Chapter 22: Baby

The dance studio, usually quiet, was now packed with onlookers at every window and door. On one hand, they were here to see the rare sight of King Xie Ting and Ji Chenxuan, and on the other hand, to witness the legendary manager Liu Sanshui, who once dared to challenge the top brass of Huanyi’s board and leave whenever he pleased.

However, what ended up capturing everyone’s attention was an unknown newcomer, a young, handsome guy!

No one had ever seen a virtual idol’s difficult dance routine performed to such a high standard. While not exactly one-of-a-kind, it was certainly a rare sight!

People started asking around, curious to find out who the dancer inside was.

Liu Bing had to admit that Zhou Tong’s confidentiality was top-notch. Xiao Chi had not revealed a single bit of information. Everyone, peering through the windows, could only itch with curiosity.

Among the crowd was also Xiao Chi’s old acquaintance—Wen Anran, someone he had crossed paths with a couple of times before.

When he heard that Liu Bing was back at Huanyi, Wen Anran couldn’t help but let his mind wander. As one of Huanyi’s newer signed artists, his career had been lukewarm at best. So far, he had only landed a few endorsement deals and appeared in a couple of forgettable TV dramas.

In the entertainment industry, where everything depends on traffic, competition was brutally fierce. If you couldn’t rise, you’d soon be forgotten and stuck in the corner, never able to rise again.

There’s an old saying: ^[1]“Among the short ones, there’s a general” (矮个儿里头拔将军) is a metaphor that means in a group of mediocre or less-than-ideal options, one will still stand out as the best … Continue reading”Among the short ones, there’s a general.” Although Wen Anran hadn’t been successful, with real stars being overshadowed by virtual idols, he couldn’t find anyone among the new generation of stars who was better than him.

Liu Bing’s return to Huanyi would surely bring in new talent, and Wen Anran had hoped, even dreamed, that he could be the one to benefit. What if this ^[2]“pie” (饼) metaphorically represents a good opportunity or benefit that one hopes to receive. The phrase “this pie fell on someone else’s head” (or similar expressions) … Continue reading”pie” fell into his lap?

But he never expected that the pie had nothing to do with him at all and that it would fall into the hands of someone he least wanted to see!

Ha, how could he forget that this Xiao Chi, this pretty boy, had climbed his way up by clinging to Ji Chenxuan’s leg.

Could it be that Liu Bing was brought back by President Ji specifically for Xiao Chi?

No, that’s impossible! It must be a coincidence!

Wen Anran stood among the crowd, his eyes fixed on Xiao Chi in the dance studio, nearly grinding his teeth in frustration.

He wasn’t even officially debuted yet, but he had a strong premonition that this guy would become a stumbling block on his path to success!

He quickly looked away and, almost instinctively, glanced toward Ji Chenxuan. Sure enough, that man’s eyes were fixed solely on Xiao Chi.

With a displeased cough from Ji Chenxuan, the whispering in the crowd immediately died down. No one dared to linger, and everyone quickly dispersed, returning to their homes.

A fire of jealousy burned in Wen Anran’s eyes as he took one last look at the dance studio. Without another word, he turned and walked briskly away, disappearing into the crowd.

Not long after, the dance studio fell silent again, the empty room now only holding the four of them.

Liu Bing felt incredibly unlucky. From the moment Ji Chenxuan showed up at his door, his bad luck began.

He had hoped to establish his dominant position in front of the new artist, but was slapped in the face every minute, he had tried to dance, only to be tossed onto his butt.

He could accept the fall, but it had to happen in front of everyone. Not only that, but there was also Xie Ting in the crowd!

What kind of situation was this?

Liu Bing rubbed his waist as he got up from the floor, glaring at Xiao Chi with a fierce look. His temper flared, and he almost shouted at him.

Xiao Chi finally noticed his mistake, scratching his head apologetically. “Sorry, I didn’t mean to. Did you hurt anywhere? I can massage it for you.”

Liu Bing rolled his eyes with an exasperated sigh. “How capable are you? Can you even give a massage?”

“Ah? I can’t massage, but I can make your waist numb, and then you won’t feel the pain at all.” Xiao Chi said with confidence, patting his chest and stomach.

Liu Bing’s lips twitched, looking pale. “…Where did President Ji find such a treasure? Simple-minded and all muscle.”

“Are you complimenting me?” Xiao Chi smiled shyly, giving him a serious once-over. “But your muscles aren’t that developed. You were so stiff when you were dancing earlier.”

“…” Liu Bing’s nose nearly flared in frustration!

Does this guy not understand sarcasm?

Just then, a few clear applause sounded from the doorway. Liu Bing turned around to see Xie Ting, who he had last seen at a movie premiere. He was still wearing that dark blue suit, his hair neatly combed back with a few strands falling freely.

Xie Ting’s handsome features were in a completely different style than Xiao Chi’s. The warm golden light made his face look gentle and deep, exuding the charm of a mature man. Even his clapping had a touch of classical romance.

“Your dancing was very good, and your singing is excellent as well. With a junior like you chasing after me, I, the older wave, will soon be washed up on the shore.”

In contrast to Ji Chenxuan’s cold, composed demeanor, Xie Ting spoke with warmth, slow and steady. His eyes focused and his eyebrows raised in a smile, giving off an affectionate vibe.

He entered the dance studio with Ji Chenxuan, and Liu Bing immediately straightened his back, no longer rubbing his waist. He smiled and said, “Indeed, it’s all thanks to President Ji’s sharp eye for talent, finding such a…”

He glanced at Ji Chenxuan’s expression and swallowed the word “weirdo,” replacing it with, “… treasure.”

Ji Chenxuan then smiled slightly and nodded, looking genuinely approving. Normally, he didn’t show such expressions when others flattered him.

Liu Bing, seeing this, was left speechless and internally muttered to himself.

But that brief smile quickly faded, and Ji Chenxuan subtly grabbed Xiao Chi’s arm, pushing him aside, and pulling Liu Bing away, speaking in a lecturing tone:

“If you want a dance partner, get a professional one. Why are you making your manager do it? He’s in his thirties—what if he gets hurt? Don’t mess around like this again.”

Xiao Chi, somewhat understanding but not fully, nodded, feeling as though he had committed some unforgivable crime and needed to make amends:

“I understand. Next time, I’ll find a younger partner.”

Ji Chenxuan: “…”

Liu Bing’s face darkened, and his back ached even more.

Xie Ting looked between them, then smiled to himself.

As Ji Chenxuan led Xiao Chi out, Xie Ting watched their retreating figures disappear through the door, thoughtfully stroking his chin. “Interesting.”

“What are you still looking at? Didn’t you notice? He’s taken. After all these years, you still have your wandering eye, looking at every new person. When will you change this habit? You were always in the tabloids with gossip, and I had to clean up after you every day. Now I don’t know which manager you’ve switched to, but you’re still causing a stir.”

Liu Bing lazily leaned back on the sofa, crossing his legs. He picked up a cup of coffee from the coffee table, took a sip, but it was already cold, and the bitterness made him furrow his brows.

Only then did Xie Ting turn around. His deep gaze met Liu Bing’s eyes, and with a smile, he said, “I’m just someone who’s good at appreciating others’ beauty.”

Liu Bing responded with a cold, mocking sneer.

Xie Ting poured another cup of hot coffee, adding two sugar cubes, and handed it to him. “Since the other one’s cold, don’t drink it.”

Liu Bing gave him a sidelong glance but didn’t take it. Xie Ting wasn’t offended. He gently put the cup down, then walked to the door. Just before leaving, he turned his head back, half of his face hidden in the shadows. “About that incident… it’s caused you trouble. I’m sorry. Actually, you didn’t have to leave Huanyi.”

Liu Bing looked at him from a distance, smiling nonchalantly. “I just can’t stand seeing my artists being bullied. Even if it wasn’t you, I’d have done the same. No need for you to apologize.”

Xie Ting nodded, looking somewhat relieved. “Good.”

The dance studio was left with only Liu Bing. The lights of the dance floor continued to spin. He glanced down at the two cups of coffee, then finally picked up the hot one and took a sip.

Tsk, it was still so bitter.

He smiled self-deprecatingly. Since it was coffee, how could he expect it to be sweet?

—

By the time Ji Chenxuan and Xiao Chi returned home, the sky had completely darkened.

The diligent home robot had prepared a hearty dinner, waiting for the owners to sit down and enjoy it.

Ji Chenxuan took off his coat and handed it to Anna, removed his scarf, and hung it on the coat rack. He went straight to the kitchen to wash his hands, with Xiao Chi silently following him like a shadow. The sudden movement startled Ji Chenxuan when he turned around.

“Why do you walk so quietly?”

Xiao Chi proudly defended himself, “I’m not being quiet. It’s just that you were so deep in thought that you didn’t hear me.”

“…Fine.” Ji Chenxuan pressed his lips together and moved aside to let Xiao Chi wash his hands.

But Xiao Chi wasn’t here to wash his hands. “You don’t look very happy?”

Ji Chenxuan’s breath faltered. He wasn’t sure if he was upset at how obvious his mood was or surprised by how sharp Xiao Chi’s intuition was.

He cleared his throat and sat down at the dining table. “I’m not. You’re overthinking it.”

“Okay.” Xiao Chi was already starving, and he quickly flew to his seat like a baby bird, diving into the meal. Between mouthfuls, he mumbled, “I’m glad to hear that. I thought you were upset because I was hanging out with someone else and didn’t take you along.”

Ji Chenxuan’s chopsticks trembled, and a piece of braised pork that he had just picked up fell into the sweet soup with a splash.

“Ah, you’re wasting food,” Xiao Chi immediately scooped the pork out, but the sauce had been diluted by the sweet soup, and half the flavor was gone. Xiao Chi made a painful expression and then, with a quick motion, popped it into his mouth.

Ji Chenxuan didn’t even know how to respond. What did he mean by “hanging out with someone else and not taking him along”? What kind of childish jealousy was this? Was this guy in elementary school?

Just as he was about to argue, he saw Xiao Chi puffing his cheek, making a face as though the “sweet soup with braised pork” was a strange, shocking combination. Ji Chenxuan couldn’t help but laugh and, with a long sigh, shook his head helplessly.

“One more week, and it will be the finals. Liu Bing said that starting tomorrow, a few mentors will conduct targeted closed training for me. The whole team will be there, including the stylists and backup dancers. The schedule will be packed from morning to night, revolving constantly.”

Xiao Chi spoke suddenly.

Ji Chenxuan paused in his movements. “Oh?”

“This means that I probably won’t be going home next week,” Xiao Chi explained further.

“So?” Ji Chenxuan’s heart tightened slightly. Since meeting Xiao Chi, they had never been apart for such a long time. However…

It was perfectly normal for contestants to undergo training before a competition. Besides, it’s just a week—won’t be that long…

There’s nothing to worry about. They can always stay in touch through videos and calls.

Ji Chenxuan silently reassured himself, but when he thought about not seeing Xiao Chi for a whole week—the house that had only just started to feel lively again would be empty, and he’d be all alone?

He had always been used to living this way before, but now that he was accustomed to Xiao Chi being around, he couldn’t bear the thought of being alone again.

Ji Chenxuan’s face showed little expression, his mind in a mess. Just as his thoughts wandered, he suddenly heard Xiao Chi continue:

“So, I booked an extra room at that hotel, planning to take you along with me.”

“………”

“Why are you choking? Hey, you’re so dumb. What would you do without me?” Xiao Chi shook his head in mock exasperation, looking as if he had no way of dealing with him.

“Can you stop sighing so loudly when you speak?”