Testing the Waters

When Shi Qi woke up, the sun was bright outside the window; it was already noon.

This sleep had been exceptionally sweet. He opened his eyes lazily, saw an unfamiliar ceiling, and took a slow beat to realize where he was.

After washing up, Shi Qi shuffled out in his slippers.

He vaguely heard some movement outside and assumed it was Shang Sui in the kitchen. Remembering that the other man likely didn't know how to cook, he was just feeling curious when he saw a kind-looking woman.

She greeted him warmly and asked what he wanted to eat later, mentioning that she had just baked pancakes, prepared plum-braised pork ribs to his taste, and was simmering matsutake chicken soup.

When Shi Qi asked about Shang Sui's whereabouts, she said he had left early in the morning and left a note for him in the living room.

Shi Qi nodded, then thought that not seeing Shang Sui for a while might be a good thing; he still needed time to sort out his own thoughts.

Shi Qi went to the living room and picked up the note:

[Thank you, Xiao Qi, for staying with me through my Sensitivity Period.

I am a bit different from others; if you want to know, I will tell you in detail next time.

I had a sudden matter to attend to, so I left first.

If you want to go home, just tell the auntie, and she will call a driver for you.

Please stamp this if you have finished reading it^^]

There was no name signed at the bottom, only a sketch of a butterfly in side profile.

A thin line trailed behind the butterfly, looking both like a single stroke of a petal and a flight path.

Shi Qi stared at Shang Sui's unique signature for a moment, then picked up the stamp prepared nearby.

The handle was carved into the shape of a cat looking up, and the stamp face was also a cat trotting forward, its curved tail held high.

Shi Qi looked at it closely and confirmed that this stamp had been custom-made.

Was this what Shang Sui did when he had nothing else to do?

This little thing was actually quite cute.

The moment he dipped it into the vermilion ink, Shi Qi felt as if he were reviewing imperial edicts.

He stamped the cat next to the butterfly to signify that it had been read.

After eating, the driver took him home.

Shi Qi pushed the door open to find Jiang Yoning and Shi An watching television on the sofa. They were chatting idly and turned their heads simultaneously upon hearing the noise.

Shi An asked in surprise, 'You're back?'

Jiang Yoning was equally astonished: 'Weren't you staying with your boyfriend for his Sensitivity Period?'

Shi Qi didn't mention that Shang Sui's Sensitivity Period was different from a typical Alpha's, saying only, 'He didn't tell me at first, and it was almost over by the time I arrived.'

Shi An showed a rare look of satisfaction: 'At least he has some sense of propriety.'

Jiang Yoning had originally intended to praise his self-control, but the next moment, as Shi Qi walked over, she smelled a sweet, heavy Pheromone.

Alphas are naturally repelled by one another; Jiang Yoning nearly bristled, feeling uncomfortable all over: 'Why is your boyfriend's Pheromone so aggressive??'

Shi Qi defended him: 'It smells very good, actually.'

Shi An sneered: 'What smells good about it? It's cloyingly sweet.'

Shi Qi retorted: 'I just happen to like sweet things.'

Shi An: '?'

Seeing Shi An's expression sour, Jiang Yoning coughed.

In Shi An's view, Shang Sui's initial intentional or unintentional concealment of his family background made him seem too calculating, and Shi Qi's fierce defense of him made one worry about him being led around by the nose later on.

Though even if it were Fu Siyue, whom they knew inside and out, Shi An would likely still find ways to nitpick.

Despite urging Shi Qi to date and marry, now that there was a real sign of it, Shi An was more reluctant than anyone.

She understood this psychology and quickly smoothed things over: 'Xiao Qi has always liked sweet things, and their Compatibility Index is a hundred percent, so of course he would find it pleasant.'

Mentioning the Compatibility Index made Shi An's expression improve slightly.

Seeing Jiang Yoning speak up for him, Shi Qi sat down beside her without a word. Jiang Yoning was happy to have him close, but the Pheromone on Shi Qi felt like a heavy shadow pressing down on her, making her increasingly restless.

With her own excellent aptitude, she was usually the one suppressing others with her Pheromone; she was rarely suppressed by another Alpha's, especially when the person wasn't even standing in front of her.

Jiang Yoning joked: 'Is your boyfriend a special-type Alpha? His Pheromone is just too fierce.'

Shi Qi hadn't expected Jiang Yoning's casual remark to hit the truth so squarely, and he felt quite guilty.

He wasn't good at lying, so he could only pretend he hadn't heard.

Fortunately, Alphas with a Special Sensitivity Period were extremely rare; no one thought he would actually run into one.

Jiang Yoning sniffed again.

To be stained with such heavy Pheromone in just half a day—they must have been quite intense.

She suddenly asked: 'You didn't let him enter your reproductive cavity, did you?'

Shi An turned his head, alert.

Jiang Yoning continued on her own: 'Almost forgot, I gave you condoms, so you shouldn't have.'

Seeing Shi An listening with ears pricked, Shi Qi suddenly felt mischievous: 'Jiejie.'

Jiang Yoning: '?'

Shi Qi gave Jiang Yoning a look, then asked as if casually: 'Where did the things you gave me come from?'

Jiang Yoning caught on, thinking this kid was really asking for a beating, but she was eager to join in the trouble: 'The study, of course.'

'So there are things like that in the study; no wonder it's always locked.' Shi Qi blinked and turned to Shi An: 'Baba, be careful, I don't want a younger brother or sister.'

As he finished speaking, the siblings stood up in tacit agreement and rushed toward the indoor elevator.

Shi An froze for a moment, then suddenly realized what they meant.

'Jiang Yoning! Shi Qi!' Shi An roared from behind, 'You two have really grown bold, sneaking my things—and Shi Qi, what is that supposed to mean?? You get back here—!!'

The elevator doors closed before Shi An could catch them.

'Oh my, I can't, I'm dying of laughter! Did you see Baba Shi An's expression!' Jiang Yoning laughed until she doubled over, her hair-pin falling to the floor.

Shi Qi was also laughing, nodding as he said, 'His face turned red.'

After such a scene, Shi An likely wouldn't be chasing him with questions for a while.

Once they reached the upper floor, Shi Qi suddenly thought of something.

'By the way, Jiejie,' Jiang Yoning was very knowledgeable about jewelry, so Shi Qi asked, 'Shang Sui gave me a gift for Christmas Day, and I want to return the favor. Do you have any recommendations? Preferably jewelry.'

'The gift your boyfriend gave you was that Gemstone Waist Chain, right? Since he can give you something like that, he's probably used to seeing ordinary jewelry.'

She thought of something, scrolled to a page on her phone, and showed it to Shi Qi: 'I've been picking out new jewelry lately, and I really like this one.'

'The bracelet and anklet are a set; it's generally recommended for couples to wear them separately.'

'Besides that, it comes with a separate long chain that can connect them,' Jiang Yoning said with a mischievous smile. 'Once worn, you can pull the other person's foot just by raising your hand. Isn't that interesting?'

Shi Qi felt something was slightly off, but Jiang Yoning explained: 'It's a niche jewelry brand that's been very popular lately. It actually has a long history; it was originally a brand that made special accessories.'

'Special accessories?'

'Mm... you know, just a little bit of fun.'

Facing Shi Qi's half-understanding gaze, she felt a twinge of guilt for corrupting a child, so she preemptively argued: 'Don't doubt me, we Alphas love these kinds of things!'

Shi Qi looked closely at the Couple's Chain on the screen; it was decorated with pink and peacock-green gemstones, and the chains were silver.

His gaze lingered on the English description; it was indeed, as Jiang Yoning said, jewelry recommended for couples.

He still felt something was a bit strange.

But Jiang Yoning's taste was impeccable, the Couple's Chain was beautiful, and Jiang Yoning wouldn't lie to him.

'It's quite pretty, send me the link.'

'?'

Jiang Yoning had only intended to show him, not expecting him to actually buy it.

She felt a worry similar to Shi An's; the more she looked, the more her brother seemed like he was about to pack himself up and deliver himself away, reminding her of a cat in a cartoon that puts a bow on itself and climbs into a gift box.

Jiang Yoning finally said with a complex tone: 'Baobei, you've really grown up.'

Shi Qi was preoccupied with other thoughts and didn't notice the deeper meaning in her words.

Once back in his room, he could finally sort through his feelings.

He recalled everything from their first meeting at Huijian Restaurant to the bits and pieces of their time together after pretending to be a couple.

The Lily of the Valley Bracelet that Shang Sui had given him in Qi Jiang had been brought back, and he had originally wanted to preserve it as a dried flower, but the Lily of the Valley was too delicate and withered too quickly, so he had to give up on the idea.

Fragments of Shang Sui's Sensitivity Period flashed through his mind, seemingly returning to the Pheromone-filled Art Studio.

Shi Qi's earlobes grew warm, and his fingers touched his own lips without him realizing it.

If they confirmed their relationship, they could kiss every day; such a wonderful thing...

No, think about something else; he couldn't just focus on pleasure.

He had taken in more or less everything Shi An and Jiang Yoning had said earlier.

He knew his constitution was special and it would be best to consider the long term.

The words 'long term' swirled in Shi Qi's mind for a long time; thinking that Shang Sui could sleep with him and he would never have to suffer from insomnia again—was that not the most certain kind of long term?

After much deliberation, Shi Qi chose to follow his heart's truest feelings and decisively placed an order for the Couple's Chain Jiang Yoning had sent him.

He had decided.

Once he received the jewelry, he would go and confess to Shang Sui.

Shi Qi clenched his fist. The impending event filled him with unprecedented anticipation and excitement, like embarking on an adventure full of freshness, with a particularly alluring prize waiting at the finish line.

Just then, his phone chimed with a notification.

Jiang Yan: [Um, Shi Qi, are you free the day after tomorrow?]

Jiang Yan: [Shen Qianyu's birthday is coming up, but it's awkward for me to celebrate with him alone. Could I ask you and Shang Sui to come together?]

Jiang Yan sent a crying emoji along with the message.

Jiang Yan: [Shang Sui told me to ask you; he said you're the one who makes the decisions in your home.]

Jiang Yan: [Please, you must do us the honor.]

Shi Qi's gaze lingered on the words 'your home' for a moment before he typed a reply.

17: [Did you and Shen Qianyu make up?]

[No.] Jiang Yan hesitated, [But I celebrate his birthday with him every year; I can't just skip it because we had a fight, right?]

17: [?]

Jiang Yan seemed to have struggled with this for a long time, launching into a flurry of messages to Shi Qi, the central theme being: 'He doesn't have many friends, and his family is out of town. If neither Shang Sui nor I go, wouldn't it be a bit pathetic to spend his birthday alone!'

Shi Qi felt something was off, but seeing Jiang Yan trying so hard to convince himself, he eventually went along with it:

17: [I suppose that makes sense.]

17: [When are you celebrating the day after tomorrow? I have a friend who happens to have a birthday then too.]

Qin Shuhe's birthday also happened to be the day after tomorrow. Qin Shuhe, Lin Yan, and Chu Tao were going to see a Mirage concert that day because the lead dancer of Mirage used to be a member of their Dance Club; they had even asked Shi Qi if he wanted to join, but he had declined with little interest.

The concert would end and they would be back in the city around ten, so Qin Shuhe had decided to take everyone out for a late-night snack and karaoke.

Jiang Yan: [Would dinner time work?]

The two gatherings would miss each other perfectly.

17: [That works.]

17: [What does Shen Qianyu like? I'll go prepare a gift.]

Jiang Yan was overjoyed: [No, no! What gift? Your presence is the best gift!]

Jiang Yan added: [Besides, aren't you and Shang Sui a family? He'll definitely prepare something.]

Shi Qi read it over several times, thinking Jiang Yan was quite good with words.

Holding onto the idea of testing the waters before his formal confession, he sent a message to Shang Sui.

-

'So you didn't know how to face Shi Qi, and you ran away?'

Shen Qianyu looked at his friend, who was silent beside him, and hit the nail on the head.

They had just finished a banquet, and both were in formal wear. Shang Sui had said he had something to discuss, and Shen Qianyu had listened carefully to his fragile and sensitive worries, only then learning the true nature of his relationship with Shi Qi.

'What are you talking about?' Shang Sui denied it as if it were natural.

'You usually can't be bothered to attend these kinds of social events. With your Sensitivity Period just finished, you should prefer staying home and sleeping.'

Although he looked radiant, Shen Qianyu saw through his poor state at a glance. It was rare to see Shang Sui in such a state, so he smiled: 'Didn't sleep all night? Shi Qi really has a talent for wearing you out like this.'

'...'

Shang Sui turned to step on his sore spot: 'I heard someone has already looked into the entire procedure for a gland transplant surgery, but unfortunately, that trick doesn't work very well, and Jiang Yan was scared to death. What's going on, Dr. Shen?'

Both fell silent.

'But I'm doing much better than you,' Shang Sui said cheekily. 'I'm just thinking about how to confess properly.'

'Given your personality, you'll probably prepare a unique confession gift, pick a place with a beautiful view, make everything look perfect, and finally choose a day with special significance to express your feelings.'

'...I'm not that flamboyant, am I?' Shang Sui was choked up, then added, 'Though I have indeed ordered a unique gift recently.'

When he was in Qi Jiang, he felt Shi Qi liked the bracelet he gave him, but fresh flowers were hard to keep, so after he returned, he ordered a Lily of the Valley-shaped bracelet.

He had drawn the prototype himself and communicated with the designer, finalizing the plan after understanding the materials, existing techniques, and the possible time required for production.

'But it will take a long time to get it, and I can't wait.'

Shen Qianyu was speechless: 'May I ask in what capacity you ordered it? It wasn't cheap, was it? Giving something like this will only make people think you have ulterior motives. Are you trying to force a marriage?'

'Can't you just give up on all this nonsense and just say it?'

Shang Sui had been drinking at the banquet; he rested his face lazily on his palm and didn't answer immediately.

After a moment, he suddenly said: 'You know, when you realize you have someone you like, happiness and joy aren't the biggest feelings.'

'For me, it's insecurity.'

Always thinking you're special enough, while fearing that everything is just wishful thinking.

Arrogant one second, insecure the next.

Shen Qianyu didn't mock him this time, but said in a low voice: 'I know, how could I not?'

Thinking the other person is perfect in every way, while in comparison, you feel your own flaws and inadequacies.

Close friends all knew Shang Sui once had a White Moonlight, but that was just a joking way to put it.

After learning that Shi Qi was 'that one,' he completely understood why Shang Sui was hesitant.

Compared to attraction and love, Shi Qi's existence held a more profound significance.

Shen Qianyu still remembered that after that summer, Shang Sui's personality had undergone a earth-shattering change.

If one were to intentionally teach someone how to live, how to express their inner feelings, how to forget worries, walk out of the shadows, and live happily... it would likely end up as nothing more than wishful, empty talk.

Shi Qi hadn't done anything intentionally, yet he had unknowingly spurred that change.

This kind of attraction, this spontaneous change, actually had a more appropriate description—

'He is the one who saved me.'

The teenage Shang Sui finished telling a part of the summer story, softly drawing a period to their less-than-perfect ending.

Even if only one person remembers, it still carries an extraordinary significance.

Thinking of this, Shen Qianyu couldn't help but ask: 'Do you want to take this opportunity to tell him about the past?'

Shang Sui stared at the crystal-clear lava chandelier in the distance, lost in thought for a while.

'If he forgot, it means it wasn't an important thing.'

He wore his usual smile and answered in a relaxed tone: 'If I suddenly say, "We used to be very close, you even said you wanted to marry me, how could you have forgotten everything?"... it would look like I'm settling old scores and would put pressure on him.'

'It's enough to be happily together; there's no need to bring up the past during a confession.'

Just as he was speaking,

His phone screen suddenly lit up.

Shang Sui read the message and suddenly said: 'I think I'm ready to confess.'

'Congratulations, but how did you cure your habit of hesitation?'

Shang Sui answered the question with another, staring at his phone screen with a very doting tone: 'Oh my, our baobei is really cute.'

'...'

Compared to the one full of melodrama just a moment ago, this one seemed to be acting out his passion at his phone.

Shen Qianyu finally said with great cultivation: 'I hope your current courage lasts until the day of your confession.'

Shang Sui couldn't hear a word he was saying, as he was busy imagining Shi Qi typing that line.

17: [Jiang Yan said we are a family, no need to prepare gifts separately.]

17: [Are we?]

Across the screen, he could see Shi Qi extending a cat's paw, tentatively taking a step forward.

He smiled and typed his reply.

Ss: [Of course we are^^]