On the other side, in the Alliance, the people of the Third Eye division had not slept all night.
Dawson had originally returned to the Alliance with nothing much to do. He thought he could enjoy some leisurely days, maybe work a few shifts in the Alliance's psychological counseling office. But before he could even relax at home for long, he was bombarded with relentless calls from Xiao Bai, summoning him to the containment facility.
Dawson arrived with a face full of confusion. As soon as he pushed open the door, he couldn't help but complain, “Why did you call me here again? I can't help with research at all. If it's a psychological issue, can't you just find someone el—”
Dawson was so focused on complaining that he only noticed the unusually large number of people in the meeting room after stepping in. Putting aside Xiao Bai and his team, even Leon was here. Though Leon and Xiao Bai had eased their tensions somewhat due to the external war, they still weren’t at the level of sitting down for tea together.
And more importantly, everyone present… seemed to have one thing in common?
Dawson’s expression gradually turned odd. “What happened this time? Has he finally gone berserk?”
“It’s more complicated than that.” Xiao Bai took a deep breath. “Dr. Tang Xiao has returned.”
Dawson: “?”
Xiao Bai: “And… he’s now with the new King of Mushroom. But he was tricked into coming back. Now that the lie has been exposed, we have no way of predicting what might happen next, which is why we need you to analyze the situation.”
Xiao Bai then explained the full context to Dawson.
“Since you’re the only one in the base who truly understands the romantic history between Subject 428 and Tang Xiao, we need your insights.”
Dawson rubbed his forehead in exasperation. “I never wanted to be this kind of expert.”
What kind of mess was this?!
It was one thing to provide relationship counseling for non-humans, but now Subject 428 had turned around and replaced the King of Mushroom, becoming the new source of threat. Their scientist had sacrificed himself, and they had thought the matter had come to an end—only for the shocking revelation that Tang Xiao was actually from another world, and he had been deceived into returning, trapped in the enemy’s stronghold.
For the last time—he was not a relationship counselor! And even less of a criminal psychologist!
“Please,” Xiao Bai sighed. “I’m really worried about my student… We’ve already reported the situation to the higher-ups, but we have no idea how they’ll respond.”
Leon scoffed. “What other response could there be? You expect anything from those politicians? The war just ended—there’s no way the public would support another one.”
Dawson finally understood why everyone looked so troubled. He stopped trying to push back and frowned. “I’ve only interacted with 428 a few times, so I can’t fully assess his psychological state… But if this were the past, I’d say he was gradually understanding humans and wouldn’t do anything that would completely destroy their relationship.”
“It sounds unbelievable, but 428 was shedding his animalistic instincts at an extremely fast rate. He even developed something resembling human love,” Dawson continued. “But that was before he became the King of Mushroom.”
“As for now…” Dawson recalled the one and only time he had seen 428 after his transformation. He couldn’t help but shake his head. “In his current state, nothing he does would surprise me.”
“Especially if he determines their relationship is beyond repair.”
Silence filled the room. That was exactly what they were most afraid of.
“But while you’re worried about the higher-ups not approving a rescue operation…” Dawson mused, “Tang Xiao is the researcher behind the zombie mushroom. Wouldn’t the authorities be concerned about an even worse outcome?”
Xiao Bai hesitated. “You mean, the new King of Mushroom might extract the cure from Tang Xiao and use it to evolve an even more dangerous mushroom disease? But… he wouldn’t start another war, would he?”
“I’m not saying he will start a war,” Dawson shrugged. “But you’re trying to figure out how to rescue Tang Xiao, right? I’m just saying that if you frame it this way, the higher-ups might be more inclined to approve the mission. After all, Tang Xiao’s mind—”
He tapped his temple. “—is an irreplaceable asset. And he has the public’s favor on his side.”
Leon pondered for a few seconds, then stepped out to make another call. The others, including Tang Chen, felt a renewed sense of hope.
Morning sunlight streamed through the window, a playful golden beam landing on Tang Xiao’s closed eyelids. He frowned, turned his head, and groggily opened his eyes.
It was morning.
The crisp sound of birdsong gradually dispelled the last traces of sleep. Tang Xiao stared at the ceiling for a long moment, took a deep breath, then sat up.
After washing up, he left his room. This time, he was no longer wearing a white lab coat. Now that he knew Jun Tesi was unharmed, there was no longer a need to continue his research.
He wandered around the base, searching for Jun Tesi, but no matter where he looked, he couldn’t find him.
Even when he called for him, there was no response.
Tang Xiao walked through the laboratory, the cafeteria, the dormitory buildings—until he finally sighed. Is it going to be like this again?
At last, he arrived at the clock tower. But this time, Jun Tesi wasn’t here either. Unbothered, Tang Xiao simply opened the window, sat on the ledge, and gazed into the distance.
From here, he had a clear view of the base’s entrance. However, the sprawling white mycelium covered the landscape, making it impossible to see what lay beyond.
“Jun Tesi,” Tang Xiao said calmly, “if you don’t come out, I’m leaving.”
A few seconds later, a silver-haired figure appeared on the other side of the window ledge. Perhaps realizing that things were already beyond repair, Jun Tesi had reverted to his original skin tone—his dark complexion the same as before. His golden eyes quietly studied Tang Xiao, who remained leaning against the window.
“…You really want to leave?” Jun Tesi’s Adam’s apple bobbed as he spoke, his voice trembling.
Tang Xiao finally turned his head. He was no longer looking at the view outside. He was looking at Jun Tesi.
The man and the mushroom quietly stared at each other. Tang Xiao said, “About what you said last night... you're right. I came here because of you, the humans of this world, and multiple other factors—including my family and friends in the real world—all of which contributed to my choice.”
“If you hadn't done this, if I had known everything was going smoothly here, I... might not have taken this risk.”
Analyzing one's own heart is a cruel and painful thing, especially when Tang Xiao knew that his love for Jun Tesi was not equal. He still had his family, friends, research, and even a greater cause, whereas Jun Tesi had only him.
He couldn't take this risk. The fact that he didn't answer immediately was already an answer in itself.
“Because to me, the world isn't limited to just this place. I have my family, my friends, my teachers…”
Stop.
Jun Tesi's lowered fingers twitched neurotically, as if the human-like bones within him were being forcibly pulled out, sending waves of unbearable pain through him.
“I can't stay here forever.”
Don't go.
That familiar pain surged back into Jun Tesi's memory, flashing scenes from that volcanic crater before his eyes.
Wasn't it the same back then? Tang Xiao had abandoned him, choosing his own world instead.
Dizziness and ringing filled Jun Tesi’s head. He gradually felt his mycelium losing control, writhing violently beneath his human shell, desperate to break free.
“So—”
Don’t say it.
Jun Tesi thought he had finally... truly believed they could go on like this forever...
Time reversal. He thought, time reversal. Make Tang Xiao forget this memory. Again and again, however many times it takes...
“Will you marry me?”
Jun Tesi’s fingers, which had already transformed into mycelium, froze as his mind processed the meaning of those words.
“...What?” Jun Tesi blinked.
Tang Xiao looked at him strangely. “I mean, even if my love for you isn’t as deep as yours for me, even if I’m just a human and won’t live as long as you, do you still want to marry me?”
Jun Tesi stared blankly. “...Wait, that’s not even what we were talking about just now.”
Where did this sudden plot twist come from?
Tang Xiao snorted and grabbed Jun Xisi's hand. “I mean—”
Jun Tesi’s deep-colored, well-defined fingers contrasted starkly against Tang Xiao’s pale hand. His fingers were slightly slender in comparison, and Jun Tesi found himself staring, entranced, as Tang Xiao's lips curved slightly and his fingers shifted, slipping between the gaps of his own.
“It doesn’t matter if your world is small,” Tang Xiao said. “I can give you half of mine.”
During their escape, at that bonfire gathering, they had witnessed a man proposing to a woman.
At that moment, Jun Tesi had been unable to look away from the couple.
He understood the significance of marriage in human society, yet he had said nothing to Tang Xiao.
But Tang Xiao had noticed everything.
“My family will become your family,” Tang Xiao continued with a smile. “My friends will be your friends. Half of my wealth and shares will belong to you.”
Last night, he had finally understood Jun Tesi’s deepest fear. And for a researcher, the solution was clear.
If there was no hope, he would create hope. If there was nothing good, he would create something good. If Jun Tesi felt insecure, then he would stay by his side until time washed that insecurity away.
He had already planned to study Jun Tesi for the rest of his life—so wasn’t that the same as marriage?
Tang Xiao had thought about it last night, and this morning, he took action without hesitation.
“For better or for worse, for richer or poorer, in sickness and in health, until death do us part.” Tang Xiao spoke halfway through before noticing the tears rolling down Jun Tesi’s face. For a moment, he didn’t know what to do, but he still finished his sentence. “I want to share my world with you. So, will you?”
“...If this is a lie,” Jun Tesi lowered his head, his voice choked with emotion.
“Huh? I have no intention of lying. Though, I suppose human laws haven’t quite caught up with marriages between humans and non-humans yet—” Before Tang Xiao could finish his sentence, Jun Tesi suddenly leaned in close, nearly pressing against him. His breath, warm and trembling with unshed tears, brushed against Tang Xiao's skin. “Then please... lie to me for a lifetime.”
Tang Xiao closed his eyes and surrendered himself to this kiss, one that was both salty with tears and sweet with devotion.
He could feel Jun Tesi’s breath—hot, trembling, and desperate. He wanted to pull away and wipe Jun Tesi’s tears, but the other held his hands tightly, refusing to let go, as if ashamed of crying in front of him.
After what felt like forever, Tang Xiao finally gasped for air, pulling back slightly to breathe in the fresh morning air. Jun Tesi, having barely regained his composure, reluctantly let him go—but only just. Most of his body remained pressed against Tang Xiao, his golden eyes fixated on him, as if he wished he could fuse into him completely. His hands wandered, arms wrapping possessively around Tang Xiao’s waist.
“...Xiaoxiao isn’t mad anymore?”
“Huh? You mean yesterday?” Tang Xiao thought for a moment. “Nah, I was only angry for a little while. Besides, thinking about it, I tricked you once before too. Now you’ve tricked me back, so I guess we’re even.”
Jun Tesi hummed softly, rubbing his cheek against Tang Xiao’s shoulder. “I still feel like I got the worse end of the deal…”
“Hm?”
“Never mind,” Jun Tesi gave up instantly, with zero principles. He rested his chin on Tang Xiao’s shoulder, trying to steal another kiss along his neck.
Tang Xiao pushed Jun Tesi’s face away with one hand. “Wait, not now.”
“Why?” Jun Tesi paused his movements, lowering his head as he asked in a low voice.
Tang Xiao replied impatiently, “Did you forget? My brother just contacted me earlier. He's probably panicking right now.”
Jun Tesi mumbled softly, “Do we really have to contact them…”
“Of course. The marriage process in the human world is complicated, and I have to introduce you to my parents.”
At the mention of marriage, Jun Tesi fell silent, his brows furrowing tightly. Tang Xiao immediately knew what he was thinking. He sighed and poked Jun Tesi’s forehead with a finger. “I won’t stay in this base forever. But the moment I leave, won’t you follow me? Judging from the abilities of the previous King of Mushroom, as long as I stand on the ground, no matter where I am in the world, won’t it only take seconds for you to reach me? Why limit yourself to this small base?”
This was something Tang Xiao never understood. Jun Tesi wasn’t the same as before—was there really anything in this world that could stop him? Was there such a huge difference between being inside and outside the base?
Jun Tesi remained silent, burying his face into Tang Xiao’s neck like a lifeless doll. Dragging along this oversized ‘luggage,’ Tang Xiao struggled to move toward the library and opened the internal network in front of Jun Tesi.
Within the Alliance, the scientists of the Third Eye and Tang Chen were anxiously awaiting the results of a high-level meeting. Especially Tang Chen—he was staring at the access logs of the Third Eye’s internal data network, thinking, Xiaoxiao, you have to hold on! Wait for us to save you!
At that moment, a contact request suddenly appeared. Tang Chen was stunned for a second before immediately hitting the accept button without hesitation.
“Tang Xiao?!”
His loud outburst instantly drew the attention of everyone in the room. Xiao Bai and the others immediately gathered in front of the computer. “Dr. Tang? Is that you?!”
“It’s me.” Tang Xiao’s voice came from the other side. Lodge and the others immediately let out a sigh of relief. Thank goodness, they could still communicate.
“Did you find a chance to contact us? Be careful to avoid the King of Mushroom’s attention. Listen to me, Xiaoxiao, this might be tough for you, but please don’t do anything reckless! No matter what, we will find a way to rescue you. You are humanity’s hero—we will never abandon you…”
“Uh… Jun Tesi is right beside me.” Tang Xiao awkwardly cut Lodge off.
The room fell into dead silence.
...Right beside him?
“Actually, I just wanted to inform you all that there’s no need to worry about me. Also… we’re getting married.”
Tang Xiao’s casual tone was like dropping a bomb.
Everyone: “…???”
Tang Chen: “Is he threatening you?”
“No, no, I fell in love with him,” Tang Xiao said, forcing himself to remain calm as he met Jun Tesi’s gaze, his ears burning red. “The reason I was so heartbroken before was because I thought I’d never see him again. The reason I came to this world… was because I was worried about Jun Tesi’s safety.”
“...Sorry for making you all worry. I didn’t expect you to follow me here.”
Everyone was silent. Dawson rubbed his chin. “Huh… isn’t this a happy ending? Tang Xiao is safe, and we don’t have to worry about another war…”
Xiao Bai, Rocky, and Tang Chen all turned to glare at him. Of course you don’t care. You’re not his family.
Dawson: I’m their CP fan.
Xiao Bai furrowed his brows and leaned closer to the mic. “Are you serious about this?”
“As serious as I can be, Teacher Xiao Bai,” Tang Xiao said. “I wasn’t threatened. I was the one who proposed. I know what I want. I may have returned to this world due to various reasons, but proposing to him… that was purely from my heart.”
Jun Tesi trembled and hugged Tang Xiao even tighter.
“Jun Tesi… let go.”
“No.” Jun Tesi nuzzled his fluffy head against Tang Xiao’s neck. “I’ll never let go.”
“I really, really like Xiaoxiao.”
Everyone on the other side: “…”
Dawson suddenly felt a familiar sense of pain in his teeth. He clicked his tongue. Here we go again—the feeling of being force-fed dog food.
At least this time, he wasn’t suffering alone.
He turned his head and scanned the room. Xiao Bai, Lodge, and Tang Chen all had indescribable expressions, and suddenly, he felt an immense sense of satisfaction.
Yes! This is exactly how I felt back then!
Just then, the people inside the base felt a sudden tremor. At first, they thought it was an earthquake, but soon, an alarm sounded outside. Lodge, eager to escape the awkward conversation, opened the door and grabbed a passing guard. “What’s happening?”
“It looks like a mist zone has appeared outside the city. The patrol team is heading there now.”
Mist?
Tang Chen’s keen instincts immediately picked up on the word, and he straightened up. On the other side, Tang Xiao also noticed it. Jun Tesi lifted his head from Tang Xiao’s neck. “Xiaoxiao, I need to go out for a bit. I’ll be back soon.”
“Wait—”
Seeing Tang Xiao frown, Jun Tesi gently brushed his fingertips over Tang Xiao’s brow. “Don’t worry, Xiaoxiao. No one will get hurt.”
With Jun Tesi’s reassurance, Tang Xiao’s brows gradually relaxed. “...Alright.”
Jun Tesi happily kissed his forehead. “When I get back, we’ll discuss the wedding details!”
Tang Xiao couldn’t help but smile. “Okay, go on then.”
After Jun Tesi left, Tang Xiao suddenly remembered—there was something he hadn’t told him yet.
That game system… Since Jun Tesi wasn’t hiding anything from him anymore, he could finally ask about it properly. ...Wait.
Tang Xiao blinked and looked at the special mission’s progress bar.
Jun Tesi’s blackening value: 30%.
It’s still not complete? Does he still have an unresolved issue? What is it?
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