Strawberry Cake

When she pressed send, Shang Sui leaned over.

Shi Qi lowered the phone screen so Shang Sui could see.

The moment '1717177's new post went up, comments flooded in. People were either charmed by Shi Qi's introduction or drawn in by the photo together:

[Report! 17 has picked herself a handsome keeper. From today on, she's a cat with a family!]

[No wonder some sisters said they were evenly matched in looks. I've always thought Xiao Qi looked like a finely carved doll, and this one is also unrealistically perfect.]

[Such a cute official announcement photo! Two beautiful faces!]

[I thought 17 would prefer a proper-looking Alpha? But the boyfriend looks nothing like 'proper' hahahahaha, yet surprisingly they match well—like a cat and butterfly, flower and snake, angel and demon.]

[And the way the cat's keeper looks at her is so doting. Mom is very satisfied! Mr. Keeper, you must feed this cat well!]

Shang Sui's eyes crinkled with a smile: 'Am I your keeper?'

Shi Qi hadn't thought it strange when typing those words, but hearing them in Shang Sui's mouth made them sound oddly suggestive, like some improper profession.

Shi Qi's eyes flickered, lips pressed together in silence.

Without expression, she could seem cold, but Shang Sui knew she was shy.

Shang Sui reached out, brushing aside the fine platinum-blonde strands, rubbing Shi Qi's reddened ear: 'What do you want to eat tonight?'

Pleased that Shi Qi had voluntarily posted their photo together, he added with a smile: 'Let me fulfill my keeper duties.'

'Anything's fine.' Shi Qi hesitated. 'After dinner, I want to go back to the Dormitory to sleep.'

Shang Sui: '?'

The smile faded from his face, replaced by a wounded look: 'We're separating on the first day we're together?'

'Finals next week. I want to go back and study.'

'While you study, I promise not to show up. Would that work?'

'No.' Shi Qi refused, unusually crisp.

Shang Sui really didn't want to part from her, draping himself bonelessly over Shi Qi: 'Why? Don't go. I won't bother you.'

'Xiao Qi, Xiao Qi—'

Shi Qi's body nearly went soft at the sound, suddenly understanding why ancient emperors skipped morning court, almost nodding in agreement.

At the critical moment, Shi Qi regained her senses: 'Because right now I can't be in the same space as you. The moment you're beside me, I want to kiss and hug you and do absolutely nothing else.'

She said it all in one breath without pausing. Seeing Shang Sui stunned: 'Get it? I can't control myself.'

'Got it,' Shang Sui said, gazing at her without blinking, fascinated. 'So cute.'

Shi Qi: '?'

Crazy.

Shi Qi made the call: 'Fine, then that's how it is.'

Shang Sui, seeing her resolve, could only agree.

He let go reluctantly, as if they'd never see each other again. Shi Qi almost laughed.

She had to admit, the other's behavior was very satisfying.

Before they got together, Shang Sui sometimes wouldn't contact her for days. She'd thought she was the only one reluctant to part, but Shang Sui seemed worse.

Shi Qi offered: 'We can meet during the day, have meals together or whatever.'

Shang Sui said suddenly: 'Can Xiao Qi promise me something?'

'Hmm?'

'After the exams, do what we did last night again.' He added softly, 'When you're sober.'

Shi Qi was silent for a moment. 'Okay.'

She just wanted to make it up to Shang Sui.

Definitely not because she was curious herself.

The Alpha's lips curved into a smile. He leaned against Shi Qi's shoulder, nuzzling her neck: 'You're the best. I like you so much.'

Shi Qi's body stiffened slightly, then she gave a low response.

Back at the Dormitory, she reached up to touch her flushed neck.

As if under a spell, the moment her guard slipped, she'd think of the other's sweet words.

Shi Qi muttered: 'Good thing I didn't stay with him.'

She forced herself to settle down and pulled out her textbook.

Near curfew, Lin Yan returned to the Dormitory.

Seeing Shi Qi, he thought he was seeing things: 'Why are you back?'

'Finals,' Shi Qi answered simply. 'For my scholarship.'

'So inspiring, baby.' Lin Yan looked admiring.

Shi Qi's grades were top of their major. Several professors in the department assumed she studied hard every day, but Lin Yan knew she just couldn't sleep, same as in high school, and read when she had nothing else to do as a way to fall asleep.

But given that Lin Yan himself went blind reading when sleepy, ultimately it was just that Shi Qi's brain worked better.

'Such a clever cat.' Lin Yan patted her fluffy head affectionately, then got more and more carried away, messing up Shi Qi's soft fluffy hair.

Shi Qi held back, and since Lin Yan had complimented her, didn't swat his hand away.

'But Shang Sui actually let you leave. His self-control is pretty strong.'

Meeting Shi Qi's puzzled gaze, Lin Yan explained: 'Aren't you two at 100% Compatibility Index? And you just got together. Last time I saw a pair at 80%, after confirming their relationship they went at it for three days straight. Forget finals, even if the earth was ending they'd be clinging together and biting each other.'

'...'

Since confirming their relationship, Shang Sui was like a magnet to her, making her want to be close every moment.

This unfamiliar, intense emotion felt like losing control, and Shi Qi instinctively felt uneasy. With finals happening, she thought it would be good for both of them to have some space.

'You leaving like this is playing hard to get—he'll definitely be thinking of you day and night.'

Shi Qi thought of how Shang Sui had been at parting—clingy, but not as extreme as Lin Yan described: 'It can't be that bad.'

'Remember to show him some care.' Lin Yan, seeing Shi Qi clueless, kindly reminded her: 'Alphas are naturally more driven by desire. If you don't give him a little sweetness, in a few days he might go crazy from holding back.'

Lin Yan went to shower after saying this. Shi Qi was pondering whether the words were true when her phone buzzed.

Jiang Yoning: [Is our dear one here?]

17: [1.]

Jiang Yoning: [I saw your post.]

Jiang Yoning: [Xiao An's dad happened to be next to me. He leaned over to look, but at the critical moment I blocked your account ID. I'm loyal enough, right!]

17: [Very loyal.]

17: [Thanks, sis.]

Jiang Yoning: [But he saw the photo of you and your boyfriend.]

Jiang Yoning: [He said he looks like a flower butterfly that's cultivated, totally improper.]

17: [?]

Jiang Yoning: [I want to ask too—a fox cultivating is one thing, but what does a butterfly cultivating even mean?]

Shi Qi was about to defend Shang Sui when Jiang Yoning added:

[But Xiao An's dad admits he does have some looks. Can't blame you for being blinded, wandering around in a daze all day.]

Shi An was always stubborn with his words. For him to admit 'some looks' meant Shang Sui's face truly couldn't find a single flaw.

Shi Qi was about to reply 'that's more like it' when Jiang Yoning continued:

[I don't know why, but looking at your boyfriend I feel vaguely annoyed. It's like... how to put it, like I've had a conflict with him before?]

[Logically, with your boyfriend's looks, if I'd seen him recently I definitely wouldn't forget.]

17: [No way? He has a great personality.]

Jiang Yoning: [Can't remember at all. You know my memory's bad.]

Jiang Yoning: [Just assume I can't bear another Alpha stealing you away, boohoo.]

-

The days of review flew by. Remembering Lin Yan's words, Shi Qi would send Shang Sui a message or two from time to time, occasionally meeting for a meal.

Five days passed, and she didn't notice anything off about Shang Sui, assuming Lin Yan's case was an exception.

What she didn't know was that since parting, the other person was counting every day, wishing he could open his eyes and it would be the day the exams ended.

Like someone who'd been starving for years finally obtaining a long-desired treasure, only to be forcibly torn away. Without Shi Qi, Shang Sui had no interest in anything.

Meiyan Academy had just finished its term, so he had nothing urgent. Xie Professor had previously asked him to prepare at least three works for an exhibition, so Shang Sui simply went to the Studio.

The Art Studio at home was too small for storing paintings. His parents' house was spacious, but Shang Sui didn't like the old mansion's decor. The Ningshan district had the best scenery in the city, so he'd set up his own Studio by the lake there.

Before, when he was back in the country, aside from his parents' house, he spent most of his time sleeping here.

The Studio had three floors total. Half the first floor was transparent one-way floor-to-ceiling glass, and the setting sun slanted in, making the open space feel submerged in a tide of warm gold.

While selecting works, Shang Sui hesitated repeatedly, then finally went up to the third floor.

He walked familiarly to the very back, pulled a painting from the storage rack, and after a long while, took it down and carefully wrapped it.

He selected two more paintings and ordered takeout while he was at it.

After all this, the sky had gone completely dark. Figuring he might as well stay the night, Shang Sui showered and sent Shi Qi a message:

Ss: [How's Your Majesty's studying tonight? Got time to favor me? ><]

No reply yet. He tossed his phone aside and flopped onto the sofa, bored.

He really wanted to see her.

Maybe because they'd just confirmed their relationship and then separated, or maybe because of that special painting in the afternoon. Even knowing it wouldn't be like six years ago, the restless feeling couldn't be suppressed.

Of the three paintings selected, two were highly completed works from the past year or two, and the other was from six years ago, carrying some private sentiment he couldn't quite articulate.

The reason for choosing that painting was...

Shang Sui stopped his thoughts, feeling his Pheromone slightly leaking out, surprising even himself for a moment.

But quickly, he naturally accepted the fact that he was about to lose control.

He wanted to hear Shi Qi's voice, see her face.

He wanted to touch, kiss—best to pin her down and mark every inch of skin.

Shang Sui's fingers moved slightly, his breathing unsteady.

Thinking of that night when they confirmed their relationship—when he'd pushed Shi Qi too hard, making her cry and ask why he was nuzzling everywhere like a dog—Shang Sui laughed involuntarily, thick desire spreading through his pupils.

He really was.

If he could, he'd want to lick Shi Qi all over.

The phone screen suddenly lit up. Realizing something, Shang Sui got up and grabbed it.

The one he'd been longing for replied, reserved.

17: [Okay.]

He pressed video call, and the other side accepted quickly.

'Shang Sui?' Shi Qi's face appeared on screen, clear bright eyes sweeping over his features, pausing slightly.

The Alpha's eye corners were tinged red, a peach-blossom flush beneath his eyes, and his heavy gaze carried something viscous.

Shang Sui's appearance made her heart race for no reason. Shi Qi quickly thought of his Sensitivity Period and couldn't help worrying: 'What's wrong? Are you feeling unwell?'

'I'm fine. Just wanted to see you.'

He spoke, voice sticky and soft: 'What is Xiao Qi doing?'

'Just finished a problem set.' Shi Qi said, setting the phone on a stand. 'Hold on, I'll get a cake.'

After a short while, Shi Qi's figure reappeared on screen.

The Dormitory had heating, so she was wearing only a white graphic T-shirt and black shorts, shuffling around in slippers.

Shi Qi's legs were beautiful—straight, long, perfectly proportioned. Her Achilles tendons were especially long, ankles delicate, able to be circled with one hand.

Shang Sui still remembered the feel of those legs.

Soft, snow-white skin fine as silk satin, very tempting.

He pressed down the surging desire and asked softly: 'Haven't eaten dinner?'

'Mm.' Shi Qi replied, putting on Bluetooth earbuds. She tore open the packaging with a small fork in her mouth, revealing a four-inch strawberry cream cake.

The sweet taste made Shi Qi close her eyes in satisfaction, temporarily forgetting the tormenting string of linear algebra in her head.

'Lin Yan went to the Library. He said staying in the Dormitory to review makes him sleepy.' Thinking of Lin Yan's miserable face, Shi Qi laughed unkindly: 'The moment he reads, he gets dizzy—spine, tailbone, all the way to his temples hurt.'

Watching Shi Qi eat the cake in small bites, cream at the corner of her mouth, the thoughts he'd suppressed earlier resurfaced, even more intensely.

Shang Sui asked absently: 'Is it serious?'

'Very serious,' Shi Qi commented. 'Only giving him a mahjong set can cure all his ailments.'

Shang Sui smiled slightly, but his gaze was soon drawn to Shi Qi's exposed collarbones.

With the motion of eating, Shi Qi's straight collarbones dipped down, the light flowing over them like water, like a small lake.

Shi Qi was oblivious, eating the plump red strawberry on top of the cake, licking cream from the fork, curiously examining the scene behind him: 'Where are you? Your sofa at home doesn't seem to be this color.'

'At the Studio.'

Shang Sui finally couldn't hold back, his hand sliding down.

'I miss you so much.'

Suddenly hearing him say he missed her, Shi Qi felt shy, and after a moment replied softly: 'I miss you too.'

'Mm...'

Shi Qi felt his voice was strange—stickier than usual, like syrup that could stretch into threads.

Shang Sui's lips parted, eyes shifting: 'Baby, I really want to hold you.'

Shi Qi thought he meant a hug, wondering why Shang Sui was suddenly so clingy, and agreed with reddened ears: 'I want you to hold me too.'

The Alpha on screen narrowed his eyes, as if stimulated, and was silent for a long while.

An absurd thought flashed through Shi Qi's mind, and she couldn't help asking: 'What are you doing?'

After a pause.

Shang Sui breathed lightly, answering a different question: 'If you don't want to, hang up.'

The absurd guess was confirmed. Shi Qi froze on the spot, Lin Yan's words flashing through her mind:

If you don't give him a little sweetness, Alphas will go crazy from holding back.

He'd thought Shang Sui wasn't affected much, but it turned out...!

Shi Qi's mind was a mess, and in her panic she accidentally knocked over the phone stand, then immediately picked it up.

The moment the screen flipped over, she was caught off guard by Shang Sui's face.

The other gazed at her intently, like a hunter who'd waited long enough, eyes half-light and half-dark, exuding full aggression.

So, so beautiful.

Shi Qi stared blankly, then after a long while asked as if possessed: 'Do you... want me to do something?'

Shang Sui's lips curved slightly, his voice through the earbuds gentle as a murmur: 'Put the phone back, aim it at your face.'

Shi Qi, like a puppet on his strings, did as told, even adjusting the stand's height on her own.

'So good, so thoughtful.'

Sweet praise came from the other side, then: 'Keep eating the cake.'

Eat the cake?

Oh, eat the cake.

Shi Qi's fingers trembled slightly. She gripped the fork and ate slowly, bite by bite.

But unlike before, Shi Qi felt as if eyes were on her back. The strawberry's sweet-sour taste seemed to turn into even sweeter honey, sliding down her throat drop by drop.

She'd turned on noise cancellation while reading earlier, and the earbuds blocked out the world, leaving only her and Shang Sui's voices. The Alpha's breathing mixed with pleasing gasps, as if right beside her.

Shi Qi's ears burned completely, wanting to bury her head.

'Look up.'

Some movement came through the earbuds. Shi Qi's eating paused for a moment, then glanced up at him.

The Alpha on the video end held his phone lazily, leaning back on the sofa.

Unlike his seemingly casual posture, his eyes were glued to Shi Qi, revealing undisguised excitement.

'...'

Shi Qi bit down on the fork, unable to obey the order, and quickly looked away.

Fortunately, Shang Sui didn't press the matter.

Shi Qi ate and thought.

This was definitely the slowest cake she'd ever eaten in her life.

Until she finished, the other side still hadn't ended.

Shi Qi sat still, and after a long while, finally gathered courage to glance up.

Their eyes met. Shang Sui's voice had a rough texture, his breath uneven: 'Are you full?... How did the cake taste?'

'I'm full,' Shi Qi said quietly. 'It was very sweet.'

Her cheeks were flushed pink, like heavy peach blossoms on a branch.

When Shi Qi spoke, a small tip of tongue flashed briefly, and combined with her current state, just looking was enough to stir the imagination.

Shang Sui hummed softly.

Shi Qi's throat bobbed slightly, her gaze involuntarily drifting to that alluring face.

'Thanks for the treat.' At the last moment, Shang Sui curved his eyes and smiled at her. 'I'm full too.'