@1717177: [Shared a video]
[Breaking! The long-lost cat, who vanished for half a year, has made a surprise return with a ten-minute video!]
[Let me see what this is… a proposal vlog?! Is Xiao Qi getting married! Congratulations, congratulations!!]
[I still remember when our baby was just in high school, and now he’s already found himself a keeper. Wishing you endless happiness.]
Half of the vlog played out like a romantic film, while other moments burst with the energy of a live show, thanks to the dynamic chemistry between Lin Yan and Qin Shuhe.
The day of filming had been bright and sunny. Both protagonists were so flawless in front of the high-definition camera that Chu Tao barely needed to do any post-editing, and she did just the simplest cuts.
[They both planned proposals—what a perfectly in-sync couple! The bickering friends in the background were so cute!]
[That lily of the valley bracelet from the partner is gorgeous! Artists really do have an eye for these things. It suits 17 so well. Jewelry and beauty in harmony!]
[What did the kitty take out? A diary? Dear Owner, please listen to our little cat’s heartfelt words (hands together in prayer) (wink) (starry eyes acting cute)]
[Who was it that said, “Maybe this last part shouldn’t be shown”? I laughed at that for two whole minutes.]
[How did it end with them triggering a rut? Hahahaha! I love it so much! A sharp turn from pure love straight into 18+ territory.]
[Everyone else is laughing, am I the only one crying here?]
[I cried too. I really love this kind of intense emotion. Even as a bystander, it makes me feel happy.]
…
[Congrats, congrats! Baby 17, when’s the wedding!]
@1717177: [Thanks. Tomorrow.]
That reply was instantly followed by a flood of exclamation marks.
Countless people flooded in, asking why something so big was only being announced now. But Shi Qi didn’t check the comments right away. Instead, he tapped into the trending search topics.
Ever since Li Zhao’s report was published last month, it had gained more and more attention, and recently, it had finally set off a storm. Today, the top trending spot across multiple platforms was occupied by the same topic: the Haicheng serial murder case.
Li Zhao’s report carried no personal bias. It simply laid out the truth that had been buried eight years ago. All information identifying those involved had been omitted. To prove authenticity, the only image included was a single photo with the subject’s face cropped out: on a rainy night, the serial killer knelt before a gravely wounded teenage boy.
Most readers responded with sympathy. Upon learning that the boy had been monitored for a full month by the regulatory agency because of his special rut, many lamented that he hadn’t received fair treatment back then. Public perception began to shift, with a growing consensus that not all individuals in special ruts should be judged the same.
However, a small number remained skeptical. A few radical commenters ran wild in the replies: Why dig up an old case after all these years? Am I the only one who thinks the journalist was paid off? Did the police get bought too??
Shi Qi saw that the person was getting more and more carried away, and casually replied: People without brains don’t count as human.
Half a year ago, when Li Zhao had first drafted the article and sent back the photo, it just so happened to be Shang Sui’s birthday.
That night, Shi Qi had accompanied Shang Sui in burning the photo. Through the flickering firelight, Shi Qi met his bright gaze and said, “They say if you burn bad things on your birthday, the nightmares will end.”
“Is that so?” Shang Sui guessed, “Another one of those fairy tales you read as a kid?”
When he saw Shi Qi nod, Shang Sui couldn’t help but smile. “Give me your hand.”
“What for?” Shi Qi looked wary, but still handed it over.
“Mm, good boy, very good boy.”
“…”
Seeing that Shang Sui was teasing him like a pet, Shi Qi was just about to resist when Shang Sui tightened his grip. “The way to end a nightmare isn’t to burn a photo—it’s this.”
Snapping back to the present, Shi Qi walked over to the window.
Outside the main villa on the private island stretched the boundless sea. The guest villas were nestled inland, where lush hills ran like a spine across the island. On the other side were the staff quarters and the helipad.
Shang Sui had taken charge of every aspect of the wedding. Shi Qi had originally wanted to be involved, but everything from the venue decor, the style of their outfits, to the design of the invitations had overwhelmed him. In contrast, Shang Sui had taken to planning with genuine enthusiasm. Once Shi Qi saw that Shang Sui could handle everything alone, he decisively handed over all responsibility.
Their wedding had ultimately been scheduled for midsummer.
Coincidentally, the day before the wedding, which was today, also happened to be the anniversary of the day he and Shang Sui had parted ways seven years ago.
When he first saw the date, Shi Qi froze for a moment, unsure if someone had intentionally chosen it as a meaningful coincidence.
He recalled Shen Qianyu once saying that every year on this day, Shang Sui would be in a low mood, so Shi Qi quietly made preparations just in case.
After arriving on the island, he had taken the initiative to suggest spending the night apart, claiming it was to preserve a bit of pre-wedding ritual.
Qin Shuhe happened to be nearby, and perked up at once. “Oh! I know this—back in ancient times, the bride and groom weren’t supposed to see each other before the wedding. Your Majesty, you’re unexpectedly traditional!” Qin Shuhe turned to Shang Sui with a grin. “Ge, want to cover yourself with a bridal veil?”
Feeling guilty, Shi Qi watched as Qin Shuhe grew more and more outrageous. “You talk too much. Were you a frog in your past life?”
Qin Shuhe: “Your insight is unparalleled. Ribbit, ribbit!”
Shi Qi: “…” Defeated.
“Do we really need to sleep separately?” Shang Sui confirmed with him.
“Mm. You’re sleeping alone tonight.” Shi Qi said it lightly, though inside he was a little nervous.
Fortunately, Shang Sui didn’t sense anything unusual and agreed readily, “Alright then. I’ll wait for you to come marry me.”
The setting sun cast long golden rays, and night would fall soon.
Shi Qi walked over to his suitcase and pulled a velvet pouch from the very bottom, unaware that his phone had begun to vibrate.
Jiang Youning: [Are you in your room, Xiao Qi~! I have something good for you.]
Jiang Youning: [Hello hello, if you hear me, please reply?]
Jiang Youning: [I’m coming over now.]
Shi Qi pulled a fluffy headband out of the bag. He had brought it to match his own hair color. The platinum cat ears blended perfectly with his hair.
He put the headband on and continued rummaging through the bag, retrieving a black leather collar adorned with a jingling gold bell.
He didn’t touch the matching leash for the moment and instead tried putting on the collar. Shang Sui had worn something similar before, but this was the first time he’d prepared one himself.
He wasn’t sure if he’d fastened it too tightly. Shi Qi glanced at himself in the mirror, and his cheeks quickly began to flush. Reaching up, he tried to loosen the collar a little.
Suddenly, a knock came from the door outside. “Xiao Qi? Are you in there?”
Jiang Youning’s voice rang out unexpectedly, and Shi Qi froze, scrambling to take off the collar.
“Wait a second—” The more panicked he got, the harder it became to undo the buckle. A thin layer of sweat formed on his fingertips. He finally managed to get the collar off and yanked the door open.
“What were you doing? Why didn’t you open the door…”
Jiang Youning’s gaze shifted to his face. Her eyes lit up and she shrieked, “So cute!”
Only then did Shi Qi realize that he’d taken off the collar but had forgotten about the cat ears still perched on his head.
The pointed cat ears swayed with his movements. Seeing that Shi Qi pressed his lips together and seemed about to shut the door, Jiang Youning stepped right inside. “Xiao Qi~ What are you dressed like this for? Planning to sneak-attack your future husband tonight?”
Her face was full of mischief. Shi Qi shot back, “I’m the husband.”
After all, Shang Sui always called him that.
“Okay, okay, you’re the husband.” Jiang Youning’s gaze softened almost to the point of melting as she handed over the bag. “Aiya! I was going to save this for after the wedding to spice things up, but it looks like we can move things up a bit.”
“?”
Shi Qi opened the bag and immediately saw a black slip dress. When he flipped it over and saw the ruffled apron beneath, he realized it was a maid outfit.
Compared to a standard maid costume, this one was much shorter. The double-layered puffy skirt flared out like flower petals. At his height, Shi Qi guessed it would barely cover the tops of his thighs.
The bag also contained matching accessories: a headpiece, garters, ribboned wristbands, and white thigh-high stockings with decorative lace trim.
Jiang Youning: “Cat ears, white stockings, and a maid outfit! Every Alpha’s dream. I guarantee Shang Sui will be completely bewitched!”
Whether it was every Alpha’s dream was up for debate, but judging by the wardrobe full of various women’s clothing at home, Shang Sui clearly had a thing for cat-ear maids.
Still this outfit…
Shi Qi looked a little embarrassed and muttered, “Even if I don’t wear it, he’s already bewitched.”
Jiang Youning beamed. “Mm-hmm, of course! Just think of it as a reward for him.”
Thanks to her ample experience teasing cats, she tactfully took a step back. “I’ll just leave this here. Whether or not you wear it is up to you.”
After Jiang Youning left, Shi Qi looked hesitantly at the bag.
Since he was already planning on dressing up… wearing it just for a bit shouldn’t hurt. Besides, he didn’t have anything else suitable at hand.
Shi Qi spent quite a bit of effort getting the outfit in order.
The white thigh-high stockings were made extra thin for ease of tearing. Shi Qi carefully pulled them up over his thighs and discovered that Jiang Youning had even prepared a matching pair of small leather shoes for him.
Once he was fully dressed, Shi Qi pulled out a long black overcoat and wrapped himself tightly from head to toe. Then he put on a hat to cover the headband.
Like a thief, he slipped out the door, first making sure no familiar faces would suddenly pop out nearby, then rushed as fast as he could into Shang Sui’s room.
Shang Sui and Shen Qianyu were swimming at the beach, so the room was empty, filled only with the cool scent of sandalwood incense.
Shi Qi entered the bedroom of the suite and quickly shrugged off the coat. As he adjusted his skirt and headband, he didn’t notice the door behind him quietly open.
Shang Sui had just finished showering, his hair still damp, the long robe on his body hanging loosely open.
He was extremely sensitive to Shi Qi’s scent, and the moment he stepped inside, he caught a faint whiff of lily of the valley.
Once he confirmed he wasn’t mistaken, a glimmer of amused interest flashed across Shang Sui’s face.
When Shi Qi had insisted they separate for the night, he’d been a little reluctant.
The shadow of past memories had made him dislike this particular date. But the way Shi Qi had said it was for the sake of pre-wedding ritual had been too cute, and he couldn’t say no.
Just like there was always a small trial before winning a grand prize.
Now it seemed the grand prize had run right into his arms?
Following the trail of that subtle floral scent, Shang Sui silently entered the bedroom, and his gaze froze.
Shi Qi had his back to him. His long, pale legs were wrapped in white stockings, and the cat ears atop his head twitched softly.
Below his slim ankles were little black leather flats. The lace trim of the thigh-highs pressed lightly into his skin, making his legs look round and supple.
As if that weren’t enticing enough, the apron ties at his waist were knotted into a large, delicate bow, accentuating that narrow stretch of his waist like a gift begging to be unwrapped.
Shi Qi had no idea someone was watching him, eyes tracing every inch of him like damp, sticky spider silk.
He pulled out the last item from the bag, bent down, and had just stuffed it under the pillow when a hand suddenly pressed down on the back of his neck—
“Mm!”
Completely caught off guard, Shi Qi was pushed face down onto the bed. His skirt fanned out, his back flush against the body behind him, caged in by the Alpha’s explosive presence.
Ever since being marked for life, he’d become hyper-sensitive to Shang Sui’s pheromones.
Shi Qi’s legs quickly went weak. He trembled as he tried to keep them straight, barely preventing himself from sliding off the edge of the bed.
“Little kitten,” Shang Sui’s voice revealed barely concealed excitement, “did you sneak onto my bed to find yourself a master?”
Something firm and unmistakable pressed tightly against the base of Shi Qi’s spine, broadcasting the Alpha’s surging emotions with nowhere to hide.
Shang Sui leaned in and inhaled at his neck. Shi Qi felt like prey beneath a beast’s claws, his body instinctively tensing up. He murmured something under his breath.
Shang Sui hooked a finger around the collar at his neck. The bell let out a crisp jingle. “Be good. Say it again.”
“Welcome back.”
Accompanied by Shi Qi’s slightly uneasy voice, Shang Sui eagerly flipped him over entirely.
The neckline of the maid outfit was a hollowed square, the ruffled straps accentuating the long, delicate collarbones. A collar encircled his fair neck, with a bell trembling lightly.
Shi Qi’s pheromones began to spill out uncontrollably, and his whole body exuded the clear and pure fragrance of lily of the valley.
Their eyes met, and Shi Qi took the initiative to wrap his arms around Shang Sui’s shoulders.
The Alpha pressing against him wore only pants and a long robe. The contours of his firm muscles became even more defined as he leaned down. Droplets of water slid down his body like they were rolling over pale marble, but when they touched Shang Sui, his body radiated an intense heat.
Shi Qi swallowed hard, and his fingertips, unable to resist, slipped into Shang Sui’s half-damp hair.
Thinking that there might be some hidden reason for Shi Qi’s sudden display of affection, Shang Sui cupped his face with one hand and asked gently, “Why are you dressed so beautifully?”
Beneath the many-layered skirt of the maid outfit were supple thighs. Because Shang Sui happened to be pressing down in the middle, Shi Qi couldn’t close his legs. A garter adorned his left thigh, and a faint crimson beauty mark dotted his right.
“Did you choose the wedding date on purpose?” Affected by Shang Sui’s emotions, Shi Qi’s body grew hotter and hotter. “Today is the anniversary of the day we separated seven years ago.”
“You caught on? I thought, since the wedding is tomorrow, and we’re about to have the closest relationship in the world, all the bad things should stay in the past. That’s why I chose the date on purpose.” Shang Sui’s eyes lit up as he realized something, his whole being coming alive with desire and affection. “Did you dress like this to help me forget all the bad memories?”
“Not just today.” Under Shang Sui’s slightly confused gaze, Shi Qi said, “Every year from now on.”
“Every year on this day, we can… do something exciting. All the way until the next day, which is our wedding anniversary.”
He had been turning this thought over in his mind ever since he started preparing the props. In the end, Shi Qi said, “That way, we’ll have lots of good days to come.”
When Shang Sui saw the slightly embarrassed expression on his face after speaking, his heart nearly melted.
“I love you, Xiao Qi. You’re so nice…”
As he spoke, Shang Sui rubbed his cheek against him. His pheromones, stirred by desire, were like thick syrup stretching in the air. As if enchanted, he echoed Shi Qi’s words, “We’ll have lots of good days.”
The fabric of Shi Qi’s skirt rustled with soft sounds. His Adam’s apple was being sucked and licked, and even his bones felt like they were melting.
“Wait! Just one time.” Shi Qi suddenly remembered something important in the midst of his haze and hurriedly turned his face away from Shang Sui. “I’m getting married tomorrow.”
If they overdid it, he wouldn’t even be able to get out of bed.
While it was still light out, they had to finish soon so he would be able to get up tomorrow.
“Who are you marrying, baby?” Shang Sui clung to him like he’d lost his mind, rambling nonsense. “Dump your husband and marry me instead. I’ll treat you so well.”
“…” Shi Qi’s ears flushed from his perverse humor. “Stop talking nonsense.”
“Let me see, what other beautiful decorations are on you?”
He guessed that the garter stockings were likely attached above, and there was still a lace band around Shi Qi’s waist to hold them in place.
Heat rushing to his head, Shang Sui started to lift his skirt as he spoke. Shi Qi pressed down on his hand.
Just as Shang Sui was wondering whether he was being too much of a scoundrel, he caught sight of the Omega’s fingertips tinged with pink, and the bend of his knees was tender in color as well. He thought that if he didn’t act like a scoundrel now, then he might as well be impotent.
He kept teasing Shi Qi. “Are you shy?”
“There’s a matching cat tail under the pillow. The remote is there too.”
Shang Sui froze in place, his gaze darkening as he looked at him.
Shi Qi finished the rest of the sentence fearlessly, “If you want to see it, you’ll have to put it on yourself.”
Author’s note:
Miscalculated; it’ll take one more chapter to finish.
Barring any accidents, the wedding chapter will be up tomorrow. If something goes wrong, then the day after (….
“Cat & Butterfly” has been serializing for over six months and may finally have a daily update. I’m so moved. For now, I’ll tentatively invite everyone to 2s&17’s wedding tomorrow
