SZAR Chapter 68

Yi Xi slowly dried Chu Xiu’s hair, carefully and deliberately, like a merchant polishing an antique. Chu Xiu felt ticklish but didn’t want to pull away, so he quietly hugged the blanket close around his hips.

When the towel was half-dry and couldn’t absorb any more water, Yi Xi nudged Chu Xiu’s shoulder. “Go dry yourself with the hairdryer.”

Chu Xiu lay on Yi Xi’s lap, unwilling to move. “Don’t bother drying. Just sleep.”

Yi Xi supported his head, surprisingly insistent in certain ways. “No, you’ll get a headache.”

He insisted on getting Chu Xiu up. Chu Xiu muttered several times, “Okay, okay, okay,” before quickly springing up and rewrapping himself in the towel.

Earlier, the male zerg had revealed everything that could be revealed, boldly letting himself be seen. Now, he wrapped himself tightly, almost as if afraid someone would covet him, and in three quick steps, dashed into the bathroom, slamming the door shut.

Yi Xi paused, then got off the bed, tapping on the glass door. “Cointreau? Want me to help dry you?”

With Chu Xiu’s usual temper, he would have nodded and flashed that devastatingly charming smile. But this time, he stayed curled up in the bathroom, saying repeatedly, “No need.”

His voice even sounded a little guilty.

Yi Xi asked, “Then… should I go back?”

Chu Xiu mumbled, “Go back… you should rest for a bit. I’ll be done in no more than two minutes.”

The footsteps faded, replaced by the sound of his body sinking into the down comforter.

Chu Xiu pulled the towel tighter, looking a little troubled at certain spot.

Coming from the human world, he didn’t fully understand zerg physiology. And having cut ties with the Chu family, he naturally had no idea why, right after a male zerg’s second awakening, large families would hurry to surround him with female attendants.

This stage was a bit like a human’s puberty, rapid hormonal changes meant the male zerg’s urges were unusually strong. Chu Xiu, a mature male zerg in full vigor, sticking close to someone he liked, naturally felt impulses. It was completely normal.

However, Yi Xi’s physical condition meant that they couldn’t do anything today.

The male zerg, who had just confidently promised to help the female zerg with desensitization therapy, was now learning firsthand what it means when one brings misfortune upon oneself. He glanced at the towel, then at the glass door… which offered zero soundproofing. It was purely decorative. Unless he could somehow be completely silent while DIY-ing, not even gasping or breathing, he would be heard.

Chu Xiu sat for a moment, contemplating life, then reached for the cold water.

He lifted the showerhead over his head, waited until the strange sensations subsided, quickly cleaned himself, and stepped back out.

Yi Xi had turned off the main light in the room and switched on a warm-toned reading lamp, leaning against the headboard and reading.

Chu Xiu, shivering, pulled back the covers and crawled in. He didn’t dare tease Yi Xi, hugging a pillow as if on the other side, turning his back, drawing a little border between them on the bed, muttering, “Sleeping… sleeping…”

The sound of a book closing came from behind him.

Yi Xi removed his glasses and set them on the bedside, smiling. “Why are you lying so far away? Weren’t you going to help me with desensitization?”

Chu Xiu scooted a centimeter closer.

Yi Xi reached out and placed his hand on the male zerg’s shoulder.

Chu Xiu twitched slightly, his breathing uneven. “Don’t touch me. I want to sleep.”

After all, this was a feeling suppressed by force. It hadn’t been truly resolved at its root. How could he tolerate any other stimulation?

Yi Xi let out a soft sigh.

He leaned in lightly, resting against Chu Xiu’s back, then reached out, wrapping his arms around him.

Chu Xiu stiffened and shifted slightly, unable to tolerate it. “…I really am going to sleep.”

Yi Xi asked gently, “Why won’t you let me help you?”

For a moment, all of Chu Xiu’s drowsiness vanished, and his eyes snapped wide open.

Yi Xi sat up, carefully repositioning the curled-up male zerg to prevent his limbs from being numb under awkward angles, then let his hand slide along Chu Xiu’s waistline, lowering his gaze. “It’s okay, Cointreau. You’ve helped me with this before.”

Even while doing this, Yi Xi’s tone remained gentle. He spoke slowly, trying to calm Chu Xiu’s emotions: “You know when we got married, the Male Zerg Protection Association always gives a book called the Female Monarch Manual, right?”

“The very first line of the first chapter is about the duties we must fulfill.”

Yi Xi’s movements were awkward, but he reassured softly: “Don’t worry. Even if we can’t do anything else, this is still my duty.”

Chu Xiu buried his face deep into the pillow, quietly drawing in breath, thinking: So cruel…

Even while doing something this intimate, he spoke of duty with such cold words.

He struggled to control his muscle twitches, pressing his body closer to Yi Xi’s warm hands.

By all reason, Yi Xi’s technique wasn’t particularly skilled, far from the satisfying freedom of DIY, but the thought of who owned these hands, the way he had turned pages, clasped a pen, lifted a blue-and-white porcelain cup to drink tea… and now what he was doing, made Chu Xiu’s heart uncontrollably unbalanced.

His mind felt soaked in wine, floating, dizzy, lightheaded. When it was over, Chu Xiu’s face darkened.

Time! How could it have passed so quickly?!

Yi Xi was unfazed, speaking like a parent comforting a child troubled by their first period: “It’s okay. The first time is always like this. Cointreau, you’ve done really well.”

Chu Xiu bit the pillow, his fragile heart shattering into pieces.

He mumbled a few words, pulled the blanket over his head, and muttered, “Going to sleep… going to sleep…”

Yi Xi waited until he was asleep, staring at him for a long time with eyes clouded and hard to read, unsure of what he was thinking. Only after midnight, when the male zerg had finally fallen asleep, did he reach out and lift Chu Xiu’s head from the pile of blankets.

The night was deep and still.

Yi Xi sat alone by the headboard until late, finally reaching out to turn off the reading lamp.

He had no doubts about Chu Xiu’s love. Having seen countless false emotions and pretenses, the leader of the Stellar Group recognized the intensity in the young male zerg’s gaze. It was genuine. He only felt puzzled.

Chu Xiu was the Chu family’s young master. He was well-off, so why had he appeared at the bar, working as a waiter? And why disguise himself so completely that no one could recognize him?

If the earlier encounters were coincidences, then what about Chu Xiu appearing at the hospital, bringing him back to the apartment while lying about it being his home? And the appearance of his female father guardian?

Yi Xi had already checked: Chu Xiu’s biological female father had long passed away. He had no female father, and the young male zerg could not have been close to unrelated elder females.

Yet Chu Xiu had offered no explanation.

Yi Xi, always understanding and well aware of the unspoken rules female zerg had to follow, didn’t press. If Chu Xiu didn’t speak, he wouldn’t ask.

All he knew was that, at this very moment, the male zerg loved him.

When Yi Xi lay down, Chu Xiu seemed to sense it even in sleep, curling up against him. His long limbs pressed close, yet surprisingly careful, touching only over clothes, never exposed skin.

The scent of orange blossom drifted gently, carrying them into a peaceful night.

The next morning, after breakfast, Yi Xi drove to Stellar.

Chu Xiu had explicitly told him he could continue working. The company was in turmoil, the board in chaos, so without waiting for the end of his wedding leave, Yi Xi resumed his work schedule immediately.

Breakfast had been prepared by Si Si, neither spectacular nor flawed. Chu Xiu, used to a bartender’s rhythm, struggled to adjust his own schedule, trying to get up in the morning, only for Yi Xi to press him back under the covers and tuck the blanket neatly.

The male zerg’s love was precious; he would never squander it recklessly in these matters, letting it burn out too soon.

It wasn’t until late morning that the male zerg finally woke up.

Chu Xiu slipped into his slippers and went downstairs, eating breakfast while checking his light-brain. Carey sent him a message saying he’d arrive shortly, he’d been sorting personal belongings in his rented room yesterday and was only coming today.

The villa was large. On the first floor there was a room facing the garden, perfect for Carey.

Halfway through breakfast, the doorbell rang. A short chime, then a few seconds of silence, followed by another hesitant ring, dragging and uncertain, very much Carey’s style.

This once crisp, decisive military female seemed to have been twisted into something else. Chu Xiu said, “Coming,” and went to open the door.

When he opened it, about to ask if Carey had come smoothly, he froze for a moment in surprise.

Carey wasn’t alone. Behind him was another female zerg.

Chu Xiu had seen this female before, one of the twins who had followed Chu Jin at the wedding banquet. Golden hair, amber eyes, looking very young, soft and tender, likely not yet through a second awakening.

Chu Xiu hesitated, pointing at the youth. “This is…?”

Carey bit his lip, then suddenly bent his knees and knelt before Chu Xiu.

As he went down, the young female zerg behind him also dropped to the floor with a thud, kneeling.

Chu Xiu: “?”

He was taken aback.

On the Star Network, Chu Xiu had seen female zergs discuss kneeling, but after all, inside the shell, he was a human. How could he accept such a formal act? And here, two were kneeling, one his nominal female father guardian, an elder of the original owner, and the other a minor. Neither seemed appropriate in any way.

He hurriedly reached to pull them up. “What are you doing?”

Carey shook his head, refusing to rise. He pulled the young zerg forward, showing him to Chu Xiu: “Young Master Xiu, this child’s female father was once my comrade. Later, his family suffered misfortune, and the whole family was sent to serve the Chu household. Young Master Jin contacted me, saying he wanted to dedicate him to you. If you refuse…”

Chu Xiu asked, “And if I refuse?”

Carey tightened his grip, holding the edge of the grass firmly. “This child is registered as a slave. If you don’t accept him, there’s only one way out…death.”

Chu Xiu’s expression twisted.

What the hell? He thought zerg society was already twisted enough, now they had slave registration too?

Even though this was a villa area and people passed by the gate, and the garden only had an iron fence, anyone outside could clearly see Carey kneeling. Chu Xiu felt a sharp pang of embarrassment, a kind of social death, and stepped aside. “Come in first, then.”

He asked Si Si to bring some fruit and snacks, piling them on the living room coffee table, and had the two kneeling figures sit on the sofa.

During this, the young female zerg kept his head down, silent the entire time, showing none of the liveliness expected at his age. He seemed utterly lifeless.

Chu Xiu handed him a piece of candy through Si Si. “Want some?”

The boy tore open the bag and began chewing mechanically, as if whether it was candy or poison, he would eat it the same way.

Chu Xiu hesitated, unsure what to say.

Carey quietly explained the situation: nominally, the boy was assigned to Chu Jin’s household to make amends. Managing him would be easier than killing a chicken. Chu Xiu thought for a moment and asked, “Are you still in school?”

Yi Xi had given him two million as a scholarship fund. If it could be passed on, that would be good. He’d discuss it with Yi Xi tonight, who probably wouldn’t object.

The boy froze, clearly not expecting the question, and simply nodded lightly, saying nothing more.

Chu Xiu considered this for a moment. “Alright, Female Father, take him to the apartment by the hospital. It hasn’t been rented out yet, and Central University is right next door.”

He snapped his fingers, pleased with himself. This way, the boy wouldn’t miss school, and Carey could be sent away so Yi Xi and he could have their private time. Perfect!

Carey’s eyes widened. “How can that be? You need someone by your side to take care of things.”

“No need.” Chu Xiu waved him off. He wasn’t willing to have Carey stay. “You two go ahead. I have Yi Xi and Si Si here.”

Carey seemed unprepared for things to go so smoothly. He helped the boy to his feet and walked away like he was sleepwalking.

After they closed the door, Chu Xiu sat down wordlessly and scrolled through his phone. He typed in the keywords “slave registration” and “punishment kneeling,” and found that these things were actually fairly common. Ordinary families no longer had slaves, but among nobles like the Chu family, there were still quite a few; mostly the children of criminals, purchased from a young age.

Chu Xiu felt slightly uneasy, especially when there were pictures. Even more unsettling, he quickly scrolled past them and looked at other news.

The hottest topic on StarNet was yesterday’s wedding of the Stellar Group leader.

Most people didn’t have invitations, so their information came from third-rate media outlets on StarNet.

Chu Xiu clicked through, and one media source after another spoke with confidence, but their information was all unverified, second- or third-hand reports.

The wedding had been tightly sealed off, so the media couldn’t get inside information. They chose instead to stake out the hotel entrance with long lenses and cameras, waiting for the male zerg Chu Xiu, based solely on that ‘exploding sea urchin’ photo.

Naturally, they saw nothing.

Reporters began to suspect the male zerg didn’t attend the wedding at all.

Thus, headlines like ⟬ Male Zerg Refuses to Attend Wedding, Seems Extremely Dissatisfied with Marriage Choice ⟭ blew up across the news. Underground bookies’ odds skyrocketed, shooting past 1:1000 and racing toward 1:2000.

Chu Xiu clicked on one casually. Most people had bet 7–15 days, believing Yi Xi would last at most one or two weeks.

Looking closer, the betting cutoff was 48 hours after the wedding; that is, by midnight the next day.

Chu Xiu didn’t place any bets.

His childhood had made him intensely dislike gambling. Even in a guaranteed-win situation, he would never touch it.

Chu Xiu’s father hadn’t been a gambler at first. His family ran a small company, under twenty employees, with steady income. The family lived comfortably, neither rich nor poor. Chu Xiu’s mother was a beautiful, refined, knowledgeable woman. Cointreau resembled her about 80%.

He had a happier childhood than most. Designer clothes, the latest shoes, trips to aquariums and amusement parks others in his class had never seen. He had these from an early age.

All the misfortune that came later started with one word — gambling.

Chu Xiu’s father had met some friends through business. At first it was just small bets for fun, but the thrill of getting something for nothing flooded his mind. Too much dopamine pulled him deeper and deeper into addiction. By the time he realized something was wrong and wanted to pull himself out, he was already trapped too deep to escape.

He scrolled down the webpage, looking at the betting chips in the underground gambling house piling up like snowflakes, and couldn’t help but sigh.

Chu Xiu pulled down the menu to close the page, but while glancing at the forum, he suddenly stopped his finger.

There was a pinned help post highlighted in red.

⟦ Please help! Everyone, my male father has gone red-eyed¹. After seeing the news this morning, he insists on using my tuition money to bet on 0–7 days. He says whether our family can turn things around depends on this one gamble. What should I do? ⟧

Most people had bet on 7–14 days, a smaller group bet on 14–30 days, even fewer bet on over 30 days up to a year, and only a tiny number bet on 0–7 days or more than a year.

There were two reasons for this pattern. First, male zerg were known to be cruel. It was unlikely they would let a sick female live too long. Second, Yi Xi was still the leader of Stellar, and the Chu family was an old noble house. If he died immediately after the wedding, it would look bad. No matter what, it should last at least seven days.

The male father mentioned in the post had clearly believed the media reports and thought the male zerg hated the marriage so much that he couldn’t even endure seven days.

Chu Xiu opened the poster’s profile. The account had existed for more than ten years. At first it shared children’s cartoons and toys, later novels, comics, and figurines. Recently it had been posting about exams and university admissions. This thread was the first time it had ever discussed underground gambling.

It didn’t look like a bait account.

Chu Xiu scrolled down. Netizens were all talking at once, offering suggestions.

【Maybe report it to the Security Bureau? 】

【That won’t work. The betting closes tomorrow night. His male father can only place bets within these two days. Just opening a case would already take two days.】

【OP, maybe try crying to your male father and begging him?】

【 What kind of terrible idea is that? If crying miserably could soften a male zerg’s heart, would he still be a male zerg? 】

The original poster replied from time to time, discussing with the netizens, but no solution came out of it. He was only an underage female zerg still in school, while the head of the family had already set his mind on gambling. There was nothing he could do.

Chu Xiu kept reading through the replies floor by floor. The poster’s mood was clearly getting more and more depressed. In the end, he gave a bitter smile and shook his head. He replied:【Looks like there’s a big chance I’ll have to drop out and go work. 】

Chu Xiu’s finger paused.

A moment later, he adjusted some settings on his device, opened the poster’s private messages, created a link, and sent it over.

【Show this to your male father.】

At first the poster thought it was a scam. With a dead horse treated as if it were alive² mindset, he clicked on it anyway. It opened to an empty personal page, with only a single name displayed at the top.

《Yi Xi’s Home Meals Today》