“I have a serious question and I want to talk to you about it,” Zheng Rong said.

Xiang Yu rubbed his forehead, relaxing his slightly furrowed brows as he leaned back in his swivel chair, “It was my fault… I acted on impulse.”

Zheng Rong sat down beside the bed and said, “I’m not talking about your comments on the BBS… Let me see what you said to them.”

This was the forty-third day since Xiang Yu arrived in the modern world. His phrasing still felt somewhat awkward, but his grammar was close to that of most people. He had used homophones to replace many ancient characters he couldn’t find in the pinyin system, assembling a lengthy piece of nearly ten thousand words, responding to historians’ criticisms of him with reasoned arguments.

The content was titled “Refuting the Argument of Xiang Yu’s Tragic Defeat at Wujiang,” and it was an extremely arrogant and convoluted piece that included:

1. Xiang Yu's defeat did not signify a dead end; a counterattack could still be possible.

2. Yu Ji did not commit suicide in Xiang Yu’s camp; her whereabouts were unknown at the time of defeat, and during the night of the “Songs of Chu,” they did not spend the night together.

The ancient ability to respond to criticisms in one’s own voice was quite amusing. Zheng Rong scrolled through the text, enjoying Xiang Yu’s grandiloquent claims, all published under his name. By the end, Zheng Rong narrowed his eyes.

“Was Yu Ji a fictional character?” Zheng Rong realized something significant: “Yu Ji was made up?!”

Xiang Yu nodded, taking a sip of coffee, a drink he enjoyed for its stimulating, slightly bitter, rich, and aromatic qualities, which was also addictive.

“This woman did not have the surname Yu; the name Yu Ji was given by later generations. She was a suitable match sought by my uncle, knowledgeable and polite.”

Zheng Rong straightened in surprise and asked, “And then?”

Xiang Yu was evasive, but Zheng Rong’s curiosity was piqued. The truths hidden in history always intrigued scholars. After repeated questioning, Xiang Yu had no choice but to say, “Are you really a man? Why do you love to listen to gossip?”

Zheng Rong responded bluntly, “Men rarely gossip, but that doesn’t mean they don’t enjoy it.”

Xiang Yu didn’t understand and thought for a moment before explaining, “Yu Ji was originally my nephew’s wife… well, at the time I kept her at home and didn’t take her to battle. Let’s not discuss this anymore.” Xiang Yu was slightly irritated but managed to control himself, “Zheng Rong, I will tell you later.”

Zheng Rong stopped pressing.

Surrounded by enemies, trapped at Gaixia, Liu Bang laid siege for three months. When Yu Ji arrived at Xiang Yu’s camp, she was met with the result of total defeat and the death of the overlord.

Yu Ji covered her face with her sleeve, tears falling, as Xiang Yu lamented, “With strength to move mountains and a spirit that covers the world,” he sighed deeply. Ultimately, Yu Ji took Xiang Yu’s sword and ended her own life.

Zheng Rong vaguely guessed something: “In the Qin state before Shang Yang’s reforms, even fathers and sons could share a wife. As long as she truly loves you, historians’ judgments won’t matter much.”

Xiang Yu fell silent, and after a long time, said, “At Gaixia, whoever it was could hardly escape death. If death is inevitable, so be it. Who hasn’t died? The overlord knew this well; he was not afraid of defeat or death, and future generations need not shed any tears of sympathy for him.”

“Nor should there be multiple women acting as distractions in the chaotic world. Everything was a decision I made alone, and I alone bear the responsibility. Besides, if heaven intends to destroy me, what can be done? It’s not anyone’s fault.”

Zheng Rong scrolled down, seeing a slew of responses from historians beneath Xiang Yu’s lengthy discourse. He sighed inwardly; it seemed he had offended all his peers studying Chinese history.

“Aren’t you going to respond further?”

Zheng Rong watched as Xiang Yu stirred up the scholars’ anger, refuting their statements one by one, ignoring their barbs while targeting their wild speculations. His arguments flowed, provoking many to rage, yet after finishing his points, he would simply add a cryptic “Hehe,” avoiding further entanglements.

The scholars were left speechless, and many began to hurl insults.

Xiang Yu remarked, “These many literati mostly think they’ve encountered a rogue.”

Zheng Rong replied, “Scholars and literati are ultimately just a bunch of rogues themselves.”

Xiang Yu closed the webpage, looked into Zheng Rong’s eyes, and asked, “Are you satisfied now? By the way, at your age, you should be talking about marriage in our time. Is there a woman you fancy?”

Zheng Rong pondered for a moment and replied, “I’ve had a relationship, but… let’s not talk about that.”

He suddenly remembered something important and changed the subject: “Can I take a bit of your blood for testing?”

Xiang Yu, who believed that one’s body and skin are gifts from their parents and should not be easily given up, had made a big fuss when Zheng Rong previously asked him to cut his hair.

Zheng Rong explained to Xiang Yu what he had told Joseph earlier, avoiding modern terms like “gene” and “genetics,” replacing them with ancient concepts like “cultivation” and “bloodline.” Xiang Yu furrowed his brow, listening for a long time, then said, “Do you suspect I’m not human?”

Zheng Rong felt awkward and waved his hand, “Not at all. This suspicion can’t be explained to you. As you gradually understand modern technology, you’ll come to understand.”

Xiang Yu replied, “Your life was saved by me; what’s a little blood?” Saying this, he rolled up his pajama sleeves, “Just get a knife and cut it.”

Zheng Rong stood up to fetch a dropper and a small knife, casually saying, “It’s my brother, not me… but he also brought you over for research purposes. I can only say you were just coincidentally chosen. You don’t owe us anything, thank you, Xiang Yu.”

Xiang Yu countered, “No, the first moment I emerged from the underground, you stood in front of me, allowing me to go first.”

Zheng Rong paused for a moment, then suddenly changed his mind: “Let’s not take the blood sample at home. Come with me to the genetic research base; let’s take a look around outside and have a meal together.”

After being reborn, Xiang Yu had become a recluse, spending each day at home, drinking coffee, surfing the internet, and eating microwave meals. Zheng Rong, who had also been both a recluse and socially awkward, hadn’t thought to take Xiang Yu out.

After all, the internet could help him understand the world more vividly and directly, so sightseeing could be postponed indefinitely.

Thus, Xiang Yu, dressed in cotton pajamas and slippers, a tall figure of nearly two meters, moved about the house. Zheng Feng’s pajamas made him look a bit tight; it was time to buy a new set.

Wearing the clothes of the deceased wasn’t ideal, but Zheng Rong had a particular attachment to some of Zheng Feng’s belongings, so he said nothing, and Xiang Yu didn’t ask.

Zheng Rong called to make an appointment for a physical check-up at the medical school.

The buzzing sound echoed as Xiang Yu used an electric razor to shave.

Zheng Rong: “…”

Xiang Yu admired his handsome reflection in the mirror, casually saying, “Is this right?”

Zheng Rong hung up and replied, “Yes.”

“You’re wearing this suit, which was made for my brother’s graduation ceremony but was too large and has never been worn…” Zheng Rong pulled out a baggy suit and said displeased, “Xiang Yu.”

Xiang Yu: “?”

The author's content has been appropriated; report any instances of this story on Amazon.

Zheng Rong: “I’ve told you many times, please wear underwear. Modern people are… oh, heavens! Go change in the bathroom!”

Xiang Yu untied his pajama, revealing his strong chest, saying, “Those ‘underwear’ are too tight; they’re uncomfortable.”

Zheng Rong was completely speechless: “I’ll buy you new ones later. My brother is already wearing a large size… you can accept a toothbrush, but how come you don’t have the habit of wearing underwear?”

In front of Zheng Rong, Xiang Yu stripped off his pajamas. Though Zheng Rong had seen it before, it was still very awkward, so he turned to look at the monitor, waiting for Xiang Yu to get dressed.

The mirror showed Xiang Yu’s bronze skin and muscular physique. Zheng Rong glanced at him from the corner of his eye, noting there was nothing unusual.

Xiang Yu looked at himself in confusion, evidently questioning Zheng Rong’s previous statements, searching for differences between himself and ordinary people.

He stood naked for a moment, then asked, “Do I look good?”

Zheng Rong finally snapped: “Put on your clothes already!”

Willing to wear shoes, socks, and a shirt, he stubbornly refused to wear tight underwear. Zheng Rong didn’t know what to make of Xiang Yu’s mindset. The suit looked very tight on him, and although it was slightly large on his brother, it still fit Xiang Yu snugly.

However, this slightly small suit made him look great, elegant, and his slim waist and broad shoulders were quite alluring. Zheng Rong pulled out a pair of sunglasses for Xiang Yu to wear, preventing him from looking around and being questioned, and handed him a white scarf as they headed out.

Northern Ireland Medical School, Genetics Department.

A line of new recruits was waiting downstairs, with a sergeant loudly reprimanding them, causing the recruits to appear timid. Zheng Rong pushed through the crowd and went up the stairs, where several preparatory soldiers curiously glanced at Xiang Yu, only to be scolded by their superior.

"How can you treat the defenders of our homeland so poorly?" Xiang Yu remarked dismissively.

Zheng Rong said, "I've seen Lance reprimanding recruits, and he does it with a kick from his boot."

"You don't understand, Zheng Rong," Lance said, hearing Zheng Rong's remarks but showing no anger, with a hint of expectation in his gaze.

"Hello, Zheng Rong," a female doctor named Lainey exclaimed upon seeing Xiang Yu behind Zheng Rong, her eyes lighting up.

"Hello, Lainey."

Zheng Rong was surprised to find Lance with Lainey, caught off guard for speaking ill behind their backs. He nodded perfunctorily, but Xiang Yu politely extended his hand, "Hello, Lainey."

Lainey smiled, shaking Xiang Yu's hand as he asked, "Are you also German?"

Zheng Rong frowned and whispered, "Don’t say anything inappropriate."

Lainey laughed, "I'm Australian. I learned Chinese while participating in an international rescue organization... Are you a friend of Zheng Rong?"

Xiang Yu's knowledge was still limited; in his understanding, apart from the descendants of Yan and Huang, everyone else was German. Now, he had added a new concept—Australian.

Lainey pulled out a form, asking, "Do you have any news about Li Ying for the sixteen physical examinations?"

Zheng Rong took the form, Xiang Yu removed his sunglasses gracefully and leaned over to look at the paper in Zheng Rong's hand.

Without looking up, Zheng Rong coldly replied, "No, I won't pursue the matter of you notifying Lance privately..."

"Who is Li Ying?" Xiang Yu asked.

Ignoring Xiang Yu, Zheng Rong continued, "…Please don’t mention that name in front of me."

Lainey laughed, but Zheng Rong maintained his cold expression, creating an awkward atmosphere with only the sound of a pen on paper.

Lainey crossed her arms and tapped her finger on her soft elbow, her gaze fixed on Xiang Yu, before softly asking, "Are you a good friend of Zheng Rong?"

Xiang Yu replied, "I’m his brother."

Lance frowned but did not expose him. Zheng Rong hesitated for a moment but then smoothly continued writing.

Xiang Yu looked at the name section, misreading the English as pinyin, and said, "Ri... Ri ah..."

Zheng Rong nearly flipped the table.

"This is your English name," Zheng Rong finally recovered from his breakdown after a long pause. "Repeat after me..."

Zheng Rong struggled to compose himself and said, "R-A-I-N, Rain. It translates to 'rain' in Chinese."

Lance interjected, "Rain, feather—those are different in Chinese, right?"

Zheng Rong replied, "I like this name. What business is it of yours regarding my brother?"

Xiang Yu nodded, a bit awkwardly smiling, "I... I don’t mind, but names are given by parents, so it’s better to inform me next time."

"There won't be a next time," Zheng Rong said indifferently. He finished the form and casually tossed it on the table, rudely pointing at Lainey, "You go with her."

Lainey smiled and led Xiang Yu inside for the examination. Lance remained standing while Zheng Rong sat down, and the atmosphere was eerily quiet.

Lance said, "Why didn’t you inform me? You and Zheng Feng are completely different; you have a plan for everything, which is good, but you never discuss things with anyone."

Zheng Rong replied, "He is he, I am I. I have no need to report my thoughts to you, not about anything."

Lance pulled up a chair, sitting opposite Zheng Rong, looking into his eyes earnestly, "Zheng Rong, why did you bring him for a physical examination? Did you discover something?"

Zheng Rong replied, "I didn’t know the doctor arranging the checkup was her; otherwise, I wouldn’t have come at all. I didn’t want you to know. Is Lainey watching my every move? Or is she acting on your orders? If I do any blood sample tests, will she notify you immediately?!"

Lance whispered, "Zheng Rong, I… I didn’t mean that. I just told her to notify me if you feel unwell and come to the hospital for an examination, and I’ll arrive as soon as possible."

Zheng Rong said, "Can you save some effort, General Lance? There are many other things waiting for you to deal with in this world."

Lance interrupted Zheng Rong sharply, "But your feelings are my top priority; otherwise, I can never focus on my own matters, thinking about you every day, worried about your well-being, Zheng Rong!"

At the same time, in the ultrasound room:

Lainey, while adjusting the equipment, said, "Mr. Rain, please remove your shirt and pants."

Xiang Yu: "…"

Lainey: "?"

Xiang Yu stood silent for a while, finally blushing and said, "I… am not wearing anything underneath."

Lainey laughed and explained, "It’s okay; I’ll close the curtains."

Xiang Yu said, "Let’s just forget it; can someone else come?"

Lainey smiled, "I’m the only doctor. Zheng Rong requested me to conduct your physical examination, Mr. Rain, so please cooperate with me."

With no choice, Xiang Yu took off his pants and lay down in the machine.

Outside:

Lance said, "I don’t hold a grudge against your hedgehog attitude. You trust no one and have no friends, but you’ve always held hostility towards Lainey, which isn’t fair to her!"

Zheng Rong raised his voice slightly, "The examination results are obvious; she will definitely give you a copy privately. Someone who won’t keep my secrets and uses my privacy as a bargaining chip—what right does she have to be considered my friend?!"

Lance replied, "I’m not an outsider, Zheng Rong! Besides, Li Ying’s matter is long past; you hold too much resentment. Li Ying was like this, and so is Zheng Feng..."

Zheng Rong’s voice turned icy, "Don’t mention Li Ying in front of me again; this is the last time. Otherwise, Xiang Yu will beat you up for me; he just said he’s willing to be my brother."

Lance felt a pang in his heart, his eyes softening, and for a moment, he turned his head, avoiding Zheng Rong’s cold gaze, his expression complicated as he looked towards the door of the ultrasound room.

Inside:

Lainey, with her voluptuous figure and beautiful face, resembled an angel with a devil's body. Xiang Yu blushed, thankful that he hadn’t become aroused.

While operating the machine, Lainey asked softly, "When did you meet Zheng Rong? Are you living at his house?"

Xiang Yu replied, "Mm," skillfully avoiding the timing question. Lainey drew a conclusion, "So you’ve known each other for a long time, and we were all unaware."

Xiang Yu frowned, "Who is Li Ying?"

Lainey laughed, "You don’t know him? Just arrived from the South Pacific base? Li Ying is also Chinese."

Xiang Yu chuckled, "Not quite sure; I’m a… um, a homebody." — that was a new term he had just learned.

The ultrasound slowly scanned over Xiang Yu's waist, and Lainey’s face flushed slightly. She answered, "Li Ying, the Scarlet Wolf, is the champion of federal military combat; he… used to be my boyfriend."

Xiang Yu squinted and asked, "Boyfriend?"

Lainey misunderstood Xiang Yu’s question and laughed, "He used to be; he’s not anymore. Why? Want to grab dinner after work?"

Xiang Yu shook his head, asking, "Was he also Zheng Rong’s… boyfriend?"

Lainey’s face turned pale as she asked, "Did Zheng Rong tell you?!"

Xiang Yu was stunned, "What does boyfriend mean?"

Lainey: "…"

Xiang Yu laughed, "A friend is like family, brothers are like friends."

Lainey frowned, "That’s not the meaning; it’s… lovers, partners, a spouse."

Xiang Yu understood the term "lover" and suddenly realized, "Sorry, it was an unintentional misunderstanding."

Lainey paused the ultrasound, a bit wistfully saying, "He isn’t anymore; he surrendered to the aliens three years ago, boarded that mothership, and never came out."

Xiang Yu was moved, "He became a traitor?"

Lainey shrugged, pouting, then smiled, "Get up; let’s check your blood pressure and height."

Xiang Yu awkwardly said, "Clothes… let me put them on first."

Lainey said nothing, so Xiang Yu quickly dressed, stood on the scale for height and weight, and sat at the table for his blood pressure.

Xiang Yu's face was still slightly flushed when Lainey suddenly asked, "What are you blushing about?"

Xiang Yu was taken aback, feeling that this woman spoke rather oddly. Lainey smiled ambiguously but said nothing.

Lainey’s delicate fingers traced down Xiang Yu’s arm and pressed against his ribs, causing him to frown, and then—

The door was kicked open by Zheng Rong.

"You've been taking too long, Miss Lainey," Zheng Rong said coldly. "Can I take him away now?"

Lainey withdrew her fingers and replied, "We still need to draw some blood."

Zheng Rong sat at the table, observing Xiang Yu’s disheveled shirt and open suit jacket, feeling irritated. Lainey smiled, "Aren't you going to chat with Lance? Recently, everyone I've interacted with talks about you..."

"Is it because my brother died?" Zheng Rong said dismissively. "Such topics are always worth discussing; General Lance can never keep his mouth shut..." As he spoke, he skillfully used tweezers to secure the cotton, wiped Xiang Yu's fingertip, and then pricked it with a needle.

"Hey!" Xiang Yu was caught off guard by the sudden poke and nearly jumped in pain.

Lainey said unhappily, "I was measuring blood pressure!"

Zheng Rong scoffed, drawing the blood from Xiang Yu’s fingertip and mocking, "Someone who fears nothing would fear a blood draw? Lainey, you said 'we still need to draw some blood,' so I’ll take that as you’re done measuring... I just need a DNA test from the blood sample..."

Xiang Yu gently said, "Hold on; our fingers are connected to our hearts."

Zheng Rong casually tossed the dropper on the table, hands in the pockets of his trench coat, and walked down the stairs.

Xiang Yu hurriedly followed him with the sample receipt, saying nothing as they exited the door.

"Zheng Rong!" Lance called out, "I’m really sorry about earlier. I still want to talk to you. Where are you going? Or let him go back first; I want to invite you to dinner..."

Xiang Yu, focused on the sample receipt and unable to understand it, recalled Zheng Rong’s earlier arrangement. Without looking up, he loudly said, "We’re planning to buy new underwear! German, what do you think?"

Zheng Rong: "…"