Chapter 1

When Zhou Heng arrived downstairs, Lin Shuicheng was still packing. Amidst the bustle of the dilapidated neighborhood, a group of children peered curiously from a distance at the luxurious spaceship parked below.

Lin Shuicheng had just returned from class, with his shirt streaked by dust from the staircase. Struggling to emerge from the towering pile of cardboard boxes, he apologized softly, "Sorry, I still have a few things to collect."

A crimson teardrop mole at the corner of his eye could make one's heart skip a beat.

Zhou Heng replied politely, "Mr. Fu said you don't need to bring anything. You can purchase items anew when you move to Star City."

Lin Shuicheng persisted, "I've discarded what's disposable, but my books and research materials are important. And my cat too."

He placed the box into the trunk and then ascended the stairs. He was slender, exuding a delicate elegance, with a polite demeanor and an unwavering tenacity often found in those devoted to scientific research.

A more favorable description would be scholarly refinement, a less flattering one - simplicity bordering on quaintness, lacking in contemporary appeal.

A person who takes the boss's money to serve the boss, Zhou Heng, having been Fu Luoyin's assistant for so long, has dealt with such matters aplenty. However, encountering someone as uncooperative as Lin Shuicheng is truly a rare occurrence in his life.

The data they, as student researchers, toiled over in the laboratory could be attributed to a project achievement with just one word from Fu Luoyin.

Lin Shuicheng was entirely absorbed in his research, oblivious to the myriad opportunities that awaited him in the future. His current affiliation with the Jiangnan branch of the Alliance Star City University might have granted him entry with the same impressive scores, but when it came to location and access to resources for his career, how could it compare to the main campus? He need not worry about a lack of new projects; any data he collected here would merely gather dust if taken there.

Lin Shuicheng had been with Fu Luoyin for two years, and he looked the same now as he did when Zhou Heng first met him.

He would only wear the exquisite and luxurious clothes sent to him, and he could silently wait by the dining table for months if Fu Luoyin didn't call him.

Zhou Heng pondered that this was probably a common scenario in sugar-daddy relationships – it started with money, but emotions developed over time, leaving one stubbornly unwilling to give up unless faced with a dead end.

The last item Lin Shuicheng picked up was a round test tube, filled to the brim with a light blue liquid.

Perhaps because it was fragile, he held it in his hands the whole time, which led to an airport security officer stopping him and asking, "What's this?"

"A solution of copper sulfate," Lin Shuicheng said. "It also contains potassium nitrate, ammonium chloride, ethanol, and camphor."

"What's it for?"

"It's a mixture that forms crystals when the temperature changes. It's called a storm glass, quite beautiful."

They took Fu Luoyin's exclusive VIP channel, where the security check was merely a formality; after a brief inquiry, they were allowed to proceed.

Lin Shuicheng's tabby cat didn't go through the regular pet transportation process but boarded the plane with him. With the cabin oxygen supply, this ordinary cat without any purebred bloodline enjoyed a premium experience, dozing off on Lin Shuicheng's lap after indulging in foie gras.

It takes five hours to fly from the Jiangnan branch to Star City's central district. Lin Shuicheng doesn't sleep; instead, he lowers his head to read a text message.

"Five hours ago"

"Fu: Zhou will pick you up in a bit. You'll be moving."

"Lin Shuicheng: Okay, will you be back tonight?"

"Two hours ago"

"Lin Shuicheng: I'll cook. If you're tired from work, you can come home for dinner."

"Present"

"Lin Shuicheng: I'm on the plane now."

After sending the new message, he turns off the screen.

Zhou Heng, feeling bored, looks at the storm glass on Lin Shuicheng's desk and asks out of the blue, "Aren't you in data analysis? Or do you have a liking for chemistry?"

Lin Shuicheng said, "I majored in chemistry for my undergraduate degree, but I switched to quantum analysis for my postgraduate studies."

"Anyway, it's all Greek to me. You must have excellent grades," Zhou Heng remarked with a sigh. "It must be quite lucrative in this field. The other day, I heard President Fu mention that the quantum analysts at the Xiao Corporation earn quite a sum – enough to cover a year's stay in the ICU for your brother!" He immediately realized his words might have been in poor taste and quickly added, "But surely it won't take that long. He'll be discharged soon!"

He maintained the hand gesture to indicate the amount of money. As a working-class citizen, the joy of discussing finances was evident. True enough, Lin Shuicheng turned his head and smiled quietly at him, responding with a light "Mm."

Lin Shuicheng's younger brother, Lin Deng, was fifteen years old and had been in a coma due to severe brain damage from a car accident several years ago. With such a patient at home, expenses were constantly being incurred.

Zhou Heng wasn't sure how much Lin Shuicheng earned, but he had investigated Lin Shuicheng's background on behalf of Fu Luoyin before and knew that his family was financially strained. Lin Shuicheng had received financial aid for four years, worked for two months after graduation, and only continued his postgraduate studies after meeting Fu Luoyin, who supported him financially.

Upon landing, they headed straight for their new residence.

Zhou Heng helped Lin Shuicheng settle in, but there wasn't much to organize. This was a property Fu Luoyin had purchased a few years ago, though he had never lived in it. Nonetheless, it was fully furnished.

Lin Shuicheng's numerous boxes of books and handwritten documents were off-limits, so Zhou Heng focused on helping the cow-colored cat, setting up its nest and assembling a scratching post. Soon, someone arrived with daily necessities and clothing – everything was provided, even cat food. Zhou Heng opened a bag, took out a kibble, and tossed it to the cat playfully. "Do you want some? Come here and give me a high-five."

The cat approached, placed its paw in Zhou Heng's palm, and then carried the kibble away.

"What a smart one! Did you teach it? What's its name?" Zhou Heng praised.

He didn't have much interaction with Lin Shuicheng, so there wasn't much else to talk about except their cat.

Most people would become animated when discussing their pets. After a moment of hesitation, Lin Shuicheng softly said, "His name is Commander."

Zhou Heng chuckled. "Commander?"

He waited for Lin Shuicheng to continue the conversation, but it seemed that Lin Shuicheng considered their exchange concluded. He went to the fridge to select some ingredients and started preparing dinner.

Zhou Heng: "..."

Realizing something, Lin Shuicheng looked up at him and politely asked, "Would you like to stay for dinner?"

Zhou Heng replied, "No, I should be going if there's nothing else. You can contact me directly if anything comes up. Your brother's transfer will be arranged tomorrow."

"Thank you," Lin Shuicheng said as he saw Zhou Heng out.

Before leaving, Zhou Heng turned back to look at him. The hallway light cascaded down, illuminating the exquisite features of the young man before him.

Lin Shuicheng's eyes were as gentle as a feline's, yet distant, as if no one's reflection could be captured within them.

*

As Fu Luoyin pushed open the door to his home, the nanny was clearing the dining table. Upon seeing him, she gave an awkward smile. "Second Young Master is back. Chief Fu said that after the mealtime, the food would be taken away, and he wants you to find him in his study when you return... Would you like me to cook you some noodles separately?"

It was raining outside, and Fu Luoyin's coat was slightly damp. He casually hung it on the coat rack by the door. "No need, I'll eat out."

That was how things worked in the Fu family. Once the designated mealtime passed, no one, not even the gods, could have a bite. Their daily routines were synchronized with those of the military. Among the few families with long-standing relationships in the Alliance, the Fu family had the strictest discipline. The two children had never slept in late since they were young, and the reason was simple—oversleeping meant no breakfast.

This strict upbringing had produced two admirable sons: the elder son, Chu Shihan, was a renowned chemist with impressive achievements, while the younger son, Fu Luoyin, had joined the military and was on the verge of becoming a division commander at a young age.

If not for the tragedy that struck two years ago, this would have been a blissfully perfect family.

"The Chief and Madam were particularly delighted that Young Master was transferred back to Star City, especially after the passing of the elder young master. Madam has been..." The nanny began, but Fu Luoyin interrupted her. "Where's my mom?"

"Madam recently underwent a minor fibroid surgery and is currently sleeping," the nanny replied.

"Still spending afternoons staring at my brother's picture?" Fu Luoyin looked upward. The sewing room where Chu Jingshu liked to spend her time was already dark.

The nanny hesitated to answer.

Fu Luoyin didn't say anything more. Instead, he handed her an item. "Give her this brooch. I won't be going to the study. Tell Grandfather that I still have a mission."

"Ahh? That busy? I haven't even served you your noodles yet..."

"No need," Fu Luoyin walked back to the door and picked up his rain-soaked coat.

The driver held an umbrella for him outside.

At the Starry Illusion Night Club, the lights were hazy.

"Not really, Minus Two. You didn't come home for two years, and now you're staying for so long? We all thought you weren't going to show up tonight."

Faced with Fu Luoyin's calmness, Dong Shuoye almost choked on his drink. He then whispered, "But I guess... it's understandable. After all, your brother's incident must have been a huge blow to your parents. They might not have had the time to think about you... But, Minus Two, let me tell you, it's nice being free-range like us. No one bothers us when we're having fun! What's so good about going back home anyway? The old folks always have a bunch of lectures waiting. I get scolded every time I return, tsk."

"That's true, but I think Minus Two's carefree days are numbered. It was great in the Jiangnan branch. Let me tell you, when I visited Minus Two last time and tagged along for dinner, I saw that charming little beauty from Star University—do you know what? There's a red teardrop mole at the corner of his eye, red! Damn, it's absolutely stunning, just like in those stories!"

Su Yu clapped his hands, suddenly recalling this incident, and asked Fu Luoyin, "Minus Two, did you bring your little beauty here? If you don't want him anymore, give him to me. I've got a dozen lively and handsome boys who can trade with you."

Fu Luoyin glanced at him with indifferent eyes, but his words were anything but polite. "Dream on."

"You actually brought him here?" Su Yu exclaimed in realization. "Oh, Star University's main campus is nearby, so it's convenient for transfers. Are we going to call her 'sister-in-law' next time? Hehe, that's big news. The last time we called someone 'sister-in-law' was in high school, when Minus Two and Xia Ran were... still... together..."

The last few words were spoken in a whisper, and the atmosphere inside the private room grew increasingly tense.

Dong Shuoye looked at Su Yu with pity. "Big Brother, you really know how to talk."

The name Xia Ran was taboo for Fu Luoyin.

This person had been a significant part of Fu Luoyin's life from childhood to adolescence. They had had a passionate romance during high school, only to have Xia Ran break up with him decisively before college. Xia Ran's personality matched his name—fiery and straightforward. Among those who had grown up with the Xia family in the alliance, who hadn't secretly harbored a crush on Xia Ran when they were young?

The second taboo that nobody dared to mention was that every boyfriend or girlfriend Fu Luoyin had after Xia Ran seemed to bear his shadow.

Vibrant, enchanting, radiant, with a charming dimple when they smiled... Fu Luoyin would easily fall into relationships with such people but would quickly lose interest and end them. There were even rumors that Fu Luoyin was sexually frigid, as he would frequently change partners, yet seemed to have a peculiar aversion to physical intimacy. Once, there was a boy who resembled Xia Ran very much. After sneaking a kiss on Fu Luoyin while drunk, he was promptly kicked out by Fu Luoyin.

Taking advantage of their smoke break, Su Yu whispered to Dong Shuoye, "Negative Two might be serious this time. I really did see that pretty boy last time, and he doesn't look anything like Xia Ran. To be honest, I think he's even more attractive than Xia Ran."

"Doubt it without evidence," Dong Shuoye responded, leaning closer. "Do you have any pictures?"

Su Yu said, "I took quite a few secretly without letting Negative Two know."

Flipping through his phone album to last autumn, an image of a young man with a red teardrop mole at the corner of his eye appeared.

In the photo, Lin Shuicheng was wearing a white sweater under a camel-colored coat, with a backpack slung over his shoulder, giving off a scholarly vibe. He looked both handsome and abstinent. A few of the shots were even in motion, capturing his allure as he moved.

"Exactly this one. His screen name sounds nice too, like 'traversing mountains and rivers,'" Su Yu reminisced, almost drooling over the picture. "Damn, if you had seen him, so cold to everyone else but then his eyes lit up like stars when he saw Fu Luoyin. This can't possibly be another attempt to find someone like Xia Ran, right?"

"Dong Shuoye, are you... really that dense?" The more Dong Shuoye flipped through the pictures, the deeper his frown became. He took a drag of his cigarette and asked, "Don't you think he doesn't resemble Xia Ran?"

"Not at all. They're just not the same type," Su Yu pondered, confused. "Do you actually think they look alike?"

"Beauty lies in the essence, not the appearance. If there's any resemblance, it should be in their bones," Dong Shuoye pointed out. "Look at his expression, his gaze, and even... tsk, the way he tilts his head upward. Study it carefully, then tell me if they're similar."

"Holy shit!" Su Yu was stunned. "Now that you mention it, they do have similar mannerisms. I was wondering why he felt so familiar. But wait, isn't this too coincidental?"

Dong Shuoye gave him a pitying glance. "Stock up on walnuts to nourish your brain. Minus Two doesn't care for mentally challenged children like I do; he'll kick you out next time."

*

When Fu Luoyin entered without turning on the lights, Lin Shuicheng was dozing off on the sofa. Half-asleep, he sensed someone's arrival and fumbled to turn on the light, but his fingers were caught and pressed into the soft cushion.

In the darkness, the milk cat meowed softly.

He was kissed on the sofa, overwhelmed by Fu Luoyin's faint breath, which made him feel dizzy. There was a hint of alcohol on him, but no trace of it on his lips and tongue – only a subtle minty scent.

Lin Shuicheng gradually came to his senses.

Seizing the moment when Fu Luoyin relaxed his hold, he wrapped his arms around his neck, his voice tender with a slight nasal tone, "You're back."

A sliver of moonlight filtered in through the floor-to-ceiling window, casting a shimmering glow in his eyes that was enchantingly captivating.

Fu Luoyin didn't respond. He caressed his face, feeling the warmth of his breath and a faint sting on his palm—

Lin Shuicheng nipped at his skin playfully.

Like a kitten, it didn't hurt much. Lin Shuicheng mumbled, "Don't move."

Time seemed to rewind in that instant.

Taking a step forward, Fu Luoyin found the vibrant boy before him dodging away, "Don't move! Fu Luoyin, after standing me up, you still want to kiss me? Dream on."

Xia Ran had fox-like eyes. Lowering his head, he glanced at him sidelong, his eyelids curved upward, and his gaze shimmered like water.

"Relax, don't be so eager. First...first, let's have dinner, okay?" Lin Shuicheng pushed him away, turning on the lights with a smile.

Lin Shuicheng was an excellent cook.

The food on the dining table was still warm, rotating with the aroma of honey-glazed spare ribs, three-cup chicken, lemon pan-seared tilapia, a few lightly stir-fried side dishes, and borscht. The room was filled with a delightful scent.

"Are you waiting for me to eat again?" Fu Luoyin finally spoke as he watched Lin Shuicheng bustling around.

"What do you think?" Lin Shuicheng propped his cheek on his hand and sat down. The milk cat jumped onto the table but was promptly chased away.

In the dead of night.

Sounds emerged from the room, muffled yet evocative like a dream. The tabby cat darted around the room, its fur standing on end in alarm.

This cat had never taken a liking to Fu Luoyin. For some reason, everyone could pet and hold it except Fu Luoyin. The cat would always hiss at him, doing so repeatedly, as if to assert that Lin Shuicheng's territory allowed no other creature to intrude.

But it was just a cat and couldn't convey any clear protest to its owner. The commotion on the bed made it worried that Lin Shuicheng might be harmed by Fu Luoyin.

As usual, Fu Luoyin covered Lin Shuicheng's face with a pillow. Partial suffocation brought out the best in Lin Shuicheng.

He didn't look at his face.

Occasionally catching a glimpse, one would be struck with a sinking feeling in their heart by the intensity and intoxication in that gaze.

It wasn't a matter of similarity, but rather, it was because they were too alike.