Gift

Shang Sui stared fixedly at him. The alcohol made his thoughts sluggish; what first occupied his senses wasn't the teasing remark but the smile on Shi Qi's face.

There was a huge difference between Shi Qi smiling and not smiling. When expressionless, he was overbearing; once touched by a smile, that icy aura would melt into a purity like spring water dissolving, evoking flowers blooming by a mountain stream.

Shang Sui's heart itched with impatience. Staring at him, he urged: 'Say it again.'

After waiting a long time without a response, he unwillingly squeezed Shi Qi's hand, but the latter shook him off cleanly.

Shang Sui was stunned for a full three seconds, an expression of disbelief flashing through his eyes.

Shi Qi asked knowingly: 'Aren't you happy?'

'...'

'Why aren't you saying anything,' Shi Qi said again, as if suddenly discovering amusement. 'Gege looks so wronged.'

Their eyes met. The Alpha let out a low tsk.

The hand that had been shaken off earlier pinched Shi Qi's chin, turning his face, exuding an air that brooked no refusal.

Shang Sui's gaze fell straight on his lips, the distance growing closer and closer. Realizing he had taken the game too far, Shi Qi quickly struggled to back away: 'Don't—!'

Jiang Yoning was still here; if he kissed him, all his impression points would be lost!

But Shang Sui pressed forward regardless. In his panic, Shi Qi turned his face away, and the soft lips happened to brush across his cheek.

Shi Qi's face grew hot, and he heard him say: 'Don't dodge.'

Sure enough, Jiang Yoning shrieked: 'Hey! What are you doing in public!'

Shi Qi was almost knocked over by him. Just kissing his cheek couldn't satisfy the Alpha; Shang Sui pressed close again.

Maybe because she had drunk too much, when Jiang Yoning saw Shang Sui leaning toward Shi Qi, she could see this guy was practically radiating hearts of happiness all over.

Afraid he would go even further in front of a crowd, Shi Qi quickly pushed him away: 'Stop messing around!'

But Shang Sui wouldn't let it go: 'Xiao Qi, kiss kiss.'

His voice seemed to drip honey: 'Like you.'

Shi Qi's heart swayed at being called that. His hands went weak, and he accidentally let him lean in.

Seeing this, Jiang Yoning immediately felt that Shi Qi's future family status was worrying.

All that talk about taking him back and locking him up—her idiot little brother was about to have his pants tricked off him.

'Aiya, Shi Qi, can you even do this! I got him drunk tonight to make it easier for you, not so he could take advantage of you!'

Seeing Shi Qi staring blankly at Shang Sui at the critical moment, actually bewitched by good looks.

Jiang Yoning sighed inwardly at the boy's lack of backbone, and blurted out: 'Why don't you slap him a few times? Slap his face swollen and you won't be soft-hearted!'

Li Zhao quickly stopped her: 'What's wrong with them kissing? Don't meddle.'

By the time Shi Qi came back to his senses, the distance between them was only a hair's breadth.

At the last moment, he frantically covered Shang Sui's mouth while lowering his voice: 'I'll let you kiss when we get home.'

Shang Sui paused his movements, as if considering whether this condition was worth it.

Shi Qi felt immense pressure under his gaze: 'You, you can do other things when we get back too,' he unconsciously released a bit of pheromone. 'Be good now.'

Smelling the Lily of the Valley scent on his palm, after a moment, Shang Sui slowly backed away.

Shi Qi breathed a sigh of relief, then froze in place the next moment.

Taking advantage of the fact that others couldn't see, before they separated, Shang Sui licked his palm.

Seeing Shi Qi stunned, Shang Sui smiled at him: 'It's a deal, okay? When I get home, I still want to lick you.'

'...You must be part dog,' Shi Qi teased. 'You like licking people that much.'

Shang Sui didn't argue. He stretched out his arms and contentedly hooked them around Shi Qi's shoulders.

There was a gap in their height and build; what should have been a cuddling pose instead looked like a victim being coiled by a python.

Jiang Yoning puffed out her cheeks, watching this scene.

Now not only hearts were popping up around Shang Sui, but also little pink flowers.

Afraid she might be unhappy, Qin Shuhe changed the subject: 'Yuning-jie, do you still want to drink? I'll drink with you.'

'No more, no more!'

Jiang Yoning tossed her cup aside, turned around, and burrowed into Li Zhao's arms: 'I want a hug too!'

Qin Shuhe: '?'

By the end of the dinner, Jiang Yoning was also a bit tipsy.

Before they parted, she called Shi Qi aside alone and handed him a small bag.

'It was inconvenient to carry the package, so I opened it, but I didn't touch the gift box... What did you buy? Jewelry?'

'The Couple's Chain you recommended before.'

'You actually bought it,' Jiang Yoning choked for a moment. 'Are you giving him the bracelet or the anklet?'

'Let him choose,' Shi Qi said without thinking. 'It's a gift for him after all.'

'No, you take the bracelet. Alphas don't have clean minds. If you wear the anklet, he'll probably think of all sorts of nonsense.'

Jiang Yoning looked at the pure, flower-bud-like face in front of her and said worriedly: 'What if he gets inspired from now on and falls in love with some kind of tying-up and imprisoning thing? Won't you be the one suffering?'

Shi Qi: '...?'

What did that have to do with the Couple's Chain?

Before Shi Qi could figure it out, Jiang Yoning reluctantly evaluated: 'But Shang Sui is not bad.'

Seeing Shi Qi's surprised expression, Jiang Yoning raised an eyebrow: 'You don't think I was deliberately making things hard for him, do you? I did all that to help you test him, to see what his temper was like.'

She spoke with righteous indignation, but Shi Qi was unmoved: 'Oh, really.'

The siblings exchanged a glance.

Jiang Yoning admitted: 'Fine, I did dislike him at first, but my opinion changed after getting to know him. Overall, although he can't compare to me, jiejie, in gentleness and thoughtfulness, he's still a decent Alpha...'

Shi Qi said abruptly: 'Gentle and thoughtful? You? You can just say you're drunk.'

'—Shi Qi!'

Shi Qi turned and ran.

Shang Sui had been chatting with Qin Shuhe. They stood side by side in the alley; Qin Shuhe smoked a cigarette while Shang Sui had a lollipop in his mouth.

Caught off guard, someone tugged at him.

Shi Qi: 'Run! Jiang Yoning is going to kill someone!'

Shang Sui: '?'

This farce ended with Jiang Yoning catching Shi Qi and thoroughly messing up his hair.

After a noisy farewell to the others, they returned home, the time approaching midnight.

As they entered, the automatic sensor light in the foyer flicked on. Shi Qi casually took off his thick coat.

A small part of the Omega's fair back was revealed. The ribbon tied at the nape of his neck just covered his gland, and combined with the shimmering Pearl Back Chain on his back, it was like a gift waiting to be unwrapped.

After most of the day, Shi Qi had gotten used to the sound of the Pearl Back Chain jingling as he moved, and didn't notice the person behind him, whose gaze was glued to him, tracing every inch of his snow-white skin.

The automatic sensor light soon went out. Just as Shi Qi was about to turn on the light, Shang Sui accurately caught his hand in the darkness, stopping him first.

A thick honey scent enveloped him. Like a nocturnal animal freed from its shackles, the Alpha contentedly embraced him from behind: 'Finally, just us.'

For most people, light feels safer than darkness.

Shi Qi patted his arm, reminding him: 'Turn on the light.'

Shang Sui didn't move. His chin rested on Shi Qi's shoulder: 'Someone asked me for your contact info today.'

Shi Qi was taken aback: 'When?'

'After Xie Professor called me away, the accompanying Photographer saw you were beautiful and kept asking.'

The Photographer was a young Alpha who looked like he had just graduated.

He kept praising Shi Qi's outstanding appearance and how his temperament could inspire creativity. Only when he saw Shang Sui's expression wasn't right did he belatedly ask about his relationship with Shi Qi.

After Shang Sui said they were a couple, the Photographer was stunned for a moment and quickly apologized to him.

Even knowing that Shi Qi had always had good luck with admirers, Shang Sui still felt a bit jealous: 'Why is Xiao Qi so popular.'

'So are you.'

Shang Sui didn't respond to that, instead bringing up another matter: 'I heard what you said to Jiang Yoning today. You like me because of my face.'

'?'

Thinking that Shang Sui should have been giving Li Zhao an autograph at the time, Shi Qi couldn't help but admire his ability to multitask.

Shang Sui hugged him tighter and pestered him: 'If there's an Alpha better-looking than me, will Xiao Qi leave me?'

Shi Qi thought to himself, why does this sound so familiar. It seemed like the cheesy dramas Lin Yan watched often had similar lines. The difference was that his and Shang Sui's genders were swapped compared to the shows.

Shi Qi found it amusing and deliberately said: 'I'll think about it.'

'...'

'Better-looking than you? That must be very attractive. Maybe I won't be able to control myself.'

As soon as he finished speaking, Shi Qi's expression changed slightly.

Shang Sui's pheromone... seemed to be out of control.

The usually sweet scent surged up like a tide, heavily wrapping around his body.

Shi Qi's knees uncontrollably went weak. His gland began to burn, as if an invisible hand was gripping his throat. The Omega instinct in him made every nerve in his body scream for submission.

If Shang Sui hadn't been holding him, he had no doubt he would have already collapsed.

In the pitch darkness, he heard the Alpha behind him say softly: 'If that situation really happens, I'll make him disappear, then use Mind Manipulation to make you forget him.'

'But I've never tried brainwashing. I might accidentally make you forget everything—family, friends... you'll forget it all, and in the end, only remember me.'

Shi Qi had thought his drunkenness had passed, but now he realized Shang Sui's state wasn't normal.

Or rather, this was his truest self.

Shi Qi opened his mouth: 'You...'

He had meant to ask if he was okay, but Shang Sui reached out and gently pinched his small earlobe.

A tingling, numbing itch spread from the touched spot. Shi Qi let out a faint whimper, momentarily forgetting what he was going to say.

If the situation weren't so off, he would have asked Shang Sui to go a bit lower and touch his neck with the same pressure.

'That would be good, too.'

Shang Sui spoke very slowly, which made his words all the more convincing.

'I'll find a place where no one can disturb us, and be with you forever.'

It was as if the Alpha's nearly out-of-control emotions were being forcibly poured into his brain. Shi Qi shuddered, almost thinking he was listening to a ghost story.

But soon, the horror turned into an inexplicable ache of sympathy.

Shang Sui really seemed to be afraid—whether it was saying he was happy when drunk, or now, as if he never had much sense of security, always worried that he would leave.

'Don't be mad, I was joking,' Shi Qi quickly said. 'To me, there's no Alpha better-looking than you.'

To soothe him, Shi Qi braced himself against the immense pressure, turned around, and actively moved closer to Shang Sui.

He couldn't see clearly in the dark. Shi Qi had meant to kiss him, but ended up only kissing his chin:

'I only like you.'

With the kiss, that terrifying oppressive feeling vanished abruptly.

If not for his gland still slightly swollen from the stimulation, Shi Qi would have thought the fleeting pheromone surge was his imagination.

Emotions could be forcibly suppressed, but pheromones weren't something that could be turned on and off at will.

Even knowing Shang Sui was different from ordinary Alphas, this kind of extreme swing was too bizarre. Shi Qi felt a bit lost, unsure whether he was happy or not. He tentatively leaned in, wanting to try kissing him again.

'Thank you, baobei, but I wasn't joking.' Shang Sui hugged him tightly in the darkness. 'I'd go crazy without you.'

Before Shi Qi could react, Shang Sui used a bit of force and easily lifted him horizontally.

The fluffy slippers he had just put on fell to the floor with a soft thud. Clutching the small bag in his hand, Shi Qi was carried all the way into the living room. Moonlight poured in from the floor-to-ceiling windows, allowing him to vaguely make out the surroundings compared to the foyer.

He was tossed onto the soft, long-haired sofa. Shang Sui eagerly pressed down on him, holding him and kissing him.

Another person's lips and tongue forcefully dominated his breath. Every inch of Shi Qi was thoroughly licked, kissed, and nibbled, as if he wanted to devour him, skin and bones.

Shi Qi's whole body grew hot. In between kisses, he demanded in a muffled voice: 'Turn on the light... I want to see your face.'

This time, Shang Sui listened to him. He reluctantly sucked on his lips before getting up.

The sudden light made Shi Qi close his eyes. After a long moment, he slowly opened them.

He saw a flush beneath Shang Sui's eyes. His light brown pupils were like a whirlpool of emotions; just meeting his gaze made Shi Qi feel like he was drowning.

'What's in the bag?'

'It's a gift.' Shi Qi had been unconsciously gripping the bag. Coming back to himself, he said, 'The confession gift I wanted to give you before.'

'Xiao Qi prepared a confession gift?' Shang Sui showed a hint of surprise. 'How cute.'

Shi Qi felt a bit embarrassed by the compliment and took the initiative to ask: 'Do you want to see it?'

As he spoke, he opened the bag and handed the gift box inside to Shang Sui.

A short and a long Silver Chain were fixed on deep black velvet, adorned with light pink and peacock green gemstones. The long connecting chain was placed separately to the side.

Shang Sui quickly figured out how this set of chains was meant to be worn. His gaze paused: 'Why did you think to give this?'

'Jiejie recommended it. I thought it was very pretty. Do you like it?'

Hearing his answer, Shang Sui confirmed that he had simply thought the set of chains looked nice.

Such a suggestive gift...

'I like it.' Shang Sui answered quickly. 'I think it's very pretty too. Xiao Qi is so good at picking gifts.'

Hearing that someone liked something they had given always made the giver happy. Shi Qi was no exception.

'It's a couple's set, right?' Shang Sui's eyes curved. 'Which one does Xiao Qi want me to wear, the anklet or the bracelet?'

Seeing him smile at him, Shi Qi accidentally forgot Jiang Yoning's advice entirely.

'Either is fine. Which one do you like?'

'I want to see you wear the anklet.'

Shi Qi nodded.

Shang Sui took out the longer, more ornate decorative chain: 'I'll help you put it on.'

Having been carried over by Shang Sui, Shi Qi's slippers had long since fallen off.

He sat barefoot on the sofa. Hearing that Shang Sui would help him put on the chain, he cooperatively placed his feet on the fluffy pink sofa, his hands resting at his sides.

Shang Sui looked at him with an unreadable expression. Shi Qi once again felt that heavy pressure from before, as if his whole body was wrapped in his pheromone.

Was Shang Sui still a bit drunk?

But he didn't look much different from usual.

Shi Qi couldn't tell his state, so he temporarily set aside his doubts and asked instead: 'Is this position inconvenient? Should I change it?'

'No need,' Shang Sui said with double meaning. 'It's very convenient.'

As he spoke, he bent down and grabbed Shi Qi's ankle with one hand.

Although the movement was very gentle, Shi Qi felt he couldn't break free. The anklet winding around his leg didn't feel like an ornament, but more like some kind of beautiful shackle.

Click—

Accompanied by the soft sound of the clasp closing, Shang Sui squeezed his ankle and sincerely praised: 'It suits you so well.'

The anklet was more elaborate than the bracelet, a double-layered chain with teardrop-shaped colored gem pendants above and below, like a delicate floral garland, making the Omega's already slender ankle look even more delicate.

The alternating pink and green gems were very picky about skin tone, but Shi Qi's fair skin effortlessly complemented the bright colors, even the faint blue-purple veins on the top of his foot looked like decoration.

Shi Qi moved slightly to get used to the weight on his foot, and heard a faint rustling from his ankle, along with a soft clink from the Pearl Back Chain on his back.

Shi Qi suddenly said: 'I feel like a hardware store.'

Shang Sui laughed as he said: 'Not at all. What hardware store looks this good?'

After speaking, he leaned in and kissed Shi Qi's cheek.

Unlike the deep, tongue-twining kiss before, this affectionate kiss was light and fleeting, yet it still exuded possessiveness.

His voice was also like a feather, rustling against Shi Qi's heart: 'Xiao Qi is so beautiful.'

'So beautiful, and you're mine alone. I'm so happy.'

Dizzy from the kisses and praise, Shi Qi cooperatively reached out and wrapped his arms around Shang Sui's shoulders.

After who knows how long they were tangled up kissing, Shi Qi pulled away. Remembering the Couple's Chain wasn't fully put on yet, he said: 'Let me help you put on the bracelet?'

Seeing Shang Sui agree, Shi Qi took the remaining chain from the box.

In comparison, the single-layer bracelet was much simpler, but it was still clearly a couple's set from the ornate pink and green gem pendants.

Shi Qi spread his palm, like teaching a dog to shake hands: 'Come on, give me your hand.'

He deliberately teased Shang Sui, but the other cooperated with a smile: 'Okay.'

Shang Sui placed his hand in Shi Qi's palm. In comparison, the Alpha's hand was a full size larger. Seeing Shi Qi's surprised expression, Shang Sui hooked his fingers teasingly: 'What's wrong? I've been very obedient.'

'Yeah, right,' Shi Qi slapped his hand, ruthlessly exposing him. 'Behave yourself.'

As he spoke, he wound the chain around Shang Sui's wrist, then fastened it.

Hearing the faint sound of the clasp closing, Shi Qi couldn't help but curl his lips.

No wonder Shang Sui had looked so happy earlier.

Putting an accessory on someone you liked—it turned out to feel like marking them.

Just as people put collars engraved with the owner's name on beloved cats and dogs, when applied to a person, it was like saying this person is mine.

Before Shi Qi could fully savor this subtle feeling, Shang Sui pulled the long connecting chain and linked his own bracelet with Shi Qi's anklet.

He used a little force, and Shi Qi was tugged by the ankle, involuntarily moving forward.

Seeing him freeze, Shang Sui mischievously pulled again.

Forced to lift his calf, Shi Qi finally realized something was wrong: 'Wait, why is it like this? I should be able to tug you too—'

Shang Sui didn't answer, instead taking the opportunity to grab his ankle.

Shi Qi instinctively tensed his leg, the tilted chain glinting.

Seeing that aside from a bit of surprise, Shi Qi wasn't resisting being treated this way, a smile spread in Shang Sui's eyes.

The more he got to know him, the more he could feel Shi Qi's indulgence toward him, as if there were no limits.

If it were chains, shackles, or something like that, if he coaxed him a little, Shi Qi might agree too.

Too bad he couldn't lock him up forever.

Before Shi Qi could suggest switching again, Shang Sui knelt down in front of him.

Shang Sui was only wearing a thin white shirt today. He had already unbuttoned the front buttons during the dinner. The simple clothing instead highlighted his physique to the fullest, with broad, straight shoulders and back.

Even kneeling before Shi Qi, he was still tall.

'What are you doing?'

Shi Qi was startled, assuming he was going to adjust the anklet for him: 'Isn't it already on?'

'What you promised me before, do you still remember?'

Seeing that he seemed to have forgotten completely, Shang Sui kindly reminded him: 'When you asked if I was part dog.'

'What?'

Shang Sui kissed his lips, like an affectionate signal, and his lips gradually moved downward.

At first, Shi Qi didn't know what connection the two things had, until the large hand holding his ankle slowly moved up and grabbed his knee.

...

Shi Qi's gaze darted around, from the high brow bone to the lowered eyelashes, and then...

Caught off guard, the other lifted his eyes. Those fox-like eyes stared at him adoringly, and at this moment, a fragmented smile emerged.

Shi Qi abruptly looked away. In his panic, he stared at the ceiling, but his ears caught a sticky sound.

How could Shang Sui...!

He finally understood the connection between the two things, and also why he had said it was convenient for him to sit on the sofa.

He couldn't take it. He quickly lost his reason. The foot adorned with the gem chain unconsciously stepped onto the Alpha's shoulder, then began to kick uncontrollably.

The delicate Pearl Back Chain on Shi Qi's back swayed with the movement, making a crisp clinking sound.

...

Shi Qi's breathing was fragmented, gradually taking on a sobbing tone. It took a long time for him to come back to his senses.

The air was filled with a rich Lily of the Valley scent. Seeing what Shang Sui had done, Shi Qi's eyes widened even more, his entire face reddening to the point of dripping blood.

By the time he finally recovered from that stimulation, he realized that Shang Sui had inevitably been affected while serving him.

Shi Qi hesitated for a moment, then stood up on shaky legs: 'I... let me help you too?'

Before Shang Sui could answer, he imitated the other's earlier posture and knelt on the carpet.

The thin chain made a sound as he moved. With Shi Qi's actions, a slight, tugging force came from Shang Sui's wrist as well.

Seeing Shi Qi look up, Shang Sui's eyes gradually darkened. His slender fingers untied the ribbon at the nape of Shi Qi's neck.

Before they left, he had personally tied a beautiful, symmetrical bow for him, just covering the gland.

The button-down shirt loosened and fell downward, revealing a large expanse of smooth, snow-white back. Shi Qi's thin shoulder blades formed a symmetrical outline beneath the skin, evoking the image of a beached mermaid under the moonlight.

'Good, you're doing well...'

Shang Sui let out a soft hum, touching the back of his neck.

The Omega's vulnerable gland was hot and swollen, slightly protruding. His slender fingers reached around to the front, touching his delicate collarbone, then moved downward.

He heard Shang Sui's low voice coming from above: 'Let me feel. You like this, don't you?'

He did like being touched, but in this context, it seemed to refer to something else.

Shi Qi couldn't make a sound. The high-Compatibility Index pheromones made him dizzy. His brain was like butter being heated in a frying pan, melting softly.