Ark Simulator, Aren't I Supposed to Have No Physical Form?

Jessica froze for a second, then burst into cheers, leaping forward to hug his neck. "Really?!"

Su Rui's body stiffened slightly, but she didn't push her away; she just gave a soft "hmm."

Ice Brew leaned against the kitchen door, holding a cup of hot tea in her hands, watching this scene, her eyebrows curving into a gentle arc.

Outside the window, the setting sun bathed the entire town in an orange-red hue, and wisps of smoke rose from chimneys, mingling with the aroma of food. The warm yellow light in the tavern cast a soft, diffused glow on the three figures, as if adding a gentle filter to the moment.

"Are we still having class tomorrow?" Ice Brew asked.

"I will!" Jessica answered without hesitation, turning to look at Su Rui, "And you?"

Su Rui picked up the gun parts again, lowered her head, and continued assembling them, her voice calm. "Whatever."

But this time, the corners of his mouth turned up slightly, without him even noticing.

"Su Rui— " Jessica drawled, her fingers hooking around his tactical belt, "It's time to sleep."

The character on the game screen was killed due to a lapse in control, and the blood-red "GAME OVER" message was reflected in Su Rui's pupils. He put down the controller and turned to look at Jessica, who was lying on his back—her blue hair hung down, the ends brushing against his cheek, carrying a faint scent of shampoo.

"It's only ten o'clock." He glanced at the terminal.

Jessica rested her chin on his shoulder, her warm breath brushing against his ear. "But you want to go early tomorrow."

Su Rui's Adam's apple bobbed, but she didn't speak.

Volume 14, Chapter 804: No Playing Games Allowed

Jessica seized the opportunity to snatch the game controller from his hand, her fingertips deliberately brushing against his palm. "Besides, Ice Brew said it'll snow tonight, and it'll be warmer in bed..."

Snow had indeed begun to fall outside the window, the fine snowflakes pattering softly against the glass. The firelight from the fireplace cast their shadows on the wall, overlapping into a blurry mass.

Su Rui was silent for a few seconds, then suddenly reached out and grabbed her wrist, pulling her up with him as he stood up. "... Too talkative."

Jessica laughed triumphantly, jogging to catch up with him, and suddenly jumped onto his back at the corner of the stairs. Su Rui instinctively supported her legs, hearing her whisper in her ear, "I can't walk anymore, carry me."

"... trouble."

But his arm remained firmly around her, without swaying an inch.

The moment the bedroom door closed, Jessica was pressed against it. Su Rui's breathing was heavier than usual, his dark eyes appearing particularly deep in the dim light. Jessica looked up at him, her fingers tugging at his loose collar. "Why are you being so obedient today..."

Su Rui didn't answer, but lowered his head and bit her lower lip, the force neither too light nor too heavy, causing her to let out a soft moan. Jessica's hand slid into his black hair, her fingertips touching his burning earlobe—this man was clearly being incredibly proactive, yet his ears were honestly bright red.

The snow outside the window was falling heavier and heavier, and the wind howled past, carrying the snowflakes with it. The bedside lamp was knocked over, and its light shone obliquely on the floor, casting shadows of clothes haphazardly piled up.

Jessica bit Su Rui's shoulder for a moment, mumbling a complaint, "... Gently..."

Su Rui responded by hugging her even tighter, his sweaty forehead pressed against hers, and he whispered something between breaths, which was drowned out by the creaking of the wooden bed.

As the morning light seeped into the room, the first thing Su Rui felt was weight— Jessica was wrapped around him, her arms around his waist, her blue hair spread across his chest. Her cheek was pressed against his shoulder, her nose against his collarbone, and her warm breath brushed against his skin.

Su Rui blinked. Last night's memories were like ink spreading in water— Jessica's wet blue eyes, her biting his finger and saying "enough" before pulling his hair in annoyance when he stopped, and finally, the intimacy of her unconsciously rubbing against his palm as she curled up in his arms, half asleep.

He tried to move away carefully, but as soon as he did, Jessica frowned, grunted, tightened her arms around him, and put her legs over him, pressing him down like a koala clinging to a tree trunk.

"... Jessica," he called her softly.

"Mmm..." she mumbled, not even opening her eyes, instead burying her face deeper into the crook of his neck, "Just five more minutes..."

Su Rui looked at her messy blue hair and slightly trembling eyelashes, and finally didn't move. The snow outside the window had stopped, and the sunlight shone on the snow, reflecting a dazzling light. The aroma of toasting bread wafted from downstairs in the Ice Brew tavern, and the crisp sound of knives and forks clattering could be faintly heard.

Jessica's fingers unconsciously traced circles on his waist, her breathing gradually becoming steady. Su Rui stared at the ceiling for a while, then suddenly reached out and pulled her closer, resting his chin on the top of her head and closing his eyes.

Five minutes, then another five minutes.

When Jessica came downstairs, her Ice Brew deer antlers peeked out from the kitchen doorway as she frantically flipped the fried eggs in the pan. Morning light streamed through the window onto the countertop, making her reddened ear tips almost translucent.

"Did you sleep well last night?" Ice Brew leaned against the doorframe, twirling a silver dinner knife in her hand. "I think I heard the ceiling creaking for half the night."

The spatula clattered into the pan. Jessica's blue hair stood on end, making her look like a startled cat. "Th-th, the snow was too heavy!"

"Really?" Ice Brew tapped the ice crystal ornament hanging from her antlers with her fingertips. "But I clearly heard someone shout ' Su Rui, you bastard'--"

"Ice Brew!!"

The oven's "ding" saved Jessica from nearly smoking. She practically jumped to grab the baking tray, only to burn her fingertips with the steam and frantically shake her hand. Ice Brew smiled and handed her a damp towel, then suddenly noticed a faint red mark below her collarbone.

"Looks like our sniper," Ice Brew lowered his voice, "Has pretty good aim."

Jessica clutched her collar, forgetting even to grab the baking tray, and rushed to the pantry. "I'm going to get the jam!"

At the bar, Su Rui was slowly and methodically assembling the sniper rifle that had been carelessly tossed into the living room the night before. The metal parts clicked precisely between his fingers, producing a reassuring sound.

"You bullied someone and then came here to act all profound?" Ice Brew slammed the fried egg sandwich in front of him, the porcelain plate making a crisp sound as it collided with the wooden countertop.

Su Rui didn't even look up. "She pounced on me herself."

"Oh--" Ice Brew drawled, Deer Ears twitched merrily, "So Blacksteel's ace sniper can't even dodge a little kitten?"

The trigger spring made a soft "click." Su Rui finally looked up, a warning glint in his dark eyes. "The bread's burnt."

"Oh dear, I'm so sorry," Ice Brew shrugged insincerely. "After all, someone slept in this morning, and no one helped control the heat."

Through the crack in the storeroom door, Jessica's fingers trembled slightly as she held the jam jar. She heard the sound of Su Rui's military boots rolling across the floor, the soft clinking of his metal cufflinks against the porcelain as he picked up his coffee cup, and then she heard him say in that distinctive, sleepy, hoarse voice after he put the cup down:

"Her back is still sore, don't let her lift heavy things."

Jessica nearly dropped the jam jar. She pressed her burning cheek against the cool glass jar, thinking she had completely lost face today.

At lunchtime, Jessica refused to leave the kitchen, insisting on researching some "new dish." Ice Brew, holding a dessert wine, leaned against the counter, watching her cut carrots into strange shapes on the cutting board.

"Actually," Ice Brew suddenly said, "He secretly asked me this morning if I had any ointment to relieve muscle soreness."

The cleaver stopped in mid-air.

"He even specifically requested an unscented one," Ice Brew, swirling his glass, "Saying someone has an incredibly sensitive nose."

Jessica's ears turned red visibly. She lowered her head and continued chopping carrots, her voice muffled. "... That idiot."

"Yes," Ice Brew smiled and took a sip of her drink, "They could have shown their concern directly through actions, but instead they chose to beat around the bush."

The storage room door was suddenly pulled open. Su Rui stood in the doorway, holding the strawberry jam Jessica had been searching for, and said expressionlessly, "The city defense system inspection has been postponed to this afternoon."

Jessica dropped the cleaver from her hand onto the cutting board with a clatter.

Ice Brew discreetly slipped out of the kitchen, mouthing to Su Rui before leaving, "The ointment is under your pillow."

Sunlight filtered through the sheer curtains, casting dappled shadows on the kitchen floor. Su Rui walked to the counter, picked up Jessica's crookedly cut carrot, looked at it, and suddenly wrapped her arms around Jessica from behind, resting her chin on Jessica's shoulder. "Cut it this thick, even a rabbit wouldn't eat it."

"N-None of your business!" Jessica's hands trembled so much she could barely hold the knife.

Su Rui took her hand and guided her to make the incision again. His chest pressed against her back, his breath brushing against her flushed earlobe. "Concentrate."

The sounds of workers chatting and laughing drifted in from outside the window, along with the accordion music played by a street performer. The sign of the Ice Brew tavern swayed gently in the wind, casting a shadow that perfectly blocked the kitchen window, as if creating a private space for the two of them.

Jessica leaned back slightly, sinking deeper into his embrace. Su Rui's fingertips brushed against the back of her hand, bearing the calluses from years of holding a gun, yet gentler than any silk.

Volume 14, page 805: Anti-swelling ointment

Jessica grabbed Su Rui's sleeve and practically fled the tavern. Ice Brew, leaning against the doorframe, the icy ornaments on her antlers glittering in the sunlight, smiled and deliberately drawled, "Remember to buy some ointment to reduce swelling—"

"Ice Brew!!" Jessica shouted without turning her head, her voice trembling with embarrassment and anger, her fingers unconsciously tightening, her nails almost digging into the fabric of Su Rui's sleeve.

Su Rui let her pull him along, following behind her at a leisurely pace, his dark eyes lowered, his gaze fixed on the tips of her reddened ears. Pedestrians came and went on the street, occasionally casting curious glances, but quickly looking away at Su Rui's indifferent gaze. Jessica walked quickly, her blue hair swaying slightly behind her head like a restless flame.

"If you pull any harder, the sleeve will tear." Su Rui finally spoke, his voice low and tinged with a hint of mockery.

Jessica stopped abruptly, realizing she was still gripping his sleeve tightly. She quickly released her grip, her fingertips unconsciously rubbing together as if checking to make sure the fabric wasn't wrinkled. She turned her face away, feigning interest in the fruit at the street stall. "... Who told you to walk so slowly?"

Su Rui didn't argue, but simply reached out to tuck a strand of wind-blown hair behind her ear, her fingertips lightly brushing against Jessica's earlobe. Jessica stiffened, almost jumping up, but Su Rui had already withdrawn her hand, looking ahead with a normal expression. "Where do you want to go?"

Jessica took a deep breath, trying to calm her racing heart. She stole a glance at him and noticed a slight smile playing on his lips; he was clearly enjoying her momentary panic. She bit her lower lip, then suddenly reached out and took his arm, deliberately tilting her chin up. "Anywhere is fine, as long as you come with me."

Su Rui raised an eyebrow, but didn't pull away. Her arm was pressed against his, her body heat seeping through the fabric, soft and warm. More and more people were walking on the street, vendors' cries rose and fell, and the sweet aroma of toast and icing filled the air. Jessica gradually relaxed, her steps becoming lighter, occasionally stopping to admire a little trinket at a stall.

"How about this?" She picked up a silver hair clip, engraved with tiny snowflake patterns, which shimmered in the sunlight.

Su Rui glanced at it and said casually, "It's easy to get caught in your hair."

Jessica pouted, but still put the hair clip back. As she turned around, she bumped into his arms. Su Rui's hand rested on her waist to steady her, and he asked softly, "Can't you even watch where you're going?"

Jessica looked up at him, only to find his gaze fixed on her face, her reflection etched in his dark eyes, so focused it made her gasp. She instinctively licked her lips, her voice softening involuntarily. "... Who told you to stand so close?"

Su Rui didn't speak, but simply raised his hand and gently pinched the back of her neck, as if soothing a cat with its fur standing on end. Jessica shrank back, but didn't pull away; instead, she snuggled closer to him. The hustle and bustle of the street seemed to fade into the distance at that moment, leaving only the warmth of his palm and his breath so close to hers.

"Su Rui," she suddenly called to him.

"Um?"

"... It's nothing." She shook her head, but a smile involuntarily crept onto her lips.

Su Rui looked at her for a moment, then suddenly bent down and gently touched her forehead, the movement so quick it was almost an illusion. Jessica's eyes widened, and before she could react, he had already straightened up and casually taken her hand. "Let's go, it'll get dark if we dawdle any longer."

Jessica was pulled forward by him, stunned. Her fingertips curled up in his palm, her heart pounding as if it would burst out of her chest. The streetlights gradually came on, their warm yellow glow enveloping their clasped hands and casting overlapping shadows on the ground.

In the distance, the sound of a street musician playing the piano drifted in, the melodious tune floating in the evening air. Jessica glanced furtively at Su Rui's profile and noticed that his expression was much gentler than usual, even carrying a hint of a smile. She couldn't help but smile as well, her fingers quietly tightening to intertwine with his.

Su Rui glanced at her sideways. "What are you laughing at?"

"I'm not telling you." Jessica blinked, deliberately keeping her in suspense.

Su Rui gave a soft hum, but didn't press the matter, only tightening her grip on her hand. Pedestrians continued to come and go on the street, but the hustle and bustle seemed irrelevant to them at this moment.

Jessica sensed that Su Rui's pace was slowing down, knowing he was already considering returning to the pub. The streetlights flickered on one by one, casting long shadows of the two of them. She suddenly stopped, her fingers gripping Su Rui's sleeve tightly.

"Let's shop around a little longer." Her voice was softer than usual, with an unconscious hint of coquetry. "Ice Brew is probably still waiting in the shop to laugh at us."

Su Rui looked down at her; Jessica's blue hair was slightly lifted by the night breeze, the ends brushing against his chin. He reached out to adjust her collar, his fingertips inadvertently touching the warm skin of her neck. "It's very late."

"Just a moment." Jessica stood on tiptoe, her nose almost touching his chin. "Look over there—"

She pointed to the colorful lights that suddenly lit up in the square in the distance. The multicolored lights stretched out in a continuous line, standing out vividly in the night. The faint sound of cheerful music could be heard, and the noise of the crowd rose and fell.

Su Rui frowned almost imperceptibly, but Jessica had already grabbed his hand and run towards him. Her palm was warm and slightly sweaty, but she held it tightly, as if afraid he would break free.

"Slow down." Su Rui had to quicken her pace to keep up with her, her other hand always outstretched to protect her from being bumped by the crowd.

A makeshift stage had been set up in the center of the square, where several street performers were putting on acrobatics. Jessica pulled Su Rui to the front row, her eyes sparkling as she watched the torches in the performers' hands trace brilliant arcs in the air. The firelight reflected in her pupils, like stars falling into the sea.

"I've seen similar shows in Victoria before," she said, tilting her head back at Su Rui, her voice rising slightly with excitement, "But I've never seen anything like this."

Su Rui's gaze shifted from the stage to her face. Jessica's eyelashes cast fine shadows in the firelight, and the upward curve of her lips reminded him of her smug look after completing the mission. He unconsciously reached out and gently brushed a speck of dust that had somehow gotten onto her cheek with his thumb.

"It's dirty," he explained briefly.

Jessica paused for a moment, then smiled even more brightly. She deliberately rubbed her cheek against his palm, like a spoiled cat. "Su Rui, you actually like this, don't you?"

Which way?

"Shopping and watching shows like a normal person." Her voice lowered, carrying a barely perceptible softness. "No need to be constantly on guard, no need to worry about missions or escape routes."

Volume 14, Chapter 806: Celebrating a Date

Su Rui didn't answer immediately. The performer on stage was tossing torches high into the air, the flames piercing the night sky and illuminating his sharply defined profile. Jessica noticed that his gaze was still habitually scanning his surroundings, and his shoulders weren't completely relaxed.

"It's not something I'm used to," he finally said, his voice low, "But... I don't dislike it."

This answer made Jessica's heart skip a beat. She quietly slipped her fingers between his, interlocking them. Su Rui's hands were large, with calluses on his fingertips and the base of his thumb from years of holding guns; the texture was rough but reassuring.

"Then stay with me a little longer." She shook their clasped hands, "And then we'll go look at the stalls over there."

Su Rui sighed, but Jessica could feel his fingers tighten. "Whatever."

The stall area was bustling with people, and the aroma of various snacks mingled together. Jessica stopped in front of a stall selling handmade candies, watching curiously as the old man skillfully pulled the syrup into thin strands. The old man looked up and smiled at her, his smile, missing a front tooth, was especially kind.

"Want to try some?" The old man pointed with his sugar-coated fingers to the colorful candies on the stall. "Freshly made maple syrup, with a touch of wild berry juice."

Jessica was about to reach out when Su Rui stopped her. He took out a tissue from his pocket and carefully wiped her palms, which were slightly sweaty from excitement, before allowing her to accept the candy from the old man.

"You're becoming more and more like Liskarm," Jessica muttered under her breath. "That's how she manages Franka too."

Su Rui scoffed, "At least Franka wouldn't eat anything given to her by a stranger."

The candy melted in her mouth, its sweet and slightly sour taste making Jessica squint. She suddenly offered the other half of the candy to Su Rui's lips. "Want to try some?"

Su Rui frowned, but still lowered his head and put the candy in his mouth. His lips inadvertently brushed against her fingertips, the warm touch making Jessica's fingers tremble slightly.

"Too sweet," he commented, but Jessica noticed that the tips of his ears were slightly red in the light of the stall.

They continued walking among the stalls, Jessica stopping every now and then to look at this and touch that. Su Rui always followed half a step behind her, like a silent shadow. When she stopped in front of a small trinket stall, Su Rui's eyes were drawn to a sapphire cufflink—the blue reminded him of the color of Jessica's hair.

"You like this?" The stall owner was an elderly woman with a face full of wrinkles, but her eyes shone with an astonishing light. "It suits this gentleman very well."