Late at night, in his simply furnished office, Zeke leisurely reviewed work-related documents while silently counting down to his break time.
It's essential to maintain balance between work and relaxation. At least for now, Zeke preferred not to overburden himself with tasks.
"Stare—"
Just as he flipped through another plan proposal, Zeke glanced towards the door. The narrow gap in the retro-style white-painted door revealed a pair of cool, indifferent eyes fixed unwaveringly on him.
"Come in."
Zeke tapped open the next document with his finger, nonchalantly speaking as he did so.
Bronya pushed the door open, clad in slightly translucent short-sleeved pajamas that subtly exposed her exceptionally fair skin. Beneath the short sleep dress, her delicate, bare legs were elegantly visible.
Holding her Homu pillow, she walked expressionlessly up to Zeke, facing him across the table.
"Sigh... What brings you here?"
"I just wanted to check if Zeke was upset. It seems like inviting the Heroic Spirits hasn't been going smoothly."
Bronya hugged her pillow tightly, tilting her small head slightly. Her exquisitely delicate face appeared somewhat dazed yet endearingly charming.
Zeke couldn't help but curve his lips upward.
"Thoughtful of you. But there's no need for concern. Apart from Dr. Mobius, who holds significant value, the other Heroic Spirits were merely icing on the cake. Whether we secure them or not won't greatly impact our plans."
"Bronya thinks they're quite impressive... But if Zeke says so, I'm relieved."
As she spoke, Bronya naturally walked over to Zeke's chair, sat on his lap, and leaned comfortably against him.
A subtle fragrance wafted into Zeke's nose. He looked down, gently lifting strands of her light gray hair, feeling their silky softness, almost unwilling to let go.
She always knew how to effortlessly showcase her allure—Zeke chuckled softly at this thought.
"How did your session with Eden go?"
"Bronya feels it's been quite productive. The engravings have provided some enhancements, and I've gathered valuable intelligence from Elder Sister Eden about the previous era—though, as I'm gradually moving away from frontline combat duties, perhaps my gains aren't as significant as everyone else's."
"That's alright. Your exceptional talents should be utilized where they matter most."
"For instance, tucked away in Zeke's bed?" Bronya lifted her head, her bright eyes twinkling like fine crystal or precious gems, exuding a captivating purity.
Zeke gently pinched her cheek. "You always seize every opportunity for a flirtatious remark, don't you?"
"Well, that's just Bronya!"
"I wasn't complimenting you, yet here you go getting all smug."
"Zeke, guess what? Bronya has grown a little taller recently!" Bronya abruptly changed the subject.
Despite mentioning her growth, there was no joy on her face; instead, she seemed somewhat worried.
Zeke stroked her hair, asking, "Isn't that great news? What's there to worry about?"
"But at this rate, Bronya's body will change noticeably every few days as she enters different growth stages. If Zeke doesn't hurry up, what if you miss your favorite phase?"
Zeke fell silent for over a minute.
Then, he laid Bronya across his lap.
"Smack! Smack! Smack!"
"Different, huh? Miss it, right? Enjoying this conversation, aren't you? Naughty girl!" Zeke spanked Bronya's bottom, reprimanding her expressionlessly.
However, Bronya gradually blushed.
Though slightly embarrassing to admit, she found this assertive side of Zeke quite appealing; it made her heart race and her body go weak.
But the subtle atmosphere abruptly ended with knocking sounds and familiar shouts from outside the door.
"Bam! Bam!"
"Zeke, I'm coming in!"
Kiana burst through the door, clad in an adorable pink nightgown that exuded charm. Her rosy cheeks bore a vibrant, energetic smile.
At that moment, Bronya hastily hid under the table in front of Zeke.
Kiana's sudden arrival caught Bronya off guard; the scene unfolding would undoubtedly be awkward if seen by others. Without thinking, she instinctively sought cover.
Now, the situation had become even more embarrassing, as Bronya dared not emerge from hiding. If only she hadn't ducked initially, it might have been easier to explain everything. But now, crawling out from under Zeke's desk, who knows what Kiana would think?
Bronya valued her dignity too!
From beneath the table, Bronya tilted her head back and timidly glanced up at Zeke.
Zeke raised an eyebrow, wearing a faint amused smile.
Feeling pitiful, Bronya shivered slightly, wrapped her arms around Zeke's leg, and gently nuzzled him in a pleading gesture.
"Hmm... Wait? I seem to detect Bronya's scent."
"Yes, she was here just now."
"What?! That little vixen, sneaking in again for another ambush?!"
"And you didn't do the same?"
With one hand discreetly under the table, stroking Bronya's head, Zeke nonchalantly looked towards Kiana.
Kiana placed her hands on her hips, puffed out her cheeks, and huffed discontentedly.
"Hmph! It's different with me! I'm worried that after today's events, Zeke might feel down or something, so I came to check on you!"
"She felt the same way."
"Uh... Then she's just copying me! She must be trying to get ahead by playing cute with Zeke and boosting her favor points."
"And you're not?"
"No way! I'm genuinely concerned about Zeke! Please believe me, Zeke!"
Kiana nodded earnestly, emphasizing her noble and selfless intentions while blatantly belittling Bronya—though this approach was embarrassingly crude.
Zeke smiled slightly, looking down at Bronya's pleading, pitiful gaze. He leaned forward and beckoned Kiana closer.
"Come here."
"Huh? What do you want... mmph!" As Kiana leaned across the table, Zeke gently gripped her chin and kissed her lips.
Her eyes widened adorably, revealing a mix of surprise and bewilderment.
Blushing deeply, she reluctantly and bashfully yielded to Zeke's advances.
"Knock! Knock!"
"Zeke, your door seems open. I'm coming in."
The gentle voice of Fu Hua echoed with another knock, as the slightly ajar door that Kiana had left slowly swung open.
Standing there, Fu Hua exuded a relaxed, homely aura in her teal blouse and loose-fitting pants.
Underneath the table, two pairs of wide-eyed gazes met each other, filled with astonishment and bewilderment.