The moment the words “getting beauty treatments” came out of Feng Jiachi’s mouth, the room instantly plunged into an icy silence.

Zhu Ming silently raised his hand to cover his mouth, while Xi Xianqing, leaning against the doorframe, rubbed his temples.

Feng Jiachi looked utterly devastated, his face flushed red. He held the towel wrapped around his chest with both hands, while the Tibetan mastiff behind him wagged its tail furiously in what seemed like shared shame and indignation.

Tan Yu was clearly shaken by this revelation as well. However, his gaze fell on the towel wrapped around Feng Jiachi’s upper body, leaving him skeptical. “But if you were getting beauty treatments, why are you not wearing clothes?”

Feng Jiachi’s gaze flickered, his voice barely audible. “Because I was planning to fix the wrinkles on my neck today. Taking off my top makes it easier for them to administer the injections ah.”

“But look, my pants are still on ah!”

He was so aggrieved that he went up to his hands and uncovered the bath towel in full view, “Not a single buckle on my belt is undone ah! Tan Yu, see for yourself—”

Tan Yu’s face flushed silently red, and he gritted his teeth to stop him. “Put that down right now!”

Feng Jiachi sniffled and withdrew his hand reluctantly.

“If you were getting beauty treatments, why didn’t you go to a proper clinic? Why do it in a villa instead?”

Still struggling to process the absurdity, Tan Yu suddenly realized something else. “Wait a minute, Feng Jiachi, you’re 37. Why are you even getting beauty treatments? Did they inject something into your brain?”

“Because places like beauty institutions are crowded ah.”

Feng Jiachi argued confidently. “I’m at least the representative of District Four. It’d be terrible if people saw me frequenting cosmetic clinics ah.”

“And compared to Districts Six and Seven, the medical beauty conditions in District Four are subpar. They’re unsanitary, the equipment isn’t up-to-date. But in this villa, I’ve got top-notch devices I sourced through my connections—reserved only for my own use.”

He reasoned methodically, “Whenever I feel like it, I can just come here. No appointments, no waiting in line ah.”

Tan Yu still found it hard to believe and looked at the few young women standing outside the door. “You’re getting beauty treatments, but you need this many people?”

“Each has their own specialty. Some are experts in optical treatments, some specialize in anti-aging, and some handle injections ah.”

Feng Jiachi explained, though his voice gradually grew weaker as he spoke. “I-I just thought I’d start maintenance early. You know, a man’s prime doesn’t last very long—”

Tan Yu didn’t give him a chance to make excuses and coldly interrupted, “Then why did you hide it from me?”

The question hit the mark. Feng Jiachi, who had just been arguing so eloquently, suddenly fell silent.

“Why… Don’t you know the answer in your heart better than I do?”

After a long pause, he forced out a smile, muttering as if talking to himself, “Do you have to ask, knowing full well what it is? Do I really have to say it in front of everyone? Can’t you leave me even a shred of dignity?”

Tan Yu frowned. “What the hell are you babbling about? You—”

Feng Jiachi interrupted him, brimming with indignation, “Because you’ve only ever liked my face ah!”

Tan Yu’s expression instantly went blank.

“For the past six months, you’ve avoided even letting me touch you! You dodge me whenever I try to kiss you!”

The more Feng Jiachi said, the more fired up he became, his confidence building. “I asked why you’re avoiding me. You coldly said it’s nothing. Isn’t it just that you’ve grown tired of my looks and my body?”

“You think I can’t tell?”

He sniffled, “I know I’m getting old. I know I’m not as young and handsome as I used to be, but I can’t do anything about my age ah. I’m just trying my best to save it, but I can’t turn back time ah…”

“Feng Jiachi, could you get your facts straight for once?”

Tan Yu sneered. “Half a year ago, do you have any idea how severe my cold was? If I went out of my way to make out with you and gotten intimate with you back then, and you ended up sick too, who would’ve taken care of the company and the project?”

Feng Jiachi was stunned for a moment.

Then, raising his voice in frustration, he retorted, “D-Don’t give me that! You didn’t let me make out even after you got over your cold later!”

Seeing the tension between the two escalate again, Zhu Ming quietly pulled on Tan Yu’s arm, while Xi Xianqing stepped in front of the potted plant on the nearby table.

Tan Yu looked exasperated. “After my cold, I wouldn’t let you near because that was when I realized you’d started lying to me and frequently sneaking off to this villa. I thought you were—”

Both of them were eerily silent for a split second, realizing exactly where this mishap had started.

Feng Jiachi’s body gave an almost imperceptible shudder. “So every time I secretly got beauty treatments, you thought I was cheating on you… which is why you’ve been giving me the cold shoulder?”

Tan Yu closed his eyes. “…Yes, because I found you disgusting.”

Feng Jiachi opened his mouth, utterly dumbfounded. “Wait—if you thought something was wrong, why didn’t you talk to me about it?”

Tan Yu sneered. “Did you tell me about the beauty treatments?”

Feng Jiachi was choked speechless.

“Feng Jiachi, if I only liked your face back then, do you think I would’ve turned down my offer from the District Seven Research Institute to start from scratch with a penniless guy like you?”

Tan Yu was so furious his voice trembled, and even the Maine cat at his feet arched its back, fur standing on end in anger. “If I thought the current you had no charm, would I have spent the past three sleepless months suspecting you of cheating? Would I be taking antidepressants every day? Wouldn’t I just find someone younger and better looking than you to date?”

Feng Jiachi, still baffled by the earlier part, was suddenly hit by the last sentence. Instantly enraged, he roared, “You try going after another guy and see what happens!”

Tan Yu raised his hand to cover his face, breathing heavily without saying another word.

Feng Jiachi stared straight at him for a while before suddenly grinning and chuckling, “Hehe.”

Tan Yu was startled and frowned. “Are you out of your mind?”

“So, Tan Yu, you thought I was cheating on you… and that’s why you brought up divorce?”

The Tibetan mastiff at his feet wagged its tail enthusiastically. Feng Jiachi, as if he couldn’t believe it, said, “So you’re not tired of me as a person? Look at the mess this has caused…”

He pondered for a moment, then his grin widened. “And just now, were you kind of confessing your feelings to me ah?”

Tan Yu paused, shooting him a cold glare.

Perhaps feeling the absurdity of this conversation was too much, Tan Yu could no longer control his emotions. He turned and headed for the door.

Feng Jiachi, who originally had a smug look on his face that was hard to hide, froze for a moment at this sight. “Where are you going?”

Feng Jiachi picked up a nearby coat, strode forward in a few steps, and grabbed Tan Yu’s arm.

Tan Yu didn’t speak, furiously shook off his hand, and continued toward the door. Feng Jiachi let out a lazy chuckle, slung the coat over one shoulder, and, without hesitation, swept Tan Yu up into his arms!

Tan Yu was startled. “What are you doing?!”

Zhu Ming and Xi Xianqing watched as Tan Yu was carried out the door. “…?”

Though they couldn’t see the figures, Tan Yu’s furious and embarrassed voice could be heard from the hallway: “Feng Jiachi, put me down, you—”

His voice abruptly cut off, leaving plenty to the imagination.

A moment later, Feng Jiachi’s soft laughter and a muffled sentence as he coaxed—“I didn’t know you could be so jealous”—could be faintly heard in the corridor, growing distant until it disappeared.

The room fell into absolute silence, leaving only Xi Xianqing and Zhu Ming behind.

The two stared at each other for a few seconds. Xi Xianqing pursed his lips, just about to say something when Zhu Ming, seemingly deep in thought, waved him over. “Come here for a moment.”

Xi Xianqing walked forward without knowing why. Zhu Ming said nothing, merely tilted his head up along with the white fox resting on his lap and stared intently at Xi Xianqing’s face.

Xi Xianqing felt extremely uncomfortable under the scrutiny. “What are you doing?”

Zhu Ming’s gaze didn’t waver. “I’m looking for injection marks on your youthful and handsome face… but it seems I can’t find any.”

Xi Xianqing froze, then widened his eyes in shock. Covering his cheeks with one hand, he protested angrily, “I was only accompanying Feng Jiachi here. I didn’t have anything done!”

Zhu Ming sighed with faint disappointment, then turned his attention to the nearby medicine cabinet. “Still, you have to admit, the manufacturers of this collagen and hyaluronic acid are reputable. Let me see if they have something I need—hey, why are you pushing my wheelchair, Xi Xianqing?”

“…Going home.”

A week later, LotusX Group’s official social media account announced that the group’s two CEOs, Tan Yu and Feng Jiachi, would be taking an indefinite leave of absence, with their respective projects handed over to senior team leaders for management.

The pair, known publicly as both an exemplary couple and workaholics, had maintained exceptional productivity since the company’s inception. Even after being elected District Four representatives, they never let their workload slide.

The sudden joint leave sparked widespread speculation from the outside: some claimed it was a case of “lonely at the top,” with years of accumulated stress leaving the pair mentally exhausted. Others suggested a marital crisis, perhaps an irreparable rift in their relationship.

However, LotusX’s official account quickly debunked these rumors by sharing a photo of the two vacationing together at a coastal spot in District Two—quite literally “on holiday.”

The photo showed Feng Jiachi grinning broadly in matching beach shirts with a visibly exasperated Tan Yu. The caption read: “Two new friends we met recommended a bakery here in District Two—absolutely delicious~”

And so the initial rumors collapsed.

Most couples could endure hardships together in their youth, but once they achieved success and fame, they often forget that relationships also required careful maintenance. A single lapse in communication could gradually lead to a growing estrangement.

By the time minor gaps turned into irreparable chasms, it would already be too late.

Thus, when Tan Yu proposed a trip with Feng Jiachi to District Two, both Xi Xianqing and Zhu Ming expressed their understanding.

As a result, the third meeting regarding this evaluation was conducted entirely online via Bang Bang’s light screen. Fortunately, District Four’s internet was highly reliable, and they were able to finalize details about the project and its dimensions without any loss of efficiency compared to in-person discussions.

While the real couple was busy mending their relationship, the fake lovebirds enjoyed a rare period of peace that could even be described as warm and harmonious.

For the most part, Zhu Ming and Xi Xianqing continued to keep out of each other’s way—Xi Xianqing would collaborate with the craftsmen in the study to discuss project details, while Zhu Ming stayed in the living room, returning to his old profession by hosting live broadcast to offer medical consultations.

By the time Xi Xianqing wrapped up his meetings, Zhu Ming’s live broadcast almost finished as well.

The two of them would then turn on the TV, have dinner delivered by Bang Bang, and continue their respective tasks afterward. Occasionally, when they had free time, they would head to the guest room’s gaming pod to play games.

Inspiration was unpredictable, so Xi Xianqing sometimes worked through the night, falling asleep at his desk when he could no longer keep his eyes open.

When Zhu Ming peeked into the study and found him asleep, he would quietly help tidy up the scattered stacks of cardboard and tracing paper, then use Bang Bang to order a cup of hot milk, leaving it by his hand.

When Xi Xianqing woke up and noticed the milk, his expression remained calm, but the tail feathers of the green peac0ck at his feet couldn’t help but twitch repeatedly.

After finishing the milk and stepping out of the study, he often found the TV playing some dog-blooded dramas about wealthy families. Meanwhile, Zhu Ming, curled up on the sofa with the white fox, would be sound asleep, his breathing steady and peaceful.

Standing by the sofa, Xi Xianqing would silently watch Zhu Ming’s face for a while before letting out a soft sigh. Then, he would switch off the TV, bend down to carry him back to the bedroom, and close the door behind them.

The day for the finished product exhibition and final group photo arrived quickly.

This time, Xi Xianqing’s work wasn’t conventional jewelry. He had spent considerable time refining it with District Six’s local craftsmen, repeatedly consulting with Yang Jiahe and making adjustments. The end result was satisfactory.

As a prominent company, LotusX’s publicity and development department was also very hard working. They were eager to take advantage of Xi Xianqing’s reputation in District Six to expand its influence beyond District Four. They arranged a public c0cktail party on the evening of the product’s unveiling.

The reception was held in the lobby of LotusX’s headquarters. The event schedule—from the product display to sharing its inspiration, the final fitting, and the group photo session—was meticulously planned. Xi Xianqing had even participated in a rehearsal beforehand to ensure everything went smoothly.

An hour before the reception began, Nova arrived at Xi Xianqing’s hotel and knocked on his door.

The one who opened the door was Xi Xianqing.

Nova adjusted her glasses. “Mr. Xi, the car is ready downstairs. We’re scheduled to leave for the venue in 30 minutes. Is there any change to your itinerary?”

Xi Xianqing was dressed in a tailored smoke-gray suit, but Nova noticed his shirt collar was slightly disheveled, with the top two buttons undone. His tie knot was also a little loose.

His voice was slightly hoarse when he spoke. “No.”

Although Nova felt puzzled, she kept her expression neutral and gave a slight bow. “Understood. Our team will wait for you downstairs. Please take your time to prepare.”

Xi Xianqing nodded and closed the door.

He stood still for a second, took a deep breath, and then turned to the master bedroom, heading straight for the bathroom.

Inside the bathroom, he found Zhu Ming sitting on the marble countertop, silently staring at the bathtub before him.

In the bathtub, the green peac0ck was curled up, perched with its elongated tail feathers dr4p3d quietly behind it, nearly filling the entire space of the tub.

The moment Xi Xianqing stepped into the bathroom, Zhu Ming looked up and said three words: “So, what now?”

Xi Xianqing tugged at his collar with frustration and avoided his gaze. “You’re asking me?”

Zhu Ming fell silent again.

The bathroom was small, and the air seemed almost stifling. Xi Xianqing stared at the green peac0ck in the tub with mounting irritation. “Why did it work the previous times, but not this time?”

Zhu Ming was evidently just as overwhelmed. “Don’t make noise, I’m thinking.”

After a long pause, he exhaled deeply and turned to Xi Xianqing. “Let’s try again.”

Perhaps because they had already tried far more than just once this evening—and with the clock ticking down—they didn’t hesitate or argue further. Xi Xianqing gave a nod, and they moved into action.

The two of them got right down to business–

Zhu Ming ran his fingers through Xi Xianqing’s hair, tilting his face slightly upward; Xi Xianqing cupped Zhu Ming’s cheek with one hand, his gaze lowering. As they leaned closer to one another, their lips met in a searing, lingering kiss.

Their lips brushed briefly, pressing together before parting. Their noses almost touched, and their breathing was noticeably quickened. Forcing themselves to calm down, they both turned back to the large peac0ck curled in the bathtub.

Dish Soap twitched its tail feathers and shifted its position but otherwise stayed entirely still, its plumes unmoving.

Zhu Ming was beyond exasperated. “Xi Xianqing, are you even trying?”

The skin below the root of Xi Xianqing’s ear diffused a red color. His voice was hoarse with disbelief, “It used to work the moment I thought about it. I don’t know why, today of all days…”

He couldn’t speak.

“I initially thought three samples would be enough. The zoo trial went perfectly fine, and now it decides to stop working at the most critical moment.”

Zhu Ming exhaled. “What time is it now? When are you heading to the banquet for the group photo?”

“Nova just said we’re leaving in half an hour,” Xi Xianqing replied hoarsely.

Zhu Ming murmured, “We’re doomed. It’s too late to fix it with bare hands.”

Xi Xianqing frowned. “Can you stop thinking about those crooked ideas?”

Zhu Ming chuckled and pointed to the green peac0ck sitting motionless at his feet. “Then what do you suggest?”

Xi Xianqing remained silent for a moment, his shoulders rising and falling. “If it doesn’t work, we’ll just try again.”

Zhu Ming couldn’t think of a better idea either. He gave a faint “Mm,” then placed his hand back on Xi Xianqing’s shoulder.

Xi Xianqing rested his arm on the sink beside him, leaning forward slightly. Their noses were just a breath apart, and their lips were about to touch—

Zhu Ming suddenly extended his index finger, pressing it against Xi Xianqing’s chin.

The atmosphere and emotions had built up perfectly, only to be abruptly halted at this critical moment. Xi Xianqing furrowed his brow and raised his eyes in mild displeasure. “What are you doing?”

Zhu Ming didn’t respond. Instead, he stared at Xi Xianqing’s face for a while, seemingly in a daze.

“I was thinking about the reason why today’s medicine didn’t work.”

As if a thought had suddenly occurred to him, he looked into Xi Xianqing’s eyes with a thoughtful expression. “Could it be that you’ve developed a medicine resistance? That the previous dosage… is no longer enough?”

Author’s Notes:

Aiya, what should we do then?