Chapter 21 – Truthful Words

“Finished?” Cheng Yichi entered the kitchen and asked Li Yi.

Li Yi held up a spoon, saying to Cheng Yichi, “Come taste the soup?”

Since the spoon would be washed after use, Cheng Yichi didn’t mind. He lowered his head to take a sip, then immediately gave a thumbs-up, his eyes sparkling: “It’s delicious!”

“Right?” Li Yi also smiled. “I added some starch water to make it thicker.”

Cheng Yichi was so happy with the delicious taste that he couldn’t even speak. After a moment, he sighed.

Li Yi asked, “What’s wrong?”

Cheng Yichi pretended to pat his stomach and joked, “My abs are disappearing.”

Li Yi glanced at him. “Then I’ll make you a low-calorie meal tomorrow.”

“Ah? No need to trouble yourself…”

“It’s no trouble.” Since Li Yi insisted, Cheng Yichi thanked him, already thinking about what he could bring back tomorrow to show his gratitude.

“This plate is ready, take it out.”

Cheng Yichi nodded, walking quickly but steadily with the plate. As he passed the living room, Qi Jing’s gaze immediately locked onto him, his voice turning sweet again: “Bro, can we eat now?”

Cheng Yichi answered loudly, “Yes!” afraid they wouldn’t hear. The group in the living room then surged toward the dining room—a gathering of handsome men that at first glance looked like a fashion show.

Ugh, the level of eye candy is off the charts! Help!

They’re going to eat! Choosing seats at the dining table is an art—I have a feeling this might turn into quite the drama, haha!

The group walked to the dining room together. Bai Ruyu sat down first, while Tang Yinuo affectionately pulled Fang Yunshi to sit beside him. The others remained standing, not sitting.

Fang Yunshi glanced at them curiously but said nothing, pouring juice for Tang Yinuo and then, after a thought, for Bai Ruyu as well. He then happily peeled a candy for himself, thoroughly enjoying it.

Yunshi is so adorable, so well-behaved, with little quirks that are so endearing—stubborn like a child.

Li Yi and Cheng Yichi were still busy, and Wei Buyan was the last to arrive besides them. As soon as he entered, he asked, “Why isn’t anyone sitting?”

Yet even as he playfully questioned why no one was sitting, he himself remained standing, merely resting his hands on the back of Bai Ruyu’s chair, tapping his index and middle fingers a few times.

Bai Ruyu sighed inwardly—seems the young master had now taken an interest in him. He decided to help Gu Zichen and said, “Buyan, sit next to me.”

Wei Buyan didn’t expect Bai Ruyu to speak to him and paused briefly before smoothly taking the seat beside him. However, he sat with deliberate care, choosing Bai Ruyu’s right side where there was still an outermost seat left—likely reserved for Cheng Yichi if he arrived last.

“I didn’t expect you to arrange a seat for me, Ruyu. As you wish,” Wei Buyan said with a charming smile.

I—I don’t quite understand what’s happening here! Help! Wasn’t Wei Buyan just flirting with Cheng Yichi earlier? Now he’s complimenting Bai Ruyu?

Eh, that’s just his playboy persona. With his family’s wealth, he was probably a player who cycled through boyfriends often.

But… as long as he doesn’t cheat, it’s fine, right? Mostly, I just really dig his looks!

Wei Buyan’s eyes always held a trace of amusement, making others feel he genuinely liked them when he looked their way. But Bai Ruyu found it hollow and artificial, like a facade. A real smile… he suddenly recalled how Cheng Yichi had once looked at him with those same curved eyes. Back then, his heart had skipped a beat.

Indeed, Teacher Cheng was far more sincere. Bai Ruyu mused: Truth be told, his efforts to set up Gu Zichen and Cheng Yichi weren’t entirely selfless—he just wanted to prove his taste was impeccable, that the two people he admired were truly remarkable.

Wei Buyan took a seat, and Duan Qingsi followed suit, deliberately choosing the spot directly across from him while leaving the outermost chair vacant.

Qi Jing pursed his lips and settled into the innermost seat.

Only Jiang Heng seemed baffled: Weren’t they all just standing, waiting to follow Cheng Yichi’s lead? Why was everyone suddenly sitting down?

Gu Zichen patted his shoulder. “Xiao Heng, take a seat too.”

Adults, after all, didn’t need to engage in petty power plays—it was too childish. Oblivious, Jiang Heng plopped down beside Wei Buyan, who was mid-conversation with Bai Ruyu. The words died on Wei Buyan’s lips.

Gu Zichen smirked and claimed the middle seat—

—all that remained was for Li Yi and Cheng Yichi to arrive.

Dinner was a casual affair, with no one clinging to a single conversation partner. Fang Yunshi ate the fastest, devouring his meal like a little hamster before going back for seconds. Jiang Heng followed suit.

Cheng Yichi sighed. “Youth is wasted on the young. These days, if I eat a little extra, I have to hit the gym to burn it off. My metabolism just isn’t what it used to be.”

Bai Ruyu ladled out a bowl of soup. “You’re not overweight. In fact, you’re probably the slimmest among us, aren’t you?”

Cheng Yichi wasn’t just slim—he was lean with well-defined muscle, his physique elegantly proportioned. In Bai Ruyu’s eyes, he had no business worrying about his diet.

Cheng Yichi chuckled. “It’s all for the camera.”

Despite his words, he still helped himself to an extra spoonful of braised chicken with edamame. Mmm, Li Yi’s cooking was just too perfectly suited to his tastes.

Cheng Yichi and Li Yi were the last to sit down and the last to finish. By then, the others had already cleared their plates into the dishwasher. Li Yi, however, continued eating at a leisurely pace.

Cheng Yichi’s gaze lingered on the last honey-glazed chicken wing, his mouth watering. Before he could look away, a pair of chopsticks swooped in, lifting the wing toward him.

It was Li Yi.

Without hesitation, Li Yi deposited it into his bowl. “Clean chopsticks. Haven’t been used.”

Cheng Yichi hesitated. “But weren’t you going to eat it?”

“I’m full.” Li Yi methodically gathered his dishes. “You have it.”

Cheng Yichi wavered, but his chopsticks inched closer to the wing. Fine, he told himself—just one last indulgence today!

“Good?” Li Yi asked with a smile.

He nodded, cheeks stuffed with chicken, looking utterly adorable.

Li Yi thought so too. “Then I’ll make it for you again next time, alright?”

“Mmph!” Mouth full, Cheng Yichi’s intended “Okay!” came out as a muffled sound. Unfazed, he kept eating, head bowed.

So cute, Li Yi thought.

The live chat was losing its mind—

Why? Why can’t I even blink when it’s their scene??? Li Yi is supposed to be the younger one, right? Right? In the preview he looked so cold and lethal, so why? Can someone tell me why he’s such a doting husband material!

Sniffles, I love that line “I’ll cook for you again next time”—so sweet, so domestic!

Going all-in on Li Yi stocks! If Li Yi doesn’t come out on top, I’ll livestream eating an apple upside down!

…

“Tonight we have a special segment! The production team arranged it—the winner gets priority for the next round of dates.” Bai Ruyu and Gu Zichen, having received advance notice from the crew, nodded at each other and gathered everyone in the living room.

Ten men, a visual feast—viewers in the live chat held their breath, hearts racing: What kind of heavenly beauty is this?!

The air in the enclosed space seemed thick with testosterone as everyone vied to impress their crush. Wei Buyan unbuttoned his shirt completely, exuding raw sex appeal; Duan Qingsi remained aloof yet rolled up his sleeves to reveal toned arms; Jiang Heng, taking advantage of the warm room, came down in a dazzling golden basketball jersey.

Each was subtly radiating charm in their own way.

Cheng Yichi nestled between Fang Yunshi and Tang Yinuo, an arm draped over each of theirs. His naturally graceful posture made even this curled-up position look elegant—just a petite figure snuggled between two others.

“So…” Once seated, Bai Ruyu magically produced a bouquet, “We’ll play something simple yet exciting—pass the parcel. Whoever holds it when the music stops chooses truth or dare.”

For men, straightforward games work best.

“Don’t want truth? Pick dare. Don’t want dare? Drink. Don’t want to drink?” Bai Ruyu shrugged, “Then wait for your prince charming to save you.”

Several recalled Cheng Yichi’s drunken expressions and glanced his way.

Cheng, clearly remembering too, offered an awkward, perfunctory smile—forced yet still breathtaking.

Tang Yinuo whispered, “Bro, don’t worry—I’ll drink for you! I’ve got an iron liver!”

“How could I let you?” Cheng replied, “No need if we play properly. Relax.”

“Game on!”

For the first round, Bai Ruyu played random music. When it stopped—the bouquet landed squarely in Cheng’s hands. Meeting Tang’s fox-like grin, Cheng thought: I walked right into this.

“Bring it on,” the award-winning actor said gamely. Bai flipped a card:

Sing your favorite song.

Tang deflated—how boring, he’d hoped for something spicier. Then it hit him: Cheng Yichi singing. Has anyone ever heard that? No! This was a privilege!

“Alright then, our award-winning performer.”

The living room had a small karaoke setup installed, but they’d never used it since moving in—this was the first time it was being brought out. Cheng Yichi leaned forward and pressed a few buttons. The lighting cast an artistic glow on him—soft blue and pale yellow hues interspersed with pink highlights, creating quite an atmospheric effect.

Under this ambiance, Cheng Yichi looked exceptionally striking. No one had been drinking, yet just watching him step up and sit there was enough to make them feel intoxicated.

“—Ahem, this one’s called ‘Someone Like Me’ (1), for all of you.”

“Someone as outstanding as me, should have lived a brilliant life…”

When singing, Cheng Yichi preferred not to look at anyone, his eyes downcast, exuding deep emotion yet seeming utterly indifferent. His voice was usually warm and mellow, but for this song, he deliberately lowered it slightly, roughening it just a touch.

His mood seemed to dip as well.

“Someone as lost as me, someone searching like me…

Someone as ordinary and aimless as me—how many more have you met?”

Finally, Cheng Yichi lifted his gaze, sorrow flickering in his eyes. His voice grew quieter, almost detached by the end, yet it wrenched at the hearts of everyone present.

Li Yi looked closely and noticed what seemed like tears glistening in Cheng Yichi’s eyes. He fell silent, unable to tear his gaze away. Duan Qingsi rubbed his thumb absently—he wasn’t wearing his jade ring today, not wanting any barrier between himself and Cheng Yichi. The song’s melancholy rippled through him, stirring a quiet ache. What could have made his little rose so sad?

Was he mocking himself, or singing for someone else?

“Someone as inexplicable as me,

will anyone ever feel sorry for?”

Gu Zichen’s heart clenched violently as he watched Cheng Yichi.

He really did feel sorry for him.