THE GRAND BET

Chapter 18: Drama-Chen

Lan Xichen sat in his office, trying to focus on the day's schedule. The upcoming audition was a big deal- a charity play to raise funds and showcase talented students. It was an honour to be part of it, especially with industry scouts and professionals involved.

But Xichen's mind was elsewhere. Jiang Cheng still believed he was using the event as an excuse to cheat. The attempt to talk things out had only made things worse.

Jiang Cheng had stuffed pillows between them in bed the other night, warning Xichen not to cross the line. Xichen had obeyed at first, lying stiff and silent. But later, he woke to find Jiang Cheng's leg draped over the pillow barrier.

Xichen couldn't help but smile. Gently, he moved the pillows aside and pulled Jiang Cheng into his arms. "I'm sorry for always troubling you," he whispered, kissing his forehead. "I'll do better."

For a while, everything felt right. But by morning, the peace was gone, and Jiang Cheng's suspicions returned.

Now, Xichen pushed those thoughts away. He had to focus on the audition.

At the tennis court, Jiang Cheng sat watching the students play. He didn't notice Nie Huaisang's approach until he spoke.

"Still sulking about Lan Xichen?" Huaisang asked.

"Why do you care?" Jiang Cheng snapped.

"Because you're being dramatic," Huaisang teased, dodging a swat. "If you don't want Meng Yao to win, you need to act. Aren't you tired of letting Xichen and him walk all over you?"

Jiang Cheng hesitated. "What are you suggesting?"

"They're at the theatre now," Huaisang said with a sly smile. "We can crash the audition and make things interesting."

Jiang Cheng frowned but didn't move.

"Think about it," Huaisang added. "Wouldn't it feel better to beat them at their own game? You can make them miserable."

After a moment, Jiang Cheng stood. "Fine. Let's go."

Huaisang grinned, leading the way. This was going to be fun.

******
Together, the duo went to the theatre with malice in their hearts.

Inside, there was a long queue.

"Tch! What's that dumb play about anyway?" Jiang Cheng grumbled.

"Oh, it's a scandalous tragedy written by the mysterious Blu Canery," Huaisang explained with a grin. "I heard she'll be at the audition. The story's about an empress who falls for a lowly soldier who saves her life. Instead of just thanking him, she forces him to become her special eunuch."

"Don't eunuchs get castrated? How's she going to win him over?"

"Oh, they don't snip it, it's kept a secret. It's supposed to be... 'smexy.'" Huaisang winked. "You can imagine the chaos when the king also falls for the same eunuch. The poor guy ends up dying in the end."

"Who killed him?" Jiang Cheng asked.

"He killed himself. Those selfish royals torture him, confusing their obsession with love. The star of the show is the eunuch-Meng Yao's likely aiming for that role."

"Tch, romance, huh? Can't they get someone else to play it?"

"Shh! It's for charity. A very famous actress is playing the empress. Don't hate the play- hate your betrothed and his lover. Everyone's going to be here to watch. It's a big deal for the school." Huaisang paused. "Wait here, I'll be right back."