Furthermore, if federal citizens register as companions, the Federation even provides them with certain benefits, such as reduced taxes or exemption from conscription.
Therefore, most people who registered as companions were not driven by genuine affection but by these benefits.
Legend has it that during the Federation's population nadir, the government would even directly assign partners, arranging not only a companion but also housing and employment simultaneously.
However, with the advent of artificial humans, the Federation seemed to place less emphasis on population concerns.
Yet, in their eyes, artificial humans were not considered true humans; their existence was more akin to tools necessitated by environmental factors.
Xing Yuan was, in fact, an artificial human.
However, besides the head of the Xi family, no one knew this, as artificial humans were publicly prohibited.
Although Xing Yuan didn't feel any different from genuine humans, she also didn't want to cause any unimaginable consequences due to this matter. Thus, she stealthily destroyed all traces, acting as if nothing had happened.
At this moment, as the two entered the companion registration office, Bo Xi and the others were already waiting inside.
Perhaps because Bai Xingyu had informed them of certain matters, they remained silent throughout the entire process until the couple completed their registration.
Bo Xi immediately stepped forward, distributing wedding candies from a bag to the surrounding staff.
After Bo Xi had distributed the candies and was about to congratulate his young general, he saw his young general's hand naturally reaching into the bag of wedding candies.
When Xing Yuan noticed Bo Xi's astonished gaze, she was leisurely chewing a soft candy.
Xing Yuan hesitated for a moment, seemingly feeling that her action was not quite appropriate. She instinctively opened her palm, revealing the candy in her hand to Bo Xi, and asked:
"Do you want some?"
Bo Xi was stunned, momentarily unable to distinguish who was actually distributing the wedding candies.
Xi Yue rubbed her forehead and pulled the somewhat foolish Xing Yuan into her embrace.
With a smile, she explained, "I apologize! My wife is just too happy!"
"Mm," Bo Xi replied with a polite smile.
He suddenly felt that the two of them were quite a good match. At least, if the general were to have a moment of madness one day, someone would be there to help salvage the situation.
"Old Li's companion opened a tea shop. Why don't we go sit there for a while?" Xi Yue suggested after some thought.
Just as Bo Xi was about to agree, Wang Zhiping's voice suddenly sounded from the side, "No need!"
"We've only just returned and need to report back as soon as possible. This is our gift to you for becoming companions." Wang Zhiping handed over a wooden box.
Xi Yue nodded and accepted it. Inside were two light blue smart terminals, appearing to be a pair.
"Are these... newly released?"
Xi Yue, while handing one of the smart terminals to Xing Yuan, asked curiously.
Xi Yue, being a woman, believed she had a better memory for attractive things. Yet, despite the exquisite appearance of these smart terminals, she couldn't recall ever seeing them.
"No! We pooled our money, gathered materials, and hired someone to make them specifically. It was Old Bai's idea," Wang Zhiping said, then began to cautiously observe Xi Yue's expression. Seeing that she showed no reaction, he continued,
"Actually, Old Bai didn't have any ill intentions. He just has a sort of... admiration for strength towards the general. It's not really love. If he acted excessively before due to being stimulated, please forgive him!"
"I know," Xi Yue replied with a faint smile, not believing a word he said.
She would discern the truth for herself; it was not for others to dictate to her.
After Wang Zhiping finished speaking, believing he had shown sufficient brotherly loyalty, he gave the others a look, and they agreed to leave simultaneously.
Xing Yuan, while popping another piece of candy into her mouth, mumbled indistinctly, "What are they doing? It's so random."
"Yes! It is indeed random," Xi Yue said with a knowing smile.
Looking at her legitimate, albeit silly, companion, Xi Yue gently stroked her head and said in a very soft tone, "Let's go home! Today is a special day. What do you want to eat? I'll cook for you myself."
"Yes, home!" Xing Yuan nodded, then remembered the little surprise she had prepared.
She gently took Xi Yue's hand and whispered something. Seeing that Xi Yue hadn't heard, she shyly said again, "I also have a wedding gift for you."
"What is it?" Xi Yue was curious. Her companion had prepared a gift for her? What an unexpected surprise!
"Mm!" Xing Yuan pulled her hand and walked in a certain direction. Xi Yue's curiosity was piqued. What could it be? So mysterious, and they had to go so far?
Xi Yue asked, but Xing Yuan wouldn't say, only that she would know when they arrived.
Rarely did Xing Yuan create such a romantic and mysterious atmosphere, so Xi Yue let her have her way. After all, she was confident that Xing Yuan would never harm her; at most, their understanding of "surprise" might differ.
However, even if it were a fright, Xi Yue would try her best to act as if it were a surprise.
But she was wrong. Xing Yuan did know what a surprise was.
When Xi Yue saw the manor before her, all the details were exactly as she had always wished for, and some details she had never even mentioned to Xing Yuan.
"A Yuan, how... how did you know?" Xi Yue's eyes sparkled with a subtle light.
Xing Yuan smiled and said softly, "Sister, please cooperate. There's another surprise prepared for you inside."
Then, she took a white cloth from behind and covered Xi Yue's eyes. Suppressing her inner excitement, Xi Yue closed her eyes in compliance.
Xing Yuan led her hand by hand into the manor. This was a room designed by hired professionals, incorporating Xi Yue's usual preferences.
Although there were some personal touches, the majority was designed according to her tastes.
Xing Yuan slowly removed the white cloth, and Xi Yue slowly opened her eyes. The room was dim, with faint light from outside filtering through and casting onto the floor-to-ceiling windows, creating a unique beauty.
Xi Yue made no attempt to hide the surprise in her eyes. While not entirely perfect, it was infinitely close to the place she had once dreamed of, and moreover, it was a surprise Xing Yuan had prepared for her.
"Thank you! I love it." Xi Yue's eyes were slightly red, and her voice, uncharacteristically, carried a hint of girlish tenderness.
"As long as Sister likes it!" Xing Yuan smiled, her eyes filled with warmth.
Bathed in moonlight, the room seemed even more beautiful. Xing Yuan gently kissed her. Amidst their intertwined breaths, both their voices carried a hint of tender affection.
Today was a special day, and they were not people who would deny themselves, so the two quickly gave in to their desires...