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

Jessica turned her head and found Su Rui staring intently at the cufflink. She blinked, then suddenly pulled out her wallet. "I want this."

Su Rui frowned. "No need."

"I need it," Jessica said stubbornly, already handing the money to the old woman, "Consider it... a celebration of our first date."

"A date?" There was a barely perceptible hint of surprise in Su Rui's voice.

Jessica's face suddenly flushed. She lowered her head and carefully placed the cufflinks into Su Rui's breast pocket, her fingertips gently smoothing out the wrinkles in the fabric. "It just... meant to browse around."

Su Rui was silent for a moment, then suddenly reached out and picked up a sapphire pendant from a nearby stall. The gemstone was carved into a teardrop shape, shimmering softly under the light. He paid quickly and then, to Jessica's surprise, put the pendant around her neck.

"A return gift," he said briefly, his fingers lingering on the clasp behind her neck to make sure it was fastened securely.

Jessica looked down at the pendant on her chest; the blue of the gemstone was almost identical to the color of her hair. She looked up at Su Rui and found him staring intently at her, his dark eyes reflecting the pendant and her small image.

"Thank you," she said softly, suddenly feeling a tightness in her throat.

As the night deepened, the crowd in the square gradually dispersed. Jessica and Su Rui walked back to the bar, their shadows sometimes overlapping and sometimes separating under the streetlights. Jessica deliberately slowed her pace, her fingers occasionally brushing against the back of Su Rui's hand, as if testing whether he would take her hand again.

"Are you cold?" Su Rui suddenly asked.

Jessica shook her head, but Su Rui had already taken off his coat and draped it over her shoulders. The coat still carried his body heat and a faint smell of gunpowder, making her involuntarily bury her face in the collar and take a deep breath.

"Su Rui," she suddenly stopped, "Can we still do this?"

"How?"

"Like today... just wander around casually." Her voice trailed off. "No need to think about the mission, no need to rush back to report."

Su Rui turned to face her. The night wind tousled his black hair, with a few strands falling across his forehead, making him look less cold and hard than usual. He reached out and tucked a strand of Jessica's wind-blown hair behind her ear, his fingertips lingering on her earlobe for a moment.

"Whatever you want," he said, but this time his tone was more serious.

Jessica laughed and suddenly threw herself into his arms. Su Rui's body stiffened for a moment, but he quickly relaxed and wrapped his arms around her shoulders. She could hear his steady heartbeat, each beat strong and resonant against her eardrums.

"It's a deal then," her voice muffled against his chest, "After the next mission, we'll go explore other places."

Su Rui's chin brushed gently against the top of her head, a tacit agreement. In the distance, the Ice Brew tavern was brightly lit, the condensation on the windows making the light hazy and warm. But at this moment, neither of them seemed to be in a hurry to go back, so they stood under the streetlights, letting the night envelop them.

Jessica suddenly stood on tiptoe, her nose brushing against Su Rui's chin. "Wait, look over there--"

She pointed to a small shop deep in the alley, its windows filled with all sorts of desserts. A handwritten sign on the glass read "Midnight Bakery," and the sweet aroma of cream wafted into the street.

"The last one," Su Rui warned, but had already followed her in that direction.

As the shop door opened, the wind chimes tinkled sweetly. Behind the counter, the shopkeeper Liberi, looked up, his wing-like ear feathers twitching. "Sorry, we're closing soon—"

Before she could finish speaking, Jessica was already pressed against the glass display case, her blue hair almost touching the macarons on the shelf. "Give me a tiramisu!" She turned to Su Rui, her eyes shining brightly, "Your favorite coffee flavor."

Su Rui paused, taken aback—he had never mentioned his taste preferences before.

While the shop owner was packing the food, the knife accidentally grazed Jessica's finger. Su Rui reacted even faster than Jessica apologized, grabbing her wrist to examine it, her brows furrowed so deeply they could crush Originium Slug.

"Really, it's nothing." Jessica shook her fingertips, which didn't even have a red mark, then suddenly grinned mischievously and smeared cream on his nose. "Compared to this—"

Su Rui squinted, his tongue licking off the cream with deliberate slowness. As he leaned over, Jessica thought she was about to be scolded, but instead heard him whisper in her ear, "We'll settle this later."

The warm breath made her legs go weak.

Volume 14, Chapter 807: Reclaiming the Price

Jessica tugged at Su Rui's sleeve, her fingertips still lingering with the sweet scent of tiramisu, and ran through the back door of the tavern. The Ice Brew sign glowed with a cold blue light in the night, and the wooden stairs creaked under their footsteps.

"Are you sure you don't want to sleep?" Su Rui's voice carried a warning, but Jessica had already sunk into the sofa, grabbed the handle, and waved it at him.

"What time is it?!" She kicked off her shoes, her bare toes curling up on the edge of the blanket. "I have to get my revenge for those three games you lost to me last time tonight."

Su Rui chuckled and slowly unbuttoned her coat. The fireplace in the tavern still held warmth, and the light from the electronic screen reflected on his profile, outlining his sharp features. He deliberately sat an arm's length away from her, the handle wire taut and straight.

Jessica immediately sidled up to him, kneeing him in the thigh. "Why are you dodging?"

The neon colors of the game interface danced between them, and the character selection screen jingled. Su Rui chose her usual sniper, while Jessica locked onto the melee assassin without hesitation—she always loved close-quarters combat, reckless and passionate.

Less than 30 seconds into the first game, her character charged into the enemy ranks, and her health bar instantly dropped to zero.

"Su Rui!" she cried out, collapsing against his shoulder, "Cover me!"

He let her hold his right arm down, his sniper scope steadily locking onto the distant enemy. "You rushed in too fast." The sound of bullets whistling through the air rang out one after another, and the enemy's wipeout sign exploded on the screen.

Jessica suddenly sat up, her nose almost brushing against his earlobe. "You could have shot sooner." Her breath smelled of tiramisu.

Su Rui's controller clicked softly. At the start of the second round, his sniper unusually rushed to the front, and Jessica paused for two seconds before smiling and chasing after him.

They sat leg to leg, elbows bumping occasionally. Halfway through the third round, Jessica suddenly threw down the controller. "I'm hungry."

The refrigerator door made a dull thud as it was pulled open. She tiptoed to rummage for ingredients, a little flour getting on the hem of her nightgown. Su Rui leaned against the doorframe with her arms crossed, watching her crack the eggs into the bowl quickly and deftly.

"You said the stew was too salty last time," Jessica said, slicing the onion into even, thin strips. "How about trying something sweet this time?" The knife tapped rhythmically on the cutting board.

Su Rui walked over and wiped the egg wash off her cheek with his fingers. "Whatever." His thumb lingered on the corner of her lips for half a second, as if to check if there were any dessert crumbs left there.

As the butter sizzled in the pan, Jessica suddenly turned around, pressing the spatula against Su Rui's chest. "Don't steal any cheese." She squinted, "I counted."

He held up the torn-open packaging and took another bite without any remorse. "Disgusting."

"Then don't eat it!" Jessica tried to grab it, but he grabbed her wrist and pressed her against the edge of the counter. The aroma of melting cheese filled the air, and the game character on the screen was still on pause, its health bar flashing red.

Her back was pressed against the cold marble countertop, while Su Rui's knee was stuck on her. The shovel clattered to the floor.

"The noodles are going to get soggy," he warned, his breathing heavier than usual.

Jessica hooked her hand on his belt buckle. "Then let go."

The fire on the stove was still burning, and a faint smell of burning wafted from the pot. Su Rui suddenly let go of her, deftly turned off the heat, plated the food, and finally sprinkled it with her chopped Vanilla.

"Eat first, then go to sleep." He pushed the plate in front of her.

Jessica twirled the noodles with her fork, deliberately biting off a sliver of cheese. "Want to play another round?"

Su Rui poked her fried egg with the tip of her fork. "You have early class tomorrow."

"So?" She licked the sauce from her lips.

The game character on the screen was still standing in place when its health bar was suddenly automatically replenished by the system. Su Rui slowly traced the line of her lower lip with her fork, the coolness of the metal making her tremble slightly.

"So," he said, taking the last piece of bacon from her fork, "You have six hours to beg me to go easy on you."

As Jessica laughed and pounced on them, the handle cable got tangled around their ankles. The night breeze lifted a corner of the curtain, and the sign for the Ice Brew brewery flickered in the distance.

Jessica's fingers tapped rapidly on the game controller, and the character on the screen rolled away to hide behind cover. She curled up in the corner of the sofa, her bare toes unconsciously rubbing against the outside of Su Rui's thighs, the hem of her nightgown rolled up above her knees from the sudden movement.

"Left! Left!" she suddenly shouted, almost lunging at the screen.

Su Rui's sniper scope locked firmly on the target, and he shot it in the head. His arm dipped slightly due to Jessica's sudden weight, but his crosshairs remained perfectly straight.

"We won!" Jessica cheered, turning to climb onto Su Rui, her knees between his legs, her blue hair brushing against his chin. "See that! My baiting tactic!"

Su Rui held her waist with one hand to prevent her from falling, while using the other to reload her character: "You were the one who almost got killed by a stray bullet."

Jessica pouted and poked his chest with her finger. "Then why didn't you save me?"

"You only learn from death."

"Su Rui!" she angrily pinched his shoulder, but he suddenly rolled over and pinned her to the sofa. The controller cable got tangled around her wrist, and the metal buttons dug into her waist. Su Rui's black hair hung down, casting a shadow over her in the blue light of the screen.

"The third round," his voice was lower and hoarse than usual, "What are we betting on?"

Jessica's heart suddenly raced; she could feel his steady heartbeat as she pressed her palm against his chest. She deliberately twisted her wrist. "The loser makes breakfast?"

"Your fried egg looks like Originium Slug's shell."

"Then tell me what to bet on!"

Su Rui's thumb brushed against her lower lip, where a little cheese sauce still clung. "The loser..." His breath tickled her ear, "... answers the other person a question."

Jessica suddenly held her breath. The sound effect of the game restarting exploded in her ears, but she could barely hear it. Su Rui had already sat back down, her expression as calm as if nothing had happened.

"Start, start!" she stammered as she grabbed the controller, her fingers nervously pressing the wrong skill button.

The character jumped comically on the screen, and Su Rui's lips curled up almost imperceptibly.

At 3:17 AM, Jessica sent her character into the enemy's encirclement for the third time. Su Rui's sniper rifle was unerring, but ultimately she couldn't save the reckless assassin.

"Three to two," he put down the controller, "I won."

Jessica buried her face in the cushion, her voice muffled. "... Ask away."

Su Rui was silent for a moment, then suddenly reached out and brushed the hair from her face. "Why choose the assassin?"

"Huh?" She looked up, not expecting this kind of question. "Be-because he's handsome."

"To be honest."

Volume 14, Chapter 808: Why Stay Up Late?

Jessica's fingertips unconsciously twirled the lace trim of her nightgown. "... because an assassin can stay glued to a sniper's side." Her voice trailed off, "Unlike in real life... where I always have to wait for you to come back."

The game character on the screen remained in a dead, fallen position, the blood-red word "DEFEAT" flashing incessantly. Su Rui suddenly reached out and turned off the console, plunging the room into a brief darkness, with only the embers of the fireplace emitting a faint light.

"Come here," he said.

Before Jessica could react, he swept her up in his arms. Su Rui's arms supported her back and knees steadily, her cheek pressed against his chest, the aroma of the stew she had just made for him still lingering on his collar.

"Su Rui?"

"Go to sleep." He kicked open the bedroom door and slammed it shut with his back. "I'll teach you how to use a sniper rifle tomorrow."

As Jessica was gently placed on the bed, she suddenly grabbed his collar. "Wait! You still haven't told me why you chose to be a sniper!"

Su Rui propped himself up on one hand beside her ear, and with the other hand slowly untied the crumpled collar she was clutching. "Because..." His lips almost touched her earlobe, "I can keep an eye on where you're headed."

As the morning sunlight streamed through the sheer curtains, Jessica was nestled in Su Rui's arms. His arm was around her waist, and his breathing was steady and long.

The sounds of Ice Brew brewing for breakfast drifted from the kitchen, the clinking of spatulas mingling with the hum of the coffee machine. Jessica glanced up and saw that Su Rui was already awake, watching her with half-closed eyes.

"Good morning," she whispered, her fingertips tracing the scar above his collarbone.

Su Rui suddenly rolled over and pinned her beneath him, his black hair falling down and brushing against her cheek. "The problem."

"What?"

"The bet from last night," he pressed his thumb against her lower lip, "I have one more question."

Jessica's heart skipped a beat. "... You ask."

Su Rui's hot breath brushed against her neck. "Why do you have to stay up all night?"

Jessica ran her fingers through his dark hair, her voice as soft as a sigh, "Because... I won't be able to see you when I'm asleep."

The sound of Ice Brew's footsteps grew louder as they approached, then discreetly turned a corner at the door and left. When Su Rui's kiss landed, Jessica tasted the flavors of coffee and morning dew.

Outside the window, the engines of the Seventh Mobile City-State roared rhythmically, signaling the start of a new day.

Jessica's fingers twirled Su Rui's dark hair, strands sliding between her fingers like flowing water. Morning light streamed through the gaps in the curtains, casting dappled patterns on the sheets. Su Rui's breath brushed against her neck, warm and even, carrying a faint scent of minty toothpaste—he had secretly brushed his teeth while she lingered in bed.

"Liar," she whispered, poking his collarbone with her fingertip, "You promised to sleep in together."

Su Rui propped herself up, the shadows enveloping her. "I meant 'sleep.'" His dark eyes reflected her disheveled blue hair and slightly flushed cheeks. "No time commitment."

Jessica angrily pulled a pillow over her face, her voice muffled as she said, "Ice Brew probably laughing at us downstairs again..."

Su Rui threw back the pillow, then suddenly leaned down and lightly bit her lip. "So?"

Jessica held her breath, startled by his sudden action, her fingers unconsciously gripping the sheets. Su Rui rarely kissed her first, let alone with such a possessive gesture. Her eyelashes fluttered rapidly, like startled butterfly wings. "You..."

"What?" Su Rui's thumb brushed against her moist lower lip, his voice low, "Didn't you say it yourself..." He paused deliberately, "'If I fall asleep, I won't be able to see you'?"

Jessica's face flushed instantly. She flipped over and pinned Su Rui down, her blue hair brushing against his cheek. "Don't you dare mimic me!"

Su Rui let her straddle his waist, her hands casually resting behind her head, a barely perceptible smile playing on her lips, "Where's the evidence?"

"Ice Brew definitely recorded it!" Jessica leaned down and grabbed his neck. "I clearly saw her holding the terminal that day..."

Su Rui suddenly grabbed her wrist, flipped her over, and regained control. The sheets were crumpled from the violent movement, and Jessica's nightgown strap slipped down, revealing a faint red mark on her collarbone.

"She didn't record it." Su Rui's voice suddenly turned serious. "I checked."

Jessica blinked. "When?"

"After you fall asleep," his fingers gently traced the marks on her collarbone, "Every time."

This realization made Jessica's heart clench slightly. Su Rui was always like this, protecting her vulnerability and dependence that she inadvertently revealed, in his own way, from where she couldn't see him.

Suddenly, Ice Brew's deliberately loud humming drifted up from downstairs, accompanied by the clinking of cutlery. Jessica buried her face in Su Rui's shoulder and chuckled softly, "We really should get up..."