Chapter 65: Meeting the Family

As the new management team of Silver Moon Apartments gradually settled into their roles, Alex and Kai finally had some time to breathe. One morning, as they were enjoying breakfast in the kitchen, Alex's phone suddenly rang.

"It's my mom," Alex said, looking at the caller ID with some surprise. He answered the call, and Kai could hear a gentle but slightly worried woman's voice on the other end.

After the call ended, Alex looked at Kai with some unease: "My mom says she and my dad are worried about me. I've rarely gone home since I moved into Silver Moon Apartments. She... she wants to meet you."

Kai felt a wave of nervousness: "Do your parents know about our relationship?"

Alex nodded: "I told them I have a very special partner. But... I haven't told them about Silver Moon Apartments and our true identities."

Kai understandingly held Alex's hand: "We can't tell them the whole truth; it might put them in danger. But I'd love to meet your family."

Alex smiled gratefully: "Thank you, Kai. This means a lot to me."

They decided to visit Alex's hometown over the weekend. Before leaving, they informed the new management team, ensuring Silver Moon Apartments would run normally in their absence.

Saturday morning, Alex and Kai stood in front of the portal, ready to head to Alex's hometown.

"Ready?" Alex asked, his tone tinged with nervousness.

Kai took a deep breath and nodded: "I think so. It's just... I've never experienced this 'meeting the parents' scenario before."

Alex chuckled lightly: "Don't worry, my parents are very kind. Just be yourself."

They stepped through the portal and instantly arrived on a quiet street in Alex's hometown. Alex led Kai towards a cozy two-story house.

Before they could knock, the door opened. A middle-aged woman with a kind smile appeared at the doorway.

"Alex!" she exclaimed joyfully, giving Alex a big hug. Then, her gaze turned to Kai, "You must be Kai! Welcome, child."

Kai nodded somewhat awkwardly: "Hello, Mrs. Chen. It's nice to meet you."

Alex's mother ushered them inside: "Come in, come in. Your dad is preparing the barbecue in the backyard."

They entered the living room, and Kai noticed the walls were filled with photos of Alex growing up. There were proud smiles from award ceremonies and profile shots of him focused on his designs. These photos gave Kai a sense of Alex's growth trajectory and the warmth of this family.

Alex's father walked in from the backyard. He was a man who looked serious but had gentle eyes.

"Dad," Alex stepped forward to hug his father, then introduced, "This is Kai."

Mr. Chen examined Kai carefully, then extended his hand: "Hello, Kai. It's nice to finally meet you."

Kai politely shook Mr. Chen's hand: "Hello, Mr. Chen. Thank you for having me."

During lunch, the atmosphere gradually relaxed. Alex's parents inquired about their work and life, and Kai answered carefully, trying to avoid supernatural aspects.

"So, you met in that magical apartment?" Mrs. Chen asked curiously.

Alex and Kai exchanged a glance. "Yes," Alex answered, "Silver Moon Apartments is indeed a very special place."

Mr. Chen pondered: "I've heard some strange rumors about that building. Are they true?"

Kai answered carefully: "Every old building has some interesting stories. Silver Moon Apartments certainly has its unique charm."

After lunch, Alex's mother pulled Kai to look at family albums, while Alex chatted with his father in the backyard.

"Kai seems like a good person," Mr. Chen said, "But I feel like you're hiding something from us."

Alex felt uneasy: "Dad..."

Mr. Chen held up his hand: "I'm not blaming you. I just want to say, whatever you're doing, as long as you feel it's right, your mom and I will support you."

Alex looked at his father, touched: "Thank you, Dad. That means a lot to me."

Meanwhile, in the living room, Mrs. Chen was showing Kai photos of Alex as a child.

"This is Alex when he was five," she pointed to a photo, "Even then, he said he wanted to be a great architect, to build towers that could touch the sky."

Kai smiled at the innocent Alex in the photo: "He did achieve his dream, just in a way none of us expected."

Mrs. Chen looked at Kai gently: "I can see that you love him very much. Please take good care of him, will you?"

Kai nodded solemnly: "I promise, Mrs. Chen. Alex is my whole world."

In the evening, as Alex and Kai prepared to leave, Alex's parents gave them a warm hug.

"Come visit more often," Mrs. Chen said, tears in her eyes.

Mr. Chen patted Alex's shoulder: "Remember, no matter what happens, this will always be your home."

As they walked back to Silver Moon Apartments, Alex felt his heart full of warmth.

"Thank you, Kai," he said softly, "Thank you for coming home with me."

Kai squeezed Alex's hand: "Thank you for making me a part of your life. Your family is wonderful, I'm glad I got to meet them."

Just then, their communicator suddenly sounded. It was Leo's voice: "Alex, Kai, we've found the exact location of the fifth key. You need to come back immediately."

They exchanged a glance, both seeing determination in each other's eyes. Although they had just experienced a warm family time, they knew their responsibility to protect the multiverse never stopped.

"We're on our way," Alex replied.

As they stepped into the portal, ready to face new challenges, Alex felt more determined than ever before. Because now, he not only had Kai by his side, but also the understanding and support of his family. Whatever awaited them ahead, they now had more strength to face it.