At 8:03 PM Xi Star time, in the brightly lit city center of District Four, inside the top-floor suite of a luxury hotel, the future representative of District Six and the former top candidate of District Seven were locked in an intense argument.

The primary subject of their dispute was… who would get to sleep on the suite’s only king-sized bed.

“Mr. Xiao Xi, could you please be reasonable?”

Zhu Ming maneuvered his wheelchair to the side of the bed, staking out his territory. “You were the one who told Nova we didn’t need a guest room. So why should I be the one to end up on the couch?”

Standing on the other side of the bed with arms crossed, Xi Xianqing’s expression stiffened slightly. He snorted coldly. “I only said that because I was worried she might pull the same trick as Li Shun in District Two… How could I have guessed that she’d just ask someone to move the bed away?”

Zhu Ming clicked his tongue and played his trump card, “I’m disabled, okay? Do you really have the heart to take the bed for yourself and leave someone with limited mobility like me on the couch?”

Xi Xianqing glanced at him, clearly unimpressed. “Sometimes, your wheelchair moves faster than I can run.”

The truth was, the luxurious bed in front of them was absurdly large. Not only could the two of them sleep on it comfortably, but there would also be enough room for their spiritual manifestations to join in—and even Zhou Zhou as well.

But the current tension between them was so delicate that neither wanted to be the first to broach the idea of sharing the bed.

So they remained locked in a standoff, unsure of how long it lasted, until Xi Xianqing heard Zhu Ming let out what sounded like a soft sigh. “Forget it.”

Xi Xianqing’s body froze slightly.

“You’re right, your assessment is more important.”

When he raised his eyes, he saw Zhu Ming slowly pull out one of the pillows from the bedside, resting it on his lap as he muttered, “Let Dish Soap out for another check-up, and then I’ll head to the living room. I won’t disturb your peaceful night.”

Xi Xianqing was momentarily stunned.

It was as if, just a second ago, the two of them were locked in an intense tug-of-war, neither willing to give an inch.

Then, all at once, one side let go, abandoning the fight entirely, leaving the other holding onto the rope and stumbling backward in confusion, unintentionally declared the victor.

This made the victor not feel the slightest bit satisfied.

By this point, Zhu Ming, who had ceded his claim to the bed, had turned away and was rummaging through the wardrobe.

He casually pulled out a blanket and examined it, apparently deciding whether it would suffice as a makeshift cover. But in the next instant, one corner of the blanket was unexpectedly tugged by a hand.

“Your leg has only just started to show some improvement.”

As he turned and met his gaze, he saw Xi Xianqing release his hand, his eyes awkwardly shifting to the distance. “If something happens later, it’ll probably be blamed on me again… You take the bed.”

The two men’s hands tugged at the ends of the blanket.

Zhu Ming quietly observed Xi Xianqing’s profile for two seconds, then suddenly chuckled softly.

Xi Xianqing’s well-meaning concession was met with this inexplicable response, and he immediately became both angry and embarrassed, glaring at him. “What’s so funny?”

Zhu Ming only shook his head and then softly asked, “Save the file?”

Xi Xianqing stiffened for a moment.

After a moment, his jaw slightly lifted, and seemed as if he was reluctant to utter those two words. “Go ahead.”

Half an hour later, they were covered with a blanket and lay there back-to-back on opposite sides of the large bed.

Xi Xianqing, having just finished freshening up and preparing to close his eyes, felt the blanket being slowly pulled from behind, followed by a sharp tug—

Half of his body was suddenly exposed to the air.

“…Zhu Ming.” Xi Xianqing took a deep breath and opened his eyes. “Can you stop pulling the blanket over to your side all the time?”

“Can’t.” Behind him, Zhu Ming was reading his final paper for the night on the light screen. Hearing this, he snuggled deeper into the blanket, refusing to compromise. “I’m cold. Why don’t you just move over a bit?”

Xi Xianqing growled impatiently. “Why should I move over? Why don’t you?”

“How about we compromise?” Zhu Ming sighed. “Instead of sleeping back-to-back, we sleep facing each other. That way, the blanket can be used a little bit more.”

Xi Xianqing grudgingly agreed. “…Fine.”

In fact, they had planned to request another blanket from the hotel. It would only take a quick operation on the light screen above the little robot, no conversation required, and the order would be sent directly to the front desk.

But just as Xi Xianqing was about to click the “Confirm” button, Zhu Ming suddenly pressed his hand. “Wait a moment.”

Xi Xianqing looked at him. “What’s wrong?”

“There is one thing I want to confirm.”

Zhu Ming pressed his lips together, his expression tinged with hesitation. “I’m not entirely sure about this ha, but for newlyweds in the eyes of others… is it normal for them to sleep under the same blanket?”

Xi Xianqing: “…”

Both of them were top performers in their respective fields, but when it came to one thing, they were equally inexperienced—they were both getting married for the first time.

So, they ended up looking it up online.

There were many different opinions online, but most comments suggested that young couples and newlyweds, swept up in passion, usually shared a single blanket. However, for those married for over a decade, as feelings dulled and they began to grow weary of each other, separate blankets became the norm.

It was an utterly trivial detail, but Xi Xianqing knew Zhu Ming wasn’t being overly cautious.

The moment they issued the “request blanket” command, it would leave a trace in the robot and hotel systems—a detail any curious person could dig up.

Ever since the “separate bedrooms” incident at the reception, they had entered a state of hyper-vigilance as if they were walking on thin ice.

So to be on the safe side, they ended up sharing a single blanket that night.

They turned over at the same time, ending up face to face on the bed.

The room was quiet. Xi Xianqing lifted his eyelids and stealthily glanced at the person opposite him.

Zhu Ming, dressed in pajamas, was curled up in the blanket, clutching a light screen.

Soft strands of hair barely veiled his brow and eyes. He stared intently at the study on the screen, his fingers continuously swiping, his expression wholly absorbed.

Xi Xianqing closed his eyes again after a long time, forcing himself to sleep.

After an unknown amount of time, through a foggy haze, he noticed the pulling sensation on the other end of the blanket abruptly vanished.

Xi Xianqing was a light sleeper, and soon after, he heard the faint rustling of movement and the subtle sound of wheelchair tires brushing against the floor.

Opening his eyes, he saw Zhu Ming propping himself up with his hands, quietly shifting to the wheelchair at the edge of the bed.

Xi Xianqing froze. “You… where are you going?”

Zhu Ming also seemed startled, turning his head to look at him. “Did I wake you?”

“I came across an interesting target in the study—an idea suddenly struck me. Maybe we can try it on Dish Soap.”

As he spoke, Zhu Ming put on his coat. “I plan to check the lab pod now to see if we have enough reagents. If not, I’ll have to order some from a biotech company in District Seven.”

“…Now?” Xi Xianqing’s gaze fell on the clock displaying “2:35 AM.” He asked incredulously, “You’re going to the lab pod?”

“Yes.” Zhu Ming lowered his head to scrutinize the study again. “If we have enough materials, I can prepare the medicine tonight. Including reaction time, I could probably start trials with you by tomorrow evening.”

He said nothing about Dish Soap’s previous display nor mentioned the kiss that might have triggered it.

He perfectly archived that memory, adhering to their agreement. From the perspective of a doctor—or more precisely, a pharmacist—he devoted himself to finding a method to trigger Xi Xianqing’s display.

For a moment, Xi Xianqing felt stuffy in his chest, yet he couldn’t find the words to argue. “Do you really have to work at this hour? Can’t it wait until tomorrow?”

“No.” Zhu Ming lifted his eyes from the document and replied bluntly, “Two months may sound like a long time, but it’ll pass in the blink of an eye.”

“I need to prepare ahead of time for your next group photo ah.”

It almost sounded like a sigh when Zhu Ming, in a jesting tone, teased, “After all, I don’t have the energy to pry Dish Soap’s feathers open by hand this time.”

“I think I’ll spend the night in the lab pod, so you can keep the blanket all to yourself.” Zhu Ming smiled at Xi Xianqing. “Well then, good night.”

Before Xi Xianqing could respond, Zhu Ming maneuvered his wheelchair out of the room, leaving a carefree and relaxed silhouette behind.

Only a “click” could be heard as the bedroom door was gently closed.

Xi Xianqing sat on the bed, staring at the firmly shut door, unable to speak for a long time.

Eight hours later, at the LotusX Technologies headquarters.

“The two bosses are still in a meeting, so I’ll give you a brief introduction to our company’s layout and main projects.”

Nova, still in “professional mode,” scanned the main door with her badge. “I’ll start with an overview of the company’s layout and core initiatives.”

“The headquarters is located in the central area of District Four, with several branches distributed across other districts.”

The owl perched on her shoulder had a serious expression as she calmly introduced, “This is our company’s corporate culture exhibit wall, which primarily details the timeline and history of LotusX’s establishment.”

As if suddenly remembering something, Nova raised her head, a barely perceptible trace of hope in her eyes. “Oh, by the way, did you happen to try out our new gaming pod yesterday?”

Xi Xianqing glanced at the person next to him, slumped in a wheelchair, yawning incessantly and on the verge of dozing off. With a blank expression, he replied, “…We haven’t had the chance yet. We’ll try it in the future.”

Nova’s sales pitch was unsuccessful, and a hint of regret showed on her face, but she maintained her professional demeanor. “I see ah.”

On the wheelchair, the half-asleep Zhu Ming rubbed his eyes and finally returned to the real world.

Still bleary-eyed, he stared at the corporate culture wall for a while before commenting thoughtfully, “So, both of your company’s founders weren’t originally from District Four?”

“That’s correct. It’s quite the coincidence, actually—like you two. President Feng comes from District Six with a background in illustration and design, while President Tan hails from District Seven with a computer science background. The two of them also met through gaming in their early years,” Nova answered.

Zhu Ming couldn’t help but sigh. “It seems District Four is quite a diverse place.”

“After all, the pursuit of enjoyment knows no boundaries.”

Nova gestured toward the showcase filled with game-related memorabilia, her voice unconsciously softening. “From a simple game disc in their early days of the business to the latest model of the gaming pod, LotusX’s timeline is, in a sense, a testament to the founders’ bond.”

“Doing the math, it’s been nearly ten years now,” she lamented. “They’ve truly dedicated their youth to LotusX.”

Leading them into the lounge, she glanced at her smartwatch as its screen lit up. “The meeting should wrap up in about thirty minutes. You can explore or rest here for the time being.”

“This is Bang Bang. You can order drinks or snacks through the screen on its body.”

She pointed to a lemon-yellow, round robot on the ground and entered some commands. “After 30 minutes, Bang Bang’s alarm will ring automatically and guide you to the elevator.”

Bang Bang turned to them and said, “Bang Bang is happy to serve you.”

Nova closed the door to the lounge.

Zhu Ming, intrigued, swiped at the screen on Bang Bang’s face. “This little guy is pretty amusing… I think I’ll have an iced Americano to wake myself up. Want one?”

Sitting on the other end of the sofa, Xi Xianqing leafed through a brochure on the table and replied coolly, “With those dark circles under your eyes, I doubt a single cup of coffee will be enough to save you.”

Zhu Ming pretended not to hear as he entered the command. Bang Bang let out a “ding,” rolled steadily to a corner of the lounge, and began preparing coffee.

The sound of the machine buzzed, and a few minutes later, Bang Bang rolled back to Zhu Ming with a freshly made iced Americano. “Bang Bang reminds you, your iced Americano is ready!”

“I suggest you hold off on arguing with me. I stayed up late last night making your medicine.”

Zhu Ming picked up the iced Americano, took a sip, and immediately scrunched up his face in response to the bitterness. “If Aunt Ye hadn’t persuaded me to come, I honestly wouldn’t have had the energy to sit here and play along with you.”

Xi Xianqing paused for a moment. “Aunt Ye?”

“Yeah, she said it was a good opportunity to project the image of a couple married for years, and let’s not forget we’re at least pretending to be lovebirds.”

Zhu Ming tried another sip, shivering again from the bitterness. “She said if I came along and played my part in presenting a happily married façade, it might help boost your impression score and even spark some productive conversations.”

Xi Xianqing’s Adam’s apple bobbed slightly. “You sure give her a lot of credit.”

Zhu Ming replied casually, following his words. “Well, as long as you know it’s for her, not for you.”

Xi Xianqing: “…”

The two sat on opposite ends of the sofa, Zhu Ming grimacing through sips of his coffee, while Xi Xianqing stared coldly at the magazine in his hand. Neither spoke further.

Not long after, Bang Bang emitted a few beeping sounds, seemingly receiving a remote command.

The round yellow robot rolled between them. “Bang Bang reminds you, the meeting has concluded. Please follow my guidance to the elevator ahead.”

Entering the elevator, Zhu Ming glanced at the tense figure beside him. “Young Master Xiao Xi, could we ease up on the stiff facial expressions and body language? We’re supposed to be lovers, not enemies.”

Xi Xianqing exhaled, lowering his shoulders.

Zhu Ming studied his face for a moment and smiled faintly. “Don’t be nervous.”

Xi Xianqing glared at him, “I’m not nervous.”

En, as expected—once he’s arguing with me, his expression becomes noticeably more relaxed and natural.

The elevator dinged. Zhu Ming’s lips curled into a faint smile as he said no more, turning his face toward the elevator doors.

The elevator door opened.

Before them lay an expansive office space with a breathtaking view. Floor-to-ceiling windows flooded the area with natural light, offering a commanding sight of the clustered skyscr4p3rs outside.

However, Zhu Ming barely had a chance to take in the impressive scene when something tore through the air toward them in a rapid arc!

Bang Bang, walking in front of them, was directly hit and fell to the ground with a clatter.

Its round arms and legs lay rigidly on the ground, and it let out a calm “Bang Bang” despite its immobile state.

The thing that hit it was a heavy book.

Zhu Ming instinctively covered his mouth and stretched out a helpless hand. “Bang Bang—”

Xi Xianqing: “…”

The two raised their heads again, and a sharp folder followed.

With Bang Bang already collapsed, there was nothing to shield them. This time, it was aimed straight at Zhu Ming.

Zhu Ming’s pupils contracted. He froze momentarily, barely processing the incoming threat. Even if he had realized, dodging would have been impossible. All he could do was watch the folder fly towards him.

In the next instant, Xi Xianqing’s arm shot out, blocking the folder just in time.

With a muffled sound, the folder fell to the ground, and the white papers inside flew out in the air, scattering spectacularly and filling the ceiling.

Despite its lightweight plastic material, the corners are sharp and clear.

With extremely fast speed of it flying over, Zhu Ming watched as Xi Xianqing’s brows furrowed slightly. He retracted his arm as he silently inspected his hand, lifting it to cradle the back of his palm.

Zhu Ming’s heart sank, “You–”

Xi Xianqing didn’t reply immediately. Raising his injured hand, he revealed a fresh, narrow cut slicing across his hand’s back, a faint line of crimson slowly welling up.

Zhu Ming wordlessly sucked in a mouthful of cold air.

Xi Xianqing’s hands… a jewelry designer’s hands.

If not for Xi Xianqing stepping in, the crimson line now marring his hand… would almost certainly have marked Zhu Ming’s face.

Zhu Ming reached out, gripping Xi Xianqing’s injured hand, his brows furrowed. He opened his mouth to say something, but before the words could leave, another book came hurling through the air. One book after another flew at them, the office devolving into a chaotic battlefield of airborne folders and thick books.

Zhu Ming and Xi Xianqing: “…”

They finally raised their eyes and found the source that threw out these UFOs.

At opposite sides of the office stood two people in suits.

One was tall and powerfully built, his features sharp and unruly, though currently twisted with rage as he gasped heavily and cursed under his breath. Behind him loomed the menacing figure of a snarling Tibetan mastiff, its spiritual manifestation baring its teeth.

The other, lean and composed with strikingly refined features, adjusted his glasses with a controlled expression that belied the person’s labored breathing. Beside him crouched a Maine cat, its ears pinned back in an icy, combative stance, back arched defensively.

One had a broken skin, the other sported a bruised temple. The office floor was in complete disarray, with books and papers strewn across it.

The scene before them wasn’t just a battle—it was an outright war and because there was no way to get off the ground in the office, neither of the combatants seemed to notice Zhu Ming and Xi Xianqing standing there by the elevator.

“Tan Yu! I can’t stand another damn day with you!”

The lanky and tall man swiped his mouth with the back of his hand, staring at the blood streaked across his skin. He was seething with anger. The Tibetan mastiff behind him swishing its tail agitatedly. “In all these years of marriage, was there even once you treated me like an actual human being? The smile you give a beggar on the street has appeared more times than the ones you’ve thrown my way these past few months!”

“Save that nonsense for a chat with my lawyer.”

The temple of the gentleman wearing glasses was bruised as he leaned against the wall. His free hand tugged coldly at his necktie, loosening it as his Maine cat’s pupils glimmered dangerously. “Feng Jiachi, let’s divorce.”

Author’s Notes:

The big peac0ck spent the whole night alone guarding an empty bed. His beak may be tough as nails, but when it comes to protecting the little fox, those tiny claws sure come out fast( *｀ω´)！