At night, Jun Tesi returned.
Tang Xiao was in the kitchen studying a recipe when suddenly, tendrils of mycelium coiled around his feet, gradually forming into the shape of a man. The figure pressed against Tang Xiao’s back, lifting a hand—his dark-skinned fingers teasingly entwining with Tang Xiao’s hand resting on the kitchen counter.
“Jun Tesi,” Tang Xiao said, exasperated as he pulled away slightly. “I'm cooking.”
“Just leave it to me.” Jun Tesi leaned in, lightly biting Tang Xiao’s earlobe as he murmured, “Doesn’t Xiaoxiao miss me?”
Tang Xiao sighed, setting down the kitchen utensils. He spared the chopping board, where meat and vegetables were messily cut, and turned to face Jun Tesi. “Of course I do. How’s the situation on-site?”
Jun Tesi huffed. “All I get is ‘Of course I do’—just four words—while that second sentence has nine!"
Tang Xiao nearly laughed in frustration. He leaned forward and planted a light kiss on Jun Tesi’s chin. “There, happy now?”
But Jun Tesi suddenly cupped Tang Xiao’s chin, preventing him from pulling away. Taking a step forward, he nudged Tang Xiao’s legs apart with his knee, deepening the kiss.
The sound of warm water running filled the kitchen, accompanying the overwhelming and relentless fervor of Jun Tesi’s kiss. In the exchange, fragmented bits of information passed into Tang Xiao’s mind through the connection of their bodies.
A… meeting between the two sides?
Tang Xiao's expression flickered for a moment, but he quickly adjusted, no longer resisting. Instead, he wrapped his arms around Jun Tesi’s neck, cooperating.
By the time they finally separated, Tang Xiao had grasped the current situation. Just as Lodge and the others had predicted, the governments on both sides had officially begun cooperation. A specialized research institution had been established near the area where the dense fog had appeared, dedicated to addressing the impending—or already ongoing—world fusion crisis.
Tang Xiao, regaining his senses, said flatly, “You could’ve just told me.”
Jun Tesi nuzzled against Tang Xiao’s neck affectionately. “I missed Xiaoxiao too much. Besides, this way is more convenient.”
Sure, it was an efficient way to exchange information—far more direct than slow, error-prone human speech. But was that really Jun Tesi’s only reason? Or did he just want an excuse to get intimate?
Tang Xiao stayed silent for a moment before deciding to move past the topic. “From what it looks like, no one was hurt on-site. But who knows what effects this will have in the future… Jun Tesi, do you know why the world fusion is happening?”
Jun Tesi’s eyes darkened slightly. “It’s related to our species.”
That direct?
Tang Xiao’s eyes widened slightly, and then he heard Jun Tesi continue, “Most likely, it was the previous King of Mushroom’s doing—trying to return to their original universe… in search of you.”
“Me? Why me?”
“Because Xiaoxiao possesses something we need—something crucial for us to reach full maturity.”
Tang Xiao frowned. “The C24 gene?”
“No. Xiaoxiao’s case is a little more unique.” Jun Tesi explained, “That ability to rewind time—it’s not limited to the physical body. It also applies to what humans call the soul, the kind of information they can’t perceive.”
“I’ve only managed to grasp part of my species’ knowledge and haven’t fully processed all of it yet. But I know the previous King of Mushroom originally came from Xiaoxiao’s universe. They ended up stranded here by accident.” Jun Tesi added nonchalantly, “So, instinctively, they wanted to go back. Since they weren’t complete, one of the reasons they waged war was to gather sufficient nourishment.”
An accident…
Tang Xiao rubbed his chin, then asked, “If this all started because of the previous King of Mushroom, and you’re stronger than them now, can’t you stop the world fusion from happening?”
Jun Tesi hesitated for a moment before replying, “Not really… The fusion has already progressed too far.”
“Is that so…” Tang Xiao glanced at Jun Tesi from the corner of his eye but didn’t press the issue. Instead, he brought up another matter. “I’ve been here for quite a while. I need to return to my world for a bit.”
Now that the situation with Jun Tesi had been resolved, Tang Xiao needed to go back and clear up the misunderstanding with his parents. He couldn’t let them worry any longer.
Besides… he had to retrieve his gaming helmet.
The game system’s messages—he wasn’t going to trust them completely, especially now that he knew the game had an intelligence of its own.
Tang Xiao was willing to trust Jun Tesi, but it was clear he was still hiding something. He needed to investigate everything before making a final judgment.
Hearing this, Jun Tesi paused, his expression immediately darkening. But before he could say anything, Tang Xiao added, “And I’m bringing you with me to meet my parents.”
Jun Tesi’s eyes widened slightly.
Xiaoxiao’s… parents?
“Marriage is a complicated thing in the human world.” Tang Xiao began explaining, but before he could finish, Jun Tesi had already pulled him into a tight embrace. “I’m so happy.”
Jun Tesi had studied human familial relationships and understood that Tang Xiao valued emotions deeply. If Tang Xiao was willing to take him back, to reveal this vulnerable and personal part of himself, it meant he was serious about the marriage promise he had made before, not just casually humoring him.
Jun Tesi felt like something inside him was about to burst from happiness.
He hugged Tang Xiao tightly, then eagerly said, “Let’s go now!”
Tang Xiao glanced outside. The sky was already dark. “But isn’t it a little late—”
“It’s daytime in that world!” Jun Tesi was especially enthusiastic. Seeing Jun Tesi’s excitement, Tang Xiao didn’t want to dampen his mood. Besides, he wasn’t particularly tired. “Alright then.”
Jun Tesi immediately pulled Tang Xiao into his arms. “Xiaoxiao, close your eyes.”
Tang Xiao didn’t quite understand why, but he complied, shutting his eyes. A moment later, a wave of dizziness hit him—an unsettling sense of weightlessness. But it only lasted for a few seconds. When Tang Xiao opened his eyes again, everything around him had changed.
“Is this...?” Tang Xiao hesitated.
Jun Tesi nodded, confirming Tang Xiao’s guess. “The central district of the Alliance. We just need to pass through that foggy area up ahead to return.”
Tang Xiao couldn’t help but glance around. This was his first time in the heart of the human faction.
At first glance, the buildings resembled those in the real world, but they weren’t as tall. The exterior walls were uniformly grayish-white and built solidly. The ground tiles were particularly thick, possibly due to the proximity of the foggy zone. There were no ordinary pedestrians around, only uniformed personnel moving back and forth.
At that moment, Tang Xiao spotted Tang Chen directing teams on-site. However, unsure if this was his older brother from his original world or another, he hesitated for a moment. Jun Tesi seemed to understand his concerns and left a special pheromone on Tang Xiao’s shoulder. “Alright, this way, the passersby won’t notice us. Xiaoxiao, I’ll go check out the area ahead.”
With that, Jun Tesi strode toward the foggy zone alone. Tang Xiao knew he was deliberately giving him space, so he no longer hesitated and stepped forward toward Tang Chen. “Brother.”
Tang Chen shuddered, instinctively readying his psychic ability. But when he turned and saw Tang Xiao, he froze. “...Xiaoxiao?”
“It’s me.” Tang Xiao exhaled in relief, his lips curling into a smile. “We finally meet again, Brother.”
Tang Chen grabbed his shoulders and gave his back a firm pat. “You scared me half to death.”
“Sorry.” Tang Xiao returned the hug, his expression apologetic. “Everything happened so suddenly, I—”
“No need to explain,” Tang Chen sighed, keeping the embrace as he lowered his voice to speak in Tang Xiao’s ear. “I trust your judgment, but be careful of the King of Mushroom.”
“He seems to be analyzing or dismantling the game. The fallen players aren’t actually dead; the problem lies with their game panels.”
In reality, many players had repeatedly tried logging in, but they could only reach the login screen and couldn’t enter the game world. Previously, the affected players could sense Tang Xiao's time reversal because they were lingering in the login space.
That was why Li Xiaoyi had said the players were ‘suspected’ to be dead rather than outright confirming it.
Tang Chen was sharing information he had learned from his earlier discussion with Fu Yichen.
No one had expected that a single player would slip through the cracks, retaining their consciousness. But Fu Yichen hadn’t informed the real-world government—not that he could. Jun Tesi had given him only one choice: stay here or return to the other world.
Fu Yichen had chosen the former.
“What exactly is going on with the game?” Tang Xiao asked.
“I don’t know much,” Tang Chen admitted. “Based on government intelligence, the game appeared before you started your sophomore year. It selected players worldwide with an unknown purpose. Each person’s personal quest was different—even someone who was a businessman in reality could have a political career in the game.”
“But now, we might have a clue. So far, every player who completed their personal quest contributed to the ‘The War for Humanity’s Survival’ main storyline.”
“Some players didn’t even realize they had such talents in their respective fields.”
Tang Xiao was stunned, recalling his own situation. His personal quest had been to nurture Jun Tesi and raise his favorability. But throughout that process, he had indeed transitioned from a mere game player to a researcher.
“And after the War for Humanity’s Survival concluded, the game panel never issued another mission.”
That was different from Tang Xiao’s experience. When he returned to this world, he had received a quest to lower Jun Tesi’s blackening value.
But that could be because Jun Tesi had intervened in the game at that point.
“I understand now. Thanks, Brother.”
“As long as you've thought it through.” Tang Chen hesitated, then patted Tang Xiao’s shoulder again. He still wasn’t used to the change in Tang Xiao. He had always seen him as a little brother in need of protection. Even though he had learned in the hospital about all that Tang Xiao had accomplished in this world, it still felt unreal.
But here, in this world, seeing firsthand the people Tang Xiao had saved, witnessing his reputation—
Tang Xiao, in his white lab coat and glasses, looking gentle yet exuding the presence of a mature scientist—This was someone unfamiliar to him, yet undeniably a scientist who had shouldered great responsibilities.
Logically, he knew Tang Xiao was now a fully independent adult. His choices didn’t need excessive questioning from his family.
He had his own achievements, his own judgment. Somewhere along the way, they had fallen behind in his growth.
Tang Chen pushed aside his complicated emotions and asked, “By the way, what are you here for?”
“Of course, I'm going back to see Mom and Dad. And while I'm at it, I'll introduce Jun Tesi to them. Oh, did you see the email I left back then?”
“I did.” Hearing that Tang Xiao was really planning to take Jun Tesi home to meet their parents, Tang Chen couldn't help but twitch at the corner of his mouth. He held back his words and continued, “Uh… just take it easy when you go back. Mom and Dad are in good health, but I still think this kind of thing is best approached gradually…”
Tang Xiao understood the complicated emotions behind Tang Chen’s words and couldn’t help but reveal a wry smile. How could he not know that their parents would most likely—no, definitely—never accept Jun Tesi?
But this was a hurdle they had to cross sooner or later, especially if they truly intended to get married.
“Tang Xiao?”
At that moment, a familiar voice came from behind. Tang Xiao turned his head sharply, eyes widening. “Dr. Xiao.”
Xiao Bai stood quietly behind them. The two brothers had been so engrossed in their conversation that they hadn’t even noticed when he arrived.
Tang Xiao turned fully to face Xiao Bai, locking eyes with him. This was the first real meeting between teacher and student since the incident where he had fled. Tang Chen said nothing more, simply patting Tang Xiao on the shoulder. “I’ll be off, then. I still have to escort some lost people home. See you at home later.”
“Alright.” Tang Xiao responded, and Tang Chen left, leaving only the two of them behind.
Xiao Bai looked much the same as he had at Third Eye, except he had swapped his monocle for a pair of gold-rimmed glasses. Tang Xiao stared at him for a while before chuckling softly. “Teacher, your old glasses suited you better.”
“The old ones broke on the way out of Third Eye,” Xiao Bai said casually. He gazed at Tang Xiao for a long moment before smiling faintly. “As long as you're still alive, that's all that matters.”
Tang Xiao felt his eyes sting a little and blinked hard. “Sorry, Teacher, for making you worry.”
“Why are you apologizing? If it weren’t for your plan, neither I nor anyone else from Third Eye would be standing here right now.” Xiao Bai sighed. “I suppose this is just fate playing its tricks.”
Xiao Bai already knew—and had accepted—the truth about Tang Xiao being a player and a person from another world. To him, Tang Xiao had always had just one identity: his student.
“Are you interested in coming back?” After a few minutes of silence, Xiao Bai suddenly asked.
Tang Xiao was stunned. “But I belong to another world.”
“So what? Third Eye exists to provide a space for scientists free from external interference. As long as you have real ability, the doors here will always be open to you.” Xiao Bai said. “Besides, given the current situation, the two worlds have already established a foundation for cooperation. A joint research institute will likely be set up soon, and we need the top experts from every field to tackle the challenge of world fusion.”
As he spoke, Xiao Bai extended a hand toward Tang Xiao. “Tang Xiao, are you willing to contribute your strength once again for the survival of humanity?” Tang Xiao stared at the hand in front of him, momentarily dazed.
This moment felt just like that moment back then.
Time seemed to slow. A cool spring breeze gently blew past, rustling the rare green plants growing along the alley. Yellow jasmine blossoms detached from their stems and danced wildly in the wind. The thick mist behind them swirled and shifted slightly with the breeze.
Finally, one of the pale yellow petals landed on Jun Tesi’s shoes.
Oblivious, he simply stared intently in Tang Xiao’s direction.
“...I'm honored by the invitation, and I’d love to be part of the project,” Tang Xiao took a deep breath and lifted his head, looking seriously at Xiao Bai. “But I might need some time.”
“The progress of world fusion won't wait for anyone. Who knows if the next second could bring doomsday?” Xiao Bai frowned. “Every moment is precious right now.”
“I know,” Tang Xiao said, “but I promise—I will come.”
Xiao Bai studied Tang Xiao's expression and sighed softly. “Alright. Then I’ll be waiting for you at the research institute.”
“But by the time you get there, there might not be any positions left. You’ll just have to settle for working under me.” He added dryly.
“That wouldn’t be so bad either,” Tang Xiao chuckled.
Xiao Bai shook his head and was about to leave when Tang Xiao suddenly remembered something and called out. “Dr. Xiao! In that world—your mother is still alive!”
Xiao Bai froze, then turned sharply.
Tang Xiao smiled. “Our research was successful. She’s alive—all thanks to your perseverance in collecting data.”
Xiao Bai’s glasses reflected the sunlight, making his eyes unreadable.
Behind Tang Xiao, Jun Tesi called out to him. He gave Xiao Bai a final wave before turning away without looking back, stepping into the mist.
Xiao Bai instinctively took a step forward but then stopped in place.
Had the research… made it in time?
No. It was Tang Xiao who made it in time.
In that moment, countless past memories flashed through Xiao Bai’s mind—Tang Xiao’s sudden project proposal, the way he had desperately raced against time in his research.
And now, the mystery was finally solved.
To think there would be something like this.
To think… there would be such a fool.
Tang Xiao heard the sound of a system notification ringing in his mind—an influx of favorability points. He couldn’t help but smile.
As he reached Jun Tesi’s side, Jun Tesi took his hand, interlocking their fingers tightly. He leaned in close, whispering into his ear. “Xiaoxiao is too popular.”
Tang Xiao tilted his head slightly. “Are you jealous of Dr. Xiao too?”
“I'm jealous of anyone who gets close to you.”
“What’s there to be jealous about? Alright, let’s go.” Tang Xiao swung their joined hands lightly. “I’m even taking you to meet my parents.”
Jun Tesi aid nothing, but his grip on Tang Xiao's hand tightened.
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