed and joked around, finding it quite fulfilling.\n

\n\n

\n After several rounds of drinks, the classmates went their separate ways. Two couples were going to the square to watch the fireworks, and a few others hurried home to call their families. Xie Yu stayed alone in the living room, cleaning up the mess of cups and plates all over the floor.\n

\n\n

\n He didn't know who to call.\n

\n\n

\n He stuffed the pot and bowls into the dishwasher, wiped the table clean with a rag, and then opened a can of beer. Sitting on the single sofa, he gazed into the distance through the window.\n

\n\n

\n Xie Yu didn't turn on the lights. The room was pitch black. Someone was setting off fireworks in the nearby square; red-gold and silver-blue flames exploded in the sky one after another, reflecting in his pupils.\n

\n\n

\n Previously in Jiang City, although the original owner's character setting was messed up, he had to follow the plot every now and then, inviting He Zhiyuan and Zhou Yang out for fun, and occasionally teasing Shen Ci, pressing him into his arms to mess with him. As irritated as Xie Yu was, he really hadn't felt bored.\n

\n\n

\n But now, even that group chat of fair-weather friends hadn't chimed in a long time.\n

\n\n

\n They were merely friends of wine and meat; now that they couldn't get together, naturally, no one talked.\n

\n\n

\n Today, Zhou Yang unexpectedly bubbled up in the group, sending a "Happy Holidays," before falling silent again.\n

\n\n

\n The System poked him. "Hey, Xie Yu, do you know that you really look like a lonely old man right now?"\n

\n\n

\n "Like in those American spy TV shows, where the agent retires to the countryside, marries, and has kids, only for his wife and children to die of severe illnesses one after another, and then he returns to the organization to shine brightly."\n

\n\n

\n Xie Yu was speechless. "Watch less TV."\n

\n\n

\n With no plot to follow now, Xie Yu attended classes during the day, leaving the System with nothing to do, storing countless TV shows in its disk.\n

\n\n

\n "Do you know what the upcoming plot should be according to the tropes? You will encounter a beautiful girl who makes your heart flutter. She'll definitely have an extraordinary identity and drag you into some trouble, but you won't have time to care. You'll hug, kiss..."\n

\n\n

\n Xie Yu felt slightly amused and interrupted, "Do you know who I've hugged the most up until now?"\n

\n\n

\n The System choked. "Your family?"\n

\n\n

\n Xie Yu shook his head. "Actually, it's Shen Ci... You might not believe it, but aside from him, I'm not used to hugging people."\n

\n\n

\n Due to his family background, he didn't get very close to people, and the number of times he had hugged someone could be counted on one hand. Later, when he went to school, he was a problem youth, and classmates usually walked around him.\n

\n\n

\n Xie Yu drank his beer. "Do you remember the night I first arrived? I couldn't sleep all night."\n

\n\n

\n That day, due to the plot setting, he and Shen Ci lay on the same bed, less than twenty centimeters apart, their breathing clearly audible. He wasn't used to such proximity; it felt like a solitary animal having its territory suddenly invaded, to the point that his entire body was tense.\n

\n\n

\n At that time, he and Shen Ci had different thoughts, yet they tacitly pretended to be asleep, spending the night in peace.\n

\n\n

\n The System muttered, "Then what about all those times later?"\n

\n\n

\n For so many days and nights, were they all pretending to sleep?\n

\n\n

\n Xie Yu: "No. Later, out of plot requirements, after hugging for a while, I just got used to it."\n

\n\n

\n Just like how Shen Ci had gotten used to Xie Yu's scent, and would roll into his arms after falling asleep, snuggling beside him, Xie Yu had also gotten used to Shen Ci's scent. Anytime, anywhere, he could stretch out his arm and drag him over like a body pillow, locking him by his side.\n

\n\n

\n The forced arrangements of the plot had facilitated one of the few instances of close physical contact in Xie Yu's life.\n

\n\n

\n He lightly rubbed his fingers, feeling a bit of longing for that warmth.\n

\n\n

\n System: "...This is gonna be tough. Once you return to the country, your statuses will be reversed. You can wait to hug him in the psychiatric hospital."\n

\n\n

\n After it spoke, it watched the fireworks with Xie Yu. Colorful floral spheres whistled into the sky, returning to silence within a few seconds as the next one continued to rise, repeating the cycle over and over. It wasn't until the final one was set off that the sky became completely quiet.\n

\n\n

\n The tolling of a bell could be heard from afar; it was already past midnight.\n

\n\n

\n The beer was already empty. Xie Yu got up to wash up. The System mysteriously loaded a bunch of data and suddenly asked, "Host, do you want to see what Shen Ci is doing?"\n

\n\n

\n Xie Yu spat out the toothpaste foam. "Don't invade someone's privacy."\n

\n\n

\n System: "I'm not, it's all public data from places like the school forums."\n

\n\n

\n Xie Yu didn't speak for a long time. He tossed the aluminum can on the table into the trash can, making a crisp thump. "Let's see."\n

\n\n

\n "Mhm, their team secured a big project, his mentor was promoted to a Distinguished Young Scholar, and their office moved to the new building. If you go look for him in the future, you can't just go straight to the lab building anymore."\n

\n\n

\n Xie Yu: "I wasn't going to look for him again anyway. What else?"\n

\n\n

\n "His grandmother's condition fluctuated a while ago, but fortunately, the Qingshan Foundation provided timely financial assistance, and she's out of danger now."\n

\n\n

\n Xie Yu paused. "What else?"\n

\n\n

\n "Your guess was right. He Zhiyuan wanted to go cause him trouble, but every time he arrived in Jiang City, Zhou Yang dragged him away."\n

\n\n

\n The System paused. "I can't find any more details."\n

\n\n

\n "Mhm." Xie Yu commented, "That's good."\n

\n\n

\n Ten thousand kilometers away, Shen Ci was not doing well at all.\n

\n\n

\n He had been staying up late for several consecutive months. Aside from going to the hospital, he immersed himself in the laboratory, wishing he could fill up every spare moment.\n

\n\n

\n Han Yunyun was getting ready to leave. She should have left earlier, but since they were moving offices tomorrow, she stayed behind to pack her things.\n

\n\n

\n She stuffed the ornaments from her desk into her suitcase and stole a glance at her senior across from her. "Senior Brother Shen, are you still not leaving?"\n

\n\n

\n Shen Ci massaged the space between his eyebrows. "Not yet, I still have things left unfinished."\n

\n\n

\n "But Senior Brother, you've stayed up so late you've got dark circles under your eyes..." Han Yunyun muttered.\n

\n\n

\n Shen Ci could be considered a prominent figure at A University. Setting aside his papers and GPA, just his noble, cold, and austere face alone was liked by quite a few girls. When Han Yunyun got tired from doing experiments, she also liked to space out looking at him. She didn't mean anything by it; she just thought he was pleasant to look at.\n

\n\n

\n But over the past six months, Shen Ci had visibly grown haggard. His eyelids were always slightly lowered, concealing a pair of weary eyes, and his skin was much paler. Han Yunyun looked at him cautiously. "Senior Brother, you really should go back early and get some sleep."\n

\n\n

\n Staying up late doing experiments with such a face was simply a reckless waste of God's given gifts!\n

\n\n

\n Shen Ci responded nonchalantly, tapping his phone screen awake with a bent finger. His gaze swept over a certain name on the chat interface; the bright red exclamation mark was exceptionally glaring.\n

\n\n

\n Having received the expected result, he turned off the screen.\n

\n\n

\n Checking his phone during experiment breaks was a new habit Shen Ci had developed. Before meeting Xie Yu, Shen Ci often didn't bring his phone into the office, leaving it only in the storage locker by the door. He used a senior citizen phone on which all the apps on the market lagged. His usage frequency was also like that of a stodgy old man; he didn't open it more than a few times a day. To him, a phone was purely a communication tool.\n

\n\n

\n But after parting ways that day, he had tried to send Xie Yu a message. Xie Yu didn't reply. Overnight, Shen Ci checked his phone hundreds of times. In a daze, he realized Xie Yu was on a plane. He timed his landing, only to receive a bright red exclamation mark.\n

\n\n

\n Afterwards, this became a habit.\n

\n\n

\n Every time he opened his closet and saw the folded clothes, every time he swiped his campus card and saw the balance on the screen, and even every time he walked into the lab building and passed by Ginkgo Avenue... he would open his phone. That exclamation mark on the screen was a glaring red, filling his empty chest with an uncontrollable, hidden pain.\n

","published_time":"2026-05-24T00:00:00.000Z","paid":false,"show_flag":true,"show_scheduled_time":"2026-05-24T00:00:00.000Z","unpaid_scheduled_time":"2026-05-24T00:00:00.000Z"},{"content_id":4413,"novel_id":71,"chapter_no":21,"chapter_title":"Heartbreak","content":"

\n After greeting Shen Ci, Han Yunyun obediently let out an "oh" and picked up her box, "Then, Senior, I'll move my things over first."\n

\n\n

\n Shen Ci nodded, politely bidding her farewell. "It's getting dark, be careful when moving your things..."\n

\n\n

\n As he spoke, his gaze inadvertently swept across Han Yunyun's desk and suddenly paused.\n

\n\n

\n Han Yunyun followed his gaze but didn't see anything wrong. "Senior?"\n

\n\n

\n Shen Ci pressed his lips together slightly.\n

\n\n

\n On Han Yunyun's desk, there was a porcelain vase. The double-petaled lilies inside had long withered, and the yellowed, scorched leaves drooped powerlessly, sagging against the tabletop without any sign of life.\n

\n\n

\n Shen Ci withdrew his gaze and continued to read his literature, asking with apparent calmness, "That porcelain vase on the desk, aren't you taking it with you?"\n

\n\n

\n "Oh, oh, this." Han Yunyun paused for a moment. "I won't take it. This vase is quite old, and a layer of limescale has formed at the bottom that can't be washed clean. Since I'm changing offices this time, I just got a new one. I'm planning to throw this old one away."\n

\n\n

\n "..."\n

\n\n

\n An indescribable harshness spread into his chest, and waves of dull pain throbbed around his ribs. Shen Ci found it almost impossible to maintain his expression.\n

\n\n

\n After a long silence, he wordlessly pinched his palms, his nails sinking into his flesh, and then forced a smile. "Do you not like it anymore?"\n

\n\n

\n Han Yunyun also smiled. "I liked it when I first bought it, but after using it for so long, I'm a bit tired of it."\n

\n\n

\n She bent down, pulled the lilies out of the vase, and casually tossed them into the trash can. "Besides, this vase isn't expensive. It's only ten or twenty yuan, so it doesn't hurt to replace it."\n

\n\n

\n Shen Ci didn't say anything.\n

\n\n

\n Hidden by the screen, he lowered his eyes. His fingertips, concealed within his sleeves, were trembling slightly.\n

\n\n

\n It doesn't hurt... to replace it?\n

\n\n

\n Shen Ci wordlessly curled the corners of his lips and thought to himself, 'Indeed.'\n

\n\n

\n To Han Yunyun, ten or twenty yuan was nothing but a cup of milk tea. She could replace or throw it away as she pleased. And to Young Master Xie, Shen Ci was no more expensive than any of the luxury items he casually discarded.\n

\n\n

\n People like him were a dime a dozen—summoned at will and dismissed just as easily. Once he got tired of this one in Jiang City, he could simply turn around and find a second one right after landing abroad.\n

\n\n

\n Xie Yu was a playboy; he had always been like this. Shen Ci understood.\n

\n\n

\n Within the scope of their agreement, Xie Yu had never made things difficult for him. On the contrary, he had protected him at every turn, for which Shen Ci was grateful.\n

\n\n

\n He just couldn't understand how Xie Yu could cut ties so cleanly, so swiftly, and so heartlessly. There hadn't even been time to process it. Just the day before, they had been intimately close, wearing matching scarves, with Xie Yu reaching out to pull him into his embrace, his chin resting against his bangs, as if protecting his most intimate lover.\n

\n\n

\n But just one day later, Xie Yu left for a foreign country, his whereabouts and destination unknown, having even changed his contact information. He simply severed the relationship just like that, completely wiping his traces from Shen Ci's life, erasing them clean.\n

\n\n

\n It was as if... he was an insignificant pet. No consent was needed when he was bought, and no notice was required when he was abandoned. Everything depended solely on the master's whim.\n

\n\n

\n Shen Ci lowered his eyes. The computer screen in front of him had gone dark. The pitch-black screen reflected his face, which was truly plain and haggard. Compared to the boys Xie Yu had previously liked, there was nothing outstanding about him.\n

\n\n

\n He thought: perhaps it wasn't 'as if'. He really was just an insignificant pet.\n

\n\n

\n While he was lost in thought, Han Yunyun held her box, swiped her card to leave, and waved through the glass door, "Senior, see you tomorrow."\n

\n\n

\n Shen Ci: "...See you tomorrow."\n

\n\n

\n Han Yunyun then walked outside. When she reached the end of the corridor, she looked back as if compelled by some mysterious force. Shen Ci was sitting all alone in the laboratory. The electronic screen cast heavy and uneven shadows on his eyelashes, and the luminescent white spots of light reflected in his pupils, looking as though a layer of frost had formed over them.\n

\n\n

\n It was so cold that it was somewhat freezing.\n

\n\n

\n At exactly ten o'clock in the evening, Shen Ci shut down his computer on time.\n

\n\n

\n As the New Year approached, most students had gone home. The experimental area was completely empty, with only a few lights left on. The corridors were silent and deserted, as eerily quiet as a horror movie.\n

\n\n

\n Shen Ci bypassed the laboratory building and left the school through the south gate. He walked into a coffee shop backing onto the road and took a seat in a booth by the window. Under the dim yellow light, someone was already waiting.\n

\n\n

\n Lin Yin had recently gotten her hair permed into large waves. Twirling a strand around her fingertips, she pushed the menu toward Shen Ci. "What would you like to drink?"\n

\n\n

\n Shen Ci: "No need, I'll have plain water."\n

\n\n

\n Lin Yin sighed, "Teaching Assistant Shen, looking at your impoverished and destitute appearance, who would believe that you were once with Young Master Xie?"\n

\n\n

\n She pointed meaningfully toward his earlobe. "If you sold that earring, you could buy this entire coffee shop."\n

\n\n

\n Shen Ci's expression was calm. "I have no such intention."\n

\n\n

\n Lin Yin shrugged. "When I met you back then, I thought we were both smart people. Who knew that I'd be able to retreat completely unscathed, while you would fall so deep."\n

\n\n

\n Shen Ci: "Let's talk business."\n

\n\n

\n Lin Yin: "Wait for me to order a drink."\n

\n\n

\n After saying that, she called the waiter over and casually pointed at two drinks. Then, she lowered her voice. "As you said, I've gotten in touch with Luo Shao. He is indeed interested in dirt on He Zhiyuan."\n

\n\n

\n Luo Shao was also a second-generation rich kid. In Jiang City, the rich second generation was divided into factions. Xie Yu belonged to one faction, and Luo Shao belonged to another. There were quite a few business conflicts between the two.\n

\n\n

\n Shen Ci: "It's up to you. If you're satisfied with the price, then give it to him."\n

\n\n

\n There was a lot of dirt on He Zhiyuan. He played dirty and was involved in incidents with multiple minors, all of which were later settled with money.\n

\n\n

\n Lin Yin took a sip of her coffee. "Luo Shao also said that he's interested in dirt on Xie Yu. If you're willing to provide it, he'll pay double."\n

\n\n

\n Shen Ci said flatly, "I don't have any dirt on Xie Yu."\n

\n\n

\n During the few months he was with Xie Yu, Xie Yu was as clean as could be. His words and actions didn't seem like those of a rich second generation with an agreement partner, but rather like a genuine couple.\n

\n\n

\n Lin Yin muttered, "Sometimes I really don't know what you're thinking..."\n

\n\n

\n She picked up her bag, preparing to pay the bill. "By the way, Shen Ci, I got news from Luo Shao that He Zhiyuan returned to Jiang City a while ago. He was drinking at a bar with his new girlfriend, got drunk, and let out word that he's going to mess with you."\n

\n\n

\n Shen Ci paused his action of drinking water.\n

\n\n

\n "But, but!" Lin Yin continued, "Zhou Yang returned to the Capital City and met with the Old Master of the He Family. I don't know what was said, nor do I know if it has anything to do with you, but the Old Master dragged He Zhiyuan away, so you're safe for now."\n

\n\n

\n Shen Ci nodded.\n

\n\n

\n They exchanged information. Just as she was about to leave, Shen Ci called out to Lin Yin and pushed a piece of paper toward her. "Help me check on this."\n

\n\n

\n It was a string of irregular numbers.\n

\n\n

\n Lin Yin: "A bank account?"\n

\n\n

\n Shen Ci: "A few days ago, my grandmother was critically ill and needed money for surgery. The very next day, I received a donation. A certain charitable foundation said I met their qualifications and transferred the money directly into my account."\n

\n\n

\n Lin Yin let out a laugh. "I thought money had been deducted from your account. Isn't someone giving you money a good thing? It's probably just good luck, does this really need to be investigated?"\n

\n\n

\n Shen Ci gave a short laugh. "But in the first twenty years of my life, I've never encountered such a good thing."\n

\n\n

\n Shen Ci never believed in free lunches. In his first twenty years, he had encountered so many misfortunes: his parents passing away one after the other, his relatives being diagnosed with severe illnesses. Each time it was nothing but despair upon despair. Back then, fate had never treated him so kindly.\n

\n\n

\n And now, with graduation approaching, although he was short on money, he had things he could sell, and his life was much better. Yet this financial aid had dropped right into his lap so perfectly?\n

\n\n

\n Shen Ci added, "This foundation has never made any transfers before, and there are no other beneficiaries. I'm the first. I can't find any information on it, so I want you to help me give it a try."\n

\n\n

\n Lin Yin unfolded the slip of paper. "No previous transfers and no other beneficiaries... I'll ask Luo Shao and have him look into it."\n

\n\n

\n As she spoke, she opened her messaging interface and sent the number to Luo Shao, gesturing for Shen Ci to stay seated. "Wait a moment. Registered foundations all have records on file; I'll have him check it for you."\n

\n\n

\n Shen Ci nodded, quietly drinking the plain water in front of him. He had an absurd premonition in his heart—faint and unverifiable, yet impossible to ignore.\n

\n\n

\n In truth, fate had once treated him kindly. Someone had given him everything he needed without ever asking for anything in return.\n

\n\n

\n Half an hour later, Lin Yin's phone dinged. She swiped to open the screen. "Hmm, it looks like it really is just your good luck. Neither of us recognize the name of this foundation's sponsor; they aren't from our circle."\n

\n\n

\n Shen Ci let out a slight sigh of relief, unable to tell if he was disappointed or glad. He asked, "Who is it?"\n

\n\n

\n Lin Yin: "It's a psychiatric expert who opened a psychiatric hospital, named Xu Qingshan... Hey, what's wrong? Are you okay?"\n

\n\n

\n Shen Ci accidentally knocked over the water glass in front of him. The glass rolled onto the floor, completely shattered.\n

\n\n

\n Xu Qingshan.\n

\n\n

\n Shen Ci silently repeated this name in his mind.\n

\n\n

\n He didn't know the relationship between Xu Qingshan and Xie Yu, but he knew that Xie Yu had once appeared in Xu Qingshan's office, and that Xu Qingshan had held Xie Yu's medical records with an intimate expression.\n

\n\n

\n There was no such coincidence in this world. Xu Qingshan just happened to be Xie Yu's doctor, and he also just happened to sponsor someone, who happened to be Xie Yu's former lover.\n

\n\n

\n But why...\n

\n\n

\n Why, after leaving without a word, would he send this sponsorship?\n

\n\n

\n Why, after abandoning his old toy, was he still concerned about his critically ill grandmother?\n

\n\n

\n Why cut off all contact? Why act as if he didn't care at all? Why...\n

\n\n

\n Why was he so good to him, yet made him suffer so much?\n

\n\n

\n Shen Ci's breathing quickened, his mind in chaos. To hide his expression, he bent down to pick up the glass shards on the floor. His finger touched a sharp edge, slicing open a bloody gash.\n

\n\n

\n Lin Yin gasped, "What are you picking up?" She pushed her chair back and stood up. "Is the waiter here? Do you have a broom?"\n

\n\n

\n "It's nothing." Shen Ci suppressed his slightly trembling hands. The sharp pain on his fingertip calmed him down. He forced himself to remain composed and smiled. "I zoned out. Sorry."\n

\n\n

\n Lin Yin was speechless. "You really are... forget it. Alright, we're done here, let's go."\n

\n\n

\n Having finished exchanging information, they both stood up and left through the front and back doors of the coffee shop, respectively. As the New Year's bell chimed, Shen Ci stepped onto the wet, long street, disappearing into the snowstorm that filled the sky.\n

\n\n

\n Time passed like flowing water. Xie Yu spent three years earning enough credits. With nothing to do in the remaining two years, apart from traveling around, he also minored in a dual degree.\n

\n\n

\n For his second degree, he chose literature, without any utilitarian motives; he simply studied it for fun.\n

\n\n

\n The silver-haired old professor lectured passionately on the podium, his spit flying as he spoke of everything from Homer to Camus. Below, Xie Yu idly flipped through his books, occasionally sleeping, and taking a note from time to time.\n

\n\n

\n Life studying abroad was a bit boring. Xie Yu traveled from south to north, journeying from Ethiopia to Reykjavik. The rest of the time, he holed up in his small apartment. His cooking skills advanced by leaps and bounds, making him the most popular person for his classmates to mooch meals from.\n

\n\n

\n The System often hacked into forums to brief Xie Yu on what was happening in Jiang City. For instance, He Zhiyuan had caused trouble again and was beaten by his dad; Zhou Yang had formally inherited the family business, becoming the helmsman of the Zhou Family; Xie Yu's father, Xie Yuanshan, lost his balance one day and took a fall at a shareholders' meeting, and also... Shen Ci.\n

\n\n

\n Shen Ci had graduated and joined a rival company of the Xie Group, working under Luo Shao. It was said that his professional skills were exceptional, and his methods were decisive and brilliant, earning him great appreciation from Luo Shao. In just a few short years, he had risen to a very high position.\n

\n\n

\n Now, his annual salary could cover many years' worth of medical expenses, so he no longer needed Xie Yu's secret help. Xu Qingshan also stopped his funding. That charitable account only made one transfer before falling completely silent, disappearing without a trace.\n

\n\n

\n At this time, there was less than half a month left until Xie Yuanshan suddenly died from a cerebral hemorrhage, Xie Yu's uncle took over the Xie Group, and Xie Yu returned to the country to attend the funeral.\n

\n\n

\n Xie Yu spent this half month bidding farewell to his friends at school one by one, collecting a whole backpack full of goodbye cards. At his farewell party, Xie Yu cooked personally. His friends hugged his pot, drank themselves into a stupor, and wept bitterly.\n

\n\n

\n "Wuwuwu, once you leave, we'll never get to eat authentic potato and beef stew again!"\n

\n\n

\n "For the sake of tomato and egg stir-fry, please don't go back to your country!"\n

\n\n

\n Dark lines formed on Xie Yu's face. His friends were reluctant to part with him. "Wuwuwu, Xiao Xie, wait for me to return to the country to find you."\n

\n\n

\n Xie Yu snatched his pot back, choking back his speechlessness at the bunch of drunks. "Go look for me in a psychiatric hospital, you guys."\n

\n\n

\n December 21st, sunny.\n

\n\n

\n On this day, Xie Group's chairman, Xie Yuanshan, suffered a sudden cerebral hemorrhage and passed away after rescue efforts failed.\n

\n\n

\n Xie Yuanhai convened a shareholders' meeting with sweeping momentum and took over the group.\n

\n\n

\n That afternoon, he drafted a message to Xie Yu, telling him to offer his condolences and return to the country for the funeral.\n

\n\n

\n The two of them hypocritically observed a moment of silence in their texts; neither of them was actually sad for Xie Yuanshan. After Xie Yu brushed it off, he immediately bought a plane ticket back to his country, landing at Jiang City Airport that very night.\n

\n\n

\n He dragged his suitcase out of the airport. It was the end of the year, and a heavy snowstorm had fallen over Jiang City. As far as the eye could see, it was a vast expanse of white. The northern wind, mixed with snow pellets, blew against his face, stinging like a knife cut.\n

\n\n

\n In his first day taking office, Xie Yuanhai completely replaced all the senior employees in the company, not even sparing the driver. When Xie Yu got in the car, it was an unfamiliar face in the front seat.\n

\n\n

\n The driver turned the steering wheel and merged into the traffic. Not long after, they exited the ring expressway. Xie Yu stared at the navigation for a moment. "Where are you taking me?"\n

\n\n

\n This wasn't the road back to the Xie Family estate.\n

\n\n

\n The driver was quite accustomed to trimming his sails to the wind. Seeing that Young Master Xie was only one in name and that it wasn't his turn to take charge of the Xie Family, he let out a laugh and replied unceremoniously, "The Chairman's coffin is resting at home, and people are coming over to pay their condolences. Your uncle is receiving guests, and it's noisy at home. Out of fear that it would disturb your rest, he asked me to take you to a hotel."\n

\n\n

\n Xie Yu showed no particular expression. "Alright."\n

\n\n

\n He knew very well in his heart that with Xie Yuanshan dead, no one was truly coming to mourn; everyone showing up were old clients. Xie Yuanshan's funeral was the best social venue, capable of expanding a lot of networking connections, and Xie Yuanhai didn't want to leave his nephew even a sliver of a chance.\n

\n\n

\n Xie Yu didn't really mind, though. Since he was going to enter a psychiatric hospital anyway, he couldn't care less about this.\n

\n\n

\n Who knew that the car would wobble its way into an un-demolished urban village within the main city district. Spiderwebs of electrical wires hung everywhere. The driver slammed on the brakes in front of a small guesthouse. "Young Master Xie, this is the place."\n

\n\n

\n Xie Yu's eyebrow twitched.\n

\n\n

\n This area was notoriously dirty, chaotic, and poor. In earlier years, there was talk of demolition, but later the land prices soared so high that they couldn't afford to tear it down. It subsequently became one of the base camps for local thugs, a place where the good and the bad mingled.\n

\n\n

\n The hotel was dilapidated, probably a guesthouse from the last century. A neon sign was hung out front, and the reception desk could barely be considered clean. Staying a night likely cost around a hundred yuan.\n

\n\n

\n He frowned slightly. The original novel mentioned that Xie Yuanhai was extremely stingy and petty. Xie Yu had never met him and wasn't too sure, but seeing it now, it was indeed true. His brother's body wasn't even cold yet, and no matter what, Xie Yu was Xie Yuanshan's only son. Eagerly tossing him here—not even to a chain hotel—was truly pathetic.\n

\n\n

\n System: "Should we change to another place?"\n

\n\n

\n Xie Yu had money on him; he could afford to stay somewhere nice.\n

\n\n

\n "No need." Xie Yu grabbed his bag and went inside. "I'll make do for two days."\n

\n\n

\n He took the key and entered the room. A musty smell assaulted his face. Frowning, Xie Yu opened the window. His gaze inadvertently swept over the street, and he paused slightly.\n

\n\n

\n There was a man carrying a long-handled black umbrella.\n

\n\n

\n He wore a smoky gray trench coat, his figure lean and slender. He stood quietly on the street, as handsome and tall as a nobleman holding an ironwood black umbrella in the Middle Ages. People bustled back and forth on the street, splashing the melted snow. Amidst the noisy shadows of neon lights, this person just stood there peacefully. He was like a splash-ink landscape painting blended into a postmodern artwork, or a segment of classical piano mixed into rock music—completely out of place.\n

\n\n

\n Xie Yu noticed that the hem of his coat had already been damp; it was unknown how long he had been standing there.\n

\n\n

\n He closed the window and thought to himself, 'What a weirdo.'\n

","published_time":"2026-05-24T00:00:00.000Z","paid":false,"show_flag":true,"show_scheduled_time":"2026-05-24T00:00:00.000Z","unpaid_scheduled_time":"2026-05-24T00:00:00.000Z"},{"content_id":4414,"novel_id":71,"chapter_no":22,"chapter_title":"Three-in-One","content":"

\n The person stood quietly hidden in the snowstorm, holding an umbrella steadily, neither speaking nor moving, like an ageless marble sculpture.\n

\n\n

\n Xie Yu closed the window, thinking to himself, 'Strange.'\n

\n\n

\n On such a snowy day, the sleet and wind were sharper than a knife. Standing there for half an hour would freeze a person numb.\n

\n\n

\n He muttered in his heart, feeling that this person might be sick in the head. He stopped paying attention to it, sorted his luggage into their respective places, and took a quick shower.\n

\n\n

\n The small hotel's showerhead had a slow water flow and the temperature wasn't high, making it awfully cold against his body. Xie Yu hastily dried his hair and glanced out the glass window, but the person was already gone.\n

\n\n

\n The heavy snow had erased his tracks, as if he had never been there.\n

\n\n

\n The System didn't feel cold. It floated in mid-air, happily flipping through the plot. Its fluorescent blue screen flashed as if cheering with joy.\n

\n\n

\n Xie Yu: "Are you very happy?"\n

\n\n

\n System: "Host! We only have the last two steps left. The! Last! Two! Steps!"\n

\n\n

\n After returning to China, Xie Yu didn't have much of a storyline. Seven days later, Xie Yuanhai would hold a memorial banquet for Xie Yuanshan. He needed to attend, fake a few sobs, and then be forcibly abducted by Shen Ci at the banquet, have his fingers broken, and be locked up in a psychiatric hospital. Then the plot would end.\n

\n\n

\n During this period, there wasn't even any real action required from Xie Yu. He just needed to let his mind wander, cooperate like a puppet, and finish acting out this scene.\n

\n\n

\n The System checked Xie Yu's score. Although Xie Yu's acting skills were not up to standard and his detailed performances were a mess, fortunately, all the required plot points were hit, and the lines were spoken, albeit stumblingly. His current score was 85.\n

\n\n

\n Overall Evaluation: "Your acting skills are truly terrible, but your redeeming quality is that you are diligent and very dedicated. Your overall evaluation is above average."\n

\n\n

\n If it were before, the System would mourn how he got such a low score. But considering it was Xie Yu, it wanted to beg the heavens and earth, shouting thanks to all the Bodhisattvas for their protection.\n

\n\n

\n This was Xie Yu! The Xie Yu who had pulled so many crazy stunts earlier! And he still managed to get an 85?!\n

\n\n

\n If he just casually acted out the last two scenes, this was in the bag!\n

\n\n

\n The System displayed fireworks on its screen, congratulating the smooth completion of the mission in advance.\n

\n\n

\n Xie Yu stopped it. "Don't, absolutely don't. We're right at the finish line, please don't set any flags."\n

\n\n

\n He pressed down the excited System and lay down on the small bed in the middle of the hotel room. The small bed couldn't bear the weight and creaked wildly, iron scraps rubbing against each other, emitting a sound like nails scratching a chalkboard.\n

\n\n

\n This hotel was truly dilapidated. The bed was broken, the windows were broken, and drafts came in from all sides. The strong wind passing through the gaps emitted indescribable shrieks, like the wailing of ghosts and howling of wolves.\n

\n\n

\n The System endured it for a bit but couldn't hold back anymore. "Host, are we really going to stay in this rundown place?"\n

\n\n

\n Xie Yu rested with his eyes closed. "It's just for seven days, bear with it. Let's not cause any unnecessary trouble."\n

\n\n

\n Over the course of seven days, Xie Yuanhai widely distributed invitations, inviting all the celebrities and socialites of Jiang City. He made it incredibly lively; those who knew understood he was holding a memorial service, but those who didn't might have thought he opened a bar and invited people to a rave.\n

\n\n

\n On the seventh day, while Xie Yuanshan's body was still laid out in the living room and before the banquet started, Xie Yuanhai finally remembered he had a nephew. He sent Xie Yu an invitation, called a driver, and conveniently handed over a set of clothes.\n

\n\n

\n The clothes consisted of a traditional suit with a double-breasted waistcoat and peak lapels. Xie Yu touched the fabric; it had a smooth drape, it was good material.\n

\n\n

\n He changed into the clothes in front of the only full-length mirror in the hotel. The person in the mirror had broad shoulders and a narrow waist, looking tall, handsome, and remarkably imposing.\n

\n\n

\n Xie Yu confirmed with the System, "For this final scene, I don't have to do anything, right?"\n

\n\n

\n The System flipped through the novel. "No need, you're just a background character. As long as you cooperate and get dragged away by Shen Ci, you're good."\n

\n\n

\n Xie Yu: "That's easy."\n

\n\n

\n The driver drove all the way, dropping him off at the hotel. People were coming and going in the hall. The men were meticulously dressed, wearing ties and hair wax, while the women were lavishly dressed, exuding fragrance and elegance. Xie Yu weaved through them and found a secluded corner to sit down.\n

\n\n

\n He took a glass of juice from a waiter. As he was drinking, his gaze suddenly drifted and landed on a certain spot in the corner.\n

\n\n

\n There, a familiar figure flashed by.\n

\n\n

\n Xie Yu frowned. "He Zhiyuan?"\n

\n\n

\n The System was startled. "Wasn't this scumbag dragged back to the Capital City by his family's old man? Why is he here?"\n

\n\n

\n Xie Yu withdrew his gaze. "Maybe I saw wrong."\n

\n\n

\n They were far apart, and the crowd was dense; it was possible he had seen wrong.\n

\n\n

\n At exactly eight o'clock, Xie Yuanhai arrived as expected. Radiant with smug satisfaction, he gave a long and stinky speech from the head seat, turning the memorial service into an inauguration ceremony. Afterwards, amidst thunderous applause, he acknowledged all directions to express his gratitude.\n

\n\n

\n Xie Yu clapped perfunctorily and took a few pieces of pomelo from a waiter.\n

\n\n

\n He wondered if there would still be pomelos to eat in the psychiatric hospital.\n

\n\n

\n At this time, the secretary answered a phone call. Xie Yuanhai raised his hand to signal, and the sparse applause in the venue stopped. He immediately walked toward the door, straightened his tie, and the attendant beside him bowed to open the door, as if a heavyweight guest had arrived.\n

\n\n

\n Xie Yuanhai was considered a top-tier figure in Jiang City. There weren't many people who could make him stand up to greet them. Many people at the banquet craned their necks in anticipation, curious about who had come.\n

\n\n

\n Xie Yu already had half a foot in the psychiatric hospital and didn't care about this at all. He continued drinking his juice. It wasn't until the crowd in front had mostly parted that he lazily raised his eyes and took a casual glance over.\n

\n\n

\n With just one glance, he was stunned.\n

\n\n

\n The newcomer was wearing a traditional gray suit. The fitted waist design perfectly outlined his beautiful waistline, tempting people to place their hands on it and fiercely rub that curve. His legs were also long and beautiful, gathered in draped suit trousers. As he walked, only a slight hint of skin at his ankles was exposed. Complemented by his dark socks, his skin color was lustrous and jade-like, truly resembling the white glaze on porcelain.\n

\n\n

\n Xie Yu didn't even need to look up at his face; just from this glimpse of his wrist, he knew the newcomer was Shen Ci.\n

\n\n

\n "..."\n

\n\n

\n Xie Yu's throat felt slightly bitter. He knew Shen Ci would come, but he didn't know Shen Ci would come this early.\n

\n\n

\n In the novel, Shen Ci was already powerful and influential enough by this point that Xie Yuanhai had to give him some face. At the end of the banquet, he directly brought people in and seized the Young Master of the Xie Family on the spot, with no one in the entire venue daring to utter a sound.\n

\n\n

\n But now, the banquet had just begun.\n

\n\n

\n When the banquet was almost over, most people would have already left. Being dragged out then was quite different from being ridiculed in public and dragged out in front of a huge crowd. Xie Yu didn't look up. He unconsciously rubbed the wall of his glass, pretending not to know anything, as if this way, Shen Ci wouldn't be able to see him either.\n

\n\n

\n Shen Ci was now a wildly popular nouveau riche in Jiang City. Countless people rushed up to curry favor with him. Before long, they had surrounded him so tightly that not a drop of water could leak through. Meanwhile, Xie Yu, as an expired Young Master, sat properly in the corner, not drawing any attention.\n

\n\n

\n Xie Yu drank his juice. "Can't see me, yeah, he probably can't see me."\n

\n\n

\n Unfortunately, things didn't go as one wished. The System hovered above his head, stuttering as it spoke, "H-h-h-host!"\n

\n\n

\n "S-S-S-Shen Ci is coming over, be prepared to be dragged away!"\n

\n\n

\n Xie Yu was already annoyed, and hearing it nag made him even more annoyed. He used the fruit platter to block his line of sight. "I said, if I get dragged away, I get dragged away. I'm the one being dragged away, not you. Why are you stuttering?"\n

\n\n

\n The System wanted to cry but had no tears. "...You don't understand, Shen Ci has become a little bit scary."\n

\n\n

\n Shen Ci's face was as noble and beautiful as always, but at this moment, he was expressionless with a dark gaze, inexplicably adding a bit of cold severity. He casually pushed aside the surrounding crowd, took a glass of wine from a waiter, and walked straight towards Xie Yu. His steps were steady, carrying an imposing aura of someone coming to settle scores.\n

\n\n

\n Xie Yuanhai quickly followed, slightly stunned. "Mr. Shen, Mr. Shen, you should go to the center of the banquet. What are you doing going to this remote corner?"\n

\n\n

\n Shen Ci stopped by a sofa five meters away from Xie Yu and sat sideways. Xie Yuanhai froze for a moment, assuming he only chose this place for some peace and quiet, so he sat down as well. The few of them began discussing recent industry trends as if no one else was around.\n

\n\n

\n The System let out a sigh of relief. "He's not coming for you, Host."\n

\n\n

\n Xie Yu was propping up his head, looking in another direction, pretending to be deep in thought. Hearing this, he slightly turned his neck and used his peripheral vision to look at Shen Ci. He didn't dare to look blatantly, only daring to take a hasty glance. The moment his gaze made contact, he withdrew it as if he had been burned.\n

\n\n

\n Xie Yu: "Shen Ci... seems to have become prettier?"\n

\n\n

\n Shen Ci was already very beautiful before. His brows and eyes were handsome, his temperament gentle, full of a scholar's literary aura. It was just that back then, he was still a student from a poor family. His clothes were baggy and old, not the right size, and his entire body couldn't hide his destitution, which suppressed three-tenths of that beauty.\n

\n\n

\n But now, Shen Ci's temperament was much more noble. A crisp shirt perfectly wrapped his slender body, his tailored suit was ironed smooth, and his hair was combed meticulously. He wore low-prescription silver-framed glasses, his brows and eyes hidden behind the lenses, masking his emotions... If the former Shen Ci had an elegant and gentle beauty, now, his beauty was sharp and completely exposed. In a suit, he looked gentle yet abstinent, like a precious pearl wiped free of dust, adding an aura of awe-inspiring inviolability.\n

\n\n

\n Xie Yu evaluated, "He really did get prettier. The little beauty has turned into a great beauty."\n

\n\n

\n The System went crazy. "Brother, my dear brother, aren't you going to look at what time it is? Is this the time to discuss whether he's pretty or not?"\n

\n\n

\n Xie Yu shook his head. "You don't understand, appreciating beauties is one of the great joys in life."\n

\n\n

\n He sighed slightly. "It's just a pity that such a great beauty will never give me a good look again."\n

\n\n

\n System: "..."\n

\n\n

\n It was speechless. "How about this, when you go to the psychiatric hospital, you cry out a bit more miserably, that way he might look at you and laugh."\n

\n\n

\n Xie Yu didn't retort. He straightened his suit, stood up with his back facing Shen Ci, and then deliberately walked in a circle, going around the outside of the sofa, and headed toward the southwest corner of the banquet hall.\n

\n\n

\n System: "...Where are you going?"\n

\n\n

\n Xie Yu: "We're too close, I'm afraid he'll see me. Going to the restroom to lay low."\n

\n\n

\n In the entire venue, the restroom was the best refuge. Shen Ci couldn't possibly forcibly drag him out of a bathroom stall.\n

\n\n

\n System: "."\n

\n\n

\n It questioned, "Didn't you say appreciating beauties is one of the great joys in life?"\n

\n\n

\n Xie Yu: "Appreciating a beauty is a joy, but being dragged out in public is not."\n

\n\n

\n When describing this scene, the original text used a very vivid term—"dead dog." It said that Eldest Young Master Xie struggled continuously, cursed non-stop, and had his limbs restrained as he was dragged out like a dead dog.\n

\n\n

\n Xie Yu wasn't confident in his own acting skills. He wasn't sure if he could play the role of a "dead dog" well, so he immediately decided it was best to leave first, and stall until the banquet was almost over.\n

\n\n

\n Shen Ci sat upright on the sofa, his peripheral vision fixed on a certain spot until Xie Yu's silhouette disappeared. Only then did he withdraw his gaze.\n

\n\n

\n He seemed to have a calm expression and a relaxed posture, but his back was strung tautly straight, lightly leaning against the sofa, so dignified that not a single flaw could be picked out.\n

\n\n

\n This posture wasn't comfortable, nor was it easy to maintain, but it had the advantage of looking good enough. The socialites and gentlemen of Jiang City used it often. Back when Lin Yin followed He Zhiyuan, she maintained this posture anytime, anywhere.\n

\n\n

\n At the time, Shen Ci found it laughable, never expecting that one day, he too would hold his poise so tightly, just for a certain someone's casual glance.\n

\n\n

\n "...As I was just saying, our phase two trial went smoothly, and we can start phase three right away. Once the drug is released, the stock price... Mr. Shen? Mr. Shen?"\n

\n\n

\n "Apologies," Shen Ci tucked a stray strand of hair behind his ear. Since Xie Yu wasn't there, he no longer paid attention to his hairstyle, tidying all his hair to reveal his smooth forehead.\n

\n\n

\n He had specially trimmed his eyebrows today, giving the arched brows a soft curve; he also styled his stray hair. The side of his face angled towards Xie Yu was precisely at a 45° angle, the angle that best highlighted his handsome features. He didn't understand fashion and usually dressed plainly, so he sought Lin Yin's advice, picking a suit that accentuated his waistline. Even the watch on his wrist was specially chosen—appropriately sized, with a lacquer dial that was low-key and natural, not stealing the spotlight.\n

\n\n

\n After Lin Yin finished coordinating his outfit at the time, she even took a slight breath. "Shen Ci, I know why Young Master Xie was utterly bewitched by you. You really are beautiful."\n

\n\n

\n Shen Ci had given a self-deprecating smile back then. He had never utterly bewitched Young Master Xie. Between the two of them, Xie Yu was the one who was completely unattached and detached. The rumored lustful Young Master Xie was more strictly observant of etiquette in bed than the most upright gentleman. Aside from shallow embraces, there was nothing else.\n

\n\n

\n But today, Xie Yu didn't even raise his head to look at him once.\n

\n\n

\n He secretly sneered, thinking to himself, 'Young Master Xie is truly as fickle and heartless as the rumors say. When he likes you, he dotes on you in every possible way; when he doesn't, he discards you like a worn-out shoe. A living, breathing person standing right in front of him is worse than a stray cat or dog.'\n

\n\n

\n "...Mr. Shen, Mr. Shen?" Xie Yuanhai leaned in closer. "Are you not feeling well today?"\n

\n\n

\n In just a few short minutes, he had zoned out countless times.\n

\n\n

\n Shen Ci stood up. "There was a traffic jam on the way here just now. I sat for too long and feel a bit carsick. I'll go to the restroom to freshen up."\n

\n\n

\n Xie Yuanhai quickly pointed it out for him. "It's in the southwest corner."\n

\n\n

\n Shen Ci: "Thank you."\n

\n\n

\n He pushed through the crowd and walked toward the southwest corner. He bypassed two flower walls and stopped at the restroom entrance.\n

\n\n

\n Separated by a thin door, Shen Ci paused his steps and pressed his temples with a slight headache.\n

\n\n

\n His thoughts were a tangled mess. Following Xie Yu wasn't a good idea. Young Master Xie obviously had no interest in him. Rushing to lean in close, aside from lowering his own status and bringing humiliation upon himself, making him seem like those cheap playthings that could be casually tormented, served no other purpose.\n

\n\n

\n But he still followed him.\n

\n\n

\n Shen Ci slightly pursed his lips. The more uneasy he felt, the colder and more severe his expression became. Right now, his face was as cold as frost. If he ran into Xie Yu, he could also pretend it was a coincidence.\n

\n\n

\n Shen Ci grasped the handle and pulled the door open.\n

\n\n

\n There was no one within his line of sight.\n

\n\n

\n The innermost stall was locked. Xie Yu was inside.\n

\n\n

\n Shen Ci paused, then immediately washed his hands as if nothing were wrong. He lathered hand soap properly and rinsed it off thoroughly, as unhurried as any other guest at the banquet.\n

\n\n

\n But right at this moment, the door lock of the stall behind him shifted. His whole body suddenly tensed up. He took large strides backwards, found the nearest stall, walked straight in, and locked the door all in one smooth motion.\n

\n\n

\n Shen Ci: "..."\n

\n\n

\n This posture was truly miserable.\n

\n\n

\n Xie Yu didn't know there was someone next door. He leisurely strolled out, casually washed his hands, then pulled out his phone and started playing a game.\n

\n\n

\n He was playing Tetris. Amidst the heavy beep-beep sound effects, the blocks fell one after another. Xie Yu manipulated their movements, instantly clearing a large section.\n

\n\n

\n System: "...Do we absolutely have to play games here?"\n

\n\n

\n Xie Yu: "Laying low, laying low."\n

\n\n

\n The banquet hall's restroom had aromatherapy lit, so there was no strange smell. Xie Yu operated with both hands, feeling happy and at ease.\n

\n\n

\n Shen Ci: "..."\n

\n\n

\n He stood there on pins and needles.\n

\n\n

\n Ten minutes later, Xie Yu grew tired of standing and planned to change places to continue standing. He was just about to go out when a person suddenly flashed in and locked the door.\n

\n\n

\n Xie Yu's hand, which was putting away his phone, paused.\n

\n\n

\n The newcomer was He Zhiyuan.\n

\n\n

\n Compared to his previously high-spirited appearance, his look now could only be described as dismal: his hair was disheveled, his eyes were full of bloodshot veins, and dark stubble scrambled to sprout from his chin. His suit was baggy and wrinkled, the edges curling up as if it hadn't been ironed or arranged in a long time.\n

\n\n

\n The once highly sought-after playboy of Jiang City had actually been reduced to this state.\n

\n\n

\n He stared at Xie Yu with a fierce and crazy expression, looking too much like a madman. Xie Yu quietly took a step back. "System, how did he become like this?"\n

\n\n

\n "Oh, after you left, He Zhiyuan had an incident. But every time I mentioned him, you didn't have much interest, so I didn't talk about it later."\n

\n\n

\n Xie Yu: "What incident?"\n

\n\n

\n System: "I heard that the matter of his group orgies was exposed. The evidence was conclusive. His family spent a huge amount of money to suppress it, but they basically gave up on his bloodline..."\n

\n\n

\n The He Family had a vast business and was unlike the Xie Family, which only had Xie Yuanshan and Xie Yuanhai, with Xie Yuanshan only having Xie Yu as a single seedling. Internal competition in the He Family was quite fierce. With He Zhiyuan having such a huge problem, he was basically out of the running for family heir. Moving forward, he could only say he wouldn't worry about food and clothing, but everything else would be stretched thin.\n

\n\n

\n Xie Yu frowned. "Was this in the novel?"\n

\n\n

\n Before his voice faded, He Zhiyuan suddenly stepped forward and grabbed Xie Yu's shoulders. His eyes were blood-red as he gritted his teeth, "Xie Yu, oh Xie Yu, what a fine lover you raised! What a fine lover you kept! Making me fall into this state..."\n

\n\n

\n He muttered somewhat deliriously, his voice suddenly rising high. "You have to help me get revenge! Xie Yu! You have to help me get revenge!"\n

\n\n

\n Xie Yu raised an eyebrow. "Revenge on who?"\n

\n\n

\n "Shen Ci! Shen Ci... Do you know what he did? Do you know what he did?!"\n

\n\n

\n Xie Yu: "Oh? What did he do?"\n

\n\n

\n The System had already displayed the information on a tablet. From how Shen Ci contacted Lin Yin to find the boys and girls who were victimized before, to how he set up a trap to let Lin Yin latch onto Luo Shao's ship, and then to how he gained Luo Shao's trust. It laid out everything completely and clearly.\n

\n\n

\n Xie Yu found it somewhat amusing. Every single one of these things was done by He Zhiyuan himself. He was the one who played with pretty girls, he was the one who hit people, and he was the one who hosted various banquets. When things came to light later, he completely deserved it; it was bringing about his own destruction. Yet now he was crying and making a complete fool of himself, as if someone had pointed a gun at his head and forced him to rape and pillage.\n

\n\n

\n Veins bulged on He Zhiyuan's forehead. "Xie Yu, you don't fucking think Shen Ci is some innocent little white flower, do you? I'm telling you, his mind is filthy. Back then, when he persuaded Lin Yin not to seek compensation, I even thought he loved you so much and was so obedient. But then he turned around and ruined me! Huh?! This is how he acted as your lover."\n

\n\n

\n Xie Yu didn't speak. He methodically started washing his hands.\n

\n\n

\n His hands had just been grabbed by He Zhiyuan, and it disgusted him.\n

\n\n

\n He Zhiyuan certainly didn't know what Xie Yu was thinking. He grabbed Xie Yu, both hands trembling wildly, "Xie Yu, we've been brothers for decades. He exposed my dirty laundry today? What about tomorrow? Whose will he expose tomorrow? He approached you, took benefits from you, but then turned around and sold out your brother. This ungrateful bitch..."\n

\n\n

\n In a fit of anger, He Zhiyuan's vocabulary gradually became unbearable to the ears. Shen Ci hid in the stall, hearing everything clearly, yet his face showed no expression. The pale lighting of the restroom shone on his face, making it as pale as gold foil, and even his usually gentle features carried a bit more sharpness.\n

\n\n

\n Yes, he had done all of this, but if he were to do it again, he would still do the same.\n

\n\n

\n He Zhiyuan was true scum. Not only did he play with people like Lin Yin, but he also toyed with young boys and girls who had just entered society and were yearning for love. Some people would still wake up screaming from nightmares half a year after leaving his side. Shen Ci had seen enough of it while nursing them in the hospital. If the He family hadn't spent huge sums to settle things, he would have directly sent He Zhiyuan to jail.\n

\n\n

\n But...\n

\n\n

\n Shen Ci's fingertips rubbed unconsciously.\n

\n\n

\n But what would Xie Yu think?\n

\n\n

\n In the rumors, the Young Master of the Xie Family was loyal and valued his friends the most. Yet Shen Ci stayed by Xie Yu's side, used the laboratory quota Xie Yu got him, and then turned around and struck at Xie Yu's friend. It was no exaggeration to say that Shen Ci single-handedly ruined He Zhiyuan's future.\n

\n\n

\n So much so that while He Zhiyuan spouted these obscenities, he couldn't find a single word of rebuttal.\n

\n\n

\n Would Xie Yu agree with He Zhiyuan's words and think he was... an ungrateful person?\n

\n\n

\n He Zhiyuan was still immersed in his own world. As if he had grabbed onto his only outlet, he tried to vent all his malice.\n

\n\n

\n "Xie Yu, you don't know, but he's really capable. Less than five years after you went abroad, he turned around and latched onto Luo Shao. Bah! Pretending to be aloof and arrogant, acting like it would kill him if I just touched him, but then turning around and getting into Luo Shao's bed. Now he's prospered, he's just a promiscuous slut and whore..."\n

\n\n

\n Separated by a single door, Shen Ci clenched his palms tightly.\n

\n\n

\n He didn't care about these obscenities. Ever since he followed Xie Yu, the rumors and gossip had never stopped. Even to this day, the A University campus forum still had threads left up saying how he used tricks and played games to latch onto Young Master Xie.\n

\n\n

\n Shen Ci never took these words to heart, but he couldn't—absolutely couldn't—accept He Zhiyuan laying out all these groundless things, laying them bare right in front of Xie Yu.\n

\n\n

\n "Are you done talking? If you're done, it's my turn to speak." Xie Yu had already washed his hands clean. He leisurely pulled out a tissue and carefully dried the water between his fingers.\n

\n\n

\n "He Zhiyuan, actually, the first time I met you, I wanted to do one thing. Guess what it was?"\n

\n\n

\n The topic changed too quickly. He Zhiyuan was momentarily stunned. "What?"\n

\n\n

\n Xie Yu let out a laugh. Under He Zhiyuan's astonished expression, he suddenly raised his hand, throwing an uppercut straight to his chin. This punch was heavy and solid, knocking He Zhiyuan staggering until he was half-kneeling on the ground.\n

\n\n

\n "You!"\n

\n\n

\n "The first time I saw you, I was thinking, how can there be someone so punchable in this world?" Looking down from above, Xie Yu grabbed He Zhiyuan's tie, hoisted him up, and landed two solid blows straight to his abdomen. "He Zhiyuan, I say, why don't you take a look at what kind of trash you are. Slandering Shen Ci in front of me, are you even worthy?"\n

\n\n

\n Although Xie Yu was quite a delinquent in high school, he hadn't maxed out his cursing skills. His level of swearing was far worse than He Zhiyuan's, and he was absolutely incapable of saying words like whore and slut. Fortunately, he worked out often; his abs and chest muscles were decent, making him the type to look slim in clothes but muscular when undressed, so beating someone up came to him smoothly and effortlessly.\n

\n\n

\n Shen Ci, behind the door, was outright stunned. He pressed against the edge of the door frame, as if rooted to the spot.\n

\n\n

\n Shen Ci had imagined many types of reactions from Xie Yu, but absolutely none of them included throwing punches at He Zhiyuan.\n

\n\n

\n He Zhiyuan was incredibly bewildered. Having taken a few heavy punches, he dodged miserably while cursing angrily, "Fuck you, Xie Yu, are you crazy?!"\n

\n\n

\n According to the novel, Xie Yu shouldn't be attacking He Zhiyuan. He didn't have this part. But since the plot was reaching its end, and He Zhiyuan was an irrelevant minor male supporting character without even a specified ending, Xie Yu figured he'd just beat him up. What could go wrong? He might as well follow his heart.\n

\n\n

\n He threw another punch at He Zhiyuan's chin. "Say it again, fuck whose mother?"\n

\n\n

\n He Zhiyuan had come to throw a fit at Xie Yu, never expecting Xie Yu to be crazier than him. He immediately spat out saliva, his face ferocious. "Xie Yu, you're fucking crazy. What kind of drug did that slut Shen Ci slip you..."\n

\n\n

\n Before his voice faded, Xie Yu threw another punch. He Zhiyuan's eye instantly turned bruised, and a nosebleed flowed down his philtrum, looking terribly miserable.\n

\n\n

\n Xie Yu pressed him down. "He Zhiyuan, I'm warning you, keep your mouth clean. You have the nerve to tell me that Shen Ci's mind is filthy? That Shen Ci is a slut? Could his mind fucking be as filthy as yours? Could he be as slutty as you? Do you even deserve to speak?"\n

\n\n

\n Xie Yu couldn't hold back and cursed, "Fucking idiot."\n

\n\n

\n In the original text, even when Shen Ci was abused to that extent, he never did anything shameful. Speaking of revenge, he only exacted revenge on the original host; the original host's friends and family remained safe and sound. Even during the worst times of his depression, he only harmed himself and never hurt others. Later on, when his health was depleted and his illnesses were severe—plagued by constant major and minor ailments and looking like he didn't have much time left—he donated most of his wealth to sponsor impoverished children. Putting himself in his shoes, Xie Yu admitted he couldn't do the same.\n

\n\n

\n Was such a person someone He Zhiyuan could slander?\n

\n\n

\n In the stall, Shen Ci silently curled his fingers.\n

\n\n

\n This was truly a novel experience. Shen Ci's family was poor, but he was good-looking. Growing up, the rumors and gossip never stopped—some said he sold himself, others said his mother sold herself, and so on and so forth.\n

\n\n

\n It wasn't that no one had ever spoken up for him. Han Yunyun and Li Yue would complain and get angry every time they saw it on the forums, but the most they could do was reply to clarify a few words. And these clarifications never made a splash, drowning instantly in the rumors and slander.\n

\n\n

\n Gradually, Shen Ci learned not to look, not to listen. He stopped visiting those forums and stopped listening to that gossip, and thus, he stopped caring.\n

\n\n

\n But now, as Xie Yu smashed his fists down again and again, Shen Ci stood in the stall, in a daze, recalling his childhood.\n

\n\n

\n Back then, he and another girl in his class were both very beautiful. The boys in the class didn't know where they learned terms like "brothel," "whorehouse," and "top courtesan," but they surrounded the two of them and made fun of them, saying they were the top male courtesan and top female courtesan.\n

\n\n

\n That girl cried. The next day, her parents came to the school. Her father grabbed the ringleaders and gave them a severe beating, while her mother went straight to the office to find the head teacher. The head teacher, furious upon hearing it, rewarded the boys with another beating from a ruler.\n

\n\n

\n After that, the girl was never spoken about like that again, because she had someone backing her up.\n

\n\n

\n But Shen Ci didn't.\n

\n\n

\n He was called that for two semesters, and no one stood up for him. His father died early, and his grandmother was old. Every day, she sat under the lamp stitching shoe soles and doing physical labor, barely making ends meet. Shen Ci couldn't possibly bother her with these little squabbles among classmates.\n

\n\n

\n And now, because of He Zhiyuan's two shady and superficial sentences—words that even Shen Ci himself didn't much care about—Xie Yu had made a move.\n

\n\n

\n Shen Ci closed his eyes. His eye sockets were rimmed with red, and an intense soreness filled his chest.\n

\n\n

\n In this small, cramped stall, Shen Ci dazedly returned to that afternoon many years ago. He had hidden behind the classroom door, looking through the broken gap as the girl's father threw punch after punch, hitting the flesh. Shen Ci couldn't remember his exact feelings at the time. Perhaps it was envy, bitterness, jealousy... A mixture of various emotions that turned into an overwhelming sense of loss and helplessness.\n

\n\n

\n But now, someone was also throwing punches for him.\n

\n\n

\n Xie Yu had trained when he was a delinquent. His punching movements were stylish and handsome. His elbows drove his waist and back muscles, his shoulder blades tense. His suit clung tightly to his body, tracing fluid lines, elegant like an agent in a British movie. As Shen Ci watched, he suddenly remembered the shape of this body. He thought of every winter night five years ago, when these arms tightly encircled him in an embrace—the rise and fall of the muscles, and the scorching temperature of the skin.\n

\n\n

\n He... really wanted to hug Xie Yu.\n

\n\n

\n But now, Xie Yu wasn't his anymore.\n

\n\n

\n Outside the door, He Zhiyuan shouted sternly, "Xie Yu!"\n

\n\n

\n Although his body had been hollowed out by wine and women, he was still a grown man after all. Pushed to the brink, he rushed forward with red eyes, reaching out to choke Xie Yu's neck. Shen Ci watched through the gap in the door, his brow twitching, unable to resist leaning in closer.\n

\n\n

\n Xie Yu clicked his tongue. While abroad, he ate properly and worked out properly. His physical fitness was far beyond what He Zhiyuan could compare to. With a quick reverse twist, He Zhiyuan cried out in pain. Right then, an unbelievable thought floated up. "Motherfucker Xie Yu, it's already come to this, and you're still protecting Shen Ci? You didn't even hesitate to attack me, are you still harboring old feelings for him?"\n

\n\n

\n "..."\n

\n\n

\n Inside and outside the stall, Xie Yu and Shen Ci froze simultaneously.\n

\n\n

\n Shen Ci silently gripped his clothes, leaving a patch of wrinkles on the hem of the expensive suit, as if he were going to rub it into pieces.\n

\n\n

\n Xie Yu was originally pressing down on He Zhiyuan's shoulder. Hearing this, his grip slightly loosened, revealing an opening.\n

\n\n

\n He Zhiyuan struggled violently and took the opportunity to break free. He stumbled back two steps, staring at Xie Yu as if seeing a ghost. "You really fucking fell for him?"\n

\n\n

\n Among all the rich second generations in Jiang City, Xie Yu and He Zhiyuan were the biggest players. Both were heartless, wealthy playboys. No matter how beautiful the boys or girls were, they were just playing around; who had ever truly fallen in love?\n

\n\n

\n "..."\n

\n\n

\n Xie Yu looked at him quietly, saying nothing.\n

\n\n

\n Silence.\n

\n\n

\n He Zhiyuan wiped his nose, getting a handful of bright red nosebleed. Just now, Xie Yu's punch had landed squarely on his nose, nearly breaking the bridge. At this moment, thick blood was dripping down his philtrum, drop by drop.\n

\n\n

\n With a hand covered in blood, He Zhiyuan looked at Xie Yu and started laughing. "Xie Yu, do you know what kind of person Shen Ci is now? He caught Luo Shao's eye and personally nurtured a listed company. They've almost beaten my family so badly we can't tell north from south. Now, even your uncle, Xie Yuanhai, has to respectfully call him President Shen when he sees him. You treated him like that back then, forcing him to sign an agreement. How do you guess he'll take revenge on you? Ah? Guess!"\n

\n\n

\n "..."\n

\n\n

\n "Hahahahahaha," He Zhiyuan laughed increasingly madly. "Harboring old feelings? Xie Yu, what a joke of harboring old feelings! I'm waiting to see your ending!"\n

\n\n

\n Xie Yu looked at him with disgust and said flatly, "Then you guessed wrong. I never harbor old feelings for anyone."\n

\n\n

\n It wasn't that he was being stubborn. It was just that only the last few plot segments remained, and He Zhiyuan was a gossipy person who liked to drag others down. Shen Ci was currently working under Luo Shao; if rumors spread that "Xie Yu had old feelings for him," it wouldn't be good for Shen Ci's reputation. Xie Yu didn't want to cause any unexpected complications.\n

\n\n

\n At this time, a thud came from the stall door, the door panel trembling slightly, as if someone had lost control and bumped into it. It was just a pity that He Zhiyuan had been beaten to half a life, and Xie Yu was currently dragging him out like a dead dog, so neither of them noticed the commotion inside.\n

\n\n

\n Xie Yu dragged He Zhiyuan out of the restroom and tossed him far away. He raised his hand to check his watch; there was still an hour or so until the banquet ended. Thus, he carefully selected a hidden corner and started playing Lianliankan.\n

\n\n

\n The System perched on his shoulder, circling around to look at the screen, looking at it with disdain. "Host, can you play something a bit more advanced?"\n

\n\n

\n As an electronic system, it could spot the optimal solution for Lianliankan at a single glance.\n

\n\n

\n Xie Yu: "Stop being picky. Once we go to the psychiatric hospital, we'll be lucky just to be able to play Lianliankan."\n

\n\n

\n It would be fine on normal days, but on the days Shen Ci came to visit, he'd probably have to lie on a bed strapped in restraints, his hands and feet tightly bound, completely unable to move.\n

\n\n

\n The System comforted him, "It's fine. When the time comes, I'll play little movies in your head. I promise they won't be able to tell."\n

\n\n

\n The other guests present were all networking and socializing; only Xie Yu, self-proclaimed as a "dying man," was finding joy in his own company. As a result, just after playing two rounds, right as he was about to break the record, a sudden commotion came from the entrance.\n

\n\n

\n The guests in the front hall fell into chaos, the sound of chatting abruptly growing louder. Xie Yuanhai also hurried forward, as if speaking with someone.\n

\n\n

\n The System left Xie Yu, flew a circle toward the front, and then returned to Xie Yu's side. A "crying" emoji appeared on its screen.\n

\n\n

\n Xie Yu's movements paused, the game timed out, and the screen displayed game over. He closed the game, put away his phone, and asked, "What happened?"\n

\n\n

\n The emoji on the screen shed thick, noodle-like tears. The System was frantic. "Ahhhhhh! I knew it! I knew it! There was no way the last scene would go this smoothly!"\n

\n\n

\n Xie Yu's heart skipped a beat, feeling slightly uneasy. "What exactly is going on?"\n

\n\n

\n System: "You beat up He Zhiyuan, and that retard He Zhiyuan, he called the police! Ahhhhhh!"\n

\n\n

\n Xie Yu: "...?"\n

\n\n

\n This group of rich second generations was "abundant in martial virtue." They didn't do any fewer illegal or undisciplined things on a normal day, nor did they get into any fewer fights. But they were used to settling matters privately with money. Using the police to solve problems was truly a first for them, like a bride riding in a sedan chair for the first time.\n

\n\n

\n 'Great,' Xie Yu thought to himself. 'The barefoot aren't afraid of those wearing shoes. This is He Zhiyuan jumping over the wall in desperation like a cornered dog.'\n

\n\n

\n Not long after, the crowd automatically parted to make way. A pair of silver handcuffs was handed in front of him. The law enforcement officer looked serious. "You're Xie Yu, right? Someone reported you for brawling. Come with us."\n

\n\n

\n The System was about to break down. "What the hell! How did the plot turn out like this?!"\n

\n\n

\n Xie Yu glanced at the screen. The original text of the novel read: "Shen Ci called people over and, right in front of the crowd, pinned Xie Yu down. Xie Yu struggled on his own but had his arms twisted behind his back and his shoulders firmly pressed down, dragging him away like a dead dog."\n

\n\n

\n "..." Xie Yu sighed.\n

\n\n

\n The original text was written very well, with a strong visual sense. It was just that now, with silver handcuffs right in front of him, he seemed unable to recreate it.\n

\n\n

\n After all, he couldn't exactly say out loud, "Comrade, please drag me away like a dead dog."\n

\n\n

\n Xie Yu raised his hands, analyzing calmly, and replied in his mind, 'It's fine, don't panic. Isn't my average score 85? We still have 5 points to deduct. A small plot point like this will deduct two points at most, leaving us with 3 points.'\n

\n\n

\n The System was shrouded in a gloomy cloud, muttering, "...Even so, I still have a bad feeling."\n

\n\n

\n No matter how powerful Shen Ci was, he couldn't snatch someone from law enforcement officers. As Xie Yu was escorted into the car, he saw a black-and-blue He Zhiyuan.\n

\n\n

\n He Zhiyuan's eye was swollen, his nose was broken, and his chin was bleeding. He had also taken two kicks to his abdomen, full of purplish bruises. He looked quite terrifying.\n

\n\n

\n But it only looked terrifying. Xie Yu had held back his strength. This body full of bruises on He Zhiyuan were all superficial wounds, not even constituting minor injuries. Even if he went for an injury assessment, Xie Yu wouldn't have to go to jail; at most, it would be considered brawling and disturbing public order.\n

\n\n

\n They took down a statement. According to the rules, Xie Yu was subject to administrative detention. The law enforcement officer, seeing that he looked decent, didn't seem like a repeat offender, and was entirely dressed in haute couture, asked, "Do you want to post bail?"\n

\n\n

\n Bail didn't require detention, but it required paying a bail bond, and a guarantor needed to sign and take responsibility.\n

\n\n

\n This money was mere pocket change for the rich second generations of Jiang City. But as soon as Xie Yuanshan died, Xie Yuanhai united with other shareholders to repurchase the equity. Right now, the money hadn't hit the account yet, and Xie Yuanhai was eagerly wishing for Xie Yu's reputation to be ruined so the board of directors would expel him; it was impossible for him to sign and bail him out.\n

\n\n

\n That left Zhou Yang and Xu Qingshan. But Zhou Yang wasn't in Jiang City; he had returned to the Capital City to inherit his family business. As for Xu Qingshan, Xie Yu didn't want to get involved with him and expose their uncle-nephew relationship. Otherwise, if Shen Ci found out later and discovered Xu Qingshan was his relative, he might transfer him to another psychiatric hospital. Who would Xie Yu cry to then?\n

\n\n

\n Calculating like this, in the massive Jiang City, he truly couldn't find a guarantor.\n

\n\n

\n Xie Yu sighed and slumped into the chair. "Just detain me."\n

\n\n

\n The law enforcement officer paused, encountering this request for the first time. "You really won't post bail?"\n

\n\n

\n Xie Yu smiled. "No one to bail me out."\n

\n\n

\n He felt slightly self-deprecating, thinking to himself, 'It's been two worlds. Even if I wanted to find someone, I couldn't find anyone to bail me out.'\n

\n\n

\n Xie Yu was used to being a loner and didn't have any close friends. In high school, when he had psychological problems, his classmates all avoided him. Once, when he skipped class by climbing the wall, he bumped into thugs robbing someone outside the alley and got into a fight, resulting in administrative detention. At that time, similarly, no one bailed him out.\n

\n\n

\n However, Xie Yu was broad-minded and didn't really mind. If the first time felt a bit awkward, now, the first time is raw, the second time is ripe; he felt quite at ease.\n

\n\n

\n Bail procedures were complicated, but detention procedures were simpler. The law enforcement officer quickly got it done and printed out the documents. He handed Xie Yu an inkpad. "Check if there are any mistakes, and press your fingerprint here."\n

\n\n

\n Xie Yu looked down. The charge column read: "Suspected of intentionally assaulting another person, disturbing public order."\n

\n\n

\n Xie Yu thought to himself that he wasn't intentionally assaulting another person; it was purely He Zhiyuan having a foul mouth. But giving these reasons wouldn't be of any use, so he simply admitted it.\n

\n\n

\n He was still wearing handcuffs, his movements restricted. So he awkwardly raised his thumb, dabbed it on the inkpad, and was about to press it onto the paperwork.\n

\n\n

\n But the next second, the document was suddenly pulled away.\n

\n\n

\n "Wait, hold on a moment."\n

\n\n

\n It seemed a new message had arrived. The law enforcement officer checked his computer and made a stop gesture to Xie Yu. "It seems someone is here to pick you up."\n

\n\n

\n Xie Yu paused. "Who's here to pick me up?"\n

\n\n

\n The law enforcement officer looked down and typed on the keyboard, then unlocked his handcuffs. "You'll know once you go out and see. My side shows he has already paid the bail bond and signed to take responsibility. You can go."\n

\n\n

\n "..."\n

\n\n

\n When he was about to face administrative detention, Xie Yu was completely normal. But now that someone had bailed him out, he felt stunned instead. It wasn't until the law enforcement officer knocked on the table that he stood up.\n

\n\n

\n In this situation, who else could bail him out?\n

\n\n

\n Xie Yuanhai? Xie Yuanhai was busy socializing at the banquet, dead drunk, with no time to care about his cheap nephew.\n

\n\n

\n Zhou Yang? Even more impossible; he couldn't even make it in time if he flew over.\n

\n\n

\n Xu Qingshan? Xu Qingshan was at the hospital in the far suburbs. No one had notified him, so he didn't know what had happened here.\n

\n\n

\n Xie Yu frowned.\n

\n\n

\n Who else could it be?\n

\n\n

\n He followed the law enforcement officer through the corridor and walked to the main entrance. From a distance, he finally saw the guarantor sitting on the bench in the lobby.\n

\n\n

\n That person was wearing a well-fitting suit, his features handsome and beautiful, his demeanor elegant and dignified. He was currently flipping through some documents. A few strands of hair fell by his brow; perhaps annoyed, he raised a hand to push up the glasses on the bridge of his nose, tucking the hair behind his ear. The incandescent lights of the lobby fell upon him, illuminating his cold white skin, making it look as moist and luminous as if coated with a layer of white glaze.\n

\n\n

\n Just sitting there, this person exuded a uniquely gentle and elegant temperament, making the shabby lobby seem high-class. Even the rusty iron bench behind him looked like a display stand supporting exhibits in a museum, while he himself was the antique porcelain displayed in the glass cabinet.\n

\n\n

\n Xie Yu held his breath.\n

\n\n

\n ...Shen Ci.\n

","published_time":"2026-05-24T00:00:00.000Z","paid":false,"show_flag":true,"show_scheduled_time":"2026-05-24T00:00:00.000Z","unpaid_scheduled_time":"2026-05-24T00:00:00.000Z"},{"content_id":4415,"novel_id":71,"chapter_no":23,"chapter_title":"Hotel","content":"

\n The law enforcement officer pushed Xie Yu forward and gestured to Shen Ci, "Hello, the person has been brought here. This is the bail document, please sign here."\n

\n\n

\n Shen Ci nodded and picked up the pen to sign, his facial features as cold and noble as frost and snow.\n

\n\n

\n Xie Yu stood to the side, hands in his pockets. He spoke first, "Why are you here?"\n

\n\n

\n Even if someone came to bail him out, it shouldn't be Shen Ci.\n

\n\n

\n Shen Ci's hand holding the pen paused. The office hall didn't have the AC on and was extremely cold, so he wore a thick woolen coat over his suit, his hands tucked inside the sleeves, preventing Xie Yu from noticing this small movement.\n

\n\n

\n Shen Ci continued signing, his gaze falling on the document as if this single sheet of bail paper was a contract worth hundreds of billions. "It was... your uncle who asked me to bail you out."\n

\n\n

\n "Xie Yuanhai?" Xie Yu blanked for a moment, then laughed, "He still has a bit of conscience. I thought he wouldn't care about me."\n

\n\n

\n After the brief exchange, the two fell silent for a moment.\n

\n\n

\n Shen Ci had added thick clothes, but he hadn't. When a draft blew through the hall, Xie Yu couldn't help but shiver.\n

\n\n

\n Shen Ci immediately closed the document, his face expressionless. "Get in the car."\n

\n\n

\n His car was parked at the entrance of the office. It was a Bentley business model with crown-style LED headlights, an oversized chrome grille, and a fully top-tier interior; it was no cheaper than Xie Yu's car.\n

\n\n

\n Xie Yu got into the passenger seat, pulled the seatbelt over, and sighed, "It really is a turning of the tables. Now it's my turn to ride in your car."\n

\n\n

\n He reached out his hand. "Long time no see."\n

\n\n

\n It was a polite handshake posture.\n

\n\n

\n Shen Ci's gaze fell on Xie Yu's outstretched hand. There was a bloody cut left on it—it had been scraped by a metal button when he was beating up He Zhiyuan just now. It was no longer bleeding, but the wound was rolled outward, and the flesh was red and swollen, still looking terrifying.\n

\n\n

\n Following his gaze, Xie Yu also saw the bloody wound. Guessing that Shen Ci wouldn't want to shake hands, he pulled it back and smiled, "Let's reintroduce ourselves. What should I call you now? President Shen? Director Shen? Or Executive Shen?"\n

\n\n

\n Xie Yu had heard at the reception earlier that Shen Ci was the new upstart of Jiang City, with listed companies under his name. However, Xie Yu didn't know his exact position—whether he was the president, director, or chief executive officer. Moreover, the original text was a smut novel, so it didn't bother describing these details.\n

\n\n

\n Shen Ci lowered his eyes to himself, turned the car key with a click, and said coldly, "...Up to you."\n

\n\n

\n He disliked all three titles.\n

\n\n

\n Xie Yu used to always call him "Teaching Assistant Shen". At that time, Shen Ci was still green, completely destitute, and possessed nothing presentable aside from his prestigious university halo. Xie Yu would call him Teaching Assistant Shen with thirty percent teasing and thirty percent mischief, his tone lazy and drawing out people's irritation. Every time Shen Ci heard that frivolous address, he would secretly frown.\n

\n\n

\n But now, Xie Yu was calling him "President Shen", "Director Shen", and "Executive Shen" with distant coldness, treating him like a passing business partner—polite but completely unfamiliar. Shen Ci couldn't help but frown again.\n

\n\n

\n During those countless days and nights when he was pinned in his embrace, Xie Yu certainly hadn't called him that. Now that he was acting so politely, Shen Ci eagerly rushing over was just bringing unwarranted scorn and mockery upon himself.\n

\n\n

\n Shen Ci suppressed his inexplicable emotions, his expression growing even colder. "It's getting late. I'll take you back."\n

\n\n

\n Before Xie Yu could say anything, the System screamed first, "Ahhhhhh! Why is he just taking you back! Where is my psychiatric hospital? Where is my finger breaking?!"\n

\n\n

\n Xie Yu appeased it, "Calm down. Look at where we are. This is the entrance of the police station. No matter how arrogant Shen Ci is, he wouldn't commit a crime right under their noses. He definitely wants to send me back first, see how things play out, and then make further plans."\n

\n\n

\n System: "..."\n

\n\n

\n Although what he said made sense, the System's ominous premonition grew increasingly obvious. It said uneasily, "I hope so."\n

\n\n

\n —Please don't let any more unexpected twists happen; my electronic heart won't be able to take it anymore.\n

\n\n

\n Compared to the System, which acted as if it were facing a formidable enemy, Xie Yu was quite at ease. He slouched carelessly in the seat, observing Shen Ci from the corner of his eye. He didn't know when Shen Ci had learned to drive, but his posture was skillful, and his movements were crisp and decisive. From Xie Yu's angle, he could only see the beautiful lines of his side profile.\n

\n\n

\n Xie Yu sighed slightly and thought to himself, "The beauty has grown up. He really has changed so much."\n

\n\n

\n Then he saw Shen Ci turn the steering wheel onto the main road and casually ask, "Where do you live?"\n

\n\n

\n Xie Yu: "A small inn in Wengtou Village."\n

\n\n

\n Wengtou Village was the small urban village from before. It was dilapidated, with crisscrossing roads and covered entirely in webs of electrical wires. After heavy snowfalls, snowplows couldn't get in, relying entirely on each household to sweep the snow. Once trampled by passersby, the ground would become a muddy mess.\n

\n\n

\n Shen Ci paused slightly.\n

\n\n

\n He hadn't expected Xie Yu to live so peacefully in that kind of place.\n

\n\n

\n Xie Yu was the Young Master of the Xie Family. From a young age, he never lacked food or clothing, only bought expensive things, and only stayed in top-tier luxury suites in hotels. Now, arranged to stay in a cheap inn costing a few dozen yuan, he surprisingly had no complaints.\n

\n\n

\n Xie Yu was very considerate, "It's hard to drive over there. President Shen, you can just stop at the village entrance, and I'll walk in."\n

\n\n

\n "..."\n

\n\n

\n "President Shen" again.\n

\n\n

\n Shen Ci gripped the steering wheel, remaining silent for a long while. A moment later, he let out a chuckle and suddenly said, "That place is too far. I don't want to drive over."\n

\n\n

\n Xie Yu didn't make things difficult. "Then pull over to the side of the road. I'll take a taxi back."\n

\n\n

\n The System kindly reminded him, "According to the script, you might not be able to afford a taxi right now."\n

\n\n

\n Xie Yuanshan had cut off Xie Yu's funds. According to the script, he was supposed to be destitute during his study abroad and completely broke upon returning to the country. He truly might not be able to afford a taxi.\n

\n\n

\n Xie Yu changed his tune, "Oh, I'll take the subway back."\n

\n\n

\n "..."\n

\n\n

\n Shen Ci remained expressionless. "Wengtou Village is seven kilometers away from the nearest subway station. Are you really going to take the subway back?"\n

\n\n

\n Xie Yu probed, "I'll walk back after getting off the subway?"\n

\n\n

\n A seven-kilometer journey would take over an hour to walk. It was so cold today, and Xie Yu was still wearing a thin suit; he would likely catch a cold from freezing.\n

\n\n

\n Shen Ci pursed his lips slightly before quickly relaxing them, saying stiffly, "Uncle Xie asked me to bail you out. If I made you walk back, wouldn't that make me look like I don't know how to conduct myself?"\n

\n\n

\n Xie Yuanhai was considered a senior in the business world, so the younger generation respectfully addressed him as Uncle.\n

\n\n

\n Xie Yu: "..."\n

\n\n

\n Shen Ci's few sentences seemed a bit deliberately difficult. He told him to get in the car, asked for the address, but then said he didn't want to drive there. When Xie Yu wanted to take the subway, Shen Ci said he couldn't walk the rest of the way. Xie Yu couldn't figure out what he meant and felt a bit of a headache.\n

\n\n

\n Xie Yu: "System, what does this mean?"\n

\n\n

\n System: "Huh? Maybe he thinks simply making you take the subway isn't miserable enough? Not satisfying enough to vent his anger?"\n

\n\n

\n Xie Yu wasn't a rich second generation in his past life. He had squeezed onto the subway for years going to work. Thinking about it, it really wasn't that miserable, and definitely wouldn't serve to vent anger.\n

\n\n

\n Xie Yu understood.\n

\n\n

\n He sighed slightly and reached out to pull the car door handle. "Alright, then I'll just walk back from here."\n

\n\n

\n This place was nearly twenty kilometers away from Wengtou Village, a three-to-five-hour walk.\n

\n\n

\n The moment Xie Yu touched the handle, Shen Ci suddenly pressed the lock button. The Bentley instantly locked, rendering the handle useless. Xie Yu pressed the window button, but the window wouldn't roll down either. The vehicle became like an iron barrel, trapping Xie Yu inside.\n

\n\n

\n Xie Yu: "..."\n

\n\n

\n He was utterly bewildered, thinking to himself, "What the hell? Does Shen Ci want to have a mixed martial arts match with me in the car? Beat me up to vent his anger? But he can't even beat me."\n

\n\n

\n Xie Yu turned his head. Shen Ci's face was extremely cold, his beautiful lips pressed into a straight line. He gripped the steering wheel so tightly that his fingertips turned white, his throat feeling dry and bitter. Suppressing all kinds of emotions in his chest, it ultimately turned into a scoff. "If I let you walk back directly, wouldn't Uncle Xie blame me even more for not knowing the proper way to treat a guest."\n

\n\n

\n Xie Yu asked good-naturedly, "Then what should be done?"\n

\n\n

\n Shen Ci stated flatly, "I don't want to drive anymore. There are hotels nearby, let's just stay nearby."\n

\n\n

\n After saying that, afraid that Xie Yu might misunderstand something, he quickly added, "I'm not short on this bit of money."\n

\n\n

\n Xie Yu also smiled, saying politely, "Then I shall respectfully obey rather than decline."\n

\n\n

\n This area was the affluent neighborhood of Jiang City, adjacent to the great river and boasting a prime river view. There were many luxury brand hotels on both banks, and the suite Xie Yu had previously booked was also here.\n

\n\n

\n Shen Ci drove onto the road, and five minutes later, pulled over in front of a riverside skyscraper.\n

\n\n

\n Xie Yu looked up—wow, looked familiar.\n

\n\n

\n The System was excited, "Ahhhhhh, here it comes, here it comes."\n

\n\n

\n It shed anime-style waterfall tears, deeply moved. "May the gods of all heavens bless us, my plot is finally back! I told you, with an 85% completion rate, no matter how absurd it was before, it was still 85%. It couldn't be that far off!"\n

\n\n

\n A task completion rate of 85% meant that Shen Ci had been abused to at least 85% of what was in the original text. Given what the original owner had done, 85% should be enough for him to hate Xie Yu to the bone.\n

\n\n

\n Xie Yu seemed to have a realization, "I was wondering why nothing was working earlier. So he was waiting for me here?"\n

\n\n

\n In the original text, after Xie Yu was taken away from the venue, he was brought to this very hotel. Shen Ci had once been subjected to all kinds of torture and ravagement by the original owner here. That massive floor-to-ceiling window, in particular, was his lifelong nightmare. He had once been firmly pinned against it, his clothes stripped off, while down below was Jiang City's most bustling commercial center. Pedestrians and vehicles flowed endlessly. If even one person had brought telescopic equipment, they could have observed his tangled, disgraceful state.\n

\n\n

\n Even after Shen Ci's meteoric rise to become President Shen, Director Shen, and Executive Shen, the nightmare never let him go. In countless midnight dreams, he would remember this massive floor-to-ceiling window, the neon lights and shadows outside, and the bloody fingerprints smeared on the glass.\n

\n\n

\n In order to quell the nightmare, Shen Ci chose to bring the original owner here, breaking his fingers one by one, using his shrill screams to wash away the humiliation of the past.\n

\n\n

\n The System rubbed its hands together. "Host, the pain shielding system is on standby and ready to activate at any time!"\n

\n\n

\n Xie Yu gave an "OK" hand gesture.\n

\n\n

\n He followed Shen Ci as he swiped his card, entered the elevator, and went all the way up to the top-floor suite. They stopped in front of the familiar large mahogany door. Shen Ci swiped his card with ease, as if he had been here thousands of times.\n

\n\n

\n The moment the lights came on, Xie Yu paused slightly.\n

\n\n

\n The room was very tidy, but not spotless. Both the wine cabinet and wardrobe showed signs of use, and a shirt was draped over the back of the sofa... Shen Ci seemed to have been living here all along.\n

\n\n

\n Xie Yu paused slightly.\n

\n\n

\n Would he? Live in a room that could only be described as a nightmare?\n

\n\n

\n The System popped its head out and whispered, "Is, is he, undergoing, undergoing hardships to exact revenge?"\n

\n\n

\n Xie Yu stepped inside and said speechlessly, "Don't misuse idioms."\n

\n\n

\n Shen Ci stepped ahead of him, impassively putting away the shirt, and said coldly, "I still have work to deal with. I won't disturb you for now."\n

\n\n

\n With that, he really didn't look at Xie Yu again. Walking hastily, he turned around and left the room.\n

\n\n

\n Xie Yu: "...What's the situation?"\n

\n\n

\n A death sentence turned into a suspended death sentence?\n

\n\n

\n Considering that Shen Ci held a rather high position now and had a lot of work, Xie Yu could also understand him working in the middle of the night. Thus, he looked around the room and lay down on the large bed.\n

\n\n

\n The System was shocked. "Are you really going to sleep?"\n

\n\n

\n Xie Yu had always been carefree. "Why wouldn't I sleep? I'm dead tired."\n

\n\n

\n The bed at the small inn was broken and hard, creaking noisily whenever it rocked. Xie Yu hadn't slept well for days.\n

\n\n

\n He rested for a good while, got up to wash, and then went straight to bed, pulling the quilt over his head.\n

\n\n

\n System: "Aren't you going to treat the wound on your hand?"\n

\n\n

\n Although the wound wasn't large, it had been soaked in water and the edges had turned white. If left alone, it might become infected.\n

\n\n

\n Xie Yu: "So tired, I can't be bothered to move."\n

\n\n

\n He closed his eyes. "Even if Shen Ci is going to make a move, I still have to get some sleep."\n

\n\n

\n Two streets away, He Zhiyuan came out of a clinic.\n

\n\n

\n He had been pinned down and beaten by Xie Yu. His skin was covered in bruises, and his entire body ached.\n

\n\n

\n Ever since the incident with Lin Yin, his status in the He Family had plummeted, and his expenses were strictly controlled. Now strapped for cash, he couldn't even afford a private doctor anymore. Being in immense pain, he could only wander the streets looking for a clinic to get bandaged up.\n

\n\n

\n Nearing midnight, most clinics were closed, leaving only this one with its lights on. He Zhiyuan limped inside, had the medical staff bandage and disinfect his wounds, and took two painkillers before finally feeling a bit better.\n

\n\n

\n After having his wounds treated, he came out cursing, greeting the eighteen generations of ancestors of both Xie Yu and Shen Ci in his mouth, and entered the alley next to the clinic.\n

\n\n

\n His car was parked here.\n

\n\n

\n He Zhiyuan pressed his car key. The doors unlocked, and the headlights flashed twice. He casually swept his gaze forward and suddenly stopped in his tracks.\n

\n\n

\n Illuminated by the headlights, several people were shockingly standing there.\n

\n\n

\n The man leading them had a handsome and clear contour, with a slender waist and long legs—He Zhiyuan's preferred type. The woman next to him also had long hair and a long dress, radiating a sweet aura—also He Zhiyuan's type. If it were normal times, He Zhiyuan would have gone up to hit on them. However, behind these two were six, seven, or eight security guards, each robustly built with backs as broad as oxen.\n

\n\n

\n He Zhiyuan's pupils shrank abruptly, and he turned his head and ran.\n

\n\n

\n The leading woman spoke coldly, revealing herself to be Lin Yin. "Hold him down."\n

\n\n

\n The security guards swarmed forward, pinning He Zhiyuan to the ground like a dead dog. Lin Yin, wearing high heels, walked over gracefully and stomped heavily onto the back of He Zhiyuan's foot. He Zhiyuan wanted to scream, but his mouth was firmly clamped shut.\n

\n\n

\n Lin Yin stomped again and again, messing up his newly bandaged wounds, before finally feeling her anger subside. She turned her head to look at the man in the shadows. "I've cooled off."\n

\n\n

\n She muttered, "So strange. You always told me not to cause trouble before, why did you suddenly relent today?"\n

\n\n

\n She had wanted to beat He Zhiyuan for a long time.\n

\n\n

\n Hearing her ask this, the man finally stepped forward. He was very good-looking, with a slender figure and handsome features. It was just that his expression was too indifferent. Reflected under the snow-white light of the streetlamp, his face appeared somewhat cold.\n

\n\n

\n When He Zhiyuan saw his face clearly, he began to struggle with muffled grunts. Shen Ci motioned for the security guards to release his mouth. He Zhiyuan was instantly so frightened that his snot and tears flowed down together. "Shen Ci... Shen Ci, it was my fault. I was blinded by greed before, I shouldn't have had designs on you... Stop! What are you doing! What are you trying to do!?"\n

\n\n

\n His voice was shrill. Shen Ci half-squatted down, looking at him levelly. "I don't intend to do anything. I just want to ask you a few questions."\n

\n\n

\n "...Ask, you ask, I'll tell you everything!"\n

\n\n

\n Shen Ci had no intention of prying into the He Family's commercial secrets. He Zhiyuan was a good-for-nothing who hadn't entered the core power circle to this day; no intelligence could be coaxed out of him. He was beating him today for a different matter.\n

\n\n

\n "If I remember correctly, you grew up together with Xie Yu?"\n

\n\n

\n This wasn't a secret. The He and Xie families had a good relationship, their ages were similar, and both were playboy second-generation heirs, so it was very easy for them to play together.\n

\n\n

\n He Zhiyuan blanked, his reaction a beat too slow. The security guards immediately pressed down on his arms. He let out a yelp and answered, "Yes, yes, yes, Xie Yu and I grew up together."\n

\n\n

\n Shen Ci: "The scars on Xie Yu's back, what is their origin?"\n

\n\n

\n He still remembered that night to this day. That day, Xie Yu had fallen fast asleep, yet his arms held him tightly, pressing him against his chest. The temperature of his embrace was burningly warm, completely isolating the bitter cold of winter outside. Nestled in his embrace, Shen Ci felt an indescribable sensation in his heart. He tentatively reached out to hug him back, but stiffened the moment he touched his back, simply because that skin was covered with uneven scars.\n

\n\n

\n Those scars ran horizontally and vertically, spanning his entire back. The hyperplastic tissue bulged into ugly patterns; just looking at it, one would know how much it must have hurt.\n

\n\n

\n But how could the precious and noble Young Master of the Xie Family have these injuries?\n

\n\n

\n Over the years, Shen Ci had always kept those injuries in mind. He had asked many people in a roundabout way, but this matter was secretive, and Xie Yuanshan seemed intentionally covering it up, so he had never been able to find anything out. Shen Ci estimated that only Zhou Yang and He Zhiyuan were clear about this matter.\n

\n\n

\n Zhou Yang had returned to the Capital City, and He Zhiyuan usually gathered a crowd of friends, making it impossible to find a chance to strike. However, they ran into him right on the nose today.\n

\n\n

\n He Zhiyuan was taken aback. "That's all you're asking? It's no big deal, his dad beat him."\n

\n\n

\n "Xie Yu is a psychopath, you know that, right? His dad domestic abused him from a young age, even put him in the ICU. After that, he became mentally abnormal, always acting crazy. I heard he got bipolar disorder."\n

\n\n

\n Terrified that he would get beaten again for not saying enough, he poured everything out like beans spilling from a bamboo tube, exposing all of Xie Yu's secrets.\n

\n\n

\n Shen Ci looked at him, the light and shadows flickering in his eyes, making them hard to see clearly. He asked softly, "So he likes to hit people?"\n

\n\n

\n Bipolar disorder—patients were often accompanied by uncontrollable sex addiction and sexual sadism.\n

\n\n

\n "Right! Because he's a psycho!" He Zhiyuan hastily interjected. "For people like them, hitting someone is like taking medicine, you know? Once they're done hitting, they calm down."\n

\n\n

\n He guiltily glanced at Shen Ci. "When he met you back then, he told us too. He said the previous medicine quit, so he found a new medicine, hoping you... hoping you would be more durable to play with."\n

\n\n

\n Shen Ci stepped aside and stood up.\n

\n\n

\n His expression was dark and hard to read. His long eyelashes covered his eyes, and his amber pupils were deep and silent. Even Lin Yin acutely sensed something was wrong, asking softly, "What's wrong?"\n

\n\n

\n Shen Ci only smiled. "It's nothing."\n

\n\n

\n He was just slightly bewildered.\n

\n\n

\n If he was medicine, why didn't he use it? Treating him so kindly had instead caused his heart to be in a tangled mess now, giving rise to so many unwarranted delusions for nothing.\n

","published_time":"2026-05-24T00:00:00.000Z","paid":false,"show_flag":true,"show_scheduled_time":"2026-05-24T00:00:00.000Z","unpaid_scheduled_time":"2026-05-24T00:00:00.000Z"},{"content_id":4416,"novel_id":71,"chapter_no":24,"chapter_title":"Home","content":"

\n Approaching midnight, Shen Ci returned to the hotel soundlessly.\n

\n\n

\n He paused slightly in front of the suite and swiped the card to open the door. The lights were already off, and the room was pitch black. Only a sensor nightlight was left at the foot of the bed. When Shen Ci walked past, it emitted a dim, yellowish glow.\n

\n\n

\n The large bed in the master bedroom bulged with the shape of a person, and the sound of shallow breathing could be heard. Shen Ci sat down by the bed. Xie Yu was sound asleep, half of his face buried in the quilt, his brows and eyes looking peaceful and gentle.\n

\n\n

\n Shen Ci watched quietly for a while. Just as he was about to get up and leave, his gaze fell on Xie Yu's hand, and he suddenly paused.\n

\n\n

\n That wound was not bandaged, had no medicine applied, and had not been treated in any way. Furthermore, because it had been soaked in water, the edges were swollen and white. The bloodstains had dried on the wound, a darkish red—a clear precursor to inflammation and infection.\n

\n\n

\n Shen Ci reached out and grabbed Xie Yu's wrist.\n

\n\n

\n He gently turned it over, wanting to observe the wound carefully. However, having just returned from outside, his fingertips were ice-cold. Xie Yu shivered from the cold and woke up from his sleep. As soon as he looked up, he saw Shen Ci holding his hand, his expression cold and stern, looking especially displeased.\n

\n\n

\n Xie Yu instantly jolted awake. "System? System!"\n

\n\n

\n 'The middle-of-the-night plot has arrived!'\n

\n\n

\n When Xie Yu slept, the System also shut down, so its reaction was half a beat too slow. In that half a beat, Shen Ci had already turned on the light and sat down while gripping the bones of Xie Yu's hand.\n

\n\n

\n He lowered his eyes to look at the wound, his tone very cold. "I had the hotel leave a first-aid kit, why didn't you treat this?"\n

\n\n

\n Xie Yu: "?"\n

\n\n

\n He froze, remembering that a staff member had just cleaned the room, changed the bedsheets and towels, and left some things behind. But Xie Yu had been dead tired, so he hadn't paid any attention.\n

\n\n

\n The sensation of being held by Shen Ci was very strange. Xie Yu curled his fingers. "Uh, it's a small wound. It shouldn't matter if I leave it alone, right?"\n

\n\n

\n During those years in high school when he was a delinquent, he had suffered many injuries, big and small. Every single time had been more serious than this. It was just a scratch from a button; there was no need to apply medicine.\n

\n\n

\n Shen Ci: "Is that so?"\n

\n\n

\n He grabbed the first-aid kit from the table, took out a bottle of liquid, clamped down on Xie Yu's wrist, and poured it without another word.\n

\n\n

\n Xie Yu was shocked. 'System, where are you? Is the plot pain-shielding ready yet...'\n

\n\n

\n Before he could finish his thought, the liquid slid down through his fingers. The wound felt icy-cool, but it didn't hurt. Shen Ci used a cotton swab to wipe away the bloodstains, applied the medicine, then took some gauze, wrapped it around his palm, and tied a knot.\n

\n\n

\n His expression was cold, but his movements were very gentle. His ten fingers were nimble and light, making even the action of tying a knot pleasing to the eye.\n

\n\n

\n Once the treatment was finished, Shen Ci stood up and looked down at Xie Yu from above. "Uncle Xie entrusted me to take care of you. If something happens to you while you're in my hands, it will be rather troublesome."\n

\n\n

\n Xie Yu was utterly bewildered. "Uh, okay."\n

\n\n

\n His hair was in a messy state, but he wasn't angry at being woken up from his sleep. His expression was dazed and innocent, like a bewildered big cat.\n

\n\n

\n While his brain was crashing, the System finally arrived belatedly.\n

\n\n

\n "I'm here, I'm here! The pain shielding system is ready, where's the plot... Huh?"\n

\n\n

\n Xie Yu's hand was wrapped with gauze, wrapped securely, and there was a faint smell of alcohol and medicine in the air.\n

\n\n

\n It looked at its host in confusion. "Is this the plot?"\n

\n\n

\n Xie Yu kept a wooden face. "It's none of your business anymore. Go play."\n

\n\n

\n "Ahhhh, how can it be none of my business!" The System went crazy. "If he doesn't make a move, what are we going to do about the psychiatric hospital plot tomorrow!"\n

\n\n

\n According to the script, they were supposed to change maps tomorrow and unlock the psychiatric hospital instance. As a result, both main characters were completely off-script. How the hell were they supposed to play this?\n

\n\n

\n The System was frightened awake, but Xie Yu was still dead tired. He said, "Let's just sleep first. We'll talk about it tomorrow."\n

\n\n

\n Xie Yu was naturally carefree. He didn't even mind Shen Ci's night raid. Once the other person left, he covered his head and quickly fell back asleep. By the time he woke up the next day, it was almost noon.\n

\n\n

\n He slipped on his slippers, got out of bed, and tentatively opened the room door. The hotel corridor was completely empty; there were no staff members, nor were there any security guards.\n

\n\n

\n Xie Yu thought to himself, 'Strange, Shen Ci didn't put me under house arrest?'\n

\n\n

\n According to his assumptions, Shen Ci wouldn't make a move on him immediately out of respect for Xie Yuanhai's reputation, but he shouldn't allow him to move around freely either.\n

\n\n

\n He tentatively took a step out. The corridor was empty. He strolled over to the elevator entrance. The corridor was still empty. He pressed the down button for the elevator, and still, no one stopped him. He swaggered out of the hotel... still no one.\n

\n\n

\n Shen Ci seemed to have completely forgotten about him.\n

\n\n

\n Xie Yu sighed and raised his hand to hail a taxi. "Driver, to Qingshan Psychiatric Hospital."\n

\n\n

\n If the mountain won't come to him, he must go to the mountain. As long as he appeared in the psychiatric hospital today, the plot would be half-completed.\n

\n\n

\n In a place he couldn't see, in the hotel lobby, someone silently typed a text message and sent it out.\n

\n\n

\n Xie Yu got in the car and called Xu Qingshan, tactfully expressing his desire to visit. Ever since he went abroad, the two hadn't seen each other for over five years. Xu Qingshan readily agreed, and in less than half an hour, Xie Yu was sitting in Xu Qingshan's office.\n

\n\n

\n A few new patients had arrived recently, so Xu Qingshan was rushed off his feet. After pouring a cup of water for Xie Yu, he left him alone in the office.\n

\n\n

\n Xie Yu then placed the novel screen in front of him, looked at the System in dismay, and started sighing.\n

\n\n

\n According to the plot, when the original host was sent here by Shen Ci, he was already hysterical, shouting until his voice cracked, very much resembling an episode of mania. Therefore, the doctor administered several kinds of sedatives. To illustrate Xie Yu's ruin and disgrace, the novel spent a long time describing the scene of him being forced to take medicine, even naming the drugs.\n

\n\n

\n Psychiatric drugs are controlled substances and cannot be prescribed without a prescription. Xie Yu waited calmly for Xu Qingshan to return. Relying on his experience with bipolar disorder from many years ago and his slightly subpar acting skills, he successfully made Xu Qingshan believe he was ill and tactfully expressed his need for medication.\n

\n\n

\n Many of the drugs on the list were specifically for patients with severe symptoms. Xu Qingshan considered his words before speaking, "I don't think your condition is that serious."\n

\n\n

\n After his assessment, Xu Qingshan believed that Xie Yu was only slightly ill. He prescribed some mild, harmless medication, and then slid a card over to him.\n

\n\n

\n Xie Yu took a look—a black card.\n

\n\n

\n He had a baffled look on his face. Xu Qingshan explained, "This is the money you invested back then. But since our hospital has been open for many years and is in a stable phase, there aren't many places where we need to spend money. So, I used the remaining portion for investments. Luck was on my side, and I even made some profit."\n

\n\n

\n He looked at his nephew's wrinkled clothes and said tactfully, "If you're short on money, you can take this to buy a change of clothes first."\n

\n\n

\n Yesterday, Xie Yu and He Zhiyuan had gotten into a fight, leaving his well-tailored suit crumpled. Later, he was taken away by Shen Ci, so he had nowhere to change.\n

\n\n

\n Xie Yu: "..."\n

\n\n

\n He politely declined. "There's no need."\n

\n\n

\n Xie Yu had a fairly good impression of this younger uncle. He pushed the card back and revealed, "You keep it. Three months from now, you can buy some of the Xie Family's stock."\n

\n\n

\n The novel only glossed over the endings of the supporting characters. The only thing that was certain was that none of the three members of the Xie family were good people. There was no need to mention the original host, Xie Yu, but Xie Yuanshan and Xie Yuanhai both had shady dealings on hand. Three months later, they would be exposed, causing the Xie Family's stock to plummet and triggering a panic sell-off. Just half a year later, Shen Ci would take over the conglomerate, and the company's profits would steadily rise.\n

\n\n

\n Right now, there were still several million on the card. He couldn't buy many shares now, but if Xu Qingshan bought them three months later, he would have no worries about food and clothing for the rest of his life, even if he stopped running the psychiatric hospital.\n

\n\n

\n Having resolved a matter, Xie Yu walked out in a rather good mood. It was around dusk now, and the System perched on his shoulder. "Are we going back to the hotel?"\n

\n\n

\n Xie Yu hesitated slightly.\n

\n\n

\n Yesterday, Shen Ci brought him back to the hotel because it was too late, and he lived far away, making driving inconvenient. It was a compromise and a temporary measure, but he didn't say he could stay there long-term. Going back shamelessly now seemed a bit inappropriate.\n

\n\n

\n The System hesitated. "Back to Wengtou Village?"\n

\n\n

\n As a high-tech system, it had never stayed in such a rundown little motel. Immediately, it started whining, not very willing.\n

\n\n

\n Xie Yu sighed. "Let's go home."\n

\n\n

\n System: "?"\n

\n\n

\n Xie Yu: "Actually, I have a house in Jiang City."\n

\n\n

\n System: "?!"\n

\n\n

\n It was even more confused. "How did I not know about this?"\n

\n\n

\n Back then, to avoid taxes, Xie Yuanshan's house was registered under the company's name. Now that Xie Yuanhai had taken over the company, the house naturally belonged to him. And Xie Yu had never treated that place as home either; he had always stayed in hotels.\n

\n\n

\n Xie Yu: "Let's make a trip back to Wengtou Village first."\n

\n\n

\n One person and one system returned. Xie Yu felt around in his luggage for a moment and pulled out a kraft paper bag from his backpack.\n

\n\n

\n The System recognized this item. This thing had crossed the ocean with Xie Yu to a foreign country and safely returned back home. The kraft paper was as clean and smooth as new, without a single wrinkle, showing that its owner had maintained it properly.\n

\n\n

\n System: "What exactly is this?"\n

\n\n

\n It had been curious for a long time. This thing looked unremarkable and very shabby, at most a bag worth a few bucks. It was one thing for the original host to carefully store it in a luxury safe, but Xie Yu was also acting meticulously with it.\n

\n\n

\n Xie Yu tore open the seal and placed the item on the surface.\n

\n\n

\n It was a dark red booklet with six large gold-stamped characters on it.\n

\n\n

\n Property Ownership Certificate.\n

\n\n

\n Xie Yu stroked the red booklet. "This should be the house my mother... no, the house his mother left him."\n

\n\n

\n He and the original host had vastly different personalities, but they both had a tyrannical father and a gentle, proper mother who loved him deeply.\n

\n\n

\n Xie Yu's mother had also left him a property deed, also wrapped in kraft paper, and carefully stored in his luggage.\n

\n\n

\n Naturally, this house couldn't compare to Xie Yuanshan's luxury apartment. It was just an ordinary one-bedroom residence outside the Third Ring Road, but in his current situation, it was Xie Yu's best place to go.\n

\n\n

\n The house was located on the second floor of an old-fashioned residential area, with no elevator. Xie Yu carried his suitcase upstairs bare-handed. As soon as he opened the door, he coughed twice—the house had been uninhabited for a long time, and the floor, sink, and the mottled, peeling old-fashioned dresser were all covered in dust.\n

\n\n

\n The System looked around and hesitated. "Hire... hire a housekeeper?"\n

\n\n

\n Xie Yu: "Hire your head. Did you forget our character setting?"\n

\n\n

\n A penniless second-generation heir who was framed by his own uncle and didn't even have taxi money, where would he get the money to hire a housekeeper?\n

\n\n

\n He rolled up his sleeves. "If we finish earlier, we can still light the stove to cook dinner."\n

\n\n

\n The old house had many old items: an enamel cup from the last century, pillowcases and bedsheets with large floral patterns, as well as yellowed posters and an old calendar. Xie Yu sorted the unwanted things into categories and packed them in boxes. When he picked up the calendar, he paused slightly and raised his hand to wipe away the layer of dust on it.\n

\n\n

\n The System was puzzled. "An old item from so many years ago, why wipe it?"\n

\n\n

\n Xie Yu ignored it and neatly placed the calendar properly. Only then did the System notice that a date on it had a red circle drawn around it. Xie Yu laid out the calendars one by one; a date in every year had a red circle. The strokes were crooked and immature, clearly drawn by a child.\n

\n\n

\n January 7th.\n

\n\n

\n Just three days from now.\n

\n\n

\n These calendars were from more than ten, almost twenty years ago. At that time, the original host was just a little kid. So many years had passed, and the ink had faded slightly. The striking circles marked on the old, yellowed paper looked like mottled bloodstains.\n

\n\n

\n System: "...What does this mean?"\n

\n\n

\n It was completely confused, but it saw Xie Yu sigh slightly, as if he had realized something.\n

\n\n

\n Xie Yu stood up holding the calendar. "I think I know what the situation is."\n

\n\n

\n He sighed slightly. "Let's buy some alcohol. I need to go somewhere in three days."\n

\n\n

\n Ten kilometers away, Shen Ci wearily pinched the bridge of his nose.\n

\n\n

\n He had already finished today's work. What was displayed on the screen was not a financial report, but a few academic papers—ever since leaving the university, he hadn't read papers for a long time.\n

\n\n

\n These papers weren't from his research field either, but were related to bipolar disorder. This illness was considered a common condition in the psychiatric field, and its causes, symptoms, and treatment plans were relatively clear.\n

\n\n

\n Causes: The patient might have suffered from violent treatment during childhood, which matched the scars on Xie Yu's back. Symptoms: Anxiety and violent behavior—also a match.\n

\n\n

\n The papers also mentioned that restricting the patient's area of activity might exacerbate the symptoms.\n

\n\n

\n Shen Ci wasn't sure what stage Xie Yu had developed to. Xie Yu had always been treated at Qingshan Psychiatric Hospital, where patient privacy was strictly protected. Moreover, Xie Yu appeared completely normal on the surface without any symptoms.\n

\n\n

\n Just then, the special notification bar chimed. Shen Ci swiped it open and saw the latest message: "Mr. Xie did not return to the hotel after coming out of the psychiatric hospital."\n

\n\n

\n Shen Ci was not surprised in the slightest. He pinched the bridge of his nose and let out a self-deprecating, mocking chuckle.\n

\n\n

\n Ever since Xie Yu returned to the country, he had been trying his hardest to clear away any ties with him, whether it was pretending not to know him at the banquet or the subsequent official and polite terms of address, it had all been the same.\n

\n\n

\n He lowered his eyes and typed, "Did he return to Wengtou Village?"\n

\n\n

\n Young Master Xie would rather stoop to staying in a small motel with an unreliable supply of water, electricity, and heating, than stay in a luxury hotel suite.\n

\n\n

\n "No, he went to Xingfu Community. Room 302."\n

\n\n

\n Shen Ci paused slightly.\n

\n\n

\n Xingfu Community. This name was full of a retro flavor from the last century, making it seem entirely out of place among today's many 'Luxury Courts' and 'Elegant Gardens'.\n

\n\n

\n He continued to browse the academic papers. "Are there any vacant rental properties in that community?"\n

\n\n

\n At this time, Xie Yu had finally finished cleaning one room.\n

\n\n

\n Given that cleaning the entire house was too difficult, he cleaned the sleeping area first. He washed what needed to be washed, replaced what needed to be replaced, paid the water, electricity, and gas bills, and even bought some scallions, green vegetables, and a few ribs from a street vendor.\n

\n\n

\n Xie Yu tied on a little bear apron, started the fire to cook, and threw the ribs into the pot to blanch them. His movements were effortless and skilled. In a rather good mood, he hummed a little tune with the window open, completely unaware that the lights of the neighboring apartment had quietly lit up, and a figure had appeared by the window.\n

","published_time":"2026-05-24T00:00:00.000Z","paid":false,"show_flag":true,"show_scheduled_time":"2026-05-24T00:00:00.000Z","unpaid_scheduled_time":"2026-05-24T00:00:00.000Z"},{"content_id":4417,"novel_id":71,"chapter_no":25,"chapter_title":"Drunk","content":"

\n The next three days passed peacefully.\n

\n\n

\n Xie Yu settled down in the Xingfu Community. Shen Ci and Xie Yuanhai seemed to have forgotten him; no one came to disturb him, and life was completely tranquil. However, Xie Yu knew that during this part of the plot, the two groups had already clashed several times.\n

\n\n

\n Xie Yuanshan died suddenly, and there were issues regarding the ownership of the company's shares. Xie Yuanhai was currently overwhelmed and in a desperate situation, while Shen Ci borrowed Luo Shao's influence to make indirect attacks, snatching away quite a few of the Xie Family's old clients.\n

\n\n

\n Jiang City currently appeared to be a pool of stagnant water on the surface, but in reality, it was full of treacherous undercurrents and stormy waves. Xie Yu guessed that the reason Shen Ci hadn't come to cause him trouble was because he was held back by Xie Yuanhai and couldn't spare the time.\n

\n\n

\n He was happy to be at leisure, treating it entirely as a vacation: buying groceries in the early morning, strolling in the park in the late morning, watching the old uncles and aunts play cards and fish, taking a nap at noon, and playing games and watching TV in the afternoon. His routine was a simple three-point line, even more regular than that of the elderly.\n

\n\n

\n He was completely unaware that the long-vacant house next door had moved in a new guest.\n

\n\n

\n Xingfu Community was subsidized housing from the last century. The distance between the buildings was narrow, and the soundproofing was mediocre. From the balcony next door, it was very easy to notice the movements on his side.\n

\n\n

\n Over the course of three days, Shen Ci saw a completely different Xie Yu.\n

\n\n

\n Although he had been with Xie Yu day and night for over six months, the Xie Yu of that time was the precious and noble young master of the Xie Family. He stayed in hotels, drove luxury cars, and wore famous watches. He had his own exclusive driver and doctor. Surrounded by people like the moon by stars, he didn't need to worry about anything. Although Shen Ci could catch a glimpse of the gentle undertone in his personality, it was like looking at flowers through a fog—not seen clearly.\n

\n\n

\n At that time, Shen Ci never knew that Xie Yu could be like this.\n

\n\n

\n Every day at exactly 11 o'clock, the stove next door would be turned on punctually. Xie Yu would wear a little bear apron, wielding a spatula in front of the stove.\n

\n\n

\n When Shen Ci first saw it, he was very worried that Young Master Xie, whose ten fingers had never touched spring water, wouldn't be able to turn on the stove or heat the wok and would burn himself. However, Xie Yu's movements were relaxed and elegant, heating the wok and oil in one smooth breath. Even his posture when chopping meat was relaxed and casual; he was definitely an expert at this.\n

\n\n

\n Shen Ci also used to cook often when he was a child, using an earthen stove in the countryside. He wasn't even as tall as the stove back then, standing on his tiptoes to add firewood and light the fire, so he could be considered a skilled worker too.\n

\n\n

\n But after silently comparing for a moment, he felt that he wasn't as good at cooking as Xie Yu.\n

\n\n

\n Xie Yu seemed to treat cooking as an art. He hummed songs, and the dishes didn't repeat over the three days. Every meal had main dishes like steamed fish or roast duck, without showing the slightest bit of perfunctoriness.\n

\n\n

\n Whenever it was mealtime, the aroma of the food drifted over through the window. The scent of scallions, ginger, and garlic mixed with the sweet fragrance of roasted meat, filling the entire building with the atmosphere of daily life.\n

\n\n

\n Sometimes when he bought too much meat and couldn't finish it alone, Xie Yu would go downstairs to feed the cats. In the evening, when the sunlight wasn't so glaring, he would mince a mixture of red and white meat and offal, put it in a small plate, place it next to the bench downstairs, and then take a short nap on the bench.\n

\n\n

\n Xingfu Community was an old resettlement neighborhood with ten to twenty stray cats inside. Whenever this time came, they would trot over with pattering steps. At first, they were still wary of Xie Yu, but after being fed for two days, they were well-fed and started to lean against Xie Yu's trouser legs to sleep.\n

\n\n

\n There were no pedigree cats in the community; they were all local breeds. The most numerous were the orange tabbies, fluffy and chubby. They sprawled to the side contentedly, slowly licking their fur. Meanwhile, Xie Yu also lounged lazily on the bench, as if he had no bones, petting the cats listlessly. Shen Ci couldn't hold back and secretly opened the window to take a picture.\n

\n\n

\n In the photo, the setting sun dyed everything in sight in warm tones. The cats, the bench, and even the dilapidated walls of the old neighborhood—everything was very gentle, as warm as the soft belly of an orange cat. And the young man on the bench was so lazy and relaxed that it even made one feel that if you hugged him and took a breath, you could smell the scent of sunlight.\n

\n\n

\n When Xie Yu was feeding the cats, Shen Ci had just finished his day's work. As Xie Yu sprawled on the bench for half an hour, Shen Ci hid behind the window and watched for half an hour. His chest brimmed with a certain emotion, his state of mind peaceful and tranquil.\n

\n\n

\n Ever since that separation five years ago, when tossing and turning at night, Shen Ci often had an illusion—an illusion that Xie Yu would still stretch out an arm and pull him into his embrace, his body heat transmitting through the thin fabric, scaldingly hot.\n

\n\n

\n Shen Ci had always slept alone, but for six months, Xie Yu forced him to get used to sleeping together. As a result, after they separated, although his mind tried its best to exercise restraint, his body still remembered. Whenever he woke up in the dead of night, his body still yearned for that embrace. Later, as time passed, this feeling faded.\n

\n\n

\n But now, this feeling came back with a vengeance. The pads of his fingers unconsciously rubbed against each other, wanting to embrace the person entirely and breathe in the scent of sunlight.\n

\n\n

\n But at the same time, he was a little confused.\n

\n\n

\n Was Xie Yu originally like this?\n

\n\n

\n Regarding the eldest young master of the Xie Family, there were so many rumors in Jiang City, saying that his methods were rough and violent, his temper would flare up at the slightest provocation, and he didn't know how to hold back. But no rumor ever mentioned that Xie Yu cooked excellent dishes and liked to go downstairs to feed cats.\n

\n\n

\n How could there be such a person in this world? With every bit of increased closeness, one would like him ten times more.\n

\n\n

\n The evaluations of outsiders could be fabricated, but one's appearance when alone couldn't be faked. The so-called irritable, gloomy, crazy, and perverted Young Master Xie was fake; the gentle, smiling, and good-tempered one was real. And if Xie Yu really did exhibit violent behavior, it could only be because...\n

\n\n

\n He was sick; he had bipolar disorder.\n

\n\n

\n Shen Ci recalled that lengthy paper, his palms unconsciously clenching tightly:\n

\n\n

\n "The causes of bipolar disorder are complex, and its manifestations are diverse. When an episode occurs, the patient is completely different from their usual self. There are few treatment methods, and it is difficult to cure completely; it can only be alleviated."\n

\n\n

\n Xie Yu was completely unaware of the convoluted thoughts of his next-door neighbor, much less did he know that he had already been judged as being in the late stages of mental illness. He spent three healthy and happy days until the date circled on the calendar arrived.\n

\n\n

\n On this day, he got up very early and changed into a pure black suit.\n

\n\n

\n The original owner's dressing style was flamboyant, favoring haute couture with complex patterns and bright colors. Xie Yu, on the other hand, was used to wearing casual clothes, preferring jackets and sweatpants. This suit was something he had to rummage through boxes and chests to find at the very bottom.\n

\n\n

\n The System was scratching its heart and liver, not knowing what kind of trick its host was playing. Seeing Xie Yu open his backpack and put three bottles of liquor inside, its mind was full of question marks: "What exactly are you trying to do? Are you going to make a homemade explosive?"\n

\n\n

\n Xie Yu was concise and to the point: "Taking them to drink."\n

\n\n

\n These three bottles of liquor were bought by Xie Yu a couple of days ago. He picked the most expensive bottles on the supermarket shelf, didn't look at the price or the alcohol content, and just paid and left.\n

\n\n

\n System: "...Xie Yu, I'm warning you, you won't be able to get on the subway carrying these."\n

\n\n

\n Xie Yu: "We'll take a taxi."\n

\n\n

\n After saying that, he actually pulled out his phone and made a series of operations. The System flew to the side to take a look and froze: "Qiong... Qiongshan Cemetery?"\n

\n\n

\n —Other people's male supporting characters went in and out of high-end teahouses, luxury hotels, and top-tier clubs; its male supporting character went in and out of psychiatric hospitals, resettlement housing, and suburban cemeteries.\n

\n\n

\n System: "...?"\n

\n\n

\n Xie Yu picked up his bag and went out the door, casually saying, "Do you remember a previous plot point where the original owner got drunk alone, temporarily called Shen Ci to the hospital, and tortured him a good deal?"\n

\n\n

\n "There seems to be such a thing?"\n

\n\n

\n "I found it strange at the time. The original owner loved lively atmospheres, always gathered his friends for every party, and never acted alone. Plus, with his status, he never lacked people to accompany him. Why would he drink alone?" Xie Yu sighed softly. "Thinking about it, it was his mother's death anniversary."\n

\n\n

\n The System was an electronic lifeform, and Xie Yu was its first host. It couldn't grasp the complex emotions of humans. After a slight pause, it asked in confusion, "Are you going to sweep the tomb?"\n

\n\n

\n Xie Yu said, "I received her favor and am living in her house. Moreover, she looks very much like my mother. Both emotionally and reasonably, I should go make a trip."\n

\n\n

\n Qiongshan Cemetery was in the outer suburbs of Jiang City, about a 40-minute drive from here. It wasn't far from Xu Qingshan's psychiatric hospital; they were situated in a front-and-back of the mountain relationship.\n

\n\n

\n Although psychiatric hospitals were generally built in the outer suburbs, when Xu Qingshan chose this location, he also had the intention of looking after his older sister.\n

\n\n

\n A light rain fell that day, and the air carried a hint of chilliness. Xie Yu, wearing only a suit, didn't feel cold.\n

\n\n

\n Today wasn't a conventional festival for honoring ancestors, so there were very few people coming to the tombs. Xie Yu bought a bouquet of pure white daisies at the cemetery entrance and found the original owner's mother's grave under a pine tree on the back mountain.\n

\n\n

\n A bouquet of daisies had already been placed in front of the tomb, along with traces of paper ashes. It seemed Xu Qingshan had already paid his respects.\n

\n\n

\n Xie Yu swept away the dust in front of the tomb. This was a modestly sized single grave. When Xie Yuanshan was alive, his relationship with his wife was mediocre, and they even had many conflicts, so the two were not buried together.\n

\n\n

\n The tombstone bore the owner's photo and name. The original owner's mother was named Xu Qingping. On the black-and-white photo, her face was gentle, and she was smiling tranquilly. Xie Yu took one look and drew in a sharp breath.\n

\n\n

\n He stretched out a finger and hovered it over the photo, revealing a somewhat bitter and astringent smile.\n

\n\n

\n Really very similar.\n

\n\n

\n The two worlds were completely different, yet had many similarities.\n

\n\n

\n Xie Yu swept the dust clean and sat down. He pulled a liquor bottle out of his bag, poured half of it onto the soil in front of the tomb, muttered a few customary words of blessing for worship, and then leaned against the pine tree, pouring and drinking by himself.\n

\n\n

\n System: "...Are you really drinking?"\n

\n\n

\n Three bottles of liquor, every single one of them hard liquor.\n

\n\n

\n Xie Yu: "I won't be able to come many more times either."\n

\n\n

\n The tranquilly smiling lady in the photo would never know that the child she treasured was already gone, replaced by an otherworldly visitor burdened with a system. Nor would she know that the plot was about to end, and even this otherworldly visitor wouldn't be staying for much longer.\n

\n\n

\n When that time came, there would no longer be anyone in the world named Xie Yu. Aside from Xu Qingshan, no one else would come to this tomb to offer white flowers.\n

\n\n

\n Xie Yu wiped away the water stains on the photo, staring intently at that gentle and beautiful face, and smiled bitterly. "If she knew what the original owner had done, she would surely be very sad."\n

\n\n

\n Such a gentle mother, yet her child went down such a wrong path, ending up with a ruined reputation, a miserable end, and utterly penniless.\n

\n\n

\n System: "Host..."\n

\n\n

\n When one had things weighing on their mind, drinking was always done without restraint. The System watched him down cup after cup but didn't dare to persuade him otherwise. By the time the rainwater had almost soaked through his clothes and hair, Xie Yu staggered to his feet, leaning on the pine tree. As he packed his backpack preparing to leave, he was already about eighty percent drunk.\n

\n\n

\n The System's heart was pounding in fear: "How are we going to get back... Be careful of the steps!"\n

\n\n

\n The cemetery was located in a remote area, making it impossible to hail a taxi. The nearest bus stop was seven or eight kilometers away. Given Xie Yu's current state, he would probably collapse on the road halfway there.\n

\n\n

\n Xie Yu: "I'll walk to the psychiatric hospital and stay there for a night."\n

\n\n

\n Anyway, according to the plot, he was supposed to stay there for a night.\n

\n\n

\n The System linked to the navigation and planned the route on its screen: "Alright, we are three kilometers away from Qingshan Psychiatric Hospital, with an estimated walking time of 45 minutes. I have planned the route for you... Host! Be careful of the steps!"\n

\n\n

\n The cemetery was built against the mountain and was full of steps.\n

\n\n

\n Xie Yu held onto the railing by the road to steady himself, rubbing his forehead with a bit of a headache. He was indeed already drunk.\n

\n\n

\n The liquor tasted light upon entry, but the aftereffect was long-lasting. He hadn't felt it while sitting just now, but now that he stood up, the world was spinning somewhat, leaving him disoriented and unaware of his surroundings.\n

\n\n

\n In fact, Xie Yu had estimated his alcohol tolerance. Five years ago, this little bit of alcohol wouldn't have been a problem. However, during his five years of studying abroad, Xie Yu rarely attended parties. Even if he did, it was just cooking a couple of dishes at home to entertain friends and drinking two bottles of beer to wash it down. He hadn't drunk white liquor for a very long time.\n

\n\n

\n The System's electronic heart was in its throat. With every step Xie Yu took down the stairs, its heart would skip a beat. Fortunately, although Xie Yu was drinking like a drunk cat, swaying and staggering, his balance was still pretty good, always managing to stand firm and hold on tight at the last moment.\n

\n\n

\n After finally making it to the cemetery entrance, the System was about to have a myocardial infarction. It tremblingly suggested, "Host, you better not walk anymore. I'll call Xu Qingshan to come pick you up. I'll call him, I..."\n

\n\n

\n Halfway through its sentence, it abruptly stopped. The System's non-existent pupils contracted, and its electronic heart began to tremble violently.\n

\n\n

\n In front of the cemetery gates, there was a person.\n

\n\n

\n To be precise, a young man holding an umbrella.\n

\n\n

\n The post-rain cemetery was desolate and deserted, yet under the archway parked a Bentley with twin headlights. A person stood in front of the car, wearing a pure black long trench coat and a turtleneck sweater. He had clearly been standing there for a long time, as there was a ring of water stains along the edge of his trench coat. Currently holding an umbrella, he was looking over here from afar.\n

\n\n

\n The System's non-existent cerebral cortex was about to explode.\n

\n\n

\n "H-H-H-Host! S-S-Shen Ci, it's Shen Ci ahhh! Why is he here ahhh!"\n

\n\n

\n Xie Yu was given a headache by the noise. His amber eyes struggled to focus, loosely landing on the newcomer. He revealed a slightly puzzled expression, seemingly not understanding what the System was howling about.\n

\n\n

\n Shen Ci's gaze swept over Xie Yu's slightly wet clothes and he said coldly, "If I hadn't come, how were you planning to get back?"\n

\n\n

\n On such a cold day, with his clothes soaked through, was he going to walk three kilometers to find Xu Qingshan?\n

\n\n

\n He pressed to unlock the car door. Seeing that Xie Yu was still unmoving in his spot, he twitched the corners of his lips. It was hard to say whether it was mockery or self-deprecation as he just lowered his eyes: "What, even down and out like this, you still don't want to ride in my..."\n

\n\n

\n Before his voice could fade, a sudden weight came onto his shoulder. Heat transmitted through the clothing. Shen Ci's fingertips twitched, and he looked back in disbelief.\n

\n\n

\n Xie Yu wrapped his arms around him.\n

\n\n

\n Dead drunk, he seemed to have treated Shen Ci as a railing pillar he could cling to, pressing most of his weight onto him.\n

\n\n

\n "..."\n

\n\n

\n Xie Yu was an adult man, and a tall adult man with chest and abdominal muscles at that. He wasn't light.\n

\n\n

\n Shen Ci was completely unprepared and stumbled under the weight. He turned around somewhat at a loss, the cold expression on his face vanishing without a trace, replaced by confusion and bewilderment. He raised a hand to wrap around Xie Yu's waist to prevent him from sliding down, and asked hoarsely, "What are you doing?"\n

\n\n

\n Xie Yu didn't answer. His mind wasn't very clear, and he was extremely cold. Having suddenly hugged a warm lump—and the touch of this lump being incredibly familiar, as if it was something he was used to hugging—he nuzzled his face against it, rubbing against the warm skin.\n

\n\n

\n Shen Ci: "!!!"\n

\n\n

\n Xie Yu was slightly taller than him, and the way he rubbed against him was like a snuggling big cat. Shen Ci hesitated for a moment, then raised a hand to touch him.\n

\n\n

\n His hand felt an icy, cold wetness.\n

\n\n

\n Jiang City after the rain was truly too cold. With the water vapor plastered on his body, he was as cold as ice.\n

\n\n

\n Shen Ci opened the car door and with great difficulty hoisted Xie Yu inside. When Young Master Xie was drunk, his bones were softer than a cat's, slumping limply in the seat. Shen Ci was quite exasperated. He struggled to fasten Xie Yu's seatbelt for him, then turned the heater to the maximum. Finally, he pulled a fluffy towel out of the storage compartment and draped it over Xie Yu's head without allowing any room for argument.\n

\n\n

\n Xie Yu lifted his eyelids to look at him, his expression exceptionally dazed.\n

\n\n

\n Shen Ci sighed silently. Resigning himself to his fate, he wrapped the towel around the hair, plunging his slender ten fingers into the hair to gently dry it for him.\n

\n\n

\n As he wiped, he became somewhat entranced.\n

\n\n

\n As early as five years ago, Xie Yu had also dried his hair like this.\n

\n\n

\n That day was also a chilly rainy day. When he hurriedly got into Young Master Xie's car, he was already two minutes late. At that time, Shen Ci had tensed his body, ready to receive all kinds of reprimands. Xie Yu had also acted just like this, placing a fluffy towel on the top of his head. Shen Ci still vaguely remembered Xie Yu's expression back then—it was also just like his right now, with a somewhat helpless smile at the corner of his mouth, as if complaining: "How did you get yourself into this state?"\n

\n\n

\n Shen Ci sighed, gathering his scattered thoughts, and focused on drying the hair under his hands. But inadvertently, he met Xie Yu's eyes. Young Master Xie was dead drunk, yet hadn't passed out completely. His tea-colored eyes were half-squinted, as if being rubbed felt very comfortable.\n

\n\n

\n ...He looked even more like a purring big cat now.\n

\n\n

\n The big cat lay on the backrest, motionless, letting people do as they pleased. You could freely toy with his hair, the tips of his ears, and anything else you wanted to toy with.\n

\n\n

\n Shen Ci's fingertips paused, shifting his gaze away from the dripping collarbone line of the other person, and resumed drying his hair.\n

\n\n

\n After finishing with the hair, the clothes were a bit troublesome. There were no clothes suitable for Xie Yu in the car. Shen Ci managed to pull off his suit jacket, then looked with quite a bit of distress at his undershirt. This shirt was stained with water and entirely stuck to his body, making it difficult to take off. Moreover, Xie Yu wasn't cooperating—if you told him to raise his hand, he would look at you blankly; if you told him to turn around, he would still look at you blankly.\n

\n\n

\n At a rough estimate, under the devastation of alcohol, Young Master Xie's language analysis system was approximately equivalent to that of a three-year-old child.\n

\n\n

\n Shen Ci didn't know how many times he had sighed today. Like peeling garlic, he forcefully stripped Xie Yu out of his clothes and then wrapped him up in a clean towel.\n

\n\n

\n In all fairness, the figure under the towel was quite impressive. The muscle curves of his chest, abdomen, waist, and back were all smooth and beautiful. It was a physique perfectly balanced between strong and lean—neither overly muscular and lacking aesthetic appeal, nor overly thin and appearing frail.\n

\n\n

\n But at this moment, Shen Ci was in no mood to admire it. Xie Yu had come to the cemetery in the dead of winter to blow in the cold wind and be drenched in the cold rain all afternoon, all without changing clothes. He was only worried that Xie Yu would catch a cold.\n

\n\n

\n Shen Ci stepped on the clutch, ignited the engine, and the Bentley swung out a beautiful arc, driving onto the winding mountain road.\n

\n\n

\n Five years ago, he still didn't know how to drive, but now he was both steady and fast, keeping the speed right around the limit.\n

\n\n

\n During this time, Xie Yu briefly woke up from his daze. Seeing double, he mistook the driver for some passing good Samaritan, and struggled to say, "You send, send me to..."\n

\n\n

\n Shen Ci parked on the side of the road and leaned over to hear him, only to hear Xie Yu say: "...send me, send me to the psychiatric hospital."\n

\n\n

\n Shen Ci looked at him coldly. He watched him for a good while before giving a short laugh: "Not sending you."\n

\n\n

\n He stomped down on the gas pedal, and the Bentley sped like lightning. In less than half an hour, he drove back to the hotel.\n

\n\n

\n Shen Ci stopped at the hotel entrance and got Xie Yu out of the car. Xie Yu was as soft as some kind of koala, treating Shen Ci as a crutch. Shen Ci was utterly exasperated, but when the lobby manager saw them and wanted to come over to help, he blocked him off.\n

\n\n

\n "Thank you." Shen Ci politely declined. "No need to trouble yourself, I'll carry him up myself."\n

\n\n

\n His tone was courteous and polite, his outfit and accessories elegant and refined. If he hadn't been pressed so lopsidedly by Xie Yu, he would look like a noble and gentle scholar. But right now, his hair was messy, a button on his shirt had been rubbed off, and his glasses were perched crookedly on the bridge of his nose, making him look quite disheveled.\n

\n\n

\n The lobby manager was baffled and repeatedly confirmed: "Do you really not need help?"\n

\n\n

\n Shen Ci shook his head: "It's fine."\n

\n\n

\n He carried Xie Yu into the elevator and all the way to the top floor. By the time he settled the person onto the bed, he himself had also broken out in a sweat. After giving Xie Yu a simple clean-up, he went to the bathroom to wash up. When he came out changed into loungewear, Xie Yu had already fallen asleep.\n

\n\n

\n While asleep, Xie Yu was even more harmless. Half of his face rubbed against the pillow, the quilt pressing his cheek into a soft arc.\n

\n\n

\n Shen Ci sat by the bed, frowning slightly. Xie Yu was currently in a drunken state, but when he sobered up tomorrow, he would definitely ask why he had come to the hotel. He pondered for a moment, momentarily unable to come up with appropriate wording. Feeling somewhat vexed, he was just about to call his secretary to send some hangover medicine when Xie Yu suddenly nuzzled up next to him and grasped his hand.\n

\n\n

\n "..."\n

\n\n

\n In a daze, Shen Ci even thought he had returned to five years ago.\n

\n\n

\n This was entirely Xie Yu's subconscious action, driven by his bodily instinct. There was something familiar right beside him, so he raised his hand to clasp it, pulling it into his embrace.\n

\n\n

\n Xie Yu was drunk, but his strength wasn't small. Shen Ci was yanked lopsided by him and fell diagonally onto the bed. His newly arranged loungewear was ruffled again. Xie Yu, like an animal finding its familiar spot, circled Shen Ci and stopped moving.\n

\n\n

\n He hugged too tightly, which wasn't comfortable. Shen Ci reflexively pushed him away, only to see Xie Yu groggily open his eyes like a drunk cat: "Don't, don't move, let me hug you for a bit..."\n

\n\n

\n Saying that, he tilted his head, about to fall asleep again.\n

\n\n

\n Shen Ci stared at him for a good while, then suddenly reached out to prop up his forehead, forcing him to meet his gaze: "Xie Yu, who am I?"\n

\n\n

\n Xie Yu was groggy and didn't answer. He frowned slightly, carrying a hint of dissatisfaction at having his sleep disturbed, and turned his head to go back to sleep.\n

\n\n

\n Shen Ci, however, didn't let go. He stared straight into Xie Yu's eyes: "Who are you holding? And who is it that you want to hold?"\n

\n\n

\n Having been abroad for five years, with Young Master Xie's playboy personality, it wasn't certain that he hadn't found someone else. Five years ago, the other party left cleanly and decisively, and after returning to the country, he acted completely as if they didn't know each other. Being like this today was entirely Shen Ci's own willing self-degradation and wishful thinking. But if he was hugging him while thinking of someone else, he, Shen Ci, wouldn't belittle and demean himself to such an extent.\n

\n\n

\n Xie Yu looked at him blankly, struggling to digest the meaning. Under Shen Ci's repeated pressing questions, his mushy brain vaguely remembered something, and he muttered as if to himself: "You, are Por... Mr. Porcelain."\n

\n\n

\n Shen Ci abruptly let go of his hand.\n

\n\n

\n ...Mr. Porcelain?\n

\n\n

\n He certainly remembered this term, that safe word set on the very first day they met. Back then, Shen Ci only treated it as a humiliating mockery, never expecting it to be the beginning of his fall.\n

\n\n

\n Xie Yu still remembered.\n

\n\n

\n The coldness between his brows mostly dissipated, turning into stunned helplessness. His stiff body also softened, allowing Xie Yu to paw at him and pull him into his embrace like a hugging pillow.\n

\n\n

\n This was a very close posture, and the heat of the embrace was scorching. Xie Yu's handsome and straight nasal bridge was close at hand. Shen Ci stared there for a long time, then suddenly closed his eyes and leaned in.\n

\n\n

\n He lightly touched the lips, stealing a pine-scented kiss.\n

\n\n

\n When Xie Yu woke up the next day, his head was splitting with pain.\n

\n\n

\n Thinking back to the past, he was also a good hand at the drinking table, having no problem chugging hard liquor straight from the bottle. Unfortunately, as his high school days drifted further and further away, Xie Yu's alcohol tolerance, just like his rebelliousness, had gone never to return, reducing him to the miserable state of passing out after just one bottle.\n

\n\n

\n His forehead throbbed with swelling pain, his temples stung, and the back of his head throbbed in pain. There wasn't a single place in his entire head that didn't hurt. Caught off guard for a moment, he tumbled off the bed, half-kneeling on the carpet.\n

\n\n

\n This carpet was laid thick and soft. Xie Yu sat down leaning against the bed, his fingers sinking into the fluff of the carpet.\n

\n\n

\n ...Carpet?\n

\n\n

\n His chaotic and muddled brain finally sobered up a little, recalling the events before he blacked out:\n

\n\n

\n He should have been at Qiongshan Cemetery paying respects to the original owner's mother. Later, he drank a few cups. That liquor had a long-lasting aftereffect; he didn't feel anything while drinking it, but once he stood up and walked two laps, he directly blacked out.\n

\n\n

\n And now?\n

\n\n

\n He looked around. A luxury hotel, a top-floor suite, huge floor-to-ceiling windows, and a fan-shaped bathtub. The sunlight outside was just right, and the sky presented a boundless azure blue.\n

\n\n

\n It was precisely the hotel suite from when he first arrived.\n

\n\n

\n If his phone hadn't clearly displayed the date, Xie Yu would have thought he had drunk himself to death at the cemetery and loaded his save file straight back to the starting point of the plot.\n

\n\n

\n The System's faint voice drifted over: "Host, you're awake?"\n

\n\n

\n Xie Yu: "Why am I here?"\n

\n\n

\n The System continued faintly: "Right, why are you here?"\n

\n\n

\n "Who brought you back, what happened last night, and what did you do to the person who brought you back? You can't remember any of it at all?"\n

\n\n

\n It was extremely dissatisfied that the host drank to the point of blacking out and losing his memory, leaving it to face Shen Ci alone. Its words carried hidden barbs, dripping with sarcasm.\n

\n\n

\n Xie Yu had no energy to bicker with it. Rubbing the center of his brows, he said weakly, "How would I know so much? My head hurts so much... Don't you have that, what is it, that pain shielding system? Hurry up and give me some."\n

\n\n

\n His brain was about to explode.\n

\n\n

\n The System shook its head: "I can only target plot-related pain, such as breaking fingers. There's nothing I can do for your kind."\n

\n\n

\n Xie Yu: "...What use do I have for you?"\n

\n\n

\n Under the hangover, Xie Yu truly had no energy to think much. He struggled to straighten his body. His face was deathly pale, bean-sized drops of sweat rolling down his jaw, and a patch of his clothes on his back was also wet.\n

\n\n

\n Now, even the System didn't dare to be sarcastic: "Host, are you in a lot of pain?"\n

\n\n

\n "Nonsense." Xie Yu took a deep breath. His vision was swimming, and he tried to banter with the System to distract his attention: "Sys, are you sure nothing will go wrong with the plot-related pain?"\n

\n\n

\n Although the plot was currently a bit broken—Shen Ci's behavior couldn't exactly be said to be completely consistent with the original text, it was completely unrelated. But Xie Yu had repeatedly confirmed with the System that their plot concordance was at 85%. There were a bunch of minor deviations, but no major ones. Theoretically, the ending wouldn't have a major shift either. The System had once told him with certainty that the current situation was temporary, not a big problem, and it would return to the right track sooner or later.\n

\n\n

\n Returning to the right track meant that there would still be the series of plots involving breaking fingers. The ten fingers are connected to the heart; the pain of breaking them was not something ordinary pain could compare to. If the System went wrong when the time came, Xie Yu was going to hit someone.\n

\n\n

\n The System was very dissatisfied with his suspicion: "I am a professional system, you can't question my professionalism... I can let you give it a try."\n

\n\n

\n A fluorescent blue screen flickered, and the nerves in the fingers of his left hand felt as if they were suddenly extracted.\n

\n\n

\n The System said coolly: "Try breaking them and see. If you can feel even a little bit of pain, I lose."\n

\n\n

\n "Will they go back to normal after I break them?"\n

\n\n

\n "I'll correct them for you after you break them, it's free."\n

\n\n

\n When people are in pain, they always do something to distract themselves, such as biting their lower lip or pinching themselves while undergoing torture. Although it only makes the body hurt more, it does indeed have a kind of placebo effect.\n

\n\n

\n Covered in cold sweat, Xie Yu grasped his fingers, trying to focus his energy on this area. The tactile sensation under his fingertips was very bizarre. It was like a piece of moldable putty—soft but lacking elasticity, leaving a dent with every press. It wasn't the texture of human skin at all. He tentatively bent it backwards. The bone let out a crisp cracking sound, and then the joint dislocated, leaving a segment of his finger hanging limply.\n

\n\n

\n It really didn't hurt; not even a hundredth of the pain in his forehead.\n

\n\n

\n However, before the System could attach the finger back, the room door was suddenly pulled open with great force. The metal hinges let out an overwhelmed creak. Pale-faced, Xie Yu raised his eyes. Shen Ci was standing in the doorway, his brows and eyes gloomy, his face ashen. A pair of dark tea-colored eyes stared at him intently, harboring innumerable sorrows within.\n

","published_time":"2026-05-24T00:00:00.000Z","paid":false,"show_flag":true,"show_scheduled_time":"2026-05-24T00:00:00.000Z","unpaid_scheduled_time":"2026-05-24T00:00:00.000Z"},{"content_id":4418,"novel_id":71,"chapter_no":26,"chapter_title":"Staying by the Bedside","content":"

\n The moment Shen Ci opened the door, he froze in place, his brows furrowing uncontrollably.\n

\n\n

\n When he left the room, Xie Yu was still lying properly on the bed, his breathing even and smooth, sleeping peacefully and tranquilly. But he had only been gone for half an hour, so how did it turn out like this?\n

\n\n

\n Xie Yu was half-kneeling on the floor, one hand pressing tightly against his forehead, and the other gripping the carpet with a force that seemed intended to rip the fuzz right off. His back was arched like a taut bow, his face pale, his lips equally bloodless. A patch of his pajamas was wet, sticking clammily to his body. Looking closely, his neck seemed to be spasming, and his body was trembling slightly.\n

\n\n

\n Shen Ci's gaze landed on his fingers, and his expression grew even uglier.\n

\n\n

\n Xie Yu's hands were very beautiful, well-proportioned and slender, the kind of hands that could belong to a hand model on TV. But that segment of finger bone was now hanging limply. That was not a normal injury; it had been forcefully snapped backwards—yet its owner completely disregarded the pain and was even trying to snap a second one.\n

\n\n

\n Shen Ci shouted sternly: "Xie Yu!"\n

\n\n

\n His throat felt dry and bitter, his trailing voice carrying a tremor.\n

\n\n

\n Xie Yu: "...?"\n

\n\n

\n He was startled and looked up in a daze, only to see Shen Ci standing at the door. Shen Ci's face was extremely awful, his beautiful brows pressed down heavily, his eyes containing an emotion that Xie Yu couldn't understand.\n

\n\n

\n Xie Yu was slightly surprised. Forcing down the pain, he asked the System intermittently in his mind: "Shen Ci... why is he here... Yesterday, did he bring me back yesterday?"\n

\n\n

\n He had blacked out from drinking and truly forgotten everything that had happened before. The System spoke up to inform him: "It's like this, Host. Yesterday you were at the public cemetery, and as soon as you came down, Shen Ci was standing right at the entrance..."\n

\n\n

\n Before it could finish speaking, a flurry of messy footsteps suddenly rang out. Xie Yu hastily looked up, only to see Shen Ci walking straight over. He stopped half an inch in front of him, then leaned down and half-knelt—\n

\n\n

\n Xie Yu's throbbing forehead cleared for a moment. He stared blankly at the face so close at hand and thought to himself: 'Is it finally back on track?'\n

\n\n

\n That plotline, is it finally here?\n

\n\n

\n He sighed in his heart: 'What a pity it really came at the wrong time.'\n

\n\n

\n Right now, Xie Yu's head was splitting, and his whole body felt weak and sore. He didn't know if it was because he drank too much or got caught in the rain, but even the crevices of his bones hurt, and his body was overcome with bouts of chills. He had no mood to show off his acting skills and recite his lines; he just wanted to lie on a soft bed and get a good night's sleep.\n

\n\n

\n But since it was already here, Xie Yu forced himself to perk up: "System, pull up the original lines, I..."\n

\n\n

\n But the next second, he was pulled into a hug.\n

\n\n

\n Shen Ci had just returned from work. Wearing a suit and tie, he looked refined and ascetic, but right now he was half-kneeling on the floor, not caring in the slightest about wrinkling his clothes. He wrapped his arms around Xie Yu and tightened them forcefully. The strength was so great that it was less of a hug and more of an imprisonment.\n

\n\n

\n Xie Yu hesitantly raised his hand and touched his back, feeling somewhat at a loss.\n

\n\n

\n He felt Shen Ci trembling. More accurately, the two of them were trembling together. Xie Yu was trembling because of his headache, but he didn't know why Shen Ci was trembling. Shen Ci just stubbornly locked him in his embrace, his palms pressed against Xie Yu's back, his fingertips tightening forcefully as if this were the last hug of his life.\n

\n\n

\n Xie Yu belatedly realized that Shen Ci's emotions were off. As the designated aloof protagonist of an abusive novel, Shen Ci rarely displayed his emotions openly, let alone hugging someone and trembling like this. Xie Yu couldn't figure out what he had encountered, so he patted him gently, wanting to ask: "What's wrong? Did someone make things difficult for you?"\n

\n\n

\n It was the very late stages of the novel, that shouldn't be the case.\n

\n\n

\n However, Xie Yu's throat was terribly hoarse, and his voice got caught in his throat. In the end, he couldn't ask.\n

\n\n

\n Shen Ci stabilized his emotions first. He lifted Xie Yu's arm, trying to pull him up from the floor, but failed.\n

\n\n

\n Xie Yu was an adult man, and a bit taller than him. Pulling him up was not easy. Shen Ci dragged him forcefully: "Go to the bed."\n

\n\n

\n Xie Yu was slightly stunned but still cooperatively shifted his body. Pressed down by Shen Ci, he fell flat on his back onto the bed.\n

\n\n

\n A soft quilt was pulled over him, wrapping him up entirely. Xie Yu was just feeling bewildered when he saw Shen Ci sit down by the edge of the bed, press both hands onto his shoulder blades, and use his body weight to pin down his arms.\n

\n\n

\n Xie Yu: "..."\n

\n\n

\n This was a posture akin to restraining a prisoner. Unable to move, he could only ask: "System, what's the situation?"\n

\n\n

\n The System was even more confused than he was: "I don't know? Is there such a plot?"\n

\n\n

\n Xie Yu: "...What use do I have for you?"\n

\n\n

\n He and the System were left speechless at each other. He had no choice but to shift his gaze back to Shen Ci. The elegant and beautiful man had similarly broken out in a sweat, his dark tea-colored eyes looking heavily at him, as if he were grieving. Xie Yu struggled to move his arms, only to find they were pinned down tightly without any gap. He looked at Shen Ci hesitantly and negotiated: "Can you... let me go?"\n

\n\n

\n His finger was still broken, you know.\n

\n\n

\n Shen Ci's voice trembled: "Wait a moment, I'll call the hospital."\n

\n\n

\n After saying that, he maintained his posture of pinning Xie Yu down while frantically feeling around for his phone. It took several tries before he finally held the phone steadily. He even pressed the wrong keys several times while dialing. The calm and composed President Shen, Executive Shen, and Teaching Assistant Shen of the past was completely gone, replaced instead by a pair of slightly trembling hands.\n

\n\n

\n Xie Yu paused, and paused again.\n

\n\n

\n ...Is this the plot?\n

\n\n

\n Calling the hospital seemed to fit, but looking at Shen Ci's state, it didn't seem to be the case at all.\n

\n\n

\n Shen Ci sat before his bed, lips tightly pursed and brows deeply furrowed, his raven-feather-like eyelashes still trembling slightly. No matter how one looked at it, this didn't look like the satisfaction of avenging a great grudge, but rather...\n

\n\n

\n Worry.\n

\n\n

\n For some unknown reason, Xie Yu suddenly said in a hoarse voice, "I don't want to go to the hospital right now."\n

\n\n

\n His head was aching to death, and he didn't want to go out and catch the wind.\n

\n\n

\n Hearing this, Shen Ci paused his movements, set down his phone, and softened his voice: "Then what do you want to do?"\n

\n\n

\n Xie Yu probed: "Sleep?"\n

\n\n

\n "Okay." Shen Ci forced a smile, a certain sharp bitterness settling over his heart. "Then go to sleep."\n

\n\n

\n With that said, he actually tucked Xie Yu into the quilt, closed the curtains, dimmed the lights, and transformed the room into a state completely suited for sleeping.\n

\n\n

\n Xie Yu moved slightly. He was wrapped in the quilt like a rice dumpling, and Shen Ci was still pressing down on his arms, making it difficult to turn over. "Are you going to keep sitting here?"\n

\n\n

\n Shen Ci: "I will keep sitting here."\n

\n\n

\n His tone was resolute, as if on this one point, there was no room for negotiation.\n

\n\n

\n Therefore, Xie Yu closed his eyes.\n

\n\n

\n This feeling was very strange. He closed his eyes heavily on the bed, while someone quietly gazed at him from the bedside. It was like when he was sick as a child, and his family guarded him by his side.\n

\n\n

\n Xie Yu had never experienced this. His mother had passed away early, and his father was a hot-tempered gambling addict. But when he was in school, he heard from his classmates that whenever they were sick, there would always be someone accompanying them like this.\n

\n\n

\n Although he was drowsy, his head was still throbbing with pain. Xie Yu turned over and looked at Shen Ci again: "I want to drink water."\n

\n\n

\n Shen Ci then got up, fetched a cup of hot water for him, and placed it by his side: "Drink up."\n

\n\n

\n Xie Yu took a couple of sips, and Shen Ci asked him: "Do you want to drink some porridge?"\n

\n\n

\n Xie Yu turned around and buried himself in the quilt: "No."\n

\n\n

\n Shen Ci smiled and didn't say anything, letting him be.\n

\n\n

\n He slept very restlessly. In his daze, he felt a warmth on his forehead, like someone had taken a hot towel and was wiping away his sweat.\n

\n\n

\n By the time he woke up from his sleep, it was already noon.\n

\n\n

\n The sharp pain had finally dissipated. Xie Yu climbed up with his hair looking like a bird's nest, and heard the System's cool sarcasm: "Young Master, did you sleep well?"\n

\n\n

\n Xie Yu raised his hand. The dislocated finger bone had already been set back in place and wrapped in a layer of dark blue fixation tape. He moved his finger bone; the movement was smooth without the slightest discomfort.\n

\n\n

\n Xie Yu: "System, did you set it? Why is there even fixation tape?"\n

\n\n

\n He thought it would be a painless restoration. Was the Transmigration Bureau's medical skill really this subpar?\n

\n\n

\n The System was speechless: "Bro, do you think I could have set it in that situation? Would that have been appropriate?"\n

\n\n

\n Shen Ci was right by his side, practically never leaving for a single step. If Xie Yu's broken finger suddenly snapped back into place on its own without any external force at that time, wouldn't it seem like a ghost sighting?\n

\n\n

\n Xie Yu said: "That's true."\n

\n\n

\n He tried to get out of bed, but felt his whole body was soft and powerless, even worse than before.\n

\n\n

\n The System: "Stop fussing. Xu Qingshan came over just now. He injected you with a sedative and fed you some anti-manic-depressive medication."\n

\n\n

\n Xie Yu: "...?"\n

\n\n

\n He sat half up: "I'm not a patient, can I just take medicine indiscriminately?"\n

\n\n

\n Psychiatric drugs all have strong side effects; normal people can easily develop problems if they take them carelessly.\n

\n\n

\n The System: "It's fine, I filtered them out for you, it won't affect your body."\n

\n\n

\n After answering his question, it continued: "They are currently in the living room of the suite. Xu Qingshan also brought a stretcher and restraint straps, as well as a lot of sedatives. If my guess is right, he'll be carrying you off to the psychiatric hospital in a moment."\n

\n\n

\n Xie Yu: "."\n

\n\n

\n The suite was divided into a bedroom and a living room. At this moment, the door was slightly ajar. He could vaguely see the lights on in the living room, and people were conversing in lowered voices, seemingly discussing his condition.\n

\n\n

\n Xie Yu: "System, listen to what they're saying."\n

\n\n

\n In the living room, Xu Qingshan was sitting on the leather sofa, still wearing his hospital uniform. The clothes were full of wrinkles, not even having had time to be smoothed out, clearly indicating he had rushed over in a hurry.\n

\n\n

\n His expression was ugly. Pulling out a fountain pen with one hand, he flipped open Xie Yu's past medical records: "Mr. Shen, please describe the situation at that time in detail."\n

\n\n

\n Shen Ci pressed his forehead, his face as awful as Xu Qingshan's: "At that time in the cemetery, there was a light drizzle. I brought Xie Yu back. He had been drinking and must have been drunk..."\n

\n\n

\n Shen Ci omitted the useless details and didn't mention why he went to pick up Xie Yu, but he stated the details of Xie Yu's headache meticulously, one by one.\n

\n\n

\n The System listened on the side and relayed the message on their behalf. Among it, there was no shortage of terms like "face as pale as gold paper," "trembling all over," and "dripping with cold sweat," which left Xie Yu completely dumbfounded.\n

\n\n

\n "I just drank too much and had a headache, why am I being described as if I'm about to drop dead?"\n

\n\n

\n The System: "They really seem to think you're going to drop dead."\n

\n\n

\n Xu Qingshan's expression was unprecedentedly solemn: "In other words, he exhibited severe self-harming behavior? Furthermore, headache, fainting... Was there any confusion of consciousness?"\n

\n\n

\n Shen Ci: "Yes."\n

\n\n

\n Inside the room, Xie Yu was greatly shocked: "Was there?"\n

\n\n

\n Shen Ci lowered his eyes and smiled bitterly: "He mistook me for someone else, and asked me to send him to a psychiatric hospital."\n

\n\n

\n Xie Yu inside the room: "."\n

\n\n

\n Xu Qingshan sighed, shaking his head as he wrote the medical records. In a short moment, he had already written a thick page. He stared at that page for a long time, pondering: "The symptoms are a bit severe. I recommend going to the hospital for inpatient admission; it would be better to keep him under observation for a while."\n

\n\n

\n Shen Ci dug his nails into his palms: "Does he absolutely have to go?"\n

\n\n

\n The accommodation conditions at a psychiatric hospital naturally couldn't be mentioned in the same breath as a five-star hotel. It would also be highly inconvenient to take care of him.\n

\n\n

\n Xu Qingshan paused slightly: "Mr. Shen, pardon my bluntness, but I watched Xiao Yu grow up. I know what he's like when his illness acts up. If he stays here, both you and him are in danger."\n

\n\n

\n This was the truth. Once manic depression relapsed, behaviors became uncontrollable. Not only would it harm others, but it would also harm oneself.\n

\n\n

\n Shen Ci gave a shallow sigh. Although he didn't refute it, his expression clearly showed his disapproval.\n

\n\n

\n He didn't think Xie Yu would hurt him.\n

\n\n

\n In the previous six months, and in these past few months, even when drunk or sick, Xie Yu hadn't touched a single hair on his head.\n

\n\n

\n Xu Qingshan's gaze swept over Shen Ci's face, seemingly guessing what kind of relationship this younger generation had with his nephew. After a moment, he looked away, pushed up his glasses, and said nothing.\n

\n\n

\n Shen Ci, however, was looking at the medical records in his hand. Just now, when Xu Qingshan flipped through them, he saw it—a thick stack, entirely filled with densely packed handwriting: "Can you show that to me?"\n

\n\n

\n Xu Qingshan naturally shook his head: "No, it involves privacy. However, I can tell you the general precautions."\n

\n\n

\n The original owner had very typical manic depression, much more severe than Xie Yu himself. The symptoms appeared in his adolescence at irregular intervals, and were mostly accompanied by violent behavior. After the violent outbursts, he could calm down for a brief period.\n

\n\n

\n This kind of unconscious violent behavior could be considered the original owner's method of relief.\n

\n\n

\n Xu Qingshan: "Perhaps for some reason, Xiao Yu is no longer willing to hurt others."\n

\n\n

\n When he said "others", he gave Shen Ci a meaningful look before continuing: "So, as a compensation, he chose to hurt himself. This is also a possibility."\n

\n\n

\n Shen Ci's expression was heavy, and he didn't utter a word.\n

\n\n

\n Xu Qingshan was a bit emotional, yet slightly relieved: "In any case, he seems to have grown up. Neither his mother nor I wish to see him like he was before."\n

\n\n

\n Shen Ci lowered his eyes, originally listening quietly. Suddenly, he let out a chuckle and asked: "Then what about how he is now?"\n

\n\n

\n The way he is now, is this what you want to see?\n

\n\n

\n Xu Qingshan was taken aback. Just as he was about to reply, Shen Ci waved his hand slightly: "Let's take him to the hospital while he's asleep."\n

\n\n

\n They gently pushed open the bedroom door. Xie Yu kept his eyes closed, pretending to be asleep. After Xu Qingshan confirmed the sedative had taken effect, he directed the medical staff to come up and carry him onto the ambulance.\n

\n\n

\n It was a forty-minute drive. Having slept for a day and a half, Xie Yu was long since fully rested. His mind was incredibly clear, but he had to keep his eyes closed and pretend to sleep, making these forty minutes somewhat difficult to endure.\n

\n\n

\n He summoned the System and asked it to play a movie on its electronic screen. The System brought up the movie library. After the man and system selected together, they decided to watch Fast & Furious. The tattooed big shots raced like lightning in the movie, while the ambulance beneath Xie Yu drove smoothly at a speed of thirty miles per hour, accompanied by the blaring wails of the siren, giving it quite a unique flavor.\n

\n\n

\n But as he watched, his attention drifted away from the screen.\n

\n\n

\n Shen Ci sat next to him and took his hand.\n

\n\n

\n His movements were very gentle, as if holding something precious. His fingertips rubbed over the dislocated joint, massaging the swollen flesh and blood to relax the congested blood vessels. It felt a little numb, and a little itchy.\n

\n\n

\n Xie Yu's eyelashes fluttered; he almost couldn't maintain his act.\n

\n\n

\n The ambulance took him all the way to Qingshan Psychiatric Hospital, where he was checked into the top-floor VIP suite. After a simple scan, Xu Qingshan prescribed some more medicine. To prevent Xie Yu from hurting himself, he also topped up the sedative. Xie Yu only felt a sting in his arm—the System very considerately blocked out this slight pain for him. After finishing all this, Xu Qingshan left.\n

\n\n

\n The ward was dead silent, leaving only Xie Yu and Shen Ci.\n

\n\n

\n Fast & Furious was still playing enthusiastically on the System's screen. It was right at the part where Diesel drove a car jumping across the Dubai Tower. The roaring sports car and the scattering glass shards were monumental. The top-tier industrial movie brought a bombardment of sensory stimulation. The System was already immersed in it, unable to extricate itself. Yet, none of this could pull back Xie Yu's attention.\n

\n\n

\n Shen Ci was still holding his hand.\n

\n\n

\n Where their skin touched, it felt both hot and itchy.\n

\n\n

\n The ward was quiet; the white noise of the central air conditioning humming could be heard. The lights weren't turned on, leaving the room in a gloomy dimness. Shen Ci just sat there in the dark, like a child about to lose something precious, tightly grasping Xie Yu's wrist in his palm. He clearly didn't say anything, nor did he do anything, and Xie Yu couldn't even see his expression, yet he knew clearly that Shen Ci was sad.\n

\n\n

\n Sad because he broke his finger.\n

\n\n

\n In the dense darkness, something heavy pressed against Xie Yu's chest, giving him a stifling sense of suffocation. He wanted to ask Shen Ci: "Why are you sad? This is just part of the plot." He wanted to say: "There's nothing to be sad about, I don't hurt at all." He even wanted to raise his finger and snap it right in front of Shen Ci to show him: "Look, it's very easy, it's no big deal."\n

\n\n

\n Time slipped away minute by minute, and the movie reached its end. The System was intoxicated by it, unable to extricate itself. Xie Yu glanced at the progress bar; more than half an hour had passed.\n

\n\n

\n Shen Ci, the CEO of Luo Corporation, through whose hands contracts worth millions and tens of millions flowed like water, yet he just sat here, accompanying Xie Yu for over half an hour.\n

\n\n

\n In the tranquility, Xie Yu clearly felt the passage of time. The hand grasping his wrist tightened and loosened, then completely let go. He was just hesitating whether to turn his head to look when his hand was suddenly rubbed by something.\n

\n\n

\n It was soft and fluffy; it was hair.\n

\n\n

\n Shen Ci had fallen asleep by the bedside.\n

\n\n

\n Last night, Xie Yu tossed and turned terribly, hugging him all night without letting go. When he finally woke up, he had a headache and started breaking his own fingers, making a huge scene. Shen Ci's nerves had been tightly strung the entire time, exhausting him completely. Now that he had relaxed slightly, he unexpectedly fell asleep.\n

\n\n

\n As if driven by demons and gods, Xie Yu ignored the noisy screen. He quietly reached out and turned on the small nightstand lamp.\n

\n\n

\n Shen Ci was indeed sleeping leaning against the bedside. Although his stature was not as large as Xie Yu's, he was still tall and slender. Sleeping curled up like this, his two long, straight legs had nowhere to rest, which was extremely uncomfortable. His gentle and beautiful brows were tightly furrowed, not knowing what he was dreaming about.\n

\n\n

\n Xie Yu couldn't hold back and gently rubbed the top of his hair. The texture was exactly the same as five years ago.\n

\n\n

\n Since returning to the country, Xie Yu hadn't properly looked at Shen Ci yet. He observed him closely, seeing how the little beauty had grown into a great beauty. The pad of his finger traced the contours of Shen Ci's eyes and finally stopped lightly at the outer corner of his eye, pausing completely.\n

\n\n

\n A faint redness flushed there.\n

\n\n

\n It was a very pale and pretty red, lightly hanging at the corner of his eye, like a smear of cherry-colored rouge. When a fingertip touched it, it was covered with a thin layer of moisture.\n

\n\n

\n He had cried.\n

\n\n

\n Although he never showed it in front of outsiders, and Xie Yu had never seen him shed tears, the traces at the corners of his eyes clearly showed that he had indeed cried.\n

\n\n

\n Xie Yu paused slightly.\n

\n\n

\n The Shen Ci in the original novel was an aloof and proud wooden beauty. No matter how the original owner tormented and humiliated him in a hundred different ways, he refused to beg for mercy, let alone shed a tear. But now, sleeping by Xie Yu's bedside, he had clearly cried.\n

\n\n

\n Why? Because Xie Yu broke his own finger bone?\n

\n\n

\n This sounded a bit ridiculous—the aloof protagonist of an abusive novel crying because an NPC broke a bone. But that was the truth, and Xie Yu had no choice but to believe it.\n

\n\n

\n Xie Yu stared blankly at the person beside his pillow, his emotions complex and hard to describe. After a moment, he smiled bitterly. Unsure whether he was asking Shen Ci or himself, he said: "I say, Teaching Assistant Shen, aren't you treating me a bit too well?"\n

","published_time":"2026-05-24T00:00:00.000Z","paid":false,"show_flag":true,"show_scheduled_time":"2026-05-24T00:00:00.000Z","unpaid_scheduled_time":"2026-05-24T00:00:00.000Z"},{"content_id":4419,"novel_id":71,"chapter_no":27,"chapter_title":"Passing Grade","content":"

\n Xie Yu stayed in the psychiatric hospital for more than two months.\n

\n\n

\n During this period, his emotions were stable, and he never engaged in any self-harming behavior again. Xu Qingshan observed carefully and concluded that Xie Yu shouldn't have any major issues, but there was a minor problem.\n

\n\n

\n —He would smile into the void for no reason.\n

\n\n

\n This kind of smiling was irregular. Sometimes it was in the morning, sometimes in the afternoon, and the duration was also irregular, sometimes lasting an hour, sometimes half an hour. When Xu Qingshan first stumbled upon this, he almost rushed in to inject Xie Yu with a tranquilizer. However, after observation, Xie Yu was just smiling. When you spoke to him, he was clear-headed and logically normal, without any other abnormalities.\n

\n\n

\n To be fair, Young Master Xie was good-looking, and his smile was sunny and cheerful. Except for the fact that him staring and smiling at the corner of the wall was a bit creepy, everything else was very pleasing to the eye.\n

\n\n

\n Xu Qingshan pondered for a moment and wrote on the medical record: "Suspected visual or auditory hallucinations caused by mental disorder, no other obvious symptoms."\n

\n\n

\n He sighed softly and shared this discovery with Shen Ci, who had come to visit.\n

\n\n

\n Shen Ci paused for a moment and didn't speak. He watched as Xu Qingshan tapped his fountain pen on the desk, hesitating for a moment. "Mr. Shen, you don't need to worry. We are a professional psychiatric hospital and will provide the best treatment. The other issue is..."\n

\n\n

\n "Do you need a diagnosis as well?" Xu Qingshan pushed his glasses up and smiled. "I mean no ill will, it's just that your obsessive-compulsive disorder seems to have gotten quite severe too."\n

\n\n

\n In the ward, Xie Yu and the System were happily picking a movie.\n

\n\n

\n "What are we watching today? Action again?"\n

\n\n

\n "...Is there anything else? I'm getting a little tired of it."\n

\n\n

\n "Comedy?"\n

\n\n

\n Although there was a TV in the ward, it was an old desktop model with a screen size of only 22 inches, not even as big as Xie Yu's computer. The screen quality was poor, the picture was blurry, and the sound was grating. How could it compare to the System directly broadcasting it in his mind, with a 75-inch large screen and lossless sound quality that was so much more thrilling?\n

\n\n

\n They had already finished watching nine Fast & Furious movies and six Transformers movies. They were sick and tired of watching explosions and recently planned to switch to comedies.\n

\n\n

\n The System picked Mr. & Mrs. Smith. Xie Yu lay on the bed watching, the corners of his mouth turning up, occasionally telling a cold joke to the System, completely unaware that in the notes Xu Qingshan made for him, his medical condition was no longer optimistic.\n

\n\n

\n This ward was a single VIP room. Thanks to his donation five years ago, the interior decor had been completely renovated, the mattress had been changed, and someone cooked meals for him every day. Although he had to get a shot every day, with the System around, these medications wouldn't have any effect. Xie Yu was so happy he didn't want to leave. He lived a comfortable and cozy life; the only thing missing was some popcorn.\n

\n\n

\n During the breaks in the movie, he took some time to argue with the System about the score.\n

\n\n

\n At this point in the plot, Xie Yu's part was basically over, just needing a little wrap-up work, and the score was practically set in stone. The System reasoned with him: "There are problems with some parts of the plot, especially after returning to China. You didn't say a lot of your lines, but we've gone through all the major plot points. You were dragged out of the gathering... Uh, although it wasn't Shen Ci who dragged you, and you didn't look like a dead dog, you were still dragged out after all."\n

\n\n

\n "Your finger, it was broken. Even though it wasn't Shen Ci who broke it, and only one was broken, not ten, but it was still broken."\n

\n\n

\n "The psychiatric hospital, mm, this point is the most accurate, you stayed in it... There is also a restraint strap plotline that you haven't completed." The System patted its non-existent fingers. "Let me see, your comprehensive score is 59.75. You're just a little bit short."\n

\n\n

\n The restraint strap plotline referred to when Shen Ci came to visit him, he would be lying on the bed tied with restraint straps, his heart like dead ashes and his face hollow, to show the miserable end of the villain.\n

\n\n

\n So Xie Yu shamelessly went to Xu Qingshan to ask for restraint straps.\n

\n\n

\n As a doctor with medical ethics, Xu Qingshan naturally wouldn't casually use restraint straps on patients. After all, this thing wasn't comfortable. He pushed up his glasses, scrutinized Xie Yu from head to toe, and frowned, "Your condition is quite stable, why do you need restraint straps?"\n

\n\n

\n 'Of course it's because of that unlucky 0.25%,' Xie Yu thought to himself, but facing Xu Qingshan, he still silently said sorry, and then said aloud, "I have violent impulses when I sleep."\n

\n\n

\n Xu Qingshan's eyes instantly became serious. He gazed at Xie Yu solemnly: "Can you specifically describe your feelings at the time?"\n

\n\n

\n Xie Yu: "...Uh."\n

\n\n

\n High school was a long time ago, and Xie Yu's memory of bipolar disorder had long faded. He relied on his sparse remaining memories to make something up: "I have visual hallucinations. I always feel like there are other people in the room."\n

\n\n

\n Xu Qingshan's fountain pen paused, drawing a long straight line on the medical record.\n

\n\n

\n It matched.\n

\n\n

\n He quietly increased the dosage of the medication.\n

\n\n

\n And that very night, Xie Yu got the restraint straps as he wished.\n

\n\n

\n This thing was a bit like a seatbelt, four fingers wide, tying up the four limbs to restrict movement. In order to prevent the patient from struggling blindly, they were often tied very tightly, which affected blood circulation. After a long time, the limbs would become numb and sore; it was not comfortable at all.\n

\n\n

\n 'All for that 0.25%,' Xie Yu thought.\n

\n\n

\n Shen Ci was very busy with work now, and for some unknown reason, he always visited in the dead of night. He never appeared when Xie Yu was awake, as if it was a taboo for him to be discovered.\n

\n\n

\n Xu Qingshan more or less guessed the awkward relationship between the two. He also believed that this beautiful young man wouldn't hurt his nephew, so after opening the door and letting Shen Ci in, he left him alone.\n

\n\n

\n Shen Ci sat down at the head of Xie Yu's bed.\n

\n\n

\n His gaze swept over the four restraint straps. He sat quietly for a long time, and only after a while did he tentatively reach out his hand and rest it on the marks left by the straps.\n

\n\n

\n He gently rubbed them.\n

\n\n

\n Xie Yu silently sighed.\n

\n\n

\n Shen Ci thought he came very late and that he was already asleep. But Xie Yu slept every day now, and his physical activity during the day was limited, so he was exceptionally awake at night. If he wasn't chatting with the System, he was watching a movie. Every time Shen Ci came, he was wide awake.\n

\n\n

\n The other party came under the cover of night and left under the cover of night. He only sat for ten to twenty minutes each time, looking hurried. Qingshan Psychiatric Hospital was quite far from the city, taking more than half an hour to drive. Going back and forth like this, Xie Yu couldn't help but worry that Shen Ci would be overly exhausted and get dark circles under his eyes.\n

\n\n

\n It would truly be a pity for such a beautiful person to get dark circles.\n

\n\n

\n As the number of visits increased, even someone as dense as Xie Yu felt something was wrong.\n

\n\n

\n Why was Shen Ci doing this?\n

\n\n

\n Five years ago, they met by chance. Although he didn't cause any actual harm, Xie Yu admitted that his attitude had been terrible, and he had even said some very idiotic second-generation rich kid things. After returning to China later on, even if Shen Ci didn't hate him to the bone, based on the plot completion, he shouldn't be so... caring.\n

\n\n

\n He lay on the bed, thinking silently. The System was still blasting the movie. Today it was a comedy, and it was watching happily, trying to find Xie Yu to discuss the plot, when suddenly there was a ding in the background, and a notification popped up.\n

\n\n

\n "50% plot completion achieved."\n

\n\n

\n At this, both the System and Xie Yu froze.\n

\n\n

\n After a brief lag, the System let out a long sigh of relief.\n

\n\n

\n Although it was its first time guiding a host, based on the experience of its seniors, Xie Yu's level of difficulty could definitely rank in the top three. He looked lackadaisical and careless, but he was more stubborn than anyone else in his bones. Once he set his mind on something, he refused to take a single wrong step, so much so that the plot became a total mess with no order whatsoever.\n

\n\n

\n Fortunately, the dust had now settled, and this mission was finally successfully completed.\n

\n\n

\n The System poked its host, its tone excited: "Host, it's a success! You can go home!"\n

\n\n

\n When Xie Yu initially signed the contract with it, the condition was that upon reaching 50% completion, Xie Yu could return to his world.\n

\n\n

\n Xie Yu, however, was slightly stunned and didn't speak for a long time.\n

\n\n

\n He had agreed to do tasks for the System because he had died inexplicably in his previous life. Not long after his mental illness was completely cured, and just after escaping the gloom cast by his father, he suddenly died. He was very unwilling, which was why he agreed.\n

\n\n

\n But truthfully speaking, he was used to coming and going alone. In his previous life, he really didn't have anyone he cared about.\n

\n\n

\n Later, when he arrived here and followed the plot, he also had the mindset of a casual bystander. He didn't put much heart into it and didn't put in much effort. His meeting with Zhou Yang was a chance encounter; he and Xie Yuanshan and He Zhiyuan mutually disliked each other; he didn't care at all about Xie Yuanhai; as for Shen Ci... it was hard to say.\n

\n\n

\n He knew the predetermined ending early on, making even the process seem dull. The only thing that could be considered his own independent choice was reading a bit more during his study abroad. That school had a tight curriculum and high graduation difficulty. He actually lived quite a fulfilling life and enjoyed a university experience he had never imagined having in his previous life.\n

\n\n

\n Besides that, there was nothing else worth praising.\n

\n\n

\n But now that he had finally reached the ending, he felt a little lost.\n

\n\n

\n Xie Yu closed his eyes: "If I choose to leave, what will happen here?"\n

\n\n

\n The System froze for a moment: "Uh..."\n

\n\n

\n It thought for a bit: "In the plot, 'Xie Yu' hasn't died yet. After you leave, I will create a replica of 'Xie Yu's' body and let him temporarily fall into a coma. Of course, there are still some brief, scattered plot points later on, namely Shen Ci coming to the psychiatric hospital to visit 'Xie Yu.' You can come back and act them out then."\n

\n\n

\n The original owner was an unimportant supporting character in the novel. The ending only had a few sentences, and he wouldn't need to come back many times. It would have almost no impact on Xie Yu's life in his own world.\n

\n\n

\n Xie Yu didn't speak.\n

\n\n

\n The restraint straps bound his limbs; the only thing he could move was his neck. He slightly turned his face and looked at Shen Ci by the window.\n

\n\n

\n Shen Ci had stood up at some point and was facing away from him, looking out the window, not knowing what he was thinking about. The curtains in the ward weren't drawn. A bright moon hung high in the sky, and the moonlight shining down made things look somewhat lonely.\n

\n\n

\n If this body fell into an unconscious coma from now on, Shen Ci would probably still come to see him. Perhaps once every few days, once every few months, or once every few years. But no matter what, every time he came to visit, he would probably be sad.\n

\n\n

\n Xie Yu sighed softly and said, "Let's not go back for now."\n

\n\n

\n The System didn't understand what he was thinking. He had gone through so much hardship to achieve the goal, yet he wasn't going back immediately. Still, it nodded blankly: "Okay."\n

\n\n

\n With the plot completed and no more System restrictions, in Xu Qingshan's eyes, Xie Yu was getting better day by day.\n

\n\n

\n Other than that one night, he never asked for restraint straps again. Although he still spaced out facing the corner of the wall, he no longer showed that creepy smile.\n

\n\n

\n ...Actually, it was because they had finished watching all the good comedies, and the System and Xie Yu had switched to watching drama films.\n

\n\n

\n Shen Ci still came to visit him from time to time. Xie Yu took his medicine and watched movies as usual. Everything was peaceful and uneventful. However, Xie Yuanhai, who hadn't contacted Xie Yu for a long time, suddenly called and invited him to attend the Xie family's banquet. At that time, a group of shareholders and Jiang City celebrities would attend, and they would also discuss the issue of equity transfer.\n

\n\n

\n This call was novel. When Xie Yuanhai's deep bass voice came from the phone, Xie Yu even thought he had called the wrong person. He covered the receiver and asked the System, "When did this plotline exist?"\n

\n\n

\n The System shrugged: "The plot has already ended. Anything is possible going forward."\n

\n\n

\n They analyzed it briefly. It was possible that by this point in the original plot, all of Xie Yu's contact methods had been controlled by Shen Ci. The original owner had inherited part of his father's equity and should have had a place at the shareholder meeting. Although the equity would soon be manipulated away by Xie Yuanhai's schemes, Xie Yu had rushed through the plot, so this part of the content hadn't happened yet. Now, inviting him to attend and taking the opportunity to coerce and bribe him into signing a transfer contract was quite reasonable.\n

\n\n

\n The System: "Host, are you going?"\n

\n\n

\n Xie Yu: "Let's go. I'm idle with nothing to do anyway."\n

\n\n

\n The cashed-out equity would be a large sum of money. At that time, whether he used it to upgrade hospital facilities for Xu Qingshan or just donated it to a charity organization, it would be better than being stuck with it when the Xie family's stock price plummeted after Xie Yuanhai got into trouble.\n

\n\n

\n His condition was stable now, and it wasn't impossible for him to leave. It was just that Xu Qingshan wanted to keep him for a couple more days of observation, which was why he hadn't been discharged from the hospital.\n

\n\n

\n On the day of the banquet, he borrowed Xu Qingshan's dilapidated Santana. He rummaged around and found that the suit at the bottom of his trunk hadn't been taken care of for a long time and was horribly wrinkled. So, he simply threw on some casual clothes and drove there.\n

\n\n

\n The banquet was held in a high-end hotel. The parking lot was full of luxury cars: Bentleys, Mercedes-Benzes, Maseratis. Xie Yu hit the brakes, and the Santana wobbled its way into the group of luxury cars, stopping with a clatter. He himself was relaxed and content, but he scared the directing security guard half to death.\n

\n\n

\n —"Mother of God, a highly skilled person is truly bold. If he scraped one, wouldn't he go bankrupt paying for it?"\n

\n\n

\n Xie Yu's mission was complete, and he could leave whenever he wanted, so why would he care about this? He pulled out the keys and went upstairs, completely ignoring the security guard's strange look, and asked, "I'm going to the W Hotel, could you tell me which way to the elevator?"\n

\n\n

\n Following the directions, he found his way to the entrance of the banquet hall. From afar, he saw the greeters. Xie Yuanhai's biological son, Xie Yi, was welcoming guests at the door. He was wearing a handmade custom suit, with a Swiss luxury watch on his wrist, looking in high spirits. Now that Xie Yuanhai had taken over the company, he was considered the first in line to inherit; it could be said that he was riding the crest of success.\n

\n\n

\n The original owner wasn't familiar with this cousin, and Xie Yu didn't even recognize him at all. He had purely come to get the money and freeload a meal along the way. He had no interest whatsoever in who took over the company. He nodded in greeting and walked inside.\n

\n\n

\n Xie Yi, however, was taken aback and blurted out, "You're dressed like this?"\n

\n\n

\n Everyone present was a notable figure in Jiang City. The ladies were all uniformly in high heels and evening gowns, and the gentlemen in shirts, ties, and tailcoats. Xie Yu was shuffling around in sports shoes, his entire outfit not exceeding three hundred yuan.\n

\n\n

\n Xie Yu waved his hand: "I'm down and out, it's not like the old days."\n

\n\n

\n ......\n

\n\n

\n Xie Yi looked at him with a strange expression.\n

\n\n

\n He knew this cousin Xie Yu. He had a bad temper and hated being overshadowed by others more than anything. Now he was so shabby, which was practically a complete disgrace, yet he didn't have any reaction?\n

\n\n

\n Someone bumped into him: "What are you looking at?"\n

\n\n

\n Xie Yi withdrew his gaze: "My cousin, he's a bit odd."\n

\n\n

\n The man picked up his wine glass: "Want me to test him out for you?"\n

\n\n

\n Xie Yu strolled in leisurely and found a seat on the edge. Everyone present was socializing, and no one paid attention to him. The announcement regarding the equity was placed at the end of the banquet, so he could only wait for now.\n

\n\n

\n While drinking champagne, Xie Yu asked the System: "Will Shen Ci come?"\n

\n\n

\n It was strange to say; they stayed in the same room every few nights, yet they hadn't seen each other for a long time. After taking his medicine, Xie Yu would dutifully pretend to sleep, while Shen Ci would sit without a word and then leave, let alone speak. It got to the point where if Xie Yu wanted to strike up a conversation with him, he had to find an occasion like a banquet.\n

\n\n

\n The System: "This concerns a major change in equity, there is an 87% probability that he will come."\n

\n\n

\n It asked curiously: "If you meet, what are you going to say to him? Say goodbye?"\n

\n\n

\n Xie Yu's movement of swirling his wine glass paused slightly. Then he smiled and said vaguely, "Perhaps."\n

\n\n

\n But the moment he thought of this kind of ending, his heart suddenly contracted and throbbed, turning into an unspeakable, hidden pain.\n

","published_time":"2026-05-24T00:00:00.000Z","paid":false,"show_flag":true,"show_scheduled_time":"2026-05-24T00:00:00.000Z","unpaid_scheduled_time":"2026-05-24T00:00:00.000Z"},{"content_id":4420,"novel_id":71,"chapter_no":28,"chapter_title":"Knife Fish","content":"

\n Halfway through the banquet, Shen Ci arrived as expected.\n

\n\n

\n He seemed to have just gotten off work. Dressed in a meticulous suit and leather shoes, he handed his coat to a waiter upon entering the venue, then glanced around. His gaze landed fleetingly on Xie Yu before quickly shifting away.\n

\n\n

\n The System was quite curious: "If he didn't visit the prison so often, I really would've thought he didn't know you."\n

\n\n

\n In front of outsiders, Shen Ci was always aloof and noble, with a cold appearance and a cold tone. Xie Yu admired this for a good while until someone sat next to him and chuckled, "Young Master Xie?"\n

\n\n

\n Xie Yu turned his head. It was a young master he didn't recognize, though they had briefly crossed paths at the reception area. He had been walking with Xie Yi.\n

\n\n

\n Xie Yu nodded politely. "Can I help you?"\n

\n\n

\n The man said, "I see you've been staring at CEO Shen. Do you know him?"\n

\n\n

\n It was no secret in Jiang City that Shen Ci had followed Xie Yu when he was down and out. This time, upon Xie Yu's return to the country, many were waiting to see him make a fool of himself, wanting to see when the once precious and noble Young Master Xie would be put in his place. The man's words could be considered a provocation.\n

\n\n

\n Xie Yu's expression remained neutral. "I know him. What about it?"\n

\n\n

\n The man let out a heh. "Aren't you going up to offer a toast and say hello?"\n

\n\n

\n He was deliberately mocking Xie Yu to reclaim face for the current young master of the Xie Family. Little did he know, Xie Yu just gave him a look, then turned his head away and ignored him.\n

\n\n

\n As if he were looking at a jumping clown.\n

\n\n

\n The man, realizing he had snubbed himself, walked away with his wine.\n

\n\n

\n However, truth be told, Xie Yu did want to chat with Shen Ci.\n

\n\n

\n He didn't know what to talk about either; it was just that the task was completed, yet some regrets remained, so he wanted to have a proper face-to-face conversation.\n

\n\n

\n Shen Ci was sitting in the middle of the banquet, surrounded by layers of people. Xie Yu, now a nobody, couldn't squeeze his way in. He circled the outer periphery twice with his wine but completely failed to find an opening.\n

\n\n

\n Everyone at the banquet was busy socializing and indeed had no time to pay attention to him. Xie Yu couldn't be bothered to squeeze in either, so he simply sat down on the outskirts and spaced out around the round table.\n

\n\n

\n He didn't care, but unfortunately, there were people who cared a lot. The young master of the Xie family was used to being domineering, and many people wanted to see him fall from grace—the harder the fall, the more satisfying it was. Xie Yu overheard a few scattered remarks, mostly mocking his cheap clothes, calling them street stall goods, and saying he could no longer afford his usual brands. Some even mentioned he was driving a Santana, which was two or three tiers lower compared to a Bentley.\n

\n\n

\n Xie Yu was indifferent. In his own world, he couldn't even afford a Santana.\n

\n\n

\n These voices weren't quiet, and some were even deliberately meant for Shen Ci to hear. Amidst the hustle and bustle, the chatter suddenly quieted down halfway through.\n

\n\n

\n Shen Ci raised his hand and clapped, making a gesture to stop. "Alright, let's get back to the investment."\n

\n\n

\n The gossip about Young Master Xie was, after all, just a sideshow; the investment was the important matter. The topic returned to the right track. Who would have thought that twenty minutes later, a waiter leaned in beside Xie Yu and whispered, "Mr. Xie, could you please head to the private booth? Mr. Shen would like to meet with you."\n

\n\n

\n Xie Yu looked up. Shen Ci was still in the middle of the crowd, turning his head to explain something, not glancing in his direction at all.\n

\n\n

\n Xie Yu nodded at the waiter. "Naturally."\n

\n\n

\n The banquet had private booths for private conversations, well-stocked with food and drinks. Xie Yu had only taken a couple of shallow sips of wine when Shen Ci arrived.\n

\n\n

\n His gaze swept over Xie Yu, skimming over his street-stall clothes, and his eyelids drooped slightly. It was hard to tell if it was mockery or something else: "You've really fallen into such a state."\n

\n\n

\n Xie Yu's hand holding the wine glass paused.\n

\n\n

\n Shen Ci knew best what state he was in right now. Saying it out loud in front of him intentionally was a bit strange.\n

\n\n

\n Xie Yu wasn't angry; he said lightly, "Mm."\n

\n\n

\n Shen Ci sat down opposite him. "Are you really planning to hand over the Xie Consortium's shares to others?"\n

\n\n

\n "Xie Yuanhai has been operating in secret. The price they are offering you is far below the market value. Add in inheritance tax and other issues, and what you actually get in hand won't exceed this amount."\n

\n\n

\n Xie Yu tilted his head to look. Shen Ci wrote a string of numbers on a piece of white paper. He didn't count clearly how many zeros there were. This amount was enough for most people to live comfortably for a lifetime, but for the spending habits of second-generation heirs, it would be slightly stretched.\n

\n\n

\n Shen Ci continued, "As far as I know, you have a debt relationship of millions with He Zhiyuan and the others?"\n

\n\n

\n His attitude was cold, and his voice was cold, as if devoid of any emotion. Xie Yu recalled, "Yes."\n

\n\n

\n The two of them used to go out and spend money together. Both were top-tier elites of Jiang City, and neither cared about a million or two. Later, when He Zhiyuan fell from grace and the two had a falling out, if they really went to court, Xie Yu did indeed owe a few million.\n

\n\n

\n Shen Ci said indifferently, "If you want to repay this money, I'm afraid you'll have to work for twenty or thirty years."\n

\n\n

\n Xie Yu: "..."\n

\n\n

\n He still had several million on his card, so he wasn't actually short on money. Besides, the task was completed, and he would be leaving soon.\n

\n\n

\n But as Xie Yu scanned Shen Ci, he saw his fingertips gripping the table tightly, unconsciously exerting force as if he were nervous. Seeing this, Xie Yu couldn't bring himself to say those words.\n

\n\n

\n He asked good-naturedly, "Then what should I do?"\n

\n\n

\n Shen Ci didn't look at him. After a long while, he finally said, "In your current situation, you must be strapped for cash, right?"\n

\n\n

\n His tone was cold and hard, carrying a hint of bravado and an attempt to cover something up.\n

\n\n

\n Xie Yu ignored the balance on his card and played along, "Uh, yes?"\n

\n\n

\n Shen Ci: "I can help you take back the shares you deserve."\n

\n\n

\n Xie Yu didn't reply, vaguely guessing what Shen Ci wanted to do.\n

\n\n

\n In all fairness, he didn't need the equity. But the Shen Ci in front of him looked slightly haggard, with faint dark circles under his eyes—the result of rushing between the company and the psychiatric hospital these past few days. Those beautiful eyes were downcast... Shen Ci was clearly already among the top elites of Jiang City, but looking at him now, he actually seemed somewhat down and out.\n

\n\n

\n Seeing this, Xie Yu felt a slight astringency in his chest, making him unable to utter words of refusal.\n

\n\n

\n When he was hospitalized for an illness as a child, no one ever came to visit him, not even once.\n

\n\n

\n Xie Yu asked, "Then what should I do?"\n

\n\n

\n Shen Ci remained calm. "Sign an agreement with me, just like the one you signed with me five years ago."\n

\n\n

\n When he said this, he had no expression and didn't look at Xie Yu. It was as if he wasn't looking for a lover, but negotiating a highly valuable business deal. He lacked any of the careless, hedonistic swagger of a young master. His fingertips pressed against the tabletop, and the faint veins visible on the back of his hand betrayed a subtle anxiety.\n

\n\n

\n ...What was he anxious about?\n

\n\n

\n Xie Yu was clearly the one waiting for a price, yet he was the one who was anxious.\n

\n\n

\n Xie Yu could even imagine how devastated Shen Ci would be if he refused. His meticulously styled hair would probably droop, and those clear, cold eyes would lose their luster... All these thoughts made it impossible for him to say the words.\n

\n\n

\n Even during the past six months, he had never made Shen Ci this sad.\n

\n\n

\n He couldn't bear to see Shen Ci so sad.\n

\n\n

\n The System was already shocked by the derailed plot. It circled Xie Yu, even more anxious than he was, muttering, "What kind of play is this? Ah? Is there even such a plotline? But the task is complete, and the host is leaving soon. Host? Why aren't you speaking? Host?!"\n

\n\n

\n Its voice abruptly came to a halt.\n

\n\n

\n Only to hear Xie Yu chuckle lightly, "Alright."\n

\n\n

\n He agreed crisply and decisively, without the slightest hesitation. His tone was calm and gentle, as if he weren't signing an agreement involving personal freedom, but merely asking what to have for dinner.\n

\n\n

\n System: "?!"\n

\n\n

\n It asked in disbelief, "Host, don't you want to go home?"\n

\n\n

\n Xie Yu was usually lackadaisical, letting nothing bother him, but he was a man of his word. Having signed the agreement, he absolutely wouldn't leave, at least within its timeframe.\n

\n\n

\n But wasn't the agreement initially made just so he could go home?\n

\n\n

\n The System was bewildered.\n

\n\n

\n Xie Yu waved it away. "I won't go back for now."\n

\n\n

\n There was no one at home anyway.\n

\n\n

\n Xie Yu had always been emotionally detached from his family. This was true in this life, and it had been true in his previous life as well. His mother died early, and as for his father, Xie Yu considered him completely dead. So much so that when he closed his eyes at death, he didn't have anyone to miss. Later, he only agreed to the System because he didn't want to die so suddenly. As for having much nostalgia for his previous life, he really didn't.\n

\n\n

\n But certain people in this world made him feel a bit of nostalgia.\n

\n\n

\n Shen Ci let out an almost imperceptible sigh of relief. He slid a contract over, adopting a businesslike demeanor. "Xie Yuanhai has significant ambitions and is autocratic and ruthless. Over the past few months, he has swallowed up a large portion of the market, which has greatly impacted our company's overseas expansion share. Supporting you to rise to power is beneficial to us, so it can be considered a win-win situation."\n

\n\n

\n The System was dumbfounded. "Is that true? Why do I remember that in the original text during this segment, the Xie Consortium was beaten so badly they couldn't find north? In two months, they're supposed to face a stock price crisis and be on the verge of delisting. Just like that, they can still seize market share?"\n

\n\n

\n It sighed, "As expected, a centipede dies but never falls down. Xie Yuanhai is quite calculating and astute."\n

\n\n

\n "...I told you not to misuse idioms."\n

\n\n

\n Xie Yu held down the chattering System, nodded at Shen Ci, and agreed, "Indeed so."\n

\n\n

\n Once the agreement was signed, Shen Ci visibly relaxed. "I've written out the conditions clearly. If you want to buy a car, buy a watch, or any daily expenses, you can put them on my tab."\n

\n\n

\n The agreement was quite thick. Xie Yu flipped through it roughly. It was much better than the one he had given Shen Ci back then. There were none of those outrageous demands, such as BDSM or sleeping together.\n

\n\n

\n The agreement was signed in duplicate, and they each put away their copy. Having settled a matter weighing on his mind, Shen Ci stood up. "I'll head back to the banquet first. Wait for me after it ends, and we'll leave together."\n

\n\n

\n Shen Ci was one of the central figures of the banquet; he really couldn't stay away for too long.\n

\n\n

\n Xie Yu pulled the door open for him, his movements quite gentlemanly. "After you."\n

\n\n

\n The small booth fell quiet for a moment.\n

\n\n

\n Xie Yu took out his phone. The System spun left and right beside him, suspicious. "Are you really not leaving?"\n

\n\n

\n Xie Yu casually scrolled through the pages. "Am I getting in the way of your next task?"\n

\n\n

\n "Not exactly," the System muttered. "I guess I'm on vacation too. Next time I look for a host, I'll have to keep my eyes peeled. I definitely can't find one like you again."\n

\n\n

\n 50 points! Heaven knows how much it had sacrificed for its host, only to get a measly 50 points!\n

\n\n

\n Xie Yu had no time to deal with it, staring blankly at his phone. The System drifted over curiously to take a look, finding the screen filled with colorful images of fish and meat, accompanied by potatoes and scallions. On the side, the ratios of scallion, ginger, and garlic were detailed, teaching how to blanch and remove fishy smells.\n

\n\n

\n Xie Yu was actually looking at recipes.\n

\n\n

\n System: "? What are you doing?"\n

\n\n

\n Xie Yu didn't even lift his head. "Learning the self-cultivation of a kept man."\n

\n\n

\n "...?"\n

\n\n

\n Xie Yu continued flipping through: "The agreement is signed. This is within my duties."\n

\n\n

\n The System was surprised. "You can tear up this agreement at any time. Are you really going to abide by it?"\n

\n\n

\n As long as Xie Yu said the word, he could return immediately.\n

\n\n

\n Xie Yu: "I want to."\n

\n\n

\n Xie Yu wasn't stupid. He had more or less sensed Shen Ci's feelings, but at the time, he only considered himself a passing traveler here and hadn't planned to stay long, so he deliberately kept his distance. But when it was truly time to leave, he found himself conflicted and hesitant.\n

\n\n

\n Once he returned there, there would be no one watching over his hospital bed anymore.\n

\n\n

\n Laying these hidden thoughts out plainly, it just meant he couldn't bear to part. Xie Yu asked himself honestly; he was somewhat reluctant to just walk away, reluctant to part with the accommodation and care, and even more reluctant... to make the great beauty sad.\n

\n\n

\n Fortunately, he had always been a free-spirited person. Since he had made up his mind to stay, he would do it well.\n

\n\n

\n The System was rendered speechless: "...Alright then."\n

\n\n

\n Xie Yu remembered Shen Ci's tastes. He preferred light flavors, liked shrimp and fish, preferably steamed or boiled. When taking him out to eat in the past, these were the two dishes he picked at the most.\n

\n\n

\n Since it was late at night, fresh fish and shrimp were hard to buy. Xie Yu located a nearby seafood market and texted Shen Ci: "I'm stepping out for a bit."\n

\n\n

\n He typed while pulling open the booth door to walk out. Meanwhile, Shen Ci, in the center of the banquet, casually glanced at his phone, instantly paused, and then furrowed his brows.\n

\n\n

\n The two hadn't added each other as contacts, but it was incredibly easy for Shen Ci to find out Xie Yu's number. The moment the message popped up, he knew who it was from.\n

\n\n

\n Shen Ci softly excused himself, opened the chat box in a secluded spot, his fingers hovering over the screen. The anxiety he had just suppressed came rushing back.\n

\n\n

\n He wanted to remind Xie Yu that they had signed an agreement, wanted to remind Xie Yu that the stock transfer hadn't been completed yet and what belonged to him wasn't in his hands, and also wanted to remind him that he had just agreed to leave together with him...\n

\n\n

\n But before he could clumsily finish typing in the input box, Xie Yu slowly popped up another message: "The food at the banquet today is a bit unpalatable, and the beef is overcooked. Let's have an extra meal tonight?"\n

\n\n

\n Shen Ci was stunned.\n

\n\n

\n Xie Yu continued slowly: "Actually, I can cook. Do you want to try it?"\n

\n\n

\n After sending that, Xie Yu remembered that Shen Ci was picky with food. When they first met at the hotel, even though he was so terrified, he still interrupted Xie Yu's ordering. He was very hard to please. So Xie Yu added: "My cooking skills are pretty good, not much worse than a restaurant."\n

\n\n

\n He stayed on the typing interface, so Shen Ci's side kept displaying that he was typing. The highly revered CEO Shen stood just like that in the shadowy corner, staring at his worn-out phone, his palms sweating slightly.\n

\n\n

\n He didn't understand what Xie Yu wanted to do.\n

\n\n

\n Just a few days ago, he was still aloof and distant, acting as if they didn't know each other. Because of a paper agreement, the change was this huge?\n

\n\n

\n Promising to buy him cars and watches made Xie Yu this happy?\n

\n\n

\n 'That's good too,' Shen Ci thought to himself, 'I have plenty of money now.'\n

\n\n

\n Xie Yu adjusted his clothes and went downstairs, completely unaware of these convoluted thoughts. When Shen Ci didn't reply, he thought he hadn't seen it, so he continued slowly: "What do you want to eat? I see knife fish is in season. They're quite fresh recently. Do you want some?"\n

\n\n

\n Knife fish is a migratory fish. Every year, it migrates from the coastal waters to the Yangtze River. It's only commonly seen in January and February. Eating it now means catching the first batch of the season's fresh harvest.\n

\n\n

\n This thing was sold expensively. Wild ones cost several thousands per catty. Ordinary shops didn't have them; one had to look for them specifically. Xie Yu rarely ate it normally, but since today was a rare occasion, he wanted to buy it for Shen Ci to try.\n

\n\n

\n Shen Ci replied at lightning speed: "Okay."\n

\n\n

\n Actually, Xie Yu's belief that Shen Ci was hard to please was a pure misunderstanding. Shen Ci had been raised roughly since childhood; he wasn't picky about food or drink, nor was he particular. When Xie Yu mentioned knife fish, he didn't even know what it was.\n

\n\n

\n And so, Xie Yu dragged his sneakers over to the seafood market, carefully selected a plump and energetic fish, had the boss stun and clean it with one knife strike, and brought it back in a red plastic bag. He didn't really like the atmosphere of the banquet, so he simply went into the parking lot and sat cross-legged in the Santana.\n

\n\n

\n Xie Yu took a photo of the plastic bag in his hand and sent it over: "Bought it. It's over two catties."\n

\n\n

\n A moment later, he typed again: "I'll wait for you in the parking lot."\n

\n\n

\n Upstairs, the big shots of Jiang City were seated in their respective places, arguing over equity until their saliva flew and their faces turned red. Shen Ci quietly lit up his phone and looked at the message Xie Yu had sent.\n

\n\n

\n A casually snapped photo, lacking any refinement in composition or color, featuring Xie Yu in casual clothes with only half his body visible, and the cheap plastic bag in his hand.\n

\n\n

\n Very ordinary, and full of earthly warmth.\n

\n\n

\n Previously, when Xie Yu stayed in Xingfu Neighborhood for three days, Shen Ci accompanied him next door for three days. At every mealtime, piping hot steam would rise from next door, the aroma of stir-fried scallion and ginger diffusing through the air, and chicken or pork rib soup would bubble away in a clay pot. Meanwhile, Shen Ci ate hotel catering; although it consisted of expensive ingredients—one dish costing as much as countless dishes of Xie Yu's—he desperately wanted to taste the flavor from Xie Yu's pot.\n

\n\n

\n He hadn't expected that on the very first day of signing the agreement, he would get such an opportunity.\n

\n\n

\n Shen Ci pondered his words before typing: "I live in a hotel and don't have a stove, so there might not be a place to cook?"\n

\n\n

\n The moment the message was sent, it showed Xie Yu was typing.\n

\n\n

\n He typed slowly. The car was toasty with the heater on, and his fingers were curled inside his coat, reluctant to stretch out. Xie Yu tapped the words one by one, completely oblivious to the anxiety on the other side of the screen.\n

\n\n

\n It felt like an instant, yet also like a long time had passed. Xie Yu: "Can we go to my house? It's an old house my mom bought, but the conditions are a bit poor. You might not be used to it."\n

\n\n

\n "...!"\n

\n\n

\n Of course, Shen Ci wouldn't mind. He waited for a moment to make the message seem less eager, appearing aloof and reserved, before clicking send: "Sure."\n

\n\n

\n The power play in the room was still continuing. After his brief reply, Shen Ci had to bring most of his attention back. Throughout the process, he kept looking at his watch, his brows furrowing deeper and deeper.\n

\n\n

\n Thinking back to those previous years, Shen Ci was always the last to leave. During high school evening self-study, he was the last in the class to leave; during undergraduate and postgraduate lab sessions, he was the last to leave the laboratory; later, when he joined Roche, he worked the latest overtime. It was only because after his grandmother was hospitalized, his home was destitute, empty, and silent. In the dead of night, his home felt like a hollow tomb without a trace of human presence. Rather than going back to suffer in bitterness, it was better to stay longer at the company or school.\n

\n\n

\n But now, recalling the rising steam from Xingfu Neighborhood, he didn't want to waste any more time with a bunch of wrinkled old geezers.\n

\n\n

\n This was the day Shen Ci wanted to get off work the most in his entire life.\n

","published_time":"2026-05-24T00:00:00.000Z","paid":false,"show_flag":true,"show_scheduled_time":"2026-05-24T00:00:00.000Z","unpaid_scheduled_time":"2026-05-24T00:00:00.000Z"},{"content_id":4421,"novel_id":71,"chapter_no":29,"chapter_title":"Sharing a Bed","content":"

\n At the meeting, Shen Ci was uncharacteristically tough. He refused to yield even an inch, his words stern and cold, causing the major shareholders to look at him sideways.\n

\n\n

\n The two groups competed and cooperated with each other, having many joint investment projects. Shen Ci came prepared, causing Xie Yuanhai to suffer many hidden losses. He nearly crushed his teeth in anger. As soon as the shareholders walked out of the hall, he smashed his teacup onto the ground with a bang.\n

\n\n

\n The sky-blue teacup shattered into pieces, leaving debris all over the floor. Xie Yuanhai's gaze was gloomy: "This is going too far!"\n

\n\n

\n Shen Ci had no time to care about that.\n

\n\n

\n He let his secretaries go home first, then walked around to the parking lot. At the corner, he carefully tidied his appearance, smoothing out every wrinkle on his suit before arriving beside the Santana and knocking on the car window.\n

\n\n

\n Xie Yu had been waiting for a long time and was playing Anipop. Seeing Shen Ci, he opened the door to let him in. His gaze swept over the other's clothes, and he was slightly taken aback: "Aren't you cold?"\n

\n\n

\n Wearing a suit at a banquet was proper etiquette, but most people would have their assistants hold their coats and wrap themselves up as soon as they went out.\n

\n\n

\n There was no air conditioning in the parking lot. Xie Yu cast him a sideways glance: "Where's your windbreaker? Why aren't you wearing it?"\n

\n\n

\n Shen Ci paused slightly: "I'm not cold."\n

\n\n

\n Xie Yu looked at him in amusement. His fingers and cheeks were slightly red, yet he was still saying he wasn't cold.\n

\n\n

\n He pulled a blanket from the trunk and threw it over: "Make do with this for now. I'll give you one of my down jackets when we get home."\n

\n\n

\n Shen Ci reached out and gathered the blanket around himself: "Aren't you going to ask about the final result of the stocks?"\n

\n\n

\n There was a hint of wanting to claim credit.\n

\n\n

\n Xie Yu didn't care about stocks. As a person from another world, stocks weren't even as important as his steamed fish tonight.\n

\n\n

\n But since Shen Ci mentioned it, Xie Yu still asked: "How did the stocks go?"\n

\n\n

\n Shen Ci: "The amount wasn't small. It can be considered a satisfying conclusion."\n

\n\n

\n Xie Yu gave a noncommittal "Mm": "Thank you."\n

\n\n

\n He turned the key. The old Santana let out a creak, and the engine shuddered three times before finally starting.\n

\n\n

\n Shen Ci surreptitiously examined the car's interior. The leather was old and peeling, and the sponge padding was exposed in many places—in the past, let alone drive it, Young Master Xie wouldn't even sit in this car.\n

\n\n

\n Shen Ci mentioned, seemingly unintentionally: "Rolls-Royce has released a new model."\n

\n\n

\n They happened to be taking a turn. Xie Yu turned his head to look at the rearview mirror and, upon hearing this, said: "Oh, really?"\n

\n\n

\n His tone was flat, a kind of polite social brush-off, showing no interest.\n

\n\n

\n Shen Ci: "Bentley has also released..."\n

\n\n

\n Xie Yu finally turned the steering wheel and drove onto the main road. This Santana had some years on it; the steering wheel was heavy and felt stiff to turn, requiring quite some effort.\n

\n\n

\n Shen Ci had brought up cars twice in a row, and Xie Yu figured out what he was getting at. He shook his head: "I don't really need one."\n

\n\n

\n Xie Yu had few material desires and didn't care much about this.\n

\n\n

\n Shen Ci pressed his lips together unnaturally.\n

\n\n

\n Xie Yu's refusal to accept gifts made him feel uneasy instead.\n

\n\n

\n Xie Yu had no choice but to say: "I'll tell you when I want one, alright?"\n

\n\n

\n Shen Ci nodded.\n

\n\n

\n It was already night. The small roads in the old city district were empty and quiet, with no pedestrians. Under the cover of night, they drove into the Xingfu Neighborhood.\n

\n\n

\n Xie Yu dug out a long down jacket from home and handed it to Shen Ci: "Put this on."\n

\n\n

\n The air conditioning in the old neighborhood wasn't great at heating.\n

\n\n

\n Xie Yu was tall, so the clothes size was a bit large. After putting it on, it truly wrapped Shen Ci up completely.\n

\n\n

\n After five years of experience abroad, Xie Yu was very skilled at cooking. Heating the pan and oil was done in one smooth motion. Shen Ci didn't sit down; he just stood to the side like a door god in the kitchen. Xie Yu then handed him a kitchen knife: "Chop the vegetables for me."\n

\n\n

\n This was an old-fashioned kitchen in a relocation neighborhood, only big enough for one person to move around. With both of them squeezed in here, bumping into each other was inevitable. One's hand would brush past the other's waist, or their hips and legs would accidentally touch. In this freezing weather, Shen Ci grew hotter and hotter inside the down jacket. By the time he finally finished chopping the vegetables, he simply washed his face with cold water.\n

\n\n

\n Xie Yu placed the fish in the steamer and set the timer: "Done, let's go out and wait."\n

\n\n

\n They sat down in the living room, and Shen Ci looked around. This old house was over twenty years old. The original owner grew up here when he was a child before being taken home by Xie Yuanshan. There were still traces of the original owner's scribbles on the walls.\n

\n\n

\n Looking at those pitch-black lines, Shen Ci actually found them quite cute.\n

\n\n

\n He reached out and touched them: "Did you draw this?"\n

\n\n

\n "Uh..." Xie Yu hesitated for a moment and said honestly, "No."\n

\n\n

\n He and the original owner were not the same person. Since he chose to stay, he would have to explain things sooner or later.\n

\n\n

\n However, if he rashly blurted it out, Shen Ci would probably think his mental illness had relapsed and he had developed paranoia, hurriedly look for Xu Qingshan, and then drive him to a psychiatric hospital.\n

\n\n

\n ...If he had to secretly accompany me by my hospital bed for another month, Shen Ci's dark circles would turn into panda eyes, wouldn't they?\n

\n\n

\n Xie Yu's mind wandered endlessly. The thought of A University's strict Teaching Assistant Shen and Jiang City's cold and silent Executive Shen getting dark circles under his eyes was so amusing that he let out a laugh before he realized it.\n

\n\n

\n Shen Ci looked at him in bafflement: "Why are you suddenly laughing?"\n

\n\n

\n Xie Yu stood up to cover it up: "Nothing—my fish is done steaming."\n

\n\n

\n He placed the fish on the dining table. The tender yellow fish meat sprinkled with emerald green spring onions looked incredibly appetizing.\n

\n\n

\n The two divided up the fish meat and ate very satisfyingly. Xie Yu raised his hand to look at his watch. It was already past twelve o'clock, so he asked Shen Ci: "Staying over tonight?"\n

\n\n

\n Driving that broken-down Santana back in the middle of the night would be quite a hassle.\n

\n\n

\n Hearing this, Shen Ci raised his hand but didn't speak, his tea-colored eyes looking fixedly at him.\n

\n\n

\n Xie Yu chuckled: "Are you staying or not?"\n

\n\n

\n "Mm." Shen Ci took a bite of fish meat, "...I'm staying."\n

\n\n

\n Xie Yu washed up first and dug out two sets of pajamas. They were both his and slightly larger than Shen Ci's size, but pajamas didn't need to be perfectly fitted anyway.\n

\n\n

\n Shen Ci stared at his back for a while, put down his bowl and chopsticks, and suddenly asked slowly: "Did you read the agreement carefully?"\n

\n\n

\n "Hm?" Xie Yu replied casually, "I read it..."\n

\n\n

\n He hadn't read it at all. Either way, Shen Ci wouldn't harm him.\n

\n\n

\n Shen Ci retracted his gaze and didn't say anything.\n

\n\n

\n After Xie Yu finished washing up, he changed into the old pajamas, lay down under the covers, and played a game on his side to kill time. This time he was playing Jump Jump. He pressed and held the screen, then released it. As a result, during a single round, his phone vibrated with messages several times. The little block teetered precariously and still ended up falling.\n

\n\n

\n He switched back to the message bar and found that they were all from the study abroad group chat.\n

\n\n

\n Many of his classmates graduated today and were sharing group photos in the chat.\n

\n\n

\n At Xie Yu's school, one could graduate as long as they had enough credits. Exams were organized in the winter and summer quarters every year. Those who graduated this time had passed the winter exams.\n

\n\n

\n Xie Yu scrolled through and saw a few acquaintances in the group; they were the ones who often came to him for free meals and threw parties.\n

\n\n

\n Sure enough, less than two minutes later, their small party group also became active. First, they showed off their graduation certificates, then they posted their flight tickets back home to find travel buddies, and finally, they took turns @-ing Xie Yu.\n

\n\n

\n "Brother Yu, boohoohoo, we're returning to China. Are you doing well in Jiang City?"\n

\n\n

\n "Brother Yu, will there be a party when we get back to China? We miss you QAQ."\n

\n\n

\n "Brother Yu, we brought you gifts for our return! In exchange, we want to order food! We want to eat potato braised beef!!!"\n

\n\n

\n Xie Yu couldn't help but laugh.\n

\n\n

\n When he was in Jiang City, bearing the title of a rich second-generation heir, others were either overly cautious or scheming around him, so his friendships were only superficial. Instead, these freeloaders abroad didn't know Xie Yu's background, and they had become well-acquainted with each other.\n

\n\n

\n He typed: "Come, I'll cook potato braised beef for you. Do you want to order anything else? A gift in one hand, a dish in the other."\n

\n\n

\n The group chat burst into laughter.\n

\n\n

\n There was a time difference between China and abroad. It was late at night on Xie Yu's side, while it was still daytime at the school. There would be a graduation ceremony and a ball coming up. After making a ruckus in the group for a while, it quieted down. Xie Yu was also getting a bit sleepy. He placed his phone face-down to the side and closed his eyes to rest.\n

\n\n

\n The night was silent. The sound insulation of the old house was poor, so the sounds from the bathroom could be heard.\n

\n\n

\n The pattering sound of water was intermittent and lasted for a long time. Xie Yu estimated the time with his eyes closed and felt it wasn't a normal duration, but he didn't mind it, simply assuming that Shen Ci lived a particular lifestyle now and was exceptionally fond of cleanliness.\n

\n\n

\n Finally, the sound of water stopped.\n

\n\n

\n The bathroom door and bedroom door were opened one after another. The old hinges creaked. Xie Yu spread open his old-fashioned large cotton quilt, exposing a corner, and patted the spot next to him: "Come on in."\n

\n\n

\n It was awfully cold in winter, and huddling together would be warmer.\n

\n\n

\n A body slid in.\n

\n\n

\n Xie Yu reflexively wrapped his arm around him, intending to pull him into an embrace, but he shivered upon touching the skin and immediately opened his eyes in disbelief.\n

\n\n

\n He had touched bare skin.\n

\n\n

\n Shen Ci was wearing pajamas, but the buttons weren't fastened. The clothes were large to begin with, hanging loosely on his body. When his hand pulled him in, it slipped right through the gap.\n

\n\n

\n This was a perfectly calibrated measure—he could advance or retreat. If Xie Yu was interested, they could just go with the flow. If he was uninterested, they could just pretend the clothes weren't buttoned properly, avoiding unnecessary awkwardness.\n

\n\n

\n By the light of the moon outside the window, Xie Yu lowered his eyes. The exposed skin of the person in his arms was truly as cold as white glaze, and fine goosebumps rose wherever his fingers touched. Shen Ci still had that same aloof and noble face; his eyes were tightly shut, and his expression was solemn, just as coldly arrogant as he was at the negotiation table. Yet, his body was laid bare, as if offering itself up to be done with as one pleased. It seemed that as long as he wanted to, he could do anything to him.\n

\n\n

\n As long as Xie Yu wanted to.\n

\n\n

\n Xie Yu froze, but his hands moved faster than his brain. He instantly pulled the quilt over, wrapping Shen Ci tightly, leaving only half of his face exposed.\n

\n\n

\n The quilt was wrapped around him, but under the quilt, they were still embracing. Two thin layers of pajamas could not block the heat of their skin at all. Xie Yu's hand inadvertently traced a curve, the contour perfectly fitting his palm. He paused first, then abruptly pulled his hand back.\n

\n\n

\n Xie Yu gasped.\n

\n\n

\n He was a normal man, not a saint. A great beauty as pretty as porcelain was pressed tightly against him, half-concealed and half-revealed; to say he felt nothing would be a lie.\n

\n\n

\n Heavens have pity, the original owner was experienced in many battles, but Xie Yu had never gone through this at all. He had no idea where to hold him, so he simply reached out, bunched the quilt into a half-roll, and hugged Shen Ci through the roll, saying awkwardly: "Put your clothes on properly, aren't you cold?"\n

\n\n

\n Shen Ci was completely immobilized inside the roll, unilaterally suppressed by Xie Yu. He struggled slightly, but the force of Xie Yu's embrace grew stronger and stronger, making it impossible to break free.\n

\n\n

\n "..."\n

\n\n

\n He felt slightly embarrassed.\n

\n\n

\n It had been like this for the past six months as well. Young Master Xie had signed the agreement, hugged him, and even attended classes with him, but there hadn't been so much as a kiss.\n

\n\n

\n Waking up from his midnight dreams, Shen Ci asked himself countless times: was he the only one whose heart was moved back then?\n

\n\n

\n Shen Ci lowered his eyes, withdrew his hands, and fastened all his buttons. The old pajamas enveloped his young body. He lay down flat, acting as if he really had just forgotten to button up after washing.\n

\n\n

\n Xie Yu sighed.\n

\n\n

\n He seemed to know what the question about the agreement meant now.\n

\n\n

\n Xie Yu pulled Shen Ci back into his arms. The person in his embrace was someone he was used to holding, as obedient as a large plush toy. Hugging him felt warm and soft, very comfortable: "Now is not the right time."\n

\n\n

\n Shen Ci looked up at him: "When is the right time?"\n

\n\n

\n Xie Yu replied vaguely: "At least wait until the day I explain everything clearly."\n

\n\n

\n Shen Ci was so uneasy that he was scrambling in a panic, desperate to confirm something. However, Xie Yu was fundamentally a conservative person. Otherwise, with his conditions, he wouldn't have gone so many years without a single partner. In certain aspects, he had an extraordinary stubbornness. When it came to romance, he wanted a mutual sharing of hearts first.\n

\n\n

\n At the very least, he had to first clearly explain where he came from, and also plan where they were going.\n

\n\n

\n The next morning, surprisingly, Xie Yu woke up first.\n

\n\n

\n Shen Ci hadn't slept for half the night, and the dark circles under his eyes were heavier. He seemed extremely uneasy, his brows furrowed even in his sleep. His attractive brows and eyes were scrunched together, and his lips were pressed into a straight line. Xie Yu watched him calmly for a moment before suddenly reaching out and tapping the space between his brows.\n

\n\n

\n He smoothed out those furrowed brows.\n

\n\n

\n Xie Yu sighed softly, feeling a subtle sense of discomfort in his heart: "In the previous six months, I never made you frown like this."\n

\n\n

\n Although the abusive novel plot had been set at the time, Xie Yu strictly controlled the limits of everything. While Shen Ci was with him, he really hadn't suffered any great grievances.\n

\n\n

\n He thought, 'I need to find a chance to clear things up.'\n

\n\n

\n Xie Yu had many similarities with the original owner, yet they were completely different. It was fine when he only treated him as a mission target before, but now that he had also developed feelings, he was unwilling to let Shen Ci confuse him with the original owner.\n

\n\n

\n Today, when Shen Ci pointed to the original owner's scribbles and asked if he had drawn them, Xie Yu felt an odd sensation in his heart. Those past bastardly deeds of fooling around and violently beating people could absolutely no longer be blamed on him.\n

\n\n

\n No one felt like cooking in the morning. Xie Yu took out his phone to order takeout. By the time Shen Ci quietly woke up, it was already very late.\n

\n\n

\n Xie Yu still had his arm around him: "Not going to work today?"\n

\n\n

\n Shen Ci: "I took a leave of absence."\n

\n\n

\n He took a leave of absence because he had thought that, in case they did it, he heard it would hurt a lot the next day and he would need a day to recover. What a pity they didn't do it.\n

\n\n

\n Xie Yu rolled out of bed and opened the window. Cold, damp air instantly filled the bedroom. He looked out the window; crowds of people were heading to work and school, a breakfast shop was billowing white steam, and steaming hot steamed buns were being passed out from bamboo steamers. Everything seemed just right.\n

\n\n

\n Shen Ci had already put on the coat. He hadn't brought his own clothes, so he was still wearing Xie Yu's. The collar was zipped all the way to the top, making it look like he was draped in a quilt.\n

\n\n

\n Xie Yu: "If you're not going to work, then what are your plans for today?"\n

\n\n

\n Shen Ci: "It's rare for me to be free during the day, so I plan to go see Grandma."\n

\n\n

\n Visiting the special care ward required a reservation. He brought out his phone and tapped into the app. Just as he was about to operate it, Xie Yu happened to close the window, turned his head, and said: "Make a reservation for me too, will you? With our relationship now, I should also go pay a visit."\n

\n\n

\n Shen Ci's typing hand paused slightly. Then he let out a laugh, tinged with self-mockery: "What is our relationship now?"\n

\n\n

\n He had asked this question before. Xie Yu's answer had been crisp and clean, without a hint of hesitation. At that time, he said it was an agreement relationship. Naturally, it was the same now.\n

\n\n

\n Other than that, there was nothing else.\n

\n\n

\n But Xie Yu had already opened the door and was reaching out to grab the takeout. He lifted the porridge up and naturally picked up the conversation: "A romantic relationship?"\n

\n\n

\n Shen Ci's hand loosened, and his phone dropped, rolling onto the floor.\n

\n\n

\n He didn't bother picking it up. His voice was a bit urgent and somewhat bitter: "Say it again. What is our relationship?"\n

\n\n

\n Xie Yu tilted his head to look at him and couldn't help laughing. He genuinely dragged out his tone and repeated it again, pausing after every word: "A romantic relationship."\n

\n\n

\n He placed the porridge on the dining table and shook his head slightly: "Come eat breakfast quickly. Aren't we going to the hospital later?"\n

\n\n

\n Saying this, Xie Yu lifted his eyes, a smile melting in his gaze: "Don't you agree, Teaching Assistant Shen?"\n

","published_time":"2026-05-24T00:00:00.000Z","paid":false,"show_flag":true,"show_scheduled_time":"2026-05-24T00:00:00.000Z","unpaid_scheduled_time":"2026-05-24T00:00:00.000Z"},{"content_id":4422,"novel_id":71,"chapter_no":30,"chapter_title":"Come","content":"

\n Shen Ci was a little dazed right up until the Santana parked downstairs at the hospital.\n

\n\n

\n Xie Yu was walking ahead. When he turned his head, he saw Shen Ci following slowly behind, seemingly in a daze. He helplessly reached out his hand, "Teaching Assistant Shen, have you gone silly?"\n

\n\n

\n This address was what Xie Yu was accustomed to using five years ago. At first, Shen Ci felt it was teasing and humiliating, but gradually, he grew used to it. Whenever Xie Yu called him that in an intimate tone, accompanied by a radiant smile, Shen Ci would feel his ears burn.\n

\n\n

\n To this day, no one had called him that for a full five years.\n

\n\n

\n The outstretched hand was long and beautiful, its temperature scalding. Shen Ci lowered his eyes slightly and placed his hand on it.\n

\n\n

\n They held each other's hands.\n

\n\n

\n The two walked into the hospital, passed through a long corridor, and stood in front of the ward's glass window. This ward had a sterile setup; only one person could enter and exit at a time, with a time limit. Xie Yu gave Shen Ci a gentle push and said with a smile, "Go in."\n

\n\n

\n Shen Ci's feelings were complicated. He didn't understand what Xie Yu was thinking. He put on an isolation gown and walked into the ward, watching as Xie Yu mouthed through the glass, "Remember to introduce me."\n

\n\n

\n Shen Ci's ears began to redden again.\n

\n\n

\n ...How should he introduce him?\n

\n\n

\n The ward was soundproof, so Xie Yu couldn't hear him speak. Shen Ci could introduce him however he wanted. Even if he said Xie Yu was his boyfriend, lover, or even husband, it would be fine.\n

\n\n

\n Grandma Shen's condition was now stable, but she was old, lacking in energy, and had a poor memory. She spent most of her time sleeping. When her hand was groggily held by someone, she woke up and smiled at Shen Ci, "Do you have some free time today?"\n

\n\n

\n Shen Ci knelt beside her and held her hand, "Yes, I'm not going to work today."\n

\n\n

\n Normally, they always had a lot to talk about, but this time, Shen Ci didn't speak. As he considered how to introduce Xie Yu, Grandma Shen seemed to have a sudden flash of inspiration and looked outside, seeing the person outside the window.\n

\n\n

\n Even through a layer of glass, one could see that Xie Yu was tall, with a handsome and upright posture, looking like a celebrity model on television. Grandma Shen paused for a moment and fumbled for her reading glasses.\n

\n\n

\n She put the glasses over her eyes. Xie Yu smiled and waved in greeting. The old woman squeezed Shen Ci's hand and suddenly said, "Who is that child at the door? I've seen him before."\n

\n\n

\n Shen Ci paused, unable to hide the surprise in his tone, "You've seen him before?"\n

\n\n

\n Ever since Xie Yu returned to the country, he practically stayed behind closed doors, completely avoiding his usual social circles, and had never been to the hospital. How could Grandma Shen have seen him?\n

\n\n

\n The old woman closed her eyes in deep thought for a moment and said, "Many years ago, maybe three or five years."\n

\n\n

\n It was only because Xie Yu was truly outstanding in appearance. Had he had an ordinary face, no one would have remembered him for so long.\n

\n\n

\n Shen Ci paused again, uncontrollably turning his head to look at Xie Yu.\n

\n\n

\n Five years ago, that was when he and Xie Yu had just met. Xie Yu was still the wealthy young master of Jiang City whose word was law, while he was an unknown, impoverished student at A University.\n

\n\n

\n The VIP ward was located in a corner of the hospital, separated from other inpatient areas by a long corridor. Unless someone intentionally took a detour, they wouldn't end up here.\n

\n\n

\n But why would Xie Yu intentionally take a detour? To see an old woman he didn't even know?\n

\n\n

\n Xie Yu had absolutely no idea he had been recognized and was still smiling through the glass, mouthing, "Did you introduce me?"\n

\n\n

\n Shen Ci hastily turned his head back, his eyes growing slightly hot.\n

\n\n

\n Grandma Shen patted him and asked once more, "Who is that child at the door?"\n

\n\n

\n Shen Ci masked his somewhat flustered expression, held his grandmother's hand, considered it briefly, and finally said, "He is... the person I like. His name is Xie Yu."\n

\n\n

\n Rolling the two syllables 'Xie Yu' on the tip of his tongue felt unexpectedly tender and lingering.\n

\n\n

\n Grandma Shen was not a conservative person. After a slight change in thought, she understood most of it—first, the medical treatment quota that fell from the sky for no reason; then, Shen Ci's initial anxious and uneasy state at the time; and later on, how he became increasingly stable, even smiling more... And this person standing outside the glass window today and five years ago.\n

\n\n

\n She patted Shen Ci with a relaxed posture, as if a weight had been lifted off her mind, "Grandma trusts your judgment in people."\n

\n\n

\n Shen Ci buried his head in peeling an apple. He only gave an "Mhm" without saying anything to commit.\n

\n\n

\n Trusting his judgment in people... but after so much time had passed, he still couldn't completely read Xie Yu. He could only explore bit by bit, like a blind man feeling an elephant. With every little bit he understood, he liked him a little more. In rumors, he was supposed to be arrogant and violent, yet his personality was gentle and he loved to smile. He had clearly suffered a great deal when he was young, yet he never subjected others to violence later on. He was obviously a young master raised in wealth and luxury, but having returned to the country for several months, he surprisingly cared nothing for fame, fortune, or money. Xie Yu had an ethereal, otherworldly sense about him, as if he were merely a passerby in this world, who would leave when his time was up.\n

\n\n

\n Fifteen minutes flew by in a flash. The prompt tone sounded. Shen Ci placed the peeled apple on the bedside table and told the old woman to rest well. The old woman looked up at Xie Yu outside the door, then at her grandson before her, and reached out her wrinkled, age-spotted hand to gently pat the back of his hand.\n

\n\n

\n Everything was understood without being said.\n

\n\n

\n While the two were talking in the ward, Xie Yu stood idly outside the door. Seeing Shen Ci push the door open and come out, he smiled, "How did you introduce me..."\n

\n\n

\n Halfway through his teasing words, he caught sight of Shen Ci's slightly reddened eyes, so he stopped and pointed to his eyes, "Are you like this every time you come to the hospital?"\n

\n\n

\n Birth, aging, sickness, and death were matters beyond human control. Although the old woman's condition was stable, she still couldn't leave the ward. They spent less time together and more time apart. And although Xie Yu had never accompanied a sick relative, he also knew this matter was hard to bear, so he reached out to hold his hand and comforted him, "Alright now, they're using the best medicine. If you feel bad, just come visit more often."\n

\n\n

\n He reached out to hold Shen Ci and led him outward. However, the person being led struggled slightly, as if wanting to break free. Xie Yu paused and asked good-naturedly, "Do you want to be alone for a bit?"\n

\n\n

\n There were situations like this, where someone didn't want to be seen by anyone when they were sad and only wanted to stay alone.\n

\n\n

\n Thinking this, Xie Yu let go of his hand. But the next second, his wrist was grabbed. Shen Ci slid his fingers between Xie Yu's, interlacing their fingers tightly, and then suddenly threw his whole body forward, embracing him.\n

\n\n

\n Both were wearing long windbreakers over down jackets. Hugging each other felt like a soft mass, very comfortable.\n

\n\n

\n Xie Yu wrapped his arms around him and rubbed the top of the head of the person in his arms. He felt quite surprised in his heart and thought to himself, 'Oh, daring to hug me now? That's an improvement.'\n

\n\n

\n Perhaps due to his upbringing, Shen Ci's personality was a bit awkward. On one hand, he had achieved success in the academic field and was quite proud, but on the other hand, he was overly cautious when it came to feelings. Xie Yu guessed that the sudden departure without saying goodbye five years ago had left him with quite a bit of psychological trauma. He was terrified of laying all his cards on the table, sealing off his escape route, and having nowhere to hide.\n

\n\n

\n Xie Yu felt this little bit of awkwardness was quite cute to tease, so he didn't expose it. He had a bit of a feeling of watching the fire from across the river, along with a touch of naughtiness, wanting to see what Shen Ci was actually agonizing over. Now, being hugged so unexpectedly, he couldn't help but laugh dumbly, "Alright, alright, this is the hospital corridor."\n

\n\n

\n There were still doctors and nurses coming and going.\n

\n\n

\n Only then did Shen Ci loosen his grip.\n

\n\n

\n They drove home, passing by a wet market on the way, so the two got out and went grocery shopping arm in arm. Xie Yu was an expert at picking meat. Since Shen Ci's living conditions were poor when he was young, he ate a lot of leafy greens and could tell the good from the bad at a glance. The two of them wandered around the market and ended up carrying three or four plastic bags.\n

\n\n

\n Neither Xie Yu nor Shen Ci was very good at haggling. They simply followed behind passing uncles and aunties, waiting for them to negotiate a good price, and then popped their heads up, saying, "We'll take a bunch too."\n

\n\n

\n One of them was the former eldest young master of the Xie Family; even though he was down and out now, the stocks in his hands were still worth a lot. The other was the newly established top elite of Jiang City, whom even Xie Yuanhai had to show some respect to. Yet, saving a dollar or two like this and carrying plastic bags worth a few cents, they surprisingly managed to find some joy in shopping.\n

\n\n

\n The two returned home and sorted the groceries into the refrigerator. Looking at the newly bought beef, Xie Yu remembered his freeloader classmates and said, "The classmates I studied abroad with have returned to the country. There might be a gathering in a couple of days. Are you coming?"\n

\n\n

\n Shen Ci was organizing the refrigerator. Hearing this, he paused, then continued organizing, "I'll come."\n

\n\n

\n People often say the first step in a relationship is mutually entering each other's social circles. Today Xie Yu went to the hospital with him, and tomorrow he would go meet Xie Yu's classmates. It really did feel like ordinary people dating.\n

\n\n

\n The days in Xingfu Community passed by like flowing water. At first, Xie Yu thought Shen Ci wouldn't be used to living here, but unexpectedly, Shen Ci was even more at ease than he was. They went shopping for groceries every day. Shen Ci went out to work, and Xie Yu went out to stroll around. At night, they slept in each other's arms. Xie Yu gained a large body pillow, and Shen Ci's dark circles gradually faded. Even though they still carried the title of this agreement relationship, they managed to act just like an old married couple.\n

\n\n

\n Early one morning, Xie Yu was awakened by a hurried ringing sound.\n

\n\n

\n He glanced at the time, felt a slight headache, and still pressed answer, "Hello?"\n

\n\n

\n Rapid-fire dialogue came through, "Brother Yu, we've arrived in Jiang City! We've already put our luggage in the hotel you booked. When are we throwing the party?"\n

\n\n

\n Xie Yu propped up his forehead, "Bro, it's only seven o'clock."\n

\n\n

\n For freeloading a meal, at least wait until noon.\n

\n\n

\n Even so, facing the good friends he hadn't seen for a long time, Xie Yu resignedly climbed out of bed.\n

\n\n

\n There were about ten people who came, and a few brought their boyfriends or girlfriends. The apartment in Xingfu Community was small, and the small table wasn't enough, so they temporarily rented a party venue outside. By the time Xie Yu and Shen Ci drove over, a group of people were already waiting eagerly at the door, their eyes practically boring holes in the distance.\n

\n\n

\n Like a group of hamsters waiting to be fed.\n

\n\n

\n Xie Yu: "..."\n

\n\n

\n He felt a slight headache and pushed aside the crowd blocking the way, "Make way, let me open the door."\n

\n\n

\n As Xie Yu took a step ahead, the remaining gazes all focused on Shen Ci.\n

\n\n

\n Both of them were good-looking, though their styles were slightly different. Xie Yu was free-spirited and unrestrained, while Shen Ci was noble and refined. Many people curiously sized him up, "What's your relationship with Brother Yu?"\n

\n\n

\n Shen Ci paused slightly, wanting to say 'couple', but felt a bit embarrassed under everyone's watchful eyes. Xie Yu opened the door, turned back to grab his wrist, pulled him away, and said, "My family member, don't you guys bully him."\n

\n\n

\n Family member?\n

\n\n

\n This term was much closer than 'couple'.\n

\n\n

\n Shen Ci blinked, and the next second he was pulled into a stumble, dragged straight into the house. Xie Yu pulled him with such ease, as if he had known this would happen.\n

\n\n

\n The group was silent at first, then erupted into a loud chorus of, "Yoooo~"\n

\n\n

\n They all came from different places, and it was rare for them to gather. Although several people had brought their significant others, everyone was more or less aware of them. Only Xie Yu's was kept completely hidden.\n

\n\n

\n Someone immediately joked, "Brother Xie, I was wondering why you were so ascetic while studying. So many people liked you, but you never fancied anyone. Turns out it wasn't being ascetic, it was keeping yourself pure!"\n

\n\n

\n Xie Yu sighed, "Can you guys eat more and talk less?"\n

\n\n

\n A few bottles of wine were opened at the table. As everyone drank, the atmosphere heated up. Various idioms flew around the table, like 'keeping a mistress in a golden house' and 'old monk in deep meditation.' Someone even tried to push drinks onto Shen Ci, patting their chest with grand words, "Since you're Brother Xie's person, you have to acknowledge us as your brothers!"\n

\n\n

\n Xie Yu's face darkened with metaphorical black lines. He directly intercepted the wine glass and said speechlessly, "Get lost, I wouldn't even bear to let him drink too much."\n

\n\n

\n Shen Ci's finger twitched.\n

\n\n

\n He thought back to five years ago, that night of luxury and debauchery on the cruise ship. Xie Yu had similarly intercepted his alcohol, not letting anyone force him to drink, and replaced it with milk.\n

\n\n

\n "Xie Yu." Shen Ci tugged at his sleeve, "I can drink."\n

\n\n

\n Xie Yu glanced at him sideways, half-doubting, "You can drink?"\n

\n\n

\n In the novel, Shen Ci's alcohol tolerance was nothing to brag about. The original owner especially loved forcing drinks on him, playing around after he vomited from drinking too much, finding it to have a special flavor.\n

\n\n

\n Shen Ci insisted, "I can drink."\n

\n\n

\n Everyone else was drinking, so it wouldn't be good for him not to touch a single drop.\n

\n\n

\n Xie Yu raised an eyebrow, took a small glass, poured two mouthfuls into it, and pushed it over, with a bit of helpless indulgence, "Alright, have a taste."\n

\n\n

\n The crowd hooted, "Yoooo~"\n

\n\n

\n They were all classmates and hadn't seen each other for a long time, so they joked around endlessly, going from amusing anecdotes of studying abroad to plans after returning to the country. In the middle, they talked about how Xie Yu had chosen a double major and, despite having several incredibly difficult courses, surprisingly got A+ in all of them, ultimately graduating before everyone else.\n

\n\n

\n Shen Ci was very surprised and turned his head to look at Xie Yu. He seemed to have drunk too much, his brain not quite turning, and the look in his eyes as he looked at Xie Yu held a bit of admiration and respect.\n

\n\n

\n In order to gain face for Xie Yu in front of his family member, this group of people dared to say anything, exaggerating to an outrageous degree, claiming he was top of his grade, the professor's favorite student, an exam god, a top scholar, and so on and so forth, making Xie Yu's head start to hurt.\n

\n\n

\n He was too embarrassed to show off his meager skills in front of the great Study God Shen, so he could only sigh and say, "Eat, eat."\n

\n\n

\n By the end of the party, everyone was high on alcohol. Although Shen Ci had tasted a few sips, it wasn't much. The main target of their forced drinking was still Xie Yu. A group of people joined in the heckling, the atmosphere perfectly lively. Xie Yu sighed repeatedly, but since it was a rare occasion, it wouldn't be good to be a wet blanket, so before he knew it, he had drunk quite a bit again.\n

\n\n

\n By the time the party ended and everyone dispersed, he was already a bit dizzy.\n

\n\n

\n Shen Ci was slightly worried and found a designated driver to take them home. When the two finally cleaned up and lay down, Xie Yu once again pulled Shen Ci into his arms and, the moment his head hit the pillow, fell fast asleep.\n

\n\n

\n Waking up the next day, Xie Yu's first reaction was that he didn't feel very well.\n

\n\n

\n Whenever Xie Yu had a hangover, he would get a headache. This was also an old ailment of his. Last time he drank too much at the cemetery, it also hurt for a long time.\n

\n\n

\n But this wasn't a big deal. Even if he just left the headache alone, it would get better in a few hours. Xie Yu had experience, and he had anticipated being forced to drink, so he had bought painkillers beforehand. Thus, he rolled out of bed, wanting to go to the living room cabinet to find the medicine, and go back to sleep after taking it.\n

\n\n

\n Having just woken up from being drunk, it was inevitable to be dizzy and have blurred vision. Xie Yu accidentally bumped against the cabinet and kicked the doorframe. He cursed silently, his steps a bit unsteady. By the time he reached the living room, his stomach also felt uncomfortable, and he felt a bit nauseous.\n

\n\n

\n Xie Yu thought to himself, 'I am never drinking with these unlucky classmates again, it's practically shortening my lifespan.' He half-knelt in front of the cabinet, and just as he reached out to pull the drawer, he suddenly heard a muffled thud behind him.\n

\n\n

\n Shen Ci stood at the door. He had just returned from buying groceries, holding colorful plastic bags in his hand. The moment he loosened his grip, the bags fell to the ground with a thud. Green onions rolled out, and potatoes slid to the edge of the living room.\n

\n\n

\n Xie Yu pressed his slightly aching forehead, wanting to ask, "Why are you up so early?" "Did you go grocery shopping alone? Why didn't you wait for me." However, his voice was slightly hoarse. He coughed twice, but surprisingly couldn't speak.\n

\n\n

\n Shen Ci's face was frighteningly pale.\n

\n\n

\n He stared blankly at Xie Yu, his beautiful eyes shifting slightly, unexpectedly shimmering with tears. Before Xie Yu could voice his inquiry, Shen Ci had already taken large strides over and pulled Xie Yu onto the sofa.\n

\n\n

\n Xie Yu had never realized Shen Ci's strength was so great. Even though his limbs were weak, his build was still there, yet Shen Ci forcefully dragged him onto the sofa just like that, and even stuffed a throw pillow into his arms.\n

\n\n

\n Xie Yu blinked.\n

\n\n

\n Just now, when Shen Ci was pulling him, his fingers were clearly trembling.\n

\n\n

\n As the newly established top elite of Jiang City, Shen Ci had long since learned not to show his emotions on his face. But now he was trembling violently, his fingertips shivering as if electrocuted, his clothes hem slightly quivering. His face was pale and unsightly, as if something unacceptable had happened.\n

\n\n

\n Xie Yu: "...?"\n

\n\n

\n He thought in bewilderment, 'He just went to buy groceries, what happened? Did the Xie Corporation go bankrupt? Or did the Luo Corporation go bankrupt?'\n

\n\n

\n Before he could re-evaluate who was supposed to go bankrupt at this point in time, Shen Ci suddenly stood up, went to the bathroom, wrung out a hot towel, and leaned over to wipe the sweat from Xie Yu's forehead. He asked softly, "Has it started again, does it hurt?"\n

\n\n

\n He was trembling violently, yet his voice was truly gentle, and his wiping movements were extremely cautious. The feel of the hot towel against the skin was also very comfortable. Xie Yu slightly narrowed his eyes, utterly confused, wanting to ask: "What has started again?"\n

\n\n

\n But he couldn't speak, and Shen Ci didn't wait for his reply. He forced a strained smile. He rarely smiled, and the upward tilt of his brows and eyes surprisingly appeared both hollow and decadent. Paired with his noble and elegant face, it was exceptionally alluring, making one want to both embrace and cherish him, as well as suppress and humiliate him.\n

\n\n

\n Shen Ci whispered, "In the second drawer on your right, I prepared something."\n

\n\n

\n Xie Yu: "...?"\n

\n\n

\n Prepared what thing?\n

\n\n

\n Shen Ci held his hand, gently placed it on the drawer handle, and then guided him inward. Shen Ci's fingertips were still trembling, yet they tightly clasped his hand, the movement unquestionably resolute.\n

\n\n

\n Xie Yu paused slightly, following along to reach inside. Soon, he felt a long, rectangular box at the bottom of the drawer. It was of a leather texture with sharp edges. The box had complex openwork carving on it, and a raised logo in the center. Xie Yu didn't recognize it, but judging from the packaging alone, he could guess it was definitely not cheap.\n

\n\n

\n This drawer wasn't used often, and he never knew there was something placed inside.\n

\n\n

\n Xie Yu was baffled, not understanding why Shen Ci would hide something here. He wanted to make a couple of joking remarks, asking if it was a Valentine's Day gift or a token of love, but saw Shen Ci suddenly turn his back to him and reach out to start unbuttoning his windbreaker.\n

\n\n

\n He was still trembling, but his hands were very steady, unfastening the buttons from top to bottom.\n

\n\n

\n Next, he gently pushed backwards. The overcoat fell off, followed by the vest, and the tie as well. The pieces of clothing slumped to the ground, but Shen Ci showed no intention of stopping. With lowered eyes, he placed his fingers on the buttons of his shirt.\n

\n\n

\n Then, one by one, he peeled himself out of the shirt.\n

\n\n

\n The shirt also fell to the floor.\n

\n\n

\n A smooth back was presented in front of Xie Yu. The skin was warm and smooth like cold-glazed white porcelain. The shoulder blades on both sides were shaped like butterflies. The lines of the shoulders and back tapered inwards at the waist before tucking into his trousers, revealing even two shallow dimples of Venus. This curve alone was enough to elicit tender affection.\n

\n\n

\n Xie Yu was slightly stunned; even his headache wasn't as bad anymore.\n

\n\n

\n Without the cover of sleeves, Xie Yu could clearly see his hands clenched into fists, fingernails digging into his palms with a force so great they were almost drawing blood.\n

\n\n

\n Shen Ci tilted his head to look at him and smiled faintly. His expression was hard to distinguish between relief and nervousness, but in the end, he merely swept his hair aside, exposing a section of a beautiful neck as well.\n

\n\n

\n Shen Ci said softly, "Come."\n

","published_time":"2026-05-24T00:00:00.000Z","paid":false,"show_flag":true,"show_scheduled_time":"2026-05-24T00:00:00.000Z","unpaid_scheduled_time":"2026-05-24T00:00:00.000Z"},{"content_id":4423,"novel_id":71,"chapter_no":31,"chapter_title":"Kiss","content":"

\n Xie Yu's head didn't even hurt anymore. He thought blankly, 'Bring what on?'\n

\n\n

\n His fingers rested in the drawer, groping around slightly before taking out the leather box. At first, he was still guessing what kind of gift was placed inside, but the moment he unfastened the latch, even his fingertips froze in place.\n

\n\n

\n Xie Yu: "?"\n

\n\n

\n He found it somewhat hard to believe his eyes.\n

\n\n

\n The box was lined with velvet cloth, and resting upon the cloth was a pitch-black whip.\n

\n\n

\n The leather at the tip was soft, the craftsmanship was exquisite, and the grip was comfortable. If it were certain enthusiasts, they would probably like it very much.\n

\n\n

\n Xie Yu: "..."\n

\n\n

\n Connecting this with the previous events, he seemed to know what had happened.\n

\n\n

\n Shen Ci heard the sound of the box opening. He tensed his back. Due to the cold and nervousness, a layer of fine goosebumps appeared on his skin. As Xie Yu approached, he suddenly spoke in a very quiet voice, "Porcelain."\n

\n\n

\n The footsteps behind him paused.\n

\n\n

\n Shen Ci let out a sigh of relief. His tensed back relaxed and gently smoothed out once more.\n

\n\n

\n They hadn't done anything yet, so naturally, it wasn't a situation that required the use of a Safe Word. Rather than calling a halt to the game, this felt like a small test. Shen Ci wanted to confirm if the Safe Word was still effective after five years, testing whether Xie Yu would stop when he couldn't bear it anymore.\n

\n\n

\n The result was verified. Shen Ci turned back around and said, "It's fine, you can continue."\n

\n\n

\n There was no sound of a whip breaking the air; he only heard a shallow sigh.\n

\n\n

\n Then, there was the sound of a heavy object falling to the ground. Shen Ci looked back, only to see that the leather box, along with the contents inside, had been thrown out by Xie Yu. It traced a parabola in the air and landed in the corner of the wall with a clatter. Unable to bear the heavy impact, two corners of the box were smashed flat. It rolled a few times along the floor before lying there pitifully, looking incredibly miserable.\n

\n\n

\n ...Why did he throw it away?\n

\n\n

\n He felt slightly astonished and was just about to ask, but saw Xie Yu striding over with a displeased expression. Then, a sudden feeling of weightlessness came over his body, and he was lifted entirely into the air.\n

\n\n

\n "Xie Yu!"\n

\n\n

\n Xie Yu chuckled. "Now you know to call out to me?"\n

\n\n

\n He hooked his arms under the bends of Shen Ci's knees, picking the person up directly. Shen Ci only felt the world spin. After a wave of dizziness, he was carried into the bedroom and tossed straight onto the bed.\n

\n\n

\n Xie Yu valued his sleep quality and had purposely changed the mattress. This one in the bedroom was very soft, so being thrown onto it didn't hurt. Shen Ci sank into the soft quilt. Before he even had time to speak, a handsome face suddenly magnified—Xie Yu pressed down on him. He grabbed Shen Ci's wrists, pinning them above his head, firmly trapping him within the small space enclosed by his arms and the bed.\n

\n\n

\n This was truly a dangerous posture. The distance between them was less than two inches. Xie Yu was very strong, and Shen Ci was like a herbivore targeted by a predator, suppressed entirely with no power to fight back. He could only lay his body open, at the mercy of the other. He stared anxiously at Xie Yu in front of him and nervously shifted his wrists.\n

\n\n

\n Then, the predator stretched out a finger and poked his head.\n

\n\n

\n The movement wasn't light; it hurt a little.\n

\n\n

\n Xie Yu felt quite a headache. "Not to criticize you, Shen Ci, but what on earth goes on in that little head of yours?"\n

\n\n

\n He roughly knew what Shen Ci was thinking. Probably, the way Xie Yu's head hurt after his hangover looked a bit like a psychiatric episode. Plus, the last time he snapped his fingers was also after drinking, which gave Shen Ci psychological trauma, making him think that Xie Yu would have a psychiatric episode and self-harm after drinking. Moreover, Xu Qingshan had analyzed the condition at the time, saying that the original owner's illness was severe, and that he previously only found relief by beating people. Weighing the options, Shen Ci felt that compared to letting him stay crazy, being crazy and self-harming, getting beaten a couple of times was acceptable.\n

\n\n

\n ...Fortunately, he wasn't completely stupid. Xie Yu weighed the memory of that whip; it was a lightweight erotic toy, and Shen Ci even remembered to say the Safe Word.\n

\n\n

\n Pinned to the bed, Shen Ci looked at him with blank innocence.\n

\n\n

\n Xie Yu sighed silently. Feeling his anger had not entirely dissipated, he poked him in the forehead again, making Shen Ci's head wobble back and forth, and then scolded, "Teaching Assistant Shen, are you an idiot?"\n

\n\n

\n When he had hugged Shen Ci earlier, the body in his arms was still trembling slightly. Only now, wrapped in the quilt, had he quieted down. Shen Ci clearly didn't have any special fetishes and didn't enjoy pain; when Xie Yu grabbed the whip, he had even been afraid.\n

\n\n

\n Yet even so, he had still prepared the tools in the living room cabinet.\n

\n\n

\n Shen Ci turned his tilted head back, looking quietly at Xie Yu, cautiously observing his complexion: Although it was still pale, it was within a normal range. It was just that his expression was somewhat ugly. His brows were tightly knitted, and his lips were pressed tightly together. He seemed exasperated to the extreme, and there was even a bit of self-abandoning dejection.\n

\n\n

\n Shen Ci asked softly, "Are you alright now?"\n

\n\n

\n He struggled slightly. "Let me take you to Qingshan Hospital. Let go of me first, I'll give Doctor Xu a call..."\n

\n\n

\n —He really still thought Xie Yu was mentally ill.\n

\n\n

\n Xie Yu thought to himself, 'How can anyone live like this?' Previously, they only had a task relationship. If Shen Ci thought he was mentally ill, OK, no problem; once the task was complete, they'd go their separate ways anyway. But now they had met the parents, and the person in his arms was going to become his wife. If he still thought he was mentally ill, every time they had a bit of fun, drank some wine, or when he occasionally had a headache, Shen Ci would want to send him to Qingshan Hospital. How could they live like this?\n

\n\n

\n Xie Yu already had a slight headache, and now it was throbbing even more painfully. He pressed down on Shen Ci, refusing to yield an inch. "I must make this clear. I am not mentally ill."\n

\n\n

\n Meeting Shen Ci's confused gaze, he gave up in resignation: "—Fine, I used to have it, but it was very mild and I'm already cured. Furthermore, I don't like hitting people. I don't have that kind of perverted hobby. I have never hit anyone..."\n

\n\n

\n "Alright." He took a deep breath, continuing to resign himself, "I beat up a delinquent at the school gate, but that was because he snatched a girl's wallet. I saw that the girl was about to cry, so I took action."\n

\n\n

\n Shen Ci still looked at him hesitantly, pursing his lips slightly: "But..."\n

\n\n

\n Xie Yu didn't want to hear "but". He couldn't explain this matter right now, nor could he explain it clearly, otherwise the label of having a psychiatric episode would be pinned on him forever. Therefore, he cupped the back of Shen Ci's neck, forcing him to look up, and then leaned down, kissing him directly.\n

\n\n

\n "!"\n

\n\n

\n Xie Yu had never kissed anyone, and neither had Shen Ci. In the beginning, the two were like inexperienced primary schoolers, lips touching and teeth clashing. But perhaps compared to a good boy who grew up perfectly like Shen Ci, someone like Xie Yu who had a history of rebelliousness naturally had an advantage. Before long, he had grasped the technique of kissing.\n

\n\n

\n He pried open Shen Ci's teeth, forcing that bewildered tongue to accept him, to cater to him, and then licked and sucked, producing wet smacking sounds. His hand, cushioning the back of Shen Ci's head, held on tightly, cutting off all routes of retreat, forcing Shen Ci to keep his head raised.\n

\n\n

\n He plundered the air in the other's mouth. At some unknown point, the person in his arms had gone completely limp, staring at him blankly, as if kissed silly.\n

\n\n

\n Xie Yu sighed again. "Teaching Assistant Shen, breathe."\n

\n\n

\n He bullied the person with moderate intensity. Seeing the person in his arms looking utterly foolish, he felt a bit disappointed at his failure to meet expectations. He put on a stern face and scolded him: "Do you know what that thing is used for? Yet you dared to let me use it? Do you know the consequences of using this thing if I can't put on the brakes?"\n

\n\n

\n If it fell into the hands of someone like the original owner, it would definitely lead to an accident.\n

\n\n

\n Shen Ci was somewhat unconvinced. His competitive top-student genes popped out untimely: "I know."\n

\n\n

\n "Oh? So you actually know?" Xie Yu raised an eyebrow. "Alright, as it happens, I don't know. Teaching Assistant Shen, explain it to me. How exactly do you play with it?"\n

\n\n

\n "..."\n

\n\n

\n Shen Ci turned his head to the side and curled his fingers, embarrassment written all over his face.\n

\n\n

\n Knowing was one thing, but saying it out loud was another. Not to mention, he was the toy in question. Teaching someone how to play with him was simply too much.\n

\n\n

\n Xie Yu made up his mind to teach him a lesson: "Say it. What's the method of playing? What are the consequences? How many days will it hurt? How painful will it be? How many lashes can you withstand? Say it."\n

\n\n

\n "..."\n

\n\n

\n He relentlessly pressed on, questioning him sentence by sentence. Shen Ci, pushed to his limits, blurted out, "I did my research!"\n

\n\n

\n Xie Yu laughed out of anger.\n

\n\n

\n He twirled a strand of Shen Ci's hair and let out a meaningful 'Oh': "Oh, so you even did your homework. Truly worthy of being Top Student Shen. You can even do homework for this kind of thing. Come on, tell this young master, what homework did you do?"\n

\n\n

\n Xie Yu had a mild temperament now, but back then he was also a rebellious character. Hidden in his bones was a wicked desire to tease people. The more reluctant Shen Ci was, the more he wanted to bully him.\n

\n\n

\n Shen Ci's face was blushing almost as red as a boiled shrimp, and even his toes curled up under the covers. He struggled slightly, but was held firmly in place. It seemed that if he didn't give an answer, Xie Yu would not let him go.\n

\n\n

\n Shen Ci composed himself slightly and lowered his eyes: "It's like this: I searched related papers, read research literature on foreign websites, and compared images post-injury to get a general understanding of the pain levels. The tool also went through repeated comparisons to choose a model with minimal harm. At the same time, I purchased medical alcohol, hydrogen peroxide, antibacterial and anti-inflammatory antibiotics, as well as chitosan antibacterial film medications to promote wound healing..."\n

\n\n

\n Xie Yu: "..."\n

\n\n

\n At first, Shen Ci's voice was as quiet as a mosquito, but the more he spoke, the more confident he became. In the end, he was speaking with assurance, evidently treating it as a science that required careful demonstration.\n

\n\n

\n He really did research it thoroughly.\n

\n\n

\n Xie Yu's face was covered in dark lines.\n

\n\n

\n Shen Ci: "At the same time, I compared the mechanisms of action of the various drugs and selected the one with side effects... Mmph mmph!"\n

\n\n

\n Unable to bear it any longer, Xie Yu kissed him again.\n

\n\n

\n This time, he kissed the person until he was breathless before letting go. Shen Ci gasped for air, looking at him in disbelief, his eyes covered in a thin layer of watery mist.\n

\n\n

\n Xie Yu watched him at his leisure: "I don't want to hear about this. Teaching Assistant Shen, tell me first, how exactly do you play with this?"\n

\n\n

\n Shen Ci: "..."\n

\n\n

\n He didn't utter a single word.\n

\n\n

\n "Cat got your tongue now? Speak." Xie Yu pinched his chin. "Didn't you want to make me happy? Tell me, what will you do to make me happy?"\n

\n\n

\n Shen Ci continued to remain silent.\n

\n\n

\n This time he didn't speak for a long time, so long that Xie Yu suspected he had teased him too far. He hesitated over whether to let the person go and coax him. After all, Shen Ci had done it for his sake, yet ended up pinned to the bed and scolded; it was inevitable he would feel wronged.\n

\n\n

\n However, before he could let go, Shen Ci suddenly raised his arms, wrapped them around his neck, and hugged him.\n

\n\n

\n Xie Yu's hands were originally propped up on either side. Caught off guard by his hug, he flopped onto the bed, pressing tightly together with Shen Ci.\n

\n\n

\n Shen Ci looped his arms around Xie Yu's back, bringing his cheek close to his shoulder, and asked, "...Like this?"\n

\n\n

\n He acted just like an exemplary top student, cautiously probing for the correct answer to a question.\n

\n\n

\n Xie Yu lay down on his side, rubbing Shen Ci's hair while at it, and sighed, "Although I can't explain it clearly right now, but, but, Shen Ci, I swear, I have never thought of hurting you, with a whip, or any other thing."\n

\n\n

\n When dealing with the plot by making him wear that ear clip at the time, Xie Yu hadn't even let Shen Ci pierce his ears.\n

\n\n

\n From the very first moment Xie Yu met Shen Ci, he had never considered hurting the young man in front of him. He couldn't bear to leave any marks on that white glaze-like skin. Beautiful Porcelain should be carefully placed in a glass display case, wrapped in velvet to be protected, rather than smashed to pieces.\n

\n\n

\n Xie Yu planted a brief, light kiss on Shen Ci's forehead like a dragonfly skimming water: "Really, seeing you get hurt wouldn't make me happy. Quite the opposite, I would be very sad. So please protect yourself, and never play such jokes with me ever again."\n

\n\n

\n "...Okay."\n

\n\n

\n It truly was an attitude of care and respect, without the slightest bit of contempt.\n

\n\n

\n In a daze, Shen Ci recalled the past. Apart from that initially insulting contract, Xie Yu had actually always been like this—always peaceful and gentle. It was his own overthinking that had nearly caused him to miss it.\n

\n\n

\n Comparing the vulgar and domineering Xie Yu who brought up the contract with the carefree and unrestrained Xie Yu hugging him in front of him, it seemed as if they were two different people.\n

\n\n

\n With matters cleared up halfway to this point, Xie Yu breathed a sigh of relief. Maintaining the persona of an idiotic playboy every day was quite exhausting. In a rather good mood, he faced Shen Ci and began studying another issue.\n

\n\n

\n He asked softly, "Teaching Assistant Shen, could you tell me why you like me?"\n

\n\n

\n Speaking of this, Xie Yu was completely baffled. He had treated it like playing a game, following the script step by step, and had even smoothly passed the 50% mark. Yet, from some unknown point, the plot seemed to suffer a seizure, wildly speeding off in a bizarre direction—ten horses couldn't drag it back. There were several times when Xie Yu felt like the System was going to have a brain hemorrhage. And the protagonist, who was supposed to hate him to death, was accompanying him at his bedside and shedding tears, and now was on the verge of becoming his wife.\n

\n\n

\n Xie Yu had never been in a relationship. Although a male wife was indeed unexpected, with Shen Ci being so good-looking, what more could he possibly ask for?\n

\n\n

\n Shen Ci paused.\n

\n\n

\n If he had to say it, he had actually liked Xie Yu since five years ago.\n

\n\n

\n The first half of Shen Ci's life had been very busy. Like a precise screw, there was no room for even a single mistake. His family's condition was too poor, and he had a sick grandmother. Every step was like walking a tightrope on the edge of a cliff; a slight misstep would mean eternal doom.\n

\n\n

\n During primary school, while other children were playing or attending extracurricular classes, Shen Ci was doing Mathematical Olympiad problems. Only by entering junior high school among the top few in the whole school would he get a scholarship. That money might just be enough for one trip in the eyes of his classmates, but to him, it was living expenses for several months.\n

\n\n

\n During junior high, he also studied desperately. Because only by passing the independent enrollment exams and getting into the best class could he be exempted from tuition and miscellaneous fees; if he wasn't exempted, he wouldn't be able to attend high school.\n

\n\n

\n University was the same. For the scholarship quota given to only the top one percent of the grade, other students had piano competitions and comprehensive quality bonus points. Shen Ci had nothing. If he wanted to compete, he could only relentlessly grind out top grades.\n

\n\n

\n No child was born liking exams and loving the rat race, and Shen Ci was no exception. He, too, had felt like vomiting from looking at experimental data, but aside from continuing to look, he had no other way.\n

\n\n

\n He was a string pulled far too taut; if he weren't tough enough, he would have snapped long ago.\n

\n\n

\n But Xie Yu was different. He naturally possessed a sense of relaxation. When encircled in his arms, it felt like being protected, bringing an inexplicable sense of security, as if all the pressure was unloaded from his shoulders.\n

\n\n

\n Xie Yu took Shen Ci to ride motorcycles and cruise ships, accompanied him as he walked down the school's Ginkgo Avenue, through commercial streets, to see scenery that Shen Ci had never noticed despite staying there for seven years, and to drink milk tea he had seen countless times but never tried... It was as if vibrant colors had been forcefully cast into a black-and-white world. For the first time in his twenty-odd years of life, Shen Ci felt that he was vividly alive.\n

\n\n

\n In fact, before meeting Xie Yu, and after they separated, Shen Ci had always suffered from mild insomnia. Before, it was due to family pressure, and later, it was due to complex company affairs. He was used to keeping his clockwork tightly wound up, leaving his whole body tense at night and making it difficult to fall asleep.\n

\n\n

\n Yet beside Xie Yu, perhaps infected by that sense of relaxation, or perhaps assured of his safety, he always slept so peacefully.\n

\n\n

\n On the day Xie Yu returned to Jiang City, he had his first good dream in five years.\n

\n\n

\n Shen Ci remained silent for a long time. Xie Yu had no idea he was thinking of so many things in his head, so he patted Shen Ci's shoulder. "Say it, what's there that you can't say? I'm genuinely curious."\n

\n\n

\n "..."\n

\n\n

\n Saying such things out loud was simply too strange. Shen Ci became somewhat flustered and exasperated: "Liking is liking, do I still need a reason?"\n

\n\n

\n "Alright." Xie Yu shrugged, knowing Shen Ci was thin-skinned. "Tell me when you're willing to."\n

\n\n

\n The two of them nuzzled affectionately for a while. Both were at a hot-blooded age and had never tasted the forbidden fruit before; how could they hold back? Since they hadn't fully opened up today but had cleared the air by half, they continued being affectionate until they found themselves kissing again.\n

\n\n

\n Xie Yu toyed with Shen Ci's hair. Starting from the forehead, he kissed him, trailing all the way down the temple, past the sideburns, the cheek, and finally planting a kiss on his earlobe.\n

\n\n

\n The earlobe wasn't completely round and smooth. Near the edge of the ear, there was a hard protrusion that was icy cold, like some sort of metal object.\n

\n\n

\n Shen Ci's hair was grown out strangely; he had deliberately left it longer on this ear to just barely cover the earlobe. He had been kissed into a trance, but when the kisses reached his ear, he paused. He wanted to turn his head to dodge, but after closing his eyes, he offered his ear back with a do-or-die resolve, letting Xie Yu kiss it.\n

\n\n

\n Xie Yu stopped his movements and brushed aside the hair. "What are you wearing?"\n

\n\n

\n He pulled that round, beautiful earlobe out from the hair and slightly raised an eyebrow. He saw impressively a tiny accessory upon it—it was precisely the 'X' that he had gifted him.\n

\n\n

\n When he chose this design back then, Xie Yu had merely been appeasing the plot. Not wanting others to see it, he had deliberately picked the smallest one. This little thing gleamed silver, but it was only the size of a grain of rice; hidden in the hair, nothing could be seen.\n

\n\n

\n "You've been wearing it all along?"\n

\n\n

\n Xie Yu tugged at it and found that it was worn quite tightly. He flipped Shen Ci's earlobe over. What he originally gave was an ear clip, but now it was an ear stud. The item was still the same, but the style had been altered by someone.\n

\n\n

\n Shen Ci had gotten his ears pierced.\n

\n\n

\n Xie Yu muttered, "I couldn't even bear to make you pierce your ears, afraid that you'd feel pain, yet you went and got them pierced anyway."\n

\n\n

\n Dangling from the ear, that tiny little piece actually looked quite nice. Xie Yu kissed the earlobe and bit the small object lightly: "Why not use an ear clip? Was the ear clip not good?"\n

\n\n

\n For some reason, Shen Ci's ears were burning hot. There clearly weren't many nerves there, but it was incredibly sensitive, swelling up with just a light touch. He gently pushed Xie Yu: "The original clip broke."\n

\n\n

\n Xie Yu kissed him affectionately. "Wouldn't changing the clip have been enough?"\n

\n\n

\n Shen Ci: "When things drop on the ground, they are too small and hard to find. I was afraid it would fall off again in the future and be lost completely, so I simply changed it to a stud. It won't fall off easily."\n

\n\n

\n Xie Yu: "It doesn't matter if it gets lost. It's just a little trinket."\n

\n\n

\n He hadn't bought it seriously at the time, yet Shen Ci had worn it seriously.\n

\n\n

\n Xie Yu noticed this little detail and felt quite delighted. He asked vaguely, "Why wear it all the time? Do you like this design a lot?"\n

\n\n

\n Wearing this thing really had nothing to do with its design. Shen Ci opened his mouth. Not knowing what Xie Yu's question had made him think of, his face suddenly turned red, and he turned his head away.\n

\n\n

\n Xie Yu: "Speak up, why have you always worn it? If you like it, we can go pick out two more."\n

\n\n

\n He still had millions in his card; he really ought to buy a pair of matching rings or something.\n

\n\n

\n "..."\n

\n\n

\n This was originally a very ordinary question. Shen Ci just needed to answer routinely with 'I like it' or 'I don't like it', and that would be fine. But after agonizing over it for a long time, he suddenly reached out and hugged Xie Yu.\n

\n\n

\n Had it been in the past, Shen Ci would absolutely never have said the words he was about to say next. But the two had just poured their hearts out to each other. Shen Ci knew that Xie Yu only had respect and care for him, with absolutely no trace of degradation. Thus, those slightly shameful words he had seen on websites—words he absolutely couldn't bring himself to say—became the perfect flirtation.\n

\n\n

\n He turned his head away and lowered his eyes, his voice as soft as a mosquito's: "Bestowed by the Young Master, I wouldn't dare take it off."\n

","published_time":"2026-05-24T00:00:00.000Z","paid":false,"show_flag":true,"show_scheduled_time":"2026-05-24T00:00:00.000Z","unpaid_scheduled_time":"2026-05-24T00:00:00.000Z"},{"content_id":4424,"novel_id":71,"chapter_no":32,"chapter_title":"House","content":"

\n Xie Yu blurted out, "Fuck!"\n

\n\n

\n Under the various stimuli of a hangover, alcohol, and the skin beneath his palms, he could barely endure the agonizing restraint. He wanted to invade, to force, to grind against him; he wanted to firmly pin the person in his arms down, to kiss him, and to do even more things... He clingily kissed Shen Ci's earlobe, biting and grinding it with his teeth, torturing that small piece of soft flesh until it was red and swollen. After Shen Ci let out an unbearable hiss, he gently took it into his mouth again, licking and soothing it.\n

\n\n

\n The wet and soft touch of lips and tongue transmitted from his earlobe. The stud piercing his flesh was astonishingly hot, as if his entire ear was burning up. Yet, Xie Yu refused to let go, taking the earring into his mouth as well. After thoroughly playing with it, he softly asked, "Teaching Assistant Shen, do you think I'm Liu Xiahui?"\n

\n\n

\n Only a Liu Xiahui could remain unbothered with someone sitting in his lap in this kind of situation.\n

\n\n

\n Hot breath puffed behind his ear. Shen Ci broke out in goosebumps all over, his body screaming to escape, but his willpower kept him rooted to the spot. He even gripped Xie Yu's arm, met his gaze, and asked, "Why do you have to be Liu Xiahui?"\n

\n\n

\n As he spoke, he lifted his leg and hooked it over Xie Yu's waist. "Come."\n

\n\n

\n Xie Yu could no longer be Liu Xiahui.\n

\n\n

\n ...\n

\n\n

\n This round of messing around lasted until nearly noon.\n

\n\n

\n They kissed and embraced each other until they were exhausted. Shen Ci weakly twitched his fingers and poked them out from under the blanket. "We didn't cook lunch."\n

\n\n

\n They had stocked up on radishes and ribs in the fridge and had originally planned to make stew today. However, simmering soup took at least three hours; if they actually cooked it, they would end up eating in the afternoon.\n

\n\n

\n Xie Yu pressed him back down. "Why bother cooking? Let's go out to eat."\n

\n\n

\n The embrace was warm and cozy. After holding each other peacefully for a while, Shen Ci suddenly wrapped his arms around Xie Yu and pressed himself firmly against him.\n

\n\n

\n He stared into Xie Yu's eyes. "Mine."\n

\n\n

\n From the initial feeling of inferiority and bewildered insecurity in their contract relationship, to the five years of disappearing without a goodbye, and now to being covered in hickeys, he could finally declare that this was his.\n

\n\n

\n Xie Yu rubbed the back of his head and pinched his spine, sighing, "Alright, yours."\n

\n\n

\n He was already planning to stay for him; of course, he was his.\n

\n\n

\n The person in his arms softened and finally settled down, only snuggling in a bit tighter.\n

\n\n

\n After dawdling for a while longer, they washed up, got dressed, and headed out.\n

\n\n

\n Shen Ci was supposed to go to work. The company was in its startup phase, and he should have been busy with business, but neither of them brought it up, tacitly acting as if it didn't exist.\n

\n\n

\n Xingfu Neighborhood was in the old city district, with quite a few commercial areas nearby. They got into the car. Shen Ci originally planned to find the closest one, but unexpectedly, Xie Yu searched on his phone for a moment, located something unknown, and said, "Let's go to this one."\n

\n\n

\n Shen Ci didn't understand why, but he didn't object, letting Xie Yu step on the gas and drive onto the main road.\n

\n\n

\n This Santana was over ten years old, a car Xu Qingshan didn't want anymore. The parts were old, and it was a bit bumpy to drive. Every time they turned or went over a speed bump, Xie Yu would covertly assess Shen Ci. At first, Shen Ci pretended not to notice, but later, it happened too many times. Unable to bear it any longer, he looked back at him. Xie Yu then coughed and asked, "Are you feeling alright?"\n

\n\n

\n Shen Ci pressed on his lower abdomen. Even though he had withdrawn a long time ago, the unfamiliar sensation still lingered there. "...A bit strange, but alright."\n

\n\n

\n Xie Yu said, "Let's drive your car next time."\n

\n\n

\n Driving the Santana was a stopgap measure. At first, Xie Yu thought he would be leaving soon, so driving anything was fine. Now that he planned to stay permanently, there was no need to leave a good car sitting unused.\n

\n\n

\n Shen Ci said, "Okay, I'll give you the keys later."\n

\n\n

\n They strolled around the mall. Xie Yu picked a light Cantonese restaurant and ordered dim sum and congee for Shen Ci. When it was time to settle the bill, Shen Ci naturally swiped his card to pay. Xie Yu snatched the card away and replaced it with his own QR code, saying under Shen Ci's confused gaze, "Now isn't the time for you to pay. There's something I want you to buy later."\n

\n\n

\n Only then did Shen Ci say, "Okay."\n

\n\n

\n Xie Yu led him straight to the top floor and turned into an independent studio of a certain jewelry brand.\n

\n\n

\n Shen Ci was originally quiet and had little interest in his surroundings, but he froze when he saw the brand's logo, subconsciously touching his earlobe.\n

\n\n

\n He still kept the ear clip's box; it had this exact logo.\n

\n\n

\n He held Xie Yu's hand, a certain guess rapidly growing in his mind. "Is this?"\n

\n\n

\n Xie Yu looked back at him, amused. "Didn't you say I was yours this morning? So, don't you want to pick out a matching piece of jewelry for me?"\n

\n\n

\n He pulled Shen Ci into the store, handed him a thick set of custom-made catalogs, and took another one for himself. "Take a look. What do you want me to wear? Ear studs, collarbone chains, bracelets, anklets, and rings... Oh, rings won't do."\n

\n\n

\n Shen Ci paused his page-turning, looked up at him, and slightly furrowed his brows. "Why won't rings do?"\n

\n\n

\n Among all jewelry, a ring had the strongest sense of belonging.\n

\n\n

\n Xie Yu was in the middle of selecting designs. Upon hearing this, he didn't even lift his head, stating matter-of-factly, "We still have to wear wedding rings. Those have to be made as a pair; a single one won't work."\n

\n\n

\n Shen Ci's breath hitched, the tips of his ears turning a bit red. Feeling guilty, he glanced around. The shop assistants were very service-oriented, looking up at the ceiling and down at the floor, pretending they hadn't heard anything.\n

\n\n

\n Seeing him silent, Xie Yu thought he wasn't satisfied with any of them. He flipped through the catalog noisily until he reached the less common styles at the back. "Hmm, you don't like any of the ones above? Alright, what do you like?"\n

\n\n

\n He moved a bit closer to Shen Ci, waved the shop assistants away, and spread the catalog open in front of him. "Armlets are fine, and I can accept leg rings too, but these two are too impractical for daily wear. You wouldn't be able to wear them normally. Hmm, if you want to see it, a belly button ring isn't out of the question..."\n

\n\n

\n Shen Ci couldn't control his imagination from picturing that scene. He immediately grabbed him, his fingertips trembling. "Enough! Stop talking!"\n

\n\n

\n Xie Yu looked sideways, leisurely observing him. He narrowed his eyes like a fox, feigning surprise. "You don't want to see it? Do you really not want to see it?"\n

\n\n

\n "..."\n

\n\n

\n Shen Ci's ear tips were so red they looked ready to drip blood. Unable to sit still, he pushed Xie Yu away, spread the catalog out in front of a shop assistant, and hurriedly said, "A bracelet, get me a bracelet!"\n

\n\n

\n It was as if he was afraid that if he was a step too slow, Xie Yu would spot something weird again.\n

\n\n

\n Xie Yu shrugged, deliberately fanning the flames by his ear, "A bracelet, huh? A bracelet is a bit boring..."\n

\n\n

\n Shen Ci felt like his entire body was going to catch fire.\n

\n\n

\n He hurriedly filled out the order form and selected the style. Originally, the designer was supposed to invite them to a one-on-one video call, but Shen Ci had no concept of jewelry. He touched the "X" on his earlobe and only said, "I hope it can use the first letter of my name."\n

\n\n

\n "Your first letter, let me see... 'S', correct?"\n

\n\n

\n Shen Ci nodded. "Yes."\n

\n\n

\n His earlobe dangled with Xie Yu's initial, while Xie Yu's wrist would wear his initial.\n

\n\n

\n Xie Yu had been sitting comfortably to the side, listening to Shen Ci finalize all the details, when the System, which hadn't appeared for a long time, suddenly popped up with an exaggerated tone: "Wow, Host, your wife's last name starts with 'S'!"\n

\n\n

\n Xie Yu replied, "You only realized that today... Wait."\n

\n\n

\n He comprehended another meaning from the System's meaningful words.\n

\n\n

\n System: "And your wife chose a forest style theme. If I remember correctly, that brand's forest series is famous for its intricate, intertwining thorns and vines? Wow, S, thorns, and vines. Does this count as some sort of coincidence with the original text?"\n

\n\n

\n Xie Yu: "..."\n

\n\n

\n He looked on with disdain, refusing to make the association. "Enough, don't say anymore, you dirty-minded System."\n

\n\n

\n They selected the style and paid the deposit. Now they only had to wait for the designer to produce the initial draft, then make modifications to finalize the design, after which they could receive it.\n

\n\n

\n For the rest of the entire afternoon, Shen Ci was in a very good mood. He was visibly happy, even pulling Xie Yu along to try desserts and pastries he previously hadn't been very willing to try. It wasn't until night fell that they finally came out of the mall.\n

\n\n

\n There were many people in mascot costumes at the entrance, handing out flyers along with the crowd. The large mascot heads were somewhat bulky, and they were swept along by the crowd, occasionally stumbling a couple of steps.\n

\n\n

\n Shen Ci and Xie Yu walked past them. Shen Ci suddenly said, "I used to do this part-time job too."\n

\n\n

\n Xie Yu asked, "What?"\n

\n\n

\n Shen Ci replied, "Wearing a mascot costume and handing out flyers."\n

\n\n

\n Xie Yu paused, taken aback. "When?"\n

\n\n

\n Shen Ci answered, "Before I met you, back when I was still studying at A University."\n

\n\n

\n He sounded a bit nostalgic. "This was considered one of the easier part-time jobs to find at school. Tutoring and the like were easier, but they weren't always available. Sometimes when I didn't have one, I would come out on weekends to hand out flyers. A normal one was 10 yuan an hour, but wearing the mascot costume paid a bit more, 15 yuan an hour. I especially liked doing it in winter because I didn't have thick clothes, and the mascot costume was warmer. Summer was a bit agonizing though. Once, I had a close call with heatstroke and almost had to be hospitalized."\n

\n\n

\n Xie Yu could imagine that scene. Shen Ci, not good with words, awkwardly putting on the mascot suit, handing out flyers one after another by the side of the road. Sometimes he would be jostled until he stumbled, and if it was summer, his shirt and hair would be completely soaked through.\n

\n\n

\n Xie Yu's voice was a bit tight. "And then?"\n

\n\n

\n Shen Ci continued, "There was nothing much after that. My head was dizzy, and I couldn't even go to class. My roommates all went to class, and I just lay in the dorm calculating how much it would cost if I couldn't hold on and had to be hospitalized. Later, I calculated that I'd have to hand out flyers for a whole week just to cover the hospital fees. I felt so wronged, so I covered my head. By the time I woke up, my pillowcase was completely soaked. But fortunately, I recovered by the afternoon and didn't need to go to the hospital."\n

\n\n

\n His tone was calm, and because he was very happy today, his voice was even quite light and brisk, as if he was just ordinarily sharing things from his past with the person he liked.\n

\n\n

\n Xie Yu, however, couldn't quite bear it.\n

\n\n

\n At the entrance of the bustling mall, he suddenly grabbed Shen Ci and pulled his entire body into his arms.\n

\n\n

\n Shen Ci was a little surprised. At first, he struggled uncomfortably, but then he reached out and patted Xie Yu's back. They were both wearing thick down jackets. Since Xie Yu's buttons were unfastened, Shen Ci could press directly against his chest. It was warm, like hugging a big fluffy cat.\n

\n\n

\n Shen Ci nuzzled the big cat. He was truly happy today, his thoughts jumping all over the place. One second he was talking about handing out flyers, and the next second it turned into: "Xie Yu, you're so warm."\n

\n\n

\n But he heard the big cat say muffledly, "If only I had come a little earlier."\n

\n\n

\n Shen Ci looked up. "Hmm?"\n

\n\n

\n Xie Yu, however, quietly sighed. "Nothing."\n

\n\n

\n He sniffled, changing 'had come' to 'had met'. His tone was a bit fierce. "If I had met you a little earlier, I would have forced you to take off that mascot suit, then slapped the contract right in front of you, and asked you, 'Do you want living expenses? Do you want the medical treatment quota? Then put down those flyers right now and roll over here to be my wife!'"\n

\n\n

\n Shen Ci couldn't help but laugh.\n

\n\n

\n Those unbearable, painful times had all become memories. Shen Ci himself already didn't care at all, but if someone cared on his behalf, if someone was willing to love him a little more because of these pains, that was wonderful.\n

\n\n

\n He said softly, "But then I definitely would have thought you were a pervert."\n

\n\n

\n Xie Yu said, "Heh, didn't you think I was a pervert when we first met?"\n

\n\n

\n "..."\n

\n\n

\n Shen Ci turned his head away to avoid looking at him, whispering, "I did."\n

\n\n

\n Young Master Xie's fierce reputation was well known; if you asked ten people who knew him, probably nine of them would think he was a pervert.\n

\n\n

\n Xie Yu tightened his arms. "So what if you thought I was a pervert? You were still going to become my wife in the end anyway."\n

\n\n

\n They walked along the commercial street. Xie Yu politely accepted all the flyers from anyone handing them out on the way. By the time they finished walking down the street and reached where they parked, he was holding a thick stack of flyers.\n

\n\n

\n Shen Ci thought he was just holding them and would throw them away in a while. Who knew that when they got home, he brought the flyers upstairs, divided them into a few piles, and started reading them under the desk lamp.\n

\n\n

\n Shen Ci curiously leaned closer. The covers had colorful promotional pictures, and below them were floor plans and specific locations—Xie Yu was looking at real estate agency advertisements.\n

\n\n

\n Shen Ci asked, "Do you want to buy a house?"\n

\n\n

\n This house Xie Yu had was a bit old and small. It was just right for one person to live in, but it became stretched thin for two. If they cooked together, there wouldn't even be enough space to turn around in the kitchen.\n

\n\n

\n Furthermore, old houses always had all sorts of problems. The water pipes were severely aged, frequently leaking on rainy days, and the air conditioning was no longer very effective either. Previously, Xie Yu was making do, but now that he was going to stay, they could buy a new one. As for this unit in Xingfu Neighborhood, he could come by from time to time to tidy it up, which could be considered as giving an answer to the original owner's mother.\n

\n\n

\n As for Shen Ci, he had never bought a house. Before, he lived on the top floor of a hotel, looking at things to reminisce about the person. Later, when Xie Yu returned, there was no need to look at things or pine for the person anymore, so he just moved in with Xie Yu.\n

\n\n

\n Xie Yu said, "I suppose so."\n

\n\n

\n The flyers featured all newly launched houses, mostly mid-rise and high-rise, with areas ranging from 50 to 120 square meters, belonging to residential and upgrade layouts.\n

\n\n

\n Shen Ci, however, said, "You can choose anywhere within Jiang City. A large flat overlooking the river is fine too."\n

\n\n

\n He was referring to those few real estate properties in the city center that boasted frontline river views.\n

\n\n

\n Xie Yu's hand holding the flyer paused and stopped.\n

\n\n

\n He had always treated this world as a game before and didn't have much of a sense of reality. Shen Ci never put on airs whenever he spoke to him, to the point that Xie Yu had forgotten that Shen Ci was now a prominent and influential figure in Jiang City.\n

\n\n

\n With hindsight, Xie Yu muttered to himself, "Wait, so I'm a kept man now?"\n

\n\n

\n The System looked at him with disdain. "Bro, the contract has already been signed, and you only realize it now?"\n

\n\n

\n "..."\n

\n\n

\n Although staying in this world was an accident, and gaining a male wife was also an accident, living off his wife's wealth was truly beyond Xie Yu's expectations.\n

\n\n

\n Xie Yu set the brochure aside, his expression uncharacteristically serious. "Wait a minute. We'll talk about buying a house later. Can you tell me more about the situation with Xie Corporation's stocks from a while ago?"\n

\n\n

\n Shen Ci didn't know why he suddenly took an interest in stocks, but he still explained everything in complete detail.\n

\n\n

\n The major shareholders who held the majority of the shares in the Xie Corporation now were just him and Xie Yuanhai. Xie Yuanhai held slightly more than him, and the remaining equity was relatively dispersed.\n

\n\n

\n Xie Yu listened calmly and nodded slightly. It was already late at night by this time. Shen Ci had skipped work today, and he couldn't skip again tomorrow. So, with a yawn, the two fell asleep in each other's arms.\n

\n\n

\n Shen Ci quickly fell asleep, but Xie Yu had things on his mind. Just as he was thinking about the shareholding structure, the System suddenly popped up silently.\n

\n\n

\n The small fluorescent screen circled around Xie Yu, clicking its tongue in wonder. "Oh my god, I'm not seeing things, am I, Host? Are you finally going to pursue the career route?"\n

\n\n

\n Xie Yu was silent at first, then sighed. "I still have to provide for my wife, after all."\n

\n\n

\n He couldn't just let Shen Ci pay every time they went out to have fun.\n

\n\n

\n When Xie Yu studied abroad before, he majored in economics. It was a major chosen for him by Xie Yuanshan. However, the things he could learn about it in school were only superficial after all; it required a great deal of hands-on practice. But Xie Yuanshan was dead, and it was impossible for Xie Yuanhai to teach Xie Yu. When it came to the actual operations of a company, Xie Yu was not an expert.\n

\n\n

\n System said: "Host, I can help you."\n

\n\n

\n Xie Yu: "Hmm?"\n

\n\n

\n System: "Although my exterior is artificial intelligence, to support an intelligent machine like me, my core is a state-of-the-art supercomputer."\n

\n\n

\n "After you enter the company, I can run simulations, exhaust all possibilities, analyze and learn from all past case studies, choose the optimal decisions for you, and assist you in fulfilling your wishes."\n

\n\n

\n It smiled implicitly. "Originally, you could have gone home, but since you gave that up, I can assist you. I won't unbind from you until the day you succeed."\n

\n\n

\n It still had its next mission to do, after all.\n

\n\n

\n Xie Yu: "Thank you."\n

\n\n

\n Even though the System was very unreliable, and he as a Host was also very unreliable, in the end, the outcome was actually pretty good.\n

","published_time":"2026-05-24T00:00:00.000Z","paid":false,"show_flag":true,"show_scheduled_time":"2026-05-24T00:00:00.000Z","unpaid_scheduled_time":"2026-05-24T00:00:00.000Z"},{"content_id":4425,"novel_id":71,"chapter_no":33,"chapter_title":"Holding Hands","content":"

\n The next day, Xie Yu contacted Xu Qingshan.\n

\n\n

\n He had funds on hand, but not much; it was a drop in the bucket for the entire Xie Group. Fortunately, Xu Qingshan still had some that could be put to use.\n

\n\n

\n According to the original plot, in at most two months, a shocking scandal involving Xie Yuanhai would be exposed. He would face the risk of imprisonment, tightly pressured by public opinion. Shareholders would flee one after another, and the stock price would plummet repeatedly. This might be a good opportunity for a reshuffle.\n

\n\n

\n The two met at the hotel as usual. Prior to this, the System used its excess computing power to simulate and analyze every possible outcome, outlining a practical and feasible plan.\n

\n\n

\n When Xie Yu sat down opposite Xu Qingshan, stated his purpose, and genuinely started discussing its feasibility, Xu Qingshan looked suspicious, staring at him as if he had seen a ghost.\n

\n\n

\n "No... Xiao Yu, are you serious?"\n

\n\n

\n Xie Yu raised an eyebrow. "Of course I'm serious."\n

\n\n

\n Xu Qingshan had watched this nephew grow up. He knew better than anyone how useless Xie Yu was, not to mention his previous anger management issues and tendency to hit people. Xu Qingshan only had three expectations for him: first, don't go to prison; second, don't go to a psychiatric hospital; third, don't get scammed to death by Xie Yuanhai.\n

\n\n

\n But now, Xie Yu was sitting upright and respectfully, chatting with him about commercial investment?\n

\n\n

\n Xu Qingshan picked up his coffee to cover his loss of composure. "Why the sudden interest? Weren't you completely uninterested in taking over the company?"\n

\n\n

\n He was clearly still apathetic when he first returned to the country. It had only been two short months.\n

\n\n

\n Xie Yu sighed. "There's no helping it, I still have to support my family."\n

\n\n

\n Xu Qingshan sprayed a mouthful of coffee right onto the table.\n

\n\n

\n "Cough, cough, cough, cough." He pulled out two tissues to wipe the table, his face full of disbelief. "What the hell?"\n

\n\n

\n Xie Yu sighed and repeated, "I said, I have a family to support."\n

\n\n

\n If the gap between him and Shen Ci was too big, he would feel embarrassed too.\n

\n\n

\n Xu Qingshan: "..."\n

\n\n

\n This renowned US-educated psychiatric doctor felt dizzy in waves, his brain seemingly lacking oxygen. His gaze rested on his nephew's youthful face, feeling deeply bewildered and surreal.\n

\n\n

\n His irritable, irresponsible, failing nephew who hadn't graduated from university was actually considering supporting a family?\n

\n\n

\n Xu Qingshan knew about Xie Yu and Shen Ci's relationship, and he also knew that Shen Ci was well-liked by Xie Yu. Otherwise, his nephew wouldn't have suddenly restrained his temper five years ago, nor would he have specially left a foundation behind and instructed him to take care of Shen Ci. A few months ago, when Xie Yu's bipolar disorder flared up and he was hospitalized, Shen Ci had even secretly come to visit. He had vaguely guessed it, but what he didn't know was that Shen Ci actually had such great magic that Xie Yu was planning to settle down and support a family.\n

\n\n

\n Xu Qingshan was silent for a moment. "How far has your relationship progressed?"\n

\n\n

\n Xie Yu looked away and coughed. "...The step where it has to be him."\n

\n\n

\n Xie Yu was very conservative in his bones. He and Shen Ci had hugged, kissed, lived in the house left by his mother, and exchanged accessories bearing each other's names. In this life, it absolutely had to be Shen Ci.\n

\n\n

\n Since he had put it like this, Xu Qingshan had nothing left to say. He flipped through his nephew's proposal and didn't see any issues. Moreover, he was indeed a layman when it came to funds and stocks, not nearly as proficient as Xie Yu and Shen Ci, so he nodded in agreement.\n

\n\n

\n Before leaving, Xu Qingshan took out his laptop and asked Xie Yu to do another evaluation form.\n

\n\n

\n Xie Yu readily agreed.\n

\n\n

\n He had previously always exaggerated the severity of his condition. But in fact, that confused and painful experience in high school had long since passed. Given Xie Yu's open-mindedness, he wouldn't be deeply mired in it for so many years.\n

\n\n

\n He quickly ticked all the options and clicked submit. Xu Qingshan reviewed them one by one and raised an eyebrow in surprise.\n

\n\n

\n Bipolar disorder is difficult to cure, especially the kind formed by a childhood shadow like Xie Yu's, where symptoms often accompany the patient for life. However, Xie Yu's evaluation showed that he had a good and optimistic mindset, no different from a normal person—perhaps even slightly better. Behaviors like self-abuse and self-harm would never happen again.\n

\n\n

\n Xu Qingshan pushed up his glasses and revealed a sincere smile. "Congratulations. It looks like you won't need to come back to the Qingshan Psychiatric Hospital after this."\n

\n\n

\n The tragic experience of his sister, Xu Qingping, was a thorn in Xu Qingshan's heart, and the child she left behind was another. Xu Qingshan didn't have children of his own; as Xie Yu's uncle and half-guardian, his decision back then to travel to a foreign country and pursue a Ph.D. in psychiatry was somewhat related to Xie Yu. And now, he could finally breathe a sigh of relief.\n

\n\n

\n He gazed into the distance at the horizon, looking towards the direction of Mount Qiong, feeling a bit melancholy for a moment. "This way, I can finally be considered to have fulfilled my duty."\n

\n\n

\n Two months later, Xie Yuanhai indeed exposed a shocking scandal.\n

\n\n

\n It was said that he had participated in certain parties involving minors. People in their circle might play wild, but no one ever crossed this kind of red line. Xie Yuanhai was considered the first, and it instantly caused an uproar.\n

\n\n

\n With Xie Yuanshan dead, everyone pushed against the falling wall. The Xie family had already made countless enemies, not to mention Xie Yuanhai setting himself up as a living target for people to hit. Various families enthusiastically joined the fray. For a time, public opinion was in an uproar, and the authorities directly stepped in to investigate and open a case. With conclusive evidence, they directly detained and took him away during a company meeting.\n

\n\n

\n Within a few months, two consecutive chairmen had stepped down under abnormal circumstances. The Xie Group inevitably suffered great damage to its vitality, and all sorts of rumors ran rampant.\n

\n\n

\n Since Xie Yuanhai took power, the founding members left behind by Xie Yuanshan had long been purged. Now, due to the rushed timeframe, his own trusted aides hadn't yet been cultivated. Being leaderless, the leadership was riddled with holes, leaking air everywhere like a sieve. People in the company were panicking, retail investors were selling off, and shareholders were fleeing. The once infinitely glorious group almost instantly reached the brink of delisting.\n

\n\n

\n Amidst the plunging stock prices, however, a certain account went against the trend and made large-scale purchases. After the situation stabilized, everyone looked around and discovered, by tracing its origins, that the account surprisingly belonged to Xie Yu.\n

\n\n

\n This young master, who had returned from studying abroad and had never intervened in company affairs, surprisingly possessed thunderous methods. In just a few months, he led the equity restructuring and became another elusive, top-tier newly wealthy elite in Jiang City.\n

\n\n

\n Xie Yu was so busy his feet barely touched the ground.\n

\n\n

\n With his own methods, there was no way he could get the hang of the company in a short time. But he had a cheat artifact: the System.\n

\n\n

\n Although the System usually seemed unreliable, almost like artificial idiocy, it came from an era after a technological explosion and possessed an incredibly massive and complex database. Moreover, the System's computing power could help it quickly locate relevant sections amidst redundant data and relay them to its host.\n

\n\n

\n Xie Yu already possessed the relevant knowledge; with this, it was like adding wings to a tiger. In just a few short months, under the surprised or suspicious gazes of everyone, he firmly secured the top seat of the Xie Group.\n

\n\n

\n The remaining shareholders happily accepted this decisive young man. After all, his methods were no inferior to those of Xie Yuanshan and Xie Yuanhai. To show their sincerity in submitting, they even held a cocktail party for Xie Yu, right in the same hall where Xie Yuanshan's memorial service was previously held.\n

\n\n

\n Only this time, the solemn and respectful decorations were replaced with gold and red colors. And the young man who could only sit on the fringes at his father's memorial service now appeared at the center of the entire venue.\n

\n\n

\n Xie Yu wore a pure black tailcoat with a row of gold buttons. His usually casual hairstyle had been meticulously styled. He politely humored the various shareholders, appearing witty and conversational, yet when no one was paying attention, he frequently checked his watch, looking rather absent-minded.\n

\n\n

\n Relying on the fact that others couldn't see it, the System had been keeping a lookout at the door. Upon seeing a certain someone, it flew back, its tone brisk. "Hey Host, your wife has arrived."\n

\n\n

\n Shen Ci was here to represent his company in discussing business.\n

\n\n

\n In the eyes of others, Xie Yu and Shen Ci were piled with new grudges and old hatreds, like a needle pointing at a wheat awn. Their relationship was one where they wished they could bite each other to death. They had more or less heard about the sugar daddy situation. Given Young Master Xie's past actions, Shen Ci would certainly consider him an irreconcilable enemy.\n

\n\n

\n Later, when Xie Yu returned to the country, there had always been rumors in Jiang City that Shen Ci had blocked his door and beaten Xie Yu up several times to vent his anger—the evidence being that Xie Yu lived in a dilapidated old apartment in a certain downtown area, and Shen Ci was seen bringing people in and out of the neighborhood multiple times, suspected of coming to provoke him, and the bright red plastic bag in his hand supposedly contained clubs and weapons.\n

\n\n

\n There were also eyewitnesses claiming that when Xie Yu went out to throw away his trash, the garbage was shockingly bloody. It was suspected that he was violently beaten to the point of bleeding, and with no money for medical treatment, he had to treat it himself at home.\n

\n\n

\n Regarding this, Xie Yu remained silently speechless.\n

\n\n

\n He and Shen Ci reviewed the matter afterward and came to a conclusion: the clubs and weapons in the plastic bag were just fish heads and yams newly bought from the market. They had stewed fish head with tofu and yam with pork ribs that day.\n

\n\n

\n As for the bloody trash, that was just the bloody water from defrosting beef.\n

\n\n

\n Therefore, when Shen Ci appeared at the banquet, everyone held their breath.\n

\n\n

\n They watched helplessly as Shen Ci crossed through the crowd and sat beside Xie Yu. The two exchanged official and polite nods of greeting, and then began to discuss business matters.\n

\n\n

\n Xie Yu and Shen Ci were both new elites in Jiang City, each having a company under their name. The two went back and forth, crossing swords verbally without yielding an inch, occasionally raising their eyebrows and sneering. The shareholders watching from the side broke out in layers of cold sweat.\n

\n\n

\n "From my personal perspective, this proposal may not align with the interests of both parties... Hiss—"\n

\n\n

\n Someone immediately stepped forward to ask, "President Shen, what's wrong?"\n

\n\n

\n Shen Ci frowned slightly, looking annoyed. "The tea was a bit hot. It burned my tongue."\n

\n\n

\n Hidden by the tablecloth, he lightly kicked Xie Yu's leg.\n

\n\n

\n Xie Yu's pointed leather shoes had, at some unknown point, slid straight up along his legs, stopping a hair's breadth away from a sensitive area.\n

\n\n

\n Xie Yu smiled. "President Shen is right, but regarding certain matters, I have a different perspective, uh—"\n

\n\n

\n Chaos erupted beside him. "President Xie?! Are you alright, President Xie?"\n

\n\n

\n "I'm fine." Xie Yu squeezed out a smile. "The pastry was a bit cold, it chilled my teeth."\n

\n\n

\n Shen Ci had made a move at some unknown point, his toes rubbing in along the seam of Xie Yu's suit pants.\n

\n\n

\n The two went back and forth. Xie Yu's forehead twitched slightly, his veins bulging, while Shen Ci's brows were tightly knit, as cold as frost. After the meeting, Xie Yu's tie was crooked, and Shen Ci's glasses chain was askew. Both were dripping with cold sweat, their foreheads glistening with moisture.\n

\n\n

\n Shen Ci pulled out his chair first with a thud, saying coldly, "Excuse me, I need to go tidy up my appearance."\n

\n\n

\n He left accompanied by his assistant.\n

\n\n

\n Xie Yu sat in place for a moment, then stood up as well, smiling. "Excuse me, I need to go change my clothes too."\n

\n\n

\n He took a towel from his assistant's hands.\n

\n\n

\n The two bosses left one after another, and the freezing atmosphere in the venue instantly vanished into thin air. Someone looked in the direction they left and couldn't help but sigh with emotion, "What a hearty and fierce debate!"\n

\n\n

\n No one knew that the two who had just been fiercely glaring at each other had been intimately cuddling in a hotel suite upstairs just three hours ago. They hugged and kissed, and Xie Yu even pinned Shen Ci against the floor-to-ceiling window, facing the heavy traffic outside. Seeing the panicked look in the eyes of the person in his arms, Xie Yu kissed the top of his head and comforted him, "It's fine, the glass is one-way."\n

\n\n

\n Shen Ci then relaxed.\n

\n\n

\n So much so that when the banquet time arrived, Xie Yu was still unsatiated, and Shen Ci still felt discomfort.\n

\n\n

\n The banquet hall had a few independent dressing rooms, and the backstage of the dressing rooms connected to a corridor that led all the way to the hotel's rooftop.\n

\n\n

\n Neither Xie Yu nor Shen Ci had discussed it with each other, yet they coincidentally walked out from the backstage. Waiters occasionally passed by in the corridor, so they pretended not to know each other and went up to the rooftop one after the other.\n

\n\n

\n Xie Yu undid the buttons of his suit. The rustling, fierce wind lifted his hemline. He reached his hand out to Shen Ci. "Come here."\n

\n\n

\n As soon as Shen Ci came up, Xie Yu gripped his shoulders and pressed him into his arms. The winter sun was warm and comforting, and the person in front of him was also toasty warm. He let out a comfortable sigh and complained in a low voice, "What's going on recently? Why are you working so desperately hard?"\n

\n\n

\n Xie Yu had been even busier than him lately, his feet not touching the ground, and he hardly came home. It was only before today's banquet that they managed to squeeze in four or five hours to meet, and once they met, they couldn't stop.\n

\n\n

\n When Xie Yu first started working seriously, Shen Ci just felt that he had been staying at home for too long and that building a career would be good for him. At that time, Xie Yu's lazy image was too deeply rooted in people's minds, so Shen Ci didn't think he would put much effort into it. He let him toss about as he pleased; anyway, there was enough money to cover it.\n

\n\n

\n Who knew that Xie Yu would become more and more intense with his efforts, and in the end, he actually firmly secured the top seat.\n

\n\n

\n While Shen Ci was surprised, he was also happy for Xie Yu. He had seen Xie Yu's two degree certificates and knew he was never some useless young master. But later, when Xie Yu was running neck and neck with him, Shen Ci began to feel faintly worried.\n

\n\n

\n If he no longer held the economic advantage, would Xie Yu still need him this much?\n

\n\n

\n Shen Ci knew this mindset was bad, but he couldn't control it. He had received too little affection in his life, and this relationship was too precious, making it inevitable for him to worry about gains and losses.\n

\n\n

\n It only took Xie Yu two days to notice something was wrong. He tricked Shen Ci into coming out, fed him a couple sips of wine, and Shen Ci dazedly spilled everything on his mind. Afterward, he was pressed by the back of his neck and kissed thoroughly.\n

\n\n

\n Xie Yu's exact words were, "I have to find a way to make it impossible for your imagination to run wild."\n

\n\n

\n ...Well, he indeed stopped letting his imagination run wild; it's just that the method was a bit strange.\n

\n\n

\n A year ago, they were like strangers in this hotel; a year later, they were hugging and kissing in this hotel.\n

\n\n

\n The wind on the hotel rooftop was strong. The north wind whistled past, terribly cold. Shen Ci couldn't help but hug him tighter. "How much longer will you be busy?"\n

\n\n

\n They were still in the honeymoon phase. Not being able to go grocery shopping with his lover in the morning, not being able to make soup together at noon, and not being able to take a stroll hand in hand in the evening—no matter how he thought about it, it was torture.\n

\n\n

\n Xie Yu said, "I took leave next month. A whole month."\n

\n\n

\n "...You?"\n

\n\n

\n Shen Ci looked up at him, a bit dazed.\n

\n\n

\n Xie Yu pulled a small kraft paper bag from behind his back and sighed. "What do you think I'm working so desperately hard for? It's all so I can stand by your side."\n

\n\n

\n He handed the kraft paper bag to Shen Ci. "Open it and take a look?"\n

\n\n

\n Although he looked wild and unrestrained, Xie Yu was extraordinarily traditional in certain matters, even conservative and stubborn. When he liked someone, he had to have everything prepared perfectly in all aspects, stand in the same position to look at the other as an equal, and then hold his lover's hand to continue the next stage of their journey.\n

\n\n

\n Shen Ci held his breath and opened the paper bag.\n

\n\n

\n Inside the velvet silk box lay a pair of rings.\n

\n\n

\n Both were elegant and unostentatious styles, very simple, with their names engraved on the inner circle.\n

\n\n

\n Xie Yu: "Try them on?"\n

\n\n

\n They put the rings on each other, as if branding another mark on one another. From now on, you are part of me, and I am part of you.\n

\n\n

\n Xie Yu asked, "Where do you want to go play next month?"\n

\n\n

\n He had specially taken time off.\n

\n\n

\n Shen Ci had almost never left Jiang City. There were so many fun places in the world, but after thinking about it, he said, "Let's go visit your school abroad."\n

\n\n

\n He wanted to see the teachers he studied under, the corridors he walked through, and know what Xie Yu had been doing during the five years they were absent from each other's lives.\n

\n\n

\n Xie Yu couldn't help laughing. "Alright, I'll book the plane tickets right after we get back."\n

\n\n

\n They spent some quality, tender time on the rooftop for a while, and only reluctantly returned to the banquet when they had been gone for far too long.\n

\n\n

\n They sat back down at the negotiation table.\n

\n\n

\n Earlier, only their legs were hidden under the tablecloth, but now their hands had to be hidden in their sleeves too.\n

\n\n

\n Neither Shen Ci nor Xie Yu would intentionally yield in their work. They were evenly matched opponents; this was a form of acknowledgment, as well as respect.\n

\n\n

\n After all, Shen Ci had a few more years of experience. Even with the System, Xie Yu was occasionally left speechless. He looked at the radiant young man across the table and thought back to the novel's ending, where Shen Ci suffered from severe depression that couldn't be suppressed even with medication, leaving him like a walking corpse. He couldn't help but sigh inwardly.\n

\n\n

\n —This beautiful and fragile porcelain was ultimately well protected in his arms, completely unharmed and shining brilliantly.\n

\n\n

\n But while he was admiring and lamenting, he also gritted his teeth in exasperation.\n

\n\n

\n Facing the other party's pressing questions, Xie Yu raised his eyebrow inwardly and thought, 'Good, this eloquence is really quite something.'\n

\n\n

\n Shen Ci suddenly felt a chill down his spine.\n

\n\n

\n Meeting Xie Yu's half-smile, he seemed to vaguely understand the meaning behind that expression.\n

\n\n

\n —"However many sentences you argue now, is how many positions we'll try later, what do you say?"\n

","published_time":"2026-05-24T00:00:00.000Z","paid":false,"show_flag":true,"show_scheduled_time":"2026-05-24T00:00:00.000Z","unpaid_scheduled_time":"2026-05-24T00:00:00.000Z"},{"content_id":4426,"novel_id":71,"chapter_no":34,"chapter_title":"If-Line: What If Xie Yu Transmigrated Back to Two Years Before the Story Started","content":"

\n Xie Yu and Shen Ci had walked shoulder to shoulder through many years. During his five years studying abroad, Xie Yu had traveled across all five continents alone, but now he took Shen Ci with him to travel the world, try new foods, and experience different cultures and local customs.\n

\n\n

\n On a leisurely afternoon, lying on a rocking chair on an island, Xie Yu confessed to Shen Ci, saying that he came from another world and was here for a mission.\n

\n\n

\n At that time, he was wearing beach shorts and floral sunglasses, a cola straw dangling from his mouth, while Shen Ci sat beside him, applying sunscreen to his pectoral muscles.\n

\n\n

\n "Mhm," Shen Ci hummed softly, neither light nor heavy, and continued applying the sunscreen.\n

\n\n

\n The vacation sunlight had tanned Xie Yu a shade darker, but he remained as handsome as ever. The muscles under Shen Ci's palms were in a relaxed state, soft to the touch.\n

\n\n

\n Xie Yu turned over and caught his hand, a suspicious look on his face. "You're this calm? You don't think I'm having another psychotic episode, do you?"\n

\n\n

\n Shen Ci sighed slightly. "Although it sounds strange to say, I've felt for a long time that you and him are not the same person."\n

\n\n

\n A person's appearance might change, their personality might change, but how could the fundamental nature of their disposition change? Beneath Xie Yu's lazy and carefree exterior lay gentle bones and blood. How could Shen Ci believe that he had once been arrogant and domineering, had once cracked a whip at the innocent, and had once built his happiness upon the pain of others?\n

\n\n

\n "Really?" Xie Yu raised an eyebrow. "Felt it for a long time—when exactly was that?"\n

\n\n

\n Shen Ci's movements paused, and he suddenly shifted his gaze away.\n

\n\n

\n It was strange to say. They had been on vacation for so long, and the skin on Xie Yu's arms had tanned to a wheat color, yet Shen Ci was still just as pale, so much so that even the slightest blush on his face was incredibly clear.\n

\n\n

\n Xie Yu raised his eyebrow even higher.\n

\n\n

\n Shen Ci was, of course, very easy to tease. He was thin-skinned and would blush at the slightest tease. Xie Yu also liked to say dirty things to tease him, but after being teased so much, he had gradually become desensitized. Now, aside from during the main event, it was rare to see this kind of expression on his face.\n

\n\n

\n Xie Yu crossed his arms. "Tell me, when exactly was it?"\n

\n\n

\n Shen Ci: "...Are you sure you want to hear it?"\n

\n\n

\n Xie Yu: "Of course I want to hear it."\n

\n\n

\n Shen Ci sighed. "But I'm afraid you'll be unhappy if you hear it."\n

\n\n

\n Xie Yu: "Why would I be unhappy because of this... Wait!"\n

\n\n

\n But he saw Shen Ci's gaze shift downward, slowly landing on Xie Yu's colorful beach shorts.\n

\n\n

\n Xie Yu looked down.\n

\n\n

\n "...?"\n

\n\n

\n "!"\n

\n\n

\n He sat up in disbelief, pulling a towel from the side to cover his beach shorts. "No way, that kind of thing?"\n

\n\n

\n "Mhm."\n

\n\n

\n Because Xie Yu was moving around, the sunscreen slid down his chest and dripped wetly onto the beach chair. Shen Ci raised his hand to press him back down and continued what he was doing. "You know, Young Master Xie's reputation precedes him. If he were to engage in romance, he should be very experienced, but..."\n

\n\n

\n Shen Ci shook his head slightly, swallowing the rest of his words with an expression of hesitation.\n

\n\n

\n Xie Yu: "???"\n

\n\n

\n His expression twisted in a rare manner. "But what?"\n

\n\n

\n Shen Ci sighed. "I told you you'd be angry..."\n

\n\n

\n Xie Yu clenched his fists. "Say it!"\n

\n\n

\n Shen Ci spoke slowly: "If I have to say it, you were very green and lacked any method, like it was your first time being in a relationship."\n

\n\n

\n "..."\n

\n\n

\n Watching Xie Yu nearly petrify, Shen Ci added, "Actually, it was okay."\n

\n\n

\n Shen Ci had always been enduring. Once, with a high fever of 39 degrees, he still said he was fine and wanted to get up for work, only to be pressed down at home by Xie Yu to sleep for the day. If he said it was somewhat comfortable, it actually meant it was uncomfortable.\n

\n\n

\n Seeing Xie Yu's face turning darker and darker, Shen Ci hesitated for a moment before comforting him, "You improved very quickly."\n

\n\n

\n Xie Yu's face was covered in dark lines. "Teaching Assistant Shen, are you treating me like a little kid to be coaxed? Should I say thank you?"\n

\n\n

\n The topic gradually veered from its initially serious and proper tone in a weird direction. After night fell, they lay on the net bed of the overwater bungalow looking up at the starry sky, and decided to deeply explore the daytime's issue.\n

\n\n

\n After they were exhausted, Xie Yu pulled Shen Ci into his embrace and dropped a gentle kiss on his forehead.\n

\n\n

\n Close to noon the next day, Xie Yu struggled to wake up. He reached out to the side to pull someone in, but grasped empty air.\n

\n\n

\n "...?"\n

\n\n

\n Ever since they came out on vacation, Shen Ci would sleep until they naturally woke up together every day. This was the first time Xie Yu hadn't caught hold of him.\n

\n\n

\n ...Where is my wife?\n

\n\n

\n He opened his eyes, looked around, and his sleepiness was mostly wiped away. Then, he abruptly sat up from the bed.\n

\n\n

\n This was not their vacation cabin.\n

\n\n

\n A balcony, a suite, heavy mahogany furniture, huge floor-to-ceiling windows, and a circular bathtub next to the floor-to-ceiling windows.\n

\n\n

\n This was a suite in a Jiang City hotel.\n

\n\n

\n For a moment, Xie Yu thought this was a clumsy prank. But no matter how vast someone's capabilities were, there was no way they could have transported him halfway across the Pacific Ocean while he was asleep. Xie Yu flipped open his phone, and the time displayed nine years ago.\n

\n\n

\n It was still a full two years before the story started, when he and Shen Ci would sign the contract.\n

\n\n

\n In other words, his wife didn't know him yet.\n

\n\n

\n Xie Yu cursed under his breath and tumbled out of bed. He scrolled his phone contacts from top to bottom, then bottom to top, and finally selected Zhou Yang: "Hey, bro, help me find someone."\n

\n\n

\n In his sparse memory, Zhou Yang's family held shares in A University, so looking up a student wouldn't be difficult.\n

\n\n

\n At this time, Xie Yu, Zhou Yang, and He Zhiyuan hadn't parted ways yet. The three of them were still thick as thieves. Not long after, Xie Yu received a call back.\n

\n\n

\n Zhou Yang's voice came through, "The guy you wanted to look up took a work-study job from the Student Affairs Department. He should be handing out flyers on Qunxing Avenue."\n

\n\n

\n Handing out flyers?\n

\n\n

\n Xie Yu instantly recalled a certain day after they had bared their hearts to each other. Shen Ci had said that he used to hand out flyers in the summer for 15 yuan an hour. Inside a thick mascot headpiece, sweat would soak through his shirt and hair, and he nearly suffered a heatstroke and went into shock.\n

\n\n

\n He looked out the window. It was the peak of summer heat, and the sunlight was venomous. Under the glaring sun, every patch of the earth was being scorchingly roasted.\n

\n\n

\n Wearing a mascot headpiece in this kind of weather—he couldn't imagine how unbearable it would be.\n

\n\n

\n Xie Yu swiftly threw on some clothes and rushed out the door. During this time, the noisy, incessant chatter of Zhou Yang kept coming through: "Hey, hey, Xie Yu, why are you asking about him? How come I hear a car engine starting, what are you doing?"\n

\n\n

\n Xie Yu: "Going to find my wife."\n

\n\n

\n He promptly shut off his phone.\n

\n\n

\n Young Master Xie's car at this time wasn't the low-key, luxurious Bentley, but rather a champagne-gold convertible sports car, flashy and a money magnet. Xie Yu had no time to care; he slammed on the gas pedal, rushed onto the main road, hit the brakes sharply in front of Qunxing Avenue, and strode out.\n

\n\n

\n At the end of the street, Shen Ci weakly gripped the railing, his stomach spasming in waves.\n

\n\n

\n It was unbearable, so unbearable. Sweat dripped down his hair, and his shirt hung wetly on his body. Shen Ci didn't even have the strength to take the headpiece off. He was dizzy and lightheaded, his body trembling finely. His gaze stared blankly ahead through the mascot's two eyes, not knowing what to focus on.\n

\n\n

\n It felt so unbearable... but if he stopped now, he wouldn't get the day's wages.\n

\n\n

\n 15 yuan, 10 hours—that was more than a week's worth of food money.\n

\n\n

\n Shen Ci lowered his head. He still had a thick stack of flyers in his hands. The top few were already soaked with sweat, sticking clammily to his hands.\n

\n\n

\n He thought dizzyingly, "I have to finish handing them out."\n

\n\n

\n Shen Ci supported himself against the railing and stood up. Pedestrians hurried back and forth, but his movements were sluggish. Often, by the time he extended a flyer, the person had already walked past. His arm was bumped countless times. After handing them out for half the day, the stack in his hands hadn't decreased much at all.\n

\n\n

\n Inside the headpiece, Shen Ci pursed his lips and quietly gripped the edge of the mascot suit. His gaze fell into the distance, and he saw someone walking over.\n

\n\n

\n The approaching person was very tall. He could no longer see their face clearly, but their silhouette was attractive. They shouldn't be someone hard to talk to; they would probably take a flyer from him.\n

\n\n

\n Shen Ci held onto his headpiece to stand properly and handed over a flyer: "Hello, sir..."\n

\n\n

\n His voice was extremely hoarse; listening closely, it was jarringly raspy and awful. Shen Ci pursed his lips and weakly smiled. "Sir, our new store is opening..."\n

\n\n

\n Before he could finish his words, all the flyers in his hand were snatched away.\n

\n\n

\n Shen Ci froze. Just as he was about to try and stop them, his shoulders were grabbed, and he was forcefully pressed down to sit on a bench.\n

\n\n

\n "...Sir?"\n

\n\n

\n Xie Yu pulled off his headpiece with one hand.\n

\n\n

\n The little bear head was placed next to the chair. The person inside the headpiece had a flushed face and damp corners of his eyes. Fresh air suddenly flooded in, and he panted hastily a couple of times. Immediately using his remaining rationality, he said: "Sir, I am working. Please return the headpiece to me."\n

\n\n

\n Xie Yu had never seen Shen Ci like this.\n

\n\n

\n He was gentle, polite, and a bit shy. At this time, although his grandmother's illness was serious, they were not completely at the end of their rope. Shen Ci hadn't been worn down into dead silence by life yet; he looked very vibrant.\n

\n\n

\n Xie Yu said, "You have heatstroke. You can't keep working; if you continue, your life will be in danger."\n

\n\n

\n He grabbed the zipper of the little bear suit: "Hurry up and come out."\n

\n\n

\n Leaving no room for Shen Ci to refuse, Xie Yu pressed down on the bear's short, fat, round tail and stripped the entire suit off him.\n

\n\n

\n The person inside the suit was indeed completely soaked. His shirt clung to his body in wrinkles, revealing the cold white color of his skin.\n

\n\n

\n Xie Yu forcibly yanked him out of the clothes, hauling him up with one hand while grabbing the mascot suit with the other. "Let's go. You need to go to the hospital."\n

\n\n

\n By this time, Xie Yu had been working out for a while, and Shen Ci was dizzy and faint. Yanking him was no different to Xie Yu than yanking gym equipment—he did it with effortless ease and energy to spare.\n

\n\n

\n Xie Yu didn't explain anything, and Shen Ci was forced to follow. His throat was too severely parched to cry for help, so he could only hazily wonder: 'Am I being kidnapped?'\n

\n\n

\n But when Xie Yu threw open the car door, Shen Ci dismissed that thought.\n

\n\n

\n The convertible sports car parked by the road was passionately flamboyant. The logo was a shape Shen Ci didn't recognize, but just from the streamlined body and the eye-catching color scheme, Shen Ci could guess it was incredibly expensive.\n

\n\n

\n The owner of the car didn't need to kidnap him, because his family couldn't even produce one percent of this car's worth.\n

\n\n

\n Shen Ci's steps were unsteady, and he couldn't even get into the car properly. Therefore, Xie Yu lifted him into the passenger seat, leaned over to fasten his seatbelt, and even unscrewed the cap of a mineral water bottle before handing it to him.\n

\n\n

\n Then Xie Yu ignited the engine, which let out a massive roar, and he said, "I'm taking you to the nearest hospital. You need an IV drip."\n

\n\n

\n Beneath him was a soft leather seat, its texture intricate and delicate to the touch. Shen Ci thought in a daze: if he had the money this car cost, could he afford the best medicine for his grandmother, hire the best doctors, put her in a single room, and save her from waking up startled from shallow sleep every night?\n

\n\n

\n He was practically half-carried into the hospital by Xie Yu. This unfamiliar young man didn't mind at all that he was covered in sweat, instead settling him comfortably into a chair. Following that, he single-handedly took care of the registration, the consultation, and fetching the medication. Immediately after, he was brought to the IV infusion area. It wasn't until the needle entered his vein that Xie Yu finally sat down beside him.\n

\n\n

\n Shen Ci was confused, very confused. He didn't know the young man beside him, yet Xie Yu was far too familiar with him, as if they had lived together for many years. He hesitated slightly, his fingers twitching faintly as if wanting to curl up: "You...?"\n

\n\n

\n Xie Yu had been reading the medication leaflet. Hearing this, he looked up: "Don't move your hand, be careful not to dislodge the needle."\n

\n\n

\n "..."\n

\n\n

\n His instruction was natural and intimate, as if he was naturally supposed to be here, accompanying Shen Ci during his IV drip.\n

\n\n

\n Shen Ci hesitated. "Sir, do we know each other?"\n

\n\n

\n Xie Yu: "We do and we don't. If you have to ask, right now, we don't."\n

\n\n

\n His words were ambiguous. Shen Ci's dizzy brain spun for a long time but couldn't analyze what he meant. He just felt incredibly unwell. Halfway through the IV drip, he closed his eyes in drowsiness and fell asleep.\n

\n\n

\n When he woke up, he was slumped to the side, his head resting perfectly on Xie Yu's shoulder.\n

\n\n

\n The time pointed to nine o'clock. For the nearly four hours of the infusion, this person had just been sitting here.\n

\n\n

\n Having a shoulder pressed down like that wasn't a comfortable posture; blood circulation would be cut off. After four hours, his arm was probably completely numb.\n

\n\n

\n Shen Ci lifted his arm that didn't have the needle in it and gently kneaded it for him: "You...?"\n

\n\n

\n Xie Yu didn't show any discomfort. He put down his phone, his gaze peaceful: "It's so late. Should I take you back to school? But it's a bit far. By the time we drive back, the dorms might be locked."\n

\n\n

\n A University's undergraduate dorms locked at 10 PM.\n

\n\n

\n Before Shen Ci could hesitate, Xie Yu spoke again: "It's also not good for you to sit in a car for a long time right now; I'm afraid you might throw up again. Is it okay to stay at a nearby hotel for the night? We can head back tomorrow morning."\n

\n\n

\n "..."\n

\n\n

\n A stranger inviting him to stay at a hotel—no matter how you looked at it, it was an inappropriate request. But Xie Yu's gaze was mild, completely devoid of any coercive or seductive undertones, as if he truly was just worried the journey was too far and Shen Ci would feel unwell on the way.\n

\n\n

\n "Oh, sorry." Xie Yu was the first to react. "Don't worry, we'll book two rooms. I won't be staying in the same room as you."\n

\n\n

\n "..."\n

\n\n

\n If anyone else had said this, it would have zero credibility, much like the notorious "I'll just rub it on the outside." But whether prompted by some strange coincidence, momentary bedevilment, or perhaps just his heatstroke-addled brain failing to turn, Shen Ci hesitated slightly and actually nodded.\n

\n\n

\n And Xie Yu genuinely booked two rooms.\n

\n\n

\n He handed the room card to Shen Ci and entered his own room without looking back. He didn't come out all night, let alone seek Shen Ci out for anything. It wasn't until breakfast time that he finally came to knock on Shen Ci's door.\n

\n\n

\n When Shen Ci opened the door, Xie Yu was standing at the entrance. He wore a pure white casual outfit, his hair casually combed back. Sunlight streamed in from the glass window behind him, plating his silhouette with a layer of gold. His posture was tall and slender, his appearance devastatingly handsome.\n

\n\n

\n The forums had never mentioned that the cruel Young Master of the Xie Family was this handsome.\n

\n\n

\n Shen Ci was slightly stunned for two seconds before politely greeting him, "Mr. Xie."\n

\n\n

\n Xie Yu paused, then smiled. "You found out who I am."\n

\n\n

\n Shen Ci wasn't an idiot. Although his physical condition yesterday had indeed caused him to act foolishly the whole time, once he regained his wits later, he kept his guard up.\n

\n\n

\n Young Master Xie's flashy car and its consecutive-number license plate—you couldn't find a second one like it in all of Jiang City.\n

\n\n

\n Shen Ci didn't mingle in their circles, but he had read plenty of idle gossip on the forums. They talked about how tyrannical Young Master Xie's methods were, how many people he had played with until they ended up in the hospital. There were even attached photos of a certain internet celebrity's blood-soaked back—the evidence was irrefutable, leaving no room for denial.\n

\n\n

\n But Shen Ci was completely unable to connect the person from the rumors to the young man from yesterday. Although they hadn't spent much time together, yesterday's Xie Yu was clearly patient and meticulous, gentle to the extreme. He didn't resemble the rumors in the slightest.\n

\n\n

\n He began to wonder if the rumors were mistaken or if his own judgment was off.\n

\n\n

\n Knowing Xie Yu's identity, Shen Ci was inevitably tense. The Xie Consortium was a local pharmaceutical giant holding numerous resources in its hands; perhaps they even had the means to save his grandmother. Someone like this, Shen Ci could not afford to offend.\n

\n\n

\n He followed Xie Yu and anxiously finished breakfast. Xie Yu drove him back to school. During the ride, they chatted casually; Xie Yu spoke more, and Shen Ci replied from time to time. The two of them seemed like old friends catching up. Xie Yu never mentioned a single word about any compensation.\n

\n\n

\n Shen Ci thought: if Xie Yu really was just a passing Good Samaritan, what should he do to repay yesterday's care?\n

\n\n

\n However, just as he was about to get out of the car, Xie Yu suddenly stopped him and handed him a paper contract.\n

\n\n

\n Young Master Xie touched his nose and said, "Take a look first. The terms are negotiable."\n

\n\n

\n Shen Ci felt a moment of clarity in his heart.\n

\n\n

\n He asked himself, he had nothing of value. Besides his physical appearance, there was nothing on his entire body worth Young Master Xie's consideration, much less qualifying him for such proper care and kind treatment. It was just that, when this contract was truly handed to him, Shen Ci still felt a bit saddened.\n

\n\n

\n Yesterday's goodwill indeed had an ulterior motive; that gentle and kind young man, in the end, did not exist.\n

\n\n

\n Xie Yu saw the unease in his eyes, but he said nothing. He only made a gesture and smiled, "Call me when you've thought it over."\n

\n\n

\n He thought Shen Ci would hesitate for a couple of days. However, that same night, he received a call from the other party.\n

\n\n

\n Over the phone, Shen Ci's voice was nervous, a bit lost and confused. He asked uneasily, "Mr. Xie, I've read the contract, but..."\n

\n\n

\n Xie Yu smiled. "Are you unsatisfied? If you're not satisfied, we can change it again."\n

\n\n

\n His tone was quite indulgent.\n

\n\n

\n "No, no!" The volume over the phone spiked, then subsequently lowered. Gripping the receiver, Shen Ci seemed to be avoiding others as he asked softly, "I saw my rights, but what are my obligations?"\n

\n\n

\n Both parties in a contract should naturally enjoy rights while performing obligations. According to Shen Ci's original assumptions, Young Master Xie was to provide money and medical conditions, while he would offer up his body and agree to some non-lethal tricks. But this contract wasn't like that. Xie Yu hadn't made any demands. He didn't ask Shen Ci to sleep with him, nor did he ask him to dedicate anything else. Yet, he promised to pay a massive sum of money—a sum massive enough for his grandmother to receive better medical treatment, and enough for Shen Ci to comfortably finish his university studies.\n

\n\n

\n This was a contract that only outlined rights, but stipulated no obligations.\n

\n\n

\n It was almost like a pie falling from the sky.\n

\n\n

\n Hearing the rustling on the other end, Xie Yu could imagine how the thin-skinned and easily embarrassed Teaching Assistant Shen was carefully hiding in a corner of the school, nervously and shamefully testing out the terms he had offered. Just thinking about it improved his mood.\n

\n\n

\n "There are no other obligations, just one."\n

\n\n

\n Over the phone, Xie Yu's tone was languid, leisurely and at ease. Shen Ci held his breath, listening as the other party said unhurriedly: "First, eat well. Second, sleep well. Third, um... third, study well."\n

\n\n

\n "..."\n

\n\n

\n What kind of requirements were these? Scouring the entirety of Jiang City, there wasn't a single contract like this.\n

\n\n

\n Shen Ci was stunned, asking hesitantly: "...Mr. Xie?"\n

\n\n

\n "Oh, right, there's one last condition."\n

\n\n

\n For some reason, hearing this, Shen Ci actually breathed a sigh of relief. He felt a bizarre sensation of 'he finally had something to do, and wouldn't just be freeloading.'\n

\n\n

\n Shen Ci gripped his phone steadily and stood up straight: "Mr. Xie, I'm listening. Please go ahead."\n

\n\n

\n Xie Yu's slightly stern voice came through the receiver: "The last condition: you are not allowed to take on overtime work-study jobs, you are not allowed to hand out flyers on the streets in summer, you are not allowed to wear mascot headpieces, and you are absolutely not allowed to get heatstroke and end up in the hospital. Do you hear me?!"\n

\n\n

\n The hand Shen Ci used to grip the phone trembled, and the heart in his chest began to beat uncontrollably.\n

","published_time":"2026-05-24T00:00:00.000Z","paid":false,"show_flag":true,"show_scheduled_time":"2026-05-24T00:00:00.000Z","unpaid_scheduled_time":"2026-05-24T00:00:00.000Z"},{"content_id":4427,"novel_id":71,"chapter_no":35,"chapter_title":"If-Line: What If Shen Ci Transmigrated to When Xie Yu Was in High School","content":"

\n "I don't have parents, no one will come to bail me out."\n

\n\n

\n "Pay compensation? I don't have money either."\n

\n\n

\n "Detention? Then detain me, I won't apologize to those bastards."\n

\n\n

\n Xie Yu sat in the interrogation room. When his fist hit someone earlier, it had struck a schoolbag zipper, scraping off a coin-sized piece of skin. It had stopped bleeding now, and a thick scab covered it, forming a dark red crust.\n

\n\n

\n The clerk typed on the keyboard with a headache, "Looking at your uniform, you're still a high school student, right? We have to notify your parents about this..."\n

\n\n

\n "I said, I don't have parents."\n

\n\n

\n Xie Yu interrupted, his tone stiff. His hair seemed like it hadn't been cut in a long time, hanging down to half-cover his eyes. A pair of eyes stared dead straight at the clerk, looking inexplicably gloomy.\n

\n\n

\n "Alright, then I can only issue the detention paperwork for you..."\n

\n\n

\n The clerk sighed, entering the document in front of Xie Yu. Neither of them spoke, and the small interrogation room was completely silent, leaving only the sound of fingers tapping on the keyboard.\n

\n\n

\n Click-clack, click-clack.\n

\n\n

\n Xie Yu kicked the ground aimlessly, feeling agitated and restless.\n

\n\n

\n He didn't know what this person was writing in the record—whether it said he bullied classmates and violated discipline, or was insubordinate and paranoid. Either way, it wouldn't be anything good.\n

\n\n

\n The clerk typed mechanically. After an unknown amount of time, they suddenly paused, then double-clicked the screen, as if confirming something.\n

\n\n

\n Xie Yu rubbed his school uniform pants and stood up nonchalantly. "Done? Where am I going to be detained?"\n

\n\n

\n He would rather go in right away than be looked at with surprised and pitying gazes.\n

\n\n

\n "No, wait a moment while I confirm. Someone has come to bail you out."\n

\n\n

\n "Someone?" Xie Yu sneered and sat back down. "Your system made a mistake. I don't have parents."\n

\n\n

\n Unexpectedly, the clerk tapped twice. "No, there really is. You can go out. Someone paid your fine for you and is waiting for you in the lobby right now."\n

\n\n

\n Xie Yu wondered who was playing a joke on him, or if it was a case of mistaken identity due to the same name. He stood up. "Who bailed me out?"\n

\n\n

\n The other party tapped lightly on the screen. "Let me see—oh, his name is Shen Ci."\n

\n\n

\n Xie Yu saw Shen Ci in the service lobby.\n

\n\n

\n When he came out, this man with a nice-sounding name was flipping through the bail documents. He wore a suit and old-fashioned silver-framed glasses. His face was noble and gentle; he didn't look like he was sitting in a noisy service lobby reading bail documents, but rather like an ancient scholar reading poetry in a courtyard full of plantains.\n

\n\n

\n Xie Yu didn't know someone like this. His high school days were like a puddle of sewage in the gutter, with absolutely no intersection with the suit-and-tie man in front of him.\n

\n\n

\n Xie Yu thought, 'It must be a mistake.'\n

\n\n

\n He picked up his schoolbag, planning to go back and clarify with the clerk that he didn't know this Shen Ci, and the other party wasn't here for him. He wanted to get the detention paperwork done quickly; he couldn't be bothered to waste time.\n

\n\n

\n But Shen Ci had already looked up and seen him.\n

\n\n

\n The moment he saw Xie Yu, his eyes suddenly burst with astonishing brilliance—like pleasant surprise, and also like nostalgia. He carefully traced Xie Yu's silhouette with his gaze, as greedy as a thirsty traveler in the desert.\n

\n\n

\n Xie Yu felt extremely uncomfortable.\n

\n\n

\n He inconspicuously examined himself: his school uniform had been worn for a long time and was already old, faded, and rolled up at the edges, draping loosely over his body. There were bloodstains on his hands and schoolbag. At first glance, he was clearly a delinquent.\n

\n\n

\n If they met on the street, Shen Ci would probably want to walk around him.\n

\n\n

\n The teenager's self-esteem was instantly stung. He sat down cross-legged across from Shen Ci, deliberately tossing his schoolbag onto the stool next to him with a loud bang, before speaking carelessly, "Who are you? What do you want with me?"\n

\n\n

\n Shen Ci's peripheral vision had been lingering on the wound on the back of his hand. Only then did he raise his hand to push his glasses up, smiling gently. "Your father has some matters to attend to and asked me to take care of you for a while. Don't go home these next couple of days, come live with me."\n

\n\n

\n Saying that, he even pushed over a phone showing a screen recording. A drunken man was swaying unsteadily on a couch, murmuring like he was sleep-talking, "Shen Ci... is your, dis... distant older male cousin. He's recently in Jiang City. I a... asked him to take care of you."\n

\n\n

\n Xie Yu almost laughed upon hearing this.\n

\n\n

\n For a moment, he couldn't tell which was more ridiculous: whether his ancestral grave in the middle of nowhere had suddenly emitted green smoke to produce a wealthy or noble figure like Shen Ci, or whether his completely toxic biological father had a crossed wire in his brain, remembering to temporarily find a guardian for him while drunk.\n

\n\n

\n Shen Ci said, "If you don't believe me, you can give your father a call. He really did entrust me to take care of you."\n

\n\n

\n Although he had somewhat used some methods.\n

\n\n

\n Xie Yu couldn't be bothered to talk to his biological father. He picked up his schoolbag. "Fine, then where are we going?"\n

\n\n

\n He scrutinized Shen Ci, dragging out the last syllable, "Cousin?"\n

\n\n

\n Shen Ci's turning motion paused.\n

\n\n

\n He quickly covered up this insignificant pause and naturally took the schoolbag from Xie Yu's hand. "I drove here, get in the car."\n

\n\n

\n Xie Yu's breath hitched, and he snatched his schoolbag back from Shen Ci's hand. "I don't need you to carry it!"\n

\n\n

\n He was a high school student, not an elementary schooler. He was even taller than Shen Ci; it wasn't the place of his frail-looking cousin to carry his bag.\n

\n\n

\n Shen Ci was pulled by him and stumbled slightly, but he didn't say anything, just smiling good-naturedly. "Alright, carry it yourself."\n

\n\n

\n "..."\n

\n\n

\n Xie Yu felt even more displeased.\n

\n\n

\n This cousin who had popped out of nowhere seemed to treat him like a three-year-old, his helplessness laced with indulgence, as if Xie Yu still needed to be coaxed into cooperating.\n

\n\n

\n But you can't hit a smiling face. With Shen Ci acting like this, Xie Yu couldn't well act up. He could only pull a long face, watching Shen Ci open the trunk to put his schoolbag away, then walk around to open the passenger door for him.\n

\n\n

\n "..."\n

\n\n

\n It felt even more like taking care of a three-year-old child.\n

\n\n

\n A fire rose in Xie Yu's heart. He sat down abruptly and sulked. Shen Ci got in and reminded him softly, "You need to fasten your seatbelt."\n

\n\n

\n Xie Yu's fire was then extinguished.\n

\n\n

\n This feeling was truly bizarre. In the past ten-odd years of Xie Yu's life, his biological father treated him like an enemy, teachers and classmates avoided him, and the rest of his relatives acted like strangers. Yet, an unseen "cousin" was speaking kindly to him, telling him to fasten his seatbelt.\n

\n\n

\n He muttered, "I know, stop nagging," but still obediently buckled up.\n

\n\n

\n Shen Ci held the steering wheel and drove to a certain riverside residential area.\n

\n\n

\n This place was adjacent to a commercial district and surrounded by two top-tier elementary schools. The housing prices remained high. Xie Yu thought to himself, 'He really is either rich or noble.'\n

\n\n

\n The other party lived in a large riverside single-floor apartment. When Xie Yu entered, Shen Ci pointed out a room for him. "You will live here from now on."\n

\n\n

\n He led Xie Yu around to look, smiling apologetically. "Time was tight, so I didn't have time to decorate properly. I bought you some little things, see if you like them."\n

\n\n

\n It was impossible for Xie Yu not to like them; Shen Ci had bought them exactly according to his preferences.\n

\n\n

\n Xie Yu didn't have many hobbies. He liked playing games, and there was a floor-standing monitor and matching controllers in the room. Xie Yu liked riding motorcycles, and there were a limited edition helmet and motorcycle keys in the room. Shen Ci was even perfectly clear on the drinks and snacks he liked.\n

\n\n

\n "..."\n

\n\n

\n Xie Yu looked around and said stiffly, "Thank you."\n

\n\n

\n He didn't say this word often, his expression stiff and posture awkward. Shen Ci didn't point it out. He was just about to leave and give Xie Yu some private space, when he suddenly remembered something. "By the way, you're about to take the college entrance exam, right?"\n

\n\n

\n He scrutinized Xie Yu's uniform and the name tag on his schoolbag. "I remember your dad saying you're about to enter your senior year? Then you need to restrain your gaming time. You can only play after finishing your test papers."\n

\n\n

\n Xie Yu was already uncomfortable beyond measure.\n

\n\n

\n He didn't know how this cousin could be so meddlesome. Taking care of his food and lodging was one thing, but to actually manage his studies too? Xie Yu hadn't studied for over a year.\n

\n\n

\n But Shen Ci was serious.\n

\n\n

\n That very night, he really brought test papers to knock on Xie Yu's door, asking, "Do you want to give it a try?"\n

\n\n

\n Shen Ci's gaze was sincere, and Xie Yu was soft-hearted. Moreover, since he was eating and living on someone else's dime, he felt quite embarrassed. Thus, he was in a daze as he was pressed down beside the desk and had a pen stuffed into his hand.\n

\n\n

\n This was a diagnostic test for the comprehensive science subjects. Xie Yu groggily began to write. The entire set of test papers was seven or eight pages long, but Xie Yu understood less than one page. He scribbled random answers, and just as he was about to pack it away, the papers were pulled away by Shen Ci.\n

\n\n

\n Shen Ci began to grade them.\n

\n\n

\n He sat on the chair, his silver-framed glasses reflecting the warm white light of the desk lamp. Even his posture holding the pen was elegant and beautiful. Thinking of his own dogshit-like test answers, Xie Yu lightly curled his fingers.\n

\n\n

\n —Shen Ci would probably think he was an ignorant and incompetent piece of trash.\n

\n\n

\n Strangely enough, his teachers and classmates all considered him an ignorant and incompetent piece of trash, and Xie Yu thought of himself that way as well, but now, he suddenly felt a little sad.\n

\n\n

\n However, Shen Ci finished grading the set of papers with his usual expression, circling and dotting to make marks, before looking up at Xie Yu. "Are you tired?"\n

\n\n

\n Xie Yu: "...What?"\n

\n\n

\n Shen Ci: "Do you want to come sit over here and listen to me explain?"\n

\n\n

\n Silence.\n

\n\n

\n Shen Ci didn't rush him, just sitting quietly. Instead, it was Xie Yu who couldn't sit still and scooted his chair over.\n

\n\n

\n He had encountered so little kindness in his life that just a couple of gentle words from someone else made it impossible for him to refuse.\n

\n\n

\n Holding the pen, Shen Ci began to explain fluidly and eloquently.\n

\n\n

\n He enunciated clearly, his tone gentle, and his explanations smooth. He hit the difficult points right away, breaking down the knowledge points layer by layer. Xie Yu hadn't wanted to learn at first, but as he listened, he actually absorbed more than half of it.\n

\n\n

\n Seeing that the time had passed midnight, Shen Ci capped the pen and gave Xie Yu's shoulder a push. "Go to sleep. I'll wake you up for breakfast tomorrow."\n

\n\n

\n A completely unfamiliar bedroom, a completely unfamiliar bed. Xie Yu thought he wouldn't be able to sleep, but there was an exceptionally peaceful and gentle aura around Shen Ci. The moment his head hit the pillow, he actually fell straight into a deep sleep.\n

\n\n

\n For the next three hundred or so days and nights, Xie Yu went to school, and Shen Ci went to work.\n

\n\n

\n Their lives became increasingly synchronized, and they grew more and more intimately close.\n

\n\n

\n Xie Yu didn't know exactly what this cousin did, only that he always wore a crisp suit and went in and out of high-rise buildings; he should be a busy business elite. Yet every night, Shen Ci would unfailingly come back to teach him how to do his homework, breaking down and explaining each question one by one, even turning down invitations over the phone, as if teaching him homework was the most important thing. For 365 days, it was like this every single day.\n

\n\n

\n Occasionally, on weekends, they played games together. Shen Ci made a mean soup, being especially skilled at radish and pork ribs. Every time he wore an apron and cooked in the kitchen, with the rising white mist blurring his noble and elegant eyes, and the aroma of pork ribs filling the living room, Xie Yu had the impulse to rush over and hug him. He absentmindedly had the illusion that Shen Ci was his family, and that they had already spent many years like this, ordinarily yet warmly.\n

\n\n

\n ...Family?\n

\n\n

\n Could a distant cousin be considered family?\n

\n\n

\n Xie Yu was a little confused.\n

\n\n

\n His bipolar disorder hadn't flared up once since he came to this house. His grades got better and better, fighting his way from the bottom of his class to the top ranks of his grade. His rate of progress was astonishing. He gave up games and motorcycles, sitting from morning till night like an ascetic monk. Even his teachers marveled at his perseverance, even asking him to impart the secret of his self-discipline to the whole class.\n

\n\n

\n Xie Yu shook his head and refused.\n

\n\n

\n It was embarrassing to say, but a large part of the reason Xie Yu suddenly enlightened himself to study was because every time he made progress and brought his report card to Shen Ci to sign, Shen Ci's smile was truly beautiful.\n

\n\n

\n He was genuinely and completely happy for Xie Yu's progress.\n

\n\n

\n Xie Yu didn't want to disappoint the only person in the world who treated him well.\n

\n\n

\n As the days passed one by one, the college entrance exam rolled around. Shen Ci didn't go to work that day, specially keeping Xie Yu company. Like other parents, he waited at the entrance to drop him off and pick him up. As soon as Xie Yu stepped out of the examination room, he could walk shoulder-to-shoulder with him.\n

\n\n

\n Xie Yu had changed a lot this year. He cut off his excessively long hair, his clothes were all picked out by Shen Ci so the taste wasn't bad, and he had gained some flesh on his cheeks, giving him quite a radiant, youthful feel.\n

\n\n

\n Shen Ci spotted Xie Yu in the crowd at a glance. He was tall and his looks stood out. So, Shen Ci squeezed through the crowd to his side, inquiring about his well-being just like the other parents, before asking, "What do you want to eat tonight?"\n

\n\n

\n Xie Yu tilted his head in thought and said, "Anything is fine."\n

\n\n

\n Anything was fine. As long as he was eating with Shen Ci, he wasn't picky.\n

\n\n

\n That being said, Shen Ci still cooked quite a bit. He rarely opened two bottles of red wine, lightly clinking glasses with Xie Yu as a celebration.\n

\n\n

\n During the two days of the college entrance exam, Xie Yu hadn't slept well. After finishing this meal and drinking some wine, he hit the pillow and fell right asleep at night. Halfway through his sleep, he groggily started dreaming again. In his dream, Shen Ci leaned into his embrace, his noble and beautiful eyes holding a pool of spring water. They pressed against each other, hugging, and finally kissing. Shirt buttons were undone, and the quilt slipped to the ground.\n

\n\n

\n ...\n

\n\n

\n Only then did he suddenly understand what the palpitations in his heart were every time he stood shoulder-to-shoulder with Shen Ci.\n

\n\n

\n He liked this sole person who treated him well, and wanted to be intimately close with him, skin touching skin.\n

\n\n

\n Xie Yu woke up and was stunned for a long time. Suddenly, he raised his hand and gave himself a slap in the face.\n

\n\n

\n He didn't hit himself lightly, and a red mark instantly appeared. Xie Yu went to the sink to wash his face with cold water. Looking up to meet his wretched face in the mirror, he suddenly pulled out a trace of a mocking smile.\n

\n\n

\n He thought self-deprecatingly, 'I am indeed nothing good.'\n

\n\n

\n Shen Ci was his cousin. Out of care for a relative, his cousin had provided him with food and shelter, and managed his studies, only to raise a cousin with wolfish ambitions, coveting things he shouldn't covet.\n

\n\n

\n Shen Ci really shouldn't have been so good to him.\n

\n\n

\n He washed up in silence, and taking advantage of the night, stuffed his messy bedsheets into the washing machine. When he clicked start, the sound of the machine starting up was deafening, especially obvious in the dark of night. Xie Yu guarded the washing machine, praying that Shen Ci would sleep a little more soundly, just a little more soundly, so that he could hide his dark thoughts away without having to expose them.\n

\n\n

\n But behind him, someone turned on the light.\n

\n\n

\n Pure white light poured down instantly, the darkness retreated and disappeared, and everything had nowhere to hide.\n

\n\n

\n Wearing only his pajamas, Shen Ci stood in the corner of the living room, looking surprised. "Why aren't you asleep so late?"\n

\n\n

\n Xie Yu stiffly blocked the washing machine, lowering his eyes. "I couldn't sleep at night."\n

\n\n

\n Shen Ci showed worry, walking forward and reaching out to touch Xie Yu's forehead. "Were you nervous about the exam? It's normal to be nervous after finishing the college entrance exam."\n

\n\n

\n Xie Yu didn't speak. Shen Ci hesitated for a moment before asking, "It's so late. If you really can't sleep, do you want to... do you want to sleep with me?"\n

\n\n

\n Xie Yu closed his eyes, wanting to laugh even more.\n

\n\n

\n He wondered what Shen Ci was thinking. He was a high school graduate, not still in elementary school. If he couldn't sleep, did he need his mommy to coax him, clamoring to sleep with mommy? Or did this incredibly distant cousin really treat him as his own child?\n

\n\n

\n Then did Shen Ci know what kind of filthy thoughts this "child" in front of him harbored towards him?\n

\n\n

\n And if he knew, what would he do? Would he panic, avoid him like a snake or scorpion, or would he... feel disgusted?\n

\n\n

\n Shen Ci was evidently entirely ignorant of Xie Yu's secret thoughts. He even reached out and grabbed Xie Yu's wrist, wanting to lead him into the room. "Come on, I'll keep you company and chat with you. Everyone goes through the college entrance exam like this, don't be nervous."\n

\n\n

\n It was like inviting a wolf into the house.\n

\n\n

\n An unnamed anger rose in Xie Yu. He flipped his hand and threw Shen Ci off, his force surprisingly strong. "I'm not coming!"\n

\n\n

\n Shen Ci looked back in astonishment.\n

\n\n

\n Ever since they had started living together, Xie Yu hadn't spoken in this tone for a very long time.\n

\n\n

\n The surprise in his eyes clearly stung Xie Yu. Xie Yu suddenly smiled bitterly, "Shen Ci, do you really treat me as a child?"\n

\n\n

\n Shen Ci blinked and said hesitantly, "...No?"\n

\n\n

\n —How could he treat Xie Yu as a child? During every sleepless night on a lonely pillow, he had missed the warmth of an embrace so much, missing it to the point of near madness.\n

\n\n

\n It was just that Xie Yu hadn't graduated from high school yet. He was afraid that saying it too early would make him seem like he had ulterior motives and would scare him away.\n

\n\n

\n Who knew that the self-mockery in Xie Yu's expression would grow even stronger. He stepped forward, trapping Shen Ci within his heavy shadow, almost interrogating, "If you know I'm not a child, how dare you invite me to sleep with you?"\n

\n\n

\n Shen Ci: "..."\n

\n\n

\n —Why wouldn't he dare?\n

\n\n

\n But Xie Yu's expression was truly awful, so Shen Ci didn't ask anything. He merely changed the subject, saying with a good temper, "Are you feeling unwell? Do you want to eat something?"\n

\n\n

\n Xie Yu was under too much pressure from the college entrance exam, and right now he couldn't kiss or hug him. If he wanted to comfort him, the only method Shen Ci could think of was feeding him.\n

\n\n

\n —But this appearance looked even more like a parent worrying about their child's mental state.\n

\n\n

\n Xie Yu squeezed his eyes tightly shut.\n

\n\n

\n He watched Shen Ci turn around, really about to tie on an apron to steam pastries. A sense of absurdity, powerlessness, and pain suddenly washed over his heart, burning until his internal organs began to ache with a dull pain.\n

\n\n

\n Prolonged loneliness made Xie Yu unaccustomed to interacting with people. He hadn't received even a fraction of favoritism from his father, so he had always kept his expectations low. He didn't expect others to treat him very well. Now that Shen Ci was treating him well, he didn't dare to believe that this kindness would continue on and on. He could barely feign it before, but that filthy dream suddenly made him realize that he couldn't pretend to be the obedient cousin anymore.\n

\n\n

\n Everything in front of his eyes was like a mirage. The day the bubble burst would be the time he lost everything.\n

\n\n

\n And Xie Yu suffered immensely in the process.\n

\n\n

\n He didn't want to wait any longer; he desperately needed an answer. Thus, he suddenly had an impulse to expose all these unbearable, unspeakable filth, leaving them blatantly under Shen Ci's nose, pointing and questioning him—'Look, the child you raised is this kind of thing at his core. Are you still going to treat him so well?'\n

\n\n

\n If you had seen his inner heart, would you still be willing to treat him so well?\n

\n\n

\n So he suddenly reached out, grabbing Shen Ci's wrist. Under Shen Ci's astonished gaze, he grabbed the back of his head and suddenly kissed him.\n

\n\n

\n Parting at a single touch.\n

\n\n

\n This brief, dragonfly-skimming-the-water-like touch exhausted all of Xie Yu's courage. He took two steps back, waved his hand with difficulty, and smiled bitterly. "Now, do you still want to invite me?"\n

\n\n

\n Shen Ci was completely stunned for two full seconds.\n

\n\n

\n Finally, under Xie Yu's deathly still gaze, he raised his hand and placed his fingers against his lips, where there was still a slight glisten of moisture, moist and shiny.\n

\n\n

\n "Oh my." Shen Ci hesitated for a moment, but still told the truth,\n

\n\n

\n "Xie Yu, your kissing technique... is as awful as before."\n

","published_time":"2026-05-24T00:00:00.000Z","paid":false,"show_flag":true,"show_scheduled_time":"2026-05-24T00:00:00.000Z","unpaid_scheduled_time":"2026-05-24T00:00:00.000Z"},{"content_id":4428,"novel_id":71,"chapter_no":36,"chapter_title":"The Chosen Host","content":"

\n System 55 floated in the hall of the Central Management Bureau, looking at the striking 50 points on the screen with a bitter expression.\n

\n\n

\n 50 points, it was definitely in last place.\n

\n\n

\n Sure enough, the Main Brain turned to 55, let out a slow sigh, and said with disappointment, "Little Six, this was your first mission, and the difficulty wasn't high either. How did it turn out like this?"\n

\n\n

\n System 55: "QAQ"\n

\n\n

\n It typed out a crying expression on the screen and couldn't help but sob pitifully.\n

\n\n

\n "Main Brain, I swear, I really tried my best to complete the mission, but my previous host, he, he was just impossible to carry! QAQ"\n

\n\n

\n The previous host, Xie Yu, was a bizarre man with a peculiar thought process, excelling at scraping by and feigning compliance. The system was already thanking the heavens and the earth that he managed to get 50 points.\n

\n\n

\n The Main Brain sighed again: "Our duty is to maintain the normal operation of the small worlds. With 50 points... alright, it can barely operate, but I still hope Little Six will work harder next time."\n

\n\n

\n System 55: "I will, but can you assign me a reliable host? It would be best if his personality was similar to the original owner in the novel."\n

\n\n

\n Xie Yu's personality was completely opposite to the original owner's, which led to the results being hundreds of thousands of miles off track. But if the personalities were similar to begin with, there shouldn't be any problems, right?\n

\n\n

\n After taking this severe beating from reality, System 55 had grown up. It realized that as a rookie system, it couldn't turn the tide alone and had to rely on a suitable host.\n

\n\n

\n The Main Brain thought for a moment and agreed: "I will extract keywords for you and open the matching system."\n

\n\n

\n They quieted down as countless words simultaneously swept across the fluorescent blue screen, turning into complex and massive data streams. The supercomputer categorized and uniformly organized the data.\n

\n\n

\n In just 30 short seconds, the original novel was completely dismantled.\n

\n\n

\n This was an interstellar Zerg novel. The protagonist, Lenon Colette, was a promising major general of the Third Legion and the designated heir of the Colette Family. Legend had it that his head of silver hair was even more charming than a pure white iris, and he was privately called "Major General Pure White Iris".\n

\n\n

\n At the beginning of the novel, Lenon was imprisoned due to a framing by the nobles and was about to be punished with exile. Seeing the execution date drawing nearer, there were only two paths laid out before Lenon: one, put up no resistance and accept the punishment; two, seek the favor of one of the Highnesses in the royal family, become a companion to gain bail, and avoid the punishment, but he would be confined to the inner courtyard from then on, never to see a day of freedom again.\n

\n\n

\n Lenon had unfinished business, so he chose the second path.\n

\n\n

\n The royal family currently had a total of three Highnesses. The First and Second Highnesses both had fierce reputations outside, while the Third Highness had just come of age, had poor health, and always lived in seclusion, leaving no intelligence about him whatsoever.\n

\n\n

\n Lenon decided to take a gamble. He picked the Third Highness of the Empire, schemed to have a one-night stand with the other party, and offered up the wealth of the Colette Family, begging the Third Highness to marry him.\n

\n\n

\n However, as the protagonist of an abusive novel, he undoubtedly lost the bet. The Third Highness, Lin You, was a playboy who was promiscuous and capricious. After deeply marking Lenon, he used Pheromone suppression to wildly plunder the Colette Family's wealth. After toying with all of Lenon's old friends and relatives, he lost interest in him and kicked him away. Refusing to provide pacification, he watched coldly with indifference as Lenon struggled and suffered for Pheromones.\n

\n\n

\n Subsequently, Lenon injected a serum, completely sealing off the effects of Pheromones at the cost of agonizing pain once a month, and finally died on the expeditionary battlefield.\n

\n\n

\n And after losing the support of the Colette Family, Lin You died in a power struggle.\n

\n\n

\n This seemed like a story of taking revenge on society.\n

\n\n

\n System 55 was deep in thought: "In short, Lin You is a person who is promiscuous, selfish and indifferent, and capricious, right? How am I supposed to find a host like this?"\n

\n\n

\n It was actually quite rare to gather these three trashy qualities at the same time.\n

\n\n

\n The Main Brain's screen flickered: "I can try to match one for you."\n

\n\n

\n A massive amount of data flowed through the Main Brain. A moment later, the screen froze, and an electronic voice sounded: "Found him."\n

\n\n

\n "Host No. 854357. Playboy and promiscuous. According to the inquiry, he simultaneously has 325 lovers, and every single lover affectionately calls him 'wife' or 'baby'."\n

\n\n

\n System 55's eyes instantly lit up.\n

\n\n

\n 325 of them! So playboy! So promiscuous! I love it!\n

\n\n

\n "At the same time, he is selfish and indifferent. According to the inquiry, to this day, his 325 lovers have spent a total of 47,830 yuan buying gifts for him, yet he hasn't returned a single one."\n

\n\n

\n Not a single one! So selfish! I love it!\n

\n\n

\n "Secondly, he is an indifferent person who likes the silent treatment. The words he likes to use most with his lovers are 'go away' and 'no'."\n

\n\n

\n So indifferent! So heartless! I love it!\n

\n\n

\n "Lastly, he is capricious. Often, his previous sentence will be an expression of thanks, and in the next sentence, he will tell people to go away."\n

\n\n

\n So capricious! I love it!\n

\n\n

\n What kind of heaven-chosen scumbag is this? Isn't this a perfect match for the novel's Lin You?\n

\n\n

\n "The most important point is that he just died suddenly from staying up late. You can bind with him right now."\n

\n\n

\n What kind of heaven-sent perfect host is this!\n

\n\n

\n The system made a prompt decision: "He's the one. Please send me his files!"\n

\n\n

\n Twenty minutes ago, Jin City, Huayuan Community.\n

\n\n

\n Lin You sent a "Starting Broadcast" sticker in the group chat, and the small group of 329 people instantly became active.\n

\n\n

\n "Wifey, until what time are you streaming tonight?"\n

\n\n

\n Lin You sighed: "Nine o'clock, and don't call me wifey."\n

\n\n

\n "Okay wifey. Is wifey streaming a horror game tonight?"\n

\n\n

\n Lin You sighed: "I'm not streaming horror genres. I've said I'm afraid of ghosts and the dark. Also, don't call me wifey, I'm a pure top!"\n

\n\n

\n "A pure top can also be a wifey."\n

\n\n

\n "...Go away."\n

\n\n

\n "If we can't call you wifey, can we call you baby?"\n

\n\n

\n "...No."\n

\n\n

\n In just a few short sentences of dialogue, he had already said three "no"s and one "go away".\n

\n\n

\n After Lin You finished speaking in the group chat, he skillfully opened his stream and selected a shooter game called Interstellar War. He was a moderately popular small streamer who didn't show his face, only his hands. Because of his beautiful execution, his clean and sharp headshots, and even his elegant and smooth recoil control and reloading, watching him play games was like watching a movie. There were almost no wasted camera movements or actions, and he was jokingly called the "Most Entertaining Interstellar War Player" by his fans.\n

\n\n

\n Lin You had a pleasant voice and nice hands. Once the fans got familiar with him, they all liked to call him "wifey". No matter how he tried to stop them, it was useless. Even when he put a "pure top" tag on his homepage, the fans only got more excited.\n

\n\n

\n At this moment, a gift floated across the screen, and Lin You expressed his gratitude: "Thank you to this 'Does Lin You Want To Try Being A Bottom' for the luxury yacht..."\n

\n\n

\n After reading the name, two veins popped out on his forehead: "Go away!"\n

\n\n

\n It was a bit embarrassing to talk about. Although Lin You boasted about being a pure top and was certain in his heart that it was absolutely impossible for him to be a bottom, because of his excessively delicate and handsome face and his overly polite personality, even if he sat in a gay bar with a 10:1 ratio of bottoms to tops, the only ones who would come up to hit on him would be of the same type.\n

\n\n

\n Whenever a muscle-bound hunk sat next to him and whistled wildly at his butt, Lin You would have the illusion that he was going to die.\n

\n\n

\n And what was even more deadly was that whether they were gay or straight, Lin You's good friends had already found partners one after another, leaving only Lin You as a loner. While others were being intimate under the moonlight and flowers, and even posting photos on their social media feeds to show off their affection, Lin You could only go home and stream games. Now, every time he went to a temple to burn incense, Lin You would pray to the Bodhisattva for a blessing: "Please give me a sweet romance!"\n

\n\n

\n Just when would he be able to have a sweet romance with a matching type?\n

\n\n

\n The others were one thing, but Lin You's fans especially loved to poke at his sore spots. Weird usernames like "When Are You Going To Be A Bottom" flew all over the screen. Lin You felt incredibly speechless and helpless, so he could only let the fans do as they pleased.\n

\n\n

\n After he finished reading the list of gift senders, he started the game.\n

\n\n

\n Today's mission was to delve deep into the Zerg nest. Lin You chose a small-caliber pistol. He sneaked through the dark and deep underground, his nerves stretched to the limit. As the Zerg nest grew darker, countless hoarse rustling sounds echoed all around. However, Lin You was a veteran after all; he was completely undisturbed and quickly found the mission objective.\n

\n\n

\n He hid behind a giant boulder, attached a scope, and was just about to take aim and fire when a sudden, intense pain struck his chest. His heart began to beat wildly at an inopportune moment. He felt dizzy and his vision blurred, making him almost unable to see the screen clearly.\n

\n\n

\n His field of vision gradually closed up, and the computer screen turned into a blue dot the size of a pinprick. His vision went black, and then he knew nothing more.\n

\n\n

\n In a daze, a voice seemed to ring in his ear:\n

\n\n

\n "Welcome Host Lin You to binding with this system. This system is the Abusive Novel NPC Role-Playing System. You will be playing the role of the playboy and unfeeling Third Prince Lin You in the novel Lost in the Stars. Please carefully study the character settings of the novel and fulfill the novel's plot. When the role-playing passing grade reaches 50%, you will be rewarded with one chance at rebirth..."\n

\n\n

\n Amidst the eerie mechanical voice, Lin You's head felt like it was splitting apart. He groggily opened his eyes, and the first thing that came into view was a head of satin-like silver hair, shimmering with a thread-like, brilliant luster. Lin You raised his hand, and the long hair slipped through his fingertips, leaving a cool sensation.\n

\n\n

\n "Ugh..."\n

\n\n

\n Some sort of sound rang out, and immediately after, the pads of his fingers touched warm skin.\n

\n\n

\n Lin You was suddenly startled.\n

\n\n

\n He was holding a person in his arms, a beautiful man.\n

\n\n

\n Beneath him was an excessively soft bed. This bed was larger than the biggest one Lin You had ever seen, large enough for seven or eight people to gallop freely on it. It was like the bed of a CEO or young master from an old-school romance novel. Pure white gauze curtains hung around the bed, and the dimensions of the room were also excessively large. The vaulted ceiling was a full ten meters high, a dimension that modern developers could not possibly use.\n

\n\n

\n ...A dream?\n

\n\n

\n Lin You raised his hand to brush aside the silver hair on the man's forehead, then softly inhaled a breath. The face beneath the silver hair had practically grown exactly according to his preferences. The deep blue eyes made one think of the sky and the sea. His forehead was covered in layers of fine beads of sweat, and even his arched neck was unbelievably beautiful. Surprisingly, his figure was also right in Lin You's strike zone; the pectoral and abdominal muscles were perfectly full, and the taut lines of his calves were smooth and beautiful, like a meticulously carved BJD doll.\n

\n\n

\n Lin You thought to himself, "Could it be that the Bodhisattva felt my wish was too hard to fulfill, so he simply picked out a dream guy for me in my sleep?"\n

\n\n

\n This appearance, this figure, this beautiful waist, abdomen, and calf muscles, and he's a bottom?\n

\n\n

\n He was still not very clear-headed, yet the silver-haired beauty laughed softly. He leaned down beside Lin You, his voice hoarse: "Your Highness, are you still satisfied with your subject doing this?"\n

\n\n

\n Lin You: "...?"\n

\n\n

\n Your Highness?\n

\n\n

\n Roleplay? This dream even comes with a script?\n

\n\n

\n Seeing his silence, Lenon's expression turned slightly cold, but thinking of his family and career, he still forcefully endured the discomfort in his body and flipped off the bed onto the floor.\n

\n\n

\n "Your Highness." He placed one hand over his chest and knelt on one knee, performing a standard knight's salute. His posture was noble and elegant: "Please allow me to offer the wealth of the Colette Family in exchange for an opportunity to stay by your side."\n

\n\n

\n In a place where Lin You couldn't see, his smile completely vanished, his expression became blank, and a bitter smile tugged at the corners of his mouth.\n

\n\n

\n Everyone knew that Male Zergs were playboys and promiscuous; there was no such thing as constantly staying by their side. Once deeply marked and their Pheromones blended, Lenon clearly knew what his fate would be, and he was prepared to face it.\n

\n\n

\n To this day, he already had no other choice.\n

","published_time":"2026-05-24T00:00:00.000Z","paid":false,"show_flag":true,"show_scheduled_time":"2026-05-24T00:00:00.000Z","unpaid_scheduled_time":"2026-05-24T00:00:00.000Z"},{"content_id":4429,"novel_id":71,"chapter_no":37,"chapter_title":"Iris","content":"

\n Whether it was a dream or not, a silver-haired beauty kneeling before him in a knight's posture was strange enough.\n

\n\n

\n Lin You fancied himself to not have any weird fetishes, so he reached out to pull him up. "Get up first."\n

\n\n

\n Lenon, however, said, "Please grant me the honor of remaining by your side."\n

\n\n

\n He spoke in a very formal and pedantic manner. Before Lin You could reply, his vision suddenly blurred, and a fluorescent blue display screen floated into his view.\n

\n\n

\n A cold, electronic voice sounded, "Hello Host, please refuse."\n

\n\n

\n Lin You paused.\n

\n\n

\n Refuse?\n

\n\n

\n He didn't say it out loud, but 55 seemed to know his thoughts. "Refuse Lenon's request to remain by your side, and say the following lines."\n

\n\n

\n A line of small text appeared on the display screen.\n

\n\n

\n "The head of the Colette Family, Major General Iris of the Third Legion, I am well aware of why you are here and am highly interested in your proposal. But if you wish to remain by my side, I still need to see more of your sincerity."\n

\n\n

\n "...?"\n

\n\n

\n These words were even more pedantic. Lin You seriously suspected he was playing a live-action role-playing game set in the Western Middle Ages.\n

\n\n

\n Seeming to see his confusion, 55 briefly explained the system binding and the mission objectives, and warned, "You need to play the role of the Third Prince, Lin You, and finish the plot under his identity. As a reward for completion, once your roleplay is over, you will receive a chance to be reborn."\n

\n\n

\n 55 warned, "In order to keep the small world normal and stable, it is best for you to get a roleplay score of over 50 points."\n

\n\n

\n Lin You had played similar games before. In certain role-playing games, if one's behavior was too out of character, they would be judged and obliterated.\n

\n\n

\n At this moment, Lenon had maintained his half-kneeling posture for a long time. In the prolonged silence, his heart sank bit by bit until it hit rock bottom. Then, he heard the Third Highness speak deliberately, his voice carrying the daze of someone who had just woken up: "...I am well aware of why you are here... But I still need to see more of your sincerity."\n

\n\n

\n Sure enough, he refused.\n

\n\n

\n Lenon mocked silently.\n

\n\n

\n He had already given himself to the Male Zerg. From now on, he could no longer accept the pheromones of other Male Zergs. If this didn't count as sincerity, then what did?\n

\n\n

\n However, such a situation was also within reason. The Male Zerg knew he had no way out and would only press him step by step until the last drop of blood was squeezed dry from the Colette Family.\n

\n\n

\n But even so, Lenon didn't show it on his face at all. He stared at the Male Zerg almost obsessively, leaning forward and saying submissively, "I will let you see my sincerity."\n

\n\n

\n "..."\n

\n\n

\n Without any exaggeration, Lin You broke out in goosebumps.\n

\n\n

\n This scene was too much like a novel or a game, and the beautiful person in front of him was like a manipulated puppet or a pre-programmed NPC. He was executing fixed lines and scripts with deep emotion, but although he seemed full of feelings, they didn't reach his eyes. It was all just to please the player in front of the screen.\n

\n\n

\n Lin You glanced at the screen, and the system typed out another line of text: "The phase plot has ended. Please ask Lenon to leave, Host."\n

\n\n

\n Lin You breathed a sigh of relief. "I want to rest now. Please leave."\n

\n\n

\n Lenon picked up his clothes, bowed in salute, and silently withdrew.\n

\n\n

\n It wasn't until his figure completely disappeared from the hall that Lin You let out a sigh of relief and sat back on the soft, large bed.\n

\n\n

\n The system quietly floated out and encouraged him, "The completion rate is very high, Host."\n

\n\n

\n Although it maintained a cold, elegant, and noble image in front of the new host, in private, 55 was already streaming with tears.\n

\n\n

\n Look! What an obedient host! Saying whatever he was told to say, unlike that certain Xie from before, who asked all sorts of questions and outwardly complied but inwardly rebelled.\n

\n\n

\n Lin You was still in a dazed state of mind.\n

\n\n

\n Anyone who suddenly died and went offline halfway through playing a game, only to open their eyes, be bound to a system, and forced to recite lines, would be somewhat stunned.\n

\n\n

\n Under the system's explanation, he figured out the situation. Then the system displayed the novel on the screen, signaling Lin You to read it. "This is the reference original text. Please ponder it carefully."\n

\n\n

\n With a novel of over 400 pages, Lin You had just read the beginning of the first chapter. Without knowing what he saw, he suddenly reached out and patted his face. His eyes wandered around, looking up at the ceiling and down at the floor. After his gaze landed on his thigh, he fell backward, pulled up the blanket, and covered his head.\n

\n\n

\n System: "?"\n

\n\n

\n What is he doing?\n

\n\n

\n Then he heard Lin You ask in a tiny voice, "So, were we doing that just now?" His tone even carried a hidden expectation.\n

\n\n

\n —Had his wizard career of over twenty years finally ended?\n

\n\n

\n When he first arrived, his head had been spinning, and the dull ache in his heart had not completely disappeared. Hypoxia and the feeling of near-death had caused his brain to temporarily lose function. In a daze, Lin You had felt an unfamiliar sensation that was somewhat comfortable, but when he tried to recall the details, he couldn't remember anything. It wasn't until now, reading the novel, that he suddenly realized they seemed to have just started at that time.\n

\n\n

\n System: "...?"\n

\n\n

\n It hesitated and answered, "Yes?"\n

\n\n

\n Lin You's face suddenly turned explosive red, and even the skin on his neck flushed crimson.\n

\n\n

\n The system faintly felt that something was wrong.\n

\n\n

\n It asked in confusion, "Why are you blushing? Have you never tried it even once?"\n

\n\n

\n Didn't he have 325 wives? What is such a playboy, promiscuous scum acting all coy for now?\n

\n\n

\n Lin You: "?"\n

\n\n

\n He felt slightly dissatisfied. "Of course it's my first time."\n

\n\n

\n System: "?"\n

\n\n

\n It felt a faint sense of dread in its heart, and its central processing unit crashed a bit. "But, you have a full 325 lovers?"\n

\n\n

\n 325 lovers, and you haven't slept with a single one?\n

\n\n

\n Lin You was baffled. "325? Oh, you mean my fan group? But what does that have to do with whether it's my first time or not?"\n

\n\n

\n "...Don't they call you 'wife'?"\n

\n\n

\n Lin You tried to educate this ignorant system. "It's modern society now. They call me 'wife', and they call other streamers 'wife' too. Everyone can have countless wives and can be called 'wife' by countless people. This doesn't conflict, right?"\n

\n\n

\n System: "...?"\n

\n\n

\n It was shocked by the chaotic relationships of modern society. It tried to analyze the possibility of a womanizer being a virgin despite having countless lovers, and came up with an absurd ratio of 0.003%. Consequently, it began doubting its life and completely crashed.\n

\n\n

\n Taking advantage of the gap while the system shut up, Lin You began reading the novel.\n

\n\n

\n To be fair, the reading experience of the novel was not good. It was neither a sweet novel nor a satisfyingly overpowered one; it was filled with a large amount of meaningless violent descriptions. At the beginning of the novel, the protagonist, Lenon, was at an absolute disadvantage.\n

\n\n

\n As the eldest son of an established noble family in The Empire, Lenon had been engaged to a Male Zerg of the Liam Family. When this Male Zerg was injured in an attack during interstellar travel, Lenon was accused of being the murderer. The law enforcer extracted Lenon's fingerprints from the bullet shot at the Male Zerg. The evidence was conclusive. If he couldn't obtain a pardon, he would face the final outcome of exile.\n

\n\n

\n Lin You frowned as he read two chapters. He hadn't seen much of the plot yet when he suddenly pointed to a line of text, his eyes shining slightly. "Is Lenon a Major General?"\n

\n\n

\n System: "? Yes."\n

\n\n

\n It didn't quite understand the intention behind Lin You's question, but the bad premonition in its heart grew stronger.\n

\n\n

\n Lin You: "So he wears a uniform?"\n

\n\n

\n "...Yes."\n

\n\n

\n Lin You: "!"\n

\n\n

\n Lin You was quite a homebody. His hobbies were playing games and reading comics, making him somewhat of an otaku. And people into ACG culture more or less had some special fetishes. For example, Lin You was a hidden uniform fanatic.\n

\n\n

\n Although Interstellar War was a shooting game, the reason Lin You started playing it was because the protagonist's uniform was selectable.\n

\n\n

\n Every time he entered the game, he would casually select his equipment and then play smoothly and flawlessly. But no one knew that the 3D model of the extremely handsome silver-haired man in the silver-white uniform on the main display interface was painstakingly crafted by Lin You bit by bit over half a month. He knew every single accessory on the clothes like the back of his hand. Even though accessories in a shooting game were limited and Lin You was always unsatisfied, feeling that something was missing, it was no exaggeration to say that this was the electronic wife he had created for himself.\n

\n\n

\n Before logging off every day, Lin You would take out twenty minutes to repeatedly admire the model, and then decisively purchase items when the game updated its accessory system, putting them into his inventory.\n

\n\n

\n And it just so happened that Lenon also had white hair. Lin You mentally pictured it—those perfect body proportions, the beautiful curves of his calves... if he wore a uniform, it should also be excessively gorgeous.\n

\n\n

\n He asked expectantly, "What color is the uniform of the Third Legion?"\n

\n\n

\n System: "?"\n

\n\n

\n The ominous premonition was on the verge of coming out. The system's electronic heart was pounding wildly, but it still dutifully answered the host's question, "White."\n

\n\n

\n Lin You: "!"\n

\n\n

\n Before the system could read anything from his weirdly flashing gaze, a knock on the door suddenly sounded.\n

\n\n

\n Three polite knocks, neither light nor heavy. Immediately after, an elderly man with a full head of silver hair walked into the room. Wearing an elegant formal suit and white gloves, he bowed and placed a glass of hot milk in front of Lin You, reminding him, "Your Highness, there is a legion visitation itinerary in three days. Please do not forget."\n

\n\n

\n The system prompted, "This is your butler."\n

\n\n

\n As a prince of The Empire and one of the competitors for the throne, Lin You enjoyed rights but also had to fulfill obligations. Regular military visits helped boost morale, and the three princes took turns carrying them out. This time, it happened to be Lin You's turn.\n

\n\n

\n The butler handed him the optical brain. On it, several icons were drawn respectively: a rose, a multiflora rose, a pure white iris entwined with thorns, and other crests.\n

\n\n

\n The system quietly emerged again. "Select the Third Legion icon. There is a plot mission."\n

\n\n

\n Lin You had read the first three chapters of the novel. He knew there was a plot mission, so he nodded, selected the iris, and handed the optical brain back to the butler.\n

\n\n

\n The butler's expression remained unchanged, but he paused slightly when Lin You selected the Third Legion. A hint of sympathy flashed faintly in his eyes.\n

\n\n

\n Lin You's maternal family belonged to the Seventh Legion. Every previous visit, he had also gone to the Seventh Legion.\n

\n\n

\n Choosing the Third Legion, where Lenon was located, at a time like this was probably what he meant by "seeing his sincerity."\n

\n\n

\n The Third Legion, inside the break room.\n

\n\n

\n Lenon rolled up his sleeve, exposed his forearm, and injected a syringe into his muscle.\n

\n\n

\n The fluorescent blue liquid entered his blood vessels, bringing a spasm-like stabbing pain. His arm swelled slightly before long, burning painfully. But Lenon had no expression; he just calmly rolled down his sleeve.\n

\n\n

\n The military doctor Devon sat opposite him, observing him with crossed legs. "Injecting medicine right after coming back? You didn't get any pheromones from that time just now?"\n

\n\n

\n Lenon lowered his eyes. "Only a little. It's not enough."\n

\n\n

\n Pheromones were one of the methods used to control Female Zergs, capable of making a Female Zerg obedient for a long time. Male Zergs were always stingy with it.\n

\n\n

\n He casually tossed his coat to Devon. "Try to analyze the residual pheromones and see if a substitute can be produced."\n

\n\n

\n Devon clicked his tongue, taking the coat and placing it into a specialized enclosed instrument. "If the Third Prince finds out that you're illegally analyzing his pheromones, I'm afraid he'll kill you."\n

\n\n

\n Lenon: "I must prepare for a rainy day."\n

\n\n

\n The Third Prince had said he wanted to see his sincerity. Lenon had seen this kind of tactic many times. He was not afraid of Lin You's refusal; the Colette Family's wealth was enough to move all the Male Zergs in the world, and the prince of The Empire was no exception. But the prior torment and tossing about were unavoidable, and Lenon had to endure them one by one.\n

\n\n

\n Other punishments didn't matter, but pheromones would severely affect his work. Lin You had just initially marked him. In the coming months, Lenon would go crazy longing for his scent. This change was purely a physical hormonal change, completely unrelated to his own will. Even someone as resolute as the Major General of the Third Legion would find it hard to avoid.\n

\n\n

\n At this time, the optical brain on Lenon's wrist beeped, and Devon's optical brain also beeped. Everyone in the entire Third Legion received a message.\n

\n\n

\n "His Highness the Third Prince will visit the Third Legion in three days. Please prepare for reception."\n

\n\n

\n Devon smiled bitterly. "He really is coming for you."\n

\n\n

\n Lenon was not surprised at all.\n

\n\n

\n Male Zergs liked to view Female Zergs as their private property, especially one of his high status and power. To have conquered Lenon but not be able to show off in front of the Third Legion would be somewhat lacking.\n

\n\n

\n Devon sighed slightly. "This meeting is crucial. After what happened to you, even though you haven't been dismissed yet, our legion is in a state of panic internally. There are quite a few who want to replace you. Just a few days ago, there were people taking the lead in causing trouble, which was suppressed. If the Third Prince's attitude towards you is very poor, I'm afraid many people won't be able to sit still."\n

\n\n

\n Lenon gave an expressionless "Mn."\n

\n\n

\n He knew, but he was helpless. Finally, he just sighed lightly. "I will keep the group schedule as short as possible."\n

\n\n

\n On the morning of the third day, the starship parked exactly on time at the entrance of the Third Legion.\n

\n\n

\n A red shag carpet was rolled all the way down. The honor guard was prepared early on, lined up on both sides of the starship. Lin You, wearing a complex formal dress uniform, slowly walked down the starship accompanied by his butler.\n

\n\n

\n Lin You was the youngest of the three Highnesses, and also the best-looking. He had only recently come of age and still carried a radiant, spirited boyishness. Between his brows was the unhurried nobility nurtured by a life of luxury.\n

\n\n

\n The Zerg had few Male Zergs, and even fewer high-level Male Zergs. For a moment, all eyes fell on him.\n

\n\n

\n The higher-ups of the Third Legion lined up on both sides. Lenon stood in the very center of the formation. To the outside world, he was feverishly pursuing the Third Prince. At this moment, he held a bouquet of bright red roses in his hands, wore carefully groomed attire, and maintained an impeccable smile. He was staring at Lin You unblinkingly, his eyes full of deep affection.\n

\n\n

\n Male Zergs had always enjoyed this kind of deep affection.\n

\n\n

\n But Lin You was utterly uncomfortable all over.\n

\n\n

\n His personality was rather introverted, and he was somewhat of an otaku. Giving a speech in front of so many people was already very difficult for him, let alone being stared at 'affectionately'. Moreover, Lin You had read the novel; he knew that Lenon didn't have even a bit of feelings for him.\n

\n\n

\n This fake 'true love' was truly hard to handle.\n

\n\n

\n Fortunately, the system had recorded the speech for him, so Lin You didn't have to memorize it. He looked straight ahead, reading the manuscript with clear articulation. From time to time, he made eye contact with the military Female Zergs below, showing a polite and appropriate smile.\n

\n\n

\n But when his gaze swept past Lenon, Lin You still paused slightly.\n

\n\n

\n ...He seemed to have seen his electronic wife.\n

\n\n

\n Lenon's long silver-white hair was tied into a high ponytail. The silver-white uniform completely enveloped his body without exposing a single gap, making him appear exceptionally ascetic. He wore black leather gloves and pitch-black leather boots, holding bright red roses in his hands. The three violently clashing colors were unified and harmonized on his body, making it impossible to look away.\n

\n\n

\n But what attracted Lin You's attention even more was the badge Lenon wore on his chest.\n

\n\n

\n That should be the exclusive badge for a Major General of the Third Legion. A pure white iris entwined with thorns was carved on the shield-shaped silver metal badge. It used a matte spray-painting technique, flashing a mesmerizing halo in the sunlight.\n

\n\n

\n Lin You finally seemed to know what accessory his electronic wife in the game was missing.\n

\n\n

\n The lines of this badge were smooth and graceful, and the binding of the thorns didn't lack power. It brought out the best in the entire uniform.\n

\n\n

\n —If he could pry it off and put it in the game, that would be wonderful.\n

\n\n

\n By this time, he had finished reading the speech. Bursts of applause erupted from the audience. Accompanied by his butler, Lin You walked into the crowd. In the following time, he would conduct a three-hour mandatory visit, which included dining with the high-ranking military officials and understanding the army's plans.\n

\n\n

\n He walked up to Lenon.\n

\n\n

\n Lenon had a pair of rippling peach blossom eyes that looked deeply affectionate at whoever he gazed upon. He kneeled on one knee in front of Lin You, performing a standard knight's salute, as if the person arriving was the lover he desperately sought but could not obtain. Then, he offered the fresh flowers with both hands and smiled. "Honorable Highness, may you accept this bouquet of roses. It comes from the early morning of the Guaniere Galaxy, having trekked across countless mountains and rivers to reach your hands. Yet, in my eyes, it doesn't even compare to half of your beauty."\n

\n\n

\n The Third Legion was in an uproar.\n

\n\n

\n The person involved, Lin You: "."\n

\n\n

\n In a corner no one knew, he was about to crack apart.\n

\n\n

\n The Male Zergs of the Zerg seemed to all like exaggerated arias, and the Female Zergs were all experts at sweet talk. No one thought there was anything wrong with spouting love words to a Male Zerg they had only met twice. Everyone stared intently at Lin You, wanting to see the Third Highness's reaction. After all, his attitude might determine Lenon's fate and the ownership of the Third Legion.\n

\n\n

\n The system quietly displayed the plot on the screen, prompting, "You should take this bouquet of flowers, ruthlessly throw it onto the ground, stomp on it a few times to crush the petals, and arrogantly express, 'Apologies, Major General, what I hate the most are roses.'"\n

\n\n

\n Lin You already knew the plot, and he knew he had to do it for the mission. But when it was really time to act, he was still a bit hesitant.\n

\n\n

\n Doing this in broad daylight under everyone's watchful eyes was equivalent to stomping Lenon's face into the dirt. Lin You's upbringing did not allow him to do such a thing.\n

\n\n

\n In the prolonged silence, cold sweat slid down Lenon's forehead and disappeared into his silver hair. He ruthlessly pinched his palms. The sharp pain spread from his hands, barely stopping the trembling of his legs.\n

\n\n

\n They were too close.\n

\n\n

\n The faint scent of citrus was barely discernible. They had just completed the initial mark. At this time, the Male Zerg had a fatal attraction to the Female Zerg. Even though he had just injected the medicine, his muscle cells were still unsatisfied, clamoring to get closer. This was a primal and instinctive urge. Lenon had to use almost all his strength to restrain himself from holding Lin You's hand.\n

\n\n

\n 'Enough! Take it, quickly!' The physiological trembling made Lenon feel uncomfortable all over. He thought through gritted teeth, 'Then throw it away, crush it, throw it back on me, whatever! Just don't stand here anymore!'\n

\n\n

\n The system also urged, "Host, you have hesitated for too long."\n

\n\n

\n Lin You paused slightly and reached out to take the roses.\n

\n\n

\n Before Lenon could react, Lin You suddenly let go, allowing the blooming roses to fall to the ground. The flower heads scattered everywhere, and then he stomped on them.\n

\n\n

\n The prince of The Empire had a haughty expression, his tone full of arrogance. "I'm very sorry, Major General Lenon. You know the flower I hate the most are roses."\n

\n\n

\n The Third Legion was dead silent.\n

\n\n

\n The Male Zergs of The Empire were all very arrogant and willful, and the princes were especially so. Accustomed to a life of privilege and having their every demand met year-round, the First Prince and Second Prince were both picky and difficult to serve. It seemed the Third Prince was no exception.\n

\n\n

\n Lenon, however, sighed in relief slightly.\n

\n\n

\n His body clamored to get close, but his soul seemed to float in mid-air, watching coldly, carrying the relief of having known this would happen all along.\n

\n\n

\n Within almost two seconds, he once again raised a smile. "Your Highness, whatever you like, I and the Colette Family behind me will do our utmost to get you everything you want."\n

\n\n

\n Lenon flaunted his bargaining chips at all times, reminding Lin You that even if he didn't care about his face, he still needed to consider the family behind him.\n

\n\n

\n Lin You looked down from above. "Everything I want?"\n

\n\n

\n Lenon smiled. "Yes, everything you want... Ugh!"\n

\n\n

\n Lin You suddenly leaned in close. At this moment, the distance between the two was less than twenty centimeters. The sweet scent of citrus overwhelmingly enveloped him, making his muscles instantly sour, achy, and weak, causing Lenon to almost fall to the ground.\n

\n\n

\n Two locks of silver hair slipped down in disarray. Lenon's pupils constricted slightly. Lin You's face enlarged before his eyes as the Male Zerg raised his hand, his fingertips landing on the iris badge.\n

\n\n

\n Lin You said, "I don't like roses, but I like another kind of flower. Can the Major General part with it?"\n

\n\n

\n "..."\n

\n\n

\n Lenon managed to squeeze out a smile with difficulty. "Of course, please just name it."\n

\n\n

\n Lin You: "I like the pure white iris, so may I ask, can the Major General give me this badge?"\n

\n\n

\n Lenon's pupils shrank.\n

","published_time":"2026-05-24T00:00:00.000Z","paid":false,"show_flag":true,"show_scheduled_time":"2026-05-24T00:00:00.000Z","unpaid_scheduled_time":"2026-05-24T00:00:00.000Z"},{"content_id":4430,"novel_id":71,"chapter_no":38,"chapter_title":"Visit","content":"

\n "..."\n

\n\n

\n Lenon was stunned for a moment, unable to figure out Lin You's intentions.\n

\n\n

\n The badge on his chest was the emblem of a Major General of the Third Legion. It was engraved with intricate patterns, a Pure White Iris blooming fiercely amidst thorns, representing not only the enduring Colette Family but also the Empire's brave and battle-hardened Third Legion.\n

\n\n

\n A family badge held a unique significance. When a female Zerg presented their family badge to a male Zerg, it meant that they swore an oath in the name of their family, pledging loyalty to the male Zerg. But for a male Zerg to ask a female Zerg for it?\n

\n\n

\n Such a thing had never happened before.\n

\n\n

\n Lin You had rejected his rose but signaled for him to offer the iris instead. Furthermore, saying 'I like irises' in front of a crowd was almost equivalent to declaring, "I, Lin You, am willing to accept the Colette Family's Major General Iris and wish to enter into a marriage with him."\n

\n\n

\n At the same time, this badge also represented the glory of the Third Legion. Lenon's mind raced with countless thoughts. Could it be that the male Zerg wanted him to hand over his family on a silver platter, only to strip him of his position and keep him hidden away in the inner chambers?\n

\n\n

\n "..."\n

\n\n

\n Devon was dumbfounded, and the Third Legion was completely silent.\n

\n\n

\n Lin You stroked the edge of the badge, feeling slightly disappointed. "Is it not okay?"\n

\n\n

\n "No, of course you can." Lenon took off the badge and handed it to him. When he raised his eyes again, his peach blossom eyes held nothing but pure infatuation. All his calculations were hidden behind his azure pupils as he said gently, "For this badge to gain your affection is an honor for me and the Colette Family."\n

\n\n

\n After doing all this, Lenon smiled and stood up. Without even glancing at the priceless rose on the ground, he politely extended his hand to Lin You. "Please allow me to lead the way for you."\n

\n\n

\n As a fanatical suitor, he should be by Lin You's side at all times.\n

\n\n

\n Although Lenon made the gesture, he didn't expect Lin You to acknowledge him. After all, male Zergs were notoriously difficult creatures to please.\n

\n\n

\n He planned to wait for Lin You to bat his hand away, then he would tactfully step back two paces, distancing himself from the male Zerg and leaving the enveloping range of his pheromones.\n

\n\n

\n However, Lin You didn't move, instead raising his eyes to glance at the novel.\n

\n\n

\n The original owner had simply left after knocking the rose away. Lenon hadn't invited him, so it wasn't written whether they held hands or not.\n

\n\n

\n In Lin You's dictionary, not written = free to improvise.\n

\n\n

\n He lowered his eyes and looked at the hand wrapped in a leather glove. The knuckles were distinctly defined, and the leather looked smooth and soft, perfectly fitting the aesthetics of someone with a uniform fetish.\n

\n\n

\n —Since it wasn't written anyway, he'd hold it if he wanted to.\n

\n\n

\n So Lin You reservedly extended his hand and directly grasped it, intertwining his fingers with Lenon's.\n

\n\n

\n The Third Legion: "!!!"\n

\n\n

\n Male Zergs were very hard to deal with. Some were extremely averse to physical contact. One that directly initiated hand-holding like this was something they had never seen before.\n

\n\n

\n Many were dumbfounded, their expressions surreal. Didn't they say their Major General was madly pursuing His Highness the Third Prince? This didn't look like unrequited love!\n

\n\n

\n The muscles in Lenon's arm twitched uncontrollably. The thin layer of gloves could not block the transmission of pheromones. The scent of citrus dissipated into the air, and his fingertips trembled slightly, barely managing to conceal his loss of composure.\n

\n\n

\n Though thoroughly bewildered internally, Lenon showed nothing on his face. He simply held Lin You's hand properly, feigning a flattered expression. "I shall lead the way for Your Highness."\n

\n\n

\n They walked through the Third Legion's martial arts room and training grounds. Male Zergs generally had no interest in these things, so Lenon gave a brief overview. Lin You gave a few perfunctory hums, his gaze landing on a device that resembled a space capsule.\n

\n\n

\n The egg-shaped metal shell had a highly futuristic feel. It was large enough for a person to lie flat inside, and there was a support platform for the head, connected to densely packed wires.\n

\n\n

\n Lenon said, "That is a specially made Spiritual Sea connection device, used for remote operation of aircraft for reconnaissance and cruising."\n

\n\n

\n Lin You nodded, thinking to himself, 'If a fully immersive VR gaming pod were invented, it would probably look like this.'\n

\n\n

\n Behind the martial arts room and training grounds, there was a small exhibition room. Lenon said, "This place records and displays the past combat achievements and medals of the Third Legion."\n

\n\n

\n These princes didn't go to the battlefield; their visits were merely a formality, and none of them would be interested in combat achievements and medals. Lenon sped through the process, barely introducing a few things before leading Lin You away.\n

\n\n

\n However, Lin You pulled him back, saying with great interest, "Wait."\n

\n\n

\n He set his sights on the holographic screen at the end of the exhibition room.\n

\n\n

\n Screens of various sizes were neatly arranged here, playing clips of the Third Legion defeating enemies in a loop. The scene Lin You was watching was an individual video: a general with long silver hair whose battle robe was soaked in blood, his clothes ragged and torn, but a pair of blue eyes shone brightly in the gloomy universe. He held a closed-bolt pistol, suppressed the recoil, and aimed all in one smooth motion, with a trajectory that was incredibly precise.\n

\n\n

\n In a daze, Lin You saw the digital waifu he used to control.\n

\n\n

\n When the protagonist he controlled in "Interstellar War" fired a gun, the silvery-white uniform traced a beautiful arc, looking much like this.\n

\n\n

\n Lenon followed his gaze to the screen and paused slightly. His lips parted, but his articulate tongue, accustomed to speaking in an aria-like tone, inexplicably fell silent. He didn't speak for a long time.\n

\n\n

\n Devon, who had been attending from behind, stomped his foot secretly upon seeing Lenon's reaction. He simply took a step forward, directly pushing their Major General aside.\n

\n\n

\n "His Highness the Third Prince." Devon eagerly leaned in next to Lin You. "This is our Major General's famous battle, the Zone 35 Expulsion Battle. In this battle, our army paid a heavy price to destroy the largest black market stronghold in the 35th Star Region in one fell swoop. It was also in this battle that the Major General obtained the position of heir to the Colette Family and was respectfully addressed as Major General Iris."\n

\n\n

\n Lenon frowned imperceptibly.\n

\n\n

\n He didn't want Lin You to stay in the exhibition hall for too long. The Empire's princes were pampered and had barely seen blood, whereas the scenes here were mostly bloody and violent, especially this one of his. The Second Prince had once lost his composure and vomited while visiting the exhibition room, and he did not wish for such an embarrassing incident to repeat itself.\n

\n\n

\n But Lin You was quite interested. "A black market? What do they sell?"\n

\n\n

\n There was also a Zerg black market setting in the game, but this was the first time he'd heard of it in reality.\n

\n\n

\n "Uh..." This topic was a bit sensitive. Devon wiped his sweat but had to answer, "The main traded goods are illegally produced pheromone injections. You know, due to the extreme gender ratio, pheromone injections have always been in short supply. Uh, the black market produces some substandard injections and circulates them as legitimate ones to earn massive profits."\n

\n\n

\n Lin You: "What's the difference?"\n

\n\n

\n Although he had read the novel, it was an angst-driven novel, and the focus was always on how miserable the protagonist was. The interstellar background description was vague, so Lin You was quite interested.\n

\n\n

\n "Uh," Devon was sweating profusely now. Although Lin You was a noble prince, this information was an undisclosed secret. He carefully weighed his words. "The black market involves illegal production and additives, which can be addictive. If injected, female Zergs might..."\n

\n\n

\n Lenon interrupted, "Enough, Devon."\n

\n\n

\n His brows carried a coldness, like the permafrost mountains on the borders of Zone 35 that never melted year-round. Yet, when he looked at Lin You, he surprisingly switched back to a deeply affectionate and gentle demeanor. "After seeing all this, Your Highness must be tired. Let us go have our meal."\n

\n\n

\n With that, he extended his hand to Lin You. "Please, Your Highness, follow me."\n

\n\n

\n At this moment, fluorescent blue specks of light abruptly rose in front of Lin You, and the System provided a timely reminder: "You have a line."\n

\n\n

\n According to the original text, upon finishing the tour of the exhibition room, he was supposed to frown in disgust: "Blood really is a bit disgusting."\n

\n\n

\n Lin You: "..."\n

\n\n

\n He was reluctant.\n

\n\n

\n Although the matter of the black market hadn't been fully explained, there was no doubt that the Third Legion and Lenon had paid a tragic price for it, trading it for peace on the Empire's borders. Yet, at this moment, as an heir to the throne, he had to say, "Blood really is a bit disgusting"?\n

\n\n

\n Seeing the normally obedient host beginning to uncooperate, System 55 urged, "Host, please remember the 50% completion rate."\n

\n\n

\n Once the completion rate dropped too low, not only could the host die, but the small world would also experience varying degrees of deviation.\n

\n\n

\n Lin You paused slightly.\n

\n\n

\n Lenon was still holding his hand, his attitude polite and refined, his eyes filled with lingering affection—even though it was fake, the temperature of his palm was genuinely scalding, making one reluctant to let go.\n

\n\n

\n "Alright."\n

\n\n

\n Lin You sighed, squeezed Lenon's hand back, and said softly, "Blood really is a bit disgusting."\n

\n\n

\n Lenon paused. His expression didn't fluctuate at all, and he even revealed a polite smile. Maintaining his usual aria-like tone, he said, "Is that so? I apologize, my Highness, for giving you a bad experience. Let us move to the dining hall. The chef has already prepared..."\n

\n\n

\n "But you guys are also really amazing."\n

\n\n

\n "..."\n

\n\n

\n The hypocritical social pleasantries got stuck in his throat. For a brief moment, Lenon almost thought he was hearing things.\n

\n\n

\n His voice grew slightly hoarse, and before he could figure out how to respond to that, Lin You pointed at the screen again and praised, "Lenon, the way you shoot is very beautiful."\n

\n\n

\n This was an expression of genuine admiration. Lin You also played shooting games himself. "Interstellar War" had an extremely high degree of simulation, and all movements were adjustable. To provide his fans with the best viewing experience, Lin You had practiced even the simplest action of switching magazines countless times. But even so, when the model he controlled performed the same action, it was far less beautiful than Lenon's.\n

\n\n

\n Silence, still silence.\n

\n\n

\n Lenon was accustomed to dealing with hypocritical social interactions. He was the eldest son of the Colette Family who single-handedly shouldered the burden, always resourceful and flawless in social settings. But no one had ever taught him how to handle such praise.\n

\n\n

\n The Third Prince stared at the screen with burning eyes, his expression full of pure amazement and admiration, without a hint of falsehood.\n

\n\n

\n Lenon turned his head and only after a long while did he say, "...Thank you."\n

\n\n

\n He even forgot the standard social pleasantry was: "Thank you for your compliment."\n

\n\n

\n In a spot they couldn't see, Devon behind them looked suspicious.\n

\n\n

\n —Didn't they say the Third Prince was arrogant and spoiled, very difficult to deal with?\n

\n\n

\n —Didn't they say after the initial marking, he would be stingy with giving out pheromones?\n

\n\n

\n —Didn't they say he came to the Third Legion to find fault?\n

\n\n

\n The visit was already half over. Where was the fault-finding? Where was it?\n

\n\n

\n He tossed the rose and immediately took the iris. He expressed disgust at the blood, yet praised the person for being beautiful? But wasn't the Lenon on the screen covered in blood and gore? And His Highness stared at it for so long! Was he actually disgusted or did he find it beautiful?\n

\n\n

\n Meanwhile, in Lin You's mind, the System was about to die too.\n

\n\n

\n "Ahhhh, Host, what are you doing!"\n

\n\n

\n "That line doesn't exist ahhhhh!"\n

\n\n

\n Lin You didn't mind. "The novel naturally wouldn't record every single line of dialogue. People say so many words every day, but a novel only writes down what involves the plot development. So, it's feasible for me to logically expand on it, right?"\n

\n\n

\n System 55: "...That's true."\n

\n\n

\n Lin You: "Besides, I said the required line without missing a word, so the score should be quite high."\n

\n\n

\n System 55: "..."\n

\n\n

\n That made a lot of sense, but it felt like something was wrong somewhere.\n

\n\n

\n Lin You added tactfully, "Also, you know I'm a streamer. Sometimes I speak rather quickly. This is also an occupational habit."\n

\n\n

\n Streamers had to interact with fans and couldn't let the atmosphere go cold. They had to play games while thanking donors and explaining the game situation. Lin You was already considered someone of few words, yet he still frequently said whatever came to mind.\n

\n\n

\n As they spoke, they had arrived at the military cafeteria.\n

\n\n

\n Next, Lin You needed to taste the military cafeteria's food and have a friendly exchange with the higher-ups of the Third Legion.\n

\n\n

\n Every time a prince visited, dining was a troublesome segment. The military cafeteria couldn't possibly be as refined as the royal family's; the dishes were far inferior in both taste and presentation. Whenever it came to this, the First Prince and Second Prince would inevitably show displeasure.\n

\n\n

\n Everyone took their seats around the round table, and Lenon introduced them to Lin You one by one.\n

\n\n

\n "This is Major General Sleet, this is Major General Grier..."\n

\n\n

\n Although a prince was visiting, the Third Legion couldn't possibly have everyone come out to play house with him. Many high-ranking officers hadn't shown their faces earlier, but they had all gathered for this meal. Aside from Lenon, there were a few other Major Generals. Some were close to Lenon, while others were not. For example, the first two, Sleet and Grier, belonged to other factions.\n

\n\n

\n Everyone's gazes swept over Lenon's and Lin You's faces, trying to guess the Third Prince's attitude.\n

\n\n

\n If the Third Prince's attitude was intimate, it would prove that Lenon had a chance of obtaining a pardon, and they would continue to acknowledge him as their commanding officer. But if the Third Prince's attitude was poor, then an inevitable bloody struggle for power would ensue.\n

\n\n

\n The first half had gone entirely too smoothly, and Lin You hadn't caused any trouble at all. Yet Lenon didn't dare relax his tense nerves. If something went wrong during this meal, all his previous efforts would be in vain.\n

\n\n

\n He stood by Lin You's side and gently probed, "I hope I might have the honor of serving you food."\n

\n\n

\n Lin You nodded. "Of course."\n

\n\n

\n The novel didn't spend much ink on the dining segment. There was only one plot point: when Lenon was serving food, he failed to accurately grasp Lin You's preferences, leading Lin You to raise his hand and knock away his chopsticks.\n

\n\n

\n But in reality, Lin You truly didn't know which dish was taboo, nor did the novel specify. He was very easy to feed; when he had nothing else, he could survive for days on instant noodles. He ate whatever Lenon gave him, and when he was almost full, Lin You raised his chopsticks and batted away Lenon's hand with a smack.\n

\n\n

\n Lin You's eyes were cold. "Don't serve me anymore. I'm not eating it."\n

\n\n

\n The chopsticks hit the dining plate with a clatter and then fell to the ground. Sleet and Grier looked up simultaneously, and the entire dining table held its breath.\n

\n\n

\n Here it comes!\n

\n\n

\n Lenon's movements paused, but this situation was already much better than he had imagined. He only froze for a split second before standing up with a smile. Just as he was about to apologize, he saw Lin You unhurriedly pull out a napkin and gently wipe his hands.\n

\n\n

\n He looked up at Lenon, his tone light and showing no signs of anger. "I'm full. Just serve yourself; there's no need to serve me."\n

\n\n

\n He leaned back casually in his chair, pointed at the plate, and ordered, "You eat."\n

\n\n

\n Lenon paused slightly, then immediately said, "Then I shall respectfully obey."\n

\n\n

\n He obscurely glanced at Sleet and Grier opposite him and, sure enough, saw their slightly disappointed expressions.\n

\n\n

\n With the visit reaching this stage, it was practically wrapping up. Lin You, a half-socially anxious person who had forced himself to be outgoing for a whole day, had depleted his battery. The other high-ranking officers took their leave one after another. Lenon stood up and pulled out Lin You's chair. "Your Highness, I'll walk you out."\n

\n\n

\n The Prince's starship was still parked at the entrance of the Third Legion.\n

\n\n

\n Lin You yawned and returned to the starship accompanied by the old butler. The starship, which was hundreds of meters long, ignited and launched, trailing fluorescent blue exhaust in the void. After a few maneuvers, it completely vanished into the sky.\n

\n\n

\n Devon stood behind him with his arms crossed. "Are we still doing the pheromone imitation? You guys held hands for so long, the pheromones given should be enough, right?"\n

\n\n

\n Lenon lowered his eyes and took off the leather glove, tossing it into Devon's arms. "Do it. Take this for matching and analysis too."\n

\n\n

\n The glove had directly touched the male Zerg's skin and was stained with pheromones.\n

\n\n

\n He gazed into the distance in the direction the starship had disappeared. "To this day, the Third Prince has not promised to marry me."\n

\n\n

\n Execution day was right before his eyes. If he couldn't obtain a pardon, everything would be in vain.\n

","published_time":"2026-05-24T00:00:00.000Z","paid":false,"show_flag":true,"show_scheduled_time":"2026-05-24T00:00:00.000Z","unpaid_scheduled_time":"2026-05-24T00:00:00.000Z"},{"content_id":4431,"novel_id":71,"chapter_no":39,"chapter_title":"Kneel Down","content":"

\n Devon sighed and stuffed his gloves into the analytical instrument. He skillfully adjusted the parameters, and the machine started up with a roar, sending vaporized mist rising within the container.\n

\n\n

\n Devon pulled up a chair and sat down in front of Lenon. "Don't get your hopes up too high for the analysis results. The molecular structure of a high-grade Male Zerg's pheromone has always been a technical difficulty, not to mention that time is tight right now."\n

\n\n

\n This was only the initial marking, yet Lenon's dependence on the pheromone was already showing its first signs. Once he was deeply marked, all the injections on the market would become ineffective for him.\n

\n\n

\n Lenon was expressionless and only said, "You still kept that production method from the black market, right?"\n

\n\n

\n Devon's operating hands paused, but he quickly lowered his eyes and continued with his work. "I kept it, but you have to think clearly about the consequences of using that stuff."\n

\n\n

\n The injections from the black market had huge flaws. The brief relief would only last for a few years, and after a few years, there would be a backlash hundreds or thousands of times worse. It was like drinking poison to quench your thirst. In the early years when it was circulating, quite a few Female Zergs from the Third Legion had accidentally bought it and ultimately died struggling.\n

\n\n

\n Lenon, however, said, "A few years' time is enough."\n

\n\n

\n The analysis room was quiet; for a moment, no one spoke.\n

\n\n

\n Devon rubbed the center of his brows and changed the subject. "Passing by the exhibition hall just now and looking at the date, I suddenly realized that the Zone 35 Expulsion Battle's third anniversary is coming up soon."\n

\n\n

\n Lenon sighed softly, "Time really flies."\n

\n\n

\n He didn't like the exhibition hall; the atmosphere there was too heavy. If it weren't for Lin You's visit, the doors to this hall wouldn't have even been opened.\n

\n\n

\n "Yeah, really fast." Devon clicked open the calendar, where there was a small red dot marked with the words 'pay respects'.\n

\n\n

\n He pulled out a stool and sat down in front of Lenon. "Right, Commander, I'm planning to take annual leave and take a trip to the border, just in time for the anniversary, to go to the Graveyard."\n

\n\n

\n The so-called Graveyard was the planetary ring of a massive planet at the border of Zone 35. When aircraft were shot down in space and lost power, the deformed and caved-in metal acted like coffins, wrapping around the remains of the pilots and drifting aimlessly in the universe. When they wandered near the planet, they would be captured by the planet's gravity and, along with rock fragments and cosmic dust, form a magnificent planetary ring.\n

\n\n

\n The ring's structure was complex, with countless sharp fragments moving irregularly. No one could venture deep inside to bring their comrades' remains out, so they stayed permanently within the ring. Space lacked oxygen and moisture, making it difficult for even corpses to decay. They would be frozen with their expressions at the time of death, whether terrified or serene, slowly rotating with the planet's gravitational tides, turning into the most solitary graves in the universe.\n

\n\n

\n Every year on the anniversary, Devon and Lenon would pilot an aircraft and rotate along with the Graveyard. Then, they would load a small cruiser with flowers and wine and remotely pilot it into the ring to express their grief.\n

\n\n

\n Lenon said, "The situation is special this year, so I won't go. Take my wine and send it over together with yours."\n

\n\n

\n Devon nodded. After a bitter smile, he patted Lenon's shoulder. "I hope that when I come back, I'll be able to receive the good news of your marriage to the Third Prince."\n

\n\n

\n No one could say for sure whether marrying a prince with an unknown personality and unknown preferences was a good thing or not, but for Lenon, this was already the best outcome.\n

\n\n

\n Upon returning from the Third Legion, Lin You immediately dove into his bed.\n

\n\n

\n After pretending to be an aristocratic prince all morning, his social battery was completely drained. Right now, he just wanted to get a good sleep. System 55 poked its corpse-like host and asked worriedly, "Are you alright?"\n

\n\n

\n "I'm fine." Lin You rolled over, and his lower back was poked by a hard object. He took it out; it was Lenon's brooch.\n

\n\n

\n The brooch had a complex pattern, with thorns and irises entwined. The silver-white metal gleamed with bursts of cold light, icy and chilling, reminding the holder that its owner was a major general with illustrious military achievements.\n

\n\n

\n Lin You pinched it, flipping it over and over as he looked at it. He remembered that he had wanted to use this to make a 3D model as an accessory for his virtual wife. Then he recalled that having changed worlds, his game saves were no longer there, so he sighed. "Speaking of which, are there no similar games in this world?"\n

\n\n

\n He had few hobbies, and his favorite way to kill time was usually playing video games.\n

\n\n

\n The System asked, "Do you mean the shooter-hegemony genre like Interstellar War? Please wait a moment, I will search for you."\n

\n\n

\n It connected to the star network and manipulated crawlers to extract keywords. A moment later, it replied, "Hello, no, but I found something similar. It's the military's training system. By connecting to the brain through the sleep pods you saw today, you can battle against other soldiers and officers. The system has built-in shooting modules and aircraft control modules. At the same time, to protect the soldiers' privacy and prevent retaliation, the models can be customized during the matching phase. It's about seventy percent similar to Interstellar War."\n

\n\n

\n Lin You: "."\n

\n\n

\n He wasn't crazy enough to sneak into the military department to play with their training system. After lamenting the lack of entertainment options for the Zerg, he gave up on playing games and lay back down on the bed.\n

\n\n

\n System 55 floated out at the right time and asked, "Would you like to watch a movie? I have hundreds of them stored."\n

\n\n

\n They were all masterpieces carefully selected and reviewed by it and its previous host, Xie.\n

\n\n

\n Lin You nodded and picked a brainless romantic comedy. Halfway through watching it, his optical computer beeped.\n

\n\n

\n Lenon's message popped up: "Pardon the intrusion, Your Highness. It has been half an hour since you left; have you arrived home safely?"\n

\n\n

\n He was still dutifully cosplaying as a fanatic suitor.\n

\n\n

\n If said in person, Lin You would definitely get goosebumps all over his back. But when said through the phone, it gave the illusion of text roleplaying.\n

\n\n

\n The System said, "Host, according to the original text, you need to say, 'Don't bother me.'"\n

\n\n

\n Lin You replied instantly: "Don't bother me."\n

\n\n

\n Before Lenon could formulate his words, he immediately sent another message, adding: "It's late, I'm going to sleep."\n

\n\n

\n These words were ambiguous. They could be interpreted as "never bother me again," or "it's too late today, text me tomorrow."\n

\n\n

\n Lenon's movements paused.\n

\n\n

\n He completely couldn't keep up with Lin You's typing speed. The tone of the Third Prince's two sentences was vastly different. The first was irritated and irascible, while the second didn't sound angry at all. He had no choice but to delete his carefully edited apology and change it to: "Then I wish you a good night, Your Highness."\n

\n\n

\n The System glanced at the chat interface and clicked its tongue. "How scheming. He even changed his profile picture."\n

\n\n

\n Lin You opened the chat interface. Lenon's profile picture was a photo of him arranging fruits in the kitchen. This photo was clearly meticulously staged. Sunlight slanted down from a 45-degree angle, the arc of the person's smile was just right, his sleeves were rolled up to reveal the most beautiful section of his forearms, and his apron was tied extremely tight, perfectly cinching his waistline. The fruits on the plate were kiwis, tangerines, and grapefruits, presenting a rich yet harmless color palette.\n

\n\n

\n The System: "He might have referenced A Guide to Male Zergs' Favorite Colors. I extracted the exact same color scale from this book as the one in the photo's color palette."\n

\n\n

\n ...Looking solely at this photo, Lenon really seemed like a perfectly virtuous wife and good mother.\n

\n\n

\n Lin You scrutinized it closely, deep in thought. "Then what did his previous profile picture look like?"\n

\n\n

\n This profile picture was completely unlike Lenon's usual style in the novel.\n

\n\n

\n The System accessed big data, dragged one out from some obscure corner, and placed it on the display screen. "This one."\n

\n\n

\n Lenon in the photo was wearing a pure white uniform, equipped with a gun. His silver hair was tied high at the back of his head and blown about by the biting fierce wind. His expression was aloof and indifferent, like a goshawk circling over a cliff. He only showed his side profile and didn't look at the camera, yet naturally exuded a chilling and murderous aura.\n

\n\n

\n Lin You: "Wow..."\n

\n\n

\n He was a little bit hooked.\n

\n\n

\n Switching back to the optical computer, looking at the current photo of him cutting grapefruit was unpleasant no matter how he looked at it. Thus, Lin You pondered for a moment, opened the chat box, and instantly sent another message, saying meaningfully, "The photo is very beautiful."\n

\n\n

\n — He was referring to the previous one.\n

\n\n

\n The System looked at him sideways. "You aren't socially anxious anymore."\n

\n\n

\n Lin You said, "It's just chatting online."\n

\n\n

\n Who was he? He was a streamer who was constantly called 'wife' by others and who also called countless people 'wife'. He didn't dare to speak recklessly face to face, but when it came to typing, he wasn't afraid at all.\n

\n\n

\n "..."\n

\n\n

\n The optical computer had no activity for a long time.\n

\n\n

\n Lenon paused for a long while, seemingly not expecting Lin You to notice the photo so quickly. He then carefully deliberated his reply, maintaining his usual poetic tone: "Thank you for your praise and liking. Next time you visit, I will make sure to prepare welcome fruits for you."\n

\n\n

\n Lin You could imagine that if Lenon said this face to face, his tone would definitely be noble and refined, his etiquette meticulous, like the most well-bred aristocrat. But typing it out on the optical computer made it somewhat hilarious.\n

\n\n

\n At this point, the other side was still showing 'typing...'.\n

\n\n

\n Lin You didn't reply, simply watching at his leisure to see what else Lenon could say.\n

\n\n

\n Perhaps Lin You's positive response gave him the chance to press his advantage, and the Female Zergs of the Colette Family were always good at seizing every opportunity. Lenon even shamelessly added: "Cooking is an essential skill for Female Zergs. This is my daily life at home. I look forward to the day I can present a meal to you."\n

\n\n

\n "Pfft—"\n

\n\n

\n Lin You closed his optical computer, laughing so hard he couldn't straighten his back.\n

\n\n

\n He pounded his pillow a couple of times, admired that serious and aloof side profile photo for a moment, and saved it to his collection. Just as he was about to take a shower and sleep, the optical computer beside his hand rang abruptly again, popping up a call invitation.\n

\n\n

\n This time it wasn't Lenon. The contact name read: Father.\n

\n\n

\n The System reminded: "Oh, it's the original owner's female father, the joint leader of the Seventh Legion and the First Legion, one of the three existing generals in the military, Admiral Hoyle. In the original novel, you two are about to meet. This should be a plotline automatically filled in by the world."\n

\n\n

\n The original text only mentioned that the two were going to meet; the intermediate contact process was naturally omitted.\n

\n\n

\n Lin You paused slightly. Hearing this string of titles gave him a headache.\n

\n\n

\n The System: "You don't need to be nervous. The original owner's female father is busy with military affairs and only recently returned to the capital. He doesn't have a close relationship with the original owner, so he won't see through your identity issue."\n

\n\n

\n Lin You said oddly, "If our relationship isn't close, then why is he calling me so late at night?"\n

\n\n

\n He pressed accept.\n

\n\n

\n A middle-aged man with a proper and stern face appeared in the video. Dressed in a navy blue uniform, he seemed to have just returned from the military headquarters, his shoulders adorned with epaulets. He was no longer young; strands of silver-white were mixed into his grayish-blue hair. His gaze was sharply intimidating. At a glance, it was obvious that he was someone holding a high position, wielding the power of life and death.\n

\n\n

\n Lin You was the first to greet, "Female father, good evening."\n

\n\n

\n The man's gaze fell upon him and instantly softened.\n

\n\n

\n He looked Lin You up and down, a hint of a smile appearing at the corners of his mouth. "My Youyou has finally come of age."\n

\n\n

\n At the beginning of the story, the Third Prince had just come of age. For the Zerg, coming of age was a major hurdle, where both appearance and personality would undergo changes.\n

\n\n

\n The System: "Admiral Hoyle just returned to the capital; he hasn't seen the adult you yet."\n

\n\n

\n Lin You thought about it and planned to reply with, "Indeed." Then he heard his female father suddenly let out a long sigh and say wistfully, "Youyou has also reached the age to get married and take a female consort."\n

\n\n

\n "..."\n

\n\n

\n Lin You was suddenly startled, revealing an expression as if he had seen a ghost.\n

\n\n

\n Although he had already transmigrated, these words were eighty percent similar to parents urging marriage when returning home for the holidays. Lin You reflexively broke into a sweat on his forehead and then laughed awkwardly, "Ah? Is that so?"\n

\n\n

\n There was no such segment in the plot, so he could only improvise.\n

\n\n

\n Hoyle suddenly changed the topic and said, "I heard you've been getting quite close to Major General Lenon of the Colette Family recently?"\n

\n\n

\n "...Yes."\n

\n\n

\n Hoyle revealed a hint of disapproval. "He is not a good choice."\n

\n\n

\n "I've seen Lenon in the military headquarters before. That child might be a good general, deeply calculating and acting cautiously at every step, but he isn't suited for domestic life or content with staying at home. He has too many thoughts of his own and his intentions are too complicated. Although the Colette Family's wealth is indeed covetable, in this regard, you still need to consider it carefully."\n

\n\n

\n Hoyle paused for a moment and added, "You won't be able to control him."\n

\n\n

\n Lin You naturally knew he couldn't control Lenon, nor did he want to. The major general in the novel was just like the thorn-entwined iris; the deeper the mundane dogmas bound him, the more he bloomed. If he were suppressed, he wouldn't be Lenon anymore.\n

\n\n

\n Lin You had originally been quietly listening to Hoyle speak. The Empire's Male Zergs didn't need to be this respectful to their female fathers, but he still retained the habits of his past life. However, hearing this, he couldn't help but interrupt, "With all due respect, I don't think these are flaws."\n

\n\n

\n He frowned. "Not suited for domestic life, not content with staying in the back rooms—but military Female Zergs shouldn't be like that in the first place. Father, when you were young, you probably never thought of sacrificing everything to dedicate yourself completely to my male father, right?"\n

\n\n

\n "..."\n

\n\n

\n Of course, no one was born thinking of sacrificing their lives for someone else. It was just that Zerg pheromones were too overbearing, rooted deep in their flesh and blood, leaving them with no other choice.\n

\n\n

\n Lin You pursed his lips. "Besides, I've seen Lenon fire a gun, and it was beautiful."\n

\n\n

\n The implication was that he didn't want Lenon to change a thing.\n

\n\n

\n Hoyle paused.\n

\n\n

\n The Empire's general pressed the center of his brow, feeling somewhat melancholy. After a moment, he finally said, "You've indeed grown up."\n

\n\n

\n The spoiled prince had suddenly changed after coming of age. Hoyle observed him, unable to say whether he felt relieved or sentimental.\n

\n\n

\n He sighed. "I haven't seen you in a long time either. Call Lenon, and let's have a meal together."\n

\n\n

\n Since his child had quite a favorable impression of Lenon, he had to personally vet him.\n

\n\n

\n When Lenon received the invitation, he was just preparing to send Devon off to the spaceship for his annual leave.\n

\n\n

\n The Third Legion was not subordinate to any of the three current generals, but constrained by their status, all three generals had the authority to command him. Admiral Hoyle's message was sent directly to his optical computer, the wording freezing cold and devoid of any emotion. It simply said: "Next Friday, dine with me."\n

\n\n

\n He didn't even use the word "please."\n

\n\n

\n Lenon quickly closed the message, but it was still caught squarely by Devon. Devon was slightly taken aback: "The Third Prince's father?"\n

\n\n

\n Lenon gave an expressionless "hmm." "Probably here to establish his authority."\n

\n\n

\n He had been courting the Third Prince in such a high-profile manner, and the rumors about the rose and iris had stirred up a storm across the city. Now, people were discussing it on the gossip boards of all anonymous forums. It was impossible for the Third Prince's father not to know.\n

\n\n

\n Devon pondered for a moment and clicked his tongue. "Next Friday. With this chosen date, you're probably going to have a hard time."\n

\n\n

\n After the initial marking, the lengthy period of discomfort lasted up to two months. And nearly half a month had passed since Lenon had last come into contact with Lin You's pheromones. The residue on his gloves and coat had completely dissipated, forcing Lenon to increase the dosage of his injections.\n

\n\n

\n At this time, forcing him to be in the same room with Lin You was already going to be incredibly agonizing.\n

\n\n

\n Lenon said, "I just hope he won't make me kneel beside the Third Prince for four hours."\n

\n\n

\n This was an ancient authority-establishing custom of the Zerg. Much like how backward mountainous regions of the human race liked to make brides sit in a winnowing pan under the guise of tempering their character, quite a few Male Zergs were also keen on establishing authority this way.\n

\n\n

\n Kneeling for four hours was no big deal; he wasn't that fragile. The critical issue was that the Male Zerg's pheromones would permeate the air, creating a fatal attraction for him. However, that tiny bit of pheromones, aside from arousing his body, would be far from enough to satisfy him. It would only make his agony more agonizing and the unbearable more unbearable. Suppressing his instinctual urges under such circumstances while maintaining etiquette before a superior officer would be no easy feat.\n

\n\n

\n But once he breached etiquette, the marriage would face even more severe obstacles.\n

\n\n

\n Devon teased, "That's not even the worst of it. The worst part is you kneeling for four hours, and then the general tells you that you're not suitable and tells you to stay away from his child."\n

\n\n

\n Lenon was noncommittal: "It's not impossible."\n

\n\n

\n With the Colette Family's wealth, Lenon was confident he could get Lin You to accept him. Moreover, given the Third Prince's recent behavior, even praising his photo, he should still have a favorable impression of him. As for the uncontrollable twists and turns in between, he would simply have to endure them one by one.\n

\n\n

\n Speaking of this, Lenon suddenly said, "Devon, your aesthetic taste isn't bad."\n

\n\n

\n Devon was taken aback. "?"\n

\n\n

\n Lenon: "The Third Prince really liked the photo you picked."\n

\n\n

\n Devon smiled smugly. "Of course. It's the result of data analysis on Male Zerg preferences."\n

\n\n

\n Time passed like flowing water. Lenon handled his official duties day after day, and in the blink of an eye, Friday arrived.\n

\n\n

\n He meticulously groomed his appearance, tying his silver hair up strand by strand. He chose a low-key, fail-safe formal suit and injected three more doses into his veins—this was the maximum dosage allowed pharmacologically. Only then did he carry a bouquet of pure white irises and gracefully board the aircraft.\n

\n\n

\n During the trip, he repeatedly confirmed the address Hoyle had given him.\n

\n\n

\n Royal dinners were usually held in private residences, but Admiral Hoyle had chosen a commercial district in the bustling city.\n

\n\n

\n Lenon flew the aircraft near the commercial district, frowning slightly. The people coming and going here were all young people dressed in casual clothes, amidst the bright neon lights and heavy traffic. In contrast, he, dressed in a formal uniform with medals on his shoulders, looked completely out of place.\n

\n\n

\n This didn't look like a venue a general would choose at all. Thus, the one who picked this place could only be the young and youthful Third Prince.\n

\n\n

\n Lenon secretly speculated on the Third Prince's taste. He smoothed out the wrinkles on the hem of his clothes and thought to himself, 'I hope these two aren't absurd enough to make me kneel in public at a mall.'\n

\n\n

\n Otherwise, he would secure the front-page headlines of all forums the next day.\n

\n\n

\n He arrived at the reserved restaurant, which had already been cleared out in advance. The service staff verified his name, smiled, and said, "Please follow me."\n

\n\n

\n Lenon nodded and entered, quietly observing the interior decoration.\n

\n\n

\n — A floor paved with bamboo mats, which wouldn't be uncomfortable to kneel on. The indoor ventilation was smooth, and the air circulation was normal, so pheromones could quickly dissipate.\n

\n\n

\n The waiter led him to the innermost private room.\n

\n\n

\n The two sliding doors opened outward, revealing the scene inside. The Third Prince and the general were sitting on opposite sides. There were no chairs in the room; both were kneeling on futon cushions, surrounding a small bronze hot pot that was bubbling and gurgling.\n

\n\n

\n The System: "Host, your line."\n

\n\n

\n "Mhm."\n

\n\n

\n Lin You tossed a slice of meat into the hot pot and, amidst the rising steam, waved at Lenon: "Major General, kneel down."\n

\n\n

\n He added with a smile: "Kneel on this cushion next to me."\n

\n\n

\n — Just for this line, he had deliberately spent two hours choosing before finally picking this restaurant with tatami mats.\n

","published_time":"2026-05-24T00:00:00.000Z","paid":false,"show_flag":true,"show_scheduled_time":"2026-05-24T00:00:00.000Z","unpaid_scheduled_time":"2026-05-24T00:00:00.000Z"},{"content_id":4432,"novel_id":71,"chapter_no":40,"chapter_title":"Acting Spoiled","content":"

\n Lenon was stunned for a moment.\n

\n\n

\n Before coming here, he had envisioned many scenarios. For instance, Admiral Hoyle being dissatisfied with him and intentionally making things difficult, or the Third Highness wanting to establish his authority and deliberately tormenting him. He was prepared to face anything. However, when the door opened, there were only linen-woven futons, a bubbling copper pot, and His Highness kneeling lazily in casual clothes.\n

\n\n

\n A faint citrus scent permeated the air. The Third Highness was using chopsticks to pick up a thin slice of meat and placing it into the milky white broth.\n

\n\n

\n It didn't look like a Royal Family gathering, but rather an ordinary family chatting about daily life.\n

\n\n

\n The Third Prince had brought him to meet an elder, yet chose such a venue?\n

\n\n

\n Lin You waved his hand. "Come over, what are you standing there for?"\n

\n\n

\n He patted the futon beside him. "Come here."\n

\n\n

\n Lenon lowered his eyes and knelt down beside Lin You. This futon was stuffed with cotton, soft to the touch, and wouldn't be uncomfortable even if knelt on for a long time.\n

\n\n

\n Lin You pointed to the person across the table. "This is my father, Admiral Hoyle. You should know him."\n

\n\n

\n He then pointed to Lenon. "Father, this is Lenon."\n

\n\n

\n Lin You knelt in a crooked and slouching manner, but Lenon knelt perfectly straight. He bowed slightly to Hoyle, performed a standard aristocratic greeting, and exclaimed, "Admiral, it is my honor to be invited to dine with you."\n

\n\n

\n Hoyle scrutinized him critically and gestured in Lin You's direction. "Major General Lenon, it was not I who invited you to dine, but the Third Highness."\n

\n\n

\n Lenon maintained his posture, turned to Lin You, and smiled. "Of course, to receive an invitation from the Third Highness is an even greater honor."\n

\n\n

\n Lin You's chopsticks, which were picking up meat, paused in mid-air. "...Eat, eat."\n

\n\n

\n Having been in the Zerg territory for so long, he still couldn't get used to the social etiquette of the nobles here. Compared to Lenon's current standard smile, he still felt that the Lenon with a high ponytail and a gun, wearing a cold expression, looked better.\n

\n\n

\n Lin You fished out the last slice of meat from the pot and was about to put vegetables in when his hand felt light. The plate had already been taken away by Lenon.\n

\n\n

\n The Major General knelt straight and said gently, "Please let me do it."\n

\n\n

\n Lin You could only say, "Alright."\n

\n\n

\n Lenon then took over all the work of putting in the food and serving the dishes. His movements were elegant and proper, meticulous like a butler or deacon. As soon as Lin You finished a slice of meat, another one would appear in his bowl. Throughout the meal, he ended up being the fastest eater among the three.\n

\n\n

\n When the tea was finished and Lenon attentively poured more, Lin You had to push him away and backhandedly tossed a meatball into his bowl. "Eat it yourself, I can't eat anymore."\n

\n\n

\n Lenon subconsciously looked up. Admiral Hoyle was sitting properly opposite them, looking straight ahead, seemingly not paying attention to this side.\n

\n\n

\n He then elegantly thanked Lin You. "Thank you for your favor."\n

\n\n

\n Biting into the meatball, the juices burst out. The taste was surprisingly good, but Lenon's brow twitched, and he immediately pressed his lips tightly together.\n

\n\n

\n ...Pheromone.\n

\n\n

\n Female Zergs after their initial marking, especially those who had been left out in the cold for half a month following their initial marking, were far too sensitive to Pheromones. When the citrus scent permeated the air, wafted over, and even enveloped him in this confined space, Lenon could hardly maintain his posture.\n

\n\n

\n Admiral Hoyle subtly observed him and suddenly spoke up, "Lenon, I remember your grades in the military academy were all A's, including the most difficult curvature optics and quantum mechanics, but you didn't take culinary arts and fine arts as electives, right?"\n

\n\n

\n "..."\n

\n\n

\n After all, he had just boasted yesterday about being a good homemaker.\n

\n\n

\n Lenon could feel Lin You turn his head, looking over with great interest. He silently sat up straighter, revealed a proper smile, and defended himself without leaving a trace, "It's like this, at first these two subjects did not align with my career plans, but through persistent learning later on, I have made significant progress in both areas."\n

\n\n

\n Admiral Hoyle nodded and asked again, "Then what is your most adept dish now?"\n

\n\n

\n "..."\n

\n\n

\n Lin You almost laughed out loud.\n

\n\n

\n Lenon bit his lip slightly, rarely feeling a trace of embarrassment. His lips were originally somewhat pale, but due to biting too hard, a hint of redness was forced out. He immediately smiled again and said, "It's like this, Admiral, I..."\n

\n\n

\n Cooking was something you either knew how to do or you didn't. Even with a glib tongue like Lenon's, he couldn't fabricate a convincing lie. Just as he was figuring out how to apologize, Lin You suddenly tugged at Admiral Hoyle's sleeve.\n

\n\n

\n "Alright, alright," he interrupted. "I don't need Lenon to cook, I have a butler. No matter how good the cooking is, could it be better than the chefs in the royal palace?"\n

\n\n

\n A beautiful Military Female Zerg like Lenon, with a narrow waist and long legs, only needed to wear a uniform properly and step onto the battlefield in military boots. Lin You didn't want to trap the other party in the kitchen; it would be too much of an eyesore.\n

\n\n

\n Lin You called the waiter over, forcefully changing the subject. "Hello, do you have any desserts? Bring me a piece of cake."\n

\n\n

\n Hoyle looked at the two of them, chuckled softly, and looked away.\n

\n\n

\n Lenon paused slightly, lowered his eyes, and ate his food.\n

\n\n

\n 'The Third Highness is defending me?'\n

\n\n

\n It sounded a bit unbelievable, and even a bit absurd. Ever since he publicly declared his love and pursued Lin You, the forums had been in a bloody uproar over his relationship with the Third Highness of the Empire. There was no shortage of people accusing him of throwing himself at someone out of his league. Many even swore that Lin You was only coveting the wealth of the Colette Family, and once the marriage was settled, Lenon's life would be absolutely miserable.\n

\n\n

\n Lenon didn't say a word about this, because he had made the same assumption.\n

\n\n

\n The one night stand was his design to begin with, and the financial temptation was also his calculated scheme. He and Lin You had no emotional foundation whatsoever; it was merely taking what they needed from each other. Lin You wanted wealth, and he wanted time. Once he completed the career he was obliged to finish, he would naturally go to his death.\n

\n\n

\n Yet in front of Admiral Hoyle, the Third Highness truly had an attitude of intimate protection.\n

\n\n

\n Lenon couldn't make sense of it in his heart and felt slightly vexed. The meat and vegetables sent into his mouth tasted like nothing.\n

\n\n

\n 'There is a gaze beside me with a very strong presence.'\n

\n\n

\n Lin You had been looking at him the whole time.\n

\n\n

\n The System reminded him at the right time, "Host, what about your physical contact?"\n

\n\n

\n In the original text, there was a scene of indecent play right in front of Admiral Hoyle.\n

\n\n

\n "Oh." Lin You slowly reached out his hand and touched two fingers to the silver hair trailing on the ground.\n

\n\n

\n System: "???"\n

\n\n

\n Lin You spoke with righteous confidence, "Physical contact, it didn't say where to make contact. Isn't hair a part of the body?"\n

\n\n

\n System: "..."\n

\n\n

\n It shut its screen in isolation, not wanting to speak.\n

\n\n

\n Lenon's hair was very long. Now loosely tied up, the ends of his hair fell on the tatami, like a piece of shimmering satin.\n

\n\n

\n In a place where Hoyle couldn't see, Lin You gently picked up that strand of silver hair.\n

\n\n

\n He gently stroked it, winding it around his fingertips, and then lightly twirled it apart with the pads of his fingers, like a musician plucking strings, or a connoisseur playing with an antique.\n

\n\n

\n Silver hair was the symbol of the Colette Family, and Lenon was equally proud of this unique hair color. Every time he went out, he would meticulously groom his long hair and loosely tie it in a matching hairband. However, interactions between nobles only went so far. Countless people had praised his hair, but no one had ever generously twisted and played with it like Lin You did.\n

\n\n

\n Hair didn't have nerves, but being pinched and teased in someone's hand like this, Lenon felt uncomfortable all over. The citrus-scented Pheromone became increasingly rich, seemingly transmitting along the strands of hair. For a moment, his mind was dizzy, and he gently bit the tip of his tongue, relying on the pain to maintain his rationality.\n

\n\n

\n '...I really want to get a little closer.'\n

\n\n

\n '...I really want to embrace.'\n

\n\n

\n Admiral Hoyle continued to chat casually. The topics ranged far and wide, covering the military, family, as well as culture, geography, and politics. It seemed he was comprehensively examining whether Lenon was qualified. Lenon also maintained a smile throughout, his demeanor calm and proper. Only he himself knew how great the impact of the Pheromone was. The excessive injections of substitutes were terribly vulnerable in front of a truly high-level Male Zerg, unable to even temporarily suppress it. The muscles in his arms spasmed and swelled with pain, and he had consecutively bitten the tip of his tongue several times, yet failed to stay completely clear-headed.\n

\n\n

\n And while Lin You was touching here and there, the System had to remind him, "Host, the intensity is not enough."\n

\n\n

\n At this rate, it won't reach 50%.\n

\n\n

\n Lin You: "How much more is needed?"\n

\n\n

\n System: "Not much, touching the skin should be enough."\n

\n\n

\n The System's task was a matter of life and death. Lin You dared to quietly pull little tricks, but he didn't dare to directly disobey. His gaze quietly swept over Lenon's body, looking for a place to start.\n

\n\n

\n The Major General was wearing a formal uniform, properly covered from head to toe. It would be a bit difficult to touch his skin.\n

\n\n

\n Lenon's back tensed even straighter.\n

\n\n

\n As a Military Female Zerg, he was very sensitive to gazes. The moment Lin You's critical and scrutinizing gaze fell on him, he noticed it. Lenon smiled bitterly in secret, thinking, 'If there were more Pheromones right now, I'm afraid I'd lose my composure on the spot.'\n

\n\n

\n He found it hard to determine whether the Pheromone's enticement was unintentional or a deliberate coercion, nor was he clear on the Third Highness's specific intentions.\n

\n\n

\n However, he saw Lin You's fingers move slightly, touching the skin at his wrist.\n

\n\n

\n Like a dragonfly skimming the water, it separated upon contact.\n

\n\n

\n This was a very gentlemanly action, not abrupt even between friends, but to a Female Zerg on the verge of collapse, it was merely the final straw that broke the camel's back.\n

\n\n

\n '...So uncomfortable.'\n

\n\n

\n He tried his best to maintain his poise, but his fingers began to tremble uncontrollably. Lin You was touching his hand and instantly felt it, "Lenon? What's wrong with you?"\n

\n\n

\n "I'm fine." Lenon smiled. His self-esteem didn't allow him to make a fool of himself in front of a superior officer. The powerful self-control of a Military Female Zerg suppressed all discomfort, and he remained perfectly calm, "The room temperature is a bit high."\n

\n\n

\n Lenon said he was fine, but the trembling under his hands couldn't be faked. Lin You was suspicious for a moment, and then immediately thought of Lenon's character in the novel. He muttered, "I won't believe your nonsense about being fine," and then directly knocked on the System, "What's wrong with Lenon? Is this in the novel?"\n

\n\n

\n "Yes, the Major General also lost his composure in the original text, but what you did was far less severe than the original owner. Logically, it shouldn't be like this. I'll check."\n

\n\n

\n A massive stream of data flowed through the System. A moment later, System 55 said, "Found it... Match results, Pheromone hypersensitivity. Oh my god, Host, your compatibility with the Major General is even higher than the original owner's, unbelievably high. He is very sensitive to your Pheromone."\n

\n\n

\n Lin You abruptly put down his chopsticks.\n

\n\n

\n He was not a native resident and didn't know how terrifying Pheromone hypersensitivity was, but he knew that Lenon in the novel had once suffered a fate worse than death because of it. It was already like that with the original owner, so what if his compatibility was even higher?\n

\n\n

\n Admiral Hoyle looked up in surprise, only to hear Lin You quickly say, "Let's stop here today. I'm so tired, I want to go back and rest."\n

\n\n

\n Male Zergs always did whatever came to mind, arrogant and capricious. Hoyle wasn't the least bit surprised and just nodded slightly, "Alright."\n

\n\n

\n He turned to Lenon. "Then, Major General, please take Youyou home."\n

\n\n

\n Lenon's back was soaked in sweat, yet his face remained calm. He nodded courteously, "Of course, Admiral."\n

\n\n

\n The two got up and left the table, arriving at the mall parking lot. Lenon sat in the driver's seat, sincerely rejoicing that he had purchased a flying car equipped with an autopilot system. He buried his face in the shadows and operated the instruments with slightly trembling hands, failing to tap on the destination several times. Bead-sized cold sweat seeped down his forehead. Lenon maintained his etiquette and smiled apologetically, "Apologies, Your Highness, it might take some time, I..."\n

\n\n

\n A pair of hands touched his cheeks.\n

\n\n

\n Lin You held his face, brought him out of the shadows, and clearly saw the Major General's current appearance.\n

\n\n

\n The silver hair on his forehead was already soaked through, sticking together in strands. His azure blue eyes were empty and blank, his face was pale, and his lips were also pale. At the moment their skin touched, he let out a rapid gasp, his voice hoarse and raspy.\n

\n\n

\n '...I can't hide it anymore.'\n

\n\n

\n A trace of disgust flashed through Lenon's eyes. He absolutely hated this innate physiological trait, yet at this moment, there was no other way. He could only let the Male Zerg turn his face over, exposing all his wretchedness under the glaring white light of the cabin.\n

\n\n

\n Lin You gasped, "Is it very uncomfortable?"\n

\n\n

\n "..."\n

\n\n

\n Of course it was uncomfortable, but Lenon couldn't say so. Not only would this fail to arouse the sympathy of the Male Zerg, it might also lead to even more excessive indecent play.\n

\n\n

\n Lenon smiled mockingly at himself. In a trance, he remembered the standard procedures taught by his professors in school. Over long periods of torment, his predecessors had long summarized a set of rules on how to make these unbearable days a little more comfortable.\n

\n\n

\n Even in this kind of course, he was the best student.\n

\n\n

\n Thus, he took the Male Zerg's hand, placed it by his lips, and gentlemanly and gently left a kiss. After confirming that there was no disgust in Lin You's eyes, he finally murmured aloud, "My Third Highness..."\n

\n\n

\n His gaze was deeply affectionate and devoted, his tone lingering and gentle, as if this Male Zerg in front of him, whom he had only met a few times, was the lover he had pursued for three lifetimes, the soulmate he had bitterly searched for, and he was obsessed with him, captivated by him, and offering up everything for him.\n

\n\n

\n Lenon knelt on one knee in the narrow cabin and performed a knight's salute. He gazed at Lin You almost piously, and then opened his lips, "Your Highness, yes, I feel a bit unwell, because we haven't seen each other in a long time. I don't know if you miss me the way I miss you, but every night, I eagerly look forward to meeting you again..."\n

\n\n

\n "...Lenon?"\n

\n\n

\n "I hope I'm not being presumptuous." Lenon held his hand. He could barely maintain his kneeling posture, and the muscles in his legs were starting to go soft and spasm, but his gaze remained steady, "...However, Your Highness, I have a small wish, I wonder if you could grant it?"\n

\n\n

\n Lin You: "Tell me."\n

\n\n

\n Lenon nuzzled into his palm and flashed a blurry smile, "I want to beg you for a session of pleasure, may I?"\n

\n\n

\n "..."\n

\n\n

\n The System had already displayed the treatment plan for hypersensitivity on the screen. The simplest method was exchanging bodily fluids through kissing, sleeping together, etc., but Lenon clearly had no emotional foundation with him, and he was afraid Lenon would be unwilling. The second option was to go to the hospital and inject suppressants. In fact, during the pauses in their conversation, System 55 had already taken over the flying car's operating system, and they were maximizing their speed, heading towards the nearest hospital.\n

\n\n

\n Lin You glanced at the navigation. The area around the commercial district was congested during the evening rush hour, and the sky was densely packed with flying cars. The navigation showed some roads in red, and it was estimated to take at least another twenty minutes.\n

\n\n

\n Twenty minutes. He highly doubted whether Lenon's current state could endure it.\n

\n\n

\n Seeing the Male Zerg not speaking, Lenon's azure blue eyes slightly dimmed.\n

\n\n

\n He knelt exhaustedly on the ground, his silver-white hair losing its luster. Amidst the physical agony, his mind thought indifferently, 'Is it useless? Even begging like this, is it useless?'\n

\n\n

\n To an ordinary Male Zerg, a Major General expressing submission like this and willingly offering everything should have moved their heart long ago.\n

\n\n

\n But Lin You sat steadily in his seat. There were only two possibilities: either he had seen through Lenon's clumsy tricks and intentionally strung him along to torture him, or he simply loathed Lenon and had not the slightest interest in Major General Iris's body.\n

\n\n

\n Whichever case it was, it was very bad news for Lenon.\n

\n\n

\n He slightly closed his eyes, forced out a smile, and tried to salvage the situation, "Apologies, Your Highness, I was abrupt. I was merely too deeply in love and truly couldn't control myself. Please forgive my presumptuousness... mm!"\n

\n\n

\n Lin You pressed against his lip, forcing him to shut up, "Next time you feel very uncomfortable, don't spout these polite pleasantries."\n

\n\n

\n He leaned down and moved closer.\n

\n\n

\n Kisses, fragmentary kisses.\n

\n\n

\n Wet and hot kisses assaulted the corners of his lips. Lin You gently licked the Major General's lower lip, tasting a bit of the metallic tang of blood—it had just been bitten raw by Lenon himself.\n

\n\n

\n Lin You thought in his heart: 'Who cares if Lenon is willing or not? Anyway, according to the original text, our marriage is set in stone. Whether there's an emotional foundation or not, Lenon has to obediently marry me.'\n

\n\n

\n Pheromones flooded into his mouth overwhelmingly. The citrus scent filled the flying car, like the warm sunlight of an early summer afternoon. Lenon felt as if he were soaking in hot water; his body was comfortable and relaxed, and his limbs were languidly unwilling to move.\n

\n\n

\n But he soon discovered that Lin You was simply overly green. The Empire's noble Third Highness possessed almost no kissing technique, merely licking and sucking by instinct. Lenon paused slightly, then relaxed his jaw, leading Lin You into a lingering entanglement of lips and teeth. He suppressed the urge to plunder the Pheromones, but his movements were unavoidably anxious, losing their proper restraint. Before long, he unexpectedly began to faintly gain the upper hand.\n

\n\n

\n "..."\n

\n\n

\n Lin You bit him resentfully.\n

\n\n

\n It wasn't heavy, and it didn't bleed.\n

\n\n

\n The dull ache on the tip of his tongue sobered Lenon up. He was still unsatisfied. Half a month of restraint and excessive injections had made him extremely sensitive to Pheromones, and this lingering kiss was like drinking poison to quench thirst.\n

\n\n

\n 'How should I ask for more?'\n

\n\n

\n The System had quietly changed the route, swapping the destination from the hospital to the Prince's mansion.\n

\n\n

\n Lin You was kissed until he was completely disoriented and a bit deprived of oxygen. As a top being kissed like this, it was truly a loss of face. If this were his past life, it would be to the extent of being mocked by his friends and fans for a year.\n

\n\n

\n Lin You was a little angry, resentfully wiping his lips, and asked, "Have you had enough?"\n

\n\n

\n His tone wasn't friendly; it was a bit fierce.\n

\n\n

\n If it were before, Lenon would have apologized cleanly and crisply. But he had always known how to seize opportunities to push his luck. He let his gaze fall on Lin You. The Third Highness had the most outstanding appearance among the princes, a kind of reserved and noble good looks. Now, with a faint anger dyeing his face, he still didn't look intimidating.\n

\n\n

\n 'He seems more embarrassed and annoyed, not very angry.'\n

\n\n

\n Lenon suddenly wanted to test the waters, to see if Lin You's previous indulgence towards him was an illusion or not.\n

\n\n

\n So he raised his face, still maintaining a pious look, then took Lin You's hand and placed another kiss on the back of his hand.\n

\n\n

\n Lin You became vigilant, "...What exactly do you want?"\n

\n\n

\n Lenon pressed his face against Lin You's palm, rubbing affectionately against it. His silver-white long hair brushed over Lin You's fingertips, like some large animal acting spoiled.\n

\n\n

\n He asked softly, "Your Highness, what if I say, it's still not enough?"\n

","published_time":"2026-05-24T00:00:00.000Z","paid":false,"show_flag":true,"show_scheduled_time":"2026-05-24T00:00:00.000Z","unpaid_scheduled_time":"2026-05-24T00:00:00.000Z"},{"content_id":4433,"novel_id":71,"chapter_no":41,"chapter_title":"Scars","content":"

\n Female Zergs of the Colette Family were adept at utilizing their beauty. Lenon gently rubbed against Lin You's palm, his azure blue eyes like the sky or the ocean. If other female Zergs were present, they would realize that his posture, kneeling on one knee, was extremely standard. The beautiful lines of his jaw were revealed just right, and following the pure white uniform downwards, the curvature of his waist and abdomen was also fully displayed.\n

\n\n

\n Lenon murmured softly, tentatively speaking, still in that aria-like tone: "Third Highness, the moonlight tonight is so beautiful, perhaps we should... ugh!"\n

\n\n

\n He was about to utter more beautiful sweet nothings, but his cheeks were directly pinched.\n

\n\n

\n Lin You tugged at the soft flesh on his cheeks, pinching and rubbing it like playdough. He kneaded the major general's perfectly handsome face into a steamed bun and said resentfully, "You're not allowed to talk to me in this tone."\n

\n\n

\n "..."\n

\n\n

\n Lenon prided himself on understanding male Zergs. These creatures indulged in sensual pleasures, wallowed in enjoyment, and loved complimentary words. His pronunciation and intonation were just right; it shouldn't have incurred the male Zerg's disgust. In fact, he had no idea which tone had invited such distaste.\n

\n\n

\n Lin You sighed softly.\n

\n\n

\n He looked at Lenon. The major general was still half-kneeling on the ground, trying hard to relax his brows, yet they still furrowed unnaturally as if he was enduring pain. His silver hair reflected a silky luster under the dampness of sweat.\n

\n\n

\n He pushed open the cabin door. "Come down with me."\n

\n\n

\n The aircraft had already parked on the apron of the prince's mansion. The butler had noticed the movement here early on and was waiting respectfully nearby with the attendants. They took Lin You's coat and handed him water and a towel.\n

\n\n

\n Lenon breathed a soft sigh of relief.\n

\n\n

\n He had won the bet.\n

\n\n

\n The Third Highness really did have a favorable impression of him, or at least he could tolerate these small requests.\n

\n\n

\n Lenon calmly evaluated the current situation, thinking to himself, 'Life after marriage shouldn't be too sad.'\n

\n\n

\n He put on a smile and was about to follow Lin You, but his calves were sour and weak. Caught off guard, he actually fell to his knees straight forward.\n

\n\n

\n Lin You turned his head and loosely supported him. "Are you alright?"\n

\n\n

\n "I'm fine." Lenon smiled and stood up. "Apologies, that was somewhat inappropriate. Please forgive me, Third Highness..."\n

\n\n

\n This habit of Lenon's was less an aristocratic etiquette and more a form of self-protection. It seemed that only by maintaining this demeanor could he gain a shallow sense of security.\n

\n\n

\n Habits couldn't be reversed in a short amount of time. Too lazy to say much to him, Lin You reached out, grabbed Lenon's wrist, and pushed him straight into the bedroom.\n

\n\n

\n He pushed Lenon face-up onto the bed and scrutinized him up and down, seemingly wondering where to start biting.\n

\n\n

\n —He needed pheromones, but just how much pheromone did he need, and how should he give it?\n

\n\n

\n Lenon laid cooperatively on the bed, dropping all his defenses and exposing his soft waist and abdomen. He looked affectionately at Lin You and called him: "Third Highness, I want... I really want..."\n

\n\n

\n The last few words were ambiguously faded out, swallowed between his lips and tongue, as alluring as a hook.\n

\n\n

\n Lin You pursed his lips, thinking to himself, 'Liar.'\n

\n\n

\n Lenon didn't want it at all.\n

\n\n

\n The intimacy of the Zerg was not always pleasant; in fact, it was often very unpleasant. Arrogant male Zergs had many ways to torment people: whips, restraint rings, or whatever else. To obtain pheromones, female Zergs swallowed their pride and endured all the bitter consequences. These torturous methods might be nothing to Lenon, but the problem was, he was currently in a lot of pain.\n

\n\n

\n So much pain that even maintaining a one-knee kneeling posture was difficult; so much pain that he stumbled when getting off the aircraft. To have rough sex at a time like this was absolutely not something he wanted to endure.\n

\n\n

\n He simply felt that he had to endure it.\n

\n\n

\n Because this was the only way to obtain enough pheromones.\n

\n\n

\n And when Lin You reached out to push him, his pupils shrank slightly. Although he quickly relaxed his body and allowed himself to be manipulated, Lin You still saw it.\n

\n\n

\n "..."\n

\n\n

\n Perhaps because Lin You's expression was cold enough, even pursing his lips, Lenon half-straightened his body. He hastily inspected himself and gave a weak smile. "Apologies, I look a bit disheveled. I might need a moment to freshen up. Please wait a moment, Third Highness."\n

\n\n

\n Right now, his hair was messy, there was a bloody cut at the corner of his mouth, and his complexion was surely not looking very good either. It was indeed unseemly.\n

\n\n

\n Saying so, Lenon tried to get off the bed and head towards the bathroom.\n

\n\n

\n But he couldn't even stand steady right now.\n

\n\n

\n Lin You pursed his lips, clicked his tongue, and pressed him down face-up. The major general of the Third Legion was now as soft as a lump of mud, falling over with a single poke.\n

\n\n

\n Under Lenon's surprised gaze, he then leaned down and pressed over him, inserting his fingers into that silver hair. As his fingertips rubbed gently, Lenon began to tremble slightly. Then, pressed against the bed, they exchanged one lingering kiss after another.\n

\n\n

\n Lin You had been a good student since childhood and learned everything quickly. It hadn't been long since he started streaming Interstellar War, and he was already ranked on the national servers. Even when it came to kissing, he actually made rapid progress. Coupled with his competitiveness as a 'top', Lin You couldn't allow himself to be out-kissed by Lenon.\n

\n\n

\n Lenon, on the other hand, had only studied some theories on paper; he was a king of theory with zero actual practice. He could handle a rookie like Lin You, but once Lin You got the hang of it, he threw away his armor and completely fell apart, only able to gasp lightly for breath.\n

\n\n

\n Worried that he hadn't given enough pheromones, Lin You delivered one deep kiss after another. Lenon had completely lost all his strength. Lin You peeled him out of his uniform like unwrapping a gift. He only undid the buttons without completely taking off the uniform, letting it hang loosely on his body.\n

\n\n

\n Lenon began to tremble slightly at some point. The male Zerg's fingertips brushed over the medals and ribbons, and then over his cold, white skin. On it were pale pink scars left behind from the battlefield. The wounds had long healed and scabbed over, leaving only faint marks, but when the fingertips touched them, Lenon felt very itchy.\n

\n\n

\n Lin You asked, "Does it hurt a lot?"\n

\n\n

\n With such a long scar, he simply couldn't imagine how severe the injury must have been.\n

\n\n

\n Lenon gasped, "It doesn't hurt."\n

\n\n

\n Facing the seemingly curious male Zerg, he forced himself to focus and introduced his body: "This scar was left from the Zone 35 Expulsion Battle."\n

\n\n

\n Lin You stroked the scar and lightly tapped his right hand on his shoulder blade. "I see it. Is it this medal?"\n

\n\n

\n Above the left shoulder, there was a metal commemorative medal, inlaid with enamel bearing the words 'Zone 35 Commemoration'.\n

\n\n

\n Lenon's expression was hazy. "Yes..."\n

\n\n

\n Back then, when he stood on the stage to be awarded the medal, he was wearing this uniform and this medal, with the overwhelming cheers of military female Zergs from below. At that time, he was Major General Iris of the Third Legion, the proudest eldest son of the Colette Family. Yet now, lying limply beside a male Zerg with his clothes wide open, it was actually still this uniform and this medal.\n

\n\n

\n Lenon smiled bitterly. A subtle sense of sorrow filled his chest, but before he could react, he no longer had the time to care.\n

\n\n

\n Lin You leaned down and kissed that scar.\n

\n\n

\n The skin around the scar was astoundingly hot. The uneven scar seemed to have sprouted nerves out of nowhere, becoming terrifyingly sensitive under the effect of the pheromones.\n

\n\n

\n Lin You started kissing from the collarbone. Having never practiced this before, he was a bit clumsy, merely gently comforting this trembling body. Only when Lenon finally calmed down did he place his fingertips on his buttons. "May I?"\n

\n\n

\n Lenon paused for a moment before smiling. "Of course, please."\n

\n\n

\n The Third Highness was already much gentler than he had imagined. And since military female Zergs were always good at enduring, the next part wouldn't be too unbearable.\n

\n\n

\n ...But\n

\n\n

\n ...But why did it feel a bit comfortable?\n

\n\n

\n Lenon and Lin You's first time was very rushed. Lin You was half-asleep and groggy, while Lenon didn't know the proper technique and relied entirely on brute force; neither of them felt much pleasure.\n

\n\n

\n But now?\n

\n\n

\n Pheromone hypersensitivity was a double-edged sword. If it wasn't satisfied, the body would suffer as if having a high fever. But if enough was obtained, the Spiritual Sea would be smoothed out one by one, alleviating much of his past hidden injuries as well. Both mind and body felt as if they were sinking into the clouds, every muscle relaxing soothingly, light and warm.\n

\n\n

\n Lenon didn't even have the strength to lift his hand.\n

\n\n

\n The anguish inside his body finally disappeared, and the twitching, aching muscles settled down. The pheromones were finally enough.\n

\n\n

\n Lin You rolled over and yawned.\n

\n\n

\n It was supposed to be just a normal meal, but it ended up like this. Lin You complained in his heart, the Zerg were truly a troublesome species; they made him so sleepy.\n

\n\n

\n Hearing the movement, Lenon turned his head to look at him. The Third Prince was sleeping right beside him, his handsome eyes half-closed, looking gentle and harmless. He yawned softly, seeming a bit drowsy.\n

\n\n

\n Lenon: "Your Highness..."\n

\n\n

\n His tone was very light and soft, but Lin You didn't want to chat. He rolled over into the blanket, lay on the fluffy pillow, and mumbled, "I'm going to sleep."\n

\n\n

\n He reached out and turned off the light. Before falling asleep, he didn't forget to share a section of the blanket with Lenon.\n

\n\n

\n The blanket was stained with a slight body heat, and the air was filled with citrus-scented pheromones.\n

\n\n

\n In the pitch-black darkness, Lenon looked to his side. Lin You's breathing was light, his face peaceful, and his soft black hair slid down his cheek. He seemed to have already fallen asleep.\n

\n\n

\n Lenon stared at him intently, reached out his hand, touched his cheek fleetingly like a dragonfly skimming the water, and then pulled it back as if burned. He lowered his eyes and paused for a long time.\n

\n\n

\n A dreamless night.\n

\n\n

\n Early the next morning, Lin You was woken up by a communication request from his Light Brain.\n

\n\n

\n He groggily fumbled towards the head of the bed when a hand took the Light Brain and fastened it onto his wrist for him.\n

\n\n

\n "Your Highness, it's a call from your father."\n

\n\n

\n Lin You opened his eyes and saw Admiral Hoyle's solemn face. Meanwhile, Lenon took some clothes from the side, wanting to help Lin You put them on, like a dutiful personal butler.\n

\n\n

\n Lin You wasn't so lazy and ignorant as to need that level of help. He signaled that it wasn't necessary and walked around to the adjacent balcony to take the call. "Female Father?"\n

\n\n

\n Admiral Hoyle sighed. "You're still not up at this hour. Youyou, your schedule is getting stranger and stranger. This is bad for your health."\n

\n\n

\n Lin You laughed awkwardly.\n

\n\n

\n His profession as a streamer doomed him to never having a good schedule.\n

\n\n

\n They exchanged a few pleasantries. Admiral Hoyle's gaze swept over the bed and slightly paused. Before he could speak, Lin You turned sideways to block half of his view. The admiral hesitated to speak but ultimately said nothing, only saying, "Come over in a bit. We need to discuss the details of your coming-of-age ceremony."\n

\n\n

\n The Third Prince had just reached adulthood. His coming-of-age ceremony would be held in three months. At that time, the Zerg Emperor would personally allocate a territory for him and confer a title of nobility.\n

\n\n

\n Lin You hung up the phone. When he returned to the bedroom, Lenon was already up. Stepping out of the door, he saw the major general with his uniform and ribbons meticulously arranged, holding a tray and setting out the food for him.\n

\n\n

\n —He seemed dead set on stealing the butler's job.\n

\n\n

\n Lin You wasn't used to being served breakfast. The silver-haired major general stood tall in front of him and smiled. "Good morning, Third Highness. Did you sleep well yesterday?"\n

\n\n

\n Lin You yawned. "Good morning, Major General Lenon. Thanks to you, I slept very well."\n

\n\n

\n Lenon replied, "It is my honor."\n

\n\n

\n The disheveled Major General Iris from last night seemed to no longer exist. He had turned back into his aloof and beautiful self. His posture while serving Lin You was elegant and appropriate, even taking into account his eating speed.\n

\n\n

\n When Lin You finished eating and planned to head to Admiral Hoyle's residence, Lenon stepped forward to drape a windbreaker over him and tie his scarf. He stood extremely close, their skin almost touching. The major general cautiously observed Lin You's reaction. Seeing that he wasn't repulsed, the smile in his eyes grew even deeper.\n

\n\n

\n Lenon suddenly leaned in. "May I ask Your Highness for a morning kiss?"\n

\n\n

\n Lin You thought about it. They had already kissed like that yesterday; one more wouldn't make a difference. So, he stood on his tiptoes and left a light kiss on Lenon's cheek.\n

\n\n

\n "Here, your morning kiss."\n

\n\n

\n The kiss carried pheromones, making his cheek heat up slightly. Lenon paused in his motion of tying the scarf, then asked with feigned casualness, "May I ask one more question?"\n

\n\n

\n Lin You thought to himself, 'In the plot, Lenon was as cold as a blade and didn't like to talk. Why is it one request after another now?' He gave a hum of affirmation. "Go ahead."\n

\n\n

\n Lenon leaned down to adjust his collar, asking barely audibly, "Will Your Highness marry me?"\n

\n\n

\n Ordinarily, Lenon would absolutely never ask a question like this. Perhaps it was because of the meticulous and gentle intimacy of yesterday, or the protection in front of Admiral Hoyle, but Lenon found himself unconsciously asking it.\n

\n\n

\n —After all, his initial reason for approaching the Third Highness was for marriage and pardon.\n

\n\n

\n Lin You paused slightly.\n

\n\n

\n In the novel, he did marry him, but not right now. There was still a long stretch of plot for them to go through. At this point in time, Lin You couldn't easily say it out loud.\n

\n\n

\n The Third Highness's hesitation and pause were exceptionally obvious. Lenon noticed it instantly. He smiled bitterly, which was immediately replaced by a courteous smile. He pretended to be oblivious: "Your Highness need not be troubled. If there's no definite answer yet, I..."\n

\n\n

\n "Lenon," Lin You interrupted. He raised a pair of clear, bright eyes, his expression unusually serious. "Of course I will marry you, but not right now."\n

\n\n

\n Not right now?\n

\n\n

\n Lenon's hands hidden in his sleeves unconsciously clenched tight, but his face remained calm. "Then when will that be?"\n

\n\n

\n A long night is fraught with dreams, and delays bring unexpected changes. The Third Prince was one of the royal heirs; there was more than one female Zerg keeping an eye on him. Moreover, male Zergs were fickle. If he couldn't get a promise even after a night of intimacy, it would only be more difficult later.\n

\n\n

\n Lin You thought for a moment and said, "In two months."\n

\n\n

\n This was the original text of the novel, and also a plotline that had to be recreated.\n

\n\n

\n Lenon's brow twitched.\n

\n\n

\n —His Judgment Day was also in exactly two months.\n

","published_time":"2026-05-24T00:00:00.000Z","paid":false,"show_flag":true,"show_scheduled_time":"2026-05-24T00:00:00.000Z","unpaid_scheduled_time":"2026-05-24T00:00:00.000Z"},{"content_id":4434,"novel_id":71,"chapter_no":42,"chapter_title":"Ceremony","content":"

\n Lenon lowered his eyes, his complexion looking a bit awful.\n

\n\n

\n The trial day was in two months, but the Male Zerg had said he wouldn't marry him until then. If anything went wrong in the meantime, the consequences would be hard to predict.\n

\n\n

\n But despite the countless thoughts swirling in his mind, Lenon still revealed a perfectly appropriate smile. He continued to straighten Lin You's scarf, his movements patient and meticulous. "Then I shall quietly wait for Your Excellency's good news."\n

\n\n

\n —He didn't even ask Lin You for a reason.\n

\n\n

\n Lin You touched his nose, a little afraid to meet those azure eyes. Under Lenon's upturned collar were still kiss marks, yet he was unwilling to promise a wedding, acting just like a fickle scumbag. But the novel's plot was laid out right here: the first half consisted of Lenon being highly attentive while the Third Prince ambiguously strung him along, interspersed with punishments like kneeling, right up until the wedding ended and the next chapter began.\n

\n\n

\n What a pity Lin You couldn't say any of this.\n

\n\n

\n He vaguely said his goodbyes to Lenon and boarded his aircraft.\n

\n\n

\n "..."\n

\n\n

\n Lenon pulled his coat closer, suppressing all his emotions under a gentle mask. He said goodbye to the butler and headed toward the major general's residence.\n

\n\n

\n During the journey, he took out his Light Brain and unmuted it. The moment he did, countless messages flooded in, ringing incessantly.\n

\n\n

\n Devon alone had sent him nearly fifty messages.\n

\n\n

\n 8:55: "Lenon? Are you done?"\n

\n\n

\n 9:35: "Are you still not done? You're not being made to kneel as punishment, are you?"\n

\n\n

\n 10:17: "Did the Third Prince say anything? Did he agree to marry you?"\n

\n\n

\n ...\n

\n\n

\n Just now: "My god, I haven't been able to get through to your phone all night, what's going on? Are you still alive? Are you alive, Lenon? Did the Third Prince make you kneel all night?"\n

\n\n

\n Lenon replied concisely: "Alive."\n

\n\n

\n Devon replied in seconds: "My god, what did you go through? What did the Third Prince do to you? Are you okay?"\n

\n\n

\n Lenon's hand gripping the Light Brain paused.\n

\n\n

\n ...What did he go through?\n

\n\n

\n A soft cushion, a fairly satisfactory hot pot meal, countless kisses, and a good night's sleep.\n

\n\n

\n The scent of citrus still lingered around him, making his body involuntarily relax. If it weren't for the fact that the Male Zerg hadn't given him a promise in the end, this would have been Lenon's most comfortable day in years.\n

\n\n

\n However, these things couldn't be spoken of to outsiders. Lenon answered vaguely, "Nothing, I'm fine. Have you arrived?"\n

\n\n

\n "Just arrived near Zone 35, I can see the Graveyard."\n

\n\n

\n "Mm, I wish you a pleasant journey. Say hello to our departed old friends for me."\n

\n\n

\n At this point, the conversation seemed to end. They went offline at the same time and immediately switched to the Third Legion's independent satellite frequency. The channel was triple-encrypted; aside from the Third Legion's high-ranking officers, no one could connect to it.\n

\n\n

\n Devon: "I used paying respects as an excuse. I don't know if the old geezers in the Second Legion bought it. Damn it, the moment my aircraft crossed the border of Zone 35, I was targeted. The other party followed very covertly and used a stealth coating; my electromagnetic radar completely failed."\n

\n\n

\n The instruments he was equipped with were all the latest technology of The Empire. To block the radar's search was absolutely not something just any black-market star pirates could do.\n

\n\n

\n Lenon: "Stay safe. If they disguise themselves as star pirates to attack you, I'll have no choice but to accept it."\n

\n\n

\n Devon: "I've put on a full show. I just bought the liquor. Tomorrow I'll launch drones to pay tribute and then fly alongside the 'Graveyard'. Once I notice them approaching, I'll return immediately."\n

\n\n

\n Lenon nodded: "Notify me immediately if anything happens."\n

\n\n

\n They went offline at the same time again, switching back to the chat channel. All was calm, with nothing happening.\n

\n\n

\n The two casually chatted for a bit longer as if nothing had happened. When Lenon arrived at the Third Legion's office area and was about to go offline, Devon asked again, "By the way, is Admiral Hoyle satisfied? Is your marriage finalized?"\n

\n\n

\n Lenon let out a bitter smile: "No."\n

\n\n

\n This matter was still going to take a lot of grinding.\n

\n\n

\n That morning, Lin You hurried over to Admiral Hoyle's residence.\n

\n\n

\n A Prince's coming-of-age ceremony was a very important event in The Empire. From the selection of the date down to the seating arrangements, Admiral Hoyle reviewed everything one by one. He handed the schedule to Lin You and asked, "Is there anything you are dissatisfied with?"\n

\n\n

\n Lin You lowered his eyes and saw a familiar name: White Liam.\n

\n\n

\n Lenon's ex-fiancé.\n

\n\n

\n In the early stages of the novel, White and Lin You were the two who carried the banner of abusing the protagonist.\n

\n\n

\n The coming-of-age ceremony was also a major point of abuse. At that time, apart from the Third Prince, the other two princes, as well as Lenon's heavily injured ex-fiancé—the only Male Zerg of the Liam Family, White Liam, would all be present.\n

\n\n

\n According to the novel's timeline, White had been recuperating at home before this. This would be his first public appearance since his injury.\n

\n\n

\n Although there was a lack of solid evidence at present, White had already deemed Lenon the main culprit. Various rumors and gossip were causing an uproar throughout the city, and the original owner of the body had heard of them too.\n

\n\n

\n Between the two of them, White harbored resentment. As for Lin You, on one hand, he coveted the Colette Family's wealth. On the other hand, although he wasn't familiar with White, he was extremely dissatisfied with Lenon's actions of harming a Male Zerg. With the intention to torment, he kept stringing Lenon along with the marriage while tacitly permitting White's various excessive behaviors.\n

\n\n

\n If Lin You remembered correctly, there would be an extremely excessive humiliation at the coming-of-age ceremony, and the Third Prince would simply watch from the sidelines without saying a word.\n

\n\n

\n Lin You disliked this type of novel. He couldn't stomach reading long paragraphs of humiliating descriptions, so he had just gotten the gist and hastily skipped them. Now that the banquet was right in front of him, he had no choice but to pull out the novel and reread it.\n

\n\n

\n Seeing him staring at the invitation list in silence for a long time, Admiral Hoyle asked, "Is there anyone you don't want to invite?"\n

\n\n

\n Lin You shook his head: "No."\n

\n\n

\n The plot demanded that these people must be present.\n

\n\n

\n Admiral Hoyle nodded and asked again, "What about the other arrangements? Are there any places that need to be modified?"\n

\n\n

\n Lin You knew absolutely nothing about the noble etiquette of the Zerg. He casually glanced at it twice before tossing it aside, letting the Admiral finalize it himself. Meanwhile, he strolled around the Admiral's residence, finding it quite novel.\n

\n\n

\n Admiral Hoyle had outstanding merits and was one of the most famous generals of the Zerg in the current era. His medals of honor were enough to fill an entire bedroom. Lin You looked at them one by one, lamenting that the original owner's father was truly no ordinary person. Finally, he stopped by an egg-shaped device right in the middle of the bedroom and tried to turn it on.\n

\n\n

\n —He had seen this in the Third Legion's exhibition room; it was a simulation training device of the military.\n

\n\n

\n Admiral Hoyle noticed his son seeming to want to lie down in it, and he felt quite a headache. "Youyou, what are you doing?"\n

\n\n

\n Lin You looked up: "Can I try it?"\n

\n\n

\n He had heard that the simulation devices were very similar to human shooting games, like a holographic version of a AAA title. He wanted to test out how it felt.\n

\n\n

\n Hoyle: "...This isn't for playing."\n

\n\n

\n The military system was made to be extremely realistic; one shot would result in a bloody mess. He was afraid of scaring Lin You.\n

\n\n

\n Lin You: "Just for a little bit, is that okay?"\n

\n\n

\n Admiral Hoyle only had this one precious son. Although they spent little time together due to work, he had still raised him by spoiling him rotten. And now, Lin You was sitting in front of the simulator, half-leaning on it looking for the power source. His amber eyes looked at him expectantly, seeking permission with a soft voice and eagerly asking, "Can I?"\n

\n\n

\n "..."\n

\n\n

\n Admiral Hoyle kept a straight face. "You can."\n

\n\n

\n He lowered the pain level to the minimum for Lin You and switched it to practice mode. The military system required real-name registration, but Admiral Hoyle was one of the highest leaders in the military. He didn't care whether it was real-name or not. Using his administrator privileges, he fabricated an alternate account out of thin air for Lin You, instructing him, "Just play for a bit and then come out. Playing for too long will make you dizzy."\n

\n\n

\n Lin You randomly selected the initial data and then entered the system.\n

\n\n

\n Admiral Hoyle was still next to him, so he didn't dare to play too intensely. He just tested out the guns and shot at stationary targets. Earth's firearm technology couldn't be mentioned in the same breath as the interstellar era's. Whether it was the recoil, the reloading method, or other parameter indicators, the interstellar era had made tremendous strides. A compact handgun could produce an effect similar to a sniper rifle.\n

\n\n

\n Lin You chose a silver fully automatic handgun. His posture was relaxed and natural. He raised his hand, extended his arm, took aim, and pulled the trigger—\n

\n\n

\n He missed the target.\n

\n\n

\n The handling of a firearm was very important, and the feel of interstellar guns was indeed unfamiliar to Lin You.\n

\n\n

\n However, missing the target only provoked Lin You's competitive spirit. He had an extraordinary talent in this area: his dynamic vision was extremely sharp, and his reaction speed was different from ordinary people. While others relied on experience to aim, Lin You aimed by feel. In typical action games, he could get the hang of it in the first match, grasp most of the controls by the second, become familiar within five matches, and dare to enter high-tier matches by the tenth. Otherwise, he wouldn't have been able to hit the national rankings of Galactic Warfare after only streaming for two months.\n

\n\n

\n Lin You picked up the dozen or so guns in front of him one by one, testing the feel of each. Without any guidance, within ten minutes, he was already able to steadily hit the seventh ring on stationary targets.\n

\n\n

\n System clapped its hands: "Host, you've got some skills."\n

\n\n

\n Lin You: "It's nothing."\n

\n\n

\n He was just planning to continue testing when Admiral Hoyle knocked on the pod door: "Youyou, are you feeling dizzy?"\n

\n\n

\n Many Male Zergs would experience motion sickness from 3D vision.\n

\n\n

\n Lin You still wanted to play, but the original owner was an arrogant, willful, and weak prince who fainted at the sight of blood. He didn't dare to deviate too much from the original character setting, so he opened the pod door, climbed out, and put on an act of rubbing his temples.\n

\n\n

\n "So dizzy."\n

\n\n

\n Admiral Hoyle looked at him disapprovingly. "I told you that you're not suited for this thing. Come out quickly, lunch is already prepared."\n

\n\n

\n Lin You tumbled out of the pod door and looked at him eagerly, saying softly, "Female Father—"\n

\n\n

\n Hoyle: "?"\n

\n\n

\n He became alert: "What do you want?"\n

\n\n

\n "I'm coming of age, but you haven't given me a birthday present yet! I want a birthday present!"\n

\n\n

\n "...What kind of present do you want?"\n

\n\n

\n "I want this gaming pod... ah, no, this military training pod."\n

\n\n

\n "..."\n

\n\n

\n Admiral Hoyle looked at him woodenly.\n

\n\n

\n Lin You looked back expectantly.\n

\n\n

\n They stared at each other. The Admiral remained wooden, and Lin You remained expectant. Two seconds later, the Admiral admitted defeat.\n

\n\n

\n The highest leader of the military pinched his forehead with a headache, signaling Lin You to do as he pleased. Thus, Lin You directed the attendants to drag the Admiral's training pod straight away, hauling it all the way to the Prince's mansion.\n

\n\n

\n In the middle of the day, he had no mind to take a nap. He lay directly into the gaming pod, and 55 helped him bypass the Admiral's account to register a new one.\n

\n\n

\n 55: "What kind of initial model do you want?"\n

\n\n

\n Lin You struggled for a moment and asked very quietly, "Can I use my digital wife?"\n

\n\n

\n 55: "...You can."\n

\n\n

\n It imported the data for Lin You. Shortly after, a stunning beauty with a tall figure, long legs, silver hair, and blue eyes appeared in the system. Lin You tested the controls and named the character "Pomelo Lord"—this was his streamer name.\n

\n\n

\n He took less than thirty minutes to clear the default tutorial. He felt an itch to play the live-action mode for a while and couldn't hold back, entering the matchmaking lobby. While waiting, the world channel kept refreshing, with chat messages constantly flying past.\n

\n\n

\n To prevent retaliation, the matchmaking mode was mostly anonymous. Only a small number of generals were known to everyone because their personal styles were too prominent or their nicknames were too conspicuous. Right now, what was being discussed in the lobby was exactly the Major General of the Third Legion, Lenon.\n

\n\n

\n "Damn, what's up with Major General Lenon? Who exactly made him unhappy? He's acting like a madman today."\n

\n\n

\n "The Major General is in a really bad mood today. I feel scared just looking at his icy, iceberg-like face. I feel like in the next second he'll drag me into the trial court to be skinned alive."\n

\n\n

\n "He started playing at noon, and it's almost time to get off work yet he still hasn't logged off. It's been at least thirty matches by now."\n

\n\n

\n "I just got headshot by the Major General..."\n

\n\n

\n 55 followed Lin You. In the virtual system, it simulated itself into a robot pendant, poking Lin You. "Are you going to match?"\n

\n\n

\n In front of Lin You, Lenon had always been gentle, courteous, and acting with propriety, just like a well-bred gentleman. However, Lin You knew that wasn't the real Lenon. He gripped the silver-white handgun in his hand, itching to give it a try.\n

\n\n

\n The system's electronic voice exploded in his ear, "Your matchmaking is complete. The matched IDs for this group are: Pure White Iris, Hearts of Iron... Pomelo Lord."\n

\n\n

\n With Lin You's current qualifications, it shouldn't have been his turn to match with Lenon. However, Lenon had been killing for the whole afternoon, killing to the point where no one else dared to enter the arena. It took a long time just to scrape together one group, which was how it became his turn.\n

\n\n

\n This simulation system was a bit like live-action CS. It grouped players automatically, and the last one surviving won. The system simulated various extreme environments in the universe. This round was a primeval forest. The gnarled branches of ancient trees blotted out the sky and sun, while tree roots and various low shrubs occupied the ground, crisscrossing in a tangled mess.\n

\n\n

\n Lin You had played similar games, but the holographic mode was still his first time. His concealment skills were average, and his marksmanship was inconsistently accurate. Coupled with his unfamiliarity with the rainforest environment, just a few minutes into the game, he was caught red-handed by Lenon.\n

\n\n

\n The Major General's azure eyes stared at him coldly, as icy as inorganic gemstones. His expression was terrifyingly indifferent. He raised his gun crisply and cleanly, his silver hair tied in a high ponytail drawing a beautiful arc in the air. The pitch-black muzzle aimed directly at Lin You. The knuckles under his leather gloves bent slightly, and the handgun sounded out in tandem—\n

\n\n

\n Bang.\n

\n\n

\n Fire flashed from the barrel, and Lin You went offline.\n

\n\n

\n 55 commented: "Host, your wife is a bit fierce."\n

\n\n

\n Lin You was full of interest: "He really is."\n

\n\n

\n Lenon was gentle, respectful, frugal, and yielding in front of him, putting on the appearance of a humble and noble person, but in the military, he had this kind of style?\n

\n\n

\n He went online again and applied for matchmaking.\n

\n\n

\n This time, the map was an abandoned coastal town. Due to the extremely low number of players matching, he was once again grouped with Lenon.\n

\n\n

\n This time, Lin You's anti-reconnaissance awareness was stronger, and he had gradually gotten used to the positioning in the holographic system. He lasted for a quarter of an hour before once again being cornered in a desolate alleyway.\n

\n\n

\n Lenon stood atop an abandoned clock tower, the muzzle of his gun aimed straight at the corner. The fierce wind whipped up his pure white trench coat, and his epaulets shone brightly in the sunlight, reflecting brilliant golden light.\n

\n\n

\n He pulled the trigger.\n

\n\n

\n Pomelo Lord went offline.\n

\n\n

\n Lin You: "I refuse to believe this..."\n

\n\n

\n He matched again.\n

\n\n

\n This time, his controls were even more proficient, with basically no empty shots. He persisted for more than twenty minutes. The system kept its ears to the ground, also providing him with some assistance. One of his bullets even grazed Lenon's cuff, knocking off Lenon's sapphire cufflink.\n

\n\n

\n But his magazine ran out, and he was still cornered.\n

\n\n

\n The trigger was pulled, and Pomelo Lord went offline once again.\n

\n\n

\n Lin You's competitive spirit was completely roused. He was just planning to go for another round when the butler knocked on the door and asked softly, "Your Highness, dinner is ready. Would you like to dine now?"\n

\n\n

\n Meals still had to be eaten. Lin You clicked offline, tumbled out of the training pod, and sat down at the dining table. He was just about to pick up his chopsticks when his Light Brain buzzed slightly.\n

\n\n

\n Lenon: "Good evening, my Highness. Although only half a day has passed, I already miss you a little."\n

\n\n

\n The accompanying picture was a bouquet of fresh flowers. The main floral materials were roses and irises, with verdant thunberg spiraea and fresh lemon leaves inserted around the edges.\n

\n\n

\n Lin You put down his chopsticks, his meaning unclear. "Oh?"\n

\n\n

\n —Miss me? You literally just headshot me three times in a row in the game.\n

\n\n

\n Lenon: "I've prepared an iris floral arrangement for you. I hope you like it."\n

\n\n

\n The fresh flowers in the vase stretched out beautifully. Both the roses and the irises were expensive varieties rarely seen on the Main Star. Their petals were delicate, having been air-freighted from their place of origin that very day.\n

\n\n

\n Lin You: "I like it, it's very pretty. Did you prepare this?"\n

\n\n

\n Male Zergs liked soft color palettes, and quite a few Female Zergs would take elective courses in home aesthetics. But this clearly didn't include Lenon. The other party had just exited the matchmaking two minutes ago. Yet this flower arrangement was divided into many upper and lower layers, staggered in height, and appropriately matched. Aside from the main flowers, there were also many small-leaved accent flowers. If such a complex floral arrangement could be completed in two minutes, the floral foam would have been arranged so fast it sparked.\n

\n\n

\n Lenon bypassed this topic, only saying, "I hope it can bring you a moment of good mood."\n

\n\n

\n Through the screen, Lin You could imagine the silver-haired beauty's reserved tone. He chuckled involuntarily and replied, "Of course, thank you."\n

\n\n

\n Lenon breathed a sigh of relief.\n

\n\n

\n Although the Third Prince didn't immediately agree to the marriage, his attitude was still gentle. He should harbor some favorable feelings toward him and wouldn't be completely sick of him right after a night of intimacy.\n

\n\n

\n Lenon was exceptionally polite, replying cautiously: "Thank you, it is my honor."\n

\n\n

\n The more polite words he used, the more Lin You could sense Lenon's nervousness through the screen. The other party seemed to feel uneasy because of his refusal that morning. This was why he was simultaneously going crazy in the combat system while carefully testing his attitude.\n

\n\n

\n The conversation should have ended here, but Lin You thought for a moment and added a few more words, treating it entirely as appeasement: "I will be holding my coming-of-age ceremony soon. I will invite you then, remember to attend."\n

\n\n

\n The other side quickly replied: "Of course."\n

\n\n

\n It seemed even his typing speed had gotten faster.\n

\n\n

\n "..."\n

\n\n

\n Lenon was completely unaware of what he would face if things went according to the novel's plot. Major General Iris's dignity would be cast to the ground, crushed into the dirt just like that bouquet of fresh flowers trampled to pieces by Lin You.\n

\n\n

\n Lin You sighed softly.\n

\n\n

\n He opened the novel with a bitter face and thought to himself, 'I have to figure out how to act this out again.'\n

","published_time":"2026-05-24T00:00:00.000Z","paid":false,"show_flag":true,"show_scheduled_time":"2026-05-24T00:00:00.000Z","unpaid_scheduled_time":"2026-05-24T00:00:00.000Z"},{"content_id":4435,"novel_id":71,"chapter_no":43,"chapter_title":"Discipline","content":"

\n Time flew by. While waiting for the coming-of-age ceremony, there was a large blank period in the plot. Lin You simply ate and slept, bonded with Admiral Hoyle, and went online to play matchmaking matches every day.\n

\n\n

\n He improved rapidly and never missed a single shot again. His marksmanship was astonishingly accurate, and in just a few days, he reached a high rank. The name "Pomelo Lord" also quietly spread, becoming the subject of discussion for many people in the forums. Many inquired openly and secretly, asking which legion this new expert belonged to.\n

\n\n

\n System 55's non-existent hair was about to fall out entirely.\n

\n\n

\n Lin You was having fun playing games, but once his identity was exposed, there would be no need to go through the upcoming plot lines, and his entire character persona would completely collapse—imagine a spoiled and willful Male Zerg thriving like a fish in water in the military's simulation system, having the time of his life, and ruthlessly landing headshots with every shot. What kind of bullshit character setting was that?\n

\n\n

\n Because of this, System 55 slapped three layers of encryption onto Lin You's identity, strictly guarding it. With the blessing of top-tier technology at a high-dimensional level, let alone these foot soldiers, even if Admiral Hoyle came to investigate, he wouldn't be able to find any clues.\n

\n\n

\n But after playing so many times, Lin You never matched with Lenon again.\n

\n\n

\n The Major General of the Third Legion was busy with military affairs and rarely appeared in matchmaking, but his prestige was extremely high. When Lin You occasionally chatted with his teammates and mentioned Lenon, everyone showed admiration, but after the admiration, there were endless sighs of regret.\n

\n\n

\n They shook their heads and sighed, "Major General Lenon, it's truly a pity."\n

\n\n

\n "Being accused of harming a Male Zerg is such a huge crime. If His Third Highness doesn't relent and marry him before the trial day, it will end with his Spiritual Sea being destroyed and him being exiled."\n

\n\n

\n At that time, Lin You was waiting for the matchmaking results. A teammate nudged him, "Do you think His Third Highness will relent?"\n

\n\n

\n Lin You replied vaguely, "Maybe."\n

\n\n

\n No one paid attention to his answer. Sighs rose one after another, and someone lamented, "Even if he marries His Third Highness, it might not be a good ending."\n

\n\n

\n "Even if he gets immunity, the Liam Family won't let it go. The Major General is destined to be stripped of his military power and trapped in His Third Highness's back rooms. If he's lucky, he might receive His Third Highness's pity and spend the rest of his life serving his husband and raising children."\n

\n\n

\n Someone else interjected, "And what if he's unlucky?"\n

\n\n

\n "Heh, if he's unlucky, he'll be tied up in the basement and toyed with daily. If His Third Highness is happy, he might reward him with some Pheromone. If not, he'll just leave him hanging. It'll end in either death or madness."\n

\n\n

\n Even with a pardon, after the trial day, Lenon would no longer be considered a natural person in the legal sense. He would still be guilty. As a plaything in the hands of His Third Highness, he would be worse off than the lowest slave. The Zerg had seen this kind of thing happen far too many times.\n

\n\n

\n Lin You said nothing.\n

\n\n

\n The Lenon in the novel experienced the second outcome.\n

\n\n

\n It was just that he was much more resilient than anyone imagined. He would rather endure agonizing pain and inject inferior potions to completely leave the Main Star and die on an expeditionary battlefield.\n

\n\n

\n Someone else let out a long sigh, "To be honest, when Major General Lenon chose to pursue His Third Highness, I found it very strange. Based on what I know about him, he would rather die with pride than willingly grovel and submit to someone else."\n

\n\n

\n This remark immediately won the agreement of everyone present.\n

\n\n

\n "That's exactly right."\n

\n\n

\n "I also thought the Major General would just kill himself back then."\n

\n\n

\n "..."\n

\n\n

\n Voices of agreement echoed one after another.\n

\n\n

\n Lin You's brow twitched slightly.\n

\n\n

\n The novel was a revenge-on-society story. It entirely focused on describing the protagonist's miserable encounters, how he fell from being a favored son of heaven into the mud, and how all his proud bones were broken. However, it completely ignored the background and didn't explain the protagonist's motives.\n

\n\n

\n Lin You propped his chin up and pondered. 'System 55, it is a bit strange.'\n

\n\n

\n With Lenon's perceptiveness in the novel, as well as His Third Highness's early attitude towards him, it wouldn't have been hard for Lenon to guess what he would face after marriage. Since he wasn't afraid of pain or death, why didn't he just head to the battlefield right from the start and bury his bones in a foreign land, rather than suffer torment and humiliation for nothing?\n

\n\n

\n Now that he was here, assuming the original plot didn't undergo major changes, would Lenon... also die?\n

\n\n

\n Lin You's heart skipped a beat.\n

\n\n

\n He lowered his eyes and said, "Mark it. I'll go back and read through the original text again."\n

\n\n

\n System 55: "Annotation number 158 has been added for you."\n

\n\n

\n All the annotations had been added over the past two days. Lin You had almost flipped through the original text until it fell apart.\n

\n\n

\n The coming-of-age ceremony was a key plot point in the novel. It featured massive chunks of dialogue, as well as descriptions of tone and expression. Lin You's acting skills were so terrible that he could only categorize and take notes, pondering them one by one. By the time he grasped all the key points, it was almost time for the banquet to begin.\n

\n\n

\n This day was the last rest day of the year. The capital had brilliant sunshine. Cargo ships brought cartloads of champagne roses and lilies from the agricultural galaxies, giving the royal courtyard a brand new decoration.\n

\n\n

\n Guests entered one after another, and Admiral Hoyle entertained them one by one.\n

\n\n

\n Lin You changed into a pure white tailcoat and sat at the main table of the banquet. Beside him were the First Prince and Second Prince of the Empire. Both were background characters in the novel. Among them, the First Prince had an old grudge with Lenon's Colette Family, but otherwise, there was nothing worth noting.\n

\n\n

\n Lin You maintained the noble bearing he had learned at the last minute, reservedly greeting the guests one by one. From a distance, he saw Lenon. The silver-haired Major General was in a military dress uniform, the crisp fabric outlining the shape of his waist. He smiled slightly at Lin You, bowed in greeting, and mouthed, "Happy coming-of-age, Your Highness."\n

\n\n

\n Lenon's eyes were very beautiful. When he looked at you attentively, it was as if you were the only person in the entire world worthy of his gaze. His peach blossom eyes were full of deep affection. Lin You lowered his eyes uncomfortably. When he looked up again, Lenon had already taken a seat at a side table.\n

\n\n

\n On such an occasion, he was not yet qualified to sit at the same table as the Imperial Princes.\n

\n\n

\n Once everyone had arrived, Lin You tensed up and recited a couple of customary remarks. His expression was wooden, as if he were dreaming of being back at a university speech presentation. After finally finishing his lines, he sat down on his own.\n

\n\n

\n At a royal banquet, apart from dining, socializing and networking were more important. Nobles gathered in the garden in twos and threes, conversing and joking with each other.\n

\n\n

\n Lenon took a sip of red wine, sitting alone in a corner.\n

\n\n

\n Naturally, no nobles came to chat with him.\n

\n\n

\n His current status was sensitive. After the trial day, regardless of the Third Prince's attitude, Major General Iris would be stripped of his military power and fall into the dust. He would either be executed and exiled, or kept in the back rooms. Furthermore, his family would also belong to the Third Prince. In the eyes of the other nobles, Lenon was no different from a dead man.\n

\n\n

\n And there was no need to socialize with a dead man.\n

\n\n

\n Lenon was happy to enjoy the peace and quiet. His gaze fell on Lin You from afar.\n

\n\n

\n The distinguished Third Prince was incredibly well-behaved beside Admiral Hoyle. He was surrounded by a group of high-ranking military and political officials. These people were all Admiral Hoyle's old friends and the mainstays of the various legions.\n

\n\n

\n Lenon had no expression on his face. After watching faintly for a while, he caught sight of a limping Male Zerg striding over from the corner of his eye. He paused slightly and sighed inwardly, 'He still found his way here.'\n

\n\n

\n When taking his seat, he had deliberately chosen an isolated corner.\n

\n\n

\n The newcomer limped over, followed by five or six tall and sturdy young Female Zergs. He kicked over the table and chairs in front of Lenon and feigned surprise, "Lenon? You actually dared to come?"\n

\n\n

\n It was exactly White Liam.\n

\n\n

\n Lenon hadn't wanted to come, but since he was currently pursuing Lin You, and Lin You had asked him to, he had to come.\n

\n\n

\n He stood up, placed his wine glass aside, and bowed in greeting. "Your Excellency."\n

\n\n

\n White Liam still had one hand wrapped in bandages, looking as if he had just recovered from a serious illness. He scrutinized Lenon critically, looking him up and down before sneering, "Long time no see, Major General Iris is truly as beautiful as always. No wonder you dared to latch onto His Third Highness right after injuring me."\n

\n\n

\n Lenon sighed, "Whether Your Excellency believes it or not, that matter had nothing to do with me."\n

\n\n

\n White Liam only sneered, "It's not up to you to say whether it did or not."\n

\n\n

\n As things stood, there was no second suspect. Whether Lenon was the one who did it or not, the Liam Family had to get an explanation.\n

\n\n

\n White looked at Lenon. Major General Iris was very good-looking, and he genuinely liked him. If Lenon hadn't resolutely broken off their engagement and gone to Lin You, White would have already trapped him in the back rooms under the guise of being his fiancé, torturing and venting on him to satiate the hatred in his heart.\n

\n\n

\n The beauty that was right in his hands had flown away just like that. White gritted his teeth in increasing hatred. His explicit gaze swept over Lenon's entire body, seemingly considering where to sink his teeth in first.\n

\n\n

\n However, as his gaze swept past the collar, he saw the faint red marks exposed there. White paused, and then his anger suddenly surged. He violently kicked the table aside. "Well done, Lenon. Back then, after we got engaged, I invited you to my bed, but you played the paragon of chastity, looking utterly unwilling, saying you had to save it for after marriage. I thought the Female Zergs of your Colette Family were so well-bred and possessed such lofty morals. Yet, I hear that you couldn't wait to climb into His Third Highness's bed after only being with him for two days?"\n

\n\n

\n Rejecting White, then taking the initiative to pursue Lin You, was equivalent to pressing White's face into the ground and trampling on it.\n

\n\n

\n "..."\n

\n\n

\n The Colette Family had always enjoyed a good reputation in the capital, not only because of their wealth but also because of their strict upbringing. Lenon had always strictly observed etiquette and maintained his dignity, except for the one time he seduced Lin You.\n

\n\n

\n Only that one time, he had no other choice.\n

\n\n

\n Lenon did not utter a single word.\n

\n\n

\n There was a reason for what he did, and he could not deny it.\n

\n\n

\n White Liam sneered, "How truly despicable. While your fiancé lay unconscious, you turned around and climbed into the Third Prince's bed. Tomorrow I should notify all the newspapers in the capital to put it on their front pages and record it well: just what kind of filthy thing our Lenon Colette—the only son of the Colette Family and Major General Iris of the Third Legion—really is."\n

\n\n

\n His family and his colleagues in the army were Lenon's fatal weaknesses. White Liam stared at him, but Lenon's expression remained unchanged. His gaze fell emptily into the distance, as if his soul had separated from his body. White didn't see the reaction he wanted, so he narrowed his eyes. "Not speaking? What, do you disagree?"\n

\n\n

\n "No." Lenon lowered his eyes and actually began to smile. "Your reprimand is justified."\n

\n\n

\n "My reprimand is justified?" The maliciousness in White Liam's eyes grew stronger. He swept the wine glasses off the table. The glass fell to the ground, shattering completely with a loud crash. He reached out and grabbed Lenon's tie, forcing him to tilt his neck up, and raised his arm as if to slap him. "Do you really think I wouldn't dare touch you just because you followed His Third Highness? Then you can guess, if I really help His Third Highness discipline you, how would he react?"\n

\n\n

\n "..."\n

\n\n

\n Lenon thought indifferently, 'Perhaps there wouldn't be any reaction.'\n

\n\n

\n Male Zergs were absurd. It was not uncommon for them to exchange female concubines with each other, and exchanging Female Consorts wasn't unheard of either. Sometimes, if they played too hard and caused injuries or bruises, it only took a few apologies. And although His Third Highness had spoken to him softly and gently for two days, after their night of passion, he was too stingy to even make a promise of marriage. Lenon figured that in Lin You's eyes, he was probably just a pretty plaything that happened to catch his fancy.\n

\n\n

\n The Liam Family held immense power, and White was their only Male Zerg. There were many benefits to winning him over. As for the "pretty plaything" that had already been acquired, who had no way out but to offer up his family, it wasn't anything precious. If he was disciplined, then he was disciplined.\n

\n\n

\n But as he thought this, a slight sense of bitterness rose in Lenon's chest. He slightly curled his fingers, then unnaturally let them go. A certain uncontrollable sorrow spread through his body along with his blood, transforming into a difficult, harsh pain.\n

\n\n

\n ...It was a bit, uncomfortable.\n

\n\n

\n This feeling was somewhat unfamiliar, like when his Pheromone had not been satisfied before. Lenon blanked for a moment and forcefully suppressed the strange sensation. He smiled bitterly in his heart. 'It was just two days of kind treatment, yet it actually gave rise to expectations I shouldn't have.'\n

\n\n

\n In front of him, White had already raised his arm high, getting into the posture to slap him.\n

\n\n

\n A strong gust of wind brushed past his cheek, the palm close at hand.\n

\n\n

\n Lenon sighed and closed his eyes.\n

\n\n

\n He could not avoid this censure.\n

\n\n

\n Morally, he was the prime suspect for Liam's injury. Since the victim had come looking for him, there was no reason to hide. Legally and according to etiquette, he was a Female Zerg, and Liam was a Male Zerg. If a Male Zerg wanted to make trouble, a Female Zerg had no way to fight back.\n

\n\n

\n Lenon thought apathetically—he only hoped the force of the slap would be lighter. He didn't have much time, and he still had to keep this face to curry favor with Lin You. If blood flew everywhere and ruined His Third Highness's appetite, causing more complications for the marriage, that would be very bad.\n

\n\n

\n The next second, something flew over horizontally and smacked right onto White's hand, knocking it forcefully aside. Caught off guard, White stumbled two steps and looked up in uncertain shock.\n

\n\n

\n At the same time, Lenon paused and looked up.\n

\n\n

\n Lin You was standing on the second floor at some point. His features were noble and dignified, and he wore a complicated formal suit. His hair was meticulously combed. He held a piece of pastry in his hand, tossing it up and down as he watched the commotion in the courtyard with great interest.\n

\n\n

\n The System poked him: "Host, your aim isn't bad."\n

\n\n

\n Throwing a pastry from the second floor and hitting the back of the hand dead center.\n

\n\n

\n Lin You clicked his tongue. "Nonsense. I didn't throw all those grenades in the holographic system for nothing."\n

\n\n

\n He strolled down from the upper floor with elegant steps and an extremely perfect posture. Standing next to the staggering White, he made the only Male Zerg of the Liam Family look like an ill-mannered brute who knew nothing of etiquette.\n

\n\n

\n Lenon paused, then quickly raised a smile. He bowed in greeting. "Good afternoon, Your Third Highness."\n

\n\n

\n Lin You ignored him and only looked at White. "Why are you here?"\n

\n\n

\n White smiled. "Oh, I saw that Major General Lenon really didn't understand etiquette, so I wanted to discipline him on your behalf."\n

\n\n

\n System 55 reminded, "Host, your line."\n

\n\n

\n It thoughtfully displayed the content on the screen. The line was: "Discipline? Fine, then you discipline him."\n

\n\n

\n In the original text, the Third Prince disliked Lenon, especially disliking the fact that Lenon had injured a Male Zerg. He was happy to let White take action to discipline him. Later, finding it a bit interesting, he even joined in, turning a perfectly good banquet into a restricted-level event. And early the next morning, the news of Major General Iris serving two Male Zergs as a female concubine occupied the headlines of all major sections. There was no lack of specific details, which at a glance were clearly leaked by White on purpose. Passersby talked about it with great relish, chatting away happily.\n

\n\n

\n Overnight, the Colette Family was utterly disgraced, and Major General Iris was reduced to a laughingstock.\n

\n\n

\n "Discipline? Sure." Lin You stood between the two with his arms crossed. "Then discipline him."\n

\n\n

\n His tone was full of nonchalance, as if he were just discussing someone of no importance.\n

\n\n

\n Behind him, Lenon's pupils shrank, and his body abruptly tensed. A moment later, he relaxed as if giving up on himself. His lips twitched slightly, and he tasted a bit of blood on the tip of his tongue.\n

\n\n

\n He stared at Lin You's handsome profile, the bitterness in his heart growing ever heavier.\n

\n\n

\n —To give him such a gentle night of passion, yet be able to so naturally utter words enough to cast him into hell.\n

\n\n

\n But the next second, Lin You kicked the leg of the table. The table crashed to the ground, and White was flipped onto the floor along with it. The Third Prince looked down at him from above, his face full of hostility.\n

\n\n

\n "Discipline? I'd like to see how you plan to discipline him!"\n

","published_time":"2026-05-24T00:00:00.000Z","paid":false,"show_flag":true,"show_scheduled_time":"2026-05-24T00:00:00.000Z","unpaid_scheduled_time":"2026-05-24T00:00:00.000Z"},{"content_id":4436,"novel_id":71,"chapter_no":44,"chapter_title":"Sweet Wine","content":"

\n Lin You's sudden outburst caused White to fall to the ground, and a dead silence fell over the venue.\n

\n\n

\n Lenon looked up in surprise, his gaze fixating on Lin You.\n

\n\n

\n Lin You stood in front of him, completely blocking White's line of sight in an entirely protective posture.\n

\n\n

\n Lenon was stunned. "Your Highness..."\n

\n\n

\n But Lin You ignored him. He kicked the edge of the table leg, scaring White into trembling violently, his face showing disdain. "My person, is it your place to discipline him?"\n

\n\n

\n Lenon's fingers twitched slightly.\n

\n\n

\n ...His person?\n

\n\n

\n Meanwhile, in Lin You's mind, the System let out a sharp screech: "Ahhhhhh!"\n

\n\n

\n "My god, what are you doing? There's still a plot segment later, there are lines to say!"\n

\n\n

\n Lin You suppressed the System. "Calm down." He looked ahead obscurely. "Isn't it coming right now?"\n

\n\n

\n The commotion here was not small. The surrounding guests quickly turned around, and someone immediately walked over quickly, asking in surprise, "My god, Xiao You, what are you doing?"\n

\n\n

\n The newcomer had an elegant and gentle temperament. He wore a black tailcoat made of solid material and dressed exquisitely, clearly an invited noble as well.\n

\n\n

\n Lin You looked at him, stood up a bit straighter, and his expression became more obedient. "Big Brother."\n

\n\n

\n The First Prince of The Empire, Lin Yu.\n

\n\n

\n This background character in the novel only had a scene here; the rest of the time, he was nowhere to be found.\n

\n\n

\n Lin You didn't know this so-called Big Brother at all. It was purely based on the novel's description, which stated that The Empire's three princes were loving and respectful to each other, and the Third Prince listened to his two older brothers very much. Only then did he act according to his character setting.\n

\n\n

\n Lin You lowered his eyes, looking obediently at the ground, but his private expression was quite cold.\n

\n\n

\n ——He hadn't forgotten that after Lenon's death in the novel, the Third Prince died in a power struggle.\n

\n\n

\n The original text was vague, but when it came to a power struggle, the only ones who would want the Third Prince dead were the other two princes. No one else.\n

\n\n

\n Lin Yu was quite surprised. His gaze swept over Lenon, pausing on him slightly, and then glanced at White, his tone astonished: "Xiao You, White, what is this?"\n

\n\n

\n Lin You sneered. "Ask White, and tell him not to lay his hands on what he shouldn't lay his hands on."\n

\n\n

\n The original text described the Third Prince as moody and temperamental, so Lin You didn't break character at all when acting crazy.\n

\n\n

\n "...Lay his hands on what he shouldn't lay his hands on?"\n

\n\n

\n The First Prince's gaze swept over Lenon again, and he immediately smiled. "Why hurt the harmony between us? Everyone is in the same circle, and we will often play together in the future. There are plenty of fun things, so there's no need to stick to one Female Zerg, right?"\n

\n\n

\n He helped White up and smiled. "Xiao You has had this temper since he was a child. He hates it the most when others touch his things. Bear with him a bit."\n

\n\n

\n White repeatedly echoed, "Yes, yes, yes."\n

\n\n

\n The First Prince then pulled Lin You up and advised, "Our Xiao You is already an adult. You can't be so willful anymore, not to mention..."\n

\n\n

\n He looked at Lenon again and said coldly, "Acting violently against his former fiancé with conclusive evidence, instead of reflecting on his crimes, he is eagerly buttering up a prince of The Empire. Such a Female Zerg isn't worth cherishing either, is he not?"\n

\n\n

\n "..."\n

\n\n

\n Lenon bowed. "Your Highness is right to lecture me."\n

\n\n

\n However, the First Prince didn't look at him. He simply blocked Lin You and coaxed, "Let's go, stop being angry. Big Brother has prepared a coming-of-age gift for you."\n

\n\n

\n Looking like a classic Mr. Nice Guy.\n

\n\n

\n This part was in the novel, so Lin You wasn't surprised at all. He feigned pleasant surprise and grabbed Lin Yu. "What gift?"\n

\n\n

\n Lin Yu smiled slightly. "Exclusively for adult Male Zergs. You'll like it."\n

\n\n

\n He led Lin You into the hanging hall and waved to the corner. A waiter immediately brought over a black leather suitcase and placed it flat on the long table.\n

\n\n

\n Lin Yu's fingertips brushed over the leather case, seemingly carelessly: "The Female Zergs of the Colette Family are no good. You are too close to him. What means did Lenon use to catch your eye and make you protect him like this?"\n

\n\n

\n This was the original plot, not a single word was off.\n

\n\n

\n Lin You then looked at the teleprompter and drawled lazily, "What other reason could there be? He has a pretty face, and I want the Colette Family's wealth. It's that simple."\n

\n\n

\n The First Prince nodded in satisfaction.\n

\n\n

\n Lin You looked at the suitcase. "Brother, let's not talk about this anymore. Where's my gift?"\n

\n\n

\n Lin Yu handed him the leather case. "Here, high-end goods newly delivered from the Pheromone Research Center. I only have two of these on hand myself."\n

\n\n

\n Lin You opened the latch. Nestled quietly within the velvet silk cloth was a cherry-pink cocktail. The liquid was crystal clear and translucent, like a dream.\n

\n\n

\n Generally speaking, colors with such high brightness rarely appeared on food. Once they did, it usually meant they were toxic.\n

\n\n

\n Lin You reached out and took out the liquor. Even though he already knew what it was, he still read the label and pretended to be curious: "What is this?"\n

\n\n

\n "A little something to add to the fun." Lin Yu smiled, showing an understanding look. "Lenon is a bit hard to handle, right? Then you can let him try this. From now on, he will never be able to leave you again. Once he loses your pheromones, it will be worse than killing him. I guarantee he will scream and beg for your rewards."\n

\n\n

\n Lin You appreciatively observed the liquid without showing any emotion, but his right hand uncontrollably tightened around the bottle's neck, gripping so hard that his fingertips turned pale.\n

\n\n

\n If Lenon's suffering in the first half of the book came from the Third Prince and White, then what ultimately caused him a living hell, dying in a foreign land, was this tiny bottle of pink liquor.\n

\n\n

\n Pheromone Addiction Adjuvant.\n

\n\n

\n The Zerg's pheromones had always been the focus of research. They could force the toughest Military Female Zerg to surrender helplessly and suffer a fate worse than death, or they could heal hidden injuries and soothe the Spiritual Sea. The Zerg's disparate gender ratio forced most Female Zergs to rely on artificial pheromone preparations. Therefore, here, the Pheromone Research Center was The Empire's highest scientific research institution.\n

\n\n

\n They not only developed normal pheromone substitutes but also expanded their experiments under the tacit approval of various higher-ups to earn huge profits. Addictive preparations were one of them.\n

\n\n

\n If it were a normal union between a Male Zerg and a Female Zerg, although there would be fluctuations due to pheromones—for example, Lenon particularly liked being close to Lin You—separating would not be fatal; it would only make them uncomfortable. But if the addictive agent was added, it would cause an unbearable, bone-piercing pain.\n

\n\n

\n At the same time, similar to the contraband drugs of the human race in his previous life, this substance would greatly destroy the nervous system. Drinking this, Lenon would become half a cripple; from tonight onwards, he wouldn't even be able to hold a gun steadily.\n

\n\n

\n The First Prince really seemed to hope something would happen to Lenon.\n

\n\n

\n Lin You was thoughtful, suddenly asking softly, "System 55, is this the same kind of thing as what Lenon confiscated in Zone 35?"\n

\n\n

\n When they visited the Third Legion, they saw black market samples, and System 55 even extracted a drop for physical and chemical analysis.\n

\n\n

\n In a place where Lin Yu couldn't see, the liquor in Lin You's hand fluctuated quietly. An insignificant drop evaporated and dissolved, and all the internal molecular formulas were displayed on the System's screen.\n

\n\n

\n System 55: "It's not the same thing. The effects are different, but the manufacturing methods are extremely similar. What you saw in Zone 35 looks like an intermediate product of this thing."\n

\n\n

\n "In other words, in order to manufacture this, someone did experiments and produced a large number of intermediate products, which are illegal pheromone preparations, and then these products flowed into the black market of Zone 35 and were used by innocent Female Zergs?"\n

\n\n

\n System 55: "Yes."\n

\n\n

\n Lin You: "Can we find the place of origin? Is it Zone 35?"\n

\n\n

\n Counterfeit pheromone preparations had always been a low-cost, high-profit, violent industry. The huge cash flow brought by fake injections was enough to move the upper echelons of The Empire. And mass production required precise, modern factories. These illegal factories couldn't possibly be located on the Main Star, but were certainly on desolate, remote planets.\n

\n\n

\n System 55: "I can't be sure right now if it was produced in Zone 35. I need some air from there for sample analysis."\n

\n\n

\n Pharmaceutical products require sterility, but they wouldn't completely filter the air. Different planets had different air compositions; as long as there was a sample, System 55 could analyze it.\n

\n\n

\n Lin You: "I'll figure out a way later."\n

\n\n

\n As he spoke, he held the cocktail and looked at it for a long time, as if mesmerized by its color.\n

\n\n

\n The First Prince leaned against the door frame, not rushing him, just smiling. "Isn't it beautiful? How about it, do you like my gift?"\n

\n\n

\n Lin You raised a smile: "Of course I like it. Big Brother knows best what I want."\n

\n\n

\n In the original text, the Third Prince coveted Lenon's beauty but was also wary of his strength. While tormenting and toying with him, he was also afraid that Lenon would suddenly snap and hold a knife to his neck. Having such a thing was simply perfect.\n

\n\n

\n Lin You accepted it, but Lin Yu didn't seem to want to leave. He just smiled: "Aren't you going to try it out?"\n

\n\n

\n Lin You also smiled: "Of course I will."\n

\n\n

\n He waved to the waiter, his tone excited: "Call Major General Lenon over."\n

\n\n

\n This was originally part of the novel's plot as well.\n

\n\n

\n The prince's mansion had many small rooms for guests to rest in. Inside were large beds with soft bedding and fully equipped supplies, provided for unexpected needs.\n

\n\n

\n Lin You opened the bottle in front of the First Prince, poured the liquor into a glass, and shook it with great interest. The First Prince gave an ambiguous smile and pulled the door shut for him. "Remember to tell me the effects of using it."\n

\n\n

\n Lin You smiled and nodded. Just as he sat down at the table, System 55 suddenly warned: "5 o'clock direction, right above the stained-glass vase, a pinhole camera."\n

\n\n

\n Lin You caught a glimpse from the corner of his eye and sure enough, he saw a grain-of-rice-sized lens hidden in the glass pattern, faintly reflecting a cold light.\n

\n\n

\n He turned slightly sideways, pretending to play with the ornaments on the table, and his back firmly blocked half of the camera's field of vision as he ordered: "Bring up what I prepared."\n

\n\n

\n Waiters filed in.\n

\n\n

\n Ten minutes later, guided by a waiter, Lenon stepped up the stairs.\n

\n\n

\n He pulled a sapphire brooch from his chest, handed it to the waiter, and asked with a smile, "Did His Highness say what he wanted me here for?"\n

\n\n

\n The banquet was nearing its end. White had become much more well-behaved after receiving a kick and didn't dare to look at Lenon recklessly anymore. Everything was in order, but the waiter suddenly summoned him to go upstairs.\n

\n\n

\n The first floor was the banquet hall, while the second floor was full of guest rooms.\n

\n\n

\n The waiter silently pushed back the gem and only said, "His Highness didn't say anything."\n

\n\n

\n After a moment, he lowered his eyes and cryptically reminded, "The First Prince just left."\n

\n\n

\n It was known to everyone on the Main Star that the Colette Family and the First Prince had an old, long-standing grudge.\n

\n\n

\n Lenon's movements paused, and he immediately smiled. "Thank you for the trouble."\n

\n\n

\n Although he was smiling, the smile didn't reach his eyes. His brows furrowed slightly, and his expression was as cold as a frozen mountain that hadn't melted in a thousand years. But when the large doors were pulled open to reveal the Third Prince's delicate and handsome face, Lenon instantly changed his expression again. He bowed politely, his eyes rippling with deep affection, and smiled, "Good evening, my Prince."\n

\n\n

\n "Good evening, Lenon."\n

\n\n

\n Lin You pulled out a chair and nodded in greeting. "Come here, I just got a new bottle of wine and want to invite you to taste it."\n

\n\n

\n Lenon: "It's my honor to be able to taste fine wine with Your Highness."\n

\n\n

\n He sat down at the table. His azure eyes smiled as they swept over the various wine vessels on the table, but when he clearly saw the liquid in Lin You's hand, he suddenly stopped, his face turning pale.\n

\n\n

\n He recognized the color of that liquor.\n

\n\n

\n In the storehouses of Zone 35, in the medicine cabinets of the black market, and in the flowing blood of his comrades from the Third Legion when they roared in agony.\n

\n\n

\n The cherry-pink liquid rolled into the transparent glass cup. In front of the pinhole camera, Lin You pushed it to Lenon: "Taste it."\n

\n\n

\n "..."\n

\n\n

\n If being tortured and played with was merely sinking deep into a quagmire, then drinking this cup of wine would mean endless, eternal damnation.\n

\n\n

\n As early as when he climbed into the Third Prince's bed, Lenon had envisioned this possibility. Therefore, upon their first meeting, he had hidden his pheromone-stained gloves and coat, ordering Devon to analyze and copy it.\n

\n\n

\n But how could the pheromones of a high-level Male Zerg be so easily copied? In the end, they even resorted to black market methods. That method had massive side effects; the injected preparations researched would cause the body to collapse within two years, until even getting out of bed would be difficult to sustain. Many comrades in the Third Legion had died from this very thing.\n

\n\n

\n But even so, progress remained sparse.\n

\n\n

\n Lin You pushed the wine glass forward, silently urging him.\n

\n\n

\n If it were before, Lenon might have weighed his options and simply drank it. But the Third Prince's unusual attitude had somewhat raised his extravagant hopes. Lenon uncontrollably thought: If he softly begged a little...\n

\n\n

\n If he softly begged a little, would the Third Prince's heart soften? Could he avoid this punishment?\n

\n\n

\n So he pursed his lips, forced a superficial smile, and asked softly, "Why does Your Highness want to use this kind of thing?"\n

\n\n

\n Lenon stood up and leaned in close to Lin You. His fingers touched the metal buttons of his uniform, casually popping open the top two, exposing his slender neck and collarbones together. His cold, pale skin was exposed to the air, raising a layer of fine goosebumps.\n

\n\n

\n He sat down intimately pressed against Lin You, his skin exposed within the Third Prince's reach. As long as Lin You reached out his hand, he could slide it in through the gap of the uniform and play with anything he wanted to play with.\n

\n\n

\n "Using these things is so boring. Is Lenon not obedient enough?"\n

\n\n

\n Lenon's azure eyes stared at him fixedly, deep down in his pupils carrying unconcealable sorrow: "Your Highness, if I am obedient enough, can this cup of wine be spared?"\n

\n\n

\n Lin You hooked his thumb on the wine glass, somewhat unable to hold out.\n

\n\n

\n The wine was fake. He had swapped it out. But even so, facing Lenon's mournful eyes, Lin You couldn't bring himself to open his mouth and tell him to drink.\n

\n\n

\n The Major General was truly sad, and also truly afraid.\n

\n\n

\n This was the original plot, and the lines were also from the original text. The novel's description was: "Through the feedback from the camera's footage, it was clearly visible that Lenon drank the cherry-pink liquid. His eyes were shut tight, and his Adam's apple trembled painfully, as if what he drank wasn't liquor, but scorching magma."\n

\n\n

\n "When the cup was drained, two drops of liquor rolled down his Adam's apple. His long silver hair had already been soaked in sweat. He staggered to push away the cup and glass, half-knelt on the ground, and began retching silently."\n

\n\n

\n The original host's actions in the novel were despicable and inferior, utterly shameless. Lin You felt terrible when reading it. Now that he had to act it out face-to-face, he wished he could just yank Lenon away, smash the wine on the First Prince, curse him out as a dumbass, and then swagger off.\n

\n\n

\n But he couldn't do that.\n

\n\n

\n Lin You had only been here for two months, but he could already feel the undercurrents surging beneath the surface of the Zerg. Lenon was definitely deliberately framed by someone; a Major General of the nation could be ruined just like that, left with no choice but to survive like this.\n

\n\n

\n Lin You was currently still under the protection of Admiral Hoyle and hadn't encountered much storm. But with a little thought, he knew that the prince's position was the eye of the typhoon at the center of the storm. The slightest carelessness would shatter his bones to pieces. If his character setting collapsed too much, never mind everything else, Admiral Hoyle would be the first one to find trouble with him.\n

\n\n

\n Taking the initiative to break away from the plot at this time would not only fail to help Lenon, but it would also force them both onto a path of no return.\n

\n\n

\n Lin You glanced at the script. His voice was cold and harsh, allowing no refusal: "Drink it."\n

\n\n

\n "..."\n

\n\n

\n The light in Lenon's eyes gradually weakened. He silently curved his lips into a sarcastic smile, not knowing whether he was mocking Lin You or himself. That smile widened more and more, so much so that Lenon had to lower his head to hide it.\n

\n\n

\n In a deathly silence, as if he had finally accepted his fate, he raised his hand to hook the cherry-blossom pink liquor. His fingertips trembled along with the glass, but halfway there, he was stopped by someone's grip.\n

\n\n

\n With his back to the camera, Lin You mouthed: "Don't worry, it's okay."\n

\n\n

\n He sighed, trying to grasp the original host's persona: "Don't be afraid. I played too far. This is just a joke."\n

\n\n

\n Before Lenon could react, after Lin You finished speaking, he took the initiative to pick up the wine glass, took a sip, and then, under Lenon's astonished gaze, yanked him over and kissed him forcefully. From the camera's forced perspective, it looked exactly as if he used his mouth to force Lenon to swallow it.\n

\n\n

\n The cherry-blossom pink liquid overflowed from where their lips and teeth met, rolling down the Adam's apple. Most of it was swallowed by Lin You; Lenon only tasted a faint hint of it between his lips and tongue.\n

\n\n

\n It was very sweet, with only a slight taste of alcohol.\n

\n\n

\n It was sweet white peach wine added with cherry blossom coloring.\n

\n\n

\n The citrus-flavored pheromone spilled out silently, lingering around Lenon. Lenon's Adam's apple trembled silently, a cold sweat slightly breaking out on his forehead. Then, Lin You pressed on his shoulders, gesturing for him to half-kneel down and perform a movement akin to dry heaving. Meanwhile, out of the camera's sight, Lin You comfortingly rubbed his trembling back, repeating softly: "Don't be afraid."\n

\n\n

\n After all the designated actions from the novel were completed, Lin You pulled the Major General into his embrace. He was slightly smaller than the Major General, yet this posture was unexpectedly harmonious. Lin You stroked down Lenon's back once, like comforting an uneasy large animal. The metal medals on Lenon's chest pressed against him, causing a bit of pain, but Lin You didn't let go.\n

\n\n

\n Lin You whispered: "Don't worry, I never intended to feed you that kind of thing."\n

\n\n

\n Lenon shut his eyes tightly. He panted, taking a long time to recover, and only then did he open his eyes. His gaze swept over a certain spot, and his pupils immediately shrank.\n

\n\n

\n He saw that grain-of-rice-sized camera, hidden behind the glass screen, faintly glinting with a cold light.\n

","published_time":"2026-05-24T00:00:00.000Z","paid":false,"show_flag":true,"show_scheduled_time":"2026-05-24T00:00:00.000Z","unpaid_scheduled_time":"2026-05-24T00:00:00.000Z"},{"content_id":4437,"novel_id":71,"chapter_no":45,"chapter_title":"Kiss","content":"

\n Lenon had received professional anti-reconnaissance training. His gaze lingered on the camera for only a moment before quickly looking away, as if it were just an accidental glance and he hadn't noticed anything.\n

\n\n

\n Then, he naturally lowered his eyes, his chin rubbing against Lin You's neck. Two strands of silver hair slid down messily from his temples, perfectly obscuring his expression.\n

\n\n

\n From the camera's angle, he was half-kneeling on the ground, looking disheveled, breathing rapidly, and pressing closely against Lin You to absorb pheromones, his back trembling slightly.\n

\n\n

\n —Exactly the symptoms of having taken the Pheromone Addiction Adjuvant.\n

\n\n

\n But in a place the camera couldn't see, Lenon narrowed his eyes slightly.\n

\n\n

\n Lin You was the noble Third Highness of the Empire, yet someone actually dared to install a camera in his residence?\n

\n\n

\n Who was it?\n

\n\n

\n Combining this with the First Prince's previous invitation, the answer was glaringly obvious. Lenon rubbed against Lin You's embrace, his body incredibly soft. He carefully wrapped his arms around Lin You with gentle movements, but his face was terrifyingly cold. He even sneered and thought, 'What a coward.'\n

\n\n

\n The First Prince had already harmed him to this extent, yet he still wasn't reassured and wanted to use the Addictive Pheromone as an extra layer of insurance?\n

\n\n

\n He curled his lips mockingly, thinking, 'Lin Yu, you are actually this afraid of me.'\n

\n\n

\n If these matters were all within Lenon's expectations, then amidst his racing thoughts, in a flash of insight, there was another matter that left Lenon confused and bewildered.\n

\n\n

\n What on earth did his Third Highness want to do?\n

\n\n

\n Lin You held him tightly, his hand stroking down his spine. Even through two layers of uniform, Lenon could feel the heat of his fingers.\n

\n\n

\n ...It was very comfortable.\n

\n\n

\n This embrace was too warm. Lin You's fingers loosely threaded through his hair, soothing him absentmindedly. Waiting for the body in his arms to calm down, he avoided the camera, took out a cup of a strange pale yellow beverage from the supplies brought by the attendant, then unscrewed the cap and pretended to accidentally knock it over. The beverage spilled onto the floor, and in an instant, a sour, putrid stench filled the room.\n

\n\n

\n This was a prank funky-flavored beverage that had recently become very popular in the capital, simulating the appearance and smell of vomit.\n

\n\n

\n After doing this, Lin You silently released his pheromones. The scent of citrus wrapped around Lenon. Lenon let out a muffled groan, his entire body going soft, and his face flushing unnaturally red. His azure eyes looked fixedly at Lin You as he whispered, "Third Highness..."\n

\n\n

\n Lin You stroked the long silver-white hair and said gently, "Lenon, be good, be good, alright?"\n

\n\n

\n These were his script lines.\n

\n\n

\n Afterwards, he stood up and went out to tell the attendants to change rooms. Having lost his support, Lenon's legs were weak and sore. He didn't try to stand up, but let himself fall wretchedly to the ground, struggling to prop up his upper body in a prostrate kneeling posture, seeming to not even have the strength to pant.\n

\n\n

\n All of this was firmly recorded by the camera.\n

\n\n

\n Lin You, on the other hand, walked out of the room and gave low-voiced instructions to the attendants.\n

\n\n

\n He still had a scene to act out.\n

\n\n

\n In an edgy smut novel, of course, it wouldn't just stop after feeding the medicine; after the drugs kicked in, there would be an intense sexual encounter. But as a noble prince, Lin You would absolutely not sleep in a room filled with the smell of vomit. Thus, he waved over the attendants, ordering them to clean this room and prepare another one, and then drag the limp Lenon over for his continued amusement.\n

\n\n

\n The attendants bowed and said yes. The looks they cast toward Lenon carried a hint of sympathy, but bound by duty, they could only meticulously start cleaning, and then, in a group of four, propped the Major General up.\n

\n\n

\n Lin You walked out of the room, heading downstairs toward the master bedroom.\n

\n\n

\n The First Prince was standing at the end of the stairs.\n

\n\n

\n A strange light flashed across his irises, quickly returning to warm black pupils. He looked at Lin You with a smile, his tone surprised, "So fast?"\n

\n\n

\n Lin You kept a cold face, vividly playing the part of a spoiled and willful prince. He kicked a pebble by his feet: "Lenon threw up. The room smells absolutely awful, it completely ruined my appetite."\n

\n\n

\n The First Prince smiled slightly, stepping forward to adjust Lin You's collar, and said gently, "There's no rush. Having drank that wine, he is yours from body to mind. A moment's delay won't make a difference."\n

\n\n

\n Lin You sneered inwardly, thinking, 'Does controlling someone with pheromones even deserve to be called true feelings?' But on the surface, he nodded, looking impatient. "I'm heading to the master bedroom to continue."\n

\n\n

\n This was Lin You's residence. The reason the First Prince was able to install a camera here was, first, it was a guest room, and security wasn't tight during the banquet; second, he had led Lin You here to get wine, and Lin You had "impatiently" chosen the nearest room, which allowed the setup to work.\n

\n\n

\n However, placing one in the master bedroom was beyond the First Prince's reach.\n

\n\n

\n While they were talking, the attendants had already half-carried Lenon out. Major General Iris's body was limp, forced to rely on the attendants just to barely stand. He frowned deeply, cold sweat rolling down drop by drop. His upper lip was pale, while his lower lip was swollen and engorged with blood from his biting. Even his silver-white hair had lost its luster. As he passed by the First Prince and Lin You, he slightly turned his head. His azure eyes were moist, and looking closely, it seemed as if monstrous hatred was surging within them.\n

\n\n

\n The First Prince smiled as he watched him go.\n

\n\n

\n Lin You was also looking at Lenon, but he felt slightly worried inside.\n

\n\n

\n He had used pheromones to induce symptoms so that Lenon would look like he had taken the Addictive Pheromone. To make the effect realistic, he had deliberately used a full dose.\n

\n\n

\n ...But right now, wasn't the effect a bit too realistic?\n

\n\n

\n Did he really use that much?\n

\n\n

\n Lenon was hypersensitive to his pheromones. Lin You couldn't help but wonder if he had overdone it.\n

\n\n

\n At this time, the First Prince gently pushed him, winking ambiguously. "Go on, Lin You. Big brother won't disturb your night of passion."\n

\n\n

\n Lin You curled his lips into a smile. "Then I'll get going."\n

\n\n

\n He walked briskly toward the master bedroom.\n

\n\n

\n But turning his back to the First Prince, Lin You's expression instantly smoothed into calm.\n

\n\n

\n He tapped on his system: "System 55?"\n

\n\n

\n System 55 understood implicitly: "A bug. It's located at the third stitch on your right collar, placed there just now when he helped adjust your collar."\n

\n\n

\n Lin You nodded.\n

\n\n

\n He swept a glance over his collar from the corner of his eye and sure enough, he found a pinprick-sized black dot. However, he pretended not to notice and simply walked quickly to the door of the master bedroom.\n

\n\n

\n The prince's master bedroom featured a large two-meter bed, draped with curtains on all four sides. On the large bed was a raised human figure; he was curled up in the blanket, panting heavily, his silver hair cascading to the floor like premium silk.\n

\n\n

\n Lin You glanced at the attendant and slightly raised his chin. "Has he been obedient?"\n

\n\n

\n The attendant lowered his eyes. "The Major General is already on the bed and didn't put up any resistance."\n

\n\n

\n Lin You nodded, quickly walked to the bed, and peeled Lenon out of the blanket. Seeing Lenon part his lips as if to speak, Lin You released all of his pheromones at once. The citrus-scented pheromones blanketed the area. Lenon let out a muffled groan and instantly went limp on the bed.\n

\n\n

\n Lin You secretly apologized, thinking, 'Sorry, Major General, but I can't let you speak right now.'\n

\n\n

\n If Lenon asked something he shouldn't and the First Prince heard it, it would be impossible to explain.\n

\n\n

\n On the bed, Lenon squeezed his eyes shut.\n

\n\n

\n ...Too, too much.\n

\n\n

\n Lenon lifted his eyes with a blurry gaze, looking as though he had drunk fake alcohol. But actually, the moment Lin You entered, his gaze had landed on the tiny bug on the other's collar.\n

\n\n

\n A common military model, Star M79, with a maximum transmission distance of seven kilometers and a battery life of fifty minutes.\n

\n\n

\n Unfortunately, before he could analyze it in detail, his mind turned to mush.\n

\n\n

\n In the small bedroom, the concentration of pheromones had reached an absurd level. Lenon couldn't stop trembling even without acting. He raised his arms to wrap around Lin You's neck, his voice full of pain: "Highness..."\n

\n\n

\n —Stop releasing it, I'm going to die.\n

\n\n

\n Lin You couldn't receive this message. He lifted Lenon's chin, gave him a long kiss, and then carefully watched the Major General for a moment. Only after making sure that those beautiful lips couldn't spit out anything besides pants did he lean over to start reciting his lines.\n

\n\n

\n Lin You rubbed his earlobe, like a bad child who had just received his favorite toy: "How is it? Does it feel unbearable?"\n

\n\n

\n "..."\n

\n\n

\n Lenon really wanted to make him stop, but unfortunately, his eyes were completely misty, making his expression entirely unreadable.\n

\n\n

\n Lin You sighed: "You are so beautiful, I actually can't bear to do this. Lenon, be good, be good, alright? Be good and I'll give you what you want."\n

\n\n

\n Lenon desperately wanted to speak, but unfortunately, he opened his mouth and couldn't spit out a single word.\n

\n\n

\n Lin You looked at the disheveled Major General, cursing inwardly at the sin he was committing. He diligently recited his lines, his black eyes representing the Royal Family staring unblinkingly at Lenon, looking willful and arrogant: "Major General, I think you should know what to do now, right?"\n

\n\n

\n "...I... know." Lenon said intermittently, a shallow layer of moisture in his eyes, "I beg you—"\n

\n\n

\n Lin You froze.\n

\n\n

\n With Lenon's proud bones in the novel, he shouldn't have yielded so easily. In fact, the Major General in the story had held out for a long time. Under the control of the Addictive Pheromone, he had bitten his wrist fiercely until it was dripping with blood. In the end, it was the Third Prince who lost patience first, pinned him down, and forced himself upon him, thus ending the stalemate.\n

\n\n

\n But Lenon's reaction definitely made things convenient for Lin You, because one of the symptoms of being under the influence of the Addictive Pheromone was going mad with addiction to pheromones. Once unsatisfied, they would be in endless agony, begging continuously.\n

\n\n

\n Up to this point, all the lines in the novel that were supposed to be eavesdropped on had been delivered. Lin You pulled off his shirt and tossed it on the floor, saying reservedly: "As you wish."\n

\n\n

\n Then, he stepped heavily on the bug.\n

\n\n

\n —They were about to start. In such an urgent situation, accidentally stepping on clothes on the floor before getting into bed was very reasonable, right?\n

\n\n

\n System 55's voice rang out at the perfect time: "The main circuit has been damaged. The bug is disabled."\n

\n\n

\n The System's small screen scanned the two people on the bed, saying with restraint: "Host, have a pleasant time."\n

\n\n

\n It shut down and went offline.\n

\n\n

\n Lin You leaned down, and Lenon acted as if he were truly addicted to the pheromones. He impatiently pressed his skin against Lin You's, clinging to him desperately. Like a thirsty traveler in the desert, he bitterly pleaded amidst a breakdown: "Highness..."\n

\n\n

\n He begged for a kiss.\n

\n\n

\n And then many kisses.\n

\n\n

\n Landing on his hairline, cheeks, the corners of his eyes, the tip of his nose, collarbones, and many, many other places, densely packed, light, and ticklish.\n

\n\n

\n ...\n

\n\n

\n When everything was over, Lenon couldn't even lift his hands.\n

\n\n

\n Unlike last time, last time Lenon was genuinely in an extreme state of craving for pheromones. He was dizzy and not clear-headed. But this time, the symptoms were induced by an overdose of pheromones, and he was past the susceptible period of the initial marking. Therefore, throughout almost the entire process, he acutely felt everything.\n

\n\n

\n It bore no resemblance to the painful experiences passed by word of mouth among Female Zergs. There was no harm, nor was it ever rough. Regardless of what mindset the Third Highness was in—whether it was affection for a favorite toy, or some other emotion—Lenon could be certain that in this moment, he was cherished.\n

\n\n

\n ...But why?\n

\n\n

\n He had plotted against the Third Highness using despicable means, and used the wealth of the Colette Family as bait. He was fully prepared to drink the Addictive Pheromone in exchange for a year's reprieve to complete his unfinished cause, and then go to his death. As of today, everything was operating on the preordained track, except for the Third Highness.\n

\n\n

\n Only the Third Highness.\n

\n\n

\n When the banquet was nearing its end, the butler knocked on Lin You's door.\n

\n\n

\n Lin You changed his clothes and came out as the host to give a closing speech. The System booted back up, thoughtfully projecting the lines onto its screen, and Lin You read them off word by word.\n

\n\n

\n After he finished speaking, the guests applauded one after another. The gifts presented to the Third Highness were centrally registered and bound into a booklet, making up a thick stack.\n

\n\n

\n Normally, when a prince came of age, the Zerg Emperor should have been present to give a speech. But nowadays, the Zerg Emperor was so sick he couldn't even stand up straight. He only bestowed rewards and didn't make an appearance.\n

\n\n

\n As midnight approached, all the guests left one after another. Lin You took a look at the original text; the original owner didn't particularly like Lenon, and after venting his desires, he didn't keep him over for the night. So, he called the attendants, having them take the Major General back to his residence.\n

\n\n

\n Mainly, it was because he hadn't figured out how to explain it yet.\n

\n\n

\n That whole sequence of actions at the banquet was to complete the mission, something he was forced to do. But to Lenon, his behavior must have seemed completely weird, unreasonable, and downright like a psychopath.\n

\n\n

\n Lin You didn't know how to explain, so he simply didn't. Anyway, Male Zergs did whatever they pleased, and their minds being messed up wasn't exactly a new development. After seeing off all the guests, he let out a long sigh of relief. He had overdosed on socializing today, and his social battery was completely drained.\n

\n\n

\n After lying dead on the bed for two hours, the System couldn't bear to watch any longer and thoughtfully opened the gaming cabin: "Host, want to play a game?"\n

\n\n

\n Lin You rolled over: "Let's go."\n

\n\n

\n He skillfully selected his character and entered the matchmaking interface. He noticed that the matchmaking lobby was exceptionally lively this time, with countless messages floating by the bottom right corner. Lin You took a closer look and found that Lenon had logged on again.\n

\n\n

\n Major General Iris didn't log on often, but every time he did, he would become the center of discussion.\n

\n\n

\n "Damn, what kind of stimulation did Major General Lenon suffer from again? He's killing even more ruthlessly than last time."\n

\n\n

\n "I got headshot the moment I matched. I couldn't even clearly see the Major General's character model."\n

\n\n

\n "Ruthless is one thing, but don't you guys think the Major General's behavior is very bizarre today? It's making me scared."\n

\n\n

\n "Right, right, right, way too bizarre."\n

\n\n

\n Lin You felt a bit curious. He tapped on the speaker's avatar and privately messaged: "How is it bizarre?"\n

\n\n

\n Lin You's ID was already famous in the military, and the other side quickly sent back a long string of messages.\n

\n\n

\n "Damn, God Pomelo, you came late so you don't know. Major General Lenon has always been a killing god in the military. He rarely plays matches, but when he does, he kills from morning till night. After finishing a match, he takes absolutely no breaks and immediately queues for the next one. People call him the God of Endless Battles. Sometimes he plays twenty or thirty matches in an afternoon, and killing two or three hundred people is a common occurrence."\n

\n\n

\n "And what's bizarre about this time? It's bizarre that he is resting. Every time Major General Lenon finishes a match, he doesn't continue. He just stands in place for twenty minutes before playing the next match."\n

\n\n

\n Lin You: "Stands in place for twenty minutes?"\n

\n\n

\n Isn't that just spacing out?\n

\n\n

\n "Yeah. I also heard from teammates who matched with the Major General that midway through a fight, the Major General suddenly stood completely still. The guy thought the Major General had disconnected, felt a surge of wild ecstasy in his heart, and was just about to sneak up on him, only to be headshot from afar."\n

\n\n

\n Lin You: "?"\n

\n\n

\n Spacing out during a match too?\n

\n\n

\n Lin You: "When is he coming out?"\n

\n\n

\n The person pointed it out for him: "The Major General has been in the match for a while now. I'm guessing it'll be in two or three minutes. You can camp and wait. He usually spawns on that rock over there."\n

\n\n

\n Lin You: "Thanks."\n

\n\n

\n He waited for a few minutes. The match ended, and with a flash of a figure, Lenon indeed spawned on the rock.\n

\n\n

\n The silver-haired beauty stood in place, gazing distantly into the distance with a vacant expression, unmoving, standing there like a tall, beautiful block of wood.\n

\n\n

\n He was indeed spacing out.\n

\n\n

\n —Heavens have mercy. Could it be that the stimulation from today's banquet was too great, and he hadn't recovered yet?\n

\n\n

\n Lin You felt it was novel, but also felt a bit guilty. Today, he had been scattering his pheromones as if they were free, and the Major General had almost been marinated into a citrus flavor.\n

\n\n

\n Lin You walked over to his side and circled around him. Lenon didn't react in the slightest, so he extended his finger and poked the Major General on the shoulder.\n

\n\n

\n His finger was grabbed.\n

\n\n

\n Lenon's character model slightly frowned, lowering his eyes to look at Lin You's model. His expression was cold, and his tone was chilling: "What are you doing?"\n

\n\n

\n "Uh." Lin You probed, "I wanted to invite you to play a match?"\n

\n\n

\n Lenon's gaze paused on his ID. Pomelo Lord was now rising to fame, and even Lenon had heard of him.\n

\n\n

\n Lenon said coldly: "You improve very quickly. I noticed that the first time I matched with you."\n

\n\n

\n Lin You: "You remember me?"\n

\n\n

\n At that time, he was still a newly registered account.\n

\n\n

\n "Yes." Lenon scrutinized him. "Your first match was completely disorganized. Even your gun-holding posture had problems. At the time, I thought, if I were your general, I would absolutely not let you step onto the battlefield, because that would just be sending you to a meaningless death. At the time, I wanted to suggest you retire directly, so as not to waste your life on senseless matters."\n

\n\n

\n Lin You: "..."\n

\n\n

\n He said with difficulty: "Is that so?"\n

\n\n

\n In front of him, Lenon had never had such a venomous tongue before.\n

\n\n

\n Lenon nodded faintly: "But starting from the second match, your progress was astounding. Within two games, you became familiar with firearm operations and gained the awareness of dodging and positioning. I remember in the last match, you shot off my cufflink."\n

\n\n

\n He praised: "Very good."\n

\n\n

\n Lin You: "...Thanks."\n

\n\n

\n Lenon waved a hand, and a densely packed array of combat videos appeared in front of them, all of which were Pomelo Lord's recent highlight moments. Lenon said: "I have studied your videos, and I believe you no longer need to practice matchmaking. You are already in the top 1% of the military. Many Major Generals wouldn't even be able to fight you."\n

\n\n

\n "..."\n

\n\n

\n Lin You had always been treating the training system as a game. He had completely forgotten that it was meant for training soldiers.\n

\n\n

\n Lenon said: "If you still want to improve, I suggest you spend your time practicing with the aircraft operating system. It is just as important as combat matchmaking."\n

\n\n

\n Lin You had never flown an aircraft before, so he asked: "I don't know how. Can you teach me?"\n

\n\n

\n Lenon nodded: "Of course. I am very willing to guide an eager-to-learn junior."\n

\n\n

\n The two of them simultaneously switched systems, entering the aircraft operation interface.\n

\n\n

\n Lin You had played shooting games, but he knew absolutely nothing about aircraft. The dashboard of the Zerg's military aircraft was extremely complex, with a dazzling array of messy buttons. Lenon held his hand, guiding him to pull down the control stick and light up the dashboard, and then introduced the functions of the aircraft one by one.\n

\n\n

\n "If you encounter a magnetic storm, you need to press these buttons to stabilize the aircraft and wait for the magnetic storm to pass; if you accidentally fly into a planetary ring..."\n

\n\n

\n His expression was cold and his tone flat, but his introductions were very detailed, like an instructor patiently guiding a student. Lin You had exceptional memory; after one explanation, he had memorized the general idea.\n

\n\n

\n Once he finished the explanation, Lenon let go of the control stick, signaling him: "You give it a try."\n

\n\n

\n The system simulated a complex cosmic environment. As far as the eye could see, there were high-speed meteorite belts everywhere. High-energy cosmic rays and violent magnetic fields lurked in every corner. The moment he got close, the instruments would blare out piercing alarms.\n

\n\n

\n Lin You took a deep breath and attempted to fly.\n

\n\n

\n Two minutes later, he crashed.\n

\n\n

\n Lenon sat beside him, his posture as straight and tall as a pine tree. He was like a meticulous instructor. His hands beneath leather gloves were naturally clasped, and the contours of his calves were hidden within military boots. His entire demeanor was upright and serious, making Lin You slightly nervous.\n

\n\n

\n —Would he be scolded?\n

\n\n

\n But Lenon sighed softly: "You're too tense. There's no need to rush. The first time is always like this. On my first attempt, I only lasted for two minutes as well."\n

\n\n

\n Lin You: "Did you also have a teacher instructing you like this back then?"\n

\n\n

\n Lenon: "Of course."\n

\n\n

\n He stared fixedly at the pitch-black simulated sky in the distance. Electronic planets hung high within it, clustering into cloud-like planetary belts. Lenon revealed a slight look of nostalgia. "When I first joined the military, my teacher was also a Major General. He had outstanding flying skills. He once barged into a planetary ring and retreated completely unscathed from a high-speed stream of rocks and minerals."\n

\n\n

\n Lin You asked curiously: "Then is he still in the Third Legion?"\n

\n\n

\n If he remembered correctly, the highest-ranking general in the Third Legion now was the Major General. If that senior was already a Major General when Lenon joined the army, then he should be holding an even higher position now.\n

\n\n

\n "..."\n

\n\n

\n "Yes." After a slight silence, Lenon smiled. "He is still there, and he has always been."\n

\n\n

\n For the next hour, they studied the aircraft together. Lin You figured out some tricks; he could generally dodge large meteorites and perform beautiful drifts with the aircraft.\n

\n\n

\n Lenon, on the other hand, acted like a gentle teacher. He didn't hide his praise for the junior at all: "Excellent maneuvering. I look forward to the day I see you on the battlefield."\n

\n\n

\n Lin You guiltily rubbed his nose.\n

\n\n

\n Using the late hour as an excuse, he said goodbye to Lenon and logged off. During this time, they exchanged account IDs and agreed to continue practicing in the future.\n

\n\n

\n Having been busy all day, he was completely exhausted, and Lin You prepared to go to sleep.\n

\n\n

\n Before sleeping, he subconsciously swiped on his Light Brain.\n

\n\n

\n Every night, Lenon would say good night to him. The fixed format was "Good night, esteemed Third Highness." It was like clocking in at a set time, as if he were an NPC in a game whose favorability needed to be farmed.\n

\n\n

\n Lin You never replied, because the Third Prince's character setting was to never reply. But as a complete noob experiencing his first romance, he actually had a bit of invisible reliance on Lenon. Although he wouldn't reply, he still wanted to take a look before bed.\n

\n\n

\n But this time, there was actually nothing at all.\n

\n\n

\n Lin You refreshed it in disbelief. There really was nothing.\n

\n\n

\n Lenon hadn't even gotten engaged to him yet, but he was already not even saying good night.\n

\n\n

\n And Male Zergs always did whatever they pleased; no matter how willful Lin You acted, it wouldn't be OOC. He could do whatever he wanted. Thus, he angrily opened the comms and questioned: "Major General, where is my good night?"\n

\n\n

\n The chat box instantly lit up. It seemed like the other side had been guarding in front of the screen for a long time. Lenon's status showed 'typing', and after typing for nearly half a minute, he finally sent a message.\n

\n\n

\n He didn't use an honorific title, but instead said: "Good night, my Highness."\n

\n\n

\n System 55 prompted: "The Major General has changed his avatar."\n

\n\n

\n The avatars on the Zerg's chat interface were very small; without clicking to enlarge them, they were almost impossible to see clearly.\n

\n\n

\n Lin You clicked to enlarge it. Lenon was dressed in a grand Major General's military dress uniform, not missing a single sash or epaulet. He knelt on one knee, his right hand clasped across his chest, performing a standard knight's salute with near piety.\n

","published_time":"2026-05-24T00:00:00.000Z","paid":false,"show_flag":true,"show_scheduled_time":"2026-05-24T00:00:00.000Z","unpaid_scheduled_time":"2026-05-24T00:00:00.000Z"},{"content_id":4438,"novel_id":71,"chapter_no":46,"chapter_title":"Soft-hearted","content":"

\n Over the next few days, Lin You was deeply troubled.\n

\n\n

\n The abusive plot points in the novel progressed layer by layer. If the chapters before the coming-of-age ceremony were about torture, then the chapters after were about destruction.\n

\n\n

\n Next, he had to strip Lenon of his military power and confine him in the prince's residence, imprisoning him like a boy toy.\n

\n\n

\n In the original text, the Third Prince fed Lenon the addictive pheromone, but threw him back to the Third Legion without providing any comfort, wanting to see Lenon beg for mercy in pain.\n

\n\n

\n However, Lenon's reaction was very strange. For the first few days, he did not say a word, nor did he send a single message begging for help, making the Third Prince doubt the effect of the addictive pheromone. Yet, on a certain day, his attitude drastically changed. He suddenly let go of his pride and became the exact submissive appearance the Third Prince desired, begging softly, spouting dramatic, aria-like pleas one after another.\n

\n\n

\n The original text described it as: "The Third Prince nodded in satisfaction. It seems that even the most unyielding and outstanding major general of the Third Legion could not withstand the agony of pheromone addiction."\n

\n\n

\n But Lin You felt that wasn't the case.\n

\n\n

\n Lenon must have received some piece of news that day, something he absolutely had to do—something so important that it was worth sacrificing his dignity, putting aside his pride, and compromising himself to curry favor.\n

\n\n

\n And after Lenon begged for mercy, the Third Prince was immensely proud of himself. He subsequently brought Lenon to his own residence. By then, Lenon was completely devoid of strength and could not even hold a gun steadily. Naturally, a major general who couldn't hold a gun steadily was unfit to command the Third Legion. So, after a hasty handover, Lenon was stripped of his military authority, completely becoming a pet kept in the Third Prince's back rooms.\n

\n\n

\n This was the plotline they needed to act out now.\n

\n\n

\n Lin You knocked on his head with a headache. "How am I supposed to say this?"\n

\n\n

\n Just a couple of days ago, they had been lingering intimately in bed together. Unbeknownst to his own fate, Lenon had taught Lin You how to pilot an aircraft and even changed his profile picture to a devout knight's salute. Yet now, Lin You had to ask him to relinquish his power and retire?\n

\n\n

\n 55 hesitated. "Just say it directly?"\n

\n\n

\n Lin You looked at it blankly. "Say what directly? Just say, 'Stop caring about the Third Legion, hurry up and give up your power, and come be a male pet in my back rooms'?"\n

\n\n

\n He punched his pillow, feeling irritable. "What kind of scum is this!"\n

\n\n

\n But no matter how outrageous the plot was, Lin You still had to follow it. He opened the chat interface, found Lenon, typed, and deleted. After tossing and turning for half an hour, he hadn't sent a single sentence. Instead, the other side showed a typing indicator and sent a message first.\n

\n\n

\n The major general let out a very light sigh. "Your Highness? Is there anything I can do for you? Please, don't hesitate to ask."\n

\n\n

\n Lin You gripped his blanket. The more cooperative Lenon was, the guiltier he felt. After struggling for a long time, he finally steeled his heart. "Major General, I want you to move into the prince's residence."\n

\n\n

\n He tried to be as tactful as possible. "Sometime this month, please hand over your power to your subordinates and temporarily leave the Third Legion."\n

\n\n

\n "..."\n

\n\n

\n No matter how tactfully it was phrased, seizing power was still seizing power.\n

\n\n

\n Asking a general to give up his lifelong career to come live with the prince was a truly excessive demand. Yet, he held Lenon's weakness against him, leaving Lenon no choice but to agree. In an act of escapism, Lin You turned his light brain face down and buried his head into his pillow.\n

\n\n

\n 55 poked him. "Host, stop playing ostrich. The major general replied to you."\n

\n\n

\n Lin You took a deep breath and flipped his light brain back over.\n

\n\n

\n Lenon replied quickly: "Of course."\n

\n\n

\n His tone was relaxed, seemingly without any objections: "I am at the Third Legion right now. Would you like to send someone to pick me up?"\n

\n\n

\n In fact, Major General Lenon of the Third Legion had been staying indoors and keeping a low profile, completely out of sight for three whole days.\n

\n\n

\n His orders continued to be issued one by one, and the combat readiness training of the Third Legion proceeded in an orderly manner. The upper echelons underwent a series of personnel changes, with many old faces transferred out and new faces promoted. Meanwhile, Colonel Devon, who had been away on annual leave, rushed back.\n

\n\n

\n There was frequent private discussion within the Third Legion, and quite a few rumors spread, saying that Major General Lenon had been so severely tortured by His Highness the Third Prince that he was too weak to even get out of bed.\n

\n\n

\n These remarks were meticulously recorded by individuals with ulterior motives, and the very next day, they were placed on the desks of certain high-ranking Zerg officials.\n

\n\n

\n Some nodded in satisfaction, while others felt slightly regretful. But everyone was certain of one thing: Lenon had taken the addictive pheromone—this once dazzlingly brilliant genius of the Third Legion was truly ruined.\n

\n\n

\n When Devon rushed back, it was right when the rumors and gossip were at their peak.\n

\n\n

\n As he walked toward the major general's residence, carrying his suitcase and looking travel-worn, Lenon had just finished taking a shower.\n

\n\n

\n The major general was drying his long hair with a large bath towel, even applying some hair care products to his silver locks with keen interest—he was certain that the Third Prince liked his long hair.\n

\n\n

\n Afterward, he examined the face in the mirror and couldn't find any faults. He was as beautiful as ever. Only then did he change his clothes, tie his hair up neatly, and walk out into the main hall.\n

\n\n

\n Devon looked him up and down suspiciously, not seeing the slightest hint of haggardness on his face. "Are you really completely fine? Then where did the cuts on your wrists come from?"\n

\n\n

\n There was indeed a layer of gauze wrapped around Lenon's wrist, with traces of blood seeping through.\n

\n\n

\n Lenon said, "Thanks to the grace of His Highness the Third Prince, I am fine. I cut my wrists myself."\n

\n\n

\n He wasn't stupid. That glass of liquor, so similar in color to the addictive pheromone, as well as the camera on the glass screen and the bug on Lin You's collar, all clearly indicated that the First Prince wanted him dead, but the Third Prince wanted to protect him.\n

\n\n

\n Although he didn't know where the Third Prince's partiality came from, Lenon would return the favor and wouldn't show the slightest flaw in front of the First Prince.\n

\n\n

\n As soon as he returned to the military headquarters, he claimed to be ill and asked for leave, putting on the appearance of being bedridden and on the verge of death. He even mixed a large amount of blood-stained tissues into his daily trash to create the illusion of coughing up blood. Even if someone with ulterior motives rummaged through it or even tested the DNA, they would only conclude that the blood indeed belonged to Major General Lenon and that he was suffering from heart failure and complete exhaustion.\n

\n\n

\n After that, Lenon spent three days wrapping up all his affairs in the military. He then became idle, just waiting for the Third Prince to speak up and take him in as a pet.\n

\n\n

\n —A major general who couldn't even hold a gun steadily shouldn't command a legion. To finish acting out this play and completely convince the First Prince, he couldn't stay in the military headquarters. He had to go to the Third Prince's side and forge the illusion of being imprisoned.\n

\n\n

\n But Lenon waited and waited, and Lin You just wouldn't say anything.\n

\n\n

\n Not only did he not say anything, but he also completely ignored Lenon. No matter what Lenon sent via his light brain, he didn't reply.\n

\n\n

\n Lenon secretly speculated about the Third Prince's plans, but couldn't figure out the reason behind them. He inadvertently swiped to the chat interface and found that the other party had been lingering on the editing screen for half an hour, typing and deleting, deleting and typing, as if troubled by something.\n

\n\n

\n Lenon couldn't help but ask. Lin You's side hesitated for a long time again, before finally asking slowly, "Can you move into the prince's residence?"\n

\n\n

\n "Stop caring about the Third Legion."\n

\n\n

\n Just those few short sentences took him half an hour to compose. He even phrased the relinquishing of power so tactfully, as if afraid that Lenon would be saddened by it.\n

\n\n

\n Through the light brain, Lenon could almost imagine the Third Prince poking at the screen, weighing every word carefully. His cold and aloof features unconsciously softened, and a certain part of his chest was suddenly filled up, feeling incredibly soft.\n

\n\n

\n ...Why would he do these things for him?\n

\n\n

\n Once he handed over the Colette Family, he would be nothing but an abandoned piece to the prince. Why would Lin You rack his brains over an abandoned piece?\n

\n\n

\n Devon looked at his old friend, taking in his expression completely, and clicked his tongue. He pulled out a chair and sat down. "It's good that you're fine. You've half-crossed this hurdle, which counts as good news. By sheer coincidence, I happen to have two pieces of good news here as well."\n

\n\n

\n Lenon raised an eyebrow. "Is there some progress regarding Zone 35?"\n

\n\n

\n Devon lowered his voice. "Yes, I found the address of the 'pheromone factory'. Your assumption was correct; it's set up right next to the 'Graveyard'. The 'factory' is covered with a stealth coating that blocks electromagnetic waves, so it took quite a bit of effort. I intercepted their movement tracks, visitor lists, and their latest research direction. I'll send it to you later."\n

\n\n

\n Lenon nodded. "That is indeed good news. What's the second?"\n

\n\n

\n "As for the second, I've managed to create a synthetic replica of the Third Prince's pheromones using black market methods. You understand the side effects and all that, so I won't say much. In short, it can hold up for a year at most, after which your body will collapse."\n

\n\n

\n Devon looked him up and down. "Although it seems like you don't really need it, take it with you just in case."\n

\n\n

\n He took a black leather case out of his suitcase and pushed it over to Lenon. Inside were 48 neatly arranged injection vials. The liquid was a highly saturated ice-blue, resembling a melting glacier.\n

\n\n

\n Lenon nodded. "Thank you."\n

\n\n

\n At that moment, a massive mechanical roar came from the distance. Lenon and Devon simultaneously looked off into the distance. In the sky, the faint silhouette of an aircraft appeared, its exterior painted with the crest of the Royal Family—it was exactly the one commonly used by the Third Prince.\n

\n\n

\n Devon stood up. "It looks like His Highness's people have arrived. I'll take my leave now."\n

\n\n

\n Lenon nodded. "I have to get ready as well."\n

\n\n

\n Lenon was half-carried out of the Third Legion by the attendants.\n

\n\n

\n His face was pale as gold leaf, and his lips lacked the slightest trace of color. Bead-sized drops of sweat rolled down endlessly, dampening a patch of his shirt so that it clung to his body. His beautiful azure eyes were tightly shut. As he was dragged by the attendants across the four-hundred-meter-long front plaza of the Third Legion, his footsteps were unsteady and staggering. The attendants' movements were rough, showing no regard for his status as a major general, dragging him as if he were a piece of cargo.\n

\n\n

\n The soldiers of the Third Legion, who had been training, now turned their heads one after another. They had more or less heard about what happened to Lenon. Many of them showed expressions of sorrow as they silently made way, watching the major general get dragged onto the spaceship.\n

\n\n

\n Once his figure disappeared from sight, another wave of lamentation sounded out.\n

\n\n

\n Once the spaceship's hatch had lowered, cutting off all outside lines of sight, the attendants let go. Lenon stood up straight, not showing the slightest trace of his previous wretchedness. He nodded in greeting to the butler and politely asked, "May I have a moment to freshen up?"\n

\n\n

\n Lenon's face was still as ghastly pale as a ghost, but his posture was relaxed and upright. The butler opened the bathroom door. "Please go ahead."\n

\n\n

\n He then turned on the water valve and washed off the makeup powder decorating his face. Once all his disguises were removed, he smoothed out his flowing silver hair and carefully tied it up.\n

\n\n

\n Thirty minutes later, the aircraft landed at the prince's residence.\n

\n\n

\n The butler led the way for Lenon and pushed open the heavy door with one hand. "This is the guest room His Highness has prepared for you. We will deliver all of your luggage shortly. Please rest well."\n

\n\n

\n This was a very high-standard guest room. The furnishings and decor were exquisite, and even the murals on the walls were painted by famous masters. The attendants had swapped in a brand new, pure white mattress and bedding, and had cleaned the entire room so that every corner was spotless. Judging by the room alone, he was undeniably an honored guest valued by the host.\n

\n\n

\n Lenon didn't mind these details, merely asking, "Where is His Highness?"\n

\n\n

\n The butler kept his eyes looking straight ahead. "I cannot disclose His Highness's whereabouts."\n

\n\n

\n Lenon asked again, "Then when will His Highness summon me?"\n

\n\n

\n He missed the scent of citrus.\n

\n\n

\n The butler maintained a strictly business-like demeanor. "I am unaware. That depends on His Highness's wishes."\n

\n\n

\n Lenon had no choice but to say, "Then I will respectfully await him here."\n

\n\n

\n This waiting ended up lasting for several days.\n

\n\n

\n The esteemed Third Prince seemed to have forgotten that there was such a guest in the residence, yet none of the necessary food and clothing were lacking. Whenever it was mealtime, a steady stream of food would be sent to the room. Lenon briefly assessed it and found that it was completely prepared according to a prince's standard.\n

\n\n

\n His movements were not restricted either. Lenon tried stepping out of the room, walking out of the palace, and finally stopped in the garden. Throughout the entire process, not a single attendant stopped him. They merely bowed slightly when passing by Lenon, politely addressing him as "Major General."\n

\n\n

\n Lenon was certain that he was indeed the most honored guest at the prince's residence, but this guest was unable to see the host, not even for a moment.\n

\n\n

\n Over these few days, Lenon had stopped the butler several times to ask about Lin You's whereabouts, but he only received a single reply.\n

\n\n

\n "Apologies, His Highness has not summoned you, and I cannot disclose his itinerary."\n

\n\n

\n In the study, Lin You let out a long sigh.\n

\n\n

\n The system was lying on the windowsill watching a movie. "Host, this is already the eight-hundredth time you've sighed today. Are you really not planning to go see the major general?"\n

\n\n

\n Lin You: "Let's wait a bit longer."\n

\n\n

\n Lin You felt that what he did was quite unfair. Having a night of passion and then turning hostile in the blink of an eye, comforting him one moment and swiftly seizing power the next—it made him seem like he was having a psychotic breakdown.\n

\n\n

\n And at this stage of the novel, there were still a few extremely outrageous lines that he had to say, which would make him sound even more like a psycho when spoken out loud. He hadn't figured out how to break the deadlock, so he simply played ostrich and avoided seeing him.\n

\n\n

\n These past few days, Lin You had been cooped up in the study, constantly reading through the original text of the novel. The more he read, the worse his headache got. He even made bits and pieces of notes, yet he still remained completely clueless.\n

\n\n

\n No matter how the upcoming plot was acted out, it was going to be difficult to endure.\n

\n\n

\n First, the First Prince would visit in a few days and explicitly ask to see Lenon. There were quite a few indescribable scenes in between.\n

\n\n

\n Then, the Third Prince would take Lenon in as an attendant, but without holding a wedding or any other ceremony. He roughly took over the proudest eldest son of the Colette Family, treating it as if he were receiving a cheap piece of cargo.\n

\n\n

\n Finally, although he was granted a pardon through marriage, at the First Prince's request and the Third Prince's tacit approval, Lenon still had to attend the trial. He had to wear handcuffs like a criminal, stand in the center of the courtroom, and listen to the judge read out crimes he had never committed under the gazes and scrutiny of everyone present, and publicly confess to his guilt.\n

\n\n

\n "..."\n

\n\n

\n Lin You tightly gripped the draft in his hands.\n

\n\n

\n Seizing power, imprisonment, humiliation—after going through this entire sequence of plots, how could Lenon not hate him?\n

\n\n

\n Even though the original owner was a villainous character and Lin You had always played the part as such, when it actually came to this point, he still felt awful.\n

\n\n

\n 55 lay to the side out of pure boredom, letting out a big yawn. "Host, the major general sent you another message. Are you really not going to look at it?"\n

\n\n

\n Every morning and evening, Lenon still sent him greetings at a fixed time. The wording was intimate and polite, just like before, as if Lin You hadn't stripped him of his power and imprisoned him, and as if he harbored no grudges whatsoever.\n

\n\n

\n The more Lenon acted like this, the worse Lin You felt. In the end, he simply put the chat application aside—out of sight, out of mind.\n

\n\n

\n They lived together in this residence but completely avoided crossing paths in their daily routines, making it seem as if the intimacy from a few days ago was merely an illusory bubble.\n

\n\n

\n Seeing the date of the First Prince's visit in the plot drawing closer and closer, Lin You hadn't spoken a single line of the dialogue he had hoarded. Not only was Lin You restless, but the system was also growing anxious.\n

\n\n

\n This stalemate lasted until one afternoon when the butler knocked on Lin You's door.\n

\n\n

\n The silver-haired old gentleman bowed respectfully. "Your Highness, I wish to report that the major general said he is unwell and may need to call for a doctor."\n

\n\n

\n Lin You immediately paused. "Where is he feeling unwell?"\n

\n\n

\n The butler hesitated; "The major general is unwilling to elaborate, but he looks to be in immense discomfort."\n

\n\n

\n Lin You furrowed his brows.\n

\n\n

\n Lenon was incredibly enduring. If he showed even one part of discomfort, it meant he was feeling ten parts of agony.\n

\n\n

\n He approved the request to see a doctor and instructed the butler to bring in a trustworthy military doctor from Admiral Hoyle's side. While waiting for the doctor, he unconsciously paced over to the second floor, and at the end of the second-floor corridor was Lenon's guest room.\n

\n\n

\n The heavy wooden door was shut tight, but traces of the scent of iris flowers seeped out—that was the scent of Lenon's pheromones.\n

\n\n

\n Unlike the wild, passionate, and ostentatious pheromones of Male Zergs, the pheromones of Female Zergs were always clear and light. If Lin You didn't deliberately suppress his own, he wouldn't be able to smell Lenon's.\n

\n\n

\n The Male Zerg walked lightly to the door of the guest room.\n

\n\n

\n He hesitated for a moment. "55, go take a look for me."\n

\n\n

\n The system obediently floated through the door and shared the indoor data.\n

\n\n

\n The lights in the room weren't turned on, leaving it pitch black. A human-shaped outline bulged on the bed. He was covered with a thick blanket, his cheek buried in the pillow. His body was curled up unnaturally, and he was trembling slightly.\n

\n\n

\n Lin You pinched his sleeve.\n

\n\n

\n He had to follow the plot, but outside of the plot, he didn't want Lenon to suffer.\n

\n\n

\n 55 clung to the headboard, quietly looking at Lenon. "He looks so miserable."\n

\n\n

\n Lin You stood at the door. "Can you match the cause of the illness?"\n

\n\n

\n 55: "I'll try. Analyzing, attempting to match, match results..."\n

\n\n

\n "Huh?" It flew a circle in confusion. "The symptoms aren't very typical, and there is no perfectly matching illness. The system's preliminary analysis is that it's a problem caused by pheromone abnormality."\n

\n\n

\n Lin You's footsteps paused.\n

\n\n

\n A problem with pheromones was not something a doctor could treat. Only Lin You, who had marked Lenon, could resolve it.\n

\n\n

\n The original text didn't have this part, but at that time, the issue with the addictive pheromone was even more severe. Presumably, even if Lenon was in pain, he wouldn't have said it out loud.\n

\n\n

\n The major general on the screen was sleeping soundly, seemingly exhausted due to the pheromone abnormality. Lin You took a deep breath and placed his hand on the door handle.\n

\n\n

\n The brass handle turned, the lock cylinder clicked into place, and a soft click sounded. Light from the corridor shone through the crack of the door, faintly illuminating the dark bedroom.\n

\n\n

\n The Third Prince walked into the bedroom.\n

\n\n

\n Lenon quietly hid his arm, which bore a needle mark, and revealed a slight smile.\n

\n\n

\n He had injected a little of the pheromone syringe Devon brought, keeping it right at the threshold of what his body could metabolize without triggering the side effects.\n

\n\n

\n This injection would be a comfort to a Male Zerg lacking solace, but it wasn't for Lenon. The inferior pheromones clashing with his abundant body would cause a temporary high fever, but it wasn't severe. After about two days, once the drug was metabolized, the high fever would also subside.\n

\n\n

\n He needed to exchange intelligence with the Third Prince and express his loyalty. If he could also beg for some intimacy, it would be even better. But the Third Prince was avoiding him, so Lenon had no choice but to resort to this bad plan.\n

\n\n

\n He had bet right. Not only was Lin You partial to him, but he was also very soft-hearted.\n

\n\n

\n If he wasn't soft-hearted, how could he drop everything he was doing and appear at his door the moment he received the news?\n

\n\n

\n Lin You had already walked up to the side of the bed.\n

\n\n

\n He sat down very lightly on the edge of the bed and reached out to test the temperature of Lenon's forehead. After feeling his feverish cheek, he paused for a moment and slowly released his pheromones.\n

\n\n

\n The scent of citrus spread through the bedroom. The concentration wasn't high; it was a level that would make a Female Zerg feel comfortable without being overly stimulating.\n

\n\n

\n Afraid of waking Lenon up, Lin You was as careful as possible, only lightly brushing the major general's skin with his fingertips to transfer the pheromones. But halfway through, Lenon proactively rubbed up against him, pressing his cheek into his palm.\n

\n\n

\n Lin You was startled, but he saw that Lenon still had his eyes closed and his face flushed, showing no signs of waking up. The other party pressed against his palm and nuzzled affectionately, over and over again, like some kind of pet acting spoiled.\n

\n\n

\n Although he knew this was the instinct of a Female Zerg drawing in pheromones, Lin You still couldn't help but chuckle slightly. He gently pinched his cheek and raised the concentration of the pheromones a bit. He stood there for about seven or eight minutes, and sensing that the heat in his palm was gradually fading, he wanted to pull his hand back, turn, and leave.\n

\n\n

\n He was pulled back.\n

\n\n

\n A pair of arms silently climbed up and embraced his arm against his chest. Lenon held on tightly, much like a giant dragon guarding its treasure. Lin You cast his eyes down. The major general had opened his eyes at some point. His azure pupils were still vacant and not quite lucid. His unfocused gaze fell on Lin You, as if doubting who the visitor was.\n

\n\n

\n Lin You breathed a sigh of relief.\n

\n\n

\n It seemed the major general was still sick and in a dazed state. In this dazed state, Lenon wouldn't question him or demand an explanation from Lin You. Therefore, Lin You leaned over and said softly, "Major General, you have a fever, and it's quite high."\n

\n\n

\n "I've already given you some pheromones. You should feel better in a while. The doctor is coming right away, so you should go back to sleep first."\n

\n\n

\n He tried to pull his arm out.\n

\n\n

\n Lenon silently resisted and hugged it even tighter.\n

\n\n

\n Lin You thought to himself that indeed, no matter what race, people acted like children when they had a fever and needed to be coaxed. He let Lenon continue holding him. "Alright, loosen up a bit. I won't leave."\n

\n\n

\n He sat down on the edge of the bed once more and spaced out into the darkness.\n

\n\n

\n "..."\n

\n\n

\n Lenon closed his eyes, concealing the overly complex emotions in them.\n

\n\n

\n —Not only was the Third Prince partial to him and soft-hearted, but he was also highly indulging.\n

\n\n

\n 55 poked its host. "I say, the First Prince is visiting in two days. Those lines you couldn't bring yourself to say, how about you hurry up and say them right now?"\n

\n\n

\n "Since the major general is unconscious anyway, it's fine even if you spout nonsense. If you wait until he's awake tomorrow, you'll be even less able to say them."\n

\n\n

\n The system no longer held any extra expectations for its host's professional capabilities.\n

\n\n

\n Lin You: "That makes sense."\n

\n\n

\n The moment he nodded, 55 immediately switched its screen, displaying the lines on it.\n

\n\n

\n This was a humiliating set of lines. In the original text, the Third Prince was still not satisfied after taking Lenon into his back rooms, insisting on saying awful things to provoke him. A few typical lines were: "When my royal brother comes tomorrow, do you know what you'll face?", "Did you think presenting the Colette Family to me would get you a wedding?", and "Judgment Day will proceed as usual, you know."\n

\n\n

\n It could be described as a villain gloating, despicable to the extreme.\n

\n\n

\n With one arm being held and unable to move, Lin You casually scooped up a lock of silver hair with his other hand, twirling it idly.\n

\n\n

\n He scanned the screen and spoke softly, as if afraid of waking the dreaming person. "Lenon, Royal Brother is coming tomorrow. Do you know what you will face?"\n

\n\n

\n His tone was very calm, sounding like sorrow, yet also like helplessness.\n

\n\n

\n "You presented the Colette Family, but we won't have a wedding."\n

\n\n

\n "Even Judgment Day... I can't erase it for you. It will also proceed as usual."\n

\n\n

\n The last few words were almost inaudible, practically scattering into the wind.\n

\n\n

\n "..."\n

\n\n

\n Lenon sighed, thinking to himself, 'So he was hiding from me just because of this?'\n

\n\n

\n The First Prince feared him, and those rumors were not enough to reassure him. He would inevitably visit the prince's residence again, and there would be a humiliation at that time. This was within Lenon's expectations.\n

\n\n

\n The Third Prince was being monitored by others. It was impossible for him to show goodwill towards Lenon. No wedding? That was also to be expected.\n

\n\n

\n As for Judgment Day, White and the families behind him were pressing him step by step. They had already expressed dissatisfaction at Lenon escaping punishment. If a lightweight trial could get them to drop the matter, it would be an incredibly worthwhile trade. This, too, was still within expectations.\n

\n\n

\n Just because of these insignificant, trivial matters, Lin You felt awful?\n

\n\n

\n Lenon found it hard to describe his feelings. He parted his lips, wanting to laugh but unable to. The beating heart in his chest felt sour and tight. He urgently wanted to embrace the Male Zerg, to kiss him, to die intoxicated in the citrus-scented pheromones. He wanted to touch, to press against him, to entangle with him until death. He urgently wanted to accommodate the other, to fill that collapsed, barren void.\n

\n\n

\n But he couldn't.\n

\n\n

\n He was still pretending to be sick. It would frighten Lin You.\n

\n\n

\n But the citrus scent beside him was truly sweet and refreshing. Lenon's fingertips twitched, and he couldn't control himself from snuggling up to him. He rubbed against Lin You's side, feeling the heat from the other's skin. Finally, he gently raised his hand and wrapped it around the Male Zerg's waist, forming a plausible yet subtle embrace.\n

","published_time":"2026-05-24T00:00:00.000Z","paid":false,"show_flag":true,"show_scheduled_time":"2026-05-24T00:00:00.000Z","unpaid_scheduled_time":"2026-05-24T00:00:00.000Z"},{"content_id":4439,"novel_id":71,"chapter_no":47,"chapter_title":"Dungeon","content":"

\n Lin You hesitated for a moment, but still didn't push Lenon away.\n

\n\n

\n Sick Female Zergs were always particularly reliant on pheromones. Lin You looked at the Major General's furrowed brows and sighed slightly. He thought to himself, 'Forget it, I'll sit for a little longer and just leave before he wakes up.'\n

\n\n

\n Lenon had been awake the whole time.\n

\n\n

\n He originally only wanted to take the opportunity to see Lin You, test his attitude towards the First Prince, and then ponder his next course of action. But the soft bedding, the warmth of the person beside his pillow, and the surrounding citrus pheromones all made him unable to resist indulging a little, and then a little more.\n

\n\n

\n Lenon carefully tested the limits of Lin You's indulgence. He first pretended it was unintentional, wrapping his arms around the other's waist, then pressing his whole body against him. In the end, still feeling unsatisfied, he almost completely embraced Lin You.\n

\n\n

\n Lin You seemed a little uncomfortable, but he didn't struggle, obediently letting him hold him. He neither woke him up nor pushed him away.\n

\n\n

\n Lenon lowered his eyes.\n

\n\n

\n —The Third Prince was indeed quite indulgent toward him.\n

\n\n

\n System 55 said, "The Major General's fever has gone down. Are we leaving?"\n

\n\n

\n Lin You: "...Wait a bit longer."\n

\n\n

\n Lenon was holding him too tightly, looking as if he was deeply attached and reluctant to let go.\n

\n\n

\n He felt a bit awkward. Although they had done much more intimate things before, that was driven by pheromones, pure lust, and Lenon didn't have the slightest affection for him. Yet lying like this now, they seemed like an intimately close couple.\n

\n\n

\n Lin You silently repeated in his heart, 'This is a patient, this is a patient.' He stayed in the room for more than an hour before getting up to leave.\n

\n\n

\n Early the next morning, Lin You received a visitation letter from the First Prince.\n

\n\n

\n Lin Yu affectionately called him by his nickname, saying he wanted to come to his residence for a visit. Lin You had no reason to refuse, so he could only agree, and then gave orders for the servants to prepare.\n

\n\n

\n The visit was scheduled for the afternoon. Lin You spent the whole morning in the study reading the original text. Just as he was studying it, System 55 suddenly spoke up, "Host, could you pause for a moment?"\n

\n\n

\n Lin You: "Wait until I sort out this part of the plot."\n

\n\n

\n System 55 was currently lying on a small cushion on the bay window, only revealing a corner of its screen. Hearing this, it shrank back and muttered, "Alright, just don't blame me for not reminding you later."\n

\n\n

\n The novel's key plot points were described very solidly. For example, the Judgment Day chapter detailed the presiding judge's verdict, Lenon's metal handcuffs, the reactions of various guests, and even the disdainful expressions of the First Prince, the Third Prince, and White. It would be very difficult to maneuver around it. Despite Lin You racking his brains, he couldn't find any loopholes in the plot.\n

\n\n

\n He felt a massive headache coming on. Just then, there were three knocks on the door; it should be the butler delivering breakfast.\n

\n\n

\n Lin You: "Come in."\n

\n\n

\n Someone stepped inside.\n

\n\n

\n The footsteps were crisp; it wasn't the sound of the butler's soft leather shoes, but rather long military boots with metal heels. However, Lin You had things on his mind and didn't notice it in the slightest.\n

\n\n

\n A glass of milk was placed in front of him, followed by a small cake. The newcomer wore pure white gloves, and the joints wrapped in the fabric were slender and beautiful.\n

\n\n

\n Lin You didn't even look up: "Thank you, I'll eat it later."\n

\n\n

\n "..."\n

\n\n

\n System 55 poked its head out weakly: "Host."\n

\n\n

\n "Host, please stop for a moment..."\n

\n\n

\n "I'm busy right now." Lin You felt a slight headache. He reached up to press his forehead. Immediately after, a pair of hands took his place, resting on his temples and rubbing them with just the right amount of pressure.\n

\n\n

\n The technique was experienced; clearly, they had practiced.\n

\n\n

\n The butler had also learned massage. He was just about to express his thanks when he heard a soft sigh, and someone asked gently, "Feeling better?"\n

\n\n

\n Lin You snapped his head up.\n

\n\n

\n The Major General was wearing formal attire and white gloves. His silver hair was combed into a low ponytail, tied at the base with a matching hairband—a look that was eighty percent similar to the butler's uniform. He was currently looking at him with concern.\n

\n\n

\n "What are you...?"\n

\n\n

\n Lenon arranged the tea and small cake one by one and bowed elegantly: "I told the butler that since I've entered your residence, I should also take care of your daily life, so I took over a portion of his duties."\n

\n\n

\n Lin You felt a bit uncomfortable.\n

\n\n

\n He hid the rough draft with his notes into a drawer and locked it with a guilty conscience. Then he coughed once and hurriedly picked up the small cake: "No, there's no need for this. You're still sick, you don't have to do these things. You can step down for now."\n

\n\n

\n Lenon didn't move, however. He stood to the side holding the tray and smiled: "Today I heard the servants discussing that the First Prince is coming over?"\n

\n\n

\n Lin You's movements as he ate the cake paused, and he mumbled vaguely: "Yes."\n

\n\n

\n Lenon: "Then please tie me up."\n

\n\n

\n Lin You's hand slipped, and the plate holding the cake clattered downwards. Lenon bowed slightly and caught it nimbly. He placed the cake back in front of Lin You: "Please be careful."\n

\n\n

\n His tone was calm and gentle, as if what he had just said wasn't 'tie me up', but rather polite small talk like 'the weather is really nice'.\n

\n\n

\n Lin You was choking slightly. He picked up his tea and said speechlessly, "Tie up what? Where am I supposed to tie you up?"\n

\n\n

\n Lenon smiled: "The basement."\n

\n\n

\n Lin You: "Pfft—"\n

\n\n

\n Lenon put down the tray and thoughtfully patted Lin You's back: "Please be a bit more careful, are you alright?"\n

\n\n

\n Lin You brushed his hand away, coughing on his own. When he finally managed to stop, he said: "You... stay away from me."\n

\n\n

\n If the Major General said a few more sentences, he would surely choke to death.\n

\n\n

\n A prince's residence did indeed have a basement, and even a private interrogation room. However, with The Empire enacting laws to prohibit the abuse of lynching and private punishments, the methods used among nobles had decreased significantly. Although basements still existed, they didn't dare go overboard.\n

\n\n

\n Ever since Lin You transmigrated here, the basement of his residence had never been put to use.\n

\n\n

\n Lenon said, "You can place me in the middle of the interrogation room, put me in iron chains and a collar, and smear my clothes with red paint..."\n

\n\n

\n He didn't finish his sentence, but Lin You already understood.\n

\n\n

\n This was indeed a good idea.\n

\n\n

\n Placing Lenon in the basement, taking the First Prince to take a look from afar, saying some random lines, and then leaving. The First Prince wouldn't just charge into the cell to personally inspect the wounds.\n

\n\n

\n He looked thoughtful, then directly brought up his Light Brain to summon the butler, inquiring, "Do I have a basement? Where is the basement in our house?"\n

\n\n

\n The butler paused, seemingly a bit speechless. After detailing the location, he couldn't help but ask, "Do you really not know at all?"\n

\n\n

\n Such a massive basement, too.\n

\n\n

\n Lin You spoke with conviction: "I don't even use that godforsaken place, why should I know?"\n

\n\n

\n Lenon took in everything he heard, a trace of a smile flashing through his eyes.\n

\n\n

\n —His Third Prince was indeed as gentle and pure as he had imagined.\n

\n\n

\n The entrance to the basement was right in the garden's pavilion. The butler pulled out a key that hadn't been used in a long time. The moment Lin You stepped inside, a chilling scent of rust hit his face.\n

\n\n

\n This place hadn't seen the sun for years; it was incredibly dark and damp. Iron bars divided the pitch-black space into small cells that stretched endlessly out of sight, looking exactly like an exploration scene from a horror game. It seemed as though non-human creatures could jump out from anywhere at any time, forcing the player to run for their lives.\n

\n\n

\n Lin You's fans all knew that he was a bit afraid of ghosts.\n

\n\n

\n Lin You was originally walking at the very front, and none of the servants dared to overtake him. But when he looked ahead, his footsteps paused slightly. Lenon immediately knew what he was thinking. He took the initiative to take the lantern from the butler, grabbed his hand, and led him forward: "Please follow me."\n

\n\n

\n Lenon was still in his uniform. His palm was dry and warm, and his military boots stepped on the ground with a rhythmic cadence, elegant as a knight guarding a treasure. They stopped in front of a cell, and Lenon looked around: "Right here."\n

\n\n

\n The butler carried a box containing many matching tools commonly found in nobles' basements, such as collars and whips. Lin You's set was still brand new, exactly the same as when they were manufactured. Let alone blood, the whip hadn't even tasted a bit of skin.\n

\n\n

\n The butler took out the keys to open the cell and nodded slightly to Lenon: "Major General, please."\n

\n\n

\n According to common sense, this kind of thing should be handled by the butler, but Lenon turned his head to look at Lin You and suddenly said: "Your Highness, may I make a request?"\n

\n\n

\n Lenon had to be locked up in this pitch-black godforsaken place for an entire afternoon. Lin You felt a bit guilty and immediately said: "Speak."\n

\n\n

\n The Major General smiled faintly, then took the box from the butler's hands and held it up in front of Lin You.\n

\n\n

\n He said: "I would like to ask you to do it yourself."\n

\n\n

\n Before Lin You could even process what was happening, he was dizzyingly led into the cell, chains and a collar stuffed into his hands. Then, Lenon half-knelt in front of him, swept aside his long silver hair to reveal his slender neck, and said with a smile: "Come."\n

\n\n

\n "..."\n

\n\n

\n Lin You lowered his eyes and picked up the collar. He adjusted the size to be very loose, then gently fastened it around Lenon's neck. There was a small silver bell on it, which happened to rest right against his Adam's apple.\n

\n\n

\n He adjusted the length of the chain so that Lenon could move freely without his movements being restricted. Then he reached out, wanting to take other things from the box.\n

\n\n

\n But Lenon caught his hand.\n

\n\n

\n The Major General shook his head: "This won't work. The First Prince is an expert; he'll be able to tell."\n

\n\n

\n If one were to say who among the three princes played the wildest, it was undoubtedly Lin Yu. He knew how to use these toys much better than Lin You did.\n

\n\n

\n Lin You thought to himself, 'Lin Yu, that perverted bastard, is actually a fucking expert?' But he had no choice but to follow Lenon's instructions to tighten the chain. When his fingers stopped on the collar's adjustment buckle, he felt slightly conflicted.\n

\n\n

\n If this was pulled tight, it would be very uncomfortable.\n

\n\n

\n Lenon held his hand.\n

\n\n

\n He adjusted the tightness using Lin You's fingers, pulling the buckle inwards. When it reached a certain length, Lin You's fingers started to tremble unawares. As the collar grew tighter and tighter, he trembled more and more severely, almost unable to grip the buckle properly, silently resisting.\n

\n\n

\n Lenon sighed: "This is nothing, Your Highness. I once tracked space pirates in Zone 35, which is barren and desolate. The oxygen on some of those planets is extremely thin. I've also carried out missions on the highest plateaus of the Zerg Planet and retreated in one piece. I won't lack oxygen because of this."\n

\n\n

\n Lin You's voice was also trembling: "...How can that be the same?"\n

\n\n

\n He was shaking so badly that Lenon had to let go of him and fasten the collar himself.\n

\n\n

\n He stood up and spun around, trying to soothe his Highness: "It's really fine."\n

\n\n

\n Lin You refused to speak.\n

\n\n

\n He silently brought out the shackles—the lightest kind, lined with soft fur on the inside so it wouldn't hurt the skin. Looking from outside the cell door, no one would notice the clues.\n

\n\n

\n Once everything was prepared, he took the dark red paint from the butler and applied it bit by bit onto the pure white uniform.\n

\n\n

\n To make the effect look realistic, Lenon tore the hem of his clothes, messed up his hair, and smeared blood-red paint on his temples. Lin You dabbed water on his forehead to fake the appearance of cold sweat. After a series of operations, the Major General was reduced to a completely dishevelled mess.\n

\n\n

\n Lin You's breath caught.\n

\n\n

\n A Major General with a neat uniform and impeccable manners was already very heart-stopping, so what about a Major General with a messy uniform, rapid breathing, a black collar, and eyes swimming with moisture?\n

\n\n

\n Some strange mental images flashed in Lin You's mind. He gathered his thoughts, stepped back to the cell door, and scrutinized him carefully, failing to spot any flaws.\n

\n\n

\n The butler reminded him at the perfect time: "A communication from the First Prince. He has already set out."\n

\n\n

\n Lin You nodded and pointed upstairs: "Then I'll get going first."\n

\n\n

\n The collar restricted Lenon's breathing, making it slightly uncomfortable, but he didn't show it too much. He only said: "See you later, my Highness."\n

\n\n

\n Lin Yu landed at the Third Prince's residence twenty minutes later.\n

\n\n

\n He exchanged brief pleasantries with Lin You, talking about this and that, acting like an extremely caring older brother. Lin You played along, babbling about everything under the sun and acting unbelievably obedient. The two of them put on a show for the time it took to drink a cup of tea. Lin Yu was the first to break the ice, feigning nonchalance: "By the way, how was the effect of the wine I gave you that day?"\n

\n\n

\n "The effect was very good." Lin You clicked his tongue. "But Lenon is a really tough nut to crack. Not easy to deal with."\n

\n\n

\n Lin Yu smiled: "How tough is he? Can I take a look? ...Oh, I don't mean that I covet your person, it's just that I haven't used that wine yet and am a bit curious."\n

\n\n

\n Lin You: "Of course."\n

\n\n

\n He led the First Prince down to the basement. The butler had dimmed the cell's lighting to be murky and dark. Looking from afar, shadows flickered unsteadily. Old oil lamps crackled and popped, mixed with the sound of wind blowing in from nowhere, making it feel like a hellish ghost realm.\n

\n\n

\n They rounded a few corners and spotted Lenon's cell from a distance. The Major General was covered in fresh bloodstains, his hands bound behind his back. He hung his head weakly, occasionally letting out a suppressed cough, bloody foam rolling down the corner of his mouth, looking utterly wretched.\n

\n\n

\n The environment here was harsh, and the air carried a stale, rotting smell. Lin Yu glanced at him in disgust a few times before turning around and saying: "Let's go."\n

\n\n

\n He climbed back up the stairs, commenting: "Such a rebellious Female Zerg should be locked up in a place like this."\n

\n\n

\n "..."\n

\n\n

\n Lin Yu turned his head: "Little You, don't you think so?"\n

\n\n

\n Lin You replied: "Of course. For a sinner, being bound in the basement day after day is the best possible ending."\n

\n\n

\n The First Prince nodded in satisfaction.\n

\n\n

\n In a spot where he couldn't see, Lin You gripped his sleeves tightly, his face completely expressionless.\n

\n\n

\n If he hadn't come, would this be what happened to Lenon?\n

\n\n

\n Would the beautiful, elegant, and noble Major General kneel in the dirt, utterly wretched, just like this?\n

\n\n

\n Lin Yu's visit this time was merely to confirm that Lenon couldn't make any waves. He had absolutely no affection for Lin You, his blood brother. After uttering a few more sentences, he left in a hurry.\n

\n\n

\n Lin You couldn't wait for him to leave earlier. The moment the aircraft disappeared from the sky, he rushed without stopping to bring Lenon out. The Major General showed no signs of discomfort. He calmly took off the collar and chains. The very first sentence he said to Lin You upon walking out of the basement was: "The weather is really nice. Would you like to have some afternoon tea?"\n

\n\n

\n The butler's face twitched slightly.\n

\n\n

\n Preparing afternoon tea for the Third Prince had always been the butler's job.\n

\n\n

\n Lin You was in no mood for afternoon tea. He brought Lenon back to the room and peeled back his collar to check. The Major General had been extremely ruthless with himself. As expected, a red mark had been pressed into his skin, and the flesh was congested and swollen.\n

\n\n

\n Lin You dug out the medicinal ointment he had prepared in advance and handed it to Lenon. Lenon raised his arm and suddenly let out a very light hiss.\n

\n\n

\n Lin You turned his head: "What's wrong?"\n

\n\n

\n Lenon: "It's nothing... Hiss, my arm hurts a bit."\n

\n\n

\n Having been suspended for an entire afternoon, of course it hurt.\n

\n\n

\n Lin You paused slightly, but still took the ointment from his hand: "Let me do it."\n

\n\n

\n Lenon cooperatively lifted his hair.\n

\n\n

\n He lowered his eyes. The Third Prince was right in front of him, focused on applying the medicine to his neck, his appearance refined, noble, and handsome.\n

\n\n

\n In reality, for the Major General of the Third Legion, such a small injury was genuinely insignificant. His body had withstood swords, and his skin had endured burns. Lenon would normally even disdain applying medicine to his neck. Compared to the pain, he found the ointment rubbing onto his clothes to be more troublesome.\n

\n\n

\n But Lin You's expression was incredibly serious, as if he was doing the most important thing in the world.\n

\n\n

\n He applied it very carefully, as if afraid of hurting Lenon. The pads of his fingers tapped lightly on the swollen skin, feeling somewhat hot and slightly ticklish.\n

\n\n

\n "Your Highness." Lenon suddenly spoke. The atmosphere at this moment was too perfect, and he couldn't resist wanting to beg for a bit more from the Third Prince. "Will you marry me?"\n

\n\n

\n His voice was very light, as if afraid of disturbing something.\n

\n\n

\n Lenon had asked this question twice before; this was the third time. The first two times were in order to avoid the punishment of Judgment Day. He had offered up his body and his family, laying out all his bargaining chips in exchange for the promise of exemption from punishment.\n

\n\n

\n But this time was different. Lenon wasn't thinking of anything else; he simply wanted to ask, "Will you marry me?"\n

\n\n

\n "..."\n

\n\n

\n Lin You's fingers paused slightly, and his breathing skipped a beat. He scooped out a large blob of ointment to cover it up, then lowered his eyes to apply it to the wound, not answering directly: "We won't have a wedding."\n

\n\n

\n According to the plot, they had to get married, and they absolutely could not have a wedding.\n

\n\n

\n In the eyes of the Zerg, this was probably the scummiest of scum.\n

\n\n

\n But Lenon didn't mind. He grasped Lin You's fingers, his deep blue eyes full of earnestness: "I know, I don't need a wedding, but will you marry me?"\n

\n\n

\n "..."\n

\n\n

\n Lin You turned his face away and said in a small voice, "I will."\n

\n\n

\n He had transmigrated across two worlds. In the original script, he was meant to hold Lenon's hand and become his intimately close partner.\n

","published_time":"2026-05-24T00:00:00.000Z","paid":false,"show_flag":true,"show_scheduled_time":"2026-05-24T00:00:00.000Z","unpaid_scheduled_time":"2026-05-24T00:00:00.000Z"},{"content_id":4440,"novel_id":71,"chapter_no":48,"chapter_title":"Marriage","content":"

\n Lin You gave a positive reply, yet he still hesitated. "Of course we will get married, but..."\n

\n\n

\n But there were still many things he was powerless to change.\n

\n\n

\n Lenon, however, extended his index finger and gently tapped it against his lips, smiling as he said, "It's fine. It's enough."\n

\n\n

\n It was already enough.\n

\n\n

\n Lenon had anticipated his ending very early on, long before the fabricated charges were pinned on him, long before he clashed with the Eldest Prince, and even as early as the day he uncovered the secrets of Zone 35.\n

\n\n

\n This was the ending he had predetermined for himself, and he would ultimately head toward it.\n

\n\n

\n From the moment Lenon engineered a chance encounter with the drunken Third Prince and climbed into Lin You's bed, everything that followed had been within his expectations. He knew he would drink the cherry blossom pink Addictive Pheromone, and he knew he might be locked in the Third Prince's basement. But what he hadn't known was that the Addictive Pheromone would be swapped for sweet wine, that the chains in the basement would be covered in soft fur... and that he would so desperately want to kiss the person right in front of him.\n

\n\n

\n Compared to his previous expectations, these past few days were already a beautiful dream.\n

\n\n

\n Lin You had finished applying the medicine; the Major General's neck was smeared with a ring of ointment. He then took the gauze from the tray. Due to his poor mood, his wrapping motions were inevitably a bit rough. "We will get married before the day of the trial to help you get a pardon, but you still have to attend the trial. There's a ten-day hearing before the trial, and you must go to the trial court's prison. That place is under the Eldest Prince's sphere of influence, and I don't know what might happen."\n

\n\n

\n Lenon said, "It's fine."\n

\n\n

\n His deep blue eyes gazed at Lin You. The feigned deep affection was gone from his pupils, leaving them looking cold and serene.\n

\n\n

\n Lenon asked, "May I ask you about a sensitive topic?"\n

\n\n

\n Lin You's fingers paused. "Speak."\n

\n\n

\n "Does the Third Prince want to become a titled Royal Prince?"\n

\n\n

\n This question was very strange. Lin You was a prince. After the old Zerg Emperor passed away, he would either be a titled Royal Prince, the Zerg Emperor, or he would fail in the power struggle and, like the original owner of this body, turn to dust.\n

\n\n

\n Lin You had another choice—he could go home.\n

\n\n

\n Seeing Lin You fall silent, Lenon paused, then smiled again and asked straightforwardly, "Or let me put it another way. Third Prince, do you want to be the Zerg Emperor?"\n

\n\n

\n His expression was very calm, and his tone was light, as if as long as Lin You nodded, he could deliver the Zerg Emperor's throne right in front of him.\n

\n\n

\n The current Zerg Emperor had three princes. In terms of seniority, the Eldest Prince was first in line and had the most power. If there were no accidents, he would undoubtedly ascend the throne as Emperor.\n

\n\n

\n Lin You's brow twitched.\n

\n\n

\n He had only been with the Zerg for a few months at most. Before this, he had always behaved properly and acted according to the plot's development, never considering snatching the throne. But now, he suddenly thought of an important problem.\n

\n\n

\n —If the Eldest Prince ascended the throne, would he let Lenon go?\n

\n\n

\n Right now, Lin Yu and Lin You still had roughly the same status, yet the other party had already chased them to the prince's estate, pressing him at every step, itching to put Lenon to death immediately. What would happen after he inherited the throne?\n

\n\n

\n If Lin You completed his mission, chose to leave this world, and returned to his hometown, what would happen then?\n

\n\n

\n Thinking of all the future possibilities, the hand Lin You used to hold the medicine jar couldn't help but tremble for a moment.\n

\n\n

\n System 55 had originally been resting on the balcony. Upon hearing this, it straightened its body, floated over, and flew two circles around Lin You. "Host?"\n

\n\n

\n By now, it had become very laid-back. The previous host had chosen to stay in the small world, so having one more do the same was no big deal.\n

\n\n

\n "Although in name I am not allowed to interfere with your choices, Host, I must remind you." System 55 used a rarely serious tone: "If you want to go head-to-head with the Eldest Prince, the probability of successfully seizing the throne is very, very low."\n

\n\n

\n It was the integrated technology of a higher-dimensional world, equipped with the most advanced probability system. After analyzing and stringing together all the data of successful usurpations in its database, and comparing it with the information of this life, Lin You did not hold the advantage.\n

\n\n

\n Lin You calmly asked, "How so?"\n

\n\n

\n System 55 landed on Lin You's shoulder. A huge light screen appeared out of thin air in front of them, with a massive amount of data flowing across it. "Host, the age difference between you and the Eldest Prince is too great. The year the Eldest Prince held his coming-of-age ceremony, the Third Prince had just been born. He started building his forces nearly twenty years earlier than you."\n

\n\n

\n Speaking of facts, System 55 switched its voice to an AI-synthesized electronic tone. Its pitch was flat and devoid of fluctuation, sounding somewhat cold and stern for no reason.\n

\n\n

\n "According to my information, his maternal family, the Lawrence Family, is also a veteran aristocratic family of the Empire. Within the family is an admiral who became famous even earlier than Admiral Hoyle, and who now commands the Third, Fourth, and Sixth Legions."\n

\n\n

\n "As for the Eldest Prince's Female Consort, he is the second son of the director of the Pheromone Research Institute. This director has held his position for nearly seventy years, and he simultaneously owns the Empire's largest synthetic pheromone production company, practically monopolizing the Empire's pheromone manufacturing industry. The two share in each other's glory, like grasshoppers tied to the same string."\n

\n\n

\n "At the same time, the wealth the Eldest Prince possesses is incredibly terrifying, even rivaling the national treasury. Of the prominent companies on the Capital Star, I roughly estimate that at least one-third have direct or indirect connections with him."\n

\n\n

\n System 55 sighed. "The old Zerg Emperor is nearing the end of his days and has decentralized his power. The Eldest Prince has monopolized authority for some time now, otherwise Major General Lenon wouldn't have ended up in this state."\n

\n\n

\n "Pardon my bluntness, but from a data analysis perspective, the probability of you winning in a direct confrontation with the Eldest Prince is extremely slim."\n

\n\n

\n Lin You: "How much exactly?"\n

\n\n

\n "Less than 2%."\n

\n\n

\n They fell silent together.\n

\n\n

\n It really was a tiny probability, equivalent to pulling a gold-tier in a gacha game. The difference was that failing to pull the card only meant losing one roll; if he gambled on this probability and lost, he would be betting his life.\n

\n\n

\n In this quietness, Lin You subconsciously furrowed his brows, forming a small crease between them.\n

\n\n

\n He calmly said, "I will contact Admiral Hoyle to discuss the pros and cons and make corresponding plans. If it's feasible..."\n

\n\n

\n System 55: "If it's feasible?"\n

\n\n

\n "I will try."\n

\n\n

\n Lenon couldn't hear Lin You talking to the system; he could only see Lin You furrowing his brows.\n

\n\n

\n Lenon let out a soft sigh.\n

\n\n

\n He extended his index finger, placing the pad against the center of Lin You's forehead, and gently rubbed away the crease. "Don't frown. This isn't something you need to frown over."\n

\n\n

\n The Major General's tone was breezy, as if he already had a plan. He casually brushed past the previous topic and switched to another: "Your Highness said that we would get married, but there wouldn't be a wedding?"\n

\n\n

\n Lin You lowered his eyes, his tone a bit muffled. "Right..."\n

\n\n

\n Lenon smiled. "Then can I ask for something else as compensation?"\n

\n\n

\n "Of course." Lin You breathed a sigh of relief. "Just ask."\n

\n\n

\n "Just ask?" Lenon pretended to think it over. "Hmm, during this time before we get married, can we sleep together?"\n

\n\n

\n Lin You: "...?"\n

\n\n

\n That night, when the silver-haired Major General sat on the edge of the master bed, changed into silk pajamas, and unhurriedly lay down under the covers, Lin You still hadn't figured out what had just happened.\n

\n\n

\n His thoughts were a chaotic mess. He didn't understand why the previous sentence was about fighting for succession to become the Zerg Emperor, and the very next sentence turned into sleeping together. But when Lenon's deep blue eyes looked at him fixedly, asking with confusion why Lin You wasn't coming to bed, Lin You surrendered.\n

\n\n

\n He raised his hand to turn off the light and slipped into the quilt. Pressed against Lenon through the thin pajamas, he reached out to wrap his arm around the Major General's beautiful waistline and couldn't help but rub against him.\n

\n\n

\n It was really warm.\n

\n\n

\n From that day on, they started sleeping together every night, like true lovers. During his free time, Lenon would always move a lounge chair into the garden to bask in the sun, occasionally holding a book or two. Lin You thought he would be reading about military tactics and drills, but when he curiously went to look, Lenon was actually reading about garden floristry, landscape travel photography, and philosophy.\n

\n\n

\n The other party seemed to treat the tranquility before the trial day as a rare vacation. He fully enjoyed the leisure time, holding Lin You as he fell asleep at night, like a seal about to hibernate.\n

\n\n

\n When the trial day was approaching, Lenon had Devon send over a military training cabin. He registered a new identity, created a virtual profile of a military academy cadet, and spent two hours online every night.\n

\n\n

\n Lin You secretly went to watch him and found that Lenon didn't play matches, nor did he pilot aircraft; he only shot at static targets.\n

\n\n

\n Static targets were the simplest mode, something only newly enlisted recruits would practice.\n

\n\n

\n System 55 quietly hacked into the system, spectated for a moment, and shared its vision with Lin You: Lenon's marksmanship was terrifyingly accurate, hitting the bullseye with almost every shot. Even the heavy sniper rifles meant for ultra-long-distance aiming in space felt as light as a toy in his hands.\n

\n\n

\n System 55 asked in confusion, "Why is the Major General shooting this in his free time? He absolutely doesn't need to do this."\n

\n\n

\n Why use a butcher's knife to kill a chicken? It was like making a math Ph.D. solve elementary school problems. Even if they got full marks, what sense of accomplishment could there be?\n

\n\n

\n Lin You watched from the side, unconsciously furrowing his brows.\n

\n\n

\n He had a faint, very bad premonition.\n

\n\n

\n Lenon didn't look like a Ph.D. solving elementary school problems; he looked more like a top student taking a mock exam before the real test. Although he was thoroughly familiar with all the question types, he still needed to do practice papers regularly to maintain his feel for it. And shooting static targets was Lenon's way of maintaining his touch.\n

\n\n

\n Lin You took all this in. He subtly brought it up a couple of times, but Lenon lightly changed the subject, so he didn't press further.\n

\n\n

\n His Major General had a sound personality; he was calm and steady enough. He understood the road ahead and knew the way back. Whatever he wanted to do, Lin You would not object.\n

\n\n

\n Ten days before the trial, they signed the agreement and completed their marriage contract.\n

\n\n

\n The cold electronic draft was drawn up by the marriage system and sent directly to Lenon's inbox. The Major General clicked to agree, pressed his electronic fingerprint, and, in his capacity as a sinner, swore an oath that from this day forward, he would voluntarily strip himself of all natural rights and become a vassal of the Third Prince.\n

\n\n

\n At the same time, the ownership of the Colette Family's enormous wealth was transferred, thoroughly belonging to the Third Prince, Lin You.\n

\n\n

\n The day the news of the marriage was announced, it set off a stormy sea of waves on the Star Network. For a time, all the forums were discussing the matter. Some focused on the shift in power within the Third Legion, while others paid attention to whether the upper echelons of the Colette Family would change...\n

\n\n

\n But even more of the discussion centered on Lenon. They didn't understand why the distinguished and unyielding Major General had chosen to cling to life at death's door rather than die a heroic death. While sighing and gossiping, they were also curious about Lenon's post-marital life.\n

\n\n

\n Being stripped of everything and trapped in the estate, perhaps even facing torment and abuse—could a Major General of the Third Legion endure such a life?\n

\n\n

\n And at this very moment, Lenon and Lin You were exchanging a long, lingering kiss.\n

\n\n

\n Lenon was bearing criminal charges, so they couldn't go out; all their activities took place at home.\n

\n\n

\n That afternoon, the Major General was in a rare good mood and insisted on showing off his cooking skills to Lin You. Lin You still remembered Admiral Hoyle saying that Lenon didn't know how to cook at all. He watched with fear and trepidation in the kitchen, and the butler behind them was even more fearful. Fortunately, the Major General seemed to have practiced on purpose; he fried a small steak, and it turned out decently.\n

\n\n

\n Lin You then rolled up his sleeves, declaring that he could cook too. He forcefully took the spatula and whipped up a streamer's essential "vital signs maintenance meal"—Tomato and Egg.\n

\n\n

\n This time, the usually breezy Major General couldn't maintain his calm. Lenon's entire body tensed up, ready to snatch the spatula at any moment, while the butler stood at the door, looking as if he was about to pass out.\n

\n\n

\n Fortunately, although Lin You often ate instant noodles, he was quite good at making Tomato and Egg. Having transmigrated for so long, he hadn't lost his touch. So that night, they had two edible dishes.\n

\n\n

\n This was probably the simplest meal Lin You had eaten since transmigrating as a prince, and despite his noble status as a Major General, Lenon's meals had never been this perfunctory unless he was out on a campaign. Yet, after the meal, they were unexpectedly happy.\n

\n\n

\n Before going to sleep, in the dim yellow halo of the night lamp, Lin You pushed over a small box.\n

\n\n

\n He handed it to Lenon, mumbling, "Open it and take a look."\n

\n\n

\n They were two rings.\n

\n\n

\n Custom-designed patterns. Lin You took the one engraved with the Iris pattern and gestured for Lenon to take the other.\n

\n\n

\n They didn't have a wedding, but they could still exchange rings.\n

\n\n

\n Rings were not common among the Zerg; they were considered a custom from ancient times. Legend had it that in that era, lovers would exchange rings under the witness of an officiant and make promises for a lifetime.\n

\n\n

\n Lenon's eyes lit up slightly. He really didn't care about a wedding, but he still felt a bit regretful. Lin You preparing rings could be considered making up for that regret.\n

\n\n

\n Unfortunately, Lenon picked it up and stared at it for a long time, unable to understand what was engraved on his ring. The ring was starkly carved with four letters: a "W" at the top, and "ASD" lined up in a row below it.\n

\n\n

\n Lenon raised an eyebrow. "I thought you would engrave a small tangerine?"\n

\n\n

\n The crisp, sweet kind.\n

\n\n

\n Lin You: "...Go away, you're the one who needs a small tangerine engraved."\n

\n\n

\n He explained to Lenon, "They are the four keys of a keyboard. Before the invention of the Light Brain and consciousness connections, keyboards were the main input tools."\n

\n\n

\n Lenon had heard of that ancient era but had never seen a keyboard; such things had completely disappeared in the interstellar age. He placed the ring under the light to examine it, the plain silver surface reflecting a silvery-white halo. "A keyboard. Then what do these four letters represent?"\n

\n\n

\n "They are... the most commonly used keys in games of that era."\n

\n\n

\n WSAD, the directional keys in Interstellar War. In countless live streams, Lin You used these four keys to control his beautiful silver-haired character model, exploring and soaring through the stars, firing shot after shot to reach the high-score rankings on the national server.\n

\n\n

\n He was not the original Third Prince; these directional keys represented where he came from.\n

\n\n

\n Lenon didn't understand why Lin You would engrave the directional keys of an ancient era's game on the ring, but that didn't stop him from accepting it with a smile. "Thank you, it's very beautiful."\n

\n\n

\n He slid the ring onto his ring finger, watching as Lin You simultaneously put on the other one. The beautiful Iris pattern wrapped around his fingertip like a flaunting vow.\n

\n\n

\n —This Male Zerg was his, and no one else could covet him.\n

\n\n

\n Lenon then leaned down, and amidst the overwhelming scent of citrus, he kissed the owner of the Iris ring.\n

\n\n

\n ...\n

\n\n

\n Tonight, Lenon was truly a bit crazy.\n

\n\n

\n He seemed to be untiring, begging, demanding, kissing, and embracing, as if enjoying a final pleasure. Halfway through the night, he and Lin You were covered in sweat, their cold white skin reflecting a glaze-like luster. Lenon let out a muffled groan and collapsed exhaustedly beside Lin You.\n

\n\n

\n Lin You didn't even have the strength to speak.\n

\n\n

\n He tangled his fingers into the Major General's silver hair, gently stroking it. Lenon comfortably closed his eyes and nuzzled closer to him. "Little Highness..."\n

\n\n

\n He spoke with less and less restraint. From the initial "Third Prince" and "My Highness", to now calling him whatever came to mind—only a few months had passed in total.\n

\n\n

\n Lin You gave a soft "Mm" as a reply.\n

\n\n

\n Lenon looked at him. "Little Highness, I have to leave tomorrow."\n

\n\n

\n He was going to the trial court to await trial.\n

\n\n

\n Lin You: "Mm, don't worry. I will bring you back."\n

\n\n

\n It was only ten days. After ten days, Lenon would still return to his estate, back to this bed.\n

\n\n

\n Lenon said softly, "After the trial is over, I still have one wish."\n

\n\n

\n "I want a ten-day vacation to visit Zone 35's Graveyard, to pay respects to the departed old friends of the Third Legion."\n

\n\n

\n Lin You knew about this. It was the Zerg's most tragic war in recent years. During the encirclement and suppression of the cosmic black market, the border garrison had lost more than half of its troops, and many of these fallen soldiers belonged to the Third Legion. The first time Lin You went to visit Lenon, he had seen the tragic situation of that day in the exhibition room.\n

\n\n

\n He said lazily, "Go if you want to. I'm not locking you up. You can go whenever you want."\n

\n\n

\n Lenon: "The 21st of the month after next, is that okay?"\n

\n\n

\n "..."\n

\n\n

\n Lin You was suddenly startled.\n

\n\n

\n He suddenly remembered that in the original novel, when Lenon could no longer endure the torture of the pheromones, resolutely injected the syringe, and traveled far to the border battlefield, the day he finally died was also the 21st of the month after next.\n

","published_time":"2026-05-24T00:00:00.000Z","paid":false,"show_flag":true,"show_scheduled_time":"2026-05-24T00:00:00.000Z","unpaid_scheduled_time":"2026-05-24T00:00:00.000Z"},{"content_id":4441,"novel_id":71,"chapter_no":49,"chapter_title":"Trial","content":"

\n Lin You's expression suddenly turned ugly.\n

\n\n

\n The original novel was vague, focusing its descriptions on the protagonist's suffering. As for the final ending, including how Lenon died and what caused his death, nothing was mentioned, so Lin You had no way of knowing.\n

\n\n

\n And the moment his expression changed, Lenon noticed it.\n

\n\n

\n The Major General straightened up and knelt on the bed, the blanket slipping down his shoulders. He reached out to touch Lin You's forehead. "Your Highness?"\n

\n\n

\n Lin You startled. "...I'm fine."\n

\n\n

\n They had just finished making love, and their necks still bore scattered kiss marks.\n

\n\n

\n Lin You was restless. Gripping the Major General's wrist, he lowered his eyes and asked, "Why the 21st?"\n

\n\n

\n Lenon: "Hmm?"\n

\n\n

\n Lin You: "Why must your visit to pay respects to your late friend be set on the 21st of the month after next?"\n

\n\n

\n Why did it perfectly coincide with the Major General's date of death in the novel?\n

\n\n

\n He was agitated, his tone inevitably becoming emotional. Lenon looked surprised for a moment, then smiled. "Because Devon's annual leave is used up; he won't have more until the month after next. I'm nominally a cripple right now and can't pilot an aircraft. I want Devon to accompany me."\n

\n\n

\n "..."\n

\n\n

\n The reason was perfectly logical, but Lin You remained suspicious. As a shooting game streamer, his sixth sense had always been accurate, yet he couldn't find a reason to refute it.\n

\n\n

\n Lin You stared intently at Lenon: "What if I don't agree?"\n

\n\n

\n His tone was calm. "If I don't agree, as my servant, you have no right to leave the prince's residence on your own, let alone go to a barren star with Devon to pay respects to a deceased friend."\n

\n\n

\n Lenon paused.\n

\n\n

\n Since he entered the prince's residence, this was the first time Lin You had spoken in such a tone.\n

\n\n

\n The esteemed Third Prince was tense all over, his back stiff. Even though he was the one with the authority to call the shots, he was more nervous than Lenon. He feigned composure, but his eyelashes trembled slightly, clearly revealing his uneasiness.\n

\n\n

\n Lenon's azure eyes watched Lin You, harboring inexplicable emotions. He pulled Lin You's hand, nestled beside him, and rested his chin on Lin You's shoulder blade. "If you really don't agree, then..."\n

\n\n

\n Lin You tensed even further.\n

\n\n

\n He knew Lenon had a plan, knew he had things he must do, and also knew that if Lenon wanted to leave, he couldn't trap him.\n

\n\n

\n In the original text, the Major General was pushed to the verge of collapse because of Pheromones, and even then, the Third Prince couldn't keep him contained.\n

\n\n

\n If he absolutely refused to agree, then Lenon would probably leave without saying goodbye. The two of them would part ways and become strangers, just like in the original novel.\n

\n\n

\n But just as he was silently locked in a stalemate, he heard Lenon sigh and kiss his earlobe. Inside the soft, warm blankets, the decisive and ruthless Major General immediately softened his voice. "...Then I can only beg you."\n

\n\n

\n "Please, Your Highness." He murmured vaguely while kissing Lin You. "I have reasons why I must go."\n

\n\n

\n In a daze, Lin You felt as if he were looking at his friend's golden retriever—whenever it made someone angry, it would get away with it by acting spoiled and whining softly. He wanted to push Lenon away, but his wrists were caught, and the other man entangled him even tighter. He could only say dejectedly, "Alright."\n

\n\n

\n He concealed his insignificant nervousness. "If you need anything, I can help. Please feel free to ask. My father commands the First Legion and the Seventh Legion. If you need anything..."\n

\n\n

\n "Okay." Lenon leaned over to kiss him. "Don't worry, Little Highness."\n

\n\n

\n His voice was barely audible: "I will present you with the final victory."\n

\n\n

\n Lin You didn't hear clearly. "What?"\n

\n\n

\n Lenon didn't answer, only pressing him back into the blankets. "I said, I'm leaving tomorrow, so let me hug you a bit more."\n

\n\n

\n Lin You couldn't say a word and could only hug him back tightly.\n

\n\n

\n The next day, before the Trial Court arrived, Lenon personally injected a substitute syringe into his arm.\n

\n\n

\n The ice-blue medicine was injected into his blood; his muscles instantly tensed up, then quickly relaxed.\n

\n\n

\n Lin You watched from the side, biting his lip slightly, but ultimately didn't stop him.\n

\n\n

\n Lenon explained it to Lin You like this: "I will be staying in prison while awaiting trial. I have to look like I've been taking the Addictive Pheromone. If I don't suffer a little, it will be hard to fool them."\n

\n\n

\n At this time, the side effects of the substitute syringe became its primary function. Lenon began to run a dizzying fever; his whole body was sore and weak, requiring someone to support him just to stand. His Pheromones unconsciously diffused into the surroundings in a disordered state. To outsiders, it looked exactly like a Pheromone addiction.\n

\n\n

\n Lin You touched his arm and only then discovered there were many tiny pinpricks on it. The scars left by Pheromone injections were always harder to heal than normal wounds. The liquid medicine caused a rejection reaction in his body, leaving the needle marks on his skin behind.\n

\n\n

\n Lenon took in his expression and smiled. "Don't make that kind of face, Little Highness. After all, I used to be a Major General; I wouldn't feel miserable over a single needle."\n

\n\n

\n Lin You frowned in disapproval. "What does this have to do with your position? Anyone would feel miserable."\n

\n\n

\n Being able to endure it was one thing, but feeling miserable was another.\n

\n\n

\n He gave Lenon a kiss laden with Pheromones.\n

\n\n

\n When the deacons of the Trial Court arrived at the Third Prince's residence, the two quickly adjusted their states. Lenon looked disheveled, kneeling on the ground with his chin resting on Lin You's lap, looking wronged and humiliated yet forced to be obedient. Lin You, on the other hand, sat properly in the middle of the hall, haughty and aloof.\n

\n\n

\n The deacons bowed to Lin You. Several people signed the trial warrant and completed the corresponding procedures before bowing again. "Then, Third Highness, we will be taking the Major General away."\n

\n\n

\n They pulled Lenon up. Throughout the process, Lenon's expression remained calm and unresponsive, looking like someone at the mercy of others, his heart like dead ashes.\n

\n\n

\n However, just as the deacons attempted to bind him with chains, Lin You suddenly spoke up. His fingers tapped the table as he sneered sinisterly, "You two, although I'm temporarily handing him over to you, I don't want to see any marks on my property that weren't left by me. You must return him to me completely intact, understand?"\n

\n\n

\n He deliberately emphasized the words "my property" and "any marks."\n

\n\n

\n The deacons made repeated assurances, smiling carefully and apologetically.\n

\n\n

\n Ever since the coming-of-age ceremony, the entire imperial capital knew that the Third Prince had an eccentric temper and a terrifying possessiveness. He hated it most when others touched his things. Even the victim of Major General Lenon—the young master of the Liam family, White Liam—had received a kick from the Third Prince. Foot soldiers like them certainly wouldn't dare provoke him.\n

\n\n

\n Lenon looked at him with a smile.\n

\n\n

\n The Major General truly wasn't worried at all. Sandwiched between the two deacons, he actually still had the mood to tease Lin You, repeating with great interest by mouthing the words: "Oh, your property?"\n

\n\n

\n Lin You consequently glared at him.\n

\n\n

\n The two deacons didn't dare to delay too long in the Third Prince's residence and hurriedly took the person to the Trial Court. And almost in the very next second, Lin You avoided the crowd and also left the residence. He piloted a servant's ordinary aircraft—bearing neither the royal crest nor the mark of the prince's residence—and hurried toward Admiral Hoyle's estate.\n

\n\n

\n He had to grease the wheels at the Trial Court's prison. Otherwise, if things really progressed according to the original novel, by the time Lenon came out of the Trial Court, Lin You would go berserk too.\n

\n\n

\n Although he was a noble prince, the original owner had just come of age and had an indulgent, playful personality. He had almost no faction of his own and had to rely entirely on Admiral Hoyle.\n

\n\n

\n Admiral Hoyle seemed to have expected Lin You's arrival. He was leisurely drinking tea in the front hall and said slowly, "You want me to find someone to look after Lenon?"\n

\n\n

\n Lin You hovered around him, pouring water and adding tea, acting incredibly obedient. Hearing this, he nodded: "Yes!"\n

\n\n

\n Hoyle hadn't seen the kid act this obedient in eight hundred years. He felt perplexed and experienced the subtle displeasure of his own prized cabbage being lured away by someone else's. He raised an eyebrow and said, "Do you really value him that much?"\n

\n\n

\n "..."\n

\n\n

\n Lin You obediently massaged the Admiral's shoulders, his voice as quiet as a mosquito: "It has to be him."\n

\n\n

\n The child had already said so, what else could Admiral Hoyle say? For a moment, he felt deeply moved, his thoughts swirling.\n

\n\n

\n The marriage between Admiral Hoyle and the old Emperor was purely for political reasons. Although they gave birth to Lin You, they rarely had the chance to meet, let alone develop any feelings. In the early years when his Pheromones were unstable, the Admiral had suffered quite a bit.\n

\n\n

\n He just didn't expect that the child he gave birth to would be so unique.\n

\n\n

\n Although Lenon wasn't under Hoyle's command, Hoyle had long heard of this rising junior. The other party had climbed step by step to become a Major General; the bitterness and hardships involved went without saying. Seeing this, Hoyle felt a bit of sympathy for a fellow sufferer. Since Lin You had asked, he was happy to help.\n

\n\n

\n Hoyle got up and headed to the Trial Court. He first went to the holding cell to see Lenon, and then met with the head warden of the prison.\n

\n\n

\n Compared to Lin You, the Admiral had weathered many storms and was much more experienced. He almost instantly thought of the wording to protect Lenon without attracting Lin Yu's attention.\n

\n\n

\n "Whether Lenon is guilty or not is another matter. After all, he married into the prince's residence. When he appears in court, he can't look too terrible. Otherwise, it will give people an excuse to gossip, saying the Third Prince abused him. It would reflect poorly on both the Royal Family and myself."\n

\n\n

\n Cold sweat dripped down the head warden's face. He was indeed backed by the First Prince, and the First Prince had mentioned not to let Lenon be too comfortable. However, Admiral Hoyle was no ordinary figure either, and the reason he presented was convincing.\n

\n\n

\n Lin Yu had only mentioned it in passing, while Admiral Hoyle had visited in person. The head warden weighed the matter for a moment and had already made a decision on what to do.\n

\n\n

\n Hoyle tapped the table and said casually, "I just went to see Lenon. He looks terrible, like he doesn't have long to live. There will be quite a few media outlets on the day of the trial. Take good care of him these next few days. At the very least, nurse him back into looking human."\n

\n\n

\n The head warden secretly grumbled in his heart, thinking that his terrible complexion was all because of the Third Prince. However, he didn't dare show the slightest hint of it on his face and respectfully agreed.\n

\n\n

\n Therefore, Lenon waited and waited in his cell, but he never experienced the torment he had imagined.\n

\n\n

\n The deacons kept their eyes straight ahead. Let alone private torture and interrogations, they didn't even glance at him. Daily meals were delivered on time. Lenon poked at the food with a spoon—there were vegetables and meat, and the portion was quite large.\n

\n\n

\n The Trial Court even provided hot water daily for him to wash up, and the deacons cleaned the cell every day. Lenon swept his gaze around; the cell they gave him was of the highest standard. The space wasn't small, the temperature was pleasant, and there were even books and newspapers in the wall niche to relieve boredom.\n

\n\n

\n Aside from the high fever brought on by the Pheromone injection, which made him feel a little uncomfortable, it was more like he was on a resort vacation.\n

\n\n

\n When ten days passed and the trial officially began, Lenon was even a little dazed.\n

\n\n

\n This was nothing like what he had imagined.\n

\n\n

\n In fact, from the very beginning when he got out of the Third Prince's bed, everything had been different from what he had imagined.\n

\n\n

\n He stood safely and steadily on the trial stand. The fever was a bit uncomfortable, but it wasn't unbearable. The effects of the injection would soon pass, leaving behind only minor aftereffects that were insignificant and not worth mentioning.\n

\n\n

\n If not for Lin You, there was absolutely no way he could have made it here so easily.\n

\n\n

\n Thinking of this, Lenon revealed an imperceptible smile.\n

\n\n

\n His gaze crossed the vast jury and landed on Lin You, who was seated high above.\n

\n\n

\n Lin You was sitting between Admiral Hoyle and the First Prince, looking down from his high vantage point with an expressionless face. He disguised himself perfectly, like a truly cold, brutal, ruthless, and arrogant prince. The look he gave Lenon carried not a trace of warmth, as if looking at a piece of merchandise.\n

\n\n

\n But Lenon saw the silver gleam flashing at his fingertips.\n

\n\n

\n It was the ring they exchanged when they got married.\n

\n\n

\n Lin You maintained his cold and arrogant expression, but his fingers anxiously spun the ring. The plain silver band reflected a shimmering light, like sunlight spilling across the undulating surface of a lake.\n

\n\n

\n At this moment, Lenon stood in the dead center of the Trial Court. Wearing heavy shackles and a thin prison uniform, the gazes of countless people gathered on him—some scornful, some contemptuous. They wantonly scrutinized Lenon, discussing this once lofty military genius, the noble young master of the Colette Family. They talked about how unforgivable his actions were and how bleak his future was. Among them were many of Lenon's former enemies and subordinates.\n

\n\n

\n "Look, this is the Major General of the Third Legion. In the end, he ended up like this."\n

\n\n

\n Logically speaking, Lenon should have felt embarrassed and sad, but when his gaze landed on Lin You, all that malice receded like the tide.\n

\n\n

\n The frequency at which Lin You spun the ring was too fast.\n

\n\n

\n His expression was tense—Lenon was familiar with this look. The more nervous Lin You was, the colder his expression became, but his small gestures would betray him, just like right now.\n

\n\n

\n Even though Lenon was the one on trial right now, Lin You was more anxious than Lenon. The arc of light from the spinning ring had never ceased.\n

\n\n

\n Lenon sighed softly.\n

\n\n

\n —His Little Highness looked extremely worried.\n

\n\n

\n The chief judge struck the gavel three times, signaling for everyone to be quiet. Then, he read out the charges and the verdict. Item by item, they were all fabricated charges he had never committed, but Lenon nodded to all of them and calmly accepted them.\n

\n\n

\n —The First Prince had already constructed a complete chain of evidence. Struggling now would be to no avail.\n

\n\n

\n When the final item was read and all the punishments were laid out before him, the chief judge coughed and began to read the pardon.\n

\n\n

\n "Lenon Colette, former Major General of the Third Legion. According to the pardon, from now on, you will voluntarily give up your status as a natural person. You will be stripped of your position and identity, enjoy no political rights, and transfer the Colette Family's wealth to the Third Prince, Lin You, in exchange for leniency in your sentence. Do you agree to the above terms?"\n

\n\n

\n Lenon's azure eyes looked toward the jury. "I agree."\n

\n\n

\n To the outside world, Lenon had taken the Addictive Pheromone and was in extremely poor physical condition. In reality, he was still running a high fever. This "I agree" was uttered very softly, his tone hoarse, sounding inexplicably gentle.\n

\n\n

\n System 55 lay on Lin You's shoulder, rubbing its non-existent arms.\n

\n\n

\n "Host, do you know?" it complained quietly.\n

\n\n

\n "My previous host also married his mission target. At the time, they held their wedding under the coconut trees on the beach. The officiant held my host's hand with his left hand and my host's partner's hand with his right hand, and then asked, 'Sir, for sickness or health, for richer or poorer, are you willing to hold the hand of the person beside you and spend the rest of your long life together?' At that time, the tone of my host's mission target was exactly the same as your Major General Lenon's right now."\n

\n\n

\n "..."\n

\n\n

\n The chief judge nodded and turned back to Lin You. "Respected Third Highness, are you willing to accept this sinner, take him into your residence, and give him a chance to turn over a new leaf?"\n

\n\n

\n Lin You nodded reservedly. "I am willing."\n

\n\n

\n They signed the pardon in black and white, and with the stamping of the royal seal, the trial was considered over.\n

\n\n

\n Lin You breathed a sigh of relief.\n

\n\n

\n He could finally bring Lenon back openly and legitimately.\n

\n\n

\n The two of them boarded the aircraft one after another. Lenon was still completely weak. He gripped the railing desperately; the short flight of stairs felt like an impassable chasm, and he practically dragged himself up. Meanwhile, Lin You walked alone in front, showing no intention of helping.\n

\n\n

\n Lin Yu took it all in and nodded in satisfaction.\n

\n\n

\n But the moment the aircraft's cabin door closed, they couldn't wait to kiss each other.\n

\n\n

\n Lin You was eager to transfer his Pheromones to suppress the side effects of the injection and make the Major General feel better. However, Lenon wasn't in a hurry at all. He kissed slowly and leisurely, tracing the curve of the other man's lips with his teeth and tongue, and finally pulled Lin You down as he fell backward onto the large bed in the aircraft.\n

\n\n

\n Lenon: "Want to do it?"\n

\n\n

\n Lin You was stunned. "You're still running a fever."\n

\n\n

\n The temperature of the skin beneath his hand was still scalding hot. No matter how formidable the Major General was, he wasn't made of iron. The high temperature not only clouded his thoughts but also made his joints and muscles ache faintly. Lenon's miserable display just now hadn't been entirely faked.\n

\n\n

\n A trace of amusement flashed through Lenon's eyes. "I heard it feels even better."\n

\n\n

\n Lin You: "?"\n

\n\n

\n His brain crashed for a full few seconds before he finally understood the meaning of those words from the other's half-smiling gaze.\n

\n\n

\n Lenon wasn't even joking; he was serious.\n

\n\n

\n The side effects of the Pheromone injection still hadn't passed. Being too vigorous now would only make the situation worse, yet Lenon truly didn't care about his body in the slightest. He stared fixedly at Lin You, unconcerned about the potential consequences, as if this flesh and blood vessel were insignificant, merely a burden that could be discarded at any time, while he, trapped within it, sought only a moment of pleasure.\n

\n\n

\n Lin You ground his teeth in frustration.\n

\n\n

\n He bit down hard on Lenon's shoulder. The Major General clearly hadn't expected this move and immediately let out a muffled groan of pain. "Hiss—"\n

\n\n

\n "Now you know it hurts?"\n

\n\n

\n Lin You yanked the blanket over, wrapping him from head to toe, leaving only a pair of azure eyes peering out in confusion.\n

\n\n

\n Lin You: "Until you are completely recovered, don't even think about it!"\n

\n\n

\n "Now, sleep."\n

","published_time":"2026-05-24T00:00:00.000Z","paid":false,"show_flag":true,"show_scheduled_time":"2026-05-24T00:00:00.000Z","unpaid_scheduled_time":"2026-05-24T00:00:00.000Z"},{"content_id":4442,"novel_id":71,"chapter_no":50,"chapter_title":"Frontier","content":"

\n Lenon returned from the trial court and recuperated in the Third Prince's residence for over half a month before fully recovering.\n

\n\n

\n The excessive injections he had taken to avoid detection hadn't completely metabolized even now. The side effects of that stuff were extreme; he intermittently ran a fever and became lethargic.\n

\n\n

\n Lenon didn't show any discomfort. On his second day back, he took up the butler's duties again and started preparing afternoon tea for Lin You. It wasn't until Lin You touched his skin and noticed his abnormal temperature that he forcefully pinned him down on the bed.\n

\n\n

\n Lenon was groggy at the time. He looked blankly at Lin You, his vision struggling to focus. Upon realizing he was pinned firmly by the Third Prince, making it difficult even to roll over, let alone get up, he finally allowed his body to go limp.\n

\n\n

\n "Alright," he groggily closed his eyes. "It seems I won't be able to take care of you these next few days."\n

\n\n

\n Lin You started grinding his teeth again. These past few days, many more bite marks had appeared on Lenon's body. Every time he disregarded his health and joked around recklessly, making Lin You itch with anger but unable to truly punish him, Lin You would bite him on the shoulder. "Take care of yourself, Major General. I don't need you to take care of me."\n

\n\n

\n Lenon muttered, "Not having to do anything makes it feel like I'm in retirement."\n

\n\n

\n He had stepped down from his position in the Third Legion, ushering in a long vacation. He spent his days tending the garden and basking in the sun, rivaling the elderly in his leisure.\n

\n\n

\n During this vacation, Lenon completely handed over the Colette Family to Lin You.\n

\n\n

\n Holding nothing back, he transferred all the family's businesses and properties, leaving with absolutely nothing himself. He even brought several younger generation members of the family to Lin You to introduce them.\n

\n\n

\n In this generation of the Colette Family, aside from Lenon, there was no pillar of support capable of shouldering the burden. The family was currently in a transitional phase with a lack of successors. The younger generation were all little rugrats, around seven or eight years old, not even reaching Lin You's thighs.\n

\n\n

\n The little rugrats stood obediently in a row, calling out "Your Highness the Third Prince" in their milky voices. Lin You's eyebrow twitched slightly as he complained to the system, "55, do you know what this scene reminds me of?"\n

\n\n

\n 55: "?"\n

\n\n

\n "It reminds me of Zhuge Liang at Baidi City. Liu Bei knew he didn't have long to live, so he entrusted Adou to him... The only difference is that Liu Bei entrusted one, whereas Lenon is entrusting a whole row."\n

\n\n

\n 55 looked at the row of little rugrats.\n

\n\n

\n "..."\n

\n\n

\n It was quite fitting.\n

\n\n

\n Other than that, everything was perfectly normal, even a bit peaceful and idyllic. The only unusual thing was that Lin You noticed Lenon spending more time on the training system.\n

\n\n

\n He repeatedly shot at static targets, every shot a fatal hit. Lin You followed suit and fired two shots himself, having to admit that even as a top-tier streamer, there was still a gap between him and a Major General who had truly fought his way through blood and fire.\n

\n\n

\n Days passed by, drawing closer and closer to the 21st. Lin You silently counted down in his heart until, finally, only a few hours remained.\n

\n\n

\n Colonel Devon of the Third Legion had taken annual leave in advance and parked his aircraft near the Third Prince's residence. He visited Lenon under the cover of night. Once dawn broke, they would set off against the morning light, flying toward the border of Zone 35.\n

\n\n

\n Lin You repeatedly flipped through the final paragraph of the novel, trying to search for clues, but the description was too vague. There were only a few short sentences: "Lenon raised his gun, aiming straight ahead. This was an ultra-long-range sniper rifle, its bullets capable of crossing the pitch-black deep space to bury him and his enemy together in this graveyard of stars. He loaded, aimed, and pulled the trigger—then embraced death."\n

\n\n

\n As for who exactly he aimed his gun at, who he was buried with, and how he died, the novel made no mention.\n

\n\n

\n Lin You suppressed the irritability in his heart and nodded a greeting to Devon. "Colonel, may I see the aircraft you're taking?"\n

\n\n

\n Devon was taken aback. He wasn't accustomed to Lin You's politeness and nodded repeatedly. "Of course, please."\n

\n\n

\n They had been sitting together drinking tea. Hearing this, Lenon put down the pastry in his hand and stood up reluctantly. "What's there to see?"\n

\n\n

\n Lin You: "I have to see if it's safe, at the very least."\n

\n\n

\n Following behind Devon, he tightly gripped the USB flash drive in his hand and asked obscurely, "55, are you ready?"\n

\n\n

\n The small screen displayed an "OK" expression.\n

\n\n

\n Lin You couldn't be at ease with Lenon going to Zone 35 alone no matter what, but he couldn't speak up to stop him either. After much thought, he came up with a method.\n

\n\n

\n He decided to imitate the First Prince and install a tracking camera on the ship.\n

\n\n

\n 55 was a system from a higher-dimensional civilization. Not only could it provide omnidirectional surveillance, but it could also even take over the ship when necessary, forcefully cutting off control from the cockpit. If it truly came to a critical life-or-death moment, Lin You could order the aircraft to return.\n

\n\n

\n The only problem was that he first had to hack into the ship's control system.\n

\n\n

\n The military's ships had gone through several iterations, so their security was beyond doubt. Even 55 couldn't hack in out of thin air. Lin You needed to import data into the main control system first, and the medium for this import was the small USB drive in his hand.\n

\n\n

\n Lin You boarded the aircraft.\n

\n\n

\n The interior space of this aircraft was not cramped; on the contrary, it was quite spacious, divided into a living room, a lounge, and a cockpit. Inside the lounge was a massive floor-to-ceiling window made of a single solid piece of high-density glass capable of withstanding the pressure difference between the cosmos and the ship's interior, looking like a scene straight out of a sci-fi novel.\n

\n\n

\n Lenon stood shoulder to shoulder with him, gazing out from the floor-to-ceiling window. It was late at night, and outside the glass, there were only the undulating buildings of the prince's residence.\n

\n\n

\n Lenon said, "Tomorrow, when we fly out of the atmosphere, we'll be able to look straight down at the Capital Star and the nearby nebulas from this window. If we're lucky enough, we might even see the sunrise from here. The morning sun will dye the clouds rose-red, and when the sea of clouds surges, it will look like the ground is paved with shattered gold."\n

\n\n

\n Lin You didn't linger, only replying, "It should be very beautiful."\n

\n\n

\n He turned around and entered the cockpit.\n

\n\n

\n Compared to the comfortable and tidy living room, the design of the cockpit was much more messy and chaotic. Various exposed wires and buttons of unknown use made it look exceptionally complex.\n

\n\n

\n Lenon disapproved, "You shouldn't come in here."\n

\n\n

\n There were many sharp objects in the cockpit, making it a poor place for a tour. People unfamiliar with the environment could easily get cut moving around here.\n

\n\n

\n Devon followed closely behind and also said, "Your Highness, the environment here is too terrible. You shouldn't stay here." He was afraid that the Male Zerg would be delicate and capricious, accidentally breaking something, as they didn't have time for repairs or to find replacements.\n

\n\n

\n Lin You waved his hand and sat down in the pilot's seat. He seemingly casually brushed over rows of buttons, and when his fingers stroked a certain port under the seat, he used his body as cover and gently inserted the USB drive.\n

\n\n

\n Click.\n

\n\n

\n A faint interlocking sound came from the port.\n

\n\n

\n 55: "Data transmission initiated. Attempting to hack into the ship's control system."\n

\n\n

\n At the same time, Lin You pointed at the dashboard to attract their attention, using his voice to cover up the mechanical click. "Major General Lenon, I'm very interested in aircraft. Tell me about its structure."\n

\n\n

\n "...Alright."\n

\n\n

\n Male Zergs generally had no interest in these things. Hearing the Third Prince ask this, Lenon raised an eyebrow in surprise, but still began to explain.\n

\n\n

\n He sat down in the co-pilot seat, turning sideways to teach Lin You how to fiddle with the buttons, his expression patient and meticulous. "This is the master control for the millimeter-wave radar, used to detect and locate enemy ships or turbulent cosmic rocks. This one..."\n

\n\n

\n Lin You's gaze followed him, seemingly listening intently, but his mind was actually wandering, his thoughts drifting off to who knows where.\n

\n\n

\n He recognized these things.\n

\n\n

\n In the military's simulation system, Lenon had also taught him how to pilot an aircraft like this, over and over again, without ever getting tired of it.\n

\n\n

\n Although Lin You had never touched the real thing, his points in the simulation system had long reached the top ranks, slightly lower than Lenon's but not inferior to any Military Female Zerg below the rank of field officer.\n

\n\n

\n Just as the explanation for the first row of buttons finished, 55 softly said, "Host, transmission complete."\n

\n\n

\n Lin You gave a slight nod and, using his body as cover, slipped the USB drive into his pocket.\n

\n\n

\n Lenon's gaze imperceptibly swept past his wrist, his brow twitching slightly, but he didn't say anything.\n

\n\n

\n The cockpit fell quiet.\n

\n\n

\n Devon raised his hand to check his watch and said softly, "Major General, we should get going."\n

\n\n

\n Lenon: "Mhm..."\n

\n\n

\n Lin You lowered his eyes. "Then I'll head down first."\n

\n\n

\n He was feeling a bit sad and had to lower his eyes to hide it.\n

\n\n

\n "Wait, Little Highness."\n

\n\n

\n With a smile in his eyes, Lenon suddenly grabbed him, forcefully pulling Lin You right in front of him.\n

\n\n

\n It was a movement that was neither gentlemanly nor elegant. It went against the ancestral teachings of the Colette Family and was even less appropriate to use on a Highness. In the first twenty-plus years of his life, Lenon had never done such a rough action, yet he did it now.\n

\n\n

\n Lenon said, "Little Highness, I've overstepped. Please forgive me."\n

\n\n

\n He spoke of overstepping, but his actions didn't stop. He reached out to clasp the back of Lin You's head, suddenly leaning in to exchange a deep, lingering kiss.\n

\n\n

\n Lips and teeth pressed together. Lenon kissed forcefully and roughly, not letting go even when Lin You lightly bit his lower lip.\n

\n\n

\n They kissed for an unknown amount of time. When the storm finally subsided, Lin You took a step back to steady himself before saying, "I don't forgive you."\n

\n\n

\n He looked at Lenon quietly. "Major General, I am not a casual person. I won't easily forgive such an offense."\n

\n\n

\n Lenon then burst into laughter. "Then what should I do to earn your forgiveness?"\n

\n\n

\n "Come back." Lin You took a deep breath. "Come back completely in one piece."\n

\n\n

\n Lenon smiled. "It's a promise."\n

\n\n

\n He turned and walked deeper into the ship.\n

\n\n

\n As Lin You stepped off the ship, the eastern sky was just beginning to show the pale white of dawn. In front of him, the massive iron-gray creation ignited and started up, a ring of blue-purple flames shooting from the thrusters. Lenon walked to the glass window and waved at Lin You, revealing a smile.\n

\n\n

\n This smile wasn't a social, hypocritical one, but a genuine, radiant, and uninhibited smile. At this moment, Lenon seemed to have shed all his shackles. He was no longer the well-bred eldest son of his family, nor the Major General of the Third Legion who needed to disguise himself carefully. He was simply himself.\n

\n\n

\n Lenon mouthed, "Goodbye."\n

\n\n

\n The aircraft gradually grew smaller in sight, becoming a blurry, invisible little dot.\n

\n\n

\n Lin You watched him disappear into the sky above.\n

\n\n

\n He returned to the prince's residence and shut the study door. 55 chimed in at the perfect time, "The sharing system has been activated for you."\n

\n\n

\n The screen unrolled like a scroll. A reddish-gold sun emerged at the edge of his vision, rose-red filling his sight as the sea of clouds churned along with it.\n

\n\n

\n 55: "They are just passing through the troposphere."\n

\n\n

\n In the shared footage, the ship passed through the troposphere and stratosphere, finally breaking free from the gravitational pull of the Capital Star. They sailed through the boundless universe for several days and nights, passing by the Zerg's prosperous or desolate planets, and finally stopped at the border of Zone 35.\n

\n\n

\n The border troops of the Third Legion were stationed here.\n

\n\n

\n Lenon and Devon stopped here. They restocked their supplies, replenishing the consumed food, water, and fuel, and then stayed on this planet for one night.\n

\n\n

\n This was the frontier of the Empire. Further out was the unexplored and undeveloped universe, a breeding ground for black markets and rampant space pirates. Yet, the defense here was surprisingly weak. Only remnants of the Third Legion were stationed here, not even enough to form a complete company.\n

\n\n

\n The leader of the garrison was a lame, one-eyed old man. Wearing the uniform of the Third Legion and leaning on a crutch, his empty trouser leg was tied up with a tattered cloth. He bowed to Lenon, "Major General."\n

\n\n

\n Lenon supported him. "Abel, have you been doing well lately?"\n

\n\n

\n Abel smiled. "I'm alright. The phantom limb hurts occasionally... It's just that in this backwater place, the alcohol is all undistilled, poor-quality liquor. With no merchant ships coming through, we can't even get a sip of good booze."\n

\n\n

\n Lenon then took out a case of liquor from the aircraft—produced on the Main Star, mellow in taste, and worth its weight in gold. He handed it to Abel. "Try this."\n

\n\n

\n Lin You's gaze fell on Abel's right chest, where several badges were pinned. Although rusted and peeling paint, the past glory was still faintly visible.\n

\n\n

\n 55 said, "This is a field officer."\n

\n\n

\n It skillfully pulled up Abel's file. "Abel, Colonel of the Third Legion, graduated from the Imperial First Military Academy. During the battle for Zone 35, he suffered severe injuries due to a pheromone disorder. He should have retired, but chose to stay and patrol Zone 35 to protect it."\n

\n\n

\n Lin You: "Pheromone disorder?"\n

\n\n

\n He had read the relevant documents. During the battle for Zone 35, the pheromone reserves of the Third Legion garrison had been replaced on a large scale with black-market concoctions. This act directly led to the battle ending in a pyrrhic victory, with countless casualties.\n

\n\n

\n As for why pheromone reserves, a strategic resource, were so easily replaced, and why no one was held accountable for such a massive blunder afterward—all these matters remained unknown to anyone.\n

\n\n

\n The various truths behind this tragic battle, just like those innocent non-commissioned officers who had died, were completely erased.\n

\n\n

\n Lenon and Abel drank together all night on the barren planet.\n

\n\n

\n The barren planet received almost no sunlight, remaining pitch-black all day. Violent ionizing radiation painted cool-toned auroras across the sky, and nighttime temperatures dropped as low as negative 70 degrees. After one night, their brows were covered in frost. The Major General's azure eyes were terrifyingly cold, even colder than the permanently frozen soil of Zone 35.\n

\n\n

\n Finishing the last sip from his flask, Abel smiled bitterly. "Such good liquor, it's a pity they will never get to drink it."\n

\n\n

\n Lenon patted Abel's shoulder. "Don't worry, I'm going to deliver it to them right now."\n

\n\n

\n He paused, then smiled again. "Along with the sacrificial offerings."\n

\n\n

\n Early the next morning, Devon stayed behind at the base, while Lenon piloted the aircraft alone, leaving the frontier.\n

\n\n

\n Lin You's gaze followed Lenon, watching him fly across the border and plunge straight into the vast, boundless universe.\n

\n\n

\n When passing by a certain massive planet, he began to decelerate.\n

\n\n

\n 55: "That is the so-called 'Graveyard'."\n

\n\n

\n This planet was accompanied by a massive reddish-gold planetary ring. Countless sharp rocks rose, fell, and rotated with the gravitational tides, forming a natural barrier for the planet. It warned all aircraft to approach with caution; the steel that the Zerg took pride in was vulnerable before these high-speed rocks and could be torn to pieces at any moment.\n

\n\n

\n Lenon started the aircraft, rotating along with the planetary ring.\n

\n\n

\n He engaged autopilot and stood before the floor-to-ceiling window, gazing absentmindedly at the ring.\n

\n\n

\n Within these magnificent colors lay buried the countless bones of those who could never return home.\n

\n\n

\n Lenon stayed parked here for three days.\n

\n\n

\n During these three days, he released small drones, sending them toward the planetary ring. Every drone was fully loaded with liquor. He occasionally returned to the base to resupply, but mostly, he just stayed right here.\n

\n\n

\n Neither advancing, nor retreating.\n

\n\n

\n Lin You asked, "Is he waiting for something?"\n

\n\n

\n Lenon was indeed waiting. He frequently checked the navigation and cleaned his gun, until one morning, Lin You suddenly stood up in shock.\n

\n\n

\n Outside the floor-to-ceiling window on the screen, a massive expanse of black had appeared.\n

","published_time":"2026-05-24T00:00:00.000Z","paid":false,"show_flag":true,"show_scheduled_time":"2026-05-24T00:00:00.000Z","unpaid_scheduled_time":"2026-05-24T00:00:00.000Z"},{"content_id":4443,"novel_id":71,"chapter_no":51,"chapter_title":"Aiming","content":"

\n It was a sharp-edged triangular pyramid-shaped object, pitch-black all over. Glass was inlaid at the very bottom, and through it, the brightly lit interior could be faintly seen, as bright as day.\n

\n\n

\n From the perspective of Lenon's aircraft camera, countless mechanical arms were rising and falling, the cold iron gleaming with a bluish-gray cold light.\n

\n\n

\n It seemed to be a massive heavy processing factory.\n

\n\n

\n Lin You's eyebrows twitched. "Factory?"\n

\n\n

\n Could this be that elusive pheromone factory?\n

\n\n

\n At this moment, the sound of static echoed in the cabin. Lenon pressed the answer button, and Devon's voice came through, the signal slightly distorted, "Lenon, they've gone over. The border checkpoint spotted the Royal Family's aircraft, and its coordinates are currently inside the 'factory'."\n

\n\n

\n "That is truly good news." Lenon chuckled, downing the high-proof liquor with ice in front of him. "It wasn't in vain that I've waited here for almost three days."\n

\n\n

\n He sighed emotionally, "Your intel is very accurate, Colonel Devon."\n

\n\n

\n Devon: "Of course. I previously took half a month's annual leave and figured out Zone 35 inside and out."\n

\n\n

\n He muttered, "After this, the annual leave I saved up for two years has been completely used up. Next time, even if a little male Zerg asks me out on a date, I won't be able to go."\n

\n\n

\n Lenon: "If I return alive this time and can still command the Third Legion, I'll use a special channel to make up for your annual leave, but..."\n

\n\n

\n The two of them fell silent together.\n

\n\n

\n But what if he couldn't return?\n

\n\n

\n Neither was willing to explore this possibility. After a moment of silence, Devon added, "One more thing, Lenon. From the moment the Royal Family's aircraft crossed the border, the area you are in has been completely on lockdown. Lin Yu is terrified of dying and has taken security to the extreme. Right now, it's hard for even a fly to enter Zone 35."\n

\n\n

\n Lenon: "As expected. Otherwise, why would I come so far in advance and fly around in this godforsaken place for three days?"\n

\n\n

\n If Devon hadn't intercepted the 'factory's' visitor logs, they wouldn't have been able to wait here to catch them.\n

\n\n

\n Lenon looked out the floor-to-ceiling window. That pitch-black behemoth slid over from the edge of the planet, gradually approaching. Its heavy shadow pressed down upon him like a prehistoric beast.\n

\n\n

\n He flicked the control panel. "I see them. Going offline for now."\n

\n\n

\n "Alright," Devon replied calmly, but didn't hang up. Amidst the complex static, he said softly, "Good luck, Major General."\n

\n\n

\n Lenon hummed in response and hung up the communication. He lightly started up the aircraft, avoiding the behemoth, and actually headed towards the inside of the planetary ring.\n

\n\n

\n 55 cried out in alarm, "What is he trying to do?"\n

\n\n

\n The internal structure of the planetary ring was extremely complex. The high-speed moving rocks traveled at speeds of dozens of kilometers per second. Even with the assistance of the most advanced obstacle avoidance systems, flying an aircraft into the planetary ring would still result in death or severe injury.\n

\n\n

\n Lin You said, "That is the best hiding spot."\n

\n\n

\n Lin You had pulled off a similar maneuver before. In the Crater Hive dungeon of Interstellar War, players had to bypass the worker bees' surveillance and get close to the Queen Bee BOSS to complete the kill reward. However, no matter how strong an individual was, it was very difficult to deal with the siege of the worker bee swarm. According to the forum's guide, the best method was actually to craft a fireproof suit and crawl into the hive through the magma, because no worker bee would think anyone could be there.\n

\n\n

\n A place of death became the best sanctuary.\n

\n\n

\n Similarly, based on the previous conversation, Zone 35 had been locked down. Therefore, the area around the "factory" would definitely be heavily guarded with multiple layers of defense. But no one would monitor the inside of the planetary ring; it was a universally recognized dead zone.\n

\n\n

\n Lenon drove into the planetary ring.\n

\n\n

\n He wore the uniform of the Third Legion, his chest covered in medals, and his sash meticulously tied, as if he were not breaking into a life-forbidden zone alone, but attending a ceremony to be awarded.\n

\n\n

\n Tumbling rocks brushed past the aircraft and were skillfully dodged, leaving only moderate-sized dents on its surface. The cockpit shook violently, yet Lenon's hands remained very steady. He carefully adjusted the angle and position, then merged into the planetary ring, rotating along with the dust and rocks under the planet's gravitational pull.\n

\n\n

\n As if he had always been there.\n

\n\n

\n Lin You secretly gasped. "If it were me, I would've crashed by now."\n

\n\n

\n Lenon turned off the electric lighting system and activated the electromagnetic wave shielding equipment, letting the aircraft rotate along with the planetary ring. From afar, it looked just like the other scrapped aircraft at the border of Zone 35—nothing but a cold steel coffin containing the remains of a Third Legion general.\n

\n\n

\n Lenon picked up the long-barreled rifled gun on the passenger seat and slowly began wiping it with a silk cloth.\n

\n\n

\n The silver sniper rifle was wiped until it was gleaming. The metal of the barrel reflected a cold light like the moon. He quietly watched the screen in front of him. On it, two red dots were slowly pulsating, sliding along their set trajectories and gradually approaching.\n

\n\n

\n It was the "factory" and this aircraft.\n

\n\n

\n Twenty minutes later, they began to converge.\n

\n\n

\n The "factory" brushed forward against the planetary ring's orbit. In a place Lenon couldn't see, the camera in the living room quietly turned, directly facing the direction of the "factory". And through the aircraft's floor-to-ceiling window, Lin You could already see the structure of the "factory" clearly.\n

\n\n

\n —It could roughly be divided into three levels from top to bottom. The assembly line matrix composed of mechanical arms was located at the bottom of the triangular pyramid, used to produce pheromones. The middle was partitioned into independent research offices and bedrooms, serving as the living quarters for the "factory's" leaders and visitors. The hall at the very top was surrounded by glass floor-to-ceiling windows on all four sides, used to receive the most important guests.\n

\n\n

\n Lin Yu was inside.\n

\n\n

\n Unlike the cold industrial style of the lower two levels, the top level's decor was luxurious and soft. There were genuine leather sofas transported from the Main Star, rare green plants placed by the windows, and even the carpet under their feet was worth a fortune.\n

\n\n

\n The First Prince sat carelessly on the sofa, shaking a newly developed pheromone preparation in his hand. The liquid exhibited a dangerous peach-pink color.\n

\n\n

\n Lin You asked, "55, can you figure out what they're saying from their lip movements?"\n

\n\n

\n 55: "I'll try—the resolution of the spaceship's camera is too low. It's very difficult to parse the lip movements. It would be about right if paired with a 12X scope."\n

\n\n

\n The system struggled to compute. "Hmm, I barely managed to analyze it. Lin Yu is saying, 'Is this new toy more effective than that addictive pheromone from last time?'"\n

\n\n

\n "That man wearing a tie said—oh, I just cross-referenced the Empire's information database. He is Genate, a researcher at the Imperial Pheromone Research Institute, and the top student of the institute's dean, Skeri. He was once sentenced to death for hacking his neighbor's entire family to death with an axe, including a five-year-old child, after an altercation with his neighbor. I didn't expect him to be here, and it seems he has become the person in charge of the factory."\n

\n\n

\n "Dean Skeri's top student?" Lin You paused slightly. "If I remember correctly, Lin Yu married Skeri's son as his female consort?"\n

\n\n

\n 55: "Yes, your memory is quite good—oh, he's here too. That gray-haired old man in the back is him."\n

\n\n

\n Lin You looked over and indeed saw an old man standing in the middle, also holding a bottle of peach-pink liquid in his hand. He was shaking the beaker, full of obsession.\n

\n\n

\n Lin You: "So what is the dean saying?"\n

\n\n

\n "He says, 'It's much more effective. This is my and Genate's proudest work. We've enhanced the level of discomfort after addiction and the controlling efficacy. Female Zergs will weep bitterly and beg for your grace. Without your pheromones, they will be like dogs wagging their tails begging for pity. Please enjoy to your heart's content.'"\n

\n\n

\n "Then the First Prince said, 'I can't wait. Are there any test subjects? Bring a test subject here for me to try it out on.'"\n

\n\n

\n "The Dean: 'I will arrange the most beautiful one for you right away.'"\n

\n\n

\n "The First Prince looks quite satisfied. He nodded: 'Besides being beautiful, it's best if they have a fierce temperament, the kind that won't yield no matter how they're tormented. That way, it'll be interesting when they start begging after being fed the medicine.'"\n

\n\n

\n The camera's resolution wasn't high enough to clearly see Lin Yu's expression, but Lin You could clearly sense his nonchalant attitude, as if the test subjects weren't living people, but white mice raised in a cage.\n

\n\n

\n 55 shuddered. "There are still live test subjects in the factory?"\n

\n\n

\n Lin You couldn't control his cold sneer. "How capable. It seems this factory doesn't just produce addictive pheromones, it's also a brothel in space."\n

\n\n

\n No wonder the First Prince traveled across thousands of mountains and rivers, insisting on coming to this godforsaken place.\n

\n\n

\n As the Crown Prince, there were many things the First Prince couldn't play around with on the Main Star. Otherwise, if such a scandal were exposed, it would inevitably provoke condemnation and affect the Royal Family's reputation. But placed in this deserted land, no one would know about it. No matter how outrageous he was, it didn't matter, just like that notorious Xinnu Island from Lin You's previous life.\n

\n\n

\n While they were talking, the spaceships slowly converged. The angle between them was already less than 50 degrees, but no one noticed the aircraft in the planetary ring.\n

\n\n

\n Lenon had bet right. There were many surveillance cameras around the "factory," but none paid attention to this dead, life-forbidden zone.\n

\n\n

\n Lenon calmly adjusted the aircraft.\n

\n\n

\n The aircraft's hatch opened silently. Without anyone noticing, an extremely tiny robot flew out from the aircraft's hatch. After precise calculations, it attached itself to a certain spot on the "factory's" glass.\n

\n\n

\n Highly concentrated corrosive liquid sprayed out from it, smearing onto the glass layer by layer.\n

\n\n

\n The high-strength glass was bulletproof, but it couldn't withstand the corrosion of chemical reagents. It was corroded into a grain-sized hole, leaving only a thin layer connecting it.\n

\n\n

\n Two minutes later, a beautiful red-haired female Zerg was dragged by the scalp and escorted in front of Lin Yu.\n

\n\n

\n Lin You's eyebrows twitched. "Someone from the Third Legion?"\n

\n\n

\n That person was wearing a uniform with a silver medal on their shoulder. From the visual details transmitted back by the system, it precisely belonged to the Third Legion.\n

\n\n

\n Genate: "Look at this one." He lifted the female Zerg's face. "Is this one beautiful? Captured in the previous pursuit battle in Zone 35, a major of the Third Legion. We specifically kept them untouched, just waiting for you to come."\n

\n\n

\n Lin Yu hooked the female Zerg's chin with one finger, examining them from side to side like a picky buyer evaluating goods, and nodded in satisfaction. "Beautiful. But it's a pity you guys failed to catch Lenon that time. I still think he's more beautiful."\n

\n\n

\n He smacked his lips slightly, as if he were truly regretful.\n

\n\n

\n Lin You couldn't hold back and tightly gripped the small screen.\n

\n\n

\n 55: "Let go, let go! Host, it hurts! It hurts!"\n

\n\n

\n At this time, the aircraft was almost directly converging with the "factory," the floor-to-ceiling windows facing each other from afar, less than 10 kilometers apart.\n

\n\n

\n 55: "Visually estimated to have entered the firing range of the Heavy Rifled Gun MK198."\n

\n\n

\n Lenon's silver long-barreled rifled gun was precisely the MK198.\n

\n\n

\n Lenon engaged the autopilot mode.\n

\n\n

\n Engaging the autopilot mode in a planetary ring with complex trajectories was a highly irrational choice. In at most five minutes, the aircraft would be struck by high-speed rocks, and even the hardest steel in the galaxy could only withstand two or three hits before reaching the brink of being scrapped.\n

\n\n

\n And the window of opportunity for the factory and the aircraft to converge was also roughly five minutes.\n

\n\n

\n Genate was still talking eloquently. He was placing a light brain in front of Lin Yu's eyes. "Your Highness, if you are not satisfied with this one, we have other types. Look at this gray-haired, blue-eyed one. He is also a general of the Third Legion and bears some resemblance to Lenon. I will bring him to..."\n

\n\n

\n The 12x scope was mounted on the gun. Through the crosshairs, Lenon pulled the trigger.\n

\n\n

\n He hit that grain-sized gap.\n

\n\n

\n The glass instantly cracked into cobweb-like fissures.\n

\n\n

\n Then came the second shot.\n

\n\n

\n The bullet shot out from the barrel, once again hitting the gap dead center.\n

\n\n

\n The third shot.\n

\n\n

\n Every single shot hit the mark.\n

\n\n

\n The cobweb spread out. The excellent performance of the high-strength glass prevented it from shattering over a large area, only exposing a gap the size of a bottle cap.\n

\n\n

\n But it was enough.\n

\n\n

\n The shattering sound of the glass threw the interior into a panic. The people in the living room finally noticed the ice-cold aircraft outside the window—its iron-gray structure blending perfectly into the planetary ring. Lin Yu released the red-haired military female Zerg as if electrocuted and frantically looked up, trying to find the source of the attack, but the aircraft opposite was pitch-black, and nothing could be seen.\n

\n\n

\n At this moment, the brightly lit factory was like a target in the dark of night.\n

\n\n

\n Genate immediately protected Lin Yu. "Go! Head to the lower level first!"\n

\n\n

\n They started running. For a moment, the living room turned into a chaotic mess. The crowd moved with messy footsteps, dashing left and right, making it extremely difficult to aim.\n

\n\n

\n But Lin You heard the fourth gunshot.\n

\n\n

\n Genate maintained a protective posture with the First Prince still behind him, yet a bullet pierced right through Genate's brow—through that gap that was only the size of a bottle cap.\n

\n\n

\n 55's calm voice rang out: "Genate, Imperial Pheromone Research Specialist, fugitive at large. Penetrating wound to the brain, no vital signs. Deceased."\n

\n\n

\n The corpse crashed to the ground.\n

\n\n

\n Lin Yu let out a scream. The gray-haired dean pulled him over with one hand. "Your Highness, we..."\n

\n\n

\n Before he could finish his sentence, a blossom of blood exploded from his forehead.\n

\n\n

\n Lenon fired the fifth shot.\n

\n\n

\n 55: "Skeri, Dean of the Imperial Pheromone Research Institute, Chairman of the Galaxy Pharmaceutical Company. Penetrating wound to the brain, no vital signs. Deceased."\n

\n\n

\n Following that was the sixth shot, the seventh shot...\n

\n\n

\n "Imperial Research Institute..."\n

\n\n

\n "Galaxy Pharmaceutical Company..."\n

\n\n

\n "Consul of the District 35 Consular Bureau..."\n

\n\n

\n Massive amounts of data flowed through the system. After cross-referencing, it accurately reported each person's name. Any single one of them was a prominent and famous figure. Lenon fired so quickly that the cold mechanical voices intertwined and rose and fell, forming a boundless echo.\n

\n\n

\n 55: "...Deceased."\n

\n\n

\n Lin You was about to speak when his pupils suddenly shrank.\n

\n\n

\n At the end of his line of sight, he saw two golden-red spindle-shaped objects, trailing bright blue tail flames, shooting towards them at high speed.\n

\n\n

\n The "factory" finally realized something was wrong and decided to counterattack.\n

\n\n

\n For a better sniping angle, he had removed more than half the glass of the aircraft. At this moment, the cabin was almost exposed to the outside. The Zergs' formidable bodies allowed them to survive unprotected in space for a brief moment, but only a brief moment. His silver wings spread open, the bone wings propping against the corner of the sofa to provide momentum for his body's movement. Those two shells were heading almost straight for his face.\n

\n\n

\n Lenon had absolutely no intention of dodging.\n

\n\n

\n In the struggle just now, snipers had fired at him. In order to seize the momentary angle, Lenon never dodged unless it was fatal. His shoulders, calves, and various other places were covered in grazes and bullet holes, which slowly healed under the terrifying regenerative abilities of a military female Zerg, leaving behind hideous marks. Blood floated in the air from his fingertips, as crimson as the expensive pigeon-blood rubies of the Pamir Galaxy.\n

\n\n

\n Under the excessive blood loss and injuries, Lenon's muscles twitched involuntarily. His face had lost its color, and his body spasmed and trembled slightly. The pain made his mind dizzy, yet every motion of aiming and holding the gun was so steady, as precise as interlocking gears.\n

\n\n

\n And on the other side of the aircraft's floor-to-ceiling window, the planetary ring continued its slow movement.\n

\n\n

\n 55 suddenly cried out in shock, "Heavens!"\n

\n\n

\n It saw a vast expanse of metallic wreckage.\n

\n\n

\n The Graveyard just happened to be passing by.\n

\n\n

\n Those crashed aircraft had long since turned into inorganic metallic coffins within the planetary ring.\n

\n\n

\n Corpses in space would not decay. Through a layer of tempered glass, 55 could see the dead warriors with faces covered in frost and skin turned a purplish-cyan. Their eyeballs were cloudy, their pupils dilated, leaving only an unfocused pale white.\n

\n\n

\n Yet even though their consciousness had long dispersed and their souls no longer existed, here and now, it was as if they were piercing through several layers of glass, lingering on this steel warship, quietly watching their commander.\n

\n\n

\n Lenon pulled the trigger.\n

\n\n

\n —The ninth shot.\n

\n\n

\n The bullet passed through the gap, and a spray of blood bloomed.\n

\n\n

\n Once again, a bullseye.\n

\n\n

\n The system said softly, "Lin Yu, Crown Prince of the Empire, First in Line of Succession to the Royal Family. Penetrating wound to the brain, no vital signs detected. System has determined—"\n

\n\n

\n "Deceased."\n

","published_time":"2026-05-24T00:00:00.000Z","paid":false,"show_flag":true,"show_scheduled_time":"2026-05-24T00:00:00.000Z","unpaid_scheduled_time":"2026-05-24T00:00:00.000Z"},{"content_id":4444,"novel_id":71,"chapter_no":52,"chapter_title":"Going Home","content":"

\n The First Prince's body slid down like a noodle.\n

\n\n

\n A terrified expression froze on his face, his pitch-black pupils dilated, staring in panic at the direction the gunshot came from.\n

\n\n

\n Fresh blood gushed down his forehead, quickly coagulating and turning black, becoming a bottomless bloody hole.\n

\n\n

\n The entire hall descended into chaos. Everyone hurriedly dodged, and no one even bothered to support his corpse. Messy footsteps trampled over his body, ruining the priceless fabric.\n

\n\n

\n —Even someone as noble as him looked like this after death.\n

\n\n

\n Inside the aircraft, the glass curtain wall slowly rose. Lenon watched his fallen corpse, his face terrifyingly cold. His fingers slowly loosened, and the silver gun fell to the ground. Then, he slid down the edge of the sofa and knelt on the floor.\n

\n\n

\n He had no strength left.\n

\n\n

\n The bodyguards in the "Factory" were no fools either. During the brief five-minute encounter, they fired hundreds of shots at the aircraft. In order to get the perfect sniping angle, Lenon couldn't count how many grazes he had sustained. His right shoulder even suffered a penetrating wound, and blood gushed out in small streams, dyeing his pure white uniform dark red.\n

\n\n

\n He didn't even have the strength to crawl back to the cockpit.\n

\n\n

\n After the brief stimulation of adrenaline faded, pain surged up like a tide. A layer of cold sweat seeped from his skin, making his shirt stick to his back. Massive blood loss made him feel extremely dizzy, to the point where he couldn't even see the direction of the cockpit clearly.\n

\n\n

\n —It's time to end this.\n

\n\n

\n Lenon thought.\n

\n\n

\n He turned his face, moving his gaze away from the First Prince's ugly face to the floor-to-ceiling window on the other side. There, countless dilapidated starships slowly drifted by. Their metal had long been deformed, and the insignia of the Third Legion on them was mottled and peeling. However, Lenon's expression softened, revealing a look of nostalgia.\n

\n\n

\n His old friends were eternally resting there, and in a few more minutes, perhaps he would also be resting eternally here.\n

\n\n

\n Two artillery shells were fast approaching, yet Lenon couldn't even crawl into the cockpit to perform the most basic steering maneuvers.\n

\n\n

\n He was in too much pain right now.\n

\n\n

\n It's just...\n

\n\n

\n Lenon pinched his left index finger. On it, there was a small silver ring.\n

\n\n

\n The commander of the Third Legion never wore jewelry on the battlefield. Useless burdens like rings would only affect his performance. But this ring was an exception. In the most important battle of Lenon's life, it still sat securely on the commander's index finger.\n

\n\n

\n The ring was engraved with the four letters "WASD". Lenon never understood what they meant, but he remembered the owner of the ring.\n

\n\n

\n Now, blood soaked his gloves and the ring. Lenon caressed the patterns on it and slowly closed his eyes.\n

\n\n

\n Having come to this point, he had no regrets, only a little pity.\n

\n\n

\n He regretted that he ultimately couldn't fulfill his promise to return; he regretted that they met too late, that they had spent too little time together, and that he had never completely possessed that tenderness.\n

\n\n

\n If he had known this would happen, he should have asked Lin You for a couple more kisses.\n

\n\n

\n To this day, the Colette Family's numbers had dwindled. Lenon didn't have many relatives worth worrying about. Devon and the others each had their own careers and didn't need him to worry about them. The only person he still cared about was Lin You.\n

\n\n

\n Lenon stared at the ceiling and thought, 'Will Lin You be sad?'\n

\n\n

\n 'Would he be angry, heartbroken, or even resentful because he broke his promise?'\n

\n\n

\n In the Third Prince's mansion, Lin You slammed a fist onto the power button of the training system.\n

\n\n

\n To this day, connecting everything with the original text of the novel, he completely understood.\n

\n\n

\n Why the proud Lenon in the novel had allowed the Third Prince to trample his dignity on the ground and still subserviently tried to please him; why, despite his Pheromone addiction and bleak future, locked in a dark basement without seeing the light of day, he still endured through those days; why he directly handed his family over to the Third Prince to seek asylum... All this lying low was just to wait for an opportunity.\n

\n\n

\n The Third Prince in the novel thought Lenon was a plaything in the palm of his hand, but in reality, he was the pawn chosen by Lenon. Lenon's soul transcended the vast pain of the flesh, coldly observing all the suffering inflicted by the Third Prince without caring at all, because he had long chosen this barren galaxy as his grave, to fire this shot on this very day.\n

\n\n

\n Years ago, during the battle for Zone 35, the Third Legion destroyed the black market. However, no one knew that the black market was the First Prince's property. The First Prince amassed massive wealth through inferior pheromones, winning over the powerful and wealthy to secure his position as the Crown Prince. In that battle, the Third Legion suffered tragic losses, and Lenon became a target of resentment, which led to the accusation of him murdering his fiancé.\n

\n\n

\n The First Prince had sat securely in the Crown Prince's seat for years and held overwhelming power. Even Lin You's biological father, Admiral Hoyle, found it difficult to challenge his edge, let alone Lenon. This desperate assassination was his only chance to reclaim justice for his old friends.\n

\n\n

\n Lin You closed his eyes.\n

\n\n

\n He fastened the hatch of the training cabin.\n

\n\n

\n System 55's calm voice rang out: "Connected to the spacecraft control system. Host, please be prepared."\n

\n\n

\n The next second, his line of sight abruptly changed. The image in the training cabin shifted. When Lin You opened his eyes again, he was already in the cockpit of the aircraft.\n

\n\n

\n On the screen to his right, two red dots were approaching at high speed. They were two missiles.\n

\n\n

\n And on the main control screen, countless small blue dots bobbed up and down, flashing past—they were the rocky debris flying at high speeds in the planetary ring.\n

\n\n

\n Lin You took a deep breath.\n

\n\n

\n He had never done a flight simulation of this difficulty.\n

\n\n

\n System 55: "Providing real-time calculation services for you."\n

\n\n

\n Its CPU ran to its absolute limit, capturing and calculating the trajectory of every rock, and marked them on the screen. For a moment, the screen was densely packed with fine blue lines.\n

\n\n

\n Lin You had always learned things quickly, and he was even less likely to get stage fright at the last minute. He calmly fiddled with all the buttons in front of him. A fine sweat broke out on his hand gripping the joystick, yet his operation remained meticulous and precise, just like the most experienced general in the military.\n

\n\n

\n The two missiles violently collided behind the aircraft and then exploded. Furious cosmic rays blotted out the sky, and even though the spacecraft was equipped with shielding devices, it almost malfunctioned.\n

\n\n

\n Lin You steadied the shaking hull and calmly stared straight ahead.\n

\n\n

\n Ten kilometers, five kilometers, one kilometer...\n

\n\n

\n The red-gold ring swept past the window, turning into a gorgeous backdrop behind them.\n

\n\n

\n He had rushed out of the planetary ring.\n

\n\n

\n To an outsider, it looked as if the aircraft had started up on its own without any human control, performed all kinds of highly difficult maneuvers in space, and finally left the danger zone.\n

\n\n

\n The "Factory" tried to pursue, but it was an aircraft not built for war after all. Its speed was slow, and in almost the blink of an eye, the targeted aircraft disappeared without a trace.\n

\n\n

\n System 55: "There is the First Prince's blockade line at the border of Zone 35, we have to take a detour."\n

\n\n

\n It marked out all the outposts one by one.\n

\n\n

\n Seeing that the biggest danger was gone, Lin You breathed a sigh of relief.\n

\n\n

\n He half-slumped in the cockpit. "System 55, plan a route."\n

\n\n

\n The journey from Zone 35 to the Main Star was a long one; even the fastest aircraft would have to fly for a day and a night. System 55 quickly provided a navigation plan: "Let's take this route. It's relatively remote and not easily detected. We will land at the First Legion's docking port on the border of the Main Star."\n

\n\n

\n Lin You nodded. "Admiral Hoyle will cover for us."\n

\n\n

\n Lin You hadn't ascended the throne yet and couldn't completely control the situation. The First Prince's biological father was also an admiral; with his son dead, he would definitely investigate. Lin You didn't want Lenon to bear the crime of assassinating a prince.\n

\n\n

\n System 55: "Understood. Estimated flight time is 35 hours."\n

\n\n

\n The conditions of the flight path were excellent, with neither massive cosmic rays nor adverse turbulence. Lin You pushed the speed to the max. Outside the living room's floor-to-ceiling window, countless planets flashed by.\n

\n\n

\n During the journey, Lenon briefly woke up for a moment.\n

\n\n

\n Lin You couldn't touch him, so he could only let the Major General lie on the living room rug. He adjusted the room's temperature and humidity to appropriate levels and commanded a small cleaning robot to drag over a blanket to cover Lenon.\n

\n\n

\n Lenon's condition was very bad, but thanks to the terrifying recovery ability of a Military Female Zerg, he was temporarily out of mortal danger.\n

\n\n

\n Wrapped in the soft blanket, Lenon was dazed for a moment.\n

\n\n

\n His mind was muddled, his vision blurred, and he couldn't even tell if this was a pre-death hallucination.\n

\n\n

\n At this time, they were passing by a Double Spiral Arm Galaxy. Looking from afar, the beautiful blue-purple spirals looked like two ripples in the universe.\n

\n\n

\n —This was definitely not Zone 35.\n

\n\n

\n But he couldn't think carefully. Blood loss made his body turn cold, and almost the very next second, he passed out again.\n

\n\n

\n Lenon was groggy, having one dream after another. Sometimes he dreamed of war, the faces of deceased old friends sweeping past him, bearing the marks of blood and fire. Sometimes he dreamed of his childhood, his Female Father standing in front of him with a ruler, saying that female zergs of the Colette Family had to be the best in everything, and their demeanor must be upright. Sometimes he dreamed of Lin You, dreamed of Lin You touching his skin, bringing an unbearable itchiness, while the Third Highness frowned tightly and complained, "Lenon, you need to rest, you still have a fever."\n

\n\n

\n He woke up in a daze.\n

\n\n

\n Beneath him was a soft quilt. The bed was very large, wrapping entirely around him. The air was filled with the fresh, sweet, and clean scent of citrus.\n

\n\n

\n Lenon fluttered his eyelids.\n

\n\n

\n He was lying in a bedroom with neat and bright decor. White sheer curtains were drawn over the windows, and sunlight leisurely poured in. In the corner stood a fiddle-leaf fig as tall as a person, its branches and leaves stretching out, brimming with vitality.\n

\n\n

\n "..."\n

\n\n

\n Was he alive, or was this a hallucination before death?\n

\n\n

\n Someone touched his face and wiped away a bit of cold sweat with a towel: "Are you awake?"\n

\n\n

\n Lenon paused and turned his head to look. Lin You was sitting at the head of his bed, looking worried.\n

\n\n

\n Why was he here?\n

\n\n

\n "Third Highness..." Lenon tried to sit up straight, but pain suddenly spread. It wasn't sharp, even a bit dull, but because it covered such a large area, it was still unbearable.\n

\n\n

\n He had wounds on his shoulder blades and back. The bleeding had already stopped, but the wounds tore open again with his movement, seeping through the bandages.\n

\n\n

\n Lin You stopped his movements and forcefully pressed him back into the quilt: "Don't move. You are very weak."\n

\n\n

\n He called a servant over, who brought milk and porridge: "You couldn't eat the past two days, so I put you on an IV drip, but it's more comfortable to have something in your stomach. I had the servant stew some porridge. Do you want to eat a little?"\n

\n\n

\n The fingertips had warmth; it was not a hallucination.\n

\n\n

\n It was difficult for Lenon to describe his mood at this moment. He was full of doubts, yet incomparably attached. Thus, he almost greedily traced the contours of the person in front of him, as if protecting a fragile dream.\n

\n\n

\n Lin You just softened his voice: "Do you want to eat?"\n

\n\n

\n "..."\n

\n\n

\n Lenon hesitated for a moment and slightly nodded.\n

\n\n

\n He attempted to raise his arm, trying to take the spoon from the bowl.\n

\n\n

\n "Hiss—"\n

\n\n

\n Lin You moved the bowl away, tapped him on the forehead neither lightly nor heavily, and said with a hint of anger, "With that wound on your shoulder, you still dare to raise your arm?"\n

\n\n

\n He was referring to the penetrating wound on his shoulder.\n

\n\n

\n The bullet from the rifled gun had torn through the muscle. Fortunately, it was a long-distance snipe, so the accuracy was lacking, and the sofa had blocked it slightly. Otherwise, his whole arm wouldn't have been saved.\n

\n\n

\n Lenon pursed his dry, cracked lips and had no choice but to drink the porridge directly from Lin You's hand.\n

\n\n

\n He felt extremely uncomfortable.\n

\n\n

\n As the eldest son of the Colette Family, he had received the strictest education since childhood. Lying in bed waiting for someone to take care of him was neither tough nor decent. In his memory, his elders had never fed him like this either.\n

\n\n

\n But Lin You's actions brooked no refusal. The porridge was pressed straight against his lips. One fed, the other ate. Aside from the sound of the spoon clinking, the room was completely silent.\n

\n\n

\n When his stomach was filled with warm food, Lenon raised his face. His complexion was still pale. "Third Highness, where am I?"\n

\n\n

\n He was clearly greeting death at the border of Zone 35, so why had he suddenly arrived at the Prince's mansion in the blink of an eye?\n

\n\n

\n Lin You stirred the porridge and was just about to speak when suddenly a fierce wind whipped up in the courtyard, followed by the sound of a jet-propelled aircraft landing. Messy footsteps came from the entrance of the mansion, mixed with noisy human voices.\n

\n\n

\n System 55, who was lying on the windowsill basking in the sun, lazily straightened up to take a look outside before lying back down: "Host, it's Admiral Lawrence."\n

\n\n

\n Admiral Lawrence, the father of the First Prince Lin Yu, was the earliest Admiral to make a name for himself in the Empire today. He was also Admiral Hoyle's senior and currently commanded the Third, Fourth, and Sixth Legions.\n

\n\n

\n Lin You stopped what he was doing. "He came quite fast."\n

\n\n

\n Lenon had been unconscious for a full three days. Within these three days, the news of the First Prince's death had already reached the imperial capital. Although it had been suppressed by Admiral Lawrence, who kept the death a secret and did not hold a funeral, how could such news be easily contained? The city was already buzzing with rumors. The major families were getting restless, waiting for the power dynamics to be reshuffled.\n

\n\n

\n For a time, the imperial capital felt like the wind before a storm.\n

\n\n

\n The Old Zerg Emperor, who was sick to the point of death, had no choice but to crawl out of his sickbed. Dragging his diseased body, he issued a decree to form an investigation team, demanding a thorough investigation into the First Prince's murder.\n

\n\n

\n Lenon was brought back privately by Lin You. At that time, the situation on the scene was chaotic, and the distance between the two spacecraft was far, so no one saw Lenon's face clearly. Moreover, his aircraft had been modified, erasing the insignia of the Third Legion. He had also left the borders secretly with Devon, so no one even knew he had appeared at the border. In the eyes of others, Major General Lenon had always been imprisoned by the Third Prince in his mansion and had never gone out.\n

\n\n

\n But Admiral Lawrence was no ordinary person.\n

\n\n

\n He clearly knew the grudge between the First Prince and Lenon. And in these past few days, Devon just so happened to appear at the border at this time, and no one had visited the Prince's mansion to see Lenon in the last three days. Admiral Lawrence firmly believed that there was no such thing as such a coincidence in this world.\n

\n\n

\n What's more, there were not many people in the entire military who could shoot through two starships from over ten kilometers away with every shot being fatal. Lenon was one of them.\n

\n\n

\n Therefore, he hastily requested an investigation warrant from the Zerg Emperor, intending to search the Third Prince's mansion.\n

\n\n

\n The commotion at the door clearly disturbed Lenon. He sat up straight and grasped Lin You's wrist, using a bit of force. Then, he lowered his eyes and smiled bitterly: "Your Highness, perhaps you should kill me."\n

\n\n

\n If he had died in Zone 35, then he would have secretly left the Prince's mansion on his own. The assassination of the First Prince would be his crime alone. Lin You wouldn't have known about it, and no blame could be pinned on Lin You. At most, it would be considered poor discipline.\n

\n\n

\n But if he was discovered in the Prince's mansion, it would mean Lin You actively instructed him to assassinate his brother with the intention of becoming the Crown Prince. With brothers killing each other, the Old Zerg Emperor would definitely be furious. Lenon didn't dare to think about how much dirty water would be splashed on him then, or how many ugly words would be waiting for Lin You.\n

\n\n

\n He couldn't bear for Lin You to be tainted even the slightest bit by this monstrous crime.\n

\n\n

\n On the other hand, once the Third Prince was blamed and punished, the Colette Family, which had already been placed under the Third Prince's wing, would also be implicated. All of this was not what Lenon wanted to see. He would rather die on a barren planet.\n

\n\n

\n Lenon's back still bore the gunshot wounds inflicted by the First Prince's guards. They were from bullets exclusively used by the Second Legion. Once Admiral Lawrence checked, it would be impossible to hide.\n

\n\n

\n Seeing that the footsteps were close at hand, the inspection team was already coming through the garden. In the hall, Admiral Hoyle's voice sounded simultaneously, seemingly arguing and maneuvering with Admiral Lawrence.\n

\n\n

\n But Lawrence had the inspection warrant, and Admiral Hoyle couldn't stall for long.\n

\n\n

\n At least, he couldn't stall long enough for the wounds on Lenon's back to heal.\n

\n\n

\n Lenon forcefully gripped Lin You. A hint of a smile actually appeared on his beautiful face: "Your Highness, could I beg for a whipping?"\n

\n\n

\n Lin You paused, instantly understanding what Lenon meant.\n

\n\n

\n Since they couldn't wait for the wounds to heal, they might as well completely destroy the traces, using whip marks to completely cover the gunshot wounds. For a tyrannical prince, using lynchings was already a commonplace occurrence; having whip marks on his back wouldn't arouse suspicion.\n

\n\n

\n ...But how painful would that be.\n

\n\n

\n His back was densely packed with wounds that had just begun to heal after three days. To strike it with a whip at this moment and completely mangle the wounds was a punishment he couldn't imagine.\n

\n\n

\n Lin You started grinding his teeth again.\n

\n\n

\n Lenon was always like this, casually saying things about harming his body with an indifferent expression, as if this flesh was of no importance and he didn't care about the pain at all. He was actually still smiling when he made the suggestion to Lin You.\n

\n\n

\n ...What was he smiling about? Smiling because he had found the perfect solution?\n

\n\n

\n Lin You's heart felt incredibly bitter. He wanted to bite his shoulder viciously to vent the overly full emotions in his chest, but Lenon's shoulders were covered in wounds, not even leaving him room to bite.\n

\n\n

\n Lin You felt even worse.\n

\n\n

\n He pursed his lips and didn't speak. He could only push the Major General back into the quilt again, wrapping him up securely, and then feigning fierceness: "You don't need to worry about this. I have plenty of ways. Just get some good sleep!"\n

\n\n

\n A look of surprise appeared on Lenon's face, but looking at Lin You's ugly expression, he still lay back down in the quilt and said with a smile, "...Alright."\n

","published_time":"2026-05-24T00:00:00.000Z","paid":false,"show_flag":true,"show_scheduled_time":"2026-05-24T00:00:00.000Z","unpaid_scheduled_time":"2026-05-24T00:00:00.000Z"},{"content_id":4445,"novel_id":71,"chapter_no":53,"chapter_title":"Nesting","content":"

\n At this moment, at the entrance of the mansion, Admiral Lawrence glanced over Admiral Hoyle with gloomy eyes and spoke coldly, "It seems you have no intention of letting me search the mansion?"\n

\n\n

\n Admiral Hoyle: "How could that be? You brought the Zerg Emperor's search warrant, so of course you can search."\n

\n\n

\n He sighed with a headache. "It's just that my unworthy child hasn't gotten up yet. The room is a mess and nothing has been tidied up. It wouldn't look good for you to see it. He is a prince, after all. If the recorder captures anything untoward, it would more or less damage the prestige of the Royal Family."\n

\n\n

\n Admiral Lawrence came to search, but whatever he found couldn't just be left to his baseless claims. He carried a law enforcement recorder pinned to his chest. When the court session began, the video in the recorder would be submitted as evidence for review.\n

\n\n

\n Admiral Lawrence cast him a sidelong glance. "At this hour, and he's still not up?"\n

\n\n

\n Hoyle smiled. "Yesterday he and Lenon fussed for a while. That child has an arrogant and willful temper, so he gets up a bit late."\n

\n\n

\n He led Admiral Lawrence to the hall and signaled the servant to bring coffee and sake. "Please sit here for a moment. I've already had the servants go hurry him."\n

\n\n

\n Having just lost his child, Lawrence's face was gloomy. "Fine, I will wait for two minutes. If I really find something during the search, you, for harboring a criminal—"\n

\n\n

\n "So noisy." Before he finished speaking, someone yawned lazily, and a clear voice interrupted, "It's early in the morning, why is it so noisy? Aren't you going to let anyone sleep... Female Father?"\n

\n\n

\n The two of them turned around at the same time and saw a handsome young man standing at the junction of the living room and the hallway. He was wearing a loose set of casual clothes, his posture lazy and casual. His black eyes were half-closed, barely awake. He was leaning against the wall, looking toward the living room with dissatisfaction.\n

\n\n

\n Admiral Hoyle reprimanded, "This is Admiral Lawrence."\n

\n\n

\n He turned to Lawrence and apologized, "The child is a bit spoiled. Please forgive him."\n

\n\n

\n Lin You sat down on the living room sofa. With messy hair, he played the role of an arrogant, disrespectful playboy to the extreme. He greeted Admiral Lawrence perfunctorily, "Admiral, what brings you to my place?"\n

\n\n

\n In terms of seniority in the military, Lawrence indeed suppressed Hoyle, but he couldn't suppress Lin You, who was a prince. He just kept a straight face: "The Eldest Prince was murdered, and your servant Lenon is highly suspected. I need to investigate."\n

\n\n

\n Lin You let out a "Hmm," and asked in surprise, "Lenon? He is addicted to pheromones and can't even crawl out of my mansion, yet he assassinated the Eldest Prince?"\n

\n\n

\n Lawrence: "Whether there was an assassination or not, I won't know until I investigate."\n

\n\n

\n Lin You said carelessly, "Alright, then how do you want to investigate?"\n

\n\n

\n His tone was frivolous, seemingly unafraid. Lawrence's eyebrows twitched slightly. "The Eldest Prince's guards injured his back. Summon Lenon and have him strip to let me take a look, then everything will be clear."\n

\n\n

\n "Have him strip to let you take a look?" Lin You's tone was strange, and then he raised an eyebrow. "That won't do."\n

\n\n

\n He played the willful temper of a Zerg prince to the extreme, saying arrogantly, "Lenon is my property now. I don't like others looking at my things."\n

\n\n

\n System 55 clapped for him. "Host, your acting is quite convincing."\n

\n\n

\n Admiral Lawrence had long heard that the Third Prince Lin You was highly possessive. As early as his coming-of-age ceremony, White was beaten up by Lin You just for speaking frivolously. It wasn't surprising to Lawrence that he would say this.\n

\n\n

\n Lawrence was dissatisfied and coldly snorted, "Third Highness, I carry an Empire investigation warrant with me. Are you going to stop me?"\n

\n\n

\n Lin You didn't care at all and clicked his tongue. "What's an Empire investigation warrant? Wait until I go into the palace to see my Male Father. When Male Father personally issues an edict, only then will I recognize this investigation..."\n

\n\n

\n His Male Father was His Majesty the Zerg Emperor.\n

\n\n

\n "Alright, Youyou!" Admiral Hoyle pressed his forehead, seemingly having a headache. He turned to Lawrence and apologized, "I've made a fool of myself in front of you. This child of mine has a bad temper. I will lecture him later."\n

\n\n

\n Lawrence sneered. "The Third Highness's temper indeed needs to be properly taught. He doesn't even take an Empire investigation warrant seriously..."\n

\n\n

\n Lin You also sneered at the same time. "I just don't take it seriously, what can you do about it..."\n

\n\n

\n "Enough!"\n

\n\n

\n Seeing the smell of gunpowder getting thicker, Admiral Hoyle quickly smoothed things over. "How about this, Admiral, Youyou, let's both take a step back. How about each taking a step back?"\n

\n\n

\n He looked at Lin You. "The Admiral brought a search warrant, so he still needs to take a look."\n

\n\n

\n He turned back to Lawrence. "But Lenon is in the Prince's bedroom, and hasn't cleaned up yet. He's covered in hickeys, and it's full of the scent of Male Zerg pheromones in there. It really is inappropriate for you to go in."\n

\n\n

\n Having persuaded both sides, Hoyle said, "How about this? Let Youyou take the law enforcement recorder inside. Wherever you want to see, let him record it for you, and you can watch it remotely. Is that okay?"\n

\n\n

\n "..."\n

\n\n

\n Lin You reluctantly agreed, "Fine."\n

\n\n

\n Admiral Lawrence remained silent, his eyes dark and gloomy.\n

\n\n

\n Seeing this, Hoyle's tone also cooled down, carrying a hint of warning. "Admiral, I need to remind you that Lin You is also one of the heirs to the throne."\n

\n\n

\n The Eldest Prince was already dead. The only ones left were Lin You and the Second Prince. The Second Prince's relatives were far inferior to Admiral Hoyle. And once Lin You ascended the throne as the Zerg Emperor, he wouldn't be someone Lawrence could afford to offend.\n

\n\n

\n "..."\n

\n\n

\n As a married Female Zerg, Lenon was now covered with Lin You's pheromones. It really was inappropriate for Lawrence to go.\n

\n\n

\n Lawrence pinched the recorder on his chest, his expression dark and unreadable. This device was the most advanced recording instrument in The Empire. High-frame-rate and high-definition, the feed connected directly to his Light Brain. With its built-in analyzer, it couldn't be fooled by cheap tricks like misdirection or covering up.\n

\n\n

\n Moreover, from the time he received the investigation warrant and rushed straight to the Prince's mansion, less than an hour had passed. There wouldn't have been enough time to prepare anything.\n

\n\n

\n Lawrence nodded. "Acceptable."\n

\n\n

\n So Lin You lightly took the law enforcement recorder and went into the room.\n

\n\n

\n He turned on the light, placed the device on the table, slightly adjusted its position, and then sat on the edge of the bed, gently pulling the Major General out.\n

\n\n

\n Lenon was heavily injured and had been drifting in and out of a coma. Being held in Lin You's arms, he blurrily saw the recorder opposite him. His pupils abruptly shrank, and his back instantly tensed.\n

\n\n

\n Once the recorder captured his back, nothing could be explained clearly anymore. By then, Lin You would have to shoulder the charge of murdering the crown prince, whether he wanted to or not. Admiral Lawrence would absolutely not let him off easily, and the Colette Family would also suffer a catastrophic disaster.\n

\n\n

\n The tensed muscles caused his wounds to tear, and the seeping blood soaked through his bandages.\n

\n\n

\n Lin You raised his hand, and his fingertips felt a patch of wetness.\n

\n\n

\n The Major General still had a fever. He leaned against Lin You, his body tensing unconsciously, unknown whether it was due to his injuries or his worry.\n

\n\n

\n Lin You kissed Lenon's earlobe and soothingly stroked his long silver-white hair. Like comforting a sick animal, he whispered softly, "Don't be afraid. Trust me."\n

\n\n

\n "...Okay."\n

\n\n

\n Lenon had no strength in his body, his muscles sore and weak. He leaned against Lin You like a rag doll, his chin resting on Lin You's shoulder. He solely relied on Lin You holding his lower back to keep from sliding down. His azure eyes had also lost their luster, making him look extremely weak.\n

\n\n

\n Fortunately, a Female Zerg addicted to pheromones would also look like this after making love.\n

\n\n

\n Lin You raised his voice and asked, "Admiral, what do you want to see?"\n

\n\n

\n Admiral Lawrence's gaze lingered on Lenon's face. There were no traces of replacement or forgery. His voice was cold and grim. "Turn him around and show me his back."\n

\n\n

\n Lin You cooperatively shifted their position, letting the Major General's back face the law enforcement recorder. During this process, Lenon grew increasingly uneasy—no matter how one looked at it, this room was a simple bedroom with no hidden mechanisms, nor were there any props that could fool the law enforcement recorder. Reason told him that if Lin You said he had a way, he most likely did, but his body tightened uncontrollably.\n

\n\n

\n Lin You frowned slightly.\n

\n\n

\n Tensing up too much was bad for the wounds. He released soothing pheromones. The scent of citrus filled the bedroom, and his body heat transferred through their skin.\n

\n\n

\n Lin You's fingers touched the buttons of the pajamas, and then deftly undid them.\n

\n\n

\n In the living room, Admiral Hoyle and Admiral Lawrence held their breath at the same time.\n

\n\n

\n Although Lin You had instructed Admiral Hoyle to cover for them, the incident happened in a rush, and Hoyle didn't know what method Lin You had. He helped cover it up, but he was somewhat unsure in his heart.\n

\n\n

\n On the screen, Lin You slipped the clothes back, exposing Lenon's cold, white skin to the air. In an instant, a layer of goosebumps rose there.\n

\n\n

\n His back was completely clean, save for a few faint hickeys.\n

\n\n

\n Hoyle let out a long sigh of relief, while Lawrence's eyebrows twitched violently.\n

\n\n

\n In the bedroom, Lenon clung tightly to Lin You, as if this was the only way he could draw a shallow sense of security.\n

\n\n

\n He couldn't see the screen on the monitor, but the wounds on his back genuinely existed. As the quilt fell and his clothes slipped down, the wounds were exposed to the air, aching slightly. He felt like a clam being forcibly pried from its shell, forced to remove all disguise, only able to submissively bare his back and wait for the subsequent verdict.\n

\n\n

\n Lawrence said coldly, "Third Highness, please touch the skin on his back."\n

\n\n

\n Although no wounds were currently visible, if they were covered by some material, the texture would definitely be different from real skin. Once analyzed, it would be exposed.\n

\n\n

\n Lin You still maintained a careless appearance. He reached out his hand and accurately landed on a patch of intact skin amidst a large area of abrasions, beginning to gently knead it.\n

\n\n

\n Lenon paused, his shoulder blades trembling slightly uncontrollably.\n

\n\n

\n His back felt cold, and amidst the large swaths of dull pain, only that tiny spot burned intensely hot. In order to show Lawrence, Lin You rubbed with great force, as if playing with a lump of clay.\n

\n\n

\n Such an action uncontrollably affected the other wounds, but the pain wasn't obvious. Combined with the itchiness of the scabbing wounds, it instead transformed into a large expanse of undeniable numbness and tingling.\n

\n\n

\n Lin You quickly noticed Lenon's trembling, nuzzled his cheek, and asked softly, "What's wrong?"\n

\n\n

\n "..."\n

\n\n

\n The citrus-scented pheromones were overwhelming. Lenon and Lin You hadn't seen each other for a week, yet his body felt as if it hadn't been saturated for a very, very long time. His skin wanted to press close, his flesh yearned for union, but he couldn't describe this strange feeling in front of the monitor. He could only hesitate for a moment before saying vaguely, "...Cold."\n

\n\n

\n So Lin You hugged him even tighter.\n

\n\n

\n The Third Highness raised his head and looked at the monitor with dissatisfaction. "Have you seen enough? If you've seen enough, I'll pull his clothes up. He's cold."\n

\n\n

\n After these words were spoken, not only did Hoyle and Lawrence pause slightly, but even Lenon paused.\n

\n\n

\n Female Zergs were never a delicate species, and Lenon was even less so. He had darted in and out of hails of bullets. Even bleeding and broken bones were trivial matters to him. But when he casually mentioned being cold, Lin You actually cared.\n

\n\n

\n Beneath him was a soft quilt, and in front of him was a tight embrace. The temperature of the embrace was scalding hot and comfortable, making one unable to help but indulge in it. The Third Highness's arms loosely surrounded him, enclosing him within, almost like weaving a warm nest.\n

\n\n

\n This was a protective posture, as if declaring: I will not allow anyone else to hurt him.\n

\n\n

\n For a moment, no one spoke.\n

\n\n

\n Lin You was a prince and had the right to be willful. He didn't wait for Lawrence's agreement. He re-buttoned Lenon's pajamas, tucked the Major General into the quilt, and then kissed those stunned blue eyes. He got out of bed, picked up the monitor, and without a word, turned it off.\n

\n\n

\n In a place no one could see, he mouthed something to System 55.\n

\n\n

\n "Beautifully done."\n

\n\n

\n System 55 replied with a "Yay" emoji and said proudly, "Of course. I am a high-tech system from a higher-dimensional civilization."\n

\n\n

\n It could even hack into the military's most advanced spaceship's security system. Hacking into a small monitoring device, modifying the inappropriate images, and turning the wounds on the back into hickeys was a very simple matter for System 55.\n

\n\n

\n Lin You grabbed the monitor and tossed it into Lawrence's arms. "Admiral, we've verified it. You can leave now, right?"\n

\n\n

\n "..."\n

\n\n

\n Lawrence initially had an eighty percent suspicion toward Lenon, but the footage from the law enforcement recorder was irrefutable evidence. The other party's back genuinely had no scars.\n

\n\n

\n Lawrence: "May I briefly search the other rooms?"\n

\n\n

\n Lin You shrugged. "Be my guest."\n

\n\n

\n He yawned and circled back to the master bedroom. "Just keep the noise down. I need to go back and catch up on my sleep."\n

\n\n

\n Admiral Lawrence searched the mansion again but found nothing.\n

\n\n

\n Admiral Hoyle saw the guest out with a fake smile plastered across his face and shut the main gate of the Prince's mansion.\n

\n\n

\n Meanwhile, Lin You slipped back into Lenon's covers.\n

\n\n

\n Reuniting after a long separation, only to have to deal with this crap, Lin You looked listless. He touched Lenon's forehead and found that he was still running a fever, so he whispered, "I'll call a doctor to look at you."\n

\n\n

\n Lenon shook his head. "No, getting in contact with an outsider at this time will just add another layer of risk."\n

\n\n

\n Lin You: "Don't worry, they are all my father's trusted subordinates. They've also come to check on you while you were sick. But if you're not at ease, we can call Devon instead."\n

\n\n

\n Devon was also a military doctor for the Third Legion.\n

\n\n

\n He pressed the call bell at the head of the bed.\n

\n\n

\n Thirty minutes later, Devon arrived at the room.\n

\n\n

\n Upon seeing the Major General lying safely on the bed, Devon's eyes grew slightly red. However, in front of the Third Prince, it wasn't good to show it, so he hurriedly lowered his eyes to hide it and connected the medical instruments to Lenon.\n

\n\n

\n After the diagnosis, he sighed slightly. "Major General, your condition is not very good. The blood loss and wounds will take several months to recover from. And besides that, the damage to your wings is especially severe."\n

\n\n

\n On the aircraft, Lenon had spread his wings to stabilize his body. Lin You still remembered that pair of silver-white wings.\n

\n\n

\n Lenon wasn't surprised at all, not even showing any expression, just asking, "Then what should be done?"\n

\n\n

\n Devon: "For now, we'll observe the healing progress and use antibiotics to prevent infection. But if the situation doesn't improve...", he observed Lenon's expression and said softly, "They might have to be amputated."\n

\n\n

\n Lin You tightened his grip on his hand.\n

\n\n

\n Lenon patted him reassuringly. "It's fine. It's no big deal."\n

\n\n

\n He said lightly, "Then let's observe first. If it doesn't work out, amputate them."\n

\n\n

\n Having already prepared himself for death, being able to return alive now was already extremely fortunate.\n

\n\n

\n Lin You still wanted to ask more about the wings, but Lenon brushed it off. Compared to his ruined wings, he was clearly more concerned about another question: "Devon, how did my aircraft fly back?"\n

\n\n

\n His first memory was still the desolate, vast universe, but the moment he opened his eyes, he was in the clean Prince's mansion. If Lin You wasn't vividly right in front of his eyes, this would have seemed like an illusion before death.\n

\n\n

\n Devon: "?"\n

\n\n

\n He said in astonishment, "Didn't you fly it? I watched the flight recorder. There were a few particularly beautiful evasive maneuvers. I even remarked on how skilled you were, pulling off such incredible operations despite losing that much blood."\n

\n\n

\n Lin You: "."\n

\n\n

\n Lenon frowned. "No, I had already lost consciousness at that time."\n

\n\n

\n Devon: "But I checked that aircraft. There were only traces of your usage. If it wasn't you, who else could it be? Could a ghost have appeared in the cockpit?"\n

\n\n

\n Lin You: "..."\n

\n\n

\n Lenon pondered. "Strange."\n

\n\n

\n He mused for a moment but couldn't reach a conclusion. He then looked at Lin You. "By the way, Your Highness, how exactly did you fool the law enforcement recorder just now?"\n

\n\n

\n "..."\n

\n\n

\n Two fatal questions arrived one after another. Lin You felt like he was sitting on pins and needles. He looked left and right, and finally jumped up. "This is a secret, I can't say for now... Um, Lenon, what do you want to eat for dinner? I'll go tell the kitchen to prepare it."\n

\n\n

\n As expected, Lenon didn't press the matter. He casually named two dishes, and Lin You strode out.\n

\n\n

\n System 55 floated to the side, wiping its sweat guiltily. "Did he find out?"\n

\n\n

\n Lin You also wiped his sweat. "I don't know."\n

\n\n

\n The Major General had a sharp mind; perhaps he had noticed something.\n

\n\n

\n Lin You still hadn't figured out how to explain, hurriedly walking to the small kitchen.\n

\n\n

\n When he finished instructing the servants to prepare the food and returned to the bedroom carrying a glass of milk, he paused at the door.\n

\n\n

\n The room was completely quiet. Lenon seemed to have fallen asleep.\n

\n\n

\n The side of his face was buried in the pillow, his expression peaceful and his brows relaxed, as if he was having a sweet dream.\n

\n\n

\n Lin You then set down the tray. "Let him sleep. I'll wake him for dinner."\n

\n\n

\n However, until dinnertime, Lenon did not wake up.\n

\n\n

\n He continued to sleep peacefully. The faint scent of Iris pheromones wafted out, clear and clean.\n

\n\n

\n Lin You tried nudging him, but no matter how he called, Lenon wouldn't wake up.\n

\n\n

\n Thus, in the evening, Devon was invited into the Prince's mansion again.\n

\n\n

\n Carrying his equipment, the military doctor circled Lenon three times, looking left and right. Finally, with a solemn expression, he reached a conclusion. "Your Highness, the Major General has likely entered the nesting period."\n

\n\n

\n Lin You was stunned. "Nesting?"\n

\n\n

\n Devon: "This is a habit of the ancient Zerg. When the body suffers severe injuries that are difficult to heal on their own, they will fall into a deep sleep in their nest to repair their damaged bodies. By the time the Major General wakes up, his wings should be healed."\n

\n\n

\n Lin You breathed a sigh of relief. "This really is good news."\n

\n\n

\n Devon's gaze swept over him and Lenon, looking as if he wanted to say something but stopped.\n

\n\n

\n Lin You: "Are there any other precautions to keep in mind?"\n

\n\n

\n Devon: "No, you just need to wait peacefully for the Major General to wake up... It's just that..."\n

\n\n

\n "Just what?"\n

\n\n

\n "...It's just that nowadays, very few Female Zergs nest. During this period, their bodies are exceptionally fragile. Unless a Female Zerg feels absolutely safe, they will not nest."\n

\n\n

\n Devon's expression was complicated.\n

\n\n

\n —Absolutely safe? When would a Female Zerg ever feel absolutely safe?\n

\n\n

\n Lenon grew up in the Colette Family, maintaining the strictest etiquette. Later, he joined the Third Legion, bathing in blood and fire. He walked on thin ice amidst power struggles. He had never relaxed for a single moment, always wearing a mask. Aristocratic etiquette was his best disguise. But now, in the Third Prince's mansion, beside an arrogant Male Zerg, he actually felt absolutely safe?\n

\n\n

\n "..."\n

\n\n

\n Lin You didn't know the winding thoughts in Devon's mind. He simply gathered the Major General's overly long hair. "Then when will he wake up?"\n

\n\n

\n Devon pondered. "According to the customs of the ancient Zerg, about three to five months."\n

\n\n

\n Lin You: "Three to five months..."\n

\n\n

\n For a couple deeply in love, this was truly, truly far too long.\n

\n\n

\n He looked up out the window. At the end of this floor-to-ceiling window was the towering imperial palace of the Zerg Main Star. When the weather was clear, standing here allowed one to see the rows of buildings within the palace. The pointed spire tops towered into the clouds, the towers decorated with complex carvings, dotted with huge, colorful stained glass windows. That was the most massive and complex architectural complex on the Main Star, the storm center of all power transitions in The Empire.\n

\n\n

\n Lin You recalled the descriptions in the original novel, thought of the time the old Zerg Emperor passed away, and then thought of the Third Prince's ending in the original text, as well as the bits and pieces he had investigated these past few days, and let out a long sigh.\n

\n\n

\n "You have to wake up quickly." Lin You touched Lenon's cheek and said wistfully, "Otherwise, you'll miss my enthronement and coronation ceremony."\n

\n\n

\n —If his Female Consort was absent on the day of his coronation, Lin You would be regretful.\n

","published_time":"2026-05-24T00:00:00.000Z","paid":false,"show_flag":true,"show_scheduled_time":"2026-05-24T00:00:00.000Z","unpaid_scheduled_time":"2026-05-24T00:00:00.000Z"},{"content_id":4446,"novel_id":71,"chapter_no":54,"chapter_title":"The Trial","content":"

\n By the time Lenon suddenly woke from his long, deep slumber, he had no idea how much time had passed.\n

\n\n

\n He felt as if he had slept for a century. His body was warm and sluggish, unwilling to move even a single inch. When he groggily opened his eyes and looked out the window, he couldn't help but feel dazed for a moment.\n

\n\n

\n It was still winter when he returned from Zone 35, and the trees outside the window had only bare branches left. But now, they were full of lush greenery.\n

\n\n

\n He sat up, grabbed the clothes from the bedside, and changed neatly. Then, he walked through the corridor to the high-ceilinged atrium of the prince's residence.\n

\n\n

\n He didn't encounter anyone along the way.\n

\n\n

\n The prince's residence was terribly quiet today. Whether it was the attendants, the butler, or the gardeners, none of them were around. The residence felt almost like an empty city. Lenon was slightly bewildered for a second, but the garden was kept in perfect order, with dead branches and fallen leaves swept away one by one. It didn't look unattended.\n

\n\n

\n He sat quietly for a while until his chaotic thoughts finally cleared up a bit. Then he picked up his Light Brain. Lin You was not online, and no one replied. Lenon had no choice but to contact Devon. A few seconds later, Devon sent an exaggerated expression: "My god, Sir, you're finally awake! Have you seen what the date is today?"\n

\n\n

\n Lenon swiped the light screen. It had been a full four months since he was last conscious.\n

\n\n

\n Devon: "Did you just wake up? Then hurry to the Central Trial Court. I'll wait for you at the entrance."\n

\n\n

\n ...Trial court?\n

\n\n

\n The prince's residence wasn't far from the Central Trial Court. Lenon walked along the street. There were hardly any pedestrians in the normally bustling market, but as he got near the trial court, the crowd suddenly thickened. They were all looking towards the trial court, seemingly waiting for something.\n

\n\n

\n When he reached the entrance, Devon happened to come around from the trial court. With a joyful expression, he walked quickly down the steps, grabbed Lenon's wrist, and, without waiting for him to say a word, led him straight to the public gallery.\n

\n\n

\n Lenon raised an eyebrow slightly. Before, Devon would never have dared to grab him directly like this. This superior officer had been lying in bed for five months, and his subordinate had already gone rogue.\n

\n\n

\n However, before he could tease him, Devon had already pressed him down into a seat. The usually steady colonel of the Third Legion couldn't hide the excitement in his tone: "Hey, never mind all that nonsense, just look down there first."\n

\n\n

\n Lenon looked down as told and immediately paused.\n

\n\n

\n Below him were the defendants' seats, enclosed by metal fences into small cubicles. Looking down from the public gallery, the people in those cubicles looked like rats on running wheels, subjected to everyone's scrutiny.\n

\n\n

\n After being framed by the First Prince, Lenon had also worn chains and stood in one of these small cubicles.\n

\n\n

\n But now, the people in the cubicles had changed into a uniform group of Zerg political figures. Lenon glanced sideways and recognized several of them: there were high-ranking officials from the Imperial Research Institute, directors from the Galaxy Group, officers from the Second Legion, and even his former fiancé, White from the Liam Family... And sitting right in the middle of this group of government dignitaries was actually the Admiral of the Third Legion, Lawrence.\n

\n\n

\n This time, even someone as calm as Lenon couldn't help but show a look of astonishment.\n

\n\n

\n He looked at Devon: "What kind of play is this?"\n

\n\n

\n Devon: "Why don't you look at the judge's bench?"\n

\n\n

\n Lenon then looked up, gazing past the crowd awaiting trial to the judge's bench. The next moment, he was completely stunned.\n

\n\n

\n ...The Third Highness?\n

\n\n

\n Sitting next to the chief judge was, impressively, Lin You.\n

\n\n

\n He had changed out of his casual everyday clothes into a complex formal attire. He was leisurely holding a teacup, his half-closed eyes slightly lowered, lightly sweeping his gaze over the people awaiting trial. His expression was surprisingly, terrifyingly cold.\n

\n\n

\n At this moment, he didn't look at all like that pampered, smiling Third Highness.\n

\n\n

\n The judge struck the gavel, and the trial court fell completely silent. It was at this moment that Lenon finally saw the push notification on his Light Brain.\n

\n\n

\n —"The case of forging and trafficking Addictive Pheromones in the black market on the border of Zone 35 opened today in the trial court."\n

\n\n

\n "..."\n

\n\n

\n For a split second, Lenon thought he hadn't fully woken up yet.\n

\n\n

\n The First Prince's forces were deeply entrenched and had a vast influence. Admiral Lawrence was also a long-established senior in the military. These people had woven a dense, massive web whose shadow loomed over the imperial capital. With Lenon's seniority, trying to shake them was like a mayfly trying to topple a giant tree. Even if he risked his life, he could only kill the chief culprits. But to clear the names of his innocent deceased old friends, or even just to wash away his own false charges, he would still be powerless.\n

\n\n

\n But now, these people had their arms bound and were detained to face trial just like that?\n

\n\n

\n Devon explained to him in a low voice: "A lot has happened over these past five months. The First Prince died, and the Old Zerg Emperor passed away as well. The maternal family of the Second Prince is weak. Admiral Lawrence originally wanted to defect to and support the Second Prince, but who knew Admiral Hoyle would act even faster? He surrounded the palace that very night, obtained an edict from the Old Zerg Emperor, and contacted the Senate. As you know, Admiral Hoyle's First Legion is stationed right in the capital, so the Second Legion couldn't arrive in time to rescue them. Everything that followed fell naturally into place."\n

\n\n

\n Lenon: "Then the Third Highness..."\n

\n\n

\n "You can't call him the Third Highness anymore," Devon interrupted. "Although he hasn't been crowned yet, the next time you see him, you'll have to call him His Majesty the Zerg Emperor."\n

\n\n

\n Lenon lowered his eyes, momentarily filled with a sense of melancholy.\n

\n\n

\n In just five short months, that Little Highness who used to sleep beside him was actually about to ascend the throne.\n

\n\n

\n Devon continued his explanation: "As soon as the situation stabilized, His Majesty began thoroughly investigating the affairs at the border of Zone 35. The Factory got the news and tried to flee to a more distant galaxy, but with its massive size, where could it run to? Admiral Hoyle personally led people to search for them, practically plowing through the border inch by inch. Then they caught them red-handed. All the researchers in the Factory were escorted to the Main Star to await trial, and our captive comrades were released too. A few of the field officers are old acquaintances; we should go grab a drink together sometime."\n

\n\n

\n Lenon fell silent: "All these years, I'm the one who let them down."\n

\n\n

\n Devon: "Hey, how could this be blamed on you?"\n

\n\n

\n He patted Lenon's shoulder: "Oh, the Factory was also dragged over to the Main Star. It's docked at the First Legion's landing port. If you want to go up and take a look, you can ask the Little Majesty to take you."\n

\n\n

\n Lenon raised an eyebrow: "Little Majesty?"\n

\n\n

\n His tone was tinged with dissatisfaction.\n

\n\n

\n Devon said: "Alright... Only you can call him that, okay? His Majesty, I'll call him His Majesty."\n

\n\n

\n He then added: "Many valuable clues were found in the Factory, such as the production records of the inferior Pheromones, including the amounts and their destinations. They amassed enormous wealth, which the First Prince used entirely to build up his forces. Every single one of these things is on the record; there's no denying them."\n

\n\n

\n "And the number of personnel involved is even more terrifying. The ones you see on the defendants' stand right now are just the chief culprits; there are still plenty locked up in prison. Anyway..."\n

\n\n

\n Devon leaned back, revealing a rare, relaxed smile. Ever since their pyrrhic victory in Zone 35, it had been a long time since he had felt this unburdened. "Anyway, the things we've been agonizing over and running around for have finally come to an end."\n

\n\n

\n "..."\n

\n\n

\n Lenon's gaze fell on the defendants' stand, sweeping over those faces that were either ashen or miserable. Back then, it was he whose future had been completely ruined, bowing his head here as he awaited trial. But at this moment, these people were standing in the exact same position he had been, looking utterly desolate and trembling all over.\n

\n\n

\n How ironic.\n

\n\n

\n The outcome of this trial was self-evident. The First Prince's faction had provoked public outrage by hoarding wealth through Pheromones. Various forums were boiling over, all kinds of accusations were emerging endlessly, and demands for capital punishment were making a massive uproar. And according to the laws of The Empire, there was only one path left for them.\n

\n\n

\n With the striking of the judge's gavel, the case was finalized. The cronies involved in the incident were sentenced to death or life imprisonment depending on the severity of their crimes.\n

\n\n

\n With the matter concluded, Lenon didn't feel much joy. Thinking of those permanently frozen faces in the star ring, he let out a breath of stale air. His gaze swept over the people below the stand, unsure whether he was feeling emotional or melancholy. He simply lowered his eyes and said: "This, at least, counts as closure."\n

\n\n

\n In the lounge of the trial court, Lin You tugged at his complicated coat and let out a long sigh.\n

\n\n

\n He tried to unfasten the buttons, but a patterned hidden button got tangled with his hair.\n

\n\n

\n To this day, Lin You still couldn't get used to the life of an emperor-to-be, such as the etiquette regarding these complicated clothes. Just as he was about to stop an attendant for help, a pair of hands gently took over from behind.\n

\n\n

\n The fingers of these hands were long and beautiful. They deftly loosened Lin You's clothes and hung them on the coat rack to the side. Lin You subconsciously wanted to say thanks, but then he heard someone sigh with emotion: "Five months have passed, and Your Majesty is still exactly the same as before."\n

\n\n

\n Previously, when Lin You was still the Third Prince, he couldn't handle complicated formal wear either. On the eve of every banquet, he always needed Lenon's help.\n

\n\n

\n Hearing this voice, Lin You froze.\n

\n\n

\n Five months wasn't considered long, nor was it short. Running consecutively into the death of a prince and the passing of the emperor, the imperial capital was instantly thrust into an unpredictable state, surging with undercurrents. Although Admiral Hoyle could protect Lin You, only Lin You himself knew the perils involved.\n

\n\n

\n Lin You was a soul from another land. In the Zerg world, the only two he could confide in were Lenon and the System. However, for five months, Lenon was in a deep sleep, and the system couldn't help either. Later, Admiral Hoyle went far away to oversee Zone 35, leaving Lin You utterly isolated and helpless for a time. Truly forced to step up to the plate, he had to bring out the energy he used for his college entrance exams just to barely keep the situation under control.\n

\n\n

\n Hearing this voice again after five months, Lin You actually had the illusion that a lifetime had passed.\n

\n\n

\n "..."\n

\n\n

\n In the prolonged silence, Lenon leaned down: "Little Majesty?"\n

\n\n

\n Still, no one spoke.\n

\n\n

\n Lenon corrected himself, switching to a more familiar title: "Little Highness?"\n

\n\n

\n "..."\n

\n\n

\n "Alright." Lenon seemed to understand. He took Lin You's hand, placed it against his own cheek, and rubbed it gently. Then, he dropped to one knee and performed a knight's salute, just like when he first begged for the Third Highness's pity. "I'm sorry. Perhaps I shouldn't have slept for so long. Did I make you worry?"\n

\n\n

\n Lenon's face was as handsome as ever, his azure eyes like deep lakes. He looked at Lin You without blinking: "Tell me, Your Majesty, what must I do for you to forgive me?"\n

\n\n

\n The next second, he was hoisted straight up from the ground.\n

\n\n

\n Lin You had a gentle personality and was rarely ever unreasonable, but right now, as he grabbed Lenon, his strength was surprisingly great. He gripped Lenon's jaw, forcing him to raise his head for a kiss. Their teeth clashed and their lips and tongues pressed together until, eventually, the taste of rust seeped out from somewhere.\n

\n\n

\n Only at this moment did he truly resemble the tyrannical and ruthless Third Highness from the rumors.\n

\n\n

\n Lenon was surprised at first, but then he smiled, his eyes curving slightly. He allowed Lin You to invade and explore, even carefully wrapping up his teeth. When the kiss ended, Lenon supported his displeased Majesty and asked softly: "Has your anger subsided?"\n

\n\n

\n Lin You ground his teeth: "No."\n

\n\n

\n He pressed down on Lenon's shoulders and forcefully turned him around: "Show me your wings."\n

\n\n

\n He still remembered how much artillery fire those beautiful wings had endured on the aircraft, and he remembered Devon saying there was a possibility of amputation.\n

\n\n

\n The silver wings unfurled in the air, their lines smooth and beautiful, trembling slightly. Most areas had already healed, but the color of the newly grown soft flesh was distinctly different from its surroundings. As Lin You stroked it, Lenon actually shuddered.\n

\n\n

\n The Major General was also surprised by the sensitivity of his wings. He somewhat wanted to retract them, but Lin You pinned them down, forcing them to stay spread open. The Male Zerg's fingertips stroked across that soft flesh, covering the scars left by bullet holes, teasing his nerves until they went numb and itchy.\n

\n\n

\n "..."\n

\n\n

\n Lenon gritted his teeth slightly: "Your Majesty, is this a punishment?"\n

\n\n

\n "Major General, of course not." Lin You's fingertips trailed down along his waist, seemingly measuring something. "This is merely a measurement."\n

\n\n

\n Measurement?\n

\n\n

\n Before Lenon could even ask, he heard Lin You grinding his back molars: "For the wedding attire! Lenon, if you had woken up two days later, I really would have had to ascend the throne all by myself!"\n

\n\n

\n Male Zergs of the Zerg race all married early. The First Prince and the Second Prince both had their Female Consorts early on. As soon as Lin You came of age, Admiral Hoyle began making arrangements for him too. If Lenon hadn't struck first to gain the upper hand, it really wouldn't have been his turn to snag this prime catch.\n

\n\n

\n —Damn it.\n

\n\n

\n Lin You thought, feeling rather gloomy: 'If the Zerg Emperor ascends the throne without a Female Consort accompanying him, he will definitely become the laughingstock of the imperial capital for many years to come!'\n

","published_time":"2026-05-24T00:00:00.000Z","paid":false,"show_flag":true,"show_scheduled_time":"2026-05-24T00:00:00.000Z","unpaid_scheduled_time":"2026-05-24T00:00:00.000Z"},{"content_id":4447,"novel_id":71,"chapter_no":55,"chapter_title":"Very Good","content":"

\n Lenon looked over with his clear blue eyes, stunned for two seconds.\n

\n\n

\n Maintaining his stunned posture, he was directly flipped over by Lin You and pressed against the wall backstage of the trial court.\n

\n\n

\n Actually, Lin You didn't use much force, and there was a physical disparity between the two of them. Lenon could have broken free with a slight struggle, but he maintained his blank expression, his waist soft as he let Lin You maneuver him, like an oversized throw pillow.\n

\n\n

\n Lin You poked the waist of the 'throw pillow'. The pillow hissed softly, finally snapping out of his daze. Lin You said fiercely, "What's with that expression? What, don't you want to marry me?"\n

\n\n

\n "..."\n

\n\n

\n Lenon had never thought that he would have a wedding.\n

\n\n

\n Before meeting Lin You, his life was already ruined, its end visible at a glance—the First Prince framed him for hurting his former fiancé, and White hated him to the bone. There would be no wedding between them. Later, when he made a desperate gamble to curry favor with the Third Prince, Lenon knew his future was bleak; no one would cherish a plaything that threw itself at them, and he never dared to wish for a wedding.\n

\n\n

\n But now, with everything settled, Lenon realized that beneath all the disgrace and numbness, he had actually been looking forward to it.\n

\n\n

\n Looking forward to the day when he could hold someone's hand and vow to spend the rest of his life with them.\n

\n\n

\n Seeing that he remained silent, Lin You became a little annoyed. He raised his voice, trying to cover up his insecurity, "What, do you really not want to marry me?"\n

\n\n

\n In the novel, Lenon disdained marriage. He could even put his body on the gambling table as a bargaining chip, much less care about these so-called ceremonies. Lin You was well aware of this. When reading the novel, he had even sighed with emotion at how free-spirited and clear-headed the protagonist was. But now that it actually came to this, seeing Lenon visibly stunned, he started to feel sad.\n

\n\n

\n "Fine." Lin You took a step back, pretending to leave. "Then I'll just go to the coronation ceremony by myself."\n

\n\n

\n Of course, he couldn't leave.\n

\n\n

\n Lenon grabbed him and hugged him from behind. After a moment of hesitation, he said very softly, "...I just never thought about a wedding, a wedding of my own. Um, what should I do?"\n

\n\n

\n This question was truly unqualified. As an aristocratic Female Zerg, he should be thoroughly familiar with all etiquette and handle everything for His Majesty the Zerg Emperor, just as Admiral Hoyle handled Lin You's coming-of-age ceremony, overseeing everything from the guest list to the decorative flowers.\n

\n\n

\n But even an aristocrat would never expect to have to organize a wedding for the Zerg Emperor.\n

\n\n

\n Lin You: "First, we have to get our formal suits made."\n

\n\n

\n They messed around in the lounge. Lenon was indulgent for the first half, smiling as he watched Lin You fiddle about, letting the other measure his suit sizes, from chest to waist and whatever else. But halfway through his smiling, he suddenly couldn't smile anymore.\n

\n\n

\n Reunited after a long separation, his body missed Lin You more than he imagined.\n

\n\n

\n The citrus-scented Pheromones were overwhelming. They hadn't seen each other for five months, and the sudden contact with the Pheromones made his body react almost like an addiction. Lenon was even more sensitive than during his first marking. His waist softened instantly, as if intoxicated by tangerine-flavored sake. He relied entirely on Lin You pressing against him to keep from sliding down the wall. He clingingly demanded kisses from Lin You, only to suddenly tense his body when someone walked past the door outside, begging for mercy, "Little Majesty..."\n

\n\n

\n This was the lounge of the trial court, after all.\n

\n\n

\n With the trial settled, many people successively passed by the door. There were court clerks, the jury, and even the Grand Inquisitor. Each of them was neatly dressed with a solemn expression.\n

\n\n

\n At that moment, Lin You was sliding his hand down the waistline to the lower abdomen. Having slept for five months, Lenon had lost some weight, but his waistline was even more beautiful. He mumbled vaguely, "Alright."\n

\n\n

\n They walked out through the trial court's private passage and dazedly boarded the flying vehicle. Halfway through the flight, Lenon suddenly realized in shock, "This isn't the way to the Prince's mansion?"\n

\n\n

\n Lin You: "I've moved."\n

\n\n

\n Lenon was in a daze: "Right."\n

\n\n

\n He was no longer the Third Highness, but the Zerg Emperor of The Empire. It was time for him to live in the imperial palace.\n

\n\n

\n By the time they replenished their Pheromones in the brand-new bedroom and were too lazy to move even a finger, they had been messing around until evening.\n

\n\n

\n Lin You had mentioned "measuring," but he hadn't figured out anything. In the end, the royal tailors still had to come over with measuring tapes.\n

\n\n

\n Both of them were beautiful, with tall statures and long legs, standing there like clothes racks. The tailors tightened their measuring tapes, recorded the data in detail, and then opened the pattern books, handing them over for them to choose.\n

\n\n

\n Lin You flipped through several pages but wasn't very satisfied. The style of the royal formal suits was complex, somewhat resembling Rococo-style menswear, covered in intricate lace patterns, with lace embellishing some of the cuffs.\n

\n\n

\n Lin You frowned and finally asked, "Can you make two matching sets modified from this uniform?"\n

\n\n

\n He secretly had 55 print out the character model from his game account.\n

\n\n

\n The tailors readily agreed.\n

\n\n

\n The royal tailors weren't afraid of His Majesty making specific requests; they were only afraid that his descriptions would be too abstract. They lowered their gaze to the draft, already prepared to flatter and praise even if His Majesty presented a pile of dog shit.\n

\n\n

\n —But this formal suit was actually very good-looking.\n

\n\n

\n The modeled character stood quietly on the display interface, similarly upright in posture, with a narrow waist and long legs. The silver-white uniform was elegant yet sharp, its tailored cut outlining a beautiful waistline. His overly long silver hair was tied into a low ponytail, secured with a hairband of the same color.\n

\n\n

\n This was the virtual wife Lin You had spent almost a month carefully crafting in the real world.\n

\n\n

\n 55, who had been lying on the side, shifted its gaze back and forth between the printed draft in Lin You's hands and Lenon. It suddenly realized something and exclaimed, "Wait, did you model this little guy after Lenon?"\n

\n\n

\n Although 55 had helped Lin You import the data, it hadn't looked closely. Now that it compared them, it finally noticed the clues.\n

\n\n

\n Lin You acted coy: "Actually, no. If you must say, Lenon grew up looking like my wife."\n

\n\n

\n "..."\n

\n\n

\n 55's eyes went blank: "I was really stupid, really."\n

\n\n

\n The plot, starting from a certain moment, had suddenly bolted like a runaway wild horse, never to return. 55 thought that although Lin You pulled off a lot of wild stunts, his completion rate was at least higher than a certain Xie's, and his score was better than Xie's as well. So, it had tolerated that minor deviation. It never expected that this mission was destined to be a mistake right from the very beginning.\n

\n\n

\n —How could Lin You possibly abuse his wife, ahhhhh!\n

\n\n

\n And while the System was silently breaking down, Lenon's gaze landed on the little figure's right shoulder.\n

\n\n

\n On it, impressively, was an Iris Medal.\n

\n\n

\n —It was precisely the medal that Lin You had "snatched" from Lenon's hands during his first visit to the Third Legion, which was later imported into the game by the System and became one of the little figure's accessories.\n

\n\n

\n The Iris Medal carried significant symbolic meaning. Lin You never wore it when playing matchmaking, but this was their wedding, and he would not allow even the slightest imperfection.\n

\n\n

\n Lin You discussed the details of the suit, while Lenon frowned slightly on the side. He looked left and right, feeling that this outfit was somewhat familiar.\n

\n\n

\n The Empire's military uniforms were mostly similar, all following the same standard design, but Lin You's set was slightly different. It had many more decorative straps, with tassels draping from the shoulder blades. It looked familiar to him, but he couldn't figure out where he had seen it.\n

\n\n

\n After all, Military Female Zergs only played matchmaking to train; no one stared at other people's clothes.\n

\n\n

\n At this time, Lin You had finalized it. He turned to look at Lenon: "What do you think?"\n

\n\n

\n Lenon then smiled: "It's very beautiful."\n

\n\n

\n His little Majesty looked beautiful in anything he wore.\n

\n\n

\n The suits were finalized, the guests were finalized, and then the date was finalized. The coronation ceremony and the wedding were set for the same day. The Empire's noble Third Highness and his Female Consort would ride in a carriage to parade through the imperial capital in the early morning, then arrive at the palace, where Admiral Hoyle would present the new emperor with the crown and scepter.\n

\n\n

\n Next, the Zerg Emperor would announce with a slight smile under the public eye that the day of the Zerg Emperor's coronation and the following three days would become annual statutory holidays, because he wanted to take a vacation and go on a honeymoon with his Female Consort. This was met with a tsunami of cheers; the enthusiastic citizens almost blew the roof off the imperial palace.\n

\n\n

\n The coronation ceremony was grand and solemn. In contrast, the wedding did not have as many people. Neither Lin You nor Lenon had flamboyant personalities, so they only invited a few relatives and friends. Lin You had few friends among the Zerg, so he entrusted the task of inviting guests entirely to Admiral Hoyle. Lenon, however, sent out quite a few invitations to his old acquaintances in the Third Legion.\n

\n\n

\n Devon was slightly startled when he received the invitation. His rank of Colonel was considered pretty good in the Third Legion, but it was somewhat inadequate in front of the Zerg Emperor. He felt slightly reserved, his uncertainty mixed with surprise: "You won't seat me at the same table as Admiral Hoyle and the others, will you?"\n

\n\n

\n Admiral Hoyle would inevitably invite many high-ranking military officials, and perhaps even Devon's military academy teachers or superiors. If they really had to drink at the same table, he probably wouldn't even be able to eat his food in peace.\n

\n\n

\n Lenon: "Don't worry, I set up a separate table just for you guys."\n

\n\n

\n Among Admiral Hoyle's many friends, he really did set up a separate table for the Third Legion.\n

\n\n

\n On the day of the wedding, besides Devon, there was also a red-haired Female Zerg. His hair color was flamboyant and fiery, as bright as a rose, and his facial features were richly beautiful.\n

\n\n

\n He was an old subordinate of the Third Legion rescued from the "factory." Having stayed in the sunless factory for too long, he had forgotten how to speak, and his expression was wooden. Even though he had been properly resettled later, and Lenon had arranged for royal doctors to treat him, it wasn't something that could be reversed in a short amount of time. The wedding venue was filled with bouquets of flowers, but he only stood cautiously in the corner, silent, completely out of place amidst the surrounding bustle.\n

\n\n

\n However, when the master of ceremonies loudly offered his blessings and the newlyweds embraced and kissed, he actually smiled at Lenon.\n

\n\n

\n Having stayed in hell for so long, he still smiled for his commanding officer's happiness.\n

\n\n

\n Lenon bit his lower lip.\n

\n\n

\n Lin You hugged him: "Are you guys good friends?"\n

\n\n

\n Lenon forced a smile: "He's my junior from the military academy, and a former genius of the military department. I used to guide him. His marksmanship was very accurate, and he scored full marks in his tactical courses. If it weren't for that battle, he should have..."\n

\n\n

\n He couldn't continue.\n

\n\n

\n He should have had a brilliant future, bright and promising.\n

\n\n

\n Lin You sighed and said softly, "The Empire has allocated special funds for resettlement and treatment. The current treatment is highly effective. In at most three years, he will be able to return to the military department. There will also be a large sum of compensation later on. Although it can't offset the harm done, it's at least somewhat of a comfort."\n

\n\n

\n The First Prince's faction was thoroughly purged, and all their assets were confiscated. The amount of illicit profits involved made even Lin You stare in astoundment. The parliament had swiftly established a relief fund to aid the Female Zergs who survived the "factory," and professional doctors were organized to closely monitor their physical conditions.\n

\n\n

\n The wreckage of the "factory" was towed to the Capital Star and dismantled into many pieces. The parliament unanimously passed a resolution to build a park around it. When citizens took walks in the park, they could look through those mottled, pitch-black glass curtain walls and amidst the giant mechanical arms, catch a glimpse of the cruelty and bloodshed of the past.\n

\n\n

\n In the center of the park stood a towering memorial obelisk, recording the names of those who unfortunately perished in the Zone 35 defense battle, corresponding one by one to the remains in the Graveyard.\n

\n\n

\n Lenon lowered his eyes: "...Thank you."\n

\n\n

\n If it weren't for Lin You, things wouldn't have gone so smoothly. He might have even carried a notorious reputation to his death. When people spoke of the Major General of the Third Legion, they would say he was a brutal Female Zerg who not only hurt his fiancé but was also audacious enough to assassinate a prince. As for the truth buried in the graveyard, no one would have cared.\n

\n\n

\n Unknowingly, they had walked away from the wedding into an empty garden in the imperial palace. Lenon took a deep breath, suddenly hugged Lin You, and buried his whole face in his embrace.\n

\n\n

\n Lin You patted his Female Consort, belatedly realizing that the Major General was trembling, so he also reached out to wrap his arms around his back: "What's wrong?"\n

\n\n

\n Lenon nuzzled against him and hugged him even tighter, like a drowning man clutching at his last straw, as if trying to melt Lin You into his bones and blood. He said nothing else, merely stubbornly repeating: "...Thank you."\n

\n\n

\n Lin You was stunned for a moment, then laughed: "What are you thanking me for?"\n

\n\n

\n Lenon only shook his head, saying nothing.\n

\n\n

\n There was too much he wanted to be thankful for. Thankful for this grand wedding today, thankful for the gentle kindness in the past, thankful for the proper settlement of his old friends, or perhaps... thankful to Lin You for catching him before he fell into hell.\n

\n\n

\n If there was no Lin You, what would have become of him?\n

\n\n

\n Lenon couldn't help but think about that future. He would have become addicted to Pheromones, locked in a dark dungeon, wasting away to nothing but skin and bones amidst endless torture, until only the ghost fire of revenge burned in his chest. He might still have gone to the graveyard and fired that shot, but he would never have been able to walk in the sunlight again, never able to have this warm embrace he had today.\n

\n\n

\n Lenon once thought he could be fearless, but as things stood now, just thinking about that future felt unbearable.\n

\n\n

\n Lin You stroked the long silver-white hair again and said, "You better wait until tonight to thank me."\n

\n\n

\n That night, they lay on their backs on the bed in the imperial palace's master bedroom. Lenon wanted to change his clothes, but was stopped by Lin You. The Emperor of The Empire was unhurriedly unbuttoning the uniform, like unwrapping a gift.\n

\n\n

\n The silver-haired Major General was a mess. The buttons of his uniform were all undone, and his sash was thrown aside. Lin You was slowly peeling his beloved gift out of the uniform. He pressed down on Lenon's trembling legs, which shook from unbearable anticipation, leaving brief kisses on his smooth skin. It wasn't until those clear blue eyes lost focus that he drawled leisurely, "Lenon, this is not pleasure; this is punishment."\n

\n\n

\n "We weren't married before, so it wasn't appropriate for me to settle the score with you, but now, it's time we cleared the ledger."\n

\n\n

\n ...Punishment?\n

\n\n

\n ...Settle the score?\n

\n\n

\n Lenon's unfocused eyes slowly landed on Lin You, actually looking somewhat wronged.\n

\n\n

\n These two terms were not good words. The Zerg's punishments were often extremely cruel. With his mind muddled by Pheromones, Lenon vaguely recalled the "punishments" he had witnessed before. His Male Father had also locked his Female Father in a bunker, leaving him either dripping with blood or subjected to humiliating torture. Subconsciously, he didn't think Lin You would punish him harshly, but since His Majesty the Zerg Emperor said it in bed, he still felt wronged.\n

\n\n

\n Lin You used his Pheromones to string him along, speaking at a measured pace: "Do you know why I want to punish you?"\n

\n\n

\n Lenon tilted his head. His brain had almost lost its function, only acting on instinct: "Because I didn't organize the wedding well?"\n

\n\n

\n —Admiral Hoyle had been busy with most of it.\n

\n\n

\n Lin You reached out to pull Lenon's belt tight, releasing a bit more Pheromones. The citrus scent in the air grew even thicker: "I don't care about that, incorrect."\n

\n\n

\n Lenon pursed his lips: "...Because I slept for five months and woke up too late?"\n

\n\n

\n Lin You: "Although I was indeed sad about that, you were recovering your body, so it's not a fault."\n

\n\n

\n "..."\n

\n\n

\n He shakily raised his leg to hook around Lin You's waist, saying in a breakdown, "I don't know."\n

\n\n

\n Lin You felt a sense of exasperation at his failure to live up to expectations: "Going to the 'factory' was such a dangerous thing, didn't you know to tell me first? Even though I couldn't help much, I still have the right to know!"\n

\n\n

\n The little Majesty's tone was indignant; he was truly angry to the extreme.\n

\n\n

\n The taut string in Lenon's heart loosened. A hint of a smile appeared on his face as he said in relief, "So it was because of this."\n

\n\n

\n Lin You tightened the belt again, dissatisfied: "What do you mean 'it was just because of this'?!"\n

\n\n

\n His threat no longer had any effect. Lenon vaguely begged for mercy, completely discarding the unyielding character of a Major General who would rather die than surrender: "Your Majesty, forgive me, please..."\n

\n\n

\n Unable to bear it any longer, Lin You kissed him.\n

\n\n

\n In the education of a Female Zerg, this kind of thing usually didn't mean pleasure, but rather torture and indignity. But Lenon opened himself up more forcefully than ever before, like a clam impatiently opening its hard shell to expose its soft spot, inviting a taste of its inner sweetness. He craved to be merged into one, craved to be inextricably intertwined.\n

\n\n

\n By the time the storm passed and things quieted down, they fell asleep in a daze. When they opened their eyes again, it was already broad daylight.\n

\n\n

\n Lenon pulled Lin You in and hugged him tightly, planning to go back to sleep. Hazily, he thought to himself, 'This is really nice.'\n

\n\n

\n Waking up with his beloved on the same morning, in the same bed, was very good.\n

","published_time":"2026-05-24T00:00:00.000Z","paid":false,"show_flag":true,"show_scheduled_time":"2026-05-24T00:00:00.000Z","unpaid_scheduled_time":"2026-05-24T00:00:00.000Z"},{"content_id":4448,"novel_id":71,"chapter_no":56,"chapter_title":"Identity Revealed","content":"

\n For the half-month following his coronation, Lin You was so busy his feet barely touched the ground.\n

\n\n

\n The mess left by the First Prince needed cleaning up, and the old Zerg Emperor's funeral arrangements had to be managed. With all these delays, Lin You hadn't logged online to play games in a long time.\n

\n\n

\n And his Female Consort, Lenon, was equally busy. Lenon had returned to the Third Legion. With his merits, barring any accidents, he would be promoted to General in the next round, commanding the military alongside Hoyle.\n

\n\n

\n As a result, the newlywed Zerg Emperor and his Female Consort spent little time together, only having that tiny bit of time right before going to sleep each day.\n

\n\n

\n But now, even that tiny bit of time was dwindling.\n

\n\n

\n Lin You noticed that every time he came out of the shower, Lenon had no intention of inviting him to share a romantic evening. Instead, he would sit by the bed, staring at his Light Brain with a serious expression, occasionally sketching and writing on a draft pad, seemingly pondering something.\n

\n\n

\n The Light Brain screen flickered, apparently playing a video. Judging by the colors on the screen, Lin You could tell that Lenon was watching the same one every single night, night after night.\n

\n\n

\n ——Whatever the hell this video was, it was actually more attractive than his Male Lord.\n

\n\n

\n Dissatisfied, Lin You pressed down on him from behind and reached out to unbutton the major general's uniform. "It's late at night, and you're not sleeping. What are you studying?"\n

\n\n

\n Lenon then put down the Light Brain, turning his head to kiss him. Ever since they opened their hearts to each other, Lenon had become exceptionally easy to arouse. Even though he had clearly never been injected with an Addictive Pheromone, he seemed addicted to Lin You's Pheromone. The way he rubbed against Lin You was like sniffing a cat. Before long, his eyes were tinged with a slight misty glint.\n

\n\n

\n They fell back onto the bed. Lin You had already undone the last button and was just about to slide his fingers through the gap when he suddenly caught a glimpse of the Light Brain screen.\n

\n\n

\n "..."\n

\n\n

\n He stared blankly at the screen, his mind instantly clearing.\n

\n\n

\n "What's wrong?" Lenon instantly noticed Lin You's change and propped up his upper body. His cold, pale skin still bore kiss marks, scattered across his collarbone like little stars. "Did something happen?"\n

\n\n

\n Lin You remained expressionless.\n

\n\n

\n Lenon hesitated for a moment and reached out to gather his clothes. "Are you not in the mood?"\n

\n\n

\n This was not a good sign.\n

\n\n

\n He wondered if their routines these days had been a bit too bland and considered whether they should try something new, but then he saw Lin You staring intently at a particular spot.\n

\n\n

\n Lenon followed his gaze, which landed on the Light Brain screen.\n

\n\n

\n It was a video recording of an interstellar flight. The voyage was exceptionally treacherous: a meteoroid stream grazed the edge of the spaceship, nearly colliding with the hull multiple times; massive barrages of artillery fire pursued them, exploding right behind the ship. The high-energy rays emitted by the explosions severely interfered with the dashboard indicators. In such a situation, even the most veteran pilots in the military would break into a cold sweat.\n

\n\n

\n But the pilot in the video was clearly an expert. The ship darted left and right, several times reaching the brink of crashing only to be forcefully pulled back, finally escaping the meteoroid matrix by a hair's breadth.\n

\n\n

\n Lin You: "..."\n

\n\n

\n Lenon picked up the Light Brain. "Mhm, this... this is the flight recorder footage of my aircraft when I was returning from Zone 35."\n

\n\n

\n Seeing Lin You's pale face, he assumed that since Lin You was raised in the imperial capital since childhood, he had never seen such a scene of flying debris and was worried and afraid. So, he turned the Light Brain face down. "Don't worry, Little Majesty, this isn't anything dangerous."\n

\n\n

\n Intending to change the subject, Lenon picked an interesting topic to talk about: "Speaking of returning from Zone 35, I encountered a strange thing."\n

\n\n

\n Lin You asked mechanically, "What is it?"\n

\n\n

\n Lenon: "Actually, on the return trip from Zone 35, I was already unconscious and had prepared for a crash. But the aircraft acted as if it were sentient. The maneuvers you just saw were performed by the aircraft itself."\n

\n\n

\n Lin You read monotonically, "...Ah hahaha, is that so?"\n

\n\n

\n Lenon: "Yes, it's hard to explain. That kind of operation could never be executed by an autopilot system, yet there were no signs of my aircraft being hacked. It was as if a ghost had taken up residence in the cockpit."\n

\n\n

\n Lin You: "..."\n

\n\n

\n Of course there wouldn't be any hacking traces. System 55 was the most advanced system from a higher-dimensional world. The moment the aircraft landed safely, it had erased all traces.\n

\n\n

\n As he spoke, Lenon once again revealed a thoughtful expression. "However, the driving style of this 'pilot' feels very familiar. I think I've seen it before."\n

\n\n

\n Lin You was alarmed and uncertain: "Driving style?"\n

\n\n

\n Lenon sat up straight. "Yes, every pilot has a unique style, just like every painter has distinct brushstrokes. Some pilots habitually spin left to dodge meteors, while others prefer to strafe and then spin right. This pilot's style is similar to mine, yet slightly different. It feels familiar to me. His operations are not veteran; they are slightly green, but... Mmph!"\n

\n\n

\n Unable to bear it any longer, Lin You directly kissed him.\n

\n\n

\n Pomelo Lord had learned from Lenon, and because time was too tight, he hadn't learned thoroughly. Most of his maneuvers relied on his own fumbling, which was why they seemed slightly green.\n

\n\n

\n If he let Lenon keep analyzing, even his underwear would be stripped clean and exposed!\n

\n\n

\n Lin You pressed down on the major general's shoulders, forcefully pinning him onto the bed. As countless kisses fell, Lenon no longer had the time to care about any aircraft or cockpit ghosts. His eyes lost their focus, and finally, completely exhausted and utterly defeated, he fell into a deep sleep.\n

\n\n

\n Meanwhile, Lin You stared at the ceiling with his eyes wide open, thinking about how to deal with his gaming pod.\n

\n\n

\n When he moved from the Third Prince's mansion to the Imperial Palace, this thing was also recorded in the registry and stored in the warehouse. If Lenon ever took inventory, he would immediately spot the clues.\n

\n\n

\n This thing wasn't cheap; it would be a pity to throw it away. After thinking it over and over, Lin You decided to return it to Hoyle.\n

\n\n

\n He specifically chose a day when Lenon was working at the military headquarters, directing the attendants to move the gaming pod away. But as his fingers brushed against the silvery-white metal cabin door, he still felt a bit reluctant to part with it.\n

\n\n

\n There would be no more games to play QAQ.\n

\n\n

\n As a youth with severe internet addiction, this was simply an unbearable pain in life.\n

\n\n

\n System 55 egged him on: "It's fine, my encryption system is very reliable. It won't be easily discovered."\n

\n\n

\n Lin You checked the sky. There was still plenty of time before Lenon got off work, so he stopped the attendants and coughed. "I'll play one more round."\n

\n\n

\n A hundred million more rounds!\n

\n\n

\n Lin You lay down in the cabin.\n

\n\n

\n He skillfully selected his character and entered the lobby. Pomelo Lord's avatar lit up. It was then that he realized he had received hundreds of private messages.\n

\n\n

\n It had been nearly half a year since Pomelo Lord was last online.\n

\n\n

\n The training pods belonged to the military. Those who logged on were all non-commissioned officers from various military districts or military academy students. If someone was offline for a long time, there were only two possibilities: either they were executing a secret mission and absent from the Main Star for a long period, or they were already dead.\n

\n\n

\n Half a year ago, he was a rising star in the training system. Many people closely followed him, but he suddenly vanished without a trace like a shooting star, leaving people sighing in regret.\n

\n\n

\n Lenon had actually sent him a private message too.\n

\n\n

\n Looking at the timestamp, it was probably a week or two after Lenon woke up. The major general had once made a promise with Pomelo Lord to teach him how to fly. Later, the major general slept for five months, so naturally, the promise couldn't be fulfilled.\n

\n\n

\n In the private message, Lenon apologized for breaking the promise and stated that he could make up for the teaching, asking when Pomelo Lord would be free to log on.\n

\n\n

\n Feeling guilty, Lin You closed the private messages.\n

\n\n

\n ...He would probably never log on again. Even if he did, Lin You would change his identity.\n

\n\n

\n He entered the matchmaking interface and selected multiplayer mode. Since it was working hours, there weren't many people queuing, so he needed to wait for a while. Lin You sat quietly to the side, waiting for the game to start.\n

\n\n

\n While waiting, he swiped back and forth, admiring his character model.\n

\n\n

\n System 55 circled around the character model, clicking its tongue in wonder. "He really does look 80% like your wife."\n

\n\n

\n The same tall figure, the same handsome face, the same long silver hair, and even the exact same pure white uniform.\n

\n\n

\n Lin You: "Looks good, right? I spent nearly a month customizing it back then."\n

\n\n

\n This character was Lin You's proud masterpiece. He happily admired it for quite a while before System 55 suddenly said, "Host, sorry to interrupt your appreciation of beauty, but there's something you should know."\n

\n\n

\n Lin You continued admiring. "Speak."\n

\n\n

\n System 55: "Your wife has logged online."\n

\n\n

\n Lin You: "!"\n

\n\n

\n He frantically switched back to the matchmaking lobby. Sure enough, a figure spawned not far away: pure white uniform, long silver hair, Iris Medal, posture as straight as a pine—it was exactly Lenon.\n

\n\n

\n The lobby instantly became lively.\n

\n\n

\n Lenon was currently the most sought-after figure in the military. Originally, everyone was just waiting for matchmaking, but as soon as he logged on, discussions broke out immediately. Chat messages in the bottom right corner of the screen flew by rapidly.\n

\n\n

\n "Holy crap, what day is it today?"\n

\n\n

\n "Did they plan this? How come two people who haven't been online for six or seven months both logged on today?"\n

\n\n

\n Lenon clearly saw this message as well.\n

\n\n

\n Iris: "Who else?"\n

\n\n

\n Lin You: "..."\n

\n\n

\n He was just about to click log off, but the messages were already flooding out.\n

\n\n

\n "Pomelo Lord is here too!"\n

\n\n

\n "Major General, you guys should play a round! I've rewatched your previous battle video so many times the pixels are rubbing off."\n

\n\n

\n Lin You: "..."\n

\n\n

\n He was about to pretend he didn't see it when his inbox refreshed with a private message.\n

\n\n

\n Iris: "Are you online?"\n

\n\n

\n Lin You replied timidly, "Yes."\n

\n\n

\n He silently called out to the system: 'System 55! System 55!'\n

\n\n

\n Pomelo Lord's character interface was still wearing that uniform modeled after the wedding attire.\n

\n\n

\n System 55: "Coming, coming."\n

\n\n

\n It modified the source code at the speed of light, forcibly swapping the character model into the default starting clothes.\n

\n\n

\n Only then did Lin You walk to the center of the matchmaking lobby.\n

\n\n

\n Lenon's gaze fell on him. First, he nodded politely in greeting. Then his eyebrows twitched, furrowing slightly, but smoothing out again in an extremely short amount of time. His gaze remained on Lin You as if nothing had happened.\n

\n\n

\n Lin You said nervously, "Ma-Major General?"\n

\n\n

\n Lenon scrutinized Lin You, a smile appearing on his face. "Hello, Pomelo Lord."\n

\n\n

\n He extended a hand toward Lin You. "May I have the honor of inviting you to a match?"\n

\n\n

\n Lin You: "..."\n

\n\n

\n Although he knew this was the usual aristocratic tone, he still felt extremely uncomfortable. He just nodded haphazardly. "Let's start."\n

\n\n

\n They matched into the Ruins instance.\n

\n\n

\n Lin You remembered this instance. He had once been headshot by Lenon here, achieving the 'great result' of surviving for ten minutes.\n

\n\n

\n His competitive spirit was somewhat stirred up.\n

\n\n

\n After several months of training, Lin You was no longer the same as before. He manipulated his character to skillfully weave through the broken walls and ruins. His figure was as light as a swallow, utilizing various covers to fire through the gaps with unbelievably beautiful accuracy.\n

\n\n

\n Lenon was stunned for a moment when Lin You darted out and narrowly avoided a sniper shot, but he quickly found his rhythm. This massive instance was like their hunting ground, and Iris and Pomelo Lord were the only two predators on the field.\n

\n\n

\n At the start of the game, Lin You deliberately chose the opposite direction of Lenon.\n

\n\n

\n In the beginning, Lenon pursued him relentlessly, seemingly wanting to catch up and fight side by side with Lin You. This scared Lin You into running for his life, his character moving so fast it left afterimages. But at some point, the dot representing Lenon stopped. It paused in place for a moment, then headed in the opposite direction.\n

\n\n

\n His movement speed was very slow. Rather than fighting, it was more like he was just walking with his head down—walking with a depressed mood and heavy steps.\n

\n\n

\n Staring at the little dot, Lin You actually perceived a sense of deep desolation.\n

\n\n

\n As the battle entered the white-hot stage, the distance between them quickly widened, and the two dominated different areas respectively.\n

\n\n

\n Announcements continuously echoed in their ears.\n

\n\n

\n "'Iris' killed 'Trapped by Love'"\n

\n\n

\n "'Pomelo Lord' killed 'Sunset Glow'"\n

\n\n

\n "'Iris' killed 'Tomato and Egg'"\n

\n\n

\n "'Pomelo Lord' killed 'Dock Tail to Survive'"\n

\n\n

\n "..."\n

\n\n

\n Lin You wasn't surprised by Lenon's combat record in the slightest. Lenon, however, had spaced out countless times during this single match.\n

\n\n

\n Every time the announcement of a kill by 'Pomelo Lord' came through, he would space out for two seconds.\n

\n\n

\n The countdown of the number of players in the upper right corner continued to decrease until, finally, only three people were left.\n

\n\n

\n They met on a narrow path in a dilapidated church.\n

\n\n

\n Lenon was behind the church's divine statue, Lin You was next to the hymn pipe organ, and the last person was in the prayer pews.\n

\n\n

\n The three of them formed a triangular standoff.\n

\n\n

\n One person could only aim in one direction. Once they fired at one party, it would be difficult to guard against bullets from the other.\n

\n\n

\n Lin You and Lenon raised their guns simultaneously, facing each other.\n

\n\n

\n The third person among them was a nobody. 'Iris' and 'Pomelo Lord' posed the greatest threat to each other. According to general logic, they would first decide the victor between themselves and deal with the other person last.\n

\n\n

\n Lin You's hands sweat slightly.\n

\n\n

\n This was highly likely his last time entering the matchmaking system, and also his last opportunity to defeat Lenon.\n

\n\n

\n The other person had completely given up resisting. Sitting in the audience seats like a spectator, they quietly waited for the two big shots to determine the winner.\n

\n\n

\n But Lenon moved his gun away.\n

\n\n

\n Expressionlessly, he aimed his muzzle at the audience seats and pulled the trigger.\n

\n\n

\n Bystander: "?"\n

\n\n

\n He was innocently logged out.\n

\n\n

\n At the same time, a sudden gunshot rang out. Lin You seized this momentary opportunity, and his bullet hit Lenon.\n

\n\n

\n The announcement sounded: "'Pomelo Lord' killed 'Iris'".\n

\n\n

\n "'Pomelo Lord' achieves final victory."\n

\n\n

\n Filled with suspicion, Lin You was teleported back to the lobby.\n

\n\n

\n He kept feeling that Lenon was going easy on him, but he had no proof. Before he could even recover from the match, the major general's message arrived.\n

\n\n

\n Manipulating his character, Iris said politely, "Perhaps I might have the honor of inviting you to another round?"\n

\n\n

\n "No, no, no." Lin You flatly refused. "I haven't brought my laundry in, I'm logging off."\n

\n\n

\n He logged off at the speed of light.\n

\n\n

\n Lin You scrambled out of the training pod, ordered the attendants to hurry up and carry it away, and then lay back on the large bed. He asked guiltily, "He didn't notice, did he?"\n

\n\n

\n System 55: "Probably not, we covered it up pretty well."\n

\n\n

\n For the next few days, Lin You carefully observed Lenon.\n

\n\n

\n The major general's expression remained normal. He still went in and out of the military headquarters every day, still exchanged good morning and good night kisses with Lin You, and seemed to have noticed nothing.\n

\n\n

\n Lin You breathed a sigh of relief.\n

\n\n

\n —— Until his birthday.\n

\n\n

\n Lin You and the Third Prince from the original text shared the same birthday. He used to celebrate his birthdays casually in his previous life, usually just hosting a birthday livestream and taking a couple bites of cake, and that was it. But now, as the Emperor of the Empire, his birthday was one of the Empire's most important festivals.\n

\n\n

\n Lin You put on elaborate formal attire, stepped onto the stage to give a speech, and rambled on about this and that. After finishing the formalities, he nested at home and flipped through the gift catalog.\n

\n\n

\n For the Emperor's birthday, many nobles would offer gifts. Most were rare jewelry and decorations. Lin You skimmed through them hastily, and then his gaze landed on Lenon's gift.\n

\n\n

\n He was puzzled: "What is this Frost K754?"\n

\n\n

\n Lenon: "I put it in the bedroom. You can go take a look."\n

\n\n

\n Lin You returned to the bedroom as told. At a glance, he saw the massive object in the middle: a streamlined pod body, painted silver all over, gleaming with a cold, piercing light.\n

\n\n

\n It was the most advanced training pod from the military.\n

\n\n

\n Lin You panicked for a moment, then his gaze darted around. "When... did you find out?"\n

\n\n

\n Lenon: "The moment I saw 'Pomelo Lord'."\n

\n\n

\n That familiar aircraft piloting technique, that familiar wedding uniform, and even Lin You's name and Pomelo Lord's 'Pomelo*'...\n

\n\n

\n *T/N: Pomelo is written as 'You-zi'.\n

\n\n

\n Lin You sat on the edge of the bed, feeling somewhat guilty. He looked left and right, then right and left. But Lenon suddenly knelt on one knee before him in a knight-like posture.\n

\n\n

\n He took Lin You's hand, placed it against his cheek, and rubbed against it. "Was it you?"\n

\n\n

\n Lin You: "What?"\n

\n\n

\n Lenon's azure eyes gazed at him. "The ghost in the cockpit, the person who brought me back from the Graveyard."\n

\n\n

\n Lin You said dejectedly, "It was me."\n

\n\n

\n The existence of System 55 was a secret. He didn't know how to explain it to Lenon—to explain that his life, his hatred, and his everything all originated from an absurd novel. Thus, he chose to hide it.\n

\n\n

\n But Lenon didn't press the matter. He wasn't curious about how Lin You managed to do it; his eyes simply curved slightly. "It really was you."\n

\n\n

\n Lenon's luck had never been that good. Compared to other major generals who had smooth sailing, his experiences were far too winding. Fate seemed to have never favored him, and Lenon had long since grown accustomed to it.\n

\n\n

\n But from a certain moment on, he had suddenly received the grace of fate.\n

\n\n

\n From His Little Highness's indulgence and protection, to that miraculous safe return, to his old friends being treated kindly, receiving medical care, and having their names engraved and remembered...\n

\n\n

\n It turned out that it was never fate that pitied him, but only His Little Highness alone.\n

\n\n

\n The heart within his chest throbbed. It felt as comfortable as having half his body soaked in hot water, making him unable to resist the urge to get a little closer to the heat source, to bury his entire being into it.\n

\n\n

\n Lin You wasn't used to such overt expressions. He slightly curled his fingers, wanting to pull away. "What is it?"\n

\n\n

\n But Lenon held onto his hand tightly. Maintaining his half-kneeling posture, he suddenly said, "You can do anything to me."\n

\n\n

\n He repeated very seriously, "Anything."\n

\n\n

\n Lenon desperately wanted to do something, or offer something. Like a knight offering loyalty to his emperor, like a priest offering devotion to his god. But the Colette Family had already been given to Lin You, and Lenon didn't know what else he could offer.\n

\n\n

\n Lin You: "...What?"\n

\n\n

\n What he didn't know was that this phrase was actually a commonly used sweet nothing among many Female Zergs. It was an overused cliché, spoken as easily as eating and drinking, meant to coax arrogant and willful Male Lords in exchange for Pheromones.\n

\n\n

\n But Lenon never said it.\n

\n\n

\n Whether it was him in the novel or him in front of Lin You, he never uttered this sweet nothing, nor had he ever called Lin You 'Male Lord'. From the very beginning to the end, it was always 'Little Highness', 'Little Majesty'.\n

\n\n

\n Perhaps the major general of the Third Legion felt from the bottom of his heart that no Male Zerg could dominate him body and soul, or was worthy of him offering his all. Inside his docile and beautiful shell resided the most untamed soul. His body could submit, but his soul never would.\n

\n\n

\n But now, he said it so naturally—so naturally that even Lenon himself was startled.\n

\n\n

\n Lin You repeated, "I can do anything to you?"\n

\n\n

\n "Yes." Lenon smiled.\n

\n\n

\n Actually, the Zerg had many ways to play. Excessive ones, non-excessive ones. In the eyes of other Male Zergs, Lin You's style was probably as rigid as a pedantic old Male Zerg from an ancient era; he hardly ever tried any new tricks.\n

\n\n

\n Lenon wasn't sure if Lin You didn't like playing around, or if he just cared about him too much and couldn't bear to play rough.\n

\n\n

\n But now, he was telling Lin You that he could choose other methods.\n

\n\n

\n Lin You took a sharp breath of cold air.\n

\n\n

\n As an ACG streamer, although Lin You occasionally made dirty jokes, it was limited only to words. Deep down, he was still a pure and innocent kid. He fidgeted for a moment, and the most extreme way to play he could think of was—\n

\n\n

\n "When we're doing that, can you wear your uniform?"\n

","published_time":"2026-05-24T00:00:00.000Z","paid":false,"show_flag":true,"show_scheduled_time":"2026-05-24T00:00:00.000Z","unpaid_scheduled_time":"2026-05-24T00:00:00.000Z"},{"content_id":4449,"novel_id":71,"chapter_no":57,"chapter_title":"Extra: Nightmare","content":"

\n Extra: IF Route Nightmare.\n

\n\n

\n Lenon opened his eyes in a daze, not knowing what year it was.\n

\n\n

\n He and Lin You had fooled around a bit too late yesterday, and now his entire body ached. Even getting up was a struggle.\n

\n\n

\n When it came to intimacy, the little Majesty was quite reserved at first. Even if Lenon hinted that they could do something more, he would just brush it off and make some trivial requests. However, under Lenon's deliberate indulgence and hints, Lin You began to show the skills expected of a veteran otaku.\n

\n\n

\n They adapted to each other more and more, becoming increasingly intimate. So, after waking up, Lenon subconsciously reached out, wanting to scoop the little Majesty into his arms and ask for a good morning kiss.\n

\n\n

\n But he grabbed nothing but air.\n

\n\n

\n His fingertips failed to touch the warm skin of his beloved, instead brushing against a piece of cold metal.\n

\n\n

\n Metal?\n

\n\n

\n Apart from that gaming pod, there were no large surfaces of metal in Lin You's bedroom.\n

\n\n

\n Lenon frowned, completely waking up.\n

\n\n

\n "..."\n

\n\n

\n He was not in the bedroom.\n

\n\n

\n Before him was an iron-gray desk, with a solid black fountain pen resting on the pen stand. The walls here were painted snow-white, featuring a heavy metal door. A row of recessed downlights was embedded in the ceiling, and even the cast light was a cold white—solemn, austere, and utterly devoid of human warmth.\n

\n\n

\n This was a lounge in the military department.\n

\n\n

\n The sound of military boots stepping on the ground approached. Devon opened the door and looked at him in surprise, "Major General, why are you still here? The Third Prince is about to visit the Third Legion. Aren't you going to prepare?"\n

\n\n

\n Lenon's brow twitched as his gaze fell on the desk calendar. Instantly, his eyebrows knitted tightly together.\n

\n\n

\n The date was wrong. It seemed he had returned to five years ago, back to when he first met Lin You.\n

\n\n

\n At that time, the little Majesty was still just the Little Highness. He came to the Third Legion for a routine visit, crushed Lenon's rose underfoot, yet took away his iris.\n

\n\n

\n Back then, Lenon only treated it as a minor episode, never expecting it to be the beginning of everything.\n

\n\n

\n Devon placed two vials of injectables on the desk and sighed, "Do you want to inject some? Once the Third Highness arrives, I'm afraid it will be very tough for you."\n

\n\n

\n Lenon was still in the sensitive period of his first marking back then.\n

\n\n

\n Lenon shook his head to decline, wanting to say it wasn't necessary, that Lin You wouldn't deliberately torment him. But as the words reached his lips, his heart suddenly tightened. An ominous premonition arose, as if something terrible was about to happen.\n

\n\n

\n Lenon paused for a moment, then said, "Alright, I'll inject it."\n

\n\n

\n He rolled up his sleeve and injected the cold liquid into his forearm. As the medicine flowed through his muscles, it provoked a burning, dull pain.\n

\n\n

\n Synthesized pheromones could not compare to natural ones and had some side effects. Almost the instant the liquid entered his body, Lenon felt dizzy. His temples throbbed with pain, and his joints grew weak. After steadying himself against the edge of the desk, he smiled in self-deprecation and thought, 'I really have been spoiled quite a bit.'\n

\n\n

\n The Major General of the past could suppress all suffering without a change in expression, but staying by Lin You's side, he hadn't tasted this kind of feeling for many years.\n

\n\n

\n Devon said, "Get ready. It's estimated that the Third Prince will land in twenty minutes."\n

\n\n

\n Twenty minutes later, Lenon stood in the square holding a rose.\n

\n\n

\n An aircraft painted with the Royal Family insignia slowly landed. The cabin doors slid open to both sides, and the Third Prince stepped out briskly, taking his place on the speaking platform.\n

\n\n

\n Lenon watched from afar, his brow twitching again.\n

\n\n

\n Although their appearances were similar, this was not his Little Highness.\n

\n\n

\n His Little Highness had a gentle temperament. Even when trying his best to feign cruelty under the First Prince's surveillance, his eyes were always clear and bright. However, the person standing on the platform had a gloomy face, and the brutality in his eyes could not be hidden.\n

\n\n

\n "..."\n

\n\n

\n Lenon's grip on the rose tightened.\n

\n\n

\n After the Third Highness finished speaking, he paced over to him, sizing him up critically. His expression faintly revealed disdain. Then, he snatched the rose from Lenon's hand, threw it on the ground, and crushed it under his shoe. Bright red juice splattered out, and the petals were mangled like mud.\n

\n\n

\n Afterwards, without so much as a glance at Lenon, he walked away arrogantly.\n

\n\n

\n Lenon followed behind him expressionlessly.\n

\n\n

\n In a place where no one noticed, his fingers brushed over his chest, landing on the Iris Medal.\n

\n\n

\n His Third Highness had thrown away the rose but taken the medal, even saying with a smile, "Compared to roses, I prefer irises."\n

\n\n

\n Now, Lenon still wore this medal. Thorns and irises intertwined on the openwork pattern, scattering a silvery-white satin sheen, but the person who had taken the medal was no longer here.\n

\n\n

\n The Third Highness before him was arrogant and rude. He toured the exhibition hall with his chin raised the entire time. When his gaze swept over the bloody recording footage, he showed disgust and covered his nose and mouth. "Blood is truly disgusting."\n

\n\n

\n "..."\n

\n\n

\n Lenon calmly maintained his disguise, entertaining the Third Prince with impeccable aristocratic etiquette. It was only when he finally saw off the Third Prince and walked back into his office that cracks appeared in his flawless smile.\n

\n\n

\n He locked the bathroom door, filled the sink, and scooped up cold water to splash over his face.\n

\n\n

\n During this, Lenon inadvertently looked up, only to find that his reflection in the mirror above the sink looked extremely wretched. Drops of water rolled down his hair, soaking a patch of his military uniform collar.\n

\n\n

\n ...Where was his Little Highness?\n

\n\n

\n This person was not his Little Highness. Where had his Little Highness gone?\n

\n\n

\n Over the next few weeks, Lenon used all his power to search for the whereabouts of the person in his memories. Yet, no matter how he inquired or investigated, he found absolutely nothing.\n

\n\n

\n His subordinates told him that the Third Highness had always been cruel and arrogant. It was said that on the very first day he moved into the prince's mansion after coming of age, he activated the basement to whip and discipline any Female Zerg who displeased him.\n

\n\n

\n According to descriptions from the mansion's servants, screams rang out incessantly. When those Female Zergs were dragged out of the basement, their wings were often whipped to shreds, their backs dripping with blood, left with barely a breath.\n

\n\n

\n Lenon clenched the investigation results in his hands, his grip so tight he almost crushed the paper.\n

\n\n

\n His Little Highness would never do these things. Although Lin You also had a special fondness for wings, he preferred soothing kisses. He would leave kiss after kiss on the wings and playfully pry at the sensitive wing crevices. He cherished this pair of wings even more than Lenon did and would never harm him in the slightest.\n

\n\n

\n Devon noticed something was wrong with Lenon and repeatedly beat around the bush, asking what had happened. But Lenon merely shook his head and said nothing.\n

\n\n

\n How could he describe it? That the lover who had been by his side for years and whom he treasured like a jewel; the intelligent and decisive Majesty he swore to protect; the Male Zerg who exchanged good morning kisses with him every morning and good night kisses every night, intimately entwined and the most important person in his life... had disappeared?\n

\n\n

\n Lenon thought his heart was as hard as iron. After the Zone 35 Expulsion Battle, nothing could shake his resolve anymore. But now, it felt as if a piece of his heart had been hollowed out, leaving behind only an empty, dead silence.\n

\n\n

\n Days passed like flowing water.\n

\n\n

\n Lenon deliberately avoided meeting the Third Prince, filling his empty time with an overloaded work schedule. Anyway, what the Third Prince valued was the Colette Family's wealth. Lenon was merely an insignificant add-on, so it wouldn't affect much.\n

\n\n

\n During this period, he constantly heard scandals about the Third Prince—perhaps publicly toying with a Female Zerg at an aristocratic banquet, or speaking disrespectfully to seniors in the military department... In short, aside from his identity as the Third Prince, he shared no similarities with the person in Lenon's memories.\n

\n\n

\n As time went by, Lenon even began to doubt whether the gentle and beautiful Little Highness in his memories was just a dream he had hallucinated.\n

\n\n

\n Soon, it was time for the Third Prince's coming-of-age ceremony. He sent an invitation to Lenon, inviting him to attend.\n

\n\n

\n The invitation was sent directly to the Third Legion, received on his behalf by Devon, and handed over to Lenon. At the time, Devon sighed deeply and said, "I'm afraid it will be very hard for you to avoid this disaster."\n

\n\n

\n For a prince's coming-of-age ceremony to deliberately invite an unmarried Female Zerg—and one he had publicly humiliated at that—it went without saying what he intended to do.\n

\n\n

\n Lenon remained expressionless.\n

\n\n

\n He resisted it from the bottom of his heart, but he had to go. As a person bearing guilt, he could deliberately avoid the Third Prince, but he could not turn a blind eye to his invitation.\n

\n\n

\n Everything at the coming-of-age ceremony was similar to his past life, but unfortunately, when White humiliated him this time, no one spoke up for him.\n

\n\n

\n Lenon lowered his eyes, listening as White pinned the charges on him one by one. He quietly accepted all the blame, neither defending nor refuting. However, in the silence, some hidden wound within his chest tore wider and wider, eventually surging like a prairie fire, transforming into an agonizing pain that pierced through his chest.\n

\n\n

\n He really, really missed Lin You.\n

\n\n

\n At the banquet, the First Prince once again brought out that bottle of Addictive Pheromone, and the Third Prince took him to the back room, sliding a glass of wine toward him.\n

\n\n

\n Cherry blossom pink liquid in a tall glass, looking like a beverage an aristocrat would have with an afternoon meal. But Lenon knew exactly how malicious that substance was.\n

\n\n

\n He lowered his eyes and reached out to hook his fingers around the glass.\n

\n\n

\n This time, there was no one to stop him either.\n

\n\n

\n This was the first time in both lifetimes that Lenon tasted the Addictive Pheromone. It wasn't crisp with a sweet aftertaste like white peach sweet wine; this drink was spicy and pungent. Gulping it down felt like pouring sulfuric acid into his esophagus. His throat burned with stinging pain, and his stomach cramped along with it.\n

\n\n

\n Lenon couldn't help but fall to his knees and vomit. The potency of the Addictive Pheromone was far more than just that. An unfamiliar burning heat surged through his body; he began to feel delirious, his limbs going soft, until finally, he couldn't even throw up bile anymore.\n

\n\n

\n Yet, under the extreme physical discomfort, he uncontrollably revealed a mocking smile.\n

\n\n

\n ...Was this how it was originally supposed to be?\n

\n\n

\n In Lenon's initial expectations, it should have been like this.\n

\n\n

\n The Third Highness was supposed to be brutal and ruthless, with vicious methods. He himself was supposed to have his dignity swept away, wagging his tail and begging for mercy. This was something he had prepared himself for long ago; he shouldn't have felt sad over it.\n

\n\n

\n —If he hadn't met Lin You, that is.\n

\n\n

\n If he had never experienced kindness, never felt gentleness, perhaps everything that happened today wouldn't have been so unbearable.\n

\n\n

\n Lenon gripped the corner of the table. Under the effect of the liquid medicine, his vision and hearing blurred. Everything before his eyes turned upside down, dizzy to the extreme. But suddenly, someone touched him, calling softly, "Lenon? Lenon?"\n

\n\n

\n That voice was very clear, seeming both far away on the horizon and right in front of him. In a daze, Lenon seemed to smell the scent of citrus, crisp and sweet-and-sour, like dew clinging to the branches on a summer morning, soaking into the most plump piece of fruit.\n

\n\n

\n This scent, he missed it to the point of madness.\n

\n\n

\n The Third Prince in front of him did not have such fresh pheromones; his were spicy and putrid. And this citrus scent belonged only to his Little Highness.\n

\n\n

\n In the Emperor's bedroom, Lin You was worried sick.\n

\n\n

\n He had played a bit too hard with Lenon yesterday. Lenon never called to stop and instead encouraged him to do even more excessive things. Lin You couldn't hold back in the moment, causing the Major General to get a little injured.\n

\n\n

\n The injury was in a hidden place. He fetched ointment to apply on Lenon and righteously refused the Major General's request to continue, then lay down, leaning against the Major General, and fell asleep.\n

\n\n

\n But when he woke up in the middle of the night, he found that Lenon was running a fever.\n

\n\n

\n Not knowing if the wound hadn't been treated properly or for some other reason, the Major General was groggy, his cold white skin flushed with a cooked pink hue. He seemed to be having a bad dream; his eyes were squeezed shut tightly, his eyelashes trembled slightly, and cold sweat kept seeping from his forehead.\n

\n\n

\n Lin You reached out and found that the Major General's clothes were also soaked in cold sweat.\n

\n\n

\n He tried to wake Lenon, but Lenon seemed to be trapped in a nightmare. No matter how he called, he wouldn't wake up. At his wit's end, Lin You could only get out of bed to call for a doctor.\n

\n\n

\n But before he could roll off the bed, he was grabbed.\n

\n\n

\n At some point, Lenon had reached out and gripped his wrist. His fingertips squeezed with extreme force, as if clutching onto something he was about to lose. Upon closer inspection, he was even trembling faintly.\n

\n\n

\n So, Lin You sat back on the bed.\n

\n\n

\n The Major General opened his eyes and blinked in confusion, his eyes still harboring unshed moisture he hadn't had time to hide.\n

\n\n

\n His gaze struggled to focus, first sweeping over the room's furnishings—above him was the warm yellow concealed main light, and all around were ivory white curtains. It was the bedroom he was familiar with.\n

\n\n

\n Then, his gaze fell back onto Lin You. His Majesty the Emperor was clearly in a bit of pain from being gripped so tightly, but he good-naturedly didn't push him away. He simply leaned over, brushed aside the stray hair on Lenon's forehead, and reached out to test his temperature before asking softly, "Lenon? Did you have a nightmare?"\n

\n\n

\n "..."\n

\n\n

\n The person in front of him had a worried expression, asking in a gentle tone. The heat of his skin transmitted from where they touched, and the fresh scent of citrus lingered in the bedroom—although the little Majesty didn't know what had happened, he still released his soothing pheromones.\n

\n\n

\n Lenon couldn't control himself. He raised his hand, pulled Lin You over, and hugged him tightly.\n

\n\n

\n His chin was pressed hard against Lin You's shoulder, wishing he could bury his entire face into it. His hugging posture was overly forceful, as if wanting to meld the other person into his flesh and blood. It was as though only by doing this could he counteract the unease from the dream.\n

\n\n

\n Lin You raised his arms and hugged him back.\n

\n\n

\n It felt like he was hugging some large, furry animal, an animal that was still trembling. Lin You spoke softly, "What exactly happened?"\n

\n\n

\n Lenon said hoarsely, "I just had a dream."\n

\n\n

\n At this moment, he finally realized his voice had gone hoarse.\n

\n\n

\n Lin You patted him. "What dream? Can you tell me about it?"\n

\n\n

\n The Emperor's bedroom maintained the optimal temperature and humidity at all times, and the lighting was soft. Lenon relaxed in this warm embrace and belatedly felt a sense of embarrassment.\n

\n\n

\n He took Lin You's hand and saw the fresh red marks on it. "...I'll go get you some medicine."\n

\n\n

\n ...A general of the Third Legion was startled awake by a nightmare in the middle of the night, dragged His Majesty the Emperor up, hugged him refusing to let go, and even choked with sobs while seeking comfort. Lenon racked his brains but couldn't figure out how he could act so idiotically. If word of this got out and people found out, his reputation would be utterly ruined.\n

\n\n

\n Lin You: "It's fine. It'll go away after half an hour. First, tell me what happened to you?"\n

\n\n

\n Lenon: "It's not really a big deal."\n

\n\n

\n Lin You patted him. "It's alright, I want to hear it."\n

\n\n

\n The description of the dream was jumbled. Lenon nestled comfortably beside Lin You, hiding unnecessary details and only giving a rough outline, but Lin You still understood.\n

\n\n

\n He was all too familiar with this plot.\n

\n\n

\n If he hadn't transmigrated over, if the system hadn't chosen him to do the task, then the Major General before him would have met this exact ending.\n

\n\n

\n "..."\n

\n\n

\n Lin You sighed very lightly, then said, "Actually, just now, I also had a dream."\n

\n\n

\n "In my dream, I was a streamer playing a game called StarCraft. I was chosen by a system calling itself the 'Abused Protagonist Novel NPC Roleplay System No. 55', and transmigrated into a dark revenge novel..."\n

\n\n

\n Lenon listened quietly.\n

\n\n

\n This was an equally bizarre and absurd dream, like a novel made up on the spot—rambling and lacking logic. But when Lenon heard the system promise that he could return to his world upon completing the roleplay, his heart still clenched.\n

\n\n

\n He stared into Lin You's eyes, asking stubbornly, "Then will you leave?"\n

\n\n

\n Lin You shook his head and held his hand. "I can't leave anymore, Lenon."\n

\n\n

\n "Many years ago, I already said goodbye to the system. I told him that I would voluntarily give up the chance to travel across worlds to stay in the novel's world forever, together with the person I love."\n

\n\n

\n When he said this, his expression was focused and serious. Lenon couldn't control himself and affectionately kissed him again.\n

\n\n

\n The Major General complained, half-jokingly, "It's the middle of the night. You don't know how captivating you are when you say things like that. If this keeps up, I won't be able to go to work tomorrow."\n

\n\n

\n Lin You: "Then don't go to work."\n

\n\n

\n Anyway, whether it was Admiral Lenon or His Majesty the Emperor, both of them still had unused annual leave.\n

\n\n

\n After a long, lingering kiss, the last bit of Lenon's unease was erased. He asked softly, "Then in that dream of yours, where would the departing system go?"\n

\n\n

\n "System 55, huh." Lin You looked up towards the window. Outside was the starry sky of the Zerg, and above the Zerg planet was the vast sea of stars and the boundless universe.\n

\n\n

\n "As for it, it's probably binding to the next host and doing the next task."\n

\n\n

\n Saying that, Lin You clasped his hands together, showing a look of compassion. "I heard that both the previous host and I scored at the bottom, and it's going to fail its phase evaluation... All I can say is, I wish it good luck."\n

","published_time":"2026-05-24T00:00:00.000Z","paid":false,"show_flag":true,"show_scheduled_time":"2026-05-24T00:00:00.000Z","unpaid_scheduled_time":"2026-05-24T00:00:00.000Z"},{"content_id":4450,"novel_id":71,"chapter_no":58,"chapter_title":"The Duke","content":"

\n System 55 once again walked into the Central Management Bureau hall.\n

\n\n

\n Just now, it calculated Lin You's score, and the result was "53 points."\n

\n\n

\n System 55 had a bitter and distressed face.\n

\n\n

\n To be fair, compared to Xie Yu, who cut corners and constantly pulled outrageous stunts, Lin You was quite well-behaved. He didn't miss a single line he was supposed to say, and he faithfully recreated the plot he was supposed to follow. But the problem was... his execution fell short.\n

\n\n

\n Xie Yu naturally had a resting bitch face and an air of a world-weary psychopath, which perfectly matched the original host of the novel. When acting out the plot, if nothing else, at least his intimidation factor was there; Shen Ci was genuinely scared at the very beginning.\n

\n\n

\n But Lin You was inherently well-behaved. No matter how much he tried to act fierce, he couldn't fake that tyrannical aura. Not long into his act, Lenon saw right through him.\n

\n\n

\n Not to mention, he also liked to arbitrarily add his own scenes, ruining an already lackluster atmosphere even further. The entire logic was a complete mess. Morally and logically, there was no way to give him extra points.\n

\n\n

\n ...In short, these two hosts each had their own outrageous antics. In the end, both managed to obtain the 'excellent score' of just over 50 points.\n

\n\n

\n In the center of the hall, the Main Brain looked at System 55 and also let out a long sigh.\n

\n\n

\n It displayed System 55's two scores on the screen, its tone sorrowful: "System 55, this is your second 50."\n

\n\n

\n System 55: "QAQ."\n

\n\n

\n Two thick streams of tears flowed down its screen as System 55 tilted its head back and cried, "L-Lord Main Brain, I didn't want this either!"\n

\n\n

\n It complained: "When I chose Lin You back then, I favored him because he had many lovers and was a total playboy. But I only knew he had a lot of 'wives'; I didn't know he was a streamer!"\n

\n\n

\n Main Brain: "..."\n

\n\n

\n Looking at the little crying system in front of it, the Main Brain remained silent for a long time: "Then System 55, do you have any ideas for the host of the next world?"\n

\n\n

\n Talking about business, System 55 stopped crying and clenched its fists: "I do!"\n

\n\n

\n It said firmly: "I've summarized the lessons learned from the last time. The root cause of the failure was that I was a poor judge of character and chose the wrong host. Lin You's playboy nature wasn't real; it was dependent on the internet, superficial, and lacked foundation. And this kind of baseless playboy nature is just an illusory castle in the air."\n

\n\n

\n As it spoke, System 55 grew increasingly confident.\n

\n\n

\n Main System: "."\n

\n\n

\n It said, "Go on, I'm listening."\n

\n\n

\n System 55: "I thought about it for a long time. To observe a certain quality in someone, you can't just look at what they say; you have to look at what they do. Take Lin You, for example. To judge whether he's a playboy, you can't look at how many people he calls 'wife.' You have to look at how many beds he's tossed and turned in, how many people he's kissed, and how many people he's caused to shed lonely tears late at night. This should be the basis for judgment."\n

\n\n

\n Main System: "..."\n

\n\n

\n After experiencing two worlds, System 55's language module had certainly become richer.\n

\n\n

\n The Main System fell silent for a moment: "I understand. You want to use behavior as the basis for judgment."\n

\n\n

\n System 55 said, "Right."\n

\n\n

\n It was quite high-spirited: "Let's read the next novel. I will do my best to choose a suitable host!"\n

\n\n

\n The Main Brain flickered for a moment, and the text of the novel appeared on the screen. System 55 held its breath and read carefully.\n

\n\n

\n But upon seeing the first line, it raised its non-existent eyebrows.\n

\n\n

\n A massive block of garbled text.\n

\n\n

\n It was normal for a novel to have garbled text. Abusive protagonist novels weren't exactly proper reading material, often accompanied by "missing words", blanked-out text, and mosaics. But for a system to be unable to see the original text of the novel was very strange.\n

\n\n

\n The Main System let out a sound of surprise, having also noticed the problem: "Hold on, I'll run a query."\n

\n\n

\n It manipulated the data stream to scan it. Two seconds later, the scan was complete, and the Main System said: "I understand now. This is a banned novel."\n

\n\n

\n Due to their special attributes, abusive novels often involved issues like gore, violence, or ethics, and were frequently banned. The Main System was already used to this. As for these novels that had been banned long ago, even the Main System couldn't peruse them at will.\n

\n\n

\n It told System 55: "I have no way to completely unban it either. I can only provide you with key plot nodes; you and your host will have to act according to the nodes."\n

\n\n

\n System 55: "Okay, please display the nodes."\n

\n\n

\n The Main Brain's screen quietly changed, and the garbled text rearranged itself, turning into readable words.\n

\n\n

\n The title was—"How to Torture a Cat".\n

\n\n

\n Unlike the previous two which were clearly titles of novels, just looking at the title, this one seemed more like an expository essay.\n

\n\n

\n System 55: "?"\n

\n\n

\n It asked in bewilderment: "Is the protagonist we're going to torment a cat?"\n

\n\n

\n Main Brain: "Yes... at least in the early parts that I can read. Due to the ban, I can't see all the content either. However, this world contains fantasy elements, so we cannot rule out subsequent plot changes. Future nodes will gradually unlock as your mission progresses."\n

\n\n

\n Abusive novels were a broad category; as long as the protagonist was subjected to suffering, it could be considered an abusive novel in a broad sense. If the protagonist was a cat, then abusing a cat could certainly be an abusive novel.\n

\n\n

\n The Main System pondered for a moment: "I will match you with a host based on your requirements, not considering verbal descriptions, but practical actions."\n

\n\n

\n The Main Brain's screen darkened as it began to focus on querying the database.\n

\n\n

\n Five minutes later, the screen lit up again.\n

\n\n

\n Main Brain: "Query successful—Bai Yu, male, lives in Room 1507, Building 3 of the Huayuan Community in Jin City. According to the system, he is highly experienced, heavy-handed, and ruthless. Based on incomplete judgments, he has personally removed the organs of over 2,000 cats, plucked their hair, and put them into comas."\n

\n\n

\n "..."\n

\n\n

\n Based on the novel's requirements, this was indeed a host who perfectly fit the bill.\n

\n\n

\n But System 55's small screen flickered, a bit hesitant.\n

\n\n

\n It did want to complete the task, but no matter how extreme the previous two novels were, the original text only involved whipping, humiliation, and torture. But cutting open stomachs? Removing organs?\n

\n\n

\n Since its birth, System 55 had only had two hosts: the first was Xie Yu, and the second was Lin You. Given their respective ways of handling things, System 55 couldn't even imagine such deeds.\n

\n\n

\n The Main Brain had completed querying all the data, and its cold electronic voice echoed above the central hall: "System scan indicates that among all the matching hosts, his behavioral pattern is the closest. He just died suddenly from overworking, so now is the best time to bind. Go, System 55."\n

\n\n

\n Energy surged around it. System 55 felt like it was being pushed forward by an invisible hand. The doors of the Central Management Bureau hall closed behind it. A few seconds later, it appeared directly above the Huayuan Community in Jin City.\n

\n\n

\n Five hours ago, Bai Yu sliced open a cat's abdomen.\n

\n\n

\n The shadowless lamp was turned on. The cold scalpel advanced steadily. Blood stained his rubber gloves, but Bai Yu's hands remained steady. The way he made his incisions was fast and precise, like a ruthless machine.\n

\n\n

\n Flesh and tissue were accurately cut and separated. Before long, a hard lump of flesh was extracted and discarded onto the surgical tray.\n

\n\n

\n Then, Bai Yu picked up a needle.\n

\n\n

\n He calmly aligned and sutured, accurately putting layers of muscle back in place. By the time he made the last stitch, he had worked up quite a sweat.\n

\n\n

\n This was a tabby cat suffering from a subcutaneous tumor on its abdominal wall. The fine-needle aspiration biopsy of the tumor cells showed it was malignant, measuring 3.7cm by 5cm. The tumor was compressing its abdominal cavity and was extremely dangerous, reaching the point where surgery was absolutely necessary.\n

\n\n

\n This was the last major surgery scheduled for Bai Yu this afternoon.\n

\n\n

\n The surgery was quite successful. The intern went to notify the tabby cat's owner, while Bai Yu took off his gloves, stripped off his surgical gown, and after disinfecting himself, returned to his office.\n

\n\n

\n It was nearing dusk, and he hadn't eaten dinner yet.\n

\n\n

\n Bai Yu's assistant was waiting for him at the door. Seeing Bai Yu come out, he came up to meet him: "This is the surgical schedule for tonight. Please take a look."\n

\n\n

\n There weren't many doctors in the country who could perform laparotomies on pet cats, and Bai Yu was considered a standout among them. Owners looking for him to operate often had to wait in line, and his schedule was fully packed.\n

\n\n

\n Bai Yu casually took it. These surgeries had been scheduled long ago. After confirming there were no errors, he handed it back to the assistant and sat down in the armchair in his office.\n

\n\n

\n This was a simply decorated office with four plain white walls and a single desk. On the desk sat two pots of pothos and an old desktop computer—an antiquated machine that could only handle simple document recording and would even lag when playing Minesweeper. Aside from that, there was nothing else.\n

\n\n

\n The only exception was one wall, where several colorful pennants were hung.\n

\n\n

\n The one on the left read, "A healer's benevolent heart, saving my dog's life." The one on the right read, "A great doctor with profound sincerity, bringing cats back to life with a meow-gical touch." In the middle, a massive one draped with tassels boldly displayed the words "Egg Demolition Expert" in elegant running script.\n

\n\n

\n Without a doubt, these were all gifts from pet parents.\n

\n\n

\n The assistant reported the day's clinic affairs to Bai Yu and then discussed the details of the upcoming surgeries. Once everything was finalized, Bai Yu pinched the bridge of his nose and took off his glasses.\n

\n\n

\n He had severe myopia.\n

\n\n

\n After finishing dinner, he took a short nap in his armchair and casually flipped open a popular magazine—this was a rare moment of leisure in his day. When the appointed time arrived, he walked back into the operating room.\n

\n\n

\n But this time, for some unknown reason, he felt slightly dizzy.\n

\n\n

\n Bai Yu felt a rare wave of exhaustion.\n

\n\n

\n After the surgery ended, he spent 20 minutes going home and 10 minutes taking a shower. Then, he once again felt a lack of blood supply to his heart, becoming dizzy and lightheaded.\n

\n\n

\n In the two minutes before he lost consciousness, he called the hospital for emergency help. Then, in the 30 minutes after he lost consciousness, he listened to a system calling itself System 55 introduce the novel and his mission to him.\n

\n\n

\n System 55 floated timidly in front of him. Facing a deranged doctor who had removed over 2,000 organs, System 55 was still quite fearful: "...In short, you just died suddenly. You need to complete system missions, play the corresponding roles to act out the plot, and earn a certain score in order to exchange it for a chance at rebirth."\n

\n\n

\n Bai Yu slightly raised his eyebrows. His sharp eyes were hidden behind thin-framed glasses, making him look aloof and piercing.\n

\n\n

\n He was a staunch materialist, but when he had fainted at home one second and teleported to some dilapidated little clinic the next, Bai Yu had no choice but to believe it.\n

\n\n

\n This clinic was dirty and shabby. There were no separate wards, only a few cloth curtains hanging down from the ceiling, dividing the clinic into several compartments.\n

\n\n

\n These curtains were so dirty that their original colors couldn't be seen, covered in large stains. The examination beds were mottled and rusted. Scalpels and hemostats were soaked in alcohol, but the alcohol had already become cloudy, filled with large, flocculent precipitates.\n

\n\n

\n System 55: "The city we are currently in is called Illyria, the territory of Duke Imuel, a city known for its violence and barbarism."\n

\n\n

\n Bai Yu pondered: "Illyria, Duke Imuel?"\n

\n\n

\n "Duke Imuel is a young duke. It's said that he possesses an intensely striking and beautiful appearance, more perfect than the blooming roses of Illyria. Unfortunately, he has a gloomy and tyrannical personality. He once suppressed his uncle's rebellion with absolute ruthlessness; his methods are formidable."\n

\n\n

\n "But now, he has been missing for several days. I heard that he fell into the water after his uncle stabbed him in the internal organs, and his whereabouts are unknown. Currently, Illyria is leaderless, and various factions are fiercely competing against each other. The territory has plunged into absolute chaos."\n

\n\n

\n These were the novel's background details parsed by the Main Brain. System 55 mentioned them in passing but didn't introduce them in detail.\n

\n\n

\n Bai Yu was currently just a small-time doctor in the city running an underground clinic, without even a medical license. He was too far removed from the upper-class nobles of Illyria, so System 55 felt he didn't need to know too much about Duke Imuel.\n

\n\n

\n "Anyway, let's execute the first plot point."\n

\n\n

\n System 55 checked the plot nodes: "First, we need to go pick up a small kitten. It's currently unconscious on the shallows of the Houghton River. Its defining feature is—an infected wound on its abdomen."\n

","published_time":"2026-05-24T00:00:00.000Z","paid":false,"show_flag":true,"show_scheduled_time":"2026-05-24T00:00:00.000Z","unpaid_scheduled_time":"2026-05-24T00:00:00.000Z"},{"content_id":4451,"novel_id":71,"chapter_no":59,"chapter_title":"Be Good","content":"

\n By the banks of the Houghton River, Imuel struggled to climb onto the shoal.\n

\n\n

\n At this moment, his face was deathly pale, yet his features were overly gorgeous, and his clothing was incredibly opulent. When these attributes were combined, he looked like a beautiful ghost that had crawled out of hell.\n

\n\n

\n The beautiful ghost was completely drenched. His pitch-black long hair was soaked through, clinging to his cheeks in wet strands. There was a terribly deep wound on his abdomen; the oozing blood and tissue fluid stained his luxurious robes. Every step he took brought heart-wrenching, excruciating pain.\n

\n\n

\n Imuel clutched his waist and abdomen, spitting out a curse: "Damn it."\n

\n\n

\n This was a shoal in the suburbs of Illyria. The Houghton River meandered through the main city, and here the current slowed down, forming a large alluvial plain along the shore. Imuel had struggled for a long time before finally climbing ashore.\n

\n\n

\n His physical strength was no longer enough to support him in finding the next shoal.\n

\n\n

\n But as Imuel looked around, a look of despair appeared on his face.\n

\n\n

\n This place was simply too remote in the suburbs.\n

\n\n

\n The riverbank was covered in black mud, and along the shore were large swathes of leafless birch trees. Ravens rested on them, their cries hoarse—this place was desolate, with no signs of human habitation.\n

\n\n

\n But Imuel desperately needed treatment. His wound was deep and had already deteriorated from infection. He was delirious and running a fever. If left untreated, he would die on this silent riverbank.\n

\n\n

\n "...No, I can't die yet."\n

\n\n

\n Imuel bit his lower lip. He bit down incredibly hard, his teeth piercing the skin, filling his mouth with the metallic taste of blood. Only by doing this could he barely manage to stay awake.\n

\n\n

\n Imuel crawled two more steps, still clutching a ruby in his hand—if someone found him, he would use it as an exchange to beg for some treatment and medicine; if someone took the ruby but didn't provide treatment, he would tempt them with even greater benefits, promising a hundredfold reward, and then return for revenge once he regained his position. But now the shoal was completely deserted; Imuel was full of schemes but had no way to use them.\n

\n\n

\n At this moment, a familiar burning heat surged from his lower abdomen. Then, the muscles all over his body began to twitch and deform. A sharp pain spread throughout his body. Imuel almost shattered his teeth from clenching them so hard. He trembled as his lips moved, "No, no, why right at this moment..."\n

\n\n

\n The ruby slipped from his fingertips and rolled into the dirt.\n

\n\n

\n Imuel bit down even harder on the soft flesh of his mouth, but this little bit of pain was completely unable to resist his body's instincts. His fingers hung down weakly. Then, the human form beneath the luxurious robes suddenly changed, like a balloon drained of air. Subsequently, a light-golden, long-haired cat crawled out from the clothes.\n

\n\n

\n It was a very beautiful cat with eyes of a deep lake blue. Its fur was thick, and its bone structure was well-proportioned. It could fetch a high price in the pet market.\n

\n\n

\n However, he was extremely weak. His two front paws struggled to move forward, dragging out a long trail of blood on the riverbank, which was then washed clean by the river water.\n

\n\n

\n Imuel's eyelids grew heavier and heavier. Ultimately, his vision went black, and he completely passed out by the riverbank.\n

\n\n

\n Bai Yu crossed the embankment and walked to the edge of the Houghton River.\n

\n\n

\n He had just had a calm exchange with the System, gaining a preliminary understanding of the world's background and his identity.\n

\n\n

\n The scientific development level of this world was roughly equivalent to mid-to-late nineteenth-century Europe. He was a doctor in an underground clinic, mainly engaging in illegal medical practices, organ trafficking, and other such operations. These things were very common in Illyria. And his current mission was to find a cat on the riverbank.\n

\n\n

\n The Houghton River meandered on, its coastline stretching long. Bai Yu pushed his glasses up his nose. "Are you sure a cat will appear here?"\n

\n\n

\n 55 shrank to the side. "Yes, I'm sure."\n

\n\n

\n With the previous two hosts, 55 liked to lie on their shoulders. However, Bai Yu had a cold personality, wearing silver-rimmed glasses on the bridge of his nose, looking like a polite scum. Furthermore, he was a psychopathic cat-killer. 55 was a bit afraid of him and only dared to float by his side.\n

\n\n

\n 55: "If my positioning isn't wrong, it should be about 50 meters to your right."\n

\n\n

\n Bai Yu looked over as told, and sure enough, he vaguely saw a cat lying on the ground.\n

\n\n

\n He walked over quickly and immediately furrowed his brows.\n

\n\n

\n This cat was severely injured.\n

\n\n

\n It lay on the mud, its breathing faint and imperceptible. The wound on its abdomen was gruesome and terrifying. It seemed to be in terrible pain, its body twitching every now and then.\n

\n\n

\n According to Bai Yu's experience, if not treated immediately, this cat wouldn't escape death.\n

\n\n

\n Bai Yu furrowed his brows. 55 saw this; the host already looked cold by nature, and now that he frowned, he looked even colder and sharper than a knife.\n

\n\n

\n The System shivered and said fearfully, "H-H-H-Host, let me remind you, according to the plot, this cat must be taken back. You can't torture it to death right now, otherwise your plot points will instantly drop to zero, Host—!"\n

\n\n

\n It watched as Bai Yu reached his hand out toward the cat.\n

\n\n

\n Avoiding the wound, Bai Yu picked the cat up and calmly observed its injury: muscle tissue adhesion and dislocation, external infection, bleeding and suppuration. The body surface temperature was quite high, meaning it was running a fever, which should be an inflammatory response caused by the wound.\n

\n\n

\n Bai Yu usually had no expression, and he had even less expression when observing a pet's wound. The way he stared at the cat's abdomen looked as if he was pondering how to make the first incision, just like those perverted doctors conducting human experiments in horror games.\n

\n\n

\n 55 was frightened out of its wits, its voice turning shrill: "Host, Host, this is the mission target! You can't kill it, you can't kill it right now!"\n

\n\n

\n Bai Yu gave it a glance, picked up the cat, and said coldly, "Back to the clinic."\n

\n\n

\n He strode back.\n

\n\n

\n Bai Yu was tall with long legs, and his pace was extremely fast. 55 followed bitterly behind, watching Bai Yu enter the small clinic.\n

\n\n

\n This clinic was not running any legitimate business, and there were hardly any doctors doing legitimate business in a chaotic city-state like Illyria. Various medicines were casually placed on the cabinets. After Bai Yu checked the inventory, he placed the cat on a soft cushion, securing it to expose its soft abdomen.\n

\n\n

\n The condition of the wound was not optimistic. He had to excise the rotting flesh, drain the pus, debride the wound, and stitch it up as soon as possible.\n

\n\n

\n He took out a bottle of anesthetic from the medicine cabinet, turned on the examination light, and reached his hand out toward the System. "Give me the syringe."\n

\n\n

\n The task of handing over medical instruments was usually done by an assistant. Now that there was no assistant, the System could make do.\n

\n\n

\n 55: "!!!"\n

\n\n

\n Although the abuse in the novel did involve drugs and injections, 55 never imagined that the host was so perverted as to play with this right off the bat. It nervously shrank to the side, doubtful and alarmed: "...This is just a poor little kitten! It's even severely injured. Such a cute creature, and you're actually using needles on it?"\n

\n\n

\n Bai Yu frowned: "Give me the syringe."\n

\n\n

\n His tone was rather cold, carrying a strong sense of oppression.\n

\n\n

\n 55: "..."\n

\n\n

\n The System turned around and stayed in the corner, refusing to cooperate.\n

\n\n

\n Bai Yu inspected his surroundings and finally found a syringe in a drawer. The syringes in an underground clinic obviously didn't meet sterilization requirements and were all reused. But there were no proper conditions right now, so Bai Yu could only simply soak and rinse it with clean alcohol, then draw out the anesthetic, preparing to anesthetize.\n

\n\n

\n At this moment, Imuel's eyelids fluttered.\n

\n\n

\n He slowly woke up, his lake-blue eyes falling on the tattered, old dividing curtain of the clinic. He was slightly stunned for a moment before he saw Bai Yu beside him.\n

\n\n

\n His pupils abruptly shrank.\n

\n\n

\n The underground clinic had nothing, so Bai Yu just made do by wearing an unwashed white coat stained with blood. His glasses' lenses reflected the pale light of the incandescent lamp. He was holding a needle in his hand, drawing an unknown liquid from a dark brown reagent bottle.\n

\n\n

\n The air in the clinic was filled with the pungent smell of the anesthetic, and the needle glinted with a cold light.\n

\n\n

\n Imuel struggled violently.\n

\n\n

\n He knew that Illyria was a place that hid filth and dirt. There were many obscure clinics where the doctors were ruthless and cold-hearted, walking between the black and white paths, and would even conduct in vivo experiments.\n

\n\n

\n And this cold doctor in front of him was clearly not a trustworthy good person.\n

\n\n

\n "...No." Imuel began to tremble all over. He tried to bargain with the doctor. "I am a high-ranking noble of Illyria. If you stop, I will promise you inexhaustible wealth. Using me as experimental material is far too wasteful. If you are willing, you can absolutely obtain much more value from me!"\n

\n\n

\n But when he voiced it out, all that was left was a string of miserable sounds: "Meow meow meow meow meow meow."\n

\n\n

\n Imuel despaired.\n

\n\n

\n As a cat, he had no room to bargain.\n

\n\n

\n Human lives were already worthless in Illyria, let alone cats. These ubiquitous mammals were the best experimental subjects for black-hearted doctors. They could be injected with potions and skinned of their fur, with no one caring or paying them any mind.\n

\n\n

\n Imuel didn't know what kind of liquid the doctor wanted to inject into him. It could be an experimental drug, an auxiliary item for abuse, or even a corrosive solvent. He had heard that some solvents injected into the body would cause the muscles to melt and rot inch by inch, ultimately eroding a huge hole in the abdominal cavity, from which pink tissue fluid would flow out.\n

\n\n

\n Imuel struggled even more violently, splitting open the wound on his abdomen. However, the doctor's binding technique was experienced, and he was far too weak. His movements were soft and powerless, completely unable to break free.\n

\n\n

\n In Bai Yu's eyes, the platinum fluffball was merely lying on the examination table shivering, trying to curl up and protect its soft abdomen.\n

\n\n

\n Bai Yu reached out and rubbed the fluffball's head, half helplessly and half warningly: "Disobedient little cat, be good."\n

\n\n

\n "..."\n

\n\n

\n Imuel felt humiliated. The Duke of Illyria was moody and tyrannical, and everyone treated him with the utmost respect. It had been many years since anyone had dared to rub his head.\n

\n\n

\n But under someone else's roof, one had to bow their head. Imuel keenly detected the only negotiable part of the doctor's words—'be good'.\n

\n\n

\n If he behaved a bit better, would he have a chance to survive?\n

\n\n

\n Therefore, Imuel uncurled his abdomen, striving to appear obedient. This posture made him feel a bit ashamed; after all, cats didn't wear clothes, whereas the Duke's attire was luxurious and tightly wrapped, with his cravat even covering the skin on his neck. In fact, Imuel hadn't exposed any part of his body other than his face for many years.\n

\n\n

\n Bai Yu praised: "Good boy."\n

\n\n

\n Before Imuel could rejoice at escaping a disaster, he slightly pushed the plunger, squeezing out the excess liquid, then leaned down and slowly injected the anesthetic.\n

\n\n

\n As the needle pierced his skin, the liquid was bone-chillingly cold. Imuel's hind legs twitched unconsciously. His pupils narrowed into vertical slits as he glared hatefully at the doctor, as if trying to carve his appearance into his soul.\n

\n\n

\n He thought through gritted teeth: 'You'd best not let me survive. Otherwise, I will definitely rip this doctor's tendons out and skin him alive! I'll throw him into the Duke's dungeon and torture him ten thousand times! I'll use barbed whips, fire, waterboarding, and everything I can think of to make this doctor completely regret his actions today!'\n

\n\n

\n Imuel cursed viciously, but Bai Yu had no idea what this cat was thinking. He skillfully completed the injection and began to observe the patient's reaction.\n

\n\n

\n The anesthetic preparations of this era were quite different from modern ones. It was also Bai Yu's first time using pure anesthetic for anesthesia. He recalled the dosage from the textbooks and didn't dare to give the full amount the first time, instead carefully pushing in a little bit.\n

\n\n

\n The kitten closed its eyes, its head tilting to the side.\n

\n\n

\n Bai Yu then took out a cotton ball, dipped it in alcohol, and leaned over to clean the wound.\n

\n\n

\n Imuel twitched twice.\n

\n\n

\n He still maintained a sliver of consciousness. A burning pain came from his abdomen, as if someone had gouged a knife into the wound.\n

\n\n

\n Bai Yu obviously also noticed the kitten's twitching, so he picked up the needle again and supplemented a little more anesthetic.\n

\n\n

\n Imuel felt the needle pierce in once again.\n

\n\n

\n The surgical conditions were rudimentary. The syringe needle Bai Yu used was for humans, which was too thick for a cat. But there was no substitute right now, so Bai Yu could only try his best to be gentle.\n

\n\n

\n But no matter how gentle he was, the pain was real. Imuel thought in near despair: 'Wasn't that last shot enough? Does he still need to add more?'\n

\n\n

\n The previous shot was already so painful, feeling like his intestines were being pierced and his stomach rotting. If another shot was added, he truly wouldn't be able to endure it.\n

\n\n

\n ...To actually die stark naked in a place like this. How ridiculous.\n

\n\n

\n The anesthesia slowly took effect, and his consciousness slipped into the abyss. In the final moment before he passed out, Imuel heard the doctor's cold tone: "Where is the scalpel? I need a scalpel."\n

","published_time":"2026-05-24T00:00:00.000Z","paid":false,"show_flag":true,"show_scheduled_time":"2026-05-24T00:00:00.000Z","unpaid_scheduled_time":"2026-05-24T00:00:00.000Z"},{"content_id":4452,"novel_id":71,"chapter_no":60,"chapter_title":"The Bed","content":"

\n System 55 shuddered all over, staring warily at Bai Yu: "What do you need a knife for? He's just a frail and innocent little kitten!"\n

\n\n

\n Wasn't a needle enough? A knife too?\n

\n\n

\n Bai Yu: "Forget it, I'll do it myself."\n

\n\n

\n He bypassed System 55 and accurately found a scalpel from the drawer.\n

\n\n

\n The craftsmanship of scalpels in this era was also rough, far from the numerous varieties in later generations. The one Bai Yu held was for human use, oversized, roughly equal to half the size of the kitten. The blade was sharp, long and narrow.\n

\n\n

\n System 55's non-existent hairs were about to stand on end.\n

\n\n

\n With this knife, it would only take two strokes to cut this shivering dumpling in half.\n

\n\n

\n It couldn't help but raise its volume: "Host, I must remind you that if the mission target dies, you will never be able to return to your past world!"\n

\n\n

\n This was the most severe warning the System could issue.\n

\n\n

\n But Bai Yu remained expressionless and said indifferently: "So noisy." Then he picked up the scalpel again.\n

\n\n

\n Actually, this scalpel was not handy, but the kitten's infection was so severe that it had to be surgically removed. Bai Yu could only hold this knife and slowly pierce the skin.\n

\n\n

\n He calmly excised the infected part, drained the pus, and then sutured it. The lighting in the underground clinic was dim, and Bai Yu had severe myopia. He had to squint slightly to complete the debridement under such harsh conditions.\n

\n\n

\n By the time the wound was properly sutured, a layer of cold sweat had broken out on the tip of Bai Yu's nose.\n

\n\n

\n System 55 rubbed up against him.\n

\n\n

\n It had watched the whole process from the sidelines, going from terrified to bewildered and confused. Bai Yu's hands were extremely steady, and his steps were clear and methodical. If this was simple abuse, he had done it a bit too delicately.\n

\n\n

\n System 55: "What exactly are you doing?"\n

\n\n

\n Bai Yu glanced at it and said briefly: "Debridement, suturing."\n

\n\n

\n System 55 revealed a bit of confusion: "..."\n

\n\n

\n Suturing, debridement?\n

\n\n

\n "???"\n

\n\n

\n "Wait!" System 55 flew up, and in a flash of lightning, it seemed to have caught some inspiration, "What is your profession?"\n

\n\n

\n Bai Yu simply disinfected his hands and said coldly: "I'm a veterinarian, can't you tell?"\n

\n\n

\n System 55: "!!!"\n

\n\n

\n "I heard that you once removed over two thousand cat organs, what was that?"\n

\n\n

\n "Two thousand cat organs?" Bai Yu pushed up his glasses, recalling slightly, "Oh, you're talking about cat neutering surgeries, right? I removed the ovaries and testicles of over a thousand cats."\n

\n\n

\n System 55: "...!"\n

\n\n

\n A veterinarian, how could he be a veterinarian?\n

\n\n

\n Could a veterinarian bring himself to abuse cats?\n

\n\n

\n The System felt a bit depressed.\n

\n\n

\n System 55 flew to the side, its heart filled with mixed feelings. For a moment, it didn't know whether to be glad that its host wasn't a cat-killing maniac, or to be sad that the mission had been messed up again.\n

\n\n

\n Bai Yu had no idea about the System's sensitive and delicate little thoughts. He started rummaging around the room, and finally dug out a piece of cardboard from some nook or cranny. He used a charcoal pencil to draw an undulating arc, then took out scissors and cut along the curve.\n

\n\n

\n System 55 stared blankly as its aloof, elite host began doing arts and crafts, completely baffled: "Why are you cutting cardboard?"\n

\n\n

\n Bai Yu: "To make an Elizabethan collar for the kitten, so he can't lick his wound when he wakes up."\n

\n\n

\n An Elizabethan collar is a cone used to prevent cats and dogs from licking their wounds and causing infection after surgery, similar to a neck brace.\n

\n\n

\n He quickly cut the cardboard into an appropriate shape, wrapped it into a circle, and then slipped it onto the platinum dumpling's neck.\n

\n\n

\n Modern Elizabethan collars came in a variety of materials, cute and pleasing. Restricted by the materials at hand, the one Bai Yu made was extremely ugly and didn't match the dumpling's good looks at all.\n

\n\n

\n But now was not the time to be picky about looks. Bai Yu untied the kitten's bindings, placed him carefully, applied some antibiotic medication, and finally pulled over a small quilt to cover him. Only then did he take a break.\n

\n\n

\n Then he poured a cup of coffee and started reading the newspaper.\n

\n\n

\n Although the original owner was just an underground clinic doctor, he was also a rare educated person in Illyria. He could read books and newspapers. Every morning, a newsboy would deliver newspapers to him, never missing an issue.\n

\n\n

\n Bai Yu flipped through the pile of newspapers. Illyria was now chaotic and disorderly. The block he was on was ostensibly under the direct jurisdiction of the Duke's estate, but secretly there were also gangs coming to collect protection fees. However, thanks to his identity as a doctor, the original owner was relatively safe.\n

\n\n

\n Apart from this, there were two important pieces of news.\n

\n\n

\n First, Duke Imuel's uncle, Tia, was accused of colluding with the local mafia to assassinate the Duke, but Tia flatly denied it.\n

\n\n

\n Second, the news of Duke Imuel's disappearance was confirmed, and his return date was uncertain. As the Duke had no heirs, only a few cousins, the nobles were fighting tooth and nail over who would inherit the title.\n

\n\n

\n These news had nothing to do with Bai Yu for the time being. After collecting the useful information, he leisurely put the newspaper back.\n

\n\n

\n At dusk, Imuel woke up.\n

\n\n

\n He was surprised to still be alive, but the wound on his abdomen was unusually painful, as if someone had forcefully slashed him with a knife, making him wish he could just die immediately.\n

\n\n

\n Imuel wanted to know what the doctor had done to him, and whether the condition of the wound on his abdomen would affect his life. But when he struggled to turn his head, his entire field of vision was blocked.\n

\n\n

\n It was an ugly thing hanging around his neck.\n

\n\n

\n The cardboard was a bit hard and uncomfortable, giving a strong sensation of a foreign object. Imuel gasped, thinking hatefully: "Is this a collar?"\n

\n\n

\n The damn doctor actually put a dog collar on him.\n

\n\n

\n He had sliced the doctor into a million pieces in his mind, but when the doctor walked toward him, Imuel still trembled as if by reflex.\n

\n\n

\n He survived the last experiment, what would it be this time?\n

\n\n

\n He survived last time, but what about this time?\n

\n\n

\n ... It hurts so much.\n

\n\n

\n Bai Yu noticed the kitten had woken up.\n

\n\n

\n The platinum dumpling's condition was not good. His tail was curled and pressed under his body, his fur was puffed up, and his whole body was shivering, as if he was experiencing a stress reaction to the unfamiliar environment.\n

\n\n

\n The consequences of stress in cats were quite severe; it could lead to fainting, fever, or even death. Normally, in a pet hospital, there would be an owner keeping them company, so even if they were stressed, it wouldn't be too severe. But for this kitten, the clinic was a completely unfamiliar environment, and he also had a wound on his abdomen.\n

\n\n

\n Such a long incision, even if sutured, must be very painful.\n

\n\n

\n Bai Yu quickly went over the knowledge of feline stress in his mind, reached out, and picked up the dumpling.\n

\n\n

\n The kitten trembled even more violently.\n

\n\n

\n The doctor's knuckles were slender, but his body temperature was consistently low year-round. His clothes carried the smell of alcohol and disinfectant, which was not pleasant.\n

\n\n

\n Imuel's pupils dilated. He looked around, trying to find an escape route. The doctor was holding him very tightly. He thought, perhaps he could try using his teeth and claws to attack the doctor, forcing him to let go...\n

\n\n

\n This idea was quickly dismissed. With his size, he could hardly cause any damage to the doctor. Attacking rashly would only invite anger and more brutal treatment. Furthermore, even if the doctor let go, he had no way to leave the clinic. The collar around his neck restricted his vision, and the severe pain in his abdomen prevented him from moving. Imuel realized with near despair that, aside from relying on obedience to gain the doctor's pity, he had almost no other means.\n

\n\n

\n —But would a perverted doctor in an underground clinic really have such a thing as pity?\n

\n\n

\n At this time, Bai Yu had already moved the cat into the crook of his arm. He skillfully supported the kitten's bottom, allowing the cat to lie down relaxedly.\n

\n\n

\n Imuel wasn't relaxed at all; he even kicked his legs uncomfortably twice, only to be easily caught by Bai Yu and placed back onto his arm.\n

\n\n

\n Imuel's vertical pupils stared intently at the ground. He couldn't help but rub a little closer into Bai Yu's embrace, adopting an obedient posture, his claws resting weakly on the arm.\n

\n\n

\n At this height, if Bai Yu threw him to the ground, his wound would definitely split open, and perhaps his intestines and internal organs would spill out too. That would be fatal.\n

\n\n

\n Fortunately, Bai Yu had no intention of throwing him.\n

\n\n

\n The doctor steadily supported the cat's bottom and went up to the second floor. He took a key from his white coat and unlocked the door.\n

\n\n

\n The hinges creaked, and Imuel tensed his body again.\n

\n\n

\n What was inside the door?\n

\n\n

\n Was it instruments of torture, electrical equipment, chemical potions, a dissection table, or something else?\n

\n\n

\n It was none of those.\n

\n\n

\n Inside the door was the doctor's bedroom.\n

\n\n

\n This was the place with the best view in the whole house. It had a large window where the orange sunset could be seen. In the corner by the window, two pothos plants were growing. In the center of the bedroom was a large, soft bed, covered with beige bedding. The sheets and duvet covers were clean and tidy, and the fluffy cotton carried the scent of the sun.\n

\n\n

\n Imuel was placed on the bed and covered with the quilt.\n

\n\n

\n Stressed cats need a quiet, warm, enclosed space to explore freely.\n

\n\n

\n So Bai Yu drew the curtains, blocking out the cold air from outside. Then he locked the window, closed the door, turning the room into an enclosed space, leaving it entirely to the platinum dumpling.\n

\n\n

\n He turned and left.\n

\n\n

\n "..."\n

\n\n

\n Imuel was left on the bed, frightened and uncertain.\n

\n\n

\n What did this mean? He wasn't taken to a laboratory, but was put into a bedroom?\n

\n\n

\n He tentatively moved his paws.\n

\n\n

\n The bed was as soft as a cloud; every step made a small dent. His whole body sank into it, which greatly relieved the pressing pain on his abdomen. Imuel twitched his ears, still not understanding what the doctor wanted to do.\n

\n\n

\n He warily observed his surroundings. The window was locked, and the door was locked. Not knowing when the doctor would return, running away rashly wasn't a good choice. If he bumped into the doctor, he would only die a more miserable death.\n

\n\n

\n Imuel still remembered the doctor's warning—be good.\n

\n\n

\n He needed time to recover his strength, so he gave his tail a shake and curled it up against his chest.\n

\n\n

\n It was only then that Imuel realized his tail had been washed.\n

\n\n

\n The fluffy tail was soft and voluminous, slightly larger than an average cat's tail, like a squirrel's tail.\n

\n\n

\n When he crawled up from the riverbank, his fur had been covered with a layer of mud, but now his whole body was neat and clean. Someone must have wiped it with a wet towel.\n

\n\n

\n But who wiped it? The doctor?\n

\n\n

\n Imuel found it ridiculous. Would that shady doctor who performs live experiments wipe the tail of a stray cat?\n

\n\n

\n The matter was full of suspicious points, but the blood loss and pain made Imuel's head groggy. He couldn't think any further. Hugging his tail, he soon fell asleep.\n

\n\n

\n Downstairs, Bai Yu was just preparing to go out.\n

\n\n

\n He put on the original owner's heavy over-the-knee trench coat and put on a hat. He adjusted his appearance in front of the dressing mirror, looking truly like an intellectual from Illyria.\n

\n\n

\n System 55 floated behind him and asked cautiously: "What are you going to do?"\n

\n\n

\n Bai Yu gathered his trench coat: "Going to get some food for the kitten."\n

\n\n

\n With the platinum dumpling's physical condition, he couldn't eat normally. He needed goat's milk or soft, mashed meat.\n

\n\n

\n There was a market near the original owner's residence. Now it was nearing dusk, and Bai Yu wasn't sure if the market stalls had closed or if he could still buy things.\n

\n\n

\n He scrounged up two silver coins and a stack of paper bills from the original owner's drawer, got a general idea of the price information from the purchase receipts, and then stepped out the door in deerskin boots, strolling over to the market.\n

\n\n

\n Bai Yu followed behind other buyers and sellers, listening to how they haggled. He then followed suit, pronouncing the words clearly and accurately. Even without the System's assistance, he seamlessly blended into Illyria, like a native local.\n

\n\n

\n System 55 was dumbfounded.\n

\n\n

\n Bai Yu bought two taels of fish meat and a cup of goat's milk from a peddler. As he was about to head home, a beautiful lady wearing a shawl happened to pass by. She lifted the hem of her skirt and smiled at him: "Good afternoon, Doctor."\n

\n\n

\n Bai Yu remained stoic: "Hello, Madam."\n

\n\n

\n The lady seemed quite familiar with the original owner. She got very close to him, her fingertips brushing across Bai Yu's shoulder as she tried to lean in and give him a cheek-kiss greeting.\n

\n\n

\n Cheek kissing was commonplace in Europe, but for Bai Yu, it was too intimate.\n

\n\n

\n Bai Yu forcibly suppressed the urge to retreat, only to see the lady lightly lean in, lower her voice by his ear, and whisper: "Sunday evening at seven o'clock gathering, Illyria West City Cathedral, Raven, make sure you come."\n

\n\n

\n Then, she pulled away, gave Bai Yu a slight smile, turned, and left.\n

\n\n

\n Bai Yu's brow twitched.\n

\n\n

\n He left calmly, carrying the meat and milk back to the clinic's kitchen. He told System 55 to reorganize the known timeline. Then, he put down the cutting board, picked up a kitchen knife, and began to chop the meat.\n

\n\n

\n The kitten couldn't eat large chunks of fish meat, so it needed to be finely chopped to feed him.\n

\n\n

\n Bai Yu's own cooking skills were nothing to write home about, but making some pet snacks was no big deal. For a time, the sound of him chopping meat was the only thing left on the entire second floor.\n

\n\n

\n Chop, chop, chop—\n

\n\n

\n The sound echoed in the quiet corridor, indescribably eerie.\n

\n\n

\n Imuel jolted awake abruptly, his ears twitched, and he hugged his tail even tighter.\n

","published_time":"2026-05-24T00:00:00.000Z","paid":false,"show_flag":true,"show_scheduled_time":"2026-05-24T00:00:00.000Z","unpaid_scheduled_time":"2026-05-24T00:00:00.000Z"},{"content_id":4453,"novel_id":71,"chapter_no":61,"chapter_title":"Decorum","content":"

\n Imuel turned his ear to listen to the commotion outside.\n

\n\n

\n The chopping knife struck the cutting board again and again. Even though it was muffled by the door, the sound of tearing fibers was still blood-curdling.\n

\n\n

\n Imuel struggled to move his body, trying to crawl towards the windowsill.\n

\n\n

\n '...I will die. If I stay here, I will die!'\n

\n\n

\n '...I cannot die here.'\n

\n\n

\n The Duke was not used to a cat's body; his steps staggered from side to side. Coupled with his weak and sore body, it couldn't even support Imuel to straighten his upper half, so he could only edge sideways bit by bit.\n

\n\n

\n He slowly moved to the edge of the bed, his wound splitting open again. The less than half a meter height between the bed and the floor seemed like an insurmountable chasm. Jumping down from this distance would highly likely tear his abdominal wound. Imuel took a deep breath and still leaned his body forward—\n

\n\n

\n Compared to being tortured by a perverted doctor, at least there was a chance of survival outside.\n

\n\n

\n But at this moment, the door was opened.\n

\n\n

\n The wooden door creaked, and the doctor's slender figure appeared outside.\n

\n\n

\n "Meow!"\n

\n\n

\n A short, mournful meow sounded. Imuel's fur stood on end. Startled, he rolled twice and fell off the edge of the bed. Just as he was about to smash onto the ground belly-first—\n

\n\n

\n He was caught.\n

\n\n

\n Bai Yu was tall with long legs, and reached the bed in two steps. He opened his palm to catch the falling furball, slightly buffering the impact downwards, and then picked Imuel up.\n

\n\n

\n The doctor's expression was cold, but his palm was dry and warm. Imuel shivered and paused in his palm, not daring to move.\n

\n\n

\n "Phew—" Bai Yu let out a sigh of relief. Supporting the furball's little bottom, he placed the shivering little creature back onto the bed. He poked its little head and frowned, "Other kittens are obedient after surgery, but you're the only one running around. What are you fussing about?"\n

\n\n

\n In Bai Yu's experience, he had never seen a cat crawling all over the place after wound debridement.\n

\n\n

\n His tone was slightly stern. Imuel felt fear and involuntarily fell backwards, then planted headfirst into the blanket.\n

\n\n

\n System 55 floated nearby: "Pfft—"\n

\n\n

\n It poked the host: "This cat you picked up is so silly."\n

\n\n

\n Bai Yu's gaze swept over the white furball's abdomen. There was slight bleeding, but the stitches hadn't burst. So he looked away, pushed up his glasses, and said with disdain, "Isn't it because of what your System demanded."\n

\n\n

\n He had never seen such a silly cat either.\n

\n\n

\n Imuel struggled slightly and poked his head out of the blanket. At a glance, he saw the cold and solemn expression of the doctor in front of him, whose gaze fell vaguely on a certain spot. He turned with difficulty while wearing the Elizabethan collar and finally saw what the doctor was looking at.\n

\n\n

\n It was the blanket, smeared with a long strip of blood.\n

\n\n

\n When Imuel had crawled to the edge of the bed just now, he had moved with his abdomen pressed against the blanket, smearing it.\n

\n\n

\n "..."\n

\n\n

\n Imuel closed his eyes, feeling a bit desperate.\n

\n\n

\n A stray cat of unknown origin had dirtied the black-hearted doctor's blanket. He could imagine what he would suffer next, but besides shrinking himself into the blanket as much as possible to reduce his presence, he could do nothing.\n

\n\n

\n But Bai Yu didn't care about this. The bedding belonged to the original owner, and he was going to change it anyway. He merely asked, "System, what time is it?"\n

\n\n

\n It was mid-morning when he picked up the kitten, and Illyria's winter sun was warm. But after all the fuss, it was already mostly dark outside the window.\n

\n\n

\n System: "It's past eight o'clock, Host."\n

\n\n

\n Bai Yu nodded: "Then he can eat something now."\n

\n\n

\n He turned and left the room.\n

\n\n

\n The wooden door closed, and the bedroom quieted down again.\n

\n\n

\n Imuel, huddled in the blanket, quietly opened his eyes.\n

\n\n

\n It seemed safe for the time being.\n

\n\n

\n Cats are nocturnal animals and naturally prefer dark environments. Bai Yu hadn't turned on the lights, and as the boundless darkness enveloped him, Imuel gained a rare sense of security. He didn't want to think about what the doctor went to do—preparing another injection or something else. He just curled up and lay down to alleviate the pain from his wound.\n

\n\n

\n Besides the pain of the wound, another sensation surrounded him, making him very uncomfortable.\n

\n\n

\n '...So hungry.'\n

\n\n

\n The newspapers reported that the Duke fell off the cliff three days ago, and Imuel hadn't eaten for three full days.\n

\n\n

\n He had choked on several mouthfuls of water in the Houghton River, so he wasn't lacking water, but the lack of food made his bodily functions sluggish. If he couldn't replenish his energy in time, even if the doctor did nothing, he would still die.\n

\n\n

\n But as a cat, how was he supposed to beg the doctor for food?\n

\n\n

\n Judging from the doctor's actions, he didn't seem to want Imuel dead right away. At the very least, he had carried Imuel onto the bed and given him a blanket.\n

\n\n

\n Imuel wasn't entirely sure of the doctor's intentions—whether he wanted a long-term experimental subject or lacked a plaything to relieve boredom. But either way, the doctor would probably provide him with the basic food needed to sustain his life.\n

\n\n

\n '...Hopefully, he will.'\n

\n\n

\n Imuel lowered his eyes. With his current stamina, he didn't even have the energy to be resentful. If the doctor was unwilling to give him food, there was only a dead end. And just as he was about to fall asleep again, the doctor pushed open the door.\n

\n\n

\n Imuel's eyes widened in disbelief; he smelled food.\n

\n\n

\n There was a slight damp, fishy saltiness in the air, like fish meat.\n

\n\n

\n Imuel wagged his fluffy tail, curling it into a small question mark, and thought groggily and incredulously, 'Is it for me?'\n

\n\n

\n The doctor's house had a dining room, so he didn't need to eat in the bedroom. Moreover, this bowl of fish hadn't been cooked, nor had it been seasoned with salt or any spices like scallions and ginger. It probably wasn't prepared for the doctor himself.\n

\n\n

\n But, the black-hearted doctor specially prepared dinner for him?\n

\n\n

\n The fish meat was minced softly into a loose paste, and the goat's milk was fresh and clean, carrying a sweet, milky fragrance.\n

\n\n

\n Imuel propped up half of his body with his paws, his lake-blue eyes staring fixedly at the doctor.\n

\n\n

\n Bai Yu poured the goat's milk into a bowl and placed it in the corner under the bed. Then, he placed the soft, mashed fish onto a plate. A kitten couldn't eat too much after surgery and needed its food intake controlled, so he only poured a little bit.\n

\n\n

\n After doing all this, Bai Yu sat down on the edge of the bed.\n

\n\n

\n He gently picked up the kitten to check the condition of the wound. Imuel felt so ashamed that his eyes were squeezed tightly shut, but for the bite of food in the corner, he had to expose his abdomen and let the doctor observe.\n

\n\n

\n Even now, Imuel still didn't know what the doctor had done to his wound. He only remembered the stinging pain of the needle piercing his skin and the agonizing pain of alcohol applied to the wound. He feared the doctor's next move, but his will to survive forced him to pretend to be well-behaved and docile.\n

\n\n

\n Be a bit more well-behaved, only by being well-behaved would he have food to eat.\n

\n\n

\n Bai Yu looked at the kitten that was clearly trembling non-stop but not struggling. He slightly raised his brow and praised, "So good."\n

\n\n

\n Although its IQ didn't seem high, at least it was relatively affectionate towards people.\n

\n\n

\n Bai Yu placed the furball next to the food bowl.\n

\n\n

\n If it were in the past, if anyone dared to make Imuel crouch in a corner like this and eat without any dignity, Imuel would definitely knock their teeth out. But under Bai Yu's hands, he had no choice, and even impatiently began to eat.\n

\n\n

\n Duke Imuel's diet was exquisite; he had never eaten such coarse food. But when the fish paste entered his mouth and went down his esophagus, his empty stomach finally had something in it, and Imuel actually let out a comfortable purr.\n

\n\n

\n Bai Yu couldn't help but chuckle.\n

\n\n

\n His laughter made Imuel's tail puff up. The furball stood up nervously, with a bit of the white paste still sticking to his lips. He froze in place, slightly at a loss.\n

\n\n

\n Imuel knew that his current way of dining must be very inelegant, lacking proper etiquette. And the doctor had actually taken all of this in, even with a hint of teasing in his eyes.\n

\n\n

\n 'Damn it,' he buried his head to eat, thinking resentfully, 'When I go back, when I go back, I will make the doctor pay the price he deserves!'\n

\n\n

\n There was only a tiny bit of minced fish and goat's milk. The platinum furball licked it clean in a few bites. Imuel narrowed his lake-blue eyes, tucked his paws under his body, and stared fixedly at Bai Yu.\n

\n\n

\n How should he beg so that the doctor would give him a little more?\n

\n\n

\n But Bai Yu had already heartlessly taken the tray away.\n

\n\n

\n He picked up the kitten with one hand and put the furball back into the blanket. Ignoring Imuel's struggles, he was as brutal as a tyrant suppressing a rebellion: "You can't eat anymore. We'll talk about the rest tomorrow."\n

\n\n

\n Bai Yu left with the food.\n

\n\n

\n "Mew—"\n

\n\n

\n Imuel subconsciously voiced out to make him stay, but was then startled by his own weak voice. He listlessly shrank into the blanket, suddenly extended a furry paw, and gave himself a slap on the face.\n

\n\n

\n Damn it, how could I make such a disgusting sound.\n

\n\n

\n But he didn't hit his face. The Elizabethan collar was still firmly around his neck, and he only hit the edge of the cardboard.\n

\n\n

\n Imuel was startled again, and feeling guilty, he used his paw to adjust the collar back into place.\n

\n\n

\n He didn't want the doctor to come tomorrow and find the collar crooked, thinking he wasn't obedient enough, and deduct his lunch because of it.\n

\n\n

\n It was already quite late now. In an underdeveloped city-state like Illyria, lighting fixtures and electrical facilities were still expensive. Most people were inactive at night and went to bed early instead.\n

\n\n

\n Imuel raised his eyes to look out the window. A crescent moon hung high in the sky. Looking at the time, it was getting late.\n

\n\n

\n The doctor should have gone to rest as well. At the very least, he wouldn't come to torment him anymore tonight. Imuel let out a long sigh of relief and thought to himself, 'This chaotic and tumultuous day is finally over.'\n

\n\n

\n But the Duke had clearly overlooked one fact—this was the doctor's bedroom, and he was still lying on the doctor's bed, even covered with the doctor's blanket.\n

\n\n

\n Therefore, barely twenty minutes later, Bai Yu appeared in the bedroom once again.\n

\n\n

\n He first turned on the light and observed the furball's condition: its fur was fluffy and fell naturally. It wasn't bristling, nor was it shrinking and trembling. It didn't seem to be in a state of stress.\n

\n\n

\n So Bai Yu calmly walked into the bedroom.\n

\n\n

\n Generally speaking, if a cat is willing to eat, its stress wouldn't be too severe and might have even subsided.\n

\n\n

\n Bai Yu had just picked the cat up, held it, and rubbed it. The furball still ate in front of him and behaved very obediently. According to Bai Yu's knowledge, this was a sign of the patient initially establishing a friendship with the doctor, gradually letting down their guard, and beginning to trust the doctor.\n

\n\n

\n Therefore, he judged that he could sleep in the same room with the kitten tonight.\n

\n\n

\n The kitten had just familiarized itself with the bedroom environment. Putting it somewhere else might cause it to stress again, which was inappropriate. Moreover, the nighttime temperature in Illyria was chilly, and the other rooms had no beds, so sleeping there would cause one to fall ill. Thus, Bai Yu settled his sleeping arrangements with almost no hesitation.\n

\n\n

\n He brought a new bedsheet and duvet cover, replaced all the bloodstained parts, laid out the blanket anew, and then adjusted his pillow, making room to sleep.\n

\n\n

\n Imuel: "?"\n

\n\n

\n He shrank in the corner of the bed, almost grinding his teeth to pieces.\n

\n\n

\n As the esteemed co-ruler of Illyria, titled the Grand Duke of the Kingdom, he was going to share a bed with a strange man?\n

\n\n

\n Imuel repeatedly told himself, 'People under the eaves have to bow their heads; people under the eaves have to bow their heads.' However, before he could mentally prepare himself, Bai Yu made another move that caused Imuel's fur to stand on end all over.\n

\n\n

\n The doctor took off his clothes.\n

\n\n

\n No human would think they needed to avoid a kitten when changing clothes, and Bai Yu was no exception. He took out his pajamas, then naturally took off his shirt, revealing his smooth, flawless back.\n

\n\n

\n In all fairness, the doctor had a lot of capital.\n

\n\n

\n His skin was very white, and his temperament was aloof and noble. His muscle mass was just right, stuck perfectly between slender and muscular. He had a very well-proportioned figure. From the back, he had standard broad shoulders and a narrow waist. The lines of his shoulders and neck transitioned smoothly downwards, cinching at the waist to form a perfect curve. Even the shapes of his shoulder blades and lumbar dimples were beautiful.\n

\n\n

\n Even the edge of his loose sweatpants, the connecting lines from the waist downwards, were very beautiful.\n

\n\n

\n "..."\n

\n\n

\n For so many years, no one had ever dared to bare their back in front of the Duke. But even someone as unromantic as Imuel knew how much this body would please the ladies of Illyria.\n

\n\n

\n Those lake-blue eyes landed on the shoulder blades, then drifted downwards to the lumbar dimples, and finally drifted towards the ceiling.\n

\n\n

\n The Duke turned his back and mumbled to himself, thinking, 'In broad daylight, under the bright sky, offending public morals, completely lacking decorum... Meow!'\n

\n\n

\n He let out a mournful meow.\n

\n\n

\n Bai Yu controlled the kitten with one hand, dragged him entirely over, and unquestioningly pressed him into the blanket.\n

\n\n

\n The doctor wore no clothes on his upper half, but his expression remained serious and stern. He reached out to poke the cat's head and said seriously, "Don't run to the edge of the bed. If you fall off, I won't be able to fish you back up while I'm asleep. Do you understand?"\n

","published_time":"2026-05-24T00:00:00.000Z","paid":false,"show_flag":true,"show_scheduled_time":"2026-05-24T00:00:00.000Z","unpaid_scheduled_time":"2026-05-24T00:00:00.000Z"},{"content_id":4454,"novel_id":71,"chapter_no":62,"chapter_title":"Stitch Removal","content":"

\n Imuel was poked repeatedly, but he didn't dare to move away. He stayed silent in a daze, and was stuffed into the blanket by Bai Yu. After changing into his pajamas, Bai Yu also stepped onto the bed. He only took up half the space, generously leaving the other half for the kitten, ensuring that even if the little furball rolled around several times during the night, it wouldn't fall off.\n

\n\n

\n Once Bai Yu had spread the blanket out and tucked it in, he adjusted the little furball's position once more.\n

\n\n

\n He placed the furball in the middle of the bed, slightly below the two pillows, so that the kitten could just be covered by the blanket.\n

\n\n

\n Imuel: "..."\n

\n\n

\n The doctor didn't go to sleep immediately. He had just turned on the reading lamp, casually grabbed a book, and started reading quietly, seemingly planning to read for a long time.\n

\n\n

\n And this meant that Imuel was resting right against the doctor's thigh.\n

\n\n

\n A little further up from the thigh would be...\n

\n\n

\n Imuel gritted his teeth and thought to himself, 'Damn it, how utterly insolent!'\n

\n\n

\n This shady clinic doctor was not only ruthless and hard-hearted, but his behavior was also dissolute and shameless.\n

\n\n

\n The ruler of Illyria could not endure such humiliation. Imuel quietly stretched out his paws and shifted outward little by little, trying to maintain the dignity of a Duke.\n

\n\n

\n But he was quickly discovered.\n

\n\n

\n Bai Yu noticed the kitten beside him slowly moving away. Pressing his left hand against the pages of the book, he casually scooped the furball back with his right hand, placing it next to him again, and said casually, "Why are you squirming around? Aren't you cold?"\n

\n\n

\n The cold wind howled outside the window, and it had even snowed a little during the night. Frost and condensation clung to the glass. Even Bai Yu felt cold. And since Imuel had lost too much blood, he would only feel colder.\n

\n\n

\n Being pulled back by Bai Yu, the fur on Imuel's tail puffed up inch by inch. He cautiously observed the doctor, but the doctor seemed to have just made a casual move and paid no attention to him, simply lowering his eyes and continuing to read.\n

\n\n

\n Bai Yu looked quiet and focused while reading. The silver-framed glasses resting on the bridge of his nose reflected faint glimmers of light.\n

\n\n

\n Imuel had to admit that the doctor really had good looks.\n

\n\n

\n The fingers gripping the spine of the book were long and beautiful, with clear joints. The bridge of his nose behind the glasses was also handsome and straight, and his slightly lowered eyes were cold and distant. In short, he perfectly fit Imuel's stereotype of a shady doctor.\n

\n\n

\n Having just failed an escape attempt, Imuel was afraid of angering the doctor again. He didn't dare to move, just curling up quietly against the doctor's thigh.\n

\n\n

\n For a time, the only sound left in the room was the doctor turning the pages.\n

\n\n

\n "..."\n

\n\n

\n The book the doctor was reading was "The Csoriel Poetry Collection", compiled by bards of the old era. It contained widely circulated ballads and fairy tales of Illyria. The church usually used this book as an enlightenment textbook for toddlers. Once the toddlers grew into youths, they would no longer read such books.\n

\n\n

\n Yet the doctor was actually reading it with great relish.\n

\n\n

\n The rhythmic sound of pages turning was like gentle white noise. As Imuel listened, he began to feel sleepy.\n

\n\n

\n The doctor's body heat made the blanket warm and cozy, keeping the cold wind out. Even though it was very shameful to sleep pressed against a stranger's thigh, Imuel ultimately couldn't resist the drowsiness. A moment later, when the doctor closed the book, he had already tucked in his paws and curled up into a fluffy roll.\n

\n\n

\n In his daze, someone pressed the pad of a finger against the fur on top of his head: "Go to sleep, little cat."\n

\n\n

\n Bai Yu slightly dimmed the reading lamp.\n

\n\n

\n He had no intention of sleeping; instead, he continued to leaf through the poetry anthology in his hand.\n

\n\n

\n 55 had been sulking in isolation and was finally doing a bit better now, seemingly having accepted reality. However, it still refused to perch on Bai Yu's shoulder like it did with its previous two hosts, only floating far away and yawning softly, "Host, it's almost midnight. Aren't you going to sleep?"\n

\n\n

\n Bai Yu: "Let me finish this section."\n

\n\n

\n 55 asked in surprise, "What book is it that's so good?"\n

\n\n

\n Bai Yu tapped his finger on a paragraph: "I'm not reading the book, I'm looking at these."\n

\n\n

\n 55 looked as instructed and saw a large swath of annotations on the paragraph.\n

\n\n

\n These annotations were of various shapes—circles, triangles, and all sorts of strange shapes that 55 couldn't describe, resembling some kind of secret code.\n

\n\n

\n Bai Yu closed the book and rubbed the space between his brows: "If I'm not mistaken, this is a ciphered translation of some code, and the Saturday Gathering at the West City Cathedral might be related to this."\n

\n\n

\n Using books to translate codes was a common method used by various underground organizations. Characters and numbers corresponded to one another, and after appropriate alterations, spies could transmit a lot of information with just a string of numbers.\n

\n\n

\n He just didn't know which organization the original owner of this identity actually belonged to.\n

\n\n

\n The original novel had been banned, and even the system only knew the key plot nodes without knowing more details.\n

\n\n

\n Bai Yu's major was not cryptography. He tried to decipher it, but lacking the corresponding texts, he could only set it aside for now. He placed the poetry anthology aside and turned off the reading lamp.\n

\n\n

\n A good night's sleep.\n

\n\n

\n When Imuel woke up the next day, he heard the sound of meat being chopped again.\n

\n\n

\n He had received food, a warm blanket, and plenty of rest. Imuel shook his fluffy tail, feeling much better.\n

\n\n

\n The rhythmic sound of chopping came from the kitchen next door, one stroke after another. Imuel's ears twitched. He quietly scooted to the edge of the bed, pawed at the door, and peeked his head out to look around.\n

\n\n

\n Through the crack in the door, he once again smelled the salty, fishy scent of fish meat.\n

\n\n

\n The kitten wrinkled its nose.\n

\n\n

\n ...Is it for me?\n

\n\n

\n It was hard to imagine that the cold-faced doctor would actually chop meat and cook for him.\n

\n\n

\n After spending a day together, Imuel finally realized that the doctor had no intention of killing him immediately, nor did he view him as a disposable test subject, because no one would lie in the same bed with a test subject and share a blanket.\n

\n\n

\n Imuel thought about it. His current position was probably as a pet the doctor had picked up, used to warm his hands and bed, and incidentally to relieve boredom and provide amusement.\n

\n\n

\n It was exactly for this reason that the doctor repeatedly emphasized, "Be good."\n

\n\n

\n After all, the only advantage of keeping a weak and powerless creature like a cat as a pet was that it would be well-behaved and obedient. If he wasn't obedient enough, the doctor would probably discard him quickly and look for a new pet.\n

\n\n

\n The platinum furball's eyes darkened. He leaned behind the door, his tail swishing back and forth, curling up into a fluffy dandelion.\n

\n\n

\n The "dandelion" began to think calmly.\n

\n\n

\n As things stood, he could only stay and be a pet.\n

\n\n

\n All the doors and windows of the clinic were sealed shut. Imuel had checked; he couldn't open them, nor could he get out. Besides, he temporarily couldn't determine where in the city the doctor's clinic was located. With the physical strength of a cat, it was questionable whether he could make it back to the Duke's estate. Finally, his uncle was certainly searching the entire city. Showing himself rashly at this time would carry a very high risk of death.\n

\n\n

\n In comparison, being the doctor's pet was a fairly suitable choice.\n

\n\n

\n For Imuel, there were both pros and cons to being a pet.\n

\n\n

\n The pros were that Imuel didn't need to worry about his life or food. The doctor had a stable income and a decent social status. Imuel essentially had a temporary sanctuary where he could have a quiet environment to peacefully recuperate and wait for his mutation period to pass.\n

\n\n

\n Imuel's mutation period was very long, and there was a short period in the middle where the pain would be unbearable. If he wandered the streets without food or clean water, life would be very difficult.\n

\n\n

\n The cons were that he had to pretend to be good and obedient, acting like a proper pet.\n

\n\n

\n Duke Imuel prided himself on being adaptable; pretending to be good wasn't difficult.\n

\n\n

\n However, a more troublesome point was that the doctor might physically modify him.\n

\n\n

\n In fact, physical modification surgeries for cats were very common in this city-state.\n

\n\n

\n Many ladies and gentlemen of Illyria also kept cats as pets. Imuel had seen them attending tea parties holding cats in their arms more than once. The upper-class elites even competed to see whose cat was better-behaved. And to prevent the cats' claws from snagging the beautiful dresses and suits of the ladies and gentlemen, some took their cats to have declawing surgeries.\n

\n\n

\n Clinic doctors would use a scalpel to gouge out the last phalanx bone of the cat's toes, permanently depriving them of the ability to grow sharp claws.\n

\n\n

\n If the doctor performed this kind of surgery on him, when Imuel turned back into his human form, he would permanently lose his finger bones, which was obviously unacceptable.\n

\n\n

\n While he was thinking, he listened closely to the sounds outside. The sound of chopping meat lasted for twenty minutes before it stopped.\n

\n\n

\n Imuel lightly jumped back onto the bed, lay down gracefully, and closed his eyes to feign sleep.\n

\n\n

\n The door clicked softly, and the doctor entered.\n

\n\n

\n The doctor stood by the bed.\n

\n\n

\n The doctor gently turned him over and pressed his fingers against his abdomen.\n

\n\n

\n For the surgery, the fur above the wound had all been shaved off by Bai Yu. Now, only a bald patch of flesh color remained. As the finger pad pressed directly onto his skin, Imuel couldn't control the urge to dodge.\n

\n\n

\n No one had ever dared to touch the abdomen of the Duke of Illyria.\n

\n\n

\n But the doctor observed carefully, not missing a single detail. Due to his nearsightedness, Bai Yu leaned in very close. Imuel could even feel the hot breath of his exhalations. Just as the Duke was beginning to doubt whether pretending to sleep was a good idea and whether he should act awake instead, Bai Yu stepped away.\n

\n\n

\n He placed the bowl of milk and minced fish together in the corner.\n

\n\n

\n As the door closed, Bai Yu's voice disappeared.\n

\n\n

\n Imuel sat up vigilantly.\n

\n\n

\n Gone?\n

\n\n

\n He tentatively took a step with his paws, one step, two steps, and then jumped down from the bed.\n

\n\n

\n Today, there wasn't just goat's milk and minced fish; the doctor had gone to the early market and even prepared some mussels and raw meaty bones, all fresh goods from the morning, meant to supplement his nutrition.\n

\n\n

\n Imuel stuck out his tongue and took a lick.\n

\n\n

\n He narrowed his eyes comfortably.\n

\n\n

\n The mush was soft, easy to swallow, and bland in taste, which perfectly suited the sensitive taste buds of a sick cat. Although the doctor was a shady one, he was indeed very good at making cat food.\n

\n\n

\n Imuel thought: Considering the doctor's performance these past few days, when he returns to the Duke's estate, he would give the doctor a lighter punishment.\n

\n\n

\n Over the next few days, Imuel got to eat fresh meals every day.\n

\n\n

\n Sometimes it was scallops, sometimes beef, or various kinds of fresh meat. The goat's milk never stopped for a single day, and everything was finely chopped into a mush.\n

\n\n

\n The doctor's expression remained cold and stern, and the sound of meat chopping continued daily. Imuel grew increasingly accustomed to this sound, even managing to fall asleep peacefully while listening to it.\n

\n\n

\n Other than the first day when the doctor grabbed him onto the operating table and injected him with who knows what, Imuel lived quite peacefully in the house the rest of the time.\n

\n\n

\n On this day, the sound of chopping meat rang out as usual. Imuel pushed open the door with his paw and poked his head out.\n

\n\n

\n The chopping didn't stop.\n

\n\n

\n Imuel sneaked two steps forward to the kitchen doorway, and using the door frame for cover, peeked his head out again.\n

\n\n

\n ...Is he really cooking for me?\n

\n\n

\n He was really cooking for him.\n

\n\n

\n He saw the doctor.\n

\n\n

\n Bai Yu's back was narrow, firm, and slender, looking absurdly tall from the kitten's perspective. He was wearing casual clothes, with his top cinched by a waistband, tracing the lines of his waist and abdomen before tucking into crisp, wide trousers. The hand holding the knife was incredibly steady, gracefully carving the meat as if sculpting a piece of art.\n

\n\n

\n 55: "Host, your little kitten is peeping at you."\n

\n\n

\n Bai Yu: "Hmm?"\n

\n\n

\n He turned his head slightly and looked sideways toward the door.\n

\n\n

\n Imuel: "!!!"\n

\n\n

\n He ran off without looking back, his paw pads tapping lightly against the floorboards, leaving a very soft sound.\n

\n\n

\n Bai Yu only had time to catch a glimpse of a large platinum tail flashing past the doorway.\n

\n\n

\n He stopped his kitchen knife and stroked his chin: "Quite energetic. It looks like he's recovering well. We can proceed to the next step."\n

\n\n

\n 55 felt a chill in its heart: "What next step?"\n

\n\n

\n Bai Yu didn't answer the system, just continued his movements.\n

\n\n

\n Thus, after Imuel licked the fish mush clean and was about to take a nap on the windowsill, he was suddenly grabbed by the scruff of his neck and lifted up entirely.\n

\n\n

\n "...Meow?"\n

\n\n

\n Imuel looked at the doctor in bewilderment, his lake-blue eyes filled with confusion. Looking at the doctor's unapproachable, cold face, a belated sense of fear crept up on him.\n

\n\n

\n ...What is he going to do?\n

\n\n

\n Supporting him, the doctor turned and walked downstairs.\n

\n\n

\n Entering his sight were the iron-gray treatment bed, the mottled partition curtains, and various rusted metal partitions.\n

\n\n

\n This was the doctor's clinic.\n

\n\n

\n The second floor was Bai Yu's residence, featuring gentle tones and warm sunlight. The first floor, however, only had a square window, as narrow as a bunker's sniper slit, which didn't even let in any sunlight. It was permeated with the smell of coldness and death.\n

\n\n

\n "..."\n

\n\n

\n Imuel's paws began to grow cold.\n

\n\n

\n Having stayed in the bedroom for a week, he had even forgotten that this was the actual place where the doctor operated.\n

\n\n

\n Bai Yu placed him on the freezing operating table, buckled the restraining straps again, and soothingly scratched the kitten's chin.\n

\n\n

\n Today was the fifth day after surgery, time to remove the stitches.\n

\n\n

\n In this era, there were no absorbable protein threads. If sutures were left in the body for too long, they could cause inflammation.\n

\n\n

\n Removing stitches didn't hurt much, nor did it require anesthesia. After settling the kitten, Bai Yu fetched his tools and noticed it was trembling.\n

\n\n

\n Those lake-blue eyes stared at him fixedly. Even though it was just a cat, it seemed to possess human emotions—like pleading, or like fear. It was as if he were mournfully questioning:\n

\n\n

\n ...Aren't I, a pet?\n

\n\n

\n But it was completely normal for cats to be afraid. Every cat was scared of the pet hospital, and there were even a few cats that harbored a "deep-seated hatred" for Bai Yu, extending their claws the moment they saw him. Moreover, no matter how afraid it was, the stitches still had to be removed.\n

\n\n

\n Bai Yu gently rubbed the kitten's head, his voice softening as well: "Be good, it's okay, it'll just take a second."\n

\n\n

\n As the alcohol was dabbed onto his abdomen, Imuel's body suddenly tensed.\n

\n\n

\n Before being injected the first time and experiencing that burning pain, he had also been rubbed with alcohol.\n

\n\n

\n "Damn it." The Duke gritted his teeth once more. He felt fooled and deceived. He resented himself for so easily letting his guard down around the doctor, and he was furiously contemptuous of the doctor's methods of playing him like a fiddle. For a moment, he actually didn't know if he felt more fear or more anger. He swore to himself, 'Doctor, you'd better not let me...'\n

\n\n

\n Before he could even think about what he would do to him, Bai Yu had already unbuckled the straps of the treatment bed.\n

\n\n

\n —It was just removing stitches. Bai Yu's technique was experienced, and under his intense bodily tension, Imuel hadn't even felt any pain.\n

\n\n

\n Next, the Elizabethan collar around his head was also taken off.\n

\n\n

\n "...Meow?"\n

\n\n

\n Imuel looked back in disbelief. For the first time in all these days, he saw what his abdomen looked like now.\n

\n\n

\n On the exposed skin, the wound had mostly healed, leaving only an ugly scar winding across his abdomen. Although it was very ugly, it truly didn't hurt anymore.\n

\n\n

\n "...?"\n

\n\n

\n ...Those actions before, was the doctor treating his wound?\n

\n\n

\n It sounded unbelievable, but it was the only explanation. Imuel flicked his tail, and the bellyful of anger completely dissipated.\n

\n\n

\n He stared at his abdomen suspiciously.\n

\n\n

\n Very well, the healing progress was very good. It wasn't bleeding or infected. The only problem was, where was his fur?\n

\n\n

\n A large patch on his abdomen was completely bare, bald and exposed, while the surrounding fur was fluffy and beautiful. At first glance, it was exceptionally glaring, looking as if he started balding.\n

\n\n

\n At this moment, Bai Yu just happened to take off his gloves and throw them into the waste basket. Seeing the platinum furball's actions, he actually chuckled.\n

\n\n

\n The doctor said callously, "So ugly."\n

","published_time":"2026-05-24T00:00:00.000Z","paid":false,"show_flag":true,"show_scheduled_time":"2026-05-24T00:00:00.000Z","unpaid_scheduled_time":"2026-05-24T00:00:00.000Z"},{"content_id":4455,"novel_id":71,"chapter_no":63,"chapter_title":"Throes","content":"

\n ...So... ugly?\n

\n\n

\n ...So ugly?\n

\n\n

\n Imuel was like a solidified sculpture, the fur on his tail instantly puffing up, and then he completely froze.\n

\n\n

\n He maintained the posture of looking down at his abdomen, stunned in place. If this were a comic or anime, one would probably be able to see special effects of him petrifying and cracking apart.\n

\n\n

\n "..."\n

\n\n

\n The Grand Duke of Illyria was conceited about his beauty. Along his journey to this day, countless people had cursed him. There were all kinds of nasty words, from bitch and whore to wishing him a terrible death and other messy insults, but this was the very first time someone had called him ugly.\n

\n\n

\n The little kitten remained frozen for too long, and Bai Yu noticed. He put the medical equipment away in the drawer and asked casually, "Hmm? Do you know I called you ugly? Can you understand human speech?"\n

\n\n

\n Talking to pets was one of the occupational hazards of being a pet doctor, and Bai Yu was no exception.\n

\n\n

\n Imuel: "!"\n

\n\n

\n He didn't dare let the doctor notice his abnormality. He raised his tail in front of his body to cover the bald patch on his belly, pretending nothing happened, and jumped off the examination table.\n

\n\n

\n The doctor shook his head slightly and continued reading.\n

\n\n

\n He was still reading that "Csorier Poetry Collection", flipping through it over and over again, as if he were trying to find flowers in its pages.\n

\n\n

\n Imuel wandered around the clinic area on the first floor for a while. Seeing the doctor reading quietly and ignoring him, he went pit-a-pat and bounded upstairs.\n

\n\n

\n Due to the tragic experience on the first day, Imuel strongly disliked the first floor. Compared to the cold examination table, he preferred the doctor's sunny bedroom on the second floor.\n

\n\n

\n Bai Yu sat on the recliner, looking up in surprise at the kitten scurrying away, and commented, "Such short legs, yet it runs quite fast."\n

\n\n

\n "..."\n

\n\n

\n Hearing this, Imuel almost slipped down the stairs. He finally managed to stand steady, rubbed his face with his front paws, and cursed angrily, "Damn doctor!"\n

\n\n

\n If he weren't living under someone else's roof, he would have had the doctor killed hundreds of times over!\n

\n\n

\n As dusk approached, the doctor finished his reading for the day.\n

\n\n

\n Bai Yu spread the book open on the desk, flipped to the pages with marks, and asked System 55, "System, can you record and archive all these annotated contents?"\n

\n\n

\n System 55: "Of course."\n

\n\n

\n The system floated over the pages. In a matter of moments, all the patterns in the entire book were recorded into its database.\n

\n\n

\n Bai Yu stood up and took down his ash-gray trench coat from the coat rack. After straightening his badge, he put on a wide-brimmed fedora, tied a matching wool scarf, and scrutinized himself in front of the full-length mirror for a moment.\n

\n\n

\n The person in the mirror looked gentle and refined, the most typical image of a doctor in Illyria.\n

\n\n

\n Bai Yu walked out the door. Following the system's prompts, he lowered the brim of his hat to half-cover his eyes, turned at the intersection in front of the market, and blended into the dispersing crowd.\n

\n\n

\n Then, Bai Yu followed the flow of people through Illyria's bustling main road, through sparsely populated streets and alleys, and through overgrown dirt forks. Finally, he stopped in front of a dilapidated church.\n

\n\n

\n Today was Saturday, the day of the gathering mentioned by the beautiful lady.\n

\n\n

\n System 55 flipped through the plot repeatedly: "What kind of shady organization did the original owner belong to?"\n

\n\n

\n Bai Yu said, "It doesn't look like a friendly one."\n

\n\n

\n The church was of a typical Gothic style, with spires and rose windows. However, all the windows were covered with black cloth from the inside, as if guarding some secret. Only the main door was wide open, its pitch-black interior radiating an ominous aura.\n

\n\n

\n Bai Yu stepped inside. Before he could even clearly see the furnishings, his eyes were blindfolded with a strip of cloth.\n

\n\n

\n With his vision gone and the black cloth covering his eyes, Bai Yu paused for a moment but quickly returned to normal. He stood with his arms crossed in a calm and collected manner, as if he had gone through the same process a thousand times.\n

\n\n

\n Soon after, something pressed against his head. Judging from its shape and size, it should be a gun, and one with a large caliber. At such a close range, it was enough to blow a person's brains out like a watermelon.\n

\n\n

\n Someone beside him confirmed in a low voice: "Code name?"\n

\n\n

\n Bai Yu: "Raven."\n

\n\n

\n "Address?"\n

\n\n

\n "335 Sike Street."\n

\n\n

\n "Profession."\n

\n\n

\n "Doctor."\n

\n\n

\n In front of Bai Yu, three or four other people were undergoing the exact same interrogation process, similarly being asked for their code names, addresses, and professions. This seemed to be a mandatory procedure for entering the church.\n

\n\n

\n Bai Yu answered fluently, and the person holding the gun slowly breathed a sigh of relief: "Sir, may we be like blazing torches."\n

\n\n

\n "..."\n

\n\n

\n 'May we be like blazing torches.' This was obviously not a complete sentence. There should be a second half that Bai Yu needed to answer with.\n

\n\n

\n "Hmm?" The gun against his forehead pressed harder. The other person leaned in closer, repeating with unclear intentions: "Mr. Raven?"\n

\n\n

\n Still silence.\n

\n\n

\n "Alright, sir, I hope you are just joking with me. I will give you three more counts. Three, two..."\n

\n\n

\n With the trigger pressed beneath their fingertip, Bai Yu heard the sound of the handgun being cocked.\n

\n\n

\n He smiled. "My apologies, I just zoned out for a moment. To illuminate the smooth path ahead."\n

\n\n

\n The person opposite him let out a long sigh of relief.\n

\n\n

\n The gun was lowered.\n

\n\n

\n "I apologize, sir. The Grand Duke recently fell into the water, and Illyria has been somewhat chaotic lately. We need to heighten our vigilance."\n

\n\n

\n The person turned around and handed over a cane. Holding one end of the cane, he signaled for Bai Yu to hold the other: "Mr. Raven of 335 Sike Street, please follow me. There are new orders to be issued today."\n

\n\n

\n Bai Yu naturally took hold of the cane and stepped forward into the darkness.\n

\n\n

\n System 55 floated beside Bai Yu, not even daring to breathe loudly.\n

\n\n

\n On its screen, the code phrase was glaringly displayed: "May we be like blazing torches, to illuminate the smooth path ahead."\n

\n\n

\n This phrase was evidently a common secret code within the organization. The deciphered text of the book Bai Yu had been reading most likely contained the second half, it was just encrypted.\n

\n\n

\n System 55 was the most sophisticated computer in the world, but when faced with a cipher that lacked any reference text, it was equally helpless.\n

\n\n

\n Fortunately, the person checking the secret code had directly delivered the reference text right to him.\n

\n\n

\n "May we be like blazing torches" was one sentence of the cipher, and the responses of the previous few people had also been recorded by System 55. In the face of the system's super computing power, all of Illyria's encryption methods were vulnerable, being cracked in an instant.\n

\n\n

\n "My god." A huge sweating emoji appeared on System 55's small screen. It wiped invisible sweat in the void. "I'll have to file a complaint when we get back. To think they sent us to a world with such high difficulty without even providing the original text. Who arranged this draw? Are they trying to get us killed?"\n

\n\n

\n It was just a lowly Abused Protagonist Novel NPC Roleplay System. How did this turn into a spy survival mode?\n

\n\n

\n —Thankfully, this time it was Bai Yu. If it had been a certain Xie or a certain Lin who drew this script, the consequences would be unimaginable.\n

\n\n

\n Bai Yu remained noncommittal.\n

\n\n

\n He was led to the center of the church. His guide untied his blindfold and invited him to take a seat.\n

\n\n

\n Beside him sat the beautiful lady who had spoken to him on the street.\n

\n\n

\n The lady, wearing an intricate long dress trimmed with lace and holding a feather fan, looked Bai Yu up and down and smiled, "Raven, I trust you've been well."\n

\n\n

\n Bai Yu: "I trust you've been well too."\n

\n\n

\n The two exchanged polite pleasantries. Someone was also led to the empty seat to Bai Yu's right. He had a scar-covered face and bulging muscles, looking like a brute who relied on sheer physical strength.\n

\n\n

\n The lady greeted him: "Hammerhead Shark, I trust you've been well."\n

\n\n

\n Bai Yu silently memorized his code name.\n

\n\n

\n Hammerhead Shark sat down beside Bai Yu. He seemed to be very familiar with the original owner and casually said, "The Sunday Tavern has some good goods. Are you coming?"\n

\n\n

\n Before Bai Yu could speak, the lady covered her lips and laughed, "Where did you get these pretty boys and girls from this time? Do you call just any level of beauty 'good goods'?"\n

\n\n

\n Hammerhead Shark sighed out a laugh: "They were smuggled out from the Grand Duke's estate. I heard they are quite different from ordinary people and have some strange traits. I want to see for myself."\n

\n\n

\n The lady: "Different from ordinary people? Everyone has one nose and two eyes. How different can they be? Could it be that they have an extra cat tail?"\n

\n\n

\n Hammerhead Shark: "I don't know either. I just heard about it, just hearsay."\n

\n\n

\n During a pause in their conversation, a waiter brought over water and placed it next to them. The lady and Hammerhead Shark both picked up their glasses to moisten their throats, but System 55 said, "Host, don't drink it."\n

\n\n

\n Its screen displayed the liquid analysis results: Chronic addictive poison.\n

\n\n

\n Bai Yu picked up the water glass, took a sip, and, using the cover of his trench coat, poured it into his cuff. His trench coat lining was waterproof. With his arm naturally hanging down, the water trickled down his fingertips and dropped onto the floor.\n

\n\n

\n Next, slips of paper were passed down successively, detailing the orders for this meeting. Bai Yu took one in his hand and saw that there were only two points.\n

\n\n

\n First: Search for the whereabouts of Grand Duke Imuel. Strictly inspect all clinics. No one of unknown origin is allowed to be taken in.\n

\n\n

\n Second: Hunt down and kill stray cats of unknown origin.\n

\n\n

\n Bai Yu folded the slip of paper and put it into his coat pocket.\n

\n\n

\n Hammerhead Shark was baffled: "Searching for the Grand Duke is understandable, but what's with hunting stray cats?"\n

\n\n

\n The lady said, "Perhaps the boss was scratched by some cat."\n

\n\n

\n Hammerhead Shark shrugged: "Or maybe he's short of a cat-fur scarf."\n

\n\n

\n They each put their papers away, tied their black blindfolds back on, and were led out.\n

\n\n

\n The moon hung high in the middle of the sky. By the time Bai Yu crossed more than half of the city and returned to the clinic, it was already midnight.\n

\n\n

\n This world was more dangerous than he had imagined. Fortunately, Bai Yu wasn't a native resident, and the system had protective measures. Throughout the meeting just now, System 55 had been cursing nonstop, swearing it would file a complaint upon returning. At the same time, it promised that if he died due to the novel being banned, it would change to another book for Bai Yu.\n

\n\n

\n Even so, Bai Yu had no desire to experience the taste of death. He planned to let System 55 decipher the other markings in the book tomorrow before making further plans.\n

\n\n

\n As for today, the night was deep, and it was time to sleep.\n

\n\n

\n Bai Yu walked up to the second floor, pushed open the bedroom door, and lightened his footsteps.\n

\n\n

\n At this hour, the little furball should already be asleep.\n

\n\n

\n Afraid the light would disturb the sleeping kitten, he didn't turn it on. He just sat on the edge of the bed and gently groped under the quilt to confirm the kitten's location.\n

\n\n

\n When he got into bed later, he couldn't squish the kitten.\n

\n\n

\n But the moment his fingers touched the furball, he couldn't help but pause.\n

\n\n

\n The kitten wasn't sleeping. He was hidden deep inside the quilt, curled up in a highly unnatural posture, seemingly shivering uncontrollably.\n

\n\n

\n This kind of trembling wasn't due to the cold or fear, but rhythmic muscle spasms. It was pathological.\n

\n\n

\n It was very cold under the quilt. Without the doctor's body heat, it was difficult for the kitten to warm up the bed. Imuel felt the doctor's touch, and he couldn't help but nuzzle into the palm of the doctor's hand.\n

\n\n

\n It was warm.\n

\n\n

\n Bai Yu paused, then raised his hand to turn on the light.\n

\n\n

\n He gently lifted the quilt, exposing the furball on the bed.\n

\n\n

\n Imuel opened his eyes slightly, took a glance at Bai Yu, and then quickly buried his face again.\n

\n\n

\n —He hoped the doctor would go to sleep quickly and not torment him.\n

\n\n

\n He didn't have the energy to play the obedient pet game with the doctor today. He had been in pain for almost four hours since the evening began.\n

\n\n

\n During the mutation period, there would always be a few excruciating days, just like how the ladies of Illyria would always have a few days when they couldn't muster any energy. Imuel was already used to it.\n

\n\n

\n The difference between a human skeleton and a cat's was enormous. Frequent transformations put intense pressure on the body, bringing about a tearing pain. His bones and joints were unbearably numb and itchy. It was unavoidable. In Imuel's past experiences, he had to suffer through this every time a mutation period came around—sometimes for a day, at most for five or six days.\n

\n\n

\n But even if he was used to it, it still hurt a lot.\n

\n\n

\n Imuel tried to find a silver lining amid the suffering, thinking, "Fortunately, it's almost over."\n

\n\n

\n Severe pain generally occurred toward the end of the mutation period. Once he powered through this period, it wouldn't be long before he could transform back into a human.\n

\n\n

\n The Grand Duke buried his face in the pillow, thinking gloomily, "When I get back, I'm going to tear down the doctor's clinic and have him escorted to the Grand Duke's estate."\n

\n\n

\n But what would he do once he brought him to the estate? Imuel hadn't thought that far yet. He might lock the doctor in a dungeon. And on the day of his imprisonment, the Grand Duke would dress up gorgeously, letting this unworldly, bumpkin doctor take a good, clear look. Then, looking down on him condescendingly, he would humiliate him and interrogate him on whether the noble Grand Duke of Illyria was truly ugly or beautiful.\n

\n\n

\n Relying on these wild, unconstrained, and inexplicable imaginations, the pain lessened slightly.\n

\n\n

\n Meanwhile, beside Imuel, Bai Yu observed carefully.\n

\n\n

\n This world lacked the comprehensive equipment found in the pet hospitals of his past life, so he couldn't perform a complete analytical diagnosis on the kitten. However, judging by the furball's behavior, it was likely muscle or bone pain.\n

\n\n

\n The kitten was breathing very shallowly. His body trembled slightly, his muscles spasming in an odd posture. His large, fluffy tail drooped listlessly, dragging on the bed sheets.\n

\n\n

\n Bai Yu gently scooped the furball up and placed him on his lap.\n

\n\n

\n Imuel paused but didn't struggle. He obediently laid down on the doctor's lap. With nowhere to rest, his fluffy platinum tail drooped over the edge of his thigh.\n

\n\n

\n Although it was quite unseemly, the Grand Duke lacked the energy to care. In this condition, no matter what the doctor did, he had no way to resist.\n

\n\n

\n Imuel only hoped that the doctor's care over the past few days hadn't been a facade, and that he wouldn't torment him during his most painful moments.\n

\n\n

\n Bai Yu held him in a sitting posture and gently massaged him, observing the kitten's reactions to test out exactly where he was hurting.\n

\n\n

\n "..."\n

\n\n

\n The temperature of the doctor's thigh skin was burning hot, which, together with the quilt, created a warm and cozy space. The fingers stroking him probed from top to bottom, seemingly afraid of hurting him. The pads of the fingers pressed lightly against the roots of his fur, feeling very comfortable.\n

\n\n

\n Imuel nuzzled into the doctor's embrace.\n

\n\n

\n The gentle pressing provoked no reaction, so it likely wasn't a bone spur-related ailment. Bai Yu applied a little more force, pressing down on the muscles.\n

\n\n

\n Imuel nuzzled him again.\n

\n\n

\n The doctor's technique was experienced, as if he were giving the cat a massage or a spa treatment. With his palms kneading, the combined effect of the heat and the massage actually eased the sore and aching muscles a little.\n

\n\n

\n Bai Yu breathed a sigh of relief. The massage elicited a reaction, meaning there wasn't a problem with the bones; it should just be the muscles.\n

\n\n

\n He went over medical cases of cat muscle problems in his mind but couldn't find anything similar. He simply rubbed the furball's ears and asked, "Do you feel a little better?"\n

\n\n

\n Imuel swished his tail.\n

\n\n

\n His furry tail brushed against the doctor's cheek, hindering the doctor's massage. Thus, it was firmly grabbed and pressed down.\n

\n\n

\n Imuel opened his eyes and looked at his tail, then let the doctor push it to the side and settle it down.\n

\n\n

\n The kitten was so tiny, and his fluffy fur was as soft as cotton. Bai Yu could thoroughly pet him in just a few strokes. He gently kneaded the kitten as if kneading a soft cream puff.\n

\n\n

\n Under the doctor's rhythmic movements, a belated sense of drowsiness finally welled up within Imuel.\n

\n\n

\n The temperature inside the quilt was just right. Although he was reluctant to admit it, the doctor's lap was also very comfortable.\n

\n\n

\n At this time, Imuel heard Bai Yu muttering to himself.\n

\n\n

\n The doctor seemed to be recalling medical cases, deliberating, "...Sudden onset, muscle spasms, irregular pain that can be alleviated by massage. Besides these, there are no other symptoms... Could it be a genetic hereditary disease?"\n

\n\n

\n Genetic diseases in felines were not uncommon. Scottish Folds, for example, were a breed of cat with a severe genetic disease. And as a pet doctor, when faced with a kitten that had genetic issues, Bai Yu's first reaction was: "—Should I neuter him?"\n

\n\n

\n Imuel froze.\n

\n\n

\n Even though he didn't fully understand the word, it was clearly not a good one.\n

\n\n

\n Next, the doctor's hand fumbled downwards and rested on the kitten's butt.\n

\n\n

\n Imuel stiffened.\n

\n\n

\n Although the furball had just recently been injured and couldn't be neutered right away, he could still plan ahead.\n

\n\n

\n Thus, that hand continued fumbling and stopped right on his little bells.\n

\n\n

\n He lightly weighed their size.\n

\n\n

\n Imuel: "!!!"\n

\n\n

\n The Grand Duke's blood rushed to his head. If he had been in his human form right now, his face would have turned as red as wine.\n

\n\n

\n He instantly understood the meaning of "neuter".\n

\n\n

\n Damn this doctor! He actually wanted to do such a perverted thing to him!\n

\n\n

\n In a split second, Imuel even forgot about the pain of the mutation period. Filled with shock and suspicion, he sprang up from Bai Yu's lap. When Bai Yu subconsciously reached out to catch him, he extended his claws—\n

\n\n

\n The claws scraped across flesh and skin, leaving behind a shallow, bloody scratch.\n

\n\n

\n "..."\n

\n\n

\n Imuel landed, brushing against the headboard, and stared blankly at the doctor's hand.\n

\n\n

\n The doctor's fingers had distinct knuckles, long and beautifully shaped. The faint red wound was embedded in the skin, like a crack on a piece of fine jade.\n

\n\n

\n The doctor... was injured?\n

\n\n

\n What had he done?\n

\n\n

\n Imuel still remembered his current role—an obedient pet. And an obedient pet should never extend its claws at its master.\n

\n\n

\n His body, which had finally stopped trembling, stiffened up once again.\n

\n\n

\n In an instant, Imuel thought of a lot of things. He remembered the doctor's warning to "be good", he remembered the declawed cats held by the ladies at tea parties, and he even remembered the countless dead young boys and girls in the basement of the Grand Duke's estate. For a moment, his teeth even began to chatter slightly.\n

\n\n

\n ...He shouldn't have. He shouldn't have extended his claws at the doctor while living under someone else's roof.\n

\n\n

\n A pet that wasn't obedient enough would either be remade or die.\n

\n\n

\n Bai Yu noticed the furball's unease. Those lake-blue eyes revealed fear, as if he had fallen into some kind of nightmare. He gently reached out and scooped the furball up once more.\n

\n\n

\n The injury on his hand didn't hurt much. How much strength could a kitten's claws have? The scratch was shallower than any he had ever received from a cat in his previous life.\n

\n\n

\n But Imuel was scared.\n

\n\n

\n His body yearned for the warmth of the doctor's palm, yet his heart feared his reprisal. Thus, he desperately racked his brains, trying to recall how to earn forgiveness.\n

\n\n

\n As a pet, how was he supposed to earn forgiveness?\n

\n\n

\n Imuel seemed to have thought of something.\n

\n\n

\n He obediently stayed in Bai Yu's hands, stuck out his pink tongue, and ingratiatingly licked the wound.\n

\n\n

\n Bai Yu paused, only to see Imuel tilt his head and look at him with a guilty conscience.\n

\n\n

\n "Meow~"\n

","published_time":"2026-05-24T00:00:00.000Z","paid":false,"show_flag":true,"show_scheduled_time":"2026-05-24T00:00:00.000Z","unpaid_scheduled_time":"2026-05-24T00:00:00.000Z"},{"content_id":4456,"novel_id":71,"chapter_no":64,"chapter_title":"Mine","content":"

\n The little cat's voice was soft and sticky-sweet, a bit milky.\n

\n\n

\n Bai Yu was stunned for a moment, then reached out and poked the cat's head, laughing. "So you're one of those clingy little brats."\n

\n\n

\n Many cats would put on that clingy act in front of their owners. As a pet doctor who had seen countless cats and never been fazed, Bai Yu had encountered plenty of cats with that cutesy tone. But this white-and-gold fluffball he picked up—this was the first time it had spoken in such an exaggeratedly sweet voice.\n

\n\n

\n And the first time it had licked him.\n

\n\n

\n From Bai Yu's experience, when a cat licks a person, it means it's been tamed—an expression of closeness.\n

\n\n

\n He thought to himself, "This little ungrateful thing, finally got used to me."\n

\n\n

\n The fluffball was in poor health and injured. Bai Yu prepared all kinds of meat for him every day. In this era, livestock breeding technology was underdeveloped and meat was expensive. Feeding a cat like this would eat the original owner into poverty.\n

\n\n

\n Yet even so, every time the little cat saw him, it would detour around him. If he tried to hold or pet it, it would get scared, as if he were some terrifying alien creature. At this rate, Bai Yu was starting to doubt his own affinity as a pet doctor.\n

\n\n

\n In his previous life, he had been very popular with cats and dogs.\n

\n\n

\n But now, the little cat sat properly with its paws tucked in, staring unblinkingly at the wound on the back of his hand, visibly guilty.\n

\n\n

\n Bai Yu reached out, placed the little cat back onto his lap, and rubbed the soft fur on its head. "Hm? Not afraid of me anymore?"\n

\n\n

\n Imuel shrank his head slightly.\n

\n\n

\n ...Afraid.\n

\n\n

\n But he didn't dare say it. He simply stayed quietly on the doctor, letting out another soft "meow."\n

\n\n

\n Imuel carefully observed the doctor's expression.\n

\n\n

\n Although scratched by the cat, Bai Yu's expression remained normal. The hand stroking him was still steady, fingers gently running along the fur on his back—it felt very comfortable.\n

\n\n

\n The doctor didn't seem angry.\n

\n\n

\n Imuel let out a breath of relief and lay down on the doctor's thigh, hugging his tail as he fell asleep.\n

\n\n

\n He was still in the mutation phase and felt terrible.\n

\n\n

\n But Bai Yu wouldn't let him sleep. He pulled his tail aside, extended a finger, and held it in front of the little cat's eyes.\n

\n\n

\n From the fluffball's earlier behavior, the cat might be sick. Bai Yu wanted to check its tongue coating to judge its health.\n

\n\n

\n The doctor coaxed, "Lick it again."\n

\n\n

\n "......"\n

\n\n

\n "?"\n

\n\n

\n "!"\n

\n\n

\n Imuel's eyes snapped open. He jerked backward and tumbled off the doctor's lap, limbs flailing.\n

\n\n

\n Lick—lick what?!\n

\n\n

\n Pervert!\n

\n\n

\n Licking a wound voluntarily was one thing, but being coaxed into licking someone's finger was another entirely.\n

\n\n

\n The Grand Duke of Illyria rolled on the mattress like a melted blob of cream. He pushed himself up again, body burning hot, his beautiful blue eyes glaring viciously at the doctor as if he wanted to flay him alive.\n

\n\n

\n "Damn it, I'll flatten the doctor's clinic and drag him out for a public parade!"\n

\n\n

\n Yet no matter how ferocious he seemed, in Bai Yu's eyes he was just a tiny milk kitten.\n

\n\n

\n Bai Yu kept his finger extended in front of Imuel, coaxing again, "Lick it again. Remember to stick out your tongue."\n

\n\n

\n S-stick out his tongue?!\n

\n\n

\n Imuel's chest rose and fell. He was so angry that even the pain of the mutation phase faded. He closed his eyes and admonished himself: "Living under someone else's roof, living under someone else's roof! You scratched him first, you were at fault, you scratched him first, you were at fault! Don't defy the doctor, don't defy the doctor!"\n

\n\n

\n Repeating those words over and over, the duke finally suppressed his anger. After painstakingly preparing himself mentally, he took a deep breath, leaned forward toward the doctor's finger, and quickly gave it a lick.\n

\n\n

\n The tender pink tongue touched the skin and withdrew instantly.\n

\n\n

\n Bai Yu: "."\n

\n\n

\n Too fast—he still didn't see the tongue coating.\n

\n\n

\n But the little cat clearly had no intention of cooperating further. Without a sound, he rolled to the edge of the bed. No matter how the doctor called him, he didn't move.\n

\n\n

\n Bai Yu: "Alright then."\n

\n\n

\n Judging from the cat's spirits, it probably wasn't anything serious. So he didn't force it, simply took off his glasses, set them aside, and reached out to turn off the light.\n

\n\n

\n Darkness fell, with a faint hazy moonlight leaking in from outside the window.\n

\n\n

\n Bai Yu said softly, "Good night, little cat."\n

\n\n

\n Imuel flicked his tail.\n

\n\n

\n The doctor's sleep schedule was always regular, precise like an alarm clock. Before long, he drifted into dreams. The bedroom fell silent, leaving only his steady breathing.\n

\n\n

\n Imuel lay by the bedside, tail swaying, unable to sleep.\n

\n\n

\n The pain in his muscles and bones clung like a parasite, impossible to shake off, surging in waves without end.\n

\n\n

\n Imuel took small breaths. He had shifted to the edge of the blanket, where it was a bit drafty. His body temperature dropped, and his muscles stiffened again.\n

\n\n

\n He edged further into the bed, pricking up his ears to listen to the doctor's movements.\n

\n\n

\n The doctor was still asleep.\n

\n\n

\n He scooted closer again, paused, then moved again, paused again, and finally returned to the doctor's side.\n

\n\n

\n The warmth of skin came through like a large human heater. Imuel squinted comfortably and eventually fell asleep leaning against Bai Yu.\n

\n\n

\n In his dream, he returned to the Duke's Mansion on a snowy day. A warm fireplace burned in the bedroom, and he held a blanket, leaning against pillows, taking an afternoon nap.\n

\n\n

\n The only flaw was that the pillow was a bit hard.\n

\n\n

\n So early the next morning, when Imuel woke up, he saw the doctor's face enlarged before him.\n

\n\n

\n The doctor was still reading that poetry collection, his sharp brows slightly lowered, nose bridge high and straight. Imuel was resting on his arm, sleeping in a daze.\n

\n\n

\n Seeing the little cat awake, Bai Yu withdrew his arm. "Good morning, little cat."\n

\n\n

\n The cat had apparently gone to sleep very late last night, so Bai Yu hadn't moved, letting him use his arm as a pillow. Only after the cat woke did he close the book, preparing to head to the morning market.\n

\n\n

\n The meat at home was finished. If he didn't restock, neither he nor the fluffball would have anything to eat.\n

\n\n

\n "......"\n

\n\n

\n Only after the sound of the door closing did Imuel come back to his senses.\n

\n\n

\n He raised both paws and rubbed his face hard with the pads.\n

\n\n

\n He had actually fallen asleep on the doctor's arm. In just a few days, he had already lowered his guard around him.\n

\n\n

\n Though it seemed normal. The doctor might run an unlicensed black clinic and didn't look particularly ethical, but he treated the little cat quite well—meat every meal, letting him sleep on the bed, not getting angry even when scratched.\n

\n\n

\n Imuel adjusted his self-perception and thought, "...I should be a very favored pet now?"\n

\n\n

\n The strange thought gave the duke goosebumps. In Illyria, the adjective "favored" was usually used to describe the old duke's concubines. That disgusting man, full of grease and flesh, liked young, delicate girls. Every time he waddled around holding their slender hands, Imuel felt like vomiting.\n

\n\n

\n A chill ran through him. His tail fur bristled layer by layer. He forcibly stopped the thought and jumped off the bed.\n

\n\n

\n Bai Yu was in front of the mirror, adjusting the collar of his coat. Seeing the cat, he casually warned, "Don't go out recently. I heard someone's catching and killing stray cats."\n

\n\n

\n Of course, the doctor knew the cat couldn't understand human speech, but talking to pets was a professional habit, so he said it anyway.\n

\n\n

\n "If you get caught, I won't be able to save you."\n

\n\n

\n Imuel's stepping motion paused. His paw hovered midair. Before the doctor could notice, he casually set it down and trotted away.\n

\n\n

\n As a kitten, his legs were indeed a bit short.\n

\n\n

\n After the doctor closed the door, Imuel ran down from the second floor on his short legs and jumped onto the examination bed.\n

\n\n

\n From this height, he could see outside through the small street-facing window.\n

\n\n

\n The street where the doctor lived was a relatively chaotic area in eastern Illyria. Gangs and underground forces were everywhere, maintaining a fragile and delicate balance. The Duke's Mansion had limited guards, and even fewer were truly under Imuel's command. For now, he couldn't interfere in this area's ecosystem.\n

\n\n

\n The street bustled with people as usual, but Imuel keenly noticed that there were more people dressed like gang members.\n

\n\n

\n Though they tried to look like ordinary citizens, many carried an irrepressible bandit-like aura. Their expressions were arrogant as they loitered on the streets, seemingly searching for something.\n

\n\n

\n Imuel's gaze fell on a muscular man with scars across his face.\n

\n\n

\n The scar ran across his entire face. He held a burlap sack, something heavy inside pulling it downward. Judging from its shape, Imuel guessed it was a hammer.\n

\n\n

\n Heavy—one strike to the back of the head could knock someone unconscious; two could kill.\n

\n\n

\n The man seemed to spot an acquaintance in the distance, greeted them, then walked to the doctor's door.\n

\n\n

\n He began talking with a woman there.\n

\n\n

\n Imuel quietly jumped down from the examination bed.\n

\n\n

\n He hid by the window, pressing his ear to listen.\n

\n\n

\n It was the busy morning market hour. The street outside was noisy with people coming and going. Imuel faintly caught a few words from the man—"stray cats," "capture," "quantity."\n

\n\n

\n The rest he couldn't hear clearly.\n

\n\n

\n A potted pothos sat by the window. The pot was low and thick. After estimating the height, Imuel lightly jumped onto the windowsill, using the pot to hide himself as he continued listening.\n

\n\n

\n Bai Yu had left a gap in the window for ventilation. Through it, Imuel could finally hear clearly.\n

\n\n

\n The man's voice was hoarse and unpleasant. If Bai Yu were here, he would recognize the two outside as Hammerhead Shark and Madam.\n

\n\n

\n Hammerhead Shark's voice drifted in through the gap.\n

\n\n

\n "Hey, the other day I heard there was a reward for catching stray cats. Thought it was a joke, but I brought one over and actually got two silver coins. What does that unlucky bastard want stray cats for?"\n

\n\n

\n Yesterday, the largest local gang, the Black Robe Society, issued a bounty. Residents could capture stray cats and deliver them to the gang's base in exchange for money.\n

\n\n

\n The search was concentrated along the Houghton River and nearby districts.\n

\n\n

\n Outside, Hammerhead Shark and Madam naturally avoided mentioning the gang's name, disguising themselves as ordinary citizens chatting.\n

\n\n

\n Madam said, "Who knows what those gangs are thinking. I heard the duke's personal guards are also looking for cats. No idea what madness has gotten into them."\n

\n\n

\n The duke had fallen into the water, and Illyria was in turmoil. Yet both forces were targeting stray cats at the same time—it was clearly abnormal.\n

\n\n

\n Hammerhead Shark: "Those idiots just make decisions on a whim and screw me over. Damn it, there's even a quota. Now there aren't even cats left on the streets—hell, even rats are being sent in. Where am I supposed to find more?"\n

\n\n

\n Unlike ordinary citizens, direct members of the Black Robe Society had to meet a quota. Bai Yu, being a doctor, counted as a civilian staff member, and Madam was a woman, so they didn't need to.\n

\n\n

\n Among the three, only Hammerhead Shark did.\n

\n\n

\n He scratched his head and muttered, "Two silver coins per cat. I can't even afford food now. If I catch a couple to hand in, at least my meals are covered... Do they have to be strays? Can I just grab a couple from someone's house?"\n

\n\n

\n Madam: "Go ahead."\n

\n\n

\n She covered her mouth and laughed. "Isn't there one right here? Raven's cold and heartless—never liked animals. No idea where that cat came from. Talk to him when he gets back, he won't mind."\n

\n\n

\n "!"\n

\n\n

\n Imuel reacted the moment he heard "here." He pushed off with his hind legs and leapt into the room. His adrenaline spiked so sharply that he didn't even hear the rest about Raven. But Hammerhead Shark was faster. The window had only been loosely closed—he pushed it open, knocking the pothos pot to the ground, and reached in, grabbing the tip of Imuel's tail.\n

\n\n

\n "!"\n

\n\n

\n The force was entirely on his tail. Pain shot from his tailbone through his whole body. Imuel struggled violently.\n

\n\n

\n Damn it!\n

\n\n

\n He had never expected the man to just reach inside and grab him.\n

\n\n

\n But Hammerhead Shark was a burly adult man. The kitten's struggle meant nothing to him. He easily suppressed it, pushed the window open fully, and pulled Imuel out.\n

\n\n

\n Gripping the cat by the tail, he lifted him up.\n

\n\n

\n Madam: "A white-and-gold cat. The fur really is beautiful."\n

\n\n

\n Hammerhead Shark looked him over. "Skinning this one for a scarf wouldn't be bad. With fur this good, think it'd fetch a couple more silver coins?"\n

\n\n

\n Madam: "Ask properly if it's the one they're looking for. If not, give it to me. I'm missing a white-and-gold scarf."\n

\n\n

\n Their gazes swept over the kitten, as if considering where to start cutting to preserve the beautiful fur intact.\n

\n\n

\n Imuel bit down hard on his lip.\n

\n\n

\n ...No. He couldn't be taken to the base.\n

\n\n

\n He had a vague idea who was looking for him. He struggled violently in Hammerhead Shark's grip. The man was startled and nearly lost control. Seizing the moment, Imuel opened his mouth and bit down on his arm.\n

\n\n

\n The kitten's only sharp weapon was his teeth. The bite left two bloody punctures. Hammerhead Shark hissed, anger rising. He grabbed the cat's jaw to force him to release, then lifted him up again and raised his other arm.\n

\n\n

\n Before taking him to the base, he intended to teach this audacious cat a lesson.\n

\n\n

\n Struggling failed. Imuel's mouth was full of blood. He spat out a mouthful and glared at Hammerhead Shark. Though only a kitten, he carried an unyielding, resolute bearing.\n

\n\n

\n Hammerhead Shark: "Hey, are you glaring at me?"\n

\n\n

\n He found it amusing, flexing his arm to show exaggerated muscles—only to be struck on the head by a sack of cucumbers the next second.\n

\n\n

\n The cucumbers were heavy. Hammerhead Shark felt dizzy and instinctively let go. His arm was seized and twisted into an unnatural angle.\n

\n\n

\n "Damn—"\n

\n\n

\n Before he could finish, Bai Yu grabbed his arm with one hand, twisted the joint with a clever motion, and with a crack, dislocated it.\n

\n\n

\n Though a veterinarian, he had studied joint structures.\n

\n\n

\n With his joint dislocated, Hammerhead Shark couldn't even scream.\n

\n\n

\n The fluffball was gathered back into a warm embrace. He uncontrollably burrowed into the doctor's chest like a hamster digging a hole. All the buttons on the doctor's clothes were rubbed open as the kitten wriggled inside, until only a thin undershirt remained between them—but even that wasn't enough. He kept pushing inward, as if only by clinging tightly to the doctor could he feel safe.\n

\n\n

\n The kitten looked like he had been triggered again. Bai Yu covered him with his coat and gently rubbed his head, soothing, "It's okay. I'm here."\n

\n\n

\n It was a familiar gesture. The doctor always comforted him like this. Imuel felt like a bullied child suddenly finding a guardian. He rubbed his face with his paws, filled with grievance.\n

\n\n

\n Madam was startled. "You?"\n

\n\n

\n Bai Yu had no intention of engaging them. He simply raised his knee and kicked the obstructing Hammerhead Shark aside, took out his keys to open the door, then turned half his face and said coldly:\n

\n\n

\n "This is my cat. Didn't you know?"\n

","published_time":"2026-05-24T00:00:00.000Z","paid":false,"show_flag":true,"show_scheduled_time":"2026-05-24T00:00:00.000Z","unpaid_scheduled_time":"2026-05-24T00:00:00.000Z"},{"content_id":4457,"novel_id":71,"chapter_no":65,"chapter_title":"Farewell","content":"

\n Hammerhead Shark finally recovered from the severe pain in his arm. He cursed angrily, "You fucking—"\n

\n\n

\n Before he could finish his curse, the door clicked and slammed shut in front of him.\n

\n\n

\n Bai Yu casually pressed the deadbolt, the lock cylinder clicking shut and locking tight, shutting Hammerhead Shark's angry curses outside.\n

\n\n

\n He didn't stop walking, simply carrying the kitten straight up to the second floor, and then turned on the faucet of the sink. "Spit it out, let's rinse your mouth."\n

\n\n

\n The dumpling had just bitten Hammerhead Shark, and his mouth was full of blood.\n

\n\n

\n Kittens were generally afraid of water. If the dumpling didn't cooperate, Bai Yu was prepared to force him to brush his teeth. Hammerhead Shark was, after all, a member of the Black Robe Society, and the Black Robe Society poisoned the water given to its members. Bai Yu was afraid the blood was poisoned.\n

\n\n

\n But the dumpling spat twice and obediently leaned over, washing his mouth clean with the clear water. Bai Yu pried it open to take a look, and the kitten also obediently let him check, extremely cooperative.\n

\n\n

\n But just as he planned to put the dumpling back on the bed, the kitten refused to get down no matter what.\n

\n\n

\n Imuel desperately clung to the doctor's arm, using all his strength to squeeze into his embrace, squeezing and rubbing, his short little legs kicking as he simply refused to go back to the bed. He even raised his tail to show the doctor: several hairs had been plucked from that beautiful platinum tail, and the kitten looked listless, clearly hurting from being pulled.\n

\n\n

\n Bai Yu sighed, hugged the kitten's bottom and picked him up, tapping the kitten's nose. "You got scared, didn't you? How about I make you something delicious?"\n

\n\n

\n Imuel swished his tail.\n

\n\n

\n He didn't really want to eat anything; he just wanted to stay on the doctor's arm.\n

\n\n

\n In the past, when there was no comparison, he didn't feel how good the clinic was, but after being forcibly dragged out, he realized just how safe it was by the doctor's side.\n

\n\n

\n Bai Yu carried the kitten on his arm and brought the bags into the kitchen. The cucumber in the bag had just been smashed, so Bai Yu roughly chopped it up, then placed a few kinds of meat in front of the kitten and asked, "What do you want to eat?"\n

\n\n

\n He had bought pork and mussels, as well as a piece of beef.\n

\n\n

\n The pork was pork ribs, the mussels were not small either, and the beef was ribeye with very beautiful marbling. The prices of these three kinds of meat were not cheap. In a city-state like Illyria, which was not considered wealthy, no one would use these things to feed a cat except for the nobles.\n

\n\n

\n Imuel hugged the doctor's arm with one paw and reached out the other.\n

\n\n

\n He gently tapped the most expensive beef among them and meowed.\n

\n\n

\n He wanted this.\n

\n\n

\n To the Duke, beef wasn't considered precious, but to an unlicensed doctor, it might be a few days' wages. Imuel didn't necessarily want to eat it that much; he purely wanted to know—would the doctor give him this expensive piece of meat if he wanted to eat it?\n

\n\n

\n The care over these past few days couldn't be faked, and the arm holding him was very warm too. Imuel's lake-blue eyes gazed at the doctor, quietly making a decision: 'If the doctor is willing, then I...'\n

\n\n

\n Then what about him? Imuel hadn't thought it through either.\n

\n\n

\n His mind was in a mess, and on the other side, the hand Bai Yu was using to hold the knife paused for a moment.\n

\n\n

\n A tiny, insignificant trace of bitterness rose in Imuel's heart. To most people, a cat was just a cat, meant for relieving boredom and amusement, but wanting to eat these expensive things was not allowed. Was it the same for the doctor too?\n

\n\n

\n He hugged his tail and shrank back against the doctor's arm, feeling somewhat depressed.\n

\n\n

\n ... Forget it, he wouldn't eat it.\n

\n\n

\n But Bai Yu said, "Alright."\n

\n\n

\n The doctor hesitated slightly as he turned the meat over and over. "You can eat it, but there are tendons in this beef. Can you chew it?"\n

\n\n

\n He reached out and pinched Imuel's mouth, checking his teeth. "Little cat, your teeth haven't fully grown in yet, right?"\n

\n\n

\n "..."\n

\n\n

\n It wasn't very physically harmful, but it was extremely insulting.\n

\n\n

\n Imuel angrily gave the doctor a flick of his tail, which was grabbed by the doctor and ruthlessly suppressed.\n

\n\n

\n Bai Yu reprimanded, "I have a knife in my hand, don't move around."\n

\n\n

\n Imuel obediently retracted his tail.\n

\n\n

\n At noon, Imuel got his wish and ate beef paste. The meat had been chopped soft and mushy by the doctor, but there was nothing to be done about the fascia in the meat. Imuel tried to tear and bite it with his teeth, but because he didn't often act as a cat, his tearing motions didn't grasp the main points. He gnawed at it several times but couldn't chew through it.\n

\n\n

\n The doctor let out a long sigh. "See, I told you that you couldn't chew it."\n

\n\n

\n "..."\n

\n\n

\n Annoying doctor!\n

\n\n

\n At night, Imuel once again shrank into the doctor's embrace. The pain of the mutation period all over his body had faded away, which also meant that he was going to turn back into a human.\n

\n\n

\n He didn't fall asleep for a long time. Instead, borrowing the moonlight outside the window, in a hazy cool tone, he looked up at the person in front of him.\n

\n\n

\n The doctor was truly good-looking, with a straight nose and fine eyes, clear contours, and pale lips; it was a kind of handsome that carried a scholarly air amidst the coldness.\n

\n\n

\n As Imuel kept looking, he suddenly stretched out a paw and placed it by the doctor's lips.\n

\n\n

\n The paw pad gently pressed against it, parting as soon as it touched the light-colored lips. Even though the kitten had reached out on his own, Imuel felt as if he had been burned, suddenly withdrawing his paw and staggering back a long way.\n

\n\n

\n His tumbling movements disturbed the doctor. Bai Yu reached his hand out from the blanket, pulled the kitten back, and clasped him in his arms. He mumbled with his eyes closed, "Stop fussing, go to sleep. Goodnight, little cat."\n

\n\n

\n Imuel gently touched his face.\n

\n\n

\n Goodnight, doctor.\n

\n\n

\n Early the next morning, Bai Yu didn't see the dumpling.\n

\n\n

\n He lifted the blanket, but still nothing.\n

\n\n

\n This was truly a rare occurrence. This cat he picked up was famously a heavy sleeper; every time Bai Yu finished making breakfast, he still wouldn't be awake. Today, he had actually disappeared.\n

\n\n

\n A bad premonition rose in Bai Yu's heart. The bedroom door was tightly closed and the windows were locked. The kitten shouldn't have been able to run out, but he searched the bedroom and actually found nothing.\n

\n\n

\n Bai Yu pushed the door open and went out. He pushed open the doors on the second floor one by one, from the bedroom to the bathroom, to the kitchen, but there was still nothing.\n

\n\n

\n He quickly walked down to the first floor. The first floor was the clinic area, which the kitten was unwilling to come to. He searched everywhere inside and out, but still couldn't see him.\n

\n\n

\n System 55 floated behind him and said hesitantly, "Host, I've scanned the area. He's really not here. There is no kitten in the house."\n

\n\n

\n "..."\n

\n\n

\n A long silence.\n

\n\n

\n System 55: "Host?"\n

\n\n

\n Bai Yu pressed his forehead, veins faintly throbbing. "He actually ran out at a time like this."\n

\n\n

\n The dumpling was a rescued cat, different from those accustomed to being raised in catteries and pet shops of later generations. Rescued cats were unrestrained and would always yearn for the wild. Bai Yu wasn't surprised that the Dumpling would leave, but right now Illyria was in a precarious situation with a turbulent layout. Gang members were roaming the streets searching for stray cats; running out at this time was practically a narrow escape from death.\n

\n\n

\n He pulled his trench coat from the coat rack and hurriedly buttoned it up.\n

\n\n

\n System 55: "Where are you going, Host?"\n

\n\n

\n Bai Yu: "To find the cat."\n

\n\n

\n Although he said this, he also knew in his heart that the hope was slim. Illyria's streets and alleys were complicated, and residential buildings were dense. Finding a cat here was tantamount to finding a needle in a haystack.\n

\n\n

\n But just as Bai Yu was about to go out, he suddenly caught a glimpse of dark red from the corner of his eye, like Bordeaux wine, dazzling and brilliant, outlining a breathtaking color under the morning sun.\n

\n\n

\n The appearance of this color was too sudden. Bai Yu paused and looked towards the direction of the wine color.\n

\n\n

\n It was the ground under the windowsill. The devil's ivy that had been smashed by Hammerhead Shark was still lying quietly on the ground, the porcelain flowerpot shattered into pieces along with the soil. Yesterday, Bai Yu was busy comforting the Dumpling and hadn't cleaned up here.\n

\n\n

\n But now, there was something extra in the exposed dirt.\n

\n\n

\n Bai Yu gently brushed it aside.\n

\n\n

\n A ruby.\n

\n\n

\n A pigeon blood ruby valuable enough to buy a villa in the central district of Illyria.\n

\n\n

\n The color was full and pure, like 'burning fire' or 'flowing blood'. Even someone like Bai Yu who didn't understand gemstones could understand its expensiveness from its beautiful fire.\n

\n\n

\n "..."\n

\n\n

\n How could such an expensive gemstone lie in the dirt of a broken flowerpot in an illegal clinic?\n

\n\n

\n "Oh, what a beautiful ruby," System 55 said in surprise. "My previous two hosts both had quite high statuses, one was the richest man in Jiang City and the other was the Emperor of the Zerg, but even in their hands, rubies of such good quality were rarely seen."\n

\n\n

\n System 55 wondered, "Could the original owner have been a hidden rich man, hiding the gemstone in the flowerpot, and we just happened to discover it when it was smashed?"\n

\n\n

\n Bai Yu: "If he were a hidden rich man, he wouldn't have joined the Black Robe Society."\n

\n\n

\n But now was not the time to tangle over the gemstone. Bai Yu casually put the expensive gemstone into the drawer and hurriedly went out.\n

\n\n

\n If it were his past life, Bai Yu would have posted a missing cat notice and published posts on local forums, doing everything possible to spread the news. But in Illyria, where gangs stood in great numbers, he couldn't do this.\n

\n\n

\n The original owner was a cold-hearted underground doctor. If he suddenly broke the original owner's persona and anxiously searched for a kitten, the Black Robe Society would think he had gone mad. And a mad doctor had no value, only inviting a purge from the organization.\n

\n\n

\n Bai Yu couldn't take this risk.\n

\n\n

\n He could only press down the brim of his top hat, trying his best to cover his face, pretending to be strolling while searching the nearby blocks.\n

\n\n

\n Bai Yu passed the market, paying special attention to the stalls selling fish, beef, and mussels. He then turned into a small alley and walked to the Houghton River where he had met the Dumpling, searching along the long embankment. But until the sun set and the river water was dyed vermilion and crimson gold, he couldn't find him.\n

\n\n

\n Bai Yu massaged his brow.\n

\n\n

\n The sun was about to set. Illyria's nights had gang members and hooligans roaming about, and occasionally armed fights and shootouts would erupt. Hooligans would wield smuggled revolvers and firearms, sometimes blowing up residents' windows or passersby's heads.\n

\n\n

\n It wasn't safe here. Even though Bai Yu was an adult male, he couldn't stay outside indefinitely.\n

\n\n

\n Before the sky went completely dark, Bai Yu returned home.\n

\n\n

\n Strictly speaking, the clinic couldn't be considered his home, only a foothold in another world. This place was entirely arranged by the original owner, not his aesthetic style, with only cold medical equipment and an old-fashioned bedroom. Bai Yu didn't like it.\n

\n\n

\n When the Dumpling was there, the kitten's big fluffy tail would sway back and forth. Bai Yu's gaze was entirely on him, so he didn't notice these things.\n

\n\n

\n The night was deep, and the clinic was quiet.\n

\n\n

\n Bai Yu didn't turn on the light. He sat quietly in the recliner on the first floor, occasionally rocking twice. The "Kesoril Poetry Collection" lay open on his lap, un-turned for a long time.\n

\n\n

\n Late into the night, System 55 suddenly said, "Host, there is someone outside your door."\n

\n\n

\n At almost the same time, Bai Yu also heard the commotion at the door. He opened his eyes and, through the locked window, vaguely saw a burly figure.\n

\n\n

\n The figure was carrying a bag containing a heavy object.\n

\n\n

\n System 55: "It's Hammerhead Shark, he has a hammer in his hand and is trying to pick the lock... Host, it should be that you offended him yesterday, and he has come to take revenge."\n

\n\n

\n Bai Yu: "He came quite quickly."\n

\n\n

\n Hammerhead Shark's hammer conservatively weighed twenty to thirty catties. It was a blacksmith's hammer used for forging iron; one strike could smash out brain matter.\n

\n\n

\n The lock of the underground clinic was only averagely sturdy. Bai Yu picked up an abandoned scalpel, twirled it in his hand like a pen, and gripped it in his palm. The blade was sharp, and the notched serrations gleamed with a bright silver light.\n

\n\n

\n Although Bai Yu's outward appearance was that of a cold doctor, he had actually practiced Sanda. While Hammerhead Shark was tall and burly, his combat awareness was not strong. With the door covering his surprise attack, Bai Yu had a seventy percent chance of killing him with one strike.\n

\n\n

\n Hammerhead Shark started to pick the lock. He inserted a file into the keyhole and slowly began to rub it.\n

\n\n

\n In the dead of night, the iron squeaked, making a hair-raising noise. For a time, only the sound of the file rubbing remained.\n

\n\n

\n Hammerhead Shark deliberately slowed down his speed and controlled the volume to ensure he wouldn't wake Bai Yu.\n

\n\n

\n He seemed determined to take the doctor's life.\n

\n\n

\n Bai Yu sighed inwardly, 'Troublesome.'\n

\n\n

\n Although he could kill Hammerhead Shark, the Black Robe Society forbade armed fights between gang members. Even though Illyria was chaotic, laws still existed, and Bai Yu didn't want to provoke the judge's authority.\n

\n\n

\n The lock's engaging gears grew thinner and thinner, until only the last sliver remained—\n

\n\n

\n Gunfire suddenly rang out from the block behind the clinic. Youths yelled and shouted as flames rose, illuminating a small half of the sky.\n

\n\n

\n —It was another conflict between unknown gangs. The residents of the block were accustomed to this and stayed quietly in their houses. No one came out to check, and no one even opened a window.\n

\n\n

\n The flames were close at hand, and the shouting grew nearer; they seemed to be heading towards this block.\n

\n\n

\n Hammerhead Shark cursed, "Fuck."\n

\n\n

\n He put away his hammer, spat at the doctor's door, and muttered to himself, "Consider yourself lucky. I'll let you live for one more day." Then he hurried away.\n

\n\n

\n Bai Yu also put away the scalpel.\n

\n\n

\n Hammerhead Shark didn't dare to be seen, because both he and the doctor belonged to the Black Robe Society, and the Black Robe Society forbade its members from killing each other. Such gangs managed their subordinates strictly; if Hammerhead Shark was seen hovering at the doctor's door and the doctor died the next day, the Black Robe Society might take his life.\n

\n\n

\n System 55 hid behind the door, not even daring to breathe loudly. Seeing Bai Yu casually put away his knife, it broke into a sweat. "Host, what do we do?"\n

\n\n

\n There is only a thousand days of being a thief, how can there be a thousand days of guarding against a thief? Hammerhead Shark would definitely come back tomorrow, but the doctor couldn't stay awake forever.\n

\n\n

\n Bai Yu: "Find another house."\n

\n\n

\n With the original owner's savings, he could rent a place in other areas of Illyria for a few months, avoiding Hammerhead Shark, and then figure out a way to sell the ruby and plan for the long term.\n

\n\n

\n At this time, it was less than two hours until dawn. Bai Yu quietly waited for the arrival of dawn. When the streets became lively again, he pressed down his top hat and walked out the door.\n

\n\n

\n First, he had to find an agent.\n

\n\n

\n He definitely couldn't find the agents near the Sike District. Some of them knew Bai Yu, and some knew Hammerhead Shark. It would be very troublesome if the news leaked. Bai Yu's goal was the wealthy district in the west of Illyria, where security was better and it was relatively peaceful.\n

\n\n

\n But before he walked out of the Sike District, he saw Madame hurrying over from the opposite side. Her bright and beautiful face was covered in panic, her floral hat was crooked, and her pearl brooch drooped loosely, but she didn't have the time to care.\n

\n\n

\n Seeing Bai Yu, she couldn't wait to walk up to his side, even forgetting to lift her skirt, letting the lace trim sweep across the ground.\n

\n\n

\n "Raven." Madame approached him, her voice trembling. "Did you know? Hammerhead Shark is dead!"\n

\n\n

\n Bai Yu's hand pressing on his top hat paused, and he repeated with an unclear meaning, "Dead?"\n

\n\n

\n "Yes..." Madame grabbed Bai Yu's sleeve, her face ashen. "I, I don't know how he was exposed, but this morning, just this morning! The Duke's personal guard came to Sike Street, led personally by the captain of the guard. They grabbed him without a word of explanation, and then conducted a speedy trial... In less than an hour, the chief judge sentenced him to death by firing squad. We didn't even have time to react... And then he was escorted to the drill ground in the west of the city and shot directly!"\n

\n\n

\n Bai Yu's brow twitched. "The Duke? Didn't the Duke go missing?"\n

\n\n

\n "Yes, he should have been..." Madame forced a smile that looked worse than crying. "But, but do you know, he suddenly came back, right there in the trial court. I heard that at the time, Hammerhead Shark was kneeling below, while the Duke sat beside the chief judge. I heard his complexion was ruddy, dressed in fine clothes, without the slightest appearance of being injured.\n

\n\n

\n When the sentencing was over, the Duke came down from above, stepped on Hammerhead Shark's head, stomping his head into the ground, and viciously crushed it a few times. Good heavens, where exactly did he get exposed..."\n

\n\n

\n Madame was in a terrible panic, her tears nearly smearing onto Bai Yu's clothes. Bai Yu wore a soothing smile, forcefully pulled his sleeve out of Madame's hand, and deadpanned, "Oh, that is truly a pity. I will send a bouquet of flowers to his grave."\n

","published_time":"2026-05-24T00:00:00.000Z","paid":false,"show_flag":true,"show_scheduled_time":"2026-05-24T00:00:00.000Z","unpaid_scheduled_time":"2026-05-24T00:00:00.000Z"},{"content_id":4458,"novel_id":71,"chapter_no":66,"chapter_title":"Undercover","content":"

\n Hammerhead Shark died. Aside from a brief panic within the Black Robe Society, it did not stir up any waves.\n

\n\n

\n Soon after, the Duke's personal guards published an announcement in the newspaper. Before his death, Hammerhead Shark had murdered and coerced dozens of men, women, and children. The evidence was conclusive, and his death was not to be pitied. Bai Yu put down the newspaper, losing even the slightest thought of sending flowers to the other party's grave.\n

\n\n

\n Madam also did not go to send flowers. Afraid that her identity in the Black Robe Society would be exposed, she stayed indoors with her doors firmly closed for three whole days. Hammerhead Shark had no family; his corpse was left in the wilderness, unclaimed, and in the end, it could only be collected and buried by the Duke's personal guards.\n

\n\n

\n And on the second day after the burial, Bai Yu took advantage of the darkness of night to visit Hammerhead Shark's home.\n

\n\n

\n Hammerhead Shark had once tried to catch Bai Yu's cat, and the very next day, the Dumpling went missing. Perhaps there would be clues in his home.\n

\n\n

\n Bai Yu bypassed the streets and alleys. Hammerhead Shark's home was at the end of Sike Street. Outside the door was a section of ruined low wall. Bai Yu held a flashlight in his mouth, propped one hand on the red bricks, flipped his body over, and landed easily.\n

\n\n

\n Although the doctor was an intellectual, his movements were unexpectedly agile.\n

\n\n

\n He shattered the front hall glass with his elbow and vaulted into the house through the windowsill.\n

\n\n

\n The house was completely empty. The floor was covered with shattered beer bottles, and the air was permeated with a decaying smell of alcohol mixed with the stench of fermenting food, making one nauseous.\n

\n\n

\n Bai Yu began to rummage around.\n

\n\n

\n System 55 followed along to inspect. As a system, System 55's reconnaissance ability was obviously stronger than Bai Yu's. It scanned the small living room: "Host, there is a bag at the base of the right wall, and there's a living creature inside."\n

\n\n

\n Following its instructions, Bai Yu indeed saw a tied-up gunny sack. Faint cat meows came from inside the sack. He quickly stepped forward and opened the bag.\n

\n\n

\n ...They were cats, but not his.\n

\n\n

\n Hammerhead Shark took orders from the Black Robe Society to scour for stray cats everywhere. Tied up here were two small kittens he had collected but hadn't had time to hand over yet. One tabby, one tortoiseshell; both lay listlessly in the bag, on their last breath, looking like their lives were in imminent danger.\n

\n\n

\n Very cute, but neither was his cat.\n

\n\n

\n Although Bai Yu was a pet doctor, his work was busy. He had petted countless kittens, but he had never raised a cat himself. Although the thought had occasionally crossed his mind, he always worried that he wouldn't be able to take good care of it, so he set the idea aside.\n

\n\n

\n The Dumpling was the first cat he ever raised. Picked up from the mud on the riverbank, its wounds stitched up, and carefully looked after.\n

\n\n

\n But it was gone.\n

\n\n

\n Bai Yu had searched every part of Sike Street, from the crowded markets to the desolate corners of streets and alleys, but he still hadn't found any trace of the dumpling. Now, it wasn't in Hammerhead Shark's house either. Bai Yu had to admit that his big-tailed platinum the dumpling was really gone.\n

\n\n

\n The doctor lowered his eyes. His gaze beneath the narrow-framed glasses was rather cold, his expression indistinct.\n

\n\n

\n System 55 floated nearby and poked him with the corner of its small screen: "Ho-Host?"\n

\n\n

\n Bai Yu: "...I'm fine."\n

\n\n

\n He gathered up the bag, preparing to take these two cats back to the clinic. Otherwise, given their level of weakness, if they were left here, it wouldn't take long for them to die of dehydration.\n

\n\n

\n The doctor took the two cats back to the clinic and let them out. He poured the goat's milk that the dumpling hadn't finished drinking and plated the fish paste that the dumpling hadn't finished eating, watching the two starving cats squeeze together to eat.\n

\n\n

\n Bai Yu sat down on the recliner, watching absentmindedly.\n

\n\n

\n Every cat has a different personality. Looking at the two in front of him, Bai Yu couldn't help but think of when the dumpling had first arrived.\n

\n\n

\n Although the little platinum cat had also been starving, it was much more cautious. It would take a lick of goat's milk and then look at the doctor's face, ready to jump back and retreat at any moment. It was only after being raised for a while that it dropped its guard and exposed its soft belly.\n

\n\n

\n Bai Yu sighed faintly.\n

\n\n

\n The doctor's face was cold, and his voice was cold too. Sighing softly at this moment inexplicably made him appear lonely.\n

\n\n

\n He didn't know how long he watched from the recliner. Suddenly, System 55 let out a ding-dong, uttered an ah, and poked Bai Yu once again: "Host, our second plot node has arrived."\n

\n\n

\n After so long, they had finally reached the second node.\n

\n\n

\n Because this was a banned novel, there were no details, only general plot nodes. The first node was the doctor picking up a cat and then abusing it. System 55 figured that since Bai Yu had been cutting it open and sticking needles in it, all while keeping a cold face throughout the process—perfectly capturing the aura of an illegal doctor—plus the fact that making a pet doctor actually abuse a cat was unrealistic anyway, System 55 hadn't interfered too much.\n

\n\n

\n Of course, there was another point: the system couldn't bring itself to do it either.\n

\n\n

\n Such a soft little platinum the dumpling, who could raise a hand against it?\n

\n\n

\n Therefore, System 55 had slacked off the entire time, just waiting for the plot to unlock. And now, they had completed the first one.\n

\n\n

\n The doctor's cold expression finally changed. He half-sat up from the recliner and tapped his sore knee joints: "What is it?"\n

\n\n

\n System 55: "An undercover mission."\n

\n\n

\n Bai Yu: "...?"\n

\n\n

\n System 55: "In the original text, the Grand Duke of Illyria, Lord Imuel, powerfully reclaims his position. The entirety of Illyria undergoes a massive purge. The upper echelon's power structure is continually reshuffled, and noble blood splatters across the execution grounds. The Grand Duke's former personal butler and valet are accused of betraying their master and are to be executed by firing squad."\n

\n\n

\n Bai Yu: "I saw this news in the paper, but what does that have to do with me?"\n

\n\n

\n System 55: "It's like this: the Duke's butler died, so he needs to select a new butler and valet. The Black Robe Society wants to insert their own people by the Grand Duke's side, so they decided to choose a few members from the organization with seemingly clean backgrounds and send them to the Grand Duke to participate in the selection. And Grand Duke Imuel happens to be severely obsessed with good looks and loves gorgeous, beautiful things the most. Host, you know that you're very good-looking, right?"\n

\n\n

\n The original owner was young and handsome, with an outstanding temperament. He was an intellectual who had run a clinic on Sike Street for nearly five years. On the surface, he had no bad habits and possessed a completely clean background. As for the matter of illegally practicing medicine, the Black Robe Society could easily cover it up. There was no more suitable candidate than him.\n

\n\n

\n Bai Yu: "."\n

\n\n

\n "So the Black Robe Society chose me? I need to go serve as the Grand Duke's butler or valet and go undercover? And I just have to complete the undercover mission?"\n

\n\n

\n "No! You don't need to complete the undercover mission; we don't have an undercover mission." System 55's eyes flashed with an eerie light as it clenched its non-existent little fists. "I finally know why the Main Brain assigned this task to me, because what happens next is simply too easy!"\n

\n\n

\n Bai Yu: "?"\n

\n\n

\n He asked, "No undercover mission?"\n

\n\n

\n System 55: "Because before receiving the first mission, you'll already be dead!"\n

\n\n

\n Bai Yu: "...?"\n

\n\n

\n What the hell?\n

\n\n

\n System 55: "The Grand Duke is temperamental. At the scene of selecting the butler and valet, he will become inexplicably furious the very first second he sees you. Then, he will come down from the main table, order you to kneel, step on your head, grind your face into the dirt, and then order the guards to apprehend you on the spot, lock you up, and finally execute you."\n

\n\n

\n Bai Yu: "..."\n

\n\n

\n He asked, "And then I die?"\n

\n\n

\n System 55: "And then you die."\n

\n\n

\n Bai Yu: "No other plot?"\n

\n\n

\n System 55: "No other plot."\n

\n\n

\n Bai Yu: "Just like that?"\n

\n\n

\n System 55: "Just like that."\n

\n\n

\n Bai Yu: "."\n

\n\n

\n System 55 comforted him: "Relax, Host. We are just an NPC roleplay system. As an NPC, there are all sorts of weird ways to exit the stage. Dying at the hands of a brutal Grand Duke is quite reasonable. My colleagues have even played roles where they were hit by a car, choked to death on water, choked by a fishbone, etc., etc... But none of that is the point. The point is, once the Grand Duke kills you, you can go home!"\n

\n\n

\n Bai Yu: "."\n

\n\n

\n He hesitated. "I just feel like this method of exiting is a bit familiar."\n

\n\n

\n A foot stepping on the head, grinding the face into the dirt, then ordering the guards to apprehend them on the spot and execute them... Wasn't this Hammerhead Shark's method of death?\n

\n\n

\n Did the original owner just copy and paste Hammerhead Shark's death?\n

\n\n

\n System 55: "It's fine. Although the method of death is slightly humiliating, from the moment he steps on you, I will thoughtfully block out your perception, Host. You just need to float nearby and watch like a bystander. The execution process will be entirely painless, as comfortable as falling asleep."\n

\n\n

\n Bai Yu: "."\n

\n\n

\n Thank you so much.\n

\n\n

\n Bai Yu asked, "So why did Grand Duke Imuel kill the original owner upon their first meeting? Because his identity in the Black Robe Society was exposed?"\n

\n\n

\n System 55: "No. In fact, according to the plot nodes, the original owner's identity was never exposed, so you can't be exposed either, Host. As for the Grand Duke killing him, there was no reason at all. It seems it was simply because he found him an eyesore?"\n

\n\n

\n Bai Yu: "..."\n

\n\n

\n He raised his face and glanced at the full-length mirror. The person in the mirror had a tall, slender figure and a cold, handsome appearance. No matter what, he couldn't possibly be considered an eyesore.\n

\n\n

\n Furthermore, to directly kill someone just because they were an eyesore—Grand Duke Imuel was simply far too tyrannical and temperamental.\n

\n\n

\n Bai Yu didn't like this kind of person. It reminded him of certain unreasonable and overbearing customers from his previous life. Fortunately, the original owner was about to exit the stage. He only needed to act out one more scene, and the mission would be complete.\n

\n\n

\n Bai Yu: "Then what should I do?"\n

\n\n

\n System: "You don't need to do anything. Just wait for the organization's notice."\n

\n\n

\n Over the following week, the upper echelons of Illyria fell into a panic.\n

\n\n

\n The missing Grand Duke made a forceful return, and his uncle Tia, who had been governing in his stead, had to relinquish his power and temporarily avoid the spotlight.\n

\n\n

\n After the Grand Duke's return, he set about handling the matter of falling into the water. A terrifying great purge left every noble fearing for their life. The blood on the grounds of the western city execution field had never dried. The manor's butler and two personal valets were executed one after another.\n

\n\n

\n Afterwards, a recruitment notice was published in the newspaper. The Grand Duke needed to select a few people from the civilian population with clean backgrounds, proper appearances, and profound knowledge to replace the executed butler and valets.\n

\n\n

\n Although they were only positions for a butler and valet, entering the Grand Duke's manor automatically granted a noble title. When they retired in the future, they would at least be a baron. Moreover, the Grand Duke's manor offered a life of luxury and lavish compensation, causing people to flock to it like ducks.\n

\n\n

\n Bai Yu was lying in his rocking chair reading the newspaper at the time. He flipped a page casually and laughed: "This Grand Duke Imuel's pageantry is quite grand, making it look like an emperor selecting concubines."\n

\n\n

\n Subsequently, he also received the arrangements from the Black Robe Society.\n

\n\n

\n A letter sealed with wax was delivered directly to his home, requesting Bai Yu to go to the church in the west of the city. Bai Yu put on his top hat, went in formal attire, and was once again escorted to the center of the church with a gun against his head. This time, he was no longer just one of the many ordinary cult members attending a meeting, but was directly speaking face-to-face with the upper echelon of the Black Robe Society.\n

\n\n

\n He sat down on an upholstered chair covered in silk cloth. The person opposite him wore a heavy black robe, his appearance completely hidden beneath the garment. The black-robed person's hand rested on the table, wearing a lapis lazuli ring the size of a pigeon egg. His fingers were emaciated, the skin on the back of his hand wrinkled and his veins bulging—clearly an old man.\n

\n\n

\n The old man's voice was dry and hoarse, like gravel grinding in his mouth. His eyes, hidden in the shadows, sized up Bai Yu as he spoke slowly: "Raven, my good child."\n

\n\n

\n Bai Yu got a back full of goosebumps. Resisting the urge to throw a punch at him, he said politely: "Hello. It is my honor to meet you."\n

\n\n

\n The old man nodded and pushed a glass of water toward him.\n

\n\n

\n System 55: "It's the same as what Hammerhead Shark and the others drank last time. It contains poison, but the concentration is higher."\n

\n\n

\n Unlike last time, the plot nodes were perfectly clear now. Bai Yu was going to die soon anyway, so why would he be afraid of this?\n

\n\n

\n The doctor picked up the glass and downed it in one gulp. He gentlemanly inverted the rim of the glass, raising his hand to show the old man, just like a noble at a banquet demonstrating that their liquor had been finished, indicating that not a single drop was left.\n

\n\n

\n The old man nodded in satisfaction: "Raven, I have a very arduous task here that I want to entrust to you."\n

\n\n

\n He roughly described the task, which was not much different from what the system had said. He was to participate in the Duke's manor's selection for a butler and valet. Since Bai Yu had no noble status, he couldn't compete for the butler position. The post the organization arranged for him was the Duke's personal valet.\n

\n\n

\n According to the old man's description, the Black Robe Society would take care of everything. Bai Yu would smoothly pass the preliminary and secondary tests, coming directly before the Duke to participate in the final personal selection.\n

\n\n

\n At the end of the meeting, the old man patted Bai Yu's shoulder with his emaciated hand: "Good child, the Duke likes young, handsome men, and in all of Illyria, there is no young man more handsome than you. He will definitely like you very much."\n

\n\n

\n "..."\n

\n\n

\n No, the Duke would call his personal guards, drag him directly into a prison cell, and then execute him by firing squad.\n

\n\n

\n Bai Yu nodded with an awkward smile, speechless in his heart, while System 55 had already begun celebrating in advance.\n

\n\n

\n The system cheered joyfully: "Host, it's the final scene! Let's do our best!"\n

","published_time":"2026-05-24T00:00:00.000Z","paid":false,"show_flag":true,"show_scheduled_time":"2026-05-24T00:00:00.000Z","unpaid_scheduled_time":"2026-05-24T00:00:00.000Z"},{"content_id":4459,"novel_id":71,"chapter_no":67,"chapter_title":"Courting Death","content":"

\n Subsequently, the Black Robe Society made a last-minute effort and gave Bai Yu a one-day intensive training course for footmen.\n

\n\n

\n Bai Yu: "."\n

\n\n

\n He roughly learned how to elegantly carry a tray and how to bow in greeting. Finally, under the operations of the Black Robe Society, he cleared all the hurdles, successfully passed the first and second interviews, and made it all the way to the final interview stage.\n

\n\n

\n The final interview was to be conducted by the Duke personally.\n

\n\n

\n That morning, the Black Robe Society carefully selected a set of attire and sent it to Bai Yu—a crisp, well-fitted pure white shirt, a black-and-brown checkered waistcoat that perfectly outlined the doctor's waistline, straight suit trousers that just right fit his long, straight legs, and a satin bow tie.\n

\n\n

\n Bai Yu even pulled out a hair extension piece from among the suit and trousers, his face darkening with imaginary black lines as he asked, "What is this thing?"\n

\n\n

\n 55: "It's a long hair extension that's essential for footmen and butlers. Have you ever seen medieval vampire movies, Host? When those beautiful vampire lords seduce boys and girls, they tie their long, straight black hair into a low ponytail and bind it with a hairband."\n

\n\n

\n Bai Yu: "."\n

\n\n

\n He asked the system, "Why do I feel like you're a little excited?"\n

\n\n

\n "..."\n

\n\n

\n The system asked himself, and it seemed he had been influenced by his previous generation's uniform-fetish host to develop some strange attributes.\n

\n\n

\n 55 swayed back and forth guiltily. "...N-No, I'm not."\n

\n\n

\n It dodged to the side. "Just try it on, Host."\n

\n\n

\n Bai Yu gave him a cold look and stood in front of the full-length mirror.\n

\n\n

\n 55 completely held its breath.\n

\n\n

\n It knew its host would suit it well, but didn't know he would suit it this well.\n

\n\n

\n This outfit naturally carried an air of cold abstinence, and Bai Yu's temperament was inherently on the colder side. Wearing the shirt and trousers like this, with sleeve garters fastened on his arms and shirt stays clipped to his thighs, the crisp, tailored waistcoat wrapped around a figure even more slender and well-proportioned than a male model's. Coupled with the low ponytail formed from long, straight black hair and silver-rimmed glasses, it pushed the highly intellectual and abstinent aura to its absolute peak.\n

\n\n

\n He looked exactly like an aloof, medieval vampire butler stepping straight out of a movie.\n

\n\n

\n 55: "Host, can I take a picture!"\n

\n\n

\n The love of beauty is human nature, and 55 also liked a good-looking host.\n

\n\n

\n Bai Yu turned sideways to adjust his bow tie, the person in the mirror having a cold gaze. "Suit yourself."\n

\n\n

\n The system happily flew a circle around him, but then suddenly thought of something and sighed.\n

\n\n

\n Bai Yu: "What's wrong?"\n

\n\n

\n 55: "I was thinking, since you are clearly so good-looking, Host, how could Grand Duke Imuel find you displeasing to the eye? Is there something wrong with his eyes?"\n

\n\n

\n Bai Yu was rendered speechless for a moment. "Maybe?"\n

\n\n

\n In the afternoon, the selection for butlers and footmen finally arrived.\n

\n\n

\n Bai Yu and several other candidates walked into the waiting hall. A gray-haired old man was already waiting in the hall. He was the retired old butler of the Duke's estate, temporarily called back to help.\n

\n\n

\n Bai Yu did a rough count. There were about ten people who entered the final selection, all of whom were young men with handsome and clear-cut features, proper manners, and good upbringing.\n

\n\n

\n The old butler was thin and bony, with a perfectly straight back. Wearing a tailcoat and a bow tie, he was an old gentleman with a British flair. His sharp gaze swept over everyone present as he spoke: "First, congratulations to you all for clearing the hurdles to become candidates for the Duke's attendants. Second, there are a few taboos in the Duke's estate that I hope you will all remember."\n

\n\n

\n All the candidates present held their breath and listened carefully.\n

\n\n

\n It was well known that Grand Duke Imuel had a bad temper, and no one wanted to cause trouble on the very first day.\n

\n\n

\n Except for Bai Yu.\n

\n\n

\n He was just here to go through the motions and would be logging off soon, so he didn't care about any taboos at all. However, since everyone else lowered their heads to listen to the instructions, he also lowered his head, putting on a show of listening earnestly.\n

\n\n

\n The old butler: "First, the Duke's residence has strict functional divisions. The area where footmen can move about is limited, so please do not wander around freely. There is a restricted area in the estate. If you happen to walk into the restricted area, you will be killed without mercy."\n

\n\n

\n Everyone bowed and voiced their compliance, while Bai Yu nodded perfunctorily.\n

\n\n

\n The old butler: "Second, the Grand Duke does not like people serving him up close, nor does he like physical contact with others. Please be aware of this. Especially, do not rely on your youth and beauty to harbor any pipe dreams you shouldn't have."\n

\n\n

\n Bai Yu: "?"\n

\n\n

\n They were all footmen, what would they do relying on being young and beautiful?\n

\n\n

\n 55: "Illyria has an open culture, similar to the era of ancient Greek city-states. Many nobles have the habit of keeping male pets, or even becoming sworn brothers with the same sex. Moreover, the status of these pets is not low. When the lords tire of them and release them from the estate, they can often obtain titles, mansions, and generous wealth. He is warning you that Grand Duke Imuel hates people getting close, so don't try to climb into the Grand Duke's bed."\n

\n\n

\n The candidates looked at each other and lowered their heads like quails.\n

\n\n

\n Bai Yu felt this had nothing to do with him, so he stayed out of it and just listened casually.\n

\n\n

\n The system muttered, "But the Grand Duke's temper is already so bad, who would actually want to climb into his bed? He kills people over the slightest disagreement, everyone should be staying far away from him, right?"\n

\n\n

\n It poked Bai Yu. "Don't you agree, Host?"\n

\n\n

\n The system was no longer afraid of Bai Yu now, but unlike its previous two hosts, Bai Yu spoke very little. It had to proactively ask him for him to be willing to say more.\n

\n\n

\n Thus, Bai Yu replied, "Indeed."\n

\n\n

\n The old butler paused for a moment and then said, "And the most important point is that the Duke loathes cats. Please do not talk about pet cats in front of him, do not say that you raise cats, or mention any topics related to buying, feeding, or selling cats. Understand?"\n

\n\n

\n The old butler deliberately emphasized this point, appearing very strict.\n

\n\n

\n The candidates kept as quiet as winter cicadas.\n

\n\n

\n 55 commented, "Not even liking cute little cats, this Duke is really sick in the head, right? What do you say, Host?"\n

\n\n

\n This time, Bai Yu echoed with genuine feeling, "Indeed."\n

\n\n

\n The old butler finished giving all the instructions, lined up all the candidates in a row, told them to stand properly, and then said, "When the Duke comes later, keep your heads down first. Do not look directly at the Duke. Only raise your heads when the Duke tells you to."\n

\n\n

\n 55 critiqued, "So many annoying rules. When my previous host, Lin someone, was the emperor, there weren't this many annoying rules. Right, Host?"\n

\n\n

\n Bai Yu: "Indeed."\n

\n\n

\n They communicated where no one noticed, and then stood waiting for another ten minutes. 55 got bored waiting and asked Bai Yu if he wanted to watch a movie. Bai Yu said he could do whatever, so the system chose an action movie on its own and started playing it with a crackle and bang.\n

\n\n

\n About fifteen minutes later, the action movie reached the first fight scene. The male lead drew a short sword, and from the doorway came the sound of heels stepping on the ground.\n

\n\n

\n Unable to look up, Bai Yu could only look at the ground. Into his line of sight stepped a pair of tall leather boots. Around the boot shafts were a circle of rivets and buckles, inlaid with precious rubies and sapphires. Craftsmen had outlined intricate patterns with fine gold thread. This pair of boots alone was incredibly expensive.\n

\n\n

\n The old butler bowed deeply. "Grand Duke."\n

\n\n

\n Grand Duke Imuel strode in. Bai Yu could feel his steady gaze sweeping over everyone present, but it suddenly paused, and even his footsteps came to a halt.\n

\n\n

\n The old butler: "Grand Duke, these are the final candidates in the screening for personal footmen. Please take a look."\n

\n\n

\n "..."\n

\n\n

\n Silence.\n

\n\n

\n The old butler: "Grand Duke?"\n

\n\n

\n "Hmm." Imuel responded very lightly, forcing his gaze away from a certain someone. He sat down in the main seat and gently rubbed his fingers together.\n

\n\n

\n Today, the doctor was a bit too good-looking.\n

\n\n

\n The doctor had taken off the trench coat he usually wore—the oversized fit of that coat had concealed his good figure—and changed into well-tailored suit trousers and a waistcoat. This outfit perfectly outlined all the curves of his body. The doctor's figure was tall and athletic, with broad shoulders and a narrow waist. The curve of his chest was full and smooth, and his hips and legs were flawlessly encased in the stiff fabric... It should be known that Imuel had laid on those very thighs to sleep more than once, so he knew exactly how well-proportioned and beautiful the muscles there were.\n

\n\n

\n Looking further up, the doctor's face was too handsome, standing out like a crane among a flock of chickens even amidst a group of good-looking men. His narrow-framed glasses rested just right on the bridge of his nose, making him look highly intellectual and abstinent.\n

\n\n

\n It was simply a perfect attire.\n

\n\n

\n The Duke looked at him quietly, never knowing the doctor had such a look.\n

\n\n

\n Rubbing his fingertips together, he felt an urge to lean in and rub against him.\n

\n\n

\n It wasn't until the butler reminded him again that Imuel lowered his eyes and hastily checked his own clothing—he had come in a hurry and hadn't dressed up carefully. Fortunately, the Grand Duke's clothes were inherently prestigious enough, and Imuel was also confident enough in his own appearance.\n

\n\n

\n The Grand Duke spoke slowly, his gaze fixed on a certain spot. "The third one on the right, look up."\n

\n\n

\n It was exactly Bai Yu.\n

\n\n

\n Bai Yu raised his eyes and looked straight at the Grand Duke. Coming from the twenty-first century, he did not view the Grand Duke of Illyria as an awe-inspiring, inviolable existence, and merely smiled politely.\n

\n\n

\n 55 rubbed its hands together. "Here it comes, here it comes!"\n

\n\n

\n Singling out Bai Yu right after entering the door showed that the Grand Duke indeed found Bai Yu displeasing to the eye. The next part of the plot would be the Duke becoming inexplicably enraged, and then ordering his guards to drag Bai Yu out and execute him.\n

\n\n

\n Everything was falling perfectly into place! It was completely logical!\n

\n\n

\n But Grand Duke Imuel did not become enraged. Right in front of Bai Yu, he suddenly adjusted his hair, tucking the loose strands behind his ears to reveal his complete face.\n

\n\n

\n It was said that Grand Duke Imuel was a gorgeously striking beauty. Now that Bai Yu had seen him, the rumors were indeed true. His jet-black long hair was vividly gorgeous and exquisite, and those lake-blue eyes gazed quietly over, like a serene, bottomless lake.\n

\n\n

\n However, it was also obvious that he had just recovered from a severe injury. His complexion was slightly pale, and his brows were not relaxed, revealing a gloomy sickliness.\n

\n\n

\n The Duke stepped down from his seat.\n

\n\n

\n His heels clicked against the ground, making crisp sounds. Grand Duke Imuel walked gracefully and steadily, like a cat doing a catwalk. He slowly walked in front of Bai Yu and then, seemingly inadvertently, brushed past him, walking right in front of the doctor.\n

\n\n

\n The Grand Duke hoped to see amazement in Bai Yu's eyes.\n

\n\n

\n Imuel was conceited about his appearance, and everyone in the city-state knew it. Bai Yu was the only one who had publicly called him ugly.\n

\n\n

\n But Bai Yu showed absolutely no reaction.\n

\n\n

\n —The doctor wasn't very interested in humans and even had mild face blindness. He only liked fluffy things.\n

\n\n

\n Watching the Duke pacing back and forth in front of them without getting to the point, 55 got a bit anxious, unable to even focus on its movie. "What is he doing pacing around? Can he hurry it up?"\n

\n\n

\n Bai Yu: "Indeed."\n

\n\n

\n He was tired.\n

\n\n

\n The old butler nearby, however, noticed something was up. Seeing that the Duke was clearly interested in the handsome and clear-cut man before him, he hastily presented a file. "This is Bai Yu, a doctor from Xike Street. He graduated from Kemia Medical Academy and has an excellent resume."\n

\n\n

\n The Duke casually flipped through it. It was the doctor's detailed information, and there was even a black-and-white photo in the upper right corner. In the photo, the doctor looked ahead indifferently, just as cold as he was now.\n

\n\n

\n Imuel: "Doctor, according to this resume, your job and income are both very good. May I ask why you came to apply for the position of valet?"\n

\n\n

\n Being a valet in the Duke's estate naturally had many benefits. First, after retiring, one could be titled a Baron, enjoying a life free from worry about food and clothing. Second, there was countless wealth. If one gained the Duke's trust, they could even enter the center of power in Illyria and experience the thrill of holding everything in their grasp.\n

\n\n

\n But Imuel felt that the doctor had no interest in any of this.\n

\n\n

\n The doctor's life was simple and regular: reading the newspaper in the morning and reading a book before bed, completely apathetic to things he wasn't interested in. Imuel figured that even if he offered a noble title right to his face, the doctor wouldn't care.\n

\n\n

\n Bai Yu: "..."\n

\n\n

\n Why did he apply? Because the system and the plot required it, of course.\n

\n\n

\n 55 was going crazy. "Why are there extra questions? The original book didn't mention this!"\n

\n\n

\n The real reason truly couldn't be told. The doctor pondered for a moment and came up with a somewhat plausible excuse. "Being a doctor provides a meager income. I have to support my family and am strapped for cash. I happened to see the recruitment notice, so I came to give it a try."\n

\n\n

\n Imuel paused slightly.\n

\n\n

\n Strapped for cash?\n

\n\n

\n ...He clearly left behind a ruby. Did the doctor not see it?\n

\n\n

\n The Grand Duke rested his chin on his hand, thinking about how to inconspicuously send him some more money. His facial expression remained unchanged as he flipped through the file in his hands again and asked, "Doctor, I see you are unmarried and have no relatives. The information shows you have no bad habits, so you also don't have a lover, right?"\n

\n\n

\n Asking this, Imuel pinched his sleeve, actually feeling a slight sense of nervousness.\n

\n\n

\n Bai Yu: "Yes."\n

\n\n

\n Imuel raised his teacup. This teacup was Porcelain traded from the East, pure white as jade and very expensive. He took a small sip. "Your income is fairly decent. Without the need to support family members, do you not have enough money to spend?"\n

\n\n

\n Bai Yu: "I actually have two family members."\n

\n\n

\n Imuel's eyebrows twitched.\n

\n\n

\n Before he could ask further, Bai Yu, maintaining a cold face, directly stated the taboo of the Duke's estate: "I raise two stray cats, one tortoiseshell and one tabby. They eat a lot and consume a great deal of meat every meal. I can barely afford to raise them anymore."\n

\n\n

\n He was going to die anyway, so violating the taboo earlier meant dying earlier. Bai Yu was also tired; he didn't want to waste any more time, much less engage in idle chatter with a cold-blooded, ruthless, and tyrannical Grand Duke. Having this time, he might as well go back early to read books and newspapers.\n

\n\n

\n "..."\n

\n\n

\n For a moment, the entire hall was as silent as winter cicadas, so quiet you could hear a pin drop.\n

\n\n

\n The old butler's face twitched, not knowing how this young man could be so bold, while the rest of the candidates showed astonishment. A few even took a step back, distancing themselves from Bai Yu.\n

\n\n

\n Meanwhile, Grand Duke Imuel's fingers trembled. The expensive teacup slipped from his hand, fell to the ground, and shattered completely.\n

\n\n

\n The Grand Duke gritted his back teeth, smiling without the smile reaching his eyes, and repeated with an ambiguous tone, "Oh, two cats, one tabby and one tortoiseshell, is that so?"\n

","published_time":"2026-05-24T00:00:00.000Z","paid":false,"show_flag":true,"show_scheduled_time":"2026-05-24T00:00:00.000Z","unpaid_scheduled_time":"2026-05-24T00:00:00.000Z"},{"content_id":4460,"novel_id":71,"chapter_no":68,"chapter_title":"So Obedient","content":"

\n In an instant, the Grand Duke's eyes became extremely cold.\n

\n\n

\n Bai Yu didn't panic at all, saying calmly, "Yes."\n

\n\n

\n He even kindly added, "They are both very small kittens. The tabby is the older brother, and the tortoiseshell is the younger sister. They are both very pretty."\n

\n\n

\n ...Brother, sister?\n

\n\n

\n In just a few days, he was calling them so intimately.\n

\n\n

\n And they're both very pretty? How pretty could they be?\n

\n\n

\n Imuel's nails dug into his palms, barely able to control his expression. He twitched the corners of his lips, revealing a superficial, mocking smile, and raised an eyebrow. "Oh, it seems the doctor really likes these two kittens."\n

\n\n

\n Bai Yu remained calm: "Of course."\n

\n\n

\n The Duke exerted force with his fingertips, and another teacup shattered.\n

\n\n

\n The entire hall fell into dead silence. Everyone lowered their heads, not daring to breathe aloud.\n

\n\n

\n They went back and forth, completely at odds with each other. With every word Bai Yu spoke, the old butler's forehead twitched. This old gentleman's usual cultivation had been fed to the dogs. Bead-sized drops of cold sweat broke out on his forehead, and he hastily interrupted, "Bai Yu, silence!"\n

\n\n

\n He forcefully intervened between the Duke and Bai Yu, laughing apologetically, "Duke, this person is new, hasn't been taught much, and doesn't understand the rules. I'll eliminate him right now. Please pick someone else, pick someone else, the others are all sensible."\n

\n\n

\n Saying that, the butler grabbed Bai Yu's wrist, wanting to forcefully drag him away from the scene. However, before they could take two steps, Grand Duke Imuel suddenly said coldly, "Wait, did I let him leave?"\n

\n\n

\n The old butler paused and let go, sighing inwardly, 'I can't help him anymore.'\n

\n\n

\n In fact, he wanted Bai Yu to leave to avoid the Grand Duke's wrath and save Bai Yu from punishment.\n

\n\n

\n The Grand Duke paced down from his seat, walked up to Bai Yu, looked him straight in the eye, scrutinized him carefully for a moment, and then raised his hand, reaching out towards the doctor.\n

\n\n

\n System 55 shivered all over: "Here it comes!"\n

\n\n

\n The system's vigilance was raised to the maximum, ready to shield the host's perception at any time.\n

\n\n

\n But Bai Yu didn't dodge or avoid it, coldly meeting the Duke's outstretched hand. He thought it would be a slap or something, but Imuel's fingers tapped against the doctor's chest and plucked a... cat hair off his clothes.\n

\n\n

\n Bai Yu: "."\n

\n\n

\n Clothes getting covered in hair is a common problem in multi-cat households. No matter how diligently one cleans, it can't prevent fur from flying everywhere. Once shedding season arrives, it's like dandelion seeds floating in the sky. This hair must have accidentally stuck to him when he was trying on clothes.\n

\n\n

\n The Grand Duke's cold white fingers twirled the cat hair, examining it under his eyes. His lake-blue eyes gleamed with a cold light, like tempered glaze. He carefully observed the hair, as if inspecting physical evidence in a plastic evidence bag.\n

\n\n

\n —Golden-brown, not long, it should be a short-haired cat.\n

\n\n

\n Imuel narrowed his eyes: "Is this the tortoiseshell's hair or the tabby's hair?"\n

\n\n

\n Bai Yu: "..."\n

\n\n

\n He paused subtly for a moment: "The tabby. Our tortoiseshell is a bit darker in color."\n

\n\n

\n Our tortoiseshell?\n

\n\n

\n Imuel started grinding his back teeth again.\n

\n\n

\n The old butler took in the Grand Duke's unpredictable expressions, wiped the cold sweat from his forehead, and spoke cautiously, "Grand Duke, this selection...?"\n

\n\n

\n Imuel sneered, snapped Bai Yu's file shut, and threw it back into the old butler's arms: "Him then. With two cats at home, old and young to support, and an insufficient salary, we can't have the kittens going hungry. Otherwise, the neighboring states will say that Illyria is littered with starving corpses and can't even afford to raise a cat."\n

\n\n

\n Old butler: "..."\n

\n\n

\n Bai Yu: "...?"\n

\n\n

\n System 55: "???"\n

\n\n

\n The system: "This isn't right! This isn't the direction it should be going!"\n

\n\n

\n The Grand Duke's words were sarcastic and full of veiled barbs. No one present understood what he was trying to do, not even the most experienced old butler, who was completely baffled.\n

\n\n

\n Fortunately, the old butler reacted very quickly and instantly agreed, nodding his head: "He is indeed a good candidate. Mr. Bai is a doctor, so he can conveniently help you recuperate. If you have a headache or fever in the middle of the night, it will be convenient to find him. I'll write down his name right now. Then, who would you like to select for the other position?"\n

\n\n

\n Two personal valets needed to be selected, as they had to work in shifts.\n

\n\n

\n Imuel lacked interest. He casually flipped through the resumes and pointed at a young man standing in the corner.\n

\n\n

\n The selection ended hastily. The butler, sweating nervously, bowed to the Grand Duke and was about to lead everyone away when Imuel spoke again: "Bai Yu, stay."\n

\n\n

\n Bai Yu turned around. The Duke was looking down at the resumes and didn't look at him: "Stay and eat with me."\n

\n\n

\n His voice sounded inexplicably muffled, as if he was very unhappy.\n

\n\n

\n The old butler: "...This?"\n

\n\n

\n He was afraid Bai Yu would say something shocking again and anger the Duke half to death.\n

\n\n

\n But Imuel just lowered his eyes and drank his tea, showing no intention of changing his mind.\n

\n\n

\n The old butler had no choice but to say, "Understood. Dinner will arrive shortly, please wait a moment."\n

\n\n

\n He led the other candidates out in single file. For a moment, only Bai Yu and Imuel remained in the entire hall.\n

\n\n

\n System 55 was completely confused. It asked blankly: "What is the situation?"\n

\n\n

\n This isn't what we agreed upon?\n

\n\n

\n System 55 poked Bai Yu: "So are you going to stay and eat with the Duke?"\n

\n\n

\n Bai Yu: "I can only stay, right?"\n

\n\n

\n The final plot node had not been completed, so Bai Yu couldn't leave right now. Although he didn't know why Duke Imuel didn't fly into a rage, they still had a chance to complete the task.\n

\n\n

\n Surviving was hard, but seeking death wasn't difficult.\n

\n\n

\n The Duke was temperamental, and there were many taboos in the Duke's Mansion. Serving as his personal valet, he might become an eyesore at any moment and be dragged out for execution. Bai Yu wasn't panicked.\n

\n\n

\n System 55 calmed down: "True, there's no rush right now."\n

\n\n

\n Bai Yu sat down opposite the Duke. After flipping through the resumes, Imuel still didn't look at him. He simply stared at the floor and said coldly, "Doctors in Illyria rarely keep cats because cat hair contaminates operating rooms. Doctor, why do you keep cats?"\n

\n\n

\n The Duke seemed to be brooding over Bai Yu's cats, unable to speak three sentences without mentioning them.\n

\n\n

\n Bai Yu was a veterinarian; he couldn't possibly treat ordinary residents anyway, so he didn't care about having fur in the operating room. He just replied coldly, "They looked pitiful on the street, so I picked them up."\n

\n\n

\n To be precise, he picked them up on the way to find the dumpling, but there was no need to inform the Duke of these details.\n

\n\n

\n Imuel started grinding his teeth again.\n

\n\n

\n —Picked up again. He was also picked up. The doctor really was overflowing with sympathy as always.\n

\n\n

\n The Duke let out a weird "Oh," saying, "Stray wild cats, huh. They should be easy to raise. What does the doctor usually feed them?"\n

\n\n

\n Bai Yu looked up at him, the coldness in his eyes deepening: "Goat's milk from the morning market, minced fish and beef, and sometimes some mussels."\n

\n\n

\n Although they were indeed stray cats, the doctor didn't like the Duke's condescending tone.\n

\n\n

\n ...\n

\n\n

\n The Grand Duke's pale fingers grasped the edge of the wooden table with a crack, his nails almost digging into the wood.\n

\n\n

\n Goat's milk, beef, and mussels. It was actually exactly the same as what he ate!\n

\n\n

\n Did whatever cat the doctor casually picked up receive this kind of treatment?\n

\n\n

\n ...He even, he even exuded coldness toward him for the sake of those two cats!\n

\n\n

\n The Grand Duke's beautiful brows furrowed, and he pinched the corner of the table in dissatisfaction.\n

\n\n

\n Before long, attendants brought over several plates. The meals inside were exquisitely plated; many were thickened with starch and drizzled with a ring of syrup, and some weren't even heated. Bai Yu swept a glance over them and guessed that Duke Imuel had a fondness for sweets and cold food.\n

\n\n

\n He sat down opposite the Duke, gracefully picked up his knife and fork, and then spoke: "My lord, forgive my bluntness, but given your injuries, it is best to eat more high-quality protein, as well as zinc-rich foods like dried shrimp and seaweed, and iron-rich foods like shellfish and legumes. Please make sure to eat less raw, cold, sweet, and greasy foods like today's."\n

\n\n

\n Duke Imuel had just begun recovering from severe injuries, and his face was deathly pale. Even though he was adorned with various gemstones, it was hard to conceal his sleepiness and fatigue. A patient like this shouldn't be eating the food presented today.\n

\n\n

\n Bai Yu looked away.\n

\n\n

\n In fact, if he had met Imuel in his previous life, Bai Yu would have advised him to rest for at least two months before going to the hospital for a full-body examination. Beneath the Grand Duke's bright and stunning face was an unconcealable haggardness. That assassination attempt had clearly damaged his foundation. He needed to be well-nursed; otherwise, this young Grand Duke would likely burn out and die young.\n

\n\n

\n Bai Yu's tone wasn't very polite. He didn't sound like a valet making suggestions to a Grand Duke, but rather like a doctor giving orders to a patient.\n

\n\n

\n System 55: "Beautifully done, host!"\n

\n\n

\n The doctor was courting death again.\n

\n\n

\n Dictating the Duke's diet was obviously a suicidal act. Although doing so was beneficial to the Duke's health, Grand Duke Imuel was conceited and temperamental. Bai Yu didn't want to drag out the battlefront too long; he hoped Grand Duke Imuel would despise him as soon as possible and then execute him.\n

\n\n

\n Having said that, Bai Yu put down his knife and fork, quietly watching the Duke, waiting for his reaction.\n

\n\n

\n Grand Duke Imuel didn't have much of a reaction.\n

\n\n

\n He was originally frowning, obsessing over the cats. Hearing Bai Yu suddenly say this, a smile unexpectedly surfaced on his face, which was pale from excessive blood loss. Then he lowered his head to eat, mumbling vaguely, "...Mm."\n

\n\n

\n —When he was a cat, the doctor had been like this too. Because he couldn't eat too much on the first day, the doctor forcefully took away the dumpling's fish paste and bowl of milk. Although Imuel was unhappy, he knew the doctor was doing it for his own good.\n

\n\n

\n "..."\n

\n\n

\n Bai Yu frowned slightly. Out of professional habit, he still added, "If you are willing, my lord, I can write down some dietary therapy recipes and give them to the kitchen."\n

\n\n

\n Imuel kept his head down, picking up food, avoiding the dishes Bai Yu had specifically called out: "Mm."\n

\n\n

\n Incredibly obedient.\n

\n\n

\n By the time the meal was finished, the moon had already risen above the branches. Personal valets had a one-month training period, and the trainer was the old butler. This elder was waiting at the door, intending to take Bai Yu away.\n

\n\n

\n Bai Yu thought, 'Troublesome.'\n

\n\n

\n He didn't want to learn any valet etiquette, but right now there was no better way than to follow the butler. Bai Yu stood up: "Please lead the way."\n

\n\n

\n But the Duke put down his food, elegantly wiped his hands, and said, "Bai Yu doesn't need to learn etiquette."\n

\n\n

\n The purpose of etiquette was to standardize behavior, making a servant's every move pleasing enough to the eye in order to please the master. But Bai Yu was already pleasing enough. Imuel didn't want to be apart from him at all; he just wanted to quickly put him within his line of sight, preferably in the same sleeping chambers.\n

\n\n

\n During his past few days in the Grand Duke's Mansion, Imuel would always jolt awake in the middle of the night. Blood loss made his hands and feet icy cold, and he often fell into nightmares. Although the knife wound had healed, it still throbbed with dull pain from time to time. The Duke tossed and turned alone, unable to sleep, convulsing and shivering in the night, only able to sleep for a few hours a day. Adding to the pile of official duties he needed to handle and his lack of appetite, his spirit was slightly listless; he was actually worse off than when he first returned.\n

\n\n

\n That feeling was truly uncomfortable.\n

\n\n

\n Imuel immensely missed the times when he slept in the doctor's embrace.\n

\n\n

\n The doctor's body temperature would warm the blanket nicely. The doctor's fingers would stroke his back, petting down along his fur, making him feel very safe.\n

\n\n

\n Now, of course, he couldn't share a bed with the doctor. But the Duke's valet was required to sleep in the room next door to the master. When the door was left open and Imuel tossed and turned at night, he would be able to hear the doctor's rhythmic breathing, as if he was still lying beside him, protecting the kitten in his arms.\n

\n\n

\n Just thinking about that scene made the nightmares subside a little.\n

\n\n

\n The Grand Duke lowered his eyes and actually revealed a smile. Unlike his usual mocking or cold sneers, this smile was gentle and tranquil, as if he had thought of something happy.\n

\n\n

\n The butler paused: "No need for etiquette training?"\n

\n\n

\n "Correct." Imuel said. He was just about to order Bai Yu to start working immediately and move across from him tonight, when Bai Yu suddenly spoke, interrupting him, "Then can I go home for a bit?"\n

\n\n

\n The butler had already been rendered speechless by this audacious young man. His blood pressure soared, and his heart skipped a beat. He was just about to reprimand him severely when he heard Grand Duke Imuel slowly speak beside him, showing no sign of anger: "...You may. Did you leave something behind? I can order someone else to fetch it for you. Or if there is anything else inconvenient for you, you can say so as well."\n

\n\n

\n He really wanted to sleep with Bai Yu. Even if they couldn't share a bed, sleeping separated by a door was also good.\n

\n\n

\n Bai Yu, however, said, "I haven't left anything behind."\n

\n\n

\n His expression remained as cold as ever, continuing to challenge the Grand Duke's bottom line: "It's just that my cats must be hungry. I want to go home and feed them."\n

\n\n

\n Crack—\n

\n\n

\n The butler looked up in fear and trepidation, seeing that the last cup in the Grand Duke's hand had also cracked.\n

\n\n

\n The Grand Duke, who had just been gentle and tranquil, instantly wore a gloomy expression. He revealed a fake smile, and immediately said sinisterly, "Is that so... I've suddenly changed my mind. You'd better go learn etiquette with the butler."\n

","published_time":"2026-05-24T00:00:00.000Z","paid":false,"show_flag":true,"show_scheduled_time":"2026-05-24T00:00:00.000Z","unpaid_scheduled_time":"2026-05-24T00:00:00.000Z"},{"content_id":4461,"novel_id":71,"chapter_no":69,"chapter_title":"Information","content":"

\n After the doctor left, Imuel tossed and turned in his bedroom, restless and unable to sleep.\n

\n\n

\n The Grand Duke gazed at the moonlight outside the window, thinking to himself, 'Did I go too far?'\n

\n\n

\n The instructors at the Duke's Mansion were strict and had high expectations for the etiquette of male servants. A single movement would be taught over and over again, and training until midnight was a common occurrence.\n

\n\n

\n With the doctor's personality, could he endure it?\n

\n\n

\n Would he feel it was a waste of time and never want to come to the Duke's Mansion again?\n

\n\n

\n Imuel hesitated. The doctor was his savior. Making his savior a male servant and forcing him to learn etiquette did seem a bit much.\n

\n\n

\n Just as he was agonizing over this, the rhythmic sound of heels striking the ground came from outside the window. The silver-haired old butler was walking hurriedly straight toward the Duke's bedroom. Imuel paused and thought, 'Perfect timing. I'll just tell the old butler to go a little easy on him.'\n

\n\n

\n In short, to let the doctor come back before midnight.\n

\n\n

\n Imuel was just about to speak when he saw the old butler covered in a cold sweat, saying urgently, "Grand Duke, the male servant you just selected, that male servant..."\n

\n\n

\n He was old and frail, and having run a few steps, he was panting as he spoke. Imuel suddenly stood up. "What happened to Bai Yu?"\n

\n\n

\n The old butler replied, "He said he needed to feed his cats, and then just left."\n

\n\n

\n "..."\n

\n\n

\n The Grand Duke gripped his teacup expressionlessly. "Left?"\n

\n\n

\n The old butler wiped the cold sweat from his forehead. "It's my fault for not being thoughtful enough. Since he was selected as a male servant, I gave him a pass token for entering and exiting the Duke's Mansion. Then I told him and the other person to wait where they were for the instructor. As a result, he took the token and left the mansion directly, and even..."\n

\n\n

\n Imuel asked, "And even what?"\n

\n\n

\n The butler didn't dare to look up. "He even left a note under his teacup explaining where he went."\n

\n\n

\n Imuel's chest heaved. "Where's the note?"\n

\n\n

\n The butler respectfully presented it.\n

\n\n

\n Imuel recognized Bai Yu's handwriting. The doctor's handwriting was just like the man himself—clean, elegant, cold, and aloof. It was a sticky note meant for medicine, casually torn off by the doctor, written with a pen that was running out of ink: "Good evening, Your Grace. I apologize for leaving without saying goodbye. However, just as you mentioned, I have two young cats at home that need feeding. I shall return shortly. Once I finish feeding the kittens, I will naturally confess my sins to you."\n

\n\n

\n —Crack.\n

\n\n

\n The butler expressionlessly made a mental note: Teacup damage +1, to be included in next month's procurement plan.\n

\n\n

\n Imuel's chest heaved, and he sneered, "Good, very good."\n

\n\n

\n Seeing the Grand Duke on the verge of going mad with anger, the butler hastily said, "Duke, this servant is truly unappreciative of your kindness. Doing something so contrary to etiquette, it would be better to remove his name first, then lock him in the dungeon to teach him some rules, and then..."\n

\n\n

\n Imuel didn't hear a word he was saying. Gripping the tea tray tightly, he just gritted his teeth. "Fine. In the middle of the night, he'd rather walk home just to feed his cats. I really want to know what kind of kittens they are to be so lovable."\n

\n\n

\n "..."\n

\n\n

\n Although he was angry, why did the focus of the Duke's anger seem a little off?\n

\n\n

\n Imuel paced around the bedroom. In the silence, he suddenly thought of something and abruptly turned his head. "Where is the investigation report from the personal guards?"\n

\n\n

\n The butler replied, "They were sent out to investigate the moment you finalized the candidates. Please wait a moment; there will be results in two hours at the latest."\n

\n\n

\n The Duke gave a slight nod, showing a satisfied expression for the first time tonight.\n

\n\n

\n The butler probed cautiously, "Then should I send someone to punish Mr. Bai?"\n

\n\n

\n Imuel sneered, "No need for you to do it. I'll do it myself. Didn't he say he would confess his sins to me? I want to see just how he'll confess."\n

\n\n

\n Bai Yu walked alone on the streets of Illyria, the moonlight stretching his shadow long behind him.\n

\n\n

\n Ever since the Duke's return, he had deployed a large number of guards for night patrols. The gangs and thugs had restrained themselves significantly. Although there were still gang wars and brawls in the alleys, no one dared to make a move on Central Avenue anymore. It was quite safe here now.\n

\n\n

\n System 55 stared apprehensively at the dark spots unreached by the moonlight, constantly feeling that a guard might pop out from somewhere and knock its host to the ground. It spoke with lingering fear, "We're just leaving like this?"\n

\n\n

\n Bai Yu asked in return, "What else?"\n

\n\n

\n The doctor was always very clear-headed. His current primary goal was to get the Duke to order his execution. He needed to earn the Duke's disgust, not the Duke's affection. Under these circumstances, earnestly serving as a male servant was something with negative returns.\n

\n\n

\n Rather than wasting time here, it was better to go back and feed the tabby and the tortoiseshell their bowls of milk.\n

\n\n

\n System 55 replied, "That's true."\n

\n\n

\n In truth, Bai Yu had left enough food and water at home for the tabby and tortoiseshell to eat. He had also left a small door on the first floor open so that if the doctor didn't return for a long time, they could go back to the streets.\n

\n\n

\n The so-called feeding the cats was merely an excuse to provoke the Duke's disgust.\n

\n\n

\n Bai Yu walked to the door of the clinic and saw that the mailbox was full. He opened it, intending to fetch today's newspaper.\n

\n\n

\n The original owner had subscribed to the newspaper, which the newsboy delivered every morning. Later, Bai Yu also developed the habit of reading the paper daily. However, today's selection had been too early, so he hadn't had the time to grab it.\n

\n\n

\n As a result, the moment he opened the mailbox, a letter suddenly fell out.\n

\n\n

\n Illyria's technology was backward, and the transmission of many messages still relied on mail. But the original owner was clearly a reclusive person. Ever since Bai Yu transmigrated over, his mailbox had been completely empty. There was never anything in it.\n

\n\n

\n Bai Yu bent down and picked up the letter. It was a printed advertisement stating the opening of a certain tavern on Central Avenue. The printer had clearly chosen the cheapest printing method. Some of the fonts were bold, some thin, and certain words were even blurry. System 55 glanced at it and yawned, "Looks like nothing worth paying attention to."\n

\n\n

\n However, Bai Yu read the letter from beginning to end, then laid it flat on his desk and pressed it down with a piece of glass.\n

\n\n

\n He said, "I went to a print shop a few days ago. The ink leakage of inferior printers isn't like this. This letter was deliberately written this way. System 55, cross-reference it with the Black Robe Society's cipher and try to decode it."\n

\n\n

\n Bai Yu had previously printed some missing cat flyers, but due to the original owner's identity and Illyria's chaotic situation, he had reservations and ultimately didn't put them up. Now, they were locked in his drawer.\n

\n\n

\n System 55 paused, immediately floating to the space above the desk to carefully cross-reference. Only then did it realize that the printing seemed messy, but it actually contained a pattern that perfectly corresponded to the book. The system compared and decoded it item by item:\n

\n\n

\n "Hmm, it says, 'Raven, I heard you have successfully passed the assessment and entered the Duke's Mansion. Congratulations. It is reported that there is a restricted area beneath the garden of the Duke's Mansion. It is strictly controlled, and trespassers will be killed. It may involve the Grand Duke's secrets. Please proceed to investigate. Report any results at the regular meeting on the 15th of next month.'"\n

\n\n

\n Bai Yu mused, "Restricted area?"\n

\n\n

\n He recalled that the old butler had also warned him not to wander around the Duke's Mansion, or else he might bring fatal disaster upon himself.\n

\n\n

\n The original owner had died right at the selection site and had not received any mission. Instead, this task had fallen onto Bai Yu's head.\n

\n\n

\n The doctor casually picked up the slip of paper and cleanly ripped it apart a couple of times. Only when it was torn into unrecoverable shreds did he flush them down the drain.\n

\n\n

\n System 55 asked curiously, "Host, will you do it?"\n

\n\n

\n Bai Yu replied, "I can't do it. I won't live to see the regular meeting next month."\n

\n\n

\n He took out some fresh red meat, which was food for the tabby and the tortoiseshell. Then, placing it on the cutting board, he finely chopped it up. "Illyria's Duke clearly doesn't have such a good temper. For me to leave the mansion halfway, he should be extremely angry. I figure my time of death should be today."\n

\n\n

\n Having said that, Bai Yu continued mincing the meat into a paste.\n

\n\n

\n The tabby and tortoiseshell were huddled together sleeping. Hearing the commotion, they scurried over from a distance.\n

\n\n

\n Perhaps because they were rescued by Bai Yu, these two stray cats were not afraid of humans. On their first day back, they exposed their bellies to the doctor. The doctor skillfully scratched their chins one by one, letting them meow as they circled around the kitchen. Then, he brought out the food and let them eat freely.\n

\n\n

\n The two little cats ate happily, while Bai Yu tied on his scarf and prepared to return to the Duke's Mansion.\n

\n\n

\n At this time, it was almost dawn, but the lights in the Grand Duke's living room were still brightly lit.\n

\n\n

\n Grand Duke Imuel was busy with affairs and often stayed up all night handling official business, which wasn't unusual. But right now, the Grand Duke's stunning features were lowered, and the atmosphere was frighteningly oppressive. The butler and the personal guards stood in attendance to the side, and surprisingly, no one dared to speak.\n

\n\n

\n On his desk lay the personal guards' investigation report.\n

\n\n

\n The Black Robe Society had worked very cleanly and left no flaws. In their haste, the personal guards weren't able to find out much either, only gathering a basic overview.\n

\n\n

\n The Grand Duke was looking at the two cats Bai Yu was raising.\n

\n\n

\n Both cats were strays. They jumped up and down in the clinic, and any observant person passing by the window could draw what they looked like.\n

\n\n

\n Imuel looked at the pages critically.\n

\n\n

\n The personal guard who drew the pictures had mediocre artistic skills. He had drawn the tortoiseshell and the tabby as two black briquettes. They looked dark and silly, just two stray cats without any redeeming qualities. Imuel made a haughty comparison and felt that he outshone them by a thousand or ten thousand times.\n

\n\n

\n Imuel looked sideways at the scroll. "Are they ugly?"\n

\n\n

\n "..."\n

\n\n

\n "..."\n

\n\n

\n They looked at each other in dismay. However, there was no one else present, so he could only be asking them.\n

\n\n

\n The two upper-class elites of Illyria bowed their heads simultaneously. "Ugly, they are ugly."\n

\n\n

\n In Illyria, pure coat colors had always been more prestigious than mixed ones. The nobles mostly kept white or black cats. The coat colors of tabbies and tortoiseshells destined them to be unpopular among the aristocracy. From this perspective, it truly could be said that they were ugly.\n

\n\n

\n At the same time, platinum blonde was also superior to mixed colors. Whether it was the volume of fur or from any other angle, Imuel looked better than them.\n

\n\n

\n Then, the Duke became even angrier.\n

\n\n

\n Judging from the food the doctor purchased daily, Bai Yu treated the kittens equally. The types and portions of food fed to them were similar. The furball actually didn't receive even a bit of his favoritism.\n

\n\n

\n Imuel started scratching at the desk.\n

\n\n

\n Although he didn't have claws anymore, it was his habit.\n

\n\n

\n The butler and the personal guard who delivered the materials broke into a cold sweat. They watched the Grand Duke look left and right at the uninformative portraits of two cats, turning a blind eye to the large stack of materials behind it. He just wouldn't turn the page. His expression was gloomy and illegible, making it impossible to know what he was thinking.\n

\n\n

\n It was under these circumstances that Bai Yu stepped into the Duke's Mansion.\n

\n\n

\n He didn't have the slightest awareness of being a male servant. As soon as he stepped through the door, he took off his trench coat and hung it on the coat rack. Then, he bowed to the Grand Duke with a distinct lack of sincerity. "An emergency came up, and I was forced to leave for a moment. I ask for the Grand Duke's forgiveness."\n

\n\n

\n The butler and the personal guard began to sweat profusely again.\n

\n\n

\n Imuel raised an eyebrow, his gaze fixating on Bai Yu's bow tie.\n

\n\n

\n The doctor had petted cats and rubbed off fresh cat hair onto himself.\n

\n\n

\n —After having a Duke, he actually went to pet two such ugly little creatures.\n

\n\n

\n An anonymous fury rising in his heart, Imuel's tone became even more eccentric. "Mr. Bai, coming and going from the Duke's Mansion as you please, how carefree. Not sleeping in the Duke's Mansion in the dead of night, but going home to feed cats, what did you apply to be a male servant for?"\n

\n\n

\n Bai Yu said coldly, "Please forgive my sins."\n

\n\n

\n Imuel retorted, "And if I don't accept?"\n

\n\n

\n Bai Yu replied, "Then please punish me."\n

\n\n

\n The doctor's tone was light and indifferent.\n

\n\n

\n Imuel lowered his eyes and stared at him intently. Suddenly, he smiled, his lake-blue eyes as cold as a frozen polar sea. "Punishment? Do you know what kind of punishments the Duke's Mansion has?"\n

\n\n

\n Illyria had abolished cruel torture after entering industrial civilization, but as a Duke, he always had privileges. The punishments of medieval Europe were second to none, with things like needle boards and nail beds utilized to the extreme. This was also why Imuel was so angry—if the Duke were anyone but him, Bai Yu would have died a tragic death thousands of times over for daring to act like this.\n

\n\n

\n Imuel scoffed coldly and turned a page of the report. "Butler, tell the doctor, what kind of punishments are there?"\n

\n\n

\n The butler bowed in compliance and began to speak.\n

\n\n

\n System 55 listened dumbfounded.\n

\n\n

\n The methods of the Duke's Mansion, if excerpted, could easily form a book of the Top Ten Tortures of the Qing Dynasty.\n

\n\n

\n Bai Yu, on the other hand, remained calm. He had taken an elective in European history and had heard of these things.\n

\n\n

\n Imuel felt upset and distracted.\n

\n\n

\n He naturally wouldn't use these methods on the doctor anyway; he was just furiously angry and wanted to scare him, to show him who was boss and force some other expression onto Bai Yu's cold face. But halfway through listening, before Bai Yu could even react, he himself felt distressed first.\n

\n\n

\n ...Would the doctor think he was very brutal?\n

\n\n

\n The Duke irritably flipped through the dossier, making the thin booklet rustle loudly. When he flipped to a certain spot, he suddenly paused, his fingers stopping.\n

\n\n

\n It was a testimony provided by the owner of the print shop.\n

\n\n

\n "Mr. Bai once patronized our print shop, asking to print a... uh, 'missing cat flyer'."\n

\n\n

\n "He was looking for a platinum blonde munchkin kitten with lake-blue eyes. He said it was his pet. On the flyer, Mr. Bai stated that if anyone had information, he was willing to offer a ruby as a reward."\n

\n\n

\n "Did he put them up? That I don't know."\n

\n\n

\n Imuel's finger stayed on that page, not turning it for a long time.\n

\n\n

\n The doctor had looked for him?\n

\n\n

\n And to find him, he was willing to pay the price of a ruby?\n

\n\n

\n The Grand Duke sort of wanted to wag his tail.\n

\n\n

\n But he didn't have a tail right now, so he could only cross his legs reservedly, interrupting the butler's ceaseless introduction. "Doctor, I see from the dossier that you had another platinum blonde kitten?"\n

\n\n

\n The butler, who was in the middle of explaining branding irons: "..."\n

\n\n

\n Bai Yu said indifferently, "Yes, but it went missing."\n

\n\n

\n His expression was far too cold, making the Grand Duke unsure if the doctor was actually sad. Propping up his chin, Imuel scrutinized the doctor with his lake-blue eyes and suddenly asked a completely unrelated question:\n

\n\n

\n "That kitten... did you like it?"\n

","published_time":"2026-05-24T00:00:00.000Z","paid":false,"show_flag":true,"show_scheduled_time":"2026-05-24T00:00:00.000Z","unpaid_scheduled_time":"2026-05-24T00:00:00.000Z"},{"content_id":4462,"novel_id":71,"chapter_no":70,"chapter_title":"Dossiers","content":"

\n Bai Yu raised his eyebrows.\n

\n\n

\n He didn't know why Grand Duke Imuel suddenly brought up the dumpling, but it definitely wasn't anything good. He calmly said, "This doesn't seem to have anything to do with you, Your Grace."\n

\n\n

\n Imuel was taken aback for a moment, then sneered and said in a sour tone, "It's nothing, really. I just thought the tabby and tortoiseshell cats you kept were quite ugly. I wanted to know if the doctor's aesthetic taste has always been this poor. Otherwise, now that you're a valet, I'm worried the items procured for my mansion will also become ugly."\n

\n\n

\n "..."\n

\n\n

\n Before Bai Yu could speak, the Grand Duke's fingers glided across the desk and pinched the only intact teacup. He casually said, "That little platinum-blonde cat must be a bit prettier, right?"\n

\n\n

\n 55 poked Bai Yu: "Host, what is he doing? Bickering with you like an elementary schooler?"\n

\n\n

\n Why was he acting so inexplicably and incoherently?\n

\n\n

\n Bai Yu pondered, "Perhaps moody and capricious people just have this kind of personality."\n

\n\n

\n In his limited professional career, he had never encountered such a troublesome person.\n

\n\n

\n But since things had come to this point, Bai Yu couldn't just brush it off. He recalled the dumpling's appearance and forced out an evaluation, "Very cute."\n

\n\n

\n Although the platinum-blonde dumpling was indeed very pretty, thinking of its little short legs, Bai Yu opened his mouth and only said, "Very cute."\n

\n\n

\n Imuel scratched the table in dissatisfaction.\n

\n\n

\n He pressed, "Very cute?"\n

\n\n

\n Was it just cute?\n

\n\n

\n Bai Yu, however, thought he was doubting him. He lowered his eyes, carrying a trace of a smile even he couldn't detect, "Yes, very cute."\n

\n\n

\n The doctor rarely smiled; he was naturally aloof and expressionless. But when a smile surfaced in those dark, ink-like eyes, it was like a ripple spreading across a cold, silent deep pool. Imuel's breath hitched slightly, and he scratched the table with his claws again.\n

\n\n

\n Back when he was a kitten, the doctor had never smiled like this in front of him.\n

\n\n

\n Imuel: "...Really very cute?"\n

\n\n

\n Bai Yu cast him a strange look: "Of course, incredibly cute."\n

\n\n

\n "Cute" didn't seem to equate to "pretty," much less equate to "like," but Imuel was miraculously placated. The Grand Duke satisfactorily squeezed his now clawless hands, showing great mercy as he finally decided not to dwell on this matter.\n

\n\n

\n He revealed a smile and waved his hand: "My questions are done. Mr. Bai, go to your bedroom and rest. Tomorrow is your first day on the job, and I don't want my valet looking exhausted."\n

\n\n

\n It was brushed over just as lightly as that.\n

\n\n

\n The old butler who was just preparing to take the ill-mannered new valet down for some discipline: "..."\n

\n\n

\n The equally dumbfounded 55: "..."\n

\n\n

\n The System complained dissatisfiedly: "Imuel isn't throwing a fit even after this?"\n

\n\n

\n It thought they could finish the mission and smoothly log off today.\n

\n\n

\n Bai Yu frowned slightly; his plans had also been disrupted by the Grand Duke's unconventional behavior. "People with psychological illnesses might be like this."\n

\n\n

\n But on the surface, he bowed slightly, fully displaying the etiquette of a valet: "Yes, Your Grace."\n

\n\n

\n The old butler led Bai Yu to his quarters. It was on the second floor of the building, not far from the Grand Duke's bedroom, making it convenient for the valets to provide close-quarters service. The attendants had already tidied it up. There was a large bed against the wall of the room, with a bell suspended above it; the pull cord was located right in Grand Duke Imuel's bedroom.\n

\n\n

\n The butler handed the room key to Bai Yu and reiterated, "Sir, I admire your courage, but I must repeat that there are taboos in the Duke's Mansion. First, you must not wander aimlessly in the garden. Second, you must not mention cats. Third, you must not have physical contact with the Grand Duke. Please keep these three points in mind. Just because the Duke didn't lash out this time, doesn't mean he won't next time. This is for the sake of your own life and safety."\n

\n\n

\n Bai Yu replied mildly.\n

\n\n

\n The butler gave him a complicated look and exited the room.\n

\n\n

\n "Hmm, mentioning cats has already been proven useless. So which of the remaining two should we do?" The System excitedly rubbed its hands. "Host, are we going to wander around the garden next, or forcefully initiate physical contact with the Grand Duke?"\n

\n\n

\n The Duke's Mansion's ready-made taboos were right here; if they wanted to court death, they just had to go against them.\n

\n\n

\n Bai Yu paused and said, exasperated, "Can you speak a bit more normally?"\n

\n\n

\n What did it mean to forcefully initiate physical contact with the Grand Duke?\n

\n\n

\n Bai Yu: "Grand Duke Imuel is still working. We can't see him right now, so physical contact will have to wait until tomorrow."\n

\n\n

\n 55: "Then are we going to wander around the garden?"\n

\n\n

\n Bai Yu: "We are."\n

\n\n

\n There were still several hours until dawn. Since he had nothing to do anyway, he might as well go out for a walk. Besides, he still carried the investigation task given by the Black Robe Society.\n

\n\n

\n The System considerately projected a map of the Duke's Mansion.\n

\n\n

\n The Duke's Mansion covered a considerable area. In the middle of the buildings lay a garden and an artificial pond. They even extravagantly raised swans in the pond. Now it was the dead of winter, and the lake was frozen. The freezing swans had come ashore and were all resting by the lakeside.\n

\n\n

\n There were some small red dots on the map circling the Duke's Mansion, which were the patrolling guards, but surprisingly, there weren't many near the garden.\n

\n\n

\n Grand Duke Imuel preferred peace and quiet, so the mansion's security was deployed on the perimeter. The multiple layers of gates were heavily guarded; not even a fly could enter the Duke's Mansion. Yet, there were no patrols near his residence, which made things convenient for Bai Yu.\n

\n\n

\n With practiced ease, he pushed open the glass window, vaulted straight out, and landed lightly on the lawn without alerting anyone.\n

\n\n

\n Bai Yu patted his trench coat and walked toward the garden.\n

\n\n

\n 55 flipped through the collected newspaper materials: "According to rumors in Illyria, there is an untrodden piece of land beneath the Duke's Mansion, drenched in hatred and blood. That should be referring to the forbidden area, right?"\n

\n\n

\n The lake at night was silent and desolate, without even a ghost in sight. He bypassed the shivering swans and instructed the System: "55, turn on scanning mode."\n

\n\n

\n The System's scanning function was much stronger than Bai Yu looking around himself.\n

\n\n

\n 55 switched functions. Electromagnetic waves silently covered the entire lake surface. Under the System's extremely high-power exploration, it could even cover up to ten meters below the ground.\n

\n\n

\n A moment later, after Bai Yu had walked halfway around the lake, 55 suddenly said, "Host, over here."\n

\n\n

\n The System screen flashed, displaying a cross-section of the land: "It shows an empty area beneath the lake, like a dungeon or something."\n

\n\n

\n Bai Yu: "Can you find the entrance?"\n

\n\n

\n System: "Host, circle around once more so I can take a look. Hmm... it's right here."\n

\n\n

\n It marked a small space on the map. It was covered with a lawn, which was well-maintained and seemed to be tended by professionals. Next to it was a small hole. Bai Yu estimated the size; it was only big enough for a kitten to squeeze through.\n

\n\n

\n He bent down, gripped the edge of the lawn, and groped for a protruding lever.\n

\n\n

\n System: "I just checked. The lever is rusted shut. This place is abandoned; no one has been here for a long time."\n

\n\n

\n Bai Yu rolled up his sleeves, half-knelt in front of the lever, and exerted force through his elbows—\n

\n\n

\n The System leaned nearby: "Wow, Host, the muscles on your forearms look really nice."\n

\n\n

\n Bai Yu almost lost his composure: "Shut up."\n

\n\n

\n The doctor looked slender, but he was lean and muscular beneath his clothes, and his strength was not small. He grabbed the edge of the latch, veins popping out on his arms. The rusted edges slowly shifted, and before long, an underground passageway just wide enough for one person to pass through was revealed.\n

\n\n

\n The System floated in front, automatically serving as a small flashlight.\n

\n\n

\n There was an iron ladder leading downwards at the entrance, which was also largely rusted. Bai Yu put on gloves to prevent scratches and held onto the ladder as he went down. After walking down about twenty or thirty steps, he finally reached the bottom.\n

\n\n

\n It was a row of prison cells.\n

\n\n

\n Perhaps calling them prison cells was inaccurate; they were more like cages. An adult would need to crawl to squeeze inside, and the bars were not the vertical ones commonly used in prisons, but rather a wire mesh.\n

\n\n

\n —As if fearing something might squeeze through the bars, requiring wire mesh for protection.\n

\n\n

\n Past the cages, there were locked holding cells. Bai Yu carried the System and checked them one by one, but came to a halt at the innermost room.\n

\n\n

\n System: "This wall?"\n

\n\n

\n This wall was full of scratch marks, densely packed from top to bottom. Just one glance was enough to trigger trypophobia.\n

\n\n

\n These scratch marks were very deep, but their cross-sections were not large. They seemed to have been made by something long and sharp; they didn't look like marks left by human nails.\n

\n\n

\n Bai Yu frowned.\n

\n\n

\n These were cat scratches. And not just from one cat, but many cats. Only through years of pain and despair could they leave so many and such deep marks on the wall.\n

\n\n

\n 55: "Host, there's something by your feet."\n

\n\n

\n Bai Yu bent down and indeed saw an iron basin. He picked it up and faintly smelled the odor of rotten food.\n

\n\n

\n Bai Yu: "At the latest, someone came in three months ago and placed meat in the basin."\n

\n\n

\n 55: "But the entrance was rusted shut. No one could have come in."\n

\n\n

\n There was only an entrance the size of a bowl left, which could at most accommodate a kitten squeezing through.\n

\n\n

\n But how could a cat burrow so deep underground and place food in an iron basin?\n

\n\n

\n Bai Yu had no clue. Fortunately, he wasn't here to solve a mystery anyway; he was just in a tourist's state of mind, wanting to understand the local customs of this era. So he didn't dwell on it too much, merely grabbing the System again to use as a flashlight and looking around the dungeon's environment.\n

\n\n

\n Outside the cells, there were surprisingly living quarters. Bai Yu even found a laboratory and an examination table, as well as several volumes of dossiers that hadn't been moved away in time.\n

\n\n

\n He brushed the dust off the dossiers and lowered his eyes to read.\n

\n\n

\n "July 24th. Captured three pairs of 'male cats' and two pairs of 'female cats'."\n

\n\n

\n "August 30th. The female cat is pregnant. I reported to the Duke that the embryo is developing poorly and there might be deformities, but the Duke still decided to keep it."\n

\n\n

\n "May 17th. The female cat gave birth. Weight: 54g. Fur is platinum-blonde. Due to 'genetic' issues, it suffers from congenital underdevelopment, with varying degrees of problems in its bones and heart."\n

\n\n

\n "..."\n

\n\n

\n Trivial and messy records.\n

\n\n

\n 55 read them, feeling utterly baffled: "Duke Imuel raised cats in this place? This area isn't suitable for kittens to live in, right?"\n

\n\n

\n They were currently beneath the lake water, where it was both damp and cold, with traces of mold growing on the walls. Kittens could easily catch ringworm here, not to mention there was no sunlight. Any living creature living here would become depressed and sick in less than two months.\n

\n\n

\n Bai Yu: "Looking at the recorded times in this dossier, it wasn't Grand Duke Imuel, but the previous Duke. It should be Imuel's father."\n

\n\n

\n In the novel's background, Imuel was not the Grand Duke's only child; he had several older brothers ahead of him. However, Imuel kept a low profile. The citizens of Illyria didn't even know this heir existed. It was Imuel who used schemes to completely kill off his brothers and sisters before ascending to the position of Duke.\n

\n\n

\n 55 looked disgusted: "No wonder Grand Duke Imuel is a capricious pervert. So it's hereditary! His father seems pretty sick in the head too."\n

\n\n

\n Bai Yu agreed: "Indeed."\n

\n\n

\n He gathered the dossiers and put them back in place. He looked around once more, and seeing nothing else noteworthy, he returned the way he came.\n

\n\n

\n By the time he came out of the exit, the sky was already faintly brightening.\n

\n\n

\n 55: "Let's go. We're going to execute the final taboo."\n

\n\n

\n —Make close physical contact with the Grand Duke.\n

","published_time":"2026-05-24T00:00:00.000Z","paid":false,"show_flag":true,"show_scheduled_time":"2026-05-24T00:00:00.000Z","unpaid_scheduled_time":"2026-05-24T00:00:00.000Z"},{"content_id":4463,"novel_id":71,"chapter_no":71,"chapter_title":"Old News","content":"

\n Bai Yu detoured from the garden back to the Grand Duke's sleeping quarters. Another manservant was guarding the door and made a "shh" gesture at him.\n

\n\n

\n "Your Excellency Bai Yu, the Grand Duke is sleeping."\n

\n\n

\n Grand Duke Imuel seemed to be a night owl as well, sleeping during the day and coming out at night. Having been busy all night, he started to sleep with the covers over his head during the day.\n

\n\n

\n This manservant, who had been selected alongside him, was named Miller. His ancestors held a barony and were one of the noble families of Illyria. However, by his generation, the family had declined. Thus, they pushed their heir forward, attempting to win the Grand Duke's favor and add a brick or tile to their crumbling family.\n

\n\n

\n In terms of background, Miller was far superior to Bai Yu, an illegal doctor running an unlicensed clinic.\n

\n\n

\n Bai Yu had no intention whatsoever of competing with him for favor, simply saying, "Then I'll go back and rest first."\n

\n\n

\n He hadn't slept all night either.\n

\n\n

\n By the time Bai Yu woke up, it was exactly time for lunch at the Grand Duke's mansion.\n

\n\n

\n After washing up, he put on the manservant's uniform and then, following the butler's arrangements, served dishes to Grand Duke Imuel.\n

\n\n

\n The Grand Duke had obviously just woken up and wasn't fully clear-headed yet. His lake-blue eyes were misty, lightly glazed with moisture. Currently sitting upright behind the dining table, his gaze had been glued to the doctor the moment Bai Yu walked in. The gloomy expression between his brows had dissipated, making him look a bit dazed.\n

\n\n

\n ...The doctor looks really good today.\n

\n\n

\n The manservant's uniform had a cummerbund. The leather boning cinched a beautiful waistline, and when he lowered his head, one could even catch a glimpse of the cleavage of his chest through the collar.\n

\n\n

\n The doctor's pectoral muscles were also very beautiful.\n

\n\n

\n Bai Yu: "..."\n

\n\n

\n He stood to the side, waiting for the butler's arrangements.\n

\n\n

\n Miller had arrived a step earlier. Holding a water basin, he wrung out a towel: "Grand Duke, please wipe your hands."\n

\n\n

\n Immediately after, he tentatively reached toward the Grand Duke's sleeve.\n

\n\n

\n Imuel was blanking out, but just as Miller was about to touch his skin, he abruptly withdrew his hand and immediately darkened his brow.\n

\n\n

\n The old butler scolded in a low voice, "Step back, the Grand Duke dislikes being touched by others!"\n

\n\n

\n Miller bit his lip and stepped back anyway.\n

\n\n

\n Bai Yu stood to the side with his head lowered, thinking to himself: 'It seems this rule is true.'\n

\n\n

\n Legend had it that the Duke hated it when cats were mentioned, but Bai Yu had said the word so many times his lips were practically worn out, and Imuel hadn't done anything to him. It showed he didn't really hate it. However, judging from his subconscious avoidance of touch, he truly hated skin-to-skin contact with people.\n

\n\n

\n System 55: "Host, the opportunity is here."\n

\n\n

\n Bai Yu casually took the water basin from Miller's hands, re-wrung the towel, and then directly grabbed the Grand Duke's wrist.\n

\n\n

\n He half-knelt down, restraining the Grand Duke's wrist, forcing Imuel to open his palm. Then, he pressed the hot towel between his fingers and began wiping.\n

\n\n

\n Imuel: "!"\n

\n\n

\n The doctor's actions were full of aggression, forceful and irrefutable. The way he pinched the Grand Duke's finger bones was like a doctor gripping a diseased area. Imuel, on the other hand, was like a kitten picked up by the scruff of its neck by its owner. He was startled but could only submit, unable to struggle.\n

\n\n

\n In a daze, Imuel even thought he had returned to the examination table, injected with anesthesia, leaving him completely at the doctor's mercy to be molded round or flattened.\n

\n\n

\n But on the other hand, the doctor was in the half-kneeling posture of a subordinate, seemingly in total submission.\n

\n\n

\n The Grand Duke's scalp tingled numbly: "Bai Yu!"\n

\n\n

\n Bai Yu opened his hand: "Give me your other hand too."\n

\n\n

\n Imuel: "Oh..."\n

\n\n

\n He subconsciously and obediently handed over his other hand, but got a back full of goosebumps when the hot towel covered it again.\n

\n\n

\n If he were in his kitten form, his fur would have already puffed up.\n

\n\n

\n ...Wh-Why did he immediately obey the moment the doctor spoke?\n

\n\n

\n Imuel's worldview was shaken, while Bai Yu had already completed all the work of a manservant. The towel wiped between his fingers, their palms deliberately pressed together. The heat of the steam permeated upwards, steaming the skin red.\n

\n\n

\n "..."\n

\n\n

\n The Grand Duke stared fixedly at his open palm.\n

\n\n

\n ...Wants to knead.\n

\n\n

\n ...Wants his paws to bloom, and then knead.\n

\n\n

\n ...Wants his paws to bloom, and then knead on the doctor's chest.\n

\n\n

\n The three thoughts progressed layer by layer. This had nothing to do with the Duke's own will; it was entirely out of the feline body's instinct. But when Imuel realized the thoughts in his mind, he staggered back two steps and unconsciously slumped into the chair.\n

\n\n

\n What the hell was he thinking about!\n

\n\n

\n If he were in his kitten form, he would have already raised a paw and slapped himself.\n

\n\n

\n Bai Yu, maintaining the posture of holding the towel in surprise, watched the Grand Duke fall back into his seat: "Hmm? It's just wiping hands, why such a big reaction?"\n

\n\n

\n System 55 lay prone on his shoulder: "Imuel really seems to hate being touched. His neck and ears are completely red. He won't die of anger, will he? But, but it's okay, Host, I'm already prepared to help you block your senses."\n

\n\n

\n The old butler, watching their interaction, was about to faint.\n

\n\n

\n What the hell kind of manservants did they hire!\n

\n\n

\n He pointed at Bai Yu tremblingly: "Step back! You step back as well!"\n

\n\n

\n Bai Yu picked up the towel and was about to leave when Imuel, slumped in his chair, spoke up: "...Wait."\n

\n\n

\n His expression was still uncertain and startled, his usually slightly drooping eyes widened. Only then did Bai Yu realize that the Grand Duke had a pair of eyes very much like a cat's.\n

\n\n

\n The eyelashes were long and thick, the eye shape charming and slanting upwards, making him appear haughty and noble.\n

\n\n

\n The Grand Duke slightly adjusted his sitting posture, sitting back properly in an elegant and dignified manner before coughing once and saying, seemingly casually, "Ahem, Bai Yu stays to accompany me for my meal."\n

\n\n

\n Bai Yu slightly raised an eyebrow, saying nothing.\n

\n\n

\n He sat beside Grand Duke Imuel. Most of the time, he just ate his own food, occasionally helping the Grand Duke serve dishes.\n

\n\n

\n The menu on the dining table had been adjusted by Bai Yu. Many of the raw, cold, and chilling foods were reduced, and more vegetables and tender, thoroughly cooked meats were added. Imuel was a bit of a picky eater. Bai Yu occasionally served him food, saying coldly, "Given the condition of your wounds, it's better to eat more of these."\n

\n\n

\n It was still that 'listen or don't' tone.\n

\n\n

\n Imuel looked troubledly at the leaves on his plate. Kittens naturally didn't like eating leaves, and it was the same even after transforming back into a human. He secretly glanced at the doctor, and still reluctantly took a couple of bites.\n

\n\n

\n Biting it in tiny little mouthfuls, like a rabbit nibbling on grass.\n

\n\n

\n Taking this in, Bai Yu was momentarily rendered speechless.\n

\n\n

\n For some reason, this brutal and temperamental Grand Duke actually reminded him of a platinum-colored dumpling. The way he took small bites of his vegetables wasn't annoying; instead, it was rather cute.\n

\n\n

\n For an unknown reason, he slightly softened his voice, reminding him, "Your body is already in a very poor state, with severe internal and external deficits. If you don't nurse it properly, you will run out of oil and your lamp will go out sooner or later. It's best not to stay up late. Official duties are better handled during the day."\n

\n\n

\n This was yet another overstepping reminder. No superior liked hearing phrases like "run out of oil and lamp going out", but the Grand Duke merely paused before softly saying, "En."\n

\n\n

\n Still looking very obedient.\n

\n\n

\n The doctor paused, acting out of responsibility towards a patient: "May I take a look at your medical records?"\n

\n\n

\n Imuel casually agreed: "I'll have them sent to your room later."\n

\n\n

\n Bai Yu: "...Alright. If there's anywhere you feel unwell, please don't hesitate to tell me."\n

\n\n

\n Although he was a veterinarian, he had also studied basic human medicine. This level of skill would be insignificant in his past life, incapable of treating diseases and saving lives, but in Illyria, where medical technology was limited, his advice still had its merits.\n

\n\n

\n Imuel's fingers gripping the knife and fork slightly curled up: "Okay."\n

\n\n

\n Soon after, both of them fell into silence.\n

\n\n

\n The Grand Duke lowered his eyes, looking at the vegetables the doctor had placed on his plate, thinking absentmindedly: 'Unwell? Of course I will feel unwell. In a few days, it will be "that day" again.'\n

\n\n

\n After serving the supposedly picky Duke his meal, the doctor returned to his bedroom in one piece.\n

\n\n

\n The two manservants lived in one suite with two separate rooms and a shared living room in the middle. Miller was currently sitting on the sofa in the living room, flipping through the newspaper unhappily.\n

\n\n

\n Bai Yu took off his coat. His gaze swept over the newspaper and stopped at a certain piece of news.\n

\n\n

\n "Catgirl singer from Midnight Tavern disappears without a reason, whereabouts unknown."\n

\n\n

\n "Newsflash from our reporter: The tavern 'Midnight', which recently went viral because of its catgirl singer, has been shut down in recent days due to illegal operations. The singer 'Eliza' is currently unaccounted for..."\n

\n\n

\n Miller's gaze followed his across the newspaper, also stopping at that line of text. He said playfully, "Doctor, you were born in the Lower City, you probably don't know what a catgirl is, do you?"\n

\n\n

\n Miller was a down-and-out noble. Even though he was down-and-out, he still looked down on pure commoners like the doctor from the bottom of his heart.\n

\n\n

\n Bai Yu remained noncommittal.\n

\n\n

\n In fact, this 'Midnight' bar was one of the gathering spots for the Black Robe Society. Hammerhead Shark had once mentioned it during a gathering, and he had also mentioned the 'catgirl'. At the time, Bai Yu thought the so-called 'catgirl' was just an ordinary singer wearing cat ears and a cat tail for people's amusement. But judging from what Miller meant, it wasn't that simple.\n

\n\n

\n The doctor remained calm and collected: "I have indeed never heard of it. What's the mystery behind this 'catgirl' that makes so many people scramble for them?"\n

\n\n

\n Miller sneered, "Of course you haven't heard of it. These things are very expensive. Most of them also have genetic diseases and are extremely delicate. Ordinary people can't afford to raise them. I've only heard of them too; I haven't seen one."\n

\n\n

\n Miller was consciously showing off the life of Illyria's upper-class nobles to Bai Yu. Cat-people were unknown among the commoners, but they were an open secret among the nobles: "They were originally a breed cultivated by a neighboring country, using slaves for experiments. I heard the experimental process was quite bloody. It could make partial feline traits appear on the slaves' bodies, such as cat ears and cat tails, making them look very cute. Later, someone gave a few to the former Grand Duke, and they were also pets that the former Grand Duke liked very much."\n

\n\n

\n "..."\n

\n\n

\n Bai Yu's brow twitched slightly.\n

\n\n

\n Human life in Illyria was worthless. Having been here for so long, Bai Yu knew this much. But for Miller to use such a degrading tone, using words like "one" and "pet" as if those living, breathing people were really just furniture like chairs or ornaments, disgusted him.\n

\n\n

\n Bai Yu's fingers holding the teacup paused, and he asked casually, "So those people are now..."\n

\n\n

\n He wanted to ask if those people were still in the Grand Duke's mansion. Miller waved his hand: "My dear doctor, it seems you really have never been in contact with high society. Those things are not people, they are the lowest class of slaves. They do not fall under the scope of legal citizens of Illyria. Even if they are tortured to death, they are not protected by the law."\n

\n\n

\n "..."\n

\n\n

\n Bai Yu thought of the modern history he had once studied. As the torrent of industry rolled forward, the nobles defended their remaining glory with decaying rules, using them to preserve their family's face.\n

\n\n

\n Miller was exactly the same.\n

\n\n

\n Bai Yu had no intention of arguing with this kind of person. He picked up his coat, smiling, his tone gentle and his enunciation clear: "Alright then, Your Excellency. Your noble etiquette truly leaves me in utmost awe. It's just that, while you are smugly stepping on commoners and slaves to enjoy your noble glory, make sure you pray to God that you don't one day end up destitute and lose your dignity."\n

\n\n

\n After saying that, he pushed the door open and walked straight out.\n

\n\n

\n Miller originally only wanted to elevate his own status to intimidate this country bumpkin, but being hit head-on by this barrage of words, he couldn't react in time: "You..."\n

\n\n

\n The doctor's words always struck directly at the sore spot; he had a very venomous tongue. Miller was a down-and-out noble, whose greatest fear was ending up destitute and losing his dignity.\n

\n\n

\n Bai Yu grabbed his windbreaker and went out the door: "Dumbass."\n

\n\n

\n —He rarely cursed, and he hadn't lowered his voice at all.\n

\n\n

\n System 55 shrank back in fear: "Host, aren't you afraid he'll take revenge on you?"\n

\n\n

\n Bai Yu said coldly, "In the Duke's mansion, he has no one to rely on. How could he retaliate against me? He doesn't dare to poison me, nor does he dare to do anything else. At most, he'd go compete for favor and cry to the Duke, making the Duke detest me. But if he has that ability, wouldn't that be just perfect?"\n

\n\n

\n He was just worrying about having no way to make the Grand Duke detest him.\n

\n\n

\n System 55: "Host, then where are we going now?"\n

\n\n

\n Bai Yu: "Going home to feed the cat."\n

\n\n

\n He and Miller worked in shifts. Since Miller wanted to fawn over the Duke, he would just go home more often to feed the cat.\n

\n\n

\n The doctor buttoned his coat and put on his hat, concealing his manservant attire, and quickly walked out of the Duke's mansion.\n

\n\n

\n No one noticed that Grand Duke Imuel was sitting in the study directly across the window.\n

\n\n

\n Ever since transforming back into his human form and returning from the doctor's house, nearly a month had passed. His next mutation period was right around the corner.\n

\n\n

\n Just like any previous mutation period, Imuel's body began to undergo subtle changes. His hormone secretion became abnormal, his moods were volatile, and his whole person was restless and anxious.\n

\n\n

\n Every mutation period was very difficult to endure. Imuel had to carefully disguise his identity so that others wouldn't notice any abnormalities in the noble Grand Duke's body, while also enduring the dull pain in his bones and muscles. Therefore, before this period arrived, he especially wanted to be close to the doctor.\n

\n\n

\n By the doctor's side, he had spent the most comfortable mutation period ever.\n

\n\n

\n Bai Yu's fingertips were burning hot, and his massage techniques were experienced. Staying under his warm blanket, all harm was isolated outside. Imuel liked that feeling.\n

\n\n

\n Therefore, while working in the afternoon, he quietly moved and relocated to an empty study opposite the doctor's room.\n

\n\n

\n Every word spoken between Miller and Bai Yu was heard by his ears.\n

\n\n

\n He heard Miller's loud boasting, heard his evaluation of cat-people, and all kinds of degrading remarks... Imuel remained expressionless. Reaching his position, he had heard similar words countless times. Whether it was about slaves or servants, these were long-standing consensuses among Illyria's nobles; Imuel didn't care.\n

\n\n

\n But at the thought of these words being heard by the doctor, he still couldn't help but scratch the desk.\n

\n\n

\n ...What would the doctor say?\n

\n\n

\n The doctor swore.\n

\n\n

\n It was the first time Imuel heard him swear. The doctor's personality was cold, and his voice was cold too. Even when swearing, his tone was steady and indifferent, as if he wasn't saying dirty words, but rather uttering some professional terminology.\n

\n\n

\n Excessively sexy.\n

\n\n

\n Imuel watched as he put on his windbreaker, donned his top hat, and stood up to leave with large strides. His tall, slender back was stretched extremely long under the sunlight.\n

\n\n

\n The Grand Duke silently clenched his fists.\n

\n\n

\n He wanted to knead again.\n

","published_time":"2026-05-24T00:00:00.000Z","paid":false,"show_flag":true,"show_scheduled_time":"2026-05-24T00:00:00.000Z","unpaid_scheduled_time":"2026-05-24T00:00:00.000Z"},{"content_id":4464,"novel_id":71,"chapter_no":72,"chapter_title":"Airplane Ears","content":"

\n Bai Yu went straight home.\n

\n\n

\n Passing by the market, he picked up the meats that the two kittens liked to eat. Tortoiseshell preferred fish paste, and Tabby loved chicken breast. Bai Yu took a little of each, then paused slightly when he passed a beef stall.\n

\n\n

\n Illyria lacked productivity. In this era, beef was still a very expensive meat; a single piece cost a doctor several days' wages.\n

\n\n

\n However, the platinum dumpling just happened to love eating beef. Such a tiny kitten, yet so precious and hard to raise.\n

\n\n

\n Bai Yu stopped for a moment and still bought a piece.\n

\n\n

\n He knew the dumpling was already gone, but he still held a subtle expectation in his heart, hoping that when the dumpling came home, there wouldn't be a lack of food in the house.\n

\n\n

\n Bai Yu walked into his house carrying the bags and started preparing the meal.\n

\n\n

\n He didn't notice at all that a kitten had landed on the roof and lightly stepped onto the windowsill.\n

\n\n

\n Imuel raised his tail, his paw pads taking feline steps as he elegantly walked to the neighbor's roof next door. Then, hugging his tail, he settled down on the tiles. Through the thick layer of glass, he quietly watched the inside of the house.\n

\n\n

\n In fact, outside of his mutation period, Imuel rarely turned into a kitten.\n

\n\n

\n The Grand Duke of Illyria could not be a lowly slave, and a cat-person descended from slaves could not be the Grand Duke of Illyria. This was a consensus among the entire upper class. Imuel had always carefully hidden his identity; once exposed, he could plunge into eternal damnation at any time.\n

\n\n

\n But when the doctor called Miller a dumbass, Imuel's heart was still moved.\n

\n\n

\n The Duke paced around his bedroom alone for a long time, and finally, he stealthily turned into a kitten, slipped out of his magnificent clothes, and stood on the doctor's roof.\n

\n\n

\n —He just wanted to come and see, to see exactly what those two kittens that lured the doctor home twice in three days looked like.\n

\n\n

\n Tabby and Tortoiseshell were both in the kitchen, meowing as they surrounded the doctor.\n

\n\n

\n Ever since he went to the Duke's Mansion, the stove at the doctor's house hadn't been fired up and had been put out of use. The knives were stored away and locked up, so he wasn't afraid of them wandering around here.\n

\n\n

\n Imuel, on the other hand, looked down on them from above with reserve.\n

\n\n

\n They were all just mixed-breed stray cats, nothing rare.\n

\n\n

\n Tabby and Tortoiseshell didn't know there was one of their own kind on the roof next door. They only knew that there was the smell of meat in the kitchen and it was almost time to eat. So, they anxiously paced around, occasionally bumping their heads against Bai Yu's trouser legs, seemingly urging the doctor, "When will it be ready?"\n

\n\n

\n Bai Yu: "Wait a moment, it will be ready right away."\n

\n\n

\n Both kittens were covered in injuries when they were picked up and had been terribly frightened by the Hammerhead Shark. When Bai Yu spoke to them, he unconsciously softened his tone.\n

\n\n

\n Separated by a single window, Imuel bit his tail.\n

\n\n

\n —The doctor had never spoken to him in that kind of tone.\n

\n\n

\n Both kittens had long legs, completely different from the platinum dumpling's little short legs. With a light leap, they stepped on the rice vat and jumped onto the stove, scurrying around the edge of the chopping board.\n

\n\n

\n Bai Yu gently pushed their heads aside. "I have a knife in my hand, be careful."\n

\n\n

\n Tabby was pushed to the side by him, but she wasn't annoyed. She let out a soft meow, dragging out the ending note for a long time.\n

\n\n

\n Tabby was a half-year-old female, having naturally learned how to act coquettishly without a teacher. She seemed to know that she couldn't get close to the doctor holding a knife, so she just rubbed against Bai Yu's side, nudged the doctor's hand with her furry head, tilted her head, and softly probed, "Meow?"\n

\n\n

\n —I want to eat.\n

\n\n

\n Bai Yu sighed.\n

\n\n

\n The kittens had been raised by him for a few days and had already gone from being skin and bones to having a bit of baby fat. Looking eagerly at the meat on the plate right now, they somewhat gave off an alluring vibe.\n

\n\n

\n Imuel bit his tail resentfully.\n

\n\n

\n 'Damn it,' the Grand Duke thought indignantly. 'Where did these stray cats come from, to even know such tricks?'\n

\n\n

\n Seeing that Tabby was truly starving with greed, Bai Yu picked up a small piece of meat with tongs and offered it in front of Tabby's eyes: "Alright, alright, you eat first."\n

\n\n

\n Tabby licked it with her tongue and quickly grabbed it with her teeth.\n

\n\n

\n Tortoiseshell copied her. He was a younger brother less than half a year old. He also nudged Bai Yu's hand with his head, tilted it, and went, "Meow?"\n

\n\n

\n He also wanted to eat meat.\n

\n\n

\n Helpless, Bai Yu also used the tongs to give him a sliced piece.\n

\n\n

\n The two kittens successively devoured the food they were given and looked eagerly at the plate. One on the left and one on the right, they took turns rubbing their heads against the doctor's hand. For a time, meowing sounds filled the air endlessly, each sound softer and more cloyingly sweet than the last.\n

\n\n

\n Bai Yu felt helpless and thought to himself, 'It looks like I'll have to carry them out and close the kitchen door.'\n

\n\n

\n The two kittens had no idea what the doctor was thinking and even squeezed into his arms, trying to beg for more meat by rubbing against him.\n

\n\n

\n But suddenly, they stopped their movements at the same time, raised their eyes simultaneously, arched their backs, and looked out the window.\n

\n\n

\n Cats had sharp perception and a strong sixth sense. They detected an unfriendly gaze from outside the window, staring intently at them, as if wanting to strip off their fur.\n

\n\n

\n The owner of the gaze was very powerful, provoking the primal fear etched into their genes. Tortoiseshell and Tabby were like animals targeted by a top predator; their fur puffed up in unison as they turned their heads to stare at the source of the gaze.\n

\n\n

\n On the roof next door, there was a pair of lake-blue eyes.\n

\n\n

\n Those eyes were gloomy and profound, bearing the sternness of a superior, making the cats look at them with awe and fear. However, the owner of those eyes...\n

\n\n

\n Was a short-legged platinum kitten.\n

\n\n

\n Tabby & Tortoiseshell tilted their heads, looking back in confusion: "Meow?"\n

\n\n

\n The legendary top predator was nowhere to be found. The platinum kitten on the tiles was tiny, with short legs, not even as long as Tabby. A big, fluffy, and furry tail swayed back and forth. Tabby looked at him, and then looked at her own robust, powerful, and long tail...\n

\n\n

\n —It felt like a kitten she could slap away with a single flick of her tail.\n

\n\n

\n Tabby and Tortoiseshell pushed off the ground with their hind legs at the same time, assuming a stance resembling an attack, emitting purring-like warning sounds from their mouths.\n

\n\n

\n Outside the window, Imuel accurately received the message conveyed by his own kind.\n

\n\n

\n —What are you looking at? What kind of kitten do you think you are?\n

\n\n

\n It carried one part disdain, two parts mockery, three parts contempt, and four parts ridicule.\n

\n\n

\n "Damn it." The Grand Duke's expression darkened as he started grinding his teeth.\n

\n\n

\n It was truly a tiger falling into the plains and being bullied by cats. Now, any mixed-breed stray cat dared to rub against the doctor's thigh and act tyrannically over his head. Imuel felt resentful in his heart. Likewise kicking off with his hind legs, he made an attacking motion. He lowered his voice, and with the arrogant posture of a Duke, with the solemn and majestic tone of a superior, he issued a warning like the roar of a tiger or the cry of a dragon—\n

\n\n

\n "Meow!"\n

\n\n

\n Tabby and Tortoiseshell: "..."\n

\n\n

\n They turned their heads away in boredom and started nudging the doctor's plate.\n

\n\n

\n At this time, Bai Yu couldn't be bothered with them anymore.\n

\n\n

\n The doctor abruptly looked up, his gaze tightly locked onto the eaves, meeting those beautiful lake-blue eyes.\n

\n\n

\n Imuel: "..."\n

\n\n

\n He guiltily lifted his paws, wanting to slip away.\n

\n\n

\n The Duke had just wanted to take a look; he hadn't yet prepared to face the doctor again in his kitten form.\n

\n\n

\n But the doctor had already opened the window.\n

\n\n

\n He seemed to have seen through the kitten's intentions. His hand moved like lightning. With a light vault, he landed on the windowsill. Then, holding onto the eaves with one hand, he reached directly toward Imuel with the other. In the instant before the Duke could even react, he firmly grabbed him by the scruff of his neck, hauling him into the house as easily as lifting a sack.\n

\n\n

\n Then, right in front of Imuel's face, with a click, he locked the window tight.\n

\n\n

\n Imuel: "..."\n

\n\n

\n The kitten flapped about helplessly a couple of times, but under the doctor's violent suppression, there was absolutely no room for resistance.\n

\n\n

\n Bai Yu clapped his hands and placed the kitten in front of him. His expression was like an eternally unmelting glacier. He looked Imuel up and down, his tone chillingly cold: "Still want to run?"\n

\n\n

\n "Meow?"\n

\n\n

\n Imuel tilted his head, his tail curled into a ball, his large eyes full of innocence and confusion.\n

\n\n

\n —He began to play dumb.\n

\n\n

\n Bai Yu showed no sign of being moved whatsoever. He picked up the dumpling with one hand, carried it into the bedroom, and then locked the door behind them.\n

\n\n

\n Imuel: "...Meow?"\n

\n\n

\n He took a step back in fear.\n

\n\n

\n This was a completely enclosed space. No matter what the doctor did, he had no room to resist.\n

\n\n

\n Imuel took another step back, retreating to the corner of the wall.\n

\n\n

\n The path forward was blocked by the doctor, so he could only dart past the side. But darting past the side would inevitably mean crossing the bed. Imuel raised his paw and looked at it.\n

\n\n

\n Stepping across the eaves all the way here, it was quite dirty. If he stepped on the bed, the doctor would get mad, right?\n

\n\n

\n Before he could figure out how to get away, he was already controlled by the doctor.\n

\n\n

\n Bai Yu twisted him in another direction, then supported his bottom, and delivered a slap that was neither light nor heavy.\n

\n\n

\n Imuel: "!"\n

\n\n

\n It didn't hurt, but he was completely dumbfounded by the spank. Stretching out his claws, he scratched the floor vigorously, unable to believe what had just happened.\n

\n\n

\n ...He got, spanked?\n

\n\n

\n And hit in this kind of place?\n

\n\n

\n Imuel exploded instantly. He was the most honorable Duke in this city-state, standing high above, holding the power of life and death! No one could teach him a lesson, not even the doctor! He thought resentfully in his heart: 'Damn doctor, harming a Duke is a felony punishable by death in Illyria!'\n

\n\n

\n The more Imuel thought about it, the angrier he got. He turned his head, wanting to viciously bite the hand that hit him, or give it a scratch. As a result, before he could even bite down, a finger poked him in the head.\n

\n\n

\n The doctor's cold voice came: "Do you know how dangerous it is?"\n

\n\n

\n Bai Yu poked the kitten's head, showing a rare trace of anger: "Do you know that the Black Robe Society is everywhere outside, and they collect stray cats to execute them all? Do you know that winter has arrived in Illyria, the lake water has frozen, outdoor temperatures can drop below zero, and there is no food or water outside? Do you know that hooligans often fight near Xike Street? Do you know there are noble ladies in the city who specifically collect cat fur to make scarves? Do you know the neighborhood's sanitation is poor and wandering around makes it easy to get ringworm? I locked all the doors and windows, and you still slipped out on me?"\n

\n\n

\n The doctor's height was considered very tall among humans; to a kitten, he was an absolute behemoth. Being cornered against the wall by him and listening to his stern questioning, Imuel should have been terrified. Yet, he unconsciously twitched his ears and relaxed.\n

\n\n

\n The doctor was worried about his safety.\n

\n\n

\n Bai Yu had a cold personality and didn't show his emotions easily. This was the first time Imuel had seen him speak so much and get so angry.\n

\n\n

\n Because he was afraid something had happened to him.\n

\n\n

\n Imuel's anger mostly dissipated. He quietly stretched out a little paw and patted the doctor's trouser leg.\n

\n\n

\n —He actually wanted to pat his forehead to signal the doctor not to worry, but the kitten was too short. Unless he jumped up and slapped the doctor in the face, he couldn't reach the forehead.\n

\n\n

\n And Bai Yu clearly wasn't comforted; he was still angry.\n

\n\n

\n He wasn't angry at the dumpling, but at himself. A kitten lacked the intelligence to distinguish between good and bad outside. If it slipped out, fundamentally, it was because Bai Yu hadn't done a good enough job safeguarding the place. It was the owner's fault.\n

\n\n

\n The doctor muttered to himself: "The doors are shut, the windows are locked dead... Not even a mouse could squeeze into this clinic. Tell me, where did you slip out from?"\n

\n\n

\n To this day, he still couldn't figure out where the dumpling had slipped out from.\n

\n\n

\n "..."\n

\n\n

\n Imuel sheepishly retracted his paw and gave a guilty "Meow".\n

\n\n

\n Looking up at the doctor, having been scolded into having airplane ears, he blinked his lake-blue eyes, striving to convey two emotions: 'innocent' and 'guiltless'.\n

\n\n

\n Bai Yu propped up his forehead and sighed deeply.\n

\n\n

\n Having lost and found it again, his heart was filled with complicated and unspeakable emotions. On one hand, self-blame and regret surged up.\n

\n\n

\n It was his fault.\n

\n\n

\n If he had sealed the windows a little better, wouldn't the dumpling have avoided facing these dangers?\n

\n\n

\n Bai Yu looked down. The kitten was lying limply in the corner, its ears drooping, seemingly frightened by him.\n

\n\n

\n In all fairness, the dumpling was a very good kitten, and getting lost shouldn't be the kitten's responsibility. After Bai Yu's anger passed, what followed was belated guilt. He gently lifted the kitten, cradled it in his arms, rubbed its little bottom, and softened his voice: "Did the spanking hurt?"\n

\n\n

\n Imuel's fur started puffing up again.\n

\n\n

\n A light slap didn't hurt, but when the doctor's hand rubbed against him, a tingling electrical current surged up his tailbone. It felt unfamiliar and strange, making him unconsciously kick his hind legs, kicking the doctor twice.\n

\n\n

\n D-damn doctor, let, let go!\n

\n\n

\n Bai Yu sighed: "I'm sorry, it's my fault. I frightened you on your first day back."\n

\n\n

\n Imuel looked up from his arms, lifted his tail to curl around the doctor's arm, and made a tiny sound: "Meow."\n

\n\n

\n I wasn't frightened at all.\n

\n\n

\n Bai Yu tapped his airplane ears. The little ears still hadn't popped back up, seeming to have been badly frightened. Looking at the dumpling's fluffy, furry, and perfectly round head, as well as the kitten's obedient posture sitting in his arms, he suddenly lowered his head and planted a soft, feather-light kiss on the top of its head.\n

\n\n

\n The kitten's ears twitched.\n

\n\n

\n The doctor sighed, his voice very gentle: "I'm sorry, don't be afraid anymore."\n

\n\n

\n The warmth of lips transmitted from the top of his head. Imuel realized, belatedly, that he had been kissed. He stiffened almost like a petrified statue, nearly taking a nosedive off the doctor's arm. The fur on his tail puffed up, and he hastily broke free from the embrace, landing on the floor.\n

\n\n

\n "Meow!"\n

\n\n

\n F-frivolous doctor! I w-wasn't afraid! How could you just casually kiss this Grand Duke!\n

\n\n

\n The kitten's arms were too short to touch the spot that had been kissed. Imuel could only use his fluffy big tail to rub the top of his head, where that bizarre sensation still lingered. His lake-blue eyes darted from the ceiling to the window, no longer daring to look at the doctor.\n

\n\n

\n So weird.\n

\n\n

\n Bai Yu had no idea about the convoluted thoughts going through his mind. Seeing that the kitten's airplane ears had returned to normal and it seemed to have been coaxed well, he took a step back: "Play in the room for a bit. I bought some beef, I'll cut a little for you."\n

\n\n

\n The best way to coax a kitten was to bribe it with food.\n

\n\n

\n Imuel: "Meow."\n

\n\n

\n Okay.\n

\n\n

\n He pawed at the floor and thought to himself, 'Did you buy it specially for me?'\n

\n\n

\n He remembered that the doctor didn't really like eating beef.\n

\n\n

\n There was still dust from outside on his paw pads. Just now, both of them had been emotional and neither had noticed. Now that he was pawing, the claw marks left behind were very obvious.\n

\n\n

\n Bai Yu lowered his gaze, landing on the paw prints.\n

\n\n

\n Imuel stepped on them, using his body to press over the marks, continuing to act innocent.\n

\n\n

\n Bai Yu frowned slightly.\n

\n\n

\n The platinum kitten was quite clean, its fur fluffy and white, looking as though it had cleaned itself. However, it was still travel-stained. It had rubbed against wall dust on its tail, and its paw pads were covered in dirt. Its legs were too short, so the fur on its belly inevitably touched the ground; some parts had rubbed against water and turned into clumped strands.\n

\n\n

\n The doctor rested his chin on his hand: "A little dirty."\n

\n\n

\n He muttered to himself: "I'll grab you to take a bath after you finish eating the beef paste."\n

\n\n

\n "..."\n

\n\n

\n The Grand Duke, who had been squatting obediently, thought of something unknown and instantly puffed up his fur: "Meow!"\n

\n\n

\n Damn doctor, exactly how do you intend to bathe this Duke?\n

","published_time":"2026-05-24T00:00:00.000Z","paid":false,"show_flag":true,"show_scheduled_time":"2026-05-24T00:00:00.000Z","unpaid_scheduled_time":"2026-05-24T00:00:00.000Z"},{"content_id":4465,"novel_id":71,"chapter_no":73,"chapter_title":"Bathing","content":"

\n Imuel stepped across the doctor's pants, leaving a pitch-black paw print behind.\n

\n\n

\n He was then picked up by the scruff of his neck by the doctor.\n

\n\n

\n Bai Yu patted his pants, "It really is a bit dirty."\n

\n\n

\n He let the dumpling out of the bedroom and turned to enter the kitchen to prepare the beef. Tabby and Tortoiseshell peeked around the doorway, hesitating whether to come in.\n

\n\n

\n Platinum Dumpling unceremoniously occupied the kitchen door, glaring at the two newly arrived kittens, "Meow!"\n

\n\n

\n 'This is my home! The meat the doctor is cutting is for me to eat!'\n

\n\n

\n Tabby and Tortoiseshell: "..."\n

\n\n

\n The tiny kitten posed no threat whatsoever. The brother and sister shot him a sidelong glance, bypassed him, and with a stretch of their long legs, easily jumped onto the counter. They settled themselves next to the doctor, lazily sweeping a glance over the platinum kitten.\n

\n\n

\n Imuel: "..."\n

\n\n

\n He was obviously the one who came first, yet he had absolutely no family status!\n

\n\n

\n He gathered strength in his hind legs and made a fierce pounce—\n

\n\n

\n His legs were too short; he didn't make the jump.\n

\n\n

\n Another fierce pounce—\n

\n\n

\n Still didn't make it.\n

\n\n

\n Bai Yu rubbed his temples with a headache.\n

\n\n

\n The clattering behind him was hard to ignore. He turned around, supported the dumpling's abdomen with one hand, and lifted him up. Imuel's four paws had nothing to push off against and flailed helplessly in the air before being gently placed next to the counter.\n

\n\n

\n He leaned close to the doctor's hand and sniffed the plate.\n

\n\n

\n Bai Yu had already done the initial prep for the ingredients. He pushed the plate toward Imuel, "You must be hungry from wandering outside. Eat up."\n

\n\n

\n Imuel stuck out his tongue and gave it a gentle lick.\n

\n\n

\n In his cat form, his sense of taste was slightly different from a human's. Raw meat and bones might be bland and bloody to humans, but it was just right for a kitten's taste buds. The food on the plate was delicious, but Imuel couldn't eat any more.\n

\n\n

\n He had just eaten at the Grand Duke's Mansion, and it was the doctor who served him.\n

\n\n

\n Ever since getting injured, Imuel had a poor appetite and forced himself to eat. It was only because the doctor was by his side today, looking like a feast for the eyes, that he managed to eat a few more bites.\n

\n\n

\n So, the dumpling pawed at it, took two bites, and stopped moving.\n

\n\n

\n Bai Yu was slightly surprised and rubbed the kitten's belly. Imuel cooperatively let out a burp.\n

\n\n

\n He was full.\n

\n\n

\n Bai Yu raised an eyebrow, "Looks like you've been living quite comfortably while wandering outside?"\n

\n\n

\n Imuel tilted his head, playing dumb.\n

\n\n

\n So Bai Yu took the bowl away from him and placed it next to the drooling Tabby and Tortoiseshell siblings, "Here, you guys eat it."\n

\n\n

\n Imuel: "!"\n

\n\n

\n He bit onto the doctor's sleeve.\n

\n\n

\n 'No! How could he give it to other cats!'\n

\n\n

\n Bai Yu sighed, "You have to yield to your younger brother and sister, they're still small."\n

\n\n

\n Imuel simply refused to let go; he even clamped down tighter and began to gnash his teeth resentfully on Bai Yu's sleeve.\n

\n\n

\n 'Small, my foot! These two have such long legs already, how are they small!'\n

\n\n

\n At this moment, Tabby and Tortoiseshell also crowded over. They usually didn't like eating beef, and they hadn't even finished the fish and chicken Bai Yu cut for them. Yet now, they stubbornly squeezed in, flattening the fur on top of Platinum Dumpling's head.\n

\n\n

\n For a moment, the three kittens bunched together, jostling each other like loaches, darting left and right. Bai Yu couldn't even catch them.\n

\n\n

\n Veins bulged slightly on his forehead. Finally, he reached out and grabbed Tabby and Tortoiseshell, one in each hand, and carried them along with their food bowls out of the kitchen. He said coldly, "Alright, your older brother just came back, you need to yield to him too. Daddy will make you guys something delicious tomorrow."\n

\n\n

\n Imuel swished his tail, arrogantly perching beside the food bowl. He watched coldly, revealing a haughty expression toward the two kittens.\n

\n\n

\n 'See, even if you are here, Bai Yu's favorite kitten is... wait—'\n

\n\n

\n Imuel belatedly realized what was said and looked up at the doctor in disbelief.\n

\n\n

\n 'What did the doctor just call himself?'\n

\n\n

\n '...Daddy?'\n

\n\n

\n 'Daddy?!?!'\n

\n\n

\n Bai Yu called himself the daddy of Tortoiseshell and Tabby, and said Imuel was their older brother, so that meant...\n

\n\n

\n Imuel: "!!!"\n

\n\n

\n The kitten's paws slipped, and he tumbled straight off the counter, belly down, landing with a smack onto the rice bin.\n

\n\n

\n The height wasn't high, but Imuel still felt dizzy. He patted his head with his paws, feeling as if struck by lightning, his mind a scorched wasteland.\n

\n\n

\n '...What the hell?'\n

\n\n

\n Modern people who keep cats and dogs all call themselves the parents of their pets. Because of his profession, Bai Yu had added many pet owners on WeChat, and the notes were often "XX's Dad" or "XX's Mom", like Zhaocai's Dad or Wangcai's Mom. Now that he was personally raising three kittens, he felt perfectly fine calling himself their daddy.\n

\n\n

\n Imuel: "..."\n

\n\n

\n When Bai Yu tried to reach out to hold him, the Grand Duke extended his paw and slapped the doctor on the back of his hand.\n

\n\n

\n His claws were hidden in his toe beans, unextended, but the force was not small; it was already the maximum strength the Grand Duke could muster.\n

\n\n

\n 'Damn it, how dare he take advantage of me!'\n

\n\n

\n 'A mere valet, yet so oblivious to his own status!'\n

\n\n

\n Imuel shot the doctor a sidelong glance, leaped off the rice bin with his kitten steps, and trotted pit-a-pat to the door, trying to push open the kitchen door.\n

\n\n

\n The shock was too great. Imuel didn't want to pay attention to the doctor anymore; he needed to find a place for some peace and quiet.\n

\n\n

\n But before he could push it open, he was picked up again by the doctor supporting his bottom.\n

\n\n

\n Bai Yu sighed, "Stop running around. Let's get you washed first."\n

\n\n

\n Imuel indignantly swatted the back of his hand again.\n

\n\n

\n 'Damn it, until this title issue is cleared up, you are not allowed to touch this Grand Duke!'\n

\n\n

\n Although the kitten used all his strength, to Bai Yu, it was just a light slap that couldn't even break his defense. He carried the kitten to the bathroom, placed him in the bathtub, took down the showerhead, and adjusted the temperature, "Alright, bath first."\n

\n\n

\n The Grand Duke bathed every day; if he hadn't run to the roof to look at Bai Yu, his fur wouldn't have gotten dirty.\n

\n\n

\n As the Grand Duke of Illyria, being held down for a bath was simply too bizarre.\n

\n\n

\n Imuel began to struggle violently.\n

\n\n

\n He was tiny, but he flailed with considerable strength. Bai Yu lost his grip for a moment. The doctor looked at the dumpling that had bounced out of the bathtub and asked in surprise, "You don't want to wash?"\n

\n\n

\n He pointedly added, "...But, you're so dirty, and a little ugly."\n

\n\n

\n "?"\n

\n\n

\n Imuel turned his head and looked into the mirror.\n

\n\n

\n "!"\n

\n\n

\n His fur was splashed with water, plastered limply to his body, and his tail and belly were smeared with dust, looking all gray and dingy.\n

\n\n

\n He was indeed a little ugly.\n

\n\n

\n And so, Bai Yu successfully picked the crestfallen kitten back up.\n

\n\n

\n The sink in his house wasn't big enough, and he didn't know what the original owner had washed in it, as the bottom of the basin was covered in rust. So, Bai Yu simply decided to use the bathtub.\n

\n\n

\n The height of the bathtub was still too high for a kitten. The dumpling clung to the edge of the tub, staring fixedly at Bai Yu, seemingly a bit scared.\n

\n\n

\n Bai Yu reached out to support him, scratched his little head, adjusted the water temperature and flow, and gently sprayed it over him. During this, he parted the grown-out fur on the abdomen to check on that wound.\n

\n\n

\n Imuel: "Mew."\n

\n\n

\n He clung to the bathtub, kicking his legs uncomfortably.\n

\n\n

\n Having his belly exposed and stared at like this felt very strange.\n

\n\n

\n Bai Yu: "Don't move."\n

\n\n

\n The doctor carefully examined the wound. It had already healed, leaving a faint mark. The uneven scar was perched on his lower abdomen, heavily concealed by the fur.\n

\n\n

\n Imuel trembled slightly and also looked down.\n

\n\n

\n 'So ugly.'\n

\n\n

\n When he transformed into a human, he also had a scar like this on his abdomen. The newly formed scar was still light pink and would tremble sensitively at the lightest touch. Now, the doctor traced his fingers along the wound to check the healing progress. Those warm fingertips traced the scar little by little, going lower and lower, lower and lower...\n

\n\n

\n "..."\n

\n\n

\n Imuel lost his footing and plunged directly into the bathtub. The water wasn't deep right now, so he sputtered abruptly and stood up.\n

\n\n

\n Bai Yu was taken aback and laughed, "You can slip doing this too?"\n

\n\n

\n He reached out to support the dumpling, but hanging over the edge of the tub didn't give him enough leverage. Bai Yu considered it for a moment, then simply stepped his long legs over and got into the bathtub as well.\n

\n\n

\n Imuel: "!"\n

\n\n

\n The doctor sat cross-legged in the bathtub, and he was placed on the doctor's lap.\n

\n\n

\n When he was injured, the Grand Duke would often sleep on the doctor's thighs. The feel of those muscles was full and springy. He stood there blankly, not daring to move a muscle.\n

\n\n

\n The doctor was still wearing the valet's undershirt, which was now completely soaked.\n

\n\n

\n The pure white fabric, wet with water, clung tightly to his body. Imuel looked up, and through the fabric, he could even faintly see a hint of red.\n

\n\n

\n The kitten hurriedly lowered his head.\n

\n\n

\n Imuel never knew that the footmen's attire at the Grand Duke's Mansion could be so seductive. At this moment, he seemed to have inherently understood a certain Eastern idiom: 'See no evil.'\n

\n\n

\n Bai Yu washed him very gently. Perhaps thinking of the kitten's previous ordeals, he would occasionally rub the dumpling's head to soothe him. Once the washing was done, he carried Imuel out and wrapped him snugly in a towel.\n

\n\n

\n The doctor carefully wiped him with a blanket, then turned the hairdryer to the lowest setting, covered the dumpling's ears, and gently blew his fur dry before placing him on the ground.\n

\n\n

\n He was thoroughly patient and meticulous.\n

\n\n

\n Bai Yu was completely drenched himself, so he also took a shower. Imuel strolled around the clinic with his cat steps. Through the window, he suddenly saw someone at the door.\n

\n\n

\n It was a young man dressed as a postman, dropping a letter into the doctor's mailbox.\n

\n\n

\n The man was dressed ordinarily and looked hurried. Like any young person in Illyria struggling to make ends meet with a tight salary, he was unremarkable. Imuel only took one glance before looking away.\n

\n\n

\n The doctor finished his shower and came out.\n

\n\n

\n System 55, which remained shut down whenever the host showered or slept, booted up again at this moment. It rested on the doctor's shoulder and let out a yawn, "Someone delivered a letter to you."\n

\n\n

\n Bai Yu paused, "The Black Robe Society?"\n

\n\n

\n System 55: "Probably. Aside from them, no one else sends you letters."\n

\n\n

\n Bai Yu took out his keys and retrieved the letter from the mailbox. He didn't even think to avoid the kitten and just sat down at the desk to read it.\n

\n\n

\n Imuel stepped on the doctor's thigh, jumped onto the desk, and tilted his head to look.\n

\n\n

\n He slightly narrowed his eyes.\n

\n\n

\n It was an advertisement, poorly printed with some varying font sizes. It looked perfectly normal, but as Imuel swished his tail, he inexplicably felt something was off.\n

\n\n

\n Even though it was an ad, the doctor spent far too long reading it.\n

\n\n

\n Bai Yu held the advertising flyer, his gaze focused, seemingly reading it word by word.\n

\n\n

\n The Black Robe Society used their usual encryption method: several specific characters were bolded, disguised to look like a printer ink leak. System 55 scanned it quickly, "Host, the Black Robe Society is reminding you not to forget the gathering. At the same time, they've issued your second mission. Aside from investigating the forbidden area, they also want you to slip a certain powder into the Grand Duke's tea before he summons the ministers in seven days."\n

\n\n

\n Bai Yu: "Powder?"\n

\n\n

\n System 55: "The letter says it's a spice imported from outer regions. They still need time to transport it and will send it to you through Madam."\n

\n\n

\n Bai Yu nodded.\n

\n\n

\n According to the novel, he should have died long ago; these were all plot points that never occurred. The novel stipulated that Bai Yu must not proactively reveal his undercover identity, which meant if the Black Robe Society wanted his cooperation, he had to play along.\n

\n\n

\n Bai Yu tore the ad into irrecoverable pieces, then flushed them down the drain.\n

\n\n

\n Imuel tilted his head, "...Meow?"\n

\n\n

\n 'It's just an ordinary advertising flyer. Is it necessary to dispose of it like this?'\n

\n\n

\n The Grand Duke frowned slightly; something flashed through his mind, but before he could figure it out, the doctor had already stood up.\n

\n\n

\n Bai Yu scooped up the kitten, "I'm going to take a nap. Do you want to join me?"\n

\n\n

\n A kitten's brain capacity was only so big. Imuel instantly forgot about the ad flyer, "Mew!"\n

\n\n

\n 'Yes!'\n

\n\n

\n He firmly curled his tail around the doctor's arm to show his determination.\n

\n\n

\n Tabby and Tortoiseshell also wanted to come over, but they hadn't been washed in a while, so the doctor rejected them.\n

\n\n

\n Imuel lay on the doctor's shoulder. He was originally shorter than Tabby and Tortoiseshell, but now he was much higher. The kitten's tail curled up triumphantly. He looked smugly at the two meowing kittens on the floor and let out a reserved meow.\n

\n\n

\n 'Goodbye!'\n

\n\n

\n Imuel was accustomed to sleeping on the doctor's large bed. He rolled to the center of the bed like a natural and bounced twice on the doctor's pillow.\n

\n\n

\n Bai Yu half-lay down.\n

\n\n

\n He had a habit of reading books or newspapers before bed. He picked up a book to read, and under the pull of gravity, his pajamas clung closely to his body, outlining the curves of his waist and abdomen.\n

\n\n

\n Imuel tentatively stretched out his paw and placed it on the doctor's pectoral muscle.\n

\n\n

\n He tilted his head to gauge Bai Yu's reaction.\n

\n\n

\n No reaction.\n

\n\n

\n Imuel kneaded twice. When the muscles were relaxed, they felt soft to the touch; pushing against them was like pushing a piece of tofu, complete with faint ripples. It was very comfortable.\n

\n\n

\n The doctor continued to read, paying no mind to the kitten, nor did he roll over or toss him off.\n

\n\n

\n The kitten observed cautiously for a moment, then perked up his tail.\n

\n\n

\n 'No reaction, which means I can knead!'\n

","published_time":"2026-05-24T00:00:00.000Z","paid":false,"show_flag":true,"show_scheduled_time":"2026-05-24T00:00:00.000Z","unpaid_scheduled_time":"2026-05-24T00:00:00.000Z"},{"content_id":4466,"novel_id":71,"chapter_no":74,"chapter_title":"The Past","content":"

\n The doctor's pectoral muscles were very soft to step on, like a piece of melted butter. Imuel pressed his paws against them, quite unable to tear himself away.\n

\n\n

\n He was having a great time playing when he suddenly heard the doctor laugh. "Little perverted cat."\n

\n\n

\n Imuel: "!"\n

\n\n

\n He was not at all.\n

\n\n

\n At first, he just stood beside the doctor and pushed with his paws. Later, feeling it wasn't enough, he simply pushed off with his hind legs and laid his entire cat body on top.\n

\n\n

\n The kitten was only a tiny bit big, but his weight was surprisingly not light. Bai Yu tapped his nose. "You're so heavy."\n

\n\n

\n Imuel stepped down hard.\n

\n\n

\n It was soft, like stepping on a marshmallow.\n

\n\n

\n Kneading is an instinctive urge carved into a cat's bones. Imuel had never kneaded before, but now he was having a field day with it.\n

\n\n

\n The doctor complained about the weight, but he didn't shoo him away. Instead, he turned off the light, letting the kitten nestle on his chest, and tapped the cat's furry head. "Good afternoon, little cat."\n

\n\n

\n Imuel stretched out his paw pads and patted Bai Yu.\n

\n\n

\n 'Good afternoon, Doctor.'\n

\n\n

\n Ever since he was injured, Imuel was especially afraid of the cold. He couldn't warm up the blanket on his own. Whenever he slept until the second half of the night, the blanket was always chilly. The Grand Duke would toss and turn, unable to fall asleep, yet unable to ask a servant for help due to his pride. But the kitten didn't care about all that. The doctor's blanket was exceptionally warm and very safe. Pressed against the doctor's side, Imuel quickly fell asleep.\n

\n\n

\n He flicked his tail and thought to himself, 'This Mutation Period shouldn't be too hard to endure.'\n

\n\n

\n It had been over a month since he turned back into a kitten. Calculating the days, the Mutation Period would be within these next two days.\n

\n\n

\n Sure enough, halfway through his sleep, a familiar pain spread from his muscles, covering his entire body.\n

\n\n

\n He was in a daze, his body twitching unnaturally. Cold sweat seeped through his skin, soaking the fur on his abdomen.\n

\n\n

\n The Mutation Period had begun.\n

\n\n

\n Imuel's body was not stable. His mother was an altered slave, presented as a tribute by a neighboring country to the previous Grand Duke. Because of her delicate beauty and mild temperament, she was favored. Unfortunately, as an unnatural product of genetic modification, she was born with defects, making her only suitable for being an ornamental plaything, not for reproduction.\n

\n\n

\n Later, she gained the Grand Duke's favor and became pregnant with Imuel. The previous Grand Duke didn't look forward to this child; he merely held a spectator's mindset, wanting to see what kind of monster a union between a catwoman and a human could produce. Thus, he allowed Imuel to be born. Under these circumstances, Imuel's genetic defects were even greater and more severe. Every month, he would experience uncontrollable feline transformations, during which he would suffer immense pain.\n

\n\n

\n The little dumpling beside him kept trembling, waking Bai Yu up. He scratched the kitten's chin, stroked his back, and wrapped him in the soft blanket as he picked him up, calling softly, "Dumpling? What's wrong? Are you having a nightmare?"\n

\n\n

\n The kitten's whole body trembled, and a barely audible murmur came from his throat. His eyelids were heavy, his body stiff. He struggled to wake up but couldn't, evidently trapped in an extremely deep nightmare.\n

\n\n

\n Imuel recalled his childhood and that dark dungeon in the Duke's Mansion.\n

\n\n

\n Imuel grew up there.\n

\n\n

\n Slaves were unpresentable things, and Catfolk were the most lowly kind of slaves. Although Imuel was said to be the Grand Duke's child, the Grand Duke himself didn't care. Raising the kitten was like keeping a rare pet, no different from the swans in the garden or the parrots on the perches. No one in the entire Duke's Mansion ever treated him as a proper young master.\n

\n\n

\n A little plaything born from a plaything, and a plaything with genetic defects at that—on what grounds could he be the Grand Duke's child?\n

\n\n

\n The previous Grand Duke was naturally romantic and promiscuous. He kept a Madam and multiple mistresses in the mansion. He had three proper sons with names and titles, all of whom were qualified to inherit the title of Duke. Imuel was the youngest, of the lowest birth, and his status was both humble and awkward. Naturally, he became the target of everyone's bullying. These people would forcefully drag him out of bed during his Mutation Period, carry him to the frozen lake, dump rotting, stinking food on the ground, and force him to lick it clean.\n

\n\n

\n In winter, the lake water was freezing. With his lower abdomen pressed against the ice, it wouldn't be long before he was convulsing and shivering. Even the servants wouldn't eat the food brought to him; its sour, rotten stench was mixed with an overwhelming fishy smell.\n

\n\n

\n Imuel felt humiliated and disgusted, but he had no other choice. He could only eat.\n

\n\n

\n If he didn't eat it, he wouldn't have any rations for the following days either.\n

\n\n

\n Later, the Duke hired a tutor for his eldest son. Imuel listened under the window, gradually learning the tricks and tactics of human society. He lay in wait for years, relying on his ability to transform into a kitten to bypass the guards and move around the Duke's Mansion. He quietly killed his older brothers, becoming the sole heir to the Duke's Mansion.\n

\n\n

\n His methods could be called despicable: slow-acting poisons, framing, utilizing every extreme measure possible.\n

\n\n

\n With his sons dying one after another, the previous Duke's hair turned white with worry. Unfortunately, no matter how suspicious he was, he would never suspect that a timid, cowardly kitten who was scared even when his brothers spoke loudly was the main culprit.\n

\n\n

\n By then, he was old and had no further chance of producing offspring. Even though he was dissatisfied with Imuel's slave origins, he could only acknowledge his identity and establish him as the heir. Holding his nose, he covered up his mother's identity, treated him as a legitimate heir, and hired tutors to teach him etiquette.\n

\n\n

\n Having a slave's child as his heir was a disgrace to the old Duke as well. Fortunately, not many people knew of Imuel's existence, and the old Duke deliberately concealed it. After a thorough purge, no one in the Duke's Mansion knew of Imuel's origins anymore.\n

\n\n

\n Externally, the old Duke claimed that Imuel was an illegitimate child left outside after a one-night stand with a commoner girl.\n

\n\n

\n The old Duke concocted a very long story to rationalize Imuel's identity. In the story, the old Duke was handsome, gentlemanly, gentle, and affectionate, while the commoner girl was elegant, beautiful, and well-educated. They romanced under the flowers and the moon, sharing intimate moments, and Imuel was their highly anticipated child, the proper heir to the Duke's Mansion. It was only due to the turmoil that the girl died an unnatural death, causing him to wander in destitution for so many years.\n

\n\n

\n And the entrance to that pitch-black dungeon at the bottom of the lake was leveled by the Duke and covered with dirt. When another year passed and the grass grew and birds flew, the newly sprouted green plants grew vigorously. Calliandra and allamanda crisscrossed over the iron cover, and that past, just like Imuel's origins, was completely buried.\n

\n\n

\n How those hazy days in the dungeon were spent, Imuel no longer remembered. The human brain has a protective mechanism that automatically blocks out overly painful memories. He had mostly forgotten his time in the basement, but those memories still lay dormant deep within his subconscious. Hidden from view on ordinary days, just a mere fragment revealed in a nightmare was enough to cause unbearable pain.\n

\n\n

\n Cold, so cold.\n

\n\n

\n A darkness with no end in sight, the sound of water droplets splashing overhead. The entire area was dark and damp, corners covered in moss. Even the blankets were moldy and sprouting mycelium, and every breath was filled with a dark, damp scent.\n

\n\n

\n There was no sunlight, and no warmth.\n

\n\n

\n In his sleep, Imuel covered his stomach with his tail.\n

\n\n

\n So hungry too...\n

\n\n

\n The food provided by the servants and the young masters was nowhere near enough. They fed Imuel as if they were feeding a real kitten, entirely insufficient to provide him with the energy for growth and development.\n

\n\n

\n Actually, Imuel wasn't a short-legged cat. The reason his feline form still had the physique of a kitten even after he reached adulthood was due to malnutrition in his youth.\n

\n\n

\n His feline form stopped developing early, so it remained frozen in that state. Fortunately, his older brothers died early too, allowing his human height to shoot up a bit. He was only slightly shorter than the doctor, preventing him from becoming truly short-legged.\n

\n\n

\n In the nightmare, those long-absent injuries came knocking on his door once again. The joints between his bones ached intensely, and the entire kitten curled up into a ball. In a daze, Imuel seemed to be sleeping in that basement by the lake. His lake-blue eyes stared blankly at the ceiling, where a small vent was left, just big enough for a kitten to pass through. A single ray of sunlight was leisurely shining down.\n

\n\n

\n The sunlight fell on his body.\n

\n\n

\n It was very strange. That bowl-sized spot of light actually brought astonishing heat, making his abdomen feel warm. Then the sunlight expanded, and the warmth expanded too, until finally, the entire kitten became toasty warm, as if he had soaked up his fill of the sun's temperature.\n

\n\n

\n Imuel's eyelids fluttered, and he opened his eyes.\n

\n\n

\n He saw the doctor.\n

\n\n

\n He was lying on the doctor's stomach, his abdomen pressed tightly against the doctor's, and heat radiated over in a steady stream. The doctor's warm hand was placed on his back, stroking his fur stroke by stroke. Those usually cold, placid eyes remarkably showed a trace of worry, seemingly pondering how to wake him up.\n

\n\n

\n Seeing him wake up, Bai Yu visibly breathed a sigh of relief.\n

\n\n

\n The doctor tapped the kitten's forehead and rubbed the fluffy fur on top of his head. "You're finally awake. You were trembling so severely. What did you dream of? Hmm?"\n

\n\n

\n His tolerant and comforting tone made it seem as if he would actually earnestly listen to a kitten talk about the contents of its nightmare.\n

\n\n

\n Imuel let out a very soft meow.\n

\n\n

\n I dreamed of...\n

\n\n

\n Bai Yu didn't interrupt. Instead, he stroked the kitten's back at a steady rhythm, like a form of soothing, and also as if to say, "It's okay, you speak, I'm listening."\n

\n\n

\n Imuel: "Meow meow meow meow meow meow..."\n

\n\n

\n He spoke fast and urgently, his words all jumbled up. It would be difficult to understand even if translated into human speech, let alone meowed out like this. To the doctor, it was merely meaningless noise.\n

\n\n

\n Imuel knew the doctor couldn't understand, but he couldn't help wanting to speak.\n

\n\n

\n The personnel in the Grand Duke's Mansion had been purged long ago after Imuel was established as the heir. No one knew his origins, let alone his grievances. In everyone's eyes, he was the illegitimate son the Duke raised outside, well-read, tutored, and well-bred. Although he was only an illegitimate child, he was raised pampered in the lap of luxury, noble and precious, having never suffered the slightest hardship.\n

\n\n

\n Even when Imuel occasionally overheard the servants in the mansion talking, they all said that the newly appointed Grand Duke had been overly spoiled to develop such an arrogant and tyrannical temperament, unable to tolerate even the slightest speck of sand in his eyes.\n

\n\n

\n Only Imuel himself knew that he wasn't delicate at all. He could sleep on ice and endure pain. The reason he acted that way was simply because he was afraid.\n

\n\n

\n Because once his identity was discovered, eternal damnation lay ahead.\n

\n\n

\n He was more arrogant and harder to serve than the proper young masters in the mansion, all to bury his unbearable past, to keep everyone from knowing what a lowly state he used to be in. Having acted for so long, even he himself had forgotten.\n

\n\n

\n Now, in front of the doctor, using meows that the doctor couldn't understand, he finally found a place to pour out his bellyful of bitter water, recounting his deeply hidden grievances.\n

\n\n

\n Good thing the doctor couldn't understand.\n

\n\n

\n The doctor indeed couldn't understand, but that didn't stop him from knowing that the Platinum Dumpling was very sad right now and desperately needed comfort. So, he didn't interrupt the kitten, allowing him to meow meaninglessly. He just wrapped the soft blanket tighter around the cat and gently comforted him with his fingers.\n

\n\n

\n When Imuel finally finished saying everything, Bai Yu's hand was still stroking his back, his movements gentle and soothing. Imuel lifted his head. The doctor's calm eyes were watching him mildly, without the slightest bit of impatience.\n

\n\n

\n Having spoken his grievances, he didn't feel so sad anymore.\n

\n\n

\n Imuel's emotions gradually calmed down. He swished his large tail, wrapped it around himself, and belatedly started feeling embarrassed.\n

\n\n

\n He was a grown adult, yet he really treated himself like a kitten, standing on the doctor's legs and acting spoiled, eagerly wanting the doctor to coax him.\n

\n\n

\n How embarrassing.\n

\n\n

\n He raised his paws and buried his face in them.\n

\n\n

\n The doctor didn't think he was embarrassing. Bai Yu just couldn't imagine what exactly he had experienced to make the Platinum Dumpling terrified even in his dreams. He brought the exhausted kitten to his face, rubbed his pink little paw pads, and asked, "Do you want to sleep a little longer, or eat something? Do you want some beef puree? There's goat's milk too, and I also bought some cat grass."\n

\n\n

\n Bai Yu didn't talk much, nor was he good with words. For him, there was only one way to coax a sad kitten: feeding.\n

\n\n

\n Imuel shook his head.\n

\n\n

\n During the Mutation Period, his appetite also diminished. He couldn't really eat much. He merely spread his four limbs flat, his abdomen pressed tightly against the doctor's, tightly embracing the doctor in the posture of a kitten.\n

\n\n

\n —He didn't want to eat, he just wanted to hug.\n

\n\n

\n Strange to say, Imuel had never experienced care and affection. He had always tried his best to hide his kitten form, afraid of being discovered, afraid of being hurt. It was only after that time he fell into the water, when the wound on his abdomen caused his Mutation Period to advance and his feline form was exposed in front of the doctor, and the doctor picked him up and took him home, that he realized someone could take care of a kitten like this.\n

\n\n

\n So it didn't have to be hurt or for amusement, it could just be pure care.\n

\n\n

\n Since Imuel became the Grand Duke, there had been no shortage of people trying to curry favor with him. Some did it for promotions and titles, others for wealth and glory. Only the doctor cared absolutely nothing about these things. He didn't care whether Imuel was a Duke, nor did he care what identity the picked-up Platinum Dumpling had; he was simply good to him.\n

\n\n

\n Good to a weak, powerless, completely useless little kitten.\n

\n\n

\n A very strange feeling, but Imuel liked it very much.\n

\n\n

\n So he spread out his paws, using all the strength in his body to express his wish:\n

\n\n

\n —Hug.\n

\n\n

\n Bai Yu chuckled.\n

\n\n

\n He couldn't understand meows, but he could read the meaning of this action. Protecting the dumpling in his arms, he generously fulfilled his wish.\n

\n\n

\n "Okay, hug."\n

","published_time":"2026-05-24T00:00:00.000Z","paid":false,"show_flag":true,"show_scheduled_time":"2026-05-24T00:00:00.000Z","unpaid_scheduled_time":"2026-05-24T00:00:00.000Z"},{"content_id":4467,"novel_id":71,"chapter_no":75,"chapter_title":"Plea","content":"

\n The doctor didn't know how long he had been comforting the kitten before it finally quieted down completely.\n

\n\n

\n The dumpling fell asleep leaning on his belly just like that.\n

\n\n

\n Bai Yu pinched the bridge of his nose with a headache, thinking to himself, 'Looks like I'll have to ask for a leave of absence from the Duke's Mansion.'\n

\n\n

\n As the Duke's personal valet, he shouldn't leave his post without permission, but with the dumpling in this state, Bai Yu truly couldn't feel at ease leaving him home alone. After much thought, his only option was to ask for time off.\n

\n\n

\n He took advantage of the kitten's nap to make a quick trip to the Duke's Mansion to ask for leave. The old butler looked at him with a strange expression: "You don't need to come to the mansion for the next few days. The Duke is not here."\n

\n\n

\n Bai Yu: "The Duke is not here?"\n

\n\n

\n The old butler nodded: "This is also a habit of the Duke's. The Grand Duke's mother passed away early, so every month he leaves the mansion for a few days to stay at his mother's old residence on the mountain as a way of mourning. For these next few days, you and Miller are free to do as you please. Miller has already gone home, and you do not need to come either."\n

\n\n

\n Bai Yu's brow twitched.\n

\n\n

\n This habit of the Duke's could be described as utterly absurd.\n

\n\n

\n Not to mention that the Duke had suffered serious injuries and had not yet fully recovered, so leaving the warm Grand Duke's Mansion for his old residence in the suburbs might make his condition worse. Just speaking of the fact that Illyria was currently in a precarious state, with various factions restless and eager to make a move. Although the Duke held a high title, he could not rest easy. The territory was at risk of turmoil at any moment. At such a time, he abandoned his official duties every month, unfailingly heading to his old home?\n

\n\n

\n Bai Yu frowned: "The Duke goes to stay at his old residence in the countryside without taking any servants?"\n

\n\n

\n The old butler: "The Duke wishes to mourn his mother. He loathes being disturbed during his mourning and never brings servants."\n

\n\n

\n "..."\n

\n\n

\n Even more absurd.\n

\n\n

\n The Grand Duke of Illyria was of noble and precious status, pampered since childhood. How could he live staying at an old countryside residence without servants? Could he even use an earthen stove or cook a meal?\n

\n\n

\n Bai Yu suppressed the strange feeling in his heart: "Then may I ask where the Grand Duke's mother's old residence is? Once the Duke finishes his mourning, we can go bring him back."\n

\n\n

\n The old butler kept a deadpan expression and warned, "Mr. Bai, if you want to live well in the Duke's Mansion, look less, ask less, and just do your job. The Grand Duke never reveals his mother's residence, and you'd better not inquire about it either. This is one of the Duke's reverse scales. Knowing too much will do you no good."\n

\n\n

\n Despite saying this, the butler still cast a profound look at Bai Yu.\n

\n\n

\n Bai Yu didn't observe taboos at all; he was aiming straight for them. Given what this man had done in the Duke's Mansion these past few days, if it were anyone else, they would have been dragged out and executed by the Grand Duke ten thousand times over already. Yet, this person was still alive and kicking, living perfectly well.\n

\n\n

\n The old butler intuitively felt that the Grand Duke and the young doctor in front of him might have some unknown secret, but his professional ethics kept him from ever asking too much. Simply suppressing his doubts, he looked at Bai Yu with eyes like he was looking at a bewitching enchantress seducing his master, then let out a sigh and turned to leave.\n

\n\n

\n Being a butler was hard these days.\n

\n\n

\n Bai Yu: "..."\n

\n\n

\n System 55 flew to the side, its small screen flashing as it displayed a thinking expression: "Isn't this a bit off?"\n

\n\n

\n Having stayed with Bai Yu for so long, the system had also gained a bit more shrewdness.\n

\n\n

\n Bai Yu: "It is indeed off. There must be some secret, but it's not something we need to concern ourselves with."\n

\n\n

\n He was just a wandering soul from another world here to do a mission. Whatever secrets Grand Duke Imuel had, it had nothing to do with him.\n

\n\n

\n Gaining three days off for nothing, he could just go home and feed the dumpling.\n

\n\n

\n Passing by the market, Bai Yu conveniently bought a few things.\n

\n\n

\n He didn't know what the dumpling had encountered while wandering outside, but it suddenly became incredibly clingy. From the vigilant kitten it was when it first arrived, it had turned into a little gummy bear. Bai Yu felt a faint ache in his heart for it, so he was exceptionally meticulous with its food and quite indulgent.\n

\n\n

\n He indulged the dumpling as it rubbed up against him, indulged its desire to eat anything, even indulged it in driving its younger brother and sister out of the room, and indulged it in using the doctor's chest and abdomen as a bed, curling its tail into a fluffy ball on top of him.\n

\n\n

\n Thus, Imuel truly experienced the most comfortable Mutation Period he'd had in years.\n

\n\n

\n He was like a piece of cotton candy that couldn't be shaken off, firmly stuck to the doctor. Wherever Bai Yu went, he went, meowing for hugs. He wouldn't even let Bai Yu off when he was reading a book or a newspaper. The doctor felt pity for him and couldn't bear to refuse, silently acquiescing.\n

\n\n

\n As for Tabby and Tortoiseshell, they did not receive such good treatment.\n

\n\n

\n The doctor was already physically and mentally exhausted from dealing with one Platinum Dumpling, and he was in no mood to deal with the energetic brother and sister pair. Therefore, the two kittens could only watch helplessly as their "brother" monopolized the doctor's shoulders, meowing in jealousy.\n

\n\n

\n Imuel hugged the doctor, only revealing a small head from behind the doctor's back, his little tail perked up.\n

\n\n

\n Under the jealous gazes of Tabby and Tortoiseshell, the pain of the Mutation Period didn't seem so hard to bear anymore.\n

\n\n

\n The dumpling wagged his platinum-colored tail, like raising a small flag of victory, blatantly telling Tabby and Tortoiseshell, "See, I'm still the most favored in this house."\n

\n\n

\n The two kittens arched their backs and hissed at Imuel. Imuel felt smug from being hissed at, finally getting back at them for being ignored on the roof. He wrapped his two short paws around the doctor's neck, and then, right in front of Tabby and Tortoiseshell, he suddenly leaned over and planted a loud smooch on Bai Yu's cheek.\n

\n\n

\n Mine!\n

\n\n

\n He's mine!\n

\n\n

\n Anyway, whatever the kitten did would be indulged. The doctor had kissed him too, so what was wrong with him giving a kiss!\n

\n\n

\n The doctor had been cleaning the kitchen and looked at the dumpling with quite a bit of surprise. He raised an eyebrow slightly, seemingly bothered, and said, "I don't think you're feeling that uncomfortable anymore. How about you get down?"\n

\n\n

\n Imuel: "!"\n

\n\n

\n No! Absolutely not!\n

\n\n

\n He hugged even tighter.\n

\n\n

\n Bai Yu was rendered speechless, feeling that this kitten was perhaps too human-like. He shook his head and let the kitten be.\n

\n\n

\n The next afternoon, Madam arrived as promised.\n

\n\n

\n She carefully observed the clinic, making sure that no one had approached Bai Yu all afternoon, before pulling down the brim of her hat and slipping into the clinic.\n

\n\n

\n The Black Robe Society had already informed Bai Yu of her arrival, so he was not surprised. Like an ordinary doctor facing a patient, he skillfully pulled out the examination table and asked politely, "Madam, where are you feeling unwell?"\n

\n\n

\n With a patient present, Imuel was placed in a cardboard box off to the side. Inside the box was a soft little blanket, allowing the kitten to lie comfortably on top.\n

\n\n

\n The Duke pawed at the edge of the box, poking his head out to peek over, and then furrowed his non-existent little eyebrows.\n

\n\n

\n He recognized Madam.\n

\n\n

\n Back when Hammerhead Shark said he wanted to catch cats, he was with Madam.\n

\n\n

\n But Bai Yu was a doctor, and Imuel couldn't disturb his normal consultation.\n

\n\n

\n Madam had specially put on makeup today, applying a thick layer of white powder and concealing the color of her lips, making her look haggard and sickly. She cleared her throat, weakly covered her lips with her hand, coughed twice, and then said weakly, "I caught a chill in the wind at night. Now I'm having cold sweats all over and don't feel too well, so I wanted to have you take a look."\n

\n\n

\n Bai Yu played along with her act, shining a light to check her eyes and tongue coating: "It's not serious. Taking some medicine will fix it."\n

\n\n

\n He prescribed two doses of tonic for Madam.\n

\n\n

\n Madam thanked him politely, then took out her wallet. While paying, she pressed the banknotes along with a small bag into Bai Yu's palm.\n

\n\n

\n "Thank you, Doctor. This is your consultation fee."\n

\n\n

\n Bai Yu discreetly slipped it into his pocket: "I wish you a speedy recovery."\n

\n\n

\n Madam nodded and walked quickly out the door. After looking around for a moment, she lowered the brim of her hat again.\n

\n\n

\n After seeing her off, Bai Yu used the opportunity of going to the restroom to wash his hands to take the items out of his pocket.\n

\n\n

\n It was a bag of white powder and a sticky note.\n

\n\n

\n The note read: "The drug is colorless and odorless. Please put it into the Grand Duke's tea or food about two hours before he convenes the meeting."\n

\n\n

\n Bai Yu tore the note to pieces, flushed it down the drain, and then picked up the powder, holding it before his eyes to observe.\n

\n\n

\n It was granular and white; its effects could not be determined just by looking.\n

\n\n

\n System 55: "Are you going to do as the Black Robe Society said?"\n

\n\n

\n Bai Yu: "I'll hold off for now and make a decision on the eve of the meeting."\n

\n\n

\n Grand Duke Imuel might not necessarily be a good person, but he could be called a good Grand Duke.\n

\n\n

\n During the few days Bai Yu stayed at the Duke's Mansion, Imuel had been dedicated to his official duties. After he returned to his position, the chaotic situation in Illyria had eased, and the armed brawls and shootouts between gangs and thugs on the streets had decreased significantly. The city-state as a whole was relatively peaceful. For the residents at the bottom of the city, this was already a rare period of recuperation.\n

\n\n

\n If he had to choose between Imuel and the Black Robe Society as the supreme leader of Illyria, Bai Yu would choose Imuel.\n

\n\n

\n —At least Imuel wouldn't point a gun at civilians and drug people left and right.\n

\n\n

\n But on the other hand, Bai Yu's mission had reached a deadlock. The Grand Duke's tolerance toward him was unbelievably high, and he desperately needed a breakthrough to force the Grand Duke to make a move against him.\n

\n\n

\n The mission rules stated that he must not actively reveal his undercover identity, but if he were to be found out, it shouldn't matter.\n

\n\n

\n Bai Yu tucked the medicinal powder safely away close to his body, lowered his eyes, and walked back to the consultation room, pretending that nothing had happened.\n

\n\n

\n After the three-day holiday, Bai Yu returned to his post.\n

\n\n

\n The Grand Duke arrived belatedly two hours after his return, and then immediately buried himself in the study to handle the political affairs that had accumulated over these past few days.\n

\n\n

\n The study was full of core secrets. Bai Yu and Miller, as novice valets, were not allowed to enter. He was happy to be at leisure, so he simply grabbed a handful of fish from the kitchen and went to the lake to feed the swans.\n

\n\n

\n With the work being light and uneventful, Bai Yu went to bed early. He turned off the lights and looked through the window, only to see that the Grand Duke's room was still brightly lit.\n

\n\n

\n With political affairs backlogged for three days, he didn't know how late Imuel would have to work to handle them.\n

\n\n

\n This had nothing to do with Bai Yu. He closed his eyes, but before he could fall asleep, he heard the call bell by his bed.\n

\n\n

\n This was the Grand Duke's summons bell, and it only rang in his room; Miller's room did not ring.\n

\n\n

\n Bai Yu had no choice but to get up, change into his valet uniform, and rush to the Duke's bedroom. There was only one lamp lit in the room, and the butler and guards were nowhere to be seen. The Grand Duke had changed into loungewear. He was weak from illness, so emaciated that he could barely hold up the clothes, giving off a somewhat frail and sickly air. Yet, his appearance remained beautiful. At this moment, he was sitting on the edge of the bed, staring intently at Bai Yu. His lake-blue eyes reflected the lamplight, the flickering orange-yellow spots falling into his depths like a handful of crushed stars.\n

\n\n

\n Bai Yu bowed: "Summoning me late at night, is there something the matter, Duke?"\n

\n\n

\n Imuel asked softly, "Does what Mr. Bai said before still count?"\n

\n\n

\n Bai Yu paused. He had only been at the Duke's Mansion for half a month and hadn't interacted with the Duke many times. For a moment, he truly didn't know what he was referring to, so he simply asked, "What did I say?"\n

\n\n

\n Imuel: "That I could look for you anytime I felt unwell."\n

\n\n

\n That was Bai Yu's promise as a doctor to his patient.\n

\n\n

\n Bai Yu breathed a slight sigh of relief: "Of course. That is my duty."\n

\n\n

\n He observed the Grand Duke's complexion.\n

\n\n

\n Imuel had just returned from his old residence in the countryside, but his complexion was so awful he looked like he was suffering from a severe illness. The color of his lips was three degrees paler than Madam's when she had powdered her face with sickly makeup.\n

\n\n

\n If it were in his past life, Bai Yu would advise him to go to the hospital immediately, rather than consulting a pet doctor.\n

\n\n

\n But now, he could only stand firmly by the bedside: "Please tell me about your symptoms."\n

\n\n

\n The Grand Duke paused subtly for a moment.\n

\n\n

\n What symptoms could Imuel have? It was nothing more than the aftermath of the Mutation Period, but he couldn't explain these things to the doctor, let alone have them treated, so he gave a vague reply: "Perhaps I caught a cold, blowing in a bit of chilly wind."\n

\n\n

\n Bai Yu frowned.\n

\n\n

\n Imuel's condition was a severe internal deficiency, absolutely not a cold. But the Grand Duke insisted on his claim and wouldn't yield. Bai Yu inexplicably felt a spark of anger and said coldly, "Your Grace, if that's the case, I'm afraid I cannot treat your illness."\n

\n\n

\n If the patient himself didn't care about his body, concealing his illness and avoiding treatment, refusing to disclose his condition, what could a doctor do?\n

\n\n

\n He cast a glance at Imuel: "If you are truly unwilling to say, I can only prescribe some tonic formulas."\n

\n\n

\n Having said that, he stood straight up, turning to leave.\n

\n\n

\n "Ah, don't."\n

\n\n

\n Despite the valet overstepping his bounds like this, Imuel showed no intention of getting angry. Appearing slightly anxious, he lunged forward from the head of the bed and reached out to grab Bai Yu's sleeve. His cold white fingers gripped tightly, forcing a tinge of light red into his fingertips: "I don't need you to treat me."\n

\n\n

\n Bai Yu's frown deepened.\n

\n\n

\n The Duke looked as though he was suffering a severe loss of qi and blood, yet he called for a doctor and didn't want treatment. In the dead of night, was he taking him for a joke?\n

\n\n

\n Seeing his expression, Imuel imperceptibly twitched his ears. If he were in his kitten form, he would probably have airplane ears again: "I meant to say..."\n

\n\n

\n Imuel looked up at him, stating slowly, "Stay and keep me company."\n

\n\n

\n It was now the end of the Mutation Period. The unbearable agony in his muscles and bones had long subsided, leaving only an imperceptible ache in the crevices of his bones. During this time, Imuel could live normally and handle official documents without needing a doctor at all.\n

\n\n

\n However, the kitten who had experienced companionship and hugs found it very difficult to adapt to the lonely, long nights anymore.\n

\n\n

\n Having grown accustomed to the doctor's body heat, today's quilt felt exceptionally cold. Imuel tossed and turned for a long time, unable to control himself. A thought kept clamoring in his mind. After tossing around in hesitation, he still called for the doctor.\n

\n\n

\n —He wanted Bai Yu to keep him company.\n

\n\n

\n Bai Yu couldn't figure out what he was thinking: "Then what do you want me to do? Please be explicit."\n

\n\n

\n Imuel looked up at him, probing, "I want to sleep on your lap?"\n

\n\n

\n The kitten had already grown used to sleeping on the doctor's lap, abdomen, and chest, but the Duke hadn't slept there even once.\n

\n\n

\n Bai Yu raised his eyebrows high.\n

\n\n

\n Although he was the Duke's valet, this was still an impolite request.\n

\n\n

\n Imuel bit his lower lip again, belatedly realizing it was inappropriate. He let go of the sleeve, maintained the etiquette of a Grand Duke, and lifted his chin slightly: "There is another bed in my room, or, could you sleep there?"\n

\n\n

\n That was a chaperone bed, originally intended for servants to rest on at night.\n

\n\n

\n Bai Yu paused slightly.\n

\n\n

\n The Duke had long, slender limbs and a strikingly beautiful face. The curve of his profile was incredibly exquisite, like a work of art polished bit by bit with a file by the best craftsman in Illyria. Yet, as Bai Yu looked at him, for some reason, he thought of the round little kitten at home.\n

\n\n

\n Those lake-blue eyes were exceptionally similar.\n

\n\n

\n The Grand Duke's face was pale, with only a hint of flush on his cheeks, as if he were running a low-grade fever. He wasn't very old, somewhere between a teenager and a young adult, at a slightly green age. If this were Bai Yu's past life, he would still be in school.\n

\n\n

\n A sick person always needed extra comfort.\n

\n\n

\n The doctor leaned over and touched his forehead, which still bore cold sweat, let out a soft sigh, and eventually gave in.\n

\n\n

\n He sat down on the edge of the bed, thinking to himself, 'Go to sleep then. It's just sleeping on a lap, it's not like I'll lose a piece of meat.'\n

","published_time":"2026-05-24T00:00:00.000Z","paid":false,"show_flag":true,"show_scheduled_time":"2026-05-24T00:00:00.000Z","unpaid_scheduled_time":"2026-05-24T00:00:00.000Z"},{"content_id":4468,"novel_id":71,"chapter_no":76,"chapter_title":"The Wine Cellar","content":"

\n Seeing the doctor sit down on the edge of the bed, Imuel paused, looking a bit stunned.\n

\n\n

\n Bai Yu sighed, "Weren't you going to sleep? Go to sleep."\n

\n\n

\n It was rare for him to be so soft-hearted.\n

\n\n

\n Bai Yu took away the Duke's pillow and replaced it with his thigh, making room for him to sleep.\n

\n\n

\n Imuel was still in a daze.\n

\n\n

\n He stared blankly at the doctor, observing his expression, then lay down extremely carefully, rubbing his cheek against the side like a cat testing its territory.\n

\n\n

\n Could he really sleep here?\n

\n\n

\n Just a minute ago, he had clearly seen annoyance and displeasure in the doctor's eyes.\n

\n\n

\n Imuel lay on it, keeping his neck stiff for support, not daring to press his weight down. Bai Yu didn't look at him; instead, he casually picked up a book from the bedside table and, just like every other night in the clinic, lowered his eyes and began to read. Imuel let out a sigh of relief. Confirming that the doctor had no feelings of disgust or impatience, he finally rested his head down gently.\n

\n\n

\n The thigh muscles were of the perfect firmness, and since he was used to sleeping on them, Imuel felt like a cat returning to its familiar territory, completely surrounded by a sense of security. He closed his eyes, and it wasn't long before drowsiness washed over him.\n

\n\n

\n When steady breathing could be heard, Bai Yu lowered his eyes and examined the young man resting on his lap.\n

\n\n

\n The rumored Duke was a man of deep, unfathomable thoughts who loathed having others close to him. He was a formidable figure who slept in his armor and allowed no one to rest beside his bed. Yet now, this beautiful young man was sleeping on his lap as if no one else was around. His bright, stunning eyes were lightly closed, revealing a tired expression. He slept so peacefully, as if he was naturally meant to sleep soundly beside Bai Yu.\n

\n\n

\n "..."\n

\n\n

\n The doctor pushed up his glasses and thought, 'Strange.'\n

\n\n

\n The young man's neck was right next to his hand. If Bai Yu really was an undercover agent for the Black Robe Society, he could snap the Duke's neck right now.\n

\n\n

\n Thinking this, Bai Yu reached out his hand and placed his fingers on the Duke's neck. Right beneath his fingertips was the artery, pulsing steadily with every beat of his heart.\n

\n\n

\n If the Grand Duke had even the slightest bit of wariness towards him, he would have woken up by now and ordered the guards to arrest him.\n

\n\n

\n But Imuel did not.\n

\n\n

\n He trusted Bai Yu wholeheartedly. Feeling his body warmth, he even turned his face to the side and nuzzled against that hand.\n

\n\n

\n Like a coquettish kitten.\n

\n\n

\n "..."\n

\n\n

\n Bai Yu sighed softly and withdrew his hand. He massaged the space between his eyebrows and thought, 'With a personality like this, how on earth did he survive in the treacherous Grand Duke's Mansion, let alone inherit the title?'\n

\n\n

\n He maintained his reading posture, waiting until Imuel fell fast asleep before Bai Yu finally got up and left.\n

\n\n

\n Unexpectedly, the light in the valet's room was still on. Miller was sitting in the living room, staring at the door with a darkened expression, his thoughts unknown.\n

\n\n

\n Seeing Bai Yu, he raised his eyebrows: "What? The Grand Duke didn't ask you to stay the night?"\n

\n\n

\n Bai Yu walked past him without even sparing him a glance: "Why would he ask me to stay the night?"\n

\n\n

\n Miller sneered: "I just didn't expect that, considering how favored you are, you wouldn't even get the chance to stay the night."\n

\n\n

\n His gaze lingered over Bai Yu's waist and hips, circled around his tailbone, and then shifted to his thighs, noticing that his walking posture was a bit off and unsmooth.\n

\n\n

\n Miller clenched his fists.\n

\n\n

\n Bai Yu gave him a cold glance.\n

\n\n

\n —Imuel had slept for too long, making his legs go numb.\n

\n\n

\n There was naturally no need to tell Miller this. He went back to his room to sleep without a word. Under the weight of exhaustion, he had a good night's rest.\n

\n\n

\n The next day, Bai Yu was awakened by the sound of shears outside his window.\n

\n\n

\n He pushed open the window. The gardeners were pruning the garden lawn. Today, the Duke's Mansion was noticeably busier. Attendants were bustling in and out, and carts were transporting goods, leaving varying depths of tracks in the garden soil, as if preparing for an important gathering or banquet.\n

\n\n

\n The Black Robe Society had mentioned that the Grand Duke's Mansion would be hosting the regular Illyria council meeting.\n

\n\n

\n The regular meeting was held once every three months, convened by the Duke to gather all the nobles within the territory of Illyria, along with authoritative figures from the political and judicial fields, to discuss domestic issues together. It was somewhat akin to the imperial court assemblies of ancient China.\n

\n\n

\n Today, the old butler specifically called for Bai Yu and Miller to delegate household matters. As personal valets, they needed to share a portion of the inventory paperwork.\n

\n\n

\n Illyria had cumbersome etiquette. Depending on the noble titles of the attendees, the wines and beverages served at the banquet would vary. Bai Yu and Miller's task for the day was to check the required wines in the wine cellar.\n

\n\n

\n The Duke's Mansion had a massive wine cellar with a constant temperature all year round. It housed both vintage wines sealed and aged in oak barrels, as well as liqueurs stored in small glass bottles.\n

\n\n

\n Bai Yu stepped into the wine cellar. The area was vast, full of twists and turns, and fragmented into smaller spaces by oak barrels. There were many nooks and crannies, and since it rarely saw sunlight year-round, a chilling, gloomy aura wafted right into their faces.\n

\n\n

\n He slightly narrowed his eyes.\n

\n\n

\n Bai Yu had poor eyesight and relied entirely on the pair of glasses on the bridge of his nose. Without his glasses, he couldn't distinguish a person from an animal within ten meters. The dim lighting of the wine cellar made him feel a bit uncomfortable.\n

\n\n

\n Bai Yu stood still in front of the wine cabinet, cross-checking the wine list. 55 suddenly said, "Host, Miller is staring at you."\n

\n\n

\n The System sounded timid: "I feel like he's plotting something bad."\n

\n\n

\n Miller's petty little schemes couldn't be hidden at all, but Bai Yu didn't care. He put the disorganized wine vessels back in place: "Let him look."\n

\n\n

\n If Miller could use his petty tricks to make the Grand Duke despise Bai Yu and help him complete the task early, that would be for the best.\n

\n\n

\n When the butler assigned the task, he didn't see Bai Yu and gave it to Miller, who then relayed it. At this moment, Miller was clutching the wine list, his fingers curling nervously. He then took a step forward, leading Bai Yu deeper into the wine cellar.\n

\n\n

\n The wines here were much more precious. Some were tribute wines from neighboring states, while others had been cellared for years. A single bottle was worth several years' worth of food for an ordinary family.\n

\n\n

\n Bai Yu casually copied down the details. The writing on the wine bottles had grown slightly blurred over the years, making it difficult to read. Halfway through, his eyes felt sore, so he took off his glasses and gently rubbed them.\n

\n\n

\n By this point, he had already guessed what Miller wanted to do.\n

\n\n

\n As expected, he had stood in front of the wine cabinet for less than two minutes when a massive force came from behind, striking heavily on his shoulder.\n

\n\n

\n Bai Yu was prepared; he merely tilted his body slightly and stumbled a couple of steps. However, he didn't straighten up. Instead, he went along with Miller's intentions, letting his body fall forward and crashing straight into the wine cabinet.\n

\n\n

\n The wine cabinet tilted, followed by the sounds of glass bottles toppling and crashing to the floor. Accompanied by a continuous series of crisp shattering noises, a rich aroma of wine dispersed through the air. Just from the fragrant scent alone, one could tell that these wines were aged vintages of exorbitant price.\n

\n\n

\n Bai Yu had knocked over the most expensive cabinet of wine in the Duke's Mansion.\n

\n\n

\n 55 was startled: "Host? What are you doing?"\n

\n\n

\n The Host had clearly stabilized his footing, so why did he still crash into it?\n

\n\n

\n Bai Yu steadied himself and held onto something, his expression as calm as ever: "This is an opportunity."\n

\n\n

\n The monthly regular meeting was the most important grand event at the Duke's Mansion. This was the first regular meeting Duke Imuel was holding since his injury, making it extraordinarily significant. By knocking over the most expensive liquors at this time, Bai Yu would definitely draw blame upon himself.\n

\n\n

\n He had already delayed too long in this world. Duke Imuel's attitude was unclear and inexplicably ambiguous. It seemed he really did harbor some unhealthy thoughts toward Bai Yu.\n

\n\n

\n In Illyria, it wasn't rare for the upper class to keep male pets. In all fairness, the Duke was very beautiful. If they had met in a bar or café in his previous life, Bai Yu would have been willing to buy him a drink. Unfortunately, he was a pure top. If the Duke wanted to top him, he wouldn't play along.\n

\n\n

\n He needed to finish the mission as early as possible so he could extract himself.\n

\n\n

\n Behind him, Miller swept a glance over the devastated wine cabinet, took two steps back, and soon, messy footsteps rang out, gradually fading into the distance.\n

\n\n

\n He had left.\n

\n\n

\n The wine cellar fell quiet for a moment. Bai Yu's gaze struggled to focus, leaving his eyes completely blank. Looking around, he could only make out the faint white light at the entrance.\n

\n\n

\n He raised his hand to press the bridge of his nose, but it was completely empty—nothing was there.\n

\n\n

\n The moment he was pushed, his glasses had fallen off.\n

\n\n

\n Without his glasses, Bai Yu was basically half-blind.\n

\n\n

\n Bai Yu held onto the wine cabinet. Most of his clothes were soaked with liquor, the liquid blooming into large crimson wine stains, making him look quite a mess: "55, can you point me in the direction of my glasses?"\n

\n\n

\n 55 floated out: "Okay."\n

\n\n

\n The ground was now covered entirely with broken glass, and the glasses were buried within it, making them somewhat difficult to find. After scanning, 55 said: "Host, they are at your 3 o'clock position on your right-hand side, pinned under the glass."\n

\n\n

\n So Bai Yu half-knelt down, his fingers lightly groping around. The pad of his finger pressed against the sharp edge of a shard, instantly splitting a small cut and seeping a bit of blood.\n

\n\n

\n The blood mixed with the wine, looking inexplicably beautiful and vibrant.\n

\n\n

\n 55 panicked: "Host, stop searching. Let's wait a bit. Miller definitely went to tattle. We can wait for the attendants to come and clean up."\n

\n\n

\n Groping through a pile of broken glass with bare fingers was no different from self-harm.\n

\n\n

\n Bai Yu: "Point me in the right direction."\n

\n\n

\n At this moment, he was unexpectedly stubborn.\n

\n\n

\n 55 had no choice but to continue: "Host, it's exposed now. The frame is exactly 30 centimeters to your left, but..."\n

\n\n

\n "But what?"\n

\n\n

\n "But it's shattered."\n

\n\n

\n Bai Yu's original glasses were iodine-coated and blue-light blocking, but since Illyria's glass-making technology was not yet mature, that pair looked too out of place here. So he had switched to the original owner's round, silver-rimmed glasses. The lenses were made using the most primitive techniques; they weren't very sturdy and shattered easily.\n

\n\n

\n "..."\n

\n\n

\n Bai Yu exerted force in his fingers, silently gripping the edge of the wine cabinet.\n

\n\n

\n 55: "Host? Host, are you okay?"\n

\n\n

\n The light in the wine cellar was dark, so 55 couldn't see his expression clearly, but inexplicably felt that he looked rather awful.\n

\n\n

\n Bai Yu paused slightly and said calmly: "...I'm fine."\n

\n\n

\n The wine cellar fell into dead silence. For a moment, only the sound of his breathing remained.\n

\n\n

\n 55 shrank its screen, not daring to speak.\n

\n\n

\n Bai Yu was different from its previous two hosts. His features were on the cold side, and when his face darkened and he wasn't smiling, he gave off an exceptionally strong oppressive aura.\n

\n\n

\n His field of vision was a blur; he couldn't distinguish north, south, east, or west. All that remained were the blurry silhouettes of the wine cabinets, standing like dormant beasts.\n

\n\n

\n Bai Yu utterly despised this feeling of losing control.\n

\n\n

\n Ever since he was a child, he liked to plan everything he did. From major things like his life path and major choices, to minor things like his diet, fitness routine, and reading—everything fell within his plans. He was always clear and methodical when handling matters. Only in very rare circumstances did things deviate from his predetermined track.\n

\n\n

\n Like now.\n

\n\n

\n 55: "I feel like you're not doing too well right now..."\n

\n\n

\n Bai Yu's expression remained as plain and cold as ever, seeming no different from usual. Yet, his eyes were slightly closed, and a bit of cold sweat even seeped from his forehead, rolling down his chin to the ground. The fingers pressing against the wine cabinet also unconsciously tightened, his nails even digging into the wood varnish.\n

\n\n

\n Bai Yu took a deep breath: "I'm fine. I just remembered some things from the past, that's all."\n

\n\n

\n He had hereditary myopia and had poor eyesight since childhood. Ever since middle school, his glasses never left his side. Because of his cold and aloof personality, he didn't quite fit in with the crowd. Coupled with the fact that his grades were often used by teachers as the benchmark for everyone else, he was exactly the type of student the boys in the back rows hated the most. As a prank, his classmates had once taken away his glasses.\n

\n\n

\n That was during a PE class. Bai Yu wandered around the classroom like a headless fly for over half an hour, tripping twice before finally finding his glasses hidden under the teacher's podium.\n

\n\n

\n This incident happened several times later on. The teacher had even called the parents of those delinquents, but since they were all underage students, what could the teacher really do? In the end, it was left unresolved.\n

\n\n

\n Bai Yu leaned against the wine cabinet and sat down quietly: "Let's wait for the attendants to come."\n

\n\n

\n With glass all over the floor, walking around blindly when he couldn't see clearly was too dangerous.\n

\n\n

\n Darkness and silence infinitely prolonged the sense of time. The wine cellar was terrifyingly quiet. For a moment, one could even hear the sound of the spilled wine flowing—drip, drop—endlessly, making one's hair stand on end.\n

\n\n

\n 55 hesitated before speaking: "Should we talk about something?"\n

\n\n

\n Bai Yu was far too quiet. The way he leaned against the wine cabinet made him look like a decorative sculpture. Even though he was normally this quiet, 55 still felt that something was wrong.\n

\n\n

\n Bai Yu shook his head: "It's nothing."\n

\n\n

\n His eyesight was still the same as it was back then, but Bai Yu was no longer the young Bai Yu. He groped the wine cabinet and stood up, saying in a relaxed, casual tone: "Why don't we guess what punishment the Duke will give me for knocking over such expensive wine?"\n

\n\n

\n 55: "Execution?"\n

\n\n

\n Bai Yu habitually reached up to push his glasses, only to grasp at empty air. He then smiled slightly: "I hope it's execution."\n

\n\n

\n Imuel had just finished handling his official duties, stacking the documents and setting them aside.\n

\n\n

\n Today, he had deliberately sent Miller and Bai Yu away to take inventory in the wine cellar, keeping only the old butler and his personal guards by his side. The Grand Duke pretended to be nonchalant: "Go investigate someone. She is a beautiful woman in her early thirties who lives on Xike Street. She visited the doctor's clinic yesterday."\n

\n\n

\n This description vividly matched the Madam.\n

\n\n

\n Imuel was no fool. Bai Yu had not avoided him at home, but his actions had been slightly unusual. Although he wouldn't go so far as to suspect him, he still needed to investigate things clearly.\n

\n\n

\n Having assigned the task, he ordered the old butler and the guards to step down. From a distance across the windowsill, he saw Miller walking over with large strides, his pace hurried, looking as if the sky were falling.\n

\n\n

\n He bypassed the personal guards and the butler, bowed hastily, and said anxiously: "Duke, earlier you asked Bai Yu and me to take inventory of the wine cellar, but a massive accident has occurred."\n

\n\n

\n Imuel's eyebrows twitched: "What accident?"\n

\n\n

\n When it involved the doctor, he was more nervous than anyone else.\n

\n\n

\n Miller feigned panic and lowered his head: "The fine wines stored deep within your wine cellar were... entirely knocked over by Mr. Bai. They shattered all over the floor. I watched from the side, and I'm afraid they are unsalvageable."\n

\n\n

\n Imuel stood up abruptly.\n

","published_time":"2026-05-24T00:00:00.000Z","paid":false,"show_flag":true,"show_scheduled_time":"2026-05-24T00:00:00.000Z","unpaid_scheduled_time":"2026-05-24T00:00:00.000Z"},{"content_id":4469,"novel_id":71,"chapter_no":77,"chapter_title":"Turning Point","content":"

\n Before Miller could react, he saw Grand Duke Imuel suddenly step forward, grab his collar, and lift him halfway up.\n

\n\n

\n The Grand Duke narrowed his eyes, his lake-blue pupils deep as the sea. For a moment, Miller even had the illusion that the eyes staring at him had turned into cold vertical slits.\n

\n\n

\n Imuel asked coldly, "Where is Bai Yu?"\n

\n\n

\n Miller said with difficulty, "In the wine cellar..."\n

\n\n

\n Imuel leaned in and pressed, "Where in the wine cellar?"\n

\n\n

\n The wine cellar of the Grand Duke's Mansion covered a vast area, making it no easy task to find someone inside.\n

\n\n

\n Miller kept his eyes downcast, shivering, not daring to look directly at the Grand Duke. He opened his mouth, just about to report Bai Yu's location, but suddenly swallowed his words and said submissively, "I followed him in, but I was a bit flustered when I came out and didn't remember the way."\n

\n\n

\n The Grand Duke was going to the wine cellar to demand an explanation. If he didn't know the location and couldn't find the person, the longer he searched, the greater his anger would naturally grow.\n

\n\n

\n Imuel glanced at Miller. It was unknown whether he had seen through his trick, but he said nothing, only walking right past him with steps as swift as the wind.\n

\n\n

\n "Butler, bring the porters who are familiar with the wine cellar and come stand by."\n

\n\n

\n His tone was extremely cold, as if he was angry.\n

\n\n

\n With his head lowered, Miller couldn't help but curl up the corners of his lips.\n

\n\n

\n Any random bottle of wine in the wine cellar was worth a fortune. Bai Yu having smashed so many would be enough for him to suffer the consequences.\n

\n\n

\n He completely failed to see Grand Duke Imuel's anxious expression.\n

\n\n

\n Imuel didn't even take the stairs. Wearing his intricate Grand Duke attire, he propped himself up with one hand and jumped down from the edge of the railing, like a nimble cat.\n

\n\n

\n The butler and the personal guards couldn't catch up with his pace; the Grand Duke had already crossed an entire garden and stepped into the wine cellar.\n

\n\n

\n The Duke's Mansion had tens of thousands of bottles in its wine cellar, even more than the collection of the Bordeaux winery in Bai Yu's past life. The paths were twisting and turning, densely divided into scattered spaces. Oak barrels were stacked in layers, like high walls. Even if one shouted, the echoes would interfere, making it difficult to discern the direction.\n

\n\n

\n Imuel was frustrated and restless.\n

\n\n

\n ...Where on earth is the doctor?\n

\n\n

\n If he broke the wine, he broke it; why didn't he come out with Miller? Could it be that he would blame the doctor for such a trivial matter?\n

\n\n

\n Or was he injured by a wine bottle and couldn't come out for the time being?\n

\n\n

\n Most of the manpower in the mansion was preparing for the banquet, and the personal guards were also not in the mansion. It would be somewhat difficult to turn this huge wine cellar upside down. By the time the butler gathered the manpower, more than half an hour would probably have passed.\n

\n\n

\n Imuel couldn't wait that long; he desperately wanted to know the doctor's condition.\n

\n\n

\n Looking around, the Duke fixed his gaze on the stacked oak barrels.\n

\n\n

\n The oak barrels were very tall and interconnected. If one could climb up and patrol along the barrels, finding someone would be much more convenient.\n

\n\n

\n But to climb up...\n

\n\n

\n The gap at the top of the barrels was less than half a meter, so a person couldn't move around. Even if someone got up there, the barrels couldn't bear the weight of a person.\n

\n\n

\n The Grand Duke slightly curled his fingers, rubbing them together unconsciously.\n

\n\n

\n He looked around, dodged into the shadows of a corner, touched the frog clasp at his waist, and gently bit his lower lip.\n

\n\n

\n He unbuttoned the clasp.\n

\n\n

\n Immediately after, the sash was untied, his robes slipped down from his body, and finally, his inner garments also fell.\n

\n\n

\n The luxurious and solemn formal attire fell to the ground, kicking up dust.\n

\n\n

\n A platinum-colored kitten with lake-blue eyes burrowed out of the formal attire. He pushed aside the layered fabric of the clothes with his paws, leaped lightly onto the edge of the oak barrel, and climbed up.\n

\n\n

\n Recklessly turning into a cat in the Duke's Mansion was a very dangerous move. Once the Grand Duke's clothes were found by someone, coupled with the fact that Imuel was missing, the identity of the kitten would be at risk of exposure at any time. When that happened, it wouldn't be good for how the upper echelons of Illyria would view this Duke of slave origin.\n

\n\n

\n But Imuel was too anxious.\n

\n\n

\n He trotted along the oak barrels, his gaze sweeping over every corner of the wine cellar. He cleared the gaps with a few large leaps, and then, at a certain corner, he paused slightly. His four limbs slowed from a run to a walk, his large tail swaying to maintain balance, and after a few breaths, he slowly came to a stop.\n

\n\n

\n He saw the doctor.\n

\n\n

\n The doctor sat quietly amidst a pile of shards. His gaze was unfocused, just staring blankly ahead. At this moment, with his eyes slightly lowered and not wearing glasses, those cold and austere pupils hidden beneath the lenses softened for no reason, looking solitary and lonely.\n

\n\n

\n His upper garment was completely soaked, clinging stickily to his body, making the curves of his waist and abdomen apparent at a glance. But Imuel had no time to appreciate this; the traces left by the wine on the shirt were a glaring bright red, looking at first glance like a spreading bloodstain, and his glasses lay near his hand, the lenses shattered and clearly unusable.\n

\n\n

\n Imuel held his breath.\n

\n\n

\n The floor was covered with wine bottle fragments. The transparent glass refracted a dazzling, cold gleam, sharp as daggers. The deep red wine spread all over the ground. The doctor sitting among it all looked as though he was sitting in blades and blood.\n

\n\n

\n A layer of cold sweat seeped from Bai Yu's forehead. He neither moved nor spoke, even keeping his breathing very light, as quiet as a lifeless wax figure.\n

\n\n

\n ...How did it turn out like this?\n

\n\n

\n Imuel didn't understand. He had just broken a few insignificant wine bottles; how could the doctor show such an expression?\n

\n\n

\n It felt as if his heart was gripped by a hand, and a silent bitterness spread through him.\n

\n\n

\n Beside the wine cabinet, Bai Yu raised his hand and rubbed the center of his brows.\n

\n\n

\n Humans relied too much on sight. Once they lost this sense, they would fall into bewilderment and panic. In front of the doctor was a large patch of mottled color blocks, with blurred and ghosted edges. Bai Yu couldn't even distinguish what they actually were. He didn't know where he was, didn't know how to get out, and didn't know how much longer he had to wait. In the boundless silence, even someone as aloof as him gave rise to a bit of anxiety.\n

\n\n

\n But there was no other way; he could only wait.\n

\n\n

\n Having lost his sight, his hearing became exceptionally keen. Bai Yu frowned slightly; he seemed to hear the sound of oak barrels squeezing and rubbing against each other, and above his head, there were faint footsteps—very light and gentle, not human, like a kitten.\n

\n\n

\n ...Dumpling?\n

\n\n

\n Bai Yu had never paid attention to the footsteps of the Platinum Dumpling when it walked, but from the pattering sound, his intuition told him it was a short-legged kitten.\n

\n\n

\n But how could there be a kitten in the wine cellar of the Duke's Mansion?\n

\n\n

\n He immediately looked up, and on top of the oak barrel, he actually did see a patch of platinum color, but before he could make it out, the patch of color vanished like a bubble-like illusion.\n

\n\n

\n Bai Yu shook his head slightly, revealing a bitter smile.\n

\n\n

\n Having broken his glasses, he even started having visual hallucinations.\n

\n\n

\n On the other side, Imuel memorized the route, hurriedly turned back, hastily tied his clothes, and returned to the wine cabinet.\n

\n\n

\n Bai Yu raised his head.\n

\n\n

\n Hurried footsteps sounded around him, coming straight towards his direction. It must be that someone had arrived.\n

\n\n

\n Bai Yu thought to himself, 'I wonder if the person coming is a personal guard, Miller, or perhaps the butler?'\n

\n\n

\n So he propped himself against the wine cabinet and stood up, revealing a polite smile. "Apologies for knocking over the wine cabinet, I—"\n

\n\n

\n His palm was grasped by someone.\n

\n\n

\n Bai Yu's hand was originally hanging naturally by his side, but someone leaned over, forcefully grabbed it, and pulled it up.\n

\n\n

\n The force gripping him was surprisingly strong and brooked no refusal. Caught off guard, he stumbled two steps and was pulled directly away from the center of the shards.\n

\n\n

\n "..."\n

\n\n

\n Bai Yu was slightly surprised.\n

\n\n

\n The fingers holding his had slender knuckles, and even though they had already pulled him up, they still held on tightly and refused to let go.\n

\n\n

\n Bai Yu: "You...?"\n

\n\n

\n He recognized the owner of these hands: Imuel.\n

\n\n

\n The most precious Grand Duke of Iberia, whose fingers were trembling slightly for some unknown reason, gripped Bai Yu's wrist and said hoarsely, "Come with me."\n

\n\n

\n Bai Yu paused slightly.\n

\n\n

\n He was now equivalent to a blind person and could only follow Imuel. If Imuel were to let go of him halfway and ignore him, or lead him to crash into a wine cabinet, he would be completely helpless.\n

\n\n

\n Due to the disorder and tension, a thin layer of sweat broke out on Bai Yu's palms, making it uncomfortable to hold, but the Grand Duke clearly had no intention of letting go. Walking in front, he held the doctor—who couldn't focus his eyes and stumbled as he walked—and navigated through the layered wine cabinets.\n

\n\n

\n After walking for an unknown amount of time, Bai Yu felt the sunlight.\n

\n\n

\n The entrance to the wine cellar was right before their eyes. The pitch-black color blocks in his vision were replaced by a stretch of brightness. Although he still couldn't see clearly, the doctor's tense nerves quietly relaxed.\n

\n\n

\n They had come out.\n

\n\n

\n Imuel said, "Don't worry, I'll order someone to find you a new pair of glasses right away. Put on a coat first, it's quite cold in the wine cellar."\n

\n\n

\n When Miller and the butler belatedly arrived, this was the scene they saw.\n

\n\n

\n The manservant who had committed the mistake was standing safely to the side. Imuel took a lens out of a box—time was too tight to have one fitted, so there was only a bare lens made into a simple monocle format. The Duke adjusted the angle, slightly raised his hand, and carefully placed it on the bridge of Bai Yu's nose.\n

\n\n

\n His vision gradually cleared. Bai Yu blinked, and the first thing to enter his sight was the Duke's extremely gorgeous face.\n

\n\n

\n Imuel's eyes were clear and beautiful, completely focused on handling the lens, as serious as a doctor observing a patient's lesion.\n

\n\n

\n The two of them were extremely close. Bai Yu was slightly taller, and he only needed to lower his head shallowly to touch the Duke's forehead.\n

\n\n

\n "..."\n

\n\n

\n Having carefully adjusted the angle, Imuel took a step back. "Done."\n

\n\n

\n Bai Yu: "Wait a moment."\n

\n\n

\n He similarly raised his hand and, under the Duke's surprised gaze, placed it at the side of his waist.\n

\n\n

\n Imuel's clasp was fastened askew.\n

\n\n

\n He had turned into a kitten, slipped out of his clothes, hurriedly returned after finding Bai Yu, and put his clothes back on while stark naked.\n

\n\n

\n A dignified Grand Duke of a domain unfastening his clothes and exposing his body in a wine cellar was simply more indecorous than those young men and women secretly engaging in illicit affairs in scandalous tales. Imuel was anxious and ashamed, so it was inevitable to make a mistake in his haste.\n

\n\n

\n And now, the doctor was lowering his eyes to adjust the sash for him.\n

\n\n

\n Imuel stiffened his body, not daring to move an inch.\n

\n\n

\n Although the doctor was nominally his manservant, when the other party did this kind of thing with such an elegant and ascetic face, Imuel still blushed.\n

\n\n

\n Bai Yu's hands were meant for holding a scalpel, extremely steady, and his knot-tying movements were focused and pleasing to the eye. Imuel obediently let him tidy up his clothes, like a pretty kitten being dressed up by its owner, but as the Duke's gaze fell on the pad of Bai Yu's finger, he suddenly frowned.\n

\n\n

\n There was a cut there, still bleeding.\n

\n\n

\n He abruptly grasped the doctor's wrist.\n

\n\n

\n Bai Yu raised an eyebrow, startled by him, and immediately asked, "What's wrong?"\n

\n\n

\n Imuel held that fingertip, opened his mouth, pursed his lips, and said, "You're injured."\n

\n\n

\n The cut hung on the doctor's cold, white fingertip, glaringly bright red. As a kitten, Imuel's first reaction upon seeing this eyesore of a mark was to want to lick it.\n

\n\n

\n His eyelashes fluttered slightly as he restrained this instinctual urge and hurriedly said, "I'll go get you some medicine."\n

\n\n

\n The Duke fled as if escaping; it seemed that if he stayed even a second longer, something bad would happen.\n

\n\n

\n Bai Yu, however, didn't move.\n

\n\n

\n He stared at his fingertip for a moment and said no more.\n

\n\n

\n Such a trivial cut actually didn't need medicine. Duke Imuel was a little too nervous about him.\n

\n\n

\n For the next few days, the Duke didn't arrange any tasks for him. Because of that trivial little cut on his fingertip, Imuel determined that he needed to rest. While everyone else in the mansion was busily preparing for the regular meeting, for a time, Bai Yu became the only idle person in the mansion.\n

\n\n

\n His roommate, Miller, was nowhere to be seen all day. Later, while occasionally chatting with the old butler, Bai Yu learned that Miller had angered the Duke over some minor matter and had been banished from the mansion.\n

\n\n

\n The old butler warned, "Miller has too many schemes and isn't honest enough. When I escorted him out of the mansion, he glanced toward your room, and his gaze was somewhat venomous."\n

\n\n

\n Bai Yu nodded indifferently.\n

\n\n

\n Although banished from the mansion, Miller was of noble descent after all, and his family's foundation was still there. Going home to be a wealthy man of leisure wasn't a bad choice either. Bai Yu only treated him as a passerby, harbored no resentment toward him, and didn't dwell on it any further.\n

\n\n

\n Days passed like water. Counting the days, Bai Yu deeply felt that the completion of his mission was nowhere in sight.\n

\n\n

\n On the day of the regular meeting, the turning point suddenly arrived.\n

\n\n

\n As a manservant, Bai Yu needed to closely attend the Grand Duke at the regular meeting. He tidied up the Duke's attire and stood firmly by his side. The guests entered one after another, and the waiters carried cold dishes and hot food, setting them on the table one by one.\n

\n\n

\n Everything was in perfect order. Just as everyone had taken their seats and the Grand Duke was about to raise his wine glass for a toast, a personal guard suddenly stepped forward and leaned close to Grand Duke Imuel's ear.\n

\n\n

\n The personal guards of the Duke's Mansion belonged exclusively to the Grand Duke. During major events like a banquet, unless it was a matter of utmost urgency, they wouldn't appear rashly.\n

\n\n

\n Bai Yu raised an eyebrow.\n

\n\n

\n The personal guard leaned down, deliberately avoiding Bai Yu, and whispered to the Grand Duke.\n

\n\n

\n Imuel's expression fluctuated unpredictably, finally freezing into a look of unbelievable pallor. His eyelashes trembled, and the hand holding the wine glass shook uncontrollably. Finally, he obscurely raised his eyes.\n

\n\n

\n And looked at Bai Yu.\n

","published_time":"2026-05-24T00:00:00.000Z","paid":false,"show_flag":true,"show_scheduled_time":"2026-05-24T00:00:00.000Z","unpaid_scheduled_time":"2026-05-24T00:00:00.000Z"},{"content_id":4470,"novel_id":71,"chapter_no":78,"chapter_title":"Regular Meeting","content":"

\n Two hours ago, Madam was dragged out of her home on Xike Street by the Duke's Mansion's personal guards and escorted into the dungeon.\n

\n\n

\n The guards slammed the documents searched from Madam's home onto the interrogation table, which contained correspondence with the Black Robe Society. Then, under Madam's shivering gaze, a guard used a red-hot dagger to lift her veil. The blade was less than two centimeters from her tender white cheek, the scorching heat burning her skin. Madam's pupils shrank sharply, revealing a look of terror.\n

\n\n

\n The guard warned in a cold voice, "If you don't tell us everything you know, I'll use this dagger to leave a lifelong, unhealable scar on your cheek."\n

\n\n

\n Madam was merely an ordinary member of the Black Robe Society, not a core figure. She had neither much loyalty nor had she ever received anti-interrogation training. Her eyes filled with tears, and with almost no excessive interrogation, she sobbed and confessed everything.\n

\n\n

\n The Black Robe Society used single-line contact, so Madam didn't know much, but she knew of a few important members in the Xike Street district. One was the already dead Hammerhead Shark, and the other was the Duke's currently most favored manservant, Bai Yu.\n

\n\n

\n Madam also confessed that the Black Robe Society had issued instructions through her, ordering Bai Yu to mix a type of powder into the Duke's tea, with the agreed time being right before the regular meeting started.\n

\n\n

\n And right now, Bai Yu was accompanying the Grand Duke, attending the regular meeting.\n

\n\n

\n The guard did not dare to delay and immediately went to the regular meeting, whispering in the Duke's ear to explain the entire situation.\n

\n\n

\n Consequently, Bai Yu noticed that Imuel, who was beside him, suddenly tensed up.\n

\n\n

\n The Grand Duke's face turned pale as gold paper. His lake-blue eyes first showed disbelief, then anger, and finally turned into silent sorrow.\n

\n\n

\n ...The doctor was from the Black Robe Society?\n

\n\n

\n The Black Robe Society was the most notorious underworld gang in the local area. On the surface, it was just an unpresentable gang, no different from the various large and small gang groups in the streets and markets of Illyria. However, in reality, the man in power behind it was Imuel's own uncle, who was the chief culprit behind the Duke's injury and fall from the cliff. The two factions were irreconcilable enemies, mutually incompatible like fire and water, with absolutely no possibility of reconciliation.\n

\n\n

\n The doctor came from such a gang.\n

\n\n

\n The news was too sudden and entirely unexpected. Imuel shut his eyes tightly and clenched his fingers, his nails almost digging into his palms, but he couldn't even feel the pain. He just thought blankly:\n

\n\n

\n —In this way, many things could be explained.\n

\n\n

\n For example, why the inherently cold and indifferent doctor had come to be selected as a manservant; why Hammerhead Shark and Madam had chosen to talk at the doctor's door; why the doctor had torn up a note and thrown it into the sewer; and also... why the doctor was so good to him.\n

\n\n

\n The doctor was indifferent by nature, but towards the Duke, he immediately cared about his health, intervened in his meals and accommodation, minded his staying up late, and his refusal to eat vegetables, and so on and so forth... At first, Imuel was quite pleased with himself, thinking he was different and that the doctor had a strong preference for him, but now he realized that this wasn't the case.\n

\n\n

\n Those kind treatments were merely part of his undercover work.\n

\n\n

\n Imuel lowered his eyes, suddenly curling his lips in self-deprecation, revealing a mocking and sarcastic expression. He thought apathetically that he might have gotten one thing wrong.\n

\n\n

\n What Bai Yu liked was the kitten, and the kitten was never Imuel.\n

\n\n

\n To Imuel, the kitten and the Duke were one and the same. With the doctor, they both felt cared for for the first time, were kissed for the first time, hugged for the first time, taken care of when sick for the first time... and purely liked for the first time.\n

\n\n

\n At the same time, they both equally longed for and relied on the doctor's body temperature, and equally yearned to demand more love from the doctor. But this was only true for Imuel; to Bai Yu, they were two completely different things.\n

\n\n

\n The kitten was the doctor's pet, looking cute and endearing. It could be picked up by the doctor with one hand, placed on his shoulder, and tucked into the quilt. The one Bai Yu had held, kissed, and liked was always that fluffy platinum kitten, and the one he took proper care of was also that platinum kitten.\n

\n\n

\n But what was the Duke?\n

\n\n

\n The Duke was the highest ruler of Illyria, a cruel and dictatorial tyrant, the enemy of the Black Robe Society, and the target the doctor needed to carefully lurk around, waiting for an opportunity to assassinate.\n

\n\n

\n Over these past few days, the Duke had dressed up grandly in front of the doctor countless times. He possessed the most brilliant face and the most luxurious robes in the entire city-state, yet the doctor never showed the slightest interest.\n

\n\n

\n He never had any interest in Imuel.\n

\n\n

\n The doctor's attitude toward the Duke consisted only of cold disregard and perfunctoriness. The few times they were close were right before the regular meeting.\n

\n\n

\n Actually, given the doctor's personality, he shouldn't have let Imuel sleep against his knee, shouldn't have earnestly adjusted Imuel's belt and bowtie, shouldn't have interfered with Imuel's meals and accommodation, and certainly shouldn't have let Imuel... have the illusion of being favored.\n

\n\n

\n Every single act was merely to get Imuel to bring him to attend the regular meeting, just to sprinkle the unknown powder into his tea.\n

\n\n

\n The favoritism Imuel thought he had was nothing but his own wishful thinking and self-deception.\n

\n\n

\n The Grand Duke's expression was truly awful, and the air pressure around him was extremely low. The guards' legs trembled in fear. Not daring to say much, they only probed quietly beside the Duke, "Then, Grand Duke, the regular meeting is about to convene. Should your subordinates take Bai Yu away first?"\n

\n\n

\n "..."\n

\n\n

\n Silence.\n

\n\n

\n Imuel pinched the teacup with his fingertips and said astringently, "Take him where?"\n

\n\n

\n Guard: "...Uh, the dungeon?"\n

\n\n

\n This question was truly bizarre. Where else could a spy of the Black Robe Society be taken if not the dungeon for strict interrogation?\n

\n\n

\n "..."\n

\n\n

\n A deeper silence.\n

\n\n

\n The Grand Duke's lips pressed into a straight line, and he closed his eyes with a trace of exhaustion. He opened his mouth to speak but finally said weakly, "...This matter has not yet been fully investigated. There is no rush, hold off taking action for now."\n

\n\n

\n The guard was taken aback: "Grand Duke, that woman has confessed everything, and the evidence is conclusive. We have already investigated—"\n

\n\n

\n Before he could finish, he heard the Duke reprimand with a flash of anger, "Shut up."\n

\n\n

\n He wearily raised his fingers to rub his brow. "I said it hasn't been investigated clearly, so it hasn't. There are still many doubtful points. We'll discuss it after the banquet is over."\n

\n\n

\n Exposing the undercover identity in front of everyone was tantamount to sealing the coffin and passing a final verdict. When that happened, there would be no room for a turning point.\n

\n\n

\n When the two spoke, they deliberately distanced themselves from Bai Yu, so Bai Yu couldn't hear anything clearly.\n

\n\n

\n After Imuel sat down, Bai Yu poured tea with his usual expression. However, two tall and sturdy guards walked over from the corner, wearing sabers on their belts. One in front and one behind, one on the left and one on the right, they perfectly blocked Bai Yu in the middle, completely cutting off any possibility of him making contact with Duke Imuel.\n

\n\n

\n Bai Yu's movements paused.\n

\n\n

\n System 55 lay on his shoulder, peeking around. "Has our undercover identity been discovered?"\n

\n\n

\n Bai Yu: "Perhaps."\n

\n\n

\n The Grand Duke's attitude had changed so drastically that there was only one explanation: his identity had been discovered.\n

\n\n

\n System 55 set off a small party popper on its screen. "Then can we go home?"\n

\n\n

\n The Main System had carefully selected the simplest task for him. The Bai Yu in the original book was purely an NPC with simple scenes and a stereotyped character. But it ended up turning out like this. If things dragged on any longer, System 55 would start crying.\n

\n\n

\n Bai Yu remained noncommittal.\n

\n\n

\n His expression remained normal, as if he knew nothing. He took his seat naturally, showing neither panic nor asking any questions, allowing the several guards to surround him in the center, forming a vacuum zone.\n

\n\n

\n The dishes at the Grand Duke's Mansion were exquisite, and everything served tasted good. Bai Yu raised his hand to eat but suddenly felt two gazes from the banquet seats sizing him up.\n

\n\n

\n One was at the very end of the banquet, coming from Miller. Although he had provoked the Grand Duke's disgust, he was still of noble birth and hadn't been stripped of his title. He was currently staring heavily at Bai Yu.\n

\n\n

\n The other sat at the head area, at the first table below Grand Duke Imuel. It was an elderly man with sagging eye bags, a hooked nose, and graying hair, who was also looking at Bai Yu with an unkind expression.\n

\n\n

\n System 55: "It's the old man you saw at the Black Robe Society that day, the one who drugged you."\n

\n\n

\n Bai Yu withdrew his gaze.\n

\n\n

\n If his guess was correct, this person was Imuel's own uncle, and also the main culprit who caused the Duke to fall into the water.\n

\n\n

\n The regular meeting passed without a hitch and the meal finished quietly. Meanwhile, that bag of white powder was kept close to Bai Yu's chest in his breast pocket, never moving from its place.\n

\n\n

\n The nobles left one after another, and the attendants stepped forward to clear up the messy cups and plates scattered everywhere. In a short while, the hall became completely empty.\n

\n\n

\n However, Imuel was still sitting right in the middle.\n

\n\n

\n The Duke didn't show the slightest intention of moving. Several guards stood between him and Bai Yu.\n

\n\n

\n As soon as the banquet ended, the guards searched Bai Yu's body and found the white powder in his pocket. Now, that powder was placed in front of the Grand Duke, the pure white crystals gleaming faintly.\n

\n\n

\n Imuel lowered his eyes, his fingers pressing tightly against the tabletop. His expression was extremely gloomy, and a silent storm seemed to be brewing in the hall. The guards all lowered their eyes and heads; no one dared to look up.\n

\n\n

\n The folk rumors in Illyria about the Grand Duke being ruthless and ferocious didn't actually come from nowhere. Imuel had killed his five older brothers with his own hands using swift and clean methods. He had also never been soft-hearted when purging the underworld gangs. He had killed so many people that the soil of the West City Execution Ground had been dyed blood red by him.\n

\n\n

\n Being a traitor under his rule, one could easily imagine the outcome.\n

\n\n

\n Meanwhile, Bai Yu had just put down his knife and fork, his face calm.\n

\n\n

\n They remained in a silent stalemate for a long time—or perhaps Imuel was in a stalemate alone, while Bai Yu was calm and at ease.\n

\n\n

\n Imuel gripped the tin tableware in his hands, squeezing tighter and tighter. The metal bent and clashed, making a teeth-aching sound.\n

\n\n

\n Finally, the Grand Duke was the first to speak, breaking the silence. His tone was peculiar: "Bai Yu, looking at the way you are, you already know why I sent people to surround you?"\n

\n\n

\n Bai Yu nodded: "I know."\n

\n\n

\n Imuel laughed out of extreme anger: "You know? Then do you know what the consequences are for being a traitor in my place?"\n

\n\n

\n His voice was very deep and full of pressure, but if one listened closely, it was also a bit hoarse.\n

\n\n

\n Bai Yu: "I also know."\n

\n\n

\n Imuel sneered: "You also know? Looking at your appearance, it seems like you don't."\n

\n\n

\n The tortures of the Duke's Mansion were enough to break anyone, making even the most iron-willed man kneel and beg for mercy.\n

\n\n

\n Imuel stood up abruptly. "Butler, come and tell Mr. Bai, how did we deal with the last member of the Black Robe Society?"\n

\n\n

\n When the Grand Duke was enraged, it was also when he was the most unruffled. He had almost no expression on his face, but the tin tableware was already overwhelmed, with deep finger marks left on its surface.\n

\n\n

\n The butler didn't even dare to breathe too loudly, speaking submissively: "The last member of the Black Robe Society attempted to launch a terrorist attack at the celebration. After bringing explosives into the center of the celebration, he was discovered by the guards, detained on the spot, and sent into the dungeon. Our guards snapped his fingers one by one, poured boiling wax oil on his skin, mouth, tongue, and ears, and then mounted him on a torture rack, whipping him with a barbed whip for three days. Only then did he confess the origin of the gunpowder and his upper and lower line accomplices. Subsequently, we rounded up everyone involved in one fell swoop."\n

\n\n

\n Imuel's cold gaze landed ahead, looking at some unknown spot in the hall. His eyes were unfocused and lacked any purpose, merely avoiding making eye contact with the doctor.\n

\n\n

\n And in a place the doctor couldn't see, the Duke's nails clawed at the tabletop, scraping off large flakes of wood varnish.\n

\n\n

\n Imuel: "Do you know what that man looked like when he was carried out?"\n

\n\n

\n The butler: "When that man was carried out, he had screamed himself hoarse. He had no good skin left on his entire body, exhaling more than he was inhaling. Before we could even carry him to the execution ground, he died."\n

\n\n

\n "..."\n

\n\n

\n Bai Yu's cold eyes finally rippled slightly. He sighed imperceptibly: "By telling me this, what does the Grand Duke want me to do?"\n

\n\n

\n Torture was for interrogation, but the Black Robe Society used single-line contact, and Bai Yu had no extra intelligence to give here.\n

\n\n

\n "..."\n

\n\n

\n A deathly silence.\n

\n\n

\n Imuel silently curled his fingers.\n

\n\n

\n Why did he tell the doctor all this?\n

\n\n

\n Was it to scare the doctor, to make him afraid? Was he preparing to carry out these punishments, to make the doctor feel terror?\n

\n\n

\n No, none of that.\n

\n\n

\n Imuel simply held a faint hope in his heart; he hoped Bai Yu would offer a few words of explanation, even if it was just uttering some useless nonsense.\n

\n\n

\n Say that he wasn't a spy, that he had been framed, say that he didn't know what the white powder was, say that he never intended to put the powder in the tea, say those lies that absolutely no one would believe... In short, saying anything would be fine.\n

\n\n

\n But Bai Yu didn't say anything.\n

\n\n

\n He openly and generously admitted to the charge, perfectly candid and open, without the slightest hesitation or resistance, as if to say: "That's right, it's exactly what you think. I am an undercover agent, I am here to kill you, and everything I showed you before was just to better assassinate you on this day."\n

\n\n

\n ...\n

\n\n

\n Imuel's body trembled imperceptibly, and he immediately supported himself against the table.\n

\n\n

\n After the assassination attempt, his health had been poor. He was prone to dizziness and tinnitus. Bai Yu had adjusted his diet and carefully nursed him for some time, and recently, Imuel no longer had these symptoms.\n

\n\n

\n But now, the feeling of blood loss and dizziness made a comeback, and he had to support himself against the dining table just to stand straight.\n

\n\n

\n The butler probed cautiously: "Grand Duke, this Bai Yu?"\n

\n\n

\n According to common sense, he should be locked into the dungeon and subjected to severe torture to pry out as much information as possible. But seeing the Grand Duke in this state, they really didn't dare to take matters into their own hands.\n

\n\n

\n Imuel took a deep breath.\n

\n\n

\n His soul seemed to have already detached from his body. He spoke hoarsely in a cold and placid tone: "Take him away."\n

\n\n

\n The butler: "Take him where?"\n

\n\n

\n Imuel paused for a long time, gritting his teeth as he said:\n

\n\n

\n "...The dungeon."\n

","published_time":"2026-05-24T00:00:00.000Z","paid":false,"show_flag":true,"show_scheduled_time":"2026-05-24T00:00:00.000Z","unpaid_scheduled_time":"2026-05-24T00:00:00.000Z"},{"content_id":4471,"novel_id":71,"chapter_no":79,"chapter_title":"Confinement","content":"

\n Bai Yu was surrounded by personal guards and escorted into the dungeon.\n

\n\n

\n Unlike Madam, who had her hands twisted behind her back, shoulders pressed down, and hair disheveled as she was forced into the dungeon, the guards merely formed a tight circle around Bai Yu; no one dared to lay a single finger on him.\n

\n\n

\n Every one of them wore a solemn expression, as if facing a formidable enemy. They maintained a strict distance of one meter from him. Rather than escorting a prisoner, it looked more like they were crowding around to protect an important guest.\n

\n\n

\n Bai Yu lifted the hem of his clothes and stepped over the stairs, pausing slightly. "This is the Duke's Mansion's dungeon?"\n

\n\n

\n The guard kept a stiff, deadpan face. "This is the place. Please settle in."\n

\n\n

\n This was a remote small building in the Duke's Mansion, two stories high. The building's exterior facade featured seven or eight carved Roman columns. Although severely weathered, the exquisite carvings from the past were still faintly visible.\n

\n\n

\n Bai Yu pushed open one of the doors. The hall was neatly laid out, with three dark green fabric sofas in the center. A red brick fireplace was built into the wall directly facing the door. Behind pure white gauze curtains was an entire wall of windows, and even a balcony. The winter sunlight was streaming in through the windows, landing on the balcony.\n

\n\n

\n Bai Yu confirmed once again, "This is a dungeon?"\n

\n\n

\n The guard said solemnly, "Yes, this is the dungeon of the Duke's Mansion."\n

\n\n

\n Grand Duke Imuel was the sole master of the residence. If he said a place was a dungeon, it was a dungeon, even if this "dungeon" wasn't underground.\n

\n\n

\n Bai Yu lowered his eyes slightly, his expression somewhat complicated.\n

\n\n

\n The guard coughed. "You will stay here. An interrogator will come shortly."\n

\n\n

\n He even used a respectful form of address.\n

\n\n

\n Bai Yu nodded. The guard looked visibly relieved, then immediately took a step back and closed the door.\n

\n\n

\n This room seemed to have been unused for a long time. The door hinges were rusty, emitting a harsh grating sound with his movements. Then, Bai Yu heard the sound of the lock clicking into place.\n

\n\n

\n The door was locked dead.\n

\n\n

\n 55: "Good heavens, they've surrounded this house like an iron barrel."\n

\n\n

\n The system's screen displayed the positions of the surrounding guards. Dense little red dots encircled this two-story building so tightly that not even a drop of water could leak through.\n

\n\n

\n Bai Yu sat down on the sofa. There was actually a bookcase in the living room containing at least one or two hundred books. From customs and geography to humanities and history, it encompassed everything. Bai Yu pulled out a book and began to read.\n

\n\n

\n He read aimlessly. The book introduced a city-state outside Illyria, rich in spices and beautiful servants.\n

\n\n

\n After turning two pages, a knock came from the door. It was a stiff old man with silver-gray curly hair and glasses. His sharp eyes scrutinized Bai Yu before he forcefully squeezed out a smile. That smile blossomed on his weather-beaten cheeks, looking like two stems of green bristlegrass swaying in the wind growing out of a barren ravine.\n

\n\n

\n He reached out his hand to Bai Yu. "Hello, pleased to meet you. I am your interrogator."\n

\n\n

\n "..."\n

\n\n

\n The scene was somewhat bizarre. Bai Yu paused for a moment and pulled the door completely open. "...Hello, pleased to meet you. I am Bai Yu."\n

\n\n

\n The interrogator and the prisoner solemnly shook hands, then politely pumped them.\n

\n\n

\n Bai Yu turned sideways. "Please come in."\n

\n\n

\n The two sat down separately on the two sofas in the living room, with a marble-topped coffee table between them.\n

\n\n

\n Bai Yu: "Would you like some tea?"\n

\n\n

\n He had checked earlier; this house was even stocked with tea bags.\n

\n\n

\n "That won't be necessary." The old man spread open his notebook. "Mr. Bai, I'm here to ask you about a few things."\n

\n\n

\n Bai Yu: "Happy to oblige."\n

\n\n

\n The old man was clearly an experienced interrogator, his grayish-brown eyes like those of an eagle. He started by asking how Bai Yu joined the Black Robe Society, interspersing leading statements and sharp questions along the way. If Bai Yu were a real undercover agent, he would have confessed most of the intel he knew by now.\n

\n\n

\n But unfortunately, Bai Yu genuinely didn't know anything.\n

\n\n

\n He hadn't been in this world for long, and his understanding of the Black Robe Society was limited to a few gatherings. The only members of the Black Robe Society he knew were Madam and Hammerhead Shark. Madam was already imprisoned, and Hammerhead Shark was dead. As for the others, Bai Yu hadn't even met them, let alone knew their identities or names.\n

\n\n

\n For the Duke's Mansion, he couldn't provide a single piece of valuable intel. Even if the best interrogator in the world was sitting in front of him, they wouldn't be able to interrogate anything out of him.\n

\n\n

\n As the interrogation passed the halfway mark, the old man's forehead was covered in cold sweat.\n

\n\n

\n His notebook was completely empty; he hadn't written down a single word so far. This young man named Bai Yu was a master of anti-interrogation, his words watertight and devoid of the slightest flaw.\n

\n\n

\n In the past, against such a tough nut to crack, the old man would have already resorted to torture.\n

\n\n

\n But he couldn't.\n

\n\n

\n Because Grand Duke Imuel was right next door.\n

\n\n

\n The building possessed an echo-wall-like structure. Every word they spoke here could be clearly transmitted next door.\n

\n\n

\n The old man clearly knew that the prisoner before him was different, whether it was due to this unusual cell or Grand Duke Imuel's ambiguous attitude. He had previously asked the Grand Duke what methods were permitted.\n

\n\n

\n At that time, Grand Duke Imuel's striking features were as cold as ice. He raised his eyes to glance at the old man and said flatly, "Do not use anything that could cause physical harm."\n

\n\n

\n The old man: "..."\n

\n\n

\n Without causing physical harm, what kind of torture could he possibly use?\n

\n\n

\n That was also why he was sitting here, trying to fish for details through conversation.\n

\n\n

\n But Bai Yu was obviously not someone who could be easily tricked into talking. After talking in circles back and forth a few times, the old man had to cap his fountain pen and say sternly, "Sir, the Black Robe Society already knows you've been exposed. You know so many of their secrets. Even if we don't do anything, they will come to eliminate the root of the problem. I hope you think it through clearly. Cooperating with the Grand Duke's Mansion is your only way out."\n

\n\n

\n "..."\n

\n\n

\n Bai Yu genuinely didn't know.\n

\n\n

\n But seeing his obstinate and unyielding appearance, the old man frowned slightly. If things continued like this, even if he were locked in this small building for years, he wouldn't spit out a thing.\n

\n\n

\n Cannot cause physical harm...\n

\n\n

\n The old man's eyes shifted slightly, and his gaze landed on the bridge of Bai Yu's nose.\n

\n\n

\n That was the new pair of glasses the Duke had made for Bai Yu.\n

\n\n

\n He had heard that this male servant had severe vision problems and couldn't live a normal life without glasses.\n

\n\n

\n So, the old man smiled. "My apologies, sir. Please give me your glasses."\n

\n\n

\n Bai Yu paused. The old man had already reached out and plucked the glasses off the bridge of his nose.\n

\n\n

\n "..."\n

\n\n

\n His vision blurred. The fireplace and bookcase warped into blocks of brick-red and brownish-black. Bai Yu's body tensed subconsciously, but quickly relaxed.\n

\n\n

\n The old man: "I hope you carefully consider my words. Once you change your mind, please contact me."\n

\n\n

\n Bai Yu nodded. "Thank you for the advice."\n

\n\n

\n For a spy and a traitor to only receive the punishment of having his glasses taken away, Bai Yu couldn't ask for more.\n

\n\n

\n In a place he couldn't perceive, the old man stood up and knocked on the door next door.\n

\n\n

\n There was a one-way mirror in the next room. The Grand Duke was sitting on the couch, looking over with an unfathomable expression.\n

\n\n

\n The old man presented the glasses with both hands. "Grand Duke, is this acceptable?"\n

\n\n

\n "..."\n

\n\n

\n Imuel wearily rubbed the space between his brows. "Put them down."\n

\n\n

\n The Grand Duke ignored the faint discomfort in his heart and told himself, 'It's just taking away his glasses, it's already a very light punishment.'\n

\n\n

\n The narrow-framed glasses were placed in front of the Grand Duke by the old man, who then bowed and withdrew.\n

\n\n

\n Meanwhile, on the other side of the mirror, the doctor had been sitting quietly for a long time.\n

\n\n

\n He sat calmly on the sofa without any movement, like a frozen sculpture. His expression was cold and indifferent, but his fingers curled up uncontrollably, and a slight cold sweat seeped from his palms.\n

\n\n

\n Without his glasses, the doctor couldn't read anymore. That collection of local customs and stories was resting on his lap—the spot where Imuel used to sleep.\n

\n\n

\n His vision was too blurry, bringing about a dizzying nausea. Bai Yu had to close his eyes, but the nauseous feeling didn't alleviate. Eventually, cold sweat also seeped from his forehead.\n

\n\n

\n "..."\n

\n\n

\n Separated by a single mirror, Imuel couldn't help but reach out and grasp the glasses frame.\n

\n\n

\n The doctor looked terrible right now.\n

\n\n

\n He looked as if he had been stripped of his indestructible armor and deprived of his basic rights. Like a bird locked in a gilded cage, only an empty silence remained in his eyes.\n

\n\n

\n Imuel lowered his eyes, thinking silently, '...He deserves it. This is what he deserves!'\n

\n\n

\n Even as he thought this, the hand gripping the glasses squeezed subconsciously, holding tighter and tighter.\n

\n\n

\n As time ticked by minute by minute, the Grand Duke suddenly stood up and paced back and forth in the small room. His brows were tightly knitted, restless and agitated, his bright and beautiful face covered in dark clouds.\n

\n\n

\n —Compared to Bai Yu, who was sitting quietly in the next room, he looked more like the captive who had been deprived of their sight.\n

\n\n

\n 55 gently poked Bai Yu, probing in a low voice: "Host, are you okay?"\n

\n\n

\n Bai Yu's tone was flat: "...I'm fine."\n

\n\n

\n 55 pursed its lips: "But your sweat is already dripping down to your chin..."\n

\n\n

\n As a captive, Bai Yu's meals were surprisingly normal. A servant brought him his food, but Bai Yu couldn't even clearly see the knife and fork. The cooked red meat sauce and the dark green seaweed mixed together, dissolving into a disgusting color. He hastily took two bites before setting it down.\n

\n\n

\n 55: "...Host, let's go to sleep early."\n

\n\n

\n Bai Yu nodded. It got dark early in winter. It was just past seven o'clock now, and the sky had completely darkened.\n

\n\n

\n 55: "The light switch is at the corner about 10 steps ahead of you."\n

\n\n

\n Bai Yu: "There's no need to turn on the light, I wouldn't be able to see anything anyway."\n

\n\n

\n He fumbled his way to the stair handrail, went upstairs, and then lay flat on the large bed in the bedroom, closing his eyes.\n

\n\n

\n The night was terrifyingly silent.\n

\n\n

\n In the Duke's Mansion at night, servants came and went, with people bustling about. Furthermore, being near the lake, the chirping of cicadas and birds was inevitable. However, this small building was excessively secluded; no sound could be heard at all.\n

\n\n

\n Bai Yu could only hear the sound of his own breathing. He lay flat on the bed like a corpse.\n

\n\n

\n "..."\n

\n\n

\n After an unknown amount of time, Bai Yu said softly, "55?"\n

\n\n

\n "Yes, I'm here."\n

\n\n

\n "Can you help guide me to the bathroom?"\n

\n\n

\n "Of course, Host." 55 quickly replied, scanning around with its small screen. "Hmm, there isn't one on the second floor. You have to go down to the first floor. The stairs are about 8 steps to your right."\n

\n\n

\n Bai Yu nodded and sat up, his fingers feeling along the wall as he slowly walked downward.\n

\n\n

\n He had a slender figure and his back was perfectly straight, yet his steps were extremely slow. The huge room was completely empty. His back figure seemed to meld into the darkness, about to be entirely swallowed up.\n

\n\n

\n 55: "Host, be careful—"\n

\n\n

\n Between the flights of stairs, there was a small turning platform, and on the platform were triangular steps. 55's warning was timely; Bai Yu stumbled slightly but quickly grabbed the railing to stand steady, preventing himself from falling to his knees.\n

\n\n

\n He smiled faintly. "Thank you."\n

\n\n

\n 55: "...It's nothing to thank me for."\n

\n\n

\n In the next room, Grand Duke Imuel suddenly stood up.\n

\n\n

\n He had held his breath the moment Bai Yu stood up. When Bai Yu stumbled, he finally couldn't restrain himself and paced back and forth in the room. Muttering to himself, he constantly warned himself, "This is what he deserves. He wanted to kill me, this is what he deserves!"\n

\n\n

\n As he spoke, he smashed a fist into the couch.\n

\n\n

\n Imuel gnashed his teeth, his eye sockets tinged with a faint red from anger. He muttered viciously, as if only by doing so could he suppress the harsh bitterness in his heart.\n

\n\n

\n "He refuses to defend himself, refuses to beg me for mercy, refuses to divulge any intelligence about the Black Robe Society... This is what he deserves!"\n

\n\n

\n The pillow on the couch, having suffered two furious punches from the Grand Duke, finally could bear it no longer and fell to the floor with a smack. Imuel took a deep breath, barely managing to calm his emotions. His fingertips trembling, he summoned a guard: "Go! Bring the spare spectacle lenses!"\n

\n\n

\n During the previous Grand Duke's reign, there were several madams and young masters in the mansion who were nearsighted, so the mansion always kept spare spectacle lenses in stock.\n

\n\n

\n Imuel couldn't just give Bai Yu's glasses back to him. That would confirm his softheartedness and allow the doctor to act even more brazenly, relying on his favor to be arrogant. He wanted the doctor to realize his mistake, to apologize, and to know that the Grand Duke's thunderous wrath couldn't be easily dispelled. Only then could he return the glasses to the doctor.\n

\n\n

\n But he could place lenses with the exact same prescription in the room, pretend they were already there, and guide the doctor to find them.\n

\n\n

\n ...If the doctor found the lenses himself, what did that have to do with the Duke?\n

\n\n

\n The guard was extremely efficient and quickly brought over a box of lenses.\n

\n\n

\n To avoid making it too obvious by only providing one prescription, Imuel deliberately mixed in seven or eight different prescriptions. The small box was densely packed with lenses, neatly arranged in different compartments. At first glance, it really looked like something casually left behind.\n

\n\n

\n Imuel waved his hand, dismissing the guard.\n

\n\n

\n He couldn't go through the main door to deliver things to the doctor. The door was old, and the sound of it opening would be too loud; it would definitely be noticed.\n

\n\n

\n Imuel looked out the window.\n

\n\n

\n The room had a balcony with French windows.\n

\n\n

\n For a person to go down to the balcony would require unlocking it, which would also make a noise.\n

\n\n

\n Imuel silently pinched his fingertips, crumpling his expensive robes.\n

\n\n

\n He pushed open the balcony door and looked down. The guards were all active outside the courtyard of the small building, a fair distance away. Unless commanded by the Duke, no one would come in to disturb him.\n

\n\n

\n "..."\n

\n\n

\n So, Imuel raised his hand and grasped his shirt buttons.\n

\n\n

\n Expressionlessly, he stripped off his clothes one by one. Then, his body landed lightly on the floor, transforming into a platinum short-legged kitten.\n

\n\n

\n The kitten picked up the lens box in his mouth.\n

\n\n

\n He padded over to the balcony with a cat walk. The soft pads of his paws touched the ground without making a single sound.\n

\n\n

\n The two balconies were less than 20 centimeters apart. There was a gap between the railings, just enough to allow a small kitten to pass through.\n

\n\n

\n Thus, Imuel backed up, took a running start, and then did a flying leap—\n

\n\n

\n Splat.\n

\n\n

\n After all, a short-legged cat's legs were truly short.\n

\n\n

\n Fortunately, he still managed to successfully land on the doctor's balcony. His belly hit the floor, so it didn't make much noise. Imuel shook out his fur. Holding the box in his mouth, he looked left and right, then sneakily slipped into the living room and placed the item neatly on the table.\n

\n\n

\n The table already had a lot of clutter on it, so placing the box among it didn't look out of place.\n

\n\n

\n ...But how could he get the doctor to notice this place and come over to check?\n

\n\n

\n Imuel angrily scratched the tabletop with his claws, spun in a circle on the spot, and then drew a deep breath, using the most ferocious, savage, and least cutesy voice to roar: "Meow—!"\n

\n\n

\n —Damn doctor, look over here at this Grand Duke!\n

\n\n

\n He was full of anger, and his meow was likewise filled with resentment. He sounded completely different from an adorable platinum kitten, so the doctor definitely wouldn't be able to recognize him.\n

\n\n

\n —It's perfectly reasonable for a stray cat to accidentally wander onto the balcony of a remote building in the Grand Duke's Mansion, right?\n

\n\n

\n The doctor did indeed notice. He fumbled through the darkness toward the balcony and asked in surprise, "A cat? How could there be a cat here?"\n

\n\n

\n Imuel shot him a resentful look.\n

\n\n

\n The Platinum Dumpling shook his large tail, padded back to the balcony, then backed up, gathered his strength, and took a flying leap—\n

\n\n

\n Splat.\n

\n\n

\n He landed smoothly on the balcony next door.\n

\n\n

\n Imuel flicked his tail, walked back into the room, and jumped into the pile of clothes. The Grand Duke's attire was cumbersome and complicated; there were at least ten or twenty buttons alone. He transformed back into his human form, and as he buttoned his shirt, he thought resentfully, 'Damn doctor, this Grand Duke has already delivered the glasses right to your hand. If you still can't find them, you can't blame me.'\n

\n\n

\n On the other side, Bai Yu had groped his way to the table where the glasses had been placed.\n

\n\n

\n The kitten had only meowed once and then went silent. He didn't know if it had left. The light at night was too dim, so 55 couldn't see clearly either.\n

\n\n

\n Duke Imuel despised cats, and there wasn't a single cat in the entire Duke's Mansion. If this kitten fell into the hands of the guards, its fate would probably be quite ugly.\n

\n\n

\n Even though Bai Yu couldn't even protect himself, the food delivered every day was plentiful enough. He could temporarily feed the kitten.\n

\n\n

\n Thinking this, Bai Yu walked to the edge of the table and reached out to feel around.\n

\n\n

\n Of course, he didn't touch a kitten, but he did touch a wooden box.\n

\n\n

\n 55 said in surprise: "Eh, was this box here when we first arrived? The surface carvings look very expensive. Host, quickly open it and take a look."\n

\n\n

\n Bai Yu unfastened the clasp. As soon as the box was opened, he heard 55 exclaim: "My god, Host, this is a whole box of lenses!"\n

\n\n

\n The system was endlessly thrilled: "Hurry and try them out, Host. See if there are any you can use."\n

\n\n

\n Bai Yu paused slightly, his fingers fumbling as he tried them one by one.\n

\n\n

\n These lenses were neatly arranged by prescription. His vision gradually became clearer. When he tried a certain piece, Bai Yu blinked.\n

\n\n

\n He could clearly see the shifting moonlight outside the window.\n

\n\n

\n A bright moon hung high in the sky, accompanied by a few stars around it. Under the moonlight, the curtains, the balcony, the fireplace, the sofas... absolutely everything was clearly visible.\n

\n\n

\n Bai Yu exhaled a breath of stale air, his tense nerves quietly relaxing.\n

\n\n

\n 55 displayed a huge smile on its small screen: "Oh my god, Host, our luck is just too good! This place actually has lenses, and there just so happens to be ones with your exact prescription!"\n

\n\n

\n Bai Yu, however, didn't speak.\n

\n\n

\n He quietly examined the small box. The box had complex craftsmanship; its surface was painted with gold lacquer and inlaid with mother-of-pearl, rubies, and sapphires.\n

\n\n

\n This era didn't have the craftsmanship of later generations, much less effects like blue light filtering. The lenses were pure glass, yet under the moonlight, this box of glass actually sparkled with a crystal-like luster.\n

\n\n

\n "55," Bai Yu said softly, "What do you think the probability is that in a deserted small building in the Duke's Mansion, I would find a box of brand-new lenses? And among these lenses, there just so happens to be my exact prescription?"\n

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\n System 55 was taken aback: "Ah?"\n

\n\n

\n Bai Yu said, "I just think it's a bit too coincidental."\n

\n\n

\n The desolate and dilapidated small building in the Duke's Mansion, the glasses with the exact right prescription in the corner, and that cat that seemed to deliberately remind him of the direction.\n

\n\n

\n If it were an accident, how low would the probability be for so many factors to stack up?\n

\n\n

\n Bai Yu slowly closed his eyes. "Let's wait until dawn tomorrow."\n

\n\n

\n He had a guess in his heart that needed to be confirmed face-to-face with Duke Imuel. After testing the waters, he might be able to draw a conclusion.\n

\n\n

\n But Imuel refused to see him for several days in a row.\n

\n\n

\n The interrogator kept a deadpan face: "Mr. Bai, it's true that the Grand Duke dotes on you, but you show no remorse at all and refuse to surrender. The Grand Duke will not see you."\n

\n\n

\n Bai Yu was thoughtful: "I see."\n

\n\n

\n It seemed he had annoyed Grand Duke Imuel.\n

\n\n

\n The next few days passed peacefully. Bai Yu read books and newspapers in the small building, feeling content and at ease. His meals were similar to before, and he wasn't mistreated in any other way. Bai Yu tentatively mentioned it was cold, and the next day, the underfloor heating was turned up.\n

\n\n

\n If nothing unexpected happened, they would be at a stalemate for a long time, but late one night, a major incident occurred in the Duke's Mansion.\n

\n\n

\n Bai Yu washed up as usual. After falling asleep, he was awakened by the sound of gunshots outside the window. He half-sat up and saw flames shooting up into the sky.\n

\n\n

\n Soon after, gunshots and screams rang out outside the small building where he lived. Bai Yu tentatively pushed the door but was blocked by an expressionless guard. He then stood on the balcony and looked out. The fire and shooting were happening just outside the perimeter of the small building, and footsteps and shouts could be faintly heard.\n

\n\n

\n The Duke's Mansion seemed to have been attacked, but before it could reach him, the intruders were apprehended by the defending personal guards.\n

\n\n

\n Within half an hour, the gunfire subsided, the fire was extinguished, and the small building returned to the tranquil and heavy night. Under the operation of the guards of the Duke's Mansion, this attack failed to make any waves.\n

\n\n

\n Bai Yu couldn't leave, so System 55 floated down for a spin and returned, mimicking human mannerisms to Bai Yu:\n

\n\n

\n "I heard the personal guards chatting. They said the assassins came for you. The Black Robe Society wants to kill you. Someone in the mansion leaked intelligence and passed out the news that you were here. It's just that they didn't expect the guards around the small building to be exceptionally strict, so they failed."\n

\n\n

\n — For Bai Yu alone, there shouldn't have been many guards, but unexpectedly, Grand Duke Imuel was also resting here. The small building was like an iron bucket, difficult for even a fly to enter.\n

\n\n

\n But Bai Yu didn't know this.\n

\n\n

\n He paused slightly: "The Black Robe Society wants to kill me?"\n

\n\n

\n It wasn't strange that the Black Robe Society wanted to kill him. Although Bai Yu knew nothing, the original owner had been in the Black Robe Society for many years and might have known some secrets. Now that his identity was exposed, the Black Robe Society naturally wanted to cut the weeds and eliminate the roots.\n

\n\n

\n As soon as System 55 finished speaking, a steady knock came from the door.\n

\n\n

\n Outside the door was the interrogator. The rigid silver-haired old man held a sealed document and bowed slightly to Bai Yu: "Your Excellency, you should have noticed the commotion outside. I am here on the orders of the Grand Duke. Perhaps we should talk."\n

\n\n

\n Bai Yu: "Please come in."\n

\n\n

\n A monocle still rested on his nose bridge. A few days ago, his glasses had been personally taken away by the old man, but the old man acted as if he hadn't seen it and simply handed the document to Bai Yu: "Perhaps you should take a look at this."\n

\n\n

\n It was an interrogation report.\n

\n\n

\n The people of the Duke's Mansion worked quickly and efficiently. As soon as they apprehended the assassins, they bound them securely, escorted them into the interrogation room, pried open their mouths, and obtained confessions.\n

\n\n

\n Bai Yu raised his hand to flip through it. The confession was not long. The old man concisely explained, "Sir, I'll get straight to the point. These assassins are from the Black Robe Society. The evidence is conclusive. It was a direct order from the higher-ups of the Black Robe Society to kill you."\n

\n\n

\n The old man fixed his gaze firmly on Bai Yu, his sight sharp as a knife: "The organization you serve wants you dead."\n

\n\n

\n He tried to see unwillingness and anger on the face of the handsome young man in front of him. These emotions would become the key to prying open crucial information, but Bai Yu's face was calm, his brows not even twitching. His handsome face was completely blank, devoid of any emotion.\n

\n\n

\n System 55 poked him: "Host, do you have no reaction?"\n

\n\n

\n Bai Yu pushed his glasses and asked weirdly: "Should I have any reaction?"\n

\n\n

\n Let alone the Black Robe Society wanting to kill him, even if the boss of the Black Robe Society performed a striptease in front of him right now, Bai Yu couldn't be bothered to spare a glance.\n

\n\n

\n He didn't serve the Black Robe Society; he just wanted to go home.\n

\n\n

\n The old man frowned slightly. The young man before him was incredibly resolute, harder to deal with than he had imagined. The old man changed his approach, trying to appeal to both emotion and reason.\n

\n\n

\n Leaning forward slightly, he said amiably, "Mr. Bai, you know full well how you've been treated in the Duke's Mansion these past two days. The Grand Duke has not treated you unfairly. As a mere prisoner, you lack nothing in food, clothing, and daily necessities. Under such circumstances, must you really betray the Grand Duke and chill his heart?"\n

\n\n

\n Bai Yu's expression shifted slightly.\n

\n\n

\n Humans are not unfeeling plants or stones. For Imuel, a Grand Duke, to act like this, it would be a lie to say he felt absolutely nothing.\n

\n\n

\n Seeing this, the old man struck while the iron was hot: "Grand Duke Imuel values old ties. If you are willing to forsake the Black Robe Society, we won't treat you poorly. Moreover, given your relationship with the Grand Duke, achieving rapid success and prosperity in the future would be much happier than following the Black Robe Society, wouldn't it?"\n

\n\n

\n Bai Yu sighed softly.\n

\n\n

\n It wasn't that he didn't want to surrender to the Grand Duke's Mansion; it was that he had no way to.\n

\n\n

\n As a spy, if Bai Yu wanted to defect, he had to provide some valuable intelligence. Whether it was the Black Robe Society's internal personnel roster or their upcoming plans, he needed to prove that he truly no longer served the Black Robe Society to be convincing. He couldn't just claim with empty words that he wasn't a spy and wanted to defect.\n

\n\n

\n But the problem was, Bai Yu truly didn't know.\n

\n\n

\n The Black Robe Society acted cautiously. Not only did they use single-line contacts the entire time, but their meeting locations were also frequently changed. The only place Bai Yu knew, the West City Cathedral, had long since been emptied.\n

\n\n

\n He couldn't possibly tell Grand Duke Imuel that he actually came from another world, was bound to a system, had replaced the original owner's identity, and was here to complete missions, rather than serving the Black Robe Society. If Grand Duke Imuel believed that, he'd have to be out of his mind.\n

\n\n

\n Besides... he wanted to confirm some things.\n

\n\n

\n Thus, Bai Yu said, "Sorry, I have no comment."\n

\n\n

\n The old man narrowed his eyes: "Mr. Bai, have you thought this through?"\n

\n\n

\n Bai Yu: "I have."\n

\n\n

\n "..."\n

\n\n

\n Separated by a single wall, Imuel slowly closed his eyes.\n

\n\n

\n Even at this point, the doctor was still unwilling to betray the Black Robe Society.\n

\n\n

\n His fingertips squeezed a document tightly, his fingers trembling and cramping. His beautiful, s

The NPC in the Abusive Novel is Slacking Off [Quick Transmigration]

The NPC in the Abusive Novel is Slacking Off [Quick Transmigration]

Chapter 113 - Extra: Later Days

Shane