Partiality

Shang Sui's reaction was even stronger than anticipated.

Under his heavy gaze, Shi Qi felt a slight numbness creep down her spine. She had no choice but to follow through and repeat: Could you... be my boyfriend?

Shi Qi hurriedly added the second half: It is not a real relationship. Just pretend for a while, enough to satisfy my family.

...

The emotions that had been on the verge of exploding were forced onto pause, coming to an abrupt halt at those words.

Shang Sui’s expression was unreadable; he remained silent. Shi Qi began to feel uncertain.

Was this request too sudden?

After all, she hadn't known Shang Sui for long. Despite getting along well, perhaps she had oversimplified everything.

Seeing her looking so bewildered, completely unaware of the impact her half-finished sentence had on him, Shang Sui found himself at a loss for words.

But this made sense.

Shi Qi must have intended to finish the sentence earlier; it was he who had interrupted her.

Yet even so... Shang Sui lowered his eyes, unable to immediately steady his emotions after such a volatile rise and fall.

Shang Sui didn't seem very happy...?

Sensing he didn't want to talk, Shi Qi said awkwardly: If you are not willing, then forget it.

It is fine, I will think of another way.

Shang Sui did not answer directly, asking softly: Why did you come to me for help?

That question was simple. Shi Qi said: Aside from you, I do not know any other Alphas.

My family places great importance on the Compatibility Index and might request the corresponding report. I can tolerate your Pheromone, so our compatibility should be quite high.

These were the most legitimate reasons, but there was also a bit of selfishness on her part.

But no matter how frank Shi Qi was, she could not bring herself to voice that part.

She herself only understood it vaguely. She did not know what these light, hazy feelings—experienced for the first time—meant; she only knew she should be careful and cherish this unknown emotion.

Is that all?

Only that?

And... you are very persuasive.

What does that mean?

Shi Qi took a deep breath internally.

He was usually so perceptive, why was he pressing her now?

Shang Sui was still waiting for her answer. Since things had come to this, Shi Qi could only say: Because you speak well and are good at fooling people; my family will be easily deceived by you.

The most important thing is that you are very good-looking. Shi Qi said honestly: My whole family likes good-looking people.

If she had just grabbed a random Alpha off the street to deal with the marriage pressure, Shi An would likely have sneered and told her she was making up stories.

But seeing Shang Sui’s face, the credibility of this story would instantly rise by fifty percent.

Shang Sui was slightly taken aback, and by the time he realized it, he had already let out a laugh.

It felt somewhat surreal.

Without Shi Qi even realizing it, those newly sprouted negative emotions had effortlessly dissipated.

...Since that is the case, Shang Sui said, as if answering her proposal and talking to himself at the same time, there seems to be no reason to disagree.

Shi Qi breathed a sigh of relief: Then let us talk about the price.

?

Shi Qi said considerately: Don't worry, I won't let you suffer a loss.

Shi An had frozen her cards, but she still had some savings in her private stash. Besides, as long as she could make Shi An believe she had a partner, her allowance would return soon enough.

Confirming she hadn't misheard, Shang Sui was quiet for a moment before saying, word for word: I pretend to be your partner, and you want to pay me?

Shi Qi nodded.

Pretending to be a partner and working at Huijian Restaurant shouldn't be much different, right? Both were services, so the pay should be similar.

Before making the request, she had already roughly calculated the price to buy Shang Sui off, keeping it within her means.

When I was chatting with Lin Yan before, he mentioned the hourly rate at Huijian Restaurant. It is about one thousand an hour for accompanying guests; you should be more expensive than the average waiter, right?

Since I don't know how long I will need your help, let's count it as a four-hour shift a day. I will give you... two hundred thousand a month?

Shang Sui nearly choked, repeating in disbelief: Two hundred thousand?

What exactly did Shi Qi take him for??

Is it too little? Shi Qi saw his reaction and hesitated: Then, two hundred and fifty thousand?

In that case, you cannot go back to work at Huijian Restaurant, and you cannot accompany anyone else.

From now on, Shang Sui would only serve her; that seemed fine, too. Quality came at a price.

The shoes she wanted to buy recently would have to wait. Lin Yan’s suggestion to go skiing or soak in hot springs when it got cold would also have to be pushed back.

However, my card is temporarily frozen. I can give you the first month's salary on time, but after that, you might have to wait a bit...

Seeing that Shi Qi was saying increasingly strange things, Shang Sui interrupted her: Aren't we friends?

Hm? Yes.

Shi Qi was slightly startled.

Shang Sui also thought they were friends?

Helping you is something I do willingly.

The Alpha’s voice was gentle and light, carrying the same sweet, seductive aura as his unique Pheromone: Of course I wouldn't want those things. I am very happy to be able to help you.

Besides, I have already resigned from Huijian Restaurant; I won't go there again, and I won't follow anyone but you.

Shi Qi felt a little dizzy: Ah? Then...

But you were the one who proposed asking for my help, Shang Sui changed the subject, smiling: Don't forget that this time.

For a fleeting moment, Shi Qi felt like prey pinned under the claws of a beast.

Shang Sui stared straight at her, and although he wore a smile, it made her instinctively feel a potential danger, as if she were tangled in fine spider silk.

Don't forget this time... what did that mean?

Before she could think deeply, Shang Sui returned to his previous demeanor, lightly brushing the topic aside: Then we are partners now.

Xiao Qi? Seeing her suddenly lift her head, Shang Sui added the second half: I can call you that, right?

-

On the way back, Shi Qi was still a bit dazed.

The sound of Shang Sui calling her by her nickname flashed through her mind from time to time, and Shi Qi clicked her tongue internally, her ears heating up.

Thinking of this, she stole a glance to the side.

To adapt to their new identities, Shang Sui was walking back with her. Shi Qi realized a beat late that for a long time to come, she would have much more contact with the person beside her.

Just then, Shi Qi’s phone chimed.

Lin Yan sent a message.

Yanyan: [Fu Siyue is waiting for you downstairs. Why don't you just not come back?]

Shi Qi didn't think much of it and replied casually.

17: [Nothing to fear.]

Yanyan: [Uh, how so?]

Yanyan: [I am afraid he will ruin your mood.]

17: [It is fine, I am almost at the building.]

Almost as soon as she finished replying, Shi Qi looked up and saw two familiar figures in the distance.

Lin Yan and Fu Siyue stood under the Dormitory like two door gods, talking about something.

Because he had been blocked by Shi Qi, Fu Siyue could only try to pry for information from the sidelines, and naturally, Lin Yan had nothing to report.

She didn't know what kind of madness this guy was having; unable to get an answer, he actually had the audacity to run to the Dormitory to intercept her.

Lin Yan could only follow him down, kindly advising: You should give up on this idea early; Shi Qi will not like you.

Fu Siyue said stubbornly: I can't help it, after all, my mom told me to have more contact with him—

Lin Yan exposed him: When can you stop using your mom as a shield? You clearly have the intention yourself, which is why your aunt says that.

Fu Siyue had been sharp-tongued since childhood, operating on the principle that if he liked someone, he had to bully them, which Shi Qi found incredibly annoying.

Everyone else around them saw through his intentions, except for Shi Qi, who remained completely oblivious.

In front of a familiar friend, Fu Siyue sighed, unable to keep up the act: It is just that... I find it hard to speak up.

When I was a kid, I asked Shi Qi if she would marry me, and she threw up at me. Recalling the tragic past, Fu Siyue scratched his hair: So, I can only try to find some excuses...

...

You are quite something for being able to persist until now.

Even so, Lin Yan thought, Fu Siyue perhaps did not realize that his very existence was a hindrance to Shi Qi.

If not for Fu Siyue, Shi An might have eventually resigned himself to Shi Qi’s choices, letting her live a free but short life; but because of Fu Siyue, the 'antidote,' Shi An clung to a glimmer of hope and kept forcing Shi Qi.

No matter what Fu Siyue wanted to do, Shi Qi already had it hard enough with her illness; she had to find a chance to ruin Fu Siyue’s grand plan later.

Thinking of this, the center of the event had unknowingly walked to the bottom of the Dormitory.

Lin Yan caught sight of someone following Shi Qi and assumed it was a passing student. Thoughts flashed through her mind: Holy shit he is handsome, my eyes are blinded, how does our School have such high-quality goods... and so on.

No, now is not the time to look at handsome guys.

Recalling how Shi Qi had been on edge this morning due to the Family Inspection, Lin Yan asked: Are you okay?

Shi Qi nodded. Fu Siyue, who had been keeping an eye on her, seized the opportunity: You are finally back, I have something to tell you.

Shi Qi coldly spat out one word: Speak.

?

I heard your family did an inspection today, your situation... has always been special, and there are no signs of improvement.

Out of politeness, Shi Qi looked at Fu Siyue while he spoke.

Shi Qi’s pupils were rounder than most, and when she looked at people, it was easy to give the illusion of focus.

Thinking that such a beautiful Omega could only have a shorter lifespan than others due to her missing gland, a strong impulse surged in Fu Siyue’s heart:

Shi Qi, be with me!

I will definitely take good care of you; from now on, no matter what you say, I won't talk back to you! Really!

Shi Qi was stunned, taking a long time to react.

You like me?

Fu Siyue was dumbfounded, and could only nod vigorously.

Shi Qi’s mind flashed with Fu Siyue’s long history of bad behavior, and she blurted out: Are you finally crazy?

... Fu Siyue choked for a moment, For so many years, I have been too shy to say it, but I actually...

Before he could finish saying it was all sincere, he suddenly heard a laugh.

A tall Alpha stood not far from them; once noticed, his presence could not be ignored.

Excuse me, please continue.

The opening was polite enough, but his tone while apologizing was elusive, not sounding truly apologetic at all.

Fu Siyue’s train of thought was abruptly broken, and he couldn't help but rage: Why is it you again?!

Shang Sui walked to Shi Qi’s side naturally. Lin Yan realized something and began to seriously size up the unfamiliar Alpha.

Black hair, brown eyes, lean and tall. His hair was longer than the average man’s, with a fine, messy wolf-cut at the nape of his neck.

Fu Siyue got angrier the more he thought about it: No, what does my confession have to do with you? You have to stick your nose into everything, don't you?

Shi Qi did not like the aggressive tone he used when speaking to Shang Sui: Who said it has nothing to do with him? He is my...!

The words stuck in her throat. Shi Qi tried several times, but could never bring herself to say those three scorching words.

Unexpectedly, seeing her hesitate, Shang Sui asked proactively: Is it inconvenient to introduce me?

It is fine, Shang Sui winked ambiguously, even if I have no name or status, I am willing to follow you.

Shi Qi: ?

Fu Siyue was stunned: What does that mean? Why are we talking about status?

Exactly what you heard. Shang Sui drew out his words, looking at him with malice: The person you like, I happen to like very, very much as well.

Shi Qi had originally wanted to join the fray, but upon hearing this, she pursed her lips tightly, her expression a bit uncomfortable.

Are we really acting now?

Shang Sui was truly impressive; he should just go sign up for an acting class, especially since the country’s top media School was right next door.

The scene of the confession had turned into a complete mess. Although she didn't know how things had developed to this point, it was much more interesting than watching Fu Siyue act in a melodrama.

Most importantly, this wouldn't make Shi Qi feel disgusted.

Awesome, baby.

Lin Yan gave a sincere thumbs up, fearing the world wouldn't be chaotic enough: Where did you find this handsome guy? He is so good at this, I want to find one too.

Fu Siyue was instantly derailed by Lin Yan, staring at Shang Sui: So you really are in this line of work... Did you use every trick in the book to coax and deceive her? She has been incredibly naive since she was a child and doesn't understand the malice of the human heart at all!

This pretentious childhood-friend act gave Shi Qi goosebumps: Get lost, stop trying to get close to me.

Fu Siyue couldn't bear to attack her, so he could only tremble as he attacked Shang Sui: Did you hear that? She told you to get lost. You are truly shameless, how can you do such a thing?!

Unexpectedly, Shang Sui was completely unaffected, dropping a golden line: When you are not loved, what use is a face?

The situation at the scene was too intense, and people had already stopped to watch.

Seeing Lin Yan eager to say something else, Shi Qi had a headache: You two, stop it—

Her voice wasn't loud, but it made everyone stop arguing and look at her in unison.

Shi Qi seemed truly angry, her small face cold as frost, which only made her look more vibrant and impossible to look away from.

Shang Sui was quiet for a long while before saying obediently: I was wrong.

...I wasn't talking to you.

Even knowing he had started it, Shi Qi couldn't blame him much, saying lightly: But you should also settle down.

Fu Siyue watched this scene in disbelief.

Is this still Shi Qi? She is way too biased!

Shang Sui had caused enough trouble and circled back to the original topic: Then will you introduce me to your friend?

After all this trouble, he actually just wanted to hear this one sentence.

He could introduce himself, but he wanted Shi Qi to admit it herself.

Since they had already agreed to play the role of partners, him exercising his rights as a boyfriend slightly shouldn't be too much, right?

The person who had been so imposing just a moment ago seemed to have her throat gripped; Shi Qi moved her lips and fell silent once again.

Say it, Shang Sui said.

The soft, lingering voice felt like an electric shock to her brain. As if guided, Shi Qi opened her mouth before she was even conscious of it: His name is Shang Sui.

The moment she said his name, something seemed to change quietly.

Even knowing none of this was real, it felt like giving away a piece of her heart’s partiality, forming a fake yet intimate connection with another person.

He is my... boyfriend now.