Editor and proofreader: Oceanblue

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Ye Qingyun entered the study and saw countless bookshelves filled to the brim with books. He was momentarily amazed before he began searching through them.

After a while, Ye Qingyun still hadn’t found the book he was looking for, but he noticed that there were an unusually large number of books on alchemy and potion-making here. 

He felt a bit puzzled. Was Gu Shenyuan particularly interested in these topics? Why had he never mentioned it before?

Could it be that he had read his books and shifted his interests to the things he studied?

Oh, how embarrassing!

If Ye Qingyun had a tail, it would certainly be wagging right now. In a cheerful mood, he continued searching, only to hear footsteps behind him.

He turned and saw Gu Shenyuan standing there, quietly watching him with deep, dark eyes.

Feeling a little shy, Ye Qingyun suggested that Gu Shenyuan sit down while he continued his search.

Gu Shenyuan didn’t sit; he stood behind Ye Qingyun, watching him get closer and closer to where his secrets lay hidden. His eyes darkened.

He had made extensive notes in that book. With Ye Qingyun’s intelligence, he could probably deduce the areas he had focused on, discovering what he truly wanted to study and his real purpose for boarding the ship.

…He had wanted to use Ye Qingyun to get on that ship; it had all been part of his calculation.

Ye Qingyun would surely be furious, wouldn’t he? Thinking Gu Shenyuan was simply a diligent learner, only to find out he was a wolf in sheep’s clothing.

Especially since, in the beginning, Ye Qingyun hadn’t even wanted to teach him. It was only because of Pu Tian that he had reluctantly agreed.

This beginning was far from ideal, and if Ye Qingyun discovered that it was all because of him…

As Ye Qingyun kept searching, he finally found the book, and Gu Shenyuan’s mood sank to rock bottom.

Ye Qingyun opened the book and, surprised by all the notes inside, let out an exclamation and immediately started flipping through the entire volume.

Every one of Ye Qingyun’s reactions felt like a sharp blade hanging over Gu Shenyuan’s head, as he waited for Ye Qingyun’s anger.

He didn’t mind if Ye Qingyun wanted to hit or scold him. But if Ye Qingyun wanted to leave…

A flurry of dark thoughts flashed through Gu Shenyuan’s mind as he tightened his gaze on Ye Qingyun’s back.

No matter how much Ye Qingyun might hate him, he would never let Ye Qingyun leave.

Time passed quietly. Ye Qingyun finished roughly flipping through the book, then turned around in silence.

Gu Shenyuan lowered his gaze, not daring to meet Ye Qingyun’s eyes. He braced for anger, yet Ye Qingyun only looked at him warmly and said, “You like alchemy, huh? Why didn’t you ever tell me?”

Gu Shenyuan froze and raised his eyes suddenly. There was no hint of disgust in Ye Qingyun’s gaze; his warm, gentle eyes were still fixed on him.

“Did you think I wouldn’t understand? I know a bit about it too,” Ye Qingyun said modestly. “If there’s anything you want to know, just ask. No need to be shy, given our relationship, right?”

Gu Shenyuan remained silent, looking into Ye Qingyun’s eyes, trying to gauge his emotions.

Ye Qingyun… hadn’t realized?

Or maybe, because of their current relationship, he simply didn’t care to hold it against him.

Either way, for Gu Shenyuan, this was incredible news. He immediately replied, “I have no interest in alchemy anymore; you don’t need to trouble yourself.”

Ye Qingyun chuckled, turning back to study the book, his gaze lingering on certain passages.

Gu Shenyuan’s clues weren’t hard to piece together, and after a little thought, Ye Qingyun saw the possibility.

No wonder Gu Shenyuan had said his grandmother had passed long ago; his reason for boarding the ship had never been about her but about him.

It was likely that Gu Shenyuan wanted him to develop an antidote to break their bloodline binding, which also matched Gu Shenyuan’s character.

Wonderful! Since Gu Shenyuan’s real goal was the antidote, once he finished it, he could give it to Gu Shenyuan, who would surely be delighted!

Picturing this future, Ye Qingyun felt even more joyful. Hugging the book, he greeted Gu Shenyuan and left for the lab.

Gu Shenyuan watched him leave, then stored all the remaining alchemy books in a locked cabinet.

An antidote? He didn’t need one.

The bloodline binding didn’t just restrict him; it also bound Ye Qingyun.

If it weren’t for this bloodline bond, and knowing his effect on him, Ye Qingyun would be trying to leave.

But he would never give him that chance.

If the day ever came when a potion to break this binding did appear… he would be the first to destroy it.

—

Ye Qingyun spent several days researching the book, and when he returned to his experiments, previous difficulties were resolved instantly.

Wonderful! At this pace, it wouldn’t take long to make the antidote and give it to Gu Shenyuan!

What excuse could he use to present this gift?

Thinking it over, Ye Qingyun opened his calendar, searching for the nearest holiday.

He could give it as a holiday gift to Gu Shenyuan!

Today was the twentieth, and the next holiday was… Valentine’s Day?

Ye Qingyun froze, and a blush crept onto his cheeks.

The interstellar Valentine’s Day was just around the corner, and he had never noticed.

He hadn’t celebrated it before since he’d never had anyone to spend it with. But this time… would there be a chance?

To give Gu Shenyuan the antidote, watch him happily take it, and then joyfully express his feelings, and together they’d celebrate Valentine’s Day.

Oh, heavens, perfect!

It’s decided!

—

On Valentine’s Day morning, Ye Qingyun and Gu Shenyuan sat together watching the news while eating breakfast.

The news showcased the exciting Valentine’s Day celebrations across different planets, and an expert appeared, recommending various games to strengthen the bond between couples. The suggestions ranged from games that couldn’t be described on air—like encouraging couples to stay close from dusk till dawn, embracing as the sun rises and watching its warm light together—to lighter suggestions, such as saying “I love you” after every activity. The expert noted that openly expressing love could help deepen the relationship.

Another suggestion was to prepare a surprise gift for one’s partner, giving them a day filled with delight.

Under the table, Ye Qingyun felt the bottle in his pocket, which he’d wrapped simply. He was just waiting for the right moment to surprise Gu Shenyuan.

Ye Qingyun stole a glance at Gu Shenyuan, who was looking right back at him.

“What are you staring at?” Ye Qingyun blurted out, a bit flustered.

Gu Shenyuan stayed silent for a moment, then poured him a glass of milk. While doing this, he met Ye Qingyun’s eyes again.

Maybe it was the holiday that made things feel different; under Gu Shenyuan’s gaze, Ye Qingyun felt a bit shy.

Feeling awkward, he picked up his cup to take a sip, only to hear Gu Shenyuan say, “I love you.”

Caught off guard, Ye Qingyun choked on his milk.

Gu Shenyuan gently patted his back to help him recover.

“Why… why are you suddenly so direct?” Ye Qingyun asked, embarrassed.

Gu Shenyuan glanced at the expert on the television, letting it speak for itself.

They weren’t a couple, but Gu Shenyuan couldn’t suppress his hopes, so he decided to give it a try.

It was the least intrusive way—he could say it alone, without Ye Qingyun needing to respond.

Maybe… just maybe, Ye Qingyun would slowly get used to it and even come to accept him.

“Alright, alright, it’s fine now,” Ye Qingyun said, stopping his coughing. He wiped his mouth and continued eating, deep in thought.

When would be the best time to give Gu Shenyuan his gift? Now? Or before bedtime?

If he gave it to him before bed, after expressing his feelings… would they… spend the night together, welcoming the sunrise just as the expert suggested?

…Wait, no! What was he thinking? That’s moving too fast!

Watching Ye Qingyun’s distracted expression, Gu Shenyuan pressed his lips together and softly said, “Qingyun… I have something for you.”

“Huh?” Ye Qingyun looked up, surprised. “What is it?”

Gu Shenyuan waited for Ye Qingyun to finish breakfast before saying, “Come with me.”

Ye Qingyun obediently followed as Gu Shenyuan led him through the house, finally stopping before a room.

There was no lock on the door. Gu Shenyuan pressed his hand against it, using his powers to open it.

As the door opened, Ye Qingyun was dazzled by the room full of treasures—gold, silver, jewels, and rare materials.

Goodness, Gu Shenyuan was a real tycoon!

“It’s yours,” Gu Shenyuan said calmly.

“All this… for me?” Ye Qingyun was stunned.

After a pause, Gu Shenyuan explained, “It’s not much. I’ve never been one to save up wealth; I’ve always just had enough. But don’t worry, I can give you far more than this. Just wait, and I’ll bring back even more.”

It wasn’t that Ye Qingyun thought it was too little; he was just overwhelmed by the sheer amount. Yet Gu Shenyuan’s words shocked him even more.

“It’s not too little, really,” Ye Qingyun quickly assured.

“Alright,” Gu Shenyuan replied, “but it’s still not enough for you.”

The sentiment was almost too much to handle, and Ye Qingyun took a deep breath. His hand reached into his pocket and touched the potion.

Since Gu Shenyuan had given him a gift, it was perfectly reasonable for him to give one in return.

Steadying himself, Ye Qingyun said, “I… I have something for you too.”

A flash of surprise crossed Gu Shenyuan’s face, followed by a look of shock and joy.

Ye Qingyun was giving him something on Valentine’s Day? Did this mean…

Gu Shenyuan felt as though he were floating on clouds, filled with happiness yet lacking any sense of reality.

He watched as Ye Qingyun pulled a small bottle from his pocket and handed it to him.

Gu Shenyuan took it, his eyes never leaving Ye Qingyun.

“This is… this is…” Ye Qingyun’s cheeks turned red, and he glanced at Gu Shenyuan’s sleeve. “This is the antidote for your bloodline binding. Drink it, okay?”

An antidote?

The word pierced Gu Shenyuan’s heart, bringing no joy.

Had Ye Qingyun finally grown tired of him and made an antidote so he could leave?

The blissful cloud shattered, leaving Gu Shenyuan feeling as if he were plunged into an icy abyss.