Chu Qi was startled when he caught himself having that inappropriate thought, and the light in his eyes dimmed.
"Lil Qi?"
Noticing the change in his expression, Ji'er tugged at his sleeve.
Chu Qi regained his composure and lowered his gaze to the girl in front of him. His fingers twitched when he saw the worry in her eyes and they eventually came to rest on top of her head, stroking her gently. "I'm fine. Let's go in."
Ji'er was stunned–Lil Qi had not touched her so tenderly for ages. Collecting herself, she beamed at him and said meekly, "All right."
Yaoyao drew close to Chu Qi. "Big Bro Lil Qi, can't you see me?"
"Only a blind person would fail to notice you, Your Highness." Chu Qi glanced at her coolly, his tone nowhere as patient as it had been when he talked to Ji'er.
