Chapter 237

Chapter 237

However, it wasn’t entirely without benefits.

Originally, the question was how to approach this new development—should discussions come to a complete halt and keep it completely hush-hush, or should it be implemented in limited ways, such as restricting training solely to the military, or even fully opening it up?

The ministers initially assumed that at least during the early stages, restrictions should be imposed, with further adjustments made over the next few years depending on results.

But with the Crown Prince’s special abilities manifesting so clearly, everyone instantly realized that full openness was now inevitable.

Abilities like moving objects mainly enhanced military applications—for example, Bai Xingshu had demonstrated improved mecha operation rates, or other similar effects.

Yet when Shen Geng displayed his ability, everyone’s first reaction was…

How much time could this shave off agricultural R&D?

And what about others? Could there be similar cases?

Interstellar technology hadn’t seen any real breakthroughs in ages, but this discovery had tangible, game-changing potential that could propel the entire empire forward.

So their discussion shifted focus—to how these abilities were triggered, how they should be promoted, how to manage public safety concerns once widespread, and what changes or additions would need to be made to laws and regulations.

Then came the question of which department should oversee this, and who would be the most suitable person to lead it.

Of course, these matters couldn’t be resolved in a single meeting. But with the emperor as the final authority and Bai Xingshu, who understood these powers well, present, it was entirely possible to draft a preliminary framework in one session.

Once the direction was set, the ministers would take charge of figuring out how to implement it.

As the leader, the emperor naturally wouldn’t micromanage everything, and Bai Xingshu and his fellow student weren’t authorized to weigh in on such national affairs. So…

After the ministers left to tackle their new assignments, the emperor turned to Bai Xingshu, shedding some of his imperial gravitas and slipping back into his regular at-home demeanor.

“Little Bai,” he said warmly, “it’s getting late. Would you like to stay for lunch? Your aunt is here today, and we haven’t seen each other in a while. Let’s have a meal together—we’ve prepared dishes you’ve never tried before.”

This remark made it clear that the emperor had done his homework on Bai Xingshu—at least enough to know about his adventurous palate.

“Sure!” Bai Xingshu replied without hesitation.

Shen Geng, who felt left out: “….”

And soon, he wished he’d been completely ignored by the two of them.

His father got a kick out of needling his son, and unfortunately, the person Shen Geng liked also loved giving their sweetheart a hard time.

The two of them, even on the short walk to lunch, began teasing him mercilessly right in front of him.

“Haha, so *that’s* how Chenchen reacted when he presented as Alpha? Hmm… Yeah, sounds exactly like something he’d do. He’s always acted that way, even as a kid…”

“But were you two already together when he presented?”

“Not yet… Shouldn’t you have switched dorms then? Why didn’t you?”

“Oh~ Chenchen never even brought up changing dorms? Now that’s hard to believe. He’s always been so meticulous about etiquette.”

“Never made a mistake from childhood on.”

“And yet, when it came to this, he had such a convenient memory lapse, huh? Well, well, well.”

Shen Geng: “….”

Shen Geng: "…………"

Watching the two of them gleefully swapping stories about his embarrassing past, Shen Geng could only feel relieved that the walk from the meeting room to the dining area wasn’t all that long.

When he saw his mother, Shen Geng let out a quiet sigh of relief—only to realize that his poised and proper mother had stood up, her eyes lit up with amusement as she looked at the pair walking ahead. Her first words were, “What are you chatting about that’s got you so happy?”

At that moment, Shen Geng suddenly realized that even his own mother wasn’t exactly coming to his rescue in situations like this.

Before long, the group teasing him to his face had grown to three.

Shen Geng: "…………"

Did he really have to sit through this meal?

Shen Geng found himself pondering this existential question.

Bai Xingshu spent a while joining the two elders in poking fun at Shen Geng—and even managed to snag a bunch of priceless childhood photos and videos—before glancing over and noticing the stubbornly proud guy pressing his lips together tightly, maintaining a stiff expression as if nothing was happening, focused intently on his food.

Hmm…

Honestly…

Grown-up Shen Geng was even cuter than his childhood self.

Seeing that the two elders had started reminiscing about Shen Geng’s amusing childhood moments, Bai Xingshu scooted his chair a little closer and reached a hand under the table toward Shen Geng.

He gently tugged at Shen Geng’s sleeve.

Shen Geng shot him a slightly puzzled glance but automatically lowered his left hand, following Bai Xingshu’s lead.

Then, Bai Xingshu’s fingers glided along his arm, down to his wrist, before lightly tracing his palm.

The barely-there touch sent a flutter straight to his chest.

Shen Geng, who’d been sulking just moments ago, felt the tension in his lips ease instantly, and a small smile slipped out.

Seeing this reaction, Bai Xingshu’s eyes crinkled with delight.

Ah, Shen Geng was, as always… so ridiculously easy to cheer up.

And just like that, the Shen Geng gossip session being shared by the emperor and empress suddenly seemed far less interesting.

He much preferred talking to Shen Geng himself.

Leaning in until their shoulders nearly touched, Bai Xingshu lowered his voice slightly and threw out a random question: “Is this tasty?”

Shen Geng wasn’t sure why Bai Xingshu was whispering, but he naturally tilted closer too, answering just as quietly, almost reflexively: “It’s something you’d like.”

The words gave him away instantly—he’d been thinking of Bai Xingshu the entire time while eating this dish.

Bai Xingshu chuckled softly. “Good, I’ll try it. What else here would I like?”

Shen Geng glanced at the table and immediately pointed out two more dishes for him.

Bai Xingshu’s smile deepened as he laid on the praise thick: “So reliable! They all look really good. How is it possible for someone as amazing as you to be my boyfriend?”

Bai Xingshu could be infuriating when teasing someone, but when sweet, he was sweet enough to give you cavities.

Shen Geng completely gave up trying to keep a straight face. Looking down at Bai Xingshu, he couldn’t help breaking into a wide grin.

Of course, he couldn’t help but correct Bai Xingshu’s word choice.

“It’s *fiancé*.”

Bai Xingshu chuckled under his breath. “Alright, *boyfriend* then.”

Shen Geng: “…”

Jerk!

The emperor and empress watched the two, who had become sickeningly sweet the second they weren’t looking—feeling equal parts fond and annoyed.

At first, they had simply been sitting side by side, but soon their shoulders were touching, and now their heads were already bowed together, forming their own little world right under their noses.

Seriously—who dared to shove this much PDA in their faces?!