Chapter 68

The next day, Luo Li woke up to find the bedding beside him untouched, just as he’d left it.

A faint discomfort stirred in his heart. He puffed out his snowy cheeks in a huff, roughly folded the covers, changed his clothes, and hopped down from the small bed.

Someone knocked on the bedroom door twice. Luo Li opened it and came face-to-face with 007’s handsome visage—perfectly proportioned, with an unmistakable mechanical sheen.

Somehow, he’d scrounged up a set of ordinary resident’s clothes, transforming him into the picture of a young tech prodigy: the kind who pulled strings behind the scenes at the base or hacked as a senior operative in some corporation.

007 said, “I made breakfast for you.”

Luo Li’s irritation evaporated in an instant. A top-tier “housekeeping robot” like this was far beyond anything he could ever afford in his lifetime. Truth be told, he was the one getting the better end of the deal.

On the dining table sat perfectly seared bacon and tender beef, with golden fried eggs accompanied by cartons of milk packaged with exquisite care.

Luo Li froze. In this era, meat, eggs, and dairy were outrageously expensive—things he could never dream of buying. How had 007 prepared all this?

“My account’s been frozen by the Patrol Team,” 007 explained. “When I went to the supermarket, I saw your account still had a decent balance, so I picked some up.”

Luo Li broke out in a cold sweat.

Was this robot blind? His balance didn’t even have four digits.

He could only manage an awkward smile, inwardly heartbroken over the money. He cautiously pulled out his communicator to check—and nearly dropped his fork to the floor.

…How many zeros??

Had the system glitched out??

He quickly spotted the transfer notice from Saibansi, along with a new contact added to his private messages.

Saibansi had sent him a barrage of texts last night, even inviting him on an expedition to the Norlin Sinkhole.

He’d also offered to bankroll him for a full year.

Luo Li’s emotions churned in a tangled mess. He didn’t want more involvement with this man, but… but the guy was offering far too much. And judging by the store manager’s tone, refusing didn’t seem like an option.

After mulling it over, he tapped out a reply.

【Ai Li】：Sorry, I just woke up.

【Ai Li】：I… I might not be good at this. I’ve never pretended to be a couple with anyone before.

The last time at that drinking party, things had ended on a sour note for everyone. He was truly afraid that if he got involved again, he’d slip up sooner or later.

A shadow clouded Luo Li’s face. He nibbled on the tip of his fork and let out a quiet sigh.

“Who are you talking to?”

The boy jumped, hastily flipping his communicator face-down on the table. “N-No one.”

007’s eyes narrowed slightly. “Boyfriend?”

A faint blush crept up Luo Li’s ear tips. “No, just… um, a friend from work. Don’t jump to conclusions.”

007 let out a cold snort and dropped the subject.

Last night, he’d impersonated Luo Li to send that message. The reply had taken several minutes of silence: “If I can’t see you, can’t I at least look at your photo?”

007 hadn’t responded. He knew exactly what Saibansi wanted with Luo Li’s photo—and right now, the man probably couldn’t even spare a hand to message back while pretending to play it cool.

He’d deleted the entire exchange between himself and Saibansi, so Luo Li couldn’t see it now.

At that moment, Saibansi’s call came through.

Luo Li fumbled to answer, ducking into the bedroom before daring to speak. “Hello?”

Saibansi’s voice sounded just as before—arrogant and commanding. “Have you decided? A spot on the Norlin Sinkhole expedition is next to impossible to snag in the base right now. Plenty of people have the money but can’t buy their way in.”

Luo Li trembled as he replied, “But… isn’t it super dangerous outside the Enclosing Wall? I don’t dare…”

“I’ve hired a presidential-grade Guard Team. We’ll stick to safe routes—no danger at all. It’s basically just a vacation.”

Saibansi paused, his tone laced with suspicion. “…Why are you whispering like that? Someone else at your place?”

Luo Li’s heart skipped a beat, a pang of inexplicable guilt hitting him. “No.”

“Hmph. Better not be. When I say I’m bankrolling you for a year, I mean the whole year. No contact with any other men in that time. Got it?”

That was Celestial Dragon eldest young masters for you—always so overbearing. Luo Li didn’t dare defy him and could only murmur a few soft affirmatives.

Saibansi’s mood lifted a bit. He stood before his wardrobe, picking out clothes, when the soft, sweet voice from the communicator sparked a sudden whim. He cleared his throat.

“Then… call me ‘hubby’ and let’s hear it.”

Luo Li’s cheeks flushed crimson, his embarrassed voice trembling. “D-Don’t mess around. I’m hanging up.”

A few knocks sounded from behind him. He hurriedly clamped a hand over the communicator and heard 007 say, “I’ve washed the dishes.”

Luo Li didn’t dare respond. He lowered his voice to Saibansi. “Gotta go.”

With that, he decisively hit end call.

Staring at the dark screen of his communicator, he finally exhaled in relief. Back in the living room, he sensed the atmosphere had turned oddly tense. 007’s face remained expressionless, but an eerie low pressure hung around him.

He probably had no choice but to head outside the Enclosing Wall with Saibansi. But what about 007? How was he supposed to explain? He couldn’t just leave the guy out here to get nabbed by the Patrol Team. It wasn’t like he could say, “Little Seven, I’m off vacationing with my sugar daddy—you stay home and guard the place, okay?”

Just then, 007 pulled out a card. “I need to restock energy outside the Enclosing Wall. Here’s the Entry Permit I just got. We leave tomorrow.”

Luo Li blurted, “You’re going outside the Enclosing Wall too?”

“Too?”

“Ah, I mean, a friend of mine happens to be heading out there for an expedition soon. Um, maybe we can go together.”

It was a solid plan. If he could get 007 safely beyond the wall, he could relax for a while.

He wasn’t sure if this lone-wolf type would agree, though.

“Sure.”

To his surprise, 007 accepted readily. “Then together it is.”

~~~

The Enclosing Wall’s exit was a massively grand gate.

In truth, the Enclosing Wall wasn’t just a simple barrier. It was a protective layer forged from advanced materials, linking the dome above to the earth below—like an overturned giant bowl covering the base city, shielding it from all hazardous creatures and pollutant viruses.

For over a century since its construction, only a select few had ever gained the privilege of passing through. Everyone knew the dangers outside, but those dangers came laced with the thrill of adrenaline. Wall-external expeditions had become a favorite pastime for the wealthy, dubbed by them “the most noble extreme sport.”

These days, the expedition industry was fully mature, complete with dedicated Guard Teams and safe-route maps. The risk factor had dropped considerably.

Even so, with pollution raging unchecked beyond the wall, it added an unpredictable wildcard to this trip.

Weido hauled crate after crate of smoked meats, sausages, and beer onto the vehicle. He called over a few more hands to load up the camp beds and tents as well.

“Can’t just crash in the car the whole expedition—that’d be no fun,” he declared. “Right, Little Saizong?”

Saibansi leaned against the open car door and chuckled. “Only you would think of that.”

The usually hot-tempered young master seemed in exceptionally high spirits today.

Not only that, but he’d clearly put effort into his appearance. His light brown hair was styled with a touch of wax, his black-and-gold shirt unbuttoned to reveal sun-bronzed muscles. He looked vibrant and dashing—handsome enough to trip up any passing dog.

He idly flipped through a map, marking off spots.

Dead center on their route lay the trip’s main draw: the mysterious and perilous Norlin Sinkhole, teeming with bizarre creatures and prehistoric ruins.

Legend had it that the sinkhole was the origin of every catastrophe on this planet.

Deep beneath lay the Pollution Source that filled all humanity with dread.

“Hey, Ai Li’s here!”

Saibansi’s fingers tightened on the map. He casually lifted his head, glancing toward the approaching figure.

The boy had dressed in a spotlessly clean white hoodie today. His long hair was neatly combed smooth, paired with crimson shorts and brown ankle boots. He looked utterly innocent and adorable.

Plain clothes though they were, on him they became strikingly appealing.

He stood there like some runaway idol star who’d snuck out—not like he was here for a romantic expedition with his boyfriend, but more like he was holding a fan meet-and-greet.

The folks around had already warmed up to him a bit, showering praise on his outfit.

From afar, Saibansi watched. At first, seeing the boy so neatly dressed made him a touch nervous. But slowly, irritation bubbled up.

They were supposed to be the couple—why was he always chatting with those nobodies?

Weido noticed something off. “Hey, you didn’t bring any luggage?”

“Ah, my stuff is…”

Before he could finish, a remarkably tall blue-eyed young man strode up behind him.

He dragged the red suitcase along, its normal size dwarfed into something pocket-sized by his towering height.

The young man exuded an icy, aloof aura, utterly unapproachable. Luo Li hurriedly explained, “This is SEVEN, my distant cousin.”

He reached to take the suitcase, signaling that 007 could leave now.

But 007 showed no sign of going anywhere. He sized up the group and said deliberately, “Your team’s safety protocols are mediocre at best. I recommend you stick with me.”

The words landed, and everyone’s expressions turned wonderfully colorful.

Luo Li felt a helpless pang at his low emotional intelligence. As he pondered how to smooth things over, a sudden arm wrapped around his waist.

Saibansi held him close and lifted his chin disdainfully toward 007. “So this cousin of yours wants to head outside the wall too? Fine. It’s just one extra seat.”

007 replied indifferently, “No need. I have an Entry Permit.”

An Entry Permit was different from the Exploration Team’s authorization. It was generally issued to research teams for conducting surveys beyond the Enclosing Wall.

One of the boys chimed in with a sarcastic tone. “I thought it was something impressive. Turns out it’s just an Entry Permit. You, a mere researcher, have the nerve to question the professional Guard Team? How ridiculous…”

“Enough,” Saibansi cut him off. He turned to Luo Li instead. “Do you want to bring your cousin along too?”

“Well…”

Luo Li was genuinely worried about 007 venturing beyond the Enclosing Wall alone. He nodded lightly. “Is that okay?”

007’s brows furrowed deeply. “I said there’s no need—”

“Of course.”

Saibansi’s lips curved into a smile. He leaned in and planted a kiss on Luo Li’s forehead. “Lili can do whatever he wants.”

With that, he slowly released his hold and lightly licked his lips before helping the boy into the car. “Get a vehicle ready for this cousin too. Everyone, pack your gear. We’re heading out soon.”

Luo Li wanted to reassure 007 and convince him to behave without wandering off. But Saibansi didn’t give him the chance. The moment they settled into the car, the young man seized Luo Li’s hand and intertwined their fingers tightly.

Luo Li’s hand was noticeably smaller, a full size smaller than Saibansi’s. His fingertips pressed against the back of the young man’s hand, leaving no room for him to pull away.

Hot breath ghosted across the boy’s cheek. The car window was half-open, allowing everyone outside a clear view.

Luo Li realized he and Saibansi were the only two in their vehicle. The interior was spacious, and the seats were soft and comfortable.

“What are you staring at?”

“I’ve already told you,” Saibansi said. “I’m not letting you anywhere near other men. Of course, there’s no one else in this car.”

A few people outside were still sneaking glances inside. An inexplicable wave of shame washed over Luo Li. “Then close the window.”

Not only did Saibansi refrain from closing it—he rolled it down all the way.

It was as if he were putting on a show. He pulled Luo Li into a tight embrace, and the lingering irritation from encountering 007 faded almost entirely. His mood lifted considerably.

Saibansi’s arms locked around Luo Li in a firm, unyielding grip. The entire vehicle rocked with the force of it.

“Afraid of people watching?”

“You’ll have to get over that.”

“Over the next few days, you’ll be sharing not just a car with me, but a tent, a bed, and a sleeping bag too.”

“Those guys out there are all single. They’re the worst for sneaking peeks. If you can’t handle this, just wait until later—you’ll have plenty of moments to feel embarrassed.”