Ark Simulator, Don't I Have No Physical Form?

Shining hummed in agreement and carefully put the cloth bag away. "It has a calming effect."

Su Rui raised an eyebrow. "I thought you were going to say 'It tastes good'."

Shining glanced at him. "You want to hear this?"

Su Rui: "..."

Rhodes Island's transport vehicle bumped along the rugged mountain road, its wheels making a dull thud as they rolled over gravel. The lights inside the truck flickered with the swaying of the vehicle, casting the shadows of the three men onto the metal walls, where they intertwined and then separated.

Su Rui sat in the middle of the back bench, being tossed about by several sharp turns. His black hair was already a mess, and his amber eyes were half-closed with drowsiness. His head swayed with the car, like a dozing cat.

Thump!

Another deep crater jolted everyone in the car. Su Rui was caught off guard and tumbled forward, but just as she was about to hit the back of the front seat, she was caught steadily by a pair of hands wearing black gloves.

"...!"

A cool, acrid scent of Absinthe suddenly enveloped them. Shining, having unbuckled her seatbelt at some point, was now pulling Su Rui into her arms. Her long, slender fingers ran through his black hair, gently pressing the back of his head to support his shoulder, while her other hand encircled his waist, holding him firmly in her embrace.

Nightingale silently gripped the handrail on the other side.

(really...)

She watched Shining's fluid, almost natural movements, a knowing glint in her golden eyes. From Shining's frequent glances at Su Rui at the village market, to the carefully folded coat that still carried Su Rui's scent when she packed her bags this morning—this usually calm physician had probably been holding back for a long time.

The car shook violently again. Shining pulled Su Rui closer, her grey-purple eyes drooping slightly. The young doctor in her arms nestled against her docilely, sleepy, his even breath brushing against the skin of her neck. She twitched her fingertips and finally couldn't resist ruffling his fluffy hair.

Nightingale suddenly reached out and poked Su Rui's cheek.

"Ugh..." The person being harassed unconsciously frowned and burrowed closer to a warmer spot. Now his nose was almost touching Shining's collarbone, and he clung to her like a koala.

Shining looked up.

Two gazes met in mid-air. Nightingale tilted her head, her fingertips still hovering beside Su Rui's face, her golden eyelashes blinking, revealing a "I know everything" smile.

Su Rui woke up to a gentle shaking.

His consciousness slowly rose as if submerged in warm water. He first smelled a faint scent of Absinthe, then felt his cheek pressed against a soft, slightly cool fabric. His eyelashes trembled, and he barely opened his eyes. What came into view was a familiar silver-white—the front of the Shining's uniform, now rising and falling slightly with his breath.

(What's going on?)

He blinked blankly, then realized he was nestled in Shining's arms. Shining's long, slender fingers were gently stroking the back of his neck, like soothing a sleepy cat.

"Woke up?"

A calm voice came from above. Su Rui looked up and met Shining's lowered gray-purple eyes. The afterglow of the setting sun shone through the car window onto her face, gilding her usually cold and aloof face with a warm hue, making even the almost imperceptible curve of her lips appear exceptionally soft.

Su Rui instinctively tried to straighten up, but found that the other person's arm was still around his waist. His ears burned, and his voice was still hoarse from just waking up. "I... how did I end up here?"

"Nightingale is going to deal with the sudden injuries." Shining released his grip, letting him sit up abruptly. "You were sleeping too soundly."

Only then did Su Rui realize that they were the only two left in the carriage. Outside the window, the Rhodes Island helipad was brightly lit, and the Medical Department's logo in the distance glowed blue in the twilight. He rubbed his temples, trying to recall how he went from "dozing off in the car" to "waking up in Shining's arms," but his memory was fragmented in the scenes of the bumpy mountain road.

Volume 12, Chapter 696: When Will the Bet Be Discovered?

How long did I sleep?

"Three hours and twenty-seven minutes." Shining straightened his wrinkled cuffs. "You drooled all over my shoulder."

Su Rui almost choked on her own words. "Impossible!"

He frantically tried to check the other person's shoulder, but before he could touch her uniform, a finger pressed against his forehead. Shining had somehow gotten so close that he could see his own flushed face reflected in her pupils.

"Just kidding."

As she spoke, her breath brushed against his nose. Su Rui froze, suddenly realizing that this usually stern and unsmiling physician now had a mischievous glint in his eyes.

The sound of hurried footsteps came from afar.

"Su Rui! You're awake?" Nightingale trotted over and opened the car door, her golden ponytail swaying with the movement. She glanced at Su Rui, whose face was flushed, then at Shining, who seemed completely at ease, and suddenly narrowed her eyes. "Did you two do something behind my back?"

"No!" Su Rui blurted out.

Shining calmly picked up the medical kit. "He's a terrible sleeper."

Nightingale chuckled and pulled Su Rui out of the car. "Let's go, Dr. Kal'tsit is waiting to see our report—" She whispered in Su Rui's ear, "By the way, your hair looks like it's been struck by lightning."

Su Rui frantically tried to smooth his hair, while Nightingale laughed and ran off. Just as he was about to chase after her, he felt someone gently tug at the hem of his clothes.

Shining pinned a silver hair clip to his collar—the same one she had given Nightingale before.

"Next time," she released her grip, her voice as soft as a sigh, "If you sleep this long again, remember to find a more comfortable position."

Su Rui stared blankly at her retreating figure as she walked towards the Medical Department, her fingertips unconsciously touching the cold edge of the hair clip. Nightingale waved to him at the end of the corridor, the setting sun casting long, long shadows of the three of them.

Morning light filtered through the semi-transparent curtains, casting dappled patterns of light on the wooden floor. Su Rui turned over in his sleep, his black hair scattered messily on the pillow, revealing a section of his fair nape. Nightingale was already awake, and was now gently tracing a faint scar on his collarbone with her fingertips—a souvenir from the last mission.

"Hmm..." Su Rui frowned in his sleep, unconsciously grabbing the mischievous hand. Nightingale chuckled softly, her golden hair cascading down as she leaned over, the ends brushing against his cheek.

"Time to get up, you sleepyhead." Her voice was softer than the morning dew.

Su Rui groggily opened his eyes, his dark pupils gleaming like honey in the sunlight. Before he was fully awake, he saw Nightingale's magnified face and the cunning glint in her eyes.

"Good morning--"

Her soft lips suddenly pressed against his, sealing away the unspoken words. Su Rui's eyelashes trembled violently, her sleepiness instantly vanishing. He could taste the lingering minty toothpaste on her lips and feel her delicate nose gently brush against his cheek. The kiss was as light as a feather, yet it made his ears burn instantly.

"Nightingale! I haven't brushed my teeth yet..."

The protest was interrupted by a second kiss. This time, Nightingale deliberately increased the pressure, gently biting his lower lip with her pearly teeth. Su Rui gasped, his fingers unconsciously clenching the sheets.

"I don't mind." Nightingale stepped back slightly, her tongue lingeringly licking the corner of her lips. Her position, propped above Su Rui, caused the neckline of her nightgown to droop slightly, revealing a dazzling expanse of snow-white skin.

Su Rui's Adam's apple bobbed, and she was about to say something when she suddenly caught sight of a figure in the doorway. Shining was standing there, the fried eggs on the tray in her hand still sizzling. The silver-haired doctor's grey-purple eyes calmly swept over the two people snuggling together on the bed, his face revealing no emotion.

"Breakfast."

A brief declarative sentence. The tray made a slight clinking sound as it was placed on the bedside table. Nightingale reluctantly sat up, but her fingers still lingered on a strand of Su Rui's black hair.

"Thank you, Dr. Shining ~" Her tone was as sweet as honey, but her eyes were fixed on the other person's next move.

Shining didn't leave immediately. She reached out and straightened Su Rui's crumpled collar, her fingertips seemingly unintentionally brushing against his Adam's apple. Then, to their astonishment, she suddenly leaned down—

This kiss was completely different from Nightingale's. Shining's lips were cool, carrying the scent of Absinthe, yet possessing an irresistible force. Her slender fingers ran through Su Rui's hair, pressing him towards her until she felt his suddenly accelerated pulse before she withdrew, satisfied.

"Replenish energy." She straightened up, her tone as calm as if she were discussing a medical case.

Su Rui froze completely, his dark eyes wide open like a frightened cat. His gaze mechanically darted back and forth between the two of them, his lips still slightly parted.

Nightingale chuckled and poked his burning cheek. "Snap out of it." She turned to Shining, her eyes sparkling with unspoken understanding. "I knew you wouldn't be able to resist."

Shining elegantly wiped her mouth, her white coat tracing a clean arc as she turned. "The meeting starts at nine." She paused at the doorway, "Remember to make sure he has breakfast."

The sound of the door closing finally startled the dazed Su Rui. He grabbed Nightingale's wrist abruptly. "Wait! What's going on? When did you—"

"Hmm?" Nightingale tilted her head, her golden hair shimmering with a honey-like glow in the morning light. "Didn't Dr. Shining tell you?" She leaned close to Su Rui's ear, her warm breath brushing against his earlobe. "We bet on when you'll find out... She bets three months, I bet two weeks."

Su Rui's expression was priceless. He opened his mouth, then closed it again, finally burying his face in the pillow in frustration. "So I'm the last one to know?"

Nightingale chuckled and ruffled his dark hair, then suddenly threw back the covers and jumped out of bed. "Oh no! We're going to be late!" She grabbed a piece of bread, stuffed it in her mouth, and mumbled, "Remember to finish your milk!"

After washing up and changing into his uniform, Su Rui was still immersed in the two unexpected kisses that morning, his head spinning. He unconsciously touched his lips as he walked, his amber eyes slightly unfocused, and he didn't even notice when someone greeted him in the corridor.

"Su Rui? Su Rui!"

Closure waved her hand in front of his eyes, Su Rui snapped back to reality, blinking, "... Huh? What's wrong?"

Closure raised an eyebrow, a mischievous glint in her eyes. "Wow, that expression... what happened last night?"

Su Rui's ears turned red instantly. He coughed lightly, "It's nothing, I'm just... a little sleepy."

Closure a meaningful "Oh," and patted him on the shoulder with a smile, "Alright, but you'd better straighten your collar."

Su Rui glanced down and noticed his uniform collar was crooked, clearly neglected by Nightingale or Shining that morning. He frantically tried to adjust it, only making it worse, and finally gave up, sighing, "Oh well, it's just going to the Doctor's..."

Volume 12, Chapter 697: Like He Hadn't Woke Up Yet

In the corridor, many operators couldn't help but glance at him a few more times.

Why does Su Rui look so dazed today?

"So cute... like a cat that hasn't woken up yet."

"His collar is crooked, should we point it out to him?"

Completely oblivious to the whispers around him, Su Rui was still trying to recall the feel of Shining's kiss that morning—cool lips, the scent of Absinthe, and the sensation of her fingertips tracing the back of his neck...

(Wait, what am I thinking!)

He shook his head violently, trying to clear his mind, but accidentally bumped into Huang who was walking towards him.

"Ouch!"

Huang grabbed him and laughed loudly, "Su Rui, are you sleepwalking?"

Su Rui rubbed her forehead, a little embarrassed. "Sorry, I spaced out..."

Huang looked him up and down, then suddenly grinned mischievously. "Tsk tsk tsk, looks like last night was quite intense?"

Su Rui: "...???"

Huang patted him on the shoulder, giving him an "I understand" look. "It's alright, you're young, just take care of yourself."

Su Rui: "... If you know, please don't say it."

Huang laughed heartily, waved his hand, and left, leaving Su Rui standing there, looking completely bewildered.

(... What exactly is wrong with me?)

He looked down at himself—his uniform collar was askew, his hair was sticking up a bit, and his gaze was indeed somewhat unfocused...

(... Never mind, I'd better hurry over to the Doctor's.)

Finally, Su Rui stood in front of the Doctor's office door. He took a deep breath, composed himself, and raised his hand to knock.

"Please come in."

A Doctor voice came from inside the door.

Su Rui pushed open the door and entered, only to find the Doctor sitting behind his desk, holding a coffee and looking at him with a meaningful expression.

Doctor: "... Su Rui, your collar is askew."

Su Rui: "..."

(... Is the whole world reminding me of this today??)

He silently raised his hand to straighten his collar, trying to make himself look more respectable. "... Good morning, Mother."

The Doctor put down her coffee cup, a slight smile playing on her lips. "Good morning." She paused, then added, "Looks like you slept very well last night?"

Su Rui: "..."

(... Have I been seen through by everyone??)

Seeing his face gradually turn red, the Doctor finally couldn't help but laugh out loud, "Alright, I won't tease you anymore, come and sit down."

Su Rui breathed a sigh of relief and obediently went over to sit down. But when she looked down, she found a photo on the Doctor's desk—a group photo of him, Nightingale, Shining having dinner in the restaurant last night.

In the photo, Nightingale is smiling as she puts a piece of cake into his mouth, while Shining watches him quietly, her grey-purple eyes filled with a rare gentleness.

Su Rui stared at the photo for a few seconds, then suddenly felt...

(These kinds of days seem really nice.)

The Doctor followed his gaze and chuckled softly, "Looks like you've finally adapted?"

Su Rui scratched her cheek and muttered softly, "... It still feels a little unreal."

The Doctor gently ruffled his hair, his voice soft. "Take your time, you have plenty of time."

Su Rui nodded, a smile unconsciously spreading across her face.

Su Rui's fingers flew across the keyboard, the data on the screen scrolling like a waterfall. The Doctor sat in his office chair, one hand supporting his chin, watching the report he had spent three hours trying to sort out being reclassified at an astonishing speed in his adopted son's hands. Sunlight streamed through the blinds, casting fine beams of light between them, the dancing spots falling on Su Rui's eyelashes and making his amber pupils glow with a honey-like luster.

"Alright." After pressing the last Enter key, Su Rui turned the terminal to the Doctor. "Using this method to allocate supplies to areas with high concentrations of Infected can save 23% on transportation costs."

The Doctor reached out and ruffled his fluffy black hair, the lingering scent of cedarwood from the shampoo wafting from her fingertips. This habitual action startled both of them—ten years ago, in the ruins of Chernobog, she had done the same, brushing the dust from the young boy's hair and wrapping him, shivering, in her protective suit.

"What's wrong?" As Su Rui tilted her head, a stray strand of hair stuck up.

"Sometimes I forget..." The Doctor's thumb brushed against the faint dark circles under his eyes, "... that little boy who used to cling to his toys and wouldn't let go, is now able to manage the entire Rhodes Island logistics system for me."

Su Rui's ears burned slightly as she looked down, fiddling with the buttons on her uniform cuffs. This tactical expert, unfazed on the battlefield, was now as flustered as a child being praised, "You know perfectly well what I inherited... those data just jump into my head on their own."