In the live stream broadcast, Li Xiao looked at the investigative announcement released by the Fifth Legion. He raised his hand and made a switching gesture, and in the next instant, the camera lens shifted over to the refugees adjacent to him.

Jiang Hao’s voice echoed from off-camera.

“Big Brother needs to verify the situation with the Fifth Legion. Let the uncles and aunties fill in for the live stream for a bit.”

The refugees caught by the camera lens instantly became completely flustered, awkwardly smiling and waving at the lens in unison.

The live chat streamed past with a screen full of “hahahahhas”—

[Omg His Highness’s hands look so good! Signing a petition in blood for Song Jin to appear on camera!]

[The uncles and aunties: Panicking so hard, help us Second Prince!]

[It seems the Fifth Legion really published a bogus announcement, concrete proof right here.]

[Just the sole fact that they claimed the Second Prince was bombed to death means the Fifth Legion cannot vindicate itself.]

[Then what exactly happened with the explosion at the hibernation center? Was it a real explosion or a fake one?]

[The Fifth Legion has been exposed these past few days for illegal resale of supplies and lagging behind in rescue operations. Now their transport vehicle self-detonates and they shift the blame to a terrorist organization—their maneuvers are getting more and more baffling.]

[Previously, the Royal Family was mocked by crowds when they issued the refutation announcement. The tables turned so quickly; as expected, one shouldn’t blindly choose sides.]

At the Military Headquarters, inside the combat command center.

Li Ji kept a rigid expression. Even upon seeing that Li Xiao was still alive, he failed to exhibit much joy. Instead, his tone turned even colder than before. “What on earth is going on? Making the military and the Royal Family a laughingstock before the entire nation?!”

Qi Shoude peeked subtly at Meng Jian. Seeing the other party glaring at the live stream screen without any intention of speaking, he lowered his head and interjected, “The Prince mentioned just now that he luckily evaded the explosion. It seems the matter of the Raven launching a bombing is factual.”

Li Ji asked, “Then what is the explanation for the vehicle’s self-detonated?”

Qi Shoude replied, “The environment on the battlefield is chaotic; they might not necessarily be able to discern whether there was an enemy ambush. Besides, the hibernation center did indeed suffer an attack, there can be no mistake about that.”

While they spoke, the words his subordinates had uttered previously kept looping repeatedly inside Meng Jian’s mind.

That type of timed bomb cannot be detected by scanning equipment when it is unactivated. Once initiated, as long as the predetermined target enters the surveillance screen and the distance falls below ten meters, it will detonate.

At this distance, it is capable of reducing a person to ash.

Then why was Li Xiao able to evade it? Had a glitch occurred in the program?

“After all this fuss, I still haven’t seen a single piece of surveillance footage concerning the Raven,” Yi Yongning came back to his senses, speaking with underlying meaning. “Requesting feedback from the frontline, yet we still haven’t located where the starships are up to this point.”

Meng Jian lowered his expression. “The Raven is an extremely cunning and ferocious organization to begin with. They didn’t come here for a stroll, so how could they just loiter right before your eyes?”

Yi Yongning looked toward him. “Then why are you able to be this certain that it is the Raven?”

Meng Jian replied, “Aren’t there photographs captured in the report?”

“Just that single blurry photograph—who is that supposed to deceive?” Yi Yongning looked toward Li Ji, speaking respectfully, “Your Majesty, I believe it is imperative to focus our investigation on the issue of the Second Prince’s vehicle self-detonating. It is highly possible that other enemies are lurking in the shadows.”

These words possessed distinct underlying meaning, stopping just short of pointing right at Meng Jian’s nose.

Li Ji took the teacup handed over by Officer Liu, speaking with measured deliberation, “An investigation must naturally be conducted. However, we still need to ponder carefully on how exactly it ought to be investigated, correct, Qi Shoude?”

A flicker passed through Qi Shoude’s eyes. He braced himself to interject, “As it involves the safety of a member of the Royal Family, I will absolutely investigate it thoroughly to the very end regardless of the circumstances.”

Zheng An’an kept a rigid expression as he stood aside without uttering a word.

In the current situation, if they wished to deflect the matter of the vehicle’s self-detonation, they had to acknowledge that the enemy was the Raven. However, doing so meant the Fifth Legion’s public credibility would be entirely demolished.

Li Xiao had already placed the Fifth Legion and the garrison on a high pedestal, stating they possessed absolute capability to guard S80. If the Fifth Legion were to step forward and slap its own face now, it would definitely degenerate into a laughingstock. The Royal Family could seize the opportunity to impose severe punishments, which would perfectly align with the public’s will.

Conversely, if they wished to preserve the Fifth Legion, they couldn’t acknowledge that the Raven had ever arrived. In that case, the vehicle’s self-detonation wouldn’t be so easily handwaved away, and the Fifth Legion would inevitably still face penalties.

No matter the outcome, the Royal Family had already managed to remain untainted, completely immune to being dragged down by this farce.

No matter how they calculated, they had failed to anticipate that Li Xiao actually possessed the capability to evade the explosion, nor had they anticipated that his influence had already grown grand enough to completely flip the direction of public opinion.

The matters Zheng An’an could deduce, Meng Jian could naturally deduce as well.

But things having reached this stage, if they failed to acknowledge it was the Raven, all the initial costs paid would be entirely forfeited.

“Your Majesty, there is a new movement online!” Officer Liu projected the screen before Li Ji.

The Stariverse Energy Group had released an update on the largest social platform.

[We deeply apologize for occupying public resources during wartime. Among the frontline photographs published by the Fifth Legion, the “Raven” starship is actually an energy transport vessel belonging to our corporation. Due to encountering a cosmic storm during transit, it was forced to temporarily enter S80 airspace to berth. Naturally, it obtained prior authorization from the relevant departments of the garrison and harbored no intention of attacking the battlefield. It will depart immediately once the storm subsides. We apologize for the trouble caused to everyone.]

Immediately following that, the account initiated a real-time satellite live stream.

Displayed within the frame were three starships suspended at high altitude, completely stationary. Because it was captured from an overhead angle from a considerable distance, only the outlines could be discerned, while the insignia on the sides remained obscured.

The Stariverse Energy Group was the largest civilian energy supply conglomerate in Danse. For them to suddenly step forward and claim ownership caught everyone completely off guard, yet it perfectly corroborated Li Xiao’s narrative.

The online public opinion flipped entirely.

As long as it was verified not to be a terrorist ambush, it caused the social panic to recede by more than half. Coupled with the fact that Li Xiao wasn’t dead and the starships were merely transport vessels, it allowed all the netizens to let out a massive sigh of relief.

There were quite a few internet water armies attempting to manipulate the narrative within the comments, adamantly insisting that it was indeed the Raven.

[Stariverse has probably already been infiltrated by the terrorist organization!]

[Stepping out at a time like this, they clearly harbor ulterior motives.]

[What on earth is up with the first and second hot comments? You only believe what you want to believe, right?]

[His Highness the Second Prince already stated it’s impossible for a terrorist organization to breach the perimeter. Can you use some brains?]

[The starships are completely motionless, it doesn’t look like a terrorist organization at all.]

[Let’s just say, no matter how useless the garrison is, they aren’t so useless that they wouldn’t notice an enemy standing still at their doorstep, right?]

“Absurd!” Meng Jian barked sharply. “This is flagrantly harboring insurgent factions!”

Qi Shoude interjected unobtrusively, “I recall that Stariverse is an asset listed under the Second Prince’s name.”

Meng Jian looked toward Li Ji. “Your Majesty, we cannot allow the Second Prince to continue making a mess! He managed to capture photographs of the Raven starships, so he evidently knows the other party’s identity. What exactly does he intend to do?!”

For Li Xiao to execute this maneuver was something Li Ji hadn’t anticipated either.

Did he harbor the Raven while clearly knowing their identity, or did he do it solely to break the deadlock, intentionally singing a contrary tune to Meng Jian?

Li Ji swept a glance across Li Xiao’s live stream screen, speaking composedly, “Patch a connection to him.”

Officer Liu: “Yes.”

Inside the rescue starship’s passenger cabin.

Following the update released by Stariverse, Jiang Hao noticed many individuals mentioning Stariverse within the comments. Upon obtaining Li Xiao’s consent, he shifted the camera lens back.

Li Xiao opened Stariverse’s satellite live stream, speaking casually, “This flight altitude is entirely detectable by the planetary defense system. If there hadn’t been prior communication with the garrison, it would be impossible for the starships to remain until now.”

Jiang Hao noted, “They are asking why the Fifth Legion would claim it was the Raven.”

Li Xiao replied, “Everyone is occupied with managing the frontline combat operations. The various departments failed to communicate in a timely and effective manner, so it is understandable that oversights would occur. Fortunately, it was merely a misunderstanding.”

His terminal vibrated. Li Xiao cast a glance; it was Officer Liu. He subsequently looked toward the live stream screen. “Apologies, I still have duties to attend to. Let Little Jin accompany you to chat.”

As he spoke, Li Xiao directed the lens toward Song Jin beside him, rising to pat the youth’s head. “I’ll be right back.”

Song Jin asked, “What am I supposed to say?”

Li Xiao walked outward without turning his head. “Whatever pleases you.”

Once Song Jin faced the live stream screen, he found it completely flooded with “ahhhhhhas,” leaving him rather dazed.

[The Second Prince’s head-pat kill! I’m dead!]

[Song Jin is injured too, his clothes are entirely tattered, boohoo…]

[Battle-damaged Beauty Jin is way too gorgeous!]

[Thank you Saint Aria exchange students for your contributions to Danse, thank you, protect yourselves well!]

[You don’t need to say anything at all, just sitting there is fine, hehehe~]

Song Jin: “…”

Treating me like a vase.

Song Jin didn’t have much to chat about, so he simply recounted the events that had unfolded before and after the vehicle’s explosion today, blending truth and fiction into a story.

Outside the passenger cabin.

Li Xiao located a relatively secluded space and accepted Officer Liu’s video call request.

A virtual screen popped open before his eyes, displaying Meng Jian and the others, and his older brother Li Ji was present as well.

Li Xiao asked, “Brother, is something the matter?”

No joy or anger could be discerned on Li Ji’s face. “That update by Stariverse—was it authorized by you?”

Li Ji inquired bluntly. Meng Jian, the other four, and all the general-grade military officers present looked over in unison, wishing to observe Li Xiao’s reaction.

“Correct.” Li Xiao didn’t evade it in the slightest. “I had them claim ownership.”

“You knew those were Raven starships, yet you still had Stariverse claim ownership?!” Before Li Ji could interject, Meng Jian spoke up first to question him. “This isn’t playing house. Have you considered what kind of consequences your ignorant behavior will induce?! Or could it be that you harbor private dealings with the Raven?!”

A rapid succession of reprimands made it feel as though he were lecturing a junior within his own household, completely lacking the demeanor one ought to possess when facing royalty.

The numerous general-grade military officers present witnessed this internally, thinking that only the Meng family possessed the underlying confidence to dare lecture a Prince in public.

“Those are Raven starships?” Li Xiao looked over flatly, locking gazes with Meng Jian across the screen. “Since you are this certain of the other party’s identity, why is it that they have already breached the airspace, yet the garrison hasn’t taken action up to this point? Don’t tell me it’s because the Royal Family didn’t grant approval; ghost stories like that can only deceive outsiders.”

Meng Jian countered, “You didn’t even know who the other party was, so why did you rashly claim ownership?”

“Why?” At this juncture, Li Xiao let out a chuckle, his tone abruptly turning freezing cold. “Rashly publishing an announcement claiming a terrorist ambush during wartime—are you unaware of what kind of consequences that would induce? Who exactly is the ignorant one here?”

His cold, severe voice resonated throughout the entire combat command center. The oppressive aura of an Alpha seemed to diffuse out from the screen, stifling everyone’s breathing.

Even individuals like Meng Jian and Yi Yongning, who had occupied high positions for years, felt a sense of awe and dread.

Li Xiao had always exhibited a gentle and obedient side previously; at this moment, he finally bared his razor-sharp fangs toward them.

“The Fifth Legion published an announcement under circumstances where a thorough investigation hadn’t been conducted at all, leading to public opinion spiraling out of control across the entire network and plunging the entire nation into panic. The public credibility of the Royal Family and the military suffered a severe blow.”

Li Xiao scanned everyone expressionlessly. “Regardless of whether it is the Raven or not, to the public, it must be a cargo vessel. Even a teenager like me understands a matter like this, yet you fail to comprehend it?”

Meng Jian’s expression turned unsightly. “This isn’t something you ought to interfere with.”

“What, am I not a member of the Royal Family?” Li Xiao adopted a firm and unyielding stance. “Failing to intercept even an unidentified starship like that makes the planetary defense system of the entire planet a mere farce, yet you have the face to flaunt it to the public. I don’t care about other matters and have no wish to interfere, but do not compromise the reputation of the Royal Family—this is my bottom line.”

Meng Jian stated, “That is still no reason for you to act rashly.”

Li Xiao countered, “Does what I do require your consent?”

The numerous general-grade military officers exchanged glances, all highly surprised.

This Second Prince, who had departed the palace for ten years and had only recently returned, was actually this powerful and unyielding, able to clash with Meng Jian head-on without falling into a disadvantage.

Just as Meng Jian was about to speak, Yi Yongning suddenly approached and said to Li Ji, “Your Majesty, I believe the Second Prince’s words carry immense logic, and his approach has also proven highly effective. Currently, the online public opinion has been suppressed. As for the starships, the military can simply investigate it privately.”

Meng Jian sneered coldly, “Stariverse is running a satellite live stream; even if it is the Raven, you can’t do anything to it!”

Yi Yongning looked toward Meng Jian. “The Raven hasn’t existed for just a day or two. Why haven’t I seen you being this proactive previously?”

Meng Jian asked, “Then do you mean to just leave it be?”

Yi Yongning countered, “The entity is right at our doorstep, so why don’t you go deal with it?”

“Enough, the farce ends here,” Li Ji interrupted with a cold voice, looking toward Qi Shoude. “Investigate the matter of the vehicle’s self-detonation as quickly as possible to provide the public with an explanation. I will settle other accounts with you after the war concludes.”

Having finished his instructions, Li Ji rose and departed without turning his head.

At the same time, Li Xiao severed the video connection.

The royal brothers had departed simultaneously, leaving five old men staring blankly at each other.

Unable to swallow this grievance, Meng Jian turned and departed in a furious huff.

Yi Yongning returned to his seat and sat down, the corners of his lips curling upward slightly before quickly flattening out.

This pair of brothers today was rather interesting.

Zheng An’an returned to his seat in silence, thinking internally that it would be very difficult for Meng Jian to turn the tables in this round.

Under circumstances of a satellite live stream, as long as the Raven didn’t initiate an active attack, the Legion had no way to launch an offensive proactively. Even if they declared once more that the other party was the Raven, they would be seized by the mistake of “allowing the Raven to breach the airspace with ease”—failing to become heroes while still getting lambasted by the entire network.

Conversely, Li Xiao didn’t need to bear responsibility for his speculation and possessed plenty of methods to distance himself entirely. Furthermore, his influence had already surpassed that of the Fifth Legion; the public was far more willing to believe his narrative.

By the same logic, seeking someone to assassinate Li Xiao now wasn’t wise either. When the time came, it was feared that Li Xiao would remain unharmed while they lifted a stone only to drop it on their own feet instead.

Continuing this stalemate wouldn’t net them the slightest advantage; it was better to tacitly accept Li Xiao’s narrative, which could at least salvage a modicum of reputation for the Fifth Legion.

Zheng An’an couldn’t help but feel fortunate.

Fortunately, he hadn’t lent his territory to Meng Jian this time; otherwise, the unfortunate one right now would have been him.

On the journey back to the palace, Officer Liu couldn’t resist letting out a laugh.

Li Ji sat in the back seat of the King’s private vehicle, flipping through the approval documents at hand as he asked casually, “What are you laughing at?”

Officer Liu spoke respectfully, “I am feeling happy on your behalf. The way the Second Prince shut down Meng Jian just now was truly spectacular.”

Li Ji signed his name and tossed the document aside casually, the corners of his lips curling into a faint smile, though the mirth vanished in a flash.

That brat Xiao Xiao—he best not have entangled himself in any dealings with the Raven.

Aboard the starship, Li Xiao hung up the video call and walked out of the temporary lounge, receiving a message from Yan Qing.

[Where are you guys?]

Li Xiao transmitted the current rescue starship serial number over.

[We will relocate to District Eight in approximately half an hour.]

Yan Qing replied: [I have already helped you temporarily suspend your missions. Let’s meet up in District Eight.]

Li Xiao: [Alright.]

The Raven members hadn’t been escorted away yet, so it wasn’t convenient for them to embark on missions immediately. Coupled with the fact that the few youngsters were entirely covered in injuries, they needed to get some rest.

Upon returning to the passenger cabin, Song Jin had already handed the live stream channel over to Qian Can and the others.

With nothing to occupy themselves, and feeling that keeping the live stream running was safer, the trio simply formed a group to interview the refugees.

Seeing Li Xiao return, Song Jin approached to greet him. “How did it go?”

Li Xiao countered, “Could I possibly lose?”

Song Jin asked, “So confident?”

Li Xiao took his hand and led him toward a corner space, murmuring in a low voice, “Except when facing you, I have never lost.”

Song Jin blocked his path. “When exactly have you ever lost to me?”

Li Xiao: “…Take a guess?”

Half an hour later, the rescue starship landed in District Eight. All the refugees disembarked, boarding the garrison’s rescue vehicles in batches to head toward various shelter points.

Li Xiao intentionally had Wei Feng and his ten companions separate from them to avoid drawing attention.

His terminal vibrated, and Li Xiao picked it up. “Teacher Yan?”

Yan Qing was scanning the surroundings from a corner of the tarmac. “Where are you guys?”

Li Xiao reported their location: “Let’s assemble at Zone Nine.”

“Alright.” Yan Qing wasn’t far from Zone Nine. He ran over hurriedly, brushing right past Wei Feng, who was squeezed amidst the crowd.

Yan Qing’s attention was entirely focused on searching for Li Xiao. Only after running a few paces did he react, his footsteps halting abruptly as he whipped his gaze backward, unable to conceal the astonishment in the depths of his eyes.

His gaze scanned back and forth through the crowd a few times, and he hurried back. However, no matter what, he couldn’t locate the person from just now.

Yan Qing stood there blankly, beginning to suspect whether his eyes had played tricks on him.

Although that person was wearing a mask, the familiar sensation at that instant had caused all the pores across his body to burst open.

How could it look so similar?

“Teacher Yan.” Li Xiao spotted Yan Qing first, bringing Song Jin and the other four over.

Yan Qing came back to his senses. Seeing their clothing stained with blood and covered in injuries everywhere, he quickly adjusted his emotions. “Follow me back to receive treatment first.”

Upon boarding the vehicle, Li Xiao had 09 slip out to trail Wei Feng.

Once Wei Feng and the others were delivered to the shelter point, they would evade the crowd, and 09 would escort them back to the Raven starship.

Not long after Li Xiao returned to the military vessel, he received a message transmitted from Wei Feng.

Wei Feng: [Slipped out smoothly. I owe you a favor.]

Li Xiao: [Save the favor. Just remember to arrange the chili sauce.]

Wei Feng: [My favor is highly valuable as well.]

Li Xiao: [I only recognize chili sauce.]

At the same time, at the Military Headquarters.

Meng Jian sat inside his office with a lowered expression, currently plotting with Qi Shoude whether to blow up the Raven.

The adjutant hurried inside to report, “Sir, the Raven starships have departed.”

Meng Jian immediately opened Stariverse’s satellite live stream; as expected, the starships were no longer present. Enraged, he threw the walnuts held in his hand away.

Qi Shoude glanced at him. “Departing is fine as well. Save them to be utilized next time.”

Meng Jian hadn’t intended to drive the Raven to utter extinction in the first place, but if they chose to blow up the Raven starships now, the Fifth Legion’s reputation would become completely foul.

To the Qi family, the Raven departing on its own was actually a positive development instead.

Observing Meng Jian’s expression, Qi Shoude inquired in a low voice, “Li Xiao is still within the Legion, so there will be plenty of opportunities to strike.”

Meng Jian suddenly let out a chuckle. “I refuse to believe I cannot deal with a mere brat.”

Aboard the military vessel, Yan Qing granted lounge cabin access to Li Xiao and the other four.

“Clean yourselves up first. I will bring you to the medical sector in a bit.”

Having spent two days on the battlefield and breaking an untold amount of sweat, their bodies had already turned sour and pungent.

Song Jin truly couldn’t tolerate it anymore. Swiping his terminal to enter the lounge cabin, he headed straight for the shower cubicle.

“Wash together?” Song Jin asked casually as he shed his upper garment.

Li Xiao’s gaze swept across his form. Unfastening the military knife at his lower back to place it on the table, he unbuckled his other equipment with measured deliberation. “No need, you go ahead first.”

Song Jin teased, “Afraid I’ll eat you?”

Li Xiao: “…”

Quite the contrary.

At the mention of eating, Song Jin’s stomach let out a rumbling growl.

“So hungry.”

He hadn’t consumed a decent meal at all these past two days.

Li Xiao: “…”

As expected, you can only think of that kind of eating.

Li Xiao said, “You go shower first, I’ll fetch something to eat.”

The dining hall wasn’t far away, and food was readily available. Li Xiao selected a few items at random. Upon passing the pastry section, he noticed some sweet buns and picked up two casually.

By the time he returned to the lounge cabin, Song Jin had already finished bathing, currently wiping his hair bare-chested.

“So fast?” Li Xiao placed the food container on the table.

Song Jin walked over to his side. “What did you fetch?”

Li Xiao sidestepped slightly, picking up a bun to hand to him. “Sweet filling. Give it a try?”

Song Jin accepted it. Noticing his movement, he spoke with a touch of displeasure, “Why are you dodging?”

Li Xiao replied, “Afraid the bloodstains on my body will rub off on you.”

“I don’t mind it.” Song Jin leaned against the table and sat down, taking a massive bite out of the bun, drawing in breath sharply from the heat.

Li Xiao unfastened the metallic button at his collar, preparing to take a shower. “No one is competing with you, what’s the rush?”

Song Jin approached right before him. “Quick, help me blow on it.”

Facing this beautiful face before his eyes, Li Xiao truly found himself unable to decline. Cupping the youth’s chin, he blew twice against his mouth. “You didn’t ask your brother to help you blow like this previously, did you?”

Song Jin chewed with puffed-out cheeks. “He is merely my brother; that would be overstepping boundaries.”

Li Xiao: “…”

You certainly grasp the sense of distance well.

The bun possessed a brown sugar and sesame filling, with a fair amount of nuts mixed in as well. After Song Jin took two bites, the sugar syrup slid down from the side, dripping onto the back of his hand.

Without thinking much of it, Song Jin extended his hand to his mouth to lick it.

“So hot.”

Hearing this, Li Xiao turned his head to look. A droplet of sugar syrup had manifested on a certain cat’s shoulder, appearing exceptionally conspicuous against the smooth skin.

“I’ve never seen anyone manage to burn their shoulder while eating a bun.” As he spoke, Li Xiao leaned down to lick it away. “Why is it salty? Did you wash thoroughly or not?”

The warm sensation caused Song Jin’s entire form to stiffen. Before his heart rate could accelerate, it was forcefully braked by Li Xiao’s single remark.

“At a time like this, you are supposed to say: How is it that the sugar syrup isn’t as sweet as me?” Song Jin cupped his chin, smiling with a touch of fierceness. “Giving you one more opportunity to redeem yourself.”

Li Xiao: “…”

This phrase again.

Does this kid know only this single line of sweet talk?

Li Xiao questioned, “Do you possess some misunderstanding regarding your own positioning?”

Song Jin: “…”

I must absolutely show this old man who doesn’t understand romance a thing or two. Song Jin clasped the back of his neck, preparing to lean in for a kiss.

Li Xiao dodged backward. “You haven’t given me your answer yet.”

Song Jin pursued him. “A 10% trial run first.”

Li Xiao countered, “I don’t accept trial runs.”

“Who cares about you.” Song Jin licked across Li Xiao’s lower lip, carrying the sweet flavor of the sugar syrup, and couldn’t resist taking a light bite.

This seductive technique was blunt and brash, yet it made it highly difficult for one not to be moved. Li Xiao permitted him to nibble haphazardly for a few moments before deepening the kiss.

Catching a triumphant soft chuckle by his ear, Li Xiao instantly comprehended the underlying meaning within that mirth—no matter how detached you act, don’t you still take the bait obediently?

Engaging too intensely in the kiss, Song Jin forgot that he still held a half-eaten bun in his hand.

Sensing a sudden warmth against his neck, Li Xiao realized something. Tilting his head to look, it was indeed sugar syrup, currently sliding slowly down toward his chest.

Seeing the situation, Song Jin moved to lick it away without a second thought.

“Wait.” Before Li Xiao could intercept, his hand resting on the table tightened.

Being in close proximity, Song Jin caught the sound of Li Xiao’s accelerating heartbeat. Seeing that his expression looked somewhat unnatural, he looked down and smiled with mischievous intent.

“Liking your neck being kissed? You should have said so earlier.”

Song Jin approached closer, preparing to plant a few more kisses, but was pushed away by Li Xiao pressing against his forehead. Li Xiao turned and walked away. “I’m going to take a shower.”

Seeing Li Xiao maintaining a rigid face while his walking speed was noticeably faster than usual, Song Jin found himself unable to stop laughing.

Suddenly, a blur passed before his eyes, and the bun held in his hand was snatched away. Raising his head, he caught sight of Li Xiao stuffing it into his own mouth expressionlessly. Song Jin charged over. “Return my bun!”

Li Xiao stated, “This is the price for laughing at me.”

Song Jin: “…”

Childish ghost.