'Because you're an extraterrestrial.' Mark thinks, though he keeps it to himself. The words sound downright unfriendly, and he's genuinely afraid of saying the wrong thing and angering the being in front of him. Even though Min and Xi P were chatting and laughing just moments ago, appearing perfectly harmonious, that might simply be because Min knows exactly what to say and what to avoid. Mark isn't like that; he has no idea if a seemingly casual remark might violate some cultural taboo in Xi P's world.

  Mark's unwillingness to respond makes Xi P even more puzzled. Scrutinising Mark's expression, Xi P simply can't tell if Mark is timid or shy. He can only hope it's the latter; otherwise, someone like this really isn't suitable for collaboration. Too timid to even accept new things...

  "Do I look very scary?" Xi P asks again.

  Mark shakes his head vigorously, out of both fear and genuine conviction. Even if he isn't a furry enthusiast, Xi P is still far more approachable than many alien designs. Min was right; Xi P aligns better with human aesthetics than an actual fox-headed creature would.

  "No... you look like a fox, and you're... cute."

  With a groan, Xi P closes his eyes and leans back heavily onto the sofa, fingers digging deep into the fabric. His last shred of hope shattered. Min was telling the truth; his appearance truly seems adorable to them. This leaves him both pleased and deeply disturbed.

  "Since my looks don't scare you, what reasons are there be for you to fear me, so? Min isn't afraid of me at all."

  After carefully weighing his words, Mark finally offers a hesitant reply: "What topics are sensitive for you?"

  "Don't compare me to a fox. That's all I ask. Imagine someone comparing you to an animal with a human face and an animal body. And then saying that animal is cute. Isn't that disgusting?" Xi P finally understands why Mark had been so afraid earlier and offers an explanation. Hopefully he'll be more proactive from now on.

  "Yes, it's disgusting... What do you think of Min?"

  "He took me in, respects my judgment on important matters, and our scientific collaboration is pleasant. It's just that sometimes in daily life, he makes me uncomfortable. He keeps trying to compare me to a fox, in all sorts of ways." Xi P pauses, sighs, and continues, "And collaboration... Does Min still want you to continue working on this medical spray project?"

  Mark nods.

  "I'll talk to him." Xi P rises and heads towards the kitchen, leaving Mark flustered in the living room.

  Once Xi P disappears, Mark's tense nerves at last relax, and he begins methodically processing the information he's heard. Part of him wonders whether his imagination is too weak or too wild; in his previous speculations, the notion of "Min having an alien in his home" never even crossed his mind despite the numerous hints. That would be a case of weak imagination. But now, having seen a real alien, its appearance is worlds apart from his previous visions of "tentacles dripping pus". Instead, it looks remarkably human-like. This surely falls under the category of overactive imagination…

  'Wait. Xi P said he dislikes foxes, yet now they're keeping one at home... Seems that's also why he says 'daily life being uncomfortable'... An alien civilisation within 100 light-years of Earth? Unfathomable. And their technology surpasses ours. Xi P might not approve of this, but what if they discover Earth one day and attack for profit? I wonder if they have galactic warships... It seems they do… Alright, whether it's for personal friendship, scientific exploration, the responsibility to protect Earth, or even simple compassion, I have to help Xi P with his plan... He crash-landed here due to an accident he doesn't even understand himself. But the universe is so vast, the odds of him just happening to drift near Earth are incredibly low.'

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  'And the odds of this being premeditated would be higher, huh... He's not an Earth lifeform, yet he adapts to Earth's atmosphere, it really does feel planned. But what could they possibly scheme here? If he's backed by an empire spanning thousands of light-years, there's nothing here they'd want — unless it's to prank us for amusement... That's absurd.' Conspiracy theory after conspiracy theory bubbles up in his mind, numerous and varied.

  ***

  "So that means all our previous efforts were wasted?" If his hands weren't still sticky with grease, Min would have wanted to cover his forehead upon hearing these words. Forget everything else — he's practically done negotiating with Mark. And that's the outcome...?

  "Not entirely. After all, fearing aliens is a perfectly normal reaction. We still need someone skilled in chemistry on the team." Xi P dismisses Min's words, then voices his own confusion, "Why is Mark so timid? I feel like I'm... Ra... 'bullying' him?"

  "Is it really that bad? He seems perfectly normal to me. Maybe he just has some misconceptions about alien lifeforms?"

  "He definitely does. You should talk to him. It's too hard to communicate with him like this."

  "Alright." Min washes his hands and leaves the kitchen alone.

  Mark hurries over when Min appears, whispering urgently: "I need to talk to you. He can't hear us at this volume, can he?"

  "Just say it." Min already suspects he knows what Mark wants to discuss, likely his confusion about Xi P. Considering the recent release of Independence Day: Resurgence, such reactions aren't entirely surprising.

  Mark quietly shares some of his earlier speculations with Min.

  As Mark speaks, Min's expression morphs several times before he finally can't bear to listen anymore. These bizarre conspiracy theories sound downright embarrassing given that Min knows more about the situation. He simply cuts Mark off.

  "You're overthinking this... Warp drive shouldn't be too difficult. Their technology is probably only about 50 years ahead of ours. Xi P showed me ample evidence earlier... And even if all this is part of a conspiracy, what good would it do us to realise it?"

  "Eh, okay? I suppose you could be right…"

  Now that Mark seems ready to talk with Xi P normally, Min calls him out of the kitchen and returns to cooking. Thus, the living room is once again occupied by just the two of them: Xi P and Mark.

  ***

  Over the next ten minutes or so, Min does not see either of them emerge from the living room, nor does he hear any sounds of argument. Just as he settles on the conclusion that the two can now communicate normally, a loud shout erupts from the living room — distinctly unlike any human voice, it comes from Xi P!

  Min nearly jumps out of his skin. He immediately bursts into the living room, only to find a scene completely different from what he'd imagined: Mark is looking at him awkwardly, while Xi P keeps flicking his hand against his own head. Before Min can ask, Xi P explains: "Mark just touched my head."

  Min sighs and puts on a stern expression, urging Mark to take his role more seriously before returning to the kitchen.

  When he emerges again after finishing the meal, the scene before him once more defies expectations — not because communication is awkward, but precisely the opposite. The two are engaged in a lively exchange, even delving into chemistry topics. So absorbed are they that they fail to notice Min has stepped out of the kitchen.

  "You're underestimating our chemical processes. These syntheses are nowhere near 'difficult.'" Mark states with a light tone.

  "I didn't say 'difficult', I said 'feasible'. The cost is too high, and the factory lacks production intent." Xi P replies. Discussing these complexities with someone unfamiliar is challenging, especially with a language barrier. Mark has misinterpreted his words at least seven or eight times already.

  "Dinner's ready." Min announces his presence by placing two plates on the table, then turns to pick up the dog food from the floor, "Looks like you two are getting along just fine now. You should get to know each other better, clear up misunderstandings and prejudices. I have to say, aren't you curious about aliens, their cities, and their civilisation? Xi P's computer has plenty of photos of those."

  Scattering the dog food into the bowl on the floor while stroking the silver fox's head, Min continues: "And Xi P, don't you want to learn more about the 'aliens' here — besides me?"

  The words sound earnest enough, but Xi P bets he is mentally petting him at this very moment. While Min spoke, he never lifted his head, gaze fixed on the fox eating....