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It did not take long for Xie Jianwei to decode it completely.

The footage was blurry and fragmented, yet after reviewing it several dozen times, Xie Jianwei still discovered numerous anomalies.

The Hundred-Limbed King had dominated the Milky Way for nearly a century; he was bound to have cards hidden up his sleeve.

He understood humanity thoroughly, which was how he had overturned the Federation’s rule and forced humankind to struggle through years of hardship.

Although the entire Hundred-Limbed race had eventually fled to an extragalactic system and their king had been slain by Lu Li, the Hundred-Limbed King clearly possessed absolute confidence in victory during that final decisive battle.

How exactly had Lu Li defeated him?

Xie Jianwei had taken part in that operation as well.

Because the Hundred-Limbed King had retreated to a neutron star, which the Hundred-Limbed race had extensively hollowed out and converted into a colossal fortress. Blasting open that neutron star with their firepower at the time was entirely out of the question.

Therefore, they had to land on the celestial body and initiate ground combat.

Fortunately, Lu Li was exceptionally valiant, boasting a 100% synchronization rate with the God of War mecha and showing zero hesitation in ground warfare.

At that time, Xie Jianwei had wanted to accompany him, but Lu Li refused. His justification was readily available: the Marshal flagship required a commander. No one knew what extreme measures the cornered Hundred-Limbed race might take.

If they attempted to flee the neutron star, Xie Jianwei would have to engage them directly in space combat, since Lu Li would not be able to return in time.

Logically and practically, this made complete sense, yet an inexplicable sense of unease had lingered in Xie Jianwei’s heart.

Lu Li was undoubtedly the most suitable person to land, while Xie Jianwei holding the fort on the Marshal was the optimal strategy.

He understood the rationale, yet the unease continued to haunt him.

Xie Jianwei had closely monitored the transmission sent back from the God of War throughout the mission. Even though he had not set foot on the planet, it was as if he were right beside Lu Li, watching his every move.

Inside the neutron star lay a massive conspiracy; the Hundred-Limbed race truly possessed a hidden card.

They had transformed the entire planet into an operational, mobile fortress!

Their ambition was pure madness: they intended to pilot this fortress to conquer the universe. Steering it straight into a star would detonate an entire stellar system. Worse still, the high-density neutron star could withstand a stellar explosion, leaving them completely unscathed.

Lu Li naturally had to put an end to their reckless scheme.

After a fierce confrontation, Lu Li finally came face-to-face with the Hundred-Limbed King.

During their duel, the video transmission from the God of War abruptly cut off for a period of time. Xie Jianwei was extremely anxious back then and was already organizing a landing party. Soon, however, the video resumed. The Hundred-Limbed King had been severed into pieces by the God of War, dying in agony.

In the end, he was blasted into dust by a cannon.

Lu Li won a magnificent victory, and the blood-drenched God of War became humanity’s celebrated hero.

Afterward, Xie Jianwei asked Lu Li why the video feed had dropped.

Lu Li said, “It was probably jammed by interference.”

Xie Jianwei asked him again, “How did you fight the Hundred-Limbed King?”

Lu Li chuckled and replied, “How else could it go? You know the God of War’s weaponry better than anyone.”

Xie Jianwei indeed knew it thoroughly; he could even reconstruct Lu Li’s combat sequences in his mind. Yet this time, he sensed something amiss.

Lu Li described the battle in detail, seamless and near-flawless, presenting the entire encounter without a single slip.

Xie Jianwei could not find a single flaw, yet that absolute perfection only heightened his uneasiness.

After that, the war subsided. The Milky Way was in desperate need of reconstruction, and Lu Li threw himself into rebuilding efforts, continually consolidating his power.

More than half a year passed without any abnormalities from Lu Li, yet Xie Jianwei could never fully put his mind at ease.

Because he had privately inspected the God of War.

He specifically checked the communication logs and reached a startling conclusion: the transmission back then had been severed from the inside.

In other words, Lu Li had deliberately severed it himself, rather than experiencing the interference he claimed.

Why did he cut it off?

Xie Jianwei could not find an answer.

He had never forgotten this question. When he suspected that someone might be manipulating Lu Li’s split personalities, this was the very first incident he suspected, which naturally led him to the Hundred-Limbed King.

A centipede dies but never falls still; the wicked linger on.

Having planned so meticulously for decades, would the Hundred-Limbed King really vanish so easily?

Or had it survived in another form?

If so, did Lu Li know?

Xie Jianwei tapped his index finger lightly against the back of his chair.

When the first ray of dawn touched the planet, Xie Jianwei left the room.

Carrying a trace of chilliness on his body, he warmed up inside the bedroom for a while before climbing back into bed.

Lu Li did not open his eyes, merely pulling the person beside him into his embrace out of habit.

Xie Jianwei pressed a kiss against his neck.

Still keeping his eyes closed, Lu Li slid a large hand under his clothes, gently caressing his smooth waist.

Xie Jianwei lightly licked his earlobe.

The Marshal suddenly snapped his eyes open. His dark pupils resembled an awakening lion as he rolled over and pinned the mischievous Military Advisor beneath him.

Xie Jianwei tilted his head up to meet his gaze.

Lu Li’s thin lips curved slightly. “Didn’t feed you enough last night?”

Xie Jianwei smiled, his eyes curving into crescents.

Lu Li could never resist this look. Someone normally so cold and abstinent turned into an absolute enchantress when smiling like this, tempting one to take him until he cried.

Morning exercise was beneficial for both body and mind.

The teasing Military Advisor had tears brimming at the corners of his eyes, pleading breathlessly. Lu Li originally wanted to help him in front, but Xie Jianwei murmured, “Don’t stop, A-Li… don’t…”

Lu Li’s heart pounded as he thrust relentlessly against that spot, ultimately driving his Military Advisor to climax from behind alone.

Gazing at the dazed, passion-drunk Xie Jianwei, Lu Li’s throat tightened. He flipped him over to have another round with him.

Xie Jianwei had always been sensitive, but he tended to be somewhat reserved in bed. Today, however…

Completely captivated, the Marshal truly wished he could abandon morning duties forever.

Naturally, the Military Advisor did not dare indulge him excessively. If you strapped a pair of wings onto this man, he would genuinely fly straight into the heavens.

Once it was roughly enough, Xie Jianwei refused to continue.

Lu Li nuzzled against him like a giant beast. “There’s nothing on the schedule today…”

Xie Jianwei did not know whether to laugh or cry. “Busy or not, it’s almost noon! Do you want to go at it all day?”

Lu Li replied honestly, “Yes.”

Xie Jianwei patted his head. “Get up. I’m going to make lunch.”

Those words clearly struck a chord with Lu Li. He lifted his head to look at him. “Cooking?”

Xie Jianwei said, “Yes. How was yesterday’s dish? I’ll make something different for you today.”

A glint flickered in Lu Li’s eyes. “Delicious.”

Xie Jianwei knew he had no recollection of it, but did not dare say too much lest Lu Li become jealous of himself, so he simply added, “Today’s will taste even better.”

This hit the right spot. Lu Li’s expression relaxed slightly as he said, “I’m looking forward to it.”

Xie Jianwei headed into the kitchen.

Lu Li went to take a cold shower to cool his heat.

When he stepped out, he saw that vintage-style kitchen.

Familiar yet foreign, distant yet intimate.

Watching Xie Jianwei busy inside lifted his mood, yet a bitter wave of jealousy welled up in his chest.

He wondered which bastard had caused trouble, managing to get A-Wei to cook specifically for him, and even preparing vintage Earth cuisine! What shameless audacity!

Lu Li strolled over to the kitchen, leaning against the doorway with his arms crossed.

Not only did Xie Jianwei know how to handle these antique tools, his movements were remarkably practiced. Steady knife skills, masterful wok control, appearing every bit the master chef.

Even though he knew his Military Advisor excelled at everything he touched, Lu Li still felt sour.

Xie Jianwei must have practiced diligently, and he had practiced for that other “him.” What kind of bewitching soup had that bastard fed A-Wei to make the pampered Military Advisor master such cooking skills?

Lu Li stared unblinkingly. With all the sour vinegar emanating from him, adding a spoonful of sugar would let them serve a plate of “Sweet and Sour Marshal” right on the table.

Moreover, the amount of vinegar was excessive, cloyingly sour.

Xie Jianwei was in a pleasant mood, a soft smile resting at the corners of his mouth. The lingering flush of passion still hung between his brows, and his focused demeanor was extraordinarily alluring.

Lu Li was already bubbling with jealousy, and this only doubled it.

Which bastard had trained A-Wei? Why was the normally reserved Military Advisor dripping wet like an incubus this morning?

Lu Li could have asked. Although their memories were not shared, they could communicate with one another.

Yet he refused to ask.

Asking would mean admitting defeat! Who knew how those damn bastards would flaunt it in his face.

Besides, this was his home turf right now, and he had no desire to give them an opening to seize control of the body.

The more Lu Li watched, the more he wanted to murder his other selves. He finally retreated to the dining table to wait for the meal.

Xie Jianwei did not prepare anything overly intricate, just exquisite, appetizing home-style cooking.

The staple consisted of corn tortillas. Five wraps with distinct fillings were arranged neatly on a gorgeous platter. What they had in common was that every tortilla was soft, puffy, and golden; what differed were the fillings rolled inside.

There was browned roast meat paired with crisp vegetables and chili peppers, savory grilled fish with shredded cabbage and onions, and even fried shrimp with fresh lettuce and guacamole.

A seemingly simple assortment of tacos was bursting with incredible flavors.

It proved beyond doubt just how much dedication their creator had invested.

Lu Li was both delighted and jealous, itching to ask Xie Jianwei when he had honed these skills. Yet asking would blow his cover, so he could only swallow every question down his throat.

Xie Jianwei turned around and brought out a bowl of clam chowder. This rich, silky soup was the ultimate complement to tacos.

Before taking a bite, Lu Li felt his tastebuds tingling.

Xie Jianwei sat across from him, resting his chin on his hands as he watched him. “Have a taste.”

Lu Li picked up a taco.

Xie Jianwei gazed at him expectantly. Lu Li suspected he was seeing another version of himself through his eyes, which felt unpleasant. Yet upon taking a bite, every shred of discontent vanished into thin air. Sensational flavor had a way of reawakening pure joy.

The acidic bubbles in his chest seemed instantly purified, turning into sweet bubbles of delight.

Lu Li exclaimed in awe, “It tastes incredible.”

Xie Jianwei’s eyes curved with amusement. “Thank you for the praise.”

Enchanted by his smile, Lu Li’s heart itched. He murmured, “You excel at everything you do.”

Xie Jianwei said, “There are plenty of things I’m terrible at.”

Lu Li smiled.

Xie Jianwei suddenly added, “For instance… being a good lover?”

Lu Li snapped his head up.

Xie Jianwei looked completely natural, though a glint of cunning shone in his lovely eyes.

Steadying his composure, Lu Li said, “You are the one I love, the best lover there is.”

“That’s not true,” Xie Jianwei shook his head. “If I were a qualified lover, you wouldn’t have kept such a critical matter from me.”

The probe was too direct. Lu Li’s eyes flickered slightly, though he maintained an impressively calm front: “What have I kept from you?”

Xie Jianwei said nothing, merely holding his gaze.

In psychological warfare, Xie Jianwei rarely lost, yet when facing Lu Li, he had little confidence.

His psychological fortitude was ironclad because he cared about nothing except Lu Li.

Naturally, that advantage was nullified before Lu Li.

Fortunately, Lu Li was just like him. Incredibly formidable, yet all of his strength crumbled before Xie Jianwei.

Because they cared too deeply for one another, each had become the other’s greatest vulnerability.

In that sense, they were evenly matched, though the Military Advisor had arrived prepared, giving him a slight edge.

However, Xie Jianwei had reservations. He feared Lu Li might consult the other personalities; if they compared notes, his therapy scheme might be exposed. Therefore, he took the initiative to ask, “Back then, how exactly did the Hundred-Limbed King die?”

Lu Li froze visibly. His greatest dread was the lack of shared memories among his personalities and his desire to kill “himself.”

He had never expected Xie Jianwei to bring up an event from so long ago.

His heart settled back into place as he asked teasingly, “What? Are you that eager to review your husband’s heroic battle from back then?”

Xie Jianwei examined him closely, yet could read nothing from his expression.

Lu Li looked completely open, as if hiding nothing at all.

If Xie Jianwei kept pressing, Lu Li would simply recount the same story from years ago.

Did Lu Li truly not know?

Then why did he sever the feed from the inside?

Xie Jianwei thought for a moment before adopting a serious tone: “I inspected the God of War later on.”

Lu Li: “And?”

Xie Jianwei said, “The video transmission back then was severed by you from the inside.”

Hearing this, Lu Li paused noticeably.

Soon, a bitter smile crossed his face. “I really can’t deceive you; you always see right through me.”

Xie Jianwei asked, “Why cut it off, and why lie to me?”

Lu Li rested his elbows on the table, his dark eyes locking onto him. “I wasn’t confident.”

Those three words made Xie Jianwei’s heart tremble.

Lu Li said, “I didn’t have absolute confidence in victory. I thought that if I really died, at least I wouldn’t want you to see me looking so wretched.”

Xie Jianwei’s throat tightened; he couldn’t produce a single syllable.

Lu Li’s gaze was tender, his voice gentle like a summer night’s breeze: “I only wanted you to remember my finest moments.”

Xie Jianwei struggled to squeeze out a raspy word: “You… idiot.”

Lu Li stood up, walked around the table, and stopped in front of him.

Xie Jianwei avoided his eyes, but Lu Li gently tilted his chin up and kissed his forehead. “No husband wants to lose face in front of his wife.”

Xie Jianwei’s face flushed slightly. “Who is your wife?”

Lu Li gave a roguish grin. “Who was the one crying out last night…”

“Lu Li!” The Military Advisor snapped in embarrassed fury.

Lu Li laughed heartily, pulling him into his arms. “Let’s eat. It would be a shame for the food you worked so hard on to get cold.”

Xie Jianwei said expressionlessly, “Take your hand off.”

The man taking liberties with his rear said shamelessly, “Just let me touch a bit.”

Xie Jianwei: “…”

The two shared a lunch that was thoroughly satisfying in every sensory way.

In truth, Xie Jianwei was still uneasy. What Lu Li said was likely true. When severing the feed, he probably did think that way. He loved acting cool, especially in front of Xie Jianwei, which Xie knew all too well.

Yet something definitely transpired after the connection was cut, something Lu Li hadn’t disclosed.

Pressing further would be difficult. If Lu Li refused to speak, relentless interrogation would only startle the snake, prompting him to conceal any exposed details even deeper.

Xie Jianwei dropped the subject, spending two sweet days with him.

On the morning of the third day, Lu Li pinned him against the kitchen counter.

No one knew where this fellow found the energy; the moment he saw Xie Jianwei step into the kitchen and tie on the apron, his lust flared up.

The already softened Big Li stood at full attention again, stubbornly insisting on doing it right there.

Xie Jianwei refused sternly, but couldn’t withstand the rascal’s badgering, eventually giving in.

Right in the heat of passion, the movement behind him suddenly ground to a halt.

Xie Jianwei was teetering on the edge of climax and could hardly endure the suspension, pleading breathlessly, “Hurry… move…”

Lu Li froze for a second before abruptly pounding into him with sheer ferocity.

Xie Jianwei could barely take it, driven straight to the peak.

Afterward, Xie Jianwei gasped, “No more. I need to cook.”

Instead, Lu Li scooped him up, laid him flat across the wide counter, and savored him like a feast.

In truth, during the second half, Xie Jianwei had already realized the personality had switched.

There was nothing he could do. They switched seamlessly without outward signs; Xie Jianwei always had to deduce it from his attitude.

For example, a freshly awakened personality would invariably sulk, brooding in jealousy until the whole room reeked of sour vinegar.

Xie Jianwei didn’t want him being jealous of himself either, and wanted to smooth things over among “them.”

Yet it was futile, because he could never detect the switch in time.

By the time he realized, the fellow was already consumed by envy.

Today’s personality was the most pitiable. Waking up only to witness such a scene, breaking his heart completely.

Which bastard had dared to pin the Military Advisor, who would only ever do it in bed, against a kitchen counter?

Moreover, that bastard had deliberately created such a vintage kitchen!

On top of that, that bastard had actually made the Military Advisor cook for him!

Furious, he wanted to commit murder!

What could Xie Jianwei do? He could only support his aching waist and soothe Big Li with his body.

The worst part was that he found the jealous Big Li devastatingly handsome as well.

Hopelessly lost in love, that described him perfectly.

Afterward, the Military Advisor naturally lacked the strength to cook, so Lu Li made breakfast instead.

To dare dream of gourmet food, one had to know how to cook first.

Lu Li had always been a skilled cook, otherwise he couldn’t have ordered so many complex dishes.

Xie Jianwei ate contentedly, his sore backside hurting noticeably less.

Because of the personality shift, Xie Jianwei didn’t rush into treatment, spending two more days keeping him company. Once the timing seemed right, he rendered Lu Li unconscious.

Yan Ke looked refreshed and energized.

Xie Jianwei asked him, “Did something good happen?”

Yan Ke grinned. “I caught my younger brother yesterday.”

His younger brother was a complete shut-in with no worries about food or drink, whose sole life pursuit was writing smutty novels. Because of this, he was always wandering around without settling down, so even as his big brother, Yan Ke could never catch him.

Yesterday, he unexpectedly caught him at home.

Xie Jianwei smiled. “Did you beat him?”

Yan Ke said, “Beat him until he was crying out for his big brother!”

Xie Jianwei said, “It’s not entirely his fault.”

Yan Ke said, “If not for the messy things he writes, would the Marshal’s imagination run this wild?!”

Xie Jianwei noted, “Come to think of it, he rarely writes novels with ancient Earth settings, right?”

“He has, but not many. After all, researching historical details is too troublesome, and readers always nitpick.”

Xie Jianwei pondered briefly. “What backgrounds does he usually write?”

“Modern settings make up the majority. But there are all sorts of wild tropes; I heard there are even worlds with male pregnancy…”

Xie Jianwei: “…”

Yan Ke added fuel to the fire: “The key is that it’s not external artificial incubation, but carrying the child in the womb for ten months just like a woman.”

Only after delivering that blow did Yan Ke realize he had said too much. Terrified that the Military Advisor might execute his worthless younger brother in anger, he quickly explained, “The Marshal definitely won’t dream of something like that! Definitely not!”

Xie Jianwei also knew Lu Li wouldn’t, because Lu Li was endlessly jealous of himself and couldn’t possibly introduce a child to compete for affection.

Xie Jianwei said, “No need to worry about that.”

Yan Ke thought to himself: Marshal, whatever you do, please never indulge in any pregnant roleplay. If you do, my useless younger brother will definitely end up decapitated.

With a heart full of trepidation, Yan Ke activated the mental magnetic field.

Xie Jianwei entered the new dream world.

After a brief moment of disorientation, he was startled by several lines of text appearing in his mind.

Yan Ke took a deep breath.

Xie Jianwei said, “What is this? The synopsis of your younger brother’s novel?”

Yan Ke laughed awkwardly. “It looks quite like it.”

It was getting increasingly sophisticated: now entering a dream even came with a promotional blurb.

The text flooding into Xie Jianwei’s mind read as follows:

“Everyone knew that the man wielding immense power was unmarried, yet had an adult son.

Everyone also knew that this was a foster son.

…Indeed, a foster son in every sense of the word.”

Yan Ke wiped sweat on behalf of his younger brother, offering a diplomatic excuse: “Roleplay, it’s all just roleplay!”

Xie Jianwei: “Heh.”

Yan Ke said, “Minister Li is very strict about age-restricted content! Smut is allowed, but genuine immorality will never happen!”

Xie Jianwei asked, “So they resort to skirting the edge like this?”

Yan Ke didn’t dare make a peep. He never imagined that while they dodged the male pregnancy landmine, they tripped right into this trap.

Yan Ke’s heart as an elder brother was thoroughly exhausted: I can’t save you anymore, Duanduan. Good luck!

When Xie Jianwei opened his eyes, he found himself bathed in brilliant light.

As night fell, another world quietly awakened.

Inside a lavishly decorated room, a wager of chips was playing out across a long table draped in black velvet.

Xie Jianwei had plenty of background information in his head this time. Looking down, he quickly grasped the rules of this bridge game.

Yan Ke, on the other hand, watched with a bewildered expression. “The stakes here are enormous.”

Raising a hand involved hundreds of thousands; truly a pastime for the wealthy.

Xie Jianwei replied with utter composure, “What’s there to fear? Someone is clearly handing over money on purpose.”

There were four players in total: two foils, while a balding, middle-aged man kept intentionally throwing hands, clearly buttering up Xie Jianwei.

Xie Jianwei had seen such tricks countless times and paid it no mind.

Using gambling to curry favor meant the man was after something.

After several rounds, Xie Jianwei cast a lazy glance at the balding man. “Uncle Sun, your luck isn’t holding up today.”

The balding man, named Sun Qinghai, had lost nearly three million, yet he maintained a fawning smile without the slightest hint of annoyance. He flattered, “It’s Young Master who plays exceptionally well. My old brain is useless; it just can’t keep up with the twists and turns.”

Despite his humble words, the reality was quite the opposite. Sun Qinghai’s mind was far from useless; it was far too sharp.

Losing without leaving a single trace was a remarkably sophisticated way of flattering someone, clearly the mark of an old fox who had rolled through the fryer multiple times until burnt crisp inside and out.

Xie Jianwei gave a noncommittal smile. The curl of his lips and the loose, indifferent glint in his eyes perfectly embodied how a dissolute playboy should behave.

Seeing that he seemed pleased, Sun Qinghai ventured, “I have a small gift here. I wonder if Young Master would do me the honor of accepting it?”

Xie Jianwei remarked with interest, “If it caught Uncle Sun’s eye, it must be something fine.”

Sun Qinghai smiled obsequiously. “Hardly, hardly. I only fear it won’t meet Young Master’s standards.”

As he spoke, he clapped his hands. Before long, an extraordinarily delicate and strikingly attractive youth was escorted inside.

He looked barely eighteen or nineteen, with fair, tender skin, large eyes, a dainty nose, and tender lips like a peeled peach, juicy and mouthwatering.

Xie Jianwei looked at him a few extra times.

Sun Qinghai whispered, “I wonder if he suits Young Master’s taste?”

“Uncle Sun has great eye. Is this little beauty of age?” Xie Jianwei asked with a chuckle.

Sun Qinghai said, “Of course. Turning twenty this year. We know Young Master’s rules.”

Xie Jianwei smiled meaningfully. “Being a bit older is good; they know how to behave.”

Sun Qinghai agreed, “Indeed, indeed.”

Xie Jianwei’s eyes remained fixed on the young beauty, clearly fond of him. Sun Qinghai’s anxiety eased considerably, and he finally sat back fully into his chair.

Having lived for half a lifetime, he never imagined that one day he would have to flatter a young punk like this.

Yet he truly didn’t dare look down on Xie Jianwei. Others claimed Young Master Jianwei lived a pampered life of absolute luxury that ten princes and princesses combined couldn’t rival; he was notorious for his debauchery, and his relationship with Mr. Lu was an open secret. Such a fine “son” who climbed the ranks through his body naturally earned contempt deep down from many.

People thought he had no real competence, that he was merely arrogant from being spoiled, or simply a pet to be toyed with.

Sun Qinghai, however, knew better.

He was a veteran in this circle. He had witnessed the former Xie Jianwei, seeing with his own eyes that ruthless wolf cub who, at just a dozen years old, dared wield a blade to hack down enemies and carve a bloody path out of hell.

Very few knew the shared past of Xie Jianwei and Lu Li, but he did.

These two high-society figures cloaked in glamorous furs had crawled their way out from the deepest abyss of hell.

Half of Lu Li’s empire today was built through the blood and sweat of this very “foster son” in the eyes of others.

Such a ruthless figure was someone Sun Qinghai could never afford to offend.

It was just that a while ago, a moment of greed made him violate a forbidden rule. If he failed to appease Xie Jianwei, his old life would likely be forfeit.

First losing money to please him, then catering to his tastes by presenting a docile little beauty, Sun Qinghai thought Xie Jianwei might just forgive him this once.

Leaving the gambling table, Xie Jianwei departed with the young beauty.

The boy was exceptionally pretty, more beautiful than many women, yet without any fragile petulance. Instead, he looked clean and refined, instantly likable.

Xie Jianwei asked him, “What’s your name?”

His voice was also very pleasant: “Jiaxi.”

Xie Jianwei asked again, “Surname?”

“Xu…” he replied softly. “Xu Jiaxi.”

Another surnamed Xu… Xie Jianwei thought about it. He didn’t recall knowing anyone with the surname Xu. Whose jealousy was Lu Li harboring this time?

Xie Jianwei glanced at the young man beside him and asked lazily, “Mind if I smoke?”

Xu Jiaxi kept his head bowed, the car interior lights casting a warm, alluring glow over his fair neck.

He whispered, “Please feel free, Young Master.”

Xie Jianwei lit a cigarette, holding it between his lips as he said, “Just call me by my name.”

Xu Jiaxi said nervously, “How could I do that?”

Xie Jianwei gave a wanton chuckle. “If you call me Young Master in bed, I might go soft.”

At those words, Xu Jiaxi’s face flushed crimson. He kept his head lowered, not daring to utter another word.

Yan Ke cheered him on: “My Lord, you are amazing! You can hold up even a persona like this!”

Xie Jianwei: “…”

Yan Ke was quite experienced by now and analyzed thoughtfully: “I bet this is all its doing. How could the Marshal bear to let you be with someone else… ahem…”

Xie Jianwei smiled. “It’s gotten smarter; it’s doing everything it can to smear my reputation.”

Yan Ke said worriedly, “It dug such a massive pit in advance, and upon entering the dream you can only follow the character settings. This… this is really tricky.”

“Don’t worry. It wouldn’t dare push past the bottom line either. If it truly breaks the core rules, God’s will would destroy it first.”

Seeing that Xie Jianwei was confident, Yan Ke relaxed as well.

With the Military Advisor here anyway, he might as well save his pitiful brain cells!

The car pulled into a villa. Xie Jianwei instructed the servants, “Take Mr. Xu to the bedroom.”

Xu Jiaxi was flustered, finally gathering the courage to glance up at Xie Jianwei.

Xie Jianwei offered him a faint smile. “Go take a shower and wait for me in bed.”

His voice was extraordinarily pleasant. Light and flirtatious, yet sending tremors through one’s heart.

Xu Jiaxi lowered his head, the tips of his ears bright red. He liked Xie Jianwei; from the very first glance, he had fallen for this handsome, striking man.

Sitting at the card table with a casual smile, his eyes were as dangerous and domineering as a wolf’s.

Under such a gaze, Xu Jiaxi’s heart had pounded wildly. He knew he had caught his interest. Though too nervous to speak, he was secretly thrilled inside.

After Xu Jiaxi left, Xie Jianwei headed up to the study on the second floor.

His confidant knocked three times before Xie Jianwei said, “Come in.”

The person who entered was a familiar face.

Yan Ke cheered, “Oh, it’s Major General Bai!”

Another old acquaintance. Bai Yun was a veteran follower, particularly close to Xie Jianwei. Hailing from the intelligence division, he had served as Xie Jianwei’s right-hand man during wartime.

Seeing him here broke Xie Jianwei’s immersion slightly, but he maintained a steady front.

Bai Yun had always been disciplined, carrying an aura of upright righteousness even within the underworld: “Sir, we have investigated Sun Qinghai’s matter.”

Xie Jianwei said, “Speak.”

“That shipment was arranged through collusion between his mistress and his subordinate. Afterward, he discovered it promptly, captured both of them, and destroyed the goods.”

Xie Jianwei chuckled softly. “He’s certainly shrewd.”

Bai Yun asked, “Sir believes Sun Qinghai was putting on an act?”

Xie Jianwei scoffed, “If we hadn’t discovered it in time, he likely wouldn’t have ‘discovered’ what his mistress and subordinate were doing either.”

Bai Yun noted, “Sun Qinghai is an old hand. He knows your absolute taboo is drug trafficking. How could he dare…”

Xie Jianwei said, “As the years pass, ambitions grow, and rules are naturally forgotten.”

“Then…” Bai Yun hesitated.

Xie Jianwei knew what he wanted to ask.

Tonight, Sun Qinghai had clearly curried favor, giving away money and presenting a beauty while heaping on flattering words, all to plead for Xie Jianwei’s leniency.

Xie Jianwei’s performance had been textbook: “winning” all the money, accepting the person, and appearing thoroughly pleased.

By all rights, Xie Jianwei was supposed to let him off the hook.

Even Bai Yun had assumed so.

Yet Xie Jianwei said, “If we don’t let his guard down, how can we hook the bigger fish?”

Bai Yun was taken aback, quickly replying, “This subordinate was careless.”

Xie Jianwei said, “Keep monitoring Sun Qinghai. Report immediately if anything comes up.”

Bai Yun acknowledged the order. Before leaving, he asked, “What about that Xu Jiaxi in the left room…”

“Oh,” Xie Jianwei replied. “Keep him here for now. He has quite a nice face.”

Bai Yun lowered his eyes and agreed, “Understood.”

After Bai Yun left, Xie Jianwei picked up his phone and dialed his “father’s” number.

With a slight smile, he was calculating what to say when a voice came through the receiver: The number you have dialed is currently unavailable.

Military Advisor Xie: “…”

Yan Ke exclaimed, “Oh boy, the Marshal is really putting on airs this time.”

Xie Jianwei dialed again, but no one answered.

Yan Ke asked with a hint of excitement, “Um… My Lord, you aren’t really going to favor that little lover, are you?”

In this dream’s setting, Xie Jianwei’s character was extraordinarily wild.

To describe it using a few words from the novel’s blurb:

Xie Jianwei was a wolf cub. Wild, unruly, and ferocious.

Lu Li had brought him home, spending over a decade shaping everything from his appearance and speech to his refinement, bearing, and lifestyle, grooming him into the distinguished, elegant, and handsome Eldest Young Master Xie in public.

Yet his true nature never changed. While maintaining an ambiguous relationship with Lu Li, he kept a flock of young lovers on the side.

Lu Li knew everything, yet had never intervened.

Because from the very beginning, Xie Jianwei only regarded him as a “father,” and this twisted bond merely concealed another unspeakable secret.

He could trap the person, yet could never touch that heart.

No one understood this better than Lu Li.