CHAPTER 21: CHAPTER 21: I LISTEN TO YOU, SIS

Xie Qingci was still wearing his pink training outfit, the muscles under his half-sleeve were thin but well-defined, smooth and attractive.

The veins ran all the way to the back of his hand, those four bones connecting to his clearly articulated fingers, and there’s a little hollow where the thumb and wrist connect, like sketched shadows.

Even the protruding bone on his wrist was prettier than others.

She stared for too long, quickly averted her gaze, and looked at the ground.

Outside, Shu Ran was still laughing on the phone, should have turned on the speaker, as the voice on the other end could be heard faintly.

Shu Ran said, "There are a few handsome guys, but the most handsome is only comparable to Li Yang. Definitely not as attractive as Cheng, give up that thought."

"Don’t misunderstand... Sister Guan Yu wants to see... Xixi calls her aunt..."

Shu Ran laughed even more heartily, "Xixi darling is so good. Did you guys go to Cheng’s set today? It’s all over the internet."

"A cute guy came to the house; his mother is Cheng’s family friend’s sister. That cute guy kissed Xixi, Cheng found out, insisted I take Xixi to visit the set today, didn’t allow her to stay at home."

"Cheng might be furious hahahaha, our Xixi was wronged, shall aunty take you for a feast?"

"Xixi! Quick! Your Shu Ran aunty said she would treat us to a three-thousand-dollar seafood buffet tomorrow noon! Say thank you!"

"... Mu Qiu, can you have some shame?! Did I say such specifics?!"

Following that were a few laughing curses, but Yu Xia had lost interest in listening.

Xie Qingci’s arm around her waist tightened, as if hanging onto her from behind, appearing like an intimate, entwined stance.

But actually, apart from the arm on her waist, there was no other contact between them.

Xie Qingci’s hot breath sprayed beside her ear, provoking her to involuntarily tilt her head.

Temperature rippled outward like circles formed on a broken lake surface, adding a bit of humid warmth to this cramped corner.

Yu Xia could hear her heartbeat, pounding, somewhat irregular.

"Xie Qingci." She couldn’t help but speak, almost in a whisper.

"Hmm?" Xie Qingci slightly turned his head, his nose brushed past her ear, the coolness intersecting with warmth created a unique palpitating feeling.

Yu Xia bit her lip corner, leaned slightly backward to avoid his breath, and softly said, "Don’t hold so tight."

"Oh," he seemed to have chuckled fleetingly, didn’t loosen up, instead pressed closer, "I’ll listen to sister, hold looser."

I’ll listen to sister, hurry up.

I’ll listen to sister, return to room.

I’ll listen to sister, lights off.

When these familiar words were spoken, Yu Xia’s ears turned red in an instant.

She glared at him, pushed against his chest with her hands.

"Let go."

"Hush, don’t speak."

Xie Qingci’s words were blown as if into her ear, Yu Xia silently cursed him as a charming rogue.

When the sounds outside gradually faded, Yu Xia pushed him away.

"Do you know how impactful a close relationship between a trainee and mentor can be?"

"No idea." He said lazily.

"..." She rolled her eyes irritably, "Now, three minutes to talk business; they’re probably preparing for filming outside. About Changhui Entertainment I just mentioned, you can consider it. Shu Ran is with that company, currently there’s only one male artist, Lin Lian, with immense potential."

She took a breath and spoke in one go, "The company is backed by Changtong Group, the agents are top-notch scouts from the industry. Because of the few people, resources are all piled on them. But Changhui isn’t known for signing idols, you can try reaching out. They are rare in the circle for not causing any drama, never happen such things like forced drinking, exploitation, nor do they tamper with contracts like some idol companies."

This was a very sincere advice.

Xie Qingci adjusted his expression, looked at her, and slowly nodded, "I will consider... thank you."

"No need," she sighed in relief, "I really don’t want you to go astray, yet I don’t want to silently play the good guy, so I nagged you a bit more."

She finished and moved to leave, "Let’s go, the show is about to start."

Xie Qingci didn’t move, watched her slender back, and suddenly asked, "Why did you break up back then?"

Yu Xia didn’t stop walking, didn’t answer, just said, "Getting involved with me is not a good thing, don’t think too much."

Xie Qingci ambiguously chuckled, eyes dark, following her out.

——

This outdoor spin-off program took place in the activity area at the base.

As Yu Xia expected, the program team spent big money to organize half of the base into various amusement spots, not just for scenic views.

The host handed out a simple map to everyone.

There were eight trainees this time, besides Xie Qingci, Ning Yunchao, Wei Yaoyao, others were selected elsewhere, not overlapping with Monday’s indoor program choices.

Yu Xia turned the map over twice, looked up to compare the map with the real area.

This was a large fountain square, circular, divided into four areas on the map, connected to four architecturally diverse zones outside the square.

It was meant for team division.

Sure enough.

The host introduced the rules: "This week’s theme: Finding the WiFi password. Eight trainees plus four mentors will be divided into four groups, each group having a mentor as the leader.

Each team chooses an area to operate, and through various clues find the WiFi password for that area. Connect successfully and post a group photo on Weibo. The first team to complete wins, with both trainees in the team earning nine points, usable to buy prop cards for future programs."

After introducing, the host added a note on the prop cards: "Prop cards are now available for purchase this week, purchase points will be in the display cabinets in each area, easily visible upon entry."

Yu Xia followed everyone naturally, glanced at Xie Qingci.

Shu Ran asked, "How do we divide teams?"

"By a little game, come on, bring out the props!"

Someone dragged in a long cart, with a long box covered in black cloth, staff revealed a bit for them to see for a second, then covered it right back.

"At each end of the cart are four colors of plush toys, the left one connects to two on the right. Adaptors on each side are mentors and juniors, everyone selects a plush to pull out hands, lines connected mean team formation success."

Everyone went forward, reached for plush toys under the black cloth.

Yu Xia didn’t pick specifically, grabbed one from the very back. Xie Qingci stood at the very front on the opposite side, they shouldn’t pull the same line.

Yet fate’s strings are magical, so far yet they coincidentally pulled the same line, fate’s red string taut between her hand and Xie Qingci’s hand.

And there was Wei Yaoyao automatically overlooked.

Yu Xia looked at the ugly poop-yellow flower-faced plush toy in her hand, sighed deeply.

——

ps: Seems the author’s note didn’t show up again, let me say, I drew a draft image of the flower-faced plush toy, it’s in the comment section and on Weibo, please enjoy ～

Also, tomorrow is the hilarious silly party