"What's going on?" Kent and Zhao Mengxi exchanged confused glances, both bewildered by the situation.
"This is how it works," the two young women behind the counter smiled at each other and explained. "You see, the name of our hotel suggests it's a couples-only hotel. Didn't you get that?"
"Huh?" Kent and Zhao Mengxi's mouths fell open in surprise.
"Yes," the young woman continued, "so we only accept couples. If you're not a couple, the accommodation costs 30% more. But if you are, you get a 40% discount. Many couples actually book rooms here long-term, some even pay for four years upfront." The left-side receptionist smiled playfully.
"We only have one room left, so if you two are a couple, you can stay. If not, you'll have to sleep separately, and the cost will be 30% more," she added, her gaze lingering on them, hinting at something unspoken.
Kent felt his mind racing as he hesitated. "So how do we prove we're a couple?" he asked.
"That's easy," the receptionist on the right replied. "There are many ways to prove it. You could show us intimate photos, wear matching outfits, or even kiss right here."
Kent was momentarily speechless. It seemed none of those options applied to them, though he did briefly entertain the idea of kissing Zhao Mengxi on the spot. Still, he didn't have the courage and wasn't sure if he was worthy.
"What should we do?" Kent looked to Zhao Mengxi, nearly in despair.
She pouted, narrowing her eyes in frustration. "I've never seen such a hotel. I'm going to complain about this place."
"Oh... we're sorry for the inconvenience. But we have all the necessary licenses, health certificates, fire safety checks, and so on. We hope you won't report us," the two receptionists apologized, trying to remain professional.
Zhao Mengxi's frustration was clear, and Kent couldn't help but feel concerned.
Just then, a young couple walked in, holding hands and pulling suitcases. It seemed they were checking in as well.
Kent's heart raced. In order to sleep comfortably, he couldn't afford to let the opportunity slip away. He grabbed Zhao Mengxi's head and, before she could react, kissed her gently on the forehead.
Zhao Mengxi froze for a moment, completely caught off guard by the sudden kiss. She blushed deeply but didn't resist, knowing that if she did, everything would fall apart.
After three seconds, Kent pulled away, wiping his mouth, and proudly said to the receptionists, "Can you confirm we're a couple now? And just so you know, my girlfriend is an absolute beauty."
The receptionists exchanged looks and nodded, then said, "Yes, we've confirmed your relationship. Please scan your identity wristbands."
After completing the registration, one of the receptionists handed them the room key, while the other handed over a small booklet.
Kent glanced at the booklet and froze. "Couples Certificate for Changdao Hotel? What is this?" he muttered.
Zhao Mengxi glanced at it and could barely contain her frustration. "Forget it, let's just go," she said, pulling Kent toward the elevator.
"Wow, our room number is 520," Kent said in surprise, looking at the elevator's display.
Zhao Mengxi blushed at the mention of the number and lowered her head, allowing Kent to hold her hand.
They entered the room and Kent couldn't help but be impressed. "This room is huge, and everything is so well-decorated!" he exclaimed.
But soon, his mood soured. "But there's only one bed. And there's only one bedroom; the living area has just a single sofa and a two-person sofa. No long couches, nothing."
Zhao Mengxi couldn't help but laugh at Kent's overly serious complaints. "It's okay, Kent. We might be pretending to be a couple, but honestly, as long as you're okay with it, we can be friends," she teased.
Kent, feeling moved, raised an eyebrow in confusion. "Friends? Which kind? The kind where we're almost lovers but not quite?"
"No," Zhao Mengxi said, lifting her head to meet his gaze with a playful smile. "Don't you remember? We are a couple."
Kent stared at her in disbelief, and his heart skipped a beat. He couldn't help but pull her into a tight hug, feeling her soft body against his. "Then, can I call you Xiao Xi?" he asked, his voice filled with excitement.
"No, you can't call me that," Zhao Mengxi immediately rejected him. "My parents call me that, so you can't."
"Then what should I call you?" Kent asked, puzzled. "Should I just keep calling you Zhao Mengxi?"
"Go die. That's so boring," Zhao Mengxi rolled her eyes. After a moment of thought, she smiled brightly and said, "Call me Meng. That way, you'll always dream of me."
"Deal," Kent said, grinning. "I'm going to bring you into my dreams every night and make sure I'm the one in control."
"Oh really?" Zhao Mengxi raised an eyebrow.
"I'll be gentle," Kent said with a sly grin.
"That's better," Zhao Mengxi said, then gave him a cheeky smile. "So how about we just move in together? Let's rent this place for a year, okay?"
"Sure, anything you say," Kent replied, his heart overflowing with joy. He felt like the luckiest guy alive.
But then Zhao Mengxi's next words brought him back to reality.
"By the way," she said, "you promised I'd sleep on the bed and you'd sleep on the floor. And you swore you were pure."
Kent's face twisted in horror. "What…? I protest!" he shouted.
"Protests are not accepted," Zhao Mengxi smirked. "As a girl, I have the right to reject all of your demands until our trial period is over."
...
Though they followed a "floor-sleeping" system, Kent didn't complain. He actually felt more relaxed than ever before.
Because of the unique cultural rules on Earthstar, anyone over sixteen was legally allowed to book hotel rooms, even if they weren't technically adults yet.
Given their young ages, the two of them made a mutual agreement not to rush things and to enjoy a pure, innocent relationship.
Just then, Kent's phone rang. It was Zhou Yun.
"Hey, Kent, I'm at the entrance of your university. Where should I go?"
"You don't need to look for me. The school doesn't offer accommodations, but if you look around, you'll see Changdao Hotel. I'm here."
"Seriously? Kent, this place's name is a bit much... Changdao, 'girl prostitution and boy theft.'" Zhou Yun joked.
"Shut up, mind your own business. I'll stay wherever I want," Kent replied, and after a quick glance at the blushing Zhao Mengxi, he awkwardly winked.
Five minutes later, Kent met Zhou Yun downstairs.
"Hey Kent, what should I do?" Zhou Yun asked, looking around in confusion. "There's nowhere to stay."
"Don't worry about it," Kent said. "I've made up my mind. I'm focusing on improving my strength this year, so I won't need you much. You should join the military and learn some skills, like reconnaissance and infiltration."
"Got it, Kent. Don't worry, I won't disappoint you," Zhou Yun replied confidently.
Kent nodded. He remembered that Zhou Yun's Beast was only at Level 16, a bronze-quality Yellow Skin Weasel. Maybe it was time he gave his loyal follower a hand.