But the sweetness that lingered had everything to do with Jian Ci.
Jian Ci took the glass back with a playful smirk and drank a few sips, the liquor warming his throat and deepening the flush in his cheeks. He leaned in toward Yu Xi, so close his nose nearly brushed Yu Xi's cheek. "Did you like it?" he asked, voice low and teasing.
Yu Xi blinked, caught between amusement and flustered silence.
Jian Rui, watching nearby, finally had enough. He reached over and yanked Jian Ci away by the collar. Jian Ci yelped, startled. "Brother! It's my birthday! Why are you bullying me?"
"Who's bullying you?" Jian Rui snapped. "You qre squeezing Yu Xi into the corner like a pillow."
Jian Ci blinked, then turned to Yu Xi. "Oh, sorry, Little Xi." But even as he apologized, he began inching closer again.
Jian Rui slapped his forehead. "He is hopeless."
"I want to sing!" Jian Ci declared suddenly, eyes sparkling.
