Ark Simulator, Don't I Have No Physical Body? Chapter 343

"His entire family will suffer social extinction within aristocratic circles." Talulah's smile turned dangerous. "How interesting."

The room fell silent, save for the faint hum of the data stream. Talulah abruptly reached out and shut down all the projectors, staring at Su Rui in the dim light. "Why go to this extent?"

Su Rui was taken aback.

"This intelligence is enough to ignite a civil war in Ursus." She leaned forward, her long hair falling onto the solid wood tabletop. "You could have done it in a gentler way..."

"Because it's the fastest way." Su Rui looked directly into her eyes. "The military nobility are driving civilians to their deaths at the border, and every day they delay—" his fist clenched unconsciously, "There will be more tragedies like those in Chernobog."

The flickering light from the wall lamp danced in Talulah's eyes. Suddenly, she reached out and pressed her hand against the back of Su Rui's neck, her forehead against his, a possessive gesture tinged with an uncanny tenderness. "You're still the same..."

Three rhythmic knocks came from the door, followed by Shining's cold voice. "Coffee."

Talulah raised an eyebrow and released her hand. As the door opened, Shining stood backlit, carrying a tray, with Nightingale standing quietly behind her. Their gazes swept over the last file on the table that was still open—a 3D structural diagram of Grand Duke Sergei's mansion, marked with seven security vulnerabilities.

Nightingale placed a cup of coffee with double the sugar in front of Su Rui: "Do you need the medical team on standby?"

"Not for now." As Su Rui took the coffee, she lightly tapped three short and one long Morse code on the rim of the cup with her fingertips—[Secure].

Shining nodded almost imperceptibly, then suddenly slammed a magnetic card on the table. "Silverlance Pegasi Third Squadron has changed into civilian clothes and is on standby at the opera house." She looked at Talulah, "Your men?"

"My guards are attending Sergei's daughter's name-day celebration." Talulah toyed with the magnetic card, a bloodthirsty smile suddenly spreading across her face. "Speaking of which, his daughter's one-month-old illegitimate child... seems to look a bit like me?"

Nightingale suddenly coughed softly, and all three of them looked at Su Rui at the same time.

"... You planned this all along?" Su Rui's coffee cup froze in mid-air.

Talulah stood up laughing, her military boots stomping across the Persian carpet. A seal of Ursus royal wax flicked from her fingers toward Su Rui: "These files will be on every nobleman's bedside table before sunrise tomorrow." She leaned down and planted a kiss on his lips.

As the door to the reception room closed again, Su Rui looked at the scalding hot sealing wax stamp in her hand.

Talulah stood at the mansion gate, where a black sedan of the Ursus Royal Guard had been waiting quietly for some time. The night wind whipped her long, crimson hair, which danced like flames in the moonlight.

"Really not staying another night?" Su Rui leaned against the stone pillar in the porch, her tone relaxed, but her fingertips unconsciously rubbed the still-warm wax seal.

Talulah turned to look at him, her crimson eyes shining brightly in the night. "What, you can't bear to part with me?"

Su Rui shrugged. "I was just worried you'd be too tired from traveling all night."

Volume 12, Chapter 749: Can't Breathe

"Heh." Talulah chuckled softly, then strode back to him. She grabbed Su Rui's tie, forcing him to lower his head, and then kissed him deeply. The kiss was as hot as Ursus liquor, almost suffocating Su Rui.

When the two finally separated, Talulah ran her thumb across his bitten lip. "This mark will stay until tomorrow morning," she said, her voice low and dangerous, "Enough to let certain people know who you are."

Su Rui smiled helplessly, "Are you asserting your sovereignty?"

"No." Talulah her grip and turned to walk towards the car. "I was just reminding you—" She glanced back at the lit second-floor window, where Shining and Nightingale were faintly visible, "Don't think you'll be at ease just because I'm gone."

The sound of the car door closing was particularly clear in the night. Su Rui stood there, watching the black car slowly drive away until it disappeared completely at the end of the street.

He raised his hand to touch his stinging lips, shook his head and chuckled softly, "Really..."

Talulah's car disappeared into the night. Su Rui stood at the gate of the mansion, the night breeze ruffling his hair. He exhaled softly, his fingertips unconsciously rubbing the corner of his lips—where the stinging sensation left by Talulah still lingered.

"Su Rui."

Shining's voice came from the second-floor window, clear and cold as frost. Su Rui looked up and saw her leaning against the window, her red eyes appearing exceptionally deep in the moonlight. Nightingale stood beside her, her long golden hair gently lifted by the night breeze, her blue eyes filled with a gentle smile.

"It's time to rest," Shining said calmly.

Su Rui nodded. "Okay, I'll be right up."

He turned and walked into the mansion. The knights with Silverlance Pegasi were still standing at attention on both sides of the corridor. When they saw him pass by, they all bowed. Su Rui waved his hand, indicating that they did not need to be so polite.

Upon reaching the second floor, he found that Shining and Nightingale were no longer by the window. The bedroom door was ajar, with warm yellow light shining through the crack. Su Rui pushed the door open and saw Nightingale making the bed, while Shining sat in an armchair by the window, holding a book. She glanced up at him as he entered.

"You..." Su Rui hesitated, "Are you going to stay here tonight?"

Nightingale turned around and smiled slightly, "Yes, we've discussed it, we'll live here from now on."

Su Rui was taken aback. "You live here?"

Shining closed the book, stood up, and walked up to him. "What, not welcome?"

Her tone remained cold, but Su Rui could sense a hint of tenderness in her eyes. He quickly shook his head. "It's not that I don't welcome you, it's just..."

"Just what?" Shining raised an eyebrow.

Su Rui scratched his head and smiled helplessly, "I just didn't expect you guys to decide to stay so readily."

The Nightingale walked to his side and gently took his hand. "We don't want to bother you."

Su Rui was slightly taken aback. "Troubled?"

Nightingale nodded, her blue eyes filled with apology. "We were too... clingy before, making you feel uncomfortable, right?"

Su Rui was silent for a moment, then finally sighed softly, "Actually, it's not that I feel uncomfortable, it's just that sometimes I need a little space..."

Shining scoffed, "So we're giving you space now."

Su Rui looked at her and couldn't help but laugh, "You live here and you call it giving me space?"

Shining turned her face away, her tone still indifferent. "We won't disturb your work."

Nightingale added, "And if you need to be alone, just let us know."

Looking at them, Su Rui felt a surge of warmth in his heart. He knew they were caring for him in their own ways, even if sometimes their methods were a bit... direct.

"Okay." He nodded, a smile playing on his lips. "Then please take care of me from now on."

Nightingale smiled happily, while Shining gave a soft "hmm," sat back down in her armchair, picked up her book, and continued reading.

Su Rui sat down on the bedside and watched Nightingale's busy figure. Suddenly, she felt that this kind of life wasn't so bad.

"Oh, by the way," Nightingale suddenly turned around, "What would you like for breakfast tomorrow?"

Su Rui thought for a moment and said, "Whatever, I like anything you make."

Nightingale blinked. "And... what about dessert?"

Su Rui chuckled, "You want dessert first thing in the morning?"

The Nightingale smiled slyly, "Because you like it."

Shining chimed in casually, "Don't spoil him."

Su Rui protested, "How am I the one who gets spoiled?"

The Nightingale covered her mouth and chuckled softly, "Because you always have been."

Su Rui sat at her desk, her fingers tapping lightly on the surface, her gaze shifting back and forth between Shining and Nightingale.

"Um..." he hesitated for a moment, then said, "I have a suggestion."

Shining put down her book, her red eyes sweeping over him indifferently. "Speak."

The Nightingale gazed at him tenderly, awaiting what would follow.

Su Rui cleared her throat lightly. "I really enjoy being with you guys, but sometimes... I also need some time to myself."

The Nightingale blinked. "Your own time?"

"Hmm." Su Rui nodded, "For example, playing on your phone, playing games, or just spacing out."

Shining frowned slightly. "A waste of time."

Su Rui smiled helplessly, "This isn't a waste of time, it's relaxation."

Nightingale pondered for a moment, then smiled understandingly, "I understand. You want us to give you some alone time from time to time, right?"

"Yes." Su Rui breathed a sigh of relief. "It's not that I want to distance myself from you, it's just... sometimes we need to adjust the pace."

Shining remained silent for a moment, then finally let out a soft hum. "Whatever."

Su Rui knew that this was already a concession on her part.

Nightingale gently took his hand. "Okay, we promise you. But you also have to promise us that you won't be addicted to games all the time and that you'll get enough rest."

Su Rui smiled and nodded, "No problem."

Shining glanced at him. "If I find out you're staying up all night playing games..."

Su Rui immediately raised her hands in surrender. "I promise I won't!"

Nightingale chuckled softly, while Shining turned her face away, a slight smile playing on her lips.

After the discussion, Su Rui was in a great mood and quickly picked up the documents on the table to process them.

"Strange, why is my efficiency so high today?" he muttered to himself.

Nightingale, who was tidying up the bookshelf nearby, chuckled upon hearing this, "Because you're feeling relaxed, aren't you?"

Shining sat by the window and added casually, "Without distractions, efficiency is naturally high."

Su Rui couldn't help but laugh, "Are you guys praising yourselves?"

The Nightingale winked mischievously. "Who knows?"

Shining gave a soft hum and continued reading, but Su Rui clearly saw the corners of her lips slightly upturned.

In the evening, Su Rui finally finished her work and stretched.

"Done!" He closed the file with satisfaction, picked up his phone, and said, "Now it's my game time."

Nightingale smiled and nodded, "Go ahead, I'll call you when dinner is ready."

Shining didn't even look up. "Don't play for too long."

Su Rui gave an "OK" sign, turned around and walked to the sofa, where she comfortably settled in and opened the game.

Nightingale watched his retreating figure and whispered to Shining, "This is fine too, isn't it?"

Shining turned a page of her book and said calmly, "Hmm."

Is that all for volume 12, chapter 750?

Nightingale gently tugged at Shining's sleeve and led her to a corner of the corridor.

"Shining, spend more time with Su Rui these days." Her voice was soft, but carried a barely perceptible tremor.

Shining frowned slightly. "What do you mean?"

Nightingale lowered her head, her golden hair falling to obscure her expression. "His body... is nearing its limit."

Shining's pupils contracted sharply, and his fingers clenched involuntarily. "What did you say?"

"This body is just a temporary vessel; it won't last much longer." Nightingale's voice trailed off, "The Doctor said he has at most two more weeks..."

Shining remained silent for a long time, so long that Nightingale thought she would never speak again.

"... Does he himself know about this?"

Nightingale shook her head. "He probably doesn't know; the Doctor didn't tell him."

Shining took a deep breath and turned to leave. Nightingale quickly grabbed her. "What are you doing?"

"Tell him," Shining's voice was as cold as ice, "He has the right to know."

Nightingale's hand tightened. "But..."

"No buts," Shining interrupted her. "Hiding it will only make the separation more painful."

Nightingale bit her lip and finally released her grip. "... You're right."

Su Rui was curled up on the sofa playing games, her fingers flying across the screen as she muttered, "That was a good move."

Suddenly, a pair of hands wrapped around his shoulders from behind.

"Whoa!" Su Rui was so startled she almost threw her phone away. "The... the Shining?"

Shining didn't speak, but simply rested her chin on his head and tightened her arms around him.

Su Rui froze. "Um... I was playing ranked matches..."

"I know," Shining's voice was muffled, "You keep fighting."

Su Rui blinked and tentatively continued operating. Shining really just held him quietly, without moving.

It's a bit strange, but... it doesn't seem so bad?

Nightingale stood at the kitchen doorway, watching this scene, her eyes slightly red.

"Nightingale?" Su Rui noticed her gaze. "What's wrong?"