Shi Qi opened his eyes and stared blankly at the ceiling.
At six in the morning, the light outside the window was dim, and the faint sound of snow being swept could be heard.
As soon as he closed his eyes, the dream he just had resurfaced in his mind—two similar faces looked at him simultaneously, one smiling, the other cold and indifferent.
Shen Qianyu had told him he might dream of scenarios that defied reality, where memories blended with imagination. But…
This kind of absurd situation didn’t seem related to any memory. Why would he have this dream? Did he, deep down, wish that Shang Sui would split into two??
The more he thought about it, the stranger it seemed. Shi Qi couldn’t sleep at all, tossing and turning in bed until daylight.
Even after boarding the plane to Qijiang, he kept recalling the bizarre scenes from his dream from time to time.
While the capital was bitterly cold, Qijiang was sunny and bright, like the cusp between spring and summer.
After landing, he couldn’t help but feel lighter.
Shi Qi took a photo and sent it to Lin Yan, who remained nostalgic about Qijiang.
17: [Back to your hometown.]
Yanyan: [!!! So jealous!]
Yanyan: [Is your family spending New Year’s in Qijiang? Then you’ll be apart from Shang Sui for a long time.]
17: [He’s in Qijiang too. He got here a few days before me.]
Yanyan: [Wow! Are you two living together? Isn’t that like challenging Uncle Xiao An’s authority?]
Since they planned to stay a while, Shi An had rented a villa in advance.
Back when Shi Qi was diagnosed with glandular degeneration in Qijiang, Shi An had deliberately chosen a location far from the Yishan area where they used to live, to avoid stirring up bad memories.
The house they ended up choosing was right by a lake, with beautiful and tranquil surroundings.
Shang Sui had asked about their accommodation beforehand. After hearing where they were staying, he simply rented a place nearby.
Lin Yan commented: [He really would follow you to the ends of the earth.]
Shi Qi couldn’t help but smile.
“Xiao Qi, over here.”
As if echoing Lin Yan’s words, a familiar voice called out from not far away.
Shi Qi looked up and saw Shang Sui just a few steps away.
The crowd meeting arrivals was gathered in one spot, and Shang Sui stood out among them. The tall Alpha wore a brightly colored shirt over a white T-shirt, with a simple silver necklace hanging down.
Shi An and the others were walking behind Shi Qi. After confirming that neither Jiang Youning nor any elder resembling Shi Qi was in sight, Shang Sui said, “Come here.”
Shi Qi stood still and haughtily asked, “You say come over, and I’m just supposed to come?”
“Hurry up,” Shang Sui urged, “so I can give you a hug.”
Shi Qi didn’t budge, remaining where he was. Just when Shang Sui was about to give up, Shi Qi dashed into his arms in two or three steps.
Shang Sui opened his arms and caught him. As the Omega leapt toward him, a trace of pheromone leaked out.
Judging from the sweet fragrance, Shi Qi was in a very good mood.
Shang Sui also started laughing and poked him on the head. “Are you trying to keep me on edge?”
Shi Qi didn’t respond.
After not seeing each other for four or five days, he instinctively leaned closer to Shang Sui’s neck and caught whiffs of that enticing honey scent.
It smelled so good.
Shi Qi rubbed against him out of habit, a satisfied look appearing in his eyes.
“Ahem—”
Jiang Youning’s voice came from nearby. She had arrived only a few minutes after Shi Qi and had witnessed the entire scene.
Looks like absence really does make the heart grow fonder.
Smiling, she reminded them, “You two better hurry—our dads are about to show up.”
When Shi An and Jiang Li arrived, Shi Qi had just separated from Shang Sui.
Shi An’s gaze paused when he saw the Alpha standing next to Shi Qi.
Jiang Youning had met Shang Sui once before and had a very good impression of him. On top of that, since Li Zhao also admired him, Shang Sui scored even more points in her mind.
But to Shi An, Shang Sui was a figure who had suddenly appeared out of nowhere, miraculously having a 100% compatibility with Shi Qi, and had shown up right at the last possible moment. Everything about it felt like a coincidence arranged by fate.
If he didn’t already know Shang Sui had no reason to deceive them, he would have thought the whole thing was a trap aimed at Shi Qi.
And… Shi Qi liked Shang Sui too much.
Shi Qi’s permanent mark couldn’t be erased, meaning he would be bound to the other for life. It wasn’t that Shi An didn’t trust Shang Sui, just that from an objective standpoint, this Alpha did have more choices.
Even though Jiang Youning insisted Shang Sui was just as devoted to Shi Qi and was basically a love expert, Shi An still couldn’t be at ease.
Was there really someone more hopelessly romantic than Shi Qi? Didn’t seem likely.
…
All kinds of thoughts tangled in his mind. He had always hoped for a chance to meet Shang Sui and get to know him properly.
“Hello,” Shang Sui took the initiative. “Nice to meet you.”
“Hello,” Shi An replied. “I’ve heard a lot about you.”
Picking up on the subtle undertone in Shi An’s words, Jiang Li quickly added, in case Shang Sui misunderstood, “Hello, hello. Xiao Shang, right? Xiao Qi has mentioned you many times. We’ve all been looking forward to meeting you.”
Shang Sui had arranged for a car in advance, and the driver helped load everyone’s luggage.
Even though Shi An had a lot of questions he wanted to ask, with others around, he held back for the moment.
When they arrived at the rented villa, Shang Sui, aware that Shi Qi had just come with his family and although clearly reluctant to part, still tactfully said to Shi An.
“You must be tired after such a long flight. If you’d like someone to come regularly for cleaning or meal prep, I can help make arrangements.”
“If there’s nothing else, I’ll take my leave.”
Shi Qi instinctively tried to stop him. “Wait—”
Why was he leaving so soon after just arriving?
Shi An pretended not to notice Shi Qi’s disappointing behavior. “Where are you staying?”
Shang Sui was silent for a moment, then gestured to the side. “The house next door.”
He probably realized it sounded a bit much, so he awkwardly added, “Just a coincidence.”
Everyone fell silent for a beat before Shi An smiled. “Well, since you’re so close, no need to rush off. Stay for dinner tonight?”
Seeing Shang Sui nod, Shi An finally got to the point. “Then let’s have a talk first—”
“I didn’t sleep well last night. I want to take a nap.” Shi Qi reacted quickly and grabbed Shang Sui. “He’s coming with me. I sleep better when he’s around.”
Shi An’s gentle smile started to crack. “Xiao Qi, Dad isn’t going to say anything harsh. I just want to get to know your boyfriend.”
“After all, this is my first time meeting Shang Sui. I’m curious about a lot of things.”
Shi Qi blinked his wide eyes. “What are you saying? I don’t understand. I’m so sleepy.”
“…”
Seeing that Shi Qi had been yawning nonstop along the way, Shi An let it go for now. “Fine. Go rest, then.”
Shi Qi tugged Shang Sui, signaling him to hurry and follow.
The villa didn’t have an elevator, and Shang Sui took the initiative to carry his luggage.
Watching the two disappear around the corner, Jiang Youning finally spoke. “Don’t worry. Isn’t your biggest concern that Xiao Qi likes him too much, and he doesn’t like Xiao Qi as much? From what I see, they’re pretty much on the same level.”
She complained, “The last time I ‘coincidentally’ moved next to someone was back when I was simping for Li Zhao.”
Jiang Li chimed in to help, “I think Xiao Shang seems like a good guy too.”
Shi An looked at the two Alphas in the house and responded noncommittally, “You’ve only just met him and already think he’s good?”
Jiang Youning thought to herself, “This isn’t my first time meeting him—we even drank together.” But she didn’t dare argue with Shi An and quickly found an excuse to slip away.
Shi Qi pulled Shang Sui upstairs. Once the door was closed, he turned and said, “Papa Xiao An was definitely ready to interrogate you. He’s been waiting for this day for a long time. You wouldn’t be able to handle it alone.”
“But I’m too tired. I can’t handle it either. I’ll deal with him after I’ve had some sleep.”
He yawned involuntarily at the end.
Shang Sui’s eyes curved in amusement. “Is Xiao Qi trying to protect me?”
“That’s right. So you need to pay me.”
Without giving Shang Sui a chance to respond, Shi Qi softly demanded, “Kiss me.”
Shang Sui’s gaze darkened slightly as he leaned in.
Shi Qi stood with his back against the door. Another person’s breath tangled with his, and the Alpha’s long hair brushed across his cheek, carrying that scent that haunted his dreams. His heartbeat quickened without him noticing.
The atmosphere became so charged it felt like it was practically crackling, yet Shang Sui still hadn’t touched his lips.
What was he stalling for?
Shi Qi couldn’t take it and grabbed the collar of Shang Sui’s T-shirt, kissing him first.
Shi Qi had never been very good at kissing, and most of the time, Shang Sui had to take the lead. After pulling him in, Shi Qi gave an urging lick to his lips.
It felt like being licked by a kitten. More than sensual, it simply felt like a pure expression of affection.
A smile spread in Shang Sui’s eyes. He looked happy. “Xiao Qi is so rough.”
Before Shi Qi could argue, Shang Sui pried open his slightly parted lips and pressed in, licking and grinding against Shi Qi’s tongue, fully demonstrating what rough truly meant.
Shi Qi’s body temperature was always a little higher than his, and his mouth was no exception.
The Omega’s hot, moist mouth carried the scent of lily of the valley; his tongue was soft and pliant. Kissing Shi Qi felt like drawing nectar from a flower.
After being apart for several days, Shang Sui wished he could meld Shi Qi into his body. As the kiss deepened, his hands grew restless, lifting the hem of Shi Qi’s thin sweatshirt and revealing a strip of blindingly pale skin.
That area around Shi Qi’s waist and stomach was especially sensitive. Even when Lin Yan poked him there for fun, he’d reflexively flinch. But Shang Sui’s fingertips swept over his defined V-line, then slid toward the center.
There lay the Omega’s most delicate part—the reproductive cavity. Like the glands, it was a trigger point for pheromones.
Even the slightest touch could send jolts through the entire body.
Shi Qi’s breathing grew heavier, but his lips and tongue were still tightly entangled with Shang Sui’s.
Under this dual assault, though Shi Qi had been the one to ask for the kiss, he soon let out a helpless moan, his breathing completely disordered.
During a brief pause between kisses, Shi Qi panted and murmured, “Slow down…”
He was probably dazed from the kissing. When he pleaded, his arms instinctively wrapped around Shang Sui’s shoulders, like he was encouraging the Alpha to go even further.
Shang Sui, riled up by Shi Qi’s teasing, slid his hand lower and gave his backside a light but deliberate smack.
Shi Qi’s ears flushed instantly. That unspeakable craving suddenly bubbled back to the surface.
The spot where he was hit tingled with a soft numbness. Shi Qi tensed his legs and whispered, “Hit me again.”
Shang Sui froze for a second in surprise. “Are you seriously a cat? You like getting smacked near the tail?”
Shi Qi didn’t respond and simply clung tighter to Shang Sui’s shoulders.
He said nothing, but his clinginess was overwhelming. Shang Sui stayed silent for a moment, then broke into a laugh, until Shi Qi began to feel a little annoyed.
Shang Sui kissed his now-reddened lips and said in an extremely tender voice, “Sweetheart, how are you so irresistible?”
Most of the time, Shang Sui called him baby or babe. The last time he heard “sweetheart” was during his rut.
As if it were some kind of ambiguous conditioned reflex, Shi Qi’s ears began to heat up.
Shang Sui’s hand drifted lower, ready to grant his request with a slap right at the base of his “tail.”
A noise suddenly came from outside the door—
“Baby.” Shi An knocked lightly, asking through the door, “Are you two asleep? I brought some fruit.”
Shang Sui had his arm around Shi Qi’s waist, but froze at the sound.
Caught off guard by Shi An’s voice, Shi Qi was instantly flooded with the anxiety of being caught doing something bad by a parent. In his panic, his elbow accidentally bumped the door.
Both of them froze.
There was no way to pretend to be asleep now. Shi Qi shot Shang Sui a look, signaling him to let go immediately.
Hearing the rustling sounds from inside, Shi An raised an eyebrow.
When the door opened, Shi Qi’s lips were slightly swollen, though he looked at him with a forced calm.
Shi Qi glanced at the fruit plate in Shi An’s hand, which contained strawberries, blueberries, sliced oranges, and pineapple. All his favorites.
Apparently worried they might be thirsty, Shi An had even brought two glasses of iced water.
“Thank you, Papa Xiao An. Just hand me the tray.”
Whenever he was feeling guilty, Shi Qi always wore that same nonchalant expression.
Shi An peered inside; the other person had completely hidden out of sight.
Shi An suddenly asked, “You don’t look all that sleepy to me?”
“……”
Noticing that Shi Qi’s clothes were rumpled, likely touched who knows where, Shi An specifically reminded, “Don’t fool around too long. We still have to go out later.”
Shi Qi gave a quiet reply.
After the door closed, Shi An snorted and thought to himself: Knew it. No way they were just sleeping.
Still… the two of them did seem to have a pretty good relationship?
Clingy and inseparable.
Shang Sui, who had been hiding behind the door, silently slipped over to Shi Qi once Shi An had left. “What do I do now? Am I still welcome in your house?”
“You are.” In this kind of situation, Shi An was pretty reasonable. Shi Qi replied, “I was the one who dragged you upstairs. He won’t hold it against you.”
Shang Sui stared at him for a moment before steering the topic back, “So do you still want that butt smack?”
Coming down from the haze of passion earlier, Shi Qi started to feel a bit ashamed about the request he’d made. “No.”
He added deliberately, “I don’t even really like it. I was just joking.”
After a moment, Shi Qi nonchalantly added, “But you can still call me that like you did just now.”
Shang Sui played dumb: “Call you what?”
“You know… sweetheart.”
Seeing Shang Sui smile again, Shi Qi clicked his tongue and stopped trying to guess what went on in this guy’s head.
Placing the fruit tray aside, Shi Qi gave a command, “Stop laughing. Come sleep with me.”
After all the fuss, once he got into bed, Shi Qi yawned and felt tired again.
He hadn’t slept well the night before, and today he’d only managed a short nap on the plane. Lying next to Shang Sui now, the faint scent of pheromones in the air quickly soothed his body.
Shi Qi habitually burrowed into his arms. Shang Sui took the initiative to wrap an arm around his waist, as if perfectly aware of what Shi Qi liked, and slowly stroked his back.
So comfortable.
After being apart for a while, why did Shang Sui’s touch feel even better than before?
…..
Under the gentle strokes, Shi Qi unknowingly closed his eyes, his breathing becoming slow and steady.
He rarely had dreams, but maybe because of the medicine from Shen Qianyu, Shi Qi found himself drifting into a vivid dream again.
This time, the house wrapped in Endless Summer wasn’t there. Instead, through the haze, he faintly heard Shi An and Jiang Li talking.
In the dream, he was clearly on edge, waiting for something. Shi Qi opened the bedroom door and tiptoed toward the stairs for a look.
Qi River had two major traditional festivals each year. The Flower Festival was held in winter, while its summer counterpart was the Thousand Lantern Festival. Since last weekend, households had hung colorful, uniquely shaped lanterns outside their doors.
Shi An loved all kinds of festivals. Even though they were just tourists, he had hung a shimmering koi lantern at the entrance of the villa.
Jiang Li and Shi An were still lingering and had yet to leave. They had originally asked Shi Qi if he wanted to join them for the festival, but he had declined with the excuse that he wanted to go to bed early.
Jiang Youning, on the other hand, had made plans to meet Li Zhao at the Lantern Festival. Before heading out, she announced excitedly, “After tonight, Li Zhao will officially be your sister-in-law.”
“So you’re not even dating yet.” Shi Qi caught the key point. “Then why do you call Li-jiejie your girlfriend?”
“I was worried you wouldn’t be used to it, so I’m rehearsing in advance.”
Jiang Youning said this with perfect confidence, then asked, “Why are you going to bed so early tonight? It’s a festival—you don’t want to participate at all?”
Shi Qi didn’t respond, and Jiang Youning didn’t press him further.
She was in too good a mood and ruffled her younger brother’s hair. “I heard there are a lot of stalls at the temple fair. I’ll bring back something tasty for you.”
Shi Qi thought to himself, I can buy things myself.
Because he had someone to meet, too.
Unlike Shi Qi, who hadn’t yet differentiated, Jiang Youning was nearing adulthood, and Shi An turned a blind eye to her dating.
But if Shi Qi ever said he wanted to go out alone with an Alpha, Shi An would absolutely interrogate him, which would inevitably end with everyone tagging along.
He waited ages, but Shi An and Jiang Li still hadn’t left. It looked like they even went to the kitchen to kiss. Shi Qi was speechless for a moment, starting to feel a little anxious.
His phone screen lit up with a new message.
[Are you out yet?]
Shi Qi replied: [I can’t get out. My dads won’t leave.]
There was no immediate response after that.
Knowing the other person had snuck out past three guards, Shi Qi figured it must not have been easy. Just as he was thinking of how to sneak out himself, his phone lit up again.
[Go back to your room.]
[Come to the window and look down.]
Shi Qi did as instructed.
Roses bloomed in lush clusters beneath the summer night sky. The reason Shi An had chosen this villa was precisely because of these dazzling Rosarium Uetersens.
The Alpha stood in the middle of the flower-filled courtyard, looking up at him.
Shi Qi’s eyes widened in surprise.
He had no idea how the other had done it, but he had silently climbed over walls and made it in without a sound. Even the border collie next door, which usually reacted to the slightest movement, hadn’t sensed him.
Another message popped up.
[Jump down. I’ll catch you.]
Shi Qi pushed open the window, and the night breeze, scented with flowers, brushed across his face. The Alpha below opened his arms first, gesturing for him to jump into his embrace.
He didn’t doubt for a second that the Alpha could catch him. He made a quick “wait for me!” gesture, then turned off the bedroom lights, pretending he had already gone to sleep.
After doing all that, Shi Qi lightly climbed onto the bay window.
Moonlight spilled in through the frame, and his heart pounded like a drum, like he was about to embark on an adventure, almost too eager to wait.
With his knee pressed against the sill, he was just about to stand and jump down.
Suddenly, a slender hand emerged silently from the darkness, like catching prey trying to escape, and firmly grabbed Shi Qi’s shoulder!
Before Shi Qi could react, the other person used that grip to pull him straight into their arms.
Thinking he had been caught sneaking out, Shi Qi panicked and didn’t even look back. “Dad! I just wanted to look at the flowers downstairs…!”
“Dad?”
The person chuckled softly. “I prefer it when you call me something else.”
Shang Sui looked down from above, his eyes fixed on the Alpha standing below. That Alpha’s expression changed the instant he saw Shang Sui grab Shi Qi, and he stared at him coldly.
Moonlight fell on their two similar faces. Shang Sui withdrew his gaze and looked at the stunned Shi Qi.
“Our baby was in such a hurry,” he whispered close to Shi Qi’s ear. “Planning to elope with that brooding guy downstairs?”
Author’s note:
2s: Even if I meet my past self in a dream, I still won’t let him off.
–
Just to emphasize: Whenever present-day 2s appears, it means the memory is mixed with imagination, a blend of truth and fiction. 17 always appears in his current form. When young 2s and young 17 are alone together, those are genuine memories from the past.
