Chapter 65 Goodnight.

Chapter 65 Good Night.

The roasted pork ribs were still in one whole piece, and Yu Xin needed to slice them.

He picked up a long, slender chef's knife and sliced along the gaps between the ribs into more bite-sized strips.

The pork ribs were already roasted to fall-off-the-bone tender. With just a light cut from the sharp knife, juices immediately gushed out along the blade's edge. It required no effort at all for the entire piece of meat to cleanly separate from the bone.

Grilling is the most primitive form of cooking, representing humanity's earliest memory of delicious food. This memory seems etched into human DNA, easily reawakened whenever faced with grilled meat. Under high heat, the Maillard reaction between proteins and sugars makes the roast incredibly aromatic and delicious—no one can resist it.

The moment Yu Xin cut into the pork ribs, the traffic in his live stream reached its peak since the broadcast began. Countless comments and rewards flooded in like snow, pushing his stream to the top of the platform's rankings for that time slot.

The young master of the platform was grinning from ear to ear, sending Cheng Zikun a full screen of voice messages to thank him for helping to recruit Yu Xin, such a treasure.

There were so many donation notifications that Yu Xin’s mouth grew sore from reading them all. He could only say thank you.

In just this one night, his earnings equaled what he'd earn from recording an entire variety show episode.

The rankings on the reward list fluctuated wildly. Cheng Zikun even broke into the top five, but the top spot remained rock-solid and firmly in place.

However, Yu Xin’s top patron had only made a brief appearance during the PK with Last Road's Mad Dog, leaving a large reward before never returning to the live stream. Strangely, the patron hadn’t visited any other streamers either, as if that one appearance was solely to help Yu Xin win the PK.

Over time, Yu Xin had attracted quite a few wealthy patron fans who would reward him during each stream. As time passed, the gap between them and the top patron narrowed.

Now, the viewers in Yu Xin’s live stream all knew that his current boss was the top patron of the stream. After this incident, many people’s wheels started turning.

A wealthy fan with the ID "Only Money Left in My Life" sent several luxury spaceships in one go, jumping to become the second top patron in Yu Xin’s stream. He directly posted an exclusive comment:

"If the streamer is willing to work for the stream’s boss, would you consider switching employers if the top patron changes?"

"Not for any other reason—I just want to taste the streamer’s cooking personally. If you come to me, you can name your price."

As he spoke, he sent several more supreme star cruisers.

This blatant flaunting of wealth set the chat on fire. Several other bosses followed suit, unwilling to be outdone. For a moment, the rewards came so fast that Yu Xin couldn’t keep up.

The viewers’ eyes were nearly getting flashbanged by the constant stream of reward effects. It didn’t stop, leaving them no time to even catch their breath.

"...I’ve lost track of money. Can anyone count how many star cruisers the streamer has received tonight?"

"I’m seething with jealousy. There are so many rich people—would it kill them to include me?? Would it??"

"The top patron’s position isn’t secure. He said if the streamer is willing to go, he can set his own terms."

"Ugh, I don’t know who to envy anymore. For these rich people, money is just numbers—they can’t even spend it all. What’s more important than eating something delicious?"

"The streamer must have signed a contract with the top patron, right? And judging by this kitchen, the top patron isn’t an ordinary person. The salary he offers the streamer must be great."

"There’s no best, only better. I support the streamer following the money—whoever offers more, go to them."

Yu Xin couldn’t possibly miss such a commotion, but of course, he wouldn’t jump ship just because "they're offering too much": "Sorry, I won’t consider changing employers for now. Everyone, please stop rewarding me. I really won’t switch to someone just because they’re the top patron..."

"Then it’s just not enough money. Trust me, I’ll give you an offer you can’t refuse."

It was still "Only Money Left in My Life." This boss’s words radiated determination to have Yu Xin, seemingly dead set on poaching him today.

Yu Xin was getting a headache: "Bosses, calm down. I said I won’t change employers, so I really won’t. Please stop sending me money..."

He might never find a better work environment than Iris Base. No matter how much others offered, he didn’t want to switch.

After he spoke, the donation alerts in the live stream went quiet for a moment. Then, an even more flashy wave of animations dominated the screen.

[User "Ji" rewarded the streamer with a Supreme Star Cruiser.]

[User "Ji" rewarded the streamer with a Supreme Star Cruiser.]

[User "Ji" rewarded the streamer with a Supreme Star Cruiser.]

[User

[User "Ji" rewarded the streamer with a Supreme Star Cruiser.]

...

This exclusive, dazzling effect could only come from one person. Ji Yixing’s nonsense-string alt account had changed its ID, but everyone recognized him instantly.

"...I give up. Your big bro will always be your big bro."

"Ahhh, ahhh, why can’t my eyes see? Oh, they’ve been blinded by the glare."

"The top patron proves with strength (cash power) that he’s the only boss in this stream."

"Even tossing cash out a window isn’t this fast, right? The joy of the rich is just this pure and simple (kneeling)."

"So the big boss is watching the stream too? But isn’t the streamer at the boss’s house right now? If the boss wanted, he could watch it live. Why go through the trouble of watching the stream with us?"

"Maybe it’s just a private dynamic between the streamer and the boss. We mortals don’t need to understand—just kneel and watch."

Admiral’s Lounge.

The unusual money transfers naturally didn’t escape Attendant Bai’s notice. When he opened the transfer records and saw that familiar account, he was hardly surprised.

History repeating itself—Bai Yizhou was already used to it, but he still had to complain a bit: "Admiral, even though your savings are bottomless, I have to remind you: money doesn't grow on trees. If you want to give Yu Xin money, you can transfer it directly to him. Why let the platform, the middleman, take a cut?"

"Besides, from what I know, the salary you give Yu Xin isn’t bad, right? It’s almost comparable to a high-ranking military officer. In my opinion, there’s no need to worry about him being poached. Yu Xin isn’t the type to be lured by money or easily change loyalties..."

"You don’t understand," Ji Yixing said, the corners of his lips curling up slightly. Clearly, that wave of money-spending had put him in a very good mood. "The salary is the salary. These are separate."

He had confidence in Yu Xin, knowing that since Yu Xin had agreed to stay at Iris Base, he wouldn’t easily jump ship.

But one thing was separate from another. No matter what, his position as the top patron in Yu Xin’s live stream absolutely could not be shaken.

This farce finally ended with Ji Yixing firmly holding onto the top patron spot and leaving everyone in the dust once again.

Yu Xin was getting a headache from all the donation alerts. Since all the dishes were done, he quickly said goodbye to the viewers and ended the stream.

Bai Yizhou appeared in the kitchen right on time again, leading the Household Robot to bring the dishes Yu Xin had prepared to the dining room.

Compared to the luxurious kitchen, the dining room was much more ordinary—though "ordinary" was relative to the absurdly large kitchen. By normal standards, it was still quite impressive.

Ji Yixing was already seated at the head of the table, waiting. When he saw Yu Xin and Bai Yizhou arrive, his rose-gold eyes warmed: "You’ve worked hard, Yu Xin. Come, sit down."

Yu Xin’s seat was arranged right beside him. After sitting down, he looked at Ji Yixing hesitantly: "Admiral, about those rewards in the live stream..."

He really couldn’t understand. They had already agreed on the salary, and Yu Xin wasn’t going anywhere. The live stream rewards were completely unnecessary.

"Those aren’t important. Let’s eat first," Ji Yixing tapped the table lightly with his slender fingers, gently cutting off what Yu Xin was about to say. His eyes sparkled: "I’ve been looking forward to this so much."

It had been far too long since he’d last felt this kind of anticipation for food. It was as if a flock of birds were fluttering nonstop in his stomach, and only a lavish meal could soothe them, letting them settle down contentedly. Yu Xin had made four dishes and one soup, plus a large pot of rice. It was a bit too lavish for dinner. Yu Xin and Ji Yixing certainly couldn’t finish it all, but fortunately, there were still Bai Yizhou and Professor Mo.

A table laden with dishes that were a feast for the eyes, nose, and palate—generous in portion and impeccable in presentation. This was Yu Xin’s first meal since arriving at Iris Base, and he had naturally put his heart into it.

It had been a long time since Bai Yizhou had encountered food that brought him such sheer delight just by looking at it.

Taken out of the food warmer, the dishes remained at their peak—complex aromas intertwined and rushed toward the diners’ noses, almost overwhelming in their intensity.

“I think we need a fine bottle of wine to go with this meal, don’t you agree?”

He took a deep breath, inhaling the fragrance, and made the suggestion with utmost seriousness.

“From a professional doctor’s perspective, I don’t recommend it,” Professor Mo said, elegantly arranging his napkin. “But from the standpoint of a diner with a ravenous appetite at this moment, I wholeheartedly approve.”

“I’ll go get it right away!” Bai Yizhou acted with remarkable speed, returning shortly with a bottle of fine wine. He poured half a glass for each of them.

A wine recognized as good by Bai Yizhou was naturally exceptional, making the meal even better.

With such delicacies before them, everything else faded into unimportance. The most urgent matter was to get the food in front of them into their mouths.

The centerpiece of the table was undoubtedly the roasted ribs—the main attraction of the meal. No one could maintain a dignified, restrained eating style in the face of a plate of freshly roasted pork ribs radiating such an intense aroma, and General Ji was no exception.

Under the light, the ribs glistened with a glossy, red-brown glaze, looking as though the meat would slide right off the bone with the slightest touch—and indeed, it did.

The best part of ribs is the ideal mix of lean and fatty meat. Yu Xin had mastered the heat impeccably: the fat had rendered fully into the ribs, while the lean parts remained tender, enveloped in abundant juices, incredibly moist and flavorful.

After savoring the rich meaty taste, a subtle sweet-and-sour aftertaste emerged—clearly the work of Yu Xin’s secret Pineapple Barbecue Sauce, elevating the flavor experience of the ribs to another level.

After quickly polishing off one rib, he took a few bites of the fresh shrimp and asparagus salad to refresh his mouth before moving on to the next rib. This temporarily satisfied his growling stomach. He then ladled a bowl of winter melon and meatball soup and sipped it slowly.

*So fresh, so delicious.*

Only after Ji Yixing had satisfied his initial craving did he look up and notice Bai Yizhou and Professor Mo staring intently at him.

Ji Yixing: ?

“Why are you staring at me instead of eating?”

Bai Yizhou was silent for a moment before speaking slowly, “Although I’ve seen it a few times on the reality show…”

“Witnessing the General enjoying food so wholeheartedly in person still feels incredible.”

It was only at this moment that Bai Yizhou’s heart truly settled.

Their General had really shaken off the anorexia that had plagued him like a persistent condition for two years.

“It’s truly wonderful. I never thought I’d live to see this day.”

Professor Mo, a rather emotional man, found his eyes growing moist again.

“Thank you for everything you’ve done for me, Professor Mo.” Ji Yixing didn’t say much but patted the professor’s shoulder.

“No, we should all thank Yu Xin. Thank fate for bringing Yu Xin to your side…”

Professor Mo wiped his eyes, saying with feeling.

“Eating well leads to sleeping well, and with both in order, one’s energy and spirit flourish.”

“Without Yu Xin, we would have had to wait at least five to ten years to see progress—and there were too many uncertainties in between.”

“I’m also very happy to have been able to help the General.” Yu Xin was not good at handling such emotional moments. The old man’s gratitude was so sincere that Yu Xin’s ears turned slightly red.

“Alright, alright, let’s not get too sentimental. Since we have fine wine here, don’t we Chinese always say ‘it’s all in the wine’?” Bai Yizhou raised his glass.

“To the General, to Yu Xin, to this wonderful dinner—let’s make a toast!”

“Cheers!”

The crisp clinking of glasses echoed as four glasses met.

Like Ji Yixing, Bai Yizhou was a carnivore, showing particular favor to the roasted ribs and crispy eggplant meat rolls. High-quality meat paired with premium wine left them feeling utterly pleasantly buzzed.

Surprisingly, Professor Mo preferred the sea bass with chopped chili. This dish was quite spicy—Yu Xin had not held back on the chopped chili paste, making it sour and spicy and incredibly appetizing. The chili fully brought out the freshness of the fish, bursting with flavor on the tongue with intense sensory stimulation.

This dish was perfect with rice. The bright red chopped chili, tender white fish, and a bit of broth mixed into the rice made it irresistible—one kept eating even though it was spicy, and this dish alone could easily finish off a whole bowl of rice.

Ji Yixing and Bai Yizhou kept eating meat and toasting, Professor Mo focused on devouring his rice, and after finishing, he ladled another bowl of winter melon and meatball soup to wash it down. Everyone ate to their heart’s content.

By the end of the meal, the plates were nearly empty, and the wine bottle was almost finished.

Yu Xin’s first meal at Iris Base was, by all accounts, a joyous occasion for both host and guests.

Yu Xin had also had several glasses with Ji Yixing and Bai Yizhou. His alcohol tolerance was average, and he was already feeling a bit woozy.

Naturally, he didn’t need to handle the post-meal cleanup. All he wanted now was to go back and enjoy a nice soak in his large bathtub, then lie in bed and sleep straight through till morning.

General Ji and Attendant Bai’s alcohol tolerance was far beyond Yu Xin’s. Almost the entire bottle had gone to the two of them, yet they remained completely sober—aside from slightly flushed faces and bright eyes, they seemed entirely normal.

“Bai Yizhou, take Professor Mo back. I’ll take care of Yu Xin,” Ji Yixing instructed clearly.

Professor Mo’s alcohol tolerance was even worse than Yu Xin’s. Overjoyed, he had had too much to drink and was now slumped over the table, unable to get up.

“Alright, I’ll get Professor Mo some hangover medicine. Do you need any?” Bai Yizhou helped Professor Mo onto his shoulder and supported him as he stood.

“I’m fine,” Yu Xin declined. The slightly tipsy state actually helped with sleep, and since he had nothing else to do, he decided to indulge in this buzzed feeling.

“I don’t need any either.”

This amount of alcohol was nothing to Ji Yixing. After Bai Yizhou left with Professor Mo, he turned to Yu Xin and asked, “How are you feeling? Do you need me to help you back to your room like Bai Yizhou did?”

“Of course not.” Yu Xin laughed, standing up steadily from the table. “I’m not drunk.”

“Alright then.” Ji Yixing’s eyes curved slightly, and he sounded almost disappointed.

But Yu Xin, in his current state, couldn’t pick up on that. He could walk fine, but he wasn’t great with directions, so he had to ask Ji Yixing to walk him back to his room.

“Beep.” Biometric scan successful. The room door slid open automatically, and soft lights gradually brightened. A gentle, pleasant female voice chimed, “Welcome home, Master.”

“Alright, now that I’ve seen you back, I’m relieved.” Ji Yixing didn’t follow him in, stopping at the doorway. “I should head back now. See you tomorrow, Yu Xin.”

“See you tomorrow, General.” Yu Xin, drowsiness setting in, managed to say farewell. Out of courtesy, he didn’t close the door immediately but stood at the entrance, watching Ji Yixing leave.

Then, he saw with his own eyes as Ji Yixing walked to the door next to his, scanned his card, entered, and even turned back to say, “Good night.”

“…Good night.” Yu Xin sobered up a bit and confirmed again—Ji Yixing had indeed entered the room next to his.

What was going on? The highest-ranking figure at Iris Base, the renowned interstellar God of War General, lived right next door to him?!