Number One’s true identity was indeed beyond Xin Hexue’s expectations.
He had even guessed before that Number One was clumsy because he had been defective straight from the factory, but he had never considered the possibility that Number One was actually being controlled by a parasitic mutant.
After all, his understanding of mutant species was really too lacking.
Aside from the initial shock and slight nausea, after accepting it, Xin Hexue was quite satisfied with the Cutter’s sense of discretion.
After all, he didn’t appear before him with that disgusting and terrifying body. Otherwise, he would definitely have told Qiu Yuan to throw him out.
He was used to having a bionic butler to keep the house clean and tidy, so Number One could stay.
But just to be cautious…
Xin Hexue destroyed Number One’s “crime tools”. Now, Number One was a bionic man with defective external genitalia. And Xin Hexue set three ground rules: he was not allowed to step into his bedroom unless it was to clean while he wasn’t home; he was not allowed to reveal his true form within his line of sight; and lastly, and most importantly, he was absolutely not allowed to perform any kind of zero-distance contact on him.
This Cutter had repeatedly disobeyed orders during the engagement banquet plan, and after possessing Number One, he was still stupid and awkward. Xin Hexue simply treated it like a mentally retarded person.
Thinking of it that way made everything much more reasonable.
Xin Hexue would not bother arguing with a mentally retarded scorpion.
Because he was very tired and sleepy, Xin Hexue didn’t go to work for the next few days. Anyway, Qiu Yuan, who was investing and funding the crew, lived with him and forbade him from going to work. Xin Hexue himself didn’t actually care about the acting career. It was all a means to an end, used solely to brush up Qiu Yuan’s love value.
Although the crew’s progress was paused because both the lead actor and director were off duty, Qiu Yuan still paid them as usual. It was a rare chance for paid leave, with only a small amount of wrap-up work left, so no one had any complaints.
So Xin Hexue temporarily stayed in the apartment Qiu Yuan bought, enjoying the life of ease and comfort provided by the octopus. Clothes came when he stretched out his arms and food came when he opened his mouth.
“I feel a lot better.” Xin Hexue finished today’s dinner, put down his chopsticks, and said.
Qiu Yuan glanced at him, “Really?”
He turned and brought out a clay pot from the kitchen. When he lifted the lid, steam billowed out, and the meat had been stewed until tender, “You haven’t had today’s soup yet.”
Ten-Tonic Nourishing Soup.
Qiu Yuan scooped out a full bowl of ingredients for him, “Eat more. Do you want me to help cool it down?”
Xin Hexue: “…No need.”
He was already about seventy percent full, but in order not to waste food, he still slowly chewed and swallowed the soup ingredients.
“…What is this?”
Xin Hexue bit into something with a strange texture. Looking at the remaining half of what looked like a short tentacle in his spoon, he frowned with obvious disgust.
“My body’s tentacle,” Qiu Yuan said casually. Seeing Xin Hexue immediately start searching for the trash can, he quickly added, “I’m kidding, it’s just regular squid. I bought it at the morning market.”
Xin Hexue was skeptical.
Qiu Yuan raised three fingers, “I swear.”
Xin Hexue lowered his lashes, “Don’t put weird things in.”
He finished all the soup ingredients in the bowl.
It was a quiet evening, rays of the setting sun filtered through the blinds and scattered golden light across the floor.
The bionic man cleaned up the mess on the dining table and washed dishes at the kitchen sink. From the living room came the faint sound of a TV program playing, and he heard Xin Hexue say, “The grapes are too sour.”
Qiu Yuan: “Really? I think they’re okay. I’ll get a different variety next time. Do you want to go to the supermarket with me tomorrow?”
Xin Hexue: “We’ll see.”
Number One put the cleaned bowls and plates back into the cabinet.
He turned his gaze and saw a tentacle crawling out from the small nutrient cabin in the corner. It had already regrown soft pink flesh and looked highly nutritious.
“％＃￥％β＊…”
—I was eaten…
—I was eaten into my wife’s body…
—So happy…
Number One couldn’t understand the language of marine creatures, so he closed the cabinet door with a soft “bang”.
………
Xin Hexue briefly checked the public opinion online.
After all, something so big had happened at the Xi family’s engagement banquet. Even though all the mainstream media had unanimously kept their mouths shut and not leaked a single bit of information, parts of video clips and livestream screen recordings still inevitably spread on social platforms.
Xin Hexue glanced over them.
He noticed the most widely circulated video. The footage was shaky and the image quality blurry, but you could still make out the two Alphas locked in a vicious brawl.
[What’s going on? Is this a new form of business war?]
[Good brothers fight to the death like this.]
[OP, did you film this using your front door lock?]
[Wait, did anyone catch the beauty in the white suit in the corner at 2:41? The resolution is prehistoric, but he looks really familiar…]
[Wasn’t he the one who showed up on hot search with President Pei last time… keyword #suspectedbreakup]
[I seem to have understood something…]
[So who filmed this video???]
‘…Qiu Yuan.’
After the gunshot, blood blossomed onto the screen like a flower.
The shadow cast on the floor slid down the edge of the low table, and crimson merged with dust, spreading endlessly.
Xin Hexue looked toward Qiu Yuan, who was standing by the director’s monitor.
“Pass!”
Xin Hexue has finished filming.
People gathered around to congratulate him. Aside from today’s final scene for the lead actor, there were still a few previous scenes left to reshoot, but those were for supporting roles and had nothing to do with Xin Hexue anymore.
He smiled and thanked everyone as he stepped out of the crowd.
The atmosphere on set was very good, and everyone tactfully avoided mentioning Xin Hexue’s previous engagement. As for the Xi family heir who used to frequently show up at the film studio to pick someone up at the end of work time, they did not mention his name either.
“Red envelope, here you go.” Qiu Yuan handed a red envelope to Xin Hexue. “For driving away bad luck.”
It was sort of a tradition. After filming a character’s death scene, the actor would be given a red envelope to ward off bad luck.
Qiu Yuan: “The crew should finish all the shooting the day after tomorrow. There’s a wrap-up party later and I’m treating everyone to a meal at Zuixian Restaurant.”
Xin Hexue: “Got it.”
There was still more work to be done later and the director had to supervise the scene in person, so Qiu Yuan couldn’t go back with him, “You go home and get some rest first.”
Xin Hexue nodded.
Wei’er was still on set waiting for his part. His sixth sense was sharp, and he couldn’t hide the curiosity in his expression as he asked Xin Hexue, “Go home? What did Director Qiu mean by that just now? Are you two dating?”
Just a few days ago, Wei’er had attended Xin Hexue’s engagement banquet as a friend. To be honest, it was the most explosive engagement banquet he’d ever been to…comparable to a scene of a martial arts movie.
Even so, he didn’t seem surprised that Xin Hexue might have seamlessly transitioned into a new relationship. He subconsciously felt that it was normal…anyone who came into contact with the young man before him would be drawn to him, even if he was a Beta.
It was a kind of attraction that transcended pheromones.
The thought that even Pei Guangji and Xi Zhengqing, two family heirs, had fought fiercely over Xin Hexue, only for it all to end in vain, suddenly made Wei’er feel less sad about his first love which ended in failure before he even expressed it.
Xin Hexue brushed off Wei’er’s question.
Since he had cut ties with Xi Zhengqing and no longer accepted help from his original assistant team, he now had to call Number One to pick him up.
Before Number One arrived, Xin Hexue encountered someone else.
He was invited to the same garden restaurant again. After all, it had the richest dishes near the film city, and the other restaurants were slightly inferior.
The pearl earrings swayed gently and the velvet long dress gave off an air of grace and luxury. The woman carried the gentle demeanor of an older Omega, and her appearance fit the classic image of a noblewoman after marriage.
Xin Hexue also noticed that her outfit today was all black, with a subtle sorrow lingering between her brows.
She reminded him of his mother from his first life.
Following her gesture, Xin Hexue obediently sat down across from her. “Auntie.”
“What a pity… With the bond between you and Zhengqing, I could’ve heard you call me ‘Mom’.”
Madam Xi smiled with heartfelt regret. She dabbed the corner of her eye with a handkerchief. Compared to their last meeting, visible fine lines had already appeared at the corners of her eyes.
It seemed a lot of troubling things had happened to her lately.
Besides the worsening relationship between the Pei and Xi families, there was also the pressure of public opinion…
Madam Xi said softly, “My husband has passed away.”
That was why she came wearing a black dress today…she had just left her husband’s funeral.
Xin Hexue was momentarily stunned. His eyelashes fluttered unnaturally, and his voice softened, “I’m very sorry. My condolences.”
There didn’t seem to be any other words that could truly offer comfort.
Previously, Mr. Xi had been admitted to the ICU in a fit of rage when Xi Zhengqing straightforwardly announced he wanted to marry a civilian Beta. The fiasco at the engagement banquet must have also been reported back to him, perhaps even with video footage.
With the double blow of his son’s disobedience and the family’s disgrace, it was entirely possible that Mr. Xi had died from sheer anger.
Xin Hexue once again said sincerely, “My condolences.”
Madam Xi shook her head, showing a calm and accepting expression. But soon, she asked Xin Hexue with a trace of sorrow, “You and Zhengqing… what exactly happened between you two? Is it truly beyond repair?”
She had wanted to act as a lobbyist for her own son, but as soon as she stated her purpose, she was met with resistance from the young man.
Xin Hexue avoided her gaze, “I’m sorry, I don’t want to go into detail. The only thing I can tell you is that he first approached me through deception. I cannot agree with what he did, and I cannot forgive him.”
“Thank you for your care during this time. It’s been pleasant spending time with you.”
Xin Hexue returned the gift that Madam Xi had given him when they first met.
A thin card was pushed from one end of the table to the other.
Madam Xi forced a smile and put the card back into her handbag. There was unmistakable regret in her eyes. “Zhengqing really loves you. Of course, love is never a one-sided matter. Auntie respects your decision. But if there is even the slightest chance, Auntie still hopes you can talk things through with Zhengqing. Missing out while there’s still love might become a lifelong regret.”
Xin Hexue shook his head without speaking.
Still, he accompanied Madam Xi through the meal.
Although the dishes were rich, they weren’t as tasty as the ones Qiu Yuan cooked.
Madam Xi received a new call, and when she picked up, the sorrow on her face faded. “Oh, Xiaode? Mom’s not home? Then Grandma will come pick you up now…”
She smiled and nodded farewell to Xin Hexue.
By the time he stepped out of the restaurant, the moon had already climbed into the sky.
As expected, he saw Xi Zhengqing.
Xi Zhengqing was dressed in a black suit and had dark shadows under his eyes. He looked very tired.
It was clear that the recent string of events, along with the rushed preparations for his father’s funeral, had taken a heavy toll on him.
Xin Hexue had Number One wait at the other end of the road.
Xi Zhengqing asked gently, “Can you walk with me for a bit?”
Xin Hexue walked beside him in silence.
Across the street from the restaurant, there was a central square with people coming and going. The shops around it were brightly lit, and the stalls of street vendors steamed with heat, filled with the warm, earthly scent of everyday life.
Soft music played in the square. When the melody reached its climax, columns of fountain water shot upward, accompanied with the glow of warm lights.
It felt like halos of light were floating in Xi Zhengqing’s vision. For a moment, he didn’t know how to begin. Clearly, he had already rehearsed countless versions in his mind over the past few days before seeing Xin Hexue about how he should apologize and how he should express his feelings.
But standing in front of Xin Hexue now, he knew that all words were pale and powerless.
Xin Hexue no longer looked at him with the gentle gaze of before. In his eyes was indifference, as if they were complete strangers. Even though they walked side by side, Xi Zhengqing felt that the other party was drifting farther and farther away. After the lie was exposed, a massive rift now stretched between them.
In the end, Xi Zhengqing still opened his mouth. “I’m sorry.”
“It’s okay.” Xin Hexue quickly smiled with curved eyes. “Because I don’t care anymore, I can forgive you. But please don’t come to disturb me again in the future, okay?”
This was the worst outcome Xi Zhengqing had imagined.
Xin Hexue no longer had any feelings for him. Whether love or hate, he no longer wasted emotion on him. He treated him politely, like a stranger.
Even if they met again in the future, they could only pass by each other in silence.
Xi Zhengqing’s thin lips trembled slightly. “You can’t be this cruel…”
Xin Hexue took three items out of his pocket; the moonstone necklace Xi Zhengqing had given him when they first met, the Heart Of Eternity pendant from when their relationship had deepened, and the ring from the cruise ship confession.
“I’ve already taken my luggage and Little Dog from your apartment. I’m returning these to you now.”
Xi Zhengqing refused to accept them no matter what. He said, “Do you remember what I said? They were gifts for you. If you don’t want them, then they’re worthless to me too. I’m not in the habit of keeping back gifts I’ve already given.”
Xin Hexue clenched the three items in his hand and murmured softly, “Is that so?”
Seeing his attitude soften, Xi Zhengqing thought that he could use Xin Hexue’s soft-hearted character to make him submit and come back to him.
But of course, Xin Hexue would never let things go his way.
Xin Hexue lifted his eyelids, and when his gaze met Xi Zhengqing’s, he gave a faint laugh. “Zhengqing, of course I can be cruel. I can be even more cruel.”
As if mocking Xi Zhengqing’s confidence, the young man gripped the items in his hand and threw them far away.
Just as the music reached its climax, the fountain erupted, and the colors were dazzling.
The three priceless items dropped with a “plop” into the wishing pool in the center.
A night breeze swept across the square and passed through the fountain. The air was cool, and Xin Hexue pulled his thin shirt tighter. “This time, I won’t say goodbye.”
He walked away without looking back.
Those items thrown into the wishing pool, no matter how valuable they once were, sank to the bottom just like one-yuan coins. They weren’t even like those coins. They carried Xi Zhengqing’s feelings, and yet they were completely worthless.
………
To Xin Hexue’s surprise, there was no system notification that Xi Zhengqing had given him heartbreak points. K told him that Xi Zhengqing’s love value had just reached the maximum.
It was too unusual, and not in line with the psychological state a normal person would have after a breakup.
This suggested the other party might have already anticipated his determined attitude.
Or perhaps…Xi Zhengqing was plotting something bigger?
Kidnapping? Imprisonment? Or something else?
Xin Hexue wasn’t worried.
When he returned to the apartment, Qiu Yuan still hadn’t come back. He checked the communicator and saw that Qiu Yuan had sent him a message earlier, saying he had to work overtime tonight and told him to go to bed early.
Qiu Yuan had hired a chef to come cook dinner for Xin Hexue.
After eating, Xin Hexue went to wash up.
When he came out of the bathroom, it was already 9 PM, so he prepared to go to bed.
There were faint sounds from the living room, and the lights were on.
Cold water was dripping from his wet black hair and Xin Hexue dried it while walking out of the bedroom.
“Wait…”
Before Xin Hexue could stop him, Qiu Yuan had already finished off the food on the plate.
Seeing Xin Hexue come out, he grinned widely. “You’re so nice, you even left me a midnight snack. Did you make it yourself?”
Qiu Yuan even gave a review, “The nutrition’s quite balanced, but the chicken breast seems undercooked? I don’t really like sardines and pumpkin. Also, did you forget to add salt? And the freeze-dried bits are kind of hard on the teeth.”
Xin Hexue rolled his eyes and handed the plate to Number One to wash. “Don’t be so self-indulgent, that was for the dog.”
Qiu Yuan paused for a moment, then directly replied, “Woof?”
He added shamelessly, “Am I not your dog?”
Xin Hexue was speechless. He let go of the towel he had been using to dry his hair and let it fall over his shoulder.
His black hair, damp from the water, was slightly messy, and some strands were sticking to his snow-white neck. Perhaps it was the soft light, gently illuminating his long lashes and calm black eyes, making him look like a thin layer of frost that had melted away.
Xin Hexue crouched down and said in a much gentler tone. “Little Dog, come here.”
Qiu Yuan confidently took a step forward.
But the mechanical cat was faster. It rushed over to Xin Hexue’s side, rubbing and licking him.
‘…Turns out it was meant for it.’
Qiu Yuan stared at the mechanical cat.
No wonder this cat had been biting at his pant legs just now.
Why did this mechanical cat get to be called Little Dog?
Why could it act like a dog??
What was he, then???
Xin Hexue didn’t have the time to deal with Qiu Yuan. The cat food had been eaten by a dog, and he had lost his mood to make more. So he went to the kitchen, intending to ask Number One to prepare a serving for the mechanical cat.
The bionic man had finished washing the dishes and was tinkering with something in the kitchen.
Xin Hexue narrowed his eyes slightly, and then saw that Number One was holding a very familiar collar.
“…”
The key piece of evidence missing from the engagement banquet that night was here all along.
Xin Hexue couldn’t help but ask Number One why he had stolen this from that secret room.
The silver-haired bionic man stood at attention, as if he had done something wrong, holding the collar in front of him with both hands. After a while, he answered honestly in a low voice, “I wanted it.”
He looked at Xin Hexue with eager eyes, as if hoping Xin Hexue would put the collar on him.
“…”
Xin Hexue slowly backed out of the kitchen.
On his way back to the bedroom, he saw Qiu Yuan on the balcony.
The Alpha was facing away from him, his gaze directed outside, unaware of Xin Hexue’s presence.
Qiu Yuan carefully examined the handkerchief in his palm. The bloodstains had been washed clean, and the lily embroidery remained as pure and beautiful as ever.
He leaned in and sniffed it, attempting to catch that cold scent from the handkerchief.
[Qiu Yuan’s love value +1]
‘…Pervert!’
This was a house of mental illness.
Xin Hexue turned around, closed the bedroom door, and locked it.
