Chapter 4 – I’m dirty

---

The Xie family, being a large and prosperous clan, had many members.

However, Song Yan was just there for dinner. Even though his future spouse was from the main lineage and boasted a miraculous 99% compatibility, it wasn’t necessary to alarm the entire family. So, tonight, it was just Old Master Xie and Xie Chenyu’s immediate family.

Xie Chenyu’s family is quite wonderful.

The head of the Xie family had been married three times. The first two wives had passed away, and the current one was his third.

Xie Chenyu was the middle child, with two older half-brothers above him, and a pair of younger half-sibling twins below. Both older brothers were already married with children—lively, energetic little ones who were now playing together, making the room very noisy. And this was just his immediate family.

Song Yan looked at these people and momentarily drifted off.

The average human lifespan now exceeded 300 years, so people from Xie Chenyu’s great-great-grandparents’ generation were still alive, just enjoying retirement. It was said that Xie Chenyu’s maternal grandfather’s family was equally distinguished, likely with many family members as well. In comparison, Song Yan’s side could almost be described as “desolate.”

He imagined accompanying Xie Chenyu in dealing with various aunts and uncles in the future. While silently grumbling that this deal was a bit of a loss, he sat down on the sofa.

The Xie family members collectively scrutinized him.

Without the blinding outfit, Song Yan’s appearance was actually a big plus.

He was a bit introverted and shy, but Omegas were delicate, so this was understandable.  Besides, Song Yan wasn’t even 18 yet. There would be plenty of time to get to know him better later on.

Old Master Xie’s eyes were no longer assaulted. Guessing that both children had acted deliberately earlier, he asked, “When is your maternal grandfather returning?”

Last time, they had finalized the marriage, and Old Master Qin took the compatibility results and Xie Chenyu’s biological data to the research institute. After the institute gave a positive reply, the two elders began to work on their junior’s minds… It had been about two months since.

Song Yan lifted his head slightly.

With advanced technology and longer lifespans, even though Old Master Xie was a grandfather, he still looked young. Though most of his work had now been handed off to the younger generation, he remained the true head of the Xie family.

Song Yan answered obediently, “Very soon.”

He sat next to Xie Chenyu and, apart from answering direct questions, remained quietly like a decorative flower for the rest of the time until dinner was served.

Then Xie Chenyu began his performance.

The two were seated next to each other. Xie Chenyu only had to lean in slightly for it to look intimate: “What do you want to eat? I’ll get it for you.”

Song Yan quietly said, “No… no need.”

Xie Chenyu smiled gently, put on gloves, peeled a shrimp, and placed it on Song Yan’s plate.

Song Yan obediently ate it, finding the ingredients and cooking quite good, so he looked up with an innocent expression and said, “It’s delicious.”

Xie Chenyu: “……”

Alright, I have to keep peeling.

Figuring this little love-brain was cooperating with his act, he peeled three more and asked this time, “Want more?”

Song Yan shook his head.

Xie Chenyu then removed his gloves and ate. A moment later, he attended to Song Yan again, appearing considerate. Song Yan, following the instructions, added a few bashful expressions, which earned him a silent thumbs-up from Xie Chenyu.

The others at the table focused on their food, pretending not to notice anything.

Song Yan was very satisfied with this atmosphere.

Having emotionally distant relationships had its perks. Xie Chenyu’s situation was ideal—raised mostly outside, not particularly close with his family members. These people couldn’t even ask him about “Xie Chenyu’s past affairs,” saving a lot of trouble.

He was momentarily pleased and put more effort into his acting.

The head of the Xie family, watching their interaction and his son’s smiling face, helped out. After dinner, he said, “Little Yan, why don’t you stay the night?”

Song Yan: “……”

Xie Chenyu: “……”

Wait, did they over acted?

The two fell silent for a moment, then spoke simultaneously.

Song Yan hesitated, “I… my medication is still at home.”

Xie Chenyu grinned foolishly, “Share a room with me?”

He said this entirely for his grandfather to hear.

Old Master Xie wasn’t a rigid person, but Song Yan was still ill, so he likely wouldn’t allow them to be reckless.

Sure enough, Old Master Xie immediately glanced at his grandson.

He hadn’t found any flaws in their act since yesterday, guessing they might actually have taken a liking to each other.

Young people were prone to impulsiveness, and even separate rooms weren’t foolproof. He immediately cut them off: “Then next time. You two arrange it beforehand, bring all your things, and stay for a few more days.”

Song Yan responded obediently, well-behaved as ever.

The Xie family head had originally wanted to send someone to retrieve the medication, but now wasn’t the time to argue. He settled for a second-best option and instructed his son to take the guest out for a walk.

Xie Chenyu nodded in agreement and took Song Yan off to enjoy their “alone time.”

The evening glow had long faded, and the street lamps cast a soft light.

The two of them walked side by side through the heart-shaped greenery in the garden, turned a corner past the front gate, and both let out a breath of relief.

Xie Chenyu looked at the love-brain beside him. “Nice performance.”

Song Yan pretended to be nervous, wiping imaginary sweat from his brow. “I did it all for my brother Gangzi.”

Xie Chenyu encouraged him, “Keep it up.”

Song Yan, staying in character, rolled his eyes and scolded, “You actually suggested we share a room!”

Xie Chenyu said, “I did it on purpose.”

Thinking about their future post-marriage life, he intentionally nurtured this “love-brained” persona. He patiently analyzed the logic, educating him: “Do you understand? Sometimes what I say isn’t exactly what I’m thinking; it’s just to achieve a goal. You just need to trust me. For my Elizabeth, I will definitely ensure we both have a good outcome.”

Song Yan glanced at him.

For a major event like marriage, his maternal grandfather naturally wouldn’t make a decision based solely on compatibility. He had inquired about Xie Chenyu beforehand.

Xie Chenyu grew up in the Yalan Star System. It is said that he has excellent grades and no bad habits. After putting these two things in place, his grandfather finally made the decision.

Indeed, even though this honor student had a bit of a literary temperament, his mind was certainly sharp, and his acting hadn’t faltered once.

He “mm”-ed, about to ask if they really had to stay for a few days soon, when he suddenly heard a “rustling” sound from the greenery. Then, a large dog darted out from afar, approaching rapidly, and he immediately recoiled.

At the same time, Xie Chenyu grabbed his arm and pulled him towards himself.

They’d been moving in different directions, Song Yan had one leg stepping backward, and the sudden tug caught him off guard, sending him straight into Xie Chenyu’s arms.

An unfamiliar pheromone instantly wafted into his nasal cavity.

The inhibitor bands they wore were specially made, so normal social distance or even slightly closer was fine. But the more excellent the genes, the stronger the ability to detect pheromones. Neither of their genes was bad, and now pressed together at zero distance, they both keenly smelled a trace of scent clinging to each other’s clothes.

A 99% compatibility score was no joke. They both felt their nerves lightly stirred and their hearts skip a beat. They quickly moved to pull apart—

But just then, a boy rounded the corner ahead, stopped short at the sight of them, and blurted out: “Third Brother?”

“……” Xie Chenyu’s hand, which was about to push him away, changed its force, resting on Song Yan’s shoulder to shield him.

“……” Song Yan held his breath and stayed still.

Meanwhile, the culprit dog recognized Xie Chenyu, who had chatted with it yesterday, and wagged its tail happily, clearly hoping for round two.

The teenager held the leash, thinking how loving they looked in that pose, and apologized: “Sorry, I didn’t hold on tight and it got away. Sister-in-law, you weren’t scared, were you?”

Song Yan took the opportunity to move his face away from Xie Chenyu’s embrace and gently shook his head.

The teenager, understanding they were in the honeymoon phase and wanted privacy, was very sensible and walked away with the dog.

The moment the dog and teenager disappeared around the corner, Xie Chenyu immediately and eagerly released his hand and moved half a step to the side.

Song Yan’s expression of disgust was already prepared, but unexpectedly, Xie Chenyu beat him to it. Looking at Third Young Master Xie, who treated him like a virus, Song Yan vigorously rubbed the spot where he had been held.

Xie Chenyu kept his eyes forward, pretending nothing had happened, leaving the love-brain to deal with it on his own.

A few seconds later, he heard a sniffle and finally gave a glance. “What’s wrong?”

Song Yan looked dazed, his voice trembling: “I’m dirty, I got dirty so quickly.”

Xie Chenyu: “……”

He reasoned: “Look on the bright side, this was bound to happen sooner or later.”

Song Yan broke down: “How am I supposed to face my brother Gangzi now?!”

Xie Chenyu said, “He’ll understand.”

Song Yan turned a deaf ear to it: “What if my brother Gangzi finds out?”

Xie Chenyu brainwashed him: “You’re thinking about the future, being sensible, understanding patience. He’ll like you even more when he finds out.”

Song Yan said, “He wouldn’t. Do you know what he likes most about me?”

Xie Chenyu didn’t want to know.

But Song Yan stared at him, face serious and filled with despair: “He likes my purity!”

“……” said Xie Chenyu. 

Then he threatened, “If you keep crying and someone notices and reports it to my grandfather, they might pull some strings and force us to consummate the marriage on the wedding night. Then your Brother Gangzi will have to find another ‘pure’ person.”

Song Yan instantly returned to normal, struggling to maintain his composure, and cautiously looked around.

Xie Chenyu: “……”

Excellent—he finally understood. As long as the method was right, the potential and combat power of this “love-brained” person were infinite.

He’d been worried Song Yan might crumble under future surprises, but now, he felt much more at ease.

Song Yan successfully managed to “disgust” him back, and incidentally paved the way for his potentially extraordinary future performances, finally calling it quits.

After this interlude, any awkwardness that had arisen between the two completely vanished. Song Yan continued to stroll with him for another half an hour before returning to bid farewell to Old Master Xie and the others, drawing the day to a close.

Five days later, Old Master Qin’s spaceship docked. Xie Chenyu accompanied Song Yan to meet him, and they had a meal together.

Song Yan warned his grandfather in advance, implicitly indicating that he might be a little introverted.

Old Master Qin knew that people in the early stages of a relationship would intentionally restrain their true nature, so he chuckled and said he understood, not suspecting anything.

Song Yan thus found a balance between his true personality and his current persona. This way, his grandfather would perceive him as “introverted,” while Xie Chenyu would feel he was more relaxed and daring in front of his grandfather, satisfying both sides.

The plastic couple went back to work, diligently putting on another day of performance.

After that, the two families officially met, and the wedding was put on the agenda.

The date was set for early July, before Song Yan’s birthday.

Because Song Yan had passed the early admission exam earlier in the year, he was about to start college as a freshman. His birthday was in September, which would overlap with the start of the school year, so the families decided to hold the wedding first.

This way, after the two young people got married and returned from their honeymoon, everyone could celebrate Song Yan’s 18th birthday. Song Yan would also be old enough to legally register the marriage, and the reagent from the research institute should also be developed by then, achieving several goals at once.

The only problem was that the children were too young and prone to impulsiveness.

Therefore, Old Master Qin and Old Master Xie, whenever they had time, would instruct them to be mindful of their boundaries. Even on their honeymoon, they shouldn’t cross the line, at least not until Song Yan had received his first injection.

The plastic couple, who had no intention of ever crossing the line with each other, agreed with genuine sincerity.

Later, Song Yan stayed at the Xie family’s home for a few days. Old Master Xie saw that they were indeed quite well-behaved, which finally put his mind at ease.

.

.

.

A wedding for a direct descendant of the Xie family was no small matter, and the scale was grand.

But Xie Chenyu cut out more than half the unnecessary formalities, using Song Yan’s poor health as an excuse, simplifying the events that required their participation as much as possible.

Song Yan felt relieved and cooperatively played his role as a “tool person,” occasionally putting on a show of affection. Finally, they reached the wedding day.

Old Master Xie, as one of the elders who pushed for the marriage, bought an island on Imperial Capital Star for them, and the wedding was held on this island.

Blue sea, clear sky, and singing seabirds.

The piano music was melodious and romantic, and colorful petals adorned the pristine white carpet, making the scene beautiful and dreamlike.

The two newlyweds, under the gaze of everyone, exchanged vows and put rings on each other’s fingers, with smiles on their faces and light in their eyes. Anyone who saw them would find it sweet.

While acting, they also took a moment to rate each other.

Song Yan thought: Did this literary youth join a drama club during school?

Xie Chenyu felt relieved: On such a special day as their wedding, this love-brained person surprisingly didn’t throw a fit.

The plastic couple held hands, their gazes meeting in a show of affection that wasn’t genuine. They heard the master of ceremonies joyfully announce: “Alright, Mr. Xie can now kiss his beloved!”

The expressions of complete happiness on both their faces froze in unison.

Wait a minute—wasn’t that line removed ahead of time? Who added it back in?!