CHAPTER 97: XIAOBAO

Skylar’s grasp of the material was precise, her interpretations bold, and for the first time in a long while he found his mind sparked by someone outside his circle. He leaned forward, his usual aloofness forgotten. "You have read closely," he admitted, his voice carrying a note of reluctant respect. "Most overlook that detail."

Skylar’s smile widened, her enthusiasm undimmed. "I think your solutions could be expanded. Imagine combining resonance therapy with environmental modulation. It could change everything."

The idea was daring, and Jian Wei found himself genuinely engrossed. Hours slipped by unnoticed as they debated case studies, dissected data, and sketched out hypothetical models. For Jian Wei, who usually preferred solitude, the conversation was unexpectedly invigorating.

Then his communicator buzzed. He glanced down and saw Jian Ci’s name flashing across the screen, a simple message: What are you doing? Jian Wei sighed, knowing it was probably important. He straightened, reluctantly pulling himself away from the discussion.

Skylar tilted her head. "Do you have to go?"

"Yes," Jian Wei replied. "I have other matters to attend to."

"Oh, I am sorry I kept you," she said softly. "I didn’t think we would talk for this long."

Jian Wei shook his head. "No, the conversation was interesting. By the way, have I seen you before? You seem familiar."

Skylar’s eyes held his for a moment before she answered. "No, this is my first time meeting you."

"Oh, okay," Jian Wei said, rising to his feet, his mind still lingering on her words as he prepared to leave.

Skylar tilted her head, her voice soft but insistent. "Wait, may I add your contact in case I have some more questions?"

Jian Wei’s response was immediate, sharp. "No. I am too busy to answer your questions. I am sure you have several tutors at the Institute who can help you."

Skylar smiled, unfazed by his refusal. "I understand."

Jian Wei gave a curt nod. "Have a lovely day." With that, he turned and walked away, his stride brisk.

As soon as he was gone, Skylar’s friendly expression melted into something far more severe. Her lips pressed into a thin line as she tapped her ear, activating a transparent earpiece. "Grandfather," she whispered.

A deep, imposing voice answered from the other side. "I heard, Xiaobao. We have to find another way."

Skylar—no, Xiaobao—straightened, her eyes gleaming with determination. "Could you infiltrate his communicator?"

The older man’s tone was firm, almost scolding. "That’s Seraphyne’s son. There is no way they would leave their communicators vulnerable like that. Maybe it’s time you let them find you."

Xiaobao’s sternness softened into a smile. "I understand."

Her heart raced with anticipation. She couldn’t wait to see her brother. The thought of meeting him filled her with excitement so strong it nearly overwhelmed her.

***

Yu Xi sat at his desk, his eyes fixed on the glowing screen before him, concentration etched into every line of his face. The quiet hum of the academy dorm was broken when the door opened and Jian Ci stepped inside.

His hair was slightly damp from the shower, strands clinging to his forehead, and a towel hung loosely around his neck. Without hesitation, Jian Ci moved behind Yu Xi, his presence enveloping him, half his body leaning close, one hand braced firmly on the desk.

Yu Xi’s gaze flickered downward, catching sight of Jian Ci’s hand. The veins stood out against the skin, strong and defined, and something about the sight made Yu Xi’s throat tighten. He looked away quickly, his adam’s apple bobbing as a tingling sensation spread across his back, crawling outward until it filled him with restless heat.

"Do you need something?" Yu Xi asked, his voice low, almost strained.

Jian Ci’s eyes softened as he looked at the crown of Yu Xi’s head. He reached out, fingers brushing gently through Yu Xi’s hair. "Nothing. I was just wondering what you are doing."

"Nothing much," Yu Xi replied, forcing calm. "What, are you bored?"

Jian Ci twirled a strand of his hair between his fingers, smiling faintly. "Not bored." He leaned closer, his breath warm against Yu Xi’s ear. "There’s a party in dorm 5601, building C. Do you want to go with me?"

Yu Xi’s jaw clenched, the sweet atmosphere shattered in an instant. Jian Ci added, "There will be a lot of Guides and seniors too."

But Yu Xi didn’t want to go. More than that, he didn’t want Jian Ci to go either. What was wrong with them spending the night here, in their own space, just the two of them?

He replied his tone edged with disapproval. "We have an early morning tomorrow. Are you sure you want to spend a night partying?"

Jian Ci, dripping with casual defiance, flopped onto Yu Xi’s bed. He lay on his side, propping his head with one hand, his damp hair still clinging to his forehead from the shower. "We will only go for a few minutes," he said with a grin. "We can get to know our seniors, maybe pick up some study tips."

Yu Xi knew that once Jian Ci set his mind on something, resistance was futile. He swallowed his unwillingness and gave in. "Fine. We can only stay for thirty minutes."

"Okay, thirty minutes," Jian Ci agreed easily.

Yu Xi added firmly, "And you aren’t allowed to drink. If you want to drink, you can only drink in this room."

Jian Ci’s smile widened mischievously. "You too. You aren’t allowed to drink either, otherwise you will put on a free show for everyone."

Yu Xi froze. "..." His mind raced. ’What did he mean by that? Did I do something unspeakable when I was drunk?’

"What do you mean?" Yu Xi asked cautiously.

Jian Ci sat up, his grin turning playful. "You don’t remember?"

"No," Yu Xi admitted, unease creeping into his voice.

Jian Ci hopped off the bed, his towel swinging loosely, and began to dance clumsily across the room.

He was terrible at it, his arms flailed, his steps clumsy, and his rhythm nonexistent, but Yu Xi could recognize that dance from anywhere. His stomach dropped. "Stop, stop!" Yu Xi exclaimed, horrified.

Jian Ci grinned, still moving awkwardly. "Oh, now you remember."

Yu Xi shook his head quickly. "I don’t, but stop dancing." He reached out and grabbed Jian Ci’s arms, halting the ridiculous display.

"You don’t remember?" Jian Ci asked, his smile mischievous, eyes gleaming with amusement.