I'm In Love With the Guy I Grew Up With

Chapter 1177: Extra Story – Dabai & Erxi 28

"Is this Miss Ning?" The other party asked in English, their voice barely able to conceal their excitement.

Ning Xixi replied fluently in English.

After chatting for a while, Ning Xixi understood the other party’s intention. It turned out that she ranked high on the design leaderboard in China, so the staff informed her that she could directly advance to the second round of the semifinals.

Ning Xixi checked the schedule; the semifinals were scheduled for next Friday.

A spark of inspiration struck her; she endured the ache in her back, jumped out of bed, rummaged through her backpack, and pulled out a sketchbook and pencil, quickly sketching away.

Ji Yebai emerged from the shower to find Ning Xixi nestled on the sofa, drawing with intense focus.

She was so focused that even when he strutted in front of her with his bare torso, she had no reaction.

Mr. Erxi was feeling a little down, thinking he had lost his charm!

...

Two hours later.

Ning Xixi stretched, tiredly flexing her wrists.

Looking at a set of design sketches in her sketchbook, a sense of pride welled up inside her.

As her gaze shifted to the side, she was startled to see Ji Yebai propping his chin up, staring intently at her.

"Whoa... What are you doing..."

"How long have we been newlyweds, and you’re already neglecting me," Ji Yebai said gloomily, making Ning Xixi laugh.

"Are you a resentful husband? I was just working on the design competition drafts."

"Hmph." Ji Yebai stood up, displeased, "First, it’s threatening to separate, then neglecting me. I can’t live like this!"

Ning Xixi asked innocently, "So what?"

Ji Yebai: "..." It seemed he couldn’t do anything about Ning Xixi.

"Are you going to complain to the family?"

Ji Yebai: "..." It seemed even the family wouldn’t take his side...

"Or are you agreeing to separate? We could live apart from Monday to Friday and then together on the weekends!" Ning Xixi suggested, tapping her chin with her index finger.

Ji Yebai, like a lion whose tail was stepped on, jumped onto the sofa, "In your dreams! I won’t agree to live apart!"

"Alright, alright, be good, come here and let me pat your head." Ning Xixi beckoned, and Ji Yebai wore a "not interested" expression, but his body obediently lowered to where Ning Xixi could reach...

He would never admit he’s a wife’s devoted one! No, he wouldn’t!

...

On the day of the semifinals, Ji Yebai accompanied Ning Xixi, along with Cheng Youran, Xiao Xichen, and Jian Yixue who was dragged along.

Jian Yixue looked much paler and thinner than before, as if a breeze could knock her down.

Not long after she arrived, Yan Yichen, somehow having gotten the news, came over as well.

The two exchanged a glance but said nothing, quietly sitting in their seats.

Ning Xixi, seated close to Yan Yichen, clearly felt the low pressure emanating from his side... she timidly scooted closer to Ji Yebai.

The competition was done in groups, and Ning Xixi was in Group D, waiting a long time for her turn.

The design time was only an hour.

The topic, set by the design competition committee, was "Seasons" for Ning Xixi’s group.

This topic wasn’t difficult for Ning Xixi. She completed four designs in just forty minutes: a necklace, a ring, earrings, and a bracelet.

After submitting her work, she stood up, and suddenly a sinister, terrifying voice sounded behind her:

"Ning Xixi, long time no see. Do you think you’re guaranteed to win this competition?"