Chapter 3 Sincerity

Chapter 3 Sincerity

Xierlan had already retrieved his change of clothes when the system departed. Since only his own garments were available, Sexia would have to make do.

He tapped politely on the door. "Sexia, I’ve brought you some clothes. Please come and get them."

Sexia’s movements faltered, nearly eliciting a muffled groan. He leaned against the bathtub’s edge, his flushed face hidden in the crook of his arm, slowly exhaling a warm, damp breath before rising and moving towards the door.

Water still clung to his legs, trickling down his muscles and leaving small puddles with each step.

Sexia opened the door directly, but Xierlan remained facing away, extending only a hand. "These are my clothes for now. Tomorrow, I’ll accompany you to buy some new ones. Get changed and come out—we need to talk."

Sexia’s water-blue eyes dimmed slightly. His voice, cool and slow, offered a quiet "Mhm."

He took the clothes, and the bathroom door soon closed again.

Xierlan wasn’t sure how long it would take to receive the plot details, but he decided to process the information while waiting.

This was a typical insect-kin narrative, where females were subservient to males and males revered. However, in this world, male insects held no positions of authority nor were they permitted to study. Female insects would deliberately keep male insects uneducated, turning them into breeding tools focused solely on pleasure.

Xierlan raised an eyebrow at this worldview, finding it perverse yet logical.

If such repugnant beings as male insects were to wield power, this world might as well be destroyed.

But what about not being allowed to study? He had been admitted to Tsinghua University for biomedical studies and hadn’t even started. How would learning work in this world?

He truly wanted to know.

Xierlan blinked and continued reading. The protagonists in this world were the third prince, Felix, and Lou Wen, an Earth CEO who transmigrated into an F-class male insect.

In essence, the third prince lost a power struggle and was manipulated into marrying the cruel and tyrannical F-class Lou Wen as an enslaved female. The antagonist, Sexia, was not central to the conflict. Because he didn’t take sides, the first prince, failing to win him over, framed him instead, turning Sexia’s own officers against him and delaying crucial battle reports.

Sexia’s misjudgment in the Farr battle led to significant losses for the alliance. He was severely injured, his reproductive sac damaged beyond repair, and initially sentenced to death by the Insect Emperor. However, Sexia’s male parent offered a vast fortune to spare his life.

Ultimately, only Xierlan’s father, Beilin, greedy for that wealth, gladly agreed to the request. His son had never married and was considered a hot commodity—a Class A Male. If not for being underage, many female insects would have fought to marry him.

Thus, the third prince Felix and the antagonist Sexia became foils.

The protagonist gradually gained everything and found happiness, while the antagonist lost his military rank, endured insults, and was locked in a basement, abused like a plaything.

In the end, Sexia killed Xierlan’s entire family and, despite his broken body, slowly reclaimed his power. Because his mental sea was repeatedly thrown into turmoil and he suffered constant physical torment, Sexia was consumed by unprecedented jealousy and resentment. Why did the protagonist gain everything so easily? Why was the protagonist loved, while he could only become a monstrous, unrecognizable insect?

He opposed the protagonist at every turn. The steadfastness and composure he once had in his early years vanished, and he grew increasingly twisted, forgetting his former self. In the end, he lost in the struggle for power and took his own life.

The story concluded with the protagonist securely on the throne and the main male lead passionately building his business empire, becoming the first male insect noble to hold power and influence.

So this was Sexia’s life path.

Xierlan felt profoundly sorry. Damage to the reproductive sac meant Sexia must have suffered penetrating injuries—surviving that was incredible. Even if Sexia could accept it, Xierlan couldn’t bear the thought of him becoming a male insect’s plaything for life.

Sexia had probably been stripped of his rank now, and all his wealth transferred to Xierlan. Wasn’t this just asking to be controlled?

Xierlan pondered. "Doesn’t equality exist here?"

99 popped up, sighing softly. "The protagonist couple tried but failed. The innate nature of the species simply can’t be changed. The ratio of female to male insects is too skewed. Unless female insects can break free from male control, it’s impossible. And if equality were achieved, those male insects would probably be used up and discarded. If the antagonist doesn’t regain his former military rank, you’d end up in a very, very bad situation after equality."

Xierlan felt a chill down his spine. He said seriously, "Let’s take it one step at a time."

To help others, he first needed to ensure his own safety. Xierlan wasn’t even sure if he could study here. If he couldn’t, he’d truly have to be a kept husband.

Xierlan remembered something and asked the system, "In this kind of worldview, can I still make Sexia my primary consort? And how do I return his assets to him?"

99 checked and replied cheerfully, "Yes, you can! If it’s not allowed, I’ll make it allowed! When a female insect marries, all their assets belong to the male insect. The male insect can handle them as they wish, but you can’t transfer them directly back to the original account. You’ll need to open an intimate card for Sexia, and he can use it freely."

Xierlan thanked him and estimated the time. Sexia was about to come out. He immediately sprang up from the bed, straightened the wrinkled sheets, and sat waiting by the bedside.

When the female insect emerged, Xierlan was sitting by the bed waiting. His turbulent mental sea had calmed, allowing him to see the other’s appearance more clearly.

Xierlan had a mature and peaceful demeanor, making it easy for insects to feel goodwill toward him. His appearance, however, was strikingly beautiful and refined, mismatching his temperament—like a piece of porcelain with smooth lines and an indescribable sense of distance. He gave off the vibe of a seasoned scholar, deeply cultured, approachable yet aloof, commanding respect in conversation.

Handsome, uniquely so.

Xierlan was also looking at him. The other was tall, without bulging muscles, but with a top-tier, aesthetically pleasing build. His presence was imposing, his eyebrows noble and coldly arrogant, his light-colored eyes as pale as glaciers. His hair, dried, fell like a silver waterfall—incredibly beautiful.

Xierlan curved his eyes and spoke slowly, "Sexia, come here. I need to talk to you."

Sexia’s fingertips curled slowly, and he sat down beside Xierlan.

"I’m listening."

Xierlan hummed and calmly said something shocking. "You weren’t fully conscious earlier, so let me say it again. I’ll hold a wedding ceremony, though it might be delayed because I need time to prepare. It’ll take a while, but it will happen. So, let’s first handle changing your status. I don’t want you as my concubine; I want you as my primary consort. Not just because I like you, but because I respect you deeply and don’t want to shortchange you. The concubine arrangement wasn’t my intention—I only found out after you arrived."

He’d save up to hold the wedding himself. During that time, he wanted to help Sexia regain his former position. Otherwise, mere pampering without substance wouldn’t bring Sexia pure happiness.

Ah, thinking about it made him happy. Xierlan was about to experience nurturing a lover like tending to a flower.

Very happy.

Xierlan’s ears turned red. "I also support your return to the military. If you need my help, just ask. Regarding your mental sea instability, from what I’ve seen, once every three days is the best frequency. I don’t want the stabilization process to make you addicted—I think it would negatively impact your normal life."

After saying this, Xierlan grew serious. "All your assets are with me. I’ll return them to you by opening an intimate card. But there’s one more thing—since we’re partners, I should be honest about my situation. My family circumstances aren’t great. My father is after your wealth, so I suggest we move out. Also, for now, I’ll need you to support me. Honestly, I’m excited about this."

In this identity, he had been idle all day and was now penniless. Being supported by his partner wasn’t embarrassing—Xierlan even wanted to experience it. It should feel different from receiving a salary from a boss or a scholarship, right?

Hmm, starting to look forward to it.

Xierlan turned with a smile and saw Sexia’s dazed and astonished expression, like a beautiful cat.

Xierlan fell for him all over again.

"Sexia, you’re so cute," Xierlan’s eyes curved deeper. "If you have needs, feel free to call me anytime. Just remember, I’m your partner and your supporter. I’ll voice my needs to you openly. I’m giving, and I hope you’ll reciprocate. Of course, I respect your wishes. If possible, I’d prefer we build an emotional foundation."

He really liked this marriage. Having a love-at-first-sight partner at 18 was too wonderful.

Sexia was speechless, his body reacting intensely. The female insect’s innate possessiveness and aggressiveness made him want to destroy something, but this feeling wasn’t destructive—rather, it was an indescribable anticipation and a longing to be torn apart.

How could a male insect be like this?

Sexia really liked the feeling Xierlan gave him—standing there, perfect, flawless, steady, and reassuring... How could a male insect be like this?

The other was too good.

Sexia thought distractedly. He didn’t feel undeserving; behind the confusion surged anticipation and affection. He lowered his eyelids, restrained himself, and answered all of Xierlan’s questions.

"First, I don’t mind the marriage, primary male..." Sexia’s icy eyes seemed to melt like spring water. His ears reddened as he said the title, then he spoke hoarsely, "I’ve never seen a male insect like you. I can’t believe it and almost want to cry. I clearly understand the affection and respect you’re showing. My first reaction was some panic, but more than that, it’s greed. Can you understand? I see that you hope your partner is natural and bold, so I’ll be direct."

Under Xierlan’s expectant and surprised gaze, Sexia took a deep breath, feeling both body and mind settle. "I also like you very much. I had intended to resist male insects, but you’re different. So, when I saw you, I didn’t struggle. I look forward to having a marriage with a male insect like you."

Xierlan was liking Sexia more and more.

Accepting it naturally like this wasn't bad at all—love is meant to be enjoyed. Being loved with constant anxiety would only make both people miserable.

Sexia pulled his legs closer. "Regarding the matter of the assets, actually, this was just my pocket money. My real assets are in an account under someone else's name, so there's no need for you to return them. Because I like you very much, I will organize all my assets in the coming days. To strengthen the mutual trust and respect between us, this is the sincerity I ought to reciprocate too. I will also match it with equal love in response to the emotional support you provide. If I fall short in any way, please let me know—I will fulfill my responsibilities as your partner."

Xierlan was super, super happy.

He knew how to respond, their values aligned, and he was respectful and earnest—wow!!!

Wife! Wife!

Love it!

Sexia’s body kept burning hot; he was unimaginably flustered.

"And thank you, primary male…"

His legs went weak as if a floodgate had burst, his fingers curling shyly as he stammered in embarrassment,

"...thank you for saying I’m cute."