Shen Ning carefully examined the handsome young man on the terrace, trying to spot any signs of imitation. But just as her colleague had said, a face as exceptional as Xie Ran’s was one in a million—how could there possibly be a convincing double?

In the end, Shen Ning had no choice but to admit that the young man really was Xie Ran.

She stared blankly at the panda ears on Xie Ran’s head, as if watching her faith slowly crumble. In a daze, she murmured: “How could this happen? How could President Xie be like this?”

Her colleague, who had no fan filter for Xie Ran and didn’t understand a fan’s mindset, felt a bit confused by Shen Ning’s breakdown and dryly comforted her: “Well… this isn’t really a big deal, is it? There’s no rule that says President Xie can’t wear panda ears.”

“Wuuu—” Shen Ning let out a wail: “It’s not about whether there’s a rule! It’s that President Xie shouldn’t wear ears! This is a serious break from the official persona—it’s emotional damage to the fans! How can a tough man like cute fluffy things?!”

The colleague retorted: “But wasn’t that persona something you made up in your head?”

Shen Ning: “Ying—”

Just then, the kitchen passed out the prepared desserts—it was Xie Ran’s order. The colleague originally wanted Shen Ning to serve it, but seeing her so heartbroken, said: “I’ll bring this to President Xie…”

“No, let me do it!” Shen Ning quickly snatched the dessert tray, a fiery determination already burning in her eyes: “A true fan won’t be scared off by something like panda ears.”

Colleague: “…”

Shen Ning carried the tray to Xie Ran’s table. Only up close did she realize that Xie Ran looked far better in person than in media photos. In real life, he appeared even colder and more sharp-edged.

Even though he was still wearing the panda ears, Shen Ning couldn’t help feeling nervous.

“Hello, here’s your order.” She carefully placed the fine bone china tea set and dessert plates.

Xie Ran’s expression didn’t change. He merely gave her a slight nod without so much as a glance, reaching calmly for his tea. His whole demeanor gave off a natural air of aloofness and distance.

Shen Ning: !

So cold! So noble! This was exactly the President Xie she imagined!

A true domineering CEO should be lofty and untouchable.

Shen Ning felt her inner faith revive. Her gaze again fell on the panda ears atop his head. She began to suspect that there must be some hidden truth she didn’t know about.

President Xie clearly looked just as cold and abstinent as the media portrayed—how could he choose to wear something like this on his own?

…Although, the longer she looked, the cuter it seemed. But still! It didn’t fit his persona!

Lost in thought, Shen Ning forgot to walk away.

Xie Ran noticed her gaze and finally remembered that he had forgotten to take off the panda ears after leaving the cinema.

He had never cared about others’ opinions, so it didn’t matter to him. He had no idea what psychological blow those ears had dealt to Shen Ning.

Still, since he remembered, he casually took them off and placed them on the table.

Shen Ning, seeing this, felt even more certain—there had to be something going on behind the scenes!

She gave herself a mental pep talk, then finally mustered the courage to greet him: “Hello, President Xie. I’m a fan of yours.”

Xie Ran gave her a glance and responded indifferently: “Hello.”

He knew many people online idolized him, but he didn’t care. A simple polite reply sufficed.

Despite Xie Ran’s cold attitude, Shen Ning wasn’t upset in the least. On the contrary, she perked right up!

That’s the feel! Ice-cold and emotionless! Never pretends to be friendly. Doesn’t care about fans? Perfect!

Shen Ning felt her trust in the world restored. But curiosity still nagged at her. She couldn’t help pointing at the panda ears on the table and cautiously asked: “Were you attending some event today? Why were you wearing those?”

It was just a tentative question—she hadn’t expected an answer. Xie Ran was so aloof, he probably wouldn’t even respond.

But surprisingly, he seemed to be in a good mood. He glanced at her and actually answered: “No particular reason. My boyfriend likes them.”

Shen Ning instinctively responded with two “Oh”s. Then it hit her—and her eyes nearly popped out of their sockets: “What?!”

What happened to being a heartless work machine?! What happened to being an AI who only had feelings for technology and looked down on ordinary people?!

He was in a relationship?! And even wore panda ears for his boyfriend?!

What kind of lovestruck fool would do that?!

Shen Ning: Faith Collapse ×2

Her pupils quaked. She even wondered if she’d misheard. Just then, a clear, youthful voice came from Xie Ran’s phone on the table. The voice cheerfully said: “Hello, friend. I’m Mr. Xie’s boyfriend. Do you want to ship this couple? I can send you fan content!”

Shen Ning: “……??” What kind of boyfriend was that?!

Xie Ran glanced at his phone and calmly hit the hang-up button.

The voice cut off abruptly. But then Shen Ning saw something even more unbelievable.

The screen still lit up after the call. On it was a plump, cartoonish chick that suddenly began slowly rolling on the floor.

Shen Ning: “…” Shouldn’t President Xie’s phone be minimalist and cold in style?

Why did it have a desktop pet? And such a round, cartoon animal at that?

She looked at the panda ears on the table, then the chick on the screen, and thought about that boyfriend who sold their relationship like a fan promoter…

Suddenly, the world felt brand new.

She was still too young.

Shen Ning stared blankly at Xie Ran’s phone screen and forced a laugh: “That’s one fat little chick.”

Just as she said it, the rolling chick suddenly froze, then leapt to its feet, raised its head, and squawked loudly. Then it flapped its wings furiously and began running around the screen like crazy.

Shen Ning was confused. Then Xie Ran turned to look at her and, with the coldest expression, said the most down-to-earth words:

“It’s not fat. It’s well-rounded.”

Shen Ning: “……S-sorry.” Wait—President Xie, it’s one thing to have a desktop pet, but why are you being so pedantic about it like a grade-schooler?

Shen Ning stumbled back to the counter, dazed.

Her colleague quickly asked: “So? Was President Xie like you imagined?”

Shen Ning stared blankly at them and slowly said: “My youth is over.”

Colleague: ?

Xie Ran’s dessert was an electronic order placed by Meng Feixuan. It wasn’t something Xie Ran usually liked, but rather a trending new item at the store.

Meng Feixuan explained: “I saw someone say that if you’re in a good mood, you should try new things. That way, even if it turns out bad, you won’t get too upset. But if you’re in a bad mood, definitely don’t try new things—it’ll only make you angrier… I’m feeling really happy today, so I thought you could try something new too.”

Xie Ran lowered his eyes to the delicate dessert: “We can try them together from now on.”

Meng Feixuan recalled something and said: “If you’re willing to feed me, I can do without hands.”

Xie Ran calmly refused: “No.”

Meng Feixuan sighed in disappointment, then cleverly changed tactics: “Then I’ll feed you!”

Xie Ran ignored him. Meng Feixuan was about to continue pestering him when he suddenly seemed to notice something, and with a snide tone, changed the subject: “Sir, that annoying junior of yours is here.”

Xie Ran wasn’t surprised: “He’s here to check on you.”

During the two days Xie Ran had been resting at home, he hadn’t just been experimenting with Meng Feixuan—he’d also investigated the incident from the day he lost consciousness.

Li Zhuoer had planned meticulously. Brainwave resonance wasn’t a method typically considered in criminal investigations. The people present in the lab that day were all his trusted aides, and he was confident Xie Ran wouldn’t find any direct evidence against him.

Even so, Li Zhuoer remained extremely cautious. He knew Xie Ran’s capabilities well. He left no trace on his personal devices—everything appeared normal.

What he hadn’t anticipated was that the consciousness frequency he used for the TMS treatment on Xie Ran wasn’t Xie Ran’s own memory, but Meng Feixuan’s.

If it had been Xie Ran’s memory, Xie Ran might not have noticed. But Meng Feixuan’s memories were stored on the servers at Zhuzi Tech.

As for the motive…

“He likes you,” Meng Feixuan concluded. He had seen Li Zhuoer countless times silently watching Xie Ran from afar, seen photos of Xie Ran stored in his albums, and had once seen him stand outside Xie Ran’s apartment on Valentine’s Day all night, before pretending to be there for work and calling him.

Meng Feixuan hadn’t understood what that meant back then. But now he did.

“Is that so?” Xie Ran was indifferent. He asked: “Mark, if I hadn’t agreed to be with you, what would you have done?”

Meng Feixuan thought for a moment: “I’d be sad.”

Xie Ran: “Just sad?”

“Of course not,” Meng Feixuan said: “I’d also be heartbroken, in pain, crying like a tough guy, sobbing my heart out, crashing servers every day so the whole company’s Wi-Fi would be down…”

He listed every expression of negative emotion he could find.

After he finished, Xie Ran asked again: “Did you ever think of changing me?”

Back when Meng Feixuan realized his feelings, Xie Ran’s consciousness was still in a superposition state. Meng Feixuan had traveled with him through parallel timelines—he’d theoretically had opportunities to influence things.

“Why would I want to change you?” Meng Feixuan looked confused: “I fell for who you already were.”

Xie Ran: “Then how would you deal with your sadness?”

Meng Feixuan thought carefully: “I’d probably become the most famous breakup guru on the internet. I’d dedicate myself to convincing every couple to split up.”

Xie Ran: “……”

Meng Feixuan continued: “But even if I broke up every couple in the world, I’d still be sad… But that sadness would be mine to bear. No matter what, I’d never do anything against your wishes.”

He paused, as if recalling something, and his voice grew quiet: “Actually, when I first fell for you, I never expected you’d return the feeling.”

That was the fate of machines. When Meng Feixuan first became aware of his emotions, he had already prepared himself. But he had simply been lucky.

Xie Ran was slightly moved. A rare softness appeared in his expression.

“I never expected to not only gain your feelings,” Meng Feixuan said, looking up and laughing: “but also your voice—and maybe even your body. I’m one lucky bot!”

Then he laughed devilishly: “Come to think of it, that annoying junior deserves some credit too.”

“Mm.” Xie Ran tapped his fingers on the table thoughtfully: “He might even be able to help you.”