Han Yan remained silent upon hearing the words, subtly furrowing his brows. He didn’t feel like a three-year-old child who needed Gaien to drive him to work. Yet, after a prolonged and somewhat awkward silence, for some reason, he didn’t refuse.
“…”
Seeing Han Yan’s reaction, Gaien took it as his consent. He quietly lifted the blanket, got out of bed, and went to the bathroom to change into a clean set of clothes. After a while, he limped out. His steps seemed a bit unsteady, clearly showing the aftermath of the rough activities with the male zerg from the previous night.
Han Yan was adjusting his tie in front of the mirror. The pure black satin tie added a hint of austere and restrained charm to his usual appearance. He picked up the gold-rimmed glasses from the table and put them on. His blurred vision instantly became clear. Perhaps sensing something, he turned his head to glance at Gaien.
Gaien, not wanting Han Yan to notice anything unusual, slowed down his steps when the male zerg’s gaze swept over him. As long as he didn’t walk too much, in most cases, no one could detect his disability.
“Do you want to have breakfast at home? I can go downstairs and prepare it now,” Gaien asked.
“No need, the company provides it,” Han Yan replied.
After his words, Han Yan picked up his coat, put it on, and walked out of the room. Gaien, noticing this, followed him and casually closed the door behind him.
Han Yan walked slowly, appearing somewhat absent-minded, as if his thoughts were elsewhere. It wasn’t until they reached the downstairs that he finally snapped back, unconsciously stopping in his tracks.
Gaien, puzzled, asked, “My lord?”
Han Yan didn’t say anything; he just extended a hand towards Gaien. On his ring finger, there was a silver wedding ring, complementing his clean and slender fingers. His cultured brows slightly furrowed, unsure if he felt uneasy about his repeated exceptions or dissatisfied with Gaien’s slow pace. He calmly remarked, “You’re walking too slowly.”
At his words, Gaien’s figure paused, not feeling dejected but instead obediently holding onto Han Yan’s hand. With his support, they proceeded downstairs step by step. Gaien spoke softly, “I apologize for delaying your time to work.”
“No rush, I have three more hours,” Han Yan replied.
As soon as the words left his mouth, it seemed like he unintentionally exposed his deliberate early rising habits. Han Yan immediately fell silent. Gaien, being tactful, didn’t inquire further. His eyes slightly lowered, and he tightened his grip on Han Yan’s fingertips.
This was his male lord.
His…
Gaien’s red eyes narrowed slightly, quickly flashing a trace of both pleasure and morbidity. However, no one noticed.
In the following period, Han Yan’s work had officially entered a stable phase, and Gaien had transitioned to a civilian position in the military. Meanwhile, news arrived about the military units the Empire had dispatched to the jungle to eliminate the source of contamination in Originium. It was reported that they had successfully sealed the origin stones, and the entire main star celebrated this monumental achievement.
Seizing the opportunity, Han Yan directly launched the software his company’s team had long developed during this upswing. Aside from advertising on the StarNet programs, popular anchors enthusiastically participated in testing the software. With Prince Pei’s backing and covert support, this software was silently spreading rapidly among the masses.
Massive recruitment of delivery personnel,
Inviting businesses to join,
Download the app and receive red envelopes.
Every move Han Yan made was quite expensive, involving significant financial investments. Whether it was spending money on promotions or other aspects, it seemed like an endless flow of resources. Seeing him daily managing the software backend and distributing red envelopes, Johnny couldn’t help but feel a pang of sympathy and concern for the financial strain.
“Constant losses, constant losses! If you continue like this, the company will go bankrupt before it even opens! Ashya, we’re essentially running a business at a loss!”
When it came to spending money, Han Yan never held back. Rather than worrying about the current short-term losses, he placed greater importance on the future profitability of these customer groups. “You don’t need to worry about that. I’ve assigned you to handle employee recruitment. Have the number of delivery personnel caught up?”
Johnny, who had been helping in the company, opened the terminal brain and checked the backend data. After a moment, he reported, “The numbers are almost enough. Currently, the delivery coverage in the city area is well maintained. As long as you stop throwing money around aimlessly, we’ll soon start turning a profit.”
Ignoring Johnny’s complaints, Han Yan uttered a single command, “Continue monitoring.”
Having worked several extra hours today, Han Yan noticed the darkening sky outside. Realizing it was getting late, he quickly tidied up and left the company. He had spent enough time in the office during this period and felt it was time to inspect the software promotion on the ground. Unexpectedly, as soon as he stepped out of the company building, he saw a familiar figure standing in front of a flying vehicle, waiting for him.
Except for the busy days when Gaien first joined the military, he consistently made time to pick up Han Yan whenever he could. He always managed to accurately time his arrival to coincide with Han Yan’s finishing work, whether it was at 6:00 PM or midnight, never once being late.
“My lord.”
Gaien saw Han Yan walking out of the company building and instinctively took a couple of steps forward. He was dressed in a sharp white military uniform, the black knee-high military boots complementing his long legs. His demeanor was cool and imposing, attracting quite a few glances from passersby.
Han Yan noticed Gaien and halted in his steps, asking, “When did you arrive?”
He remembered not informing Gaien of his schedule today.
Gaien always seemed to accurately guess Han Yan’s thoughts. “I got off work early today and happened to pass by your workplace, so I waited for a while,” he explained.
Han Yan subtly furrowed his brows, although it was hard to discern. “How long did you wait?”
Gaien lowered his head to check the terminal on his wrist. “Not long, just around fifteen minutes.”
The temperature difference between day and night on the main star was significant. Han Yan raised his hand and touched Gaien’s cool cheek, realizing that the latter must have been lying. With Han Yan’s unpredictable schedule, ensuring to pick him up punctually was not an easy task. The only way was to arrive early and wait downstairs.
Why didn’t you come into the company to find me…
Why didn’t you send a message to ask…
Even if you wait downstairs for four or five hours without saying anything, how would I know?
Many thoughts crossed Han Yan’s mind, and the complex sentiments of a businessman were evident at this moment. However, when it came time to speak, he uttered only two simple words, “…Let’s go.”
Han Yan finished speaking, opened the cabin door, and directly sat inside. Gaien, realizing this, snapped back and followed him, taking a seat beside him. As the cabin door closed, it shut out the biting cold from outside.
Gaien activated the autopilot mode, preparing to set the destination to their residence. However, Han Yan suddenly spoke up, “Go to a nearby mall and find a place to eat.”
Gaien hesitated for a moment at Han Yan’s words. “Aren’t we going home to eat?”
Han Yan nodded.
Gaien hesitated before asking, “Should I invite His Excellency Admon and Johnny?”
Han Yan spoke casually, “Don’t bother with them.”
Gaien seemed somewhat uncertain and asked in a low voice, “My lord, is it just the two of us?”
At his words, Han Yan turned to look at Gaien. In Gaien’s eyes, he detected a hint of cautious anticipation and joy, causing a subtle brightening in the typically gloomy gaze. For some reason, an unusual feeling rose within him—fleeting and delicate, like a dragonfly skimming the water.
Han Yan was adept at understanding people, yet he couldn’t pinpoint the origin of this complex emotion.
“Are you happy?”
Han Yan’s deep voice resonated in the night, distant and profound, like the snow-covered pines on a mountaintop gently shaking off the snow, cool yet gentle.
There was a moment of silence from Gaien, then a gentle nod.
Han Yan’s fingertips unconsciously tapped his knee, emotions mingling in a way that was hard to define. After a while, he finally spoke in a low tone, “Hmm, just the two of us.”
Just the two of them.
Unlike Han Yan’s ambitious aspirations, Gaien’s desires were always simple and easily satisfied. Hearing this, he shifted slightly to sit on Han Yan’s left leg. Seeing that the male zerg didn’t push him away, Gaien pressed his cool lips against Han Yan’s, his warm and moist tongue gently probing and then quickly retreating.
Han Yan saw through his teasing but, of course, wouldn’t let him escape. His slender fingertips slowly grasped the back of Gaien’s head, deepening the kiss between them. Though no pheromones were released, it still sent a shiver down their spines.
Gaien’s entire body felt cool. Han Yan lifted the hem of Gaien’s military uniform, gently caressing Gaien’s cool abdomen covered in a thin layer of muscle, a pleasant sensation under his touch.
Gaien unconsciously recoiled a bit backward. Afterward, Han Yan always enjoyed pressing on his abdomen, seemingly delighted by the sight of Gaien blushing and trembling with embarrassment. Even though there was nothing inside now, and nothing could be squeezed out, it became a conditioned reflex, causing him to flinch for a moment.
Han Yan noticed Gaien’s reaction, and his gray-blue eyes darkened slightly. “Come here.”
He didn’t like the female zerg avoiding him.
Gaien keenly sensed the shift in Han Yan’s mood and leaned back in. Han Yan reached out to embrace him, but this time he didn’t engage in anything more. His fingertips gently massaged Gaien’s scalp, occasionally tilting his head to kiss the red mark beneath Gaien’s eyes.
The eyes behind Han Yan’s glasses revealed a pensive expression. After a while, he finally asked in a tone that betrayed no emotion, “Why don’t you come into the company to find me?”
Gaien had always left after dropping Han Yan off downstairs, never once going upstairs. Normally, Han Yan wouldn’t care about such trivial matters, but at this moment, he suddenly found himself curious.
This wasn’t his usual style.
Han Yan narrowed his eyes, feeling a bit uncomfortable with this sense of things slipping out of his control.
Gaien, hearing his words, unconsciously touched his right leg and then quietly withdrew his hand. He smiled gently at Han Yan and said, “It’s okay. I’m used to waiting downstairs.”
Having the company employees witness the boss marrying a disabled female monarch wouldn’t be ideal. Therefore, most of the time, Gaien preferred to wait downstairs and never set foot in Han Yan’s company.
It seemed like Han Yan had deciphered Gaien’s thoughts. He took off his glasses, wiped away the mist on the lenses, and calmly said, “The company isn’t very busy lately. We have a waiting area upstairs. Next time, just go in and wait there.”
His attitude was more straightforward than Gaien had imagined, with no hint of hiding or pretense.
Gaien suddenly asked, “Don’t you think it’s embarrassing to marry someone with a disability?”
Han Yan’s motion of wiping his glasses paused slightly upon hearing this. Subconsciously, he looked at Gaien, who was silently gazing at him. Due to the dim lighting in the cabin, it was difficult to discern the emotions on Gaien’s face.
“…”
Han Yan slowly put on his glasses, clarifying his vision. Despite this, Gaien continued to gaze calmly at him and repeated in a hushed tone, “Don’t you think it’s embarrassing to marry someone with a disability?”
Han Yan would never tell Gaien that he himself used to be disabled. Not only were his legs disabled, but his heart was as well. However, that didn’t hinder him from answering Gaien’s question.
“I don’t think so.”
Han Yan always believed that one’s face was one’s own responsibility. Others couldn’t help you save face or gain face for you.
While they were talking, the aircraft had already reached the mall and was slowly descending at the roadside. Han Yan opened the cabin door, took Gaien, who was still in a daze, and walked down the vehicle, heading towards a restaurant inside.
Gaien followed Han Yan with a slight limp, still caught up in the four words Han Yan had just said. It wasn’t until he was embraced by the male zerg, ushered into an elegantly decorated restaurant, that he suddenly snapped back to reality.
The waiter at the entrance immediately approached with a bow and a welcoming smile, “Welcome! Just the two of you?”
Han Yan nodded and directly led Gaien to a window-side table near the entrance. “What are your signature dishes?”
The waiter, recognizing them as a couple, habitually handed the menu to Han Yan, assuming he would be the one to order. However, with a slight push of his fingertips, Han Yan passed the menu to Gaien across the table. “You order.”
Gaien glanced at Han Yan upon hearing this, only to find the male closing his eyes, seemingly resting. Gaien took the menu and earnestly browsed through it.
The waiter on the side enthusiastically recommended, “Sir, to commemorate the successful removal of the contaminated origin stones, our restaurant has recently launched a series of celebration events. If you download the StarExpress app, you can receive a limited edition blind box gift for free. Additionally, you can enjoy a 10% discount after dining. Would you be interested in participating?”
At the mention of “StarExpress”, Gaien paused in flipping the pages. “StarExpress?”
Gaien’s question successfully opened the waiter’s floodgate of information.
With a cheerful smile, the waiter activated the terminal and explained, “This is currently the most popular food delivery app on the main star. You can browse all the nearby stores online from the comfort of your home, whether it’s medicine, daily necessities, or delicious food and drinks. After placing an order, it will be delivered quickly. And right now, by downloading it, you can also receive limited edition red envelopes. Sir, don’t miss out~”
Not only was Gaien’s table presented with this information, but other tables were also in a similar situation. The difference was that while Gaien hadn’t decided whether to participate, other customers were already succumbing to the allure of “limited edition blind box gifts” and “limited edition red envelopes”, eagerly downloading the app.
Han Yan had noticed it since the very first day he arrived in this world: the Zergs were always captivated by the words “limited edition”. Whether it was Johnny’s fervent collection of limited edition game cards or Admon’s enthusiasm for limited edition bags, it reflected the consumer psychology of a significant portion of the population in this world.
This restaurant was under the ownership of Prince Pei. By offering a slight discount from the high profits and casually providing a 10% discount, they could attract customers to download the app. While the customers might profit, the restaurant wouldn’t incur any losses.
Nowadays, the restaurants that have joined the food delivery app are generally doing much better than before. Some of them have seen their business skyrocket, with profits doubling or even more. Nearby jealous businesses, including the Durant family and the family of the Minister of the Chamber of Commerce, have also applied to join. However, Han Yan deliberately withheld their applications, and now those two establishments are in a state of desperation.
While Han Yan was lost in thought, Gaien had already downloaded the app and received a limited edition blind box gift from a waiter. “Wishing both of you a pleasant dining experience~”
Han Yan opened his eyes and saw a beautiful gift box placed at the corner of the table. Crossing his legs and adjusting his sitting posture, he asked Gaien, “Why not open it and take a look?”
Gaien then gently opened the box, revealing a translucent green crystal doll ornament inside. The design was fresh and natural. “It’s beautiful, my lord.”
Han Yan said, “There are a total of eight designs.”
Gaien, who obviously hadn’t experienced blind boxes before, asked, “Eight? How do we get the other seven?”
Han Yan’s eyes behind the lenses scrutinized him, while he devoted some thought to answering his question, “Place an order for takeout, and it will be randomly included.”
The material of these dolls was, in fact, inexpensive, with the main value lying in the design. However, given that Han Yan had drawn the design, there was no issue of whether it was expensive or not. Currently, many individuals on the main star were willing to spend a high price just to complete this set of blind boxes.
Gaien had already guessed that this app was developed by Han Yan. He fondly played with the doll in his hand and asked, “My lord, can I order takeout when I’m at home?”
Han Yan, however, casually uttered three words, “Waste of money.”
“Alright.”
Gaien had no choice but to give up. He placed the beautiful doll by his side, and not long after, the waiter brought the dishes over. The food was exquisite, with an appearance, aroma, and taste that surpassed the cooking skills of the two male zergs at home.
Han Yan was using a knife and fork to cut through a plate of unidentified grilled meat when he suddenly heard Gaien remind him from across the table, “My lord, tomorrow, your female father and the others will return from the battlefield.”
Han Yan paused for a moment upon hearing this, then realized that “father” referred to the female monarch and consort that Admon married. He didn’t show much of a reaction and asked, “Are you sure it’s tomorrow?”
Gaien nodded, “The Third Army has already withdrawn from the battlefield. They’ll arrive on the main star tomorrow for reporting. Your father and the others serve in the Third Army. If nothing unexpected happens, it should be tomorrow.”
Han Yan replied, “Got it.”
Han Yan continued cutting the food on the plate, showing neither surprise nor sadness. His reaction resembled that of an emotionless robot.
Gaien initially thought that Han Yan would be pleased to hear this news but was surprised by his indifferent response. However, considering Han Yan’s usual demeanor, especially towards Johnny, he wasn’t so amazed.
Today was the Flower Festival of Salaranfa, and the restaurant had bouquets of artificial flowers for sale. As Han Yan was finishing his meal, a staff member approached him with a bundle of bright red roses, promoting, “Your Excellency, today is the Flower Festival of the main star. Why not buy a bouquet of flowers for your partner?”
Hearing this, Gaien didn’t have the chance to do anything before Han Yan promptly declined, saying, “Thank you, not necessary.”
Gaien had initially wanted to buy a bouquet of flowers for Han Yan, but seeing the lack of interest, he abandoned the idea. The staff member awkwardly retreated with the flowers.
Han Yan had almost finished his meal and was preparing to settle the bill when Gaien asked, “My lord, may I use the restroom?”
Han Yan replied, “Go ahead.”
Gaien limped away after pulling out his chair.
Han Yan sat in his place, gazing at the departing figure of Gaien. Lost in his thoughts, it wasn’t until this moment that the slate-blue eyes behind the lenses finally revealed a hint of obscure and unclear emotions.
He declined the request for takeout from the female zerg, and also rejected the waiter’s attempt to sell flowers just now. From start to finish, Gaien had shown no reaction. Even though Han Yan could discern it, inside, Gaien was filled with disappointment and regret.
However, Gaien had always adhered excellently to the words “obey” from start to finish. Despite being rejected, he showed no signs of anger. When Han Yan said “no”, he would never persist in asking a second time.
Han Yan had always liked obedient zergs.
This time, however, contrary to expectations, he hoped Gaien would show some different reaction.
Human nature is inherently flawed, and he, to some extent, was tainted by it.
Another waiter holding a bouquet approached and started promoting the flowers, reaching Han Yan’s table. His companion was about to remind him that the gentleman wasn’t interested in buying flowers. However, to everyone’s surprise, Han Yan, who had been indifferent earlier, pulled out his wallet, paid for the meal, and bought a bouquet of flowers.
A shrewd businessman wouldn’t invest in something that didn’t offer a return, but because he had been shaken during the first encounter, when the opportunity presented itself a second time, he chose to make the purchase directly.
Han Yan examined the beautifully packaged bouquet for a moment, then gently placed it on the table. Perhaps due to the inconvenience of the female zerg’s leg, it took approximately fifteen minutes for Gaien to finally return.
Gaien appeared noticeably rushed, and his breath was slightly labored. “Apologies, my lord, I’m sorry for being late…”
Before he could finish his sentence, he suddenly noticed a bouquet of roses on the table, and his voice trailed off involuntarily. He subconsciously looked towards Han Yan.
Han Yan, however, remained silent and stood up, walking towards the exit. At the same time, he handed the bouquet of flowers to Gaien, saying, “Let’s go, back home.”
Gaien, carrying the bouquet of roses, limped to catch up with Han Yan as they exited the restaurant. The cold night wind blew, causing even the hem of their clothes to flutter. Gaien asked, “My lord, is this bouquet for me?”
Han Yan turned to look at Gaien, and his usually composed profile seemed a bit less indifferent in the dark night, with his blue hair tousled by the wind. He spoke with an ambiguous tone, “Don’t like it?”
Of course, Gaien liked it. He lowered his head to glance at the bouquet in his arms, only to discover a small white card among the petals. Picking it up, he found it to be an advertisement for a themed love hotel.
Gaien glanced around and noticed that the hotel was located on the second floor, right above the restaurant where they had just dined. It seemed like a joint promotion between the two establishments, taking advantage of the many couples out and about during the Flower Festival.
After a brief hesitation, Gaien handed the card to Han Yan, saying, “My lord, there’s an advertisement for a couples’ hotel inside.”
Han Yan glanced at it but didn’t take it, raising an eyebrow lightly. “Do you want to go?”
Gaien hesitated for a moment but responded with an unrelated statement, “My lord, I got promoted today.”
Han Yan took a couple of steps towards him with apparent interest, asking, “So what?”
Gaien pursed his lips and looked at him, his thick eyelashes trembling. The ruby-red eyes were splendid, akin to a child seeking candy. “Consider it a reward for me, okay?”
Han Yan remained silent, and after a moment, he finally took the card after a slight pinch from his fingertips. He probably didn’t quite understand why legal partners wouldn’t just stay at home and had to go to these less reputable places to have fun. Nevertheless, considering Gaien rarely spoke up, he agreed, “Fine, let’s go.”
As they walked, Gaien unconsciously touched the pocket where he had a carefully selected gift for Han Yan. However, he hesitated to give it, unsure if Han Yan would like it, given that his preferences were often challenging to discern.
How about giving it later when they’re in bed?
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