Cheng Xu didn’t know how much of the father-son conversation Cheng Jin had heard, but seeing his younger brother’s distant, dazed expression, he couldn’t help but feel pity.

After the three family members agreed and confirmed that their father wouldn’t do anything irrational again, Cheng Xu took his younger brother out of the hospital room. The Imperial Planet was vast with sparse population, bustling only in the central city, while other areas, including the hospital, were incredibly quiet. Cheng Xu found a window-side table in the ground-floor cafeteria and returned with two hot drinks.

Once his hands were warmed, Cheng Jin finally snapped back to reality and quickly said, “Thanks, bro.”

Hearing this thanks, Cheng Xu felt a mix of emotions. He was aware of Cheng Jin’s character flaws, largely due to being overly pampered since childhood. Cheng Jin, born with an angelic appearance, was adorable and easily indulged, especially with their father’s protective nature, which led to his spoiled and unruly behavior. By the time Cheng Xu realized something was amiss, it was too late to correct him without coming across as harsh or punitive, especially since Cheng Jin hadn’t made any serious mistakes.

However, it was the family’s misfortune and initially Lu Tao that had prompted Cheng Jin to change.

Cheng Xu suppressed his emotions and probed, “Sweetheart, when did you get here? Were you listening to Dad and me talking outside?”

“No,” Cheng Jin shook his head, still looking exhausted. “I didn’t hear the beginning, just the part about us leaving.”

Cheng Xu breathed a sigh of relief, then asked seriously, “Have you really decided to leave with us? What about Lu Tao…”

Cheng Jin interrupted him, “I plan to file for divorce.”

“Why? I thought you would never give up.”

“I’m not that strong.” Cheng Jin took a sip of his drink. “I’ve actually tried to file for divorce before but always backed out at the last moment. This time, I won’t give up. Bro, I’ve realized that what’s unattainable remains so, no matter how I try. If he doesn’t like me, he just doesn’t…”

“Weren’t you thinking he was treating you well since he lost his memory? Thinking maybe when he gets it back, there could be a chance?” Cheng Xu narrowed his eyes slightly. “Isn’t there still over a month left? Has he regained his memory already?”

Cheng Jin couldn’t reveal the secrets of the “second personality” and “chimera” to his brother, simply responding, “I’ve given up.” He paused, voice filled with pain, “He… seems to be regaining his memory, and his attitude towards me hasn’t changed…”

Seeing Cheng Jin resolve to escape this ‘sea of suffering’ didn’t bring Cheng Xu the relief he had expected. In fact, years ago, he had suggested this, but Cheng Jin had always stubbornly refused, believing he could win Lu Tao over by pleasing him more. Now, perhaps due to the family’s bankruptcy and the idea of leaving their homeland, which might mean never returning, Cheng Xu felt a bittersweet twinge.

“I think I still need to tell you something,” Cheng Xu hesitated before starting.

“What is it?”

“Dad was saved because Lu Tao had prepared in advance. He bought an expensive detector and had the hospital install it in Dad’s communicator, which allowed the doctors to intervene timely when Dad was emotionally unstable or physically unwell. Otherwise, with Dad’s recuperating condition, the medical staff typically only check once a day, and it might have been too late…” Cheng Xu knew this might make Cheng Jin hesitate again, but he chose to say it. “So I need to thank him personally.”

Cheng Jin’s expression didn’t change much after hearing this. Cheng Xu was puzzled, “Sweetheart, did you know about this beforehand?”

Cheng Jin shook his head softly, “It wasn’t him…”

Cheng Xu was confused, “But the hospital clearly said it was General Lu Tao’s secretary who delivered it.”

“It’s… you wouldn’t understand…” Cheng Jin struggled internally; his actual husband had completely disregarded his father, how could he possibly have done this? It must have been “the other Lu Tao.” The thought of “the other Lu Tao” disappearing caused Cheng Jin acute pain, prompting him to change the subject, “Bro, I still don’t understand why Dad would try to kill himself. I wanted to ask him earlier, but you stopped me.”

Cheng Xu felt guilty but couldn’t tell the truth, so he made up an excuse, “He didn’t want to be a burden to us.”

This excuse didn’t really fit, as if Cheng Zheng truly feared burdening his sons, he would have considered suicide before his first surgery. However, Cheng Jin, not the sharpest, who had always relied on his brother, took his words as the truth. “Dad, really, what burden? I’m just glad he’s okay now. Don’t worry, once we get to another planet, we’ll start over. I’ll work hard! My design skills are now recognized by many, and I’ve even learned a new knitting technique.”

Cheng Xu watched his younger brother try to muster energy and smiled slightly, “Okay, then we’ll work hard together!”

Cheng Jin declined his brother’s offer to accompany him and drove home alone. The house was quiet, with only the household robot busily cleaning. He tried not to think about the upcoming days and entered his “studio” to complete his last two orders.

Though it was only a brief time, Cheng Jin had made a name for himself; he received many orders, particularly from Yousi Kui, and didn’t have to worry about not having work—rather, he worried about not finishing it. He had thought about opening a custom shop online since he couldn’t afford a physical store, but he had given up the idea due to the impending departure.

Now, he decided that once he arrived on another planet, he would start his online shop and gradually build his own brand. He didn’t know much about business, but it didn’t matter; he had his brother!

Cheng Jin spent almost the entire afternoon working at his desk until a chime signaled “Master is home” around six in the evening. Hearing the word “Master,” Cheng Jin felt a rush of joy and instantly dropped his tools to run out. He dashed to the entryway, but the joy faded as he saw his calm-faced husband greeting the little robot.

Lu Tao looked up from the robot and met his gaze.

After a few seconds of silence, Cheng Jin couldn’t help asking, “Hasn’t ‘he’ come back?”

The tall man’s expression seemed off, but Cheng Jin, observing closely, thought it might be an illusion, as Lu Tao’s demeanor remained unchanged. Cheng Jin felt an indescribable loss, but Lu Tao suddenly said, “Shouldn’t I be the one who belongs here?”

Cheng Jin was startled, not expecting such a question. He awkwardly replied, “Not really… I didn’t mean that…”

Lu Tao stated, “I am your partner.”

Even this seemingly jealous remark came out coldly from him. Cheng Jin couldn’t help responding, “Strictly speaking, he could be considered…”

Lu Tao’s gaze was deep and unchanging, almost making Cheng Jin unable to maintain eye contact. He quickly turned away and walked a few steps toward the kitchen before stopping and asking tentatively, “Are you staying for dinner?”

A few seconds later, Lu Tao hummed in affirmation.

Although it wasn’t the “other person” Cheng Jin hoped for, he still prepared dinner earnestly. He couldn’t discern the pattern of the personality shifts but hoped the other personality would take control soon, allowing for another wonderful evening.

As he carried the dishes to the dining room, Cheng Jin occasionally glanced at his husband sitting on the living room sofa. He could now differentiate well between the two personalities. The main personality always sat upright, even on the soft sofa, as if in an important meeting, never leaning back. In contrast, the second personality was much more relaxed, sometimes even watching silly dramas that only Cheng Jin enjoyed.

After setting all the dishes on the table and confirming the other’s posture hadn’t changed, Cheng Jin felt disappointed. He hesitated, then took out a nutritional soup from the fridge, heated it, and placed it on the table.

“Dinner’s ready,” he called to his husband from a distance, his whole body tense.

Lu Tao didn’t ignore him and turned off the hidden light screen to stand up, but he paused slightly when he saw Cheng Jin’s apron. Cheng Jin, noticing his stare, instinctively looked down.

His previous apron was plain, but this one was edged with white lace, reminiscent of a maid’s outfit. The second personality loved seeing Cheng Jin wear it, even demanding he wear it naked once, excitedly pinning him on the kitchen counter.

This was certainly not the taste of the main personality. This man, who wore only black or grey underwear and dark ties, mostly in military uniform, would never appreciate such a thing.

In the past, Cheng Jin would have immediately changed it if Lu Tao looked displeased, but not anymore.

What was the use? The real husband disliked him as a person, and no change of clothes would win his true affection.

Without removing the apron, Cheng Jin simply sat down, and Lu Tao took the seat opposite him. The dining table, designed to make meals feel intimate, was now regretfully too close for Cheng Jin, who didn’t want to see the indifference on his husband’s face and thus bowed his head. “This might not suit your taste, but if you don’t like it, you can have the nutritional soup instead. I’ve heated it for you,” he said, thinking he was being considerate by pushing the soup towards him.

Then he heard his husband ask, “Do you also give ‘him’ nutritional soup?”

Cheng Jin paused, then shook his head instinctively, “Why would I? He really likes my cooking.”

The man across from him fell silent for a moment before saying, “I’ll eat anything.”