“I have a small question.”
Zhu Ming pondered for a moment. “Your sister… what kind of manhua artist is she, that she needed to ask questions like this to collect material?”
Xi Xianqing was expressionless, “What do you think?”
Zhu Ming raised his eyebrows in surprise, musing, “No wonder. She certainly has an extremely wild and bold side that doesn’t match her artistic appearance.”
“The earlier questions were indeed difficult to answer, but the second one—it has a very obvious answer.”
Zhu Ming pointed to his own knee and sighed wistfully, “In my current state, I belong to the category of even if I had the will, I lack the ability ah.”
Xi Xianqing probably never imagined in his life that not only could someone ask such an outrageously explicit question, but there was also someone who could answer it so calmly without changing color.
He stared at Zhu Ming in disbelief for a moment before muttering irritably, “You two really are cut from the same cloth.”
Letting the joke end there, Zhu Ming quickly switched topics. “Your sister’s hearing—was it congenital?”
Xi Xianqing nodded. “Actually, with a hearing aid, she can regain a significant portion of her hearing. But when she’s creating, she prefers to let the world go silent, so she doesn’t wear it often.”
Zhu Ming asked, “No cochlear implant? I remember the cochlear technology in District Seven is highly advanced now.”
“She missed the optimal age for implantation at that time, so it’s unlikely she’ll want to fully recover her speech system.”
Xi Xianqing replied calmly, “She did try a cochlear implant once, but it caused a rejection reaction, and it had to be removed. Even though the materials and technology have improved significantly since then, she’s unwilling to go through another implantation.”
Zhu Ming was a bit stunned for a moment.
Although rare, rejection is indeed one of the potential complications of cochlear implantation surgery.
What surprised him even more was this: why would a family as prominent as Xi Xianqing’s allow a child to miss the optimal age for cochlear implantation?
Zhu Ming vaguely sensed something but noticing Xi Xianqing’s expression, he realized this question was likely a private matter. He simply nodded and refrained from probing further.
“You once said that I don’t seem to sympathize with you,” Xi Xianqing glanced at him. “Rather than lacking sympathy, I’d say I don’t see you or your sister as any different from ordinary people.”
“She’s remarkable. She’s published many works and built a little world of her own.”
Xi Xianqing didn’t meet Zhu Ming’s eyes. “Of course, when she’s angry, she’ll curse me in sign language.”
“Although her hearing will remain as it is for the rest of her life, that’s a result we voluntarily accepted after many attempts. We have no regrets.”
His gaze shifted to Zhu Ming’s legs. “But your legs… there are still new drugs being developed, which means there’s hope for change.”
Zhu Ming was stunned.
Xi Xianqing paused for a moment. “I know I can’t interfere with your decisions.
I just think that even if there’s only a sliver of a chance, you should try to seize it,” he said.
Since the two had met, Xi Xianqing had rarely taken the initiative to speak at such length. His tone and expression were more earnest than Zhu Ming had ever seen.
“Don’t worry. At least this time, I won’t run away.” Zhu Ming’s lips curled into a smile as he tilted his head back. “I’ve already signed the clinical trial agreement with Dr. Wu. I’ll obediently play the role of the guinea pig this time.”
Xi Xianqing studied his face for a while as if trying to determine whether he was being serious or just brushing it off.
Seeing Zhu Ming’s sincerity, Xi Xianqing eventually turned away and let out an “en.”
“Alright,” Zhu Ming said, staring at the opulent palace before him. “Now you owe me an explanation. Why am I at your house?”
Xi Xianqing replied nonchalantly, “First, you should ask yourself how a human can sleep so much. Then, you might want to ask your aunt what she was thinking.”
Zhu Ming was confused. “What are you talking about? What does my aunt have to do with—hey! What are you doing?”
He almost screamed in shock–the scenery around him began to shift rapidly. Without bothering to explain, Xi Xianqing walked behind him and pushed him straight into the living room.
A minute later, Zhu Ming stood frozen, staring at the pile of luggage on the floor and the experimental lab pod in the courtyard. He was dumbfounded as he asked, “Wait, am I… getting kicked out of my house?”
Xi Xianqing neither confirmed nor denied it.
Yesterday, Zhu Ming, who was clutching his expensive coat, had slept in the hospital until dusk.
When conventional methods failed to wake him, Xi Xianqing hesitated for a moment before deciding to call Zhu Yingying just before resorting to stronger measures to wake him up.
After briefly explaining that he had accompanied Zhu Ming to rehab, Zhu Yingying was overjoyed and repeatedly thanked him.
But then, out of nowhere, she added, “Xiao Xi ah, there’s something I want to ask you. You have to be honest with me.”
Before Xi Xianqing could react, Zhu Yingying sighed on the other end of the line. “Am I… interrupting your two-person world?”
Xi Xianqing was stunned: “No, you–”
Zhu Yingying cut him off. “Aiya, aiya, I know you’re a considerate child. And I know Zhu Ming, this kid loves me, which is why he’s always by my side and hasn’t said anything.”
“But young couples are glued together every day. You two are going to get married, yet you’re living apart all the time. It’s so awkward for me to be in the middle like this.”
She sighed, then quickly adopted a mysterious tone. “I’ve noticed you’ve been sending him pictures of your spiritual manifestation every day. You two must be missing each other like crazy, huh? Hehe.”
For the first time in his life, Xi Xianqing felt completely at a loss for words. “No, we really aren’t…”
“It’s better this way since you two are together now, so let Zhu Ming, this kid, stay with you first tonight.”
Zhu Yingying cheerfully made the decision on her own and enthusiastically organized things. “And I remember, aren’t you two planning to live in District Six after you’re married? I’ll start sending his stuff over bit by bit. Come, come, come. Give me your address, quick!”
“Oh, and Xianqing, Auntie really has to praise you, don’t be embarrassed.”
At the end, she added with a chuckle. “That big green peac0ck of yours is truly stunning ya. You District Six people ya, not only are you all good-looking, but even your spiritual manifestations are gorgeous. Next time, send me a picture when it’s showing its plumage1Feathers that cover a bird. ha!”
At that moment, Zhu Ming stood staring at the pile of luggage that filled the living room. His gaze slowly shifted upward to Xi Xianqing’s face. “You know, you could’ve just woken me up, right?”
Xi Xianqing sneered. “I called your name three times. You didn’t react, even when the nurse was pulling out your IV. I was about to pinch you awake, but Dr. Wu stopped me and said it was probably the effect of the medicine.”
Zhu Ming knew he wasn’t lying—his head still felt groggy.
Taking a deep breath, “This medication is seriously messed up… forget it.”
Their agreement didn’t include providing housing, and Zhu Ming had originally planned to find a place outside District Seven after the wedding, just to give Zhu Yingying some space in her life.
Now it seems that the plan needs to be slightly advanced.
“I’ll trouble you to give me two more days. I’ll find a place to stay in District Six.”
Looking at the pile of luggage filling the living room, Zhu Ming somewhat painfully sucked in a breath of cold air. “Sorry about this. I’ll clear some space for you as soon as possible.”
Then he saw Xi Xianqing’s brows furrow.
Zhu Ming: “What’s wrong?”
Xi Xianqing: “This is my private residence. Only my sister and I live here. One more person doesn’t make a difference.”
Seeing Zhu Ming’s surprised expression, Xi Xianqing looked away, tilting his chin slightly. “Besides, after we get our marriage license, I’ll be heading to District Two for the assessment. So, staying here temporarily isn’t an issue.”
Unexpectedly, Zhu Ming shook his head. “No, no, no. When you go to District Two for the assessment, I’ll be going with you.”
Xi Xianqing stiffened and turned to him. “…What?”
“Because I’m your personal private doctor ah.” Zhu Ming replied, giving him a puzzled look. “And if I remember correctly, after spending two months in each district, you’re required to take that photo. Before that, I need to make sure Dish Soap shows off its plumage, right?”
Clearly not expecting Zhu Ming to know his schedule so well, Xi Xianqing’s Adam’s apple bobbed slightly.
His voice remained cold. “There’s no need to go that far. As long as the medication is developed quickly, it doesn’t matter whether you’re there or not.”
“That won’t do. How am I supposed to develop medication in thin air?”
Zhu Min’s demeanor was calm. “You’ve already helped me deal with my aunt. In return, I should naturally fulfill my duties as your doctor.”
“And besides, I have some personal business in District Two as well.”
Zhu Ming picked up a package from the ground and casually unwrapped it. “There are a few patients from my livestream who couldn’t explain their conditions clearly online. This is a good opportunity for an in-person consultation.”
The person next to him remained silent for a long time.
Zhu Ming looked up and was speechless for a moment, “No, what’s wrong?”
The coldness in Xi Xianqing’s eyes was sharper than the thousand-year-old ice atop the snowy peaks of District Seven. “Before signing the agreement, you didn’t mention you’d also be taking care of other patients besides me.”
Zhu Ming hadn’t expected him to fixate on something like this. “And before signing the agreement, you also didn’t tell me that after marriage, you’d be bouncing between three districts, leaving me to guard an empty house alone ah.”
Truly, whoever spoke had a point.
“In my practice, you and Dish Soap will always have the highest treatment priority.”
Zhu Ming sighed softly, stepping back a little. “How about this: I’ll only see other patients when you’re busy with assessments. The rest of my time will be entirely yours. Deal?”
The air froze subtly for a brief moment, and
“I still have things to do,” Xi Xianqing finally said, turning away. His voice was icy. “Hurry up and put your stuff away.”
Though he didn’t give a direct answer, Zhu Ming knew this was Xi Xianqing’s way of saying “fine.”
Zhu Ming raised his voice, “Wait, wait. I need to shower later. There are so many rooms here—can you lend me one?”
All he got in response was Xi Xianqing’s retreating back. “Use whichever.”
Zhu Ming let out a “tsk”.
Looking at the luggage scattered across the floor, he sighed and began unpacking a few more items with difficulty. He only felt his back and waist ache.
It was a big project but for now, he decided to set it aside. What mattered more was getting a shower as soon as possible—hospitals were full of germs, and after falling asleep right after arriving, he felt anything but fresh.
Remembering that Xi Xianqing had said “use whichever,” Zhu Ming opted not to bother him further. Retracing his steps, he returned to the room where he had woken up earlier and headed straight into the bathroom.
Ever since he’d lost the ability to walk, Zhu Ming had forced himself to adapt to self-care quickly. Showering wasn’t a problem anymore as long as he had a stool to help support his body.
In the corner of the bathroom, there happened to be a wooden bench for placing towels. Zhu Ming breathed a sigh of relief, and closed the bathroom door.
Meanwhile, in the study, Xi Xianqing exhaled deeply and opened the safe by the cabinet. He began sorting through the raw stones he planned to take for the assessment in District Two.
Last year, District Two had chosen a young female representative, so Xi Xianqing filtered out the overly traditional or somber stones. After some deliberation, he jotted down a list of potentially suitable options.
While he busied himself, the green peac0ck stood silently behind him, its slender, graceful neck bent downward. Its beady eyes quietly followed its master’s every move.
Suddenly, a heavy and muffled “thud” echoed from somewhere nearby.
Xi Xianqing’s hand stalled.
The sound seemed to come from the guest room—not far from the study—where Zhu Ming had stayed the previous night. Frowning slightly, Xi Xianqing impatiently closed the safe’s door.
Then another muffled sound came from the distance.
Xi Xianqing’s chest rose and fell soundlessly for a split second.
Logic told him Zhu Ming should be capable of basic ability to take care of himself, and he should ignore the commotion and focus on his work.
But the thought of the unfamiliarity of the house for this person, along with the memory of him clumsily toppling over at the hospital, Xi Xianqing took a deep breath, and finally headed in the direction of the guest bedroom.
The guest room door was open, but the bathroom door was firmly shut. There was no sound of running water, just an unsettling silence that was a little alarming.
Xi Xianqing walked to the bathroom door, his hand hovering over the doorknob. Before he could decide, the door suddenly opened from the inside.
–Through the steamy haze of the bathroom, Zhu Ming sat in his wheelchair, looking up at him with some surprise.
It was clear that Zhu Ming had just finished showering. His hair was messy and damp, and the belt of his bathrobe was tied loosely and carelessly.
The loose bathrobe left little to the imagination. Not only was his chest completely exposed, but his thighs were barely covered, and his slender waistline was clearly visible.
His fair skin was marred by faint scars stretching from his waist down to his thighs, standing out starkly against the paleness.
Xi Xianqing’s pupils constricted sharply before he quickly averted his gaze. “You—”
Zhu Ming didn’t expect that the moment he opened the bathroom door he would bump into a big living person which made him also startled. “Why are you here, at least make a sound ah?”
The stifling heat from the bathroom made Zhu Ming not think much after his shower. He had barely tied his bathrobe and simply intended to step out for a breath of fresh air before drying his hair.
“…I came to grab something,” Xi Xianqing’s jaw tightened, his gaze resolutely fixed somewhere far away. “Put on your clothes.”
Zhu Ming sighed and lowered his head as he tightened the bathrobe and secured the belt with a firm knot.
He said, half exasperated and half amused, “All right, it’s done. Besides, I’m the one who got exposed—what’s with your discomfort?”
Only then did Xi Xianqing glance back at him, his lips pressed tightly together.
Water droplets trailed from the end of Zhu Ming’s damp hair. Zhu Ming had a faint flush on his cheeks and neck. He leisurely gave Xi Xianqing a sidelong look, sighed, and began drying his hair with a towel.
“You came to grab something, but what were you doing standing outside the bathroom door?” As he wiped, he looked up at Xi Xianqing.
Xi Xianqing remained silent.
“Or maybe when I knocked over the body wash just now, you heard the sound and got worried I might—”
“No.”
The denial was a little too fast.
Zhu Ming was silent for a few seconds then let out an ‘oh’. He set down his towel, “It wasn’t a concern for me. You must’ve been standing here purely to spy on me showering, then?”
Xi Xianqing: “…?”
This person’s unseemly meaning completely misinterpreted Xi Xianqing’s goodwill. He couldn’t even be bothered to defend himself. With a dark expression, he turned to leave the room without saying another word.
But just as he turned around, his arm was pulled by the person behind him.
The palm was still moist, cool, and slightly clammy against his dry forearm. He heard Zhu Ming’s urgent voice behind him: “Don’t move.”
Xi Xianqing froze mid-step and turned his head back. “…What are you doing?”
When he saw Zhu Ming’s expression, he stopped short.
Because Zhu Ming’s eyes were burning with a strange luster– his eyes were wide open as if he was overjoyed, and his gaze burned with an inexplicable intensity as he stared at something, completely transfixed.
And his focus wasn’t on Xi Xianqing’s face—it was fixed somewhere behind him.
“Don’t move. Don’t even think about moving,” Zhu Ming murmured and repeated.
Because of his excitement, his tone quivered slightly as he added, “I think just now, the feathers on Dish Soap’s tail… twitched a little.”
Author’s Notes:
Hello, everyone! This story will officially enter its V tomorrow, with an update of two chapters totaling over 9,000+ words.
There are a few things that I need to give everyone a warning about:
- The worldview in this story is relatively unique. Once our Big Peac0ck begins their journey to the various districts for assessments, plots of new characters from other districts will inevitably appear. These characters primarily serve to drive the emotional development between the Bird and the Fox, while also improving the worldview of the districts.
So, for readers who prefer purely romance-focused content, please consider subscribing carefully. While the non-romantic plot elements are minimal, they do exist in small portions. - This book won’t be a purely sweet and fluffy romance. There will be some sour twists and turns (the sweet-to-sour ratio is 70:30). The overall tone will remain sweet, but if you only enjoy pure sugary fluff, please consider carefully before proceeding.
This work is entirely outside my comfort zone, and I hope you’ll enjoy it regardless! Bow~
Jie Jie: The next chapters onward will be VIP chapters. If you guys can, let’s support the author by buying the raws~ Here’s how and here’s the novel link.
Anyway, I already bought all the chapters ‘cause I needed to read it :bloblul:
Thank you! :blobsnuggle:
p.s. I was already in bed when I saw the time and realized I forgot to post an update LMAO
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