Ji Chenxi didn’t care whether Lu Tu believed him or not. Anyway, at that time, he really was in a fight.
After wrapping up that “friendly negotiation” with Lu Tu, Ji Chenxi still sent Chen Xing a message: ‘Looking forward to your arrival.’
【I’m also looking forward to meeting Your Highness (smile)】
Chen Xing replied almost instantly. Ji Chenxi’s brows lifted slightly, and he sent back a smile emoji as well.
He had known Chen Xing for many years. For a time, he had even treated him as a close friend. On the road of growing up, Chen Xing had helped him more than once. No matter whether their beliefs would ever truly align in the end, that line about looking forward to his arrival—it came from the heart.
After briefly contacting the others on the darknet, Ji Chenxi was about to log off. But before he could actually exit, Manye Zhe’s messages started popping up like crazy.
【Why did you just disappear mid-chat?】
【You only told Chen Xing you’re looking forward to meeting him, not me?】
【So after meeting me once, I’m not your favorite anymore?】
【Bai Wei, you’ve hurt me.】
Ji Chenxi skimmed through the flood of messages and typed back one line.
【You’re coming?】
【Yes. I’m coming. And I’m coming with Chen Xing. After that, the two of us will probably stay on the Imperial Star for quite a long time.】
Manye Zhe—the number one assassin on the killer rankings. His whereabouts were always hard to track, and he loved keeping that air of mystery. Yet now he was typing in such an easy, casual tone, saying something that didn’t fit his usual style at all.
Ji Chenxi didn’t point that out. He simply replied in the same light tone.
【Wow, I’m so honored.】
That line clearly pleased Manye Zhe. He happily continued typing.
Manye Zhe: 【Hahaha, you’re already that honored? I even helped you by giving Chen Xing some “mental prep.” Not much, but at least when Chen Xing sees our White Rose being chased by an alpha, he’ll be able to keep a straight face.】
Ji Chenxi couldn’t help but laugh. He chatted a few more lines with him before finally logging off.
Only after going offline did he notice that Su Yu and several other familiar friends had already sent a pile of messages. Even Chi Zhuo, who was usually quiet and didn’t talk much, had sent him one.
Ji Chenxi: “…”
For some reason, it suddenly felt like he was reviewing memorials from court officials.
He had only been offline for a month—how had the messages piled up this much?
Ji Chenxi didn’t have the patience to reply to them one by one. After giving them a quick glance, he chose a few to respond to and left the rest alone.
That included Chi Zhuo, who had sent only a single message.
Two days passed in the blink of an eye. Ji Chenxi had barely gone back to rest for a bit when it was already time for Chen Xing to arrive at the Imperial Star.
After confirming the exact arrival time, Ji Chenxi changed his clothes and headed out. Even with a little “tail” following behind him, he didn’t mind. Instead, he shot Wu Xiang a half-smile. “Aren’t you going to ask who I’m picking up, Major?”
“You’re not really picking anyone up, Your Highness. Why would I ask who you’re picking up?”
The corner of Ji Chenxi’s lips lifted slightly. That faint, teasing look finally turned into a real smile. “Now that’s not very honest. I clearly did something, yet you’re saying I did nothing. Wouldn’t that just draw more attention?”
“You did go to pick someone up, Your Highness. It’s just that I didn’t see who it was.” Wu Xiang smoothly changed his answer.
“And what if my dear father doubts your ability because of that?” Ji Chenxi continued, smiling as he pressed on.
“His Majesty knows my capabilities. I won’t deliberately go easy on you either. So he’ll believe my report and assume that Your Highness is far more capable than you appear. On the surface, that message may seem unfavorable to you, but in truth, it’s greatly to your advantage. As the Empire’s rightful heir, it’s only fitting that you outshine the other two.”
Ji Chenxi gave a small nod. “What should be said and what shouldn’t—I trust you understand. I won’t say more.”
After that, he didn’t pay Wu Xiang much attention. Ever since he had left a mark on Wu Xiang’s gland during his susceptible period, winning him over had only been a matter of time. No matter how much favor the Emperor had shown Wu Xiang, his lifeline was now in Ji Chenxi’s hands—unless Wu Xiang was truly loyal enough to give up his own life for the Emperor.
Private docking platform.
Ji Chenxi didn’t wait long before a gust of wind swept up his coat and long hair.
Before the starship had even fully stabilized, the hatch opened. Manye Zhe—whom Ji Chenxi had met once before—jumped straight down from dozens of meters in the air.
The tall man landed with smooth, clean precision, the move sharp and cool. He gave Ji Chenxi a nod.
His face looked as cold as ever. After that brief nod, he lowered his head and started tapping on his light brain.
Wu Xiang’s brows drew together slightly. For someone the Third Prince had personally come to receive, this man seemed far too disrespectful.
Just as that thought crossed his mind, Manye Zhe turned the light brain toward Ji Chenxi.
【Long time no see. Did you miss me? Did you think my jump just now was super cool? I practiced a bunch of times—this is the one they said looked the coolest. So? Did it impress you?】
Wu Xiang, who happened to glimpse the screen: “…”
How exactly was he typing such excited words while keeping a completely expressionless face?
Hello, everyone ヾ(＾∇＾). I hope you enjoyed the story! If you’re feeling generous, please buy me a coffee, share/comment on my translated works! Check out the link below for early chapters. (๑>ᴗ<๑)
