CHAPTER 65: STRONG BACKER

Jian Ci pressed Yu Xi back against the wall, his palm firm against his chest, eyes narrowed with intensity. "Where do you think you are going?"

Yu Xi’s breath caught and he finally blurted out. "Yes, I saw it but it wasn’t on purpose."

"Haven’t I been good to you?" Jian Ci said at the same time, voice low and wounded.

They both paused.

"Huh?" Jian Ci blinked, confused.

"Huh?" Yu Xi echoed, equally thrown.

Jian Ci tilted his head. "What did you see?"

Yu Xi’s eyes darted to the side. "Uh... nothing," he muttered, trying to slip away.

Jian Ci didn’t ask further. He was more interested in another topic. He pressed harder, his presence overwhelming. "A week," he said, voice tightening. "An entire week and some hours, little Xi. You didn’t even call me."

Yu Xi was glad that that’s what Jian Ci was interested in. He heaved a relieved sigh. He had seen the missed calls when he got his communicator back, dozens of them and the messages. At first, Jian Ci had been casual: What are you up to? When are you coming back? Then: I left food for you. It’s in the warmer.

But the tone had shifted.

Where did you sleep last night?

Then came the missed call. After that was a saying: Why aren’t you picking up? Is brother keeping you busy?

Yu Xi had scrolled through the backlog. Jian Ci had called relentlessly throughout the day, each missed call a silent plea. By day three, the tone had shifted, he was sulking, sending messages like I miss you. Can’t you come back today? Day four was dramatic: I won’t call you ever again. But by nightfall, another call came through.

Day five and six were a gallery of angry dog gifs like snarling huskies, growling puppies, one even chewing a slipper with vengeance. Yu Xi had stared at them, guilt blooming in his chest.

Now he got it. Jian Rui knew exactly what he was doing. This punishment wasn’t just about cutting Jian Ci off. It was psychological warfare. Jian Ci, left without his favorite distraction, had spiraled like a husky locked indoors with no outlet. He had howled, sulked, and wreaked havoc in his own way.

Yu Xi didn’t know whether to feel flattered or worried that he had this effect on Jian Ci.

"I didn’t have my communicator," Yu Xi finally said, voice low but sincere. "I just got it now."

Jian Ci’s reply came instantly, dramatic as ever. "You could have asked someone to call me. You are so heartless. Are we not friends anymore?"

When Jian Ci wanted to sulk, he sulked. Blame it on being the youngest. He had mastered the art of emotional warfare. He turned and walked back to the bed, flopping onto it with theatrical flair, his expression screaming come coax me.

Yu Xi stared. "..."

Without a word, he disappeared into the walk-in closet.

Jian Ci’s pout deepened. Why was Yu Xi acting like he had asked for his life? He didn’t want an apology, he wanted attention.

Moments later, Yu Xi emerged, dressed in fresh clothes, and walked over with a shopping bag. He placed it beside Jian Ci without ceremony.

Jian Ci’s eyes lit up. The pout vanished. He sat up, peeking inside and gasped.

There were snacks. All his favorites. The rare ones. The imported ones. The ones he’d once mentioned in passing.

It was like Yu Xi had brought him treasure.

"I was thinking about you every day," Yu Xi said, sitting beside him. "I could have tried to ask someone, but your brother was running a tight ship."

He didn’t mind throwing Jian Rui under the bus. It was his fault anyway.

Jian Ci beamed, already halfway through a packet of dried plum chips. It was as though all was forgiven.

"Rui-ge is so vindictive," Jian Ci muttered, tearing open a protein bar with more force than necessary.

Yu Xi chuckled softly. "He just cares about you. You shouldn’t pick fights with him especially when it’s about me."

Jian Ci took a bite, chewing with a scowl. "I just don’t want them to bully you."

"I know," Yu Xi said gently. "But whatever I do, just know I am doing it willingly."

Jian Ci paused, then nodded. "Alright. But just remember, you have the right to say no. And if my brother gives you trouble, I will stand by you."

Yu Xi smiled, touched. "Noted. It’s nice having a strong backer like you."

Jian Ci grinned, puffing his chest a little. "By the way... you are not going to tell me what you saw?"

Yu Xi froze for a beat. "It’s really nothing."

But he knew Jian Ci wouldn’t let it go. He could already see the curiosity sharpening in his eyes. He needed a distraction—fast.

"Oh," Yu Xi said suddenly, "a guide asked me out on a date."

Jian Ci’s head snapped toward him, cheeks puffed with protein bar like a startled hamster. He stared, wide-eyed.

"I rejected him," Yu Xi added quickly, "but he insisted on getting my contact."

Jian Ci kept chewing, slowly, eyes narrowed now, as if mentally filing away every detail. He didn’t speak, but Yu Xi could feel the interrogation brewing.

"That’s all," Yu Xi said, shrugging.

Jian Ci narrowed his eyes. "What’s his name?"

"I don’t remember," Yu Xi replied honestly.

He wasn’t dodging the question, he genuinely hadn’t paid attention. The guide had introduced himself, sure, but Yu Xi had been too busy mentally cataloging Jian Ci’s favorite snacks, wondering if he could find the rare plum crisps or the imported honey bars. The name had slipped right past him.

Jian Ci sighed. "Just be careful. Some people want to get close to you for the wrong reasons."

"I will," Yu Xi said, standing to grab the blow dryer.

Jian Ci saw him reaching for hair products and perked up. "Wait, let me help you."

Yu Xi didn’t protest. Jian Ci had styled his hair a few times before, usually with more enthusiasm than skill, but it was harmless. He sat down, towel still around his shoulders. "Alright."

Jian Ci bounced up like a puppy given permission to play, fingers already ruffling through Yu Xi’s damp hair, muttering about volume and shine.