Xie Guanning took a deep breath, his scalp tingling from the sheer awkwardness of the situation.
They had only met three times, but every single time seemed to be in an environment that was not particularly friendly to him. He managed a strained smile. “What a coincidence.”
“I didn’t expect to run into Marshal Jiang here.”
The man’s gaze flickered to the youth’s reddening earlobes. He lowered his eyelids, concealing a trace of amusement. “An elder is having a birthday. I came to prepare a gift for her.”
He was tactful enough not to mention the conversation he had just overheard.
Xie Guanning breathed a silent sigh of relief. Whether the Marshal truly didn’t know or was just pretending, as long as he didn’t bring it up, Xie Guanning could play dumb.
As they walked out together, Xie Guanning regained some of his composure and exchanged a few pleasantries. He only fully relaxed when the mall exit came into view. He was about to bid his farewell when a familiar, leisurely voice drifted from nearby.
“I’ve been waiting forever. I was starting to wonder if you’d been carried off by the Zerg. Turns out you just ran into an old friend.”
Xie Guanning looked over. Not far from the lounge, Ji Qingshi was leaning against a doorframe, looking as wickedly handsome as ever.
Jiang Yan’s expression darkened. “Where would Zerg come from on Capital Star?”
“Right, right, my mistake,” Ji Qingshi laughed. His gaze swept over Xie Guanning as he stepped forward. “Hello there, Junior.”
Xie Guanning realized then that Jiang Yan hadn’t come alone. It made sense; the Marshal didn’t seem like the type to enjoy shopping by himself. With Ji Qingshi there, the tension dissipated. Xie Guanning smiled. “Your Highness.”
Ji Qingshi winked. “Actually, you can just call me Senior.”
Xie Guanning thought he was referring to his plan to apply to the First Military Academy, but the Prince added, “He and I,” pointing at Jiang Yan, “both graduated from Mingli.”
Mingli Middle School was one of the most famous high schools on Capital Star. Its defining characteristic was being rich—extremely rich. Naturally, the scholarships were generous, which was exactly why Xie Guanning had attended.
“Senior Ji,” Xie Guanning said, no longer hesitating.
Jiang Yan waited for a moment, but Xie Guanning and Ji Qingshi were chatting so happily that the youth didn’t even look his way. He knit his brows, feeling a strange flicker of displeasure.
Suddenly, Ji Qingshi turned to him. “Since Junior is here, why don’t you two go to that exhibition together? I’m heading off.”
Jiang Yan paused. Xie Guanning’s interest was piqued. “Is it the Mecha Design exhibition in District 2?”
Ji Qingshi nodded, his fox-like eyes curving. “Exactly. He’s an idle man with nothing to do, but I’m a busy person. I don’t have time to accompany him to a show.”
Jiang Yan saw right through him. “Busy with a date?”
Ji Qingshi shrugged. “Think what you like.” He turned back to Xie Guanning with a pitiful look. “I wonder if Junior would be willing to do your Senior a favor and take my place?”
“I heard the exhibition features Professor Jiang Yu’s early works. I’ve wanted to go but haven’t had the chance,” Xie Guanning smiled, looking at Jiang Yan. “If the Marshal doesn’t mind.”
Jiang Yan looked down at the youth. Xie Guanning’s face was fair and exquisite, his lips curved in a natural smile. He looked away nonchalantly and said, “Fine.”
Ji Qingshi watched them leave with a smug grin, then slowly typed a message: [Ji Qingshi: I’ve helped you as much as I can~]
Inside the car, Jiang Yan calmly retracted his gaze from his terminal.
“Was that Senior Ji?” Xie Guanning asked.
Hearing the title “Senior,” Jiang Yan’s brow twitched almost imperceptibly. “Yes.”
Xie Guanning was tactful enough not to pry into the Prince’s business. “Like Senior Ji said, aren’t you busy, Marshal?”
“The military gave me some time off. They want me to rest.”
Xie Guanning chuckled. “You don’t look like someone who knows how to rest.”
Jiang Yan glanced at him before looking back at the road. “I’ve been busy for so long that I’ve forgotten what to do with free time.”
Ji Qingshi had only dragged him out under the pretext of buying a gift for his aunt because he couldn’t stand seeing Jiang Yan cooped up at home.
“Maybe you should do things you usually don’t have time for,” Xie Guanning suggested.
Jiang Yan was silent for a moment. “I don’t have anything I want to do.”
Xie Guanning was surprised. “No hobbies?”
“I do,” he said. “Mechas.” He frowned. “But the Research Institute won’t let me touch one right now.”
Xie Guanning looked at him and, for some reason, found it hilarious. It seemed the legendary Marshal wasn’t exactly the stoic statue he had imagined.
Jiang Yan looked at him, confused by the laughter. “What about you?” he asked.
“Me?” Xie Guanning was caught off guard. He thought for a moment. “Does making money count as a hobby?”
Jiang Yan was stunned. He clearly hadn’t expected that answer. “I suppose so,” he replied tentatively.
Xie Guanning laughed again.
The atmosphere in the car became much lighter. They chatted idly until they reached their destination. It was late June, and the sun was becoming harsh. Stepping out of the air-conditioned car, the temperature difference was jarring.
Xie Guanning squinted uncomfortably until Jiang Yan stepped beside him, his tall frame casting a shadow that blocked the sun.
“Shall we?” Jiang Yan asked.
Xie Guanning shook off his daze and followed him inside. The cool air of the hall hit him, and he shivered, goosebumps appearing on his arms.
Jiang Yan looked back. “Cold?”
“It’s fine,” Xie Guanning shook his head. He had been strangely sensitive to temperature lately, but he figured he’d adjust.
The exhibition was split into three halls. Once Xie Guanning saw the virtual models and blueprints, he was completely hooked. He became so absorbed that he lost track of his surroundings. Jiang Yan followed him, watching as the youth stared intently at a blueprint by the master, Lemon Nickolas.
“You like Master Lemon?” Jiang Yan asked.
“I love his philosophy,” Xie Guanning nodded.
“Reducing manufacturing costs and making mechas more accessible?” Jiang Yan knew the history. Mechas were once toys for the elite. Master Lemon had revolutionized the field by lowering production costs.
“I think there’s still room to save more,” Xie Guanning said.
“That’s difficult,” Jiang Yan stated plainly.
Xie Guanning shrugged. “You have to try.”
Jiang Yan watched him. Most designers spent their lives trying to build more powerful machines; few focused on affordability. “Why this path?”
“They aren’t mutually exclusive, are they?” Xie Guanning smiled, his face glowing with confidence as he spoke about his passion.
By the time the exhibition closed, Xie Guanning was still buzzing with excitement, talking animatedly to Jiang Yan. The sunset painted the sky red as they returned to the car.
“I’ll take you home,” Jiang Yan said. The car still had the Xie estate’s address saved.
“Wait,” Xie Guanning said, pausing.
“Not going home?” Jiang Yan asked.
Xie Guanning hesitated, then slowly nodded. He looked at the Marshal. “Where are you going next?”
“Home.”
Xie Guanning hummed. On a sudden whim, he spoke up. “If you’re not busy there’s a place you might find interesting.”