The next morning, Rong Shi was woken by the vibration of his terminal on his wrist.

He subconsciously wanted to ask 01 to read the message to him, but then realized that the decorative buckle on his terminal was empty.

01 had gone wild all night after eating the energy stone and hadn’t returned yet.

He casually swiped it open. It was from Qian Fan.

[I heard about your matter from Father. You don’t need to consider me.]

Qian Fan spoke subtly, but Rong Shi knew what he meant.

Since his enrollment, he had clearly resisted taking sides with Qian Fan and had made many efforts for him. Now that he had suddenly agreed to Qian Li, it was normal for the other party to have such thoughts.

Listening to the long, shallow breaths beside him, Rong Shi lightened his movements and replied.

[It was my own decision, unrelated to anything else.]

The reply came quickly.

[That’s good.]

[You made a wise choice, hahahaha]

Rong Shi: “…”

He casually sent back an emoji and checked the time. It was only seven in the morning.

The little cat beside him, who used to sleep so well, had become increasingly unrestrained after his confession, completely treating him as a pillow, holding onto him all night without letting go.

He now understood the similar feeling his silly apprentice had once described, saying he could stare at his favorite mecha all day without doing anything.

Little Song Cat’s sleeping face was adorable and beautiful; he wouldn’t get tired of looking at it all day.

However, “doing nothing” probably needed a question mark after it.

“Do I look good?”

Song Yu’s voice, just after waking, was more magnetic than usual, making Rong Shi’s ears tingle.

Rong Shi: “When did you wake up?”

Song Yu opened his eyes, then closed them again due to extreme sleepiness. His restless hand under the blanket burrowed into Rong Shi’s clothes.

“When you woke up.”

Rong Shi pressed down on his hand: “Where are you touching?”

Song Yu showed no sign of guilt at being caught. He said languidly: “Checking if your abs have gotten smaller.”

“You don’t resist at all?” Rong Shi clasped his salty cat paw.

Song Yu: “If you don’t let me touch, how do I know if I resist or not?”

Rong Shi: “…”

What twisted logic.

Song Yu blinked tiredly, his eyes half-closed: “Any plans for today?”

“Going to the Qian family’s place.” Seeing him drowsy, Rong Shi simply got up. “At least I need to meet them before returning to the academy.”

Hearing “Qian family,” Song Yu’s drowsiness faded.

He quietly watched Rong Shi get out of bed, his voice flat: “I can’t go with you.”

“Mm,” Rong Shi wasn’t surprised. “You probably have a lot to do before heading back.”

Speaking of these things, Song Yu’s remaining sleepiness also flew away.

He sat up, rubbing his hair irritably.

As Rong Shi entered the bathroom, Song Yu followed right behind him.

Rong Shi was about to turn on the water.

“You go out first. I’ll be done and then you can use it.”

Song Yu walked over to him with a smile, also preparing to turn on the water.

“We’ve been old friends for so many years, don’t be shy.”

Rong Shi: “…”

Half a minute later, the two of them were both relieving themselves into the same toilet.

Song Yu looked at his own, then at Rong Shi’s, and was about to speak when Rong Shi preempted him.

Rong Shi said slowly: “I don’t want to play ‘who can pee further’.”

Song Yu choked.

Rong Shi continued: “Nor do I want to compare whose is bigger.”

Song Yu: “…”

Finally, Rong Shi concluded: “Little brat.”

Song Yu: “…” Damn it.

Rong Shi had just squeezed toothpaste onto his brush when it was snatched away.

Song Yu scoffed: “A boring old man.”

Rong Shi: “…”

Their extensive tacit understanding often made him forget that five generational gaps separated them.

---

After breakfast, Rong Shi went to the Qian family’s residence alone by car.

Upon reaching his destination, the Qian family’s old butler was already waiting. He greeted Rong Shi as soon as he stepped out of the car.

“Young Master Rong.”

“Just call me Rong Shi,” Rong Shi said, following him inside.

The Qian mansion occupied a larger area than Qin Zhao’s house and was a century-old building. The closer one got, the more one could feel the family’s deep heritage.

As he entered the main hall, he caught sight of Qian Xun descending the spiral staircase from the corner of his eye.

“Rong Shi?” Qian Xun clearly didn’t know he would visit today. “Are you here for me or for Great-Grandfather?”

Rong Shi: “I don’t have anything to see you about.”

“You can still come see me even if you don’t have anything important,” Qian Xun led him to sit in the living room. “Great-Grandfather is having a morning meeting; he should be done soon.”

Although Qian Li had retired, his successor hadn’t been decided yet, so he still had to handle many matters personally.

The old butler brought tea, respectfully offering it to Rong Shi.

Rong Shi took it, took a sip, and placed it on the small table beside him.

Qian Xun sat opposite him.

“What exactly happened the day before yesterday? How did it get so out of hand? Is Song Yu alright?”

The Qin family had tried hard to suppress the incident yesterday, but those involved were not ordinary people, so it was impossible to completely control the spread of information.

“No big deal,” Rong Shi’s expression showed no emotion.

“Yesterday was quite lively in the Holy Virtue District,” Qian Xun crossed her legs, her skirt falling to reveal a fair ankle. “Normally, those pure young masters and ladies, when caught soliciting, it spreads throughout the entire circle instantly.”

Although the description was crude, it was very apt.

Using pheromones for anything, in Rong Shi’s view, was a low-class act, let alone seducing a married Alpha.

Though their objective was not limited to that.

The Omega Rights Protection Organization, which should have provided protection for oppressed Omegas, had become a tool for power struggles, pushing Omegas into deeper pits of fire.

Rong Shi: “Some things, if you speak plainly, aren’t they just that?”

Qian Xun didn’t know what nerve he had struck, but she couldn’t stop laughing.

“So why bother pretending? Lust is human nature. When the disguise is suddenly torn, and families have to step in and resolve it, how embarrassing is that?”

Rong Shi: “Mm.”

Before Qian Xun could speak, Rong Shi added: “But you, who show no restraint and fool around all day, aren’t much better.”

Qian Xun: “…”

During the half-hour wait for Qian Li, Qian Xun, having nothing to do, chatted with Rong Shi about the movements of the various implicated families.

Qian Xun observed that no matter what shocking news Rong Shi heard, he remained composed, as if nothing could provoke an emotional reaction from him.

She suddenly found herself intrigued.

She couldn’t be the only one getting excited.

Qian Xun deliberately moved to the chair next to him. She tilted her head, glanced at the spiral staircase, leaned in, and whispered, “Have you and Song Yu… done it already?”

Clang!

The teacup Rong Shi had just picked up nearly slipped from his hand.

Qian Xun saw it and chuckled mischievously: “So it’s really serious. I knew your reactions at the banquet were off.”

Rong Shi put down the teacup, pulled out a tissue to wipe his hands, and said calmly, “Miss Qian, your demeanor is quite improper right now.”

Qian Xun: “Oh, so who was on top? If you get too excited and accidentally release pheromones, will it turn into a brawl? Hahahahaha—”

Rong Shi: “…”

From the corner of his eye, he saw Qian Li descending the spiral staircase. Rong Shi stood up and walked over.

“No,” Rong Shi’s expression was very calm, but his tone was very serious, “I like his pheromones.”

Qian Xun, who choked mid-laugh: “…”

Talk is talk, but what’s with the dog food?!

Qian Li wasn’t too surprised by Rong Shi’s visit. He beckoned for Rong Shi to join him for another breakfast.

Rong Shi checked the time: “You haven’t eaten yet at this hour?”

Qian Li: “Been busy until now, not hungry.”

Rong Shi: “…”

He’s so old, yet he’s still like Qian Fan.

---

The news of Rong Shi’s visit to the Qian family quickly reached interested parties in various families through various channels.

Song Ke was already fuming over being rejected for a date by He Nian. Upon hearing this news, his face darkened even further.

“Doesn’t he refuse all offers to join a faction?!”

The special assistant respectfully said: “That was indeed the case before. Many people speculated that his agreement to Qian Li at the banquet was just a pretense, but we didn’t expect him to actually go.”

The Qian family held an extremely special position in the Empire, similar to the Qin family, being a family that remained unaffected even without taking sides.

Song Ke, in a fit of anger, started smashing things again.

“How many years did it take us to suppress the Qin family! If the Qian family also sides with Song Yu, then we’re out of luck!”

The special assistant frowned, his face grim: “Qian Li has already stepped back from the front lines. This is his answer: no involvement in the throne struggle, no taking sides.”

While saying this, the special assistant was also secretly panicking.

The Qian family remaining neutral was naturally the best outcome. Although neither the First Prince nor the Second Prince would receive assistance, the First Prince’s support rate was far higher than the Second Prince’s. It could almost be said that all major and minor families were now leaning towards the First Prince.

Unless the Second Prince could simultaneously gain the support of both the Qian and Qin families, it would be difficult for him to turn the tide.

Song Ke’s chest heaved violently, and a faint pain echoed in his neck.

“Did Song Yu go with him?”

The special assistant: “No, Rong Shi went alone, by public transport.”

Song Ke pondered for a long time, his face grim, and felt that the possibility of the Qian family supporting Song Yu was zero.

The struggle for the throne was a life-or-death matter. The Qian family’s foundation was solid, so even if they chose the wrong side, they wouldn’t suddenly be annihilated, but damage was inevitable.

The Qian family was already in an unassailable position; there was no reason for them to get involved in this mess.

Was Qian Li recruiting Rong Shi to take sides? Quite the opposite!

It was precisely because not taking sides wouldn’t lead to a loss that Qian Li could so openly extend an olive branch to Rong Shi. The meaning was clear.

Even if Rong Shi was entangled with Song Yu now, as long as Qian Li valued him, he had the ability to protect him.

Rong Shi going to the Qian family alone also indirectly confirmed this speculation.

Song Ke: “No need to panic. After all these years, the Qian family has always remained neutral. It’s impossible for them to suddenly take sides now. We’ll just wait and see.”

The special assistant hesitated for a moment: “Yes, sir.”

__

In the Qian family’s study, Qian Li and Rong Shi sat on the tatami, playing chess.

Qian Li held a white piece, his gaze fixed on the board.

“With your ability, you can make a name for yourself in the military without my help.”

Rong Shi picked up a black piece and placed it down, his movements quick, almost without thinking.

“It’s not me who needs help, it’s Little Yu.”

After a moment, the white piece landed.

Qian Li snorted coldly: “You call him quite intimately. How long can a young person’s infatuation last? Don’t joke about your future!”

Rong Shi’s expression remained unchanged, and he continued to swiftly place black pieces.

“It’s not a temporary infatuation. We’re serious.”

Qian Li’s white piece still took a long time to land.

“If he wants that position, your relationship will definitely become a joke!”

Rong Shi placed his piece without hesitation.

“I don’t care.”

Qian Li looked up at him, his gaze scrutinizing: “Really don’t care?”

Rong Shi picked up a black piece: “He is both a partner and an object of my loyalty. Regardless of how our relationship continues in the future, it makes no difference to me.”

Qian Li threw back the white piece he had picked up and let out a heavy, cold snort.

“If he becomes king, the first one he’ll kick out is you! Then he’ll marry someone else and live a glorious life, and what about you? Eagerly rushing to be his underground lover?”

Rong Shi’s brows furrowed and then relaxed, his fingers gripping the black piece tightening.

Of course, he had considered this situation.

When he discovered that the little cat was Song Yu, he had thought about it, thought a great deal.

The other party was both an Alpha and royalty, neither of which was a good choice for him.

But as long as he was the little cat, everything else could take a backseat.

He had also considered just being friends, doing his best to help the little cat avoid the risks of his previous life and live this one well.

But he couldn’t do it.

He truly couldn’t.

The person he had loved for two lifetimes was right in front of him. If he didn’t even try, he would surely regret it.

“I trust him.” Rong Shi placed the black piece, warmed by his palm. “I hope you can consider it.”

Qian Li was exasperated by his baffling confidence.

“What if I refuse?”

Rong Shi paused, picking up his teacup.

“Then I can only refuse your kind offer, Elder Qian.”

“You—!” Qian Li took a breath, scolding, “Have you ever thought that perhaps all of this is his calculation? He survived in a cannibalistic palace; he’s absolutely not as naive and sweet as you see!”

Rong Shi: “…”

Naive and sweet?

Rong Shi brewed tea and placed it in front of him, gesturing for him to drink it to calm down.

“I know what kind of person he is, and precisely because I know, I want to help him.”

---

A Sentimental Gift and a Family’s Future

After lunch, Rong Shi bid farewell to Qian Li. As he left, he met Qian Xun, who handed him something.

Qian Xun smiled: “My dad found this while organizing things. It’s quite cute.”

Rong Shi: “?”

After Rong Shi left, Qian Xun knocked on the study door and entered, seeing her great-grandfather standing by the French window, looking outside.

From this angle, it was exactly the direction Rong Shi had left.

“Old man, Rong Shi is very good. If you don’t take a stand, I will.”

Qian Li turned to her, his face grim: “You take a stand? What are you?”

Qian Xun walked in, crossed her arms, and leaned against the desk: “You’re getting old, it’s time to enjoy your golden years. Let me take charge of the family affairs.”

Qian Li: “…”

Qian Li: “Get out!”

Qian Xun: “…” Why so fierce?

The grandfather and granddaughter constantly got on each other’s nerves.

As she left, Qian Xun tilted her head to him: “Between Song Ke and Song Yu, I will definitely support the latter. I have a hunch he will definitely succeed.”

After the door closed, Qian Li cursed lowly: “That brat, she’s driving me crazy!”

He looked out the window again, and after a long while, sighed.

“The cub you bore has the same temper as you. Little rascals, all of them infuriating me.”

On the way, Rong Shi opened the gift from Qian Xun. Inside was a very ordinary box.

Inside the box lay several old film negatives.

---

Author’s Note:

Children’s Day Free Extra – First Encounter

Imperial Capital Star Holy Virtue District Airfield—

A young Alpha held his son, who was less than three years old, as they disembarked the spaceship with the bustling crowd.

Little Rong Bun sat in his father’s arms, his voice soft and slightly aloof. His large eyes occasionally darted around curiously.

“Father, where are we going?”

He was born exquisitely sculpted, with delicate features. His chubby face, though fair and tender, was too serene, appearing restrained and a little bit adorably clueless.

“I’m taking you to meet a very good grandpa.”

Rong Guang carried his son out of the main hall. His personal terminal scanned the sensing area, and a shared hover car descended in front of him.

Little Rong Bun: “How good?”

Rong Guang placed his son into the child seat in the back, skillfully buckling him in.

“Like my father.”

Little Rong Bun thought seriously for a moment, then nodded: “That’s good.”

Amused by his son’s mature reaction, Rong Guang pinched his cheek. He walked to the front seat, casually saying as he started the car: “He has a little sister about your age. She’s very pretty.”

Little Rong Bun tilted his head, watching the rapidly passing scenery outside the window. His short legs swayed slightly, then he restrained them.

“Sister?”

The scenery outside the window attracted him more than the conversation; his reply was perfunctory.

“Mm, a true young lady. Most people don’t get to see her.”

Rong Guang didn’t care whether his three-year-old son understood. His relaxed, casual demeanor was like speaking to an adult friend.

He suddenly thought of something and chuckled.

“She’s a little sister with a big… you know.”

Little Rong Bun’s dangling legs stiffened: “…”

---

The hover car quickly landed on a huge grassy area. Little Rong Bun looked at the scenery outside, highly suspecting his unreliable father had gone to the wrong place again.

Only when his father carried him out of the car did Little Rong Bun realize that there was a castle-like house on the other side, much larger than his own.

An old man in a suit walked over to talk to his father, smiling like Grandpa Liu, who grew melons next door.

Little Rong Bun secretly nodded, categorizing him as a good person.

Walking inside, Little Rong Bun’s eyes were dazzled. He couldn’t hear what his father and the others were saying at all.

“Xiao Shi, this is the father of the grandpa I told you about.”

Rong Guang finished introducing, realized he had phrased it a bit confusingly, and was about to correct himself when he heard his son’s clear voice say: “Great-Grandpa, hello.”

Rong Guang proudly patted his son’s head.

As expected of his son, so smart!

Actually, Little Rong Bun was a little scared, because the old grandpa in front of him didn’t smile and looked fierce, but his eyes, when looking at him, were gentle.

He observed seriously for two seconds, then categorized this grandpa as a good person too.

“The child has grown well.” Qian Li took a red envelope from the butler and handed it to Little Rong Bun as a “meeting gift.”

Little Rong Bun looked at the red envelope, then up at his father. After receiving a subtle hint, he reached out his two chubby little hands to take it.

“Thank you, Great-Grandpa.”

They sat in a spacious and comfortable room. Little Rong Bun listened to them talk for a long time. Although he didn’t understand anything, he could tell that both his father and Great-Grandpa were unhappy.

As they walked out of the room, Rong Guang patted his head and asked: “Xiao Shi, Father and Great-Grandpa are going somewhere. Children can’t go there. Can you play here alone?”

Little Rong Bun wanted to shake his head, but he felt that his father asking this way meant he wanted him to nod.

So he nodded: “I can.”

“Take him to Xiao Xun’s secret garden. Xiao Xun was taken out by her father, but there happens to be another child who can accompany him.”

Qian Li had the butler come to take them there.

Little Rong Bun didn’t know what a secret garden was, but when he saw the jungle cabin and countless slides, his heart was deeply moved.

He waved to Rong Guang: “Father, bye-bye.”

He watched as his son mercilessly abandoned him.

Rong Guang: “…”

Is he that pragmatic?

“Don’t dilly-dally, hurry up.” Qian Li urged. “Your son is more mature than you.”

Rong Guang: “…”

---

Little Rong Bun looked around, wondering where to start his grand adventure.

Suddenly, a golden flash appeared in his vision, particularly striking against the green surroundings. He was immediately captivated.

A toddler about his age sat on the steps of the small wooden house.

The toddler had golden hair, skin so fair it seemed to glow, and wore white overalls. A book lay open on his lap, and he held a pencil in his left hand, counting on his fingers.

The color of that hair—

Could it be an elf?

Little Rong Bun’s eyes lit up. He pressed himself against a tree stump, inching closer.

The elf hadn’t noticed him and was still working on his super difficult math problem.

Little Rong Bun craned his neck to peek at the small notebook. Seeing him count on his fingers for a long time without getting a clear count, he frowned his little brows, feeling anxious for him.

“8,” Little Rong Bun whispered, a hint.

As long as his voice was quiet enough, the elf definitely wouldn’t notice.

But the elf not only noticed but also looked his way.

Little Rong Bun: “!!!”

How could he be discovered?

Little Song Bun: “!!!”

Who is this?!

The two toddlers stared at each other from a distance, the flesh on their small faces trembling, both looking startled.

The cartoon didn’t say what to do after being seen by an elf!

Little Rong Bun thought seriously for a moment and decided to retreat first.

Under the little elf’s gaze, he carefully extended his little feet, walking sideways like a crab off the steps, and quickly ran behind the wooden house.

Behind the wooden house was a small, tower-shaped thatched hut, only the height of an adult.

Little Rong Bun squeezed inside, sitting on a small stool, occasionally peeking out the door.

He ran so fast, the elf definitely wouldn’t find him!

Why hasn’t the elf found him yet?

Did the elf leave?

Just as Little Rong Bun was considering whether to go out and look, the elf appeared at the doorway.

Little Rong Bun: “!”

He looked around, realizing he had nowhere to hide, and could only watch as the elf approached.

Little Song Bun moved to the entrance of the thatched hut, tilting his head to curiously examine Little Rong Bun.

He’s so good-looking.

Little Song Bun, attracted by the beauty, finally took a small step forward.

Under Little Rong Bun’s gaze, he slowly sat down on the small stool.

Little Rong Bun: “!”

He was actually sitting with the elf!

Little Rong Bun thought for a moment and moved a little to the side.

But as soon as he moved, the elf followed him.

Little Rong Bun moved again.

Little Song Bun continued to approach.

After several back-and-forths, Little Rong Bun had moved to the very edge, with half his bottom hanging off.

Little Song Bun looked his way, about to snuggle closer, but as soon as his bottom left the stool by a tiny bit, the small stool flipped over.

Little Rong Bun: “?!?”

Little Song Bun: “?!?”

Both of them landed on their bottoms on the ground, rolled once, and felt dizzy.

Little Rong Bun struggled to sit up and crawled over to help the elf.

Little Song Bun sat up, and a thick, chubby little hand appeared in front of him.

He looked up, grasped Little Rong Bun’s hand, and smiled: “Gege.”

Little Rong Bun’s eyes flashed, and he was suddenly happier than he’d been after eating cake.

His father had said that the little sister at Grandpa’s house was very pretty, but he thought she definitely couldn’t compare to the elf’s beauty.

---

Rong Guang rushed back to pick up his son after dealing with his affairs, only to find that his son might—not want to go home.

He brought up the camera on his terminal and snapped several photos of the two toddlers sitting barefoot in the sandpit.

In the photos, Little Rong Bun sat barefoot on the sand, with a well-built sandcastle in front of him.

Little Song Bun sat beside Little Rong Bun, in front of a shapeless pile of sand, his eyes gleaming as he looked at the castle.

Rong Guang chuckled softly, scolding: “That little rascal! Why has he never smiled at me so happily?”

He stood for a long time, until he had to leave, before opening the protective shield and walking in.

Hearing his father’s voice, Little Rong Bun knew it was time to go home.

He pulled the elf up, then crouched down to brush the sand off his pants.

“Gege, are you leaving?” Little Song Bun asked.

Little Rong Bun stood up: “Mm.”

Little Song Bun took a step closer: “Tomorrow?”

Little Rong Bun looked at his father.

He didn’t know if he could come tomorrow, but his father would probably agree, right?

He nodded: “Yes.”

Little Song Bun smiled: “Mm!”

Rong Guang tidied up both toddlers and patted Little Song Bun’s head: “Your dad will be back soon.”

Before leaving, Little Rong Bun tilted his head to look at Little Song Bun, who was still standing in the sandpit, feeling very reluctant.

“Father—”

Rong Guang: “What’s wrong?”

Little Rong Bun hesitated, then shook his head, raising his hand to wave at Little Song Bun.

They had already agreed; they could meet tomorrow too.

Only, he didn’t expect that before tomorrow arrived, they would board the spaceship home.

Before boarding the spaceship, Rong Guang walked him around the shopping area.

Rong Guang: “Is there anything you want?”

Little Rong Bun: “I want (that) little brother.”

A beautiful little brother who would smile at him and play with him.

Rong Guang: “Little brother?”

Little Rong Bun nodded, his eyes expectant.

Rong Guang: “Okay, Father will try his best to have Dad give you a little brother.”

Little Rong Bun: “?!”

Little Rong Bun was startled: “Dad will give birth to (that) little brother?”

Rong Guang smiled: “Mm.”

Little Rong Bun’s eyes lit up: “Good, have a little brother!”

Later, he got a little brother as he wished, but he forgot this past.

Many years later, in a confidential intensive care unit, a ruler with long golden hair sat by the bed, holding a film negative.

He coughed lightly a few times, his husky voice tinged with a helpless smile.

“So you broke your promise more than once.”