[“The one with the beautiful body is you.”]  

Annette laughed so hard that the phone vibrated violently, then boldly declared.  

“…….Is that so?”  

Yuri muttered vaguely, not understanding why, while discussing someone else’s physical beauty, he received such an irrelevant response. But then again, Annette often blurted out random things like this.  

Swimming with the boss every morning was just a coincidence.  

[“What a shame, it’s gotten cold lately, so we’ll have to use the indoor pool instead”] – Annette remarked as if making small talk, though she knew full well Yuri preferred the outdoor pool (in fact, he liked the ocean even more than outdoor pools).  

“It’s fine. The indoor pool is a bit small, but there’s enough space for two.”  

[“Two? Who’s the other one?”]  

“Lately, Ling Xinlu has also started swimming lessons, so we often go together in the early morning.”  

The moment he finished speaking, Yuri suddenly noticed an eerie silence from the other end of the line, making him worry if the call had been disconnected.  

“Annette?”  

[“How strange, you never liked swimming with anyone before. Are you and the boss that close?”]

[“There was a time I asked you to go swimming, and you even acted all reluctant!”] – Her voice was teasing and reproachful. Yuri hastily apologized: “Sorry about that.”  

It was true that Yuri wasn’t particularly fond of swimming with others.  

Though not to the extreme of ‘absolutely refusing to share a pool’, he still preferred wide, empty spaces where he could feel the water without being disturbed.  

…….But this wasn’t so bad.  

And the feeling of having someone familiar – and endearing – sharing that same water somewhere nearby.  

[“So, how is it? Is he any good at swimming?”]  

At her eager question, Yuri, lost in thought, suddenly blurted out the first thing that came to mind: “He has a nice body.”

This time, the silence on the other end stretched even longer than before. Just as Yuri was about to call out: ‘Annette?, thinking the call had dropped,  

[“Ahahahahaha……. khahahahaha…….”]  

An extremely abnormal, prolonged burst of laughter exploded from the phone. It was so relentless that he could even hear a loud *Thud*, as if she had collapsed, mixed with breathless gasps of: [“Oh my god!”]  

Even while choking on her laughter, she managed to wheeze out: [“How could you—why are you so adorable~”] It wasn’t until someone kicked a chair and snapped: [“Get a grip!”] (probably Derek being there) that she finally started calming down.  

[“Oh man, it’s been ages since I laughed this hard. Never thought I’d hear you say something like that. But hey—you’re the one with the beautiful body.”]

When Yuri skeptically asked: “Really?” she immediately replied with certainty: “Of course!”  

[“Do you know why someone like me, whose personality doesn’t exactly mesh with yours, could still date you for months? It’s because your body is just that outstanding. Irresistibly hot~.”]  

“…….Thanks for the compliment.”  

[“Yeah, so next time, you’re swimming with me again”] – Annette joked between bursts of laughter, barely able to get the words out. Yuri patiently waited for her to calm down.  

When the laughter finally subsided, Annette’s tone grew more serious, though she still giggled occasionally:  

[“Using you as a swimming instructor? That spoiled little prince is living way too lavishly. I feel like your talents are being completely wasted.”]

“Not really. I’m fine with it. By the way, didn’t you call me for a reason?”  

[“Ah, right! But this could’ve been handled by someone else, so just consider it an excuse to call you one more time.”]  

After that preface, she got to the main point, a fairly simple task: To briefly tail a man who had just entered China and observe his activities during his trip.  

They were each other’s contacts, and both had similar networks with other colleagues. Helping one another had long become second nature.  

In cases like Yuri’s, where he was already hired elsewhere, the condition was that her main work wouldn’t be affected. But in their relationship, there was no concept of ‘favors’—all assistance was exchanged smoothly and without obligation.

“I’ll take the job. But I can’t investigate personally, so it’ll take some time. If it’s urgent, you should ask someone else.”

While responding, Yuri jotted down details about the target. [“It’ll take about half a month. But I’ve already arranged for someone else, so no worries”] – The usual work discussion continued.

Yet, she wrapped up the professional matter in less than a tenth of the time spent on casual chatter, then suddenly remembered their earlier conversation and burst into stifled giggles again, as if she couldn’t help herself.

Occasionally, Yuri noticed moments when she found inexplicable joy in things he couldn’t quite grasp. This seemed to be one of those times.

‘Is complimenting someone’s physique really that strange?’

Yuri pondered again, but the remark itself wasn’t unusual. Besides, if she saw Ling Xinlu in person, she’d surely agree—it was a strikingly beautiful figure. A flawless masculine build, the kind that made it hard to look away.

But on reflection, even Yuri realized he might have been a little too absorbed.

Just this morning, Yuri had been on the receiving end of quite the speech. It wasn’t exactly scolding or reprimand, but throughout their swimming session, Ling Xinlu had maintained that enigmatic smile of his, until near the end when he finally let out a quiet chuckle.

“I knew you could be greedy, but staring this intently is just…….”

He even teased with a playful remark: “Do you like it that much?” while making it clear he’d noticed Yuri’s gaze had been consistently drawn to him, before stepping out of the pool.  

Yet, even under that intense scrutiny, his demeanor while drying off remained utterly composed.  

“It’s not just your physique—your swimming is beautiful too.”  

“Swimming?”  

Ling Xinlu turned with a look that seemed to say:  ‘If that’s what you’re talking about, you’re far better than me.’ But Yuri hadn’t meant it as a comparison.  

Ling Xinlu moved through the water with effortless fluidity. Just watching him – never pausing, never still, constantly gliding through the currents – was enough to feel the sheer vitality radiating from him.  

Like life itself given form……. It would be a lie to say there weren’t moments when Yuri felt it unfair that someone like him claimed to need physical training. But that very vitality was also what made him impossible to look away from.  

“Like a tropical fish in the ocean.”  

When Yuri said this matter-of-factly, Ling Xinlu – still rubbing himself down with a towel – paused and stared wide-eyed at him.  

“I’ve received plenty of compliments about my appearance……. but is that one supposed to be flattering?”  

“Yes.”  

Ling Xinlu burst into laughter at the sight of Yuri nodding eagerly, like a dolphin bobbing in agreement.

“Ah, honestly. Someone who loves water so much that even their compliments have to be water-related……. Thanks. Though it’s not exactly reciprocation, but if I could see Mr. Gable swimming underwater, I’m sure you’d look just like a deep-sea fish too.”

Yuri blinked several times, his gaze fixed intently on Ling Xinlu. Xinlu glanced back at him as if to ask: ‘What’s wrong?’ Contextually, it was meant as a compliment, but…….

“Thanks. But……. deep-sea fish aren’t exactly known for their beauty.”

“I know.”

The reply came crisp and clear.

Those creatures, after millennia of evolving to adapt to lightless depths, must appear bizarre to surface-dwellers.

Yet Ling Xinlu simply smiled and added softly:

“But I like them. Those creatures that move slowly, unhurriedly in the ocean’s deepest depths.”

“They’re beautiful, aren’t they?”

Hearing those appended words, Yuri pressed his lips together. This was awkward. Once again, he found himself flustered.

He’d never thought himself so easily swayed by others’ words. Yet with this guy, even the most casual remarks sent his heart into disarray. The problem wasn’t the content—it was that inexplicable embarrassment each time Xinlu noticed Yuri’s discomfort, despite his own expression remaining perfectly composed.

This time was no different. After glancing at Yuri’s silent, expressionless face, Ling Xinlu chuckled softly: “What’s wrong? Again?”

Had he been staring too obviously? This insatiable urge to watch Ling Xinlu kept swelling uncontrollably, threatening to burst from his chest. With each passing day, the thought ‘I’m in serious trouble here’ etched itself deeper into his consciousness.

If this continued, even just a one-in-ten-thousand chance, if he actually……. ‘swam’ with him in this utterly exposed pool, he might immediately sink to the bottom from sheer imagination alone.

Transformed into a real deep-sea creature, sinking into lightless depths where no one could ever find him.

“…….”

Yuri never imagined that at his age, he’d be harboring such childish anxieties. He let out a heavy sigh.

[“Why the sigh?”]

Annette, who’d been about to end their call, suddenly paused and asked quietly. Perhaps she found it strange, or maybe even felt a flicker of concern, hearing that sigh.

How enviable, to be a girl who never had to deal with these ridiculous dilemmas.

He shook his head slightly, imagining Annette doubling over in laughter if she ever learned what he was thinking.

“It’s nothing, Annette.”

[“Really?”]

She probed several times before finally believing him, then exhaled in relief: [“Alright then. But listen…….”]

[“I know you could be thrown into any corner of the world and still handle yourself, but……. I worry anyway, got it? Love you, Yuri.”]

[“Mwah!”] – A loud kiss came through the phone. Yuri chuckled: “Thanks. Love you too, Annette.”

Since his grandmother and mother had ‘passed beyond the mountains’, she was perhaps the closest woman in his life, even if their bond was purely platonic.

Only after the laughter faded and the call ended did Yuri slowly set down the receiver. Talking to Annette always left his spirit a little lighter. Surely, she too was ‘water’ to someone else out there.

“Who was that? Your girlfriend?”

An amused voice sounded behind him. Ling Xinlu emerged from the shower, towel-drying his hair, curious eyes locked on Yuri.

“Let me guess……. Hmm……. Mrs. Annette?”

When Ling Xinlu pretended to ponder before dropping the name, Yuri’s eyebrows shot up in surprise. He nodded: “Spot on”, his gaze questioning how Xinlu knew. Seeing that reaction, Ling Xinlu burst into laughter.

“Mr. Gable, your relationships with women are painfully transparent.”

Ling Xinlu grabbed a can of beer and plopped onto the sofa, muttering: “Aah……. so tired…….” Yuri wasn’t fooled, he knew perfectly well that with Xinlu’s current physical condition, even swimming dozens of laps in an Olympic-sized pool would be no problem.

Yet when he saw the younger man rubbing his eyes and complaining of exhaustion, Yuri still found himself following to sit beside him.

“Work call?”

“Mmm. Nothing particularly important or difficult.”

“Hmm……. Mutual aid society, huh.”

Yuri had received many similar calls before. Contacting people who could provide needed information or asking for favors had become routine. He often did the same when necessary.

“But come to think of it, the women who contact Mr. Gable can be counted on one hand. Besides Mrs. Annette, is there anyone else?”

Xiaojun maybe……. Even racking his brain, he couldn’t come up with more than five names. For a brief moment, Gable became the most ‘unpopular’ man in the solar system, though his expression remained utterly impassive.

“Most field operatives in this line of work are men. Office jobs have more women.”

Fieldwork involving intelligence gathering often comes with dangerous situations, which is why most operatives are male. Even Annette used to do fieldwork before switching to desk duty pretty quickly.

“A stuffy, sausage-fest environment…….”

Ling Xinlu shook his head wearily, his face painting an imagination of the gloomy, depressing scene.

“Same goes for UNHRDO. Especially the Asia branch, not a single female in sight. So much so that during special training periods when they couldn’t go out on weekends, the guys would sing wistfully: ‘Oh ladies~’ to cope with withdrawal. Hilarious, really.”

“Is that so…….” – Yuri nodded like a dolphin before suddenly falling silent. He understood that situation all too well.

Among our colleagues, there’s no shortage of guys who are particularly fond of women. Some even get irritable after long work periods without female company, constantly muttering: “Wanna do it, wanna have sex, wanna fuck hard~” after every sentence.

“If it’s all men, then UNHRDO probably isn’t much different.”

“…….”

Yuri’s gaze shifted to Ling Xinlu, who was calmly sipping his beer. Here was a man so handsome and charming he could literally slap any beauty across the face and still effortlessly make them swoon. What’s more, he was the type who always wore a friendly smile in social situations – even if it was just surface-level.

A person like this had to endure that harsh environment? He must have faced no small amount of difficulties. At that thought, Yuri’s heart suddenly clenched.

While staring at Ling Xinlu with his usual impassive expression tinged with faint melancholy, Yuri suddenly noticed the other’s returning gaze. Ling Xinlu tilted his head slightly after studying him intently.

“Work aside, have you ever encountered any……. difficulties outside of the job?”

“…….Me? No, never.”

Yuri blinked in surprise when the very question he had intended to ask was voiced by the other man instead. He shook his head.

Ling Xinlu slightly furrowed his brows: “Is that so?”

“At first glance it doesn’t seem so, but the more I interact with you, the more I notice Mr. Gable’s personality has some soft spots.”

“Is that so?” – Yuri tilted his head in self-reflection, but ignoring Ling Xinlu’s skeptical expression, he glanced at the distance between them and unexpectedly suggested:

“Why don’t you sit a bit closer?”

Ling Xinlu waved his hand, signaling for Yuri to move slightly farther away. As Yuri shifted backward, Xinlu stretched out fully on the sofa, resting his still-damp head on Yuri’s lap. The thin fabric of the trousers gradually absorbed the moisture, creating an indescribably damp sensation.

Seeing Ling Xinlu sigh wearily and continuously rub his eyes, Yuri made to stand up: “Wait a moment.” Normally at this time, after Ling Xinlu finished bathing and rested his head on Yuri’s lap, Yuri would fetch a warm towel to place over his eyes and give him a gentle massage.

But as Yuri prepared to stand and get the warm towel, Ling Xinlu hesitated slightly before shaking his head: “No need.” His hand pressed his head more firmly against Yuri’s thigh.

“I don’t want to move. Too tired. Just massage me like this.” – As he spoke, he closed his eyes.

Yuri gazed intently at him, then slowly lowered his half-raised body back down. His hand gently covered Ling Xinlu’s eyes.

*Rustle* The long eyelashes brushing against his palm made Yuri feel a slight tickling sensation. He gently rubbed the delicate, butterfly-wing-like eyelids with his fingertips.  

As Yuri massaged around his eyes, Ling Xinlu’s body gradually relaxed. From his serene expression to his neck, shoulders, back……. his entire body grew limp, as if he were about to drift off to sleep.  

Witnessing this, even Yuri felt the heavy tension in his own heart melt away. He liked this moment.  

His ears caught Ling Xinlu’s steady breathing, like a whisper saying: “So comfortable, so soothing.”

The two of them seemed to share the same rhythm, making Yuri also feel drowsy and at ease. He let out a long, relieved sigh.  

Right then.  

“Thank you.”  

A soft murmur reached his ears.  

Yuri silently looked down at Ling Xinlu’s slightly parted lips, then replied: “It’s nothing.”  

Something this small, he could do anytime. Covering those tired eyes so they wouldn’t have to strain—it wasn’t difficult at all. And more than that, Yuri himself was deeply savoring this moment in his heart.  

Ling Xinlu must have known that too. Even though he was fully aware that Yuri was also relaxing while massaging him, the corners of his lips still curled up into a faint smile.

“It’s just what I think. Not just for massaging my eyes now, but for many other things too……. thank you.”  

Yuri waited a moment before replying succinctly: “You’re welcome.”  

Though he didn’t know exactly what Ling Xinlu was thanking him for, if he could bring something that made the other grateful, then that alone was a joy.  

At the very least, he wasn’t being a bother, Yuri smiled faintly at the thought.  

“But just saying thanks feels a bit……. I feel guilty always receiving without giving anything in return……. Is there anything you want?”  

However, at this question from Ling Xinlu, Yuri’s smile gradually faded. He looked down at him, perplexed. By nature, Yuri wasn’t someone with many desires, so he’d never really given it much thought.  

“No, I don’t need anything.”  

“But really, think about it carefully—anything at all would do.”

“Well……. I already got swimwear not long ago……. I really don’t need anything else.”  

Yuri pondered for a while but still couldn’t come up with anything, so he shook his head.  

Now that he thought about it, it was true. Even if he did receive gifts, if he didn’t use them, it would only weigh on his conscience.  

Even that swimsuit was the same.  

Back then, when Ling Xinlu suddenly shoved a neatly wrapped square package into Yuri’s hands with a “This is for you”, Yuri had been completely caught off guard.

It wasn’t any special occasion, nor was there any particular reason. Yet Yuri thanked him and opened it right away. But when he saw the swimsuit inside, he froze.  

He’d merely mentioned in passing that his current swimsuit was still fine; had he accidentally said something that made Ling Xinlu misunderstand?  

Yuri glanced at Ling Xinlu, who had tossed him the gift nonchalantly before heading to the changing room. When he came back out, their eyes met.  

“What? Don’t like the color? Even though I put so much effort into picking a style that suits Mr. Gable……. Want to exchange it?”  

Yuri had never cared much about clothing, nor did it matter whether the swimsuit was red or had an aloha flower print, as long as it fit, it was wearable. He replied: “No, I like it. Thanks”, but still couldn’t figure out why Xinlu had suddenly gifted him a swimsuit, so he kept staring at it.  

But on second thought, if you were going to give a gift, it made sense to choose something the other person liked, and since Yuri enjoyed swimming, a swimsuit was a logical choice.  

After convincing himself of this, Yuri thanked Ling Xinlu again.  

“I’ll store it carefully and use it once my current one wears out. Thank you.”  

But the moment Yuri finished speaking, Ling Xinlu’s expression turned icy, as if he’d just committed a grave mistake.  

“Throw the old one away.”  

“Huh?……. But it’s still usable. It’s perfectly fine.”

Not torn, not even frayed.

Ling Xinlu glared in displeasure:

“Throw it away. It’s dirty now.”

“…….”

The words ‘I wash it every day’ stuck in Yuri’s throat under that icy stare.

In the end, under Ling Xinlu’s supervision, Yuri had no choice but to discard the swimsuit he’d used for years and switch to the new one.

The fact that daily washing still wasn’t enough to keep it from being deemed ‘dirty’ gave Yuri mild shock, prompting him to start washing it even more thoroughly than before.

‘I shower every day and change clothes properly, though…….’ – Yuri thought gloomily, his face blank, when Ling Xinlu asked again:

“Are you really sure there’s nothing you want?”

Ling Xinlu caught Yuri’s hand resting on his eyelids and gently lifted it. His dark, gleaming eyes blinked up at Yuri from below.

“Really nothing.”

Yuri shook his head, his tone calm but firm. Hearing this, Ling Xinlu’s expression flickered with disappointment. “Hmph, nothing at all?” – He murmured, scratching lightly at Yuri’s palm like a mischievous kitten.

Whenever in a good mood, Ling Xinlu would occasionally display these cat-like, endearing mannerisms.

Lately, he’d been doing this more often. Strangely enough, Yuri found himself growing oddly fond of these moments.

Each time, the way Ling Xinlu glanced up at him made Yuri feel as though the other knew exactly how much he adored these endearing gestures.

Then Ling Xinlu would narrow his eyes as if saying, “You should be grateful—I’m spoiling you right now,” with all the haughty charm of a pampered noble cat, never failing to draw a quiet laugh from Yuri.

“Fine then. If there’s ever anything you want later, just tell me. I’ve received so much from Mr. Gable already—it’s only fair I repay you somehow.”

Ling Xinlu pulled Yuri’s hand tighter against his face. Rustle. His fluttering lashes tickled Yuri’s palm.

Then, as if murmuring to himself, he whispered: “…….So nice.”

He nuzzled into Yuri’s hand, tilting his head slightly to press his nose against it. Yuri could feel the warm breaths ghosting over his skin.

“There’s something……. really soothing about this scent. Is it your soap?”

Yuri tilted his head, puzzled. He lifted his free hand to sniff at it but detected nothing unusual.

“Hmm, I’m not sure. Maybe the soap, since I just showered. Or maybe it’s your scent transferring onto me.”

“No, probably not.”

Yet Ling Xinlu didn’t move. He laid his own hand over Yuri’s, still covering his face, and settled in as if drifting off to sleep.

Yuri, too, stayed silent, gazing down at Ling Xinlu’s hand resting atop his own, unwilling to disturb the moment.