Chapter 23

After returning from Xiaozhongshan, Shi Qi felt constantly drained, his limbs weak and heavy.

'Actually, this is normal,' Lin Yan said. 'Before, when you took an Inhibitor during your Heat Phase and bounced right back, that was a sign your pheromone levels were too low. Now they might have risen a little.'

Maybe his condition had improved slightly, too?

Afraid bringing up Shi Qi's illness would upset him, Lin Yan didn't mention it.

'Sounds like I'm going through a second growth spurt,' Shi Qi said, his focus completely elsewhere. 'Can I get a little taller while I'm at it?'

'Wishful thinking,' said Lin Yan, who was three centimeters taller, looking at him fondly. 'Your name and your height are both perfectly arranged.'

'...'

If it were just a lack of energy, that would be manageable.

But ever since parting from Shang Sui, Shi Qi hadn't slept well. Two nights in a row, he hadn't closed his eyes until after five in the morning, hearing the sound of snow being swept outside the Dormitory building with perfect clarity.

Omegas were especially sensitive during their Heat Phase, and he'd often suffered from insomnia before, but never this severe. It was like sleeping so well with Shang Sui that stormy night had created a withdrawal effect.

A Heat Phase typically lasted a week. Shi Qi glanced at his class schedule — he had early classes for the next two days.

If this kept up, he'd either have to skip his major classes or float to the lecture hall like a ghost.

After some thought, Shi Qi sent Shang Sui a message.

17: [Are you coming to School today?]

First, arrange a meal, then casually ask Shang Sui if they could sleep together.

If Shang Sui agreed, they could get a hotel room.

Ss: [I have a class this afternoon.]

Perfect!

The corner of Shi Qi's mouth lifted slightly. His eyes, dull from insomnia, instantly brightened, as if he could already see the beautiful future of himself sleeping soundly in a hotel.

17: [Then shall we meet for a meal?]

17: [Last time, because of the Dance Club's sudden rehearsal, we never managed to meet.]

Shang Sui sent a little cat nodding emoji.

Why was it always a cat.

Shi Qi grumbled inwardly, but his fingers quickly tapped 'save.'

Shi Qi and Lin Yan's major was chemical engineering. Their recent lab sessions required them to produce Pheromone Perfume, and this week they happened to be on the final step of adjustment and optimization. The two of them worked in the lab all afternoon and finally produced a small bottle of finished product.

Compared to ordinary perfume, this type was more similar to Alpha/Omega pheromones. It was often used to soothe Omegas in their Heat Phase or Alphas in their Sensitivity Period, or to forge and mask pheromone scents.

Although it couldn't truly replace the function of pheromones, it was a fairly popular new product in recent years.

'You've done very well; it's already very close to a finished product on the market,' their teacher said, stopping at their station with an approving look. 'It's like a real Alpha pheromone.'

The finished product in the glass bottle emitted a cold, bitter wormwood scent, faintly aggressive.

Originally, Lin Yan had wanted to make an Omega pheromone perfume, but accidentally added too much of one ingredient during the process, ending up with this.

After the teacher left, Lin Yan said, 'I heard there's a practical activity next week. Our major and bioengineering are going to Qi Jiang together.'

Qi Jiang was spring-like year-round, home to the country's largest flower cultivation center. Many raw materials for Pheromone Perfumes, Inhibitors, and Isolation Agents were extracted there.

A University's chemistry and biology majors all went to Qi Jiang for practical activities in their sophomore year. Because the journey was long, they were given ample time. If you ignored the report-writing part, it was like a School-organized trip — jokingly called the biggest perk of studying these two majors.

'Isn't this a coincidence,' Lin Yan remembered something. 'Qin Shuhe and them are also going to Qi Jiang for sketching. They were originally going to Xuancheng but changed destinations last minute. I suspect the two schools are sharing a bus to save costs.'

Naturally, getting out for some fresh air was more appealing than staying in School for classes.

Shi Qi asked a few more questions with interest, and Lin Yan had already fast-forwarded to planning how to have fun. He'd heard there were lots of bars there, and they could catch a local festival soon...

Shang Sui sent a message just then.

Ss: [I'm here, at North Gate.]

17: [Coming.]

There were still a few minutes left in class. Shi Qi said goodbye to Lin Yan, changed out of the lab coat, pulled on his own black down jacket, and ran downstairs.

From a distance, Shi Qi spotted Shang Sui at a glance.

He was also wearing a down jacket — a silver short style, paired with wide-leg pants. He stood out like a crane among a flock of people bundled up like snowballs.

Really not afraid of the cold.

Shi Qi couldn't help but laugh.

'In a good mood?'

Seeing him, Shang Sui's eyes also warmed with a smile. But his expression shifted slightly the next second. 'Xiao Qi, has someone hugged you?'

'Huh?' Shi Qi was taken aback.

'You have the scent of pheromones on you,' Shang Sui said, seeming displeased. 'It's very strong.'

'Oh, it's Pheromone Perfume. I was in the lab all afternoon.' Seeing Shang Sui fall silent, Shi Qi asked, 'Don't you like the smell of wormwood?'

'No.'

To be precise, he didn't like Shi Qi carrying any other scent at all. But saying that would sound too domineering, and being jealous of a bottle of perfume was unreasonable. He could only repeat, 'I really don't like it.'

He knew Alphas were naturally antagonistic toward each other, but one who even antagonized Pheromone Perfume — Shi Qi was seeing this for the first time.

But considering Shang Sui's pheromones were sweet, the medicinal bitterness of wormwood might be like a natural enemy to him?

'Then what should we do? I didn't bring any Isolation Agent.'

'I didn't bring any either.'

'Alright then,' Shi Qi said, reaching out and pulling him into a hug. 'Better a short, sharp pain than a long, drawn-out one. Let me rub against you.'

Before Shang Sui could react, Shi Qi was already in his arms, using his pheromones to suppress the wormwood scent.

So comfortable—

Shi Qi thought.

Maybe because they were both wearing down jackets, the hug felt like being buried in a fluffy, soft duvet.

The nerves that had been tense these past two days relaxed. Shi Qi, satisfied, couldn't help imagining how pleasant it would be to sleep at night accompanied by sweet pheromones.

Shang Sui was stunned for a moment. Before he was even conscious of it, he had already raised his arms to hug him back. 'How come you...' are so affectionate today?

Shi Qi lazily yawned, unconsciously relaxing in his embrace, almost wanting to close his eyes.

Someone honked at them just then. Shi Qi lifted his eyelids, displeased, and saw a Bentley parked not far away.

The person in the driver's seat wore thin-framed glasses and was impeccably dressed. He asked knowingly, 'Am I interrupting?'

Remembering the drama caused by that sports-car Alpha at the school gate last time, Shi Qi immediately looked at Shang Sui. 'Who is it this time?'

Shang Sui was pondering whether Shen Qianyu had come specifically to catch him or just happened to be passing by.

Neither option was great. After a moment's silence, Shang Sui chose to lie. 'My driver.'

Shi Qi: '?' Your driver looks like that?

Shang Sui put on an act. 'No need to pick me up today. You can go back.'

Shen Qianyu ignored him, opened the car door, and got out. 'Jiang Yan said he ran into you here last time. I happened to be passing by and didn't think I'd actually run into you.'

He hadn't seen clearly from inside the car. Noticing that Shang Sui really was hugging an Omega, Shen Qianyu couldn't help raising an eyebrow.

It's already December, Shi Er. You have to come with me to the hospital.

Seeing someone approach, Shi Qi let go and stepped aside.

Having been hugged so nicely and then interrupted, Shang Sui's tone was unfriendly. 'What, is Jiang Yan willing to see you now?'

Shen Qianyu smiled and didn't take the bait.

He gestured. 'Aren't you going to introduce us?'

Shang Sui glanced at Shi Qi, who was out of the loop, and suddenly had a flash of inspiration.

He reached out, reluctantly pulling the person back into his arms as if showing off. 'This is my boyfriend.'

Then he introduced to Shi Qi, 'Shen Qianyu, my friend.'

Shi Qi, hugged from behind, couldn't react for a moment.

Did they have to play the couple act in front of Shang Sui's friends too?

Did they need to be this meticulous? Was Shang Sui sacrificing too much?

A voice pressed low sounded by his ear. 'I was just about to tell you, my family's been pushing marriage lately. I might have to trouble you to help me deal with that, too.'

Shang Yao and Yu Wan never interfered in his personal life. Jiang Yan had once been quite envious that Shang Sui's family never pressured him about marriage and that he wouldn't have to enter an arranged marriage in the future.

But starting today, having them 'pressure' him a bit wouldn't be a problem.

Shang Sui thought distractedly.

He'd make a call when he got back.

So that's how it is. Mutual aid, right.

Shi Qi gave him a 'no problem' look and immediately got to work. 'Hello, I'm Shi Qi.'

Shen Qianyu's gaze couldn't help but land on him.

A face the size of a palm, upturned eyes, snow-white skin — held by Shang Sui, he looked like a doll imprisoned in his arms.

Given Shang Sui's personality, if this were a legitimate partner, he'd have made sure everyone knew long ago.

Moreover, this Omega was covered in the bitter scent of wormwood pheromones. It looked all wrong.

Shen Qianyu thought for a moment and said seriously, 'If he forced you into this, I can help you call the police.'

Shi Qi: '...?' Is this a joke?

Shen Qianyu: 'Don't be afraid. I have a lot of dirt on him.'

'What nonsense are you spouting, Xiao Shen.' Shang Sui's face wore a smile, but his tone was sinister. 'We're clearly a match made in heaven. Don't try to break us up.'

As he spoke, the Alpha's long, sturdy arms tightened, holding Shi Qi even closer.

Less like a match made in heaven and more like a vengeful ghost clinging to him for his life.

Shi Qi didn't feel anything was wrong and cooperated. 'Mm, we've been dating for a month.'

'...Alright, I understand.'

Thinking that someone could actually endure Shang Sui's temper and procrastination, Shen Qianyu said from the heart, 'You've had a hard time.'

Shi Qi didn't expect the other person, after mentioning 'calling the police,' to show a look of deep admiration, and it didn't seem like a joke. He couldn't help feeling puzzled.

Wasn't Shang Sui's personality quite good? Why did Shen Qianyu describe it like entering a wolf's den?

But more than that, Shi Qi was more curious about something else. 'Why are you asking him to go to the hospital?'

'He needs regular check-ups, but he's been putting it off.'

A Special Sensitivity Period was personal privacy; the database encrypted such information. Unless the person consented, others normally had no right to disclose it.

Noticing Shang Sui giving him a look, Shen Qianyu naturally moved past the topic. 'The deadline is the end of this month. When exactly are you planning to come?'

It seemed the little friend Shang Sui had found knew nothing?

That was interesting.

Shi Qi also needed regular check-ups and didn't find it strange. 'Since your friend has come to find you, you should go to the hospital today.'

He knew some people were afraid of hospitals. Lin Yan delayed every physical, terrified they'd find something wrong.

Thinking Shang Sui was cut from the same cloth as Lin Yan, Shi Qi comforted him. 'You look very healthy. You probably aren't sick.'

Shang Sui seemed not to know how to respond. He made a soft sound, his expression slightly odd.

After waiting half a day with no response, Shi Qi patted his arm impatiently. 'Hurry up and go. I'll go with you.'

Based on Shen Qianyu's experience, Shang Sui would probably drag it out until the last week, arriving just in time for his Psychological Assessment.

No one could persuade him otherwise, not even if Yu Wan came to urge him.

But unexpectedly, after being patted, Shang Sui obediently agreed. 'Alright then.'

After his surprise, Shen Qianyu immediately said to Shi Qi, 'Thank you.'

A matter that had been dragging on for half a year had unexpectedly made progress. Shen Qianyu felt refreshed, looking at Shi Qi like a living bodhisattva. 'Can we exchange contact information?'

Next time he encountered a similar situation, he could ask Shi Qi for help.

Shang Sui frowned, asking warily, 'What do you mean?'

'...'

Shen Qianyu hadn't expected him to be jealous even over this. He looked at him as if he were insane.

After a long moment, he turned to Shi Qi and said with utmost seriousness, 'Our young master here has always had a bit of a problem with his head. He's loved acting crazy since he was a child.'

'Please bear with him in the future.'

-

Shi Qi hadn't expected Shen Qianyu to be the deputy director of Ningshan Hospital.

Ningshan Hospital specialized in treating ABO gender-related diseases. Shi An had once wanted Shi Qi to come here to have his Gland Atrophy Syndrome examined. Later, after confirming existing medical methods were ineffective for this rare disease, they stopped bothering.

Shang Sui went with Shen Qianyu to register. Shi Qi, bored alone and also a bit hungry, decided to grab a drink first.

He found a coffee shop on the first floor and ordered a hot chocolate. Just as he was picking up his order to leave, someone beside him said, 'Hey, wait a moment!'

'Haven't we met before?'

Shi Qi turned and saw a handsome, delicate face.

'It's you,' Shi Qi said, having a deep impression of Jiang Yan. The words slipped out. 'That Alpha who talks in such a saccharine way.'

'...'

Jiang Yan was choked by his words. He thought, *He looks so sweet, but his mouth is so sharp as soon as he opens it.* 'Are you sick?'

Shi Qi shook his head. 'I'm accompanying Shang Sui for his check-up.'

After running into Shang Sui and Shi Qi at A University's gate last time, Jiang Yan had thought it over repeatedly. Besides reaching the absurd conclusion that 'Shen Qianyu might have a crush on Shang Sui,' he also realized he'd said the wrong thing.

He'd never seen Shang Sui coax anyone like that before. Shi Qi was the first.

No wonder Shang Sui had been so displeased at the time — he must have thought Jiang Yan was in the way.

...

And now Shi Qi even knew Shang Sui needed regular Psychological Assessments. The progress was rapid.

Looking at Shi Qi again, Jiang Yan couldn't help but let a gossipy gleam enter his eyes. 'What's your relationship with our little Sui gege...?'

After much practice, Shi Qi could now mention their fake relationship without batting an eye or his heart racing. 'We're dating.'

Remembering Shang Sui said his family was pushing marriage, Shi Qi specifically added, 'If it's convenient, you could mention it to his family.'

'Ah? Oh... okay.' Jiang Yan looked at him with great curiosity, smiling. 'Last time I didn't get to ask — what's your name? I'm Jiang Yan.'

'Shi Qi.'

Shi Qi's name was quite distinctive. Jiang Yan paused slightly, confirmed the specific characters with him, then suddenly understood. 'Then you're the guest Shang Sui accompanied?'

Jiang Yan muttered to himself, 'So that means you two met because of me... No wonder. I wondered why he suddenly agreed to sign Huijian Restaurant's contract.'

Shi Qi caught the key phrase. 'Huijian Restaurant's contract?'

Since they were dating, they naturally knew each other's real identities. Jiang Yan smiled. 'You forgot? The first time you met, you thought he was a waiter at Huijian Restaurant. Actually, that day he was there to help check the Courtyard layout.'

'Later you had an accident and asked him to accompany you again as compensation. At the time, I thought he wouldn't go, but he actually took the job. Thinking about it, your meeting process is quite romantic.'

Jiang Yan added, 'Forgot to mention, I'm the owner of Huijian Restaurant.'

Only then did he notice the person opposite him didn't look quite right.

Shi Qi gradually realized the actual situation was completely different from what he'd always believed.

He sorted through Jiang Yan's words in his mind, his voice carrying a chill. 'You mean to say Shang Sui was never a waiter at Huijian Restaurant?'

Then why had he agreed to accompany him in the first place? To deliberately mess with him?

Jiang Yan was stunned by his question. 'You didn't know?'

Shi Qi said expressionlessly, 'I know now.'

Jiang Yan: '...' Oh no.

'Xiao Qi?'

Shang Sui's voice cut in just then. Seeing Shi Qi standing motionless, he came forward in two or three steps. 'I've been looking for you. Why didn't you reply to my messages?'

Shi Qi usually seemed like he couldn't be bothered with people, but whenever Shang Sui called, he'd respond.

Different from usual, Shi Qi remained silent this time. The atmosphere seemed off.

Noticing Jiang Yan beside them, Shang Sui's gaze paused. 'Why are you two together?'

Even though he was seething inside, Shi Qi couldn't possibly start an argument with Shang Sui in front of his friend.

He suppressed his temper and said to Jiang Yan, 'Then we'll be going. See you next time.'

Jiang Yan said awkwardly, 'Um...'

Shi Qi turned and walked away. Shang Sui had no time to care about Jiang Yan and hurriedly threw out, 'We'll talk later.'

Watching them leave one after the other, Jiang Yan stayed where he was, scratching his hair anxiously, finally unable to stop himself from covering his mouth. 'I told myself to shut up, shut up—!'

When would he ever break the habit of chattering endlessly whenever he met someone he liked?

This was bad.

If they broke up because of this, would Shang Sui kill him?

In his panic, Jiang Yan sent Shen Qianyu a message: [Help, I messed up!]

There was a temperature-controlled glass greenhouse in the hospital's central garden. Compared to the bustling main hall, it was much quieter here.

Stepping inside the greenhouse and making sure no one was around, Shi Qi got straight to the point. 'I just heard from Jiang Yan that you're not a waiter at Huijian Restaurant.'

After a moment, Shang Sui answered softly, 'Mm, I'm not.'

Shi Qi frowned, his expression turning cold.

Jiang Yan really hadn't been talking nonsense.

In the past, Shi Qi might show resistance toward others, but he'd never displayed it in front of Shang Sui.

Seeing him like this for the first time, Shang Sui felt uneasy and instinctively reached out to hold him. 'Sorry, at the time I—'

Shi Qi took a step back, avoiding his hand.

Immediately after, Shang Sui heard his muffled voice.

'I'm a little unhappy right now.'

The Alpha a few steps away was like a fierce beast restrained by a single sentence, forced to halt in his tracks.