"Ah, everyone's here," remarked the branch president of the martial arts association, observing the bustling hall with a broad smile.

"President Shi, what brings the martial arts association here?"

Ever since Shi became president, things had been going smoothly for him. The martial artists at the Jiangnan base were increasing in number and skill. All these achievements were credited to him, and he hoped that after a few more years of hard work, he'd be reassigned to the Shuguang City.

"Marshal Shao once acted as the president of our association, and I'm acquainted with Mr. Zhou. Now that he's back, it's only right that I show some hospitality," Shi explained.

The other 'hosts' present rolled their eyes covertly. Didn't they know that President Shi wasn't too fond of the two in the past?

Cheng Zi'ang checked the time. It had been three hours since Zhou You entered the city, hardly enough time for rest. He had arrived too early, so he invited the others to join him for tea in the upstairs tea room.

Once they left the main hall, the volume of conversation among the customers began to rise. Some brought up a recent interview with Shao Qi. Many had not seen it yet, but after watching, they all fell silent.

Zhou You returned to his room for a nap, relishing the comfort of the plush bed and pillows. It made him miss Shao Qi even more, and soon enough, Shao Qi called.

"Where are you?" asked Shao Qi, spotting Zhou You lounging on the bed.

Zhou You shared his hotel details, rolled around to show off the spacious bed, and the suggestive items on the bedside table. "Why didn't we think of staying here last time? The room is so comfortable."

Shao Qi, while dressing in his military uniform, glanced at him and made a gesture as though touching Zhou You's face on the screen, "Even though we're miles apart, don't tease me. Why aren't you staying at home?"

"The mansion isn't ready. It feels so empty. Staying in a hotel is more convenient, especially with meals taken care of."

Without further comment on that topic, Shao Qi inquired about the glowing insects from the previous night, "Apart from the video you took, was there anything unusual about them? Were they hard to kill?"

"They were tough. Their shells are hard, they move fast, and while they have wings, I never saw them fly. Their glow is intriguing, especially the way they lure mutated creatures into a suicidal sacrifice."

"Some plants emit scents that attract mutated creatures. Some scents can intoxicate them, but creatures typically rely on bodily fluids to lure prey. It's hard to decipher these insects, but if we get samples, the research institute might figure it out quickly."

"I wanted to capture some, but their claws are too sharp. No container seemed able to contain them."

"Don't worry. I'll send someone to catch them. It's odd that these group-oriented insects haven't been discovered before. They might be a new species. Be extra cautious out there; even the most skilled martial artist isn't invincible."

"Worried about me?" Zhou You sat up, his pajama top slightly undone, the ambient light making him look alluring yet carefree.

Shao Qi felt a pang in his heart and moved his phone away a bit, "Coming back this time, do you feel a sense of triumphant return?"

Recalling the crowd earlier, Zhou You replied with lingering apprehension, "I felt like a superstar for the first time in my life. It was overwhelming. With my status, if it's always like this, I might be kicked out of the National Security Department."

Shao Qi chuckled a few times, pondering, "How could they bear to do so? The other day at the meeting, ran into Zhou You's superior. That old-fashioned senior minister actually treated me with a rare warmth, no longer labeling me as a butcher. Ah, the privilege of one's husband."

"How long do you plan to stay at the Jiangnan base?"

"Not sure. There might not be many leads left. I'm uncertain if I can find anything."

"Perhaps it's best not to dwell on the past. We'll be more cautious in the future. I miss you when you're not around."

"Really? You seemed quite cheerful during your interview, spouting all sorts of witty remarks. Have you watched the news today? Stepped out? How do you feel?" Zhou You shot a string of questions, making Shao Qi blush. He then burst into laughter, slapping the bed.

"This is genuinely hilarious. Anyone who watched that interview could laugh for an entire year. Marshal Shao's reputation!"

Shao Qi rubbed his face, pleading, "Stop laughing. Who do you think I did this for? And considering our differing statures, no one could possibly mistake us. Worry more about yourself."

"What do I have to worry about? No one asks me these kinds of questions. If someone did, I'd plainly state that I'm clearly number one. Marshal Shao can't defeat me."

"Enough of that. I'll make sure no one ever gets the chance to ask such questions again."

"Haha, who interviewed you?"

"Shao Zhen, my cousin. I've already given her a piece of my mind."

"Send my regards to your cousin. What does she like? I should bring a gift next time we meet, right?"

Shao Qi, not being particularly close to his sister, hesitated, "Just use your judgment. She wouldn't dare dislike anything you give."

"Having a brother like you is unfortunate. Anyway, it's getting late. Go about your duties." Zhou You noticed him dressed in his military uniform and assumed he had business to attend to.

However, Shao Qi hesitated to end the call, pointing to his face, "Kiss me goodbye?"

Zhou You lay on the bed laughing, gestured dismissively, "Keep dreaming. Goodbye." But he still blew a kiss before ending the call.

Shao Qi then dialed another number, giving a few instructions before leaving. Their White Tiger Mansion needed some refurbishing. They couldn't always stay in hotels during their trips.