Qie Xieling’s heart raced as he stepped into the office, his eyes fixated on the imposing figure with a masked half-face and the black-gloved hand. As the man slowly turned around, Qie Xieling’s breath caught in his throat, for there, standing before him, was his sweetheart looking at him with disgust like looking at an enemy.

The memories of their passionate past in the previous world flooded his mind, their last kiss at the beach and the whispered promises when he proposed. When he thought of his abrupt departure in the previous world he felt a lump on his throat. And now, seeing him again, Qie Xieling’s heart ached with a mixture of joy and pain.

Luo Muchen’s piercing gaze locked with Qie Xieling’s, but there was no flicker of recognition in his eyes. The new world had erased their shared memories, leaving him as a mere stranger in Luo Muchen’s world. The weight of that realisation threatened to overwhelm Qie Xieling, but he knew he couldn’t let his emotions betray him. He had a job to do, a role to play.

With a composed demeanour, he managed to find his voice, his words seemingly steady despite the turmoil within. "Last I heard, you were dead," Luo Muchen stated, his tone laced with an air of indifference. Qie Xieling fought the urge to confess his undying love and remind Luo Muchen of their past. But he knew he couldn’t risk it, not now, not in this dangerous world where Luo Muchen was the head of the intergalactic pirates.

A surge of pain shot through his heart, and he swallowed hard, his eyes never leaving Luo Muchen’s face. "They see what they want," he responded, his voice tinged with a mix of bitterness and resignation. He couldn’t allow himself to crumble under the weight of his emotions, not when his survival depended on it.

As Luo Muchen studied him intently, Qie Xieling forced a smile, masking the anguish within. "It’s truly a great coincidence that you were hiring because I am looking for a new job opportunity," he continued, keeping his words steady. "I have what it takes to be a valuable asset."

Luo Muchen’s gaze remained fixed on Qie Xieling, his eyes searching for something that Qie Xieling was desperately hiding. The silence stretched between them, filled with unspoken words and forgotten memories. Qie Xieling’s heart yearned for a different outcome, for Luo Muchen to pull him into his arms and call out Lin Lin I missed you. But he knew that hope was nothing more than just a fragile dream.

Luo Muchen leaned back in his seat and said, "If I were caught harbouring the number one most wanted man in Zeden Coalition that would put all my operations seriously at risk... What would I get in return for taking you in."

Qie Xieling scoffed. He didn’t realise his man was a scrupulous businessman until now. Why would he work for him and pay him for it? It sounded so ridiculous.

"So let me get this straight. You will have me work for you and pay you? Wow, Muchen, you are something else," he said only for Luo Muchen to gaze at him coldly before saying,

"Captain Luo."

"What?" asked Qie Xieling.

And Luo Muchen repeated himself, "That’s Captain Luo for you."

Qie Xieling couldn’t help but push his hair back his expression a little flirtatious his actions subconscious. If this was in the previous world he would been role-playing with him already. He would call out sweetly, "Yes Captain. Is it time for my punishment now," but obviously he couldn’t say that.

Luo Muchen’s expression turned ugly seeing him look at him like that. And there it was. The psycho everyone cautioned him against. If it weren’t that he needed something from him he would have killed him himself.

Luo Muchen didn’t want to continue with this back and forth. "Fine, you can work for me but you will start off just like any other recruit this includes janitorial work," he said, his words laden with an unspoken challenge.

Qie Xieling who had barely lifted a finger in his life, "..."

His heart sank, but he mustered every ounce of strength he had left, vowing to win his heart again. If it meant cleaning an entire warship then he would clean an entire warship.

"Tomorrow by sunrise you should be here and we won’t wait for you if you are late," he said his tone dismissive. He couldn’t wait for him to leave his office.

Qie Xieling smiled gleefully looking like he had won a golden prize. He walked forward and gripped the edge of the desk before leaning down and tilting his head slightly. With a voice dripping with honey, he said, "Then Captain Luo, can I have an advance? I am so broke and hungry."

Luo Muchen felt even more irritable. His entire body felt repulsion just being close to him. He wanted him out of his sight and he could feel his rage burning. He quickly transferred money to him and gave him a stern warning.

"Next time if you call me by my name I will rip your tongue out of your throat," he said and Qie Xieling stepped back his insides hurting. It stung so much that for the first time, he was considering quitting. He was seriously considering walking out and not looking back based on his words alone.

"Okay, Captain Luo," he said his voice brimming with mockery. "You are the boss after all." After saying that he left afraid that he would jump across the desk and hit him for saying that to him.

As soon as he left Luo Muchen felt something was off with himself. He felt an overwhelming sorrow in his heart a pain he couldn’t explain. He couldn’t understand why he felt this way.

Qie Xieling didn’t even spare the crew a glance as he left the nightclub angrily. He covered his face and pulled down his hoodie before disappearing into the street. Luo Muchen was currently slumped on his desk waiting for the pain to pass.

***

Qie Xieling spent the rest of the day immersed in the vibrant streets of the upper city, marvelling at its bustling energy and diverse culture. He wandered through narrow alleys, navigated through crowded markets, and soaked in the rich tapestry of sights, sounds, and smells that enveloped him.

As the sun began to set, casting a warm golden glow over the city he ventured into the food market eager to experience the authentic flavours of the local street food stalls.

The tantalising aroma of sizzling spices and savoury delicacies filled the air as he weaved through the lively street stalls. He exchanged smiles and engaged in brief conversations with the hardworking vendors, their friendly nature making him feel at home despite being a stranger in this world.

With his senses satiated and a bag filled with delicious treats, he made his way back to the rundown house in the lower city. 𝘧𝓇ℯ𝑒𝓌𝑒𝑏𝓃𝘰𝘷𝘦𝘭.𝒸ℴ𝓂

Entering the small house, he set the bag of food on the table, taking a moment to clean the surface and remove any tools or clutter that had accumulated. He wanted this meal to be special, a gesture of gratitude and celebration having found his boyfriend that he was mad at. He carefully arranged the dishes.

Just as he finished setting the table, the man returned, his footsteps heavy with tiredness. He paused in the doorway, his eyes widening as they fell upon the steaming feast spread before him.