The Plan

Perhaps it was because the last few days had been too full, but Shi Qi could not fall asleep for a long time at night.

He usually suffered from insomnia until past two, but recently it had pushed back to three or four, reminding Shi Qi of his high school days spent grinding through practice problems when he couldn't sleep.

His grades hadn't been anything special originally, but in the dead of night, with nothing to do, Shi Qi had found the most effective sleep aid: getting up to do problems.

Doing math, physics, and chemistry was far more effective than lying in bed staring at the ceiling, yet he never expected that he would end up inexplicably getting into A University because of it. Even his high school homeroom teacher found it unbelievable.

Thinking of the past in this disjointed way, Shi Qi finally drifted into a deep sleep.

......

......

Just when he thought he could catch up on some sleep over the weekend, Shi Qi received a call from Jiang Yoning on Sunday evening.

Xiao Qi, it is a disaster.

The annual Family Inspection has been moved up to next week. I have a feeling it is aimed at you.

Xiao An's father spent over an hour on the phone with Fu Siyue's family yesterday. I eavesdropped a little; it sounds like they want you two to spend more time together. Fu Siyue has agreed to it as well.

What century is this to still be pulling this arranged marriage nonsense? Even if there is an issue with your glands, you cannot be with someone you do not like! If you ask me, Xiao An's father is just too stubborn sometimes... Anyway, that is the situation. Don't say your sister didn't warn you.

The elders in Shi Qi's family were all male. He took the surname of his Omega father, Shi An, while Jiang Yoning took the surname of her Alpha father, Jiang Li.

Shi Qi had just woken up and was bombarded by Jiang Yoning's call. With a headache, he swiped open WeChat and saw a new message from Shi An in the family group.

Shi An: [Family Inspection next Saturday, everyone remember to fast.]

Attached below the message was a list of medical examination precautions and the specific items to be tested.

The other two family members replied that they had received it, but Shi Qi remained silent.

Shi An: [Xiao Qi?]

Shi An: [Baby, reply when you see this.]

......

Shi An grew increasingly irritable: [Shi Qi, don't think you can pretend you didn't see this. If you don't reply, I am coming to your School to catch you next week!]

Shi Qi: ...

For a moment, Shi Qi wanted to collapse back into bed and pretend nothing had happened.

-

Shi An had booked various exams at a private hospital they were familiar with in advance. They only accepted their family on Saturday morning, and the results were obtained quickly.

Shi An looked at Shi Qi's Pheromone report, his fingers trembling, nearly fainting on the spot.

Shi Qi's Pheromone levels were dropping faster than the doctor had predicted; in less than a year, he would turn completely into a Beta.

The most terrifying part was that, according to past data, almost no Omega who lost their glands and transitioned into a Beta lived past the age of fifty.

The doctor asked, Has your insomnia been getting worse lately?

Shi Qi pursed his lips and nodded.

The situation is not good, the doctor said. It is best to hurry. If you transition completely into a Beta, even combining with an Alpha will be of no use.

After the doctor left, the atmosphere in the room grew heavy. The family sat in silence.

Baby, you heard the doctor, Shi An spoke first. This condition can only be cured by combining with an Alpha with a Compatibility Index of over 70%. We have checked the database before; there are very few Alphas registered with a high compatibility with you.

Fu Siyue has a 78% compatibility with you, and our families know each other well. Would you consider it? Fearing Shi Qi would resist, Shi An added, Besides, Aunt Fu said Fu Siyue likes you very much and is always making a fuss at home about wanting to marry you.

Are you sure?

Shi Qi thought to himself that Fu Siyue didn't seem to care for him much either. But more importantly: I don't think Fu Siyue is very good.

Shi An: Why is that?

Shi Qi: He is not good-looking, he is not very bright, and he doesn't say pleasant things.

His triple-denial made Jiang Yoning stifle a laugh. When Shi An glanced back at her, she feigned seriousness: How can you judge people by their looks, Xiao Qi?

Shi An urged: Actually, I think Fu Siyue is quite talented and decent. And while he is a bit clumsy with words, his heart is in the right place. There are so many unreliable Alphas out there these days...

Jiang Li coughed awkwardly from the side.

Jiang Yoning was also an Alpha; she crossed her legs and pretended not to hear.

Shi Qi: I don't like dull people. I like those who are sweet-talkers.

Shi An: ...Sweet-talkers are all bad men.

Shi Qi said oh, gesturing with his eyes toward Jiang Li: Doesn't Dad often coax you? You clearly like sweet-talkers yourself.

... Shi An was embarrassed into anger: You have no manners, what are you saying!

Realizing a great battle was about to break out, Jiang Li rose leisurely: I suddenly remembered I have a meeting, so I will go first.

Shi Qi: Dad?

Jiang Li said with absolutely no backbone: Be good. We still have to treat this condition. Listen to your Xiao An father.

Shi Qi had never counted on Jiang Li to help; since he was little, whatever Shi An said went in their house.

After Jiang Li left, Jiang Yoning also saw the situation was dire: My design draft doesn't seem finished yet—

Shi Qi grabbed her coat with lightning speed: Sister, don't go.

Jiang Yoning had intended to walk away, but this kid rarely asked her for help. Under the light, Shi Qi's dark gray eyes looked exceptionally damp.

She hardened her heart, stomped her high heels on the floor, and sat back down:

Oh, don't force Xiao Qi!

Those complications and such are not certain. Xiao Qi has always been healthy; maybe he is the exception.

Shi Qi chimed in: I think so too. It is very likely that I am the chosen one.

Shi An: ...

Shi An did not dare to gamble on that slim possibility. Seeing that reasoning with Shi Qi wouldn't work, he simply started playing the victim.

He covered his face with his hand and choked out: Every time I think of your condition, I can't sleep at night. If you can only live to your forties, what do you want me to do?...

Shi An observed Shi Qi's expression while he cried.

Jiang Yoning quickly went over to hand him a tissue: Oh, no rush, no rush, don't cry, don't cry.

She signaled to Shi Qi at the same time, indicating that he should take the opportunity to comfort him.

Shi Qi remained unmoved: Stop acting. You haven't even shed a tear.

Seeing Shi An still fake-crying, ignoring him, Shi Qi couldn't help but say: If you really can't sleep, you could consider finding a night shift job.

Jiang Yoning: Xiao Qi!

Shi An: Shi Qi!

Shi An threw the tissue away, his temper flaring: Fine, you are not worried about this condition at all, are you?

Seeing that he was genuinely angry, Shi Qi whispered defensively: That is not it, but worrying is useless...

From today on, your allowance is cut off. Shi An added, as if that weren't enough, Except for necessary living expenses, your cards are frozen too.

? Huh?

Shi Qi looked up instinctively.

He still wanted to go to Huijian Restaurant to find Shang Sui.

Shi An felt it strange to see him react so strongly.

He had thought cutting off the allowance wouldn't pose a real threat to Shi Qi, since although Shi Qi spent money lavishly, he didn't have high material desires and usually got by playing games in his Dormitory.

Regardless of the reason, it was enough that the method worked.

Shi An announced: We will talk when you find a partner.

You bring him back, and I will definitely prepare a big red envelope for you that day.

-

Shi An did as he said, not only quickly freezing Shi Qi's cards but also forbidding Jiang Yoning and Jiang Li from supporting him.

Returning to the area near the School, Shi Qi walked back absent-mindedly, thinking about what to do.

He understood Shi An's personality; the latter looked gentle, but once he made a decision, not even nine oxen could pull him back.

Moreover, this matter had been a Damocles' sword hanging over everyone's heads since he came of age. The family kept urging him, and if this continued, Shi An might one day just tie him up and drag him to get married.

Jiang Yoning and Shi Qi felt the same way. Both siblings believed that since their time was known to be short, living each day happily was what mattered most.

Shi Qi looked carefree, but on many sleepless nights, he had actually considered it repeatedly.

Was he afraid?

Of course he was afraid.

When he was younger and first learned how he was different from others, he had once felt terror because of it.

It was as if he had a shorter clock than others, coldly ticking down in his ear.

But gradually, Shi Qi learned to ignore the noise the clock made.

Eating a delicious dessert, learning a dance he was interested in, winning a ball game with friends, encountering clear weather after days of rain... he should be living for these moments that were happy enough to make him forget all his troubles, rather than passively walking toward a life he didn't want.

Compared to losing his freedom, a shorter lifespan than others didn't seem so unbearable.

Besides, there were still many years until the final deadline. Rather than worrying about a vague future, it was better to grasp the happiness of the present.

But Shi An's thinking was traditional, and he wouldn't listen to anything Shi Qi or Jiang Yoning said. Shi An always believed that compared to life, an unwanted marriage was something one could just endure.

The remaining person, Jiang Li, had no position and was responsible for smoothing things over.

Because of this, the tug-of-war had been quietly ongoing since Shi Qi came of age. Previously, they could barely maintain a balance, but recently, because his Pheromone levels were dropping rapidly, Shi An had begun to force him to make a choice.

The elders' thoughts were hard to change; he had to find another way out himself.

Shi Qi had intended to take Fu Siyue off his blacklist and let him fight it out too, since more people meant more strength.

But then he thought, that mama's boy Fu Siyue had no opinion of his own and would definitely reply that he listened to his mother. Shi Qi quickly abandoned that plan.

It was at this moment that someone called his name: Shi Qi?

He stopped at the sound. Qin Shuhe was standing under a camphor tree not far away, with someone else beside him.

The upper half of that person's face was obscured by the shadow cast by the trees. Seeming to sense Shi Qi's gaze, Shang Sui took two steps forward, fully exposing himself to Shi Qi's view.

He wore a shirt that revealed his collarbone, layered with a printed jacket in the same color scheme. He looked radiant, making the sleep-deprived Qin Shuhe beside him look like a withered plant.

What are you doing? the withered plant asked.

I... Shi Qi paused, turning the tables, What are you doing?

As he spoke, his gaze fell involuntarily on Shang Sui.

He wasn't wearing rags today, though he was still quite flashy.

What was that tattoo on Shang Sui's collarbone...? He couldn't see it clearly, was it a flower?

Qin Shuhe replied: Getting ready to show the new teacher around the School.

The new teacher who had been named greeted him proactively: Hi.

Shi Qi came back to his senses and responded, but he was very confused inside.

When did Shang Sui become a teacher at Meiyan Academy? Wasn't he a waiter at Huijian Restaurant?

He was about to ask, but felt that Qin Shuhe was such a bigmouth who could call white black; if he went around spreading rumors, it wouldn't be good for Shang Sui.

Qin Shuhe looked at him, then at Shang Sui: You two know each other?

Shi Qi answered first: Just met.

Shang Sui had seemed to want to say something, but remained silent at this.

How rare, Qin Shuhe said curiously, You usually don't pay attention to anyone.

I don't pay attention to idiots.

? Qin Shuhe turned his head: Brother, let me introduce you. This is a famous low-quality contestant from A University next door. Don't look at how he looks; he is actually extremely aggressive. It is best to take a detour if you run into him.

Seeing him smear his reputation in front of Shang Sui, Shi Qi said expressionlessly: You talk too much.

Doesn't look like it, Shang Sui smiled, But I will keep it in mind.

Hey, that is perfect, we are almost done showing him around the School, Qin Shuhe proposed, Want to go eat together? There is a department dinner tonight, brother, why don't you come along?

Qin Shuhe asked again: Shi Qi, are you going? You know quite a few of the people, and there is someone who asked you to be a model before...

Shi Qi didn't pay attention to what Qin Shuhe was saying. He looked at Shang Sui, and a bold idea gradually emerged in his mind.

Since his family insisted he find a partner, he might as well find someone to deal with Shi An's nagging.

As it happened, there was a suitable one right in front of him.

Shi An was suspicious by nature and would likely find it strange. However, Shang Sui was reliable in his words and actions; if he agreed, he would certainly be able to help handle it.

In this way, all the nagging that had continued since he came of age could end. He could live the life he wanted, wouldn't have to look at Fu Siyue with mutual disgust, and Shi An wouldn't have to find a night shift job. Everyone would be liberated.

He is not going, Shi Qi answered for Shang Sui, We have things to do.

Most importantly, he felt comfortable being around Shang Sui.

It was rare to find an Alpha he was interested in, and his Pheromone smelled very good. Normally, if an Omega could get used to an Alpha's Pheromone, their compatibility should be very high. Even Shi An wouldn't be able to find fault with it.

The more Shi Qi thought about it, the more feasible it seemed. He thought to himself, I really am a genius.

He was only one step away from success: bribing Shang Sui.

Qin Shuhe was very confused: Didn't you say you didn't know each other? How do you have things to do the first time you meet?

Shi Qi's mind was full of his grand plan and he really didn't want to get tangled up anymore, so he simply looked up at the key to the problem:

Are you coming with me, or with him?

After asking, Shi Qi cheated a little, stretching out a foot to block the path Shang Sui had to take to leave.

Shang Sui saw him lift his chin slightly toward him, looking very much like he would trip him if he didn't listen.

Shang Sui cooperated obediently: Going with you.

Shi Qi was satisfied and turned to announce to Qin Shuhe: Alright, you can leave now.

? Qin Shuhe was dumbfounded, Shi Qi, are you a bandit? Forcibly snatching a man in broad daylight?

Qin Shuhe was simply too noisy, so Shi Qi grabbed Shang Sui's arm and reminded Qin Shuhe: Bye, don't follow us.

Qin Shuhe: ...

Watching Shi Qi lead Shang Sui away like he was carrying off a trophy, Qin Shuhe couldn't recover for a moment.

This kid was just too overbearing. Even if it was love at first sight, the next step shouldn't be robbery, right?!

Should he go up and attempt a rescue? He was still counting on the new teaching assistant to go easy on him for the final!

Just as Qin Shuhe was struggling with the dilemma, Shi Qi dragged Shang Sui out of the School, intending to find a quiet place to talk.

Meiyan Academy had recently set up a small exhibition with an origami theme by the lake. Hundreds of colorful folded fish hung above the street by the lake, and many tourists came to take photos.

They passed through the crowd and reached a quieter corner.

Shi Qi felt it was enough, stopped, and let go of him.

When did you become a teacher for Qin Shuhe and the others?

Found a proper job, Shang Sui joked, So that some people wouldn't find it inconvenient to get to know me.

Shi Qi didn't know if he was referring to Lin Yan mocking him for not looking serious that night, or himself pretending not to know him in front of Qin Shuhe just now, so he could only mutter: ...You really are vengeful.

Saying I didn't know you just now was because Qin Shuhe can't keep his mouth shut, and I was afraid he would talk nonsense, which wouldn't be good for you, Shi Qi met his gaze, explaining seriously for once.

Thank you, so that is how it is.

Shang Sui's eyes curved slightly, returning to the gentle and easygoing appearance Shi Qi was familiar with: What did you want to tell me?

My family... is making me spend more time with Fu Siyue. They want us to get married as soon as possible.

Speaking of this, Shi Qi couldn't help but stumble over his words.

He let out a heavy sigh in his heart.

An arranged marriage was ridiculous enough, and having the object be Fu Siyue made it even harder to speak of.

My family's attitude is very firm. For some reasons, I must find a partner.

Although he hoped Shang Sui could help, Shi Qi didn't want to mention his illness, so as not to seem like he was deliberately playing the victim.

Seeing him hesitate, Shang Sui filled in the unspoken reason in his heart.

...So that was it.

Because he needed to have an intimate relationship with another Alpha, was it better to cut off contact with him?

Compared to the other two genders, Alphas were born with an extremely strong sense of possessiveness and territoriality, unable to accept their Omega being unclear with others.

Fu Siyue had seen him. Shang Sui was an Alpha himself and knew that a concrete image was more maddening than an imaginary rival. Besides, he had deliberately provoked Fu Siyue at the time.

What did Shi Qi want to say?

Stop contacting each other, pretend not to know each other, and never bother him again?

Thinking of this, Shang Sui's heart sank, and his expression turned gloomy.

Seeing that Shang Sui had no expression on his face, Shi Qi felt even more that it was an uphill battle.

It had felt smooth when he thought about it, but now that he was at the point of saying it, he couldn't help but feel a bit embarrassed.

So...

So...

Shi Qi said hesitantly: Could you be my boyfriend?

Shang Sui asked softly: Can we not see each other anymore?

The two spoke almost simultaneously.

The next second.

Shang Sui was stunned, lifted his eyes abruptly, and stared fixedly at him: What did you say?