Ark Simulator, don't I have no physical form?

"Wow... there are so many people!" Remian looked at the scene, which seemed even more crowded and lively than usual. A hint of surprise flashed in her lake-blue eyes, but it quickly turned into relief and understanding. "But... it's so good that everyone recovered so quickly." Her innate kindness made her genuinely happy for the city's rapid recovery and the resilience of its people. She looked up at Suri, sunlight dancing in her eyes. "It seems that last night's events really didn't have too much of an impact."

Suri pushed her, like a small boat, slowly merging into the bustling crowd. His gaze, like the most precise scanner, calmly and emotionlessly swept over everything around him. Indeed, on the surface, order had been restored, even exhibiting a kind of "retaliatory" prosperity. The number of security patrols had noticeably increased; they wore crisp uniforms and carried equipment, their expressions serious as they moved through the crowds, their sharp eyes scanning every corner. But this air of menace didn't seem to dampen the tourists' spirits; instead, it gave them a sense of security. Cleaning vehicles and workers worked tirelessly, trying to erase the last trace of discord as quickly as possible.

Volume 17, Chapter 1061: The Smell of Gunpowder

However, Remian suddenly frowned slightly and sniffed softly. Her sense of smell was far more acute than that of ordinary people, an instinct honed through long-term training and missions. The relief in her lake-blue eyes was gradually replaced by a barely perceptible seriousness.

“Suri…” She turned her head slightly, lowered her voice and said to Suri, her tone carrying a lingering, almost instinctive wariness, “There seems to be a… strange smell in the air. Like… gunpowder? And… the smell of something burning?” Although the scene before them was one of peace and tranquility, that faint, lingering smell of explosive residue, burnt plastic and rubber, like a ghost, stubbornly lingered in the damp, salty sea breeze, like an invisible scar, reminding those who had experienced it that last night was not peaceful.

Suri keenly caught the subtle tension and worry in her voice. He lowered his head, his gaze falling on the slightly taut lines of her profile and her gently pursed lips. A thought flickered in his mind. Yes, Remian, like him, was an Executor who had experienced real war and the test of life and death. Their bodies possessed a far more acute, almost instinctive, alertness to the lingering scent of danger and destruction. Even if they rationally knew the crisis had passed and the situation was under control, their subconscious vigilance against potential threats would not easily dissipate. This was normal, even necessary.

“Hmm.” Suri uttered a short syllable, acknowledging her discovery. His voice was calm and even, revealing no emotional fluctuation. However, he showed no sign of tension or worry, instead continuing with a matter-of-fact, certain tone: “It will take time to clean it up. The residue will seep into the building materials, and the smell won’t dissipate for a day or two.” He paused, pushing his wheelchair around a construction site fence, adding with an undeniable calmness: “However, it seems to be under control. The city defenses are very tight.”

His words were concise and objective, yet they acted like a tranquilizer, quietly soothing the subconscious unease in Remian's mind. His steps as he pushed the wheelchair were steady and composed, without the slightest hesitation or panic. The calm aura of "everything is under control" emanating from him subtly influenced Remian beside him, as if an invisible barrier stood beside him, shielding her from all potential dangers.

Sensing the calmness emanating from Suri, Remien's tense shoulders relaxed slightly. She refocused her attention on the vibrant scene around her. Watching the innocent smiles of children chasing and playing, seeing the happiness in the eyes of couples strolling hand-in-hand, and seeing tourists from all over the world excitedly capturing these beautiful moments with their cameras… a gentle, warm smile returned to her face, and the last vestige of gloom in her heart gradually dissipated. Yes, Suri was right; the greatest danger had passed. Life must go on, and the fact that people choose to offset fear with double the joy and celebrate peace is itself a powerful and moving force of life.

“Suri, shall we go take a look over there?” Remy pointed to a charming little stall not far away, which was covered with various handmade seashell ornaments and coral carvings under a small parasol. She said with great interest, her lake-blue eyes sparkling. “Those wind chimes made of little seashells and star shells are so pretty! How about we bring one back for Andorn as a souvenir?” She always remembered to bring small gifts for her friends.

"Whatever you want." Su Rui pushed her toward the stall, her tone still calm, but her steps obediently changed direction.

The sunlight poured down relentlessly, infusing warmth into every corner. A gentle sea breeze caressed her face, carrying the scent of the open ocean. All around was a vibrant, almost boisterous cacophony of sounds. Suri pushed her wheelchair through this land rapidly recovering from its trauma, watching the radiant, almost palpable, relaxation and joy on people's faces. The initial detached "amusement" she felt gradually settled, mixed with a complex, indescribable emotion.

Fragile, yet incredibly resilient. Adept at forgetting pain, yet capable of doubly treasuring present joy. Prone to panic, yet able to unleash astonishing healing abilities in a short time… Is this… humanity? A contradictory and fascinating species.

His gaze finally pierced the bustling crowd and settled on Remian's gentle profile in her wheelchair. She was picking up a delicate wind chime made of white conch shells and blue starfish shells, examining it closely in the sunlight. The chime tinkled softly in the breeze. Sunlight filtered through the translucent shells, casting dappled shadows on her pale fingers and cheeks. A faint, contented smile played on her lips, and she seemed enveloped in a soft halo, warm and beautiful, a stark contrast to the slightly restless jubilation around her, yet strangely harmonious.

Suri felt a slight tremor in his heart, as if he had been gently brushed by the softest feather. Perhaps it was precisely because this world was always full of unexpected upheavals and dangers that the ordinary tranquility and beauty before him, which required effort to maintain, seemed so precious, so... worth protecting? And what he wanted to protect, in the end, was the pure and warm smile on Remian's face, the gentle expectation she still held for the world after experiencing storms, and this hard-won, seemingly fragile yet resilient peaceful time that belonged to them.

Pushing Remian's wheelchair slowly along the bustling, vibrant seaside promenade, Suri's gaze seemingly casually swept over the various vendors and shops, but in reality, she was quickly assessing and filtering them internally. The faint, lingering tension in the air, though keenly sensed by Remian, was gradually dispelled by his deliberate guidance and the cheerful atmosphere around them, replaced by curiosity about new things and the relaxation of enjoying a vacation.

Looking at her profile, at the sunlight reflected in her lake-blue eyes and the lively scene around her, the restlessness and doubts that had arisen in his heart because of Mostima were temporarily suppressed. He felt he should do something to help her completely relax and immerse herself in the vacation atmosphere. And the way that would make him feel most relaxed and satisfied was... to enjoy a real, hearty meal.

Volume 17, Chapter 1062: Go for a walk

Suri's gaze swept over the small shops selling delicate desserts, ice cream, and seafood salads, finally settling on an inconspicuous but bustling stall. It was a stall specializing in various deep-fried and grilled skewers, set up under a simple awning. A burly owner, wearing a t-shirt and a greasy apron, was sweating profusely as he busied himself in front of the sizzling oil and charcoal grill. The stall was laden with a dazzling array of ingredients: skewers of various marinated meats (chicken, beef, sausage), squid, shrimp, and vegetables such as green peppers, mushrooms, and potato slices. The rich, enticing aroma, a blend of oil, spices, and the smoky scent of charcoal, permeated the air, creating a stark contrast to the cloying sweetness of ice cream and perfumes around them.

This kind of hearty, straightforward food, full of calories and satisfaction, was exactly what Suri preferred. He hated those fancy, cloyingly sweet desserts; only these solid meat skewers could fill his inner need for "energy" and "a sense of control." Moreover, he remembered that although Remienne liked sweets, she didn't mind this kind of fragrant fried and roasted meat, and she would be very happy to eat it occasionally.

"Eat this?" Suri stopped and gestured with his chin towards the kebab stall, his tone declarative rather than interrogative, carrying his usual unquestionable decisiveness. But in his gaze as he looked down at Remian, there was a subtle, almost imperceptible question.

Remien looked in the direction he pointed and saw the stall billowing with hot oil and charcoal smoke, and the stall owner's uninhibited manner. She was momentarily stunned. This was so different from the elegant, beautifully presented dessert shops and cafes she usually preferred. But then, she smelled the enticing aroma and saw the faint, expectant glint in Suri's eyes. She immediately understood his thoughts.

Her lake-blue eyes curved into crescent moons, and a gentle, accepting smile bloomed on her face as she nodded vigorously. "Okay! It smells so good! I want grilled squid and mushrooms too!" She didn't seem reluctant at all; instead, she exuded an excitement for trying new things. She knew this was Su Rui's way of expressing care and sharing happiness—a unique way for him to show his concern.

Seeing Remy's quick agreement, Suri pursed his lips almost imperceptibly, seemingly pleased a little. He pushed his wheelchair closer to the stall, carefully avoiding any potential oil stains on the ground. The stall owner, seeing the customers, greeted them warmly: "Handsome guy, beautiful lady, what would you like to eat? Everything is freshly fried and grilled, guaranteed fresh!"

Su Rui didn't say much. His eyes quickly scanned the ingredients, and then he decisively started ordering: "Ten skewers of beef, ten skewers of chicken, five skewers of squid, five skewers of shrimp, and five skewers each of mushrooms, green peppers, and potatoes." He ordered very quickly and in generous quantities, completely based on his own appetite and preferences, without considering questions like "a girl might not be able to eat that much" or "whether she should try something else." It was simple, direct, and efficient.

Remien listened from the side, unable to resist covering her mouth and chuckling softly. So "Suri-esque." She added softly, "Boss, less chili, please." She remembered that while Suri could handle spicy food, she didn't particularly like overly strong flavors.

"Alright!" The owner quickly got to work. A large number of meat and vegetable skewers were plunged into the boiling oil, instantly sizzling and splashing, releasing a rich aroma of meat and caramelized fat, making it even more appetizing. Another batch of skewers was placed on a charcoal grill, brushed with sauce, and sizzled under the flames, releasing a unique aroma mixed with cumin and chili powder.

Suri paid the bill, then pushed Remian back a little to avoid being bothered by the fumes. He stood beside the wheelchair, hands in his coat pockets, waiting quietly. His gaze was fixed on the food sizzling, changing color, and gradually turning golden and crispy on the oil and grill, his nostrils flaring slightly as he captured every pleasant aroma in the air. In those usually somewhat aloof and distant dark eyes, there was now a faint glimmer of… focus and anticipation? Like a picky but honest feline waiting to be fed.

Remien sat in her wheelchair, looking up at Suri's profile. Sunlight outlined his defined jawline and straight nose, long silver eyelashes casting soft shadows beneath his eyelids. He pursed his lips slightly, intently watching the food preparation process. His serious demeanor was completely different from the cold, aloof expression he usually displayed when handling official duties or in battle, carrying a strange... warmth and childlike innocence? It both intrigued and captivated Remien.

She suddenly realized that Suri had an almost pious seriousness and simple joy when it came to eating. This purity seemed especially precious and endearing in his complex and awkward personality.

Soon, a large bunch of shiny, fragrant skewers was handed over in a big paper bag. Su Rui took it; it was heavy and steaming hot. The owner also thoughtfully included two small plates and several sets of bamboo skewers.

Suri pushed Remien to a relatively secluded, shady bench near the side of the trail. He secured the wheelchair, then sat down beside her, placing the large paper bag between them. The rich aroma of food instantly enveloped them.

"Here you go." Suri took a skewer of beef, crispy on the outside and tender on the inside, sprinkled with cumin and chili powder, and handed it to Remienne. Her movements were a little stiff, but her eyes held an undeniable air of authority.

Remien smiled and accepted it. "Thank you." She carefully blew on it, then took a small bite. The beef was perfectly marinated and cooked to perfection, with a crispy exterior and a tender, juicy interior. The flavors of the spices burst in her mouth—it was truly delicious. "Mmm! Delicious!" she exclaimed sincerely.

Seeing her reaction, Su Rui seemed satisfied. He then picked up his large handful of meat skewers and began to devour them. His eating manners weren't rough, but he ate quickly and efficiently. He focused intently on chewing and swallowing, his cheeks puffing out, his eyes slightly narrowed in satisfaction, as if he were completely immersed in enjoying the food. He ate with gusto; the pure pleasure derived from his taste buds was clearly written on his face, even softening his usual cold and hard aura.

Remian nibbled on her skewers, glancing frequently at Suri, who ate with such focused and contented concentration. He ate with such relish, as if the skewers were the most exquisite delicacies in the world; his simple, direct joy was infectious. Watching his slightly narrowed eyes, the gentle movement of his Adam's apple, and the tiny speck of sauce on his lips, Remian's heart softened completely, as if bathed in warm water. She even felt that the ordinary skewer in her hand tasted exceptionally delicious simply because she was sharing it with him.

Volume 17, Chapter 1063: Did you sweat?

She ate slowly, while Suri ate quickly. Soon, a small pile of bare bamboo skewers had accumulated in front of Suri. He finished the last skewer of beef, licked his lips with lingering satisfaction (this childlike gesture instantly softened Remian's gaze), and then naturally picked up a skewer of grilled mushrooms and offered it to Remian's lips: "Try this."

Remi'an was staring at it in a daze, then paused for a moment, before smiling and opening her mouth to take it. The mushrooms were roasted until they were juicy and had the unique sweetness of fungi. "Delicious," she nodded.

Suri picked up another skewer of grilled prawns, peeled it, and handed her the tender white prawn meat. Her movements were still a little clumsy and direct, but the desire to share warmed Remy's heart.

The two sat there under the shade of a tree by the sea, sharing a large bag of steaming, smoky skewers. Suri ate with gusto, completely absorbed; Remien ate slowly and deliberately, her gaze lingering tenderly on Suri. The surrounding noise seemed to fade into the background, sunlight filtering through the leaves, casting dappled patterns, and a gentle sea breeze brought a touch of coolness. In that moment, time seemed to slow down, filled with a simple and genuine sense of happiness.

Looking at Suri's slightly flushed cheeks and satisfied expression from the food, Remy couldn't help but reach out and gently wipe away the sauce stain from the corner of his mouth with her fingertips, and said softly with a smile, "Eat slowly, no one's going to take it from you."

Su Rui paused, looked up, and met her smiling eyes. His ears turned slightly red, and he awkwardly turned his face away, giving a mumbled "hmm," but he did indeed slow down his chewing.

A simple barbecue became the most heartwarming interlude of the morning. Suri, in his most familiar way—sharing the delicious food he appreciated—successfully helped Remian completely relax, immersing her in the sweet atmosphere of their private world. Remian, in turn, saw in Suri's rare, genuine love for food a simple and genuine side hidden beneath his cold exterior, which filled her heart with even greater affection.

As he finished the last bite of food, Suri let out a satisfied sigh and took a big gulp of his chilled drink. Remien took out a tissue and carefully wiped his hands and mouth clean. Although Suri still had an awkward expression of "it's unnecessary" on his face, he didn't refuse and let her do as she pleased.

"Are you full?" Remien asked with a smile.

"Mm." Suri nodded, stood up, and stretched his slightly numb legs. The sunlight warmed him, making him feel cozy. The gloom that had arisen from Mostima seemed to have been completely dispelled by this energizing lunch and the kindness of those around him.

"Where do you want to go next?" He pushed the wheelchair, his tone returning to its usual calm, but if you listened carefully, you could detect a subtle hint of ease and... indulgence.

Remien thought for a moment, then pointed to a handmade ice cream cart not far away and winked mischievously: "Then... in return, will you come with me for some ice cream?"

Suri's brows furrowed immediately, his face showing obvious disdain for sweets. But looking at Remy's expectant eyes, he finally managed to squeeze out a syllable with great difficulty: "...Okay."

The sun was shining brightly, and the breeze was gentle. For Suri, seeing Remien smile so happily made her think that occasionally indulging in sweet ice cream wasn't entirely unacceptable.

In the bedroom, the warm yellow glow of the wall lamps, like melting honey, flowed over the two embracing figures. The air was filled with a mixture of sea breeze, sweat, and some indescribable, sweet yet intense scent. Outside the window, the ripples of the swimming pool cast blue spots of light onto the ceiling, swaying gently, like the two hearts that had been beating wildly before gradually calming down.

Suri buried his head deep in Remian's neck, his silver hair damp with sweat, clinging messily to his flushed cheeks and forehead. His eyes were closed, his long eyelashes trembling slightly like weary butterfly wings. All his muscles relaxed, carrying a languid and powerless feeling after intense release, his entire body almost completely sunk into Remian's soft body and the plush mattress, as heavy as a piece of driftwood washed ashore by the waves, soaked with water. His arms were still tightly wrapped around Remian's waist, as if it were his only piece of driftwood in the surging tide of passion, unwilling to loosen his grip even slightly even after the storm had subsided.

Remien's cheek pressed against Suri's sweaty, slightly heaving chest, and she could clearly hear the strong yet gradually steady beating of his heart. Her own breathing was still a little rapid, and her lake-blue eyes were misty with lingering moisture, carrying a hint of dazed satisfaction. Her slender fingers unconsciously and gently combed through the sweaty silver hair at the back of Suri's head, the movements as gentle as soothing a weary large feline. The heat and sticky sweat emanating from their skin didn't make her uncomfortable; instead, it gave her a strange, intimate, and reassuring feeling.

The two nestled together quietly, neither speaking. Only their intertwined, gradually calming breaths could be clearly heard in the silent room. The intense and rapid intimacy they had just shared, like a summer thunderstorm, had exhausted them, but also seemed to have cleansed their souls of all anxiety and unease, leaving only a deep-seated weariness and tranquility.

After an unknown amount of time, Remianne felt the grip of Su Rui's arms around her waist loosen slightly, but he still showed no sign of moving. Instead, he seemed to be falling asleep, his breathing becoming even longer and more even. She couldn't help but move slightly, feeling the sweat on her body gradually cool down, bringing a slight discomfort.

"Suri..." she called softly, her voice hoarse, with a languid softness afterward, "...I'm sweaty, sticky, and uncomfortable... Shall we go take a shower?"

Suri let out a muffled, sleepy murmur from her nose, like a protest, or perhaps an unconscious response. Instead of letting go, he tightened his arms, burying his face deeper into the crook of her neck, nuzzling against her as if searching for a more comfortable position, refusing to leave this warm haven. He looked just like a child stubbornly refusing to get out of bed.

Remien's heart melted at his rare, completely dependent, clingy demeanor. She couldn't help but chuckle softly, the sound vibrating against his chest. She raised her hand and gently patted his back, coaxing him softly like a child, "Sweetie... a bath will make you feel much better. I'll come with you, okay? Hmm?"

Volume 17, Chapter 1064: *humming*

The word "together" seemed to possess a certain magic, causing Suri's tightly closed eyelashes to tremble slightly. He still didn't open his eyes, but the force of his resistance seemed to have weakened somewhat. Taking advantage of this, Remien slightly propped herself up, trying to break free from his heavy embrace.

Sensing her movement, Suri groaned reluctantly, but ultimately released his arm, letting her sit up. He remained languidly sprawled on the bed, his eyes half-closed, gazing at Remian with a hazy look. The light from the wall lamp outlined the graceful curve of her smooth back and the ambiguous red marks on her shoulders; her sweat-dampened hair clung to her cheeks, exuding a breathtaking, post-coital languid charm.

Remianne's cheeks flushed slightly under his gaze. She reached out and pulled a thin blanket over herself, then leaned down and extended her hand to Suri, who was still lazing in bed, with a gentle and indulgent smile on her face: "Come on, get up, you lazybones."

Suri looked at her outstretched hand, then at her smiling eyes, hesitated for a few seconds, and finally, slowly and reluctantly, reached out and took her hand. Remien pulled him up from the bed with a slight effort.

As soon as Su Rui regained his footing, his body swayed slightly, and he instinctively reached out to support Remian's shoulder, leaning most of his weight on her. He was much taller than Remian, so the position was a little awkward, but he didn't seem to care. He kept his eyes closed, his chin resting on the top of Remian's head, looking like he hadn't woken up yet.

Remien stumbled from his leaning, quickly regaining her balance, and shook her head with a mixture of helplessness and amusement. Supporting him, like helping a drunkard, she slowly made her way step by step towards the bathroom connected to the bedroom.

In the bathroom, Remien had already turned on the heating system, setting the temperature to a comfortable level. She turned on the faucet in the huge jacuzzi, and warm water gushed in, creating a hazy steam that quickly filled the entire space, blurring the mirrors and softening the light.

She gently helped Suri untie his sweat-soaked, wrinkled T-shirt (which he hadn't completely taken off before). Suri obediently raised his arms, but his eyes remained half-closed, appearing utterly submissive. He shivered almost imperceptibly when the cool air touched his skin.

Next, his shorts, also soaked with sweat. When Remian's fingers touched the skin of his waist, she could feel his muscles tense momentarily, then relax. Her cheeks flushed, and she tried to make her movements appear natural. When the last restraint was removed, and Suri stood completely naked in the misty steam, Remian's heart raced involuntarily. Even in the dim light, the lines of his young, powerful body were clearly visible, flushed and damp from intense exercise, radiating a strong, primal attraction.

Remien herself removed the thin blanket and the swimsuit that had been the culprit. As warm water cascaded from the showerhead, enveloping their bodies, they both let out a satisfied sigh. The warm water washed away the sticky sweat, and also took away their fatigue and tension.

Suri seemed to finally regain some consciousness. He leaned against the smooth tiled wall, letting the warm water wash over his body. Water droplets slid down his silver hair, straight nose, well-defined jawline, and muscular chest. He opened his eyes, his dark pupils appearing exceptionally deep in the steamy mist, quietly watching Remien as she applied shower gel to the bath sponge.

Remian felt his gaze, looked up, and gave him a gentle smile. She handed him a bath sponge lathered with rich foam: "Do it yourself?"

Suri didn't take it. He looked at her, then suddenly reached out and pulled her into his arms, the two of them standing together under the running water. The warm water instantly soaked Remien's hair and cheeks. She gasped, and before she could react, Suri had already taken the bath sponge from her hands and began clumsily, but with unusual care, to dry her back.

His movements were somewhat stiff, his strength varying from light to heavy, but his focus and care instantly melted Remy's heart. She closed her eyes, feeling the occasional touch of his calloused fingertips against her skin, and the comfort of the soft foam from the bath sponge, her heart filled with an indescribable happiness and peace.

After rinsing off the foam, the two sat together in the hot tub filled with hot water. The warm water enveloped their bodies, and the gentle massage bubbles soothed their aching muscles, bringing ultimate relaxation and comfort. Suri leaned against the edge of the tub, while Remien naturally nestled in his arms, her back pressed against his warm chest. Suri's arms encircled her from behind, and his chin rested lightly on the top of her head.

Neither of them spoke, simply savoring this moment of tranquility and tenderness. The bathtub water rippled gently, the rising steam blurring their outlines and the passage of time. The fiery passion of moments before had transformed into the gentle tenderness of this present.

Su Rui closed his eyes, feeling the soft touch and steady heartbeat of the person in his arms, the fresh scent of her hair and the light fragrance of her shower gel lingering in his nostrils. An unprecedented, profound sense of peace and contentment, like the water of a hot spring, slowly permeated his entire being. All the external disturbances, the inner anxiety, and all the uncertainties seemed to have vanished in this moment.

Remien was also immersed in this tranquility. She held Suri's hand around her waist, her fingertips unconsciously tracing his slender fingers. She could feel Suri's complete relaxation, which made her feel incredibly at ease. Perhaps, only in such most private and unreserved moments could she touch the softest, most vulnerable side of this awkward yet strong boy, the side that needed to rely on him.

After some time, the water gradually cooled down. Remianne stirred slightly: "The water's getting a little cold, shall we get up?"

Suri hummed in response, his voice heavy with sleepiness. He stood up first, splashing water, then turned and reached out to Remienne, who was still sitting in the water. Remienne placed her hand in his palm and used his help to stand up. Suri grabbed a large, soft towel from the side and carefully, somewhat clumsily, wrapped it around her before picking up another and hastily drying himself.

After drying themselves off and changing into clean pajamas, the two returned to the bedroom. The sheets were soaked with sweat, so Remien changed into clean ones. Lying back on the soft, dry bed, surrounded by the fresh scent, they both felt refreshed and comfortable.

Almost immediately, Suri instinctively moved closer, pulling Remien into his arms. Finding a comfortable position, he buried his face in her hair, took a deep breath, and let out a satisfied sigh. It seemed that only by being close to her, feeling her warmth and breath, could he find the deepest peace.

Volume 17, page 1065: Shall we take a break?

Remien nestled obediently in his arms, listening to his breathing gradually become even and deep, knowing he was almost asleep. She lifted her head and placed a gentle kiss on his smooth forehead, whispering, "Sleep well, Suri."

Suri didn't respond, but the arms around her tightened a little.

Outside the window, the moonlight shone brightly, and the sound of the waves was gentle. Inside the bedroom, only their steady breathing mingled. The passion and tenderness of the night had finally transformed into the quiet stillness of falling asleep in each other's arms. For Suri, perhaps only with Remianne, in this space of absolute privacy and trust, could he let down his guard and show his most authentic and dependent side. And this dependence, for him, was a comfort more precious than any power.

In the stillness of the night, moonlight, like quicksilver, streamed through the gaps in the slightly open curtains, casting long, narrow bands of light on the bedroom floor. Silence reigned both inside and outside the villa, broken only by the distant, eternal sound of the ocean waves, a deep and rhythmic lullaby of nature. Inside the bedroom, Suri and Remien slept in each other's arms, their breathing even and deep, immersed in a profound sleep. Their intense passion and tender bath had exhausted them, and now both were fast asleep. Suri lay on his side, his arm possessively wrapped around Remien's waist, his face buried in the crook of her neck, his silver hair scattered on the pillow, his expression one of unprecedented relaxation and tranquility. Remien nestled in his arms, her lake-blue eyes closed, a serene, contented smile playing on her lips.

The air was filled with the fresh scent of a post-shower bath and a faint, languid aroma, reminiscent of the afterglow of passion. The entire space was imbued with an atmosphere of tranquility and bliss.

However, this tranquility did not last long.

The bedroom door was quietly pushed open a crack in an extremely subtle and silent manner. It made no sound, as if blown open by the wind. A figure, like a ghost, silently slipped in.

It is Mostima.

She was still dressed in her usual casual clothes, her short, silver-gray hair gleaming coldly in the moonlight. Her face wore her usual enigmatic smile, and her lake-blue eyes gleamed with a feline sharpness in the darkness. Her movements were so light they seemed weightless, landing silently as if her feet barely touched the ground.

She stood in the doorway, her gaze first falling on the two people sleeping peacefully in each other's arms on the bed. Her eyes lingered for a moment on Remi's tranquil sleeping face, the corners of her mouth deepening almost imperceptibly, carrying an indescribable...playfulness? Then, her gaze locked firmly on Su Rui, who was holding Remi tightly in her arms.

She looked at Su Rui's unguarded sleeping face, at the lines of his tightly pursed thin lips that relaxed slightly in his sleep, at the shadows cast by his long, thick silver eyelashes under his eyes, at his cheeks and ears that were slightly flushed from sleeping... A very strong interest and... an almost mischievous excitement flashed in her eyes.

Like a cat that has discovered an interesting toy, she silently approached the bedside. She didn't look at Remian; all her attention was focused on Suri. She crouched down at the edge of the bed, bringing her line of sight almost level with Suri's sleeping face. She was so close that she could clearly feel his warm breath brushing against her cheek and smell his unique scent, a mixture of the fresh scent of shower gel and Remian's fragrance.

"Sleeping so soundly... Little Suri..." she whispered in a breathy voice that only she could hear, her voice seductive and magnetic, "Looks like... you're being 'taken good care of'?" Her tone was full of ambiguous implications.

Then, she made a startling move. Very, very carefully, she lifted a corner of Suri's blanket, her movements as gentle as a feather's touch, without disturbing the two sleeping figures. She didn't do anything excessive, simply exposing Suri's beautifully shaped shoulders and a small portion of her collarbone, clad in her pajamas, to the moonlight. Then, she adjusted her position, lying on her side on the edge of the bed, very close to Suri! Her cheek was almost touching Suri's arm, and a few strands of her silver-gray hair even fell onto Suri's pillow! She adopted an extremely intimate posture, as if embracing Suri from behind, although there was actually a slight distance between them.

Having done all this, a triumphant, sly smile spread across her face. Then, from somewhere (perhaps her personal dimensional pocket?), she produced a small, exquisitely designed, unmarked black camera. She turned it on, adjusted the angle, and pointed it at herself and… what appeared to be Suri being hugged from behind (in reality, Suri was hugging Remian), and began snapping photos in rapid succession!

"Click...click...click..."

The faint, almost inaudible sound of a camera shutter echoed in the quiet room. The camera seemed to have some kind of noise reduction and red-eye prevention function, emitting no light to disturb the sleep. Mostima constantly changed angles and poses—sometimes her cheek pressed against Suri's arm, her eyes glazed; sometimes her head tilted back, her lips almost touching Suri's jawline; sometimes she extended a finger, seemingly gently brushing Suri's silver hair scattered on the pillow… She meticulously composed her shots, deliberately using forced perspective and angles to capture a series of highly misleading photographs!

In the photos, Suri's sleeping, unguarded, and handsome profile is the main focus, while Mostima's figure or details (such as scattered strands of hair, close cheeks, and seemingly embracing arms) always appear in the frame, creating a strong illusion that the two are sharing a bed late at night, in an intimate posture, and with an extraordinary relationship! In particular, Suri's expression of contentment and relaxation in her deep sleep adds infinite "imagination" space to these photos.

She was taking pictures with great enthusiasm, a mischievous smile constantly on her face, as if she were creating an extremely interesting work of art. She seemed completely immersed in this "creation," enjoying the thrill of creating "evidence" without the knowledge of the person involved.

After taking over a dozen photos from different angles and at varying levels of "intimacy," Mostima seemed satisfied. She carefully put away her camera, then with the same gentle, silent movement, covered Suri back up with the blanket she had lifted, erasing any trace of herself. She gazed deeply at Suri's sleeping face one last time, her eyes complex, a mixture of inquiry, amusement, and a hint of…something else, barely perceptible. Then, just as she had come, she retreated silently, her figure disappearing into the shadows of the doorway, the bedroom door closing without a sound.

What is Mostima doing in Book 17, Chapter 1066?

The whole process was like a ghostly interlude in the middle of the night, leaving no substantial trace and not waking anyone who was asleep.

The bedroom returned to its previous tranquility. The moonlight remained, the sound of the waves continued, and the two sleeping in each other's arms breathed steadily, completely unaware of what had just happened.

Suri stirred unconsciously in her sleep, pulling Remian closer, uttering a muffled murmur before falling back asleep. Meanwhile, the "intimate" photos Mostima had taken were like a buried bomb, stored in that mysterious camera, waiting to explode at any moment. What would these photos be used for? A simple prank? A kind of "collection"? Or… a deeper, unknown purpose?

Only Mostima herself knew the answer. And the secret of that night was temporarily sealed away with her departure.

The morning sunlight streamed through the living room's huge floor-to-ceiling windows, bathing the room in golden light and dispelling the chill of the night. Fiameta rubbed her sleepy eyes as she came down from the second-floor guest room. She hadn't slept very well last night, probably because of the new environment. The living room was quiet, save for the faint sound of waves crashing outside the window.

She immediately spotted Mostima curled up in the most comfortable beanbag chair in the living room, facing the sea. She was wearing a loose silk robe, her short, silver-gray hair was slightly disheveled, and she was holding her phone, her fingers rapidly swiping across the screen. Her face wore an expression of... extreme focus, or even amusement? A mysterious, sly, and smug smile played at the corners of her lips.

Fiameta frowned and slowed her pace. Mostima's behavior struck her as a little...strange. It was as if she were secretly admiring some treasure.

Just as Fiameta was about to approach, Mostima seemed to keenly sense her footsteps. Her expression instantly changed; the focused and smug smile vanished as if erased, replaced by her usual languid smile, as if she knew everything. At the same time, her finger swiftly swiped across her phone screen, instantly darkening it, before she clasped it tightly to her lap.

This series of movements was lightning fast and fluid, carrying a clear, albeit veiled, intent to cover up the truth.

Fiameta stopped in her tracks. Looking at Mostima's feigned composure, her suspicions deepened. She walked to the armchair opposite the sofa and sat down, looking at Mostima with a probing gaze, her tone tinged with doubt: "Mostima? What are you looking at so intently so early in the morning?" She deliberately glanced at the phone Mostima had placed on her lap.