On the way, Lu Xia suddenly remembered something. "Cecil just became a Gene Fusion Expert, too," she said to Simon, "and Lady Daina is going to host a celebratory banquet for him. If you’d like, I could contact your mother and have the Li Family host one for you as well."

Simon hadn’t expected this. He instinctively glanced at Cecil. "Duke, would it be possible for you to host it for me?"

Just then, Lu Xia saw Cecil turn his head to stare directly at Simon, his eyes filled with wariness.

Lu Xia paused for a moment. "Of course, I can. But don’t you need to inform your family?"

"There’s no need. I don’t have much to do with the Li Family. My mother passed away when I was very young."

Lu Xia hadn’t expected that. "I’m sorry, I didn’t know," she said. "In that case, how about I host one for you after Cecil’s celebration is over?"

"Of course. I’m not in a hurry. Just hearing you say that is enough for me."

He meant every word. After all, in his entire life, no female had ever been so considerate of him, and he and Lu Xia had only just met.

Listening to their conversation, Cecil was sick with jealousy. ’I knew it! This guy is here to steal her attention! If I’d known, I would’ve had her host my celebration, too. I can’t believe I let him get away with this.’

’Although, deep down, he knew perfectly well that it was more appropriate for Lady Daina to host his celebration. It signified his family’s acknowledgment and acceptance, and it was a kind gesture from Lu Xia. After all, he wasn’t like Simon. His mother was still alive.’

But he was still petty with jealousy.

When they returned home, Smelian was already back from work early. He saw Simon walking on Lu Xia’s other side and took the initiative to greet him. "You’re back."

Simon looked at the male from the Rafaelde family and nodded lightly. "I’m back."

Smelian smiled at him, then turned his gaze to Lu Xia. "Dinner is ready."

Lu Xia smiled, walked over, and gave Smelian a hug. Then she said to the three of them, "I’m going to go up and freshen up. We’ll have dinner in a little while."

Then she turned to Simon. "The old butler has already prepared a room for you. You can head straight up. If you need anything at all, don’t hesitate to ask."

Simon nodded in understanding and followed a household servant to his room.

As soon as Simon was gone, Cecil went over to Smelian and tugged on his sleeve. "Do you have any idea how shameless that guy is? The moment he arrived, he started stealing all of her attention. He even played the pity card about his mother being dead and got her to host a Gene Fusion Expert celebration for him."

Listening to Cecil’s rant, Smelian raised an eyebrow. "Are you tattling to me?"

Cecil’s eyes widened, and he stared at Smelian in disbelief. "Aren’t we supposed to be on the same side?"

"But why would I need to be on your side? I’ve already gotten everything I want. You still have to work for it, don’t you?"

With that, Smelian patted Cecil’s shoulder in a gesture of encouragement and walked away.

Cecil couldn’t argue with that, because it was true. He was still struggling, while Smelian had already obtained everything he desired.

"This is so infuriating. One after another."

*

After finishing his tasks, the old butler came to Simon’s room in person. Simon was in the middle of unpacking. "If there’s anything you need," the butler said, "please don’t hesitate to let me know."

Simon smiled at the old butler. "I don’t need anything, this is wonderful. I was just wondering, where is the Duke’s room?"

"The Duchess’s room is upstairs. She is currently living with Smelian. Your room is next to Cecil’s."

Simon nodded, then asked, "Was there another male in this house before?"

"Yes, the main husband, Graces. He’s just not at home at the moment."

"Is there anything I should be aware of while living in this house?"

The old butler couldn’t help but give him a second look. Of the four males, Simon was the only one who had asked about house rules.

"The Duchess is very easygoing. As long as you all live together in peace, she isn’t likely to make a fuss."

"Alright, I understand. Thank you."

"Not at all, it’s my duty. You can find me anytime if something comes up. Once you’re settled in, you may come down for dinner."

With that, the old butler turned and left to get back to his work.

’This house is certainly getting more and more lively.’

After dinner, Simon met Little Pu Tao, whom Lu Xia cared for with great tenderness.

Little Pu Tao was clearly well-cared for. He was fair-skinned and chubby, with a pair of big, bright black eyes that made him look particularly energetic.

At eight months old, Little Pu Tao could already crawl smoothly all over the floor.

Lu Xia never restricted him. She would dress him in a little crawler outfit and let him play freely on the floor.

Sometimes, she would even set out shiny objects for Little Pu Tao to find.

As Simon watched the chubby little child, a flicker of surprise crossed his eyes. He had heard that Lu Xia and one of her partners had a male child together.

But seeing the proof with his own eyes was still shocking. He knew very well that Lu Xia had chosen to conceive this male child when his father was still considered a "defective male." This meant that, fundamentally, Lu Xia didn’t reject them.

Very few females were capable of that.

Just as he was lost in these thoughts, Little Pu Tao suddenly crawled over to his feet and grabbed his pant leg. Simon’s eyes met the little one’s. The baby stared at his eyes, suddenly cried out, "AH!", and pointed a finger right at him.

Thinking the baby wanted to be held, Simon picked him up.

This brought them face-to-face.

Little Pu Tao quieted down in his arms, his eyes still fixed on Simon without blinking.

Everyone watched, curious to see what he would do. Just then, Little Pu Tao suddenly reached out and touched Simon’s eye.

"Ah, ah!" he cooed, turning his head to look at Lu Xia.

The others all turned to look at Lu Xia as well.

Amused and a little exasperated, Lu Xia walked over to Simon’s side. "No, sweetie," she gently chided the baby. "Those are Uncle’s eyes. You can’t have them."

Then she turned to the stunned Simon and explained, "Little Pu Tao likes to collect pretty, shiny gems. He was staring at you because he thinks your eyes are beautiful and he wants them."

Simon hadn’t realized that was what the baby wanted, and he found himself both amused and exasperated. Cradling the heavy little boy, he asked, "You like my eyes?"

Though the eight-month-old couldn’t talk, he could already understand. He nodded, his big eyes filled with longing.

Simon was completely charmed. "Uncle can’t give you his eyes," he said with a smile, "but Uncle has a very beautiful Purple Gemstone I can give you."

Lu Xia couldn’t help but laugh. "Don’t spoil him too much."

But Simon waved it off. "It’s our first time meeting. It’s only right that I give him a gift. I’ll have someone bring it over tomorrow."

Little Pu Tao understood. He spread his chubby little arms, wrapped them around Simon’s neck, and let out two happy coos, "Ah! Ah!", as if to say, ’It’s a deal!’ 𝙛𝓻𝒆𝓮𝒘𝙚𝙗𝒏𝙤𝙫𝓮𝒍.𝓬𝒐𝙢

He wasn’t the least bit shy about it.