Marked the Protagonist A (Translated)

Chapter 45: Playing with Fire

Chapter 45: Playing with Fire

Ji Chenxi clearly heard Chi Zhuo's breathing grow heavier.

The other man's momentary loss of composure brought Ji Chenxi an even deeper sense of satisfaction.

Fireworks were something Ji Chenxi had seen countless times. In the palace, whenever there was a major event or a celebration, fireworks were often used. But this was the first time fireworks had been lit just for him—brilliant, grand, and fleeting. People were always moved by such things.

"You..."

"Hmm?" Ji Chenxi's tone was light, with a slight lilt at the end.

"You agreed so easily?"

Chi Zhuo's voice was deep, with a clear sense of uncertainty.

At this point, Ji Chenxi wondered if he had teased the man too much, causing him to react this way.

"Could it be that in Brother Chi Zhuo's eyes, I'm the type who enjoys playing with people's emotions?"

Ji Chenxi was in a good mood, so even when he asked this question, he did so with a smile. But Chi Zhuo knew this wasn't something to answer carelessly.

For the first time, the man who controlled nearly all the underground forces found himself at a loss for words. "No, I just..."

"Just what?"

"Just thought Your Highness wasn't someone easily won over."

Once again, Ji Chenxi felt a deep satisfaction. "The fireworks are beautiful. I like them, so I agreed."

Ji Chenxi's response was casual, but it was precisely because of that casualness that the happiness blooming in Chi Zhuo's heart came to an abrupt halt. "Just because of the fireworks?"

The Ferris wheel was now descending, and Ji Chenxi could see countless others watching the fireworks from their cabins—one after another, roses blooming in the sky like ever-changing nebulae, a silent declaration.

Fireworks are just a beautiful symbol when they hold no meaning, but when imbued with significance, they can evoke true romance.

"Fireworks are beautiful," Ji Chenxi pointed out again, then suddenly changed his tone. "But that's just the part that moves me. If tonight's fireworks were set off by someone I don't care for, even if they lit up the entire empire, I wouldn't be swayed in the slightest. The only reason I agreed is, of course, because you're different, Chi Zhuo-gege."

On the other end, Chi Zhuo's breathing grew heavier, followed by a low, deep chuckle.

"Your Highness, I suddenly really want to kiss you." The man's voice was husky and direct, unashamedly expressing his desire.

Ji Chenxi's eyes curved into a smile, with the breeze and moonlight seemingly blending into them, making his eyes sparkle. "What should we do? I'm not by your side right now."

"Does that mean if you were, I could kiss you?"

"I'm afraid not. Major Wu Zhang is faithfully sticking close to me. If I kissed you today, I'd probably have a wife by tomorrow."

"A fiancée? I hope Your Highness never has such a thing." Chi Zhuo pressed his lips together, his dark eyes steady and sharp.

"And what about a fiancé?"

"If there is one, it can only be me."

Ji Chenxi sighed and shook his head. "Chi Zhuo-gege, you're so domineering. That won't do."

The flickering firelight danced in the night as the bashful moon peeked out from behind the clouds, echoing the fireworks.

Chi Zhuo chuckled softly, his voice low. "They're starting. Look."