“In exchange, I can help treat your mental manifestation and am willing to sign the confidentiality agreement you previously proposed,” Zhu Ming said. “But I have three conditions.”

Xi Xianqing looked at him indifferently, saying nothing.

They stood in the most conspicuous spot in the banquet hall, attracting surprised glances from others around them.

Secretly, or openly, they speculated about their relationship.

“First, before we marry, you need to help me deceive my aunt into believing that we fell in love at first sight and are genuinely in love and that you’re someone I can trust with my life.”

Zhu Ming spoke clearly and methodically, “Second, I need the latest model of a biological lab pod on the market.” The smile on his face was amiable, as if chatting with an old friend.

Xi Xianqing never had any expression on his face.

Unable to read his thoughts, Zhu Ming paused for a moment before speaking again. “Third—”

“I could find plenty of professional doctors who wouldn’t make so many conditions with me.” Xi Xianqing mercilessly interrupted him, “And they certainly wouldn’t start by asking me to buy them a lab pod worth a million Xi Coins.”

“To be precise, the one I want costs one and a half million. I want the latest model released in District Seven this year.” Zhu Ming corrected cautiously, “As for doctors, if I remember correctly, you mentioned last time that even the best doctors in District Seven’s top clinic couldn’t do anything for you, isn’t that right?”

Xi Xianqing fell silent.

Zhu Ming smiled. “As for me, although I’m only a half-baked anchor without as much clinical experience, I still have a solid foundation in theoretical knowledge.”

His fingertips lightly brushed Xi Xianqing’s sleeve. “At the same time, I have plenty of time, which means I can wholeheartedly and exclusively focus on treating you alone.”

“Although I don’t know exactly what your symptoms are, I promise to use all my knowledge to cure you,” he said.

No doctor would make such a promise to a patient with unknown symptoms, yet Zhu Ming chose to say it anyway.

More and more people were looking their way. Xi Xianqing still remained silent, and though Zhu Ming’s smile didn’t waver, he felt a bit unsure inside.

Fortunately, after a few seconds, he saw Xi Xianqing turn his head. “Third?”

Zhu Ming let out a breath.

“The third, and final request.” Zhu Ming looked down at his own legs, sighing. “My wheelchair is stuck in the carpet, so I need a little help.”

It was clearly the simplest of his three requests, yet Xi Xianqing instantly frowned, turning to look at Zhu Ming. “Now?”

“Yes ah.”

“Are you sure?”

Why would that need confirmation? Zhu Ming was a bit caught off guard. “I’m sure ah…”

It was obviously a simple favor, but Xi Xianqing’s frown deepened as if this request was harder to accept than the one and a half million just now.

After a long moment, he finally, albeit reluctantly, uttered two words: “I can.”

Two light words, though only Zhu Ming understood their weight in his heart.

Because Xi Xianqing wasn’t just agreeing to help him out of his current predicament; it also meant the start of the two people’s future arrangement.

Was this decision… too hasty?

With his heart in a mess, Zhu Ming’s hand loosened from Xi Xianqing’s cuffs in silence. “Alright, listen to me. I want to go downstairs, but my assistant isn’t here. He’ll be back shortly—”

What he’d intended to say was, ‘My assistant will be back soon. You just need to bend down a bit and adjust the spot where my wheelchair is stuck.’

But Zhu Ming didn’t have the chance to carry out this plan.

His unfinished words shattered abruptly in his throat as he felt a shadow cast over him from above. The next second, his body was lifted into the air—

The sound of wind brushed past his ears. Zhu Ming’s pupils contracted as he turned his head in bewildered panic, only to meet the sight of Xi Xianqing’s sharp, refined profile.

In full view of everyone, Xi Xianqing bent down and easily lifted Zhu Ming from his wheelchair!

He heard Xi Xianqing say, “Don’t move.”

The tone was commanding, though on closer inspection… there was a hint of awkwardness.

Too bad Zhu Ming was too startled to notice—even the slightest feeling of weightlessness was terrifying for someone who couldn’t walk.

Like a person who fell into the water, grasping for driftwood, Zhu Ming’s legs couldn’t make any force. He could only use his arms to subconsciously cling to Xi Xiangqing’s neck, his pupils contracting again. “What are you doing? Put me down? You—”

The frightened fox no longer had a calm face, he now bared his claws defensively, trying to protect himself.

Yet he was just a fox with injured legs, and his frantic scratching didn’t hurt.

The person in his arms was fidgeting too much, and Xi Xianqing looked down, a trace of displeasure in his gaze. “You asked me to help you downstairs.”

Zhu Ming had never seen someone with such a strange brain circuit in his life.

As it happened, countless onlookers were watching their every move, and Zhu Ming had no choice but to hold on tighter. Leaning close to Xi Xianqing’s ear, he gritted his teeth and whispered, “No, did I ask you to help me like this?”

Xi Xianqing glanced at him. “You didn’t specify how I should help. Do you think I want to carry you?”

Zhu Ming: “…I was only halfway through explaining when you picked me up. Did you even give me a chance to clarify?”

Xi Xianqing probably hadn’t expected Zhu Ming to react so strongly.

Realizing he’d misunderstood this person’s intention and was now seemingly being rejected, Xi Xianqing’s face suddenly darkened. Almost in a fit of embarrassed anger, he started to release his hold. “Then get down.”

Zhu Ming: “Don’t, don’t don’t, you hold on—”

It was impossible to come down.

After making such a big scene, he knew all too well that countless eyes were now watching their every word and action. If Xi Xianqing put him back in the wheelchair now, it would look even stranger.

Exhaling, he kept his eyes away from the ground, tightened his hold, and spoke quietly, “Exit the banquet hall, turn left, and go to my aunt’s lounge.”

Though Xi Xianqing’s expression was far from pleased, he still complied.

Carrying Zhu Ming, he turned his head slightly, signaling his female assistant behind him to take care of the wheelchair stuck on the carpet. Then, he walked towards the lounge with large strides.

In the distance from the banquet hall to the lounge, Zhu Ming endured some of the most awkward ten seconds of his life.

One was the future representative of District Six, the other a former genius of District Seven, with practically no connection between them. Yet here they were, one carrying the other in an almost romantic bridal carry. The guests likely never imagined such an unexpected pairing.

Many people were watching them.

By the dessert table, Zhou Zhou stared at the two of them, holding two plates piled with food, his mouth slowly dropping open.

Zhu Yingying was even more stunned. Her gaze fell on Xi Xianqing’s hand at Zhu Ming’s waist and the way their bodies were pressed close together, her eyes suddenly bright and fervent.

Zhu Ming’s heart suddenly fluttered.

“Mr. Xi,” Zhu Ming steadied his nerves and leaned closer to Xi Xianqing’s ear. “Since we’ve decided to work together, why not rehearse a bit for future situations? Let’s see some of your sincerity, shall we?”

The frightened fox, having somewhat adapted to his surroundings, was already cooking up new, mischievous ideas.

“…“ Xi Xianqing exhaled as if he was holding back, ”Don’t go too far.”

Zhu Ming smiled. “I know my limits.”

Xi Xianqing didn’t respond further, so Zhu Ming took that as silent agreement.

He lifted his hand, gently hooking a stray strand of hair above Xi Xianqing’s left ear with his index finger, tucking it behind his ear.

Xi Xianqing’s body stiffened.

“Just keep walking and chat with me casually.”

The next moment, Zhu Ming leaned closer with a smile, his warm breath brushing Xi Xianqing’s ear. “Hmm, let’s talk about your brooch… or rather, your boutonnière chain.”

Their topic was completely unromantic, yet to an outside observer, this kind of ear-to-ear is a close interaction that looked just like the intimate gestures of lovers in the throes of romance.

This was Zhu Ming’s purpose.

Since they’d decided to put on an act, he wanted everyone to see it clearly, ensuring the story could progress smoothly from here.

A faint gasp rippled through the surrounding guests, while Xi Xianqing’s jaw subtly tightened.

Receiving no response for a while, Zhu Ming poke a finger at the gemstone above Xi Xianqing’s metal chain. “Where’s this blue stone from? It looks like sapphire, but why isn’t it transparent?”

Xi Xianqing clearly didn’t want to pay attention to him, but his professional pride couldn’t ignore the phrase “blue stone.” With an icy tone, he finally corrected, “…It’s not ‘blue stone.’”

“Hm? Then what is it?”

Xi Xianqing took a deep breath. “Lapis lazuli. Not as rare as sapphire. The transparency and refractive index of the two are vastly different, as is their value.”

Zhu Ming: “Hmm? Isn’t that just the difference between silicon dioxide and aluminosilicate?”

Xi Xianqing: “…”

Zhu Ming looked at him with growing curiosity. “So, based on what you’re saying, sapphire is superior to lapis lazuli. Then why would you use the cheaper lapis lazuli? Is it because you don’t have any sapphire?”

Perhaps the question was too trivial, as Xi Xianqing chose not to respond.

Just as Zhu Ming was about to say more, he suddenly felt the hand at his waist tighten ah, startling him. He immediately clutched Xi Xianqing’s neck even closer—only to realize that Xi Xianqing had abruptly quickened his pace and taken a sharp turn.

Zhu Ming’s lips twitched, deciding not to tease this person further. He’d already achieved the effect he wanted.

The guests present had seen it, and more importantly, so had Zhu Yingying. Zhu Ming knew his aunt too well—her mind was likely already racing, analyzing their relationship, how they’d met, and why they seemed so close.

With this beginning, everything else would fall into place.

There’s one thing to say, Xi Xianqing’s build looked strong, but Zhu Ming realized firsthand that this person was even more robust than he appeared.

—Sleek, firm muscles, radiating warmth even through his suit fabric. He’d been carrying Zhu Ming, a big living person, for quite a while now, yet showed no sign of tiring.

En, young people like him are certainly more reliable than a wheelchair. Zhu Ming thought.

Once they entered the lounge, Zhu Ming relaxed and sank into the soft sofa.

Just as he looked up, he heard Xi Xianqing’s cold voice say, “Sapphire is rare and usually needs to be preserved when cut. Lapel chains typically require smaller stones as the main feature, so using sapphire would be overly extravagant. Lapis lazuli is more suitable.”

Zhu Ming was momentarily stunned before realizing Xi Xianqing was finally responding to his earlier question.

“Most importantly, today is your aunt’s birthday party. Not overshadowing the host of the event is basic etiquette in District Six,” Xi Xianqing said, his gaze dropping to Zhu Ming’s collar, his brows knitting together again.

Zhu Ming’s attire was characteristically casual. Feeling stuffy in the banquet hall, he’d left a few top buttons undone, revealing his slender, graceful collarbones.

As though he’d seen something unpleasant, Xi Xianqing averted his gaze and straightened up. “And another thing—at a formal event like this, leaving more than two shirt buttons undone is excessive. I hope that after we’re married, you’ll manage your appearance and follow proper etiquette.”

Zhu Ming raised a hand to touch his collar, feeling slightly baffled.

He didn’t mind much, though, and simply reminded, “That’s fine, but likewise, if we’re getting married, you’ll need to get used to that level of close interaction just now and be able to respond properly.”

“The slightest touch and you freeze up like that. No one observing would believe we’re a real couple.” Zhu Ming countered with a mischievous smile. “Much less fool my sharp-eyed aunt.”

Xi Xianqing’s expression shifted. “Not everyone is as lacking in boundaries or sense of propriety as you are.”

Zhu Ming remained unfazed. “Thin skin isn’t a bad thing. The day is long, we have plenty of time to work on it.”

The tension between them hung in the air until the door suddenly swung open, breaking the silence.

–It was Zhou Zhou, standing behind the door as he breathlessly held a plate stacked with food.

“Zhu-ge!” The foolish roe deer was terrified. “I saw you being whisked away and even your wheelchair, being double kidnapped. Are you alright? What happened?”

“I’m fine.”

Zhu Ming tilted his chin toward the person beside him and said, “This is Xi Xianqing. You can get acquainted; you’ll be seeing each other often from now on.”

Zhou Zhou froze in place: “…”

Xi Xianqing’s gaze turned cold as he looked at Zhu Ming. “I thought I made it very clear that confidentiality is our primary condition for cooperation. Why is there a third person here?”

Zhu Ming didn’t back down. “My physical condition has its limits. Zhou Zhou is my life and research assistant. If you want me to treat your illness efficiently, he needs to be present.”

For some reason, every time their conversation reached this point, the atmosphere would become tense.

Zhou Zhou sensed that the awkward atmosphere might be related to him. He didn’t dare make a sound, his eyes darting nervously between the two.

In the end, it was Xi Xianqing who took a step back, saying coolly, “Next Wednesday, the same restaurant as last time. I’ll bring a contract drafted by the legal team.”

The previous bodyguard, the assistant just now, and soon even the legal team—he was indeed quite the noble young master.

Zhu Ming mused inwardly about the differences in life. “Alright.”

Xi Xianqing straightened up, gave Zhou Zhou a distant nod, and then strode out the door.

Zhou Zhou watched him leave in a daze, then suddenly turned to Zhu Ming.

Zhu Ming: “What’s wrong?”

Zhou Zhou’s eyes widened as he pointed toward the door, his mouth opening and closing without managing to say a word.

Zhu Ming: “…?”

Zhou Zhou continued to gesture, struggling to form a coherent sentence.

Zhu Ming: “Speak human.”

The sheer amount of information was overwhelming, and it took Zhou Zhou half a day to regain his ability to speak. “F*ck, Zhu-ge, you have no idea how crazy you two were just now! Xi Xianqing literally scooped you up in front of everyone and took off! A whole crowd was watching and whispering about you two. Some were even taking pictures… Wait?”

He looked at Zhu Ming with lingering fear. “What did Xi Xianqing just say you two were doing next Wednesday? What agreement, what legal team? Are you… signing some kind of contract?”

Zhu Ming took the plate from his hands, his expression calm as he picked through the snacks on it. “We’ve decided to help each other out with a small favor.”

“What favor?”

“I’ll treat a minor illness for him, and he’ll enter a minor marriage with me.”

Zhou Zhou was stricken. “Zhu-ge, I know Aunt Zhu has been pushing you to get married, but is it really necessary to go this far? It’s not like we’re lacking that little bit of consultation fee ah…”

Zhu Ming bit into a piece of cake and mumbled, “Hmm, but he’s offering more than just a bit. He promised to give me a biological lab pod.”

Zhou Zhou’s expression changed drastically.

After a long pause, he swallowed. “E-Even so we still can’t just…”

“It’s the latest model that was just released two months ago.”

“…”

“It even comes with a miniature mass spectrometer recently developed by our District’s Academy of Engineering.”

“… Well, then again, their family might actually have some difficulties. Ahem… Let’s just wait until next Wednesday and see for ourselves. We can make a decision then.”

Author’s Note:

“But he’s offering way too much.”