Ark Simulator, Aren't I Without a Physical Body?

Su Rui slightly opened her eyes. "Hmm?"

Ash remained unfazed. "To replenish stamina."

Su Rui laughed, reached out and grabbed her collar, pulling her down and gently biting her lip. "... That's enough."

After resting for a while at the coffee shop, Su Rui and Ash got up to leave. Su Rui slowly straightened the crumpled collar of his shirt, his fingertips lightly tracing the fresh hickeys on his collarbone, a satisfied smile playing on his lips. Ash stood beside him, reaching out to smooth out the wrinkles at the back of his suit jacket. The gesture seemed considerate, but from an angle unnoticed, his fingertips lingered suggestively along Suri's waistline.

"Satisfied?" Su Rui glanced at her sideways, his voice still carrying a hint of lazy hoarseness.

Ash didn't answer, but reached out and plucked a strand of her own long hair from his hair, her fingertips lightly brushing against his earlobe. This subtle movement made the tips of Su Rui's ears turn a faint pink again.

The moment he pushed open the café door, the afternoon sun poured in. Su Rui subconsciously squinted, the lenses of his gold-rimmed glasses reflecting a dappled light. Ash naturally reached out to shield his eyes, waiting until Su Rui's eyes adjusted before lowering them. This thoughtful little gesture earned him a meaningful raised eyebrow from Su Rui.

"Where to next?" Su Rui asked, her fingers unconsciously stroking the loosened knot in her tie.

Ash's gaze lingered on his slightly reddened lips, pausing for a second before replying, "Back to the hotel." Her voice was lower than usual, "You should change your clothes."

Su Rui looked down at her wrinkled shirt and crooked tie, and chuckled softly, "Whose handiwork is this?"

"Spoils of war," Ash replied without changing his expression, reaching out to straighten his tie, but deliberately brushing his Adam's apple with his knuckles as he withdrew his hand.

The two walked side by side along the tree-lined path of Financial Street, sunlight filtering through the leaves and casting dappled shadows on them. Su Rui's suit jacket was casually draped over her arm, and her shirt sleeves were rolled up to her elbows, revealing her well-defined forearms. Ash's trench coat was also open, and there was still a lipstick stain that Su Rui had accidentally smeared on the collar of the black shirt she wore underneath.

Passersby glanced at them, but dared not look too long. The couple exuded a unique atmosphere—both intimate and yet carrying a dangerous tension, as if they might accidentally escalate the situation at any moment.

While waiting at a traffic light, Su Rui suddenly leaned close to Ash's ear. "At the coffee shop just now..." His breath brushed against her earlobe, "You bit too hard."

Ash remained expressionless, but her fingers slipped discreetly into his suit pocket and gave his inner thigh a light pinch. "Leaving a mark."

Su Rui gasped, almost jumping up in the middle of the road. He glared at Ash, only to be met with a defiant raised eyebrow.

As the hotel's golden revolving doors came into view, Su Rui suddenly stopped. He turned to face Ash, gently lifting her chin with his finger. "Now, it's time to settle the score."

Ash's lips curled into a dangerous smile, "Would be happy to oblige."

As morning light streamed through the sheer curtains of the French windows, Su Rui lay nestled against Ash's chest, half-asleep, his nose brushing against the old scar on her collarbone. Ash's fingers ran through his hair, idly combing his disheveled bangs. Suddenly, the bedside communicator rang, and the receptionist's polite voice came through:

"Sir, you have a package that needs to be signed for."

Su Rui didn't even open her eyes, but simply buried the Ash deeper into her neck. "Just leave it there."

The communicator had barely ended when Ash's hand slid to his waist. "Awake?"

Su Rui groaned and bit her collarbone in retaliation. "You're awake now."

Ash chuckled, flipping him over and pinning him beneath him. In the morning light, Su Rui's gold-rimmed glasses sat askew on his nose, his amber eyes behind the lenses carrying a hint of languor and provocation. Ash reached out and removed his glasses, then leaned down to kiss the corner of his slightly upturned mouth.

The midday sun warmed the room cozy. Su Rui, wrapped in a bathrobe, nestled in the armchair by the French windows, his bare feet on the thick carpet, slowly unpacking the delivery package—a box of delicate macarons and a bottle of chilled champagne. He picked up a pink macaron and deliberately waved it in front of Ash: "Want some?"

Ash was drying his wet hair as he came out of the bathroom. Upon seeing him, Ash bent down and bit off half of his hand. Su Rui's fingertips were stained with a little cream, and just as he was about to lick it off, Ash grabbed his wrist and put his fingers in his mouth.

"..." Su Rui's ears instantly turned bright red, "You really are..."

At three o'clock in the afternoon, when the room service cart was pushed in, the two were snuggled in bed watching a movie. Su Rui was only wearing a loose shirt, the collar wide open, revealing fresh hickeys on her collarbone. Ash was only wrapped in a bath towel, his wet hair still dripping.

The maid set out the meal without looking to the side, but as she closed the door, she inadvertently caught a glimpse of Su Rui sitting on Ash's lap, their lips locked in a passionate embrace. The instant the door closed, she could faintly hear Su Rui's soft moan and Ash's low chuckle.

Dinner was eaten directly in bed. Su Rui leaned against the headboard, slowly cutting her steak, occasionally feeding Ash a bite. Red wine swirled in the stemmed glass, reflecting the intertwined figures of the two.

When Ash's fingers got a little cream on them, Su Rui naturally bent down and licked it off, earning him a deep kiss in return.

At midnight, Su Rui lay dozing on his pillow, Ash's fingerprints still visible on his lower back. Ash embraced him from behind, his lips pressed against the back of his neck. "Tired?"

Su Rui hummed with her eyes closed, her voice hoarse. "... Don't expect me to get out of bed tomorrow."

Ash chuckled softly, his fingers gently tracing the flushed skin on his waist. "Perfect timing, the package isn't finished yet."

Outside the window, Chernobog's lights still shone brightly, while inside the hotel room, only the sounds of breathing and the occasional soft humming, seemingly defiant and competitive, could be heard.

What gift is in volume 10, chapter 625?

At 3:17 a. m., Su Rui was startled awake from her light sleep.

Ash's arm was still across his waist, pressing heavily on him. The room was very warm, but Su Rui still felt a strange chill. He carefully moved Ash's hand away, and as he stepped barefoot onto the carpet, he tripped over the silk robe that had been left at the foot of the bed.

"Can't sleep?" Ash's voice came from behind, hoarse from just waking up.

Su Rui turned around and saw her face half-buried in the pillow, her SilverAsh eyes gleaming faintly in the darkness. He leaned down and kissed her forehead. "Let's open a package."

The package lay on the coffee table in the living room, wrapped in royal gold-red paper that shimmered like silk in the moonlight. Su Rui sat cross-legged on the carpet, her fingernail lightly tracing the edge of the tape—

Splash!

Bundles of golden-red ribbons poured out of the box, like flowing lava covering his knees. The top ribbon was tied to a gold-embossed card, with Talulah's handwriting flowing and elegant:

Try it on to see if it fits.

The moment Su Rui's fingertips touched the ribbon, the seemingly ordinary fabric suddenly wrapped around his wrist as if it were alive. He was startled and leaned back, but a hand reached out from behind and firmly supported his shoulder.

"Looks like this was prepared for you." Ash had appeared behind him unnoticed, her voice carrying a dangerous calm. She picked up a ribbon and rubbed it between her fingers. "A special piece made for the Ursus royal family, it seems to be a binding band infused with Originium Arts."

Su Rui struggled to free her wrists, only to find the ribbon tightening the more she struggled. "Ash, help..."

Before the words were finished, the bedroom door was suddenly pushed open. Six Inner Guard stood silently in the doorway, their black uniforms blending into the night, only the Silver Wolf badges on their chests gleaming coldly. The leader knelt on one knee. "Your Highness, please change your clothes."

Ash's gun was already pressed against the man's brow.

"Don't worry," Su Rui said softly, the ribbon on his wrist having somehow spread to his neck, coiling around his artery like a docile snake. "It's Talulah's mark."

The Inner Guard moved with the practiced ease of a thousand rehearsals. Two men brought out pure white robes, two others unfurled cloaks embroidered with gold thread, and two more carried a huge gift box—lined with velvet, and in one corner even placed a collar adorned with Bell.

"His Majesty said," the head Inner Guard repeated mechanically, "'Tie him a bow tie.'"

The Ash cracked at his knuckles.

Su Rui suddenly burst into a somewhat neurotic laugh. He stood up, the ribbon wrapping around his waist and legs with the movement, outlining smooth lines in the moonlight. "Tell Talulah she'd better prepare enough sweets to apologize."

The changing process was like an absurd ritual. The Inner Guard wrapped ribbons around his wrists, ankles, and waist, finally tying them into an exquisite knot behind his neck. When Su Rui was placed into the soft gift box, the gold and red ribbons had bound him like a gift to be unwrapped, with only his face and collarbone exposed.

Then, the gift box was closed and tied up.

Ash remained aloof throughout, only speaking when the Inner Guard was about to close the box, "What about me?"

"His Majesty has prepared a carriage for you." Inner Guard handed over a black formal suit, "And..." He hesitated for a moment, "'Don't be so serious, I'll share half of my stars with you'—that's the original quote."

At four in the morning, on the streets of Chernobog, a royal carriage rolled through the snow. Through the vent of the gift box, Su Rui saw Ash riding a horse, her black dress making her look like a drawn sword. Every time she looked at the gift box, Su Rui could feel the ribbons warming slightly— Talulah's Originium Arts resonating within her.

As the side gate of the palace slowly opened, the morning light had just begun to paint the spire of the tower red. The gift box was carried into the most secluded corridor of the Winter Palace, and Su Rui heard the familiar footsteps growing clearer and clearer.

"Let me see..." Talulah's voice was tinged with laughter. The moment the lid was lifted, Su Rui squinted to adjust to the sudden light. "Ah, my star."

Her Majesty the Queen, dressed in a nightgown, stood barefoot on the Persian carpet. With a flick of her finger, the ribbon knot behind Su Rui's neck suddenly loosened, and the golden and red silk cascaded down like a waterfall. Su Rui was about to rise when Talulah back into the plush carpet. "What's the rush?"

Ash's bayonet was already three inches from its sheath.

Talulah without looking up. "Relax, I'm just borrowing it for a makeover." She leaned down, her red hair brushing against Su Rui's cheek. "Happy birthday, my princess."

Su Rui then remembered that today was the winter solstice—the shortest day and longest night in the Ursus calendar, and also the day Talulah first met him. She probably didn't know it was Su Rui's birthday, but there was no harm in celebrating.

After all, Su Rui herself didn't even know her own birthday.

So this is...

"A gift." Talulah snapped her fingers, and the ribbons suddenly unfurled, weaving into a golden-red curtain of light in the air. "I made it myself."

Ash finally lost her patience and scooped Su Rui out of the box. Talulah didn't stop her, just watched with a smile as she draped a coat over Su Rui: "Jealous?"

"No," Ash replied curtly, his fingers gripping Su Rui's wrist tightly.

Talulah suddenly leaned in and planted a light kiss on Su Rui's lips. "Now we're even." She turned and walked towards the terrace, the morning breeze ruffling the hem of her robe. "Come and have breakfast, I baked a honey cake."

At the table, Su Rui found himself seated between the two. Talulah poured him milk tea herself, while Ash silently sliced a fried egg and pushed it towards him. When Her Majesty the Queen poked the sausage on his plate with her fort for the thirtieth time, Su Rui finally sighed:

"Could you please..."

"No." They both said in unison.

As dawn broke, ribbons wove a hammock by the window. Su Rui curled up inside, dozing, while Talulah reviewed documents and Ash polished his gun. Whenever Su Rui leaned to one side, a disgruntled groan would come from the other.

It wasn't until the afternoon sun warmed the hammock that Su Rui drifted off to sleep, swaying gently. In his hazy state, he felt someone cover him with a blanket, and another person kiss his forehead. The gold and red ribbon swayed gently, like the warm campfire that had enveloped him on the snowy plains many years ago.

The last rays of the setting sun streamed through the stained-glass windows, casting dappled light and shadow on the Queen's desk. Su Rui idly twirled his Quill, his fingertips lightly tapping the mountain of documents—documents that would normally require Talulah to stay up all night reviewing were all processed by him in just a few minutes.

"So," he said lazily, sprawled on the table, chin resting on the back of his hand, his gold-rimmed glasses slipping slightly, "Is there anything interesting to do here to pass the time?"

Talulah looked up from the military map, her red hair gleaming like flames in the candlelight. "Bored?"

"Hmm." Su Rui drew out the word, her fingertips fiddling with the cap of the ink bottle. "The documents are too simple; there's not a single thing that makes me think."

Volume 10, Chapter 626: You cheated!

Talulah chuckled and reached out to pinch his earlobe, "Want to play a game?"

Su Rui raised an eyebrow. "What game?"

Talulah did not answer immediately, but instead took out an exquisite Ursus Military Chess from the drawer. The obsidian-carved piece landed on the table with a crisp sound.

"Strategic simulation." She tapped the chessboard lightly with her fingertips. "You and I, each leading a virtual army, will see who captures the opponent's fortress first."

Su Rui narrowed her eyes, a playful smile playing on her lips, "What's the bet?"

Talulah leaned closer, one hand on the edge of the table, her gray hair falling beside his cheek. "If I win, you'll stay in my palace tonight."

Su Rui's eyelashes trembled slightly, but she quickly regained her nonchalant expression. "What if I win?"

Talulah, "You can ask me to do anything."

Su Rui reached out and gently lifted her chin with her fingertips. "Including letting me go back to find the Ash?"

Talulah's eyes darkened slightly, but quickly returned to a smile, "Okay."

The chessboard was laid out, and the candlelight flickered. Su Rui played black, Talulah played red. The two engaged in a silent battle on the sand table. Su Rui's playing style was unpredictable and ever-changing, often unexpectedly cutting off Talulah's supply lines; while Talulah played steadily and cautiously, step by step, using a strong defense to wear down his forces.

Time ticked by, and the situation on the chessboard gradually became deadlocked. Su Rui tapped his fingers lightly on the table, and suddenly, a slight smile appeared on his lips as he placed a seemingly insignificant piece.

Talulah raised an eyebrow. "Are you sure?"

Su Rui smiled without saying a word.

Three rounds later, Talulah's main force of the red team was ambushed by a long-lurking black cavalry force, and the defensive line collapsed instantly.

"..." Talulah stared at the chessboard for a long while before slowly raising her head. "When did you plant this ambush?"

Su Rui tilted his head. "The thirty-seventh move, when you transferred the right wing."

Talulah was silent for a moment, then suddenly chuckled softly, "As expected of you."

Su Rui stretched and lightly jumped off the table. "Then, as agreed—"

Talulah suddenly reached out and grabbed his wrist. "Wait."

Su Rui turned around. "Hmm?"

Talulah took another item from the drawer—a pair of shackles, the silver chains engraved with fine runes, gleaming coldly in the candlelight.

"Let's play one more round," she said softly. "This time, let's change the stakes."

Su Rui stared at the shackles, her amber eyes behind her gold-rimmed glasses narrowing slightly. "... Are you serious?"

Talulah didn't answer, but simply pushed the shackles in front of him. "Dare you?"

Su Rui was silent for two seconds, then suddenly smiled. He reached out and gently traced the patterns on the chain with his fingertips. "Okay."

However, just as he was about to sit down again, the office door was suddenly pushed open.

Ash stood in the doorway, his black trench coat still carrying the chill of the night wind, his SilverAsh eyes coldly sweeping over the two men's clasped wrists and the shackles on the table.

"..."

The air froze instantly.

Talulah slowly released Su Rui and leaned back in her chair. "Wasn't it incredibly rude of you to come in without knocking?"

Ash ignored her and just looked at Su Rui: "Had enough fun?"

Su Rui blinked, then gave an innocent smile, "Yeah, it's just finished."

Ash reached out. "Let's go."

Su Rui obediently walked over, but as she passed Talulah, Talulah gently tugged at the hem of her clothes.

"Don't forget," Talulah whispered, "What you promised me."

Su Rui turned around and winked at her. "Next time."