Chapter 21 Crochet

Chapter 21 Crochet

How could he possibly bring something like this up?

Sexia already realized his high-maintenance tendencies were fully exposed. He parted his lips, wanting to speak several times, but in the end, his ear tips flushed crimson, unsure how to react.

Xierlan was no different. He silently cut a piece of meat with his knife and fork, clumsily chewing it.

Indeed, as a recent high school graduate, he still couldn't handle intimate couple's gestures like an experienced person. Besides, it wouldn't be right even if he had experience...

Oh, if only he could undo this!

Sexia, utterly embarrassed, simply buried his head in his food.

Even though the video call hadn't involved much talking, it still carried a sense of flustered, heart-racing tension.

Xierlan felt tormented and spoke unnaturally, "Well then, see you tonight, babe. I'll hang up now. Remember to take your nap."

Sexia also breathed a sigh of relief, said okay, and watched as Xierlan ended the call.

He had never felt so overwhelmed by a situation before. The blush on his face took a long time to fade, lingering clearly and making his eyes glisten with an extraordinary, captivating beauty.

After hanging up, Xierlan hadn't recovered either. He couldn't help but rest his forehead in his hand, pondering what exactly he had been saying.

Well, better just focus on eating. He wasn't taking a nap anyway, and System 99 had found him a way to bypass the firewall, allowing direct access to those professional websites. He hadn't logged in to check them out yet.

Thinking this, Xierlan sped up his eating. After finishing his meal, he used his identification code to bypass the firewall, successfully disguising himself as a SubFemale and gaining access.

He spent the entire noon immersed there. Xierlan had to start from scratch, sorting out which approach he should take. This process took him all morning, and he finally figured out how to proceed.

For the insect race, getting into research was simple—just get the proper credentials, and you could open your own research lab with no barriers. However, from beginning to end, the most authoritative research institution was only the alliance’s Satel Research Institute, which covered development and research in all fields, including medicine.

Without even thinking, Xierlan knew he couldn’t get in. The review process there was strict, and as a male without a tail hook, he’d be identified immediately.

But opening a research institute was different. As long as you had the certificate, you could do it. The identity verification process for the exam wasn’t complicated—it just required taking a risk to get a SubFemale identity.

His appearance wasn’t an issue, since many insects already thought he resembled a SubFemale.

With this in mind, Xierlan already had a plan. Of course, he needed to discuss this with Sexia first. He really had to rely on his wife for now. Sexia had enough patience and means to help him handle all the procedures related to the assessment.

Moreover, Xierlan searched through some posted discussions and gathered information. Aside from the most urgent issues related to mental fields and fertility, SubFemales spent a lot of money each year on maintaining their wings, including physical recovery.

Xierlan had some background knowledge from his own world, and the model could be applied directly—it would just take some time to implement.

"In short," Xierlan closed the website thoughtfully, commenting, "Before I achieve something to repay Sexia, I’ll have to fully become a complete burden, depending on my wife’s money, connections, and even food and lodging."

System 99 wasn’t sure what to say, hesitating a bit. "It should be fine... The villain isn’t the type who can’t provide these things. Of course, Host, I believe you’re not just mooching off others. As an external system, I shouldn’t really say."

Xierlan thought it was perfectly normal. He was someone who never dwelled on things. Rather than having Sexia give him things outright because of their relationship, Xierlan preferred to be the one to ask proactively, since the two were completely different in nature.

In his eyes, imposing on others was definitely creating an obligation, and if the relationship wasn’t solid, you really shouldn’t incur it. Of course, Xierlan would never let Sexia suffer losses.

"Definitely. I mean, I don’t see any problem with depending on my wife’s resources. I could manage on my own, but it would take too much time. I don’t want to waste time for the sake of pride. Besides, I owe Sexia too much already. I want him to invest in me as soon as possible, and I’ll do my best to leave him something within the shortest time."

Money and stability.

Xierlan believed in being prepared for danger in times of peace. He wasn’t sure how long he could stay here, but he wanted to secure the best possible situation for his wife during this time.

"By the way, 99, when do we return to reality?"

System 99 blinked. "It’s considered achieving a perfect ending. The current situation is unstable and chaotic. You’ll have to stay here for at least a few years."

After all, even if he lacked confidence, he had to have confidence. Otherwise, if he just left, what would happen to his wife?

If Xierlan returned, he wouldn’t be able to sleep or eat well either.

Just thinking about it was too much for Xierlan to bear.

It was almost time for afternoon class. Xierlan got up and left, heading to the crochet classroom according to the address provided by his identification code.

The crochet teacher was a SubFemale, tall and slender, very beautiful. Xierlan politely greeted them and found a seat. As for Miao Qie and the two other males, they arrived right on time as usual.

The crochet class was simple, starting with scarves. The teacher explained very meticulously, and Xierlan quickly learned how to cast on and bind off, including some simple crochet patterns.

The crochet teacher only taught for half an hour before letting them work on their own project as homework, with no size requirements.

The males were unhappy about having homework but had no choice, sulking as they worked.

Having no patience, Miao Qie tossed his yarn work aside. As soon as he looked up, he saw Xierlan furiously crocheting.

Miao Qie gritted his teeth.

What the hell! You're competing at crocheting too? Are you insane?!

He walked over to take a look. Under Xierlan’s quick movements, he had crocheted a beautiful wristlet and several lovely accessories, though they hadn’t been assembled yet.

He had even crocheted a very beautiful gardenia blossom in that one hour.

Seeing a male so dedicated, Miao Qie was stunned.

Is this really necessary?

How can anyone endure something so boring? Are you crazy?!

Besides, can he even wear these things?

Before he could ask, he saw Xierlan take out his device and start taking pictures of all the small parts.

Miao Qie almost laughed himself sick.

This? You’re even recording this?

Then, he saw the male send the pictures through the device, along with a long message.

After sharing, Xierlan noticed someone watching him very obviously nearby. He looked up curiously and saw Miao Qie’s incredulous expression, and found it amusing.

"What are you staring at?"

Miao Qie couldn’t hold back anymore. He said arrogantly, "I’m looking at what you’re doing. What’s worth recording about these things? I can’t believe you’re actually doing this!"

Xierlan didn’t argue and just showed him the chat history.

In the dialogue box, the couple’s sweetness was basically rubbed in his face.

Miao Qie: …

Damn, so it’s for a SubFemale.

But why give it to a SubFemale? That’s even more ridiculous!

Author's Note: