Jian Ci's lips parted, ready to refuse, when Elias leaned over far too close to Yu Xi. "Did you finish your assignments? Can I copy from you?"
Jian Ci's eyes narrowed. There's no need to lean that close, he thought, irritation flaring.
"Little Xi, let's go," Jian Ci said firmly.
Yu Xi didn't ask questions. He simply rose with his tray. "Sure."
"Wait—what about the assignments?" Elias called after them.
Jian Ci turned, his voice cold. "Do your own work. Otherwise, I will tell your father."
Elias leaned back in his chair, smirking. "You wouldn't dare."
Jian Ci's lips curled into a sharper smirk, his eyes gleaming with challenge. "Try me," he said as he pushed himself up from the table.
Alarna looked up at him, her gaze flicking to the plate in front of him, still more than half uneaten. "Aren't you going to finish eating?" she asked, her voice tentative.
"I am full," Jian Ci replied curtly, already turning away.
