Jealousy

As if unable to accept it for a moment, Yu Zhiling's expression was strange, his gaze shifting between Shang Sui and Shi Qi.

After a moment, he asked with a hint of bitterness, 'Is he really your boyfriend?'

Shi Qi responded, 'Mm, yes.'

With Shi Qi's confirmation, Shang Sui became even more emboldened.

'Sorry,' his captivating eyes shimmering with light, flaunting like a peacock spreading its tail, 'Waiting in line is useless—there's no breakup day at all.'

The surroundings fell into silence. Yu Zhiling was intimidated by his arrogance and couldn't speak.

Seeing that Shang Sui seemed about to continue, Shi Qi quickly stopped him: 'Shang Sui, he's my friend.'

Afraid he would say something shocking again, Shi Qi used the hand that was being held to pat the Alpha's hand. The movement was a bit difficult; Shi Qi couldn't exert much force, so it was more like a gentle scratch.

The Alpha, who had been full of aggression a second ago, instantly quieted, like a fierce beast that had been struck in its weak spot and quickly became docile.

'Oh, so that's how it is, all a misunderstanding.'

Shang Sui, with an astonishing change of expression, smiled at Yu Zhiling and said warmly, 'Just now I saw you two hugging, and I thought something was going on.'

'Sorry, you don't mind, do you?'

One doesn't strike a smiling face, especially one as flawless as his.

Yu Zhiling suppressed his other thoughts and smiled back at him: 'I didn't speak very nicely just now, don't mind it either.'

'You're Xiao Qi's friend, so of course not.'

'But I never thought Xiao Qi would be in a relationship; just now I thought you were joking.' After saying this, ignoring Shang Sui's subtly changing expression, Yu Zhiling spoke to Shi Qi as if complaining:

'How long have you been together? Why didn't you tell me about the relationship?'

'A little over a month.' Shi Qi, relieved that the two weren't arguing anymore, said, 'Haven't had the chance to tell you yet.'

He knew that Yu Zhiling had no good feelings toward any Alpha, and his harsh words at first weren't directed at Shang Sui.

Due to the nature of his work, Yu Zhiling couldn't express it publicly, so he usually suppressed this dislike.

'Alphas are beasts driven by desire, chasing after pretty Omegas like dogs, with only that one thing on their minds.'

Yu Zhiling really liked physical contact; often while talking, he would come over to link arms with Shi Qi or hug him.

'How about we get together instead? Xiao Qi.'

They were both Omegas, so Shi Qi just took it as a joke. Plus, he really didn't have a good impression of Alphas before, so when Yu Zhiling was being most insistent, he would go along and agree with a word or two.

'Hey, Shi Qi—bro!'

Qin Shuhe happened to walk into the lobby, and as soon as he saw them, he bounded over wailing: 'Bro, do you know how I've been these past two days? I'm about to throw up from all the motion sickness meds. I should have flown over with you!'

Qin Shuhe used to act like a mouse seeing a cat when encountering teachers from Meiyan Academy, wanting to scurry as far away as possible, but he especially liked Shang Sui.

'You guys haven't eaten, right? I haven't either, how about we all go together?'

Shi Qi nodded, then looked at Shang Sui: 'Then you go put away your luggage first. Do your teachers need to register?'

'Just say a word on the phone.'

Just then, Qin Shuhe raised his hand: 'Lin Yan, over here!'

He then explained to Shi Qi: 'We were planning to have dinner together, and were just about to look for you. And then we ran into you.'

Lin Yan was walking with Fu Siyue; the two had happened to take the same elevator down.

Fu Siyue and Shi Qi didn't get along. But since they had all grown up together, Lin Yan could still exchange a few words with him.

Qin Shuhe didn't know Fu Siyue, so he asked enthusiastically, 'Does that friend next to you want to come too? More people, more fun.'

Lin Yan looked hesitant, instinctively glancing at Shi Qi.

'...Forget it,' Fu Siyue said proactively. 'Shi Qi doesn't want to see me.'

Shi Qi: '?'

Shi Qi said bluntly: 'No, you don't have any effect on me.'

'...'

Thinking that he had already clearly rejected Fu Siyue, and now it was just a meal together—if he publicly told him to leave, it would really embarrass him.

Shi Qi made the final decision: 'Let's all eat together.'

-

While Shang Sui went upstairs to put away his luggage, the others stayed in the lobby to choose dinner.

The timing of their outing wasn't great; several popular restaurants had no tables.

Yu Zhiling thought of something: 'I have a friend who runs a Cantonese restaurant nearby. The food is pretty good. If we want to go, I'll have him save us a table.'

'I've been wanting to ask since earlier—you look kind of familiar.' Seeing him wearing a mask, only his eyes visible, Qin Shuhe joked, 'You're not some big celebrity, are you?'

'Not really, just a model.'

Yu Zhiling took off his mask as he spoke, revealing a striking face.

'Hey...!' Qin Shuhe didn't expect to actually recognize him. 'You're the spokesperson for Elowen? I saw your new billboard today.'

Qin Shuhe was very passionate about collecting perfumes and was familiar with the brand Yu Zhiling endorsed: 'I heard Elowen is going to launch a new limited-edition perfume based on your pheromones? I've collected their entire series, and I'll get the new limited one too!'

'That's the plan for now, but it hasn't been announced yet.' Yu Zhiling smiled. 'You're really well-informed. Then let me thank you in advance.'

Qin Shuhe chuckled. Lin Yan interjected, 'Long time no see. The last time I saw you was in high school.'

'It really has been a long time. I think it was Xiao Qi's birthday back then.' As he spoke, Yu Zhiling linked arms with Shi Qi as usual. 'Shall I make the call?'

No one objected. Feeling someone staring at him, Yu Zhiling followed the gaze and looked up.

Fu Siyue frowned, as if about to say something, but finally looked away in silence.

When Shang Sui came back after putting away his luggage, what he saw was Yu Zhiling talking while holding Shi Qi's arm.

He felt that this friend of Shi Qi's was somewhat annoying, but then he thought, anyone who was too clingy with Shi Qi would annoy him. Moreover, this guy had introduced himself as 'boyfriend' right off the bat.

Shang Sui thought about it idly, and finally persuaded himself inwardly.

Forget it, don't overthink.

Yu Zhiling probably just doesn't like Alphas, and happens to like physical contact.

'Let's go.' When Shi Qi saw Shang Sui, he naturally stepped forward. 'Lin Yan and the others went ahead. The three of us will take one car.'

Yu Zhiling had no choice but to let go, watching him talk to Shang Sui.

After getting in the car, thinking that Yu Zhiling had come specifically to see Shi Qi, and it wouldn't be right to leave him alone, Shang Sui voluntarily took the passenger seat.

Shi Qi and Yu Zhiling sat in the back; the latter would occasionally ruffle Shi Qi's hair and whisper in his ear.

Shi Qi seemed used to it, letting him cling.

'This color looks really good on you. I've seen a lot of colleagues dye similar shades, but none suit you as well.' After ruffling his hair, Yu Zhiling's fingers slid down, inadvertently brushing over his gland.

Compared to an average Omega, Shi Qi was more sensitive.

He couldn't help but shiver, tensing up: 'Your hand...'

Touching an AO's gland is almost equivalent to sexual harassment. Even between Omegas, they usually take care to avoid that area.

Yu Zhiling spread his five fingers in front of him: 'What about my hand?'

His hand was painted with black nail polish, slender and long. Yu Zhiling looked innocent, as if he really didn't know what happened.

'It's nothing.' Seeing that he didn't seem intentional, Shi Qi glanced down at the navigation and said, 'Almost there.'

The Cantonese restaurant Yu Zhiling found was a famous trendy spot in Qi Jiang. At eight in the evening, there was still a long line outside.

The owner had reserved a private room for them. After sitting down, Yu Zhiling said while looking at the menu, 'Their Sichuan Pepper Lobster and Roast Duckling are especially good. Xiao Qi doesn't like spicy food, right?'

Shi Qi hummed in agreement.

'Let me see... Among the desserts, the Caramel Fresh Cheese is well made. You should like it.'

After the dishes were served, Yu Zhiling offered, 'Shall I peel the shrimp for you?'

'No need,' Shi Qi said. 'I'll do it myself.'

'It's fine, I used to do it for you before.'

'Really, no need.'

Yu Zhiling's personality was too enthusiastic; sometimes even Shi Qi couldn't handle it.

But the other was the type to do things his own way; after being refused, he still peeled the shrimp and put it in Shi Qi's bowl.

Shi Qi was startled. Yu Zhiling smiled and said, 'Eat, it's really good.'

Lin Yan instinctively looked at Shang Sui, and sure enough, the latter put down his chopsticks expressionlessly.

Lin Yan had vaguely felt something similar before; when Yu Zhiling was with Shi Qi, he often acted as if no one else was there, as if he could only see Shi Qi.

Today, it was even more so than in his memory.

Watching this irritating scene, the anger that had been building up since getting in the car grew stronger.

He really didn't think any friend would be this attentive.

Others might not understand, but he knew better than anyone.

The way Yu Zhiling looked at Shi Qi was exactly the same as his own—what showed through was not friendliness, but desire.

The thought that another person was, right under his nose, inch by inch surveying Shi Qi's eyes, lips, skin... the suppressed violence inside him surged like a black tide; he almost wanted to gouge out the other's eyeballs.

But if he directly told Shi Qi, 'Your Omega friend has a thing for you,' with no concrete evidence, only his intuition as the reason—'Can you stay away from him, better yet block him and never contact him again'—no matter how he thought about it, it was absurd and would make him look like a lunatic.

He really wasn't normal, but he still had to be somewhat reasonable.

Noticing that Shang Sui had put down his chopsticks and seemed to have no appetite, Shi Qi couldn't help but look at him several times.

After hesitating for a moment, he asked softly, 'Are you tired from the long flight?'

Shang Sui lowered his eyes to meet his gaze. Shi Qi looked up at him, his eyes clear, showing undisguised concern.

'Mm, so tired.'

Shang Sui said lazily, then suddenly went limp, leaning on him like he had no bones.

Being too popular isn't your fault, but I'm intensely jealous and very petty.

If only you were a baby that belonged only to me, hidden away like a doll in a jewelry box where no one could see, only to be gazed upon by me.

Shang Sui often leaned on his shoulder, but this was the first time in front of so many people.

Shi Qi stiffened for a moment, then held his position without moving. Feeling the Alpha's slightly long hair ends brushing against his neck, he inexplicably softened.

Shang Sui is tired...

Thinking of this, Shi Qi felt a little urge to reach out and touch his hair.

But unexpectedly, a muffled voice came from beside his neck, acting cute as if they were telepathic:

'I want a pet.'

Shi Qi understood this very well; when he was tired, he also wanted someone to stroke him and hug him.

But he was a bit shy, and answered softly, 'So many people, later.'

Lin Yan caught on and immediately teased, 'Oh my, what are you lovebirds doing—'

Qin Shuhe was delighted: 'We don't mind! I love watching! Hurry up and interact, I'll take a video to show Little Peach Sister, she loves it too!'

Yu Zhiling didn't speak, forcing a smile in agreement, but his expression was undeniably ugly.

Suddenly, he felt his back tremble involuntarily, as if by biological instinct, his body reacted before he even sensed the danger.

The Alpha who was acting cute on Shi Qi lifted his eyelids, his upturned eyes shimmering, casting a cold and venomous glance at him.

He seemed to hear a commanding voice ringing in his mind, extremely authoritative and extremely cold—

'Get lost.'

Yu Zhiling suddenly leaned back, the chair scraping sharply against the floor, and in his panic, he knocked over the cup beside him.

The drink mixed with ice poured down, flowing from the table to the floor. A passing waiter hurried over to clean up. Lin Yan saw him trembling all over, his lips pale, as if he had suddenly been greatly shocked: 'What's wrong? Are you okay?'

'...No, I'm fine.' Yu Zhiling was still shaken, instinctively looking at Shang Sui.

What was that just now? Pheromone suppression?

But the others weren't affected, and Shi Qi was so close to Shang Sui; there's no way he wouldn't have noticed.

...

Was he just simply scared?

'Be careful, okay.' Shang Sui met his gaze squarely, his eyes actually carrying a smile. 'If you touch something you shouldn't, you might get hurt.'

Shi Qi didn't notice the undercurrent between the two, and patted Shang Sui: 'I'm going to the restroom, I'll be back in a bit.'

'...'

The Alpha who had been threatening a second ago quickly dropped his expression. Shang Sui pouted, not wanting him to leave.

'I mean, if you want to lean, you can lean again when I get back.'

After hearing this, Shang Sui obediently lifted his head from him.

Just like a kid.

Do people become childish when they're tired?

Shi Qi didn't show it on his face, but inwardly he was quite pleased with Shang Sui's clinginess.

After using the restroom, Shi Qi stood by the sink washing his hands.

Someone stepped into the restroom. Fu Siyue, who had barely spoken all evening, stood before him:

'Can we go outside? I have something I want to tell you.'

Shi Qi didn't really want to deal with him: 'I don't think we have anything to say.'

After being shut down, Fu Siyue didn't know what to do, looking at him hesitantly.

Shi Qi was used to not having good words with him. In his memory, Fu Siyue always had a foul mouth, so this pitiful expression was really hard to get used to.

Shi Qi was silent for a moment, then stepped forward: 'Let's go, make it quick.'

The two walked out of the restaurant one after the other. There were still many people in line at this hour. They avoided the crowd and walked to a laurel tree not far away.

Fu Siyue spoke first: 'I've always wanted to apologize to you, but I was afraid you'd find it annoying, and I couldn't find the right opportunity.'

'Although you probably already know, I still want to say it in person once: it was me who kept telling my family that I liked you, so Uncle Xiao'an pushed for marriage and made you contact me.'

'I've been forcing you all these years. I'm sorry.'

There was also a crucial reason why Shi An had once wanted Shi Qi and Fu Siyue to be together.

The year Shi Qi underwent Differentiation, the doctor said he had almost failed to complete it, and it was only because he had recently been in contact with a high-Compatibility Index Alpha and was induced by that person's Pheromone that he successfully became an Omega.

If he hadn't differentiated, he would most likely have grown up as a Beta. No one would have noticed anything amiss, and naturally, the Gland Atrophy Syndrome would never have been discovered, let alone treated.

But unlike a normal Beta, he was actually an Omega with a disease and extremely low Pheromone levels.

As he aged, his immune system would silently develop problems until one day it completely collapsed. Incurable, and he wouldn't even know the cause until death.

The only high-Compatibility Index Alpha around him was Fu Siyue, so everyone naturally assumed it was thanks to Fu Siyue's Pheromone. According to the doctor, in a way, the other had saved his life.

Shi An and Jiang Li were especially grateful to Fu Siyue because of this. Shi Qi remembered that not long after the condition was discovered, Jiang Yoning held his hand and the whole family went to the Fu residence to thank them.

Because of this debt of gratitude, Shi Qi was polite to Fu Siyue for a long time.

Later, once, Fu Siyue almost had an accident while mountain climbing. Shi Qi held onto him tightly, not letting go even as his fingers bled, and thus saved Fu Siyue's life.

In Shi Qi's mind, he and Fu Siyue were even.

But from that day on, Fu Siyue started clinging to him, using all sorts of ways to attract Shi Qi's attention.

'In the past, I said harsh things to you and caused you trouble because I wanted you to look at me more. I also hid gifts others gave you, threw away your love letters, and threatened others behind their backs not to like you... I'm sorry, I shouldn't have done those things.'

After Fu Siyue finished, seeing that Shi Qi still hadn't spoken, he couldn't help but ask nervously, 'Do you hate me?'

'To be honest,' Shi Qi finally spoke after listening to this long speech, 'I don't feel much. I've already stopped caring.'

Unpleasant things can be thoroughly hated in the moment. Shi Qi always adhered to the principle of 'vent your anger on the spot,' never holding it in to wrong himself, so every time Fu Siyue acted up, he never held back.

Brain space is for storing happy memories; let unhappy past truly become the past, no need to dwell on it.

Fu Siyue hadn't expected him to say that. He opened his mouth, and his heart sank heavily.

Hate at least occupies a place, but not caring means he is insignificant to Shi Qi.

'Then can we be friends?' Fu Siyue asked quietly. 'Like Lin Yan, just normal, ordinary friends.'

Friends? Who are you kidding?

Shang Sui, waiting not far away, almost couldn't help laughing when he heard this.

After Shi Qi left, Fu Siyue got up not long after.

After waiting a long time and Shi Qi not returning, Shang Sui made an excuse to leave. Not finding him in the restroom, he walked outside the restaurant and indeed saw the two of them talking in a corner.

Shang Sui thought to himself, I think I've also used that 'let's be friends' script, but the part after that can be deleted.

Even if you think you've let it go, you're just fooling yourself. You have ulterior motives but won't admit it. Can't you live a little more honestly?

But compared to that one at the dinner table who plays dumb, you're still better.

Never seen someone who touches a gland and then has the nerve to play innocent. Spreading your hand out—what for, showing off your new manicure? You don't actually think those claws look good, do you?

One after another tonight was giving him grief. Shang Sui was irritable, but couldn't lash out in front of Shi Qi, so he could only vent in his mind.

Shi Qi said honestly, 'I can't see you as a friend right now.'

'I understand.' Fu Siyue lowered his head, then remembered something, 'There's one more thing—'

Yu Zhiling, he...

Shang Sui couldn't listen any longer. He stepped forward and interrupted, 'So you're here.'

His voice made both of them turn around simultaneously. Fu Siyue unconsciously showed a wary expression.

Shi Qi was about to speak, but Shang Sui naturally said, 'Baby, Lin Yan was looking for you just now. Do you want to go back first?'

This was the first time Shi Qi felt that when he called him that, there was no mischievous intent.

It was as if... Shang Sui wasn't using the term as a joke, but truly cherished him.

Shi Qi's face felt a little hot, and he nodded involuntarily.

Why was Shang Sui suddenly so gentle? Was he here to rescue him?

He really didn't want to listen to Fu Siyue anymore. Shi Qi dropped a 'I'll go first then' and walked back in a daze, not even stopping to think whether leaving the two of them alone might cause trouble.

After Shi Qi left, Shang Sui's expression visibly darkened, all the tenderness from moments ago vanishing:

'I really wonder, are you all rushing to be the third wheel today?'

Shang Sui let out an ambiguous laugh, then immediately lowered his voice, saying sinisterly, 'Haven't you caused enough trouble? Do you think I'm dead?'