CHAPTER 100: WHAT’S YOUR TYPE?

Jian Ci and Yu Xi stepped into the elevator. Normally, Jian Ci would be talking, teasing, filling the silence with his warmth. But now he stood still, his mood heavy, his unhappiness palpable. Yu Xi hated it when Jian Ci was silent. It unsettled him, made him worry. Anyone who truly knew Jian Ci would know that silence meant something was extremely wrong.

Yu Xi shifted closer, his heart aching. Without looking directly at him, he reached into his pocket and pulled out a small piece of candy. It was mangosteen and mango flavored candy, Jian Ci’s favorite. He placed it gently into Jian Ci’s hand, his own gaze fixed forward.

It was a quiet gesture, but one that carried all the comfort Yu Xi couldn’t put into words.

Jian Ci’s gaze was fixed forward in a daze, when he suddenly felt something pressed into his palm. For a moment he thought Yu Xi was reaching for his hand, but instead it was a small packet of candy. Surprised, Jian Ci glanced sideways, only to see Yu Xi deliberately looking straight ahead.

"You look like you are being sent to your death," Yu Xi said evenly. "Smile more. You look handsome when you smile."

Jian Ci’s lips curved, the heaviness in his chest easing. He tore open the packet and held it up. "Like this?"

Yu Xi gave him a brief glance. "Like that."

Jian Ci popped the candy into his mouth, savoring the familiar sweetness. "Little Xi, you are so good to me."

"Remember that," Yu Xi replied as the elevator doors slid open. He stepped out, and Jian Ci followed, his mood lighter, happiness trailing behind him.

The hallway outside the party was crowded, students spilling into the corridor with disposable cups in hand, laughter and chatter echoing through the space. Several greeted Jian Ci and Yu Xi enthusiastically. Jian Ci returned their greetings with ease, his hand tugging Yu Xi along so they wouldn’t get separated.

Inside, the atmosphere was even livelier. Elias spotted Jian Ci almost immediately, his face lighting up with excitement. He beckoned him over, waving energetically. Jian Ci’s smile faltered slightly. He and Elias were acquaintances, nothing more, and certainly not close friends. Yet, as always, Jian Ci moved forward, Yu Xi at his side.

He placed the snacks neatly on the table, his tone firm as he said, "I won’t stay for long."

Elias nodded, his grin easy. "I get it, we have an early morning tomorrow." He tilted his head slightly, his gaze shifting toward Yu Xi. For a moment, Elias assumed Jian Ci was shielding a guide, but when realization struck, his brows lifted in surprise. An esper?

"Hi," Elias said, his voice curious. "Your face is so familiar."

Jian Ci’s expression softened with pride. He draped his arm around Yu Xi’s shoulder and pulled him closer, his voice warm and deliberate. "This is Yu Xi, the top candidate of this year."

Elias blinked, then laughed. "Oh shit, yes! Nice to meet you. You guys know each other?"

Jian Ci rolled the sweet candy on his tongue, savoring it before answering with a smile. "Yes. We even live together."

"Cool," Elias said, leaning closer with a mischievous grin. "You are incredibly handsome, damn, I am freaking jealous," looking at Yu Xi.

Jian Ci shoved him back lightly, his tone sharp. "Don’t freak him out."

Elias chuckled, raising his hands in mock surrender. "Don’t bring him around my boyfriend, otherwise I will lose my guide to him."

Yu Xi: "..."

Jian Ci smirked, squeezing Yu Xi’s shoulder. "Don’t worry, he likes girls, not guys. Right?"

Yu Xi: "..."

He knew exactly why Jian Ci thought that way. It was because of the digital poster incident—the one Jian Ci had treasured of his so-called "wife." Yu Xi had robbed it from him, out of jealousy. When Jian Ci confronted him, asking why he wanted that particular poster, Yu Xi had lied, saying he thought she was stunning. It was easier than admitting the truth, easier than revealing the jealousy and longing in his heart.

Elias laughed and said, "Phew, here, have a drink."

Jian Ci shook his head firmly. "No, I won’t drink tonight. Do you have juice or something?"

"Really? Where’s the fun in that?" Elias teased.

"I don’t want a hangover tomorrow," Jian Ci replied, walking over to the desk. He picked up two cans of juice and handed one to Yu Xi.

"Thanks," Yu Xi murmured, accepting it.

Soon, more students gathered around Jian Ci, eager to chat. The topics flowed easily, from Mechs to relationships, laughter filling the air. Yu Xi stayed quiet, listening intently, watching Jian Ci’s easy charm.

When the conversation shifted to preferences and types, everyone eagerly described their ideal physical appearance and personality traits. Finally, it was Jian Ci’s turn and didn’t hesitate to speak.

He leaned back against the table, his voice light but certain. "I like a female guide who is sweet and kind, someone who loves to laugh and can tolerate my shenanigans." His words drew a ripple of amusement from the group.

Elias tilted his head, grinning. "And what about her looks? What do you like?"

Jian Ci lifted his second can of juice, taking a slow sip before answering. "I don’t know... small waist, enchanting eyes, shoulder-length hair."

Yu Xi’s brow furrowed almost imperceptibly. He remembered vividly—it was Jian Ci who had picked his haircut, insisting shoulder-length suited him best. The thought made his chest tighten.

"Usually people like long hair," Elias remarked. "That’s different." Then his gaze shifted. "What about you, handsome? What’s your type?"

Yu Xi blinked, caught off guard. Everyone’s eyes were on him, waiting. His type was right beside him, smiling, curious, and utterly unaware. But he couldn’t say that. Clearing his throat, Yu Xi forced a casual tone. "Tall, toned muscles, fun."

Jian Ci raised his brows. "You are into tall girls? That’s interesting."

"Yeah," Yu Xi replied quickly, eager to change the subject. "Anyway, tomorrow’s program, what’s the schedule?"

Elias immediately took the bait, launching into details about the next day’s activities. The group’s attention shifted, but Jian Ci didn’t. He kept his gaze fixed on Yu Xi, eyes narrowing slightly, as though scrutinizing him, searching for cracks in the mask Yu Xi had so carefully put on.