CHAPTER 45: "WIFE... I AM HOT.”

AN: Guess who is back on schedule. That’s if I don’t mess it up again. See you in the comments lovelies.

Cindy gasped theatrically as the drink splashed across her dress, the liquid soaking into the shimmering fabric like a stain on pride. She hissed, clutching the fabric with exaggerated distress. "It’s ruined," she mumbled, eyes darting around. "Do we have tissues?"

Yu Xi scanned the lounge, but there were none in sight. Cindy sighed dramatically. "I have to go to the bathroom. May you please accompany me?"

Yu Xi hesitated. He didn’t want to leave Jian Ci alone, especially not with Alarna hovering like a hawk. But he knew the risks. A guide wandering alone in a nightclub, especially one as flashy and chaotic as this, was asking for trouble. Reluctantly, he nodded. "Fine."

He turned to Jian Ci and said, "I will be right back."

Jian Ci smiled, eyes still hazy from the drinks. "Don’t take too long."

Yu Xi followed Cindy through the passageway. Twice, he had to step between her and leering Espers who thought her vulnerability was an invitation. His presence was enough to make them back off, but it left a sour taste in his mouth.

Outside the bathroom, Yu Xi waited. Minutes ticked by. His anxiety grew. He checked the time—five minutes.

He knocked once, then raised his voice. "Are you almost done?"

The music throbbed behind him, but the silence from the bathroom was louder.

Inside the bathroom, Cindy bit her lip, pacing in front of the mirror. Her fingers trembled slightly as she adjusted her hair for the third time. She was stalling on purpose. "Just a few more minutes," she called out, voice pitched to sound casual.

But when ten minutes passed, Yu Xi’s patience snapped. "I am leaving if you don’t come out," he said, his voice sharp and final.

Cindy flinched. "I am coming!" she called, scrambling to open the door. But by the time she stepped out, Yu Xi was already disappearing around the corner, his back rigid, his aura colder than ice.

She called after him, but he didn’t wait for her.

Yu Xi strode into the VIP lounge, his eyes scanning the room until they landed on Jian Ci who was slumped on the couch, clearly drunk, with Alarna beside him. Her hand rested on his thigh, and they were giggling over something only they understood.

Yu Xi didn’t ask. He crossed the room, pulled Jian Ci up with a firm grip, and said, "Let’s go home."

Alarna blinked, then smiled sweetly. "I can take him home. You don’t have to trouble yourself."

Jian Ci, swaying slightly, wrapped his arms around Yu Xi. "Little Xi, here—drink as punishment," he said, lifting a glass to Yu Xi’s lips.

The scent alone told Yu Xi this wasn’t the same mild cocktail from earlier. This was something much stronger.

Yu Xi took the glass from Jian Ci’s hand and drank. The liquid scorched his throat like molten metal, burning all the way down to his stomach. It was the kind of drink only seasoned drinkers could handle. It was fiery, unforgiving, and laced with something that made his vision blur for a moment.

He swallowed hard and said, voice steady despite the sting, "We live together, so it’s no trouble."

Alarna blinked, caught off guard. That detail hadn’t been part of her calculations.

Yu Xi wrapped an arm around Jian Ci’s waist and guided him out of the VIP lounge. Alarna followed, her boots stomping heavily behind them, and Cindy trailed after, quiet and uncertain.

Outside, the night air was cool and sharp. Alarna stepped forward. "Get home safe," she said, " and tell him to message me when he wakes up."

Yu Xi didn’t respond. The car door opened with a soft hiss, and he gently helped Jian Ci inside. Then he circled around, got in, and buckled Jian Ci’s seatbelt.

"You okay?" he asked.

Jian Ci pinched Yu Xi’s cheek and hummed, eyes half-lidded, smile lazy.

Yu Xi set the car to autopilot. As it pulled away, Alarna stood on the curb, perfectly sober and simmering with frustration. She had liked Jian Ci from the moment she saw him. Tonight was supposed to be her breakthrough.

Instead, it had been ruined by that cold-faced bastard.

She turned to Cindy, who looked apologetic.

Alarna sneered. "Fucking useless," she muttered, and walked away.

***

It didn’t take long before the hover car glided into the garage, its engine humming into silence. The soft glow of the overhead lights flickered on automatically, casting a pale sheen over the sleek vehicle. Yu Xi undid his seatbelt and leaned over, calling softly, "Ci."

Jian Ci mumbled something unintelligible, then curled up like a cat in the passenger seat, refusing to wake up.

Yu Xi sighed, stepping out of the car. He walked around to the other side, the door already open. He leaned in and unbuckled the seatbelt, but before he could pull away, Jian Ci’s arms looped around his neck.

Yu Xi froze. Warm breath ghosted across his skin, grazing the sensitive curve of his neck. Every nerve in his body lit up like a live wire.

"Why did you drink so much?" he asked, voice low.

Jian Ci mumbled again, something slurred and soft.

Yu Xi gently pulled him upright and leaned him against the car as the door slid shut. Then he turned, crouched slightly, and pulled Jian Ci’s arms over his shoulders.

Jian Ci didn’t resist. He leaned in like a doll, pliant and trusting.

Yu Xi carried him inside, step by careful step. Jian Ci’s lips brushed against his neck again light and accidental, but enough to make Yu Xi’s breath hitch.

He bit down on his lip, hard, as he climbed the stairs. Fire burned beneath his skin, and Jian Ci, oblivious, clung to him tightly.

He took Jian Ci into the bedroom, the soft hum of the house’s ambient lighting casting a gentle glow across the sheets. He eased him onto the bed, careful not to jostle him too much. Jian Ci flopped back with a sigh, limbs sprawled like a marionette with its strings cut.

Yu Xi turned to leave, intending to fetch water or something to help sober him up, when he heard a low mumble.

He leaned in to hear what he was saying. "What do you need?" he asked.

Jian Ci’s voice was slurred, but unmistakable. "Wife... I am hot."

Yu Xi blinked. "..."

He must have misheard. But before he could ask again, Jian Ci began fumbling with his clothes. The jacket came off easily, but the t-shirt was a battle. Yu Xi watched him wrestle with it, arms flailing, fabric twisted. Finally, he sighed and reached out to help.

Jian Ci’s face lit up with relief, a foolish smile spreading across his lips. He reached for his pants, fingers clumsy on the button.

Yu Xi stared. "Why are you taking off your clothes?"

"I need to take a shower," Jian Ci mumbled. He was a creature of habit. He took a shower every morning and at night before bed, even when drunk.