Qi Xun bit his back teeth and closed his eyes.

“Mmm mmm—”

“Oh dear, in-laws, please excuse us. My husband can’t hold his liquor and tends to act up. He watches too many historical dramas, so he gets like this. I guess he’s just too happy today and forgot himself…” Wei Xi quickly grabbed Zhong Kou and covered his mouth to stop him from speaking nonsense.

Ruan Xinyuan couldn’t help but chuckle, then glanced at Qi Xun, feeling it was impolite, so he bit his lip to stop.

The room fell silent again. Wei Xi awkwardly laughed, wishing she could just drag Zhong Kou back to the underworld.

Hua Jin looked up from her abalone soup and gave Wei Xi a thumbs up, “Getting drunk and imagining himself as a servant instead of an emperor shows you’ve trained him well!”

Ruan Xinyuan’s eyes widened in shock, gritting his teeth to remind his family to be careful with their words, “Grandma…”

“Ah… haha, you’re too kind.” Wei Xi, still covering Zhong Kou’s mouth, pinched his waist hard with her other hand.

Ruan Linfu hiccupped, looked around, and seemed to understand something.

He turned to He Qiu and bowed obsequiously, “Your Majesty.”

Ruan Xinyuan: “…”

He no longer had the courage to meet Qi Xun’s eyes.

Finally, He Qiu reacted first, giving Ruan Linfu a hearty slap on his thick back, laughing boldly, “High awareness, huh? You should learn more from your in-law.”

Ruan Linfu quickly agreed, chuckling as he sat down, “Yes, yes, yes.”

Wei Xi’s pinch was forceful enough to sober Zhong Kou up.

Ruan Xinyuan held his forehead, looking across the table to see Qi’s father, who seemed clear-headed but as serious as ever, as if he didn’t remember what had just happened, very calm.

Ruan Xinyuan couldn’t help but admire his composure. Thankfully, there were no other waiters in the room, or he would have been too embarrassed to continue eating.

“Sorry for the spectacle, everyone. I’m not good with alcohol.” Qi’s father said, then poured himself a cup of hot water and drank it.

Hua Jin glanced at Ruan Xinyuan and Qi Xun, cleared her throat, and changed the subject to ease the awkwardness, “Xiao Yuan, Xiao Qi, after you get married, you should live together, right?”

Ruan Xinyuan was taken aback. He hadn’t thought about this since he was just a freshman, and living in the dorm was convenient for classes.

But why was his grandma concerned about him living with Qi Xun?

Technically, wasn’t this a marriage of convenience?

Ruan Xinyuan didn’t know how to answer, so he turned to Qi Xun to see his thoughts on the matter.

But Qi Xun didn’t seem to like him, so maybe… he hadn’t thought about it either?

While Ruan Xinyuan was pondering, a magnetic voice interrupted his thoughts.

“I’ve thought about this before. Grandma, don’t worry. My place in Jiang City is less than a fifteen-minute drive from Z University. If Xinyuan is willing, he can stay there on weekends or whenever he has time. I have no problem with it.”

Ruan Xinyuan was moved, surprised that Qi Xun had actually considered this.

Or maybe it was a spur-of-the-moment decision?

It didn’t seem to matter much; what mattered was his response now.

Everyone at the table turned their attention to him.

Since Qi Xun had said so, Ruan Xinyuan naturally had no reason to hesitate, “Sure, I can stay there on Wednesday, Friday, and Sunday nights.”

“That’s great!” Qi’s mother laughed, “Couples should live together more to grow closer.”

Qi’s father nodded in agreement.

“I’ll also add Xiao Yuan’s name to the house as part of our shared marital property,” Qi Xun added warmly.

Ruan Xinyuan’s eyes widened in surprise, “Qi Xun, this isn’t…”

Qi Xun gently squeezed his delicate hand to reassure him.

“We’re family now, no need to be so formal.”

“Exactly,” Qi’s mother chimed in.

Ruan Linfu’s eyebrows danced with surprise, not expecting Qi Xun to fulfill the traditional “son-in-law” role by offering the house.

He exchanged a deep look with He Qiu, who smiled, “Since you’ve decided, we won’t interfere. But we’ve also bought a place for Xiao Yuan in Jiang City. If you get tired of one, you can switch.”

The implication was to keep things fair, so neither side felt disadvantaged.

Ruan Xinyuan was touched, not knowing about this before, but he understood He Qiu didn’t want him to be at a disadvantage in this fake relationship. It was the best compromise.

Qi Xun nodded with a smile, “Thank you, Mom.”

The meal ended with casual family chatter, and Wei Xi took Zhong Kou away early, citing the need for rest.

Qi Xun took He Qiu and the others back to the hotel, and after saying goodbye to his parents, Ruan Xinyuan got back into Qi Xun’s car.

Qi Xun checked the time and suggested, “It’s still early. Want to check out my place on the way?”

Ruan Xinyuan paused, blinked at him, curiosity piqued, “Sure.”

Twenty minutes later, the car pulled into the underground garage of Shengdu Chaoyuan.

Ruan Xinyuan admired the scenery outside the window. As they entered Shengdu Chaoyuan, he vaguely remembered passing this area on a shared e-bike, hearing that the residents were either rich or noble. He didn’t expect Qi Xun’s home to be here.

But judging by Qi Xun’s demeanor and his parents’ aura, it was clear his family was well-off, more than just well-off.

Ruan Xinyuan got out of the car, following Qi Xun to the elevator in the basement. He watched as Qi Xun entered a series of numbers on a machine beside the elevator, which then opened.

Seeing Ruan Xinyuan’s puzzled look, Qi Xun explained, “You need to enter the floor’s corresponding code before getting in the elevator, or you can’t press the floor button.”

Ruan Xinyuan nodded, “That’s so advanced…”

“The security here is excellent, and the soundproofing is great. Neighbors don’t disturb each other, respecting privacy. I’ve never felt uncomfortable living here.” Qi Xun explained while pressing the button for the sixteenth floor.

“The interior is decorated in a simple black, white, and gray style. It might seem dull now,” Qi Xun shrugged, “If you don’t like it, feel free to change it. I’m open to anything.”

Ruan Xinyuan shook his head slightly, “As long as it’s not a mix of styles, it’s fine. No need to waste time and energy changing it.”

Besides, they might divorce later, so no need to adjust the house to his liking…

“Ding—”

The elevator opened, and they stepped out together.

Qi Xun pressed his fingerprint on the lock of the dark brown door and tapped the screen, “Xiao Yuan, come record your fingerprint here. You can enter directly in the future.”

“Ah…” Ruan Xinyuan hesitated for a few seconds. Qi Xun patiently waited, and finally, he stepped forward, pressing his thumb on the screen. After a few seconds, a “beep” indicated success.

Qi Xun opened the door and took out two pairs of black slippers from the shoe cabinet, placing them at the entrance.

Ruan Xinyuan changed into the slippers, curiously peeking inside like a cat.

It was indeed a classic black, white, and gray ins style, but he didn’t find it dull.

The leather crescent-shaped black sofa by the floor-to-ceiling window, the white chandelier designed like human joints, and the checkerboard wine cabinet were all unique, showcasing the owner’s sophisticated taste.

“Have a seat. I’ll get you some water.” Qi Xun went behind the bar to make honey lemon water for Ruan Xinyuan.

Ruan Xinyuan sat down, still looking around curiously. The house was cold yet not monotonous, lacking liveliness but very refined. This minimalist style unexpectedly hit his aesthetic spot.

“How is it? Boring?” Qi Xun walked over with the lemon water, handing it to Ruan Xinyuan.

Ruan Xinyuan took a sip, the sweet taste soothing his throat, and spoke sincerely, “Not at all. I think your design is thoughtful, not boring.”

“That’s good,” Qi Xun smiled, “Want to see the other rooms?”

Ruan Xinyuan put down the glass and stood up, “Sure.”

He followed Qi Xun, who opened the first room.

“This is the master bedroom, nothing special.” Qi Xun leaned against the doorframe.

Ruan Xinyuan didn’t enter, just glanced around. The bed was large enough for three, very tidy, with a faint citrus scent in the air, similar to Qi Xun’s.

Qi Xun then opened the second room, his study, with a wall of bookshelves. The third was a gym, fully equipped, and opposite were three more rooms: a small cinema lounge, a bathroom, and a guest room.

The guest room showed signs of being tidied, with all the bedding in place. Ruan Xinyuan casually asked, “Did you have friends stay here before?”

“No, I don’t like others staying in my house, not even regular friends.” Qi Xun openly displayed his territorial nature.

“Then…” Ruan Xinyuan was momentarily stunned, “This room is?”

“Maybe it’s for myself, who knows.” Qi Xun tilted his head at Ruan Xinyuan.

Ruan Xinyuan tilted his head too, directly asking, “Why ‘who knows’?”

Qi Xun watched Ruan Xinyuan’s beautiful eyes, his throat moving, but instead of answering, he asked another question, “Does your answer at dinner still stand?”

Ruan Xinyuan paused, quickly realizing Qi Xun was asking if his “it’s fine” was genuine or just an excuse for the parents.

His heart raced, thinking his hesitation in recording his fingerprint had revealed some of his inner thoughts to Qi Xun.

Qi Xun was always patient with Ruan Xinyuan, not rushing for an answer, but he would take a “shortcut.”

He watched Ruan Xinyuan’s lowered, trembling lashes and said softly, “If you’re not willing, I’ll explain to my parents. They’ll understand. I’m just worried if they visit and see only my traces here, it’ll be hard to explain.”

Ruan Xinyuan looked up, slightly tilting his head, his beautiful pupils reflecting Qi Xun’s face, and softly said, “If Professor Qi doesn’t mind someone who likes you living here, then of course… it’s fine.”

The blood in Qi Xun’s human body boiled at these words, almost burning away his reason. He knew it was a lie but willingly fell into the trap.

The formal address, once distant, now became a potion urging his ghostly fate. It was Ruan Xinyuan’s cheat to answer his question. Qi Xun resisted the urge to touch Ruan Xinyuan, but his mischievous thoughts slipped out.

“Want to get used to living together tonight?”

Ruan Xinyuan’s mind didn’t catch up, his eyes innocent, “I sleep in the guest room?”

Qi Xun tilted his head, gently reminding, “Xiao Yuan, real couples don’t sleep in separate rooms. What you need to get used to is… sharing a bed.”