Love Code

Upon seeing Li Zhengliang, Xiao He realized that there really were guys like him who, despite being LV5, chose to play it safe.

After that, the Special Response Department began to arrange team uniforms, code names, and accommodations for Li Zhengliang. The addition of this newcomer was quite crucial for them, because Xiao He would basically be unable to play in the second round of the points competition.

However, Xiao He will probably have to play a few more matches next week in the inter-group match against Group B, but he shouldn't have anything to do this week. So this afternoon, he brought Ye Wanqing and the "assistance" given to them by the Special Response Department to the island to continue building their home. Today, with the help of the designer, they plan to officially complete their cottage.

Xiao He finally met Zhang Yuan, the designer of the Mutant Prison.

This was a young woman who was only twenty-seven years old, probably just over 1.5 meters tall, with long hair, a round face, and a plump appearance. She looked a bit like Ye Wanqing, whom Xiao He had first met, but she was even plumper and her features weren't as delicate.

For a girl who is only 27 years old to be able to cooperate with national departments, she must be exceptionally talented. This is evident from the prison she designed; her ability to utilize space, her overall structural sense, and even her aesthetics are all top-notch.

"Wow, is this the legendary Perfect Cube?" Zhang Yuan exclaimed, looking at the prefabricated house in front of her. She then began to walk around the building, carefully observing its structure, muttering to herself, "This is a treasure of the world... If houses were built with this structure, we wouldn't even have to worry about a magnitude 10 Earthquake, right?"

"Ahem." Xiao He cleared his throat, and Zhang Yuan quickly came to her senses. "Sorry, sorry, let's get the interior structure sorted first? I've looked at the size of the house, and my suggestion is to build two bedrooms, a living room, a kitchen, and a bathroom on the first floor, and then add a study. I don't think we need a backyard, right? After all, the whole island is your backyard..."

"Xiaoqing, what do you think?" Xiao He turned to Ye Wanqing and asked.

"I don't think a two-bedroom apartment is necessary," Ye Wanqing asked hesitantly.

Zhang Yuan nodded. "Then how about we free up a bedroom, add a bathtub in the bathroom, and then add a gym next to the living room? We can go for a run and exercise there."

"Yes, that's fine." Ye Wanqing nodded happily and took Xiao He's arm.

"And there's a second floor. If it's a second floor, then there's no need for a living room, right? I saw that you guys have a glass dome, that can be used as a living room. You can put a few indoor plants and some tables and chairs in there, and have tea and enjoy the moon in the evening, that would be nice, right?" Zhang Yuan asked with a smile.

"Um," Ye Wanqing mentioned at this moment, "I'm thinking of converting the staircase into a bookshelf style, and then leaving a space at the turn after going upstairs to put a table there so I can read a book..."

"Oh, I understand." Zhang Yuan nodded, then quickly sketched the interior of the room. "Is this the feeling?"

"Yes, yes, yes! I think it's great." Ye Wanqing said happily.

"Then, let's leave the rest to Yinglong," Zhang Yuan said, turning to Xiao He. "Let's divide the room into two floors for now."

"But I'd like to keep a loft on the top floor," Xiao He said thoughtfully, resting his chin on his hand. "When we have kids in the future, I'd like to play games with them there occasionally. We could put a small window and a telescope in there, and stargaze together at night would be wonderful." Xiao He turned to Ye Wanqing and asked, "What do you think, Xiaoqing?"

"Wow, this feels really good!" Zhang Yuan exclaimed happily.

Ye Wanqing blushed and nodded, "Yes, that's fine..."

"That's settled then..." Zhang Yuan said, modifying the design drawing, "Leave a 1.5-meter space at the top."

"Okay, I'll begin then." Xiao He nodded, then raised his hand. The seawater behind him floated up and brushed against his index finger. As soon as it passed his index finger, the seawater transformed into the composite material used in the arena.

Soon, their heads were completely sealed off.

Xiao He pointed to the ceiling and asked, "Is it alright to have the staircase here?"

This was the first time Zhang Yuan had ever seen Xiao He use such an ability, and she was immediately stunned. "My God, he actually transformed seawater into Titanium-Zinc Concrete! He can arbitrarily change the structure and types of elements in matter; he's practically a creator..."

"Um, at the stairwell?" Xiao He raised an eyebrow. "Is it alright to open here?"

"Sure, sure!" Zhang Yuan nodded quickly. "However, the staircase can't be made of Titanium-Zinc Concrete. After all, we're on an island, and considering the climate and insects, I still recommend using composite wood flooring..."

Under Zhang Yuan's guidance, Xiao He spent half an hour managing to divide the house into different floors and rooms. However, before starting the renovation, the Research Department members needed to test the house's various properties.

Taking advantage of the opportunity while the members of the Research Department were testing their attributes, Xiao He brought Ye Wanqing back to the Special Response Department, intending to arrange some furniture and solve a key problem: electricity.

On such an island, electricity would definitely require a generator, and Xiao He originally planned to buy one. But...

"Consider these two items as gifts for the Research Department," Wu Changchun said with a smile, then nodded to the two people behind him and placed the two machines in front of them, which looked like a microwave oven and a water heater.

Xiao He asked curiously, "What are these two things...?"

"Antimatter Generator ... a prototype." Wu Changchun pointed to the microwave oven and explained, "There are still many problems to be solved, but although it is only a prototype, its energy conversion rate can reach 40%. The electricity it generates every day can completely supply the daily electricity consumption of a city. The material is carbon from the air, and it is ready to use immediately."

"Wow! This is a real help, Old Wu!" Xiao He said with delight, taking the sample machine from his hand, then hesitantly asked, "But, is this thing really safe? Could it explode?"

Wu Changchun laughed and said, "Of course not, it only has this level of power generation for safety reasons. We'll send someone over later to help you install it. The electricity it generates in one day should be enough for the two of you for a year."

"What about this one?" Ye Wanqing asked curiously, looking at the other water heater.

"This?" Wu Changchun smiled, "It's the sample machine of the 'Freshwater Filtration Device' that you sent me a few days ago. It's also an incomplete version, and its power consumption is relatively high, so it's not suitable for industrialization in terms of conversion costs. But the good news is that you have Antimatter Generator, so there's no need to worry."

"Then..." Ye Wanqing said with delight, "Wouldn't that mean we'd have an unlimited supply of water and electricity?"

"Yeah," Wu Changchun nodded with a smile, "It's just that there's no Wi-Fi, but privately speaking... if I had a phone that used Cosmic Core Algorithm, we could hack into any satellite overhead, right?"

Ye Wanqing raised an eyebrow, seemingly understanding something, while Wu Changchun smiled meaningfully, "The technology used to build this house is at least a hundred years ahead of the world. You two should enjoy the charm of science."

"Thank you, thank you," Xiao He said with a smile. Wu Changchun replied, "Once you hand over the mold for the Perfect Cube, we plan to start the project of building a base on Mars. At that time, we'll need Yinglong to pick us up and drop us off again."

"No problem." Xiao He readily agreed and then began helping the Special Response Department staff with the house renovations.

They connected the electrical circuits, set up the drainage system, and arranged the furniture. By then, it was already eight o'clock in the evening.

"I'm so sorry to have kept everyone busy until now, and we can only eat takeout." Xiao He said with some guilt to the members of the Special Response Department who helped them with the renovation, the Research Department, and the designer Zhang Yuan. "I'll definitely buy some nice things tomorrow to treat everyone in the Special Response Department."

"It's nothing, it's nothing. You've protected us so many times, it's only right that we repay you." "Exactly! Typhoon, floods, Earthquake, Flu —without you, we might have died several times over." The Special Response Department employees on site said with smiles.

Zhang Yuan whispered with a smile to Xiao He, "My hometown is Baihua City. If it weren't for you during the last Earthquake, my hometown would probably have been destroyed. Consider this my way of repaying a debt of gratitude."

"That's just my duty," Xiao He said with a smile, but he was actually quite touched. "Alright, shall I take you all back to the Special Response Department? Get some rest."

As he spoke, Xiao He turned to Ye Wanqing and instructed her, "Wait here for me a moment, I'll be right back."

He then used the Dimensional Walker to bring everyone back to the Special Response Department, and then prepared to go back and meet up with Ye Wanqing.

But at this moment, Wu Changchun stepped forward and extended his hand to him. Xiao He hesitated for a moment, then subconsciously reached out and shook hands with him. Wu Changchun smiled and said, "I think today is a good opportunity, but... it's up to you to decide."

Xiao He looked at what he was holding and suddenly realized what it meant, but he just smiled and nodded before returning to the island.

Ye Wanqing sat in front of the door, hugging her knees and looking at the sea. Because of the time difference, the sun was setting here, and the sunset was like silk draped over her, making her look even more vibrant and beautiful.

At this moment, Ye Wanqing spotted Xiao He, a sweet smile appearing on her face. She waved and said, "Old Xiao!"

Xiao He felt a warmth in his heart and went forward to meet Ye Wanqing. The little girl bumped into him and grinned foolishly, "Hehe, Old Xiao!"

"Silly girl." Xiao He affectionately patted her head. "Let's go in."

Ye Wanqing nodded, took his hand, and opened the door. The two did not rush in, but looked around first.

The house itself is a two-story villa with a total area of about 500 square meters. The first floor has a bedroom, a living room, a kitchen, a bathroom, and a gym. From the living room, there is a floating pavilion built on the sea.

Going up the stairs to the second floor, turning right leads to a mini living room where you can read a book. Turning right again leads to the second-floor bathroom and shower. Turning left leads to a bedroom for two and two guest rooms. The balcony at the end has been converted into a glass dome, with a small loft above it.

This is the home they designed and built together. It may not be the most perfect, but it's their favorite. They personally selected everything from the furniture to the flooring to the wallpaper colors.

"It feels really good," Xiao He said with a smile, patting Ye Wanqing's head.

"Yes," Ye Wanqing said happily, turning to look at Xiao He, "Old Xiao, shall we sleep here tonight? We'll go pick up Tuantuan later and send her back tomorrow."

"Okay, but I'm still a little hungry from dinner..." Xiao He sighed, rubbing his stomach. Ye Wanqing took his arm, winked playfully, and asked, "Shall I make you some noodles first, then you can have some noodles?"

"Sounds great." Xiao He nodded in satisfaction. Ye Wanqing smiled sweetly and pushed him towards the house, "Let's go, let's go!"

As the two entered the house, a strange feeling welled up from the bottom of their hearts. Although the scenery before them was unfamiliar, they felt a peculiar sense of belonging. As he stepped through the door, Xiao He seemed to see the shadow of his future life here with Ye Wanqing, and he saw that petite and lovely girl twirling around like a little angel.

At that moment, Xiao He suddenly acted impulsively and forgot all his previous plans.

"Little Pufferfish ..." Xiao He took out the ring Wu Changchun had given him from his pocket, then knelt down on one knee in front of Ye Wanqing and presented the ring that emitted a purple glow. "Are you willing to live here with me forever?"

Ye Wanqing's heart skipped a beat, and she immediately covered her mouth, tears welling up in her eyes.

She pursed her lips to suppress her excitement, and was about to agree when she suddenly remembered what the proprietress of Willow Restaurant had told her. So she cleared her throat to calm herself down, put her hands behind her back, and said in a coquettish tone, "Then, then answer one question for me. If you answer correctly, I'll agree."

"Okay, go ahead and ask." Xiao He thought Ye Wanqing would ask some questions about forever, so he nodded.

"The proprietress of Willow Restaurant told me a 'Love Code.' She said if you truly love me, you'll know the answer," Ye Wanqing replied. "The code is '831143'."

"Boss lady, don't try to trick me at a time like this..." Xiao He muttered under his breath, a little dissatisfied. Then, he stared at Ye Wanqing for a moment, pondered carefully, and asked, "Is it 'I-love-you'?"

Ye Wanqing was taken aback for a moment, then asked, "Why? Give me a reason..."

"Because I felt that the meaning of this password must be 'I love you', so I thought about how to combine these six numbers with 'I love you'..." Xiao He said cautiously, "Then I thought of 'I-love-you', which has exactly 8 letters, 3 words, and 1 sentence... I(1)love(4)you(3),831143."

Ye Wanqing stared blankly at him. Actually, she understood now that this so-called Love Code might not have any meaning at all, nor was it unique. There were many sentences that could match the code "831143", but for two people who truly loved each other, it would definitely mean "I love you". Even if it didn't, they would force it into the code.

Therefore, if two people truly love each other, the answer to this question is inevitable, without any suspense.

At that moment, Ye Wanqing felt a surge of sweetness and happiness. In fact, when she asked that question, she had already decided in her heart that no matter what Xiao He answered, she would say it was the "correct answer".

When Xiao He saw the sweet and happy smile on Ye Wanqing's face, he also got his answer.

"Hehe." Xiao He stood up and put his arm around Ye Wanqing's waist. "You agree?"

Ye Wanqing cupped her face in her hands, biting her lower lip to keep from smiling crookedly, and nodded shyly. "Mmm... I do."

"Hey!" Xiao He excitedly hugged Ye Wanqing and spun her around their new house, then gave her a big kiss.

"Ouch! You kissed so hard, your lips will swell up! Then you won't be able to eat my lip!" Ye Wanqing said coquettishly.

"Oh, oh, oh." Xiao He snapped out of his daze, then looked at Ye Wanqing's adorable little face in front of him, feeling a warm glow in his heart. "Shall I help you put it on?"

Ye Wanqing smiled shyly and nodded, extending her left hand. Xiao He grasped her chubby little hand, placed the ring on her middle finger, and then said sternly, "From now on, you are no longer my girlfriend."

"Hmm..." Ye Wanqing lowered her head, looked at the ring on her hand, and suddenly couldn't contain her joy. A tear slid down her cheek. "From now on, I'm your fiancée..."

"Hehe, fiancée, that sounds really good." Xiao He chuckled foolishly, holding Ye Wanqing and slowly spinning her around.

"But I'm not old enough yet!" Ye Wanqing wiped away her tears and murmured in his arms.

"It's alright, let's get engaged first, then register the marriage when we're old enough, and hold the wedding later," Xiao He said, gently kissing her head. "Such a wonderful girl, it's better to settle down sooner rather than later. Otherwise, with you always around, I get itchy..."

"Hmph, you used to hate me so much..." Ye Wanqing drew circles on his chest and chuckled softly.

"Likewise," Xiao He teased, patting her head, then looked down at the ring. "Do you like it?"

"Hmm, this purple color is so unique, it looks a bit like a grape-flavored lollipop," Ye Wanqing said with a bright smile.

"Hmph, this is a one-of-a-kind ring, custom-made with gemstones from Mars," Xiao He said seriously. "Be careful how you keep it safe, okay? Don't be silly and get scammed. I won't sell it for less than a hundred million."

"Really?!" Ye Wanqing asked in astonishment.

Xiao He nodded. "Of course it's true. I took Old Wu to Mars to dig it up the day after the competition ended. We just finished making it these past two days."

"Oh, no wonder Old Wu said he'd need your help to pick him up and drop him off next time he goes to Mars," Ye Wanqing said, suddenly realizing.

Xiao He's heart skipped a beat, and he felt a little scared: sure enough, he wasn't good at lying, and he had accidentally let it slip.

"Hehe." Ye Wanqing looked up at Xiao He, smiling sweetly, then kissed him on the cheek and winked mischievously. "Go take a shower, shall we? Tonight, your fiancée will give you the full experience!"

"... I'm not full yet." Xiao He smiled awkwardly but politely.

Ye Wanqing's face immediately darkened, and she gave a soft snort, "Fine, I'll make you some noodles, but you have to make noodles for me later too."

"No problem, you can eat your fill." Xiao He chuckled, patting her head. "The full experience, you know."