Category: How To Use His Feathers (Page 5 of 7)

Zhu Ming’s newly developed medicine was designed to enhance the neural and mental pathways between Xi Xianqing and his spiritual manifestation, strengthening his control over it and ultimately enabling Dish Soap to spread its tail feathers.

At this moment, the green peac0ck in the living room was furiously flapping its wings, its beady eyes glaring in anger as it dragged its beautiful tail feathers and flew erratically, crashing into things at random.

This proved that the drug had indeed caused some reaction in the feathers.

—It just wasn’t the feathers Zhu Ming intended.

A peac0ck’s feathers are divided into flight feathers and tail feathers. The short, brown flight feathers located at the front of the body are primarily used for flying.

On the other hand, the familiar tail feathers are vibrant, elegant plumes with large eye-shaped patterns, mainly used for courtship displays in nature. As a spiritual manifestation, these feathers could typically be controlled to fan open at the owner’s will.

Back in the present, Zhu Ming looked up at the sweat-soaked face of the handsome young man in front of him.

What Zhu Ming wanted to see movement in were the tail feathers. Yet, it was the flight feathers that had gone berserk.

Why was this happening?

More importantly, this particular formula shouldn’t have caused any adverse effects. The reaction from the spiritual manifestation was unexpectedly strong—so much so that it seemed… slightly out of control.

“The medicine dosage was already as minimal as possible. I even tried it on myself once—there shouldn’t have been this kind of reaction.”

Muttering to himself, Zhu Ming grabbed Xi Xianqing’s arm and began investigating possible causes. “After taking the medicine, how long before you felt something was wrong? Did you take it with any other medication? Did you drink alcohol?”

“It started about half an hour after I took it. I didn’t drink anything, and I didn’t take any other medication.”

Sweat dripped from Xi Xianqing’s brow down to his jawline. He frowned deeply, his Adam’s apple bobbing as he struggled to force his words out through gritted teeth. “…And then this happened.”

Clearly uncomfortable, he couldn’t help but growl in frustration, “What kind of quack doctor are you?”

Zhu Ming wasn’t in the mood to argue. “Where exactly is it uncomfortable? Describe it to me.”

Xi Xianqing glared at him, “Everywhere is uncomfortable.”

“…” Zhu Ming was usually most afraid of this kind of patient, “What kind of discomfort are we talking about? Be specific. Is it pain? Nausea? Dizziness?”

Normally meticulous about his appearance, Xi Xianqing now found himself in an uncharacteristically disheveled state, which made his ears turn red with embarrassment. He hesitated, struggling to speak.

Only after a moment did he hoarsely squeeze out a single word: “Hot.”

“I feel like my body and the entire room suddenly became unbearably hot.”

The young man lowered his head in frustration, his chest heaving as he panted. After a moment, he seemed a bit dazed and added, “And it suddenly feels so noisy. There’s a constant buzzing sound in my ears, and the lights suddenly got so bright they’re blinding.”

Very hot, very noisy, very bright.

After Zhu Ming pondered for a moment, his eyes suddenly widened.

This was the feeling after all the sensory functions were infinitely amplified.

The Spirit Activator he developed was supposed to be safer than children’s cough syrup.

However, some medical literature did mention that for a minuscule fraction of highly sensitive individuals—one in ten thousand—such activators could cause extreme sensory amplification as a side effect. Clinical cases of this were extraordinarily rare.

It was clear that Xi Xianqing was that one in ten thousand–he was allergic.

It was over.

A wave of bitter frustration that Zhu Ming hadn’t felt in a long time washed over him. The medicine he had painstakingly developed turned out to be completely unusable for this one-in-ten-thousand allergic physique. Now, he would have to start from scratch.

Zhu Ming exhaled, raising a hand to feel Xi Xianqing’s forehead. “It shouldn’t be anything serious. Once the medicine wears off, you should be fine. But—”

He didn’t expect the person before him to still be sulking. Xi Xianqing coldly turned his face away, avoiding Zhu Ming’s hand.

Zhu Ming almost laughed out of exasperation but knew there was no point in arguing with a sick bird who was already unwell. “Look, can we temporarily pause this cold war, save a checkpoint, and resume the argument later once you’re better?”

He said, raising his hand again.

Xi Xianqing stared at his face for a while, still clearly displeased.

But after a moment, he finally looked away, lowering his head slightly and pressing his flushed face into Zhu Ming’s palm.

Zhu Ming first felt the dampness of sweat on the young man’s face, followed by the almost scalding heat of his feverish skin.

“You have a high fever,” Zhu Ming sighed.

Xi Xianqing lowered his gaze, saying nothing as he kept his face pressed against Zhu Ming’s hand.

Perhaps because Zhu Ming’s palm was cool and soft, Xi Xianqing unconsciously nuzzled against it. After a long moment, he let out a quiet, raspy “en” and asked in a low voice, “So, what do you think we should do?”

The fiery attitude wasn’t as strong as just now, and Zhu Ming softened his tone. “Alright, lie down on my bed for now.”

Xi Xianqing glanced up in dissatisfaction, as though wanting to challenge the suggestion. Before he could speak, Zhu Ming tilted his head and cut him off with a single line: “Are you the doctor, or am I the doctor?”

Xi Xiangqing: “…”

Despite his reluctance, Xi Xianqing eventually complied and lay down on the bed.

“This is just a mild allergic reaction. It hasn’t progressed to throat swelling or breathing difficulties. I can’t give you any fever-reducing medication either, in case it triggers other adverse reactions.”

Zhu Ming murmured, “So you’ll have to bear a bit with it for now. Theoretically, everything should return to normal once the medicine wears off.”

Xi Xianqing had barely settled when he sat up incredulously, exclaiming, “Bear with it? In this state? And you’re calling it mild—”

“Hear me out.”

Zhu Ming pressed a finger to his shoulder, gently pushing him back down onto the bed. “That said, since you’re clearly uncomfortable, we can take some measures to help alleviate the symptoms while waiting for the medicine to wear off.”

Only then did Xi Xianqing settle down.

He panted lightly, glaring at Zhu Ming for a moment before hoarsely spitting out a word: “Hot.”

Zhu Ming: “Understood.”

He retrieved some ice cubes from the fridge, which had been prepared by the staff, and fashioned a simple ice pack using a towel. He placed it on Xi Xianqing’s forehead. “Stay put. Don’t move.”

On the bed was the sick XI Xianqing, who was lying neatly on it with an ice pack on his head.

Outside the door, the green peac0ck was equally spent, its magnificent tail dragging lifelessly as it collapsed in a heap at the doorway, utterly motionless.

One person and one bird were both immobilized—there was something pitiful yet oddly amusing about the scene.

Zhu Ming pressed his lips together, shifting his gaze away nonchalantly as if nothing happened. “En… what else did you say was bothering you? Noisy and bright, right? Those are easy to fix.”

Zhu Ming turned off all the lights in the villa, drew the curtains, and left only a small desk lamp glowing faintly in the corner.

Then he retrieved a pair of noise-canceling earplugs and carefully inserted them into Xi Xianqing’s ears, one on each side. “There, all set. Get some rest.”

After being attended to so meticulously, the icy sharpness in Xi Xianqing’s deep green eyes finally softened a little.

He closed his eyes briefly to assess the changes. His fever had left his voice hoarse and his breathing slightly labored. “Still… uncomfortable.”

Zhu Ming was puzzled, “Where is it uncomfortable?”

Xi Xianqing fell silent again.

Zhu Ming assumed that meant there was no further issue and was just about to settle by the bedside to guard him and catch a quick nap. But then, from the bed, a voice abruptly broke the silence: “I can’t explain it.”

“Oh, come on.” Zhu Ming was really convinced. “Are you making me play guessing games now?”

With a “swoosh”, Xi Xianqing yanked the ice pack off his forehead and removed the earplugs, his expression stormy. “I took your lousy medicine and ended up like this, and that’s how you’re treating me?”

Rubbing his temples, Zhu Ming briefly considered the merits of letting this guy pass out from the fever.

Just when he wanted to say something, his gaze suddenly froze.

When Xi Xianqing first stormed in, radiating fury, Zhu Ming focused on his face during their argument.

But at this moment, Xi Xianqing was in a half-sitting position on the bed.

Xi Xianqing was always meticulous about his appearance, unlike Zhu Ming, who lived in loose, comfortable sweatpants.

His preferred trousers were tailored with exquisite fabrics and precise fits, accentuating his long, slender legs.

Because of this, when sitting, the fabric clung tightly, outlining the contours of his body with clarity.

Zhu Ming’s gaze inadvertently dropped. In the dim light, he noticed a faintly discernible bulge where the fabric was stretched taut…

His brain suddenly “buzzed”.

Following Zhu Ming’s line of sight, Xi Xianqing looked down as well and froze.

Their gazes met in midair, realization striking both at once.

If the drug’s side effects amplified all sensory functions, then it wasn’t just touch, hearing, and vision that were heightened. Naturally, the most fundamental of human physiological responses would be amplified as well…

“Zhu. Ming.”

Xi Xianqing snatched up the pillow beside him to cover himself, his glare icy and murderous. Through gritted teeth, he said, “What exactly did you put… in that medicine?”

Zhu Ming glanced at it casually again.

For the first time in his medical career, he felt a flicker of uncertainty. “I honestly didn’t expect… the medicine could have this kind of effect.”

“I advise you to stabilize your emotions first.”

He tried his best to maintain the calm, professional demeanor of a doctor. “Dish Soap just settled down, and I can’t guarantee the medicine won’t cause additional disturbances if your emotions keep fluctuating ha.”

Hearing this, Xi Xianqing stiffened, forcing himself to stay still. Frustrated, he ordered, “Then hurry up and figure something out.”

“This is actually a very good solution ah.”

Zhu Ming, striving to remain as clinical and objective as possible without any emotional coloring, said, “My bathroom is right next door. You can use it now if you want.”

Xi Xianqing remained silent for a long time. Sensing something amiss, Zhu Ming hesitantly asked, “Do you want me to step out?”

At this, Xi Xianqing flared up, sitting bolt upright. “You dare to try leaving me behind now?”

The mind of this irritable peac0ck was truly hard to fathom. Zhu Ming sighed helplessly and said, “So, are you asking me to stay? Watch you…”

He noticed Xi Xianqing deflate, his shoulders slumping slightly.

“Don’t you have any other solutions? Like some other medicine that could… suppress this?” His voice was hoarse as he kept his head down.

Zhu Ming: “?”

“There are plenty of people out there who’d kill for this kind of reaction, and here you are trying to do the opposite—”

Zhu Ming paused hesitantly. “Don’t tell me you’ve never handled this sort of thing… on your own before?”

“Of course not,” Xi Xianqing snapped, his irritation evident. Then he paused, turned his head away, and admitted in a dry voice, “I already… tried earlier. In my own room.”

“It didn’t work.” He took a deep breath, “It hasn’t been able to get down.”

Zhu Ming: “Ah?”

It was only then that Zhu Ming realized the magnitude of what he had inadvertently created—something that might very well revolutionize the entire pharmaceutical industry in District Seven.

No wonder, with Xi Xianqing’s nature, he was able to reach the point where he took the initiative to come to the door to ask for help, it was definitely not just as simple as a mere fever.

Zhu Ming exhaled slowly. “Could it be that the emotional cues or external stimuli weren’t enough? Remember those images I showed you on the light screen last time…”

Xi Xianqing shot him an icy glare, cutting him off.

Rethinking his approach, Zhu Ming pressed the ice pack back against Xi Xianqing’s neck. “Alright, here’s the plan: lie down, relax, and listen to me.”

In situations like this, brute force wouldn’t work.

Sitting on the edge of the bed, he began to outline a method step by step: “First, imagine someone in your mind. This person can be your ideal type, your ultimate fantasy. In short, someone you find irresistibly attractive. He…”

Xi Xianqing’s cheeks were faintly flushed from the fever. His hoarse voice broke the silence: “I don’t have one.”

​​Zhu Ming: “… Are you kidding me?”

Xi Xianqing frowned slightly and lifted his gaze, “You did?”

Zhu Ming said strangely, “Of course.”

En, the Father of Spiritual Manifestation Genetic Research, had been dead for hundreds of years. Zhu Ming silently lamented.

“…We’re getting off track.”

Clearing his throat lightly, Zhu Ming continued his guidance. “It doesn’t necessarily have to be your ideal type. District Six has plenty of art and film works. Can’t you consider someone from there?”

Xi Xianqing looked ready to refute, but Zhu Ming had anticipated his reaction. He smiled faintly and lifted the ice pack, pressing it lightly to Xi Xianqing’s mouth. “Just listen first.”

Xi Xianqing: “…”

“It could be a movie character you find attractive or perhaps a singer whose voice matches your aesthetic.”

Zhu Ming’s tone was gentle as his gaze met Xi Xianqing’s. “Then, imagine an intense scene, something that resonates with you. Merge the two ha.”

The white fox squatted on the bedside table, its tail swaying curiously as it observed the interaction of the two people.

Xi Xianqing initially felt annoyed by Zhu Ming’s approach as if talking to a small child, but without realizing it, he found himself pulled into this warm and soft voice. His thoughts began to drift.

Someone attractive… an intense scene…

His faint breathing became rapid. Xi Xianqing felt Zhu Ming change the ice pack again and tenderly put it on the corner of his forehead.

Zhu Ming’s voice came softly near his ear. “Think about what it would be like to meet that character in real life one day. Picture the moments you’d share together…”

His pulse quickened, and his fevered breaths seemed to scorch the air. Xi Xianqing’s thoughts unconsciously followed him and slipped out of the room, beyond the living room, and beyond the villa itself.

—Returning to the shimmering, intimate setting of the swimming pool.

Drip.

Xi Xianqing saw a drop of water.

More precisely, it was a droplet that had clung to Zhu Ming’s forehead earlier that afternoon. It was from the moment they had quietly locked eyes in the pool.

The clear droplet hung precariously on Zhu Ming’s hair, slipped onto the tip of his nose, rolled down to the philtrum, and finally rested on his lightly pursed, pale lips.

He remembered how Zhu Ming had slightly turned his face at that moment, his damp lashes casting shadows as he casually licked the droplet away.

The tip of his tongue, soft and wet, swept the water into his mouth. Then, he raised a hand, hooking it around Xi Xianqing’s neck, leaning close to whisper softly in his ear, “Do me a favor and help me ashore.”

—The memory shattered as he was pulled back to reality in an instant.

The face of the person by the pool overlapped with the one before him now.

Blood surged quietly. Xi Xianqing’s Adam’s apple bobbed as he swallowed hard and abruptly sat up straight.

He tossed the pillow covering him aside without so much as a glance at Zhu Ming and strode straight toward the adjacent bathroom without turning back.

With a loud “bang,” the door slammed shut. It wasn’t until moments later that the sound of running water trickled through the room. Zhu Ming returned to his senses, finally processing what had just transpired.

He subconsciously looked toward the door, noting that the green peac0ck, which had been lying limply by the entrance earlier, was now nowhere to be seen.

“…And he had the nerve to claim he doesn’t have an ideal type.”

Realizing what had just unfolded, Zhu Ming’s lips curved slightly as he murmured to the white fox beside him, “That reaction came pretty quickly, didn’t it?”

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Author’s Notes:

<Where’s the Innocent Peac0ck Escaping, The Hot Little Tutor Fox is Here to Teach!>

The story is about to make it to the rankings. I hope everyone can leave more comments and starfish, as this will mean a lot to me ψ(｀∇´)ψ～

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Jie Jie: Sorry, a bit late! I was almost away the entire week last week :blobsleepless:

Happy New Year, everyone! :googleredheart:

“It’s been ages since we last met. You ought to buy me a drink for that.”

Yang Jiahe tapped Xi Xianqing on the shoulder with her fingertip. “Honestly, I barely recognized you earlier. I mean, someone like you enjoying a holiday in District Two, flirting by the pool no less.”

“But then I thought about it again. Since you’re currently undergoing an assessment, your being in District Two makes sense. That’s why I came over to confirm.” As she spoke, her gaze flitted by the pool, an expression of surprise flickering in her eyes. “I saw the news and found out you suddenly had a flash marriage. What’s the story? Did love hit you like a—”

“Teacher Yang,” Xi Xianqing cut her off with a slight push of the drinks menu toward her. His tone was calm. “What would you like to drink?”

Yang Jiahe burst out laughing, shook her head, and cheerfully pointed out two c0cktails to the bartender.

Yang Jiahe had been Xi Xianqing’s mentor at the Design Academy. Straightforward and passionate by nature, her design style was avant-garde and bold.

She was touring multiple districts to exhibit her work, and this month, it happened to be District Two’s turn.

As top-tier jewelry designers, people like her had an exceptionally sharp eye.

After some small talk, Yang Jiahe’s focus locked onto the wedding band on Xi Xianqing’s hand. Her eyes sparkled with curiosity. “Hold on, is that… could it possibly be the blue diamond from the Kurite mines in District Four—the ones that are completely depleted now?”

Xi Xianqing didn’t say anything. Yang Jiahe immediately took his quietness as confirmation, gasping dramatically as she grabbed his hand for a closer inspection.

“This flawless clarity, this vivid fancy blue grade… In recent years, only two blue diamonds of this quality have even appeared at auction. So one of them ended up with you, kid?”

Yang Jiahe muttered enviously, her eyes practically glowing with jealousy. “Ugh, this is infuriating. Your collection level is catching up to an industry veteran like me.”

“Ai, no,” she said, a sudden thought dawning on her. “You said it’s your wedding ring. So does that mean your partner has one too? Don’t tell me you bought… both?”

Xi Xianqing neither confirmed nor denied it.

“These rings could buy a building… no, probably an entire small neighboring planet. Your extravagance is unbelievable.” Yang Jiahe stomped her foot, and her Iris spiritual manifestation swayed along with her movements. “Oh, right. Is your lover also from District Six? How’d you two meet ah?”

“Wedding rings and such tend to draw media attention, so they can’t be anything too careless.” Xi Xianqing said, effortlessly steering the conversation away. “He’s from District Seven.”

Yang Jiahe was taken aback. “Oh my gosh, my gosh. Not only is he stunningly good-looking, but you’re telling me he’s a xueba¹Top student. too?”

“No wonder he managed to charm our little son Xi into believing in love. Aren’t you going to introduce him to your mentor?”

She fiddled with the lemon slice on the rim of her glass, teasing as she leaned slightly past Xi Xianqing to glance toward the poolside. Her expression shifted subtly. “Ai… what’s happening there?”

Xi Xianqing followed her gaze.

Just minutes ago, Zhu Ming had been sitting alone by the pool.

At some point, a bespectacled young man with a scholarly and earnest demeanor had appeared by his side.

The young man looked highly excited, bending over as he clutched Zhu Ming’s arm in an overly humble manner, eagerly asking him something.

Zhu Ming’s expression revealed a hint of subtle helplessness—it seemed he wasn’t quite equipped to deal with the young man’s enthusiasm. Nevertheless, after a brief pause, he managed a polite and gentle smile, responding with a few words.

The next moment, Xi Xianqing saw the bespectacled man plop down right by the edge of the pool. He released his guinea pig spiritual manifestation, his face full of hope as he stared intently at Zhu Ming.

Zhu Ming appeared hesitant for a moment. Finally, he nodded slightly and let out his own white fox.

Xi Xianqing watched as the plump guinea pig cheerfully rubbed itself against the fox’s tail with its round body.

“You probably don’t remember me.” The young man said nervously, adjusting his glasses. “I’m Qian Duo from K University. A few years ago, at the Psychospiritual Medicine Research Conference, you gave a lecture on behalf of T University and visited our group. You even shook my hand back then.”

During his years at the academy, Zhu Ming had attended countless lectures—if not a thousand, then certainly several hundred.

He could only attempt an awkward but polite look of recollection. “En… K University, you say…”

Qian Duo prompted him. “Yes, during that lecture, at the midday tea break, there was a salad that wasn’t very fresh. One of the professors ended up with a stomachache halfway through his presentation, and he had to dash to the restroom, farting like crazy!”

Zhu Ming instantly remembered, “Oh, oh, it was that one ah”

The name of District Seven’s perfect-score medical examinee wasn’t an empty title—Zhu Ming knew he had garnered quite a lot of fans among young students. However, when they’d met in the past, it was always at formal academic settings where everyone was suited up and conducted themselves with the utmost decorum.

At this moment, though, Zhu Ming was sitting by the pool, dripping wet, with his legs still soaking in the water—a rather awkward scenario.

Yet Qian Duo didn’t seem to mind at all. He sat casually by the pool’s edge, gripping Zhu Ming’s hand tightly, while the guinea pig by his feet gazed up with sparkling starry eyes.

“Our research group focuses on developmental defects in rodent-type spiritual manifestations. The foundation of our project is actually based on several of your earlier papers!”

He then rattled off the titles of two papers, and Zhu Ming nearly blacked out on the spot.

Because these were from his earliest research days, they belonged to a level of black history that had been hidden for a long time.

At this moment, Zhu Ming was certain—the young man in front of him was undeniably an avid fan. It was clear he’d just entered the research institute, brimming with enthusiasm and longing for academic pursuits.

For a moment, Zhu Ming saw a reflection of his younger self. The thought left him somewhat dazed, and he smiled faintly. “Rodent-type spiritual manifestations are indeed a fascinating field. However, later on, the academy encouraged me to switch research directions, so I left it behind.”

He grew curious. “That said, it seems K University is quite well-funded. To sustain a team in such a niche field is impressive.”

Qian Duo scratched his head. “Hehe, well, actually, our group’s funding is pretty pitiful. But my father is a shareholder of the university and funded the construction of a teaching building, so things in the lab have been doing quite well now.”

Zhu Ming; “…”

As expected, the people you meet in a vacation resort are never ordinary.

Encountering his academic idol had Qian Duo too overwhelmed to stay calm. In no time, he spilled all the details of his current project, their techniques, and more.

Seeing that he was even about to disclose the laboratory door password, Zhu Ming quickly intervened. “Enough, enough. It’s fine to tell me, but if someone with ill intent overhears, you and your mentor’s efforts from the past few years will be for nothing.”

Only then did Qian Duo hastily slap a hand over his mouth.

After a moment, he seemed to recall something and looked at Zhu Ming expectantly. “So… will you ever return?”

Zhu Ming was slightly stunned, “What?”

Qian Duo gazed into Zhu Ming’s eyes. “After your accident, you went into recovery. Our mentor has been trying to collaborate with you ever since, sending numerous emails to your academic email address.”

“If you ever feel like returning to research, our team would always welcome you!” Qian Duo added cheerily, “Just a few days ago, our group got a new experimental lab pod. If you need any other instruments, I can even ask my dad to get them for you!”

Zhu Ming couldn’t help but laugh.

He knew it would be difficult for him to return to the large-scale environment of a research institute. Yet, he didn’t want to extinguish the passion of a budding academic star.

In a gentle tone, he said, “All right, I’ll think about it. But for now, I believe I should head back to my room.”

“Of course, of course. Please remember to check your email oh.”

Suddenly, Qian Duo glanced at the wheelchair not far away. “Oh, are you getting up now? Let me help you!”

Zhu Ming: “It’s fine, I—”

Just as Qian Duo’s eager hands reached out again, Zhu Ming had no chance to respond before something soft and dry suddenly landed on his face.

His vision was suddenly plunged into darkness.

Bewildered, he instinctively grabbed it and looked down, only to realize it was a large bath towel.

Turning around, he saw that Xi Xianqing, now changed into dry clothes, had silently approached and was standing behind him and Qian Duo.

Xi Xianqing calmly retracted his outstretched hand and asked coldly, “Had enough chatting?”

Zhu Ming clutched the towel tightly. His gaze reflexively flicked toward the bar in the distance, where the woman Xi Xianqing had been conversing with earlier was no longer present.

He withdrew his gaze and let out an ‘en’, “Go back.”

Without a word, Xi Xianqing lifted Zhu Ming from the poolside and settled him into his wheelchair.

It wasn’t the first time Xi Xianqing had carried Zhu Ming into his wheelchair. Yet for some reason—perhaps an illusion—Zhu Ming noticed that Xi Xianqing’s hand gripping his waist seemed to exert a strangely intense pressure.

As soon as Zhu Ming’s butt touched the seat, Xi Xianqing’s hand abruptly let go.

Zhu Ming lowered his head to put on his shoes and socks. When he raised his eyes again, he saw Xi Xianqing already striding away from the pool without looking back.

Behind him, Qian Duo still didn’t forget to wave his hand at Zhu Ming and loudly reminded him “Don’t forget to check your email oh, Professor Zhu!”

Zhu Ming flashed a polite smile at him.

Once out of the pool area, Xi Xianqing strode ahead with long, brisk steps while Zhu Ming followed in his wheelchair.

Neither spoke, and the silence stretched taut as they made their way back to the hotel villa.

Upon entering, Xi Xianqing went straight to the kitchen, opened the refrigerator, and pulled out a bottle of chilled water. Meanwhile, Zhu Ming stopped in the foyer, using the bath towel to dry his hair.

Xi Xianqing took two sips of water and stood in front of the island counter in the dining room, never speaking.

Zhu Ming set the now-damp towel on his lap and exhaled soundlessly, deciding to head to the bedroom to change clothes.

Just as the two were about to brush past one another, Xi Xianqing abruptly spoke. “You people from District Seven sure like to plan ahead ah.”

Zhu Ming didn’t understand and stopped his wheelchair, “What?”

“The agreement spells it out very clearly. For this year, you’re supposed to act as my personal doctor.” Xi Xianqing said darkly, “It’s only been two months, and my treatment progress is utterly stagnant, yet you never miss a single offline consultation.”

“And now, it seems, you can’t even wait to start finding your next one.” He sneered, “Truly living up to the District Seven reputation—meticulous to the extreme.”

“…What are you talking about?”

Zhu Ming was baffled. “And what do you mean by utterly stagnant? Didn’t I just hand you the freshly prepared medication this morning?”

Under normal circumstances, Zhu Ming might have detected something off in those words.

However, his mood wasn’t great to begin with, and being subjected to a vaguely yin and yang didn’t help. Without overthinking, he simply followed his gut and shot back.

“The agreement is very clear too.” Zhu Ming maneuvered his wheelchair to face Xi Xianqing directly. “After marrying me, you’re required to fulfill the obligations of a loving partner to deceive my aunt.”

Xi Xianqing’s movement of drinking water paused and turned his head, “And?”

“So, I’d appreciate it if the Young Master Xi could be mindful of his conduct in public in the future.”

Zhu Ming said with composure, meeting his gaze. “Don’t let the media capture anything that could raise suspicions and alarm my aunt.”

Xi Xianqing frowned. “What conduct… who are you talking about?”

Zhu Ming paused. Gradually, he began to sense something amiss. “Then what did you mean… by next one just now?”

The two stared at each other, brows furrowed, realizing there seemed to be some misunderstanding between them.

It was a matter that could have been cleared up with a single sentence, yet neither wanted to be the one to speak first. It was as if whoever clarified first would lose this game in general. The room fell into an almost suffocating silence.

“I’m going to continue drawing now.”

Xi Xianqing looked fixedly into his face and said word for word, “Just so you know, I prefer quiet while working, so I hope you don’t don’t barge in like you did this morning.”

“Not interested, I’m going back to my own room as well.” Zhu Ming’s heart was also in turmoil, pulling the corners of his mouth into a faint, strained smile. “Rest assured, unless I need to inspect Dish Soap’s state, I have no intention of setting foot in your room again.”

Xi Xianqing’s face sank in a split second.

His chest rose and fell soundlessly, his jaw tightened, and he then turned his head and left.

Hearing the muffled sound coming from Xi Xianqing’s bedroom door slamming heavily shut, Zhu Ming’s mouth stiffened silently and the smile on his face gradually faded.

He maneuvered his wheelchair back to his own room, closing the door behind him, and found himself overwhelmed by the absurdity of it all, chuckling softly in disbelief.

Extremely immature.

Taking a deep breath, Zhu Ming changed out of his soaking wet clothes.

After hesitating for a moment, he picked up his phone again, logging into his long-unused academic email account.

The mailbox was unsurprisingly filled with hundreds of emails.

Notifications about his papers being cited, invitations for lectures at prestigious universities… He scrolled down indifferently, noticing a few emails from K University’s domain.

His finger hovered over the screen for a moment but ultimately refrained from opening them. Instead, he shut off the phone.

Zhu Ming has never regretted the choices he made.

From the early days of his research institute to hosting live-streamed consultations and now as a private doctor, he has always pursued what he loves—just in different ways.

Even now, when he found himself in an inexplicable cold war with one of his most significant experimental subjects.

The physical exertion by the pool was just too much, and physical exhaustion drove Zhu Ming to curl up on the bed.

The white fox placed its soft tail obediently over its owner’s wrist. One person and one fox nestled together on the bed, falling asleep face to face.

He wasn’t sure how much time had passed, but in his sleep, he faintly heard a knock at the door.

Some remnant of consciousness surfaced in his dream, and he reasoned that it couldn’t be Xi Xianqing voluntarily knocking on his door—it had to be his imagination. Drowsily, he turned over and remained adrift in slumber.

But the knocking persisted, growing progressively urgent.

Zhu Ming finally opened his eyes, sitting up and casting a hesitant glance at the door.

It was already evening. Zhu Ming turned on a desk lamp, moved into his wheelchair, and rolled over to open the door.

—It was Xi Xianqing standing in front of the door.

Zhu Ming was stunned at first.

He stared at Xi Xianqing’s face for a while before hesitantly speaking, “What… happened to you?”

Zhu Ming was indeed surprised when the big young master took the initiative to come to the door.

But the reason he asked this was because Xi Xianqing was visibly not in a normal state—his face and ears were an alarming, almost burnt-looking red, and his forehead was slick with tiny beads of sweat. Moreover, as Zhu Ming opened the door, he distinctly heard Xi Xianqing let out a harsh, labored breath as if struggling unbearably.

The next moment, Zhu Ming felt a large hand grip his shoulder firmly—

Xi Xianqing leaned in close, his breath scorching as he practically snarled through gritted teeth as he questioned, “What did you add to the medicine you gave me?”

Medicine? What medicine?

Pressed abruptly against the back of the wheelchair, Zhu Ming’s mind went blank. “What medicine are you talking about? Are you referring to the neuroactivator I gave you this morning?”

Xi Xianqing glared at Zhu Ming for a few seconds before suddenly lowering his head, eyes shut, breathing heavily and unevenly.

Zhu Ming noticed a bead of sweat slowly trailing down the bridge of his sharp, high nose.

Pride was ingrained in the handsome young man’s bones, making it nearly impossible for him to admit that something was wrong with his body. But it seemed he was really at his wits’ end. Reluctantly, he bit his lip in frustration, exhaled shakily, and turned aside to reveal what was behind him.

Zhu Ming’s pupils shrunk in an instant.

“This can’t be.” He muttered.

—In the living room behind Xi Xianqing, a green peac0ck, its long plumes dragging and its wings beating wildly, was frantically flying about, crashing back and forth like a headless chicken.

---

Author’s Notes:

Dish Soap: They say I can’t stand up properly, so I’ll show you now! (*｀ω´)

Working separately was indeed efficient.

Late at night, Xi Xianqing and Zhu Ming exchanged the information each had gathered, piecing together a nearly complete storyline.

“A once-close friend suddenly vanishes without a word, and the next time they meet, it turns out she’s the daughter of their competitor.”

Wearing sensor gloves, Zhu Ming looked down and patted Dish Soap’s butt. “If I were in her shoes, I’d feel tricked too. No wonder the poor girl was so mad she started shedding fur like crazy.”

The information was quite a lot to process, and Xi Xianqing furrowed his brows tightly. “But why did Shen Ying go to such lengths to conceal her identity and join a small bakery, only to leave abruptly and return to the life and social class she originally belonged to?”

Zhu Ming also found it puzzling. “Running away from home? Experiencing life? Only she herself would know the real reason.”

Regardless, Shen Ying’s past at least provided Xi Xianqing with a major creative direction.

Art isn’t just about beauty and perfection; the angles, cracks, regrets, and struggles—these imperfections are precisely what created the majority of heartfelt and profound storytelling.

The green peac0ck shook its legs and pecked at its chest feathers. Xi Xianqing hesitated for a moment before asking, “Then how do they feel about each other now? Is it resentment, or have they moved on?”

Zhu Ming shook his head and removed his gloves. “One gets furious at just the mention of the other’s name; the other remains tight-lipped about it. These are all extreme forms of avoidance, each in their own way. Which means…”

Xi Xianqing said after a long time, “They still care about each other.”

Zhu Ming exhaled lightly and couldn’t help but chuckle. “What a strange situation. How does treating spiritual manifestation abnormalities always end up uncovering emotional wounds? I might as well switch to being a therapist.”

In the next few days, Xi Xianqing entered a burst of inspiration.

Of course, he didn’t deliberately tell Zhu Ming about it—he was simply holed up in his study for days, barely moving from his spot. Only Ye Lu and the craftsmen came and went during this time.

Occasionally passing by, Zhu Ming glimpsed through the crack in the door. Dish Soap was perched by its owner’s hand, its beautiful feathers cascading elegantly from the desk like a waterfall. Its tiny eyes were slightly squinted, radiating contentment and relaxation.

Zhu Ming knew this must be a key moment in the artist’s creative process, so he refrained from interrupting.

Zhu Ming’s progress on his side didn’t fall behind either.

After working for several days inside the experimental lab pod, he finally completed the first batch of medicine designed to address Xi Xianqing’s display abnormalities.

The pale blue liquid was contained in a small centrifuge tube, carefully placed in the center of a temperature-controlled box.

Xi Xianqing studied the medication for a moment. “Toilet Cleaner?”

Zhu Ming sometimes found artists’ words to be really over the top.

“It’s medicine,” Zhu Ming explained. “Theoretically, this drug enhances your neural sensory abilities and improves your neural interaction with your spiritual manifestation.”

“I’ve adjusted the dosage in advance, but there might still be potential side effects. I suggest you find the time when your work is over such as before bed.”

Zhu Ming said, glancing at Xi Xianqing’s cluttered desk. “That way, it won’t interrupt your progress.”

Xi Xianqing nodded and placed the potion in the drawer at hand.

Curious, Zhu Ming picked up one of the sketches on the desk and propped his chin on his hand to examine it. “Is this just a draft? Even at this stage, the level of detail is incredible ah.”

Xi Xianqing’s hand paused briefly as he organized his sketches. Without looking up, he gave a quiet “Mm.”

Zhu Ming then picked up another sketch and scrutinized it for a moment. The white fox’s tail swayed leisurely on the table beside him. “Aiyaya, this one’s gorgeous too oh. As expected of the future representative artist of District Six.”

Xi Xianqing glanced at him indifferently. “That’s nearly identical to the one you just saw. It’s an early draft that was discarded.”

Zhu Ming: “…”

With one hand delivering medicine and the other doling out exaggerated compliments again, Xi Xianqing wasn’t a fool. Continuing to draft calmly, he asked directly, “What exactly are you after?”

Zhu Ming who was caught red-handed, showed no embarrassment. Instead, he smirked.

His fingers slowly climbed onto the edge of the workstation, hooking onto the other end of Xi Xianqing’s pen.

His gaze softened with a playful light, and his voice took on a teasing intimacy. “When you finish drawing this diamond, let’s go on a date.”

The sketching pen abruptly stopped, and Xi Xianqing even forgot to correct him that he was drawing an agate, not a diamond. “What—”

“Date photos ah. You promised me. Zhu Yingying has already messaged several times asking for them, and I’ve run out of suitable pictures to send.”

Zhu Ming silently jerked the pen out of the opposite person’s hand while explaining, “The fireworks photos are all used up. You said you’d take three more with me.”

“The resort is so big, and there are still plenty of interesting places we haven’t explored.” He winked as he spoke.

Half an hour later, Zhu Ming stared at the person standing in front of the villa, lost in thought.

Zhu Ming had only mentioned taking pictures, yet Xi Xianqing never treated any event requiring an appearance casually.

The loose, comfortable clothes he had worn while sketching were swapped for a more refined vacation look: a beige, open-weave linen jacket with intricate patterns, paired with a thin wooden bead necklace dr4p3d elegantly over his chest. The look was understated but sophisticated.

Xi Xianqing noticed his gaze, “What’s wrong? Where are we going?”

“Nothing, it’s all good.” Zhu Ming exhaled quietly, then nonchalantly averted his eyes. “Let’s go.”

Five minutes later, Xi Xianqing stared in disbelief at the scene before him. He abruptly turned to face Zhu Ming, who was seated in his wheelchair. “The interesting place you mentioned at the resort is the swimming pool?”

Zhu Ming rubbed his nose and looked at the sky, showing a hint of guilt. “You didn’t ask me for specifics ah.”

Xi Xianqing gritted his teeth. “Why didn’t you mention this before I changed? Now I’ve—”

He’d gotten dressed up for nothing.

“You didn’t give me a chance to interject ah.”

Zhu Ming coughed lightly. “Besides, since you were already dressed, I couldn’t bring myself to say anything. You look great, by the way—lots of people were staring at you on the way here.”

Xi Xianqing declared bluntly, shutting the discussion down. “Not swimming.”

Zhu Ming pursed his lips, “But you promised me.”

Xi Xianqing replied, turning his face away in frustration. “…I don’t have swim trunks,”

Zhu Ming smiled, clearly prepared. From a hidden compartment behind his wheelchair, he produced a brand-new pair of swim trunks.

He courteously handed them to Xi Xianqing with both hands, “You needn’t worry. I reached out to Li Shun, who welcomed us when we arrived, and had him prepare these for you in advance.”

In a coastal district, skipping a swim would indeed be a waste.

The resort in District Two, the largest and most luxurious of its kind, prided itself on exclusivity. Boasting serene mountain seclusion, it emphasized privacy and tranquility.

The outdoor pool was designed to mimic the pristine charm of a natural spring. The edges were crafted from mountain rocks, adorned with expensive greenery and blooming flowers—a flawless atmosphere.

Zhu Ming bought two fruit juices from the adjacent bar, then picked a photogenic spot by the pool to stage a lively, vacation-themed photo shoot.

Before long, Xi Xianqing emerged from the changing room in swim trunks, his face clouded with displeasure.

Zhu Ming commanded, “Please enter the water.”

Xi Xianqing frowned, crossing his arms as he looked at Zhu Ming. “Weren’t we taking a photo together?”

“You don’t get it. When we’re always face-to-face in photos, it comes off too staged.”

Zhu Ming lifted his glass, ensuring the frame captured Xi Xianqing while faintly showcasing his wrist. “This is called the ‘boyfriend point of view’—a unique and intimate feel. Just swim, and don’t worry about the rest.”

Entirely treated as background material, Xi Xianqing was speechless. With a blank expression, he entered the water.

Zhu Ming: “Swim naturally, and try to look like you’re enjoying yourself ha.”

It seemed Xi Xianqing took a deep breath before submerging himself.

Satisfied, Zhu Ming snapped a few shots and sent them to Zhu Yingying with the caption: “Hehehe, a little holiday getaway for two ^_^～”

When he put his phone down, he noticed that Xi Xianqing had silently swum to the edge of the pool. With just his head and a coldly aloof profile visible above the water, he glanced faintly in Zhu Ming’s direction.

Zhu Ming held up his phone. “It’s a very cool shot. Wanna take a look?”

Xi Xianqing immediately turned his face away, “Not interested.”

As he reached the pool’s edge, his arms resting on the rim, he ruffled his hair with a slight frown.

Zhu Ming rarely had the chance to look down on Xi Xianqing, so he seized the opportunity, unabashedly taking it all in.

—His damp hair was swept back, revealing strikingly defined brows, nose, and cheekbones. The lean and toned muscles of his back and arms were flawlessly sculpted. En, as for further down…

Xi Xianqing noticed the gaze and his Adam’s apple moved slightly. “And you? Just going to sit there and watch?”

“What else?” Zhu Ming replied, perplexed. “In my condition, isn’t playing in the water no different from self-harm?”

Xi Xianqing subconsciously frowned, “There’s a safe way for you to join in.”

Zhu Ming: “Huh?”

Five minutes later.

Zhu Ming sat on the edge of the pool, staring at his rolled-up pant legs and his feet soaking in the water. Deep in thought, he finally asked, “Good idea, but how is this different from soaking my feet at a spa?”

Xi Xianqing, standing back in the pool, glanced at him. “Compared to sitting idly on the sidelines, at least this way you can photograph your legs and make your little aunt believe you’re enjoying the holiday too.”

Zhu Ming pondered, “Makes sense.”

The next moment, he flicked his hand aggressively through the water, creating a massive splash. “But if we’re going to enjoy ourselves, let’s go all in! Time for some interaction!”

Xi Xianqing, now drenched with water splashing all over his face: “…!?”

Wiping his face, Xi Xianqing’s vision cleared. The moment it did, he spotted Zhu Ming sitting by the shore, his crescent-shaped eyes brimming with a radiant, crystalline smile.

Xi Xianqing paused for a few seconds before abandoning any pretense of politeness and retaliating.

Their combat skills weren’t even on the same level. Zhu Ming’s clothes were instantly soaked as he dodged while awkwardly trying to counterattack by bending down to scoop water with his hands. “Hey, hey. Do you seriously not hold back ah?”

Their supposed act of playing a loving couple quickly escalated into a rivalry that resembled mortal enemies.

The two dove headfirst into a full-fledged elementary school-style water fight, hellbent on making the other lose face.

In keeping with the vacation resort’s return-to-nature theme, the edge of the pool was made of uneven and non-slip-resistant mountain rocks.

Zhu Ming was in high spirits, leaning forward slightly to scoop water with his hand to splash Xi Xianqing. But just as he reached out, his body suddenly slipped, and he silently tumbled downward!

Zhu Ming: “…!”

Xi Xianqing was also startled. Acting quickly, he reached out and grabbed Zhu Ming.

The crippled fox that had fallen into the water was utterly terrified, petrified by his fear of water, and unable to stand up.

“…Xi Xianqing!” Zhu Ming flailed wildly in the water before clinging tightly to Xi Xianqing’s neck, refusing to let go. His voice, distorted by panic, rose in pitch. “I’m begging you, don’t let go! I can’t swim ah!”

He was so frightened that he even called out his full name.

Xi Xianqing exhaled helplessly. “…The water isn’t even deep. Relax.”

Zhu Ming froze and barely stopped struggling.

Clinging to Xi Xianqing like a koala to a tree branch, Zhu Ming gasped for air, glanced down briefly, and instantly clung even tighter. “You lied to me! It’s clearly very deep!”

The water’s buoyancy introduced too much uncertainty. In his panic, Zhu Ming’s left leg reflexively lifted and pressed against Xi Xianqing’s well-defined abs.

Xi Xianqing’s pupils trembled. “Your leg—”

Zhu Ming suddenly realized something and lowered his head in disbelief.

“Did my legs… just move?”

He raised his eyes, half-doubtful, and asked urgently, “Was it my imagination?”

Everything happened in an instant, leaving Xi Xianqing momentarily dazed. After a brief pause, he shook his head. “It wasn’t your imagination.”

Their eyes met, filled with mutual surprise, both breathing heavily.

Zhu Ming’s sense of feeling in his waist had never entirely disappeared. He could feel the water’s coolness and the searing warmth of Xi Xianqing’s palm—a contrast of hot and cold that made his muscles involuntarily contract.

At such a close distance, their noses were nearly touching, water droplets from their hair falling silently. Even the faintest breaths seemed to intertwine, subtle and ambiguous.

It was too close.

And too quiet.

The sound of the water mingled with their breathing as their bodies pressed together for those fleeting seconds. An indescribable tension spread between them. Their smiles faded almost simultaneously as they stared into each other’s eyes, panting.

Moments later, almost in unison, they averted their gazes, both visibly uneasy.

Xi Xianqing’s voice was slightly hoarse. “Do you still feel… anything in your leg now?”

“It seems like there’s not much movement again.”

Zhu Ming realized their current posture wasn’t exactly appropriate. Taking a deep breath, he awkwardly pulled one hand away from Xi Xianqing’s neck and struggled to grab onto the rocks at the edge of the pool. “In that case, let me just climb up first—”

He was a bit flustered, but the rocks at the edge of the shore were as slick as if they had been oiled. Just as his hand managed to grab hold, he slipped right back down again.

Zhu Ming’s eyes widened in panic, and in his desperation, he blindly grabbed for something to stabilize himself—

Then heard a muffled groan of pain from Xi Xianqing. “You…”

Zhu Ming froze, looking down at where his hand had landed. His face turned red as he realized the support he had found.

Quickly removing his hand from Xi Xianqing’s chest, he stammered, “… S-sorry about that ha.”

While he apologized verbally, his fingers hesitated for a moment after leaving the firm muscles, lingering as if reluctant. In the end, he cautiously hooked his fingers onto the necklace hanging from Xi Xianqing’s chest to use it for leverage instead.

Avoiding direct eye contact, Zhu Ming fixed his gaze on a distant point, mumbling softly, “Could you do me a favor and help me get to the shore?”

Xi Xianqing seemed to take a deep breath.

“Don’t just grab anything. Wrap your arms around my neck,” he ordered. “And don’t move.”

Zhu Ming obediently complied, opening his eyes slightly to steal a glance at his feet before holding on even tighter. “Hurry up, then.”

By now, Xi Xianqing had become quite adept at carrying Zhu Ming. With the help of the water’s buoyancy, he slid an arm securely around Zhu Ming’s waist. Applying just a little force, he easily lifted him out of the water.

The moment he safely sat back on the shore, Zhu Ming let out a long breath.

A subtle sense of awkwardness crept up on him belatedly.

He lowered his head and wiped the water droplets off his phone screen, pretending to keep himself busy for a while. Only then did he speak with a lighthearted tone, “I think I’ve captured enough shots.”

Xi Xianqing propped himself up on the edge of the shore with his arms and with a small exertion, flipped himself up easily.

His chest still bore faint red marks from Zhu Ming’s earlier grip. He looked at the thoroughly soaked Zhu Ming for a moment before slightly averting his gaze. “I’ll go get a towel.”

Zhu Ming responded with an “Alright.”

The phone screen lit up, displaying a reply from Zhu Yingying: “Aiyaya, now this feels like a proper vacation! You and Xiao Xi should take it easy and enjoy yourselves!”

Another message popped up right after ah: “But don’t blame me for nagging ah. With your legs, you really need to be extra careful when playing in the water ha.”

“Don’t push it too far.” She finally sent over four words.

Zhu Ming: “…”

With a ‘pa’, he flipped his phone face-down on the shore.

The water was sparkling, and Zhu Ming enjoyed the pool for one last moment.

The slight movement in his leg earlier might have been an involuntary reaction to the scare, or perhaps it was the effects of the experimental medication he had been trying. Either way, he made a mental note to report the incident to Dr. Wu during his next rehab session.

Still, he reminded himself not to hold out too much hope—there was a high likelihood that this was just a one-off occurrence.

Xi Xianqing took longer than expected to retrieve the towel. Zhu Ming glanced in the direction where he had disappeared.

From afar, he saw Xi Xianqing standing near the poolside bar, holding a towel in his hand.

Opposite him stood a fashionable woman with a striking figure.

She wore a strapless, vacation-style maxi dress, and her long tassel earrings swayed gently with her movements. On her shoulder, a purple iris spiritual manifestation bloomed lazily and vibrantly.

Zhu Ming was stunned at first.

The corners of his lips twitched slightly, only feeling that it made sense.

With Xi Xianqing’s status and appearance, being approached like this was entirely expected.

However, what made Zhu Ming somewhat surprised was actually Xi Xianqing’s reaction.

Xi Xianqing had always been a person with a strong sense of boundaries and propriety.

But now, as the woman leaned closer mid-conversation, her lavender-painted fingernail lightly tapped his shoulder. He merely furrowed his brows and moved back slightly, an expression of mild helplessness on his face. Yet, he didn’t verbally stop her.

Zhu Ming quickly caught on.

They were acquainted.

It was an old acquaintance catching up, and by the looks of it, Xi Xianqing wouldn’t be returning anytime soon.

Zhu Ming’s eyelashes fluttered as he turned back toward the shimmering water with a small smile. He gazed quietly, lost in thought for a moment.

His damp clothes clung to his skin, and as a breeze swept past, he started to feel a chill creeping in.

The water fight earlier had drained a significant amount of energy, probably because he had been sedentary for too long. Now that his adrenaline had faded, he felt an inexplicable sense of fatigue washing over him.

“Hello.”

In the next moment, a young and slightly tentative voice sounded from behind, “Excuse me… are you Professor Zhu?”

Professor Zhu, not Doctor.

Zhu Ming was slightly stunned and raised his eyes.

---

Author’s Notes:

The little fox who fell into the water clung tightly to the firm, solid chest muscles of the big peac0ck!

Three days ago, Zhu Ming and Liang Dachao met at a coconut shop by the seaside. They enjoyed the humid sea breeze and ordered two refreshing coconut juices.

After the fireworks ended, Zhu Ming managed to obtain three couple vacation photos to deceive Zhu Yingying, at the cost of helping Xi Xianqing with a task.

Personally, he thought this was a better deal.

The favor was to uncover the entangled past between Shen Ying and Ji Rong.

However, Shen Ying refused to talk, and Ji Rong aggressively drove people away. That left only one possible breakthrough: Liang Dachao.

“I’m so embarrassed, Dr. Zhu. Please, let me cover this meal.” Liang Dachao held the coconut as he took two long sips before sighing heavily. “You’ve already been offering free consultations, and not only did I fail to treat you properly the last two times, but you also got dragged into trouble because of us… I really don’t know how to face you.”

Zhu Ming chuckled, fiddling with the straw in his drink. “No problem. So, tell me—what exactly happened to your store manager? When did the fur shedding start?”

“It’s already the third month of A’Rong’s shedding.” Liang Dachao sighed. “At first, it was just a small handful, so we could barely pick them up with the sensor gloves, and the store didn’t look so messy at least.”

“But later ya, it got worse and worse. Now, whenever there are customers, she has to keep her spiritual manifestation hidden most of the time, only occasionally letting it out to relax in the back kitchen.”

Liang Dachao slammed the table in frustration, causing the golden retriever beside him to wag its tail wildly. “But seriously, how can a normal person have to keep their spiritual manifestation hidden all the time? How can you socialize or live like that? Just think of how repressed her inner world must be ya!”

Recalling a certain someone who needed coaxing just to reveal their big green bird with beady eyes reluctantly, Zhu Ming nodded in agreement. “Indeed.”

“Clinically, most cases of spiritual manifestations shedding fur are due to their owner experiencing extreme mental anxiety.” The white fox at his feet narrowed its eyes slightly as Zhu Ming spoke. “If I’m not mistaken, your boss’s source of anxiety is likely related to Miss Shen Ying, right?”

Moments later, he heard Liang Dachao respond with a soft “en,” and the golden retriever at his feet drooped its tail in unison.

Zhu Ming tentatively probed further, “Could it be that the two of them… had a falling out?”

Liang Dachao looked as if he’d just heard something utterly absurd. “A falling out? Quite the opposite! The two of them were practically inseparable, like conjoined twins!”

“A’Ying… Oh, no, I mean Shen Ying—is, strictly speaking, now the representative of District Two.” It was obvious that Liang Dachao wasn’t used to this adjustment in titles, as he awkwardly switched terms. “Two years ago, on a snowy night, she fainted at the back door of the bakery. A’Rong found her and brought her inside.”

“She didn’t talk much, was quiet, and only mentioned that she was looking for work,” Liang Dachao said with a bitter smile. “A’Rong let her stay.”

“A’Ying was diligent and efficient in her work, but her real strength lay in managing the shop. She proposed updating the menu and changing the business model. Combined with A’Rong’s excellent cooking skills, their abilities complemented each other perfectly, and the shop’s business thrived.”

“We all treated A’Ying like family. At the time, we thought she was just a poor, homeless girl drifting through life.” Liang Dachao swallowed hard. “Turns out, she was actually a runaway rich girl, casually descended to experience the diversity of life.”

–¹Added this one on my own to switch between ZM and LD’s convo and XX and SY’s convo. Just to avoid confusion, in case.

Meanwhile, Shen Ying, dressed in a white satin cheongsam, exuded a cold and graceful air. With her hands folded neatly on her lap, she sat calmly in the private room.

“Mr. Xi, as a designer of your caliber, you naturally have a far greater understanding of aesthetic design than us laymen.” Shen Ying said in her usual composed tone. “However, the management team of a restaurant is composed of many individuals. While I may be the head manager, it’s difficult for me to oversee every detail personally.”

“Minor details, like the design and management of tableware and napkins, have always been handled by other members of the team.” Her hand brushed lightly over the napkin as she calmly picked up the teapot nearby, pouring tea into Xi Xianqing’s cup. “The pattern looks harmonious, and its symbolism is meaningful, so I decided to use it.”

Her expression remained composed, but Xi Xianqing noticed that the pink spirit snake coiled around her wrist quietly shrank back, slipping further into the sleeve of her cheongsam.

Xi Xianqing didn’t say anything and nodded, “I see.”

“The last time we met, you mentioned your father several times.” His fingertips brushed the slightly warm rim of the teacup. “Mr. Shen owns multiple resort properties in District Two, as well as several restaurant branches. He has been elected as the representative multiple times, making him a legendary figure in District Two.”

“Of course, as the heir you are equally outstanding.” Xi Xianqing’s gaze met Shen Ying’s eyes. “But taking over your father’s business at such a young age must come with no small amount of external pressure and expectations.”

Shen Cherry was somewhat surprised that Xi Xianqing would make a sudden change in topic.

After a brief pause, she nodded lightly and responded with the familiar, well-rehearsed words: “That’s true. My father has been strict in his teachings since I was a child. As a result, even on my own, I’ve learned to face pressure from all sides with composure.”

She had recited these lines countless times to the media, reporters, and in magazine interviews.

In the beginning, she would feel a little nervous, but over time, it became almost like muscle memory, flowing effortlessly and mechanically from her lips.

The fine, green-brown tea leaves in the cup slowly sank to the bottom.

“I have one last question.”

Xi Xianqing nodded slightly, his calm gaze fixed on Shen Ying’s eyes. He asked, “Miss Shen, have you ever thought about what your life would be like if you weren’t Mr. Shen’s daughter?”

Shen Ying suddenly froze, “What?”

“Following your heart completely, without considering your identity or the constraints that might exist.”

She heard Xi Xianqing ask, “What would your dream life look like?”

–

“That year, A’Ying and A’Rong worked together to develop a new menu. They designed a new totem and remodeled the shop.”

Under a beach umbrella by the seaside, Liang Dachao gazed out at the ocean and sighed wistfully. “Business was better than ever, so A’Ying suggested we try entering the representative election that year.

“She said that even though we were just a small seaside business, we had strong support from the public. Maybe we could become a dark horse.”

“But if you take a closer look at the backgrounds of the representatives over the last decade or so, you’ll notice something. They all come from the mountains—luxury hotels, resort restaurants—these places exude elegance and exclusivity like they were made for a different world.”

“A humble bakery in a coastal town simply can’t compete with those extravagant, high-end establishments. Sure, people love eating baked goods, but when it comes to naming their ‘favorite restaurant,’ who would ever think of a bakery?”

“So we never had much hope.”

Liang Dachao said, “But A’Rong was different. She trusted A’Ying completely, and her attachment to the shop was the deepest among us. That year, they worked really hard.”

Zhu Ming thought for a moment. “If I recall correctly, the system in District Two doesn’t elect individuals as representatives, but rather the restaurants themselves, right?”

Liang Dachao nodded and let out a bitter smile. “This means that someone from the mountains, backed by powerful financial conglomerates. If they have many restaurants under their names with stellar ratings, then–”

Zhu Ming added thoughtfully, “He could serve as a representative for multiple terms.”

“Not just multiple terms—he could even serve consecutively,” Liang Dachao nodded. “The longest-serving representative in District Two’s history was re-elected five consecutive times.”

Zhu Ming had a vague premonition.

“That person’s name is Shen Zhaoshan. He was also our opponent that year.”

Liang Dachao said dejectedly. Behind him, the golden retriever slumped to the ground, looking disheartened. “A renowned chef, entrepreneur, and philanthropist—he’s from a completely different world than ours.”

Zhu Ming’s vague premonition grew stronger. “That surname…”

Liang Dachao looked at him and nodded. “Unfortunately, that year, the title of representative still went to Shen Zhaoshan.”

“After all, his new restaurant was famed for its use of luxurious ingredients, and he had the backing and publicity of countless elites from other districts. The attention he garnered was on an entirely different scale than ours.”

Liang Dachao scratched his head. “While there was some regret, we were quite satisfied with achieving second place.”

“A’Rong was a little disappointed, which we had expected.”

Liang Dachao paused, “but A’Ying seemed especially devastated. She was so disheartened that it was as if… her spirit had left her body.”

Zhu Ming sensed the story was approaching its critical turning point. “And then?”

“Then she suddenly disappeared.”

Liang Dachao pursed his lips. “One morning, after the results were announced, she vanished without any warning or note. It was as if she had completely… disappeared from the face of the earth.”

Zhu Ming froze. “…What?”

“The next time we saw her was three months ago when she appeared on television as Shen Ying, the newest representative of District Two.”

Liang Dachao: “That’s when we realized—she wasn’t A’Ying. She was Shen Ying.”

–

“Mr. Xi, I’m here to assist you in completing your assessment.”

The smile on Shen Ying’s face stiffened slightly. “Technically, shouldn’t we be discussing topics related to jewelry and accessories? I don’t see how these current questions are of any help to your assessment.”

Xi Xianqing’s expression remained unchanged. “Apologies. A client’s visions for their life are often part of where I draw inspiration for my creations. Plus, during our earlier conversation, you spoke a lot about your father, so I might have unintentionally overstepped.”

He glanced back, and Ye Lu immediately understood, beginning to pack up the sketches and jewelry on the table.

This was their second meeting. According to the assessment regulations, only one more communication opportunity remained.

Logically, their next meeting should be when Xi Xianqing presented the preliminary design sketches.

Shen Ying had assumed Xi Xianqing would have many questions, but she hadn’t expected him to wrap up the conversation so quickly.

She was surprised, “You… you’re leaving so soon?”

Xi Xianqing nodded and stood up. “I’ve already gathered most of the information I need. There’s no need to delay you any longer.”

Shen Ying subconsciously exhaled in relief, quickly adjusting her expression before responding warmly, “At least stay for dinner before you go. We’ve just updated the seasonal menu.”

Xi Xianqing shook his head, politely declining. “That won’t be necessary. The services and meals at the resort you arranged have already been excellent.”

Seeing his insistence, Shen Ying didn’t push further and stood as well. “That’s my responsibility.”

As they reached the restaurant entrance, Xi Xianqing suddenly turned around. “By the way, the white jade bayberries from last time—my… family member loved them.”

When he said “family member,” Xi Xianqing paused almost imperceptibly. “He wanted me to convey his gratitude to you. He also prepared a small gift in return, which I’ve already asked someone to leave at the restaurant’s front desk.”

Shen Ying froze for a moment before smiling. “Your partner is too thoughtful. Thank you.”

Xi Xianqing nodded and got into the car.

Shen Ying maintained her flawless smile, watching as the car disappeared at the end of the road. After a moment, her smile gradually faded, leaving her expression blank as she turned around.

The restaurant was eerily quiet, so quiet it made her feel a little dazed. The only sounds were the faint whispers of the two steaming teacups still sitting on the table in the lounge.

This was supposed to be her restaurant. The walls were covered with medals and group photos taken when she was elected as a representative. Yet, she only felt an empty, unfamiliar detachment.

After all, the luxurious marble countertops, tables, chairs, décor, porcelain, and even the menu designs within the restaurant were all decisions made under Shen Zhaoshan’s direction and requirements while he was alive.

Aside from the cherry blossom tree in the courtyard and the small totem embroidered on the napkins, there wasn’t a single corner of the restaurant that truly belonged to her.

Guests and media always came because of the reputation of being “Shen Zhaoshan’s daughter.” Every word of praise she received was always tied to the saying, “Like father, like daughter.”

They commended her skills, praised her dishes, complimented her knife work, and exalted her abilities—but all of it remained shrouded under the halo of Shen Zhaoshan’s legacy.

It’s not that she hasn’t thought about escaping, but ultimately found it futile. Even though Shen Zhaoshan was no longer alive, her life remained confined within the small, inescapable shadow he had left behind.

The corner of Shen Ying’s mouth moved slightly as she turned away.

Her gaze casually swept over the front desk, but in the next instant, her pupils silently contracted.

She saw a paper bag, the “gift” Xi Xianqing had mentioned.

The bag was coarse and poorly made, its contents unclear. A faint grease stain had seeped into one corner.

A small totem was printed right in the center of the paper bag.

Shen Ying blinked silently, and in that fleeting moment, it was as if she had been transported back to that night by the hearth—her cheeks dusted with flour, sitting next to someone as they worked on designing that very totem together.

“Do you even know how to draw ah… Why does mine look like a fat cloud?”

“Because your fur is just so curly and fluffy ya.”

Printed on the edge of the bag were four small words:

Ji Family Pastry Shop

---

Author’s Notes:

When small birds and foxes are of one heart, their strength can cut through gold! ψ(｀∇´)ψ

“Thank you.”

At the restaurant entrance, Zhu Ming sighed and said, “I was this close to touching that shedding black sheep spiritual manifestation with my own hands. Thanks to you, I won’t be stepping through this store’s doors for the rest of my life.”

Xi Xianqing’s face was no better.

Zhu Ming said faintly, “And I didn’t even get to try the sweet corn pancakes. It’s an exclusive new item, too.”

Xi Xianqing’s face sank again.

He shot Zhu Ming a sideways glance. “You said you were treating an abnormal spiritual manifestation, you didn’t say you were going to cure insanity.”

Zhu Ming paused, realizing he couldn’t really argue with that.

He hadn’t expected Ji Rong to throw such a massive temper out of nowhere.

Sure, Xi Xianqing’s blunt remarks often rubbed people the wrong way, but Zhu Ming had sat through the entire exchange earlier. His responses today hadn’t crossed any lines.

As for Ji Rong, though her emotional management clearly needed work, Zhu Ming had observed from their previous interactions that she wasn’t entirely without manners.

But the moment the name “Shen Ying” was mentioned, she transformed into a firecracker, ready to explode at the slightest spark.

Zhu Ming pondered for a moment and said, “I’m wondering if those two have some sort of past grudge? I mean, in the restaurant business… competition is tough. I hear it’s easy to make enemies.”

Xi Xianqing’s brow furrowed slightly. “If they had a grudge, would they use the same design patterns in their shops?”

Zhu Ming fell silent for a moment. “But if they don’t have a grudge, then why throw us out like that?”

“Could it be that they used to get along… but then had a falling-out?” he hesitantly speculated.

Xi Xianqing was also quiet for a moment.

This was something they hadn’t expected.

Shen Ying was now a rising star in District Two, while Ji Rong was merely the young owner of an ordinary pastry shop. To outsiders, the two seemed like parallel lines that would never intersect.

Their luck had been strangely fortuitous—if Zhu Ming hadn’t held his offline consultation and if Xi Xianqing hadn’t decided to come along today, they might have completely missed this crucial piece of information by sheer coincidence.

Xi Xianqing exhaled, “Let’s go back first.”

The sky had already darkened, and the seaside town was now at its busiest.

Streetlights decorated the pedestrian street, illuminating the bustling flow of people. The sound of waves mixed with chatter, and the salty sea breeze carried the aroma of street food, creating a warm and lively atmosphere.

This scene was vastly different from what Xi Xianqing had seen in District Two’s mountain area over the past few days.

The mountain area of District Two resembled an intricate and elegant oil painting, presenting diners with a celestial and luxurious dining experience. Down here, however, the atmosphere was vibrant and down-to-earth, like frames from a creative and lively comic strip. It felt authentic and dynamic, giving visitors a strong sense of belonging.

While Xi Xianqing was busy capturing the scenery for inspiration, Zhu Ming was having a rougher time.

The food street was already lively, and as the traffic of people grew, it became almost impossible to move through. In the midst of this packed scene, Zhu Ming’s wheelchair made maneuvering especially difficult.

He could only hold his breath, carefully controlling his wheelchair to move slowly through the throng, doing his best to avoid bumping into passersby.

Suddenly, a loud “bang” echoed from a distance.

When he looked up, he could only see a corner of the sky partially obscured by the dense crowd. Confused, he asked Xi Xianqing, “What’s going on?”

Xi Xianqing looked up and said, “Fireworks.”

District Two had indeed put a great deal of thought into its tourism appeal. It was early summer, and fireworks along the seaside made for an unmissable summer spectacle.

The once-flowing crowd came to a halt, standing still to admire the fireworks.

Zhu Ming’s situation was a bit awkward.

He could only hear the sound of fireworks launching into the sky, but his limited view only allowed him to see the shoulders of those in front of him and faint glimpses of the shifting lights above.

He couldn’t see the fireworks that everyone else was marveling at.

Zhu Ming had long grown accustomed to such inconveniences and wasn’t the kind to wallow in self-pity—he firmly believed there were always more solutions than problems.

After a moment’s thought, Zhu Ming pulled out his phone, stretched his arm upward as far as he could, and tried to use the screen to see the fireworks and snapped a few photos in the meantime.

This way, he could send them to Zhu Yingying later and tell her he was living it up in District Two.

Focused on the fireworks in the viewfinder, Zhu Ming suddenly caught sight of something else on the screen—deep green eyes, more dazzling than the fireworks themselves, staring directly back at him.

His finger instinctively hit the shutter button. Lowering his phone, he turned to Xi Xianqing and asked, “What is it?”

Xi Xianqing’s lips moved, seemingly saying something, but the noise of the fireworks drowned out all sound.

Zhu Ming couldn’t hear it and frowned slightly, “What did you say?”

Xi Xianqing didn’t speak again, and pursed his lips.

In the next second, he wordlessly snatched Zhu Ming’s phone. Turning around, he briskly took a few photos of the fireworks for him.

Zhu Ming froze for a moment, then accepted the phone back with a smile, mouthing a silent “thank you.”

But when he looked at the photos, he was startled by how badly overexposed they were—what should have been a fireworks display looked more like a scene from “The Shining.”¹1980 Stanley Kubrick film from Stephen King’s 1977 novel.

He quickly lowered his head to adjust the camera settings on his phone, tugged on Xi Xianqing’s sleeve, and made a “1” which meant asking if he could take another picture

Realizing his photography skills seemed to be disliked, Xi Xianqing’s expression darkened instantly.

Zhu Ming also knew he might have pushed his luck a little too far.

He mouthed “I can’t see” as an excuse, quickly pressing his palms together in a pleading gesture. Finally, he respectfully held his phone out toward Xi Xianqing.

The fireworks streaked across the night sky like meteors, round after round, but Xi Xianqing didn’t make a move for a long time.

Zhu Ming sighed, admitting to himself that he might have been too demanding. Lowering his head, he stared at the screen again, wondering if some P²Photoshop. software could salvage the overexposed mess.

The next moment, a hand with distinct joints appeared in front of him again.

His initial reaction was joy—he thought Xi Xianqing had a conscience and was willing to retake the photos. Just as he was about to speak, he realized that the hand wasn’t reaching for his phone.

Instead, he felt strong hands firmly grip his lower back and behind his knees. Before he could react, his body was effortlessly lifted into the air—

In an instant, his entire perspective changed.

Zhu Ming’s eyes widened silently as his field of vision opened up. He stared around, almost dazed: “…!”

He saw many things.

First was the beautiful fireworks.

Not just in the sky but also reflected on the gentle waves of the sea. The entire world seemed illuminated by this romantic brilliance, a beauty too vivid to be captured in photos and only truly appreciated through the naked eye.

Shifting his gaze, Zhu Ming slowly turned to look at the person holding him.

The flickering glow of the fireworks illuminated the handsome young man’s side profile. His lips were pressed into a thin line, and his expression was tinged with a slight awkwardness.

But as he felt Zhu Ming’s gaze on him, he finally turned his face, forcing himself to meet Zhu Ming’s eyes with feigned calm composure.

“Did you see it?” Xi Xianqing asked.

The sound of Zhu Ming’s heartbeat and the fireworks seemed almost in sync. Zhu Ming slightly hooked his lips, turned his head, and looked up at the sky. “Yeah, I saw it.”

“It’s beautiful,” he said, leaning close to Xi Xianqing’s ear.

Zhu Ming’s profile flickered with the rhythm of the fireworks. His dark, round eyes were illuminated with bursts of color, as clear and dazzling as the finest gemstones.

Xi Xianqing watched quietly for a moment, then silently looked away. “If you want to take pictures, do it yourself. Stop dawdling.”

Even when helping someone, he always had to say things in a deliberately awkward tone.

Zhu Ming chuckled softly.

“En.” He tightened his arm around Xi Xianqing’s neck with one hand while raising his phone. “Since that’s the case, I’ll trouble you to put in a bit more effort and lift me a little higher.”

Xi Xianqing, who had been bossed around without mercy: “…”

The fireworks didn’t last long, but in the end, Zhu Ming managed to capture a few decent photos.

The gathered crowd slowly dispersed. Xi Xianqing bent down and carefully placed Zhu Ming back into his wheelchair.

The air was quiet for a moment, and Zhu Ming softly said, “Thank you.”

Xi Xianqing glanced at him and let out a “Mm.”

As they moved toward the exit of the pedestrian street, Zhu Ming reflected on the day and felt that Xi Xianqing, in a way, had also gained quite a lot.

First, he was scolded in a restaurant alongside Zhu Ming, then he served as a fireworks photographer, and finally, he spent some time as a free human tripod.

Anyone else would probably feel a little resentful, but Zhu Ming wasn’t like most people. He thought there was still plenty more to be extracted from Xi Xianqing, so he shamelessly made another request: “By the way, can we take a photo together?”

Xi Xianqing looked over to him.

“My aunt has been messaging me constantly these days, asking what we’re up to. You know how it is—acting the full part is the only way to convince her.”

Zhu Ming continued, “So a honeymoon photo is necessary. Just cooperate a little ha.”

While saying this, he swiftly raised his phone, moving to press the shutter—

However, Xi Xianqing didn’t let him succeed.

He lifted his arm and covered Zhu Ming’s lens with his long, slender fingers.

“If I take a photo with you,” Xi Xianqing lightly threw out the conditions, “then in return, you’ll have to do me a favor.”

Zhu Ming froze briefly but immediately guessed what that favor might be.

Zhu Ming tried to pull his phone back from Xi Xianqing’s big hand while negotiating, “No way. Your favor is much harder than mine.”

Xi Xianqing glanced at him, still not letting go. “Then I’m not taking the photo.”

Zhu Ming tilted his head, smiling brightly as he bargained, “How about this? Besides this photo, you have to take at least five more couple vacation photos with me over the next few days. Deal?”

Xi Xianqing frowned. “…Two photos.”

Zhu Ming’s smile didn’t falter. “Four photos.”

Xi Xianqing finally released his hand. “Three photos.”

Zhu Ming blinked.

“Deal.” He sighed. “Come on, look at the camera.”

“…”

“No, can you at least smile a little?”

“…”Add

“…Forget it. It’s creepy enough as it is. Better not.”

Unexpectedly learning about Shen Ying and Ji Rong’s acquaintance served as a breakthrough for Xi Xianqing.

A week later, Xi Xianqing ushered in his second meeting with Shen Ying.

The process was almost identical to last time: Xi Xianqing presented a few initial drafts from his team, discussed Shen Ying’s daily dressing habits, and exchanged thoughts on her color preferences.

At the end, he once again asked questions related to Shen Ying’s life experiences.

Shen Ying maintained the same calm and composed demeanor, answering with an equally official and distant tone.

Her responses were always the same—things like “My father’s teachings” or “Owning this restaurant is the most important gift in my life”. Flawless answers that can’t find faults.

She was like a carefully pruned flower placed in a porcelain vase, with every leaf and petal displayed at the most perfect angle for onlookers.

But because its roots had long been severed, soaking in cold water instead of nutrient-rich soil, it was beautiful but devoid of vitality.

However, this time Xi Xianqing was unbothered.

He remained calm, and after receiving Shen Ying’s seemingly flawless, speech-like responses, he simply nodded in agreement, his reaction polite and composed.

This time, Shen Ying served Xi Xianqing and his team with the finest tea from District Two. The tea was placed in an intricately carved porcelain tea set painted with delicate inked landscapes, accompanied by elegant, small refreshments.

“This is Yanying Wuyi Tea³Also known by the trade name Bohea in English, is a category of black and oolong teas grown in the Wuyi Mountains of northern Fujian, China. from District Two—one of the rarest varieties, freshly harvested.”

Shen Ying said, “Please try it.”

Xi Xianqing nodded, picking up the teacup.

He lowered his gaze, took a small sip, and placed the cup back on the table. However, he didn’t retract his hand. Instead, his fingertips traced the edge of the cup before gliding down to a small embroidered pattern at the corner of the linen napkin below.

“Miss Shen, the design on this napkin seems like a fusion of two patterns.”

He looked at Shen Ying’s face and suddenly asked an unrelated question: “Is there a story behind this?”

He noticed Shen Ying’s hands, folded on her lap, tremble slightly.

At the same time, the pale pink creature coiled around her wrist seemed to shrink its eyes faintly. A moment later, it slipped back into the sleeve, leaving only its slender, delicate tail visible.

“The cherry blossom petals on the upper part represent my name.”⁴The 樱 (yīng) in her name means Cherry.

Shen Ying answered, after a slight pause, her response flawlessly composed. “As for the clouds below, they symbolize this restaurant. Since it is hidden high in the mountains and surrounded by a sea of clouds, the clouds serve as its emblem.”

Xi Xianqing nodded after a moment and repeated her words: “Clouds?”

The smile at the corner of Shen Ying’s mouth froze. “…Yes. Is there a problem?”

“Not really. It’s just that I think your restaurant has an antique, classical charm. If you wanted to express a cloud theme, choosing a design like auspicious clouds—which has a richer traditional aesthetic—would seem more fitting.”

Xi Xianqing said calmly, his fingers tracing the raised edges of the embroidery. “This cloud, however, looks rather round and fluffy. It feels… a bit cartoonishly cute.”

Shen Ying’s fingertips froze imperceptibly.

Xi Xianqing placed the napkin back on the table and looked into Shen Ying’s eyes. “So I can’t help but think that its outline resembles the fur of a certain animal.”

---

Author’s Notes:

Happy Qixi Festival!

The big peac0ck has such a long neck that it can coolly pick up the little fox to watch the fireworks (proudly wriggles).

Although Xi Xianqing hadn’t managed to obtain much valuable information from Shen Ying, his initial exchanges with her gave him some understanding of her spiritual manifestation and personality.

When he woke up the next day, he began expanding his ideas centered around the snake motif. He sketched a few rough drafts and selected several softer-toned main gemstones.

These jewelry designs, at a glance, seemed to align with Shen Ying’s gentle yet tough temperament. However, on closer inspection, though beautiful, they appeared superficial and lacked any depth or compelling narrative.

They were the kind of pieces that would fetch a good price sitting in the cold display cases of a high-end jewelry store, but they didn’t meet Xi Xianqing’s personal standards for meaningful design.

Frustrated, he set down his pen and left the room, only to find an unusual stillness in the living room.

The door to the guest room was open, and the bed inside was neatly made, indicating that its occupant had left some time ago.

Xi Xianqing froze for a moment, and an inexplicable irritation surged within him.

I’ve never seen one who can’t walk and still runs around like this daily.

He immediately realized something and he turned to look at the lab pod in the center of the garden outside the window.

Zhu Ming had just set down the pipette gun in his hand when the door to the lab pod swung open.

“Either stand there without moving, or put on the lab coat and gloves next to you before coming over.”

Without turning around, Zhu Ming softly reminded him, “It’s not just to protect you but also to make sure my painstakingly nurtured little cells from this past week don’t get contaminated.”

Xi Xianqing’s footsteps halted and stayed in place.

Through previous consultations, Xi Xianqing had already vaguely begun to sense Zhu Ming’s extraordinary abilities.

However, Zhu Ming’s consistently playful tone, along with his casual demeanor that lacked the loftiness of a professional scholar and his always smiling and crooked look, made it hard to associate him with someone of a professional scientific researcher.

But at this moment, Zhu Ming was wearing a white lab coat and sitting in front of the lab pod with a calm face.

Zhu Ming’s current demeanor was something Xi Xianqing had never seen before—focused and efficient, his every move skillful and precise. It was a complete departure from the usual impression of his flippant behavior.

He held the pipette steadily, adding an unknown liquid into the small hole of a microplate. Afterward, he sealed it with clear plastic film and placed it into a machine with an unknown function.

He skillfully tapped a few buttons on the screen. When the machine began to hum and whir, Zhu Ming let out a breath and removed his gloves.

Turning to Xi Xianqing, he returned to his usual smiling self. “I thought you’d be busy sketching designs this morning. What brings you here?”

Only then did Xi Xianqing barely come back to his senses.

He certainly wouldn’t admit that he was drained of inspiration with nothing to do. After a long time, he replied, “The lab pod is something I paid for, and you’re someone I hired. I came to check your progress. Is that a problem?”

“There’s no problem.” Zhu Ming took off his lab coat as he gestured to the machine beside him. His tone became calm and professional as he reported, “Actually, we just need to complete a few more checks before we can test the first batch of medicine.”

Xi Xianqing gave an “en”.

“This round of PCR¹It refers to a polymerase chain reaction, a laboratory technique commonly used in molecular biology to amplify DNA sequence. ZM is doing a PCR run which involves machine cycling through specific temperatures to enable DNA amplification process. will take a while. I was thinking of using the time to revisit a fan from yesterday’s offline consultation.”

Zhu Ming tilted his head slightly, his voice inviting yet gentle. “Zhou Zhou has plans to meet his friends today, so he won’t be coming along. You’re welcome to join me. This fan’s restaurant is by the seaside—it’s much livelier than this ethereal mountaintop.”

Xi Xianqing: “Not going.”

Zhu Ming added a tempting offer. “You haven’t left the mountain since you arrived in District Two. Why not visit the seaside? You might even find some inspiration.”

Xi Xianqing subconsciously retorted, “Who said I don’t have inspiration?”

Zhu Ming said innocently. “I said you might find inspiration. I didn’t say you were lacking it ah.”

“…Not going,” Xi Xianqing interrupted coldly, clearly displeased with the feeling of being seen through. After a moment, he added with emphasis, “I’m very busy and hate crowded places.”

Zhu Ming nodded and didn’t continue to force him.

He tidied up the workstation, packed his sensory gloves and notebook into his bag, then said, “Alright, I’m heading out. You—”

As he looked up, he noticed Xi Xianqing’s gaze fixed intently on his bag, eyebrows slightly furrowed.

Zhu Ming: “…Is there a problem?”

Xi Xianqing: “Do you wear those gloves while giving someone a consultation?”

“That’s natural.” Zhu Ming zipped his bag shut and replied calmly, “Although we haven’t had any cases as rare as our family’s Dish Soap, sheep shedding wool is still quite the valuable research subject.”

The casual use of “our family” and “rare” momentarily pleased Xi Xianqing’s mood, but as soon as he processed the rest of the sentence, his frown deepened again.

Recalling yesterday’s events, Zhu Ming sighed with a bit of a headache as he maneuvered his wheelchair slowly toward the door. “Anyway, I’m leaving now. Let’s just hope the little girl cooperates today.”

In the next instant, an arm blocked Zhu Ming’s way.

He raised his gaze and saw the handsome young man in front of the door with his chin raised, and pursed lips with a wandering expression.

Zhu Ming: “…What’s wrong? ”

Half an hour later, Zhu Ming and Xi Xianqing appeared in a bustling seaside town in District Two.

For reasons unknown, Xi Xianqing had abruptly changed his mind before leaving, giving the excuse that “it might actually help gather some local inspiration.” Begrudgingly, he agreed to accompany Zhu Ming.

With Zhou Zhou absent for the day, Zhu Ming was pleased to have someone with him—if only to lower the chances of his wheelchair getting stuck in the sand.

Zhu Ming in his wheelchair was already quite conspicuous on a regular day. At the moment, there is another behind him wearing sunglasses, shirt collar slightly open, expressionless–Xi Xianqing.

Both of them were impossibly good-looking, effectively doubling their attention-drawing power.

Zhu Ming sighed inwardly, starting to regret a little bit bringing this person along.

Having experienced the overwhelming customer flow during yesterday’s visit, Zhu Ming deliberately chose the restaurant’s afternoon break time for today’s follow-up.

The tables inside the restaurant gleamed, and the blackened pancake oven still emitted warmth. Standing a few steps away from the entrance, Xi Xianqing stopped decisively, maintaining a clear distance as he said curtly, “I’m not going in.”

This person’s temperament and behavior were really out of place with the humble, down-to-earth establishment. Zhu Ming didn’t press the matter. “Alright, I’ll wrap this up as quickly as I can.”

Maneuvering his wheelchair into the shop, Zhu Ming was greeted by the sight of Liang Dachao, with his head down while mopping the floor.

Since there were no customers during the break, Liang Dachao had let out his spiritual manifestation—a lively golden retriever enthusiastically wagging its tail and cheerfully helping its owner with the mopping.

Seeing Zhu Ming, Liang Dachao’s face lit up with delight. “Zhu-ge, you’re here! Aiyaya, about yesterday—I feel so bad about it… Uh, who’s that outside?”

Zhu Ming looked back and said nonchalantly, “My husband.”

For a split second, Zhu Ming felt as if the aloof Xi Xianqing by the door had turned his gaze slightly toward their direction.

“Oh, oh, right. I remember seeing news about your wedding.” Liang Dachao suddenly clapped his hands in realization, then scratched his head with a sheepish grin. “You two are so sweet ya. You guys came for your honeymoon and even came here to help your fans with free consultations. I’m really embarrassed.”

The word “honeymoon” made Zhu Ming’s eyelid twitch subtly.

He smiled slightly and swiftly redirected the topic. “Is your boss here today?”

“She’s in the back resting. I’ll go get her right now.”

Liang Dachao lowered his voice, “My family’s A’Rong’s situation is a little special. She’s a good person, but her temper can be a bit fiery, and, well, she’s got more than a few pet peeves. So, Zhu-ge, I just want to give you a heads-up—”

“Liang Dachao, are you asking for a beating?”

A crisp and assertive female voice interrupted him from behind. “I’ve already said, I’m not sick, and I don’t need anyone diagnosing me. Why don’t you dare bring another one of those fraud quacks again?”

Zhu Ming—a certified graduate of District Seven’s medical exams, ranked first, and the only person to date to achieve a perfect score: “…”

Ji Rong’s loud and hostile tone drew Xi Xianqing’s attention once more. He glanced toward the commotion by the door, frowning deeply.

Liang Dachao hastily explained. “No, no, no. Dr. Zhu is a professional doctor from District Seven. He just happened to be here on his honeymoon with his husband and kindly offered to help you.”

Ji Rong froze for a split second.

The mention of being from District Seven carried weight. Her gaze shifted to Zhu Ming, a flicker of embarrassment crossing her face.

Yet, after a brief hesitation, she pressed her lips together and remained firm. “I’m sorry, but I’m not sick, and I don’t need any medical attention.”

Zhu Ming smiled faintly, unperturbed. Reaching into his bag, he took out two pre-filled bottles of pills and placed them on the table.

“No problem,” he said. “It just so happens that I’ve done extensive research in the field of spiritual manifestation of fur abnormalities, so I brought along some medication you might find helpful.”

“The green bottle is for preventing fur shedding in spiritual manifestations, and the purple one improves the quality of fur growth.”

As Zhu Ming spoke, he began maneuvering his wheelchair back toward the door. “Then, I won’t impose any further.”

Ji Rong stared blankly at the two bottles on the table for a few seconds.

She looked up, her gaze following Zhu Ming, who appeared to be struggling slightly as he wheeled himself toward the exit.

Witnessing the entire exchange, Liang Dachao’s expression became somewhat awkward–After all, when Zhu Ming first entered, his handling of the wheelchair had been so skillful, even smoother than most people walking on foot.

However, Ji Rong hadn’t noticed this. She realized that she might have been too rude. The good-natured District Seven doctor before her was clearly someone who could no longer walk, yet he had traveled so far just to personally deliver medication.

Her expression suddenly became complicated.

Ji Rong’s fingers twisted the edge of her apron, her face flushing red. After holding her tongue for half a day, she finally blurted out, “P-Please wait a moment!”

Zhu Ming stopped the wheelchair and turned back to look at her.

“Reciprocity,” Ji Rong hesitated. “It just so happens that we’re testing a new line of afternoon tea series. If you wouldn’t mind, please stay and try them.”

Zhu Ming seemed momentarily surprised but then responded warmly, “It would be my pleasure.”

Ji Rong quickly sent Liang Dachao to the kitchen to prepare the pastries. Meanwhile, she stood by the table, secretly staring at the labels on the bottles of medicine, glancing from one to the other.

Zhu Ming reminded softly. “For the green bottle, you can try two tablets per day, one after breakfast and one after dinner. If the shedding is particularly severe, you can add one more from the purple bottle before bed.”

Startled, Ji Rong raised her head to look at him, as if still wanting to argue that she “wasn’t sick.”

But Zhu Ming’s voice was soft, and his face carried such an inherent warmth and gentleness that it made refusal almost impossible.

After staring into his eyes for a moment, Ji Rong finally gave up on trying to argue. She carefully tucked the medicine bottles into the pocket of her apron and muttered, “Alright.”

After a brief pause, she seemed to muster her courage before finally releasing her spiritual manifestation—a black sheep.

“If you don’t mind,” she said quietly, her fingers tugging nervously at her apron’s hem, “could you take a look after you’ve had the pastries?”

Zhu Ming let out a silent sigh of relief, “Of course.”

At the same time, Xi Xianqing, who had been standing outside the door for a long while, finally decided to step into the small shop.

As Zhu Ming pulled out the sensory gloves from his backpack, preparing to examine Ji Rong, he lightly teased, “What’s this? Has the future representative of District Six had a change of heart and decided to indulge in some humble afternoon tea?”

Xi Xianqing took a seat, removed his sunglasses, and neatly folded them on the table. “It’s too bright outside.”

Zhu Ming: “…”

Just then, Liang Dachao came running out of the kitchen with great enthusiasm. “Sweet corn pancakes, coming right up la!”

The golden corn pancakes were stacked in a small bamboo basket lined with a red-and-white checkered napkin, exuding a breezy seaside vacation vibe. The aroma of warm, sugary comfort hung in the air like an invitation to happiness.

Unexpectedly, Ji Rong took one look at the plate and smacked Liang Dachao one the head with a sharp flick.

“Liang Dachao, do you even use your brain? How many times did I tell you during recipe testing that this pancake must be served with raspberry sauce for the perfect sweet-tart balance…”

Hands on her hips, she huffed and stomped her foot. “Never mind, I’ll get it myself.”

Each corn pancake had a small design etched into the center.

The top half resembled a petal, while the bottom half looked like a fluffy cloud.

As a designer, Xi Xianqing had an innate sensitivity to geometric patterns. He instinctively stared at the pancakes a little longer than he intended.

Zhu Ming saw that he didn’t move his chopsticks for a long time, “What’s wrong? Don’t tell me it’s not to your taste. You didn’t hold back at all with yesterday’s pancakes.”

This unprovoked jab made Xi Xianqing’s expression shift several times., “It’s not the pancakes—it’s the design. I think I’ve seen it before.”

Zhu Ming hadn’t reacted yet. “Seen? When?”

Xi Xianqing thought for a moment. “The restaurant from yesterday’s meeting.”

Before Zhu Ming could respond, a loud crash rang out from the kitchen.

It was Ji Rong, dropping a tray onto the floor. Her expression turned incredibly grim.

“You’ve seen this pattern?”

She stared deathly at Xi Xianqing’s face, “Where have you seen it?”

Xi Xianqing didn’t like her questioning tone, his brows furrowing.

He crossed his arms and met her stare coldly. “A restaurant. The napkins there had the same design embroidered on them.”

“Was it the restaurant of District Two’s representative?”

Ji Rong’s face turned crimson, her lips trembling as she stammered out her disbelief. “Shen Ying’s restaurant?”

In her agitated state, Ji Rong hadn’t had the chance to recall her spiritual manifestation.

Zhu Ming, sharp-eyed as ever, immediately noticed the effects of her escalating emotions. The black sheep behind her twitched its hindquarters once more, and another few tufts of cottony wool drifted to the floor.

She was too worked up.

At the mention of “Shen Ying,” Liang Dachao’s expression also shifted dramatically. His eyes widened.

His mouth opened and closed as if he wanted to speak but couldn’t. He lifted his hand in an attempt to stop Xi Xianqing from continuing, but Ji Rong’s chest heaved violently. Her next question came fast and sharp: “What’s your relationship… with Shen Ying?”

To Xi Xianqing, his involvement in any assessment was a matter of personal privacy, and he felt no obligation to divulge such information to strangers.

So Xi Xianqing raised his jaw and faintly said, “Friends, why?”

Ji Rong’s eyes widened immediately.

The flush on Ji Rong’s cheeks spread all the way to her neck. She bit her lip, her chest heaving rapidly—a clear sign of her losing control over her emotions, a mix of extreme anger and agitation.

Behind her, the black sheep spiritual manifestation’s butt began trembling uncontrollably, its hindquarters shaking at an alarming rate. In the confined space of the small restaurant, it unleashed a veritable blizzard of black wool.

Finally, after what felt like an eternity, Ji Rong managed to squeeze out two trembling words, “… Get out.”

“Right now, immediately, get out of my shop!”

---

Author’s Notes:

The gentle little fox sets the bait, layer upon layer of schemes, skillfully and patiently guiding the patient to hand over their heart.

The elegant big peac0ck wiggled his ass beautifully as he passed by, effortlessly rendering all his hard work meaningless in an instant.

8:45 p.m. was definitely not a conventional dinner time.

Zhu Ming admitted that he had indeed come home a bit late.

But what he couldn’t understand was why this person was so angry—was it really just because he hadn’t made it home on time?

If it were anyone else, they’d probably snap back on the spot, but Zhu Ming sensed something different in Xi Xianqing’s anger.

—After all, Xi Xianqing wasn’t the type to openly express his feelings. His lateness was likely just one of many reasons for the other’s irritation, a smokescreen to mask the true source of his inner frustration and unease.

So, instead of making excuses, Zhu Ming chose to admit his mistake frankly. “I’m sorry.”

He saw Xi Xianqing’s body suddenly pause.

“I promised to be home before you, and coming back late was indeed my fault.”

Zhu Ming said. “But the pastries from this shop are really good. I thought it’d be a shame if you couldn’t try them, so I packed some up as a late-night snack. I even waited in line for a bit.”

As he spoke, he shook the takeout box in his hand slightly.

Xi Xianqing didn’t move, still with his back to Zhu Ming.

However, with Dish Soap by his feet, its half-closed, bean-like eyes silently opened a little wider. It raised its head and looked at Zhu Ming.

After a while, he heard Xi Xianqing say, “I’m not hungry.”

“Just try a bite.”

“I don’t like it.”

“I remember the PDF you sent me didn’t mention that you dislike pancakes ah.”

Zhu Ming recalled, “You don’t eat spicy food or garlic, so I specifically asked the owner to omit both. I got the savory sauce flavor instead. You don’t like that either?”

After a short while, Xi Xianqing finally looked back at him.

“Put it aside first.” His voice was a bit muffled.

“The shop owner said it can’t be kept overnight; it tastes best when eaten fresh.”

Zhu Ming didn’t compromise this time and smiled, “Besides, this one isn’t just for you alone, I’m going to eat it too.”

Xi Xianqing: “?”

Zhu Ming casually turned his wheelchair around, his voice trailing off as he moved farther away. “I’ll go heat it up in the kitchen first. Come out when you’re done with whatever you’re doing, all right?”

He didn’t give Xi Xianqing the chance to say “yes” or “no” before leaving the room, showing only his back as he exited.

Truthfully, Zhu Ming was taking a gamble—a gamble that, despite Xi Xianqing’s cold and distant demeanor, deep down, he still wanted to talk to someone.

Of course, more than that, he was betting that Xi Xianqing hadn’t had dinner.

The savory pancake spun quietly in the microwave, and the aroma quickly spread to every corner of the villa. Zhu Ming rested his chin in his hand, zoning out in boredom.

When he looked up again, he saw that at some point, Xi Xianqing had come out of the room.

He stood in front of the island counter, arms crossed, his brows furrowed as he locked eyes with Zhu Ming.

The big green bird eventually dawdled out of the nest.

Zhu Ming’s lips curved into a silent smile. He didn’t say anything, simply lowering his head to continue watching the countdown on the microwave display.

A moment later, the microwave let out a crisp “ding,” signaling that the pancake was heated.

As Zhu Ming took it out, he asked casually, “By the way, what did you have for lunch today? A meal personally prepared by the District Two representative must’ve been some of the best dishes Xi Star has to offer, right?”

Xi Xianqing cautiously pinched the edge of the cheap, greasy pancake bag with his fingers, frowning as though assessing its hygiene standards.

Only after a long time did he put the bag back on the table, “After eating it, it was average.”

Zhu Ming was curious, “What kind of dishes were there ah?”

As they chatted idly, Xi Xianqing’s tense demeanor visibly softened.

He barely recalled, “Foie gras, mushrooms, sea urchin, and some shellfish and crab. I don’t remember the rest.”

“…” Zhu Ming stared at the shiny, fragrant pancake in front of him, suddenly feeling it wasn’t quite up to par. “So, uh, are you still going to eat this pancake?”

When he looked up, he found that Xi Xianqing had already taken a seat on one of the high stools by the island counter, his demeanor as refined as ever.

“I suppose I can give it a try,” he said.

Zhu Ming pushed the plate with the pancake to the middle of the table.

Not one for formalities, Zhu Ming—having already washed his hands—grabbed a corner of the pancake and stuffed it into his mouth. He chewed a few times and exclaimed, “Mmm… it’s really good.”

Xi Xianqing, on the other hand, used a silver fork to delicately pick up a small piece and place it in his mouth. His cheek moved slightly on one side, and for a long time, he didn’t say anything.

Zhu Ming asked with a smile on his face, “How was it?”

Xi Xianqing frowned slightly, “There are chili peppers.”

Zhu Ming: “No way? I didn’t taste any.”

“There definitely is.”

“Absolutely not.”

Xi Xianqing shot him a glare and used the fork to prod at the pancake. “What’s this, then?”

He pointed to a minuscule red chili flake, almost invisible to the naked eye.

“…” Zhu Ming didn’t argue further. Resting his chin in his hand, he smiled and asked, “So, does it taste good?”

Xi Xianqing paused.

He didn’t reply right away, and after a moment of silence, he averted his gaze and took another bite. Chewing for a while, he finally gave a curt two-word response: “It’s decent.”

Zhu Ming: “…”

Indulged him too much.

“Alright then, talk.”

Zhu Ming let out a breath and tapped the edge of his plate. “What exactly happened today? Did this District Two representative have an even worse temper than you? Or did the two of you manage to clash right from the start?”

Xi Xianqing wiped the corner of his lips with a napkin. Then he carefully picked up another piece of pancake, ensuring the sauce was evenly spread and that no chili flakes had adhered to its surface, before cautiously putting it in his mouth.

After a moment, he said, “There was no clash. Everything went smoothly.”

Zhu Ming found it hard to believe. “Smoothly? Then why do you look like you’re sulking so much?”

Xi Xianqing’s gaze fell on a lone sesame seed near the edge of the plate, and he remained silent.

A few hours earlier, outside the door of the Mo Xue Ji Restaurant.

“Are you Young Master Xi?”

Shen Ying extended her hand with a soft smile. “I’m deeply grateful to Elder Xi for his guidance back in the day. Thanks to his input on my restaurant’s design, it’s still earning praise from diners even now.”

District Two was a culinary hub, and with its representative chosen annually, the industry competition was extraordinarily fierce.

The rapid turnover of representatives meant that for outsiders, it was already difficult to remember what type of cuisine an award-winning restaurant specialized in, let alone recall the chef behind it.

But this year’s District Two representative was an exception, with an unusual amount of personal coverage tied to her name.

It wasn’t just because this high-end, classical private dining establishment was nearly impossible to book—reservations often needed to be made six months in advance. The buzz was also due to this year’s District Two representative: a remarkably young woman.

Shen Ying wore a light pink silk brocade cheongsam, her long hair elegantly pinned into a round bun with a jade hairpin. Her demeanor exuded the refined grace of a lady from a prominent family.

“And now, Mr. Xiao Xi, you’ve graced us with a personal visit to design custom jewelry for me.”

She guided Xi Xianqing and his entourage through the grand hall’s ornate screens and past elegant water pavilions, leading them into a serene private room. Extending her hand to Xi Xianqing, she added, “I hardly feel worthy of such an honor ah.”

Xi Xianqing shook her hand. “The honor is mine.”

Shen Ying lowered her eyes and smiled.

In that brief handshake, Xi Xianqing noticed a snake with delicate pink-and-white scales coiled around her slender wrist.

The snake silently observed Xi Xianqing’s face, flicking its small tongue—it was Shen Ying’s spiritual manifestation.

“Pink-and-white scales? That might be a species of colubrid snake. I’d love to see it in person—”

Zhu Ming’s thoughts wandered uncontrollably due to his old profession. Noticing the look on the face of the person beside him, he quickly pulled the conversation back on track. “Ahem. So, is it because a snake as a spiritual manifestation is more complex, making it harder to design for?”

“No. Snakes are actually one of the most common animal motifs in jewelry design.”

Xi Xianqing said, “Religious and historical symbolism associated with snakes is incredibly rich, offering a vast range of themes to explore. In particular, the curves and patterns of a snake’s body can be used to create unique effects with metals and gemstones.”

“But at the same time, it’s a true test of a designer’s skill—it’s challenging to create something distinctive.”

He raised his chin slightly and added, “Of course, that’s never been a problem for me.”

If it wasn’t a technical issue, then it must’ve been a problem with communication.

Zhu Ming mused, “Did you try the method I told you about yesterday—starting by building some rapport with her?”

“I did,” Xi Xianqing replied icily. “But from start to finish, she didn’t say a single useful thing to me.”

The first hot dish served that day was a steamed yellow croaker with greenhead mushrooms and yun ham.¹Another name for the famous Jinhua ham – a dry-cured Chinese ham often used in dishes for its savory flavor.

From the choice of ingredients to the color, aroma, and plating, every detail was executed to near perfection.

Following Zhu Ming’s advice, Xi Xianqing asked a precise question about the ingredients. “I’ve heard that most high-end restaurants in the mountains like to consume chicken fir mushrooms during mushroom season, but Miss Shen has chosen greenhead mushrooms for this dish. Is there a story behind that choice?”

Shen Ying seemed slightly taken aback. After a brief pause, she smiled and replied, “Greenhead mushrooms are slimy, while chicken fir mushrooms are hearty. Each has its own unique flavor.”

She paused again before continuing, “But if you’re asking whether there’s a story behind my choice of greenhead mushrooms, there really isn’t one. It’s just that my father always favored them when he was alive, so I’ve continued to use them.”

“…” Xi Xianqing fell silent for a moment, took a deep breath, and switched topics. “Then what about the design of the restaurant and its dishes? Was there any particular inspiration behind it?”

“I’m ashamed to say, in fact, other than the menu, most of the restaurant’s design was actually a collaboration between my father and Elder Xi. It was all completed under his guidance.”

Shen Ying’s smile was as gentle and perfect as if it had been planned. “The flowing water, rocks, and pine trees recreate the beauty of the mountain forest. Our guests have always loved it, and naturally, I’ve had no reason to object.”

She brought up her father in nearly every sentence, leaving Xi Xianqing no choice but to respond politely. “I recall that Mr. Shen’s restaurants earned multiple stars and that he served as a representative for several consecutive terms. He is indeed experienced.”

For a moment, Shen Ying seemed lost in thought. “Yes, although he passed away from cancer last year, he was always a role model in my life.”

“Without his teachings and guidance, I don’t think I could have made it to where I am today.”

She gave a faintly sorrowful smile. “So, I often wonder whether I’m truly capable of bearing such great responsibility now.”

The reception room fell into a brief silence. Even Ye Lu, who had been quietly taking notes at the back of the meeting, couldn’t help but look up, moved by her words.

Yet within Shen Ying’s delicate, sorrowful gaze, Xi Xianqing caught a subtle, indescribable sense of unease.

He furrowed his brows silently before saying calmly, “Miss Shen, I believe I’ve learned quite a lot about your father already.”

“But what about your own life? Your life outside the restaurant, apart from others—your personal experiences?”

Xi Xianqing added several specific qualifiers to emphasize his point. “Are there any significant moments in your life that stand out and could be worth sharing with us?”

Shen Ying’s smile faltered slightly.

Xi Xianqing watched as her hand unconsciously tightened around her cheongsam. Her nails were clean and rounded, betraying a rare moment of distraction.

Xi Xianqing: “Miss Shen.”

Shen Ying snapped back to her composed demeanor. “Apologies.”

Her gentle, serene air returned, “If I have a deeper impression, I’d say it was last year when I was elected as the representative. Seniors of several other restaurants from other establishments in the mountains visited me.”

“They were all my late father’s close friends. They brought many bottles of wine, including one that was a true rare vintage…”

“My father’s menu, my father’s restaurant, my father’s close friends.”

Xi Xianqing’s face was expressionless. “I’m supposed to uncover her story, and yet I know nothing about her.”

“Perhaps her father’s passing truly had a profound impact on her,” Zhu Ming mused after a moment’s thought. “So, did you get to the gemstone fitting?

He noticed Xi Xianqing’s expression darkened further.

“This is tourmaline, with a translucent luster—perfect for everyday wear. And this one is pigeon-blood red, a bit more mature and steady, suitable for formal occasions.”

Ye Lu presented a tray of colorful gemstones, and Xi Xianqing, as Zhu Ming had suggested, provided a thorough yet accessible introduction. “Miss Shen, which one do you prefer?”

Lifting his gaze, he noticed Shen Ying staring blankly out the window.

Hearing the question, Shen Ying turned back with a perfectly appropriate smile. “Oh, I think they all look great. You’re the expert—you can choose.”

Xi Xianqing: “…”

Xi Xianqing practically ground his teeth. “In comparison, which one do you feel most drawn to?”

Shen Ying hesitated for a moment, as if unsure which option had a higher probability of being correct in a multiple-choice question. She randomly pointed at one. “Then… this one.”

“I asked her to pick one from the red-colored gemstones, but in the end, she pointed to a glowing green peridot.”

Xi Xianqing’s expression was as black as charcoal. “This proves that when I was communicating with her earlier, she was distracted and didn’t hear a single word I said.”

Zhu Ming gloated, “Compared to that, don’t I seem slightly better? At least I’m not colorblind.”

He had intended to say something lighthearted to ease the atmosphere, but it seemed to backfire, as Xi Xianqing’s face visibly darkened further.

Zhu Ming coughed and asked, “Could it be bad timing? As a representative, she’s probably busy, and managing something like a restaurant is also pretty draining. Maybe you caught her at a particularly exhausted moment.”

“I don’t know.”

Stuffing another bite of pastry into his mouth, Xi Xianqing said irritably, “All I know is that out of the three chances I have to meet her, one has already been wasted. Before the next meeting, I’ll have to grit my teeth and draw up a rough sketch.”

“With a design like that, never mind impressing her—even I wouldn’t want to look at it myself.”

The moment these words left his mouth, Xi Xianqing froze silently.

Such a frank admission of frustration and dejection was something he usually suppressed, never revealing it—not even to Ye Lu or Xi Mufei.

But Zhu Ming was an exceptionally unique individual—whenever he spoke, he had a way of gently guiding others, as if tying an invisible string around their hearts.

With a slight tug of his fingers, he could unleash a magic that made people feel compelled to bare their whole hearts.

Unknowingly, Xi Xianqing had grown accustomed to the dynamic where Zhu Ming would pose a question, and he would naturally provide the response.

Xi Xianqing’s Adam’s apple moved slightly as he stiffly raised his gaze. “You… why aren’t you saying anything?”

“My soy sauce pancake,” Zhu Ming pointed to the now-empty plate before him. He looked up at Xi Xianqing with a forlorn expression. “I only got to eat one piece myself.”

Xi Xianqing froze silently on the spot: “…”

The fruitless meeting with Shen Ying had left him irritable all day. He barely touched his lunch, and his stomach had been feeling uncomfortably empty since then.

The bag of soy sauce pancakes Zhu Ming had brought back was like a magical creation laced with some addictive aroma. After taking one bite, he couldn’t stop.

For the first time, this fastidious young master, who had always prided himself on impeccable table manners, had completely thrown his dining etiquette out the window.

Watching Xi Xianqing’s awkward expression, Zhu Ming chuckled softly. “It’s fine. I brought them back for you to try anyway—”

“Fridge.” Xi Xianqing suddenly interrupted.

Zhu Ming: “Huh?”

Xi Xianqing didn’t say anything.

Tentatively, Zhu Ming tried to fill in the blanks. “There’s… something in the fridge?”

Xi Xianqing gave the faintest nod, his gaze still distant.

Zhu Ming stared at his face and suddenly had a bad feeling.

He wheeled himself to the fridge and opened it. The moment the door swung wide, his eyes silently widened in shock. “My god—”

Xi Xianqing kept a rigid expression, the corners of his mouth twitching slightly. “It’s something the District Two representative insisted on giving me.”

But he quickly straightened his face again, stood up, and walked toward the bedroom as if nothing had happened. “I have to work on sketches tomorrow. I’m going to bed.”

Four hours earlier, just before leaving Mo Xue Ji.

“White jade bayberries?” Shen Ying repeated in surprise.

Xi Xianqing hesitantly nodded, “There aren’t any?”

“We do. It’s the peak season when plums are in full bloom in the mountains right now.”

Shen Ying paused briefly, then smiled. “You’re in luck. The two white jade bayberry trees in our backyard have just started bearing fruit these past couple of days. If you’d like, I can have someone pick some fresh for you.”

Xi Xianqing nodded slightly. “Sorry to trouble you.”

“You barely ate anything at lunch earlier. So, you prefer light and sweet fruits? I’ll prepare accordingly for our next meeting.” Shen Ying smiled gently. “Would you like to have them now? I can have them washed and sent over immediately.”

Xi Xianqing shook his head. “No need to trouble you further. Just pack them for me to take home.”

“If you’re taking them home, we can preserve them with dry ice, but the flavor might be slightly compromised.”

Shen Ying thought for a moment and softly suggested, “If it’s not urgent, I’d recommend you enjoy them here before leaving.”

After a moment of silence, Xi Xianqing said, “…They’re not for me.”

Shen Ying was stunned, “What?”

She noticed that the handsome young man before her seemed to recall something, his dark green eyes flickering slightly, and his expression turning somewhat unnatural.

“They’re not for me,” he said, turning his face away and speaking in a low voice. “It’s someone… in my family who has a craving.”

---

Author’s Notes:

Reluctantly asked for bayberries, reluctantly brought them back home, and was thoroughly displeased to discover that the little fox hadn’t returned.

Reluctantly ate an entire bag of soy sauce pancakes, and reluctantly felt secretly happy. Then, reluctantly gave the bayberries to the little fox.

---

Jie Jie: Sorry for the late upload! I wasn’t able to open and update as I went to the city over the weekend :blobsmilesweat:

I also went ahead and italicized the parts where XX was meeting with SY so it would be seen as something that already happened and it wouldn’t be confusing :blobsnuggle:

Zhu Ming was really just simply asking.

After all, it was a rare sight to see the Eldest Young Master bending over and humbling himself to serve others. He was quite curious as to whether or not all clients could be treated in such a manner.

However, Xi Xianqing’s Adam’s apple bobbed, and after a moment, he replied, “When it comes to entertaining clients, most of the time, Aunt Ye handles the fittings for the guests.”

Zhu Ming felt it was quite reasonable and nodded, “I see.”

Xi Xianqing was silent for a moment. Then, for some reason, he suddenly added, “It’ll be the same tomorrow.”

“Then I’m honored ah,” Zhu Ming teased. “To have the future representative of District Six personally help me try on jewelry.”

A sudden chill spread across the skin of his neck—the cold touch of a gemstone. Immediately after, something warmer and softer grazed the same spot—it was Xi Xianqing’s fingertips brushing against his skin as he removed the gemstone and straightened up.

Zhu Ming asked, “All done?”

Without looking at him, Xi Xianqing nodded while removing his gloves.

Zhu Ming tilted his head, observing his movements. “Nothing else to say?”

He saw Xi Xianqing take what looked like a silent, deep breath.

“…Thank you.” His voice wasn’t loud.

“You’re welcome.” Zhu Ming nodded in satisfaction and maneuvered his wheelchair toward the door. “Well then, good night.”

After a while, he heard the person inside the room say, “Good night.”

Zhu Ming went back inside and had a good night’s sleep.

Early the next morning, he was awakened by the noise in the living room.

He sleepily opened the door to find Ye Lu and a few unfamiliar individuals standing in the living room. They were neatly dressed and carrying toolboxes, likely the team of craftsmen accompanying them.

The group surrounded Xi Xianqing. Since he was meeting the current representative of District Two, his attire was noticeably more formal. He wore a single small, elegant black onyx stud in one ear.

Seeing this proud and dignified look, paired with the familiar sparkling accessory, Zhu Ming realized Xi Xianqing’s composure had returned. He let out a sigh of relief.

Xi Xianqing frowned slightly, pointed at the blueprints in the craftsmen’s hands, and engaged in some sort of discussion.

Not wanting to disturb him, Zhu Ming wheeled himself to a corner of the courtyard and made a call to Zhou Zhou.

“Zhu-ge!” Zhou Zhou’s loud, cheerful voice came through. “I f*ckng ya! District Two really lives up to its name as the food capital. The number of restaurants here is insane!”

“You’re already here?” Zhu Ming asked.

“Just got off the plane!”

The background noise on Zhou Zhou’s end was very loud. “Did you know? Even the airport is full of trendy restaurants. Tons of pretty girls handed me samples to try—so enthusiastic!”

Zhu Ming lowered his voice and began to scheme. “On our way to the offline consultations today, we can stop to try some local specialties. I’ve heard they have a super popular dessert called White Jade Bayberry, something we can’t get at all in District Seven.”

Zhu Ming had come across this particular bayberry online by chance.

Unlike the usual deep red variety, this one was a crystal-clear, translucent pinkish-white, exuding a juicy appearance that also made the tip of his tongue sour.

Zhou Zhou: “White Jade Bayberry? Let me check… It does seem to be a specialty of District Two ai.”

His tone quickly turned dejected. “But from what I’m seeing, the netizens say that the production of this is especially low. It seems like you have to go to a high-class restaurant in the mountains to get it. The fan we’re visiting today seems to live in—”

Zhu Ming sighed. “Yeah, by the sea.”

District Two was a vast island, rich in resources.

The center was mountainous, surrounded by the sea. The cultural and tourism focus, as well as the cuisine, differed greatly between the mountain and coastal areas.

The White Jade Bayberries Zhu Ming wanted to try could only be found in the mountains, but the fan they were visiting today lived in a coastal town, making it inconvenient to detour.

“No big deal.” Though disappointed, Zhu Ming said, “I’m staying at a mountain resort right now, so I can always go and try them later.”

Zhou Zhou: “Got it… My bus just arrived. I’m coming to meet you now, we’ll talk soon!”

Zhu Ming said, “Alright, see you in a bit.”

Setting down his phone with a hint of regret, Zhu Ming turned his wheelchair around, only to freeze in surprise.

“Why aren’t you making a sound, too?” He asked.

—Xi Xianqing had somehow appeared behind him without a word. His face was expressionless, and he was quietly watching Zhu Ming from afar.

Xi Xianqing said indifferently, “You seem pretty busy.”

The seemingly random remark made Zhu Ming pause for a moment.

He quickly realized that Xi Xianqing had probably overheard his phone call just now.

With a smile, Zhu Ming explained, “Don’t worry. This morning, I’ll be in the lab pod working on your medication. However, the prepared formula will need a few hours to react. During that downtime, I plan to make a quick visit nearby for an offline consultation.”

It sounded like an employee justifying to their boss why they weren’t slacking off during work hours.

“You and Dish Soap will always be my top priority.”

He added tentatively, “I’ll just take a quick look and come right back.”

It might have sounded like flattery, but Zhu Ming truly meant it. After all, few things were as valuable for research as a mental manifestation as unique as a non-displaying green peac0ck.

Xi Xianqing stared at him for a moment before responding coldly, “I should be back before dinner.”

“Great. I should finish up in the afternoon, so I’ll probably be back earlier than you.”

Zhu Ming said gently. “Trust me, everything will go smoothly. Don’t be nervous.”

Xi Xianqing paused. “I’m not nervous.”

Zhu Ming didn’t press further, only responding with a smile.

He watched as Xi Xianqing and his design team got into the car, then let out a sigh of relief.

Zhu Ming entered the lab pod, organized the experiment records, analyzed the blood samples collected yesterday, and finally prepared the medication that Xi Xianqing would need in the future. He placed it in a temperature-controlled chamber to undergo the reaction process.

The next step was to wait—a process that would take ten long hours. During this downtime, Zhu Ming packed his belongings, met up with Zhou Zhou, and embarked on his first-ever offline consultation tour.

The limitations of livestream consultations were significant, making it difficult to fully understand complex cases.

Thus, taking advantage of the opportunity while accompanying Xi Xianqing for his assessment, Zhu Ming introduced this special benefit to his fans. At last, he could engage with them face-to-face instead of relying on a screen.

Their first offline patient happened to be in District Two.

“Even among good food, there’s a gap.”

Zhou Zhou commented as they stepped out of the taxi. He glanced around, hesitating before adding, “I heard the coastal areas of District Two have a more down-to-earth vibe compared to the mountains. Looking around now, that seems about right. The restaurants by the sea here feel… much more grounded ah.”

Zhu Ming just arrived in District Two yesterday and was directly sent to a secluded mountain resort. The resort was owned by the current District Two representative’s corporation and was designed with opulence and elegance in mind. Every detail of the service was meticulous, and its guests were all either wealthy or distinguished.

In contrast, the coastal town where they now stood had a completely different atmosphere.

As far as the eye can see the streets were lined with food stalls and bustling tourists. Affordable homestays, one after another, were the preferred choice for budget travelers.

Local villagers greeted them warmly, trying to promote their businesses. Some shop banners read, “District One General’s Approved Duck Legs,” or “District Seven Folks Eat This Pig Brain and Instantly Get Smarter.”

The lively atmosphere was brimming with a bustling charm, a completely different experience from the quiet luxury of the mountains.

“Let’s see ha. The place where we’re meeting this fan is called… Ji Family Pastry Shop.”

Zhou Zhou stared at the address on his phone. “But these small shops don’t have noticeable signs. With so many tourists, how are we supposed to find it ah?”

Zhu Ming hadn’t expected the area to be this confusing either. “Let’s ask for directions.”

So they stopped a local villager.

The villager took one glance and clapped his hands cheerfully. “Aiya, isn’t this A’Rong’s shop? Just keep going straight. Look for the one with smoke coming out, the busiest place, with the longest line—that’s the one!”

Obviously, it was someone else’s store, but the grandpa’s face lit up with pride. It was clear that the local residents had a very good relationship.

Zhu Ming was surprised. “Is it really that popular?”

“Of course! That girl takes after her old man—her skills are unbeatable.”

The grandpa said with a hearty laugh. “Her family’s pastries are so good ah, even we locals love them. Most outsiders go for the savory soy-flavored cakes, but her hot sesame and brown sugar pastries are the real specialty ah!”

Following his directions, they quickly found the shop.

As described, it was bustling with customers, the crowd thick and lively. It took them a long time to get through the line.

Finally seated, Zhu Ming stopped a young man clearing their table. “Excuse me, is there someone here named Liang Dachao?”

“Oh… you’re looking for Liang Dachao ba.”

The waiter, clearly exhausted and dazed, raised his head. “I think my name is Liang Dachao ah.”

Zhu Ming: “…?”

The moment Liang Dachao got a clear look at Zhu Ming’s face, the youngster’s previously dull and listless eyes lit up with excitement.

“You’re Dr. Zhu?” he exclaimed, grabbing Zhu Ming’s arm in a burst of enthusiasm. “You actually came! I’m a loyal fan! I’ve never missed a single one of your livestreams!”

Zhu Ming’s arm was nearly yanked out of its socket. “Thank you…”

“Please, have a seat.” Liang Dachao was about to dash into the kitchen. “You have to try our pastries!”

Seeing how busy the shop was, Zhu Ming quickly grabbed his arm and shook his head.

“It’s fine,” he said. “You’re swamped, so I won’t take up too much of your time. Let’s just get straight to the point and talk about your spiritual manifestation issue.”

“Oh, oh, right, the consultation, consultation.” Liang Dachao clapped his hands, looking embarrassed. “But actually… I’m not the one with the problem.”

He sneaked a glance toward the kitchen, then admitted with a wry smile, “I submitted the case on behalf of someone else. The one with the mental manifestation issue is ya… our boss.”

Following his gaze, Zhu Ming and Zhou Zhou looked toward the kitchen.

There, they saw a young woman with sun-kissed skin, wearing an apron and deftly working the dough in her hands.

Her cheeks were flushed with a healthy red from the kitchen’s steam, her hair naturally wavy and slightly frizzy, tied back with a headband.

Zhu Ming watched as the girl bent down, carefully pressing the flattened dough against the side of the oven with practiced focus.

“Is it convenient to talk to your boss?” Zhu Ming asked.

Liang Dachao swallowed, “I’ll try.”

He walked into the kitchen and leaned in to whisper something to the curly-haired girl.

The next moment, Zhu Ming saw the girl’s eyes widen in disbelief. She tore off her gloves and, without hesitation, smacked Liang Dachao on the head!

“Liang Dachao!” she bellowed, her voice brimming with vigor. “How many times do I have to tell you—I am not sick! If you’ve got nothing better to do, go mop the floor five more times!”

Zhu Ming and Zhou Zhou: “…”

Zhou Zhou muttered weakly, “The little boss sure is full of energy ah.”

Zhu Ming didn’t respond. His eyes were fixed on something through the gap in the kitchen door.

He saw a round, black sheep spiritual manifestation.

There was no problem with the sheep itself, it appeared calm and well-behaved as it squatted in the corner of the back kitchen. The problem lay at its feet: scattered around it were clumps of black, fluffy nerve fragments.

What’s more, as the girl moved and her emotions shifted, more tufts of downy black fragments—like dark feathers—began falling from the sheep’s body in a steady cascade.

—It was shedding fur like crazy.

Liang Dachao returned, clutching his head and looking utterly defeated.

“Sorry, Dr. Zhu.”

He wailed, “Business is really busy today, and A’Rong… Oh, that’s our boss, Ji Rong—she’s not in the best mood.”

Zhu Ming smiled lightly, “It’s fine, I’ve already seen her symptoms.”

Liang Dachao sighed deeply, shielding his mouth with his hand as he muttered, “It’s been three months. The primary nerve fragments can’t just be swept up; you have to pick them up with sensory gloves. It falls off every single day, when will it ever stop…”

Before he could finish, he made an “ow” sound.

Ji Rong, who had somehow emerged from the kitchen without anyone noticing, grabbed hold of Liang Dachao’s ear.

“I don’t need a doctor.” She declared, looking unceremoniously at Zhu Ming and Zhou Zhou. “Also, this shop only allows customers who’ve made a purchase to stay. If you’re not eating, please leave immediately.”

“But I’m just a customer who came all the way from District Six to try your baked goods.” Zhu Ming said softly. “Would you really kick me out?”

Ji Rong squinted at him suspiciously. “Then what do you want to order?”

Zhu Ming replied calmly, “Hot dough sesame and brown sugar flatbread.”

Ji Rong froze, finally giving the two a proper look.

This particular flatbread was a hidden menu item—only true food enthusiasts and regulars knew its name.

Ji Rong’s expression softened a little as she muttered, “Fine, but it has to be made fresh. Can you wait?”

Zhu Ming’s smile deepened. “Freshly made? All the better.”

Ji Rong hummed in acknowledgment. “Then, please have a seat and wait for a bit. Liang Dachao, pour some water for the guests.”

The freshly made pancakes from the Gourmet District had a crisp exterior and a chewy interior, with a sweet filling of hot brown sugar. The craftsmanship and flavor were far superior to the chain restaurants Zhu Ming had tried in District Seven.

He enjoyed them so much that he ordered another portion of savory pancakes to take away.

Seeing their genuine appreciation for the food, Ji Rong’s tone grew noticeably gentler. “If you’re eating it as a late-night snack, just heat it briefly in the microwave to remove the moisture. Otherwise, the pancake’s crust will harden too much.”

Although she had a bit of a temper, Ji Rong was really just a straightforward, tough-on-the-outside, soft-on-the-inside young woman.

Logically, this would have been a good opportunity to build rapport, but Zhu Ming merely thanked her softly, took the paper bag she had packed, and said, “Let’s go.”

Zhou Zhou was taken aback. “We’re not going to—”

Zhu Ming glanced at Ji Rong, who was bustling around, and at the little black lamb trailing behind her, shedding tufts of wool with every step. Shaking his head, he said, “Not today.”

Zhou Zhou was staying at a guesthouse down the mountain, he used the opportunity to meet an old friend from District Two. Zhu Ming, meanwhile, returned alone to the resort on the mountain.

The road was a bit congested, and by the time Zhu Ming got out of the car, the sky had already darkened. Just as he arrived, he encountered Ye Lu stepping out of a villa with a toolbox in hand.

So he took the initiative to greet, “Aunt Ye.”

Ye Lu seemed a bit distracted. It wasn’t until she saw Zhu Ming that she snapped out of it and smiled faintly. “It’s Xiao Zhu ah.”

Zhu Ming noticed her visible exhaustion and hesitated before asking, “How did the meeting go?”

Ye Lu’s expression turned somewhat complicated. “Today… was a bit hard to put into words.”

“Xianqing, that child, likes to shut himself in his room whenever he’s in a bad mood. We outsiders can’t really interfere.”

She shook her head with a light smile. “If it’s not too much trouble, could Xiao Zhu go and talk to him for a bit?”

Zhu Ming was stunned.

He wanted to say that he had only known Xi Xianqing for a few months and, compared to Ye Lu, he was probably the real outsider here.

Still, when he returned to the villa, he found himself standing outside Xi Xianqing’s door.

For once, the door wasn’t fully closed, leaving a small crack. Zhu Ming knocked but got no response. After a moment of hesitation, he gently pushed it open.

The room was dark, the lights off, with only dim light. Xi Xianqing sat at his desk, his back to Zhu Ming, staring into the thick darkness outside the window.

On the desk standing condescendingly was Dish Soap–Its slender, elegant plume cascaded downward like a waterfall, and its round, beady eyes were half-closed in an uncharacteristically aloof manner. It cast a glance at Zhu Ming, neither cold nor warm.

Zhu Ming felt something was off. “Want to talk?”

Xi Xianqing’s sharp jawline seemed to tense for a brief moment.

In the shadows, Xi Xianqing lifted his gaze to look at Zhu Ming but said nothing.

“Then I’ll return to the guest room first.”

Zhu Ming offered, choosing to step back. “If you feel like talking later, you can come—”

“Come in.” The person inside said.

The rest of Zhu Ming’s words—“find me”—died on his lips. He was slightly stunned as he stepped into the room.

Xi Xianqing finally turned to face him.

His suit jacket was casually dr4p3d over the side of the chair, and his shirt sleeves were slightly rolled up. The dim lighting in the room cast a faint glow over his features, highlighting his cold, jade-like green eyes.

Zhu Ming knew his own aesthetic preferences might be a bit unconventional, but he couldn’t help thinking that… Xi Xianqing looked more captivating when he was cold and hostile—his slightly furrowed brows and the sharp, stern edge to his expression added an intriguing vitality to his already handsome face.

On the desk, the peac0ck gave a little shake of its feet and, much like its owner, cast a frosty glance in Zhu Ming’s direction.

En, both of them were visibly in a bad mood.

Zhu Ming sighed and asked, “What happened today?”

Xi Xianqing stared at him for a long moment before suddenly, and suddenly asked inexplicably, “What time is it?”

Zhu Ming was bewildered, “…Ah?”

In truth, before stepping inside, Zhu Ming had already considered many possible scenarios—perhaps Xi Xianqing had clashed with the representative from District Two over personality differences or disagreements in design aesthetics.

It couldn’t possibly be worse than the awkward atmosphere during their first blind date.

What he hadn’t expected was that the anger this time would be directed at him.

Xi Xianqing’s expression was hard to read as he stared at Zhu Ming’s face.

“You promised you’d be back before dinner.”

After a long pause, he let out a cold laugh and turned back toward the window. “Do me a favor and take a look at the clock on the wall. What time is it now?”

---

Author’s Note:

It’s a Fire-Spitting Sparrow today.

The driver’s abrupt braking nearly gave Zhu Ming a nose injury and almost caused a dent in Xi Xianqing’s reputation as well.

The two awkwardly straightened their clothes before getting out of the car again.

Fortunately, both Li Shun and the welcoming staff from District Two were professionally trained. They maintained calm and composed expressions throughout, expertly guiding the pair to check in as if nothing had happened.

“Although our district is best known for its culinary culture, the mountain and sea views are also quite remarkable.”

Li Shun introduced enthusiastically. “While the seaside is lively, the restaurant where our representative earned a star last year is nestled in the mountains. So, we’ve arranged a private villa in the mountain resort for you two. Firstly, to facilitate commuting. Secondly, to provide Mr. Xi with a tranquil environment for creative work during the assessment period.”

Xi Xianqing said, “Miss Shen has been very considerate.”

Li Shun flashed a row of gleaming white teeth. “It’s our pleasure. This way, please.”

After a brief introduction to the villa’s layout, Li Shun finally led them to the master bedroom, his smile suddenly turning mysterious.

“Our representative heard about your recent marriage and specifically instructed us to decorate the master bedroom for you. Wishing you both a happy wedding,” he said.

Xi Xianqing stared silently at the bed covered with vibrant rose petals and said nothing.

Zhu Ming glanced at the towels folded into kissing swans and hesitated to speak.

“Your luggage will be delivered shortly. Oh, right,” Li Shun suddenly remembered something. “I noticed there’s a large lab pod—is that also yours?”

Zhu Ming: “It’s mine.”

Though Li Shun had done his homework in advance and knew Zhu Ming was from District Seven, he hadn’t expected such a textbook stereotype: a District Seven native so devoted to research that even on a honeymoon, they brought along their equipment.

Still, he maintained his professionalism. “No problem. I’ll have someone move it to the backyard for you.”

“Mr. Xi,” Li Shun turned back to Xi Xianqing, “since you’re meeting with our representative tomorrow, let me go over the detailed schedule for the day with you now.”

While they discussed matters, Zhu Ming maneuvered his wheelchair to explore the spacious villa.

The resort was tucked away in serene, undulating mountains, surrounded by fresh air. The villa itself was fully equipped with all amenities. As Zhu Ming wheeled around, he even discovered a guest bedroom in one corner.

The jolt from the car ride had left his nose feeling slightly sore. Raising a hand to rub the tip of his nose, Zhu Ming tilted his head back to stare at the ceiling, taking a moment to recover.

As his mind wandered, a pair of indifferent, dark green eyes suddenly appeared in his view.

Zhu Ming blinked in slight surprise and sat up. “Did he leave?”

Xi Xianqing looked over at him and let out an “en”.

“Don’t worry. There’s a guest room in the corner.”

The couple-themed suite, adorned with sweet decorations, was undeniably awkward. Zhu Ming promptly shared his discovery. “I can stay there. That way, we each have a room to ourselves.”

Xi Xianqing didn’t respond, merely casting him a brief glance before turning back to the living room to organize the clothes in his suitcase.

Unable to gauge what Xi Xianqing was thinking, Zhu Ming assumed he was thin-skinned—still awkward after being seen in that compromising position on the car ride earlier.

Not one to make things awkward, he took his luggage to the guest room and rested for a while.

When he woke up in the evening, the resort staff had already set up a candlelit dinner on the dining table.

Since Xi Xianqing had stayed holed up in his room, Zhu Ming enjoyed the candlelight dinner by himself.

True to its reputation as the pinnacle of cultural tourism, District Two’s hospitality was impeccable. The meal was exquisite, with even the plating featuring unique floral designs for each dish.

The dessert was a generously sized, heart-shaped strawberry mousse.

Feeling it would be a bit rude to eat the whole thing, Zhu Ming carefully sliced the heart down the middle and saved half for Xi Xianqing, placing it in the refrigerator.

However, even by dusk, Xi Xianqing’s door remained firmly shut.

Driven by his “responsibility to his patient” mindset, Zhu Ming wheeled himself to the door before bed. After some deliberation, he figured that this person’s mood must have improved at least slightly by now, so he raised his hand and knocked twice.

A few seconds later, the door opened.

Xi Xianqing’s collar was open with two buttons. Behind him, the desk was cluttered with scattered manuscripts. He stood silently, gazing at Zhu Ming’s face.

Judging by his expression, Zhu Ming realized he had miscalculated—his mood hadn’t improved much at all.

Zhu Ming gestured toward the medical kit in his hand.

“Don’t worry, I’ve learned my lesson. I won’t use weird images to harass you anymore.”

Zhu Ming sighed softly. “But since you’re meeting the District Two representative tomorrow, you’ll likely be busy. So, I was wondering… could I draw some blood in advance for basic tests?”

Xi Xianqing stared at him for a moment before stepping aside to let him in.

Once seated, Zhu Ming donned gloves, disinfected his hands, and retrieved a tourniquet and blood-drawing needle from his medical kit.

“Roll up your sleeve and clench your fist,” Zhu Ming instructed. “By the way, can you bring out Dish Soap for me to take a look?”

Xi Xianqing glanced up, his expression wary. “What are you up to again?”

“Just want to take a look,” Zhu Ming replied innocently. “I’ve disinfected my hands, and my light screen is in my guest room. I promise I won’t bother you with any weird stuff again.”

Xi Xianqing said nothing. A few seconds later, the green peac0ck slowly materialized at his feet.

The room fell into silence as Zhu Ming skillfully carried out the routine venous blood draw. However, at the moment the needle pierced the vein, he cast a quick glance at Dish Soap by Xi Xianqing’s feet.

The large peac0ck remained motionless, its tail feathers perfectly still.

As expected. He sighed in his mind.

Even the pain stimulus didn’t cause the feathers to move. What, then, had triggered the reaction he’d observed at the bathroom door… the other day?

“Relax your fist,” Zhu Ming said, withdrawing the needle and pressing a cotton ball to the puncture site. “All done.”

After placing the blood sample back into his kit, Zhu Ming looked up to see Xi Xianqing already standing, pressing his arm as he walked toward the desk behind him.

Zhu Ming felt that the gesture seemed to convey, “That’s the end of our conversation. I’m going back to work.”

He didn’t want to stay. Zhu Ming tidied up the table and prepared to leave.

But as his gaze inadvertently fell on the large green peac0ck at his feet, Zhu Ming froze in place.

“Can I trouble you to explain to me,” Zhu Ming asked after a moment of contemplation, “what’s going on with Dish Soap?”

Xi Xianqing paused mid-step but didn’t turn around. “What?”

Zhu Ming continued to stare at the large green peac0ck on the ground, “Maybe take a look yourself?”

During the blood draw, he had been focused solely on observing the tail feathers for any movement. He hadn’t noticed that the once proud and majestic peac0ck from this morning had somehow slumped into the shape of a listless, crouching hen with its rear end sticking out.

Xi Xianqing looked back and was also stunned.

In the next instant, the peac0ck’s glowing outline began to blur. Zhu Ming raised his voice. “No, no, don’t be so quick to withdraw it. What’s going on here?”

Xi Xianqing didn’t say anything.

Zhu Ming fixed his gaze on him. “If it’s about the images in the car and you’re still angry, then I’ll take this opportunity to apologize to you right here.”

Zhu Ming rarely wore a face without a smile, but he felt this was a matter that needed to be addressed immediately.

Xi Xianqing’s chest rose and fell slightly. “I’m not angry with you.”

Zhu Ming assumed he was just being stubborn. “But as a doctor, I’m simply exploring viable treatment options. If I had another chance, I’d still try every method to provoke Dish Soap’s tail feathers into moving.”

“I’m really not angry with you.” Xi Xianqing turned his face away, his voice so faint it was nearly inaudible. “I’m… just a little nervous.”

Zhu Ming didn’t immediately register the statement and continued his own train of thought. “And since you’ve asked me to be your personal doctor, you’re obligated to communicate with me—wait, what did you just say?”

Zhu Ming was silent for a few brief seconds, “You? Nervous?”

Xi Xianqing’s expression remained taut.

Zhu Ming’s expression was thoughtful. “You’re nervous?”

He repeated the question so many times that Xi Xianqing finally couldn’t bear it and he turned back, glaring at him.

Zhu Ming’s thoughts churned, but his expression stayed calm. “What’s going on? Want to talk about it?”

The large peac0ck remained huddled on the ground, its neck retracting slightly as it feebly edged closer to Zhu Ming’s feet.

Unable to control his embarrassingly submissive spiritual manifestation, Xi Xianqing forced himself to look away. “Tomorrow’s assessment I think…I might not be ready for it.”

Since the beginning of his career, Xi Xianqing had organized countless large-scale exhibitions and jewelry shows, excelling in management, planning, and execution. He had calmly handled unexpected situations calmly.

He had also encountered clients with extremely tricky demands, but in the end, he was always able to rely on his talent and skills to successfully resolve the challenges and deliver results that exceeded perfection.

However, this assessment by the District Two representative was entirely different because his target audience… had no inherent need for jewelry.

This meant that, unlike the “show-stopping necklace for a banquet” or the “birthday party gift for a daughter” commissions given by Madam Xu, this time, there was no predefined theme.

To create a piece that would resonate emotionally and gain recognition, he had to start from scratch—delve into the life story of this District Two representative and unearth inspiration.

Designer’s professional skills were secondary. The real challenge lay in his ability to communicate well and interpret unspoken nuances which became the first difficult point of the examination.

And therein… was exactly the field that Xi Xianqing was least good at.

Zhu Ming was silent for a moment before asking, “What’s the process of the assessment?”

Xi Xianqing glanced up in mild surprise, apparently not expecting him to take an interest in this topic.

“My grandfather’s requirement is a two-month timeframe. During the first month, I can meet with the representative three times to discuss and exchange design ideas.”

Xi Xianqing said, “The last month is reserved for refining the piece, submitting the final work, and taking a commemorative photo. That’s the complete process.”

His Adam’s apple bobbed as he frowned and added, “But representatives are different from clients because—”

He paused, unsure how to explain his difficulty to Zhu Ming.

However, Zhu Ming nodded and hit the nail on the head, “The problem is that, unlike clients who actively seek you out with specific requests, District Two’s representative has no demand for jewelry.”

“You’re worried your lack of social skills will make it hard to connect with the representative, uncover her needs, and find relevant inspiration?” he asked.

Xi Xianqing was stunned and nodded.

“That’s why the first side of the bargaining tomorrow will be very important.” He said hoarsely.

Zhu Ming nodded. “So, what’s your plan?”

“I’ve looked at some District Two representative’s interviews, most of them are about her restaurant, and they don’t give any hint of her aesthetic preferences.”

He hesitated before pushing a tray filled with gemstones toward Zhu Ming. “I’ve only managed to prepare some loose stones in advance, hoping she’ll choose one, so I can get a sense of her preferences.”

Zhu Ming glanced at the tray. “Are these rubies, sapphires, emeralds, and… oddly colored pearls?”

“…” Xi Xianqing regretted placing any hope in this man. “Pigeon’s blood ruby, aquamarine, peridot, and opal.”

Raising an eyebrow, Zhu Ming withdrew his gaze. “I think, since the first meeting is so critical, you shouldn’t dive straight into talking about jewelry.”

“To build rapport and understand her personality and interests, you need to become her friend.”

Smiling, Zhu Ming continued, “Start the conversation with something from her area of expertise. A dish, a cup of tea—those could be great icebreakers.”

Xi Xianqing frowned. “But I didn’t want to make friends in the first place.”

Zhu Ming: “But people didn’t need your jewelry in the first place.”

Xi Xianqing’s expression turned icy. He wanted to argue but had to concede that Zhu Ming made a valid point. Pressing his lips together, he murmured, “But what if I can’t get her to talk at all?”

“You can talk about jewelry, but leave it for the end. You want to show that your primary goal is to make a connection, not to finish an assignment,” Zhu Ming said.

“Moreover, District Two’s representative is probably an outsider to the jewelry industry, just like me.”

Zhu Ming thought for a moment, “So when introducing, stick to straightforward terms like color ah or rarity ah. These kinds of words are more intuitive for laymen to use when making simple descriptions. Avoid bombarding them with jargon. For example, that whatever it was—‘ouba’…”

“Opal.” Xi Xianqing lightly corrected.

Zhu Ming coughed lightly, “En. You get what I mean.”

The air was still for a moment, and he heard Xi Xianqing let out an “en”.

Zhu Ming glanced at the floor and noticed that the previously curled-up Dish Soap had stood up. The peac0ck gave its legs a small shake and seemed to regain some of its earlier vigor.

Zhu Ming’s lips curved upward slightly. “So, anything else on your mind?”

Xi Xianqing raised his eyes to him after a moment.

“As you suggested, I won’t focus much on the design tomorrow.” He said, “But I’ll still bring a batch of gemstones for an initial color screening. It will give the team and artisans a clearer direction for production.”

Xi Xianqing looked toward the tray of gemstones. “My current plan is to design earrings, using a pink or red center stone, but the range is still too broad.”

“So I need a reference close to the representative’s skin tone to test light effects and select a few suitable options to take with me,” he said.

It turned out that a model was missing.

Zhu Ming nodded. “Happy to help, but I don’t have pierced ears… How do you want to do this?”

Xi Xianqing looked at him, “No need, just sit down.”

Zhu Ming blinked in mild surprise as Xi Xianqing slipped on gloves, picked up the velvet tray of gemstones, and walked toward him.

Without a word, Zhu Ming turned his face slightly to cooperate.

When working with gemstones, Xi Xianqing’s usual aloofness softened into a focused gentleness. His elegant features seemed to relax, making him appear more approachable and serene.

The cold, faceted surface of a gemstone pressed lightly against Zhu Ming’s earlobe. He could feel Xi Xianqing adjusting the angle of the stone.

Zhu Ming also felt Xi Xianqing’s gaze—to be precise, he was observing how the gemstone’s color and brilliance interacted with his skin.

Adjusting the position, Xi Xianqing’s fingertips inevitably brushed against Zhu Ming’s earlobe. His fingers were slightly warm, stirring an inexplicable itch.

Zhu Ming’s eyelashes quivered silently.

Xi Xianqing first tried a few well-cut red spinels against Zhu Ming’s ear. While they met his expectations, their brilliance was a bit too striking and lacked the depth and elegance he sought.

He then selected a ruby with a richer hue from the tray and bent slightly to compare its color effect on Zhu Ming’s skin.

When he inadvertently raised his eyes, he met Zhu Ming’s gaze. Those were soft, dark eyes, quietly focused on him, clear and gentle.

The deep red of the pigeon-blood ruby in his hand burned like a fiery flame, its richness accentuating the fairness of the person before him. Sitting in the wheelchair, Zhu Ming’s rosy lips and pearly teeth exuded a faint smile, radiating a brightness that surpassed the gem itself.

Xi Xianqing’s heartbeat inexplicably skipped.

He had been too absorbed earlier, only now realizing that his current gesture… resembled a soft caress on Zhu Ming’s face.

Feigning calm, he withdrew his hand and met Zhu Ming’s gaze. “What is it?”

Zhu Ming smiled slightly and shook his head. “Nothing. Just some questions from a layman.”

He had indeed made offhand remarks like “Isn’t sapphire just silicon dioxide?” before, which could easily raise anyone’s blood pressure. But now, bringing it up unprompted, he made Xi Xianqing feel rather unsettled instead.

“…Ask away,” Xi Xianqing said.

He saw Zhu Ming nod.

“I’m just a little curious.” Zhu Ming brought his face a little closer, his voice carried a light, teasing lilt. “When you meet with District Two’s representative tomorrow, will you also personally try earrings on her like this?”

---

Author’s Notes:

Xiao Xi, how will you respond

---

Jie Jie: Thank you for your patience and understanding! Finally got to update! :blobsnuggle:

[Research Subject]: Dish Soap

[Anomalous Symptoms in Spiritual Manifestation]: Congenital inability to manipulate tail feathers.

[Reason for Current Record]: The first tail feather fluctuation was observed, lasting approximately three seconds without medical intervention.

[Cause of Fluctuation]: Unknown.

After a brief pause, Zhu Ming crossed out the word “Unknown” on the light screen and replaced it with: “Preliminary hypothesis suggests it was caused by a rapid emotional fluctuation triggered by external sensory stimulation.”

—He then added a large question mark beside it.

He turned to Xi Xianqing, sitting next to him, and asked once again, “So, when you were at the bathroom door, did you feel anything unusual in your body? Like a racing heartbeat ya, dizziness ah, or—”

Xi Xianqing looked out the car window and calmly denied, “No.”

Zhu Ming clicked his tongue and lowered his head to update the record: “The patient is uncooperative in reconstructing the scenario. Continuous observation is necessary. The use of a small amount of spiritual perception activator can be considered.”

At this moment, they were en route to their accommodations at a hotel in District Two.

It had been a week since the incident at the bathroom door where Dish Soap’s tail was observed shaking.

Although it was merely a slight twitch of the feathers at the buttocks and still far from full control, even a faint fluctuation signified a potential research direction for Zhu Ming in the future.

On top of this observation, several other noteworthy events happened over the past week.

For instance, they got a certificate.

A few days before they went through the formalities at the Civil Affairs Bureau in District Six, they even had a small verbal altercation.

“This ring, I really can’t accept it.” Zhu Ming said, returning the moonstone ring—nearly the size of a quail egg—to Xi Xianqing. “Thank you for the gesture, but its mission as a prop to convince my aunt of our deep love has been accomplished. Now, it should return to its rightful owner.”

At that time, Xi Xianqing was drafting a design. He glanced up briefly before returning his gaze to the design in front of him. “No need to be sentimental. It’s not something significant enough for me to consider as sacrificing anything.”

Zhu Ming wore a look that said, I’ve got you figured out. “Come on, my aunt even consulted an expert she knows. They said if this were put up for auction in District Six, it would fetch at least 200,000 Xi Star coins at market value.”

Xi Xianqing’s expression remained calm as he didn’t even bother to look up. “And? Moonstones aren’t rare. This one doesn’t even reach 8ct¹Carat. and has some cotton wool. It’s hardly a masterpiece.”

“…Anyway, just take it back. I feel like wearing it for even a second is shaving years off my life.”

Arguing with these rich people for two seconds made Zhu Ming’s head hurt. “Besides, wedding rings are supposed to come in pairs. Me wearing something flashy alone doesn’t make any sense even if it’s gorgeous.”

This reasoning seemed reasonable. Xi Xianqing didn’t insist, casually tossing the ring onto the table beside him. “What do you want to do?”

“Don’t worry, I’m prepared.”

Zhu Ming slammed a shopping bag onto Xi Xianqing’s desk with a dramatic flourish, causing the white fox at his feet to sway its large tail triumphantly. “Take a look.”

Xi Xianqing silently watched as Zhu Ming pulled out two small boxes from the shopping bag.

“Two days ago, Zhou Zhou and I went shopping, and I specifically picked out a pair of wedding rings. We can wear them for the photo on the day we get the certificate.”

Zhu Ming slid one of the plain rings onto his ring finger, then shoved his hand in front of Xi Xianqing’s face with a big grin. “What do you think? Isn’t it super understated and elegant?”

“There’s no way I’m wearing this kind of thing.”

Xi Xianqing’s face was too unsightly. “And rings are all about proper sizing. You didn’t even bother to ask me for mine.”

Zhu Ming: “…What do you mean by that? The store clerk said this is 18k gold. Plus, it’s not like you’ve been free these past few days to take measurements since you’ve been busy preparing for your assessment. Anyway, Zhou Zhou’s only slightly shorter than you, and his build is pretty similar.”

Xi Xianqing rejected him outright: “Not wearing it.”

Zhu Ming pushed the box closer. “Aiya, don’t you usually love wearing all those shiny accessories? I’m giving you one now—just try it first.”

Xi Xianqing’s disdain was undisguised as if touching the ring would give him an allergic reaction.

He raised the fine-liner pen in his hand, the tip of its barrel pointed toward Zhu Ming’s face, and said coldly, “First of all, this thing can only be called an accessory, not jewelry. It’s not even worthy of being called an accessory, let alone having anything to do with art.”

Zhu Ming blinked.

Xi Xianqing glanced at the ring again and criticized it without mercy. “And it’s still this kind of rotten street-style design. It’s just a factory mold product.”

“You people from District Six and your ridiculous standards… What do you suggest then? We’ll get the certificate in three days. Am I supposed to wear a giant diamond the size of a pigeon egg while your hand stays empty? Do you think that’s reasonable?”

Zhu Ming couldn’t argue with him. Suddenly, a flash of inspiration struck him. “How about you modify it?”

Although Xi Xianqing’s brows remained furrowed, he didn’t immediately dismiss the idea.

Zhu Ming’s eyes lit up, sensing an opportunity.

He raised his hand, gently clasping the fine-liner pen that Xi Xianqing was holding, and leaned in to close the distance between them. “I know, Big Designer Xi, you have plenty of clients. But if your kind heart could make an exception and bump me up in the queue to personally tweak our wedding rings just a little bit…”

After a pause, Xi Xianqing withdrew the pen from Zhu Ming’s hand. “I’ve been very busy lately.”

Zhu Ming blinked.

“…But it’s not impossible to find some time,” Xi Xianqing added after a long silence, his eyes still focused on the designs before him. “I can give it a try.”

He said he’d try, but to Zhu Ming’s surprise, he really followed through.

On the morning of their registration day, Zhu Ming received the finished rings.

“Just casually changed it,” Xi Xianqing said, pushing the ring box back toward Zhu Ming.

Xi Xianqing’s tone carried a clear ‘wear it if you want, don’t if you don’t’ attitude. With only two days left, Zhu Ming hadn’t expected much. However, the moment he opened the box, his breath caught.

Zhu Ming’s eyes widened as he murmured, “How did it turn into a ring?”

Xi Xianqing seemed somewhat pleased with his reaction and said calmly, “Look closer.”

Zhu Ming inspected it carefully and finally noticed the difference.

The two plain bands had been transformed. One side of each band was reshaped into a delicate and flowing wave pattern. The curves were designed so that the rings could interlock perfectly, forming what appeared to be a single, complete ring when joined together.

At the center of each ring was a small, grain-sized blue diamond. The modification stripped away the original dullness of the bands, replacing it with gentle, wave-like contours. The design, accented by the tiny, sparkling blue diamonds, resembled serene ocean waters shimmering under the light.

The interlocking curves brought the concept of a wedding band to life.

Zhu Ming, who didn’t understand art, could vaguely understand why Xi Xianqing had looked so insulted when he first presented the plain bands. The difference was staggering. For the first time, Zhu Ming truly grasped the distinction between a mere product and a genuine work of art.

Most importantly, the pale blue gemstone was small enough to relieve Zhu Ming’s earlier worries.

“I really like it,” he said earnestly, exhaling in relief. “It’s beautiful. Thank you.”

He heard Xi Xianqing reply with a nonchalant ‘en.’ “Let’s go.”

As they got into the car, Ye Lu’s gaze caught on Zhu Ming’s ring.

The moment she noticed the blue diamond, her eyes widened slightly. She raised her head to look at Xi Xianqing.

Seeing his usual indifferent expression, she composed herself and smiled. “Most of the formalities have already been done. Let’s go to the Civil Affairs Bureau and take a photo.”

The registration process in District Six was indeed simple—stamp the documents, take a photo, exchange rings, and receive the marriage certificate. Zhu Ming also took a photo in time to share it with Zhu Yingqing.

The marriage was considered a done deal.

Now, back to the present—they were en route to District Two.

Both of them, this pair of newlywed “fake lovebirds,” had challenging missions ahead: Xi Xianqing needed to spend the next two months striving to fulfill his dream of becoming a representative; Zhu Ming also had to do everything he could to find a way to make the fur on the butt of this future representative’s spiritual manifestation stand up.

District Two was a renowned gourmet vacation destination, often referred to as a “paradise on earth” where mountains and seas coexisted. Its agriculture and fisheries were highly developed, and its tourism and cultural industries were the ultimate in overall volume.

The existence of the ocean blocked the connection between District Two from other districts, so they had no choice but to take the Xi Family’s private plane to travel.

Upon landing, the current representative’s team in District Two warmly greeted and transported them. The hospitality was exceptional, with fresh flowers adorning their welcome drinks and snacks, showcasing the distinctive flair of the culinary district.

Sitting in the car, Zhu Ming gazed at the scenery outside the window. “I’ve always wanted to ask—your District Six’s internal assessment process, why are representatives from other districts willing to act as judges and join this massive play of yours?”

His choice of words was so outrageous that Xi Xianqing’s expression shifted slightly. “The Xi Family maintains close connections with other districts every year. Architecture, fashion, and industrial design are all collaborative fields. While it’s called an assessment, it’s essentially a form of diplomatic exchange.”

Zhu Ming nodded thoughtfully.

At the same time, he didn’t forget to make the most of their time in the car to fulfill his duties as a personal doctor. “Let Dish Soap out for a moment—I need to make some observations.”

The car’s privacy was excellent, and Xi Xianqing seemed to have gradually grown accustomed to revealing his spiritual manifestation in front of Zhu Ming. Without much fuss, he uncharacteristically let out the green peac0ck.

Xi Xianqing was flipping through a magazine when he heard the person beside him say, “Look over here.”

Lifting his head, Xi Xianqing found Zhu Ming holding up a holographic screen, his expression unusually serious as he stared at Xi Xianqing’s face.

However, the content on the screen was far from solemn—sunshine, waves, coconut trees, and a bikini-clad beauty flashing a bold wink at him. The title read: Winner of the 78th Xi Star Beauty Pageant.

Xi Xianqing: “…?”

Zhu Ming wasn’t actually looking at Xi Xianqing’s face. His eyes were locked on Dish Soap’s tail feathers. When he observed no movement, he let out a frustrated hiss. “Why is there no reaction at all anymore?”

Xi Xianqing couldn’t bear it anymore, “What exactly are you doing?”

“Conducting sensory stimulation on you when you’re unguarded to identify the trigger for Dish Soap’s tail-feather tremor last time.”

Zhu Ming retracted the light screen casually and jotted down his findings. “We can now rule out that ordinary visual stimulation is ineffective, so the cause of the fluctuation must lie elsewhere.”

Xi Xianqing averted his eyes in irritation.

The person beside him stopped for less than five minutes before Zhu Ming spoke again. “Look over here.”

Xi Xianqing took a deep breath.

Although Xi Xianqing had already braced himself for something ridiculous, the moment he turned his head, he couldn’t help but feel his eyes twitch—Zhu Ming had ditched the beauty queen this time and was now holding up a photo of a muscular male fitness model that he found somewhere.

Zhu Ming’s expression was filled with genuine concern as he earnestly asked, “Feeling anything this time?”

Xi Xianqing finally couldn’t stand it anymore and yanked the light screen out of Zhu Ming’s hands with a grim expression.

Zhu Ming froze before he stretched out his arm, trying to snatch it back. “Wait, I’ve got a couple of GIFs saved on the site—I haven’t tested those yet.”

Xi Xianqing’s calm façade cracked completely. “Can you stop for even a second?”

Zhu Ming: “Just give it back to me first. My observation record isn’t set to autosave—”

He probed over and stretched out his arm, wanting to snatch back his light screen.

His fingertips were just a hair’s breadth away from the edge of the screen, but in the next instant, the driver suddenly slammed on the brakes—

In the blink of an eye, Zhu Ming lost his balance, falling heavily onto Xi Xianqing’s lap!

What was worse, his legs gave way entirely, and the momentum caused him to pitch forward, his head hurtling dangerously close to the backrest of the front seat.

Startled, Xi Xianqing reacted swiftly, extending a hand to block Zhu Ming’s fall and pulling him back into his arms.

The good news was that Xi Xianqing’s quick reflexes prevented Zhu Ming from flying headfirst into the seat.

The bad news was that because Xi Xianqing had reached out to pull him back, Zhu Ming ended up crashing into his chest, the tip of his nose hitting his chest.

Zhu Ming winced and let out a muffled “wu.”

Xi Xianqing held his shoulders, “…Are you alright?”

He was far from alright—it hurt like hell. Mainly because the sharp pain radiating from his nose, an organ so intricately connected to the eyes, left him on the verge of tears.

Clutching his nose with watery eyes, Zhu Ming looked up in disbelief. “No, seriously—this coat of yours… The buttons are lethal ah. How are they so ridiculously hard ah?”

Xi Xianqing looked down and felt that he was being completely irrational: “Buttons are supposed to be hard.”

Not to mention these were high-grade, wear-resistant rhinoceros horn buttons—Xi Xianqing didn’t say this out loud.

His head felt like it was about to explode, and Zhu Ming couldn’t recover for a moment. “No, it hurts that I feel like dying…. Don’t move me yet.”

Curled up on Xi Xianqing’s lap, his face buried in his hands. Xi Xianqing couldn’t see his state. He frowned and reached out to gently lift Zhu Ming’s chin. “Move your hands. Let me take a look.”

In the midst of chaos, the car door on Xi Xianqing’s side was suddenly pulled open by someone from the outside!

Immediately after, a passionate voice could be heard, “Mr. Xi, Mr. Zhu, welcome to District Two!”

The moment the door opened, the enthusiastic smile on the lobby manager Li Shun’s face came to an abrupt end.

Li Shun, the esteemed lobby manager of a luxurious resort in District Two, was burdened with the heavy responsibility of personally welcoming the grandson of District Six’s current representative for an assessment visit.

District Two and District Six had long enjoyed close trade relations, and this Young Master Xi might be the future representative of District Six. Arriving with his newlywed partner this time, it was only natural that their reception had to be impeccable.

Having heard of the intricate etiquette expected of District Six elites, Li Shun had stationed himself at the resort’s entrance. Opening the car door himself was just one of many gestures he considered essential for proper service.

However, the moment he opened the door, the sight was unforgettable.

Two people.

One seated upright, the other sprawled across his lap.

One with disheveled hair, the other with slightly reddened eyes.

One gripping the other’s chin, the other clutching at his collar.

As the door swung open, both Xi Xianqing and Zhu Ming turned to look in Li Shun’s direction.

Xi Xianqing wordlessly inhaled sharply, striving to regain his composure as he straightened up. “…”

Meanwhile, Zhu Ming, still lying across Xi Xianqing’s lap and clutching his nose, weakly croaked, “It’s not what you think…”

It doesn’t matter if he doesn’t open his mouth, once he does, his voice, tinged with a hoarse rasp and paired with his tear-brimmed eyes, only served to add fuel to the fire.

Li Shun was silent for a moment, then he weakly closed the car door again.

“W-Welcome, you two, to District Two.”

Li Shun, displaying utmost professionalism, turned his back to them. His voice feigned nonchalance, but there was some slight tremble coming from outside the door. “No need to rush, take your time… finish up whatever you’re busy with first. There’s no hurry; we can check in later.”

It seemed there was no need to have the kitchen prepare too many welcome treats after all.

Li Shun thought numbly, Ah, youth—such boundless energy ah. The future representative of District Six must have already had his fill on the way here.

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Author’s notes:

Our little fox is absolutely delicious!

There’s one more chapter coming~

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Jie Jie: Sorry a day late! Been busy lately since our Christmas Party at work will be this Friday, had to prepare some things :blobcry:

Thanks for understanding!