CHAPTER 134: HE IS SULKING

The man smirked, his tone casual. "Is he your guide?"

That single question ignited Jian Ci’s rage further. His jaw clenched, his fists trembling with the urge to strike. Yu Xi quickly stepped between them, pressing his palms firmly against Jian Ci’s chest. "Calm down," he urged, his voice steady but firm.

Jian Ci’s teeth ground together. With a sharp motion, he hurled the card back at the man. "Does he look like a fucking guide to you?" he spat, his voice vibrating with fury.

The lounge fell silent, tension thick in the air, as Yu Xi held Jian Ci back from unleashing the storm inside him.

The man, his ego bruised, finally backed down after realizing he had made a mistake. His voice was stiff but apologetic. "Oh, my apologies. I saw wrong."

Jian Ci’s lips curled into a menacing smile, his tiger tooth flashing as he leaned forward. "Get your fucking eyes checked, you pervert."

Yu Xi tugged at his arm, leading him away before the situation could escalate further. Xiaobao, meanwhile, sat back with her drink, sipping leisurely as though the entire confrontation had been staged for her entertainment.

After that incident, Jian Ci’s mood soured. The excitement of the Mech battles had drained from him, replaced by a restless heaviness. He didn’t feel like playing anymore. All he wanted was to go home. But Yu Xi convinced him to visit Virelia imperial gardens instead.

Jian Ci agreed reluctantly, though his energy remained subdued. The entire drive, he stared out the window, lost in thought, his reflection flickering against the glass.

When they arrived, Yu Xi rented an entire private garden, ensuring peace and quiet. The three of them strolled leisurely. Xiaobao darted ahead, delighted by the blooming pink flowers and the cheerful birdsong.

Yu Xi, walking beside Jian Ci, noticed his downcast expression. "Are you really okay?" he asked gently.

Jian Ci blinked, startled out of his thoughts. "Huh? Oh... I am fine."

But Yu Xi could tell—fine was far from the truth. He wanted to ask Jian Ci directly why he was sulking, but before he could, Xiaobao tugged at his sleeve with a burst of energy. "Brother, let’s go get ice cream!" she chirped.

Yu Xi gave her a small smile. "Sure." He turned back to Jian Ci, trying to coax him. "Let’s go get you some ice cream too."

But Jian Ci shook his head, his voice low. "I am going to sit down. You guys go ahead."

Yu Xi’s chest tightened at the sight of him withdrawing like that. "Do you want anything specific?" he asked gently.

"Anything is fine," Jian Ci replied, already walking away down another path.

Yu Xi sighed. "Okay." He watched Jian Ci’s retreating back, his heart aching, before Xiaobao’s voice pulled him back. "Xi-ge!" she called, waiting for him.

He turned toward her, glancing once more at Jian Ci before joining her. They walked side by side, Xiaobao fidgeting as though words were caught in her throat. Yu Xi noticed immediately. "What’s wrong?" he asked.

Xiaobao hesitated, then whispered, "Does he get this mad often?"

Yu Xi thought for a moment before answering. "Sometimes. Why?"

Xiaobao frowned, her brows knitting. "It’s just... something isn’t right."

Yu Xi exhaled slowly. "I think he gets triggered when Espers approach other Espers."

Xiaobao tilted her head. "Other Espers... or just you?"

Yu Xi faltered, unable to answer. When guides approached him, Jian Ci didn’t care—he even teased him. But when an Esper did, Jian Ci’s anger flared uncontrollably. Yu Xi could only assume it had something to do with his mother, a wound Jian Ci had never spoken of but carried like a shadow.

They reached the ice cream bar, the air filled with the sweet scent of sugar and fruit. Xiaobao, brimming with excitement, ordered first, her voice quick and decisive as she pointed to the most colorful option on the menu.

Yu Xi followed, choosing the least sweet thing available for himself, something light and refreshing. But when it came to Jian Ci, Yu Xi didn’t hesitate—he ordered the sweetest creation on the list.

It was called Solar Blossom Cream, a glowing swirl of gold and pink, soft as morning light. The dessert shimmered faintly, its texture sweet and silky, with delicate notes of honeyed fruit and vanilla that melted quickly on the tongue, leaving behind a gentle sparkle of sugar. Yu Xi asked the server to add extra honeyed fruit, knowing Jian Ci would appreciate it.

Xiaobao turned to him, her eyes narrowing playfully. "Xi-ge, you know him more than you know me. You even know what he likes and order for him."

Yu Xi chuckled, his tone light. "Are you jealous?"

Xiaobao shook her head quickly. "No, I am not. I just want my brother to know what I like."

Yu Xi’s smile softened. "I willl know everything you like in the future. You don’t need to worry about it."

Xiaobao humphed, grabbing her ice cream before walking away with a little stomp. Yu Xi picked up the two remaining cups, thanked the server, and jogged after her, the golden-pink glow of Jian Ci’s dessert catching the light as he carried it.

He caught up to Xiaobao, his steps quick but gentle. "Are you upset?" he asked, his voice low.

Xiaobao shook her head, though her lips pursed. "No... still jealous though."

Yu Xi chuckled softly, the sound easing the tension between them. Together, they walked into the private garden, the air filled with the fragrance of blooming flowers. Ahead, Jian Ci sat alone on a bench, his posture heavy, his expression sulking.

"He looks so sad," Xiaobao whispered, scooping a spoonful of ice cream from her cup.

Yu Xi’s chest tightened at the sight. He knew Jian Ci’s moods well, and guilt pricked at him. He needed to speak to him alone. "Xiaobao," Yu Xi said gently, "can you go pick flowers for brother? We are allowed to make a bouquet."

She brightened instantly. This had been their plan all along, to gather their mother’s favorite flowers and place them at her memorial tablet. "Okay!" she said, running off toward the station where gardening tools were kept.

Yu Xi watched her skip away, a small smile tugging at his lips. Then he turned, walking toward Jian Ci. He sat down beside him, holding out the glowing cup. "Here."

Jian Ci looked at him, then at the ice cream. His lips curved into a faint smile, his tiger tooth flashing. "Thank you," he said quietly, the sulk in his eyes softening just a little.