Lucian sighed: "Actually, the reason I bought a house was for Rover."
Rover: "?"
Lucian gazed at her affectionately: "Rover, don't you want to have a home of our own? A home that belongs only to us."
Rover froze for a moment: "So that's what you were thinking."
Lucian nodded: "Yes, exactly."
Rover pressed a finger to Lucian's lips: "If that's the case, then let's not buy one here. I don't want you spending so much for me. I think the housing assigned by Jinzhou is just fine."
Lucian stared tenderly into Rover's eyes—those golden irises were truly mesmerizing, enough to make anyone lose themselves in them.
Their lips slowly met, leaving only the sound of each other's breaths.
Nearby, Zhezhi covered her eyes, her face flushed red, though the wide gaps between her fingers betrayed her.
'So this is what kissing is like… Senior Rover and Senior Lucian's relationship is so good… I…'
Just then, the "Rover's Speaker" in Lucian's arms suddenly and inopportunely started playing:
"I should be under the car~♫, not inside it~♫, watching how sweet you two are~♫."
Lucian: "?"
Zhezhi: "?"
Abby: "What kind of noise is that?"
Rover: "Why is that my voice?"
Lucian pulled out the "Rover's Speaker" from his embrace.
Rover's eyes immediately lit up—the speaker wasn't the traditional boxy shape but rather a chibi-style figurine resembling her.
She snatched the speaker and examined it closely: "So cute. It's mine now."
Lucian: "???"
However, Lucian didn't really mind. After all, the thing couldn't be stored in the system inventory anyway.
More importantly, it was a social disaster waiting to happen, so giving it to Rover was fine, especially since she seemed to like it so much.
Rover had an idea: "How about this—let's ask Jinhsi if we can buy the house we're living in now. That way, we won't have to worry about it anymore."
Lucian naturally had no objections, though it did go against his original intention of living somewhere more peaceful.
After hearing Lucian's thoughts, Rover pondered: "Then let's ask the Magistrate if there are any similar places within Jinzhou. The area we live in now does have a lot of foot traffic and can be pretty noisy…"
Lucian: "That sounds perfect."
Zhezhi: "In that case, I'll take my leave now. It was a pleasure meeting you both, Seniors."
Lucian waved his hand: "Hold on. As thanks for bringing us here, I'll give you a little gift!"
He pulled out a set of painting brushes from his pocket. The kit contained various types of brushes, capable of meeting any artist's needs.
He had exchanged it for 500 points in the system shop.
Lucian could tell Zhezhi was introverted but kind-hearted and innocent. Even someone as thick-skinned as him couldn't just let her help so much without giving anything in return.
Not to mention, Zhezhi had even given him her white stockings, helping him earn 5,000 points.
[Divine Painter Brush: No matter how poor the artist's skills, whatever they draw will appear vivid and lifelike. This brush set will never wear out.]
"Here, for you."
Zhezhi took the brush set in surprise: "This… this is really for me?"
She examined the various brushes inside and found them exquisitely crafted, carrying an antique charm. They looked less like tools and more like collectibles.
"This… isn't it too valuable?"
Lucian waved his hand: "Just take it."
Zhezhi was still hesitant, but then she thought of something: "Um…"
She took out the painting she had just finished on the mountaintop: "In that case, please accept this painting as my thanks. You have to take it, or I'll really feel bad…"
Seeing how serious the girl was, Lucian couldn't help but chuckle. He accepted the painting: "Alright, I'll take it then."
Zhezhi smiled happily: "Mm! Then… if there's nothing else, I'll be going now."
After the two nodded, Zhezhi hugged the brush set to her chest like a treasure and skipped away, overjoyed.
What Lucian didn't know was that Zhezhi had always kept a "wish list." Due to her modest lifestyle, she would jot down things she wanted to buy on this list—things like "new-style desserts" or "exhibition tickets." The brushes had naturally been on that list.
After all, she painted every day, and her old brushes were wearing out.
Rover pinched Lucian's ear: "You really have a way with women, don't you?"
Lucian straightened his expression: "Rover, you're misunderstanding again."
"We both know humans are social creatures. This is just necessary interaction between people."
Rover: "Yeah, yeah, sure."
Lucian: "…"
...
Rover had been feeling exhausted lately, so after returning to their residence in Jinzhou, she decided to take a short nap. It was midday—the perfect time for a siesta.
Lucian, however, was still full of energy. He framed the painting Zhezhi had given him and hung it on the wall.
Then he watered the starflowers Verina had gifted him, placed on the windowsill, before heading out for a stroll.
But just then, Abby called out to him: "Lucian!"
Lucian turned around: "?"
Abby: "Back in Taoyuan Vale, I noticed your Tacet Mark has a strange pull on me too!"
Lucian was baffled, but Abby didn't overthink it—she simply dove straight into his Tacet Mark.
Lucian: "???"
"Given your place in this household, shouldn't you ask for my permission before entering my Tacet Mark?"
A faint voice emerged from the Tacet Mark: "Wow! It feels just like Rover's Tacet Mark!"
The next second, Abby popped back out: "I think I can move between you and Rover as long as I don't go too far from either of you!"
Lucian asked curiously: "What's it like inside the Tacet Mark?"
Abby scratched her head: "I'm not sure. It's dark, but really comfortable… like being wrapped in a soft blanket!"
Lucian nodded slightly: "In that case, come with me this afternoon. But don't ruin my plans, alright?"
Abby tilted her head: "Plans? What plans?"
Lucian smirked mysteriously: "You'll find out when we get there."
...
Bogu Bonsai Shop.
Today, Chixia had let down her usual swept-up bangs and tied a large bow at the back of her head. The change in hairstyle gave her a more intellectual air.
She had also swapped out her usual patrol uniform for a black-toned evening gown.
There was no denying it—today, Chixia looked incredibly "feminine."
Standing in the shade, she waved at Lucian as he approached: "Lucian! Over here!"
That's right—this was Lucian's "good thing"!
He had a date with Chixia!