Chapter 19: Sparks of Jealousy – Jia Yi & Sung En's First Meeting
Morning at the Villa
Joshua had barely woken up when Jia Yi, still wrapped in a silk robe, sat beside him on the massive bed. She twirled a strand of her long black hair between her fingers, her eyes shimmering with playful mischief.
"Are you free today?" she asked, her voice sweet but carrying a hint of expectation.
Joshua smirked, running a hand through his hair. "For you? Always."
Jia Yi's cheeks tinted slightly, but she kept her confidence. "Then let's go shopping. You've been busy with business lately. It's only fair you spoil your girlfriend."
Joshua chuckled. "I spoil you every day."
"But I want more," she teased, leaning in closer.
Just as things were about to get interesting, Joshua's phone buzzed. He reached over, seeing a message from Sung En.
Sung En: "Joshua! I heard you completely destroyed Titan Dynamics. We need to celebrate! Are you free today? Let's go out!"
Joshua smiled, shaking his head slightly. Jia Yi, noticing his change in expression, narrowed her eyes and snatched the phone from his hand.
Her expression darkened as she read the message.
"Sung En?" Her voice was dangerously calm.
Joshua leaned back, arms crossed. "Yes. She wants to celebrate."
Jia Yi scoffed. "And you're actually considering it?"
Before Joshua could answer, another message popped up.
Sung En: "I know a great new restaurant in downtown Shanghai. My treat! Unless you're scared of me eating more than you?"
Jia Yi's grip on the phone tightened. Her possessiveness flared up, and without thinking, she typed a reply:
Joshua (via Jia Yi's hands): "Sure. But I'm bringing my girlfriend too."
Joshua raised an eyebrow, clearly amused. "So, I take it you're coming?"
Jia Yi tossed the phone back to him, flipping her hair. "Of course. Someone has to make sure your little streamer friend knows her place."
Joshua laughed.
This is going to be fun.
Lunch Meeting – Sparks Fly
The high-end restaurant Sky Pavilion was known for its modern aesthetic and rooftop dining with a breathtaking view of Shanghai's skyline.
When Joshua and Jia Yi arrived, Sung En was already waiting, looking stunning in an elegant white dress that hugged her figure perfectly. Her silver-white hair cascaded over her shoulders, and her bright eyes sparkled as she spotted Joshua.
"Finally!" Sung En beamed. But her expression faltered slightly when she saw Jia Yi clinging to Joshua's arm.
"Oh?" Sung En's lips curled into a teasing smile. "So you actually brought your girlfriend?"
Jia Yi smiled sweetly but tightened her grip on Joshua. "Why wouldn't he? I mean, we do live together now."
Sung En's eyes flickered with mild surprise, but she quickly regained her composure. "I see~ So you're finally making things official. How adorable."
The tension was instant.
Joshua could almost see the electric sparks crackling between them.
They took their seats at the private balcony table. The waiter handed them the menu, but Jia Yi was far more interested in watching Sung En's every move.
The Subtle War Begins
As they ate, Sung En turned to Joshua, resting her chin on her hands.
"I have to say, I didn't expect you to be this good at piano," she said smoothly. "That performance at the lounge? Absolutely breathtaking."
Jia Yi froze mid-bite.
Joshua smiled. "Glad you liked it."
Sung En leaned in slightly. "Maybe next time, you can play something just for me?"
Jia Yi's chopsticks snapped in half.
Joshua nearly choked on his drink holding back laughter.
Jia Yi smiled through gritted teeth. "Oh, Joshua plays for me all the time. Isn't that right, darling?"
Joshua grinned. "That's true."
Sung En pouted playfully. "Lucky you, Jia Yi."
Jia Yi leaned back, her arms crossed. "I'm very lucky."
Jealousy Intensifies
The meal continued, and Sung En—completely aware of Jia Yi's growing irritation—pushed it further.
She gently touched Joshua's arm while laughing at one of his jokes. "You're way too charming for your own good, you know that?"
Jia Yi snapped.
She grabbed Joshua's hand and interlocked their fingers in front of Sung En.
"Well, he's mine," Jia Yi said sweetly, though her eyes were sharp.
Sung En raised an eyebrow but smirked. "Relax, Jia Yi. I'm just teasing."
Jia Yi wasn't buying it.
But Joshua was thoroughly enjoying watching his normally collected girlfriend get possessive.
To add fuel to the fire, he lifted their intertwined hands and kissed the back of Jia Yi's hand.
"Of course, I'm yours," he murmured.
Jia Yi blushed furiously.
Sung En chuckled. "Alright, alright, I'll stop. For now."
Jia Yi huffed, clearly still on guard.
System Update: Favorability Changes
Just as the bill arrived, Joshua's system flashed with new notifications.
[System Notification: Jia Yi Favorability +2 → (Total: 93)]
• Jia Yi's possessiveness toward you has increased. She feels deeply connected to you and wants to keep other women at bay.
[System Notification: Sung En Favorability +3 → (Total: 78)]
• Sung En enjoys teasing Jia Yi, but deep down, she's starting to feel something real for you.
Joshua glanced at the system with amusement.
These two are going to be a handful.
Aftermath: The Ride Home
Joshua and Jia Yi drove home together in the Bugatti.
Jia Yi had her arms crossed, still sulking.
Joshua smirked. "You were really cute back there."
Jia Yi turned to him, pouting. "Cute? That girl was all over you!"
Joshua reached over and tucked a stray strand of hair behind her ear. "And yet, you're the one riding home with me."
Jia Yi's cheeks flushed. She bit her lip, then quickly turned away.
"…Just don't let her get any ideas," she muttered.
Joshua chuckled. "Noted."
As the city lights blurred past them, Jia Yi smiled to herself.
Even with the competition, she knew one thing for sure—Joshua was hers