Morning light filtered through the hovercar windows, spilling softly across the seats. Gu Qing and Milton sat side by side in the quiet cabin, the air between them warm and unhurried. Gu Qing reached over and gently took Milton’s hand. The moment their fingers brushed, a ripple of tenderness moved through them both—wordless, instinctive, secure.
The hovercar came to a smooth stop at the military headquarters. As soon as the door opened, Gu Qing did not hesitate. He laced his fingers through Milton’s and led him straight through the main entrance.
Milton’s face flushed instantly. His heartbeat quickened as his gaze drifted along the corridor, trying—and failing—to conceal the shy tension in his expression.
Uniformed military females along the hallway halted mid-step, eyes widening as they stared.
“Oh my—look, that’s the general and Lord Gu Qing holding hands!”
“I thought a male like Gu Qing would be untouchable. But he takes such good care of the general.”
“I used to think the general was all ice and distance. Now I see him being fed lunch every day and nodding when he’s told it tastes good. Why is that adorable?”
“Didn’t they say he used to be like a block of ice? Now he’s basically a hot fried egg—made personally by Gu Qing!”
Laughter rippled softly down the corridor.
“Honestly, I always thought males were meant to be served. But Gu Qing cooks himself, brings lunchboxes every day. It makes me think… maybe love actually exists.”
Milton froze for a moment, the tips of his ears turning red.
He was about to step away when another voice drifted over.
“But a male like Gu Qing… how could he possibly belong to just one female?”
“If he ever decided to accept servants, I would sign up immediately.”
“I do not even need to be loved. Just serving him would be enough.”
Their laughter faded into the distance, but Milton remained standing still.
After a few seconds, he moved again, though his steps felt lighter than usual. He touched his heated cheek, then glanced at the message glowing on his communicator:
【Lunch will be there soon. I made star-core braised meat—your favorite.】
The corner of his mouth curved upward despite himself.
“…Who said I look like a fried egg,” he muttered under his breath, brushing loose hair from his ear as he headed toward his office.
But the careless words he had overheard lingered, circling quietly in his chest.
Gu Qing was gentle, remarkable, attentive—anyone could feel valued in his presence. How could someone like that belong to only one female?
In Zerg tradition, one male with many partners was not only common—it was expected. Having attendants or servants was a symbol of status.
Gu Qing had never spoken about his past. Had he loved someone before? Had he treated others with the same quiet warmth?
Milton had never asked. He had not dared to.
A faint ache bloomed in his chest.
Gu Qing was too good—so good it felt impossible that he would ever belong entirely to one person. And if one day he chose others as well… could Milton still stand beside him?
“Gu Qing…” he murmured inwardly.
Just then another message popped up:
【The cosmic flame-grilled fish is halfway done. Wait for me to feed you. If you sneak a bite, do not expect me to coax you to sleep tonight.】
Milton blinked.
Then he smiled—shy, stubborn, fond.
“I would not sneak a bite… and I do not need you to coax me to sleep,” he muttered softly, though warmth pooled in his chest.
—
At noon, Gu Qing appeared at the office door as usual, insulated bag in hand. He set the lunch containers down with practiced ease.
Milton sat behind his desk, pretending to focus on documents. But Gu Qing immediately sensed the difference.
“You did not come to meet me today,” he said gently.
“I had a meeting,” Milton replied without looking up.
“Did you?” Gu Qing’s voice was mild but unyielding. “You always come out, even when you are busy.”
He tapped lightly on the desk and leaned forward.
“General… are you upset?”
Milton finally looked up. Under that steady black gaze, words stuck in his throat.
“…Have you… liked anyone else before?” he asked quietly.
Gu Qing paused, then laughed softly.
“So you are jealous?”
Milton’s cheeks warmed. “I just remembered… males usually have many attendants and servants.”
“Mm.” Gu Qing nodded thoughtfully. Then his tone shifted, teasing yet warm. “But you are the one I choose to cook for every day.”
Milton stilled.
“You are also the first one I want to hold hands with in public.”
“….”
“And the only one I am willing to stay for. The one I am willing to let people talk about, envy, or misunderstand.”
Milton’s heart felt squeezed tight.
Gu Qing reached out, lifting his chin gently. His voice was low and steady.
“Milton. I have no interest in being served. I only want to take care of you.”
Heat rushed through Milton’s chest, dissolving the quiet fear he had not known how to name.
“…What if other females try to get close to you?” he asked anyway.
Gu Qing leaned close, his tone lazy and faintly possessive.
“I am only interested in one type of female.”
“What type?”
“The kind who turns red after overhearing gossip, gets jealous in silence, and refuses to admit it.”
Milton’s ears burned bright crimson. “You—you knew?”
Gu Qing smiled, cupping his face.
“Of course. My future consort—how could I not know what you are thinking?”
Milton huffed softly and looked away.
Gu Qing kissed his forehead. “Eat. The food is getting cold.”
—
After the meal, Gu Qing placed a small silver-white dessert before him.
It shimmered delicately, a translucent custard crowned with a thin layer of frost-like glaze, as if morning dew had settled across its surface. When Milton lifted a spoonful, the texture trembled like a cloud, releasing a gentle fragrance of milk and fruit.
“What is this?” he asked.
“Something I have been working on,” Gu Qing replied. “It is called Silver Dew Heart Custard. Not a bad name, right?”
Milton tasted it. The custard melted instantly on his tongue—smooth, lightly sweet, with a faint tang at the finish. It was fresh and soft, like sunlight after rain.
“It is… very good,” he said quietly.
“Better than the high-end Zerg restaurants?” Gu Qing asked playfully.
Milton glanced at him, lips curving faintly. “A thousand times better.”
Gu Qing chuckled. “I made it especially for you. You are not allowed to share it with anyone else. Just like me.”
Milton’s ears reddened again, fingers tightening around the spoon.
“…I was not going to share it anyway.”