"You're just getting old, not losing your mind, are you?"
Zhan Zeyi showed no fear of the old man's teasing and scoffed instead.
"What 'true face'? Everyone here answers to me. What is there to be afraid of?"
The old man laughed heartily. It was obvious there was interest—otherwise, with that stubborn temper, there would have been no explanation at all.
Both of them silently dropped the topic and shifted the conversation.
"I had no choice this time," the old man said. "My research hasn't made any breakthroughs. Recently, I finally accepted a young student who brought new ideas, but I don't want those ideas leaked again."
There was no attempt to hide anything. This isolated island was chosen precisely to avoid interference.
Zhan Zeyi had been dismissive at first, but hearing this made his expression change slightly.
"A new student? Don't tell me it's Tang Xiuyuan."
The old man was startled.
"How did you know? Did you place someone in my team?"
Zhan Zeyi rolled his eyes.
Not everyone in that team was familiar, but most were. When he returned alive, the same group had studied everything brought back with him. Now, at such a critical moment, they followed him here—not only because he knew the details, but also because the island was completely isolated.
As for guessing Tang Xiuyuan—it was simple.
"That's my brother-in-law."
That one sentence was enough.
The old man chuckled, assuming Zhan Zeyi didn't know much more.
"You're quite something. Even your brother-in-law turns out to be important."
Zhan Zeyi ignored the flattery. Having capable people around was nothing new. One more or one less didn't matter.
It wasn't surprising that the old man knew about the Tang family. Every student's background had been thoroughly investigated.
Tang Xiuyuan's situation was no exception. The Tang family had tried to build connections through Zhan Zeyi's status—it was obvious why.
"I hesitated before accepting that boy," the old man continued. "Right when I decided, the Tang family cut ties with him. That wasn't your doing, was it?"
The timing was too perfect.
Zhan Zeyi knew exactly what had happened.
"Don't pry. He's my brother-in-law."
That was all he said. Some things were better left hidden.
The old man removed his glasses and wiped them slowly.
"That boy is no ordinary person. A true genius in physics. His ideas are sharp, and his perspective is completely different from others."
Hearing such praise, Zhan Zeyi understood just how capable Tang Xiuyuan really was.
"Then train him well. As for Bai Xu, keep an eye on him. I don't think he's that impressive."
Even as he left, Zhan Zeyi didn't forget to throw in a jab.
The old man snorted.
"Get lost. My students are all talented—more than a brute like you."
Zhan Zeyi didn't stay to listen. He turned and left.
Afterward, he went straight to the cafeteria. The one-eyed cook had already prepared a lunchbox and reminded him to hurry back before the food got cold.
With a quick response, Zhan Zeyi took the lunchbox and headed back.
Upon entering, Tang Qiyue was already seated at the table, flipping through a book. A glance revealed it was a cookbook.
"Eat first."
Zhan Zeyi placed the lunchbox on the table and opened it.
Tang Qiyue went to the kitchen and brought out the steamed fish. There were no extra ingredients available, but cooking wine and salt had already removed the fishy taste.
While setting it down, a thought crossed her mind—next time, oysters could be used to make sauce, and some seaweed could be prepared to add variety.
Zhan Zeyi recognized the fish as part of the day's catch. After tasting it, the flavor surprised him. Without commenting, he simply continued eating.
Neither spoke during the meal.
After finishing, Zhan Zeyi cleaned up, while Tang Qiyue sat nearby with a cup of tea, watching.
"If you want to see your brother, I can take you."
The technicians' area was restricted and guarded. Entry wasn't allowed freely.
Tang Qiyue had already been thinking about it—there were questions to ask, and concern about whether Tang Xiuyuan had enough supplies.
"Alright."
Instead of going empty-handed, Tang Qiyue brought two bags of peach shortbread. There had been plenty brought along, so there was no need to be stingy.
Seeing this, Zhan Zeyi had no reason to object.
After eating, the two walked out together.
Compared to the quiet at home, Zhan Zeyi seemed more talkative outside.
"Don't worry. That old man won't let anyone suffer. And this island is isolated—whatever happens outside won't affect this place."
The words carried a deeper meaning.
"Do you know something?"
Tang Qiyue tugged at his sleeve, curiosity clear on her face.
Zhan Zeyi glanced at the hand on his sleeve, then clicked his tongue before simply taking that soft hand into his own.
It felt… better this way.
A brief struggle followed, but it was useless. Eventually, Tang Qiyue stopped resisting. After all, they were husband and wife. And with night falling, no one was around to see.
"Give me a kiss, and I'll tell you."
Zhan Zeyi stopped walking and pointed at his cheek, completely shameless.
The memory of earlier teasing came rushing back. Tang Qiyue's face flushed, and without a word, she turned to leave.
Zhan Zeyi only meant to tease, not expecting compliance. With a grin, he allowed himself to be pulled along.
"You're shy, I know. But we share a bed—what's there to be afraid of? It's just a kiss, not like anything else."
The words only made things worse.
Before he could continue, Tang Qiyue turned back and threw herself against him, covering his mouth with her hand.
"Be quiet. Have some shame."
The warning was soft but firm.
Zhan Zeyi simply wrapped an arm around her waist and lifted her slightly, pulling her closer. With a tilt of his head, her hand was brushed aside.
Then he lowered his head and kissed her.
"Fine. I'll be quiet. Just this one kiss."