After two rounds, it was lunchtime. The Metaphysics Club had reserved the restaurant on the third floor of the hotel and prepared an exquisite buffet.
Ye Ze took some time to communicate with the hotel chefs and added several dishes that Jian Xi loved.
When Jian Xi and Tang Xingyou arrived at the restaurant, they were immediately surrounded by many people.
Although everyone was still observing at this point, since the two matches today were not very important for their careers, it didn't stop them from showing up in front of Jian Xi and trying to build rapport with her!
After a round of pleasantries, Jian Xi's face was almost frozen from smiling so much when Ye Ze finally arrived and rescued her from the crowd. Oh, yes, he also didn't forget to pull Tang Xingyou out with them.
As for Nie Xiujin, he didn't come at all. Earlier, Jian Xi had just gone to give him acupuncture.
At that time, Nie Xiujin's expression was so miserable that it was amusing. He kept mumbling, "I've attended so many exchange meetings without any issues, but I didn't expect to be defeated in City H, which is a loss of face for me as the team leader. It's so embarrassing!"
So Jian Xi told him to rest well in the afternoon and not go to the venue, as he still had a talisman drawing event the next day.
Ye Ze took Jian Xi to a relatively quiet spot. Everyone was considerate and didn't come to disturb them while they ate.
"There's still one more round in the afternoon, but it doesn't start until two o'clock. Do you want to go back and rest for a while after you finish eating?" Ye Ze handed Jian Xi a glass of juice.
Jian Xi shook her head and took a big sip. "No need. I'll go back and video chat with my brother for a bit."
The corner of Ye Ze's mouth twitched, and a rare displeased expression appeared on his face. "Doesn't this He Qingchen control you a bit too much? Do you really need to video report to him even for such a short time? Even if you grew up together, he shouldn't be so controlling. Someone who doesn't know would think he's your dad!"
"Pfft!" Jian Xi had just taken another sip of juice and sprayed it out. Fortunately, she reacted quickly and turned her head away, avoiding getting it on anyone or the table.
Tang Xingyou hurriedly handed Jian Xi a paper napkin for her to wipe herself. Then, regardless of reason, she gave Ye Ze a disapproving look with her bright, limpid eyes.
Although she didn't know what she disapproved of, his words had made Jian Xi choke, so they must have been inappropriate!
Ye Ze: ......
"Cough cough, Second Senior Brother, He Qingchen is not my dad, he's my boyfriend!" Jian Xi said indignantly.
"I know he's not your dad, but he's still so controlling..." Ye Ze paused.
Suddenly, the dining chair made a loud screeching noise. "What? Boyfriend? Say that again!"
In an instant, the restaurant fell silent, and everyone turned to look in their direction.
Jian Xi immediately pulled Ye Ze down and gave everyone an apologetic smile. "Second Senior Brother, why are you being so loud!"
But the volume of his voice wasn't the main issue here, was it?
"When did this happen?" Ye Ze's expression was extremely serious.
Beside them, Tang Xingyou couldn't help but sneak a few glances at him, then at Jian Xi, before lowering her head to eat and reduce her presence.
Jian Xi obediently answered, "We just got together not too long ago."
Her candid admission made Ye Ze's heart sink. His precious cabbage had been snatched away by a pig! That little He Qingchen really had ulterior motives; he'd put so much trust in him!
And what about those two people from City B? Didn't they know someone had taken Jian Xi away?
"You two really kept this well-hidden!" Ye Ze gritted his teeth.
Jian Xi picked up her chopsticks again and continued eating as if nothing had happened. "You guys didn't ask. We weren't trying to hide it."
Ye Ze: "......" Normal people wouldn't randomly ask, "Are you and He Qingchen together?"
He didn't want to argue with her anymore. Since they were already together, what was the point of asking? When he returned to City B, he would definitely have a serious talk with He Qingchen!
Sigh, but come to think of it, if Jian Xi had to end up with someone, the few of them would probably feel most at ease with He Qingchen. After all, they had seen how he treated Jian Xi since childhood. It wouldn't be an exaggeration to say that Jian Xi was his lifeline!
Forget it, instead of dwelling on it now, he might as well start preparing Jian Xi's dowry!
Within just a few minutes, Ye Ze had accepted the fact that Jian Xi and He Qingchen were together.
"Second Senior Brother, you're the first person I told about this!"
Ye Ze's brow twitched. "So I should feel honored, huh? Should I go buy some firecrackers to set off later?"
Tang Xingyou had a low laughing point. Seeing Ye Ze's defeated look, she couldn't help but giggle. "Hehehe! Yes, sorry, hahaha, I couldn't hold it in."
Ye Ze looked at her expressionlessly. When Tang Xingyou met his gaze, she slowly suppressed her laughter, pursing her lips tightly while her shoulders still trembled from the effort of restraining herself.
"Oh, by the way, after the exchange meeting, He Qingchen will come to City H. We plan to stay and play here for a few days before going back. He's going to take me to see the ocean." Jian Xi said.
Ye Ze responded with an "Mmhm" and didn't say anything else. In his heart, he thought, this is like sending it right to my doorstep!
Jian Xi glanced at Ye Ze and, having grown up together, knew that a single expression revealed what he was thinking. So she kindly reminded him, "Second Senior Brother, you can't beat my boyfriend. You know my boyfriend is very powerful!"
First strike: "My boyfriend!"
Second strike: "You can't beat him!"
Third strike: That damned display of intimacy!
Ye Ze's heart sank, and even the food in front of him seemed unappetizing. He put down his chopsticks, not wanting to eat anymore.
However, across from him, Tang Xingyou said, "Master Ye, you're not eating anymore? Wasting food is a bad habit!"
Ye Ze wanted to leave this place. He wanted some peace and quiet!
*
"You don't know how dark Second Senior Brother's face was at the time! It was simply impossible to look at!" Jian Xi lay sprawled on the big bed, her two slender, fair legs dangling in the air, reflecting her cheerful mood.
He Qingchen lazily leaned back against the chair, his gaze fixed on Jian Xi's joyful little face on the screen as he attentively listened to her words, occasionally responding with a sound.
"But Brother, they'll definitely come and talk to you about it. You better be prepared!" Jian Xi understood the personalities of her senior martial brothers and sisters.
"It's fine. Apart from me, they wouldn't feel at ease entrusting you to anyone else." He Qingchen seemed unconcerned.
Jian Xi glared at him, unconvinced. "Hmph, maybe I could find someone better than you if I left you!"
As soon as she said that, she saw He Qingchen's eyes grow deeper and more penetrating. His posture also gradually shifted from a relaxed lean to an upright, proper sitting position as he moved closer to the phone. With a slightly raised eyebrow and a seductive, yet dangerous curl of his thin lips, he said, "Jian Xiaoxian, say that again?"
"That, that, um, what was it? You're the best in the world, no one can compare to you. If I went to find someone else, I'd have to be blind! You're the one I love most, Brother~ I'm tired, there's an evaluation in the afternoon, so I'm going to sleep for a bit. Love you, bye!" Jian Xi rushed out in one breath, not giving He Qingchen a chance to respond before hurriedly hanging up the video call.
