Shortly after Rong Shi left, Song Yu got into Qin Luo’s car and headed to the palace.

“The people are already deployed. They’ll report any movement from those Omegas.”

Qin Luo set the autonomous navigation. After a moment, hearing no reply from Song Yu, he turned to look at the back.

Song Yu sat in the back seat, arm resting on the armrest, in a relaxed posture, with a book open on his lap.

Qin Luo was all too familiar with that book; it was “The Secret of Time in Quantum Physics,” the prince’s favorite read in the past two years.

“Not enough,” Song Yu flipped a page, saying casually, “Monitor family membersCompetition as well. Report immediately anyone who has dealings with the Omega Rights Protection Organization, the All-Around , or military hospitals.”

“Understood,” Qin Luo replied, then hesitated for a moment before asking, “Your Highness, you and Rong Shi—?”

Song Yu: “Call him sister-in-law.”

Qin Luo: “…”

Song Yu: “Ask.”

Qin Luo: “…No more questions.”

---

When they arrived at their palace residence, the special assistant was already waiting at the door.

Servants lined up in two rows to welcome their master home. Song Yu strode in with his long legs, waving for them to disperse.

The special assistant reported as they walked: “There’s a new development on the chestnut line. Goods are flowing to the front lines through several charitable organizations, with some going to pirate groups and some to various medical organizations.”

The “goods” he referred to were pheromone stimulants, a medication strictly prohibited from circulation by the Empire.

“Charitable organizations?” This question successfully made Song Yu stop. “What are their names?”

The special assistant checked his records and replied: “Heart-to-Heart Great Relief Association, Omega Rights Protection Organization, Social—”

Song Yu raised a hand to interrupt, his voice turning cold: “Strictly monitor the batch of drugs flowing out from the Omega Rights Protection Organization!”

The special assistant saw his expression was off and immediately agreed, then proceeded to report the next item.

“Maintain the current project operations. The capital chain can only support two months. Several proposals have been submitted below. Do you have time to review them today?”

When Song Yu decided to take a step back, seventy to eighty percent of his overt projects were suspended. To avoid suspicion from Song Ke’s side, only a small portion was moved underground.

To maintain the persona of giving up, these projects had to continue to be abandoned.

However, all the people who needed to be supported were still there.

If this continued, the capital chain would be in trouble.

Song Yu pushed open the study door and sat down behind the desk.

His fingers tapped lightly on the desktop. After a moment, he asked, “What’s the situation in Andromeda?”

“That’s what I was about to report to you.”

The special assistant pulled up a document from his terminal, opened it, and had the AI in the study print it out and hand it to Song Yu.

“These are the results of their explorations these past few days. Blue crystals have been found on these three barren planets. The mineral grade isn’t as good as B009, but the danger level is also low, making them easy to mine.”

Song Yu meticulously reviewed the three geological assessment reports.

“Increase manpower, expand the exploration range to the entire Andromeda galaxy, ensure all mineral planets are found, and buy them all out.”

The special assistant was shocked.

Things weren’t like before. Although it wasn’t difficult for them to make money, the circumstances forced them to be financially constrained.

Under such circumstances, buying so many barren planets just to make his partner happy?

That’s too extravagant!

Song Yu pondered, chin resting on his hand, then added: “Keep the energy and military supply projects running. The others, let them go bankrupt or be suspended as you see fit. You don’t need to report back to me separately.”

Special Assistant: “!!!”

This isn’t taking a step back at all; it’s practically raising a white flag of surrender!

Song Yu still felt it wasn’t enough.

“Send all remaining personnel to mine in Andromeda.”

The special assistant’s mouth was dry.

“Your Highness, this, would you reconsider carefully?”

Song Yu: “No need. Just do it.”

Rong Shi had already clearly indicated that blue crystals were a precious energy stone. Monopolizing this field before the military did would bring immeasurable economic and political benefits.

His wife has already brought the food to his mouth; why wouldn’t he eat it?

Song Yu picked up the folder beside him, spread it open, and said while reading, “Anything else?”

The special assistant was panicking internally.

The Prince had been astute since childhood. Besides the pressure from the King, no one had truly taken advantage of him.

Don’t let him capsize now, just for Rong Shi!

“Nothing else?” Song Yu glanced at the time, urging him.

Rong Shi should have already arrived at the Qian family’s place by now, and normally he would return in the afternoon.

He had to deal with everything before noon.

The special assistant snapped back to attention and took out an old-fashioned invitation from his embrace, placing it on the desk.

“This was personally delivered by Elder Shen. The day after tomorrow is his 70th birthday. He said that if you have time, you must bring Rong Shi along, even if it’s just for a brief visit.”

Hearing the name “Shen,” Song Yu’s heart ached, and his fingertips felt numb.

He picked up the invitation and opened it. Inside were two lines of elegantly handwritten script.

He only skimmed it roughly before irritably slapping it on the table.

“I know.”

The special assistant cautiously observed his expression.

“Then—for gifts, is it still the usual custom?”

Song Yu: “You handle it.”

The special assistant respectfully replied: “Yes, sir.”

As dusk gathered, it was almost dinner time by the time Song Yu finished signing the last document.

He rubbed his temples, stretched his stiff neck, and was about to get up when a knock sounded on the study door.

An Omega servant entered, carrying coffee.

“Your Highness, this coffee was sent over by Special Assistant.”

Qin Luo, who was sprawled asleep on the single sofa, heard “coffee” and groggily said, “Get grandpa one too.”

The servant placed the coffee in front of Song Yu and ignored Qin Luo’s words.

Looking at the steaming coffee, Song Yu said with a half-smile: “It’s been a long time since I’ve smelled such fragrant coffee. Did you brew it?”

The Omega servant stood by the chair, smiling, revealing two adorable dimples: “As long as Your Highness likes it.”

Song Yu picked up the coffee cup and casually asked: “How many years have you been here?”

The Omega’s eyes flickered, and he replied somewhat shyly: “Three years.”

“Three years, huh—”

Song Yu repeated softly, his eyes turning cold. He seized the Omega’s wrist, twisted it back, and slammed the person onto the desk.

A loud bang accompanied the Omega’s scream.

“The, the sun’s up?!”

Qin Luo was jolted awake, instantly sitting upright on the sofa.

He looked up and exclaimed, “Whoa! Which blind fool walked straight into a trap again?!”

Song Yu’s voice was very soft and slow, but his words sent shivers down one’s spine.

“Not a single Omega who tried to seduce me has ever walked out of this room. Haven’t you known that after three years here?”

The Omega was pinned down, unable to move, struggling for breath. He thrashed, his voice trembling with fear.

“I, I didn’t mean to—”

Song Yu pressed down on the back of his neck. With a forceful grip, the person passed out.

“Take him down and interrogate him thoroughly.” Song Yu pulled out a wet wipe to clean his hands, his face cold as he walked out.

Qin Luo leaned in to sniff, shaking his head and clucking his tongue.

“Coffee-scented pheromones, quite rare. What a shame.”

By the time he finished dealing with the person and returned, he just saw a hover car streaking across the sky.

Qin Luo: “…” Damn it! Did he forget me here?

The special assistant followed closely behind. Seeing that the prince wasn’t in the study, he asked Qin Luo: “Where’s His Highness? His Majesty wants him to have dinner together.”

Qin Luo grumbled: “If only you had come one minute earlier—”

---

Song Yu was annoyed. He switched to manual mode, brought the hover car to the ground, and pushed the speed to maximum.

Amidst the roaring engine, the black hover car sped past, moving almost too fast to be seen.

Upon arriving home, Song Yu parked the car in the yard. His terminal scanned the incoming sensor AI, and the hover car automatically started and flew into the parking garage.

I wonder if Rong Shi is back.

Just as this thought flashed through his mind, he smelled sweet and sour pork ribs.

The irritation that had been simmering all the way was instantly soothed.

Rong Shi checked the time, selected a few fruits, and slowly cut them into pieces.

They hadn’t made any plans before he left, but he just had a feeling Song Yu would be back for dinner.

Hearing footsteps behind him, Rong Shi’s lips curved slightly.

His waist was suddenly encircled; a certain little cat had clung to him.

“Wife, I’m hungry.”

Rong Shi fed him a piece of mango, “Go wash your hands. Dinner will be ready soon.”

Song Yu leaned on his shoulder: “I’m too tired to walk. You help me wash.”

He was becoming increasingly adept at acting spoiled.

Rong Shi dragged the big cat clinging to him to the sink and pulled his hands into the sensor area.

Little Song Cat’s hands were long and slender, fair, with distinct knuckles and pink nail beds. Although not soft, their texture was no less pleasing than a cat’s paw.

It was just that his nails were trimmed haphazardly, with very uneven edges, which made Rong Shi quite uncomfortable.

---

After dinner, Song Yu sat in the veranda on the first floor, enjoying the cool breeze and reviewing the reports sent from below.

Rong Shi found a manicure set, sat on the lounge chair next to him, and extended his hand.

“Give me your hand.”

Song Yu glanced at him, then placed his hand into Rong Shi’s.

“What are you doing?”

Rong Shi took out nail clippers: “Trimming cat claws.”

Song Yu: “…”

With one hand occupied, Song Yu couldn’t work properly, so he simply leaned back into the lounge chair.

Staring at Rong Shi’s serious face for a moment, he asked: “Did you talk things over with Qian Li?”

Rong Shi: “Not yet.”

“Don’t worry about me,” Song Yu said softly. “The Qian family rarely looks favorably on outsiders. Many people want to gain their favor but can’t. Don’t easily lose this excellent opportunity.”

Song Yu knew well that the Qian family wouldn’t support him.

He wasn’t without trying, but from the Qian family’s standpoint, supporting an unfavored prince like him would offer no benefits whatsoever.

It should be said that the Qian family was already at the pinnacle of power; any higher would mean replacing the Song family.

If he were the head of the Qian family, he would absolutely not choose himself either.

The fact that the Qian family extended an olive branch to Rong Shi in the current situation indicated their high regard for him.

Even if he failed later, at least the Qian family could protect Rong Shi from involvement.

His rationality told him this, but Song Yu still felt a pang of sadness.

He had status and power, yet he couldn’t even protect his bunny, and instead had to ask him to seek help from others.

Rong Shi carefully slipped the nail clipper under Song Yu’s raised nail, not daring to go too deep for fear of cutting the quick.

“What nonsense are you talking about?” Rong Shi said casually. “You are my excellent opportunity.”

Just as he was about to clip, Song Little Cat’s finger suddenly twitched.

Rong Shi hastily released the nail clippers: “Don’t move around.”

“Hey, make a deal?”

Rong Shi looked up, just in time to see Song Yu’s face drawing near.

Under the soft light, his features were exquisite, breathtakingly beautiful.

Song Yu held his hand back and smiled: “I’ll call you Gege. Say that sentence again?”

Rong Shi’s attention was entirely focused on the nails that needed trimming. For a moment, he didn’t quite grasp what Song Yu meant.

After a serious recollection, he gradually understood.

“Are you going to say it?” Song Yu urged.

Rong Shi understood in his heart. The corners of his lips curled into a subtle smile.

“Come closer.”

Song Yu was wary for a moment, then tentatively leaned his ear closer.

But instead of the words he wanted to hear, his lips suddenly felt a warmth.

Rong Shi touched and then pulled away, looking at Little Song Cat’s slightly stunned expression, his voice low: “Just saying it is enough?”

Song Yu’s heart skipped a beat, fireworks exploding in his mind. He suddenly didn’t know how to react.

He heard a soft chuckle near his ear, like a feather lightly brushing across his heart.

Song Yu watched him tilt his head slightly, and the warm, soft touch returned to his lips.

Rong Shi’s voice was filled with obvious amusement: “You, the elf lost among humans, have finally fallen into my hands.”

When an old man seriously flirts, it’s truly deadly.

Song Yu felt a bit overwhelmed.

At a time like this, he could lose anything, but not his composure.

Song Yu wrapped his arms around Rong Shi’s neck and kissed him without another word.

Not just a kiss, but a passionate, wet one.

Unfortunately, he rushed in too fiercely—

Rong Shi: “Hiss—”

Song Yu: “Hiss—”

It proved that a novice wasn’t suited for high-difficulty challenges.

Aside from bumping teeth, neither of them felt much joy.

“Damn it,” Song Yu gasped, covering his mouth: “Aren’t you an old hand? Experienced, can pass through a field of flowers without a single petal sticking?”

Rong Shi: “…”

Song Yu: “Paid tuition, I’ve paid my tuition, and this is what you teach me?”

Rong Shi: “…………”

The person who rushed in to kiss like a killer has the nerve to complain?

Song Yu quickly learned from his failure and decided to push through, conquering the wet kiss challenge in one go.

“Your nails need to be clipped.” Rong Shi’s attention, however, returned to the nails. “You poked my face just now.”

Song Yu: “…”

In Rong Shi’s eyes, he was less important than a fingernail?

After all the nails were smoothly trimmed, Rong Shi’s fingertips gently brushed over Song Yu’s, using a file to smooth out any uneven spots.

“Very good.”

Song Yu rested his chin in his hand, looking at Rong Shi’s very accomplished expression. He truly couldn’t understand the joy in it.

While Rong Shi was putting away the tools, Song Yu hesitated several times, wanting to speak.

“By the way, the day after tomorrow—”

Rong Shi: “Mm?”

Song Yu turned his head, avoiding Rong Shi’s gaze, his voice very cold: “The day after tomorrow is my maternal grandfather’s birthday. Do you want to come with me?”

Maternal grandfather? Rong Shi recalled Song Yu’s information.

Song Yu was royalty, so much of his information was top secret, but his maternal family’s details were available.

The Shen family retained their grand noble title through ancestral merits, but they hadn’t produced any military or political talents for several generations.

Perhaps the less resources they had, the harder it was to pursue military and political careers. The Shen family’s last three generations had mostly gone into medicine, and they had indeed progressed steadily in that field.

Therefore, to ordinary people, the Shen family was unattainable, but in the eyes of insiders, the Shen family could only be considered a fringe noble family.

Without waiting for Rong Shi’s answer, Song Yu quickly interjected.

“It doesn’t matter if you don’t go. I just asked casually because they invited.”

Rong Shi stood up and rubbed the top of his head.

“Let’s go. Before we leave, let’s celebrate your maternal grandfather’s birthday for Dad.”

---

Author’s Note:

Song Cat: Hey, Bunny, my hubby says he’s an old hand. Do you think he’s lying to me, or lying to me, or lying to me?

Rong Bunny: …Only his mouth is. Everything else is novice.

Later—

Song Cat: Not even his mouth anymore.

Rong Bunny: …When he talks, yes. When he does, no.