"This matter is a long story."
"Then make it a short one."
"This, well, it's that I..."
"I only accept the truth."
"..."
Shen Jianxi looked at him, speechless.
The resentment she felt could probably revive ten Evil Sword Immortals. Even ghosts would detour around Ji Zhaoyun in his current state.
Ji Zhaoyun also realized his behavior was inappropriate. He pursed his lips, "Speak, I won't interrupt."
Shen Jianxi stared at him for a while, and only when she was sure he had learned to keep his mouth shut did she speak again.
"Originally, I participated in the talent show because I wanted to interact with all sorts of handsome young men. I went in with a casual attitude, but now it seems I can't easily back out."
She simply summarized the original host's goal in one sentence.
Although Ji Zhaoyun had said he only accepted the truth earlier, he hadn't expected her to be so honest. He was left in a state of indecision, unsure whether to be angry or not.
The air suddenly became silent, and they looked at each other without speaking.
Although Shen Jianxi had spoken with great conviction, she still felt a little uneasy. After speaking, she waited quietly for a while, and only when she was sure her favorability hadn't decreased did she relax.
While she wasn't afraid of it decreasing, it was still troublesome.
Ji Zhaoyun finally came to his senses, feeling both annoyed and amused. "So, what are you trying to say? Do you want me to understand? To be magnanimous? Or something else?"
"I'm not that generous. Knowing that the person I like is now living in the men's dorm and participating in a dating show, I can't just act indifferent."
"That's not quite what I meant," Shen Jianxi said with a slight, embarrassed smile. "Look, you're also participating in this dating show, so that makes us even, right?"
"???" Ji Zhaoyun tugged at his tie. "I'm here for the company."
"Did you or did you not participate? Did you go on a date with someone last episode?"
"...Yes, but I..."
"Since you admit it, there's nothing more to say." Shen Jianxi waved her hand. "I have to participate because of the company's mission, and I can't refuse. Even though my father is here, I still have to abide by the company's rules. If even the chairman's daughter doesn't follow regulations, how can my father win the trust of others?"
"But you? You can make your own decisions. No one is assigning you missions or commands. You joined entirely of your own volition."
"Speaking of which, who is being unreasonable?"
It seemed as she spoke, the more agitated she became. By the end, her voice was tinged with a hint of grievance. She looked at the man in front of her with stubborn eyes, her chin held high.
Ji Zhaoyun let out a helpless sigh. "I can withdraw right now, can you?"
"I'm not withdrawing," Shen Jianxi replied without hesitation. "I told you earlier, I have to abide by the company's regulations. I have a contract with the company."
"However... I can withdraw from the team."
She knew she couldn't be too forceful and had to make some concessions to persuade Ji Zhaoyun.
After all, she only said she *could* withdraw, not when. At worst, she could withdraw after the mission was completed.
Ji Zhaoyun was unaware of her little scheme, but her suggestion did indeed appeal to him.
He wasn't worried about the show itself. For any newly formed boy group, scandals were fatal to every member. If it were for publicity, it would be one thing, but if they were to genuinely start dating, no sensible manager would agree.
His biggest concern at the moment was that boy group. But since the young lady had now brought it up herself, it saved them a lot of debate.
"Alright, I agree to your terms."
Having achieved his goal, Ji Zhaoyun quickly agreed.
Hearing his reply, Shen Jianxi finally felt completely at ease. She pursed her lips and smiled, "Thank you, you're so kind."
Seeing her like this, Ji Zhaoyun's heart softened. He stepped forward and pulled her into a hug, unable to resist saying, "Will you be my girlfriend?"
Listening to the beat of his heart, Shen Jianxi didn't reply.
Just as Ji Zhaoyun was about to ask again, a faint knock sounded at the door.
"Who is it?" Shen Jianxi pulled away from his warm embrace.
"It's me," Shen Xingzhi's voice came through. "May I come in?"
She glanced at the man in front of her, tidied her hair, and subtly took a step back, maintaining a safe distance between them. She called out, "Please come in, Teacher Shen."
Ji Zhaoyun didn't notice her actions. He was annoyed by Shen Xingzhi's interruption.
The door opened, and Shen Xingzhi entered with a gentle smile, his eyes, however, held a trace of inquiry.
"What were you two discussing? Could you lend Shen Jianxi to me for a moment, Mr. Ji?"
Ji Zhaoyun didn't answer his first question. Their business didn't need to be shared with others. "We've finished our discussion. Since Director Shen is looking for her, I'll be going now."
He then turned to Shen Jianxi, his eyes twinkling with a smile. "I hope you'll consider my words carefully before giving me your answer."
With that, he walked towards the door. As he passed Shen Xingzhi, he nodded with noble grace.
Watching his figure disappear down the stairs, Shen Xingzhi's smile faded. He closed the door and strode over, pressing her onto the bed. He idly twirled a stray strand of her hair between his fingers and asked, as if casually, "What did you talk about?"
Sensing the jealousy in his words, Shen Jianxi chuckled.
She hooked her arms around Shen Xingzhi's neck and tilted her head to touch his lips. "Is my brother jealous?"
"Mhmm," Shen Xingzhi buried his head in her neck, his voice sounding aggrieved. "I am jealous. You ignored me just now."
The warm breath tickled her skin, causing her to shrink slightly. She patted his head reassuringly. "Is my brother a vinegar jar? I was just greeting Mr. Ji."
"Does a greeting take that long?"
With a helpless sigh, she realized he wouldn't let this go until she explained it clearly.
"Mr. Ji is a business partner of my father. He saw me at the last banquet, so he was a bit surprised when he recognized me this time and came to ask about it." Su Dan Novel Network.
Hearing her explanation, Shen Xingzhi finally lifted his head. He scanned her face, his gaze eventually settling on her rosy lips.
"Then kiss me. If you kiss me, I won't be jealous anymore."
Shen Jianxi, with a blank expression, pushed his face away from her unwarranted request. "Get up, it's time to film. We need to go down." She then pushed him away and stood up, straightening her somewhat disheveled clothes.
Shen Xingzhi pouted and also got up. "Remember the five-star hotel stay we drew at the beginning? Let's go tonight!"
"Let's go! Hmm? Okay?" He hugged her from behind, nuzzling her like a big puppy.
"Got it, got it. Hurry up and go down, or the director will be anxious to death."