Slacking off feels amazing—for a moment.

Slack off forever? Even better!

This was Ye Thirteen’s hard-earned wisdom after days of doing exactly that.

But today, he couldn’t sleep in till noon. Someone had been *politely* ringing his doorbell every few minutes since dawn.

How was he supposed to sleep through that?!

No doorbell cam, but Ye Thirteen instantly knew—it was Qu Yi from last night.

Who else would be this relentlessly persistent?

He already regretted giving this hyperactive little girl his address.

Grumbling inwardly, Ye Thirteen stomped out of his room, scowling, sleepwear still rumpled.

He opened the door. That familiar cascade of crimson hair greeted him.

Face darkening, he growled in a low voice:

“Kid. Ever heard of *disturbing someone’s beauty sleep*?”

He prided himself on that glare—new recruits of the Starlight Feather Squad had cried under it.

But Qu Yi just blushed, fidgeting behind half-covered hands (which totally failed to hide her wide, sparkling eyes):

“U-um… Uncle… we’re not *there* yet! P-please be… more reserved!”

Ye Thirteen glanced down—disheveled sleepwear, eight-pack abs peeking through from years of training. A flicker of embarrassment.

*Twenty-six. Act like an adult.*

He swallowed it, voice flat:

“Typical little girl. So easily flustered.”

He turned and walked inside, leaving the door wide open.

Qu Yi didn’t see it as walking into the lion’s den—eyes lit with curiosity, she followed right in!

*Uncle Ye’s apartment: CONQUERED! ✓*

Hearing footsteps behind him, Ye Thirteen’s lips twitched.

*Zero caution. Seriously?*

He’d never met anyone like her—so effortlessly cheerful, so… *Qu Yi*.

“The fridge has food and drinks. Help yourself if you skipped breakfast. I’m washing up.”

His tone held a hint of exasperation. Qu Yi just chirped:

“Got it~!”

Back in his room, Ye Thirteen smacked his forehead.

*Getting old. Can’t even intimidate a kid.*

…Whatever.

He wasn’t Marshal Night anymore. Just an ordinary guy.

No need to command squads or scare enemies.

The thought eased his irritation. Humming softly, he freshened up.

Emerging in loungewear, he launched right in:

“Don’t mess up my place, or you’ll—”

Words died.

The apartment was tidy.

Qu Yi stood at the stove in an apron.

???

*What’s happening?!*

*Do I… feel grown-up?!*

Wait—I’m *twenty-six*!

Damn.

Bewildered, he stammered: “W-what are you doing?”

Qu Yi turned, signature energetic smile glowing:

“You just woke up! I used stuff from the fridge. Come eat~!”

Ye Thirteen sat at the table in a daze.

*This is MY apartment!*

*Since when are YOU the lady of the house?!*

Unbelievable!

He felt utterly flustered. Handling someone this relentlessly cheerful was scarier than facing a full squad of Royal-tier Demon Hunters!

Yet… he couldn’t dislike her.

*Hello? Adorable girl making you breakfast? Every guy’s dream!*

He was only human—vanity flickered.

He wanted to scold her sternly… but the words wouldn’t come.

So he stayed silent… and ate.

Mmm…

Actually really good.

Way better than his own online-tutorial disasters.

She must cook often at home. Pretty domestic.

~~

Of course she was confident!

Dad taught her: *“Win the stomach, win the heart.”*

He learned for Mom—but same logic applied!

*Step one: win handsome Uncle’s heart!*

Seeing Ye Thirteen’s stunned face, Qu Yi mentally cheered:

*Yay! Plan successful! ✓*

If her dad knew his “precious cabbage” used years of cooking lessons to charm a guy barely younger than him… he’d show up with a knife.

*He’d never even tasted her “love-filled” breakfast!*

At most… dinner.

*sob* Waaah~

…

Full and content, Ye Thirteen lounged on the sofa, watching Qu Yi wash dishes.

*Is this retirement life?*

No wonder people looked forward to it.

Leaving the squad… wasn’t so bad.

Slacking off? *Chef’s kiss.*

Maybe settling down with a girl like Qu Yi wouldn’t be bad…

…Who’d want a slacker like him, though?

Qu Yi? Nah. Young lady from a wealthy family—just a daydream.

Even if she stayed interested past curiosity, her family alone would give him headaches.

Ye Thirteen was responsible.

She could approach on a whim. He wouldn’t take advantage of her youth.

All men appreciate beauty—he was no exception.

No guy stays unmoved by a girl like Qu Yi.

But a man of integrity doesn’t prey on innocence.

If she were older… from an ordinary family… yeah, he’d be smitten.

*You should thank me, little girl.*

*Not everyone’s this gentlemanly.*

*So making me breakfast? Only fair.*

Lost in thought again—

Qu Yi stood before him, dishes done, gazing up at his “magnificent visage.”

Her sparkling eyes? Practically heart-shaped. 💘