The already quiet cafeteria grew even quieter. The academicians turned into terracotta warriors, their knowledge-filled brains crashing at the revelation of the two men's relationship.
Seemingly oblivious to the bombshell he had dropped, Ji Ting took Ji Yanzhi's hand and led him to a table in the corner.
"Why did you only say you were my older brother just now?"
Ji Yanzhi looked at his serious expression, an affectionate smile playing on his lips. "Are you upset?"
Ji Ting didn't answer his question directly. "Were you afraid it would affect me?"
After only a moment's hesitation, Ji Yanzhi admitted it. "Yes. The academicians are all getting on in years, after all. They might not accept our relationship."
Ji Ting stared at him unblinkingly for two seconds. "Ji Yanzhi, did I become Chief Engineer because you're my older brother?"
"Of course not."
"Likewise, the academicians won't question my abilities as Chief Engineer just because I have a male partner."
Ji Yanzhi understood that perfectly well. He wished the whole world knew about his relationship with Ji Ting, but that was how people were-the more they loved someone, the more worries they found themselves burdened with.
He took Ji Ting's hand and gently rubbed it. "I was wrong about this. Can Academician Ji forgive me?"
Ji Ting glanced at their clasped hands and nodded. "Yes. I'm not angry with you anymore."
Ji Yanzhi smiled. "Even though Academician Ji is generous and forgiving, I still need to make up for my mistake."
With that, he stood up and gestured for Ji Ting to wait a moment.
Behind them, Director Chang was providing the academicians with some "additional clarification."
"Little Ji and Yanzhi aren't related by blood at all, and their parents have absolutely no connection either. When they used to say 'older brother,'