CHAPTER 101: GETTING INTO A FIGHT

Yu Xi tilted his head, his brow furrowing. "What?"

Jian Ci looked at him directly, his tone carrying a mix of curiosity and reproach. "You never told me that. I am your best friend, and you never told me what type you like."

Yu Xi froze, his lips parting but no words coming out. "..." Finally, he muttered, "It never came up."

Jian Ci studied him for a moment, then nodded. "Okay." But Yu Xi knew this wasn’t the end of it. Jian Ci was the type to circle back, to pry when something caught his attention.

"I have to go to the bathroom," Jian Ci said, standing. "I will be right back."

Yu Xi could have gone with him, but he hesitated. If he followed, Jian Ci would surely ask more questions, and Yu Xi wasn’t ready to answer. So he stayed behind, listening to the chatter of the others, their laughter filling the room.

Meanwhile, Jian Ci walked down the small hallway and entered the bathroom. He moved quickly, wanting to return soon. He didn’t like leaving Yu Xi alone for too long. After finishing and washing his hands, he stepped out, only to find Alarna standing a few feet away.

Her eyes locked on him, determination in her stance. Jian Ci had no choice but to walk in her direction.

"Jian Ci," Alarna said softly, almost pleading. "Can I speak to you?"

Jian Ci’s jaw tightened. He didn’t want to speak to her, but he knew if he refused, she would keep chasing him, keep finding ways to corner him. Better to hear her out now, settle it once and for all. He sighed inwardly and prepared himself for the conversation he really didnt want to have.

He exhaled slowly, his tone clipped. "Sure. What do you want to say?"

Alarna shifted uncomfortably, her eyes darting toward the crowded room. "Can we talk outside? It’s a little noisy here."

Jian Ci hesitated, but the thought of others overhearing their business made him relent. He followed her into the hallway, the muffled sounds of laughter and music fading behind them.

"I know you are upset with me," Alarna said softly.

Jian Ci’s reply was sharp. "You think?"

She bit her lower lip, her head lowered, shoulders trembling as if she were the picture of regret. Jian Ci, who had little patience for theatrics, frowned. "If you aren’t going to talk, then I will leave."

Alarna’s head snapped up, her eyes wide and pleading. "I am so sorry about what happened. My dad knew that I liked you, so he was trying to help—but he messed up. I am so sorry."

Jian Ci clenched his jaw, his chest tightening. He hadn’t expected this to turn into a confession tangled with an apology.

Alarna’s voice trembled as she spoke, "He shouldn’t have done that, and I am really sorry. If you would like, I can explain everything to His Majesty."

Jian Ci’s jaw tightened, but his reply was steady. "It’s fine. My brother already took down those articles. Just don’t let there be a next time."

Alarna’s lips curved into a faint smile, though her eyes carried a deep sadness. "Alright," she whispered.

"I am going back," Jian Ci said firmly, turning to leave.

"Wait," Alarna blurted, reaching out and grabbing his arm. Jian Ci glanced down at her hand, his gaze sharp. She quickly let go, flustered.

"About what I said before," she continued, her voice softer now, almost pleading. "I really like you. I have liked you for a long time. I don’t expect an answer right now, but... can you please let me pursue you?"

Jian Ci’s lips parted, the word no already forming. She was not his type, and he had no intention of encouraging her. But before he could speak, a sudden commotion erupted from inside the hall.

His heart lurched. Without another word, Jian Ci rushed back toward the noise, his only thought fixed on Yu Xi hoping and praying, that he was okay.

***

While Jian Ci was outside, Yu Xi sat quietly among the chatter, his eyes flicking toward the door every few seconds. Jian Ci had been gone longer than expected, and unease began to coil in Yu Xi’s chest. He was just about to stand, intending to find Jian Ci and suggest they leave, when the atmosphere in the room shifted.

The one called Vigil walked in, his presence heavy and disruptive, flanked by his usual group of goons. His stride carried the same arrogance he had displayed during the entrance exam, and the room seemed to tense as he entered.

Vigil’s sharp eyes landed on Elias. He smirked, snatching a cup from someone’s hand and downing the drink as he approached. "Elias," he drawled, "I am a little upset you didn’t invite me. I am the life of the party."

Elias’s nervousness was written all over his face. He forced a smile. "I thought you wouldn’t want to come."

Vigil chuckled darkly. "Why wouldn’t I, when there are so many good-looking guides here?" His goons laughed with him, their gazes sweeping the room with predatory amusement.

Then Vigil’s eyes locked onto Yu Xi. His smirk faltered, replaced by something sharper, more dangerous. An inexplicable itch to provoke him sparked in Vigil’s expression.

Yu Xi met his gaze, exhaling an internal sigh. He had expected this.

"Well, well, well," Vigil said, stepping closer, his psychic power surging like a wave. "I am surprised to see you here."

Yu Xi remained silent, his composure steady.

Vigil leaned in, his voice taunting. "Are you mute? Can’t speak?"

He reached out suddenly, his hand landing on Yu Xi’s shoulder with deliberate force. But Yu Xi reacted instantly, grabbing his arm and twisting it just as he had done before. This time, however, Vigil was prepared. He broke free with a sharp jerk, his smirk returning for a fleeting moment until Yu Xi moved faster.

In one swift motion, Yu Xi’s hand closed around Vigil’s throat, and he slammed him hard into the ground. The impact echoed through the room, silencing the chatter. Vigil’s goons surged forward, ready to intervene, but Yu Xi’s eyes locked onto them. His psychic power flared, invisible chains binding them in place. They froze, unable to move, their faces pale with shock.

Towering over Vigil, Yu Xi’s voice was low and steady. "Are you done?"

Vigil’s heart pounded so violently it felt as though it was beating in his eyes. The sight of Yu Xi looming over him unsettled him deeply, gnawing at his confidence. He shifted uncomfortably, nerves betraying his bravado.