Chapter 29

The next morning, the school's social practice activity organized a visit to the largest biochemical plant in Qi Jiang.

Shi Qi walked at the very back, drowsy before long. Lin Yan, afraid he'd walk into a wall, held his hand with one of his own while occasionally taking notes with the other, preparing to write a report later.

This factory belonged to Huanyun Group; the common Isolation Agent and Inhibitor on the market both came from Huanyun Group. Its subsidiaries focused on the fashion industry and owned several well-known Pheromone Perfume brands.

Passing through the Pheromone Perfume section, thinking of Qin Shuhe chatting with Yu Zhiling all evening about endorsements, Lin Yan suddenly said, 'Speaking of which, I find Yu Zhiling quite fascinating.'

'?' Shi Qi forced his eyes open.

'For example, you look like an Omega at a glance. Shang Sui, though he looks more…' When Shi Qi glanced over, Lin Yan swallowed the word 'playboy' on the tip of his tongue. 'Anyway, he clearly looks like an Alpha.'

‘But sometimes I really can’t tell Yu Zhiling’s gender. Maybe that’s just what models are like,’ Lin Yan said curiously. ‘Do you think he actually likes Alpha? Could he prefer Beta or Omega?’

'Don't know. But he probably doesn't like Alphas.'

Back then, aside from asking Jiang Yoning to help clean up the aftermath of Yu Zhiling's incident, Shi Qi hadn't mentioned it to anyone else. Lin Yan didn't know Yu Zhiling harbored a deep aversion to Alphas.

He yawned, remembering Yu Zhiling had said he'd weave a bracelet for him, and he still hadn't replied.

In principle, when you receive a gift, you should give one in return.

But he couldn't be bothered to weave a bracelet to send back. Shi Qi thought for three seconds and decided to pretend he hadn't seen the message.

After the tour ended, the lead teacher announced they were dismissed on the spot; the rest of the day was left for free activity.

Most people eagerly headed to the Ancient City to experience the Flower Day Festival atmosphere. Shi Qi had wanted to go back and catch up on sleep, but Lin Yan grabbed him. 'Wouldn't it be better to sleep in the dormitory in a couple of days? The Capital City's freezing, awful weather is perfect for hibernation. Look at this bright sunshine—is this the time for you to sleep?'

Shi Qi was persuaded and got on the bus too.

With the annual celebration, the entire Ancient City seemed to bloom.

Vibrant peonies were woven into archways; yellow bell flowers cascaded like waterfalls along the Waterway; crystal-clear mountain lotus petals floated and sank in the Fountain Pool.

Everything was jubilant, rising slowly, the air as if filled with colorful bubbles.

People flowed around them; Shi Qi lost track of Lin Yan with a moment's inattention. Just as he was about to send a message to find him, a stall owner wearing an orange marigold hat smiled at him. 'Customer, would you like to weave a bracelet?'

Seeing the familiar face under the hat clearly, Shi Qi fell silent. 'Did you change careers?'

Qin Shuhe put on a serious air. 'What are you talking about, customer? I was born for this line of work.'

'…'

A little girl sat beside him and explained softly, 'This gege saw I couldn't manage alone and offered to help.'

'So that's how it is.' Shi Qi smiled at her, marveling that Qin Shuhe really could strike up a conversation with anyone. 'Where are your parents?'

The little girl pointed to another stall not far away. 'Over there.'

'Hey Shi Qi, your attitude toward this little girl versus your attitude toward me is truly—'

Qin Shuhe's exaggerated colorful hat bobbed up and down. Shi Qi suddenly said, 'You look like a macaw.'

Qin Shuhe: 'Hmm? Is that a compliment on my cuteness?'

Shi Qi: 'A compliment on your noisiness.'

Qin Shuhe: '…'

Qin Shuhe, flexible as ever, switched to promoting his business. 'So, do you want to weave a bracelet? Look at the five racks behind me—pick any flowers from them!'

Though he didn't want to do handicrafts, under the expectant gazes of one big and one small pair of eyes, Shi Qi finally sat down.

His manual dexterity was questionable, yet he stubbornly refused to use a semi-finished rattan bracelet and just decorate it with flowers to get it over with. He could only start from scratch with great difficulty, his clumsy movements making Qin Shuhe chuckle with delight.

'Boss, how much for a bracelet?'

Shi Qi, struggling with the rattan in his hands and temporarily unable to look up, answered fluently, 'Bracelets made with flowers from the first three racks are ten each. Semi-finished ones from the last two racks are thirty; if you weave it yourself, twenty-five.'

'What about the one in your hand?'

'Not for sale.'

Shi Qi thought to himself that since he'd woven it himself, it was practically a priceless treasure.

He felt the voice was very familiar. Looking up, he indeed saw a face more dazzlingly beautiful than the profusion of flowers.

Shang Sui wore a crocheted cardigan over a base layer, a long bronze necklace hanging down, his neck layered with a choker of the same element.

He carried a black crossbody bag containing sketching tools and a notebook. The colorful graffiti on the bag seemed to be his own work—at least Shi Qi had never seen this brand release such a style.

Only then did Shi Qi realize how much the Capital City's winter had limited his flair. Seeing him so flamboyantly decked out, he suspected he might transform into a butterfly on the spot and fly into the flower beds behind them.

Lin Yan stood beside Shang Sui, stifling a laugh.

'Really can't consider it? I'm very rich.' Shang Sui stared at the utterly shapeless bracelet in his hand as if it were a rare treasure. 'I really want this.'

'What are you showing off?' Shi Qi took it as him picking a fight. 'No matter how rich you are, you sit down and weave one yourself.'

Shang Sui said 'oh' and found a spot beside him to put his bag down.

Noticing a sketching bag beside Qin Shuhe too, Shi Qi asked, 'Why did you both bring art supplies?' It couldn't be that bad, could it?

'Congratulations, you guessed right,' Qin Shuhe said with a suffering expression. 'We have to gather for sketching tonight.'

Shang Sui meticulously picked through the five racks of flowers and, whether intentionally or not, ultimately chose the same blossoms as Shi Qi for decoration.

Shi Qi looked several times before he couldn't help asking, 'Why did you pick this flower?'

'Because it's pretty.'

'Is pretty a reason to pick it?' Shi Qi was utterly domineering. 'This is my Pheromone. Did you ask me?'

Shang Sui smiled, good-natured. 'Should I write you a memorial then? Please find time to review it.'

'…'

Compared to clumsy Shi Qi, Shang Sui wove quickly and well. The two of them sitting there were like two shiny, attractive live advertisements.

The small stall saw a continuous stream of people; most chose to buy finished bracelets. Qin Shuhe's hands were practically on fire from weaving. He couldn't help looking back. 'I suggest you two wear masks—'

'Hello, can you accept this?'

An Omega holding a bracelet stopped in front of Shang Sui; he looked like a university student too.

Shi Qi's fingers pressing the rattan paused. He comforted himself inwardly.

Flower Day Festival. Receiving a bracelet was perfectly normal.

After Shang Sui accepted it, the Omega gestured to the full, beautiful bracelet on his own hand. Shi Qi faintly heard him asking if they could exchange.

Shang Sui refused with a smile. Before Shi Qi could relax, someone else came over to chat him up.

Seeing the situation turning unfavorable, Qin Shuhe coughed to change the subject. 'Aren't bracelets supposed to be given to just one person? Who are you two giving yours to?'

'Mine is for my baby.'

Lin Yan had seen before that giving bracelets during the Flower Day Festival also held the meaning of praying to the flower deity for the recipient's protection.

He inserted the last pansy into the bracelet and secured it. Even knowing a tiny bracelet couldn't cure Shi Qi's illness, he still said earnestly:

'I hope our Xiao Qi stays healthy, safe, and happy.'

'Thank you. Same to you.' Shi Qi accepted the bracelet, a bit embarrassed, and said just as seriously, 'Safe and happy. Don't get sick, and don't have too many worries.'

He thought for a moment, then stretched his hand out to Lin Yan. 'Help me put it on.'

Qin Shuhe didn't know about his gland degeneration, but seeing Lin Yan speak so solemnly: 'Then mine is for Shi Qi too, to help you perform on stage tonight.'

'What?'

'You didn't know? The person who receives the most bracelets gets invited by the organizers to perform on stage. Last year, the guy invited did a crosstalk routine.'

Qin Shuhe slipped his own bracelet onto Shi Qi's wrist and patted his shoulder as if sending a general off to war. 'Tonight, I'm sending you up to sing and dance for our friends in Qi Jiang. Dance well, perform well.'

'…'

'By the way, who are you giving your bracelet to?'

Lin Yan reminded him, 'Why don't you take a closer look at what he wove into it?'

'Oh~' Noticing the clusters of pure white, soft little flowers on the bracelet, Qin Shuhe drew out his voice. 'Even wove your own Pheromone into it. I know who it's for.'

'…' Seeing Shang Sui look over, Shi Qi's ears grew warm. He made as if to shove the bracelet at Qin Shuhe. 'I just wove it casually. You take it.'

'No! Your Majesty, if you wish to execute or dismember me, just give the order—don't frame your loyal minister like this—'

Feeling that oppressive gaze on his back, Qin Shuhe said with trepidation, 'Be just, ge! I didn't dare touch it. Please don't give me a low score on tonight's sketch!'

Before Shang Sui could speak, someone walked up to Shi Qi and bent down to meet his eyes.

It was an elegant female Alpha. She handed Shi Qi a vibrant sweet pea bracelet. 'Hello there, may I ask you to accept this?'

A female Alpha jiejie. So rare.

…Wait, it's broad daylight. Where is this chill coming from?

Qin Shuhe instinctively looked at the other person.

Shang Sui propped his chin on his hand. Though still smiling, he radiated an undeniable aura of resentment.

The Alpha tried to offer the bracelet. Shi Qi shook his head.

She showed a regretful expression but quickly smiled. 'It's okay! I wish you happiness every day and a pleasant Flower Day Festival.'

'I wish you happiness every day too.'

As if raising a curtain, Shi Qi then received many more bracelets one after another. Everyone wore smiles; even if refused, they didn't mind and instead offered blessings.

By evening, Shi Qi's bracelet was finally finished. He'd put considerable effort into it, and the result was exceptionally delicate.

The little girl stall owner firmly refused to take their money. While Qin Shuhe was talking to her, Lin Yan secretly scanned the payment code and gave an OK sign.

As they were leaving, she ran over and called out to them.

Thinking she'd discovered the payment, Lin Yan and Shi Qi exchanged a glance. But the little girl shoved a flower basket into Shi Qi's hands. 'Gege, this is for you.'

She shoved one into Shang Sui's hands too. 'This gege too.'

They both had so many bracelets they could hardly hold them all. Shi Qi put the received bracelets into the basket and thanked her.

'You two up ahead, wait, wait!'

An enthusiastic voice suddenly cut in. 'Interested in joining our activity? I've been walking over and saw you two have the most bracelets—Wow! Xiao Qi! It really is you!!'

The girl wore an organizer's badge on her chest. Seeing Shi Qi turn around, she grew so excited she became incoherent.

How is the real person even prettier than in photos?

No wonder those who've seen him in person say the camera can't capture his beauty. He's literally a life-sized doll that can talk and smile.

'I've followed you for so long, it feels like a dream!'

Shi Qi didn't know what to say. Thinking he didn't believe her, she made as if to pull out her phone. 'Wait, wait, let me show you my follow list.'

Shang Sui cut in at just the right moment. ‘What follow list?’

The incident of Shang Sui carrying him off stage after the last Dance Competition was still periodically dug up and savored. Remembering the hidden explicit comments in the discussion sections, Shi Qi swiftly stopped her. 'No need. How do we sign up for your activity?'

'Just register with me. Come to the Fountain Pool in the center of the Square around six o'clock—where the band is performing. We'll do another count of the bracelets. There's a reward for performing! For the next year, you'll receive flowers from Qi Jiang every month.' She emphasized, 'A super big bouquet! Very beautiful.'

She finished and looked at Shang Sui. 'Handsome, do you need to register too? I estimate the person with the most bracelets this year will be either you or Xiao Qi. Are you friends?'

Shang Sui answered with a beaming smile, 'A couple.'

The girl looked at one, then the other, so happy she looked ready to faint. ‘Oh my god, kitten baby, you’re so good at finding yourself a husband! You two are such a perfect match!’

After she left, Shang Sui said with tender affection, 'Husband, she said we're perfect for each other.'

Shi Qi's face warmed. Without thinking, he corrected, 'You heard wrong, didn't you? She said you're my husband.'

Rarely encountering someone so easily fooled, Shang Sui grinned from ear to ear. 'Oh, so that's how it was.'

'…' Shi Qi always felt he'd been taken advantage of, yet had no evidence.

With less than half an hour until six, they crossed an arch bridge woven with hundreds of flowers and strolled leisurely toward the Square.

As if out of some occupational habit, Shi Qi noticed both Qin Shuhe and Shang Sui loved taking photos, often using their lenses to capture beautiful scenes around them.

Several Meiyan Academy students came up along the way to give Shang Sui bracelets. Shi Qi stayed where he was. Someone called his name just then.

He turned around, and Yu Zhiling grinned as he held out a string of red iris bracelets.

'Happy festival! I wove this myself.' He glanced at the nearly overflowing flower basket. 'You received so many. As expected of you.'

'Thank you.'

Shi Qi put the bracelet into the flower basket. Yu Zhiling's gaze focused on the circle of soft, pure white flowers on his wrist, his expression shifting slightly. 'Is this your own bracelet?'

After Shi Qi didn't reply to his message, a brief disappointment gave way to quick acceptance.

Given Shi Qi's personality, he likely had little interest in festival activities.

But he hadn’t expected the other person to have prepared a Bracelet, and even woven in flowers that matched his Pheromone.

When Shi Qi nodded, Yu Zhiling tested the waters in a joking tone. ‘You’re not giving one to me? I gave you mine.’

Things still weren’t finished on Shang Sui’s side. Shi Qi answered distractedly, ‘This one is for someone else.’

Speaking of which, why hadn't Shang Sui given him his bracelet yet?

Shi Qi kicked the ground unhappily, pursing his lips.

Surely he wasn’t thinking of giving it to just any stray nobody. Why should he? That was his Pheromone.

'…'

A look of unwillingness surfaced in Yu Zhiling's eyes. He suddenly reached out, making as if to touch the flowers on Shi Qi's wrist.

Shi Qi reacted quickly and dodged aside first.

He couldn't help frowning. 'What are you doing? I said it's for someone else.'

'I've never seen this style before. I just wanted to look.'

When Shi Qi's face turned cold, his presence was startling. Yu Zhiling hurriedly changed the subject. 'Did you weave it yourself? So envious. I'd love such a beautiful bracelet.'

'—So fond of touching things, your way of showing envy is truly unique.'

The memory from last night was too vivid. Hearing Shang Sui's voice so abruptly, Yu Zhiling actually shuddered reflexively.

Meeting the Alpha's slightly mocking gaze, he retreated a step imperceptibly. Coming to his senses, he cursed himself inwardly for being neurotic.

With so many people around, what could Shang Sui do?

Yu Zhiling suppressed his alarm and turned to Shi Qi. 'Xiao Qi, it's my fault. I shouldn't have touched your bracelet without asking.'

'But I really meant nothing by it. Your boyfriend's words are a bit too much, aren't they… Sorry.'

Knowing Shi Qi responded to softness, not force, he deliberately put on a wronged, pitiful look toward the end, trying to win some sympathy.

Unbelievable.

Shang Sui gave a quiet snort to himself.

Stirring up trouble and still having the nerve to play pitiful. Never seen someone so cowardly.

After speaking, Yu Zhiling saw that Shi Qi was still ignoring him, and wanted to do what he usually did—loop himself around his arm and act spoiled until he could smooth it over.

But Shi Qi caught Shang Sui’s hand first, his expression mild and cool. ‘My boyfriend is just like that. Be a little accommodating with him.’

'…'

Yu Zhiling’s arm froze in place. He hadn’t expected to be avoided, much less for Shi Qi to step in front of Shang Sui.

Shang Sui stared blankly for a moment, then quickly clasped Shi Qi’s hand in return. ‘It’s almost six. Shall we head over to the Square?’

Shi Qi nodded.

He might have been slow on the uptake, but after that scene just now had been so obvious, anyone could tell Yu Zhiling and Shang Sui did not get along.

Even if he really disliked Alphas, was this necessary?

Lin Yan had already walked some distance away. Seeing the situation wasn't right, he returned to smooth things over. 'You're here too? Come with us? I heard there's a performance at the Square.'

Yu Zhiling gritted his teeth, quickly adjusted his expression, and nodded in agreement.

Under the setting sun, the Fountain Pool in the center of the Square refracted diamond-like, dazzling light.

A nearby band was singing a melodious English song; many tourists had stopped to listen.

‘You’re here!’ The girl greeted them brightly, a registration book tucked in her arms. ‘Come over here and let’s count your bracelets.’

Shi Qi handed over his and Shang Sui's flower baskets. Other staff members were nearby; none had seen such a sight before. After a moment of surprise, they quickly gathered to count.

After verifying the numbers from both sides, the girl ran to speak with an older staff member. The other thought for a moment and nodded.

‘I’ve got bad news for you two. Your bracelet counts are exactly the same, a perfect tie.’ When the girl came back, she smiled and proposed, ‘But there’s good news too. Would you be interested in both going onstage to perform? We already confirmed it just now—the prize can be exceptionally given out in two copies.’

'Wait a moment. I haven't given mine out yet.'

Shang Sui took his bracelet off. Shi Qi realized something, his fingers twitching slightly.

'Happy festival. I hope you find happiness.'

Almost the instant he held out his hand, Shi Qi immediately laid his palm over it, as if he had been waiting a long time.

Truly a kitten baby, coming over as soon as someone reaches out.

A smile rippled through Shang Sui’s eyes before he knew it. ‘The first time I saw your Pheromone, I wanted to say that if I had to imagine it, there isn’t a flower in this world more suited to you.’

This kind of flower, blooming in clusters like lamps or dew, symbolizes pure love, reunion after long separation, and joy regained after loss.

Shi Qi's Pheromone was Lily of the Valley. Its flower language meant 'the return of happiness.'

It sounded like the happy ending only a fairy tale ought to contain, something that had once been an unattainable luxury to him.

He had met Shi Qi at seventeen, and lost him again at seventeen. Fairly speaking, he had not lived badly these past years. He had also warned himself that a person was not only alive when living in that blazing summer of seventeen.

But he remained indifferent to everything. Sometimes, waking in the early morning, he would feel an emptiness and exhaustion rise up inside him, impossible to hold back.

Harboring selfish motives, Shang Sui gently slipped the Lily of the Valley Bracelet onto Shi Qi’s wrist and said, in a way that could be taken either way:

'If possible, I hope fate can be like its flower language.'

A little more complete, and even the lost old days might return with it.

The girl had watched from beginning to end, covering her mouth, wanting to scream, yet unable to bear breaking the beautiful atmosphere of this moment.

Oh my god, it's like a Proposal scene…!

Under his gentle gaze, Shi Qi curled his fingers. With his other hand, he carefully touched the soft petals, then came back to himself and tried to take off his own bracelet to give it to him. ‘Then mine too—’

'Don't give it to me.' Shang Sui said first. 'Keep the blessing for yourself, Xiao Qi.'

Bracelets woven during the Flower Day Festival could also be kept, carrying the meaning of self-love and a blessing offered to oneself.

At first, he had really wanted to exchange with Shi Qi, but compared with that, it seemed he still wanted him to love himself a little more.

Shi Qi thought of that meaning too and said without hesitation, ‘Then don’t give me your bracelet either. Keep it for yourself.’