Thank you very much, Mei-jie for the ko-fi! :blobaww:

A few days later, Xi Xianqing’s studio, which had been silent for quite some time, posted three pictures on its official account.

One was a close-up of the finished brooch, and another was a photo of him and Shen Ying under the cherry blossom tree at Mo Xue Ji during the assessment.

The last one was of a plate of glossy, jade-like bayberries.

It was the first time Xi Xianqing had proactively revealed his spiritual manifestation on social media. Although there was no accompanying text, the post quickly swept across the trending lists of all Districts.

“A few years ago, some shady media outlet in District Six claimed that Xi Xianqing didn’t reveal his spiritual manifestation because it was too ugly. Now, all of them are dumbfounded—turns out it’s a green peac0ck… It’s so stunning it’s like a dream come true ah ah ah ah!”

“The brooch’s scale inlay technique is pure showmanship… so amazing! Plus, the quality of those wild pearls must be worth a fortune! As a current jewelry student in District Six, I’m literally drooling qwq…”

“Speaking of, didn’t Xi Sen recently post a group photo too? I sense an undercurrent brewing within the Xi Family—it’s all blood and thunder, oh~”

“I can understand the first two pictures, but what does the last picture mean?”

“That looks like the white jade bayberries from our District Two? Could it be that Young Master Xi loves eating them? Great, I’ve finally found a common trait between me and the District Six heir (munch munch munch)”

Whatever the case, the first assessment concluded on a fairly satisfactory note.

Zhu Ming’s body had mostly recovered, though his hands were still a bit weak when holding things.

Without external spiritual energy support, Dish Soap had reverted to its typical self—dragging its long plumage and staring with its bean-like eyes, carrying an air of quiet arrogance.

In their last few days in District Two, they enjoyed a brief, relaxing vacation.

They first visited the seaside and eventually returned to the snack street, where they bought Zhu Yingying some locally made specialty desserts.

Before leaving, they also paid a visit to Ji Rong’s pastry shop again.

Ji Rong let them try the corn cakes they had missed last time and asked them to give honest, genuine feedback.

Zhu Ming smiled. “These are truly delicious snacks—I really can’t find any fault with them.”

Ji Rong responded with a simple “Hmm.”

Beside him, Xi Xianqing silently wiped his mouth with a napkin, offering no comment.

Ji Rong glanced at him. “What about you? Any comments or suggestions?”

Xi Xianqing’s tone was light and faint, “Are you sure you want to hear it?”

At this, Zhu Ming’s expression became hesitant as if he wanted to speak but decided against it.

Ji Rong didn’t know Xi Xianqing’s temperament, so she pulled out the small notebook from her apron, ready to take notes. Hearing the remark, she looked up in confusion. “Huh? I’m sure ah.”

“First of all, the raspberry sauce is overly sweet, masking the rich flavor of the pastry itself,”

Xi Xianqing remarked, lifting his chin slightly. “Secondly, the pastry cools down too quickly. You might want to consider some insulation measures.

“Lastly, the aesthetic color coordination of the napkins and bamboo baskets still leaves room for improvement.”

He continued in an even tone. “My suggestion would be to opt for brighter tones, such as lemon yellow or light green, which would better match the theme of a seaside shop.”

“But overall, the flavor is decent. Despite the flaws, it’s still acceptable,” he concluded.

Ji Rong: “…”

The corner of Zhu Ming’s mouth twitched. Leaning in, he whispered into Ji Rong’s ear, “You should know when he gives a critique like that, it basically means ‘really delicious.’”

Before leaving, Zhu Ming performed a final check on Ji Rong’s black sheep spiritual manifestation and casually chatted for a bit.

When the topic shifted to Shen Ying, Ji Rong said with an air of nonchalance, “Oh, she, ah. A couple of days ago, she did mention wanting to open a shop at the foot of the mountain in the future.

“But I haven’t agreed to help her with that yet.”

Ji Rong added, tilting her chin upward. The little black sheep behind her wiggled its butt as well. “She’s quite a busy person. For all I know, it might’ve just been something she said offhandedly. I’m not putting much mind into it.”

Zhu Ming raised an eyebrow, then smiled and casually remarked, “Your new apron looks great.”

Ji Rong froze and hurriedly covered the pearl sheep brooch on her apron with her hand.

“I-I suddenly remembered there’s a new cake I haven’t let you guys try yet.” Cheeks flushed, she turned and rushed to the kitchen, stammering as she went. “I’ll go get it right now…”

On the day they left District Two to head home, the resort’s lobby manager, Li Shun, personally came to see them off and asked about their stay. “Have you both been comfortable these past days? If there’s any feedback, please share it with us, and we’ll be sure to improve in the future.”

Zhu Ming replied politely, “Everything was wonderful. It’s been even more comfortable than at home. If I were to make a suggestion, it’d just be to add some anti-slip measures to the stones by the pool.”

Li Shun was startled and quickly nodded. “Of course, absolutely. I’ll report that to management right away.”

Xi Xianqing glanced sideways at Zhu Ming.

Zhu Ming’s expression remained composed as he said with impeccable politeness, “Thank you for all your efforts.”

Li Shun watched them leave by car, exhaled a breath of relief, and returned to inspect the villas.

In the villa, staff were cleaning the living room. Li Shun entered the master bedroom for a quick check. Just as he was exiting, he suddenly froze mid-step, craning his neck toward the guest bedroom. “Wait, why does it look like someone stayed in the guest room too?”

Cleaner: “Yes.”

Li Shun paused. “Do you know who was staying there?”

The cleaner thought for a moment. “It seemed to be the gentleman in the wheelchair.”

Li Shun’s brows furrowed slightly as he looked out the window, staring thoughtfully at the car that had already driven far away.

Their trip to District Two hadn’t been particularly long, but with all the comings and goings, nearly three months had passed. Zhu Ming, carrying bags full of specialty snacks and desserts, first made a stop at Zhu Yingying’s home in District Seven.

The little rabbit was so excited it bounced around joyfully. As Zhu Yingying unpacked the gifts, her smile widened so much she could hardly close her mouth. She peppered him with questions. “When did you get back? Why didn’t you tell me beforehand? Where’s Xiao Xi? Didn’t he come back with you?”

“He has his home in District Six. We can’t be stuck to each other like glue all the time.”

Zhu Ming glanced around the villa’s interior. “Enough about me. How’s everything been here? How have you been lately ah?”

Zhu Yingying’s hands froze momentarily as she unpacked a box of desserts, but she replied nonchalantly, “What else could it be ah? Same as usual ya. The house is just as it was before ah.”

“Is that so?” Zhu Ming nodded. “But I seem to remember that before I left, there wasn’t a huge bouquet of roses in the corner of the living room ah?”

Zhu Yingying was eerily silent for a split second.

Zhu Ming’s gaze shifted thoughtfully to the coffee table. “And I don’t recall the tablecloth being this design either. Let me see… Hmm? Isn’t this a unique batik fabric from District One?”

At his feet, the little rabbit’s ears twitched nervously.

“And knitting now, too? Very refined of you, Madam Zhu Yingying,”

Zhu Ming’s eyes fell on the knitting needles and the half-finished sweater in her hands. “Is that for me? Though… the size seems a bit big?”

The little rabbit stood alert, its ears upright. Meanwhile, Zhu Yingying scrambled to shove the ball of yarn behind her in a flustered panic.

She stammered, “The house is so big, I just bought some flowers to decorate it ah. What’s wrong with that?”

“A while back, I thought some crafts from District One were pretty, so… so I ordered them online.”

She added, her voice involuntarily raising. “And the sweater, that’s just something I’m learning for fun. You know, to pass the time.”

The more she covered up, the answer in Zhu Ming’s heart became clearer and clearer.

“Well, that’s great ah. A change of pace, learning new skills—your life sounds quite fulfilling ah.”

He raised an eyebrow but didn’t expose her. Instead, he smiled and maneuvered his wheelchair toward the bedroom. “Alright, let’s stop chatting for now. There’s too much to unpack. I’ll go sort out my luggage.”

When Zhu Ming made the decision to enter a contract marriage, he hadn’t been without doubts.

He had questioned whether the decision was worth it, whether it was too impulsive, and whether it would truly have any meaning. It was only at this moment that he finally confirmed it had been the right choice.

As soon as he entered the bedroom, his phone vibrated. Opening it, he saw a message from Xi Xianqing: “When are you starting rehab?”

Zhu Ming was slightly surprised that Xi Xianqing remembered this and replied: “Tomorrow morning, with Dr. Wu.”

His fingers hovered over the keyboard, typing out, “Do you want to”

But after a moment of hesitation, he shook his head and deleted the unfinished sentence.

Before he could think of a new reply, a decisive response from the other side popped up: “The car will be at your door at 9 a.m. tomorrow.”

Zhu Ming was stunned and replied with the word “Okay”.

This time, Zhu Ming surprisingly arrived for rehab punctually, without pulling any tricks or skipping out, which caught Dr. Wu slightly off guard.

He also made sure to tell Dr. Wu about the brief sensation he experienced in his legs by the pool.

“It could have been caused by shock, or it might be the result of the experimental medication from last time. But either way, this is definitely good news.”

Dr. Wu said, glancing at the two of them. “Since your fiancé is here today, let’s proceed with exoskeleton-assisted walking therapy and continue with the medication afterward.”

The little nurse filing medical records nearby interjected with a cheerful laugh. “Dr. Wu hasn’t been keeping up with the news lately. They’re not engaged anymore—they’re married now la!”

Compared to their first rehabilitation session, which was clumsy and full of mishaps, this time their coordination was far more seamless.

Using the exoskeleton was still challenging, but Zhu Ming’s physical condition had improved significantly since the last time. He could even take a few steps without relying on Xi Xianqing’s support.

Although it was only two or three small steps, seemingly insignificant, it was a monumental breakthrough for Zhu Ming.

Any change, no matter how slight, was a reason for hope.

This rehab didn’t seem so long in Zhu Ming’s eyes.

During his infusion, Zhu Ming behaved impeccably, although he succumbed to the medication’s effects and dozed off for a short while. By the time everything was finished, it was only just starting to get dark.

As they waited by the hospital entrance for the driver to bring the car around, Zhu Ming sincerely thanked the person beside him. “That, thank you for coming all the way out here to keep me company today.”

“No need,” Xi Xianqing glanced at Zhu Ming and said, “Just consider it payback for helping me spread its tail manually last time.”

Since he’d framed it that way, Zhu Ming didn’t insist further. He nodded and accepted it graciously.

After the rehabilitation session, they were supposed to head back to their respective homes.

However, as it had been nearly a week since they returned from District Two and Zhu Ming hadn’t checked on Dish Soap’s condition in a while, he wanted to take a look before parting ways.

Then, remembering Xi Xianqing’s fastidiousness about public settings, Zhu Ming hesitated and started to say, “By the way, could you—”

Unexpectedly, Xi Xianqing spoke at the same moment. “You still—”

Both paused simultaneously, falling into silence. Zhu Ming raised an eyebrow. “You speak first.”

Xi Xianqing’s gaze remained fixed on the road ahead. After a brief moment, he said, “Do you have any other plans for today?”

Zhu Ming: “Hmm? No, I’ve been pretty free lately, mostly just stuck in the lab testing your medications.”

Xi Xianqing nodded. “Previously, I owed you three date photos. We already took two while in District Two, but there’s still one left that hasn’t been done.”

Zhu Ming: “Huh?”

At the time, Zhu Ming had agreed with Xi Xianqing to take three couple photos together, but he had nearly forgotten about it. Hesitating, he said, “Oh, right, but…”

Xi Xianqing’s brows furrowed slightly, and he pursed his lips as if dissatisfied with Zhu Ming’s lack of comprehension.

“I don’t like owing favors.”

Xi Xianqing stood straight, his tone was flat and unwavering. “I happen to be going to Tancheng in District Six today to pick up some items. Do you want to come along? We can take the final picture while we’re at it.”

In the end, his roundabout way of speaking boiled down to an invitation.

After a moment of contemplation, Zhu Ming cheerfully agreed, “I don’t have anything else going on today. Sure ah.”

As soon as he finished speaking, the driver pulled up in front of them. Xi Xianqing nodded his head and glanced at Ye Lu, who stood behind them.

Catching his meaning immediately, Ye Lu said, “I’ll make the arrangements right away.”

Xi Xianqing let out an “en,” and then got into the car.

Zhu Ming was confused and secretly asked Ye Lu behind him “Aunt Ye, what kind of place is Tancheng?”

Ye Lu was on her phone, discussing details with someone on the other end. Hearing his question, she paused for a moment, then smiled and lowered her voice as if selling a secret. “It’s a place Xi Xianqing likes very much.”

Zhu Ming: “Huh?”

Tancheng—was really a very vague name.

At first glance, it sounded like the name of an elegant, antique-style teahouse. But since people from District Six had a habit of pretending to be cultured, it also wouldn’t be surprising if it turned out to be a mass-market KTV with a refined name.

An hour later, stepping out of the car, Zhu Ming tilted his head back and was left utterly speechless.

“Mr. Xi, long time no see.”

Before they even stepped through the door, a sales assistant in a small dress and small high heels came clicking over, enthusiasm radiating from her as she offered welcome drinks and a steaming hot towel. “Mr. Zhu, welcome to your first visit to Tancheng. Please, both of you, board the vehicle now. We’ll escort you to the main entrance.”

Xi Xianqing used the towel to briefly wipe his hands, gracefully handing it back to the staff. Zhu Ming, on the other hand, pressed the towel against his face as he stared in contemplation at the massive castle-like structure before him.

Zhu Ming murmured, “The place… you like is a mall?”

​​Xi Xianqing remained silent for a moment before responding, “I don’t dislike it.”

Which clearly meant he liked it very much.

Zhu Ming swore to the heavens that this was, without a doubt, the largest, most extravagant, and most opulent mall he had ever seen in his life.

Oh, to be precise, “mall castle” would be a more fitting term.

District Six residents centered their lifestyles around beauty, and the care they put into designing commercial spaces that sold beauty itself went without saying. Naturally, this meant it couldn’t be compared to the standard shopping centers Zhu Ming had visited back in District Seven.

But in front… It was on an entirely different level.

—Zhu Ming had never seen a mall with a magnificent fountain and luxurious floral arrangements at its entrance, nor a mall that resembled a brilliantly lit castle. Let alone ever needed to take a ten-minute sightseeing ride just to reach the main entrance of a shopping center.

Xi Xianqing disembarked the vehicle nonchalantly, turning back when he noticed Zhu Ming lingering. “What’s the matter?”

Only then did Zhu Ming snap out of his daze and board the wheelchair with the help of the sales assistant. “Nothing.”

Although Zhu Yingying was a bit of a rich lady herself, Zhu Ming was momentarily taken aback by the mall’s grandeur. He quickly composed himself, determined not to look like someone who had never seen the world.

A suited security officer bowed and pushed open a set of gold-embossed doors with intricately carved patterns. A hint of refined sandalwood incense wafted through, filling the air.

Zhu Ming surveyed the interior of the bustling mall and blinked, “Honestly, for someone of your caliber, I would’ve thought there’d be no need to personally shop. I figured people would just deliver clothes straight to your doorstep for you to try on.”

“There are times when I do, but I don’t like people coming and going from my place as they like.”

Xi Xianqing said indifferently, “I prefer to buy everything I need in one go. Besides, there are too many shops I want to visit, so it’s more convenient to choose things myself.”

Zhu Ming’s gaze landed on an ornate, gold-patterned trash can. Zhu Ming gave a dry laugh. “Very down-to-earth. But if the shops you want to visit happen to be crowded, what if you have to wait in line?”

Xi Xianqing lowered his eyes and lightly glanced at him.

His expression remained calm as if Zhu Ming had asked a very stupid question.

Zhu Ming, puzzled, was about to speak when the sales assistant walking ahead of them communicated something through her earpiece. Then, she turned around with a bright smile—

“By the way, Mr. Xi, as per your usual preference, we’ve already cleared the area in advance today.”

The sales assistant gave a slight bow, her gloved hand gesturing toward them. “The store managers of the entire mall are standing by, ready to serve you. This way, please.”

Author’s notes:

The vain Emperor Great Peac0ck proudly takes the little fox out at the palace for a date!