ABBWW Chapter 73

Chapter 073 Sea King – “Why would I need to bother others with something as simple as making an official announcement?” ” (19/20)

Not only were the Kalandi and Siming Teji students shocked, but the public was also stunned.

Shi Jingge and Ye Mingxu? Could those two really end up working together? Was it because the Pharmacists’ Association set them up?

As the founders of the Three-Star Flower nectar and Mengzhi Grass meridian sap, respectively, exchanging ideas and researching new potions would indeed be a win-win collaboration.

But somehow, it didn’t feel quite right.

However, once the specific effects of the Delay Potion were officially announced, no one gave a second thought to how strange or off it might seem. Everyone was stunned, and all attention shifted to the Delay Potion.

During the time Shi Jingge and Ye Mingxu worked together on their research, the Delay Potion’s effects were fully mapped out: not only did it counteract various venoms, but it could also slow the progression of mental trauma!

In other words, even if someone’s mental energy was too weak to use a Soothing Potion, they could still use a Healing Potion in combination with the Delay Potion to allow the injured person’s mental energy to recover and heal.

This was nothing short of a godsend for everyone tormented day and night by mental trauma!

It was said that pairing it with rose tea enhanced the restorative effects. Most importantly, since the Delay Potion was made entirely from low-tier spiritual flowers and herbs, it cost the same as a low-tier potion!

Instantly, the entire Star Network went wild.

Countless people rejoiced, excitedly sharing the news with all their friends and family, only to receive even more enthusiastic responses. Those plagued by mental trauma, in particular, wept with their families, their heads pressed together.

There was hope, real hope!

Within three days, the news had spread throughout the entire star system. Shi Jingge and Ye Mingxu’s names were etched into countless people’s hearts and on everyone’s lips, while the post that had slandered Shi Jingge was dug up and subjected to a barrage of criticism.

What excited everyone even more was that Shi Jingge and Ye Mingxu were still so young! They had at least several decades left to live; and just think about all the good they could do for the public!

Having even one genius like this would be a miracle—let alone two! The Federation had Shi Jingge and Ye Mingxu!

Although this was incredibly exciting, the Delay Potion hadn’t been officially distributed yet, so many people remained cautious, afraid that setting their hopes too high would lead to an even greater disappointment later.

This was especially true for families with patients suffering from severe psychological trauma. They were filled with both hope, eager for the potion to be available that very day, and a sense of fear and uncertainty, worried that this might be yet another false hope.

However, this conflicting mindset did not diminish their attention or expectations regarding the potion.

And at this very moment, Pharmacist Xie Hui did something that filled them with excitement, thrill, and joy.

The first batch would not be available for purchase online through the SkyNet platform for the time being; instead, it would be distributed through designated hospitals, with priority given to patients suffering from severe psychological trauma.

Each planet was allocated one authorized hospital, which could provide remote video consultation services and made every effort to prioritize those in need.

After all, there were simply too many people in need of the potion right now, and the amount produced so far was insufficient. Although the ingredients required were all low-tier spiritual flowers and herbs, processing them was extremely tedious, especially the sap from the Meng Zhi Grass’ meridians, and the actual manufacturing process was quite complex. Currently, only intermediate and advanced apothecaries could produce it, and even intermediate apothecaries faced a certain risk of failure.

Even with everyone working around the clock, the quantity produced in a short period was still insufficient to supply all those across the galaxy who urgently needed it, let alone anyone else.

For now, only this method could maximize the chances of ensuring the Delay Potion reached those who needed it most.

Although there’d been some critical voices, the vast majority strongly supported this decision, and those with damaged psychic abilities were particularly moved. Some had even shed tears.

This decision was undoubtedly made for their sake.

So, even though the supply was limited and numerous people were unable to secure one, no one harbored any resentment; everyone waited patiently.

Some with relatively mild mental damage even gave the potions they’d managed to secure to those with significantly more severe cases. They provided mutual encouragement, believing that one day they would fully recover and no longer suffer such torment.

After the first batch of delay potions were actually used, countless reports came in every day. Those who hadn’t managed to get their hands on them would wait eagerly for these updates daily; just reading them gave them something to look forward to. Even when their headaches were excruciating and they couldn’t sleep at night, they still clung to a glimmer of hope.

Persevering with such hope even made them feel somewhat better than before. Their families, in turn, were overjoyed and deeply grateful to Shi Jingge and Ye Mingxu.

Thanks to them, the potion existed!

As time passed, the mental energy damage of the first group that used the potion was effectively controlled; some with milder cases were even on the verge of recovery, no longer needing it. Just a few more days of the healing potion, and they would be fully recovered!

As for those with severe mental energy damage, thanks to the triple combination of rose tea, the delaying potion, and a healing potion, they were all doing much better than before. When they finally fell asleep that night and woke up to find the sun already up, many of them wept.

How long had it been since they’d last slept through the night? This not only meant they could get a good night’s sleep, but also that they were on the mend.

It was truly… truly wonderful…

Shi Jingge and Ye Mingxu’s reputations continued to soar.

Among the other pharmacists, there had originally been some who were skeptical of Shi Jingge and Ye Mingxu. After all, they were just students. What credentials did they have?

But as the Delay Potion was produced and implemented, those doubts had quickly faded away. No one dared to underestimate them anymore. After all, the speed and ease with which Shi Jingge and Ye Mingxu produced them made the clumsiness and struggle of others all the more apparent.

If even Shi Jingge and Ye Mingxu weren’t qualified, then what were the others?

Shi Jingge felt this couldn’t continue.

Everyone’s progress was too slow, and there were too many people who needed the potion. Surely the Intermediate and Advanced Pharmacists couldn’t spend every day making them and neglect everything else, could they?

So, Shi Jingge started a new “training class.” Shi Jingge’s infamous “Devil’s Training” made a comeback.

This time, he had an assistant: Ye Mingxu.

Ye Mingxu was cold-hearted and showed no mercy, even crueler than Shi Jingge himself.

But the results were undoubtedly impressive. It just came with a few side effects.

For example, in the corridors of the Pharmacists’ Association, pharmacists who had been walking with calm expressions and measured strides would suddenly stop in their tracks and hesitate to move forward or turn around and head the other way. There was no doubt about it—these were pharmacists who had run into Ye Mingxu or Shi Jingge and had been tormented by their brutal training.

In fact, Shi Jingge and Ye Mingxu were truly charismatic.

Both were exceptionally good-looking, possessed outstanding natural talent, and were extremely capable, so it was only natural that people would be drawn to them. However, this admiration rarely lasted more than three days.

Why? The “Devil’s Training”.

Gradually, low-level alchemists were able to craft Delay Potions—albeit with a certain failure rate—while intermediate-level alchemists could already produce them with great proficiency.

As the supply caught up, patients suffering from mental trauma slowly recovered. Before long, virtually everyone with mental damage was able to use the Delay Potion.

After some more time had passed, the potions went on sale on SkyNet, available for everyone to purchase. That moment filled countless people with excitement.

Shi Jingge and Ye Mingxu, who had been working tirelessly for a long time, fled with Xiao Bai that very night.

Early the next morning, Zhao Jiangcheng knocked on the next door, but no one came out. Instead, Lin Wen from upstairs opened it and walked down the stairs with a cold expression.

“Enjoy making noise this early in the morning?” Lin Wen narrowed his eyes, radiating a menacing aura.

Zhao Jiangcheng sneered. “You call that noise? Didn’t you turn on your soundproofing? Wait, even if it wasn’t, it shouldn’t be this loud. What did you do?”

Zhao Jiangcheng gave Lin Wen a suspicious look. Lin Wen sneered and replied with particular self-righteousness, “Some people have bad hearing, so you’re assuming I do too?”

Zhao Jiangcheng was confident. “Is that so?”

Lin Wen fell silent and turned. “What are those two up to? Aren’t they going to open the door?”

Zhao Jiangcheng raised an eyebrow. “Changing the subject?”

Lin Wen narrowed his eyes. “Seeing you really brings me bad energy.”

Zhao Jiangcheng laughed heartily. “Then move out.”

“Don’t worry,” Lin Wen said coldly, “I’ll move out when my students do.”

With that, Lin Wen headed upstairs.

Zhao Jiangcheng felt refreshed. Nothing made him happier than seeing his arch-rival get his comeuppance. In fact, he’d even eaten an extra half bowl of rice at breakfast this morning.

“Are you that happy?” his fiancée asked curiously.

“Of course!” Zhao Jiangcheng nodded vigorously, excited to share the news with her.

The next second, his smart bracelet buzzed. He looked down at it, and the smile froze on his lips.

“What’s wrong?”

“Ye Mingxu and Shi Jingge.” Zhao Jiangcheng’s voice trembled slightly. He took a deep breath and said slowly, “They’ve skipped town!”

His fiancée couldn’t help but burst out laughing on the spot.

Wasn’t this exactly what they meant by “falling from heaven to hell”? Zhao Jiangcheng’s expression vividly illustrated exactly that.

How had she never realized before that her fiancé had such a knack for comedy?

Shi Jingge and Ye Mingxu were gone for five days—Zhao Jiangcheng and Lin Wen were seething with annoyance—but when they returned, they actually brought back a new discovery!

“The sap of the Cangqiong flower is poisonous,” Shi Jingge said with a smile. “But the Delay Potion can neutralize the toxicity, and a very pure form of energy can be produced from that. It still needs further research, though. Are the two of you interested in collaborating on this research?” Shi Jingge batted his eyelashes, looking mischievously sly.

How are we supposed to punish them now? They’re already holding onto something new. Seriously, how the hell are we supposed to punish them?

Not only can we not punish them, but we also have to collaborate with our arch-enemies, the kind you can’t even kick out!

Lin Wen and Zhao Jiangcheng exchanged glances, looked away with utter distaste, and then reluctantly nodded.

The two began their usual standoff.

Shi Jingge winked at Ye Mingxu. “See? They’re not in the mood to deal with us now, are they?”

Ye Mingxu lowered his head, looked at Shi Jingge’s hand, slowly reached out his own, and then tentatively tapped his fingers against Shi Jingge’s.

Their fingers intertwined—it was the feeling of happiness.

——————

After returning, Shi Jingge and Ye Mingxu plunged back into their busy work schedules.

However, that evening, while Zhao Jiangcheng was having dinner with his fiancée, he happened to hear some news.

“Hmm, those cat-breeding facilities have all been anonymously reported, and some were even raided outright. They caught a lot of them. Well done! Who’s the hero behind this? That’s brilliant!

“Those rescued kittens are so pitiful. I heard less than one percent of them survive. In those videos, all you hear are their distressing cries; most of them are barely clinging to life. It’s truly heartbreaking. Apparently, some had already passed away; their bodies were stiff, and no one had even cleaned them up.

“Thank goodness it was raided. I’d like to thank the person who reported it on behalf of the kittens. I hope there won’t be any more facilities like this in the future…”

At that moment, Zhao Jiangcheng suddenly thought of Xiao Bai, the kitten belonging to Shi Jingge and Ye Mingxu.

Wasn’t that kitten also a lucky one—the artificially modified two tailed cat that had been rescued?

Did Shi Jingge and Ye Mingxu say they were going on a “vacation,” but were actually going to “seek revenge”?

Zhao Jiangcheng also opened StarNet and took a look at the news. The more he read it, the more he felt it looked like Shi Jingge and Ye Mingxu were behind it.

At that moment, Zhao Jiangcheng felt a real mix of emotions. There was pride, there was a sense of accomplishment, and above all, a lingering sense of worry.

That night, he tossed and turned, unable to sleep. His fiancée slapped him on the head, and he let out a pained wail. “I have to work tomorrow! Zhao, if you keep this up, I’ll kick you out of bed!”

“I’m sorry,” Zhao Jiangcheng apologized instinctively. “I won’t move anymore. You should get some sleep.”

And sure enough, he didn’t move. But thirty seconds later, his fiancée got up and turned on the light.

“Spit it out!” she grounded out through clenched teeth.

Zhao Jiangcheng looked at her intently, then suddenly leaned in and kissed her on the lips. “You’re so sweet.”

She glared at him. “Don’t play games with me. Just talk.”

“I’m just a little worried…” Zhao Jiangcheng paused, then said slowly, “About the Wen family.”

She stiffened.

Zhao Jiangcheng lowered his gaze. “The more talent and ability Ah Xu displays, the more attention he’ll attract. There’s an eighty percent chance the Wen family will recognize him. They certainly won’t stomach it. They’ll definitely come looking for him. I’m a little… worried.”

She was silent for a while, then raised her hand to rest it on the back of his hand. “Ah-Cheng, I know what you’re worried about. But don’t forget, Ah-Xu’s status right now is higher than even yours. His talent, his genius, his abilities—everything about him serves as a shield to protect him.”

“He’s not even twenty-five yet, and he’s already developed a delay potion with Shi Jingge. The Pharmacists’ Association knows his value all too well. They’ll definitely protect him. Besides”— she smiled, a hint of mischief in her eyes—“there’s also Shi Jingge. With the two of them working together, what can’t they accomplish?”

Zhao Jiangcheng paused for a moment. “You’re right. I was overthinking it.”

“I understand raising a child is tough.” She patted his shoulder. “Just remember to be a good father going forward.”

Zhao Jiangcheng whipped his head around and stared intently at her, his eyes brimming with disbelief and a hint of wild joy. “Then hurry up and let’s get married! We’ll do it tomorrow! Why didn’t you tell me about something this big? A pregnant woman’s diet requires extra care! What did we eat tonight? I need to go check! And the energy potions—Right, right, I’ll go get them…”

Zhao Jiangcheng’s speech was a bit all over the place, showing just how shocked he was at that moment. He jumped out of bed, only his fiancée to grab his wrist, who was completely baffled.

“Did you get the wrong idea? I’m not pregnant.”

Zhao Jiangcheng: ?

“But you just said…” Zhao Jiangcheng paused, seemingly realizing how foolish he’d been. “Isn’t that how it always plays out in TV dramas?”

His fiancée was both annoyed and amused. She rolled her eyes, turned off the light, and lay back down. “Let’s sleep!”

In the dim darkness, she heard Zhao Jiangcheng’s voice, which sounded like a sigh. “So… are we getting married?”

She snapped back irritably, “Yes!”

Zhao Jiangcheng: !!!

Three seconds later, Zhao Jiangcheng exploded. His fiancée found herself held tightly in his arms.

At that moment, only one thought remained in her mind.

There was no way she was going to get any sleep tonight.

—————–

Just as Zhao Jiangcheng suspected, the Wen family indeed tracked down Ye Mingxu.

The Wen family had been mecha warriors for generations and had extensive connections; locating Ye Mingxu’s residence was a piece of cake for them.

When Ye Mingxu opened the door, a tall, stern-looking man stood outside. A deep furrow ran across his brow. He clearly wasn’t someone easy to get along with.

Seeing a stranger, Ye Mingxu didn’t even let him in, merely asking coldly, “Who are you?”

The man stared at him silently, sizing him up. His brow slowly furrowed, and his tone grew equally cold. “I am your biological father.”

“Oh,” Ye Mingxu replied, then closed the door on his face.

Ye Mingxu moved so unexpectedly that the man didn’t even have time to react!

He stared at the door in disbelief, his face darkening as he pounded on it. “Open the door!”

No one paid him any attention.

Shi Jingge was playing a game with Xiao Bai when he heard the commotion and asked, “Who is it?”

Ye Mingxu remained silent for a long while before slowly replying, “Someone… who shouldn’t be here.”

With that, Ye Mingxu immediately notified security and had them remove the man.

Security arrived quickly. They were momentarily shocked when they saw the man, but having received a complaint, they had no choice but to nervously escort him out.

The head of the Wen family’s face turned as dark as the bottom of a pot on the spot.

Rebellious son! Outrageous! He’d never been so thoroughly humiliated in his life!

Ye Mingxu had no idea that his little stunt had nearly driven his father to his wits’ end, but even if he had known, he wouldn’t have cared. Since when did he have a father?

He was an orphan, after all.

For someone pretending to be his father, it was already generous of him not to call the police. Oh right, he should have called the police. Only then did Ye Mingxu realize, and he shook his head with a hint of regret.

Wouldn’t calling them be even more humiliating?

Shi Jingge tilted his head. “I really can’t even tell anyone?”

Xiao Bai stopped playing the game, jumped off the couch, circled Ye Mingxu a few times, then reached out a paw, grabbed the hem of Ye Mingxu’s shirt, and stood up. “Meow~”

Ye Mingxu bent down and cradled Xiao Bai in his arms. Xiao Bai rubbed against his shoulder, as if to comfort him.

Ye Mingxu’s lips curved into a smile as he ruffled Xiao Bai’s ears. Xiao Bai was exceptionally cooperative, unbelievably well-behaved.

Ye Mingxu’s heart melted. He sat down next to Shi Jingge and said slowly, “Actually, I do have both parents. Not just my parents, either. Anyway, it’s a huge family with a lot of members. I’m the thirteenth child in my generation. Everyone in that family is a mecha pilot, so the demands on mental power and physical strength are very high.

“Since it’s such a large family, they place great importance on natural talent. They’re afraid of bringing shame upon the family. Mental power can only be tested once you reach a certain age, but physical strength, stamina, and so on can be observed from a young age. Of course, these qualities can also be developed through training, but that family believes that natural talent determines one’s upper limit, so they place extraordinary importance on it.

“But my natural aptitude in strength, stamina, and other such areas was rather poor. My parents were very disappointed in me. And when I took the mental power aptitude test, I only scored a D. My parents were even more disappointed. Someone with only a D in mental power aptitude and absolutely no natural talent for stamina or strength is nothing more than useless to them.

“And someone that pathetic is unworthy of inheriting the family name. My father, as it happened, is the head. But because the clan is so large, there were many who had their eyes on the position—and yet, he went and had me. The head of the family’s son was a good-for-nothing. This became a weakness for many to attack.

“So, I was abandoned. I was disowned, given a new surname, and cast out onto a remote planet where I was cared for by domestic staff they hired.”

But Ye Mingxu knew it wasn’t that simple.

Would simply dumping him on a remote planet really change the fact that the head of the family had fathered a good-for-nothing waste, and that he was still alive?

No, of course not. So, they wanted him dead; only a dead man could bury all of this.

At that time, Ye Mingxu was still very young, but he could sense the malice that followed him like a shadow.

He escaped. But where could he possibly run? He was just a half-grown child.

He eventually took refuge deep in the mountains.

Those memories had long since faded for Ye Mingxu. He only remembered eating all kinds of fruits and often having to rely on wild grasses to stave off hunger. He didn’t know how he’d managed to survive, nor did he know why his spiritual talent had changed.

In any case, he survived and was found by Zhao Jiangcheng, who took him in.

According to the family genealogy, he should have been named Wen Xusheng. His current name was one he chose for himself.

The surname “Ye” came from the leaves of the wild grasses he had eaten; “Ming” was a homophone for “life”. He wanted to live, to survive. He didn’t know why, but he simply had to.

The final character was “Xu”—he didn’t know why he felt such a strong attachment to it. He hadn’t originally wanted this character since it was already part of his original name. But during those days, he kept having dreams. He couldn’t remember the details, only that hoarse, gentle, and deeply emotional voice calling out, “Ah-Xu.”

He knew that was his name being called. In the end, he kept that character.

He simply hoped that the person who kept calling him “Ah-Xu” would be able to find him again because of that character.

He liked it when that person called him “Ah-Xu.”

Fortunately, in the end, he did wait for the person who would call him “Ah-Xu.”

Ye Mingxu looked up at Shi Jingge.

Shi Jingge’s expression was a bit sour, but sensing his gaze, he looked up and met his eyes.

Shi Jingge beckoned him over. Ye Mingxu leaned in, and Shi Jingge rested his head on Ye Mingxu’s shoulder, saying in a deep voice, “You’re mine.”

Confused, Ye Mingxu nodded. Of course he belonged to Shi Jingge.

“Only I can abandon you. As for everyone else, how could they even deserve to use the word ‘abandon’?”

Ye Mingxu froze for a moment, then a glow gradually spread across his eyes.

“But I won’t. So, no one in this world will ever abandon you.” Shi Jingge’s voice was hoarse as he spoke, emphasizing each word. “Do you understand?”

Ye Mingxu nodded firmly. “Then, Xiao Ge, you really won’t abandon me, will you?”

Shi Jingge suddenly looked up, pulling away from Ye Mingxu and grabbing him by the collar. “Are you doubting me?”

Of course not!

But before those four words could leave Ye Mingxu’s lips, Shi Jingge broke into a smile. That smile was unlike any other. It held a touch of mischief, a hint of depth, and a dash of naughtiness.

Ye Mingxu had never seen Shi Jingge smile like this before, yet his heart began to race uncontrollably.

…Xiao Ge looks even better like this.

Ye Mingxu’s heartbeat grew even louder.

Shi Jingge seemed to sense something; his fingers gradually slid down from Ye Mingxu’s collar, coming to rest on his chest. Then he raised an eyebrow and gave Ye Mingxu a deliberate, unhurried smile.

Throughout the entire process, Shi Jingge kept his eyes fixed on Ye Mingxu’s face, so he took in every subtle expression. Ye Mingxu’s Adam’s apple twitched slightly twice.

Shi Jingge said slowly, “So, it turns out the sense of security I give you isn’t enough after all. What should we do? How about we get married?”

Ye Mingxu: !!!!

Shi Jingge leaned close to Ye Mingxu’s ear and blew two gentle breaths. “We’ll get married. Tomorrow. As for the wedding night, we can have it now. Do you know what to do, baby? It’s okay if you don’t. Just leave it to me.”

Ye Mingxu was pulled into the room by Shi Jingge, who then smoothly pinned him to the bed.

He laid there, looking up at Shi Jingge, whose fingertips gently traced his cheek, his eyes sparkling with a different kind of light.

The Ye Mingxu before him was such an innocent little angel. Not long ago, he didn’t even know you could stick out your tongue when kissing. With this information gap, wouldn’t he be able to do whatever he wanted with him?

Shi Jingge kissed Ye Mingxu, then began undressing him. Ye Mingxu’s eyes gradually darkened. A Shi Jingge this proactive was truly… just perfect!

If he’d known that revealing his background would make Xiao Ge like this, he would’ve told him back then without hesitation!

Shi Jingge helped Ye Mingxu undress, but as he continued, he realized he needed to take off his own clothes too, so he began unbuttoning his own shirt.

Ye Mingxu: !!!

A wave of heat surged through him. Ye Mingxu felt like he was about to explode! He stared intently at Shi Jingge.

Shi Jingge noticed Ye Mingxu’s gaze and felt a hint of shyness, but he quickly snapped out of it. This Ye Mingxu didn’t understand a thing. Why the hell should he be shy?

What was there to be shy about?

Shi Jingge acted completely unashamed and even leaned in a bit closer, giving Ye Mingxu a clearer view. Ye Mingxu’s entire face burst into flames.

Only then did Shi Jingge nod with satisfaction. Looking at Ye Mingxu, whose face was so red—just how shy could he possibly be?

Sure enough, Ye Mingxu was still an innocent little cutie: easily flustered and gullible, completely different from the two previous worlds!

This was his chance!

But Shi Jingge was still a little nervous. “I know you don’t understand. Though I don’t really understand it myself, I can do this. Don’t worry, don’t be nervous. I’m here for you. I’ll be gentle. Just lie here quietly. If you’re nervous, just tell me. I’ll go slower and be gentler.”

Shi Jingge kept chattering on and on. He was telling others not to be nervous, but in reality, he was the one who was the most anxious, wasn’t he?

When Shi Jingge was nervous, he’d talk a lot, and every sentence was short, repeating the same idea over and over. Ye Mingxu found it a bit amusing, yet it also put his mind at ease. A tender, lingering affection welled up in his heart.

Xiao Ge, who was clearly nervous yet still trying to reassure himself not to be—how adorable

was that?

They were both undressed now. Shi Jingge felt a moment of uncertainty, not knowing what to do next. Just then, Ye Mingxu leaned in and gently kissed his lips.

That gesture perfectly eased Shi Jingge’s uncertainty. It was as if he’d suddenly found something to do, and he deepened the kiss. Their lips and tongue intertwined, saliva mingled, and they seemed to share each other’s essence.

Just then, Ye Mingxu suddenly rolled over, pinning Shi Jingge beneath him.

Shi Jingge: !!!

“What are you doing?”

Ye Mingxu curved the corners of his lips. “Xiao Ge, don’t be afraid. Leave it to me. I know what I’m doing. Don’t worry.”

Shi Jingge felt those words sounded familiar.

Damn it, weren’t those exactly the same words he’d just said?!

Shi Jingge felt both ashamed and furious. He raised his hand to push Ye Mingxu away, trying to shove him aside. But Ye Mingxu’s strength was surprisingly immense.

Shi Jingge blurted out, “Which asshole said you lacked strength and stamina?”

With strength like this, how could he possibly lack natural talent? What would it take to be

considered talented? Splitting a building in half with your bare hands?

Ye Mingxu couldn’t help but chuckle quietly. The flush on his cheeks grew deeper, and the tips of his ears turned bright red. His smile looked bashful, but the intensity of his kiss was surprisingly strong.

Shi Jingge felt as if he were being robbed of the very air he breathed.

“Xiao Ge,” Ye Mingxu murmured, “we’re married now. From now on, I’m yours and you’re mine. You can’t… abandon me.”

Shi Jingge roared furiously, “Get lost!”

That innocent, harmless, and shy demeanor—as expected, it was all the bastard’s act!

“You fucking—” Before Shi Jingge’s curse could leave his lips, Ye Mingxu had already swallowed it whole.

That night, as expected, was spent in the bridal chamber.

Xiao Bai paced back and forth outside the bedroom door, then let out a long sigh before swishing his tail nub and lying down by the doorway.

To keep watch over the two of them.

Faintly, Shi Jingge’s irritated voice could barely be heard. “…How the hell do you know all this?”

“I learned it,” Ye Mingxu said with complete confidence. “Ever since I started dating Xiao Ge, I’ve taught myself all kinds of dating guides, relationship strategies, and little tips for getting along with a partner. They all mentioned something called ‘clapping for love.’ I was really curious. Why would you need to clap when you’re in love? So I looked it up.”

And just like that, a whole new world opened up to him.

Shi Jingge: ……

Damn it, this damn interstellar world. Why can you just find this kind of information so easily?

“Xiao Ge.” Ye Mingxu leaned in for a kiss. “I love you. I love you so, so much. I really love it when… you call me Ah-Xu.”

Ye Mingxu’s eyes were so bright, filled entirely with Shi Jingge.

They’d traversed three worlds already, and every version of Ye Mingxu had been just like this. His whole heart and every glance were focused entirely on him.

Shi Jingge abruptly deflated. He raised his hand, wrapped it around Ye Mingxu’s neck, and pressed his lips against his.

Never mind.

Anyway, he wouldn’t know how. He hadn’t learned either. Better leave it to someone who did.

But…

“…Ye Mingxu, if you dare hurt me, you’re dead meat!”

This wasn’t a cultivation world, and potions weren’t a cure-all. When Shi Jingge woke up the next day, he really did feel a little worse for wear.

Ye Mingxu made breakfast with some extra care and eagerly brought it over.

Shi Jingge took a sip of congee and found it actually tasted pretty good—soft, sticky, and

thick. “Did you make this?”

“Mm-hmm.” Ye Mingxu nodded, his eyes sparkling.

Shi Jingge finished the congee, pulled back the covers, and took a deep breath. “Let’s go get our marriage license.”

Ye Mingxu’s eyes sparkled even brighter.

The two took the day off and booked an appointment online right away. Two hours later, they received a notification that their turn would be up in half an hour. They got themselves together and headed to the Civil Affairs Bureau to receive their marriage certificate.

The moment the staff saw them walk in, they were overcome with excitement. But as soon as they realized the couple had come to get married, their expressions of excitement froze on the spot.

Shi Jingge and Ye Mingxu were getting married?! Who the hell would believe that?

The room fell silent.

The clerk stared straight at Shi Jingge, his eyes wide with shock.

Ye Mingxu stepped forward, blocking the staff member’s view. “We’re here to get married. My partner,” he said flatly, “is off-limits.”

Clerk: !!!

Ye Mingxu sure is jealous!

Shi Jingge chuckled softly and tugged at Ye Mingxu’s sleeve. Ye Mingxu reluctantly stepped back, and then Shi Jingge took his hand.

With a keen eye, the clerk saw their interlocked fingers and couldn’t help but blush slightly.

Having seen so many newlyweds, each showing their own kind of affection, the clerk had thought they were immune to these “pink bubbles” but unexpectedly…

It seemed Shi Jingge and Ye Mingxu really were very much in love.

The clerk rubbed his ears and quickly processed their paperwork.

The couple received their marriage certificate in no time; their personal information was now marked as “married.” Ye Mingxu, feeling completely satisfied, walked out holding Shi Jingge’s hand, lagging slightly behind to block the clerk’s view.

Clerk: ……

Is he really that prone to jealousy?

The two returned home. As newlyweds, they were naturally very affectionate.

But soon, the doorbell rang. Ye Mingxu recognized the man from yesterday and completely ignored him.

The man said coldly, “Ye Mingxu, don’t you care about yourself or about Shi Jingge?”

Ye Mingxu furrowed his brow slightly. What did he mean by that?

“Tell me,” the man said calmly, “how much trouble would it cause the two of you if I made it public that you and Shi Jingge are living together?”

Ye Mingxu’s gaze darkened.

Shi Jingge smiled. He opened the door, looked the man up and down, and chuckled. “Why bother others with the official announcement? I’ll handle it myself.”

Bang!

Shi Jingge slammed the door closed again.

Shut out for the second time!

The man was furious beyond belief.

—————————————————————————————-

Author’s Note:

Ye Mingxu: Thanks for the assist, thank you, truly thank you (*ω＼*)

The man: ????

Next chapter: Wrap up this storyline and start the “Holy Son” arc~