Lin Xian stepped out of the bathroom, towel-drying his hair.
A satisfied smile bloomed on his face, and his steps felt light, as if no burden weighed him down.
Inside the bathroom, Liu Yanyan was still standing in front of the sink.
Her teeth chattered lightly as she brushed them, her face flushed red, almost the same color as her cheeks.
"What... what did I just do?" she thought, her heart pounding wildly.
"I actually... did that... with Lin Xian…"
Despite her embarrassment, a strange warmth flowed within her.
A tingling sensation fluttered in her chest.
She couldn't hold back the small smile that curled on her lips.
Why... why don't I feel any regret? she thought, staring at her reflection in the mirror.
Beneath the overwhelming shyness consuming her, a more undeniable truth emerged—
She was starting to like Lin Xian. That feeling was growing stronger, even if she had no idea how to handle it.
Liu Yanyan took a deep breath, trying to calm herself down.
She tossed the towel over her head and looked at herself once more in the mirror.
Yes, I like him. But... is this the right thing to do?
Just then, the bathroom door opened, and Lin Xian walked in calmly.
"Yanyan, are you okay?"
Lin Xian asked, glancing briefly at her, still lost in thought.
Truthfully, even Lin Xian didn't expect his relationship with Liu Yanyan to progress this far.
There was a complex feeling within his chest, but he didn't reject it.
Liu Yanyan only nodded, her heart still racing.
"I... I'm fine," she replied in a slightly husky voice.
Not long after, Liu Yanyan stepped out of the bathroom wearing only an oversized white shirt—Lin Xian's shirt, the only clothing she could borrow since she hadn't brought anything with her.
Though it was just a plain shirt, it highlighted her elegance instead.
Her long legs and fair skin added an irresistible charm.
Lin Xian couldn't help but swallow hard, his eyes unknowingly fixed on her.
Liu Yanyan gave a faint smile and sat down beside him on the sofa, naturally wrapping her arms around his.
As if they were a longtime couple, comfortable with one another.
Lin Xian took a deep breath and turned toward her.
Suddenly, he laid her down on the sofa and kissed her lips.
Liu Yanyan was surprised but didn't resist.
Instead, she wrapped her arms around his neck and returned the kiss with passion.
Their breaths intertwined, and the world around them disappeared.
When their lips finally parted, they stared into each other's eyes—soul to soul.
Then Lin Xian buried his face in Liu Yanyan's soft, pale chest.
It made her blush and giggle, but she didn't push him away.
Instead, her heart felt sweet seeing Lin Xian act like a child.
She gently combed his hair with her fingers, smiling warmly.
---
Meanwhile, the sweetness Lin Xian experienced stood in stark contrast to what was happening at the heart of the government.
Inside a closed-door conference room within the nation's power center, the country's top officials sat around a massive round table.
Ministers, military chiefs, strategic advisors, and the supreme leader of the nation were all present in a tense silence.
No smiles. No small talk.
Only grim faces filled with buried panic.
Cigarette smoke filled the air, forming a thin haze beneath the cold chandelier light.
Several men smoked nonstop, as if trying to calm their nerves amidst a situation that defied logic.
Secretaries and personal guards stood rigid at the room's edge.
They were sweating and holding their breath. Not a single soul dared to speak.
Finally, the Minister of Defense, Jiang Hu, let out a long sigh and broke the silence.
"According to reports from our strategic unit, we've lost all connection with our satellites… and as of now, we still can't identify the origin of the three suns and thirteen moons."
The Minister of Economy, Gao Ren, slammed his fist on the table.
Bang!
"Impossible! How could we lose all our satellites?! Is this some form of external attack? Or alien technology?!"
However, Minister of Communications and Technology, Liu Cheng, responded in a deep voice.
"It's not just us. Several major powers around the world have also reported complete satellite failure."
The room fell silent. Every head turned, horror on their faces.
Jiang Hu spoke again, this time slower and more fatigued.
"An hour ago, we also lost contact with the Hai Long-07 submarine. The last message we received... reported an attack by an unknown creature. Its size... was even larger than the submarine itself."
Silence.
Every official drew a deep breath. A chill crept down their spines.
A creature larger than a submarine...?
Could that even be called an animal anymore...?
Some ministers began arguing.
Some questioned the report, some claimed it was fabricated, while others began panicking outright.
Their voices clashed—no longer caring for formality or authority.
But suddenly...
Tok. Tok. Tok.
A soft tapping at the end of the table silenced the room.
An elderly man with silver hair, seated at the head chair—the supreme leader—lifted his face.
His gaze was sharp as an eagle's, his aura radiating pressure that silenced all.
He exhaled cigar smoke from his lips and slowly stood up.
In a calm but commanding tone, he spoke.
"Order all military forces—land, sea, and air—to return home immediately. Even those in conflict zones or foreign bases. No exceptions."
The ministers stayed silent, listening closely.
"Pang Li, halt all food exports. All foreign distribution is frozen starting today. If anyone resists... issue a warning. If they persist, label them as national traitors."
"Zhao Feng, establish civilian protection zones in every major city. Focus on areas near military bases. Prioritize speed. No compromises."
He looked each minister in the eye.
"Ran Yixin, gather all top human resources—scientists, medical personnel, engineers, anyone with specialized skills. Persuade them if you must. If they refuse... bring them back by force."
At last, he straightened his posture with full authority and declared,
"This afternoon, we will declare a National Emergency to the public.
Now... carry out your duties!"
All ministers and commanders stood up and shouted in unison:
"Yes, Sir!"